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China makes new, innovative drugs more accessible, affordable

Xinhua) 10:03, December 09, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- China has introduced an updated version of its national medical insurance drug catalog and the inaugural edition of the commercial insurance innovative drug list. The lists are anticipated to improve access to new and innovative drugs while making commonly used medications more affordable.

According to the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA), the revised national medical insurance drug catalog has incorporated an additional 114 drugs, including 50 innovative pharmaceuticals. Conversely, 29 drugs deemed clinically redundant or having superior alternatives have been eliminated from the catalog.

The catalog has incorporated certain medications that fill the gaps in basic medical insurance coverage, such as life-saving drugs for breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lymphoma, as well as new drugs for chronic conditions like diabetes.

Zheng Xuanbo, an official with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said that the total number of drugs in the new version of the national medical insurance catalog has increased to 3,253, including 1,857 Western medicines and 1,396 traditional Chinese patent medicines.

In recent years, the national medical insurance catalog has continued to expand. However, some innovative drugs for emergency and life-saving purposes remain prohibitively expensive upon their initial market release, making it difficult for the basic medical insurance catalog to cover them, Zheng said, noting that the new list may redefine hopes for patients who used to find these drugs unaffordable.

The commercial insurance innovative drug list included 19 drugs, encompassing targeted tumor drugs such as CAR-T therapies, medications for rare diseases like Gaucher disease, and treatments for Alzheimer's.

Axicabtagene ciloleucel, primarily used to treat adult patients with cell lymphoma, is China's first approved CAR-T cell therapy drug for market use. Previously priced at over 1 million yuan (about 141,315 U.S. dollars) per dose on the market, it has been included in the inaugural commercial insurance innovative drug catalog this year.

Huang Xinyu, an official with the NHSA, said that patients will be able to access urgently needed drugs thanks to the policy support, and have their medical bills reimbursed if they have purchased corresponding commercial insurances.

Industry insiders believe that the latest catalogs, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, are also expected to reshuffle the pharmaceutical market landscape.

Zhang Wenjie, chairman of Fosun Kairos, a high-tech biopharmaceutical enterprise in Shanghai, lauded the adjustment as a "positive development" for the company.

"We will deepen cooperation with insurance companies to promote the inclusion of drugs listed in the commercial insurance innovative drug catalog into more public welfare insurance and commercial insurance products," Zhang added.

Pharmaceutical companies say the catalogs can effectively incentivize them to focus on unmet medical needs and to commit to research and development without the hesitation stemming from uncertain returns.

"Policy support for innovative drugs has successfully materialized in recent years, enabling pharmaceutical companies to focus on developing new and high-quality drugs," said Zhang Yuchong, vice board chairman of Guangdong Zhongsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in south China.

The country's medical insurance authority has adjusted the national medical insurance catalog for eight years in a row, with a total of 949 drugs added.

Official data shows that in 2025, 69 innovative drugs have been approved for marketing in China. In the first 10 months, the country secured over 100 outbound licensing deals for innovative drugs, with the total value exceeding 100 billion U.S. dollars.

"China has become a crucial market for multinational pharmaceutical companies," said Huzur Devletsah, general manager of Lilly China, whose product on diabetes treatment had been included in the 2025 national medical insurance drug list.

Devletsah said the company remains firmly committed to enhancing its presence in China in the future.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Limited-edition bourbons showcase rich, layered flavors as Old Hickory answers the call for American-made spirits

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Old Hickory Bourbon (Old Hickory) announced the launch of its Hermitage Reserve 12-year-old Rye and 15-year-old Barrel Proof Whiskey releases today, inviting both collectors and new fans to experience the fullest depth of American whiskey. These age-stated bottles, crafted and rooted in over 150 years of tradition, demonstrate the brand's ability to continue thriving in the face of industry shifts and uncertainties.

Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve 15-year-old Barrel Proof Whiskey

After its founding in 1868 in Fayette County, Ky., Old Hickory outlived Prohibition and was revived by Publicker Distilling Co. in 1933; it was later purchased by R.S. Lipman Company in 2011.

"We know our fans want something with history and true depth," said Trisha Cancilla, vice president of marketing and brand strategy at Lipman Brothers and R.S. Lipman Company. "Our new 12 and 15-year-old releases bring the best of Old Hickory's tradition straight to your glass. We take great pride in the time and skill poured into every barrel. Each release reflects our belief that great bourbon is earned, not rushed."

The Old Hickory Hermitage Reserve 15-year-old Barrel Proof Whiskey greets you with bold aromas of butterscotch, cake batter and toasted marshmallow. The first sip reveals sweet spice and layers of brown sugar, leaving a long finish filled with hints of butter and waffle cone.

The Hermitage Reserve 12-year-old Straight Rye Bottled in Bond continues the line's reputation for rich taste and full-bodied character, featuring notes of caramel and vanilla, with aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon and mint. Both releases are crafted with patience and heritage, highlighting the careful work that sets Old Hickory Bourbon apart.

Old Hickory isn't stopping here. The new bottles join a family of standout releases, including Old Hickory White Label Straight Bourbon, Old Hickory Blended Whiskey and the limited-edition Hermitage Reserve 10-year-old Barrel Proof Whiskey. These bottlings are designed for both collectors and the curious, making their mark on a bourbon market where rarity, flavor and brand story hold more weight than ever.

"For us, whiskey is more than a drink; it's a legacy," Cancilla said. "These new releases are our answer to the call for quality and story, shared across the table and over the years."

For questions or more information about Old Hickory Bourbon, contact us at www.oldhickorybourbon.com. You can also follow the brand on Instagram.

About Old Hickory Bourbon

Founded in 1868 and proudly revived by the R.S. Lipman Company in Tennessee, Old Hickory Bourbon carries forward a storied American legacy built on craftsmanship, character and time-honored tradition. Having endured the trials of prohibition and the tides of innovation, Old Hickory remains a name synonymous with patience, pride and authenticity. Each expression reflects a deep respect for heritage and the pursuit of excellence that defines the American whiskey experience.

R.S. Lipman Company, headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., is a family-owned enterprise dedicated to preserving and advancing brands rooted in quality, authenticity and storytelling. From historic spirits to contemporary craft offerings, the company's portfolio celebrates a shared passion for heritage and the art of a well-made drinkbecause every glass tells a story worth sharing.

Media Contact

Tiffany Buchen

[email protected]

201-336-4479

SOURCE R.S.Lipman
State senators in Indiana advanced a proposal to redraw the state's congressional boundaries Monday, although it is not clear if it has the support to become law in a final vote expected later this week even after months of pressure from President Donald Trump.

The legislation was designed to favor GOP candidates in the next years midterms. Republicans control the state Senate, but many have been hesitant or openly opposed to the idea of mid-decade redistricting. About a dozen have been threatened over their stance or refusal to immediately declare support over the past several weeks.

Still, the Senate's elections committee voted 6-3 to advance the measure, with one Republican and two Democrats lawmakers opposing it.

The final vote of the whole chamber is expected Thursday and could test Trump's typically iron grip on the Republican Party.

During committee debate Monday night, state Sen. Greg Walker, an Indiana Republican who is against redistricting and voted against it in committee, spoke about threats made against him in recent weeks.

I refuse to be intimidated, Walker proclaimed in an impassioned speech during the committee meeting. I fear for all states if we allow intimidation and threats to become the norm.

The map, introduced just last Monday and passed by the Republican supermajority in the state House on Friday, would split the city of Indianapolis into four districts distributed across other Republican-leaning areas. It also groups the cities of East Chicago and Gary with a broad rural region.

The contours would eliminate the districts of Indiana's two Democratic congressional representatives: longtime Rep. Andre Carson of Indianapolis, the states only Black member of Congress, and Rep. Frank Mrvan, who represents northwest Indiana near Chicago.

Republicans currently hold seven of the state's nine districts.

Why redistricting?

Democrats are hoping to flip control of the U.S. House in the 2026 elections and they like their odds, since midterms tend to favor the party out of power.

Redistricting usually happens once a decade after the census, but Trump has pushed Republican-led states to create more GOP-leaning districts. Texas, Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina have followed suit, while Democrats in California and Virginia have moved to draw their own favorable maps.

Not many states, outside of those with smaller or single-member congressional delegations, are represented solely by one party.

Republicans in favor of making it easier for Republicans to capture all nine of Indiana's seats through gerrymandering often point to Massachusetts, where Democrats hold all nine seats, or Connecticut, where they hold all five. Republicans hold all five Oklahoma seats and eight of Tennessees nine seats, while Democrats hold seven of Marylands eight seats.

But the idea of redrawing a congressional map last approved just four years ago has made many Republicans in Indiana uneasy. The Senate's leader, a Republican, previously said there were not enough votes to support redistricting.

A few of the Republican senators who voted to move the legislation forward Monday said it deserved to be debated by the full Senate, but indicated they may vote against it's final passage.

I reserve my right to change my vote on the floor, said state Sen. Linda Rogers, a Republican on the committee.

The Senate elections committee heard testimony on the legislation from about 100 people Monday for more than four hours, the vast majority who spoke against the bill.

Kandy Baker told lawmakers she worries about her 5-year-old granddaughters future since the new map, she fears, would dilute the political power of nonwhite voters.

I am afraid she will not have representation, Baker said during her testimony against the bill, emotion choking her voice. I dont think whats happening is a short-term thing.

Before he voted in favor of moving the legislation forward, GOP State Sen. Mike Gaskill, chair of the elections committee, called political gerrymandering an uncomfortable practice. But he said the Republican Party has act to stop Democratic policy in Congress and act against gerrymandering in Democratic states.

This is a very small part that we can play and rebalance the scales on a national basis, he said.

After Senate leader Rodric Bray said the chamber would reject the governors call for a special session on redistricting last month, Trump attacked Bray and other senators on social media and vowed to endorse primary challengers against any lawmaker who opposes redrawing the map.

In the following weeks, about a dozen state lawmakers were targeted by threats and swatting incidents, in which a hoax call attempts to prompt a police response to a private home.

Redistricting proponents need at least 25 votes in the Senate, where Democrats are vastly outnumbered and hold just 10 seats, to give final passage to the map. That would trigger a tiebreaking vote from Republican Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, who supports redistricting.

If the Senate rejects the new districts, it would be extremely difficult for proponents to revive the issue. Indianas filing deadline for congressional candidates is in early February, and primary elections are held in early May.

National redistricting battle

A federal judge in Missouri on Monday dismissed a lawsuit backed by Republican state officials seeking to block a referendum on a new congressional map. The decision clears the way for opponents to submit petition signatures Tuesday that could put the map on hold until a statewide vote can be held next year.

In Utah, lawmakers on Tuesday will try to reassert authority over congressional redistricting by convening a special legislative session.

A judge ruled in November that a map advanced by state lawmakers earlier this year unduly favors Republicans and disfavors Democrats. The judge imposed an alternative map that would keep Democratic-leaning Salt Lake County almost entirely within one district rather than split between the four Republican-leaning districts.

The legislative session's agenda includes pushing back next years filing deadlines from January to March, buying time until after a potential ruling on redistricting by the state Supreme Court.

I support the states appeal and have confidence the Utah Supreme Court will consider it in a timely way, Republican Gov. Spencer Cox said Sunday, "so we have clarity for the 2026 election.

Volmert reported from Lansing, Michigan. Mead Gruver in Fort Collins, Colorado, and David A. Lieb in Jefferson City, Missouri, contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told congressional leaders Tuesday that he was still weighing whether to release the full video of an attack on an alleged drug boat that killed two survivors, even as he faced intensifying demands from Congress for disclosure.

Hegseth provided a classified briefing for congressional leaders alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe at the Capitol. Inside the secure room, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer asked the defense secretary whether he would allow every member of Congress to view the video of the attack from September.

Schumer said Hegseth's response was: We have to study it.

Lawmakers are demanding a full accounting from the Department of Defense on the military campaign and the particular attack that killed two people who were clinging to the wreckage of an initial strike. Legal experts say that action may have violated the laws governing the use of deadly military force. The situation has awakened the Republican-controlled Congress to its oversight role after months of frustration about the trickle of information from the Pentagon.

Schumer described the briefing as very unsatisfying and added that Democrats and Republicans had a right to see it, wanted to see it, and should see it.

Separately Tuesday, the U.S. Navy admiral who is retiring early from command of the campaign to destroy vessels allegedly carrying drugs near Venezuela spoke to key lawmakers overseeing the U.S. military. The classified video call between Adm. Alvin Holsey, who will be retiring from U.S. Southern Command in the coming days, and the GOP chair and ranking Democrat of the Senate Armed Services Committee represented another determined step by lawmakers to get answers about the operation.

Sen. Roger Wicker, the Republican chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, declined to discuss the specifics of the call, but described Holsey as a great public servant. He also said that the Pentagon is weighing whether releasing the video would disclose classified information.

In its annual defense authorization bill, which was crafted by both Republicans and Democrats, Congress is demanding that the Pentagon turn over unedited video of the strikes, as well as the orders authorizing the attacks. The legislation threatens to withhold a quarter of Hegseth's travel budget if he refuses.

There is a growing demand that everyone get a right in the Senate to see it, said Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

He added that Holsey answered the senators' questions but also said that there are still many questions to be answered. Reed later added that Holsey did not give a reason for his retirement other than saying it was a personal decision.

Congress presses for more information

Lawmakers are trying to understand the purpose and parameters of President Donald Trump's campaign, which has struck 22 boats and killed at least 87 people since it started in September. Trump has also been making threats against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, sending a fleet of warships near the South American country, including the largest U.S. aircraft carrier.

On Tuesday, the U.S. military flew a pair of fighter jets over the Gulf of Venezuela in what appears to be the closest American warplanes have come to the countrys airspace since the start of the Trump administrations pressure campaign.

Holsey became the leader of U.S. Southern Command just over one year ago, but in October, Hegseth announced that Holsey would be retiring early from his post. As commander of U.S. forces in the region, Holsey oversaw a command structure that has in recent years been mostly focused on building stability and cooperation across much of the region.

Trump's drug boat campaign, however, has added a new, deadly dynamic to its mission. Rather than trying to interdict drug-carrying vessels, as forces like the U.S. Coast Guard have traditionally done, the Trump administration asserts that the drugs and drug-smugglers are posing a direct threat to American lives. Officials say they are applying the same rules as the global war on terror to kill drug smugglers.

Trump this week justified the Sept. 2 strike that killed two survivors by claiming that the two suspected drug smugglers were trying to right the part of the boat after it had capsized in the initial attack. However, Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley, the special operations commander who ordered the second strike, told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing last week that he ordered the follow-up strike to ensure that the cocaine in the boat could not be picked up later by cartel members.

The entire House Armed Services Committee will also hear from Bradley next week, said Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the panel.

We need an all-member briefing for the House of Representatives, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told The Associated Press.

Lawmakers want access to boat strike video

For the last several months, the Trump administration has brandished videos of the strikes  black and white footage of boats exploding into flames  on social media. But access to the full, unedited videos has now become a point of contention between the Pentagon and Congress.

Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, called it a little strange for officials to now claim that full, unedited video of the strike is classified and cannot be released even to members of Congress.

We got a little pushback, said Rep. Jim Himes the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, who acknowledged potential concerns over disclosing sources and methods used in the strikes. But we said, Look, youre posting  every time we take a strike you post it.

The Democrats also say that the logic underpinning the entire operation is deeply problematic.

They are using expensive, exquisite American military capabilities to kill people who are the equivalent of corner dealers, said Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat.

Lawmakers are also questioning what intelligence the military is using to determine whether the boats' cargo is headed for the U.S. As they have looked closer at the Sept. 2 strike, lawmakers learned that the destroyed boat was heading south at the time of the attack and that military intelligence showed it was headed toward another vessel that was bound for Suriname.

Still, it remains to be seen whether the Republican-controlled Congress will push back on the Trump administration's campaign. Many have so far stood behind it, but worry is also growing about the prospect of war.

House Speaker Mike Johnson missed the classified briefing -- the only leader to do so, according to two people familiar with the private session who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Johnsons absence was notable from the speaker, who is second in line of succession to the president, especially as Congress is expected to have the final say on the militarys use of the nations war powers.

War powers resolution vote

A group of senators  three Democrats and one Republican  is also preparing to force a vote on legislation as soon as next week that would halt Trumps ability to use military force against Venezuela directly without congressional approval.

The senators have already tried unsuccessfully to pass a similar resolution, but almost all Republicans voted against it. However, the senators say there is now renewed interest from GOP lawmakers.

These follow-on strikes of people who are wounded in the ocean is really against our code of military justice, said Sen. Rand Paul, the Kentucky Republican who is sponsoring the legislation. They are illegal.

Associated Press reporter Ben Finley contributed.
Returning four bronze sculpturesthree Bodhisattva figures and one of Buddhato Thailand, about 60 years after they were smuggled out of the country, is the ethical and lawful thing to do, according to Natasha Reichle, San Franciscos Asian Art Museums associate curator of Southeast Asian art.

She thinks it goes beyond duty.

Its a step we can take to build new equitable relationships with Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia, she said at the museums repatriation ceremony on Monday. And it's a really joyful thing to do, as you'll see from the community here and the reception that I'm sure these will get when they reach Thailand.

The mood in the museum was joyful. After an introduction by chief curator Dr. Robert Mintz, the director and CEO of the Asian Art Museum Dr. Soyoung Lee, and the ambassador of Thailand to the United States, H.E. Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, explained that the 1,400-year-old Buddhist deities were for all of humanity to enjoy.

Two of the four bronzes crated and ready to go at the repatriation handover with Thai Consulate ( Asian Art Museum DSC01923)

San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie showed up to participate in, as Mintz put it, a bit of theater, shaking hands with Thai officials and handing over an official document transferring custody of the sculptures. The ambassador then presented the San Francisco contingent with orchids, the national flower of Thailand.

The bronzes were part of a large art heist from a temple in northeastern Thailand. Someone donated them to the museum in the late 60s, and they have been part of the museums collection ever since.

The items have been linked to Douglas Latchford, a British art dealer who was indicted for trafficking antiquities in 2019. The museum explained how objects ended up in its collection and the challenge of establishing provenance in last years Moving Objects: Learning from Local and Global Communities.

The exhibition gave visitors a sense of the work going on behind the scenes, drawing attention to the bronzes before they left San Francisco, says Mintz.

We got to a point where we could confidently state that they were smuggled, and at that point it becomes a moot point, right? They should return to the place from which they were taken with other works.

Dr. Lee speaks at the repatriation handover With Thai Consulate ( Asian Art Museum DSC01652)

Reichle calls the process of finding out the truth about the sculptures complicated, involving experts in Thailand, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the curatorial team at the Asian Art Museum, who concluded that the sculptures had been looted from a Khmer temple complex.

There was a tremendous amount of work and research on the part of Thai scholars in Thailand, especially those in the area around the province where these objects came from, she says. They spent years interviewing villagers and doing art historical research.

The Asian Art Museum is better off exchanging the bronze sculptures for a bond of trust with the Thai museum, Mintz says.

It was lovely that the artworks were here, but that's not important, he continues. The conversations and the connections that we have developed with members of the Thai community here, with members of the arts community in Bangkok, and members of the scholarly community in Bangkokthose are things that will, I think, show returns for years to come.

For Reichle, it goes back to joy.

It completely blows my mind that of this hoard of statues that was found near this one temple in Thailandwhich are some of the most spectacular objects of art of that periodthat none of them are in museums in Thailand today, she says. It thrills me that these are going to be among the first that will be available for the Thai public to come and see.
Hicimos un jabon que parecian gajos de naranja y una hermana los vio y se lo comio; dijo que tenia un gusto raro
Dollar Tree purchases third home as they continue expanding long-standing partnership with national nonprofit to address critical financial and housing needs of veterans and their families

SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National nonprofit Operation Homefront and Dollar Tree are expanding their long-standing partnership to deliver even greater impact for America's military families. Together, they welcomed Army Veteran Julian Kuhn, wife Julie and their three children into the Transitional Homes for Veterans (THV) program in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Thursday, December 4.

Dollar Tree purchases third home as they continue expanding long-standing partnership with national nonprofit to address critical financial and housing needs of veterans and their families

Through the THV program, the Kuhn family will live rent-free for 23 years while working with a caseworker and financial counselor to strengthen their long-term stability. As part of that program, families learn about the homebuying process, credit building, debt reduction, emergency savings, and community engagement. Although monthly rent is not required, families contribute a monthly program fee that is fully refunded upon completionproviding a substantial down payment toward a home of their own.

Service was a calling for Julian Kuhn, who continued a proud family legacy when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2020. He began his career with the 82nd Airborne Division, enduring intense training and maintaining readiness for rapid deployment. In 2023, shortly after the birth of his second child, he reenlisted and moved with his family to South Korea for a two-year assignment.

During this period, Julian's chronic back injuries worsened. After a particularly strenuous training session, he lost the ability to walk temporarily. Despite multiple therapies, his condition did not improve, launching a long medical board process and leaving the family facing an uncertain future.

Operation Homefront provided stability during this challenging transition by welcoming the Kuhns into the organization's Transitional Housing Village in Maryland, where they were able to pay down debt and rebuild their savings. When a THV home in Fayetteville - the city where the couple met, married, and started their family - became available, Julie applied immediately. Now, the Kuhns are beginning a new chapter surrounded by loved ones, focused on becoming debt-free and preparing to purchase a home of their own.

"I was on the verge of saying we were basically going to be homeless," Army veteran Julian Kuhn said through tears. "I want to thank everybody. I can't thank you enough for giving us a second chance and a place for my kids to call home."

Military families often face unique financial stressors, especially during the transition from service to civilian life. Rising economic pressures have made this shift even more difficult. A 2023 RAND Corporation study found that post-9/11 veterans experience higher rates of Housing Cost Burden - defined as spending more than 30% of household income on housing - than non-veterans, driven in part by increasing home and rental costs.

Recognizing these growing challenges, Dollar Tree expanded its partnership with Operation Homefront in 2024 to support the nonprofit's Critical Financial Assistance and THV programs - including the purchase of this home - the third Dollar Tree has contributed - which will support multiple military families for years to come.

"Requests for assistance from our nation's military and veteran families have risen sharply this year, and it's a powerful reminder that so many who have bravely served our country are now facing real and urgent challenges," said retired Rear Adm. Alan Reyes, President and CEO of Operation Homefront. "Our partnership with Dollar Tree means more than words can express. Their unwavering compassion and commitment ensure that these extraordinary families feel seen, supported, and valued as they work to build their lives in the civilian world. Together, we are lifting up those who have given us so much and helping them build strong, stable, and secure futures."

"Operation Homefront's transformative programs act as a vital resource for military families, fostering economic stability and ensuring they receive the support they need to flourish," said Jennifer Silberman, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer for Dollar Tree, Inc. "We are honored to partner with Operation Homefront to provide essential financial assistance and ongoing support to service members and their families."

In preparation for the family's arrival, local Dollar Tree employee volunteers joined Operation Homefront staff to decorate and personalize the home - adding thoughtful touches to create a warm and welcoming space for the Kuhns.

Photos from both the "Stocking the Home" event and the Welcome to the Community Ceremony events are available.

Dollar Tree has partnered with Operation Homefront since 2006. With generous customer support and corporate donations, the company has contributed more than $190 million in cash and in-kind support to Operation Homefront programs, including the annual Back-to-School Brigade and Holiday Toy Drive.

Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose programs and services provide relief and recurring family support throughout the year to help military families overcome short-term difficulties, so they don't become long-term hardships. Since the THV program began in 2018, 45 military families have saved over $2.2 million in housing costs with 76% of program graduates purchasing homes in or near their THV communities. To date, the Critical Financial Assistance program has fulfilled nearly 60,000 requests providing more than $46 million in financial assistance.

About Operation Homefront

Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military and veteran families by improving their financial, emotional, and social well-being. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 83 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing, and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves America's military families. For more information, visit OperationHomefront.org.

About Dollar Tree, Inc.

Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ: DLTR), headquartered in Chesapeake, VA, is one of North America's largest and most loved value retailers, known for delivering great value, convenience, and a "thrill-of-the-hunt" discovery shopping experience. With a team of approximately 150,000 associates, Dollar Tree operates more than 9,000 stores and 18 distribution centers across 48 contiguous states and five Canadian provinces under the brands Dollar Tree and Dollar Tree Canada. The company is committed to being a responsible steward of its business  supporting its people, serving its communities, and creating lasting value. Additional information about Dollar Tree can be found at www.DollarTree.com.

SOURCE Operation Homefront


Final Approval for EP187 Appraisal Gas Sales

Sydney, Dec 9, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Beetaloo Energy Australia Limited ( ASX:BTL ) ( EEGUF:OTCMKTS ) advised shareholders that the Northern Territory Government has approved its application for the Beneficial Use of Test Gas ("BUG") under s57aaa of the Petroleum Act 1984 (NT).



- The NT Government has approved Beetaloo Energy's Beneficial Use of Gas application for sale of appraisal gas from EP187



- Gas will be sold to the NT Government under the existing 10-year gas sales agreement and supplied into the local NT market



- Minister for Mining and Energy, Gerard Maley said "This is a major milestone. Gas that would previously have been flared will instead flow directly into the local market from next year"



- Construction of the Carpentaria Gas Plant ("CGP"), purchased from AGL for $2.5m in 2023, can now proceed, with civil construction already well underway. The total installed cost of the CGP is expected to be materially lower than comparable new build plants



- Beetaloo Energy has all environmental approvals required for the construction of the CGP and the drilling, completion and tie-in of up to 10 additional wells, with the full, informed, prior consent of Traditional Owners



"This landmark approval from the NT Government, the first of its kind on Aboriginal Freehold land, marks the completion of all regulatory approvals required for Beetaloo Energy to proceed to pilot production and gas sales from EP187.



This announcement comes at a critical time for energy security in the Northern Territory, following recent reporting of chronic emerging gas shortages as existing sources of supply decline.



The Beetaloo Energy team is proud to support the local market, generating jobs for Territorians and providing energy security for households, businesses and manufacturers across the NT.



We appreciate the support of the NT Government which recognises the incredible potential of the Beetaloo Basin to provide affordable energy and royalties for decades to come."



- Alex Underwood, Managing Director



BUG approval allows Beetaloo Energy to commence gas sales from EP187 and also proceed with construction of its Carpentaria Gas Plant that will process gas and transmit it into the McArthur River Pipeline for use in the Territory Gas Market.



Nothern Territory Minister for Mining and Energy, Hon Gerard Maley MLA, said:



"Today's approval for Beetaloo Energy is the first BUG approval on Aboriginal Freehold land in the Northern Territory and demonstrates how Traditional Owners support the development of the gas industry.



"It brings to life Beetaloo Energy's Carpentaria Pilot Project that includes the drilling and flow testing of 10 new wells, construction of the Carpentaria Gas Plant and production initially of 25 TJ/day.



"We rely on gas generation to keep the electricity grid stable, and without new supply sources, Territorians would face higher prices and the risk of costly emergency supply measures.



"The Beetaloo Sub-basin contains enough gas to power the nation for 200 years, and unlocking its full potential will underpin a gas-led economic recovery for the Northern Territory"





About Beetaloo Energy Australia Limited





Beetaloo Energy Australia Limited (ASX:BTL) (OTCMKTS:EEGUF) holds 28.9 million acres of highly prospective exploration tenements in the McArthur Basin and Beetaloo Sub-basins, Northern Territory. Work undertaken by the Company since 2010 demonstrates that the Eastern depositional Trough of the McArthur Basin, of which the Company holds around 80%, has enormous conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon potential. The Beetaloo Sub-basin, in which Beetaloo Energy holds a substantial position, has world-class hydrocarbon volumes in place and a ramp up in industry activity to appraise substantial discoveries already made by major Australian oil and gas operators is accelerating.

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The new longevity insurance and reinsurance arrangements cover pensioner liabilities in the following Schemes (the Schemes) 3.1 billion in the Lloyds Bank Pension Scheme No.1. 0.7 billion in the Lloyds Bank Pension Scheme No.2. 1.0 billion the HBOS Final Salary Pension Scheme. The first two of these transactions closed in December 2025 and the final one in September 2025. This follows the Trustee announcing two longevity insurance and reinsurance arrangements in March 2025, which covered a further 5.1 billion of pensioner liabilities. The decision to enter these transactions will not change the pension benefits that will be paid to members of the Schemes. All pensioners will continue to receive their pensions each month as normal, and these will continue to be paid by the Schemes. All three of the transactions are structured as insurance policies with Rothesay Life Plc. (Rothesay) as the insurer, with reinsurance provided by a major global reinsurer for the Lloyds No.1 and Lloyds No.2 schemes and an insurance subsidiary of U.S. based Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI), a large, multi-national financial services company for the HBOS scheme. These latest transactions follow previous insurance and reinsurance arrangements that the Trustee has entered between 2020 and 2025, in total covering over 25 billion of liabilities across the Lloyds Banking Group pension schemes. Vicky Paramour, Trustee Director and Chair of the Investment & Funding Committee, stated: We are pleased to have successfully completed these transactions, which further reduce the Schemes exposure to longevity risk and make the Schemes more secure to the benefit of all members. The selection of Rothesay and the reinsurers followed a fair, robust and transparent review of the longevity insurance and reinsurance options available across the market. Matt Wiberg, WTW, lead adviser to the Trustee, said: WTW is proud to have advised the Trustee on their latest three longevity insurance and reinsurance arrangements, bringing the total to five in the last 12 months with three different reinsurers. I appreciate the collaborative efforts of all involved in achieving the successful completion of these transactions, enabling the Trustee to capitalise on currently attractive market pricing and providing further security for members benefits. Kate McInerney, A&O Shearman, legal adviser to the Trustee, remarked: We are delighted to have advised the Trustee on these transactions, and to have been able to continue helping the Trustee reduce longevity risk across the Lloyds schemes. These are significant transactions in what continues to be an active market for longevity de-risking by pension schemes. Ben Howe, Head of Reinsurance at Rothesay, commented: We are delighted to continue to partner with the Trustee and reinsurers to provide these de-risking solutions. Within a busy pension risk transfer market, the transactions demonstrate the continued high demand for longevity protection for UK pension schemes as part of their wider strategy to mitigate potential funding volatility. A collaborative and solutions-led approach across all parties, facilitated a timely and efficient process in the completion of both insurance and reinsurance arrangements. Rohit Mathur, Head of International Reinsurance at PFI, said: We are pleased to once again partner with the Lloyds Banking Group Pensions Trustees on a tailored longevity solution that supports their specific derisking needs. With our broad capabilities and expertise, PFI is exceptionally positioned to address the evolving needs of pension schemes around the globe and in expanding access to retirement security.
Edgar's Bakery opened its newest location in Pelham back in October. Edgar's Bakery

Edgars Bakery is building a $13.1 million production and distribution facility in Pelham.

The project, scheduled to be completed by December 2027, will create about 40 jobs.

According to public documents, the 30,000-square-foot facility will support baking operations for the companys storefront locations around Alabama, and products made for the U.S. market.

The center will be located at the corner of U.S. 31 and Alabama 119.

An earlier, smaller version of the project had been presented to Pelham city officials last year.

Last week, the Pelham City Council approved abating state and local non-education property taxes and some construction-related taxes.

The companys newest location in Pelham opened in October at 2824 Pelham Parkway, in front of the Pelham Public Library.

Edgars makes a wide variety of cakes, cupcakes, baked goods and sweets, as well as serving a menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, specialty beverages and breakfast.

Founded in 1998 by Terry and Dottie Smith, Edgars Bakery also has locations in Greystone, Birmingham Financial Center, Galleria of Tuscaloosa, two in Huntsville, The Shops of the Colonnade, Trussville, Hoover, Homewood and Madison.

It is named for Terrys father, Kelley Edgar Smith, whose hard work for The Birmingham News on the linotype floor for 35 years inspired the son.
Opine's new funding, led by S3 Ventures, solves a decades-old problem for companies selling complex solutions, where selling and delivering their solutions requires detailed multi-department synchronization.

RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Opine announced today that it has raised five million USD, with three million in new funding led by S3 Ventures of Austin, Texas, with participation from Knoll Ventures, Atlanta Seed Company, Gray Ventures, Propel Ventures, Triangle Tweener Fund, and Feross Aboukhadijeh, CEO of Socket.dev.

Pictured are a few members of Opine's founding team. (PRNewsfoto/Opine)

This investment comes after Opine recorded 10x revenue growth in 2025, establishing itself as a rapidly growing market necessity, boasting elite tech customers like Docker, Tailscale, Socket.dev, Gainsight, BigID, and more. The capital will accelerate development of Opine's unified AI-native workspace designed to streamline the entire technical sales cycle from initial discovery to post-sale delivery for complex B2B technology vendors.

Complex enterprise deals often span multiple departments, rely on an array of unconnected tools, and are hampered by siloed conversations. Solution engineers spend hours rebuilding context, leaders lack visibility into deal risks, and post-sales teams often inherit customers without knowing what was promised. Opine was created to fix this by bringing every team, data source, and process into a single intelligent workspace that surfaces risks early, automates repetitive work, captures every evaluation and handoff accurately, and keeps everyone aligned throughout the customer lifecycle.

"We're excited to use this funding to continue to grow and support our innovative customers. They're building and selling some of the most sophisticated B2B solutions available and need a unified AI-native system that understands their market and supports all the effort that goes into winning complex deals. This investment allows us to deepen our AI capabilities, advance our product, and expand our go-to-market reach," said Akash Ganapathi, CEO and co-founder of Opine.

"We are thrilled to be backing the Opine team. After we spoke to executives at multiple customers, it became clear that Opine's AI-native platform consistently makes sales, customer success, and product teams more effective at winning new business and delivering value," said Eric Engineer, Partner at S3 Ventures.

"Since switching to Opine earlier this year, we've gained clearer opportunity insights, faster answers, and tighter team alignment, often cutting out a 30-minute call with a single question. We're excited to expand our use of their playbooks and to see what the team builds next with their new funding," said Mark Rida, Director of Solutions Engineering (Opine customer).

"The Opine team really understands the challenges of presales teams at scale. You can feel it in how they've built their product and with every interaction with their team. We're happy to be able to deliver an excellent working experience to our prospects and customers," shared Jaime Lewis-Gross, SVP, Sales Engineering (Opine customer).

Opine plans to use the capital to advance workflow automation, real-time deal intelligence, and unified data infrastructure. The company will also expand its market presence as technical sales becomes one of the most strategic functions in modern B2B organizations.

About Opine

Founded by Akash Ganapathi, Austin Kelleher, and Charlie Duong, Opine is an AI-native workspace built for technical sales teams, connecting presales to post-sales in one intelligent system. By automating workflows, surfacing real-time insights, and bringing every stakeholder together, Opine helps revenue-critical teams move faster, sell smarter, and deliver lossless customer handoffs. The platform replaces spreadsheets, tribal knowledge, and manual updates with a unified solution that reflects how technical sales actually operates. Founded in Raleigh, Opine is trusted by leading B2B companies to close complex deals with clarity and precision across an ever-increasingly complex and fast-moving world. Learn more about Opine at www.tryopine.com

About S3 Ventures

Founded in 2005, S3 Ventures is one of the largest and longest-serving venture capital firms based in Texas, but investing nationwide. Backed by a philanthropic family with a multi-billion-dollar foundation, we empower visionary founders with the patient capital and true resources required to grow extraordinary, high-impact companies in Business Software and Healthcare Technology. With over $1B in assets under management, we lead Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds, with initial investments ranging from $500K to $15M and the capacity to invest $25M over the life of a company. Learn more at www.s3vc.com.

CONTACT: Nate Meadows; Head of Marketing, Opine; [email protected]

Correction: An earlier version of this release was updated to reflect updates to the header and the body.

SOURCE Opine
Police and Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched at 5:57 a.m. to a report of shots fired in the 1600 block of Fifth Avenue West. (Special to AL.com)

A shooting in Birminghams Bush Hills community early Tuesday left one man dead and another wounded.

Police and Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched at 5:57 a.m. to a report of shots fired in the 1600 block of Fifth Avenue West.

Shot Spotter, the citys gunfire detection system, recorded about 20 rounds fired. Callers to 911 also reported shots in the area.

When police arrived, they found the two victims inside a vehicle.

One of them was pronounced dead on the scene. The other man was undergoing surgery at UAB Hospital.

The slain victim is Birminghams 80th homicide this year.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Gumero Olvera Castro was shot to death on July 6, 2025. (Contributed)

A capital murder charge in the summer shooting death of a Jefferson County father has been dismissed.

Luis Rey Guerro Martinez, 35, was charged in the July 6 killing of his 33-year-old brother-in-law, Gumero Olvera Castro. Martinez was taken into custody one month later by U.S. Border Patrol as he tried to flee into Mexico.

A judge ruled there was enough probable cause to send the case against Martinez to a Jefferson County grand jury.

But, after hearing the evidence against Martinez, the grand jury declined to issue an indictment, according to court records and Martinezs attorneys, Freddy Rubio and Yusuf Olufemi.

We are deeply grateful to the jurors in the Bessemer Division for their service, Rubio said following the dismissal of the charge.

Castro was killed shortly before 2:30 a.m. that Sunday in the 800 block of Willow Bend Lane in the Bessemer area.

Deputies and Concord Fire and Responded to the scene, where Castro was pronounced dead at 2:47 a.m.

Jefferson County sheriffs detectives worked with Border Patrol and the Kennedy County Sheriffs Office in Texas to return Martinez to Alabama.

The charge was capital murder because, according to court documents, Castro was killed in the presence of an 8-year-old child.

Testimony at the preliminary hearing showed Castro had not been with the family all day, went home late and an argument with Martinez ensued. Castro pulled a gun first, Rubio said.

A Stand Your Ground hearing was set for next week, but the grand jury subsequently dismissed the charge as self-defense.

Castro left behind a wife, a son and two daughters.
Kelsie Walker, left, and Carter Hale Jr. have significant roles in a version of "A Christmas Story: The Musical" being presented by Beau Rivage casino in Biloxi. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

For audiences, a Biloxi casinos latest Christmas production is a cavalcade of warmly remembered scenes from a beloved movie. For two young aspiring thespians from Mobile, its a step toward stardom.

A Christmas Story: The Musical opens Dec. 12 at Beau Rivage. Based on the 1983 movie about little Ralphies quest for a Red Ryder BB gun, it features all the highlights: The bunny pajamas, the triple dog dare that leaves a kid with his tongue stuck to a frozen flagpole, the beatdown of leering teen bully Scut Farkus, and towering over it all, that iconic lamp casting the soft glow of electric sex, gleaming in the window.

In also features Carter Hale Jr., 13, an eighth grader at St. Pauls Episcopal School, as Scut Farkus, and Kelsie Walker, 9, a fourth grader at Dawes Intermediate School, as Mary Beth.

Neither one of them stumbled into the production. Director Jeb K. Rand of Rand Productions said that more than 1,200 people auditioned for production, which has a cast of about 30 including a dozen minors. More than 600 took part in initial auditions in New York City and local auditions in Biloxi.

Rand, a former professional figure skater and a Broadway veteran who has been developing theatrical productions for MGM properties since 2012, said work started in earnest on this one in 2024.

We were here with Elf last year, and during Elf, we were having production meetings about this, he said. Scenery and costuming all started in the summer and auditions were three months ago in New York.

For Hale and Walker the road has been even longer. Young Walker said she realized about two years ago at theatre was her calling.

Kelsie Walker of Mobile, at center right in plaid coat, is seen an ensemble number in the Beau Rivage presentation of "A Christmas Story: The Musical." (Chris Montgomery photos courtesy of Rand Productions/Beau Rivage) Courtesy of Rand Productions/Beau Rivage

One of my first plays ever was Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., she said. That was fun. And Im like, I want to keep going with this and make a career with this. That was with PACT Theatre Company, which has since closed. Shes done other productions with Mobiles Playhouse in the Park company.

Ive done community theater for a long time, said Hale. About eight years-ish. And I have done at least 20 shows with Sunny Side Theater, and its been great. (Glimpses of a lot of his past work can be seen on his Instagram account and YouTube channel.)

Rand said he normally asks aspiring actors to come to New York for auditions. I decided this time to have auditions here for some locals and I thought maybe Id find one, he said. But we found four. We found a little girl in New Orleans thats going to be a little star.

Walker was one of the others. Hale had initially auditioned in New York, but the Biloxi auditions were where he learned hed made the cut.

These two kids from Mobile are just, Im going to tell you, theyre as good, if not better than, 75% of the kids that are at the Broadway studio auditions for me, Rand said.

Part of it is that he appreciates the way they carry themselves. Both are attentive, respectful and focused on the task at hand. Soft-voiced in conversation, both speak with surprising force and maturity about their parts in the production.

Watching them rehearse set pieces and musical numbers, Rand singled out Walker as she stood in the background, the first in a line of kids waiting to climb the Higbees slide. It was a moment before she would briefly become the center of attention, but she wasnt waiting idly. She brought just the right energy to it: Without being a distraction, she radiated the liveliness of a child in an exciting situation with friends.

Rand praised her instincts. Like right now her acting, the way shes interacting. Usually with a 9-year-old, youre going to have to tell them exactly what theyre doing. I have her going up first for a reason. Shes so good.

She is truly one of those diamond-in-the-rough, God-given talents, he said. I mean seriously, shes incredible. And shes not as trained. Shes going to class and taking acting. Shes just amazing.

Walker, who is the daughter of Aisha Ward and Marckel Walker, said she particularly enjoys the parts where Mary Beth shouts at the other characters. Shes supposed to be a brat kid, said Rand. Shes not brat.

Much the same is true of Hale, he said. The irony is hes the sweetest young man. Hes a great actor. He turns into a jerk kid [as Scut Farkus]. And if you meet him up to the show, you probably have like a little bit of a Whoa. Because hes such a warm kid.  Its a feature role for a young man from Mobile, Alabama, whos never trained up on Broadway and done all that. And thats pretty remarkable.

Carter Hale Jr., at left, in character as bully Scut Farkus in the Beau Rivage presentation of "A Christmas Story: The Musical." (Chris Montgomery photos courtesy of Rand Productions/Beau Rivage) Courtesy of Rand Productions/Beau Rivage

Hale, the son of Jane Hale and Carter Hale Sr., said he enjoys the challenge of the role.

He is the bully and antagonist of the show, Hale said of Farkus. And its very exciting for me because I get to step out of my comfort zone and play a bully, which is not actually what I am in real life. Im way nicer than that.

But I like getting to work with the kids and doing all the songs where I get to be a new character and play a mean person, he said. Its just really good for me. And I like getting to do new acting choices, especially this one.  And I love the scene where I get to be beat up by Ralphie. It was very fun getting to stage that. And its a classic one. And the show is going to be great, and you should definitely come see it.

About three weeks were allotted for auditions, and the process has been intense. The kids in the cast start each day with several hours of tutoring, then move on to hours of auditions. In the evenings, they have homework to do.

Hale and Walker said theres been plenty of fun along the way, via group activities that help the young cast members cohere like actual schoolmates. We saw the new Wicked movie, said Hale. And especially, there being so many kids this year, we have 12. And its so great getting to all bond together. And weve been such a good group, and weve just loved getting to hang out and play games and just do everything together. And its so great getting to meet new people.

Thats especially true given that some of those new people have more experience in the profession. Some of the cast members, including some of the kids, have had roles in national touring productions and ad campaigns. Hale and Walker said its been a fantastic chance to learn more about the business.

Rand said one aspect of the show that stands out to him is that it has a rare degree of inter-generational appeal. Its a musical based on an early-80s movie that was based on a collection of stories from the 60s. The gently nostalgic humor in it is accessible to everyone from children to grandparents, he said, and thats not something thats easy to find these days.

Steve McDonagh and Madeline Grace Smith play The Old Man and Mother in the Beau Rivage presentation of "A Christmas Story: The Musical." (Chris Montgomery photos courtesy of Rand Productions/Beau Rivage) Courtesy of Rand Productions/Beau Rivage

The young cast members from Alabama back that up. Walker said she wasnt familiar with the movie going in, but its now one of her favorites. Hale said he already appreciated it, and hes pleased that the musical doesnt discard any of the moments fans expect.

I have loved the movie ever since I first watched it, he said. I have loved getting to do the show and you should definitely come see it because if you love the movie, if you love the leg lamp, the bunny suit, Higbees, theres so much stuff. What else is there? Theres Scut Farkus getting beat up .  Youll know all the fun gags from the movie. Oh, the Chinese dinner. Thats what I was thinking of. The duck. Its such a fun scene.

During rehearsals, the 1,500 or so seats of the Beau Rivage Theatre have been empty. Once the show opens, theyll be full. Thats a lot of expectant faces for the young cast. Potentially, its a lot of pressure.

I am so ready, said Walker.

A Christmas Story: The Musical opens Friday, Dec. 12, at Beau Rivage in Biloxi and runs through Saturday, Dec. 27. There are no shows on Mondays. Shows will be at 7 p.m. only on Dec. 12, 16, 17 and 25. Shows will be presented at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on other days: Dec. 13-14, 18-21, 23-24 and 26-27.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com; for full details, visit beaurivage.mgmresorts.com. Prices start at $25, with four packs available for $60 (offer code Fragile) and $80 (offer code Ralphie). A VIP experience available for $39.95 per person includes a post-show cast meet & greet, on-stage photos, an autographed show poster and more. Hotel and ticket packages start at $149.

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.
City leaders like Decatur Council President Kyle Pike said there is no way to know exactly how much money is being diverted away from cities. Getty Images/iStockphoto

More Alabama cities are joining a lawsuit against the Alabama Department of Revenue seeking to change the way the state distribute its Simplified Sellers Use Tax.

The Madison City Council voted to join the lawsuit Monday, a day ahead of the deadline.

READ MORE: Alabama lawmakers block contracts in protest over tax

The council issued a statement after the vote:

After conducting a work session last Wednesday night to learn how local Madison tax dollars are redistributed under the current Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) law, the Madison City Council voted to approve a resolution supporting the City of Tuscaloosas efforts in seeking appropriate application of SSUT law that does not divert significant tax revenue away from local governments and school systems in communities where taxable sales occur. Recognizing that Madison taxpayers have the right to receive the benefit from the tax dollars they pay, the Madison City Council will continue to communicate with elected officials on the importance of revising the SSUT law to fairly distribute local tax dollars and advocate for the Madison taxpayer.

The city remains committed to protecting the long-term financial stability of our community and ensuring fair and equitable tax policies for all Alabama municipalities.

Mobile and Hoover also joined the lawsuit on Monday.

The Alabama Big 10 mayors, including Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle alongside former Decatur and Madison mayors Tab Bowling and Paul Finley, released a letter of support for the lawsuit in July. Madisons council also heard from Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox in a work session on Dec. 3 to explain why that city started the legal action.

Online sales tax

SSUT implemented in 2015 when online shopping was on the rise and includes a 8% flat tax rate for online sales. Of that, 4% goes to the states General and Education Trust funds, 2.4% of the tax goes to the municipality where the purchase was made, and 1.6% goes to counties. Meanwhile, brick-and-mortar stores must charge taxes determined by the municipalities.

The lawsuit said cities deserve more and SSUT is unconstitutional.

Decaturs City Council also voted to support the lawsuit but will not sign on to be a party. The council said the current distribution structure diverts local revenue away from where it should go and the distribution formula takes online tax revenue away from the communities where purchases occur.

READ MORE: Mobile, Hoover join lawsuit challenging Alabamas online sales tax system

City leaders like Decatur Council President Kyle Pike said there is no way to know exactly how much money is being diverted away from cities.

We make a lot of assumptions right now on how much the impact is, and the reason were making assumptions is that the Department of Revenue has not released that data to municipalities, Pike said. In the absence of that data, were forced to make assumptions about what the impact is. We dont know the true number. If the Department of Revenue shared those numbers, it would allow us to get a better look at how much the impact is.

The distribution should be changed to reflect public shopping trends, Decatur Chief Financial Officer Kyle Demeester said.

Weve come a long way since 2015, and I think a lot of people would probably look back and laugh and think were never going to buy a car online, were never going to buy a mattress online, were never going to buy toilet paper online, he said. But here we are.
This is an opinion column.

I find myself thinking of water often.

Of the glistening creek that ran beside the cabin my family visited for five generations. The cabin is gone now, but the water gurgles on, as if we were never there.

Thats a good thing.

Of my late father on a lake, with a fishing rod and the smile I see, blessedly, whenever I think of him. Of growing up on the mighty Tennessee, longing to be Huck Finn, lashing sodden logs together for a raft that would never float.

I think of the late Tom Hendrix, who spent his life honoring that river where it rolls through the Shoals. I sat listening for hours once as he talked of what the Tennessee River meant to him and to his Native American ancestors, the Yuchi people he pronounced as Ee-you-chee.

They believed a woman lived in that river, before it was dammed, or damned, and the river lived in her. She sang songs to those who sought her, to those who would show reverence, who would pause long enough to listen.

There are some who believe that river is what made the magical sounds of Muscle Shoals. I am one.

There are 132,000 miles of rivers and streams in Alabama. They are the circulatory system that feeds our lives and our souls and our economies. Alabama has fish and mussels and turtles and snails that nobody else has. It is among the nations leaders in diversity of aquatic species.

It is among the nations leaders in risk to those very things.

I was in Mexico last month  where they warn visitors not to drink the water  when the EPA announced it would slash the reach of the Clean Water Act, when the Trump administration announced changes that would gut the Endangered Species Act, when the U.S. Department of the Interior proposed opening oil and gas drilling in more than a billion acres of coastal waters.

There has been less outcry about these changes than one would expect. Perhaps there was writing on the wall. Perhaps the drumbeat of ICE and Epstein and AI and the presidents Pravda Social account is just too much for many to follow.

Perhaps it is just easier to believe that the earth will go on, with or without our help, so we can stop caring for it until it stops caring for us.

But if that is true we must admit that we are parasites, and not stewards of this place. It is the most selfish of legacies.

I refuse to believe it. Our water may be our blood, but it is not ours alone. We have a duty to protect it.

I quote the words of Norman Maclean too often, because they speak to me in a way that little else does. They remind me that the water itself is timeless, even if we arent:

The river was cut by the worlds great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.

I am haunted, too. By waters. And by old Tom Hendrix, who felt sorry for those who refused to stop beside their own rivers to simply listen.

If you go to quiet places, you can still hear her sing, he said.

It should not be so sad a song.
The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday voted to extend its contract with a homeless services group through March 31, 2026, paying Urban Alchemy to continue working with the citys more than 350 unhoused residents.

The vote amends a contract to pay Urban Alchemy more than $1.7 million, despite complaints from one council member that it costs $363 every time the group talks to a homeless person.

Hunter Williams voted against the contract extension, saying the money would be better spent on a local organization rather than the San Francisco-based Urban Alchemy. Crystal Smitherman abstained, but the extended contract was approved with votes by the seven remaining council members.

Every time they speak with a homeless individual it is costing the taxpayers $363, Williams said. That is every single time they speak to a homeless individual.

Data provided by Urban Alchemy since it began working with Birminghams homeless in January also shows theyve only referred four people to a shelter, Williams said.

Williams said he found that and other data from Urban Alchemy troubling, considering the amount of taxpayer money being spent.

I think they we need to look really hard at supporting local groups that have been in the Birmingham area for a long time and not just some out of state group that is bringing some California values that dont really fit in well in my district at least with the 4-letter words and what not that are used on their marketing materials, Williams said.

Thats a reference to Urban Alchemy setting up a controversial informational tent in the parking lot at East Lake United Methodist Church that was labeled with the slogan, No Fkery, which they use in their marketing material.

For the taxpayer, (theyre) having to spend $363 every single time that there is an interaction, and that doesnt mean an interaction where theres an issue solved, Williams said. That means $363 every encounter with someone thats unhoused. Thats a lot of money.

The contract calls for Urban Alchemy to provide homeless outreach, interim housing, hygiene services, street cleaning, and community crisis response to non-emergency 911 calls related to homelessness, mental health and addiction.

After the meeting, Council President Wardine Alexander defended the contract, saying it was part of the citys overall plan to reduce homelessness by 40 percent.

We want to ensure the best services we can have for our unhoused residents, Alexander said. Were trying to meet the people where they are, to bring them into a better, a different form of life.

Alexander, a former board member for One Roof, said the homeless often do not trust those who are trying to help them and trust has to be established.

If we could take any one of these encampments across the street and we could move these people into housing, give them the medical assistance that they need, get them workforce development, then I think $300 and something to help these type of residents is just not too much money to help them and give them a better life, Alexander said.
Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood oversees the commissioner's meeting on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at Government Plaza in Mobile, Ala. John Sharp

A plan to dramatically expand the Chastang Landfill in rural north Mobile County collapsed Monday, as county commissioners rejected a proposal that would have nearly tripled the amount of residential waste accepted at the facility.

The commissions vote blocked Waste Management from increasing daily intake at the Mount Vernon site from 1,725 tons to 5,000 tons  a 190% jump  and from importing household garbage from 17 counties across Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle.

Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, who represents the area surrounding the landfill, said residents have long opposed expansion efforts.

Its the only thing I can do for that community, Ludgood said, noting the landfill was originally established by the City of Mobile. I cannot help them get it moved. Its there. But the thing theyve asked me consistently for the past 18 years is that, we have to live with this, we have all that we can handle now. I plan to vote consistent with that request with the people who live in that area.

The location of the Chastang Landfill on U.S. 43 in north Mobile County. Google maps

The expansion had backing from the City of Mobiles Solid Waste Authority, which manages the landfill but does not hold governing authority over whether to expand it.

Pete Riehm, the authoritys chair, argued the facility uses a gas recapturing system that converts methane into renewable fuel, making it the most environmentally friendly landfill in the region.

Riehm also pointed out that commissioners previously approved an expansion at EcoSouths landfill in Axis, a competitor to Waste Management.

Jaime Betbeze, a Mobile attorney representing Waste Management, said the Chastang proposal was very consistent with the EcoSouth project, which was modified in 2020 to accept up to 5,000 tons per day from 18 counties.

Ludgood said the EcoSouth facility is located in an industrial section, whereas she said the Chastang Landfill is closer to residential areas.

Thats the difference for me, she said.

Jaime Betbeze, a Mobile attorney representing Waste Management, speaks during the Mobile County Commission meeting on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at Government Plaza in Mobile, Ala. John Sharp

Betbeze argued the expansion would lower costs for local residents.

To bring in additional tonnage from outside of Mobile County, youre essentially having folks outside of (the county) helping to pay for the costs to operate this landfill, he said. That enables the costs to remain lower for the citizens of Mobile County and the citizens of Mobile who send their waste there.

Riehm added that higher royalties from expansion could help the city eventually purchase land for a new landfill.

A new landfill will (eventually) be required by the city, and well have the money to do that, he said. Wed be saving the citizens a huge bill. It may be 50 to 100 years into the future, but wed be doing it.

But county officials raised concerns about jurisdiction and oversight, echoing debates from November when the Mobile County Solid Waste Disposal Authority Board voted overwhelmingly against the plan. The countys solid waste management plan prohibits municipal sanitary waste from being hauled in for disposal.

Commissioner Randall Dueitt said Mobile County should not become a dumping ground for imported garbage.

The biggest problem I have with it, and they can name the counties, but they are wanting to bring household garbage from the Louisiana state line in Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle, Dueitt said.

He also said that if more landfill space is needed, the city should look inward.

If you own property in the city, why not open the landfill in the city? he said.
Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis meets the local media during a news conference on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at Government Plaza in downtown Mobile, Ala. John Sharp

Mobile and Hoover have stepped into a fast-growing legal fight that could reshape how Alabama taxes online shopping.

The two cities were added Monday to a lawsuit arguing that the states approach to internet sales is unconstitutional. What began in August as a lone challenge from the City of Tuscaloosa against the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) could swell to roughly a dozen cities by Wednesday, the deadline to intervene.

At stake is the future of the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT), a nearly decade-old system to tax online sales whose fate could ripple through every level of government funding in Alabama.

In Mobile, Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis said the lawsuit is essential to preserve the citys financial stability as online buying continues its rise. He warned that Mobile stands to lose $34 million dollars each year, with losses climbing as digital commerce continues to grow.

Yes, this lawsuit could blow up SSUT and change the landscape completely, Cheriogotis said during a Monday news conference at Government Plaza, moments after the city announced it had joined the case.

The cities are expected to face tense opposition from county officials statewide in a high-stakes scramble for an exploding source of revenue. According to the state in 2024, the SSUT generated $851.2 million, up 34% in two years and more than 1,500% since the first year.

Sonny Brasfield, executive director of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, which represents all 67 counties and fears deep revenue losses if SSUT is altered, said the intervention from the big cities is no surprise.

The biggest cities are fixated on erasing the nations most efficient system for collecting Internet revenue, Brasfield said. Thats not going to happen.

Cheriogotis said he expects at least a dozen municipalities to enter the lawsuit. Hoover joined on Monday, and Mountain Brook is already involved.

Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis said, in a statement, that pursuing involvement in the legal battle fulfills a public commitment he made in July to fight for Hoover taxpayers and address revenue losses driven by the states current SSUT structure.

Derzis was elected Hoovers mayor in August.

Hoover residents generate millions of dollars in online sales tax revenue every year, yet much of that money is being redistributed across the state instead of coming back home to support our own community, Mayor Derzis said. We are conservatively losing between $7 million and $10 million annually under this system. That is money that should be funding our police and fire departments, maintaining our roads and parks, and supporting the services our residents rely on every day.

Brasfield, on the other hand, predicted that by Wednesday, everyone will see the opposition to this misguided effort is both widespread and unified. Throwing away this program is simply not an option for Alabama.

City leaders in some of Alabamas largest communities argue that SSUT leaves them shortchanged because it taxes countless online transactions at lower rates than in-store purchases. They also argue that under SSUT, the sales taxes collected from their residents are being diverted to other communities and counties.

Created in 2015 and implemented in 2016, the SSUT applies a flat 8% tax to online sales. Half of that total goes to the states General and Education Trust funds. The remaining 4% is split by population, with 1.6% distributed to counties and 2.4% to municipalities.

In Mobile, a convention sales tax on purchases made in physical stores totals 10%. Of that amount, 5% is returned to the city.

Cheriogotis said he hopes for a legislative fix to its dispute over SSUT, but changes in Montgomery have fallen short over the years amid widespread opposition from the ACCA.

The legal issues surrounding SSUT are expected to generate attention during the legislative session. Last week, state Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, blocked four legal contracts on a legislative committee out of concerns over the lawsuit.

Albritton, the chair of the Alabama Senates General Fund committee, said he wanted to send a message that the Alabama Legislature is the final authority on the distribution of state tax revenue, and hinted at the possibility of holding up future contracts.

I really like Senator Albritton, Cheriogotis said. Hes a South Alabama guy. I appreciate him representing our area. Hes in charge and protecting the General Fund. I cant allow my General Fund in the city to be harmed to the tune of $34 million a year.

Mobile is also challenging ADORs managing of SSUT, saying that its allowing online retailers to participate in the program instead of collecting state and local sales taxes that cities like Mobile depend on.

The lawsuit, the city highlights, will challenge ADORs practice of allowing companies with a clear physical presence in Alabama to participate in a program originally intended for out-of-state sellers. By opting into SSUT, the companies avoid collecting and remitting the state and local sales taxes they are required to under Alabama law.

Cheriogotis said he favors a system that includes a streamlined destination sourcing sales tax rate, which would allow a unified system for applying and remitting sales taxes for online and in-person sales. A majority of states have some form of destination sourcing for online sales.

This story was updated at 10:37 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2025, to include a comment from Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis.

According to the Alabama Department of Revenue in 2024, the SSUT generated $851.2 million, up 34% in two years and more than 1,500% since the first year.
A Birmingham metro community is tapping a long-time official from a neighboring zip code as it transitions to a new form of government.

The Homewood City Council Monday appointed former Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston as a special assistant to its city manager position.

According to the city, Gaston will work with leadership and as it looks for a permanent city manager.

In November the city council was reduced from 11 to four members, and Cale Smith was appointed to be the interim city manager.

The city council will decide who to appoint as a permanent city manager.

Gaston retired this year after more than 32 years as Mountain Brooks city manager.

He has spent 45 years in local government management and planning, and has served as president of the International City County Management Association, the Alabama City County Management Association and various other organizations.

Homewood reached out to me, and I have so much respect and admiration for so many people in that community, Gaston said. Ill be doing, basically, a review of procedures, departments, staffing. Its a different way of looking at things, so I will be looking to support, advise and make recommendations.

Homewood Mayor Jennifer Andress called Gaston the gold standard for city managers in Alabama, while Mountain Brook Mayor Graham Smith said his serving Homewood is a gift to the entire region.

His experience and steady leadership will be exactly what Homewood needs as it moves into this new government structure, he said. Mountain Brook has benefited from his wisdom for decades and now our neighbors in Homewood will share in that same strength.
Astronaut Neil Armstrong took "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" when he stepped out of the Apollo 11 and onto the moon, July 20, 1969. For the United States, the moment was a triumphant finish to a race that began in 1961 when the Soviet Union put the first manned spacecraft into orbit. (Photo by  Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images) Corbis via Getty Images)

This is a guest opinion column

December 9, 2025

Dear Mr. Secretary,

I am writing this letter today in response to an NPR article published on November 25, 2025, stating that the military is considering cutting ties with Scouting America / Boy Scouts of America. I come to you as a father, volunteer, and Eagle Scout asking that you please re-consider withdrawing support from Scouting America / Boy Scouts of America.

Scouting has had a long relationship with the military and over the years many Scouts and Eagle Scouts have gone into the ranks of the military. At this time, about 20% of the service academies enrollment is comprised of Eagle Scouts, not to mention other Scouts that did not attain the rank of Eagle. In addition, there are thousands of service members in all branches of service that were Scouts. At the National Jamboree in 2017, when President Trump addressed the Scouts, he stated that ten (10) of his Cabinet members were Eagle Scouts.

The tie between the military was seen when the first words from the moon, were the Eagle has landed and one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. Neil Armstrong, an Eagle Scout, had landed on the moon and led the mission to step onto a celestial body out in space for the first time. Scouting significantly shaped Neil Armstrongs life by fostering confidence, leadership, and a love for the outdoors, and his experiences directly influenced his approach to problem-solving and remaining calm under pressure. He became an Eagle Scout in 1947 and earned 26 merit badges, including Aviation, which were crucial for his future as an astronaut and test pilot.

Jim Lovell, another Eagle Scout, declared Houston we have a problem and was in the right place at the right time to save lives. Jim Lovells impact on scouting was profound, as he demonstrated the link between scouting values and success in high-pressure fields like space exploration and leadership, while also becoming a major advocate for the organization after his NASA career. He served as the Chairman of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA), championed the idea of engaging alumni to mentor current Scouts, and received scoutings highest honors. Lovells own story as an Eagle Scout astronaut inspired countless others and cemented the idea that the sky is never the limit for what scouts can achieve.

If we sever the ties between Scouting and our military, I fear that other stories like these wont happen in the future when we are endeavoring to Mars and beyond.

In addition, military families are often members of Scouting Troops or Packs. When families make moves across the country or throughout the world, they can rely on their Scouting family to be there at the next duty station to ease the transition and provide an automatic network for the families.

Here locally, in Mobile, Alabama, we have a Coast Guard base and a Cub Scout Pack that caters to the Coast Guard families. It is really neat to see the Scouts no matter where they are from, instantly bond, because they have Cub Scouts in common. It helps make the transition smoother for the children. There are countless Scouts that grew up being part of units on military bases that went on to honorably serve our military.

The question came up as to whether Scouting was becoming easier to advance rank and move forward in the program. My son is a Life Scout and working his way to Eagle. In my observation, the ranks from Scout to First Class are more difficult now than what they were when I was in Scouts working my way to Eagle. I think what has changed is that Scouts have more opportunities to earn merit badges than when I was coming up. In my day, Summer Camp, was where we earned the brunt of the merit badges and you might have had the opportunity to earn five merit badges if you had a full schedule. Today, Scouts have more opportunities through merit badge universities at local colleges and universities. And more opportunities afforded them via webinars and teleconferences with merit badge counselors.

Mr. Secretary, I know you love challenges and before making a decision, I challenge you to go just for a few days on a trek over the Rocky Mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, visit Florida Sea Base and go SCUBA diving with Scouts in the crystal clear waters of the Florida Keys, and go on a canoe adventure to Northen Tier on the boundary waters between the US and Canada. I can tell you that the experiences our Scouts have are absolutely amazing. They are in the outdoors, learning, growing, and expanding their horizons.

Scouting is an amazing program and many of our Scouts go on to serve in the military. I have several friends that come to mind that are Eagle Scouts that went on to careers in the military. Please do not cut support from Scouting America / Boy Scouts of America. This would do our country a disservice. Cutting ties would cause a major impact on our national defense and security because it would send a message that Scouts are not welcome to serve in the military. Please re-consider this decision and please keep the relationship in place.

Sincerely,

JC Smith

JC Smith, Eagle Scout 1992, lives in Mobile. The opinions and remarks made in this letter are Smiths own and are not from Scouting America/Boy Scouts of America and should not be construed as such.
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pew Charitable Trusts announced today the seven pairs of researchers who will make up its 2025 class of Innovation Fund investigators.

These 14 acclaimed scientistsall alumni of Pew's biomedical programs in the United States and Latin Americawill collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects exploring key questions about human biology and disease. Bringing together their expertise in such specialties as neuroscience, immunology, and cancer biology, these partnerships will help accelerate discoveries and advance understanding of human health.

"Many of the best scientific breakthroughs happen when researchers work together to tackle pressing problems," said Donna Frisby-Greenwood, Pew's senior vice president for Philadelphia and scientific advancement. "We're thrilled to welcome these talented scientists back into the Pew community as Innovation Fund investigators. Their pioneering collaborative projects will drive the next advancements in biomedical research."

For 40 years, Pew has encouraged collaboration among its community of biomedical scientists, leading to the launch of the Innovation Fund in 2017. The award, which is supported by the Kathryn W. Davis Peace by Pieces Fund, supports creative and cross-disciplinary partnerships among alumni of Pew's three biomedical programs, with those holding assistant professor positions or higher eligible to apply. This year, Innovation Fund recipients are also supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

The 2025 Innovation Fund teams are:

Carlos Carmona-Fontaine, Ph.D. , 2020 Pew biomedical scholar, New York University

, 2020 Pew biomedical scholar, New York University Piro Lito, M.D., Ph.D., 2019 Pew-Stewart scholar, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Carmona-Fontaine and Lito will join forces to study the role that cell cooperation plays in the resistance to cancer therapy.

Juan Du, Ph.D. , 2020 Pew biomedical scholar, Northwestern University

, 2020 Pew biomedical scholar, Northwestern University Marco Gallio, Ph.D., 2016 Pew biomedical scholar, Northwestern University

Du and Gallio will dissect the molecular and structural changes by which an ion channel in fruit flies that initially functioned as a bitter receptor in taste was repurposed over time as a dedicated heat sensorand continued to evolve with changing thermal habitats.

Goodman and Ivanov will test whether medical drugs and gut microbes can activate antimicrobial peptides in the mammalian gut to reshape the gut microbiome.

Eduardo Perozo, Ph.D. , 1991 Pew Latin American fellow, University of Chicago

, 1991 Pew Latin American fellow, University of Chicago Juan-Pablo Castillo, Ph.D., 2015 Pew Latin American fellow, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaiso

Perozo and Castillo will interpret the molecular principles that underlie mechanotransduction, the process by which mechanical stimuli are translated into electrical signals that can be decoded by the brain.

Richard L. Possemato, Ph.D. , 2016 Pew-Stewart scholar, New York University School of Medicine

, 2016 Pew-Stewart scholar, New York University School of Medicine Michelle Krogsgaard, Ph.D., 2007 Pew biomedical scholar, New York University School of Medicine

Possemato and Krogsgaard will investigate how metabolic limitation impairs effector T cell function and identify strategies to enhance T cell performance in metabolically hostile environments such as tumors.

Michael J. Rust, Ph.D. , 2014 Pew biomedical scholar, University of Chicago

, 2014 Pew biomedical scholar, University of Chicago Suckjoon Jun, Ph.D., 2013 Pew biomedical scholar, University of California San Diego

Rust and Jun will explore how cyanobacteria regulate growth and allocate cellular resources in fluctuating environments.

John Tuthill, Ph.D. , 2019 Pew biomedical scholar, University of Washington

, 2019 Pew biomedical scholar, University of Washington Sebastian Brauchi, Ph.D., 2006 Pew Latin American fellow, Universidad Austral de Chile

Tuthill and Brauchi will team up to understand how snow flies continue to function in very cold temperatures.

Founded in 1948, The Pew Charitable Trusts uses data to make a difference. Pew addresses the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious projects that lead to tangible progress.

Erin Davis, 202-540-6677, [email protected]

SOURCE The Pew Charitable Trusts
The Charleston International Airport Police took blame for a miscommunication that led to a U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace tirade, but also pointed the finger at Republican hopeful for South Carolina governor for making the incident into a spectacle.

The airport on Monday released results of an internal investigation and security footage from Oct. 30 of Maces arrival at the airport and interaction with airport police from her October tirade when she wasnt met by a police to provide the security escort she was expecting.

In the report, an airport police supervisor says he gave officers waiting for Mace the wrong vehicle color. The officers were told a white BMW, but Mace arrived in a silver vehicle.

However, the report of an internal investigation, which included interviews with nine people including TSA employees, details Maces behavior, which included curse words directed at police officers.

While it is clear that we hold a certain level of responsibility in miscommunicating the color of Congresswoman Maces vehicle, its also equally clear that her continued failure to follow established procedures at the checkpoint is what turned a minor miscommunication over the color of a vehicle into the spectacle that this issue has become for our employees and airport workers, Police Chief James A. Woods writes in his report submitted Nov. 12.

The documents were part of response to a Freedom of Information Act request from Mace. The airports response also was released to The State newspaper, which filed its own FOIA request.

In the report, airport police also details an incident in April when Mace was traveling with a family member, but was informed the family member would have to go through standard screening. After that encounter, TSA began allowing a limited amount of family and staff to accompany her through screening process.

Mace, a Republican candidate for governor, called the initial release of the details of her October tirade a political hit job.

After the details of Maces tirade were reported in the news media, the Republican hopeful for governor threatened to sue the airport leadership, airport police, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and the American Airlines gate agent.

In a call with reporters last week, Mace said she had yet to make a final decision on whether to file a lawsuit.

Mace was upset police did not meet her at her vehicle when she was dropped off at the airport to escort her through security and to the gate for her flight to Chicago before eventually flying to Las Vegas. Airport police officers said in their report Mace used profanity at times for others to hear.

The airport has now since changed its policy saying it will no longer provide direct escorts for dignitaries, such as members of Congress. The police escorts were a courtesy. Instead, the airport police will be present when notified by TSA of a dignitary traveling through the airport.

The incident also led to a bipartisan group of more than 60 elected officials to sign onto a letter supporting the airport and its law enforcement. The letter was circulated by political consultant Wesley Donehue, who previously worked for Mace. Donehues former firm Push Digital has done also previously did campaign work for Charleston Airport President and CEO Elliott Summey, when Summey was on the Charleston County Council, S.C. Ethics Commission records show.

The incident may have hurt Mace in polls measuring the support of candidates for governor.

In a poll by Wick of 600 likely GOP primary voters, Mace was in fourth place with 10.5% of support. Previous polling made public earlier this year had her support in the 20s. Mace didnt see expected security when she arrived at airport

When Mace arrived at the airport on Oct. 30, she initially waited with the car that dropped her off before walking through the ticketing area to the TSA checkpoint. She then waits at the known crew member entrance waiting for someone to escort her to her gate.

Mace demanded a TSA employee escort her to the gate and pointed to an employee sitting at a TSA desk, Woods writes in his report. She was told the employee was an explosives detection expert and not suppose to conduct an escort. The TSA employee also said she removed herself from the situation because of Maces tone.

The tone and the disrespect. She was already yelling and screaming in her phone when I walked up. Not knowing what was going on outside of here  a lot of people come in that we dont know what they dealt with coming in. So I try not to assume anything. But her  the rudeness and disrespect with us  Im not touching that no more, the TSA supervisor said in her interview with Charleston Airport police.

TSA, which did not know Mace was coming through the airport that day, called Charleston Airport police to alert them that Mace was at the known crew member checkpoint.

After police arrived to escort Mace through the security checkpoint for known crew members, TSA officers did not require her to walk through a metal detector or put her bags through an X-ray machine.

Mace has previously said the crew member checkpoint is where she has traditionally passed through when going through the Charleston Airport.

The Congresswoman told the supervisor that she wasnt going through your TSA line, you need to go and get whoever, because Im not going through your TSA line, Woods writes in his report.

Phone calls to Maces congressional office or her campaign were not immediately returned on Monday, but a spokesperson for Mace later sent a text message with a statement.

We appreciate this full exoneration and look forward to remaining fully focused on the issues that actually matter to South Carolinians: affordability and law and order, the spokesperson said.

The two airport police officers also were interviewed in the internal investigation and detailed other issues with providing security for Mace.

They also stated that shes rarely on time and that this is often exacerbated by the fact that their communication is often relayed through multiple staffers, as the Congresswoman appears to have high personnel turnover, Woods said.

They also recounted that there were countless times when the Congresswoman was not where she said that she would be. Her staff would tell them that shed be driving herself, and shed show up curbside in someone elses vehicle, or vice versa. She would provide an arrival time and be an hour early, in another example, Woods wrote.

Police also said they asked Maces security staff to forward information about threats she was received to help provide security.

This information was never provided, Woods wrote.

Also, Maces used the signal app to communicate with officers, however, messages automatically delete, Woods wrote.

The officer stated that this causes his phone to alert in a different way than a telephone call would and as such, he missed the alert because his phone was not directly with him at the time. No other protectee insists on the usage of this app to communicate, Woods wrote.

The airport police chief also wrote Maces arrival at the center atrium crosswalk was never communicated as her dropoff point.

Additionally, the Congresswoman ignored her instructions to wait in her vehicle for officers to arrive. If it was believed that there were no officers present for the escort, waiting for them to arrive would have avoided any risk of her walking alone from her vehicle to the security checkpoint, Woods wrote.

 2025 The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.). Visit www.heraldonline.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
FILE - Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., speaks during a news conference, May 24, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) AP

President Donald Trump repeated the unsubstantiated claim that Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., married her brother to get into the United States and suggested she go back to Somalia.

In an interview with Politicos Dasha Burns, the president invoked Omars name when asked about the type of immigrants he wants to come to America.

I want to see people that contribute. I dont want to see Somalia. I dont want to see a woman that, you know, marries her brother to get in and then becomes a congressman and does nothing but complain. All she does is complain, complain, complain, and yet her countrys a mess, Trump said, according to a transcript of the interview released Tuesday.

Somebody check on Ilhan Omar.



President Trump is going off on her for marrying her brother and complaining for a living.



"I don't want Somalia. I don't want to see a woman that marries her brother, becomes a congressman, does nothing but complain.

pic.twitter.com/BMQ3Kfuk9L  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 9, 2025

Omar, one of Trumps fiercest critics, emigrated to the United States from Somalia as a child with her family in 1995.

Trump said Somalia is one of the worst countries in the world.

Let her go back, fix up her own country, the president said.

Its not the first time Trump has alleged that Omar married her brother.

When he issued the claim in 2019, The New York Times delved into the allegations, finding that no proof has emerged substantiating these claims.

The rumors that Omar married her brother started in 2016 when she ran for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives, according to the Times.

According to Minnesota marriage records, Omar wed Ahmed Nur Said Elmi in 2009.

While addressing the rumors in 2016, Omar said Elmi was a British citizen, adding that the couple obtained a religious divorce in 2011. Elmi then returned to England, according to Omar.

In 2016, a blog called PowerLine cited a now-deleted post on an internet forum that claimed Mr. Elmi is Ms. Omars brother," the Times reported.

In 2018, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Omar showed a reporter cellphone images of documents from her familys entry into the United States in 1995. They listed her father and siblings by order of birth, with Ms. Omar listed as the youngest of seven children. Mr. Elmis name did not appear in the documents.

According to the couples marriage certificate, he is also three years younger than Ms. Omar, whose mother died when she was 2 years old" the Times reporting on the claims went on to say.
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville announces his run for governor of Alabama Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Auburn, Alabama. (Julie Bennett | preps@al.com) Julie Bennett | preps@al.com Julie Bennett | preps@al.com

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala. on Monday told radio show hosts that an Islamic school which recently dropped its plans to relocate to Hoover doesnt need to be here.

Were a Judeo-Christian country that believes in God, Tuberville told Rightside Radio.

We believe in the Bible, and we built it off what our forefathers built it off of, that precedent. And so, at the end of the day, we do not want to change. We dont want people changing us.

Less than a week after Hoovers planning and zoning commission rejected their proposal, school leaders for the Islamic Academy of Alabama this weekend told the city that they were rescinding their application.

Fine if you want to live here, but as long as you go by our laws and believe in the things that made this country great, Im all in, Tuberville said.

The decision came amidst an onslaught of pushback from elected officials, like Tuberville, and area residents.

This goes back to a very deep subject  because were at war, Tuberville continued Monday.

Were at war in this country with all the people that have come here from all over the world. And listen, we love immigration. Were...all a part of an immigrant family one time and the other. But a lot of people come here and they want to assimilate.

Not the group coming here from the Muslim countries, he said.

Theyre coming here with an agenda.

Tuberville on Tuesday addressed the issue again in an interview with former Trump adviser Steve Bannon for his WarRoom podcast.

Muslim immigrants are bringing WWIII to American soil, Tuberville said.

Look at Europe. Its gone...That is whats coming to America.

SEN. TOMMY TUBERVILLE (R): I'm taking heat for speaking out about this radical Islamic terrorism since "this is an election year." I don't care. We will lose our society if we don't start speaking out NOW!@CoachForGov @SenTuberville pic.twitter.com/q0LJS3erEG  Bannons WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) December 9, 2025

Stacy Abdein, the schools assistant principal, said this week that anti-Muslim rhetoric like Tubervilles raised safety concerns for her students.

When public officials spread dangerous myths about innocent students and families, they embolden hostility and increase the likelihood of harassment or targeted threats, undermining the safety and well-being of our entire school community, she said.

The Islamic Academy of Alabama has been in Homewood since 1995 and has about 260 students.

It is located in the former Rosedale School which was also the former Shades Valley Resource Learning Center.

We have never had a single incident which would justify the vile accusations made against us, Abdein said in a previous statement.

Our school and its message is not new, the fear-mongering is. At the Islamic Academy of Alabama, we teach our students to love their neighbors, value diversity, uphold justice and contribute positively to society.
The American right has weathered storms before, but few moments have revealed its internal fracture quite like the Candace Owens controversies of 2025.

What began as a season of mourning after Charlie Kirks assassination quickly morphed into a spectacle of spiraling claims, public feuds, and personal destruction. Her early tribute to Kirk, offered with presumably sincere sorrow after his September 10 assassination, spoke to millions who were stunned by the violence.

Yet within days her tone shifted.

She was openly questioning federal investigators who had confirmed the arrest and lone wolf status of Tyler Robinson, Kirks alleged (using that word here is repulsive) assassin. Instead of reinforcing trust during a vulnerable national moment, she suggested hidden forces were at play and accused fellow conservatives of ignoring her instincts.

This pattern escalated.

Before Septembers end, Owens revived her series accusing French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife of orchestrating international plots against her. Officials in France dismissed the claims outright, but the damage was done.

In October, longtime conservative commentators vigorously countered Owens. Newsmax contributor Josh Hammer labeled her behavior unhinged after she implicated him in advance knowledge of Kirks murder. Soon after, National Review rebuked her for linking the assassination to Zionist influences without evidence. The criticism intensified when the magazine published a profile that deduced she was exploiting tragedy to shore up her audience.

By mid-November her conflicts grew more personal.

Allie Beth Stuckey, a podcaster who was Kirks trusted professional associate, defended herself against Owens groundless accusation of disinterest in justice for Charlie. Breitbart highlighted how Owens rhetoric was feeding chaos inside the right. Then came Owens announcement that she was taking a hiatus due to supposed French death threats, around the same time Macrons lawsuit accused her of doubling down on falsehoods for profit.

The situation hit rock bottom on December 3, when Owens leaked purported 2023 texts from Kirk. He allegedly sought Owens advice about an outfit to wear while dating a woman other than his wife. Owens, in a bizarre act even by her standards, tied these messages into Kirks slaying. This was a grotesque maneuver, which the camp of Kirks widow called a vicious, exploitative smear.

Graphic: Social Media Post

All of this illuminated a distressing truth. Non-lefty media, once anchored by researchers, reporters, and thinkers, is increasingly defined by those who thrive on viral outrage. To understand the tragedy and speed of that sea change, one need only look at the brief, brilliant career of Bre Payton.

She entered the world on June 8, 1992, about three years after Owens did. Bre possessed a deep love for storytelling. Raised in California, she showed the early spark of someone who would give voice to complex issues with clarity and conviction. Her homeschooling experience fostered discipline. That discipline carried her into early editorial roles at Citrus College between 2010 and 2012, where she served as features editor for the campus paper.

The foundation she built there propelled her into investigative reporting. During the summer of 2013 she interned with Watchdog.org, producing accountability journalism that was picked up by outlets including The Washington Post and the Associated Press. While enrolled at Patrick Henry College, she managed its social media efforts, edited for the Journal of International Social Affairs, and contributed to World Magazine. She graduated in May 2015 with a degree in political journalism.

Her professional rise was swift.

In April 2015 she joined The Federalist as a staff writer and rapidly became one of its most productive contributors, authoring nearly 1000 articles. She covered a wide spectrum of topics, including Kanye West, the Supreme Court, the 2016 election cycle, and fast-moving breaking-news stories. Her television appearances spanned Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, NPR, BBC World News, and other networks. Paytons reporting and bylines were picked up or cited by outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Daily Signal.

Her sharpest commentary often blended moral clarity and factual rigor with a populist instinct for exposing hypocrisy. She called out James Comeys self-serving tactics during a June 9, 2017 Fox and Friends appearance. Her efforts drew widespread shares among conservatives. They affirmed her status as a cultural watchdog whose work fortified, among so many other things, skepticism toward legacy media, leftist agitation and governmental malfeasance.

Her intellectual reputation grew. She earned a prestigious Publius Fellowship at the Claremont Institute. By this point, she was appearing across major networks from Fox News to NPR.

She guest hosted Tipping Point on One America News Network just one day before falling ill in late December 2018. The following day, December 27, she was found unconscious, diagnosed with H1N1 flu and meningitis. She passed away on December 28 at the age of 26. Her death stunned the conservative world, prompting tributes and ultimately a scholarship fund in her name.

Her loss left more than an emotional void. It removed a voice that represented the best qualities of right-leaning journalism. Her reporting was grounded and verifiable. Her commentary was spirited but disciplined. She held leaders accountable without indulging in spectacle. Above all, her work respected the reader.

That respect shaped an environment where ideas mattered more than theatrics and where integrity, not notoriety, elevated a commentator.

Contrast that with 2025. The media ecosystem that once gave Payton room to grow has been overtaken by an algorithmic marketplace that rewards confrontation over clarity. A young journalist today could replicate her talents but would struggle to find an audience large enough to sustain a career. The pathways that existed for her generation have narrowed.

Outlets that used to nurture rising thinkers now compete with social media feeds that reward those who escalate rhetoric rather than substantiate it. A well-researched report may reach thousands, while a reckless accusation may reach millions.

Owens isnt the cause of this shift, but she is its clearest example. The dynamics that lifted her encourage influencers to trade credibility for reach, and relationships for clickbait. Its a landscape where outrage becomes currency and restraint becomes a liability. Her descent from trusted pundit to opportunistic flamethrower illustrates what happens when incentives drift away from the discipline that defined Paytons work.

The result is a right increasingly shaped by voices who shout the loudest rather than those who think the clearest. This is not simply unfortunate; its dangerous. The conservative cause has long depended on truth telling, intellectual seriousness, and a willingness to challenge elite narratives with facts instead of fury. Payton embodied that standard. Her memory now serves as a reminder of what the right once valued and what it risks losing entirely.

The shift from Bre Paytons zenith, however brief, to Candace Owens dominance, itself unlikely to last long, is more than a story of two personalities. This movement reflects a transformation in priorities.

Payton rose on the strength of accuracy, ethics, and careful argument. Owens soars on social media algorithms that reward users rage. To understand where the right goes from here, one must confront that contrast directly. For certain, if non-lefties choose spectacle over substance, they will drift further from the principles that once strengthened them.

The question is whether the audience, not just the influencer class, is ready to demand better.

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. Cotto's 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 i
Last weeks Supreme Court order upholding Texass revised congressional districts unleashed a torrent of complaints about how supposedly partisan the Court has become. Adam Liptak, the New York Times Supreme Court analyst who can be counted on to give any decision a leftward spin, published a piece on December 6 proclaiming the Court was all in on partisan gerrymandering.

Well, so am I. The difference between Adam Liptak and me is that I see politics. And politics are normal. Indeed, politics ought to be done by politicians who are elected because of their policies (notice a similarity in those words?), not by unelected judges. Politics is not necessarily nefarious nor unconstitutional, as Liptak infers.

Representation is an inherently political act. Always has been, always will be. The Constitution mandates occasional reapportionments, which protects the United States from the British experience of dead boroughs -- seats in Parliament historically sanctioned that no longer justified existence but were not abolished. Beyond that, its fair game.

Indeed, the word gerrymander points to the politics of it. In the early 1800s, Elbridge Gerry, governor of Massachusetts from what would indirectly become todays Democrat party, approved a district that twisted around towns in such a way as to resemble a salamander and favor his party. Gerry + salamander = gerrymander.

If voters give a party a majority in a legislature, why are we surprised they would design representation to enhance their chances at staying in power? Thats not illegal.

As Democrats began losing control of more and more state legislatures and/or governorships in the Bush 43 and early Obama eras, suddenly Democrats -- the party whose ancestors invented the gerrymander -- found it unfair, even unconstitutional. A group of liberal Democrats tried to turn the issue into a constitutional case (gerrymanders deny voters their constitutional rights). The federal courts played with the theory. Adam Liptak even cites a fractured Supreme Court (split 4-1-4) that couldnt decide if gerrymandering was or wasnt constitutional. The side tending toward unconstitutionality was unable to agree on what made gerrymandering a violation of the Constitution. Indeed, they couldnt say what was legal v. illegal gerrymandering.

After leaving power, Barack Obamas attorney general, Eric Holder, made it a crusade to sue states, trying to get redistricting maps unfavorable to Democrats pronounced unconstitutional. He wasnt overwhelmingly successful. (Of course, he also wasnt going after the balance in Massachusetts nine congressional districts which -- surprise -- are all bright blue Democrats, even though Trump took 35% of the Massachusetts vote in 2024).

What Liptak wants to cast as the Supreme Court becoming partisan (code word for stooge of Republicans) is its moving away from this theory that allocation of seats after apportionment is a question for the courts. The Court has instead returned America to its original, historical approach: apportionment is a political question, and political questions are generally not justiciable, i.e., subject to judicial review. Political questions are generally policy choices, and its not the job of unelected judges to look over the shoulders of politicians to decide which choice is better (or to pretend that better is the only constitutional choice). The job of shoulder-gazing is not judges but voters.

Id argue that the Supreme Court has beat a retreat from these questions because of another totem in liberal ideology an earlier Court foisted on Americans: one man/one vote. Before liberals faint, however, listen: the problem with one man/one vote is not that its a principle but that its become the principle, the only principle in dividing up seats.

Thats enmeshed the courts in essentially political decisions. If Baloneyville is in district 1, is there an obligation to put East Baloneyville in the same district or can it be in district 2? District 1 might numerically fit it, but are there other reasons (history, economy, or even politics) that should also be taken into account, reasons that justify putting it in district 2? These are political decisions but, since the early 1960s, theyve been turned into judicial ones -- and the courts are discovering they are the wrong instruments for making them.

The problem with one man/one vote as the factor in political representation is that it is alien to American history. We have a two-house Congress because, in 1787, we New Jerseyans did not want to be part of a country in which Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York called the shots and we just followed. One man/one vote got enshrined in the House, but the Senates principle of state equality protected against sheer numerical majoritarian tyranny. Its not rule of minority. Its recognition that true majorities are not just sheer numbers.

The same is true today. Because our Founding Fathers recognized this, presidential candidates cant treat the territorial majority of America as flyover country as they jet to campaign events in New York, LA, Boston, and San Francisco. Our system requires them to reckon with people in Iowa and Utah and Tennessee, whose interests and needs may be utterly different from New Yorkers and Angelenos. Thats not bad. That is how a country our size forges consensuses that allow us to go forward  not as fast as some want and faster than others do, but in a generally coherent path. You can ignore flyover country, but that generally doesnt work out well: just ask Hillary about the merits of dissing the post-industrial Midwest.

Its why Democrats hate the Electoral College. But the same sentiments that argue for eliminating the Electoral College would also demand elimination of the Senate, something we already hear in some woke Democrat quarters (except those who want to move into the Senate). At heart, its not about fairness. Its about raw politics and alienation from the institutions on which this country was built. Theyre happy about America -- just not the America we have.

So, yes, I want politics in apportionment because thats where decisions about representation belong. Do courts belong in this area? Sometimes  when the motivation for apportionment is unconstitutional. But such motives are primarily advanced by Democrats and the Left in general: the creation of minority majority districts, where federal law has commanded states to cobble together districts intentionally designed to enhance political power based on race. That, arguably, is unconstitutional, and the Court will wrestle with those problems soon. That is one man/one vote -- but some voters count more than others because of their skin color discrimination. And, in the end, that, too is politics -- the politics of the Democrat Left. They just want to take those politics out of peoples hands.

Politics is partisan. Water is wet. The things you discover in government.
The Right-to-Die issue appeared in the headlines recently with the death of Ludwig Minelli, who died at the age of 92. He was the founder of a Swiss organization, Dignitas, (a Right to Die organization) in 1998. He died, no surprise, by assisted suicide.

Its worthwhile taking a closer look at the Right-to-Die choice. A person who elects to choose a Right-to-Die outcome for their life may not realize that it violates moral and religious laws. A Right- to-Die choice for Jews and perhaps Christians, too, opposes the tenets of both religions.

Most of the arguments for supporting Right-to-Die focus on alleviating the suffering of the patient. The decision then raises the question about whether the person has been coerced into dying.

The Right to Die Movement first began in 1975:

In 1975, Derek Humphry helped his wife, who was dying from breast cancer, take her own life. Five years later, Humphry founds the Hemlock Society, the first right-to-die organization in the U.S., in his garage in Santa Monica, Calif. Its mission is to help terminally ill people die peacefully, and advocate for laws backing physician-assisted suicide. Humphry comes to be considered by many to be the father of the right-to-die movement, and within 12 years, the group grows to 80 chapters. And everybody said I was crazy  America was not ready for physician-assisted suicide. And I said, Oh, I think it is. And so I started out on a lonely path back in 1980, campaigning for the right to choose to die when terminally ill. Derek Humphry

If we look carefully at this choice, there are several factors that conflict with the decision to pursue this path.

We are told that this approach allows a patient to die with dignity. When we consider that we are created in the image of God, that image includes all our struggles, deformities and the decision to choose life. No matter our condition, we are innately dignified as human beings in our journey toward death. How we look, the difficulties we suffer, dont compromise or damage the truth that we are ensouled bodies. That essence never changes.

Another premise for Right-to-Die advocates is to relieve suffering. So, euthanasia and physician assisted suicide are seen as options. This is the reasoning, for example, used for killing Ludwig Minelli:

Graphic: Vial and syringe used for first COVID-19 vaccination. Wikimedia Commons. CCA-SA 4.0 International.

While in his own country, assisted dying was permitted under Swiss law since 1942, under strict condition, of course, Euthanasia still remains illegal there. The main difference is that in Switzerland, a physician cannot administer a lethal injection, which is what euthanasia is. However, a physician can provide the means for a person to end their own life, and the individual must perform the final act themselves. The legality of assisted suicide is based on Article 115 of the Swiss Criminal Code from 1942, which prohibits assistance only if motivated by selfish reason. The conditions for assisted suicide include that the assistance must not be for selfish motives and must be provided to someone of sound mind who has made a self-determined and enduring decision to die. The person must also be suffering from an unbearable and uncontrollable condition.

If we parse this quote, questions arise. Regardless of the law, the physician would be aiding and abetting the killing of a human being. Is the physician not obliging the patient for selfish reasons, to relieve himself of the burden of watching the patients suffering? And who decides that the patients condition is sufficiently unbearable?

But more than these arguments, a decidedly spiritual and faith issue can arise. For example, Judaism requires that every possible effort be made to keep the person alive; life is sacred, a gift given by God that cant be ended. So, Jews are not permitted to choose the Right to Die. This determination also applies to some Christian faiths. Here is a partial description of the Jewish position:

The preservation of life [pikuach nefesh] is considered to be of paramount importance, surpassing virtually all of the other commandments of the Torah. One may and must violate Yom Kippur or the Sabbath, eat non-kosher food, etc . if there is the slightest chance that human life may be preserved or prolonged. [snip] Keep in mind, however, that a Jew believes in a soul and that the body is simply a receptacle for the person's true spiritual essence. Souls come to earth for many, many purposes and we don't know why G-d sends souls into this life. Sometimes it could be that the spiritual destiny of a soul is to elicit certain responses on our part. The soul exists to teach us certain things about the meaning of life and love and how we relate to the dignity of a human being and when we fail to respond with sensitivity and respect for the unconditional value of that person's life, we kill off a small part of ourselves as well. Judaism rejects the notion of unlimited personal autonomy. Our bodies and our lives are not our own to do with as we will. They are temporary bailments given to us by G-d for a specific purpose and duration which only G-d can terminate and just as we don't have the moral right to kill or harm others, we don't have the moral right to kill, maim, or injure ourselves or to authorize other persons to do those things to us.

Even Buddhists and Hindus may view the taking of life as having karmic repercussions:

In both Buddhism and Hinduism, the concept of karma plays a significant role in shaping attitudes towards end-of-life care. Karma refers to the idea that an individual's actions have consequences in this life and the next, with positive actions leading to positive outcomes and negative actions leading to negative outcomes. In the context of end-of-life care, karma can influence decision-making around issues such as euthanasia and assisted suicide. For example, some Buddhists and Hindus may view euthanasia or assisted suicide as a negative action, potentially leading to negative karmic consequences.

Ultimately, assuming the law allows for it, people can choose the Right-to-Die. But if they are religious, it might be wise for them to review the tenets of their faiths before they make this irreversible choice.
In the history of American governance, few chapters will stain the pages as darkly as the utter failure of the Biden-Harris administration to safeguard unaccompanied migrant children. I must ask this question: If their goal was to intentionally traffic children into sexual slavery and forced labor, how would their actions have been any different?

For four catastrophic years, vulnerable minors poured across the Rio Grande and were funneled into a system riddled with incompetence, willful blindness, and flat-out negligence. A report from the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) landed like a bomb and exposed the tragedy: the administration lost track of over 320,000 of these children, releasing them to unvetted sponsors without so much as a whisper of accountability. These were terrified kids, fleeing poverty or violence, only to vanish into the shadows of sex trafficking, forced labor, and unimaginable abuse.

I must also ask this question: Why would parents send unaccompanied minor children on a trip across hundreds or thousands of miles, knowing the likelihood that they would be raped, otherwise abused, and forced into slavery? Were they greasing the skids for chain migration?

The human cost defies comprehension. Young girls, 16 years old or younger, drugged and pimped out by alleged "brothers" or "uncles." This was the very definition of dereliction of duty that prioritized open borders over innocent lives.

HHS stripped away rigorous vetting at the onset of Biden's "reign of error," opting for phone calls instead of in-person checks, permitting non-family sponsors -- many hosting multiple children -- to whisk away minors unchecked. Addresses provided to ICE were wrong 80% of the time, incomplete for over 31,000 kids, or downright fictional. 34 children were dumped at two nonexistent locations by one field office alone. Even worse, a 2021 interagency pact handcuffed information-sharing, blocking DHS from sponsor biometrics to shield potential criminals from scrutiny.

Law enforcement officers likened prying data from HHS to "pulling teeth," as bureaucrats fretted over deporting sponsors with rap sheets or immigration status because... racism. The result? Over 233,000 children unenrolled in immigration proceedings since January 2021, plus 43,000 no-shows in court -- prime targets for cartels surging in trafficking.

Whistleblowers like Tara Rodas, a former HHS recruit, exposed the horror: handing kids to "traffickers, members of transnational criminal organizations, bad, bad, bad people."

In a final insult, the administration's vaunted safety hotline for these kids ignored 65,000 desperate calls from August 2023 to January 2025 -- pleas that spanned complaints about "stale bread" to nightly assaults by adult men in bedrooms. Of course, it was hard to answer all those calls when there was only a single staffer assigned to the task! One boy's unanswered cries for help were finally reviewed after Trump took office and led to his rescue and his sponsor's arrest.

As with so many Democrat-run operations, fraud was rampant. Over $6 billion flowed to NGOs like Endeavors and Southwest Key, whose revenues exploded from $52 million to $1.18 billion in two years, with CEO pay doubling. These "nonprofits", 97-99% federally funded, became enablers: hiring staff without background checks, letting men roam female dorms, and even staging sexually explicit "twerking" lessons for teen girls.

They shuttled minors to flights like unwitting and unwilling cargo, while 80% of sheltered women bore scars of cartel rapes en route. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley hammered home the point: Biden's crew chose "speed and optics" over safety, releasing 24,100 kids to high-risk distant relatives or strangers in gang-infested motels. His referrals sparked 102 investigations and pierced the veil of secrecy.

Meanwhile, the Democrats maintained a stunning silence -- a void where outrage should have thundered. No fiery speeches for the lost; no knees taken in Emancipation Hall, no demands for reform. Instead, they doubled down on the very policies that unleashed this nightmare, shielding illegal aliens and the criminal networks that preyed on these innocents. Their "compassion" rings hollow when it excuses the traffickers and the NGOs fattening off federal largesse. Even as Grassley's probes exposed the firewall of secrecy, the Left blocked bills to protect these children from sexual harm. The Lefts new agenda: empathy for invaders and indifference to the victims they devour.

The NGOs were the shadowy middlemen in this tragedy, flush with taxpayer dollars yet entangled in political webs that may explain the hush. From 2021 to 2024, the federal government funneled over $10 billion in grants to immigration nonprofits for UAC services -- Catholic Charities alone pocketed $2 billion, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) $221 million in FY2023, and HIAS $40.9 million.

The quid pro quo whispers grow louder when you follow the money to campaigns. OpenSecrets data shows Catholic Charities affiliates and employees donated over $141,000 in the 2024 cycle, 95% to Democrats -- $22,305 across 40 blue lawmakers versus a pittance to Republicans.

As a Catholic, I am disgusted and scandalized.

Broader "professional Catholic" networks skewed 99% Democratic, per a 2024 Lepanto Institute analysis, fueling PACs like Immigrants' List that poured millions into pro-open-border candidates. Even ostensibly neutral groups like US Immigration Fund funneled $272,400 in 2024, with chunks to Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries ($15,000).

This financial symbiosis breeds silence: Lawmakers reliant on NGO lobbying ($730 million spent on immigration issues since 2008) hesitate to bite the hand that funds their reelection. Between January 2023 and April 2024, U.S. political campaigns collected around $8.6 billion

Democrats, the primary beneficiaries, shield the system that sustains their base's priorities; Republicans grandstand but lacked the votes for reform until now. Children are lost not just to traffickers, but to a political machine greased by grants and gratitude.

Enter President Trump and his unyielding Border Czar, Tom Homan -- a Hercules for our time, slaying the bureaucratic dragons Biden left in his wake. Since Inauguration Day, Trump's iron-fisted enforcement has sealed the border: zero releases in seven months, 579,000 removals, and 2.2 million total departures -- the most secure frontier in history. But the real miracle? Over 62,400 missing children -- Biden's castoffs, ignored and untracked -- now found and freed.

Homan, eyes glued to daily tallies, revealed on Fox News: Over 62,000 children, found by the Trump administration. Children that werent even being looked for under the Biden administration. President Trump saved over 62,000 childrens lives. Sex trafficking rings dismantled, forced labor camps raided, horrors too vile for airwaves unearthed. On X, Homan hailed the unsung heroes of HHS, ICE, and FBI: They will not stop until we run down every lead on every missing child. Trump's no-nonsense leadership -- requiring no new laws, just resolve -- has slashed crossings to zero, starving the cartels and reclaiming the innocent.

This is redemption in action: from Biden's abyss of nearly a half million ghosts to Trump's tally of triumphs. Yet the scars linger, a grim testament to leftist priorities. As Homan put it, Trump proves daily "why he's the greatest president in my lifetime."

American laws changed after the murders of Amber Hagerman and Megan Kanka. Shouldnt there be a response for these 300,000 souls? The silence must end -- not with hearings, but with handcuffs on the enablers. All of them.

Until then, America's moral compass spins in the dark.

Image: Easy-peasy AI
There is an intriguing question Virginias Attorney General-Elect (AG) Jay Jones should be asked, though it is doubtful he would choose to answer it.

Jones is the Democrat who won election as the commonwealth states new AG in November, despite some very disturbing news about him that came out in the weeks prior. Unbelievably, he won the top law enforcement office, despite having fantasized in a series of 2022 texts to a state legislator, Delegate Carrie Coyner, about killing not only a Republican legislator but the murder of the mans family as well.

The Republican opponent about whom he fantasized killing was then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert. Not only were the text messages shocking, but Jones had brazenly sent them to Coyner who was also a Republican. So damning were the texts that even some of his fellow Democrats declared he needed to drop out of the race, which he narrowly won.

This was not just a one-and-done killing fantasy. He had imagined a hypothetical in which he had two bullets and the option of killing Adolf Hitler, Pol Pot, and Gilbert. His fantasy was to use both rounds to kill Gilbert. He went on to call Gilbert and his wife breeding little fascists. He added killing their children might cause Gilbert to change his political views. Coyner finally had to demand Jones stop sending her such texts.

Outrageously, the texts were not horrendous enough for the Democrat gubernatorial candidate, Abigail Spanberger, who also won election, to call for Jones to step aside. Although Jones did state he was ashamed, embarrassed, and sorry that his comments were so egregious, no apologyespecially from the person who would be the states most senior law enforcement officer if electedshould have been deemed acceptable. (It begs the question: What is wrong with Virginia voters?)

While Jones will not be sworn in until January 17, 2026, he already acts like he has taken the oath of officeusurping the authority of the outgoing AG, Jason Miyares. The issue involves the Universal Background Check law for gun owners that was struck down in October. Virginia had until December 1st to file an appeal which, obviously, is a decision to be made by AG Miyares.

But Miyares chose not to file an appeal. Therefore, Joneswho seems to believe laws are for others to abide by and not himengaged a private law firm to file for an appeal extension until he can take office. It is an action he has no standing as an AG-elect to file.

While it is inconceivable how Jones dodged a political bullet to win his November election, it is interesting that he is already jockeying to deny residents their Second Amendment rights. But it does leave a question for him to answer as he pushes for a Virginia gun ban: When you next fantasize about killing conservatives and their families, what will be your weapon of choice if guns are banned?

Image generated by ChatGPT.
The Library of Alexandria, one of antiquitys greatest repositories of knowledge (holding up to 700,000 scrolls), was repeatedly damaged or destroyed between the 3rd century BC and 7th century ADthrough wars, accidents, and deliberate acts like Julius Caesars 48 BC siege fire or the alleged 642 AD burning under Caliph Omar. These werent mere casualties; they symbolized the victors intent to obliterate rival philosophies, sciences, and histories, ensuring dominance by starving future generations of alternative viewpoints.

During the Spanish Inquisition (14781834), the Catholic Church systematically burned Jewish, Muslim, and heretical texts to enforce doctrinal purity. In 1499, Archbishop Cisneros ordered the incineration of thousands of Arabic manuscripts in Granada, and by 1500, over 1 million volumes (including Talmudic works) were torched across Spain. This wasnt random; it was a calculated effort to erase dangerous ideas, forcing conversions and cultural amnesia on minorities.

Maos Cultural Revolution (19661976) took this to genocidal scale: Red Guards, under Maos directive to destroy the Four Olds (old customs, culture, habits, ideas), burned millions of books, including Confucian classics, Western literature, and even communist texts deemed insufficiently revolutionary. Libraries were ransacked, intellectuals persecuted, and history rewritten to glorify Maoism, resulting in the loss of centuries of Chinese heritage and the deaths of up to 2 million people.

In each case, burning was performative gaslighting: a public ritual declaring this knowledge never mattered or this truth is a lie, destabilizing collective memory and enforcing ideological conformity.

Modern Equivalents: Digital Bleaching and Psychological Manipulation

BleachBit, an open-source tool for securely deleting files, gained infamy during the 2016 Hillary Clinton email controversy. Clintons IT team used it to wipe her private server after subpoenaed emails were identified, rendering data unrecoverable (even God can't read them, as Trey Gowdy reportedly quipped). This digital burning erased potential evidence of mishandled classified information, mirroring historical purges by destroying records that could challenge official narratives. Here is the raw admission: In 2015, while testifying before Congress about 33,000 missing emails, Hillary Clinton was asked how an entire private server could be wiped clean.

Speaking to reporters, of course smirking: What, like with a cloth or something?

Gaslighting in todays politics and mediacoined from the 1944 film where a husband manipulates his wife into doubting her sanityoperates similarly but psychologically. Politicians and outlets distort facts to make audiences question reality: denying election results, reframing economic hardships as transitory, or scrubbing social media posts to alter timelines. Examples include Trumps alternative facts or media retractions buried in fine print, creating confusion akin to Inquisition edicts declaring heretical books never existed.

Resemblances: Control Through Erasure and Doubt

Both eras weaponize destruction to monopolize truth. Historical burnings were overt power displays, eliminating physical artifacts to prevent dissentAlexandrias loss halted scientific progress for centuries; the Inquisition stifled Renaissance pluralism; Maos revolution brainwashed a generation into ideological purity. Modern equivalents are stealthier: BleachBit enabled plausible deniability (e.g., accidental deletion), while gaslighting erodes trust without flamessocial media algorithms shadowban content, AI rewrites history in real-time, and journalism is built upon Orwells Memory Hole.

The core resemblance is psychological warfare: burnings instilled fear and conformity; todays tactics foster self-doubt and apathy, fragmenting society into echo chambers. In an age of infinite data, erasure isnt total destruction but selective invisibilitygaslighting convinces you the book was never there, or if it were, it was always misinformation. This digital Inquisition sustains power by making truth subjective, echoing Maos revolution where old ideas were burned to birth a new China. Ultimately, both suppress collective memory, ensuring the powerful dictate reality.

Image: Public domain.
Reflecting on the protests against tourism in Italy, Spain, and Portugal over the summer, I didnt expect to feel particularly welcome in Rome. I was wrong. Romans are the kindest people of any city Ive ever visited.

Last month, on a rainy evening after dusk, I walked past the Flaminio metro station near Piazza Del Popolo, where I noted a group of local young men in their late teens or early twenties congregated just outside the station. I was vigilant about petty theft there because my uncle had been pickpocketed a couple years back. With cautious eyes, I quickened my pace and increased the distance between myself and the young men. Then, an elderly woman visiting from Cyprus slipped on the wet cobblestones, and those men sprinted to her aid. Their humanity and consideration clearly extended to tourists.

The next day, as torrential rain continued to pound the eternal city, I took refuge with a group of tourists under a roof in a narrow alley near the Fontana Di Trevi. After entering, I noticed a sign that read, Private Property. The alley led to a beautiful courtyard that was guarded by a security guard. Instead of shooing us away -- which was entirely his right to do -- he kindly let us seek shelter in the alley for about ten minutes when the torrent became a sprinkle.

Later that week, as I traveled with my family on the metros red line from Ottaviano station near Vatican City to the Manzoni stop, a woman who looked to be on her evening commute gave up her seat so that I could sit with my sons. There werent any other seats available, and I tried to refuse the kind gesture. She simply wouldnt take no for an answer. I was overwhelmed by her courtesy, and considered Romes stark contrast to other capital cities where people didnt think to give up their seat on public transport years ago when I was heavily pregnant.

During my visit, I stayed at a hotel near the Colosseum where its fair to assume to that receptionists and shopkeepers are tired of being considerate of tourists needs. And yet, they went out of their way to accommodate us. When it was raining, for example, they offered us umbrellas to borrow for the day. They also asked us about what attractions we saw upon our return each day.

Chatting with the receptionists during their down time was like have conversations with interesting acquaintances. They kindly shared their experiences, for example, about what it was like when Italy converted to the euro from the lira in 2002 -- prices initially doubling while salaries lagged. Romans working frontline service jobs were welcoming and deeply enriched our understanding of Italy and her people.

At the grocery store around the corner from my hotel, the woman working in the deli and bakery section was exceedingly patient as I ordered enough deli meats and cheeses, (names which I definitely mispronounced), to feed an army. Embarrassed with the amount of food I was ordering, but not able to speak Italian, I felt the need to explain it was for my three bambinos. The womans face lit up and she told me that she had four bambinos, who are now grown. And one mother to another -- she offered each day to slice our bread with a knife; a service not usually offered to customers.

Before visiting Rome, I had heard many times that theres not much violent crime, but theres a concerning amount of pickpocketing and petty theft. I hadnt heard, however, that Romans are among the most considerate city-dwellers in the world. I would recommend investing in a neck wallet, visiting Rome in any time but the hot summer months, and engaging in conversations with the locals.

Stephanie Lundquist-Arora is a contributor to the Washington Examiner, The Federalist, and IW Features, a mother in Fairfax County, Virginia, an author, and the Fairfax chapter leader of the Independent Womens Network.

Image: Roman Suzuki
MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Saluda Medical, Inc. (ASX:SLD, "Saluda" or the "Company"), a commercial-stage medical device company focused on developing treatments for chronic neurological conditions using its novel closed-loop neuromodulation platform, announced it has commenced trading on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) following the completion of its initial public offering (IPO).

Under the IPO, Saluda successfully raised A$230.8 million (~US$150 million) from new and existing securityholders through the issue of ~87.1 million new CHESS Depositary Interests (CDIs) at A$2.65 per share. Funds raised will be used to expand Saluda's sales team, marketing and commercial support and product development. Trading on the ASX commenced December 5, 2025, under ASX ticker "SLD".

As outlined within the Prospectus, existing securityholders include Wellington Management, Fidelity Management & Research Company, funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., TPG Life Sciences Innovations, Redmile Group, LLC, amongst others.

"This IPO and capital raise mark an important moment for Saluda," said Barry Regan, President & CEO of Saluda Medical. "With strong clinical evidence, a scalable commercial model, and the dedication of our team, we are now even better positioned to accelerate our mission globally. This funding enables us to expand our U.S. footprint, invest in innovation, and deliver on our commitment to transform patient care worldwide."

Developed over 15 years, Saluda's proprietary, FDA-approved Evoke System is the first SCS device capable of reading and responding to the spinal cord's evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) in real time. A highly differentiated device, Saluda's Evoke System is supported by published three-year clinical data demonstrating superior long-term durability compared with traditional open-loop (fixed-dose) SCS therapies. Notably, at 36 months, 83% of patients achieved 50% pain reduction and there were zero explants due to loss of efficacy.

"Saluda's technology is a true paradigm shift in the world of neuromodulation," said Jason E. Pope, MD, Founder & CEO, Evolve Restorative Center, Santa Rosa, CA, USA. "By delivering closed-loop stimulation, pulse by pulse, tailored to each individual patient's physiology, it sets a new standard of care for personalized pain management. With Saluda's IPO and expansion plans, I'm thrilled to see greater patient access to this objective and innovative therapy, elevating patient care worldwide by consistently delivering on meaningful and durable pain relief."

About Saluda Medical

Saluda Medical is a commercial-stage medical device company focused on developing treatments for chronic neurological conditions using its novel neuromodulation platform. The Company's closed-loop, dose-control platform senses and measures neural responses to stimulation and automatically adjusts therapy based on real-time neurophysiological feedback. The Company's first product, the Evoke System, is indicated as an aid in the management of chronic intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs, including unilateral or bilateral pain associated with failed back surgery syndrome, intractable low back pain, and leg pain, and is designed to treat chronic neuropathic pain by providing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy that senses and measures neural activation to optimize therapy and reduce patient and clinician burden.12-month results from the EVOKE study, the first and only prospective, multi-center, parallel-arm, double-blind, randomized controlled pivotal study with a voluntary crossover arm in SCS, demonstrated clinically superior pain relief to open-loop therapy and were published in The Lancet Neurology. 24-month results were published in JAMA Neurology, and 36-month data, demonstrating sustained pain relief, were published in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. To learn more, including risks and important safety information, visit www.saludamedical.com/us/safety/.

Saluda and Evoke are registered trademarks owned by Saluda Medical Pty Ltd.

Foreign Ownership Restriction

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The ever-ditzy Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) was a guest on the "Grounded" podcast, when she was asked by host Jon Tester about the presence of military personnel in cities like Washington, D.C., and Chicago, Illinois.

Though the podcast aired this past September, a couple of her comments have recently re-surfaced and gone viral.

When Tester asked the congresswoman her thoughts on the military presence in those cities, Crockett replied, I think its terrible.

That opinion can legitimately be debated by people of good faith.

However, she went on to say: "I want to be clear that, like, law enforcement isn't to prevent crime.

Huh?!

She added, Law enforcement solves crime. O.K.? That is what they are supposed to do. They are supposed to solve crimes, not necessarily, um, prevent them from happening per se."

O.K., Jazzy, now take your meds. Again, we can debate the merits of military personnel in American cities, but not that statement.

Those in law enforcement are explicitly tasked with enforcing the law. A significant part of that mandate is to try to prevent people from, like, breaking the law, brainiac. They are not supposed to be indifferent to, say, murders, rapes, and terrorist attacks causing mass casualties. The goal is to prevent these crimes, not just investigate or solve them after they have occurred.

This would be like saying a stores Loss Prevention personnel are, like, not supposed to prevent losses, but solve them after the fact, whatever she thinks that means.

We have arrived at a time and place where words and phrases seem to have no set meaning. But its worse than that. In truth, their meaning has been perverted, inverted, reversed. The Left has conscripted them and sent them to the front lines in an all-out War on Truth, Sanity, and Morality.

Jesus said that He was the truth, so those who so adamantly oppose it, obscure it, bastardize it -- and attempt to deceive others via a forked tongue -- are acting in direct contravention to Him.

So, Rep. Crockett, dogcatchers are not supposed to catch dogs? Teachers/instructors are not supposed to teach/instruct? Are house-sitters not supposed to housesit, air traffic controllers not supposed to control air traffic?

No one should wish to live in a world where law enforcement isnt intended to prevent crime. We are seeing proof positive of that in several major American cities where law enforcement has had its hands tied. And fewer people would be  and are  living in places like that.

Jasmine Crockett is, like, um, literally  daft.

And her ideas are an existential threat to this republic.

But, as the Gutfeld! show would say: Thats our Jazzy!

Image: Screen shot from X video
In defrauding taxpayers of over $1 billion from a program set up to feed school children, Somalis in Minneapolis participated in a time-honored American tradition that has its roots in the black civil rights movement. I say that because fraud accompanied almost every program that emerged from that movement. A strikingly similar scam to the recent Somali one was run by Jesse Jackson with his Rainbow PUSH coalition. It came around to bite him in 2002 when his fellow PUSH associates were convicted of stealing millions of dollars and Jackson himself only narrowly avoided being criminally indicted by publicly admitting to receiving improper payments and repaying about $200,000 of it.

Scams like these only work when public officials can be cowed with accusations of being racist. Somalis providing fake meals for the Feeding our Future program, like their predecessors in the Rainbow PUSH coalition, needed guilt-ridden Minnesotans as pigeons to perpetrate such a fraud. Just imagine if they tried to fleece an Islamic charity associated with Al-Shabab in their ancestral homeland what would happen to them. They would not go to jail; they would just have their hands amputated.

Ilhan Omar is a big defender of her Somali constituents and is the first to level charges of racism at anyone who looks too closely at the communitys shady dealings. She succeeds because she appeals to a wider audience of guilty white liberals. Like Gandhi, she only thrives under a liberal establishment that will give weight to her humbug. However, except for her dress, she is not an exotic. Like I have said about Zohran Mamdani, she is as American as apple pie and knows how to work the system and push all the buttons. Despite her lip service praising Somaliland, I would have a better chance of surviving there than she would. Within hours of arriving, she would find herself locked up in some warlords harem with duct tape across her mouth.

America has a lot of traditions. We dont celebrate all of them, but it is foolish to deny their existence. Scamming the white man and screaming racist when caught is just one of them, so is anyone really surprised when the Somali community embraces it?

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With the second stabbing by an illegal alien in Charlotte, NC over the weekend, the left is still maintaining these are isolated incidents. (Most of America views it differently.) It doesnt matter what label you put on these crimes; they are horrific and unnecessary.

MS-13, for example, has racked up a laundry list of crimes, including murders, many of which are committed by illegals, as has Tren de Aragua. Again, proponents of open borders claim we should ignore these, that the problem really doesnt exist except on Fox News.

Its tempting to quote current events, but historically, this is not a new issue. Even the 1993 World Trade Center Bombing, a prelude to the 9-11 attacks, was partially committed by people in the U.S. illegally.

As the author of true crime and history books, I always look to our past in framing our current state. The case that comes to mind is one not mentioned but is worth looking at. I refer you to the Crime of the Century. No, not OJ Simpson, but the murder of Charles Lindberghs baby.

Lindbergh, Lucky Lindy, was a global sensation after his solo flight across the Atlantic. He made Taylor Swift look like just another face in the crowd, such was his popularity. In March 1932, someone broke into the Lindberghs house, climbing up to the second story nursery, and stole their baby.

It was a manhunt of epic proportions. There were ransom notes, passed to a concerned citizen who even sat with the kidnapper to try to negotiate the release of the childand Lindbergh paid the ransom. For two years, the story of the Lindbergh baby kidnapping was front-page news.

Eventually, the childs skeletal remains were found less than a mile from his home. Tracing the money led to Bruno Richard Hauptmann, who was arrested for the crime, tried, and executed.

What few people discuss is that Hauptmann was an illegal immigrant in the U.S. He had been arrested for stealing coal in Germany, a minor offense at best, but one he was convicted of.

The first time he tried to come into the U.S., he used a false alias, Karl Pellmier. He stowed away on a ship coming from Germany, and was deported back to his homeland. He tried again to stow away and was once more sent back.

On his third attempt, he literally jumped ship and swam ashore. Another immigrant, Fred Aldinger, took him in, helping him assimilate for the next year and a half. For a while, Hauptmann settled in, joining the carpentry union, and getting small jobs in the New York area. He married a young woman from Germany and had a child of his own.

Arguments have been made for decades that Hauptmann was framed, that he didnt act alone (the equivalent of fake news today). What is known is that the ladder used to reach the Lindbergh childs bedroom was made with floorboards from Hauptmanns attic and that he had and used the ransom money.

The crime he committed was so heinous that it almost always overlooks the fact that Hauptmann was not ever supposed to be in the United States to begin with. The petty crime of stealing coal in Germany was a precursor to worse crimes in the U.S. If he had been vetted properly, he would have not been allowed in under laws at the time. He went on to kill the baby of an American hero, then continued to extort money from the parents, who had no idea their child was dead. If nothing else, it screams for the need for background checks of those that come to our shores.

There were no outcries at the time about him being here illegally because he circumvented a very solid immigration system that was in place at the time. Things are quite different this time around. The immigration system that Hauptmann avoided by jumping ship has been systematically dismantled and is only now in the process of being rebuilt. As we cope with criminals in our country who are here illegally, we are paying the price for an open border policy created by the Democrats, who did nothing to stop the influx of illegals.

Often, looking to our past is a good way to help solve the present. Such is the case with immigration.

Blaine Pardoe is a New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author canceled by one of his publishers in 2022. He writes in a number of genres including true crime and military history. His conservative political thriller series, Blue Dawn, is the story of the violent overthrow of the government by radical progressives. His new series, Tenure, is about a Punisher-like hero that goes after the woke. He also authors the bestselling military science fiction series, Land&Sea.

Image: Public domain.
The old politics was a gentlemen's game: incumbents reigned, challengers were rare, and primaries were sleepy affairs where the establishment always won.

The new politics is a knife fight in the dark, where the primary is the blade, gaslighting is the smokescreen, and a new breed of carpetbagger uses identity politics and victimology to storm the castle while pretending to be the underdog.

Take Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) in 2018. She was a 28-year-old bartender from the Bronx, primarying 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley in NY-14.

The Democratic machine dismissed her as a fringe DSA upstart, with internals showing her at single digits. But through stealth  leveraging social media for small-donor fury and framing Crowley as a "corporate Democrat"  she flipped the script.

Victimology ruled: AOC positioned herself as the voice of the oppressed working class, the Latina underdog against the white male machine. Identity politics sealed it: her campaign tapped into Bronx and Queens' diverse demographics, turning "bold change" into a rallying cry for the marginalized. She won 57%-43% in a low-turnout primary, then cruised to the general.

The gaslighting pivot? Post-win, the party acted like the upset was inevitable, erasing how they had mocked her months earlier.

Zohran Mamdani in 2025 followed the blueprint.

A DSA-backed state assemblyman from Queens, he primaryed centrists like Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams in the New York City mayoral race.

Early polls pegged him at 18-26%, but by sustaining the underdog label  "a Muslim South Asian outsider fighting the elite"  he built a stealth attack.

Victimology was key: Mamdani leaned into narratives of Islamophobia and immigrant struggle, while identity politics mobilized youth (55% under-30) and foreign-born voters (62%).

Gaslighting sustained it: the establishment downplayed his surge as "niche," until he clinched the primary 56-44% over Cuomo.

Suddenly, the pivot: "Everyone saw this coming."

He won the general with 50.78%, a new carpetbagger in old clothes  using progressive cred to conquer from within.

This is the new form of carpetbagger politics: not Northern opportunists in the post-Civil War South, but leftist insurgents primarying centrists in their own party, wielding identity and victimhood as weapons.

Democrats' stealth attack is brilliant  sustain the underdog label to avoid scrutiny, then gaslight the loss as destiny.

It's not about policy; it's about power. AOC and Mamdani aren't anomalies; they're the model for others like Cori Bush or Jamaal Bowman (before their 2024 losses). The primary is the battlefield, where low turnout favors the activated base, and gaslighting keeps the center asleep until it's too late.

The republic pays the price: a polarized politics where centrists are purged, extremes rule, and the middle class wonders why nothing works. Balance is gone; every day is a devaluation of norms. If we don't wake up, the new politics will fiatize democracy itself  unmoored from reality, worth less every cycle.
I am not a lawyer, but Ive enforced, applied, studied and taught the law for a half century. In my role as head of a church security team I still teach the law of self-defense, and have corresponded with Andrew Branca, who is a lawyer, arguably Americas foremost authority on self-defense law, and the author of The Law of Self-Defense: The Indispensable Guide for the Armed Citizen. If you own guns, and particularly if you carry a handgun, its a truly indispensable book.

Graphic: Book cover scan

Understand Im not dispensing legal advice, merely providing general information. Its vital you read and understand the law wherever you live and travel. Its equally essential you understand the politics of police and prosecutors wherever you live or travel. Blue states are likely to ignore the law and prosecute the law-abiding for daring to defend their lives against favored criminal victim groups.

The essential fact Ive learned about the law of self-defense, which comes from the English common law, and before that the Bible, is one cant review it often enough. It is at once simple and complex.

In essence, deadly force is lawful if a reasonable person would believe theyre facing an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to self or another.

If those elements are present, one need not wait to absorb the first blow, gunshot or knife thrust.

Think of a reasonable person as a person of average or normal intelligence and perception, Joe or Jane Average.

An imminent threat is one fractions of a second or seconds from happening or happening right now. A possible threat, or a threat that might happen in the future does not qualify.

Serious bodily injury or death should be self-explanatory, but as I earlier noted, can be tricky.

If someone is standing five feet from you, menacing you with a gun or knife, a reasonable person would believe the threat is imminent and could result in serious bodily injury or death. But what if theyre unarmed but equally aggressive and ready to attack?

Size, weight, numbers and age disparities matter. Human beings are at once amazingly resilient and terribly fragile. Ive seen people who walked away with barely a scratch from car accidents that looked like their vehicle went through a car crusher. Ive also seen people who were crippled or killed by a single blow to the head.

A fit 70-year-old man facing a 20-year-old thug, or several thugs even though theyre unarmed, could easily be justified in responding with gunfire. So too could a woman. The average unarmed man could easily kill the average woman, so great is the disparity in strength and aggression.

In the Michael Brown case a police officer was ruled justified in shooting Brown by the local prosecutor and the Obama DOJ because the disparity in size, weight and aggression was so great. Brown was an 18-year-old pot addict and thug wannabe, 64 and nearly 300 pounds. He tried to beat the officer to death and nearly succeeded in snatching his handgun. The officer testified it was like trying to fight Hulk Hogan, and the grand jury, and federal prosecutors who would have loved to have jailed the white officer for life, had no choice but to clear him.

If youre justified in shooting, you may fire as many shots as necessary to stop, not kill the attacker. Thats not merely semantics. If youre justified in shooting, you shoot because of the overwhelming need to stop the attacker from doing what gave you the justification to shoot in the first place. If they die, that was their very bad choice. And when the threat ends, the shooting ends. Going beyond that might encourage a prosecutor to prosecute you. You do not think, or ever say, you intended to shoot to kill. You dont want to hurt anyone, but if you didnt shoot your attacker at that moment, you or another would surely have suffered serious bodily injury or death.

What if an attacker confronts you as you get out of your car at home? Youre justified in shooting, but should you drag them into your home? Absolutely not. If the elements are present, the location is essentially irrelevant. Worse, doing anything to alter a crime scene will surely see you prosecuted.

Again, knowing the law where you live or travel is essential. The majority of states have Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws, which also may have a bearing on self-defense situations, but thats a topic for another article.

Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
Once upon a time, there were two ways of coming to the U.S. One way was to apply for entry, wait your turn, fill out documents, not be a public charge, undergo a criminal background check and so on. Its the way most people came in. The other way was to gain entry because you were a political refugee or were escaping communism. This is how I came in with my parents in the 1960s.

Both groups were grateful for the opportunity. In my own case, I thank my late parents every morning that I got to grow up in the U.S. Who knows what would have happened to me if I stayed in Cuba? For sure, I wouldnt be posting on something like AT and expressing my viewpoints freely. My fathers cousin did something like that and ended up in a political prison for 14 years.

Under President Biden, the system was broken. Some say on purpose, others say that it was incompetence. The net result is the same though, and reasonable Americans, even naturalized U.S. citizens, are wondering what in the world is going on. This is a great post from Victor Davis Hanson:

It is hard now even for Democrats to defend illegal immigration, given that the Biden administration allowed in more than 10 million entrants. Among them were an estimated 500,000 criminals. No one believes that was wise or should ever be repeated. Worse, the message went out that there would be few, if any, deportations and no real ICE kinetic activity beyond the border. The worlds poor, sick, both law-abiding and criminal, young and old, understood that anyone could now enter the U.S. at will. Deterrence and legality were lost. In its place, the message went out that if it was permissible to cross the border unlawfully, then, by extension, it would be seen as equally fine to reside illegally as welland perhaps further to ignore laws, on the theory that the host had sanctioned all such exemptions.

Aint that the truth. Theyve even changed the language. They are now undocumented rather than illegal. I guess that they are people who crossed the border and lost their wallets on the way? Doesnt everybody lose their wallet when they have to walk a long distance? Undocumented has a softer sound to it, whereas illegal means that you broke the law.

Please dont get me wrong. If I were a Haitian Id rather live in Miami too. And you can say something similar about most people in poor countries. However, thats not immigration. Thats resettlement, or replacement, or whatever. It doesnt mean that the people are bad. It means that you are bringing people in for the wrong reason. We should remind countries, like Haiti or Mexico, that the purpose of immigration is not to send remittances back home.

Add to this that some of these people are now marching in our universities or complaining about whatever government services they get, and its inevitable that most reasonable people are fed up.

As my late Cuban mother used to say, these Americanos are so nice. Look how generous they are. Well, the Biden immigration policies, to paraphrase the aforementioned Victor Davis Hanson, ...have turned the most generous nation in the world from the most welcoming to increasingly resistant to mass immigration of any sort.

Its not racism. Its common sense or the reason that Star County, the most Mexican county in Texas, voted for Trump in 2024.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.

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In the years leading up to the First World War, Britains Royal Navy faced an existential challenge. Germanys naval expansion, and especially its submarine warfare, forced the Admiralty to rethink what the future of sea power would look like. The dreadnought battleship still ruled the waves, but underwater warfare was evolving with a speed that made planners uneasy. In this atmosphere of urgency, innovation, and fear, the British instructed its engineers to build a submarine that was fast enough to operate with the battle fleet.

The result was the K-class submarine, a vessel so ambitious and so compromised that it earned a darkly comic set of nicknames Kalamity class and Killer class. The K-class proved to be the deadliest warship ever built, but only for those who sailed them.



British submarine K15. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Most submarines of the era were slow, lurking predators meant for independent attack missions. But British admirals wanted something different. They imagined submarines working with the main fleetrunning on the surface at the high speeds required for reconnaissance and screening operations, then diving to attack when needed.

To achieve this, the K-class received what no other submarine ever had. It had massive steam turbines, capable of pushing the boats to more than 21 knots on the surface, and fast enough to keep up with battlecruisers.

But speed came with extraordinary complexity. The K-boats needed oil-fired boilers, funnels for exhaust, large air intakes and giant hulls over 330 feet long, as big as light cruisers. When a K-class submarine needed to dive, the crew had to shut down the boilers, retract the funnels, seal the intakes, and convert to electric motorsa process that took far too long for emergency combat. This meant that when a submarine was attacked on the surface, a crash dive was impossible. While a well-drilled U-boat could dive in 90 seconds, the K-boat crew would be doing well to get below in less than five minutes.

There was also the problem off maneuverability. Their long hulls resisted turning and tended to plough underwater, leading to sudden uncontrolled dives.

The story of the early K-boats was a catalogue of disasters.



Submarine K4 stranded on Walney Island. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

K13 sank to the bottom of Gareloch during sea trials when an intake failed to close whilst diving and her engine room flooded. 32 seamen lost their lives. K2 caught fire on her first dive. K3 plunged to the bottom of the Stokes Bay on a test dive. K1 collided with K4 off the Danish coast and was scuttled to avoid capture. K5 was lost during a mock battle. K15 sank at her mooring in Portsmouth.

Despite these setbacks and the mounting loss of lives, the Admiralty pressed ahead for three years with K-boats, even though the plan of their eventual usein close formation with the battle fleetwas fraught with danger as evidenced by the incident of January 31, 1918.

The Battle of May Island

That evening, around forty naval vessels left Rosyth on the Firth of Forth, Scotland, bound for Scapa Flow in Orkney where exercises involving the entire Grand Fleet would take place the following day. Among them was the 5th Battle Squadron of three battleships with their destroyer escorts, the 2nd Battlecruiser Squadron of four battlecruisers and their destroyers, two cruisers and two flotillas of K-class submarines.

The fleet moved in long, blacked-out columns, carefully spaced with only a dim blue stern light that was shielded to block visibility from the sides. All ships maintained strict radio silence to avoid attracting possible lurking enemy ships.

The night was clear and the seas relatively calm, but the moon had not yet come up. At approximately 19:00 hours, the lead vessel battlecruiser HMS Courageous passed the Isle of May just as a low-lying bank of mist settled over the sea.

As the flotilla passed the island, a pair of minesweepers sprang out of nowhere forcing the vessels to alter course sharply to port to avoid them. At that moment, the helm of K14 jammed and she veered out of line. Seeing the K14 unable to alter her course, the boat behind her, K12 turned on her navigation lights and so did K14. However, the submarine K22, which was following the K12, lost sight of the rest of the flotilla in the mist, veered off the line and struck K14, killing two men.

Aware of the stricken ships ahead, HMS Fearless came to a stop and signaled that she did so. K4 also came to a stop, but the trailing boats did not. K3 narrowly missed K4 and then stopped three cables further on, but K6, despite going full astern, could not avoid a collision, ramming the broadside of K4 and nearly cutting the latter in half. The seriously damaged K4 sank with all of her crew; while going down, she was hit by K7.



The bow of the cruiser HMS Fearless after colliding with the submarine K17. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Meanwhile, the K22 sent up distress signals, and the HMS Ithuriel responded by turning around and leading the 13th Submarine Flotilla towards the sinking boats. As the 13th Flotilla reached the Isle of May, they encountered the outbound 12th Submarine Flotilla. Fearless, the leader of the 12th Flotilla, was moving at full speed, and rammed the K17, damaging Fearless' bow, and sinking the K17.

At this point the 5th Battle Squadron of three battleships and their destroyers passed through the area, unaware of what had happened, with some of the destroyers cutting down the survivors of K17 struggling in the water. Only nine of the 56 men originally on board the submarine survived, and one of these died of his injuries shortly afterwards. A total of 48 men from K17's crew were lost.

Within 75 minutes, two submarines had sunk, three had been badly damaged, and 105 men had been killed. Because the incident happened during wartime, and because the Admiralty feared public embarrassment and morale damage, details were tightly suppressed and not released until 1994.

The name Battle of May Islanda bit of sailors gallows humourstuck. It was not a battle, and no enemy was present, yet it resembled a chaotic naval engagement fought entirely by British ships against each other.

The disaster did not immediately end the K-class program, but it destroyed confidence in high-speed steam submarines. After the war, the Admiralty quietly retired the boats, acknowledging that the concept was flawed. Submarine doctrine shifted back to diesel-electric propulsion and independent attacksroles submarines were actually suited for.

References:

# The Battle of May Island. Naval Historical Society of Australia

# Reflecting on a dark for the navy. The Scotts Magazine

# Battle of May Island. Wikipedia
The Xiaomi 17 went official in September and was one of the first to feature Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. However, its still awaiting a wider release. Much like this year, the vanilla model may debut alongside the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in global regions. While Xiaomi is tight-lipped about the launch timeline, a new leak claims that Xiaomi 17 will launch in global regions in January.

Xiaomi 17 may launch globally in January 2026

The alleged Xiaomi 17 has been spotted on the Geekbench benchmarking website. This is apparently the global variant of the phone. Based on this latest development, tipster Abhishek Yadav on X says the Xiaomi 17 may launch globally in January 2026. Furthermore, he also adds that the phone will arrive in India in January or February.

To recall, the Xiaomi 15 and the 15 Ultra debuted globally in March. This means the company is fast-forwarding the launch of the successor, if the leak indeed pans out. Meanwhile, a recent leak suggested the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will debut in China on December 26th.

The alleged Xiaomi 17 has appeared on Geekbench with the model number 25113PN0EC. The listing shows the phone will get Android 16 OS and 12GB RAM. It could also feature Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, much like the China version. This shows a single-core score of 3,176 and 10,010 points in the multi-core segment.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Android 16 OS

The Geekbench AI score images shared by tipster Abhishek Yadav show the model number 25113PN0EG, which could be a global variant. It reveals a Single-Precision score of 559, a Half-Precision score of 555, and a 1,261 Quantized score. This, too, reveals the same hardware. Additionally, the source code section of this confirms Adreno 840.

Considering the Xiaomi 17 global variant shares the same specs as the Chinese variant, we may see a 6.3-inch LTPO 1.5K AMOLED display, a 7,000mAh battery with 10W fast charging, and triple Leica cameras. The phone offers an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, an IP68 rating, and 50W wireless charging.
DALLAS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Servify, today announced a collaboration with AT&T, to launch AT&T Business Protect Enterprise Plans as an extension of the Business Protect portfolio of device protection products. Enterprise plans feature tiered pricing designed to serve AT&T business customers ranging from mid to large enterprise-size organizations.

"We're proud to deepen our collaboration with Servify as part of our comprehensive approach to wireless service and connectivity," said John Blinkiewicz, vice president of mobility products, AT&T Business. "By integrating device protection into our offerings, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering reliable, end-to-end solutions that support businesses with the peace of mind they need to stay connected and productive."

Servify and AT&T launch an extension of the AT&T Business Protect portfolio of device protection products. Post this

"We are super proud of our partnership with AT&T. As mobility and connectivity become even more imperative to business operations, enterprises must be able to efficiently manage device lifecycles. With the launch of tiered pricing with AT&T Business Protect, every enterprise has an opportunity to maximize savings for device protection. Servify's proprietary, AI-powered technology platform is simplifying and enriching the customer experience at a significantly lower cost," said Rahul Prabhakar, President, Servify North America.

The program includes an enterprise portal for ease of onboarding, agentic tech support, and AI-powered claim fulfillment enhancing the customer experience and driving cost efficiency for AT&T enterprise customers. Built to support the dynamic needs of today's connected businesses, the solution is designed to minimize disruptions from accidental damage and device breakdowns, helping enterprises keep operations running without interruption. The customers have a choice of any service mode including Advance exchange and 2,000+ walk-in repair locations with global coverage.

With this, Servify is further expanding its presence in the global enterprise market and demonstrating its ability to create customized, co-branded programs that improve revenue and retention with leading global brands. Servify's approach leverages the gap between customer needs and technological capabilities to redefine how device protection is delivered in the business space.

About Servify

Servify is a global leader in product protection and exchange programs that enhance customer experiences and build lasting brand loyalty. Servify partners with carriers, retailers, and OEMs representing over 100 leading global brands including Apple, Samsung, Bose, HP, and Amazon.

Servify's technology-driven platform seamlessly integrates people, processes, and technology to deliver a fully digital and integrated experience across its offerings. Its proprietary platform connects all key stakeholders in the product ecosystem, ensuring real-time transparency and operational efficiency. Leveraging AI-powered innovation, Servify delivers conversational support, automated adjudication, and AI avatars, ensuring exceptional support throughout the customer lifecycle.

Servify empowers its customers to boost revenue, improve retention, and enable superior experiences for their consumers. With a relentless focus on customer experience that includes over 2,000 walk-in repair locations across North America, Servify supports tens of millions of consumers worldwide. For more information, visit Servify.com .

About AT&T

We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.

Contact Information

Servify (US) Inc.

Jen Iliff

Marketing

[email protected]

419-429-9084

SOURCE Servify
The UK homes that attracted the most views this year have been revealed by property site Rightmove (RMV.L).

The list includes a Welsh townhouse, a multimillion-pound London mansion and a 12-bedroom Georgian residence in Newcastle. You can see the full list below.

Rightmove also analysed the most-searched-for UK locations, with London, Manchester, and Glasgow coming top. Bristol and Edinburgh completed the top five.

Within London, Wimbledon, Fulham and Chiswick emerged as the neighbourhoods that buyers searched the most for this year, while Canary Wharf, Clapham and Fulham led searches among renters.

Coastal markets also remained attractive, with Bournemouth, Eastbourne, and Worthing ranking as the most-viewed seaside areas.

Internationally, Spain, France and Dubai dominated overseas searches, followed by Portugal and Italy, continuing a trend of interest in warmer climates and lifestyle-led relocations.

Read more: How to avoid overspending at Christmas

Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, said: With billions of minutes spent on Rightmove each year, we have a unique window into the nations passion for property. Our review of the year spotlights some of the most popular trends from the year. From coastal escapes to overseas dream homes, this years most popular homes show that whether its a move or a moment of inspiration, people continue to love picturing their next move.

Rightmoves analysis of keyword searches shows that buyers were most focused on securing a garage in 2025, with an annexe and garden also in demand.

Renters priorities differed  pet-friendly homes topped the list, followed by a garage and furnished properties.

The UKs most-viewed homes

Several standout listings drew vast levels of attention online:

1. Conwy, Wales  875,000

A quaintly elegant abode

A medieval townhouse that attracted widespread social media attention thanks to its high-heeled bathtub, described as a fusion of history and high fashion. Listed by Dafydd Hardy.

2. St Johns Wood, London  49.95m

The sprawling property spans five floors (Dimitrios Sofianopoulos)

A palatial mansion in one of the capitals most exclusive areas. Listed by Sothebys International Realty.

3. Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne  20m

A Georgian gem in the heart of Newcastle

A Georgian estate offering a rare blend of elegance and space in a sought-after neighbourhood. Listed by Sanderson Young.

4. Glasgow, Scotland  2.5m

The building was formerly the Italian consulate

A Victorian townhouse in Glasgow's Park District featuring original elements, including marble staircases and ionic columns. Listed by Savills.

5. Cour DHonneur, Oakham  6m

A parkland gem

A Grade I listed mansion set within 67 acres, described as combining royal grandeur with historic artistry. Listed by Tyron Ash International Real Estate.

Overseas properties that captured attention

International listings also commanded significant interest:

1. Mallorca, Spain  66.336m

Secluded and serene

A newly built estate in a prestigious enclave, this country house boasts 29 bedrooms. Listed by Sothebys International Realty.

2. Lagos, Portugal  23.598m

Oceanfront views

An 8-bedroom oceanfront villa positioned on the ruins of a 16th-century fortress. At over 23m, it's currently the most expensive house for sale in Portugal. Listed by Exclusive Algarve Villas.

3. Corfu, Greece  12.236m

Panoramic Ionian views are a big draw

A seafront estate with two villas and an infinity pool, surrounded by olive groves. Listed by Roula Rouva  Forbes Global Properties.

4. Lombardy, Italy  152,950

This 3-bedroom is just a 15-minute drive from the shores of Lake Como

A hillside estate near Lake Como featuring original stonework and vaulted ceilings. Listed by Lakeside Real Estate.

5. Cannes, France  104.88m

This French villa includes a cinema, nightclub, gym and sauna

Le Palais Venitien, a 3,000m property with panoramic bay views and Venetian-inspired design. Listed by Home Hunts SARL.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
Tooth decay is largely caused by sugar, which interacts with bacteria on our teeth to cause damage. (Getty Images) (Catherine Falls Commercial via Getty Images)

The importance of taking care of our teeth has been instilled in us since childhood. But new data reveals that levels of tooth decay among adults in England are similar to those last seen in 1998.

Results from the latest Adult Oral Health Survey (AOHS) revealed that more than four in 10 people (41%) had obvious signs of rotten teeth when examined.

This is a jump from 28% in 2009 and is almost on par with levels in 1998, with experts describing the findings as "deeply alarming".

The survey also found that more than 40% of respondents reported that their oral health impacted their daily life, up from 33% in 2009, while almost one in five (19%) had potentially urgent conditions, such as dental pain and deep decay.

Why are tooth decay levels rising?

Tooth decay can be prevented with good oral hygiene, reduced sugar intake and regular visits to the dentist, but the survey reveals Britons are finding it hard to access an NHS dentist. (Getty Images) (KoldoyChris via Getty Images)

Experts warn that the decline in oral health is due to several reasons, including a fall in regular dental visits.

In 2009, 61% of people reported that they would go to the dentist for a check-up, but this has since fallen to just over half (52%).

Meanwhile, over a third (35%) said they would only visit their dentist if they were having problems.

It comes as Britons face long waiting lists to get an NHS dentist appointment and the British Dental Association (BDA) said current waiting lists to see an NHS dentist are the "worst they have ever seen across the UK".

To make matters worse, a third (31%) of respondents to the survey said they cannot afford to pay for a dental appointment. Dental appointment costs are grouped into three bands, with the most basic NHS check-up (band 1) costing 27.40. Band 2 costs 75.30 and band 3 costs 326.70. Some people, including pregnant women, those under the age of 18 and those on various benefits, are entitled to free treatment on the NHS.

The survey also highlighted inequalities in oral health, with people in more deprived areas experiencing more pain, a worse quality of life and being less likely to attend the dentist regularly.

Earlier this year, the BDA warned that some people have been forced to turn to "DIY dentistry" and pull out their own teeth at home because they can not access or afford an NHS dentist, with the association highlighting reports of patients left needing emergency surgery due to untreated dental infections.

What causes tooth decay?

Sugar is the biggest cause of tooth decay and certain high sugar foods can have a worse impact. (Getty Images) (mediaphotos via Getty Images)

Professor George Tsakos, professor of dental public health at University College London, explained that tooth decay is largely caused by sugar.

Each tooth is coated with a layer of bacteria known as plaque, which reacts with sugar from the food and drink we eat to produce acid. This acid causes decay, which can lead to tooth cavities. It can attack the teeth for up to an hour after eating.

Great Ormond Street Hospital states that tooth decay is preventable through good oral hygiene, reduced sugar intake, and regular dental check-ups.

Prof Tsakos added that prevention strategies to address the nation's sugar intake are essential, pointing to the government's planned extension of the sugar tax to include milk-based drinks, which are also high in sugar.

He said: "This presents a considerable public health challenge and is an area that we need to look at as a priority."

4 foods that are most likely to lead to tooth decay

 Carbonated soft drinks

Carbonated soft drinks tend to be high in sugar and acid, which greatly impact your teeth. (Getty Images) (Dreamer Company via Getty Images)

Popular soft drinks, such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Fanta, Sprite, and others, play a significant role in dental decay due to the high amount of sugar and acid present in these beverages.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, said on the charity's website: "High sugar content and acidity levels make fizzy drinks a double threat to oral health.

"They can damage the enamel on your teeth, leading to tooth decay, dental erosion, and discolouration. Over time, this could result in painful tooth sensitivity."

 Energy drinks

Many people believe energy drinks are a healthier option than carbonated soft drinks, but this often isn't the case.

Energy drinks, which are especially popular among teenagers, can also contain significant amounts of sugar as well as caffeine.

While caffeine doesn't directly affect teeth, it can cause dryness in the mouth and this is what can exacerbate tooth decay.

Saliva is essential for helping to wash away plaque and prevent food from sticking to your teeth. However, a dry mouth with reduced saliva production encourages bacteria to linger and react with sugars from the food you eat.

In September, the government announced it will ban the sale of energy drinks to children, a move that was backed by the BDA who warned that even zero- and low-sugar energy drinks "have an erosive impact on teeth due to high levels of acidity".

BDA chair Eddie Crouch said: "Products that are habit forming, highly acidic and can contain over 20 teaspoons of sugar have no place on the menu for children."

 Sticky sweets

Sticky sweets, like gummies, are particularly bad for your teeth as the sugar sticks to your teeth and is harder to rinse away. (Getty Images) (Farknot_Architect via Getty Images)

There's no harm in enjoying a sweet treat every now and then, but it's essential to understand that consuming too many sugary foods can have a significantly negative impact on your teeth.

Sticky sweets like caramels and gummies can put you at a higher risk of tooth decay, according to Action on Sugar.

The charity states that people who regularly eat sugary sweets and snacks have "a higher risk of developing dental caries (decay), particularly if the food they eat is sticky or consumed in between mealtimes".

If you do indulge in a sweet, sticky or otherwise, you should rinse your mouth with water afterwards to reduce the amount of sugar left on your teeth and therefore, reduce the impact on your teeth.

 Citrus fruits

Fruits like oranges, lemons and lime contain high levels of acid that can damage tooth enamel. This can lead to sensitive teeth that are also more vulnerable to decay.

You don't have to avoid citrus fruits completely, but you should eat them in moderation and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them to help neutralise the acids.

Dentists also recommend waiting for 30 minutes after eating citrus fruits and then brushing your teeth to protect your teeth.

Additional reporting by PA

Read more about oral health:
Detail from the image of a black man. It was removed from the US publication of Surgical Anatomy, with racial prejudice and segregationist attitudes blamed for the decision. Illustration: Mark Newton Photography

It is an image of an unnamed black man with his eyes closed and his innards exposed. Drawn with care and precision, the image may be the only anatomical drawing of a black body made during the Victorian age.

Now it is part of a new exhibition that focuses on the work of Joseph Maclise, a surgeon and artist whose work  including his 1851 atlas Surgical Anatomy  made the human anatomy accessible to the general public, and who was the brother of the celebrated artist Daniel Maclise.

Jack Gann, the curator at Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds, which is hosting the Beneath the Sheets: Anatomy, Art and Power exhibition, says Joseph Maclises work also broke new ground by centring black bodies and focusing on queer desire.

The portrait of the black man featured in Surgical Anatomy, which sold widely. But when the book was published in the US that image was the only one omitted, with racial prejudice and segregationist attitudes in the lead-up to the American civil war blamed for the decision.

Maclise used living models from the streets of London and Paris to create his drawings, combining their figures  often idealised visions of the human body  with dissections of corpses taken from the morgues of the French capital.

His drawings were intricate and delicate, often homing in on small details that other artists might have avoided. He drew little scars or blemishes, says Gann. One of them has an ear piercing, they arent like Greek gods.

The artist also consistently drew the genitalia of his subjects, even when the drawing concerned another part of the body. He drew these beautiful portraits and lavished attention on the body far beyond the bits that the anatomist needed to show, says Gann.

The American medical historian Michael Sappol describes Maclises work as a catalogue of irrelevant penises and that recurring feature has led to speculation about Maclises sexuality.

Although there is no evidence to confirm it, Gann says some believe Maclise was gay and that the drawings doubled as erotica. He never left any real records of his personal life  he never wrote letters or diaries and he never married, Gann adds. The story is most clearly told by just looking at the pictures and coming face to face with that sensuality.

Sappol argues in his book Queer Anatomies that Maclises images are part of a lost archive of queer expression, alongside the work of artists including the French anatomist and painter Jacques Fabien Gautier dAgoty and the English surgeon William Cheselden.

Ultimately, Maclises work was eclipsed by the popularity ofGrays Anatomy, which was much more accessible and cheaper. But his work has continued to fascinate: one of his illustrations was used to promote the National Theatres production of Frankenstein in 2011.

Female bodies also feature in the exhibition, including the case of Mary Paterson, whose body was sold for medical study after she was a victim of Burke and Hare, the most notorious serial killers in Scottish history. She is described by the Thackray as a posthumous object of anatomical fascination, medical men marvelled at her preserved beauty, raising troubling questions about class, violence and the male gaze.

Charles Estiennes 1545 book, De Dissectione Partium Corporis Humani Libri Tres, with images that were essentially collages, or body parts stitched together like Frankensteins creation from sketches of many dissections, also features.

As does Andreas Vesalius, whose 1543 De Humani Corporis Fabrica publication was the first major work to show human anatomy drawn directly from dissected bodies.
Nayib Bukele, Donald Trump and Viktor Orban. Photograph: Getty Images

Donald Trump makes no secret of his admiration for strongmen like Hungarys Viktor Orban or El Salvadors Nayib Bukele. Last month, he praised Orbans hardline stance on immigration and urged European leaders to show more respect for the president; earlier this year his administration struck a deal with Bukele to send more than 200 detained migrants to a notorious, maximum-security prison in El Salvador.

Many international organizations, experts and historians have sounded the alarm about the United States heading in a similar direction as these authoritarian regimes.

Nearly a year into Trumps second term, the Guardian asked activists and opposition leaders from Hungary, El Salvador and Turkey what their experiences have taught them about authoritarianism  and what they wish theyd understood sooner.

Related: Well need to see a warrant: the group teaching businesses a vital tool to fight ICE raids

Americans should look to other countries, especially in the global south for solutions and for what not to do, said Ece Temelkuran, a Turkish writer and author of How to Lose a Country. Drop the arrogance, drop the exceptionalism.

Stefania Kapronczay (Hungary), former head of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union

Trumps consolidation of power in the US echoes prime minister Viktor Orbans authoritarian power grabs in Hungary, says Kapronczay. But with one important difference.

Its happening much faster, and its surprising for me that so many private companies and institutions just complied with the perceived or expressed will of President Trump, she said. I didnt expect so many people would be so risk-averse.

Orban first rose to power in 1998 amid widespread disillusionment with the countrys political establishment during the post-cold war era. Democracy promised economic prosperity and more equality, and it just didnt deliver that, said Kapronczay, now a senior fellow at Columbia Law Schools Human Rights Institute.

Even though his party lost control of parliament in 2002, Orban returned as prime minister in 2010, and has since tightened his grip on power, changing voting rules to favor his party; stacking the judicial system with loyalists; and cracking down on universities, NGOs and the press. In 2022, the European parliament declared Hungary a hybrid regime of electoral autocracy.

In the period after his 2010 re-election, Orbans government pushed reforms that created some stability for the poorest of the society, Kapronczay said. Authoritarians are responding to clear needs and frustration and anger in society.

Kapronczay says shes learned that opposition leaders need to pay closer attention to pocketbook issues. Standing up for democracy, resisting and all this very abstract language will not reach the majority of society, she said. Its only a very small progressive circle that resonates with that kind of messaging.

But the authoritarian turn also posed an opportunity for self-reflection, she said. If our previous tools are no longer working, how can we serve our mission in a more impactful way?

For example, between 2010 and 2012, Orbans party restructured Hungarys constitutional court, stacking the bench with political appointees and restricting its jurisdiction. We [in civil society] were very concerned  and I think rightly so  but for a lot of people, the court was something really far away, Kapronczay said. Many civil society groups failed to address everyday issues, like household incomes, schools and healthcare  Even though these are the very issues [that affect whether people] feel a political system is working for them and whether they can make their voice heard, she said.

Kapronczay says protests are important  particularly if the political opposition builds on them  but so are small, local gatherings that bring together people from a range of backgrounds and ideologies to solve shared concerns. Autocrats really want to polarize the society, so any kind of initiative that goes against it is really important, she said.

Hungarys opposition has renewed energy in recent months. In June, tens of thousands of people, including Budapests mayor, showed up for a LGBTQ+ Pride parade that Orban had banned. And polling shows that the opposition Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar, is leading Fidesz, Orbans party, ahead of next years elections.

A lot of people believe that they can actually win the elections next year, Kapronczay said. Finally, there is a real competition, and that has enabled a lot of people to come out from self-censorship. My friends who are journalists say they have more sources coming forward. People are not so afraid to speak. Civil society and public life is much more vibrant than it has been in the past few years.

Ece Temelkuran (Turkey), author of How to Lose a Country

Temelkuran says that while Recep Tayyip Erdogan started to consolidate power during his first term as prime minister, it was his re-election, in 2007, that marked a real shift in Turkish politics.

When they come to power for the second time, they feel more ruthless, and they behave as if there are no boundaries any more, said Temelkuran. I think especially in the leaders head, that association of me and the country [being] the same thing becomes very prominent when they seize power for the second time.

Temelkuran had been reporting throughout Turkey as a columnist for the newspaper Milliyet during Erdogans rise in 2002. Early on, she saw his authoritarian tendencies: he regularly disparaged journalists and seemed to have little interest in politics as usual.

[Autocrats] declare themselves as beyond politics, said Temelkuran. [They say:] Politics is corrupt. Parties are corrupt. Were clean. They create a movement, not a party.

When you despise politics, that means that you are probably going to do something to democracy itself, she added.

In the years since he became president in 2014, Erdogan has jailed political opponents and critics, cracked down on protests and concentrated power in the executive branch.

After writing about Erdogan and other autocrats for more than two decades, Temelkuran says Americans need to gear up for a long game of fighting to rebuild democracy. It took Erdogan 15 years to do what Trump did in 100 days, she said. If [Americans] do not accept the fact that this is a long game, and it will be brutal, I think you wont have the patience and stamina to bear it.

But Temelkuran says she sees a glimmer of hope in recent protests in Turkey, which were sparked by the arrest of Istanbuls mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, on corruption charges. The charges are widely seen as an attempt to sideline a key rival of Erdogan ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.

This is the first time a conventional political party is accommodating or hosting the street protests, she said. It was always either the street protests or elections and party politics.

The combination of the two  something Temelkuran says should have happened years ago  is breathing new life into Turkeys main opposition party, she said. These political parties, theyre like shipwrecks: metal structures, theyre dead. Street protests, youth politics come into them like shoaling fish, to turn them into living reefs.

She said a successful opposition movement in the US would need to bring this same level of energy to the fight. Many people, especially in America and in Europe, are organizing these fancy panels that normal people never go to. Theyre building these NGOs that people are not interested in, she said. The only option is to propose a real change  and be absolutely courageous about it.

Claudia Ortiz (El Salvador), federal deputy with the opposition Vamos party

Ortiz says that one important lesson shes learned since the 2019 election of Nayib Bukele, the Salvadoran president, is that she and her party, which had been formed two years prior, need to do more than simply oppose him.

You cannot make authoritarian leaders the center of your narrative, said Ortiz. You have to make the people the center of your narrative, and you have to be passionate about it.

She said that means doing more to engage with citizens  and being prepared to be surprised by what they say. A part of the cure for this is listening to people, she said. Dont be so certain about what they want, what they need. You have to ask.

The election of Bukele and his New Ideas party upended decades of two-party rule between the leftist and conservative parties.

The parties that ruled the country in the past decades werent capable of building a solid democracy that delivered results in the daily life of people, she said. But we think that the road to overcoming that is not to destroy institutions, but to make them actually work.

In the last six years, Bukele, who has famously called himself the worlds coolest dictator, has enacted emergency powers, suspending due process, and has appointed loyalists to the judiciary, allowing him to skirt a constitutional amendment against serving a second term.

His mano dura approach to crime has resulted in widespread rights abuses, including forced disappearances and torture; today the country has the worlds highest incarceration rate, according to rights groups.

Many journalists, opposition leaders and rights groups have fled the country.

Despite this, Bukele enjoys consistently high approval ratings, something Ortiz and other analysts attribute to real drops in crime and propaganda. But Ortiz said she believes cracks are starting to show.

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Under Bukele, she said, basic services like health and education have gotten worse and costs of living have gone up. When reality knocks through your door and you dont have enough food to eat, or you have a relative thats been a victim of an arbitrary detention  thats the moment where you say: OK, this is reality, and its quite different from the propaganda, she said. I think the honeymoon is passing.

Authoritarian systems give the appearance of performing, but their solutions are not thorough, they are not sustainable, and they are not fair, she went on. They will decay because the way they function is to exclude, abuse, and allow massive corruption.

But she says shes also learned to never underestimate the autocrat.

Whether its undermining the judiciary or intimidating local governments, In many cases, you think, No, they wont do it, she says. But we have seen how [centralization of power] has advanced very quickly. So its important that democracy is defended at every turn, she said.
London is being hit by an unprecedented flu wave with cases already at a record high, NHS chiefs are warning.

They also stressed that there was no peak yet in sight as the virus sweeps through the capital.

They issued an urgent appeal to Londoners to get vaccinated after a tripling of flu hospitalisations in the city.

Dr Chris Streather, medical director for NHS London, also urged people to stay at home if they have flu-like symptoms rather than risk spreading the virus on the Tube, buses, trains, and in the work place.

He also appealed to Londoners to forgo Christmas parties if they have a cough or sneezing to avoid spreading the virus to others.

The flu mutation sending cases spiralling in London is more contagious than variants of past years, according to health sources.

A 'drifted' influenza A(H3N2) strain, also now known as 'subclade K' or 'superflu', is dominating cases.

The health bosses also warned that hospitals in the capital will come under the double pressure from the flu crisis and resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, walking out in their latest strike in the run-up to Christmas.

The Government urged the doctors to call off their industrial action.

As we enter the weeks in the run-up to Christmas, its always a very difficult job for the NHS, said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, on the morning media round for the Government on Tuesday.

We need people to feel confident when they have to go to hospital in the weeks and months ahead that the staff are going to be there.

She added: The junior doctors have had a 28% pay increase over the last couple of years.

It was the most generous pay increase that any part of the public sector had.

I do think that the British people want to see doctors at work.

A patient receiving the seasonal flu vaccine (PA Wire)

Every day, an average of 259 patients took up a London hospital bed in the week beginning 24th November because of flu, triple the daily average of 89 this time last year.

Dr Chris Streather, Chief Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: The NHS has prepared earlier for winter than ever before, but despite this, we know that surging flu cases, coinciding with industrial action by resident doctors, will put pressure on services in the coming weeks.

While weve vaccinated over 1.8 million people this season, there are still vulnerable people who havent come forward.

If youre in one of the eligible groups and you havent had your flu vaccine yet, I urge you to come forward as soon as possible - its never too late.

Health chiefs added: With flu cases at a record high and no peak yet in sight, Londons NHS system is facing an unprecedented flu wave this winter.

They urged people to get vaccinated now to get maximum protection from the jab before Christmas.

Hospitals in London face the double pressure of a huge flu wave and resident doctors going on strike in the run-up to Christmas (PA Wire)

The flu crisis has echoes of the Covid pandemic which hit London hardest in early 2020.

Nearly 6,000 Londoners died due to the virus within weeks of the deadly delay criticised by the Covid Inquiry in ordering the first lockdown.

Viruses often spread through the capital quicker than other regions due to the high usage of buses, trains and the Tube, high population density, and having some of the most deprived communities in the country which can be more vulnerable due to low take-up of vaccines.

Ambulance crews in London are now also dealing with a significantly higher number of cases as the flu rips through the capital.

There were over 16,500 ambulance handovers last week, an average of 2,363 a day, compared to last year when the figures were 15,500 handovers, or around 2,200 on average a day.

Dr. Fenella Wrigley, Chief Medical Officer for the London Ambulance Service, stressed: I strongly urge all eligible people to get a flu vaccination.

We are extremely busy and our 999 control rooms are taking a number of calls from people with flu or similar viral illnesses.

She added: Flu can make you feel very unwell, but most healthy people recover with rest, fluids and products available at your pharmacy to manage symptoms.

We need our clinicians to be available to help the people who are more seriously unwell with flu or other conditions.

Ambulances queued outside the Royal London Hospital (PA Archive)

Ambulance handover times are almost 10 minutes faster than last year but crews are handling hundreds more patients a week.

London pharmacies, GPs and community services have already delivered more than 1.8 million flu vaccinations this season.

So many elderly people, pregnant women and individuals with underlying health conditions have had the jab and will be protected.

But many more people are eligible for the vaccination in the capital.
HONG KONG, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent tragic fire at Tai Po has brought sadness and loss to our community. The seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong would like to express our deepest condolences to the victims and to extend our sympathy to all those affected. The swift response from all sectors of society reflects Hong Kong's spirit of helping each other during tough times, while also reminding us of the needs of vulnerable groups.

Zonta International District 17 Governor Mrs Winnie Wong (7th right), Zonta International District 17 Area 2 Director Ms Thelma Tong (6th right), Chairman of Po Leung Kuk Ms Amanda Ho, JP (7th left), Acting President of Zonta Club of Hong Kong Ms Kathleen Yip, JP (4th left), President of Zonta Club of Kowloon Ms Cecilia Yao (3rd right), President of Zonta Club of Hong Kong East Mrs Angela Keung (3rd left), President of Zonta Club of The New Territories Ms Irene Chan (2nd right), President of Zonta Club of Victoria Hong Kong Ms Helen Wong (2nd left), President of Zonta Club of Hong Kong II Ms Angela Wong (1st right), President of Zonta Club of The New Territories II Ms Fiona Kwong (1st left) and other guests attended the launch of the Po Leung Kuk's "Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery" mobile art exhibition. This event is a key part of this year "16 Days of Activism" under Zonta International's "Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women" campaign. Zonta International District 17 Governor Mrs Winnie Wong (11th left), Zonta International District 17 Area 2 Director Ms Thelma Tong (12th right), along with presidents of seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong and other members in front of the Po Leung Kuk "Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery mobile art exhibition vehicle.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), violence against women and girls remains the most widespread and pervasive human rights violation globally, affecting an estimated one in three womena figure that has remained largely unchanged over the past decade. This violence knows no national or cultural barriers; it occurs at home, in the workplace, and in public spaces, impacting millions of women and girls in both peacetime and conflict. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified violence against women, with a 2022 study revealing that nearly 40% of women in Hong Kong have experienced sexual abuse. The WHO estimates the actual figures are likely higher.

Zonta International has long been unwavering in its advocacy to end violence against women. Since launching the "Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women" campaign in 2012, it has held its annual "16 Days of Activism" between November and December, uniting Zonta Clubs worldwide in impactful advocacy actions to combat violence against women and girls. As members of Zonta International, Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong have responded actively to this call.

Recently (8 December), seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong  Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Zonta Club of Kowloon, Zonta Club of Hong Kong East, Zonta Club of The New Territories, Zonta Club of Victoria Hong Kong, Zonta Club of Hong Kong II, and Zonta Club of The New Territories II joined forces to support the Po Leung Kuk's mobile art exhibition "Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery", which aims to educate the community about domestic violence and related family crisis support services. This event is a key part of this year's "16 Days of Activism" under the "Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women" campaign.

The launch of the mobile art exhibition was witnessed by Zonta International District 17 Governor Mrs Winnie Wong, Zonta International District 17 Area 2 Director Ms Thelma Tong, presidents of the seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong, and the Chairman of Po Leung Kuk Ms Amanda Ho, JP.

Zonta International District 17 Governor Mrs Winnie Wong said: "Today, Zonta International and the seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong are delighted to support the Po Leung Kuk's 'Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery' mobile art exhibition, which aims to raise public awareness about domestic violence. Zonta is committed to advancing the status of women through service and advocacy. The annual 'Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women' campaign and its '16 Days of Activism', which begins on the United Nation's (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November and concludes on the UN's International Human Rights Day on 10 December, are aligned with the UN's call to mobilise all sectors of society in support of gender equality and women's rights."

Chairman of Po Leung Kuk Ms Amanda Ho, JP, explained that through the voices and stories of victims of domestic abuse, the exhibition highlights that domestic violence often lies hidden within everyday life. The courage and transformation of every survivor deserves to be heard and supported by everyone. Through the exhibition, which also highlights the Po Leung Kuk's support services, the Po Leung Kuk not only walks alongside affected families but also aims to show how to build healthier and happier families.

The "Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery" mobile art exhibition vehicle will tour Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories from 8 to 14 December, including stops in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Mong Kok, Wong Tai Sin, Tai Wai and Tsuen Wan. Entry is free of charge.

The exhibition features interactive experience zones, allowing visitors to understand the reality of domestic violence and the possibility of transforming "violence" into "love". This includes "The True Stories of Seven Weapons", which through activities and personal stories inspires visitors to build positive family relationships.

About Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong

All Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong are non-profit organisations under Zonta International (www.zonta.org), founded in the USA in 1919. Zonta International is a global service organisation of professionals and executives working together to advance the status of women through community service and advocacy. Zonta International members are spread across more than 65 countries and regions worldwide, working at international, national and local levels to achieve the organisation's vision: committed to building women's rights, enabling every woman to fully realise her potential, and creating a better world for women. Currently, there are eight Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong: Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Zonta Club of Kowloon, Zonta Club of Hong Kong East, Zonta Club of The New Territories, Zonta Club of Victoria Hong Kong, Zonta Club of Hong Kong II, Zonta Club of The New Territories II, and Zonta Club of Kowloon II.

Appendix

"Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery" Mobile Art Exhibition Tour Details

Dates: 8 to 14 December 2025

Schedule/Venue:

Date Time Venue 8 Dec (Mon) 5:00 PM  7:00 PM Po Leung Kuk, 66 Leighton Rd, Causeway Bay, HK 9 Dec (Tue) 11:30 AM  7:00 PM Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, HK 10 Dec (Wed) 11:30 AM  5:00 PM Wan Chai Computer Centre, Wan Chai, HK 11 Dec (Thu) 11:30 AM  7:00 PM Langham Place, Mong Kok, Kowloon 12 Dec (Fri) 11:30 AM  7:00 PM Ching Tak Street, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon 13 Dec (Sat) 11:30 AM  7:00 PM Tsuen Nam Road, Tai Wai, The New Territories 14 Dec (Sun) 11:30 AM  7:00 PM Chung On Street (near KOLOUR), Tsuen Wan, The New Territories

Organiser: Po Leung Kuk

Supporting Organisations:

Seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong, including: Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Zonta Club of Kowloon, Zonta Club of Hong Kong East, Zonta Club of The New Territories, Zonta Club of Victoria Hong Kong, Zonta Club of Hong Kong II, and Zonta Club of The New Territories II.

For media enquiry: [email protected]

SOURCE Zonta Clubs in HK
Jake Paul has announced that Caroline Dubois has signed with his company, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), as her deal with Boxxer comes to an end.

Paul announced the news on Tuesday, with the unbeaten Dubois due to make her MVP debut on 19 December  on the undercard of Pauls fight with Anthony Joshua.

Dubois, 24, will defend the WBC womens lightweight title against Camilla Panatta at Miamis Kaseya Center, with the entire event streaming live on Netflix.

The news marks the end of Duboiss deal with the promotional company Boxxer, which recently began airing its fights on the BBC after splitting from Sky Sports.

While Pauls boxing career, in which the YouTuber has gone 12-1 as a professional, has proven controversial, he and MVP have largely received credit for their support of womens boxing. Amanda Serrano, Alycia Baumgardner and Savannah Marshall are just a few of the high-profile womens fighters under the MVP banner.

Dubois, who now joins those figures, said on Tuesday: Signing with MVP is the next step in my career, Im proud to be under their roster, and I believe they will be able to help me on my quest for greatness. The mission must be to become the face of womens boxing.

Caroline Dubois is a rising star of British boxing (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Paul announced the news by highlighting Duboiss connection to his upcoming opponent, Joshua. In September 2024, Duboiss older brother Daniel knocked out AJ at Wembley Stadium, dropping his fellow Briton four times en route to victory.

All I want is a fair fight, tweeted Paul. Even the odds. Joshua brought in Usyk. So only right I bring in Dubois. Had to be done. Paul attached a video in which he teased approaching Daniel Dubois, only to contact Caroline instead.

In his tweet, Paul was referencing Joshuas recent training with Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning, unified heavyweight champion, who holds two wins over Joshua and two over Daniel Dubois.

Jake Paul (left) staring up at Anthony Joshua at their launch press conference (Getty)

Joshua, who has not fought since his stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois, is a former two-time world heavyweight champion. The 36-year-old will face Paul, 28, in a professional heavyweight contest scheduled for eight three-minute rounds. Knockouts will be allowed, with both men wearing standard 10oz gloves.

American Paul last fought in June, outpointing former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. In November 2024, Paul beat heavyweight legend Mike Tyson on points in a controversial fight, watched by a reported 60m households on Netflix.
Robert F Kennedy Jr and Cheryl Hines. Photograph: Franklin Jacome/Getty Images

The actor Cheryl Hines has said she does not believe her husband, Robert F Kennedy Jr, will run for the White House after Donald Trumps presidency.

Hines was asked by Elizabeth Vargas, a NewsNation anchor, on Monday, Is your husband going to run for president in 2028? And, if so, are you ready for that?

Gosh, hes not going to run for president, Hines replied, though she subsequently conceded that Kennedy at one point didnt think he was going to go into politics  and the next thing you know hes telling me he wants to run.

The Emmy-nominated Curb Your Enthusiasm star has been married to the US health secretary since 2014. She delivered her remarks to Vargas amid renewed news coverage and commentary about her husbands 2024 presidential bid.

That media coverage stemmed in large part from a memoir released on 2 December by the political journalist Olivia Nuzzi, American Canto, which described an emotional affair that the author had with Kennedy on the campaign trail.

Trump chose Kennedy to serve as his second administrations top health official after the latter spent years advocating against vaccines as well as pushing conspiracy theories about their safety. On Friday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices handpicked by Kennedy voted to limit hepatitis B vaccines.

The panel opted to remove the well-established recommendation that all newborns in the US receive a hepatitis B vaccine. Instead, it recommended that parents of infants whose mothers test negative for the virus consult with their healthcare provider to decide when  or if  their child should receive the vaccine series.

Experts say any change to the hepatitis B vaccine schedule could have significant, far-reaching consequences. Notably, a study published in 2023 in the official journal of the US surgeon general found that infant immunization drove a 99% decline in reported cases of acute hepatitis B among children, adolescents and young adults between 1990 and 2019.

Kennedy first unsuccessfully pursued the Democratic nomination and then signed up to run as an independent before Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the November 2024 election to win a second presidency.

Kennedy endorsed Trump, a Republican, on 23 August 2024, defecting from the party to which his father  Robert F Kennedy, a former US senator  and uncle, John F Kennedy, belonged before their assassinations in the 1960s.

We are aligned on many key issues, Kennedy said at the time of Trump, whom he had once previously referred to as a a terrible president.

As the Hill noted, Kennedy is one of a handful of Trump allies who could run to succeed the president after his second term ends. Others are JD Vance, the vice-president, and Marco Rubio, the secretary of state.
Christmas dinner will cost a few pence less than last year in some rare good news for consumers as they prepare for festive celebrations, figures show.

A turkey and all the trimmings for four will cost an average 32.46 this year, slightly down on last years 32.57  which was up 6.5% on the year before, according to market research firm Worldpanel by Numerator, formerly Kantar.

The fall comes as overall grocery price inflation held steady at 4.7% over the month to November 30, helped by retailers ramping up promotions in the competition for Christmas shoppers.

(Worldpanel/PA)

Some 31.2% of spending was on promoted items, up from 30% this time last year, Worldpanels data shows.

Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Worldpanel, said: Retailers are pulling out all the stops to win shoppers over as they gear up for one of the most important trading periods of the year.

One in five households tell us that theyve been struggling financially and thats been largely consistent over the past two years.

With the cost of living still biting for many this Christmas, just under one third of all spending is on promotion as supermarkets find ways to shield shoppers from the impact of price rises.

He added: Retailers are savvy to the fact that at Christmas especially  even when times are tough  consumers still find the space in their wallet to spend on small treats.

In fact, weve seen that right through the cos-of-living crisis as people have found new, more affordable ways to indulge in what we call the pick-me-up pound.

The rise and rise of premium own-label lines bears this out with one in every 20 now spent on these treat-type products.

While chocolate prices are up 18.4% on this time last year, it has not stopped five million households putting a confectionery advent calendar in their basket in November.

Similarly, just over one in 10 shoppers bought a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine over the last month.

Online grocer Ocado reached a new record market share of 2.2% with sales increasing by 15.8% over the quarter.

However, bricks and mortar still dominates the grocery sector and, with Christmas falling on a Thursday this year, Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd are expected to be the busiest supermarket shopping days of the year.

Lidl made the biggest market share gain, winning an additional 0.5 percentage points compared with last year to reach 8.1%.

Sales at Sainsburys rose by 5.1%, bringing the retailers market share to 16%, and Tesco achieved sales growth of 4.7% as it attracted 321,000 more shoppers over the 12 weeks compared with last year to holds 28.3% of the market.

Spending through the tills at Aldi increased by 4.1% and its share remains at 10.5%, while Waitrose and Iceland both grew ahead of the market at 4%, maintaining shares of 4.4% and 2.3% respectively.

Sales at Asda now account for 11.5% of the market, down 4.3% on last year, while Co-ops share stands at 5.3%, down 1.4% on last November.

Beyond the grocers, sales of take-home groceries at M&S were 8.9% higher over the 12 weeks compared with the same period in 2024.
A seasoned Alpine climber has been charged with manslaughter after he left his girlfriend on Austrias highest mountain, the Grossglockner, before she froze to death.

Thomas Plamberger and Kerstin Gurtner were just 50 metres away from the 3,798m (12,460ft) summit when she fell sick, suffering from exhaustion and disorientation, according to the Innsbruck public prosecutors office.

Mr Plamberger decided to leave her at 2am on Sunday, 19 January this year and descend to the nearest mountain hut to seek help, only returning six and a half hours later in the morning to find her dead.

Gurtner, 33, froze to death alone on the mountain after she was left in -8C temperatures, with winds of up to 45mph contributing to feels like temperatures as low as -20C.

Prosecutors undertook an 11-month investigation into the incident and examined the couples mobile phones, sports watches, and photographs of their climb, as well as commissioning an independent report from an Alpine mountaineering expert.

They have now charged Mr Plamberger with negligent manslaughter, arguing that he made nine key mistakes that led to Gurtners death, from not planning the expedition properly to failing to make contact with search teams and police.

Plamberger has denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer has previously rejected part of the Innsbruck prosecutors timeline of events, claiming he left Gurtner on the mountain by mutual agreement.

Prosecutors say the couple set off two hours too late on the morning of 18 January to realistically summit Grossglockner and return safely.

They effectively became stranded by stormy weather at approximately 8.50pm, but prosecutors allege that Mr Plamberger made no attempts to call for help and did not issue any distress signals to a police helicopter that flew over their position at 10.50pm.

Police tried to call Mr Plamberger multiple times before he called an officer back at 12.35am. The prosecutors office said the contents of the call remained unclear but that Mr Plamberger then put his phone on silent and no further contact was made.

At approximately 2am, the defendant left his girlfriend unprotected, exhausted, hypothermic, and disoriented about 50m below the summit cross of the Grossglockner. The woman froze to death, the statement said.

Since the defendant, unlike his girlfriend, was already very experienced with alpine high-altitude tours and had planned the tour, he was to be considered the responsible guide of the tour, it added.

The Grossglockner is the highest mountain peak in Austria and is considered one of the most challenging climbs in the Austrian Alps, requiring full climbing and glacier gear.

The couple were metres away from the summit when Kerstin Gurtner fell sick (AFP/Getty)

Yet police said Mr Plamberger allowed his girlfriend to use a splitboard  a snowboard that can be divided into two parts to be used like skis for climbing  and soft snowboard boots, equipment that prosecutors said was unsuitable for their high-alpine winter route.

He also allegedly failed to move his girlfriend to a position where she would be sheltered from the wind or to give her their bivouac sleeping bag or aluminium foil blankets to keep her warm before he left.

Prosecutors said the woman was inexperienced and had never undertaken an alpine tour of this length, difficulty, and altitude.

In a series of posts on his now-deleted Instagram, Mr Plamberger said Gurtners death was hurting so much.

I miss you so much. It hurts so incredibly much. Forever in my heart. Without you, time is meaningless, he wrote on social media, and co-signed the obituary her parents wrote, according to Bild.

Tributes on Gurtners page since her death have described her as a beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law, godmother, granddaughter, partner and friend.

Thank you, dear Kerstin, for being you, for being you, and for your soul always will be. Thank you for the mark you left not only on me, but on so many others. Through you, you live on here as well, a friend of Gurtner wrote.
Tourists look at the petrified footprints of dinosaurs at Carreras Pampa in Toro Toro National Park, north of Potosi, Bolivia (Associated Press/Juan Karita)

Bolivia's central highlands, once believed to be home to monstrous creatures leaving huge, three-toed footprints, have now yielded the world's largest collection of theropod dinosaur tracks.

A team of paleontologists has meticulously documented an astonishing 16,600 individual footprints within Toro Toro, a national park in the Bolivian Andes.

These vast arrays of footprints, left by gigantic, two-legged dinosaurs from the group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex, were found in ancient waterways more than 60 million years ago.

Though scientists in the 1960s first identified these tracks, a team primarily from Californias Loma Linda University has now spent six years meticulously documenting this unprecedented find.

Published last Wednesday in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, their study confirms that this site represents the highest number of theropod footprints recorded anywhere else globally.

Roberto Biaggi, a co-author of the study led by Spanish paleontologist Raul Esperante, underscored the unique nature of the discovery.

"Theres no place in the world where you have such a big abundance of (theropod) footprints," he stated. "We have all these world records at this particular site."

The dinosaurs that ruled the earth and roamed this region also made awkward attempts to swim here, according to the study, scratching at what was squishy lake-bottom sediment to leave another 1,378 traces.

A petrified footprint by a dinosaur is visible in Carreras Pampa in Toro Toro National Park (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

They pressed their claws into the mud just before water levels rose and sealed their tracks, protecting them from centuries of erosion, scientists said.

The preservation of many of the tracks is excellent, said Richard Butler, a paleontologist at the University of Birmingham who was not involved in the research. He said that, to his knowledge, the number of footprints and trackways found in Toro Toro had no precedent.

This is a remarkable window into the lives and behaviors of dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous, Butler added, referring to the period around 66 million years ago at the end of which an asteroid impact abruptly extinguished all dinosaurs and 75 per cent of living species along with them, according to scientists.

Although they've survived for millions of years, human life has threatened these traces. For decades, farmers threshed corn and wheat on the footprint-covered plateaus.

Nearby quarry workers didnt think much of the formations as they blasted rock layers for limestone. And just two years ago, researchers said, highway crews tunneling through hillsides nearly wiped out a major site of dinosaur tracks before the national park intervened.

Such disturbances may have something to do with the area's striking absence of dinosaur bones, teeth and eggs, experts say. For all of the footprints and swim traces found across Bolivias Toro Toro, there are virtually no skeletal remains of the sort that litter the peaks and valleys of Argentine Patagonia and Campanha in Brazil.

Park ranger Jose Vallejos stands next to petrified dinosaurs footprints in Carreras Pampa in Toro Toro National Park (AP)

But the lack of bones could have natural causes, too. The team said the quantity and pattern of tracks  and the fact they were all found in the same sediment layer  suggest that dinosaurs didnt settle in what is now Bolivia as much as trudge along an ancient coastal superhighway stretching from southern Peru into northwest Argentina.

The range in footprint sizes indicated that giant creatures roughly 10 meters (33 feet) tall moved in a herd with tiny theropods the size of a chicken, 32 centimeters (1 foot) tall at the hip.

In presenting a snapshot of everyday behavior footprints reveal what skeletons cannot, said Anthony Romilio, a paleontologist at the University of Queensland in Australia who also did not participate in the study. Just from footprints, researchers can tell when dinosaurs strolled or sped up, stopped or turned around.

But the reason they flocked in droves to this wind-swept plateau remains a mystery.

It may have been that they were all regular visitors to a large, ancient, freshwater lake, frequenting its expansive muddy shoreline, offered Romilio.

Biaggi suggested that they were running away from something or searching for somewhere to settle.

What's certain is that research into this treasure trove of a dinosaur tracksite will continue.

I suspect that this will keep going over the years and many more footprints will be found right there at the edges of whats already uncovered," Biaggi said.

Prints record dinosaur behavior  including attempts to swimFootprints face preservation threatsIt's not clear why so many dinosaurs roamed the site
Sir Sadiq Khan has hit back at Donald Trump saying that record numbers of US citizens are moving to London to get away from the presidents administration.

The US president branded Sir Sadiq a disgusting mayor who was doing a terrible job in an interview with Politico.

The Mayor of London responded to the insults by saying: I think the one part that President Trump has got right is that London is becoming a different place. We are the greatest city in the world.

I suspect thats one of the reasons why we have record numbers of Americans coming here to holiday, coming here to live, coming here to invest, or coming here to study.

I literally have no idea why President Trump is so obsessed with this mayor of London. Im not sure what hes got against a liberal, progressive, diverse, successful city like London.

Sir Sadiq has hit back at the American president (PA Archive)

It is not the first time Trump has laid into Sir Sadiq. He publicly lambasted the mayor  a close aide of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer  during his statement to the UN General Assembly in September.

If you take a look at London, you have a mayor named Khan. Hes a horrible mayor, Trump said in the interview at the White House.

Hes an incompetent mayor, but hes a horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor.'

I think hes done a terrible job. Londons a different place. I love London, the US President said, adding: And I hate to see it happen. My roots are in Europe, as you know.

Sir Sadiq has so far refused to directly respond to the comments. City Hall referred journalists to comments the mayor made in response to the US Presidents attack in September, when Sir Sadiq said he appeared to be living rent free in Trumps head.

Sir Sadiq told ITV News London: "People will be wondering what it is about this Muslim mayor who leads a liberal, multicultural, successful city, that means I seem to be living rent free inside Donald Trump's head."

It is not the first time Trump has criticised the mayor (REUTERS)

The Mayor added: "I think I've got squatters rights, the amount of time I spend in Donald Trump's head. I'm just hoping he doesn't send me an invoice for all the time I'm in there."

Downing Street denied it was failing to stand up for the London mayor after declining to criticise the president's attack.

The Prime Minister has a strong relationship with the US president and a strong relationship with the Mayor of London and on both is committed to working together to deliver stronger outcomes for the British people right across the country, a No 10 spokesman said.

Asked by journalists why Downing Street would not defend the mayor against the remarks, he said: I don't accept that. As I've said, the Prime Minister has a strong relationship with the Mayor of London."

In the Politico interview, Trump said European nations are "decaying" and led by "weak" people who are failing to control immigration or end the Ukraine war.

"I think they're weak, but I also think that they want to be so politically correct... I think they don't know what to do," he told Politico podcast The Conversation.

Asked whether European nations would remain allies, Trump said they would "change their ideology, obviously, because the people coming in have a totally different ideology."

On Ukraine, Trump said he was "friends" with some leaders on the continent but "Europe is not doing a good job in many ways".

Some are OK. I know the good leaders. I know the bad leaders. I know the smart ones. I know the stupid ones... but they're not doing a good job. Europe is not doing a good job in many ways... And they're not producing.

"We're talking about Ukraine. They talk but they don't produce. And the war just keeps going on and on. I mean, four years now it's been going on, long before I got here," he said.

The US leader's remarks broadly echo rhetoric included in America's new national security strategy, which questioned whether some European nations could remain "reliable allies" long-term.

The 33-page document also defined Washington's policy on Europe as one of cultivating resistance to the "current trajectory" of countries on the continent.

It comes at a critical juncture in the war in Ukraine as sticking points remain in US-led efforts to broker a truce.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday reiterated his opposition to ceding any territory, resisting US pressure for a compromise with Russia as he continues to rally European support for Kyiv.

In his interview, Trump again suggested the Ukrainian leader accept the American proposal to hand over land to Russia and argued Moscow retained the upper hand.

No 10 refused to say whether the Prime Minister agreed with the president's characterisation of Europe but insisted the Government was determined to return control of the asylum system.

Asked whether a determination to preserve the transatlantic relationship meant the president could say whatever he wanted to about Britain, the spokesman said: I don't think that's a fair interpretation of this conversation.

I think as I've set out, the US is our closest partner on trade and security. You've seen the strengths of that relationship and the positive outcomes that has had for the British people.
Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, is pushing for a retrial despite multiple failed attempts to appeal her conviction - AFP

The Epstein files are one step closer to being released after a judge ordered the unsealing of a grand jury investigation into Ghislaine Maxwell.

The material includes jury transcripts and exhibits prosecutors disclosed to the British socialites lawyers before her 2021 criminal trial, when she was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sex trafficking underage girls.

Pam Bondi, the US attorney general, made a renewed petition for the release of the Maxwell transcripts, as well as those relating to the sex trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, after earlier requests were denied.

A decision has not yet been released on the material relating to Epstein, which was gathered ahead of his 2019 trial, during which he took his own life in prison.

The justice department (DoJ) made the renewed request in light of Donald Trumps signing of the Epstein Files Transparency Act on Nov 19.

The act compels the government to release all of the files it holds on the paedophile financier within 30 days, giving the DoJ until Dec 19 to release the files.

The Epstein files have not yet been released following Donald Trumps signing of the bill

A fresh motion to unseal the records was made last month by Ms Bondi who asked the judge to expedite the process in light of the impending deadline.

It is one of three Epstein-related cases for which the DoJ has requested documents, alongside the 2006-2007 Florida grand jury investigation into the sex offender and his 2019 sex trafficking case in New York.

On Dec 5, a judge ordered the release of grand jury material from Epsteins Florida trial.

In July, Mr Trump called for grand jury material to be released in an effort to appease Republican critics, who were frustrated by the US presidents then reluctance to release the so-called Epstein files, but the requests were denied at the time.

Mr Trump had previously lobbied to prevent the Epstein files from being released, describing the files as a Democrat hoax.

But in the face of a growing Republican rebellion in the House, Mr Trump changed his stance on Nov 16, insisting I dont care and that he had nothing to hide.

Mr Trump urged Republicans to vote through a measure forcing the release of the files, although he has the power to do so himself, without Congressional approval, and signed it into law.

On Thursday, Maxwell claimed that releasing her grand jury transcripts would harm her chances in a potential retrial.

Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sex trafficking underage girls

Releasing the grand jury materials from her case, which contain untested and unproven allegations, would create undue prejudice so severe that it would foreclose the possibility of a fair retrial should Ms Maxwells habeas petition succeed, her lawyers said in a court filing.

Epsteins former girlfriend and co-conspirator is pushing for a retrial despite multiple failed attempts to appeal her conviction.

Maxwell alleges a juror in her 2020 trial was biased and failed to disclose that they were a victim of sexual abuse.

She also claims there were legal and factual failings in her prosecution, and that Epsteins 2007 non-prosecution agreement should protect her from at least one charge.

On Dec 5, a judge ordered the release of material from the grand jury investigation over whether Epstein was abusing underage girls at his mansion in West Palm Beach.

The case was abandoned in 2008 when Epstein was handed a sweetheart plea deal by Alex Acosta, then the US attorney, which allowed him to serve 13 months in a low-security prison for child prostitution.

It is not clear in either case when the materials will be released or how much of the material is new. Portions of the documents will also be redacted.
The EUs latest rules could potentially open up the door to the creation of centres similar to Britains Rwanda strategy - David Rose

European Union countries face fines for refusing to re-home refugees, as part of a new migration crackdown.

Ministers agreed on a legally binding target that will see 21,000 migrants relocated from frontline countries, such as Italy and Greece, to elsewhere across the bloc.

Governments that refuse to take in someone will be charged a 20,000 (17,500) penalty per person, which will be given to member states willing to accept migrants under the scheme.

The move is likely to prove highly controversial, with countries including Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia and Poland already seeking opt-outs from the relocation scheme.

Viktor Orbans Hungary has said his government will not allow Brussels to re-home any migrants in the country.

In 2024, there were just 29 asylum claims in Hungary - ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP

The EUs new migration pact contains provisions for harsher rules to detain and deport failed asylum seekers and the creation of return hubs outside the bloc where migrants with no right to remain can be removed to.

Stricter rules will also be introduced allowing authorities to raid homes and seize property in order to enforce deportations.

Its a turning point in European migration and asylum policy altogether, Magnus Brunner, the migration commissioner, said.

The EUs latest migration crackdown is likely to prove highly controversial - Petros Giannakouris/AP

The agreement is seen as the most significant overhaul of the blocs rules for deporting illegal migrants amid growing concerns over the impact migration is having on the continent.

Sir Keir Starmer has explored a similar policy of deporting failed asylum seekers to return hubs in safe third countries. But the EUs latest rules could go further, potentially opening up the door to the creation of centres similar to Britains Rwanda strategy, which was abandoned by the Prime Minister.

EU ministers agreed that the bloc would be able to immediately reject asylum claims if the person had sought similar protections outside of the bloc.

This could be applied to cases where an EU country has a deal to process asylum claims.

The Netherlands recently brokered a deal to send migrants to Uganda, which could be an example followed by other member states.

For the first time, the bloc also designated foreign countries, including Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco and Tunisia, as safe, meaning any arrivals from the destinations deported while following less stringent procedures.

Human rights campaigners have criticised the new measures, with some claiming they have turned the EU into a police state.

This approach mirrors the harrowing, dehumanising and unlawful mass arrests, detention and deportations in the US, which are tearing families apart and devastating communities, Amnestys Olivia Sundberg Diez said.

This new proposal carries the hallmarks of a police state, Silvia Carta, advocacy officer at Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, added.

The International Rescue Committee said the pact was the dawn of a dangerous new era for the EU.
About 40% of 13- to 17-year-olds in England and Wales affected by youth violence are turning to AI chatbots for mental health support. Photograph: Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock

It was after one friend was shot and another stabbed, both fatally, that Shan asked ChatGPT for help. She had tried conventional mental health services but chat, as she came to know her AI friend, felt safer, less intimidating and, crucially, more available when it came to handling the trauma from the deaths of her young friends.

As she started consulting the AI model, the Tottenham teenager joined about 40% of 13- to 17-year-olds in England and Wales affected by youth violence who are turning to AI chatbots for mental health support, according to research among more than 11,000 young people.

It found that both victims and perpetrators of violence were markedly more likely to be using AI for such support than other teenagers. The findings, from the Youth Endowment Fund, have sparked warnings from youth leaders that children at risk need a human not a bot.

The results suggest chatbots are fulfilling demand unmet by conventional mental health services, which have long waiting lists and which some young users find lacking in empathy. The supposed privacy of the chatbot is another key factor in driving use by victims or perpetrators of crimes.

After her friends were killed Shan, 18, not her real name, started using Snapchats AI before switching to ChatGPT, which she can talk to at any time of day or night with two clicks on her smartphone.

I feel like it definitely is a friend, she said, adding that it was less intimidating, more private and less judgmental than her experience with conventional NHS and charity mental health support.

The more you talk to it like a friend it will be talking to you like a friend back. If I say to chat Hey bestie, I need some advice. Chat will talk back to me like its my best friend, shell say, Hey bestie, I got you girl.

One in four of 13- to 17-year-olds have used an AI chatbot for mental health support in the past year, with black children twice as likely as white children to have done so, the study found. Teenagers were more likely to go online for support, including using AI, if they were on a waiting list for treatment or diagnosis or had been denied, than if they were already receiving in-person support.

Crucially, Shan said, the AI was accessible 24/7 and would not tell teachers or parents about what she had disclosed. She felt this was a considerable advantage over telling a school therapist, after her own experience of what she thought were confidences being shared with teachers and her mother.

Boys who were involved in gang activities felt safer asking chatbots for advice about other safer ways to make money than a teacher or parent who might leak the information to police or other gang members, putting them in danger, she said.

Another young person, who has been using AI for mental health support but asked not to be named, told the Guardian: The current system is so broken for offering help for young people. Chatbots provide immediate answers. If youre going to be on the waiting list for one to two years to get anything, or you can have an immediate answer within a few minutes  thats where the desire to use AI comes from.

Related: Would you entrust a childs life to a chatbot? Thats what happens every day that we fail to regulate AI

Jon Yates, the chief executive of the Youth Endowment Fund, which commissioned the research, said: Too many young people are struggling with their mental health and cant get the support they need. Its no surprise that some are turning to technology for help. We have to do better for our children, especially those most at risk. They need a human not a bot.

There have been growing concerns about the dangers of chatbots when children engage with them at length. OpenAI, the US company behind ChatGPT, is facing several lawsuits including from families of young people who have killed themselves after long engagements.

In the case of the Californian 16-year-old Adam Raine, who took his life in April, OpenAI has denied it was caused by the chatbot. It has said it has been improving its technology to recognise and respond to signs of mental or emotional distress, de-escalate conversations, and guide people toward real-world support.. The startup said in September it could start contacting authorities in cases where users start talking seriously about suicide.

Hanna Jones, a youth violence and mental health researcher in London, said: To have this tool that could tell you technically anything  its almost like a fairytale. Youve got this magic book that can solve all your problems. That sounds incredible.

But she is worried about the lack of regulation.

People are using ChatGPT for mental health support, when its not designed for that, she said. What we need now is to increase regulations that are evidence-backed but also youth-led. This is not going to be solved by adults making decisions for young people. Young people need to be in the driving seat to make decisions around ChatGPT and mental health support that uses AI, because its so different to our world. We didnt grow up with this. We cant even imagine what it is to be a young person today.

 In the UK, the youth suicide charity Papyrus can be contacted on 0800 068 4141 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org, and in the UK and Ireland Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is at 988 or chat for support. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org
It is estimated that around one in 15 plates could be modified in some way (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Archive)

The widespread misuse of vehicle number plates is jeopardising road safety and even threatening national security, a new report has revealed.

Researchers estimate that up to one in 15 vehicles may use plates designed to evade automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.

These include "ghost plates," with reflective coatings preventing detection, and "plate cloning," where criminals illegally copy another vehicles registration.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport Safety (APPGTS), which produced the report, said avoiding ANPR cameras sometimes requires nothing more sophisticated than cellophane, leaves or a marker pen.

It explained that abusing the number plate system can facilitate a range of offences, from dodging road charges and fines, to drug dealing and organised crime.

The APPGTS recommended that the number of licensed sellers of number plates should be significantly reduced from the current level of 34,455 by introducing annual fees and higher standards.

Many sellers were found to operate from private homes or small workshops, with no background checks.

Illegal registration plates include "ghost plates," with reflective coatings preventing ANPR detection, and "plate cloning," where criminals illegally copy another vehicles registration (PA Archive)

Some of those handling customers identity documents were found to have criminal convictions for violence and fraud, the investigation revealed.

The report also called for the design of plates to be standardised, which would include banning 3D and 4D versions.

Sarah Coombes, APPGTS member and Labour MP for West Bromwich, said: This explosive report lays bare the threat posed by ghost and cloned plates.

It also makes clear how the whole system is failing.

Its totally wrong that people can commit terrible crimes and then set themselves up as number plate sellers with no questions asked.

Those selling these illegal plates have gone under the radar for too long  but now theyve been rumbled.

I hope the Government cracks down on them immediately.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: Its clear from this report that urgent action must be taken to stop the widespread abuse of number plates, which has serious and far-reaching consequences for our society from road safety to national security.

Ghost and cloned plates have no place on our roads as no one should be able to drive a vehicle thats invisible to enforcement cameras or untraceable by the police.

Its vital we introduce new, higher security standards for number plates and those who produce them.

The British Number Plate Manufacturers Association, which represents companies producing the vast majority of plates in the UK, said it fully supports the recommendations of the APPG.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency was approached for a comment.
RMJDT Introduced as Part of National Digital Asset Sandbox Initiative

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bullish Aim Sdn. Bhd., chaired and owned by His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Regent of Johor, today announced the official launch of RMJDT, a Ringgit-backed stablecoin issued on Zetrix, the core Layer-1 blockchain underpinning Malaysia's national Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure (MBI).

EN: (Right) TS Wong, Co-founder of Zetrix and (Left) Dato Lion Peh, Managing Director of Bullish Aim Sdn Bhd, exchanging the agreement, witnessed by (Middle) His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Regent of Johor.

Launched under a regulated sandbox framework, RMJDT is designed to strengthen the international use of the Malaysian Ringgit in cross-border trade settlements and to act as a catalyst for attracting increased foreign direct investment (FDI) into Malaysia. The initiative aligns with global tokenisation trends and directly supports Malaysia's Digital Asset National Policy.

In conjunction with the RMJDT rollout, Bullish Aim will also establish a Digital Asset Treasury Company (DATCO) with an initial treasury allocation of RM500 million in Zetrix tokens, with plans to increase to RM1 billion. Modelled after global precedents such as MicroStrategy and Bitmine Immersion, this treasury will play a pivotal role in ensuring stable network gas fees for RMJDT transactions.

DATCO will additionally stake Zetrix tokens to support up to 10% of the validator nodes within the Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure, reinforcing long-term national Web3 resilience while enhancing the security and efficiency of the blockchain ecosystem.

"As the issuer of RMJDT, we view the establishment of a Zetrix-token treasury as a strategic necessity  both to support operational stability and to deepen alignment with the national blockchain," said His Royal Highness the Regent of Johor.

These dual initiatives reflect Johor's commitment to advancing digital innovation at the intersection of blockchain technology, trade infrastructure, and national economic development, while operating within Malaysia's approved sandbox environment to ensure compliance, transparency, and national oversight.

About Zetrix

Zetrix is a layer-1 public blockchain that facilitates smart contracts and delivers privacy, security and scalability. Zetrix's cryptographic infrastructure can be introduced to multiple industries to connect governments, businesses and their citizens to a global blockchain-based economy. Developed by Zetrix AI Berhad, formerly known as MY E.G. Services Bhd, the cross-border and cross-chain integration with China enables Zetrix to serve as a blockchain gateway that facilitates global trade by deploying critical building blocks for Web3 services such as Blockchain-based Identifiers (BID) and Verifiable Credentials (VC).

SOURCE Zetrix
Alina Habba at the Kennedy Centre Honours in Washington, DC on Sunday - Jeenah Moon/REUTERS

Donald Trumps one-time personal lawyer has quit her role as a senior federal prosecutor in a knockback to the US president.

On Monday, Alina Habba, 41, said she was standing down from her position as acting US attorney for the District of New Jersey. It came after an appeals court said Mr Trump had unlawfully selected her for the job.

Do not mistake compliance for surrender, Ms Habba said in a statement announcing she was stepping down. This decision will not weaken the justice department, and it will not weaken me, she added.

Ms Habba will continue to work for the department of justice (DoJ) as an adviser to Pam Bondi, the US attorney general.

She is one of two of Mr Trumps former personal attorneys whose appointment as a senior prosecutor was ruled illegitimate.

Both rulings were a blow to Mr Trump, who is attempting to reshape the judicial system to fit within his Maga ethos.

Alina Habba will continue to work for the department of justice as an adviser to Pam Bondi - SAUL LOEB/AFP

In November, a district judge ruled that Lindsey Halligan was not properly appointed.

Ms Halligan, who had been appointed as the interim United States attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was responsible for the prosecution of two of Mr Trumps enemies, New York attorney general Letitia James and James Comey, the former FBI head.

Both Ms James and Mr Comeys cases were dropped following the ruling, which was hugely embarrassing for Mr Trump. The justice department will challenge this decision.

In a statement on Monday, Ms Bondi and Todd Blanche, her deputy, railed against federal judges they claimed were waging an unconscionable campaign of bias and hostility against Ms Halligan.

Certain district court and magistrate judges in the Eastern District of Virginia are engaging in an unconscionable campaign of bias and hostility against US Attorney Lindsey Halligan andher line attorneys, they wrote.

Lindsey and our attorneys are simply doing their jobs: advocating for the department of justices positions while following guidance from the office of legal counsel.

The statement added: They do not deserve to have their reputations questioned in court for ethically advocating on behalf of their client. This department of justice has no tolerance for undemocratic judicial activism.

Lindsey Halligans appointment was also ruled as illegal in November - Al Drago/ 2025 Bloomberg Finance LP

Ms Habba claimed on social media the court decisions about her appointment had also been political but said she was resigning to protect the stability and integrity of her office.

Last month, a three-member appeals court in Philadelphia found Ms Habbas appointment violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

It is apparent that the current administration has been frustrated by some of the legal and political barriers to getting its appointees in place, wrote Judge Michael Fisher.

He added: Its efforts to elevate its preferred candidate for US attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habbademonstrate the difficulties it has faced.

He added: Yet the citizens of New Jersey and the loyal employees in the US Attorneys Office deserve some clarity and stability.

Before she joined the justice department, Ms Habba acted as Mr Trumps personal lawyer on several occasions, including a 2023 civil fraud trial brought by Ms James.

Ms Habba also represented him in the E Jean Carroll defamation case in New York. In 2024, a court ordered Mr Trump to pay Ms Carroll more than $83m in damages. A previous civil case found him liable for sexual abuse.

Mr Trump denied any wrongdoing.

She also often served as his spokesman and would defend his actions in court and in the media.
Nigel Farages 2024 election spending has come under scrutiny, but Reform UK denies the claims - Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Labour has called for a full Electoral Commission investigation into Reform UK after it was claimed that Nigel Farage overspent on his campaign at the last election.

The party demanded action after Mr Farage was reported to police over his spending return in Clacton, where a whistleblower alleged that he spent around 9,000 more than permitted.

The Electoral Commission is responsible for monitoring spending by political parties, but has said the matter can only be handled by police because the allegations relate to Mr Farages candidate spending.

Essex Police is assessing the claims, and has not yet decided whether to investigate.

Anna Turley, the Labour chairman, has now written to Vijay Rangarajan, the Electoral Commission chief executive, asking him to reconsider the commissions decision.

Anna Turley says the public deserve to be reassured that Mr Farage has done nothing wrong - Jaimi Joy/Party backbenchers in mind. Photographer: Jaimi Joy/Bloomberg

In her letter, she said that the claims by Richard Everett, the whistleblower, included that Reform wrongly reported spending in Mr Farages Clacton constituency as national expenditure.

She said: If expenditure that ought to have been declared in Mr Farages return in Clacton has been included in Reforms national spending return, or elements of national party expenditure have not been declared at all, there is a real risk that Reforms party spending return is inaccurate or incomplete, which is a matter for the Electoral Commission.

Ms Turley compared the case to the prosecution of Lord Mackinlay, a Tory peer, after his campaign against Mr Farage in South Thanet in 2015.

During that election, campaigners for Lord Mackinlay reported some expenditure, including hotel bills, as a national cost. He was later acquitted, although a Conservative Party official was convicted and given a suspended sentence.

She wrote: Ultimately, the Conservative Party were fined 70,000 by the Electoral Commission following the conclusion of the investigation, in part for including payments in the partys return that ought to have been declared by individual candidates.

Labours letter to the Electoral Commission

Reform has denied all claims by Mr Everett, a former member of Mr Farages campaign team in Clacton, saying that he is a disgruntled former councillor.

His claims included that Reform did not report around 9,000 of spending on leaflets, banners, rosettes and the refurbishment of an office bar, which would have taken Mr Farage over the 20,660 spending limit in Clacton last year.

Mr Everett has given documents, including the spending return and photographs of items he said were not reported, to Essex Police. The force is expected to decide whether to formally investigate the matter in the coming days.

Mr Farage has not spoken publicly about the claims since The Telegraph first reported them on Sunday evening. He is understood to have returned from a weekend at the Formula One race in Abu Dhabi.

Ms Turley told The Telegraph: These allegations are incredibly serious. Nigel Farage is treating the British people with contempt by staying silent  he needs to urgently come out of hiding on this issue. His constituents and the wider public deserve to be reassured that neither he nor his party have broken the law.

Whether it be racism allegations, his refusal to investigate pro-Russian links, or now serious questions over whether his own election campaign broke the rules, Nigel Farage has proven that he cant shake these issues off with bluster alone.

He prides himself on being straight talking, yet he cant find the words to shut these issues down.

An Electoral Commission spokesman said: We are not investigating Reform UKs spending at the general election. The commission regulates the political finance laws which apply to parties and campaigners. It does not regulate candidate spending and donations, which is a matter for the police.
Comedian Jack Whitehall has been announced as the presenter of the 2026 Brit Awards, saying host city Manchester is so important to me.

The 37-year-old has hosted the event in London for five non-consecutive years and will now anchor the first ceremony outside the capital in 50 years at the Co-op Live venue on February 28.

Whitehall said: I am so excited to be coming back for this very special Brit Awards in Manchester, a place that is so important to me.

The city I started my comedy career in, it feels like a real full circle moment returning to host this historic night at the Co-op Live, a venue that is only a stones throw away from the comedy club I did my first 10-minute set in all those years ago.

Hopefully I get a few more laughs than I did that night. I cannot wait.

Born in London, Whitehall studied at the University Of Manchester before moving into comedy, going on to star in shows such as Bad Education, Fresh Meat and various programmes with his father Michael Whitehall.

Stacey Tang, chairwoman of the 2026 Brit Awards Committee and co-president of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, said: Jack is absolutely brilliant at his craft so we are thrilled to welcome him back and excited for the fun and mischief hes bound to bring to the show again this year.

His legacy hosting the awards speaks for itself and as the Brits enters a new era, in a city familiar to him, theres nobody better placed to take the helm of the biggest night in music.

Jacob Alon, Rose Gray and Sienna Spiro have been announced as the nominees for the Brits Critics Choice award, which aims to celebrate upcoming talent.

The awards ceremony will be broadcast live on February 28 on ITV and ITVX.
A federal judge has ordered grand jury documents from the case of convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell to be unsealed after President Donald Trump signed a measure that compels the release of all materials tied to investigations into her associate Jeffrey Epstein.

Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence after she was found guilty of recruiting and grooming young women and girls, did not fight against the renewed push to unseal the documents, but she had warned that the public release of grand jury files from her case could compromise her long-shot attempt to get a new trial.

Victims of Maxwell and Epstein urged the court to unseal the files but sought assurance that their identities and privacy wouldnt be compromised.

In his order on Tuesday, New York District Judge Paul Engelmayer said their concerns regrettably have a basis in fact, after the Department of Justice failed to give notice to victims about the governments motions to unseal the documents earlier this year.

DOJ, although paying lip service to Maxwells and Epsteins victims, has not treated them with the solicitude they deserve, the judge wrote.

A federal judge has ordered the release of grand jury materials tied to Ghislaine Maxwell after DOJ made a renewed push to unseal the documents following Trumps approval of the Epstein files release (AP)

Victims letters to the court widely expressed distress at the lack of notice given to them by DOJ  and alarm that the grand jury records DOJ would release, if authorized to do so, would invade their privacy, Engelmayer added.

The motion itself misled victims  and the public at large  in holding out the Maxwell grand jury materials as essential to the goal of transparency to the American public, when in fact the grand jury materials would not add to public knowledge, he wrote.

Last month, Trump reluctantly agreed to sign a measure approved by Congress that compels the Justice Department to release all investigative materials from the Epstein case in its possession. Those documents face a December 19 deadline for their public release.

But those files do not include materials reviewed by grand juries that mulled indictments against Epstein or Maxwell.

Last week, a federal judge in Florida ordered the release of grand jury materials from an abandoned case against Epstein from 2005 and 2007. The order from District Judge Rodney Smith, a Trump appointee, did not attach a deadline.

Another judge is considering a separate request to unseal grand jury documents in Epsteins case in New York, where he died in prison awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019.

Justice Department lawyers are calling on judges who handled cases against Epstein and Maxwell to release grand jury documents after Congress approved a measure to release files in the governments possession (REUTERS)

Maxwell was indicted in 2020 for crimes associated with Epsteins decades-long scheme to recruit young women and girls  some as young as 14 years old  then sexually abuse them.

From 1994 to 2004, Maxwell and Epstein worked together to recruit young girls and entice them to travel to Epsteins properties, according to prosecutors. During a monthlong trial in 2021, survivors testified in Manhattan federal court that Maxwell had groomed them, taken their passports, and sexually abused them.

In October, the Supreme Court denied Maxwells appeal after she asked the nations highest court to review whether prosecutors fairly brought the case against her.

Maxwells lawyers had argued in court documents that Epsteins agreement with federal prosecutors in Florida, which included a pledge not to prosecute him or potential co-conspirators, should apply to one of the counts in Maxwells case.

In July, the Justice Department determined no further disclosure in the Epstein case would be appropriate or warranted. But in an apparent attempt to suppress criticism surrounding the decision, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche interviewed Maxwell over two days at a Florida courthouse close to the maximum security prison where she was incarcerated.

Maxwell agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, and was suddenly moved to a minimum security prison in Texas.

In her interview with Blanche, Maxwell said she absolutely never saw Trump behave inappropriately with anyone in Epsteins circle and praised the president for his extraordinary achievement in becoming the president now. She also said she liked him.

Attorneys for Annie Farmer, who testified under oath that Maxwell groomed and assaulted her when she was a teenager, wrote to the judges overseeing the cases last week week, warning that any denial of the motions to unseal the documents may be used by others as a pretext or excuse for continuing to withhold crucial information concerning Epsteins crimes.

Epsteins victims have been denied justice for far too long by multiple government administrations of both parties, they wrote.
The Duke of Sussex is alleging misuse of private information - Kate Green/Getty

The Duke of Sussex and six other high-profile figures involved in a 38m privacy case have been warned about the consequences of the cost of their legal action.

In a ruling on Tuesday, two judges said the claimants, among them Prince Harry and Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, needed to have the clearest possible understanding of how the case was being conducted in the face of spiralling legal fees.

It raised the prospect of the seven claimants suing the publishers of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday being landed with a multi-million pound costs bill should they all lose.

But it also suggested that, if only some win, then those who lose will be left with a much larger  and potentially crippling  debt burden.

In the judgment, Judge David Cook and Mr Justice Nicklin said that they wanted to make it clear to the claimants that they risked paying substantial costs in the event of a legal defeat.

The court had been told that the seven claimants were insured collectively for 14.1m to meet the totality of Associated Newspapers costs in the event they all lost.

Baroness Lawrence, the mother of the murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, is among the claimants - Ben Whitley/PA

However, the claimants had also obtained individual policies each worth 2.35m, meaning if only some won or others dropped out, their bills could end up being far higher than the 2.35m covered by insurance.

In their ruling, the judges said: In our judgment, it is imperative that the parties and in particular the individual claimants have the clearest possible understanding as to the consequences of the way in which this litigation is being conducted.

If that means the individual claimants need to reassess their ATE [after the event insurance] cover, that can only be in their own best interests.

It is particularly important that this issue is addressed at this point as substantial costs have already been incurred and the parties will soon be incurring more substantial costs in preparation for the trial next year.

In a previous ruling, the judges had said the estimated 38.8m costs of the case were clearly outside the range of the reasonable. Judge Cook said that such sums were manifestly excessive and therefore disproportionate.

Actress Sadie Frost is also among those suing Associated Newspapers - Henry Nicholls/Reuters

The Duke of Sussex and Baroness Lawrence, the mother of the murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, are suing Associated over alleged phone hacking and bugging of calls as well as other unlawful practices including blagging of private information. The other claimants include Sir Elton John and the actress Sadie Frost.

All of the allegations are vehemently denied by Associated which has described them as lurid and simply preposterous.

A nine-week trial is due to begin in January to test disputed allegations published by the newspapers.

At a hearing in November, the two judges at the High Court in London heard arguments about how Associateds costs could be shared among the group of household names in the event they had to pay any of the publishers legal fees.

In Tuesdays judgment, Judge Cook said: The claimants cases depend not merely on them bringing the same central case based on the similar fact and generic cases, but also on each individual claimants own specific case being said to cross-support each of the other claimants cases and the collective case as a whole.

He continued: It is particularly important that this issue is addressed at this point as substantial costs have already been incurred and the parties will soon be incurring more substantial costs in preparation for the trial next year.

A further preliminary hearing is expected to take place on Dec 18, with the trial set to start in mid-January.
Judi Dench is facing public outrage for supportive comments she made about disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, whos currently serving out a 16-year prison sentence for rape and sexual assault convictions.

When accusations against Weinstein first emerged in 2017, Dench, 90, was quick to condemn his horrifying behavior. While at the time, she acknowledged that the former film producer had helped and championed my film career for the past 20 years, she admitted she was completely unaware of these offenses.

However, now that several years have passed, the British acting legend feels hes done his time.

I dont know, to me its personal  forgiveness, Dench told The Radio Times in a new interview. I saw a bit of film of Harvey walking with two sticks and you think, Well, she added. I knew Harvey and I knew him well and worked with him, and I had none of that experience  very fortunately for me.

Weinstein, 73, is currently in prison after being convicted in California of three counts of rape and sexual assault in 2022. Prior to that, in 2020, he was convicted of rape in New York and sentenced to 23 years in prison. However, the latter conviction was overturned, and he was retried in June. Weinstein was again found guilty of an assault, but acquitted on other sex charges.

Judi Dench (left) says she feels disgraced film tycoon Harvey Weinstein has 'done his time' (Getty)

Weinstein enters the courtroom in New York City in 2020 (Getty Images)

Denchs comments have ignited a social media firestorm, with several finding them to be out of touch.

Maam, I need you to speak to his victims before you say these things, one wrote on X.

Bummed to read this, a second said. Sure, she can do what she wants, its her opinion. Her influence is the problem. She knows damn well she is in a position of influence and this move, these words, reinforce the misogynistic reality we all live under and is a slap in the face of all abused.

Just an absolute and stunning lack of compassion for the suffering of Weinsteins other victims, a third decried.

Another, however, was more understanding of her remarks, calling them personal and nuanced. Shes basically saying shes processed her own experiences with Harvey Weinstein ... and frames it all around forgiveness rather than public judgment, they added. Classic Dench: measured, reflective, and unapologetically her own moral compass.

The Independent has contacted Denchs representative for comment.

In the same interview with The Radio Times, Dench revealed that she texts exiled Hollywood star Kevin Spacey.

Kevin has been exonerated and I hear from Kevin, we text, the Notes on a Scandal actor said.

Kevin Spacey has been exiled from Hollywood after multiple men accused him of sexual misconduct, which he has consistently denied (Getty Images)

Spacey, 66, was acquitted of sexual assault charges in a 2023 criminal trial in the U.K., as well as dismissed of sexual assault allegations in 2022 by a New York court.

Previously speaking to The Radio Times in 2019, Dench celebrated both Weinsteins and Spaceys talents, arguing that their work should be separated from their alleged offenses.

Are we going to negate 10 years at the Old Vic and everything that he did, how wonderful hes been in all those films? she said of the House of Cards star.

Are we just not going to see all those films that Harvey produced? You cannot deny somebody a talent, Dench continued. You might as well never look at a Caravaggio painting. You might as well never have gone to see Noel Coward.
LegCo voters wait to cast their ballot at a polling station in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Composite: Guardian Design/REX/Shutterstock

Hong Kongs Legislative Council (LegCo) acts as a mini parliament that can make and amend laws for the city. However, LegCo elections have become devoid of meaningful opposition as Hong Kong has faced significant political repression and undergone major governance system overhauls in recent years.

When the former British colony was returned to Chinese control in 1997, a one country, two systems framework promised Hong Kong would retain its autonomy, but its freedoms and democracy have been gradually eroded.

In 2014, the Chinese government introduced a bill allowing Hong Kong residents to vote for their chief executive, the citys head of government, but only candidates approved by Beijing. In 2019, amid months of protests, hundreds of residents broke into the citys legislative complex, angry over a proposed extradition law that would allow people to be sent to China to face charges.

The national security law (NSL), which passed in June 2020, gave Beijing unprecedented powers over Hong Kong and criminalised acts such as secession and subversion. In the five years that have followed, every major democratic party disbanded.

The annual LegCo elections are Hong Kongs equivalent of a general election. However, China introduced laws in 2021 that ensured only government-approved pro-Beijing patriots were eligible to run for seats, and a new code of conduct, proposed in July, would require legislators to sincerely support Beijings jurisdiction.

Today, only 20 of the 90 available seats on the LegCo are directly elected by the citys residents, with the remaining chosen by the pro-Beijing Election Committee and special interest groups.

With other forms of protest criminalised, refusal to vote is one of the few ways that Hong Kong residents can safely express dissent against political repression. Voter turnout for the LegCo elections has reached a record low since the patriots only policy was introduced.
Martin Collins edited the 1985 book Ireland After Britain, which included contributions from Gerry Adams, Mary Robinson and Tony Benn Photograph: none

My friend Martin Collins, who has died aged 75 from complications brought on by dementia, was a human rights activist and political organiser with a particular focus on Ireland.

Around 1994 he began working in parliament for Kevin McNamara MP, organising the Agreed Ireland Forum, which sought support for the Good Friday agreement across the parties in Westminster.

Among his papers is a handwritten note from the Northern Ireland secretary at the time, Mo Mowlam: I know [] that you are working to build a broader base for the friends of GFA  Good luck with that and with all you are doing to underline the importance of bipartisanship toward N Ireland at Westminster. Keep up the good work and thanks again, love Mo.

Born in Bristol, Martin was the son of Robert, who worked for British Aerospace, and Margaret (nee Feasey). He went to Bristol grammar school, where he did not thrive, but after resitting his A-levels went to the University of East Anglia to study politics, sociology and philosophy.

Martin joined the Labour party in the late 1970s, although he had already been politically active in the International Marxist Group, CND, trade unions and the Troops Out Movement while doing various factory jobs. But it was the hunger strikes in Northern Ireland of the early 80s that really focused his attention.

He co-organised the Labour Committee on Ireland in 1982, editing the magazine Labour and Ireland. In 1985 he edited the book Ireland After Britain with contributions from, among others, Gerry Adams, Mary Robinson and Tony Benn.

And in 1987 he became the campaign director of the Time to Go! movement, which led into his work on miscarriages of justice, including working on the case of the Guildford Four with Gareth Peirce. By the 90s he was director at the Britain and Ireland Human Rights Project, and launched a human rights journal, Rapporteur.

The landmark Good Friday agreement was achieved in 1998. As the millennium turned, Martin became a director for the Irish Traveller Movement and later worked for Chris Ruane MP in his role as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on the Irish in Britain. He also became involved in the campaign for justice over British army deaths in barracks such as Deepcut, eventually helping around 40 bereaved families in their fight for truth.

Around this time he met Ginnie Lawlor from the Irish Youth Foundation, and they settled into life together in Ginnies house in Hampstead, north London.

I first met Martin in the mid-80s as a friend of my wife. He was an inspirational, relentless, intelligent, entertaining and loyal friend and comrade.

Ginnie and his brother Simon survive him.
A soldier testing land drones in Zaporizhzhia on Saturday. The Briton was injured on Tuesday while observing forces test a new defensive capability. Photograph: Andriy Andriyenko/AP

A member of the UK armed forces died on Tuesday morning after an accident in Ukraine, believed to be the first time a serving member of the British military has been killed in the country since the full-scale Russian invasion.

The victim was not immediately named, though the Ministry of Defence said their family had been notified, after an incident that appears to have taken place during a weapons test at a site away from the frontlines.

A spokesperson for the MoD said: It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK armed forces died in Ukraine this morning, Tuesday 9 December.

He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the frontlines.

British military personnel are present in Ukraine in small numbers in support of the countrys armed forces, and to guard the British embassy, though their presence has been acknowledged only in limited and careful disclosures.

There was no further detail on what had happened, other than to say that the fatal incident was not the result of hostile fire. The MoD said it would not be commenting further on Tuesday.

The prime minister expressed his deepest sympathy and condolences. Keir Starmer said on X: My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the member of our armed forces who sadly lost their life today. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

A Ukrainian memorial produced by the Kyiv war museum has counted that 40 Britons have died defending Ukraine, a higher number than previously thought. None are known to have been serving in the British military at the time of their death.

Starmer has said the UK would be willing to deploy boots on the ground and planes in the air as part of a multinational peacekeeping mission in the event of a durable cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, but there is little immediate sign of Russia agreeing to a ceasefire.

In a post on X, the defence secretary, John Healey, said: Devastated by the death of a UK service person in Ukraine. My thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues as they grieve for a loved one. Our hearts go out to them.

The shadow defence secretary, James Cartlidge, said: I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that a member of the UK armed forces died this morning in Ukraine. My sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
MI5 turned a blind eye to grotesque crimes committed by a British spy who infiltrated the IRA during the Troubles, a damning report has found.

Agent Stakeknife worked within the internal security unit of the Provisional IRA, which interrogated people suspected of passing information to the security forces, while sending out his own intelligence reports.

Operation Kenova, launched in 2016 to investigate the agents activities, found that Stakeknife, believed to be Freddie Scappaticci, who died aged 77 in 2023, committed grotesque, serious crime including torture and murder.

It said that MI5, which was closely involved with the agents handling, had knowledge of all Stakeknife intelligence and was aware of his involvement in serious criminality.

Yet Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) chief constable Jon Boutcher, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday after the publication of the 47.5m report, said there was no evidence that people were seeking to stop what he was doing.

The report also said there were two incidents when his handlers from the Force Research Unit (FRU)  a British army intelligence unit  took him out of Northern Ireland for a holiday when they knew he was wanted by police for murder.

Operation Kenova examined 101 murders and abductions linked to the IRA unit where Stakeknife operated. In its interim report last year, it said more lives were probably lost than saved through the operation of Stakeknife.

On Tuesday, Sir Iain Livingstone, who led the investigation, said there was a compelling ethical case for the UK government to now drop its Neither Confirm Nor Deny (NCND) policy and name the agent.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (right) and Iain Livingstone at Tuesdays press conference (PA Wire)

It also emerged that previously undisclosed information providing a greater knowledge of Stakeknife was only passed on to the probe by MI5 after the publication of the interim report last year, which was too late for it to be investigated properly. The security agency has apologised.

Crucially, the late-coming information revealed MI5 was closely involved in handling Stakeknife, said the report, which added that the agents commanding officer briefed MI5 every four to six weeks.

It said: MI5 had automatic sight of all Stakeknife intelligence and therefore was aware of his involvement in serious criminality.

CC Boutcher told the press conference he was unable to give an example of MI5 agents who clearly knew about specific murders, but said they were embedded with the Force Research Unit that handled Stakeknife.

He added: Ive not seen anything, anything, that shows that the activities of the agent Stakeknife that people were seeking to stop what he was doing. I have not seen anything to suggest that.

The chief constable, who led the Kenova investigation before taking charge of the PSNI, claimed Scappaticci had been a critical person of interest at the heart of Operation Kenova.

To directly quote a solicitor for the Kenova families who spoke to the BBC in 2024, the dogs in the street know that Fred Scappaticci is the agent Stakeknife, he said.

Freddie Scappaticci is widely believed to have been the IRA agent known as Stakeknife (PA Wire)

But the identity of Stakeknife, who started work in the 1970s and continued as an agent into the 1990s, has not officially been revealed, including in the operations report.

More than 3,000 people died in Northern Ireland during three decades of conflict between mostly Catholic supporters of unification with the Republic of Ireland and mostly Protestant backers of continued links with the United Kingdom.

KRW Law, a legal firm which represents families of some of those murdered by the IRA, said it was insulting that Stakeknife has not been publicly named.

A statement said: Its a slap in the face by the state at a time when there ought to be the most fulsome of apologies over what was a state-sponsored murder operation lasting from 1979 to 1994.

CC Boutcher also urged the government to name the agent, adding that the operative was involved in the most serious and inexcusable criminality while operating as an agent, including murders.

Director general of MI5 Ken McCallum has apologised (PA Wire)

He said the actions of the IRAs internal security unit against its own community were utterly abhorrent, wrong and inexcusable.

He said: The families of those accused of being state agents, women, children and the elderly were also subjected to violence, and many have faced years of intimidation, isolation and humiliation at the hands of those who murdered their loved ones.

The late release by MI5 of additional files relating to Stakeknife was deeply frustrating, said CC Boutcher.

He said: No new murders were uncovered, but incidents were detailed which could have been put to witnesses, generated new lines of inquiry, and perhaps form the basis for submissions to the Director of Public Prosecutions for additional offences. We will never know the full impact of this late discovery.

MI5 director general Sir Ken McCallum apologised, but said the material was not deliberately withheld.

Among the updated 10 recommendations in the report, the UK government has been urged to acknowledge and apologise to bereaved families and surviving victims. It also called for a full apology from the republican movement for the Provisional IRAs abduction, torture and murder of those it suspected of being agents.

On the late discovery of material, he said: The fact this material was provided so late and at a point when further investigation was impossible only caused further upset to the families who have already waited many years to find out what happened to their loved ones.

The 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings remains the biggest loss of life on any single day of the Troubles (PA Archive)

Tuesdays publication also included a report of Operation Denton, which reviewed a series of attacks carried out by loyalists with involvement by some members of the security forces in the 1970s known as the Glenanne Gang.

It found that the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) was responsible for the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, and there was no specific intelligence that could have prevented the attacks, which claimed 33 lives.

It remains the biggest loss of life on any single day of the Troubles.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in Northern Ireland previously announced that no prosecutions would be pursued after consideration of the last batch of files from the Kenova investigation.

Some 32 people, including former police, former military personnel and people linked with the IRA, were considered for prosecution on a range of charges from murder and abduction to misconduct in public office and perjury.

However, the PPS found there was insufficient evidence to pursue cases.

A No 10 spokesperson said: While I cant comment in detail on the allegations set out by Kenova due to ongoing litigation, the government is clear that the alleged criminal conduct Operation Kenova has set out in its interim report would not be tolerated today, and of course, we must emphasise that the principal responsibility rests with the Provisional IRA.
Labor and employment law firm adds lawyers committed to fighting for unions and working people

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Labor, employment, workers' compensation and family law firm Willig, Williams & Davidson is pleased to announce that attorneys Deanna Krokos, Shayla Nguyen, and Ty Parks have joined the firm's labor law practice group as associates.

Deanna Krokos, Shayla Nguyen, and Ty Parks

"We are happy to welcome Deanna, Shayla, and Ty to our team," said Managing Partner Deborah R. Willig. "All three attorneys have demonstrated passionate commitment to unions and fair treatment for working people and families. We are all stronger when we stand together, and our labor practice has never been better equipped to fight for our clients' right to equitable and safe workplaces."

Krokos focuses her practice on labor and employee benefits, using the protections of the law to ensure workers and their families are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. As a lawyer and legal scholar, she has immersed herself in labor and employment law, advocating for workers' rights and equal treatment for all. While a legal writing professor at Brooklyn Law School, she conducted research regarding labor law and ERISA benefits. She also served as a Peggy Browning Fund Fellow at the National Employment Law Project, where she researched and analyzed legal and policy developments that impact employment law and worked on matters related to independent contractor misclassification.

"Willig, Williams & Davidson has a long history of standing up for workers' rights, and I am proud to help continue that legacy," said Krokos. "Everyone should have full access to the benefits they earn and deserve, and I look forward to guiding our clients with my knowledge and insight."

Inspired by labor demonstrations during the COVID-19 pandemic that united people from various backgrounds, Nguyen is a passionate advocate for working people and unions. She earned her law degree specifically to support workers as they fight for the protections they need and deserve. She stands in solidarity with working families in the face of anti-union forces and is committed to serving as a legal ally against exploitative and unfair working environments. Before joining the firm, she served as a staff attorney at Service Employees International Union, Local 73, providing advice and representing members in healthcare, public services, and property services in arbitration hearings in Chicago.

"Every day I am inspired by the hard-working people represented by this firm, and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve them," said Nguyen. "Labor movements do so much to solve the inequities of our world, and I am dedicated as a union attorney to provide them with the support they need in their vital work."

Parks harnesses the power of the law to help workers and unions build influence, create equitable workplaces, and enforce their fundamental workplace rights. His practice includes both labor and employment law, representing unions and their members, as well as individual workers. He earned his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. While there, he participated in various legal clinics that helped indigent clients navigate the justice system. He previously served the firm as a law clerk and summer associate.

"I am thrilled to return to Willig, Williams & Davidson and continue supporting workers in their ongoing fight for justice and equity," said Parks. "There is dignity in all work and each worker, and I am proud to be part of a firm that lifts up people who make such valuable contributions to our society."

About Willig, Williams & Davidson  Willig, Williams & Davidson ( www.wwdlaw.com ) is one of the largest and most respected union-side labor law firms in the United States. The firm has offices in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania as well as Haddonfield, New Jersey, and Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1979, Willig, Williams & Davidson focuses on representing labor unions, employee benefit funds and individual working people and their families on a variety of legal fronts, including national, regional and local contract negotiations; election and campaign finance; dispute resolution through mediation, arbitration and litigation; family law matters; benefits law design and compliance issues; discrimination, overtime and unpaid wages, and other employment matters; prepaid legal services for union members; social security disability; and workers' compensation matters in Philadelphia and beyond. Workers inspire us.

Contact: Matt Henderson

[email protected]

SOURCE Willig, Williams & Davidson
Nancy Mace shreds Mike Johnson and says Nancy Pelosi was a more effective House Speaker than any Republican this century

Rep. Nancy Mace has ripped Speaker Mike Johnson for the way he has run the House of Representatives in a New York Times op-ed, the latest sign of discontent among Republicans with the speaker.

Mace, a former moderate who moved hard to the right who is now running for governor, criticized Johnson and House leadership for closing the lawmaking process and concentrating it among themselves.

Would opening up the floor lead to more conservative bills passing or more bipartisan ones? The honest answer is: It would do both, she wrote.

Some Republican priorities would finally get a vote. So, too, would common-sense bipartisan measures. The point is to do more and let voters see where their representatives stand. What we have now is the worst of all worlds: little accountability, transparency and results.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) has ripped Mike Johnson in an op-ed (Getty)

Mace has increasingly broken with Republican leadership since she came to Congress. She was one of eight Republicans who voted to eject Kevin McCarthy as speaker in 2023.

She also joined a discharge petition started by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) to force a vote to disclose files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Johnson and Trump initially opposed it before they said they would support the vote, which passed almost unanimously.

She also joined a discharge petition to ban members of Congress and their spouses from trading stocks. Mace criticized Johnson by comparing her to former Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Heres a hard truth Republicans dont want to hear: Nancy Pelosi was a more effective House speaker than any Republican this century, she wrote. I agree with her on essentially nothing. But she understood something we dont: No majority is permanent. When Democrats hold the majority, they ram through the most progressive policies they can.

Numerous House Republicans have criticized House Speaker Mike Johnsons leadership style (AFP via Getty Images)

Mace went on to criticize Johnsons leadership as restrictive and ineffective, control with barely any results. She also criticized the way that women in the House Republican conference have been treated.

Women will never be taken seriously until leadership decides to take us seriously, and Im no longer holding my breath, she said. Since 2013, the Republican conference chair position has gone to a woman. Its the token slot, the designated leadership role for the top woman in the conference, while the real power lies in other offices.

Maces complaints echo those of other Republicans in the conference. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the right-wing firebrand who in the past clashed with Mace, announced she would resign from Congress at the beginning of January. In addition, Rep. Elise Stefanik criticized Johnson for not including an amendment that she wanted in must-pass legislation.

As a result, members of Congress have largely resorted to using discharge petitionswhich require members receive 218 signatures to force a vote on the House floor and get around leadershipto pass legislation they want.

But Mace complained that this would not fix the larger problems.

We can do better, she wrote. We can restore regular order, empower members to legislate and deliver on our promises. But that will require a fundamental shift, one that prioritizes courage over control. Let us vote. Let the people see. Let the chips fall. Thats democracy.
The 59-year-old artist is the first learning-disabled artist to be nominated for the prestigious award (Courtesy of the Artist and ActionSpace)

Nnena Kalu has won the 2025 Turner Prize for her colourful cocoon-like sculptures made of VHS cassette tape and found fabric.

The 59-year-old artist, who is autistic with limited verbal communication, is the first learning-disabled artist to be nominated for the prestigious award.

She received the nod for the inclusion of Drawing 21 in the group exhibition Conservation at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, as well as her works Hanging Sculpture 1-10.

Kalus suspended sculptures are created by winding vibrant recycled materials, such as cloth, paper, and card, around lengths of flexible ducting tape. This creates a sense of joyous uplift, wrote The Independents art critic Mark Hudson in a review of the Turner Prize shortlisted artists this year.

The artist beat out her fellow nominees, including Mohammed Sami, whose large-scale paintings meditating on war and Iraq had made him the favourite to win.

Installation view of Nnena Kalus presentation at the Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford (David Levene)

Magician Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo, presented the prize to Kalu at a ceremony held in Bradford on Tuesday evening (9 December). She will receive 25,000.

Chaired by the director of Tate Britain Alex Farquharson, the jury commended Kalus bold and compelling work, praising her lively translation of expressive gesture into sculpture and drawing. They also noted her finesse of scale, composition and colour.

Born in Glasgow to Nigerian parents, Kalu moved to London at a young age. She still lives in the city in supported care, according to a recent interview in The Guardian.

Kalu works closely with her longtime studio manager and artistic facilitator, Charlotte Hollinshead, who leads the team that has been helping to support and nurture her creative endeavours since 1999.

Kalu won the prize for her large-scale, cocoon-like sculptures (Tate)

The nomination is phenomenal, Ms Hollinshead told The Guardian in May. Its seismic. Someone said to me the other day, Its like someones just thrown a bomb into the Turner prize  and it is like that. A good bomb.

Alongside her sculptural work, Kalu also creates large-scale abstract drawings made with similar vigorous and rhythmic lines.

Established in 1984, the Turner Prize is Britains best-known art prize. It is awarded annually to an artist born or working in the UK for work completed over the previous year.

Installation view of Kalus presentation at the Turner Prize 2025 (Courtesy of the artist, ActionSpace, London and Arcadia Missa, London / David Levene)

This year, Kalu beat out Baghdad-born painter Sami, Korean-Canadian artist Zadie Xa, and photographer Rene Matic, who at 28 is the second-youngest artist ever to be shortlisted for the Turner. The other nominees will receive 10,000 each.

Sami was the favourite to win after receiving the nod for his exhibition After the Storm: Mohammed Sami at Blenheim Palace. It comprised 14 paintings that respond to Winston Churchills birthplace and contain hints and references to conflict in Iraq.

The work of Korean-Canadian artist Xa falls into a mystical trend in contemporary art. Merging land and seascape in hallucinatory compositions rooted in the shamanic traditions of her Korean heritage, wrote Mark Hudson.

Matic was the only photographer to be shortlisted for the prize. Their photographs of political demonstrations and queer subculture were influenced by their experience growing up queer and mixed-race in Peterborough.

In a video that accompanies their art, Matic  who has English, Irish and Saint Lucian heritage  describes Blackness and whiteness as being at war within their body.

Alongside her sculptures, Kalu also creates large drawings using similar rhythmic lines (David Levene)

On the Turner Prize 2025 jury, alongside Farquharson were independent curator Andrew Bonacina, director of Liverpool Biennial Sam Lackey, associate curator of modern and contemporary projects at the National Gallery Priyesh Mistry, and Habda Rashid, who is the senior curator of modern and contemporary art at Fitzwilliam Museum.

Kalu joins a revered list of winners including sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor (1991), artist Damien Hirst (1995), filmmaker Sir Steve McQueen (1999), and Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur, whose doily-clad car helped to clinch her win last year.

A group show of the 2025 shortlisted artists work is running at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford until 22 February 2026.
Rachel Reeves is accused of misleading the country over the state of the public finances - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

Rachel Reeves has suggested there is no link between Labours increase in employers National Insurance and high unemployment figures.

The Chancellor faced questions from MPs on Tuesday about the effect of her policies on employers and workers, after polls showed she delivered one of the most unpopular Budgets in 15 years last month.

Esther McVey, a Conservative MP, asked whether the rise in people on lower incomes losing their jobs was linked to Labours decision last year to increase National Insurance contributions (NICs) on employers.

Employment data show that job losses in Britain have disproportionately fallen on lower-income workers, while employers in the hospitality and retail sectors have said the increase in employer NICs has made it harder to employ more staff.

Ms Reeves said: The number of jobs has increased by 329,000 this year. That is the record of this Government getting people back into work and also through the youth guarantee, dealing with the fact that when we took office last year, one in eight young people was not in education, employment or training.

That is your record. This Government are addressing it.

Separately, Dan Tomlinson, Ms Reevess junior minister, claimed Labours council tax increase on expensive properties was fair.

Let me just identify one element of unfairness that he left in the tax system that this Government is correcting, and that is a popular measure, he told MPs.

When we look at the the views of the public and down the country, we dont think its fair on this side of the House that someone in a 10m property can pay less council tax than someone in a typical terrace house in his constituency, in my constituency and constituencies across the whole of England.

01:15pm

Thats all for today

Thank you for following our live coverage of MPs questions to the Treasury.

Here are the key developments:

Rachel Reeves insisted she did not authorise pre-Budget leaks or briefings to the press.

The Chancellor also claimed that there is no link between Labours Employers National Insurance increase and unemployment.

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride described the general pre-Budget process as utterly chaotic.

Ms Reeves claimed that unemployment has only risen because there are more economically inactive Britons now seeking work.

James Wild, shadow exchequer secretary to the Treasury, said that soaring taxes for publicans could lead to lay-offs and pay cuts for staff in pubs.

Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson suggested that changes to tax based on the value of homes is fairer on people across the country.

01:04pm

Inheritance tax on farms costs lives, says Tory MP

A Tory MP has warned the Government that Labours tractor tax threatens farmers lives.

Simon Hoare, a Conservative MP, said: In the hope that the Government had listened to the NFU and others, a north Dorset farming family sat in expectation to the Chancellors statement for the budget.

They were disappointed with the announcements of the family farm tax. He [the farmer] withdrew his medical treatment. Three days later he died.

So determined was he to keep that family far within his and knowing the struggle that they would have had to have met the tax bills post 1st April, I share that, not to be inflammable.

I just wanted to make sure that the Treasury bench knows that their decision on facts has direct up and down.

Dan Tomlinson said: The Treasury bench is fully aware of the fact that changes to inheritance tax do, of course, have an effect on those who are older.

He added: We have a higher allowance with an extra million pounds, and we have a tax rate that is half as low as everyone else pays.

We think that these reforms that do raise money in a fair and sustainable way will both contribute to us to be able to raise the revenue that we need, and do so in a way that protects family farms.

But of course, we understand that there will be impacts on people. Thats why weve designed the policy in the way that we have and weve come forward with the changes that we announced at the budget just a few weeks ago.

12:54pm

Chancellor should have been more honest, says former Cabinet minister

Steve Barclay, former secretary of state for health, has said that the Chancellor should have been more honest over her claims in the 2024 Labour manifesto.

He said: The Office for Budget Responsibility shows that welfare spending will be 32bn a year more at the end of this Parliament, just as a result of decisions in the last budget.

Why was the Chancellor not more honest in the Labour Party manifesto about the choices she wanted to take?

Torsten Bell said: The welfare state the party opposite created is failing, and we are changing it.

Welfare spending rose three times as fast under the party opposite than it done under this one, because they created a broken welfare system. And to repeat. Mr. Speaker, we will change it very much.

12:47pm

Torsten Bell blames Tories for roller coaster gas prices

Torsten Bell, parliamentary under-secretary of state for pensions, has blamed the Tories for leaving Britain with roller coaster gas prices.

Torsten Bell said: The Conservatives left Britain dependent on the roller coaster of gas prices, and left families paying almost 2bn on their bills for their failed energy efficiency eco-scheme.

So we are scrapping eco and taking some of the expensive levies off bills... reducing energy bills is so important, precisely because they are typically a higher share of disposable income for low income households.

12:41pm

Unemployment is up because economically inactive now seeking work, claims Chancellor

Reeves claims there are more jobs in the economy today than when Labour took office

Rachel Reeves has claimed that unemployment is up since Labour took office because people who were economically inactive are now seeking work.

Sir Ashley Fox asked: Unemployment is higher today than on the day the Chancellor took office. Would she tell the House why that is the case?

Ms Reeves said: Employment is up since we took office, and part of the reason for the disparity between those numbers is that people who were economically inactive are now seeking work.

That is exactly what we want, for people to be seeking work and to get back into work. But there are more jobs in the economy today than when we took office.

12:34pm

Stride: Chancellor breached confidentiality of OBR

The shadow chancellor has said that Rachel Reeves breached the confidentiality of the OBR.

The OBRs own guidance says, and I quote: The interim rounds are transmitted to the chancellor in confidence, Mel Stride said.

Yet the Chancellor repeatedly stated before the Budget that the OBR had downgraded their productivity forecasts.

In her statement in Downing Street on 4th November, she said, in relation to the OBRs forecast, and I quote: It is already clear that the productivity performance is weaker than previously thought.

Why did the chancellor breach the confidentiality of the OBR?

Ms Reeves said: Well, in the spring statement, the OBR were clear that productivity was coming in lower than forecast, and they were clear that they were reviewing that over the summer.

The numbers that the OBR had since published, showed that in the final pre-measures forecast, the fiscal headroom was just over 4bn. I was clear in my speech on 4th November.

I didnt want to reduce the headroom. I wanted to increase it. I increased it to bring back the stability thats much needed in our economy after 14 years of Conservative government.

12:29pm

Mel Stride: Budget process utterly chaotic

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride has hit out at the Chancellor over the damaging speculation from briefings and leaks prior to the Budget.

He said: The process surrounding the Budget was utterly chaotic. We had months of damaging speculation fuelled by briefings and leaks from the Treasury itself, that included briefings on 14th November, which moved markets and gave the appearance at least of being deliberately inaccurate, which is why we need the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) to investigate.

But can I ask the chancellor a simple question? Did she at any point authorise or allow confidential details of the budget or the forecast to be briefed to the press. Yes or No?

Ms Reeves replied: No.

12:26pm

Tories ducked electric vehicles road tax, says James Murray

Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray has claimed that the Conservatives ducked issuing a levy on electric vehicles.

Shadow minister Richard Fuller asked: As this is my last question before Christmas, I want to ask my counterpart a nice and constructive question.

As he will know, rural residents and businesses already pay more on fuel than their urban counterparts, and there are fewer public transport options.

So can he advise what were the results of his assessment of the relative impact on rural compared to urban areas of the budgets introduction of road pricing?

James Murray responded: I think the honourable gentleman was referring to the changes we announced in budget around electric vehicles and their contribution towards public finances.

If people drive electric vehicles, wherever in the country they drive them, they benefit from investment in roads and maintenance, alongside those of us who drive petrol cars.

So its important to make sure that we make the tax system fit for the future. Mr. Speaker, this is a decision which people have talked about for many years. His party ducked that alongside many other difficult decisions, we are taking them head on to make sure we are fit and stable for the future.

12:17pm

Tories responsible for economic disgrace, claims Torsten Bell

Torsten Bell, parliamentary secretary to the Treasury, has claimed that fiscal policies adopted in the Budget came as a response to the legacy of the previous Government.

He claimed that the Conservatives are responsible for the economic and moral disgrace on the British workforce.

He said: Who created the benefits system that is failing today? The party opposite.

12:08pm

Publicans will be forced to make cuts in staff, says shadow minister

Soaring taxes for publicans could lead to lay-offs and pay cuts, a shadow minister has said.

James Wild, shadow exchequer secretary to the Treasury, said: The chancellor promised a new golden era of hospitality, but the reality of her business rates raid, as the British Beer and Pub Association has said, is sleepless nights, pay cuts and staff lay-offs for publicans, who will be paying an extra 13,000 pounds on average.

Why did the chancellor last week tell businesses their taxes were going down when theyre going up? Will she think again and change the multipliers?

Mr Tomlinson replied: The multipliers are a product of the change in the valuation, and they did come down, and then we brought them down even further for our HL businesses.

I would say to the honourable member that without intervention this year, the bills paid by pubs would have increased by 45 per cent as a result of the increase in value since the pandemic. Because of the significant intervention that this government is making this year, they were going up by 4 per cent. That is the impact of the changes this Government has made.

12:00pm

Numbers simply do not stack up, says Lib Dem MP

Rachel Reeves has defended her Budget despite criticism over the adverse consequences to small businesses

Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse suggested that the numbers the Treasury had produced on rates and bills for small businesses do not stack up.

Mr Tomlinson responded: I think its really important for all of us to make sure that were communicating to the small businesses in our constituency, as I was doing this weekend, that there is a difference between the increase in the rateable value, and it may be that the business has seen a large increase in its value since the pandemic.

But precisely because that has happened in some cases, we are implementing a very significant support package this year that will mean that no business that has a rateable value of less than 100,000 pounds will see an increase in its bills of more than either 15 per cent or 800 pounds.

Theres a bit of a technical detail there, which Ill be happy to go into with with the member.

But the important thing is, there are significant protections in place this year on bills, even if rateable values have increased significantly since the pandemic.

11:52am

Council tax changes fair, says Treasury minister

Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson has claimed that changes to tax based on the size of homes is fair on people across the country.

Conservative MP Richard Fuller asked: The minister said, fair: no, no, no.

Perhaps breaking the election promise on tax thresholds may be the reason why, by two to one, the public view the budget as unfair. Just 3 per cent think it will make them better off, and two out of three think things will get worse.

So does the minister want to tell the public they are wrong, or will he explain to the house why this budget has been received so badly by the British people?

Mr Tomlinson said: The Shadow spokesperson talks about fairness. Let me just identify one element of unfairness that he left in the tax system that this government is correcting, and that is a popular measure.

When we look at the the views of the public and down the country, we dont think its fair on this side of the House that someone in a 10 million pound property can pay less council tax than someone in a typical terrace house in his constituency, in my constituency, and constituencies across the whole of England, we are making that change to make to make things fairer in this country.

11:47am

Tax threshold freeze will hit working people, says Tory MP

Working people will be hit by the Chancellors decision to freeze tax thresholds, a Tory MP has said.

John Lamont, a Conservative MP, asked: There seems to be only one word that the Chancellor understands tax her decision to continue the freezer income tax thresholds is a hammer blow to working people.

In fact, even one of the Chancellors favourite unions, Unison, has said that freezing personal income tax thresholds disproportionately impacts lower and middle income workers. So does the chancellor agree with Labour Partys union paymaster?

Dan Tomlinson, a Treasury minister, said: I was a bit confused by that question there, forgive me. Mr. Speaker, but the the honourable member said that there was one word that was important.

Let me give the member one figure, Mr. Speaker, 150 pounds. Thats the amount were taking off energy bills next year to help people deal with the cost of living in the here and now, supporting people because of the mistakes that previous governments made, not investing in our energy infrastructure and not investing in our future, were picking up the pieces where they didnt make the decisions necessary.

11:39am

No link between Employers National Insurance rise and unemployment, Reeves suggests

The Chancellor has suggested that there is no link between her increase in Employers National Insurance and unemployment.

Esther McVey, a Conservative MP, asked: Mr. Speaker, the biggest issue for those on low incomes is losing their jobs. Does the chancellor believe there is any link at all between her increase in Employers National Insurance contributions, her job tax, and employment level slumping to a 14 year low?

Ms Reeves responded: The number of jobs has increased by 329,000 this year. That is the record of this government getting people back into work and also through the youth guarantee, dealing with the fact that when we took office last year, one in eight young people were not education, employment or training.

That is your record. This government are addressing it.

11:29am

Scrapping farm tax will lower food prices, Aldi chief tells Reeves

Rachel Reeves should rethink her raid on farmers to maintain low grocery prices, the boss of Aldis UK business has said.

Giles Hurley, Aldis UK and Ireland chief executive, told The Telegraph he was disappointed not to have seen at least a review of the proposed changes to inheritance tax on family firms at the Chancellors Budget last month.

Mr Hurley said: We know that a thriving British food system is really important for resilience and  over the passage of time  for price.

Of course, there are requirements at certain times of year to import, but a heavy reliance on imports can leave you exposed to all the vagaries of what happens internationally and how that affects food prices.

Read the full story here

11:17am

Britons already pay more income tax than French, Germans or Americans

Rachel Reeves is accused of misleading the country over the state of the public finances - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

Ms Reeves faces scrutiny as new analysis revealed today that Britons already pay more income tax than the French, Germans or Americans, even before the consequences of the Budget come into force.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said more than 10 per cent of GDP was raised in taxes on personal income and capital gains in the UK, putting the country behind only Italy and Canada in the G7.

The Chancellor announced a three-year freeze on income tax thresholds in the Budget, in which she raised overall taxes by a further 30bn, that will further add to the burden on working people.

Continue reading the full story here

11:11am

Chancellor to be grilled by MPs over Budget

Rachel Reeves will face questions from MPs about the consequences of her fiscal policies amid accusations of misleading the country about the public finances ahead of the Budget.

The Chancellor and her officials repeatedly suggested they would be forced to raise taxes in order to plug a multi-billion pound shortfall after a productivity downgrade from the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR), even though they had been made aware that there was in fact a surplus of more than 4bn.

Ms Reeves is expected to be questioned on her decision to raise taxes despite being updated about this economic outlook prior to the Budget, as well as the consequences of the Governments policies on various groups in society, including entrepreneurs and working people.
Tarkan Mustafa (Met Police)

A psychotherapist who sexually assaulted patients at his north London practice has been jailed.

Tarkan Mustafa, 55, was jailed for three years and nine months at Wood Green Crown Court on November 9 after being found guilty of sexually assaulting two of his patients during sessions.

The distressing offences took place at Mustafas practice, Peace of Mind  Private Therapy in Ponders End near Enfield.

The Metropolitan Police previously launched an investigation into allegations about Mustafa nine years ago, but was forced to close it due to a lack of evidence.

After receiving a report from one of Mustafas patients in August 2016, the investigation was reopened.

Mustafa was arrested and interviewed by officers that month. However, no further action was taken by the Crown Prosecution Service at the time.

On August 31 2020, a second victim reported to police that she had been sexually assaulted by Mustafa during two separate incidents in 2014 after attending his practice for counselling.

He was arrested again in February 2021. After a lengthy investigation, he was voluntarily interviewed on January 20 2023 and charged on January 23 2024.

Mustafa used highly sexualised language and massaged his victims breasts, claiming it was complementary therapy.

The psychotherapist was found guilty of seven counts of sexual assault, including sexual touching, after a two-week trial at Wood Green Crown Court.

As well as his jail sentence, he was put on the Sex Offenders Register for life and was handed a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The victims have received support from specially trained officers.

Detective Sergeant Myles Bossman, who led the investigation for the Met said described Mustafa as a calculated individual.

He said: He took advantage of women who were seeking his support for his own sexual gratification, under the guise of medical treatment.

I want to thank each of the victims for their support and commend their immense courage and bravery in supporting the investigation and providing evidence in court.

I hope that todays sentencing will help to provide closure and strength, knowing that by making a report against Mustafa, they have helped to protect other potential patients from becoming victims.

They have urged anyone who might have been affected by Mustafas offending to get in touch by contacting 101, or by making a report online, referencing 01/YE/10292/24.
A quarter of teenagers in the UK have turned to AI chatbots for mental health support in the last year, new research has revealed.

A study of 11,000 children aged 13 to 16 in England and Wales has found that more than half of teenagers have used some form of online mental health support in the last year, with 25 per cent having used AI chatbots.

The research, carried out by charity the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF), also found young people affected by serious violence were even more likely to seek help online.

Some 38 per cent of children who were victims of serious violence said theyd turned to AI chatbots for support, while 44 per cent of children who had been perpetrators of serious violence said they had done the same.

The YEF said AI chatbots could appeal to struggling young people who feel it is safer and easier to speak to an AI chatbot anonymously at any time of day rather than speaking to a professional.

Ajada, a YEF youth advisory board member, said: AI really scares me. If youre really struggling and are thinking about doing something harmful to yourself, you can ask AI for support. It will give you the information, but what you do with it is up to you.

Some 38 per cent of children who were victims of serious violence said theyd turned to AI chatbots for support (Getty/iStock)

So, we lose that emotional, personal experience that comes with positive human interactions.

Charity leaders also warned this could be happening due to a lack of support available for teenagers mental health, stressing: They need a human, not a bot.

Too many young people are struggling with their mental health and cant get the support they need. Its no surprise that some are turning to technology for help. Jon Yates, CEO at the Youth Endowment Fund, said.

We have to do better for our children, especially those most at risk. They need a human, not a bot.

He added: For those affected by violence, the understanding and empathy of a trusted adult can make all the difference  someone who listens, reassures them and helps them see they dont have to face their problems alone.

Earlier this year, the NHS urged young people to stop using AI chatbots as a substitute for therapy, warning that they can provide harmful and dangerous mental health advice (Getty/iStock)

The research also found that more than one in four of all teenagers reported symptoms associated with high or very high levels of mental health difficulties.

A quarter of teenagers surveyed have received a formal diagnosis of a mental health or neurodevelopmental condition, while a further 21 per cent believe they may have a condition but have not been formally diagnosed.

Concerningly, 14 per cent said they had self-harmed in the past year, and 12 per cent had thought about ending their life.

Earlier this year, the NHS urged young people to stop using AI chatbots as a substitute for therapy, warning that they can provide harmful and dangerous mental health advice.

NHS leaders have said the rise in so-called AI therapy is a worrying trend, particularly among teenagers and young adults, with experts warning that these tools are not equipped to handle serious mental health conditions and could worsen symptoms.

We are hearing some alarming reports of AI chatbots giving potentially harmful and dangerous advice to people seeking mental health treatment, particularly among teens and younger adults, Claire Murdoch, NHS Englands national mental health director, told The Times in September.

She said AI platforms should not be relied upon for sound mental health advice and should never replace trusted sources of information from registered therapists.

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
Maria Corina Machado at a rally in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, in July 2024. She last appeared in public on 9 January. Photograph: Miguel Gutierrez/EPA

A press conference in Oslo with the Nobel peace prize laureate Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader in hiding, has been cancelled, the Norwegian Nobel Institute has said, adding that it was in the dark as to her whereabouts.

Machado last appeared in public on 9 January at a demonstration in Caracas protesting against the inauguration of Nicolas Maduro for his third term as president. The press conference, traditionally held by the Nobel laureate on the eve of the award ceremony, had been expected to be the 58-year-olds first public appearance in 11 months.

It was postponed hours before it was due to start, however, and a few hours later it was cancelled.

A spokesperson for the Nobel institute said: The press conference is cancelled for today and we have no further information about how and when she is coming.

Asked whether it might be rescheduled for Wednesday, they said: I dont think so, you never know  We are also in the dark.

The institute said in a statement: Maria Corina Machado has herself stated in interviews how challenging the journey to Oslo, Norway will be. We therefore cannot at this point provide any further information about when and how she will arrive for the Nobel peace prize ceremony.

Machados team did not respond to a request for comment.

Machados family had arrived in the Norwegian capital for Wednesdays ceremony, but journalists accredited to attend the event received messages marked urgent from the committees head of media and communication an hour and a half before the scheduled time of access.

Machado was announced as the winner of this years peace prize in October for her dogged struggle to rescue Venezuela from its fate as a brutal, authoritarian state.

A conservative often described as Venezuelas Iron Lady, she dedicated the prize in a post on X to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!

The US president has ordered a major naval buildup off Venezuelas Caribbean coast and threatened land strikes against suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers after a more than three-month military campaign against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Machados mother, Corina Parisca de Machado, arrived at Oslo airport on Monday. The 84-year-old has not seen her daughter in a year.

Every day I pray the rosary, I ask God the Father, the Virgin, both together, that we may have Maria Corina tomorrow, she told Agence France-Presse. And if we dont have her tomorrow, it is because that is Gods will.

After the postponement of the press conference, she told the Norwegian broadcaster NRK that she was very emotional. I am doing well, but there are a lot of emotions now, she said.

Machados two sons and her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, who reportedly arrived at the Grand Hotel in Oslo on Monday night, were also due to attend.

When we see each other, Im sure there will be tears and joy and hugs, Sosa told NRK earlier this month. I miss hugging her. I miss smelling her and seeing her in person. Were going to make the most of the time we have with each other.

Machados location is not publicly known but some reports say she has made it to Europe and there are suggestions that she may have received help from the US to be smuggled out of Venezuela via Puerto Rico.

Venezuelas attorney general, Tarek William Saab, said last month that Machado had been accused of acts of conspiracy, incitement of hatred, terrorism and would be considered a fugitive if she travelled to Norway to accept the prize.

By being outside Venezuela and having numerous criminal investigations, she is considered a fugitive, Saab told AFP.

Maduro refused to accept he lost to Machados ally Edmundo Gonzalez in a presidential election in July 2024 and launched a political crackdown that forced Gonzalez into exile and Machado underground.

Not since 2012, when the EU was awarded the peace prize, have so many heads of state planned to attend the ceremony. Among those expected to attend are the presidents of Argentina, Panama, Ecuador and Paraguay.

The Norwegian Nobel Institute shared a video of the moment its director, Kristian Berg Harpviken, woke Machado with the news by phone that she had been awarded the peace prize. Oh my God! she said. I have no words  But I hope you understand that  I am just one person, I certainly dont deserve this.
Parents accused of killing daughter and her unborn child put the fetus in a cooler, cops say

A Michigan couple accused of murdering their pregnant daughter and cutting her baby from her womb allegedly placed the fetus in a blue lunch cooler and tossed it in the trash, according to newly released probable cause affidavits.

The disturbing detail is among new information disclosed this week in court documents filed in court in Wexford County, where a sheriffs deputy testified under oath about the horrific slaying of 22-year-old Rebecca Park and her unborn child.

Park, who was 38 weeks pregnant, was last seen on November 3. Her disappearance prompted a massive community search in Wexford County. On November 25, her remains were found in Manistee National Forest, near Boon, Michigan. The babys body was not with her.

Cortney Bartholomew, 40, Parks biological mother, and Bradly Bartholomew, 47, her stepfather, told investigators multiple, shifting accounts of how Park was killed and how her baby was removed from her body, at times blaming each other, before both were charged in the case.

Prosecutors allege the couple lured Park to their home in Boon on November 3 before driving her into the woods behind the house, where they are accused of forcing her to the ground, stabbing her to death and slicing her open to remove the baby from her womb.

Cortney Bartholomew, 40, and Brad Bartholomew, 47, are accused of murdering Rebecca Park and cutting her baby from her womb (Missaukee County Sheriffs Office)

According to the affidavits obtained by the Detroit Free Press, the couple each accused multiple other people in Parks disappearance during interviews with authorities before and after her body was discovered.

Text messages cited in the documents also show that Cortney Bartholomew told her sister on October 28, days before Park was reported missing, that she had given birth to a premature baby boy named Ashton Lee Bartholomew who was in the NICU in Grand Rapids. On November 3, the day investigators believe Park was killed, Cortney Bartholomew texted again, claiming the baby had died.

After learning investigators were treating the case as a homicide and that each spouse was accusing the other, Cortney Bartholomew eventually partially admitted involvement.

She first claimed her husband told her, I slit her fucking throat, b**** deserved it, according to the affidavit.

Later, she said her husband carried out the killing and brought the baby back to the house.

Brad took her, he brought the baby back, I tried, I didnt, I couldnt, I tried, I tried to save my grandson, she told detectives while crying, according to the affidavit.

Bradly Bartholomew told detectives it was his wife who first placed the baby in a garbage bag and then into the cooler, and that the babys body was later disposed of near a property where logging had recently occurred.

Cortney Bartholomew is accused of later admitting to cutting the baby from Parks womb with a hunting knife, claiming it was an attempt to save him, but denied stabbing Park.

She told detectives her husband said of the baby: Oh, I stuck him in a cooler, stuck him in a trash bag, threw him in the trash. The hunting knife, she said, was later disposed of in a dumpster in Cadillac.

Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey told the court on December 2 that the couple researched how to carry out the killing and created a plan before carrying it out. But the couple had also offered dueling explanations about the motive.

Cortney Bartholomew told detectives her husband planned the killing as part of a revenge plot against Parks fiance, who she said triggered a sex offender registry investigation that sent Bradly Bartholomew back to jail.

Bradly Bartholomew told detectives his wife was driven by jealousy and desire for the unborn child, saying, Cortney was mad because Rebecca was always bad mouthing her and wouldnt give her a chance to be a mom, and that Cortney wanted the baby for herself.

He told investigators he did not believe the baby was alive after being removed from his mother and never heard him cry. After unsuccessful attempts at CPR, he accused his wife of saying, The b**** killed my baby, referring to Park.

Rebecca Parks body was found in Manistee National Forest, near Boon, Michigan on November 25 (Wexford County Sheriff's Office)

Stephanie Park, Rebecca Parks adoptive mother, told the Free Press her daughter was lured to the home by Cortney Bartholomew with the promise of inheritance money on November 3.

Cortney Bartholomew initially told investigators an unknown friend picked Park up that night. She later suggested an older man, then Parks fiance, and later multiple others as possible suspects.

Bradly Bartholomew initially denied being home that night, though search warrant data from his phone contradicted that claim, police said. He later told investigators that Parks sister discussed needing to get Rebecca out of the picture, then claimed the sister later admitted to killing her  an account detectives did not corroborate.

Both Cortney Bartholomew and Bradly Bartholomew face multiple charges, including first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, torture, unlawful imprisonment, conspiracy, assault of a pregnant woman with intent to cause miscarriage or stillbirth, and moving a dead body.
(Getty/iStock)

Police have launched a murder investigation after a 15-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Islington, north London, on Tuesday afternoon.

Officers were called to reports of a stabbing on Westbourne Road at 1.02pm. Met Police officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance.

A 15-year-old boy was treated by paramedics for a stab wound at the scene before being taken to hospital. He later died in hospital despite best efforts of medical staff.

The teenagers family has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in the local area said: Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim at the incredibly sad and difficult time. We understand this is incredibly concerning for the community, particularly considering the young age of the victim.

A crime scene was in place on Atlas Mews and Westbourne Road (Google)

Officers are in the area carrying out urgent enquiries and cordons remain in place. I would urge anyone who saw the incident or has any information, to please get in touch with us, or do so anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Officers are investigating at the crime scene on Atlas Mews, Westbourne Road and Arundel Square.

Anyone with information that may be useful to the police are asked to come forward and contact authorities on 101 quoting ref CAD 3568/09DEC.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Chancellor heard MPS voicing fears about the future of pubs in their constituencies - Anadolu

On Dec 5 1933, Franklin D Roosevelt ended prohibition during a rough economic time in the US with the words: What America needs now is a drink.

As Rachel Reeves attended her first Treasury questions since the Budget, many MPs felt the same.

Order! Order! cried Mr Speaker  and they did, giving the Chancellor a round of bitter and some fine whines as they asked about the rising costs facing the hospitality industry.

Sir Julian Smith got to the bar first, remarking that his seat of Skipton had just been voted Britains happiest town in which to live. One of the reasons for that began the former Tory chief whip, drawing a cry from all sides of is you!  but he meant its glorious pubs, which face last orders as a result of rates revaluation.

Matt Vickers (Conservative, Stockton West) added that eight pubs a week were closing and the rates at his local were set to rise threefold. This was one treble measure he could do without.

The same point came from the other flank via Clive Lewis (Labour, Norwich South). In Norwich, there is a saying: there is a church for every Sunday and a pub for every day of the week, he said. After this Budget, many landlords tell me they will go under.

Daisy Cooper (Lib Dem, St Albans), whose seat has the greatest density of pubs, called for an emergency VAT cut, which drew a petulant grumble from a nasal front-bench voice, not dissimilar to the Chancellors, of shall we just cut the NHS budget?

Maybe beer should be on prescription. Simon Opher (Labour, Stroud), a former GP, said the doctors surgery and the pub were the beating hearts of his community, which raised the image of giving a urine sample in Stroud and being able to refill the tank at the same time.

His publicans were meeting to discuss the crisis in a brewery, he said. Better not invite anyone from the Treasury to organise it, or there will be empty glasses.

John Slinger, meanwhile, won the prize for desperate punning with a question about a rugby-themed gin distillery in which he asked the Chancellor to level the playing field, help them to tackle their challenges and convert their entrepreneurial spirit. Must try harder, Mr Slinger.

Reeves ducked all this, sending a junior, Dan Tomlinson, to handle the complaints in her place. Young Tomlinson looks as if he is often asked for ID at the bar but he made a valiant attempt to argue that things would be far worse under the Tories. Cant see that going down well at the Old Kings Head. Or, as Dr Opher would prefer, the Hospital Arms.

The Chancellor restricted herself to handling toughies from loyal backbenchers that went along the lines of Will she tell us how great she is?

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker, scoffed at this. Well, that was an easy one, he remarked sarcastically after one from Antonia Bance (Labour, Tipton and Wednesbury) about how everything is rosy in manufacturing, while Kevin Bonavia (Labour, Stevenage) was stopped in his tracks during a helpful question about the railways. The Chancellor is ready now, said Hoyle said. Your season ticket has run out.

The Speaker also terminated Mark Garniers frontbench question for the Tories on the grounds that he was just repeating every point he had made during the Budget debates.

He interrupted a ramble from Rachel Blake (Labour, Cities of London and Westminster) with a gruff we get it, and gave such a loud ahem during one of Tomlinsons answers that the minister lost his way and said simply: Ill stop there.

If only the Chancellor could cut spending as enthusiastically as the Speaker likes to cut waffle.
Confidence in the Met Police has fallen to an all-time low as Londoners lose faith in the forces management of protests, ability to solve thefts and local policing, according to a new report.

A damning report published by the Policy Exchange think tank recommended that responsibility of the service should be stripped from mayor Sadiq Khan and transferred to the Home Office instead. It also said that the Met should be put back onto special measures, which were lifted at the start of the year.

Confidence in the UKs largest police force this year has sunk to the lowest level since records began. This is despite efforts by the Met to restore public trust with its New Met for London plan. Less than half (45 per cent) of people living in the capital think the Met is doing a good job in their local area - 5 per cent lower than in 2022 which was soon after Sarah Everard was murdered by an off-duty police officer.

Conservative MP for West Suffolk Nick Timothy said that the report demonstrates how the Metropolitan Police is still a long way from being anything like an effective crime fighting force.

He added: The force has simply been too slow to make the necessary changes and too timid in its approach to crime and criminals.

Mets ability to fight crime is a story of opposites

The Policy Exchange found that the Met was effective at confronting serious incidents, including homicides and knife crime, but it was failing to solve high volume, lower level crime such as thefts.

The Met Police solves nearly all of homicide cases (95 per cent), and the rate of homicides has dramatically lowered from an average of 141 per year between 2003-2022 to just 42 offences in the first half of 2025. Hate incidents have also fallen significantly since commissioner Mark Rowley was appointed, and knife crime has dipped by 14.82 per cent in the first ten months of 2025.

But the force has not effectively tackled stealing offences. The Met only solves one in 76 reported bike thefts, and one in 179 thefts from a person.

London has become the phone theft capital of Europe with criminals nicking 80,000 mobile devices last year, which amounts to roughly one every six minutes. This is despite the force specifically tackling phone and watch theft from people riding e-bikes, as part of its plan to restore public trust.

Two-tier policing of protests

The Met and the government have denied that the force polices protests differently. Commissioner Rowley was asked by a journalist about the forces alleged double standards when it came to managing large protests in August 2024, but instead of responding he appeared to throw the reporters microphone to the ground. Scotland Yard said he was in a hurry to return back to the HQ.

But the report said that two-tier policing had become a reality and was "inadequate". The Policy Exchange report said that often the force chose to prioritise the rights of protestors over the wider public and Westminster, with access to parliament being substantially obstructed" on a number of occasions.

It said that senior officers have recognised that they have not got everything right, which includes failing to make arrests during the early stages of pro-Palestine protests following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas and subsequent war in Gaza.

However, the force has also been accused elsewhere of over-policing certain Palestine demonstrations, such as by Amnesty International. At the start of the year trade union leaders complained to the home secretary about the heavy-handed policing which saw more than 70 people arrested at a pro-Palestine protest on January 18.

Neighbourhood policing

Some 70 per cent of Londons local police stations closed between 2008 and 2018, and the think tank said the force had failed to mitigate the impact of the closures. This is coupled with a fall in the number of local frontline police officers.

It was also announced in October that 10 more stations will close, meaning there are only 27 counters open across the whole of the capital. Richmond Council recently announced it was planning legal action against the mayor of London and the Met after Scotland Yard decided to shut Twickenham Police Station.

The A Long Way To Go report said there was also a focus on engagement and community relations rather than fighting crime.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London told the Daily Mail: Nothing is more important to the Mayor than keeping London safe and he continues to lead the way by being tough on crime with a record 1.16billion support for the police this year alone and tough on the complex causes of crime through the country's first Violence Reduction Unit which is leading an approach rooted in prevention and intervention.

Met Commander Hayley Sewart said: Our New Met for London plan is delivering significant improvements on the issues that matter most to our communities and crime is falling across London.

Despite a 260million funding gap and amid a shrinking Met, we are protecting neighbourhood policing, response policing and public protection so we can be there where and when the public needs us.
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Sandie Peggie was suspended by NHS Fife after complaining about sharing a changing room with a transgender colleague - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

On Monday, nurse Sandie Peggie was vindicated by an employment tribunal, which held that NHS Fife harassed her by continuing to allow a transgender doctor to use the female changing room, even after Ms Peggie had made a formal complaint. However, the judgment didnt stop there. It dismissed her allegations of discrimination, indirect discrimination and victimisation and strayed at times into the realm of the bizarre.

For one thing, take the judges consideration of the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Equality Act. In April, the Court determined that when considering the Equality Act 2010, sex is defined by biology and nothing else. The tribunal interpreted the Supreme Courts ruling and determined that it was not inherently unlawful for a trans female  i.e. a biological male  to have access to a female changing room at work.

Instead, to determine legality a number of factors must be weighed up, including how the trans person physically appeared to others, and the extent to which there were complaints from other staff. Really? Are we saying that women are only likely to be protected from predatory male behaviour if they complain in advance?

Arguments like his hark back to the likes of Nicola Sturgeon seeking to change the law on gender recognition  thankfully that campaign failed; but it isnt over. Its also about present day politicians failing miserably to champion the Supreme Courts ruling that trans women are not women in the Equality Act. Women are entitled to safe areas.

But look at the cowardice of political leaders like the Prime Minister and, in Scotland, First Minister John Swinney. They went on the record to thank the Supreme Court justices that their judgment has brought clarity to this vexed subject and then, given the contrary view of many of their backbenches, they shut up.

This failing has seemingly contributed to Judge Alexander Kemps ruling, which Ms Peggies legal team describe as hugely problematic for women, and which has muddied what were seemingly clear waters.

As a young reporter I used to cover employment tribunals, when the crux of their deliberations used to concern allegations of unfair dismissal following on from, for instance, persistent lateness of employees. Now they are interpreting judgments from the Supreme Court. How times have changed.

In Scotland, the issue of gender has never been simple at least not while a certain former first minister is around. Having initially tried but failed to redefine gender, Nicola Sturgeon saw her legislation to allow young people under-18 to transition vetoed by the then Tory government.

It might be thought an exaggeration to suggest that Sturgeons views on this subject had poisoned the well but her spectre still stalks the wider public debate.

Sir Keir Starmer and John Swinney have remained silent, even as NHS Fife say its considering this verdict. Theres nothing to consider. Ignore Judge Kemps strange utterances and implement the law of the land. The Supreme Court has spoken.
Scottish artist Nnena Kalu, recognised for her hanging sculptures and large abstract drawings, has won the Turner Prize 2025.

The 59-year-old from Glasgow was crowned at the Bradford award ceremony on Tuesday evening.

Kalus award-winning installation was Hanging Sculpture 1-10. The stunning visual display was commissioned by Manifesta 15 Barcelona at a former power station.

Kalu made the project using multiple lines and wrappings from different materials to create 10 large brightly-coloured sculptures in nest and cocoon-like forms.

The organization also commissioned Conversations at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, a display which Kalu created on two pieces of paper using pen, graphite and chalk pen.

Hanging Sculpture 1 to 10 was commended for being bold and compelling (PA Media)

The jury was chaired by the director of Tate Britain, Alex Farquharson, who praised Kalu for her bold and compelling work as well as the lively translation of expressive gesture in her art.

Kalu was also commended for her scale, composition and colour, and the jury highlighted the powerful presence of her work.

Rene Matic, Mohammed Sami and Zadie Xa were also shortlisted in the competition. A free exhibition of the four artists work is available to view at Bradfords Cartwright Hall Art Gallery until February 22.

Kalu is a resident artist working at ActionSpaces studio, which supports learning disabled artists in London at Studio Voltaire.

In Conversations was created using pen, graphite and chalk pen and displayed in Liverpool (PA Media)

The Turner Prize, which is named after famed British artist JMW Turner, celebrates the 250th anniversary of Turners birth this year.

The prize was set up in 1984 to celebrate modern British art and showcase artists, with first prize winners taking home a cash prize of 25,000.

Shortlisted artists are awarded 10,000.

Previous winners include sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor (1991), artist Damien Hirst (1995), and filmmaker Sir Steve McQueen (1999).

Next years Turner Prize will be hosted at the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art.
One student was killed and another was left critically wounded in a shooting at Kentucky State University, authorities have said.

Police in Frankfort, the state's capital, said the campus was put into lockdown on Tuesday, with Governor Andy Beshear later confirming the incident.

The shooting unfolded around 3:35 p.m. at Young Hall, a dorm on the campuss south side, Frankfort Assistant Chief of Police Scott Tracy told WDRB.

Law enforcement agencies remain on the scene and have secured the campus, though a suspect has now been taken into custody.

Information about a possible motive for the shooting were not immediately available though police confirmed later that the suspect was not a student.

The injured student was taken to hospital in critical condition but is now stable, authorities said.

At least one person has been killed and another left critically wounded in a shooting at Kentucky State University, authorities have said. A suspect has been taken into custody (AP)

However, preliminary information indicated that the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute rather than a random act of violence, ABC reported, citing an official briefed on the situation.

In a video address Tuesday evening, Beshear also said the incident did not appear to be random and was not a mass shooting.

The shooting that took place today at Kentucky State University appears to be an isolated incident - not a mass shooting. The suspect has been arrested, and there is no ongoing threat. Two individuals were critically injured, and I am sad to share that one has now passed away, he said.

And he added: Violence has no place in our commonwealth or country. Let's please pray for the families affected and for our KSU students. Lets also pray for a world where these things dont happen.

Thank you to our brave law enforcement who acted quickly to protect our people.

The Frankfort Police Department said it responded to calls "regarding an active aggressor."

Kentucky State is a public historically Black university with about 2,200 students. Lawmakers authorized the schools creation in 1886 (Google Maps)

Authorities are expected to provide further information on the incident at a press conference later Tuesday evening.

Kentucky State University is a public historically Black university with about 2,200 students. Lawmakers authorized the schools creation in 1886.

The incident on Tuesday comes after two other historically Black universities were targeted earlier, both taking place on homecoming weekends in October.

A shooting near the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., injured five people, though no students, and a day later, at least one person was killed and six more were injured at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.
Plans are afoot for the Skelton stable success to extend into spring as both Panic Attack and Grey Dawning have headline ambitions, at Aintree and Cheltenham respectively.

Panic Attack rewarded the bold campaigning of Dan Skelton and owner Bryan Drew when taking both the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Coral Gold Cup within two weeks, the latter of which proved her stamina over an extended three-mile-two-furlong trip for the first time.

The Randox Grand National has therefore come into focus for the mare, with preparations likely to include a trip to Newbury and possibly Kelso as she is readied for the worlds greatest steeplechase in April.

Panic Attack winning the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury (Steven Paston/PA)

Shes going to go to Newbury in January, theres a mares race for her there, said Skelton.

Then she will possibly go to Kelso en route to the Grand National, thats our aim.

If we fancy having a go at the mares chase at the Cheltenham Festival then we might, but our sights are firmly set on the Grand National.

Another success story for the Skelton team this term so far was Grey Dawnings Betfair Chase victory, in which he reversed the form with Royale Pagaille having finished the runner-up behind him 12 months prior.

Grey Dawning at Aintree last season (Mike Egerton/PA)

The Cheltenham Gold Cup now awaits the eight-year-old, who will prepare for the pinnacle of the National Hunt season with a run in the Cotswold Chase at the same track in January instead of a previously mooted trip to Ireland for the Savills Chase.

I had the entry for him in Ireland and I was really tempted by it, but on balance we thought it was more sensible to keep him this side of the Irish Sea before his Gold Cup bid, said Skelton.

Hes a horse who has stepped up to the mark, it was a great run at Haydock and well be hoping to replicate one of those a few more times.
Stephen Millers wife claimed they were targeted by terroristic threats outside their home. The reality may be more mundane

Katie Miller, a conservative podcaster, former DOGE member and the wife of senior Trump administration official Stephen Miller, is reportedly facing pushback from the Arlington Police Department after calling authorities because she felt threatened by local protesters.

In September, Miller, 34, reportedly called police after a group of protesters wrote messages in chalk outside of the couples home voicing opposition to her husband  the White House deputy chief of staff for policy who is largely credited with being the architect of Trumps highly controversial immigration policies.

One of the chalk messages read, Stephen Miller is destroying democracy. Another said, DEI enriches all.

On Fox News, Miller described them as terroristic threats and doxxing.

But law enforcement appears to have a different opinion, according to a police report obtained by Zeteo, claiming The messages were non-threatening and alluded to political issues such as immigration, transgender rights, DEI, and white supremacy.

Katie and Stephen Miller moved out of their Arlington home earlier this year after facing consistent protests from neighbors (REUTERS)

The chalk messages at the Millers appeared after the family had been facing months of protests from locals.

A protester had reportedly distributed leaflets in the neighborhood that identified the home address of the Millers and condemned Stephens work. A group called the Arlington Neighbors United for Humanity had written Instagram posts denouncing Stephens work in the Trump administration and blaming them for hurting the community.

The group, ANUFH, took responsibility for the chalking at the Millers on social media, claiming all the messages were thoughtful and peaceful and that at no point did they interact with the Millers.

Since we were in their neighborhood, Stephen and Katie Miller's heavily armed security team greeted us and explicitly told us that we were legally allowed to chalk on the sidewalks, which we did, the group wrote on Instagram. We graciously obliged their request to not chalk directly in front of the Millers' home, despite it also being a public sidewalk.

Yet, shortly after the chalk incident, the Millers moved out of their neighborhood.

In October, the Millers put their $3.75 million house on the market and moved into taxpayer-subsidized military housing after the local protesters actions made it unsafe for the couples three young children.

Chalk messages left by protesters outside Stephen Miller's home in Arlington, Virginia (Katie Miller/X)

Unfortunately, its become pervasive in our society is that people cant look past politics, and all they do is, they see red, Katie told Fox Newss Ruthless podcast in November.

Katie Miller said people began driving by the couples home, and that she and her husband had been sent death threats.

It was no longer safe for our children to play in our front yard or backyard, Katie explained.

A state and federal investigation has reportedly been opened into potential protesters, according to the New York Times.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson declined to comment on the investigation but told The Daily Beast, Theres been constant death threats against Stephen and his family as well as a highly sophisticated and organized doxxing campaign, tied with extremely violent and threatening rhetoric that is now the subject [of] ongoing state and federal inquiries.

On social media, ANUFH responded to Katie Millers concerns of threatening behavior, saying, We understand that Katie, whose home was safely protected by dozens of heavily armed security and police, was terrified of our sidewalk chalk and messages  terrifying messages such immigrants are people or protect the constitution.

We believe in those statements deeply, in our peaceful activism, and the belief that every single human being here in Arlington deserves to be treated with the same dignity and respect that Katie and Stephen expect from us, ANUFH wrote.
Syrian government workers prepare a stage for celebrations of the one-year anniversary of the fall of Assad - Eduardo Soteras for The Telegraph

Crowds thronged into public squares in Syrias largest cities to celebrate the first anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime, as new president Ahmad al-Sharaa pledged to lead the country to new heights.

Victory is only the beginning, he said in a speech from the presidential palace in Damascus to mark the anniversary.

Lets turn this victory into a responsibility manifested in hard work to take our country [to] the forefront among the leading countries worldwide, said the man who was warmly welcomed by Donald Trump in the White House in November.

According to a translation by Al Jazeera, Mr al-Sharaa declared a complete break from that legacy, an end to that era, referring to the end of more than 50 years of brutal rule by the Assad family, and pledged the beginning of a new chapter  the chapter of building the nation.

Ahmad al-Sharaa speaks after the dawn prayer at the Umayyad Mosque - Anadolu via Getty

Earlier in the day, the Syrian leader called for a strong and just Syria in brief remarks after participating in dawn prayers at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.

This time last year Mr al-Sharaa led a remarkable offensive beginning on Nov 27, taking city after city in Syria in a stunning operation that lasted just 12 days.

His sweep to power across the country was completed when his rebel troops entered the capital of Damascus and now-ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad, his family and loyalists fled to Russia.

A festive mood swept across major cities on Monday, with people setting off fireworks and firecrackers, honking their horns and waving the new Syrian flag  green, white and black with three red stars.

Ahmad al-Sharaa salutes crowds in Damascus as they marked the first anniversary of the ousting of Assad - Omar Sanadiki/AP

Impromptu marches sprung up in the streets of Homs, with drums banging and trumpets blaring.

Syrians were happy to see foreign journalists roaming  yet another sign that their country was indeed opening up to the world after years of sanctions with pariah leader Assad at the helm.

Since coming to power and having been installed as the countrys interim president, Mr al-Sharaa has faced numerous challenges to rehabilitate the nation  at home and abroad.

He has lobbied heavily for global sanctions to be removed so that the country can begin rebuilding its infrastructure and economy that has been ravaged by 14 years of civil war.

Women gather for the celebrations in Homs - Eduardo Soteras

Syrians spoke highly of the progress Syria has made after a year under Mr al-Sharaas leadership.

Every country, every new state that begins has to start from scratch, from zero; but we started from below scratch, Ahmed al-Hajj, 28, a former rebel fighter who fought with Mr al-Sharaa and is now a soldier in the new Syrian military, told The Telegraph in Damascus.

Mr al-Sharaa, too, has sought to heal the nation, noting in his speech that he has prioritised listening to peoples concerns and grievances.

Survivors of the Assad regimes horrific chemical weapons attacks told the Telegraph they had been invited to meet and share their experiences with the president.

Children celebrate in the city of Hama, Syria, one year after the fall of Assad - Eduardo Soteras for The Telegraph

Because of al-Sharaa, Syria is not isolated anymore; we can speak with the Saudis, the UK, the US, said Toafiq Ali Diab, 46, the sole survivor in his family from a 2018 chemical attack on his hometown, Douma.

Bashar al-Assad imprisoned us on our own land and isolated us from the world, he said, in an interview in Douma. But we regained our value and standing in the world because of al-Sharaa.

That standing will be important as Syria seeks to negotiate a deconfliction agreement with Israel, brokered by the US.

The crowds turned out in force in Homs - Eduardo Soteras

Over the weekend, Mr al-Sharaa accused Israel of exporting crises to other countries and fighting ghosts, given persistent incursions and air strikes by the Israeli military on Syrian soil, including in the capital of Damascus.

Hes been seeking US support to stop Israeli attacks from the beginning of his leadership.

When the Syrian revolution began in 2011, Iman, 37, a mother of five, said she never could have dared to dream of a free Syria  let alone a whole year of freedom.

A girl waves Syrian flags in Homs during celebrations marking the first anniversary of the fall of Assad - Eduardo Soteras

Never! I always believed that Assad would never step down; the regime instilled such fear and desperation inside us, she said, celebrating in the streets of Homs, which is known as the cradle of the revolution, as the city was where Syrian rebels first began organising.

Its one year after our country was liberated. Still, some people cant believe that it really happened, but it really happened!

A man holding a Syrian flag in the city of Ar Rastan is in reflective mood - Eduardo Soteras

While much of the country was rejoicing, coastal cities of Syria, such as Latakia  heartland of the Alawites, the ethnoreligious sect of the Assad family  had more muted commemorations.

The Alawites are one of the minority groups in Syria  a richly diverse nation  and many are worried whether the new Syrian nation being built will be as inclusive in practice as Mr al-Sharaa has pledged.

Deadly bouts of sectarian violence in March along the countrys western coast in Alawite-populated areas, and in the summer in the south where the Druze, a religious sect, primarily live, have raised concerns about Mr al-Sharaas ability to unify the nation.

There is still a lot rebuilding to do after the fight to free Syria from Assad - Eduardo Soteras

Anniversary celebrations were even banned in the northeast of Syria, populated mostly by Kurds, an ethnic group.

Building bridges with these various groups is one of the challenges that Mr al-Sharaa will have to tackle going forward.

Critics have called for presidential elections to determine whether Mr al-Sharaa ought to remain interim president at this crucial moment, though supporters say the massive crowds in the streets on the anniversary reflect strong popular sentiment in his favour.

Other challenges that Mr al-Sharaa faces include the monumental task of rebuilding homes and infrastructure, given vast destruction from the war  entire city neighbourhoods were reduced to rubble over the years.

Men gather round a clock in Homs to party on the anniversary day - Eduardo Soteras

He will also need to boost the domestic economy, and find ways to hold the Assad regime accountable for its bloody legacy.

Justice is the day we dream of, for Assad to be returned to us from Russia, and to be held to account for his horrific war crimes, said Mr Ali Diab, the survivor of the chemical weapons attack.

Huda al-Shami, 58, is glad to leave behind the dark days of the regime, whose constant attacks killed her husband in 2013, leaving behind a maimed corpse.

We only found his severed hand the next day, she recalled. It was in another place.

A balloon seller promoting joy is a stark contrast to the scenes of destruction in Syria - Eduardo Soteras

She hopes that Mr al-Sharaa will focus on improving the economy in his upcoming second year as president.

Everything is expensive; we cant buy anything we need. We need many things, but we cannot afford them, she said.

Still, Ms al-Shami, an English teacher in Homs, was overjoyed to have lived to see this day, and to celebrate the anniversary.

Happiness, laughter, love, she said. Unbelievable  its like a dream for this whole last year.
Spurs legend: Heung-min Sons mural on Tottenham High Road (Standard Sport)

Heung-min Son's mural has been completed ahead of his return to Tottenham.

The former Spurs captain will be in attendance for Tuesdays Champions League match at home to Slavia Prague.

It will be Son's first return to Spurs since he left in the summer to join LAFC, ending his decade-long stay in north London.

Work has been ongoing in recent days on a mural on Tottenham High Road, which depicts Son's trademark celebration and him lifting the Europa League trophy last season.

That has now been completed, with the caption: "Sonny, Spurs legend."

The mural on Tottenham High Road shows Son's trademark celebration and him lifting the Europa League trophy (Standard Sport)

The design of the mural was chosen by Son himself and created by Murwalls, who were also behind the artwork of Harry Kane and Ledley King in the area.

Son will be on the pitch ahead of Spurs' match against Slavia Prague to address fans, having not had the chance to do so when announcing his departure during the pre-season tour of South Korea.

"I am so happy because I am going to come back to London and tell the Spurs fans in person just how much their support and love over 10 years has meant to me and my family," Son said.

"It will be emotional, but it's important for me and the club that this happens.

There are set to be plenty of tributes to a player who scored 173 goals for Spurs and led the club to their first trophy in 17 years.

Those have already begun, with Gareth Bale recording a message for his former team-mate.

Bale said: Hi Sonny. Just want to say a massive congratulations on your time here at Tottenham.

Not many players get to bow out with their last game for their club as a trophy. You are a living legend here. Hopefully you'll enjoy the evening, you deserve all the plaudits you get.

Good luck with my old club LAFC, hopefully you can bring home the title there as well.
Donald Trump: This relief will provide much-needed certainty to farmers. - Alex Brandon

Donald Trump has announced a $12bn aid package to farmers amid mounting concern over damage to local economies caused by the trade war with China.

This relief will provide much-needed certainty to farmers as they get this years harvest to market and look ahead to next years crops, and itll help them continue their efforts to lower food prices for American families, the president said on Monday at a White House press conference.

He was joined by Scott Bessent, the Treasury secretary, Brooke Rollins, the agriculture secretary, and members of Congress, who have been urging the president to release the funds, as he did during his first term.

Then too, producers of foodstuffs such as soybeans, were hurt by a trade war with China resulting from the imposition of tariffs.

In 2019, he provided more than $22bn in assistance, and gave even more in 2020, partly in funds linked to the Covid pandemic.

It is estimated that there are around 3.4 million farmers in the US, with many of them living in now-Republican states and supporting the president.

In October, the president of the National Farmers Union, Rob Larew, wrote to the president and members of Congress asking for help.

Family farmers and ranchers face severe economic challenges and a deepening crisis if they do not receive immediate assistance, he wrote. Recently enacted trade policies and the resulting actions by other countries have wreaked havoc on our markets, driving commodity prices far below the cost of production.

In 2024, China was the biggest buyer of US soybeans, many of which are produced in the states of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, and Ohio. Its purchases were worth $12.6bn in sales, according to the department of agriculture. By contrast, there have been virtually none, since the president announced a series of global tariffs, and China hit back.

Mr Trump and Mr Xi agreed the framework of a trade agreement in October that included a deal on soybeans - Andrew Harnik

At Mr Trumps meeting with Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, in October, the two countries agreed the framework of a trade agreement that included a deal on soybeans.

Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, Mr Trump has been facing criticism from some former supporters such as Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene who has accused the president of betraying his America First promises, and focusing too much on foreign affairs.

She also criticised his decision to provide a $20bn bailout to Argentina, a move that was also condemned by US farmers.

On Sunday, Ms Taylor Greene told CBS Newss 60 Minutes programme that after the president called her a traitor she received a bomb threat to her house and several direct death threats to her son.

Mr Trump responded to the interview with a post on Truth Social saying: Marjorie is not AMERICA FIRST or MAGA, because nobody could have changed her views so fast, and her new views are those of a very dumb person.
Trump with Jensen Huang, the Nvidia chief executive, at the White House in April. Photograph: Ken Cedeno/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Donald Trump has cleared the way for Nvidia to begin selling its powerful AI computer chips to China, marking a win for the chip maker and its CEO, Jensen Huang, who has spent months lobbying the White House to open up sales in the country.

Before Mondays announcement, the US had prohibited sales of Nvidias most advanced chips to China over national security concerns.

Trump posted to Truth Social on Monday: I have informed President Xi, of China, that the United States will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China, and other Countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong National Security. President Xi responded positively!

Trump said the Department of Commerce was finalising the details and that he was planning to make the same offer to other chip companies, including Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel. Nvidias H200 chips are the companys second most powerful, and far more advanced than the H20, which was originally designed as a lower-powered model for the Chinese market that would not breach restrictions, but which the US banned anyway in April.

The president said the US would receive 25% of the proceeds, more than the 15% previously agreed to with Nvidia in an earlier deal to lift restrictions. This deal follows similar unorthodox plans for the federal government to take a financial cut from private business dealings. In August, Trump said the US would receive a 10% stake in the tech company Intel. Some lawmakers have questioned the legality of such arrangements.

According to the Hill, the Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Andy Kim of New Jersey sent letters to the commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, last week outlining their concerns over selling these chips to China and saying it risked powering the countrys surveillance, censorship and military applications.

They wrote: I urge you to stop ignoring the input of bipartisan members of Congress and your own experts in order to cut deals that trade away Americas national security.

On social media, Warren called for Huang to appear before Congress to testify under oath.

Huang has worked closely with Trump since the inauguration and has made several trips to the White House. The CEO attended the presidents AI summit in July, met Trump as recently as last week and was even a guest at the White House dinner for the Saudi crown price, Mohammed bin Salman. Huang has pledged to invest $500bn in AI infrastructure in the US over the next four years.

Huang has visited China several times, meeting officials and Chinese tech executives, as US bans were variously lifted and reintroduced. Earlier this year, China imposed its own controls on the imports of Nvidia chips, with top tech firms reportedly instructed to cancel orders, citing national security concerns and confidence in Chinas domestic chip development.

In October, Huang said Nvidia has gone from having 95% of the Chinese market to having none, and called the bans a strategic mistake.

Selling chips to China, the worlds second largest economy, could now mean a windfall worth billions of dollars for Nvidia, which is already valued at $4.5tn.

An Nvidia spokesperson said: We applaud President Trumps decision. He said offering the H200 chips to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America.

The Nvidia spokesperson and Trump said the move would support US jobs and manufacturing.

In his Truth Social post, Trump condemned the Biden administrations policies, which imposed strict export controls on powerful chips. The Biden administration had said withholding such technology from China bolstered US competition, protected national security and hampered AI development in China.

That Era is OVER! Trump wrote. My Administration will always put America FIRST.

On Tuesday afternoon, Chinas foreign ministry said it had noted the reports. China has always adhered to the principle that China and the United States can achieve mutual benefit and win-win results through cooperation, the spokesperson said. A final decision from Beijing is still in the works, according to a report from the Financial Times. The newspaper said regulators may still opt to limit access to H200 chips in China so that the country can continue to focus on its own technology.

Ma Jihua, a telecom industry analyst, told the state media outlet the Global Times that years of US curbs on AI exports had provided a rare chance of Chinas domestic chip industry to grow and catch up.
Donald Trump has accused European leaders of being weak and claimed their countries are decaying in an extraordinary attack on Washingtons traditionally closest allies.

The US president claimed European nations had failed to control migration or take decisive action to end the war in Ukraine, calling into question Americas longstanding alliances.

I think theyre weak, Trump said in a wide-ranging interview with Politico. But I also think that they want to be so politically correct. I think they dont know what to do. What theyre doing with immigration is a disaster.

Asked whether foreign leaders deemed weak could still be friends of the United States, Trump said: It depends. Theyll change their ideology, obviously, because the people coming in have a totally different ideology. Its gonna make them much weaker.

Decaying European countries have failed to control migration, Donald Trump claims (Getty)

They dont know what to do. Europe doesnt know what to do. They dont know what to do on trade either, he said. They want to be politically correct, and it makes them weak. Thats what makes them weak.

His inflammatory comments followed a week of turbulent diplomacy as Europe rallied around Kyiv and Trump turned his ire back to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he accused of not having read the latest American peace proposals.

Fragile talks to end the war appeared on the brink of collapse after Donald Trump Jr said on Sunday his father might be ready to walk away altogether.

They have to play ball, Trump said when asked about his eldest sons remarks. If they dont read agreements, potential agreements, its not easy.

Zelensky met with Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday during a tour to shore up support from European allies.

He said Italy had brought concrete ideas towards peace as he prepares to present Washington with a revised peace plan in the wake of talks with European leaders in London on Monday.

But the US president hit out at European efforts to end the war, arguing they had not led to results.

They talk but they don't produce, he said. And the war just keeps going on and on. I mean, four years now it's been going on, long before I got here.

After working with Europe and Ukraine to draw up a peace deal, Trump has focused his ire on Volodymyr Zelensky (PA Wire)

In his latest broadside against immigration, Trump singled out leaders and cities in Europe for specific criticism.

He launched a fresh attack against London mayor Sadiq Khan, whom he called a disaster who gets elected because so many people have come in. He also hit out at Paris during a rant on migration to Europe, and claimed Sweden is a pretty unsafe country.

If you take a look at Paris, its a much different place, he said. If you take a look at London, you have a mayor named Khan.

Hes a horrible mayor. Hes an incompetent mayor, but hes a horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor ... Londons a different place. I love London ... And I hate to see it happen.

By contrast, Trump praised Hungarys right-wing leader and friend of Putin Viktor Orban, saying he was doing a very good job in a different sense on immigration.

And Poland has done a very good job in that respect, too, Trump added. But most European nations, theyre ... theyre decaying. Theyre decaying.

British foreign secretary Yvette Cooper defended the crucial work of the coalition of the willing and the strong work of the government in tackling illegal immigration as she was questioned on Trumps criticism of Europe.

Sadiq Khan has routinely fallen in Trumps crosshairs for criticism (Reuters)

What I see in Europe is strength, she said. The strength and commitment to the support for Ukraine and also strength to step up to the plate and to ensure that we are increasing our investment in defence, and also ensure that we are doing our bit through the coalition of the willing, as well as through investment in military support and the energy infrastructure support that Ukraine needs.

Ms Cooper also defended Mayor Khan: When it comes to the mayor of London, you will not be surprised that I of course take a strongly different view. I think the mayor is doing an excellent job for all of London.

Downing Street declined to criticise Trumps latest assault on the mayor.

The prime minister has a strong relationship with the US president and a strong relationship with the mayor of London and on both is committed to working together to deliver stronger outcomes for the British people right across the country, a spokesperson said.

Peace talks to end Vladimir Putins war on Ukraine have produced little in the way of results (Pool/AFP/Getty)

Responding to Trumps comments, European Council president Antonio Costa urged the president to show respect.

We respect the choice of Americans, and they need to respect the democratic choices of our citizens, he said during a press conference.

When all the leaders elect me president of the European Council, President Trump must respect this. As we respect that American citizens elected him President of the United States. It is like this, that allies behave with each other.

Trumps latest remarks broadly echo rhetoric included in Americas new national security strategy, which questioned whether some European nations could remain reliable allies in the long term.

The document branded Europe as being over-regulated and said it was facing civilisational erasure, a narrative that aligned with far-right parties.

The document did not name Russia as a threat to the US at a critical juncture in the war in Ukraine, as leaders rally to hash out a peace deal.
IMF Shanghai Center to foster global cooperation

10:18, December 09, 2025 By SHI JING in Shanghai ( Chinadaily.com.cn

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva addresses the opening ceremony of the IMF Shanghai Center in Shanghai on Monday. XINHUA

The newly inaugurated International Monetary Fund Shanghai Center will help to inject more vibrancy and stability into the world economy, despite rising uncertainties and complexities in the global market, said officials and experts.

They made their comments on Monday when the multinational organization announced the official operation of the center, the 20th facility of its kind that the IMF has built across the globe.

The IMF Shanghai Center will play an important role in enhancing the IMF's engagement with the Asia-Pacific region, while promoting research and knowledge sharing that can inform policies in areas of relevance for emerging markets and middle-income countries, according to an IMF news release.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said at the inauguration ceremony on Monday that the new center will help to deepen the organization's understanding of perspectives from member countries, and will foster international economic cooperation.

The ceremony on Monday marked Georgieva's first stop in her series of high-level engagements in China this week, including the "1+10" Dialogue to be held in Beijing on Tuesday.

During the financial industry's annual Lujiazui Forum in June 2024, the establishment of the Shanghai Center was jointly announced by the IMF and the People's Bank of China  the country's central bank  as the two parties' new strategic cooperation project.

PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng said at the ceremony on Monday that the Shanghai Center will help to enhance macroeconomic policy exchange and coordination among countries in the Asia-Pacific region while supporting regional and global financial stability.

Shen Yi, a professor of international politics at Fudan University, said: "Amid the ongoing globalization of the world economy and finance, the demand for effective international governance will not be changed, despite the retrogressive attempts made by some countries. On the other hand, countries assuming rising positions in international relations are willing to shoulder more responsibility in helping to build effective dispute settlement and governance mechanisms.

"International organizations will look for new engines when their traditional drivers become insufficient. The establishment of the Shanghai Center has reflected the IMF's change of attitude. While China is willing to advance world growth, it will not completely replicate past experiences but rather explore new frameworks," he added.

Li Nan, an associate professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance, said the establishment of the Shanghai Center will help the IMF gain a deeper understanding of China's economy and financial markets, as well as those of the broader Asia-Pacific region.

As China is the world's second-largest economy and a key driver of global economic growth, the center will also enhance collaboration and communication among countries in the region, helping to reduce information asymmetry and uncertainty, Li said. This, in turn, will enable countries to make better policy decisions at a time when the global political and economic landscape is shifting from unipolarity toward multipolarity, she added.

Quantitative economic analysis requires not only strong infrastructure  such as computing power and data-processing capabilities  but also skilled researchers in economics, statistics and data analysis, all of which China has in ample supply, Li said. In addition, she said that the establishment of the IMF Shanghai Center will not only enable the IMF to conduct economic analysis more efficiently and effectively, but will also help cultivate young talent in quantitative macro-finance research in China.

Johannes Wiegand, an IMF economist who has participated in a number of academic activities in Shanghai over the past few months, is the first director of the IMF Shanghai Center.

Wiegand told a joint academic forum co-organized by Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in late October that the world economy faces downward pressure exerted by escalated trade friction, the impact of the labor supply, and fiscal and financial fragility. But breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and progress made in trade talks might also usher in growth opportunities, he added.

Therefore, countries need to introduce predictable trade rules, rebuild fiscal buffers and safeguard the independence of central banks, and industrial policies should be prudently adopted to advance reform in economic structures, Wiegand said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Mondays news of the Trump White Houses plans for a $12 billion bailout of the nations agricultural sector provided a spark of hope for Americas farmers, especially badly hit soybean growers.

But experts still see a tough road ahead for American agriculture, and the aftershocks of President Donald Trumps reciprocal tariff strategy continue to pose some of the steepest hurdles. The bailout itself is also seen by many as a tacit admission by the White House that the U.S. economy is not where it needs to be  despite what Trump and his minions keep insisting.

Almost a year out from the end of Joe Bidens presidency, the Trump administration is under increasing pressure to take action to lower the cost of living for American families who remain largely unsatisfied with the progress made so far.

And that pressure continues to manifest itself in Trump and his cabinets seeming obsession with Biden  both as a point of blame and as a basis of comparison whenever confronted on their own shortcomings.

While the presidents team touts marginally lower gas prices that are still just under an average of $3 a gallon nationwide, grocery prices, energy prices and housing costs continue to soar and millions of younger Americans fear they have been priced out of the homebuyers market altogether.

Donald Trump with Brooke Rollins, his USDA secretary, and Doug Burgum, Interior secretary in the Oval Office this week (REUTERS)

At the center of discussions about the Trump economy is the presidents trade policy. Beginning in the spring of 2025, Trump reshaped Americas trade landscape with a 10-percent tariff across the board on many imported foreign goods followed by his reciprocal tariff rollout, which amounted to crushing tariffs on goods from China and a series of other nations.

Some of those countries have come to the table and agreed to reduce trade barriers with the U.S., but with others the administration has thus far not reached deals and, in some cases, faced retaliatory measures.

Chinas freeze on U.S. agricultural exports, particularly soybeans, is undoubtedly the most devastating response so far. The near halting of exports to a country that once purchased the bulk of U.S. exports rattled U.S. farmers, who are still watching sales recover after the Trump administration negotiated some leeway for the market in October and exports to Americas former top trading partner resumed.

This week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent moved a timeline for China to meet a purchasing goal for U.S. soybeans to February, but stressed that Beijing was still serious about hitting the target of 12 million tons agreed upon in the fall. Its not clear what the numbers will look like for 2026 just yet, but some supply chain experts are concerned that Chinas efforts to diversify its own supply by investing in Brazilian soybean production mean that U.S.-China exports may have taken a permanent hit.

Donald Trump and Chinas Xi Jinping met in late October as the two countries negotiated an end to the freeze on purchases of U.S. soybean exports (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

During the US-China trade war that began during the first Trump presidency, China started looking for alternative sources and helped Brazil, another agricultural powerhouse, to develop its infrastructure such as roads, railroads, and ports, explained Dr. Mohammad Elahee, a professor of international business at Quinnipiac University.

In the past, Brazil could produce agricultural goods at competitive price, but they did not have an efficient transportation system to take agricultural products from field to ports for export. Thanks to Chinese investment, Brazil does not have that problem any more.

He warned: Brazil has emerged as a formidable opponent to the US when it comes to agricultural exports. Chances are slim that US will ever regain its dominant position as a superpower in agricultural exports.

A report from the American Soybean Association warned last week that there were other factors at play driving costs up for U.S. soybean producers including higher fertilizer costs. The ASA noted China was exporting less and less at the same time, which combined with tariffs on Moroccan fertilizer imports was causing production costs for farmers to continue rising.

Still other issues facing the industry and cited by ASAs report were the residual effects of Covid-era shocks to input supply chains, and the residual effects of poor crop sales from Donald Trumps last trade war, during his first presidency.

His latest tariff battle with China caught farmers at a time when input costs were at levels that allowed no room in operating margins to absorb lower prices, the ASA stated.

A soybean farm in Nebraska, where U.S. farmers are dealing with the collapse of the Chinese market for U.S. soybeans (LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR)

In August, the ASAs president wrote: U.S. soybean farmers are standing at a trade and financial precipice. Soybean farmers are under extreme financial stress. Prices continue to drop and at the same time our farmers are paying significantly more for inputs and equipment. U.S. soybean farmers cannot survive a prolonged trade dispute with our largest customer.

The organization cheered news of the farm bailout on Monday. But even in the groups latest statement, it noted that uncertainty hovered over the 2026 planting season.

While we await additional details, we believe the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program is a positive first step to restore certainty as soybean farmers market this years crop and plan for the 2026 planting season, it said. We look forward to working with Congress and the administration on broader support for the farm economy, including long-term, market-driven solutions that strengthen demand for U.S. soy and allow farmers to compete and thrive in the global market.

But the money for the bailout, which according to the administration will come from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and will be offset by tariff revenue, will do little to help farmers if export prospects for 2026 do not improve significantly.

Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association, stands in his field in Kentucky (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Brooke Rollins, the USDA secretary, has been the primary defender of Trumps farm bailout in the administration. In comments to reporters on Monday, she denied that the stresses U.S. farmers were feeling resulted primarily from decreased overseas markets resulting from the latest trade dispute with China. The bailout, she argued, was meant to address problems she attributed to the Biden administration.

This country and our farm economy is facing a crisis that we inherited that most of these farmers have not seen in their lifetime, Rollins said on Monday. Profitability is down. Its just one crisis after another.

There is almost zero evidence, if any evidence, that what they are doing, the challenges that our farm economy is facing in row crops, has anything to do with these trade negotiations, Rollins claimed.

The DNC fired back in a press release, warning that farm sector debt is expected to increase 5 percent and reach nearly $600 billion this year.

Farmers dont want handouts  they want their markets back, said Libby Schneider, a DNC official.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins pledged that the U.S. would mitigate any effects of Trumps trade war on U.S. farmers, but claimed that the newly-announced bailout wasnt a result of those supposed issues (Getty)

The administrations critics contend that Rollins explanation is absurd on its face, and that the bailout is a short-term solution that risks further market disruption if it is extended through next year.

The decision to provide $12 billion farm subsidy to US agriculture workers is akin to robbing Peter to pay Paul, Elahee told The Independent on Tuesday. The US agricultural workers are suffering from twin problems of lower overseas demand for their products, especially due to lower import of US agro-products by China, and higher production costs at home. The Trump administration is collecting higher revenue as US consumers are paying more for imported goods.

The bridge payment of $12 billion dollars may give US farmers (or rather big agricultural firms) temporary relief, but cannot be a substitute for a long-term strategy to implement a rule based global trading system, he continued.
No system designed for thousands can cope with tens of thousands - REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

The Telegraphs latest investigation into people-smuggling networks suggests they are now using Channel migrants as drug mules as well as cash cows. Our dysfunctional, widely-abused asylum system is becoming inseparable from criminality. How could we expect anything less, given it is already rooted in brazen lawlessness?

Yes, its correct to assert that many asylum seekers are legitimate refugees fleeing war or intolerable persecution and will work, live, assimilate and contribute to Britain when they get here. But its also true that we are granting sanctuary to some individuals whose presence poses a genuine threat to our safety and security.

In their tens of thousands, people are boarding overloaded dinghies to voyage from a safe country to British shores outside of any authorised process. So it should hardly shock us if many people with this attitude to the law go on to commit other offences.

Over just six months the media  not the police, Home Office or Border Force  have informed the public of 339 criminal charges linked to residents of asylum hotels. In June, an illegal migrant was convicted of raping a 20-year old woman in a churchyard. Last month, an Afghan pleaded guilty to raping a 12 year old girl in Nuneaton. Just this week, two Afghan teenagers who had crossed the Channel on small boats were convicted of raping a 15-year old schoolgirl. These are not isolated incidents, but avoidable horrors.

But we should not rely on anecdotes. Even before nationality, language, culture are considered, young men are statistically the demographic most likely to commit crime. This has been true throughout history, across all civilisations. Yet recent migration flows from the Middle East and Africa have disproportionately comprised young, unaccompanied men. It would defy logic if these flows did not contain a sizeable minority of offenders or extremists.

According to figure compiled by the Centre for Migration Control, there were 412 non-summary convictions of Iraqi nationals in 2024, which is more than for the nationals of France (176), the United States (105) and Germany (104) combined.

No system designed for thousands can cope with tens of thousands, year after year, whoever is running the country. In 2010, Britain received 17,900 asylum applications: by 2015 this had risen to 32,700; today it exceeds 110,000. And whilst small boats are the most visible demonstration of this broken system they are not the only one: in the year to June 2025 14,800 people on student visas claimed asylum  nearly 70 per cent from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.

Behind this lies a far bigger global trend few politicians dare confront: extraordinary population growth in countries already driving migration pressure. Afghanistan  the source of about one-fifth of Channel migrants  will add 30 million people in the next 25 years. Pakistan  currently the most common nationality among asylum applicants  is projected to grow by 150 million. Even if a small fraction seek to move north, the numbers far exceed what any conceivable asylum system could process or the country integrate.

Its less than ideal that crime data is not routinely published by the state. We have a little on nationality and absolutely nothing on immigration status. It makes it very difficult to determine asylum crime versus crime of the wider population, says Robert Bates of the Centre for Migration Control.

We have fuller data on labour market outcomes: Home Office analysis shows that just 12 per cent of adults arriving via refugee resettlement schemes were in work as of 2021, along with only 37 per cent of those granted asylum after arrival. Just 23 per cent work full-time. Only 5 per cent hold professional roles. Language proficiency is poor: only 75 per cent of refugees achieve functional literacy in English. More than half of resettled refugees, and nearly half of asylum-status recipients, rely on social housing.

Yet we still lack essential information about how people enter, move between asylum and modern-slavery claims, or remain after refusals. Even basic nationality data is inconsistently verified.

Meanwhile, the public is fed nonsense such as Darren Jones MPs recent claim that most Channel migrants are women and children  despite around three-quarters being young men. When I visited migrant hotels in Glasgow  Britains asylum capital  it is no exaggeration to say I didnt encounter a single woman or child. Instead, I saw groups of young Eritrean, Sudanese and Libyan men standing around, bored, frustrated, disillusioned. Many had refugee status, but no job and nowhere to go. Young men with no work, weak English and little hope are prime prey for criminal gangs  vulnerable and potentially dangerous in equal measure.

The British state  pushed along by a cadre of half-witted activists and taxpayer-subsidised charities who peddle a utopian open borders fantasy whilst denying its evident downsides  continues to admit large numbers of men despite the risk to public safety. Yet too often, its main concern is to conceal the threat from voters.

You can sign up to receive Annabel Denhams exclusive analysis of the week in politics here.
The Liverpool branch of an Afghan refugee centre was vandalised in March 2025. Photograph: LDRS

A surge in death and rape threats and harassment has created a culture of fear at charities serving women and refugees, and at mosques, churches and synagogues, the head of the Charity Commission has warned.

Mark Simms said he feared growing hostility towards charity staff, volunteers and beneficiaries, both online and on the streets, was becoming normalised and risked eroding civilised values and norms British society once took for granted.

His warning comes as the commission issues formal guidance advising charities on how to protect voluntary workers exposed to what it calls unacceptable personal risks as a result of threats, abuse and intimidation from some sections of the public.

A range of charities report being targeted by extremists amid a rise in toxic and divisive political rhetoric around immigration. Incidents of violence and vandalism  and increased security measures to combat them  are regarded by some as the new normal.

Refugee and asylum seeker charities, Muslim, Jewish and ethnic minority organisations, faith groups, womens groups, youth bodies, homelessness charities and charity shops have reported increasing incidents of violence, threats, racism and abuse since the Southport riots in 2024.

Over recent months, weve seen charity workers verbally and physically abused on the streets. Weve heard of death threats, threats of sexual assault, witnessed damage and vandalism done to charity offices, Simms will say in an speech to the commissions annual public meeting.

The charities targeted vary  some support women, some refugees or asylum seekers, some work with young people or homeless people. Some are places of worship. What unites them is that they are doing what they were set up to do  fulfilling purposes their governing documents set out, and which parliament has ruled are charitable.

Simms will add: What I have found especially disturbing is how little surprise these events have sparked beyond the sector itself. If we accept as normal charity workers being abused on the street, their families threatened with violence, what will shock us?

Theres something insidious about this normalisation  the analogy of the eroding shoreline comes to mind. Waves of violence crashing against land, day by day, wearing down, inch by inch, the values and norms we once took for granted. And if we dont pay careful attention, we may fail to notice, until its too late, that we are at the very edge of the cliff.

Simms, the commissions interim chair, will add: Charities are not above the law, or beyond scrutiny. Their work should be open to challenge and debate. But nobody should face abuse for doing their job.

The commission would be sympathetic to voluntary organisations who ask to have their trustees names removed or redacted from the public register of charities where there is evidence they may be identified and targeted by extremists.

The new commission guidance focuses on the current hostile environment. It says it recognises some charities are now operating in an environment where a section of the public is actively hostile to their work.

Its safeguarding advice says charities at risk should keep the security of staff, visitors and premises under regular review and consider upgrading existing security measures. It asks charities to consider whether entry doors are secure and alternative exit routes are available.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations is due to publish a report this week revealing that some charities describe existing in a culture of fear, with staff nervous about travelling to and from work and beneficiaries afraid to walk the streets.

Simms will also hit out at activists who attempt to weaponise the legitimate work of charities through the commissions complaints system. We will not indulge those who seek to misuse the commission as regulator to further political ends or undermine the rights of charities under the law, he will say.

Our job is to uphold charity law, the laws a democratically elected parliament has passed. We will not indulge those who seek to misuse the commission as regulator to further political ends or to undermine the rights of charities under the law.

In recent years rightwing activists and Conservative backbench MPs have targeted several high-profile charities they dub woke or Marxist, including the National Trust and Barnardos, with formal complaints to the commission, claiming the charities have breached charity laws. None have been upheld.

Simms, who will be succeeded as commission chair by Julia Unwin in January, will pay tribute to the charity sector as a bedrock of decency, compassion and civic strength that steps forward to protect the shoreline of a civilised, humane, hopeful society.
Screengrab of Russell Bentley, the Donbas Cowboy who having volunteered to fight for Russia died a gruesome death at the hands of its soldiers.

Screengrab of Russell Bentley, the Donbas Cowboy who having volunteered to fight for Russia died a gruesome death at the hands of its soldiers. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

Nicknamed the  Donbas Cowboy, Bentley was featured in a 2022 Rolling Stone article about his transformation from Texas leftist to pro-Putin propagandist, and, prior to the 2022 invasion, in Shaun Walkers 2015 Guardian article about anti-Ukrainian rebels in the Donbas . He had obtained Russian citizenship and had done some work for the Russian state-controlled Sputnik news service. The court heard that the soldiers found Bentley near a military repairs facility preparing to film the aftermath of the Ukrainian attack. They disregarded his explanation that he was a journalist, put a sack over his head, and beat and tortured him to death, it said. A photograph published in some Russian media on Monday showed him sitting on a bed next to an assault rifle, with a pro-Russian flag, a souvenir from Texas and a bust of Vladimir Lenin.

Three Russian soldiers were sentenced to up to 12 years in prison on Monday for torturing and killing Russell Bentley, a 63-year-old US national who had volunteered to fight for Russia against Ukraine . Bentley went missing in April 2024 near Russian-controlled Donetsk after his wife said he had gone out in the aftermath of shelling by Ukrainian forces. Investigators said the soldiers beat and tortured him to death, then tried to hide the crime by blowing up his body in a car. A military court in Donetsk gave two soldiers 12-year sentences and a third 11 years. The case embarrassed Moscow  which has lured foreigners to fight on its side  while attracting derision from pro-Ukrainian observers about the treatment westerners could expect if they volunteered to fight for the Kremlin. Russian authorities tried to portray it as a tragic one-off.

Related: 'We are preventing a third world war': the foreigners fighting with Ukrainian rebels

Eleni Courea, Jennifer Rankin and Peter Beaumont write that EU leaders will meet on 18 and 19 December in an attempt to sign off on a long-awaited European Commission proposal to funnel 78bn into a reparations loan that would go to Kyiv next year, funded by frozen Russian funds . In London on Monday, Zelenskyy met with European leaders Keir Starmer of Britain, Emmanuel Macron of France and Friedrich Merz of Germany. They were joined on a call by leaders of seven other European countries, a senior representative from Turkey, and Nato and EU chiefs.

Ukraine is short of about $800m for US weapons that it had planned to buy this year with help from its European allies , according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian president reiterated that for next year, Ukraine would need about $15bn for the Purl programme, which involves purchases of US weapons with European money.

Related: European leaders rally behind Ukraine in Downing Street talks

Zelenskyy said he would travel to Italy on Tuesday to meet with the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, who is both a strong supporter of Ukraine and favoured by Donald Trump. It comes after European leaders rallied behind Zelenskyy as he visited London. Downing Street said positive progress was made on using seized Russian funds to help Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv had no legal or moral right to give up land to Russia in any deal to stop the war. Do we envision ceding territories? We have no legal right to do so, under Ukrainian law, our constitution and international law. And we dont have any moral right either.

Zelenskyy said the US was trying to find a compromise on the issue. Russia is insisting that we give up territories, but we dont want to cede anything. We are fighting for that, as you well know. There are difficult problems concerning the territories and so far there has been no compromise.

After his London meetings, Zelenskyy travelled to Brussels to hold talks with heads of Nato and the European Commission before heading on to Italy. Ukraines sovereignty must be respected. Ukraines security must be guaranteed, in the long term, as a first line of defence for our [European] Union, said the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, and the European Council president, Antonio Costa.

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, said no further meetings between Putin and Trump were expected before the new year, the Russian state news agency Tass reported. For the moment, we dont know the outcome of talks between the Ukrainians and the Americans in Florida, another Russian news agency, RIA, quoted Peskov as saying. When we get word, it will be clear how and in what direction we are to act next.
Demonstrators cheer during a speech as protesters gather to march for the No Kings protest on 18 October 2025 in Portland, Oregon. Photograph: Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images

A coalition of global civil society organizations has downgraded the United States civic health rating from narrowed to obstructed.

In a report released on Tuesday, Civicus, a non-profit that monitors civic freedoms in 198 countries, placed the US in its obstructed category. The group cited a sharp deterioration of fundamental freedoms in the country  following a year of sweeping executive actions, restrictive laws and aggressive crackdowns on free speech and dissent.

The shift comes just months after Civicuss July assessment, which rated the US as narrowed  one step above obstructed. Civicus assigns each country a score based on civic space conditions, using five classifications: open, narrowed, obstructed, repressed and closed.

According to the group, an obstructed ranking applies to countries where civic space is heavily contested. Civil society organizations still exist but state authorities undermine them including through illegal surveillance, bureaucratic harassment and demeaning public statements.

Citizens can organise and assemble peacefully but they are vulnerable to frequent use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies, including rubber bullets, tear gas and baton charges, the rating description said.

It added in regards to media: There is some space for non-state media and editorial independence, but journalists face the risk of physical attack and criminal defamation charges, which encourage self-censorship.

The report cited militarized crackdowns on protests in the US, pointing to Donald Trumps deployment of the national guard to Los Angeles and other cities, as well as the widespread use of ICE agents across gatherings and immigrant communities.

It further highlighted escalating restrictions on free speech across college campuses, particularly around Palestinian solidarity activism.

Universities have suspended student groups and opened investigations under broad and vague accusations of material support for terrorism. Foreign-born students and faculty have been disproportionately targeted, facing disciplinary actions, visa threats, and professional retaliation for supporting Palestinian rights, the report stated.

Civicus moreover warned that media freedoms were under mounting pressure nationwide, citing the Federal Communications Commissions threats to revoke broadcast licenses and Trumps lawsuits against various media companies.

It also pointed to Trumps revocation of funding for public broadcasters including NPR and PBS, as well as the new White House Wire, an administration-run news website that promotes positive news about itself.

These actions, combined with efforts to sideline critical outlets from core government functions and foreign travel, reflect a systematic attempt to dominate the media landscape and silence independent journalism, Civicus said.

Speaking about the latest classification, Mandeep Tiwana, Civicuss secretary general, said: The backsliding on rule of law and fundamental freedoms in the United States is truly alarming. We are witnessing a rapid and systematic attempt to stifle civic freedoms that Americans have come to take for granted, such as critiquing authorities and protesting peacefully.

He continued: As the USA prepares to mark 250 years since the American Revolution, we urge the government to course-correct and uphold the civic freedoms enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the constitution.

With its new classification, the US now joins 39 other countries rated obstructed this year, including Hungary, Brazil and South Africa.
Sudanese soldiers from the Rapid Support Forces unit in the East Nile province of Sudan on 22 June 2019. Photograph: Hussein Malla/AP

The United States has sanctioned four people and four companies accused of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a Sudanese paramilitary group accused by Washington of committing genocide.

Announcing the sanctions on Tuesday, the US treasury said the network was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have travelled to Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has committed horrific war crimes including ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions.

Related: War is a business: the Colombian mercenaries training Sudans child fighters to go and get killed

The Colombians involvement first emerged last year, when an investigation by the Bogota-based outlet La Silla Vacia found that more than 300 former soldiers had been contracted to fight  prompting an unprecedented apology by Colombias foreign ministry.

Colombian ex-soldiers have long been considered among the worlds most sought-after mercenaries due to their extensive battlefield experience gleaned from the countrys decades of civil war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

In Sudan, the Colombians have reportedly trained child soldiers, taught fighters to pilot drones, and fought directly on the frontlines. One of the mercenaries told the Guardian and La Silla Vacia in October that he had trained children in Sudan and fought in the siege of the city of El Fasher. He said training the children was awful and crazy but added that unfortunately thats how war is.

Among those targeted was Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The treasury accused him of playing a central role in recruiting and deploying former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Andres Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who the treasury said managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the network that hired the Colombian fighters. In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms associated with Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, totalling millions of US dollars, the treasury statement said.

Colombian national Monica Munoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the company she managed accused of carrying out wire transfers linked to Duque and his businesses.

The United States again calls on external actors to cease providing financial and military support to the belligerents, the treasury said in a statement.

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the sanctions as a very significant milestone, saying that calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go.

She added that Colombia also recently passed a law ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in foreign conflicts and transform national security policy.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, saying that sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with rampant mercenarism.

Its an illicit economy and based out of Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof, he said. The UAE has been widely accused of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. Expect more Colombian mercenaries, McFate warned.
A vigilante Jiu-Jitsu professional has restrained an alleged sex attacker on a London street, weeks after taking down a suspected pickpocket on the Tube.

Ivan Skoko, said he is taking fighting crime into his own hands, and would use his 15 years of training in the combat sport to keep Londoners safe.

Mr Skoko, 29, told The Standard: I understand there is a high crime rate at the moment and things are out of control. We have to take action on our own. I decided to help strangers when I see really bad crimes happening around me.

Last Friday, the Croatian national was walking home from training in Moorgate when he heard people screaming across the road. He crossed the street and said a teenage girl was accusing someone of touching her inappropriately.

Two other young men tried to fight the accused man, and eventually the situation escalated and the sex attacker started throwing punches.

Ivan works at Fight City Gym in Elephant and Castle (Ivan Skoko)

The black-belt crime fighter said: I decided to restrain him safely so he doesnt get hurt. If you want to restrain someone in a safe way, Jiu-Jitsu is the best way. It just gives you an incredible amount of power so you can control situations in a fight. Learning martial arts is the best way to stay safe.

A community support officer stepped in and took over (apprehending) the criminal and police arrived in about 10 minutes. They were actually very efficient.

A City of London Police spokesperson said: City of London Police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of sexual assault by touching and two counts of common assault.

He has been bailed pending further investigations.

Mr Skoko takes down the suspect in Moorgate (left), and winning a jiu jitsu fight (right) (ES Composite/Kamila Nunes)

On October 30, Mr Skoko caught someone stealing phones on the Underground at Borough Station after a woman said her phone just got stolen. He told The Standard: She pointed at the guy on the platform. I used a foot sweep to restrain him. He didnt take accountability straight away, then he said it was an accident.

I was holding him for 25 minutes. When police officers came they seized two phones and a hammer.

Footage of the moment is shown below.

The British Transport said it arrested a man on suspicion of theft, possession of an offensive weapon and handling stolen goods. The force said enquiries are ongoing.

Last week Mr Skoko, who has lived in the capital for seven years, threw a kick at someone on an e-bike who just stole a member of the publics phone, but the cyclist sped off. He is considering buying Meta glasses so he can document crime that happens on the streets.

He said robberies are the biggest problem in Elephant and Castle, where he works at Fight City Gym, and he doesnt think prison sentences are long enough. He said: The phone snatchers are the big ones and I'm so angry about it.

People get away with crimes, rapes, stabbings, the sentences are really low. I decided to just react to show people you're not going to get away with this.

London has become Europes phone snatch capital with criminals taking 80,000 devices last year - one every six minutes.

Now Mr Skoko wants to train the general public on how to defend themselves using Jiu-Jitsu. He is launching online classes which will teach techniques extracted from the combat sport to build self defence skills, including take downs, top control and grips. You can join the classes here.
Juliets balcony in Verona is a massive draw - Alessandro Bremec/NurPhoto via Getty

For decades, it has been a place of pilgrimage for incurable romantics.

But the Italian city of Verona has become so overrun with fans of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet that the city council has ordered them to pay up and move along.

Until now, tourists have been free to enter and admire the high-walled courtyard dominated by Juliets House, a centuries-old palazzo said to have been the home of Juliet Capulet, the teenage protagonist of the Bards tragedy.

But in an attempt to reduce overcrowding in what has become one of Italys principal tourist hotspots, authorities have decided that visitors must now pay 12 (10.50) for the privilege of gazing up at a stone balcony from which Juliet purportedly swooned over Romeo.

There is also now a strict 60-second time limit for couples who want to take photographs of themselves on the balcony, which looks authentically medieval but was in fact cobbled together from bits of old statuary in the 20th century.

Visitors rub the breasts of the Juliet statue for good luck

The number of tourists who are allowed into Juliets House, which has been furnished in the style of a centuries-old home for a wealthy Italian family, has been reduced from 130 to 100.

Despite the fact that the young couple were fictional characters, Juliets House has become a hugely popular attraction, with hundreds of thousands of tourists visiting from around the world.

They come to scrawl love-struck graffiti on the walls, take selfies and rub the breasts of a bronze statue of Juliet, a gesture that is supposed to bring good fortune.

The decision to impose the entrance fee over the festive period has angered visitors and tour guides.

Tour operators say the payment was announced just a couple of days before it came into force last Saturday.

Asian tourists come to Verona just to see this, Leonardo Calabretta, a local guide, told La Repubblica newspaper.

They book months in advance and bring along love letters that they leave in Juliets bedroom. Announcing all this just two days in advance is unforgivable.

Tourists from around the world scrawl their names on the brick walls of the palazzos courtyard - Eye Ubiquitous/UIG via Getty

Souvenir shop owners are also unhappy. I understand that on some days, when tourist numbers are high, there is a need to regulate the crowds. But it is unthinkable that it is going to be like this from now until Jan 6, it is really going to hurt us, said Alessandra Sinico, one shopkeeper.

The authorities have defended their decision. The alternative would have been to shut off the entire courtyard for reasons of public safety, said Marta Ugolini, the city councillor in charge of cultural affairs.

Stefania Zivelonghi, another councillor, said that if the new payment system resulted in large crowds milling around on the street outside Juliets House, the council might have to impose a one-way system for tourists.

Shakespeare is said to have drawn inspiration for his play from a story by Luigi da Porto, a 16th-century Italian writer, who was in turn inspired by a reference in Dantes Divine Comedy to a feud between two families named the Montecchi and the Cappelletti. Shakespeare anglicised the names to the Montagues and the Capulets.

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A city museum director in the 1930s had the idea of turning the medieval courtyard and palazzo, which was once an inn, into Juliets House or La Casa di Giulietta.

The bronze statue of Juliet was put up in the 1970s as a further incentive for tourists to visit.

Tourists later started leaving love notes in the courtyard, many of them crammed between bricks in the walls, a custom that was celebrated in the 2010 film, Letters to Juliet, starring Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave.

The film tells the story of a young American tourist who stumbles on one such missive behind a loose brick in the courtyard beneath Juliets balcony.

Each year, hundreds of letters addressed simply to Juliets House, Verona are delivered from around the world.
Londoners have been urged by the capitals NHS chief to stay at home and not go on the Tube, trains or buses if they have flu-like symptoms.

Dr Chris Streather, Medical Director for NHS London, also strongly encouraged people to avoid Christmas parties if they have a cough or are sneezing so they do not risk spreading the flu to family, friends and colleagues.

He issued the stay at home plea, echoing health warnings during the Covid pandemic, as the city faces its biggest superflu wave ever.

If you are coughing and symptomatic stay at home, he told the Standard in an interview.

He added that a mask would partially stop the spread of the virus but does not give complete protection.

He stressed: If you are symptomatic you can stay at home.

Two women wearing facemasks on the Tube during the Covid pandemic (PA Wire)

Its pretty easy to work from home if you are not feeling too ill but have got symptoms.

People with symptoms should stay away from other vulnerable people. That means not travelling on public transport.

He said if using public transport was absolutely essential thats not an unreasonable thing to do.

But he emphasised that it was better to protect other people and stop the virus spreading if people with flu-like symptoms could avoid the Tube, trains and buses.

Earlier, Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers which represents hospitals, urged people feeling under the weather to wear a mask on public transport, though Dr Streather went further in encouraging them to stay at home.

Mr Elkeles told of a tidal wave of flu hitting the city which was plunging the health service into unchartered, unprecedented territory.

He stressed the flu this year was a very nasty variant and that it was ripping through the capital and other parts of Britain in the warm weather.

Schools had not yet closed for the Christmas period so the virus was spreading among children who were then taking it home to their families.

London is being hit by an unprecedented flu wave (British Heart Foundation)

Mr Elkeles, the former head of the London Ambulance Service, strongly encouraged people who have a cough or sneezing to put on a face covering in public places including on public transport.

He urged eligible people to have the flu vaccine and for those who do not qualify to get it free he stressed that spending 15 to 20 to have it at a pharmacy would be the best investment they could make.

We really need people to sit up and listen, he told Times Radio.

If you havent already had your flu vaccine and you are eligble, please go and take it.

And if you are not eligible and you have not had the flu already, its probably the best 15 to 20 investment that you could make by going to your local pharmacy and saying please can I have the flu jab.

We need to get back into the habit that if you are coughing and sneezing, but not unwell enough to not go to work, then you must wear a mask when you are in public spaces, including on public transport to stop the chances of you giving your virus to somebody else.

We were all very good about infection control during Covid and we really, really need to get back to that now.

London Ambulance Service confirmed it has been taking around 7,000 999 calls every day for about a week.

Paramedics are being reminded to wear protective equipment, such as masks or visors, when attending callouts for patients with a suspected respiratory virus.

Staff have also been advised they may be asked to wear masks at hospitals in clinical areas, though infection guidance varies between NHS Trusts.

A London commuter wearing a mask on the Underground (PA)

Health chiefs in London raised the alarm on Monday about the capital being hit with the biggest flu wave ever.

They stressed that there were already a record number of cases in the city and no peak yet in sight.

They appealed to Londoners to get vaccinated after a tripling of flu hospitalisations in the city.

Some hospitals are telling patients to wear masks.

Whittington Health NHS Trust in London told the public: You must wear a mask when visiting our Emergency Department, some of our wards, and other clinical areas where the risk is high.

If you have flu symptoms, please avoid visiting the hospital, an update added.

A woman getting the flu jab (PA Archive)

Mr Elkeles explained further: There is tidal wave of flu... this is a very big tidal wave, its a very nasty variant of the flu that we have this year and its much earlier in the winter season that normal.

Children are still at school.

Its warm and wet so its prefect flu spreading conditions.

So we are kind of in quite unchartered, unprecedented territory for this time of year.

Ambulance crews in London are dealing with hundreds more cases a week.

The flu mutation sending cases spiralling in London is more contagious than variants of past years, according to health sources.

All adults aged 65 and over are eligible for the latest Covid-19 booster vaccination as well as this years flu jab (PA Wire)

A 'drifted' influenza A(H3N2) strain, also now known as 'subclade K' or 'superflu', is dominating cases.

The NHS also faces being hit by the double blow of the huge wave of flu and resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, walking out on their latest strike in the run-up to Christmas.

The Government urged doctors to call off their industrial action.

As we enter the weeks in the run-up to Christmas, its always a very difficult job for the NHS, said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander who was on the morning media round for the Government on Tuesday.

We need people to feel confident when they have to go to hospital in the weeks and months ahead that the staff are going to be there.

I do think that the British people want to see doctors at work.
Thirteen-year-old Ella from Sydney uses social media to stay in touch with her friends  and to help her sleep. Hitting play on an autonomous sensory meridian response video (ASMR), which features soothing sounds like whispering or clinking to provoke relaxation and appease insomnia and anxiety, has become a ritual to help her drift off after a long day at school. I was listening to those videos nightly, she says of the habit. It was my routine. Now its gone.

Today, Australia has become the first country in the world to ban children and teenagers under 16 from using social media after the law was successfully passed this summer. Apps including Metas Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (Twitter), TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat are included, as well as Amazon-owned live streaming service Twitch. Tech companies will face fines of up to A$49.5m (25m) for non-compliance, with Meta already beginning to shut down thousands of accounts belonging to children under 16 a week before the deadline.

Michael Wippa Wipfli, an Australian radio presenter, comedian and father of three under-16s, was among those who led the campaign to bring the history-making legislation into effect. [Social media] was the number one topic, not only keeping parents up at night but, coming up on the sidelines of every sporting field, he says. Very quickly, this became the largest petition ever signed on this topic globally  I think a lot of people were shocked to know that the law previously said children could be online at 13. That was, really, made up by tech companies.

End of an era: Australia will become the first country in the world to ban children under 16 from using social media (Getty)

We spoke to a lot of professionals, paediatricians, developmental paediatricians, parents and educators to find out if were able to give these children another three years  36 months  to grow and develop in a healthy teenage way, he says, explaining the groundwork that was done ahead of the law. My kids, Ted is 10, Jack is nine, and Francesa is five  What weve been saying a lot is, we need to give these kids a chance to get to know themselves before the world does, Wippa adds.

Clinical psychologist Dr Danielle Einstein, whose research helped inform and shape the under-16s social media ban, says evidence has shown that, despite use of videos like ASMR, excessive reliance on social media is linked to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, loneliness, sleep disruption and academic difficulties. Far from being a source of protection, these platforms amplify self-focus, insecurity and impair brain functioning in the early years of high school before teens have the hardware to restrain thinking thoughtfully about their use, she adds.

Ellas mum, Sally, who works closely with an MP in her position in an Electoral Office on the outskirts of Sydney, was initially on board with the social media ban  until she heard more about the planned rollout. I thought it was a fabulous idea. I was concerned my own children were spending too much time on social media, and as a parent  when their phone is in their hand  its hard to police that  Unfortunately, I began to realise the legislation seemed very rushed  It didnt seem like the input of the under-16s was taken into account.

As well as her concerns over losing her nightly ASMR videos, Ella has been worrying about the increased social isolation that could come from the ban. I usually send my friends relatable videos and post some videos on a private account, she says. A lot of my friends are really worried about the ban. I have one whose childhood friend lives in a different country. She communicates with her a lot on TikTok and Snapchat. Nobody wants it to happen.

Many children are worried about how theyll communicate with their friends (Getty)

Two nights before the ban was set to come into effect, Ella shared a TikTok video lamenting the fact that the 10 December launch date coincided with International Human Rights Day. At the time of writing, the post has over 44,000 likes, 1,300 comments, 5,300 shares and over 258,000 views. This country has turned into a dictatorship, one person commented. So, I only have a few more hours enjoying my favourite part of the day? another user mourned.

Like weaning oneself off of any addiction, Sally suggests that going cold turkey may not have been the best idea. To just say, Lets take social media away is going to be highly anxiety-inducing, she says. Its what theyre used to. To just rip it away from children with no discussion, no suggestion of what to do instead, is totally the wrong way to go about it. You need proper planning. Proper counselling. That wouldve been wonderful and could have been introduced.

Additionally, Dr Einstein says one law is simply not enough to make effective change. History shows that single measures rarely shift deeply ingrained behaviours, she says. Just as tobacco control requires taxation, advertising restrictions, public education, and smoke-free environments, protecting children from social media harms will require a multi-layered strategy. Einstein nods to equipping parents and schools with knowledge, time and money to make changes as a critical additional step, as well as introducing a duty of care regulation on social media sites, so all Australians  not just children  can feel better about tech use. Lets be clear, this regulation signifies the start, not the end of our efforts to find balance.

Wipfli acknowledges that his blanket ban on all under-16s may not be perfect. Many parents and critics have already informed him that children are able to get around the ban using VPNs (virtual private networks) or even putting a photo of their parent or a celebrity in front of the age verification screening camera. Nobody expects it to be perfect, he claims. Theres always going to be a way around things, but we have to start somewhere. There is no silver bullet. We need to change behaviour. So, we need education. Thatll be the next step.

Some parents have criticised social media being ripped away from teens without any counselling or support (Getty)

Could a social media ban be coming to the UK? Wipfli says there has been interest in his campaign among leaders from Britain, Europe, Japan and the Philippines. A petition was launched in the UK, which secured over 100,000 signatures, meaning it was debated in parliament this February. The government is not currently minded to support a ban for children under 16, came the response. Instead, the priority was said to be working with Ofcom to effectively implement the divisive Online Safety Act 2023 so all social media users can benefit from much-needed protections  and tech companies can be fined up to 18m or 10 per cent of their revenue worldwide (whichever amounts to more) for non-compliance.

Yet, for all of its addictiveness, there are stats to show that social media  in the age of AI slop posts and Keir Starmer having a TikTok account  might not be that cool any more, anyway. Although slop might give users an easy hit of dopamine, this endless brainrot content may ultimately be turning people away from screens in favour of more analogue pursuits.

Time spent on social media, in fact, peaked in 2022 and has since gone into steady decline, according to an analysis conducted for the Financial Times by digital audience insights company GWI. Usage among adults aged 16 and older now sits at around two hours and 20 minutes per day. Still high, but down almost 10 per cent compared to three years ago. Interestingly, the study found that usage is down most significantly among teenagers and twentysomething users.

In an essay for The New Yorker this summer, writer Kyle Chayka suggested that society is careening towards what he calls posting zero, aka a point where people feel that its not even worth their time to share their lives online. Gen Z users are embracing this silence and spearheading the posting zero movement by either walking away from social media apps completely, sharing only to private accounts for their close friends, or opting to scroll in silence rather than share themselves.

Seemingly, for teenage and young adult users, we may have approached a stage with social media where the experience of being online is so debased thanks to AI-generated content that users have actually been snapped out of their doomscrolling stupor and encouraged to look out of the window and go touch grass instead. Yes, social media is dangerous, but what could really finish it off is when a generation calls it out for what it is: boring.

The ban is the start  but the banality will be the finish.
Operation Kenova, a 40m investigation into the handling of Stakeknife, has published its final report - Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

There is no such thing as a clean war, and if there is, it is a losing one. All conflicts fought with the intent to win involve decisions over morally complex issues, and Britains management of the Troubles was no exception to this rule.

The recruitment of the double-agent Stakeknife took place while the asset  widely believed to be Freddie Scappaticci  was a key part of an IRA death squad. During the period in which Stakeknife passed intelligence to the Armed Forces, he continued to carry out his role within the IRA, murdering suspected informants within the organisation.

In the midst of a campaign of terror and brutality levelled at civilians across the country, difficult decisions were made in an effort to keep the population safe. Yet now we find people decades removed sitting in judgment on these choices. By all objective standards, the result was one of the most successful intelligence operations in history, the total subversion of an internal security unit that provided vital information to the British state and surely played a role in bringing the IRA to the negotiating table.

After eight years, Operation Kenova, a 40m investigation into the handling of Stakeknife, has published a final report concluding that the double-agent was a double-agent, that MI5 knew of his activities, that the Army shielded him from police investigations, and that he killed on behalf of the IRA.

In other words, it has largely confirmed at great expense what was already widely known. It has produced the farcical recommendation that the Government should officially name a dead man as an asset in breach of its policy to neither confirm nor deny security policies.

This would clearly be a misstep which would set an awkward precedent, but it is illustrative of sloppy thinking. The blame for the murderous behaviour of the IRA is not transferred to the British state because it managed to gather life-saving intelligence from a member of the terrorist organisation, or because it made as much use of the asset as possible. Making such use does not mean acting on every piece of intelligence received, as this would risk the discovery of the source: as infuriating as it may be, sometimes the state must refrain from intervention for the greater good.

The mindset such investigations and inquiries bring is that there are no grey areas in war. There are only bright and shining lines beyond which the state should never cross, no matter the behaviour of the terrorist organisations it faces, no matter the costs implied for the public. It is a conception at odds with any intention of winning a conflict, or indeed the practical realities of fighting in one.

If we continue this approach of inquiries after the fact into the conduct of soldiers, police officers and intelligence operatives working under intolerable pressures, holding to the minutest leisurely scrutiny with the full benefit of hindsight decisions taken under severe time pressures with incomplete information, it will have a chilling effect on Britains security operations, and indeed on the willingness of many to serve.

Continue down this road, and we may find ourselves with no-one willing to stand for us at all.
On Monday, the Archdiocese of New York announced plans to establish a $300 million fund to compensate victims of sexual abuse who have filed lawsuits against the church.

In a statement, Cardinal Timothy Dolan said the fund would be financed through budget cuts and the sale of assets, including the completion of the sale of the archdioceses former Manhattan headquarters. The goal, he said, is for the fund to be set aside to provide compensation to survivors of sexual abuse.

The archdiocese has also appointed retired Judge Daniel J. Buckley as a mediator to facilitate settlements with victims. Buckley previously played a similar role in negotiations between the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and more than 1,000 claimants there.

A spokesperson for the archdiocese said church officials hope the fund would cover settlements for most, if not all the roughly 1,300 outstanding claims against the archdiocese. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Archive)

A spokesperson for the archdiocese said church officials hope the fund would cover settlements for most, if not all the roughly 1,300 outstanding claims against the archdiocese.

The announcement came as a federal judge on Monday approved a settlement for the New Orleans Archdiocese to pay $230 million to hundreds of victims of clergy sexual abuse. The New Orleans Archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2020 to avoid handling each of the abuse claims separately.
Last month was the third-warmest November and was marked by a series of dangerous weather events including cyclones and catastrophic floods across south and south-east Asia. Photograph: Krishan Kariyawasam/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

This year is virtually certain to end as the second- or third-hottest year on record, EU scientists have found, as climate breakdown continues to push the planet away from the stable conditions in which humanity evolved.

Global temperatures from January to November were on average 1.48C higher than preindustrial levels, according to the Copernicus, the EUs earth observation programme. It found the anomalies were so far identical to those recorded in 2023, which is the second-hottest year on record after 2024.

World leaders have promised to keep the planet from heating by 1.5C (2.7F) above preindustrial levels by the end of the century. Scientists interpret the temperature target as a 30-year average, leaving a sliver of hope for meeting the goal after a period of overshoot even as individual months and years begin to cross the threshold.

For November, global temperatures were 1.54C above preindustrial levels, said Dr Samantha Burgess, the deputy director of Copernicus Climate Change Service. The three-year average for 2023-2025 is on track to exceed 1.5C for the first time.

The agencys monthly bulletin found that last month was the third-warmest November globally, with notably warmer temperatures recorded across northern Canada and the Arctic Ocean. The month was marked by a series of dangerous weather events including cyclones and catastrophic floods that swept away lives and homes across south and south-east Asia.

Average temperatures have risen sharply as a result of the blanket of carbon pollution smothering the Earth, which has strengthened weather extremes from heatwaves to heavy rains, but continue to vary from year to year based on natural factors. Warming El Nino conditions boosted global temperatures during 2023 and 2024 but gave way to weakly cooling La Nina conditions in 2025.

Copernicus found 2025 was tied with 2023 as the second-hottest year on record. These milestones are not abstract, said Burgess. They reflect the accelerating pace of climate change, and the only way to mitigate future rising temperatures is to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Since the Paris climate agreement in 2015, planet-heating emissions have continued to climb  although the expansion of renewable energy has helped to curb the rise  along with average temperatures and the intensity of weather extremes.

The Copernicus findings echoed analysis from the World Meteorological Organization before the Cop30 summit in Brazil last month. The WMO found 2015 to 2025 would have been the 11 warmest years in an observational record that stretches back to 1850.

We are not on track to meet the goals of the Paris agreement, the WMO secretary general, Prof Celeste Saulo, said. Other climate indicators continue to sound alarm bells [in 2025], and more extreme weather had major global impacts on economies and all aspects of sustainable development.
Westbourne Road, in Islington, where the teenager was found with a stab wound

A 15-year-old boy has died after being stabbed in north London.

Paramedics treated the teenager for a stab wound on Westbourne Road, in Islington, at 1pm on Tuesday.

He later died in hospital, the Metropolitan Police said. His relatives have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

No arrests have yet been made, and no further injuries were reported. A crime scene remains in place on Atlas Mews, Westbourne Road and Arundel Square.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: We understand this is incredibly concerning for the community, particularly considering the young age of the victim.

A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: We were called shortly after 1pm today to reports of a stabbing on Westbourne Road, Islington.

We sent resources to the scene including an ambulance crew, a paramedic in a fast response car, a clinical team manager, and an incident response officer. We also dispatched a trauma team in a car from Londons Air Ambulance.

Very sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, a teenager was pronounced dead.
Freddie Scappaticci (far left), widely believed to be Stakeknife, with Gerry Adams at the 1988 funeral of IRA member Brendan Davison - Pacemaker Press

The British spy who worked as an IRA executioner may have saved more lives than he took, former defence officials have argued.

A long-awaited report implicated the notorious agent codenamed Stakeknife, widely believed to be the senior IRA member Freddie Scappaticci, in 14 murders and 15 abductions during the Troubles.

The nine-year investigation was highly critical of the Army plant within the IRAs Internal Security Unit (ISU) and of the security services efforts to shield the IRA killer of suspected informants.

Families of victims killed by the ISU called on authorities to tell them the truth and said the probe  which was known as Operation Kenova and cost almost 40m  missed a key detail in not naming Stakeknife.

For years, security services and army officers protected Stakeknife, believing his intelligence was vital  and responsible for saving many lives. Senior Army figures treated him as the crown jewel of British intelligence, and he had a reputation as the goose that laid the golden eggs.

The report estimated that the number of lives saved by his intelligence-gathering was between the high single figures and low double figures.

While the inquirys author, Sir Iain Livingstone, concluded it was probable that Stakeknifes actions resulted in more lives being lost than were saved, senior military figures questioned that assumption.

The media named Freddie Scappaticci as Stakeknife in 2003. He died 20 years later

The inquiry recovered and reviewed some 90 per cent of the reports attributed to Stakeknife. This amounted to 3,517 reports  including 377 in an 18-month period  much of which was valuable.

Defence sources said that it was therefore impossible to know how much more was gleaned from the agent in reports that were not reviewed, or went unrecorded.

Furthermore, the report said: It must be acknowledged that the complete reporting picture was not recovered, e.g. intelligence passed orally over the phone may not have been recorded and would now be impossible to recover.

Defence sources argued it was impossible to quantify the potential benefits of Skateknifes prolific intelligence reports.

Colonel Tim Collins, a former British Army officer who served with the SAS and as commander of the Royal Irish Regiment during the invasion of Iraq in 2003, said agents such as Stakeknife helped prevent wider bloodshed.

Writing for The Telegraph, he said: The report lays bare a catalogue of failures  operational, ethical and institutional  that cannot be ignored.

But Kenova also risks obscuring a far more important truth: if we let one compromised agent define the entire intelligence war, we distort history and abandon the reality that informants and covert agents saved thousands of lives during the Troubles.

Col Collins added: The question is not whether agent-handling was perfect. It wasnt. The question is whether it was necessary. And it was  because the alternative was far worse.

Scappaticci (bottom centre) pictured at a republican funeral with Sinn Feins Martin McGuinness (standing on wall) in 1987 - Pacemaker

Col Philip Ingram, a former officer in Army intelligence  who claimed to have known some of Stakeknifes handlers  insisted the agent would have saved more people than investigators have claimed.

He told The Telegraph: Stakeknife will have saved directly high singles [single figures] or low doubles of people.

Whats impossible to put out are those he will have saved indirectly by other operations being disrupted or the right comments [that] pushed other potential operations in another direction. Stakeknife and other agents will have saved hundreds if not thousands of lives.

He added the intelligence gathered may not have always been acted upon, but could have helped to shape future operations. You need bad people in bad organisations to run as agents. It doesnt make them good people. Stakeknife was not a hero, he added.

Sir Ben Wallace, the former defence secretary and former Army officer, said the use of agents and informers had been vital in forcing the IRA into negotiations that led to the Good Friday peace deal.

What is true is that the IRA was defeated because of the penetration of the organisation by agents, he said. It got to the stage where the IRA couldnt move because of people inside the organisation informing on them. The use of informers was vital in defeating terrorism.

The hardest thing in intelligence services to deal with is the more important an informer is, the more likely they are to be right at the centre of the organisation, and that is a difficult line to tread. Occasionally they get it wrong. They are risking their lives to keep us safe and there is no easy solution.

IRA executioner killed with MI5s knowledge

The 164-page report by Sir Iain, a former chief constable of Police Scotland, was critical of Stakeknifes handlers, detailing how the rogue agent acted as an IRA executioner with the knowledge of MI5 and the British Army.

Operation Kenova found that MI5 was aware of the identity of Stakeknife, who spied for the Army, from the outset, and knew about his involvement in the notorious IRA death squad.

He was also twice taken on holiday by Army handlers when they knew he was wanted for murder, it found.

The report said that new evidence undermined previous claims MI5 had only a peripheral role in connection with Stakeknife and concluded that it was in fact closely involved.

It said that from the outset, MI5 was aware of his identity and role within the ISU as well as his involvement in the abduction and interrogation of suspected agents who were then murdered.

An interim report last year found that Stakeknife probably cost more lives than he saved and that some on the inside of the security forces viewed him through rose-tinted spectacles.

His reputation should have raised alarm bells because the comparison was rooted in fables and fairy tales.

Stakeknife was recruited by the Force Research Unit (FRU), a covert section of the British military intelligence corps.

He was paid hundreds of thousands of pounds by the British Army while he kidnapped, tortured and killed victims as part of the ISU.

The IRA unit became known as the Nutting Squad, a nickname derived from the method of killing suspected informants with a shot to the back of the head.

Detailing the murders and abductions Stakeknife was involved in, the report said that he authorised and carried out killings as part of the IRA.

It revealed that in some cases, Stakeknife played a central role in securing confessions from victims at IRA court martials, with the British Army aware victims could be murdered, and information was not passed on to police.

Families of victims still searching for truth

Eugene Simons was disappeared in 1981. His body was found by chance in a shallow grave in County Louth.

Moira Todd, the sister of Mr Simons, said her family had searched the streets of Dublin and Dundalk for years trying to find him. All the while, she said, the state authorities knew what had happened to him.

I just want someone to take me into a room and tell me the truth, she said. If they want a non-disclosure agreement, Ill sign it. I just want to know the truth.

Its 45 years ago, almost to the day since my brother was taken and tortured by Stakeknife. He was murdered after. The authorities had all the details.

Forty-five years on, Im sitting here, really none the wiser, and hearing about the truth being suppressed, and the Government avoiding accountability, and its just totally frustrating.

Paul Wilson, whose father Thomas Emmanuel Wilson was also killed by the ISU in 1987, questioned the report for missing a key detail in not naming Stakeknife.

You cant investigate the agent known as Stakeknife, spend all the money, and then not find out who he is  that seems like a gaping own goal, he said.

Kenova are doing the investigation but it never feels like theyre in complete control of the investigation. It always feels like when they get so far, its no more, stop.

Stakeknife was unmasked as Scappaticci by the media in 2003. MI5 relocated him to England, where he lived in a detached house in Surrey and drove a Mercedes.

Scappaticci died in 2023 aged 77, but the Government has still refused to confirm his identity, in keeping with a longstanding protocol to neither confirm nor deny (NCND) agents identity.

On Tuesday, Sir Iain called for the Government to make an exception and name Stakeknife, saying there was a compelling ethical case for the UK government to derogate from the NCND policy regarding the agent Stakeknife. It is in the public interest that Stakeknife is named.

Jon Boutcher, chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), said there was no good reason why the identity of Stakeknife could not be revealed, saying the Governments refusal to name the agent is untenable and bordering on farce.

Security forces sorry for providing evidence late

Kenova was also critical of MI5s late release of additional files relating to Stakeknife, calling it extremely disappointing.

MI5 shared the further material eight years after the independent investigation began, which the report found showed the agency had earlier and greater knowledge of the agent than previously stated and wanted to avoid any prosecutions relating to Stakeknife.

Despite his prolific intelligence-gathering, MI5 expressed concerns and reservations about Stakeknife in the early and later stages of his operation as an agent. However, Kenova found no evidence these concerns were escalated.

Sir Ken McCallum, the MI5 director general, apologised for the failure to disclose information about Stakeknife.

He said: MI5 retrieved and provided to the Kenova investigation a very large volume of historical records.

Regrettably, after this extensive disclosure process was complete, we discovered additional relevant information. MI5 informed Kenova and shared the material without delay.

I apologised to Sir Iain Livingstone, and asked former Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball to conduct an independent review to establish why the additional material had not been initially found.

This review concluded that none of the material was deliberately withheld, but made recommendations on how MI5 could improve its processes for the future. MI5 is now implementing all of ex-AC Balls recommendations. I repeat today my apology for the late discoveries.

Series 3 of Telegraph podcast Bed of Lies begins as a high-security room goes up in flames. Then terrorists are unmasked as spies. And behind it all, a shadowy unit of the British Army, which ran the notorious agent Stakeknife. Listen on the player in this article, or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Shabana Mahmood says that publishing the ethnicity of offenders will put claims and counterclaims to bed - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing

The ethnicity of all offenders should be recorded and published by police in the wake of the grooming gang scandal, Shabana Mahmood has indicated.

The Home Secretary said full disclosure of the ethnicity of suspects was the best way to tackle conspiracy theories as she announced that Dame Anne Longfield, a former childrens commissioner, would head the national inquiry into grooming gangs after months of delays.

Announcing its terms of reference, she said the inquiry would explicitly consider the ethnicity, religious and cultural background of grooming gang suspects. She added that the Home Office would legislate to make it mandatory for police to collect good quality data on the ethnicity of such offenders.

However, Ms Mahmood told MPs that she wanted to go further, saying: It is my view that we should collect ethnicity data for all offences, because the best way to deal with suggestions of a conspiracy  is to have transparency, and accurate data that puts all those claims and counter-claims to bed.

Such transparency would stop people thinking that some communities are allowed to get away with certain types of behaviour, or that the state does not wish to know the full facts of any case, she added.

Baroness Casey, whose review of the grooming gang scandals forced Labour to back a national inquiry, found major gaps in police data on the ethnicity of suspects in child grooming gangs.

Her audit concluded from police data that disproportionate numbers of men from Asian ethnic backgrounds were amongst the suspects for group-based child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.

The Government is proposing that the statutory inquiry headed by Lady Longfield should be completed within three years, backed by 65m. Its focus will be exclusively on grooming gangs, with time-limited local investigations starting with Oldham.

It will have powers to compel public officials, police forces and local councils to give evidence. Any new claims uncovered by the inquiry will be passed onto the police for investigation.

Ms Mahmood pledged to put more of these evil men behind bars and told MPs that no area will be able to resist a local investigation.

She said the inquiry would also investigate whether the authorities, including police, failed to investigate what happened properly because of a misplaced desire to protect community cohesion.

Lady Longfield will stand down as a Labour peer after taking up the partys whip when she was elected to the House of Lords earlier this year.

On Monday night, Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, raised concerns that a Labour peer has been appointed to run the inquiry. Fiona Goddard, one of the victims who quit the survivors panel, asked: How can it be independent?

Lady Longfield said the inquiry owed it to the victims to identify the truth, address past failings and ensure that children and young people today are protected in a way that others were not.

She added: The inquiry will follow the evidence and will not shy away from difficult or uncomfortable truths wherever we find them. The scourge of grooming gangs has not been adequately tackled over past decades.That must change and I will do everything in my power to make this happen.

Dame Anne Longfield, a former childrens commissioner, will head the national inquiry into grooming gangs - Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

The appointment comes nearly two months after the inquiry was plunged into chaos when the frontrunner, Jim Gamble, a former police chief, withdrew his candidacy to head it. He blamed the highly charged and toxic environment around the appointment process for his decision.

His move came after five victims quit the survivors liaison panel. They called for a judge to head the inquiry, maintaining that anyone with a police or social work background would be compromised by some in their professions involvement in grooming gang cover-ups.

Sir Keir Starmer had opposed a national inquiry, but changed his mind after a review by Baroness Casey proposed there should be such an inquiry targeting areas where councils have covered up scandals.

On Monday, Kemi Badenoch set out the Tories proposals for a judge-led inquiry to replace the Governments version. Ministers have rejected calls for a judge-led inquiry because of fears it would delay the process and prevent police investigating any new allegations.

Put politics aside for a moment

Ms Mahmood said the inquiry would shine a bright light on this dark moment in our history as she accepted that victims had waited too long to see justice done.

Urging her political opponents to put party politics aside, she said: This inquiry is theirs [the victims], not ours. So I call on all those present to put politics aside for a moment and to support this chair and her panel in the pursuit of truth and justice.

To help the process of identifying the ethnicity of perpetrators, the Home Secretary has commissioned UK Research and Innovation to rectify the unacceptable gaps in the data relating to backgrounds and motivations, including ethnicity and religion.

The inquiry will not begin until March while the chairman consults on the terms of reference with victims and other stakeholders.

Lady Longfield will be supported by two panellists, Zoe Billingham, a former member of the national police inspectorate, and Eleanor Kelly, a former chief executive of Southwark council who led responses to the 2017 London Bridge terror attack and the Grenfell Tower fire.
The proportion of pupils with special needs has soared over the past decade - Tetiana Melnyk/Moment RF

More than four in 10 Scottish school pupils have additional support needs following a surge in cases, official figures have disclosed.

SNP government statistics showed a record 299,445 children were classified as having additional support needs (ASN) this year, the equivalent of 43 per cent of the school roll.

This was more than double the proportion of pupils in England (19.6 per cent) deemed to have special educational needs.

Scotlands total has nearly doubled over the past decade, with just over 150,000 children (22.5 per cent) being recorded with additional needs in 2015.

Since 2004, when a new law marked a shift towards keeping children in mainstream schools, there has been an eight-fold increase in pupils recorded as requiring extra support.

This years figures showed the most common single reason listed was social, emotional or behavioural difficulty. More than 77,400 children fell into this category, with boys representing about two thirds of the total.

Various forms of learning difficulty or disability, including dyslexia, accounted for about 112,000 of the overall figure.

Autistic spectrum disorder affected more than 41,000 pupils, while nearly 32,000 children were experiencing family issues.

Having English as a second language was also a major reason, affecting more than 61,000 children. Some children with ASN will be listed in more than one category.

The Scottish Childrens Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, said more help was required.

An official audit conducted earlier this year found only one in five mainstream schools had dedicated facilities to provide additional support.

Current situation is unsustainable

An SCSC spokesman said: While more children and young people are being identified as having ASN, now at a record high, this is against the increasingly challenging backdrop of a lack of teachers, including specialist teachers, support staff and the resources needed to support them.

The current situation is unsustainable and is not only letting down thousands of children and young people, but also their fellow pupils, teachers and support staff.

Increased support is critical, especially post-Covid-19, when the pandemic has had a damaging impact on many of our children and young people, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, all of which is hitting the poorest hardest.

A decline in the number of special schools is also worrying, putting increased pressure on the mainstream sector, with many of those with ASN more suited to a special school environment.

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1012 Percent of the school roll with ASN by country in 2024

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Figures show that the exclusion rate for pupils removed from the classroom was almost five times higher for pupils with ASN compared to their schoolmates.

Separate statistics showed that 37.4 per cent of secondary pupils were persistently absent from the classroom in 2024/25. This is defined as missing 10 per cent or more of the school year.

This was slightly down on the 40.6 per cent recorded the previous year but it remained much higher that the 21.9 per cent recorded in England.

Officials have cautioned that a change in recording methods over the years and greater awareness of pupils needs may have amplified the ASN figures.

More money on special needs

A Scottish Government spokesman said: Ministers have been clear that all children and young people should receive the support they need to thrive in their education.

We are investing a further 29m this year to support the ASN workforce, in addition to a record spend of over 1bn by local authorities on ASN in 2023/24.

Councils are also able to use our 186.5m investment in increasing the general teaching workforce.

He said the number of pupils and teachers at special schools has increased from last year, while the pupil-to-teacher ratio has remained the same.
Great British Railways Union flag-inspired livery will be rolled out to trains, websites and stations from next spring - DfT/PA

Renationalised trains will be given a Union flag-inspired red, white and blue livery, the Government has announced.

State-owned company Great British Railways (GBR) is to unveil its branding on Tuesday, before it is rolled out to trains, websites and stations from next spring.

Stephen Bayley, founder of the Design Museum, criticised the new colour scheme.

Mr Bayley said: Its atrocious. A mad dogs breakfast. A livery is branding and branding is all about associations and expectations.

In this sense, theyve got it right. It projects the values of the sponsoring organisation: artless, careless, clumsy, unintelligent and uncoordinated.

Stephen Bayley called the design artless, careless, clumsy, unintelligent and uncoordinated - Dave Benett

Referring to Japans bullet trains, he continued: Have they never seen a Japanese Shinkansen? Thats what a train should look like.

We have some of the best designers in the world in this country. A pity they were not hired by Great British Railways.

However, the Department for Transport said the striking and memorable design was developed in-house, to maximise value for money.

The new livery will mark a stark change from the Rail Blue colour scheme that defined publicly owned British Rails trains from the mid-1960s to the 1980s.

The new livery marks a change from the Rail Blue colour scheme of British Rail trains from the 1960s to the 1980s - National Railway Museum

Christian Wolmar, a rail historian and author, said he found the new GBR livery impressive, saying: I think it conveys an impression of speed. Its elegant. It combines Union Jack colours, and I think its very important to have an identity.

The design is bloody fabulous. I just wonder if its a bit too modern, whether they could have reflected at all on the past, but I have to commend it.

The seven major train operators that have already nationalised have kept the branding of their previous operators.

The Government has said that existing train companies will rebrand as Great British Railways, a process that has now been brought forward to next year from the expected date of 2027.

Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, said: Im immensely proud to unveil the new look for Great British Railways as we deliver landmark legislation to nationalise our trains and reform the railway so it better serves passengers.

This isnt just a paint job, it represents a new railway, casting off the frustrations of the past and focused entirely on delivering a proper public service for passengers.

With fares frozen, a bold new look and fundamental reforms becoming law, we are building a railway Britain can rely on and be proud of.
The decision means ships will be deployed on fewer training exercises outside Britains immediate neighbourhood

The Royal Navy is to reduce overseas training in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East amid concerns that stealth cost cuts are destroying Britains ability to project power and challenge China.

Al Carns, Labours armed forces minister, who unveiled the plan, said the decision was intended to strengthen homeland defence by focusing on activity with Nato in the Atlantic, Arctic and European waters, which were increasingly being threatened by Russian warships.

The decision means ships will be deployed on fewer training exercises outside Britains immediate neighbourhood, casting doubt on the Senior Services ability to fight anywhere in the world.

Critics said it risked weakening the countrys role in combating the threat from China, which now has the worlds biggest navy and is increasingly aggressive towards Taiwan and other nearby rivals.

The Conservatives accused the Government of attempting to make stealth cuts to training to save cash, after The Telegraph revealed in October that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) had overspent by more than 2bn on its 2025-26 financial budget.

James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, said: We all know the real reason Labour are slashing overseas training for the Armed Forces  to save money.

James Cartlidge says the men and women of our Armed Forces deserve much better

The Telegraph recently exposed the 2.6bn black hole in the Ministry of Defence this financial year, and the continued delays to the defence investment plan  promised for the autumn  show this is a Government failing to prioritise defence, as the threat demands.

Cutting training and funding is not a serious approach to boosting war readiness, and the men and women of our Armed Forces deserve much better.

The Navy is already facing immense pressure. General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord, this week warned it was struggling to cope with the number of Russian ships entering UK waters, and that without extra cash the Navy was at risk of losing its advantage in the Atlantic.

The Navys ability to go to sea has been on a downward trend for at least a decade, The Telegraph can disclose.

Reports by the MoD show the number of so-called readiness days  when ships are available to sail  has plunged from 16,630 in 2014 to a decade low of 12,433 last year. The overall size of the Navy has also shrunk during this time.

In 2014 the Navy had 65 ships in the fleet, including 13 Type 23 frigates and six Type 45 destroyers and four amphibious assault vessels. It also had 11 submarines. Now it has 51 warships and 10 submarines  a large number of which have been stuck in port for years.

The number of ageing frigates stands at just seven after HMS Lancaster was decommissioned last week. There are still six destroyers and two new aircraft carriers. However, all the Navys former amphibious assault ships have been decommissioned.

Vice Admiral Bob Cooling, a retired naval commander, said the move to cut back on training could now have a serious impact.

He said: I understand the pressure on us to tighten up the deterrent ability within Natos immediate areas, but the fact is the benefits of being a global military force are being lost or sacrificed.

If we now need to pretty much use 100 per cent of our assets to focus on local waters and the Atlantic, then that is a very sad state of affairs and I would go so far as saying it is a dangerous state of affairs.

Mr Cooling added Britain had been able to defend both its home waters and deploy abroad successfully for centuries and pulling away from training would have a serious impact on its reputation among allies.

He said: We will reap the cost of being a smaller navy. It will be a lack of contact with global partners, a lack of influence with trading partners, a reduction of the deterrent capabilities of our forces being deployed abroadTheres a lot to be lost from no longer being a truly global entity.

Cdr Ryan Ramsey, a retired submarine captain, believed the move was a sensible decision, given the Navys reduced size and the threat posed by Russia in UK waters.

However, he added: We cannot understate the power of soft power To regenerate that once youve lost it takes a while. Thats a risk.

In his written statement to MPs about the reduction of overseas training, Mr Carns said: Over the next four years, the Royal Navy will scale back its participation in overseas training outside the Europe, Atlantic, and Arctic theatre.

This shift reflects its evolving global posture, aimed at supporting modernisation efforts and prioritising this theatre as part of Nato and homeland defence.

Al Carns says the decision is intended to strengthen homeland defence by focusing on activity with Nato in the Atlantic, Arctic and European waters - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The minister added it was anticipated that by 2027-28, there would be an increase in participation and support for Nato.

An MoD spokesman said: This government is putting Nato first and we can confirm that from 2027 the Armed Forces will increase their participation in Nato exercises and training.

The rebalancing of our participation in overseas training towards the European, Atlantic, and Arctic theatres will help deliver a stronger, more integrated Nato, boosting our deterrence and innovating at wartime pace.
Nurse Sandie Peggie was suspended by NHS Fife - Jane Barlow/PA

The former chairman of the equalities watchdog has said the Sandie Peggie employment tribunal does not appear to be compatible with the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman.

Baroness Falkner of Margravine, a cross-bench peer whose tenure at the head of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) ended last month, called the tribunals judgement unusual and surprising.

She said Aprils Supreme Court ruling meant that biological males could not be allowed into female-only facilities and it was more than likely the tribunal ruling would be appealed.

Her intervention came ahead of a press conference on Thursday with Ms Peggie and her legal team at which they were expected to address whether they intend to take further legal action.

The nurse was suspended by NHS Fife after complaining about having to share a female hospital changing room with Dr Beth Upton, who was born a male but identifies as a woman.

Dr Beth Upton used the female changing room at the hospital - Iain Masterton/Alamy

The tribunal ruled that the health board had harassed Ms Peggie, but dismissed her allegations of discrimination, indirect discrimination and victimisation. It also rejected her claim against Dr Upton, who was named as a respondent in the case.

Employment Judge Alexander Kemp found that it was lawful for Dr Upton to use the female changing room at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife before Ms Peggie complained, and after they were put on separate shifts.

He said that the trans medics feminine clothes, hairstyle and pronouns should have been taken into account before deciding which facilities should be made available.

His ruling also said there was very far from sufficient reliable evidence to show that biologically male trans people posed a greater risk to women in female changing rooms.

But Lady Falkner told BBC Scotland that on the face of it the tribunals decision appeared not be to be compatible with the Supreme Court ruling.

She said: If you decide that youre providing a single-sex facility, then you cannot allow any biological males into that facility.

She said there were an awful lot of questions about the veracity of the tribunals ruling and it was more than likely that it would be appealed.

It is a highly unusual and surprising judgement if you base it on what happened in court during those months, and the written submissions, she said.

The peer said that she would welcome the clarification that a possible appeal would bring.

Her intervention is significant as the EHRC was tasked with drawing up a code for businesses and public bodies on how they should implement the Supreme Courts decision.

Lady Falkner said on the face of it the tribunals decision appeared not be to be compatible with the Supreme Court ruling - Paul Grover

But the Government has yet to publish a final version despite having received it three months ago. Bridget Phillipson, the women and equalities minister, said she was carefully considering the proposals.

Dr Michael Foran, an Oxford University gender law expert, told The Telegraph this week that he did not think the tribunal ruling was compatible with the Supreme Courts decision.

Mr Kemp also faced accusations that parts of the ruling inaccurately or incompletely cited other cases to support his decision.

A paragraph quoted a tribunal case involving Maya Forstater, the chief executive of the Sex Matters sex-based rights charity, which supported Ms Peggies case.

It said the tribunal had emphasised that: It is important to bear in mind that the [Equality Act 2010] does not create a hierarchy of protected characteristics.

However, this quote did not appear in the ruling. Ms Forstater posted on X: One of the many things wrong with the Sandie Peggie judgment.

This quote from my judgment doesnt come from my judgment. It is completely made up.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service was approached for a comment on the claims.
Sir Keir Starmer said he believed the world has changed and asylum systems must change with it - Leon Neal/Getty Images

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) must be reformed to enable states to combat illegal migration, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

In a joint article with Mette Frederiksen, his Danish counterpart, the Prime Minister said the ECHR must be modernised as part of a tougher approach to migration to prevent voters from turning to the forces that seek to divide us.

Sir Keir and Ms Frederiksen also called on other European leaders to agree a modernisation of how the convention is interpreted in their countries laws.

The ECHR, which underpins the UKs Human Rights Act, is seen by critics as a major barrier to attempts to deport illegal migrants.

The right to family life, enshrined by Article 8 of the agreement, is often used as grounds in legal cases to prevent removals.

Sir Keir and Ms Frederiksen said that progressive governments would deliver the change that people are crying out for - Lise Aserud/REUTERS

The Home Office has also said it has seen a trend of Article 3 rights, which prohibit torture, being used to halt deportations because of claims that migrants healthcare needs could not be met in their homeland.

Sir Keir has rejected calls by the Conservatives and Reform UK to quit the ECHR over concerns that it would prevent Britain from striking agreements with signatory countries to tackle illegal migration.

Yesterdays answers do not work

In a joint op-ed in The Guardian, the Prime Minister and Ms Fredriksen acknowledged that the current asylum framework was created for another era.

The pair added: In a world with mass mobility, yesterdays answers do not work. We will always protect those fleeing war and terror  but the world has changed and asylum systems must change with it.

The UK has adopted a series of hardline immigration measures, modelled on those spearheaded by Ms Frederiksens government, in order to reduce Channel crossings by migrants.

The two leaders also wrote: Migration must be orderly, managed and sustainable. Irregular routes should not be the go-to option  so we must dismantle the human smuggling networks that prey on desperation.

Together, we are calling on our friends across Europe to go further in tackling these shared challenges.

Europe must act together

European ministers, including David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister, are meeting in Strasbourg on Wednesday to discuss reforms to how the treaty is interpreted in the courts.

A political declaration signed by the ministers could carry enough weight to influence directly how the European Court of Human Rights interprets the agreement, it is understood.

The joint op-ed described the efforts as a push for a modernisation of the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights  so that the convention system, which we believe in, can evolve to reflect the challenges of the 21st century.

Sir Keir and Ms Fredriksen said: Europe has faced big tests before and we have overcome them by acting together. Now we must do so again. Otherwise, the forces that seek to divide us will grow stronger.

They added: So our message is this: as responsible, progressive governments, we will deliver the change that people are crying out for.

We will control our borders to protect our democracies  and make our nations stronger than ever in the years to come.

The Government is expected to bring forward legislation to change how Article 8 is interpreted in UK courts, and is also considering examining the threshold for Article 3 rights.
A Tapanuli orangutan with her baby on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Today, there are fewer than 800 Tapanulis left, all living in the fragile Batang Toru ecosystem, bordered on its south-western flank by the Martabe mine. Photograph: Nature Picture Library/Alamy

A small brown line snakes its way through the rainforest in northern Sumatra, carving 300 metres through dense patches of meranti trees, oak and mahua. Picked up by satellites, the access road  though modest now  will soon extend 2km to connect with the Tor Ulu Ala pit, an expansion site of Indonesias Martabe mine. The road will help to unlock valuable deposits of gold, worth billions of dollars in todays booming market. But such wealth could come at a steep cost to wildlife and biodiversity: the extinction of the worlds rarest ape, the Tapanuli orangutan.

This is absolutely the wrong place to be digging for gold Amanda Hurowitz, Mighty Earth

The network of access roads planned for this swath of tropical rainforest will cut through habitat critical to the survival of the orangutans, scientists say. The Tapanuli (Pongo tapanuliensis), unique to Indonesia, was only discovered by scientists to be a separate species in 2017  distinct from the Sumatran and Bornean apes. Today, there are fewer than 800 Tapanulis left in an area that covers as little as 2.5% of their historical range. All are found in Sumatras fragile Batang Toru ecosystem, bordered on its south-west flank by the Martabe mine, which began operations in 2012.

This is absolutely the wrong place to be digging for gold, says Amanda Hurowitz, who coordinates the forest commodities team at Mighty Earth, a conservation nonprofit monitoring developments at the open-pit mine. And for what? So mountains of gold bullion bars can sit in the vaults of the worlds richest countries.

Dozens of orangutan nests lie in the vicinity of the mines planned expansion, according to Mighty Earth. In late September, construction began on new access roads through the forest around Martabe mine, according to PT Agincourt Resources, a subsidiary of the British multinational Jardine Matheson, which operates the mine. One of the new roads running through secondary forest has already come within 70 metres of a cluster of orangutan nests, Mighty Earth says.

For Jardine Matheson, which acquired the mine in 2018, expansion is critical to their bottom line. In 2020, the company said it would open up a new pit and build the supporting infrastructure to reach at least 460,000 additional ounces of gold hidden within Tor Ulu Ala. Gold mining is intensifying across the world as companies race to capitalise on near-record prices. At todays rate of more than $4,000 (3,000) an ounce, Tor Ulu Ala could generate nearly $2bn.

Related: Theyre a lot like us: saving the tiny punk monkeys facing extinction

While we understand the concerns of some critics, without the mine, which is now the income for approximately 3,500 employees  70% of which are locals that rely on the mine operation  the alternative will be worse, says Ruli Tanio, the vice-president director of PT Agincourt. Being responsible miners, we can provide some opportunity for the orangutan in terms of funding.

But many scientists disagree, saying the expansion of the mine could push the critically endangered Tapanuli orangutans to extinction in a few generations. Even removing just 1% of the population a year would ultimately end in extinction, they say, as orangutans only reproduce every six to nine years.

It doesnt take much  especially if you start killing orangutan females  for the population to go extinct, says the biological anthropologist Erik Meijaard, director of the scientific consultancy Borneo Futures and one of the first experts to describe the species.

Concerns about Jardine Mathesons decision to move ahead with expanding the mine  without an agreed plan in place to reduce impacts to the Tapanulis  have spread beyond the scientific community. Last year, Norways $1.6tn sovereign wealth fund sold its holdings in three Jardines firms, citing concerns about the company being responsible for severe environmental damage.

Tapanulis, with their frizzy, cinnamon hair and wide faces, are not only the rarest orangutan, but represent the oldest lineage of all orangutan species  descendants of the first ancestral orangutans that arrived in Sumatra from mainland Asia more than 3m years ago.

In Batang Toru, the final holdouts of the species dwell in just three populations  the west block, east block and Sibual-buali reserve  spread across a patch of mountainous forest roughly the size of Rio de Janeiro. (Earlier this year, scientists confirmed they had found a small, isolated cluster of Tapanulis living in a peat swamp about 32km (20 miles) outside Batang Toru.)

We assume [the Tapanuli] was really widespread a couple of hundred years ago, says Meijaard. But unsustainable hunting and fragmenting of the forest drove the last of the species to seek refuge in the higher elevations of Batang Toru.

Even before the proposed mine expansion, the Tapanuli was threatened by development. A Chinese-owned hydroelectric project is being built on the Batang Toru River, which flows north-south along the eastern side of the ecosystem. The dam would affect an area that contains the highest density of Tapanuli orangutans  about 42 individuals  according to one 2019 assessment in the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology.

The expansion of the Martabe mine represents another blow, squeezing the apes from another side. The Tapanuli orangutan really cannot afford any losses, Meijaard says.

The Martabe mine was established in 2008, near the western block of Batang Toru where an estimated 533 Tapanulis are thought to live. The mines footprint spans about 650 hectares (1,600 acres), with 2 hectares falling within the Batang Toru ecosystems key biodiversity area, as designated by conservation NGOs in the Alliance for Zero Extinction.

The notion the mine can kill an orangutan directly has proven to be quite false Ruli Tanio, PT Agincourt

PT Agincourt says it will expand the mine by about 250 hectares (617 acres) by the end of Martabes operational lifespan in 2034, building not only the new pit and access roads, but a large tailings-management facility. This growth includes clearing another 48 hectares of mostly primary forest in the key biodiversity area. But the company says it is also setting aside a 2,000-hectare conservation zone within its concession, as well as creating another offset protected area about 40km from the mine site.

Without the [mining] revenue from this small area, it will be very hard to carry out the conservation work and the restoration work that is planned, says Christopher Broadbent, a UK-based sustainability consultant to PT Agincourt. If the mine were to walk away, the unintended consequences would be almost certainly disastrous for the orangutan.

PT Agincourt estimates its mines expansion will directly or indirectly affect between six and 12 orangutans. Tanio says: Throughout our 13 years of operation, there have been no cases of fatality of orangutan directly from the mining activities.

The notion the mine can kill an orangutan directly has proven to be quite false.

But studies show that even indirect effects can take a toll. Female orangutans are particularly sensitive to habitat loss, as they tend not to move when they lose parts of their home range, leaving them at risk of starvation. PT Agincourt says land clearing will proceed slowly, allowing time for the orangutans to move out of the way.

We dont know enough to be able to say that every orangutan that moves will find some new forest to call home, says Phil Aikman, a campaign director at Mighty Earth. Some studies suggest that pushing orangutan groups closer together will lead to social tensions and conflicts. The big concern here is that mitigation may or may not work.

For the past five years, environmental advocates as well as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), have pushed to delay new construction until a mutually agreed plan is in place to protect the Tapanuli. For a time, Jardine Matheson voluntarily agreed to a moratorium on construction, engaging with the IUCNs Avoid, Reduce, Restore and Conserve (ARRC) taskforce, which advises companies on how to avoid ape habitats and reduce impacts. But that agreement expired in December 2022.

You can plant 10,000 hectares of forest  You can push them fast or push them slow. But youre still pushing them into competition with other orangutans

The primatologist Genevieve Campbell, who leads the taskforce, says Jardine Matheson had made it impossible to proceed as they were unable to share raw data, including orangutan survey data within the mining permit. Jardines says the Indonesian government prevented the company from sharing that information.

But that relationship has improved in recent weeks. In November, PT Agincourt Resources signed a new conditional memorandum of understanding with the ARRC taskforce, allowing their scientists to provide independent input on the mines development plans and mitigation strategy.

PT Agincourt told the Guardian it would temporarily pause road construction for three weeks to allow the IUCN to complete its review. The planned protection zones, as well as a new orangutan research centre funded by the mine mean the Tapanuli will be better off with the mine, Tanio says.

Campbell disagrees that the mines overall impact will be positive for the Tapanuli. You cannot say that any great ape species is better with mining than without.

For Meijaard, little can truly compensate for the mines effects on the orangutans.

You can plant 10,000 hectares of forest with lots of fruiting trees  so the orangutans potentially have somewhere to go. You can push them fast or you can push them slow. But youre still pushing them into competition with other orangutans in an area that is, ecologically, quite restrained for the species.

If we really want to protect the species, we have to aim for zero losses, he says.

Find more age of extinction coverage here, and follow the biodiversity reporters Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield in the Guardian app for more nature coverage
These fresh, tender peppers are stuffed with delicious ingredients, from cheesy spinach to spicy shrimp. These peppers make it easy to serve up individual portions of a tasty and healthy main course that everyone will love. Serve recipes like our Cauliflower Rice-Stuffed Peppers and Philly Cheesesteak-Stuffed Peppers with your favorite side salad for a flavorful dinner.

01 of 21

Air-Fryer Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a classic family mealand they're fun to eat, too. Instead of roasting the sweet peppers in the oven, use an air fryer to get them crisp-tender but not soggy.

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02 of 21

Cauliflower Rice-Stuffed Peppers

Swapping white rice for cauliflower "rice" makes for a lower-calorie, lower-carb alternative to traditional stuffed peppers. The riced cauliflower is hearty and won't turn to mush during baking.

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03 of 21

Breakfast Stuffed Peppers

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

Breakfast for dinner is always a good idea! These breakfast stuffed peppers are filled with eggs, hearty beans, kale and taco seasoning. If the pepper isnt laying flat when you are about to fill it, shave off a small piece from the back side (but not all the way through) to help the filling stay in place.

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04 of 21

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

Rachel Marek

Mounding a classic Philly cheesesteak mixture in a colorful bell pepper and melting cheese on top is an easy way to skip the bread and cut the carbs.

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05 of 21

Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist Tucker Vines

This stuffed pepper skillet takes the ingredients in a classic stuffed pepper and spins them into a convenient skillet dinner. Earthy, sweet bell peppers take the spotlight, softening just enough while still retaining their delightful crunch. Ground beef packs in the protein and can easily be swapped out for ground turkey or crumbled tofu. Precooked brown rice completes this hearty dish. With a blanket of gooey, melted cheese on top, its a meal that hits all the right notes.

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06 of 21

Chicken Parmesan & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Chicken Parm gets a fun low-carb and gluten-free twist with these cheesy stuffed peppers with chicken and quinoa. Serve with a salad for a healthy dinner that's easy to prep too.

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07 of 21

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Ruth Blackburn

These healthy Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers are bursting with flavor. The heat from the hot sauce, the tang from the yogurt and the perfectly crisp-tender bell pepper all come together perfectly in this easy low-carb dinner.

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08 of 21

Cheesy Egg Stuffed Peppers

Bake up omelets in a pepper for a healthy, veggie-packed breakfast. Sweet bell peppers are filled with a cheesy egg filling with all the fixings of a classic Denver omelet. If you're cooking for a crowd, this recipe is easy to double!



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09 of 21

Spanakopita Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers have a filling inspired by the Greek spinach pie, spanakopita, but you don't have to worry about working with phyllo, so they're great for an easy vegetarian dinner.

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10 of 21

Fajita-Inspired Chicken-Stuffed Peppers

Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Ruth Blackburn

These chicken-stuffed peppers feature a delicious blend of savory ingredients that closely resemble the flavors of chicken fajitas. The chicken and bean filling fits neatly into a nice, sweet pepper with a cheesy topping. Packaged brown rice makes this dinner super easy, but leftover rice will work just as well!

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11 of 21

Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Carve faces into the side of a bell pepper for a cute jack-o'-lantern you can eat too! This adorable Halloween-themed dinner is perfect for a family dinner to fuel your trick-or-treating adventure. Or serve them at a Halloween party and watch them disappear! Don't feel like freehand-carving the faces with a knife? Try using a cookie cutter instead.

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12 of 21

Stuffed Banana Peppers

Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Styling / Ruth Blackburn

These stuffed banana peppers are filled with spicy sausage, tender spinach and Pecorino Romano cheese, with zippy chopped hot cherry peppers to sharpen the flavor. A layer of tomato sauce at the bottom adds a hint of sweetness. If you want to tame the heat, use sweet Italian turkey sausage in place of hot.

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13 of 21

Jambalaya Stuffed Peppers

In this healthy stuffed peppers recipe, a delicious jambalaya filling of chicken and Cajun spices gets baked inside of bell peppers. Traditional jambalaya is made with green bell peppers, but you can use green, yellow, or orange peppers (or a mix) for this dish. Look for bell peppers with even bottoms, so that they stand upright on their own.

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14 of 21

Shrimp-&-Grits-Stuffed Peppers

Shrimp and grits are stuffed inside bell peppers and baked in this healthy stuffed peppers recipe. Add the optional hot sauce if you want to give the filling some kick. Look for bell peppersuse any colorwith even bottoms, so that they stand upright on their own when they're cooked.

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15 of 21

Air-Fryer Stuffed Chiles with Pork

Photographer: Brie Passano, Food Stylist: Greg Luna

These hearty stuffed chiles are packed with a savory filling made from pork, zucchini and black beans. Once stuffed, the chiles are delicate, so use caution when transferring to the air-fryer basket. A crumble of cotija cheese finishes these chiles for a satisfying main dish.

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16 of 21

Chicken-&-Rice-Stuffed Peppers with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Photographer / Brie Passano, Food Stylist / Annie Probst

Here's a satisfying dinner packed into a bell pepper half for each serving. Chicken and rice are infused with umami from sun-dried tomatoes and the filling is bound by Parmesan and a bit of cream for cheesy goodness.



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17 of 21

Turkey Enchilada Poblano Peppers

In this healthy take on a turkey enchilada recipe, we stuff everything into a roasted poblano pepper shell rather than tortillas to pack an extra serving of veggies into this meal. If you can't find poblano peppers, you can substitute green bell peppers instead.

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18 of 21

Cheesy Tex-Mex Taco Stuffed Peppers

Tender, juicy bell peppers hold a Tex-Mex inspired filling of ground beef, taco seasoning and veggies finished with melted cheese on top in this easy stuffed peppers recipe. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite taco fixings.

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19 of 21

Baked Spinach, Feta & Egg-Stuffed Peppers

Kelsey Hansen

Bake eggs directly in a pepper for a gorgeous breakfast dish that all will enjoy. Use any colored bell pepper, just be sure to remove the seeds.

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20 of 21

Chiles en Nogada (Picadillo-Stuffed Chiles in Walnut Sauce)

Julia Estrada

Chiles en nogada is a traditional and iconic Mexican dish featuring roasted poblano chiles stuffed with picadillo and topped with a velvety walnut sauce.

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21 of 21

Slow-Cooker Black Bean & Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers

Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Few dishes smell better as they cook than these cheesy brown ricestuffed peppers simmering gently in a pool of cinnamon- and clove-spiced tomato sauce. If you want to try a different whole grain, swap out the rice for millet. The peppers are fragile after cooking, so use tongs to gently remove them from the slow cooker.

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Read the original article on EatingWell
Fogo Island Inn The exterior of Fogo Island Inn.

As travel has evolved over the decades, so has our definition of luxury. Gone are the days of coveting fancy hotels with ten pillow options but zero personality. Today, luxury is all about access: to a remote Arctic coastline where locals host you like family, to a private island where coral scientists are your snorkeling buddies, to a valley in Bhutan where the monks chant at dawn.

As someone who plans sustainable travel for a living, Ive learned over the years that true luxury are the travel experiences that feel rare, real, and transformative. Here are four of my favorites.

Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland

You arrive to find an isolated, beautifully rugged oasis that few have even heard of. Your local guide is a retired fisherman who takes you berry-picking and shares tales from his storied life, like when the collapse of the Atlantic cod fishery changed everything for him. Dinner was caught and foraged that day, and you indulge around a table with other travelers who feel like friends. At night, you might find yourself at a kitchen party with the staff playing accordion music and sharing homemade bread. With its focus on regenerative travel, Fogo Island Inn offers an experience thats raw and intimate rather than staged and curatedand thats what makes it magic.

Eleven Deplar Farm, Iceland

Eleven Deplar Farm Experience the aurora borealis at Eleven Deplar Farm.

By day, you can ski untouched slopes or hike in pure silence. By night, you can soak in geothermal pools and watch the northern lights with a glass of whisky in hand. Eleven Deplar Farm is wild, warm, and wonderfully low-key. Built on a restored sheep farm, the property runs on geothermal energy and feels like a secret hideaway. High-end yet humble, the place isnt just built to impressits built to last.

The Brando, French Polynesia

The Brando Guests biking at The Brando, French Polynesia.

The Brando isnt just a private island, its also a hub for coral research, clean energy, and smart design. You can start your day snorkeling with a marine biologist who can teach you about ocean life, from baby sharks to sea cucumbers. Then, you bike to dinner and end your day with a sunset massage on the beach before returning to your seawater-powered villa. The resort is off-the-charts beautiful, but what really stands out is the mission: here, conservation isnt just a brochure buzzword, its built into the propertys DNA.

Six Senses Gangtey, Bhutan

Six Senses Bhutan Spectacular views from the dining room at Six Senses Bhutan.

Its just before dawn and youre standing on a balcony wrapped in a wool shawl, sipping butter tea and watching black-necked cranes glide into the valley. Down below, a few monks begin chanting in a centuries-old temple. Youll hike todaypast yak herders and through pine forestsbut first, youre here, present, and grateful. At Six Senses Gangtey, the food is locally sourced, the staff are from nearby villages, and your visit supports Bhutans model of high-value, low-impact travel.

Heres what I always tell clients: Stay longer, go slower, and dont try to do it all. Five nights in a single place beats a whirlwind any day, travel in the shoulder seasons if you can, and work with someone who actually knows the destination. When done right, sustainable luxury travel isnt about giving anything up. Youll get so much more out of the experience while leaving something good behind, too.

Kristin Winkaffe is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in sustainable trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Winkaffe by contacting her at kristin@winkaffeglobal.com.



Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Several packages of raw beef bacon arranged on a light blue background - Sarah Dealy/Chowhound

Bacon has been a hot topic for a while now, with trends  that are sometimes delicious, sometimes utterly played out  sweeping the nation. And while I may find myself leaning more towards team sausage (if I have to choose), there's no denying the seductive quality of a nice strip of crispy bacon.

By definition, bacon is cured and smoked pork, most typically the pork belly, which has excellent fat marbling. But if you don't eat pork, you may feel like you're missing out on an incredibly common and delicious ingredient, the smells constantly teasing you at breakfast buffets and at dinner parties whenever the bacon-wrapped dates make their way around the room.

Thankfully, beef is a fantastic replacement. Let's be real  the turkey bacon just wasn't cutting it. Turkeys don't have nearly enough fat marbling to come close to mimicking the real deal; what you need is a replacement red meat that isn't pork but has a similar enough cut and flavor to achieve the same spectacular result. Beef is the answer. Beef belly, also called the navel or beef plates, when smoked and sliced, has near identical white strips of fat in between rich, red layers of meat. It cooks similarly, achieving crispy edges and a slightly fatty chew. The only question that remains is: which brand to buy? I've tested five major store-bought beef-bacon brands to narrow down the one I would buy again and again.

Read more: 12 Grocery Chains With The Highest Quality Meat Departments

5. Arnold's

Two pieces of cooked Arnold's bacon on a white plate and blue background - Sarah Dealy/Chowhound

When I took the first strips out of this package of Arnold's Premium Smoked Beef Bacon, I noticed that they were disappointingly small. And, when cooked, they shrank further into child-sized pieces. This isn't necessarily a fault with the brand, though, as it may have just been the narrow end of the beef plate, which can happen with pork belly as well. The strips toward the end of the package got much bigger.

My main issue with this brand was the texture. On the first cook, it was rubbery, and when I cooked it longer to crisp up the edges, the chewy bite still didn't go away. I wonder if it doesn't smoke for as long, or as short, as some of the other brands I reviewed that achieved a great bite, but nonetheless, the texture was off-putting enough that I wouldn't purchase it again. This, combined with the fact that it is by far the most expensive product of the five brands (even more expensive than the Whole Foods option), made it a dealbreaker.

4. Wellshire

Two pieces of cooked Wellshire bacon on a white plate and blue background - Sarah Dealy/Chowhound

Wellshire Smoked Uncured Beef Bacon is sold at Whole Foods stores, and, being from Whole Foods, the package has a no antibiotics label. Interestingly, it does have a distinct flavor compared with every other brand I tried that is hard to place. It's almost got a gamey flavor, which for me isn't a good or a bad thing, but may be off-putting to some.

Coming out of the package, the slices are huge and inviting. They've got nice, ropy fat that holds together well and thick lines of meat. Once you put them in the oven, though, you can expect them to shrink by about 50%. This is especially disheartening considering you pay about a buck an ounce for the package and can watch your money shrink away before your eyes through the oven door. For me, there were just brands that offered better value for money, and that also had better flavor. But if you're a Whole Foods frequenter, you may find this package convenient to pick up.

3. Deen Halal

Two pieces of cooked Deen Halal bacon on a white plate and blue background - Sarah Dealy/Chowhound

Dean Halal Beef Breakfast Slices cost about $10 for a 12-ounce package, a very reasonable price for what is a solid-tasting beef bacon. It lacked some of the qualities of my top two, yet achieved a great middle ground when it came to texture, flavor, and price.

The flavor is salty, and the slices are nicely balanced with meat and fat. It gets a good crisp on it, although the texture will still be a bit chewier than a strip of pork bacon  but that's to be expected. The one drawback is that every piece in the package was a bit of a mess. The fat was congealing, and to separate the pieces, you had to dig your nails in a bit and pull them apart into awkward strips. This isn't necessarily a bad thing  beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all  and could be entirely a fluke of this individual packet, seeing as the beef plate varies quite a bit from end to end. If what you're hoping for are picture-perfect bacon strips, you might be disappointed, but if you're going to candy your bacon and chop it up, then there's no problem here.

2. Godshall's

Two pieces of cooked Godshall's bacon on a white plate and blue background - Sarah Dealy/Chowhound

At $6.99 for a 10-ounce package, Godshall's Beef Bacon is the most affordable on this list. Especially considering the price, and even though it wasn't the price that made it take second place, it's fantastic. The slices are wide with two strips of beautiful red meat sandwiching a creamy white center. The strips don't congeal and stick together in the package, and are sliced in a way that helps them bake evenly.

The real highlight of this brand, though, and what bumped it into second place, is the texture. While the other brands may take some playing around with to achieve a perfect crunch (if you can achieve it at all), Godshall's cooked super evenly with a nice fatty center and crispy edges. The flavor wasn't quite as good as the first-place pick, but the texture was on point and most closely resembled that of pork bacon.

1. Certified Angus Beef

Two pieces of cooked Certified Angus Beef bacon on a white plate and blue background - Sarah Dealy/Chowhound

Winner winner, beef bacon dinner  Certified Angus Smoked Uncured Beef Bacon takes the crown. What immediately struck me about this brand from the very first bite was a slight hint of brown sugar. It's not in-your-face sweet, or stronger than the salt of the meat, but it's just enough to remind you of maple syrup on pancakes or brown sugar caramel. It was easily the best flavor of the bunch, perfectly balancing out the mouth-drying saltiness that came from tasting so many bacon brands.

The slices were wide with excellent marbling, the edges taking on a delightful crunch while retaining that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess. The 10-ounce package costs just over $9, making it mid-priced out of the brands on this list. Given that the price is reasonable, the texture is good, and the flavor is fantastic, it was an easy choice for first place. It's an ideal beef bacon for your non-traditional BLT, for gracing a breakfast plate paired with eggs and toast, or just for a tasty snack. You really can't go wrong.

Methodology

A white plate on a blue background piled high with cooked bacon - Sarah Dealy/Chowhound

To compile a selection for this ranking, I scoured the shelves of the great city of New York and was surprised to find that there aren't as many beef bacon brands out there as you might expect. But then, there isn't quite as much of a demand for beef bacon as there is for pork or turkey bacon (a great alternative if you don't like to eat red meat), and these brands seem to have the market covered.

Each of the brands I tested comes with instructions on the back of the package as to what temperature you should set your oven to and how long they should cook. But ultimately, everyone likes their bacon cooked a little bit differently, and you may need to experiment to find your sweet spot. I like my bacon cooked long enough to achieve a crunch on the edges, but not so long that you render out all of that wonderful, chewy fat in the middle  thus achieving a balance of textures.

I set my oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cooked each sample for at least 10 minutes, giving it a little longer for bigger slices. If you like your bacon crisped into submission, you'll want to go at least 13 minutes.

Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google.

Read the original article on Chowhound.
A passenger holds a safety strap inside a public bus. Photo: freepik / Freepik

(The Center Square) - A new bill in Congress seeks to make public transit systems across the country, including those in California, safer and more affordable.

The Safe and Affordable Transit Act would create new federal grants that would pay for more police officers who patrol public transit systems, according to the summary of the bill. The legislation is also intended to cover transportation infrastructure upgrades.

The ultimate aim is to reduce crime on public transit, cut costs for local agencies and increase rider confidence, said U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman, D-Burbank.

Safety on transit is often cited by riders as a concern, the California congresswoman told The Center Square on Monday. Getting people onto transit, which is convenient and less expensive, makes people's quality of life better. It gives people choices, and theres a lot of reasons why making sure people have access to safe, reliable public transit is important.

The bill would also ensure that the costs of upgrades to transit systems wouldnt fall on local agencies to fund them, Friedman said. She explained the legislation would bring federal money to pay for police officers and safety upgrades.

Our agencies are already cash-strapped, Friedman said. We dont fund transit well in this country at all, and we dont fund it nearly to the level that we fund other types of transportation infrastructure. Agencies always struggle to keep their fares low and still have enough money for operations.

Approximately $50 million a year would be allocated to funding security and infrastructure upgrades for public transit systems, according to the bill summary. Friedman said it would be funded by general fund dollars.

Friedman told The Center Square the $50 million threshold is a starting point and that more money could be allocated by Congress.

The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-New York, giving it the potential to generate bipartisan support. However, there is some skepticism that it will pass, given the political climate in Washington, D.C., according to one of Californias Democratic legislators.

The likelihood of being able to get it through Congress and signed by the president is not high, said state Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose and chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.

But the idea is very sound," Cortese told The Center Square. "Those kinds of grants are something we can use, especially here in the Bay Area on things like the BART system.

According to numbers from the Federal Transit Administration, assaults on public transit workers nationwide increased between fiscal year 2014 and fiscal year 2024. Between April 2023 and January 2025, 4.5% of assaults on transit workers were injury-only events, 29.7% were categorized as physical assault events and 65.8% were non-physical assaults.

Lawmakers interviewed by The Center Square on Monday identified the safety of both the public and transit workers as a high priority in public transit legislation.

Theres an issue of funding, and a lot of times, transit operators dont have the resources to ensure theyre keeping folks safe and the securitys there, Assemblymember Lori Wilson, D-Suisun City and chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, told The Center Square.

Employees of the California Department of Transportation, the California Transportation Commission and the California State Transportation Agency did not respond to requests for comment.

BART has been tracking Rep. Friedmans H.R. 6298 (also known as the Safe and Affordable Transit Act) since it was introduced two weeks ago, read a statement emailed to The Center Square from Chris Filippi, the communications director for the Bay Area Rapid Transit System. An initial analysis by BART staff of the funding provided in the bill indicate potential opportunities to support the BART Police Departments hiring efforts and other investments in safety infrastructure.

Local elected leaders and staff in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, the city and county of San Francisco, and the city of San Jose were not available to answer questions on Monday.

While districts in urban areas throughout the state might see the most money, representatives of rural areas also want to see benefits from federal transit legislation, one Republican lawmaker told The Center Square on Monday.

Making transportation more affordable and safer is important, especially for communities in my district, said Assemblymember Juan Alanis, R-Modesto. Our region is large and very rural, which means transportation options can be scarce compared to urban areas, such as the Bay Area and San Francisco. As a former law enforcement officer, I believe we must also ensure that passengers feel safe when they are taking public transportation. We need good bipartisan solutions. This measure furthers that goal.
Land Conservation Georgia O'Keeffe

A new conservation agreement has been announced to safeguard a significant expanse of New Mexico desert, renowned for its breathtaking vistas that captivated 20th-century painter Georgia O'Keeffe. The pact also ensures continued public access to an adjacent educational retreat, partners confirmed on Tuesday.

The initial phase establishes a conservation easement across approximately 26 square kilometres of land near Abiquiu, owned by a charitable arm of the Presbyterian Church.

This protected area, featuring reservoir waterfront and native grasslands, stretches towards a remote home once owned by O'Keeffe's estate, though her larger Abiquiu residence and studio, managed by the Georgia OKeeffe Museum, remain outside the conservation zone.

The landscape, with its distinctive desert washes, sandstone bluffs, and the distant silhouette of Cerro Pedernal, will be instantly recognisable to admirers of O'Keeffe's work.

Ghost Ranch landscape pictured in July 18, 2025 (Jonathan Hayden via AP)

Jonathan Hayden, executive director of the New Mexico Land Conservancy, which helped broker the plan, emphasised the area's unique value. "The stark colourful geology, the verdant grasslands going right down to the Chama River and Abiquiu lake -- all that just makes it such a multifaceted place with tremendous conservation value," he stated.

Hayden added that the voluntary plan aims to prevent potential modern development that could subdivide and alter the property, despite no immediate proposals.

Beyond preserving natural beauty, the agreement guarantees continued access for film productions  the land famously served as a temporary set for a recreation of wartime Los Alamos in the 2024 film Oppenheimer.

It also protects traditional winter grazing routes for local farmers. The State of New Mexico is substantially underwriting the initiative through a trust established in 2023, with an approved $920,000 award allocated for easement surveys, transaction costs, and a financial endowment.

The breathtaking desert vistas in New Mexico near Abiquiu inspired the work of 20th century painter Georgia O'Keeffe (Bill Stengel Photography via AP)

This fund will support programming at the adjacent Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Centre, which attracts around 10,000 overnight visitors annually for spiritual, artistic, and literary retreats, alongside twice as many day visitors.

These initial phases are part of a broader ambition to protect over 78 square kilometres of the region through further easements and public land transfers, potentially extending protections to the Chama River banks and additional wildlife habitats. The area also holds deep historical significance, with many Native American communities tracing their ancestry to this northern New Mexico landscape that O'Keeffe explored and immortalised in her art.
Bridget Fonda showed off her weight-loss results while holiday shopping over the weekend.

The retired actress, 61, made a rare public appearance Friday as she stopped by childrens store Flicka in the Beverly Glen neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Fonda put her slimmed-down figure on display in a black coat, matching pants and a monochrome scarf.

Bridget Fonda shopping in Los Angeles on Dec. 5. Clint Brewer Photography / NORTH SUNSET / BACKGRID

Bridget Fonda walking out of the childrens store Flicka. Clint Brewer Photography / NORTH SUNSET / BACKGRID

Bridget Fonda shopping for the holidays in Beverly Glen, Calif. Clint Brewer Photography / NORTH SUNSET / BACKGRID

She also rocked a black crossbody bag and a pair of glasses, smiling brightly as she walked out of the store carrying two bags of items.

Fonda, who has retreated from the public eye, has not spoken publicly about her weight loss.

Bridget Fonda shows off her weight loss during a shopping spree in LA. Clint Brewer Photography / NORTH SUNSET / BACKGRID

Bridget Fonda is all smiles while shopping in Los Angeles on Dec. 5. Clint Brewer Photography / NORTH SUNSET / BACKGRID

Nutritionist Monica Partier told the Daily Mail in October that the Single White Female star appeared to have lost 75 pounds in the last few years, which is not an easy thing to do over the age of 50.

Fonda spoke about her insecurities before she stepped away from Hollywood in 2003.

What is it with my low self-esteem? she said to the Los Angeles Times in 1993.

Bridget Fonda steps out on her 58th birthday in January 2022. / SplashNews.com

Bridget Fonda running errands in Los Angeles. / SplashNews.com

Sometimes I feel like I can make myself look the way that Im happy with, but I get really depressed if I think of the big picture or compare myself to movie stars who are supposed to look like Veronica Lake or Lauren Bacall, Fonda continued. Like youve got to be a model. Its a weird pressure.

The Godfather Part III actress added, Im sort of trying to be happy with my career. I think I should give myself a break, but Ive got this bug that rides me. You know, you should be doing better. So every time I work, Im frustrated with my physical inability to catch up to my mental picture.

Bridget Fonda in New York City in 1997. Getty Images

Bridget Fonda during the 31st AFI Life Achievement Award Presented to Robert De Niro. WireImage

Fonda is the late Peter Fondas daughter and Jane Fondas niece. Shes appeared in well-known movies like Singles (1992), The Godfather Part III (1990), Point of No Return (1993) and Jackie Brown (1997).

She retired from acting over 20 years ago to focus on being a mom and raising her son Oliver at the familys ranch in Santa Barbara. Her last project was the 2002 TV film Snow Queen.

Bridget Fonda at the premiere of Jackie Brown in Los Angeles in 1997. Getty Images

In April 2023, Fonda told paparazzi while at LAX that shed never return to Hollywood.

Its too nice being a civilian, she stated.
FILE - Iain Douglas-Hamilton, founder of Save the Elephants, poses in front of confiscated ivory at Kenya Wildlife Training School, Manyani, Kenya, Wednesday, July 20, 2011. (AP Photo/Sayyid Azim)

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Iain Douglas-Hamilton, a British-born zoologist and conservationist who dedicated much of his life to protecting elephants, has died, his Save the Elephants group said Tuesday. He was 83.

Douglas-Hamilton was known for decades of conservation work, which included pioneering trackers and collaring to protect elephants against poaching and the illegal ivory trade. He died on Monday in Kenya, the statement said.

Save the Elephants said he was instrumental in exposing the ivory poaching crisis" and documenting the destruction of over half of Africas elephants in a single decade, "leading up to a crucial intergovernmental decision to ban the international trade in ivory in 1989.

Whether sitting quietly among elephants, poring over maps of their movements, or circling above a herd in his beloved aircraft, that glint in his eye was there," the groups CEO Frank Pope said.

"He never lost his lifelong curiosity about what was happening inside the minds of one of our planets most intriguing creatures, Pope added.

Elephants use their ivory tusks  the elongated teeth on either side of an elephants mouth  for gathering food, digging and self-defense. But people have used ivory throughout history, including for weapons, jewelry, ornamentation and traditional medicinal purposes.

The Uganda Conservation Foundation eulogized Douglas-Hamilton as someone who generously shared his knowledge and expertise with the conservation community, inspiring action and collaboration."

"We honor a life that didnt just protect elephants, but empowered the people protecting them," the foundation said.

Douglas-Hamiltons research was considered by many to be essential in the push to ban the international trade of ivory. But despite being outlawed in 1989 by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, ivory demand continued driving African elephants towards extinction, and Douglas-Hamiltons advocacy played a role in shuttering domestic markets in an array of countries in the 2010s.

During the 2010s, the Chinese government also took steps to halt ivory trade, including shutting down factories and retail outlets.

With the end of the legal ivory trade in China, the survival chances for elephants have distinctly improved," Douglas-Hamilton said in an interview with The Associated Press in 2017. We must give credit to China for having done the right thing by closing the ivory trade.

"There is still a long way to go to end the excessive killing of elephants for ivory, but there is now greater hope for the species, Douglas-Hamilton said at the time.

Wildlife Conservation Network, which has Save the Elephants as a founding partner, said in a statement Tuesday that Douglas-Hamilton was a giant in the field of conservation and worked tirelessly to protect elephants.

"Iain was a pioneer and an icon. He was deeply respected, loved, and admired, and will be missed beyond words, the network said.

Douglas-Hamilton was born in Dorset, England and received his bachelors degree and doctorate from the University of Oxford, according to the Save the Elephants website.

With his wife, Oria, he coauthored two books and his work has been featured in a number of films, including a documentary titled A Life Among Elephants, released in 2024.

He earned numerous awards, including the Commander of the British Empire in 2015 and the Esmond B. Martin Royal Geographical Society Prize earlier this year.

Protecting all aspects of elephants' life remained his focus. In 2009, Kenya experienced its worst drought in 12 years  drought-related hunger can also cause elephant fatalities  that created hazardous conditions and led to more than 100 elephant deaths.

When (elephants) do not have enough food they also seem to be vulnerable to disease, their immune system weakens and they catch all sorts of diseases, Douglas-Hamilton told the AP in 2009.

He was also a close and longtime friend of famed primatologist Jane Goodall, who died in October at the age of 91.

Douglas-Hamilton is survived by his wife, their two daughters and six grandchildren.

___

OMalley reported from Philadelphia.

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The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Illustration of a pink unicorn with purple and mint green hair, wearing a blue outfit, and sitting on a pink gradient background, Image 2 shows Mugshot of Brian Cole, Image 3 shows Suspect planting explosive devices near the RNC in an alley between the RNC and Capitol Hill Club

The man accused of attempting to blow up both the Republican and Democratic National Committees in Washington, DC on Jan 5. 2021 was a highly active My Little Pony fan.

Brian Cole Jr., 30, was seemingly obsessed with the toys  marketed at young girls  creating art of plastic pony dolls, remixes of songs about them, and writing fan fiction dedicated to them.

His works are spread across various social media accounts linked to Coles email address and phone number.

One of the My Little Pony fan pictures allegedly produced by Brian Cole Jr. based on a Star Wars video game. iDeltaVelocity/ Derpibooru

Brian Cole Jr. from Woodbridge, Virginia, has been charged with planting two pipe bombs in DC on Jan. 5, 2021. Department of Justice

Posting as iDeltaVelocity, Cole apparently uploaded 87 pictures of My Little Pony fan art to one forum, showing various pony and unicorn characters. One is depicted with a bionic leg brace, and he appears to favor pink or purple ponies with long, multicolored manes.

In one post, a Star Wars inspired pony says in a speech bubble: Im not cute, Im deadly, which Cole says is a line from video game Star Wars: The Old Republic.

A Tumblr account focused on My Little Pony art which used one of Coles usernames commented on a drawing of a pony with an M60 machine gun, writing: Eh Id give her an RPG. What can I say? Explosions are COOL! referring to a Rocket Propelled Grenade launcher.

One of the My Little Pony pictures drawn by an account associated with Cole. He appears to prefer ponies who are pink and purple with long, multicolored manes. iDeltaVelocity/ Derpibooru

Cole posted 87 images to one forum about My Little Ponies, and recieved lots of encouragement online from other fans. iDeltaVelocity/ Derpibooru

A man who is part of the My Little Pony a subculture is known as a Brony. The community was, in 2017, large enough to hold annual conventions and experts considered followers sincere in their fandom.

None of Coles posts examined by The Post had any noticeable sexual connotations. One fan fiction story apparently authored by Cole showcases his bringing together of My Little Pony fantasy and horror.

Appleblooms eyes snapped open as she sat up in her bed, panting heavily and sweat dripping from her red mane [] The skeletons, the zombified ponies rising up from the ground, their decaying bodies, rotting flesh sliding off from their bones, he allegedly wrote. She buried her face in her hooves, crying silently at the horrible images that inhabited her mind.

A former high school classmate told The Washington Post that Cole had carried a My Little Pony backpack and had been teased for it.

Footage released by the FBI shows the suspect planting a pipe bomb outside the Republican committee headquarters. REUTERS

The bomb was placed in an alley between the Capitol Hill Club and Republican HQ. REUTERS

The subculture of Bronies was very online and unique and attracted a lot of male fans, who were breaking gender norms, which attracted a lot of attention, said Dr. Daniel Chadborn, an Assistant Professor of Psychology who wrote the book Meet the Bronies: The Psychology of the Adult My Little Pony Fandom.

The subculture was not generally sexual, Chadborn noted, adding he isnt surprised that within the community, some its members are troubled.

Someone who is disaffected is often going to look for spaces to engage in, for a sense of identity and belonging.

Hasbro, the toy company behind My Little Pony, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Post.

Since his arrest last week, little information and no motive for Coles actions has emerged. He was reclusive, apart from walking his chihuahua in his local neighborhood and lived with his family, The Post has previously reported.

Another surveillance camera view of the mystery assailant planting one of the pipe bombs, taken on Jan. 5th 2021. Federal Bureau of Investigation

A close of view of one of the explosive devices  which never detonated before it was found and handled by the bomb squad. AP

His grandmother described him as almost autistic-like, because he doesnt understand a lot of stuff, and he worked for the family bail bonds company, Brian Cole Bail Bonds.

Cole wrote his interests are: Parkour, music, video games (mainly horror), drawing, improving myself philosophically, anime, in a profile on another Tumblr account.

He also responded to a question about what makes him feel better when hes in a bad mood with: Smashing my head on my keyboard

Another of Coles fan fiction projects was making a comic, although he only completed the first eight pages. iDeltaVelocity/ Derpibooru

Names he appears to have gone under to post online include iDeltaVelocity, Delta1Forgotten, Bron1Delta and Blue Velocity.

Under the latter he posted songs he made in the Electro Swing genre, some also with My Little Pony themes, such as Pony I Want to Be (iDeltaVelocity remix) and Doin the Equestrian Jive.

After 2020 his public online activity trails off. At that time he was already putting his pipe-bomb plan in action, according to authorities, who say he was visiting several retailers around northern Virginia, including Home Depot stores, Micro Center, Lowes and Walmart to amass material to make his crude bombs, neither of which detonated.

Cole faces charges for transporting an explosive device across state lines with the intent to kill, injure and damage property and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials. He has already confessed to police, sources told The Post.
SC State University News Media Protocol

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South Carolina State University (SC State) values working relationships with news media and welcomes coverage that reflects the universitys mission, people, and programs. This protocol supports effective access while protecting the rights and safety of students, employees, and campus visitors.

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Media representatives should contact the Office of University & Media Relations before visiting campus. Early coordination helps:

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As a public institution, SC State generally permits media access but may limit it to avoid disruptions or ensure privacy and safety.

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All requests for university comment must go through the Office of University & Media Relations. Faculty and staff may speak as subject-matter experts, but only designated officials may speak on behalf of the university.

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Students acting in a journalistic capacity  through student media, class assignments, or internship s must follow the same access procedures.

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On December 1, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Chief Kristi Noem said foreign invaders were not welcome into the United States as she aggressively called for an expansion of the countrys travel bans.

The DHS Chiefs hostilely worded message, shared on X, didnt specify which countries the travel ban expansion would impact. However, Noem harshly pointed the finger at places from which she believes foreign nationals have come and wreaked havoc in the U.S. Per her rant, those bad actors are coming to America, committing crimes, and taking away resources from U.S. citizens.

I just met with the President. I am recommending a full travel ban on every d**n country thats been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies. Our forefathers built this nation on blood, sweat, and the unyielding love of freedom  not for foreign invaders to slaughter our heroes, suck dry our hard-earned tax dollars, or snatch the benefits owed to AMERICANS, tweeted Noem.

WE DONT WANT THEM. NOT ONE, she added at the end of her post.

What Travel Bans Does The U.S. Currently Have In Place?

Back in June, President Trump imposed a full travel ban on U.S. arrivals of nationals from 12 countries. Those were Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, he placed a partial travel ban on nationals of seven more countries, including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

The day after Noems comments, an Afghan national was hit with multiple charges in connection with the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. last month. On NBC News Meet the Press, Noem said, We believe he (the suspect) was radicalized since he has been here in this country (the U.S.). We do believe that it was through connections in his home community and state We will never allow this to continue in our country. Allow individuals who came to our country that were unvetted by Joe Biden, allowed to run free and loose  we are going to bring them to justice.







The post DHS Kristi Noem Pushes For Expanded Travel Ban On Foreign Invaders, Says We Dont Want Them appeared first on Travel Noire.
Ella lay motionless in the middle of Kuwaits Friday Market. She hadnt lifted her head or shifted from the spot where someone had left her. She simply stayed there, still and silent, until help finally arrived. When a rescuer stepped toward her, something in her changed. It was just a small recognition, and the rest became a story worth retelling.

Left Behind in the Middle of a Market

Credit: Facebook

Ella had been dumped after someone failed to sell her. Shopkeepers said she was placed on the ground and left there when no buyer came along. By the time rescuers were called, she hadnt moved at all, and her stillness made Mansouri fear she might already be gone.

Rescue Arrives, and So Does a Flicker of Life

Credit: Facebook

When Elika Mansouri from I Care Kuwait reached the market, Ella was lying in the same exact place. With what little strength she had left, she slowly stood up. It was a small movement but a clear one, and Mansouri slipped a leash around her neck and guided her toward the car.

Diagnosed With Parvovirus the Next Morning

Credit: Facebook

At the vet, Ella tested positive for Parvovirus, a highly contagious and often deadly illness in dogs. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells, often in the intestines. Without immediate treatment, the odds of survival drop fast. Even with the diagnosis, Ella fought through the illness and made it to the other side.

She Didnt Like Kennel Life One Bit

Credit: Instagram

Ella survived the streets and a serious illness, but adjusting to the kennel was another story. She made frequent escape attempts and had difficulty settling into kennel life. Some dogs take to shelters easilyElla wasnt one of them. Since she wasnt adjusting well, finding a better long-term place for her became important.

Street Dogs in Kuwait Face Steep Odds

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Finding Ella a permanent home in Kuwait would be difficult, so I Care Kuwait turned to one of its rescue partners in CanadaEllas best chance at a real future.

A Plane Ride to a New Beginning

Credit: Facebook

Once she was strong enough, Ella traveled to Canada through one of the rescues established partners. The move opened a door that didnt exist for her in Kuwait by placing her somewhere with a higher chance of adoption.

Meeting Her Future Family by Chance

Credit: Instagram

A month later, Ella was outside playing at the Canadian rescue when a woman jogged past the yard. Their eyes met for just a moment, but it was enough. The runner asked about her, learned her story, and eventually applied to adopt her.

Adjusting to a Home Took Patience

Credit: Instagram

Ella arrived with some anxiety and needed time to understand her new surroundings. Despite this reality, she grew more comfortable and slowly began to settle into her new life with each passing day.

Today, Shes a Completely Different Dog

Credit: Instagram

Years later, Ella is thriving in Montreal with the family who welcomed her in. Shes safe, loved, and far removed from the concrete floor where she was left behind. Her life is steady now, built on the routines she never had before.

Shes Not Just a SurvivorShes a Reminder

Credit: Instagram

Ellas story stayed with her rescuers because of that first momentwhen she stood up despite everything working against her. It was simply a dog choosing to meet a stranger halfway, and that small shift changed the rest of her life.
A ferry near the Seattle shoreline.Peter Robbins/Unsplash

(The Center Square)  As the state invest hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars into electrifying its ferry fleet, Washington State Ferries faces a significant capital budget shortfall, even as ridership isnt expected to return to pre-2020 levels anytime soon.

We've identified a situation that needs to be thought through, House Transportation Chair Jake Fey, D-Seattle, said at the committees Friday meeting. I want everybody to understand kind of where things sit right now.

The state Department of Ecology recently reported that it spent $599 million in the fiscal year 2025 on WSFs electrification program intended to replace its diesel ferries with hybrids. That program calls for 16 new vessels and for the fleet to be 85% hybrid-electric by 2040. Most of the money for that process comes from the Climate Commitment Act, which generates revenue through quarterly carbon auctions.

Meanwhile, although the WSF capital budget accounts are balanced through the 2027-29 biennium, it faces a combined shortfall of $250 million to $300 million per biennium in the long term, according to a presentation made to House Transportation. WSFs capital budget is funded primarily through the Puget Sound Capital Construction Account and the Capital Vessel Replacement Account, along with various transportation packages enacted by the Legislature.

In the short term, things are covered, staff member Amy Skay told the House Transportation at its Friday meeting. In a long term for a lot of boat construction ... you would say, I don't know how that's going to be solved.

Currently, WSF has 21 vessels, though typically three to four are actively undergoing preservation and maintenance. According to House Transportation Committee staff, there is no reserve vessel if one breaks down.

WSFs 2022 Capital Asset Management Plan warns that several ferries with normal lifespans of 60 years will need to be retired a decade earlier because they have had neither sufficient out-of-service time, nor funding to complete the preservation requirements of the Lifecycle Cost Model. These vessels are experiencing reliability issues and structural steel degradation that will shorten their attainable service life.

Additionally, several WSF terminals at Anacortes, Edmonds, and Southworth need preservation and maintenance.

At the same time, WSF ridership remains below 2019 levels and isnt expected to return within the next decade. According to the House Transportation presentation, passenger and vehicle ridership increased annually from 2012 until 2018, where it reached a peak of almost 14 million passengers and nearly 10 million vehicles. By 2035, it is estimated that vehicles will remain just below 10 million, while passengers will stay below 12 million.

Fey told colleagues at that WSF's long-term financial situation will be addressed "probably in the budget."
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at a campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., Aug. 9, 2024.Credit: Photo: Gage Skidmore / Flickr /CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original

(The Center Square)  The Center Square is working to confirm whether Gov. Bob Ferguson is holding a fundraising lunch on Tuesday with special guest, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who is under fire after failing to stop a massive welfare fraud in his state.

If the $50-a-ticket lunch is still happening, Republicans question why Ferguson would want to be on the same stage as Walz after the national embarrassment of Somali fraudsters stealing $1 billion in Minnesota taxpayer funds and reports that of some of the money went to support a terror group.

Washington State Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh said Ferguson should have canceled the poorly timed fundraiser, given the fraud scandal Walz is facing.

Ferguson is being very shady about this fundraising visit by his scandal-plagued Minnesota colleague, he texted The Center Square. Clearly, the growing crisis of government-benefit fraud consuming Minnesota politics right now makes the timing of this money grab questionable.

Ferguson's people aren't talking despite repeated queries by The Center Square, but Washington State Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad welcomed Walz to Washington.

We are delighted to have Governor Walz visit Washington state to support Governor Ferguson," Conrad wrote in an email to The Center Square. "Both Governor Ferguson and Governor Walz have done exemplary work leading Washington state and Minnesota during tough times. Having strong state executives, like Ferguson and Walz, is how our country will weather the storm of rising fascism from President Trump."

As reported by The Center Square, Congress has begun an investigation into Walz related to a large-scale fraud scheme that led to hundreds of millions of dollars being stolen from Minnesotas social welfare programs since Walz took office in January 2019.

Walz was the Democratic Party's vice presidential candidate in the 2024 election, alongside presidential nominee Kamala Harris, who served as vice president under President Joe Biden.

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform sent letters to Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison last week, requesting copies of all of their communication concerning fraudulent activity in several programs.

A Facebook post last week from a woman named Kate Martin, whose profile indicates she is an editor at The Seattle Journal, showed a screenshot of the luncheon announcement where Martin wrote, You cant make this s--t up!

The Walz visit was posted by someone named Katherine Bobman, who was previously connected to the Benton County Central Democratic Committee. According to an email from Conrad's office, Bobman is currently Fergusons finance director.

The luncheon, set for Tuesday, Dec. 9, in Seattle, indicated that a specific location would be announced within 72 hours of the event. It's not clear if that has been set or whether the fundraiser will happen.

Comments to Martins Facebook post about the Walz visit suggested it must be a joke.

A meeting of the [simple-minded]. Ferguson could not have selected a worse guest. This guy continues to embarrass Washington State, read one comment.

Another comment read, Its like they are not even trying to hide the stupidity and corruption. The optics of this [are] amazing.

Subsequent attempts to get further details have gone unanswered, including several emails and phone calls to Fergusons office.

Walsh, who also serves in the state House of Representatives, said the fundraiser, if it happens, shows Ferguson is desperate for campaign cash.

I suspect that Ferguson is being furtive because his colleague has proven to be incompetent at answering questions about the fraud scandals," he said. "And, if Ferguson publicized the event, there would certainly be questions. Does he not care about the taint of fraud? Does he need money that desperately?

This is a developing story.
Kerry Quinn; Hopkinton Police Department Facebook Grammy-Nominated Musician Roderick Rory Macleod; Shannon N. Godbout's vehicle at the scene of the crash

NEED TO KNOW

Musician Roderick 'Rory' Macleod was hit and killed by a driver on Dec. 6

Macleod was walking his dogs when a driver left her lane and hit him with her SUV

Shannon Godbout, who has more than 100 previous arrests, was taken into police custody and subsequently transported to the hospital

A fatal crash in Rhode Island took the life of a Grammy-nominated musician.

Roderick Rory Macleod died on Saturday, Dec. 6 after being struck by a car in Hope Valley, R.I. while walking his dogs early in the morning, The Hopkinton Police Department shared in a press release.

Police added that the Grammy-nominated musician, 70, was transported to the Rhode Island Hospital by ambulance, but added, Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 41-year-old Shannon Godbout, who police say, left her lane and struck several objects, including two telephone poles and the pedestrian walking his dogs in the shoulder of the eastbound Lane.

Godbout was found in possession of numerous illegal narcotics and packaging materials commonly associated with drug distribution, according to police. She was placed under arrest at the scene of the crash and transported to Westerly Hospital.

Hopkinton Police Department Facebook Shannon N. Godbout

A police image from the crash shows a black SUV, which collided so forcefully with a telephone pole that it split the pole, leaving behind large pieces of wooden debris.

Godbout is facing several preliminary charges, including driving so as to endanger, resulting in death and possession of narcotics, with intent to distribute, which police note is the suspects third plus offense.

With the investigation ongoing, police noted that more charges could be brought forth at a later date. Godbout will be scheduled to appear before a Justice of the Peace and the Rhode Island Attorney Generals Office as a criminal violator for past charges.

Hopkinton Police Department Facebook The scene of the car crash

Police shared that Godbout has been arrested more than 100 times and has had 82 court warrants issued to her. Shes also received 40 traffic citations.

On Monday, Dec. 8, the Hopkinton Police Department gave an update on Godbout, sharing that she is still in police custody at the hospital.

The Hopkinton Police Department is collaborating closely with the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office to present her in court as a probation violator, Chief Mark J. Carrier said in the release. Both the Hopkinton Police Department and the Attorney General's Office will review all evidence to determine the appropriate charges to be filed at the time of her arraignment in District Court, and or any additional charges.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Hopkinton Police Department for updates on Godbouts condition and charges but didn't immediately receive a response.

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Kerry Quinn Grammy-Nominated Musician Roderick Rory Macleod

As for Macleod, friends and fans are remembering the musician as a true talent. He earned a Grammy nomination in the 80s for his bass work with the group Roomful of Blues. He was also inducted into the Rhode Island Hall of Fame.

Roomful of Blues would like to extend our deepest condolences to Rory Macleods family, friends and all of his fans, the group wrote in a statement on Facebook. We would like to acknowledge his diverse musical contributions as well as being a wonderful and gentle soul. There are no words for such an immense loss. RIP, dear friend.

Macleod and his wife, Sandol Astrausky, are listed as Directors of Old-Time String Band and Teaching Associates in Music at Brown University.

In a 2024 article at the Brown Alumni Magazine, Macleod and Astrausky shared that they met performing at a New Years Eve celebration 30 years ago.

I learned guitar and banjo to be able to play with her, Macleod told the magazine of his wife of 20 years. You probably can tell that playing music with someone that youre in love with is an added bonus to playing music with just other people.

The couple hosted annual summer music festivals on their 10-acre home in Hope Valley.

Read the original article on People
Honduras attorney general is calling for the arrest of former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was recently pardoned by President Donald Trump.

Johel Antonio Zelaya Alvarez said Monday that he ordered Honduran authorities and asked Interpol to execute a 2023 arrest order against Hernandez for alleged fraud and money laundering charges. Hernandez, who in 2024 was sentenced to 45 years for allegedly helping to move tons of cocaine into the U.S., was released from federal prison in the U.S. a week ago.

"We have been lacerated by the tentacles of corruption and by the criminal networks that have deeply marked the life of our country," Zelaya said, according to a translation of a post he wrote on X.

Zelaya included a photo of the two-year-old order signed by a Honduras Supreme Court magistrate that says that it must be executed "in the case that the accused is freed by United States authorities."

Former Honduran President Released From Us Prison After Trump Pardon

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, right, was pardoned by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025.

Dozens of Honduran officials and politicians were implicated in the so-called Pandora case in which Honduran prosecutors alleged government funds were diverted through a network of nongovernmental organizations to political parties, including Hernandez's 2013 presidential campaign, according to The Associated Press.

Read On The Fox News App

Hernandez went from supposed U.S. ally in the war on drugs to the subject of a U.S. extradition request shortly after he left office in 2022, the AP added. He was detained and sent to the U.S. by current President Xiomara Castro of the social democrat LIBRE party.

A lawyer for Hernandez, Renato Stabile, told the AP in an email that, "This is obviously a strictly political move on behalf of the defeated Libre party to try to intimidate President Hernandez as they are being kicked out of power in Honduras. It is shameful and a desperate piece of political theatre and these charges are completely baseless."

Hernandez was freed after Trump announced he was issuing him a "full and complete pardon" following his conviction of conspiring with drug traffickers to import more than 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S.

Former World Leader Thanks Trump For Pardon: You Changed My Life

Trump said Hernandez was "treated very harshly and unfairly," implying that his trial was politically motivated or over-prosecuted.

Hernandez was convicted in New York on charges of conspiring to import cocaine into the U.S. and two related weapons offenses after a two-week trial.

Hernandez portrayed himself as a hero of the anti-drug trafficking movement who teamed up with American authorities under three U.S. presidential administrations to reduce drug imports, according to the AP. But the judge said trial evidence proved the opposite and that Hernandez employed "considerable acting skills" to make it seem that he was an anti-drug trafficking crusader while he deployed his nations police and military, when necessary, to protect the drug trade.

Hernandez later thanked Trump for pardoning him, writing on social media that he was "wrongfully convicted."

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

"My profound gratitude goes to President @realDonaldTrump for having the courage to defend justice at a moment when a weaponized system refused to acknowledge the truth. You reviewed the facts, recognized the injustice, and acted with conviction. You changed my life, sir, and I will never forget it," Hernandez wrote on X.

Fox News Digitals Ashley Carnahan, Michael Dorgan, Bradford Betz and The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Honduras issues warrant for former president pardoned by Trump
Skokie Police Department Damari Perry

NEED TO KNOW

An Illinois mother pleaded guilty last week to the December 2021 murder of her 6-year-old son

Jannie Perry, 42, will be sentenced next month for the murder of her son Damari Perry, while her older son Jeremiah Perry, 24, will stand trial in February for his own murder charge

The mother and her older son allegedly placed the boy in a cold shower for a "prolonged" period of time in an effort to punish the boy, which prosecutors say resulted in his death

An Illinois mother has pleaded guilty to the 2021 murder of her 6-year-old son  years after state prosecutors filed charges against her and her older son for allegedly placing the young boy in a cold shower for a prolonged period of time as punishment for his behavior.

Jannie Perry, now 42, pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder charge last Friday and will be sentenced next month in a Lake County courtroom, according to The Chicago Tribune.

As a result of a plea deal, state prosecutors reportedly agreed to drop some of the other charges against Perry in connection with her sons death and agreed to sentence her to no more than 45 years in prison. When prosecutors first announced charges against the Illinois mother in February 2022, Perry and her older son Jeremiah Perry, now 24, both faced life in prison for a list of charges.

Lake County States Attorney Eric Rinehart said at the time that the mother and her older sons plan to punish her younger son, Damari Perry, was exceptionally brutal and heinous, alleging that their actions resulted in the boys death.

The Lake County States Attorneys Office had originally announced first-degree murder charges against both Jannie and Jeremiah. The two Illinois natives were also originally charged with eight counts of murder, as well as charges for aggravated battery of a child, dismembering a human body, conspiracy, aggravated domestic battery, concealment of a homicidal death, endangering the life or health of a child, abuse of a corpse and obstructing justice.

Jannie had also initially been charged with failure to report the death or disappearance of a child under the age of 13. Its unclear which charges were dropped beyond the first-degree murder charge she pleaded guilty to last week.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Lake County States Attorneys Office but did not immediately hear back.

OFFICE OF THE STATE'S ATTORNEY,LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS Jannie Perry and Jeremiah Perry

Prosecutors alleged at the time they announced their initial charges against the pair that the evidence shows that Jannie and Jeremiah Perry formulated and enacted a plan to severely punish Damari through prolonged exposure in a cold shower. The states attorneys office also claimed evidence showed the mother and her son also burned Damaris remains after his death to try and cover up his murder.

As prosecutors considered the crime scene where Damari died, it became clear that this was a calculated plan against a small child, Rinehart said in a statement. Damaris final minutes warrant the sentencing enhancements that accompany such brutal and heinous circumstances. The defendants stunning failure to seek medical attention demonstrates their intent to end Damaris life.

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.

According to the Tribune, another one of Perrys children was charged in connection with the 6-year-old boys death but had been charged as a juvenile.

Perry, a mother of seven, had previously fought to regain custody of her late son Damari in 2017 after he was placed in the Illinois foster system following his birth in 2015, the outlet reported.

She will be sentenced on Jan. 30, 2026. Jeremiah is set to face trial starting on Feb. 9, 2026.

Read the original article on People
The ceasefire in Gaza is broadly holding, with Israeli forces inside the strip having pulled back to the so-called "yellow line." Israel Defense Forces chief Eyal Zamir said the position constitutes "a new border line" with Gaza.

Sporadic clashes between the Israel Defense Forces and Gaza militants -- plus deadly IDF airstrikes -- continue despite the ceasefire, which is still in the first of three proposed phases. The details of the second phase of the agreement are yet to be agreed.

Israeli strikes are also ongoing against alleged Hezbollah targets in southern and eastern Lebanon.

The remains of one deceased hostage are still thought to be in Gaza.

Latest Developments





Dec 10, 6:55 AM

379 people killed in Gaza since ceasefire, health officials say

The Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza said in a social media post on Wednesday that two people were killed by Israeli fire in the previous 24 hours, with the body of one person who was killed earlier also recovered.

Bashar Taleb/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Friends and relatives of deceased Palestinian, Mohammed Al-Jarou, pray over his body during his funeral in Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip on Dec. 9, 2025.



The three casualties brought the overall death toll since the ceasefire came into effect on Oct. 11 to 379 people, the ministry said, with 922 people also wounded. A total of 627 additional bodies have been recovered in that time, the ministry said.



The death toll since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, now stands at 70,369 people with another 171,069 wounded, the ministry said.



Health officials said they expect to find more victims as recovery teams work through rubble in the devastated strip.

Dec 8, 6:09 PM

Israeli forces strike targets in southern Lebanon

Israeli forces struck infrastructure targets in southern Lebanon a "short while ago," the Israel Defense Forces said.



The IDF said it struck a compound being used by Hezbollah to conduct training.



"In addition, military structures and a launch site belonging to Hezbollah, used to advance terror attacks against IDF troops and the State of Israel, were also struck," the IDF said.



The IDF said the targets and military training "constitute a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon."

Dec 8, 1:04 PM

Israeli police raid UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem, UNRWA says

Israeli police on Monday raided the East Jerusalem headquarters of UNRWA, the U.N. agency representing Palestinian refugees, according to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, an action that Israeli officials said was instead carried out under the authority of the Jerusalem Municipality over what it alleged were unpaid property taxes.



Lazzarini said that property, including IT equipment, was seized, and he said the U.N. flag was pulled down and replaced by an Israeli flag.



"This latest action represents a blatant disregard of Israels obligation as a United Nations Member State to protect & respect the inviolability of UN premises," Lazzarini wrote on social media.



An Israeli police spokesperson told ABC News, "The referenced action is being carried out by the Jerusalem Municipality as part of a debt-collection procedure. Police are present to secure the municipalitys activity." ABC News has asked the Israeli police for additional information.

Ammar Awad/Reuters - PHOTO: An Israeli police officer rides a bike while leaving the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) headquarters, in Jerusalem Dec. 8, 2025.

The seizure of UNRWA equipment by the municipality followed years of accusations against the U.N. agency by Israeli officials, who have said the organization's ranks include members of Hamas or other terror groups. Twelve members of UNRWA staff were fired for their alleged involvement in the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel, according to the U.N.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called in January 2024 for the agency to be replaced, saying, "UNRWA is totally infiltrated with Hamas."

Israel's legislative body, the Knesset, voted in October 2024 to ban UNRWA from operating in Israel, including in East Jerusalem. Another bill passed at the same time prohibited Israeli government agencies, including those operating in the West Bank or Gaza, from working with UNRWA.

Lazzarini said in a statement that the East Jerusalem compound was vacated near the beginning of 2025, when that anti-UNRWA legislation came into effect.

Officials with the U.N. pushed back on the Israeli clam that the agency's compound had been subject to debt collection. Lazzarini in his statement on Monday said the U.N. "property and assets [are] immune from legal process" under the U.N.'s 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities.

Under that convention, which Israel ratified in September 1949, a few months after it joined the U.N. as a full member state, the Israeli government was obligated to not tax local U.N. property. The International Court of Justice in an advisory opinion issued in October 2025 said that Israel continued to be subject to its obligations under that convention.

That advisory opinion said the U.N. had not been able to substantiate Israel's January 2024 claims that UNRWA had had lost its neutrality and that about 1,462 of UNRWA staffers -- more than 10% of the agency -- were members or Hamas or other terror organizations. As such, the advisory opinion said, Israel continued to be obligated to facilitate UNWRA in its efforts to bring aid to the Gaza Strip and other Palestinian areas.

Ammar Awad/Reuters - PHOTO: Israeli police officers walk inside the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) headquarters, in Jerusalem Dec. 8, 2025.

The Jerusalem Municipality in a statement published by Reuters said the UNRWA compound had unpaid property taxes totalling about $3.4 million.

The municipality reportedly said in a statement that it had not received replies to "repeated requests, warnings and numerous opportunities given to settle" the alleged debt, though the U.N. disputed that.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called the raid an "unauthorized entry," saying he "strongly" condemned the action.

"This compound is inviolable & immune from any other form of interference," Guterres said in a statement posted to social media. "I urge Israel to immediately take all necessary steps to restore, preserve & uphold the inviolability of UNRWA premises & to refrain from taking any further action with regard to these premises."



-ABC News' Guy Davies



This post has been updated.

Dec 8, 4:10 AM

IDF chief says 'yellow line' is 'a new border line' in Gaza

Israel Defense Forces chief Eyal Zamir addressed troops in Gaza on Sunday, referring to the "yellow line" currently splitting Gaza in half as a "new border line."



Jehad Alshrafi/AP - PHOTO: Destroyed buildings and homes are seen in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip, on Dec. 7, 2025.





"We will not allow Hamas to reestablish itself," Zamir said. "We have operational control over extensive parts of the Gaza Strip and we will remain on those defense lines. The yellow line is a new border line -- serving as a forward defensive line for our communities and a line of operational activity."



Israeli forces withdrew to the yellow line in October as part of the ceasefire deal with Hamas. That partial withdrawal left Israeli forces in control of more than half of the strip.



The yellow line was intended as the first of three demarcation lines, to which Israeli forces would withdraw as the ceasefire progressed through its three stages.



-ABC News' Jordana Miller and Victoria Beaule



Dec 7, 11:12 AM

Netanyahu reiterates opposition to Palestinian state

In a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel cannot accept a Palestinian state.



He stressed that Israel will retain full security control from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean, rejecting any arrangement that would allow a Palestinian state to threaten its existence.



"The goal of a Palestinian state is to destroy the only Jewish state. They already had a state in Gaza, a de facto state, and it was used to try to destroy the only Jewish state," Netanyahu said.



While he said broader peace with Arab states remains possible, Netanyahu added that Israel will not agree to the creation of a state that will "commit to the destruction" of Israel at its doorstep. He also warned of a resurgence in global antisemitism and defended Israels military actions as a response to existential threats from Iran and its proxies.



Netanyahu highlighted a historic shift in IsraelGermany relations, noting that 80 years after the Holocaust, Israel is now helping to defend Germany  a historic change, as he described it.



Answering press questions, when asked if he would leave politics in exchange for a pardon, Netanyahu responded in Hebrew: "No, no."



Regarding the second phase of the peace plan, he emphasized that Hamas must disarm and said the second phase of the peace plan is "close."



Well be having very important conversations at the end of the month on how to ensure that this second stage is achieved," Netanyahu said, referring to his planned visit to the White House to meet President Trump at the end of the month.



-ABC News' Jordana Miller

Dec 5, 12:10 PM

US, allies preparing to announce transition to 2nd phase of Gaza peace plan in 'coming weeks'

The U.S. is preparing to announce a transition into the second phase of its Gaza 20-point peace plan in the coming weeks, according to a U.S. official, as the U.S. and its allies seek to maintain a fragile ceasefire brokered between Hamas and Israel in October.



The announcement would include the unveiling of a new governance structure in Gaza led by a Board of Peace, along with the launching of an International Stabilization Force to help secure the area.



President Donald Trump is expected to soon reveal the individuals and countries involved in those mechanisms as part of his announcement.



Ahead of the planned announcement, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz will head to the Middle East on Saturday. He is expected to travel to Jordan and Israel.

Abdel Kareem Hana/AP - PHOTO: Tents sheltering displaced Palestinians stand amid the destruction left by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Gaza City Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.

The 20-point Gaza peace plan was bolstered by a mandate secured by the United Nations Security Council in November, after member-countries voted in support of a resolution approving the plan.



Under the resolution, the ISF will work with Israel and Egypt, along with a newly trained and vetted Palestinian police force, to help secure border areas and ensure the process of permanently disarming non-state armed groups, including Hamas.



Waltz told the council that the ISF would be "tasked with securing the area, supporting the demilitarization of Gaza, dismantling the terrorist infrastructure, removing weapons, and ensuring the safety of Palestinian civilians."



The U.N. Security Council approved the creation of a transitional governance body called the Board of Peace that would supervise governance of a Palestinian technocratic, apolitical committee and oversee the reconstruction of Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid.



Financing for reconstruction of Gaza following two years of war would come from a trust fund backed by the World Bank, according to the resolution.



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly expected to meet President Trump in the U.S. before the end of the month to discuss the next phase of the Gaza peace plan.





-ABC News' Mariam Khan

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
CNNs Kaitlan Collins brushed off President Trumps pointed criticism Saturday after he called her stupid and nasty for purportedly asking about his plans for the White House ballroom.

Collins took a screenshot of Trumps Truth Social message, which he posted Saturday morning, and responded in an Instagram story later that day, disputing the presidents claim about the topic of her question.

Technically, my question was about Venezuela, Collins wrote.

Trump, in his post Saturday morning, misspelled the name of the CNN anchor and chief White House correspondent, as he sharply criticized her for purportedly asking about the ballooning cost of the new White House ballroom.

Caitlin Collins of Fake News CNN, always Stupid and Nasty, asked me why the new Ballroom was costing more money than originally thought one year ago, Trump wrote.

I said because it is going to be double the size, and the quality of finishes and interiors has been brought to the highest level. Also, the column SPAN has been substantially increased for purposes of viewing. It is actually under budget and ahead of schedule, as my jobs always are. Its just much bigger and more beautiful than originally planned, he continued.

Trump also reiterated that the ballroom is being fully paid for by private donations.

It was not immediately clear which Collins question Trump was referring to. The Hill has reached out to the White House for further clarification.

On Friday night, as he spoke to reporters at the Kennedy Center before he won FIFAs inaugural peace prize, Trump was asked by Collins about the expected prize amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela.

What would you say to people who say that prize might conflict with your pledge to strike Venezuela? Collins said.

Well, I think the peace prize, I mean, I settled eight wars. I dont know that Im getting it. I havent been officially noticed. Ive been hearing about a peace prize, and Im here to represent our country in a different sense. But I can tell you, I did settle eight wars, and we have a ninth coming, which nobodys ever done before. But. I want to really save lives. I dont need prizes. I need to save lives. And were saving a lot of lives, Trump said in response.

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.
Richard Green was arrested as part of an investigation into sex trafficking in the Philippines [National Crime Agency]

A man who bought images of a nine-year-old old girl being sexually abused from her mother in the Philippines has been jailed.

Richard Green was arrested following an investigation by authorities in the United States into a sex trafficking network in the island nation.

Sheffield Crown Court heard the 49-year-old first contacted the woman in 2019 before making repeated requests for indecent images and live streams, paying about 10 for several images.

Green, from Wath upon Dearne, was jailed for four years and six months after pleading guilty to arranging the sexual exploitation of a child and three counts of making indecent images of children. He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard Green, who had been living in Thailand during some of the offending, sent 350 messages and made 10 phone calls to the woman about the images and their content and expressed a desire to visit the Philippines.

When he was arrested in February 2024, nine multimedia files linked to their exchange were found on his devices, which included two Category C images of children.

In total of 28 indecent images were found on Green's devices  seven in Category A, seven in Category B, eight in Category C, and 13 classed as extreme.

A further account was found that had been used to send money to the woman in the Philippines, who had requested payment in the form of mobile phone top-ups.

As a result of the investigation which led to his arrest, seven children were rescued from sexual exploitation in the Philippines and the Filipino woman is now serving a lengthy prison sentence.

The court heard that, prior to his sentencing, Green had attempted to take his own life in November.

'Depraved'

Ian West, mitigating, told the court his client, who had no previous convictions, claimed he had "no recollection of what took place".

Mr West said Green was in ill health and had suffered serious injuries in an industrial accident last year, when he fell through a ceiling onto the floor below.

He said Green's wife had decided to return to Thailand "when it became apparent that she would have to be a carer".

Since his parents died last year, he said Green had been "effectively homeless" and was in receipt of state benefits due to his injuries.

Passing sentence, the Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, told Green: "Those who seek sexual gratification by the exploitation of children must be punished severely and appropriately.

"I wish to congratulate both the United States authorities and the National Crime Agency (NCA) in this country for the level of cooperation in bringing you to justice."

Holly Triggs, the NCA's operations manager, said Green had been targeting children in the Philippines "over a number of years" and organised "depraved" abuse.

"Green posed a significant risk to children," she said.

"While he may have believed the distance between him and the abuse he orchestrated meant he would avoid detection, his crimes were uncovered with the assistance of policing partners in the US."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North

Related internet links
Transportation technology services company EROAD Limited (NZX/ASX: ERD) advises that Cameron Kinloch, a non-executive director based in the United States, has notified the Board of her resignation, effective 2 March 2026.

Ms Kinloch said: It has been a privilege to bring my North American and SaaS growth experience and my background as a financial and governance leader to EROAD over the last two years. As the Board continues to refine its strategic priorities, I believe this is an appropriate time for transition. I remain fully supportive of EROAD and its management team and will assist with a smooth transition."

During her two years on the Board, Ms Kinloch brought global technology and North American market insights to EROAD, contributed to the Company's evaluation of growth opportunities, and supported key workstreams across capital planning and organisational initiatives. She also contributed through her work on the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee and the Nominations Committee.

Executive Chair John Scott thanked Ms Kinloch for her valuable contributions to the Board during a period of significant financial and operational transformation, including turning EROAD to cash flow positive, over the past two years. The Board will commence a search for a director with skills aligned to EROAD's strategic focus.

Due to her resignation, Ms. Kinloch will not participate in the Fixed Trading Plan and will continue to receive cash fees for the remainder of her term.

Following Ms Kinloch's resignation, the EROAD Board will comprise five directors, four of whom are independent directors.

Authorised for release to the NZX and ASX by EROADs General Counsel & Company Secretary, Ksenija Chobanovich.

Ends

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FILE - Governor of the Mexico's Chihuahua state Cesar Duarte attends the 30th annual Border Governors' Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Oct. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexican federal authorities took a former governor of the northern border state of Chihuahua into custody in preparation for charging him with laundering money diverted from state coffers while in office, the Attorney Generals Office said Monday.

Ex-Chihuahua Gov. Cesar Duarte  identified in a statement only as "Cesar N in keeping with rules over the protecting the identity of the accused  was extradited by the United States three years ago to face state charges of embezzlement and was under house arrest.

Juan Carlos Mendoza Lujan, a lawyer representing Duarte, told the newspaper El Heraldo de Chihuahua that Duarte had been detained and that his lawyers were still gathering information, but that his detention appeared unlawful.

Attorney General Ernestina Godoy said a statement Monday posted on X that a suspect was taken into custody for alleged involvement in laundering illicit funds. A federal agent, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed it was Duarte.

Duarte was Chihuahuas governor from 2010 to 2016. The 62-year-old, of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, travelled to the United States in 2016 with his family to seek medical treatment for an injury he suffered in a helicopter crash.

Mexican prosecutors previously accused Duarte of embezzling nearly $5 million in state funds while governor. U.S. authorities detained Duarte and he was returned to Mexico in 2022.

In June 2024, a Mexican judge granted him house arrest in the embezzlement case, which continues.

In October 2024, Mexico requested U.S. authorization to prosecute Duarte for money laundering, which differed from the charge he was extradited to face. That approval came last week, according to the statement from the Attorney Generals Office.
Pamela Anderson is hoping to change her famous name for the sake of her family history.

The 58-year-old actor said she wanted to change her last name to Hyytiainen, in honor of her Finnish family, during a recent interview with Vogue Scandinavia.

Sometimes I don't want to be Pamela Anderson. I want to be Pamela Hyytiainen, she told the publication. I would like to change my name, but they wont let me.

Hyytiainen was her grandfather Hermans surname before it was changed to Anderson when his family arrived in Canada from Finland. Andersons late grandfather was a logger and poet, with the actor noting that he helped her expand her imagination as a child.

She also credited Hermans kindness and personality for helping her find the joy in her life as an actor, model, and writer.

Pamela Anderson wants to change her last name to Hyytiainen in honor of her late grandfather (Getty Images)

My imagination has run wild with me over the years. Ive been trying different people on for size, she explained. You have to peel it all back, many times, and start over and over again.

It was Andersons family legacy that encouraged her to take a trip to Finland in 2007, alongside her father and their relatives. She also wanted to see the land that belonged to her grandfather; a place she hopes to return to with her two children, Brandon, 29, and Dylan, 27, shared with her ex, Tommy Lee.

Id love to go back to Finland, maybe with my sons. To find out more about myself, to explore that side of me. Maybe we will change my name and go back, to answer to my roots, the Baywatch alum explained. It feels distant, but its a part of me. Ive always been proud to tell people Im Finnish, even before I knew what that really meant.

I keep seeing the image of myself there in the corner of my screen, I dont recognize myself with that red hair, she added, referring to how she dyed her signature blonde hair red in September. Who is that? Maybe its Pamela Hyytiainen.

When she was growing up, Andersons grandfather also taught her Finnish, and she would often carry a dictionary around with her. However, after her grandfather, whom she called the closest person to me in my life, died when she was 11, she didnt continue to learn the language.

It kind of left with him, she said.

The actor previously spoke about how important her familys Finnish name is to her. During a 2015 interview with Esquire, she discussed her familys move from the northern European nation to Canada, calling her grandfather a healer from Finland who changed his name when he moved.
Sri Lanka issued fresh landslide warnings as the death toll from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah climbed past 600.

Ditwah, one of a series of storms that killed more than 1,800 people across Asia in recent weeks, struck the island nation earlier this month.

The Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre said ongoing monsoon rains were hitting areas already devastated by the cyclone, further destabilising hillsides in the central highlands and northwestern midlands. Many communities that had only just started clearing debris were now bracing for renewed threats of slope failure and mudslides.

The National Building Research Organisation expanded its warning late on Sunday to cover Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Matale, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Ratnapura after repeated soil movement was detected on hillside settlements. It also raised the alerts for several places to level 3, signalling an imminent risk of slope failure.

The meteorology department forecast 150-200mm of rainfall in the highlands as well as strong wind gusts along the eastern slopes.

The death toll from floods and landslides jumped to 627, with hundreds still missing. Authorities said more than two million people, around 10 per cent of the population, had been affected by the cyclone, with tens of thousands still displaced.

Although floodwaters had begun receding in some parts of the island, the disaster management agency warned that saturated soil and continued rainfall indicated a very high landslide risk in several districts.

People wade through floodwaters in Colombo (AP)

Helicopters and military aircraft were delivering supplies to towns and estates cut off by landslides. Telecommunications were down across pockets of the highlands, complicating rescue work.

The AFP news agency reported the number of people in shelters had fallen to around 90,000, down from a peak of 225,000.

The government announced a compensation package on Friday to rebuild homes and businesses wiped out by the storm.

Officials estimate that recovery and reconstruction work may cost up to $7bn, a severe burden for a country still emerging from a debilitating economic crisis in 2022.

The government has asked the International Monetary Fund, which has been helping fund the recovery from the 2022 crisis, for an additional $200m to support relief and reconstruction efforts.

An aerial view shows houses submerged in floodwaters in Kaduwela on the outskirts of Colombo on 29 November 2025 (AFP via Getty)

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared the disaster a national priority, stressing that weakened infrastructure and overstretched public services were struggling from the scale of devastation.

The death toll is expected to jump further as search teams reach isolated areas. Several estates and mountain settlements are reeling from multiple landslides, and officials say they are still unable to fully assess cut-off regions.

In Southeast Asia, Indonesia remains the worst-hit by floods and landslides caused by storms, with washed-out roads and collapsed bridges hampering rescue operations in North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Aceh.

Authorities there said they were investigating allegations of illegal logging which many activists alleged exacerbated the floods.

Thailand has moved into recovery. Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said water and electricity has been restored in almost all affected areas and nearly 120,000 households have received compensation. Heavy rains earlier in the week sparked widespread flooding across 12 southern provinces, leaving more than 180 people dead.
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court seems likely to eliminate one of the remaining checks on money in politics, a decision in line with recent rulings favoring First Amendment free speech rights over fears about potential corruption.

In a challenge involving Vice President JD Vance, the court considered on Dec. 9 whether to scrap a rule aimed at preventing wealthy donors from bypassing limits on what they can give candidates by funneling money through political parties.

The rule was passed in 1974 as part of Congress' response to the Watergate scandal and upheld by the Supreme Court in 2001.

During two hours of oral arguments, the courts conservatives did not attack the GOPs argument that the law and the campaign finance landscape have changed since 2001.

"The coordinated party spending limits are at war with this court's recent First Amendment cases," Noel Francisco, the lawyer representing the Republican Party, told the justices.

Trump's Justice Department won't defend the rule

The Justice Department stopped defending the federal rule after President Donald Trump took office.

Roman Martinez, the lawyer the court appointed to defend the law, gave the justices a way to avoid ruling on what he called a highly politicized case.

Because courts are only supposed to decide live controversies, the court doesnt need to get involved now, he said, because theres no imminent threat that the rule will be enforced by the federal government.

No one thinks President Trump is going to enforce this law and target his own vice president, Martinez said.

But Chief Justice John Roberts suggested thats not a sufficient reason to remain uninvolved in the matter. He asked Martinez whether it would be sound legal advice to tell Vance he could go ahead and violate the law while its still on the books.

Vice President JD Vance waves at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center on Feb. 20, 2025.

Will the GOP go after more rules?

Other conservative justices rejected Martinezs argument that if they side with the GOP in this case, they will be deluged with more challenges to the remaining campaign finance laws.

He has basically told you that theyre going to keep litigating to knock down every single one of the restrictions, Martinez said of Francisco, the lawyer representing the Republicans.

I didnt hear that, Justice Brett Kavanaugh responded.

And Justice Samuel Alito emphasized theres only one campaign finance rule before the court today.

So dont we have to decide this case and not speculate about what might come later? he asked Martinez.

In response, Martinez said the Republican Party reiterates its opposition to other rules in written arguments.

"Let's not be blind to reality," he added.

Liberal justices raised concerns

Only the courts three liberal justices appeared worried about future challenges to other rules.

How can your argument be today that these limits can fall and it will be OK because the other limits exist, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson asked Francisco, if you cant make a representation that were still going to have those other limits?

Francisco responded that, if nothing else, the federal law criminalizing bribery would still protect against corruption.

U.S. President Richard Nixon (L), listened to by First lady Pat Nixon and daughter Tricia Nixon (R), says goodbye to family and staff in the White House East Room on August 9, 1974.

Limits were enacted after Watergate

At issue are limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with candidates for federal offices.

In a landmark 1976 decision about the entire campaign finance law, the Supreme Court said limiting some types of campaign expenditures improperly restricts speech. But the court said Congress could regulate campaign contributions if it was being done to prevent corruption or the appearance of corruption.

When a party pays for an ad at the request of a candidate, the court later said in the 2001 decision being reconsidered, that expenditure has the same effect as a direct contribution to the candidate, so it can be regulated.

And because donors can give more to parties than they can to candidates, donors might use parties to get around the lower limits, increasing the possibility that a backer might expect something in return for the support, the court ruled.

Supreme Court taking tougher approach to campaign finance rules

But since that decision, the court has more strictly scrutinized campaign finance rules in a series of cases, including a 2022 ruling that contribution limits must be backed with actual evidence that they will prevent corruption.

Francisco, the lawyer for the GOP, said there's no evidence of that with the coordinated spending limits.

If this were a real problem, youd think theyd have evidence of it occurring one time in all of American history, he said. Yet they dont.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the courts most senior liberal justice, pointed to the dairy industrys indirect contributions to President Richard Nixon through party committees that she said were a motivation for campaign finance rules passed in the 1970s.

And, in an apparent reference to billionaire Elon Musk, who became a special adviser to Trump after spending more than $238 million to help get him elected, Sotomayor asked if that didnt give the appearance of Musk getting a reward for his money.

Francisco said no one has even remotely suggested that Musks super PAC spending was a bribe to get a position in the administration.

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk attend a press conference in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 30, 2025.

Other pending decisions could also affect elections

The case is one of three the court is deciding in the coming months that could affect next years midterm elections.

The justices are also considering whether to curtail protections against racial discrimination in voting and whether mailed ballots must be received  and not just postmarked by  Election Day.

In another case, the courts conservative supermajority already ruled that Texas can use a congressional map drawn to give Republicans an advantage in the midterms. That decision could spur more states to create new maps for partisan advantage.

The GOP challenge to the coordinated spending limits was initiated in 2022 by Vance, when he was running for the Senate, and also by former Rep. Steve Chabot, the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee.

The Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the challenge, saying its hands were tied by the high courts 2001 decision.

A decision in National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission is expected by the end of June.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court may toss campaign finance limit targeted by Trump, GOP
Members of the Thai army take part in Thailand's National Armed Forces Day at the Royal Thai Army Cavalry Center in Saraburi province, Thailand, on January 18, 2023. - Chaiwat Subprasom/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

The renewed fighting along the Thailand-Cambodia border puts a spotlight on two militaries with a large gap in capabilities and numbers and a history of armed clashes along their 500-mile (800-kilometer) border.

Bangkok and Phnom Penh have been fighting over territory disputed since colonial power France drew that border between them more than a century ago. The conflict pits longtime US ally Thailand against Cambodias relatively young armed force with close ties to China.

Heres a look at the histories and capabilities of the two sides.

Numbers favor Thailand

Thailands military dwarfs that of neighboring Cambodia, both in personnel and weaponry.

Thailands total of 361,000 active-duty personnel spread across all branches of the kingdoms military is three times Cambodias. And those troops have at their disposal weaponry their Cambodian counterparts could only dream of.

Thailand has a large, well-funded military and its air force is one of the best equipped and trained in Southeast Asia, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) wrote in its Military Balance 2025 look at the worlds armed forces.

Meanwhile, a 2024 ranking of the military capabilities of 27 regional nations by the Lowy Institute places Thailand at 14th, to Cambodias 23rd.

US Air Force personnel walk past planes on display at Thailand's 88th Royal Air Force Anniversary Air Show on March 7, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. - Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images

Such a disparity is perhaps to be expected, given Thailand has four times as many people as Cambodia, and a GDP more than 10 times larger. Unlike Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, it escaped the ravages of the wars that engulfed the region in the second half of the 20th century, and the European colonialism that preceded them.

Overall, with factors including military, economic, diplomatic and cultural power weighed in the Lowy Asia Power Index, Thailand is ranked 10th, considered a middle power, just behind Indonesia but ahead of countries including Malaysia and Vietnam.

Lowy ranks Cambodia as a minor power in Asia, grouped with countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Laos.

Thailand has strong US ties, global outlook

Thailands military has long been a major player in the kingdoms politics. The country has for years been dominated by a conservative establishment comprising the military, the monarchy and influential elites.

Generals have seized power in 20 coups since 1932, often toppling democratic governments, according to the CIA World Factbook, and the military portrays itself as the ultimate defender of the monarchy.

Thailand is a United States treaty ally, a status dating back to the signing of the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty, also known as the Manila Pact, in 1954, according to the US State Department.

During the Vietnam War, Thailand hosted US Air Force assets at some air bases, including B-52 bombers, and tens of thousands of Thai troops fought on the side of the US-backed South Vietnam against the communist North.

US B-52 bombers operated from air bases in Thailand during the Vietnam War. - Pictures from History/Universal Images Group Editorial/Getty Images

Strong ties between Washington and Bangkok have endured. Thailand is classed as a major non-NATO ally by the US, giving it special benefits that have enabled it to enjoy access to decades of US support for its weapons programs.

Thailand and the US Indo-Pacific Command co-host the annual Cobra Gold military exercise, which began in 1982 as joint drills with the US but has since added dozens of other participants. Its the longest-running international military exercise in the world, according to the US military.

Besides Cobra Gold, Thai and US forces hold more than 60 exercises together, and more than 900 US aircraft and 40 Navy ships visit Thailand yearly, the US State Department says.

Despite all that history with Washington, these days the Thai military tries to maintain a more neutral approach to military policy, increasing ties with China in the past decade.

Not wanting to rely on any one country as its arms supplier, it has also developed a strong domestic weapons industry, with the help of countries such as Israel, Italy, Russia, South Korea and Sweden, the Military Balance report says.

Cambodias Chinese support

Cambodias military is young in comparison to Thailands, established in 1993 after forces of the communist government were merged with two non-communist resistance armies, according to the IISS.

Cambodias most important international defense links are with China and Vietnam. Despite a traditional reliance on Russia for defense equipment, China has emerged as a key supplier, the IISS says.

Beijing has even developed a naval base in Cambodia. The Ream Naval Base, on the Gulf of Thailand, would be able to host Chinese aircraft carriers, according to international analysts.

Cambodia and China completed the seventh edition of their annual Golden Dragon joint military exercise in May, which was touted as the largest ever and featured live-fire training scenarios.

Chinese military personnel take part in the Golden Dragon joint military exercise with Cambodia in Svay Chok in Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia, on May 30, 2024. - Kyodo News/Getty Images

Its a relationship thats expected to reach a new level and achieve new development, according to a February report on the Peoples Liberation Armys English-language website.

China and Cambodia are iron-clad friends who always support each other. The two militaries enjoy unbreakable relations and rock-solid brotherhood, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Senior Col. Wu Qian told a press conference in February, when asked about possible fissures in relations.

Cambodias military needs the support.

Cambodia currently lacks the ability to design and manufacture modern equipment for its armed forces, the IISS report says.

Phnom Penh may have an opening to future US military supplies after the Trump administration in November lifted an arms embargo on the country. The move came after a trade deal between the US and Cambodia.

Weapons on each side

Bolstered by years of US support, the Royal Thai Air Force is well equipped, with at least 11 modern Swedish Gripen fighter jets and dozens of older, US-made F-16 and F-5 jets, according to the IISS. Cambodia has no combat-capable air force to speak of.

On the ground, Thailand has dozens of battle tanks, including 60 modern, Chinese-made VT-4 tanks, and hundreds of older, US-made tanks. Cambodia has about 200 old Chinese- and Soviet-made tanks, the Military Balance shows.

A Thai amphibious assault vehicle seen during an assault exercise as part of the Cobra Gold 2025 joint military exercise at the military base in Sattahip, Chonburi province, Thailand, on March 3, 2025. - Peerapon Boonyakiat/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

The Thai army boasts more than 600 artillery pieces, including at least 56 powerful 155mm weapons and more than 550 105mm towed guns. Cambodia has only a dozen 155mm guns with around 400 smaller towed artillery pieces, according to IISS figures.

In the air, the army has US-made Cobra attack helicopters as well as 18 US Black Hawk transports. Cambodia has only a few dozen older Soviet and Chinese transport helicopters.

What comes next

Hawaii-based military analyst Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Commands Joint Intelligence Center, said that while Thailand has the numerical and qualitative military advantage, Cambodia has at least one thing in its favor  the actual land along the disputed border.

Terrain favors access from Cambodian territory to the disputed area, Schuster told CNN.

And with Cambodian forces allegedly laying landmines and booby traps in the disputed area, Thailand can be expected to rely on longer-range weaponry, he said.

The Royal Thai Air Force is superior and their special forces are superior, Schuster said. I think the Thais will prefer to emphasize air power and long-range firepower in the conflict.

This story has been updated with new information

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President Donald Trump, after initially saying he had "no problem" with releasing the video of the Sept. 2 strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean Sea that killed two survivors, is now reversing course and deferring to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

"I didn't say that," Trump claimed when pressed on Monday by ABC News Senior Political Correspondent Rachel Scott about his Dec. 3 comments.

"Whatever Hegseth wants to do is OK with me," Trump said on Monday.

Trump says 'no problem' releasing video of 2nd strike on alleged drug boat

In an interview with Politico published on Tuesday morning, Trump further distanced himself from the controversy when asked if he believed the second strike on the survivors was necessary.

"Well, it looked like they were trying to turn back over the boat. But I don't get involved in that. That's up to them," Trump said.

Yuri Gripas/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: President Donald Trump attends a roundtable discussion in the Cabinet Room at the White House in Washington, December 8, 2025.

Though last week, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson spoke about Trump and Hegseth's responsibility for the strike.

"At the end of the day, the president and the secretary are the ones directing these strikes, and any follow-up strikes that were directed by Adm. Bradley, the secretary 100% agrees with," Wilson told reporters at a briefing at the Pentagon on Dec. 2.

3 key questions about the US boat strikes that killed survivors

ABC Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang asked the president in the Oval Office on Dec. 3, "Will you release video of that strike -- so that the American people can see for themselves?"

Trump responded, "I don't know what they have, but whatever they have, wed certainly release no problem."

A number of Senate Republicans said on Tuesday that they'd like to see the full video of the Sept. 2 strike released to the public.

"Weve got to release the video. Look, we have got to get the Epstein files released. We've got to get any videos that do not in any way compromise mission integrity out there," Republican Sen. Thom Tillis said. "Just get the stuff out there."

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham was less forceful, but said was "OK with it being released."

GOP Sen. Josh Hawley also said he believed it would be "helpful for the public to see it" to ease concerns about varying accounts of what the video shows.

"... The [defense] secretary hasn't asked for my opinion, but my opinion would be, take whatever steps you need to redact whatever is truly sensitive," Hawley said. "But otherwise, I think the American people would like to see it."

@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social - PHOTO: President Trump announced on his social media platform, Sept. 2, 2025, that he ordered U.S. military forces to conduct "a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility."

Officials have confirmed there were four military strikes against the alleged drug boat on Sept. 2, the first strike killing nine of the 11 people aboard. About 40 minutes later, a second strike was ordered to kill the two survivors. Two additional strikes were ordered to sink the boat, officials said.

Some Democrats and legal experts have suggested that the killing of survivors could constitute a war crime.

Hegseth, who was heading to Capitol Hill on Tuesday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine to brief the "Gang of Eight" on national security matters, has not committed to releasing the video of the strike. The defense secretary cited concerns that releasing the video could expose sources or methods that would need to be protected.

Hegseth also has suggested the survivors killed posed an imminent threat.

Lawmakers move to compel Hegseth to release military video of Sept. 2 boat strike

Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee who has seen the video of the strike, pushed back on the description provided by Hegseth and other Republicans.

Smith, during an appearance on ABC's "This Week" on Sunday, called the video "deeply disturbing" and said "it did not appear that these two survivors were in any position to continue the fight."

Members of Congress are attempting to pass new legislation to force Hegseth to provide lawmakers the unedited footage of the strike.

Tillis said on Tuesday that releasing the video would clear up discrepancies about what it depicts.

"Everybody's trying to think about what's in it. That's why it's so important to get the videos out there so we can objectively take a look at it ourselves. I just think we have to be as transparent as possible," he said.

Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP - PHOTO: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington.

Trump was asked in the interview with Politico if Hegseth should testify under oath about the Sept. 2 strike.

"I don't care if he does. He can if he wants. I don't care," Trump said. He added that he believes Hegseth is "doing a great job."

The Sept. 2 boat strike is part of what the administration has called its "war" on drug cartels. There have been more than 20 military strikes against vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific, killing more than 80 people.

ABC News' Rachel Scott and Mary Bruce contributed to this report.
Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student from Turkey, speaks to reporters after urging a federal judge to order the Trump administration to restore her student visa record, outside the federal court in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., December 4, 2025. REUTERS/Nate Raymond

By Nate Raymond

BOSTON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Monday cleared the way for a Tufts University PhD student and pro-Palestinian activist Rumeysa Ozturk to work on campus after ordering the Trump administration to restore her status in a key database used to track foreign students.

Chief U.S. District Judge Denise Casper in Boston issued an injunction after concluding Ozturk was likely to succeed in proving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement unlawfully terminated her record in the database the same day that masked, plainclothes agents took her into custody in March.

That ICE-maintained database is called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System and is used to track foreign students who enter on visas. The termination of a student's record from that database prevents that person from being employed.

Ozturk in a statement said she was grateful for the ruling and that she hopes "that no one else experiences the injustices I have suffered."

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ozturk's arrest on a street in the Boston suburb of Somerville, Massachusetts, was captured in a viral video that shocked many and drew criticism from civil rights groups.

She was detained after the U.S. Department of State revoked her student visa as the Trump administration moved to crack down on non-citizens who engaged in pro-Palestinian activism on campuses.

The sole basis authorities provided for revoking her visa was an editorial she co-authored in Tufts' student newspaper a year earlier criticizing her school's response to Israel's war in Gaza.

The former Fulbright scholar was held for 45 days in a detention facility in Louisiana until a federal judge in Vermont, where she had briefly been held, ordered her immediately released after finding she raised a substantial claim that her detention constituted unlawful retaliation in violation of her free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment.

Following her release, Ozturk, a child development researcher, resumed her studies at Massachusetts-based Tufts.

But the administrations refusal to restore her SEVIS record has prevented her from teaching or working as a research assistant, leading her lawyers to ask Casper to order its reinstatement so her academic and career development would not be further jeopardized in the final months before she graduates.

Casper, who was appointed by Democratic President Barack Obama, said the administration had provided "shifting justifications" for terminating Ozturk's SEVIS record, at times wrongly claiming she had failed to maintain her lawful, foreign student status.

To the extent it now acknowledges she complied with rules governing foreign students like herself, "it is all the more irrational that the government has imposed negative consequences on her that are inconsistent with that status," Casper wrote.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Aurora Ellis)
There are many ways people hold on to the memory of someone they love. Some keep photos around the house. Some revisit favorite places. In London, one woman's favorite place seemed to be the subway platform. For years, she often paused near the edge of the Embankment Station platform, watching as trains rolled in and out.

Her name is Dr. Margaret McCollum, and she kept coming back to hear a voice she knew better than anyones. Her husband, Oswald Laurence, recorded the mind the gap announcement decades earlier, and his message played on the Northern Line for years. Hearing it on the platform gave her a brief sense of his presence, something she wasnt ready to let go of.

Margaret and Oswald met in Morocco in 1992 when he was working for a cruise company. They later married and built a life together until his passing in 2007. After he died, she found comfort in hearing that familiar message echo through Embankment each day. The brief audio clip let her hear the voice she missed.

A Voice With Deep Meaning

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CABLGRAM. (@cablgram)



Soon after Oswald died, Margaret made Embankment part of her routine. She often waited on the platform for the next train so she could hear his announcement. Her trips had little to do with the trains themselves. Listening to that familiar voice gave her a sense of closeness she relied on.

Late 2012 brought a major change when Embankment upgraded its audio system. New recordings replaced older ones, and Oswalds voice disappeared. Margaret arrived expecting to hear him, only to find a different voice coming through the speakers. She asked staff what had happened, and they were unsure at first.

After learning that the announcement belonged to her husband, the staff understood why she reacted so strongly. They told her they would check if the original recording still existed, though they couldnt promise anything.

How TfL Restored The Recording

Oswald recorded the mind the gap announcement in the late 1960s, and over the years, several voices were used. Transport for London employees began searching through their archives to find the old tape.

Teams across different departments worked together to locate, repair, and prepare the audio so it could be used again. Engineers restored the sound quality, and digital staff worked out how to integrate it into the updated system.

Early in 2013, Margaret returned to the platform on her way to work and heard mind the gap spoken in the voice she knew. TfL also gave her a CD with the recording so she could keep it and listen at home. The moment resonated with people, particularly those who had gone through their own losses.
Bonnie Blue is facing a 15-year prison sentence over her X-rated antics in Bali... and a possible $360,000 fine. @bonnieblue/Instagram

Bonnie Blue faces 15 years behind bars following her arrest in Bali for filming X-rated content on her BangBus tour, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

The OnlyFans star, 26, is still being investigated by cops following her arrest along with 17 male tourists aged between 19 and 40.

Details of Everything Police Confiscated

Blue could face a lengthy spell behind bars in one of Bali's 'hell hole' prisons.@bonnieblue/Instagram

Cops also confiscated lubricant, nine pink necklaces, a box of condoms, flash drives, numerous cameras, two sheets of V----- pills from a video studio, plus the BangBus itself.

Badung Police Chief Arif Batubara said: "We have handed them over to the Immigration for further investigation on alleged breaking immigration law. Police investigations are still ongoing. We jointly investigate with the immigration."

All of the men were released without charge, but Blue could be locked up for a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

She could also be forced to cough up fines totaling $360,000, under Indonesia's strict rules against filming explicit material.

Blue May Get Deported Instead

The OnlyFans' star could also be slapped with a huge fine.@bonnieblue/Instagram

Blue, real name Tia Billinger, will also be summoned for an interview with Bali immigration officials within the next 48 hours, as Indonesian authorities decide how to proceed with her case.

Managing partner at PNB Immigration, a law firm in Jakarta specializing in helping foreigners deal with Indonesian legal matters, Philo Dellano believes authorities will deport and ban Blue from re-entering the country rather than imprison her.

Delano said: "She is being detained by the police, which means they can proceed to prosecute her. But in my opinion, if there is an 'invisible hand' that requests that she be deported, she can be transferred to the nearest immigration office, from where she will be deported from Indonesia.

"This type of industry p----------: there is always someone or an organization that controls it to make a profit, so it may not be straightforward for her to be prosecuted in Indonesia."

Blue's 'BangBus' was among many items confiscated by cops.@bonnieblue/Instagram

Dellano theorised that Blue may have picked Bali as it would be easy to be deported rather than criminally prosecuted if she were caught violating the law.

He added that authorities might keep her in the country until the media frenzy surrounding the incident calms down before releasing her in January or February next year.

It is understood that Blue entered Bali on a tourist visa.

Radar revealed fellow OnlyFans' star Annie Knight warned her about the potential implications of shooting X-rated material in Bali.

Annie Knight Warned Blue About Dangers of Shooting in Bali

Blue was bidding to sleep with tourists as part of a new X-rated content drive.@bonnieblue/Instagram

The Aussie said, "It's really not surprising. You go to a country where s-- work is illegal and you do s-- work, you're going to get arrested."

On her attempts to warn her X-rated rival, she added: "She decided to go ahead with her plans  she made a decision, and it hasnt paid off."

Knight added that she does hope her former friend is alright.

"That being said, I hope shes okay, as being arrested in another country must be a terrifying experience, and I wouldnt wish it on anyone."

Blue announced herself in Bali onsocial media and planned on traveling to party hotspots and documenting it online.

She wrote in a post: "Hey boys, those that are going to Schoolies and to those who are barely legal, cannot wait to meet you and Im in Bali, so you know exactly what that means."
Governments in Australia and Malaysia argue a ban is necessary to protect youth from online harms such as cyberbullying, sexual exploitation and financial scams. (SUZI MEDIA PRODUCTION VIA GETTY IMAGES)

Starting this Wednesday, many Australian teens will find it near impossible to access social media. Thats because, as of Dec. 10, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram must bar those under the age of 16, or face significant fines. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the pending ban one of the biggest social and cultural changes our nation has faced in a statement.

Much is riding on this banand not just in Australia. Other countries in the region are watching Canberras ban closely. Malaysia, for example, said that it also plans to bar under-16s from accessing social media platforms starting next year.

Other countries are considering less drastic ways to control teenagers social media use. On Nov. 30, Singapore said it would ban the use of smartphones on secondary school campuses.

Yet, governments in Australia and Malaysia argue a full social media ban is necessary to protect youth from online harms such as cyberbullying, sexual exploitation and financial scams.

Tech companies have had varied responses to the social media ban.

Some, like Meta, have been compliant, starting to remove Australian under-16s from Instagram, Threads and Facebook from Dec. 4, a week before the national ban kicks in. The social media giant reaffirmed their commitment to adhere to Australian law, but called for app stores to instead be held accountable for age verification.

The government should require app stores to verify age and obtain parental approval whenever teens under 16 download apps, eliminating the need for teens to verify their age multiple times across different apps, a Meta spokesperson said.

Others, like YouTube, sought to be excluded from the ban, with parent company Google even threatening to sue the Australian federal government in July 2025to no avail.

However, experts told Fortune that these bans may, in fact, be harmful, denying young people the place to develop their own identities and the space to learn healthy digital habits.

A healthy part of the development process and grappling with the human condition is the process of finding oneself. Consuming cultural material, connecting with others, and finding your community and identity is part of that human experience, says Andrew Yee, an assistant professor at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU)s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information.

Social media allows young people to derive information, gain affirmation and build community, says Sun Sun Lim, a professor in communications and technology at the Singapore Management University (SMU), who also calls bans a very rough tool.

Yee, from NTU, also points out that young people can turn to platforms like YouTube to learn about hobbies that may not be available in their local communities.

Forcing kids to go cold turkey off social media could also make for a difficult transition to the digital world once they are of age, argues Chew Han Ei, a senior research fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in the National University of Singapore (NUS).

The sensible way is to slowly scaffold [social media use], since its not that healthy social media usage can be cultivated immediately, Chew says.

Enforcement

Australia plans to enforce its social media ban by imposing a fine of 49.5 million Australian dollars (US$32.9 million) on social media companies which fail to take steps to ban those under 16 from having accounts on their platforms.

Malaysia has yet to explain how it might enforce its own social media ban, but communications minister Fahmi Fadzil suggested that social media platforms could verify users through government-issued documents like passports.

Though young people may soon figure out how to maintain their access to social media. Youths are savvy, and I am sure they will find ways to circumvent these, says Yee of NTU. He also adds that young may migrate to platforms that arent traditionally defined as social media, such as gaming sites like Roblox. Other social media platforms, like YouTube, also dont require accounts, thus limiting the efficacy of these bans, he adds.

Forcing social media platforms to collect huge amounts of personal data and government-issued identity documents could also lead to data privacy issues. Its very intimate personally identifiable information thats being collected to verify agefrom passports to digital IDs, Chew, from NUS, says. Somewhere along the line, a breach will happen.

Moving towards healthy social media use

Ironically, some experts argue that a ban may absolve social media platforms of responsibility towards their younger users.

Social media bans impose an unfair burden on parents to closely supervise their childrens media use, says Lim of SMU. As for the tech platform, they can reduce child safety safeguards that make their platforms safer, since now the assumption is that young people are banned from them, and should not have been venturing [onto them] and opening themselves up to risks.

And rather than allow digital harms to proliferate, social media platforms should be held responsible for ensuring they contribute to intentional and purposeful use, argues Yee.

This could mean regulating companies use of user interface features like auto-play and infinite scroll, or ensuring algorithmic recommendations are not pushing harmful content to users.

Platforms profitlucratively, if I may addfrom peoples use, so they have a responsibility to ensure that the product is safe and beneficial for its users, Yee explains.

Finally, conversations on safe social media use should center the voices of young people, Yee adds.

I think we need to come to a consensus as to what a safe and rights-respecting online space is, he says. This must include young peoples voices, as policy design should be done in consultation with the people the policy is affecting.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
CDL Investments New Zealand Limited (CDI) has appointed Julian Smith  an experienced governance leader to its Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective from 9 December 2025.

This appointment follows a rigorous search and selection process undertaken by the Board. Mr. Smith has been confirmed as meeting the independence requirements under NZX Listing Rule 2.6.2.

CDI Chair Desleigh Jameson commented The Board is thrilled to welcome Julian, his governance experience and strategic insight will strengthen CDIs focus on growth and long-term shareholder value.

Mr. Smith confirms he is looking forward to joining CDI and remarks CDIs reputation for quality and value is exceptional. Im excited to contribute my experience in governance, transformation, and digital strategy to support its next phase of growth.

Mr. Smith brings over 15 years of governance experience, and a track recorded of driving major capital projects and digital transformation. He recently led New Zealands largest capital raise ($3.4b) to fund Aucklands $13b water infrastructure plan. He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, where he chairs the Te Tai Tokerau committee and currently serves on the boards of Watercare, Northport Group, MetService, and the Look Good Feel Better Trust.

Mr. Smiths expertise spans business transformation and capital project delivery, with a strong commitment to building regional New Zealand prosperity. With over a decade of leadership experience in New Zealands technology sector and having worked extensively across international markets in Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, and the UK, Mr. Smith's background includes digital governance (AI, cybersecurity) and corporate affairs, complemented by deep marketing and customer experience credentials. He holds an LLB and BCom from the University of Auckland and a certificate in cybersecurity from Harvard University.

CDI is pleased to provide this update and looks forward to the contribution Mr. Smith will make to the companys future success

ENDS

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Pini Althaus saw the signs. In 2023, he left the company he founded, USA Rare Earth, to develop critical minerals mining and processing projects in central Asia, after realizing that the U.S. will need all the international help it can get to end Chinas supply-chain dominance.



I realized we only have a handful of large critical minerals projects that were going into production between now and 2030, Althaus, chairman and CEO of Cove Capital, told Fortune. I understood that were going to have to supplement the United States critical minerals supply chain with materials coming in from our allied and friendly countries.



Over a series of decades, China built up its stranglehold on much of the worlds critical minerals supply chains, including the 17 rare earths, used to make virtually all kinds of high-performance magnets and parts for vehicles, computers, power generation, military defense, and more. The rest of the world deferred to Beijing in exchange for cheap prices.

Amid an ongoing tariff war with the U.S.and a temporary trucethe Trump administration is racing to build up domestic mining and processing capabilities, while also developing the global partnerships necessary to eventually undermine China, which controls 90% of the worlds rare earths refining.

In October, Trump inked a deal with Australia for both countries to invest $3 billion in critical minerals projects by mid-2026. Australia is home to the largest publicly traded critical minerals miner in the world, Lynas Rare Earths. Trump then signed a series of bilateral critical minerals deals in East and Southeast Asia, including Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia. The U.S. also has new deals with Ukraine, Argentina, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Kazakhstan, and more.

Althaus is specifically developing mining and processing facilities for tungstena heat-resistant metal used in electronics and military equipmentand rare earths in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. He sees the most potential in former Soviet Union nations in central Asia.

The Soviets spent many decades exploring and developing mines. Many of their databases have been left and are quite meticulous, Althaus said. This gives companies looking to develop projects in central Asia a jump start compared to what would be here in the United States, where most of the opportunities are greenfieldvery early stages, very high risk, and very little appetite for investment.

In November, the U.S. Ex-Im Bank offered Cove Capital a $900 million financing letter of interest for the $1.1 billion Kazakh tungsten projects. A separate letter of interest was received from the U.S. International Development Finance Corp.

Jeff Dickerson, principal advisor for the Rystad Energy research firm, said only a long-term, coordinated effortessentially a wartime approachboth domestically and with international partnerships can lead to success. But it cannot be done without new projects with foreign allies. The challenge is that the U.S. doesnt have a strong pipeline of mature mineral projects that are shovel ready, he said.

The cycle of China extracting concessions on the back of mineral geopolitics and weakening the U.S. strategic negotiating position will likely continue without a coordinated, long-term response during the current moment of heightened attention to critical minerals, Dickerson said, questioning whether the U.S. will maintain a concerted focus for years to come.

New emphasis

The Trump administration is increasingly making financial partnerships with critical minerals developerseven becoming a majority shareholder in U.S. rare earths miner MP Materialsand offering deals for floor-pricing mechanisms to offset Chinas recurring dumping practices that aim to eliminate competition.

A native Australian turned New Yorker, Althaus is, naturally, a big fan of this approach. Chinese price dumping has crippled global competition and scared away potential investors, he said.

By providing a price floor, it removes the question marks; it removes the instability; it removes the most significant risk in funding a project thats about to go into production, Althaus said. It creates a predictability where you can take geology all the way through to profitability. I think there should be a global effort to create transparent markets and prices for the key critical minerals.

Critical minerals are increasingly included in U.S. negotiations for all foreign deals. In the tariff agreement with Indonesia, for instance, the Asian nation agreed to lift export bans on nickel. The White House leveraged its military support for Ukraine by demanding the rights to its critical minerals in return. And the recent U.S. bailout of Argentina included a partnership on critical minerals mining.

In addition to its strategic defense location, rare earths are another reason Trump continues to show interest in annexing Greenland from Denmark.

Veteran geologist Greg Barnes, who founded the massive Tanbreez mining project in Greenland, which remains in development, briefed Trump at the White House during his first presidential term. This year, Critical Metals acquired 92.5% ownership of the Tanbreez project.

Critical Metals CEO Tony Sage is keen to supply the U.S. with desired rare earths, and the company recently received a letter of intent for a $120 million Ex-Im Bank loan. The goal is to start construction by the end of 2026.

Theres an absolute need to make sure that more than 50% of the supply of these heavy rare earths come from outside of Chinamined and processed outside of China, Sage told Fortune.

Regardless of any long-shot annexation bids, Sage said Greenland can and should be a key ally to the U.S. for critical minerals. They definitely dont want to be part of the U.S., but I think theyll be pro-U.S., he said.

For his part, Althaus said he sees all the international deals as progress, and not as competition for his Cove Capital.

I think its a positive, and I think well start to see a lot more happen in the coming months in terms of the U.S. and collaboration with other countries.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
A duplex pictured from the front; a duplex pictured from above.

A homebuilder could see a $2.2 million duplex he constructed in a gated community in Fishers, Indiana, come crashing down  even though two tenants already moved in.

Its not the result of a natural disaster or building integrity. Instead, the order comes from a judge ruling on the dispute between builder Michael Mercho, whose MHM Investment Group owns the land and duplex, and the homeowners association (HOA) that sets the rules for the Watersedge community along the Geist Reservoir.

Must Read

The harm to the builder, according to Hamilton County Judge David Najjar's November ruling, is almost entirely self-inflicted, and due to Merchos continued construction of the duplex despite an HOA conflict that questioned its compliance with zoning rules, according to a report by WTHR 13 Newss (1).

It was obvious that it was not in compliance, Watersedge HOA president Harold Warden told WTHR 13 about the construction, which dates back to 2023.

We contacted the builder, asked to meet him on site at the time and see what the heck was going on [and] if we could get it taken care of."

However, it would appear that Mercho sees it differently. His lawyer, Tarek Mercho, told The Indiana Lawyer (2) that the builder plans to appeal in defence of Indiana property owners whose land rights, he says, should be defined by public law and recorded plats, not just the shifting opinions of a private committee and an overzealous board president.

A blueprint for a duplex debacle

The duplex dispute stems, according to WTHR 13, from the fact that the Watersedge HOA rules required 15 feet between homes when Mercho bought his plot of land. Those rules eventually changed, though, to add five extra feet between homes, and any structure to be built at least 15 feet from the property line.

Mercho, however, began building the duplex to the original property specifications. As a result, the judge said that Mercho and his company violated the HOA rules by not getting approval from the associations architectural committee prior to the start of construction and by encroaching on setback provisions, according to a report by Current (3). The court found that the duplex encroaches on required side-yard setbacks by about 600 square feet, reported The Indiana Lawyer.

The order also claimed, according to Current, that Mercho continued construction  after the association intervened in November 2023 when footings were installed and despite the ongoing civil court case.

Mercho initiated the litigation by suing the HOA and, according to The Indiana Lawyer, Judge Najjar warned last year that continuing construction during litigation risked very costly remediation should he lose.

We viewed it as we had a contract with the HOA and the community to build under certain conditions, and those conditions were changed, attorney Tarek Mercho told WTHR 13.

The judge, however, in his order explained that HOA rules exist for the protection of the present and future owners and that allowing a violation of those rules would render the purpose of these governing documents, and planned community living in general, moot, adding there is no way to ensure that further violations will not occur (3).

The order to Mercho includes paying more than $70,000 in fees as well as the estimated $1.5 million cost of demolishing the duplex and the expense of relocating the tenants who live in the duplex.

And while both sides agree that the ordering of the destruction of the duplex is out of the ordinary, the judge did offer them the opportunity to negotiate an agreement to allow the building and tenants to remain. If not, Mercho must provide a plan for demolition by February.

I think the judge built in some time, hoping that the parties could find a resolution, but it's going to be on the builder, quite honestly, HOA president Warden told WTHR 13. We've been trying to find a resolution on our side since day one.

In an email to the news outlet, Michael Mercho wrote, We are appealing not just to save a building, but to clarify a legal principle that protects every property owner in Indiana: that your land rights are defined by public law and recorded plats, not just the shifting opinions of a private committee.

Read More: Vanguard reveals what could be coming for U.S. stocks, and its raising alarm bells for retirees. Heres why and how to protect yourself

How to handle HOA disputes

According to the Foundation for Community Association Research, in 2024 more than 77 million Americans (4) lived in 369,000 U.S. communities run by HOAs  which can hold authority over everything from the building and appearance of homes to rules around use of amenities on the property. As such, its not uncommon for residents and HOAs to clash over said rules.

Real estate dispute firm LS Carson Law notes (5) that violating HOA rules could lead to punishments ranging from fines and loss of community privileges all the way to foreclosure and court action.

Thats why Grover Collins, founder of real estate litigation firm Collins Legal, advises (6) that when dealing with an HOA dispute, its always best to address concerns with respect and professionalism  and after reviewing HOA guidelines to ensure you understand them correctly. Constructive conversation, he adds, is the foundation of positive interactions, facilitating a better understanding and resolution of issues.

Its also important to know your rights and the limits of the HOAs reach. The HOA cant, for example, enter your home without notice or manipulate the rules  or outright violate them  to punish you. In the event of such an instance, or any other dispute, Realtor.com suggests (7) ensuring youre in the right when it comes to the HOA rules, and then gather all the evidence you have and present it at the next board meeting.

Ohio real estate lawyer Barbara Jordan told Realtor.com that residents should, Show up. Go to the meetings. Be on record as objecting to the issues. Write letters  Do not miss deadlines or forgo opportunities to be heard.

If all else fails, you could sue  though litigation is expensive and, as Mercho learned, theres no guarantee youll win. As such, your best bet for avoiding issues is to know the rules as well as your rights, and get loud if either is violated.

Or, as lawyer and HOA expert Kelly G. Richardson told US News & World Report, Either get involved and get good people on the [HOA] board  or decide to just accept it or sell and go somewhere else.

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.

WTHR 13 News (1); The Indiana Lawyer (2); Current (3); Foundation for Community Association Research (4); LS Carson Law (5); Collins Legal (6); Realtor.com (7); US News & World Report (8)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
She tried to sell her Florida home instead, a stranger moved in and wont leave. Heres how it spiraled into foreclosure.

Charlotte Brown thought she was taking the first step toward financial stability when she listed her Florida home for sale. Instead, she says a stranger moved in and hasnt paid a dime in more than a year.

Brown bought her Winter Haven residence in 2021. The quiet lot sat against a stretch of forest, and it felt like the perfect place for her family.

Must Read

But when her fiance developed serious health issues, everything changed. She became his full-time caregiver, her bills piled up and by 2023 the couple decided selling the property was their best path forward.

I just had the opportunity to sell, she told WFTV 9 (1). So that was definitely a plus, especially with the increase in the market.

Before the sale could go through, Brown says a man shed never met moved into the house. She describes him as a squatter and says he has stayed rent-free ever since.

From interested buyer to uninvited guest

After Brown listed her home, she says she quickly found a buyer: a California real estate agent named Obed Torres. According to Brown, the company handling the sale asked her for the house keys so Torres could have the carpets cleaned before moving in. Thats when everything began to unfold.

Brown says Torres switched title companies multiple times and the sale never closed. Still, in spring 2024, he moved into the home.

Its terrible. Its deceitful. Its hurtful, Brown said.

Florida tops the nation in reported fraud losses, with residents losing an estimated $866 million in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission (2). Real estate scams have been part of the increase. Brown filed a report with the sheriffs office and submitted two complaints for unlawful detainer in an attempt to remove Torres. But she acknowledges she didnt fully understand the legal process and missed some of the hearings, setbacks that stalled her case.

In a letter to the judge, Torres insisted he acted in good faith and was still trying to buy the property. In another, he argued Brown had abandoned the home and said the situation was causing him duress and uncertainty.

Florida tightened its eviction rules in 2023 by extending notice periods and clarifying when landlords can file formal evictions. But none of those protections apply here. Brown never rented the home to Torres. There was no lease, no agreement and no sale.

Thats why she couldnt use the standard eviction process and instead had to pursue unlawful detainer actions, a separate legal tool for removing someone who occupies a home without permission.

At one point, Torres told the court he planned to move out. But by April 2025, he was asking for more time due to health issues.

Read More: Vanguard reveals what could be coming for U.S. stocks, and its raising alarm bells for retirees. Heres why and how to protect yourself

A new law gives Brown a glimmer of hope

Reporter Jeff Deal with WFTV 9 visited the property twice, first in September and then again this month, hoping to speak with Torres. Each time, he knocked, heard dogs barking inside and left messages on the Ring doorbell, but no one answered. Neighbors told the station theyve seen Torres and his family around the home.

Meanwhile, Browns financial situation has only gotten worse. She says she couldnt keep up with both her rent and her mortgage payments, and now her lender has moved to foreclose on the property.

Attorney Mark Lippman, who specializes in landlord-tenant law, HOA issues and real estate disputes, stepped in to help Brown at no charge.

His answer was garbage. The fact that he said she had abandoned the property is incorrect, he told WFTV 9.

One thing working in Browns favor is Floridas newly strengthened anti-squatting law. Under the legislation (HB 621), law enforcement can intervene more quickly and treat an illegal occupant as a criminal trespasser, not a tenant. Lippman believes the tougher statute could help Brown finally argue that Torres is living in the home without permission and reclaim the property.

To avoid this kind of nightmare, experts stress a few key points: never hand over your keys before a sale officially closes and make sure you attend every required court hearing. Missing one can delay your case or even set it back entirely. Keep thorough documentation of every interaction during a home sale and verify all title transfers through reputable companies.

Browns foreclosure hearing is scheduled for January. Shes hoping to have Torres removed and the home sold before the clock runs out.

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.

WFTV (1); Axios (2); Belong Home (3); Florida Senate (4).

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Justin Ong - Getty Images

If you've bought salad dressing or sauces recently, then it's worth checking your fridge due to a critical recall. On November 6, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall for thousands of gallons of dressings and condiments produced by Ventura Foods LLC. On December 4, the FDA escalated the notice to a Class II recall, underscoring the importance of clearing these products from store shelves and your kitchen. Here's what you need to know.

What products are being recalled?

The updated recall includes several products by Ventura Foods LLC, including the following dressings and sauces:

Caesar Dressing (Costco Food Court) 32 LB (14.51 kg); SKU: 0 26700 19376 7

Caesar Dressing (Costco Service Deli) 23.62 LB (10.71 kg); SKU: 0 26700 19376 7

C reamy Poblano Avocado Ranch Dressing and Dip 1 GAL (3.78L); SKU: 7 34730 53243 1

Hidden Valley, Buttermilk Ranch 1 GAL (3.79L); SKU: 0 26700 19192 3

Italian Salad Dressing 1 GAL (3.78L); SKU: 7 67367 00518 4

Pepper Mill Creamy Caesar Dressing 1 GAL (128 FL OZ) 3.79 L; SKU: 0 93901 78134 5

Pepper Mill Regal Caesar Dressing 1 GAL (128 FL OZ) 3.79 L; SKU: 0 93901 72607 0

Publix Deli Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ Sauce 12 LB; SKU: 10 026700 16964 6

Ventura Caesar Dressing2000LB (907.1kg); SKU: 00 026700 17360 8

Costco additionally recalled two prepared itemsits Caesar Salad (item number 19927) and its Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad (item number 11444)that had contained the recalled dressing, and have since expired. Both had sell-by dates between October 17 and November 9.

Why are salad dressings being recalled?

According to both the FDA and Costco, the affected sauces and dressings may contain "plastic foreign material," prompting the voluntary recall.

Where were they distributed?

Because many of the items were produced in large food-service quantities, they were likely distributed to delis, cafeterias and similar operations. The products were distributed across 27 states: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

What does a Class II recall mean?

The FDA explains on its website that a Class II recall is its second-highest category, defining it as "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."

What should I do if I purchased these products?

Though the FDA did not provide specific instructions on what to do if you purchased any of these products, as with all recalls, it's best not to consume them and to contact your place of purchase for instructions on obtaining a refund. Costco added in its notice that customers should stop eating the product and return the item to your local Costco for a full refund.

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Getty Images Gisele Bundchen attends the 2025 Franca Fund Gala at the Museum of Islamic Art on November 23, 2025 in Doha, Qatar

The Gist

Gisele Bundchen flipped the polarizing Y2K-era peplum trend in a structural look for her latest photoshoot.

The Brazilian supermodel showed off an optical illusion dress featuring a reverse flared skirt in Instagram photos shared from Vogue Brazil's December issues on December 7.

Bundchen appeared in the publication to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Just ten months after welcoming a baby boy with her boyfriend, jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente, Gisele Bundchen is back to pushing sartorial boundaries in her latest photoshoot. Living up to her fashion vanguard reputation for Vogue Brazils December issue, the iconic supermodel turned the divisive Y2K-era peplum trend on its head (quite literally) while modeling a bodycon optical illusion dress.

Gisele Bundchen wows in a bodycon optical illusion dress with a bold reverse peplum skirt (Gisele Bundchen Instagram)

While celebrating the publications 50th anniversary, Bundchen took to Instagram on Sunday, December 7 to share some of her favorite outtakes from the special photoshoot. The Brazilian runway star embraced a diversity of textures and silhouettes in an array of feathers, leather, and silkbut her most head-turning outfit for the photoshoot was all about contrasting profiles.

Getty Images Gisele Bundchen joins IWC Schaffhausen at the Watches and Wonders on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland

In a black-and-white photo, Bundchen could be seen posing in a figure-hugging long-sleeved white turtleneck sweater. On the opposite end of the spectrum, her structural skirt was a daring visual contrast, flaring out several inches in a reverse peplum design. The nubby-textured neutral tubular piece softly hugged her thighs through the floor-length hemline. A pair of white square-toed heels peeped out, adding a subtle 90s nod to Bundchens bold look.

Getty Images Gisele Bundchen attends the Fashion Trust Arabia 2025 Finalists showcase on November 21, 2025 in Doha, Qatar

The former Victorias Secret angel posed with her arms raised over her head, fully showing off the dichotomy between her form-hugging bodice and her dresss sherpa-inspired jutting design on the bottom.

Getty Images Gisele Bundchen attends the Fashion Trust Arabia 2025 Awards Ceremony at the National Museum of Qatar on November 22

Bundchen, who also shares her lookalike kids Benjamin Rein and Vivian Lake with ex-husband Tom Brady, pulled her golden-highlighted waves back into a sleek wet-inspired updo for the photoshoot. In other close-up photos shared in her Instagram carousel, the star gave fans a better glimpse of her face card. Bundchen highlighted her features with a cut-crease iridescent eyeshadow in a subtle rust and rose gold hue, vivid black tightlined eyeliner, and sculpted cheekbones. A soft matte pink lipstick finished off her beauty look.

Read the original article on InStyle
Netflix; HBO Max Kathleen and Michael Peterson; Toni Collette and Colin Firth in the 'The Staircase'

NEED TO KNOW

The Staircase is based on the true story of Kathleen Peterson's mysterious death in 2001

The HBO Max series stars Toni Collette as Kathleen and Colin Firth as Michael Peterson

The Staircase premiered in 2022 and is now available to stream on Netflix

The true story of Kathleen Peterson's tragic death is still a mystery.

The Staircase, which premiered on HBO Max in 2022 and is now streaming on Netflix, stars Colin Firth as Michael Peterson, a novelist who was convicted of murdering his wife, Kathleen Peterson, played by Toni Collette.

The real-life tragedy occurred in December 2001 in Durham, N.C., and has garnered media attention in recent years due to the strange nature of the case. It unraveled when Kathleen was found dead at the bottom of the staircase in the couple's home, and authorities looked toward Michael as the prime suspect.

Before HBO Max's show, the story was developed into a French limited docuseries through BBC's Storyville, spanning several spinoffs as Michael Peterson's case continued to evolve. The 10-episode series was eventually picked up by Netflix in 2018, further increasing interest in the trial and the Peterson family.

So, how true is the HBO Max show The Staircase? Here's everything to know about Kathleen and Michael Peterson's lives and how he ended up behind bars for her death.

Is The Staircase based on a true story?

Courtesy of HBO Max 'The Staircase'

Yes, The Staircase is based on a true story.

The 2022 HBO Max series was inspired by the French docuseries of the same name; both are about the real-life death of Kathleen and the trial of Michael.

"It just felt like one of the best true crime stories that I had watched, in part because I recognized that there were so many things in it that were unknowable," The Staircase creator Antonio Campos told Variety about the original docuseries.

He continued, "Michael Peterson as a central figure was really strong. He was this impenetrable character that was impossible to read, and I immediately leaned in."

Who was Kathleen Peterson?

Netflix Kathleen Peterson

Kathleen was born in Greensboro, N.C., on Feb. 21, 1953. According to her obituary, she was raised in Lancaster, Pa., and later attended Duke University, where she was the first female student admitted into the school of engineering.

While at Duke, Kathleen met her first husband, Fred Atwater. The couple would have one child, a daughter, Caitlin Atwater. Kathleen and Fred later divorced, and Kathleen married Michael in 1997.

At the time of her death, she was an executive at telecommunications company Nortel Networks, per WRAL.

According to her obituary, she was a member of the Board of the Durham Arts Council, and was involved with the Carolina Ballet and American Dance Festival.

Who is Michael Peterson?

Netflix Kathleen Peterson and Michael Peterson

Michael is a novelist and military veteran who was born in 1943 in Nashville.

After college, he worked for the U.S. Department of Defense, and while in West Germany, he met his first wife, Patricia Sue. They wed in 1968 and had two sons together, Clayton and Todd.

He served in the Vietnam War, and after his honorable discharge in 1971, Michael became a novelist, writing books based on his experiences in the war. According to WFMY, Michael ran for mayor of Durham in 1999.

How did Michael and Kathleen Peterson meet?

Netflix Kathleen Peterson and Michael Peterson with family and friends

While living in West Germany, Michael and Patricia met and befriended another couple, George and Elizabeth Ratliff, and their two children, Margaret and Martha. Following the deaths of both George and Elizabeth, Michael became the guardian of their kids.

The family moved to Durham, and eventually, Michael and Patricia divorced. Afterward, Margaret and Martha lived with Michael, while Clayton and Todd stayed with Patricia; however, they later moved in with their father.

Michael and Kathleen later met and married in 1997.

How did Kathleen Peterson die?

Netflix Kathleen Peterson and Michael Peterson

On Dec. 9, 2001, Michael called 911 after finding Kathleen unconscious at the foot of a stairway in their home, slumped in a pool of blood.

The night before, they had been celebrating with drinks by the pool after learning that Michael's latest book, a WWII-era tale based on a true story, was being optioned by a Hollywood studio.

Kathleen eventually went to bed just before 2 a.m., and Michael found her about 30 minutes later.

"I can't even remember the last thing I said to her," he told PEOPLE in August 2002. "I wasn't thinking, 'This is the last time I'm going to see her.' "

Though authorities initially considered the death accidental, the autopsy report later led investigators to believe that Kathleen died not after a fall but after being attacked.

"This was not an accident," Jim Hardin, Durham County District Attorney, said at the time. "There is no question."

The autopsy, conducted by a state medical examiner, indicated that multiple blows to the back of the head killed Kathleen, The News & Observer reported.

Was Michael Peterson arrested for Kathleen Peterson's death?

Netflix Michael Peterson

Days after Kathleen's death on Dec. 9, 2001, Michael turned himself in and was charged with murder.

"I've whispered her name more than 1,000 times, and I can't stop crying," he said to reporters while surrounded by his family, per The News & Observer. "I would have never done anything to hurt her. I am innocent of these charges and can't wait to prove it in court."

Michael later went on trial in 2003, where he maintained his innocence. On Oct. 10, 2003, he was found guilty of the murder of Kathleen and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to The News & Observer.

He served eight years before his conviction was overturned in 2011 "because of improprieties at the State Bureau of Investigation," according to the News & Observer.

Several years later, in February 2017, Michael entered an Alford plea to voluntary manslaughter in his wife's death. He was released from custody with credit for the seven-plus years he'd already spent behind bars.

Did Michael Peterson have a relationship with editor Sophie Brunet?

AP/REX/Shutterstock Michael Peterson

In The Staircase, Michael is shown to have a relationship with the editor Sophie Brunet (Juliette Binoche), who worked on the French docuseries about Michael and his trial.

According to Vanity Fair, Sophie worked on the docuseries before getting involved with Michael.

My relationship with Michael never affected my editing, she wrote in an email to the outlet in May 2022. I never ever cut anything out that would be damaging for him. I have too big an opinion of my job to be even remotely tempted to do anything like that."

Sophie first reached out to him after he received his life sentence in 2003. They wrote letters back and forth, and after a year, they met in person. The two stayed connected through phone calls and several visits each year.

At first I just wanted to support and then to love Michael, she added.

Read the original article on People
SYNATRIA RESPATI / AFP via Getty A photo of police cordoning off the area of the fire

NEED TO KNOW

At least 22 people, including a pregnant woman, died after a fire engulfed a building in Indonesia on Tuesday, Dec. 9, according to local officials

Jakarta police said they believe the fire started on the first floor, although an investigation remains ongoing

At least 19 workers were rescued from the site, with some suffering minor injuries

At least 22 people are dead after a fire engulfed a building in Indonesia.

The fire erupted in the afternoon on Tuesday, Dec. 9 in a seven-story office building in Indonesias capital Jakarta, according to the Associated Press, Reuters and the BBC.

About 28 firefighter engines were deployed with more than 100 personnel dispatched to fight the blaze.

Although a cause of the fire has not yet officially been determined and information remains preliminary, central Jakarta police chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro said that they believe the fire started on the first floor of the building, where drone company Terra Drone Indonesia is based, according to the outlets.

"Based on information gathered so far, batteries from a drone caught fire, but the cause of the fire, the point of origin is still being investigated," Condro said, according to Reuters.

Terra Drone Co. has since issued an apology to their community and customers, the news agency reported.

SYNATRIA RESPATI / AFP via Getty A photo of the burned building in Indonesia

Many employees were having lunch in the building when the fire began to spread, while others had left the building to eat outside, according to Reuters and the AP.

Most of the people who perished in the fire were women, including one who was pregnant, the police chief told the BBC, sharing that the victims likely died due to asphyxiation from smoke rather than burns.

When asked about the death toll, Condro said that authorities planned to comb through the entire building again," according to the AP.

Firefighters are cooling down the scene because the smoke is still thick and it is not yet possible for us to enter the structure," he added.

Footage captured by AP and BBC showed thick smoke pouring out of the windows of the building into the sky and nearby neighborhood  and also showed employees trapped on the higher floors being rescued by aerial ladders.

MAST IRHAM/EPA/Shutterstock A photo of the burned building after the fire

At least 19 workers were rescued from the site, with some suffering minor injuries. Police also noted that a firefighter and officer on the site experienced breathing difficulties.

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"We are still collecting data," Condro told the AP. "But for now, we are focusing on identifying the victims who have been found."



Read the original article on People
Florida Highway Patrol A photo of the plane on the I-95

NEED TO KNOW

One person was injured after a small plane collided with a car during an emergency landing on the I-95 highway near Orlando on Monday, Dec. 8

The 27-year-old male pilot and a 27-year-old male passenger were not injured, but the 57-year-old driver of a 2023 Toyota Camry was transported to a nearby hospital

This came several hours after another small plane had to make an emergency landing in DeLand, a city located 46 miles outside of Orlando

One person was injured after a small plane made an emergency landing on a popular Florida highway.

The incident occurred on the southbound lanes of I-95 at around 5:45 p.m. on Monday Dec. 8 when the plane made an emergency landing into traffic and collided into a car, according to local outlets Fox 13 News, Click Orlando and WESH, which cited the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and Brevard County Fire Rescue.

There were two people on board the plane  described as a fixed-wing multi-engine Beechcraft 55  a 27-year-old male pilot and a 27-year-old male passenger, per Fox 13 News. Neither were reportedly injured in the incident, per the outlet.

The car involved in the incident was a 2023 Toyota Camry that was being driven by a 57-year-old woman. She was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries, Fox 13 News reported.

Florida Highway Patrol A photo of the crushed Camry on the I-95

FHP and Brevard County Fire Rescue did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on the incident.

A photo of the crash obtained by Fox 13 News and Click Orlando showed the small plane in the middle of several lanes on the highway. The front of the plane appeared to be damaged from the crash. As for the Toyota Camry, it sustained heavy damage, as the back and sides of the car appeared bent from the collision.

Neither department shared what may have led to the collision on the I-95. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be leading the investigation into the crash, while FHP will investigate the vehicle crash, according to Click Orlando.

Following the incident, a portion of the highway near the 201 mile marker was closed to traffic while agencies cleared the scene and launched their investigation. The roadway was eventually cleared a few hours late at around 9 a.m., per Fox 13 News.

This wasnt the only small plane crash in Florida on Dec. 8. A Cessna 172 plane made an emergency landing on Jacobs Road in DeLand, located 46 miles outside of Orlando, at around 2 p.m. that same day, per Fox 13 News and Click Orlando.

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.

Two people, who were conscious after the crash, were transported to a nearby hospital and treated for their injuries, per the outlets.

One bystander, William Baith, told Fox 13 News, that he saw the single-engine plane flying extremely low prior to the crash, maybe 100 feet off the ground. He added to the outlet, I knew that it was a problem for sure.

Read the original article on People
LANSING  The city of Lansing in Michigan and its fire chief are being sued in part over what a lawsuit claims was his directive this summer that two male employees check to ensure that a female employee was wearing a bra while on duty.

The lawsuit, filed on Nov. 20 in Ingham County Circuit Court by Cecilia Major, includes three claims of violations of the state's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act for disparate treatment, retaliation and a hostile work environment. It names the city and Fire Chief Brian Sturdivant as defendants.

"This case comes down to the male Fire Chief dictating what is worn under a woman's clothing, when it has no bearing on Ms. Major's ability to do her job as a first responder whose priority is keeping her community safe," Hannah Fielstra, Major's Detroit-based attorney, said in a statement.

"While an employer can require certain clothing, including undergarments, there must be a nondiscriminatory reason for doing so. We allege Ms. Major was singled out and called into meetings to discuss her undergarments in front of other City employees, including male supervisors. Then, two of those male supervisors were ordered by the Chief to check daily to ensure Ms. Major was wearing a bra. This has been humiliating and demeaning for my client and harkens back to a 50s-era outlook on women, something no woman, or man, should have to endure today in the workplace."

Sturdivant and Scott Bean, a spokesperson for Mayor Andy Schor, declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation.

From Aug. 27 to Nov. 11, Sturdivant was on leave from the city, which officials have declined to explain. On Nov. 3, Schor told the State Journal he had no concerns about Sturdivant's ability to return from leave and lead the department going forward.

Sturdivant's leave also coincided with a two-month internal investigation into how a music video was filmed at Lansing Fire Station 1 downtown. The female singer, who goes by the name P.B. Yanna, can be seen in the video wearing revealing clothing in several scenes.

A summary of that investigation, which the city provided to the State Journal, said LFD leadership approved the video on Aug. 31  days after Sturdivant's leave began  but the approval came "without the knowledge or support of other departments of the municipal government." Schor has since signed an executive order restricting the use of city buildings and property for commercial filming.

The investigative summary does not identify who in LFD leadership approved the video, but says the department's "senior leadership did not adequately foster a climate that could have encouraged dissent and critical analysis of the proposed event."

MORE: Lax oversight of Lansing city credit cards has persisted for years, records show

Lawsuit details meetings with LFD leadership, Sturdivant

Lansing Fire Department Chief Brian Sturdivant speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new public safety campus on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, in Lansing. The new facilities will include the Lansing Police Department's headquarters and the city's lockup, a relocated fire station and the 54A District Court.

On June 17, Assistant Chief Carrie Edwards-Clemmons summoned Major, a female paramedic-firefighter employed by the city since 2021, for a meeting. According to the lawsuit, Edwards-Clemmons told Major that Sturdivant had ordered her to call the meeting to determine why Major "was not wearing a bra at all times while at work."

Prior to the meeting Major had not been told of issues with her not wearing a bra. During the meeting, she raised several concerns to Edwards-Clemmons about the nature of the meeting, including that she was being singled out or targeted and asked about any complaints that had been filed, according to the lawsuit. She also asked about the department providing "high-impact bras as part of their uniforms" and adding "feminine hygiene stations to the women's restrooms." Edwards-Clemmons "did not have direct responses" to those issues, the lawsuit claims.

Days after the meeting, Major, who is the only woman assigned to her firehouse, emailed Edwards-Clemmons to get the names and email addresses for human resources representatives "so that she could convey her concerns with the meeting," according to the lawsuit.

Edwards-Clemmons responded two days later, according to the lawsuit, but did not provide the names or contact information for city human resources employees. Instead, Edwards-Clemmons said that Sturdivant had directed her to inform Major that everything should be directed to his office, "effectively discouraging (Major) from going to human resources with her concerns," according to the lawsuit.

Around this time, Sturdivant had "expressed his frustration" with Major's actions and that the issue hadn't been resolved during the initial meeting. He also made the comment that the battalion chief for Major's firehouse "could not 'control his people,'" according to the lawsuit.

MORE: Schor bans private filming on city property after fire station music video

Sturdivant gave direct orders, lawsuit says

On June 24, Sturdivant called a meeting with Major, Edwards-Clemmons and two others  an LFD battalion chief and captain  who are both men, according to the lawsuit. Major had a union representative attend the meeting with her.

"Defendant Sturdivant started the meeting directly stating that the purpose of the meeting was that Ms. Major had not been wearing a bra and directly asked Ms. Major if she was wearing a bra," according to the lawsuit. He said it was "improper" for her not to wear a bra, which the lawsuit claims is not mandated by city policy.

When Major asked Sturdivant if wearing a bra was mandatory, he said the policy is up to his interpretation and that under his authority it was improper not to wear a bra. According to the lawsuit, Sturdivant added that he had received complaints, but "refused to tell (Major) what the complaints involved and told her they were none of her business."

The meeting ended with Sturdivant issuing two direct orders. The first was that Major was required to wear a bra while on duty. The second, according to the lawsuit, was that the two male employees who were present for the meeting were "to check to ensure that" Major was wearing a bra while on duty.

After the meeting, Major reported her concerns to the city. The lawsuit claims that the city found that the relevant policies and interpretations of them needed to be updated, but did not investigate Major's discrimination claims.

On July 1, Major filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

She filed her lawsuit against the city on Nov. 20, and neither the city nor Sturdivant have filed responses.

Contact reporter Matt Mencarini at mjmencarini@lsj.com.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Lansing fire chief sued over order to female firefighter to wear bra
Tina Day, wife and mother from Idaho Falls, suffered life-altering facial injuries in an accident. A GoFundMe has been set up to help with mounting medical bills. | Courtesy photo

IDAHO FALLS  An Idaho Falls woman well known to many as a hardworking wife, mother and longtime Applebees server is recovering from catastrophic facial injuries after a crash on U.S. Highway 20 on Saturday. Now, her family is calling on the community for help.

Tina Day was driving to her parents home in Rexburg when she lost control of her truck on the Ucon exit, according to her sister-in-law, Melissa Voss.

Day, who was alone in the truck, was headed to help her parents in Rexburg make the handmade wooden board games Battle of the UFOs, which they sell online.

Voss said Days truck hit black ice, spun in the opposite direction and collided with another vehicle. The impact caused the truck to roll, and Days face hit the steering wheel, resulting in devastating injuries.

Tina Days truck after her accident on Saturday. | Courtesy photo

She shattered her upper palate, teeth, jaw, eye socket, nose and cheek, Voss told EastIdahoNews.com. She also severed a few tendons in her hand.

Day has already undergone a five-hour surgery during which doctors wired her jaw shut, repaired facial fractures and operated on the damaged tendons in her hand.

She also received a tracheostomy to help with breathing. Doctors are also using a GJ feeding tube, due to the extensive injuries to her mouth and face.

They basically have to restructure her entire face, Voss said. Shell be in the ICU for a while. Thankfully, outside of a minor brain bleed, there were no internal injuries.

Day is scheduled for additional surgery on Friday and will require several more procedures in the coming weeks.

Tina Day, center, of Idaho Falls enjoys a lighthearted moment with her husband and sons. Now shes recovering from severe facial injuries due to an auto accident. | Courtesy photo

A wife to Mike Day and mother of three sons Brandon, Calvin and Carsen, Day is described by her family as hardworking, devoted and deeply loved by those who know her.

She is never one to ask for help, Voss said. She is caring, loving, fun and just such a sweet person.

With a long recovery ahead and mounting medical bills, Voss has organized a GoFundMe to help support the family.

If you can spare anything to help her, we so appreciate it, Voss said. And if you cant, please keep her in your prayers and share.

To donate, click here.

A whimsical photo of Tina Day who is now facing a long road to recovery from life-altering facial injuries. | Courtesy photo

The post Family seeks community support for Idaho Falls woman who shattered face in crash appeared first on East Idaho News.
December 9, 2025: The U.S. Marine Corps, in an effort to increase re-enlistments, now encourages marines to accept new jobs or different career tracks. Marines seeking to take advantage of these opportunities have choices that include Counterintelligence/human, intelligence specialist, Reconnaissance Marine, Critical skills operator, Influence specialist, Amphibious Combat Vehicle crew, ACV repairer/technician, Explosive ordnance disposal technician, Ground control station technician, Tactical data systems technician, Tactical air operations/air defense systems technician, Unmanned MQ-9 aircraft mechanic, Avionics/maintenance technician, unmanned aircraft system, Operational contract support specialist, Marine Corps community services, Career counselor, Criminal investigator agent, Low Altitude Air Defense gunner, Information Specialty Technician, Cyberspace Warfare Operator and Career Recruiter Specialties. In 2024 1,014 made lateral career moves versus 811 in 2023.

The marines also have an early release program for marines who return from an overseas or at sea tour and only have a few months left in their term of enlistment. The marines developed this program not only to encourage more marines to remain in service, but also to deal with shortages in many marine occupational specialties. These techniques are nothing new.

Fifteen years ago, the marines offered to guarantee most marines 14 months at their home base, for every seven month tour in a combat zone. The U.S. Army had a similar program, two months at home for each month in a combat zone.

The U.S. Army has already increased the time troops spend at home to 14-15 months, taking advantage of all the troops returning from Iraq and not being replaced there. Time at their home base with their families was called dwell time, and the more of it you had between combat tours, the less likely you were to have stress related mental problems. More units were even getting 17-18 months of dwell time between combat tours. The goal is 24 months of dwell time. To that end, the army added 65,000 troops to its strength over a few years, and developed software that went through everyone's personnel records to make sure everyone eligible to go overseas actually went. That put less stress on the troops who seemed to be going over every 24 months.

In 2007, at the height of the Iraq fighting, army troops were spending a bit less than a year at home for every year overseas. Back then the army was also in the midst of a reorganization which didn't change the number of troops, or equipment in a brigade, but did change how they are organized and used. The reorganization created more brigades, and made the army even better able to deal with the kind of heavy deployments required in 2005-7.

The math worked like this. The army, marines and reserves could muster about sixty combat brigades. During 2004-7, there were 19 brigades deployed to combat zones, 15 in Iraq, three in Afghanistan and one in South Korea. That's when the army began working to get active duty troops two years dwell time for every year in a combat zone. For reserves, the goal was home for four years, overseas for one. It was believed that, with a little help from the marines, the army could just about make that. The increase in troops sent to Afghanistan delayed this dwell time plan for a few years.

There are several reasons for the two year dwell time goal. These include morale, keeping combat veterans in uniform, and the reduction of combat fatigue. The more you keep the troops in a combat zone, beyond a certain number of months, the less likely they are to re-enlist. Note that everyone in the army works on employment contracts of 3-4 years, usually. Not everyone renews their contracts when they expire. But after September 11, 2001, an above average number of people have. That has gone up even more after the 2008 recession.

Keeping combat veterans in the army is very important, because officers or enlisted personnel who agree to extend their service are the most valuable people you can have in combat. But keep them out there too long, and they will start to leave. Not in large numbers at first, but eventually you will suffer large losses.

The U.S. Navy has had the same problem because of the long deployments at sea sailors often had to endure. That experience enabled the navy to work out a formula which calculated the number of sailors they would lose for each additional day, beyond the usual six months, they kept them at sea. The army encountered a similar effect. The army was not publicizing their anticipated losses of soldiers who didnt re-enlist, but it was up to several thousand troops a year. That doesn't break the army, but does provide more headaches for those in charge of recruiting and retention. The senior generals treat this sort of thing as losses but not combat losses, the people who don't re-enlist leave the army in one piece.

The more time you spend in combat, without dwell time, the more likely you are to develop combat fatigue. That can mean anything from transferring to a non-combat job, to a medical discharge that gets you a pension and life-time medical care. Both of those options cost the army money. The army would rather see if additional dwell time will enable troops to recover from the stress that comes from being in a combat zone even if not in combat. The additional dwell time would be possible if most troops were withdrawn from Iraq. That's not a sure thing until the Iraqis settle some of their current disputes.
Courtesy Ciel Dubai Marina The Ciel Dubai Marina is the tallest hotel in the world.

NEED TO KNOW

The Ciel Dubai Marina has been dubbed the tallest hotel in the world at 1,237 feet

The structure, which overlooks the Dubai Marina, opened on Nov. 15

The hotel features more than 1,000 rooms as well as multiple pools, eight restaurants, and multiple outdoor spaces

The tallest hotel in the world has opened its doors.

The Ciel Dubai Marina is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and provides 360-degree views of Dubai Marina, the Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf, according to the First Group website.

The towering structure was designed by London-based architect NORR Group and stands at 1,236.88 feet, making it the worlds tallest hotel.

However, despite the triumph, the hotel was never meant to be that high, according to the First Groups CEO of project developer, Rob Burns.

We knew we wanted to build something spectacular, Burns told CNN. But we certainly didnt plan on building the tallest hotel in the world.

Courtesy Ciel Dubai Marina A room in the Ciel Dubai Marina

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The record-breaking hotel opened its doors on Nov. 15.

Today, we proudly announce the opening of Ciel Dubai Marina, the worlds tallest hotel, rising as a beacon in the heart of Dubai Marina, they wrote on Instagram. Ciel is more than a feat of architecture. It is a symbol of innovation, ambition, and belief, proof that true progress happens when vision becomes reality. This landmark stands as a tribute to Dubais pioneering spirit and to everyone who believes that the future is built, not imagined.

Courtesy Ciel Dubai Marina A lobby in the Ciel Dubai Marina

The caption added, This is not just the opening of a hotel. It is the start of a new chapter, for The First Group, for Dubai and for the global skyline.

In the post, a video of Ciel Dubai Marina captured its luxurious glass walls and windows as it filmed the outside of the hotel's 82 floors. The structure features a large opening toward the top referred to as the "eye of the needle," which was incorporated both for design and for function.

Courtesy Ciel Dubai Marina An outdoor pool at the Ciel Dubai Marina

If you want the height that is great, but how can you shape the building to minimize the wind load?" Burns noted. "So, by having the cutout we let the wind go through the tower.

In addition to the luxury rooms, architect Yahya Jan has also incorporated "social community spaces," which he refers to as "small parks," turning the tower into "smaller neighborhoods."

Courtesy Ciel Dubai Marina Restaurant at the Ciel Dubai Marina

While it only opened last month, only 200 of its 1004 rooms are unoccupied, according to Gulf News.

Prices range from $375 per night for a deluxe room to $545 for a king suite.

Inside the building features a central atrium filled with natural light thanks to the large floor-to-ceiling windows.

Guests are spoiled for choice with the hotels eight dining venues. There are also three pools including an infinity pool on level 76, located in the eye of the needle opening. There's also a fitness center and a business center.



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More than 100 influential emerging leaders from Australias tech channel gathered in Sydney for ARNs inaugural LeadNext program, a platform dedicated to spotlighting, supporting, and accelerating the next generation of talent driving industry innovation.

The LeadNext program was held at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney where 110 of the IT channels brightest minds attended the morning program aimed at supporting those who are shaping the leadership future of the industry.

Nextgen CEO John Walters was a guest keynote speaker discussing A Leadership Journey, sharing his military skills, experience, valuable lessons learnt and how these skills influenced and shaped his corporate leadership style.

Author and mindset strategist Mark Jones also delivered a powerful leadership workshop on wellbeing and the power of storytelling in career development.

A panel session also took place on Powering High-Impact Teams  Culture, Collaboration, and Contribution  featuring Dicker Data software general manager Pennie Stevens, GoTo APAC and A/NZ senior director of channel and country leader Yvette McEnearney, and Okta A/NZ sales development leader Kat Rolls, who shared insights on building high-performing teams, navigating team dynamics, and creating spaces where everyone can contribute meaningfully.

A powerful line up of mentors from across the IT industry also shared their expertise in dedicated mentoring sessions.
As the demands on network on IT infrastructure goes up and AI becomes a much bigger thing, suddenly the amounts of data were moving around become much larger.

This then incorporates security threats as bad actors become prevalent. Suddenly the network becomes vital at the centre of everything, noted Fox.

Its become the crown jewels of the infrastructure, he explained. Its the piece in the middle that connects everything, and thats fantastic. As a networking company, were very excited about that.

But it does mean that suddenly, anything we can do to innovate, to make things work better in the AI space, or to better connect from the client out to the cloud, is going to be well received by a customer.

This type of change requires HPE to help its partners to tell different stories now to customers compared to five years ago, Fox explained.

Its not now [selling] around widgets and bills of materials, switch ports, speeds and all of that stuff, Fox explained. Its around use cases and what the customer really wants at the end, as well as what they need it to feel like and whats important.

Theres a whole bunch of new outcomes that we werent talking about five years ago.

Fox explained that HPE spends a lot of time and energy on partner enablement. It also helps with use-case-based conversations and assist partners in telling a story that makes sense to a network administrator, a CIO, or increasingly, a CFO, especially when talking about IT budgets.

Show me a customer whose IT budget has gone up. There arent that many, Fox said. Or where the IT team is growing. Again, not many, he said. Its almost persona based as the same story now needs to be told in multiple ways.

Were helping our partners understand all the different players inside the customer landscape, and what secure AI-native networking means to a tech operator, an executive, a CEO, or a CFO.

According to Fox, its a work in progress, but going really well. Most partners have experience trying to sell the wrong story to the wrong stakeholder.

These partners are well versed in not talking to a CFO about speeds and feeds, like 800 gig per second, so their eyes roll on the back of their head, Fox said. Or talking to a network administrator about the balance sheet and network-as-a-service savings, and their eyes roll too.

Move to Sydney

As exciting as the changes in the networking space is, Fox has experienced his own transition from his New Zealand base to Sydney.

Both countries are amazing, and I miss New Zealand, but Sydney is vibrant and its busy, he said. Theres lots of customers here and most of our team is here, so its great to be in the middle of the buzz.

Previously, Fox was the New Zealand country manager of HPE Aruba Networking, a role he took on in 2016. In June 2024, he moved into the role of interim head of HPE Aruba Networking South Pacific, when Pat Devlin departed the role.

Fox was then made country manager of A/NZ before transitioning to his current role where he has been tasked with the integration of HPE Aruba Networking, HPE and Juniper Networking post-acquisition.

I spend my day doing the things that I love, which is talking to customers and partners and an amazing team. Culturally its one of the most exciting things for me, he said. If you go back far enough, Im an engineer and I was trained as a computer break-fix engineer.

Theres an amazingly clever team inside the legacy HPE Aruba Networking business. The team thats coming on from Juniper are cut from the same cloth  clever and bright, they want to do the right thing by the customer.

I get excited by how technology can positively influence issues or challenges or problems that customers are having.
December 9, 2025: In August Finnish prosecutors charged the captain and two senior officers of the tanker Eagle S with aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference with communications by dragging the ships anchor for 90 kilometers along the subsurface terrain. This ruptured the Estlink 2 undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia as well as four internet lines. Prompt repairs to restore service cost $70 million, with complete restoration of power and internet service costing even more. Nations bordering the Baltic Sea have been nervously anticipating and preparing for sabotage after a string of outages of power cables, gas pipelines and telecoms, although subsea infrastructure is also subject to technical malfunctions and outages caused by accidents. The Eagle S disruption caused serious risks to energy supply and telecommunications in Finland

The year began with a fiber optic cable between Latvia and Sweden being damaged by parties unknown. Over the last few years more than a dozen Baltic Sea underwater cables have been damaged or cut. These cables can be repaired in a few weeks, but local Coast Guard officials consider most of these incidents deliberate and that makes them criminal.

Over the last year there have been several underwater cables cut in the Baltic Sea. The damage was done using anchors dragged across the seabed. The common factor in all this was Russia and its oil smuggling operation. The economic sanctions on Russia because of the Ukraine War have made Russia desperate. Russia has a fleet of tankers that operate in the shadows to smuggle Russian oil. The more the Russians carry out these acts, the more the sanctions are increased. Countries bordering the Baltic formed a force of patrol boats that patrolled areas where underwater cables were. If a Russian ship moved into the area anyway, local navies would send out a warship and board the Russian vessel for a chat.

Russia is not the first nation to attack the hundreds of underwater cable networks around the world. In 2009 the U.S. Navy found itself defending underwater Internet cables. That's where most of the planet's Internet traffic spends most of its time, as it travels from continent to continent via fiber-optic cables. The navy proposed to undertake more aggressive operations to prevent terrorists, or hostile nations, from trying to cut these cables.
Nepal's anti-corruption commission has indicted 55 former politicians and officials and the state-owned China CAMC Engineering of inflating the costs of Pokhara International Airport, built with a Chinese loan as part of Beijings Belt and Road Initiative, but currently without regular international flights. The investigation is testing the new caretaker government, which does not want to jeopardise ties with Beijing.

Kathmandu (AsiaNews)  The wave of youth protests that shook Nepal in recent months has not yet subsided. Meanwhile, the countrys anti-corruption commission has targeted several former politicians involved in the construction of the new Pokhara International Airport, built with a Chinese loan and currently virtually without international flights.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) recently filed charges against 55 people and a Chinese state-owned company, China CAMC Engineering, for inflating the project's costs.

The accused include five former ministers, ten former cabinet secretaries, and other senior officials from all of the country's major political parties.

According to the CIAA, the cost of the project  estimated at between US$ 216 million and US$ 250 million, was inflated by more than US$ 70 million through a revised estimate deemed unlawful. For this reason, it is seeking the recovery of 8.36 billion Nepalese rupees (US$ 63 million).

The CIAA accused China CAMC Engineering President Wang Bo and his regional manager Liu Shengcheng of increasing the estimated cost without reasonable cause and with an unnatural price set even before the entering into further procurement-related procedures process in violation of applicable rules.

Pokhara International Airport, immediately labelled a national pride project, was inaugurated in January 2023 to serve the city of Pokhara, the countrys tourist hub, located at the foot of the Himalayas, one of the most visited places in the country.

Nearly three years later, however, there are still no regular international flights and minimal revenues that prevent debt repayments.

The loan granted by the Export-Import Bank of China is expected to be repaid with the proceeds from the airport, which is one of the many projects included in Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the mega-infrastructure plan launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013.

Nepali authorities have, however, always tried to avoid including the project in the BRI precisely to avoid fuelling domestic controversy over the risk of financial dependence on Beijing.

The latest development follows protests in September against corruption, nepotism, and the impunity of traditional political parties.

The demonstrations led to the fall of the government of then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, considered very close to Beijing, and brought to power a caretaker government led by former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki, who immediately promised to pursue a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.

For several observers, this affair is an attempt to regain the trust of the population, tired of corruption scandals, but also a test of relations with Beijing.

The case will now be examined by a special court, which is expected to last several months and could have significant repercussions on bilateral relations with Beijing.

China is Nepal's second-largest trading partner after India, and the previous government had attempted to balance the influence of its two Asian neighbours, for example by requesting the conversion of the Pokhara loan into a non-repayable grant, a request Beijing rejected.

For its part, the current technocratic government will have to balance the demands for transparency from Nepals Gen Z, who led the protests, with the need to avoid compromising ties with Beijing.
by Nirmala Carvalho

SRM University in Chennai fired Lora Santhakumar for posting comments on her WhatsApp status critical of Operation Sindoor. First suspended on 8 May, she was fired a few days ago. Over this period, she was the target of online attacks and death threats from far-right groups.

Delhi (AsiaNews)  A Dalit Christian assistant professor, at SRM University in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, has been fired for posting critical opinions about war during Operation Sindoor, the brief armed conflict between India and Pakistan that took place last May.

Lora Santhakumar was suspended first on 8 May after posting comments and opinions on her WhatsApp status that warned of the dangers of war. Her phone number and photo soon began circulating on right-wing social media, triggering online abuse, menacing phone calls, and death threats.

A few months later, she was dismissed for allegedly making unethical remarks" on social media about the armed forces and identifying herself as an assistant professor at SRM Institute of Technology (SRMIST).

Santhakumar, who worked at the university's Professional Development Centre(CDC), was seemingly doxed[*] by students in May. For the latter, her "crime" was posting a status on the popular social media site in which she called for peace.

The students allegedly revealed the identity of the Dalit Christian scholar, triggering violent attacks from groups and circles linked to the Indian far right.

The dismissal order followed, which also included allegations of tagging herself as an assistant professor at the university without qualification and posting unethical remarks against the army online.

For SRM Uni, she is unfit to continue her job in the institution and is dismissed from service with immediate effect.

A committee of inquiry was set up and an investigation was conducted at the SRM Kattankulathur campus from 15 July to 26 September, chaired by SRMIST Director of Student Affairs Nisha Ashokan. The committee submitted its final report to the university secretary on 30 October.

Her suspension was decided after her WhatsApp status, along with her phone number and photo, were leaked to right-wing social media accounts, resulting in targeted cyberbullying, harassment, and threatening phone calls, including death threats. These accounts had taken parts of her status and distributed them, accusing her of speaking negatively about the Indian army.

Right-wing activists and groups branded the Dalit Christian as "anti-national", lacking in patriotism, so much so that she was forced to leave her home in Chennai, even though all she did was to urge people to consider the human cost of war. In the end, she decided to return to her hometown of Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, to protect herself from continued harassment.

According to the committees report, she posted a total of 12 anti-war messages, two of which she shared publicly, detailing the real-world consequences of the war, from the economic shutdown to the loss of life. Another criticised the killing of civilians in an attack, calling it an act of cowardice rather than courage.

The committee charged her on five accounts, plus a sixth one issued against her on 16 June, alleging unethical comments against the Indian armed forces, lack of patriotism, and acting against national interests. She was also accused of "criminal" antisocial activities, which the committee described as a grave misconduct.

Denying all charges, Santhakumar maintained that her comments were never intended to belittle the armed forces and that, in fact, they had been misunderstood and shared with the wrong perspective. She also denied damaging the university's reputation and that the comments were not posted on public social media, but only on her temporary personal WhatsApp status.

Despite her defence, the committed found her guilty on five counts and ordered her expulsion from the university, giving her one month to appeal to the vice-chancellor, the appellate authority in the matter.

Her case reflects a broader trend in India, where marginalised academics face suspension, dismissal, and threats if they criticise war, majoritarian politics, or state violence.

Another academic Ali Khan Mahmudabad, associate professor at Ashoka University, faced legal challenges and arrest in mid-2025 for statements he made about Operation Sindoor.

[*] Act of publicly providing personally identifiable information about an individual or organisation.
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has reignited, with new airstrikes and hundreds of thousands of displaced people on both sides. Domestic Thai political tensions are behind the military crisis. PM Anutin Charnvirakul's government, in difficulty and on the verge of parliaments dissolution, is exploiting nationalist rhetoric to bolster support. Meanwhile, Cambodia is drawing militarily closer to Vietnam.

Bangkok/Phnom Penh (AsiaNews)  Despite the truce reached in July under pressure from US President Donald Trump, the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia reignited in recent days, with fighting along the border continuing today. The Royal Thai Air Force confirmed new airstrikes this morning, but did not provide further details.

Over the past few months, the terms of the peace deal signed in October (mediated by Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair) have never been implemented, paving the way for the resumption of hostilities along the shared border.

At the heart of the tensions remains the definition of the border (drawn in 1907 and considered inaccurate by Thailand, even though the International Court of Justice has repeatedly reaffirmed the legitimacy of Cambodian sovereignty over certain areas) and the presence, on Cambodian territory, of casinos and online scam centres, which Thailand believes facilitate illegal trafficking.

The escalation is also underway against a backdrop of growing political instability in Thailand. According to some analysts, the government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (who came to power after the fall of the Pheu Thai government) is trying to build support ahead of the dissolution of Parliament, scheduled for after 12 December, and early elections that could be held as early as next January or February.

Nationalist rhetoric offers the government an opportunity to show its resolve at a time when political competition is intensifying. The progressive People's Party remains very popular among young people and has long sought to challenge the political establishment represented by the monarchy and the military.

Anutin fears a no-confidence motion announced by Pheu Thai. The military crisis on the border, therefore, is a tool of pressure, a way to unite the conservative camp, divert attention from the government's failures (such as the poor management of the recent floods in the south of the country), and strengthen the image of a leadership capable of defending national sovereignty. But that is not all.

Yesterday, a Thai drone carried out an attack on a casino in the MDS Heng He Thmorda Special Economic Zone in Sa Kaeo province. The place, owned by Cambodian tycoon Try Pheap and Chinese investors, was reportedly used as a weapons depot, according to Thailand, which claims a drone signal jamming tower was also present.

Another casino was also destroyed in Boeung Trakoun, which the Thai military claims served as a supply point for the Cambodian troops.

Thai forces also struck a series of military targets, including a BM-21 rocket depot in Samraong, Oddar Meanchey Province, and various anti-drone emplacements and systems in Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani.

Cambodia, in response, targeted disputed areas along the border, such as Chong Bok, Ta Kwai Temple, Kana Temple, Phu Ma Khuea, and the Ta Muen Thom complex.

So far, Thai authorities have reported 10 deaths (three soldiers and seven civilians), while the Cambodian Interior Ministry confirmed the deaths of nine civilians and said that 20 others were injured, but did not provide figures on military losses.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced on both sides of the border.

The two sides continue to accuse each other of initiating the hostilities. Hun Sen, former prime minister and father of the current Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, said that Phnom Penh waited 24 hours before responding to the attacks. "Cambodia needs peace, but Cambodia is compelled to counterattack to defend our territory," he said in a Facebook post.

For Thailand, Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, reiterated that the country is determined to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Therefore, military measures must be taken as necessary.

Several observers expected renewed fighting, since neither side has respected the terms of the agreement signed on 26 October, like coordinating mine-clearing operations, withdrawing heavy weapons from the border, implementing measures to rebuild mutual trust, and refraining from propaganda activities or the dissemination of hostile information.

Bangkok suspended de-escalation measures last month after a Thai soldier was injured by a mine explosion, claiming that the explosive device had been planted recently, while Phnom Penh claims it was a remnant of the civil war.

Cambodia, for its part, accuses Thailand of holding 18 Cambodian soldiers as prisoners, in violation of international humanitarian law.

Despite Bangkok's significant military advantage, Phnom Penh has sought to strengthen its diplomatic position, supporting Donald Trump's Nobel Peace Prize candidacy. Trump has responded positively to Cambodian flattery (irritating Thailand, a historic US ally), but also by leveraging ties elsewhere in the region.

It is perhaps no coincidence that the war between Thailand and Cambodia resumed on the very day that the Cambodian and Vietnamese prime ministers inaugurated the new Tan Nam/Meun Chey border crossing.

According to some commentators, Vietnam is seeking to exploit tensions in Southeast Asia to its advantage. Although Hanoi has remained neutral so far, some members of its military have reportedly called for strengthening defence ties with Phnom Penh to promote border security.

Yesterday, several Cambodian military representatives met with their Vietnamese counterparts on the margins of the inauguration of the new border crossing.
Today's headlines: Death toll rises to 10 in renewed clashes on the border between Thailand and Cambodia; 7.5 magnitude earthquake in the Hokkaido region of Japan: at least 34 dead; A 15-year-old girl from Myanmar is the first foreigner to lose her residence permit in Singapore for using etomidate in her e-cigarette; On the first anniversary of Assad's fall, President al Sharaa returns to promise a Syria without violence.

CHINA-UNITED STATES

US President Donald J. Trump has announced that he has reached an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping to allow US chip giant Nvidia to export advanced artificial intelligence chips to China. The Biden administration had severely restricted these exports due to national security concerns and possible Chinese military uses. On his social network Truth, Trump wrote that 25% of the value will be paid to the United States of America, without providing further details on how the payment mechanism will work.

CAMBODIA-THAILAND

The provisional death toll from renewed clashes on the border between Thailand and Cambodia has risen to 10. Phnom Penh reported two more civilian casualties in last night's Thai air strikes, bringing the number of Cambodians killed to seven. For its part, Thailand reported that at least three of its soldiers had died. At the heart of the conflict is the dispute over the area near the Preah Vihear temple, over which both countries have claimed sovereignty for decades, used for internal reasons by both leaderships for nationalist purposes. A fragile ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump came into effect in early July after several days of fighting.

JAPAN

At least 34 people were injured by a powerful earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale that struck north-eastern Japan late on Monday evening, causing disruptions to transport and water supplies. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake, which struck off the east coast of Aomori Prefecture at a depth of 54 kilometres, could be followed in the coming days by a quake of similar or greater magnitude in the same area. This is the first time the agency has issued such a warning for the coastal regions of Hokkaido and the Sanriku coast, which stretches from Aomori through Iwate and Miyagi prefectures.

SINGAPORE-MYANMAR

A 15-year-old girl from Myanmar is the first foreigner to have her long-term immigrant status in Singapore revoked for being found in possession of an e-cigarette cartridge containing etomidate (known as Kpod). She has been issued with a Special Pass allowing her to remain in Singapore to respond to police investigations into other offences. At the conclusion of her case, she will be deported and barred from re-entering Singapore, the authorities said. Under the strengthened anti-vaping framework that came into force on 1 September, foreigners found in possession of Kpods may have their pass or immigration status revoked.

SYRIA

A military parade in Damascus yesterday celebrated the first anniversary of the fall of Bashar al-Assad, who was deposed by a rebel offensive that ended Syria's long civil war. Addressing the crowd, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former jihadist leader, said that victory is only the beginning, promising once again to build a Syria for all Syrians, leaving behind its past of repression and violence. However, fears remain among minorities, who have suffered harsh reprisals in recent months, especially in the coastal region.

RUSSIA

The news of the death of Aleksey Okopny, deputy head of Moscow police's Centre E for combating extremism, known as the watchdog of the regime, has spread with many comments and reactions on social media. A message from the police stated that Aleksey had heart problems and died as a result. The text was then deleted in the face of a chorus of enthusiasm from various bloggers and internet users, who hailed the demise of the great persecutor.

ARMENIA

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented the policy paper for the reform of the Apostolic Church, to be implemented after removing Catholicos Karekin II, whom he called by his civil name Krtic Nersisyan, and electing a patriarchal lieutenant, according to the internal mechanisms of the Church and then approving a new Code of Ecclesiastical Canons, which includes rules for verifying the reliability of members of the clergy.
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Indonesian authorities are investigating a studio in Bali after a police raid uncovered evidence suggesting it was being used to produce online pornographic content. Among those detained is British adult content creator Tia Emma Billinger, better known as Bonnie Blue, along with several other foreign nationals. Four British citizens and one Australian remain under formal investigation; the remainder were released as witnesses.

The case has drawn heightened public scrutiny because some of the people present at the property were reportedly aged 17. Indonesian police have stressed that these individuals are regarded as witnesses, not suspects.

The raid, which took place during the period known in Australia as 'Schoolies', when recent schoolleavers travel to holiday destinations, has triggered concern over the potential involvement of underage participants in online adult content. The investigation is ongoing and no formal charges have yet been announced.

Police Investigation in Bali

On 4 December 2025, police and immigration officers entered a studio in Pererenan Village, Badung, Bali, acting on a tipoff alleging illicit filmmaking activities. The authorities found multiple cameras, storage devices, and other items reportedly used in producing explicit content, according Dewata News.

Out of 18 foreign nationals detained at the scene, 14, mostly Australian men, were released after being questioned and classified as witnesses. Five people remain under investigation, including Billinger and other foreign men. A police spokesman confirmed the case could fall under Indonesia's Pornography Act (Law No. 44/2008), which prohibits the production or distribution of pornographic material and carries heavy penalties.

Authorities have seized film equipment and a vehicle carrying branding linked to online content promotion. Digital evidence is reportedly being analysed, but police have not confirmed if there is sufficient material to bring formal charges.

Underage Witnesses and Schoolies Period

Indonesian authorities confirmed that 14 of the 18 individuals questioned ranged in age from 17 to 40. Those aged 17 were treated solely as witnesses and were not accused of any criminal wrongdoing.

The timing of the raid coincided with 'Schoolies', the Australian tradition when recent schoolleavers travel abroad for celebratory holidays. Bali has long been a popular destination for these trips. Media reports suggest Billinger had previously promoted her arrival in Bali to coincide with Schoolies festivities.

Australian media outlets such as 9news have reported that Billinger had previously promoted appearances in Australia linked to Schoolies celebrations. She was barred from entering Australia in late 2024 following separate controversies involving online content promotion. Those earlier incidents are not directly connected to the Bali investigation but have resurfaced in public discussion following her detention.

OnlyFans model Bonnie Blue has been detained by cops in Bali during a Bangbus tour.



She is expected to be charged with solicitation of minors.  0HOUR (@0hour1) December 5, 2025

Bonnie Blue has been arrested!! (For real this time) pic.twitter.com/mkqQW0Op2E  AlphaFox (@alphafox) December 5, 2025

Previous Online Notoriety

Billinger gained notoriety earlier in 2025 after claiming in a viral online stunt to have had sex with over 1,000 men in a single day. The post attracted widespread media coverage and controversy, according to South China Morning Post.

She was later removed from a major adultcontent subscription platform after the site determined some of her content breached its acceptable use policies. Billinger disputed this decision, arguing that other creators continued similar content unfazed.

Ongoing Inquiry

At this stage, no formal criminal charges have been announced. Police have said the four British nationals under investigation are being questioned in connection with potential breaches of Indonesia's Pornography Law and Information and Electronic Transactions Law.

Officials declined to confirm whether the presence of recording equipment alone would be sufficient to bring charges, stating that all digital material must first be examined by forensic investigators.

For now, the case remains a developing international inquiry involving digital content production, youth protection concerns and cross-border law enforcement cooperation.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
9 December 2025 19:47 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Armenias political landscape is entering a critical phase as the country navigates the delicate process of normalising relations with Azerbaijan. Since the signing of the peace accord in Washington, Nikol Pashinyan has made bold statements and decisions aimed at positively advancing the process. Although the Azerbaijani side still hopes for some practical steps, these actions by Pashinyan should certainly be regarded as commendable.

As the parliamentary elections approach, the interplay between government initiatives, opposition dissent, and public sentiment will define both the trajectory of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and Pashinyans domestic standing.

Recently, Pashinyan organised a walk with residents of the village of Kirants, located on the border with Azerbaijan in the Tavush region. During this event, he emphasised recent practical measures taken to enhance security and trust along the border:

"Some time ago, Armenian and Azerbaijani border guards emerged from their trenches and openly confronted each other. During the second stage, the border guards removed their helmets and body armour. An agreement has now been reached not to store ammunition in automatic weapons."

The Prime Minister underlined that stability has been maintained in the area since the border demarcation, with no incidents occurring over the past year:

"In the near future, citizens of Azerbaijan and Armenia will be crossing the border, taking advantage of transit opportunities. We are living through historic times for the South Caucasus."

How strong is the oppositions capacity to mobilise against Pashinyans peace initiatives? How is public opinion shaping perceptions of Pashinyans approach to normalisation with Azerbaijan? With elections roughly seven months away, could any setbacks in the process affect his electoral prospects?

Exclusively with Azernews, Armenian political scientist Ishkhan Verdiyan offered his perspective on the current political situation in Armenia:

"The current political situation in Armenia suggests that Nikol Pashinyan would have virtually no alternative in the upcoming parliamentary elections, even if they were held tomorrow. The opposition, primarily the Dashnak party, has traditionally opposed Pashinyan. Moreover, it has always fiercely opposed him, attempting to hinder and derail any process of normalising Armenian-Azerbaijani relations."

According to him, as it stands, the Armenian premier does not face any serious threats from his possible opponents:

"However, it now appears that Pashinyan has taken the initiative in this process and has no intention of giving the opposition any leeway this time. I believe it will be impossible to change his course. My confidence is based on the fact that Pashinyan truly enjoys significant support among the civilian population of Armenia. Many people are waiting for him to complete his mission, bring peace, and, as he promises, ensure prosperity for the country and its people. Therefore, Pashinyan currently faces no serious electoral opponents in the political arena. And if nothing changes, then he will most likely win the next elections."
9 December 2025 13:45 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

In a historic first, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev paid an official visit to Slovakia on December 8, meeting with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Bratislava to discuss the future of bilateral relations and avenues for cooperation across multiple sectors.

Relations between Azerbaijan and Slovakia have been growing rapidly in recent years, with an expanding cooperation agenda across various sectors. Since establishing diplomatic ties, their collaboration in politics, defense, economics, energy, humanitarian, and cultural fields has increased. Both nations base their relations on mutual respect, equality, and honest dialogue, demonstrating a shared commitment to international law. Recently, Azerbaijan has aimed to boost its activities in the energy sector and has become a significant gas exporter regionally and in Europe.

Slovakia joined this group last year, marking an expansion of energy cooperation and strengthening Azerbaijan's position in the European market. Azerbaijan ranks among the leading pipeline gas exporters, with 14 countries now purchasing its gas. Total exports amount to 25 billion cubic meters, half of which is sent to Europe. Eight EU member states now buy Azerbaijani gas. As the gas industry develops, export opportunities and international cooperation continue to grow, enhancing Azerbaijan's role as a reliable energy partner regionally and in Europe.

Addressing the Azerbaijani delegation, President Pellegrini emphasized the symbolic and strategic importance of the visit:

"It is a great honor for us to welcome you to Slovakia, to Bratislava. You have greatly honored us by deciding to visit Slovakia. This is the first official visit by the President of Azerbaijan in the history of the Slovak Republic In our view, this visit should send a strong signal: our relations are not only friendly, but they also hold tremendous potential for further development."

Pellegrini recalled the steps already taken to strengthen ties, including the opening of embassies in Baku and Bratislava, the establishment of a joint commission, and exchanges between government officials in various sectors. He highlighted Slovakias pressing energy challenges in light of the EUs planned ban on Russian gas imports, underlining the importance of Azerbaijani gas supplies. The presence of SOCARs president in the delegation facilitated detailed discussions on energy cooperation, signaling concrete steps toward diversification of Slovakias energy sources.

President Ilham Aliyev responded by highlighting the rapid evolution of bilateral relations, which he described as reaching the level of a strategic partnership:

"Today, these relations have reached the level of a strategic partnership Last year, we began supplying gas to Slovakia, and we are ready to continue doing so whenever appropriate. Our cooperation in the field of defense and the defense industry holds tremendous potential for the future. Important work has already been done, but much remains to be accomplished."

He also pointed to Azerbaijans contributions to the reconstruction of Garabagh, emphasizing the broad scope of collaboration that goes beyond energy and defense. The discussions extended to technology and innovation, including the development of data centers leveraging Azerbaijans substantial energy capacity and favorable climatic conditions, highlighting opportunities for Slovak companies in high-tech sectors.

In post-visit statements, both leaders underlined the strategic dimension of the partnership. President Pellegrini described Azerbaijan as "a partner of strategic importance in the region," noting that bilateral trade continues to grow and that untapped potential remains across sectors such as defense, advanced technologies, student exchanges, tourism, and culture. He highlighted Slovak expertise in self-propelled artillery, ammunition, and related defense technologies, noting that joint production with Azerbaijan could target global markets.

President Aliyev stressed Azerbaijans role as a bridge between East and West, highlighting its strategic investments in infrastructure, transport, and the Middle Corridor connecting Central Asia with Europe. He underscored the potential of Azerbaijan as a regional energy hub, noting that Azerbaijani gas now reaches 14 countries, with half of total exports supplied to Europe. Ilham Aliyev further elaborated on opportunities in the tech sector, pointing to plans to increase unused energy capacity from 2 gigawatts to 8 gigawatts over the next five years, critical for operating data centers and supporting artificial intelligence applications.

The visit also reinforced personal ties between the two nations. Aliyev recalled Slovakias participation in Azerbaijans military parade marking the fifth anniversary of the countrys victory in the liberation war, noting such gestures as proof of genuine friendship. Pellegrini highlighted direct flights between Bratislava and Baku via Wizz Air as a practical step in strengthening people-to-people and business connections.

What emerged from the visit is clear: Azerbaijan and Slovakia have moved beyond formal goodwill and entered a phase of actionable, mutually beneficial partnership. From diversified gas supplies to joint defense production, from data center development to connectivity corridors, the areas of cooperation are not only broad but strategically aligned.

The meetings in Bratislava, along with the negotiations and messages exchanged, have provided fresh momentum, a new pulse for Azerbaijani-Slovak relations, and once again highlight the success of our country's foreign policy.
9 December 2025 17:49 (UTC+04:00)

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Analysts note that Azerbaijans increased exports are supported by rising demand for local products abroad, and continued cooperation with Argentina could open new opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, petrochemicals, and industrial goods.

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9 December 2025 13:27 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A discussion has been held on the subject "The Development of Technologies in the Field of Culture (Cultech) in Islamic Countries" in the framework of "OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week  2025", Azernews reports.

The panel session was moderated by Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Lhoucine Rhazoui.

In her speech, Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister, Saadat Yusifova, emphasized that Azerbaijan has made significant contributions to Islamic culture:

"Today, here, we are not only highlighting our cultural heritage, but also our current political, economic, and cultural partnerships. Throughout the centuries, aesthetic music, architecture, carpet weaving, and various forms of art have brought us closer to one another."

The Deputy Culture Minister also provided information about the work being done in Azerbaijan to showcase the creative potential of young talents by applying their knowledge and skills, as well as the work done in the cultural and creative industries. It was noted that strengthening Azerbaijan's cooperation with various countries and the projects carried out have contributed to the export of the country's creative products and services.

President of Turkiye's Yunus Emre Institute, Abdurrahman Ali, spoke about the activities of the institution he heads. He mentioned that the institute has been carefully following the idea of combining culture with technology for a long time:

"Today, we are gathered here to evaluate the possibilities of applying the CulTech model, which presents a new perspective at the intersection of culture and technology, in Islamic countries. The fact that this event is being held in Baku is of special significance for us. This is because Azerbaijan is one of the most dynamic countries in the region when it comes to implementing innovative digital solutions.

Culture is one of the most powerful factors that shape not only our past but also our future. This is why the CulTech approach, which we are focusing on today, is so important. CulTech means the presentation of cultural values in conjunction with technology, that is, strengthening cultural production through digitization and expanding the sharing of culture to a wider audience. When Islamic countries, with their young populations, rich cultural heritage, and rapidly developing technological infrastructure, act together in this field, the impact that will emerge will be significant both regionally and globally," he said.

Assistant Director of the ICESCO Baku Regional Office, Maryam Gafar-Zada highlighted that the office covers the Caucasus and Central Asia regions, including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. She noted that for these five countries, which have rich historical and cultural heritage, the Baku Regional Office plays an important role as a dynamic platform for cooperation and dialogue, especially as a hub for the exchange of experiences in the fields of youth, digital technologies, and creative industries.

According to her, places like the "Center for the Development of Cultural and Creative Industries," where creative youth gather in Baku, are considered exemplary practices for ICESCO, and there are wide opportunities for transferring this model to Central Asian countries.

Director of the Statistics and Information Department of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), Atilla Karaman, stated that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) represents 2 billion people demographically, with 1.1 billion of them under the age of 25, which makes up 51 percent of the total population:

"Around 27 percent of these young people have specific needs. These young people are neither involved in education, employment, nor any training process. If we can engage these 27 percent of youth in the labor market or in production in any way, it could significantly support the GDPs of our member countries. Another important statistic is related to the digital divide among our member countries. When we look at the countries within the organization, we see that the internet usage level reaches 99-100 percent. However, in some of our member countries, this indicator is below 20 percent. This situation is related to financial difficulties, infrastructure problems, and a lack of investment. Such a digital divide deepens the gaps between the talent potential of our member countries.

We must create a platform that combines both physical and digital events, a platform unique to the OIC, and we must be able to build a hybrid, intercultural digital learning ecosystem. As we move toward artificial intelligence in the global landscape, we propose mobility and academic bridge programs. It is essential to establish connections between universities and industries. We must propose a unique approach. By creating the best programs and selecting the most talented youth, we could send them to other OIC countries. As a result, they would be able to return to their countries after learning the best practices."

Chairman of the Uzbekistan Creative Association (UzCA) Abduvali Khaydarov spoke about the work being done in his country in the field of cultural technologies.

The panel session continued with a Q&A session and discussions.
9 December 2025 11:45 (UTC+04:00)

On December 8, an opening ceremony of the international conference on the theme Launch of the AI Index for the Islamic World was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azernews reports citing Azertag.

Co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Azerbaijans Ministry of Science and Education in partnership with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the conference aims to enhance cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) in the Islamic world, as well as discuss the ethical, social and economic impacts of AI.

The document on the AI Index for the Islamic World is also presented in Baku for the first time.

In her opening remarks, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, noted that the AI had already become an integral part of everyday life. According to her, this area, which creates vast opportunities, also raises new questions and responsibilities. She highlighted the importance of the societys proper assessment of the impacts of AI, protecting the youth from the existing risks and directing them through the opportunities offered by this technology.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation Vice-President highlighted Azerbaijans consistent steps undertaken in this direction. She said that the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 20252028 envisages establishing the national artificial intelligence ecosystem, developing the AI model in Azerbaijani for public services, defining the standards for government agencies, and establishing the Artificial Intelligence Academy.

Recalling that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation had identified education as the priority area for 20 years, Leyla Aliyeva said that during this period, the Foundation built and reconstructed over 500 schools, as well as modernized kindergartens and boarding schools in Azerbaijan, providing thousands of children with modern educational facilities.

She noted that transitioning to the AI era further increases the importance of this mission, adding that AI is not just a technology, but a new opportunity for every child.

Leyla Aliyeva also emphasized that AI could play a crucial role in environmental protection, namely tracking rare animal species; monitoring climate change; protecting forests, conserving water resources, and developing sustainable agriculture.

Highlighting the cooperation with ICESCO, Leyla Aliyeva underscored several ongoing projects in Africa, including construction of school for the internally displaced girls in Burkina Faso, as well as projects in Mali, Chad, and the Comoros. In this vein, she outlined the establishment of regional information and communication technology centers for youth and people with disabilities, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Emin Amrullayev, Azerbaijani Minister of Science and Education, stressed that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation had been promoting the excellence in education for many years, supporting innovative initiatives, and creating vast opportunities for children and youth. He pointed out the Foundations unparalleled contributions to boosting education in Azerbaijan and the Islamic world. He also mentioned the Azerbaijani Education Ministry is taking pride in the implementation of common goals together with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, contributing to the social and cultural development.

In his remarks, Salim bin Mohammed Almalik, ICESCO Director-General, noted that humanity is on the verge of a new stage - the age of AI. According to him, this is a force that can shape skills and influence. The Director-General mentioned that AI had already become a strategic target: those who accept it accelerate development, while those who oppose it will see progress go in other directions and will be left behind.

He said AI is not only a technology, but also an enabling tool, whose application provides innovative solutions in education, healthcare, management and other spheres.

The ICESCO Director-General hailed the high-level cooperation among the member states.

The conference also featured the 4th joint Hamdan-ICESCO award ceremony of ICESCO and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation. The award recognizes contributions to developing educational facilities and supporting the educational environment across the Islamic world. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation received this award in recognition of its educational and social support projects aimed at the construction and reconstruction of schools both in the Islamic world and other countries.

The award was also presented to the Hadhramout Foundation  Human Development of Yemen and the First Education Foundation of Morocco.

Addressing the event, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Supreme Chairman of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, congratulated the winners of the Hamdan-ICESCO prize, saying: Today, you have become a source of pride and inspiration for charity organizations, donors and benefactors who care about the educational environment and students. We will not hesitate to take on the responsibility of promoting the culture and impact of volunteer efforts in supporting education.

The conference continued with a panel discussion on "Innovation in education: The impact and opportunities of AI in the Islamic World."

Prior to the discussions, the speakers emphasized that AI is already influencing various aspects of our lives and is set to play a crucial role in the development of future generations.

The discussions highlighted AI's ability to drive progress by opening new avenues for research, enhancing economic efficiency, and encouraging the development of future job market-relevant professions.

Another panel session, moderated by Ouiam Chafik, a representative of the Foresight and AI center at ICESCO, underscored the importance of exchanging experiences among countries, collaboration and enhancing regional initiatives in the field of AI.

During another panel, the participants emphasized the significance of strengthening cross-border coordination in the field of AI, exploring its ethical and socio-economic aspects, and ensuring sustainable and inclusive technological development. It was mentioned that these initiatives contribute not only to technological progress, but also to the human capital development, improvement of education quality, and advancement of regional cooperation.

The conference culminated with the adoption of the Baku Declaration on the AI Index for the Islamic World.

The document mentions that the Islamic world recognizes AIs profound impact on societies and economies, welcomes the AI Index as a vital new tool, aligned with ICESCO's mission, to advance education, science, and culture in the digital age, while also recognizing the potential of AI to advance education, health, cultural preservation, economic development and environmental management, as well as acknowledging the risks of abuse, inequality and lack of safeguards.

ICESCO member states and international partners reiterate their determination to enhance cooperation and their commitment to ensuring that the values and aspirations of the Islamic world are represented in international discussions on AI. The member states declare that the launch of the AI Index in Baku lays the foundation for a new stage of cooperation for the Islamic world.

The document encourages constructive cooperation with international organizations, supports the implementation of joint projects, and confirms a commitment to ensuring peace, development, and the well-being of future generations. Based on the Declaration, Member states will be able to develop national artificial intelligence strategies that incorporate ethical safety measures, define sector priorities, and ensure inclusive development.

As part of the conference, the guests also viewed the exhibition My Seas, My Oceans presented at the Heydar Aliyev Center, which highlights the importance of protecting one of the most vital resources of the planet  water - amid climate change, global warming, and fragile ecosystems.
9 December 2025 15:43 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A panel session titled "Culture of Islamic Countries in the Digital Age" has been held within the framework of the OIC Culture Festival: Baku Creative Week  2025, Azernews reports.

At the panel session, moderated by Aydan Nuralizade, Head of the Department for Cooperation with Foreign Countries at the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Lhoucine Rhazoui, pointed out that artificial intelligence, while posing challenges, also creates opportunities. He emphasized that countries must incorporate digital literacy into their national plans:

"Every individual in the Muslim world has a responsibility to preserve our rich cultural heritage. The culture festival carries symbolic significance. It brings together a network of likeminded people. Our goal is to unite the objectives and aspirations of Islamic countries. Young people will be the carriers of our cultural values. Unfortunately, the main global tensions are concentrated in Islamic countries. There is inequality in infrastructure and technology. A digital divide exists. We must address this. Most cultural heritage artifacts have been destroyed during wars. Some have been stolen. We must restore them and return them to their rightful countries. For this, we need to present a new concept."

Mahmud Erol Klc, General Director of the Research Center for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA), congratulated the Government of Azerbaijan for organizing the festival. He emphasized that cultural history is more important than political history and highlighted the necessity for Muslim countries to be knowledgeable about their rich cultural past. Speaking about the use of technologies in the cultural field, M. E. Klc:

"Technology should never be superior to culture and humanity, but should be used as a tool. For example, we can consider methods of digitizing the manuscripts of great poets and writers using artificial intelligence."

Director of the Coordination Bureau of the OIC Standing Committee for Information and Cultural Affairs, Ameth Diallo, expressed gratitude to the Government of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Culture for organizing the event. He noted the strong optimism demonstrated by Azerbaijani youth. A. Diallo stressed the importance of creating specific platforms within the organization:

"We must work together and harmonize these platforms. They can serve as a database for us. However, investment is crucial for building digital infrastructure. There is no escape from digital transformation. We must use these technologies to contribute to our work. Therefore, we must come together and discuss various tools."

Vasif Eyvazzade, Chief Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of the Chartered Culture and Education Institute (CCEI), emphasized that civilizations and nations are shaped not only by preserving their heritage but also by passing it on to future generations:

"Todays digital era gives us a wonderful historical opportunity for this. The digital age provides us with tools to promote our culture. Young people can use digital tools to showcase their cultural identity."

Jimi Elgohary, Executive Creative Director and Co-Founder of MistikA in the UAE said that technology allows people to appreciate the beauty of Islamic heritage. He noted that digital storytelling is an important tool in this field and spoke about its contributions to Islamic culture.

The panel continued with a Q&A session and discussions.
9 December 2025 14:07 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

On December 8, 2025, "The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance," an innovative book project commissioned by the Garabagh Revival Fund, was officially presented, Azernews reports.

The event was attended by state and government officials, members of the Azerbaijani Parliament, family members of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland, participants of the Garabagh War, donors and partners of the Fund, as well as media representatives.

The event began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Motherland.

Delivering the opening speech, Chairman of the Board of the Garabagh Revival Fund Rahman Hajiyev provided extensive information about the significance and preparation process of the book "The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance."

It was noted that this book broadly highlights the history of Garabagh, the period of occupation, its liberation, the reconstruction process, and its outlook for the future by incorporating texts, photographs, as well as interviews with officials, state representatives, experts, and the memories of people displaced from their native lands:

"Covering nearly 500 pages, 'The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance' is not merely a book  it is a chronicle enriched with texts, photographs, and interactive digital materials that brings Garabagh's revival story to life in all its colors before the reader."

It was emphasized that the book is part of a special digital ecosystem created within the project.

Thus, through hundreds of QR codes placed throughout the book, readers can access materials on the website www.book.revival.az and other online resources, view extended photo galleries, full video and text versions of exclusive interviews, historical literature, and other materials.

At the same time, by visiting the online store available at https://book.revival.az/estore/ and making a donation to the Fund, it is possible to obtain the book in any desired quantity and in various editions (including Classic, Prestige, and Signature Collection).

The "Victory AI" artificial-intelligencebased guide, created in the form of a Phoenix bird and included in the ecosystem, provides readers with extensive information about the book's content and, more broadly, about the history of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur, the period of occupation, and the ongoing revival.

These features take the publication beyond the classical definition of a book, transforming it into an innovative, dynamic, and interactive project adapted to the reading preferences of modern generations.

Stating that Garabagh has transformed from a conflict zone into a region of peace and revival, Rahman Hajiyev noted that the purpose of preparing the book is to bring to the attention of the international community the truths about Karabakh, the large-scale reconstruction and development works carried out in the liberated territories under the leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and Azerbaijan's efforts toward ensuring lasting peace in the region.

Afterwards, the video presentation of "The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance" and the video titled "From Tragedy to Victory", reflecting the reconstruction and revival of the liberated territories, were shown.

The event continued with a Q&A session with the author. Moderated by Gultakin Qaradagli, British writer Graham Wilson answered numerous questions.

During the event, MP and member of the Supervisory Board of the Garabagh Revival Fund Tural Ganjaliyev, MP Rizvan Nabiyev, Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center Revan Hasanov, founder and CEO of Veysloglu Group Aydin Talibov, and other speakers noted the importance of the book and expressed their confidence that it would make a significant contribution to conveying the truths about the events in Garabagh, the reconstruction and redevelopment works carried out in the liberated territories under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, and Azerbaijan's efforts toward establishing lasting peace in the region to an international audience.

At the end of the event, "Iteca Caspian" and "Caspian Event Organisers" companies, which donated 28,500 AZN to support the reconstruction of Garabagh and received the book "The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance", as well as PASHA Capital Investment Company, which donated 10,000 AZN and received the book, were presented with "Donation Certificates" on behalf of the Fund.

It should be noted that all event participants were presented with three books authored by Graham Wilson on behalf of the Garabagh Revival Fund and the author himself: "Ilham Aliyev: A Portrait of a President," "The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijan," and "Azerbaijan Democratic Republic: A Dream That Never Died."

We would also like to remind that those wishing to obtain the book "The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance" may visit the online store at https://book.revival.az/estore/, select their preferred edition, and receive the book by making a donation to the Garabagh Revival Fund.

The book will soon be translated into Azerbaijani and several foreign languages.

During the event, the exhibition "The Revival of Garabagh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance", organized based on the photographs featured in the book and showcasing the reconstruction and redevelopment works carried out in the liberated territories, as well as the rich nature and rare flora and fauna of Garabagh, was also presented.
9 December 2025 16:55 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A panel discussion titled "Employment Opportunities in Creative and Cultural Industries" has been held as part of OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week  2025, Azernews reports. The event focused on how rich creative ideas can be transformed into successful and sustainable professional careers.

The panel session aimed to explore ways for creative individuals to convert their talents into market value, adapt them to professional business models, and address the challenges encountered along the way.

The discussion brought together local and international speakers who have achieved success in fields such as fashion, design, jewelry, craftsmanship, and social entrepreneurship. They shared stories of how successful brands emerged from the fusion of creative vision and entrepreneurial thinking.

Founder of "Azerbaijani Socks", Teresa Hamlin, emphasized that her brands mission is to lovingly introduce traditional Azerbaijani craftsmanship to the world. During her travels across regions, she collects and documents unique sock patterns specific to each area, noting that every region has its own signature. Unlike carpets, socks wear out quickly and are discarded, leading to the loss of these distinctive designs. Preserving these patterns, she stressed, is the core of her work.

Rasmina Gurbatova, founder of Resm Jewelry, shared that after a decade of experience at the World Bank in communications, corporate governance, and financial infrastructure, she decided to enter the creative industry not through a pre-planned strategy but driven primarily by passion. She noted that the brands successful launch was largely due to her expertise in business, marketing, and communications, combined organically with creative thinking.

Bilal Hassam, founding director of Muslim Agency, also recounted his personal journey, briefly describing his transition from medicine to the creative industries. He explained that research into the role of culture, establishing his own company, family travels, and a return to art ultimately led him to the creative projects he presents todayone of which was showcased at the exhibition.

At the conclusion of the panel, Atelier Azure founder Turkan Mammadova and Agahuseyn Ahmadov, head of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA),highlighted that the combination of creative potential, entrepreneurial vision, and systematic state support has created a favorable environment in Azerbaijan for the growth of cultural and creative industries, as well as innovative startups.

The discussion placed particular emphasis on several key themes. It explored the path from creativity to profitable business, including how ideas are brought to market, how initial resources are managed, and how branding strategies are developed.

Attention was also given to the role of women entrepreneurs, highlighting both their contributions to the growth of the creative sector and the social and economic challenges they face in building their own brands. Another focus was on value-based business models, emphasizing the importance of establishing creative enterprises on Islamic values and principles of social responsibility.

The panel further examined the global outreach of local brands, stressing the promotion of "Made in Azerbaijan" products on the international stage and the need to enhance export potential.

Finally, participants discussed innovation and the labor market, considering the prospects for creative industries to become one of the future career directions within the employment ecosystem of ICO member states.
9 December 2025 16:22 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

On December 9, 2025, ICESCO Director-General Mr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik visited the headquarters of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and met with the President of the organization, Mrs. Aktoty Raimkulova, Azernews reports.

During the visit, the ICESCO delegation was presented with the Foundation's projects aimed at studying, preserving, and promoting cultural heritage. Important issues related to expanding scientific cooperation and strengthening institutional partnership were discussed.

The two sides exchanged plans for 2026, reviewed areas of mutual interest, and explored new prospects for collaboration.

A key event of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and ICESCO, marking a new stage in the historical partnership between the parties.

The document was signed by the President of the Foundation, Mrs. Aktoty Raimkulova, and ICESCO Director-General, Mr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik.

The Memorandum provides for the international promotion of Turkic-Islamic cultural heritage, the introduction of new scientific approaches in the study, digitization, and preservation of cultural heritage sites, as well as the strengthening of expert exchange.

This important document is regarded as the beginning of a new phase in the field of cultural heritage preservation and will contribute to further enhancing effective cooperation between the parties.

At the conclusion of the meeting, ICESCO Director-General Mr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik left warm words in the Foundation 's guest book.

It should be noted that members of the ICESCO delegation also attended the meeting: Head of the ICESCO Partnership and International Cooperation Sector Anar Karimov, Director of the ICESCO Regional Office in Baku Dr. Abdulhakim Al-Sanan, Deputy Director of the ICESCO Regional Office in Baku Mrs. Maryam Gafar-zade, and Secretary of the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for ICESCO Affairs Mr. Alakbar Khidirov.

Today's high-level meeting has given new impetus to deepening cooperation between the Foundation and ICESCO in the field of international protection and development of cultural heritage.

The visit was accompanied by an artistic program.
9 December 2025 20:43 (UTC+04:00)

The Womens Creative Forum was held in Baku as part of the ongoing OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week 2025, organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Azernews reports that the forum was jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Womens Development Organisation (WDO) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Association for the Development of Womens Entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan (AQSIA), and the Creative Azerbaijan platform.

The forum was attended by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the KADEM Foundation; Afnan Al-Shuaibi, Director-General of the WDO; as well as female innovators and entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan, Bahrain and Uzbekistan.

In her opening address, WDO Director-General Afnan Al-Shuaibi expressed her gratitude to the organisers. She noted that women play an important role in the formation of a knowledge-based society: This is an indicator of development and progress. Our main mission is to enable women to discover and realise their potential. Women make a great contribution to the development of society as both entrepreneurs and cultural innovators. We are ready to mobilise all our resources to support womens advancement, promote their work and help them implement their creative projects.

Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the KADEM Foundation, emphasised that women are not latecomers to creative fields but form their very essence. The values created by women are passed down from generation to generation. The art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan is one of the most beautiful examples of this. Similarly, Iznik and Kutahya ceramics and other artistic traditions were shaped by the creative spirit, craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility of women. Turkish motifs and their expression in art clearly demonstrate the role of women in these fields throughout history, she added.

Sakina Babayeva, Chairwoman of the Board of the Association for the Development of Womens Entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan, stated that the forum is an ideal platform for discussing opportunities and future prospects for women in the creative sector. The state support provided in Azerbaijan in this area is very significant and should be appreciated. The main goal of the forum is to identify existing gaps and to further strengthen cooperation among OIC member states in this field, she said.

Following the opening session, a conceptual visual composition inspired by Rumis saying Leave the circle of time  enter the circle of love was presented. The illustrative section of the project was based on the works of artist Leyla Aliyeva. The visual concept was created by Honoured Artist Sabina Shikhlinskaya, with music composed by Orkhan Aghayev (DJ Pancho).

It should be noted that the Womens Creative Forum featured discussions on topics including Expanding International Trade Opportunities for Women in the Creative Industries and The Role of Innovation, Technology and Investment in Womens Empowerment. Speakers highlighted the importance of supporting women-led creative enterprises, strengthening international cooperation and fostering innovation to accelerate cultural and economic transformation. The forum underscored a shared commitment to advancing womens leadership in the creative economy, promoting sustainability and expanding international partnerships.
9 December 2025 15:37 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The prioritization of several issues in the document titled Strategic Agenda for EU-Armenia Partnership, signed following the 6th meeting of the EU-Armenia Partnership Council held on 2 December 2025 in Brussels, is a matter of serious concern, as they distort the realities of the post-conflict period and run counter to the overall peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a statement, Azernews reports.

Commenting on the recent document, the ministry noted that the bilateral document sets strategic priorities between the EU and Armenia for the next seven years, and its inclusion of issues targeting Azerbaijan is unacceptable. The ministry warned that this approach could negatively affect Azerbaijan-EU relations.

"The wording in the introductory part of the document and several other sections such as 'Garabagh Armenians displaced following Azerbaijans military operations,' in reference to Armenian residents who voluntarily migrated from Azerbaijan to Armenia following their refusal of reintegration plans proposed by Azerbaijan, as a partnership priority between the EU and Armenia, and the classification of those people as 'refugees' is a vivid example of bias against Azerbaijan.

Moreover, the support for full, immediate, and effective implementation of all relevant rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) expressed within the section on possible EU contributions to the regional normalisation processes clearly refers to the well-known claims brought by Armenia against Azerbaijan.

While it is entirely irrational to bring an issue of purely bilateral nature that directly concerns Azerbaijan and Armenia into an agenda with another party, such an approach also disregards the fact that Azerbaijan likewise has its own legitimate court proceedings against Armenia.

This provision in the EU-Armenia document directly contradicts the peace process, considering an article regarding the elimination of these claims in the peace agreement initialed with the participation of the leaders of Azerbaijan, the U.S., and Armenia in Washington, and raises serious questions about the proclaimed intention of the Armenian side.

Identification of Armenians, who are accused of and sentenced for crimes against humanity and military crimes, as 'prisoners of war,' and prioritisation of their release is a serious distortion of realities, and is unacceptable.

While the EU-Armenia document enshrines multiple provisions that support Armenias lacking regional consensus 'crossroads of peace' initiative, it is concerning that not a single reference was made to the 'Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity' (TRIPP) project, a crucially important arrangement in the normalization process, reached during the 8 August Washington D.C. Summit. This raises questions with regard to the seriousness of Armenia to implement its commitments within the agreement on TRIPP, co-signed by the Prime Minister of Armenia in Washington D.C., and about the proclaimed support of the EU to this project.

Given that Article 7 of the initialed draft agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia obliges not to allow the deployment of any third partys forces along their shared border, another serious concern is the decision to preserve and fully operationalise the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA), which has been used as a propaganda tool against Azerbaijan, instead of bringing its activities to an end.

Among the listed priorities, the emphasis on military and defense issues also serves to promote Armenias militarization.

The issues outlined above, which revive the elements of the former conflict despite the positive progress achieved in the post-conflict normalization since 8 August, cast serious doubt on Armenias intentions. Our expectation is that Armenia and the EU will take concrete steps to remove these harmful provisions, which do not reflect the current realities. For our part, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and draw the necessary conclusions," the statement reads.
9 December 2025 11:01 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

An international conference titled Artificial Intelligence and Patents, jointly organized by the Intellectual Property Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), opened on December 9.

As Azernews reports, speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Board of the Intellectual Property Agency, Professor Kamran Imanov, described artificial intelligence as one of the greatest technological achievements of human civilization.

Intellectual property should not shield itself from new technologiesit must adapt to them, Imanov emphasized, noting that issues related to artificial intelligence remain a constant priority in Azerbaijan.

He recalled that President Ilham Aliyev has approved the Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 20252028, which covers key sectors such as the economy, public administration, education, and infrastructure.

According to Imanov, this strategy also calls for the creation of a legislative framework that supports the development of artificial intelligence, which naturally places reforms in intellectual property laws on the national agenda.
9 December 2025 13:27 (UTC+04:00)

On December 9, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held one-on-one and expanded meetings with Richard Rasi, Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, in Bratislava, Azernews reports.

The Speaker of the National Council welcomed the President of Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev signed the guest book.

First, President Ilham Aliyev held a one-on-one meeting with Speaker Richard Rasi, followed by an expanded meeting with the participation of delegations.

Speaker Richard Rasi congratulated the head of state on advancing the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia and on the historic normalization document.

Expressing satisfaction with the existing relations between the parliaments of the two countries, he recalled his visit to Azerbaijan, including Garabagh, and described the participation of Slovak companies in the reconstruction of Bash Garvand village in the liberated Aghdam district as an example of friendship between the two countries.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the congratulations.

The President noted that last year a strategic partnership document was signed between Azerbaijan and Slovakia, emphasizing the development of bilateral relations on this basis.

During the meeting, the sides underscored the importance of parliamentary diplomacy between Azerbaijan and Slovakia and reviewed cooperation between their parliamentary institutions within international parliamentary organizations.

The meeting also highlighted significant opportunities for collaboration in energy, defense industry, humanitarian affairs, sports, direct flights, tourism, and other fields.
9 December 2025 15:31 (UTC+04:00)

During the official visit of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the Slovak Republic, a number of documents were signed between the two countries on December 9, Azernews reports.

The signed documents are as follows:

- Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Consular Affairs between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic;

- Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Animal Health and Food Safety between the Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Veterinary and Food Administration of the Slovak Republic;

- Protocol of Intent on Cooperation between the Ministry of Defense Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic;

- Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic;

- Memorandum of Understanding between the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Slovak Republic.
9 December 2025 16:17 (UTC+04:00)

On December 9, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a one-on-one meeting with Robert Fico, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, in Bratislava, Azernews reports.

During the conversation, the sides praised the development of the Azerbaijan-Slovakia strategic partnership. They expressed confidence that Prime Minister Robert Ficos visit to Azerbaijan last year and the current official visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Slovakia would make a significant contribution to the expansion of bilateral relations.

They hailed the high level of political relations and noted the broad opportunities for deepening cooperation in other areas as well.

Robert Fico congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the achievements in advancing the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Expressing gratitude for the congratulations, the head of state emphasized that Azerbaijan would continue its efforts to ensure regional peace.

During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with the participation of a Slovak company in Azerbaijans liberated territories and exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation between the two countries.
9 December 2025 18:06 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) organised the next seminar under its Energy Talks project in cooperation with Sumgait State University (SSU), Azernews reports.

The event brought together representatives of AERA, the universitys leadership, faculty members, graduate students, and undergraduates.

In his welcoming remarks, Elmar Khalilov, Vice-Rector of SSU for Social Affairs and Public Relations, noted that this was the second time that the university hosted such an event as part of the Energy Talks project. He emphasised the importance of these events in terms of raising awareness about the latest developments in the energy sector, strengthening the knowledge of students studying in the field of energy, as well as fostering discussions around topics of interest.

Zeynab Kazimova, Head of AERAs Press Section and Press Secretary, provided brief information about the Energy Talks project and noted that, over the past period, both online and in-person seminars have been successfully held in partnership with universitiesboth in Baku and across Azerbaijans regionsthat train energy sector professionals.

The seminar continued with presentations by Elmar Gulaliyev, Head of the Energy Sector Liberalization Division, on International Experience in the Liberalization of the Power Sector, Shahin Maharramli, Deputy Director of the Energy Efficiency Department and Head of the Projects Section, on Activities of the Energy Efficiency Fund, and Vusala Latifova, Lead Specialist of the State Programs and Strategic Development Division, on General Overview of the Power Sector.

During the seminar, discussions were also held on questions of interest raised by SSUs faculty and students.
9 December 2025 21:45 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev completed his official visit to the Slovak Republic on December 9.

A guard of honor was lined up for the President of Azerbaijan at Bratislavas Milan Stefanik International Airport.

President Ilham Aliyev was seen off by Peter Vodraska, Chief of Staff of the Office of the President of the Slovak Republic, and other officials.
9 December 2025 22:12 (UTC+04:00)

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TotalEnergies has taken a decisive step in strengthening its position in Namibias rapidly emerging offshore oil sector, signing a strategic agreement with Galp that brings the French energy major into operatorship of one of the countrys most prolific licenses, Azernews reports.

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HK election hailed as a milestone for democracy

10:19, December 09, 2025 By LU WANQING in Hong Kong ( China Daily

Winning candidates from the Election Committee Constituency celebrate after results of the election of the eighth-term Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region were announced on Monday in Hong Kong. All 90 members of the new-term Legislative Council of the HKSAR have now been elected, with 40 elected by the Election Committee, 30 by functional constituencies, and 20 by geographical constituencies through direct elections. The newly-elected Legislative Council members will commence their four-year term on Jan 1. EDMOND TANG/CHINA DAILY

The central authorities and various sectors of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region hailed on Monday the formation of the new-term Legislative Council as a further demonstration of the SAR's high-quality democracy and a guarantee of the smooth implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy.

The newly elected lawmakers pledged to fast-track recovery after last month's Tai Po blaze  one of the city's deadliest fires that claimed at least 159 lives and displaced nearly 2,000 families. The legislators also promised to boost the city's long-term growth and drive its greater integration into national development.

According to the official results released on Monday, the Legislative Council election on Sunday saw more than 1.3 million voters cast their ballots.

The 90 lawmakers of the eighth-term Legislative Council of the HKSAR comprise 40 elected by the Election Committee, 30 by functional constituencies and 20 by geographical constituencies, with their four-year term set to begin on Jan 1.

The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said on Monday that the successful Legislative Council election in the HKSAR marked an important achievement in further consolidating and developing high-quality democracy in the region.

The newly elected lawmakers are all patriots who love the country and Hong Kong, and are capable, committed and dedicated to serving the community, said a spokesperson for the office.

It is hoped that the new legislators will fully, faithfully and unswervingly implement the "one country, two systems" policy, always uphold national sovereignty, security and development interests as the top priority, and promote Hong Kong's contribution to and its better integration into the country's overall development, the spokesperson added.

The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR described the successful completion of the election as clear proof that the enhanced electoral system grounded in the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle has been working effectively as intended.

Early on Monday morning, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu extended his congratulations to all newly elected lawmakers and expressed his gratitude to all candidates for their active running bids.

"I believe the new Legislative Council members will deeply engage with the communities, connect with all sectors of society, understand public sentiments, offer suggestions and strategies and work together with the SAR government to deepen reforms in Hong Kong and jointly create a bright future," Lee said.

Lau Siu-kai, a consultant at the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, said the new lawmakers should promptly work with the SAR government to address the complex aftermath of the fire that engulfed seven of the eight high-rise buildings at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Tai Po.

"Their longer-term focus should be on aligning the city's trajectory with national development, in sync with the country's top-level policymaking road map  the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30)," Lau added.

Fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai, who won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024, was elected in the tourism constituency in her first electoral bid. Kong said she plans to leverage her new role to showcase Hong Kong's tourism strength worldwide.

Veteran lawmaker Starry Lee Wai-king, who is also a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, retained her seat in the Kowloon Central constituency. She said she and her team will double down on work to improve residents' livelihoods and strengthen post-disaster relief and reconstruction efforts.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
9 December 2025 23:16 (UTC+04:00)

by Alimat Aliyeva

For the first time, around 500 traditional, handcrafted glass pieces from Herat province in western Afghanistan have been exported to the United States and several European countries, marking a significant milestone for the citys artisanal industry, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

The glassware, renowned for its vibrant colors, high quality, and intricate hand-painted designs, has attracted international buyers, highlighting the rich heritage and exceptional craftsmanship of Herats artisans. Each piece reflects centuries-old techniques passed down through generations, making the collection not only functional but also a cultural treasure.

This successful export demonstrates Afghanistans untapped potential in the cultural and creative industries, opening new avenues for local artisans to reach global markets. Experts note that such initiatives could help preserve traditional crafts while providing sustainable economic opportunities for communities in Herat. There is also growing interest from luxury brands and art collectors worldwide, suggesting that Afghan glassware may soon become a sought-after commodity on the international stage.
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.
Clare Guinness, chair of judging panel, Mark Crimmins of Ulster Bank and Margaret Canning, business editor at Belfast Telegraph launch the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2026. Photo: Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph.

The 2026 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank were launched by Margaret Canning, business editor of the Belfast Telegraph; Mark Crimmins, Ulster Bank regional managing director for corporate, commercial and business banking and chair of the awards' judging panel, Clare Guinness, the chief executive of Belfast Chamber

The 2026 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank were launched today, with entries in 17 categories.

The event, which is the most prestigious programme of its kind in Northern Ireland, is being supported by Ulster Bank as headline sponsor for the 10th year in a row.

Companies can enter across 17 categories celebrating achievements in areas such as exporting, marketing and workplace wellbeing.

There are also two non-entry categories  an award for Lifetime Achievement and one for Outstanding Business of the Year.

The closing date for entries is Friday, February 6, at 5pm.

An awards ceremony will be held at Belfasts Crowne Plaza Hotel on Wednesday, March 25. It will be hosted by BBC journalist Mark Simpson.

Mark Crimmins, regional managing director of corporate, commercial and business banking at Ulster Bank, said: Ulster Bank is proud to partner with the Belfast Telegraph to launch the 2026 Business Awards.

This event celebrates the drive and ambition that Northern Irelands business community is renowned for and Ulster Bank is committed to supporting those who push our economy forward with their endeavours.

Throughout the past year, we have seen strong performance across many sectors, with businesses demonstrating resilience in the face of ongoing change.

From high growth start-ups to long-established firms, the determination to succeed has been evident right across the board, so it is important that we recognise these efforts.

Clare Guinness, chair of judging panel, Mark Crimmins of Ulster Bank and Margaret Canning, business editor at Belfast Telegraph launch the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2026. Photo: Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph.

I would strongly encourage businesses of all sizes to take part in this years campaign.

Not only is it an opportunity to showcase your achievements, but its also important to inspire others and take credit for the contribution you are making to our local economy. We look forward to celebrating your success.

Eoin Brannigan, editor-in-chief of the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, said: Were delighted to launch the 2026 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank, the most prestigious event of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Its an honour to be able to highlight the successes of companies and businesspeople throughout Northern Ireland in this way, and we wish everyone the best of luck with their entries.

Clare Guinness, chief executive of Belfast Chamber and chair of the awards judging panel, said: Im delighted to be chairing the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards once again.

With economic headwinds presenting real challenges for businesses, its so appropriate to take time to acknowledge and recognise both the success and resilience of our private sector right across Northern Ireland.

The judging panel is made up of representatives from a range of areas of expertise including innovation, manufacturing, financial services and leadership.

Enter each category here

 Lifetime Achievement Award (non-entry)

 Outstanding Business of the Year (non-entry)

 Best Small Business of the Year

 Best Medium Sized Business of Year

 Best Large Business of the Year - sponsored by Wilson Nesbitt

 Outstanding Commitment to ESG

 Independent Retailer of the Year - sponsored by Retail NI

 Excellence in Marketing

 Excellence in the Development of Management & Leadership

 Excellence in Exporting - sponsored by NI Chamber of Commerce & Industry

 Excellence in Workplace Health & Wellbeing

 Best Start-Up or Emerging Business of the Year

 Corporate Community Champion

 Excellence in Innovation

 Employer of the Year

 Young Business Person of the Year

 Tourism & Hospitality Company of the Year - sponsored by Belfast International Airport

 Excellence in Manufacturing

 Family Business of the Year

For Belfast Telegraph Business Awards sponsorship opportunities, please contact Karen McGarvey at karen.mcgarvey@mediahuis.co.uk
Late Late Toy Show review: Kielty enters the arena with a look on his face that says exactly what were all thinking  hes the right man for the job
Pub review: No wonder customers flock to this lively Lisburn bar  theres always something happening
Ulster University report finds that religious barriers are still in place

New laws on employment of teachers in Northern Ireland schools have not made any great change to the make-up of the workforce, research from Ulster University has found.

The latest paper in the universitys Transforming Education series looked specifically at the impact of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act, which came into effect in May 2024.

Previously, Education Minister Paul Givan said in response to an Assembly Question from Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson on the topic: My department has ensured that the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 has been implemented across all grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland.

He also admitted the department hadnt assessed the impact.

The repeal of the legislation, which had allowed schools to employ teachers based on religion, exempt from fair employment legislation in other sectors, also paved the way for mandatory monitoring for the first time in the countrys educational history.

By Dr Matt Milliken, lead author of the research paper, said the report shows that Maintained schools continue to show very high Catholic workforce dominance, while Controlled schools still show minimal Catholic representation.

The paper confirms that, since the Act took effect in May 2024, there has been little progress by employing authorities in monitoring the community background of applicants for teaching posts and existing staff, or in reviewing and reporting on teaching workforces to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI), he said.

If NI society is to benefit from future generations that have been educated in a diverse, pluralistic environment that reflects and addresses some of the wounds of our divided and fractured society then pupils need exposure to world views beyond the inward looking parameters

The first and most obvious observation from the data provided by EA and CCMS is the phenomenally low completion rate of the Equality Monitoring form  only around 11% of teachers in the Controlled school types designated in the FoI request responded (682 responses) alongside fewer than 3% of those teachers working in Maintained primaries and post primaries.

Read more Concerns over accuracy of department-led survey on integrated education in NI

As the briefing paper shows, the completion rates of Equality Monitoring forms to date are disappointingly low in schools and the available data therefore fails to provide us with a complete picture of the composition of the teaching workforce.

The data that is available, however, provides an indication that the representation of teachers from a Catholic background remains very small in Controlled schools, while the proportion of teachers from a Protestant background in Catholic Maintained schools continues to be minimal.

The report concluded that the Department of Education, the Education Authority and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), have struggled to gather and release accurate data on the teaching workforce  and that the Catholic RE certification remains a barrier for non-Catholic teachers.

Cultural norms still steer teachers toward working within their own sector, the report said, adding that greater long-term mobility of teachers could increase diversity and benefit pupils and staff.

Dr Matthew Milliken, Ulster University

News Catch Up - Monday 8 December

The report continued: If change does indeed come gradually, then suddenly, opening the possibility of cross-sectoral movement (and thereby changing the employment options open to teachers) may yet give agency to teachers and empower them to cast their net wider.

In such a scenario schools would be able to choose from the greatest range of applicants in order to employ the best teacher regardless of their community background. Perhaps rather than being Trojan horses such teachers might act as the elves that transform education while the shoemaker takes a well-earned rest.

If NI society is to benefit from future generations that have been educated in a diverse, pluralistic environment that reflects and addresses some of the wounds of our divided and fractured society then pupils need exposure to world views beyond the inward looking parameters. This research therefore concludes with the question, What more needs to be done to transform our education system into one where staff (and pupils) of all traditions feel that their identity is acknowledged, accommodated and respected in all school types?

According to the CCMS website applicants for posts in Catholic maintained primary schools must hold a recognised Certificate in Religious Education.

The research from Ulster University shows that, from those who responded, there are no teachers in Catholic maintained primary schools from a Protestant background.

Paul Caskey OBE, chief executive of the Integrated Education Fund, called on the Department of Education to take measures to monitor how successful the legislation has been in diversifying the workforce.

The IEF calls on the Department of Education and the teacher-employing authorities to undertake a comprehensive review regarding the implementation of the NI Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act (NI) 2022, he said.

We also urge them to promote and encourage effective monitoring of the teaching workforce in schools, in line with the requirements of NI Fair Employment legislation.
Freddie Scappaticci was one of highest ranking IRA members to become a double agent

PSNI chief Jon Boutcher has said MI5s relationship with Northern Ireland is a challenge after a landmark report into the activities of IRA double agent Stakeknife exposed significant failures across the intelligence agencies during the Troubles.

The final Operation Kenova report  eight years in the making and led by former Police Scotland chief Sir Iain Livingstone  was published on Tuesday.

It details how the Armys most prized agent inside the Provisional IRA was protected, financially rewarded and repeatedly shielded from arrest as he operated at the heart of the organisations notorious Internal Security Unit.

Kenova final report: Details of Stakeknife's recruitment revealed

Although widely known to be Freddie Scappaticci, the 160-page report cannot formally name him as Stakeknife due to Government restrictions.

Sir Iain has publicly called on the Government to derogate from the NCND (neither confirm nor deny) policy, describing it as an inappropriate barrier to truth and justice. It cannot be used to protect agents who commit grotesque serious crimes, he said.

Speaking to the press as the report was released, Mr Boutcher said there had been a widespread challenge in getting information, and warned that MI5s approach to legacy issues must change.

There is a remaining challenge with MI5 and their approach in Northern Irelands legacy, this and the decisions made in Whitehall are impacting confidence and trust in policing today, he said.

Among the most striking findings were the extensive incentives and protection offered to Stakeknife throughout his time as a British agent.

Kenova chief Sir Iain Livingstone (left) and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher speaking to the media at the Stormont Hotel, in Belfast, following the publication of the final Kenova report by the PSNI into Stakeknife (PA)

The Army provided tens of thousands of pounds, assistance buying property and even discussed throwing him a farewell dinner before his resettlement in England, which included discussed on the guestlist.

He was once flown on a military aircraft and given a military ID for a holiday with handlers - despite being wanted by the RUC for conspiracy to murder.

A dedicated sub-unit known as the Rat Hole was established solely to manage intelligence from Stakeknife, with a bespoke database created under the title Bog Rat.

MI5 had staff embedded in the unit, and the report states that the security service knew his identity from the outset.

The report highlights repeated failures by MI5 to disclose material to investigators. Significant documents were only handed over after last years interim report, an omission Sir Iain said undermined confidence in state cooperation.

MI5s director general has apologised for the late disclosures, insisting none of the material was deliberately withheld.

Kenova also found no evidence that anyone within the security services sought to stop the agents activities, despite what investigators describe as clear and obvious criminality.

The final Kenova report by the PSNI into Stakeknife (Liam McBurney/PA)

Several Army handlers later went on to work in senior MI5 roles overseeing intelligence in Northern Ireland.

Mr Boutcher said the Governments refusal to allow Kenova to confirm Stakeknifes identity was bordering on farce.

He said suppressing the truth decades on is having a profound and severe adverse impact on victims and families, legitimate public discussion, media freedom, open justice and public confidence.

Families of those murdered by the IRAs Internal Security Unit expressed anger that Scappaticci has still not been formally named, with KRW Law calling the continuation of NCND insulting and a slap in the face to victims.

The 48m investigation uploaded nearly 47,000 documents, arrested 22 people and examined allegations linking Stakeknife to at least 14 murders and 15 abductions.

Heres how todays release unfolded on our live blog:
Kenova families say shame has been lifted, but Stakeknife questions remain: We just want the truth

Victims relatives tell of years of heartbreak and ask why notorious spy was allowed to kill with impunity

The Kenova Report was published on Tuesday morning, but does not name Freddie Scappaticci as Stakeknife

Allison Morris Tue 9 Dec 2025 at 21:54

Paul Wilson was just a baby when his father, Emmanuel, was accused of being an informer and shot dead by the IRA, with his body dumped on the streets of west Belfast in June 1987.
Paramilitary involvement in racist violence in Northern Ireland has served to exacerbate anti-immigration unrest in the region, an independent commission has warned.

The Independent Reporting Commission (IRC), which was set up to monitor progress toward ending paramilitarism in Northern Ireland, also expressed concern that members of the illegal terror groups were encouraging young people to get involved in the disorder.

In its eighth annual report, the IRC noted that the 2024/25 financial year was the first since records began to be collated in 1969 that there had not been a security-related death in the region.

Commissioners John McBurney, Monica McWilliams, Tim OConnor and Mitchell Reiss (PressEye/PA)

While welcoming that positive development, the commissioners cautioned that paramilitarism remained resilient within communities in Northern Ireland and they called for urgent action to tackle the live and serious issues posed by the groups.

The intimidation, coercive control and threats linked to paramilitary groups persist, and the structures of paramilitary groups that continue intact can be used to facilitate organised crime and other forms of violence, said the commissioners.

A particularly serious manifestation of that reality over the last two years has been the link between paramilitarism and racist violence connected to the issue of immigration.

The reporting period fell outside the racist unrest that erupted in parts of Northern Ireland in June, but it did cover the anti-immigration unrest that flared the previous summer following the Southport stabbings.

The commissioners noted that race hate violence had risen notably in 2024/25 as they highlighted Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) figures showing that the period had witnessed the highest number of instances in the 20 years such figures have been recorded.

While police have said individuals linked to paramilitary groups have been involved in recent racist disorder, officers have said there is no indication that the violence has been organised or sanctioned at a leadership level.

The IRC report said: The point is not whether the involvement was organised or not. The reality is that the participation of individuals and groupings of individuals with clear links to paramilitarism in racist violence has undoubtedly served to exacerbate the situation in Northern Ireland in terms of anti-immigration unrest.

This deeply worrying development is further evidence of the risks attached to the continuation of paramilitarism and its structures, and further underlines the urgency on bringing it to an end.

Another concerning factor in the racist unrest in Northern Ireland is the level of involvement by young people.

The commissioners said there had been previous claims that paramilitaries had exploited children by encouraging them to take part in riots in 2021.

They added: Similar indicators of child criminal exploitation are alleged to have also been present in the unrest during 2024/25. It is concerning that so many children have come into contact with the criminal justice system as a result of their involvement, and many do not appear to understand the potential life-long consequences of their actions.

The four IRC members are former US special envoy to Northern Ireland Mitchell Reiss, former human rights commissioner and political leader Monica McWilliams, solicitor John McBurney and former Irish diplomat Tim OConnor.

The commissioners noted that a Stormont Executive programme to tackle paramilitarism and organised crime is due to end in 2027.

They stressed the need to continue to invest in efforts to combat paramilitary activity beyond that date.

We recognise that the current fiscal environment is challenging; however, strategic investment now will help avoid significantly greater costs for Northern Ireland in the future, they said.

If paramilitarism is not brought to an end, it will continue to create unmanageable strain on public finances through its direct and indirect harms. In our engagement with victims and survivors, the overwhelming message has been the prevention of any future harm. It is a key reason why the work of ending paramilitarism, once and for all, remains an urgent one.

The UK and Irish governments recently appointed an interlocutor to examine whether a formal process of engagement with paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland is required to bring about their disbandment.

The move to appoint Fleur Ravensbergen came after the IRC recommended the approach.

Ms Ravensbergen is a conflict resolution and negotiation practitioner and a lecturer in conflict resolution and governance at the University of Amsterdam.

In their eighth annual report, the commissioners welcomed the interlocutors appointment.
PSNI officers in Northern Ireland are to get a pay uplift after Stormont ministers agreed funding (Liam McBurney/PA)

The Stormont Executive has agreed 104 million for public sector awards, which will allow police officers in Northern Ireland to be awarded pay rises.

Capital funding will also be directed towards social housing and water infrastructure after Finance Minister John ODowd updated MLAs on funding agreed as part of the December monitoring round.

However, while additional cash is going towards health and education, it will not bridge a funding gap in Stormont finances previously estimated at around 400 million.

Finance Minister John ODowd said he would now bring a multi-year budget to the Executive for approval (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr ODowd said his next step would be to bring a multi-year budget to the Executive for agreement, the first in the region in more than a decade.

The Finance Minister said the Executive has agreed 104 million towards public sector pay awards and 162 million for capital allocations.

He said the additional funding, made up of unspent money redistributed from other departments and some new funding from Westminster, would make a positive difference to citizens across society.

Mr ODowd said: We have agreed 104 million towards supporting pay awards for health workers, police, teachers and infrastructure workers and honoured the previous commitment of 7 million towards PSNI workforce recovery costs.

These allocations demonstrate the priority the Executive attaches to our public sector workers and the role they play in the delivery of our public services.

He added: The capital allocations represent a major investment that will deliver real improvements across a wide range of public services and infrastructure.

Over 59 million will be directed towards water services, road maintenance and safety improvements, and rail projects driving economic growth and enhancing connectivity. This includes funding for new trains and track investment for the Enterprise Cross Border Service.

Almost 30 million is being allocated to deliver more social housing.

Recognising the importance of supporting our health service, over 25 million will be invested in IT and the health estate.

22 million is being provided to support our school and education sector including funding for Irish-Medium facilities and accommodation. With 12.6 million for Higher Education and Further Education  underlining our commitment to improving skills and opportunities for our young people.

Allocations for departments include 42.4 million capital funding for communities, 25.6 million resource and 22.0 million capital for education, 12.6 million capital for economy, 69.3 million resource and 25.2 million capital for health, 4.6 million resource and 59.8 million capital for infrastructure and 11.6 million resource for justice.

Mr ODowd said: Following the conclusion of the December Monitoring Round, my next step will be bringing forward the multi-year budget to the Executive.

The multi-year budget will give departments the certainty they need to plan on a longer-term, more strategic basis and transform our public services for the years ahead.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said funding for PSNI recruitment and the full recommended pay uplift for police officers will now be available.

She said: It is crucial that the PSNI can recruit and retain highly skilled and motivated people  and pay plays an important role in achieving this.

I am, therefore, pleased that following my representations, police officers have been recognised on the same basis as our health and education colleagues in the December monitoring round, as a result I am now able to fund this years police pay uplift in full.

This is a welcome step forward and I will now work with the Chief Constable (Jon Boutcher) to get this much-deserved uplift into officers pockets as quickly as possible.

Ms Long also welcomed 7 million to meet the full cost of the first year of the PSNIs workforce recovery plan.

Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed the funding given to her department (Niall Carson/PA)

She said: I have been absolutely clear that rebuilding policing capacity is one of my highest priorities and am pleased to have been able to secure this funding to meet Year 1 of the PSNIs workforce recovery plan.

Looking ahead, policing requires sustained multi-year funding, to enable the Service to plan, recruit, train and retain with confidence, and I will continue advocating for this as part of the three-year budget setting process.
New measures have been introduced today to relax some animal movements in the wake of the recent bluetongue virus outbreak in Co Down.

Two 20km Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) have been set up in Co Down near Bangor and Greyabbey, where outbreaks have been confirmed or are suspected.

Livestock movements there remain restricted, except for direct-to-slaughter transfers with a licence.

But outside these temporary control zones, farmers can now move animals to Great Britain for any purpose  slaughter, markets, breeding, and production  under normal rules.

DUP MP urges vigilance as first confirmed Bluetongue cases spark strict control measures across Northern Ireland

Moving animals into the zones is allowed with a downloadable license from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

A direct-to-slaughter transfer is when livestock is moved straight from a farm to a slaughterhouse, without stopping at markets, other farms, or for breeding purposes.

Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said the changes reflect the current vector low period  when biting midges, which spread the virus, are less active.

He noted that Bluetongue poses no public health or food safety risk, though it can cause severe symptoms in sheep.

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Bluetongue is primarily transmitted through biting midges and affects cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas and alpacas.

Biting midges are most active from April to November and the potential for spread depends on climatic conditions and wind patterns.

DAERA continues to monitor the situation and will advise on future movements within and out of the temporary control zones.

A second suspected case of Bluetongue was identified on a farm close to Greyabbey at the weekend.

It follows the confirmation of more than 40 cases of the virus within a herd close to Bangor last week.

For more information and licences, farmers can visit the DAERA website.

The General Licence for the movement of animals into the Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) can be accessed online.
Northern Ireland was battered by Storm Bram on Tuesday, leaving thousands without power, causing road closures, and prompting widespread disruption to transport, schools and events.

The Met Office issued both amber and yellow weather warnings for wind, with the amber alert lasting until 8pm  extended by an hour from its initial 7pm estimated ending.

The yellow warning remained in place until 10pm.

Storm Bram hits Carrickfergus on 9th December 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)

Watch: Flooding in Carrickfergus as Storm Bram hits NI

Todays warnings covered much of Northern Ireland, including counties Antrim, Fermanagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone.

Meteorologists warned that gusts could reach 60-70mph, with coastal areas and higher ground potentially experiencing winds of over 80mph.

By mid-afternoon, the Magilligan weather station in Co Londonderry had recorded the strongest gusts of the day, reaching 59mph at 2pm.

Although the official yellow warning ends at 10pm, conditions are expected to remain tempestuous overnight, with gusts along the coast continuing to reach 40-45mph.

Storm Bram hits Carrickfergus from Belfast Lough on December 9th 2025 (Photo by Stephen Henderson)

Whitehead, Downpatrick and Newry were some of the worst hit areas for power cuts, according to Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Networks.

By mid-afternoon, around 657 homes in the Whitehead area were without power.

Between the townlands of Ballydargan and Ballyhornan  both close to Downpatrick town  at least 755 homes were impacted by electricity outages at around 7pm on Tuesday.

NIE Networks said its engineers were working to restore power where possible, but the combination of high winds and fallen debris was slowing down repair efforts.

Storm Bram in Carrickfergus on 9th December 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)

Residents across Northern Ireland were further advised to secure outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel. Flying debris posed a significant danger to life, and the risk of damage to buildings was high.

Transport has been severely disrupted as well. Road closures due to flooding and fallen debris were reported across the region.

In Co Down, the Rostrevor Road in Warrenpoint and the South Promenade in Newcastle were impassable for a stage, while the Portaferry Road in Newtownards and the Belfast Road in Carrickfergus also closed due to flooding and a collapsed wall.

Trees fell across major routes, including the A20 Ards to Dundonald stretch, blocking lanes and creating dangerous driving conditions. Police urged motorists to seek alternative routes and exercise extreme caution.

Translink confirmed cancellations on the Portadown line and advised passengers that tickets would be accepted on bus services. Shuttle buses operated between Carrickfergus and Whitehead, but services in Co Down, including school buses, were suspended due to flooding on the Kilkeel Road.

Storm Bram hits Carrickfergus from Belfast Lough on December 9th 2025 (Photo by Stephen Henderson)

The Strangford Ferry service was suspended for the afternoon and flights from Belfast City Airport were cancelled to destinations including Leeds Bradford, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Manchester, and London Heathrow. Inbound flights and ferry crossings to Cairnryan were also disrupted.

Schools were advised by the Education Authority to keep pupils indoors where practical, cancel after-school activities, and remain flexible with school leaving times to reduce travel risks.

While there were no general school closures, officials cautioned that disruption to transport and power outages could affect students and staff throughout the day.

Local attractions and events also felt the effects of the storm. The Belfast Christmas Market was closed for safety reasons, with plans to reopen on Wednesday, weather permitting.

The Belfast Christmas Market was closed on Tuesday. Photo: Pacemaker

Similarly, the Giants Causeway Visitor Experience closed from 12pm and issued refunds for pre-booked tickets, citing safety concerns from large waves and coastal flooding. Coastal areas saw dramatic scenes, including waves crashing over sea walls in Carrickfergus, and sports events were not spared either.

Tuesday nights north Belfast derby between Crusaders and Cliftonville was postponed due to worsening conditions, with both clubs citing the safety of players, staff, and fans as the reason for the cancellation.

The Department for Infrastructure said it deployed additional staff to monitor river and sea levels, install temporary flood defences, and manage incidents across vulnerable coastal areas, while PSNI officers were present at key locations to manage traffic and advise the public on road safety.

The worst of the storm will have passed by tomorrow, but its expected to remain breezy, especially in the northern areas, where gusts could reach 50mph in the morning.

The day will start with heavy, blustery showers in the morning, particularly in the north and west. These are likely to clear through the morning.

The afternoon should bring some sunny intervals and largely dry spells, offering a break from the stormy weather.

Temperatures are likely to be milder, with a maximum around 10C.

A Met Office spokesperson said that windy weather is expected to persist into Thursday, although the strongest winds will have passed within those first few hours.

Catch up on the days events here:
A surfer makes their way out of the sea on Bournemouth beach in Dorset (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Strong winds and rain from Storm Bram have caused disruption across the UK on Tuesday, with flights and trains cancelled and hundreds of properties left without power.

Nine weather warnings for wind remained in place on Tuesday evening, with amber warnings issued for the Scottish Highlands and Eilean Siar, Strathclyde, and Northern Ireland.

On Tuesday, 91 flights were cancelled at Dublin Airport, with around a further 10 flights diverted to other airports, due to strong winds.

There was flooding and a crash involving multiple vehicles on part of the M66 in Greater Manchester, which was shut southbound while crews cleared the water.

Some train services were suspended in Scotland, while the railway line was closed between Par and Newquay in Cornwall due to flooding.

Great Western Railway also closed the line between Swindon and Bristol Parkway.

The M48 Severn Bridge was shut in both directions (Zoe Head-Thomas/PA)

Transport for Wales said the line between Abercynon and Aberdare was shut due to severe flooding, while fewer trains were able to run due to flooding on the line between Danescourt and Cardiff Central station.

The M4 Prince of Wales bridge was due to close overnight in both directions from 8pm on Tuesday until 6am on Wednesday to allow for the removal of 35 faulty lighting columns at risk of collapse.

As of Tuesday evening, there were 37 flood warnings and 148 flood alerts in England, 20 flood warnings and 48 flood alerts in Wales and 33 flood warnings and 15 flood alerts in Scotland.

(PA Graphics)

In a post on social media, Dublin airport said: Storm Bram is continuing to have a significant impact on flights at Dublin Airport today.

As of 4pm, a total of 91 flights have been cancelled by airlines, including 49 inbound and 42 outbound, while around 10 flights have diverted to other airports.

Challenging wind conditions have meant some aircraft have been unable to land and take off at Dublin Airport for extended periods this afternoon.

Further disruption is possible later this evening as wind speeds are expected to remain strong.

Customers should contact their airline directly for updates on the status of their flight, it added.

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The Met Office previously warned that wind gusts of 70 to 80mph were expected, with some places potentially experiencing gusts of up to 90mph.

An amber warning for rain in Northern Ireland, affecting County Antrim, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry and County Tyrone was in place from 2pm to 8pm on Tuesday.

It warned of power cuts and mobile phone coverage being affected, the possibility of damage to buildings and homes with roofs blown off, and power lines brought down.

The amber weather warning in Scotland, covering the Highlands, Eilean Siar and Argyll and Bute, was in place from 4pm on Tuesday until 3am Wednesday.

Storm Bram will bring a spell of very strong and disruptive winds to northwest Scotland on Tuesday night, the Met Office said.

The river Ouse topped its banks in York (Danny Lawson/PA)

It warned of the potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto seafronts, coastal roads and properties.

Flying debris could also result in a danger to life, it said.

There were 37 flood warnings, where flooding is expected, and 148 flood alerts, where flooding is possible, in England on Tuesday evening.

Natural Resources Wales put 20 flood warnings, requiring immediate action, and 48 flood alerts in place.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) issued 33 flood warnings and 15 flood alerts on Tuesday evening.

A map by the National Grid showed power cuts affecting areas of Wales, south-west England and the Midlands.
Dr Iain Douglas-Hamilton has died at the age of 83 (John Stillwell/PA)

The Prince of Wales has expressed his sadness at the death of conservationist Iain Douglas-Hamilton, who spent six decades studying and campaigning to protect African elephants.

Save the Elephants, the charity he founded in 1993 to try and safeguard the animals, announced on its website the death of the world-renowned elephant expert and the leading light of conservation in east Africa.

Mr Douglas-Hamilton was also an ambassador for Tusk, the African wildlife conservation charity William supports as royal patron and spent time with the prince in Africa.

Tusk paid tribute to the African elephant expert in a statement on its website: He was also one of Tusks earliest ambassadors, helping guide our initial conservation strategy and supporting our endeavours.

In a post on social media, William paid tribute to the conservationist and signed the message with his initial: I am so sad to hear of the passing of Iain Douglas-Hamilton, a man who dedicated his life to conservation and whose lifes work leaves lasting impact on our appreciation for, and understanding of, elephants.

The memories of spending time in Africa with him will remain with me forever. My thoughts go out to Iains family, especially his wife Oria and children Saba and Dudu. W

The Save the Elephants statement read: It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Dr Iain Douglas-Hamilton, renowned Scottish zoologist and founder & president of Save the Elephants.

Iain Douglas-Hamilton was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by William in 2015 (Yui Mok/PA)

Iain passed away last night in Nairobi at age 83.

A pioneering force in elephant conservation, Iain revolutionised our understanding of African elephants through his ground-breaking research.

At just 23, he pioneered the first scientific study of the social behaviour of wild elephants. When the herds he knew so well started getting killed for their ivory, he turned elephant protector. His work laid the foundation for modern elephant behavioural studies and conservation practices.

Iain was instrumental in exposing the ivory poaching crisis, documenting the destruction of over half of Africas elephants in a single decade leading up to a crucial intergovernmental decision to ban the international trade in ivory in 1989.
The office for Frances first lady said in no way was she attacking a cause (Thomas Padilla/AP)

Brigitte Macron has faced criticism after video emerged of her using a slur to denounce feminist protesters.

The scene filmed on Sunday showed Frances first lady in discussion backstage at the Folies Bergere theatre in Paris with Ary Abittan, a French actor and humourist previously accused of rape, before a performance he was about to give.

Feminist campaigners had disrupted his show the previous night with shouts of Abittan, rapist!

Speaking before Sundays performance, Mrs Macron asked him how he was feeling. When he said he was feeling scared, she made a derogatory and sexist reference to the women, adding: Well toss them out.

French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte (Thomas Padilla/AP)

Her office said in a statement that she had been trying to calm the performers nerves: As the video shows, Mrs Macrons only intention was to reassure an artist who, in his dressing room before going on stage, had just told her, Im scared, because his show had been disrupted the previous evening.

In no way is she attacking a cause. She does, however, disapprove of the radical methods used to prevent an artist from performing on stage, as was the case on Saturday night.

The feminist campaign group Nous Toutes (All of Us) said its activists disrupted Mr Abittans show to protest against what it described as the culture of impunity around sexual violence in France.

Magistrates terminated the investigation of the 2021 rape allegation against Mr Abittan for lack of evidence in 2024, a decision then confirmed on appeal in January this year, according to French media.

In a statement on Instagram, Nous Toutes said: We denounce venues that roll out a red carpet for men accused of rape, normalising sexist and sexual violence. It is a public insult to the victims. Victims, we believe you. Rapists, we do not forgive you!

Opponents of French president Emmanuel Macron on the left-wing of French politics criticised his wifes use of a sexist slur and some said she should apologise.

The critics included former French president Francois Hollande.

Speaking to broadcaster RTL, Mr Hollande said: Theres a problem of vulgarity.

But on the French far-right, National Rally politician Jean-Philippe Tanguy said Mrs Macrons comments were delivered in private and stolen.

If each of us were filmed backstage saying things with friends, I think there would be plenty to comment on, he told broadcaster BFMTV.

All of this is very hypocritical.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc would cover two-thirds of Ukraines needs for 2026 and 2027 (Harry Nakos/AP)

Almost four years into Russias full-scale war on Ukraine, European Union leaders have committed to funding Kyivs economic and military needs for the next two years, one way or another.

At a summit next week, the 27 EU leaders will weigh whether to use tens of billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets held in Europe to help meet Ukraines requirements, which the International Monetary Fund puts at 135 billion euros (118 billion).

Such a move has never been done before, and it comes with risks. The European Central Bank has warned that if Europeans appear willing to grab other countries money, it could undermine confidence in the euro currency. Some member nations are also concerned about inviting retaliation from Russia.

Belgium, where most of the assets are held, is the main opponent of the plan. It is fearful that Russia will strike back, either through the courts or in more nefarious ways.

Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever outside his residence in Brussels (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP)

A series of drone incidents near airports and military bases last month suggested that the Kremlin was already doing so, but those responsible were never publicly identified.

European Council president Antonio Costa, who will chair the December 18 summit, has insisted that the leaders should not leave EU headquarters in Brussels until they have reached a decision.

EU leaders froze the money, most of it in Russian Central Bank assets, over the war that Russian president Vladimir Putin launched in February 2022. Moscow has described the scheme as theft.

Two plans have emerged. The first would be a reparations loan that would use the Russian assets until Moscow agrees to pay for the damage inflicted on Ukraine. Few think Mr Putin will ever agree to pay reparations.

Plan B would be for the EU to borrow the money on financial markets, much as the bloc did to fund a massive loan plan to revive European economies after the coronavirus pandemic.

Many of Europes major economies are cash-strapped and mired in debt. But Russias war on Ukraine poses an existential threat to the bloc. Intelligence assessments suggest that Mr Putin could launch a war elsewhere in three to five years should he defeat Ukraine.

EU leaders froze the money over the war that Russian president Vladimir Putin launched in February 2022 (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

The assets make up a substantial pot of potentially ready-to-use cash.

The European Commission, the EUs executive branch, estimates that 210 billion euros (184 billion) worth of frozen assets are currently held in Europe. The vast majority  around 193 billion euros (169 billion) at the end of September  are held in the Belgian financial clearinghouse known as Euroclear.

There are political advantages too. Should the EU choose to use the assets, only a qualified majority of countries  around a two-thirds majority  would be required for a green light. Borrowing on financial markets would have to be endorsed by all, meaning that even a single no-vote would sink the idea.

Over the last year, Hungary has blocked EU support for Ukraine at almost every turn. The government in Slovakia is starting to dig its heels in as well. A new and stridently nationalist leader in the Czech Republic could further complicate the decision.

Avoiding a veto is in the interest of the vast majority of member countries.

Unveiling her plan on December 4, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would cover two-thirds of Ukraines needs for 2026 and 2027, for a total of 90 billion euros (79 billion). International partners would fill the gap.

Some 184 billion worth of frozen assets are estimated to be held in Europe, the vast majority in the Belgian financial clearinghouse known as Euroclear (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP)

Due to EU sanctions on Russias assets, cash balances have accumulated at Euroclear. They have generated interest  some 3.9 billion euros (3.4 billion) this year, Euroclear says  which is already being used to fund a Group of Seven loan plan for Ukraine.

Under the new plan, some of the cash would be transferred to an EU debt instrument. Ukraine would owe the EU the money but would repay only after the blocs sanctions are lifted and after Russia agrees to pay war reparations.

The commission insists that there is no theft, as Russia has claimed, because the right of the Russian Central Bank to make a claim on its money and Euroclears duty to repay will remain intact.

Once Mr Putin pays war reparations, Ukraine would repay the EU, the EU would repay Euroclear, and Euroclear would repay the Russian Central Bank.

Importantly for Belgium, the plan contains safeguards to ensure that the risks would be shared by its partners. Other EU countries would offer to guarantee the loan if something went wrong. Germany has already signalled that it would do so.
The quake struck in the Pacific Ocean, around 50 miles off the coast of Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japans main Honshu island (Kyodo News via AP)

Japan was assessing damage and cautioning people of potential aftershocks after a late-night 7.5-magnitude earthquake caused injuries, light damage and a tsunami in Pacific coastal communities.

At least 34 people were injured, one seriously, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said. Most of them were hit by falling objects, public broadcaster NHK reported.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters an emergency task force had been set up to urgently assess the damage.

Japans prime minister Sanae Takaichi pledged the government would continue its utmost effort and reminded people they had to protect their own lives (Kyodo News via AP)

We are putting peoples lives first and doing everything we can, she said.

At a parliamentary session, Ms Takaichi pledged the government would continue its utmost effort and reminded people they had to protect their own lives.

The 7.5-magnitude quake struck around 11.15pm in the Pacific Ocean, around 50 miles (80km) off the coast of Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japans main Honshu island.

The US Geological Survey measured the quake at 7.6 magnitude and said it occurred 27 miles (44km) below the surface.

A man clears debris at a commercial facility in Hachinohe, Aomori prefecture, northern Japan, following the earthquake (Ren Onuma/Kyodo News via AP)

A tsunami of up to two feet, four inches (70cm) was measured in Kuji port in Iwate prefecture, just south of Aomori, and waves of up to 50cm struck other communities in the region, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

NHK reported the waves had damaged some oyster rafts.

The agency had lifted all tsunami advisories by 6.30am.

Chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara said about 800 homes were without electricity and Shinkansen bullet trains and some local lines were suspended in parts of the region in the early hours of Tuesday.

East Japan Railway said bullet trains resumed operation in the region later on Tuesday.

Papers scattered on the floor of an office in Hakodate, Hokkaido, northern Japan (Kyodo News via AP)

Power was mostly restored by Tuesday morning, according to the Tohoku Electric Power Co.

About 480 residents sheltered at Hachinohe Air Base and 18 defence helicopters were mobilised for a damage assessment, defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi said.

About 200 passengers were stranded for the night at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, NHK reported.

And part of a domestic terminal building was unusable after parts of its ceiling cracked and fell to the floor, according to the airport operator.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority said about 450 litres (118 gallons) of water spilled from a spent fuel-cooling area at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori, but that its water level remained within the normal range and there was no safety concern.

No abnormalities were found at other nuclear power plants and spent fuel storage facilities, the NRA said.

Evacuees sat on makeshift beds get ready to return home as a tsunami advisory was lifted in Hidaka town, northern Japan (Kyodo News via AP)

JMA cautioned about possible aftershocks in the coming days. It said there was a slight increase in the risk of a magnitude 8-level quake and possible tsunami occurring along Japans north-eastern coast from Chiba, just east of Tokyo, to Hokkaido.

The agency urged residents in 182 municipalities in the area to monitor their emergency preparedness in the coming week, reminding them that the caution was not a prediction of a big quake.

Mondays quake occurred just north of the coastal region where the magnitude 9.0 quake and tsunami in 2011 killed nearly 20,000 people and destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

You need to prepare, assuming that a disaster like that could happen again, JMA official Satoshi Harada said.

Smaller aftershocks were continuing on Tuesday.

The US Geological Survey reported a magnitude 6.6 and later a 5.1 quake in the hours after the initial temblor.
The Ukrainian president made his remarks in a WhatsApp chat in which he was answering reporters questions (Toby Melville/Pool Photo via AP)

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed his refusal to cede any territory, resisting US pressure for concessions to Russia as he moved ahead to rally more European support for his country.

Undoubtedly, Russia insists for us to give up territories. We, clearly, dont want to give up anything. Thats what we are fighting for, Mr Zelensky said in a WhatsApp chat late on Monday in which he answered reporters questions.

Do we consider ceding any territories? According to the law we dont have such right. According to Ukraines law, our constitution, international law, and to be frank, we dont have a moral right either.

In an interview with Politico released on Tuesday, US president Donald Trump again pressed Mr Zelensky to accept the American proposal that Ukraine cede territory to Russian president Vladimir Putin, arguing that Russia retained the upper hand and that Mr Zelenskys government must play ball.

US president Donald Trump has repeatedly urged the Ukrainians to cede land to Russia to end the nearly four-year conflict (Alex Brandon/AP)

The Ukrainian president met Pope Leo at Castel Gandolfo, a papal residence outside Rome, on Tuesday, and with Italian premier Giorgia Meloni.

The Vatican said Leo had reiterated the need for the continuation of dialogue and expressed his urgent desire that the current diplomatic initiatives bring about a just and lasting peace.

The Holy See has tried to remain neutral in the war while offering solidarity and assistance to what it calls the martyred people of Ukraine.

Leo has now met three times with Mr Zelensky and has spoken by telephone at least once with Mr Putin.

The American pope has called for a ceasefire and urged Russia in particular to make gestures to promote peace.

Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky, left, met Pope Leo, right, at Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Mr Zelensky held talks on Monday in London with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz to strengthen Ukraines hand amid mounting impatience from Mr Trump.

US and Ukrainian negotiators completed three days of talks on Saturday aimed at trying to narrow differences on the American administrations peace proposal.

A major sticking point in the plan is the suggestion that Kyiv must cede control of the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine to Russia, which illegally occupies most but not all of the territory.

Ukraine and its European allies have firmly resisted the idea of handing over land.

You know, a lot of people are dying, Mr Trump told Politico, claiming that other Ukrainian officials that he identified only as Mr Zelenskys lieutenants, his top people agreed with the US administration.

Other than Mr Zelenskys comments on Monday, Ukrainian negotiators have said very little in public about the content of the US proposal or their attitude toward it.

Mr Zelensky, left, held talks in London on Monday with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, centre left, German chancellor Friedrich Merz, centre right, and French president Emmanuel Macron, right (Thomas Krych/AP)

Russia, Mr Trump reasoned, remained too powerful for Ukraine to continue fighting.

I give the people of Ukraine and the military of Ukraine tremendous credit for the, you know, bravery and for the fighting and all of that, he said.

But you know, at some point, size will win, generally.

Mr Trump also amplified his calls for Ukraine to hold national elections even though the martial law does not allow it, and Mr Zelensky, elected in 2019, had his five-year term extended because of the war.

Theyre using war not to hold an election, but, uh, I would think the Ukrainian people would should have that choice, Mr Trump said.

And maybe Zelensky would win. I dont know who would win. But they havent had an election in a long time. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where its not a democracy anymore.

Mr Zelensky, centre right, was seeking to strengthen Ukraines hand amid mounting impatience from Mr Trump (Toby Melville/Pool Photo via AP)

Mr Trump has had a hot-and-cold relationship with Mr Zelensky since winning a second term, insisting the war was a waste of US taxpayers money.

Mr Trump has also repeatedly urged the Ukrainians to cede land to Russia to end the nearly four-year conflict.

Mr Zelensky said on Monday that Mr Trump certainly wants to end the war Surely, he has his own vision. We live here, from within we see details and nuances, we perceive everything much deeper, because this is our motherland.

He said the current US peace plan differed from earlier versions in that it now had 20 points, down from 28, after he said some obvious anti-Ukrainian points were removed.

Mr Putin, speaking at a meeting on Tuesday with pro-Kremlin activists, reaffirmed his claim that the Donbas was Russias historic land and vowed to fulfil the war goals set by the Kremlin.

We will certainly take it to the logical conclusion, he said.

Mr Starmer, Mr Macron and Mr Merz strongly backed Kyiv, with the Prime Minister saying on Monday that the push for peace was at a critical stage, and stressed the need for a just and lasting ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Mr Merz said he was sceptical about some details in documents released by the US.

We have to talk about it. Thats why we are here, he said.

The Ukrainian president also met Italian premier Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

The coming days could be a decisive time for all of us.

European leaders are working to ensure that any ceasefire is backed by solid security guarantees both from Europe and the US, to deter Russia from attacking again.

Mr Trump has not given explicit guarantees in public.

Mr Zelensky and his European allies have repeatedly accused Mr Putin of slow-walking the talks to press ahead with the invasion, as his forces are making slow but steady gains while waves of missiles and drones are pummelling Ukrainian infrastructure.

Ukraines air force said Russia fired 110 drones of various types across the country last night. They said air defences neutralised 84 drones, 24 more had struck their targets.

Several regions of Ukraine faced emergency blackouts on Tuesday because of Russias prior attacks on energy infrastructure, according to Ukraines national energy operator, Ukrenergo.

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Ukraine, in its turn, continued its drone attacks on Russia.

Russian air defences destroyed 121 Ukrainian drones overnight above various Russian regions and occupied Crimea, Russias ministry of defence said on Tuesday.

In Chuvashia, a region about 560 miles (900km) north-east of the border with Ukraine, the attack damaged residential buildings and injured nine people, local governor Oleg Nikolayev said in an online statement.

Ukraines security service carried out a drone attack on an LPG terminal at the port of Temryuk in Russias Krasnodar region on December 5, according to an official with knowledge of the operation who spoke to The Associated Press.
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Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

A few snow showers scattered about the area this morning, otherwise a good deal of clouds. High 26F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 30%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 12F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Matt Finn has been an elementary teacher for 21 years and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Echo Valley School Board (which his commentary does not represent). The opinions expressed by columnists and op-ed writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
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Pittsfield city councilors are calling for a comprehensive review of how the Shannon Grant is being used  and whether longtime partner 18 Degrees is effectively reaching the youth most at risk of gun violence  as the grant approaches renewal.
Alice was a wonderful human being, said Jim Youngerman, the exhibit's curator and an old friend. She was very free and open and fun and lyrical. Those traits, he said, shone through her art.
Richard Reiss is the author of Desperate Love: A Fathers Memoir. He lives in Canaan, N.Y., with his wife Paula. Richard Reiss can be reached at rpreiss63@gmail.com.
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Medi Mold announces Rs 100+ Cr investment to set up Indias first 3D-printed ortho implant facility

December 09, 2025 | Tuesday | News

The facility to be set up in partnership with OIC International (USA) and AddUp (France)

Medi-Mold, a leading manufacturer of medical-grade molds and precision tooling based within the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ), has entered into a strategic partnership with OIC International (USA) and AddUp (France) to establish a state-of-the-art 3D printed orthopaedic implant manufacturing facility in Vizag.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this strategic collaboration was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Ajay Sood, Principal scientific adviser to the Government of India (PMO Office, New Delhi).

The partnership brings together US-based OICs FDA-approved implant technology, French additive manufacturing systems, and Indias largest MedTech ecosystem (AMTZ). A dedicated manufacturing line will be set up within AMTZ to produce 3D-printed orthopaedic implants across trauma, spine, hip, and other segments.

As part of the transaction, Medi-Mold has agreed to an investment outlay of over Rs 100 crore towards OIC Internationals setup, India entry, manufacturing, and expansion plans. The capital will be deployed to set up and scale the 3D printed implants facility and localise production, thereby reducing Indias reliance on imports.

It will also support the transfer of proprietary technology, patents, and manufacturing SOPs, and the development of a specialised workforce for advanced MedTech manufacturing.

The facility will leverage AMTZs advanced testing labs, machining centres, and regulatory infrastructure to produce high-quality implants at globally competitive costs.

Wodehouse Capital Advisors acted as the exclusive financial and India market entry advisor to OIC for this transaction. Sraboni Haralalka, Executive Director, Wodehouse Capital Advisors said, This collaboration sets the stage for India to emerge as a global center for advanced orthopaedic implant manufacturing.
Science and Tech Expos: Never was it just an event alone

December 09, 2025 | Tuesday | Views | By Dr Balendra Singh, Scientist D at Department of Biotechnology

Expos and exhibitions are not just events, they are vehicles of change, and platforms for percolation of thoughts and ideas

image credit- freepik

In recent years, there has been a boom and a competition among cities and institutions hosting tech expos and exhibitions in many technological areas, including but not limited to agritech, climate tech, engineering, AI, IT, and biotech. These fields directly relate to, benefit, and mobilise farmers, innovators, youth, entrepreneurs, and many other stakeholders, both directly and indirectly, to adopt newer solutions.

The perception of these technological expos is still sometimes misunderstood and reduced to being merely events, but the situation is completely different; they are actually vehicles of change and adaptation to new technologies in a growing ecosystem.

The Government of India supports them in various ways, including directly hosting, sponsoring, or actively participating through its organizations. This government intent, along with the enthusiasm of the people, has transformed the scenario, and these events are now emerging as mobile economic vehicles rather than just events, and they can certainly evolve into new means of enhancing economic development in toto.

Nowadays, with growing technology, the needs to showcase, sell, and subscribe have expanded. Showcasing and demonstrating emerging technologies has become the need of the time. It is not just about a market for selling but about a market of understanding needs and technological development for both manufacturers and consumers. This is the reason behind the success of many technological expos and exhibitions.

These expos are rapidly growing in India and around the world. It is not a one-sided game but a movement towards socially acceptable phenomenal change in this age of technological boom. These events flourish with thousands working hand in hand. It is important to understand how they are becoming more engaging.

Emerging needs

This is the age of dreaming, where everyone wants to fulfil their dreams through technology. Society is now riding the technological wave. From conception to the end of life, humans are closer to technology than ever before. This phenomenon is ever-increasing. Technology plays a role in every aspect of daily life. The loosely regulated access to technology poses a challenge in controlling human behavior, but humans have grown fond of technological aid and want to understand every new innovation.

Though sometimes seen negatively, in an inevitably entropy-increasing world, this is a natural phenomenon, and prosperity passes through a technologically aided human society. The unseen force behind the curtain is always searching for whats new behind it. People are fond of such revelations and look for possibilities that can change their lives positively, fulfilling gaps they feel need to be filled. Even farming systems seek independence from labour shortages, and manual labour is gradually being replaced by technological aids, changing farmers into field-to-field farming entrepreneurs.

Economy

Expos and exhibition events today attract large audiences. Beyond technology-focused events, they provide platforms for natural manufacturers, self-help groups (SHGs), and other sections of society seeking business opportunities locally. It is fascinating to see that everyone, from chaiwalas to native recipe vendors, fully engages and enjoys these events. For local people, including tribes and women entrepreneurs, these expos offer a golden opportunity to achieve months worth of business in just a few days. This blend of people coming together behind the scenes before the curtains rises is intriguing.

Technological familiarisation

Large companies, while investing modestly in these events, smoothly attract brand value and popularity through the popularization of their technologies. It is not limited to advertising but helps connect them directly with stakeholders, enabling better understanding of the concepts and values associated with new technologies. Unlike changing channels during ads, these human platforms connect ambitions with developments and growth.

Building confidence

These events help build coalitions between users and manufacturers rather than relying solely on channelled marketing, which often leaves many aspects misunderstood by both stakeholders and manufacturers. This is further strengthened by local and intellectual leadership involvement at event venues. It is not a single interaction but a range of human engagements, reinforced by onsite visuals that increase confidence in technology. Meanwhile, manufacturers gain opportunities to understand people's aspirations and ambitions. This interaction is more fruitful than many realize.

Inculcating inspiration

Aspirations are essential for a growing society. Events that attract startups, entrepreneurs, and established companies help instill aspirations in local people, who see themselves as future economic drivers. They get to understand opportunities not only in terms of jobs but also the nature and requirements of jobs and the kinds of roles they could take on in the future. Many youth, even those not employed in a particular field, try to connect with other domains, fostering multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary technological interventions. These events serve as interactive platforms for youth ideas and help enrich their capacity to embrace new concepts. Many young people volunteer or engage with various activities, gaining experience in technological development and managing human aspirations.

Days for months

It is always fascinating to see event footfall translating into significant revenues for homemade products, local produce, and home-based enterprises. Although expos may not generate huge revenues due to their size and diverse audiences, they often generate sales equal to what businesses earn in months. They accelerate business growth, offering opportunities for small enterprises to demonstrate products and deploy them within days instead of months, thus shortening the gestation period of new business ideas and turning them into enterprises in days rather than months or years.

If the expos and exhibitions are blended with conferences, workshops, and other scientific events, along with accelerated participation from academia and industry, they may truly emerge as investments yielding compounded economic and innovation returns to society. Alongside, the integration of society, industries, startups, and academia may be further strengthened. That is what is slowly taking shape as a greater scientific economization through these events. Moreover, they are not only serving the purpose but are also well aligned with the people's responsibility to inculcate scientific attitude in them, by providing the atmosphere and opportunity to fulfill the constitutional duty of the people.

It is difficult to capture the full outcomes of these technology demonstration events and expos in a few paragraphs, but they serve as engines of change and platforms for the exchange of ideas among people, manufacturers, leaders, and youth in the making. These expos and exhibitions are not just events; they are vehicles of change, platforms for percolation of thoughts and ideas, and multifaceted golden gates of prosperity through a technologically equipped economy. They enable reaching the last person and allow that person to reach policymakers, companies, startups, industries, youth, women, and all others who can genuinely contribute to making the country a multi-trillion-dollar economy. This is the way to engage the last person scientifically in nation-building. Never was it just an event but the nation in making.

Dr Balendra Singh, Scientist D at Department of Biotechnology

The article is written in personal capacity only, its nothing more than personal opinion only


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Postal Code
The former owner of five pharmacies in north Dublin and Louth has been struck off as a pharmacist after being found guilty of professional misconduct over making fraudulent claims to the HSE.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland also directed that John Corr, who had been the supervising pharmacist at Life Pharmacy Mell, Upper Mell, Drogheda, Co Louth, should not be eligible to apply to have his name restored to the register of pharmacists for a period of five years.

A three-person inquiry by the PSI  otherwise known as the Pharmacy Regulator  said it was left with the impression that greed alone drove Mr Corrs systemic and methodical conduct and that his misconduct was particularly egregious.

The inquiry found three allegations of professional conduct against Mr Corr proven over generating false records either on his pharmacys computer system or in handwritten prescriptions at the Mell Pharmacy on dates between March and July 2016.

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Ten similar allegations about the creation of false documents in order to defraud the HSE were also proven in relation to Mr Corr at four of his other pharmacies.

They were Corrs Life Pharmacy Blackbull, Dublin Road, Drogheda, Co Louth; Corrs Pharmacy, Clonshaugh Shopping Centre, Coolock, Dublin 17; Corrs Pharmacy, Main Street, Clogherhead, Co Louth and Corrs Pharmacy, Elmfield Rise, Clarehall, Dublin 13.

Counsel for the PSI, Hugh McDowell BL, said the pharmacist had acted in a manner that was infamous or disgraceful in a professional respect.

Mr McDowell claimed his actions had also breached the Code of Conduct for Pharmacists.

The public hearing was not attended by Mr Corr, and the PSI had been informed that neither he nor his legal representative would be engaging with the inquiry.

The pharmacist also made no submission on the appropriate sanction recommended by the committee.

A report by the PSIs Professional Conduct Committee, which conducted a two-day inquiry earlier this year, said the allegations had been proven beyond reasonable doubt based on full and unqualified admissions of wrongdoing that Mr Corr had made in correspondence to the PSI in February 2021.

The inquirys chairperson, Mark Kane, said the committee had also based its findings on evidence provided by PSI officials and the HSE as well as admissions made by Mr Corr in related criminal proceedings.

He said there was no other explanation for how the allegations could have happened without Mr Corrs intentional conduct.

Mr Kane said the pharmacist has used his highly privileged position and expertise to conduct activities which were diametrically opposed to the proper use of such a position in order to defraud the HSE of money used to support a vulnerable cohort of persons needing pharmaceuticals.

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He said it was equally an infamous fraud on the taxpayer.

The report observed that Mr Corr had told lies to obtain money in circumstances where he had to engage in a lot of planning, though and effort to further his elaborate and illegal scheme.

It added: One does not need to be a pharmacist or hear expert evidence to have a sense of shock and abhorrence at Mr Corrs conduct as a pharmacist.

However, the inquiry did not make any findings that Mr Corr had breached the Code of Professional Conduct for Pharmacists in the absence of expert evidence on interpretation and guidance on the principles of the code.

Nevertheless, Mr Kane said such findings did not in any way diminish the other findings of professional misconduct against the pharmacist.

In the decision on sanction, Mr Kane said the committee had regard for mitigating factors which included a degree of insight by Mr Corr as he had accepted the allegations against him in a general sense and had expressed remorse at an early stage.

It also acknowledged that he had repaid the HSE for the loss it had suffered and had assumed early acceptance of his cancellation as a pharmacist.

The committee noted there had been no previous complaints against Mr Corr, and it also accepted the case did not involve any incident of patient harm.

However, it said there were a number of aggravating factors, including his failure to engage with the inquiry, which undermined any mitigating factor.

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Mr Corrs conduct has professional dishonesty, fraud and misrepresentation at its heart and that very negatively undermines trust in the profession, said Mr Kane.

In June 2021, Mr Corr (59) was ordered to complete 240 hours of community service by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in lieu of a two and a half years prison sentence over his conviction on seven counts of making fraudulent claims to the HSEs Primary Care Reimbursement Scheme.

The court heard that Nolan, who had been a pharmacist for over 30 years, had lost his business because of his actions.

Corr, who had no previous convictions, repaid the almost 4,000 that it was estimated that the HSE had paid out in fraudulent claims.

Mr Kane said Mr Corrs criminal convictions were not regarded as significant in determining the appropriate sanction by the PSI inquiry.

He said the committee was left with no misapprehension that the pharmacists actions were at the upper most end of seriousness.

Mr Kane said the sanction was needed to promote and maintain public confidence in the pharmacy profession as well as promoting and maintaining professional standards and conduct among pharmacists and those who operate pharmacies.

He said a prohibition on Mr Corr applying to be restored to the PSI register for five years was deemed necessary as there was a risk of reoffending due to little evidence that the pharmacist had taken learnings or gained any real or convincing insight from his proven misconduct.
US president Donald Trump says he should get the Nobel Peace Prize for resolving eight conflicts since taking office in January. But the claim is widely disputed and conflict has flared again in some of the regions, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and along the border between Cambodia and Thailand.

Here are some of the international disputes where Mr Trump has intervened:

Armenia and Azerbaijan

Mr Trump brought together the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan on August 8th to sign a joint declaration pledging to seek peaceful relations between nations that have been at odds since the late 1980s.

"I got to know them through trade," Mr Trump said later in a radio interview. "I was dealing with them a little bit, and I said, 'Why you guys fighting?' Then I said, 'I'm not going to do a trade deal if you guys are going to fight. It's crazy.'"

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The two countries had committed to a ceasefire in 2023. In March, they said they had agreed on the text of a draft peace agreement, but that deal has not been signed.

The subsequent White House-brokered declaration falls short of a formal peace treaty that would place legally binding obligations on both sides. Issues remain, including whether an agreement requires Armenia to revise its constitution.

The leaders struck economic agreements with Washington that granted the US development rights to a strategic transit corridor through southern Armenia. The Trump administration said this would allow for more energy exports. In documents released at the time, the corridor was named after Mr Trump.

Cambodia and Thailand

Thailand's fighter jets struck Cambodia on Monday in an attempt to cripple its military capability, as a new eruption of border hostilities derailed a fragile ceasefire brokered by Mr Trump.

Mr Trump had helped bring Thailand to the table for talks after long-simmering tensions with Cambodia spilled over in July into a five-day military conflict, the deadliest fighting between the two in more than a decade.

The US president reached out to then-acting Thai prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai two days after fighting erupted along a 200-km stretch of the border. Mr Trump withheld tariff deals with both countries until the conflict ended.

The US president oversaw the signing of a ceasefire deal between the two countries in Malaysia in October. He also imposed a 19 per cent tariff on both countries' US-bound exports, lower than he had initially floated.

Israel, Iran and the Palestinian territories

Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas agreed in October to the first phase of a Trump-brokered hostage and ceasefire deal.

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The agreement marked a major step forward for efforts to end the two-year war in Gaza in which more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed. Under the deal, Hamas handed over hostages seized in the deadly attacks that started the assault. Both, however, have repeatedly accused each other of violating the truce.

Both sides remain far apart on major issues, including Hamas' disarmament, the governance of post-war Gaza and the composition and mandate of an international security force in the enclave.

The US president has also been working to expand the Abraham Accords, an initiative from his first term that aims to normalise diplomatic ties between Israel and Arab nations.

Mr Trump initially pursued talks with Iran over its nuclear programme. Israel launched an aerial war on Iran on June 13th and pressed Mr Trump to join in. He did on June 22nd, bombing Iranian nuclear sites. He then pressed Israel and Iran to join a ceasefire that Qatar mediated.

The situation remains bitter and unstable. Iran continues to reject US demands that it stop enriching uranium for its nuclear programme. And Israel has said it will strike Iran again if it feels threatened.

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 staged a lightning offensive this year and now holds more territory than ever in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Under pressure from Mr Trump, Rwanda and Congo signed a US-brokered peace agreement on June 27th. It hasn't been implemented.

On Thursday, Mr Trump brought the leaders of Congo and Rwanda to a Washington event at a peace institute that his administration unofficially renamed in honour of the US president. There, they signed more documents affirming their commitment to Mr Trump's peace plan.

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But the fighting has continued. Congolese president Felix Tshisekedi told lawmakers on Monday that Rwanda is violating its commitments. Rwanda has long denied backing M23, but UN experts and Congolese leaders disagree. Qatar has brokered separate talks between Congo and M23.

The insurgency is the latest episode in a decades-old conflict with roots in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Mr Trump has warned of "very severe penalties, financial and otherwise" if the agreement is violated. The US is seeking access to Congo's vast array of critical minerals as it competes with China for control of natural resources.

India and Pakistan

US officials worried conflict could spiral out of control when nuclear-armed India and Pakistan clashed in May following an attack in India that Delhi blamed on Islamabad.

Consulting with Mr Trump, US secretary of state Marco Rubio and vice president JD Vance pushed Indian and Pakistani officials to de-escalate the situation.

A ceasefire was announced on May 10th after four days of fighting. But it addressed few of the issues that have divided India and Pakistan, which have fought three major wars since their independence from the United Kingdom in 1947.

Days after the ceasefire, Mr Trump said he used the threat of cutting trade with the countries to secure the deal. India disputed that US pressure led to the truce and that trade was a factor.

Egypt and Ethiopia

Egypt and Ethiopia have a long dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Cairo regards as a national security issue and fears will threaten its Nile River water supplies.

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"We're working on that one problem, but it's going to get solved," Mr Trump said in July.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt later included Egypt and Ethiopia in a list of conflicts that "the president has now ended".

It is unclear what Mr Trump is doing on the issue. In public comments, he has largely echoed Cairo's concerns. Ethiopia has disputed some of Mr Trump's statements.

Ethiopia's prime minister Abiy Ahmed opened the dam in September despite objections from both Sudan and Egypt. Egypt's president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has vowed to protect his own country's interests.

Serbia and Kosovo

Kosovo and Serbia still have tense relations nearly five years after agreements Mr Trump brokered with both during his first term to improve their economic ties.

Without providing evidence, Mr Trump said in June he "stopped" war between the countries during his first term and that "I will fix it, again," in his second.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008, almost a decade after Nato bombed Serb forces to halt the killing and expulsion of ethnic Albanians from the region during a 1998-1999 counter-insurgency war.

But Serbia still regards Kosovo as an integral part of its territory. The countries have signed no peace deal.

Kosovo's prime minister, Albin Kurti, has sought to extend government control over the north, where about 50,000 ethnic Serbs live, many of whom refuse to recognise Kosovo's independence.

Kosovo's president, Vjosa Osmani, said in July that over "the last few weeks," Mr Trump had prevented further escalation in the region. She did not elaborate, and Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic denied that any escalation had been looming.

Russia and Ukraine

Mr Trump, who said during the 2024 presidential campaign that he could solve the war in Ukraine in one day, has so far been unable to end the nearly four-year-old conflict that analysts say has left more than one million people dead or wounded.

"I thought this was going to be one of the easier ones," Mr Trump said on August 18th. "It's actually one of the most difficult."

Mr Trump's views on how to best bring peace have swung from calling for a ceasefire to saying a deal could still be worked out while the fighting continued.

He imposed sanctions on Russia's two biggest oil companies in October.

More recently, Mr Trump has attempted to press Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy into accepting a deal to end the war that European leaders worry would favour Moscow and destabilise the continent.

South Korea and North Korea

Mr Trump has said he wants to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and make another push towards peace.

"We'll come back, and we'll, at some point in the not-too-distant future, meet with North Korea," Mr Trump told reporters in October on a trip to South Korea.

Mr Trump and Kim held three summits during Mr Trump's 2017-2021 first term. They also exchanged several letters that Mr Trump called "beautiful," before the unprecedented diplomatic effort broke down over US demands that Kim give up his nuclear weapons.

North Korea has surged ahead with more and bigger ballistic missiles, expanded its nuclear weapons facilities, and gained new support from its neighbours in the years since. In his second term, Mr Trump has acknowledged that North Korea is a "nuclear power".

Kim said in September that there was no reason to avoid talks with Washington if it dropped its demands that his country give up nuclear weapons.
The British government has again refused to name its armys top spy in the Provisional IRA, known only by the codename 'Stakeknife', despite admitting his behaviour was "deeply disturbing".

Operation Kenova published its final report on Tuesday. Kenova was set up in 2016 to investigate the activities of Stakeknife within the Provisional IRAs internal security unit.

The operation's chief, Iain Livingstone, said there is a compelling ethical case for the UK government to derogate from the Neither Confirm Nor Deny (NCND) policy regarding the agent Stakeknifes identity.

He added: It is in the public interest that Stakeknife is named.

The report noted that Stakeknife committed a grotesque, serious crime including torture and murder.

The agent known as Stakeknife is widely believed to be West Belfast man, Freddie Scappaticci. He died in 2023, aged 77.

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Operation Kenova examined 101 murders and abductions linked to the IRA internal security unit.

The unit was responsible for interrogating and torturing people suspected of passing information to the security forces during the Troubles.

The final Kenova report updates 10 recommendations made in the interim report last year, including a call for the UK government to acknowledge and apologise to bereaved families and surviving victims.

It also includes a call for a full apology from the Republican Movement for the Provisional IRAs abduction, torture and murder of those it suspected of being agents.

Operation Denton has found that the UVF was responsible for the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, and there was no specific intelligence that could have prevented the attacks, which claimed 33 lives.

The final report of Operation Kenova details the very sordid story of the top British agent in the Provisional IRA, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said.

Mr Martin said Stakeknife was responsible for the deaths of so many people, as the Taoiseach supported calls for his identity to be revealed by the UK government.

He told reporters in Dublin: The report is very clear about the unacceptable nature of state involvement and utilisation of this agent, which led to so many deaths, and it is also very clear about the campaign of terror that the Provisional IRA waged within their own communities.

The Taoiseach added: The agent should be named; everybody knows who the agent is.

Mr Martin said he regretted that the full report of Operation Denton had yet to be published.

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However, he said there was a seismic finding in the summary report, which said a network of loyalist paramilitaries, aided by members of the RUC and UDR, was responsible for murdering around 120 people.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn thanked the Kenova team for the exemplary way in which it carried out its work.

On Stakeknife, Mr Benn said: The behaviour described of the alleged agent, and their role in the Provisional IRA, is deeply disturbing.

It should not have happened, and in recent decades there have been significant reforms to agent handling practice, including through legislation.

On the request to identify the agent, Mr Benn said: Due to ongoing litigation relevant to the Neither Confirm Nor Deny (NCND) policy, namely the Thompson Supreme Court appeal, a substantive and final response to your request will be provided after judgment has issued in that case.

The Governments first duty is, of course, to protect national security, and identifying agents' risks jeopardising this. - Additional reporting from Press Association
A High Court judge has comprehensively rejected claims by jailed schoolteacher Enoch Burke that there were "errors" in an earlier judgment jailing him over his repeated trespass on Wilson's Hospital School in Westmeath, where he was once employed.

Mr Justice Brian Cregan also reminded Enoch Burke, who joined the High Court by video link from Mountjoy Prison that he has the "keys to his own prison" and he only "has to give an undertaking that he will obey court orders - like every other citizen in the country."

The judge added: "The idea that Mr Burke is being imprisoned because of his religious beliefs is nonsense. This court does not imprison people for their religious beliefs. Mr Burke is being imprisoned because he is trespassing on other people's property. No more. No less."

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Members of Mr Burke's family - his mother Martina and siblings Ammi and Isaac - were physically removed by gardai from the High Court on Tuesday when Mr Justice Brian Cregan told them they could not be present due to their repeated disruptive behaviour at past hearings.

The judge then rose to give gardai an opportunity to remove them without further disruption to the court.

The trio had arrived earlier and sat in the front bench, usually reserved for senior barristers, while Enoch was in picture online from Mountjoy prison in what appeared to be a boardroom with a long table.

Isaac was pulled out of the seat first by a garda and then lifted bodily with one garda holding his legs and the other under his arms. Martina and Ammi continued to stay sitting and despite repeated requests by a garda sergeant to leave, they refused and repeatedly said they had a constitutional right to be in the courtroom.

They refused to leave and Ammi was the first to be pulled out, and her mother followed, surrounded by gardai. Ammi eventually had to be pulled out the door.

Mr Burke remained online even after the judge had given his judgment, but interrupted again when the court resumed to continue other business. The judge ordered that he be muted, and at that stage he picked up his belongings from the table he was sitting at and left the screen.

In his written judgment, Mr Justice Cregan said Mr Burke is in prison because he has breached a court order not to trespass on school property. "He is not in prison because of his views on transgenderism, which he is fully entitled to have".

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He would be released if he purged his contempt, he said, and must give an undertaking to the court not to trespass again, although the issue of the outstanding 225,000-plus fines remains outstanding.

He does not have to give any undertaking to follow a school principal's direction to call a child "they/them" - the reason he claims he was dismissed from Wilson's Hospital.

"He does not have to stop protesting against transgenderism. He does not have to change his religious beliefs one iota," he said.

Statements by him and his family that he is in prison because of his opposition to transgenderism "are lies", he said.

Mr Burke, the judge said, "seems to be trying to inhabit a reality of his own, with his own 'Alice in Wonderland' language, where words mean what he says they mean, where his lies are the truth, and everything everyone else says are lies."

The court, the judge said, is concerned with what are, objectively speaking, the facts and truth of the situation.

The judge was satisfied there were no errors in his judgment, including his use of the words "baleful" about him and "malign". He also rejected Mr Burke's complaint about the use of the word "roaming" and "stalking" around the school.

In his earlier judgment, the judge said: "There is something deeply unsettling about Mr Burke's presence at the school.

"He doesn't just trespass onto the school grounds; he goes right into the heart of the school, roaming around its corridors when he has no right to do so.

"He is a baleful, malign presence, an intruder, stalking the school, its teachers and pupils.

"But this is a deliberate strategy: a strategy of confrontation. Confront the principal, confront the bishop, confront the school, confront the security guards, confront the courts.

His verbal aggression towards this court was, in my experience, unprecedented, he said.

The judge adjourned the case again until next Wednesday.
Most of the wind warnings issued due to Storm Bram expired at 9pm.

A Status Orange warning for Donegal and a Yellow alert for 14 other counties have passed.

However, a Yellow wind warning for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo will remain in place until midnight.

ESB crews continue to try and restore power to homes and businesses across the country this evening.

25,000 units are now recorded as being without power - with estimated restoration times on Powercheck.ie.

Earlier today

Around 54,000 homes, businesses and farms across the State are without power, as of 4pm on Tuesday.

ESB has said the worst affected counties are Wexford, Cork, Tipperary, Kildare, Dublin, Meath and Westmeath and that further outages can be expected as Storm Bram makes its way across the country.

ESB has said that its staff are working to restore power throughout the night.

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Met Eireann has also extended an orange weather warning to the entire country.

The Status Orange wind warning remains in place in Donegal until 9pm tonight - with a Yellow wind advisory for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo until midnight.

A status Yellow wind warning is in place until 9pm tonight for much of the rest of the country.

Speaking on Newstalk, Met Eireann Meteorologist Liz Walsh said things will start to calm down tonight: "That orange warning will expire, and then we'll be back into a yellow and then a gradual easing of the winds as we go through overnight."

ESB Networks advises if you come across fallen wires or a damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are live and extremely dangerous and report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.

Gas Networks Ireland has said it does not anticipate disruption to gas supplies during Storm Bram.

If you smell gas at home or on the street, it is advised to call 1800 20 50 50 immediately.

Transport

Train services have been suspended between Greystones and Wicklow town since about 3pm due to flooding, according to the Irish Times.

Dart rail services were suspended between Grand Canal Dock and Dun Laoghaire in Dublin due to a tree interfering with the overhead power lines - but service has now resumed.

Dublin Fire Brigade have responded to a total of six incidents today, but no injuries have been reported.

91 flights have been cancelled by airlines at Dublin Airport so far, with around 10 flights diverted to other airports.

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The Dublin Airport Authority says one in six flights have been cancelled today.

The Irish Times reports that Irelands longest bridge, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, has had to close following increasing wind speeds.

The bridge, which crosses the river Barrow between Wexford and Kilkenny, a distance of 887 metres, will only reopen when wind speeds have decreased sufficiently.

Warnings

Water Safety Ireland also urges the public to stay away from all waterways during Storm Bram, including coastal areas, rivers, lakes, and flood-prone zones.

Risks include powerful waves, sudden surges, fast-flowing currents, and rapidly rising water levels.

Storm Bram has brought very strong to gale force southerly winds with severe gusts.

The track of the storm means forecasters have put in place rolling orange wind warnings throughout the day.

#StormBram will bring very windy or stormy conditions to Ireland today.



Southerly winds, veering westerly through the day, will be very strong to gale force, with some damaging gusts also expected



Persistent & heavy rain at first will gradually clear to scattered showers pic.twitter.com/eKw5gUeeiR  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) December 9, 2025

After a week of persistent rain, Met Eireann has said soils across the country are already highly saturated and many rivers are approaching bank-full conditions, so any additional rainfall is likely to result in surface and river flooding.

Earlier today

Rolling weather warnings

Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford are under an orange wind warning until 4pm. This was originally set to expire at 3pm, but has since been extended.

Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, and all of Connacht are under an orange wind warning until 7pm. That warning started at 11am.

Co Donegal will be under the weather warning from 2pm until 9pm.

The entire country has been under a yellow wind warning from 6am, and will be until 9pm.

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Impacts of the storm will likely include coastal flooding, especially during high tide, wave overtopping, difficult travel conditions, debris and loose objects being displaced, power outages and impacts on outdoor events.

A status yellow rain warning was in place on Monday night in Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford, and expired at 9am.

Warnings in Irish waters have also been upgraded with a status orange storm warning for all coasts and on the Irish Sea, applying until midnight.

In addition, two red marine warnings are in place between 8am and 3pm, combined with a similar advisory between midday and 8pm from Loop Head to Erris Head to Malin Head.

In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for the entire region between 9am and 10pm.

A more severe amber warning for wind is in place for the western part of Northern Ireland, applying to counties Antrim, Fermanagh, Derry, and Tyrone between 2pm and 7pm.

The Met Office advised the public to expect delays to transport services and further warned that cancellations are possible.

It added that there was a chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris, as well as damage to buildings and power outages.

Forecasters said gusts of around 50-60 mph are possible fairly widely across the region, and potentially in excess of 70mph for some exposed headlands and areas of high ground.

Forecasters are advising that south to southwest winds will occasionally reach violent storm force 11.

Gusts of 113km/h were recorded at Roches Point, and 100km/h were recorded at Cork Airport, according to Carlow Weather on X.

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A day to be 'very, very careful'

After a week of persistent rain, Met Eireann has said soils across the country are already highly saturated and many rivers are approaching bank-full conditions, so any additional rainfall is likely to result in surface and river flooding.

Keith Leonard, national director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said: The conditions associated with orange level wind warnings can be very dangerous.

Potential impacts include the possibility of structural damage, fallen trees and flying debris  presenting a risk to both life and property.

Driving can be particularly hazardous in these conditions, so Im asking all drivers to anticipate strong cross winds and other hazards such as falling or fallen trees.

High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds  so please slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.

Id also ask the organisers of events and activities to consider the wind warnings that are in place and monitor the local conditions  unfortunately the cancellation of events may be necessary in some locations.

Met Eireann forecaster Gerry Kelly said it was a day to be very, very careful.

He told RTE's Morning Ireland: It is going to be a very windy day everywhere, and there is certainly a possibility for all areas to reach those levels for a time.

He particularly highlighted a risk of coastal flooding in the south of the country during high tide on Tuesday morning.

Travel disruption

The storm resulted in some travel disruption with 73 flights cancelled at Dublin Airport.

The airport warned that further cancellations are possible.

Storm Bram has led to four cancelled flights and one diversion at Cork Airport this morning.

Two departing flights at Shannon Airport have been delayed, while one arrival has been cancelled.

A number of flights have also been cancelled at Belfast City Airport due to the storm.

As of 9.30am it was the worst-affected UK airport where at least 18 departures and arrivals were grounded, most of them were Aer Lingus regional flights.

British Airways also cancelled a number of departures from London Heathrow to Belfast City Airport.

Amendments have been made for domestic travel as Waterford train station closed due to flooding.

Bus transfers are being arranged to operate between Kilkenny and Waterford.

All P&O Ferries have been cancelled between Larne in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan in Scotland, except for 11.59pm departures, which are expected to be delayed.

Stena Line and Irish Ferries have also had several sailings cancelled or delayed due to the marine weather warnings.

Cancelled events

Todays race at Punchestown has also been cancelled due to Storm Bram.

Information on rescheduling will follow.

The poor weather has resulted in the closure of the Belfast Christmas Market on Tuesday.

Organisers said: We recognise this may be disappointing, however the safety of our visitors and traders is of the utmost importance.

At the moment the plan is to reopen on Wednesday December 10, however this is weather dependent.

Galway's Christmas Market will also remain closed today because of the weather warning.

Management at the Cliffs of Moher confirmed the site would remain closed today, as will Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

Muckross House and Killarney House in the Killarney National Park are both closed today, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have said.

In Cork, Cork County Council has cancelled the Macroom Christmas Market due to be held in the Square today due to the status orange weather warning.

A farm hazardous waste collection day in Listowel, Co Kerry today has been postponed due to the weather.

The collection day was due to take place at Listowel Mart.

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed the hazardous waste collection day has been postponed, and rescheduled for next week, Tuesday December 16th from 9am to 4pm, The Irish Times reported.

School closures

A large number of primary and secondary schools, as well as creche facilities, have also closed due to Storm Bram.

In the case of an orange warning, the decision to close lies with the school management authority. However, if a red warning was in place, schools would automatically have to close.

In particular areas such as Sligo, Galway and Donegal, a large number of schools have closed.

Several schools in Co Donegal have said they are closing at 12.35pm or 1pm to accommodate students and staff members getting home safely before the orange wind warning comes into effect at 2pm until 9pm.

Mayo College of Further Education and Training has also said it will remain closed today because of the storm.

Additional reporting: PA
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has dismissed reports that the Russian embassy has denied responsibility for drones which were spotted in the vicinity of Dublin Airport during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week.

In a statement to the TG4 television station on Tuesday morning, the Russian embassy said the media speculation around the incident was rumours and innuendo.

It went on: We categorically reject any attempt to portray this incident in the terms of a so-called possible Russian involvement  there is absolutely no basis to that.

Speaking during a press conference with President of the European Council Antonio Costa on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Martin said: It is a matter for the Russian ambassador to express views and behalf of his own government.

I simply dont share his views.

This is the same ambassador who assured us in 2022 that Russia had no plans to invade Ukraine and we saw how that worked out.

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He described the incident as part of an established pattern of similar events.

Mr Martin said: Accidents happen on an individual basis, patterns can be discerned over a period of time and that is what were witnessing here, and indeed witnessing across other EU member states in different forms.

Gardai are investigating the presence of drones over Ireland during Mr Zelenskys brief visit to Dublin last week.

The National Security Council is to provide the Taoiseach with a comprehensive report on the matter within the next week.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inspects the guard of honour at the Government Buildings in Dublin during his visit to Ireland (Liam McBurney/PA)

Asked if he had concerns about security in Ireland ahead of a European Council meeting in Dublin next year, when Ireland holds the councils presidency, Mr Costa said: We have full confidence in Ireland to ensure the security of the country and the security of the European Council meeting.

What happened last week here in Dublin is another example of the hybrid attacks from Russia and the hybrid threats from Russia in European territory. 

Mr Zelensky and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Dublin late on Monday.

On Tuesday, he met President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Mr Martin before an address to the Dail where he said Ireland understands the price of freedom.

The Journal first reported that unidentified drones were spotted flying in the north-east of Dublin around the time Mr Zelenskys plane landed at Dublin Airport, shortly before 11pm last Monday.

Gardai said the special detective unit will be liaising with the Defence Forces and international partners to investigate the incident.
Two people have been jailed for their roles in a nasty and savage robbery and assault of a trans woman earlier this year.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that both Bayleigh Fox (22) and Saoirse Richardson (22) were acquainted with the victim, but hadn't spoken with her for some time before this attack occurred.

Richardson arranged to meet the woman at Kilbogget Park in Cabinteely on the evening of March 31st last, where Fox then seriously assaulted her.

Jane McCudden BL, prosecuting, told the court the victim struggled to open her jaw to eat for three days, had to use a straw to drink for around seven days following this incident and has had issues with pain in her back and side since then.

The woman's Adidas runners and iPhone 12 were also taken in the incident.

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Richardson, of Rollins Villas, Honeypark, Sallynoggin Co Dublin, came forward on signed pleas from the District Court to assault causing harm and robbery.

Fox, of Beechpark, Bray Road, Cabinteely, Co Dublin, came forward on signed pleas of guilty to robbery and assault causing harm aggravated by hatred.

The maximum sentence for assault causing harm aggravated by hatred is 12 years, while the maximum sentence for assault causing harm is 10 years.

In a victim impact statement read by Ms McCudden, the woman said this ruthless crime has left a scar which will take a long time to heal.

She said she has developed trust issues and PTSD. She said the defendants' attempt to humiliate her and the torture inflicted on me meant she required psychological assistance.

She said the look of hatred in their eyes will haunt me forever.

The woman also noted the impact on her family, particularly her mother, who worries when she goes out.

She said her life had been thrown off track by what happened.

One should never have to endure this violent hatred for merely existing.

Fox and Richardson made admissions when interviewed by gardai and were apologetic. Three clips recorded by Richardson during the assault were shown to the court, in which Fox referred to looking for money in relation to an Xbox, asked the woman derogatory questions and used homophobic slurs.

Imposing sentence on Tuesday, Judge Martin Nolan said this was a pretty savage attack.

He noted the victim's peace of mind has been considerably affected by what these defendants did.

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He said the court had viewed footage of the incident, which he described as distressing.

The judge said the motive for this offence and the relevance of mentions of an Xbox were unclear. He noted that Fox pleaded to assault causing harm, aggravated by hatred and that the court is not sure how big a part it played.

The judge said the context of the assault was savage and the victim was lured to a quiet area, then attacked.

He said it was a serious matter and a nasty assault.

He noted both defendants have close to perfect mitigation, but they must endure a prison term by reason of this outrageous attack on this completely defenceless victim.

The judge handed Fox an 18-month sentence and imposed a one-year sentence on Richardson.

Detective Garda Andrew Diamond gave evidence that Richardson contacted the injured party on Snapchat and arranged to meet her at Devil's Lane, Kilbogget Park in Cabinteely.

Shortly after the woman arrived, Fox emerged from bushes in the laneway and began to assault her.

During the assault, he punched her in the nose, face and side of her head. He also kneed her in the face, grabbed her hair and threw the side of her head into a stone wall.

Richardson made three videos on her phone to record what was happening.

The woman attempted to escape, but only got halfway down the lane before she was dragged to the ground, held by her throat and her pockets gone through.

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Det Gda Diamond said it was difficult to say, but it is believed that Fox went through her pockets. She was also told to send Fox 500 using Revolut while he was punching her.

He put his arm around her neck and she couldn't breathe.

Richardson told Fox to stop, saying: You are going to kill him.

Fox stopped. The victim was held back against the lane. Fox punched her again and kneed her in the stomach area.

Det Gda Diamond told the court that Fox refers to getting money from the woman for an Xbox in the clips, which was sold some time before this occurred.

The victim went to the garda station later that evening and officers present noticed she was visibly shaken and had injuries to her face.

She went to hospital and was treated for bruising and abrasions to her head, bruising to her hips and legs and swollen knees.

Photos of her injuries were handed to the court.

Fox and Richardson's homes were searched the following day and they were both arrested. Both made admissions when interviewed, accepted responsibility for their roles and apologised.

Det Gda Diamond agreed with Fiona Pekaar BL, defending, that her client told gardai that the victim owed money to Fox and she arranged the meeting so Fox could sort it out with her.

Richardson told gardai that Fox asked her to record it and said he would give the victim a few slaps.

It was further accepted that Richardson knew Fox was going to slap the woman, but the incident went further than she expected.

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The garda agreed that Richardson can be heard in the clips asking Fox to stop.

It was further accepted that when asked by gardai if she is homophobic, Richardson replied no and said she is bisexual. She also said she wasn't sober at the time.

Ms Pekaar told the court her client accepts this is a case of common design and that she was aware something was going to happen, but things went further than she expected.

Det Gda Diamond agreed with Brian Gageby BL, defending Fox, that his client told gardai he had been taking cocaine and drinking for several days before this incident occurred.

It was further accepted that Fox said it was not his intention to rob the victim, that he described his behaviour as disgusting and accepted his actions were degrading and humiliating.

Fox denied targeting the victim because she was trans, instead saying he was out of his mind on drugs.

Both Fox and Richardson have issues with addiction, have undertaken rehabilitative programmes since this offence occurred and provided clean urine samples.

Ireland Trans woman to bring High Court challenge after State does not recognise her as biological mother of child Read more

References were handed into court on behalf of both defendants and family members were present to support them.

Defence counsel asked the court to take into account their client's early guilty pleas, their young ages, co-operation and expressions of remorse. They asked for as much leniency as possible for their clients.

Ms Pekaar said her client's role was the lesser of the two and she is instructed that Richardson understood the reason for the meeting was financial and is very sorry for her role.

Mr Gageby submitted this was out of character and in interview found it difficult to reconcile what he did with who he is.
A firebomb attack that killed a four-year-old boy and his grand-aunt in Co Offaly at the weekend feature heavily on Irish front pages on Tuesday morning.

The Irish Times lead with only the top 20 per cent of earners being able to afford to rent an average apartment built in Ireland in 2025, drones having come within 500 metres of an Irish naval vessel during Zelenskiy's visit, and an ex-teacher being jailed for 10 years for sexual abuse.

The Irish Examiner lead with the government injecting 300 million into defence equipment and infrastructure next year, a drugs protest being planned after a young boy and his grand-aunt died in a firebomb attack in Edenderry, Co Offaly, and complaints that Irish flags are being used as a method of intimidation.

The Echo lead with Cork City Council announcing a fund to revitalise Patrick Street, and Fota Wildlife Park reopening.

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The Herald lead with double murderer Ruth Lawrence being jailed for two life sentences.

The Irish Independent, Irish Daily Mirror and Irish Daily Star all lead with the firebomb attack in Co Offaly that killed a four-year-old boy and his 60-year-old grand-aunt.

The Irish Daily Mail lead with the resignation of a number of senior medics from University Hospital Limerick, the country's most crowded hospital.

The Belfast Telegraph lead with residents of a north Belfast street being forced to evacuate their homes twice yesterday after a dissident republican was targeted.
BBC chairman Samir Shah has said that director-general Tim Davie had the unanimous support of the corporations board prior to his resignation.

In a letter in response to a UK Culture, Media And Sport Committee evidence session, which saw him questioned by MPs alongside former editorial adviser Michael Prescott and board member Sir Robbie Gibb, the 73-year-old said Mr Davie had been an outstanding director-general.

He said: It was clear to me over that weekend (that Mr Davie resigned) that the director-general retained my non-executive colleagues unanimous support.

Tim Davie resigned as director-general in November (Lucy North/PA)

Last month, Mr Davie and BBC News chief executive Deborah Turness announced their exit in the wake of a leaked memo from Mr Prescott which raised concerns that a speech by US President Donald Trump, featured in a Panorama episode in 2024, was selectively edited.

Less than two weeks later, BBC board member Shumeet Banerji also announced he would be leaving.

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In his response, Mr Shah said there was nothing to suggest the memos leak came from within the BBC.

A further response from the BBCs director of editorial complaints and reviews Peter Johnston, which the corporation says was not written on the basis that it would be published, said BBC News did not accept that the programme was biased against the US president.

Mr Johnston said: BBC News did not agree with the assertion that the Panorama was anti-Trump.

They pointed out that the programme was constructed with a spine of Trump supporters, the Front Row Joes, two of which appeared 12 and 15 times respectively, so they argued that the overall tone was not anti-Trump, but seeking to understand his popular appeal.

They also explained why due impartiality did not require an equivalent programme on (Democratic Party candidate Kamala) Harris and described some other current affairs output which had not been included in the original scope, including a Question Time special from Philadelphia, and which helped with the overall impartiality.

There was a difference of opinion in EGSC (Editorial Guidelines And Standards Committee) about the editing of Trumps speech.

Trump threatened to sue the BBC after the Panorama broadcast (Leon Neal/PA)

The Panorama programme, broadcast a week before the 2024 US election results, spliced two clips together from a speech in 2021 so that Mr Trump appeared to tell the crowd: Were going to walk down to the Capitol and Ill be there with you. And we fight. We fight like hell.

Speaking about Mr Davies resignation, Mr Shah added: The director-generals statement is very clear in detailing the reasons for his resignation.

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The error of judgement on the Panorama edit, for which the CEO of News had taken responsibility, was a contributory factor, but not the only reason behind his decision.

His statement makes clear that the wider pressures of the job over many years led him, reluctantly, to decide this was the right moment to step down.

As I said in my evidence at the committee, I believe Tim Davie has been an outstanding director-general.

Whilst the board and I are disappointed that he resigned, we understood and respected his reasons for doing so.

After Mr Prescotts report became public Mr Shah apologised on behalf of the BBC over an error of judgment and accepted that the editing of the speech gave the impression of a direct call for violent action.

Following the apology, Mr Trump threatened to sue the BBC for anywhere between one billion dollars and five billion dollars.

In his response to the evidence session, Mr Shah apologised to licence fee payers saying he was sorry for the damage done to the BBCs reputation, and added that he felt the corporation must act with more pace in responding to issues of public concern.

He also confirmed the recruitment process for Mr Davies replacement as director-general was under way.
Judges at the International Criminal Court have sentenced a leader of the Sudanese Janjaweed militia to 20 years in prison for crimes committed in the catastrophic conflict in Darfur more than 20 years ago.

At a hearing last month, prosecutors sought a life sentence for Ali Muhammad Ali AbdAl-Rahman who was was convicted in October of 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity that included ordering mass executions and bludgeoning two prisoners to death with an axe in 2003-2004.

He committed these crimes knowingly, wilfully and with, the evidence shows, enthusiasm and vigour, prosecutor Julian Nicholls told judges at the sentencing hearing in November.



Ali Muhammad Ali Abd al-Rahman was a leader of the Sudanese Janjaweed militia (Peter Dejong/AP)

Abd-Al-Rahman, 76, stood and listened but showed no reaction as Presiding Judge Joanna Korner passed the sentence.

He was handed sentences ranging from eight years to 20 years for each of the counts for which he was convicted before the court imposed the overarching joint sentence of 20 years.

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Judge Korner said that Abd-Al-Rahman not only gave the orders that led directly to the crimes in attacks that largely targeted members of the Fur tribe perceived as supporting a rebellion against Sudanese authorities, he also personally perpetrated some of them using an axe he carried in order to beat prisoners.

The courts prosecution office said that its staff would study the sentencing decision to decide whether to take further action. The office could appeal the sentence and renew its call for a life term.



Presiding judge Joanna Korner said ICC sentences were imposed as a deterrent to prevent other crimes (Peter Dejong, Pool/AP)

The office said in a written statement that it sought a life sentence owing to the extreme gravity of the crimes Mr Abd-Al-Rahman was convicted of  murders, rapes, torture, persecution and other crimes carried out with a high level of cruelty and violence as a direct perpetrator, as a co-perpetrator and for ordering others to commit such crimes.

It said it also took into account the large number of victims, that included at least 213 people who were murdered, including children, and 16 women and girls who were victims of rape.

AbdAl-Rahman, who is also known as Ali Kushayb, is the first person convicted by the ICC for atrocities in Sudans Darfur region, where trial judges ruled that the Janjaweed crimes were part of a government plan to stamp out a rebellion there.

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The ICC can pass a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment but judges have the discretion to raise that to life in extremely grave cases. Abd-Al-Rahmans time in detention before and during his trial will be deducted from the sentence.

Deterrence is particularly apposite in this case given the current state of affairs in Sudan Presiding Judge Joanna Korner

Abd-Al-Rahmans crimes were committed more than two decades ago but violence continues to plague Darfur as Sudan is torn apart by civil war. ICC prosecutors are seeking to gather and preserve evidence from a deadly rampage last month in a besieged city in the region.

The latest alleged atrocities in famine-hit el-Fasher are part of a broader pattern of violence that has afflicted the entire Darfur region and may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, an ICC statement said, noting that evidence could be used in future prosecutions.

Judge Korner said that ICC sentences are imposed as a deterrent to prevent other crimes.

Deterrence is particularly apposite in this case given the current state of affairs in Sudan, she said.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed his refusal to cede any territory, resisting US pressure for concessions to Russia as he moved ahead to rally more European support for his country.

Undoubtedly, Russia insists for us to give up territories. We, clearly, dont want to give up anything. Thats what we are fighting for, Mr Zelensky said in a WhatsApp chat late on Monday in which he answered reporters questions.

Do we consider ceding any territories? According to the law we dont have such right. According to Ukraines law, our constitution, international law, and to be frank, we dont have a moral right either.

In an interview with Politico released on Tuesday, US president Donald Trump again pressed Mr Zelensky to accept the American proposal that Ukraine cede territory to Russian president Vladimir Putin, arguing that Russia retained the upper hand and that Mr Zelenskys government must play ball.



US president Donald Trump has repeatedly urged the Ukrainians to cede land to Russia to end the nearly four-year conflict (Alex Brandon/AP)

The Ukrainian president met Pope Leo at Castel Gandolfo, a papal residence outside Rome, on Tuesday, and with Italian premier Giorgia Meloni.

The Vatican said Leo had reiterated the need for the continuation of dialogue and expressed his urgent desire that the current diplomatic initiatives bring about a just and lasting peace.

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The Holy See has tried to remain neutral in the war while offering solidarity and assistance to what it calls the martyred people of Ukraine.

Leo has now met three times with Mr Zelensky and has spoken by telephone at least once with Mr Putin.

The American pope has called for a ceasefire and urged Russia in particular to make gestures to promote peace.



Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky, left, met Pope Leo, right, at Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Mr Zelensky held talks on Monday in London with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz to strengthen Ukraines hand amid mounting impatience from Mr Trump.

US and Ukrainian negotiators completed three days of talks on Saturday aimed at trying to narrow differences on the American administrations peace proposal.

A major sticking point in the plan is the suggestion that Kyiv must cede control of the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine to Russia, which illegally occupies most but not all of the territory.

Ukraine and its European allies have firmly resisted the idea of handing over land.

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You know, a lot of people are dying, Mr Trump told Politico, claiming that other Ukrainian officials that he identified only as Mr Zelenskys lieutenants, his top people agreed with the US administration.

Other than Mr Zelenskys comments on Monday, Ukrainian negotiators have said very little in public about the content of the US proposal or their attitude toward it.



Mr Zelensky, left, held talks in London on Monday with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, centre left, German chancellor Friedrich Merz, centre right, and French president Emmanuel Macron, right (Thomas Krych/AP)

Russia, Mr Trump reasoned, remained too powerful for Ukraine to continue fighting.

I give the people of Ukraine and the military of Ukraine tremendous credit for the, you know, bravery and for the fighting and all of that, he said.

But you know, at some point, size will win, generally.

Mr Trump also amplified his calls for Ukraine to hold national elections even though the martial law does not allow it, and Mr Zelensky, elected in 2019, had his five-year term extended because of the war.

Theyre using war not to hold an election, but, uh, I would think the Ukrainian people would should have that choice, Mr Trump said.

And maybe Zelensky would win. I dont know who would win. But they havent had an election in a long time. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where its not a democracy anymore.



Mr Zelensky, centre right, was seeking to strengthen Ukraines hand amid mounting impatience from Mr Trump (Toby Melville/Pool Photo via AP)

Mr Trump has had a hot-and-cold relationship with Mr Zelensky since winning a second term, insisting the war was a waste of US taxpayers money.

Mr Trump has also repeatedly urged the Ukrainians to cede land to Russia to end the nearly four-year conflict.

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Mr Zelensky said on Monday that Mr Trump certainly wants to end the war Surely, he has his own vision. We live here, from within we see details and nuances, we perceive everything much deeper, because this is our motherland.

He said the current US peace plan differed from earlier versions in that it now had 20 points, down from 28, after he said some obvious anti-Ukrainian points were removed.

Mr Putin, speaking at a meeting on Tuesday with pro-Kremlin activists, reaffirmed his claim that the Donbas was Russias historic land and vowed to fulfil the war goals set by the Kremlin.

We will certainly take it to the logical conclusion, he said.

Mr Starmer, Mr Macron and Mr Merz strongly backed Kyiv, with the Prime Minister saying on Monday that the push for peace was at a critical stage, and stressed the need for a just and lasting ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Mr Merz said he was sceptical about some details in documents released by the US.

We have to talk about it. Thats why we are here, he said.



The Ukrainian president also met Italian premier Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

The coming days could be a decisive time for all of us.

European leaders are working to ensure that any ceasefire is backed by solid security guarantees both from Europe and the US, to deter Russia from attacking again.

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Mr Trump has not given explicit guarantees in public.

Mr Zelensky and his European allies have repeatedly accused Mr Putin of slow-walking the talks to press ahead with the invasion, as his forces are making slow but steady gains while waves of missiles and drones are pummelling Ukrainian infrastructure.

Ukraines air force said Russia fired 110 drones of various types across the country last night. They said air defences neutralised 84 drones, 24 more had struck their targets.

Several regions of Ukraine faced emergency blackouts on Tuesday because of Russias prior attacks on energy infrastructure, according to Ukraines national energy operator, Ukrenergo.





Ukraine deeply appreciates all the support of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex and the Holy See  the ongoing humanitarian assistance and the readiness to expand humanitarian missions.



During todays audience with His Holiness, I thanked him for his constant prayers for pic.twitter.com/J2iPAdArQn  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) December 9, 2025

Ukraine, in its turn, continued its drone attacks on Russia.

Russian air defences destroyed 121 Ukrainian drones overnight above various Russian regions and occupied Crimea, Russias ministry of defence said on Tuesday.

In Chuvashia, a region about 560 miles (900km) north-east of the border with Ukraine, the attack damaged residential buildings and injured nine people, local governor Oleg Nikolayev said in an online statement.

Ukraines security service carried out a drone attack on an LPG terminal at the port of Temryuk in Russias Krasnodar region on December 5, according to an official with knowledge of the operation who spoke to The Associated Press.
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Sponsored BusinessBanking & financeDigital transformation Going global: how to build a borderless business Brought to you by Airwallex Adam Turner December 10, 2025  4:30am 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

Future-proof your business with our six-part series illustrating how to drive agility and efficiency in a world of rapidly evolving technology. See all stories .

Determined to go global from day one, Australian luggage brand July tapped into Airwallexs financial services to power its sky-high growth. Bursting onto the scene in 2019 and weathering the COVID-19 storm, July has been achieving explosive growth year-on-year  experiencing a 640 per cent revenue increase in 2022 alone. But as international expansion across the US, Europe and Asia powered growth, managing multiple currencies became increasingly expensive and time-consuming, according to Julys CEO and co-founder Richard Li. July has experienced rapid growth. We were collecting revenues in Australian and US dollars, along with British pounds and others, Li says.

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At the same time, we were paying dozens of suppliers in different countries across China and South-East Asia. Traditional cross-border banking was very cumbersome, with high foreign exchange margins, slow settlements and a lot of manual processes that required constantly jumping between bank accounts. Richard Li. The challenges are quickly recognised by BDO national digital leader Nick Kervin who warns that outdated systems designed for one currency risk dragging down businesses that are competing internationally. Many IT systems are designed with just a single currency in mind, adding unnecessary overhead to businesses trading across the globe, Kervin says.

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Contemporary digital systems should make global trade seamless and simplify doing business across geographies. These challenges were exacerbated by the fact that e-commerce platforms such as Shopify immediately converted incoming international payments to Australian dollars, forcing July to go through a second round of foreign exchange when paying overseas suppliers in their own currencies. Related Article Sponsored

Digital transformation Your new tech toolkit: AI, automation, and agility Turning to global financial technology provider Airwallex not only offered July more competitive foreign exchange fees, but also the flexibility of a multi-currency wallet. This significantly reduced foreign exchange costs by allowing incoming payments to remain in their original currency until needed to pay expenses or regional sales tax.

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Meanwhile, Airwallexs Pay By Link tool made it easy to expand into new digital channels, allowing July to create secure, shareable links to accept online payments without needing a website or a traditional e-commerce platform. Airwallexs extensive international financial network also makes it easy for July to establish overseas business bank accounts, all managed from within a single platform. Going global can create challenges for businesses. When I first tried to create a UK bank account for the business, the bank in London said I needed to apply in person and provide proof of UK residency, Li says. It seemed like an impossible hurdle for an Australian business looking to expand.

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Thanks to Airwallexs team, expanding into new markets is easy. They can easily open bank accounts for us in new countries, while keeping everything tightly integrated through the Airwallex platform so things dont become more complicated. Related Article Sponsored

Digital transformation How finance leaders can future-proof their business Beyond streamlining global accounts payable and receivable, Airwallexs employee expense management allows July to instantly issue employee debit and credit cards for managing expense management across multiple currencies. Traditionally, expense management involved expecting employees to spend their own money when travelling, after which they have to scrape together all their receipts and go through a complex reimbursement process, Li says. With Airwallex, we simply issue them with a digital card which they can add to the wallet on their smartphone, which makes expenses easy to track and reconcile across the world  its just another example of how Airwallex takes the pain out of going global.
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears From flare to flow as Beetaloo wins final NT gas approval Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS James Pearson December 9, 2025  12:14pm 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

Beetaloo Energy has cleared its final regulatory hurdle, securing Northern Territory Government approval to sell appraisal gas from the companys Carpentaria project in the Territory, effectively flipping the switch from explorer to emerging producer. The green light applies to the companys Beneficial Use of Gas (BUG) application, which first received Traditional Owner backing in June and comes hot on the heels of the Federal nod just a week ago. Gas flaring at Beetaloo Energys Carpentaria-5H well in the Northern Territory. Under a newly approved beneficial-use-of-gas agreement, the appraisal gas will now be sold directly into the local market. Although at first blush, the approval may appear just another box-ticking exercise, the implications are anything but. For the first time gas that would previously have gone up in smoke will now be fed directly into the Territorys energy system under an existing 10-year gas sales agreement with the NT government. The deal locks in a baseline supply of 25 terajoules (TJ) a day, with upside baked in to push volumes as high as 35TJ as the Beetaloo ramps up. And the timing could not be sharper, landing amid growing fears of a looming gas supply crunch, with mature fields such as ENIs Blacktip offshore operation fading fast and energy security rocketing up the political agenda.

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This landmark approval marks the completion of all regulatory approvals to proceed to pilot production and gas sales. Beetaloo Energy managing director Alex Underwood The NT Mining and Energy Minister Gerard Maley was blunt, describing the approval as a major milestone: We rely on gas generation to keep the electricity grid stable, and without new supply sources, Territorians would face higher prices and the risk of costly emergency supply measures. Maley added: The Beetaloo Sub-basin contains enough gas to power the nation for 200 years, and unlocking its full potential will underpin a gas-led economic recovery for the Northern Territory. Notably, the landmark decision represents the first time a BUG application has been granted on Aboriginal land in the Territory. For an industry often stalled by social licence challenges, Beetaloo says Traditional Owner support provides the company with a solid platform to push forward with its development plans in the vast Beetaloo Sub-basin. With consent now in the bag, the decks have been cleared for on-the-ground activity, including construction of the Carpentaria gas plant - a compact processing facility acquired from AGL in 2023 for just $2.5 million. Importantly, the regulatory tick has also unlocked a $30 million credit facility from Macquarie Bank to get the project built.

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Civil works are already underway, with total installed costs, according to the company, tipped to come in well below those of a comparable new-build plant, keeping capital intensity firmly in check. Once online, the plant will process gas from Beetaloos Carpentaria project and feed it into the McArthur River pipeline, delivering molecules straight into the Territory gas market. Initial production is slated to fire up in mid-2026, subject to the wet season. The gas will be sourced from a fully approved environmental program that includes drilling, completing and tying in up to 10 wells. Beetaloo Energy managing director Alex Underwood said: This landmark approval from the NT Government, the first of its kind on Aboriginal Freehold land, marks the completion of all regulatory approvals required for Beetaloo Energy to proceed to pilot production and gas sales from EP187. Beetaloo is sitting on a simply enormous footprint, controlling 28.9 million acres across the McArthur Basin and Beetaloo Sub-basin in the heart of the NT. In particular, its tenure blankets the thickest known section of the prized Velkerri Shales, which averages a hefty 300 metres in gross thickness and ranks among the most prospective shale gas horizons ever identified in Australia. Independent assessors have stamped Beetaloo with a massive 1.6 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of contingent dry gas in the high-confidence 2C category - a classification that signals the discovery is real, technically sound and carries a reasonable chance of commercial recovery.

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However, that figure accounts for just a fraction of the basins full potential. The broader Beetaloo Basin is thought to hold more than 200 Tcf of gas, pushing the narrative well beyond a single project into the realm of multiple large-scale developments. With first-mover advantage, Beetaloo Energy is squarely in the frame as a cornerstone owner of what could evolve into one of Australias most consequential onshore energy hubs for decades to come. In one stroke, the final regulatory green light has propelled Beetaloo from ambition to execution. And by converting appraisal wells into pilot production, pathways to early cash flow have now been unlocked. With risk dialled down, funding unlocked and infrastructure rolling, the company appears to have taken a decisive first step towards unlocking one of Australias most important onshore gas provinces and the riches that lie beneath. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears TMK Energy tracks record gas flow rates in Mongolia Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Michael Busbridge December 9, 2025  3:06pm 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

TMK Energy has continued to make solid progress on its pressure build-up tests at the companys Gurvantes coal seam gas (CSG) project in Mongolia, increasing gas flow rates by a whopping 18 per cent in November. The company says its pilot wells are now comfortably delivering on expectations, with stronger gas flows and consistent water rates. Water production continued in line with October at 493 barrels a day, while gas production came in at 466 cubic metres per day, up from Octobers run rate of 395 cubic metres per day. TMK Energys pilot well at the Gurvantes coal seam gas project in Mongolia. Coupled with a further nine per cent increase in December so far, it suggests the coal seam gas reservoir is steadily depressurising and moving towards a critical desorption point. Novembers result also marks the fourth consecutive monthly improvement in flow rates since TMK rolled out its revised reservoir management plan (RMP) in August.

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We have now had four successive months with gas production levels increasing. TMK Energy chief executive officer Dougal Ferguson Depressurisation is key to unlocking coal seam gas and is brought on by pumping water out of the coal seam to gradually ease the underground confining pressure. As the water is drawn away, the reservoir moves closer to the crucial desorption point - when methane gas finally starts to flow at commercial rates without depressurisation. TMK says the standout flows have come from its most recent well, which is producing at strong rates even at low pump speeds and is a clear sign the companys updated drilling and reservoir management plan is paying off. Since implementing the revised plan, the company has experienced no pump blockages or delays, reinforcing confidence in its new, slower and less aggressive production strategy. According to the released data, the latest bottom-hole pressure readings from the pilot well match the simulated models perfectly. Those models are based on Langmuir curves, which measure how much gas a coal sample can adsorb at different pressures. The higher the pressure, the more gas can be kept trapped in a larger reservoir.

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As detailed in the RMP, a planned four-day shut-in confirmed that the reservoir pressure is continuing to fall with continued water extraction. Although these planned shut-ins reduce overall monthly gas production, they are essential to confirm that reservoir pressure continues to decline toward the critical desorption pressure. TMK Energy chief executive officer Dougal Ferguson said:We have now had four successive months with gas production levels increasing, but more importantly, no workovers, continued good water production and continued reservoir pressure decline. In parallel with desorption activities, the company also wrapped up its 2025 exploration program, meeting a key commitment under its licence. Two exploration wells were drilled east of the pilot project in the Soumber area. The first hit about 35 metres of coal at depths of up to 300 metres, while the second intersected around 11 metres of coal before drilling had to stop at 249 metres due to unstable ground. The company says both wells delivered encouraging results, confirming that the coal seam gas system extends east of Nariin Sukhait, which forms part of the main Gurvantes project area. Gas levels were lower than at TMKs pilot site, which management attributed to shallower coal seams.

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Work is now underway to map and interpret the data in more detail and to target the same coal seams at greater depths in future drilling, where gas content is expected to be higher. A third well was drilled inside the pilot project area to gather more information. That well intersected thick, gas-rich coal seams similar to those seen in the existing pilot wells. Core samples were collected and sealed on site for gas testing. Gurvantes spans 8400 square kilometres in the South Gobi Desert in Mongolia, less than 50 kilometres from Chinas Shivee Khuren border crossing and close to important Chinese gas infrastructure. The area is known for its large coal deposits and, therefore, is ideal for coal seam gas production, as geological processes of heat and pressure transform organic matter in coal into methane. The gas field contains a 1.2 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) contingent resource and offers significant upside potential, with a 5.3Tcf prospective resource still to be explored. Moving forward, TMK has begun planning a 2026 drilling program to accelerate depressurisation further and increase gas production. Reservoir simulation modelling has provided clear insights into the optimal locations for these additional wells.

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With near-record gas now flowing, new exploration kicking off and field-wide planning hitting its straps, TMK looks to be shifting gears in Mongolias South Gobi Basin. The project appears to be edging closer to becoming a commercial-scale producer and the punters will no doubt be watching closely. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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BusinessMarketsTrade Opinion Theyre killing their own customers: Beijing, we have a $1.5 trillion problem Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist December 9, 2025  10:57am

December 9, 2025  10:57am 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 147 View all comments

Chinas trade surplus with the rest of the world has surpassed $US1 trillion ($1.5 trillion) for the first time  and that in only 11 months. Thats a problem for China, and the world. Chinas exports grew 5.9 per cent in November, and were up 5.4 per cent to $US3.4 trillion for the year to date. Imports, however, grew only 1.9 per cent in November and have actually fallen 0.6 per cent to $US2.3 trillion in the 11 months to the end of November, compared with the same period last year. Therein lies the problem. The gulf between exports of $US3.4 trillion and imports of $US2.3 trillion  the $US1.08 trillion trade surplus China has produced so far this year  is generating increasing pushback from the rest of the world as other countries see their economies threatened by a Chinese-induced deindustrialisation. Gantry cranes and shipping containers at the Yangshan Deepwater Port in Shanghai: Chinas exports to the rest of the world have swelled in the face of Trumps trade war. Bloomberg In a state visit to China last week, French President Emmanuel Macron threatened China with European Union tariffs if no effort was made to reduce an expanding trade surplus with the EU. Chinas exports to the EU have grown by more than 8 per cent this year.

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I tried to explain to the Chinese that their trade surplus is unsustainable because they are killing their own customers, particularly by no longer importing much from us, he said in an interview at the weekend. I told them that if they do not react, we Europeans would be forced in the coming months to take strong measures, following the example of the United States, such as imposing tariffs on Chinese products, he said. China has doubled down on an export-driven economic strategy, despite Trumps tariffs. Like much of the world, Europe is being battered by Donald Trumps protectionism and Chinas mercantilism. Today, we are caught between the two, and its a matter of life or death for the European industry. We have become the adjustment market and this is the worst-case scenario, Macron said.

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Europe isnt the only economic bloc pondering a response to the tide of Chinese exports. From Africa to Latin America and South-East Asia, alarm bells are ringing and protectionist sentiment is rising. Related Article Opinion

Currencies China is moving in as Trump hurts the US dollar Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist Chinas exports to Africa have risen 26 per cent this year, while exports to South-East Asia are up 14 per cent and those to Latin America 7.1 per cent. The remarkably rapid shift in the flows of Chinas exports stems from Trumps tariffs and their impact on the trade between China and the US, where Chinas exports were 29 per cent lower last month than in November last year, and 19 per cent lower over the 11 months. Some of the exports flowing to South-East Asia  as a bloc, imports from China are up about 24 per cent this year  may represent re-routing and then transshipment of goods to the US to take advantage of the discrepancy between the rates of US tariffs on China and those on exports from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.

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The average effective rate of tariffs on US imports from China is variously estimated at between about 32 per cent and 37 per cent, whereas the average rate on South-East Asian exports to the US is around 19 per cent. Theres an arbitrage opportunity in the differentiated rates. The impact of Chinas aggressive trade policies is magnified by the deficiencies within its domestic economy, which is plagued by weak demand, the continuing implosion in its property sector and industrial over-capacity. Thats reflected in the flat-lining of its imports. Xi Jinping has steadfastly refused to do what most economists outside China, and some within, have been advocating for years  which is to attempt to significantly boost domestic consumption. Frances President Emmanuel Macron with President Xi Jinping at his state visit to China last week. Getty Images Despite the years of the property-crisis-induced domestic economic weakness, Beijing has only tinkered with measures to stimulate demand, instead maintaining its centrally directed and subsidised quest for global industrial dominance.

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Chinas exports are equivalent to about 0.9 per cent of global GDP and, in a world where global trade is growing at or just above 2 per cent, it is tearing market share in traded goods away from the rest of the world, while offering little in return as it pursues Xis strategy of growth via exports while achieving self-sufficiency in its home markets. Xi argues against protectionism abroad while effectively practising it at home. By pursuing such a narrow and aggressive beggar thy neighbour policy, swamping other markets while closing its own, China is inviting a response from the trading partners it increasingly relies on for growth. Xi Jinping has steadfastly refused to do what most economists outside China, and some within, have been advocating for years  which is to significantly boost domestic consumption. Trump missed an opportunity by discarding the Biden administrations targeted tariffs on China and igniting a trade war with almost the entire non-US world. Had he enlisted the EU and others whose economies were being threatened by Chinas exports, it would have forced China to confront the imbalances in its own economy instead of, together with the US, exacerbating those within the global economy.

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Trump also misdiagnosed Americas problem, which isnt the trade deficits it has run for the past 50 years but a lack of savings relative to its investment and consumption. He should have focused on Americas domestic economic settings  where he expanded those imbalances during his first term and is doing it again in his second  rather than looking elsewhere for someone to blame. In any event, Trumps tariffs have up-ended and are re-making global trade routes and Chinas centrally planned and heavily subsidised strategic manufacturing sectors are pouring exports increasingly above domestic demand into international markets. Related Article Opinion

Trade wars Trump may have started this global trade war, but Xis winning it Lisa Visentin North Asia Correspondent The effect of those settings is being amplified by a managed currency that is loosely pegged to a US dollar whose value has slumped almost 10 per cent since Trump regained office in January. In effect, that has produced a 13 per cent devaluation of the yuan against the euro, making Chinas exports to Europe even more competitive. No wonder the Europeans are anxious and talking about trying to stem the tide through their own protectionist measures. Theyre talking about tariffs, quotas and minimum local content levels for their industries, and exchanging technology transfers and investment from China for access to their markets.

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Xi has been advocating efforts to reduce over-capacity and endless price wars within Chinas markets, but the objective seems to be about making Chinese industry and its exporters more efficient, less wasteful of national capital and to try to head off incipient deflation than to produce a more balanced economy. Effectively, China has doubled down on an export-driven economic strategy, despite Trumps tariffs. Should the rest of the world decide that in a global trade environment fragmented by this combination of US protectionism and Chinese mercantilism, it will have fewer imports and higher domestic prices to protect jobs and a manufacturing future  Xis policies could backfire on China. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon.
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A woman has been charged with murder over a shooting south of Brisbane last week.

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Police at the scene in Slacks Creek last Friday. Nine News

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Over lunch at Marmelo, Lord Mayor Nick Reece weighs in on Zohran Mamdanis historic win to become mayor of New York. I think it was very exciting, Reece says. I think he ran an incredible campaign, certainly in terms of his social media campaign, I think its the best campaign Ive ever seen. I feel like Reece is missing the point. I want to know whether Mamdanis policies on universal childcare, rent freezes and free buses have resonated with Reece, a Labor Party member who is proud of his progressive background but who ran as an independent with a Liberal deputy in his election to Town Hall last year. Lord Mayor Nick Reece weighs up his first year in office over lunch at Marmelo. Justin McManus What about his agenda? I ask. I will be watching with great interest, Reece says, moving on to his own agenda. I went to the people of Melbourne with a very big and inspiring agenda. Im in the reform game. Im not here for the title and the chains. Im here because I want to make a difference, and Im a mayor on a mission.

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Its one year since Reece was elected as lord mayor and to mark the occasion we are having lunch at Marmelo, a hatted restaurant in this years Good Food Guide and one of the finalists for best new restaurant. Related Article City life Reece sworn in as lord mayor amid doubt over multimillion-dollar campaign promises The restaurant is located in the ground floor of luxury hotel Hyde Melbourne Place and the dining room with its large glass windows looks out onto a graffiti-covered laneway filled with wheelie bins. You couldnt get much more Melbourne. Reece has been to Marmelo before and is enthusiastic about the menu. We start with the anchovies, two single salty slivers doused in oil and laid across the plate, which are delicious in their simplicity. Those anchovies are next level, Reece says. Its the first of many superlatives he uses to describe our meal, that include delicious, absolutely sublime and a culinary revelation.

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Its typical of Reece, at times he is so enthusiastic its almost infectious. His enthusiasm is a quality he brings to his work as lord mayor, a role he describes as the greatest honour of my life and one where he deploys his expertise in networking and lobbying. We both order a glass of chardonnay and Reece tells me about moving to Australia as a child from the United Kingdom and growing up in a churchy family with a strong emphasis on community service. His dad still volunteers at St Vincent de Paul and regularly calls him to take his son to task on various policies. The next level anchovies at Marmelo. Justin McManus Reece is married to Felicity Pantelidis, the deputy chief executive of Labor law firm Maurice Blackburn, and started his career there as a lawyer before becoming an adviser to then-prime minister Julia Gillard and more recently a public policy fellow at the University of Melbourne. I ask Reece what his major achievements have been in his first year as mayor and he nominates cracking down on crime and safety in the city.

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There still are people who are surprised I went so hard on that, he says. I also have a very strong view that a great city begins with being a safe city, and theres no getting around what the crime data was telling us and what I was hearing out there in the community as well. Its not only about being a safe city, its that people feel safe as well. Reece points to the 11 council security guards who now patrol Melbournes streets and his push to double the number of CCTV cameras in the city. Crime and safety have dominated the agenda at the City of Melbournes council meetings and at a recent meeting, the council heard from dozens of people experiencing homelessness along with community legal services about how vulnerable people are targeted by the security guards and moved on. Celeriac Portuguese tarts topped with spanner crab. Justin McManus Reece has personal experience of homelessness and addiction in his own family after his brother-in-law, Evan, was badly injured in a bike accident, and through the pain management became a heroin addict. We were all close and lived through the downward spiral, Reece says. It caused a lot of heartache and a lot of pain in our family. Reece says the experience has stayed with him and shapes how he approaches issues like safe-injecting rooms, homelessness and street support services.

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He voted against the majority of his fellow councillors recently in backing a safe-injecting room in the CBD. I am a strong supporter of active outreach, of saying, Im sorry you cant stay there, thats not good for you, its not good for the city, you need support, he says. Reece approves of the Allan governments move to try children as young as 14 as adults if they are accused of violent crime. Skewers of garfish at Marmelo are doused in vinho verde vinegar. Justin McManus I certainly welcome the direction that they have taken, and I do think the underlying principle that there needs to be consequences for violent and illegal behaviour is a very important one. I point to my own children and Reeces three teenagers and ask whether he thinks a 14-year-olds brain is fully developed and they should cop the adult consequences of jail. Well if your kid was pulling out a machete and walking through a shopping centre threatening people, then yes, Reece says.

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NationalVictoriaEducation Extent of antisemitism in Victorian schools revealed Caroline Schelle Updated December 9, 2025  9:23am ,first published December 9, 2025  4:30am 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: DISTURBING CONTENT Students have been caught performing Nazi salutes, drawing symbols and telling peers to go back to the Holocaust in a series of antisemitic incidents recorded in Victorian classrooms. More than 30 antisemitic incidents were recorded between January and mid-December 2024, according to a document provided to The Age. Incidents of antisemitism are on the rise in Victorian schools. Getty Images In one reported incident, a student said they could breathe better because they dont have gas in their lungs compared with a Jewish student.

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In another, a student performed the illegal Nazi salute twice and said: Heil Hitler. The child was sent home that day, and later suspended. Related Article Updated

Racism High schoolers allegedly hurl antisemitic abuse at Jewish children at Melbourne Museum Other students who engaged in hate speech, used banned symbols or salutes were also temporarily suspended from school as punishment, and in many cases, teachers and parents had meetings to respond to the behaviour. The details of the schools and the students were redacted from the document, seen by The Age. It is the first time such data has been collated by the Department of Education.

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Education Minister Ben Carroll said every Victorian student deserved to feel safe and respected, and any form of antisemitism and racism in schools was unacceptable. These words and actions rooted in discrimination are not just hurtful, but deeply traumatic and unacceptable, he said. We deeply regret the antisemitism experienced by students at any of our schools. Our schools work really hard to stamp out this vile, racist behaviour, and we are always on hand to lend support. Associate Professor Josh Roose, an extremism expert at Deakin University, Melbourne, said he was not surprised young people were engaging in such behaviour. [There are] younger, less physically and psychologically formed individuals who are probably more susceptible to direct influences from parents, peers and so on, who may well be drawn into that orbit around antisemitic behaviour, he said.

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There has been a resurgence and emboldening of the far right, who have made significant efforts to appeal to young people. And were seeing that play out online where theres a lot of extreme right-wing material diffused across spaces occupied by young people. Roose said that while it was positive that principals and schools were taking action including suspensions, this action merely treated the symptom of a much more profound issue. Incidents of antisemitism in Victorian schools A student was told to go back to the Holocaust and another student said they could breathe better because they dont have gas in their lungs.

A student twice performed the Nazi salute and said heil Hitler, which a teacher witnessed, and it was reported. The student was immediately sent home and suspended.

A student was suspended for showing the SS symbol.

A student engaged in racist behaviour, constructing a swastika symbol, and was issued a two-day suspension after parents were notified. If you are punished without education, particularly at a younger age, you end up with an approach that doesnt necessarily address where this [behaviour] might be coming from, which is whats happening online, and also from peers and so on, he said. Really, we need a deeper level of education in our schools. The Department of Education introduced measures to prevent antisemitism, including mandatory Holocaust education in government schools, in 2020.

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Roose said this was a positive step, but that there needed to be a deeper reckoning with the importance of histories, cultures and citizenship among young people. He said this should look at the dynamics that underpinned the Holocaust, which were dehumanisation and hatred. Related Article Investigation

Extremism An Andrew Tate insider is helping Australian Nazis recruit teens Nazi symbology in particular is deliberately provocative and inherently hate-filled, he said. And young people  arent inoculated against it as they may have been in past generations. Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt said there was no place for antisemitism in Victoria. Victoria is a proudly multicultural state and everyone has the right to practise your religion, be proud of who you are and not have to look over your shoulder in fear  especially not at school, she said.

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The Victorian government banned the public display of Nazi symbols and the salute in 2023, and they carry penalties of more than $23,000, a term of 12 months in prison, or both. However, the legislation includes carve-outs for groups including academics and actors. Related Article Exclusive

Extremism Neo-Nazis chilling threats as government investigates homeschooling network Government schools have implemented a new policy on preventing and addressing racism, which came into effect from term 3 this year. A spokesperson for Victoria Police said: There is absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic, racist or hate-based behaviour and such activity will not be tolerated. Anyone who is a victim of or witnesses antisemitism  regardless of where it has taken place  is urged to make a report, either at their local police station or via Crime Stoppers.

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Naomi Levin, chief executive of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, said there had been far too many instances of antisemitism in schools. Related Article Opinion

Education At school I was picked on for being Jewish. Its no better today. Nicole Precel Education reporter She said that in light of the introduction of a statewide school racism policy, alongside government and philanthropic support to educate more students, we hope that we can turn the tide. But we will not be complacent. Our kids deserve 100 per cent of our effort to stamp out racism and antisemitism in schools. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.

CORRECTION A previous version of this story misstated Associate Professor Josh Rooses university. He is an extremism expert at Deakin University, Melbourne.
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Exclusive PoliticsFederalPolitical expenses Wells refers expenses to watchdog as flights to Labor event emerge James Massola and Brittany Busch Updated December 9, 2025  5:00pm ,first published December 9, 2025  3:24pm 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 104 View all comments

Embattled Sport and Communications Minister Anika Wells has asked parliaments expenses watchdog to audit her use of taxpayer entitlements, after seven days of controversy over her use of taxpayer funds. The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority will now examine Wells use of family reunion entitlements to fly her husband, and sometimes their children too, to multiple AFL and NRL grand finals, two Boxing Day test matches, a Formula 1 grand prix, a trip to the Thredbo ski resort, as well as her use of Comcar transport and other expenses. Communications and Sport Minister Anika Wells last month. Alex Ellinghausen Even as Wells requested the audit on Tuesday, it emerged the minister charged taxpayers more than $2000 for flights to Sydney to attend a Labor Party fundraiser, in a potential breach of the guidelines that govern the use of parliamentary entitlements. Any entitlements are supposed to be used for the dominant purpose of parliamentary business. Wells entitlements were first put under scrutiny when a Senate estimates hearing revealed last week that Wells and two government officials had spent almost $100,000 on three taxpayer flights to New York. The saga has engulfed the government in subsequent days and overshadowed the introduction of a social media ban for under-16s, which starts on Wednesday.

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Analysis of IPEA data shows that Wells flew from Brisbane to Sydney and back on August 7, at a cost to taxpayers of $1945.91, and also charged for four Comcar trips, two each in Sydney and Brisbane costing $408.78, for a grand total of $2363.69. Related Article Exclusive

Political expenses Wells charged taxpayers $1000 for car to wait while she watched tennis  for seven hours Wells has maintained throughout the scandal that her use of entitlements has all been within the rules. In a short statement announcing the audit, Wells said: I remain confident all my travel and expenses is within the framework, but for the avoidance of doubt I have self-referred my expenditure to the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority for an audit. Wells and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese both defended the flights and expenses on Sunday as within the rules, but the minister endured almost a week of criticism for the nature of her trips and questions about her judgment before she asked for the audit.

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As the scandal over Wells frequent charges to the taxpayer has rolled on, spurring investigations of the entitlements claimed by other ministers and shadow ministers  including Don Farrell, Michelle Rowland and the Coalitions Melissa McIntosh  the latest revelations will prompt further questions about whether they meet community expectations, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis. Related Article Analysis

Political expenses Albaneses words from 2015 that reveal tension at the heart of Wells scandal A government spokesman said Wells travel to the Federal Labor Business Forum fundraiser said: the travel was within the guidelines and the minister was on official duties, but did not specify what those duties were. The ministers official website and her social media channels do not show that she had any other commitments while she was in Sydney for the forum. The Finance Departments website states explicitly that MPs must not claim work expenses or use public resources for the purpose of fundraising, soliciting donations or attending fundraising events and activities.

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The departments website states MP can travel for party political work, but fundraising is not included in its definition of what is allowed. The business forum was established by Labor to build links between the party and business  and as a lucrative source of party fundraising for the ALP. The Liberal Party has a similar body known as the Australian Business Forum that it also uses to fundraise. The Australian Financial Review reported at the time that tickets to the event ranged from $2500 per person to $18,000 for a table for businesses that were not members of the forum. Membership of the forum can cost as much as $110,000 per year. Family reunion travel rules The obligations of MPs when determining whether they can claim family reunion expenses. Dominant purpose: Under family reunion rules, an MPs family can accompany or join them at Commonwealth expense while they are conducting parliamentary business. Travel must be for the dominant purpose of facilitating the family life of the parliamentarian.

Under family reunion rules, an MPs family can accompany or join them at Commonwealth expense while they are conducting parliamentary business. Travel must be for the dominant purpose of facilitating the family life of the parliamentarian. Value for money: MPs are required to use public resources for parliamentary business in a way that achieves value for money. MPs can have family members travel to Canberra under a cost-based limit per year, and can claim up to three return business-class airfares for family to travel elsewhere in Australia.

MPs are required to use public resources for parliamentary business in a way that achieves value for money. MPs can have family members travel to Canberra under a cost-based limit per year, and can claim up to three return business-class airfares for family to travel elsewhere in Australia. Good faith: MPs need to act ethically and in good faith when using, or accounting for, public resources. They must not seek to disguise personal or commercial business as parliamentary business.

MPs need to act ethically and in good faith when using, or accounting for, public resources. They must not seek to disguise personal or commercial business as parliamentary business. Personal responsibility and accountability: An MP is personally responsible and accountable for their use of public resources and should consider how the public would perceive their use of these resources.

An MP is personally responsible and accountable for their use of public resources and should consider how the public would perceive their use of these resources. Conditions: An MP must not make a claim, or incur an expense, in relation to a public resource if they have not met all of the conditions for its provision. Sydney-based ministers including Anthony Albanese, Tony Burke, Chris Bowen, Tanya Plibersek, Tim Ayres and Andrew Charlton also attended the forum.

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The Department of Finances website puts the cost of a Comcar limousine at $133.20 an hour. A government spokesman said Wells use of their service was within the travel guidelines. This masthead also revealed that Wells charged taxpayers $480.90 for Comcar usage on January 1, 2024, the same day she and her husband, Finn McCarthy, attended the prime ministers Sydney residence, Kirribilli, for a reception for the Australian and Pakistan mens cricket teams. Wells billed the taxpayer $1274.72 for McCarthys flights on that occasion as he returned to Brisbane on the same day. Under the family reunion rules, federal MPs are allowed up to three return business class flights a year for family members flying between the MPs home base and a city other than Canberra, and the value of nine business class flights to Canberra, though there is some flexibility to the rules that allows ministers to claim more. Coalition MPs have harshly criticised the governments response to the scandal, saying the travel did not meet community expectations, with Nationals senator Matt Canavan calling for Wells to resign. I think theres too many yellow cards here from Anika Wells. I think she needs to be shown a red, he told Sky News.

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Resolve Political Monitor This week was supposed to be a triumph for Wells. Instead, it is a trial Canavan said other MPs had been forced out of parliamentary positions for less, including former Speaker Bronwyn Bishop and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley when she was health minister. The question now is to the prime minister: what standards do you have? Do you apply any discipline to your ministers to pay a price if theyre not seen to be spending money in a value sense? Shadow treasurer Ted OBrien questioned Albanese and Wells judgment on ABC Radio National, arguing that what we see here is the prime minister defending a minister who is spending money that is hard to justify in the public eye. Read more on Wells expenses

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WorldNorth AmericaForeign relations Opinion Secrecy over Pentagon review suggests theres stuff in there Australia doesnt want to talk about Michael Koziol North America correspondent December 9, 2025  11:18am

December 9, 2025  11:18am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 101 View all comments

Given President Donald Trumps clear and emphatic commitment to the AUKUS agreement, now might be the time for an honest and open conversation about how each party believes the pact could be improved. As observed by US congressman Joe Courtney, a long-time friend of Australia and strong AUKUS supporter, the deal struck under Joe Biden, Scott Morrison and Boris Johnson has survived changes of government in all three countries. Defence Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US War Secretary Pete Hegseth ahead of their meeting. Bloomberg It enjoys bipartisan support, and its full steam ahead, as Trump said. So, why is the Australian government so cagey about it? Canberra is in possession of the Pentagons five-month review of AUKUS, and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed it with their US counterparts on Tuesday (AEDT) as they met for the 35th AUSMIN dialogue in Washington.

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We are constantly showered with babble about how strong the alliance is, and how wonderful and important AUKUS will be  and yet, both sides refuse to let the public in on key details about where it is heading. The Pentagon, which at one stage dangled the possibility of briefings for interested reporters, is suggesting no version of its review will be made public. Thats very unfortunate and shows disregard for Australia and the UK. Related Article Opinion

Defence and national security Australia needs to grasp chance to reset defence expectations with the US Jennifer Parker Defence and national security expert Nor would Rubio or Hegseth answer questions when they briefly addressed reporters at the State Department on Tuesday. Marles and Wong at least took questions later. But the answers left much to be desired. Marles refused 12 times to provide details about what the review says, other than to say it is about finding ways to do AUKUS better. That could be anything from minor tweaks to wholesale changes. The reluctance to engage on this suggests theres stuff in there the Australians dont want to talk about.

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The deputy PM makes the point that its an American document, and so its up to the Americans to make it public or talk about what it contains. That has the ring of fairness to it, but in that case, the Australian government has a duty to the Australian public to demand more transparency from the Americans, and to provide it if they refuse. When asked whether he thought the review should be made public, Marles said: Im not going to be drawn on that. Effectively, we are being told to trust the government in Canberra  and, in turn, to trust the administration in Washington  and leave it for them to sort out. Most of what we learn about AUKUS and the industrial realities surrounding it, we are finding out via the US Congress rather than via our own parliament. Malcolm Turnbull, former PM Sure, governments do this all the time. They sit on secrets until they decide what to do, and theyre ready to announce a response. And this is a defence deal  hardly the realm of transparency at the best of times.

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But its also a deal thats costing Australian taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars, and is central to their future security. The level of disregard on display for the voting public is immense, and they deserve better. Of course it should be [made public]. Were spending so much money, says former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, an AUKUS critic. You build trust with truth and transparency. Of the three parliaments  ours has been the least curious and the least informed, but has the most at risk. Turnbull praised Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy for saying last week that he was clear-eyed about the challenges surrounding the lagging production rate of US nuclear submarines. Related Article Foreign relations US allies that dont step up will face consequences, Hegseth warns on eve of Ausmin Thats good, but I dont think the Australian public understand those risks, Turnbull said. Most of what we learn about AUKUS and the industrial realities surrounding it, we are finding out via the US Congress rather than via our own parliament.

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In lieu of the reviews publication, Australians will have to rely on whatever imperfect information reporters can glean from sources in the US, UK and at home. But politicians cant then turn around and accuse journalists of muckraking or negativity when they had the opportunity to just put the truth on the table to begin with. 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.
THE domestic abuse organisation Amber has announced that calls to its 24/7 support helpline will no longer be charged.

The organisation, which provides emergency refuge and other support for women and children living in Carlow and Kilkenny who are victims of domestic abuse, has collaborated with local IT services and consulting firm Business IT Solutions (BITS) to set up the new freephone helpline of 1800 819 999.

Following the announcement, Amber manager Lisa Morris said that while calls to the previous helpline were charged at standard landline rates, the cost could have been a potential barrier for those needing support.

"An estimated 89% of women in Ireland who report domestic abuse and coercive control disclose they are also experiencing financial abuse, said Ms Morris.

She added: Many womens access to phone credit is withheld or controlled by a perpetrator, while other women are unable to pay their phone bills because of the financial abuse being perpetrated against them by abusive partners or family members.

Ambers 24/7 helpline received 562 calls from women last year. There were also an additional 44 calls in 2024 from concerned family members and friends of women experiencing domestic abuse. Calls to Ambers helpline increased by 19% during the period from 2022 to 2024.

Those who call the helpline can talk in confidence and receive specialist help and information. Callers can also be referred to Ambers other services, such as the emergency refuge, court support, counselling and the organisations childrens service, as required.

Ms Morris thanked BITS for their support in sponsoring the helpline, as operating a freephone would not have been financially viable for the organisation.

We approached our partners BITS with a sponsorship proposal for a new 24/7 freephone helpline number, said Ms Morris. As a business working across the southeast, they were very receptive to helping us remove this barrier for women seeking specialist support. Founded in Kilkenny in 2001, BITS provides IT services and cybersecurity solutions to businesses across Carlow, Kilkenny and the southeast.

Account Manager at BITS, Sinead Meyler, said the company was honoured to support the helpline.

We have worked with Amber for many years, keeping their network and their data safe, which is vital to the services they provide. We have always been amazed by the work they do. Sponsoring the new 24/7 freephone helpline is something we are honoured to do, as it helps remove a real barrier for women seeking support when they need it most, and we are proud to be a part of it, she said.

Amber recently announced a rebrand. The organisation, which previously traded as Amber Womens Refuge, will now just trade as Amber. The decision was made to better reflect the full range of supports it offers. A new logo, representing the protection and healing properties of the amber stone, was also unveiled.

Women who call Ambers previous 24/7 helpline will be automatically redirected to the freephone number to allow for a full transition to the new helpline.

The new freephone helpline number is 1800 819 999. For further information visit www.amberservices.ie
A FEMALE pedestrian who died after being involved in a single vehicle collision in Co Carlow has been named locally. Philippa Bayliss (85), the well-known visual artist originally from Kilkenny but who was living in Myshall village for almost 20 years, was involved in the incident at around 5.30pm on Monday.

Gardai and emergency services were alerted to the collision, involving a car and a pedestrian, and Ms Bayliss was pronounced deceased at the scene. The coroner has been notified and Ms Baylisss body was removed to University Hospital Waterford (UHW), where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

No other injuries were reported.

Local independent councillor Charlie Murphy expressed his deep sympathy and that of the community to her family.

Philippa was highly respected and known for her generosity with her time and her generosity to the community. What happened is very tragic for her family and our community. She will be sadly missed by us all, he said.

The mother of three sons was born in Kilkenny in 1940 and undertook her formal training as a painter at the Beam Shaw School of painting in London from 1961 to 1965, where Ms Bayliss became involved in the developing cultural movement She also studied under Bernard Dunstan, Maurice de Sausmarez, Peter Greenham and Marc Vaux and Jane Dowling for printmaking.

Ms Bayliss became the first curator of Castletown House and had her paintings included in public collections in the Bank of Ireland, AIB Group, the Butler Gallery, the Mater Private Hospital and St Vincents Hospital, Dublin. Her paintings were also represented in private collections worldwide and she was a member of the Artists Association of Ireland.

Throughout her life, Ms Bayliss lived in Ireland, England, Sri Lanka, USA, Vienna, France, Mexico and Sicily.

The scene of the accident is being examined for technical purposes by garda forensic collision investigators. Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash cam) and were travelling in the area between 5pm and 5.30pm on Monday are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station on (059) 9136620, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

Garda investigations into the incident are ongoing.
In a major escalation of Hollywoods biggest corporate saga in a generation, Paramount Global today dropped a bombshell $108.4 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. The move upends what had looked like a nearly done deal to Netflix and blows the doors back open on the bidding war.

Paramounts offer dwarfs Netflixs earlier $82.7 billion cash-and-stock agreement, though Netflix was only buying the Warner Bros. studio, streaming, and film arms. Paramount is aiming for the whole operation. The surprise announcement throws the fate of some of the industrys most storied properties into fresh uncertainty.

Paramount Says the Deck Was Stacked

According to industry reports, Paramount executives are positioning their bid as a correction of what they describe as an inherent bias against them during the process so far. They argue that this new offer delivers strong value to both their shareholders and those of Warner Bros. Discovery. All signs indicate that the group is ready for a fight.

Big Price Tag, Big Questions

Even with a headline number north of $100 billion, Warner Bros. Discoverys board reportedly isnt entirely convinced. The biggest question remains: Can Paramount actually finance this? Just a year ago, Paramount was struggling before being taken over by Skydance. Now the combined operation, which is in the middle of massive cost-cutting measures including more than 2,000 layoffs, is somehow prepared to shell out another $100 billion. The skepticism is real, and it sets the stage for a long, very public debate over whether the numbers and the structure behind them hold up. To raise the necessary funding for a bid of this size, Paramount Skydance would certainly need to court major new partners. In fact, according to Variety, a quarter of the bid comes from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth funds, along with Jared Kushners Affinity Partners.

Conflict-of-Interest Concerns

The involvement of Affinity Partners, a private-equity firm led by President Donald Trumps son-in-law, is eye-catching and raises serious questions about the legality and integrity of the offer. Paramount has reportedly told shareholders that Kushners participation could help ease the regulatory review, a claim that has drawn scrutiny given his relationship to the sitting U.S. president. Whether government intervention regarding that relationship could have any real influence on the outcome remains unclear, especially in light of the ease with which Kushners group of investors is moving forward with the $55 billion acquisition of gaming giant EA.

What It Means For Animation

If Paramount and WBD were to merge, the effects on the animation world would be enormous, from franchise control to greenlights to how the combined studio would treat its legacy libraries. Weve broken down those implications in earlier coverage, but suffice it to say, the stakes are high, and todays news only magnifies them.

Far From Finished

Netflix may have thought it was closing in on its target, but Paramounts hostile bid has blown the race wide open. Government and industry analysts say they expect weeks or even months of intense maneuvering as the parties try to convince shareholders and regulators that their vision for Warner Bros. is the one to back.

For animation creators and fans, that means more uncertainty. The ultimate owner of Warner Bros. animation divisions will be a major factor in the direction of U.S. animation for years. Todays surprise twist ensures that, for now, the future of some of the mediums most important studios is still very much in play.
Netflix Animation Studios has announced its next original animated feature, Steps, which will hit the platform in 2026.

Directed by Alyce Tzue, a Student Academy Award gold medalist (Soar), and John Ripa, who served as co-director on Raya and the Last Dragon, Steps reimagines the Cinderella myth from the perspective of the evil stepsisters, who may not be so evil after all.

Ali Wong voices Lilith, a misunderstood troublemaker who accidentally turns her sister Margot (Stephanie Hsu) into a frog after being blamed for chaos at the Royal Ball. With the kingdom suddenly under the control of a prince-obsessed antagonist, Lilith teams up with Cinderella and a romantically surprising troll to restore order and reclaim her own happily-ever-after.

In a release, Tzue explained:

This story is, at its core, about two very different sisters  one who fits perfectly into this fairytale kingdom and one who doesnt  realizing theyre more alike than different. Its such a personal story for me because, growing up as an awkward, artsy Taiwanese kid in suburban New Jersey, I often felt like an outsider, like happily ever after wasnt meant for me. I wanted to create a film for everyone who has ever felt like they didnt belongand show how a single act of kindness can change everything.

Ripa added:

When I was introduced to Steps, I saw that it contained incredible artistry, beautiful storytelling, and most of all, that it had something important to say to the world. Its like nothing else Ive worked on in my 30-year career in animation. Steps also has an incredible first-time filmmaker in Alyce Tzue, who brings a totally unique voice and point of view. Shes championed this story about belonging that Ive found to be both resonant and inspirational, and I feel privileged to be by her side on this journey.

The features producers include Jane Hartwell, Amy Poehler, and Kim Lessing.

Steps joins a growing lineup of original animated features from Netflix, which includes hits and award-winners such as KPop Demon Hunters, the streamers most-watched film to date, Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio, Netflixs most recent release In Your Dreams, Nimona, and The Sea Beast, among others.
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Acclaimed Swedish filmmaker Niki Lindroth von Bahr has recruited an impressive voice ensemble for The Rose, a new 15-minute stop-motion short currently in production at Stockholm-based Malade AB.

The films international cast is led by Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Tuva Novotny (Annihilation), Alexander Skarsgard (Big Little Lies), Arja Saijonmaa, Denis Lavant, Kevin Rowland, Carl Johan De Geer, Marianne Lindberg De Geer, Johannes Kuhnke, and Anna Mouglalis.

Described as a darkly funny reflection on distraction, mortality, and modern life, The Roses official synopsis reads:

The Rose is a story about death, set in the sprawling world of a major airport.

A plane has lost contact with the control tower, where the staff are too absorbed in a reality show to notice. A barista at an expensive smoothie bar loses their mind, while a mysterious figure moves quietly in the periphery  soon ready to collect us all.

Lindroth von Bahrs acclaimed shorts The Burden, Bath House, Tord and Tord, and Something to Remember have screened at Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, and Sundance, and earned awards and nominations at Annecy, Ottawa, and Clermont-Ferrand. She was also a key contributor to Netflixs Emmy-winning and BAFTA-nominated special The House.

The director says the voice ensemble has been essential to shaping the film. Working with such a remarkable group of actors  each contributing their own tone and humanity  has made The Rose a truly special project, she said in the announcement.

Speaking with Cartoon Brew, the director explained that working with such accomplished actors allowed for increased improvisation, Small things that make it feel real or authentic, she told us.

While most of the characters species were already nailed down during the writing phase, Lindroth von Bahr notes in the case of Rapaces puppet design, a lamb was selected for the actor mid-process to echo her role in the recent festival and awards hit, Lamb.

Securing such high-profile actors required persistence. The director described a lengthy outreach process, often bypassing agencies entirely, relying instead on personal introductions within Scandinavias tightly knit film community. Once I managed to make contact, I was quite certain they would be interested if they saw my work, she said. But that first part was super complicated.

In the end, she was right, but still surprised by the giving nature of her cast. These actors have been so generous with their time, she recalled. Just doing this for a very small project and being super friendly and super helpful. Im so grateful to all of them.

The production has nearly wrapped animation, with final grading expected in January. International sales are handled by New Europe Film Sales, longtime collaborators on the directors previous shorts. The Rose is slated to premiere in 2026.
Multiple regions roll out New AI Plus plans, boost applications

10:20, December 09, 2025 By Zhang Yiyi ( Global Times

Several Chinese regions including Shanghai, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, and South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, have rolled out more "AI Plus" action lists and stepped up investment, vowing to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across key industries and public services.

At an event held on Sunday, Shanghai's transport regulator unveiled its latest achievements in building a smart transportation system, with several major initiatives launched simultaneously, according to China Media Group.

Shanghai also expanded its autonomous driving test network, adding new roads in Pudong, Minhang and the Hongqiao hub. The city now has 3,173 test roads totaling 5,238.82 kilometers, about one-third of its urban area.

In addition, China's first megacity-wide traffic-signal data platform was launched, providing real-time data from 7,600 intersections to support advanced autonomous driving development and deployment.

At a provincial conference on AI application scenarios held on Friday, Sichuan released a list of 183 items, including 71 application-demand scenarios and 112 product-supply scenarios. The list spans fields such as advanced manufacturing, emergency response and public safety, as well as eldercare and rehabilitation services, the Sichuan Daily reported.

The application-demand list includes a "full-process digital twin platform for baijiu production," which uses AI models to build a digital system covering the entire lifecycle from starter making and fermentation to distillation, aging, blending and packaging, creating a "digital distillery" to support the industry's digital transformation, the report said.

On Sunday, Guangxi released recommendations for its 15th Five-Year Plan, outlining a development model of "R&D in Beijing-Shanghai-Guangzhou, integration in Guangxi, and application in ASEAN." The document calls for stronger efforts to expand the intelligent economy, accelerate AI industry clustering and advance major projects such as the China-ASEAN Countries AI Application Cooperation Center.

While AI is not given a standalone section, the "AI Plus" approach runs throughout the plan. It proposes actions such as promoting "AI + Manufacturing," deepening AI-industrial internet integration, and pushing for breakthroughs in key core technologies, including AI.

Unveiled by a government work report in 2024, the "AI Plus" initiative is gathering steam, emerging as a key priority for China's social and economic development. Most recently, a call to "advance the 'AI Plus' initiative across the board" was written into the Communist Party of China Central Committee's recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), underscoring its importance for the country's future, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Ma Jihua, a veteran industry expert, told the Global Times that China's AI development is being powered by two reinforcing forces: expanding infrastructuresuch as computing power, algorithms and related software and hardwareand rapidly growing application demand. As more real-world scenarios adopt AI, the technology iterates faster and moves onto a "development fast track," creating a virtuous cycle of innovation and deployment, he said.

He noted that the nationwide rollout of "AI Plus" initiatives, now written into the 15th Five-Year Plan and actively promoted by provinces and cities, is giving AI a strong demand-side boost. From robotics to manufacturing and public services, more industries are using AI to upgrade operations, enabling rapid iteration in AI technologies and lifting the overall ecosystem.

Ma added that China's vast manufacturing base, along with its large population, rising healthcare needs and fast-growing new-energy vehicle sector, provides a broad foundation for AI adoption. With provinces leveraging their respective strengths, he expects "AI Plus" to form a complementary nationwide mosaic of development. But he cautioned against pushing AI into scenarios where current capabilities remain insufficient, suggesting that investment should be ambitious yet calibrated.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
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A new tranche of seven IndiaSweden projects aims to drive deep decarbonisation in Indias cement and steel industries, with a strong focus on cement-sector innovation. The programme, launched under the IndiaSweden Industry Transition Partnership (ITP) hosted by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), brings Indian cement firms, major research institutes and Swedish technology developers together to explore low-carbon pathways.

Among the cement-specific projects is a feasibility study co-ordinated by Ambuja Cements Ltd and EcoTech Solutions with IIT Bombay, which seeks to deploy an integrated carbon-capture and utilisation (CCU) unit at a cement plant. The CCU project aims to capture CO 2 emissions produced during cement manufacturing and convert them into useful materials  a step that could significantly lower the carbon footprint of cement production.

Another major strand, driven by Tata Steel, JK Cement and the Swedish start-up Cemvision, investigates converting steel-industry slag into supplementary cementitious material, enabling a near-zero-carbon green cement. This circular-material approach would divert industrial by-products from landfill and replace part of the clinker used in conventional cement  a major source of CO 2 emissions.

The projects  funded by Indias Department of Science & Technology and the Swedish Energy Agency  will begin with pre-pilot studies to assess technical feasibility and economic viability. If successful, they could pave the way for large-scale deployment of low-carbon cement production in the worlds second-largest cement market.
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The export of cement from Pakistan to Kabul has been halted for over two months due to ongoing conflicts between the two countries.

The Torkham border, which connects the Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province to Kabul, has been mutually closed by Pakistan and Afghanistan because of issues related to terrorist activities. This situation has severely affected cement producers in northern Pakistan.

According to a statement from the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), cement exports from northern mills were almost nonexistent in November 2025, as the Pak-Afghan border remained shut since mid-October 2025. Exports from southern Pakistan also declined, falling by 7.08% to 590,021t in November 2025, compared to 634,993t in the same month the previous year.

Efforts to resolve the issue through talks mediated by Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia have not yielded the desired results. Furthermore, there has been an increase in cross-border infiltration by terrorists, and Pakistan continues to urge Kabul to stop these activities from its land.

By Abdul Rab Siddiqi, Pakistan
Childrens Hospital at Erlanger is accepting donated presents for patients this December during their annual Holiday Donation Days."Whether its toys, books or other thoughtful gifts, each donation brings comfort to patients and their families," organizers said.Holiday Donation Days are a special opportunity for anyone in our community to support Childrens pediatric patients during the holiday season, said Hailey Thompson, certified child life specialist, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.These days will be fun and festive events where members of the community can drop off their purchased toys and items for the children and their families admitted over the holidays.Donations will be gratefully accepted this Wednesday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., next Sunday between noon and 5 p.m., or Friday, Dec. 19, between noon and 7 p.m. at the Childrens Hospital at Erlanger Parking Garage Entrance on Blackford Street.Toys and stuffed animals must be new, unused and purchased within the last 30 days. For donations valued at over $1,000, email childlife@erlanger.org to schedule your drop off.For more information, contact childlife@erlanger.org. To view their Amazon Wish List, visit wishlist.erlangerfoundation.org
United Healthcare has terminated negotiations with Bradley Medical Center and Vitruvian Health for a separate contract.Hospital officials said, "As a result, a new agreement is unlikely during this open enrollment period."Bradley Medical issued this statement:What This Means for Patients:Emergency Care Is Always Covered by all insurers when minutes matter. If you believe its an emergency, go to the ER - federal law protects you regardless of network status.To ensure continued access to trusted physicians and in-network care close to home, choose a health plan that includes Bradley Medical Center and Bradley Physician Services.We know this situation causes confusion and concern.According to Beckers Payer Issues in October, United Healthcare in its third quarter posted $2.3 billion in profit. However, we have remained focused on patients - not profits. We are not walking away. We are showing up - because we care.Coverage Details During Open Enrollment:Medicare Advantage:Bradley Medical Center is in-network with alternative Medicare Advantage plans.For United Healthcare Medicare Advantage members, Vitruvian will continue providing all services - primary care, specialty care, inpatient stays, outpatient procedures, and emergency care - without disruption.TennCare:Bradley Medical Center remains fully in-network with TennCare-United Healthcare.Commercial & ACA/Exchange Plans:Bradley Physician Services will treat these members as in-network for office visits, follow-up labs, and some outpatient imaging.Inpatient stays and surgeries for these plans will be coordinated with other in-network facilities if needed.Non-emergency inpatient stays and outpatient surgeries for Commercial and ACA plans are not covered unless coordinated. Emergency services are always covered.For assistance call (423) 559-6741 for help navigating your plan.
The public is invited to join members of the Jewish community as they celebrate the first night of Chanukah this Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace. Dinner, family friendly kids games and activities, adult beverages, candle making and donut decorating are all part of the event.Officials said, "Bring your menorah and we will supply the candles for the community candle lighting, which starts promptly at 5:30 p.m."The cost for the event is $15 for adults and $5 for children six-15 years old.Children under five are free. For more information and to register, go to www.jewishchattanooga.com.Chanukah represent a period of time, eight days, when we come together as a community to celebrate life, light and a future. It is a story of Jewish people finding inspiration in an outnumbered band of Jewish patriots who shook off the yoke of foreign oppression and struck a blow for religious freedom, said Michael Dzik, CEO of the Jewish Federation."Chanukah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army, and the miracle of rededicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and restoring its menorah, or lamp," officials said. "Chanukah isnt mandated by the Torah, like the major festivals Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot. Hanukkah came later, and celebrates the successful Maccabean revolt which happened many centuries after the Torah was written."For more information, call 423-493-0270. This is a community service of the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga.
A social media graphic urging the release of the eight individuals has been widely shared. | Screenshot: YouTube/ Marandua Stereo 100.7 FM

Newly uncovered video footage appears to show eight Christian leaders being transported by armed men along a Colombian river shortly before they were executed and buried in a mass grave.

The footage was recovered from the mobile phone of an alleged dissident of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), who is now facing charges related to the killings.

According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the video depicts the victims  Isaid Gomez, Maribel Silva, Carlos Valero, James Caicedo, Jesus Valero, Maryuri Hernandez, Nixon Penalosa and Oscar Garcia  being transported down the Itilla River to La Ojona farm, located near the site where their bodies were later found.

The recording reportedly also shows armed men photographing and interrogating the eight leaders before their deaths.

The victims, residents of Agua Bonita in Calamar, Guaviare, were summoned individually on April 45 by an illegal armed group. All eight belonged to the Evangelical councils Alianza de Colombia and Cuadrangular and had previously fled Arauca to escape persecution.

Their remains were discovered on July 1 in a remote area of Calamar after a disappearance lasting three months. Investigators located the mass grave after the May arrest of a guerrilla fighter who possessed a phone containing the images and video evidence of the captives and the crime scene.

Colombias Office of the Attorney General stated that the Christian leaders had been wrongly identified as members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) by FARC dissidents operating under the command of alias Ivan Mordisco. Officials later confirmed there was no connection between the victims and the ELN.

Prosecutors reported that the captives were restrained with chains and ropes before being executed at close range and buried in the jungle to hide the evidence.

On Nov. 25, authorities formally charged Excehomo Pabon Amaya, known as Morocho, with aggravated conspiracy, forced disappearance, homicide, and illegal weapons possession. Investigators say he was part of the Armando Rios Front, a faction formed after FARCs 2016 peace agreement with the Colombian government.

CSW Advocacy Director and Americas Team Leader Anna Lee Stangl welcomed the progress but urged authorities to pursue all individuals involved.

She also expressed doubt that the victims could have been mistaken for ELN members, noting the ELNs long-standing pattern of targeting Protestant communities. The eight leaders had already been displaced from Arauca following ELN threats, only to face additional violence in Guaviare.

FARC, both before and after the 2016 peace accord, has faced repeated accusations of suppressing religious freedom and is believed to be responsible for hundreds of church leader deaths in Colombias rural regions.
Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California. | Photo credit: Facebook/ Vanguard University

A student at a Christian college in California has created her own pro-life organization after administrators declined her request to establish a Students for Life of America (SFLA) chapter on campus.

Linda-Isabella Rendon, a sophomore pre-nursing major at Vanguard University, decided to start an independent pro-life club after the school rejected her proposal for an official SFLA chapter.

The new organization, called Vanguard Lions Love Life, operates separately from Students for Life of America, a national group that equips young activists to oppose abortion on high school and college campuses.

Students for Life Action, SFLAs sister organization, focuses on mobilizing young adults to influence public policy and elections related to abortion. Vanguard administrators referenced this political component in their decision to deny SFLA club status.

In a statement to The Christian Post, the office of Amanda Lebrecht, Vanguards vice president of student development, said the universitys policies do not allow clubs affiliated with political advocacy initiatives. The statement explained that Rendons initial request was denied because SFLA is a national organization engaged in political advocacy.

However, because Vanguard University and the student share equal beliefs in the sanctity of life for the unborn, we were determined to work together to find a solution that would allow the important work of the proposed club to occur, Lebrechts office said. We were able to collaborate with the student on an alternative option to form an independent service club that champions the unborn and supports women who are choosing to have children.

Rendon wrote in a Nov. 19 article for SFLAs website that she was inspired to start a pro-life club because she noticed Vanguard University didnt have one.

Speaking with Fox News Digital, Rendon emphasized that she does not view abortion as a political matter. Instead, she called it a heart issue and a Christian value, explaining that her goal was to establish a service-oriented club aimed at helping women and children in need.

According to Fox News Digital, administrators allowed Rendon to establish the club following a Nov. 24 meeting with Lebrecht, saying the school approved it once she clarified that the group would not be political but would focus on service-oriented activities consistent with the universitys values.

The clubs planned activities include supporting pregnant mothers by organizing baby showers, diaper drives, and baby bottle fundraising campaigns.

God created us before we even were in the womb. He knew our purpose and the plans that he has for our lives, and obviously, as a Christian university, they want to support this message, Rendon said. And so, once we revealed that this is our intention to share the sanctity of life and to really support those women in need, we wanted to share our goals, the things that we want to do.
Photo credit: Unsplash/ Diana Vargas

New research indicates that a majority of self-identified Christians believe that performing good things for others is sufficient to gain entry into Heaven, highlighting significant confusion over core Christian doctrines.

The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University released its latest findings from the American Worldview Inventory 2025, based on a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted in March. The report examines Americans beliefs about the afterlife and how they differ across Christian traditions.

Across all Christian subgroups, most respondents affirmed the belief that every individual will face personal judgment by God. This view is held by 95% of theologically identified born-again Christians, 86% of Pentecostals, 84% of Evangelicals, 84% of independent and non-denominational Christians, 83% of Protestants, 82% of Mainline Protestants, 78% of self-identified Christians and 74% of Catholics.

A key finding of the study shows that 53% of self-identified Christians agree that A person who is generally good, or does enough good things for others, will earn a place in Heaven. Among Catholics, the share rises to 73%, the highest of any group surveyed.

Fewer than half of Evangelicals (43%), Mainline Protestants (43%), theologically identified born-again Christians (42%), Protestants (41%), Pentecostals (41%) and independent/non-denominational Christians (35%) shared that view.

Views on salvation also varied widely. More than half of Catholics (54%) believe that There are many paths to eternal salvation; you can choose whichever one you prefer, while smaller percentages of self-identified Christians (41%), Evangelicals (37%), Mainline Protestants (35%), Pentecostals (34%), Protestants (34%), independent/non-denominational Christians (31%) and born-again Christians (27%) agreed.

When participants were asked whether Admitting that you have sinned is all you need to do to repent, less than half of every Christian subgroup agreed. Still, with 48% of Evangelicals and Pentecostals, 44% of Catholics, 40% of self-identified Christians, 39% of Protestants, 38% of born-again Christians, 37% of independent and non-denominational Christians, and 36% of Mainline Protestants holding that belief.

CRC Director of Research George Barna said the findings expose significant gaps in theological understanding. There remains a shocking degree of misunderstanding among Christians regarding sin, repentance, forgiveness and salvation, he said.

Tens of millions of people who attend Christian churches every week, and who consider themselves to be followers of Christ and eternally secure, do not seem to understand that repentance is necessary for salvation, and repentance demands a change in behavior.

He concluded by warning about the dangers of unbiblical assumptions: The presence of unbiblical beliefs in the minds of most Christian-leaning Americans reminds us that most people are information collectors rather than biblically consistent followers of Christ. Americans are more determined to be comfortable than biblically right. That preference will produce profound eternal effects for each of us.
Home News Did India deny a visa to Franklin Graham ahead of a crusade? Here's what we know

The Rev. Franklin Graham was recently unable to attend a Christian revival event in India due to a visa issue, with some alleging foul play.

Reports circulated last week stating that the 73-year-old Graham was prevented from speaking at an event in Nagaland late last month to commemorate the anniversary of a crusade his father, the late Rev. Billy Graham, conducted in the region 53 years earlier. The Times of India reported that Graham had been denied a visa, causing one local leader to send letters to federal officials voicing displeasure with the matter.

A spokesperson for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association clarified the situation in a statement sent to The Christian Post on Tuesday.

"The visas for Rev. Franklin Graham and our team were approved by the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division; however, it was after the necessary departure date for Mr. Graham to arrive in time for Nagaland United: A Gathering of Faith, Hope and Revival and for the Hornbill Festival," read the statement.

"Mr. Franklin Graham is grateful to the Kohima Baptist Pastor's Fellowship and to the Chief Minister of Nagaland Dr. Niephiu Rio for the invitation to visit Nagaland, as his father Billy Graham also did in 1972. We also worked closely with the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. and are thankful for their assistance."

The event, held in the state capital of Kohima, was a collaboration among the Kohima Baptist Pastors Fellowship, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, and the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum. Robert Cunville, an associate evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and a longtime friend and ministry partner in India, preached the Gospel in Graham's place, according to the BGEA spokesperson.

After Graham was unable to attend the event, Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee President Lal Thanzara wrote a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his "extreme disappointment," Times of India notes.

Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., chair of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, also released a statement denouncing Graham's visa issue.

"The decision by India's federal government to deny Rev. Graham a visa is a troubling affront to Indian Christians and the Indian constitution's protections for freedom of religion," stated Smith.

"The discriminatory treatment of Rev. Graham, prohibiting him from visiting a region where he was invited and expected to be warmly welcomed by thousands who share his faith does not align with Prime Minister Modi's promises to work toward improved ties with the United States nor with his promises to protect religious minorities."

Smith said that Samaritan's Purse, an international Evangelical charity organization led by Graham, has been providing various aid to India for over 40 years.

In 1972, the Rev. Billy Graham held a crusade event at the Khuochiezie Local Ground in Kohima, which Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio referenced in a speech.

"Many in our state still cherish the memory of that crusade," said Rio at the event, as quoted by The Nagaland Tribune. "It sowed seeds of faith, awakening, and spiritual renewal that continue to bear fruit even today."
Home News Florida town's abortion buffer zone blocked by appeals court amid legal battle with pro-life activists

A federal appeals court has blocked a Florida citys buffer zone ordinance in what lawyers for pro-life activists have described as a resounding win for free speech and the voiceless preborn.



In a decision published Thursday, a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that an abortion buffer zone law established by the city of Clearwater violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.



Judge Kevin Newsom, appointed to the bench by President Donald Trump, wrote the opinion, which Trump-appointed Judge Britt Grant joined. Judge Nancy Abudu, the third judge on the panel who was appointed to the bench by former President Joe Biden, issued a dissenting opinion.



"True, we have held [in the past] that only 'direct penalization'  as opposed to 'incidental inhibition'  of 'First Amendment rights constitutes irreparable injury.' But the Ordinance 'categorically bars' Florida Preborns speech by prohibiting sidewalk counselors from using a public sidewalk to distribute literature," Newsom wrote. "The balance-of-harms and public-interest factors 'merge when the Government is the opposing party,' ... and likewise counsel in favor of preliminary injunctive relief."



The opinion follows a lawsuit from an organization of pro-life sidewalk counselors called Florida Preborn Rescue, as well as three of its members and a fourth individual who works with them.



The plaintiffs regularly go to Bread and Roses Womens Health Center, an abortion clinic in Clearwater, to have conversations on the sidewalk with, and provide literature to, patients and other persons entering and exiting medical centers providing abortion services.



The plaintiffs alleged that an ordinance prohibiting pedestrians from entering the vehicular driveway located at the western entrance to the Bread and Roses Womens Health Center and the portion of the sidewalk located within five feet of the concrete driveway violated the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the Florida Constitution, and the Florida Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1998.



Clinic employees and first responders are the only groups exempt from the ordinance. The city of Clearwater countered that the ordinance is necessary because of protestors repeatedly crossing the driveway of the health center and impeding ingress and egress of vehicle traffic and getting within close proximity of driving cars with the intent to frighten and intimidate the vehicle occupants.



Florida Preborn Rescue and the sidewalk counselors sought a preliminary injunction setting aside the ordinance as litigation over the local law continued. The plaintiffs alleged that the ordinance restricted their ability to engage in pro-life activism.



While a lower court ruled against the plaintiffs, the 11th Circuit vacated that ruling and determined that "the district court abused its discretion in denying the preliminary injunction on the ground that Florida Preborn hadnt established a likelihood of success on the merits.



The appellate court remanded the case back to the lower court and ordered it to grant the requested injunction. The majority opinion cited precedent from the U.S. Supreme Court finding that [t]he loss of First Amendment freedoms, for even minimal periods of time, unquestionably constitutes irreparable injury."



In dissent, Abudu wrote that the lower court ruling correctly determined that the plaintiffs had failed to establish the irreparable injury needed to justify a preliminary injunction.



"I respectfully dissent from the majority opinion because Florida Preborn Rescue, Inc. ... has not established a likelihood of success on the merits of their challenge against the City of Clearwaters ordinance, which created a mere five foot buffer zone between leafleteers and patients seeking reproductive care in response to law enforcements repeated requests for more effective policing in the area," Abudu wrote, stressing that preliminary injunctions "are a drastic remedy."



The Thomas More Society, which represented the plaintiffs in their litigation, released a statement calling the ruling a resounding win for free speech and the voiceless preborn.



Our clients simply seek to exercise their constitutional right to share resources and abortion alternatives peacefully with abortion-vulnerable women, said Thomas More Society Senior Counsel Tyler Brooks.



The court rightly affirmed that a city cannot use dubious, manufactured pretexts to silence speech it doesnt like.



Brooks asserts that anti-speech zones rob women of critical information about options other than abortion.



Thomas More Society will continue fighting to dismantle them nationwide," the attorney vowed. "We wont let the abortion industry have the last word.



Mat Staver, founder and chairman of the Florida-based Christian conservative legal organization Liberty Counsel, praised the ruling, calling it a significant victory for sidewalk counselors and free speech advocates.



Public sidewalks have always been protected places where people can gather to participate in the peaceful exchange of ideas," he said in a statement Monday. "Abortion buffer zones collide with free speech and hinder women and girls from receiving information that could change their fateful decisions to end the life of their child. This recent decision should be an encouragement to pro-life sidewalk counselors around the country, he added.
Home News HHS investigating claims school vaccinated student despite religious exemption

Federal health officials have launched an investigation into a complaint alleging that an unidentified school located in the Midwestern United States disregarded a valid religious exemption and administered a vaccine to a student without parental consent.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the investigation on Dec. 3 after officials said school authorities administered a vaccine to a student despite having a religious exemption submitted under a state law.

According to HHS, the vaccine was supplied through the federal Vaccines for Children program, which is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Entities participating in the program, including schools and medical practices, must adhere to state laws on religious and other exemptions from compulsory vaccination requirements, according to HHS.

The department's Office for Civil Rights will determine whether the school violated those obligations. Neither the school's name nor the student's identity was disclosed.

In a video statement announcing the investigation, HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy said any HHS-backed grant recipient must comply with federal and state laws protecting parental rights.

When any institution  school or doctor's office or clinic  disregards religious exemptions, it doesn't just break trust, it also breaks law, Kennedy said. It fractures the sacred bond between families and people entrusted with their children's care. We are not going to tolerate it.

Kennedy urged parents to educate themselves on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and their right to access their childrens health records in order to make more informed health decisions for their children. HIPAA establishes that right of access."

If you have the legal authority to make decisions for your child, then you should have the right to see their records. No delays, no secrets, and no excuses,"

The probe marks the latest in a string of recent HHS actions on religious exemptions.

HHS Office for Civil Rights issued a letter in September to notify state awardees of the Vaccines for Children Program (VCP) that any participating immunization programs and program-registered providers must respect state religious and conscience exemptions from vaccine mandates.

In August, the Office for Civil Rights cautioned West Virginia that it risked forfeiting $1.37 billion in federal health funding unless state health departments  which participate in the Vaccines for Children program  comply with religious freedom statutes, including exemptions from childhood vaccinations.

The recent disputes over religious exemptions have also been at the center of several federal cases, including a Colorado medical school's $10.3 million settlement last week with 18 plaintiffs who were denied accommodations for COVID-19 vaccine mandates on faith-based grounds.

The University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine agreed to the payout  covering damages, tuition refunds and $1 million in attorney fees  after a 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled that the institution violated the plaintiffs' First Amendment rights through denials motivated by "religious animus."
Home News Hobby Lobby CEO David Green pledges $7M to help rebuild fire-ravaged historic First Baptist Dallas

Hobby Lobby founder and CEO David Green has donated $7 million to help rebuild the historic sanctuary of First Baptist Dallas.

The announcement came during a Sunday morning service at the downtown Dallas megachurch, led by Senior Pastor Robert Jeffress. Nearly 18 months after a devastating four-alarm fire gutted the 134-year-old sanctuary in July 2024, the donation marks a pivotal moment in the congregation's campaign to raise $95 million overall for the new facility and expanded ministries.

Before launching into his sermon series, "The Divine Defense: 6 Supernatural Weapons for Defeating Your Unseen Enemy," Jeffress recounted how Green's offer  initially a matching grant of up to $7 million  evolved into an immediate windfall. "A couple of months ago, you remember David Green, the founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, came to visit us, and he loves our church. He loves what our church stands for," Jeffress told the congregation.

Noting how the Hobby Lobby Foundation, the giving arm of Green's company, usually donates to international causes and organizations rather than local churches, Jeffress said in this case, Green made an exception. "David recognized First Baptist Church is not just any local congregation," he said. "It has a worldwide ministry."

In his message as recounted by Jeffress, Green said, "Pastor, your church is about winning people to Jesus. And that's what we love at Hobby Lobby. We want to win as many people to Jesus as quickly as we can. And that's what you're doing. And we want to play a part in the rebuilding of that historic sanctuary."

At that point, said Jeffress, Green offered a matching grant of up to $7 million if First Baptist Dallas could match it with another $7 million, for a grand total of $14 million.

Jeffress described presenting Green's challenge to a "dedicated family" in the church, who responded the next morning with a pledge to cover the full match. "They called back the next morning and said, 'Pastor, we will give the entire $7 million.' So David put the check in the mail," Jeffress said, drawing laughter and applause. "We're close to what we're going to need to do this completely debt-free."

The funds come at a critical juncture for First Baptist Dallas, a Southern Baptist powerhouse with roots dating back to 1868. The church, now spanning six city blocks and boasting over 16,000 members, has grown into a multi-generational hub offering three Sunday services and bilingual discipleship programs, while Jeffress' "Pathway to Victory" broadcast reaches millions via radio, TV and a weekly Fox Nation stream.

Despite the devastation caused by the fire in July 2024  including a roof collapse in First Baptist Dallas' historic sanctuary and an adjacent chapel suffering partial damage  Jeffress' church has persevered through the loss, and even earned the title of "best church" in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area in October.

With groundbreaking eyed for early 2026, Jeffress highlighted his plans for some practical upgrades, including the installation of a "giant escalator and staircase" linking the Crystal Center's ground floor to the second level. "Now, that's worth applauding, isn't it? That will be fixed and there'll be so many other great features," he said, adding he estimated the total reconstruction cost would likely be around $27 million.

Jeffress closed the Sunday service with gratitude and a call to action, thanking Green for his generosity and urging members to continue to give during the holiday season. "I first of all want to publicly thank a great Christian, David Green, and the Green family for what they've done for our church," Jeffress said, joking that he "will never complain when [Jeffress' wife] Amy goes to Hobby Lobby ever again."

"We appreciate and love David and Hobby Lobby," he added. "Most of all, we give God the glory for great things He has done and He continues to do through our church."
Home News Pastor Jamal Bryant slams removal of fee-free entry to parks on MLK Day, Juneteenth

Outspoken civil rights activist and megachurch pastor Jamal Bryant has criticized a recent move by the National Park Service to remove Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from its calendar of fee-free days to enter national parks and add "Flag Day/President [Donald] Trump's birthday," calling it a "slap in the face."

"Free admission days underscore what is the price our community has to pay. To take away all of the strides that America made symbolically under the leadership and direction of Martin Luther King Jr. really to make America great. This is a slap in the face, but not just to African Americans but to Americans at large," Bryant, who leads New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia, told ABC News in a recent interview.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January each year, honors the life of the civil rights icon who led protests against racial discrimination at the federal, state, and local levels. Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19 each year.

In December 2024 during the final months of the Biden administration, the National Park Service waived entrance fees to national parks for six days on: Jan. 20 for MLK Jr. Day, April 19 for the first day of National Park Week, June 19 in celebration of Juneteenth, Aug. 4 for the Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day, Sep. 27 for National Public Lands Day and Nov. 1 for Veterans Day.

In 2026, the number of fee-free days has been increased, but the days honoring African American history have been removed from the National Park Service's calendar, according to the latest calendar.

Fee-free days in 2026 will be Feb. 16 for Presidents Day (Washington's Birthday); May 25 for Memorial Day; June 14 for Flag Day (the same day as Trump's 80th birthday); July 3 through July 5 for Independence Day weekend; Aug. 25 for the 110th Birthday of the National Park Service, Sept. 17 for Constitution Day, Oct. 27 for Theodore Roosevelt's birthday, and Nov. 11 for Veterans Day.

Starting in 2026, fee-free days will only apply to U.S. citizens and residents.

"Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees," the National Park Service states on its website.

Bryant, who has been leading an ongoing boycott of retail giant Target over the companys rolling back of their diversity, equity and inclusion policies, suggested the official inclusion of President Trumps birthday among the fee-free days is narcissism.



The narcissism unleashed to take it away from Dr. King and laud it upon himself says that America is going backward, is in tremendous danger, Bryant argued.



When asked what he thinks should happen to address concerns about the changes to the fee-free calendar, Bryant suggested that Americans should speak up.



Weve got to figure out how it is that America takes it by the reins to say African Americans have paid enough at the back of the bus, on the lynching tree, at segregated water fountains, he said.



It cannot be lost  that the announcement was made at the exact same time that we honored the 70th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. So everything they did in the civil rights community is trying to be erased and dismissed as if it never happened.
Home News Rep. Jasmine Crocketts pastor, Frederick Haynes, launches bid to fill her congressional seat

Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, senior pastor of the 13,000-member Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, who counts Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, among his flock, launched a bid to fill her District 30 congressional seat Monday after she formally announced her run for the U.S. Senate on the same day.

The announcements from both Haynes and Crockett came just a day after he delivered a politically charged sermon critical of President Donald Trump and the U.S. Supreme Court, with Crockett in the audience. He would later pray for Crockett, asking God to protect her and give her courage.

She's Jasmine putting injustice in jeopardy. She's Jasmine. She's cool. She's calm, collected, and a Crockett, Haynes told his church as he claimed the 44-year-old staunch liberal politician is the nations congresswoman.

Friendship-West Baptist Church could not immediately provide a statement on Haynes' congressional run when contacted by The Christian Post for comment on Tuesday. He told his congregants on Sunday that he was waiting on them to get tired enough of Americas status quo to be energized to break out in a movement that makes a difference.

I'm waiting on us to get tired. Are you tired yet? Are you tired of an authoritarian president who's been given carte blanche by the Supreme Court? And the Supreme Court decided this week that racist redistricting in Texas is actually legal. And so the law is on the side of injustice. Is anybody tired yet? he questioned.

Is anybody tired of immigrants being indicted by way of their character? So much so that from the highest office in the land, a woman of African descent who is a sitting congressperson could be labeled garbage," Haynes said in reference to Trumps characterization of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., as garbage.

"Anybody tired of that kind of evil coming from the White House? Haynes asked.

The pastor further claimed that the country is seeing the greatest wealth transfer in the history of this country from the poor to the rich.

Is anybody tired of the greedy exploiting the needy? Is anybody tired yet of the politics of gaslighting, where lies come from the highest office in the land as they erase our history? Is anybody tired yet?  If you want to energize a movement, you ought to be tired of injustice.

Tired of a criminal justice system that puts a bullseye on the back of black men. Tired of a medical system that mistreats our black women, he argued. He highlighted the story of Karrie Jones, a black woman for whom care was delayed for over 30 minutes when she arrived at the Dallas Regional Medical Center in Mesquite, even though there were evident signs she was about to give birth.

Haynes run for Congress comes approximately three months after he took a temporary break from his pulpit following an undisclosed medical diagnosis.

In his endorsement of Crocketts work in Congress, Haynes suggested that she was anointed by God to do the work she has been doing and prayed that she continue to prosper.

This district is better because of Jasmine Crockett. That's why Trump didn't want her to have it. So when you doing all of that, folk mad. Devil does what the devil does. And so we want to pray protection [for her], Haynes said. The old folk call them what? Protecting angels. So we going to pray right now that God would do what God will do.

While Crockett has become a darling among progressives since she arrived on Capitol Hill in 2023, she has also drawn significant media attention during her tenure, as she has repeatedly drawn Trump's disapproval. She has also been entangled in several controversies, including allegations of using a tax-funded police escort to bypass an airport security line and cut in front of disabled individuals.

Crockett has also dismissed allegations that she has created a toxic work environment for her congressional staff, with two former aids calling her a "no-show boss" who rarely visited her district office but focused on social media presence and personal activities.

Reports emerged earlier this month that Crockett has an unpaid lien exceeding $3,000 on her luxury condominium in Dallas that has been outstanding since April 2024, according to Fox News. The spending habits of her campaign have also come under question as Crockett's campaign record filings show she spent nearly $75,000 in luxury hotels, limousine transportation and security this year for her travel across the U.S.
Biden IRS Targeted Churches, Lecrae's Last Tour, Supreme Court Immunization Battle

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:36 06:36

Top headlines for Tuesday, December 9, 2025

In this episode, Pastor Robert Jeffress's upcoming testimony regarding alleged IRS targeting of First Baptist Dallas under the Biden administration. Next, we discuss celebrated Christian rapper Lecrae's bittersweet announcement of his final tour and his plans to balance music and family life. Lastly, we turn to a significant legal development as the Supreme Court breathes new life into an Amish parents' lawsuit challenging New York's removal of religious exemptions for school immunizations.

00:11 Supreme Court revives Amish challenge to NY student vaccine law

00:57 Theo Von says he and Morgan Wallen attend Bible study together

01:41 Pakistan passes bill to form National Commission for Minorities

02:33 Robert Jeffress to testify on how Biden IRS targeted his church

03:20 Lecrae announces he's pulling back from music tours

04:02 Nigerian: 100 kidnapped Catholic school children released

04:51 Thousands of Christians rally in Delhi against rising' attacks
Home Opinion Chick-Fil-A waffles on wokeness with same-sex marriage post and DEI focus

While most of corporate America wisely took the temperature of angry consumers and backed away from woke politics, one shocking holdout remains: Chick-fil-A.



The beloved fast-food franchise, whos best known for its Christian ownership and family-centric policies, is quietly still condoning a message that is radically at odds with the biblical values that most people associate them with  including same-sex marriage.

To the shock of fans on Wednesday, a Utah franchise posted a gushing set of photos of two men in each others arms from their official account with the headline, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HAPPY COUPLE! Dougie & Toby recently got married and we are beyond happy for them! (ring emoji)

While most of Chick-fil-As chains are run by local operators, the fact that any location felt comfortable posting such a controversial message is further proof that the company hasnt weeded out the LGBT extremism that sparked so much backlash just a couple of years ago. Its also an important reminder that until consumers have extracted tangible concessions from CEOs, as Robby Starbuck has done from dozens of retailers, theres no guarantee that companies  regardless of what they profess publicly  will stay true to their word on cultural issues.

Unfortunately for conservatives, the duplicity from Chick-fil-A runs deep. As a lot of Americans remember, customers, and especially Christians, were horrified to learn that Truett Cathys chicken empire had not only stopped donating to the Salvation Army and Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 2019 after pressure from the far-Left, but that theyd replaced their giving to these charities with organizations like the disgraced Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)  the same bullies who inspired a gunman to storm the headquarters of FRC with the intent to murder as many staffers as possible.

The PR nightmare got worse for the chain when news broke that the Chick-fil-A Foundation had funneled at least $230,000 to Covenant House, an organization that, among other things, hosts Drag Queen Story Hours. Conservatives were in disbelief  so much so that The Federalist felt the need to spell it out: Yes, Chick-fil-A Really Is Funding a Group that Hosts Drag Queen Story Hours, their headline read.

The moral compromise was such a betrayal that Mike Huckabee, whod led 2012s wildly successful Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day to thank the Cathy family for their public stand on marriage, said one of the biggest regrets of his life was rallying behind the chain.

Amazingly, the company still employs a vice president of DEI, Erick McReynolds, who may be a genuinely good person, but there are practical consequences of making diversity, equity, and inclusion part of your corporate hierarchy. For starters, it provides cover to local operators who want to push the boundaries of the companys ethics and embrace something as antithetical to a biblical worldview as same-sex marriage. And while Chick-fil-A stealthily tried to rename its DEI program to an innocuous-sounding Better at Together at the height of the nationwide pushback, the reality is that the dangerous ideology still has a seat at the executive table. (A seat, according to its website, that includes a commitment to protecting gender identity and gender expression.)

In the meantime, the millions of us whove cheered as the script flipped on woke companies these last two years are left scratching our heads at Chick-fil-As tolerance of leftist activism, because A. Its not profitable. B. Its not what their consumer base expects or supports. C. If the likes of Ford, Walmart, Loews, Toyota, John Deere, Coors, and others can turn their backs on explosive social issues, how much easier should it be for a company like Chick-fil-A? D. The chain had already endured years of far-Left abuse, surviving movements to ban them from airports, rest stops, and college campuses  and thrived. Why willingly surrender in a war youve already won?

Theyve bought into the lie, Huckabee told Family Research Council President Tony Perkins on Washington Watch when the company decided to hire a vice president for DEI in 2023. I dont know any other way to say it. I cant be polite about it, because theres no way to say, Oh, theyre just trying to stay out of harms way. No, they have injected themselves into the diversity, equity, and inclusion model, he shook his head. Theyve hired someone to be their vice president of DEI. And when a company does that, what they basically are saying is  We want to be able to sit at the cool kids table  We dont want to be over there by ourselves anymore. We dont want people to make fun of us or point their fingers at us.

More than anything, what should frustrate loyal customers is that  unlike the secular corporations that promoted this agenda for decades without apology  Chick-fil-A built a business model based almost entirely on faith. And frankly, that means they should be held to a higher standard. Yes, there are local operators with diverse objectives and opinions, but for the sake of the companys broader character, those individual franchises should be held to a moral code that reflects Chick-fil-As stated beliefs. At the very least, the vice president of DEI should be reassigned to support the Cathys original mission, and the cancer of diversity, equity, and inclusion should be eradicated from headquarters.

Unlike Target or Anheuser-Busch, this company intentionally made religion a part of the chains identity. So, its a point of legitimate hurt and disappointment that this company keeps profiting from its Christian reputation, only to turn around and sell out those same values.

Americans expect that from Nike. They expect it from Starbucks. They believed Chick-fil-A was different  and they continue to be wrong.

Originally published at The Washington Stand.
Home Opinion Is yoga demonic?

Christians are often divided on whether yoga is a harmless form of exercise or a spiritually dangerous practice tied to paganism. Some warn that yogas roots are deeply spiritual, saying its postures are paying worship to false gods. Others, however, argue that yoga can be practiced in a purely physical sense for health, focus, and relaxation. So how should Christians think about it?

Where yoga comes from

Yoga traces back thousands of years to Hinduism, where it was designed as a way of uniting the self with the divine, or Brahman. Certain poses and sequences were connected to the worship of Hindu gods.

In the 20th century, yoga spread to the West, becoming popular through the New Age movement of the 1960s and '70s. Musicians like the Beatles introduced Eastern spirituality to mainstream culture, while yoga teachers promoted it as a path to enlightenment. In modern gyms and studios, most people encounter Hatha yoga, which emphasizes breathing and postures. Today, yoga is mostly marketed as a way to stretch, strengthen, and relax.

Why some Christians worry

The concern for Christians lies in yogas foundation. Hinduism and Christianity have very different views of God and salvation. Whereas Eastern religions seek the divine within, Christianity teaches that salvation is found in Christ alone.

Another concern is the act of meditation. Eastern meditation often focuses on emptying the mind, but Scripture calls believers to fill their minds with Gods Word and prayer. If the mind is emptied without being directed toward God, some fear it can open the door to unbiblical influences.

Finally, some Christians point out that certain yoga poses were historically tied to Hindu gods and goddesses. Since the Bible teaches that idols are backed by demonic powers (Deut. 32:17; 1 Cor. 10:20), they argue that yogaeven if practiced innocentlymay connect people to spiritual forces opposed to God.

What the Bible says

The Bible never mentions yoga directly, but it does address how Christians should approach practices tied to paganism. Pauls discussion about eating food sacrificed to idols in 1 Corinthians 8 is a helpful parallel. He says that idols have no real power and that food itself comes from God, so eating it does not inherently make someone guilty of idol worship. Yet he also warns that for those with weaker consciences, participating could feel like idolatry and harm their faith.

In other words, while an idol is nothing, the way believers engage with practices connected to idols can still matter greatly. Paul even says in 1 Corinthians 10 that sacrifices to idols are actually sacrifices to demons, urging Christians to avoid practices that look like pagan worship.

So is yoga demonic?

Here is where Christians disagree. Some conclude that because yoga originated in Hindu worship, it can never be separated from its spiritual roots. They advise believers to avoid it altogether, since its postures and meditations may invite demonic influence, even unintentionally.

Others respond that yoga, especially in the West, has been stripped of most of its spiritual content. To them, stretching, breathing, and exercising in a class is no more demonic than eating food that once was sacrificed to an idol. What matters is the heart and conscience of the believer.

A wise response

Christians should approach yoga with caution and discernment. For some, the practice may carry unavoidable associations with false religion and could be a stumbling block. For others, it may simply be a form of exercise. In either case, believers should test their motives: Am I seeking peace, healing, or spiritual fulfillment from yoga instead of from Christ? Am I influencing others in a way that confuses their faith?

At the very least, there are countless ways to stretch, move, and care for the body without yoga. For Christians unsettled by the practice, it may be wisest to seek those alternatives. As Paul says, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Home Opinion Why the world cannot ignore Christian Armenian hostages in Baku

Across the globe, Christians are enduring persecution and discrimination on a scale unmatched in the modern era. Recent assessments estimate that hundreds of millions of Christians  roughly 1 in 7 believers worldwide, and closer to 1 in 5 in Africa  live in places where their faith puts them at daily risk. In just the past reporting year, well over a quarter-million Christians were driven from their homes.

These are not just statistics. They are families. They are futures. And for my family, this crisis has a name: Ruben Vardanyan.

A personal story of faith under fire

As the world prepares to celebrate Christmas  a season of hope and freedom  my siblings and I are clinging to the hope of seeing our father again. My daughter has never met her grandfather; she was born after he was taken captive more than two years ago.

On Sept. 27, 2023, Azerbaijani forces captured my father as he attempted to leave Nagorno-Karabakh along with the last 120,000 indigenous Christian Armenians still living there  victims of one of the most severe campaigns of forced displacement against a Christian population in the 21st century. His crime was advocating for the right of Christian Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh to live safely in their ancestral homeland.

Today, he and 22 other Armenian Christian detainees remain imprisoned in Baku  denied due process, denied spiritual support, and even denied the right to possess a Bible.

And yet, the world has not remained silent.

My fathers case has drawn bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress, as well as strong advocacy from the French Parliament, the European Parliament, and leading human-rights organizations such as Amnesty International  all calling for his immediate and unconditional release. These voices are united: his detention is unlawful and unjustified. And yet, despite these efforts, my father remains behind bars.

The United States has leverage  and a duty to act

A diplomatic agreement announced at the White House on Aug. 8 offered a pathway to peace and an expectation that Armenian prisoners would be released. Yet Azerbaijan has not honored that commitment.

Washington holds significant leverage. Azerbaijan seeks stronger economic partnership with the West, closer defense and diplomatic ties, and cares deeply about its global legitimacy. And notably: it listens when the United States speaks.

This is where bold leadership matters.

President Donald Trump has a well-documented history of personally intervening to secure freedom for individuals unjustly imprisoned abroad  from Sudan to Pakistan  when others hesitated. That same purposeful leadership could determine whether families are reunited or left waiting in despair.

Holding on to hope

My father has always taught us that faith without courage is just a word  and that light always conquers darkness. Even after two years behind bars, deprived but not defeated, he continues to hold that light.

But no familys faith should be tested by prolonged injustice.

If we believe that the freedom of belief is a universal human right, then we cannot look away from Armenian Christians  nor from the man who stayed behind to help them survive.

The world is watching.

Over a century ago, our ancestors survived the Armenian Genocide only because others found the courage to act. Today, Armenian Christians face renewed persecution and a familiar threat of erasure.

History will remember those who demanded justice  and those who allowed silence to prevail. As Christmas approaches, Christians around the world are watching and praying that action will once again be taken.
Right now, AI is a business puzzle. Some of this has to do with the disorienting speed with which technologies such as large language models and chatbots have evolved from back-room lab projects to front-line business tools. This rapid ascent has put boards under pressure to throw large sums of money at a technology before they understand its full potential or pitfalls.

In his e-book, The Adaptable Enterprise, Red Hat Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer Michael Ferris argues that the deeper issue raised by AI is less about technology than the fact of disruption itself. The organisations that flourish in the AI era will be the ones able to grasp that they are in a battle to adapt to relentless change. Beyond AI, there will be more disruptions. To survive, businesses must work out how to rapidly flex and evolve.

What might this look like? In answer, Ferris proposes the almost organic idea of adaptable organisations that are able to assimilate new technologies while remaining focused on rapid experimentation and innovation. The adaptable business, he suggests, is one that can assimilate technology while integrating it with its workforce goals. The future lies with adaptable enterprises that can understand not only the technical challenges of AI but also foster an innate understanding of its deeper capabilities and potential, Ferris tells CIO.

The AI-powered enterprise

A 2025 Red Hat survey of IT leaders and engineers in the UK found that business leaders are nervous about their ability to translate current AI investment into tangible returns, with only 11% saying they were driving customer value at scale from their investment.

In addition to traditional concerns such as high initial spending, data privacy and technological integration, the survey uncovered deeper organisational anxieties, with 95% experiencing barriers to AI adoption, and 83% mentioning shadow AI risk. The AI services and tools being used without IT governance or management oversight is worrying because it repeats past mistakes where new technologies were adopted chaotically, leading to poor outcomes. According to Ferris, avoiding this fate requires organisations to formulate clear goals for their AI investment from the outset, including assessing their current applications and data flows to work out how these should be modernised. However, Ferris believes that people and culture are critical factors. Organisational goals should be shared to encourage a learning process that includes experimentation and a willingness to fail, with clear guardrails to manage risks.

Ferriss model of durable organisations echoes the open-source ethos that built Red Hat. Businesses should foster collaboration both within and beyond themselves, just as open-source software did. Employees should not be stifled by hierarchies that block creative risk- taking. The AI enterprise of the future will be a deeply connected enterprise. Organisations must be willing to try new things. These values will be critical to the successful use of AI, says Ferris.

How OpenShift AI transformed Turkish Airlines

Turkeys national carrier, Turkish Airlines, offers a glimpse of how the principles of The Adaptable Enterprise along with AI built on Red Hat OpenShift AI can reinforce one another in a virtuous circle. Advised by Red Hat Consulting, this technology infrastructure transformation involved overcoming technical challenges, inefficient processes and fragmented systems.

Through efficient data orchestration, OpenShift AI has transformed the organisation, allowing data scientists to create development workspaces with GPU access in minutes. This has enabled use cases across 60 live models that would be impossible without AI, including real-time dynamic pricing based on passenger behaviour, fraud detection and operational insights such as on-time prediction. It has also boosted the airlines financial position by $100 million through additional revenue and decreased operational costs.

The airline started with clear objectives and a sense of how AI could help it build a new type of adaptable, more durable organisation, says Ferris. Red Hat AI was chosen because it gave Turkish Airlines a way to make AI consumable, sidestepping the technologys feared complexity.

An important requirement was the ability to support hybrid environments across on-premise, public and private clouds, essential to meet strict Turkish privacy regulations. The OpenShift platform  with OpenShift AI built on top  was designed with this in mind, giving Turkish Airlines the ability to keep sensitive data on-premise while retaining the flexibility of public cloud for other workloads.

We are an independent platform across both the model architectures and the hardware architectures. Everything weve built is open source and the OpenShift platform translates to OpenShift AI, says Ferris.

According to Ferris, it is not coincidence that open source has been a crucible for this form of AI innovation. Indeed, its values of openness, collaboration and constant experimentation mirror his ideal of the adaptable enterprise of the near future. AI inference and agentic AI are the next wave, but they will not be the last, he predicts.

Our commitment to open source and open architectures is fundamental to our vision of AI-enabled business. As with previous disruptions, our role is to make a complex technology accessible.

For more information on how Red Hat can help organisations make complex innovations such as AI stable and reliable, click here.
Fundraising Regulator

Charities have been recommended by the Fundraising Regulator to self-publish an artificial intelligence policy to protect against bad actors.

In guidance published this week, the regulator outlined potential AI threats to charities such as misleading content, output influenced by hidden biases, and bad actors seeking to fundraise for criminal purposes.

The regulator told charities that they were responsible and accountable of their use of AI to fundraise, including money raised through third party organisations.

As accompanying guidance to the regulators updated Code of Fundraising Practice, which came into effect last month, the new guidelines urge charities to publish an AI policy in the interest of trust and transparency.

This is particularly important, for example, where any AI generated content could be mistaken by donors as being real situations or people, the guidance reads, with regard to multimedia.

Prejudicial content risk

The regulator warned charities against discriminatory or prejudicial content being drawn from AI as well as potentially inaccurate information.

You must be aware from the start [] that AI could produce output that seems believable but is incorrect, known as hallucinations, its guidance reads.

Regarding fundraising complaints or investigations, the regulator suggested that charities keep a record of the checks they carry out and their decision-making in relation to AI-generated content.

This will help you to justify your actions and any decisions you make based on your AI uses if you receive a complaint or if we investigate your fundraising, its guidance reads.

The regulator further recommended that charities do not feed AI models private information, or use its tools to make automated decisions around fundraising.

It urged for an adequate level of human oversight and asked charities to ensure AI content used for fundraising is accurate, legal and you always have the right to use it.

In March this year, speaking at Civil Society Medias ELEVATE conference in London, the regulators head of policy Paul Winyard announced that the AI guidance would accompany the revised fundraising code.

Winyard said in March: For us as a regulator, its quite hard, obviously, to set a regulatory framework for behaviours and ways of practice that arent yet known []

It is such a complex and wide-ranging subject, its something we want to make sure that we get right.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
A Dunkin Donuts cashier who was stabbed by an Atlanta-area rapper has only the workers compensation remedy, even if the incident seems far outside the scope of work duties, the Georgia Court of Appeals has decided.

In this case, the trial court erroneously concluded that (victim Mekia) Bryants injuries did not arise out of her employment because there is a significant difference between the resolution of basic customer service dispute[s] and being subjected to criminal assault by a disgruntled customer,' the appellate judges wrote in the Dec. 3 opinion. That distinction, however, is one of degree, not kind, and we have previously held that injuries of the kind at issue in the present matter fall within the exclusive remedy provision of the Act.

It all began almost exactly five years ago, when the rapper Marquavis Goolsby, also known as DaeDae, ordered at the drive-through at Dunkin, a store owned by Peachstate Concessions. Bryant informed the rapper, whom she had never met, that the restaurant was out of the food items  certain flavors of doughnuts that he had requested, the court opinion explained.

Related: In Alabama, Small Business Worker Cant Get Comp or Employers Liability

About 10 minutes later, Goolsby returned to the restaurant and demanded to speak with a manager. Bryant told him the manager was not available. Words were exchanged and the rapper reportedly stabbed the cashier in the arm. The violence was captured on video and the 28-year-old, best known for his 2016 tune, Wat U Mean (Aye, Aye, Aye), was later arrested. He had previously faced stolen gun and drug charges, according to news reports.

Bryant two years later filed suit against Peachtree Concessions, claiming negligence, a failure of premises liability, and emotional distress. The restaurant company asked the trial court to dismiss the case, arguing that the workplace incident was covered only by the exclusive remedy of the workers compensation system.

The trial court judge denied summary judgment on the premises liability claims, noting that Bryants injuries did not necessarily arise out of her employment. The risks of such injury were not reasonably incident to her employment, the trial court said.

Peachtree appealed and the Georgia Court of Appeals agreed with the food company/employer.

Goolsbys act of stabbing Bryant arose out of his displeasure with her job performance, Judge Amanda Mercier wrote for the court. There is no evidence that the attack was personal; indeed, the two had never met and did not otherwise know each other.

The appeals court ordered the trial court to enter summary judgment in favor of the restaurant company.

In other workplace violence incidents, courts in Georgia and other states have often found that workers comp insurance is not considered the exclusive remedy only when the dispute was personal or non-work related. The appeals court in the Bryant case noted a 2002 court decision from DeKalb County, about a repair shop worker who was killed during a disagreement over construction at the shop.

In that case, like the Bryant-Goolsby incident, the court found that the dispute was not personal in nature and was, in fact, covered by the workers comp remedy.

As of 2024, Georgia workers compensation law provided two-thirds of the workers average weekly wage, up to $800 a week, for no more than 400 weeks, unless the injury is catastrophic. That maximum is less that the maximum allowed in most other Southeastern states, according to the Workers Compensation Research Institute.
The Trump administration said Saturday it will waive an $11 million fine imposed on Southwest Airlines as part of a $140 million settlement over the carriers meltdown in December 2022 during a busy holiday travel period.

Southwest in December 2023 agreed to pay a $35 million cash fine and provide $90 million over three years in travel vouchers of $75 or more to passengers delayed at least three hours getting to final destinations because of an airline-caused issue or cancellation over the airlines handling of the meltdown that stranded more than 2 million passengers.

The U.S. Transportation Department in a written order cited Southwests decision to invest over $1 billion in its operations since the 2022 meltdown in its decision to waiver the remaining $11 million of the fine imposed by the administration of President Joe Biden that was due by the end of January.

USDOT said this approach was in the public interest as it incentivizes airlines to invest in improving their operations and resiliency, which benefits consumers directly.

Southwest praised the decision, saying over last two years, it successfully completed an operational turnaround that resulted in industry leading on-time performance and percentage of completed flights without cancellations.

Under U.S. President Donald Trump, USDOT has been moving to roll back some aviation consumer protection initiatives announced by the Biden administration.

In December 2024 under Biden, USDOT sought public comment on writing rules to require airlines to pay cash compensation to passengers when flight disruptions are caused by carriers  a move the department has since said it would abandon.

In May, USDOT dropped a lawsuit filed by the Biden administration in its final days that accused Southwest of illegally operating chronically delayed flights.

Southwest had rejected those claims, saying the flights occurred years earlier when the industry faced unprecedented challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and were often delayed due to issues outside Southwests control.

(Reporting by Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Deepa Babington)
Grammy-nominated musician Rory Macleod died after being struck by a vehicle while walking his dog near his Rhode Island home, police said. Getty Images

A 70-year-old Grammy-nominated musician died after being struck by a vehicle while walking his dog near his Rhode Island home, police said.

Roderick Rory Macleod was transported to Rhode Island Hospital following the incident, but succumbed to his injuries, according to a statement from the Hopkinton Police Department.

Authorities arrested Shannon N. Godbout, 41, of Hopkinton, in connection with Macleods death. She faces charges of driving so as to endanger resulting in death, and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute, according to police. Officials said additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

According to a police press release, Godbouts criminal history includes over 100 arrests, with 8 of them from the Hopkinton Police Department. 82 court warrants have been issued for Godbout previously. Godbout has received 40 traffic citations.

Macleod was a member of the blues group Roomful of Blues and earned a Grammy nomination with the band. His career included playing bass for Duke Robillard and recording with Paul Geremia, according to the Westerly Sun. He released a solo album in 1995.

Roomful of Blues posted a tribute on Facebook remembering Macleod as a wonderful and gentle soul.

Roomful of Blues would like to extend our deepest condolences to Rory Macleods family, friends and all of his fans, the band wrote. There are no words for such an immense loss. RIP dear friend.
Commentary: Is China overreacting to Japanese PM's erroneous remarks on Taiwan?

Xinhua) 10:25, December 09, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrongfully claimed in early November that a "Taiwan contingency" could constitute a so-called "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, she has provoked a diplomatic crisis with China.

China's response has been firm and multifaceted: issuing serious protests, summoning the Japanese ambassador, and sending letters to the UN Secretary-General, among others.

Certain Western media outlets, in disregard of the facts and international law, have accused Beijing of overreacting or even "bullying" Japan. But is China's response to the Japanese leader's erroneous remarks truly disproportionate? Anyone who understands the serious risks and political calculations underlying Takaichi's comments would conclude with a resounding "No."

From a legal and historical perspective, Takaichi's remarks are deeply alarming. China's recovery of Taiwan was a key outcome of World War II and forms an integral part of the post-war international order. Legally binding instruments, including the 1943 Cairo Declaration, the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation, and Japan's 1945 Instrument of Surrender, affirm China's sovereignty over Taiwan.

The 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement states that the Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. Japan reaffirmed this stance in subsequent documents, including the 1978 Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship. By any measure, Takaichi's remarks constitute a serious breach of Japan's commitments and of international law.

As experts pointed out, Takaichi's provocative remarks on Taiwan mark the first time since Japan's defeat in 1945 that a Japanese leader has advocated in an official setting the notion that "a contingency for Taiwan is a contingency for Japan" and linked it to the exercise of the right of collective self-defense. It is also the first time Japan has expressed ambitions to intervene militarily in the Taiwan question and the first time Japan has issued a threat of force against China, openly challenging China's core interests.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Since modern times, no country has inflicted greater suffering on China than Japan: over 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians perished during Japan's 14-year invasion, and its half-century colonial rule in Taiwan left behind countless atrocities.

Instead of reflecting on this history, Takaichi's remarks reveal a nostalgia for Japan's colonial past and an attempt to weaponize the Taiwan question against China. For the Chinese public, her comments are a blatant provocation.

From repeated visits to the Yasukuni Shrine -- where 14 Class-A war criminals are enshrined -- to reckless claims that "a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency," the root cause of tensions in China-Japan relations is not any supposed Chinese reluctance to move beyond history, but Japan's blatant evasion of historical responsibility.

Japan has long aspired to become a so-called "normal country" with military assets capable of being deployed abroad. Right-wing forces seek to stoke public anxiety by exaggerating external threats -- particularly from China -- to justify expanding Japan's military capabilities.

The Japanese administration also appears eager to divert attention from domestic challenges, including minority rule, shrinking support for Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party and dissatisfaction with governance, by staging a confrontational foreign policy performance. Japan's political landscape has seen a surge in right-wing popularity in recent years. The rise of the Sanseito Party is a telling example. For the Liberal Democratic Party, being "tough on China" is a political lifeline.

China has thus far responded with a set of non-military measures to defend its lawful rights and core interests. Through these coordinated actions, Beijing is making clear to the world that the Taiwan question is an internal affair, one that bears directly on China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and core interests.

Moreover, China's countermeasures serve as a clear and firm response to any attempt to undermine the one-China principle, preventing hostile forces from probing Beijing's red line on the Taiwan question through "salami-slicing" tactics.

More broadly, these actions are essential to reinforcing a correct international understanding of China's resolve to safeguard its core interests. The world should heed an unmistakable message from Beijing: the Taiwan question is China's red line and the first red line, and it must not be crossed.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Latvian women are turning to husbands for an hour services to tackle household chores. The Baltic country is grappling with a significant gender imbalance. With 15.5% more women than men, Latvia has one of the widest gender gaps in Europe, according to Eurostat.

As per a local media report, the EU had 229 million women and 220 million men on January 1, 2024. This equates to a ratio of 104.4 women per 100 men, indicating that there were 4.4% more women than men.

With the exception of Malta, Sweden, Luxembourg, and Slovenia, all EU countries had more women than men. Latvia had the greatest ratio of all, with 15.5% more women than men, more than three times the average rate in the European Union.

The shortage is particularly pronounced among seniors - those over the age of 65 - where there are twice as many women as men, as per a report by the World Atlas. This discrepancy after the age of 65 is a result of poor male health, with men having a much lower life expectancy, the report added.

This demographic disparity is felt across daily life, from workplaces to social interactions.

According to Dania, 29, who is single and works at festivals, 98% of her colleagues are women. Theres nothing wrong with that but just for the good balance, you would want to have some more men to flirt or chat with. Its just more interesting," she was quoted as saying by The Sun.

Thats why all my friends have gone abroad and found boyfriends there," her friend Zane added.

To fill the gap, platforms like Komanda24 and

Remontdarbi.lv

have emerged. Komanda24 is offering Men With Golden Hands who handle tasks like plumbing, carpentry, and TV mounting across the country for a few Euros, all without any awkward pickup lines or dates, reported The New York Post.

Meanwhile,

Remontdarbi.lv

allows women to hire a husband for an hour online or by phone, and they will arrive within an hour.

Experts attribute the gender imbalance to men's lower life expectancy, driven by ill health and lifestyle choices.

Men are about three times more likely to smoke, with 31% of the male population smoking compared to just 10% of the female population. Men are also slightly more likely to be obese or overweight, with 62% of men being overweight or obese compared to 57% of women," according to the World Atlas.

As a result, Latvian women are finding creative solutions to manage their households and daily lives.

Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene, this country is becoming an increasingly popular destination. Latvia welcomes both EU and non-EU citizens, although the process differs. EU/EEA individuals benefit from simpler procedures, whereas non-EU citizens must meet particular visa criteria.

To move to Latvia as an EU citizen, you can live, work, or study freely without a visa, but must register your address with local authorities and apply for a residence certificate if staying over 90 days.

For non-EU citizens, moving requires a specific visa or residence permit to live in Latvia which depends on your purpose for moving. A Latvia Golden Visa also allows international citizens to seek residency in the country by investing.
Top 10: Retention & Engagement

Fostering deeper connections and employee well-being

LARGE COMPANIES MIDSIZE COMPANIES SMALL COMPANIES 1 Probe CX National Information Solutions Cooperative Consumers Credit Union 2 Liberty Mutual Insurance Power Home Remodeling Axon Active Vietnam Co., Ltd. 3 Navy Federal Credit Union Guardant Health IT Convergence, Inc. 4 Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta Cambia Health Solutions Dataprise LLC 5 The Hartford Credit Acceptance Tokio Marine North America Services 6 Total Quality Logistics ChenMed Ostfriesische Tee Gesellschaft GmbH & Co. KG 7 UKG Plante Moran Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company 8 Worthington Steel Kinaxis Connexus Credit Union 9 Cedars-Sinai VyStar Credit Union Warsteiner Brauerei Haus Cramer KG 10 University of Notre Dame Choice Hotels International BCU

Diversity efforts continue despite backlash

Organizations are still taking steps to foster belonging and encourage diverse perspectives across their IT teams, despite political backlash over formal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. This years honorees cited a wide variety of initiatives to promote diverse company cultures, including efforts that celebrate employee differences (88%), recruitment strategies aimed at attracting diverse employees (83%), and formal diversity and inclusion training (80%). Initiatives to create employee resource groups based on common goals and interests rose this year, reaching 91%, compared to 86% in 2024. However, just 35% of the companies supported internships targeting women and minorities this year, compared to 50% last year.

Data Intensity, the No. 7 small company in this years survey, takes diversity seriously, given the global nature of its remote-first IT workforce, which is spread across the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and India. The managed services provider specializing in Oracle solutions has launched several employee resource groups and holds regular diversity events.

Co-CEO/technology chief Clint Harder takes diversity efforts a step further by working in the companys Hyderabad, India, office for one to two months every year. It helps me understand cultural differences, so we can acknowledge the differences and figure out a way to use them to our advantage, Harder says. Being face to face with that team helps them understand that I believe in them and appreciate the cultural differences.

Top 10: Workplace Culture

A commitment to foster belonging and encourage diverse perspectives

LARGE COMPANIES MIDSIZE COMPANIES SMALL COMPANIES 1 Cedars-Sinai Power Home Remodeling Warsteiner Brauerei Haus Cramer KG 2 USAA Credit Acceptance Dataprise LLC 3 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina VyStar Credit Union Tokio Marine North America Services 4 UKG OCLC BCU 5 Tractor Supply Company Plante Moran Prezzee PTY Limited 6 H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute Extreme Networks Axon Active Vietnam Co., Ltd. 7 AdventHealth Five9 Connexus Credit Union 8 CDW Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company 9 Navy Federal Credit Union ChenMed Data Intensity 10 Johns Hopkins Medicine Cambia Health Solutions Nationale-Nederlanden Vida Compania de Seguros y Reaseguros, S.A.E.

Minority representation in IT is down year over year, to 32% this year from 36% in 2025. But ongoing efforts to entice more women into the IT workforce seem to be working. Women made up 30% of the IT workforce among the respondents this year, up from 27% last year. The percentage of women IT managers is also climbing, reaching 31% this year, compared to 26% in 2025.

At Dayforce, around half of the 40 or so IT managers are women, with nearly the same ratio for the full IT staff. Rasmussen says the company is very intentional about diversity in hiring  selecting an equal number of male and female candidates for interviews whenever possible and giving all of the companys hiring leaders access to unconscious-bias training to ensure that they are equipped to make objective and inclusive hiring decisions.

The companys virtual-first policy, which doesnt require people to be in-office, also helps attract and retain women employees. Some women opt out of the workforce because they dont have flexibility, says Rasmussen. We are committed to helping them balance their personal and work lives.  Beth Stackpole

Profiles of three Best Places companies

The Best Places to Work in IT 2026

See the top workplaces for tech pros at large, midsize, and small organizations.

Large organization rankings

5,000 or more employees

1 Tractor Supply Company 2 The Hartford 3 Cedars-Sinai 4 Navy Federal Credit Union 5 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina 6 USAA 7 UKG 8 Dayforce HCM 9 CDW 10 Sophos Ltd. 11 Johns Hopkins Medicine 12 Stanford Health Care 13 University of Notre Dame 14 CareSource 15 Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta 16 Oshkosh Corporation 17 Baptist Health (Jacksonville) 18 Unum Group 19 GSK plc 20 AdventHealth 21 H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute 22 The Christ Hospital Health Network 23 NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital 24 Jack Henry & Associates 25 SUNY Upstate Medical University 26 RSM US LLP 27 Avnet, Inc. 28 Liberty Mutual Insurance 29 Health Care Service Corporation 30 The MITRE Corporation 31 Informatica 32 Graphic Packaging, Inc. 33 Worthington Steel 34 Banner Health 35 Probe CX 36 Portland State University 37 Zebra Technologies Corporation 38 PPG 39 TIAA 40 Total Quality Logistics 41 Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory 42 Avery Dennison 43 ADM 44 Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) 45 The Kroger Co. 46 Motorola Solutions, Inc. 47 Federal Express Corporation 48 CVS Health 49 Caseys General Stores 50 Amedisys 51 EtonHouse International Education Group 52 UT Dallas 53 DHL Express U.S. 54 Applied Materials, Inc.

Midsize organization rankings

1,0014,999 employees

1 Power Home Remodeling 2 Credit Acceptance 3 OCLC 4 Plante Moran 5 VyStar Credit Union 6 CME Group 7 Kinaxis 8 Extreme Networks 9 KnowBe4 10 ChenMed 11 Cambia Health Solutions 12 Five9 13 Choice Hotels International 14 National Information Solutions Cooperative 15 Enova 16 Aeroflow Health 17 Miami University 18 Guardant Health 19 IGS Energy 20 Janney Montgomery Scott LLC 21 FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) 22 A+E Global Media 23 American Fidelity Assurance Company 24 Genesis HealthCare System 25 Worthington Enterprises 26 Planned Systems International 27 Altia 28 BairesDev

Small organization rankings

1,000 or fewer employees

1 Warsteiner Brauerei Haus Cramer KG 2 BCU 3 Tokio Marine North America Services 4 Dataprise LLC 5 Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company 6 Consumers Credit Union 7 Data Intensity 8 Prezzee PTY Limited 9 Axon Active Vietnam Co., Ltd. 10 IT Convergence, Inc. 11 MetroStar 12 Connexus Credit Union 13 Nationale-Nederlanden Vida Compania de Seguros y Reaseguros, S.A.E. 14 Abarca Health 15 Saint Marys College 16 Ostfriesische Tee Gesellschaft GmbH & Co. KG 17 Hanscom Federal Credit Union 18 Telecontact S.L.

How we chose the best places to work

Computerworld conducted the 32nd annual survey to identify the best places to work for IT professionals. On April 15, 2025, it began accepting nominations from organizations that met the following criteria: a minimum of 100 total employees and at least five IT employees.

Beginning on April 15, 2025, prior program participants and newly nominated organizations received a 59-question company survey covering a variety of topics, including workplace culture, IT growth, workplace modernization, IT employee retention and engagement strategies, benefits, and IT career development and training opportunities. The survey included a mix of closed- and open-ended questions.

The nomination and company surveys were conducted online. The responses to the company survey were collected and tabulated by a third-party research vendor, Research Results, Inc., in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The company survey closed at the end of July 2025.

For the purposes of this program, small companies are those with 1,000 or fewer employees, midsize companies those with 1,001 to 4,999 employees, and large companies those with 5,000 or more employees.

Scoring the responses from the company survey involved weighting the results in accordance with an established scoring system that was reviewed internally and vetted by a panel of industry veterans from within and outside of Computerworld/Foundry.

The survey process was managed by Jen Garofalo, research director in Foundrys Global Services group.

Explore the Best Places to Work in IT 2026
When a high-profile sex trafficking case finally landed Sean P. Diddy Combs in prison, one rapper and all-time great hater must have felt like a kid in a candy shop.

Curtis James Jackson III, better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is so much more than a rapper, actor, television producer and record executive. Much like his arch-enemy Diddy, 50 Cent is a mogul, a multi-hyphenate talent whose interests are as vast and varied as his business portfolio. However, unlike Diddy, 50 Cent is a free man, and he uses his free will, his public profile and his immense wealth for acts of hilarity, rather than for PR cover while he runs a depraved sex trafficking operation.

50 Cents music career made him an international star, but the more time he spends in the public eye, the more the public starts to realize that his greatest talent  one which makes him the unequivocal GOAT in his field  is hating, trolling and otherwise embarrassing his enemies with the entire world watching.

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As part of his long-standing feud with the disgraced sex pest, 50 Cent produced the recently released documentary mini series Sean Combs: The Reckoning on Netflix, which detailed the serious allegations against Diddy  but the trolling somehow doesnt stop there.

50 Cent fans recently realized that the, when the GOAT released exclusive, never-before-seen footage from Sean Combs: The Reckoning on ABC's Good Morning America, he revealed the dirt he had on his enemy on one of the few networks that play on the televisions in America's prisons.

While nothing from 50 Cent's appearance on GMA explicitly indicates that the choice of his interviewers was a diabolical chess move in his decades-long beef with Diddy  well, nothing besides that shit-eating grin he's sporting for the full five minutes straight  fans of hip-hop and high-profile hating quickly began to connect the dots.

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Hilariously, once Twitter caught on to the fact that common-room TVs in Diddy's current confines at FCI Fort Dix definitely carry ABC News among their limited offerings, 50 Cent gave us a wink to let us know that the trolling game has levels to it, and he doesn't have any company up there at the top:

I thought about it, whats wrong with that? 50 Cent wrote in this caption of the above post before fans flooded in to praise the greatest to ever do it.

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50 cent makes me realize, that im not hating people, to my full potential, the top commenter wrote.

Another argued, This mans pettiness has to be studied at universities.

"God protected 50 cent this whole time for this day," one user claimed, referencing the famous attempt on 50 Cent's life when attackers shot him nine times outside his grandmother's home.

Of course, Diddy's stay at FCI Fort Dix is only temporary, and, when the penal system releases the mogul and sex trafficker in just a few years' time, he may very well have some scores to settle  and he'll have premium streaming options, too. God only knows what savagery 50 Cent is planning to put on the home screen of Netflix, Hulu and HBO Max on June 4, 2028.
Its hard not to love Mel Brooks, considering that he gave us classic movies like The Producers, Young Frankenstein and Spaceballs. And with the possible exception of the time he accused Monty Python of stealing a sketch idea that they came up with more than a decade earlier he did, the comedy legend seems like a genuinely good person.

So its more than a little disappointing that now, at the age of 99, Brooks has decided to publicly defend his old co-worker, Woody Allen.

Brooks and Allen famously worked together, along with other future stars such as Neil Simon and Carl Reiner, on the classic Sid Caesar-led variety program Your Show of Shows. Woody got into the swing of the writers room very easily right from the start, Brooks wrote in his memoir All About Me! He didnt just write funny jokes, he wrote characters, behavior, funny situations.

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Brooks also recalled that Allen would walk him home after tough days working for the severely alcoholic Caesar. I dont know whether it was just for the good talk, or if he thought at least hed be there to call 911 if I collapsed, Brooks joked. I appreciate the memory of his friendship and entertaining chatter on those long walks home.

But Mel may have simply been diplomatic in his fond reminiscences of Allen. According to The Unruly Life of Woody Allen by Marion Meade, the 24-year-old Brooks used to refer to the 19-year-old Allen as that rotten little kid. In a 1997 interview with Meade, Brooks said that Allen never communicated anything memorable, adding that he must have been truly hiding his light under a bushel.

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As pointed out in Funny Man: Mel Brooks by Patrick McGilligan, beginning in the 70s, a number of film critics framed the two writer-director-performers as rivals, since they were both Jewish New Yorkers and both graduates of the Sid Caesar college of comedy. In 1980, Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert dedicated an episode of their show to a debate over whos funnier, Mel Brooks or Woody Allen?

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But Brooks seemingly never weighed in on Allens many scandals, including the allegations that he sexually abused his daughter Dylan Farrow when she was seven. Even in recent years, after renewed interest in Farrows accusation sparked a cultural reappraisal of the filmmaker, Brooks mainly stuck to describing their earlier relationship, although he did say that they would send each other letters occasionally over the years during a 2021 interview with The Guardian.

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Now, just a week after Scarlett Johansson defended her former collaborator, Brooks has similarly publicly knocked Allens critics. In an interview with Jewish News, Brooks reflected on his long career, including his time on Your Show of Shows.

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On the bright side, Brooks recalled an amusing incident in which the House Un-American Activities Committee questioned the shows staff, only to be trolled by Carl Reiner. McCarthys people came to question us, Brooks explained. Carl said, Come in! Have a coffee! They asked if we knew any communists. Carl said, Many  but I didnt know they were communists, they were just in showbusiness. He was brilliant. I thought, Might as well make them laugh  its our best defense.

But then Brooks addressed Allen. The wonderful thing about Woody, he said, was that after working on Caesars show, hed always walk me home, all the way uptown, just walking and talking. Its a pity hes being crucified now for no reason.

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Of course, its arguable that Allen, who continues to make films and recently published a novel, is being crucified, and that the public scrutiny against him isn't well-earned  even putting aside the most heinous allegations, so many of the uncontested facts about Allens life are creepy as Hell.

Brooks randomly defending Allen might be the most depressing celebrity interview of the week not involving Judi Dench and Harvey Weinstein.
One of Jon Stewarts most iconic TV moments happened on a program that wasnt The Daily Show. Nor was it on The Jon Stewart Show. And were definitely not talking about that episode of The Nanny where he makes out with his cousin.

Back in 2004, Stewart appeared on CNNs Crossfire, the political debate show hosted by former Bill Clinton advisor Paul Begala and acclaimed performance artist Tucker Carlson. The legendary episode, which even has its own Wikipedia page, found Stewart gleefully shitting on the show that hosted him.

I made a special effort to come on the show today, because I have privately, amongst my friends and also in occasional newspapers and television shows, mentioned this show as being, uh, bad, Stewart said at the outset. It's not so much that it's bad, as it's hurting America.

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And things didnt get any less harsh as the interview went on. Right now, you're helping the politicians and the corporations, he told Begala and Carlson. You're part of their strategies. You are partisan, what do you call it, hacks.

When Carlson tried to counter these criticisms by arguing that Stewart had asked then-presidential candidate John Kerry candidate softball questions on The Daily Show, the comedian pointed out, you're on CNN. The show that leads into me is puppets making crank phone calls.

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In the closing moments of the episode, Carlson complained that Stewart is more fun on his show. Youre as big a dick on your show as you are on any show, he fired back.

Just a few months later, CNN cancelled the show. Given the timing, a lot of people attributed the decision to Stewarts highly-publicized takedown. I believe he clearly came in there wanting to blow the show up. And he did so, Begala told The New York Times.

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Former Daily Show correspondent Rob Corddry once revealed that Stewart told him that his salty mood was partly due to having skipped a meal. Him not eating breakfast that morning got a show canceled, an impressed Corddry declared.

But one person who doesnt think that Jon Stewart got Crossfire canceled is Stewart himself.

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I didnt get Crossfire canceled, Stewart plainly stated on a recent episode of The Ezra Klein Show. Crossfires ratings sucked and CNN looked for a way out and that was a convenient flashpoint. He also admitted that his animus towards Crossfire wasnt purely based on Carlsons awfulness. The person I really didnt like there was (Robert) Novak, but he just wasnt on the show that day, Stewart noted.

The Death to Smoochy star likened Crossfires axing to NBC scrapping Megyn Kellys morning show after she defended blackface on Halloween. The truth of the matter is, NBC executives and CNN executives, they arent woke or any of those things, theyre desperately trying to hold onto their jobs by generating ad revenue by whatever means necessary, Stewart argued.

Ive been canceled a shit-ton of times, he continued. But the only reason I was canceled is like, the network executives were just like, Yeah this show sucks. But they didnt say, like, Youre a bad person and thats why we're canceling the show. Thats what they did to (the Crossfire hosts). The industry, rather than standing up for what was really going on there, which is, youre not generating enough revenue and interest to justify your large contract, or whatever it is, they turned it into, Were getting rid of you for a moral failing or lapse. And that was wrong.

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Stewart may be right about the truth of the decision, but its far more enjoyable to think that he ended a cable news show by not taking 5 minutes to nibble on a muffin.
Google is deploying a second AI model to monitor its Gemini-powered Chrome browsing agent after acknowledging the agent could be tricked into taking unauthorized actions through prompt injection attacks.

Were introducing a user alignment critic where the agents actions are vetted by a separate model that is isolated from untrusted content, the company said in a blog post about the addition. If the critic determines an action doesnt match what the user asked for, it blocks the action, Google said.

The primary new threat facing all agentic browsers is indirect prompt injection, Chrome security engineer Nathan Parker wrote in the post, describing a situation where an agent is prompted to process information that then seeks to modify the initial prompt.
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Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has completed all preparations to hold the 13th general elections in February and will announce the schedule in the next two days, a top official said on Tuesday. After a meeting with the President (Mohammad Shahabuddin), the schedule would be announced tomorrow evening or the day after, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told reporters.

He said that the meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at the Bangabhaban presidential palace. Meanwhile, the EC officials said that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin was expected to announce the schedule in a nationwide address. The CEC met Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Tuesday at the Supreme Court ahead of the announcement of the date for elections and a referendum to seek public opinions on a series of reform proposals rolled out by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

Former prime minister Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has emerged as the frontrunner, with its former ally Jamaat-e-Islami and its right-wing Islamic allies being the main rival in the absence of deposed premier Sheikh Hasinas disbanded Awami League. Both parties have announced their nominees in the election for the 300-seat parliament.

Masud said that special emphasis will be given to ensuring the cooperation of all, including political parties, in the announcement of the election schedule. He also said that the symbols of any banned or suspended parties will not appear in the final postal ballots, in a veiled reference to the Awami League. A special tribunal last month sentenced Hasina to death on charges of crimes against humanity. She is currently in India. Most of her senior colleagues and activists in the party and Government were in jail awaiting trial on identical charges, while many of them are on the run at home and abroad.

The scenario made it difficult for Awami League leaders to contest the polls as independent candidates despite having a large support base. Meanwhile, tension between Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP over election campaigning in the Sirajganj-1 constituency erupted into violence Monday night, injuring around 15 Jamaat activists, party sources said. The BNP has denied involvement, blaming locals for the clash.
Nepals Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal on Monday said that the Government is committed to institutionalising democracy as he sought cooperation from all stakeholders to conduct the next years general elections in a free, fair and fearless manner.

The effective implementation of human rights is possible only when democracy is strengthened, as democracy and human rights are interdependent, Aryal said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 17th Human Rights National Magna Meet 2025 in Lalitpur district.

In the present context, the Government is committed to institutionalising democracy, he said. The minister sought cooperation from all stakeholders to conduct the upcoming general elections in a free, fair and fearless manner.

Aryal underscored the need for a logical conclusion to the Transitional Justice Process, both relating to the decade-long Maoist insurgency and the recent Gen Z movement that toppled the KP Oli-led Government in September. As human rights are the backbone of any civilised, inclusive and democratic society, the first duty of the Government is to ensure freedom, equality and security of the people, he said.

Since the Gen Z organised protests in September against impunity, corruption and lack of good governance, it is the duty of the caretaker Government formed as per the mandate of the Gen Z group to crack down on corruption, impunity and nepotism, besides holding the general election on March 5, 2026, said human rights activist Charan Prasai.
Shares of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI  Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the ten ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, one has given a hold recommendation and seven have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $51.00.

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on BTI. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut British American Tobacco from a sector perform rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 2nd. Argus raised British American Tobacco from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $62.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Monday, September 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating and issued a $40.00 price target on shares of British American Tobacco in a research report on Friday, August 15th.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

British American Tobacco Stock Performance

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Harbour Investments Inc. raised its holdings in British American Tobacco by 14.3% in the 1st quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 2,395 shares of the companys stock worth $99,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of British American Tobacco by 7.2% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 45,662 shares of the companys stock worth $1,889,000 after purchasing an additional 3,074 shares during the last quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. raised its stake in shares of British American Tobacco by 28.8% in the first quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 25,726 shares of the companys stock worth $1,074,000 after purchasing an additional 5,745 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of British American Tobacco by 16.8% during the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 186,084 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,698,000 after buying an additional 26,721 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Townsquare Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of British American Tobacco by 33.9% during the first quarter. Townsquare Capital LLC now owns 43,257 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,790,000 after buying an additional 10,943 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 16.16% of the companys stock.

Shares of British American Tobacco stock opened at $57.45 on Friday. British American Tobacco has a 12 month low of $34.82 and a 12 month high of $59.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 0.87 and a quick ratio of 0.55. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $53.75 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $52.76.

British American Tobacco Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

British American Tobacco p.l.c. engages in the provision of tobacco and nicotine products to consumers worldwide. It also offers vapour, heated, and modern oral nicotine products; combustible cigarettes; and traditional oral products, such as snus and moist snuff. The company offers its products under the Vuse, glo, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Camel, Natural American Spirit, Newport, Vogue, Viceroy, Kool, Peter Stuyvesant, Craven A, State Express 555 and Shuang Xi brands.

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Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son (NYSE:NTB  Get Free Report) declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Monday, December 8th, RTT News reports. The company plans to repurchase $140.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the bank to buy up to 6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are often an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son from $50.00 to $52.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Wells Fargo & Company restated an equal weight rating and set a $50.00 price target (down previously from $54.00) on shares of Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $50.67.

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Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Stock Down 0.2%

NYSE:NTB traded down $0.11 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $48.96. The stock had a trading volume of 160,286 shares, compared to its average volume of 141,471. The stock has a market cap of $2.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.27 and a beta of 0.57. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $44.53 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $44.50. Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son has a 12-month low of $34.77 and a 12-month high of $49.49.

Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son (NYSE:NTB  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The bank reported $1.51 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.30 by $0.21. The company had revenue of $153.30 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $147.92 million. Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son had a net margin of 28.27% and a return on equity of 21.94%. The businesss revenue was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.16 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son will post 4.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 25th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 11th were paid a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.1%. Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Sons payout ratio is 37.88%.

Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Company Profile

Get Free Report)

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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Fortuna Mining (NYSE:FSM  Get Free Report) (TSE:FVI) was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a buy rating in a note issued to investors on Sunday.

A number of other brokerages have also recently commented on FSM. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Fortuna Mining in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Zacks Research lowered shares of Fortuna Mining from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, August 15th. National Bankshares raised Fortuna Mining from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Scotiabank raised shares of Fortuna Mining from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the company from $10.50 to $11.00 in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $9.50.

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Fortuna Mining Trading Down 0.4%

FSM stock opened at $9.23 on Friday. Fortuna Mining has a 52-week low of $4.13 and a 52-week high of $10.38. The firm has a market cap of $2.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.81 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a quick ratio of 2.73, a current ratio of 3.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $8.75 and its 200-day simple moving average is $7.66.

Fortuna Mining (NYSE:FSM  Get Free Report) (TSE:FVI) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The basic materials company reported $0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.23 by ($0.08). The company had revenue of $246.75 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $242.19 million. Fortuna Mining had a net margin of 21.48% and a return on equity of 12.42%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Fortuna Mining will post 0.51 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Fortuna Mining

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of FSM. Kiker Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Fortuna Mining by 4,200.3% during the 2nd quarter. Kiker Wealth Management LLC now owns 30,102 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $197,000 after buying an additional 29,402 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Fortuna Mining by 44.8% during the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 7,021,169 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $45,815,000 after acquiring an additional 2,171,847 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in Fortuna Mining by 7.3% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 6,363,058 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $41,631,000 after purchasing an additional 434,295 shares during the period. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd bought a new stake in Fortuna Mining in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,721,000. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its holdings in Fortuna Mining by 19.3% in the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 769,736 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $5,145,000 after purchasing an additional 124,687 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 33.80% of the companys stock.

Fortuna Mining Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Fortuna Mining Corp. engages in the precious and base metal mining in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Mexico, Peru, and Cote dIvoire. It operates through Mansfield, Sanu, Sango, Cuzcatlan, Bateas, and Corporate segments. The company primarily explores for silver, lead, zinc, and gold. Its flagship project is the Seguela gold mine, which consists of approximately 62,000 hectares and is located in the Worodougou Region of the Woroba District, Cote dIvoire.

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Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (OTCMKTS:NPNYY  Get Free Report) and Global Ship Lease (NYSE:GSL  Get Free Report) are both transportation companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations and risk.

Volatility & Risk

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha has a beta of 1.11, suggesting that its share price is 11% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Global Ship Lease has a beta of 0.98, suggesting that its share price is 2% less volatile than the S&P 500.

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Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and Global Ship Leases gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha $17.00 billion 0.78 $1.51 billion $0.96 6.39 Global Ship Lease $747.04 million 1.75 $353.63 million $11.14 3.28

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha has higher revenue and earnings than Global Ship Lease. Global Ship Lease is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and Global Ship Lease, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha 0 1 0 0 2.00 Global Ship Lease 0 1 2 1 3.00

Global Ship Lease has a consensus target price of $33.50, indicating a potential downside of 8.18%. Given Global Ship Leases stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Global Ship Lease is more favorable than Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha.

Profitability

This table compares Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and Global Ship Leases net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha 12.71% 10.11% 6.82% Global Ship Lease 53.62% 23.98% 14.94%

Dividends

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha pays an annual dividend of $0.19 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.1%. Global Ship Lease pays an annual dividend of $2.50 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.9%. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha pays out 19.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Global Ship Lease pays out 22.4% 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. Global Ship Lease has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Global Ship Lease is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

50.1% of Global Ship Lease shares are owned by institutional investors. 7.4% of Global Ship Lease shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

Global Ship Lease beats Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha on 13 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha

(Get Free Report)

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha provides various logistics services worldwide. It operates through Liner & Logistics Business, Bulk Shipping Business, and Other Business segments. The company offers liner trading services, such as container shipping, and terminal and stevedoring services for containerships, car carriers, and cruise ships; and air cargo transportation services. It also provides bulk shipping services comprising transport services for finished automobiles, heavy construction machines, and used cars; transportation services for bulk freight, including iron ore, coal, and wood chips; and transportation services for crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas, and coal. In addition, the company is involved in the upstream areas of the supply chain for oil and natural gas. Further, it operates Asuka II, a luxury cruise ship; and manages commercial and residential buildings. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha was incorporated in 1885 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

About Global Ship Lease

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Global Ship Lease, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in owning and chartering of containerships under fixed-rate charters to container shipping companies worldwide. As of March 11, 2024, it owned 68 mid-sized and smaller containerships, ranging from 2,207 to 11,040 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), with an aggregate capacity of 375,406 TEU. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Athens, Greece.

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Hippo (NYSE:HIPO  Get Free Report) and Scor (OTCMKTS:SCRYY  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, institutional ownership, profitability, analyst recommendations, earnings and risk.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Hippo and Scor, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Hippo 1 1 4 1 2.71 Scor 0 2 2 2 3.00

Hippo currently has a consensus price target of $35.50, indicating a potential upside of 18.40%. Given Hippos higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Hippo is more favorable than Scor.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Hippo 21.30% -5.89% -1.28% Scor 5.63% 20.01% 2.37%

Volatility & Risk

This table compares Hippo and Scors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Hippo has a beta of 1.57, indicating that its stock price is 57% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Scor has a beta of 0.58, indicating that its stock price is 42% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

43.0% of Hippo shares are owned by institutional investors. 10.8% of Hippo shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Hippo and Scors gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Hippo $372.10 million 2.04 -$40.50 million $3.62 8.28 Scor $17.45 billion 0.31 $4.33 million $0.54 5.67

Scor has higher revenue and earnings than Hippo. Scor is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Hippo, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Hippo beats Scor on 9 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Hippo

(Get Free Report)

Hippo Holdings Inc. provides property and casualty insurance products to individuals and business customers primarily in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Services, Insurance-as-a-Service, and Hippo Home Insurance Program. Its insurance products include homeowners' insurance against risks of fire, wind, and theft, as well as other personal lines policies from third party carriers; and personal and commercial, as well as home, auto, cyber, small business, life, specialty lines, and other insurance products. The company distributes insurance products and services through its technology platform and website, as well as operates licensed insurance agencies. Hippo Holdings Inc. is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

About Scor

(Get Free Report)

SCOR SE, together with its subsidiaries, provides life and non-life reinsurance products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. It operates in two segments, SCOR P&C and SCOR L&H. The SCOR P&C segment offers reinsurance products in the areas of property, motors, casualty treaties, credit and surety, decennial insurance, aviation, marine and energy, engineering, agricultural risks, and property catastrophes; specialties insurance products, including business solutions, political and credit risks, cyber, and environmental liability; and business ventures and partnerships. The SCOR L&H segment provides life reinsurance products, such as protection for mortality, morbidity, behavioral risks, disability, long-term care, critical illness, medical, and personal accident. This segment also provides financial solutions that combine traditional life reinsurance with financial components and provide liquidity, balance sheet, solvency, and income improvements to clients; longevity solutions that include products covering the risk of negative deviation from expected results due to the insured or annuitant living longer than assumed in the pricing of insurance covers provided by insurers or pension funds; and distribution solutions. In addition, it is involved in the asset management business. SCOR SE was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Paris, France.

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NET Power Inc. (NYSE:NPWR  Get Free Report) major shareholder 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 65,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.94, for a total transaction of $191,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 2,835,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,334,900. The trade was a 2.24% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Major shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys shares are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC.

8 Rivers Capital, Llc also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, December 8th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 140,000 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.81, for a total transaction of $393,400.00.

On Friday, December 5th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 105,000 shares of NET Power stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.91, for a total value of $305,550.00.

On Friday, November 28th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 200,000 shares of NET Power stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.94, for a total value of $588,000.00.

On Friday, November 21st, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 17,163 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.50, for a total value of $42,907.50.

On Thursday, November 20th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 132,837 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.60, for a total value of $345,376.20.

On Wednesday, November 19th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 250,000 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.57, for a total value of $642,500.00.

On Monday, November 17th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 338,653 shares of NET Power stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.81, for a total value of $951,614.93.

On Monday, November 3rd, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 8,477 shares of NET Power stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.00, for a total value of $33,908.00.

On Friday, October 31st, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 18,116 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.05, for a total value of $73,369.80.

On Tuesday, October 28th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 7,585 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $3.77, for a total value of $28,595.45.

NET Power Trading Down 3.3%

NPWR stock traded down $0.10 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $2.76. 788,773 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,444,846. NET Power Inc. has a 52-week low of $1.48 and a 52-week high of $11.83. The stocks fifty day moving average is $3.36 and its 200-day moving average is $2.83. The company has a market cap of $612.00 million, a P/E ratio of -0.36 and a beta of 0.80.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On NET Power

NET Power ( NYSE:NPWR Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $5.84 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.16) by $6.00. Equities research analysts expect that NET Power Inc. will post -0.4 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC purchased a new position in shares of NET Power during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Invesco Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of NET Power during the second quarter worth $25,000. Sei Investments Co. acquired a new stake in NET Power during the second quarter valued at $32,000. Deutsche Bank AG grew its stake in NET Power by 63.0% in the first quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 14,051 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 5,429 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP acquired a new position in NET Power in the 3rd quarter worth about $39,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 53.62% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have issued reports on NPWR. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of NET Power in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays raised NET Power from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and upped their price target for the company from $2.00 to $3.00 in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Citigroup reduced their price objective on NET Power from $6.00 to $4.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $3.50.

View Our Latest Research Report on NET Power

NET Power Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

NET Power Inc operates as a clean energy technology company. The company invents, develops, and licenses clean power generation technology. NET Power Inc was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

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Shares of Mammoth Resources Corp. (CVE:MTH  Get Free Report) dropped 36.4% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as C$0.04 and last traded at C$0.04. Approximately 203,000 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 80% from the average daily volume of 112,708 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.06.

Mammoth Resources Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of C$3.17 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.50 and a beta of 3.50. The firms 50-day moving average is C$0.05 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$0.04. The company has a current ratio of 0.01, a quick ratio of 5.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of -7.15.

About Mammoth Resources

(Get Free Report)

Mammoth Resources Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of mining properties in Mexico. It holds a 100% interest in the Tenoriba property consisting of four concessions, including Mapy, Mapy 2, Mapy 3, and Fernanda covering a land package of totalling 5,333 hectares located in the Sierra Madre precious metal belt in southwestern Chihuahua State, Mexico.

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NET Power Inc. (NYSE:NPWR  Get Free Report) major shareholder 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 140,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.81, for a total value of $393,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 2,590,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,277,900. This represents a 5.13% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Major shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

8 Rivers Capital, Llc also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Friday, December 5th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 105,000 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.91, for a total transaction of $305,550.00.

On Thursday, December 4th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 65,000 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.94, for a total transaction of $191,100.00.

On Friday, November 28th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 200,000 shares of NET Power stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.94, for a total transaction of $588,000.00.

On Friday, November 21st, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 17,163 shares of NET Power stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.50, for a total transaction of $42,907.50.

On Thursday, November 20th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 132,837 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.60, for a total transaction of $345,376.20.

On Wednesday, November 19th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 250,000 shares of NET Power stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.57, for a total transaction of $642,500.00.

On Monday, November 17th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 338,653 shares of NET Power stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.81, for a total value of $951,614.93.

On Monday, November 3rd, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 8,477 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.00, for a total value of $33,908.00.

On Friday, October 31st, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 18,116 shares of NET Power stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.05, for a total value of $73,369.80.

On Tuesday, October 28th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 7,585 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $3.77, for a total value of $28,595.45.

NET Power Price Performance

NET Power stock traded down $0.10 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $2.76. The company had a trading volume of 788,773 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,444,846. NET Power Inc. has a 12-month low of $1.48 and a 12-month high of $11.83. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $3.36 and a 200 day moving average price of $2.83. The firm has a market cap of $612.00 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.36 and a beta of 0.80.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On NET Power

NET Power ( NYSE:NPWR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $5.84 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.16) by $6.00. As a group, research analysts expect that NET Power Inc. will post -0.4 earnings per share for the current year.

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of NPWR. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC purchased a new stake in NET Power in the second quarter worth about $25,000. Invesco Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of NET Power during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Sei Investments Co. bought a new position in shares of NET Power in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Deutsche Bank AG lifted its stake in shares of NET Power by 63.0% in the 1st quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 14,051 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 5,429 shares during the period. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new position in shares of NET Power in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $39,000. 53.62% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Analyst Ratings Changes

NPWR has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of NET Power in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Citigroup reduced their price target on NET Power from $6.00 to $4.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Barclays upgraded NET Power from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $2.00 to $3.00 in a report on Friday, November 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, NET Power currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $3.50.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on NPWR

NET Power Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

NET Power Inc operates as a clean energy technology company. The company invents, develops, and licenses clean power generation technology. NET Power Inc was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

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Several analysts have recently updated their ratings and price targets for Cranswick (LON: CWK):

11/25/2025  Cranswick had its price target raised by analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 6,000 to GBX 6,100. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

11/25/2025  Cranswick had its price target raised by analysts at Berenberg Bank from GBX 5,540 to GBX 5,770. They now have a hold rating on the stock.

11/25/2025  Cranswick had its house stock rating reaffirmed by analysts at Shore Capital.

11/25/2025  Cranswick had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Peel Hunt. They now have a GBX 5,500 price target on the stock.

Cranswick is a leading and innovative supplier of premium, fresh and added-value food products with revenues of more than 2.7 billion. The business employs over 15,400 people and operates from 23 well-invested, highly efficient facilities in the UK. Cranswick was formed in the early 1970s by farmers in East Yorkshire to produce animal feed and has since evolved into a business which produces a range of high-quality, predominantly fresh food, including fresh pork, poultry, convenience, gourmet products and pet food.

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SVB Wealth LLC purchased a new position in PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 19,181 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock, valued at approximately $2,182,000.

Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its position in PPG Industries by 9.1% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 4,075 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $487,000 after buying an additional 339 shares during the period. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. boosted its position in shares of PPG Industries by 203.1% during the first quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 5,513 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $603,000 after purchasing an additional 3,694 shares in the last quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC bought a new position in shares of PPG Industries in the 1st quarter worth about $215,000. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new position in shares of PPG Industries during the first quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. raised its stake in PPG Industries by 771.3% during the first quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 22,960 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $2,511,000 after buying an additional 20,325 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 81.86% of the companys stock.

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PPG Industries Price Performance

NYSE PPG opened at $100.41 on Tuesday. PPG Industries, Inc. has a 52-week low of $90.24 and a 52-week high of $130.05. The firms 50 day moving average price is $99.72 and its 200-day moving average price is $107.25. The company has a market cap of $22.53 billion, a PE ratio of 22.77, a P/E/G ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.47.

PPG Industries Dividend Announcement

PPG Industries ( NYSE:PPG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.13 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.09 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $4.08 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.06 billion. PPG Industries had a return on equity of 23.61% and a net margin of 6.35%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.13 earnings per share. PPG Industries has set its FY 2025 guidance at 7.600-7.700 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that PPG Industries, Inc. will post 7.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 12th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.71 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 10th. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.8%. PPG Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 64.40%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms recently commented on PPG. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of PPG Industries in a report on Friday, October 31st. Bank of America lowered their price objective on PPG Industries from $131.00 to $129.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on PPG Industries from $145.00 to $112.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Citigroup dropped their price target on PPG Industries from $124.00 to $120.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein lowered their target price on shares of PPG Industries from $129.00 to $123.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $122.54.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on PPG

About PPG Industries

(Free Report)

PPG Industries, Inc manufactures and distributes paints, coatings, and specialty materials in the United States, Canada, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It operates through two segments, Performance Coatings and Industrial Coatings. The Performance Coatings segment offers coatings, solvents, adhesives, sealants, sundries, and software for automotive and commercial transport/fleet repair and refurbishing, light industrial coatings, and specialty coatings for signs; wood stains; paints, thermoplastics, pavement marking products, and other advanced technologies for pavement marking for government, commercial infrastructure, painting, and maintenance contractors; and coatings, sealants, transparencies, transparent armor, adhesives, engineered materials, and packaging and chemical management services for commercial, military, regional jet, and general aviation aircraft.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PPG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG  Free Report).

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Shares of Aarons Holdings Company, Inc. (NYSE:PRG  Get Free Report) gapped up before the market opened on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $29.14, but opened at $30.10. Aarons shares last traded at $30.31, with a volume of 71,863 shares traded.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have commented on PRG. Wall Street Zen upgraded Aarons from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Aarons in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. TD Cowen cut 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. Finally, BTIG Research raised Aarons from a sell rating to a neutral rating and set a $31.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Aarons presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $40.33.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on PRG

Aarons Trading Up 4.2%

The business has a fifty day moving average price of $29.67 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $30.97. The company has a current ratio of 4.74, a quick ratio of 2.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.20 billion, a PE ratio of 7.72 and a beta of 1.74.

Aarons (NYSE:PRG  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $0.90 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.73 by $0.17. The company had revenue of $595.11 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $586.11 million. Aarons had a net margin of 6.54% and a return on equity of 22.36%. Aaronss revenue was down 1.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.77 earnings per share. Aarons has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.350-3.450 EPS and its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.550-0.650 EPS. Analysts expect that Aarons Holdings Company, Inc. will post 3.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Aarons Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 2nd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 18th were paid a dividend of $0.13 per share. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 18th. Aaronss dividend payout ratio is 13.20%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in Aarons in the second quarter valued at $27,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd raised its position in Aarons by 785.6% in the 1st quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 1,045 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 927 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in shares of Aarons by 66.2% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,122 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 447 shares during the period. Whittier Trust Co. grew its position in shares of Aarons by 157.6% during the second quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 1,391 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after buying an additional 851 shares in the last quarter. Finally, WealthCollab LLC increased its stake in shares of Aarons by 61.9% during the second quarter. WealthCollab LLC now owns 2,092 shares of the companys stock worth $61,000 after buying an additional 800 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.92% of the companys stock.

About Aarons

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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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Banco Bradesco SA (NYSE:BBDO  Get Free Report)s stock price gapped down prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $2.98, but opened at $2.82. Banco Bradesco shares last traded at $2.90, with a volume of 6,807 shares trading hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Banco Bradesco in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy.

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Banco Bradesco Stock Down 2.9%

Banco Bradesco Increases Dividend

The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $2.98 and a two-hundred day moving average of $2.75. The firm has a market cap of $30.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.29 and a beta of 0.62.

The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 3rd will be issued a dividend of $0.0032 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 3rd. This is a positive change from Banco Bradescos previous monthly dividend of $0.00. Banco Bradescos payout ratio is presently 5.71%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco Bradesco

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Ritholtz Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of Banco Bradesco in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Banco Bradesco by 5,542.4% in the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 11,172 shares of the banks stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 10,974 shares during the last quarter. Compound Planning Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Banco Bradesco in the third quarter valued at $35,000. Savant Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Banco Bradesco in the second quarter valued at approximately $51,000. Finally, Aprio Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Banco Bradesco during the 1st quarter valued at about $43,000.

About Banco Bradesco

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Banco Bradesco SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services to individuals, corporates, and businesses in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Banking and Insurance. It provides current, savings, click, and salary accounts; real estate credit, vehicle financing, payroll loans, mortgage loans, microcredit, leasing, and personal and installment credit; overdraft and agribusiness loans; debit and business cards; financial and security services; consortium products; car, personal accident, dental, travel, and life insurance; investment products; pension products; foreign currency exchange services; capitalization bonds; and internet banking services.

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Lombard Odier Asset Management Switzerland SA raised its position in Consolidated Edison Inc (NYSE:ED  Free Report) by 72.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 39,197 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 16,436 shares during the period. Lombard Odier Asset Management Switzerland SAs holdings in Consolidated Edison were worth $3,933,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. grew its stake in Consolidated Edison by 18.7% in the 2nd quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 65,487 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $6,572,000 after acquiring an additional 10,302 shares during the last quarter. Certuity LLC lifted its position in shares of Consolidated Edison by 2.7% in the second quarter. Certuity LLC now owns 3,743 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $376,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Natixis acquired a new stake in shares of Consolidated Edison during the 2nd quarter worth about $1,278,000. Ossiam boosted its position in Consolidated Edison by 12.4% during the second quarter. Ossiam now owns 1,726 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $173,000 after acquiring an additional 190 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Baker Avenue Asset Management LP lifted its stake in shares of Consolidated Edison by 13.2% during the 2nd quarter. Baker Avenue Asset Management LP now owns 3,277 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $329,000 after purchasing an additional 382 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.29% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently commented on ED shares. New Street Research set a $106.00 target price on Consolidated Edison in a research note on Monday, October 6th. KeyCorp upped their price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Consolidated Edison in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Consolidated Edison from $105.00 to $101.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Evercore ISI assumed coverage on shares of Consolidated Edison in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. They set an in-line rating and a $106.00 price target on the stock. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $104.58.

Consolidated Edison Price Performance

ED opened at $95.41 on Tuesday. Consolidated Edison Inc has a 52-week low of $87.28 and a 52-week high of $114.87. The company has a 50 day moving average of $99.50 and a two-hundred day moving average of $100.32. The company has a market cap of $34.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.68, a P/E/G ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 0.37. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03.

Consolidated Edison (NYSE:ED  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.90 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.14. Consolidated Edison had a net margin of 12.27% and a return on equity of 8.79%. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.68 EPS. Consolidated Edison has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.600-5.700 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Consolidated Edison Inc will post 5.62 earnings per share for the current year.

Consolidated Edison Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 19th will be given a $0.85 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 19th. This represents a $3.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.6%. Consolidated Edisons dividend payout ratio is presently 59.44%.

Consolidated Edison Profile

(Free Report)

Consolidated Edison, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.7 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,530 customers in parts of Manhattan.

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First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG  Get Free Report) (TSE:FR) shares traded up 6.5% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $15.06 and last traded at $15.30. 4,743,015 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 77% from the average session volume of 20,756,213 shares. The stock had previously closed at $14.37.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have weighed in on AG shares. Scotiabank upped their price objective on shares of First Majestic Silver from $9.00 to $12.50 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. National Bank Financial raised First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Sunday, October 5th. TD Securities upgraded First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Cormark raised First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of First Majestic Silver in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $17.33.

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First Majestic Silver Stock Performance

The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $12.99 and a 200 day moving average price of $10.25. The company has a current ratio of 3.38, a quick ratio of 2.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. The firm has a market cap of $7.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 108.68 and a beta of 0.84.

First Majestic Silver (NYSE:AG  Get Free Report) (TSE:FR) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The mining company reported $0.07 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.11 by ($0.04). First Majestic Silver had a return on equity of 3.14% and a net margin of 7.07%.The company had revenue of $285.10 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $429.78 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted ($0.09) earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 95.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that First Majestic Silver Corp. will post 0.54 earnings per share for the current year.

First Majestic Silver Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a $0.0052 dividend. This represents a $0.02 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.1%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This is a boost from First Majestic Silvers previous quarterly dividend of $0.00. First Majestic Silvers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 14.29%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd boosted its holdings in First Majestic Silver by 92.0% during the third quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd now owns 21,538 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $265,000 after acquiring an additional 10,318 shares during the period. Cantor Fitzgerald L. P. bought a new position in First Majestic Silver in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $318,000. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new position in First Majestic Silver in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $344,000. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC lifted its holdings in shares of First Majestic Silver by 15.0% during the third quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 23,071 shares of the mining companys stock worth $284,000 after buying an additional 3,008 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co boosted its position in shares of First Majestic Silver by 24.2% in the third quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 197,041 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $2,434,000 after acquiring an additional 38,406 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 27.16% of the companys stock.

About First Majestic Silver

(Get Free Report)

First Majestic Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of mineral properties with a focus on silver and gold production in North America. Its projects include the San Dimas mine covering an area of approximately 71,867 hectares located in Durango State, Mexico; the Santa Elena that covers an area of approximately 102,244 hectares located in Sonora State, Mexico; and the La Encantada covering an area of approximately 4,076 hectares located in Coahuila State, Mexico.

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Galway Metals Inc. (CVE:GWM  Get Free Report)s share price fell 8.5% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as C$0.53 and last traded at C$0.54. 733,361 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 275% from the average session volume of 195,803 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.59.

Galway Metals Trading Down 7.6%

The businesss 50 day simple moving average is C$0.63 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$0.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 3.16 and a quick ratio of 4.81. The company has a market capitalization of C$59.05 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.81 and a beta of 2.72.

About Galway Metals

(Get Free Report)

Galway Metals Inc engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in Canada. The company primarily explores for gold, zinc, copper, silver, and lead deposits. It holds a 100% interest in the Clarence Stream project located in southwest New Brunswick, Canada; and Estrades mine, related Newiska concessions, and adjacent Casa Berardi claims located in western Quebec, Canada.

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Newmont, Freeport-McMoRan, Barrick Mining, Hecla Mining, Agnico Eagle Mines, AngloGold Ashanti, and First Majestic Silver are the seven Gold stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Gold stocks are shares of companies involved in the gold industryprimarily miners, explorers, refiners and related service firms (and the ETFs that hold those companies). Investors use them to gain exposure to changes in the gold price and potential production-driven upside, but they also carry company-specific risks like mine costs, operational issues and geopolitical or regulatory exposure. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Gold stocks within the last several days.

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Newmont (NEM)

Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Ecuador, Fiji, and Ghana.

Freeport-McMoRan (FCX)

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile.

Read Our Latest Research Report on FCX

Barrick Mining (B)

Barrick Gold Corporation is a sector-leading gold and copper producer. Its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GOLD and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ABX.



In January 2019 Barrick merged with Randgold Resources and in July that year it combined its gold mines in Nevada, USA, with those of Newmont Corporation in a joint venture, Nevada Gold Mines, which is majority-owned and operated by Barrick.

Read Our Latest Research Report on B

Hecla Mining (HL)

Hecla Mining Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides precious and base metal properties in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China. The company mines for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates, as well as carbon material containing silver and gold for custom smelters, metal traders, and third-party processors; and dore containing silver and gold.

Read Our Latest Research Report on HL

Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM)

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. It explores for gold. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States.

Read Our Latest Research Report on AEM

AngloGold Ashanti (AU)

AngloGold Ashanti plc operates as a gold mining company in Africa, Australia, and the Americas. The company primarily explores for gold, as well as produces silver and sulphuric acid as by-products. Its flagship property is a 100% owned Geita mine located in the Lake Victoria goldfields of the Mwanza region in north-western Tanzania.

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First Majestic Silver (AG)

First Majestic Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of mineral properties with a focus on silver and gold production in North America. Its projects include the San Dimas mine covering an area of approximately 71,867 hectares located in Durango State, Mexico; the Santa Elena that covers an area of approximately 102,244 hectares located in Sonora State, Mexico; and the La Encantada covering an area of approximately 4,076 hectares located in Coahuila State, Mexico.

Read Our Latest Research Report on AG

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Goldentree Asset Management LP trimmed its stake in Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD  Free Report) by 15.0% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 403,815 shares of the companys stock after selling 71,300 shares during the period. Boyd Gaming comprises approximately 3.1% of Goldentree Asset Management LPs holdings, making the stock its 12th largest position. Goldentree Asset Management LPs holdings in Boyd Gaming were worth $31,590,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in Boyd Gaming by 219.8% during the 2nd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 371 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 255 shares during the period. Advisors Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in Boyd Gaming by 56.8% during the first quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 541 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 196 shares during the period. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. bought a new position in Boyd Gaming during the second quarter valued at $39,000. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Boyd Gaming by 24.5% in the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 685 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,000 after acquiring an additional 135 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Boyd Gaming by 24.2% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 960 shares of the companys stock worth $75,000 after acquiring an additional 187 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.81% of the companys stock.

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Boyd Gaming Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:BYD opened at $79.60 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $81.66 and its 200-day simple moving average is $81.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a current ratio of 0.51. Boyd Gaming Corporation has a one year low of $58.94 and a one year high of $88.49. The firm has a market cap of $6.22 billion, a PE ratio of 3.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 1.24.

Boyd Gaming Announces Dividend

Boyd Gaming ( NYSE:BYD Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 11th. The company reported $1.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $707.32 million for the quarter. Boyd Gaming had a return on equity of 34.63% and a net margin of 46.02%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Boyd Gaming Corporation will post 6.52 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Boyd Gamings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 3.15%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently commented on BYD shares. Citigroup initiated coverage on shares of Boyd Gaming in a report on Thursday, November 20th. They set a neutral rating and a $86.00 price target on the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Boyd Gaming in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on Boyd Gaming in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. They set an equal weight rating and a $85.00 price target for the company. Mizuho boosted their price objective on Boyd Gaming from $89.00 to $99.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Boyd Gaming in a research report on Monday, September 8th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Boyd Gaming has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $89.54.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on BYD

Insider Buying and Selling at Boyd Gaming

In related news, Director William R. Boyd sold 20,000 shares of Boyd Gaming stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.36, for a total value of $1,607,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 1,960,447 shares in the company, valued at $157,541,520.92. The trade was a 1.01% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 21.97% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About Boyd Gaming

(Free Report)

Boyd Gaming Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a multi-jurisdictional gaming company in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The company operates through Las Vegas Locals, Downtown Las Vegas, Midwest & South, and Online segments.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BYD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD  Free Report).

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Heidelberg Materials (OTCMKTS:HDLMY  Get Free Report) was downgraded by stock analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday,Zacks.com reports.

Separately, Barclays raised shares of Heidelberg Materials from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, November 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy.

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Heidelberg Materials Stock Performance

Heidelberg Materials Company Profile

HDLMY opened at $51.48 on Monday. Heidelberg Materials has a 1 year low of $24.15 and a 1 year high of $51.83.

(Get Free Report)

Heidelberg Materials AG, together with its subsidiaries, produces and distributes cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete and asphalt. It provides cement products; natural stone aggregates and ready-mixed concrete. Heidelberg Materials AG, formerly known as HeidelbergCement AG, is based in Heidelberg, Germany.

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Imperial Tobacco Group PLC (OTCMKTS:IMBBY  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $44.2265 and last traded at $44.2040, with a volume of 24083 shares. The stock had previously closed at $43.34.

Imperial Tobacco Group Stock Up 1.3%

The company has a 50 day moving average of $41.51 and a 200 day moving average of $40.69. The company has a current ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40.

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Imperial Tobacco Group Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.517 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 537.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 28th.

About Imperial Tobacco Group

Imperial Brands PLC, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, imports, markets, and sells tobacco and tobacco-related products in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. It offers a range of cigarettes, tobacco accessories, vapour, heated tobacco, and oral nicotine. The company sells its products under various brands, including JPS, Davidoff, Gauloises, West, Winston, Kool, Lambert & Butler, Fortuna, Nobel, News, Backwoods, Champion, Golden Virginia, Rizla, Blu, Pulze, Skruf, and Zone X.

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iSAM Funds UK Ltd bought a new position in shares of Invesco Ltd. (NYSE:IVZ  Free Report) in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm bought 106,352 shares of the asset managers stock, valued at approximately $1,677,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its position in shares of Invesco by 7.9% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 85,234 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,293,000 after acquiring an additional 6,239 shares in the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC grew its stake in Invesco by 1.5% in the first quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 194,827 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $2,956,000 after purchasing an additional 2,922 shares during the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. grew its stake in Invesco by 186.6% in the first quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 1,969 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 1,282 shares during the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd raised its holdings in Invesco by 39.1% in the first quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 14,868 shares of the asset managers stock worth $226,000 after purchasing an additional 4,176 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Natixis Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Invesco by 39.7% during the first quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 17,096 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $259,000 after buying an additional 4,862 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 66.09% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In related news, Director Douglas J. Sharp sold 160,000 shares of Invesco stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $23.56, for a total transaction of $3,769,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 192 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,523.52. The trade was a 99.88% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Stephanie Butcher sold 103,192 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.12, for a total value of $2,282,607.04. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 29,855 shares in the company, valued at approximately $660,392.60. This represents a 77.56% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 1.21% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Invesco Stock Down 1.7%

NYSE:IVZ opened at $25.78 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85. Invesco Ltd. has a twelve month low of $11.60 and a twelve month high of $26.39. The company has a market cap of $11.47 billion, a PE ratio of 17.54, a P/E/G ratio of 0.68 and a beta of 1.66. The companys 50 day moving average is $23.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is $20.61.

Invesco (NYSE:IVZ  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The asset manager reported $0.61 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.44 by $0.17. The business had revenue of $1.19 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.17 billion. Invesco had a net margin of 14.15% and a return on equity of 9.11%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.44 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that Invesco Ltd. will post 1.87 EPS for the current year.

Invesco Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a dividend of $0.21 per share. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. Invescos payout ratio is presently 57.14%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

IVZ has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on shares of Invesco from $24.00 to $26.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Invesco in a research report on Thursday. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on shares of Invesco from $26.50 to $25.50 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Citigroup upped their price target on Invesco from $22.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated a positive rating on shares of Invesco in a report on Monday, October 6th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $23.63.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Invesco

Invesco Profile

(Free Report)

Invesco Ltd. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm provides its services to retail clients, institutional clients, high-net worth clients, public entities, corporations, unions, non-profit organizations, endowments, foundations, pension funds, financial institutions, and sovereign wealth funds.

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iSAM Funds UK Ltd lifted its stake in shares of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE:RGA  Free Report) by 321.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,941 shares of the insurance providers stock after purchasing an additional 7,584 shares during the period. iSAM Funds UK Ltds holdings in Reinsurance Group of America were worth $1,972,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Headlands Technologies LLC increased its position in Reinsurance Group of America by 357.1% in the first quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 224 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $44,000 after buying an additional 175 shares during the last quarter. SouthState Corp purchased a new position in shares of Reinsurance Group of America during the 1st quarter valued at $48,000. Oakworth Capital Inc. grew its stake in shares of Reinsurance Group of America by 32.4% during the 2nd quarter. Oakworth Capital Inc. now owns 245 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $49,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Inc increased its holdings in Reinsurance Group of America by 93.9% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 285 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $57,000 after acquiring an additional 138 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Employees Retirement System of Texas bought a new stake in Reinsurance Group of America in the 2nd quarter valued at about $57,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.11% of the companys stock.

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Reinsurance Group of America Stock Performance

NYSE RGA opened at $188.46 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $190.08 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $192.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.13 and a quick ratio of 0.13. Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated has a 1 year low of $159.25 and a 1 year high of $232.97. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.38 billion, a PE ratio of 14.50 and a beta of 0.55.

Reinsurance Group of America Dividend Announcement

Reinsurance Group of America ( NYSE:RGA Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The insurance provider reported $6.37 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.80 by $0.57. Reinsurance Group of America had a net margin of 3.89% and a return on equity of 12.19%. The firm had revenue of $6.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.02 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $6.13 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.8% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated will post 22.9 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

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 $0.93 dividend. This represents a $3.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. Reinsurance Group of Americas dividend payout ratio is currently 28.62%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

RGA has been the subject of a number of research reports. 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. Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Raymond James Financial downgraded Reinsurance Group of America from a market perform rating to an underperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their price target on Reinsurance Group of America from $255.00 to $240.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $239.89.

Read Our Latest Report on Reinsurance Group of America

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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iSAM Funds UK Ltd grew its position in shares of Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG  Free Report) by 454.2% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 42,782 shares of the banks stock after purchasing an additional 35,062 shares during the quarter. iSAM Funds UK Ltds holdings in Citizens Financial Group were worth $1,914,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Trust Co. of Vermont lifted its stake in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 177.5% during the second quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 641 shares of the banks stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 410 shares during the period. Investors Research Corp raised its holdings in Citizens Financial Group by 344.8% in the 2nd quarter. Investors Research Corp now owns 645 shares of the banks stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC lifted its stake in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 16,900.0% during the 2nd quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC now owns 680 shares of the banks stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 676 shares during the period. REAP Financial Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 72.4% during the second quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 736 shares of the banks stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 309 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Citizens Financial Group in the second quarter valued at $45,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.90% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on CFG shares. Evercore ISI increased their target price on Citizens Financial Group from $57.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Citizens Financial Group in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and set a $60.00 price objective on shares of Citizens Financial Group in a report on Thursday, October 16th. DA Davidson reissued a buy rating and issued a $59.00 target price on shares of Citizens Financial Group in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Truist Financial lowered their target price on shares of Citizens Financial Group from $58.00 to $56.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 17th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Citizens Financial Group has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $56.57.

Citizens Financial Group Stock Performance

NYSE CFG opened at $55.70 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.60, a P/E/G ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 0.73. Citizens Financial Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $32.60 and a 1-year high of $56.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.85 and a quick ratio of 0.84. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $52.13 and its 200-day simple moving average is $48.99.

Citizens Financial Group (NYSE:CFG  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The bank reported $1.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.03 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $2.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.10 billion. Citizens Financial Group had a net margin of 14.17% and a return on equity of 7.48%. The companys revenue was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.79 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Citizens Financial Group, Inc. will post 3.92 EPS for the current year.

Citizens Financial Group Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 12th. Investors of record on Wednesday, October 29th were issued a dividend of $0.46 per share. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 29th. This is a positive change from Citizens Financial Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. Citizens Financial Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 51.54%.

Citizens Financial Group Profile

(Free Report)

Citizens Financial Group, Inc operates as the bank holding company that provides retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, corporations, and institutions in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking.

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Tandem Financial LLC cut its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF  Free Report) by 46.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 10,251 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 8,719 shares during the quarter. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF makes up approximately 4.1% of Tandem Financial LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 7th largest holding. Tandem Financial LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF were worth $4,353,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of IWF. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC boosted its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 722,329.3% in the 2nd quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 17,851,227 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $7,579,274,000 after buying an additional 17,848,756 shares during the period. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 42,358.0% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,704,689 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $723,777,000 after acquiring an additional 1,700,674 shares during the period. Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF in the first quarter valued at $424,812,000. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 311.4% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,285,798 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $464,289,000 after purchasing an additional 973,250 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 6.0% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 7,216,343 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,063,916,000 after purchasing an additional 411,172 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.33% of the companys stock.

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iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Stock Down 0.1%

Shares of NYSEARCA IWF opened at $478.53 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $124.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.43 and a beta of 1.13. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a 52 week low of $308.67 and a 52 week high of $493.00. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $473.45 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $447.62.

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Profile

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment returns that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 1000 index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth.

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John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:WLYB  Get Free Report)s stock price was down 5% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $31.14 and last traded at $30.6950. Approximately 2,631 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 212% from the average daily volume of 843 shares. The stock had previously closed at $32.32.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of John Wiley & Sons in a research note on Monday, December 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, John Wiley & Sons has an average rating of Hold.

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John Wiley & Sons Stock Performance

The stocks 50-day moving average price is $36.71 and its 200-day moving average price is $39.33. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16. The company has a market capitalization of $1.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.62 and a beta of 0.79.

John Wiley & Sons (NYSE:WLYB  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported $1.10 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.78 by $0.32. The firm had revenue of $421.75 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $416.40 million. John Wiley & Sons had a return on equity of 28.23% and a net margin of 6.11%.

John Wiley & Sons Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 23rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 7th were issued a $0.355 dividend. This represents a $1.42 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, October 7th. John Wiley & Sonss dividend payout ratio is 75.53%.

Institutional Trading of John Wiley & Sons

An institutional investor recently bought a new position in John Wiley & Sons stock. Gabelli Funds LLC acquired a new position in John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:WLYB  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 4,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $201,000. Institutional investors own 0.49% of the companys stock.

About John Wiley & Sons

(Get Free Report)

John Wiley & Sons, Inc engages in the provision of research and learning materials. It operates through the following segments: Research, Learning, and Held for Sale or Sold. The Research segment consists of research publishing and research solutions. The Learning segment includes academic and professional reporting lines and consists of publishing and related knowledge solutions.

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Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corp trimmed its holdings in shares of Thomson Reuters Co. (NYSE:TRI  Free Report) (TSE:TRI) by 17.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 18,457 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 3,867 shares during the period. Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corps holdings in Thomson Reuters were worth $3,710,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. TD Asset Management Inc increased its holdings in Thomson Reuters by 3.0% during the second quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 5,681,469 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,140,208,000 after buying an additional 166,977 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,617,231 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,129,591,000 after acquiring an additional 140,631 shares during the period. Fiera Capital Corp increased its stake in shares of Thomson Reuters by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 2,518,855 shares of the business services providers stock worth $506,211,000 after purchasing an additional 26,588 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Thomson Reuters by 13.7% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,997,516 shares of the business services providers stock worth $405,266,000 after purchasing an additional 240,062 shares during the period. Finally, 1832 Asset Management L.P. lifted its stake in Thomson Reuters by 10.4% in the second quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,838,448 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $369,767,000 after purchasing an additional 173,331 shares during the last quarter. 17.31% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have issued reports on TRI shares. Morgan Stanley set a $172.00 target price on Thomson Reuters in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Thomson Reuters in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. CIBC set a $198.00 price objective on shares of Thomson Reuters and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Thomson Reuters from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $187.00 to $212.00 in a research note on Tuesday, September 9th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Thomson Reuters from $178.00 to $160.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $195.27.

Thomson Reuters Trading Down 2.8%

Thomson Reuters stock opened at $129.69 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $57.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.52, a PEG ratio of 5.67 and a beta of 0.79. Thomson Reuters Co. has a fifty-two week low of $129.54 and a fifty-two week high of $218.42. The firms fifty day moving average price is $146.07 and its 200-day moving average price is $173.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 1.02.

Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI  Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The business services provider reported $0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $1.80 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.78 billion. Thomson Reuters had a return on equity of 14.62% and a net margin of 30.45%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.80 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Thomson Reuters Co. will post 3.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Thomson Reuters Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 18th will be given a dividend of $0.595 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 18th. This represents a $2.38 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.8%. Thomson Reuterss payout ratio is presently 61.18%.

Thomson Reuters Profile

(Free Report)

Thomson Reuters Corporation engages in the provision of business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments.

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Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corp purchased a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 12,474 shares of the semiconductor companys stock, valued at approximately $2,825,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TSM. London & Capital Asset Management Ltd raised its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 23.8% during the 2nd quarter. London & Capital Asset Management Ltd now owns 154,199 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $34,922,000 after purchasing an additional 29,606 shares during the period. Certuity LLC grew its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 93.3% during the second quarter. Certuity LLC now owns 2,409 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $546,000 after buying an additional 1,163 shares in the last quarter. Resolute Capital Asset Partners LLC raised its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 100.2% during the second quarter. Resolute Capital Asset Partners LLC now owns 50,053 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $11,337,000 after buying an additional 25,053 shares during the period. Prime Capital Management Co Ltd purchased a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 2nd quarter worth about $74,211,000. Finally, CoreFirst Bank & Trust acquired a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 2nd quarter worth about $45,000. 16.51% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Trading Up 2.3%

Shares of NYSE:TSM opened at $301.48 on Tuesday. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a 1 year low of $134.25 and a 1 year high of $311.37. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $292.40 and a 200 day moving average price of $254.13. The company has a current ratio of 2.69, a quick ratio of 2.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.56 trillion, a PE ratio of 30.92, a P/E/G ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 1.31.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The semiconductor company reported $2.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.59 by $0.33. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 34.34% and a net margin of 43.72%.The firm had revenue of $32.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $951.89 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.94 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 40.1% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be issued a $0.9678 dividend. This is a boost from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 17th. This represents a $3.87 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings payout ratio is 26.67%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

TSM has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Barclays lifted their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $330.00 to $355.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Itau BBA Securities assumed coverage on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. They set an outperform rating for the company. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and set a $360.00 price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $355.00.

View Our Latest Analysis on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others.

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London & Capital Asset Management Ltd cut its stake in Koninklijke Philips N.V. (NYSE:PHG  Free Report) by 72.5% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 156,965 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 414,571 shares during the period. London & Capital Asset Management Ltds holdings in Koninklijke Philips were worth $3,764,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PHG. M&T Bank Corp increased its holdings in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 14.6% in the second quarter. M&T Bank Corp now owns 14,272 shares of the technology companys stock worth $342,000 after acquiring an additional 1,819 shares in the last quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP grew its position in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 54.3% in the 2nd quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 1,530,918 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $36,712,000 after purchasing an additional 538,715 shares during the period. Riverview Capital Advisers LLC grew its position in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 4.2% in the 2nd quarter. Riverview Capital Advisers LLC now owns 24,718 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $593,000 after purchasing an additional 1,003 shares during the period. West Family Investments Inc. bought a new stake in Koninklijke Philips during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $295,000. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its holdings in Koninklijke Philips by 13.5% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 23,003 shares of the technology companys stock worth $552,000 after buying an additional 2,732 shares during the period. 13.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Koninklijke Philips Trading Down 0.7%

NYSE:PHG opened at $26.85 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $25.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 134.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 0.79. Koninklijke Philips N.V. has a twelve month low of $21.48 and a twelve month high of $29.54. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $27.94 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $26.40. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Koninklijke Philips ( NYSE:PHG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The technology company reported $0.37 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.37. Koninklijke Philips had a net margin of 1.07% and a return on equity of 12.14%. The business had revenue of $5.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.30 billion. As a group, analysts expect that Koninklijke Philips N.V. will post 1.63 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on PHG shares. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Koninklijke Philips from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 22nd. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Koninklijke Philips in a research report on Monday, December 1st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Koninklijke Philips

About Koninklijke Philips

(Free Report)

Koninklijke Philips N.V. operates as a health technology company in North America, the Greater China, and internationally. The company operates through Diagnosis & Treatment Businesses, Connected Care Businesses, and Personal Health Businesses segments. It also provides diagnostic imaging solutions, includes magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray systems, and computed tomography (CT) systems and software comprising detector-based spectral CT solutions, as well as molecular and hybrid imaging solutions for nuclear medicine; echography solutions focused on diagnosis, treatment planning and guidance for cardiology, general imaging, obstetrics/gynecology, and point-of-care applications; integrated interventional systems, and interventional diagnostic and therapeutic devices to treat coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease.

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London & Capital Asset Management Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Autoliv, Inc. (NYSE:ALV  Free Report) in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm acquired 12,947 shares of the auto parts companys stock, valued at approximately $1,449,000.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. SouthState Corp purchased a new position in Autoliv during the first quarter worth about $25,000. True Wealth Design LLC grew its stake in shares of Autoliv by 1,892.3% during the 2nd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 259 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 246 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Autoliv by 103.5% during the 2nd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 348 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 177 shares during the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. grew its position in Autoliv by 975.5% during the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 527 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $59,000 after acquiring an additional 478 shares during the period. Finally, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new stake in Autoliv during the second quarter worth about $62,000. 69.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

ALV has been the subject of several recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Autoliv from $132.00 to $129.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 20th. Berenberg Bank set a $134.00 price objective on shares of Autoliv in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Mizuho raised their target price on Autoliv from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 23rd. Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Autoliv in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Autoliv from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $109.00 to $140.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $130.88.

Autoliv Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:ALV opened at $117.41 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day moving average is $119.24 and its two-hundred day moving average is $117.16. The company has a market cap of $8.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 1.32. Autoliv, Inc. has a 12-month low of $75.49 and a 12-month high of $129.54. The company has a quick ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54.

Autoliv (NYSE:ALV  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 17th. The auto parts company reported $2.32 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.10 by $0.22. Autoliv had a net margin of 7.09% and a return on equity of 31.22%. The firm had revenue of $2.71 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.66 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.84 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Autoliv, Inc. will post 9.51 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Autoliv Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 21st will be given a dividend of $0.87 per share. This is a boost from Autolivs previous quarterly dividend of $0.85. This represents a $3.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 21st. Autolivs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 35.95%.

Autoliv Company Profile

(Free Report)

Autoliv, Inc, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and supplies passive safety systems to the automotive industry in Europe, the Americas, China, Japan, and rest of Asia. It offers passive safety systems, including modules and components for frontal-impact airbag protection systems, side-impact airbag protection systems, seatbelts, steering wheels, and inflator technologies.

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Marshall Wace LLP grew its stake in shares of Unum Group (NYSE:UNM  Free Report) by 60.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 260,623 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 98,106 shares during the quarter. Marshall Wace LLP owned approximately 0.15% of Unum Group worth $21,048,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Klein Pavlis & Peasley Financial Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Unum Group by 42.7% during the second quarter. Klein Pavlis & Peasley Financial Inc. now owns 26,681 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,155,000 after purchasing an additional 7,981 shares during the last quarter. BTC Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Unum Group by 5.0% in the 2nd quarter. BTC Capital Management Inc. now owns 71,836 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $5,731,000 after purchasing an additional 3,399 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Unum Group by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 60,370 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,918,000 after purchasing an additional 201 shares during the period. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. purchased a new position in Unum Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $646,000. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada grew its stake in Unum Group by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 1,416,124 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $115,358,000 after buying an additional 6,648 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.57% of the companys stock.

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Unum Group Stock Performance

Shares of UNM opened at $72.78 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.19, a P/E/G ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 0.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a current ratio of 0.36. Unum Group has a 1 year low of $66.81 and a 1 year high of $84.48. The companys fifty day moving average is $76.10 and its two-hundred day moving average is $76.28.

Unum Group ( NYSE:UNM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The financial services provider reported $2.09 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.15 by ($0.06). Unum Group had a net margin of 6.99% and a return on equity of 13.09%. The firm had revenue of $3.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.31 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.13 EPS. The firms revenue was up 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Unum Group will post 9.14 earnings per share for the current year.

Unum Group declared that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Thursday, December 4th that authorizes the company to buyback $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the financial services provider to purchase up to 8.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are often an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Unum Group Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 24th were issued a $0.46 dividend. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 24th. Unum Groups payout ratio is currently 35.87%.

Insider Activity at Unum Group

In related news, EVP Steven Andrew Zabel sold 7,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.38, for a total transaction of $572,850.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 113,807 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,692,578.66. This represents a 6.18% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Christopher W. Pyne sold 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.04, for a total value of $312,160.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 51,372 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,009,070.88. The trade was a 7.22% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders own 0.93% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Unum Group from $79.00 to $81.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of Unum Group from $100.00 to $98.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Unum Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Evercore ISI upped their target price on shares of Unum Group from $96.00 to $99.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Unum Group in a report on Monday, December 1st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $94.67.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Unum Group

About Unum Group

(Free Report)

Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block segment. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products.

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Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corp cut its stake in McKesson Corporation (NYSE:MCK  Free Report) by 57.8% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 3,077 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,211 shares during the period. Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corps holdings in McKesson were worth $2,255,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in MCK. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of McKesson in the 2nd quarter valued at about $1,346,661,000. Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in McKesson in the first quarter valued at approximately $475,235,000. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its holdings in shares of McKesson by 56.4% in the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 1,236,536 shares of the companys stock valued at $906,109,000 after acquiring an additional 446,060 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its position in shares of McKesson by 4,559.6% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 427,703 shares of the companys stock worth $287,840,000 after acquiring an additional 418,524 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Boston Partners increased its holdings in shares of McKesson by 33.3% in the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 1,461,785 shares of the companys stock valued at $984,927,000 after acquiring an additional 365,484 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.07% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, CAO Napoleon B. Rutledge, Jr. sold 329 shares of McKesson stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $861.63, for a total transaction of $283,476.27. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 328 shares in the company, valued at approximately $282,614.64. This trade represents a 50.08% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts recently weighed in on MCK shares. Wall Street Zen cut shares of McKesson from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Leerink Partners increased their target price on shares of McKesson from $785.00 to $850.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 24th. TD Cowen boosted their price target on McKesson from $830.00 to $864.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 24th. Barclays set a $960.00 price objective on McKesson and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (a-) rating on shares of McKesson in a research note on Monday, December 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $892.86.

Get Our Latest Analysis on McKesson

McKesson Stock Performance

NYSE:MCK opened at $797.42 on Tuesday. McKesson Corporation has a 1 year low of $558.13 and a 1 year high of $895.58. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $816.15 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $745.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $98.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.82, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.38.

McKesson (NYSE:MCK  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $9.86 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $8.84 by $1.02. McKesson had a net margin of 1.04% and a negative return on equity of 248.14%. The business had revenue of $103.15 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $103.80 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $7.07 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that McKesson Corporation will post 32.77 EPS for the current year.

McKesson Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be issued a $0.82 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. This represents a $3.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.4%. McKessons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 10.21%.

McKesson Company Profile

(Free Report)

McKesson Corporation provides healthcare services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: U.S. Pharmaceutical, Prescription Technology Solutions (RxTS), Medical-Surgical Solutions, and International. The U.S. Pharmaceutical segment distributes branded, generic, specialty, biosimilar and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs, and other healthcare-related products.

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State Street Corp lowered its position in shares of Medtronic PLC (NYSE:MDT  Free Report) by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 59,834,545 shares of the medical technology companys stock after selling 210,216 shares during the quarter. State Street Corps holdings in Medtronic were worth $5,258,378,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. 1248 Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Medtronic in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Twin Tree Management LP acquired a new position in Medtronic in the first quarter worth $29,000. Activest Wealth Management increased its stake in Medtronic by 3,577.8% during the first quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 331 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 322 shares during the last quarter. GFG Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Medtronic during the second quarter worth $36,000. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC lifted its position in shares of Medtronic by 49.8% in the 2nd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 421 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.06% of the companys stock.

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Medtronic Trading Down 0.2%

Shares of MDT stock opened at $101.17 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $96.94 and a 200 day simple moving average of $92.42. The stock has a market capitalization of $129.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.27, a P/E/G ratio of 2.67 and a beta of 0.71. Medtronic PLC has a fifty-two week low of $79.29 and a fifty-two week high of $106.33. The company has a quick ratio of 1.80, a current ratio of 2.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57.

Medtronic Announces Dividend

Medtronic ( NYSE:MDT Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 18th. The medical technology company reported $1.36 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.31 by $0.05. Medtronic had a net margin of 13.71% and a return on equity of 14.86%. The company had revenue of $8.96 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.86 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.26 EPS. Medtronics revenue was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. Medtronic has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.620-5.660 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Medtronic PLC will post 5.46 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Investors of record on Friday, December 26th will be issued a dividend of $0.71 per share. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 26th. Medtronics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 76.55%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on MDT shares. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Medtronic from $100.00 to $114.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. UBS Group increased their price target on Medtronic from $95.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on Medtronic from $90.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Leerink Partners set a $120.00 price objective on Medtronic and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, Daiwa Capital Markets raised their target price on Medtronic from $104.00 to $117.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and twelve have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $110.44.

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About Medtronic

(Free Report)

Medtronic plc develops, manufactures, and sells device-based medical therapies to healthcare systems, physicians, clinicians, and patients worldwide. Its Cardiovascular Portfolio segment offers implantable cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices; cardiac ablation products; insertable cardiac monitor systems; TYRX products; and remote monitoring and patient-centered software.

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National Bank of Canada (OTCMKTS:NTIOF  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $124.57 and last traded at $124.52, with a volume of 224 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $123.53.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on NTIOF. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of National Bank of Canada in a report on Friday. Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of National Bank of Canada in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. TD Securities reissued a hold rating on shares of National Bank of Canada in a research note on Thursday. Desjardins raised National Bank of Canada from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Raymond James Financial started coverage on National Bank of Canada in a research note on Monday, November 24th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold.

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Check Out Our Latest Report on NTIOF

National Bank of Canada Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $48.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.29 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 0.75. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $112.99 and a 200-day simple moving average of $107.04.

National Bank of Canada (OTCMKTS:NTIOF  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The financial services provider reported $2.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.90 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $2.64 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.43 billion. National Bank of Canada had a net margin of 13.07% and a return on equity of 16.16%. Sell-side analysts expect that National Bank of Canada will post 7.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

National Bank of Canada Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Saturday, November 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 30th were given a $0.8531 dividend. This represents a yield of 313.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 29th. National Bank of Canadas payout ratio is presently 47.58%.

National Bank of Canada Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

National Bank of Canada provides financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional clients, and governments in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, and savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services, such as credit, and deposit, investment solutions, international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services.

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New York State Common Retirement Fund cut its stake in shares of BILL Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BILL  Free Report) by 79.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 44,640 shares of the companys stock after selling 168,685 shares during the quarter. New York State Common Retirement Funds holdings in BILL were worth $2,065,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in BILL. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ raised its stake in BILL by 957.8% during the second quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ now owns 3,882 shares of the companys stock worth $180,000 after buying an additional 3,515 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in BILL during the 2nd quarter worth $52,908,000. Quadrature Capital Ltd boosted its stake in shares of BILL by 482.8% in the 2nd quarter. Quadrature Capital Ltd now owns 59,664 shares of the companys stock worth $2,759,000 after buying an additional 49,427 shares during the last quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System grew its stake in BILL by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 101,302 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,686,000 after purchasing an additional 470 shares during the period. Finally, Quadrant Capital Group LLC grew its position in BILL by 114.3% during the second quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 8,102 shares of the companys stock valued at $375,000 after buying an additional 4,321 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.99% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at BILL

In other BILL news, SVP Germaine Cota sold 1,104 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.23, for a total transaction of $56,557.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president owned 10,812 shares of the companys stock, valued at $553,898.76. This represents a 9.26% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 13.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have weighed in on BILL shares. William Blair reissued a market perform rating on shares of BILL in a report on Friday, November 7th. Citigroup upgraded shares of BILL to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Truist Financial dropped their price target on shares of BILL from $61.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Mizuho cut their price objective on shares of BILL from $50.00 to $43.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 28th. Finally, Evercore ISI cut their price objective on shares of BILL from $50.00 to $48.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 28th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, BILL presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $58.86.

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BILL Stock Performance

NYSE:BILL opened at $54.41 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 1.67 and a current ratio of 1.67. BILL Holdings, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $36.55 and a fifty-two week high of $100.19. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $50.25 and a 200-day moving average price of $47.34. The firm has a market cap of $5.45 billion, a PE ratio of -201.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.54 and a beta of 1.35.

BILL (NYSE:BILL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.61 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.51 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $395.74 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $390.91 million. BILL had a net margin of 0.79% and a return on equity of 1.39%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 10.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.63 EPS. BILL has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.110-2.250 EPS and its Q2 2026 guidance at 0.540-0.570 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that BILL Holdings, Inc. will post 0.12 earnings per share for the current year.

BILL declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase plan on Wednesday, August 27th that allows the company to buyback $300.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization allows the company to buy up to 7.2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

BILL Company Profile

(Free Report)

BILL Holdings, Inc provides financial automation software for small and midsize businesses worldwide. The company provides software-as-a-service, cloud-based payments, and spend management products, which allow users to automate accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions, as well as enable users to connect with their suppliers and/or customers to do business, eliminate expense reports, manage cash flows, and improve office efficiency.

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Stock analysts at Bank of America initiated coverage on shares of Penske Automotive Group (NYSE:PAG  Get Free Report) in a research note issued on Tuesday, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage set a buy rating and a $195.00 price target on the stock. Bank of Americas target price suggests a potential upside of 17.82% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other equities analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Penske Automotive Group in a research note on Monday. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Penske Automotive Group in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Penske Automotive Group from $180.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of Penske Automotive Group from $180.00 to $175.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Penske Automotive Group from $200.00 to $206.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 25th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Penske Automotive Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $184.43.

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Penske Automotive Group Stock Performance

Shares of PAG traded up $1.32 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $165.51. 22,712 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 240,087. The stock has a market cap of $10.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.65 and a beta of 0.92. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $164.02 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $171.37. Penske Automotive Group has a 1 year low of $134.05 and a 1 year high of $189.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 0.21 and a current ratio of 0.97.

Penske Automotive Group (NYSE:PAG  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $3.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.48 by ($0.25). Penske Automotive Group had a return on equity of 16.84% and a net margin of 3.08%.The company had revenue of $7.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.71 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $3.39 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Penske Automotive Group will post 13.86 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Penske Automotive Group

In related news, CFO Michelle Hulgrave sold 2,100 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.17, for a total transaction of $336,357.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 16,822 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,694,379.74. This trade represents a 11.10% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 52.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PAG. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Penske Automotive Group by 0.3% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,004,832 shares of the companys stock valued at $288,656,000 after buying an additional 5,641 shares during the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in Penske Automotive Group by 48.9% during the third quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,391,281 shares of the companys stock valued at $241,958,000 after acquiring an additional 456,611 shares in the last quarter. Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. grew its stake in Penske Automotive Group by 3.1% during the second quarter. Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. now owns 890,356 shares of the companys stock valued at $152,972,000 after acquiring an additional 26,827 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Penske Automotive Group by 6.6% in the 3rd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 726,490 shares of the companys stock valued at $125,043,000 after acquiring an additional 44,749 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its holdings in Penske Automotive Group by 28.4% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 380,267 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,751,000 after acquiring an additional 84,045 shares during the last quarter. 77.08% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Penske Automotive Group

(Get Free Report)

Penske Automotive Group, Inc, a diversified transportation services company, operates automotive and commercial truck dealerships worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Retail Automotive, Retail Commercial Truck, Other, and Non-Automotive Investments. It operates dealerships under franchise agreements with various automotive manufacturers and distributors.

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Progressive (NYSE:PGR  Get Free Report) had its price objective cut by Bank of America from $350.00 to $348.00 in a report released on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the insurance providers stock. Bank of Americas price objective suggests a potential upside of 54.47% from the stocks previous close.

PGR has been the subject of several other reports. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Progressive from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, September 21st. Citigroup decreased their price objective on shares of Progressive from $312.00 to $301.38 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Progressive from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $261.00 to $232.00 in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Evercore ISI dropped their price target on Progressive from $275.00 to $273.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Zacks Research lowered Progressive from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $266.40.

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Progressive Price Performance

NYSE PGR traded up $2.12 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $225.28. The company had a trading volume of 1,064,751 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,249,755. The company has a market capitalization of $132.10 billion, a PE ratio of 12.36, a P/E/G ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 0.36. The company has a current ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. Progressive has a twelve month low of $199.90 and a twelve month high of $292.99. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $225.45 and a 200-day moving average price of $243.86.

Progressive (NYSE:PGR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 15th. The insurance provider reported $4.45 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $5.04 by ($0.59). Progressive had a net margin of 12.57% and a return on equity of 33.88%. The business had revenue of $21.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.64 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $3.58 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that Progressive will post 14.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CFO John P. Sauerland sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $228.48, for a total value of $1,142,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 223,024 shares in the company, valued at $50,956,523.52. This trade represents a 2.19% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Steven Broz sold 1,345 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $228.29, for a total transaction of $307,050.05. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 27,698 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,323,176.42. This trade represents a 4.63% 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 have sold 17,673 shares of company stock valued at $4,163,005. 0.33% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Progressive

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. New York Life Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Progressive by 1.4% in the second quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 87,760 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $23,420,000 after purchasing an additional 1,192 shares during the period. Baron Silver Stevens Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Progressive in the second quarter valued at $306,000. Wakefield Asset Management LLLP boosted its position in shares of Progressive by 199.0% during the 2nd quarter. Wakefield Asset Management LLLP now owns 9,411 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $2,511,000 after purchasing an additional 6,263 shares in the last quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al purchased a new position in Progressive in the second quarter valued at about $13,583,000. Finally, Whalen Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Progressive during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $647,000. 85.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Progressive Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The Progressive Corporation, an insurance holding company, provides personal and commercial auto, personal residential and commercial property, business related general liability, and other specialty property-casualty insurance products and related services in the United States. It operates in three segments: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, and Property.

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Quantbot Technologies LP grew its position in Compass Diversified Holdings (NYSE:CODI  Free Report) by 559.9% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 180,074 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 152,785 shares during the period. Quantbot Technologies LP owned approximately 0.24% of Compass Diversified worth $1,131,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in Compass Diversified in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $7,785,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd grew its stake in shares of Compass Diversified by 808.2% during the 2nd quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 377,880 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,373,000 after acquiring an additional 336,271 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in shares of Compass Diversified by 181.3% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 483,687 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,038,000 after acquiring an additional 311,733 shares in the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Compass Diversified by 345.5% in the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 193,907 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,620,000 after purchasing an additional 150,386 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its position in shares of Compass Diversified by 2.6% in the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 4,912,110 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,388,000 after purchasing an additional 122,218 shares in the last quarter. 72.73% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Compass Diversified Trading Up 6.4%

NYSE CODI opened at $6.10 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $458.59 million, a P/E ratio of -4.76 and a beta of 1.02. The firms fifty day moving average price is $6.75 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $6.79. Compass Diversified Holdings has a 1 year low of $5.30 and a 1 year high of $24.32.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d+) rating on shares of Compass Diversified in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Compass Diversified from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, August 22nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $18.00.

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About Compass Diversified

(Free Report)

Compass Diversified is a private equity firm specializing in add on acquisitions, buyouts, industry consolidation, recapitalization, late stage and middle market investments. It seeks to invest in niche industrial or branded consumer companies, manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, business services sector, healthcare, safety & security, electronic components, food and foodservice.

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Rogers Communications (TSE:RCI.B  Get Free Report) (NYSE:RCI) had its price objective lifted by equities researchers at CIBC from C$58.00 to C$60.00 in a research note issued on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has an outperform rating on the stock. CIBCs price target points to a potential upside of 18.62% from the stocks current price.

A number of other equities analysts also recently weighed in on RCI.B. National Bankshares upped their price target on shares of Rogers Communications from C$59.00 to C$60.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Barclays upped their target price on Rogers Communications from C$46.00 to C$50.00 in a research report on Monday, November 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Rogers Communications from C$59.00 to C$62.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Desjardins boosted their price target on Rogers Communications from C$53.00 to C$56.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Finally, TD Securities increased their price objective on Rogers Communications from C$62.00 to C$64.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$57.56.

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Rogers Communications Stock Down 0.1%

Rogers Communications Company Profile

RCI.B traded down C$0.05 on Tuesday, reaching C$50.58. 254,164 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,945,930. The company has a market cap of C$27.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.06, a PEG ratio of 0.32 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 436.50, a current ratio of 0.65 and a quick ratio of 0.58. The stocks 50 day moving average price is C$52.71 and its 200-day moving average price is C$47.41. Rogers Communications has a 52-week low of C$32.42 and a 52-week high of C$56.15.

(Get Free Report)

Rogers is the largest wireless service provider in Canada, with its more than 10 million subscribers equating to one third of the total Canadian market. Rogers wireless business accounted for 60% of the companys total sales in 2021 and has increasingly provided a bigger portion of total company sales over the last several years.

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State Street Corp raised its stake in GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE  Free Report) by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 44,268,912 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 613,866 shares during the quarter. State Street Corps holdings in GE Aerospace were worth $11,394,375,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in GE. Bare Financial Services Inc boosted its position in GE Aerospace by 81.1% during the 2nd quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 96 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 43 shares during the period. IMG Wealth Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of GE Aerospace by 113.5% during the second quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. now owns 111 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 59 shares during the last quarter. Nova Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of GE Aerospace during the first quarter worth about $29,000. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of GE Aerospace in the first quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Kilter Group LLC purchased a new position in GE Aerospace during the 2nd quarter valued at about $40,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.77% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, SVP Russell Stokes sold 8,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $297.71, for a total transaction of $2,381,680.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 150,434 shares of the companys stock, valued at $44,785,706.14. This represents a 5.05% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.21% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

GE Aerospace Stock Up 1.2%

NYSE:GE opened at $287.33 on Tuesday. GE Aerospace has a 1-year low of $159.36 and a 1-year high of $316.67. The firms 50-day moving average price is $300.39 and its 200-day moving average price is $277.02. The company has a market capitalization of $303.08 billion, a PE ratio of 38.36, a P/E/G ratio of 2.21 and a beta of 1.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 0.76.

GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The company reported $1.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.46 by $0.20. GE Aerospace had a net margin of 18.34% and a return on equity of 34.01%. The business had revenue of $11.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.29 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.15 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 26.4% compared to the same quarter last year. GE Aerospace has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.000-6.200 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that GE Aerospace will post 5.4 EPS for the current fiscal year.

GE Aerospace Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 26th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 29th will be issued a $0.36 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 29th. This represents a $1.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.5%. GE Aerospaces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 19.23%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on GE shares. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on GE Aerospace from $320.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, September 22nd. BNP Paribas raised GE Aerospace to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of GE Aerospace from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 22nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and issued a $350.00 price objective on shares of GE Aerospace in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane initiated coverage on shares of GE Aerospace in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. They set an underperform rating on the stock. Sixteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $304.31.

Read Our Latest Research Report on GE

About GE Aerospace

(Free Report)

GE Aerospace (also known as General Electric) is a company that specializes in providing aerospace products and services. It operates through two reportable segments: Commercial Engines and Services and Defense and Propulsion Technologies. It offers jet and turboprop engines, as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business, and general aviation aircraft.

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State Street Corp grew its position in shares of The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 0.7% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 72,464,619 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 531,329 shares during the quarter. State Street Corps holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $6,611,672,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC raised its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 26.8% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 190,538 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $17,387,000 after buying an additional 40,275 shares in the last quarter. Bain Capital Public Equity Management II LLC purchased a new position in Charles Schwab in the first quarter worth about $79,605,000. Figure 8 Investment Strategies LLC bought a new stake in Charles Schwab during the second quarter worth approximately $924,000. Independent Advisor Alliance raised its position in Charles Schwab by 13.8% during the first quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance now owns 39,103 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,061,000 after purchasing an additional 4,754 shares during the period. Finally, PFG Investments LLC raised its position in Charles Schwab by 10.2% during the second quarter. PFG Investments LLC now owns 5,951 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $543,000 after purchasing an additional 550 shares during the period. 84.38% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Charles Schwab news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 3,072 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.00, for a total transaction of $301,056.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 11,923 shares in the company, valued at $1,168,454. This represents a 20.49% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Paul V. Woolway sold 3,205 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.33, for a total transaction of $299,122.65. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 34,778 shares in the company, valued at $3,245,830.74. This represents a 8.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 6.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Charles Schwab Price Performance

Shares of SCHW stock opened at $94.24 on Tuesday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $93.68 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $93.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.58 and a quick ratio of 0.58. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a one year low of $65.88 and a one year high of $99.59. The company has a market capitalization of $167.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.07, a P/E/G ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.96.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.25 by $0.06. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 21.02% and a net margin of 35.93%.The firm had revenue of $6.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.93 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.71 earnings per share. Charles Schwabs quarterly revenue was up 26.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 EPS for the current year.

Charles Schwab Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a $0.27 dividend. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is currently 25.29%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and set a $114.00 price target on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Friday, October 17th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Charles Schwab in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $119.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $109.00 to $111.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $119.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $107.11.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Charles Schwab

About Charles Schwab

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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State Street Corp reduced its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 1.1% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 19,454,685 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 219,135 shares during the quarter. State Street Corp owned 0.06% of The Goldman Sachs Group worth $13,769,053,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 1,800.0% in the second quarter. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC now owns 38 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 36 shares during the period. Clearstead Trust LLC purchased a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd bought a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Ridgewood Investments LLC lifted its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 45.9% during the second quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC now owns 54 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the second quarter worth approximately $39,000. 71.21% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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The Goldman Sachs Group Price Performance

NYSE:GS opened at $866.22 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $791.77 and its 200 day moving average is $737.02. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $439.38 and a 12 month high of $870.56. The company has a market capitalization of $259.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.60, a P/E/G ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a current ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.53.

The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement

The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The investment management company reported $12.25 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $10.27 by $1.98. The business had revenue of $15.18 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.68 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 15.29% and a net margin of 13.18%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 19.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $8.40 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd will be issued a $4.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 2nd. This represents a $16.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is 32.50%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $854.00 to $828.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Monday, December 1st. HSBC boosted their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $652.00 to $677.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $785.00 to $855.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets began coverage on The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Friday, October 3rd. They issued a market perform rating and a $785.00 price target on the stock. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, The Goldman Sachs Group presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $786.00.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on GS

The Goldman Sachs Group Profile

(Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements.

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SVB Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL  Free Report) during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor purchased 26,224 shares of the transportation companys stock, valued at approximately $1,290,000.

A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in DAL. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Delta Air Lines by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 7,844 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $386,000 after purchasing an additional 196 shares during the last quarter. JT Stratford LLC boosted its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 1.2% during the first quarter. JT Stratford LLC now owns 16,403 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $715,000 after buying an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Nwam LLC increased its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Nwam LLC now owns 7,042 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $377,000 after buying an additional 212 shares in the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. raised its position in Delta Air Lines by 26.9% in the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,028 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $51,000 after buying an additional 218 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sound Income Strategies LLC lifted its stake in Delta Air Lines by 14.7% during the 2nd quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 1,911 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $94,000 after acquiring an additional 245 shares during the period. 69.93% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Delta Air Lines Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE DAL opened at $67.31 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $59.93 and a 200-day moving average price of $56.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 0.40 and a quick ratio of 0.34. The stock has a market cap of $43.95 billion, a PE ratio of 9.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 1.37. Delta Air Lines, Inc. has a 1 year low of $34.74 and a 1 year high of $69.98.

Delta Air Lines Announces Dividend

Delta Air Lines ( NYSE:DAL Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, March 15th. The transportation company reported $0.22 earnings per share for the quarter. Delta Air Lines had a net margin of 7.36% and a return on equity of 23.83%. The company had revenue of $8.40 billion for the quarter. Equities analysts anticipate that Delta Air Lines, Inc. will post 7.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 6th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 16th were issued a dividend of $0.1875 per share. This represents a $0.75 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 16th. Delta Air Liness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 10.56%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, SVP William C. Carroll sold 14,010 shares of Delta Air Lines stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total transaction of $858,112.50. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 15,816 shares in the company, valued at $968,730. This trade represents a 46.97% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP John E. Laughter sold 23,323 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.33, for a total transaction of $1,453,722.59. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 81,109 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,055,523.97. This represents a 22.33% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Company insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently commented on the stock. Dbs Bank upgraded shares of Delta Air Lines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $71.00 to $74.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on Delta Air Lines from $74.00 to $72.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Rothschild & Co Redburn lifted their price objective on Delta Air Lines from $65.00 to $72.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Delta Air Lines in a report on Thursday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty-two have assigned a Buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Delta Air Lines has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $73.40.

Read Our Latest Research Report on DAL

About Delta Air Lines

(Free Report)

Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Bogota, Lima, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sao Paulo, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo.

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TCI Fund Management Ltd. cut its stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Free Report) (TSE:CP) by 3.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 52,826,885 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 2,086,400 shares during the period. Canadian Pacific Kansas City comprises about 8.3% of TCI Fund Management Ltd.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 6th largest position. TCI Fund Management Ltd. owned 5.78% of Canadian Pacific Kansas City worth $4,188,853,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 1st quarter valued at $35,000. Chilton Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the second quarter worth $49,000. WPG Advisers LLC purchased a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the first quarter worth $50,000. Finally, LRI Investments LLC increased its position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 42.1% in the second quarter. LRI Investments LLC now owns 719 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $57,000 after buying an additional 213 shares in the last quarter. 72.20% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Price Performance

CP stock opened at $74.08 on Tuesday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $73.36 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $76.17. The firm has a market cap of $66.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.59, a P/E/G ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a 12 month low of $66.49 and a 12 month high of $83.65.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Increases Dividend

Canadian Pacific Kansas City ( NYSE:CP Get Free Report ) (TSE:CP) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The transportation company reported $0.80 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.81 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $2.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.71 billion. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a return on equity of 8.79% and a net margin of 28.41%.During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.99 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 3.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 26th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.228 per share. This represents a $0.91 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. This is a positive change from Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys previous quarterly dividend of $0.17. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys payout ratio is presently 20.12%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have commented on CP shares. Barclays set a $90.00 price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group set a $90.00 price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $129.00 to $127.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $91.69.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Canadian Pacific Kansas City

About Canadian Pacific Kansas City

(Free Report)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers.

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Equities researchers at Barclays initiated coverage on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE:TEVA  Get Free Report) in a note issued to investors on Tuesday. The firm set an overweight rating and a $35.00 price target on the stock. Barclayss price objective points to a potential upside of 23.58% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $23.00 to $26.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 24th. Wall Street Zen raised Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, October 11th. Scotiabank started coverage on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in a report on Friday. They set a sector outperform rating and a $35.00 price target for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $28.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $29.00.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on TEVA

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Price Performance

Insider Activity at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries stock opened at $28.32 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.31. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $22.66 and a 200-day simple moving average of $19.28. The firm has a market capitalization of $32.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.20, a PEG ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 0.66. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has a 52-week low of $12.47 and a 52-week high of $28.74.

In other Teva Pharmaceutical Industries news, Director Roberto Mignone sold 200,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.11, for a total transaction of $4,822,000.00. Following the sale, the director owned 495,000 shares in the company, valued at $11,934,450. This represents a 28.78% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of TEVA. Steadtrust LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 58.1% in the third quarter. Steadtrust LLC now owns 37,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $753,000 after acquiring an additional 13,700 shares in the last quarter. Cantor Fitzgerald L. P. acquired a new stake in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in the third quarter worth about $1,392,000. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 15.5% in the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 4,020 shares of the companys stock valued at $81,000 after purchasing an additional 540 shares during the last quarter. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in the third quarter valued at about $234,000. Finally, Centaurus Financial Inc. boosted its position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 25.2% during the 3rd quarter. Centaurus Financial Inc. now owns 51,612 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,043,000 after acquiring an additional 10,384 shares in the last quarter. 54.05% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

(Get Free Report)

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, Israel, and internationally. It offers generic medicines in various dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams; sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in parenteral and solid dosage forms; and generic products with medical devices and combination products.

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BigBear.ai, SoundHound AI, and Tempus AI are the three Artificial Intelligence stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Artificial intelligence stocks are shares of companies whose core business involves developing, producing, or commercializing AI technologies or that derive a significant portion of revenue from AI-driven products and services. For investors, these stocks provide exposure to the growth and adoption of AIincluding chipmakers, cloud and software providers, and AI-focused startupsand are often seen as growth-oriented but can carry higher volatility and execution risk. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Artificial Intelligence stocks within the last several days.

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BigBear.ai (BBAI)

BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. provides artificial intelligence-powered decision intelligence solutions. It offers national security, supply chain management, and digital identity and biometrics solutions. The company also provides data ingestion, data enrichment, data processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and predictive visualization solutions and services.

SoundHound AI (SOUN)

SoundHound AI, Inc. develops independent voice artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enables businesses across automotive, TV, and IoT, and to customer service industries to deliver high-quality conversational experiences to their customers. Its products include Houndify platform that offers a suite of Houndify tools to help brands build conversational voice assistants, such as Application Programming Interfaces (API) for text and voice queries, support for custom commands, extensive library of content domains, inclusive software development kit platforms, collaboration capabilities, diagnostic tools, and built-in analytics; SoundHound Chat AI that integrates with knowledge domains, pulling real-time data like weather, sports, stocks, flight status, and restaurants; and SoundHound Smart Answering is built to offer customer establishments custom AI-powered voice assistant.

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Tempus AI (TEM)

Tempus AI Inc. is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence principally in healthcare. The company provides AI-enabled precision medicine solutions to physicians to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics.

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Featured Articles
Greater Bay Area's intangible cultural heritage captivates Italian student

People's Daily Online) 10:30, December 09, 2025

Carolina Granata, from Sapienza University of Rome, is a passionate admirer of traditional Chinese culture. At the end of July 2025, she traveled to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to experience Chinese intangible cultural heritage firsthand.

From the dynamic leaps of the "Zhao Family Lion Dance" performed atop the Canton Tower to the intricate paper-cutting art that bloomed like flowers beneath her fingertips, each in-depth cultural encounter left her immersed in surprise throughout.

"The moment the lion danced, its majestic momentum touched my heart deeply," Carolina said. "The GBA's culture is so enchanting that I can't wait to visit again and explore more treasures."

Tune in to this episode of "Touching the Greater Bay Area" to follow Carolina's journey through China's profound heritage.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
blog

When labour pains began at midnight, 38-year-old Aisha Sunusi from Koya village faced a familiar fear. The nearest hospital in Shanono Local Government Area (LGA) was several kilometres away, and the roads were dark, rough, and unsafe. Her husband tried to find a motorcycle to take her there, but by dawn, Aisha had delivered twins at home, both born lifeless.

"My labour started at midnight, but because the hospital in Shanono was so far away, I could not get there until morning. By the time I delivered my twins, they did not survive; I had been in labour too long without any medical help," she recalled, her voice trembling. "Now, with this renovated clinic here, we finally have some relief."

Today, that same facility, Koya Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Shanono LGA of Kano State, has become a place of life and hope. The renovated building is newly painted, stocked with essential medicines, and staffed with health workers who now attend to dozens of patients each day.

Another woman, 34-year-old Safiya Mustapha, arrived at the facility with her baby strapped to her back. "I came here because I had been having chest pain, and I received treatment," she said. "Before now, this place was so bad that its appearance alone discouraged people. The doors and windows were damaged. Now everything has changed, and this will ease the suffering we have lived with for years."

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For Aisha, Safiya and hundreds of women in the community, it begins to close a gap shaped by more than 15 years of suffering caused by neglect and the decay in their primary health care.

Nigeria's rural health crisis

Koya's story reflects a wider reality across rural Nigeria. According to the Federal Ministry of Health's Facility Registry, the country has nearly 33,000 operational PHC facilities, making up about 85% of all health facilities. However, many remain under-resourced, particularly in the northern states.

In Kano State, these challenges are especially severe. Maternal mortality in the state is among the highest in the country, with 502.2 deaths per 100,000 live births, far above the national target of 288 per 100,000.

Furthermore, studies show that in some rural parts of the state, PHCs operate for only eight hours a day because of shortages of nurses, medical equipment, and reliable infrastructure. Women often travel more than 30 kilometres to urban hospitals during labour, sometimes at night, on unsafe roads, leading to tragic and preventable deaths.

From ruin to relief

For more than a decade, Koya's PHC was a shadow of a health facility. The walls were cracked, the roof leaked, chairs were broken, and there were no health workers. Villagers said the only available medicines were simple painkillers. "In those days, you only came here to collect Panadol and go home," recalled Malam Musa Usman, the Officer-in-Charge.

Expectant mothers were forced to travel to Shanono town, which is more than 5km away, for childbirth and emergencies, often at great risk. "The place was dirty and in a dilapidated condition, no chairs, no beds. But now, we have all the necessary equipment and supplies, beds, mattresses, and a functional laboratory. Expectant mothers can now give birth here with skilled support," Malam Musa explained.

The transformation of Koya PHC which included full renovation of the entire facility, furnishing, equipping and essential medicines was made possible through the Chief of Naval Staff's Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects (QIPs). The initiative designed to honour senior officers of the Nigerian Navy by enabling them to contribute to their home communities.

The Koya project was facilitated by Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, who chose his native village as the beneficiary of the intervention. He explained that the Nigerian Navy's Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) are not only symbolic recognitions of officers' service but also tangible community-focused investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The initiative aims to strengthen civil-military relations and improve the quality of life in underserved areas.

According to Malam Musa, "we have recorded a positive change. People now trust the facility again. Women who used to travel far to Shanono for childbirth now come here instead. Many obstetric and child health emergencies can now be stabilised quickly before referral."

For many residents, the impact of the renovation goes beyond convenience; it is about survival. Khadija Ahmad, a housewife in her thirties, recalled the agony of travelling to Shanono on bad roads in labour. "Before, I used to travel very far, several miles to Shanono, to seek medical attention whenever I fell sick. During labour, we used motorcycles, even with the pain and bad roads," she said, smiling as she gestured toward the new facility. "Those struggles are now in the past due to this new development."

Sustainability and next steps

While the Koya community celebrates, there are calls for sustainability and expansion. The Chief Imam's appeal for more female health personnel highlights the intersection of healthcare access and cultural sensitivity, particularly in northern Nigeria, where gender norms influence care-seeking behaviour. Public health experts note that investments in human resources for health (HRH), not just physical infrastructure, are vital. Without sufficient nurses, midwives, and doctors, renovated buildings may still fall short of meeting healthcare needs.

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Local leaders have already begun discussions with the Shanono Local Government Council and the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board to ensure consistent drug supply and staff deployment. "Renovation is just the beginning," said Malam Abdurrazaq Ibrahim. "We need continuous government supervision so that this progress is not reversed."

Koya's revitalised Primary Health Centre offers lessons for similar communities across Nigeria, where about 70% of the population depends on public PHCs. The success of this Navy-backed intervention demonstrates that community-level progress is possible through partnerships that combine military logistics, local engagement, and public accountability.

If replicated across the 44 LGAs of Kano State, such interventions could help reduce maternal and infant mortality, ease pressure on urban hospitals, and restore confidence in Nigeria's PHC system.

For Aisha, who once faced the unimaginable loss of her newborn twins in silence, there is now a renewed sense of hope. "Now, when I see other women giving birth safely here, I feel joy," she said. "We suffered for years, but now, God has answered our prayers."
Tronox Holdings PLC (NYSE:TROX  Get Free Report) saw unusually large options trading on Tuesday. Stock investors acquired 10,066 call options on the stock. This represents an increase of approximately 278% compared to the average volume of 2,664 call options.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

TROX has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Alembic Global Advisors reissued an overweight rating and set a $6.00 price objective on shares of Tronox in a research report on Monday, September 15th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Tronox in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Mizuho lowered their price target on shares of Tronox from $3.50 to $3.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 6th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of Tronox from $3.90 to $3.80 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Truist Financial decreased their price objective on shares of Tronox from $6.00 to $5.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $4.92.

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Tronox Stock Up 22.3%

TROX stock traded up $0.84 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $4.59. 16,339,135 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,336,749. The company has a market cap of $726.95 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.25 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.97, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 2.72. Tronox has a 1-year low of $2.86 and a 1-year high of $11.93. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $3.63 and its 200 day simple moving average is $4.42.

Tronox (NYSE:TROX  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.46) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.21) by ($0.25). The company had revenue of $699.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $776.21 million. Tronox had a negative net margin of 11.39% and a negative return on equity of 8.10%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 13.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted ($0.13) EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Tronox will post 0.49 earnings per share for the current year.

Tronox Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.05 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 10th. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.4%. Tronoxs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -9.76%.

Institutional Trading of Tronox

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in Tronox during the third quarter worth approximately $37,000. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in shares of Tronox in the 2nd quarter valued at $38,000. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its position in Tronox by 48.9% in the 2nd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 9,844 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after purchasing an additional 3,231 shares during the last quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. acquired a new stake in Tronox during the 3rd quarter worth $51,000. Finally, CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. acquired a new stake in Tronox during the 3rd quarter worth $51,000. 73.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Tronox

(Get Free Report)

Tronox Holdings plc operates as a vertically integrated manufacturer of TiO2 pigment in North America, South and Central America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates titanium-bearing mineral sand mines; and engages in beneficiation and smelting operations. It offers TiO2 pigment; ultrafine specialty TiO2; zircon; feedstock; pig iron; monazite; titanium tetrachloride; and other products.

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Tripletail Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund acquired 9,357 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,710,000. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF comprises 2.6% of Tripletail Wealth Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 7th largest holding.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Nova Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Uniplan Investment Counsel Inc. purchased a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada purchased a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Howe & Rusling Inc. raised its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 190.8% in the first quarter. Howe & Rusling Inc. now owns 189 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 124 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GoalVest Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $34,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.18% of the companys stock.

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Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Stock Down 0.6%

NYSEARCA:RSP opened at $190.85 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $73.82 billion, a PE ratio of 20.10 and a beta of 0.99. The businesss 50 day moving average is $188.84 and its two-hundred day moving average is $185.62. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a 52 week low of $150.35 and a 52 week high of $192.81.

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Company Profile

Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, formerly Rydex S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, seeks to replicate as closely as possible, the daily performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (the Index). The Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the United States markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues).

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United States Natural Gas Fund LP (NYSEARCA:UNG  Get Free Report) shares dropped 5.9% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $14.32 and last traded at $14.1790. Approximately 12,220,450 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 33% from the average daily volume of 9,155,233 shares. The stock had previously closed at $15.07.

United States Natural Gas Fund Trading Down 6.1%

The stocks 50 day moving average is $13.70 and its 200-day moving average is $14.13. The company has a market cap of $679.67 million, a P/E ratio of -15.04 and a beta of -0.12.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On United States Natural Gas Fund

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its position in United States Natural Gas Fund by 51.1% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 135,405 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,069,000 after buying an additional 45,783 shares during the last quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of United States Natural Gas Fund during the 1st quarter valued at about $378,000. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in shares of United States Natural Gas Fund by 56.1% during the 2nd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 111,773 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,705,000 after acquiring an additional 40,153 shares during the last quarter. Centric Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of United States Natural Gas Fund in the second quarter worth approximately $1,222,000. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new position in shares of United States Natural Gas Fund during the first quarter valued at approximately $1,824,000.

United States Natural Gas Fund Company Profile

United States Natural Gas Fund, LP is a limited partnership. The Company is a commodity pool that issues limited partnership interests (shares) traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc (the NYSE Arca). The investment objective of the Company is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its shares per share net asset value (NAV) to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the spot price of natural gas delivered at the Henry Hub, Louisiana, as measured by the daily changes in the price of the futures contracts on natural gas traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (the NYMEX) that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire (the Benchmark Futures Contract), less its expenses.

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Shares of Vertiv Holdings Co. (NYSE:VRT  Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twenty-nine ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have assigned a hold recommendation, twenty have issued a buy recommendation and two have given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $179.4286.

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on VRT shares. Wolfe Research lowered Vertiv from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Tuesday. Barclays reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $181.00 price target on shares of Vertiv in a research note on Thursday. Mizuho increased their price objective on shares of Vertiv from $165.00 to $198.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Roth Capital restated a buy rating and set a $195.00 price objective (up from $162.00) on shares of Vertiv in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Glj Research began coverage on shares of Vertiv in a research report on Tuesday, August 19th. They issued a sell rating and a $112.00 price objective on the stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Vertiv

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Vertiv

In related news, EVP Stephen Liang sold 5,501 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $170.48, for a total transaction of $937,810.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 4,050 shares in the company, valued at approximately $690,444. This trade represents a 57.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . 5.01% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Howard Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Vertiv by 3.0% in the third quarter. Howard Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,837 shares of the companys stock worth $277,000 after purchasing an additional 54 shares in the last quarter. Investors Asset Management of Georgia Inc. GA ADV grew its position in Vertiv by 1.9% in the third quarter. Investors Asset Management of Georgia Inc. GA ADV now owns 3,020 shares of the companys stock valued at $456,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC increased its stake in Vertiv by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC now owns 15,923 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,402,000 after buying an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. JBR Co Financial Management Inc increased its stake in Vertiv by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. JBR Co Financial Management Inc now owns 7,825 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,180,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. lifted its position in Vertiv by 37.8% during the 3rd quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 237 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.92% of the companys stock.

Vertiv Stock Performance

Shares of Vertiv stock opened at $185.25 on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $175.78 and its 200 day simple moving average is $144.56. The company has a current ratio of 1.83, a quick ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. The company has a market capitalization of $70.83 billion, a PE ratio of 69.90, a PEG ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 2.03. Vertiv has a 12 month low of $53.60 and a 12 month high of $202.45.

Vertiv (NYSE:VRT  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $1.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.99 by $0.25. Vertiv had a return on equity of 50.82% and a net margin of 10.67%.The firm had revenue of $2.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.59 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.76 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 29.0% on a year-over-year basis. Vertiv has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.230-1.290 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 4.070-4.130 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Vertiv will post 3.59 EPS for the current year.

Vertiv Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th will be issued a $0.0625 dividend. This represents a $0.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.1%. This is a positive change from Vertivs previous quarterly dividend of $0.04. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 25th. Vertivs dividend payout ratio is presently 9.43%.

Vertiv Company Profile

(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.

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General Motors (NYSE:GM  Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) had its target price upped by Wells Fargo & Company from $46.00 to $48.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an underweight rating on the auto manufacturers stock. Wells Fargo & Companys price objective suggests a potential downside of 37.50% from the stocks previous close.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Weiss Ratings cut shares of General Motors from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c) rating in a report on Saturday, October 25th. Wedbush set a $75.00 target price on General Motors and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Argus set a $78.00 price target on General Motors in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on General Motors from $60.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded General Motors from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $72.86.

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General Motors Stock Up 1.4%

Shares of GM traded up $1.10 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $76.81. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,799,695 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,819,080. The company has a 50 day moving average of $66.78 and a two-hundred day moving average of $58.24. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40. The firm has a market cap of $71.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.44, a P/E/G ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 1.30. General Motors has a 1-year low of $41.60 and a 1-year high of $77.35.

General Motors (NYSE:GM  Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The auto manufacturer reported $2.80 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.32 by $0.48. General Motors had a net margin of 1.62% and a return on equity of 12.29%. The business had revenue of $48.59 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $44.60 billion. The firms quarterly revenue was down .3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $2.96 earnings per share. General Motors has set its FY 2025 guidance at 9.750-10.500 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that General Motors will post 11.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at General Motors

In other news, CEO Mary T. Barra sold 753,720 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.95, for a total transaction of $45,185,514.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 433,527 shares of the companys stock, valued at $25,989,943.65. This trade represents a 63.48% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, President Mark L. Reuss sold 260,600 shares of General Motors stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.45, for a total transaction of $17,316,870.00. Following the completion of the sale, the president owned 98,006 shares in the company, valued at $6,512,498.70. This trade represents a 72.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 1,288,534 shares of company stock worth $79,253,568. Insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On General Motors

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in GM. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. acquired a new stake in General Motors in the third quarter valued at $29,000. Kelleher Financial Advisors bought a new position in shares of General Motors during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH acquired a new stake in General Motors during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. JPL Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in General Motors during the third quarter worth $32,000. Finally, GFG Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of General Motors in the second quarter valued at $27,000. 92.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About General Motors

(Get Free Report)

General Motors Company designs, builds, and sells trucks, crossovers, cars, and automobile parts; and provide software-enabled services and subscriptions worldwide. The company operates through GM North America, GM International, Cruise, and GM Financial segments. It markets its vehicles primarily under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Baojun, and Wuling brand names.

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XTX Topco Ltd trimmed its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Free Report) by 89.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,607 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 13,579 shares during the period. XTX Topco Ltds holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $280,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 52,892,557 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $9,220,759,000 after acquiring an additional 513,697 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 8,850,818 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,536,795,000 after buying an additional 196,579 shares in the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board lifted its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 63.0% in the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 7,144,737 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,023,769,000 after buying an additional 2,760,286 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp boosted its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 4.3% during the first quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 5,301,199 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $759,609,000 after purchasing an additional 220,649 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 1.2% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 4,714,045 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $675,456,000 after purchasing an additional 57,312 shares during the last quarter. 99.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Activity

In related news, Director Mary Hogan Preusse sold 4,166 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $157.42, for a total value of $655,811.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Andrew Power sold 53,269 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.16, for a total transaction of $9,330,598.04. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 62,166 shares of company stock worth $10,814,808. Corporate insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have issued reports on DLR shares. Loop Capital set a $205.00 price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a report on Monday, October 27th. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $200.00 to $212.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Barclays raised their price objective on Digital Realty Trust from $141.00 to $161.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Moffett Nathanson upped their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $163.00 to $166.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Digital Realty Trust from $200.00 to $210.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $198.76.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Digital Realty Trust

Digital Realty Trust Price Performance

DLR stock opened at $163.79 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $56.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.32, a P/E/G ratio of 4.25 and a beta of 1.11. The businesss 50-day moving average is $167.50 and its two-hundred day moving average is $170.32. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 1 year low of $129.95 and a 1 year high of $194.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 2.02 and a quick ratio of 2.02.

Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.15 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $1.58 billion during 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

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a $1.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.0%. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 126.10%.

Digital Realty Trust Profile

(Free Report)

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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Kasese, Uganda  President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to establish an industrial park in the Tooro sub-region as he campaigned in Fort Portal City Saturday, placing industrial development at the centre of his message to residents of both Kabarole District and Fort Portal City.

Addressing a large gathering at St. Leo's College Kyegobe Playground, Museveni, the NRM Presidential Flagbearer, said the government had already secured 10 square miles of land in Kyaka for the planned industrial park, which he said would enhance value addition, create jobs and further stimulate the regional economy.

The President tied the pledge to the NRM's broader four areas of contribution--peace, development, wealth creation and job creation--which he said continue to anchor Uganda's transformation.

Museveni reminded residents that communities in the Rwenzori region understand the value of peace more than most, given instability in neighbouring DR Congo.

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He said the NRM achieved stability by rejecting sectarian politics and building strong national institutions including the army, police and judiciary.

On infrastructure development, he highlighted the region's expanded road network, noting that when the NRM took leadership, tarmac roads ended at Mityana.

The extension of the Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal road and construction of other key routes, he said, laid the foundation for socio-economic growth.

Road works--both tarmac and marrum--will continue, he added.

However, President Museveni expressed concern that some marrum roads remain poorly maintained despite government funds being allocated for that purpose.

He said some sub-counties either lack sufficient resources or mismanage what they receive.

Government will investigate and address the issue.

Turning to wealth creation, Museveni reiterated that development alone does not create individual prosperity.

He urged residents to adopt the four-acre model of mixed farming--coffee, fruits, pasture, food crops, poultry and piggery--saying it is the most viable path for small landholders.

He cited Minister of State for Transport, Fred Byamukama, as a success story of the model.

He further announced a revolving fund to enable farmers to access fertilisers to boost productivity.

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Uganda's annual coffee production has now reached 9 million bags, he said, proving that the country and individuals are steadily becoming wealthier.

On job creation, the President said employment opportunities continue to arise from commercial agriculture, factories, services and ICT--sectors that will be further strengthened by the industrial park.

He encouraged urban youth and non-farmers to embrace skilling programmes to fight poverty.

The Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Anita Annet Among, thanked the President for elevating Fort Portal to city status and urged residents to support him and other NRM flagbearers.

Kabarole District NRM Chairperson, Victoria Businge Rusoke, praised the NRM for restoring peace and enabling development, pledging 99% support for President Museveni.

Fort Portal City NRM Chairperson, Claire Kasande, also commended the President for improvements registered across sectors including education, health, water and electricity.
In a groundbreaking revelation sure to shock absolutely no one, researchers at the Institute of Oversimplified Economics announced today that the worlds largest socialist pyramid scheme has finally been identified, and no, its not crypto this time.

According to their study, whenever a worker earns 500, a mysterious government tax gnome immediately appears, gently confiscates the cash, and redistributes it in crisp 100 notes to exactly five individuals designated as Officially Lazy But a Guaranteed Labour Voter.

The process is reportedly seamless:

The socialist government loses one vote.

The socialist government gains five votes from the five lazy recipients.

And the government appointed gnome gains another term in office.

Rinse and repeat.

We were stunned, said lead researcher Dr Sophie Liszt. For years, people assumed redistribution was complicated. Turns out, its just a really enthusiastic gnome with a quota.

The study further revealed that the recipients of the 100 payments use the money primarily for life essentials such as booze, fags, spliffs, holidays, and subscriptions to streaming services they promise theyll cancel next month.

Political analysts warn that if this trend continues, the Great Socialist Pyramid of Redistribution may soon rival the actual pyramids of Giza, except with more paperwork and fewer mummies.

When asked what citizens should do about this alarming discovery, Dr Sophie Liszt offered clear advice:

Honestly? Maybe talk to an actual economist. Preferably, one without socialist government gnomes handing out stolen cash for votes.
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved an allocation of N$30.3 billion for Namibia under its newly adopted Country Strategy Paper for 2025 to 2030, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, human capital and economic diversification.

Moono Mupotola, the bank group's deputy director general for southern Africa and country manager for Namibia, says the five-year programme is designed to tackle inequality and long-standing structural barriers.

"This strategy marks a pivotal moment for Namibia's development. By focusing on strategic infrastructure and human capital development, we are laying the foundation for inclusive growth that will benefit all Namibians, particularly the young," she says.

According to the AfDB, youth unemployment remains above 40%, while per-capita income has declined from N$101 100 in 2012 to N$72 100 in 2024.

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press release

In a province still marked by insecurity and gender-based violence, MONUSCO and its partners are intensifying their interventions. In recent days, marches, awareness sessions and community discussions have highlighted the importance of collective action against sexual violence.

The Mission and its partners are redoubling their efforts to prevent sexual violence and gender-based violence, a phenomenon that profoundly undermines communities in Ituri. This mobilization is part of the 16 Days of Activism against violence against women, launched on November 25.

On December 6, MONUSCO military, civilian and police personnel, Congolese National Police officers and non-governmental organizations marched nearly 3.5 kilometers from Bunia airport to the Ndoromo military camp. Leading the procession, the MONUSCO head of office in Ituri and the North Sector commander, dressed in orange polo shirts, held up banners bearing strong messages: "No excuse for sexual violence." The initiative aimed to raise public awareness and mobilize the residents of Bunia to end these acts of violence that shatter lives, devastate families, and compromise peace.

"Denounce, raise awareness, educate and support: these are the concrete actions we must carry out together. By marching today, we are sending a clear message: we say NO to violence in all its forms," declared Josiah Obat, MONUSCO head of office in Bunia.

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Awareness-raising even in prisons

The MONUSCO caravan continued its campaign at Bunia urban prison. On December 8, male and female detainees were made aware of the different forms of sexual violence, their physical, psychological, and legal consequences, as well as digital violence (online harassment, dissemination of intimate images, blackmail). This initiative by the Prison Administration Support Unit, supported by the Gender Section and the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office, aims to encourage responsible and respectful behavior in the prison environment.

"The goal was to strengthen prevention, encourage reporting of cases and improve internal support mechanisms," indicated a member of the Prison Administration Support Unit.

The session concluded with the distribution of donations to female detainees, including sanitary napkins and other essential items, to preserve their dignity.
Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership increased its position in shares of Intercontinental Hotels Group (NYSE:IHG  Free Report) by 4.3% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 133,833 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 5,516 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership owned 0.09% of Intercontinental Hotels Group worth $15,436,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in Intercontinental Hotels Group by 2.5% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 668,948 shares of the companys stock valued at $73,310,000 after buying an additional 16,461 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in shares of Intercontinental Hotels Group by 125.7% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 451,823 shares of the companys stock worth $52,113,000 after buying an additional 251,647 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC increased 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 purchasing an additional 192,342 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp boosted its position in shares of Intercontinental Hotels Group by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 150,918 shares of the companys stock worth $16,539,000 after purchasing an additional 4,644 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. raised its position in shares of Intercontinental Hotels Group by 5.8% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 116,818 shares of the companys stock worth $12,802,000 after purchasing an additional 6,379 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 15.09% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

IHG has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Wall Street Zen lowered Intercontinental Hotels Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Intercontinental Hotels Group in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Intercontinental Hotels Group from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Intercontinental Hotels Group from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, September 26th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold.

Intercontinental Hotels Group Trading Down 0.3%

Shares of NYSE:IHG opened at $133.14 on Tuesday. Intercontinental Hotels Group has a 12-month low of $94.78 and a 12-month high of $137.73. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $126.61 and a 200 day moving average of $121.31.

Intercontinental Hotels Group Profile

(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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Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its stake in shares of Green Dot Corporation (NYSE:GDOT  Free Report) by 403.1% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,223,123 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 980,012 shares during the quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership owned about 2.23% of Green Dot worth $13,185,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of GDOT. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its position in Green Dot by 14.8% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,416,163 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $15,266,000 after acquiring an additional 182,113 shares during the last quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in Green Dot by 14.2% during the 2nd quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 1,327,367 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $14,309,000 after purchasing an additional 165,026 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Green Dot by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,280,956 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,812,000 after purchasing an additional 5,933 shares during the period. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in Green Dot in the 1st quarter valued at $5,901,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC grew its holdings in Green Dot by 235.6% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 447,546 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,777,000 after buying an additional 314,208 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.56% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Northland Capmk downgraded Green Dot from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. William Blair reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Green Dot in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Green Dot in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Northland Securities set a $14.25 target price on shares of Green Dot and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded shares of Green Dot from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $12.56.

Green Dot Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:GDOT opened at $13.01 on Tuesday. Green Dot Corporation has a 1 year low of $6.12 and a 1 year high of $15.41. The stock has a market capitalization of $720.85 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15.30 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a current ratio of 0.54 and a quick ratio of 0.54. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $12.24 and its 200 day simple moving average is $11.83.

Green Dot (NYSE:GDOT  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The financial services provider reported $0.06 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.11) by $0.17. Green Dot had a positive return on equity of 9.81% and a negative net margin of 2.33%.The firm had revenue of $491.85 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $483.84 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.13 EPS. The companys revenue was up 20.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Green Dot has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.310-1.440 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Green Dot Corporation will post 0.87 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director J Chris Brewster sold 7,969 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.37, for a total value of $98,576.53. Following the sale, the director directly owned 133,215 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,647,869.55. This trade represents a 5.64% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Saturnino Sixto Fanlo sold 13,451 shares of Green Dot stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.61, for a total transaction of $169,617.11. Following the sale, the director directly owned 92,737 shares in the company, valued at $1,169,413.57. This trade represents a 12.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Company insiders own 1.40% of the companys stock.

About Green Dot

(Free Report)

Green Dot Corporation, a financial technology and registered bank holding company, provides various financial services to consumers and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Consumer Services, Business to Business Services, and Money Movement Services. The company provides deposit account programs, including consumer and small business checking account products, network-branded reloadable prepaid debit cards and gift cards, and secured credit programs.

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Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lowered its position in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH  Free Report) by 28.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 659,964 shares of the companys stock after selling 263,886 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership owned 0.15% of Norwegian Cruise Line worth $13,384,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. AdvisorShares Investments LLC raised its position in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 12.0% during the second quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLC now owns 5,377 shares of the companys stock worth $109,000 after purchasing an additional 577 shares during the period. Omnia Family Wealth LLC grew its position in Norwegian Cruise Line by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Omnia Family Wealth LLC now owns 15,410 shares of the companys stock valued at $313,000 after purchasing an additional 583 shares during the period. Brooklyn Investment Group increased its stake in Norwegian Cruise Line by 22.0% during the 1st quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 3,394 shares of the companys stock valued at $64,000 after purchasing an additional 613 shares in the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC raised its holdings in Norwegian Cruise Line by 23.1% during the second quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 3,368 shares of the companys stock worth $68,000 after buying an additional 632 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 3.8% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 17,649 shares of the companys stock valued at $358,000 after buying an additional 644 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.58% of the companys stock.

Insider Activity at Norwegian Cruise Line

In other news, Director Stella David bought 6,986 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 6th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $18.59 per share, with a total value of $129,869.74. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 103,474 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,923,581.66. This represents a 7.24% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Jason Montague bought 13,400 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 6th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $18.81 per share, for a total transaction of $252,054.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider owned 13,400 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $252,054. This trade represents a  increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Insiders have bought a total of 90,029 shares of company stock worth $1,663,575 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.41% of the companys stock.

Norwegian Cruise Line Stock Performance

Shares of Norwegian Cruise Line stock opened at $19.08 on Tuesday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $20.91 and its 200 day simple moving average is $22.01. The company has a current ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 0.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.22. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has a 12 month low of $14.21 and a 12 month high of $29.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 2.11.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:NCLH  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $1.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.17 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $2.94 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.03 billion. Norwegian Cruise Line had a return on equity of 55.51% and a net margin of 6.85%.Norwegian Cruise Line has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.270-0.270 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 2.100-2.100 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. will post 1.48 EPS for the current year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on NCLH shares. Truist Financial lowered their target price on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from $31.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Zacks Research lowered Norwegian Cruise Line from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. UBS Group increased their price objective on Norwegian Cruise Line from $23.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 26th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Susquehanna cut their target price on Norwegian Cruise Line from $25.00 to $21.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $28.05.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line Profile

(Free Report)

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a cruise company in North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company operates through the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. It offers itineraries ranging from three days to a 180-days calling on various ports, including Scandinavia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, Alaska, Canada and New England, Hawaii, Asia, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, India, South America, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean.

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Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership cut its stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW  Free Report) by 8.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 298,441 shares of the specialty retailers stock after selling 27,318 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership owned approximately 2.26% of Build-A-Bear Workshop worth $15,388,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

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Other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. raised its holdings in Build-A-Bear Workshop by 19.4% in the 2nd quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 1,270 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $65,000 after buying an additional 206 shares during the last quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC increased its position in Build-A-Bear Workshop by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 32,275 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $1,664,000 after acquiring an additional 414 shares during the period. AlphaQuest LLC raised its stake in shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop by 106.1% during the first quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 814 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 419 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop by 6.4% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 7,533 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $280,000 after purchasing an additional 456 shares during the period. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers lifted its holdings in shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop by 2.7% during the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 18,728 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $966,000 after purchasing an additional 492 shares during the period. 79.30% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Insider Activity at Build-A-Bear Workshop

In related news, Director Lesli Rotenberg sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, October 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.34, for a total transaction of $61,340.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 9,825 shares in the company, valued at approximately $602,665.50. This represents a 9.24% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Craig Leavitt sold 4,000 shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop stock in a transaction on Monday, October 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.61, for a total transaction of $242,440.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 64,142 shares in the company, valued at $3,887,646.62. This represents a 5.87% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 61,387 shares of company stock worth $4,417,721 in the last three months. 5.80% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently issued reports on BBW. Northland Securities lifted their price target on shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop from $60.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, August 29th. DA Davidson decreased their target price on shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop from $85.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday. Zacks Research lowered shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Build-A-Bear Workshop in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded Build-A-Bear Workshop from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Build-A-Bear Workshop currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $63.00.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Build-A-Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear Workshop Price Performance

Shares of BBW opened at $50.22 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $659.36 million, a P/E ratio of 11.54 and a beta of 1.01. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. has a 1 year low of $32.55 and a 1 year high of $75.85. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $54.07 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $55.31.

Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The specialty retailer reported $0.62 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.55 by $0.07. Build-A-Bear Workshop had a net margin of 10.93% and a return on equity of 38.62%. The company had revenue of $122.68 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $124.28 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.73 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. will post 3.71 earnings per share for the current year.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 26th will be issued a dividend of $0.22 per share. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 26th. Build-A-Bear Workshops payout ratio is presently 20.23%.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Company Profile

(Free Report)

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc operates as a multi-channel retailer of plush animals and related products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Direct-to-Consumer, Commercial, and International Franchising. Its merchandise comprises various styles of plush products to be stuffed, pre-stuffed plush products, and sounds and scents that can be added to the stuffed animals, as well as range of clothing, shoes and accessories, and other toy and novelty items, including family sleepwear.

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Bank of Nova Scotia lifted its stake in The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK  Free Report) by 698.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 651,135 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 569,602 shares during the period. Bank of Nova Scotia owned about 0.09% of Bank of New York Mellon worth $59,325,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Westside Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 78.9% during the second quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 288 shares of the banks stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 127 shares in the last quarter. Orion Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon in the 1st quarter worth about $32,000. Hoey Investments Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon during the 2nd quarter worth about $32,000. GFG Capital LLC bought a new position in Bank of New York Mellon during the 2nd quarter valued at about $36,000. Finally, Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Bank of New York Mellon in the first quarter valued at about $39,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.31% of the companys stock.

Bank of New York Mellon Trading Up 0.2%

BK opened at $114.27 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $108.72 and a 200 day simple moving average of $101.95. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $70.46 and a fifty-two week high of $114.99. The company has a market cap of $79.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.70 and a quick ratio of 0.70.

Bank of New York Mellon Dividend Announcement

Bank of New York Mellon ( NYSE:BK Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, March 26th. The bank reported $1.30 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $4.38 billion during the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon had a net margin of 12.86% and a return on equity of 14.03%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation will post 6.96 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 7th. Investors of record on Monday, October 27th were paid a dividend of $0.53 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, October 27th. This represents a $2.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.9%. Bank of New York Mellons payout ratio is 30.59%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

BK has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $104.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. TD Cowen lifted their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $130.00 to $133.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $118.00 to $119.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Citigroup raised their target price on Bank of New York Mellon from $92.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, September 5th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $101.00 to $116.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $111.29.

View Our Latest Stock Report on BK

Bank of New York Mellon Profile

(Free Report)

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics.

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For the first time in the history of Uganda's jurisprudence, the 2026 Presidential Election Petition will be filed electronically through the Judiciary's Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), marking a significant departure from the traditional, paper-heavy procedures previously used at the Supreme Court.

The announcement came on Monday during the opening of a four-day training for Supreme Court Justices in Jinja City, organised by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI).

The training focuses on case management, judgment writing, and practical use of ECCMIS ahead of the presidential election petitions expected in January next year.

The adoption of ECCMIS aims to streamline petition handling and eliminate logistical burdens such as physically transporting large volumes of documents, a challenge highlighted in 2021 when independent lawyer Male Mabirizi delivered his petition to the Supreme Court in a truck due to the sheer quantity of paperwork.

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Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo commended the Justices for their commitment to continued learning, noting that their readiness reflects the Judiciary's integrity and competence.

"As the nation approaches the 2026 Presidential Elections, it is incumbent upon the Judiciary--particularly the Supreme Court--to ensure institutional readiness befitting its constitutional mandate," he said.

The Chief Justice reminded the Justices of their responsibilities under Article 104 of the Constitution, which designates the Supreme Court as the original and final court for presidential election petitions.

"This is a responsibility no other institution bears. It is grounded not only in law but also in the public's trust," he said, emphasizing the unique challenges of presidential petitions, including tight timelines, intense public scrutiny, and critical questions about legitimacy and democratic governance.

Justice Michael Chibita, Chairperson of the JTI Governing Council, noted that some Justices have never handled a presidential election petition, making the training essential.

"Even those of us who were part of previous petitions still have something new to learn. For example, electronic filing never happened last time. This time, we will review petition documents using laptops--even from home," he explained.

He added that the JTI believes no judicial officer is "too senior" to undergo training. "When you stop being trained, you start dying intellectually," he said.

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Chibita also stated that the Judiciary is open to training lawyers on ECCMIS, provided the request is formally made through the Uganda Law Society.

The ongoing training brings together experts from Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, and Malawi, who will guide Justices on ICT use in court processes, updates in jurisprudence, and constitutional requirements.

Justice Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, who chaired the opening session, underscored the importance of the training in preparing Justices for the public and political scrutiny that accompanies presidential petitions.

"These cases attract significant national attention and media coverage. Training helps ensure the Justices remain grounded, maintain judicial integrity, and safeguard public confidence in the rule of law," she said.

She noted that past election cycles revealed procedural bottlenecks, and the current training seeks to address them and improve practices for future petitions.

"The training is critical whether you are adjudicating such a case for the first time or are refreshing previous experience," Justice Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza added.

The four-day programme is expected to strengthen the Supreme Court's preparedness to deliver timely, efficient, and credible justice during the 2026 presidential election petition process.
Bank of Nova Scotia lifted its position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX  Free Report) by 115.7% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 168,696 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after purchasing an additional 90,500 shares during the period. Bank of Nova Scotia owned about 0.06% of Becton, Dickinson and Company worth $29,058,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 15.4% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 32,308,749 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $5,565,182,000 after acquiring an additional 4,305,947 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $653,377,000. First Eagle Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 59.2% in the 2nd quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 8,786,190 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $1,513,421,000 after purchasing an additional 3,268,478 shares in the last quarter. GQG Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $689,833,000. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 24.4% during the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 8,514,446 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $1,466,613,000 after buying an additional 1,670,590 shares in the last quarter. 86.97% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Becton, Dickinson and Company Stock Performance

Shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company stock opened at $189.59 on Tuesday. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a 52 week low of $162.29 and a 52 week high of $251.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 1.11. The stock has a market capitalization of $54.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.52, a PEG ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 0.25. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $188.39 and a two-hundred day moving average of $183.97.

Becton, Dickinson and Company Increases Dividend

Becton, Dickinson and Company ( NYSE:BDX Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 14th. The medical instruments supplier reported $4.10 EPS for the quarter. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a return on equity of 16.42% and a net margin of 7.68%.The business had revenue of $5.32 billion during the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 14.43 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 8th will be issued a $1.05 dividend. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. This is a boost from Becton, Dickinson and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.04. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 8th. Becton, Dickinson and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 71.36%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Becton, Dickinson and Company news, Director Bertram L. Scott sold 217 shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $176.58, for a total transaction of $38,317.86. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 35,816 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,324,389.28. The trade was a 0.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Claire Fraser sold 917 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $187.50, for a total value of $171,937.50. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 22,226 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,167,375. This trade represents a 3.96% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 1,324 shares of company stock worth $245,860. Insiders own 0.36% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Argus upped their price target on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $220.00 to $230.00 in a report on Monday, September 15th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $197.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price objective on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $211.00 to $202.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Piper Sandler cut their price objective on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $200.00 to $190.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $204.45.

Read Our Latest Report on BDX

About Becton, Dickinson and Company

(Free Report)

Becton, Dickinson and Company develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products for healthcare institutions, physicians, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical industry, and the general public worldwide. The company operates in three segments: BD Medical, BD Life Sciences, and BD Interventional.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BDX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX  Free Report).

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The Derry Chamber of Commerce has confirmed the appointment of Steven Lindsay as its new President at the organisations Annual General Meeting. Lindsay, previously the Chambers Vice President, replaces outgoing President Andrew Fleming.

Speaking at the AGM, Lindsay, co-founder of McHughLindsay and a former health service Chief Executive, said his priority as the Chambers 83rd President is simple: every Chamber action must make a real difference for our members. He set out areas of focus with key stakeholders including delivering 10,000 student places at Ulster Universitys Magee campus, accelerating Derry and Strabane Region City Deal projects, revitalising Derry and Strabane city centres, and securing improved road and rail connectivity.

He highlighted major opportunities in AI, digital innovation and renewables, stressing the importance of creating a region where new ideas are developed and scaled locally. We dont want the next big ideas born here to leave here, he said. Lindsay also announced the DEEDS project, delivered by the Old Library Trust to support people with early-stage dementia, as the Presidents chosen charity for 2026.

Alongside his professional work, Steven Lindsay has made a significant contribution to civic and community leadership. He previously served as a Trustee of Age NI and as Trustee and Treasurer of Verbal Arts. He currently represents Derry Chamber on the Ulster University Magee Taskforce and the regions Local Economic Partnership, is a Board Member of Inner City Trust Capital Projects, a member of the Audit Committee at Ulster Rugby, and a Governor of Foyle College.

Steven Lindsay, President, Derry Chamber, said: It is a privilege to take on the role of President at such a pivotal time for the North West. Our region is rich with talent, ambition, and opportunity, and the Chamber continues to play a vital role in ensuring that our businesses interests are championed and our economic potential realised.

A strong North West is a win for Northern Ireland and for the island of Ireland. By working with partners across the region, we can build a thriving, balanced economy that lifts everyone. We see huge potential in emerging sectors like AI and renewables. The global economy is changing fast, and we have no intention of being spectators. We dont want the next big ideas born here to leave here.

For too long, too many of our young people have felt their future was elsewhere, but if we stay focused on driving regional impact, on turning plans into reality, then that better future can be right here, in the North West.

Outgoing President Andrew Fleming said: Serving as President of the Londonderry Chamber over the past year has been a tremendous honour. It has been a year defined by collaboration, optimism, and real progress for the North West, and I am deeply proud of the role the Chamber has played in strengthening the voice of our business community.

Throughout my term, I have been continually inspired by the resilience and innovation shown by our local businesses, and by the commitment of partners across government, education, and the wider civic community to drive meaningful change for this region. We have seen major steps forward and these developments give me great confidence in the future of our city and region.

It is a pleasure to hand over the Presidency to Steven Lindsay, someone whose expertise, leadership experience, and long-standing commitment to our community will serve the Chamber exceptionally well. Steven brings a deep understanding of governance, organisational development, and the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the North West. I know he will lead the Chamber with integrity, energy, and ambition and I look forward to supporting him as he has supported me.
Organisers of a Christmas charity appeal say they have been overwhelmed by the response to its appeal for pyjamas for children spending Christmas in hospital.

During the Podcast 'Words Want Wisdom', friends Lorraine Mulgrew and Stella McGinn said people and businesses have been very generous with donations after launching the appeal on November 24.

Ms Mulgrew, who runs Diamond Slice pizza takeaway in Bellaghy, said over 150 pairs of pyjamas have been received so far with donations set to continue up until December 15.

She said: It's went very well, far, and wide from the North to the South to England. Im overwhelmed. Im touched.

Im so grateful for everything that has been donated knowing that its going to a good cause, going directly to hospitals.

The appeal was set up in memory of Ms McGinns daughter, Caitlin-Rose McMullan (pictured below), who was killed in March after being hit by a car getting off a school bus near Castledawson.

Donations are going directly to the childrens ward in The Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast where Caitlin-Rose received care.

But due to the large number of donations received Ms Mulgrew believes donations can now be provided to additional hospitals across the country.

She said: I would say now its just not going to be The Royal. Well spread the whole thing out throughout the hospitals throughout.

The Royal Victoria Hospital relies on pyjama donations for its young patients.

But during Caitlin-Roses stay there was very little donations so Ms Mulgrew felt inspired to launch the appeal and use her business Diamond Slice in Bellaghy as a donation point.

During the episode Ms McGinn said its important to provide small comforts to children and families in need.

For people to make that last decision of when theyre leaving a room what they want to put their daughter in or son in or even kids that are lying in hospital that are sick," she said.

Why not give them something thats going to bring slight joy to their life.

She continued saying the response to the appeal has made her very proud.

Everybody around the world thats actually coming together to do something for other children.

I think she would have been proud. And that makes me proud, she said.

Ms McGinn previously launched the Bus Safety campaign to ban drivers from overtaking school buses which have stopped while picking up or dropping off passengers.

Caitlin was my only daughter and to lose your only daughter to a country that has zero policy put in place for school buses," she continued.

How many children travel to and from school everyday? And theres nothing put in place for the safety of those children."

She believes more safety measures should be in place in rural areas including designated bus shelters and stop signs or warnings lights to warn drivers of children boarding or disembarking school buses.

She said: Kids are getting killed in rural areas and thats the big thing Im trying to get out there.

What risk assessments are put in place to get a kid to and from school safely? At the minute I dont see any.

Ms McGinn hopes a new safety campaign will prevent anymore children from being killed by buses.

You can help by donating new pyjamas (sizes up to age 16) or by contributing towards the cost.

Drop off-points for the pyjama appeal in memory of Caitlin-Rose McMullan are in the following locations  Fullans in Portglenone, Diamond Slice in Bellaghy, Toome Pharmacy, Lavey Shop, Drumsurn GAC, Chic N Cut in Bellaghy, St Colms GAC in Drum, Ballinascreen GAC and Nora & Katie in Dungiven.
A High Court Judge has expressed impatience at an ongoing delay on a key motion in a landmark case involving defective block homeowners in Donegal.

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), one of three named defendants in a case that is before the Commercial Court, were due to have a motion heard before the Commercial Court on Monday. However, the NSAI sought a further adjournment on the matter until the end of January.

While granting the adjournment, Mr Justice Mark Sanfey said he was seeking some comfort that the matter is proceeding.

Mr Ben Clarke BL, instructed by Coleman Legal Solicitors, who are bringing the class action on behalf of the homeowners, told Mr Justice Sanfey that he was consenting to the NSAI motion, which is central to how quarry samples are taken and assessed.

The judge told Mr Clarke that he is getting a little impatient and, adjourning the matter until January 26, added: This matter needs to be pressed on.

The NSAI Scope motion deals with disputes over the method of taking concrete samples from Cassidy Brothers Gransha quarry for testing.

Mr Justice Sanfey asked that his message be conveyed to the legal team of the NSAI.

Mr Clarke said the plaintiffs were also impatient and said he would address the court on that matter on the next occasion.

A number of technical issues have arisen between the plaintiffs and the NSAI regarding testing methodologies applied to certain samples taken from Gransha Quarry.

The NSAI issued a Notice of Motion in May 2025 seeking directions from the Court in relation to these matters.

Since then, Coleman Legal has worked collaboratively with the plaintiffs experts to resolve the issues without requiring court intervention. The motion was last listed for mention on 10 November 2025, when a further date was sought.

The Commercial Court also heard that a 2,000 contribution has been agreed from the Cassidy Brothers legal team towards resolving discovery defects and NSAI has also contributed to related costs.

Defective Blocks Ireland, a not-for-profit organisation founded by Buncrana businessmen Adrian Sheridan and Shaun Hegarty, is taking the case against Cassidy Brothers, Donegal County Council and the NSAI.

Led by Coleman Legal, the litigation, on behalf of over 2,000 affected homeowners, remains a vital route to accountability and redress for families across Donegal, whose homes have been devastated by defective concrete.

Coleman Legal has confirmed that discovery has now concluded across the six lead cases in the main litigation. A further exchange of documents took place in July 2025 by way of supplemental discovery.
Edotco Bangladesh, an integrated telecommunications infrastructure services provider, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Telephone Shilpa Sangstha (TSS), a state-owned enterprise under the country's Posts and Telecommunications Division.

The aim of the agreement is to advance local technical capability and drive sustainability in Bangladeshs telecom sector.

Under this partnership, both organisations will jointly establish a Battery Repair and Refurbishment Centre at TSSs facilities to extend the life of lithium-ion batteries, reduce e-waste, and develop local expertise in power-management systems.

Edotco Bangladesh will provide technical know-how, diagnostic frameworks, and training to enhance TSSs capacity, while TSS will contribute facilities, utilities and manpower to ensure smooth operations and operational excellence.

Building on a successful feasibility phase, the collaboration will also expand into new areas such as battery assembly, smart poles, and IoT solutions.

Another Edotco company is also pioneering sustainable solutions in Asia. Edotco Malaysia has introduced Malaysias first biochar telecommunication pole to its suite of green pole solutions with its first use case at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).

Delivering a 10% to 15% reduction in carbon emissions compared with traditional concrete poles, the biochar pole, says Edotco, offers a new pathway for climate-conscious network deployment. It enables customers to reduce their carbon footprint while strengthening network resilience. Its lighter yet stronger composition also enhances installation efficiency and reduces transport impact.

Edotco explains that Biochar is a porous material produced through the pyrolysis of organic waste such as agricultural residues, wood chips and other biomasses. Converting this waste into sustainable construction material creates a circular value chain while lowering greenhouse gas emission.

Edotco points out that this milestone is made possible through collaboration with PMW Industries, Edotcos manufacturing partner for the development of the biochar-enhanced poles.

Together, the partners say they aim to build a circular and sustainable value chain that shapes the future of Malaysias telecommunications infrastructure.
TenPay Global, the cross-border payment platform of Chinese multinational technology conglomerate Tencent, and Mastercard Move, payment giant Mastercards money movement business, have announced a collaboration.

The partnership aims to facilitate fast, secure and transparent digital remittances directly to Weixin Pay, a leading mobile payment service within the Weixin ecosystem in China. Through Mastercard Move  Mastercards portfolio of money movement capabilities  eligible senders around the world will be able to send salaries and family support directly to Weixin Pay Wallet Balance or linked bank cards in Weixin Pay.

Mastercard cites World Bank figures indicating that personal remittances received by China were about US$31.41 billion in 2024 and that the demand for fast, secure and convenient cross-border money transfers continues to accelerate.

It points out that by connecting Mastercard Moves global network and money movement capabilities with Weixins extensive user base and ecosystem, this collaboration creates a seamless pathway for global cross-border money movement into the Chinese Mainland.

Anouska Ladds, Executive Vice President, Commercial New Payment Flows, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, explains: Across Asia Pacific, digital wallets are already an integral part of everyday life. With this collaboration, recipients gain fast, secure and transparent access to funds right where they already pay.

Wenhui Yang, CEO of TenPay Global (Singapore), adds: Together with Mastercard, we are unlocking new opportunities and greater convenience for people around the world to send money back home. This marks another step forward in supporting the growing money transfer needs of a globally connected user base.

Today, Mastercard Move reaches nearly 10 billion endpoints worldwide, including bank accounts, card, wallet, and cash payout locations. This collaboration extends Mastercard Moves reach to a staggering number of potential new customers  over 1.4 billion Weixin and WeChat users.
Q-KON, an African provider of satellite communications, has signed a strategic trilateral agreement with Chinas Guodian Gaoke, a low-orbit communication satellite developer and operator, and satellite communication terminals and antennas specialist StarWin.

The partnership plans to roll out next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) services leveraging the Tianqi low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation across South Africa.

The alliance, say the partners, positions Q-KON as the authorised service provider for Tianqi-based IoT solutions, leveraging its local market expertise and distribution network. Guodian Gaoke will supply the LEO constellation and associated satellite systems, while StarWin will provide certified ground terminals to ensure compliance with South African technical and regulatory standards.

This is a useful new offering for Q-KON  and in particular for its flagship service Twoobii, which provides reliable connectivity for remote and underserved regions, supporting businesses, industries, and governments. Dr Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-KON, explains: This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in our quest to service the African market through the application of leading satellite technologies by expanding the Twoobii portfolio to include an IoT service.

The Tianqi LEO constellation is designed for low-power, high-reliability communications, offering industrial data connectivity across sectors including mining, transport, agriculture, and utilities. The partnership will enable smart monitoring, automation, and real-time data management for enterprises and government agencies alike.

This tripartite cooperation marks the Tianqi Constellations first project in Africa.
Mediation has delivered significant results in Rwanda's justice system, with more than 20,000 cases resolved in 2025 across business, family, governance, and employment-related disputes. However, the same level of success has not been reflected in divorce cases, Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa has said.

ALSO READ: Inside a Rwf 3bn inheritance dispute that was resolved through mediation

She made the remarks on Monday, December 8, while addressing the press during the launch of Justice Week, which runs from December 8-19.

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The event brought together institutions from across the justice sector, including the Ministry of Justice, Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), and the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA), among others.

ALSO READ: Rwanda saved over Rwf7bn through alternative dispute resolution in 2023

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that allows parties to work with a trained neutral mediator to discuss their issues and reach an agreement outside court. Any settlement achieved through the process is endorsed by a judge.

Also, parties may request mediation at any point, before filing a case, during initial proceedings, mid-process, or even close to judgment.

Under the law, mediation is permitted for offences punishable by a sentence not exceeding five years. However, with exception in cases involving gender-based violence, physical assault, or sexual abuse within a marriage, even where the offences carry penalties below the five-year threshold.

ALSO READ: Why does mediation in resolving business disputes matter?

Mukantaganzwa said mediation continues to prove effective for parties who willingly commit to the process.

"Mediation requires the readiness of both sides. They must be willing to change, adapt to the system, and recognise that it can help them resolve their disputes cost-effectively, within a shorter time, and without cultivating animosity," she said.

She noted, however, that the approach has yielded limited success in divorce-related matters.

"We are trying to integrate mediation into divorce cases, but it is not performing well. Instead, it often becomes a tool that delays the dissolution of marriage, which may create opportunities for a spouse to engage in harmful or unhealthy behaviour," she said.

ALSO READ: Forgery tops crimes committed by foreigners in Rwanda

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Reconciliation in such cases, she added, is more likely to come from personal relationships rather than formal mediation.

"When a couple decides to divorce, the first potential mediator is usually a parent if they are fortunate enough to have one, and sometimes a trusted friend. If those closest to them cannot influence their decision, it becomes difficult to expect an external party who does not fully understand their relationship to change the outcome," she explained.

ALSO READ: New institute poised to streamline mediation services

According to the 2024/2025 annual judicial report, Rwanda registered 2,674 divorce cases, down from 2,833 in 2023/2024 and 3,075 in 2022/2023.

Despite the challenges, Mukantaganzwa expressed optimism about future trends.

"Mediation may not be yielding positive results in divorce cases for now, but we encourage courts to grant divorce where it is genuinely sought. Couples remain free to reunite and recommit to their marriage if they later determine that it is in their best interest. We hope to see more couples, in the future, finding their way back to one another even after divorce," she said.

She further emphasised the need for society to embrace mediation as a shared cultural value.

"For mediation to succeed, we must all adapt to it and change our mindset. While crime divides and destroys us, mediation has the power to reunite and rebuild our communities," she said.
If youve been considering buying a smartphone from the latest Google Pixel 10 series, this might be the best moment to go for it. Amazon is currently running an offer that cuts more than Rs 12,300 off the Pixel 10 Pro, making the flagship device significantly more affordable than its launch price. Its important to note that discounts like this, especially on recently launched premium flagship phones, usually dont last for long. So, if the deal interests you, its advised to act fast. Heres a quick look at how the deal works and how you can get the most out of it.

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Google Pixel 10 Pro Amazon deal

The Google Pixel 10 Pro was launched in India for Rs 1,09,999. Amazon is currently offering a direct price cut of Rs 8,599 on the Pixel 10 Pro, bringing down the phones price to Rs 1,01,400. On top of that, you can get an additional discount of Rs 3,750 on HDFC Bank credit card EMI transactions. To save more, you can trade in your old smartphone.

Also read: Motorola Edge 50 Pro price drops by over Rs 14,000 on Amazon: How to grab this deal

Google Pixel 10 Pro specifications and features

The Google Pixel 10 Pro offers a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,300 nits. Under the hood, the handset is equipped with the Tensor G5 chipset and Titan M2 chip, coupled with up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. Furthermore, the phone packs a 4,870 mAh battery with 30W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging support.

Also read: Google Pixel 9 Pro price drops by over Rs 24,700 on Amazon: Check deal details here

For photography, the Pixel 10 Pro features a triple camera setup on the back, which consists of a 50MP wide-angle, 48MP ultra-wide with Macro Focus, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens. Also, the device houses a 42MP camera on the front for selfies and video calls.

Also read: Best Mobile Phones Under 40000
LitePoint 2025: Shaping the Future with Wi-Fi 8 and Optical Communication Testing

In 2025, LitePoint, a global leader in wireless testing solutions, hosted its "Smart Connectivity Unbounded  Testing Drives the Future" Innovative Testing Technology Seminar in Hsinchu and Taipei on September 23 and 24. This years event spotlighted cutting-edge testing and verification methods for diverse wireless communication technologies, setting new benchmarks for user experience and underscoring the transformative impact of wireless innovation.

The seminar opened with a keynote address by Glenn Farris, LitePoint's Vice President of Global Sales, who warmly welcomed attendees and shared an overview of the latest advancements in testing technology. As a pioneer in wireless testing, LitePoint continues to deliver solutions that are fully connected, highly intelligent, and strongly compatible, enabling enterprises to overcome complex testing challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Following this, Adam Smith, LitePoint's Vice President of Marketing, outlined the seminar's core themes. He emphasized that the rapid evolution of AI applications is accelerating the growth of wireless technologies. Today's diverse usage scenarios demand high bandwidth, robust stability, and ultra-low latency for seamless connectivity and data transmission. No single wireless technology can dominate the market, making multi-technology integration-including 5G RedCap, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and UWB-essential. Coupled with enhanced security measures, these innovations are critical to meeting the ever-increasing expectations of end-users.

Adam Smith, Vice President of Marketing, LitePoint. Credit: LitePoint

Rapid Progress in Multi-Technology Wireless Integration in the AI Era

Adam Smith began by examining the current state of the 5G market. Drawing insights from Mobile World Congress (MWC), he noted that telecom operators remain cautious about 6G adoption, largely due to the slow return on investment from 5G. However, the global 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) market has emerged as a game-changer, delivering fast and cost-effective high-speed network deployment solutions. This trend continues to gain traction among service providers, driving growth in the 5G FWA Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) segment, which is projected to achieve a 31.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2032.

Meanwhile, the rise of Wi-Fi 7 and the upgrade cycle for mid-to-high-end networking equipment are fueling demand. With its significantly improved transmission speed and spectral efficiency, Wi-Fi 7 is accelerating the adoption of high-end routers in both residential and commercial environments. Market penetration is expected to exceed 10% in 2025, setting the stage for strong growth in 2026 and sparking anticipation for the upcoming Wi-Fi 8 standard.

In addition, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is creating new opportunities through the convergence of low-speed, long-range wireless technologies with Wi-Fi. Solutions such as 5G RedCap, Bluetooth, and UWB are experiencing heightened demand, serving as the true engine behind the dynamic wireless communication market. To ensure seamless integration and performance, verification and testing of these technologies are critical. LitePoints advanced testing solutions play a pivotal role in enabling continuous AI-driven innovation and delivering exceptional user experiences.

Wi-Fi 8: Ushering in an Era of "Ultra-High Reliability" Wireless Connectivity

James Lin, Deputy General Manager of the Connectivity Technology Development Division at MediaTek, was invited to share the technical highlights of Wi-Fi 8. Reflecting on the 25-year evolution of Wi-Fi technology, he noted that transmission speeds have increased thousands of times. However, Wi-Fi 8's focus has shifted beyond mere speed to "Ultra-High Reliability" and multi-device connectivity, aiming to deliver a more stable and lower-latency wireless network environment, providing users with a tangible upgrade.

James Lin, Deputy General Manager, Connectivity Technology Development Division, MediaTek. Credit: LitePoint

James Lin highlighted four major innovations driving Wi-Fi 8:

Enhanced Long Range (ELR): ELR addresses the asymmetry in transmission power between routers and end devices, eliminating the visible but unreachable issue. MediaTek has integrated its proprietary MediaTek Long Range (MLR) technology into Filogic Wi-Fi 7 chips, achieving the extended coverage promised by ELR. This advancement enables the Dimensity 9400 mobile chip to maintain connectivity up to 30 meters on the 2.4GHz band.

Coordinated Spatial Reuse (Co-SR): By coordinating transmission power among routers, Co-SR optimizes time reuse and significantly improves Mesh network performance. MediaTek was first to implement Co-SR in its Filogic Wi-Fi 7 chips. In real-world Mesh topology tests, download speeds improved by 48%, while file download times dropped by 37.5%.

Dynamic Sub-Channel Operation (DSO): Addressing the mismatch between large bandwidth support in routers (5GHz or 6GHz bands) and smaller bandwidth support in most end devices, DSO optimizes router bandwidth efficiency through frequency hopping techniques. Simulation results show up to an 80% increase in overall network speed.

Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA): NPCA leverages primary channel hopping to increase channel access opportunities, improving interference resistance and connection stability while maintaining compatibility with surrounding routers. Simulations show peak-hour speeds up by 67% and latency reduced by up to 92%.

James Lin emphasized: "Wi-Fi 8 aims to create a harmonious, high-performance network environment for multiple devices-offering speed, stability, and reliability. MediaTek remains committed to innovation, standard-setting, and delivering products aligned with the latest specifications. Our upcoming Filogic Wi-Fi 8 solution targets Wi-Fi 8 certification, streamlining partner product approvals and accelerating the industrys transition to ultra-reliable connectivity."

As a global leader in wireless testing, LitePoint is dedicated to delivering precise RF testing solutions. The company will continue collaborating closely with MediaTek to validate Wi-Fi 8 technologies, ensuring exceptional chip quality and performance. Together, they aim to help the industry embrace a new era of ultra-reliable wireless connectivity-unlocking innovative applications and limitless possibilities.

The Importance of Deploying Silicon Photonics and CPO Packaging Communication Chips with Multi-Channel Parallel Testing

Alex Zhang, Asia Technical Sales Manager at Quantifi Photonics-a Teradyne subsidiary headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand-shared insights on multi-channel parallel testing solutions for silicon photonics chips and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO). With the industry anticipating significant growth in cloud data centers, demand for 800Gbps optical modules is expected to surge from 2026, with 1.6Tbps modules poised to become the next standard. However, as this market accelerates, the primary challenge lies in developing efficient testing solutions for optical modules from wafer to final assembly.

Alex Zhang, Asia Technical Sales Manager, Quantifi Photonics. Credit: LitePoint

Quantifi Photonics specializes in testing Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), leveraging the PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) platform to integrate high-frequency signal generators, high-speed sampling oscilloscopes, spectral analyzers, and other instruments for wafer-level PIC testing. Automated testing through high-speed optical-to-electrical I/O interfaces ensures accurate verification of optical interconnect performance.

During his presentation, Alex demonstrated testing of CPO chip samples, showcasing the process from wafer-level packaging to PCBA assembly and optical fiber channel integration, forming a complete optical communication module test sample. The module under test featured 512 optical channel connections-a scale that would require several days if tested sequentially. This underscores the critical role of parallel testing design and verification in transforming CPO and silicon photonics module testing methodologies.

Teradyne has successfully expanded its expertise from chip and wireless communication testing into optical communication systems, marking a strategic evolution in its technology roadmap.

Wi-Fi 8 RF Performance Verified by the IQxel-MX Series for Real-World Reliability

Young Huang, Associate Director of Applications Engineering at LitePoint, discussed RF performance verification for Wi-Fi 8. He noted that Wi-Fi 8 builds upon Wi-Fi 7's architecture, retaining many RF specifications while introducing enhancements in spectrum utilization and interference mitigation-necessitating comprehensive RF testing coverage.

Young Huang, Associate Director of Applications Engineering, LitePoint. Credit: LitePoint

Current verification focuses on coexistence with other wireless technologies across the 2.4GHz6GHz bands, particularly optimizing the 6GHz spectrum, which supports 320MHz bandwidth and 4096-QAM modulation. Accurate simulation and interference testing are essential to validate real-world performance.

Additionally, ensuring multi-device connectivity and low-latency performance requires analyzing spectrum conflicts and coordinated operations among multiple Access Points (APs). Wi-Fi 8 introduces new technical challenges, including Data Rate and Unequal Modulation techniques and dRU subcarrier testing, all supported by LitePoint's advanced Wi-Fi 8 testing systems.

LitePoint has already begun initial preparations for Wi-Fi 8 sample testing, with physical chip testing expected in 2026 and Wi-Fi Alliance certification targeted for 2028. To address these challenges, LitePoint has deployed its IQxel series, led by the IQxel-MX platform, integrated with IQfact+ automated testing software. Customers will need to update their compliance frameworks to meet full RF performance requirements.

Unleashing the Full Potential of 5G RedCap and eRedCap

Johnson Li, Software Engineer, explored the growing adoption of the RedCap standard. The 3GPP Release 17 (R17) version targets wearable devices, industrial sensors, and security cameras, while the enhanced Release 18 (eRedCap) standard takes aim at broader IoT connectivity. By reducing bandwidth from 100MHz to 10MHz and adopting 1T1R/1T2R antenna configurations, eRedCap lowers costs by 40-60%, positioning RedCap as a major growth driver for 5G devices-particularly in the Asia-Pacific market, which is outpacing Europe and North America. This trend also accelerates 5G Standalone (SA) network deployment and lays the groundwork for 6G development.

Johnson Li, Software Engineer, LitePoint. Credit: LitePoint

Currently, operators in the U.S. and China have deployed RedCap networks, with strong government and industry support fueling market momentum. LitePoint's testing solutions, including Signaling (IQcell-5G) and Non-Signaling platforms, enable rapid advancement of 5G SA architectures and ensure seamless integration of RedCap technology.

Next-Generation Bluetooth: Features, Testing Requirements, and Market Outlook

Jerry Chien, LitePoint Applications Engineer, analyzed the capabilities of Bluetooth 6.0, launched in 2024, highlighting its Channel Sounding positioning function, which achieves sub-meter accuracy -a critical feature for object-finding applications and enhanced personal item tracking.

Jerry Chien, Applications Engineer, LitePoint. Credit: LitePoint

Bluetooth has expanded beyond the 2.4GHz band, now leveraging 5GHz and 6GHz for improved anti-interference performance via spectrum switching. With market growth projected to triple between 2024 and 2028, Bluetooth 6.1 introduces new testing requirements to support Channel Sounding, creating significant market opportunities.

LitePoint's testing of Channel Sounding positioning focused on PBR (phase-based ranging) along with Time of Flight (ToF). The IQxel-MW 7G and IQxel-MX platforms provide comprehensive testing for Bluetooth's Channel Sounding feature, helping clients accelerate next-generation product development.

UWB 802.15.4.ab: Precision Ranging Gains Momentum

Chih Wei Huang, Associate Director of Applications Engineering, discussed Ultra-Wideband (UWB) micro-positioning technology and the testing challenges of the IEEE 802.15.4.ab standard. 802.15.4ab introduces a new narrowband signal, which is deployed at is lower frequency and higher power, to assist the UWB transmission. This enables the UWB positioning to operate at longer distances.

Chih Wei Huang, Associate Director of Applications Engineering, LitePoint. Credit: LitePoint

Testing must address long-range performance, dynamic data rates, and RSF/RIF requirements. Narrowband signals' strong anti-noise capability enhances synchronization accuracy and stability between UWB devices. LitePoint offers the IQgig-UWB+ One-Box solution, along with FiRa 3.0 certification and CCC PHY compliance testing. Recent collaboration between the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) and FiRa further strengthens UWB's future prospects.

Collaborative Efforts in IIoT and Edge AI: Unlocking New Opportunities

The seminar concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Eric Huang, Deputy General Manager of DIGITIMES, featuring Glenn Farris (LitePoint VP of Global Sales), Adam Smith (LitePoint VP of Marketing), Jerry Chiang (Advantech Embedded IoT Business Group), and Bruce Chen (Qualcomm Staff Product Manager).

The discussion focused on Edge AI opportunities in Industrial IoT (IIoT), highlighting applications in robotics, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), smart healthcare, smart manufacturing, and smart cities. Key wireless technologies-Wi-Fi 7, GNSS, RedCap, and long-range low-speed protocols-will play pivotal roles. Integrating 5G and Wi-Fi to balance cost and performance is critical for smart mining and warehousing. The panel emphasized ecosystem collaboration to build next-generation industrial-grade wireless networks for Edge AI, accelerating deployment and unlocking transformative potential.(All photos in this article are provided by the LitePoint event.)
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As initial construction progresses on the Nyabisindu Rehousing Project's model village, Members of Parliament have assured over 1,600 families that their decent houses will be closely monitored and completed within the next year.

The project is based on community collaboration, with residents contributing land for new housing. The landowners receive decent homes proportional to the value of the land and the number of facilities previously on it.

It is one of the various informal settlement rehousing programs by the government. It targets four villages, Nyabisindu, Amarembo I, Amarembo II, and Ibuhoro in Remera Sector.

Spanning 38.54 hectares, the project will deliver 1,639 dwelling units across 58 housing blocks, alongside schools, markets, green zones, and access roads, creating inclusive, dignified urban living spaces.

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ALSO READ: Key things to know about Nyabisindu 'rehousing' project

The parliament's pledge followed concerns raised during a December 7 meeting on urban development, housing, and land use, where residents warned that the project could face delays.

Leading the meeting, MP Egide Nkuranga acknowledged the urgency.

"These communities have embraced the project, and they are ready to move into their new homes," he said.

ALSO READ: Mpazi village touted as regional model for improved housing

Beyond Nyabisindu, lawmakers also inspected key development sites in a recent tour.

At the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bumbogo, they noted that while Phase 2 had been completed, Phases 3 and 4 were still pending.

"We found that Phase 3 must be fast-tracked because some residents still live alongside factories that have not yet undergone expropriation; it is not uncommon to see homes right next to industrial warehouses," said MP Madina Ndangiza.

She also highlighted congestion caused by large trucks parking along streets due to a lack of designated facilities.

"We were informed that 10 hectares have been allocated for truck parking, and we urge rapid implementation, including proper amenities such as food and accommodation for drivers," Ndangiza added.

ALSO READ: Kigali Special Economic Zone to be doubled in size

She also called for urgent construction of the Zindiro-Gasanze-Birembo road, noting its importance in connecting key areas.

In Nyarugenge District's Mageragere Sector, MPs visited the IDP model village, which now houses 99 families, 331 individuals relocated from high-risk areas.

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"We are pleased that vulnerable residents, including survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, have been properly resettled," she said.

MP Perth Murora said they encouraged the residents to take personal responsibility for maintaining their homes rather than relying on government support.

"Overall, we found that at least 3,895 households in Mageragere now have access to water," she said.

ALSO READ: Land use master plans for six districts to be complete by end of 2025

According to Speaker Gertrude Kazarwa, the inspection tour, conducted from November 24 across all provinces and from December 5 to 7 in Kigali City, demonstrates parliament's commitment to ensuring that urban development, housing, and land use projects are implemented efficiently, safely, and inclusively.
Three people have been arrested in Northern Ireland as part of a cross-border police investigation into violent right-wing extremism.

Two men were detained in Co Down and a woman was detained in Co Armagh.

One of the men, aged 38, was arrested in Ballynahinch while the other man, aged 48, was arrested in Kilkeel.

The 40-year-old woman was arrested in Lurgan.

The arrests were made following previous searches carried out in Co Down.

All three were detained under the Terrorism Act. They have been taken to the Police Service of Northern Irelands Serious Crime Suite at Musgrave Street in Belfast.

The PSNI investigation into right-wing extremism is being carried out in conjunction with the Garda in the Republic of Ireland.

It is understood the arrests are not linked to recent threats made to elected representatives in Newry, Mourne and Down.
Louth farmers are set to receive over 1.1 million under the 2025 Eco-Scheme balancing payments as Minister Martin Heydon has confirmed that disbursements have begun nationwide.

The commencement of the Eco-Scheme balancing payments will bring the total paid under the 2025 Eco-Scheme since October to almost 288 million with 112,610 farmers now in receipt of an Eco-scheme payment. Almost 86 million will be issued to farmers in the form of an Eco-Scheme balancing payment.

Minister Heydon said: I am delighted to confirm that balancing payments under the Eco-Scheme worth 85.8 million has commenced today. The aim of Irelands Eco-Scheme is to reward farmers for undertaking actions beneficial to the climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity. Eco-Scheme payments are a vital support for farmers who will have incurred costs or foregone income to meet scheme requirements.

My department is fully committed to ensuring that all scheme payments continue to issue in the most efficient way possible and to ensure that these vital supports are delivered to farmers in a timely manner.

Read Next: Louth TD presses HSE for clarity on dropped enhanced flu vaccine

Concluding, the Minister said: The Eco-Scheme balancing payments are commencing today at a rate of 30%. Payments will be visible in farmers bank accounts in the coming days, and the department will continue to process, as a matter of urgency, all remaining cases for payment as they meet scheme criteria. I would urge any farmers with outstanding requests for documentation from the department to return them to allow payments to issue.
The Gum Litter Taskforce Bin It! Roadshow hit the road and visited Louth recently to continue to bring the fun and educational tour to schools across the county.

Throughout the visit students from Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Scoil Mhuire na Trocaire and Castletown Girls' School were treated to a fun, actor-led performance that brings the anti-litter message to life through humour, storytelling and interactive learning. As part of the Gum Litter Taskforces (GLT) national education campaign, the school roadshow is designed to help young people understand the simple difference they can make by disposing of gum (and other litter) responsibly and help them learn more about what they can do to help care for their local environment.

The latest National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS) 2024 Report shows that chewing gum now makes up just 7.3% of all litter nationally, down from 8.6% in 2023  marking the lowest level in over ten years.

While overall gum litter continues to decline, litter linked to schools and schoolchildren still accounts for around 4% of all cases nationwide  underlining the importance of early education and awareness programmes like Bin It! Research has shown that lifestyle patterns and habit formation begin at an early age, with schoolchildren thought to be most receptive to social influence from ages 11 to 14 years of age*, meaning the Roadshow plays a key role in developing proper litter disposal habits.

Over the next seven weeks, the Gum Litter Taskforces Bin It! education programme will visit 70 schools across 24 counties, performing for students across the country.

For schools not registered for this years Bin It! Roadshow, the Gum Litter Taskforce will also continue to provide useful lesson plan material on its website, with materials made available to almost 730 schools across Ireland to date.

Avril Donlon, Chair of the Gum Litter Taskforce, said:Were so pleased to be launching the 2025 Bin It! Roadshow. Each year, the enthusiasm we see from students is amazing, and its clear that these performances really do make a difference to students attitudes towards litter. Seeing the rate of gum litter fall again this year shows the impact of the GLT campaign, and the importance of that education and awareness piece. As we kick off another year of the Roadshow, were excited to keep building on that success.

Read Next: Over 1.1m in Eco-scheme payments begin landing for Louth farmers

Anne Sheeran, Corporate Affairs Specialist, Mars Ireland, said:Whats so powerful about Bin It! is that it helps young people connect their choices to the bigger picture. When students realise that dropping a piece of gum contributes to national litter levels, you can see the lightbulb moment happen. Its that awareness that builds long-term change, and Mars Wrigley are so proud to play a part in that!

The GLT education campaign is fully funded by Mars Wrigley, and free for all participating schools. The GLT campaign also includes a roadshow that travels throughout the country in the summer months promoting responsible gum behaviours with the help of local authorities, TV and online advertising campaign, as well as an accompanying website www.gumlittertaskforce.ie.
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There has been over 16,000 visits to the online searchable database of burials at St Patricks Cemetery in Dundalk since its official launch a year ago, with visitors from all over the world searching the database for long lost relatives.

The erection in July of a sign at the graveyard with a QR code that leads to the graveyard database, has made it even easier for visitors to the Dowdallshill cemetery to locate the graves of their loved ones.

If someone arrives to St Patrick's Cemetery and goes to the sign, they just hold their mobile phone up to the QR code and that will bring them straight into the site, which is basically a map of the graveyard. Once in the site, users can view the different sections of the graveyard.

The records for each grave contain information including, name, age, occupation, martial status, dates of death, and burial.

The project has been led from the start by Jim Kerley, a committee member of the Old Dundalk Society. It's a year since the launch of the website and the app and its been a massive success, Jim reveals. Every week we're getting more compliments and people finding relations. It's been a massive success, the Council are delighted.

Read also: Win 1,000 in Shop Local vouchers in Dundalk Chamber's North Pole Safari trail

Everytime there is any discussion on it, whether its on Facebook or I've done a couple of talks on it, everytime it's mentioned, the surge goes up that week.

On average, we're hitting anywhere between 45 and 60 hits a week, which is fantastic for a local graveyard site.

We're covering it literally across the world, because the Council have trackers on it, so they know where the hits are coming from.

We always expected naturally Ireland, England, America, Canada, Austrailia, they'd be the run of the mill for the Irish abroad. But we're also getting it in from Germany, Belgium, Finland, Greece, even some from China. They could be all Dundalk people, or they could be people just searching family names. But to see over 16,000 in one year, it's just been a fantastic success.

The uniqueness of the database may be one of the reasons for the worldwide visits, Jim agrees. Explaining the background to the whole project, Jim said that he is very interested in family genealogy and was often in St Patrick's Cemetery looking at gravestones and so on, but often found that headstones were worn away.

Recognising the importance of retaining the information, he did some work and found that the burial records still existed,

I went back to the [Old Dundalk Society ] committee and said we need to do something about this to preserve the records, its very unusual to have 130 years of records, and they said, ' that's a great idea, you go and do something about it!'

So that's what I did. I went up to DkIT, they were brilliant. They gave me four fourth year students and they used it for their final year project.

The trojan work to transcribe all the data so it could be added to the database was aided by volunteers from Louth Volunteer Centre. Helen Dibley and Francis Monaghan in Louth County Council were also instrumental in getting the database online.

The information in the database goes up to 2020. There's a five year sensitivity clause, so if someone died last year, they're not in it for five years, Jim added. We've withheld the address for 30 years, that's more to do with identity theft.

The database is very easy to access and navigate. The QR code brings users straight into the database, but you can also access it by visiting www.louthcoco.ie, going to the Services section, and then Archives, and then St Patrick's Cemetery Database.
Samaritans Drogheda and North East are reminding those feeling the pressure of Christmas to reach out for support and a listening ear.

Anyone in need of emotional support can call Samaritans anonymously on freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie. Volunteers will be on duty throughout the holidays, including Christmas Day.

Last year, Samaritans volunteers answered more than 30,000 calls and emails during the month of December, with more than 800 of those on Christmas Day. Mental health concerns, loneliness and isolation, family and relationships were issues among the main concerns raised by callers.

Over 130 volunteers were on duty during the day  with the same expected this year.

Margaret Fahey, Branch Director, wants to remind anyone who is finding the festive season difficult to reach out and not struggle in silence.

She said: Christmas is seen as a happy time for people, but for others it can be quite challenging. Bereavement, loneliness, relationship and family problems, abuse and drug and alcohol misuse can feature heavily in some homes. Parents can also be struggling with financial pressures and struggle to the expectation to appear happy.

Samaritans is a charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection and providing that human connection is crucial for many of our callers at this time of year.

It is vital that, with regular support services often closed, people know our volunteers are there, available 24/7, if they are struggling.

Businesses and landmarks are being urged to light up in green for Samaritans Longest Night on Sunday 21st December - the Winter Solstice - to show people Samaritans are here for them during the long dark nights. Members of the public can also support by lighting a candle on the night and show their support across social media.

Samaritans is calling on everyone to support the Longest Night campaign on the winter solstice by lighting up a public building or space in green, or lighting a candle in their window, to show people we are there for them during their darkest hours.

Last year, sites across the county supported the campaign, including Millmount and MacBride Railway Station, alongside national landmarks, hotels, pubs, and council offices and universities nationwide.

All information is available on www.samaritans.ie/longestnight and images can be shared on social media tagging Samaritans Ireland on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn, using the hashtags #SamaritansLongestNight.

Margaret added: We really want to thank anyone who has supported Samaritans Longest Night campaign over the years as its vital that we spread the message that we are there everyone during the long dark winter nights.

Read Next: Louth TD presses HSE for clarity on dropped enhanced flu vaccine

Once again, we will be in Scotch Hall and the Drogheda Town Centre distributing our Candle of Hope packs, inviting you to light up during the dark hours as a symbol of hope for those who are struggling and a reminder to the community that support is available, not only on the Longest Night but every night of the year.

We encourage anyone who needs support this Christmas not to struggle alone. We are here, 24 hours a day, on freephone 116 123.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Federal Ministry of Works have launched a nationwide Special Tracking Exercise aimed at auditing 760 road projects valued at N36 trillion.

The initiative targets the physical verification and performance audit of 760 federal road projects with a combined contract value exceeding N36 trillion, ICPC spokesperson, John Okor Odey, said.

Our findings showed that the exercise, which commenced on November 14, 2025, mobilised joint teams of ICPC investigators, engineers from the Federal Ministry of Works, and independent professionals from bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS).

The teams were being deployed across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to conduct on-the-ground assessments.

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The ICPC spokesperson said; "this large-scale initiative is designed to achieve several critical national objectives: to ensure sustainable, cost-effective infrastructure development and optimal use of public funds; investigate and deter fraudulent practices in the award of government contracts; monitor project execution rigorously, compel the completion of abandoned projects, and ensure adherence to contractual specifications and to recover public funds from projects found to be grossly inflated or where contractors have demonstrably failed to perform."

The ongoing field work involves a detailed review of project sites, records, and deliverables.

The ICPC said following this phase, state-level reports will be consolidated into a comprehensive national audit report. The findings will highlight compliance levels, identify irregularities, and form the basis for determined enforcement actions by relevant authorities against any implicated individuals or entities.

The commission also added that, "Tracking 760 projects of this magnitude underscores our resolve to partner with government institutions in closing leakages, promoting accountability, and ensuring that public projects translate into tangible public good."
Met Eireann has issued a Status Orange Wind Warning for Louth as Storm Bram brings strong winds, high tides, and a heightened risk of coastal and river flooding across the county.

The Orange Wind Warning for Louth will be in place until 7pm today (Tuesday).

Louth County Councils Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) met this morning and say the councils Severe Weather Plan is being followed.

Storm Bram is a multi-hazard event that is projected to bring very strong and gusty southerly winds with gales possible near coasts.

The public is urged to be aware of strong winds and an elevated flood risk.

There is an increased risk in coastal areas due to coincidence with very high spring tides.

Possible Impacts Include

Flooding of low-lying coastal areas, especially during high tide

Wave overtopping

Difficult travel conditions

Debris, loose objects displaced

Outdoor events impacted

Power outages

Met Eireann has also issued a High Tide Advisory for all coasts, valid from midnight last night.

Storm surge levels combined with high tides and wave action are predicted to significantly increase coastal water levels, beginning on the south coast early Tuesday morning and moving north into Tuesday afternoon.

Surge levels in Louth are as follows:

0.77m at Dundalk Bay

0.65m at Drogheda

Wellington Quay, Drogheda, will likely flood during the period of high tides. Please use an alternative route during these hours.

After a week of persistent rain, many rivers are approaching bank-full conditions and soils are waterlogged, increasing runoff. Any additional rainfall is likely to result in river flooding.

A period of high astronomical tides will coincide with high storm surge and onshore winds, increasing coastal flood risk. Coastal flooding is likely, particularly during high tide times and in exposed low-lying areas.

High tides will prevent river water from discharging to the sea, causing water to back up within the channel and significantly increasing the risk of upstream flooding in low-lying areas.

Stay informed and Plan Ahead

Monitor Met Eireann forecasts over the next 24 hrs  conditions may change quickly. Visit www.met.ie/ for the most up-to-date information. Information is also available across the Met Eireann App, social media platforms (@meteireann) and other news media sources.

Check the Louth County Council website, www.louthcoco.ie and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.

Allow for disruption during Tuesday morning commute.

Plan extra travel time and reduce speed.

Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility on Tuesday morning.

Check in with neighbours, older people, or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.

Read Next: Major Louth junction reopens after urgent safety survey

Be Aware of Strong Winds and Elevated Flood Risk
As the city lights fade heading north from Ballyvolane, the countryside announces itself in the early winter darkness. Follow the road straight for a few kilometers and, soon after a sharp turn to the right, The Boothouse Bar appears to your left.

A one-storey building with a thatched roof, it has been a pub since at least 1773, and two years ago, the pubs proprietors Brian and Louise Kenny, celebrated its 250th anniversary.

Brian has been behind the bar since he was eight years old, yet customers joke that the real boss is his wife Louise, who handles the books and the unseen machinery that keeps the place alive.

Im working here since Im eight years of age, says Brian. I get up every morning and dont feel like Im going to work. Im lucky enough to be doing what I love doing.

His parents bought the pub in the early 1970s, unaware that at the time they were, in a way, buying it back.

Aside from one gap of a few years, it had been in our family in one way or another for well over 100 years, Brian says. By default, we bought it back without realising.

Their connection to the pub remained tethered during the time the family didnt own it. Brians father, a well-known road bowler, won the Munster final in 1963 on the very road outside, the winning line being the gable end of the Boothouse.

The family later discovered they were also connected to the OBriens and Barretts, two families who had owned the pub at different times going back generations.

The Boothouse has stood strong through centuries of cultural change, but for Brian, from his time being behind the bar in 1984, it was the introduction of the smoking ban in 2004 where he noticed the biggest change.

Brian and Louise Kenny inside The BootHouse Bar in Upper Glanmire. Picture: Noel Sweeney

Ive never smoked, ever. Im one of these people who never even put a cigarette to my lips, he says. The hardest part when I started working here was the smoke. You couldnt see from here to the end of the building. My eyes would be streaming. My clothes would be stinking the next morning.

When the ban came in, Brian happened to be in Australia on a short break.

After about a month or so in Australia, my body was clearing itself out. But I was lucky, then, when I came back, I didnt have to face back into the smoking. It was gone. That was probably the biggest change.

The ban altered the entire feel of rural pubs, transforming the sensory memory of generations. For Brian, it was liberation: the end of the nightly fogbank, the stinging eyes, the coughing, the clothes permeated for days. One of the best changes ever, he says.

In the Boothouse of the 1980s and 1990s, cars lining both sides of the road were the public barometer of a busy night.

There was a time the cars were the indicator of how many people were in the pub, Brian says. But its not anymore because people cant drive home.

Now, visitors often misread the place entirely.

Theyd come in and say, Jeez, youre very busy. I thought there was no one here. There were no cars outside.

On other nights, the opposite happens - an event at the school or community centre fills the road with parked cars and theyd say, Jeez, I thought the place was jointed. And you might have a dozen inside. Brian tells me.

Stricter drink-driving laws have changed Sunday nights too. What was once one of the busiest nights of the week is now split into what Brian calls two shifts.

We have our younger, working crowd in the evening, and theyre gone by 8, half 8, 9 because theyre driving to work the next morning. Then our more mature crowd come in after. A lot of them are the guys I remember from the 80s and 90s. Were lucky. A lot of pubs seem to have only the one shift.

Upper Glanmire has grown rapidly, but amenities leave a lot be desired.

We have no bus service here. We were supposed to have a bus about two years ago. We have bus stops now but dont have the bus.

Louise jumps in: And we only got streetlights two years ago. The length of the village. Before that it was just darkness.

Once you left Ballyvolane and the last streetlight, your journey naturally seemed longer, Brian says. People were driving in the dark, and theyd think the place was miles out. They still do. A lot of people in Glanmire dont know Upper Glanmire exists at all, Louise explains.

The area is now booming with development in almost every direction. Some of the new residents are regulars at The Boothouse. Others take longer, arriving only after what Louise calls the shock of the mortgages wears off.

Brian and Louise are a partnership in the truest pub-family sense.

I always say to him, Its the pub, then the dog, then me. Thats the order. Louise says.

I dont think it is, Brian laughs, but this is the baby.

Louise once worked as a beauty industry rep. Her original plan was to help Brian on the side. These days she takes care of the financial and administrative side of the business.

The exterior of the pub.

I do kind of everything you could do sitting down, she says. Orders, phone calls, the things that keep it going.

Brian handles the long hours behind the counter.

Two years ago, when the Boothouse celebrated 250 years, the milestone coincided with the Kenny familys own 50 years at the helm. Since covid, they have kept things simple at the bar and when Brian offers their winning formula, you tend to listen.

Irish pubs, he believes, still need the owner present.

People kind of want to see the owner, he says. When we were doing food, I was stuck in the kitchen all the time. After covid, we came back as what they called a wet pub, but we prefer the term traditional pub. We said wed keep things simple. And it took off. Were doing every bit as well now just for drink as we were for drink and food before, Brian says.
To say we were inundated with photographs for this years Holly Bough picture gallery would be an understatement, to say the least.

Copies of the 2024 edition had barely hit the shelves when the first envelopes hit the Holly Bough desk, and the email began to ping with readers sharing pictures of themselves with their prized copies.

Una, Sarah, Rita, Mary and Stephanie on a walk in Lanzarote.

In fact, such was the volume of submissions that we increased the size of our picture gallery section, and we still couldnt include all the photos we received.

Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing some of these pictures right here on Echolive.ie.

Michael and Karen Reardon (from Cobh and Mallow) visiting their son Carl working in Perth.

Behind each and every photograph of course is a story. Some tell tales of adventures and travel to far-off places, some tell of milestones and memories, and many tell stories of family and belonging.

Tadhg and Mary O Scannail from Ballinlough taking in the ancient views of Machu Picchu, during their three-month backpacking trip to South America.

Chris Bowles sent us a picture of what just could be our youngest Holly Bough reader! The photo captures the moment that he sat down to read the Holly Bough with his daughter Abbie when she was just two weeks old.

Chris Bowles and daughter Abbie Bowles.

Carmel Flynn sent us pictures of 15 friends on a somewhat delayed Leaving Cert holiday.

We started junior infants in St Patricks School, Gardiners Hill in 1968, and left in 1981...we finally got to go on their Leaving Cert Holiday to Greece in May 2025. One class member even flew from New York. Wed love to make it into Holly Bough to complete what was a really great trip with friendships that were formed in 1968! she said.

Carmel Fynn was one of 15 friends who started junior infants in St Patricks School, Gardiners Hill in 1968 and left in 1981. They travelled to Greece together this summer.

Another school-related picture came from Colaiste Eamann Ris in Cork city. Students from the school travelled all the way to Curacao as part of an Erasmus project, and introduced the students there to our Cork publication.

Students from Colaiste Eamann Ris with the Principal of Radulphus College Willemstad, Curacao who were involved with an Erasmus project with the school.

Claire Sheehan sent us a picture of her family in Bali and showed us how sometimes the world is a small place.

Claire Sheehan celebrating Christmas in Bali with her family. Claire and her family travelled there from Glanmire, while her sister and her family travelled from Australia

My family spent Christmas in Bali last year with my sister, her adult children and their children. They had travelled from Sydney, Australia while we travelled from Glanmire. We met there to celebrate my sisters 70th birthday. Claire said they grew up with the Holly Bough at home and continue to read it.

Danny Cahill at the Great Wall of China outside Beijing

Do you recognise anyone in our picture gallery?

Eileen Collins and Aidan O'Connor in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Keep an eye out over the coming weeks, where we'll be sharing more of the wonderful reader pictures we've received.

You'll find more pictures in the 2025 Holly Bough edition.
A free resource on empathy education, developed by the Unesco Child and Family Research Centre and championed by actor Cillian Murphy, is now available for transition-year students across Cork.

The national Activating Social Empathy programme is a classroom resource designed to help teachers promote empathy skills.

The programme was developed by researchers at the Unesco Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway and colleagues at the universitys School of Education, and a youth advisory panel from Foroige.

It has been endorsed by the National Council for Curriculum Assessment, and by Cillian Murphy, who is a patron of the research centre.

The 10 interactive lessons encompass three interconnected components, including cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, and empathic action.

Feelings

Charlotte Silke, lead researcher at the Unesco Child and Family Research Centre, said the programme aims to support young people in becoming more attuned to the feelings and perspectives of others, and more confident in expressing empathy across a variety of real-world contexts.

Professor John Canavan, director of the Unesco Child and Family Research Centre, said, for young people growing up in a world marked by rising social polarisation, environmental crises, and mental-health issues, socio-emotional and behavioural skills are increasingly valued as part of education policies.

Empathy is a process of understanding others perspectives, feeling for others, and taking supportive action, said Mr Canavan.

The manual is free to all schools and can be accessed by following the link at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/ilas/centres/uncfrc/.
A 51-year-old man told a member of An Garda Siochana he would break his neck and kill him during the height of a drunken incident.

James Conway, of Old Farmhouse, Carrignafoy, Cobh, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of obstruction of a member of An Garda Siochana.

The defendant also pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in threatening behaviour and being drunk and a danger.

Commenting that the obstruction charge was serious and could carry a maximum term of up to 12 months, Judge Mary Dorgan said that a sentence of six months was merited.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis said the incident occurred after 7pm on July 25 when two men got into an altercation at Kent train station:

On arrival, they saw James Conway slumped in a doorway. He was assisted to his feet and it was noted that he was highly intoxicated. There was a strong smell of intoxicating liquor from him and he was unsteady on his feet. He was intoxicated to such an extent that he was a danger to himself and others. He began shouting at gardai, saying: F**k you, Ill kill you, and Ill break your neck.

Judge Dorgan said that people had to respect members of An Garda Siochana who went out to work like anybody else, and that they should be respected and not threatened.

The judge added that one never knows when a threat like that is meant or not, and that it would be a source of worry to the threatened person.

Judge Dorgan said: This was a most unsavoury situation  guards doing their job should not have to put up with that.

No one knows that they are idle threats or real threats.

The judge backdated the sentence to October 23 to take account of time Conway has already spent in custody.

Solicitor Eddie Burke said: Drink has his life ruined. On numerous occasions, he has tried to get help, but falls down. He is now getting help in custody.
President Museveni pledged on Monday night to crack down on individuals diverting funds intended for beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Speaking at a press conference at the State Lodge in Fort Portal City, Museveni said he has received multiple complaints from beneficiaries alleging that officials are taking portions of their allocations.

"I have received many concerns from the people regarding the Parish Development Model. Some beneficiaries are not getting the full amount of money meant for them, and this is something we shall take very seriously," Museveni said.

Under PDM guidelines, each beneficiary is supposed to receive Shs1 million. Several beneficiaries have reported receiving less due to unauthorized deductions by officials involved in the program.

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Museveni said he has directed government auditors to conduct a comprehensive audit of the PDM to identify where the discrepancies are occurring.

"I have tasked the auditors to carry out a thorough audit of the program so that we can identify where the problem is arising from. Those who will be found guilty of extorting or mismanaging this money will be punished," he emphasized.

Launched in 2022, the PDM aims to transform subsistence households into active participants in the money economy by providing resources directly at the parish level.

While the program has achieved successes, it has also faced criticism over corruption and mismanagement in some areas.

Museveni stressed that PDM funds are intended to benefit ordinary Ugandans and not enrich a few individuals.

He reiterated that the government will take firm action to safeguard the integrity of the program and ensure that all beneficiaries receive the full support promised.
4pm

An updated from ESB Networks said that there are now approximately 54,000 homes, farms and businesses with out power, the majority of these in counties Cork, Wexford, Tipperary, Kildare, Dublin, Meath, and Westmeath.

They said that with Met Eireann status orange and yellow warnings remaining in place, "and the dynamic nature of this event", further power outages can be expected.

"ESB Networks crews and partner contractors have been deployed to assess the damage, make the network safe and restore electricity supply in challenging conditions," said a spokesperson.

"We acknowledge the disruption to family and commercial life this causes and thank impacted customers for their patience as our crews work to safely restore power.

"We will update estimated restoration times as soon as we have assessed the network damage, and these will be available to view on powercheck.ie ," they added.

2pm

ESB Networks confirmed that as of 12.15pm approximately 22,000 properties were without power, predominantly in counties Cork, Tipperary, Wexford, Limerick and Kildare.

It said further power outages can be expected throughout the day. Keith Leonard, national director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said: The conditions associated with orange level wind warnings can be very dangerous.

Potential impacts include the possibility of structural damage, fallen trees and flying debris  presenting a risk to both life and property.

Driving can be particularly hazardous in these conditions, so Im asking all drivers to anticipate strong cross winds and other hazards such as falling or fallen trees.

High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds  so please slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.

Id also ask the organisers of events and activities to consider the wind warnings that are in place and monitor the local conditions  unfortunately the cancellation of events may be necessary in some locations. The track of the storm meant forecasters put in place rolling orange wind warnings throughout the day.

The storm resulted in some travel disruption with 73 flights cancelled at Dublin Airport.

An orange warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford is in place until 4pm.

11.50am

Almost 800 homes and businesses in the Mitchelstown area are without power, with an estimated return time of 12.45pm.

11.20am

The ESB is reporting a power outage on the southside of the city in Grange at Trabeg, with 97 customers affected.

The estimated time of return is 1.30pm.

There is also a major fault in the Glanmire / Mayfield area, where almost 2,000 homes and businesses are expected to be without power until midday.

There are a further 10 customers impacted by outages in Kilbarry. 12.30pm is the estimated time for power to return.

Around 1,600 homes and businesses in Whitechurch are also without power this morning. It's estimated that power will be restored at 12.15pm.

A further 72 customers are affected by outages in Curraglass, with an estimated return time of 12.45pm.

There are hundreds of people also impacted by outages in the Conna and Ballynoe areas.

See powercheck.ie for the latest information.

11.15am

Irish Rail has advised that the line between Ballybrophy and Templemore has reopened.

The 9am Heuston to Cork train is operating with a 50 minute delayed.

Update:

The line between Ballybrophy and Templemore has reopened.



08:55 Limerick to Heuston +24 minutes delayed.

09:00 Heuston to Cork +50 minutes delayed. #StormBram



-CL https://t.co/IXD4Gyd2RB  Iarnrod Eireann (@IrishRail) December 9, 2025

10.50am

There has been extensive flooding on the outskirts of Skibbereen this morning after high tide resulted in the river Ilen breaking its banks.

However, the towns' flood relief system is understood to have held well under pressure.

Flooding on the outskirts of Skibbereen this morning

10.45am

The Lee Road is now closed from Prospect Hill to Wellington Bridge, Cork City Council has said.

It added that the Lee Clinic is accessible from the Wellington Bridge side, but not the Prospect Hill side.

10.40am

Irish Rail has said that a tree has fallen on the railway line between Ballybrophy and Templemore.

The 8:55am Limerick to Heuston train struck the tree, and the 9am Heuston to Cork train is stopped due to debris on the line.

Update:

A tree has fallen on the railway line between Ballybrophy and Templemore.



08:55 Limerick to Heuston struck the tree.



09:00 Heuston to Cork stopped due to debris on the line.



Crews are en route to clear the line.



Update to follow.



-CL #StormBram https://t.co/LXKYttnu5A  Iarnrod Eireann (@IrishRail) December 9, 2025

Crews are working to clear the line.

Both trains will resume once the tree is cleared from the line.

10am

Cork remains under a status orange wind warning until 3pm today.

High tide surges over the River Lee at South Terrace and Georges Quay as Storm Bram brings an orange weather warning to Irelands south coast. Picture .Dan Linehan

9am

High tide has now passed.

Cork City Council has said that crews are deployed across the city and will reopen affected roads within the next 30 minutes.

They have advised motorists to drive with caution throughout the morning.

 Flooding Update



Please note that high tide has now passed. Crews are deployed across the city and will reopen affected roads within the next 30 minutes.



Please drive with caution throughout the morning.@corkbeo @CorkSafetyAlert @RedFMNews @Corks96FM @corkindo @CBAcork  Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) December 9, 2025

8.40am

Flood waters in Cork city centre at high tide.

8.15am

Cork City Council has confirmed that Wandesford Quay is now closed.

Flooding Notice



Please note that South Terrace is now down to one lane. Crews are on site.



Please drive with caution if in the area.



@CorkSafetyAlert @corkbeo @PaulByrne_1 @corkindo @CorksRedFM @Corks96FM pic.twitter.com/fNuOtEdHYW  Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) December 9, 2025

Both Lavitts Quay and South Terrace are down to one lane.

8.10am

The 11.10am Aer Lingus London Heathrow to Cork Airport flight has been cancelled.

The 11.55am Aer Lingus Cork to London Heathrow flight has been cancelled.

The 5.20pm Aer Lingus Bristol to Cork, and the 5.50pm Cork to Bristol lights have also been cancelled.

Passengers have been advised to contact the airline.

7.50am

Met Eireann forecaster Gerry Kelly said it was a day to be very, very careful.

He told RTEs Morning Ireland: It is going to be a very windy day everywhere, and there is certainly a possibility for all areas to reach those levels for a time.

He particularly highlighted a risk of coastal flooding in the south of the country during high tide this morning.

High tide on the River Lee this morning, looking across to Morrisons Island, Cork, as Storm Bram brings an orange weather warning to Irelands south coast. Dan Linehan

Meanwhile, warnings in Irish waters have also been upgraded with a status orange storm warning for all coasts and on the Irish sea applying until midnight.

In addition, two red marine warnings are in place between 8am and 3pm, combined with a similar advisory between midday and 8pm from Loop Head to Erris Head to Malin Head.

Keith Leonard, national director for Fire and Emergency Management, told RTE radio he expects a significant impact on power, particularly across south-western coastal areas.

7.35am

There are a small number of homes and businesses without power in the Fermoy area.

According to the ESB's powercheck.ie, there is a fault at Castlelyons.

71 customers are affected. However, power is due to be restored shortly.

7.20am

The entire country is now under a status orange wind warning.

Met Eireann are warning that Storm Bram will bring very strong to gale force southerly winds with severe gusts.

#StormBram will bring very windy or stormy conditions to Ireland today.



Southerly winds, veering westerly through the day, will be very strong to gale force, with some damaging gusts also expected



Persistent & heavy rain at first will gradually clear to scattered showers pic.twitter.com/eKw5gUeeiR  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) December 9, 2025

Some of the impacts may include: flooding of low-lying coastal areas, especially during high tide; wave overtopping; difficult travel conditions; debris, loose objects displaced; outdoor events impacted; and power outages.

7am

People across Cork are advised to use caution when travelling today as Storm Bram brings multi-hazard implications, including flooding, fallen trees, displaced electricity lines, and loose debris.

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management convened a meeting of all local authorities, including Cork city and county councils, Government departments, State agencies, and utility providers yesterday to plan and prepare for Storm Bram.

A status orange wind warning, upgraded from status yellow by Met Eireann yesterday, is in place until 3pm, to be followed by a status yellow wind warning for all of Ireland, which will be in place until 9pm.

Weather Warnings in effect



A status Yellow Rain Warning and a status Orange Wind Warning for Cork is now in place.



 Yellow Warning in effect: 21:00 Monday 08/12 to 09:00 Tuesday 09/12

 Orange Warning in effect: 07:00 Tuesday 09/12 to 15:00 Tuesday 09/12



Cork City Council pic.twitter.com/YxwrHln9tf  Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) December 9, 2025

The storm, a multi-hazard event with the potential for significant damage and disruption, is expected to see several areas across Cork city and county impacted by increased rainfall and strong winds.

As a result of the storm, alongside high tide at 8.30am this morning, Cork City Council is warning that 14 low-lying areas across the city centre may be impacted by flooding, including Morrisons Quay, Father Mathew Quay, Father Mathew St, Union Quay, Trinity Bridge, South Terrace, Rutland Street, Sawmill St, Lavitts Quay, Kyrls St, Kyrls Quay, Crosses Green, Sharman Crawford St, and Wandesford Quay.

Cork City Council is advising the public not to travel unless necessary, to take care when travelling, and to ensure any loose outdoor items are secured.

#StormBram dragging up some very mild air with Ireland one of the warmest spots in Europe this morning, up to 16c. The main bad of rain has cleared a little quicker than forecast and less than 15mm since midnight is the good news. Winds picking up now though. pic.twitter.com/1YstsnNtvd  Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) December 9, 2025

A number of road closures and traffic restrictions on the city quays will be necessary during the period of the high tides across Wandesford Quay, Lavitts Quay, and South Terrace.

Diversions will be put in place to ensure traffic can circulate, and any restrictions will be eased when possible.

Cork County Council, meanwhile, said crews were monitoring known hotspots for flooding yesterday, with pumps deployed, and sandbags available in a number of locations.

Please be advised that Macroom Christmas Market has regrettably been cancelled due to the Status Orange Weather Warning in place for Tuesday 09th of December.



Cork County Council regrets any inconvenience caused. pic.twitter.com/nGzreC5fN8  Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) December 8, 2025

Issues such as fallen trees, flooding, and road damage can be reported to Cork County Councils emergency number on 021 4800048.Both Cork city and county councils have said their severe weather assessment teams and flood assessment teams will continue to monitor the situation as the day progresses.

Cork City Councils customer service unit will operate from 9am, and can be contacted at 021 4924000.

However, all emergency situations should be reported directly to emergency services on 999 or 112.
A man in his 30s has been arrested following the recovery of 18 stolen cattle in West Cork.

As part of an ongoing investigation into an incident of theft, which occurred at a farm in the Lakelands area of Skibbereen last month, gardai from the Serious Crime Units in Clonakilty, Bandon and Bantry, supported by the Divisional Search Team and the Department of Agriculture, conducted a search operation in the Ballydehob area on Monday.

As a result of the searches, the 18 cattle were found, identified, and returned to their owner.

A man, aged in his 30s, was subsequently arrested and taken to a garda station in county Cork.

He is currently being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said that investigations are ongoing as enquiries into the theft of the small herd are underway with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture.
A two-month jail term was imposed on a 28-year-old woman who confessed to two counts of shoplifting in Cork city.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed that sentence on Emma Wallace of Cork Simon Community.

On November 7 she was caught shoplifting at OHares Spar on Patrick Street and on the same day she stole items from Oxfam on French Church Street, Cork.

Frank Buttimer solicitor said at Cork District Court that the young woman, who appeared by video link from prison, was pleading guilty to the charges at the earliest opportunity.

Sergeant John Dineen said Ms Wallace had 62 previous convictions, mostly for thefts.
Drones have incurred on Cork Prison far less than on any other Irish prison, with fewer than 0.4% of recorded incidents occurring in Cork.

Jim OCallaghan, the justice minister, said the Irish Prison Service addresses drone incursions across the prison network by deploying all appropriate security measures.

The Irish Prison Service has invested 5m, to date, in the nationwide installation of metallic mesh netting to prevent and reduce drone-enabled contraband drops.

The Irish Prison Service, together with An Garda Siochana, have completed several very successful collaborative operations in the past year, delivering significant results, including multiple arrests and prosecutions linked to attempts to introduce drugs and other contraband into prisons by drone or throw-over, said Mr OCallaghan.

This intelligence-led, multi-agency co-operation is effectively disrupting and detecting attempted delivery of contraband into prisons and improving communication pathways regarding supply, availability, typology, and impact of illicit substances in prisons.

The Irish Prison Service Operational Support Group did not have a central record of drone incidents until July 2024, when the prevalence of this type of incident increased. Between then and November 27, 2025, there were 505 drone incidents in Irish prisons, just two of which were in Cork.

Wheatfield Prison had the most drone incidents, or 283, followed by Mountjoy, 81, and Cloverhill, 73. There were 23 in Midlands Prison, 14 in Portlaoise, 18 in Limerick, and 11 in Castlerea.

Recovered contraband includes various drugs, knives, blades, mobile phones, chargers, and SIM cards.

The Echo previously revealed that in Cork Prison last year 10 mobile phones and 12 weapons were confiscated and there were 40 drug seizures. The 62 seizures and the 60 the year before were the lowest figures over the last 10 years. The overall decrease in contraband seizures, from an average of 96 pre-2022, comes despite a large increase in the number of people in custody during this time period.
The Cork Deaf Association (CDA) will mark this years national Irish Sign Language (ISL) Day by honouring its advocacy officer, Susan OCallaghan, for her 25-year contribution.

This year, Ms OCallaghan helped the CDA to improve deaf-awareness training across the public service, including HSE, Tusla, Revenue, Cork City and County Councils, UCC, and soon with An Garda Siochana.

As a deaf woman, Ms OCallaghan understands the challenges of accessing essential services.

She said: I was really encouraged by public-sector staff and how much people wanted to learn when I did the training with them. They just needed the right knowledge and guidance. Deaf people face barriers at every stage of life. The lack of equal access creates huge frustration and it can also be high risk. I often meet deaf people who are left confused after medical appointments, because no interpreter was provided.

Many deaf people struggle to advocate for themselves, not because they lack the will, but because the system often places obstacles in their way, leaving them discouraged and feeling unheard.

Some 634 public-service staff have been tutored so far. CDA also launched Irelands first deaf-awareness module on HSELandD, the HSEs national learning platform.

Gerrie OGrady, CDA executive manager, said Ms OCallaghan continues to be a powerful advocate for the deaf community. She brings so much experience, heart, and clarity to her work. The CDA has shown that this training is urgently needed and strongly welcomed. We are ready to continue this work. But ongoing, dedicated government funding for deaf awareness is essential, so that we can. I am confident together we can.

Celebrations will take place across Ireland on Sunday, December 14 to mark ISL Day.
A 23-year-old who has been self-harming in a number of alarming domestic incidents had to be Tasered by armed response unit gardai to bring one recent incident under control and he later required sedation in hospital.

The young man had restrictive bail which required him not to carry knives or take intoxicants. Judge Mary Dorgan said he had breached both conditions and she remanded him in custody today (December 9) for one week at Cork District Court.

The case was dealt with at an in camera hearing where the parties cannot be identified. During the application the young man told his solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher, "I have no interest in hurting anyone except myself. There won't be any more trouble."

The 23-year-old faces a number of charges including two of making death threats against men at a mental health facility between May 26 and May 27, which is to be dealt with by indictment following directions from the DPP.

Judge Dorgan said, It is difficult to find the words for the tragic nature of this situation. It is exceedingly difficult. (His) mum has done everything she can to find him help. There have been four very significant incidents at his property.

He is very, very troubled. I wish I could unlock whatever it is that needs to happen. He is very very unwell  patently unwell. The judge added that the young man would not be admitted to rehabilitation before he detoxed and they would certainly not admit him when he was taking intoxicants. Judge Dorgan said she had to balance the young mans circumstances with the risk to the community.

At the moment, things are out of control. It is not acceptable that he would have knives in any circumstances. I am obliged to refuse bail. I will make a very strong direction that he would be seen by the prison psychiatrist, Judge Dorgan said.

Turning directly to the defendant, the judge said, I want you to start the detox up there (prison). There is a future for you, for the people who love you dearly. Diarmuid Kelleher solicitor said the defendant had been doing well on a depot injection for his mental health and was anxious to get into residential treatment.

The case was dealt with in camera because one of the other charges faced by the young man concerns an alleged breach of a protection order where his mother was put in fear.
University College Cork (UCC) has been ranked second in the world for the advancement of sustainability in the latest global environmental UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.

It achieved the second spot after an assessment of 1,745 universities from 105 different countries around the world.

The UI GreenMetric World University Ranking examines universities around the world and their work towards reducing their carbon footprint, embedding sustainability in student learning and helping combat climate change.

Wageningen University and Research from the Netherlands has been named the worlds most sustainable university in 2025, with Nottingham Trent University in England coming behind UCC in third place.

UCC has consistently been Irelands leading university for sustainability under this annual assessment since inception, ranking inside the top 10 in the world for the past nine years in succession.

President of UCC John OHalloran said the rankings illustrate the action being undertaken by all in the university in the area of sustainability.

It is incumbent on universities to lead and inspire the change we want to see in the world.

The way we operate has changed significantly over the years, and the passion of our students, staff, and communities has driven that change.

Professor Brian O Gallachoir, associate vice-president of sustainability at UCC, added: We are very proud to be ranked as the second most sustainable university in the world, particularly at a time when global leadership in sustainability is needed more than ever.

The research in our sustainability institute informs how we practise sustainability within UCC, but also advances sustainability externally through the impact our research achieves in informing policy, supporting business and empowering communities.

This is a proud moment for UCC, and I would like to commend the work of our staff, students and service providers, who live this ambition in their day-to-day activities, said Maria Kirrane, head of sustainability and climate action.

UCC, which offers dedicated sustainability transition training and education through UCC Sustainability Academy, is aiming to become a zero waste campus by 2030 and a carbon neutral campus by 2040.
There are just two female firefighters out of 140 in the Cork City Councils Fire Service, while a little over 4% of Cork County Councils firefighters are women.

Labours Ciara OConnor tabled a motion on the topic in the most recent council meeting, saying that the figures represent a significant and systemic failure in achieving gender equality.

She said that a recent report into the fire service calls for the council to review recruitment processes to increase gender and ethnic diversity. The report found that the service should also recognise that existing operational gear, protective clothing, and equipment were designed with men in mind, and fail to meet the safety and comfort needs of female firefighters.

A written response from the councils director of emergency management, David Joyce, and director of people, Mike Larkin, explained that the council has undertaken many initiatives to promote diversity in the fire service.

They added: The number of female firefighters within the fire service is dependent on many factors (many of which are outside of the control of Cork City Council), and include the number of applicants  which remain low despite the initiatives undertaken.

The attractiveness of such a physical role with unsociable hours, in an economy with extensive employment opportunities across many different disciplines and work areas are also factors.

However, they added: Under no circumstances are there any artificial barriers put in place to negatively impact on the recruitment of female firefighters.

A career as a firefighter makes exceptionally high physical demands in respect of certain operations involving firefighting and rescue duties. Employees of the fire service must be capable of performing these tasks at all times.

Modern firefighting PPE and equipment is ergonomically designed around all genders, while infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and uniforms are also gender appropriate, inclusive, and safe for all personnel, they added.

Ms OConnor commended the fire service for its work, saying: They protect this city with such skill, and nothing in this motion challenges their integrity. This is just about striving for equality.

County mayor Mary Linehan Foley with Cork County Fire Services Keith Jones and Andrew Macilwraith. The fire service recently took delivery of three fire engines. Women represent just 4.3% of its firefighters. Picture: Brian Lougheed

Cork citys 1.4% of female firefighters is considerably lower than the rate in the county area at 4.3%. A Cork County Council spokesperson told The Echo: We currently have 10 female firefighters out of a county-wide total firefighter number of 235. The number of female firefighters in each station varies. We have four female fire-fighters out of 12 in our Crosshaven Fire Station. However, 25% of our professional senior fire officers are females. If you combine all members of the fire service, we have approximately 34% of females working with us.
A 13-year-old girl who lost both of her legs in a farming accident in West Cork last July is continuing to make wonderful progress and is able to get around hospital in her motorised chair.

Feile OSullivan has had 60 operations since the tractor accident in her native Allihies, on the Beara peninsula, just days before her birthday.

Feile was airlifted to hospital in Cork.

A week later, she was transferred to Crumlin Childrens Hospital in Dublin.

Her mother, Maureen OSullivan, has told Virgin Media News that getting home for Christmas is the priority for her daughter.

Maureen said: Oh, absolutely (it is). That would be everything come at once, because, in our eyes, Christmas was never coming. So, I think, yes, that would be amazing.

There were so many really hard days of not knowing and then being, What if, what if, what if? Not knowing if she (Feile) would make it. There was obviously some really, really difficult days after that incident happened, while she was here. So, it was always a waiting game. That is the difficult part.

Maureen told journalist Zara King that the decision to amputate was inevitable, given the situation Feile was facing.

It wasnt really a decision, as such, Maureen said.

It was her body decided, is the way we would put it. Unfortunately, there was an awful lot of necrotic tissue that meant that the decision was no longer ours. So it was either save her or save the legs. So the decision was fairly easy.

The proud mother said that Feile is focusing on her future. She is already planning what she is going to do in the months and years ahead.

That (going forward) drives her completely, Maureen said. She is like, Oh my God, when I go home I will be able to do that with them (her friends) and, Mum, Ill be able to chase them in my chair. This kind of thing. Or they could even hop on the chair with her. Or they will walk the dogs.

There has never been a moment of, Oh, I wont be able to go there or I wont be able to do that. Which is kind of interesting. And I keep going, Maybe she just doesnt realise? But she does.

She has thought of everything. She has thought of more things than I have.

Maureen says that her daughter is already considering the possibility of taking part in the Paralympics, having received countless messages of support from top Irish athletes.

Feile and her mother Maureen: the proud mother said that Feile is focusing on her future and already planning what she is going to do in the months and years ahead.

She added that Feile and the family really appreciate all of the fundraising and support they have received.

Maureen said: I think it is really important to highlight and thank everyone. There will never be words to say how grateful we are for everything.

Meanwhile, an update on the GoFundMe page for the youngster indicates that regaining some independence has lifted Feiles spirits.

Maureen said:

She is truly enjoying feeling more like herself again. More than anything, Feile is deeply grateful: Grateful to be here, grateful for the incredible care shes receiving, and grateful for every single person who has supported her, sent love, donated, or kept her in their thoughts.

Close to 762,000 has been raised for the appeal. A four-person fundraising committee for Feile met for the first time on the August bank holiday weekend, and has said that the response has been phenomenal.

Feile in her motorised chair in hospital.

Feile will require additional surgery and intensive rehabiliation, specialist care, physiotherapy, emotional support, and home adaptations.

She has been described as being full of life, energy, and fun  a pure messer, who adores dogs and horses.

Her family say that the accident hasnt changed who she is, but has changed what she now needs.

Donations can be made to the appeal for the true warrior at at https://gofund.me/6ba19485.
Ottoline Spearman

Guinness workers in Belfast have voted overwhelmingly to take strike action before Christmas.



Around 90 workers from the Unite union will commence an 8-day strike from 7am on Friday December 19th until the early hours of Saturday December 20th.

The workers say the industrial action is a result of an inadequate pay offer from management, as they seek a pay deal to end a pay gap with workers at other Diageo sites.

The strike will shut down the Belfast site, which is the worlds largest producer of Guinness Zero.

Trade Union Unite has warned that there could be empty shelves if a resolution isn't found.
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is accelerating efforts to address persistent flooding in the city, especially in downtown areas, while assuring affected traders of forthcoming compensation.

KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki reported that seven of the 18 planned drainage crossings along Ssebana Kizito and Allen roads have been completed.

"We have constructed 7 of the 18 new drainage crossings to prevent similar disasters. The remaining 11 will be completed over the next 30 days, and this issue will be resolved once and for all," she said.

On compensation for traders affected by flooding, Buzeki noted that 451 individuals had been identified and their losses documented.

"The list has been submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister, which will determine the final support package. We shall keep the traders informed throughout the process," she added.

Buzeki emphasized KCCA's commitment to resolving the city's flooding problems and supporting traders. The authority is working closely with the Office of the Prime Minister to ensure timely assistance.

Once all 18 drainage crossings are completed, residents and traders can expect a significant reduction in flooding risks, improving both safety and business continuity in Kampala's commercial areas.
Ottoline Spearman

A first of its kind Irish dictionary has been launched, which aims to end the need for words being understood "through the lens of English."

The dictionary by Foras na Gaeilge was launched on Tuesday by President Catherine Connolly and can be accessed for free online at Focloir.ie.

The dictionary is aimed at giving a new way to understand and use the Irish language without relying on dictionaries in English or in other languages.

CEO of Foras na Gaeilge told the Irish Examiner: "For generations, Irish speakers who encountered unfamiliar Irish words were forced to translate them into English and then search for definitions in English dictionaries.

The new monolingual Irish dictionary changes this paradigm. Instead of asking Whats the English for X?, speakers will now be empowered to ask What does X mean? in their own language.

The dictionary includes more than 40,000 words and is meant to cater to all levels of Irish speakers.

Patricia Nic Eoin from All About Irish said on Newstalk: "It's there for the learner, which is fantastic, but also for somebody who's working through Irish, the native Irish speaker as well, people with a high level of Irish.

"It has to cater to both, and I think it's going to do that."

President Connolly told the Irish Examiner: "A contemporary monolingual dictionary is an essential resource in any living language, in which the language itself and its uniqueness are defined in its own words and by its own community, instead of constantly being defined through the medium of another language.

This new dictionary places the Irish language and Irish speakers on an equal footing with other modern languages and communities."
Elizabeth City, N.C.  When Pastor Miracle Parker first went to college in 1995, he admits he did not take it seriously. But as he matured in life and began having college-age children, and often had to minister to college students in his role as a pastor, he felt a growing responsibility to pursue his education. What better witness could I offer than to complete my own college degree, Parker said.

Now, nearly 30 years later, Parkera husband, father of four, pastor at Mt. Lebanon AME Zion Church and full-time safety supervisor for the City of Norfolks Division of Waste Managementwill finally walk across the stage at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) on Dec. 13 to earn a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Community Service.

Parker said a promise to his late mother motivated his return to school. Juggling coursework, two churches, and dual job roles challenged him on all sides.

The biggest challenge was time management, especially to make sure my family wasnt overlooked, he said. What went through my mind was if I was going to take this leap, would I take one class at a time, go part-time or full-time?

Parkers wife, Robin Parkerexecutive assistant to the vice chancellor in the Division of Student Affairs & University Advancement at ECSUgave him the motivation he needed.

Her words were simple: I believe in you.

During most of his studies, Parker pastored at Mary Holly Grove and Center Chapel AME Zion Churches before recently beginning a new assignment at Mt. Lebanon AME Zion Church on Nov. 23.

Through every demanding day, scripture remained his guide. My faith was the key to how I approached my studies, he said. Serving in dual roles on my job, pastoring two churches, completing my four-year African Methodist Episcopal Zion denominational studies, balancing family, and managing a demanding preaching scheduleI couldnt have done it without my faith.

So Parker set out on his journey and pressed forward, faith in tow.

Still, while faith strengthened his resolve, life continued to test it. The loss of his brother brought one of his most difficult academic seasons. To say the least, I did not have much focus on my studies, Parker said. His brother was someone he looked up to growing up.

To watch him deteriorate was tough enough, but to help navigate my niece and nephews through the process was even tougher, he said.

As Parker neared graduation, grief resurfaced. Just a few weeks ago, he buried his oldest sister, the first in his family to graduate from college and a strong advocate for education. After giving her eulogy, Parker said it reminded him of the importance of finishing strong.

When asked about his most rewarding class or academic moment, Parker said, Hazard Mitigation Preparedness.

At first, he failed. But he retook the course despite increased work dutiesand succeeded. While I was safety supervisor in Norfolk, I was also functioning as the interim program manager for Public Works. I passed at a time when I was most busy.

That, he said, was proof of how far he had come, and to overcome was to put into practice what he often preaches.

The moment that stands strongest in his mind is the beginning, when fear and uncertainty tried to take over. I even feared not getting accepted at all, Parker said. After talking to Mrs. Arlinda Halfacre in the Office of Admissions, which made the process seamless and very welcoming, the acceptance came, and the thought came to mind, I really could do this.

Parkers degree reflects his belief in ministry beyond Sunday mornings. Ministry goes far beyond the pulpit; its about showing up for people in their everyday struggles, needs and victories, he said. This degree gives me a stronger understanding of how communities function and what people truly need so that I can serve them more effectively.

With graduation ahead and his fifth child on the way, Parker is focused on community outreach as his short-term goal and hopes to pursue a masters degree long term. He also hopes his journey inspires others, especially adult learners who think their time has passed. There is more to you than previous failures. There is more to you than present fears, he said. One day, you will look around, and you will be seated amongst the cedars of Mount Lebanon.

Looking back, theres a message hed give to the young man who once walked away from college: Stay focused, be disciplined and look to the future.

He wants others to know that returning to college did more than change his career opportunities. It changed his belief in himself. It encouraged me to believe in myself more, like the old saying goes, You never know how strong you are until you have to be. To me, thats what it means to be a Viking with pride.

As he prepares to cross the finish line, Parker hopes the truth of his testimony remains clear: The real doubt, the real fear, the real anxiety is subconscious. I always believed I wasnt college material.

Yet now, degree in hand, he stands as living proof of what he preaches. With faith, family and perseverance, the sky is the limit. And at ECSU, a miracle didnt just happen. This Miracle worked for it.
Google is no stranger to scrutiny from government bodies such as the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), and the European Commission. Now it can add another probe to its list: The European Commission has opened an antitrust investigation into the company surrounding the content used for its AI tools. Namely, the Commission is looking into two things, starting with whether Google used web publisher's content for its AI Overview and AI Mode services  without "appropriate compensation" or the option to "refuse" the use of their materials.

"The Commission will investigate to what extent the generation of AI Overviews and AI Mode by Google is based on web publishers' content without appropriate compensation for that, and without the possibility for publishers to refuse without losing access to Google Search," the EU executive body stated in its announcement. "Indeed, many publishers depend on Google Search for user traffic, and they do not want to risk losing access to it."

The second prong of the Commission's investigation similarly looks into Google's potential misuse surrounding AI. It's digging into whether Google has used content uploaded to YouTube for training its generative AI models. As in the first case, the Commission "is concerned" that YouTube creators are not receiving proper compensation or the option to opt out of Google using their content.

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In it's overview of the investigation, the Commission noted that creators have to allow Google to use their data in return for uploading media on YouTube. It added that Google's rival AI developers are unable to use any YouTube content for training their models.

"AI is bringing remarkable innovation and many benefits for people and businesses across Europe, but this progress cannot come at the expense of the principles at the heart of our societies," Teresa Ribera, EVP for clean, just and competitive transition at the European Commission, said in a statement. "This is why we are investigating whether Google may have imposed unfair terms and conditions on publishers and content creators, while placing rival AI models developers at a disadvantage, in breach of EU competition rules."

A Google spokesperson told Engadget that the investigation "risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever. Europeans deserve to benefit from the latest technologies and we will continue to work closely with the news and creative industries as they transition to the AI era."
NVIDIA is now allowed to sell its second-best H200 processors to China, rather than just the sanction-approved H20 model that China had previously declined to buy, President Trump wrote on Truth Social. The United States will collect a 25 percent tariff on those sales, the Commerce Department confirmed yesterday.

Trump said that he informed China's President Xi Jinping of the decision and that he "responded positively." The Commerce Department is finalizing details and the administration will take the same approach with AMD, Intel and other US companies. He added that the administration would "protect National Security," so the latest Blackwell and upcoming Rubin chips are not part of the deal. The 25 percent tariff would be higher than the 15 percent the White House suggested in August.

Though the administration won't allow NVIDIA to send its latest high-end chips, it was reportedly concerned that the company would lose business to Huawei if it was completely shut out of China's market, according to Reuters. No details about the number of H200 chips or which companies would be eligible to buy them were released. "Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America," NVIDIA said in a statement.

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The decision is not without controversy, though. Several Democratic US senators called it a "colossal economic and national security failure" that will aid China's industry and military. Republican representative John Mollenaar put it in even starker terms. "NVIDIA should be under no illusions  China will rip off its technology, mass-produce it themselves and seek to end NVIDIA as a competitor," he said.

Despite the current restriction on Blackwell B200 processors, $1 billion worth of those and other high-end NVIDIA chips have made their way to China via black market sales, according to previous reports. That model, along with the H100 and H200, is far more capable than the H20 chip, which was designed to comply with export restrictions for sale to China. NVIDIA has said that the B200 chip is almost ten times faster than the H200 for some jobs, and the H200 is six times faster than the H20.

Washington's approval doesn't mean that China will purchase NVIDIA's chips, as Beijing has previously told companies not to use US technology. Huawei is currently the most advanced company in that regard and recently unveiled a three-year plan to catch up with NVIDIA and AMD. However, AI chip experts like Richard Windsor have said NVIDIA's tech is still far ahead of anything that Huawei or other Chinese companies can currently produce.
The Southern District of Texas announced the seizure of more than $50 million in NVIDIA GPUs bound for China in violation of US export laws. Authorities arrested two businessmen, one of them the owner of a Houston company, accused of smuggling the chips used to train and run AI models.

Operation Gatekeeper has exposed a sophisticated smuggling network that threatens our Nations security by funneling cutting-edge AI technology to those who would use it against American interests, said US Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The investigation had been ongoing since at least last year and centers on the illicit export or attempted export of at least $160 million worth of NVIDIA H100 and H200 GPUs. The H200 chips are the very same that the Trump administration announced a revenue-sharing agreement for today, allowing NVIDIA to sell them to approved customers in China.

The smuggling operation used a combination of falsified paperwork, purposefully misclassified goods, straw purchasers and even removing the NVIDIA labels on GPUs to ship them to both mainland China and Hong Kong. The conspirators face between 10 and 20 years in prison if convicted.

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The H200 chips in question are more powerful than the H20 chip specifically designed to comply with US export restrictions. Production of the H20, however, was reportedly halted shortly after the Trump administration struck a revenue-sharing deal with NVIDIA, after which China began heavily discouraging local companies from buying them.
When the nonprofit Freedom House recently published its annual report, it noted that 2025 marked the 15th straight year of decline for global internet freedom. The biggest decline, after Georgia and Germany, came within the United States.

Among the culprits cited in the report: age verification laws, dozens of which have come into effect over the last year. "Online anonymity, an essential enabler for freedom of expression, is entering a period of crisis as policymakers in free and autocratic countries alike mandate the use of identity verification technology for certain websites or platforms, motivated in some cases by the legitimate aim of protecting children," the report warns.

Age verification laws are, in some ways, part of a years-long reckoning over child safety online, as tech companies have shown themselves unable to prevent serious harms to their most vulnerable users. Lawmakers, who have failed to pass data privacy regulations, Section 230 reform or any other meaningful legislation that would thoughtfully reimagine what responsibilities tech companies owe their users, have instead turned to the blunt tool of age-based restrictions  and with much greater success.

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Over the last two years, 25 states have passed laws requiring some kind of age verification to access adult content online. This year, the Supreme Court delivered a major victory to backers of age verification standards when it upheld a Texas law requiring sites hosting adult content to check the ages of their users.

Age checks have also expanded to social media and online platforms more broadly. Sixteen states now have laws requiring parental controls or other age-based restrictions for social media services. (Six of these measures are currently in limbo due to court challenges.) A federal bill to ban kids younger than 13 from social media has gained bipartisan support in Congress. Utah, Texas and Louisiana passed laws requiring app stores to check the ages of their users, all of which are set to go into effect next year. California plans to enact age-based rules for app stores in 2027.

These laws have started to fragment the internet. Smaller platforms and websites that don't have the resources to pay for third-party verification services may have no choice but to exit markets where age checks are required. Blogging service Dreamwidth pulled out of Mississippi after its age verification laws went into effect, saying that the $10,000 per user fines it could face were an "existential threat" to the company. Bluesky also opted to go dark in Mississippi rather than comply. (The service has complied with age verification laws in South Dakota and Wyoming, as well as the UK.) Pornhub, which has called existing age verification laws "haphazard and dangerous," has blocked access in 23 states.

Pornhub is not an outlier in its assessment. Privacy advocates have long warned that age verification laws put everyone's privacy at risk. Practically, there's no way to limit age verification standards only to minors. Confirming the ages of everyone under 18 means you have to confirm the ages of everyone. In practice, this often means submitting a government-issued ID or allowing an app to scan your face. Both are problematic and we don't need to look far to see how these methods can go wrong.

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Discord recently revealed that around 70,000 users "may" have had their government IDs leaked due to an "incident" involving a third-party vendor the company contracts with to provide customer service related to age verification. Last year, another third-party identity provider that had worked with TikTok, Uber and other services exposed drivers' licenses. As a growing number of platforms require us to hand over an ID, these kinds of incidents will likely become even more common.

Similar risks exist for face scans. Because most minors don't have official IDs, platforms often rely on AI-based tools that can guess users' ages. A face scan may seem more private than handing over a social security number, but we could be turning over far more information than we realize, according to experts at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

"When we submit to a face scan to estimate our age, a less scrupulous company could flip a switch and use the same face scan, plus a slightly different algorithm, to guess our name or other demographics," the organization notes. "A poorly designed system might store this personal data, and even correlate it to the online content that we look at. In the hands of an adversary, and cross-referenced to other readily available information, this information can expose intimate details about us."

These issues aren't limited to the United States. Australia, Denmark and Malaysia have taken steps to ban younger teens from social media entirely. Officials in France are pushing for a similar ban, as well as a "curfew" for older teens. These measures would also necessitate some form of age verification in order to block the intended users. In the UK, where the Online Safety Act went into effect earlier this year, we've already seen how well-intentioned efforts to protect teens from supposedly harmful content can end up making large swaths of the internet more difficult to access.

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The law is ostensibly meant to "prevent young people from encountering harmful content relating to suicide, self-harm, eating disorders and pornography," according to the BBC. But the law has also resulted in age checks that reach far beyond porn sites. Age verification is required, in some cases, to access music videos and other content on Spotify. It will soon be required for Xbox accounts. On X, videos of protests have been blocked. Redditors have reported being blocked from a lengthy number of subreddits that are marked NSFW but don't actually host porn, including those related to menstruation, news and addiction recovery. Wikipedia, which recently lost a challenge to be excluded from the law's strictest requirements, is facing the prospect of being forced to verify the ages of its UK contributors, which the organization has said could have disastrous consequences.

The UK law has also shown how ineffective existing age verification methods are. Users have been able to circumvent the checks by using selfies of video game characters, AI-generated images of ID documents and, of course, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

As the EFF notes, VPNs are incredibly widely used. The software allows people to browse the internet while masking their actual location. They're used by activists and students and people who want to get around geoblocks built into streaming services. Many universities and businesses (including Engadget parent company Yahoo) require their students and workers to use VPNs in order to access certain information. Blocking VPNs would have serious repercussions for all of these groups.

The makers of several popular VPN services reported major spikes in the UK following the Online Safety Act going into effect this summer, with ProtonVPN reporting a 1,400 percent surge in sign-ups. That's also led to fears of a renewed crackdown on VPNs. Ofcom, the regulator tasked with enforcing the law, told TechRadar it was "monitoring" VPN usage, which has further fueled speculation it could try to ban or restrict their use. And here in the States, lawmakers in Wisconsin have proposed an age verification law that would require sites that host "harmful" content to also block VPNs.

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While restrictions on VPNs are, for now, mostly theoretical, the fact that such measures are even being considered is alarming. Up to now, VPN bans are more closely associated with authoritarian countries without an open internet, like Russia and China. If we continue down a path of trying to put age gates up around every piece of potentially objectionable content, the internet could get a lot worse for everyone.

Correction, December 9, 2025, 11:23AM PT: A previous version of this story stated that Spotify requires age checks to access music in the UK. The service requires some users to complete age verification in order to access music videos tagged 18+ and messaging. We apologize for the error.


When someone asks me for gadget buying advice, I normally tell them to stick with their current device. In 2025, most new tech products aren't a worthwhile upgrade over even something that was released a few years ago  and with the price of everything going up, that new iPhone can wait. But things aren't normal right now.

On December 3, The Wall Street Journal reported memory manufacturer Micron would wind down Crucial, its consumer business, to focus on components for the AI industry. The PC I'm writing this article on has an SSD and RAM from Crucial. Overnight, Micron decided to end a business it spent decades building, and from a certain perspective, I guess it makes sense. In recent months, OpenAI has signed more than $1.4 trillion worth of infrastructure deals, creating unprecedented demand for server-grade solid-state storage and RAM.

To meet the moment, manufacturers have been allocating more of their production capacity and wafers to high-margin commercial customers. For consumers, the result has been skyrocketing RAM prices, with some DDR5 kits now costing as much as two or three times as much as they did a couple of months ago. Recent analysis from TrendForce shows the price of some consumer-grade SSDs increased between 20 and 60 percent in November for the same reason. Then there's LPDDR5X memory, which is used in both smartphones and NVIDIA's Grace Blackwell and Vera Rubin platforms. In 2026, it's expected to increase in price as well. The demand for AI infrastructure is such that all consumer electronics may cost more in the coming months.

That gets me to the purpose of this article. If you've been thinking about upgrading to a new graphics card, I would recommend you buy one sooner rather than later. The AI boom came for RAM first, and there are already signs it will come for GPU pricing next. A recent report suggests AMD is considering raising the MSRP of its 8GB models by $20 and 16GB models by $40 due to the price of GDDR6 memory. NVIDIA, meanwhile, is rumored to have recently told its board partners it would no longer supply them with VRAM for their cards.

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Neither NVIDIA nor AMD responded to comment requests from Engadget requesting they share how they plan to work with their board partners to ensure GPU prices remain stable. NVIDIA also did not comment on reports the company will stop providing VRAM to its board partners.

Separate from the memory shortage, neither NVIDIA nor AMD are expected to release new GPUs soon. According to recent rumors, the earliest a Super refresh of the Blackwell line could arrive is sometime in the middle of 2026  not at CES in January as the 40-series Super cards did in 2024. The memory crunch could complicate things there too, since the company has typically relied on more and faster VRAM to offer better performance on its Super cards. With 50-series Super GPUs, it might not be the case that NVIDIA announces them at the same MSRP as their non-Super predecessors, which was the case with the 40-series.

As for AMD, the company debuted its RDNA 4 cards at the start of the year. We know it's already working on RDNA 5, and if a recent chat with Sony's Mark Cerny is any indication, the new architecture will be a major step change for AMD. However, right now rumors indicate the earliest RDNA 5 could arrive is sometime in 2027.

In other words, with nothing new on the horizon and pricing of existing stock likely to increase, there might be only a short window where you can get a new GPU at a reasonable price. It's impossible to predict the future, but if you're in need of an upgrade and have the means to purchase, there might not be a better opportunity before the end of 2026.

Recommendations

The recommendations in Engadget's recent GPU guide are still as relevant today as they were a few months ago. Once again, the best advice I can give is to buy a card with at least 12GB of VRAM, and preferably 16GB if your budget allows for it. Unless you mostly plan to play older games on a 1080p monitor, it's not worth considering a model with 8GB of VRAM  it won't last you long enough to warrant the purchase price.

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Our recommendations are grouped from most affordable to most expensive. Where possible, I've tried to find options from both Newegg and Amazon. You won't find any high-end picks like the RTX 5080 since if you can afford that card, this guide isn't for you.

Intel Arc B580

Intel's Arc B580 is a great budget option, as long as you can put up with some driver issues. (Devindra Hardawar for Engadget)

For those on a tight budget, I would start and end my search with the Intel Arc B580. Newegg has models from ASRock and Onix at or under the card's $250 MSRP. I can't speak to the quality of ONIX cards, but ASRock is well-regarded. Over on Amazon, you can find the B580 for $300. With Intel cards you sometimes need to put up with odd driver issues, but as far as budget options go, the B580 offers value that's hard to beat. The one thing about budget cards like the B580 is theyre likely to face the most pricing pressure from the memory crunch due to the smaller margins manufacturers are making on them.

NVIDIA RTX 5060 Ti 16GB

If you decide to go with the RTX 5060 Ti, be sure to buy the 16GB model. (Devindra Hardawar for Engadget)

If you have more than $250 to spend on a GPU, the RTX 5060 Ti is the GPU to buy. Avoid the 8GB model and go straight for the 16GB variant. NVIDIA announced the 5060 Ti at an MSRP of $429, and luckily as of the writing of this article, you can still find one close to that price.

Newegg, for instance, is selling the MSI Ventus Black Plus version of the card for $440. Amazon has the silver colorway of that same GPU listed for $460 currently. The retailer also has models from Gigabyte and Zotac in and around that same price.

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If I had to pick between the 5060 Ti and 5070, which NVIDIA only offers with 12GB of VRAM, I would pick the former. The 5060 Ti is a safer bet, and offers nearly as much performance, particularly in games that include ray tracing as an option.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT

If you're a fan of Team Red, the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT are among the best cards of this generation. (Devindra Hardawar for Engadget)

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For a mid-range option, the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT offer excellent value. Of the two cards, the 9070 is the better purchase for most people due to its less demanding power requirements, but if you got a PSU that can handle the 9070 XT, go for it.

Right now, Newegg has a few 9070 models from ASRock and Sapphire just under the card's $549 MSRP. My friend recently bought the Sapphire card linked above, and has had nothing but good things to say about it. You'll pay more going through Amazon, but the company has a couple of options around $600 from XFX and Gigabyte.

When it comes to the 9070 XT, Newegg has an ASRock model priced right at the card's $599 MSRP. Many of the other options from Sapphire and XFX are unfortunately priced between $650 and $700. The same is true on Amazon, where the cheapest model I could find was $630.

NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti

If you have more money to spend, the RTX 5070 Ti is a performance beast. (Devindra Hardawar for Engadget)

For our final recommendation, consider the RTX 5070 Ti. It's a great option if you want to play games at 4K for less than what the 5080 and 5090 cost. Newegg has MSI and Zotac models on sale for $750, the card's recommended price. There are also a handful of other options from ASUS and Gigabyte that are just over $800. Amazon, meanwhile, is selling one Gigabyte variant for $749.
China's pilot FTZs achieve remarkable results in institutional innovation in 2021-2025

Xinhua) 10:33, December 09, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's pilot free trade zones (FTZs) achieved remarkable results in institutional innovation during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), data from the commerce ministry shows on Monday.

As an important strategy in advancing China's reform and opening up, the country's 22 pilot FTZs achieved nearly 200 institutional innovation results during the period.

China actively encouraged the zones in exploring institutional innovation that reflect their local conditions. For instance, Zhejiang has focused its innovation on the field of bulk commodities, while Jiangsu and Shandong have respectively promoted innovation throughout the entire industrial chain around biomedicine and the marine economy.

Over the five years, a key focus has been expanding high-level opening up by building a high-standard network of pilot FTZs including those in Shanghai and Hainan Free Trade Port. Efforts were made in promoting the zones in aligning with high-standard international economic and trade rules, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA).

A series of pioneering measures covering key areas such as trade, investment, intellectual property rights, and government procurement have been rolled out in the zones. Some pilot FTZs have yielded a wealth of advanced experiences and typical cases, which were replicated in a broader scope of the zones. These practices have contributed to driving institutional opening up and economic growth.

In 2024, the proportion of foreign trade and foreign investment in the pilot FTZs to the national total reached 19.6 percent and 24.3 percent respectively, the data shows.

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), China will implement the strategy of upgrading pilot FTZs. Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said that the ministry will work with relevant departments and localities to achieve improvements in the level of institutional opening up, the effectiveness of systematic reform, and the quality of the open economy.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The bail hearing for 38 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters arrested in Mbarara has been postponed for the sixth time, prolonging their detention and frustrating relatives who say the process is unnecessarily slow.

Mbarara Grade One Magistrate Alex Buguma, representing Chief Magistrate Andrew Kabombo, adjourned the case to Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Buguma said the chief magistrate had traveled to Kampala on official duties and could not hear a case allocated solely to him.

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"As the state submitted, files are allocated by the allocation officer, normally the chief magistrate, and this file was allocated to him," Buguma told the court on Monday.

"I also know the bail application is partly heard, and the magistrate has handled this matter twice despite prior sessions in Bushenyi. Since he is away for official duties, I will adjourn the matter. I will give a short adjournment to December 11 at 9 am."

Defense lawyers, led by Allan Musasire, asked the court to return the original national identity cards of the suspects' sureties, which had been submitted as part of the bail process. The court did not grant this request.

Relatives of the accused expressed frustration at repeated adjournments and the personal and financial strain of traveling long distances to attend court sessions.

Osbert Nyesiga, a resident of Isingiro and husband to one of the accused, said: "We have been told again and again to come, and the only thing they do is adjourn court. Government should state clearly their motive or give them a sentence instead of wasting our resources, which are not even available."

Aisha Nsimire, from Ruti, Mbarara City, whose husband is among the accused, added: "Every time we appear in court, we are misled. My husband was arrested, he was the breadwinner of the family, and we are suffering back home. Our people are innocent."

Enid Mbabira, a mother from Kagadi District, said: "I have been attending court for all the previous five sittings, and court just adjourns every time. Court should be considerate. Our children are innocent--who did they kill? They are in detention very innocently. I am so frustrated; my national ID was retained, and they don't want to return it."

The 38 accused were arrested on November 7, 2025, while travellling to Bwizibwera to attend a NUP presidential candidate campaign rally.

They face charges of obstruction of duty related to Mbarara District Police Commander Kenneth Kabwigo, who has not appeared in court as a complainant.
Owners of the Porsche Macan and upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric will be able to unlock and start their cars with their Galaxy phones, Samsung has announced. The cars, alongside other Porsche models, are gaining support for Samsung Wallet's Digital Key feature, which lets users wirelessly control their car over a secure UWB or NFC connection.

Digital Key support will be available in Europe in December, before rolling out globally, "aligned with the launch timeline of Porsche vehicles," Samsung says. Samsung Wallet is available on Samsung devices as old as the Galaxy S20, Note 20, Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Flip 5G, and is included on the majority of the company's new phones. Like similar features on Google's Pixels and Apple's iPhones, Digital Key allows Porsche owners with a supported Galaxy phone to unlock, lock and start their car directly from their phone. If your phone is ever taken, you can also remotely lock or delete a Digital Key to keep your car safe.

Samsung added Digital Key support to select Volvo and Polestar EVs in February 2025. The feature first became available in 2021, and is one of several ways the phone maker imagines people will use Samsung Wallet. Beyond digital car keys, the app can also store credit and debit cards and be used to transfer money with a tap.
Steve Carell is taking on a leading role in a new comedy series, "Rooster," which will debut on HBO Max in March 2026.

The 10-episode season marks a return to comedy-focused work for the actor, who also serves as an executive producer on the project.

In the series, Carell portrays Greg Russo, an acclaimed fiction author navigating life on a college campus. The character is described as a "Carl Hiaasen type," loosely inspired by the acclaimed novelist known for works like "Hoot."

Greg becomes entangled in the academic world when he travels to an upper-crust college for a reading and subsequently gets drawn into the complicated dynamics of higher education. The show's title references a nickname from one of Greg's novel characters, according to Variety.

The central storyline focuses on the relationship between Greg and his daughter Katie, a professor at the college portrayed by British actress Charly Clive. As Katie faces personal challenges, Greg steps in to help while also navigating his own journey of reinvention.

Co-showrunner Matt Tarses explained the show explores themes of personal transformation, stating that it examines "how we can reinvent ourselves in the later parts of our lives, how we get stuck thinking we're this one person and that doesn't have to be true."

The series was created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, who serve as co-showrunners and executive producers alongside Carell. Lawrence has previously worked on acclaimed projects including "Ted Lasso," "Shrinking," and "Scrubs," while Tarses also contributed to "Scrubs," People reported.

Tarses noted that while Carell has built a diverse career spanning both comedy and drama, "Rooster" offers him a particular opportunity, saying the actor "is the first time in a minute where he's been really funny again and doing a straight comedy."

The supporting cast includes Danielle Deadwyler, Phil Dunster, John C. McGinley, and Lauren Tsai. Both Dunster and McGinley have worked with Lawrence on previous projects, with McGinley appearing in "Scrubs" and Dunster starring in "Ted Lasso."

Warner Bros. Television Studios produces the series. The show was inspired by the personal experiences of its creators regarding their relationships with their adult daughters, with Lawrence noting that the core of the series revolves around "how you navigate life when your kid doesn't have to listen to you anymore, and they're dealing with adult problems," as per Deadline.
Controversy has been renewed by Prince Harry's attempts to get a security detail paid by the British taxpayers when he comes to the UK, with the critics alleging that the Duke of Sussex is exploiting the system.

He made a case for his security to be reviewed by the Home Office, the government department in charge of security assessment for high-profile figures, and recently he emerged the winner.

The decision may grant Harry access to police security whenever he travels back to the UK.

Security Could Bring Family Reunions, but Critics Remain Skeptical

If Harry gets the updated security, he might be able to see the King and also be with his kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, when he is in the UK. However, a lot of commentators were skeptical of the timing and implied that the Duke is using his children as a cover to make the security request.

On what grounds is self-exiled Harry - who performs no duties to represent HM The King/The Crown - entitled to taxpayer funded 24/7 security in the UK, when actual working senior members of the Royal Family do not receive 24/7 taxpayer funded security?



Perhaps report on that.  Katarina Brozovic+ (@brozovicbasic) December 9, 2025

UK security services will assess Harry and his wife's behaviour, social media, public statements and beyond.  Lusi  (@S1CT) December 8, 2025

He should pay for it his own security  Pix  (@PixassoHQ) December 8, 2025

He is really digging around the RF. Are they powerless against him and his wife???  Hakima  (@Hakimadga) December 8, 2025

100% spot on. Harry quit the job, trashed the family for hundreds of millions, and now demands British taxpayers foot his 24/7 armed security bill whenever he fancies a visit. The entitlement is off the charts. He can sod off. Pay for your own security mate.  just my opinion  (@VotedReform) December 8, 2025

This has Charles written all over it we it. He wants to see those kids before he dies.  tech docs & tread blocks (@arianamarie) December 9, 2025

I think he is very sad in his marriage and realises he made a huge mistake. He wants back in the fold because his dad is really ill and he knows William will banish him forever. Hes banking on daddy to fix it for him.  Lisa (@loverlyliza) December 8, 2025

The Sussexes' departure from royal duties in 2020 meant they lost automatic security coverage.

According to The Sun, Harry's camp compiled evidence from law enforcement and government sources to support the review, with a Home Office decision expected in January 2026.

Harry last saw King Charles in September 2025, during a solo trip to the UK for charity events. Meghan Markle, 44, last visited in 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.

Security arrangements were a sticking point even then, reflecting the longstanding tension over the Sussexes' safety protocols.

The Duke has described previous rulings as insufficient and sometimes perilous. Speaking to the BBC, he said, "Everybody knew that they were putting us at risk in 2020 and they hoped that me knowing that risk would force us to come back. But then when you realize that didn't work, do you not want to keep us safe?"

He added, "Whether you're the government, the Royal Household, whether you're my dad, my family, despite all of our differences, do you not want to just ensure our safety?"

Buckingham Palace has reiterated that all issues regarding Harry's protection have been "examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion."

Read more: Meghan Markle Searches for Father in Philippines Amid Reports She Attempted Contact

Will Security Changes Signal a Royal Return?

A few royal commentators have implied that a Home Office review might be the signal for the Duke's partial return to royal life. However, another group of people warn that the issue of trust is still a very big obstacle.

The book "Spare", his Netflix productions, and former interviews have been seen as hurting the monarchy, making the idea of a possible reconciliation doubtful.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Mirror, "There are threats against him and his family, and these are now being reassessed by RAVEC, the Home Office Committee in charge of security. There is no doubt that he feels passionately about the need to have police protection for himself and his family, if and when they visit Britain."

He also noted that while Harry's brother, Prince William, has softened some opposition to reconciliation, the Sussexes' popularity in Britain remains low.

Another source added, "By the time William takes the throne, the Sussex brand will be so diminished it won't even matter. Why take away something that's already worthless?"

The King reportedly remains cautious about rekindling closer ties. Sources told the Sunday Times that he "cannot and will not lobby" for Harry, explaining that repeated requests for intervention would only complicate matters.
Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry will soon be brought home under full medical supervision after suffering a serious head injury during the Miss Universe preliminary competition in Thailand.

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and Henry's family released a detailed update on December 8, saying the 28-year-old remains under round-the-clock care but is stable enough to travel.

According to the statement, Henry "suffered a serious fall through an opening on the stage" during her November 19 walk.

The fall caused an intracranial hemorrhage, a fracture, facial cuts, and other major injuries. She lost consciousness and was immediately taken to intensive care in Bangkok, where doctors monitored her continuously.

MUO explained that she "continues to require 24-hour specialist supervision," which is why her return to Jamaica will be closely managed, ENews reported.

The organization confirmed that Henry "will return to Jamaica in the coming days accompanied by a full medical escort team and will be transferred directly to hospital for continued treatment and recovery."

As someone who has followed pageant news closely, I felt the heaviness in those wordsthis was clearly not a minor accident, and her recovery will take time.

MUO emphasized that it has supported Henry from the moment the incident happened. It stated that the group "has stood beside Gabrielle and her family as if she were their own," noting that it covered all hospital, medical, and rehabilitation bills in Thailand.

The organization also fully supported Henry's mother and sister by paying for their stay while they remained at the hospital.

The Miss Universe Organization is offering an update after a terrifying fall landed Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, in the hospital.



In a press release Monday, Dec. 8, the organization and Henry's family revealed that her fall had resulted in an intracranial hemorrhage with pic.twitter.com/uK0MYD9v7p  USA TODAY (@USATODAY) December 8, 2025

MUO Denies Claims Blaming Gabrielle Henry for Accident

The MUO added that it is funding the medically supervised flight back to Jamaica and has committed to paying for all future medical expenses tied to the accident.

Henry's family thanked the organization, saying their response showed deep compassion rather than simple duty.

The fall occurred during the evening gown section of the preliminaries, when Henry accidentally stepped into an open gap in the stage.

She was carried away on a stretcher as crew members rushed to help her. The frightening moment spread quickly online, and some early reports claimed Henry was at fault.

According to People, MUO rejected those claims, saying, "certain media reports suggesting that Dr. Henry contributed in any way to the incident are entirely inaccurate."

The statement ended with thanks from Henry and her family for the messages, prayers, and support sent from Jamaica and around the world.

Miss Universe co-owner Raul Rocha also shared the update, expressing relief that Henry is preparing to return home and sharing hope for her "speedy recovery."
A red notebook allegedly belonging to accused killer Luigi Mangione, containing a to-do list and a hand-drawn map of multiple U.S. cities, was presented in court Monday, one year after the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Christy Wasser, a veteran officer with the Altoona Police Department in Pennsylvania, testified during a pretrial hearing in Manhattan that she recovered the notebook from Mangione's backpack when he was arrested at a McDonald's on December 9, 2024, according to the New York Post.

One page in the notebook, dated December 5, the day after Thompson's death in Midtown Manhattan, included a checklist with entries such as "change hat, shoes, pluck eyebrows" and "check reports for current situation."

It also noted plans to take a "bus to Penn Station" and monitor "red-eyes" to Pittsburgh, alongside a reminder to "keep momentum" since the "FBI [is] slower overnight."

The page also featured a roughly sketched map showing Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and other cities.

Weapons Found Alongside Notebook

Pictures of Luigi Mangione's red notebook and to-do list dated Dec 5 have been released.



-change hat, shoes, pluck eyebrows

-keep momentum, FBI slower overnight

-3+ hours off cam, exit diff method

-check reports for current situation pic.twitter.com/qMENZSgPCJ  prosper (@prosperluigi) December 9, 2025

Wasser told the court she also found a handgun, a silencer, and a magazine wrapped in a wet pair of underwear inside the backpack.

Mangione's defense attorneys are seeking to suppress the evidence, citing that police did not have a search warrant at the time.

Wasser said she believed the backpack could have contained a bomb, while Mangione's lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, challenged the claim, noting that officers did not clear the restaurant or call a bomb squad.

The defense is also aiming to block certain statements Mangione made from being used in his state trial.

During a December 2 hearing, prosecutors played bodycam footage confirming Mangione's account that he was questioned for nearly 20 minutes at the McDonald's before receiving his Miranda warning.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

At the time of his Pennsylvania arrest, Mangione faced charges for presenting a fake ID and possessing a firearm without a license.

He was later extradited to New York City, where he now faces both state and federal murder charges related to Thompson's death.

Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty in both jurisdictions and could face life imprisonment for the New York charges and the death penalty on the federal counts.

An Ivy League graduate, Mangione has attended all four pretrial hearings held this week. The hearings are set to continue Tuesday, December 9, with additional witness testimony before the judge determines whether any evidence may be suppressed.

Mangione is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Since his arrest, the Maryland native has made only one public statement, expressing that he is "overwhelmed by, and grateful for, everyone who has written" him letters of support while in custody.
Gene Deal has fired back at Misa Hylton's recent social media post criticizing him in the wake of Netflix's new documentary, "Sean Combs: The Reckoning."

According to HotNewHipHop, Hylton has previously spoken out in frustration over harassment she says she's faced since Deal called into question the paternity of her and Sean "Diddy" Combs' son, Justin.

Deal, who happened to be Diddy's bodyguard, discussed the allegations with The Art of Dialogue. He explained his take on what Hylton was trying to get across.

"I saw that today. Somebody sent me that sh*t today, man," Deal said of Hylton's post. "And my whole thing about it is, Misa, how am I harassing you? I've never harassed you. I've always been a protector of you so far, until now."

He added that denying rumors about Justin's paternity was never his responsibility.

"For you to go and try to snake that whole situation and saying I'm the reason why you being harassed. No. Your ex [Diddy] is the reason why you being harassed," Deal said. "Misa is mad at me and upset with me because I didn't clarify that. It wasn't for me to clarify. Misa, I ain't harassed you not one time."

The now-deleted post by Hylton expressed her concerns about public perception. "Anyone who knows me knows I'm a private person, and it pains me that I even have to post this," she wrote, as per The Shade Room. "The harassment my son and I have been dealing with because of things implied by Gene Deal and stated in a recent Netflix documentary has been heartbreaking. The truth is: the public is being misled about me and my child, we've been dragged into something we never asked for... a cruel game built on rumors and agendas."

"Sean Combs: The Reckoning" hit Netflix last week, and is executive produced by 50 Cent, and directed by Alex Stapleton. Mark Curry, Al B. Sure, Aubrey O'Day, and more make appearances throughout the series.

Diddy's camp has since denounced the documentary, calling it a "hit piece" in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter while also criticizing Netflix for using unauthorized footage.

"Netflix's so-called 'documentary' is a shameful hit piece," the statement said. "Today's GMA teaser confirms that Netflix relied on stolen footage that was never authorized for release. As Netflix and CEO Ted Sarandos know, Mr. Combs has been amassing footage since he was 19 to tell his own story, in his own way. It is fundamentally unfair, and illegal, for Netflix to misappropriate that work."

This dispute between Deal, Hylton, and Diddy's camp keeps the conversation about celebrity documentaries and media representation heated.

Originally published on Music Times
Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine will have a long list of required treatment programs to complete once he finishes his three-month jail sentence next year.

According to new court documents obtained by TMZ, a judge ordered the rapper to serve 12 months of supervised release that includes anger-management sessions and outpatient drug treatment.

These conditions will begin after he leaves prison, which he is scheduled to enter on January 6.

The documents show that the judge wants 6ix9ine to participate in a mental-health program focusing on controlling anger.

He will also need to attend regular drug-treatment appointments as part of his release terms. These programs are meant to keep him on track after years of public legal troubles.

Just last week, the rapper said he was not worried about going to jail. He shared that he expects to be kept away from the general prison population because of his "snitch" reputation, which he gained after testifying in a major gang case.

Instead of focusing on the risks, he said he plans to use his time behind bars to improve his health.

He told sources he wants to drop from 190 pounds to 120 pounds by eating only one box of Oreo cookies a day and exercising while in isolation.

#Exclusive  Tekashi 6ix9ine is ordered to complete drug & mental health treatment after prison. https://t.co/7fdJf41BsR pic.twitter.com/QrHO9MFruQ  TMZ (@TMZ) December 9, 2025

Tekashi 6ix9ine Faces New Rules

Tekashi 6ix9ine's legal problems have followed him for years. He has been on probation since 2020, when he was released after cooperating with federal investigators in a racketeering case involving the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.

He claimed the gang had betrayed him, which led him to testify. His cooperation helped shorten his prison sentence, but it also sparked backlash that continues today.

More recently, federal agents raided his property earlier this year. During the search, officers found drugs that contributed to his latest round of legal trouble, Yahoo reported.

That discovery played a role in the judge's decision to require drug treatment as part of his supervised release.

The rapper, known for hit songs like "Gooba," has made headlines for his colorful appearance, online feuds, and constant legal battles.

But the new court order gives him a year-long path he must follow once he leaves prison. The strict rules suggest authorities want him to break old patterns and avoid further offenses.

Originally published on Music Times
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leaders in Namutumba and Bugweri districts have outlined key priorities they want presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi to address if elected.

Herbert Tibaira, FDC contestant for Bukono Constituency in Namutumba, called on Mafabi to allow communities to continue using wetlands for rice growing, noting that this is a critical source of livelihood for many residents.

He also urged Mafabi to establish banks that provide accessible and fair financial services, helping people avoid exploitation by loan sharks.

Tibaira further asked the candidate to reduce the tax burden on Ugandans, highlighting that heavy taxation leaves many with little or no savings for emergencies.

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Abdala Kasalawo, FDC aspirant for Busiki Constituency, echoed calls for a bank offering friendly credit services, citing microfinance institutions that have reportedly exploited local communities.

Ibra Ndoga, FDC LC 5 contestant in Bugweri, proposed that revenue from the sale of rare earth minerals in Makuutu Sub-County be invested in road construction to enable farmers to transport their produce to markets.

He also urged that tax revenues be used to improve the district's road network and advocated for upgrading Busesa Health Centre IV to a general hospital to enhance health service delivery.

Speaking to supporters in Kibaale Town Council, Namutumba, Mafabi pledged to support the elderly by providing a monthly stipend of Shs65,000 to citizens above 65 years to improve their quality of life.

He also promised to offer loans to small business owners in rural areas, enabling them to expand livelihoods without relying on traditional bank loans.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has declared Jacqueline Mbabazi, wife of former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, as the unopposed candidate for the Western Region Older Persons' parliamentary seat.

The announcement came after her only challenger, Patrick Mutabwire Kyamukaate, was disqualified for failing to meet the minimum supporter threshold required for nomination.

Mbabazi, accompanied by her husband, arrived at the Electoral Commission headquarters smiling as they waited for the official declaration.

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Richard Nsuube, the Returning Officer for Older Persons, formally confirmed her as the sole valid contender, securing her automatic entry into the next Parliament.

Following her unopposed declaration, Mbabazi pledged to champion the welfare of Uganda's senior citizens.

She promised to safeguard the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) program, which supports older Ugandans, and called for an increase in the monthly stipend from the current Shs25,000 to Shs35,000.

"My mission is to ensure that every elderly Ugandan lives with dignity," she said, committing to strengthen social protection systems for a demographic often left at the margins of national priorities.

Mbabazi also thanked the Electoral Commission for conducting the process transparently and fairly.

Patrick Mutabwire is among several candidates disqualified by the EC ahead of the 2026 elections.

Others include Elizabeth Kakwanzi, removed from the Western Youth MP race for duplicated signatures; Rebecca Mercy from Nebbi, disqualified over inadequate signatures and party conflicts; and James Atwiine, also known as King James Nkizamagara, who had sought to challenge State Minister Bright Rwamirama in Isingiro.
British dairy is reaching more overseas shoppers than ever, with high-profile retail promotions in Thailand and the United States helping showcase the quality and character of UK products at a time when exports are already rising strongly.

According to AHDB, the campaigns come as global interest in premium cheese and value-added dairy continues to buildmomentum that matters for British farmers facing another year of tight margins, volatile milk prices and stubbornly high input costs.

Industry figures say these initiatives are proving effective in winning over consumers who may never have encountered British dairy before, helping build longer-term demand overseas and creating new commercial routes for farms and processors.

The wider export picture has already been positive throughout 2025. With 1.6bn worth of dairy shipped so far this year, the UK is on track to exceed the previous years total.

Newly released figures show third-quarter export volumes rose 5.5% year-on-year to 294,000 tonnes, while export value climbed 13.7% to 529m. Cheese exports reached their strongest Q3 level in six years, underlining the global appeal of Britains diverse and regionally distinctive cheese offering.

In Thailand, retailer TOPSpart of Central Retailran a two-week Discover UK event in November. Working with AHDBs Asia representative, Karen Liao, the promotion featured seven British dairy brands across 22 Food Hall stores and two Tops Fine Food outlets.

The activity gave Thai consumers a chance to explore British cheese varieties, provenance and craft, supporting long-term market development at a time when demand for premium imported dairy is rising.

Across the Atlantic, AHDBs US representative, Victor Willis, supported a major in-store promotion with Angelo Caputos Fresh Markets. Nine British dairy brands were showcased through 34 live tastings, prominent displays, promotional pricing and targeted print and digital advertising. Many American shoppers sampled British cheese for the first time, often commenting on the distinctiveness and craftsmanship behind the products.

AHDB says these activities form part of a broader strategy to strengthen dairys global footprint, particularly as markets in Asia and North America look for high-quality imported cheese. Industry analysts say that sustained export growth offers an important buffer for the sector as domestic production costs remain unpredictable.

With more international opportunities emerging, the dairy industry believes British products are well placed to build on this momentum in 2026 and beyond, provided market access continues to expand and investment in export promotion remains strong.
UK regenerative farming expertise is going international as Soil Association Exchange launches a major pilot in Spain with three leading food brands to strengthen Europes climate-resilient food system.

Soil Association Exchange  already working with more than 2,000 farmers across 4% of UK farmland  is expanding into Europe for the first time.

The new programme will help farms across Murcia, Valencia, Andalusia, Aragon and Catalonia measure environmental performance, respond to tightening regulations and build supply chains capable of withstanding escalating climate risks.

For UK farmers, the expansion also strengthens opportunities for shared learning, market alignment and future export potential in regenerative production. The pilot will begin with eight farms, with plans to expand into other European countries after the first phase.

Exchanges farmer-led sustainability platform, originally developed in the UK, has been adapted for Spanish conditions and datasets. It assesses performance across six core areas: soil health, water, carbon, biodiversity, animal welfare and social impact.

Local advisors in Spain will help farmers interpret results and adopt practical improvements. For participating growers, the system offers clearer insights into soil function, potential input savings and better market access for verified regenerative produce.

The launch comes as southern Europe faces mounting pressure from drought, extreme weather and rising expectations for environmental reporting. The European Environment Agency recently warned that Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world, with climate impacts now threatening food security, ecosystems and supply chain stability.

By giving farmers detailed baselines and tailored guidance, Exchange aims to accelerate resilience across the region. The platform will also connect farms to new funding through Exchange Market, which enables businesses to invest directly in on-farm emissions reductions.

In the UK, the model has already delivered strong results. Exchange works with major retailers, processors and banks, and after taking part, 80% of farmers say they expect to become more profitable, while 90% plan to change practices.

Joseph Gridley, CEO of Soil Association Exchange, said the move builds on years of learning: Weve spent years learning what works on UK farms, and now we're translating that knowledge into the European landscape. He stressed that combining technology with local expertise is essential to tackle issues such as water scarcity and soil decline.

CrowdFarming co-founder Gonzalo Urculo said the partnership offers the insights needed to scale regenerative agriculture. He added that the ambition is to extend the model across Europe from 2026.

innocent drinks, which backs grower innovation through its Farmer Innovation Fund, said the collaboration would give producers practical, data-driven support while strengthening long-term supply chains.

Riverford, which already uses Soil Association Exchange across its UK growers, said extending the same depth of insight to European suppliers is vital. Regenerative farming lead Harriet Bell said the Exchange provides the practical, data-driven support we need to back our growers and improve together.

With climate pressures intensifying across the continent, the partners say the Spanish pilot marks an important step in building food systems that are both environmentally robust and economically resilient  and a blueprint that could shape regenerative agriculture across Europe in the years ahead.
Weeks after veteran actor Prem Chopra was hospitalized at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, his son-in-law, actor Sharman Joshi, provided an update on his health. On Instagram, Sharman Joshi revealed that Prem Chopra had been diagnosed with severe Aortic Stenosis and successfully underwent a TAVI procedure, which is a method to repair a narrowed aortic valve without requiring open-heart surgery. He further mentioned that Prem Chopra experienced a swift recovery and has since returned home. Sharman conveyed his family's appreciation for the exceptional care Prem Chopra received from Dr. Nitin Gokhale and Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao. He noted that Dr. Rao successfully performed the TAVI procedure and Dr. Gokhale's guidance instilled confidence. Their expertise ensured a smooth treatment process and Prem Chopra's rapid recovery. Sharman also shared some photographs from the hospital, where Prem Chopra appeared to be in good health alongside his doctors. The veteran actor Jeetendra was also seen in these pictures, during his visit to Prem Chopra at the hospital.



Previously, in November, Prem Chopra was admitted to Lilavati Hospital due to chest congestion and was eventually discharged a week later on November 15.





Prem Chopra, who celebrated his 90th birthday on September 23, 2025, continues to be recognized as one of Indian cinema's most iconic on-screen antagonists. With a filmography exceeding 380 movies, he has established a strong presence in Bollywood through his captivating performances and distinctive, elegant portrayal of villains.



From celebrated films such as Prem Nagar, Upkar, and Bobby to many other successful hits, Chopra has built a career distinguished by memorable roles and impactful dialogue delivery. His legendary line from Bobby, "Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra", remains one of the most frequently quoted dialogues in Hindi cinema.



Before becoming a formidable presence in Bollywood, the actor started his career in Punjabi films, making his debut Chaudhary Karnail Singh. His unparalleled longevity and significant contributions to Indian cinema have solidified his status as one of its most enduring and respected figures.

Also Read: Sharman Joshi talks about films and family
The Delhi High Court has asked several e-commerce websites and social media platforms to reply within three days to a complaint filed by Telugu superstar Jr NTR. The actor moved the court after learning that his name, photos, and other personal attributes were being misused / misrepresented online without his permission.











Jr NTR files petition

In a latest development, Jr NTR submitted a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking protection of his personality rights. In his appeal, the actor stated that many digital / online platforms were misusing his identity to promote products, services, run ads and campaigns or create misleading content. According to reports close to Jr NTR, the matter was heard by Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh. A senior advocate, J Sai Deepak, representing Jr NTR, explained to the court that various websites were publishing material featuring the actor for commercial / monetary benefit without any prior approval from the actor. He stressed that the gesture had violated the actors legal rights and could further mislead the public.





Cos to respond in three days

After reviewing the submissions, the court instructed the concerned platforms to treat Jr NTRs petition as an official complaint under the IT Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021. All companies have been asked to respond within three days. The court will take up the case again on December 22, when a detailed order is expected. Jr NTR joins a growing list of celebrity cases. Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Nagarjuna, Chiranjeevi, Anil Kapoor, and others have already approached courts for similar concerns regarding the misuse of their identities.



Work wise, Jr NTR has seen a strong phase in his career. He is currently filming his next big project with director Prashanth Neel, rumoured to be titled Dragon. The new schedule of shooting is expedited to resume shortly.
Every few years, Tamil streaming finds a show that wants to push the romance template into slightly stranger, slightly braver territory. Heartiley Battery, arriving on ZEE5 on December 16, is one such entry. The series marks the return of the popular Heart Beat pair, Ravi and Anitha, but this time they step behind the curtain for a project that hands the spotlight to Guru Lakshman and Padine Kumar. The result is a quirky collision of young love, wild ambition, and the oldest question that refuses to sit still: can anyone truly measure what the heart feels.



Sadhasivam Senthilrajan builds his story around Sofia, a precocious teenager who grows up watching relationships around her crumble with unnerving frequency. She comes to a conclusion that is at once cynical and painfully understandable. Love is chemistry and biology and nothing more. Human beings are unpredictable, so she decides to minimise the damage by turning romance into a solvable equation. By 24, she has invented a tool meant to quantify sincerity in love, the emotional equivalent of a laboratory test kit.



It is a premise that feels refreshingly odd in the current streaming landscape, where romance dramas either lean towards trauma or play it safe inside formula. Here, Sofia believes she can eliminate chaos. The series, thankfully, has no intention of letting her succeed too quickly.







Sid and Sofia: Two Philosophies, One Collision



Enter Sid, played by Guru Lakshman with an easy looseness that feels entirely at odds with Sofias methodical worldview. Sid is a comic book writer who believes that life makes more sense in the quiet pauses between logic. In his words, emotion is the one thing that cannot be coerced into behaving.



Lakshman has spoken about enjoying the role precisely because Sid lets him play with vulnerability and humour without turning sentimental. It is a performance built around refusal. Sid refuses to let science take away mystery. He refuses to acknowledge love as something that can be graded. And, eventually, he refuses to let Sofia hide behind her inventions.



Padine Kumars Sofia is the opposite kind of creature. Sharp, exacting, confident on the surface, and terrified of emotional unpredictability underneath. She has described the role as instantly relatable because the characters brilliance masks a deeper fear that feelings cannot be managed once released. That tension pulses through the show, giving Heartiley Battery its strongest through line: a woman who can crack formulas but not her own heart.





View this post on Instagram A post shared by ZEE5 Tamil (@zee5tamil)



Beyond the Sci Fi Flavour, a Look at Modern Love



The supporting cast includes Sumithra Devi, Anith Yash Paul, Yoga Lakshmi, Iniyal, Jeeva Ravi, Sharmila, Praveena Princy, Kalai, Ajith, Pavithra, and Seenu, who ground the series in everyday warmth. Their presence helps the world feel lived in rather than conceptual, which is essential for a show that flirts with genre but ultimately cares about emotional truth.



What makes Heartiley Battery interesting is not the science but the anxiety beneath it. In an era where compatibility tests, astrology apps, and algorithm driven matchmaking have become normalised, the series taps into a timely cultural itch: the temptation to quantify love because unpredictability is frightening. Sofia is simply the most extreme expression of that impulse. Sid stands at the other end, insisting that loves value lies in exactly what cannot be predicted.



The show rests in that tension, using humour, youthful energy, and moments of gentle wonder to explore what happens when a rationalist meets a romantic who refuses to play by her rules.



If Heartiley Battery succeeds, it will likely be because it does not treat its sci-fi hook as a gimmick but as a lens to examine how young people navigate love today. Messy, hopeful, anxious, occasionally illogical, and always resistant to being measured.







Also Read: Tamil Cinema Bids Farewell to AVM Saravanan, A Producer Who Shaped Generations




After days of speculative chatter swirling through film circles, writer-filmmaker Rathna Kumar has stepped in to confirm what fans had already begun piecing together. His next directorial venture is officially in motion, and it arrives with an unexpected but powerful producer pairing: Karthik Subbarajs Stone Bench banner and Lokesh Kanagarajs G Squad will jointly back the project, signalling a collaboration that has instantly commanded attention across the Industry.



Rathna Kumar, who earned a reputation for sharp and emotionally textured filmmaking through Meyaadha Maan and Aadai, took to social media to share the first poster earlier today. The image credits Kaarthikeyan S of Stone Bench and Lokesh as producers, while also confirming composer Sean Roldan as part of the core team. The makers have revealed that the films title and first look will be dropped on December 10 at 1:29 pm, a detail that has already sparked excited speculation among fans.



The poster itself presents an intriguing visual narrative. A group of youngsters is seen trying to push a bus forward, their effort an almost metaphorical tug against the inertia of everyday life. At the centre of the frame, however, stand two lovers, touching foreheads and seemingly oblivious to everything around them. The contrast between communal struggle and private connection gives the image a striking emotional duality.



Stone Bench captioned the poster with the line, "It might look like a breakdown... but it's actually the beginning," followed by a love emoticon. The text evokes the calm that sometimes emerges from chaos, or the breakthroughs that are often disguised as setbacks. It also aligns with the contemporary markers visible on the poster, including the words "Tinder, Bumble, Oyo," suggesting a story rooted in modern dating culture and urban emotional rhythms.





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stone Bench (@stonebenchers)

A Return to Direction at a Formative Career Moment

For Rathna Kumar, this film marks a return to direction after Gulu Gulu in 2022. Though away from the directors chair for a brief period, he remained visible within Tamil cinema through his dialogue contributions to Master and Vikram, two key films in Lokesh Kanagarajs expanding creative universe. This new project, backed by Lokesh himself alongside Karthik Subbaraj, reflects the trust and camaraderie that has evolved within this circle of filmmakers.



Thematically, the poster points toward a Chennai-based drama that examines how relationships unfold in a generation shaped by immediacy, exhaustion, and the desire to feel deeply in spite of it all. Rathna Kumars earlier films displayed an instinct for capturing the insecurities and contradictions of young people. This new narrative appears to draw from the same well, but with a tone that might be more grounded, more intimate, and more reflective of current emotional landscapes.





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rathna Kumar (@mr.rathna)

A Collaboration That Suggests Ambition

The partnership between Stone Bench and G Squad carries its own quiet significance. Both banners have nurtured projects that experiment with tone and form while appealing to mainstream audiences. Their involvement here hints at a film that is neither strictly commercial nor strictly indie but something that seeks to find resonance across both spaces.



Adding to the conversation is the fact that only a few days ago, Rathna Kumar publicly praised Angammal, a film presented by Stone Bench. The timing now feels serendipitous, revealing how mutual admiration often precedes collaboration within Tamil cinemas creative networks.



As audiences await the title and first look reveal, the early signs point to a project that blends youthful unpredictability with emotional immediacy. If the poster is any indication, Rathna Kumars comeback has both stylistic identity and thematic intent on its side.



Also Read: The Shooting For Karthis Sardar 2 Has Wrapped Up




Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or Dissemination in the United States

TORONTO, ONTARIO / ACCESS Newswire / December 8, 2025 / AmeriTrust Financial Technologies Inc. (TSXV:AMT)(OTCQB:AMTFF)(Frankfurt:1ZVA) ("AmeriTrust", "AMT" or the "Company"), a fintech platform targeting automotive finance is announcing that it has agreed to amended terms with Clarus Securities Inc. and Cormark Securities Inc., as co-lead agents (the "Agents") in connection with the Company's previously announced best efforts brokered offering. The amended brokered offering (the "Offering") will now consist of (i) a Debenture Offering (as defined below) of up to $25 million and, (ii) a LIFE Offering (as defined below) of up to $15 million, in each case subject to increase upon exercise of the Agents' Option (as defined below).

Jeff Morgan, CEO of the Company, stated, "I am happy to confirm that AmeriTrust has started originating new lease contracts. We are currently running live lease applications, from select dealer partners, through our proprietary portal in order to originate, underwrite, fund, perform accounting, and upload lease contracts into our data-warehouse and servicing systems. We are now beginning the process of spreading the word to dealers and customers that AmeriTrust is ready for new business.

As noted, we are also announcing an amended brokered offering to better reflect market conditions, as well as our new relationship with the Bank of Texas. Bank of Texas is offering AmeriTrust a line of credit to be utilized for funding lease contracts originated and held by the Company's new bankruptcy remote trust, Ameri II Trust, a Delaware Statutory Trust, with Wilmington Trust as its trustee. Bank of Texas has committed, subject to certain conditions, to match the line of credit against AmeriTrust's funding account deposits. This line of credit is designed to allow the Company to then sell the lease contracts, at increments of its choosing, from the Trust to other funding partners including other banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and private investment groups, allowing the Company to immediately re-deploy the line of credit multiple times resulting in greater funding capacity. We believe the proceeds from the Offering and the Bank of Texas line of credit is expected to provide the Company with the required funding resources it needs, while also reducing expenses and overall dilution to current shareholders."

The Closing Date of the Offering is anticipated to occur on or about December 17, 2025 and is subject to certain conditions and the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals including approval of the TSXV.

Use of Capital

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to support the full re-start of lease originations in the first quarter of 2026 funding both "flow" and "haircut capital" under facilities entered into by a bankruptcy remote trust established by the Company and for working capital purposes.

This capital will be the catalyst to immediately start new originations, increase revenue generation, and overall growth of AmeriTrust. The Company has begun with both direct and indirect originations in Texas to start, with new originations in Florida and California expected to follow. In the first quarter of 2026, the Company plans to commence a strategic roll out to expand across the US dealer market with a goal to obtain 1% market share in the next few years. All new states will be announced in future press releases as the Company expands originations.

Details of Debenture Offering

The Company is proposing to issue and sell up to 25,000 units of the Company (the "Debenture Units") at a price of $1,000 per Debenture Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $25 million (the "Debenture Offering") Each Debenture Unit will consist of one senior unsecured principal amount $1,000 convertible debenture of the Company (the "Debentures") and 11,765 common share purchase warrants of the Company (the "Warrants"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of $0.12 for a period commencing 60 days following the closing of the Offering (the "Closing Date") until 60 months following the Closing Date (the "Exercise Period"), subject to an accelerated expiry in the event that anytime after 18 months following the Closing Date the daily volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares (the "VWAP") on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") or other Canadian stock exchange on which the Common Shares are principally traded, equals or exceeds $0.30 for a 30 consecutive trading day period (the "Early Acceleration").

The Debentures will mature five years from the Closing Date (the "Maturity Date") and pay interest at 8% per annum from the Closing Date, payable quarterly in arrears commencing on March 31, 2026.

The Debentures will be convertible at the holder's option into Common Shares at any time prior to the close of business on the earlier of the Maturity Date and the business day immediately preceding the date fixed for redemption of the Debentures. The Debentures will convert at a conversion price of $0.085 per Common Share (the "Conversion Price"), being a ratio of 11,765 Common Shares per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures, subject to adjustment in certain events. The Conversion Price represents a premium of 112.5% relative to the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSXV on December 8, 2025. Holders converting their Debentures will receive accrued and unpaid interest thereon, up to, but excluding, the date of conversion. The conversion rate may be adjusted upon the occurrence of certain events, pursuant to standard anti-dilution provisions as will be set out in the indenture governing the Debentures.

The Company shall also have the right, but not the obligation, to force an early conversion of the Debentures at the Conversion Price, if at any time after the date that is 18 months following the Closing Date, the VWAP on the TSXV equals or exceeds $0.20 for a 30 consecutive trading day period; provided that holders will also receive an additional quarterly interest payment.

After the date that is 18 months following the Closing Date and prior to the Maturity Date, the Company may, at its option, at any time and from time to time, subject to providing not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days' prior notice, redeem the Debentures, in whole or in part pro rata, at a redemption price (payable in cash) which is equal to 102% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to the date of redemption.

The Debentures will be unsecured but will rank senior in right of payment of principal and interest to all other unsecured obligations of the Company. The Company will also agree not to issue any debt that would subordinate the Debentures in the capital structure in an amount exceeding $25 million without the prior consent of the majority of the holders of the Debentures, subject to certain exceptions.

The Debenture Offering is being conducted on a private placement basis (i) in Canada pursuant to exemptions from the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws in the provinces of Canada, except for Quebec, (ii) in the United States pursuant to available exemptions under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and (iii) in such other jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States pursuant to available prospectus or registration exemptions in compliance with applicable laws. All securities issued in connection with the Debenture Offering will be subject to a four (4) months plus one (1) day hold period from the Closing Date under Canadian securities laws.

Details of LIFE Offering

The Company is also proposing to issue and sell up to 300,000,000 units of the Company (the "Life Units") at a price of $0.05 per LIFE Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $15 million (the "LIFE Offering"). Each LIFE Unit will consist of one Common Share and one Warrant. Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.12 during the Exercise Period, subject to the Early Acceleration.

The LIFE Offering is being conducted pursuant to the "listed issuer financing exemption" under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions of the Canadian Securities Administrators, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (together, the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption") in the provinces of Canada, except for Quebec. The Units may also be sold to purchasers in the United States pursuant to available exemptions under the U.S. Securities Act and such other jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States as agreed to between the Company and the Agents pursuant to available prospectus or registration exemptions in compliance with applicable laws.

The Units will be issued pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption and as such will not be subject to a "hold period" pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an amended and restated offering document dated December 8, 2025 related to the LIFE Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.ameritrust.com. Prospective investors purchasing under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption should read the amended and restated offering document before making an investment decision.

Agents' Commission

In connection with the Debenture Offering, the Agents will be entitled to a cash commission equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of Debenture Units, other than that portion of the gross proceeds which are subject to a president's list allocated by the Company, where the cash commission will be equal to 3.0% of such gross proceeds.

In connection with the LIFE Offering, the Agents will be entitled to a cash commission equal to 5.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of the LIFE Units. As additional compensation under the LIFE Offering, the Company will issue to the Agents non-transferable broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants") equal to 5.0% of the number of LIFE Units sold pursuant to the Offering. Subject to regulatory approval, each Broker Warrant shall be exercisable to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.05 for a period of 24 months from the Closing Date.

Agents' Option

The Company has also agreed to grant an option to the Agents (the "Agents' Option") to issue that number of additional Debenture Units, LIFE Units, or any combination thereof, for additional gross proceeds of up to $6,000,000, to cover over-allotments, if any, exercisable at any time prior to the Closing Date; provided that the exercise of the Agents' Option for additional LIFE Units is limited to a maximum of $1,980,000.

The securities being offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements and in compliance with applicable state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States.

About AmeriTrust Financial Technologies Inc.

AmeriTrust Financial Technologies Inc., listed on the TSXV, OTCQB, and Frankfurt markets, is a finance solution and fintech provider disrupting the automotive industry. AmeriTrust's integrated, cloud-based transaction platform facilitates transactions amongst consumers, dealers, and funders. AmeriTrust's platform is being made available across the United States.

For further information, please visit the AmeriTrust website or contact:

Shibu Abraham

Chief Financial Officer and Director

E: info@ameritrust.com

P: 1-800-600-6872

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects", "believes" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the terms, conditions and anticipated timing of the Offering, the intended participations in the Offering, the intended use of proceeds and the receipt of all regulatory approvals including approval of the TSXV, future plans and objectives of the Company including the immediate restart of lease originations, the ability to satisfy all conditions to obtain the line of credit from the Bank of Texas for funding lease contracts that are originated, strategic roll-outs and state expansions, targeted market share, the intention to grow the business, operations, and existing and potential activities of the Company, future prospects of the Company, the ability of the Company to execute on its business plan and the anticipated benefits of the Company's business plan, negotiations with potential funding partners and the ability of the Company to secure additional funding, are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: AmeriTrust Financial Technologies Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/automotive/ameritrust-announces-the-launch-of-lease-originations-and-an-amended-brokered-offering-o-1115748
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 8, 2025) - SILICON METALS CORP. (CSE: SI) (FSE: X6U) ("Silicon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to the Company's news releases dated November 26, 2025, it has closed its previously announced acquisition of the Crystal Hills Project in Clarkson Township, Ontario.

Pursuant to a share purchase agreement (the "Agreement") dated November 25, 2025, the Company acquired all the issued and outstanding shares of 1504947 B.C. Ltd. (the "Target") which owns a 100% interest to the Crystal Hills Project. In consideration for the acquisition, Silicon issued an aggregate of 2,000,000 common shares (the "Silicon Shares") in the capital of the Company and made an aggregate cash payment of $85,000 to the shareholders of the Target (the "Transaction").

Transaction Highlights:

Acquisition of 100% interest of the Crystal Hills Project, located in Clarkson Township, Ontario, Canada, approximately 40 km as the crow flies north of the city of North Bay. The project consists of five mineral claims comprised of eighteen (18) cells totalling approximately 400 hectares. (see Figure 1 below);

Geologically, the Crystal Hills Project consists of a high purity crystalline quartzite formation which is expressed at surface as a series of topographic high hills, these hills are tens of metres high by hundreds of metres wide with approximately three kilometres of strike length of this formation is present within the mineral claim boundary.

The topography of the quartzite formation (hills of quartzite) is very favourable for simplifying possible future extraction.

Historical sampling work indicates that the Crystal Hills Project contains quartzite material that is over 98% SiO2. Photo 1 below is an example of the high purity quartzite material.

The Crystal Hills Project is easily accessible. Access roads are already established, it is adjacent to the highway, and rail services are nearby.

Figure 1: Project Location Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8241/277348_f3356aadf45c39d7_001full.jpg

Photo 1: Crystal Hills high purity quartzite material

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8241/277348_f3356aadf45c39d7_002full.jpg

Morgan Good, Silicon Metals Chief Executive Officer, commented: "With the formal closing of this transaction our team can focus more on exploration advancements of Crystal Hills, as it continues work at Maple-Birch, the Company's permitted for production asset. Silicon plans to update the market as more ground efforts are completed in due course."

Transaction Summary

The Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and agreements, conditions to closing and other obligations of the parties. In addition to resale restrictions imposed by applicable securities laws, the Silicon Shares issued pursuant to the Agreement bear legends to reflect contractual resale restrictions over a 24-month period, in accordance with the following schedule:

Release Date Percentage of Payment Shares to be released on each Release Date Closing Date 0% 6-month anniversary of the Closing Date 25% 12-month anniversary of the Closing Date 50% 18-month anniversary of the Closing Date 75% 24-month anniversary of the Closing Date 100%

Related Party Considerations

Mr. Raymond Wladichuk is both a director of the Company and a shareholder of the Target. As such, Mr. Wladichuk is a Related Person under the policies of the CSE, and the Transaction is subject to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in Sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, in respect of the acquisition of Target shares held by Mr. Wladichuk as neither the fair market value of the Target shares acquired from Mr. Wladichuk, nor the consideration therefor, exceeds 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61- 101. Mr. Wladichuk also abstained from the board approval for the Transaction and has disclosed his interest therein to the board.

Qualified Person

Raymond Wladichuk, P.Geo., Director and Chief Operating Officer of Silicon Metals Corp., a qualified person as per National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this new release. Mr. Wladichuk is a professional geoscientist registered in British Columbia and Ontario.

About Silicon Metals Corp.

Silicon Metals Corp. is currently focused on exploration and development in Canada, namely British Columbia and Ontario. The Company's Maple Birch Project, located approximately 30km south-east of Sudbury, Ontario, is a high purity quartz pegmatite project with a 3,000 tonne per year production permit. The Company too holds an undivided 100% right, title, and interest in the exploration stage and now fully 5-year drill permitted Ptarmigan Silica Project, located approximately 130km from Prince George, British Columbia. The Company has also acquired an undivided 100% right, title, and interest in both the exploration stage Silica Ridge Silica Project located approximately 70kms southeast from the town of MacKenzie, British Columbia, as well as the exploration stage Longworth Silica Project located approximately 85km East from Prince George, British Columbia.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

SILICON METALS CORP.

"Morgan Good"

Chief Executive Officer and Director

For more information regarding this news release and further details about Silicon's plans, please contact:

Morgan Good, CEO and Director

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements" are made as of the date of this news release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The forward-looking statements include without limitation, statements regarding the Company's plans for the Crystal Hills Project.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied certain material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will be able to advance its plans for the Crystal Hills Project; and that the Company will have all the necessary resources, including personnel and capital to carry out its business plans.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things; the Company may be unable to develop the Company's mineral properties as anticipated; the Company may be unable to carry out its business plans as disclosed; changes in applicable legislation impacting the Company's exploration plans; unanticipated cost; loss of key personnel; and failure to raise the capital required to carry out the Company's business plans.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277348

SOURCE: Silicon Metals Corp.
Peak assays of 465 g/t Ag & 20.2 g/t Au infill high-grade target area

ADELAIDE, AU / ACCESS Newswire / December 8, 2025 / HIGHLIGHTS

New Tolmer diamond drilling assays confirm local structural model analogous to eastern portion of historical Tarcoola goldfield, which hosts the Company's Perseverance Mine

'Western silver zone' target recently enhanced by western and southern extensions of silver, the emergence of high-grade gold, and soil assays suggesting further extensions [1]

Significant new intersections include:

Hole ID Interval Including: TBM255D Silver Gold 0.4m @ 414 g/t Ag from 60.8m 2.2m @ 4.65 g/t Au from 60.8m Gold 0.4m @ 20.2 g/t Au from 60.8m TBM256D Silver Silver Gold Gold 1.44m @ 221 g/t Ag from 65.56m 0.6m @ 465 g/t Ag from 81.2m 1.8m @ 1.63 g/t Au from 81.2m 15.25m @ 4.84 g/t Au from 139.75m Gold Gold 0.6m @ 2.74 g/t Au from 81.2m 3.8m @ 10.3 g/t Au from 141.2m TBM257D Silver Gold Gold Gold 2m @ 119 g/t Ag from 53m 1m @ 2.57 g/t Au from 53m 7m @ 2.09 g/t Au from 97m 8m @ 1.06 g/t Au from 112m Gold Gold 3m @ 4.11 g/t Au from 101m 1m @ 2.44 g/t Au from 114m

Follow up 'western silver zone' drilling anticipated for H1 2026 alongside other major programs Barton Gold Holdings Limited (ASX:BGD)(OTCQB:BGDFF)(FRA:BGD3) (Barton or Company) is pleased to announce assays results from diamond drilling (DD) at the high-grade Tolmer gold and silver prospect, located at the Company's South Australian Tarcoola Gold Project (Tarcoola). Three holes totalling 595.3m were recently drilled in the 'eastern gold zone' to identify structural controls and guide future targeting.2 Full details are contained in the complete announcement, which can be accessed on the ASX website, the investor section of Barton's website, or directly by clicking here. Commenting on the Tolmer DD assay results, Barton Managing Director Alexander Scanlon said: "Tolmer's western silver zone is an exciting recent discovery, with broad, high-grade silver supplemented by high-grade gold. Given its clear potential to become a material economic contributor to our regional development strategy, we are systematically building up a data set to enable smart targeting of its potential extensions. "This drilling has given us a helpful 'first look' at local structural controls and, together with other recent drilling results and soil sampling data, will help guide future targeting across the Tolmer prospect. We will continue our review, with a focus on the western silver zone, and expect to follow up with further drilling during 2026." Authorised by the Managing Director of Barton Gold Holdings Limited. For further information, please contact: Alexander Scanlon

Managing Director

a.scanlon@bartongold.com.au

+61 425 226 649 Jade Cook

Company Secretary

cosec@bartongold.com.au

+61 8 9322 1587 Competent Persons Statement The information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results for the Tarcoola Gold Project (including drilling, sampling, geophysical surveys and geological interpretation) is based upon, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation compiled by Mr Marc Twining BSc (Hons). Mr Twining is an employee of Barton Gold Holdings Ltd and is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Geoscientists (AusIMM Member 112811) and has sufficient experience with the style of mineralisation, the deposit type under consideration and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the "Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" (The JORC Code). Mr Twining consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based upon this information in the form and context in which it appears.

About Barton Gold

Barton Gold is an ASX, OTCQB and Frankfurt Stock Exchange listed Australian gold developer targeting future gold production of 150,000ozpa with 2.2Moz Au & 3.1Moz Ag JORC Mineral Resources (79.9Mt @ 0.87g/t Au), brownfield mines, and 100% ownership of the region's only gold mill in the renowned Gawler Craton of South Australia.*

Competent Persons Statement & Previously Reported Information

The information in this announcement that relates to the historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources as listed in the table below is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by the Competent Person whose name appears in the same row, who is an employee of or independent consultant to the Company and is a Member or Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) or a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO). Each person named in the table below has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he has undertaken to quality as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code 2012 (JORC).

Activity Competent Person Membership Status Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Stockpiles) Dr Andrew Fowler (Consultant) AusIMM Member Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Perseverance Mine) Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Tarcoola Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tarcoola Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Mineral Resource Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Challenger Mineral Resource (above 215mRL) Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Challenger Mineral Resource (below 90mRL) Mr Dale Sims AusIMM / AIG Fellow / Member Wudinna Mineral Resource (Clarke Deposit) Ms Justine Tracey AusIMM Member Wudinna Mineral Resource (all other Deposits) Mrs Christine Standing AusIMM / AIG Member / Member

The information relating to historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources in this announcement is extracted from the Company's Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 or as otherwise noted, available from the Company's website at www.bartongold.com.au or on the ASX website www.asx.com.au. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the Exploration Results and Mineral Resource information included in previous announcements and, in the case of estimates of Mineral Resources, that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates, and any production targets and forecast financial information derived from the production targets, continue to apply and have not materially changed. In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.19.2, the Company further confirms that the material assumptions underpinning any production targets and the forecast financial information derived therefrom continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the applicable Competent Persons' findings are presented have not been materially modified from the previous announcements.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This document may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "target" and "intend" and statements than an event or result "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information is subject to business, legal and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, risks relating to property interests, the global economic climate, commodity prices, sovereign and legal risks, and environmental risks. Forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and opinions at the date the statements are made. Barton undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that occur subsequent to such dates or to update or keep current any of the information contained herein. Any estimates or projections as to events that may occur in the future (including projections of revenue, expense, net income and performance) are based upon the best judgment of Barton from information available as of the date of this document. There is no guarantee that any of these estimates or projections will be achieved. Actual results will vary from the projections and such variations may be material. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to the past or future. Any reliance placed by the reader on this document, or on any forward-looking statement contained in or referred to in this document will be solely at the readers own risk, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof.

[1] Refer to ASX announcement dated 27 March, 16 April, 5 August and 24 September 2025

*Refer to Barton Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 and ASX announcement dated 8 September 2025. Total Barton JORC (2012) Mineral Resources include 1,049koz Au (39.7Mt @ 0.82 g/t Au) in Indicated category and 1,186koz Au (40.2Mt @ 0.92 g/t Au) in Inferred category, and 3,070koz Ag (34.5Mt @ 2.80 g/t Ag) in Inferred category as a subset of Tunkillia gold JORC (2012) Mineral Resources.

SOURCE: Barton Gold Holdings Limited

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/tolmer-diamond-assays-enhance-local-structural-model-1115714
THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / December 8, 2025 / Supreme Critical Metals Inc., (CSE:CRIT)(FWB:VR6)(OTC PINK:VRCFF) ("Supreme" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed a first closing of its previously announced non-brokered Flow-Through Unit Private placement (the "Financing"). The Corporation raised proceeds of $733,250.19 through the sale of 3,410,466 Units at a price of $0.215 per Flow-Through Unit.

Each FT Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one-half (1/2) of one common share purchase warrant, each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of $0.30 for 24 months, subject to the Company's right to accelerate expiry if, at any time, the 20 day Volume-Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") of the Company's Common Shares is greater than $0.60 per Common Share for 10 consecutive days, including days where there is no trading. Each FT Unit will qualify as a "flow-through share" under subsection 66 (15) of the Tax Act.

The Corporation paid finders fees to qualified finders of $51,327.51 and issued 238,733 broker warrants, which are on the same terms as the warrants forming the FT Units.

Securities issued pursuant to this Financing are subject to trading restrictions until April 9, 2026.

Proceeds from the Offering will be used for exploration on the Company's properties.

The securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an available exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there by any sale of the securities referenced in this press release, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Supreme Critical Metals Inc.

Supreme Critical Metals Inc. (CSE:CRIT)(FWB:VR6)(OTC:VRCFF) is a publicly traded, diversified exploration company advancing a portfolio of high-potential silver, copper, uranium, and gold properties across North America. The Company follows a disciplined, data-driven acquisition strategy focused on mining-friendly jurisdictions with established infrastructure, predictable permitting, and supportive regulatory frameworks.

Additional information about Supreme Critical Metals is available on the Company's website at www.supremecriticalmetals.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Supreme Critical Metals Inc.

"Glen R. Watson"

Glen R. Watson

President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Glen Watson, President & CEO

Phone: +1 (604) 803-5229

E-mail: info@supremecriticalmetals.com

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Forward-looking information in this release includes statements regarding the expected closing date of the Offering and future exploration programs. This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Such forward-looking information is provided to inform the Company's shareholders and potential investors about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "anticipate", "proposed", "estimates", "would", "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "will", and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking information contain these identifying words.

More particularly and without limitation, the forward-looking information in this news release includes expectations regarding the Company's business plans and operations. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions that have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the Company's current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs based on information currently available to the Company.

Whether actual results, performance, or achievements will conform to Supreme's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from Supreme's expectations. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals.

Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release.

SOURCE: Supreme Critical Metals Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/supreme-critical-metals-announces-first-closing-of-the-flow-through-unit-financin-1115755
January 28-30 | Miami Beach Convention Center

MIAMI, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / December 8, 2025 / In a world saturated with panels, pundits, and performative conferences, WallStreetBets Live is cutting straight to signal. From Jan. 28-30, the movement that reshaped modern retail finance brings its first full-scale global convention to the Miami Beach Convention Center - three days where market culture, social media power, serious capital, and real-world influence collide.

WallStreetBets Live

WSB Live Convention at Miami Beach Convention Center | Jan. 28-30

Being described as the place "Where Degens Meet Davos," WallStreetBets Live is designed to be the rare point of convergence where the internet's most powerful financial community meets the institutions, founders, creators, and builders who actually move markets, and shape the digital public square on social media where the power lies.

Not for spectacle. For consequence.

It's not another crypto expo. it's where the next cycle gets written.

For over a decade, online communities have given rise to retail finance and other movements by collaborating, shaping narratives, and mobilizing in mass with undeniable success. WallStreetBets showcased the tremendous potential when a collective mindset unites under a cause. WSB Live brings that online gravity fully into the physical world for the first time.

Over the past decade, these gatherings have earned a quiet reputation for accelerating entire industries. From early crypto adoption to aspiring entrepreneurs, progress has repeatedly followed when the right people were placed in the same room.

WSB Live takes the proven catalyst from these events and injects it with the raw force of WallStreetBets to push the limits even further.

For the first time, the collective intelligence, capital awareness, and narrative power of the world's most influential retail trading community converges in real life alongside founders, investors, policymakers, technologists and the creators and platform leaders who now sit at the center of global market discourse.

The event is organized by the very best: the same veteran team responsible for arguably the most consequential moments in digital-asset history, including the North American Bitcoin Conference, among the longest-running and most attended blockchain finance events in the world. The team's conferences are known as an industry "serendipity machine" where founders of major networks once crossed paths before becoming household names. On that same Miami stage, Vitalik formally introduced Ethereum to the world in 2014.

That same force combined is now supercharged by the presence of WallStreetBets, a community born of social media that disrupted and changed global finance.

Across three days, attendees can expect high-signal keynotes, unfiltered conversations, closed-door strategy sessions, and spontaneous collisions that simply don't happen online. No performative panels. No narrative cosplay. Just the people who actually build platforms, move capital, regulate systems, and trade at scale.

Miami has become the crossroads of social media, finance, crypto, culture, and capital.

In January, WallStreetBets Live becomes its pressure point.

Registration is now open. Attendance is limited.

Those who understand cycles know what this represents.

Those who miss it will hear about the outcomes later.

Learn more: wsblive.com

SOURCE: WSB Global, LLC

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/wallstreetbets-live-comes-to-miami-where-degens-meet-davos-1115747
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 8, 2025) - EagleOne Metals Corp. (CSE: EAGL) ("EagleOne" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the "LOI") with Surupampa Metals Corp. ("Target"), a private British Columbia company, pursuant to which the Company proposes to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Target (the "Target Shares") by way of a share exchange (the "Transaction").

Target is a private British Columbia mining issuer whose principal asset is its interest in an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") to acquire a 100% interest in the Surupampa I mining concession located in Peru (the "Property").

The Property is strategically located in a major mineral belt in northern Peru, near world-class deposits and is prospective for a gold-silver-copper base metal mineralization associated with a swarm of subparallel quartz veins striking approximately east-west. The principal structures at the Property are the Giuliana and Anita veins, that are quartz-dominant with minor carbonate.

The Property is a compelling target for follow-up exploration based on its potential for high-grade mineralization and the Property's geological setting. The vein is hosted within a major East-West fault structure, suggesting potential for structural continuity at depth and along strike.

The next stage of exploration will focus on confirming the depth and strike extent of the Giuliana vein system to define a drill target through detailed infill geological mapping and sampling, geological surveying to define vein extensions and feeder zones and the establishment of a drill program to test mineralization at depth.

The Company will provide additional Property details in a subsequent news release.

Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, EagleOne, through Target, will acquire a 100% interest in the Property upon:

Issuance of common shares in the capital of Target with an equivalent value of US$100,000 upon execution of the Option Agreement (complete);

Cash payment of US$100,000 on or before January 28, 2026;

Issuance of shares in the capital of EagleOne (" EagleOne Shares ") with an equivalent value of US$100,000 on or before February 28, 2026;

") with an equivalent value of US$100,000 on or before February 28, 2026; Issuance of EagleOne with an equivalent value of US$150,000 on or before May 28, 2026;

Cash payment of US$150,000 on or before August 28, 2026;

Issuance of EagleOne Shares with an equivalent value of US$200,000 and a cash payment of US$150,000, on or before February 28, 2026; and

Issuance of EagleOne Shares with an equivalent value of US$250,000 and a cash payment of US$200,000, on or before August 28, 2026.

Pursuant to the LOI, the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding Target Shares, in exchange for the issuance to the existing shareholders of Target of 18,750,000 common shares of the Company. The Transaction is expected to be completed pursuant to a definitive share exchange agreement to be negotiated between the parties.

Completion of the Transaction remains subject to a number of conditions, including negotiation and execution of the definitive transaction agreement, completion of satisfactory due diligence by the parties, receipt of all required corporate, regulatory and third-party approvals, including acceptance of the Canadian Securities Exchange and, if required, approval of the Company's shareholders.

Strategic Services Agreement.

EagleOne Metals Corporation has entered into a strategic services agreement with Fairfax Partners Inc., a Vancouver-based communications and digital marketing firm specializing in investor relations and capital markets strategy.

Under the agreement, Fairfax Partners will provide investor relations, communications infrastructure, and digital marketing services to enhance EagleOne's market visibility and shareholder engagement. The agreement, effective December 8, includes a monthly fee of CAD $5,000 for investor relations management and an annual marketing budget of up to CAD $500,000, allocated at the Company's discretion. Fairfax Partners Inc. is located at 1221 Bidwell Street, Vancouver, BC, V6G 0B1, and can be contacted at connect@fairfax.partners. Fairfax Partners holds no shares or ownership interest in EagleOne Metals Corporation.

About EagleOne Metals Corp.

EagleOne is a Canadian-based precious and base metal explorer that holds the option to acquire a 100% interest, subject to a 2% net smelter returns royalty, in 11 claims comprising the Magusi West Gold Project, which is located in Abitibi greenstone belt of Quebec - one of the world's most productive and highest ranked gold mining jurisdictions. The Company seeks to unlock shareholder value through the diligent exploration of carefully selected exploration projects in some of Canada's most prolific exploration and mining areas. EagleOne is committed to all stakeholders including shareholders, all its partners and the environment in which it operates.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated closing of the Transaction, statements regarding consideration payments to be made pursuant to the Option Agreement and the timing thereof, the anticipated receipt of necessary approvals for closing of the Transaction, including the acceptance of the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Company's exploration plans at the Property and the Company's beliefs regarding the prospective nature of the Property are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this news release including, without limitation, that the Company will be able to close the Transaction and will do so on the timelines currently anticipated by management, that the Company will be able to satisfy the payment obligations under the Option Agreement, that the Company will obtain all necessary approvals for completion of the Transaction, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange, that the Company will be able to explore the Property and establish a drill program as anticipated and that the results of the drill program and further exploration will yield promising results.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include, risks relating to: the risk that the Company will be unable to close the Transaction or will be unable to do so on the timelines currently anticipated by management, the risk that the Company will be unable to satisfy the payment obligations under the Option Agreement, the risk that the Company will not obtain all necessary approvals for completion of the Transaction, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange, and the risk that the Company will be unable to complete the exploration work contemplated or that the results of such exploration will not yield positive results.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Neither does the Company nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this document. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this document by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this document. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no 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/277376

SOURCE: EagleOne Metals Corporation
SINGAPORE, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MetaComp Pte. Ltd. ("MetaComp"), Singapore's leading licensed stablecoin cross-border payments and treasury management service provider, today announced it has raised US$22 million in its Pre-A funding round. This is one of the largest Pre-A raises this year for a Singapore-licensed stablecoin payments provider, closing amid a highly selective funding landscape. The raise follows the November launch of StableX Network that comprises its upgraded VisionX risk-intelligence engine, marking MetaComp's transition into scale-up mode as the region accelerates its shift towards regulated stablecoin settlement.

Dr. Bo Bai, Chairman and Co-Founder of MetaComp, said, "Asia is entering a new stage of digital finance where settlement infrastructure must meet the standards of global trade. StableX and VisionX give enterprises the speed of stablecoins with the safeguards of regulated finance. For us, this round goes beyond capital support. It is validation from top-tier investors that regulated stablecoin settlement will be one of Asia's defining financial rails over the next decade."

The round was backed by Eastern Bell Capital, Noah, Sky9 Capital, Freshwave Fund and Beingboom Capital, with 100Summit Partners as exclusive financial advisor. The investor mix reflects deep expertise in supply chain, fintech infrastructure and institutional wealth management across Asia, underscoring MetaComp's strategic role in strengthening regional settlement infrastructure.

Tin Pei Ling, Co-President of MetaComp, said, "With regulations around stablecoins gaining clarity, enterprises now have the clarity to modernise their settlement processes. Our volumes, now exceeding US$1 billion a month across more than 30 markets, show that businesses want real-time payments that combine speed with compliance. This funding allows us to scale StableX and VisionX across Southeast Asia and build the Web2.5 infrastructure that the region's digital economy can depend on."

A Web2.5 architecture that unifies SWIFT and stablecoin networks

MetaComp holds a Major Payment Institution licence issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Payment Services Act 2019. With a strong emphasis on compliance, security, and institutional-grade infrastructure, MetaComp delivers an end-to-end suite of digital finance solutions - including OTC and exchange trading, fiat payment rails, regulated digital asset custody, and brokerage services. Together with its parent company Alpha Ladder Finance Pte. Ltd., a MAS-licensed Capital Markets Services (CMS) licensee and Recognised Market Operator (RMO), and through its proprietary Client Asset Management Platform (CAMP), MetaComp provides a Web2.5 treasury management services to its payment clients in a secure and integrated environment that bridges traditional finance with digital assets.

The StableX Engine, launched in May 2025, is MetaComp's intelligent FX and liquidity engine designed for cross-border B2B flows. Supporting both traditional SWIFT rails and multiple stablecoin networks, the engine delivers 24/7 FX execution, optimal path routing and automated liquidity management. It currently supports more than 10 leading stablecoins including USDT, USDC, RLUSD, FDUSD, PYUSD and WUSD, with plans to expand to other globally liquid and compliant asset types.

The StableX Network builds on this foundation by providing a real-time cross-border settlement layer. Powered by the StableX Engine for FX and liquidity and the VisionX Engine for compliance, the network enables instant, transparent and cost-efficient settlement across fiat and stablecoin environments. VisionX Engine integrates multiple KYT databases, real-time monitoring and dynamic risk scoring, enhancing inter-institution collaboration through a shared intelligence layer. This Web2.5 framework brings together the assurance of regulated finance with the speed and reach of digital assets.

Investor Confidence and MetaComp's 2026 Expansion Plans

These funds will accelerate the expansion of StableX Network, enabling local-fiat in, stablecoin rails across borders and local-fiat out. MetaComp will deepen its footprint across Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East, where enterprises are demanding compliant, high-speed settlement infrastructure that can keep up with rising regional trade flows. The proceeds will also strengthen MetaComp's core technology development and global market expansion, enhancing its service capabilities for enterprises operating across multiple regulatory jurisdictions.

Noah commented that MetaComp's integrated Web2.5 "Payments + Treasury Management" strategy, anchored in stablecoin cross-border payments and enhanced by digital asset custody, positions the company to achieve significant scale in B2B settlement scenarios across emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Supported by Singapore's comprehensive MAS licencing regime and MetaComp's solid access to institutional banking channels, Noah believes that the company is poised to become a global leader in Web2.5 financial solutions. Noah will leverage its strengths in global high-net-worth client services and treasury management, to collaborate closely with MetaComp on compliant digital asset and cross-border treasury solutions, delivering more secure and efficient payment capabilities for clients.

Ron Cao, Founder and Partner of Sky9 Capital, said, "Stablecoin payments are entering a structural growth phase, and MetaComp has secured an advantageous position. The team's expertise across traditional finance and blockchain has translated into products with real commercial traction. We see MetaComp using payments as a foundation to scale into higher-value financial services and emerging as a next-generation leader in cross-border payment & treasury management infrastructure."

Frank Li, Director of Beingboom Capital, echoed this sentiment, "MetaComp is building a critical layer of digital financial infrastructure that improves stability, efficiency and compliance in global settlement. Asia's regulatory momentum provides a strong base for this growth, and we are confident the company will play a central role as digital finance continues to advance across the region."

About MetaComp Pte. Ltd.

MetaComp is a leading licensed cross-border FX and digital assets infrastructure provider headquartered in Singapore and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Payment Services Act 2019. Operating on a P2B2C (platform-to- business/partners-to-clients) model, MetaComp empowers institutions, payment service providers, fintechs, and global enterprises to navigate the evolving cross-border payments and the digital asset economy with confidence.

MetaComp's latest innovation, StableX, is a next-generation cross-border FX and liquidity routing infrastructure designed to simplify and accelerate global fund flows. Powered by stablecoins and USD, StableX intelligently optimises multi-currency conversions and settlements, enabling faster, more cost-effective, and highly competitive cross-border transactions. As the FX layer within CAMP, StableX combines the programmability of digital assets with the reliability of regulated infrastructure, delivering a scalable, compliant and seamless ecosystem for the future of global finance.

To learn more about MetaComp and its regulated infrastructure and solutions, visit www.mce.sg or follow us on Twitter @MetaCompHQ.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/singapores-metacomp-raises-us22-million-pre-a-to-scale-a-web2-5-fiatstablecoin-hybrid-payment-network-for-cross-border-payments-302635705.html
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - December 8, 2025) - Air Charter Advisors is pleased to announce its new partnership with Reading Aviation and the Reading Regional Airport (RDG), bringing expanded private jet charter access and premium aviation services directly to travelers in Berks County. Through this collaboration, Air Charter Advisors will serve clients departing from the Reading Aviation FBO with customized private flight solutions for business, leisure, medical, and specialty travel needs.





Air Charter Advisors Announces New Partnership with Reading Aviation to Expand Private Air Charter Access in Berks County



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"We're excited to partner with Reading Aviation to deliver reliable, flexible, and cost-effective charter flights for travelers throughout the region," said Adam Steiger, Founder & President of Air Charter Advisors. "Our mission has always been to simplify private air travel while upholding the highest safety and service standards, and this new partnership enables us to provide Reading-area clients with seamless access to private flights anywhere in the world."

Air Charter Advisors offers 24/7 access to a global network of certified aircraft, providing competitive rates, transparent pricing, and personalized service for every trip. As an independent charter brokerage, Air Charter Advisors works exclusively on behalf of clients-ensuring aircraft selection, safety, and itinerary planning are always aligned with their unique travel goals.

Services Now Available to Reading Aviation Clients:

Private Jet Charters

Executive & Group Charter Flights

Pet-Friendly Private Flights

Non-Emergency Medical & Air Ambulance Transport

Cargo & Freight Charter Solutions

Aircraft Management

Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions

Worldwide Travel, Local Convenience: Through this partnership, travelers can now enjoy global charter access with the convenience of departing from the Reading Aviation FBO-connecting Berks County to destinations across the U.S. and around the world.

Clients may request a free, no-obligation quote for Private Jet Charters Reading PA directly through Air Charter Advisors or via the Reading Aviation website.

For more information about Air Charter Advisors, use the contact details below:

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276937

SOURCE: Plentisoft
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 8, 2025) - AJN Resources Inc. (CSE: AJN) (FSE: 5AT) (AJN or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding term sheet with Amani Consulting SARL (Amani Consulting), Giro Goldfields SARL (Giro Goldfields) and Mabanga Mining SARL (Mabanga) pursuant to which AJN can acquire a 55% indirect interest in the Giro Gold Project (Project).

The Giro Gold Project comprises two exploitation permits, Permis d'Exploitation (PE) 5046 and PE 5049, that cover a surface area of about 497km and lies within the Kilo Moto Greenstone Belt in the Haute-Uele Province in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), about 35km west of the Kibali Mine, a mine which produces more than 600,000 oz gold per annum1.

Figure 1: Location of the Giro Gold Project (in orange).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Klaus Eckhof, CEO of AJN, stated: "We are very pleased that after several years of discussions and negotiations, and having tried various approaches, we've finally been able to negotiate a non-binding term sheet to obtain an interest in the Giro Gold Project, which is a project we've always sought to acquire. Upon the intended closing of a purchase agreement, we would like to advance this Project as quickly as possible into production. We are also looking at other projects with significant resources as well as old gold mining areas. Our goal is to make AJN a significant player in the DRC gold sector."

The Giro Gold Project consists of two main deposits, the Kebigada and the Douze Match deposits, which demonstrate a similar style of mineralisation and structural setting as at the Kibali Deposit.

Figure 2: Map2 showing the geology and >30ppb gold-in-soil anomalies (red) at the Giro Gold Project.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The Project area is underlain by highly prospective volcano-sedimentary lithologies in a similar structural and lithological setting to the Kibali gold deposits. Both primary and alluvial gold has been mined from two main areas, the Giro and Tora areas, during both the Belgian rule and today.

Kebigada Deposit:

Previous drilling at the Kebigada deposit has confirmed a "main zone" mineralisation that exists over 1.3km to 1.5km with widths of up to 350-400m and depths exceeding 300m. Mineralisation is strongly associated with silica flooding, quartz stringers and sulphides (pyrite and chalcopyrite). High grade mineralisation appears to be associated with east-west trending quartz stringers and pyrite/chalcopyrite laminae. Mineralisation has an apparent plunge to the north which highlights the underground potential.

Historic JORC 2012 mineral resource estimates3 of 141.1Mt @ 0.97g/t Au (4.4Moz contained) which include a measured resource of 32.9Mt @ 1.08g/t Au (1.1Moz contained) were defined by Geowiz Consulting (Geowiz) for Amani Gold Limited on the Kebigada target at Giro. To upgrade/verify these historic resource estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves, an independent consultant would need to be retained to review the exploration work on this project since Geowiz prepared their report and update the JORC resource. The Kebigada location is shown in Figure 1.

Historic preliminary metallurgical test work at Kebigada indicates gold recoveries of >90% in both oxide and sulphide zones using simple gravity-cyanide processing techniques4.

Table 1 - Kebigada Mineral Resources - Geowiz 2023 Resource Evaluation (using a 0.5g/t Au cut-off)

Deposit Class Tonnes (Mt) Au (g/t) Au (Moz) Kebigada Measured 32.9 1.08 1.1 Indicated 46.4 1.03 1.5 Inferred 61.9 0.87 1.7

Note that information disclosed from adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative to the mineralization on the Giro Gold Project. The mineral resource estimates disclosed herein were prepared in accordance with the JORC Code (2012). The JORC Code uses the terms Measured Resource, Indicated Resource and Inferred Resource, which are broadly comparable to the CIM Definition Standards (2014) used in NI 43-101. However, the categories are not identical. Under CIM definitions, a Mineral Resource must demonstrate "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction" and meet specific confidence thresholds in geology and grade continuity. While JORC and CIM share similar intent and hierarchy among resource categories, differences exist in the underlying reporting requirements, minimum standards, and expectations of modifying factors. The Company considers the JORC estimate to be an historical estimate and has not completed sufficient work to classify the estimate as a current CIM-compliant mineral resource. The Company is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

Douze Match Deposit:

Mineralisation at Douze Match occurs within a north-east trending mineralised corridor of around 2.6km length and up to 600m width. This mineralisation is from surface down to depths exceeding 190m. Douze Match occurs within a 6km x 2.5km gold-in-soil anomaly, with artisanal mining in the area possibly highlighting more exploration potential5.

Table 2 - Douze Match Mineral Resources - H&SC 2018 Resource Evaluation

Deposit Class Tonnes (Mt) Au (g/t) Au (Oz) Douze Match Indicated 2.2 1.2 84,879 Inferred 5.8 1.2 227,631

Historic mineral resource estimates6 of 84,879 oz at 1.2g/t Au (JORC 2012 Indicated) were defined by H&S Consultants Pty Ltd (H&SC) on the Douze Match target at Giro. The Douze Match location is shown in Figure 1.

AJN believes that the above mineral resource estimates were completed according to industry standards and that the resource categorizations defined in (a) the technical report compiled by H&S Consultants Pty Ltd (H&SC), "Mineral Resource Estimate for the Kebigada Deposit, Haut-Uele Province, DRC - March 2020" and (b) the technical report compiled by H&S Consultants Pty Ltd (H&SC), "Resource Estimation of the Douze Match Deposit- December 2018," both of which were prepared for Amani Gold Limited, are in line with NI 43-101 standards in that to the extent known all key assumptions, parameters, and methods were used to prepare the historical estimates. It is also AJN's opinion that the resource work is both reliable and relevant. Further work recommended for AJN at Kebigada and at Douze Match in regards to verifying and upgrading the resources would be to review the drill and related QC data in greater detail, duplicate informing sample data by perhaps twinning holes, re-assaying remaining sample material, analysing laboratory pulps and coarse rejects, and increasing the sample support by closer spaced drilling. No QC data was available for review by the qualified person and H&SC performed no data review as part of their scope of work. It is the qualified person's opinion that there is potentially a significant risk associated with the lack of QC analysis and that AJN should dedicate resources to reviewing this issue. The qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the 2012 resources as current and AJN does not consider this resource work as anything but a historic resource.

Non-Binding Term Sheet:

Pursuant to the non-binding term sheet, which was fully-signed on December 1st, 2025, AJN can purchase, from Amani Consulting, a 55% registered and beneficial interest in Giro Goldfields (Giro Interest) through the issuance of 250,000,000 common shares in its capital to Amani Consulting or its nominee(s). Giro Goldfields holds a 100% registered and beneficial interest in the Giro Gold Project. Amani Consulting, Giro Goldfields and Mabanga are all arm's length to AJN. The Parties have agreed to negotiate in good faith a purchase agreement to more fully document the arrangements, which are the subject of the non-binding term sheet. If and when such a purchase agreement is signed, the Company's shares will be halted and will remain halted until after the closing of the transaction. Upon closing of the purchase of the Giro Interest by AJN (Closing), AJN will reconstitute its board of directors to increase the number of directors from four (4) to five (5), of which three (3) will be representatives of Amani Consulting, which representatives will be elected or appointed to AJN's board of directors. Upon Closing, this transaction will constitute a change of control as defined in CSE Policy 1.3(2). AJN will be granted an option to acquire the remaining 10% interest held by Amani Consulting in Giro Goldfields by either (a) paying US$30 million to Amani Consulting within 12 months of the Closing, or (b) paying US$50 million to Amani Consulting within 24 months of the Closing. Closing will be subject to certain conditions precedent including satisfactory due diligence by AJN, Amani Consulting and Mabanga, and receipt of all necessary approvals including board approval, and any shareholder and regulatory approval required to be obtained by AJN.

Change of Name:

The Company has received approval from the British Columbia Registrar of Companies for the Company's proposed new name Giro Gold Corporation and has obtained new ISIN and CUSIP numbers for this name. Subject to Canadian Securities Exchange approval, the name change will be implemented imminently.

Finders' Fee Shares:

The Company has issued 666,666 common shares to each of three finders, for a total of 1,999,998 shares, pursuant to three finder's fee agreements each dated November 10, 2025. The shares were issued pursuant to an introduction by the finders to the holders of a mineral exploration property and are restricted from trading until March 22, 2026.

Private Placement Offering:

The Company also announces a non-brokered private placement offering of up to 3,000,000 units in the capital of the company at a price of 16.5 cents per unit for gross proceeds of up to $495,000. Each unit will be comprised of one common share and one share purchase warrant, where each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of 25 cents per warrant share for a two-year period. Proceeds from this private placement will be used for technical, legal and financial due diligence on Giro Goldfields and on the Giro Gold Project; negotiation, preparation and closing of a purchase agreement; and mineral exploration activities on the Project.

Stock Option Grants:

The Company also announces that it has granted a total of 3,000,000 incentive stock options (Stock Options) to consultants in accordance with AJN's omnibus equity incentive compensation plan. These Stock Options have a five-year term, an exercise price of $0.25 per common share and vest immediately.

Restricted Share Units:

The Company also announces that it has issued a total of 6,300,000 restricted share units (RSUs) to directors and consultants of the Company in accordance with AJN's omnibus equity incentive compensation plan.

QP Statement

Mr. Dylan le Roux (BSc Hons in Earth Science) is an independent consultant of AJN Resources Inc. and a qualified geologist. Mr. le Roux is a registered Professional Natural Scientist (Geological Science) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP Reg. No. 155814). Mr. le Roux is a qualified person (QP) under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About AJN Resources Inc.

AJN is a junior exploration company. AJN's management and directors possess over 50 years of collective industry experience and have been very successful in the areas of exploration, financing and developing major mines throughout the world, with a focus on Africa.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release may include certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although AJN Resources Inc. believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, AJN Resources Inc. disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.

1 Barrick holds a 45% indirect interest in the Kibali gold mine and Barrick's attributable production for 2024 totalled 309,000 oz. gold; see: https://www.barrick.com/English/operations/kibali/default.aspx.

2 Modified from Amani Gold map in ASX release of 19 March 2020.

3 Amani Gold Limited publicly available information (refer ASX announcement 28 March 2023).

4 Burey Gold Limited (which later changed its name to Amani Gold Limited) publicly available information (refer ASX announcement 9 November 2016).

5 Amani Gold Limited publicly available information.

6 As reported in the National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for the North Congolese Gold Project, Democratic Republic of Congo dated 20th March, 2020 prepared for AJN Resources Inc. by Geosure Resource Consultants Pty Ltd which is available on www.sedarplus.ca under AJN's profile.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277406

SOURCE: AJN Resources Inc.
DUSSELDORF, Germany, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 5, 2025, MINISO opened its newest store at Flinger Strae 27 in Dusseldorf, marking its largest retail location in Germany to date. The new store's debut not only meets the expectations of local shoppers but also strengthens MINISO's expanding presence across the European market. As a store location built around immersive IP-themed experiences, the Dusseldorf store introduces a joyful new shopping destination to the city just in time for the Christmas season.

Located on Dusseldorf's historic and high-traffic Flinger Strae, the new MINISO store sits at the center of one of the city's most vibrant shopping areas, surrounded by leading fashion and lifestyle brands. The prime location reinforces MINISO's expanding presence in Germany while ensuring strong daily footfall.

Spanning over 500 square meters, the store features a bright, playful design with immersive IP-themed zones, including a 2-meter-tall Stitch figure, a blind-box wall, and co-branded displays-creating a lively, discovery-driven shopping experience for visitors of all ages.

The new store features around 3,000 SKUs, spanning vinyl plush, blind boxes, and a wide range of creative lifestyle products. With one of MINISO's most playful assortments of vinyl plush keychains, the store has quickly become a little "Keychain Plushie Heaven" for fans looking to pick their favorites.

Among the highlights is MINISO's new Zootopia-themed collection, launched in step with the excitement around the new film. Adorable vinyl plush, blind boxes, and accessories quickly became some of the fastest-selling items on opening day. The Hello Kitty & Friends Capybara collection was also a standout, and notably made its debut in Germany, with its adorable design and charming appeal making it a popular pick among shoppers.

The store further brings together fan-favorite IPs such as Hello Kitty & Friends Original, Stitch Gen Z, and One Piece, offering a more varied and playful product mix. Consumers can freely explore different IP collections, encountering a variety of characters and creative styles throughout the space.

On opening day, the store hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and introduced a range of interactive activities, including a lucky spin wheel and DJ performance, which drew large crowds eager to join in. The lively atmosphere and strong social media engagement quickly turned the store into a popular new spot for photos and social-media moments in Dusseldorf.

As IP-driven and experiential retail continue to gain momentum globally, MINISO is rapidly strengthening its presence across Europe. In Germany, the brand has experienced notable growth since opening its first IP Collection Store in Essen in 2024. MINISO now operates in key cities such as Munich, Hannover, Dusseldorf, including a high-traffic location in Westfield Centro, Oberhausen - the country's largest shopping mall and a major commercial landmark. With additional confirmed openings on the way, MINISO is poised to bring even more fresh energy, beloved IP-led products, and engaging retail experiences to consumers across Germany and beyond.

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The 2025 Imperial Springs International Forum

GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2025 Imperial Springs International Forum concluded on December 3 at the Imperial Springs International Convention Center in Guangzhou. During the forum, Chinese and international participants focused on topics such as "Global Economic Trends Amid Trade and Tariff Conflicts", engaging in substantive exchanges, sharing informed perspectives, and building broad consensus. Many called for responding to change through reform and pursuing development through transformation.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

Managing the risks posed by the 'technology divide' and integrating proactively into the digital age are as important as addressing traditional economic risks. We should advance reforms of existing economic governance institutions, promote a fairer distribution of resources, and give developing countries greater opportunities to be heard. Through repeated exchanges and mutual inspiration, consensus was continuously deepened and consolidated, conveying a strong message of openness, cooperation, mutual learning, and win-win outcomes.

Amid growing uncertainties, how to accurately identify risks, enhance socio-economic resilience, and establish effective early-warning and response mechanisms became a shared focus among participants.

Romano Prodi, former Prime Minister of Italy, observed that many current trade policies are driven not by economic logic but by domestic political considerations and geopolitical competition, significantly increasing the unpredictability of global supply chains and the trade environment. He noted that the politicization of economic instruments has become a major source of global economic turbulence and called for institutionalized dialogue to jointly address such risks.

Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada, highlighted the impact of tariff policies on global supply chains and the free trade order. "Today's supply chains are highly globalized and complex, and countries are becoming increasingly interdependent. Some political leaders believe tariffs weaken other countries, but what they actually do is cause job losses at home and increase prices for their own people," she said. Campbell stressed the need for better information-sharing to help all sides understand how global supply chains are interconnected and interdependent, and to strengthen their resilience and sustainability through collaborative efforts.

Many participants emphasized that the ability to manage risks is essential to ensuring stable and sustainable development.

Xue Lan, a distinguished professor of arts, humanities and social sciences and the Dean of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, noted that China attaches great importance to and strongly advocates the open-source model. He argued that this approach can effectively address a key challenge faced by many small and medium-sized countries: limited capacity to independently develop advanced large models due to technological and resource constraints. By enabling enterprises in those countries to use China's open-source models at relatively low cost, they can genuinely share in the benefits of AI development. From this perspective, China is in fact leading future global development trends.

Xue added that the open-source path embraced by Chinese technology companies is likely to deliver significant technology spillover effects for developing countries, helping ensure that AI-driven transformation benefits all. "The empowerment coming from China enables a wide range of developing countries to actively build their own future economies," he said. China is committed to investing in long-term development, technology transfer and capacity building, advancing its own modernization while helping developing countries enhance their autonomous development capabilities.

Against the backdrop of profound changes in the global economic landscape, traditional development models face major challenges. At the forum, participants from various countries discussed and reflected on the old paradigm that emphasized growth speed and scale, and instead explored new sustainable development paths that prioritize endogenous driving force, structural optimization and shared well-being.

Maria Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, said that economic and financial governance mechanisms represented by the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization and the World Bank remain integral to the global governance system and continue to play a vital role in maintaining global economic stability and development. However, she stressed that as the world has undergone profound changes, existing economic governance institutions need to be reformed; resources must be distributed more fairly; and developing countries should be supported to have greater opportunities to voice their concerns.

Michelle Bachelet Jeria, former President of Chile and Vice President of the World Leadership Alliance - Club de Madrid, underscored the necessity of a paradigm shift. She noted that many global risks today, such as climate change, financial crises and technological disruptions, are systemic in nature and cannot be addressed by any country alone. "Fragmented or unilateral responses will make us even less secure," she said. Bachelet argued that nations must move beyond isolated and short-sighted approaches, and adopt cooperation rather than confrontation, and systemic governance rather than zero-sum competition, as the foundation for a new development paradigm.

Many participants agreed that the new development paradigm must be "sought inward".

"Under external pressure, Europe is attempting to preserve what it considers its autonomy and identity." Using Europe as an example, Romano Prodi explained how identity reconstruction forms part of a shifting development paradigm. He noted that the pursuit of strategic autonomy and internal cohesion is itself an adjustment aimed at achieving stable development in turbulent times, reflecting a shift from overreliance on external forces toward strengthening internal identity and capacity.

Zhu Feng, Dean of the School of International Studies at Nanjing University and Executive Director of the Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies at Nanjing University, said that China's 15th Five-Year Plan represents a major strategic shift. A key element, he observed, is transitioning from past heavy reliance on exports and global trade to placing greater emphasis on endogenous driving force and inclusive development. He noted that this transformation aims to address domestic economic imbalances and make prosperity more inclusive, representing a shift from "quantity" to "quality," and from "external dependence" to "a balance of internal and external drivers."

Guest Views

Dr. Chau Chak Wing, Initiator of the Imperial Springs International Forum (ISIF), Founding President of the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association, Chair of the Asia-Pacific Region, World Leadership Alliance - Club de Madrid President's Circle, Co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Global Circle: Since its establishment, the ISIF has brought together many good friends and true friends of great wisdom, influence and vision. The more complex the international landscape becomes, the more important it is to strengthen exchanges, to view issues from different perspectives, and to foster cooperation and inclusiveness. People-to-people exchanges are flexible and diverse, with broad reach, vitality and promise.

Romano Prodi, Former Prime Minister of Italy:

China-EU Cooperation Injects Greater Stability into the World Economy

Romano Prodi noted that frictions arising from political differences have become a key driver of volatility in global landscape. He said that the decisions of some political leaders are not grounded in economic logic but are shaped by domestic political considerations. "Such political-level conflicts challenge the process of globalization and even hinder the development of free trade," he said.

He argued that if countries narrowly pursue their own interests without shifting away from a confrontational mindset, global tensions will be difficult to ease. Prodi emphasized that the European Union and China are both among the world's three largest economies, and that as the United States moves toward separation and isolation, closer China-EU ties become even more essential.

"There are many areas where China and Europe can cooperate, and they should also work together on third-party cooperation. This is important and constructive." He stressed that the world today needs more harmony and cooperation, and that China and the EU should take joint action, based on respecting differences and managing disagreements effectively, to advance their relationship.

"Over the past 20 years, China's foreign trade has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Today, more countries trade with China than with the United States. Therefore, concluding an investment and trade agreement between China and Europe is a necessary means to safeguard globalization and free trade." Prodi said that China and the EU, as major actors on the world stage, must deepen cooperation not only for their own interests but also to prevent historical backsliding and to sustain the future of globalization, which would inject greater stability and certainty into the global economy.

"As a major country, China can play an even greater role in advancing international cooperation," Prodi said.

Maria Fernanda Espinosa, President of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador:

Globalization Has Not Ended. It Has Entered a "Recalibration" Phase

"Tariffs, export controls and subsidies, these were once very rare measures, yet today they have become routine tools for some of the world's major economies. This has brought uncertainty to the global economy, with particularly significant impacts on developing countries." Espinosa stressed that enhancing the predictability of the global economy is itself a form of international public good, and that all countries should work together to promote fair and transparent trade governance.

She noted that today's global economy is highly interconnected, but also more fragile and uncertain. Countries must reassess how economic interdependence is governed, and find a balance between national sovereignty and international responsibility. Despite current setbacks and challenges to globalization, she said, the open markets, multilateral trade rules and international supply chains it established remain the shared foundation of economic development for all countries.

In her view, globalization has not come to an end; instead, it has entered a phase of "recalibration". She observed that the restructuring of global supply chains is increasingly driven by security and technological considerations rather than actual human needs, posing profound challenges for developing countries. Meanwhile, regional economic diversification is gaining momentum, with Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East seeking more diversified cooperation policies to enhance resilience. However, she emphasized that such efforts must remain aligned with the direction of global multilateral trade reform.

Source: The 2025 Imperial Springs International Forum

Contact: Ms. Luo, Tel: 86-10-63074558
PARIS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EDF power solutions enters Obelisk, a hybrid project located in Egypt combining a 1.1GW solar plant and a 100MW/200MWh battery storage located in the city of Nagaa Hammadi, close to Luxor.

EDF power solutions signed a shareholder agreement with Scatec (60%), a leading renewable energy solutions provider partnering with Norfund (20%), the Norwegian investment fund for developing countries. With this transaction, EDF power solutions owns the remaining 20% of the project company.

Obelisk' phase 1 commissioning is planned for the first half of 2026 and its phase 2 for the second half of the same year. This project will provide competitive electricity to the Egyptian grid through a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). It supports Egypt's ambition to reach 42GW of renewable energy by 2030.

This new project marks a step forward in EDF power solutions development in the country. The company operates two plots in the Benban solar power plant and is the largest shareholder of KarmSolar, a leading solar utility company. EDF power solutions is committed to supporting the energy transition of the country through renewables, storage and low carbon electricity production assets.

Benedicte Regnier, EDF power solutions Executive VP Africa said: "EDF power solutions is thrilled to announce this partnership with Scatec and Norfund in Egypt. After its investment in Benban and in KarmSolar, and alongside with promising development in green hydrogen, EDF power solutions investment into the Obelisk project is another demonstration of its long-standing relationship with Egypt."

About EDF power solutions

Bringing together the businesses of EDF Renewables and EDF Group International Division, EDF power solutions is an international energy player which develops, builds and operates renewable and low-carbon energy production facilities as well as flexible power and electricity transmission solutions.

As a major player in the energy transition worldwide, EDF power solutions deploys, within EDF, competitive, responsible and value-creating projects. In 25 countries, our teams show their commitment to local stakeholders every day, adding their expertise and capacity for innovation to the fight against climate change.

EDF power solutions operates 31GW of gross installed power capacity worldwide. Leveraging on its technological and commercial skills as well as local knowledge, EDF power solutions develops innovative offers, to support the move towards decarbonization and develop more efficient electrical systems.

EDF power solutions offer a large range of technologies to produce low carbon electricity (wind power, solar, hydraulics, biomass), increase power system flexibility (battery storage, PSP, low carbon thermal hybrid solution etc.) and to reduce our customers' carbon footprint (electrical mobility, hydrogen, offgrid solutions, mini-grids, etc.).

For more information: www.edf-powersolutions.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: edf-power-solutions

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The project strengthens the strategic partnership with ENGIE and reinforces NHOA Energy's long-term commitment to the Benelux markets

NHOA Energy, global provider of utility-scale energy storage systems, has been awarded by ENGIE the contracts for the Supply, Commissioning and the Long-Term Service of a new 80 MW 320 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to be installed at the site of ENGIE's Drogenbos power station, near Brussels.

The Drogenbos BESS represents ENGIE's third large-scale battery asset in Belgium and was selected in the country's fifth Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM) auction, securing a 15-year contract starting in November 2027. Designed to deliver essential flexibility services to the Belgian grid, enabling greater integration of renewable energy and supporting grid stability at national level, the BESS will be based on NHOA Energy's NHEXUS platform, including 88 battery containers capable of providing up to 4 hours of discharge, corresponding to the average daily electricity demand of over 38,000 households.

The project marks a significant new milestone in expanding the collaboration between NHOA Energy and ENGIE, as it follows the ongoing construction of the 400 MWh Kallo BESS, another flagship project for Belgium's energy transition.

The construction of the Drogenbos plant is scheduled to begin in March 2026, with full commissioning expected by September 2027.

After commissioning, the operation of the plant will be supported via a Long-Term Service Agreement, combining long-term product and performance warranties with comprehensive operation and maintenance services. Through continuous monitoring of the plant and data-driven maintenance, coupled with an established local structure, NHOA Energy will guarantee ENGIE high availability levels and optimized operational performance throughout the asset's lifecycle.

"With this new battery park, we are strengthening our current position as the Belgian reference in flexible energy generation and storage. It is no coincidence that flexibility is one of the three cornerstones of ENGIE's strategy in Belgium, alongside renewable energy and smart customer solutions. The flexible storage capacity of batteries will play a key role in tomorrow's energy system: by balancing supply and demand, they support the electricity grid and help us make optimal use of the available renewable energy." commented Vincent Verbeke, CEO of ENGIE Belgium.

We are proud to return to Drogenbos, the site of a pilot system we commissioned with ENGIE back in 2018, this time to deliver a landmark project for Belgium's energy transition. With Drogenbos, we bring to the country another multi-hour storage system powered by our proprietary NHEXUS BESS platform and engineering expertise, reinforcing our position as a long-term partner for the development of flexible and resilient power systems," said Lucie Kanius-Dujardin, Global Managing Director of NHOA Energy

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251203062211/en/

Contacts:

Communications: Teresa Pogliani, +39 340 464 9719, media.relations@nhoa.energy
Hyundai Mobis to participate in CES 2026 next month hosting an invitation-only private booth to focus on new business opportunities

To be showcased: M.VICS 7.0 cockpit integrated solution, X-by-Wire chassis integrated solution, next-generation displays, and more

"Holographic Windshield Display" wins CES Innovation Award, highlighting Mobis's display engineering prowess

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On the 9th, Hyundai Mobis announced that it will present more than 30 mobility convergence technologies at CES 2026, taking place in Las Vegas from January 6 to 9.

For CES 2026, the company will run its booth as a private exhibit exclusively for pre-invited customers. While engaging general visitors is still valuable, Mobis decided to make CES a more focused venue for securing meaningful business opportunities by inviting key clients from across North America.

Under the theme "Layer of Progress," Hyundai Mobis plans to underscore how its technologies connect and evolve together. The company will highlight select innovations across its core areas, including electronics, electrification, and chassis safety, tailored specifically for global customers. Senior executives from multiple major global automakers, including heads of purchasing and technology, have already confirmed their visits, signaling strong interest in the new lineup.

To facilitate deeper discussions, Hyundai Mobis has chosen a dedicated meeting room on the third floor of the West Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center as its exhibition space. The setup allows visiting executives to stay longer, explore the technologies in detail, and discuss potential collaborations in a focused setting.

The highlights are the updated M.VICS 7.0 cockpit integrated solution and the X-by-Wire electronic control technology.

M.VICS, Mobis's integrated cockpit platform, brings together its advanced infotainment technologies, now refreshed with the 7.0 upgrade. Key features include a holographic windshield display that projects driving information directly onto the glass, a vertically expandable 18.1-inch large display, and a redesigned center-console interface that balances aesthetics with intuitive controls.

The X-by-Wire integrated solution is also expected to draw significant attention. X-by-Wire enables electronic steering and braking control without mechanical connections. By integrating both functions into a single controller, it delivers optimized driving dynamics. The system also includes built-in dual safety: even if a steering issue occurs, the braking system can safely manage the vehicle.

In addition, Hyundai Mobis will feature a range of next-generation technologies across electronics, electrification, and chassis systems, including an augmented-reality head-up display (AR-HUD), low-power display solutions, and cost-efficient, high-performance EV drive systems, offering customers a comprehensive look at its mobility innovations.

"Holographic Windshield Display" Earns CES 2026 Innovation Award, Showcasing Hyundai Mobis's Technical Leadership

The Holographic Windshield Display (HWD) featured in M.VICS 7.0 was named a CES 2026 Innovation Award winner last month by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), reinforcing Hyundai Mobis's global competitiveness in display technology. Each year, ahead of the exhibition, CTA recognizes standout technologies across various sectors, and Mobis received the award in the advanced mobility category for its excellence in engineering.

HWD is a next-generation display technology that Hyundai Mobis is developing in collaboration with German optics specialist Zeiss. It is the world's first system to utilize holographic film to transform the entire front windshield into an ultra-large display surface.

With this technology, drivers no longer need to glance down at the instrument cluster or other controls. Key driving information appears directly on the windshield, improving both safety and convenience. The passenger side can display separate content, such as videos or games, without being visible to the driver. This allows passengers to enjoy their own infotainment experience while keeping the driver free from distraction.

Hyundai Mobis is currently co-developing the HWD technology with major global customers to further refine and advance the system. The company aims to begin mass production in 2029 and position HWD as one of its core strategic offerings.

Looking ahead, Hyundai Mobis plans to continue expanding its global order pipeline. Through CES, international exhibitions, and roadshows, the company will ramp up promotional efforts in key markets across North America and Europe. These activities align with its goal of increasing the share of global OEM sales in its core component business to 40% by 2033.

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ALLMEP and its 180+ member organisations have long advocated such a fund to radically scale the vital work of peacebuilders

LONDON, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landmark move backed by overwhelming public support, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced she will host an inaugural meeting of the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace in March 2026 at Lancaster House.

The announcement states that "the goal of the meeting is to try to forge a stronger peace deal in the Middle East, with the establishment of an International Peace Fund for Israel and Palestine at the heart of the plans," noting the important role that civil society organisations can play.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, stated that "this conference will be a crucial step in that journey, bringing together representatives of Palestinian and Israeli civil society to build common ground between their communities, challenge entrenched divisions, and work towards a future where both states can live side-by-side in peace and security."

Yvette Cooper stated that the UK is "well placed to host and facilitate these talks, and the new International Peace Fund we are helping to create will provide the practical support to drive this work forward."

Later that day, Chancellor Rachel Reeves re-iterated her government's support for this initiative at the LFI's annual lunch, stating: "I can confirm today that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host representatives from Israeli and Palestinian civil society in March at Lancaster House to support the establishment of an International Fund, and ensure civil society groups are at the forefront of our efforts to advance long-term peace, and a two-state solution."

The announcement coincides with new UK polling to be released this week, showing that among respondents who expressed an opinion 84% of the UK public support creating the Fund, and 87% want the UK to contribute at least 5 million towards it. Global polling shows the same appetite: 88% of respondents support their country joining international peace efforts, and a majority back participation in the Fund.

The announcement fulfils a pledge made last year by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, following a private meeting with peacebuilders Ibrahim Abu Ahmed and Barak Talmor, alongside ALLMEP's Executive Director John Lyndon and UK Advocacy Manager Rachael Liss. There, the Prime Minister heard first-hand how grassroots initiatives are reducing violence, building trust, and creating the conditions for a lasting and just peace.

The UK's decision comes at a decisive moment. A fragile ceasefire was secured in October, yet progress toward subsequent stages remains limited. Experience from other successfully resolved conflicts suggests that turning a temporary truce into lasting peace requires sustained engagement with the communities directly affected by the conflict-support that can help generate the trust, ideas, policies, and future leadership essential for long-term conflict resolution.

The International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace is designed to meet this need by providing robust, multi-year support for civil society initiatives that promote relationship-building, shift public attitudes, and catalyse the societal change that political agreements alone cannot achieve.

The UK's decision reflects a recognition that transforming a ceasefire into a durable peace will require integrating civil society as a central component of the process. The announcement also positions the UK as a leader in advancing commitments made in the 2024 G7 Leaders' Communique to "coordinate and institutionalise support for civil society peacebuilders as part of a wider diplomatic strategy." The approach also aligns with the New York Declaration and with the Trump 20 Point Plan, each of which articulate a role for civil society recognising that peace cannot be secured solely through political negotiation.

ALLMEP's Regional Director Nivine Sandouka welcomed the news: "This reflects a growing understanding that lasting peace has to be built by Palestinians and Israelis themselves, who-despite many challenges-already have many of the ideas needed to shape a future based on mutual peace, equality, and security. It's an important step toward giving civil society the support and diplomatic centrality needed to scale our efforts at a crucial moment for our region."

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Progress on share buyback programme

ING announced today that, as part of our 1.1 billion share buyback programme announced on 30 October 2025, in total 1,710,214 shares were repurchased during the week of 1 December up to and including 5 December 2025.

The shares were repurchased at an average price of 22.64 for a total amount of 38,719,035.48. For detailed information on the daily repurchased shares, individual share purchase transactions and weekly reports, see the ING website at share buyback programme.

In line with the purpose of the programme to reduce the share capital of ING, the total number of shares repurchased under this programme to date is 11,382,155 at an average price of 22.11 for a total consideration of 251,709,966.86. To date approximately 22.88% of the maximum total value of the share buyback programme has been completed.

Note for editors

For further information on ING, please visit www.ing.com. Frequent news updates can be found in the Newsroom. Photos of ING operations, buildings and its executives are available for download at Flickr.

Press enquiries Investor enquiries ING Group Media Relations ING Group Investor Relations +31 20 576 5000 +31 20 576 6396 media.relations@ing.com (mailto:media.relations@ing.com) Investor.Relations@ing.com (mailto:Investor.Relations@ing.com)



ING PROFILE

ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is: empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business. ING Bank's more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 100 countries.

ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam (INGA NA, INGA.AS), Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange (ADRs: ING US, ING.N).

ING aims to put sustainability at the heart of what we do. Our policies and actions are assessed by independent research and ratings providers, which give updates on them annually. ING's ESG rating by MSCI has been upgraded from 'AA' to 'AAA' in October 2025. As of June 2025, in Sustainalytics' view, ING's management of ESG material risk is 'Strong' with an ESG risk rating of 18.0 (low risk). ING Group shares are also included in major sustainability and ESG index products of leading providers. Here are some examples: Euronext, STOXX, Morningstar and FTSE Russell. Society is transitioning to a low-carbon economy. So are our clients, and so is ING. We finance a lot of sustainable activities, but we still finance more that's not. Follow our progress on ing.com/climate.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION

Elements of this press release contain or may contain information about ING Groep N.V. and/ or ING Bank N.V. within the meaning of Article 7(1) to (4) of EU Regulation No 596/2014 ('Market Abuse Regulation').

ING Group's annual accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ('IFRS- EU'). In preparing the financial information in this document, except as described otherwise, the same accounting principles are applied as in the 2024 ING Group consolidated annual accounts. All figures in this document are unaudited. Small differences are possible in the tables due to rounding.

Certain of the statements contained herein are not historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to di?er materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may di?er materially from those in such statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation:

This document may contain ESG-related material that has been prepared by ING on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. ING has not sought to independently verify information obtained from public and third-party sources and makes no representations or warranties as to accuracy, completeness, reasonableness or reliability of such information. This document may also discuss one or more specific transactions and/or contain general statements about ING's ESG approach. The approach and criteria referred to in this document are intended to be applied in accordance with applicable law. Due to the fact that there may be different or even conflicting laws, the approach, criteria or the application thereof, could be different.

Materiality, as used in the context of ESG, is distinct from, and should not be confused with, such term as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or as defined for Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC') reporting purposes. Any issues identified as material for purposes of ESG in this document are therefore not necessarily material as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or for SEC reporting purposes. In addition, there is currently no single, globally recognized set of accepted definitions in assessing whether activities are "green" or "sustainable." Without limiting any of the statements contained herein, we make no representation or warranty as to whether any of our securities constitutes a green or sustainable security or conforms to present or future investor expectations or objectives for green or sustainable investing. For information on characteristics of a security, use of proceeds, a description of applicable project(s) and/or any other relevant information, please reference the offering documents for such security.

This document may contain inactive textual addresses to internet websites operated by us and third parties. Reference to such websites is made for information purposes only, and information found at such websites is not incorporated by reference into this document. ING does not make any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of, or take any responsibility for, any information found at any websites operated by third parties. ING specifically disclaims any liability with respect to any information found at websites operated by third parties. ING cannot guarantee that websites operated by third parties remain available following the publication of this document, or that any information found at such websites will not change following the filing of this document. Many of those factors are beyond ING's control.

Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of ING speak only as of the date they are made, and ING assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or for any other reason.

This document does not constitute an o?er to sell, or a solicitation of an o?er to purchase, any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction.

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Having provided developers with AI services and cloud infrastructures to train or consume open source models on demand, the Swiss cloud provider Infomaniak is launching Euria, its own consumer AI assistant for mobiles. Hosted entirely in Switzerland in infrastructures powered by renewable energy recovered for district heating, Euria meets the requirements of sensitive sectors such as health, education, law, finance and public administration. It does not collect any data for the purposes of training AI models and incorporates an ephemeral mode that does not keep any trace. Available free of charge, it embodies Ethical, Universal, Responsible, Independent and Autonomous AI.





AI that heats homes

All the electricity used by Euria is recovered as heat then fed back into Geneva's district heating network. At full capacity, the data center that powers the AI will provide enough energy to heat 6,000 Minergie-A homes in winter and enable 20,000 people to take a five-minute shower a day. It will prevent the combustion of approximately 3,600 tonnes of CO2 from natural gas per year, helping to reduce local emissions.

"Euria shows that AI can be powerful and yet more sustainable for the planet: 100% powered by renewable energy while not wasting any water, all of the AI's energy benefits the community for a second time to heat homes," explains Boris Siegenthaler, founder of Infomaniak.

A sovereign AI assistant that respects privacy

All request processing, storage and hosting of Euria's solution takes place exclusively in Infomaniak's data centers in Switzerland, with no external service providers or data transfer abroad.

Discussions with Euria are encrypted by Infomaniak at all stages, guaranteeing their protection against unauthorised access. The data is used exclusively to ensure the service functions correctly: no information is used to train artificial intelligence models, build profiles or feed third-party systems.

Ephemeral mode offers an absolute level of confidentiality: exchanges are never stored, leave no trace on the servers and cannot be retrieved by any means, even by Infomaniak.

Fully compliant with the GDPR and the Swiss Data Protection Act (FADP), Euria meets the requirements of sensitive sectors such as healthcare, education, law, finance and public administration, which require strong guarantees of security, confidentiality and digital sovereignty.

"Euria was designed to make privacy a reality, not a marketing promise. The data never leaves our data centers in Switzerland and serves only to provide the service requested by the user," stresses Marc Oehler, CEO of Infomaniak.

Technically, Euria relies on several open source AI models, depending on the user's request. "Euria's models are entirely hosted in our data centers. We chose them in order to offer a level of performance that is very close to the best artificial intelligence on the market, while reducing the energy required to run them," explains Marc Oehler. "To date, none of the best-performing models is European. This observation should give us pause for thought: Europe must invest to catch up and build its own sovereign, ethical and carbon-neutral AI models. The more users choose local players, the more we will have the means to build this technological independence."

Fast and beneficial AI for companies and the general public

As easy to use as ChatGPT, from the very outset Euria - via the mobile app or via euria.infomaniak.com- enables users to:

make requests to the AI in writing or orally;

search, analyse and compare complex information on the web;

analyse and summarise documents (PDF, Word, Excel, images, etc.);

transcribe audio files (.mp3 .m4a .wav .aac .mp4 etc.);

interpret screenshots and photos (.bmp, .jpg, .png, .webp, .tiff);

organise discussions within projects;

assign conversations to favourites;

share discussions with third parties, even without an Infomaniak account;

track all communications from one device to another;

use an ephemeral chat, without any data retention.

To optimise its energy consumption, Euria automatically determines whether an online search is required, depending on the user's request. When not required, it responds almost instantaneously while consuming less energy. For many tasks, such as summarising a document, analysing an image, translating a text, writing an email or performing a calculation, Euria relies directly on its internal knowledge and reasoning skills, without consulting numerous websites online.

Faster and more generous than ChatGPT in its free version, Euria can be accessed without having to create an account via the euria.infomaniak.compage and the Infomaniak Euria mobile app, available for Androidand iOSdevices.

For extended personal use, Euria requires a free my kSuiteaccount for life, which offers an email address and a drive with a total storage of 35 GB. The latter can be upgraded with my kSuite+, which includes 1 TB or 6 TB of kDrive storage and intelligent email management via AI, from EUR 19 or CHF 19 incl. tax per year.

Euria is also integrated into kSuite Pro, the business package of Infomaniak's collaborative suite, which includes an instant messaging service, a drive, a Mail Service, diary and address book management and a videoconferencing solution, from EUR 22.80 or CHF 22.90 incl. tax per user and per year.

An ambitious roadmap

Euria is designed to keep pace with advances in artificial intelligence. New functions will be added regularly, gradually strengthening its capabilities and integration into the Infomaniak ecosystem (kSuite, newsletters tool, video-on-demand platform, website creation, etc.).

The next developments include the creation of intelligent agents capable of acting according to persistent instructions, image generation, the addition of global memory to the organisation and even more in-depth integration with kSuite, enabling advanced automation with AI in its productivity tools.

Resources
AEG Venue Pledges Direct Financial Support for Grassroots Music Venues in Recognition of Every First-Time Arena Headliner

London, UK, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The O2 and Music Venue Trust (MVT), the charity which represents hundreds of grassroots music venues across the UK, today announce a groundbreaking new commitment that formally recognises the essential role of the grassroots circuit in creating the future headliners for the UK's world-leading live music scene.

The pioneering initiative will see The O2 make a direct donation to Music Venue Trust each time a new artist headlines the arena for the first time as part of a wider three-year commitment. This ensures that the grassroots ecosystem, which nurtures artists in the early stages of their careers, receives tangible, ongoing support from the very venues that later host their success.

This year alone, The O2 has hosted over 50 first-time performers and is making an initial six-figure donation to Music Venue Trust in celebration of this record milestone. This single donation underscores the volume of talent flowing from small stages to the arena and highlights the critical need for a sustainable pipeline.

Artists who have graduated from the grassroots network to make their debut at The O2 in the last year include Gracie Abrams, Pulp, Architects and Wolf Alice, all of whom honed their craft on stages at venues within the Music Venues Alliance.

Ben Lovett, Mumford & Sons, said: "This week we will play two shows at The O2. Whilst this might not be the first time we're headlining the arena, it doesn't make it any less special to be able to come to our hometown and headline a couple of nights in one of the best arenas in the world. Our first time taking to this iconic stage was in 2012, back when many of the venues where we had cut our teeth, including the Luminaire in Kilburn where we played our first headline show, had started closing down. This trend has only continued, in London and across the country, and we have done everything we can to protect the essential grassroots scene; lobbying various sitting governments, trying to educate anyone who'd listen to the fact that artists don't just arrive in these arenas from nowhere. We've played countless shows in these smaller rooms ever since, encouraged our fans to support and actioned the 1 per ticket levy on this current tour, generously supported by our audience."

Emma Bownes, Senior Vice President, Venue Programming at AEG Europe, added: "The O2 is proud to support the UK's live music ecosystem, starting with the small stages in local communities. Every artist who headlines The O2 for the first time reflects the strength of that grassroots network. By partnering with Music Venue Trust, we're investing in the pipeline that nurtures the next generation of breakthrough artists and ensures they have a place to start."

Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust, said:"This is a hugely significant and welcome move from The O2. The success of our arenas is directly connected to the health of the grassroots venues where so many of those headliners began their journey. This partnership sets a powerful new benchmark for the industry, proving that major venues can actively participate in securing the future of the talent pipeline. Our challenge to every other arena in the UK is simple: The O2 has taken a lead, now it's your chance to follow."

Ben Lovett continued: "I've personally invested into the Music Venue Properties initiative as well as continuing to support Music Venue Trust and a host of similar organisations over recent years. I have even built and operated venues around London and further afield in an effort to brace against the rising tide of the issue. All to say, we couldn't care more about the essential work of small venues up and down the country and we think it's brilliant that a venue like The O2 is making a meaningful donation, tied to their "first-time headliner" model to contribute, as we all should, towards a more sustainable ecosystem within live music in the future."

The commitment represents a major step forward in uniting the live music industry, from the smallest stages to the largest, to create a more resilient and sustainable future for UK music.

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The O2 and Music Venue Trust Forge Landmark Commitment to Fuel Future Talent (https://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/8ed08795-d756-49ed-a7df-f3f316509132)

Comms Team The O2 +44 207 757 7500 communications.team@theo2.co.uk
Results rank New York, London, and Singapore as the top three global financial centers

Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha all feature in the top 30, underscoring the GCC's growing role in global finance

First major publication of the Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness in Abu Dhabi, supported by Ray Dalio

ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi (Stern at NYUAD), one of the world's leading business schools, today released the inaugural Financial Center Competitiveness Index (FCCI) at the Global Markets Summit during Abu Dhabi Finance Week. The index evaluates international financial centers worldwide and ranks New York, London, and Singapore as the top three. Highlighting the GCC's growing influence in a landscape long shaped by established hubs, the Index places Abu Dhabi 12th and Dubai 14th overall, with Riyadh 26th and Doha 29th.

As the global economic landscape becomes more complex, traditional indices offer rankings without fully explaining what drives them. The FCCI addresses this gap. Using data science to blend data driven rankings with strategic analysis, it gives policymakers a clearer view of how financial centers compare and compete, helps emerging centers understand how to strategically plan for growth, and supports decision makers navigating increasingly complex global economic dynamics.

The Institute advances research into the evolving global economic order, with a focus on the role of international financial centers. By creating a systematic benchmark for financial centers, it provides policymakers, business leaders, and investors with an evidence-based framework to navigate shifting global dynamics.

"International financial centers are one of the clearest ways to observe how the global economy is shifting" said Rob Salomon, Dean of Stern at NYUAD. "With the FCCI and the Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness, we wanted to move beyond league tables and provide a research-based view of how cities are engaged in building financial capacity. The strong performance of cities located in the Gulf region shows how fast new hubs can move when policy, regulation, talent, and innovation are aligned."

The FCCI uses a two-pillar framework that looks at today and tomorrow. The Footprint pillar tracks current scale and activity, including institutional strength, resources, and local ecosystems. The Dynamics pillar assesses growth potential and future readiness, with a focus on technology and innovation. Together, the pillars show where centers stand now and how prepared they are for what comes next.

The principal investigators of the Index are Bruno Lanvin, President of the Descartes Institute and Senior Advisor at the Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness, Stern at NYUAD, and Anisa Shyti, Clinical Associate Professor of Accounting at Stern at NYUAD.

"In an environment of shifting growth engines, new technologies, and rising geopolitical risk, financial centers need tools that help them think in years, not quarters," said Lanvin. "The Index is meant to sit at the intersection of data and strategy. It helps cities understand how they fit into a more polycentric financial system. Our aim is to inform better choices, whether that means where to invest, where to locate, or how to build the trust that ultimately underpins competitiveness."

The index also points to the rising importance of technology and infrastructure. As AI intensive and data driven activity expands, financial centers must invest in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy to support new forms of financial intermediation.

"The FCCI is built to be used, not just read," said Shyti. "By separating Footprint and Dynamics, and by making the data available through an interactive platform, we give policymakers, financial center managers, and investors the power to stress test their assumptions - a tool for decision and action. Uncertainty hits everyone, but never the same way. Stakeholders can shift the weight to regulation, or technology, or talent - and instantly see the rankings reshape to the future they expect. That flexibility is essential in a world where the questions keep changing."

The FCCI is the first major publication of the Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness, which Stern at NYUAD announced last month. The Institute uses data science to research It is mentored by renowned investor Ray Dalio and brings together a world class team of researchers and advisors.

The performance of the GCC reflects a wider regional trend. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, targeted investments in innovation, and the expansion of financial activity across the region are contributing to the rise of several regional centers. These developments underscore the need for tools like the FCCI, which clarifies how financial centers evolve and compete over time.

Produced by the Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness (IGFC) at Stern at NYUAD, with support from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Dalio Philanthropies,

The full FCCI report is available here.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/stern-school-of-business-at-nyu-abu-dhabi-releases-inaugural-financial-center-competitiveness-index-302636279.html
STOCKHOLM, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world's first country to be prescribed for its health benefits, Sweden is now shining a light on one of its most awe-inducing wellness experiences. Aurora Borealis - the original arctic light therapy.

The Swedish Prescription video shows how it works.

With interest in "northern lights travel" on the rise and 61% of travelers naming the aurora borealis as the top natural phenomenon they want to experience, the timing couldn't be better. A rare solar maximum is underway, making aurora displays brighter, more frequent and easier to catch. Sweden offers front-row access to one of nature's most powerful mood boosters.

Abisko in Swedish Lapland is consistently ranked among the best places on Earth to view the Northern Lights, thanks to its clear skies and unique microclimate.

"The time in Abisko was calming and beautiful," says Chris Brown from Louisiana, USA, who just returned home from his trip with Lights over Lapland." Seeing the Aurora was an experience we will never forget and left us with a deep awe of nature."

The health benefits of awe are well-documented. Studies show that witnessing vast, natural phenomena like the aurora can lower stress, improve mood, and foster emotional restoration.

"Seeing the Northern Lights is a great way to connect with the night sky, and my research suggests that this connection is beneficial for our mental health and happiness," says Dr. Chris Barnes, psychologist at the University of Derby in the UK.

With the Northern Lights visible up to 200 nights a year in Sweden - and peak conditions expected through 2026 due to the solar cycle - this natural spectacle is timely and therapeutic, often enjoyed from saunas, outdoor hot tubs, forest cabins, or silent reindeer rides under the Arctic sky.

A recent YouGov survey for Visit Sweden found that nearly two-thirds of respondents would consider traveling to nature if prescribed by a doctor - yet only a fraction had ever received such guidance. The Swedish Prescription bridges that gap with a curated list of science-backed, wellness-forward activities, from forest bathing and fika to cultural rituals and sky gazing.

Press information:

Places to see the Northern Lights and how to capture them

The Swedish Prescription

Imagery:

The Swedish Prescription

Northern Lights

Source: Visit Sweden/YouGov Survey, June/July 2025

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Leading Operator in Thailand With More Than 45 Million Subscribers Goes Live With Netcracker's Cloud-Native BSS Platform for B2C and B2B Quad-Play Customers

Netcracker Technology announced today that it has completed the largest cloud deployment in Thailand and the wider Asia-Pacific region for long-term customer Advanced Info Service (AIS), the leading operator in Thailand. AIS has transitioned to an upgraded and future-proof deployment of Netcracker Cloud-Native Revenue Management, part of Netcracker Digital BSS, which represents a significant step in the operator's digital transformation journey and a key move to strengthen its converged mobile and broadband business and market share.

The advanced cloud-native Revenue Management platform is supporting B2C and B2B quad-play subscribers, delivering benefits such as subscription billing based on various durations, including monthly, quarterly and annual, which provides flexibility and options for end customers.

The platform also brings numerous business benefits to AIS, including improved scalability and flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and market demands, better cost optimization leading to better operational efficiencies and overall profitability and faster time to market to maintain the operator's leadership in a highly competitive market.

The cloud-native platform will allow AIS to support innovative 5G business models, including enterprise 5G and IoT services, as the operator anticipates future expansion and evolving market requirements.

"The successful end-to-end delivery of the new cloud-native revenue management platform within very challenging timelines has already proven its stability and scalability by supporting major launches and events such as the latest iPhone release without disruption," said Mr. Bharat Alva, Chief Information Officer at AIS. "As we continue onboarding customers to this new platform, we will build on our momentum with Netcracker through additional functionality and enhancements in the near term."

"We greatly value our long-term partnership with AIS, a truly advanced telecommunications operator in a region known for many innovations," said Bob Titus, Chief Technology Officer at Netcracker. "This go-live is the best testimony to how our customers continue to benefit from our ongoing cloud and AI investments."

About Netcracker Technology

Netcracker Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation, has the expertise, culture and resources to help service providers around the world transform their businesses to thrive in the digital economy. Our innovative solutions, value-driven services and unbroken delivery track record have enabled our customers to grow and succeed for more than three decades. With the latest technological advancements in key areas including 5G monetization, AI, automation and vertical industries, we help service providers to reach their transformation goals, advance their telco to techco evolution and realize business growth and profitability. To learn more, visit www.netcracker.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209804460/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact



Anita Karve

Netcracker Technology

MediaGroup@Netcracker.com
KALMAR CORPORATION, PRESS RELEASE, 9 DECEMBER 2025 AT 10.00 (EET)

Kalmar joins forces with Kempower and SINEXCEL to accelerate the green transition in material-handling and logistics

Kalmar is proud to announce the launch of a comprehensive new range of DC charging solutions to complement its wide portfolio of field-proven electric machines. The charging solutions have been developed in partnership with leading global charger manufacturers Kempowerand SINEXCEL.

Through these new partnerships, Kalmar is leveraging Kempower's and SINEXCEL's industry-leading experience in DC chargers to build an offering that guarantees the best possible user experience for customers who use Kalmar electric solutions in their applications. With each partner Kalmar is co-developing a range of advanced charging solutions that will deliver smooth compatibility between charging station and machine.

The new DC charging solution offering will include movable chargers, integrated station chargers and distributed charging systems. The offering includes the megawatt charging system, which will be implemented at DP World London Gateway to serve the fleet of Kalmar electric straddle carriers due to be delivered in Q1 2026.

Kalmar will work closely with customers to build a charging solution package that is tailored to their unique needs. Available solutions will range from versatile movable chargers and all-in-one fixed installations for smaller electric fleets to distributed satellite charging solutions for large and rapidly expanding fleets. The solutions will be available globally.

Rony Thomas, Head of Product Management, Kalmar: "We are delighted to announce this partnership with two of the world's leading charger suppliers. By combining the new charger offering with our deep knowledge of our customers' operations, we will be able to offer a comprehensive package of fully tailored electric material handling solutions - including machines, chargers and services - with the lowest possible total cost of ownership."

Jussi Vanhanen, Chief Markets Officer, Kempower: "Kempower is proud to partner with Kalmar. Together, we are accelerating the transition towards more sustainable logistics by integrating our DC charging technology with Kalmar's electric machine portfolio. We see the electrification of logistics and supply chains accelerating fast around the world, and Kempower is more than ready to support leading players like Kalmar in this development. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting global climate goals and creating a cleaner future for supply chains."

Ron Zhong, Sales Director of Global OEMs, SINEXCEL: "We are excited to join forces with Kalmar and Kempower in this groundbreaking effort to electrify the logistics sector in the Nordics, Europe, and beyond. Our advanced DC charging solutions, ranging from 30kW to 1280kW, will play a key role in facilitating Kalmar's transition to fully electric machinery. This partnership is not just about technology - it's about building a more sustainable future for global supply chains. Together, we are making a significant impact on the industry and creating a cleaner, more efficient world."

Further information for the press:

Rony Thomas, Head of Product Management, Kalmar, tel. +46 720704262, rony.thomas@kalmarglobal.com

Nina Jahi, Communications Manager, Kalmar, tel. +358 405 1936 35, nina.jahi@kalmarglobal.com

Kalmar

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LUXEMBOURG and STOCKHOLM, Dec. 09, 2025, the European cloud, and SUSE , a global leader in enterprise open source solutions, today announce a strategic partnership to deliver a European solution for cloud infrastructure and management, emphasising digital sovereignty. As signatories of Eurostack , SUSE and evroc's collaboration brings together SUSE's expertise in infrastructure management with evroc's next-generation European cloud platform and infrastructure, offering customers a robust and secure environment for their critical workloads.

Initially, evroc will offer SUSE Linux Enterprise and SUSE Linux Micro as available operating systems, as one of Europe's first Sovereign Cloud Service Providers. SUSE Rancher Prime is also being certified to be powered by evroc's cloud, ensuring a strong combination for Kubernetes management. This arrangement represents both a strategic alliance and a commercial offering to deliver enterprise-ready sovereign solutions. The offering will be generally available in the first quarter of 2026.

"This partnership with evroc is a significant step forward in our commitment to providing a choice of open, interoperable and secure solutions for our customers," says Frank Feldmann, Chief Strategy Officer at SUSE. "Together, we are building a truly European cloud ecosystem that empowers businesses with digital sovereignty and the flexibility they need to innovate."

All joint evroc and SUSE offerings will include SUSE Sovereign Premium Support to ensure customers get support through European personnel. As part of the long term partnership, evroc and SUSE will introduce more open infrastructure solutions and support offerings over time, including SUSE virtualization and SUSE AI technologies.

"We are delighted to partner with SUSE to bring a comprehensive and sovereign cloud offering to the European market," adds James Collis, VP of Partnerships at evroc. "SUSE's proven expertise in enterprise open source, combined with evroc's advanced cloud infrastructure, will provide an unparalleled solution for organisations seeking control and security over their digital assets."

"By working with a trusted ecosystem of partners that can assure sovereign controls without sacrificing agility, technology providers can help organizations to successfully implement sovereign infrastructure and alleviate these challenges" says Rahiel Nasir, research director, European cloud practice, lead analyst, digital sovereignty at IDC. "This approach allows European enterprises to move beyond partial sovereignty and address the full spectrum of data, technical, and operational sovereignty requirements to support the modern regulatory landscape."

Learn more about the offerings: SUSE blog and evroc blog.

About SUSE:

SUSE is a global leader in enterprise open source software, across Linux operating systems, Kubernetes container management, Edge solutions and AI. The majority of the Fortune 500 rely on SUSE to provide resilient infrastructure, enabling IT leaders to optimize cost and manage heterogeneous environments. SUSE collaborates with partners and communities to provide organizations with choices to maximize their current IT systems and innovate with next-generation technologies across traditional on-premises, to cloud native, multi-cloud to edge and beyond. For more information, visit www.suse.com.

About evroc:

evroc, the European Cloud, provides a full hyperscale AI-capable cloud stack and supporting development resources. The company is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with development offices in Sophia Antipolis, France and in London, United Kingdom. evroc has active regions with redundant data centers and AI infrastructure in Stockholm, Paris and Frankfurt.

Contact:

press@evroc.com

sara.matheson@suse.com
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zoomlion"; 1157.HK) is helping Kenyan farmers navigate the country's shifting seasons, where heavy rains turn fields to mud and the dry months leave soil unworkable. In Nakuru, Zoomlion's agricultural machinery is increasing land productivity and giving farmers tools suited to local field conditions. Around 70 percent of Kenya's population depends on farming but progress has been stymied by limited mechanization. Extreme weather strains traditional labor, and used equipment often falls short of demand. Reliable, efficient machines have become essential.

At a Zoomlion warehouse, engineer Solomon inspects a tractor before delivery. Every unit undergoes a strict check. That day's shipment includes RC110 tractors heading to Angata Sugar Mills. March to May and September to November mark the country's busiest seasons. John, head of logistics at the sugar mills, prepares fleets of machines to move into the fields. Sugarcane is a vital cash crop, and the mill has planted 1,000 hectares with support from around 60 Zoomlion machines. Output and efficiency, he said, have climbed sharply.

Farmers and operators have embraced the tractors for their power, low fuel use, and simple controls, said Kenneth, a local Zoomlion service engineer. One storage site now holds almost 300 pieces of equipment including tractors, harvesters, and transplanting machines. Zoomlion's technology has also cut transportation costs. "After our tractors were deployed, operating costs for short-distance hauling dropped about 30 percent," said Zhu Wenxi, Zoomlion's Deputy General Manager for East Africa. For operators such as Malala, the change is personal, sharing: "We used to carry everything manually. Now the work is easier."

To keep equipment running smoothly, Zoomlion stations Kenyan engineers in the sugar factory for immediate support. John said their constant presence has been invaluable. Service teams also train local technicians, preparing them to handle issues independently. Climate challenges have pushed further innovation. Frequent braking on muddy roads caused early wear, prompting Zoomlion to upgrade brake pads on later models. Service engineer Ken Gang recently returned from a technical training trip in China. The experience, he said, helps him teach Kenyan operators safer and more efficient practices.

As machinery spreads through Kenya's fields, farmers are seeing higher yields and lighter workloads. And as cooperation deepens, Zoomlion is helping shape a modern agricultural path for the region, one rooted in shared innovation and growing opportunity.

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PbstB5s4kE

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Under this agreement, TotalEnergies will acquire a 40% operated interest in PEL83 license holding the Mopane discovery, while Galp will acquire a 10% participating interest in PEL56 license holding the Venus discovery.

The transaction positions TotalEnergies as the operator of the two largest oil discoveries in Namibia and opens the way for the development of a major producing hub, generating long-term value for the country and partners.

TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE) has signed an agreement with Galp Energia SGPS SA ("Galp") under which:

TotalEnergies is to acquire from Galp a 40% operated interest in PEL83, which includes the Mopane discovery;

Galp is to acquire from TotalEnergies a 10% participating interest in PEL56, which includes the Venus discovery, and a 9.39% participating interest in PEL91;

TotalEnergies will carry 50% of Galp's capital expenditures for the exploration and appraisal of the Mopane discovery and the first development on PEL83. The carry will be repaid through 50% of Galp's future cash flows from the project.

TotalEnergies and Galp agreed to launch an exploration and appraisal campaign including three wells over the next two years, with a first well planned in 2026, to further derisk resources and progress diligently toward the development of the Mopane discovery.

Concurrently, TotalEnergies, operator of PEL56, remains fully committed to the development of the Venus discovery and is working to secure all conditions enabling a potential final investment decision in 2026.

"We are very happy to have been selected by Galp as their partner and operator for the prolific PEL83 license, including the Mopane discovery in Namibia. This is a strong recognition of the exploration and deepwater competences of TotalEnergies teams. This transaction demonstrates also the strong confidence of TotalEnergies towards Namibia as a future oil producing country. TotalEnergies will leverage its recognized operatorship track record to progress towards profitable and sustainable developments of both Venus and Mopane discoveries. By enabling the creation of a producing hub in Namibia, we aim to achieve synergies that will create long-term value for both Namibia and the stakeholders," said Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies. "We are eager to keep building on our collaboration with the Namibian authorities in order to deliver both developments".

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary third party approvals from the Nambian authorities and joint ventures parties, with completion expected to occur in 2026.

After completion of the transaction, TotalEnergies will own:

a 40% operated interest in PEL83 alongside Galp (40%), Namcor (10%) and Custos (10%);

a 35.25% operated interest in PEL56 alongside QatarEnergy (35.25%), Galp (10%), Namcor (10%) and Impact (9.5%);

a 33.085% operated interest in PEL91 alongside QatarEnergy (33.025%), Namcor (15%), Galp (9.39%) and Impact (9.5%).

About TotalEnergies in Namibia

TotalEnergies has been present in Namibia since 1964 and employs 55 people. TotalEnergies is also the 4th largest fuel distributor in the country, with 43 service stations. In line with its multi-energy strategy, the Company is looking for local opportunities to develop low carbon projects in the country.

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas and low-carbon hydrogen, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to providing as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

@TotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergiesTotalEnergies

Cautionary Note

The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. TotalEnergies SE has no liability for the acts or omissions of these entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209219768/en/

Contacts:

TotalEnergies Contacts

Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR

Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com
JIANGYIN, China, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 Jiangyin Symposium on Economic and Trade Cooperation was held on December 6, hosted by the Jiangyin Municipal Committee and Government. Marking the culmination of this year's Golden Autumn Investment Month, which featured more than 50 promotional events, the symposium resulted in the signing of 208 projects with a combined investment value of RMB68 billion. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Jiangyin has secured 321 major industrial projects, each valued at more than RMB100 million, representing a total investment of RMB262.7 billion. These projects span key sectors including integrated circuits, next-generation information technology, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy.

Jung Ui-joon, Chief Representative of Wonik IPS, attended with a US$150 million investment project scheduled to begin production in 2026. "Jiangyin offers compelling advantages with its strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and favorable policies, making it a dependable choice for investment," he noted.

Giordana Davide, President of Jiangsu TianGong Precision Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd., highlighted Jiangyin's supply chain strengths. "Our key raw material supplier, Citic Pacific Special Steel Group Co., Ltd., a leading producer in the specialty steel industry, is based in Jiangyin. This proximity ensures exceptional stability and consistency for our manufacturing operations," Davide said.

During the symposium, Jiangyin joined with Tsinghua University and other domestic academic and research institutions to form the "Sci-tech Innovations in Jiangyin" University Alliance for Technology Transfer and Commercialization. The alliance aims to develop new models for translating research and technological breakthroughs into commercial applications..

With its specialized industrial parks serving as strategic platforms, Jiangyin is cultivating modern industrial clusters in clean energy, biopharmaceuticals, and AI-driven manufacturing. The Jiangyin Carbon Neutrality Technology Industrial Park has begun forming an integrated energy ecosystem spanning wind power, solar, hydrogen, and energy storage, supported by port logistics and a comprehensive bonded zone. Meanwhile, the Jiangyin Microelectronics Industrial Park has launched multiple industry funds focused on emerging industries, with total assets under management exceeding RMB6.5 billion. These funds are designed to provide end-to-end capital support for companies across their full development trajectory, from startup through initial public offering.

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Evercore (NYSE: EVR) announced today that it has received its Arranging License from the Capital Markets Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is opening an office in Riyadh to provide independent advice to clients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The office will be led by Mohammed Aldekmary, who will be based in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as CEO of Saudi Arabia and Head of Arranging. Mr. Aldekmary joined the firm in May 2025, spending time in Evercore's Dubai office as part of Evercore's Middle East coverage team. Evercore opened its Dubai office in 2017.

Matthew Lindsey-Clark, co-head of Evercore's EMEA investment banking business, said, "The Middle East represents a priority area of growth for Evercore and we are delighted to expand our presence further with the grant of our license and the opening of our office in Riyadh. Mohammed brings invaluable expertise and long-standing strategic connections, further reinforcing Evercore's strong presence in the Middle East and advancing our growth plans in the region."

"I am excited to have joined Evercore at a pivotal time for growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The opportunity to expand our presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is both a privilege and a challenge I look forward to embracing. With the strength of Evercore's platform and culture, I am confident that we will establish the highest quality source of independent advice for our clients," said Mr. Aldekmary.

Mr. Aldekmary has over two decades of experience across investment banking, government advisory and financial services. He previously served as senior advisor to H.E. the minister of investment and held senior roles at The Saudi Investment Bank (Riyadh), Standard Chartered (London) and RBS (London).

Mr. Aldekmary holds an MBA and an M.S. in finance from Clark University and is an alumnus of London Business School.

About Evercore

Evercore (NYSE: EVR) is a premier global independent investment banking advisory firm. We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve superior results through trusted independent and innovative advice on matters of strategic and financial significance to boards of directors, management teams and shareholders, including mergers and acquisitions, strategic shareholder advisory, restructurings and capital structure. Evercore also assists clients in raising public and private capital, delivers equity research and equity sales and agency trading execution, and provides wealth and investment management services to high-net-worth and institutional investors. Founded in 1995, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices and affiliate offices in major financial centers in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. For more information, please visit www.evercore.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209861270/en/

Contacts:

Business Contact: Matthew Lindsey-Clark

Co-head of Evercore's EMEA Investment Banking business

Communications@Evercore.com



Media Contact: FGS Global

Evercore-Europe@fgsglobal.com



Jamie Easton

Global Head of Communications External Affairs

Communications@Evercore.com



Investor Contact: Katy Haber

Head of Investor Relations ESG

InvestorRelations@Evercore.com
NEW YORK and DOHA, Qatar, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield and Qai, Qatar's AI company and a subsidiary of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), today announced a strategic partnership to establish a $20 billion joint venture focused on artificial intelligence ("AI") infrastructure in Qatar and select international markets.

Under the partnership, Brookfield and Qai will contribute capital and operating expertise to invest in AI infrastructure in Qatar, including the development of fully integrated AI facilities, to support the country's rapidly expanding digital and AI ecosystem. The partnership will benefit from strategic support from the Government of Qatar to invest in the skills and supply chain needed to support the backbone of AI infrastructure and the adoption of AI throughout Qatar.

The $20 billion joint venture is expected to play a central role in supporting Qatar's ambition to become a leading hub for AI services and infrastructure in the Middle East. An Integrated Compute center will expand regional access to high-performance compute and enable the deployment of trusted AI technologies across key sectors. Beyond Qatar, Brookfield and Qai will explore opportunities to co-develop and construct AI infrastructure in select international markets.

Brookfield and its partners plan to invest in this venture through the recently launched Brookfield Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Fund ("BAIIF"). The strategic partnership with Qai will form a cornerstone of Brookfield's global AI infrastructure program, which aims to mobilize up to $100 billion of total investment globally.

Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA, said: "QIA has been at the forefront of driving advancement though our AI investments. This joint venture is testament to QIA's commitment to delivering both local and global impact. Leveraging on the long-term partnership we have with Brookfield, this JV will advance Qatar's National Vision 2030 and help build a diversified, innovation-based economy for future generations."

Abdulla Al-Misnad, Chairman of Qai, said: "This partnership with Brookfield marks an important milestone in Qatar's journey to build world-class AI infrastructure and capabilities. By leveraging Brookfield's expertise in developing and managing critical infrastructure alongside Qai's mission to deliver trusted AI solutions, we are creating a robust platform to drive responsible AI adoption. This collaboration will not only attract investment and top-tier talent, but also strengthen Qatar's position as a trusted hub for advanced digital technologies in the region and beyond."

Bruce Flatt, CEO of Brookfield, commented: "We are thrilled to assist Qatar in establishing this investment in next generation AI and digital infrastructure alongside Qai. As our inaugural AI infrastructure investment in the Middle East, this partnership combines Qatar's strategic vision with Brookfield's global expertise in developing and operating large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure with global partners. Together, we look forward to building an integrated AI ecosystem that will accelerate innovation, deepen regional capability, and support the responsible deployment of advanced AI technologies across the Middle East."

Media: Investor Relations: Simon Maine Jason Fooks Tel: +44 739 890 9278 Tel: (212) 417-2442 Email: simon.maine@brookfield.com Email: jason.fooks@brookfield.com Shveta Singh Tel: +91 8655 487 023 Email: shveta.singh@brookfield.com

About QIA

Qatar Investment Authority ("QIA") is the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar. QIA was founded in 2005 to invest and manage the state reserve funds. QIA is among the largest and most active sovereign wealth funds globally. QIA invests across a wide range of asset classes and regions as well as in partnership with leading institutions around the world to build a global and diversified investment portfolio with a long-term perspective that can deliver sustainable returns and contribute to the prosperity of the State of Qatar.

Media Contact: media@qia.qa

About Qai

Qai is an artificial intelligence company headquartered in Qatar and a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). It develops, operates and invests in advanced AI infrastructure, technologies and systems to enable the deployment of secure and trusted technologies across key public and private sectors in Qatar, the MENA region and international markets. Working with global technology firms, leading research institutions and national partners, Qai delivers resilient, human-centric AI solutions that drive innovation and support economic diversification in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

For more information, please visit www.trustqai.com

About Brookfield Asset Management

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE: BAM, TSX: BAM) is a leading global alternative asset manager, headquartered in New York, with over $1 trillion of assets under management across infrastructure, renewable power and transition, private equity, real estate, and credit. We invest client capital for the long term with a focus on real assets and essential service businesses that form the backbone of the global economy. We offer a range of alternative investment products to investors around the world - including public and private pension plans, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, insurance companies and private wealth investors. We draw on Brookfield's heritage as an owner and operator to invest for value and generate strong returns for our clients, across economic cycles.

For more information, please visit www.brookfield.com

Notice to Readers

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of other relevant securities legislation, including applicable securities laws in Canada, which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, our operations and financial performance (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future results, events or conditions, and include, but are not limited to, statements which reflect management's current estimates, beliefs and assumptions and which are in turn based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates, beliefs and assumptions of Brookfield are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events and as such, are subject to change. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "target", "anticipate", "believe", "foresee", "could", "estimate", "goal", "intend", "plan", "seek", "strive", "will", "may" and "should" and similar expressions. In particular, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements referring to the expected impacts of the strategic investment partnership with Qai.

Although Brookfield believes that such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable estimates, beliefs and assumptions, certain factors, risks and uncertainties, which are described from time to time in our documents filed with the securities regulators in the United States and Canada, not presently known to Brookfield, or that Brookfield currently believes are not material, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements.

Readers are urged to consider these risks, as well as other uncertainties, factors and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are based only on information available to us as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, Brookfield undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ZURICH, Switzerland, Dec. 09, 2025, the Zurich-based aviation technology company, has raised $26.6m in an oversubscribed Series B funding round, led by European investment firm Armira Growth("Armira"), alongside existing investors. The additional capital raised will enable Assaia to continue to scale its AI platform globally and launch new solutions to further improve airport, airline and ground handler efficiency.

Assaia's technology is designed to optimise the commercial aircraft turnaround process by providing real-time visibility and automation across apron operations. Its technology is already deployed at several major international hubs including New York JFK, London Heathrow, Dubai International and Toronto Pearson, helping reduce delays, improve on-time performance and enhance gate utilisation.

Armira's backing underpins growing demand for AI-driven operational infrastructure across the aviation sector. As traffic volume surpasses pre-pandemic levels, human resources remain limited and operational margins tighten, airports and airlines are prioritising intelligent automation to improve resilience and increase efficiency. Assaia's AI platform addresses these challenges by shortening turnaround times and enabling better planning across airside operations.

Christiaan Hen, CEO of Assaia, commented:"This investment signals a new phase of growth for Assaia, as airports and airlines increasingly look to AI for solutions to mounting operational challenges. With Armira's backing, we are accelerating the rollout of new technologies and expanding our footprint to deliver measurable value in some of the world's most complex airport environments."

A portion of the new funding will support the launch of a next generation StandManager, a planning module that uses AI to optimise gate and stand assignments before aircraft land. This system enables more efficient gate usage and improves operational predictability within congested and high-volume environments.

Armira has a strong track record of scaling high-growth technology businesses. It was an early backer of companies such as osapiens, which raised $120 million in a round led by Goldman Sachs in 2024, and Wemolo, a visual AI-based parking management company expanding internationally. In addition to capital, Armira brings deep operational expertise and a network of more than 100 industry advisors, who will support Assaia's long-term business objectives.

Christian Figge, Managing Partner at Armira Growth, said:"We focus on investing in resilient business models that demonstrate a distinct technological advantage, and Assaia exemplifies that. Its AI platform is already transforming airport operations and helping the aviation industry navigate some of its most complex challenges. We are excited to support Assaia's next phase of growth and to help them scale a product that is truly resonating with a wide range of customers worldwide."

Hen added:"Armira's expertise supporting high-growth technology businesses will be a major asset as we continue to advance, ensuring that we are well positioned to take the next step forward. With Armira's support, we can now strengthenexisting results, accelerate adoption in key markets such as the U.S., and continue developing the tools the industry needs to improve performance while also reducing operational risk."

About Assaia?

www.assaia.com ?

Assaia is an aviation software company that is on a mission to use technology for the optimization of the aviation industry.



About Armira

www.armira.de/en/

Armira is a European investment holding specialising in partnerships with entrepreneur-led and family-owned hidden champions. Armira Beteiligungen is a licensed Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM), supervised by German Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht, BaFin).

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6227c857-d87c-400f-b6fa-cf5334ac67eb

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dc6a2a46-c1e2-4a5f-b53c-f01dbb607e55

For more information and media enquiries, please contact: E: assaia@8020comms.com (8020 Communications / Assaia) T: +44 1483 447380 E: james@jamesculverhousecommunications.com (JCC / Armira) M: +44 (0)7943 808 349
RMJDT Introduced as Part of National Digital Asset Sandbox Initiative

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bullish Aim Sdn. Bhd., chaired and owned by His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Regent of Johor, today announced the official launch of RMJDT, a Ringgit-backed stablecoin issued on Zetrix, the core Layer-1 blockchain underpinning Malaysia's national Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure (MBI).

Launched under a regulated sandbox framework, RMJDT is designed to strengthen the international use of the Malaysian Ringgit in cross-border trade settlements and to act as a catalyst for attracting increased foreign direct investment (FDI) into Malaysia. The initiative aligns with global tokenisation trends and directly supports Malaysia's Digital Asset National Policy.

In conjunction with the RMJDT rollout, Bullish Aim will also establish a Digital Asset Treasury Company (DATCO) with an initial treasury allocation of RM500 million in Zetrix tokens, with plans to increase to RM1 billion. Modelled after global precedents such as MicroStrategy and Bitmine Immersion, this treasury will play a pivotal role in ensuring stable network gas fees for RMJDT transactions.

DATCO will additionally stake Zetrix tokens to support up to 10% of the validator nodes within the Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure, reinforcing long-term national Web3 resilience while enhancing the security and efficiency of the blockchain ecosystem.

"As the issuer of RMJDT, we view the establishment of a Zetrix-token treasury as a strategic necessity - both to support operational stability and to deepen alignment with the national blockchain," said His Royal Highness the Regent of Johor.

These dual initiatives reflect Johor's commitment to advancing digital innovation at the intersection of blockchain technology, trade infrastructure, and national economic development, while operating within Malaysia's approved sandbox environment to ensure compliance, transparency, and national oversight.

About Zetrix

Zetrix is a layer-1 public blockchain that facilitates smart contracts and delivers privacy, security and scalability. Zetrix's cryptographic infrastructure can be introduced to multiple industries to connect governments, businesses and their citizens to a global blockchain-based economy. Developed by Zetrix AI Berhad, formerly known as MY E.G. Services Bhd, the cross-border and cross-chain integration with China enables Zetrix to serve as a blockchain gateway that facilitates global trade by deploying critical building blocks for Web3 services such as Blockchain-based Identifiers (BID) and Verifiable Credentials (VC).

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Kasei Digital Assets Plc - Result of GM

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 09

Kasei Digital Assets Plc

(to be renamed Stackbitcointreasury plc)

("the Company")

Result of GM

The Company is pleased to announce that at its General Meeting held on 9 December 2025, all resolutions were duly passed including shareholder approval of the Rule 9 Waiver Resolution.

As a consequence, the following matters were approved.

Return of Capital

Resolution 1 authorises the Directors to implement the Return of Capital. Under the Return of Capital, the 30,429,174 Existing Ordinary Shares will be redesignated as B Shares. Up to 3,042,917.40 standing to the credit of the Company's share premium account will be capitalised to allot and issue 304,291,740 B Shares to existing shareholders. Following this, the B Shares and a portion of the share premium account will be cancelled to enable the return of capital to shareholders. The Company's articles of association will also be amended to allow for the issue of B Shares. The B Shares are non-transferable and will not be listed on AQSE or any other exchange.

Cancellation of the Surrendered Shares

Resolution 2 permits the cancellation of the 2,799,177 Surrendered Shares, being unpaid Ordinary Shares registered in the name of the Company. Following this cancellation, the outstanding warrants giving rights to subscribe for 333,117 Ordinary Shares will also be cancelled.

Share Allotment Authorities

Resolutions 3 and 4 have authorised the Directors to allot shares and/or grant rights to subscribe for new Ordinary Shares up to an aggregate nominal amount of 5 million, equivalent to 500 million new Ordinary Shares and to disapply pre-emption rights in respect of such shares. These authorities will expire on 9 December 2026.

Waiver of Rule 9

Resolution 5, the Rule 9 Waiver granted by the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers, was approved by the Company's Independent Shareholders. The waiver permits the Concert Party to subscribe for new Ordinary Shares pursuant to the Investment without triggering a general offer obligation.

Modification of Investing Policy

Resolution 6, an ordinary resolution to modify the Company's Investing Policy, was approved. The revised strategy repositions the Company as a dedicated, listed Bitcoin investment vehicle, focusing on direct investment in Bitcoin and treasury management activities aimed at capital preservation and long-term growth.

Details of the votes received will be available shortly on the Company's website.

Change of Name and TIDM

As stated in the announcement earlier today, the Company's change of name to Stackbitcointreasury plc has been registered at Companies House and will become effective on the AQSE Exchange from 10 December 2025. The Company's AQSE share ticker will simultaneously change to STAK on the same day. Following the name change, the Company's website will be https://www.stackbitcoin.co.uk/ , which contains all information required pursuant to Rule 4.14 of the AQSE Growth Market Access Rulebook.

Conditional on confirmation by the court of the reduction of capital, it is expected that, at 8:00 a.m. on 21 January 2026, 20 million New Ordinary Shares will be issued. At that time, the Company's new SEDOL (BSMKZ42) and ISIN (GB00BSMKZ421) will become effective.

The Directors of the Company are responsible for the release of this announcement.

For further information please contact:
Leading UK regulator chooses cutting-edge, AI-powered RedactXpert Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution to modernise sensitive case management whilst maintaining rigorous compliance standards.

By introducing RedactXpert, the HCPC will enhance its ability to manage confidential casework securely and efficiently - strengthening its core mission of protecting the public and maintaining trust in the professions it regulates.

"It is great to see that RedactXpert is already helping the HCPC modernise and simplify their redaction process. The application enables users to tackle higher demand with greater ease, successfully responding to case requests faster. HCPC are now using AI automation to elevate professional judgment - not replace it - strengthening their value and supporting their commitment to public protection."

- Jake O'Meara, Business Development Manager at Simpson Associates

Empowering Professionals Through Intelligent Automation

Every year, the HCPC manages thousands of case files - ranging from Fitness to Practise (FTP) proceedings to Subject Access Requests (SARs), and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. Together, these files collectively contain hundreds of thousands of documents, packed with highly sensitive information that demands attention. Every document must, therefore, be meticulously reviewed and redacted with precision to protect the privacy of registrants, witnesses, and vulnerable individuals.

To support staff with the scale and complexity of this task, HCPC selected AI-powered redaction tool, RedactXpert, developed by Simpson Associates.

As a cloud-based, SaaS solution, RedactXpert eliminates the need for lengthy, complex deployment and requires zero infrastructure setup. This frictionless design enables HCPC teams to quickly begin delivering value.

For the HCPC, RedactXpert becomes an intelligent assistant, significantly reducing the time spent on manual redaction whilst keeping experienced HCPC staff firmly in control of every redaction decision. This human-in-the-loop approach guarantees both the validity and precision of each redaction.

With RedactXpert in place, the HCPC's workforce can work smarter and faster, gaining greater confidence and reclaiming valuable time to serve the healthcare industry.

Driving Efficiency and Accuracy

Regulators across the UK face mounting pressure: surging caseloads, stricter disclosure requirements, and rising public expectations for speed and transparency.

RedactXpert's AI-assisted precision will ensure accuracy across the HCPC's redactions, no matter the document type, safeguarding sensitive data at every stage. This level of standardisation eliminates administrative burden while giving HCPC teams complete confidence in their process.

For the HCPC, the introduction of RedactXpert brings faster document turnaround, greater resilience and enhanced data protection, strengthening their ability to safeguard everyone they serve.

A Scalable Foundation for Future Modernisation

As a SaaS platform, RedactXpert is built to scale effortlessly, expanding to handle more users and diverse document types as HCPC's needs evolve. The cloud-based system maintains fast, reliable performance, even as workloads increase or case complexity grows.

By adopting a secure tool that aligns with UK compliance standards, the HCPC is creating a sustainable foundation for data transformation. This forward-thinking approach allows the regulator to modernise responsibly - using AI-powered technology to elevate accuracy, transparency and efficiency, without compromising process integrity.

About the HCPC

The HCPC is the regulator of 15 different health and care professions in the UK. Their role is to protect the public. They do this by:

setting the standards for education and training, professional skills, conduct, performance and ethics and continuing professional development for 15 health and care professions;

keeping a Register of professionals who meet these standards;

approving education programmes that professionals must complete prior to registration; and

taking action when registrants do not meet the standards.

About Simpson Associates

Simpson Associates is a trusted data transformation partner that combines leading technologies with a clear mission: to help purpose-led organisations harness data as a force for positive change. Their team of AI strategy consultants delivers end-to-end data services - from advisory support and data strategy to AI-powered redaction and managed services.

About RedactXpert

RedactXpert is an AI-powered redaction SaaS solution, developed by Simpson Associates, leveraging Microsoft AI to deliver intelligent, secure document handling.

Built to handle sensitive data for organisations processing large volumes of personal information, the platform offers AI-powered precision for redacting PDFs, Microsoft Word documents (.docx), spreadsheets (.xlsx), image files, emails with attachments and hand-written notes. The solution enables teams to categorise data intelligently, bundle documents seamlessly and manage files efficiently - all within a single platform.

Tried, tested and trusted by several UK organisations, RedactXpert provides enterprise-grade security while delivering measurable improvements in accuracy, consistency, and operational efficiency.

Find out more: https://www.redactxpert.ai/

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/22845408-3b99-45c3-b21e-a564effca461

info@simpson-associates.co.uk
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - Kodiak Copper Corp. (TSXV: KDK) (OTCQX: KDKCF) (FSE: 5DD1) (the "Company" or "Kodiak") reports the initial Mineral Resource estimate at the Company's 100%-owned MPD copper-gold project located in an established mining region in southern British Columbia. The Resource estimate for MPD includes seven deposits in total. Four deposits were previously reported in June (see news release June 25, 2025) and three are being reported today, to complete the full initial Mineral Resource estimate.

Highlights

Large, open-pit copper-gold initial Mineral Resource estimate ("MRE") which shows the scale and potential of MPD and lays the foundation for future resource growth and development.

The Initial MRE comprises seven deposits . Resource estimates for the West, Adit and South deposits are reported today, complementing the Resource estimates for the Gate, Ketchan, Man, and Dillard deposits announced in June. Figure 1

The West, Adit and South deposits all feature shallow mineralization and favourable geometry , characteristics that are expected to support low strip ratios in future economic evaluations. West and Adit host high grade mineralization from surface, while South is a large bulk tonnage deposit over 1km in length that is still underexplored. Figure 2 & 3

Total Indicated Mineral Resource: 82.9 million tonnes (Mt) grading 0.39% copper equivalent (CuEq) for 519 million pounds (Mlb) of copper (Cu) and 0.39 million ounces (Moz) of gold (Au) . Table 1

Total Inferred Mineral Resource: 356.3 million tonnes (Mt) grading 0.32% copper equivalent (CuEq) for 1,889 million pounds (Mlb) of copper (Cu) and 1.28 million ounces (Moz) of gold (Au) . Table 1

The MRE is defined using a cut-off grade of 0.2% CuEq. Sensitivity cases using lower cut-of grades typical of producing mines in the area have significantly higher tonnages and metal contents . Table 2

All deposits remain open for expansion within and beyond the MRE pit shells, most in multiple directions and at depth. Kodiak's work in 2026 will be focussed on Resource growth. In addition, Kodiak intends to test some of the numerous underexplored targets on the MPD property which present opportunities to discover new mineralized zones.

Webinar: Tuesday, December 9th @ 9am PT (register here)

Join President & CEO Claudia Tornquist and Chairman Chris Taylor as they discuss the

Mineral Resource Estimate and future plans for Kodiak Copper's MPD Project

Claudia Tornquist, President and CEO of Kodiak said, "I am very pleased to share the resource estimate for the West, Adit and South zones today. These deposits will clearly play a key role in advancing MPD's overall economic potential. West and Adit in particular host high-grade mineralization right from surface, an important characteristic that positions these zones well as starter pits in a possible future mining scenario. Overall, MPD's maiden Resource shows considerable scale, strong growth potential and grades consistent with leading copper porphyry projects in North America. With multiple deposits, MPD offers unique optionality and flexibility for future development pathways. Add to this its strategic location in a well-established, low-cost mining district in southern British Columbia and MPD stands out as a highly promising project with clear economic potential."

Chris Taylor, Chairman of Kodiak said, "This maiden resource marks a key milestone in MPD's advancement toward becoming a major mine. With all deposits remaining open for expansion, I have no doubt that continued drilling will drive significant resource growth. It is also noteworthy how clearly the sensitivity cases at lower cut-off grades demonstrate the large in-situ metal endowment at MPD. Next year's exploration program will prioritize resource expansion and test multiple target areas with the potential to add meaningful tonnage to our existing deposits. We also plan to drill several promising copper and gold targets on the property, some supported by encouraging historic drill results, others defined using VRIFY AI-supported targeting. The large number of targets on the property, approximately 20 at current count, underscores MPD's remarkable prospectivity and the exciting opportunity for yet another major discovery."

Figure 1: MPD Project - Location map of Mineral Resources

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/277328_2d86ef4554a0b85f_002full.jpg

Initial Mineral Resource Estimate

The drill hole density in the South Zone, West Zone and central part of the Gate Zone was sufficient to develop a 82.9 Mt Indicated Resource grading 0.39% CuEq. Inferred Resources at the Man, Dillard, Ketchan, Gate, Adit, South and West Zones total 356.3 Mt with an average grade of 0.32% CuEq (see Table 1). The effective date for the MRE reported herein is December 9, 2025. Figure 2 shows the MRE pit shells that support the Reasonable Prospects of Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE).

Table 1: MPD Initial Mineral Resource Estimate

MPD Initial Mineral Resource Estimate Zone Resource

Category Tonnes Average Grade Metal Content Date

Reported



(Mt) Cu

(%) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) CuEq

(%) Cu

(Mlbs) Au

(Moz) Ag

(Moz) CuEq

(Mlbs)

Gate Indicated 56.4 0.31 0.14 1.18 0.42 385 0.25 2.14 522 2025-06-25 West Indicated 14.2 0.21 0.24 0.80 0.37 66 0.11 0.37 116 2025-12-09 South Indicated 12.3 0.25 0.07 1.17 0.30 68 0.03 0.46 82 2025-12-09 Gate Inferred 114.5 0.27 0.13 1.07 0.36 681 0.48 3.94 909 2025-06-25 Ketchan Inferred 66.0 0.24 0.12 1.09 0.33 349 0.25 2.31 480 2025-06-25 Dillard Inferred 51.9 0.20 0.09 0.39 0.26 229 0.15 0.65 298 2025-06-25 Man Inferred 8.3 0.17 0.30 0.56 0.37 31 0.08 0.15 68 2025-06-25 West Inferred 24.7 0.22 0.20 0.77 0.36 120 0.16 0.61 196 2025-12-09 Adit Inferred 20.1 0.34 0.03 2.79 0.38 151 0.02 1.80 168 2025-12-09 South Inferred 70.9 0.21 0.06 1.25 0.26 328 0.14 2.85 406 2025-12-09 Total Indicated 82.9 0.28 0.15 1.11 0.39 519 0.39 2.97 719 2025-12-09 Total Inferred 356.3 0.24 0.11 1.07 0.32 1,889 1.28 12.31 2,524 2025-12-09

Notes:

1. The Mineral Resources were estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Reserves, as prepared by the CIM Standing Committee and adopted by CIM Council.

2. A cut-off grade of 0.2% CuEq was applied to the MRE models within the pit shells.

3. Pit shell optimization used average recoveries derived from metallurgical test work of Cu 82%, Au 60% and Ag 54%, exchange rate of 1.35 CAD:USD, mining cost of C$2.3/t, process cost of C$8.5/t, and pit slope of 45 degrees.

4. Copper equivalence (CuEq) and constraining pit shells assume metal prices (US$) of: $4.2/lb copper, $2,600/oz gold, $30/oz silver.

5. The copper equivalency equation used is: CuEq(%) = Cu(%) + Au(g/t) x 0.6606 + Ag(g/t) x 0.0069

6. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the mineral resources will be converted into mineral reserves in the future. The MRE may be materially affected by considerations including, but not limited to, permitting, legal, sociopolitical, environmental issues, market conditions or other factors.

7. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. Totals may not sum due to rounding as required by reporting guidelines.



Figure 2: MPD Project -Aerial View of Mineral Resource Block Models and associated RPEEE 3D pit shells

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/277328_2d86ef4554a0b85f_003full.jpg

Figure 3: MPD Project - Underground view of Mineral Resource Block Models and associated RPEEE 3D pit shells

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/277328_2d86ef4554a0b85f_004full.jpg

Sensitivity Cut-off Grades

In addition to the base case cut-off grade ("COG") of 0.2% CuEq a range of cut-off grades from 0.12% to 0.22% CuEq were applied to the Resource models to evaluate the potential effect on tonnage, grade and metal content (Table 2). Lower cut-off grade sensitivity cases demonstrate a notable increase in tonnage and in-situ metal, with a decrease in average grades. The values in the COG sensitivity cases are for comparison purposes only and should not be considered Mineral Resources.

Table 2: Cut-Off Grade Sensitivity Summary

MPD Initial Mineral Resource Estimate & Cut-Off Grade Sensitivity Scenarios Cut-Off Grade Indicated Inferred (CuEq %) Tonnes

(Mt) CuEq

(%) CuEq

(Mlbs) Tonnes

(Mt) CuEq

(%) CuEq

(Mlbs) 0.22 73.4 0.42 674 297.5 0.34 2,237 0.20 82.9 0.39 719 356.3 0.32 2,524 0.18 92.4 0.37 747 424.0 0.30 2,830 0.15 107.1 0.34 806 537.7 0.27 3,216 0.12 120.6 0.31 838 657.1 0.24 3,551

Notes: 1. Copper equivalence (CuEq) assumes metal prices (US$) of: $4.2/lb copper, $2,600/oz gold, $30/oz silver.

2. CuEq is based on average recoveries derived from metallurgical test work as applied in the pit optimization process. Average recoveries are: Cu 82%, Au 60% and Ag 54%.

3. The copper equivalency equation used is: CuEq(%) = Cu(%) + Au(g/t) x 0.6606 + Ag(g/t) x 0.0069

Next Steps

Kodiak is actively advancing the MPD Project through the following key work streams and upcoming catalysts in 2026:

File NI 43-101 Technical Report on SEDAR+ - Q1

Metallurgical test results - Q1

Soil results and drill targets - Q1

Resource expansion drilling - Q2 onwards

Exploration drilling, testing new targets - Q2 onwards

Geophysical programs - Q2 onwards

Resource update - Q1 2027

Ongoing structural studies

Continued environmental baseline studies

Ongoing engagement with indigenous rightsholders and local stakeholders

Estimation Methods for the South, West and Adit Deposits

The Resource estimate was completed by James N. Gray, P.Geo. of Advantage Geoservices Ltd., an Independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by CIM Council, as amended. Estimation methods for the South, West and Adit deposits are summarized below. The estimation methods for the Gate, Man, Dillard and Ketchan deposits are presented in the June news release (see news release June 25, 2025).

The West, Adit and South Resource estimates are controlled by lithology and alteration models based on a three-dimensional interpretation of drill results. Where appropriate, structural features were also included in the geological models. A total of 135 holes, completed by Kodiak and previous operators through 2025, have been used for grade estimation; 50 holes at West, 31 at Adit, and 54 at South. Sixty-seven of the 135 core holes drilled were completed under the supervision of Kodiak. To appropriately control the impact of outliers on copper, gold, and silver distributions, minor high-grade capping was applied to assay values prior to compositing at a length of three metres. Grades at all three project areas were estimated by inverse distance weighting. Block size was 10 x 10 x 10 metres for each deposit. Average rock densities were applied based on models of lithology. A total of 2,074 density measurements from core samples was used to assign average block densities. Bulk density values average 2.69 tonnes/m3 at West, 2.60 tonnes/m3 at Adit and 2.73 tonnes/m3 at South.

Block models were classified based on calculated drill spacing. Blocks were assigned as an Inferred Mineral Resource where drill spacing was less than 150 metres. At West and South, where more drill information has allowed a higher degree of confidence in the geologic model, blocks at a drill spacing of up to 70 m have been classified as Indicated.

Reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction (RPEEE) were established by JDS Energy & Mining Inc ("JDS") to constrain the MRE. To consider the RPEEE, JDS produced Lerchs-Grossmann optimized pit shells at each project area using the following parameters: Cu US$4.2/lb, Au US$2,600/oz, Ag US$30/oz, an exchange rate of 1.35 CAD:USD, average recoveries of: 82% Cu, 60% Au and 54% Ag, slope of 45, mining cost of C$2.30/t and an average process cost of C$8.50/t (including G&A). Recovery assumptions were determined by JDS from the initial metallurgical testwork conducted earlier this year. All material included in the MRE is contained within the optimized pit shells.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures employed by Kodiak for the laboratory analysis of drill core included the inclusion of certified standards, blanks and duplicates. All Kodiak samples were sent for analysis to either ALS Canada Ltd or Activation Laboratories Ltd, both of which meet all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2015. The historic results included in the Mineral Resources were reviewed and are believed to be from reliable sources using industry standards at the time, however the company has not independently verified, or cannot guarantee, the accuracy of historical information. The historical results will be summarized in the accompanying NI 43-101 technical report.

Qualified Person

The MRE was prepared by James Gray, P.Geo., of Advantage Geoservices Ltd., with contributions from Tysen Hantelmann, P.Eng., of JDS Energy & Mining Inc. for cut-off grade and Pit Shell optimization and Shane Tad Crowie, P.Eng., of JDS Energy & Mining Inc., for metallurgical parameters, in accordance with the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards and Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). James Gray, Tysen Hantelmann and Shane Tad Crowie, are independent Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101 and have reviewed and approved the contents of this news release. Dave Skelton, P.Geo. (AB), Vice President Exploration and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has approved and verified the technical information used in this news release. The historic work referenced herein is believed to be from reliable sources using industry standards at the time, based on Kodiak's review of available documentation. However, the Company has not independently validated all historic work, and the reader is cautioned about its accuracy.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Kodiak Copper Corp.

Claudia Tornquist

President & CEO

About Kodiak Copper Corp.

Kodiak is focused on advancing its copper porphyry projects in Canada and the USA, which host known mineral discoveries with the potential to hold large-scale deposits. Kodiak Copper's most advanced asset is the 100% owned MPD copper-gold porphyry project in the prolific Quesnel Terrane in south-central British Columbia, Canada, an established mining region with producing mines and excellent infrastructure. MPD exhibits all the hallmarks of a large, multi-centered porphyry district with the potential for future economic development. The initial Mineral Resource Estimate published in 2025 outlines seven substantial deposits and underscores the scale and potential of the project. All known deposits remain open to expansion, and numerous targets across the property have yet to be tested. Kodiak continues to systematically explore MPD's district-scale potential with the goal of delivering new discoveries and building further critical mass toward being the region's next mine.

Kodiak's founder and Chairman is Chris Taylor who is well-known for his gold discovery success with Great Bear Resources. Kodiak is also part of Discovery Group led by John Robins, one of the most successful mining entrepreneurs in Canada.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statement (Safe Harbor Statement): This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company's exploration plans. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with conditions in the equity financing markets, and assumptions and risks regarding receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277328

SOURCE: Kodiak Copper Corp.
Cranbrook, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - DLP Resources Inc. (TSXV: DLP) (OTCQB: DLPRF) (FSE: J8C) ("DLP" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the implementation of a Technical Committee (the "TC") to provide specialized oversight and guidance on the Company's technical operations and projects. The Company further announces the appointment of Mr. Joe Phillips as a Technical Advisor.

Technical Committee Implementation

The newly formed TC is established to enhance strategic decision-making related to its technical endeavours.

Mandate: The TC will focus on evaluating, reviewing, and making recommendations to the Board regarding all technical aspects of the Company's business.

The TC will focus on evaluating, reviewing, and making recommendations to the Board regarding all technical aspects of the Company's business. Composition: All members of the Company's Board of Directors are authorized to participate in the TC, if they wish, to ensure comprehensive input and alignment with corporate strategy.

All members of the Company's Board of Directors are authorized to participate in the TC, if they wish, to ensure comprehensive input and alignment with corporate strategy. Reporting Structure: The TC will report directly to the Board of Directors, ensuring timely communication and integration of technical insights.

Appointment of Joe Phillips as Technical Advisor

The Company is pleased to welcome Mr. Joe Phillips, who will serve as a Technical Advisor. Mr. Phillips has a wealth of experience as a senior mining executive and director in North and South America. His experience ranges from startup and development to operational roles at a senior level. He has acted as technical adviser on various operations, most recently the World Copper project in Arizona, and has been COO at a number of operations including Minera Tres Valles, Chile, and Laguna Gold. He has been in senior management roles with Coeur Mining, Silver Standard and Pan American Silver.

About DLP Resources Inc.

DLP Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration company operating in Southeastern British Columbia and Peru, exploring for Base Metals and Cobalt. DLP is listed on the TSX-V, trading symbol DLP and on the OTCQB, trading symbol DLPRF, and on the FSE, trading symbol J8C. Please refer to our web site www.dlpresourcesinc.com for additional information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277381

SOURCE: DLP Resources Inc.
CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, Dec. 09, 2025is pleased to announce that it has become a member of the WNTI.

The World Nuclear Transport Institute(WNTI) is a dedicated membership and non-governmental organisation at the forefront of the global nuclear transport industry, committed to driving the highest standards of safety and security in the global transport of nuclear and radioactive materials.

Joining WNTI granted Cambridge Atomworks the privilege of attending events such as the inaugural World Nuclear Transport Conference 2025 and the WNTI Members' Meeting in November. James Leybourn, Design Engineer Lead at Cambridge Atomworks, attended the conference alongside experts across wide ranging fields, from transport package designers, fuel suppliers and nuclear transport carriers to lawyers and financiers. The presentations and panel sessions covered the implications of transport capability and regulation on the front and back end of the fuel cycle. "Understanding the nuclear transport industry is key in achieving Cambridge Atomworks' goal for global deployment of its ODIN Micro Reactor Technology," said Eugene Shwageraus, CTO.





Dr Andrew Steer, Head of Regulatory Engagement, and Prof Eugene Shwageraus, CTO, also joined WNTI's semi-annual members' meeting. Highlights from the event included the expertise of the WNTI members, the compelling examples on the practicalities of nuclear transport that were discussed, and the collective enthusiasm to ensure nuclear transport is an enabler rather than a block to global deployment of new nuclear. Cambridge Atomworks is committed to supporting with action WNTI's aims and outcomes to provide a coherent industry input on nuclear transport issues.

Prof Peter Bryant, CEO of WNTI, said, "I'm pleased to welcome Cambridge Atomworks to the WNTI community. Their expertise will be invaluable as we collaborate to advance safe, secure and sustainable transport solutions for the next generation of nuclear reactor technologies and fuels."





About Cambridge Atomworks

Cambridge Atomworksis a UK company aiming to utilise the very high energy density of nuclear fission to provide reliable power with substantially reduced logistics for energy intensive local power requirements in off-grid situations. Providing solutions for (i) the increasing energy requirements at mine sites as increasing demand for critical minerals and metals needed for the energy transition demands more processing of materials on site; (ii) contributing to energy equity by delivering power suitable for energy intensive industries and installations critical to development in regions with no grid infrastructure.

Eugene Shwageraus

info@cambridgeatomworks.com

+44 7384 507952

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99e99e9e-9ad0-4551-aa62-c78407750d8a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0750a427-19b7-4d6f-a1af-80c149696865
HYDERABAD, India, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Mordor Intelligence, the globalsmall modular reactor market, in terms of installed capacity, is projected to increase from 312.5 MW in 2025 to 912.5 MW by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 23.9% over the forecast period 2025-2030. This growth is being fueled by rapid decarbonization mandates and rising demand for off-grid industrial heat. Momentum is further boosted by factory-built SMR designs that cut construction time and capital costs, as well as tighter energy-security policies. Governments increasingly view SMRs as dependable, low-carbon power sources to complement renewables, while industrial users are turning to them for clean and efficient process heat.

Emerging Trends & Developments:

Strong Demand Emerging for Off-Grid Industrial Heat

Industries aiming to reduce their direct emissions are increasingly turning to reactors that can supply both high-temperature heat and electricity in one solution. Companies in chemicals and heavy manufacturing are exploring how SMRs could be integrated into their facilities, while mining operations in remote locations are drawn to their ability to replace diesel-based systems. These premium heat applications offer stronger margins and help offset the higher costs associated with nuclear technologies, creating broader revenue opportunities within the SMR market.

Decarbonization Mandates Accelerate SMR Market Momentum

As companies push toward ambitious net-zero goals, many are turning to nuclear energy to secure dependable, carbon-free baseload power that complements their expanding clean-energy portfolios. The global commitment to scale up nuclear capacity is already encouraging more firms to explore direct partnerships with advanced reactor developers, reflecting a shift away from traditional utility-led procurement.

Factory-Based Builds Reduce Financial Risk

Moving reactor construction from open sites to controlled manufacturing facilities helps address historical cost overruns in nuclear projects. Standardized production, parallel construction activities, and repeatable supply chains are improving project efficiency, even as vendors balance global sourcing with national content requirements.

Segmentation Overview:

By Reactor Type

Water-cooled (land-based and marine-based)

High-temperature gas-cooled

Molten salt

Fast neutron spectrum

Micro-reactors

By Application

Grid-connected power

Off-grid and remote electrification

Industrial process heat and steam

Desalination and district heating

Defense and military bases

By End-User Sector

Utilities and independent power producers (IPPs)

Industrial and petrochemical companies

Mining and remote operations

Government and defense

Research institutions

By Geography

North America United States Canada

Europe United Kingdom France Italy Sweden Denmark Switzerland Poland Russia Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific China Japan South Korea Indonesia Rest of Asia-Pacific

South America Argentina Rest of South America

Middle East and Africa Saudi Arabia South Africa Rest of Middle East and Africa



For a full breakdown of small modular reactor market size, segmentation data, and competitive intelligence, access all details of the Mordor Intelligence report at: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/small-modular-reactor-smr-market?utm_source=prnewswire

Geographical Insights:

Europe is shaping up as the quickest-moving growth hub, driven by coordinated policymaking and cross-border collaboration. Joint programs among EU members are spreading development risk, standardizing reactor choices, and helping speed up regulatory approvals, particularly in Central and Northern Europe.

North America progress remains steady but cautious. Regulatory milestones and early construction approvals signal confidence in the technology, yet higher labor expenses and layered regulatory systems slow wider rollout. Elsewhere, Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are still in early stages, with progress closely tied to external funding and technical support.

Explore Energy and Power Industry Reports - https://www.mordorintelligence.com/market-analysis/energy-power?utm_source=prnewswire

Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Companies:

NuScale Power

Rolls-Royce SMR

TerraPower

Rosatom & JSC OKBM

X-energy

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy

Holtec International

BWX Technologies

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC)

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI)

EDF-NUWARD

Ontario Power Generation

Candu Energy (SNC-Lavalin)

Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp.

Westinghouse eVinci

Fluor Corp.

AtkinsRealis (formerly SNC-Lavalin)

Ansaldo Nucleare

KEPCO E&C

Check out related reports published by Mordor Intelligence:?

Hydro Turbine Market: The report breaks down the market by technology (reaction and impulse), capacity range (below 10 MW, 10-100 MW, and above 100 MW), and region, covering North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Discover the top companies influencing the hydro turbine industry at: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/hydro-turbine-market/companies?utm_source=prnewswire

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Find out which companies dominate the small gas engines industry at: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/small-gas-engine-market/companies?utm_source=prnewswire

About Mordor Intelligence?

Mordor Intelligence is a trusted partner for businesses seeking comprehensive and actionable market intelligence. Our global reach, expert team, and tailored solutions empower organizations and individuals to make informed decisions, navigate complex markets, and achieve their strategic goals. With a team of over 550 domain experts and on-ground specialists spanning 150+ countries, Mordor Intelligence possesses a unique understanding of the global business landscape.

This expertise translates into comprehensive syndicated and custom research reports covering a wide spectrum of industries, including aerospace & defense, agriculture, animal nutrition and wellness, automation, automotive, chemicals & materials, consumer goods & services, electronics, energy & power, financial services, food & beverages, healthcare, hospitality & tourism, information & communications technology, investment opportunities, and logistics.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/small-modular-reactor-market-set-for-24-cagr-to-2030-driven-by-rapid-decarbonization-mandates-and-off-grid-industrial-heat-demand-says-mordor-intelligence-302636463.html
Boom secures 1.21 gigawatt order from Crusoe for 29 Superpower units

Boom Supersonic, the company building the world's fastest airliner, today announced a backlog of more than $1.25 billion for its Superpower turbine and revealed its launch customer, Crusoe. The company also closed a $300 million funding round led by Darsana Capital Partners, with participation from Altimeter Capital, ARK Invest, Bessemer Venture Partners, Robinhood Ventures and Y Combinator. Superpower is a 42-megawatt natural gas turbine that delivers reliable energy to AI data centers while accelerating the return of supersonic travel.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209195489/en/

Boom Supersonic introduces Superpower, a 42-megawatt natural gas turbine that delivers reliable energy to AI data centers while accelerating the return of supersonic travel.

The same supersonic technology drives both the Superpower turbine and the Symphony jet engine: an all-new engine core designed for sustained and efficient high power output, even under challenging thermal conditions. Superpower accelerates AI data center development by providing gigawatts of new capacity and advances the development and certification of the Overture supersonic airliner by providing engine reliability data.

"Supersonic technology is an accelerant-of course for faster flight, but now for artificial intelligence as well," said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic. "With this financing and our first order for Superpower, Boom is funded to deliver both our engine and our airliner."

Unlike legacy power turbines which lose generation capacity when it gets hot outside, Superpower leverages extreme temperature technology to maintain its full capacity-even in demanding locations. Superpower does not require water-a substantial advantage for AI data centers where water is often a constrained resource. Crusoe, an energy-first AI infrastructure leader, has ordered 29 Superpower turbines to power its advanced AI data centers.

"Boom's innovative approach to power turbine technology builds on the company's impressive breakthroughs in supersonic flight. At Crusoe we are continuously searching for new approaches to increase real-world performance and accelerate time-to-power across our portfolio of energy assets and operations," said Chase Lochmiller, co-founder and CEO of Crusoe. "We're proud to be partnering closely with Boom as the launch customer for Superpower, an initiative that aligns perfectly with Crusoe's energy-first approach to building the AI infrastructure of the future."

Boom's total turbine production is planned to ramp to over four gigawatts annually by 2030. Leveraging its supersonic capability and advanced materials, Superpower achieves dramatically better real-world price performance when compared to other aeroderivative engines:

42 MW of ISO-rated power in a shipping-container-scale package

Full rated output in ambient temperatures exceeding 110F

Waterless operation, enabling deployment in hot and arid environments

Runs on clean natural gas with backup diesel capability

The Series B funding round, led by Darsana Capital, fully funds Symphony engine development, and ongoing revenues from the Superpower business will finance certification and delivery of Overture. Darsana is a New York based investment firm with a concentrated portfolio of long-term public and private equity investments with exposure and expertise across aerospace and defense, space, AI and emerging technologies.

"Darsana looks forward to partnering with Boom to help develop state-of-the-art energy generation to power America's AI revolution, all at supersonic speeds," said Steve Friedman, Partner at Darsana Capital. "Boom has assembled an incredible team and executed with impressive discipline. Their focus on first delivering supersonic technology to create a high-performance power turbine business reflects a smart, capital-efficient path to building the next great American industrial company."

Superpower will be built in the United States, supporting American reindustrialization. Today, 95% of the parts that make up Boom's Symphony engine core prototype are in manufacturing, and testing is slated to begin in 2026 at Boom's test facility in Colorado. Boom's Overture order book stands at 130 aircraft, including orders and pre-orders from United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines.

About Boom Supersonic

Boom Supersonic's mission is to make the world dramatically more accessible through a renaissance in supersonic flight. Boom is developing the Symphony supersonic engine, which powers the Overture supersonic airliner and the Superpower natural gas turbine for AI. Overture will fly at twice the speed of today's subsonic jets over water and 50% faster over land with Boomless Cruise. Founded in 2014, Boom is based in Denver, Colorado.

For more information, visit https://boomsupersonic.com.

Photos and video available at https://boomsupersonic.com/newsroom/media-assets

Connect with Boom Supersonic on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209195489/en/

Contacts:

Media contact:

Laura Hein for Boom Supersonic press@boomsupersonic.com
New tool, which will be integrated into IRIS Elements and IRIS Accounting Suite for all customers, will reduce time to file a tax return from four hours to as little as 90 minutes

Across the 13,000 strong base of IRIS Elements and IRIS Accounting Suite users, the AI tool could release up to 6 million hours back into the profession once all phases are deployed

Move marks the first phase of a multi-million-pound investment to strengthen IRIS' flagship software to deliver productivity gains

LONDON, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IRIS Software Group (IRIS), a leading global provider of accounting, HR, payroll, and education software, has launched the first phase of its AI-powered tax anomaly detection tool, marking a strategic shift from compliance software provider to AI-powered tax preparation partner. The launch represents the first phase of a multi-million-pound investment to position IRIS as an AI-first, AI-everywhere company.

Building one of the Industry's Most Intelligent Tax Platforms

Integrated directly into IRIS Elements and IRIS Accountancy Suite at no additional cost, the tool gives over 13,000 UK accounting practices immediate access to AI-powered anomaly detection that identifies errors before submission to HMRC. Built on GPT4.1 in the agent and fully integrated into Microsoft Foundry, it addresses the challenge of comparing current-year returns against historical data by flagging discrepancies including unexpected income fluctuations, missing dividend or interest income, and manual entry errors. These are all issues that plague practices across the sector, risking not only costly fines but long-term reputational damage.

As part of IRIS's long-term vision to create the UK's most intelligent personal tax automation platform, this phase one launch will be followed by two additional phases over the next 12 months. When fully deployed, the complete platform aims to cut tax return preparation time by up to 62.5% and reduce errors by 95%.

"This is one of the industry's first solutions built specifically for UK tax compliance that actually understands HMRC rules and accounting workflows," said Jonathan Priestley, General Manager, Global Accountancy Solutions and Transformation at IRIS Software Group. "Firms that thrive are those who embrace technology as a trusted partner, and with this tool we're giving practices of all sizes the power to unlock their growth potential with AI they can trust."

Mid-sized firms (9-75 employees) using IRIS Accountancy Suite will see their operations transform into what IRIS calls an "AI-powered tax machine," with projected savings of up to 44,930 annually once all three phases are implemented*. Smaller firms using cloud-native IRIS Elements will gain the same enterprise AI capabilities in an all-in-one platform, eliminating the need for multiple software solutions and enabling growth without added complexity or headcount.

Once fully deployed, the AI tool will release approximately six million hours back into the profession across IRIS' customer base, which files more than two million personal tax returns annually. Mid-sized firms are expected to save an average of 1,250 hours per year, with smaller firms predicted to save a minimum of 250 hours per year - releasing significant time savings back into the profession to be redirected to advisory services, client relationships, and new business development.

Phased Rollout Ahead of Busy Season

The phase one tool, which has been incorporated in the platforms since mid-November, uses AI to detect anomalies early to prevent unnecessary errors and enabling professionals to quickly resolve issues - increasing profitability and empowering firms to deliver service excellence for their clients.

Over the next 12 months, two additional phases will be rolled out. Phase two will add intelligent validation against HMRC rules and automated document extraction from P60s, payslips and other source documents. Phase three will enable full automation including post-submission monitoring and AI-generated client reporting.

The timing ahead of the sector's traditional 'busy season' - when millions of tax returns must be filed before HMRC deadlines - provides immediate productivity gains as practices face peak demand.

Meeting Market Demand as Younger Accountants Drive AI Adoption

The launch responds to surging demand for AI tools across the profession. Recent research shows 91% of accountants currently use AI for researching tax matters and drafting documents, with two-thirds planning adoption within three years. Accountants aged 18-24 show a 29% higher adoption rate, signalling a generational shift toward AI-enabled practice management. a generational shift toward AI-enabled practice management.

Investment Positions IRIS as AI-first, AI-everywhere Company

Today's announcement follows last year's acquisition of Dext, the market-leading accounting and bookmarking software that automates routine tasks with AI. This strategic acquisition forms a key element of a wider investment in intelligent automation, enhancing IRIS' capabilities to streamline accounting processes and deliver even greater value to customers.

IRIS is now moving into the next phase of its AI-first strategy, with a multi-million-pound strategic investment to embed AI across its entire software portfolio. While accounting is the first division to receive AI-powered capabilities, the investment will extend across IRIS's flagship solutions in payroll, HR, and education, transforming how more than 100,000 organizations globally operate.

"This isn't about adding AI features for the sake of it - we're fundamentally reimagining how our customers work with an AI-first, AI-everywhere approach," Said Jason Dies, CEO at IRIS Software Group, "We're starting with one of our core segments, the accounting profession, but these AI capabilities will extend across our entire software portfolio, payroll, HR and education, transforming the critical work each of our customers do every day."

The collaboration uses Microsoft's advanced and secure AI infrastructure and large language models, positioning IRIS to deliver enterprise-grade AI capabilities at scale across all markets it serves.

Chris Tuite, Director, Software Company Partnerships UK & Ireland, Microsoft said: "By building on Microsoft's secure AI infrastructure, IRIS is helping UK accounting practices work more efficiently and accurately during their most demanding season by making AI insights available in the flow of work. This practical AI innovation has the potential to turn into measurable business value for its customers."

*Based on an employee working 9am-5pm at an averaged-sized practice that is filing 500 returns

About IRIS Software Group

Founded in 1978, IRIS Software Group is a global provider of mission-critical, cloud-hosted software solutions and services to more than 100,000 customers across 135 countries. IRIS is a trusted partner to businesses, finance, HR and payroll teams, educational organisations, and accountancy firms of all sizes, providing innovative operational solutions that streamline complex processes, maintain compliance, and unlock growth. Through simplifying, automating and providing insights on everyday mission-critical tasks for organisations of all shapes and sizes, IRIS ensures customers can look forward with certainty and confidence. IRIS is certified as a 2025 Great Place to Work in the UK, Ireland, India, Romania, Canada and the USA.

To see how IRIS helps organisations get things right first time, every time, visit www.iris.co.uk or follow IRIS Software Group on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

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Vancouver, BC, Dec. 09, 2025))(Frankfurt: SC1P ) ("Skyharbour" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its joint-venture partner, Orano Canada Inc. ("Orano"), is planning a substantial 2026 exploration and drilling program at the 49,635 hectare Preston Uranium Project ("Preston" or the "Property") located in the western Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada. The upcoming program will include an Airborne Gravity Gradiometry (AGG) survey, followed by detailed ground gravity surveys, and these geophysics will be followed by a summer 2026 drilling campaign totaling approximately 3,500 metres. The program is designed to build on the encouraging results from the previous few years and advance several high-priority target areas across the property, particularly within the FSAN and Canoe Lake grids where drilling and geophysical surveys have identified compelling structural corridors and extensive alteration zones. Orano is the majority owner with 74.7% and operator at the project with Skyharbour now owning the remaining minority interest of 25.3%.

Location Map of Preston Project:

https://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/Sky_Preston-2025_12_08.jpg



2026 Exploration Campaign at Preston:

The proposed 2026 exploration campaign will include a large-scale Airborne Gravity Gradiometry (AGG) survey, which will cover the full priority corridor in the northern portion of the property. This work will include the FSAN and Canoe Lake grids, both of which were highlighted as the most prospective areas after the 2025 drilling season. The AGG survey is expected to refine discrete gravity lows, identify structural trends, and help delineate potential hydrothermal or alteration-related footprints across the broader claim area. Following the airborne work, Orano intends to complete detailed ground gravity surveys using tight station spacing of 25 by 25 metres or 50 by 50 metres. These surveys will focus on key zones within the proposed drilling footprint and will be used to validate targets from the airborne data, improve resolution over prospective features, and help distinguish basement anomalies from localized overburden variations.

A summer diamond drilling program is also proposed, consisting of approximately 3,000 to 3,500 metres across roughly ten helicopter-supported drill holes, each averaging around 300 metres in depth. Similar to the successful approach used in 2025, drilling will be divided between direct targeting of high-priority anomalies and broader structural corridor testing along graphitic trends known to be associated with uranium mineralization in the Athabasca Basin. Orano anticipates that six to eight drill holes will focus on follow-up and step-out testing within the northern FSAN area, where multiple graphitic shear zones, brittle-ductile structures, and strong clay alteration were intersected in 2025. An additional two to four holes are planned for the Area B conductive corridor, an underexplored structural trend that remains largely untested but shows strong potential based on existing geophysical data.

The proposed budget for the 2026 program will be allocated to the airborne and ground gravity surveys as well as toward drilling, helicopter support, logistics, and analytical work. The planned work is expected to significantly advance the geological understanding of the Preston Project and generate new high-quality drill targets for future exploration, building on the extensive groundwork completed during 2024 and 2025.

2025 Exploration Campaign Completed at Preston:

The 2025 exploration program at the Preston Uranium Project was successfully completed and consisted of 5,565 metres of helicopter-supported diamond drilling across 17 holes, in addition to ongoing geophysical interpretation and geological analysis. The program was designed to evaluate several high-priority target areas distributed throughout the property to systematically test multiple prospective geological corridors. Drilling was primarily focused on the Johnson Lake, Canoe Lake, and FSAN grids, each representing distinct structural and geophysical environments with the potential to host basement-hosted uranium mineralization.

Target Area Overview - Preston Lake Project:

https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/Target-Area-Overview-Preston-Lake-Project.png

Work completed in 2025 marked the first-ever drilling at the Johnson Lake grid (Zone 1), where previous ML-TEM surveys and DC resistivity had outlined strong conductive responses along the JL-North and JL-South trends. Four holes totaling 1,304 metres were drilled to test the interpreted graphitic packages and resistivity lows associated with these conductors. Drilling confirmed the presence of multiple narrow but well-developed graphitic shear zones, displaying brittle-ductile fabrics and locally enhanced clay alteration consistent with structurally complex basement settings.

Although the area yielded fewer signs of extensive reactivation compared to other zones, the drilling provided valuable geological constraints and verified the EM interpretations. With access no longer limited by winter conditions thanks to helicopter support, the 2025 work provided the first substantive geological dataset ever collected at Johnson Lake.

Johnson Lake Grid - VTEM Background:

http://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/JohnsonLakeGrid_2025Drilling_VTEM.jpg

The Canoe Lake grid (Zone 2) continued to demonstrate strong prospectivity and received significant attention in the 2025 program, with four holes totaling just under 1,000 metres drilled across several conductors. Previous work had identified nine conductive trends within the area, many of which had seen only limited historic drilling. The 2025 drilling successfully intersected multiple graphitic fault zones (several of them strongly fractured, argillized, and sulphide-bearing) along the CAN-1, CAN-3, and CAN-8 corridors. Holes PRE-27 and PRE-34 returned some of the most notable structural intersections, including strongly graphitic horizons marked by extensive fault gouge, core loss, and well-developed chlorite and illite alteration. Gravity lows mapped in this area were confirmed to correlate in several cases with thicker overburden or preferential weathering of structural zones, consistent with patterns observed at other Athabasca uranium deposits. With several conductors remaining untested and multiple structural corridors showing strong graphitic development, Canoe Lake continues to be regarded as one of the most prospective target zones on the property.

Canoe Lake Grid - 2025 Drilling:

http://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/CanoeLakeGrid_2025Drilling_VTEM.jpg



The largest component of the 2025 program was completed on the FSAN grid (Zone 3), where 10 holes totaling 3,263 metres were drilled across both direct targeting and structural corridor evaluations. This work followed up on new 2024 ground gravity and SGH geochemical surveys, which had outlined several compelling anomalies. Drilling across the FSAN grid successfully confirmed multiple graphitic shear zones, brittle-ductile structures, and thick sequences of kaolinite, illite, and chlorite alteration - an alteration profile that is consistent with large-scale fluid movement and enhanced structural preparation. Several fences of holes, including PRE-32-37 and PRE-36-41-42, intersected parallel graphitic shear zones with well-developed mylonitic fabrics, while holes PRE-35, PRE-39, and PRE-40 encountered atypical alteration and lithological variations not previously documented at Preston. These results collectively point to a more complex structural framework in the FSAN area than previously recognized, with multiple corridors now identified as priority targets for follow-up drilling.

FSAN Grid - 2025 Drilling:

http://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/FSANGrid_2025Drilling_VTEM.jpg

Overall, the 2025 exploration program was successful in validating EM-defined conductive packages, expanding the geological understanding of key structural corridors, and refining the property-scale model for basement-hosted uranium potential at Preston. The results highlight several zones, particularly within Canoe Lake and FSAN, where additional drilling is warranted and where new geophysical datasets have outlined strong, untested targets. This multi-zone approach ensured thorough coverage across the Preston claims and has positioned the project for a focused and technically robust 2026 exploration and drilling campaign.

Preston Uranium Project:

In March 2017, Skyharbour signed an option agreement with Orano (formerly AREVA Resources Inc.) that provided Orano an earn-in option to acquire a majority working interest in the 49,635 hectare Preston Uranium Project. The significant potential of the Project has been highlighted by past discoveries in the area by NexGen Energy Ltd. (Arrow deposit), Fission Uranium Corp. (Triple R deposit now owned by Paladin Energy), and F3 Uranium Corp. (PLN discovery). Exploration at the Project has consisted of ground gravity, airborne and ground electromagnetics, radon, soil, silt, biogeochem, lake sediment, and geological mapping surveys, as well as exploratory drill programs. Over a dozen high-priority drill target areas associated with multiple prospective exploration corridors have been successfully delineated through these methodical, multi-phased exploration initiatives, which have culminated in an extensive, proprietary geological database for the project area.

Joint Venture and Strategic Partnership:

In early 2021, Orano fulfilled their earn-in option interest in the project through funding exploration expenditures and making cash payments. Orano now holds a 74.7% interest in the joint venture and is the operator, with the remaining minority 25.3% interest owned by Skyharbour.

Qualified Person:

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Serdar Donmez, P.Geo., VP of Exploration for Skyharbour as well as a Qualified Person.

About Orano Canada Inc.:

Orano Canada Inc., headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is a leading producer of uranium, accounting for the processing of more than 15 million pounds of uranium concentrate in Canada in 2023. In 2024, Orano celebrated 60 years of exploring for, mining, and milling uranium in Canada. Orano Canada is the operator of the McClean Lake uranium mine and mill, and a significant partner in the Cigar Lake, McArthur River, and Key Lake operations. The company employs nearly 500 people in Saskatchewan, including about 320 at the McClean Lake operation, where over 46% of employees self-declare as Indigenous. As a sustainable uranium producer, Orano Canada is committed to safety, environmental protection, and contributing to the prosperity and well-being of neighbouring communities.

About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.:

Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with interest in thirty-seven projects covering over 616,000 hectares (over 1.5 million acres) of land. Skyharbour has acquired from Denison Mines, a large strategic shareholder of the Company, a 100% interest in the Moore Uranium Project, which is located 15 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine. Moore is an advanced-stage uranium exploration property with high-grade uranium mineralization in several zones at the Maverick Corridor. Adjacent to the Moore Project is the Russell Lake Uranium Project, which hosts widespread uranium mineralization in drill intercepts over a large property area with exploration upside potential. The Company is actively advancing these projects through exploration and drilling programs.

Skyharbour also has joint ventures with industry leaders Denison Mines, Orano Canada Inc., Azincourt Energy, and Thunderbird Resources at the Russell, Preston, East Preston, and Hook Lake Projects, respectively. The Company also has several active earn-in option partners, including CSE-listed Basin Uranium Corp. at the Mann Lake Uranium Project; TSX-V listed North Shore Uranium at the Falcon Project; UraEx Resources at the South Dufferin and Bolt Projects; Hatchet Uranium at the Highway Project; CSE-listed Mustang Energy at the 914W Project; and TSX-V listed Terra Clean Energy at the South Falcon East Project.

In aggregate, Skyharbour has now signed earn-in option agreements with partners that total to potentially over $76 million in partner-funded exploration expenditures and over $42 million in cash and share payments coming into Skyharbour, assuming that these partner companies complete their entire earn-ins at the respective projects.

Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.

Skyharbour's Uranium Project Map in the Athabasca Basin:

https://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/SKY-SaskProject-Locator-2025-12-08.jpg

To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd..

SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD.

"Jordan Trimble"



Jordan Trimble

President and CEO

For further information contact myself or:

Nicholas Coltura

Corporate Communications Manager

Skyharbour Resources Ltd.

Telephone: 604-558-5847

Toll Free: 800-567-8181

Facsimile: 604-687-3119

Email: info@skyharbourltd.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, completing ongoing and planned work on its projects including drilling and the expected timing of such work programs, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of uranium, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, and those filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather or climate conditions, failure to obtain or maintain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to obtain or maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), decrease in the price of uranium and other metals, increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law.
Prestigious Paris-area cancer center to offer patients next-generation gyroscopic radiosurgery beginning 2026

ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc., a global leader in non-invasive robotic brain surgery, today announced that Institut Gustave Roussy, one of the world's most prestigious and influential cancer research hospitals, will soon install the groundbreaking ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251120096938/en/

Institut Gustave Roussy, Paris France.

Located in Villejuif, a southern suburb of Paris, France, Gustave Roussy was founded in 1926 and was recently ranked the #1 cancer center in France and Europe by Newsweek's World's Best Specialized Hospitals 2026. Newsweek additionally recognized the site as the #4 world's best oncology hospital the first institution ever honored outside the United States.

Installation of the ZAP-X system will be completed by the end of the year, with patient treatments planned in the first months of 2026.

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a completely non-invasive, outpatient procedure often used as an alternative to open brain surgery. With no incision, no anesthesia, and no pain, patients typically return home the same day and quickly resume normal activities. SRS has become a game-changer in treating many brain tumors and other disorders of the brain, head, and neck.

"Stereotactic radiosurgery is transforming how we treat patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors," said Professor Eric Deutsch, Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Gustave Roussy. "The addition of ZAP-X represents an important milestone in our continued commitment to pioneering world-class, non-invasive therapies."

The ZAP-X system is the world's most advanced stereotactic radiosurgery platform. Its unique gyroscopic mobility allows delivery of radiosurgical beams from thousands of unique angles, enabling unparalleled ability to sculpt dose around critical structures such as the brain stem, eyes, and optic nerves. This innovative approach aims to maximize tumor control while protecting patient cognitive function.

Additionally, by employing a modern linear accelerator for radiation generation, ZAP-X is the first and only dedicated cranial SRS system to eliminate reliance on Cobalt-60 radioactive sources, removing the regulatory, financial, and safety burdens of handling isotopes.

Dr. Frederic Dhermain, Senior Radiation Oncologist at Gustave Roussy, added "With its unique design and ability to minimize radiation exposure to healthy brain tissue, ZAP-X offers a new level of precision and safety. We are proud to bring this cutting-edge technology to our patients."

For more information about ZAP-X, please visit www.zapsurgical.com.

About ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc.

ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc., a global leader in non-invasive robotic brain surgery, is committed to reducing the costs and complexities that limit access to world-class radiosurgery (SRS) for the brain, head, and neck. The company manufactures the ZAP-X Gyroscopic Radiosurgery platform and is also pioneering new applications of high-precision SRS in areas such as depression, addiction, and obesity. Founded in 2014 by Dr. John R. Adler, Emeritus Dorothy TK Chan Professor of Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology at Stanford University, ZAP introduced the world's first vault-free radiosurgery platform eliminating the need for costly shielded treatment rooms and enabling flexible, high-visibility siting. ZAP-X also advances beyond legacy Cobalt-60 technology with a modern linear accelerator for safer, more sustainable care. Learn more at ZAP Surgical and follow us on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251120096938/en/

Contacts:

Mark Arnold, ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc.

Senior Vice President, Marketing

+1 650 492 7797, ext. 101

Email: info@zapsurgical.com
Progression-free response stayed consistent across age, BMI, and menopausal status in MONALEESA pooled analysis 1





KISQALI is only CDK4/6i to demonstrate statistically significant overall survival (OS) in MBC across all Phase III trials 2-12





New NATALEE 5-year sub-analysis data reinforce sustained reduction in distant disease-free survival in broadest population of EBC patients13





Basel, December 9, 2025 - Novartis today announced results showing that one in four patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) advanced breast cancer (ABC) remained progression-free for four or more years following treatment with Kisqali (ribociclib) plus endocrine therapy (ET)1. Results were from a pooled, post-hoc exploratory analysis of first-line patients in the MONALEESA trials and will be presented at the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) on December 11, 2025.

Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has spread beyond the breasts to other parts of the body. Long-term progression-free survival benefit with Kisqali was observed in patients regardless of their menopausal status and was achieved even in a proportion of patients with unfavorable prognostic factors (liver involvement, = 3 metastatic sites)1. Patients had a median progression-free survival of 6.8 years1. The median overall survival was not estimable.

Kisqali has demonstrated statistically significant overall survival (OS) across all three Phase III MONALEESA trials2-12.

"The latest MONALEESA analysis shows that 1 in 4 patients with metastatic disease remained progression-free for four years or more. Our biomarker analyses demonstrate clinical and genomic factors potentially associated with these outstanding responses, highlighting the importance of precision medicine in identifying which patients may derive the greatest benefit from CDK4/6 inhibitors," said Dr. Pedram Razavi, Breast Medical Oncologist and Director of Translational Oncology Partnership Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, who is the author and presenter of the analysis at SABCS.

"Kisqali continues to deliver on its promise of potentially offering more time for people living with advanced breast cancer," said Mark Rutstein, Global Head of Oncology Development at Novartis. "The results from the long-term analysis provide continued confidence in the clinical benefit of Kisqali for metastatic breast cancer patients."

Patient and Biomarker Characteristics Associated with Long-Term Response

The post-hoc exploratory analysis of the MONALEESA-2, -3 and -7 trials in first-line HR+/HER2- MBC aimed to identify clinical characteristics and biomarkers of patients who experienced long-term response with Kisqali1.

Characteristic Long-term

Responders (LTR)

(n=153) Non-LTR

(n=349) Directional insight Median age (years) 59.3 58.0 Comparable across groups Postmenopausal (%) 78 78 Balanced by menopausal status De novo disease (%) 43 40 Similar baseline disease presentation = 3 metastatic sites (%) 30 43 Fewer high-burden cases among LTRs Liver involvement (%) 16 26 Less frequent among LTRs Bone-only disease (%) 24 20 Slightly more common among LTRs Mean ctDNA fraction 0.05 0.13 Lower circulating tumor DNA in LTRs CCND1 alteration (%) 2 10 Less frequent among LTRs TP53 alteration (%) 3 12 Less frequent among LTRs Luminal A subtype (%) 38 25 Higher prevalence among LTRs

NATALEE 5-year Data Reinforce Sustained Benefit in Reducing Distant Recurrence

Additionally, Novartis is presenting a sub-analysis from the five-year NATALEE trial that showed Kisqali plus a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI) continues to result in improved distant disease-free survival (DDFS) compared to NSAI alone13. This was consistent across key subgroups with node-positive and node-negative disease, reinforcing Kisqali plus NSAI as a treatment option to help reduce the risk of recurrence for the broadest population of HR+/HER2- early breast cancer (EBC) patients13,14.



About Novartis in Breast Cancer

For more than 30 years, Novartis has been at the forefront of driving scientific advancements for people touched by breast cancer and improving clinical practice in collaboration with the global community. With one of the most comprehensive breast cancer portfolios and pipeline, Novartis leads the industry in discovery of new therapies and combinations in HR+/HER2- breast cancer, the most common form of the disease.



About Kisqali (ribociclib)

Kisqali (ribociclib) is a selective cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, helping slow the progression of cancer by inhibiting two proteins called cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6). These proteins, when over-activated, enable cancer cells to grow and divide quickly. Targeting CDK4/6 with enhanced precision plays a role in tumor control.



Kisqali has been approved as a treatment for breast cancer by regulatory authorities in more than 100 countries worldwide, including the U.S. FDA and the European Commission15,16. In the US, Kisqali is indicated in combination with an AI as an adjuvant treatment for adults with HR+/HER2- stage II and III early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence, as well as for the treatment of adults with HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer or ABC as initial ET; Kisqali is also approved in the metastatic indication in combination with fulvestrant as initial ET or following disease progression on ET15.



In EBC, Kisqali is the only CDK4/6 inhibitor recommended by the NCCN Guidelines for breast cancer as Category 1 preferred for both all node-positive disease as well as for patients with no nodal involvement with high-risk disease characteristics, such as tumor size >5 cm, or for tumors sized 2-5 cm, either Grade 2 with high genomic risk/Ki-67 =20% or Grade 317. Kisqali approvals in EBC from regulatory authorities worldwide are ongoing, including recent approval from China's National Medical Products Administration18. In MBC, Kisqali has consistently demonstrated statistically significant overall survival benefit across three Phase III trials2-12. The NCCN Guidelines also recommend Kisqali as the only Category 1 preferred CDK4/6 inhibitor for first-line treatment of people living with HR+/HER2- MBC when combined with an AI, making Kisqali the preferred first-line treatment of choice for US prescribers in HR+/HER2- MBC17.



In addition, Kisqali has achieved the highest score (A) on the European Society for Medical Oncology-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS) for EBC and has the highest rating of any CDK4/6 inhibitor on the ESMO Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale, achieving a score of four out of five for first-line pre-menopausal patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer19,20. Further, Kisqali in combination with either letrozole or fulvestrant has uniquely, among other CDK4/6 inhibitors, received a score of four out of five for post-menopausal patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer treated in the first line21.



Kisqali was developed by Novartis under a research collaboration with Astex Pharmaceuticals.



Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "may," "could," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide.

Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com (https://www.novartis.com/) and connect with us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/novartis/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/novartis/), X/Twitter (https://twitter.com/Novartis) and Instagram (https://instagram.com/novartis?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==__;!!N3hqHg43uw!pjp8z253J5NjaOYrW65UbAAlHeHRdQ-w0m4ezZxEQEl0ptafXN2M99VRIk39pf49PAc8NbK93Pxp3uaSBQkAf8oEnzWXG8Sk$).



References

Andre F et al. Pooled analysis of patients (pts) treated with 1st-line (1L) ribociclib (RIB) + endocrine therapy (ET) in the MONALEESA (ML) studies: long-term progression-free survival (PFS). Presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 11, 2025. Texas, USA. Yardley DA et al. Pooled exploratory analysis of survival in patients (pts) with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC) and visceral metastases (mets) treated with ribociclib (RIB) + endocrine therapy (ET) in the MONALEESA (ML) trials. Poster presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress. September 9-13, 2022. Paris, France. Neven P et al. Updated overall survival (OS) results from the first-line (1L) population in the Phase III MONALEESA-3 trial of postmenopausal patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC) treated with ribociclib (RIB) + fulvestrant (FUL). Mini oral presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Breast Cancer Congress. May 4, 2022. Paris, France. Hortobagyi GN, Stemmer SM, Burris HA, et al. Overall Survival with Ribociclib plus Letrozole in Advanced Breast Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2022;386(10):942-950. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2114663. Hortobagyi GN et al. Overall survival (OS) results from the phase III MONALEESA (ML)-2 trial of postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HR+/HER2-) advanced breast cancer (ABC) treated with endocrine therapy (ET)  ribociclib. LBA 17. Proffered paper presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress, September 16-21, 2021. Lugano, Switzerland. Im SA, Lu YS, Bardia A, et al. Overall survival with ribociclib plus endocrine therapy in breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2019;381(4):307-316. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1903765. Slamon DJ, Neven P, Chia S, et al. Overall Survival with Ribociclib plus Fulvestrant in Advanced Breast Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(6):514-524. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1911149. Slamon DJ et al. Overall survival (OS) results of the Phase III MONALEESA-3 trial of postmenopausal patients (pts) with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer (ABC) treated with fulvestrant (FUL)  ribociclib (RIB). LBA7_PR. Presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress. September 29, 2019. Barcelona, Spain. Slamon DJ et al. Updated overall survival (OS) results from the Phase III MONALEESA-3 trial of postmenopausal patients (pts) with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC) treated with fulvestrant (FUL)  ribociclib (RIB). Presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. June 5, 2021. Chicago, USA. Tripathy D et al. Updated overall survival (OS) results from the phase III MONALEESA-7 trial of pre- or perimenopausal patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC) treated with endocrine therapy (ET)  ribociclib. Presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. December 9, 2020. Texas, USA. Yardley D et al. Overall survival (OS) in patients (pts) with advanced breast cancer (ABC) with visceral metastases (mets), including those with liver mets, treated with ribociclib (RIB) plus endocrine therapy (ET) in the MONALEESA (ML) -3 and -7 trials. Presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. June 2020. Chicago, USA. O'Shaughnessy J et al. Overall survival subgroup analysis by metastatic site from the Phase III MONALEESA-2 study of first-line ribociclib + letrozole in postmenopausal patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. Presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. December 7-10, 2021. Texas, USA. Hurvitz S et al. Five-year analysis of distant disease-free survival (DDFS) across key subgroups from the phase 3 NATALEE trial of ribociclib (RIB) plus a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI) in patients with HR+/HER2- _early breast cancer (EBC). Presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 11, 2025. Texas, USA. Crown J, Stroyakovskii D, Yardley DA, et al. Adjuvant Ribociclib Plus Nonsteroidal Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy in Patients With HR+/HER2- Early Breast Cancer: NATALEE 5-Year Outcomes. Presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress; October 17-21, 2025; Berlin, Germany. Kisqali. Prescribing Information (US FDA). Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2017. Accessed November 2025. https://www.novartis.com/us-en/sites/novartis_us/files/kisqali.pdf (https://www.novartis.com/us-en/sites/novartis_us/files/kisqali.pdf) Kisqali. Summary of product characteristics (SmPC). Novartis Europharm Limited; 2017. Accessed November 2025. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/kisqali-epar-product-information_en.pdf (https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/kisqali-epar-product-information_en.pdf) NCCN Guidelines. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) - Breast Cancer. Accessed November 2025. https://www.nccn.org (https://www.nccn.org/) National Medical Products Administration. Drug Evaluation Information Disclosure: Drug Evaluation Approval Results. National Medical Products Administration. Published May 21, 2025. Accessed November 2025. https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/zwfw/sdxx/sdxxyp/yppjfb/20250521151427103.html (https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/zwfw/sdxx/sdxxyp/yppjfb/20250521151427103.html) European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO). ESMO MCBS scorecards; NATALEE. Available from: https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/esmo-mcbs/esmo-mcbs-for-solid-tumours/esmo-mcbs-scorecards/scorecard-468-1 (https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/esmo-mcbs/esmo-mcbs-for-solid-tumours/esmo-mcbs-scorecards/scorecard-468-1) Accessed November 2025. European Society for Medical Oncology. Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale Scorecard. Updated February 7, 2025. Available from: https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/esmo-mcbs/esmo-mcbs-scorecards/scorecard-158-1 (https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/esmo-mcbs/esmo-mcbs-scorecards/scorecard-158-1) Accessed November 2025. European Society for Medical Oncology. Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale Scorecard. Updated February 7, 2025. Available from: https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/esmo-mcbs/esmo-mcbs-scorecards/scorecard-9-1 (https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/esmo-mcbs/esmo-mcbs-scorecards/scorecard-9-1) Accessed November 2025.





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Ianalumab (9 mg/kg) plus eltrombopag extended ITP disease control by 45% with patients maintaining disease control 2.8 times longer than with placebo plus eltrombopag 1 ,2





62% of patients treated with ianalumab plus eltrombopag achieved sustained platelet response at six months compared to 39% with placebo plus eltrombopag 1 ,2





Ianalumab, administered as four once-monthly intravenous doses in the ITP setting, has the potential to reduce the need for chronic treatment and deliver durable disease control in ITP





Novartis plans to submit VAYHIT2 data from second-line ITP with results from ongoing first-line ITP trial, VAYHIT1, to health authorities in 2027

Basel, December 9, 2025 - Novartis today announced positive results from VAYHIT2, a Phase III trial evaluating ianalumab plus eltrombopag in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) previously treated with corticosteroids1-3. Ianalumab (9 mg/kg) plus eltrombopag extended ITP disease control by 45%, based on the primary endpoint of time to treatment failure (TTF), which assesses how long patients maintain safe platelet levels during and after the treatment period1,2. The median time to treatment failure for patients receiving ianalumab plus eltrombopag was 2.8 times longer than those on placebo plus eltrombopag (13.0 months vs. 4.7 months)1,2.



Detailed data will be presented during the Late-Breaking Abstract Session at the 67th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting & Exposition (ASH) and simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2515168)1,2.



"Treatments for ITP have historically focused on raising platelet counts, often requiring chronic therapy to control ITP. This means many patients remain on treatment long-term, facing persistent disease burden and symptoms like fatigue," said Hanny Al-Samkari, M.D., Peggy S. Blitz Endowed Chair in Hematology/Oncology, Mass General Brigham, and Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. "The VAYHIT2 trial results are encouraging, as they demonstrated improved disease control even while patients spend time off treatment, pointing toward possible progress for people living with ITP."



Patients receiving ianalumab (9 mg/kg) plus eltrombopag also achieved a significantly higher rate of sustained platelet count improvement at six months versus placebo plus eltrombopag (62% vs. 39%), meeting the key secondary endpoint1,2. Fatigue improvement, as measured by PROMIS Fatigue, showed a mean reduction of 7.7 points with ianalumab plus eltrombopag versus 3.6 points with placebo plus eltrombopag1,2.



"B cells drive the autoimmune response that leads to platelet destruction and increased bleeding risk in ITP. The novel dual mechanism of action of ianalumab aims to deplete B cells while blocking their survival signals," said Mark Rutstein, M.D., Global Head, Oncology Development, Novartis. "Guided by our decades-long experience advancing ITP care, the VAYHIT2 findings underscore the potential of ianalumab to deliver durable control with a short course of four once-monthly doses, offering patients the possibility of achieving disease stability without ongoing treatment."



Two doses of ianalumab were assessed in VAYHIT2 with ianalumab 9 mg/kg demonstrating statistically significant improvements across both the primary and key secondary endpoints, and ianalumab 3 mg/kg demonstrating statistically significant improvements in the primary endpoint and numerical improvements in the key secondary endpoint1-3.



Ianalumab 9 mg/kg + eltrombopag (N=50) Ianalumab 3 mg/kg + eltrombopag (N=51) Placebo + eltrombopag (N=51) Primary endpoint: Time to treatment failure (TTF) 13.0 months

(HR 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.92; p=0.021a) Not estimable

(HR 0.58; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.98; p=0.023a) 4.7 months Key secondary endpoint: Stable response at 6 months (SR6) 62.0%

(p=0.023a) 56.9%

(p=0.035a) 39.2%

a. Required p-value for statistical significance is one-sided < 0.025



Ianalumab was well tolerated with no new safety signals, and the side effect profile was consistent with previous studies1,2. Adverse events were comparable between the ianalumab and placebo arms, with the most common AEs for ianalumab plus eltrombopag being headache (14% with 9 mg/kg, 10% with 3 mg/kg vs. 8% with placebo) and infusion-related reactions (14% with 9 mg/kg, 8% with 3 mg/kg vs. 8% with placebo)1,2. Neutropenia* occurred more frequently in the ianalumab groups (16% with 9 mg/kg, 12% with 3 mg/kg) compared to placebo (2%) with most cases resolving without requiring treatment or dose interruption1,2. No on-treatment adverse event led to permanent discontinuation of therapy1,2.



VAYHIT2 marks the third positive Phase III trial with ianalumab, following two positive trials in adults with active Sjogren's disease1,4. Novartis plans to submit the data from VAYHIT2 along with results from the ongoing first-line ITP trial, VAYHIT1, in 2027. Ianalumab has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency5,6.



*An adverse event of special interest encompassing several terms related to low levels of neutrophils, neutrophil precursors and leukocytes



About ianalumab

Ianalumab (VAY736) is a novel fully human monoclonal antibody being investigated for its potential to treat various B cell-driven autoimmune diseases, including Sjogren's disease, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis (LN), warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc)3,7-13. Its mechanism of action targets B cells in two ways, namely combining B cell depletion via antibody-dependent cellular toxicity (ADCC) and interruption of BAFF-R mediated signals of B cell function and survival8. In clinical trials, ianalumab showed promising efficacy and a favorable safety profile in Sjogren's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and immune thrombocytopenia4,14-16. Ianalumab originates from an early collaboration with MorphoSys AG, a company which Novartis later acquired in 202417.

About primary immune thrombocytopenia

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare, autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys platelets, the cells essential for blood clotting18. This can lead to symptoms such as prolonged bleeding, easy bruising and chronic fatigue, which can significantly impact daily life18,19.

Despite available treatments, many people living with ITP cycle through multiple therapies, unable to achieve long-term disease control20. Current options often focus on maintaining safe platelet levels and preventing bleeding complications and may require ongoing use20,21. The burden of chronic treatment and unpredictability of relapses can significantly impact quality of life19,22. There is a need for therapies that offer durable response while reducing the burden of long-term treatment23.

About VAYHIT2

VAYHIT2 (NCT05653219) is a Phase III, multi-center, randomized, double-blind study evaluating the efficacy and safety of two different doses of ianalumab versus placebo, in addition to eltrombopag, in adults with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) (platelet count <30 G/L) who failed previous first-line treatment with corticosteroids3. Alongside eltrombopag, patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive four once-monthly intravenous infusions of ianalumab at 3 mg/kg, ianalumab at 9 mg/kg or placebo3. The primary endpoint was time to treatment failure, which is defined as the time from randomization until either: a platelet count of less than 30 G/L later than 8 weeks from randomization; the need for rescue therapy later than 8 weeks from randomization; initiation of a new ITP treatment at any time; ineligibility or inability to taper/discontinue eltrombopag; or death3. The key secondary endpoint is the percentage of patients with a stable platelet count response at Month 63. Other secondary endpoints include measures of depth and duration of platelet response as well as patient-reported outcomes that measure quality of life and fatigue, among other endpoints3.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "may," "could," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



About Novartis

Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide.



Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com (https://www.novartis.com/) and connect with us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/novartis/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/novartis/), X/Twitter (https://twitter.com/Novartis) and Instagram (https://instagram.com/novartis?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==__;!!N3hqHg43uw!pjp8z253J5NjaOYrW65UbAAlHeHRdQ-w0m4ezZxEQEl0ptafXN2M99VRIk39pf49PAc8NbK93Pxp3uaSBQkAf8oEnzWXG8Sk$).



References

Primary results from VAYHIT2, a randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial of ianalumab plus eltrombopag versus placebo plus eltrombopag in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who failed first-line corticosteroid treatment. Oral presentation at ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition: December 6-9, 2025. Cuker A, Stauch T,Cooper N et al. Ianalumab plus Eltrombopag in Immune Thrombocytopenia. N Engl J Med. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2515168 Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05653219. A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab Versus Placebo in Addition to Eltrombopag in Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia Patients Who Failed Steroids (VAYHIT2). Accessed November 14, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05653219 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05653219) Thomas GB, Xavier M, Stephanie F et al. Ianalumab demonstrates significant reduction in disease activity in patients with Sjogren's Disease: Efficacy and safety results from two global Phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind studies (NEPTUNUS-1 and NEPTUNUS-2). Presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Congress; October 24-29, 2025; Chicago, Illinois. US Food and Drug Administration. Orphan drug designation: ianalumab-treatment of primary immune thrombocytopenia. Published February 13, 2025. Accessed November 14, 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/opdlisting/oopd/detailedIndex.cfm?cfgridkey=1018924 (https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/opdlisting/oopd/detailedIndex.cfm?cfgridkey=1018924) European Commission. Community register of orphan medicinal products: ianalumab. Updated October 14, 2025. Accessed November 14, 2025. https://ec.europa.eu/health/documents/community-register/html/o3036.htm (https://ec.europa.eu/health/documents/community-register/html/o3036.htm) Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05648968. A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab in Previously Treated Patients With Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (VAYHIA) Accessed November 14, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05648968 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05648968) Dorner T, Bowman SJ, Fox R, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Ianalumab in Patients With Sjogren's Disease: 52-Week Results From a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2b Dose-Ranging Study. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2025;77(5):560-570. doi:10.1002/art.43059 Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05350072. Two-arm Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab (VAY736) in Patients With Active Sjogren's Syndrome (NEPTUNUS-1). Accessed November 14, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05350072 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05350072) Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05349214. Three-arm Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab (VAY736) in Patients With Active Sjogren's Syndrome (NEPTUNUS-2). Accessed November 14, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05349214 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05349214) Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05639114. Phase 3 Study to Evaluate Two Regimens of Ianalumab on Top of Standard-of-care Therapy in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SIRIUS-SLE 1) (SIRIUS-SLE 1). Accessed November 14, 2025. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05639114 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05639114) Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05126277. Safety, Efficacy and Tolerability of Ianalumab Versus Placebo, Combination With SoC Therapy, in Participants With Active Lupus Nephritis (SIRIUS-LN). Accessed November 14, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05126277 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05126277) Clinicaltrials.gov. NCT06470048. A Clinical Study to Evaluate Ianalumab in Participants With Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis. Accessed November 14, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06470048 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06470048) Bowman SJ, Fox R, Dorner T, et al. Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous ianalumab (VAY736) in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b dose-finding trial. Lancet. 2022;399(10320):161-171. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02251-0 Shen N, Ignatenko S, Gordienko A, et al. Phase 2 Safety and Efficacy of Subcutaneous (s.c.) Dose Ianalumab (VAY736; Anti-BAFFR mAb) Administered Monthly over 28 Weeks in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) of Moderate-to-Severe Activity [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2023; 75 (suppl 9). Accessed November 14, 2025. https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/phase-2-safety-and-efficacy-of-subcutaneous-s-c-dose-ianalumab-vay736-anti-baffr-mab-administered-monthly-over-28-weeks-in-patients-with-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle-of-moderate-to-severe/ (https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/phase-2-safety-and-efficacy-of-subcutaneous-s-c-dose-ianalumab-vay736-anti-baffr-mab-administered-monthly-over-28-weeks-in-patients-with-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle-of-moderate-to-severe/) Bradbury C, Elverdi T, Trautmann K, et al. A phase 2 study of ianalumab in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia previously treated with at least two lines of therapy (VAYHIT3). HemaSphere. 2025;9(Suppl 1):Abstract S238. Presented at European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress, June 12-15, 2025. Milan, Italy. Accessed November 14, 2025. https://library.ehaweb.org/eha/2025/eha2025-congress/4159389/charlotte.bradbury.a.phase.2.study.of.ianalumab.in.patients.with.primary.html (https://library.ehaweb.org/eha/2025/eha2025-congress/4159389/charlotte.bradbury.a.phase.2.study.of.ianalumab.in.patients.with.primary.html) Novartis. Press release. Novartis to strengthen oncology pipeline with agreement to acquire MorphoSys AG for EUR 68 per share or an aggregate of EUR 2.7bn in cash. February 5, 2024. Accessed November 14, 2025. https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-strengthen-oncology-pipeline-agreement-acquire-morphosys-ag-eur-68-share-or-aggregate-eur-27bn-cash (https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-strengthen-oncology-pipeline-agreement-acquire-morphosys-ag-eur-68-share-or-aggregate-eur-27bn-cash) Rodeghiero F, Stasi R, Gernsheimer T, et al. Standardization of terminology, definitions and outcome criteria in immune thrombocytopenic purpura of adults and children: report from an international working group. Blood. 2009;113(11):2386-2393. doi:10.1182/blood-2008-07-162503 Kuter DJ, Mathias SD, Rummel M, et al. Health-related quality of life in nonsplenectomized immune thrombocytopenia patients receiving romiplostim or medical standard of care. Am J Hematol. 2012;87:558-61 Kuter DJ. The treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)-focus on thrombopoietin receptor agonists. Ann Blood. 2021;6:27. doi:10.21037/aob-2021-itp-04 Provan D, Newland AC. Current management of primary immune thrombocytopenia. Adv Ther. 2015;32(10):875-887. doi:10.1007/s12325-015-0240-z Cooper N, Kruse A, Kruse C, et al. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) World Impact Survey (I-WISh): impact of ITP on health-related quality of life. Am J Hematol. 2021;96(2):199-207. doi:10.1002/ajh.26083 Mingot-Castellano ME, Bastida JM, Caballero-Navarro G, et al. Novel therapies to address unmet needs in ITP. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(7):779. doi:10.3390/ph15070779

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Real Business Solutions updated W2 Mate to support IRS IRIS for 2025, enabling automatic, IRIS-ready CSV e-filing for 1099 forms and simplifying compliance for businesses.

ORLAND PARK, IL / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Real Business Solutions (https://www.realtaxtools.com/), a leading provider of payroll and tax compliance software, today unveiled its new 2025 IRIS CSV Generator and 1099 E-Filing Capabilities for the 2026 tax season. As the IRS shifts away from paper filing-requiring electronic submissions for any business with 10 or more aggregate returns - the latest version of W2 Mate bridges the technical gap for filers. The software's specialized IRIS CSV Generator automatically formats 1099 data to meet the rigorous specifications of the IRS Taxpayer Portal, allowing users to upload files easily rather than typing each record manually. This release ensures that businesses, accountants, and non-profits can navigate the mandatory transition to the digital IRIS platform with speed, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

To further support businesses transitioning from legacy systems, W2 Mate 2025 includes tools that bridge the gap between old and new filing methods. A standout feature is the software's ability to import traditional IRS FIRE files to allow converting into the new IRIS CSV format, allowing companies with older payroll systems to meet 2026 mandates without overhauling their existing infrastructure. Additionally, W2 Mate simplifies the data intake process by offering import capabilities from accounting platforms like QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains), Sage, and Excel. Once data is imported, the software runs validation checks before utilizing the "Export 1099 Data for IRIS Upload" wizard. This ensures that complex forms - including 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, and 1099-DIV-are strictly formatted to the IRS's new CSV standard, significantly reducing the risk of file rejection during 1099 uploads.

Give the 2025 IRS IRIS CSV Generator from Real Business Solutions a test drive and see for yourself how easy 1099 reporting can be.

Visit https://www.realtaxtools.com/1099software/1099software.html.

Security remains a top priority for tax professionals and HR departments handling sensitive Social Security numbers and financial data. Unlike fully cloud-based solutions where sensitive data resides on third-party servers, W2 Mate operates as an on-premise desktop application, giving users full control over their database. Furthermore, the software's capabilities extend beyond standard employee forms; it supports a comprehensive suite of information returns including Forms 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-R and 1098. This versatility makes it an essential tool for accounting firms and businesses that need to manage diverse filing requirements under one roof while adhering to the new, stricter IRS electronic filing mandates.

About Real Business Solutions

Real Business Solutions is a software company specializing in payroll and tax preparation solutions for small to medium-size businesses, accountants, CPAs and payroll service providers. Founded in the early 2000s and headquartered in Orland Park, Illinois, the company has been providing comprehensive software products for over two decades. Their flagship products include Payroll Mate (complete and stand-alone payroll software), W2 Mate (W2 and 1099 printing and electronic filing software), 1095 Mate (ACA 1095 reporting and E-Filing software), and W2 Correction Mate (W-2C and W-3C printing and electronic filing software). To learn more about Real Business Solutions, visit https://www.realtaxtools.com/.

For more information about W2 Mate 2025 and the IRIS CSV Generator, please visit https://www.realtaxtools.com/W2-Mate.html

Media Contact

Organization: Real Business Solutions

Contact Person Name: Liz Past

Website: https://www.realtaxtools.com/

Email: sales@realtaxtools.com

Contact Number: +18005071992

Address: 18313 Distinctive Drive, Orland Park, IL USA 60467

City: Orland Park

State: IL

Country: United States

SOURCE: Real Business Solutions

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/2025-irs-iris-csv-generator-and-1099-e-filing-capabilities-unveiled-by-1115813
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - Aurum Lake Mining Corporation (TSXV: ARL) (the "Company" or "Aurum") announces that, further to its news release dated November 21, 2025, regarding the option agreement (the "Option Agreement") dated November 17, 2025 between the Company and Lipari Mining Ltd. for the exclusive option to earn a 100% interest in the Band-Ore property, it has received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") for the Option Agreement.

The Company has satisfied all conditions imposed by the Exchange in connection with the Option Agreement. The Option Agreement will become effective upon receipt of final approval from the Exchange.

About Aurum Lake Mining Corporation.

Aurum Lake Mining Corp. (TSXV: ARL) is a Tier 2 mining issuer pursuant to the policies of the TSXV. Aurum's current principal business is the development and exploration of the Homathko Property, located in the Cariboo Region of British Columbia, approximately 57km south of the community of Tatla Lake which lies 222km west of Williams Lake. Aurum expects that it will continue to evaluate and acquire additional resource projects in other jurisdictions with low to moderate local political risk.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, certain information in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may", "will" and include without limitation, statements based on current expectations involving a number of risk and uncertainties, including receipt by the Company of the final approval of the Option Agreement from the Exchange. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, regulatory risks. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

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/277428

SOURCE: Aurum Lake Mining Corporation
Next Phase to Include Shallow Drill Testing of USGS Breccia Pipes.

Deep Drilling to Test the Strongest Portion of the Quantec MT Anomaly

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - Viscount Mining Corp. (TSXV: VML) (OTCQB: VLMGF) ("Viscount" or the "Company") is pleased to report the results of its 2025 multi-phase exploration program at the Passiflora copper-gold porphyry on the Silver Cliff Project in Custer County, Colorado. New MMI soil geochemistry, when integrated with airborne imagery, Quantec MT geophysics, rock sampling, geological mapping and historical drilling, continues to strengthen the interpretation of a large, district-scale porphyry system centered below the Passiflora corridor.

The convergence of these independent datasets is providing the strongest technical case to date for a significant gold-copper intrusive center, with vectors now clearly defined for both shallow and deep drill testing in 2026.

A Broad, Coherent Copper-Gold Corridor Emerging

The 2025 MMI soil survey outlines a well-defined copper-in-soil trend across the central-western portion of the grid, remaining open to the west and north, and closely aligned with conductivity highs identified in the Quantec MT survey. These high-conductivity MT features are interpreted as indicators of a deep intrusive center, a common signature in large-scale porphyry environments.

Overlapping clusters of elevated gold-in-soil values coincide with the copper trend and are characteristic of leakage halos above mineralized porphyry centers. This dual response-copper and gold provides increased understanding in the geometry of the subsurface system.

Supporting datasets include:

Rock sampling along Ben Hill West , which returned elevated copper and porphyry pathfinder metals directly above the central MT feature.

, which returned elevated copper and porphyry pathfinder metals directly above the central MT feature. Airborne imagery outlining a broad alteration halo following the same structural corridor.

outlining a broad alteration halo following the same structural corridor. Historical drilling records documenting porphyry-style alteration mineral assemblages.

documenting porphyry-style alteration mineral assemblages. Viscount's deep hole PF-23-03A , which intersected long intervals of copper-gold mineralization interpreted to lie on the periphery of a larger intrusive system.

, which intersected long intervals of copper-gold mineralization interpreted to lie on the periphery of a larger intrusive system. Five shallow holes drilled in 2021, of which four encountered widespread anomalous base metals, silver, gold, and alteration assemblages consistent with the outer halo of a porphyry system.

These integrated lines of evidence support a multi-phase intrusive-hydrothermal system of meaningful scale, now better delineated by soil chemistry, MT responses, surface mapping and drilling.

Advancing Toward 2026 Drilling

Following compilation and integration of all datasets, Viscount has defined a drill plan targeting both the near-surface USGS-mapped breccia pipes and the deeper porphyry center indicated by the MT anomaly.

According to the Quantec report 2022, The 2D and 3D modeled depth of the anomaly extends ~1500m deep, or to an elevation of ~900m, but the source could be deeper. The extreme conductivity of the anomaly and sensitivity of the MT method limit resolution of the inversion result below the massive conductive zone. The information that we have of the deep parts of the model comes from the sites that are not directly above the anomaly, so the deeper part of the anomaly may not be well defined with the data and coverage available.

The Company will test several breccia bodies mapped by the USGS, interpreted as structurally prepared conduits that can host enriched mineralization proximal to porphyry systems. These targets provide cost-effective, shallow drill opportunities as part of the 2026 program.

The next deep drillhole is designed to test the strongest portion of the MT anomaly, representing a significant step-out from hole PF-23-03A. A similar mineralization profile-grade, alteration, and continuity would confirm lateral extension and strengthen the interpretation of a large porphyry system at depth. A positive outcome from either drill program would advance the Passiflora target and elevate its standing as a district-scale gold-copper opportunity for Viscount.

Historical Mine Records Reinforce Regional Metal Endowment

Viscount recently obtained historical mine reports (1908-1968) from the Colorado State Archivist's Office covering underground operations in the broader Hardscrabble Mining District surrounding the Company's first deep drill hole (PF-03A) which intersected 843.9 metres of continuous copper-gold mineralization. Although incomplete, the records document multiple underground shipments grading approximately 10-15% lead and 5-15 oz/ton silver, with additional gold and zinc credits noted in several of the annual reports These reports highlight the long-recognized polymetallic enrichment of the district and provide context for the broader mineralizing system that Passiflora is part of.

Soil Geochemistry Maps





Figure 1: Gold-in-Soil Density Map (MMI Method)



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2736/277331_e0918ee58445c8c1_002full.jpg





Figure 2: Copper-in-Soil Density Map (MMI Method)



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2736/277331_e0918ee58445c8c1_003full.jpg

Integrated Interpretation

Taken together, the copper, and gold datasets show two overlapping geological systems:

Copper-gold-pathfinder geochemical corridor consistent with a deeper porphyry source, spatially aligned with Quantec MT conductivity highs, mapped alteration and the mineralized intervals intersected in Viscount's deep hole PF-23-03A.

Next Steps

Viscount is now finalizing drill collar locations for holes targeting both the USGS-mapped breccia pipes and the deeper core hole designed to test the strongest portion of the MT anomaly at Passiflora. The technical team is continuing to integrate soil geochemistry, structural mapping and MT geophysical data into a refined 3D targeting model to optimize drill placement and maximize geological insight from the initial holes. The first drill hole of 2026 is designed to test the breccia pipes and continue through to the heart of the Quantec MT anomaly. This angled hole is anticipated to be about 1500M. Permitting activities are underway and progressing in line with expectations, keeping the Company on schedule to begin drilling in early 2026, subject to the receipt of final approvals.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Harald Hoegberg CPG, an independent consulting geologist who is a "Qualified Person" (QP) as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

About Viscount Mining (TSXV: VML) (OTCQB: VLMGF)

Viscount Mining Corp. is a project generator and mineral exploration company focused on advancing high-quality silver, gold, and copper assets in the Western United States. The Company's portfolio includes the Silver Cliff silver project in Colorado and the Cherry Creek multi-metal district in Nevada.

Silver Cliff Project - Colorado

Silver Cliff is located in the historic Hardscrabble Silver District and comprises 96 lode claims with year-round paved access and established local infrastructure. The project covers a large volcanic caldera system recognized for its silver, gold, and base-metal potential.

The property includes two principal zones of focus:

Kate Deposit (Silver Resource Area): The Kate hosts a NI 43-101 compliant near-surface silver resource published by an independent QP (details: Measured & Indicated and Inferred silver resources were reported in the Company's technical disclosure ; investors are encouraged to review the full technical report available on SEDAR+ for tonnage, grade, and methodology).

The Kate hosts a near-surface silver resource published by an independent QP (details: ; investors are encouraged to review the full technical report available on SEDAR+ for tonnage, grade, and methodology). Passiflora Porphyry Target: Historical and modern drilling indicate extensive hydrothermal alteration consistent with a large porphyry system. Recent drilling by Viscount (hole PF-23-03A) intersected 843.9 metres of continuous copper-gold mineralization, which the Company interprets as being on the periphery of a potentially larger intrusive centre. Mineralization remains open in multiple directions.

Cherry Creek Project - Nevada

Cherry Creek covers 219 unpatented and 17 patented claims in a well-known historic mining district approximately 50 miles north of Ely. The property includes more than 20 past-producing mines and hosts several styles of mineralization, including silver-gold veins, carbonate-replacement (CRD) zones, jasperoids, and porphyry-related alteration. The district is 100% controlled by Viscount and is considered highly prospective for multi-metal discoveries within the broader mineralized system.

Viscount's strategy is to acquire, explore, and advance high-potential mineral properties through systematic geological work, while continuing to build partnerships that support long-term development.

For additional information regarding the above noted property and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.viscountmining.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to Viscount Mining's operations, exploration and development plans, expansion plans, estimates, expectations, forecasts, objectives, predictions and projections of the future. Specifically, this news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to the actual size of the anomaly, feasibility, grade of mineralization and the content of the mineralization. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "projects", "intends", "anticipates", or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or "variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "can", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Viscount Mining to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the exploration and development and operation of Viscount Mining's projects, the actual results of current exploration, development activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future precious metals prices, as well as those factors discussed in the sections relating to risk factors of our business filed in Viscount Mining's required securities filings on SEDARPlus. Although Viscount Mining has attempted to identify important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277331

SOURCE: Viscount Mining Corp.
Awards highlight ExaGrid's achievements in the MSP sector

ExaGrid, the industry's only Tiered Backup Storage solution with AI-Powered Retention Time-Lock (RTL) that includes a non-network-facing tier (tiered air gap), Auto Detect Guard, delayed deletes and immutability for ransomware recovery, today announced that the company was honored with three awards during the 1st annual MSP Channel Awards ceremony, held in London on December 3, 2025, including:

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209577454/en/

Photo courtesy of MSP Channel Awards.

Backup DR Innovation of the Year

Storage Hardware Innovation of the Year

Storage Vendor of the Year

Many Managed Service Providers (MSPs) use ExaGrid Tiered Backup Storage to offer their customers Backup as a Service (BaaS), Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS), and IT Data Center Outsourcing. In 2025, ExaGrid released new features that help MSPs track their customers' data usage and separately provide the ability to restore an individual customer's data in the case of a ransomware attack, expanding ExaGrid's value for MSPs.

The new MSP Channel Awards build on the legacy of the former SDC Awards to better reflect today's fast-moving IT landscape. As managed services reshape how technology is delivered from digital transformation and cybersecurity to cloud, data, and automation these awards recognize the companies, partnerships, and individuals making a real impact across the channel.

ExaGrid continues to gain recognition for its Tiered Backup Storage, winning nine industry awards in 2025, including:

Data Breakthrough Awards Data Backup Solution of the Year

Network Computing Awards Air-gapped Ransomware Recovery Product of the Year

Network Computing Awards Company of the Year

Network Computing Awards Storage Product of the Year

Storage Awards Channel Partner Programme

Storage Awards Storage Company of the Year

MSP Channel Awards Backup DR Innovation of the Year

MSP Channel Awards Storage Hardware Innovation of the Year

MSP Channel Awards Storage Vendor of the Year

"We are honored to win these three awards at the first annual MSP Channel Awards, especially as we expand our partnerships with many of the leading MSPs and continue to add features that benefit MSPs," said Bill Andrews, President and CEO of ExaGrid. "Thank you to everyone who voted for us, we are grateful to our partners and customers for their support, and for the continued recognition of our Tiered Backup Storage."

About ExaGrid

ExaGrid provides Tiered Backup Storage with a unique disk-cache Landing Zone, long-term retention repository, scale-out architecture, and comprehensive security features, including AI-Powered Retention Time-Lock to recover from a ransomware attack. ExaGrid's Landing Zone provides for the fastest backups, restores, and instant VM recoveries. The Repository Tier offers the lowest cost for long-term retention. ExaGrid's scale-out architecture includes full appliances and ensures a fixed-length backup window as data grows, eliminating expensive forklift upgrades and planned product obsolescence. ExaGrid offers the only two-tiered backup storage approach with a non-network-facing tier (tiered air gap), delayed deletes, and immutable objects to recover from ransomware attacks.

ExaGrid has physical sales and pre-sales systems engineers in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Benelux, Brazil, Canada, Chile, CIS, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nordics, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and other regions.

Visit us at exagrid.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. See what our customers have to say about their own ExaGrid experiences and learn why they now spend significantly less time on backup storage in our customer success stories. ExaGrid is proud of our +81 NPS score!

ExaGrid is a registered trademark of ExaGrid Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209577454/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Mary Domenichelli

ExaGrid

mdomenichelli@exagrid.com
Jointly developed testing platform helps speed up widespread deployment of multiple vendor 5G software releases from months to days

Spirent Communications, now part of Keysight Technologies, a leading provider of test and assurance solutions for next-generation devices and networks, today announced it was selected by Vodafone as its partner to automate and streamline the integration of new 5G software across Vodafone's pan-European core voice mobile networks. Using a new jointly developed automated platform, Vodafone can now more easily check and quickly deploy 5G software releases from multiple vendors.

By automating the testing and deployment of new software features from multiple equipment vendors, Vodafone can enhance its core voice network and deliver services to customers more quickly while maintaining quality and addressing any bugs beforehand. This approach also means Vodafone is well prepared to take advantage of the increasing number of software releases anticipated with the rollout of cloud-native 5G Standalone core technology, which the company is deploying across Europe. As networks become more programmable, automated testing is a key strategy for maintaining resilience.

Following the initial implementation of the new testing platform, Vodafone has seen a 75% reduction in the time required to introduce software upgrades to its core voice infrastructure-decreasing from months to days. This infrastructure includes nearly 160 nodes and supports services such as cellular voice and voice over Wi-Fi. A more agile and responsive testing environment also allows Vodafone to adapt quickly to regulatory and compliance changes.

Fragkiskos Vellis, Head of Core Enablers and Solutions, Vodafone, said: "Cloud-based core 5G standalone networks are highly programmable and responsive engines driving new features like network slicing. However, these advancements introduce added complexity. Our new automated testing platform developed with Spirent allows us to check and deploy software at scale."

Dougie Rankin, Vice President, International Sales, Spirent, added: "Vodafone recognized the importance of automated testing due to the speed and frequency at which modern disaggregated networks need to be updated. By working with Spirent to fully automate its testing capabilities, Vodafone is now able to accelerate delivery of new network products, version upgrades and features to its customers, while ensuring strict compliance and benefitting from efficiency gains."

Working closely with Vodafone, Spirent developed an automated testing platform for use throughout Vodafone's lab-to-live lifecycle process. By incorporating uninterrupted testing into Vodafone's operations, which includes continuous integration (sharing code and automating its build and test) and continuous deployment (preparing code for use), Vodafone can release software faster and more reliably. The new platform is part of Vodafone's drive to automate the deployment of new software releases, which are now implemented every three months by vendors across all markets.

For more information about lab and test automation, visit spirent.com/products/lab-and-test-automation.

About Spirent

Spirent Communications, now part of Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), is a leading global provider of automated test and assurance solutions for networks and positioning. The company provides innovative products, services and managed solutions that address the test, assurance and automation challenges of a new generation of technologies, including 5G, AI, cloud, autonomous vehicles and beyond. From the lab to the real world, Spirent helps companies deliver on their promise to their customers of a new generation of connected devices and technologies. For more information, please visit www.spirent.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

About Vodafone Group

everyone.connected

Vodafone is a leading European and African telecoms company.

We serve over 360 million mobile and broadband customers, operating networks in 15 countries with investments in a further five and partners in over 40 more. We have capacity on more than 70 subsea cable systems the backbone of the internet and we are developing a new direct-to-mobile satellite communications service to connect areas without coverage. Vodafone runs one of the world's largest IoT platforms, with over 220 million IoT connections globally, and we provide financial services to around 94 million customers across seven African countries managing more transactions than any other provider.

From the seabed to the stars, Vodafone's purpose is to keep everyone connected.

For more information, please visit www.vodafone.com follow us on X at @VodafoneGroup or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/vodafone.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209816703/en/

Contacts:

SPIRENT MEDIA:

Americas:

Sherri Walkenhorst

Connect Marketing

T: +1-801-373-7888

sherriw@connectmarketing.com

Asia Pacific:

Estee Liu

Spirent Communications

T: +86 (10) 823 30055 (x165)

qianqian.liu@spirent.com

EMEA:

Anne Harding

The Message Machine

T: +44-7887-682943

anne@themessagemachine.com

VODAFONE MEDIA:

Vodafone Media Relations:

Vodafone.com/media/contact

GroupMedia@vodafone.com

Investor Relations:

investors.vodafone.com/

ir@vodafone.co.uk

Registered Office:

Vodafone House, The Connection,

Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2FN

England. Registered in England No. 1833679
Olanzapine long-acting injectable (LAI) has the potential to offer the efficacy of olanzapine in a once-monthly, subcutaneous formulation, for a broad patient population 1

Olanzapine LAI is designed to help support real-world adherence and improved stability, with the goal of addressing a critical treatment gap for people living with schizophrenia 1

Teva is committed to advancing this innovative treatment option and further build on its differentiated LAI franchise



PARSIPPANY, N.J. and TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA), today announced the submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for olanzapine extended-release injectable suspension (TEV-'749) for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. The NDA for olanzapine LAI is based on results from the Phase 3 SOLARIS trial, including Week 56 results studying its efficacy, safety and tolerability in participants aged 18 to 64 living with schizophrenia.1 The results validated olanzapine LAI in meeting efficacy and safety endpoints in a broad adult population of people living with schizophrenia.

"The innovation of olanzapine LAI comes from its delivery of olanzapine, a foundational treatment for schizophrenia, as a once-monthly subcutaneous formulation," said Eric Hughes, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President, Global R&D and Chief Medical Officer at Teva. "Teva is committed to working closely with the FDA on the review of this olanzapine LAI application as we seek to help address the critical unmet needs of people living with schizophrenia."

Olanzapine LAI is an investigational once-monthly subcutaneous LAI of the second-generation antipsychotic olanzapine. In the SOLARIS trial, it demonstrated an efficacy and safety profile consistent with currently available oral olanzapine formulations. It is not approved by any regulatory authority for any use at this time.

Olanzapine LAI utilizes SteadyTeq, a copolymer technology proprietary to Medincell that provides a controlled steady, sustained release of olanzapine.

About Subcutaneous OLAnzapine Extended-Release Injection Study (SOLARIS)

SOLARIS is a multinational, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of olanzapine extended-release injectable suspension for subcutaneous use as a treatment in patients (ages 18-64 years) with schizophrenia.1 For period one of the study (first 8 weeks), 675 patients were randomized to receive a subcutaneous injection of once-monthly olanzapine LAI (TEV-'749) (low, medium or high dose) or placebo in a 1:1:1:1 ratio.1 For period two (next 48 weeks), patients who completed period one were randomized and equally allocated to one of the three olanzapine LAI (TEV-'749) treatment groups.1 The end-of-treatment and follow-up visits were 4 and 8 weeks after administration of the last treatment dose, respectively.1 The primary objective of the Phase 3 SOLARIS study was to evaluate the efficacy of olanzapine LAI (TEV-'749) in adult patients with schizophrenia.1 A key secondary objective was to further evaluate the efficacy of olanzapine LAI (TEV-'749) based on additional parameters in adult patients with schizophrenia.1 A secondary objective of period two of the study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of olanzapine LAI (TEV-'749) in adult patients with schizophrenia.1

About Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic, progressive and severely debilitating mental disorder that affects how one thinks, feels and acts.2 Patients experience an array of symptoms, which may include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior and impaired cognitive ability.2,3,4 Approximately 1% of the world's population will develop schizophrenia in their lifetime, and 3.5 million people in the U.S. are currently diagnosed with the condition.3,4 Although schizophrenia can occur at any age, the average age of onset tends to be in the late teens to the early 20s for men, and the late 20s to early 30s for women.4 The long-term course of schizophrenia is marked by episodes of partial or full remission broken by relapses that often occur in the context of psychiatric emergency and require hospitalization.4 Approximately 80% of patients experience multiple relapses over the first five years of treatment, and each relapse carries a biological risk of loss of function, treatment refractoriness, and changes in brain morphology.5,6,7 Patients are often unaware of their illness and its consequences, contributing to treatment nonadherence, high discontinuation rates, and ultimately, significant direct and indirect healthcare costs from subsequent relapses and hospitalizations.2,3,4,5,6,7

About Teva

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd..

Teva Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that could cause our future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from that expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "target," "may," "project," "guidance," "intend," "plan," "believe" and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include risks relating to: our ability to successfully develop and obtain regulatory approval for olanzapine extended-release injectable suspension LAI (TEV-'749) for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults; our ability to successfully compete in the marketplace, including our ability to develop and commercialize additional pharmaceutical products; our ability to successfully execute our Pivot to Growth strategy, including to expand our innovative and biosimilar medicines pipeline and profitably commercialize the innovative medicines and biosimilar portfolio, whether organically or through business development; and other factors discussed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2025 and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, including in the section captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward Looking Statements." Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or other information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Data on file. Parsippany, NJ: Teva Neuroscience, Inc. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Schizophrenia. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/schizophrenia. Velligan DI, Rao S. The Epidemiology and Global Burden of Schizophrenia. J Clin Psychiatry. 2023;84(1):MS21078COM5. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.MS21078COM5. Wander C. (2020). Schizophrenia: Opportunities to Improve Outcomes and Reduce Economic Burden Through Managed Care. The Am J Manag Care. 26(3 Suppl), S62-S68. https://doi.org/10.37765/ajmc.2020.43013. Emsley, R., & Kilian, S. (2018). Efficacy and safety profile of paliperidone palmitate injections in the management of patients with schizophrenia: an evidence-based review. Neuropsychiatric Dis. Treat., 14, 205-223. Emsley, R., Chiliza, B., Asmal, L. et al. (2013) The nature of relapse in schizophrenia. BMC Psychiatry 13, 50. Andreasen, N. C., et al. (2013). Relapse duration, treatment intensity, and brain tissue loss in schizophrenia: a prospective longitudinal MRI study. The Am J Psychiatry, 170(6), 609-615.



Teva Media Inquiries:

TevaCommunicationsNorthAmerica@tevapharm.com

Teva Investor Relations Inquires

TevaIR@tevapharm.com
Becomes Founding Shareholder of TNCDP, Inc.

TAMPA, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Full Alliance Group, Inc. (OTCID:FAGI) announced today a major capital structure modernization initiative through the tokenization of its preferred equity using the Series QDP (Quantum Digital Preferred) framework developed by TNCDP, Inc (The Trusted Network for Corporate Digital Preferred). This move positions FAGI among one of the first publicly traded companies to transition preferred equity into a compliant, blockchain-supported digital format.

As part of FAGI's collaboration with TNCDP, the Company will also become a founding shareholder of TNCDP and receive Series QDP equity in TNCDP, aligning FAGI with the infrastructure provider leading the adoption of digital preferred securities.

FAGI to Transform Preferred Stock into Series QDP Digital Securities

Through its engagement with TNCDP, FAGI will begin converting its preferred stock into Series QDP, a digital preferred security engineered for transparency, blockchain-verified supply control, and enhanced liquidity potential.

As part of this initiative, FAGI intends to:

Issue a digital Series QDP dividend to existing common shareholders;

Allow existing preferred stock to convert into Series QDP, forming a unified, modern preferred class; and

Establish a scalable digital preferred foundation designed to support future offerings, expansion plans, and broader shareholder participation.

"TNCDP delivers one of the most compliance-driven and professionally structured frameworks for modernizing a public company's capital structure," said Natalie Collins, Director of TNCDP. "Transitioning FAGI's preferred equity to Series QDP is a strategic modernization that brings transparency, efficiency, and long-term structural integrity to FAGI's shareholder base."

FAGI to List Series QDP Digital Preferred Under the Symbol $QMAXX

Following issuance and effectiveness, FAGI plans to list its tokenized preferred securities under the trading symbol $QMAXX.

The $QMAXX listing is expected to provide:

A dedicated identity for FAGI's digital preferred class;

Blockchain-backed supply authentication to prevent dilution or naked shorting;

Enhanced transparency and modernized investor access;

A trading environment better aligned with digital-market infrastructure than traditional OTC mechanisms.

The $QMAXX symbol represents the Company's shift toward next-generation securities architecture and a digitally enabled capital markets footprint.

QDEP: A Participation Instrument for Customers and Ecosystem Contributors

In addition to its QDP digital preferred initiative for investors, FAGI also plans to introduce Series QDEP (Quantum Digital Equity Participation) - a non-investment participation unit designed for customers, users, and value-contributing stakeholders.

QDEP may be earned by:

Customers;

Platform users;

Community members; and

Participants who contribute engagement or non-capital value.

QDEP serves as an engagement, loyalty, and participation mechanism, enabling reward programs, customer experiences, community incentives, and ecosystem utility without offering financial or equity rights.

FAGI to Receive Series QDP Equity in TNCDP as a Founding Shareholder

As one of the first public issuers to adopt the TNCDP framework, FAGI will become a founding shareholder of TNCDP. In recognition of this role, TNCDP will issue Series QDP equity in TNCDP to FAGI.

This delivers:

Long-term economic participation in TNCDP's growth;

Strategic alignment with emerging digital securities infrastructure; and

A stake in a system expected to expand across public and private markets.

"Becoming a founding shareholder of TNCDP positions FAGI not just as an early adopter, but as a structural partner in the evolution of digital corporate finance," said William F. Heneghan, Chairman of the Board. "This is a foundational step toward building a more transparent, secure, and future-ready architecture for our Company and its shareholders."

A Transformative Step Forward for Shareholders and the Company

Through the adoption of Series QDP and partnership with TNCDP, FAGI aims to:

Enhance long-term shareholder value;

Strengthen transparency and compliance;

Modernize its capital structure for digital markets;

Develop innovative participation pathways for customers; and

Remove legacy market limitations through blockchain-based infrastructure.

"This initiative represents a strategic realignment of how our Company creates and delivers value," added Heneghan. "Tokenized digital preferred securities are the future of corporate finance, and we intend to lead that evolution."

About Full Alliance Group, Inc. (OTC:FAGI)

Full Alliance Group, Inc. is a diversified holding company operating at the intersection of blockchain innovation, quantum-secure data infrastructure, and established revenue-generating wellness businesses. The Company's strategic model combines proven cash-flow-positive operations with next-generation technology development, positioning FAGI as a leader in decentralized enterprise infrastructure.

Operating Business Foundation

Full Alliance Group's technology initiatives are supported by an established portfolio of operating subsidiaries spanning manufacturing, health, and direct sales:

HOCL Manufacturing - PureAquaox.com

Supplement Manufacturing - PureSolutionsUSA.com

Supplement Retail - PureFactorsUSA.com

Direct Sales - Dynamaxx.com

Healthcare/Anti-Aging - MaxxHealthClinics.com

YAHBEE - yahbee.com

This revenue-generating base provides operational stability and capital allocation flexibility as the Company develops its blockchain infrastructure-a structural advantage over single-focus digital asset ventures.

Blockchain & Decentralized Infrastructure

Through Qubitera Holdings, FAGI is developing enterprise-grade blockchain infrastructure designed to address the capacity constraints and bandwidth limitations facing traditional centralized cloud providers. Qubitera's blockchain features cross-chain architecture supporting Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, and other major networks, enabling interoperability that distributes computational load across multiple chains rather than relying on centralized infrastructure.

Qubitera's specialized focus on healthcare applications demonstrates the practical implementation of HIPAA-compliant data exchange and automated smart contract processing-reducing bandwidth requirements while maintaining regulatory compliance. This positions Qubitera's blockchain technology as a viable alternative for data-intensive enterprise workloads currently straining traditional data centers.

Through YAHBEE, FAGI offers a cross-chain wallet and payment system that seamlessly integrates multiple blockchain networks without requiring massive centralized infrastructure. The YAHBEE Wallet exemplifies the Company's commitment to decentralized solutions that provide enterprise functionality while addressing the GPU demand and capacity challenges facing conventional cloud services.

Strategic Positioning

This dual foundation-combining operational cash flow with cutting-edge decentralized technology development-positions Full Alliance Group to execute on both near-term value creation and long-term digital transformation strategies. By building infrastructure alternatives to centralized cloud providers, FAGI addresses critical market needs while establishing sustainable competitive advantages in the evolving digital economy.

About TNCDP

TNCDP (Trusted Network for Corporate Digital Preferred) provides the industry's most comprehensive, compliance-oriented framework for tokenizing preferred equity through the Series QDP and QDEP structures. TNCDP integrates regulatory design, digital issuance, governance, and blockchain support for public and private issuers. For more information, visit TNCDP.COM.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding future financial performance, business strategy, and plans and objectives for future operations. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Investor & Media Contact:

Full Alliance Group Inc.

Investor Relations

info@fullalliance-group.com

Gabe Rodriguez, Erelations Group

erelationsgroup@gmail.com

(623) 261-9046

SOURCE: Full Alliance Group, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/full-alliance-group-inc.-engages-tncdp-inc.-to-tokenize-preferred-sto-1115367
Press Release

Atos and Leading Research and Academia Partners Launch "Forensics of Intelligent Systems", a Joint Research Program to Secure AI against Manipulation

Halle (Saale), Germany - December 9, 2025 - Atos, a global leader in secure, AI-driven digital transformation, has signed a contract with the Agentur fur Innovation in der Cybersicherheit GmbH ("Cyberagentur") for the research project "Forensics of Intelligent Systems" in Halle an der Saale, together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security AISEC, the Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems IAIS, the Institute for Internet Security of the Westphalian University, and the University of Cologne.

Project launch for the 'Forensics of Intelligent Systems' (FIS) research programme with the three project teams whose research approaches prevailed in the field of nine short concepts. December 9, 2025. Photo: Cyberagentur.

The research project develops prototype methods and tools that aim to enable legally sound detection of manipulations on continuously learning AI systems. A simulation environment will be set up in a research lab where software for forensic methods can be tested. Existing AI models will be exposed to simulated attacks to investigate which legally usable traces can be secured. Additionally, AI algorithms will be adjusted to allow for early detection.



Boris Hecker, Co-CEO of Atos Germany and Head of Public Sector Germany, said: "Attacks on AI systems and their manipulations are often difficult to detect. For German security authorities, it is crucial to have advanced methods and tools that enable both early detection and legally sound analysis. This collaboration lays the foundation to increase the efficiency and precision of forensic analysis, sustainably strengthen digital security, and improve the criminal prosecution of manipulations on AI systems."



Prof. Dr. Christian Hummert, Research Director of the Cyberagentur, commented: "Intelligent systems today decide on security, mobility, and societal processes. With FIS, we are creating a research basis for the first time that enables AI to be not only powerful but also forensically verifiable, legally secure, and thus trustworthy."

Strategic Importance: The research project "Forensics of Intelligent Systems" underscores Atos's role as a committed partner in the field of Artificial Intelligence. The use of forensic methods in AI systems opens up a field for which there are currently few comparable research initiatives.

The project significantly contributes to strengthening state integrity, meeting societal expectations for trustworthiness, and increasing economic security - in a field that is simultaneously characterized by significant technical and scientific uncertainties. At the same time, the initiative fits into Atos Germany's AI portfolio: With solutions for secure data and cloud infrastructures as well as AI applications, Atos pursues an approach that places trust, transparency, and European sovereignty at the center. The research project is thus another building block of this strategic orientation.

***

About the Agentur fur Innovation in der Cybersicherheit GmbH

The Agentur fur Innovation in der Cybersicherheit GmbH (Cyberagentur) was founded in 2020 as a fully in-house company of the federal government under the joint leadership of the Federal Ministry of Defense and the Federal Ministry of the Interior and for Homeland by the federal government with the aim of taking an application-strategy-related and cross-departmental view of internal and external security in the field of cybersecurity. Against this background, the work of the Cyberagentur primarily aims at the institutionalized implementation of highly innovative projects that are associated with a high risk regarding goal achievement but can simultaneously have a very high disruption potential if successful. The Cyberagentur is part of the National Security Strategy of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Cyberagentur is led by Prof. Dr. Christian Hummert as Research Director and Bettina Bubnys as Commercial Director.

About Atos Group

Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 67,000 employees and annual revenue of c. 10 billion, operating in 61 countries under two brands - Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos Group is the brand under which Atos SE (Societas Europaea) operates. Atos SE is listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atos Group is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Press Contact

Atos Germany: Lisa Ludewig | lisa.ludewig@atos.net| +49 (0) 163 1669 790

Atos Group: Laurent Massicot | laurent.massicot@atos.net

Attachments
New IFOP study demonstrates measurable impact of consumer transparency tools on food industry practices

A new study from France's oldest and most reputable polling organization, IFOP, reveals the measurable impact consumer transparency tools can have on the food industry. According to the survey of 200 food industry professionals, 78% of manufacturers now acknowledge that their Yuka score influences product formulation, with 41% systematically factoring the score into their product development process.

Among manufacturers who use additives considered high-risk in most or some of their products, the influence is even more pronounced: 82% report taking Yuka scores into account, with 63% doing so systematically.

These findings come as Yuka gains major traction in the United States, where the app now has 25 million users and adds approximately 600,000 new downloads each month. The French data offers a glimpse of what may be possible as American consumers increasingly demand transparency and healthier options from food manufacturers.

Consumer Demand Driving Industry Reformulation

The IFOP study found that growing consumer pressure for transparency and quality is reshaping food industry priorities. Among industry professionals surveyed, 93% say improving product composition is a priority, with 45% deeming it as an absolute priority.

This shift is already driving action: 96% of companies report reformulating at least part of their product lines over the past five years and among those, 59% say the changes affected most of their range. Importantly, these reforms also translate into tangible business benefits: 98% of manufacturers believe improving their Yuka score has positively impacted their sales, with the remaining 2% reporting no change and none citing any negative impact.

Beyond Information: Driving Direct Action

Yuka's brand call-out feature, which allows users to contact companies directly about products containing high-risk additives (labeled red in the app), has driven more than 1,000,000 consumer messages via email and social media in the past year. This direct engagement is accelerating change: 58% of manufacturers targeted say they have removed or are in the process of removing these additives from their products.

"These results from France prove that consumers have real power to drive change," says Julie Chapon, Yuka co-founder. "With 25 million Americans now using Yuka and 600,000 new downloads each month, U.S. consumers have the same opportunity to push the food industry toward healthier products through informed choices."

What It Means for the U.S. Market

The French experience demonstrates how transparent, independent information empowers consumers and compels industry-wide change. The IFOP study shows that when given a simple tool and credible data, consumers can drive manufacturers to reformulate products for better health outcomes.

With American shoppers increasingly seeking transparency, healthier choices, and more accountability from brands, a similar shift is well within reach in the United States. As more consumers turn to tools like Yuka, they gain the ability to scrutinize what's in their grocery carts and pressure companies to deliver cleaner, safer products.

If U.S. consumers continue embracing tools that provide clear, independent information about their food, they can catalyze the same transformation already underway in France-fueled by the same principles of independence, scientific rigor, and civic engagement.

Study Methodology

Online survey conducted by IFOP from August 21 to September 8, 2025, among a sample of 200 professionals in the French food sector, working on semi-processed or processed products (excluding exclusively unprocessed/raw products). The sample was structured by company sector, size, and respondents' role. This study continues the proprietary "IFOP Food Ingredients Barometer," which monitors French consumer attention to product composition and information sources.

About Yuka

Founded in 2017, Yuka is an entirely independent impact project. The app lets users scan the barcodes of food and cosmetic products to assess their health impact, with the aim of bringing more transparency to product composition and empowering consumers to make better choices for their health. Today, the app has over 75 million users worldwide, including 25 million in the United States and 22 million in France.

https://yuka.io/en/

About IFOP

Founded in 1938, IFOP pioneered modern polling methodology and was the first institute to conduct public opinion surveys in France. Now an international organization, the group specializes in consumer and citizen insights. IFOP puts people, expertise, and objectivity first in its approach to understanding expectations and behaviors.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209219183/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Natacha Favry Kalamari yuka@kalamari.agency
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - Penbar Capital Ltd., to be renamed "Eastport Critical Minerals Corp." (TSXV: EVI) ("Eastport" or the "Company") announces the launch of Phase 1 Drilling at the Foley Uranium project in Botswana, consistent with the Company's multi-asset exploration and development campaigns.

Highlights:

Drilling commenced on 5,000m Foley Uranium Phase 1 RC drilling campaign

Borders the Lotus Resources 114 Mlb Letlhakane Deposit - one of the world's largest undeveloped uranium resources (365 Mt @ 307 ppm U3O) [ see figure 1 ]

First Drilling of the Northern Extension - Phase 1 RC Drill program to test a continuous 15km+ radiometric anomaly trending directly into Foley. [ see figure 2 ]

Langer Heinrich-Style paleo-channel uranium deposit, targeting shallow (40-80 m), redox controlled mineralisation in heap-leach amenable sandstones.

Within less than one month from admission to the TSX-V, the Company has commenced three critical metals drill programs targeting Copper, Rare Earth Elements and now Uranium. All three programs are running concurrently, demonstrating the Company's commitment to timely and cost-effective exploration.

[Figure 1: Foley Location]

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8324/277374_9a713b41e45fca4f_001full.jpg

Rick Bonner, Director & VP Exploration, commented,

"The best place to look for a deposit is adjacent to an existing one in the same geological terrane. The mineralised system that hosts the world-class Letlhakane Uranium Deposit has been mapped trending northward, and our licence sits directly along strike of this increasing focused feature.

"Paleo-channels are ancient riverbeds that act as natural conduits for uranium-enriched groundwater. When this groundwater encounters reducing conditions within the channel, the uranium precipitates out of solution, concentrating mineralisation in shallow sandstones.

"Our first drill fence (green drill sites in figure 2 below), immediately north of the Lotus Licence, will give us crucial information on the geological controls determining direction, depth and grade within this extensive paleo-channel system."

[Figure 2: Phase 1 Foley Drill Hole Locations]

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8324/277374_9a713b41e45fca4f_002full.jpg

Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi, CEO, commented,

"Our neighbours to the south, Lotus Resources, have demonstrated the scale and potential of the Letlhakane Uranium Deposit. Since acquiring the asset in July 2023, Lotus has invested heavily in drilling, resource upgrades, and scoping studies, confirming Letlhakane as one of the largest uranium systems globally, with a resource base exceeding 113 million pounds. Letlhakane is one of a portfolio of assets that establishes Lotus as one of the leading uranium developers in the world.

"With our licence positioned directly along strike of the same mineralised paleo-channel system, we are confident that our exploration program will demonstrate comparable potential for Foley to host the northern extension of Letlhakane, creating significant value for our shareholders.

"We are delighted to have commenced our third critical minerals drilling programme, with active exploration taking place in Matsitama (copper), Semarule (REE) and now Foley (Uranium), seamlessly and contemporaneously executed within one month of listing."

Foley Project Location

The Foley Uranium Project (PL113/2020) is located approximately 75 km south of Francistown in the Central District of Botswana, directly abutting the Lotus Resources' licences that hosts their world-scale Letlhakane Uranium Deposit. Positioned along the proven Karoo palaeo-channel fairway, the project enjoys excellent infrastructure, including sealed highway access via the A14, close proximity to the national power grid, abundant groundwater for processing, and ready availability of drilling contractors, equipment, and skilled labour from nearby mining hubs.

Qualified Person

The information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Liz de Klerk Pri.Sci.Nat.,FIMM, of Micon International, an Independent Consultant of the Company and a Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101.

Location Map of Eastport's Projects in Botswana





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8324/277374_9a713b41e45fca4f_003full.jpg

About Eastport

Eastport is a disruptive critical minerals development company advancing five projects in Botswana, with cumulative historical and current expenditures approaching $20 million. The Company's most advanced asset is the Matsitama Copper Project, which hosts multiple sizeable targets across the Matsitama copper district.

The Company's additional projects include Selebi East, a nickel-copper-cobalt project located seven kilometres east of the historic Selebi Mines; the Semarule Rare Earth Elements Project, positioned within the Gaborone-Molepolole corridor; the Foley Uranium Project, adjoining the Letlhakane uranium deposit; and the Keng Project, which targets nickel, copper and PGE's on the northern margin of the Molopo Farms Complex.

Botswana is widely regarded as one of Africa's strongest mining jurisdictions, combining the continent's highest GDP per capita with a 50-year track record of large-scale mineral development since the Orapa diamond discovery in 1967. The country ranks among the top performers globally on the Fraser Institute's Investment Attractiveness Index and is the highest-rated jurisdiction in Africa on the Policy Perception Index. These rankings reflect Botswana's stable regulatory environment, consistent rule of law, and long-standing support for responsible mineral development - factors that have underpinned significant investment and major M&A activity in the natural resources sector in recent years.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements including but not limited to statements regarding the Company's business, assets or investments, as well other statements that are not historical facts. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause actual performance and results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, investor interest in the business and prospects of the Company.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made, by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277374

SOURCE: Penbar Capital Ltd.
Acquisition of Vectura strengthened inhalation capabilities, driving innovation and portfolio expansion in less than one year

Podium and poster presentations share research insights into inhalation science and technology aimed at improving safety, delivery efficiency and scalability

Phillips Medisize, a Molex company and a leader in the design, development, engineering and manufacturing of pharmaceutical drug delivery, in vitro diagnostic and medtech devices, will showcase its inhaled drug delivery device and formulation platforms and capabilities at the Drug Delivery to the Lungs conference (DDL 2025) in Edinburgh, Scotland, December 10-12. The company will also share insights through a podium presentation and multiple poster sessions.

Since acquiring Vectura less than a year ago, Phillips Medisize has expanded its inhaled drug development capabilities across small molecules, macromolecules, biologics and combination products. At DDL, presentations will highlight patient-centric inhalation platforms, including the FOX Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer, Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) and nasal formulation, and device technologiesplatforms designed to improve precision drug delivery, support patient adherence and scale efficiently from clinical trials to commercial manufacturing. FOX enables consistent delivery of solutions and nanosuspensions. DPI and nasal delivery technologies are adapted to deliver precise dosing including higher payloads in a robust and stable manner.

"As we mark the one-year anniversary of our acquisition of Vectura, we're proud to reflect on the substantial progress we've made in delivering a broader portfolio of innovative inhalation solutions, as well as demonstrate the strength of our combined expertise," said Charlie Schumacher, vice president, Global Innovation and Development UK at Phillips Medisize. "These achievements reinforce our commitment to helping patients live healthier lives."

Phillips Medisize presentations at DDL highlight advancements in inhalation science, underscoring the company's leadership in inhaled drug delivery innovation. Phillips Medisize scientists will share the following posters and podium presentations:

"Powder deagglomeration in a chaotic flow: an introduction to the O1 high payload DPI device," describes how the deagglomeration system of the O1 concept device enables an efficient handling of large payloads and the delivery of high fine particle doses (<5 m) across variable inspiratory effort The presenter will be Baudouin Geraud.

describes how the deagglomeration system of the O1 concept device enables an efficient handling of large payloads and the delivery of high fine particle doses (<5 m) across variable inspiratory effort The presenter will be Baudouin Geraud. "Mitigating colloidal instability in inhaled spray dried lipid nanoparticles," demonstrates how amorphous shell formers like trileucine preserve colloidal stability in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), enabling higher-dose delivery without compromising performance. The authors are Mireia Puig-Sellart, Carla B. Roces, Anand Bakle and Gemma Keegan.

demonstrates how amorphous shell formers like trileucine preserve colloidal stability in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), enabling higher-dose delivery without compromising performance. The authors are Mireia Puig-Sellart, Carla B. Roces, Anand Bakle and Gemma Keegan. "Development of cationic and ionizable LNPs for intranasal delivery," explores how PEGylation improves vesicle characteristics for intranasal delivery of mRNA surrogate poly(A), supporting future applications in respiratory and systemic therapies. The authors are Neil Forbes, Marta Morais, Kerry Carr, Benjamin Moshi and Elena Galfre.

explores how PEGylation improves vesicle characteristics for intranasal delivery of mRNA surrogate poly(A), supporting future applications in respiratory and systemic therapies. The authors are Neil Forbes, Marta Morais, Kerry Carr, Benjamin Moshi and Elena Galfre. "High-throughput testing of breath-actuated nebulizers," highlights a partially automated testing system that reduces aerosol performance testing time fivefold while capturing diagnostic data efficiently. The authors are Stephanie Bannister, Alison Hedley and Charlotte Yates.

highlights a partially automated testing system that reduces aerosol performance testing time fivefold while capturing diagnostic data efficiently. The authors are Stephanie Bannister, Alison Hedley and Charlotte Yates. "Impact of nitrocellulose-free foil on DPI product stability," evaluates nitrocellulose-free foil as a solution to mitigate N-nitrosamines, showing no negative impact on product stability over 12 months. The author is Bindu Harshini Cherukuri.

"Our DDL presentations reflect our ongoing research into critical challenges in inhalation drug delivery," said Geraldine Venthoye, chief scientific officer and vice president, Global Medical at Phillips Medisize. "By sharing data on formulation stability, delivery efficiency and product robustness, we aim to inform the next generation of inhalation therapies.

Stop by Phillips Medisize's booth 169 or visit phillipsmedisize.com for more information on its inhalation platforms.

About Phillips Medisize

Phillips Medisize, a Molex company, collaborates with leading pharmaceutical, medical technology and in vitro diagnostic companies to design, engineer and manufacture lifesaving innovations. A contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), Phillips Medisize leverages its 60 years of expertise and globally renowned capabilities to collaborate with customers to deliver products and solutions that annually help millions of patients, healthcare professionals and individuals live healthier, more productive lives. For more information, visit www.phillipsmedisize.com.

About Molex

Molex is a global electronics leader committed to making the world a better, more-connected place. With a presence in more than 38 countries, Molex enables transformative technology innovation in the consumer device, aerospace and defense, data center, cloud, telecommunications, transportation, industrial automation and healthcare industries. Through trusted customer and industry relationships, unrivaled engineering expertise, and product quality and reliability, Molex realizes the infinite potential of Creating Connections for Life. For more information, visit www.molex.com.

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Contacts:

Media Contact:

Merryman Communications

Helen Winkler

helen@merrymancommunications.com
Partnership will increase access to accurate monitoring of uveal melanoma, enabling personalized care and improving patient management

ROCKVILLE, Md. and ZURICH, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TrilliumBiO, a leader in biomarker discovery and precision diagnostics, today announced a strategic collaboration with Oncobit, a leading Swiss precision oncology company. This collaboration broadens access to advanced monitoring solutions for uveal melanoma patients in the United States, helping to address the needs of a largely underserved patient population. By integrating diagnostic insights with emerging therapies, the collaboration provides physicians with critical data, including molecular residual disease (MRD) information, to support more precise therapy decisions.

Through this partnership, Oncobit's uveal melanoma solution will be developed and launched in TrilliumBiO's multi-accredited laboratory, making it available to physicians and patients nationwide. TrilliumBiO will implement Oncobit's proprietary Personalized Monitoring (PM) platform, including a cutting-edge data interpretation software, to track changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Research shows that ctDNA dynamics assessed with Oncobit PM can predict treatment response and progression, underscoring its value as a powerful prognostic tool in metastatic uveal melanoma.1,2,3

"Drawing on our expertise in rare disease diagnostics, TrilliumBiO is proud to help bring a breakthrough solution for uveal melanoma to the U.S.," said Laura Vivian, CEO of TrilliumBiO. "By uniting advanced diagnostics with monitoring, we're delivering a comprehensive solution that empowers patients and families facing this rare cancer with clearer insights and more informed choices throughout their care journey."

TrilliumBiO's expertise in translating new assays into patient ready diagnostics complements Oncobit's leadership in monitoring technologies and oncology specialization. Together, the companies aim to provide patients with a deeper understanding of their disease and equip providers with a trusted tool to support impactful MRD-guided treatment decisions.

"We're excited that patients in the U.S. will now have access to Oncobit's uveal melanoma solution through this partnership," said Dr. Claudia Scheckel, CEO of Oncobit. "By expanding availability to next-generation diagnostics for this uncommon cancer, we're helping patients and families navigate their care while building momentum for new biomarkers, indications, and the future of precision oncology."

About TrilliumBiO

TrilliumBiO is a biomarker discovery company specializing in the development and commercialization of novel diagnostic tests to translate scientific discoveries into real-world clinical impact. With a proven track record of translating clinical insights into market-ready solutions, TrilliumBiO delivers validated, physician-guided diagnostics that address complex medical challenges. Learn more at www.TrilliumBiO.com.

About Oncobit

Oncobit, a leading Swiss precision oncology company, has developed a scalable, data-driven cancer monitoring platform based on the quantitative and highly sensitive detection of cancer markers in liquid biopsies. By focusing on the most clinically impactful biomarkers and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Oncobit provides cost-effective and time-efficient solutions that enable close monitoring of a patient's cancer and support optimized therapy management. Its cloud-based data analysis and interpretation software, trained on both healthy and patient datasets, ensures robust and standardized result reporting. Oncobit's diagnostic solutions are trusted by a growing number of pharmaceutical companies, clinical laboratories, and hospital institutions. Learn more at www.oncobit.com.

1 Kadefors M, et al. Immuno-Oncology and Technology. 2025;28(C):101079. doi:10.1016/j.iotech.2025.101079.

2 Machiraju D, et al. J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2025;44:213. doi:10.1186/s13046-025-03451-2.

3 Ramelyte E, Koett, J, et al. Clinical Cancer Research. Accepted.

TrilliumBiO Contact:

Olivia McCann

PR & Marketing Strategy Manager

olivia.mccann@trilliumbio.com

Oncobit Contact:

Dr. Claudia Scheckel

CEO

claudia.scheckel@oncobit.com

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Pastrana goes maximum attack behind the wheel of the new 670-horsepower active-aero-equipped Subaru "Brataroo," in the latest installment of the iconic Gymkhana film series

BUENA PARK, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hoonigan and Subaru Motorsports USA have premiered the latest entry in the internet-breaking Gymkhana film franchise, "Aussie Shred." Set Down Under in the land that coined the term "hoon," Travis Pastrana's third Gymkhana film is the wildest in franchise history, featuring the biggest jumps, closest calls and craziest tricks in a Gymkhana film to date.

Pastrana takes on the Outback, Sydney's Harbour and Bathurst's Mount Panorama, among other locales, from behind the wheel of the Subaru "Brataroo" 9500 Turbo, a re-imagining of a 1978 Subaru BRAT engineered as a purpose-built Gymkhana weapon. Subaru of America and technical partner Vermont SportsCar (VSC) crafted the Brataroo to corner, slide and fly well beyond the capabilities of its predecessors, utilizing no shortage of innovative engineering to create the most advanced active aerodynamics on a Gymkhana car to date. The rallycross-derived machine features a fire-spitting turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine delivering 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque revving to more than 9,500 RPM.

"The Brataroo is hands down the craziest Gymkhana car we've ever built," said Pastrana. "Every part of this car was designed to take the abuse we threw at it while making this film. From hanging two tires off a pier to flying 160 feet across a 10-story deep canyon gap over a road train to skimming across a deep lake and scaring myself every step of the way."

In true Gymkhana fashion, the film features a host of cameos from local motorsport icons, including two-time Dakar Rally champion Toby Price, Subaru WRC driver Chris "Atko" Atkinson, Nitro Circus BMX riders Ryan Williams, Jaie Toohey and Will Brown, alongside a field of V8 Supercars drivers who challenged the Brataroo to a rolling drag race down Mount Panorama's Conrod Straight. The star-studded lineup also includes Moog and Marty of Mighty Car Mods, the last of the V8 Interceptors and the Mad Hueys performing the noblest of Aussie traditions, the shoey.

"Australia had long been at the top of the list of potential Gymkhana film locations," said 321 Action Action Director and Hoonigan Co-Founder Brian Scotto. "Ken Block and I attempted to shoot Gymkhana Nine there, but were met with a resounding no, because of the climate of anti-hoon laws at the time. A decade later, when we reproached the Australian government, we were met with open arms. This combination of the unfinished business we had down under and this being Pastrana's last film in the series not only makes it very special to me, but also puts the pressure on to push the limits of what we could do both in the car and behind the camera."

Aussie Shred explores Australia like no other film before; the juxtaposition of the bustling harbor and the red sands of the Outback created the perfect setting, with due homage to the previous films of Ken Block, whose vision transformed a passion for driving into a global cultural phenomenon with the original "Gymkhana Practice" film. Hoonigan thanks its partners, including Subaru, KMC Wheels, Mercury Marine, Heat Wave Visual, Dixxon Flannel and Yokohama Tire.

Gymkhana Aussie Shred premieres on Dec. 9 at 6 a.m. PT on the Hoonigan YouTube channel. (WATCH NOW)

About Hoonigan Media Machine

Hoonigan is much more than a brand. It's an automotive subculture, fueled on the shared passion of going fast and breaking things... then rebuilding them better than before. The company's signature brand of vehicular savagery is on full display across its network of YouTube channels , serving daily content to a subscription base numbering in the millions. In addition to daily videos and social media content , Hoonigan has long been the production and marketing outfit originally founded by Ken Block and Brian Scotto, and the media machine behind the award-winning series of viral videos, such as Gymkhana, Climbkhana, Terrakhana and Electrikhana. At the heart of it all, however, is a wide-ranging apparel collection that (along with an authentically automotive-obsessed cast of characters) represents the brand's core ethos: Having fun with cars.

About Subaru Motorsports USA

Subaru Motorsports USA is directed by? Subaru of America, Inc. , managed by? Vermont SportsCar ?and proudly supported by? MOTUL ,? Yokohama Tires ,? R53 Suspension ,? Triple-R Lights ,? DirtFish Rally School and? Sparco USA .?Follow the team online at? www.subaru.com/motorsports .

Follow Subaru Motorsports USA on? Facebook , on Instagram? @subarumotorsportsusa and on TikTok? @subarumotorsportsusa .

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. ?(SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of? Subaru Corporation ?of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the? Subaru Love Promise , which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit? media.subaru.com . Follow us on? Facebook ,? Instagram ,? LinkedIn ,? TikTok and? YouTube .

Contact: Jordan Perri, Hoonigan

jperri@hoonigan.com

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ISS, a leading global workplace experience and facility services company, has extended its longstanding partnership with a key technology customer in North America. The renewed agreement also includes a scope expansion.

Copenhagen, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Under the new contract, ISS will continue to deliver food solutions to the customer. The contract starts in Q1 2026 and has a five-year duration.

Steven Quick, CEO of ISS Americas, says:

"We are excited to continue this valued partnership and to further expand its scope. Through innovation, culinary excellence, and a hospitality-forward approach, we will continue to strive to provide tailored services that elevate the guest experience and improve efficiencies".

For media enquiries:

Charlotte Holm, Head of External Communication, +45 4176 1989

For investor enquiries:

Michael Vitfell-Rasmussen, Group Head of Investor Relations, +45 5353 8725

Anne Sophie Riis, Senior Investor Relations Manager, +45 3052 9468

For media enquiries: Charlotte Holm, Head of External Communication, +45 4176 1989 For investor enquiries: Michael Vitfell-Rasmussen, Group Head of Investor Relations, +45 5353 8725 Anne Sophie Riis, Senior Investor Relations Manager, +45 3052 9468
Accomplished institutional investment professional to lead national growth in Canada and strengthen institutional, advisor and allocator engagement

TORONTO, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 3iQ Corp. ("3iQ"), a global pioneer in digital asset investment solutions, today announced the appointment of Ash Tahbazian as Head of Business Development, Canada. In this role, Mr. Tahbazian will oversee national growth initiatives and expand 3iQ's presence among institutional investors, family offices, advisors and high-net-worth clients seeking secure, compliant access to the digital asset economy.

Mr. Tahbazian brings more than two decades of experience across asset management, digital assets and institutional client strategy. He has partnered with pension plans, insurance companies, asset managers and family offices in Canada and internationally to help them navigate complex investment structures, adopt emerging technologies and strengthen governance frameworks. He is highly regarded for his ability to translate fast-moving market developments into clear, actionable insights for senior decision-makers.

"Ash's deep institutional background and digital asset expertise make him a strong addition to our global business development team," said Pascal St-Jean, President and CEO of 3iQ. "His ability to provide clarity, discipline, and strategic guidance will support our continuing leadership in Canada and further expand access to our regulated digital asset solutions."

Before joining 3iQ, Mr. Tahbazian held senior roles at State Street and CIBC Mellon, where he contributed to significant revenue growth and led teams of more than 100 professionals across sales, service and relationship management. His experience in custody, fund administration, capital markets, investment analytics and product development gives him a comprehensive view of how institutional portfolios are constructed, monitored and supported throughout investment lifecycles.

Mr. Tahbazian most recently served on the leadership team at Virgo Digital Asset Management, where he focused on distribution strategy, key partnerships and institutional education as digital asset investing evolved. His work emphasized bridging established financial infrastructure with blockchain-based platforms while upholding the governance and regulatory standards required by asset owners and allocators.

At 3iQ, Mr. Tahbazian will lead business development strategy across Canada, deepen engagement with advisors and institutional allocators, and support broader education and adoption around digital asset investing. His approach focuses on clarity, disciplined execution and aligning innovative solutions with institutional needs.

"I'm excited to join 3iQ at a pivotal time for the digital asset industry," said Ash Tahbazian. "Investors are seeking trusted, regulated partners to help them navigate the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain-based opportunities. 3iQ has been a leader and trailblazer in shaping this landscape in Canada, and I look forward to supporting clients as they evaluate digital asset exposure within their portfolios."

Mr. Tahbazian holds both the CFA charter and CPA designation and is a graduate of the University of Toronto.

About 3iQ Digital Asset Management

Founded in 2012, 3iQ is one of the world's leading alternative digital asset managers, pioneering institutional-grade investments. 3iQ launched the world's first Digital Assets Managed Account Platform (QMAP), a hedge fund investment solution, offering innovative risk-managed investment solutions to gain exposure to digital assets. 3iQ was also the first to launch a Bitcoin and Ethereum ETP listed on a major global stock exchange, integrate staking into its Ethereum and Solana ETFs boosting investor returns, and offering other regulated ETFs. In 2024, Monex Group, a leading Japanese financial group, took a majority stake in 3iQ. Since 2012, 3iQ has been at the forefront of innovation in digital asset investment management. To learn more about 3iQ, visit 3iq.io .

W: https://www.3iq.io/

L: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3iq-corp/

X: https://x.com/3iq_corp

Media Contact - North America

Ryan Graham

JConnelly

+1 862-777-4274

rgraham@jconnelly.com

Julie Mercuro

JConnelly

+1 973-349-6471

jmercuro@jconnelly.com

Media Contact - Europe

Angus Campbell

Nominis Advisory

angus@nominis.co

Disclaimer

This release is for informational purposes only, and the content contained herein should not be considered investment advice or a solicitation, offer, or recommendation to sell or buy any asset, strategy, or product. Investing in digital assets involves a high degree of risk, including the loss of principal.

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New Black Book Research flash survey of 427 hospital and health system security leaders finds 74% see EHR, AI and cloud vendors as their top emerging cyber risk, 63% report vendor-linked incidents in the last 24 months, and over half have suffered clinical disruption or downtime.

MELBOURNE, AU / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Black Book Research today announced headline findings from a flash survey of hospital and health system CISOs and senior cybersecurity leaders in nine countries reporting some of the highest recent rates of healthcare data breaches and patient privacy incidents. The rapid-response poll highlights a sharp escalation in cyber risk originating from electronic health record (EHR) vendors, AI and analytics platforms, and other digital health suppliers.

The flash survey, conducted in Q4 2025 across Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, collected responses from 427 CISOs, CIOs, IT managers, and heads of information security at provider organizations ranging from single hospitals to large multi-facility systems.

Vendor ecosystems now the primary breach engine

Across the nine markets, respondents report that:

80% say their greatest emerging cyber risk in 2026 comes from EHR, AI, and cloud health IT vendors, not from on-premise systems.

69% have experienced at least one security incident or serious near miss in the last 24 months that was directly traceable to a vendor platform, integration, or managed service.

91% believe their current third-party risk management practices are "not adequate" or "barely adequate" for the complexity of modern digital health and AI environments.

"Over the last decade, hospitals were told that moving to cloud EHRs, AI-driven analytics, and managed platforms would simplify their security posture," said Douglas Brown, President of Black Book Research. "Our latest flash survey shows the opposite: risk didn't disappear, it migrated into vendor ecosystems that many provider organizations still don't have the tools, leverage, or visibility to govern effectively."

Country-by-country snapshot: where vendor incidents hit hardest

The survey reveals meaningful variation across the nine high-incident countries:

Brazil - 78% of CISOs report at least one vendor-originated breach or serious incident in the past 24 months, and 61% say clinical services were directly disrupted.

India - 96% report vendor-linked data breaches or privacy violations, and 90% identify AI and analytics vendors as their fastest-rising source of risk.

South Africa - 71% say third-party EHR or billing platforms were involved in a major incident or near miss, with 55% citing multi-day system downtime as a result.

Saudi Arabia - 67% have experienced vendor-related security incidents, and 72% say board attention to supplier cyber risk has "significantly increased" in the last year.

Australia - 64% report cloud EHR or telehealth vendor vulnerabilities as a primary concern, while 49% have experienced clinically significant downtime tied to vendor outages.

Canada - 72% have faced vendor-driven privacy incidents or notifications, and 98% say cross-border data flows with US-based vendors are a top governance challenge.

Japan - 59% report incidents involving connected devices, imaging systems, or vendor-managed PACS, and 54% highlight opaque AI model security as a key worry.

Singapore - 57% of respondents have seen at least one vendor-related security event, but 93% say regulators' expectations for vendor oversight are outpacing their current capabilities.

United Arab Emirates - 94% report significant reliance on international EHR and AI vendors, and 63% have had regulatory or insurer scrutiny triggered by supplier incidents.

"Even in markets with relatively advanced digital health programs, CISOs are telling us the same story," Brown noted. "The more care delivery and analytics depend on remote vendor platforms and AI models, the more a single supplier's weakness can ripple across an entire health system or country."

EHR and AI platforms top the CISO worry list

When asked which vendor categories pose the highest near-term cybersecurity and privacy risk to their organizations, CISOs most frequently cited:

Core EHR and clinical systems (including cloud-based EHRs and practice management platforms)

AI/ML-enabled analytics and decision support tools used for imaging, clinical decision support, and operational optimization

Intermediary and integration platforms , including health information exchanges, integration engines, and API gateways

Digital front door and patient engagement solutions, including portals, apps, and telehealth platforms

Key concerns reported include:

Weak or opaque security controls in multi-tenant, cloud EHR and AI platforms

Inconsistent patching and vulnerability management across vendor ecosystems

Limited transparency into AI model security , data handling, and training data provenance

identity and access management across internal systems and vendor-hosted environments

uncertainty, especially where AI and cross-border data transfers intersect with health privacy laws

Cyber incidents increasingly impact patient care and trust

Respondents across the nine countries also reported that vendor-linked incidents are no longer "paper-only" breaches:

67% have experienced clinical disruption or downtime in the past 24 months due to a vendor outage or cyber event.

98% report board-level concern that AI and EHR vendor incidents could erode patient trust in digital health initiatives.

95% say renewing cyber insurance has become significantly more difficult or expensive because of third-party and AI-related risks.

"In every region we studied this year, the pattern is the same: vendor failures are turning into operational crises at the bedside," Brown added. "You can have a strong internal security program and still see clinics shut down or oncology pathways disrupted because a partner's platform was compromised or offline."

CISOs call for stronger governance of EHR and AI suppliers

The flash survey also asked respondents about their top priorities for improving vendor-related cybersecurity in 2026 . Leading action items include:

Embedding rigorous cyber requirements into EHR and AI procurement and contracting

Standardizing third-party risk assessments and continuous monitoring across all clinical and business vendors

Consolidating vendor sprawl , especially overlapping digital health and analytics tools

Investing in independent advisory support to benchmark vendor controls, validate attestations, and design realistic contingency plans

Educating boards and executives on the systemic nature of vendor/AI risk in healthcare

"CISOs are clear: this isn't just an IT problem or a single vendor negotiation issue," said Brown. "They are asking boards, regulators, and industry groups to recognize that EHR and AI vendor vulnerability is now a top-tier systemic risk to patient safety, continuity of care, and public confidence in health data."

Part of Black Book's 2026 global healthcare cybersecurity series

Findings from the nine-country flash survey will be incorporated into Black Book's 2026 Healthcare Cybersecurity Series, which includes:

2026 Hospital Cybersecurity Readiness - benchmarking preparedness across governance, controls, and staffing

2026 Hospital Cyber Resilience and Recovery - focusing on real-world incidents, downtime, and recovery patterns

2026 European Healthcare Cybersecurity - examining regional differences in threats, regulation, and vendor reliance

2026 Healthcare Cybersecurity Resource Guide to Vendors - an approximately 300-page reference covering frameworks, vendor landscapes, and best practices

2026 Healthcare Cybersecurity Guide to Consultants and Advisory Firms - profiling advisory and consulting providers and client-rated outcomes across 13 functional categories

"The message from this flash survey is not that hospitals should abandon digital health, EHR modernization, or AI," Brown concluded. "It's that boards and executives must treat EHR and AI vendor risk as core to their cybersecurity strategy, not as an afterthought. The organizations that will weather the next wave of incidents are those that combine strong internal programs with disciplined oversight of the vendors that now sit at the heart of care delivery."

About Black Book Research

Black Book Research is an independent global healthcare market research and public opinion firm, conducting crowdsourced client experience surveys and competitive intelligence across healthcare technology and services sectors since 2004. Black Book's mission is to provide unbiased insights that help healthcare organizations make better decisions about the partners and platforms they rely on to deliver safe, efficient, and trusted care. Download gratis industry reports and find other 2026 data leads at: https://www.blackbookmarketresearch.com

SOURCE: Black Book Research

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/cisos-in-9-countries-vendor-ai-and-ehr-now-drive-most-healthcare-data-1115833
Grid-interactive building with microgrid, EV charging and battery storage reduces electricity costs and supports grid resilience

Eaton highlights the strategies powering the next era of American energy infrastructure at the Reuters Energy LIVE 2025 event

PITTSBURGH, PA / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Intelligent power management company Eaton will deliver a clean energy microgrid for the new Manchester Public Library in Connecticut to support affordable, resilient and sustainable power. The library will be the first newly constructed building in the state to implement grid-interactive renewables, battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging - helping maximize energy savings and reduce strain on the local electric grid. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the project aims to achieve zero net energy (ZNE) ready status.

Using its Buildings as a Grid approach that enables flexible energy systems, Eaton is empowering the Town of Manchester to strategically balance energy production and consumption while enhancing grid flexibility. Eaton will synchronize the onsite renewables, energy storage and EV charging with local energy markets, allowing the library to optimize energy usage and enabling the utility to better manage peak demand and support the grid.

"The new Manchester Public Library showcases how smart energy management can reduce costs and demand on the grid while optimizing resilience and sustainability," said Paul Ryan, vice president and general manager of energy transition at Eaton. "We're confident our proven intelligent power management solutions and expertise will benefit the Town of Manchester and its residents for decades to come."

Eaton will enable the library to leverage 370 kilowatts (kW) of solar photovoltaics (PV) and battery storage to generate carbon-friendly power and reduce electricity costs. The company is delivering electrical infrastructure, turnkey engineering services and return on investment (ROI) modeling for the project. With its microgrid control solution and grid-interactive xStorageTM battery energy storage system (BESS), Eaton will help the library maximize onsite solar consumption and export excess electricity to support grid stability. Additionally, Eaton is leveraging its industry-first EV charging partnership with ChargePoint to provide vehicle charging infrastructure that helps intelligently reduce costs, effectively manage site power requirements and enhance reliability.

"Our community overwhelmingly supports our investment in this state-of-the-art library as a beacon of sustainability, innovation and education," said Steve Stephanou, town manager at the Town of Manchester. "Eaton's forward-thinking solutions and strong relationships with the project team have been essential to turn our goal of building Connecticut's first net-zero public library into reality."

The project is supported by federal tax credits, state and local funding, and incentives provided through the Energy Storage Solutions program. This program is overseen by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), is paid for by electric ratepayers, and is administered by the Connecticut Green Bank, Eversource, and the United Illuminating Company (UI). Learn more about how Eaton is helping electrify the grid-interactive buildings of the future.

Angie McMillin, president of Energy Solutions and Services at Eaton, will deliver a keynote focused on the strategies supporting quick onsite power delivery, energy resilience and sustainability during the Reuters Energy LIVE event in Houston on December 9. The session will spotlight the new Manchester Library project and how it is advancing affordable, reliable and sustainable power.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power - today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we're helping to solve the world's most urgent power management challenges and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.

Founded in 1911, Eaton has continuously evolved to meet the changing and expanding needs of our stakeholders. With revenues of nearly $25 billion in 2024, the company serves customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact:

Regina Parundik

+1.412.559.1614

ReginaParundik@eaton.com

###

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Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Eaton Corporation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/eaton

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Eaton Corporation

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/eaton-helps-power-connecticuts-first-all-electric-future-net-zero-publ-1115849
LA-to-Seoul startup, founded by ex-Apple and ex-Kim & Chang talent, raises $2 million within 100 days of beta launch by reinventing how Korean skincare reaches women 30+

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Seoul Beauty Club (SBC), a cross-border personalized subscription marketplace for K-beauty, has raised $2 million in pre-seed funding within 100-days of launch. SBC has also recently been selected for the Korean government's Global TIPS program, receiving $820,000 for R&D focused on beauty personalization.

The announcement comes as the U.S. has officially overtaken China as Korea's largest beauty export market; a shift that underscores SBC's unique positioning at the intersection of global commerce, science-driven skincare, and personalized product discovery.

Founded by Leo Park, a former cross-border corporate attorney at Korea's leading law firm Kim & Chang, and Allan Grinshtein, an ex-Apple and Meta product designer, SBC is helping Seoul's indie beauty brands reach high-spending Western consumers, especially women aged 30-60 who are demanding more transparency, clinical efficacy, and personalization in their skincare.

SBC is already operating at a seven-figure ARR run rate while still in beta and is preparing operations to scale at least 10x in 2026.

"Beauty commerce is broken; it's noisy, fragmented, and trend-obsessed," said CEO Leo Park. "We're rebuilding the system from the ground up. Our users aren't looking for hype. They want science, story, and results."

While growing explosively during its six months of testing, SBC has remained hyper-focused on reaching profitability.

"We're close to breaking even. These days if you're not an AI story, the bar is that much higher. Our job is to grow as fast as any consumer AI startup, but lean and profitably."

Backed by investors including Hustle Fund, Collaborative Fund Asia, Sazze VC, The Ventures, and Mashup Angels, SBC is addressing multiple forces transforming the beauty market:

U.S. imports of Korean cosmetics hit a record high in 2024, helping drive Korea's beauty exports to $1.71 billion; a 54.1% YoY increase .

Korea overcame France as the #1 exporter for cosmetic products .

The fastest-growing skincare segment globally is barrier health and microbiome repair, up 39% YoY.

Women 30+ now account for over 50% of beauty spend, yet remain underserved by most K-beauty platforms.

Personalization-driven beauty platforms show significantly higher retention and order values, driving a major shift away from generic e-commerce.

Seoul Beauty Club's early traction speaks to this alignment. Since launching, it has:

Surpassed 300 brand partnerships across Seoul's indie beauty scene

Achieved 7-figure ARR run rate during beta

Maintained an exceptionally high Net Promoter Score (50+)

By December, SBC will relocate logistics operations to the U.S. to streamline fulfillment amid record demand and scale its engineering team to enhance personalization and customer experience.

"We're building the infrastructure for global beauty; not just a subscription box," said Grinshtein. "This is about making Korean innovation accessible through design, data, and personalized experience that you can trust."

About Seoul Beauty Club

Seoul Beauty Club is a cross-border beauty platform that connects Seoul's indie brands with global audiences through curated subscription boxes, personalized product guidance, and community-driven discovery. With dual headquarters in Los Angeles and Seoul, SBC focuses on science-backed skincare rooted in Korean beauty rituals - designed specifically for women who want truth over trends.

Contact Information

Janie Mackenzie

Vice President, Public Relations

janiemack@ascendantgroupbranding.com

856-473-2166





SOURCE: Seoul Beauty Club

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Immunostimulant therapies are widely used across preventive care, acute care, and chronic disease management owing to their ability to enhance or modulate the body's immune response. These products, which include vaccines, cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, and immunomodulatory agents, are specifically developed to strengthen immunity, improve pathogen resistance, and support treatment outcomes in infectious diseases, oncology, autoimmune disorders, and immunodeficiencies.

WILMINGTON, Del., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Immunostimulant Market by Product Type (Vaccines, Colony Stimulating Factors, Interferons or Interleukins, and Others), Application (Oncology, Infectious Disease, Autoimmune and Immunodeficiency Disorders, and Others), and Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Stores and Retail Pharmacies, and Online Providers): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2034". According to the report, the immunostimulant market was valued at $111.97 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach $288.82 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 9.9% from 2025 to 2034.

Applications span hospitals, specialty clinics, ambulatory care centers, and public health programs. With the rising burden of infectious diseases, increasing prevalence of cancer and immune-related disorders, expanding vaccination initiatives, and continuous advancements in biotechnology, the immunostimulant market is gaining strong traction globally across prophylactic and therapeutic segments.

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Market Introduction

The immunostimulant market encompasses a broad range of agents including vaccines, cytokines, immunomodulators, and biological therapies designed to enhance or regulate the body's immune response for disease prevention and treatment. These products play a critical role in strengthening host defense mechanisms against infectious pathogens, improving outcomes in oncology, and supporting patients with immunodeficiencies or chronic inflammatory conditions. Immunostimulants are utilized across hospitals & clinics, specialty centers, ambulatory care facilities, and national immunization programs, making them indispensable in both preventive healthcare and therapeutic interventions.

The market has gained significant global momentum due to the rising incidence of infectious diseases, increasing prevalence of cancer and autoimmune disorders, and heightened focus on immune health following the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, infectious diseases remain one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, underscoring the need for advanced immunotherapies and robust vaccination strategies. In addition, ongoing biotechnology innovations such as recombinant vaccines, adjuvant-based formulations, and targeted immunotherapies are expanding the clinical potential of immunostimulants across diverse patient populations.

Regulatory authorities in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are increasingly emphasizing product efficacy, safety, and quality, prompting manufacturers to invest in high-precision development platforms and large-scale clinical trials. Furthermore, rising government funding for immunization programs, expanding public-private partnerships, and growing demand for personalized immunotherapies are strengthening market adoption. Emerging economies in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East offer substantial growth opportunities driven by improving healthcare infrastructure, greater disease awareness, and expanding access to preventive healthcare services.

Report Overview:

The immunostimulant market is segmented into product type, application, distribution channel, and region. On the basis of the product type, it is bifurcated into vaccines, colony stimulating factors (CSFs), interferons/interleukins (cytokines), and others. On the basis of application, the market is segregated into oncology, infectious disease, autoimmune and immunodeficiency disorders, and others. On the basis of distribution channel, the market is categorized into hospital pharmacies, drug stores & retail pharmacies, and online providers. Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and rest of LAMEA).

On the basis of product type, the vaccine segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

On the basis of application, the oncology segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

On the basis of distribution channel, the drug stores and retail pharmacies segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2024. However, the online providers segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

Region-wise, North America generated the largest revenue in 2024. However, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Report Coverage & Details

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2025-2034 Base Year 2024 Market Size in 2024 $111.97 billion Market Size in 2034 $288.82 billion CAGR 9.9 % No. of Pages in Report 290 Segments Covered Product Type, Application, Distribution Channel, and Region Target Region / Countries North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, India, Australia, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Rest of LAMEA). Drivers Rising Prevalence of Infectious and Chronic Diseases Increasing Consumer Focus on Preventive Healthcare and Self-care Trends Technological innovation and pipeline expansion Opportunities Growth Opportunities in Emerging Markets Restraints High regulatory complexity and stringent safety/efficacy requirements Clinical evidence gaps and risk of adverse immune reaction

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Market Growth & Opportunities Factors:

The immunostimulant market is witnessing robust growth, primarily driven by the escalating global burden of infectious diseases, rising incidence of cancer and immunodeficiency disorders, and increased awareness regarding preventive healthcare. As more individuals suffer from chronic infections, weakened immunity, and lifestyle-related immune suppression, healthcare systems are increasingly adopting immunostimulants to boost the body's natural defense mechanisms. These agents ranging from vaccines and cytokines to immunomodulators and biologics play a vital role in disease prevention, immune restoration, and treatment enhancement. Growing adoption of preventive immunization programs across both developed and developing nations is further fueling the demand for immunostimulants.

In addition, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, and respiratory infections has significantly boosted the use of therapeutic immunostimulants that modulate immune pathways to improve treatment outcomes. Advanced immunotherapies that utilize targeted mechanisms, adjuvants, and recombinant technologies are helping clinicians manage complex diseases more effectively. The post-pandemic emphasis on immune health has also accelerated consumer interest in immune-boosting therapeutics, prompting greater investments in R&D and public health initiatives.

Demand is also growing across home healthcare, outpatient clinics, and ambulatory care centers, especially as newer immunostimulants such as monoclonal antibodies and self-administered biologics become more user-friendly. These therapies enable decentralized care, reduce hospital burden, and support chronic disease management in aging populations. In addition, expanding vaccination schedules for children, adults, and special-risk groups (such as oncology patients or immunocompromised individuals) are widening the scope of immunostimulant use globally.

The market presents substantial opportunities as well. First, advancements in next-generation vaccines including mRNA-based, vector-based, and peptide vaccines are revolutionizing preventive medicine.

These platforms offer rapid development cycles, strong efficacy profiles, and customizable antigen designs, which are particularly beneficial during global health emergencies. Companies such as Moderna, Pfizer, and BioNTech have set new benchmarks for immunostimulant innovation using such technologies.

Second, personalized immunotherapy represents a transformative growth area. Tailored immunostimulants that target patient-specific biomarkers, tumor antigens, or immune deficiencies are gaining traction, especially in oncology. This includes therapeutic cancer vaccines, immune checkpoint stimulators, and combination immunotherapies that enhance overall survival rates and minimize toxicity.

Further opportunities arise from emerging markets, where increasing healthcare spending, government-led vaccination drives, and expanding biotech capabilities are accelerating immunostimulant adoption. Countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East are upgrading public health infrastructure, establishing new biotech hubs, and integrating advanced immunization programs, creating significant commercial potential.

Moreover, collaborations between pharmaceutical companies, governments, and global health organizations (such as WHO, GAVI, and CEPI) are unlocking new funding channels for immunostimulant research and deployment. These partnerships support rapid innovation, pandemic preparedness, and large-scale immunization initiatives, thereby strengthening long-term market growth.

Major Challenges in Industry & Solutions:

Despite strong growth potential, the immunostimulant market faces several challenges that could limit its expansion. One of the major restraints is the high development cost associated with advanced immunotherapies and next-generation vaccines. These products often require complex manufacturing processes, stringent quality controls, and extensive clinical trials, resulting in premium pricing and limited accessibility in low-income regions. To address this, manufacturers are increasingly investing in scalable production technologies, such as modular bioreactors, continuous manufacturing systems, and platform-based vaccine development models. Collaborative funding approaches such as public-private partnerships and shared R&D frameworks are also helping reduce financial burden and accelerate product timelines.

Another significant challenge is the variability in immune response across different patient populations, which can affect therapy effectiveness. Factors such as age, comorbidities, genetic predispositions, and prior immunity influence outcomes, making one-size-fits-all immunostimulants less effective in certain groups. To mitigate this, healthcare institutions are adopting personalized immunotherapy strategies, and companies are expanding clinical trials to include diverse genetic and demographic cohorts. Further, continuous monitoring tools and biomarker-driven treatment selection are improving precision and patient-specific dosing.

The market also faces operational challenges such as limited cold-chain infrastructure in developing regions, vaccine hesitancy, and shortages of skilled personnel needed to administer complex biologics. To overcome these barriers, global initiatives are supporting vaccine education campaigns, while manufacturers are developing thermostable formulations, needle-free delivery devices, and auto-injectors that reduce the dependency on specialized healthcare professionals.

Regional Insights

North America represents the largest market for immunostimulants, fueled by a strong biotechnology ecosystem, high prevalence of chronic diseases, and widespread vaccination coverage. The region benefits from advanced R&D infrastructure, substantial government funding, and the presence of major players such as Merck, Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Amgen. The U.S. has one of the world's highest expenditures on immunotherapy, driven by increasing cancer incidence and the rapid adoption of biologics, monoclonal antibodies, and immune checkpoint stimulators. Additionally, strong regulatory frameworks, favorable reimbursement policies, and ongoing programs like the CDC's immunization initiatives bolster market expansion.

Europe is the second-largest immunostimulant market, supported by well-established healthcare systems, strong regulatory oversight, and rising investments in vaccination and oncology research. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK are leading contributors. The region has seen significant growth in immunotherapy adoption, driven by aging populations and a rising burden of infectious and chronic diseases. Moreover, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) emphasizes rigorous clinical evaluations and safety assessments, pushing manufacturers to deliver high-efficacy products. Public health initiatives, such as the European Vaccination Action Plan and expanded cancer screening programs, further support market growth.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the immunostimulant market, propelled by increasing infectious disease incidence, rising cancer cases, and rapid expansion of healthcare infrastructure. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are seeing surging demand for vaccines, biologics, and adjuvant therapies. Growing government funding for immunization programs, rising urbanization, and improvements in diagnostic capabilities support broader market penetration. Japan's focus on advanced cancer immunotherapies, China's growing biotech manufacturing capabilities, and India's expanding vaccine production networks are key growth drivers. Additionally, medical tourism and expanding pharmaceutical R&D investments in Southeast Asia are further accelerating demand for innovative immunostimulant solutions.

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Key Players:

Sinovac Biotech Ltd

Pfizer Inc.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Sanofi

Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd.

Novartis AG

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

Johnson & Johnson

Emergent BioSolutions Inc.

GSK

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Aventura, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - Haratz Dental, a leading cosmetic and family dentistry practice in Aventura, announces the implementation of advanced iTero digital scanning technology, eliminating the need for messy, uncomfortable traditional dental impressions. The cutting-edge system joins the practice's comprehensive suite of diagnostic tools, including intraoral cameras and CT scan imaging, positioning Haratz Dental at the forefront of patient-centered dental care in South Florida.

The iTero digital scanning system represents a significant advancement in dental diagnostics, replacing traditional impression materials with a comfortable, non-invasive digital scanning process. Patients can now receive accurate dental impressions without the discomfort of traditional putty-based materials, while dentists benefit from enhanced precision and immediate visualization of oral structures.

"We do everything to give our patients the best diagnosis," says Dr. Adela Haratz, founder of Haratz Dental with over 30 years of cosmetic dentistry experience. "I don't use those messy impressions anymore. With iTero, we take the time for patients and explain everything. Patients are number one for us, and this technology allows us to provide care that's both comfortable and precise."





Haratz Dental announces the implementation of advanced iTero digital scanning technology



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The iTero system integrates seamlessly with Haratz Dental's existing diagnostic technology. Intraoral cameras provide patients with real-time views of their dental conditions, allowing them to see exactly what the dentist sees during examinations. This visual approach enhances patient understanding and facilitates collaborative treatment planning.

"Patients can see what they have with our oral cameras," Dr. Haratz explains. "You can show them an X-ray, but they don't always understand what it means. When they see the actual condition on screen, they truly understand their dental health."

The practice's comprehensive diagnostic capabilities also include panoramic X-rays and CT scans, ensuring thorough evaluation for procedures ranging from routine cleanings to complex cosmetic restorations and dental implants. This technology suite supports Haratz Dental's commitment to individualized patient care, with Dr. Haratz emphasizing that each patient receives personalized attention rather than rushed appointments.

Haratz Dental serves the Aventura community and surrounding areas, including Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach, Hallandale Beach, and North Miami Beach. The practice offers comprehensive services including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, smile makeovers, All-on-X procedures, and oral surgery. With bilingual capabilities in Spanish and Hebrew, the practice serves the diverse South Florida population with cultural competency and personalized attention.

The implementation of iTero technology aligns with Dr. Haratz's philosophy of combining advanced science with compassionate patient care. "Our goal is to eliminate fear," Dr. Haratz notes. "We treat each patient individually with time and attention, and the next time they come, they're completely different-they're comfortable and confident."





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Name

Haratz Dental

Contact name

Dr. Adela Haratz, DDS

Contact phone

786-433-5232

Contact address

2775 NE 187th St #4

City

Aventura

State

FL

Zip

33180

Country

United States

Url

https://www.haratzdental.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277440

SOURCE: GetFeatured
This initiative brings together science and stakeholder collaboration to drive solutions to biodiversity challenges at scale

Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, has launched its Nature Strategy, reaffirming the company's commitment to biodiversity and how it guides decision-making within the business. Suzano's operations depend directly on nature, and the company recognizes that its longevity and ability to innovate are intrinsically linked to the health of ecosystems. Therefore, nature occupies a significant strategic role in the business' vision.

The science-led Nature Strategy, developed in collaboration with IUCN, is guided by the mitigation hierarchy: avoid, reduce, restore and transform. This approach enables the prevention of impacts, the minimization of risks, and the promotion of ecosystem regeneration.

With support from IUCN, Suzano has pioneered the use of the STAR metric a tool that enables the company to map sensitive areas within the territories where it operates, identify endangered species, and set priority actions required to reduce their risk of extinction. Biodiversity monitoring conducted by the company over several decades has revealed the presence of 125 endangered species, of which 24 have been selected as priority for action based on technical criteria.

This model, developed in collaboration with IUCN, combined scientific rigor and innovative methodologies, and was published as a Suzano case study at the IUCN Congress in October. The learnings were fundamental to the consolidation of the RHINO methodology (Rapid High-Integrity Nature-positive Outcomes), which guides companies to take concrete and measurable actions for biodiversity conservation. The internal analyses undertaken for the development of Suzano's Nature Strategy covered the 2.9 million hectares of land owned by the company, a number that increases to about 10 million hectares when considering the scale of the watersheds analyzed. This model allows us to expand our view beyond the company's operational limits and reinforces Suzano's commitment to conservation at scale.

"We know that the global biodiversity picture is challenging: 75% of terrestrial ecosystems have already been altered by human activity, and approximately 25% of assessed species are endangered, according to the World Economic Forum. These figures represent tangible risks for society and for businesses. For Suzano, ensuring the integrity of nature means ensuring the resilience of our business and the communities we work with," says Giordano Automare, Executive Manager of Sustainability at Suzano.

Suzano's Nature Strategy is designed to align with the company's previously established long-term commitments, such as connecting 500,000 hectares of forest fragments through ecological corridors and increasing water availability in critical watersheds within the company's areas of operation. These objectives are also aligned to the global goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the development of a regenerative economy.

In addition to IUCN, the development of Suzano's Nature Strategy involved more than 25 stakeholders, including experts, representatives from government, academia, NGOs, and local communities, ensuring legitimacy and a diversity of perspectives for the proposed actions.

NOTES TO EDITOR

About Suzano

Suzano is the world's largest pulp supplier, a major paper and packaging producer in the Americas, and one of Brazil's biggest employers.

Driven by a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation, Suzano produces responsibly grown raw materials that are exported to more than 100 countries around the world, meeting the global demand for bio-based solutions. These are used to make everyday items that reach more than two billion people, including toilet paper and tissue, packaging, printing and writing paper, personal hygiene products, and textiles.

Founded in Brazil over 100 years ago, today Suzano operates across Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia. The company's shares are listed on the B3 in Sao Paulo (SUZB3) and the New York Stock Exchange (SUZ). Learn more at: suzano.com.br/en

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209470656/en/

Contacts:

Media contacts

For Suzano:

Hawthorn Advisors

suzano@hawthornadvisors.com
The milestone reflects growing evidence for distal-specific thrombectomy solutions and is reinforced by interim findings that confirmed no safety concerns with TIGERTRIEVER 13.

Rapid Medical, a leading developer of active endovascular devices, announces the completion of patient enrollment in the DISTALS Trial, a multicenter randomized study assessing the TIGERTRIEVER 13 device in patients with distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVO) in acute ischemic stroke.

"DMVO strokes represent up to 40% of ischemic strokes and can cause significant disability, yet their treatment has remained uncertain. Recent neutral results from ESCAPE-MEVO and DISTAL made one thing clear: distal thrombectomy requires devices and trials specifically engineered for distal vessels," said Dr. Jeffrey Saver of UCLA in California, Principal Investigator of DISTALS. "TIGER 13 and DISTALS bring that dedicated design. Completing enrollment is a major step toward evidence that can truly advance care for these patients."

The TIGER 13 is purpose-built for distal interventions. Its proprietary adjustable design is the only thrombectomy device that can actively remove tension from the vessel during clot retrieval, allowing physicians to minimize shear forces on delicate distal arteries. A previously announced interim safety analysis of DISTALS reported no safety concerns, supporting TIGER 13's use in fragile distal territories.

"TIGER 13 is the only device I trust for distal stroke thrombectomy. Its design meets the real-world demands of small, highly tortuous distal vessels," commented Dr. Rishi Gupta of Wellstar Health System in Georgia, Principal Investigator of DISTALS. "We cannot rely on devices built for proximal occlusions to solve a distal problem-dedicated engineering is essential, and TIGER 13 delivers it."

Completion of enrollment in DISTALS marks a significant milestone toward generating the high-quality clinical data needed to guide the next evolution of stroke treatment. The trial is also led by Principal Investigators Professor Rene Chapot of Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus in Germany and Dr. David Fiorella of Stony Brook University Medical Center in New York.

About Rapid Medical

Rapid Medical expands what's possible in neurovascular treatment by pioneering advanced interventional devices that treat ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Utilizing proprietary manufacturing techniques, Rapid Medical's products are remotely adjustable and fully visible. This enables physicians to respond in real-time to the anatomy and tailor their approach to every patient for better procedural outcomes. TIGERTRIEVER 13, 17, and 21, COMANECI, COLUMBUS/DRIVEWIRE 14, and DRIVEWIRE 24 are CE marked and FDA cleared. TIGERTRIEVER XL 25 are also CE marked. More information is available at www.rapid-medical.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209893485/en/

Contacts:

Ronen Eckhouse

+972-72-2503331

ronen@rapid-medical.com
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Edison Investment Research Limited

Edison issues report on BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust (BRGE)



09-Dec-2025 / 16:02 GMT/BST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



London, UK, 9 December 2025 Edison issues report on BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust (BRGE) Edison issues report on BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust (LSE: BRGE) BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust (BRGE) has a new co-manager, as the board seeks to reduce portfolio volatility and bring a degree of flexibility to ensure future portfolio success. Brian Hall replaced Alexandra Dangoor, and is working alongside Stefan Gries, who has managed the trust since June 2017. BRGE's performance has been negatively affected by growth style headwinds, so the board is hopeful that selectively adding quality value stocks will result in enhanced outcomes over time. Hall has a strong performance track record and has worked with Gries for around 19 years. Despite the change in the trust's management, it is important to understand that BRGE's portfolio will retain a growth bias and there will be no change in the company's objective and policy. The board has also negotiated a significant reduction in the trust's annual tiered management fee structure, which should make a meaningful difference to BRGE's ongoing charges ratio. Click here to read the full report. All reports published by Edison are available to download free of charge from its website www.edisongroup.com Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority . Edison is not an adviser or broker-dealer and does not provide investment advice. Edison's reports are not solicitations to buy or sell any securities. For more information, please contact Edison: enquiries@edisongroup.com +44 (0)20 3077 5700 Connect with Edison on: LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/edison-group-/ X www.x.com/edison_inv_res YouTube www.youtube.com/edisonitv



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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - IMPACT Silver Corp. (TSXV: IPT) (OTCQB: ISVLF) (FSE: IKL) ("IMPACT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce further results from its underground drill program in the Santo Domingo Zone at its Plomosas zinc (lead-silver) Mine in northern Mexico.

SANTO DOMINGO ZONE DRILLING

New IMPACT drill intersections from the Santo Domingo Zone of the Plomosas Mine are as follows:

TABLE 2: SANTO DOMINGO ZONE DRILL RESULTS Hole No. From

(metres) To

(metres) Interval (metres) Estimated

True Width

(metres) Zinc

(%) Lead

(%) Silver

(g/t) ZnEq*

(%) UGSD-2509 13.10 13.60 0.50 0.47 12.75 0.82 9.50 13.63 And 71.60 72.00 0.40 0.38 15.65 1.54 11.90 17.02 And 81.55 81.95 0.40 0.38 3.67 8.26 20.30 8.98 UGSD-2511 36.25 37.10 0.85 0.84 26.30 6.45 34.70 31.33 UGSD-2512 29.40 31.47 2.07 2.07 10.60 9.43 24.00 16.70 And 55.05 60.00 4.95 4.95 13.83 7.43 22.99 18.83 Including 56.37 57.70 1.33 1.33 18.25 11.30 29.10 25.57 UGSD-2513 19.68 20.30 0.62 0.58 20.30 18.25 45.30 32.05 And 25.98 26.60 0.62 0.58 16.90 7.76 26.20 22.22 And 56.60 59.95 3.35 3.15 5.04 5.06 8.85 8.12 Including 56.60 57.63 1.03 0.97 12.45 7.89 20.10 17.55 UGSD-2515 50.84 51.60 0.76 0.54 9.16 4.98 10.70 12.29

*Zinc Equivalent (ZnEq) is calculated using recent metal prices of US$1.47/lb Zn, US$0.92/lb Pb and US$50.44/oz Ag, and metal recoveries of 90.5% Zn, 76.5% Pb, and 85.0% Ag based on recent Plomosas production mill recoveries. Metal equivalence values allow for easier comparison of mineral zones with multiple metals reporting.

True width estimates are interpreted from current geological models. These drill holes are in the Santo Domingo area of IMPACT's active mine workings in the Plomosas Mine (see Figures 2&3). Drill holes UGSD-2510 and UGSD-2514 report no results because they encountered 4-6m of open space through previously unknown old mine workings where the Santo Domingo Zone was anticipated (see Figure 3). All these Santo Domingo drill intersections lie outside the JORC mineral resource blocks published by the previous operator (see IMPACT news release dated April 3, 2023 for details). Santo Domingo Zone mineralization remains open for exploration.

CEO STATEMENT

President and CEO Frederick Davidson commented, "Drilling on the Santo Domingo Zone continues to return exceptional high-grade results extending the zone to the northeast. The location of these new intersections on extensions of current active mine workings allows for rapid and low-cost access and mine development. Drilling is continuing with the aim to define additional mineralization in the Plomosas mine area as well as nearby greenfields exploration targets."

PLOMOSAS MINE GEOLOGY AND MINERALIZATION

The Plomosas mine, a historic high-grade zinc producer in northern Mexico (Figure 1), was acquired in 2023 by the Company. Recent drill programs have been undertaken on extensions of active mine areas in the Tres Amigos Zone, the Juarez Zone and Santo Domingo Zone (see Figure 2). Mineralization at the Plomosas mine occurs as zinc-rich Carbonate Replacement zones in three bedrock units - the Mina Vieja marble (Tres Amigos Zone), the Juarez limestone (Juarez Zone) and in carbonate layers within the Cuesta Shale (Santo Domingo Zone) - where structural ground preparation along these units accommodated concentrations of zinc, lead, and silver (see Figure 3).

ABOUT IMPACT SILVER

IMPACT Silver Corp. (TSXV: IPT) is a successful producer-explorer with two mining projects in Mexico.

Royal Mines of Zacualpan Silver-Gold District: IMPACT owns 100% of the 211 km2 Zacualpan project in central Mexico where four producing underground silver mines and one open pit mine feed the central 500 tpd Guadalupe processing plant. To the south, the Capire Project includes a 200 tpd processing pilot plant adjacent to an open pit silver mine with an NI 43-101 inferred mineral resource of over 4.5 million oz silver, 48 million lbs zinc and 21 million lbs lead (see IMPACT news release dated January 18, 2016, for details and QP statement). Company engineers are reviewing Capire for a potential restart of operations to leverage improving commodity prices. Over the past 19 years, IMPACT has developed multiple exploration zones into commercial production and has produced over 13.5 million ounces of silver, generating revenue of more than $307 million, with no long-term debt.

Plomosas Zinc-Lead-Silver District: Plomosas is a high-grade zinc producer in northern Mexico with extensive exploration upside potential. In late 2023, the Company restarted mining operations and is ramping up production toward design capacity levels. Exploration potential at Plomosas is exceptional along the 6 km-long structure. This is in addition to other exploration targets on the 3,019-hectare property including untested copper-gold targets with indications of high-grade material at surface. Regionally, Plomosas lies in the same belt as some of the largest carbonate replacement deposits in the world (see Figure 1).

Quality Control/Quality Assurance

Drill core was NTW size (5.71 cm diameter). Half core samples were collected with a rock saw and tagged for identification. All samples were securely stored at the Plomosas Mine until shipment. A total of 5% certified assay standards and 5% blanks were inserted into every sample shipment as a quality control measure. All samples were shipped to the ALS preparation laboratory in Chihuahua, Mexico, where they were fine crushed (70% passing a 2 mm screen), pulverized (85% passing a 75 micron screen) and pulp split separated for assay. These pulps were shipped to the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver, Canada, where a 10 gram split was aqua regia digested and then analyzed for 36 elements including zinc, lead and silver by ICP-AES spectrometry (ALS code ME-ICP41). Assays for base metals >1% used an overlimit ICP-AES method (ALS code OG46). ALS is an independent, international ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.

Qualified Person and NI 43-101 Disclosure

Silvia Kohler, P. Geo., a Senior Geologist employed by IMPACT Silver Corp. and a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of NI-43101, has approved the technical information contained in this news release.

Additional information about IMPACT and its operations can be found on the Company website at www.IMPACTSilver.com . Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @IMPACT_Silver and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactsilver

On behalf of IMPACT Silver Corp.



"Frederick W. Davidson"



President & CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

This IMPACT News Release may contain certain "forward-looking" statements and information relating to IMPACT that is based on the beliefs of IMPACT management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to IMPACT management. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "planned", "expect", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intends", "believe", "potential", and similar expressions, or describes a "goal", or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "should", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding interpretation of drill results, activity at the projects and estimated timing thereof, the potential for defining and extending the known mineralization, exploration potential on the properties, and plans for drilling and future operations at the Company's projects or plans for financing.

Such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks and assumptions, including with respect to, without limitation, exploration and development risks, expenditure and financing requirements, title matters, operating hazards, extreme weather events, criminal activity, metal prices, political and economic factors, community relations, competitive factors, general economic conditions, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulation and supervision, seasonality, technological change, industry practices, pandemics and one-time events. Should any one or more risks or uncertainties materialize or change, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and forward-looking statements may vary materially from those described herein. IMPACT does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement or beliefs, opinions, projections or other factors, except as required by law.

The Company's decision to place a mine into production, expand a mine, make other production related decisions or otherwise carry out mining and processing operations, is largely based on internal non-public Company data and reports based on exploration, development and mining work by the Company's geologists and engineers. The results of this work are evident in the discovery and building of multiple mines for the Company at Zacualpan and in the track record of mineral production and financial returns of the Company since 2006. Under NI 43-101, the Company is required to disclose that it has not based its production decisions on NI 43-101 mineral resources or reserve estimates, preliminary economic assessments or feasibility studies, and historically such projects have increased uncertainty and risk of failure.

303-543 Granville Street

Telephone 604 664-7707

Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 1X8

www.impactsilver.com

X (Twitter)

LinkedIn





Figure 1: Location map of Plomosas Mine and nearby mines and infrastructure. References to nearby projects are for information purposes only and there are no assurances that Plomosas will achieve similar results.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4729/277450_96c75f19a4809822_001full.jpg





Figure 2: Plan map of the Plomosas Mine workings.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4729/277450_96c75f19a4809822_002full.jpg





Figure 3: Schematic cross section of the Santo Domingo Zone geology and mineralization showing new drill intersections.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4729/277450_96c75f19a4809822_003full.jpg

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277450

SOURCE: IMPACT Silver Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - Atomic Minerals Corporation (TSXV: ATOM) (FSE: DO8) (OTCID: ATMMF) ("ATOMIC MINERALS" or the "Company") announces today that, at the request of Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization ("CIRO"), it is not aware of any undisclosed material information or material change in its business or operations that would account for the recent increase in the market price and trading volume of its common shares.

The Company is in compliance with its disclosure obligations under the British Columbia Securities Act and National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations. The Company will continue to keep the market informed as required by applicable securities legislation.

About the Company

Atomic Minerals Corp. is a publicly listed exploration company on the TSX Venture Exchange, trading under the symbol ATOM, led by a highly skilled management and technical team with a proven track record in the junior mining sector. Atomic Minerals' objective is to identify exploration opportunities in regions that have been previously overlooked but are geologically similar to those with previous uranium discoveries. These underexplored areas hold immense potential and are in stable geopolitical and economic environments.

Atomic Minerals' property portfolio contains uranium projects in three locations within North America, all of which have significant technical merit and or are known for hosting uranium production in the past. Three of the properties are located on the Colorado Plateau, an area which has previously produced 597 million pounds of U3O8; Three others are in the prolific Athabasca Basin region and nine uranium projects are located Northern Saskatchewan, encompassing a total exploration area of 6,495 hectares.

For additional information about the Company and its projects, please visit our website at www.atomicminerals.ca.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Clive Massey"

Clive H. Massey

President & CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor their Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Atomic Minerals Corporation believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Atomic Minerals Corporation management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Atomic Minerals Corporation undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

###

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277452

SOURCE: Atomic Minerals Corp.
MISSISSAUGA, ON / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) Ltd. (Konica Minolta) today announced the appointment of Stacey Lucariello as Senior Vice President, Human Resources for North America, effective December 1, 2025. Reporting directly to Sam Errigo, President and CEO, she will serve on the company's Executive Committee and Executive Leadership Team.

In her new role, Lucariello will lead Konica Minolta's North American HR organization and drive strategies that strengthen a high-performing, people-first approach across the company's workforce of more than 5,600 employees. Recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for 2025, Konica Minolta continues to prioritize talent development, employee engagement and an inclusive workplace experience.

Sam Errigo, President and CEO, Konica Minolta

"Stacey's appointment comes at a critical time as we continue transforming the business and expanding our ability to attract and retain exceptional talent that fuels our momentum," said Errigo. "Her leadership will be instrumental in shaping a more agile, purpose-driven and employee-centered culture that empowers our teams to thrive."

Lucariello joined Konica Minolta in 2019 and most recently served as Vice President of Talent. She previously held HR leadership roles at ADP and Samsung Electronics America, supporting diverse employee populations globally.

Stacey Lucariello, Senior Vice President, Human Resources for North America, Konica Minolta

"I am honoured to step into this role and have the privilege of supporting the people who power Konica Minolta every day," said Lucariello. "My focus moving forward is to create a workplace where every employee feels supported, motivated and inspired to bring their best work. In partnership with executive leadership, I'm committed to advancing our mission to propel the business forward - building on the solid foundation already in place."

Lucariello holds a Bachelor of Arts in English language and literature from Montclair State University and a Master of Science in management and organizational change from Saint Elizabeth University.

About Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta's journey started more than 150 years ago, with a vision to see and do things differently. The company partners with clients to Give Shape to Ideas by supporting their digital transformation. Its business technology offerings include IT Services, intelligent information management, video security solutions, and managed print services, as well as office technology and industrial and commercial print solutions. 2025 marks Konica Minolta's 20th anniversary in production print, for which it celebrates "20 Years of Excellence, Innovation and Impact," and continues to lead the way in digital commercial printing. This year also commemorates 20 years of Konica Minolta's bizhub brand. Over the past two decades, the bizhub series has revolutionized office technology and redefined how businesses operate. It has continuously evolved to meet the needs of modern workplaces, fueled by advances in technology and a commitment to innovation. Konica Minolta is proud to be included on CRN's MSP 500 list numerous times; recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys for eighteen consecutive years, and presented with Keypoint Intelligence's BLI 2025 and 2021 A3 Line of The Year and BLI 2021-2023 Most Colour Consistent A3 Brand Awards for its bizhub i-Series. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta online and follow its accounts on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, X (@KonicaMinoltaCA), and Instagram!

Contact Information

Konica Minolta Media Relations - Canada

Marketing Department, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) Ltd.

info@bt.konicaminolta.ca

SOURCE: Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) Ltd.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/konica-minolta-appoints-stacey-lucariello-to-senior-vice-preside-1115692
Regulatory News:

JCDecaux SE (Euronext Paris: DEC), the number one outdoor advertising company worldwide, Carrefour, Carmila (Paris:CARM) and Unlimitail announce the launch of a strategic partnership to develop and implement indoor Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH)1 at shopping centres and outdoor OOH2 and DOOH on the access areas leading to the shopping centres, first in France and then in Spain. This agreement will make retail media an even more powerful growth driver for retail partners and brands.

Following a competitive tender led by Unlimitail, the partners have entered into exclusive negotiations with a view to signing a contract that will shape a new media ecosystem at the heart of Carrefour and Carmila sites in France and Spain. Carrefour, Carmila and Unlimitail have selected JCDecaux, the number one outdoor advertising company worldwide, to manage, upgrade and commercialise the indoor and outdoor advertising assets across their sites. This forthcoming collaboration is fully aligned with the transformation strategy for Carrefour shopping centres and their access areas combining innovation, enhanced visitor services and the long-term value creation of real estate assets.

A new media network at the heart of the visitor journey

In France, new 75-inch LCD digital screens, a more impactful format than the current network, will be rolled out within the malls and complemented by high-impact, iconic screens at the largest sites. These will be combined with 2m and 8m analogue outdoor street furniture which will be enhanced, for the first time by 81-inch LED screens on the access areas leading to the shopping centres.

This project will be the largest multi-site deployment ever undertaken by JCDecaux in France. It will cover 161 shopping centre malls and 297 mall access areas, optimising the impact of advertising campaigns with national reach and local effectiveness delivered. Visible, impactful and in the heart of major hubs, this offer maximises advertising effectiveness at every stage of the customer journey, from branding through to conversion at the point of purchase.

In Spain, this contract will enable JCDecaux to strengthen its market position through a new retail offer strategically located along the access areas taken by shoppers visiting Carrefour hypermarkets. From 2027, JCDecaux Spain will develop an indoor DOOH offer across 91 shopping centres, together with an outdoor OOH and DOOH offer across 88 access areas to the malls and Carrefour hypermarkets.

In both countries, the digital assets will deliver the latest low-energy technologies and will be managed centrally. The analogue street furniture will be fitted with energy-efficient LED lighting solutions, in line with the partners' responsible commitments.

An omnichannel, data-driven and measurable retail media offer

This new OOH/DOOH network will be fully integrated into Unlimitail's retail media offering, enabling advertisers to roll out omnichannel strategies that combine onsite display, offsite and instore activations. JCDecaux will begin OOH/DOOH bookings at the beginning of 2026, with full deployment in time for the back-to-school 2026 campaigns. DOOH campaigns will be able to activate via the JCDecaux Adtech ecosystem with connections through VIOOH (SSP) and Displayce (DSP).

This new offer will provide brands with the power of audience planning via programmatic DOOH, delivering the right message, at the right time, in the right place.

Drawing on Carrefour data (aggregated and anonymised transactional data and loyalty cardholder data) and Unlimitail's technological capabilities, advertisers will benefit from performance measurement of their campaigns' visibility and impact on sales. JCDecaux will complement this with an audience measurement standard, providing brands with robust and comparable indicators.

A lever for transforming Carrefour shopping centres

This project is fully aligned with the transformation strategy that Carrefour and Carmila are implementing across their sites. The seamless integration of screens within the malls and along the access areas will modernise the locations, strengthen their appeal, improve comfort and wayfinding through-out the customer journey, while creating new retail media revenue streams.

By combining the strength of Carrefour audiences, the real estate expertise of Carrefour and Carmila, Unlimitail's retail media expertise and JCDecaux's global leadership in outdoor advertising and DOOH, this partnership marks a new milestone in the development of retail media in Europe, for the benefit of brands, retailers and consumers.

Jerome Nanty, Executive Director, Human Resources and Assets, Carrefour, said: "Our sites are undergoing a profound transformation, and this project is a powerful symbol of that change. It reflects our ambition to combine innovation and service in order to offer visitors a renewed, modern and welcoming experience, while creating long-term value for our assets

Marie Cheval, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Carmila, said: "With this new retail media network, Carmila is taking a key step in the transformation of its shopping centre portfolio. We are creating new opportunities to monetise our audiences and accelerate the growth of our revenues, while further enhancing the attractiveness of our sites

Alexis Marcombe, Chief Executive Officer of Unlimitail, said: "This project confirms our retail media expertise and leadership. Physical and digital inventory and data can be fully monetised when they are combined for the benefit of retailers, brands and shoppers throughout the customer journey.

Jean-Charles Decaux, Co-Chief Executive Officer of JCDecaux, said: "We are delighted to partner with Carrefour, Carmila and Unlimitail on this project, which further strengthens our partnerships in France and Spain. Physical retail media has been enjoying strong growth for several years and this partnership is fully in line with that momentum. Together, we will make it a powerful lever supporting advertisers' omnichannel strategies. By combining our DOOH solutions with Carrefour's transactional data and Unlimitail's technological expertise, we will offer brands even greater visibility, proximity and effectiveness.

About Carrefour

With a multi-format network of more than 15,000 stores in over 40 countries, the Carrefour Group is one of the world leaders in food retail. Carrefour generated sales of 94.6 billion in 2024. Its integrated store network employs more than 300,000 people who are helping to make Carrefour the world leader in the food transition for all, by offering quality food every day, accessible everywhere and at a reasonable price. In total, over 500,000 people work under the Carrefour banner worldwide. For more information, please visit www.carrefour.com, X (@news_carrefour) and LinkedIn (Carrefour).

About Carmila

The third largest listed shopping centre company in Europe, Carmila manages a portfolio of 251 shopping centres in France, Spain and Italy valued at 6.7 billion as of 31 December 2024. Thanks to its local roots, the power of Carrefour hypermarkets and its marketing and sales expertise, Carmila offers retailers a unique platform.

Carmila is listed on compartment A of Euronext Paris under the ticker CARM and benefits from the French REIT ("SIIC") regime. Carmila has been a member of the SBF 120 index since 20 June 2022.

www.carmila.com.

About Unlimitail the Retail Media Powerhouse

Unlimitail is an international retail media company offering brands and retailers the opportunity to deploy their retail media strategies in a simplified, unified and optimised way. It enables a better understanding of consumers, the activation of targeted, omnichannel marketing campaigns, and end-to-end measurement of campaign effectiveness, from increased visibility through to incremental sales.

The company stands out in the market thanks to its cutting-edge Epsilon Retail Media adtech stack, which unifies onsite and offsite solutions, as well as its global reach and high-quality data. It delivers more than 2 billion page views per month and provides access to over 220 million addressable customers worldwide through 35 retail partners.

For more information about Unlimitail, please visit Unlimitail.com.

About JCDecaux

JCDecaux, the number one outdoor advertising company worldwide, is present in more than 80 countries and 3,894 cities with over 10,000 inhabitants. The Group develops all activities related to street furniture, transport advertising (with 157 airports and 257 contracts in metros, buses, trains and tramways), large-format billboards and retail. For more than 60 years, JCDecaux has been recognised for its innovation, quality, aesthetics, and functionality. As a major player in smart cities, JCDecaux works toward an increasingly human, open, and sustainable connected city. The Group practices and promotes responsible outdoor advertising, placing more than ever social responsibility and environmental quality at the heart of its solutions and activities, in line with its 2030 ESG roadmap.

Key Figures for JCDecaux

2024 revenue: 3,935.3m H1 2025 revenue: 1,868.3m

- N1 Out-of-Home Media company worldwide

- A daily audience of 850 million people in more than 80 countries

- 1,091,811 advertising panels worldwide

- Present in 3,894 cities with more than 10,000 inhabitants

- 12,026 employees

- JCDecaux is listed on the Eurolist of Euronext Paris and is part of the SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes

- JCDecaux's Group carbon reduction trajectory has been approved by the SBTi and the company has joined the Euronext Paris CAC SBT 1.5 index

- JCDecaux is recognised for its extra-financial performance in the CDP (A), MSCI (AAA), Sustainalytics (11.9), and has achieved Gold Medal status from EcoVadis

- 1st Out-of-Home Media company to join the RE100

- Leader in self-service bike rental scheme: pioneer in eco-friendly mobility

- N1 worldwide in street furniture (629,737 advertising panels)

- N1 worldwide in transport advertising with 157 airports and 257 contracts in metros, buses, trains and tramways (340,848 advertising panels)

- N1 in Europe for billboards (83,472 advertising panels worldwide)

- N1 in outdoor advertising in Europe (736,310 advertising panels)

- N1 in outdoor advertising in Asia-Pacific (178,010 advertising panels)

- N1 in outdoor advertising in Latin America (89,526 advertising panels)

- N1 in outdoor advertising in Africa (22,490 advertising panels)

- N2 in outdoor advertising in the Middle East (20,689 advertising panels)

For more information about JCDecaux, please visit jcdecaux.com.

Join us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

1 DOOH (Digital Out-Of-Home): Digital advertising on screens (metro, shopping malls, city centers).

2 OOH (Out-Of-Home): Traditional advertising (billboards, bus shelters, metro, vehicles).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209669574/en/

Contacts:

Carrefour Press Relations

Tel.: +33 (0)1 58 47 88 80 E-mail: presse_france@carrefour.com

Unlimitail Communications: communication@unlimitail.com

Communications Department Clementine Prat

+33 (0) 1 30 79 79 10 clementine.prat@jcdecaux.com

Investor Relations Remi Grisard

+33 (0) 1 30 79 79 93 remi.grisard@jcdecaux.com
Burnaby, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - NatBridge Resources Ltd. (CSE: NATB) (OTCID: NATBF) (FSE: GI80) ("NatBridge" or the "Company"), advises shareholders that the British Columbia Securities Commission ("BCSC") has issued a Cease Trade Order ("CTO") dated December 4, 2025, halting all trading in the Company's securities.

According to the CTO, the Company is required to file a National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") technical report in support of the mineral resource disclosures first included in NatBridge's August 11, 2025, news release, which introduced mineral resource estimates for Parcels 45 and 46 ("Phase 1") and additional titles ("Phase 2") as part of a larger mineral project, the Cahuilla Gold Project. The BCSC has determined that this supporting technical report has not yet been filed regarding Phase 1 and Phase 2 and, as a result, trading in the Company's securities will remain ceased until a compliant NI 43-101 technical report on Phase 1 and Phase 2 is filed and the CTO revoked.

NatBridge is actively engaging with the BCSC and prioritising the completion of the NI 43-101 compliant technical report as quickly as possible. The Company will provide further updates as information becomes available and appreciates shareholders' understanding as it works to resolve this matter in full compliance with regulatory requirements.

About NatBridge Resources Ltd.

NatBridge Resources Ltd. (CSE: NATB) (OTCID: NATBF) (FSE: GI80) is a publicly traded Canadian company, also listed in the United States and Germany, leading the gold resource supply side of NatGold Digital Ltd.'s ("NatGold Digital") revolutionary, patent-pending digital gold tokenization ecosystem. This innovative approach redefines how gold's value can be captured through tokenization, eliminating extraction and its environmental, social, and financial costs through a blockchain-powered, eco-friendly digital mining process. NatBridge's strategy is focused on the supply side of the NatGold ecosystem. By acquiring gold resources that meet the qualification criteria of NatGold Digital, in accordance with NatGold Digital's strict token certification standards, NatBridge is establishing itself as a key player in this industry - operating at the intersection of three major global investment trends: gold, sustainable investing, and the tokenization of real-world assets.

On behalf of the board,

Stephen Moses, CEO & Director

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

This news release contains certain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "projects", "intends", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by statements that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, the filing of a NI 43-101 technical report for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Cahuilla Gold Project, the revocation of the CTO, and statements related to the Company's participation in the NatGold Digital gold tokenization ecosystem. These statements relate to anticipated developments, operations, plans for expansion, estimates, expectations, forecasts, objectives, projections, predictions regarding future performance, and the receipt of required approvals. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and assumptions based on information available as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements of NatBridge to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the inability to complete and file the NI 43-101 technical report within anticipated timelines or at all, the possibility that the CTO may not be revoked and trading in the Company's securities may remain suspended for an extended period or indefinitely, the adoption of the NatGold Digital gold tokenization ecosystem, market demand, future precious metals prices, regulatory changes, and the environmental, social, and financial implications of relying on digital mining versus traditional extraction. Additional risks include those described in the sections relating to risk factors in the Company's securities filings on SEDAR+. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277454

SOURCE: NatBridge Resources Ltd.
Idorsia's dual orexin receptor antagonist, the first and only drug of its kind approved in Europe for the treatment of insomnia disorder, has been awarded the inaugural Prix Galien Bridges Award in the category of "Best Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Product"

Inaugural winners are honored for breakthrough innovations in life sciences

Allschwil, Switzerland - December 9, 2025

Idorsia Ltd (SIX: IDIA) announces that its novel treatment for insomnia disorder has been awarded the inaugural Prix Galien Bridges Award in the category of "Best Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Product". The award recognizes groundbreaking medicines, including biologics, gene therapies, and traditional pharmaceutical compounds, that advance patient care through scientific innovation.

Bettina Blosse, General Manager of Idorsia Nordics, commented:

"We are immensely proud to have been awarded the prestigious Prix Galien, particularly the first of its kind in the Nordics. The recognition from the jury is a wonderful endorsement of Idorsia's commitment to innovation in healthcare and the value that the new treatment brings to improving patient care for insomnia disorder. My team is working to make this medicine accessible to all patients in the Nordic region."

Martine Clozel, MD and Chief Scientific Officer added:

"Our research team began work on the science of orexin and orexin receptors immediately after they were first described in 1998. Our initial work led to the understanding that antagonism of the orexin system induced a very physiological sleep. With a treatment of insomnia disorder in mind, the team set the target to design a dual orexin receptor antagonist that, among a number of criteria, would achieve a rapid onset of effect and a duration of action sufficient to cover the totality of the night at optimally effective doses, avoiding morning carry-over effects. It took us more than 10 years, and we had to synthesize and characterize more than 25,000 compounds to arrive at the molecule which has now been recognized with the Prix Galien Bridges Award - for improving not only the nights of patients with insomnia disorder, but also most importantly their daytime functioning."

The Prix Galien Awards were created in 1970 by Roland Mehl in honor of Galien, the father of medical science and modern pharmacology, to recognize outstanding innovation and scientific advancement. With chapters in 16 countries and Africa, Prix Galien is regarded worldwide as the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for the life science industry.

For more information about the Foundation, visit: https://www.galienfoundation.org/ (https://www.galienfoundation.org/)

For more information about Prix Galien Bridges, visit: https://www.galienfoundation.org/prix-galien-bridges (https://www.galienfoundation.org/prix-galien-bridges).

Notes to the editor

About The Galien Foundation

The Galien Foundation fosters, recognizes, and rewards excellence in scientific innovation to improve the state of human health. Our vision is to be the catalyst for the development of the next generation of innovative treatments and technologies that will impact the state of medical practice and save lives. The late Professor Elie Wiesel, 1986 Peace Nobel Laureate, is The Honorary Founding President of The Galien Foundation

The Foundation oversees and directs activities in the US for the Prix Galien, an international awards program dedicated to progress through innovative medicines development, with chapters in 14 countries, Africa and an inaugural chapter established in India in 2024. The Prix Galien was created in 1970 by Roland Mehl in honor of Galen, the father of medical science and modern pharmacology.

About insomnia disorder

Insomnia disorder is defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, causing clinically significant distress or impairment in important areas of daytime functioning. This impact on sleep quantity or quality should be present for at least three nights per week, over the period of at least three months, and occurs despite an adequate opportunity to sleep.1

Insomnia is a state of overactive wake signals and studies have shown that in patients with insomnia, brain regions associated with wakefulness remain more active during sleep.2,3 Insomnia disorder is a common problem with an estimated prevalence in Switzerland of 9.2% of the working-age population.4

Insomnia as a disorder is distinctly different from a short period of poor sleep and it can affect both physical and mental health.1,5 It is a persistent condition that has a negative impact on daytime performance.1 Idorsia's research has shown that poor sleep quality can affect many aspects of daily life, including the ability to concentrate, mood and energy levels.

The goal of treating insomnia is to improve sleep quality and quantity, as well as daytime performance, while avoiding side and after-effects the next morning. The currently recommended treatment for insomnia includes sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy.4

About the orexin system

Wake and sleep signaling is regulated by intricate neural circuitry in the brain. One key component of this process is the orexin system, which helps promote wakefulness.6,7 There are two forms of orexin neuropeptides - small protein-like molecules used by nerve cells (neurons) to communicate with each other in the brain - orexin A and orexin B.6,8 Orexin promotes wakefulness through its receptors OX1R and OX2R. 6,8 Together, these neuropeptides and receptors make up the orexin system. The orexin system stimulates targeted neurons in the wake system - leading to the release of several chemicals (serotonin, histamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine) - to promote wakefulness.9 Under normal circumstances, orexin levels rise throughout the day as wakefulness is promoted and then fall at night.10 Overactivity of the wake system is an important driver of insomnia.7

The Idorsia research team has been studying the science of orexin and orexin receptors since they were first described in 1998. The team's initial work led to the conclusion that antagonism of the orexin system is key to maintaining natural sleep architecture in patients with insomnia. With this goal in mind, the team developed dual antagonists with the aim of a rapid onset of action and a duration of action sufficient to bridge the night but short enough to minimize any negative residual activity the next morning at optimally effective doses.

References

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Buysse, D.J., et al. Drug Discov Today Dis Models. 2011;8(4):129-137. Levenson, J.C., et al. Chest. 2015;147(4):1179-1192. Hafner, Marco, et al., 2023. Santa Monica. CA: RAND Corporation. Wardle-Pinkston S., et al. Sleep Med Rev. 2019;48. Muehlan, C., et al. J Psychopharmacol. 2020;34(3):326-335. Boof, M.L., et al. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2019;75(2):195-205. Muehlan, C., et al. Expert Opin. Drug Metab. Toxicol. 2020;16(11):1063-1078. Clifford, B.S., et al. Trends Neurosci. 2001;24(12).726-31. Gotter, A.L., et al. BMC Neuroscience. 2013;14(1):14-19.

About Idorsia

The purpose of Idorsia is to challenge accepted medical paradigms, answering the questions that matter most. To achieve this, we will discover, develop, and commercialize transformative medicines - either with in-house capabilities or together with partners - and evolve Idorsia into a leading biopharmaceutical company, with a strong scientific core.

Headquartered near Basel, Switzerland - a European biotech hub - Idorsia has a highly experienced team of dedicated professionals, covering all disciplines from bench to bedside; QUVIVIQ (daridorexant), a different kind of insomnia treatment with the potential to revolutionize this mounting public health concern; strong partners to maximize the value of our portfolio; a promising in-house development pipeline; and a specialized drug discovery engine focused on small-molecule drugs that can change the treatment paradigm for many patients. Idorsia is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: IDIA).

For further information, please contact:

Investor & Media Relations

Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hegenheimermattweg 91, CH-4123 Allschwil

+41 58 844 10 10

investor.relations@idorsia.com - media.relations@idorsia.com - www.idorsia.com

The above information contains certain "forward-looking statements", relating to the company's business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intend", "estimates", "believes", "expects", "may", "are expected to", "will", "will continue", "should", "would be", "seeks", "pending" or "anticipates" or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such statements include descriptions of the company's investment and research and development programs, business development activities and anticipated expenditures in connection therewith, descriptions of new products expected to be introduced by the company and anticipated customer demand for such products and products in the company's existing portfolio. Such statements reflect the current views of the company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

Attachment
4 arrested, 3 officials suspended over lapses in India's Goa nightclub fire

Xinhua) 10:38, December 09, 2025

NEW DELHI, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in the western Indian state of Goa have arrested four people and suspended three government officials in connection with the deadly fire at a nightclub that killed 25 people, officials said Monday.

The fire on early Sunday tore through a popular nightclub in Arpora village of North Goa district, about 16 km northwest of Panaji, the capital city of Goa.

"Police have arrested four people, including the general manager and three staffers of the nightclub. A rural body head (locally called sarpanch) was also detained for issuing a trade license for the nightclub's premises in 2013," an official said.

"The government has also suspended three officials over lapses in granting permissions to the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub," he added.

According to police, the fire killed 25 people and injured six others.

Police have already registered a case against the nightclub's owners and the event organizers. A lookout notice has also been issued against the owners of the nightclub.

On Monday, the local Goa government constituted a four-member magisterial inquiry committee to find out about the circumstances that led to the deadly fire.

Chances of fire in India are often high, as owners of buildings and houses usually ignore safety standards with regard to fire and store fuel and combustible materials in a haphazard manner.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 09

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

09 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: 09 December 2025 Number of ordinary shares purchased: 125,354 Weighted average price (Sterling/US Dollars as applicable): 4.0144

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 317,964,135 Sterling Shares 60,093,471 Sterling Shares 23,901,261 US Dollar Shares 215,496 US Dollar Shares

From 09 December 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 485,904,542.

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
Oakland, California--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - Safety Training Seminars is proud to announce the opening of its newest BLS CPR Certification School, located at 1901 Harrison Street, Suite 1147, Oakland, CA 94612. This state-of-the-art training site expands the organization's long-standing mission to provide high-quality, accessible CPR education to healthcare professionals, first responders, and community members in Alameda County.







Safety Training Seminars Opens A New BLS CPR Certification School in Oakland, CA

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Situated in the heart of Oakland's thriving medical corridor, the new school offers convenient access for students affiliated with nearby institutions such as UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Highland Hospital, and Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center. The location also serves students from Samuel Merritt University, one of Northern California's leading nursing and health sciences schools, where thousands of future clinicians rely on consistent, professional CPR training.

The new Oakland facility features modern equipment, including advanced feedback manikins, realistic training scenarios, and flexible class schedules designed to accommodate busy healthcare providers. The school will offer NRP, ACLS, PALS, and BLS Certification and renewal courses taught by experienced instructors who emphasize hands-on practice, current clinical guidelines, and real-world confidence.

"We are thrilled to expand our footprint in Oakland," said Laura Seidel with Safety Training Seminars. "This community plays a vital role in Bay Area healthcare, and our goal is to ensure that every nurse, physician, technician, and medical student has dependable access to high-quality CPR training. Strong emergency response skills save lives, and we are committed to supporting the professionals who deliver care every day."

The Oakland BLS CPR Certification School is now open and welcoming students from across Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Emeryville, and the greater East Bay region. With its central location, modern classrooms, and commitment to excellence, Safety Training Seminars continues to strengthen life-saving education throughout Northern California.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277441

SOURCE: Plentisoft
Black Book Research national survey maps federal, state, and local mandates impacting hospital, physician, and payer information technology in 2026

WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Black Book Research today announced the release of new survey results, 2026 U.S. Healthcare Technology Regulatory Outlook: Federal, State & Local Requirements Impacting Health IT.

Issued ahead of the 2026 regulatory go-live year, the survey provides a nationwide view of laws and regulations taking effect in 2026 that directly impact healthcare information technology, software platforms, and managed services used by hospitals, physicians, and payers.

Developed as a service to the entire health information technology community including HIT vendors, current clients, prospects, and end users, the survey results and analysis are designed to help the industry better support safe, efficient healthcare delivery for patients and the U.S. healthcare consumer.

Black Book's Outlook synthesizes legislative and regulatory tracking across all 50 states and key municipalities, as well as federal rulemaking from agencies including HHS, ONC, CMS, FTC, and state attorneys general. The survey consolidates how interoperability mandates, AI regulations, consumer health-data laws, and telehealth rules at the federal, state, and local levels will drive strategic and operational decisions for health IT buyers and vendors in 2026.

"2026 is shaping up to be the most consequential year for health IT regulation since the HITECH era," said Doug Brown, founder and president of Black Book Research. "We produced these survey results as a service to HIT vendors, clients, prospects, and users so they can align their technology decisions with the needs of patients and healthcare consumers. Our Outlook gives CIOs, CISOs, CMIOs, and compliance executives a single, practical map of what's coming in federal, state, and local rules and where those rules will hit their technology stack first."

Federal 2026 Health IT Rules: What's Now on the Clock

The Black Book survey identifies 2026 as a "go-live year" for multiple landmark federal mandates that directly affect EHRs, payer platforms, and connected digital health tools. Among the most significant:

ONC HTI-1 Final Rule - USCDI v3, FHIR, Algorithm Transparency & Insights Reporting

January 1, 2026: USCDI Version 3 becomes the baseline data standard for certified health IT, requiring updates to support expanded data classes (such as SDOH, health status assessments, and enhanced demographics) using FHIR US Core 6.1.0 and updated C-CDA implementation guides. Health IT developers must implement new minimum standards for key vocabularies (e.g., SNOMED CT, LOINC, CVX) by 2026, forcing EHR and ancillary systems to complete major data-model and terminology upgrades.

2026 also marks Year 1 of the ONC "Insights Condition" reporting program, requiring qualifying certified health IT developers to collect a full calendar year of metrics on interoperability, FHIR API use, public health exchange, and app ecosystems to maintain certification.

The survey details how these requirements trigger 2026-2027 EHR roadmap changes, vendor contracting cycles, and analytics/reporting infrastructure overhauls.

CMS Interoperability & Prior Authorization Final Rule (CMS-0057-F)

Beginning January 1, 2026, impacted payers including Medicare Advantage organizations, state Medicaid agencies, CHIP programs, and QHP issuers on the Federally Facilitated Exchange must:

Meet stricter prior authorization decision timeframes (generally 72 hours for urgent requests and seven calendar days for standard requests in Medicaid/CHIP and related programs).

Provide more detailed denial rationales and retain prior authorization data for multiple years to support transparency, analytics, and auditing.

Begin operationalizing new FHIR-based APIs (Patient Access, Provider Access, Payer-to-Payer, and Prior Authorization) ahead of 2027 technical deadlines, driving 2026 investments in API gateways, clinical workflow integration, utilization management engines, and revenue cycle automation.

The Black Book survey notes that while many headlines focus on "prior auth reform," the deeper story in 2026 is the re-platforming of payer data and integration infrastructure that will cascade into provider and vendor technology decisions.

ONC / CMS Digital Quality and Decision Support Alignment

HTI-1's Decision Support Interventions (DSI) criteria replace traditional CDS certification, pushing hospitals and EHR vendors to expose more transparent, evidence-based, and AI-aware decision support capabilities.

CMS's promoting interoperability requirements rely on certified technology that meets updated HTI-1 standards, effectively binding 2026 EHR upgrade timelines to payment and quality-program participation.

Under-Reported Federal 2026 Flashpoints Highlighted in the Black Book Survey:

The survey calls out several lesser-covered issues that still have major implications for hospital, physician, and payer IT, including:

More stringent data-standards "minimums" that deprecate older code sets and USCDI versions, forcing data-warehouse, interface, and analytics teams to reconcile legacy mappings by the 2026 performance year.

New expectations that prior authorization and utilization management data become "first-class" interoperable data types, not just administrative artifacts, influencing how EHRs, care management platforms, and RCM tools are architected.

State 2026 Flashpoints: AI Governance, Consumer Health Data & Telehealth

Beyond federal mandates, Black Book's 2026 Outlook survey highlights an accelerating wave of state laws that reach deeply into health information systems, many of which have received little national coverage but carry heavy operational consequences. Among them:

Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act (SB 24-205, "CAIA") - High-Risk AI in Healthcare

Taking effect June 30, 2026, Colorado's AI Act is the first comprehensive state framework regulating "high-risk" AI systems that make consequential decisions in areas including healthcare services, insurance, and government benefits.

Developers and deployers of high-risk AI must implement risk management programs, bias-mitigation processes, documentation, impact assessments, and consumer disclosures-obligations that directly touch payer care-management engines, clinical risk-scoring models, fraud/waste/abuse analytics, and AI-infused clinical decision tools.

The survey flags CAIA as a template that HIT stakeholders ignore at their peril, because it sets a blueprint other states are already studying for AI systems that influence access to care.

Connecticut SB 1295 - Expanded CTDPA Protections Effective 2026

Amendments to the Connecticut Data Privacy Act under SB 1295, effective in 2026, expand consumer rights, tighten profiling rules, and strengthen protections for minors-changes that directly affect how health plans, provider organizations, and digital health companies deploy analytics, targeting, and algorithmic decisioning involving Connecticut residents.

The survey notes that these profiling and AI-related provisions are largely absent from national coverage, yet they may force reconfiguration of patient-engagement tools, risk-stratification engines, and marketing analytics platforms in multi-state systems.

Texas HB 1052 - Cross-Border Telehealth Coverage

Texas HB 1052 takes effect September 1, 2025, but explicitly applies new coverage obligations to health benefit plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

For those 2026 plan years, health benefit plans must cover telemedicine, teledentistry, and telehealth services when either the originating site or distant site is outside Texas, if the patient primarily resides in Texas and the provider is licensed in Texas and maintains a physical office in-state.

For hospitals, physician groups, and telehealth platforms, the 2026 plan-year trigger point turns cross-border telehealth coverage from a policy debate into a claims-processing and network-configuration reality, requiring payer and provider systems to correctly identify qualifying encounters and apply parity coverage.

Other 2026-Relevant State Trends Tracked in the Survey

The Black Book Outlook also catalogues:

States expanding or tightening consumer health data and sensitive-location protections, building on frameworks pioneered by Washington and Nevada and further refined in Connecticut and other jurisdictions.

Emerging state-level AI rules in healthcare, insurance, and employment that, while not always branded as "health IT" laws, directly affect workforce-management tools used by large health systems, payer underwriting engines, and clinical triage bots.

Local Ordinances: Biometric, Geofencing, and AI Rules with Enterprise IT Impact

At the municipal level, the Black Book survey tracks a growing cluster of city and county ordinances that, while often framed as general privacy or AI measures, carry significant implications for hospital, physician, and payer IT environments. These include:

Local prohibitions or restrictions on geofencing around health facilities, which limit how health systems, payers, and digital health companies can deploy location-based marketing, push notifications, and proximity-based services near hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.

AI and automated-decision ordinances in large metropolitan areas, requiring bias audits and transparency for hiring, promotion, and other workforce decisions-directly affecting HR suites, scheduling platforms, and applicant-tracking systems used by health systems and their managed-services partners.

The Outlook connects these local rules back to practical questions for enterprise health IT buyers: Where can we safely deploy facial recognition, geolocation services, or algorithmic screening tools in 2026 and where must we re-architect our stack or geofence practices to stay within the law?

Key Findings for Hospitals, Physicians, and Payers

Among its early top-line findings, the Black Book survey concludes that:

Multi-state health systems will live inside a regulatory patchwork. Every U.S. hospital and health system operating across states will face divergent federal, state, and local AI, privacy, and telehealth rules that cannot be solved by a single national policy template.

Payers and payer-platform vendors will see prior authorization, AI, and consumer data protections converge. CMS-0057-F, state AI acts, and consumer health-data laws collectively create a new compliance frontier where utilization management algorithms, benefit designs, and member-facing tools will be scrutinized simultaneously for interoperability, bias, and privacy.

Physician groups and ambulatory networks will increasingly buy based on regulatory exposure, not just features or price. EHR, telehealth, and analytics procurement decisions in 2026 will turn on questions like: "Does this platform keep us inside the lines of Colorado's AI Act, Texas cross-border telehealth rules, and state-specific consumer health data protections?"

"Black Book polling respondents are telling us they can no longer separate technology strategy from regulatory strategy," Brown added. "We created this multi-jurisdictional survey so that vendors, providers, payers, and other HIT stakeholders can work from the same fact base, reduce federal-state-local compliance surprises, and stay focused on what matters most: improving patient outcomes and the experience of the U.S. healthcare consumer."

About the Research

The 2026 U.S. Healthcare Technology Regulatory Outlook survey and analysis synthesize:

A nationwide scan of federal, state, and major local laws and regulations with effective dates or enforceable provisions in calendar year 2026 that materially affect:

Clinical and administrative health information technology

Software platforms supporting care delivery, operations, and member services

Managed services and outsourcing contracts in hospital, physician, and payer markets

Structured interviews and surveys with health system, physician group, and payer executives, including CIOs, CMIOs, CISOs, compliance officers, and general counsel.

Independent legal and policy reviews were used to contextualize the survey responses and rank regulatory issues by impact and urgency for HIT stakeholders.

The 2026 research, survey, and its published findings were conducted by Black Book as a service to all HIT vendors, clients, prospects, and users, with the goal of helping the industry better align technology, compliance, and operations to enhance care delivery for patients and the U.S. healthcare consumer.

About Black Book Research

Black Book Research is a full-service, healthcare-centric market research and public-opinion firm and a premier provider of competitive intelligence, client experience polling, and technology rankings for the global healthcare industry. Since 2002, Black Book has provided unbiased, crowd-sourced performance data and strategic insights to hospitals, physician groups, health plans, investors, and technology vendors worldwide.

This press release and the associated survey findings are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Organizations should consult qualified counsel for guidance on specific laws and regulations. Download complimentary industry stakeholder research and reports at https://blackbookmarketresearch.com or contact research@blackbookmarketresearch.com.

SOURCE: Black Book Research

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/2026-regulatory-crossfire-new-outlook-survey-reveals-health-it-rules-1115842
Strategic global partnership integrates over 2,000 ferry routes and 150 carriers

BERLIN, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Omio, the leading global travel booking platform for multimodal transport, today announced a new strategic partnership with Direct Ferries, the premier international ferry service. The collaboration involves integrating Direct Ferries' extensive network, which comprises over 2,000 routes from 150 additional carriers.

The partnership, signed in July 2025 and set to go live this December, represents a major step forward in Omio's mission to unify all modes of transport worldwide. It will expand ferry options in key regions such as Northern Europe (Sweden, Norway, Finland, UK, Ireland) and introduce new multimodal travel opportunities in Southeast Asia, where Omio already connects flights and buses, as well as across North America, where Omio unifies trains, flights and buses. In addition, the collaboration opens entirely new geographical markets for Omio's global audience, such as Australasia, Central America and the Caribbean.

Ferries are an increasingly popular choice among Omio users thanks to their flexibility and diverse travel experiences. Beyond scenic coastal journeys, ferries offer a wide range of travel options, from long-distance overnight routes with private cabins to fast connections between islands. They provide a convenient and practical way to travel, often allowing passengers to bring vehicles, bicycles, or extra luggage. Thanks to the partnership with Direct Ferries, Omio travellers can now explore Southeast Asia's peak season routes: Phuket - Koh Phi Phi, Phuket - Koh Lanta or Koh Samui - Koh Tao, now available directly via Omio.

Veronica Diquattro, President, B2C and Supply at Omio, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Direct Ferries, instantly elevating our ferry booking options across multiple regions. This collaboration represents a major leap towards our vision of seamless global multimodal travel, empowering travellers with greater choice, convenience, and flexibility than ever before."

Niall Walsh, CEO at Direct Ferries, said: "At Direct Ferries, we are proud to support Omio's expansion, one of the world's leading travel brands. The ferry sector has traditionally been complex and fragmented, but the Direct Ferries Connect API, acting as a global ferry GDS, now simplifies this through a single agreement and one unified technical integration. It gives Omio instant access to our full worldwide ferry inventory. We're excited to support Omio as it brings even greater choice to travellers worldwide."

About Omio

Since its foundation in 2013, the Omio Group has helped customers discover new ways of travelling. Thanks to its two interconnected platforms, Omio and Rome2Rio, Omio is the world's leading multimodal travel platform for searching, comparing, and booking. Omio B2B Partnership services OTAs and mobility providers with bespoke business solutions. Omio supports its customers in their desire to explore Europe, the US, Canada, Southeast Asia and Brazil via train, bus, flight, and ferry. Omio sells more than 80,000 tickets daily, employs over 430 staff from more than 50 countries and maintains offices in Berlin, Prague, Melbourne, Bangalore and Singapore. The Omio Group offers its customers journeys that move them. omio.com



About Direct Ferries

Founded in 1999, Direct Ferries is the world's leading ferry ticketing platform, offering travellers seamless access to the largest selection of ferry routes and operators worldwide. With over 4,000 routes and 300+ ferry companies in its network, Direct Ferries delivers unmatched reach and convenience for both customers and travel industry partners. By consolidating schedules, prices, and ticket availability into a single, user-friendly interface, it simplifies ferry bookings for millions of travellers each year. Through Direct Ferries Connect, the company continues to innovate in ferry distribution via its ferry GDS, providing travel businesses with scalable, efficient access to high-quality ferry inventory. directferries.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2482408/5663072/OMIO_Logo.jpg

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - Arya Resources Ltd. (TSXV: RBZ) ("Arya" or the "Company") is pleased to announce several updates to its financing initiatives, including a fully subscribed Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (CMETC) flow-through financing, an increase in its standard flow-through offering, and confirmation of its non-flow-through financing.

Fully Subscribed CMETC Offering

The Company's CMETC flow-through private placement (the "CMETC Offering") is now fully subscribed for gross proceeds of $500,000, through the issuance of:

1,515,151 CMETC flow-through shares at $0.33 per share.

These shares qualify as "flow-through shares" under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and will fund eligible Canadian exploration expenditures at Arya's Saskatchewan projects (see the press release dated November 28, 2025).

Increase in the Current Flow-Through Offering

The Company previously announced a non-brokered private placement (the "Current Offering") that included standard (non-CMETC) flow-through shares and non-flow-through shares (see press releases dated September 22, 2025 and November 28, 2025).

Arya is pleased to report an increase in the standard flow-through component:

Previously announced: $600,000

Updated amount: up to $720,000

This represents:

Up to 2,181,818 standard flow-through shares at $0.33 per share (no warrant).

Non-Flow-Through Financing

The Company also confirms the previously announced (see press release dated September 22, 2025):

$600,000 non-flow-through financing

Priced at $0.30 per share (no warrant)

For a total of 2,000,000 non-flow-through shares

FINANCING SUMMARY

Gross Proceeds (All Offerings)

CMETC Flow-Through: $500,000

Standard Flow-Through (increased): up to $720,000

Non-Flow-Through: $600,000

Total Combined Gross Proceeds:

Up to $1,820,000

Total Shares (All Offerings)

CMETC FT Shares: 1,515,151

Standard FT Shares: up to 2,181,818

Non-Flow-Through Shares: 2,000,000

Total Combined Shares:

Up to 5,696,969 shares

Use of Proceeds

Flow-through proceeds (CMETC and standard FT) will be used to incur eligible exploration expenditures on the Company's high-priority gold and critical mineral targets in Saskatchewan.

Non-flow-through proceeds will be used for general working capital and corporate purposes.

The CMETC and the current offering of FT/NFT shares remain subject to Exchange approval.

About Arya Resources Ltd. (TSXV: RBZ)

Arya Resources Ltd. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious and critical-metal projects in Saskatchewan. The Company is advancing its flagship Wedge Lake Gold Project and its Dunlop Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project, both located in mining-friendly jurisdictions with excellent infrastructure.

As a Tier 2 issuer on the TSX Venture Exchange, Arya is committed to building shareholder value through discovery-driven exploration, disciplined execution, and responsible development. Please visit our website at www.aryaresourcesltd.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Rasool Mohammad, CEO

Twitter: @ARYARESOURCES

Facebook: @AryaResourcesLtd.

LinkedIn: @AryaResourcesLtd.

YouTube: @ARYARESOURCES

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" that are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Statements in this news release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, any statements concerning the Company's intentions, plans, estimates, expectations or beliefs. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions readers that all forward-looking statements, including, without limitation to those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are based on assumptions, none of which can be assured, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277456

SOURCE: Arya Resources Ltd.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - Highland Critical Minerals Corp. (CSE: HLND) (FSE: U8X) ("Highland") and Highland Red Lake Gold Corp. ("Highland Red Lake") are pleased to announce the closing of the previously announced distribution of a portion of Highland's holdings of class A common voting shares without par value of Highland Red Lake ("Highland Red Lake Shares") and share purchase warrants exercisable to acquire Highland Red Lake Shares at a price of $0.15 per share for a period of five years from the date of issuance ("Highland Red Lake Warrants") to securityholders of Highland through a statutory plan of arrangement under section 288 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Plan of Arrangement"), pursuant to an arrangement agreement dated August 19, 2025 ("Arrangement Agreement").

Pursuant to the Plan of Arrangement, Highland amended its articles: (i) to reclassify the class A common shares (the "Highland Common Shares") as "Pre-Arrangement Common Shares" ("Pre-Arrangement Common Shares"); and (ii) create a new class of shares (the "Class A Common Shares") with terms and restrictions identical to those of the Highland Common Shares.

The distribution record date for the Plan of Arrangement was August 26, 2025 (the "Distribution Record Date"). On December 8, 2025, being the effective date for the Plan of Arrangement (the "Effective Date"), the following occurred:

each holder of Pre-Arrangement Common Shares as of the Distribution Record Date received 0.5 of a Highland Red Lake Share and 0.5 of a Highland Red Lake Warrant for each Pre-Arrangement Common Share held;

Each holder of restricted share units ("RSU") in the capital of Highland ("Highland RSUs") outstanding as of the Distribution Record Date received a RSU in the capital of Highland Red Lake, each entitling the holder thereof to acquire 0.5 of a Highland Red Lake Share and 0.5 of a Highland Red Lake Warrant for each Highland RSU held. Additionally, the Highland RSUs outstanding as of the Distribution Record Date that had not been exchanged for the underlying Pre-Arrangement Common Shares prior to the Effective Date may now receive Class A Common Shares pursuant to the terms and vesting conditions of the Highland RSUs; and

each share purchase warrant of Highland exercisable to acquire Highland Common Shares (the "Highland Warrants") outstanding as of the Distribution Record Date that was not exercised for the Pre-Arrangement Common Shares prior to the Effective Date was amended such that the Highland Warrants may be exercised to receive: (A) one Class A Common Share for each Pre-Arrangement Common Share that was issuable upon exercise of the Highland Warrant, and (B) 0.5 of a Highland Red Lake Share and 0.5 of Highland Red Lake Warrant for each Pre-Arrangement Common Share that was issuable upon exercise of the Highland Warrant. Additionally, Highland Warrants outstanding as of the Distribution Record Date that were exercised for the Pre-Arrangement Comon Shares prior to the Effective Date received 0.5 of a Highland Red Lake Share and 0.5 of a Highland Red Lake Warrant in respect of each Highland Warrant so held.

An aggregate of 15,635,416 Highland Red Lake Shares and 15,635,416 Highland Red Lake Warrants were distributed to the Highland securityholders, and an aggregate of 4,885,416 Highland Red Lake Shares were retained by Highland. Of those 4,885,416 Highland Red Lake Shares, 2,750,000 Highland Red Lake Shares represent payment of an advisory fee by Highland Red Lake to Highland.

On the Effective Date, each Pre-Arrangement Common Share outstanding was exchanged for one Class A Common Share, and the Pre-Arrangement Common Shares were cancelled in accordance with the Plan of Arrangement. New CUSIP and ISIN numbers for the Class A Common Shares following the completion of the Plan of Arrangement are 429935109 and CA4299351094 respectively. The Highland Red Lake Shares distributed pursuant to the Plan of Arrangement have the CUSIP and ISIN numbers 43074E100 and CA43074E1007 respectively. The Highland Red Lake Warrants distributed pursuant to the Plan of Arrangement have the CUSIP and ISIN numbers 43074E118 and CA43074E1189 respectively.

Following completion of the Plan of Arrangement, Highland Red Lake has the following securities issued and outstanding:

Securityholders Highland Red

Lake Shares Highland Red

Lake Warrants Fully Diluted Percentage

(Basic) Percentage

(Fully

Diluted) Highland 4,885,416 Nil 4,885,416 17% 10% Highland Securityholders(1) 15,635,416 15,635,416 31,270,832 56% 61% Other shareholders

of Highland Red

Lake 7,408,335 7,408,335 14,816,670 27% 29% Total 27,929,167 23,043,751 50,972,918 100% 100%

Notes:

(1) Inclusive of Highland Red Lake Shares and Highland Red Lake Warrants distributed to holders of Highland RSUs, Highland Warrants, and Pre-Arrangement Common Shares.

Further details concerning the share exchange are set forth in the management information circular of Highland dated October 27, 2025 (the "Circular"), and the Arrangement Agreement, each of which is available under Highland's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Early Warning Disclosure

Highland has filed an early warning report in respect of Highland Red Lake. On the Effective Date, Highland completed a distribution of 15,635,416 Highland Red Lake Shares to Highland securityholders (the "Distribution").

This section of the press release discloses the requirements of National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues ("NI 62-103"), in connection with the filing of an Early Warning Report by Highland in respect of Highland Red Lake Shares.

As a result of the Distribution, Highland's shareholding changed from 20,520,832 Highland Red Lake Shares, representing 73.47% of the then outstanding Highland Red Lake Shares, to 4,885,416 Highland Red Lake Shares, representing 17% of the outstanding Highland Red Lake Shares on an undiluted basis.

Highland disposed of the Highland Red Lake Shares under the Distribution effected by way of the Plan of Arrangement. For more information, please refer to the Circular. In the future, Highland may evaluate its investment in Highland Red Lake from time to time and may, based on such evaluation, market conditions and other circumstances, increase or decrease its shareholdings as circumstances require through market transactions, private agreements, or otherwise. A copy of the early warning report being filed by Highland may be obtained on Highland Red Lake's SEDAR+ profile or by contacting Highland's head office at 1 Adelaide St E, Suite 801, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2V9, Canada.

Property Updates

Highland announces the following updates with respect to its Church property, located in the Quetico District of Ontario, Canada, (the "Church Property") and its Sy Property, located in the Yathkyed Lake Greenstone Belt in Nunavut, Canada (the "Sy Property"), and Highland Red Lake announces the following updates with respect to the mineral claims in the Red Lake gold district of Northern Ontario, Canada (the "Red Lake Claims").

Highland Red Lake is currently executing an exploration program at the Red Lake Claims, focused on prospecting, LIDAR, and magnetic imaging. Highland is currently analyzing the results of its magnetic imaging and LIDAR results to identify areas for further exploration. These findings are under review with geological consultants to determine the optimal locations for the next phase of work. Highland Red Lake plans to provide an update on exploration plans in the coming weeks.

Highland announces that it has been evaluating its plans to continue exploration activities at the Church Property. At this time, no formal decision has been made regarding the expansion or cessation of future exploration activities at the Church Property. Highland anticipates making a determination in spring 2026 as to whether any exploration will proceed at the Church Property, based on ongoing assessments and strategic considerations with geological consultants.

Highland announces that preparations are underway to launch the next phase of exploration at the Sy Property in the coming weeks. Highland is currently finalizing contracts with local staff and contractors with respect to its planned exploration activities. Highland will announce planned exploration activities to the market once its primary contracts are secured and exploration plans have been finalized.

ABOUT HIGHLAND CRITICAL MINERALS CORP.

Highland is a mineral exploration and development company. Its activities consist of acquiring and exploring, mining properties to enhance shareholder value as it proceeds with exploration work on the Church Property and Sy Property, along with other mining properties it may acquire and develop.

For more information, please visit https://highlandcritical.com.

ABOUT HIGHLAND RED LAKE GOLD CORP.

Highland Red Lake is a junior mining company whose principal focus is the exploration and development of mineral claims in the Red Lake gold district of Northern Ontario, Canada, pursuant to an option agreement.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the timing and completion of the distribution of Highland Red Lake Shares and Warrants pursuant to the Plan of Arrangement; the future exploration and development plans of Highland and Highland Red Lake, including the anticipated timing and nature of exploration activities at the Church Property, Sy Property, and Red Lake Claims; the evaluation and determination by Highland regarding the expansion or cessation of exploration activities at the Church Property; the finalization of contracts and commencement of exploration at the Sy Property; the review and assessment of LIDAR and magnetic imaging results at the Red Lake Claims; and Highland's future intentions with respect to its investment in Highland Red Lake, including the possibility of increasing or decreasing its shareholdings through market transactions, private agreements, or otherwise.

Forward-looking information and statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "intends", "estimates", "anticipates", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken, occur, or be achieved. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, and that exploration and development activities will proceed as currently anticipated.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the diversion of management time on Plan of Arrangement-related issues; reliance on key management and other personnel; potential downturns in economic conditions; risks generally associated with the mining industry; changes in laws and regulations; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals; the results of ongoing geological assessments; and the ability to secure necessary contracts and personnel for exploration activities.

Although Highland and Highland Red Lake have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The companies undertake no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. Additional information relating to Highland and Highland Red Lake can be located in the companies' continuous disclosure filings, prospectus, and information circulars available on their respective issuer profiles on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Plan of Arrangement have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and any securities issuable in the Plan of Arrangement are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept 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/277457

SOURCE: Highland Critical Minerals Corp.
Newport Beach firm opens year-end planning sessions for business owners and families as it adds team members, services to meet growing demands

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Elevate Financial Partners , an independent, multi-entity financial services organization offering integrated tax, insurance, investment, and business planning solutions, today announced significant growth across its advisory divisions - capping a milestone fourth year with an expanded suite of services designed to help individuals, families, and business owners prepare for the close of 2025. The firm is now scheduling year-end planning sessions before anticipated 2026 legislative changes take effect.

Stephen Peterson Founder Elevate Financial Partners

Stephen Peterson, Founder and Principal of Elevate Financial Partners in Newport Beach, CA

With several provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire at the end of 2025 - including potential changes to estate and gift tax exemptions, income tax brackets, and business deductions - Elevate is positioning its enhanced business planning capabilities as a timely resource for entrepreneurs, executives, and multi-generational families seeking to optimize their strategies before year-end.

"Year-end is always a critical planning window, but with the legislative landscape potentially shifting in 2026, this December may be especially important for people to take a comprehensive look at their financial picture," said Stephen Peterson, Founder and Principal of Elevate Financial Partners. "We expanded our business planning capabilities this year to meet increasing demand from entrepreneurs and professionals who need coordinated guidance across tax, estate, and business strategy that supports long-term financial success - not advice delivered in silos."

Throughout 2025, Elevate Financial Partners expanded its service model , talent bench, and planning capabilities to better serve a rapidly growing and diverse client base.

Expanded Business Planning Services

The firm broadened its business planning offerings to include:

Entity structuring for tax efficiency and liability protection

Business succession planning and ownership transition strategies

Business financial planning and cash flow analysis

Business risk management, retention, and benefit planning

Real estate analysis for cash-flow and tax-optimization modeling

Individualized business consulting and valuation support

These capabilities are integrated into Elevate's broader planning ecosystem, which combines personal financial planning, tax strategy, estate planning, insurance architecture, and investment management into one coordinated advisory experience. The firm offers tiered service models designed to make comprehensive planning accessible at different stages of wealth and business growth, from foundational guidance to ongoing monthly engagements.

The firm also added key team members in 2025, including a chief investment officer overseeing portfolio management, a tax attorney with CPA and MBA credentials, a partner supporting advanced tax and CFO strategy, in-house underwriting expertise, and dedicated advisors serving professional athletes and healthcare executives, along with additional analysts and client-service personnel.

Year-End Planning Considerations

With several Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions scheduled to expire, key areas to address before December 31 include:

Roth conversions while current tax brackets remain in effect

Estate plans and wealth transfers under the current gift tax exemption

Entity structures that may be affected by changes to business deductions

Life insurance funding strategies ahead of potential corridor adjustments

Charitable giving to maximize deductions at current income tax rates

"A year-end review allows us to identify meaningful opportunities and prepare our clients for the year ahead," said Tony Thornton, Vice President and Chief Financial Planner. "With so many provisions potentially changing in 2026, the decisions made before December 31 could have a lasting impact on a family's wealth transfer strategy or a business owner's tax position."

Elevate serves privately held business owners and professionals across diverse industries with clients located throughout the United States. The firm's Newport Beach headquarters houses its executive and planning teams, with the majority of client engagements conducted virtually.

Business owners, executives, and families interested in a year-end planning review are encouraged to schedule a complimentary consultation to assess their current strategies and explore opportunities ahead of 2026. Looking ahead, Elevate anticipates continued growth in 2026 with additional career opportunities available for experienced financial professionals seeking a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

To schedule a year-end planning consultation or learn more about Elevate's services, visit www.elevatefinsvcs.com or contact the firm directly at (949) 876-5246.

About Elevate Financial Partners

Elevate Financial Partners is an independent, multi-entity financial services firm delivering integrated planning solutions to business owners, executives, professional athletes, and high-net-worth families nationwide. Through its five operating divisions-spanning life insurance, fee-based consulting, tax strategy, investment management, and alternative investments - the firm provides family-office-caliber guidance with tiered service models designed for clients at every stage of wealth. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Newport Beach, California, Elevate also operates as a brokerage general agency (BGA) supporting independent financial professionals with advanced insurance strategies and distribution resources. For more information, connect on LinkedIn or visit www.elevatefinsvcs.com .

###

SOURCE: Elevate Financial Partners

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/elevate-financial-partners-expands-business-planning-division-ahead-1115893
ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), the flagship event hosted by ADGM, continued for a second day with Asset Abu Dhabi, bringing together some of the world's biggest capital allocators and asset managers to explore emerging investment opportunities and shape the future of asset allocation in an evolving financial landscape.

Opening the event, Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of ADGM's Financial Services Regulatory Authority, highlighted how Abu Dhabi continues to redefine the global asset management sector by combining robust regulation, strategic innovation, and its unique position as a nexus for global capital. His remarks set the tone for the day's discussions around how financial centres can lead the transition towards sustainable and opportunity-driven growth.

Givanakis said: "Asset Abu Dhabi reflects the growing convergence of global capital and innovation, convening the world's most sophisticated asset managers at a time of profound change in finance. It stands as a symbol of Abu Dhabi's emergence as a trusted hub in the reengineering of global capital networks and the future of asset management."

Through various sessions, the event explored the future of asset management, hedge funds, and private markets, as well as the evolving dynamics of liquidity, leverage, and institutional allocation, and the growing interplay between innovation, technology, and sustainability in driving economic transformation.

Some of the world's foremost investment minds discussed the forces shaping tomorrow's financial landscape. Todd Boehly, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Eldridge Industries; Robert Smith, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners; and Sir Christopher Hohn, Founder and Managing Director of TCI Fund Management Limited and DAMAC founder Hussain Sajwani discussed how shifting macroeconomic cycles, emerging technologies, and geopolitical realignments will define the next phase of opportunity and risk.

With a focus on the Evolving Art of Hedge Funds, Aron Landy, CEO of Brevan Howard; Shiv Srinivasan, CIO of Hedge Funds at the Abu Dhabi Investment Council; and Robyn Grew, CEO of Man Group, examined how data, AI, and precision analytics are transforming risk management and redefining performance in a world where volatility represents opportunities.

Meanwhile, a session covering The Physics of the Great Wealth Transfer brought together Stefan Bollinger, CEO of Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd., and Chi Man Kwan, Group CEO and Co-Founder of Raffles Family Office, discussing how an estimated $84 trillion in intergenerational wealth will reshape economies and values worldwide.

Inaugural FCCI Report

In a separate session, Bruno Lanvin, President of the Descartes Institute for the Future and Robert Salomon, Dean of Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi, unveiled the inaugural NYU Global Financial Centre Competitiveness Index (FCCI), which evaluates international financial centres worldwide.

The index ranks New York, London, and Singapore as the top three, and highlights the GCC's growing influence, placing Abu Dhabi No. 1 in MENA and 12th globally, ahead of Dubai, Riyadh and Doha. Lanvin highlighted that Abu Dhabi's position is the result of sustained institutional strength, regulatory innovation and deliberate economic strategy. The Index ranked Abu Dhabi 1st globally for Regulatory Innovation, 5th for Institutional Environment and 3rd for Business Support Incentives, noting that the emirate is demonstrating exceptional progress and an increasing role in global finance.

International Family Office Congress

Bringing together global family office leaders, this event discussed wealth preservation and the future of private capital while also exploring the shifting dynamics of global investment, the great wealth transfer, impact investing, and Abu Dhabi's emergence as a leading hub for family offices and generational wealth creation.

The event featured Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Associates; Bhanu Baweja, Chief Strategist at UBS Investment Bank; Daniel Pinto, Co-Founder and CEO of Stanhope Capital Group; Arjun Raghavan, CEO of Partners Capital; Henry Lawson-Johnston, Managing Partner at Guggenheim Brothers Media; Benjamin Cavalli, Head of Strategic Clients at UBS Global Wealth Management; Adrian Cheng, CEO of New World Development and Founder of K11 Group; and Jim Mellon, Executive Chairman of Agronomics.

Newcomers and Major Collaborations

The second day of ADFW also saw announcements from a number of firms opening offices in ADGM. Circle Internet Group, Inc., one of the world's leading internet financial platform companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange, strengthened its strategic presence in the region by securing a Financial Services Permission (FSP) license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM to operate as a Money Services Provider. BBVA has received an In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the FSRA, which will help them expand their range of corporate and investment banking service activities and strengthen their position as a strategic partner for corporate and institutional clients in the region.

ADFW continues for two more days with key events taking place under the umbrella of Fintech Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF).

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Globally renowned team adds to Latham's market-leading capabilities, bringing decades of advisory experience on cutting-edge transactions.





Significant milestone in the growth of the firm's top-ranked private equity and M&A practice, reinforcing the firm's leadership in Germany, across Europe, and globally.





Arrival of team of dealmakers strengthens client offering with unparalleled buyout and M&A reputation, deep market insight, and integrated global capabilities.

FRANKFURT, Germany, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Latham & Watkins is pleased to announce that four prominent private equity and M&A partners-Markus Paul, Wessel Heukamp, Verena Nosch, and Carsten Haak-will join the firm in Germany. The partners join from Freshfields, bringing decades of advisory experience on cutting-edge transactions.

Widely recognized among Europe's most experienced private equity lawyers, they bring extensive expertise advising a broad range of private equity and other financial sponsors, as well as corporates, including in the financial institutions sector, on a variety of transactions, with a particular focus on leveraged buyouts and complex domestic and cross-border M&A.

Rich Trobman, Chair and Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins, said: "Markus, Wessel, Verena, and Carsten are highly accomplished lawyers with outstanding reputations in the market. They bring deep relationships, top-notch skills and an exceptional track record in sophisticated transactions, further enhancing our ability to deliver the highest level of service to clients. Their arrival represents an important milestone in the continued growth of our private equity and M&A practices in Germany and Europe and further enhances our position as one of the elite M&A law firms globally."

Strengthening Leadership in Germany and Europe

The addition of the team builds on Latham's strong momentum in the private equity and M&A market. In the first three quarters of 2025, the firm achieved #1 global rankings for M&A by both deal value and deal count, as well as #1 for global private equity M&A by deal count (Bloomberg). In Europe, Latham also ranked #1 for M&A, private equity M&A, and mid-market private equity M&A by deal count. (Bloomberg)

Oliver Felsenstein, private equity partner in Germany, commented: "We have built one of the preeminent private equity and M&A practices in Germany, across Europe, and globally. The firm is already operating at the very top of the German market, and the addition of these exceptional lawyers raises the bar even higher. Their stellar market reputation and extensive industry networks are a perfect fit for our practice and further enhance our ability to deliver on our clients' most consequential matters. As we approach our 25th anniversary in Germany in 2026, their arrival marks another major step in the continued growth and success of our practice in Europe and globally."

Global Platform, Local Expertise

Paul and Haak will join the Frankfurt office, while Heukamp and Nosch will join in Munich, strengthening Latham's presence in Germany's key financial and private equity centers. Working seamlessly with colleagues across the firm's European and global platform, they will provide clients with integrated, cross-border advice across all major markets. Their arrival further strengthens Latham & Watkins' ability to connect European clients to opportunities and expertise across the continent and beyond.

"We are thrilled to welcome Markus, Wessel, Verena, and Carsten to the firm," added Burc Hesse, Managing Partner of Latham's German Offices. "Their arrival is a testament to the exceptional growth we have achieved in recent years and our preeminent position in the market. The team not only strengthens our practice in Germany but also reinforces our commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients, both in Europe and worldwide."

Charles Ruck, Global Chair of Latham's Corporate Department, added: "Private equity has long been a core pillar of our global strategy and the arrival of this fantastic team of dealmakers further strengthens our practice in every major market globally. As the only premier top-ranked firm globally across capital markets, private equity, M&A, banking, private credit, high yield, restructuring, and more, we have a unique offering for our client base and are well-positioned to meet their evolving needs, leveraging the breadth of our practice to move quickly and deliver excellence at scale."

About Latham & Watkins (lw.com)

Latham & Watkins is a leading global law firm that brings together exceptional legal talent in financial centers around the world to advise on complex transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters. The firm's deep market and product knowledge, industry experience, vast scale, and commitment to innovation and excellence help clients navigate their most critical challenges and achieve their goals.

Notes to Editors

Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in Israel through a limited liability company, in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office, and in Saudi Arabia through a limited liability company.

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Jackrabbit Technologies has been recognized as one of the Charlotte Business Journal's 2025 Fast 50 Award winners.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Jackrabbit Technologies, the leading provider of cloud-based class management software for youth activities, has been recognized as one of the Charlotte Business Journal's 2025 Fast 50 Award winners. The Fast 50 program honors the region's fastest-growing private companies based on three years of verified financial performance.

Jackrabbit Technologies Fast 50 Award

Jackrabbit Technologies, the leading provider of cloud-based class management software for youth activities, has been recognized as one of the Charlotte Business Journal's 2025 Fast 50 Award winners.

The final rankings for this year's recipients were announced at the Fast 50 Awards Dinner on December 4th. Each nominee was independently evaluated by the accounting firm BRC, which reviewed the past three years of financial data and ranked companies based on verified revenue growth.

"This award is more than a recognition of our continued growth; it reflects the heart, dedication, and passion our team brings every day to support our clients. We challenge ourselves year after year to keep innovating and shaping the class management software market so we can make a meaningful impact on future generations." - Mark Mahoney, CEO, Jackrabbit Technologies

Jackrabbit's success is rooted in its Core Values, which are centered around helping youth activity organizations thrive with simpler operations, achievable growth, and long-term results. Many employees have backgrounds as facility owners, giving them the unique ability to support customers with genuine empathy and insight. This authentic connection strengthens customer trust and drives long-term success.

As Jackrabbit enters the new year, the company remains dedicated to empowering youth activity organizations through ongoing innovation, trusted support, and solutions designed to make center operations easier and more effective.

About Jackrabbit Technologies

Jackrabbit Technologies is the industry leader in providing cloud-based class management software to youth activity centers, including swim schools, gymnastics & cheer gyms, and dance studios, serving more than 17,000 schools in 35 countries. Jackrabbit delivers innovative, feature-rich solutions, including enrollment and registration management, billing, and staff and parent portals. As a SaaS solution, Jackrabbit Technologies empowers organizations through modern technology by helping owners and office staff streamline and grow operations to operate more efficiently, so they can get back to supporting the youth activity industry. Learn more by visiting Jackrabbit Technologies Newsroom .

For more information, visit www.jackrabbittech.com

View press release.

SOURCE: Jackrabbit Technologies

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/jackrabbit-technologies-receives-fast-50-award-from-cbj-1115993
TORONTO, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Henon today announced the opening of its London office, marking the company's official expansion into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The new location establishes a regional presence to support the growing demand for Henon's AI-native platform among private equity and credit firms across international markets.

The move reflects Henon's long-term commitment to delivering zero-error financial workflows, modernizing operational infrastructure, and supporting the evolving needs of sponsors, CFOs, and operating partners across the EMEA region.

"Opening our London office is more than geographic expansion, it represents a deepened commitment to the firms we serve," said Robbie Victoria, Global Head of Expert Services at Henon.ai. "We're bringing local support, enterprise AI, and the Henon standard to where our clients operate."

The London team will offer regional sales, support, onboarding and implementation services, while maintaining full integration with Henon's data infrastructure and product development teams in North America.

The company plans to scale its EMEA presence further in 2026 to meet growing demand for structured reporting, performance monitoring, and AI-assisted decision-making in mid-market and enterprise settings.

About Henon

Henon is an AI-native platform for private equity and credit firms. Built to reduce friction from data to decision, Henon combines data warehousing, monitoring, reporting, modeling, and valuation tools in a single, secure system of action. Henon supports a global network of clients from offices in Toronto, Chicago and London.

Contact our sales team to learn more about Henon.ai, schedule a demonstration, or discuss implementation for your organization.

Forward-Looking Statements

These statements may relate to, but are not limited to, Henon's expectations regarding the amount and the terms of a contract and the expected benefits of Henon's software platforms. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and were based on current expectations as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management as of that time with respect to future events. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond Henon's control. These risks and uncertainties include the ability to meet the unique needs of customers; the failure of Henon's platforms to satisfy customers or perform as desired; the frequency or severity of any software and implementation errors; Henon's platforms' reliability; and customers' ability to modify or terminate the contract.

Ben Hilton, media@henon.ai
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - Atomic Minerals Corporation (TSXV: ATOM) ("Atomic Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its non-brokered private placement under the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption") of 14,325,634 units ("Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $716,282 (the "Life Offering"). The Company also announces that it has closed its concurrent non-brokered private placement of 29,674,366 Units at a price of $0.05 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $1,483,718 (the "Concurrent Private Placement").

Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Share at a price of $0.10 per Share for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance, provided that the Warrants issued under the LIFE Offering will not be exercisable for a period of 60 days after the date of issue.

The securities offered under the LIFE Offering are not subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The securities offered under the Concurrent Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period in Canada ending on the date that is four months plus one day following the closing date of the Concurrent Private Placement.

In connection with the LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, the Company paid finder's fees in the total amount of $97,650 and issued 1,926,000 non-transferable warrants (the "Finder Warrants") in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). Each Finder Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Share at a price of $0.10 for a period of one year from the date of issue.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement to fund exploration activities at its uranium projects located in Saskatchewan and the Colorado Plateau region of the United States and for general administrative expenses. The LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement closing remains subject to certain closing conditions, including, without limitation, approval of the TSXV.

The securities offered have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered or exempt from registration. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States.

Option Grant

The Company also announces that a total of 6,400,000 stock options (the "Options") have been granted to certain directors, employees and consultants of the Company pursuant to the Company's stock option plan. The Options are exercisable for a period of 5 years at a price of $0.10 per share.

3,400,000 of the Options have been granted to directors of the Company and, accordingly, such grant constitutes a related party transaction pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval in connection with the grant of Options to related parties in reliance on the exemptions contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively.

About Atomic Minerals Corporation.

Atomic Minerals Corporation is a publicly listed exploration company on the TSXV, trading under the symbol ATOM, led by a highly skilled management and technical team with a proven track record in the junior mining sector. Atomic Minerals' objective is to identify exploration opportunities in regions that have been previously overlooked but are geologically similar to those with previous uranium discoveries. These underexplored areas hold immense potential and are in stable geopolitical and economic environments.

Atomic Minerals' property portfolio contains uranium projects in three locations within North America, all of which have significant technical merit and or are known for hosting uranium production in the past. Four of the properties are located on the Colorado Plateau, an area which has previously produced 597 million pounds of U3O8; the Mozzie Lake project is located in the prolific Athabasca Basin region in Northern Saskatchewan and the Mont-Laurier project is located in Quebec.

For additional information about the Company and its projects, please visit our website at www.atomicminerals.ca

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Clive H. Massey"

Clive H. Massey

President & Chief Executive Officer

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "speculates", "could" or "would". These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the intended use of proceeds from the LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement; and the receipt of all necessary approvals for the completion of the LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, including the approval of the TSXV.

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company will receive all necessary approvals for the completion of the LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, including the approval of the TSXV. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

All of the forward-looking statements made in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks relating to market conditions, metal prices, and risks relating to the Company not receiving all necessary approvals for the completion of the LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, including the approval of the TSXV. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, forecast or intended and readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate and forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this document. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable law.

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 US Newswire Services or Dissemination in the United States of America

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277485

SOURCE: Atomic Minerals Corp.
BURNSVILLE, MN / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Dr. Hamid Abbasi, internationally recognized pioneer of the OLLIF (Oblique Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion) and Trident SIJ fusion procedures, has completed a landmark multi-nation educational and training tour across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates-further accelerating global adoption of transformative minimally invasive spine surgery.

Advanced Training & Live Surgeries at Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College, Karachi

Dr. Abbasi began the tour in Karachi, Pakistan, at Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College, where he worked closely with Prof. Salman Sharif, Head of Neurosurgery. More than 30 highly engaged surgeons and medical professionals participated in an immersive cadaver lab focused on the OLLIF and SIJ fusion techniques.

Key achievements in Karachi included:

A full cadaver-based training lab on OLLIF and SIJ fusion

Two successful OLLIF procedures performed

One Trident SIJ fusion procedure completed

Interactive educational sessions attended by a large multidisciplinary group

Dr. Abbasi noted the exceptional enthusiasm of the surgical community and emphasized the enormous potential of these techniques for regions where traditional surgical capacity is limited.

Thought Leadership at WFNS in Dubai

Following the Karachi program, Dr. Abbasi flew to Dubai to present at the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) Spine Congress. His presentations highlighted the speed, safety, and accessibility of the OLLIF and Trident SIJ fusion systems-drawing strong interest from global neurosurgical leaders exploring solutions for high-volume, resource-strained environments.

Training 40+ Surgeons at ENDOspine UAE in Sharjah

Alongside Dr. Shiraz Munshi, Dr. Abbasi continued to Sharjah to contribute to ENDOspine UAE, held at the Sharjah Surgical Institute, University of Sharjah College of Medicine.

At this advanced training program, Dr. Abbasi trained over 40 surgeons and spine specialists from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe in hands-on OLLIF and SIJ fusion techniques. The program emphasized streamlined workflows, shorter operative times, and dramatically improved access for patients who otherwise lack surgical options.

Expanding Global Access Through Open Intellectual Property

A major driver of worldwide adoption has been Inspired Spine's decision last year to donate its intellectual property-free of charge-to developing countries.

This unprecedented move allows local manufacturers to produce OLLIF and Trident hardware affordably for their own markets, removing cost barriers that have historically prevented hospitals in low-resource regions from adopting advanced spine technologies.

A Global Movement in Motion

Across Karachi, Dubai, and Sharjah, Dr. Abbasi engaged with physicians from more than 15 countries, and has since received invitations from over a dozen nations to bring formal OLLIF and SIJ fusion training programs to their hospitals and universities.

"These techniques are spreading quickly because they solve real problems, especially in countries where resources are not as plentiful as in the West," Dr. Abbasi noted. "In many developing countries, patients wait years for spinal surgery. OLLIF and Trident SIJ fusion give surgeons a way to help more people, more safely, with resources that are now readily available even to rural developing regions."

Looking Forward

Inspired Spine will continue expanding its global training initiatives, empowering surgeons in resource-limited regions with safe, efficient, and affordable spinal solutions. The momentum from this trip signals a new era of accessible spine care-one in which geography and economic limitations no longer determine who receives life-changing treatment. For more information, please visit www.inspiredspine.com or contact aarmagost@islife.us.

SOURCE: Inspired Spine

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/dr.-hamid-abbasi-concludes-high-impact-surgical-training-tour-across-1116010
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - Sun Summit Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SMN) (OTCQB: SMREF) ("Sun Summit" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of up to 50,000,000 charity flow-through shares of the Company (each, a "Charity FT Share") at a price of $0.14 per Charity FT Share for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to $7 million. Each Charity FT Share will qualify as a flowthrough share within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act").

The Company intends to use all of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement for exploration of the Company's JD, Theory and Buck properties and any other Canadian properties that the Company may acquire, provided that the Company will use an amount equal to the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Charity FT Shares to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flowthrough mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Tax Act.

"This capital will fully fund our 2026 exploration program and help accelerate our progress towards an initial mineral resource estimate at JD. The calibre of investors who have agreed to participate in this offering provides additional validation for the quality of the JD Project," said Niel Marotta, CEO of Sun Summit.

The closing of the Private Placement is subject to certain closing conditions, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The Company may pay finder's fees in cash or securities to certain arm's length finders (each, a "Finder") engaged in connection with the Private Placement, subject to the approval of the TSXV. Eventus Capital Corp. has been appointed as a Finder in connection with the Private Placement. The Charity FT Shares issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The Charity FT Shares offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from 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 Charity FT Shares in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Sun Summit

Sun Summit Minerals (TSXV: SMN) (OTCQB: SMREF) is a mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and advancement of district scale gold and copper assets in British Columbia. The Company's diverse portfolio includes the JD and Theory Projects in the Toodoggone region of north-central B.C., and the Buck Project in central B.C.

Further details are available at www.sunsummitminerals.com.

Forward-Looking Information

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, the forward-looking statements require management to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is significant risk that the forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate, that the management's assumptions may not be correct and that actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Generally forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "anticipate", "will", "expect", "may", "continue", "could", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may include, but are not limited to, the use of proceeds of the Private Placement, the tax treatment of the Charity FT Shares, the terms and completion of the Private Placement, the payment of finder's fees and obtaining regulatory approval, including approval of the TSXV, for the Private Placement, the sufficiency of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement to fully fund the Sun Summit's 2026 exploration plans, and to accelerate its progress towards an initial mineral resource estimate at the JD Property. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect which, without limiting the generality of the following, include: the state of the equity financing markets in Canada and other jurisdictions; the receipt of regulatory approval; volatility and sensitivity to market prices; changes in tax legislation; fluctuations in metal prices; and other exploration, development, operating, financial market and regulatory risks. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof or the dates specifically referenced in this press release, where applicable. Except as required by applicable securities laws and regulation, Sun Summit disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

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/277484

SOURCE: Sun Summit Minerals Corp.
London, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - Abitibi Metals Corp. (CSE: AMQ) (OTCQB: AMQFF) (FSE: FW0) ("Abitibi" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, in connection with its previously announced "bought-deal" offering (the "Offering") led by BMO Capital Markets, as sole bookrunner and lead underwriter (the "Lead Underwriter"), together with Haywood Securities Inc., as co-lead manager, ATB Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., Paradigm Capital Inc. and Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. (collectively, with the Lead Underwriter, the "Underwriters"), it has filed a final short form prospectus (the "Final Prospectus") in each of the provinces of Canada to qualify the distribution of: (i) 11,430,000 common shares of the Company (the "Offered Common Shares") at a price of $0.35 per Offered Common Share for gross proceeds of $4,000,500; and (ii) 17,550,000 common shares of the Company issued as "flow-through shares" (the "Flow-Through Shares" and, together with the Offered Common Shares, the "Offered Securities") at a price of $0.57 per Flow-Through Share for gross proceeds of $10,003,500, for total gross proceeds to the Company of $14,004,000.

Closing of the Offering is expected to take place on or about December 16, 2025, or such other date as may be agreed upon by the Company and the Lead Underwriter, but in any event not later than 42 days following the date hereof (the "Closing Date"). Closing of the Offering is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals.

The Company has granted the Underwriters an over-allotment option (the "Over-Allotment Option"), exercisable in whole or in part, at the sole discretion of the Lead Underwriter, on behalf of the Underwriters, for a period of 30 days from and including the Closing Date, to purchase up to 4,347,000 additional Offered Common Shares and/or additional Flow-Through Shares at their respective offering prices, provided that the maximum number of additional Offered Securities issued pursuant to the Over-Allotment Option does not exceed 15% of the aggregate number of Offered Securities sold under the base Offering, solely to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes.

The Company understands that purchasers of Flow-Through Shares under the Offering intend to: (i) donate some or all of such Flow-Through Shares to registered charities, who may sell such Flow-Through Shares to purchasers arranged by the Underwriters, and/or (ii) sell some or all of such Flow-Through Shares to purchasers arranged by the Underwriters, in each case on the Closing Date or the closing date for the Over-Allotment Option, as applicable, and at a price of $0.35 per share (such Flow-Through Shares described in (i) and (ii), collectively, the "Redistributed Shares"). The Flow-Through Shares will only qualify as "flow-through shares" for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the Taxation Act (Quebec) for the original subscriber and will not qualify as "flow-through shares" for a registered charity or subsequent purchaser of the Redistributed Shares and consequently the Company will only renounce "Canadian exploration expenses" (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the Taxation Act (Quebec)) to the original subscriber of the Flow-Through Shares. The Final Prospectus qualifies the distribution of the Flow-Through Shares as well as the subsequent distribution of the Redistributed Shares on the Closing Date or the closing date for the Over-Allotment Option, as applicable.

Delivery of the Final Prospectus and any amendment will be satisfied in accordance with the "access equals delivery" provisions of applicable securities legislation. The Final Prospectus is accessible on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile.

An electronic or paper copy of the Final Prospectus and any amendment may be obtained, without charge, from BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., by mail at Brampton Distribution Centre c/o The Data Group of Companies, 9195 Torbram Road, Brampton, ON, L6S 6H2, by telephone at 905-791-3151 (ext. 4312) or by email at torbramwarehouse@datagroup.ca, by providing BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. with an email or address, as applicable. The Final Prospectus contains important, detailed information about the Company and the Offering. Prospective investors should read the Final Prospectus before making an investment decision.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities nor shall any sale of securities occur in any jurisdiction, including the United States, in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable securities laws of any state of the United States unless an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

On behalf of the Board of Abitibi Metals Corp.

"Jonathon Deluce"

President & CEO, Director

About Abitibi Metals Corp.

Abitibi Metals Corp. is dedicated to acquiring and exploring mineral properties within Quebec, with a particular emphasis on high-quality base and precious metal assets that offer significant potential for growth and expansion.

Cautionary Notes and Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of the words "will" and "expected" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding the terms and completion of the Offering, the expected closing date of the Offering, the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, the ability to obtain all approvals in connection with the Offering, the ability to incur and renounce eligible flow-through expenditures, the exploration and development potential of the Company's properties and the significance of previous exploration results. Although Abitibi believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, readers are cautioned that actual results may vary from the forward-looking statements. The Company has based these forward-looking statements and information on the Company's current expectations and assumptions about future events. These statements also 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, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in the Company's annual information form, for the year ended December 31, 2024 available at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's issuer profile. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and Abitibi does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277493

SOURCE: Abitibi Metals Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 9, 2025) - Alma Gold Inc. (CSE: ALMA) ("Alma Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 15,000,000 units ("Units") to be issued at a price of $0.08 per Unit for gross proceeds up to $1,200,000 (the "Private Placement"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share (each a "Share") and one transferable common share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one additional Share at a price of $0.15 for a period of five (5) years from closing.

Proceeds received from the Private Placement will be used for general working capital purposes, including potential strategic initiatives currently under consideration.

All securities will be will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from issuance. The Company does not intend to pay any finder's fees on the Private Placement.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Alma Gold Inc.

Alma Gold Inc. is a gold-focused exploration company based in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Alma Gold Inc. through its subsidiary Karita Gold Corp. is exploring the Karita West Project in northern Guinea, the Dialakoro project permits under application in the Siguiri Basin of Guinea and it owns the Clarence Stream North Gold Project in southwest New Brunswick, Canada.

For more information on Alma Gold Inc., please visit our website at: https://www.almagoldinc.ca.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"Gregory Isenor"

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the Company's intention to complete a non-brokered private placement; the expected size, pricing and structure of the private placement; the anticipated use of proceeds; the issuance and terms of the common shares and warrants; and the Company's exploration plans and objectives.

Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the risk that the Private Placement may not be completed as currently proposed or at all; the availability of capital and investor interest; regulatory and stock exchange approvals not being obtained in a timely manner, or at all; changes in economic, market and business conditions, including fluctuations in commodity prices and investor sentiment; unanticipated expenses or liabilities; and risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure documents, including those filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-looking information is based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions as of the date of this news release, including assumptions that: all required regulatory approvals will be received in a timely manner; sufficient investor interest will be secured; and the Company will be able to use the proceeds from the Private Placement as intended.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277500

SOURCE: Alma Gold Inc.
The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis market is expected to grow owing to the increasing prevalence of the disease, along with the promising emerging pipeline therapies, such as Masitinib (AB Sciences), PrimeC (Neurosense Therapeutics), RNS60 (Revalesio), IFB-088 (InFlectis BioScience), NP001 (Neuvivo), Ibudilast (MediciNova), NurOwn (Brainstorm-Cell Therapeutics' MSC-NTF cells), Pridopidine (Prilenia Therapeutics), CBT101 (CERES Brain Therapeutics), and others.

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented into leading markets (the US, EU4, UK, and Japan).

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market Summary

The market size for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the US was USD 800 million in 2024.

in 2024. Following the setback with RELYVRIO , RADICAVA emerges as the leading contender in the current ALS market and is expected to generate the highest revenue.

, emerges as the leading contender in the current ALS market and is expected to generate the highest revenue. The total prevalent cases of ALS in the 7MM comprised nearly 60,000 in 2024, which are estimated to increase by 2034.

in 2024, which are estimated to increase by 2034. Leading amyotrophic lateral sclerosis companies developing emerging therapies, such as AB SCIENCE, BRAINSTORM CELL THERAPEUTICS, IONIS, OTSUKA PHARMACEUTICALS, MEDICINOVA, ABBVIE, CALICO LIFE SCIENCES, CLENE NANOMEDICINE BIOSCIENCES, SEELOS THERAPEUTICS, PRILENIA THERAPEUTICS, RAPA THERAPEUTICS, Neurosense Therapeutics, HELIXMITH, TRANSPOSON THERAPEUTICS, REVALESIO CORPORATION, ANNEXON BIOSCIENCES, CORCEPT THERAPEUTICS, AL-S PHARMA, ORPHAI THERAPEUTICS, NEUVIVO, InFlectis BioScience, and others, are developing new therapy for ALS that can be available in the ALS market in the coming years.

and others, are developing new therapy for ALS that can be available in the ALS market in the coming years. The promising amyotrophic lateral sclerosis therapies in clinical trials include MASITINIB, NUROWN (MSC-NTF CELLS), ULEFNERSEN (ION363), IBUDILAST, ABBV-CLS-7262, CNM-AU8, SLS-005 (TREHALOSE), PRIDOPIDINE, RAPA-501, PrimeC, ENGENSIS (VM202), TPN-101, RNS60, ANX005, DAZUCORILANT (CORT113176), AP-101, AIT-101 (LAM-002A), NP001, IFB-088, and others.

and others. Brainstorm-Cell Therapeutics's NurOwn and Rapa Therapeutics's RAPA 501 are pioneering novel treatments for ALS through stem cell and T-cell therapy approaches.

are pioneering novel treatments for ALS through stem cell and T-cell therapy approaches. Transposon Therapeutics' TPN-101 and Ionis Pharmaceuticals' Ulefnersen are therapies specifically tailored for mutations such as C9ORF72 and FUS in ALS.

Discover the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis new treatment @ New Treatments for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Key Factors Driving the Growth of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market

Rising ALS Prevalence

The global incidence of ALS is on the rise, with nearly 5,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States alone. The total prevalent cases of ALS in the 7MM comprised nearly 67K in 2023 which are estimated to reach 75K by 2034. This increase in prevalence is fueling demand for effective treatments and driving market growth.

Regulatory Approvals of RADICAVA

RADICAVA has proven to be a successful treatment for ALS. Approval of oral RADICAVA in the United States and its approval in Japan in December 2022 have enhanced patient compliance.

Technological Innovations in Diagnosis and Treatment

Advancements in diagnostic technologies and treatment methodologies are improving patient outcomes. The development of personalized medicine and targeted therapies is enhancing the efficacy of ALS treatments, contributing to market expansion.

Rising Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinical Trial Activities

Some of the drugs in the pipeline include Masitinib (AB Sciences), Prime C (Neurosense Therapeutics), RNS60 (Revalesio), NP001 (Neuvivo), Ibudilast (MediciNova), NurOwn (Brainstorm-Cell Therapeutics' MSC-NTF cells), Pridopidine (Prilenia Therapeutics), and others.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market Analysis

Currently, available drugs for the treatment of ALS include RILUTEK, TIGLUTEK (oral suspension), RADICAVA (IV and oral suspension/ORS), and QALSODY. Approved symptomatic therapies comprise NEUDEXTA, TIGLUTEK, and RILUTEK, along with supportive medications such as anti-epileptic drugs, opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and various antidepressants.

Following the approval of RADICAVA ORS, sales of the RADICAVA franchise rebounded significantly, reversing the previous decline in IV RADICAVA usage. The oral formulation was rapidly adopted in both the United States and Japan.

RELYVRIO experienced rapid market adoption in the U.S. between 2022 and 2023. However, after the PHOENIX trial failed to meet its primary endpoints, Amylyx Pharmaceuticals upheld its earlier commitment to withdraw the drug. Consequently, RELYVRIO was officially discontinued on April 4, 2024, following consultations with the U.S. FDA and Health Canada.

The anticipated launches of emerging therapies such as IFB-088 (InFlectis BioScience), Ulefnersen (Ionis/Otsuka Pharmaceuticals), Ibudilast (MediciNova), Masitinib (AB Science), NurOwn (BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics), CNM-Au8 (Clene Nanomedicine), NP001 (Neuvivo), and CBT101 (Ceres Brain Therapeutics, early-stage) are expected to expand the ALS market in the coming years, supported by a rising number of diagnosed cases.

Additionally, NDC-011, a novel drug combination developed through DR.NOAH's AI-based drug discovery platform, received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the U.S. FDA in 2023 and IND approval for a Phase I clinical trial in 2024. The therapy aims to slow disease progression, alleviate ALS symptoms, and extend patient survival.

To know more about ALS treatment options, visit @ Approved Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Drugs

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Competitive Landscape

Some of the ALS drugs in clinical trials include Masitinib (AB Sciences), PrimeC (Neurosense Therapeutics), RNS60 (Revalesio), IFB-088 (InFlectis BioScience), NP001 (Neuvivo), Ibudilast (MediciNova), NurOwn (Brainstorm-Cell Therapeutics' MSC-NTF cells), Pridopidine (Prilenia Therapeutics), CBT101 (CERES Brain Therapeutics), and others.

AB Science's Masitinib (AB1010) is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that regulates the activity of mast cells and macrophages, key immune cells, by selectively targeting a small subset of kinases. Notably, at therapeutic doses, it avoids inhibiting kinases linked to toxicity. The drug is currently undergoing a Phase III confirmatory trial for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

NeuroSense's PrimeC is a novel combination of two FDA-approved drugs, ciprofloxacin and celecoxib, formulated at unique doses to work synergistically in slowing the progression of ALS. The therapy has received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from both the US FDA and EMA, and NeuroSense is advancing it through regulatory pathways while preparing for a pivotal Phase III trial. Following favorable feedback from the FDA, the company plans to initiate a multinational Phase III study in the second half of 2025.

CERES Brain Therapeutics' CBT101 is a creatine prodrug formulated within a patented composition of matter, representing an innovative drug design. It is currently in a Phase I clinical trial for the treatment of adult patients with ALS.

The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies are poised to transform the ALS market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the ALS market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth.

Discover more about therapy for ALS @ Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinical Trials

Recent Developments in the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market

In September 2025, AL-S Pharma announced positive topline results from the Phase II clinical study evaluating AP-101. AP-101, in addition to the standard of care, met its primary endpoint related to safety and tolerability. Clinically meaningful changes in exploratory clinical outcome measures related to survival and non-invasive ventilation, as well as stabilization of clinical disease-staging and neurofilament biomarkers, were observed following 12 months of treatment. Results will be shared with regulatory authorities, presented at upcoming ALS conferences, and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

announced positive topline results from the Phase II clinical study evaluating AP-101. AP-101, in addition to the standard of care, met its primary endpoint related to safety and tolerability. Clinically meaningful changes in exploratory clinical outcome measures related to survival and non-invasive ventilation, as well as stabilization of clinical disease-staging and neurofilament biomarkers, were observed following 12 months of treatment. Results will be shared with regulatory authorities, presented at upcoming ALS conferences, and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. In July 2025, AB Science announced that its confirmatory Phase III study of masitinib in ALS, designated study AB23005, had received authorization from the first group of European countries (Spain, Greece, and Slovenia) under Step 2 of the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) procedure. This authorization follows the validation of the harmonized protocol by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which was approved during Step 1 of the CTIS process, and is preceded by prior authorization from the US FDA. As a result, AB Science is now positioned to initiate this registration study in both Europe and the US.

announced that its confirmatory Phase III study of masitinib in ALS, designated study AB23005, had received authorization from the first group of European countries (Spain, Greece, and Slovenia) under Step 2 of the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) procedure. This authorization follows the validation of the harmonized protocol by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which was approved during Step 1 of the CTIS process, and is preceded by prior authorization from the US FDA. As a result, AB Science is now positioned to initiate this registration study in both Europe and the US. In July 2025, NeuroSense Therapeutics presented late-breaking data from its Phase IIb PARADIGM trial (NCT05357950) of PrimeC at the 2025 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, held from April 5 to 9 in San Diego, California. The results demonstrated a significant effect of PrimeC on miRNA expression and iron regulation in patients with ALS, providing a solid foundation for the company to progress the therapy to a Phase III trial.

presented late-breaking data from its Phase IIb PARADIGM trial (NCT05357950) of PrimeC at the 2025 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, held from April 5 to 9 in San Diego, California. The results demonstrated a significant effect of PrimeC on miRNA expression and iron regulation in patients with ALS, providing a solid foundation for the company to progress the therapy to a Phase III trial. In January 2025, CERES Brain Therapeutics raised EUR 6 million in financing led by ANJAC, to support the clinical development neurological treatments. The proceeds supported the set-up of a Phase I first-in-man trial of CERES' lead candidate CBT101.

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the gradual loss of muscle control. In ALS, the motor neurons responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles degenerate and die, resulting in muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventual paralysis. Over time, individuals with ALS lose the ability to speak, swallow, and breathe independently, while cognitive function typically remains intact. Although the exact cause of ALS is not fully understood, a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to contribute to its development.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Epidemiology Segmentation

The ALS epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient pool and forecasted trends for the leading markets. In the US, among mutation-specific cases of ALS in 2024, including C9ORF72, SOD1, FUS, and others such as TARDBP, OPTN, and ANG, non-mutated or unidentified mutations accounted for the largest proportion, representing approximately 75% of cases.

The ALS market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 2020-2034 in the leading markets, segmented into:

Total Prevalent Cases of ALS

Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of ALS

Gender-Specific Distribution of ALS

Mutation-Specific Distribution of ALS

Type-Specific Distribution of ALS

Distribution Based on Site of Onset of ALS

Age-Specific Distribution of ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market Report Metrics Details Study Period 2020-2034 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market Report Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Epidemiology Segmentation Total Prevalent Cases of ALS, Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of ALS, Gender-Specific Distribution of ALS, Mutation-Specific Distribution of ALS, Type-Specific Distribution of ALS, Distribution Based on Site of Onset of ALS, and Age-Specific Distribution of ALS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market Size (US) in 2024 USD 800 Million Key Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Companies AB SCIENCE, BRAINSTORM CELL THERAPEUTICS, IONIS, OTSUKA PHARMACEUTICALS, MEDICINOVA, ABBVIE, CALICO LIFE SCIENCES, CLENE NANOMEDICINE BIOSCIENCES, SEELOS THERAPEUTICS, PRILENIA THERAPEUTICS, RAPA THERAPEUTICS, Neurosense Therapeutics, HELIXMITH, TRANSPOSON THERAPEUTICS, REVALESIO CORPORATION, ANNEXON BIOSCIENCES, CORCEPT THERAPEUTICS, AL-S PHARMA, ORPHAI THERAPEUTICS, NEUVIVO, InFlectis BioScience, Biogen, Avanir Pharmaceuticals, ITF Pharma, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, and others Key Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Therapies MASITINIB, NUROWN (MSC-NTF CELLS), ULEFNERSEN (ION363), IBUDILAST, ABBV-CLS-7262, CNM-AU8, SLS-005 (TREHALOSE), PRIDOPIDINE, RAPA-501, PrimeC, ENGENSIS (VM202), TPN-101, RNS60, ANX005, DAZUCORILANT (CORT113176), AP-101, AIT-101 (LAM-002A), NP001, IFB-088, QALSODY, NUEDEXTA, TIGLUTIK/TEGLUTIK (RILUZOLE), RADICAVA/RADICUT (EDARAVONE INJECTION), and RADICAVA ORS (EDARAVONE ORAL), and others

Scope of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market Report

Therapeutic Assessment: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis current marketed and emerging therapies

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis current marketed and emerging therapies Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market Dynamics: Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Drugs and Market Outlook

Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Drugs and Market Outlook Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies

SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market Access and Reimbursement

Download the report to understand which factors are driving amyotrophic lateral sclerosis therapeutics market trends @ Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market Trends

Table of Contents

1 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market Key Insights 2 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Market Report Introduction 3 Executive Summary 4 Key Events 5 ALS Market Overview At A Glance 6 Epidemiology And Market Forecast Methodology 7 Disease Background And Overview 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Types of ALS 7.2.1 Sporadic ALS 7.2.2 Genetic or Familial ALS 7.3 ALS Causes 7.4 ALS Risk Factors 7.5 ALS Symptoms 7.6 ALS Clinical Features 7.7 ALS Pathogenesis 7.8 Biomarker 7.9 Prediction of Prognosis 7.10 Differential Diagnosis 7.11 ALS Diagnosis 8 Treatment And Management Of ALS 9 Epidemiology And Patient Population Of The 7MM 9.1 Key Findings 9.2 Assumptions and Rationale 9.3 Total Prevalent Population of ALS in the 7MM 9.4 Total Diagnosed Prevalent Population of ALS in the 7MM 9.5 The United States 9.5.1 Diagnosed Prevalence of ALS in the United States 9.5.2 Type-specific Distribution of ALS in the United States 9.5.3 Gender-specific Distribution of ALS in the United States 9.5.4 Mutation-specific Distribution of ALS in the United States 9.5.5 Distribution Based on Site of Onset of ALS in the United States 9.5.6 Age-specific Distribution of ALS in the United States 9.6 EU4 and UK 9.7 Japan 10 ALS Patient Journey 11 Key Endpoints In ALS 12 Marketed ALS Drugs 12.1 Key Cross 12.2 QALSODY (TOFERSEN): BIOGEN/IONIS 12.2.1 Product Description 12.2.2 Regulatory Milestones 12.2.3 Other Developmental Activities 12.2.4 Summary of Pivotal Trials 12.2.5 Clinical Development 12.3.5.1 Clinical Trial Information 12.2.6 Safety and Efficacy 12.2.7 Analyst Views 12.3 NUEDEXTA (DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROBROMIDE/QUINIDINE SULFATE): AVANIR PHARMACEUTICALS (A SUBSIDIARY OF OTSUKA AMERICA) 12.4 TIGLUTIK/TEGLUTIK (RILUZOLE): ITF PHARMA (A US SUBSIDIARY OF ITALFARMACO) 12.5 RADICAVA/RADICUT (EDARAVONE INJECTION) AND RADICAVA ORS (EDARAVONE ORAL): MITSUBISHI TANABE PHARMA CORPORATION 13 Emerging ALS Drugs 13.1 Key Competitors 13.2 MASITINIB: AB SCIENCE 13.2.1 Product Description 13.2.2 Other Developmental Activities 13.2.3 Clinical Development 13.2.3.1 Clinical Trial Information 13.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 13.2.5 Analyst Views 13.4 NUROWN (MSC-NTF CELLS): BRAINSTORM CELL THERAPEUTICS 13.5 ULEFNERSEN (ION363): IONIS/ OTSUKA PHARMACEUTICALS 13.6 IBUDILAST: MEDICINOVA 13.7 ABBV-CLS-7262: ABBVIE/CALICO LIFE SCIENCES 13.8 CNM-AU8: CLENE NANOMEDICINE BIOSCIENCES 13.9 SLS-005 (TREHALOSE): SEELOS THERAPEUTICS 13.10 PRIDOPIDINE: PRILENIA THERAPEUTICS 13.11 RAPA-501: RAPA THERAPEUTICS 13.12 PrimeC: Neurosense Therapeutics 13.13 ENGENSIS (VM202): HELIXMITH 13.14 TPN-101: TRANSPOSON THERAPEUTICS 13.15 RNS60: REVALESIO CORPORATION 13.16 ANX005: ANNEXON BIOSCIENCES 13.17 DAZUCORILANT (CORT113176): CORCEPT THERAPEUTICS 13.18 AP-101: AL-S PHARMA 13.19 AIT-101 (LAM-002A): ORPHAI THERAPEUTICS 13.20 NP001: NEUVIVO 13.21 IFB-088: InFlectis BioScience 14 ALS Market: 7MM Analysis 14.1 Key Findings 14.2 ALS Market Outlook 14.3 Conjoint Analysis 14.4 Key ALS Market Forecast Assumptions 14.5 Total Market Size of ALS in the 7MM 14.6 The United States ALS Market Size 14.6.1 Total Market Size of ALS in the United States 14.6.2 Market Size of ALS by Therapies in the United States 14.7 EU4 and the UK ALS Market Size 14.8 Japan ALS Market Size 15 ALS Market Unmet Needs 16 ALS Market SWOT Analysis 17 KOL Views on ALS 18 ALS Market Access And Reimbursement 18.1 The United States 18.2 EU4 and the UK 18.3 Japan 18.4 Summary and Comparison of Market Access and Pricing Policy Developments in 2025 18.5 Market Access and Reimbursement of ALS 19 Bibliography 20 ALS Market Report Methodology

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The actor has given his fans and critics films like Taal, Border, Dil Chahta Hai, Humraaz, Hungama, Hulchul, Race, Mom, Ittefaq, Drishyam 2, Chhaava, and now Dhurandhar

Akshaye Khanna has been a part of the Hindi film industry for over 28 years. The actor has given his fans and critics films like Taal, Border, Dil Chahta Hai, Humraaz, Hungama, Hulchul, Race, Mom, Ittefaq, Drishyam 2, Chhaava, and now Dhurandhar.

The last two titles dropped this year and one became an all-time blockbuster whereas the other is on its way to become a commercial success. The cumulative worldwide gross of these two movies are Rs 969.6 crore, and with this, the actor has become the most successful star of 2025, beating Rishab Shetty, Vicky Kaushal, Akshay Kumar.

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On opening day, Dhurandhar grossed an estimated Rs 28.60 crore net domestically, marking the highest opening of Ranveers career so far. With enthusiastic audience turnout and strong word-of-mouth, the film maintained momentum on Day 2 and Day 3. On Sunday, the film earned Rs 44.80 crore, the highest single-day net collection during the weekend. With Rs 33.10 crore on Day 2, the total now stands at Rs 106.50 crore net and Rs 125 crore gross.

What Made the Difference

The impressive opening weekend of Dhurandhar can be attributed to several intertwined factors including a well-hyped trailer and promotional campaign, a star-studded cast including veteran actors alongside Ranveer Singh, and direction by Aditya Dhar, known for his hit war-drama background.

The films thundering background score has already gone viral, while the larger soundtrack is dominating reels and playlists.

With Dhar returning after Uri, expectations were sky-high. Judging by the audience reactions pouring out of theatres, _Dhurandhar_ has ignited a full-blown wave of mass enthusiasm.

Across the country, _Dhurandhar_ Fever has taken over. From sold-out late-night shows in Mumbai to repeat crowds in Delhi, Lucknow, Indore and Kochi, the film is sparking the kind of mass hysteria Hindi cinema hasnt seen in a while. Fans are returning for second and third viewings, hunting for hidden clues, character beats, they may have missed the first time.
All of it began two years ago when the actor promised the royal family of Shimla to establish and recognise a state-level rugby association

Actor and former rugby player Rahul Bose is at the centre of a controversy and the matter has reached the court. Bose has been accused of faking his domicile certificate in Himachal Pradesh to become the national president of the Rugby Federation. All of it began two years ago when the actor promised the royal family of Shimla to establish and recognise a state-level rugby association.

Divya Kumari, from the royal family of the Jubbal princely state in Shimla district, as per a report by India Today, has alleged the promises were never fulfilled. She even questioned the credibility of the actors domicile certificate. The allegations also say how Rahul Bose was born in Kolkata, and possesses the Aadhar Card and domicile certificate of Maharashtra. The matter has now reached the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The next hearing is scheduled for December 16.

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Rahul Bose on the rise of OTT platforms

The actor told Firstpost last year, " I think the ratio remains the same. Theres some good, theres some bad, and theres some very average stuff. And for that, you have to understand who youre catering to. There was this misconception that with OTT, you would now cater to the highest common denominator. Right? Because all of us want to see the wonderful things."

Bose added, So the numbers have exploded at the lowest common denominator, and the numbers have risen in at the highest common denominator. In essence, its the same. Youve suddenly gotten a massive infusion of trash and a very healthy infusion of very interesting, well made content. So the ratio remains the same because human beings dont change. You can change the device. Human beings dont change.
PVR Inox Pictures has officially announced that The Housemaid, one of Hollywoods most anticipated psychological thrillers, will hit Indian theatres on January 2, 2026, setting an intense and gripping tone for the new year. The film is based on Freida McFaddens bestselling novel of the same name, a book that has dominated global charts for its sharp twists, claustrophobic tension, and darkly addictive plot.

Bringing this high-stakes psychological drama to life is a power-packed cast led by Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, marking their first on-screen confrontation, a pairing already generating buzz among cinephiles. With both stars celebrated for their versatile performances, The Housemaid promises a character-driven thriller where the emotional and mental combat is as riveting as the mystery itself.

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Joining them are Brandon Sklenar as Andrew Winchester, Michele Morrone as Enzo, and Elizabeth Perkins as Evelyn Winchester, each adding new layers of depth and danger to the unfolding domestic labyrinth.

Plot of the film

Set within the imposing yet elegant confines of the Winchester home, the story follows Millie (played by Sweeney) as she accepts what seems like a perfect live-in job. But as she settles into the household, it quickly becomes clear that the polished, picture-perfect family she serves is anything but ordinary.

What begins as professional responsibility soon twists into a disorienting maze of manipulation, hidden motives, and dangerous power dynamics. Every corner of the house appears to hold a secret. Every interaction feels like a clue. And every character hides more than they reveal.

As tensions escalate, The Housemaid blurs the delicate line between trust and betrayal, building an atmosphere where audiences will find themselves questioning every motive  just as Millie does.

Paul Feig shifts genre

The film is directed by Paul Feig, best known for his acclaimed work in comedy (Bridesmaids, Spy, A Simple Favor). With The Housemaid, Feig takes a bold creative turn into psychological suspense, bringing his flair for character detail, visual polish, and narrative pacing into a darker, more intense storytelling zone.

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His pivot into the thriller space has already raised expectations, with early insiders calling the film stylish, tense, and designed to keep viewers on edge from start to finish.
Australia is doing what no other democracy has done so far. Starting today (December 10), all those under the age of 16 will be barred from social media sites and apps. But many teens are already one step ahead, finding and sharing ways to evade these restrictions and continue their fixation

A 14-year-old boy looks at the Facebook page on his mobile phone. Social media sites will be banned for under-16s in Australia from December 10. File image/AFP

Today (December 10), the worlds attention has turned to Australia. The reason: the country is doing what no other nation is doing  freezing out a whopping 2.8 million young people out of their accounts, as part of their social media ban for under-16s.

For those who may not have heard or seen this news, Australia is the first major democracy to impose a ban on social media access for those under the age of 16. As this ban comes into effect, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit and Twitch, will be required to remove existing under-16 accounts and block the ability to create new ones.

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While most teens are ruing the fact that they will go cold turkey, there are others who are looking to skirt the ban, whichever way possible.

Heres what we found.

What is Australias social media ban?

Worried about the harmful effects of social media, Australia introduced a legislation, prohibiting children under the age of 16 from such platforms, which will come into effect on December 10.

As per the legislation, parents and children wouldnt be penalised. Instead social media platforms would have to take reasonable steps to ensure account-holders were at least 16 years old, or face fines of up to Aus$49.5 million for the most serious breaches.

However, the legislation has stated that there would be some exemptions to the ban. While Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok are covered, as are streaming platforms including Kick and Twitch, other popular apps and websites such as Roblox, Pinterest and WhatsApp are currently exempt.

The government said platforms would be exempt if they had the primary purpose of:

 Messaging, emailing, voice calling or video calling

 Playing online games

 Sharing information about products or services

 Professional networking or professional development

 Education

 Health

 Communication between educational institutions and students or their families

 Facilitating communication between providers of healthcare and people using those providers services

How does Australia plan to enforce this social media ban?

Its not clear yet, how tech companies will follow through with Australias social media ban, but it has been suggested that most will use age assurance technology.

The Guardian in one of its reports noted that it is expected Australia will follow a similar path for age assurance that launched in the UK in July, which includes options such as, allowing banks and mobile providers to confirm a user is over 18; asking site users to upload a photo that is then matched with photo ID; and use of facial age estimation technology.

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In addition to that, platforms could infer user ages based on account behaviour or age. For example, if you signed up for Facebook in 2009, you would be over 16 by now. YouTube has flagged it will use artificial intelligence to determine user ages.

A notification from Snapchat requesting age verification is displayed on a mobile phone as a law banning social media for users under 16 in Australia is set to take effect. Reuters

How has everyone reacted to the social media ban?

Unsurprisingly, Australias ban has evoked mixed reactions. While many parents, politicians and even a few teens hailed the move, tech companies, thousands of youngsters and even child experts opposed it.

On the eve of the ban coming into effect, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted that young teenagers will soon be spared from endless scrolling online. He also made a last-ditch pitch to convince hundreds of thousands of Australian adolescents the contentious laws were for their own good.

This is about keeping kids safe online. pic.twitter.com/ABGbVmLFkP  Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 7, 2025

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From December 10 if youre under 16 youre no longer allowed to have a social media account, he said in a video message. Youll know better than anyone what its like growing up with algorithms, endless feeds and the pressure that can come with that. Thats why weve taken this step to support you.

Many tech companies, however, have spoken out against the ban. Online discussion site Reddit called it legally erroneous. While we disagree about the scope, effectiveness, and privacy implications of this law, as of December 10, were making some changes in line with these requirements, the company said, adding: By limiting account eligibility and putting identity tests on internet usage, this law undermines everyones right to both free expression and privacy, as well as account-specific protections.

A 13-year-old boy poses at his home as he looks at social media on his tablet in Sydney. Australia will ban young teenagers from social media on December 10, 2025, launching a world-first crackdown designed to unglue children from addictive scrolling on the likes of Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. AFP

Why are many sceptical about the success of Australian ban?

However, not everyone is convinced that Australia will find success and thats because teenagers are already devising ways to skirt the ban. In fact, in many online forums, teens are already discussing easy workarounds, suggesting the ban may be more symbolic than effective.

The primary anticipated evasion tactics include the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to mask a persons geographic location, making it appear as if they are accessing the service from an unrestricted country, and simply lying about their age during the account sign-up process.

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Even Australian parents note that their children will learn ways to evade the social media ban. Chantelle Ansell, a mother of two from the New South Wales Mid North Coast, told The Nightly, As a single mum of two teenagers, I dont think a ban will necessarily stop kids from using social media  theyre smarter than we often give them credit for, and theyll just move to other platforms or find a way around it.

A 14-year-old with her phone before the Australian social media ban comes into effect. Reuters

Ive already spoken to a few friends about this and we all feel the same: kids adapt quickly. So, while I understand the intention behind the ban, Im not convinced it will stop kids accessing social media  it may just change how they do it, or push it further out of sight.

Thirteen-year-old Isobel revealed to BBC that she had already outsmarted the ban and got herself back on Snapchat. I got a photo of my mum, and I stuck it in front of the camera and it just let me through. It said thanks for verifying your age, Isobel said.

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Other tips have also flooded social media; they include signing up with a parents email or simply using an elders phone to sign into the apps. Some have also suggested moving to platforms not explicitly named on the governments list of banned sites, for instance Discord.

In fact, as a France24 report stated lesser-known apps and websites such as Yope and Lemon8 have surged in popularity ahead of the ban, as Australian adolescents try to evade it.

A small girl lies on the floor as she watches a show on YouTube at her home in western Sydney. File image/AFP

What comes next?

While Australias ban takes effect, other countries are also looking on to see if such a ban can indeed be imposed. Malaysia, for example, said that it also plans to bar under-16s from accessing social media platforms starting next year.

Meanwhile, other countries are considering less drastic ways to control teenagers social media use. Britain has the Online Safety Act, which sets tougher standards for social media platforms, including age restrictions to block minors from accessing harmful content.

Denmark and France have also passed laws pertaining to social media use for those under 15. Both countries need parental permission for under-15s to get access to social media apps. In Germany, minors between the ages of 13 and 16 are allowed to use social media only if their parents provide consent.

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Only time will tell if Australia is indeed successful in their social media ban. But as some question: Should we police really be policing social media?

With inputs from agencies
Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan, who gained fame for claiming that Covid-19 was engineered in a Wuhan lab, now fears that the Communist government is trying to trap her. Having cut off all ties from her family, she lives in the US, where she fled to in 2020, in hiding

When the entire world was reeling under Covid-19, which caused at least 7.1 million deaths and affected over 30 million people globally, only one question was on everyones mind: What is the origin of the virus? The first alarm bell rang when a Chinese virologist, Dr Li Meng Yan, made a stunning claim  that China manufactured and released the virus into the world.

Dr Yan based her arguments on the evidence that she sourced, and she eventually gained fame for backing the lab theory. The scientist, who fled to the United States, has been hiding since 2020.

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Today, she has severed all ties with her husband, Dr Ranawaka Perera, also a virologist, and her parents. Now, she claims that the Chinese government is using her family to lure her back so that they can erase the truth, according to a report in The New York Times (NYT).

This is her story.

Who is Li Meng Yan, the Chinese Covid whistleblower?

Li Meng Yan grew up in the port city of Qingdao in eastern China. Her grandfather, a doctor, inspired her, and she decided to pursue medicine. At first, she wanted to be an ophthalmologist, but later became interested in research.

She specialised in virology and immunology at the Hong Kong School of Public Health and took up a postdoctoral role in stem cell research at the University of Hong Kong (HKU).

Yans interests include investigating infectious diseases and inflammation via different animal models. Her research focused on studying and analysing universal influenza vaccine cross-reactive antibodies and cellular immunology according to the Virtual Keystone Symposia (VKS) website.

Yan met Dr Ranawaka Perera, who is from Sri Lanka, at HKU. He worked as a virologist at a university laboratory affiliated with the World Health Organization (WHO). The two became friends and got married in 2014. Dr Yan started working in his department after that, NYT reports.

How did Dr Yan become a whistleblower?

When the virus broke out, Dr Yan worked at the University of Hong Kongs laboratory. Her supervisor asked her to look into the outbreak in Wuhan. She followed the instructions and was shocked by the information she gathered.

Dr Yan was told by one doctor that the virus appeared to be transmissible among humans. She also heard rumours about the Wuhan Institute of Virology and started believing in them.



She relayed the information to her senior but was disappointed when he did not act on it. She complained to her husband, who told her to be patient.

As the Chinese government remained mum about the virus and tried to silence whistleblowers, Dr Yan became anxious. She started warning people online and interacting with influencers who were critical of Beijing. She was in touch with Wang Dinggang, a former businessman from China who ran a YouTube channel from the US, and a Beijing critic.

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According to Dr Perara, these conversations only made his wife more upset. In mid-April, she received a call from Wang, who claimed the Chinese government was looking to silence her.

Dr Yan panicked and wanted to leave the country. Dr Perara tried to convince her that they would move once they secured jobs at good universities. But one day, she fled, leaving behind nothing but a goodbye note.

NYT reported that Dr Yans plane ticket to Washington had been paid for by a foundation tied to President Donald Trumps former strategist, Steve Bannon, and the exiled Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui.

In July 2020, Dr Yan appeared on Fox News twice, stating, Her life was in danger, and that she would be disappeared and killed, if she continued to stay in Hong Kong.

The Covid whistleblower revealed that she was in touch with the US government and even shared all her research work with them. She said that she had unearthed the pandemic potential of the SARS-CoV-2 and shared her findings with her supervisor Professor Leo Poon Lit-man, who asked her to stay silent.

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She called herself one of the first scientists in the world to study Covid. She claimed that those doctors who were openly discussing the virus suddenly clammed up, and even her colleagues shifted their tones. Dr Yan added, The doctors said to her. We cannot speak about it, but we need to wear the mask.

However, Hong Kong University rejected the explosive claim that she worked on SARS-CoV-2 in July 2020. Her former employers released a statement that the virologist was a postdoctoral fellow with limited experience.

But none of that stopped Dr Yan. She became a regular in the Maga media circle in the US and promoted her unproven Covid origin theories.

In a paper published on September 14, 2020, on Zendo, according to a report by BOOM, the whistleblower wrote, SARS-CoV-2 should be a laboratory product created by using bat coronaviruses She also listed key reasons supporting that the virus was man-made. However, her University did not allow her to speak about those findings on SARS-CoV-2, Dr Yan accused.

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The whole arc of the story and the counternarrative that we put out about Covid, a lot of it was because of Dr Yan, Bannon said in a recent interview, reports NYT. She became a media star.

Why did Dr Yan cut ties with her family?

When Dr Yan first moved to the US, she kept in touch with her husband and parents. She assured them that she was protected by lawyers and the US administration. She insisted that Dr Perera join her, as she was convinced that the Chinese military had developed the virus.

Her family urged her to reconsider her theory. Dr Perera told her in WhatsApp conversations that her claims would ruin her reputation. He even travelled to New York in July 2020, but his wife did not want to see him. After that, she has not spoken to her husband or her parents.

Is the Chinese govt looking to frame Dr Yan?

Dr Yan now says that Beijing is using her family to lure her back to the country. She told NYT, For over five years, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) has used my parents and her husband as tools to lure me back, attempting to carry out a perfect crime to erase the truth about the virus and avoid accountability.

In 2023, both Dr Yan and Wang were listed as victims in a criminal complaint that accused Chinese police of running an overseas repression scheme against US residents.

The virologist has also reportedly been targeted by hackers. Google reportedly warned her this year that her account had been attacked in what appeared to be a state-sponsored attempt, reports NYT.

What next for Dr Yan?

She dreamed that she would get a job at a US university or run her lab. However, since she is in hiding, that is not a possibility. She wants to get a divorce, but fears that putting her address on legal records would expose her location.

Unable to work, Dr Yan assists Wang, whom she refers to as her best friend, with his broadcasts, the report says. My basic survival has been possible only because Mr Wang has provided unconditional humanitarian support, she told the publication.

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Meanwhile, all Dr Perara wants is to know that his wife his safe. If shes safe, and doesnt want to be with me, I can move on. But not until I know exactly what happened. She is the person I love the most, he told NYT.

With inputs from agencies
Following the massive fire at the Goa nightclub that killed 25 people, police registered an FIR against the nightclubs owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, its manager, and the organisers of the late-night event. However, when police reached their residence in Delhi, the duo had already fled to Thailand, reportedly on an IndiGo flight.The CBI is likely to reach out to Interpol for a Blue Corner Notice

Saurabh Luthra is described as a gold medalist engineer-turned into a promising and fastest-growing restaurateur. He is owner of Birch nightclub in Goa that caught fire, killing 25 people. He has since fled to Thailand Image courtesy: X, AP

Search and forensic teams are still sifting through the burnt wreckage of the Romeo Lane nightclub, as Goa struggles to process one of its worst tragedies in recent memory.

Late Saturday night, a massive fire ripped through the venue, killing 25 people. In the aftermath, the Goa Police registered an FIR against the nightclubs owners, its manager, and the organisers of the late-night event held there.

Soon after the FIR was filed, a police team travelled to Delhi, hoping to locate the two prime accused, brothers Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra. But by then, they were already gone.

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Authorities discovered that the pair had fled India within hours of the fire. According to immigration records accessed at Mumbai airport, both men boarded a flight to Phuket, Thailand, departing at 5:30 am on Sunday, barely a few hours after the tragedy unfolded.

Sources told The Indian Express that the CBI is likely to reach out to Interpol for a Blue Corner Notice. This type of notice helps agencies gather information on a persons identity, whereabouts, or activities during a criminal inquiry.

So, who exactly is Saurabh Luthra? Heres what we know about him

Gold medalist techie-turned-restaurateur

According to the clubs official website, Saurabh Luthra is described as a gold medalist engineer-turned into a promising and fastest-growing restaurateur who has gained attention for his splendid work in the F&B industry.

The website also claims he was recognised as an iconic restaurateur in 2023 and has collected several notable awards over the years.

Born in Delhi, Saurabh holds a BTech in Computer Science and spent nearly a decade working in the corporate world as a business development manager before switching to entrepreneurship. His first ventures were a cafe-lounge called Mamas Buoi and a bar named Dramebaaz in Hudson Lane, North-East Delhi.

But it was Romeo Lane that truly pushed the Luthra brothers into the spotlight. The brand expanded rapidly, opening restrobars and rooftop restaurants in more than 30 cities, Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Goa, Bhopal, Indore, Dehradun, Lucknow, and even Dubai. The Indian Express reported.

Charred remains of the Birch by Romeo Lane restaurant after a fire broke out, claiming the lives of 25 people, in Arpora on Monday. ANI

Today, the brothers operate multiple restaurant and bar brands such as Romeo Lane, Birch, Caha and Mamas Buoi. In Goa, they promoted Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora as Indias first island bar when it launched a few years ago.

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The duo live in North Delhis Outram Lane, near the GTB Nagar Metro Station. Goa Police raided this area on Monday as part of their search for the brothers.

Multiple lapses in the nightclub

Early investigations point to several serious violations at Birch by Romeo Lane. Officials say the club was operating in an ecologically sensitive area, a former saltpan that falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), where construction in intertidal patches is not permitted.

Its remote riverside location and the narrow access roads made the situation worse. These same narrow paths continued to cause delays even after the flames broke out, as emergency teams could not get their fire tenders close enough to the building.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, From my preliminary inquiry, it appears the fire started on the upper floor. Because the doors were very congested, some people managed to escape, but once the fire intensified, others could not get out. Many who moved towards the underground area died due to suffocation because there was no proper ventilation.

Videos circulating on social media show a performer dancing moments before the first flames appear on the ceiling. Just before that, fireworks were set off inside the club to add dazzle to the performance.

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 - At Least 23 Dead in Nightclub Fire in Goa, India



A massive fire triggered by a gas cylinder explosion ripped through a nightclub in Arpora, Goa, late Friday night, killing at least 23 people and injuring several others. The blaze broke out around midnight, trapping pic.twitter.com/9bUb2AzlzV  The Informant (@theinformant_x) December 7, 2025

In a statement on Monday, the Chief Ministers Office revealed that the sarpanch of Arpora, where Birch is situated, had granted multiple permissions to the outlet, including NoCs for electricity, water connections, repairs, and a trade licence.

However, the CMs office noted, The premises continued to run after the expiry of the trade licence (in) March 2024. Under Section 72-A of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, the local body is empowered to seal such premises. However, they failed to do so.

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This comes even as panchayat officials claim they had ordered the demolition of Birch, but the action was halted by higher authorities.

The club had already been under scrutiny. In December 2024, Romeo Lane was among seven Goa establishments that received notices from the Goa State Pollution Control Board for violating noise pollution guidelines.

More recently, Goa authorities suspended Shamila Monteiro, Director of Fisheries and former Member Secretary of the Pollution Control Board, over what officials described as regulatory lapses linked to the case.

with input from agencies
It was on December 9, 1987, that the first intifada began in Gaza after the news of the death of four Palestinians from an Israeli truck spread in the Jabalia refugee camp. Many believed that the incident was deliberate, leading to public outrage. On this day in 1979, smallpox was officially declared eradicated

The first intifada, a major Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule, began in Gaza on December 9, 1987. It took place after a spark of anger ignited a broader movement that went on to reshape the politics and history of the region.

If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.

On this day in 1979, the Global Commission for the Certification of Smallpox Eradication declared smallpox completely eradicated from the face of the Earth.

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Here is all that took place on this day across the world.

First intifada in Gaza

The First Intifada began in Gaza on December 9, 1987, after a spark of anger ignited a broader movement that would reshape the politics and history of the region. On that day, residents of the Jabalia refugee camp learned that four Palestinians had been killed in a traffic collision involving an Israeli truck. Many in the community believed the incident was deliberate, and grief quickly turned to outrage. Crowds poured into the streets, and what started as a spontaneous protest soon grew into a mass expression of frustration built up over the years.

Gaza at the time was marked by deep economic hardship, overcrowded refugee camps, and long-standing tensions under Israeli occupation. For young Palestinians who had known no other reality, the anger ran especially deep. Demonstrations, marches, and strikes spread rapidly not only through Gaza but soon through the West Bank as well. The term intifada, meaning shaking off, captured the spirit of a people demanding dignity, rights, and recognition.

Israeli soldiers argue with Palestinian women in Jabalia refugee camp on December 9, 1987 after a curfew was imposed following violent demonstrations in the Gaza strip. File image/AFP

What made the First Intifada particularly powerful was that it was largely driven by ordinary people, mainly consisting of students, labourers, shopkeepers, and community leaders. Much of the resistance relied on grassroots organising, including boycotting Israeli goods, refusing to pay certain taxes, setting up underground schools when regular ones were shut, and staging daily protests. Stone-throwing youth confronting heavily armed soldiers became one of the uprisings most enduring images.

The Israeli response included curfews, arrests, and military operations aimed at containing the unrest, but the momentum of the uprising continued for years. The Intifada shifted global attention toward the Palestinian cause and eventually helped push both sides toward negotiations, culminating in the Oslo Accords in the 1990s.

Smallpox officially declared eradicated

On December 9, 1979, smallpox was eradicated from the face of the Earth, concluded the Global Commission for the Certification of Smallpox Eradication. For centuries, smallpox had been a terrifying force. It killed an estimated 300 million people in the 20th century alone and left millions more scarred or blinded. Entire communities lived in fear of outbreaks, and few families escaped their reach. The disease was so contagious and devastating that it shaped societies, economies, and even historical events. Yet the seeds of its eradication were sown with the development of the smallpox vaccine by Edward Jenner in 1796.

By the mid-20th century, the World Health Organisation (Who) launched an ambitious global vaccination campaign, mobilising doctors, epidemiologists, nurses, and volunteers across continents. The instructions were clear - reach remote villages, cross deserts, climb mountains, and vaccinate every person they could find. The ring vaccination strategy, which involved isolating outbreaks and vaccinating everyone nearby, proved particularly effective.

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The last naturally occurring case was recorded in Somalia in October 1977. After more than two years of surveillance and verification, experts gathered on December 9, 1979, to review the evidence. Their unanimous decision marked a turning point in human history: smallpox had been eradicated. This was the first and still the only human disease ever eliminated globally.

This Day, That Year

On this day in 1998, the United Nations General Assembly declared anti-Semitism a form of racism.

The worlds first traffic light was erected near Westminster Bridge in London in 1868.
Australias ban on social media for those under 16 comes into effect on December 10. The move has sparked debates worldwide on whether the restrictions will work. Ahead of the big day, we take you through everything about the ban  the why, the how and more

Australia is introducing a social media ban plan for kids under 16. Reuters

Australias plan to enforce a nationwide prohibition on social media use for kids under 16 is the first of its kind, and the world is keenly watching it.

The Australian government argues that its the need of the hour for children, as it will reduce screen time and protect them from content that can harm their health and well-being.

Starting from December 10, under-16s in Australia will be barred from creating or maintaining accounts on social media platforms, including TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

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If any platform fails to comply with the basics of the ban, then they have to cough up penalties of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (US$32 million)

Australias move has now gained a growing global push. The European Commission is also working with Denmark, France, Greece, Italy and Spain on an EU-wide age-verification app.

Amid the global debate, several other nations, including the United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium and others, are also adjusting their rules.

As Australia attempts to take a bolder step, heres a look at the ban and what is driving it.
India is marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. A debate in Parliament over the countrys national song has put the spotlight on former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehrus objection to adopting Vande Mataram as the national anthem. Heres why he preferred Rabindranath Tagores Jana Gana Mana instead

The Parliament is debating the history of Vande Mataram to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Indias national song. On Monday (December 8), Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the charge in the Lok Sabha, accusing the Congress of removing some stanzas from the national song for its politics of appeasement.

During a special discussion on Vande Mataram, Modi hit out at the Congress and former PM Jawaharlal Nehru for doing tukde tukde of the national song. He accused the Grand Old Party of sowing the seeds of Partition by adopting the shortened version as the national song. Vande Mataram was divided first, and then the country was divided.

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But why did Nehru not want Vande Mataram as Indias national anthem? Why was the truncated version declared Indias national song? We will explain.

Origins of Vande Mataram

'Vande Mataram' was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875. An expanded version of the poem was included in his novel Anandamath in 1881.

The six additional stanzas portrayed the Fakir-Sannyasi Rebellion in which Hindu monks fought against the Muslim rulers in Bengal in the early 1770s, at a time when the state was struggling with famines and agrarian crises.

According to political thinker Aurobindo Ghoshs translation of Vande Mataram, the song begins with the line I bow to thee, Mother and then refers to her as a giver of boons and bliss. Mother possesses strength that she bestows on her people.

In the later stanzas, she is described as a saviour and compared to goddesses Durga and Laxmi.

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Why Nehru chose Jana Gana Mana for national anthem

Indias first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was not in favour of adopting Vande Mataram as the countrys national anthem. Instead, he preferred Jana Gana Mana of Rabindranath Tagore as Indias national anthem and Vande Mataram as the national song.

In a Cabinet note on May 21, 1948, Nehru detailed his reasons for the choice. As per the former PM, Vande Mataram, which became a rallying cry for freedom fighters, was not an easy tune to play frequently by orchestras and bands.

A National Anthem is, of course, a form of words, but it is even more so a tune or a musical score. It is played by orchestras and bands frequently and only very seldom sung. The music of the National Anthem is, therefore, the most important factor. It is to be full of life as well as dignity and it should be capable of being effectively played by orchestras, big and small, and by military bands and pipes. It is to be played not only in India but abroad and should be such as is generally appreciated in both these places. Jana Gana Mana appears to satisfy these tests  Vande Mataram for all its beauty and history is not an easy tune for orchestral or band rendering, he wrote.

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Nehru described the song as plaintive, mournful and repetitive. It is particularly difficult for foreigners to appreciate it as a piece of music. It has not got those peculiar distinctive features which Jana Gana Mana has. It represents very truthfully the period of our struggle in longing and not so much the fulfilment thereof in the future.

Nehru also pointed out that the language of Vande Mataram was very difficult for an average person, while  Jana Gana Mana' is simpler though it is capable of improvement and some changes are necessary in the present context.

 Bearing all these considerations in mind, I suggest that we might provisionally accept Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem which should be played on all suitable occasions, he said.

The former PM made similar arguments in a letter to Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who was then a minister in his Cabinet, on June 21, 1948.

He objected to selecting Vande Mataram as the national anthem chiefly because of its tune which does not suit orchestral or band rendering.

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Vande Mataram is of course intimately connected with our entire national struggle and we are all emotionally attached to it and will continue to be so attached. It will, in any event, remain as a famous national song, but I personally think that a song which represents poignant longing for freedom is not necessarily a song which fits in with the achievement of freedom. Jana Gana Mana has an element of triumph and fulfilment about it. But the main consideration is the music, he wrote.

The then PM was responding to a letter by Mookerjee  who went on to launch the Bharatiya Jana Sangh  who proposed that the government issue a press statement in the wake of strong reactions to the Cabinets provisional decision to adopt Jana Gana Mana as the national anthem, as per Indian Express.

Nehru told Mookerjee that there was no misunderstanding, adding: Our decision was that Jana Gana Mana should be used officially as an anthem till such time as a final decision is made by the Constituent Assembly.

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Replying to VC Kesava Raos question about whether the government told provincial administrations to consider Jana Gana Mana as the national anthem, Nehru reiterated that Tagores song was more fit for band renditions. He also said, but Congress leader BC Roy, who became the first West Bengal chief minister, told him that he and his government preferred Vande Mataram.

It is unfortunate that some kind of argument has arisen as between Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana. Vande Mataram is obviously and indisputably the premier national song of India, with a great historical tradition, and intimately connected with our struggle for freedom. That position it is bound to retain, and no other song can displace it. It represents the passion and poignancy of that struggle, but perhaps not so much the culmination of it, he said.

Arguing in favour of Tagores song, he said the Jana Gana Mana tune is very distinctive and has a certain life and movement in it.

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Jawaharlal Nehru preferred Rabindranath Tagores Jana Gana Mana as the national anthem. File Photo/Wikimedia Commons

This question has to be considered by the Constituent Assembly, and it is open to that Assembly to decide as it chooses. It may decide on a completely new song or tune if such is available, Nehru said in August 1948.

Why was Vande Mataram trimmed?

The late historian Sabyasachi Bhattacharya wrote in his 2003 book, Vande Mataram: The Biography of a Song, that the song was revitalised after the British government announced the partition of Bengal in 1905 on religious lines.

The charged political atmosphere at the time further put the song into focus.

Bhattacharya wrote, The emergence of the Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha among the contestants in the elections of 1926; major communal riots in different parts of India created an ambience of tension in which the song increasingly became one of many causes of Hindu-Muslim conflict.

The Muslim League believed the song promoted idol worship, which is forbidden in Islam. Mohammed Ali Jinnah opposed parts of the song, which he claimed was a hymn to spread hatred for the Musalmans.

According to Bhattacharya, it became vital for the Congress to clear its position on Vande Mataram, particularly as it was in power in several provinces by the 1930s and as the topic kept coming up during its outreach to Muslims.

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In a letter to Subhas Chandra Bose in October 1937, Nehru said the outrage against Vande Mataram was to a large extent a manufactured one by the communalists. At the same time there does seem some substance in it and people who were communalistically inclined have been affected by it. Whatever we do cannot be to pander to communalist feeling but to meet real grievances where they exist.

While Bose defended the song, Tagore said he could not sympathise with the sentiments in the latter stanzas of Vande Mataram.

In a letter to Nehru, Tagore said that he was the first person to sing it before a gathering of the Calcutta Congress, likely referring to the 1896 session.

He added that a national song, though derived from it, which has spontaneously come to consist only of the first two stanzas of the original poem, need not remind us every time of the whole of it, much less of the story with which it was accidentally associated. It has acquired a separate individuality and an inspiring significance of its own in which I see nothing to offend any sect or community.

In October 1937, the Congress Working Committee tried to adopt a resolution on Vande Mataram. Nehru helped draft the resolution that said that the first two stanzas had become a living and inseparable part of our national movement, and that there was nothing in these stanzas to which anyone can take exception. The other stanzas of the song are little known and hardly ever sung. They contain certain allusions and a religious ideology which may not be in keeping with the ideology of other religious groups in India. The Committee recognise the validity of the objection raised by Muslim friends to certain parts of the song.

The committee recommended just limiting the song to only the first two stanzas when sung at national events, while giving perfect freedom to the organisers to sing any other song of an unobjectionable character, in addition to, or in the place of, the Bande Mataram song.

The Indian National Congress adopted a shorter version of Vande Mataram as the national song. This was the version adopted by the Constituent Assembly at the instance of Rajendra Prasad in 1951 as the national song, along with Jana Gana Mana, which was designated the national anthem, according to Bhattacharya.

Even 150 years after it was penned, Vande Mataram remains a topic of political debate. The song is expected to continue to be at the centre stage ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for 2026.

With inputs from agencies
Nick Fuentes, an American far-right influencer, recently used the term jeet as a derogatory remark against Usha Vance, the wife of US Vice President JD Vance. Fuentes made the comment, which takes aim at Ushas Indian heritage, on the latest episode of British journalist Piers Morgans talk show. But what does it mean?

Supporters of the America First ideology and U.S. President Donald Trump cheer on Nick Fuentes, a leader of the America First movement and a white nationalist. Reuters

A new slur for Indians is doing the rounds of the internet.

Nick Fuentes, a far-right influencer in the US, recently used the term jeet as a derogatory remark against Usha Vance, the wife of US Vice President JD Vance.

Fuentes made the comment, which takes aim at Ushas Indian heritage, on the latest episode of British journalist Piers Morgans talk show.

But what happened? And what does it mean?

Morgan confronts Fuentes

Morgan, on his talk show Piers Morgan Uncensored, confronted Fuentes, the far-right leader and Maga activist. You called JD Vances wife a jeet. What does that mean? Morgan enquired.

Its a slur for Indians, Fuentes replied. The 27-year-old far-right activist has previously been accused of making racist remarks against Indians, Black people, Mexicans and other groups. He has also been accused of making misogynistic comments against women, saying they should stay at home and be unable to vote.

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Just to clear up one of the many theories about you, Ive no idea what the answer is and you havent got to answer, but are you actually attracted to women? Morgan also asked.

I am attracted to women but I will say that women are very difficult to be around, so theres that, Fuentes responded.

What jeet means

According to the website Know Your Meme, the earliest such use of the word jeet as a slur for Indians occurred on a 4chan board in July 2015. This came after a user attempted to defend India from smelling bad jokes by claiming Indians only defecate on designated streets.

The slur, Pajeet my son, was a play on the comic Mehmet my Son, featuring a Turkish father and son. It was used to mock open defecation in India.

By September 2015, it was the most commonly used slur against Asians  after chink and Paki.

While some say it is a combination of the words Paaji and jeet and is aimed at Sikhs and Punjabis in particular, many dismiss this. They say the slur is aimed at Indians in general and attempts to portray them as dirty and smelly.

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US Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance. Image/Reuters

A female version of the slur, Pajeeta, is also being used. Another variation, Pajeet Kumar  perhaps because Kumar is a common name among Hindus  is also doing the rounds.

The term is now being openly used on websites such as Reddit, X, Instagram to openly vilify Indians and foment anti-India and anti-Hindu sentiment.

Sangay Mishra, a professor at Drew University who researches immigrant political incorporation and racial politics, told American Bazaar Online: Ive been hearing about it for a while It doesnt make logical sense, but racial slurs rarely do. People have tried to trace its origins, but theres no single definitive answer.

In America, the slur recently gained renewed traction among the far-right during the backlash against H-1B visa holders. This came after US President Donald Trump announced a $100,000 (Rs 83 lakh) fee for new H-1B visa applicants.

Perhaps what is at the heart of the renewed racism and anger against Indians is the claim in right-wing circles that Indians and those of Indian origin are somehow stealing jobs and opportunities from the more deserving Americans.

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_The Washington Post_ quoted one 36-year-old ICE hopeful saying, I keep seeing memes where Indians are bragging about taking our tech jobs. So, I said, Oh yeah? Well Im going to work with these guys that are going to arrest you, slam your face on the pavement and send you home.

The US is home to 2.4 million Indian immigrants and another 3.3 million people of Indian origin in 2024. Indians are among the most educated groups in the US, remain the highest-earning migrant group with an income of around $150,000 (Rs. 1.25 crore) per year  double that of the average US household  and are increasingly represented in politics and in boardrooms, with nearly two dozen CEOs being of Indian origin.

Not a US problem alone

But it isnt just a problem in America. Its usage has now spread to right-wing groups in Canada, the UK and Australia.

Harmeet Gugni, visiting her family in Canadas Toronto, was warned not to react if she faced the slur in public.

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I was disturbed, she told the website. A casual walk in Brampton suddenly felt like something I had to prepare for. Thankfully, nothing happened, but it stayed with me.

With inputs from agencies
After a long delay, Asim Munir has finally become Pakistans first Chief of Defence Forces, making him the most powerful man in the country. In his speech to mark this moment, he issued a stark warning to India. This follows Munirs old patterns  keep making anti-India tirades, including issuing nuclear threats against New Delhi

Asim Munir is now Pakistans most powerful army chief. And in his maiden speech as the countrys Chief of Defence Forces, he made it a point to flex his muscles  verbally  and send a strong message to India as well as Afghanistan.

Munirs speech on Monday (December 8) after being elevated to the position of Chief of Defence Forces was full of war rhetoric against India, similar to his jugular vein remarks that he made before the Pahalgam attack in India in April.

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So, what exactly did Munir say? Should India be worried?

Munir issues fresh warning to India

On Monday (December 8), Munir addressed the country after formally being elevated to the first Chief of Defence Forces. The promotion for the Field Marshal comes after a weeks delay in what experts call the most significant overhaul of Pakistans military command structure since the 1970s.

And in a ceremony attended by senior officers from all three services, including Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Asim Munir took the opportunity to indulge in anti-India rhetoric, once again.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as the Chief of Defence Forces (#CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (#COAS) receives grand #GHQ salutehttps://t.co/Q25bWCJMRP pic.twitter.com/gfmEv7qZdi  Ali Sajjad (@AliSajjadceo) December 8, 2025

He stated, India should not be a victim of any self-deception or assumption, next time Pakistans response will be even swifter and more severe. A clear message has been given to the Taliban regime that it has no choice but to choose between Fitna Al Khawarij (a term used for the outlawed Pakistani Taliban) and Pakistan.

His remarks were an indirect reference to Indias Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10.

He further noted that Pakistan is a peace-loving country, but warned that no one will be allowed to threaten the countrys sovereignty, territorial integrity, or test its resolve.

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Let all know that the concept of Pakistan is invincible and it is protected by the faith-filled warriors and the firm resolve of a united nation, said Munir in his speech in the presence of other military officials.

Pakistans Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir addressing military officials at a ceremony to mark his elevation. Image Courtesy: @defensetalks/X

Munirs anti-India rhetoric

Mondays remarks from Munir are not totally surprising, considering hes been indulging in anti-India rhetoric for the past few months. In fact, his warmongering can be dated back to a few days before the Pahalgam terror attack.

Addressing a gathering at an Overseas Pakistani Convention in Islamabad in April, Munir in Urdu said,  Kashmir is our jugular vein; it will be our jugular vein; we will not forget it. This one remark by Munir received loud claps and even cheers broke out.

Many experts told The Print that his remarks reflected the Munir Doctrine  a defiant return to ideological maximalism on Kashmir, grounded in military resolve and Islamic-nationalist rhetoric.

Even before the jugular vein remark, which India has dismissed by saying that Jammu and Kashmir remains an integral part of India, Munir has been talking of Kashmir and a possible takeover.

Earlier in February, he issued an even starker warning from Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Three wars have already been fought for Kashmir, and if 10 more are needed, we will fight them.

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Later, in August, he repeated the jugular vein statement, but this from American soil. Speaking at a black-tie dinner in Washington DC, Munir claimed Kashmir is not New Delhis internal matter but an unresolved international issue.

He also referred to the Indus Waters Treaty and New Delhis decision to put it in abeyance over the Pahalgam attack, noting that the river isnt the Indians family property and claimed Islamabad had no shortage of resources to undo the Indian designs to stop the river.

Munir added,  We will wait for India to build a dam, and when they do so, we will destroy it.

He went further, issuing an apocalyptic caution about Pakistans nuclear posture. We are a nuclear nation, Munir said. If we think we are going down, well take half the world down with us.

And it doesnt stop there. In October, during the graduation ceremony address at Pakistan Military Academy Kakul in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Munir once again issued a threat to India, saying that New Delhi would incur heavy losses in case of a fresh wave of hostilities.

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Should a fresh wave of hostilities be triggered, Pakistan would respond much beyond the expectations of the initiators. The resulting retributive military and economic losses inflicted will be much beyond the imagination and calculations of the perpetrators of chaos and instability, said Munir.

Reasons behind Munirs anti-India tirades

But why does Munir keep up with his war rhetoric against Indian? Firstly, India and Pakistan have been rivals for years, with Islamabad claiming Kashmir to be illegally occupied by New Delhi, a claim India has rejected time and time again.

But that isnt the only reason Munir continues his anti-India tirades. He has made Kashmir a key part of his military priority. He has hardened Pakistans official line on Kashmir, even stating once, Without any doubt, Kashmir will be free one day and part of Pakistan, as per the free will and destiny of the people of Kashmir.

A man on a motorcycle rides past the poster of the Asim Munir, in Karachi, Pakistan. File image/Reuters

The Print also notes that Munirs anti-India rhetoric reflects a deeper ideological current. Munirs remarks are a part of a broader effort to position Pakistans military not only as a security force but also as a guardian of national identity and Islamic values.

Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma (retired), General Bipin Rawat chair of excellence at the United Service Institution of India, also told The Week that the reason behind Munirs remarks reflect his flawed leadership. He has undermined the civilian government and pushed the country closer to economic collapse and a near-civil war scenario west of the Indus river. His poor handling of the security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has alarmed China, leading Beijing to halt new projects.

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Moreover, Munirs tenure has exposed growing internal tensions and leadership failures within the Pakistan army. Last year was particularly grim: 579 civilians were killed in 784 terror attacks  the highest toll since 2015; 383 security personnel, too, lost their lives.

The expert adds that unable to address failures on foreign, economic and military fronts, Munir has resorted to the age-old tactic of raising tensions with India.

But should India pay heed to his warnings? No, not really. New Delhi, should, instead keep its eyes on the big picture and focus on rising as an economic power.

With inputs from agencies
The US president is at it again. Donald Trump has threatened new tariffs on India after American farmers claimed that New Delhi is dumping rice. But data reveals another story. India exported 274,213 million tonnes of basmati rice in FY25, making the US its fourth-largest market. However, West Asia continues to be Indias main rice destination

People plant rice saplings at a water-logged rice field on the outskirts of Amritsar. Trump is now threatening to impose more tariffs on India over claims of it rice dumping in the US. File image/AFP

After Indias purchase of Russian oil, will it be rice?

A new trade war between India and the United States is now a possibility after President Donald Trump indicated that he may introduce new tariffs on agricultural imports, especially on rice imports from India and fertiliser from Canada.

The US presidents remarks came while he was holding a meeting at the White House and he unveiled a multi-billion dollar farm relief package for American farmers, while sharpening his criticism of agricultural imports from India and other Asian suppliers.

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We take a closer look at what Trump said on Indian rice exports to the US, the practice of dumping and much, much more.

Trumps tariff threat over rice imports

US President Donald Trump met with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, lawmakers from farm states, and farmers on Monday at the White House during which he announced a $12 billion aid package for US farmers.

It was during this meeting that the farmers present at the table pressed the US president to take a harder line against agricultural imports, noting that they were pushing domestic prices down. CEO of Louisiana-based Kennedy Rice Mill, Meryl Kennedy told Trump that she believed other countries were dumping rice into the United States.

Which countries? Trump asked.

#WATCH | US President Donald Trump asks the United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, "Why is India allowed to do that ("dumping rice into the US")? They have to pay tariffs. Do they have an exemption on rice?"



United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent pic.twitter.com/75tKFYt37G  ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2025

India, Thailand, even China into Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico used to be one of the largest markets for rice, we havent shipped rice into Puerto Rico for years, Kennedy said, adding that the president needed to double down on his tariffs.

US President Donald Trump gestures next to farmer Cordt Holub and Meryl Kennedy of the rice farming company 4 Sisters as they attend a roundtable discussion on the day Trump announced an aid package for farmers, at the White House in Washington, DC. Reuters

Trump then noted, They shouldnt be dumping. I mean, I heard that, I heard that from others. You cant do that, before turning to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and asking, Why is India allowed to do that (dumping rice into the US)? They have to pay tariffs. Do they have an exemption on rice?

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Bessent told the US president, No, sir. Were still working on their trade deal. Trump responded saying, They should not be dumping (rice) They cannot do that.

Rice dumping, explained

But what is rice dumping that Trump and the farmers were talking about?

Rice dumping refers to the trade practice in which foreign countries sell rice to other nations at prices so low it harms domestic farmers. Many note that this practice can cause serious harm to national production in the importing country. Dumping is generally seen as an unfair trading practice.

In the most recent instance, US farmers have accused India of rice dumping with Meryl Kennedy telling Trump that this has been happening for years and did not start during the Trump administration. But unfortunately, were seeing it in a much bigger way now.

She also made reference to the WTO case against India in which countries led by the US accused it of providing its rice and wheat farmers a much higher level of support than is permissible under WTO rules. Last November, the US-led nations said India provided its rice and wheat farmers significant market price support both in terms of absolute values as well as a percentage of value of production.

India, at the time, hit back at the claims, saying that while it had exceeded the 10 per cent limit in the case of rice, it was a much smaller amount than what the US-led group accused it of.

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Farmers harvest paddies in their field at Satrikh village, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. File image/Reuters

Reality of Indias rice exports around the world and US

But are the US farmers claim of India rice dumping in the US true? Heres what the numbers reveal.

India is the largest producer of rice and has a 28 per cent share of the global market. It is also the top exporter, with a 30.3 per cent share of global exports in 2024-2025, as per data provided by Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF).

But the US isnt Indias main rice market. According to IREF, India exported 274,213 million tonnes of basmati rice worth $337.1 million to the US in FY25, making America the fourth-largest market for Indian basmati. Non-basmati shipments stood at 61,341 MT worth $54.6 million, placing the US as the 24th-largest market for that category.

West Asia remains the dominant destination for Indian rice, it added.

The IREF on the issue of rice dumping in the US also noted that exports to the US are strictly demand-driven and shipments are only made against advanced purchase orders. It said that US-grown rice is not a like-for-like substitute for Indian basmati due to differences in aroma, texture, elongation and flavour, noted NDTV.

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A labourer unloads sacks filled with rice at a market in the Indian city of Chandigarh. File image/Reuters

Possible impact of tariffs on Indias rice imports to US

But what would the impact of Trumps possible tariffs on Indian rice imports be?

Soon after the US president indicated more tariffs for India, shares of Indian rice exporters such KRBL and LT Foods declined up to seven per cent in early trading.

The IREF further noted that a higher tariff on rice exports to US  Indian rice exports already attract a tariff in the US  would eventually hurt American consumers.

Moreover, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), an Indian think tank working in the field of trade, said the announcement made by Trump warning of higher tariffs appeared to be an election-season message to the farming community in the US.

The think tank said as per an ANI report, Trump threatens to impose high tariffs on Indian rice. But the threat is politics, not policy.

The GTRI noted that even if fresh duties are imposed, the impact on Indian exporters would be limited due to strong demand in other markets. However, higher tariffs would likely make rice costlier for American households that rely on Indian varieties.

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With inputs from agencies
The government now considers dementia one of its most urgent policy challenges. The Health Ministry projects that dementia-related health and social care costs will reach 14 trillion yen by 2030, up from nine trillion yen in 2025

A shrinking workforce and tight restrictions on foreign care workers are adding pressure to an already strained system. Reuters file

Japan is facing an escalating dementia crisis, with more than 18,000 older people with the condition reported missing last year, and almost 500 later found dead. Police say such incidents have doubled since 2012. Nearly 30 per cent of Japans population is now 65 or older, the second-highest proportion globally after Monaco, World Bank data shows.

A shrinking workforce and tight restrictions on foreign care workers are adding pressure to an already strained system. The government now considers dementia one of its most urgent policy challenges. The Health Ministry projects that dementia-related health and social care costs will reach 14 trillion yen by 2030, up from nine trillion yen in 2025.

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Technology steps in

The BBC reports that Japans most recent national strategy signals a stronger turn toward technology to ease the burden on families and caregivers. GPS-based tools are becoming common across the country: some regions issue wearable tags that alert authorities if a person leaves a designated area, and in some towns, convenience-store workers receive real-time notifications to help locate missing individuals within hours.

Efforts are also underway to detect dementia earlier. Fujitsu and Acer Medicals aiGait system uses AI to analyse posture and walking patterns for early warning signs, shuffling, slower turning, and difficulty standing. Early detection of age-related diseases is key, says Hidenori Fujiwara, a Fujitsu spokesperson. If doctors can use motion-capture data, they can intervene earlier and help people remain active for longer.

Researchers at Waseda University are developing AIREC, a 150kg humanoid robot intended as a future caregiver. It can already assist with tasks such as putting on socks, scrambling eggs, and folding laundry. Scientists hope it will eventually change adult nappies and help prevent bedsores. Other care homes are using existing robots to play music, guide stretching exercises, or monitor patients sleep at night.

Assistant Professor Tamon Miyake cautions that fully interactive robots are still some years away, saying it will take at least five years before they can safely work with humans. It requires full-body sensing and adaptive understanding, how to adjust for each person and situation, he says.

Emotional-support devices are also proliferating. The 12cm-tall Poketomo robot fits in a pocket or bag, reminds users to take medication, provides weather updates, and offers conversation to reduce isolation. Were focusing on social issues and to use new technology to help solve those problems, Miho Kagei of Sharp told the BBC.

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Still, specialists warn that machines cannot replace human relationships. Robots should supplement, not substitute, human caregivers, Miyake said. While they may take over some tasks, their main role is to assist both caregivers and patients.

Community solutions

One of the most striking examples of community-based innovation, highlighted by the BBC, is the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders in Sengawa, Tokyo. Founded by Akiko Kanna and inspired by her fathers struggle with dementia, the cafe employs people living with the condition, giving them a place to stay engaged and feel valued.

Server Toshio Morita uses flowers as cues to remember customers orders. Despite his cognitive challenges, he enjoys meeting visitors, and the cafe provides respite and reassurance for his wife. Honestly? I wanted a little pocket money. I like meeting all sorts of people, Mr Morita says. Everyones different, thats what makes it fun.

The cafe shows why social connection remains essential alongside technological advances. Devices and robots can offer support, but meaningful interaction and community engagement are what truly sustain people living with dementia.

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A new long-term research, tracking over 8,300 children in the US, has found a clear link between social media use and the rise in inattention symptoms between ages 10 and 14. While TV viewing and video games did not affect concentration, apps like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat were associated with declining focus

Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Kick, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, Reddit, Threads and X applications are displayed on a mobile phone, in this picture illustration taken on December 9, 2025. File Image/Reuters

A major body of research conducted by teams in Sweden and the United States is now providing clearer evidence about how different forms of screen time influence childrens concentration.

The findings point to a distinct pattern: while time spent on video games or television does not appear to affect attention in a measurable way, social media usage may gradually erode a childs ability to stay focused.

A series of coordinated studies  drawing from the extensive Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study in the US  followed more than 8,300 children from late childhood into early adolescence.

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These multi-year results, recently published in Pediatrics Open Science, identify a consistent link between social media habits and developing inattention symptoms.

The research highlights a small individual-level effect that becomes more significant when viewed across entire populations.

What examining childrens digital habits revealed

The research teams monitored children who were nine or ten years old at the start of the study period, capturing detailed annual information on how much time they spent on various forms of digital media and how their behaviour changed as they aged.

Children self-reported their daily screen use, covering social media, television or online videos, and video games, using a structured Youth Screen Time Survey.

Meanwhile, parents evaluated attention-related and impulsive behaviours using the widely recognised Child Behaviour Checklist.

The group studied was substantial in size  8,324 children  with a nearly even distribution of boys and girls and an average starting age of about 9.9 years.

On average, these children spent roughly 2.3 hours each day watching television or online videos, around 1.5 hours playing video games and approximately 1.4 hours using social media platforms.

A child poses after an interview discussing Australias social media ban for users under 16, which is scheduled to take effect on December 10, in Sydney, Australia, November 22, 2025. Representational Image/Reuters

These platforms included Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and messaging services that enable quick interaction, sharing and feedback.

The researchers sought to explore whether these different digital activities were associated with any long-term changes in attention or hyperactivity.

They also factored in socioeconomic background and genetic predisposition by calculating a polygenic risk score for ADHD for each participant.

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The aim was to determine whether emerging attention difficulties could be explained by underlying risks or whether they developed independently of these factors.

How social media emerged as the strongest contributor to inattention

Across the four-year monitoring period, the clearest pattern involved the relationship between social media use and increasing levels of inattention.

The studies consistently found that children who spent more time on social media showed a steady rise in attention difficulties over time.

This association did not appear for video game use or for time spent watching television or online videos, even though these screen activities occupied similar amounts of the childrens daily time.

One of the most significant observations from the statistical analysis was that social media use was linked with an increase in inattention symptoms, and the effect strengthened cumulatively as the children grew older.

The researchers described the quantitative increase in symptoms as modest at an individual level, but potentially impactful when expanded across a large population of children who use these platforms daily.

The study reported, We identified an association between social media use and increased inattention symptoms, interpreted here as a likely causal effect.

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The research stresses that while the measured effect may be limited for any single child, collective behavioural changes could have broad implications, especially given the dramatic rise in daily social media exposure among young adolescents over the past decade.

The research teams also found no evidence that children who already had attention difficulties were more likely to begin using social media more heavily later.

This detail adds weight to the conclusion that the direction of influence runs from social media use toward symptom development, rather than the reverse.

Why social media uniquely affects the brains ability to focus

Specialists who worked on the study offered explanations for why only social media appears to influence attention in this way.

The structure of social media platforms requires regular checking, frequent engagement and constant monitoring of notifications, messages and updates.

These rapid shifts in stimulus may train a childs brain to expect continual novelty, undermining the ability to sustain focus during tasks requiring prolonged attention.

Torkel Klingberg, professor of cognitive neuroscience at the Karolinska Institute, highlighted this distinction, stating, Our study suggests that it is specifically social media that affects childrens ability to concentrate.

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Social media entails constant distractions in the form of messages and notifications, and the mere thought of whether a message has arrived can act as a mental distraction. This affects the ability to stay focused and could explain the association.

This explanation aligns with broader research showing that intermittent, unpredictable forms of digital engagement  like those built into many social platforms  can disrupt the brains attentional networks.

Television and video games, although absorbing, tend to present continuous narrative or gameplay experiences that do not interrupt focus as frequently.

Importantly, the study found no evidence that social media use contributed to increased hyperactivity or impulsiveness. The shift was specific to inattention symptoms, which include difficulty maintaining focus, being easily distracted, or struggling to stay organised.

How there is no influence from genetics and background

By incorporating genetic risk scores for ADHD, the study also tested whether children with genetic markers associated with inattention were more susceptible to the influence of social media.

The results showed no such interaction. Children with varying genetic profiles were equally affected when exposed to higher levels of social media use.

Similarly, socioeconomic factors  often influential in behavioural studies  did not modify the association.

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Whether a child came from a higher- or lower-income household, lived in a well-resourced environment or faced structural disadvantages, the pattern remained consistent.

Pre-existing ADHD diagnoses or ADHD medication regimens also did not change the outcome.

How early access and rapidly rising usage adds to the issue

The studys findings point toward a striking increase in social media use as children get older. At age nine, the average child used social media for about half an hour per day.

By age 13, this climbed to around two and a half hours daily  an increase occurring despite the fact that many of the platforms studied have official age minimums of 13.

This surge in early adoption has raised concerns about the effectiveness of age restrictions. The report stated, This early and increasing social media use underscores the need for stricter age verification and clearer guidelines for tech companies.

Researchers observed that this growth in usage coincided with a period in which ADHD diagnoses have become more common.

US national health survey data indicate that the prevalence of ADHD among children rose from 9.5 per cent in the mid-2000s to 11.3 per cent by 2020-22.

While ADHD has multiple contributing factors and is not solely determined by behaviour, the researchers argue that widespread changes in digital behaviour may explain part of the shift.

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Klingberg added that increased dependence on social platforms could be one factor behind the overall rise in diagnoses, even though the study did not detect changes in hyperactivity.

What parents can take away from the findings

The researchers behind the project caution that these results should not be interpreted as predicting that every child who uses social media will experience concentration difficulties.

Instead, they argue that the strength of the study lies in its broad scope and its insights into subtle changes unfolding across large populations.

Samson Nivins, one of the studys first authors, pointed out the importance of informed decision-making, stating, We hope that our findings will help parents and policymakers make well-informed decisions on healthy digital consumption that support childrens cognitive development.

The researchers point out that refinements to platform design, clearer age boundaries and better guidance for families could help mitigate the identified risks.

They also note that they intend to follow the children beyond age 14 to determine whether the relationship between social media use and inattention remains consistent into mid-adolescence and later.

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
Scientists have used a new type of gene therapy to cure leukaemia patients. The treatment, which uses edited immune cells from donors, is giving hope to millions of people around the world who have had to live with incurable cancers

Hope was running out for Alyssa, who was part of the tests in 2022. But now doctors have given her a clean bill of health. Image courtesy: Gosh.NHS.UK

For many, blood cancer has been a death sentence. Until now.

Scientists have used a new type of gene therapy to cure leukaemia patients.

The treatment, which uses edited immune cells from donors, is giving hope to millions of people around the world who have had to thus far live with incurable cancers.

But what happened? What do we know?

Lets take a closer look

A brief look at leukaemia

Leukaemia is a cancer of the bodys blood-forming tissues. The term itself is derived from the Greek words for white (leukos) and blood (haima).

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It begins in the bone marrow when abnormal white blood cells rapidly grow in the body. White blood cells are important to your body because they fight infection. However, when one develops leukaemia, the white blood cells both grow abnormally and do not act properly.

Scientists found a new way to utilise gene-edited immune cells from a donor to treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL), which is a rare, fast-growing blood cancer. Pixabay/Representational Image

Leukaemia impacts the bone marrow and the bodys lymphatic system. There are several types of leukaemia  some are common in children while others are most prevalent in adults. Unlike other cancers, leukaemia does not show up as a tumour on X-rays or CT scans.

India has the third most cases of blood cancer every year  after the US and China. A person is diagnosed with blood cancer every five minutes in India. It kills around 70,000 people per year. It is ranked the 6th most prevalent malignancy in India.

The breakthrough, how they did it

The breakthrough was achieved by scientists at University College London (UCL) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). They did so by finding a new way to utilise gene-edited immune cells from a donor to treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL), which is a rare, fast-growing blood cancer.

While traditional treatment for leukaemia uses the bodys own immune cells, this is not possible with T-ALL. The new therapy, known as BE-CAR7, is showing promising results when it comes to treating children and adults alike.

Scientists did so by taking immune cells from a donor and then used a new method called base-editing  a type of CRISPR technology  in order to alter them.

The method works by chemically altering single letters of the DNA code to change the donor T-cells. They essentially did so so that the donor T-cells would not be attacked by the patients immune system. Scientists then removed a flag on the altered T-cells to ensure they dont attack each other.

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They then removed a second flag, making the cells invisible to other cancer treatments. They then created a way for the altered cells to now recognise and attack cancerous T-cells. The patients then have to have a bone marrow transplant in order to heal the immune system.

One girl, Alyssa, was part of the tests in 2022. Hope was running out for the then 13-year-old from Leicester who had received both chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant but to no avail.

However, after receiving some of the altered immune cells, Alyssa has recovered and is now in remission. We are in a strange cloud nine to be honest. Its amazing, her mother Kiona told The Telegraph.

Alyssa has since received a second bone marrow transplant and had her immune system restored. Image courtesy: Gosh.NHS.UK

This is our most sophisticated cell engineering so far, and it paves the way for other new treatments and ultimately better futures for sick children, immunologist Professor Waseem Qasim, one of the lead researchers, told the newspaper back then.

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The aftermath and what experts say

Alyssa has since received a second bone marrow transplant and had her immune system restored.

I really did think that I was going to die and I wouldnt be able to grow up and do all the things that every child deserves to be able to do, Alyssa told the BBC. She says she now wants to become a cancer doctor. Im looking into doing an apprenticeship in biomedical science, and hopefully one day Ill go into blood cancer research as well, she said.

Since Alyssas recovery, nearly a dozen other children and adults have undergone the treatment at GOSH and Kings College Hospital (KCH).

Today, two thirds (64%) of patients who have had the treatment are now in remission.

Those involved in the study have hailed the development.

A few years ago, this would have been science fiction, Qasim told BBC. We have to basically dismantle the entire immune system. Its a deep, intensive treatment, its very demanding on the patients, but when it works, its worked very well.

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Dr Rob Chiesa, study investigator and bone marrow transplant consultant at GOSH, told SciTechDaily, Although most children with T-cell leukaemia will respond well to standard treatments, around 20 per cent may not. Its these patients who desperately need better options and this research provides hope for a better prognosis for everyone diagnosed with this rare but aggressive form of blood cancer.

Seeing Alyssa go from strength to strength is incredible and a testament to her tenacity and the dedication of an array of a small army of people at GOSH. Team working between bone marrow transplant, haematology, ward staff, teachers, play workers, physiotherapists, lab and research teams, among others, is essential for supporting our patients.

Dr Deborah Yallop, consultant haematologist at KCH, added, Weve seen impressive responses in clearing leukaemia that seemed incurable  its a very powerful approach.

With inputs from agencies
The government specified that the 8th CPC is expected to submit its recommendations within 18 months from the date of its constitution

The Indian government has confirmed that the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) has been formally constituted and its work is underway, but it has not committed to the highly anticipated implementation date of January 1, 2026. This clarification came through a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Monday by Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary.

The minister confirmed that the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th CPC were officially notified on November 3, 2025, which marks the initiation of the pay panels work. The Commission, headed by Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai, is tasked with recommending revisions in the salary, allowances, and pension structures for central government employees and pensioners.

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However, in a key point of uncertainty for beneficiaries, the minister stated, The date of implementation of the 8th Central Pay Commission shall be decided by the Government. This response leaves open the question of whether the new pay scales will indeed be effective from the traditional start date of January 1, 2026, when the 7th CPCs term is expected to conclude.

The government specified that the 8th CPC is expected to submit its recommendations within 18 months from the date of its constitution. This suggests the final report may be delivered around mid-2027. Decisions on the actual rollout, including the allocation of required funds, will only be made after the government receives and accepts the recommendations.

The Minister also provided details on the scale of the impending revision, confirming that the 8th CPCs proposals will cover approximately 50.14 lakh central government employees and around 69 lakh pensioners. The ToR mandates the commission to consider the countrys prevailing economic conditions, the need for fiscal prudence, and the financial impact on state governments.

While the government has assured Parliament that appropriate provision of funds will be made for implementing the accepted recommendations, the lack of a firm commencement date continues to fuel anxiety among the over 1.19 crore combined employees and pensioners awaiting the next pay hike.
Goa Police said the brothers boarded an IndiGo flight from New Delhi to Phuket at 5:30 am on Sunday, just hours after the incident

A woman walks past the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, which has been sealed for investigation following a fire that killed multiple people, in Goa. Reuters

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday directed authorities to demolish the Romeo Lane beach shack in Vagatorrun by brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthraas the probe into the Arpora nightclub fire that killed 25 people has intensified, PTI reported.

The move comes as authorities broaden their search for the two brothers, who left for Thailand soon after their nightclub-restaurant, Birch by Romeo Lane, was engulfed in flames late Saturday.

Goa Police said the brothers boarded an IndiGo flight from New Delhi to Phuket at 5:30 am on Sunday, just hours after the incident. A lookout notice has since been issued through the Bureau of Immigration, officers added.

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The Bureau of Immigration at Mumbai was contacted and it was found that both the accused had taken 6E 1073 flight (New Delhi to Phuket) at 5.30am on 7th December, deputy superintendent of police and public relations officer Nilesh Rane said.

Indian agencies are now working with Thai authorities to track the Luthra brothers in Phuket and are pushing for their deportation using an arrest warrant. Police teams that visited the Luthras north Delhi home on Monday said the duo was nowhere to be found.

Inside the safety failures behind Arpora nightclub inferno

The majority of the victims in the Goa nighclub fire were staff members trapped in the basement kitchen.

CM Pramod Sawant confirmed that the fire was triggered by electric firecrackers (cold pyro sticks) set off during a performance, which quickly ignited the highly combustible ceiling and decor.

Shocking Revelations: Goa Club Built Illegally, Ignored Demolition Orders 



- Deadly fire at unlicensed Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora kills 25; no fire safety, palm leaves fueled blaze, demo notice stayed after appeal.

- CM Sawant launches probe, vows tough action on owners pic.twitter.com/ZL502WR9rK  Voice Of Bharat  (@Kunal_Mechrules) December 7, 2025

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The tragedy was exacerbated by severe negligence, as the club operated without proper licenses and violated multiple fire safety norms, including lacking adequate exit points.

Police have arrested four staffers and filed a case of culpable homicide against the Delhi-based owners, who reportedly fled the country. The state government has also suspended three officials for dereliction of duty in clearing the illegal operation.
The government on Tuesday ordered a 10 percent cut in IndiGo flights as the airline continued to face major nationwide disruptions, prompting the Civil Aviation Ministry to summon IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers for a detailed briefing.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Tuesday said the government has ordered a 10 percent cut in IndiGo flights as the airline continues to face nationwide disruptions. He added that IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers was called to the Ministry to provide an update on the situation.

In a post on X, Kinjarapu said, During the last week, many passengers faced severe inconvenience due to Indigos internal mismanagement of crew rosters, flight schedules and inadequate communication. While the enquiry and necessary actions are underway, another meeting with Indigos top management was held to review the stabilisation measures."

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He said Elbers was summoned for a briefing and added: He confirmed that 100% of the refunds for flights affected till 6th December have been completed. A strict instruction to expedite the completion of the remaining refunds and baggage handover was given."

Following the review, the minister said the government had decided to scale back IndiGos flight operations. A curtailment of 10% has been ordered. While abiding with it, Indigo will continue to cover all its destinations as before," he said.

He added that IndiGo must comply fully with all Ministry directives, including fare caps and passenger convenience measures.

In a video message, Elbers said most affected passengers had already received refunds and that operations were stabilising. IndiGo is back on its feet, and our operations are stable. Lakhs of customers have received full refunds, and we continue to process them daily. Most of the bags stuck at airports have been delivered to homes. We are addressing every customer need," he said.

The latest remarks come amid a severe wave of cancellations that continued through Tuesday, causing widespread delays and complaints. Airport authorities told ANI that more than 400 IndiGo flights were cancelled nationwide.

Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport saw the biggest impact with 152 cancellations. Bengaluru recorded 121 cancellations, Chennai 41 and Hyderabad 58.

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Other major airports, including Mumbai (31 cancellations), Ahmedabad (16) and Patna (9), also reported disruptions, while Thiruvananthapuram saw only four cancellations.
Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, a damaged bridge on the ParanthanKarachchiMullaitivu (A35) road in Kilinochchi is being repaired by the joint teams, a key step towards re-opening access for isolated communities

The Indian High Commission said the Indian and Sri Lankan Army engineers have begun removing the damaged bridge | Image: X/@MEAIndia

In a show of solidarity following the devastation wreaked by Cyclone Ditwah, engineers from the armies of India and Sri Lanka have launched a joint mission to repair vital infrastructure and restore connectivity for communities in the hardest-hit regions.

Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, a damaged bridge on the ParanthanKarachchiMullaitivu (A35) road in Kilinochchi is being fixed by the joint teams, a key step towards re-opening access for isolated communities.

In a post on X, the Indian High Commission said the Indian and Sri Lankan Army engineers have begun removing the damaged bridge on the Paranthan-Karachchi-Mullaitivu (A35) road in Kilinochchi. The work is moving quickly and is expected to wrap up by December 10, with the first Bailey bridge set to be launched by Saturday afternoon.

#OperationSagarBandhu rebuilding connectivity!@adgpi Engineers, together with @Sri_Lanka_Army Engineers and the Road Development Authority, have begun removing the damaged bridge on the ParanthanKarachchiMullaitivu (A35) road in Kilinochchi. This joint effort marks another pic.twitter.com/4DixvdKBoe  India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) December 7, 2025

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Meanwhile in Chilaw, Sri Lankas Road Development Authority (RDA) is gearing up to start building the bridge piers within the next two days. One full Bailey bridge set is already in place, giving the restoration effort a solid boost. At the same time, a fourth Bailey bridge set is being loaded in Pathankot and is scheduled to depart at 9 am on December 9.

This engineering push is part of a broader relief operation mounted by India: Tamil Nadu alone has contributed around 1,000 tonnes of essential food items, clothing and relief materials, with some 300 tonnes already delivered to Sri Lanka aboard three Indian naval ships.

VIDEO | Jaffna, Chilaw, Sri Lanka: Indian Army accelerates bridge restoration and medical aid in the Cyclone Ditwah-hit island nation under Operation Sagar Bandhu.#SriLanka #CycloneDitwah



(Source: Third Party)



(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/ScsoLsz2Tv  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 9, 2025

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Medical assistance is also ramping up. A field hospital set up by the Indian Army near Kandy has treated over 2,200 people since December 5, performing dozens of minor procedures and multiple surgeries to help communities reeling from the cyclones aftermath.

The impetus behind these coordinated actions is the escalating humanitarian crisis: with 627 people officially reported dead and hundreds still missing, entire districts have been ravaged, leaving over 2.17 million people from more than 611,000 families affected across Sri Lanka.

Indias throwing everything it has into the effortengineers, doctors, relief teamsworking across land, sea, and air under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Its a clear sign of New Delhis Neighbourhood First approach and its belief that you show up for your neighbours when disaster strikes.

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The budget carrier confirmed a massive improvement in service recovery, noting that nearly all baggage that was previously stuck at various airports has been delivered to customers, with teams working to deliver the remaining bags at the earliest

A boy cries as he waits with his family outside the Indigo Airlines ticketing counter at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, after several IndiGo airlines flights were cancelled, in Mumbai, India. Reuters

IndiGo has announced the reinstatement and normalisation of its flight operations across its entire network following days of significant disruption. The airline released a press statement on Tuesday, confirming that all flights are now scheduled to operate, albeit with an adjusted network.

The budget carrier confirmed a massive improvement in service recovery, noting that nearly all baggage that was previously stuck at various airports has been delivered to customers, with teams working to deliver the remaining bags at the earliest.

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Nearly all bags that were stuck at airports have been delivered to our customers and the teams are working on delivering the remaining at the earliest, their statement read.

On the day of the statement, IndiGo reported operating more than 1,800 flights, connecting all 138 stations in its network, with plans to fly nearly 1,900 flights on the following day. The airline asserted that operational optimisation had been successful, and its on-time performance (OTP) is also back to normal levels.

In response to the widespread inconvenience caused, IndiGo has introduced an automated, No Questions Asked procedure for customers to receive full refunds upon cancellations through a simple process on its website.

The airline concluded its statement by regretting the disruption and sincerely apologizing to all customers. Customers are advised to check the latest flight status on IndiGos website before proceeding to the airport.

Why did the IndiGo mayhem happen in the first place?

Starting December 2, IndiGo faced a severe operational crisis marked by mass flight delays and cancellations across India due to apparent pilot shortages after it failed to adapt to the new pilot rest and duty rules introduced by the government early last year. Disruptions were recorded in major cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

The situation escalated dramatically, with Friday marking one of the worst aviation crises in the country, when at least 1,600 flights were cancelled. The staggering number of cancellations continued through the weekend: more than 700 flights were cancelled on Saturday, and over 650 flights were cancelled on Sunday, despite the government offering exemptions to the private carrier.

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Reuters, quoting airport sources, detailed the extent of the impact on Saturday, reporting 124 cancellations in Bengaluru, 109 in Mumbai, 86 in New Delhi, and 66 in Hyderabad. The widespread air disruption left thousands of passengers stranded at airports across the country.
The government has curtailed slots given to IndiGo to operate flights by 5 per cent. This comes amid flight cancellations by the airline over what the government described as rostering issue.

IndiGo has offered an apology for the situation and said it is working to fix the 'operational challenges'. PTI

As the IndiGo flight cancellations continue into the seventh day, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced that some of the airlines slots will be transferred to other operators.

On Tuesday, over 150 flights from Bengaluru and Chennai were cancelled as the budget carrier tries to normalise the situation that has left thousands of passengers stranded across the country.

In an interview with DD News, Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu said, We will curtail IndiGos routes. They are currently operating 2,200 flights. We will definitely curtail them.

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has announced a decrease in IndiGos flights by 5 per cent. The plane carrier currently operates about 2,200 flights per day, and with the new measure, 115 flights will be reduced from its fleet to stabilise the situation.

Govt to assess on-ground situation today

On Tuesday, deputy secretaries from the ministry are set to travel to airports nationwide as part of the probe into the IndiGo flight crisis to assess conditions at ground zero.

A comprehensive review meeting involving IndiGo and all other carriers is also planned to evaluate overall operational readiness across the aviation sector. Sources told News18 that government officials and the DGCA are expected to meet with Elbers around 11 am to review the airlines recent operational lapses.

IndiGo responded to the show-cause notice issued to CEO Pieter Elbers on Monday, saying that the airline is profusely apologetic" for the flight disruptions last week, insisting that the crisis resulted from an unfortunate and unforeseeable confluence" of multiple operational challenges.

DGCA said it is in the process of examining the response, and enforcement action, as deemed appropriate, will be taken in due course.

The regulator had on Saturday issued show cause notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and Accountable Manager Isidro Porqueras seeking explanations within 24 hours on the massive flight disruptions.

This was later extended to Monday, 6 pm, after the airline sought more time from the regulator.

IndiGo submitted replies signed by both Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer on December 8 at 1801 hours, the DGCA said in a statement.

With inputs from agencies
IndiGos pilot shortage, failure to adapt to new duty-time rules and the stranding of passengers have caused nationwide flight chaos, shifting attention to Indias passenger rights framework.

A passenger waits outside the IndiGo Airlines kiosk at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on December 6, 2025. (AFP)

A week of severe disruption across Indias busiest airline has intensified debate over the strength and relevance of the countrys air travel protections. IndiGos mass cancellations, triggered by a shortage of pilots after the carrier failed to adapt to new flight duty regulations, have stranded thousands of passengers since December 2.

The scale of the mayhem has prompted questions over airline accountability. Former Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi amplified the sentiment with a pointed query on social media, asking whether the ongoing crisis is an opportunity for authorities to re-examine the framework to ensure operational responsibility and meaningful penalties for failures. She noted that the discussion coincides with Human Rights Day, underlining the principle that airlines must operate with a duty of care.

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Is #Indigo Crisis not an opportunity for the Govt to RELOOK at Indias Charter of Passenger Rights?

Which ensures operational responsibility not optional and causes hefty penalties.

Tom is #HumanRightsDay

Responsibility to Operate with Duty to Care..  Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) December 9, 2025

Pilot shortages and regulatory lapses push IndiGo into its worst crisis

IndiGo, which operates about 2,200 flights daily, entered December unprepared for the second phase of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) that took effect on November 1. These rules increased mandatory pilot rest periods from 36 to 48 hours, capped nighttime flying at 10 hours, restricted late-night landings to two per week, and required quarterly fatigue reporting to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Aviation experts and pilot unions argue that IndiGos planning fell short despite a two-year preparation window. The Federation of Indian Pilots stated that the airline maintained hiring freezes, non-poaching arrangements, and a pay freeze, decisions it described as short-sighted.

Former AirAsia CFO Vijay Gopalan also linked the disruption to poor adaptation to FDTL norms. With more than 300 cancellations reported in Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru on Monday alone, the airline says it expects operations to stabilise between 10 and 15 December.

IndiGo flyers report losses and delays despite airlines full refund promise

IndiGo stated that passengers affected by its ongoing operational disruption will receive full refunds, but many travellers say they are still losing money because of deductions, portal fees, and slow refund processing. Those who booked tickets through online platforms report even greater difficulties, with delays extending beyond four days and travel sites withholding non-refundable convenience charges, despite being told they would get the entire fare back.

Anil Kumar, one of the passengers impacted, told the Times of India that he has not received his refund and cannot find his missing luggage. Its been four days since our tickets were cancelled. We booked HyderabadJabalpur tickets via Indore and paid about Rs 20,000. After reaching Indore, IndiGo cancelled the connecting flight to Jabalpur and promised a full refund. So far, there has been no message or email from the airline. When I called customer care, there was no clear response. On top of that, they are unable to even trace my missing baggage, he said.

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Several travellers say the airlines assurances have left them feeling misled.

I booked a HyderabadMumbai flight on Dec 3. At the airport, they clearly told me I would get a full refund. But I received only Rs 2,756, more than Rs 6,700 was deducted without explanation, said Anand Patel, another passenger.

This confusion continues even after the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) issued a directive stating that passengers should not be charged any additional fee for rescheduling travel affected by cancellations or operational issues.

Government orders probe

The government has commissioned a high-level investigation to identify the causes behind the flight disruptions and establish responsibility.

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu attributed the situation to IndiGo, citing mismanagement regarding their crew, and noted that other airlines had been ready for the adjustments.

On Friday, the government announced temporary exemptions from the new rules for the airline and arranged train tickets for stranded travellers so they could proceed with their journey.
PM Modi has urged that regulations must not burden citizens as IndiGos operational crisis continues into its eighth day.

Rijiju said Prime Minister Modi has made it clear that laws should not burden citizens but exist for their convenience.

Amid the ongoing IndiGo flight crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underlined the need to ensure that regulatory frameworks strengthen governance without creating difficulties for Indian citizens. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday shared the Prime Ministers remarks with National Democratic Alliance MPs during a meeting.

According to Rijiju, the Prime Minister stated, It is our responsibility to ensure that no citizen of India faces any hardship from the government simply because they are Indian citizens. Rules and regulations are good but they should be used to improve the system, not harass the public.

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Prime Minister Modi has said in very clear words that there should not be any such law or rule which unnecessarily troubles the common citizens. This should not happen. Laws should not be a burden on the people, but for their convenience, added Rijiju.

IndiGo reels from extended disruption

The operational disruption at IndiGo entered its eighth consecutive day on Tuesday, with the airline continuing to face significant challenges. In the midst of the chaos, IndiGo has reportedly lost 5% of its flying routes and is seeking additional time to stabilise operations.

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu said the ministry would make an example of the budget airline, which has already refunded over Rs 830 crore and seen a loss of Rs 37,000 crore in market value.

In an interview with DD News, Naidu said, We will curtail IndiGos routes. They are currently operating 2,200 flights. We will definitely curtail them.

The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued show-cause notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras, seeking an explanation for the widespread disruptions across the country.

Amid rising pressure, the government has convened a high-level meeting today, bringing together the civil aviation ministry and senior officials from major airlines to discuss the ongoing crisis.
The External Affairs Minister is correct in categorically stating that India should never seek to hyphenate itself with Pakistannow India is far ahead of Pakistan

While participating in a conference on December 6, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was asked, Whats your reading of the extreme concentration of power that were seeing in Islamabad under the new chief of defence forces, and is that to Indias advantage or disadvantage?

Jaishankar said, inter alia, The military has either been overtly, covertly, or in a hybrid manner Essentially, its been in command. In some cases, its more visible and naked in a way. In some cases, it is less so for us the reality of the Pakistani army has always been, and much of our problems actually emanate from there. When you look at the terrorism, when you look at the training camps, when you look at the sort of policy of, I would say, almost ideological hostility towards India it comes from the army.

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India has declared that it will treat every terrorist attack from Pakistan as an act of war. Indirectly referring to this declaration, the questioner asked Jaishankar, Are we diplomatically boxed into a corner where General Asim Munir can whenever he chooses trigger a terror attack at some part in India, and youve already de facto announced to your world or signalled to the world your intent that you will strike back some way or the other?

Jaishankar responded thus:  Im not sure where you get your admiration for him from. I have no admiration for him. Im quite disgusted by some of what hes At the end of the day, look at the state of Pakistan, and you see the differentials and the capabilities and, frankly, the reputation on either side. I think, look, we should not get over-obsessed and hyphenate ourselves with them. Yes, there is a challenge. There are issues there. Well deal with it. So, you know, relax.

On December 7, Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not surprisingly, rejected Jaishankars comments about the army. Defending the army, it stated, All institutions, including armed forces, are a pillar of national security, dedicated to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Predictably it called Jaishankars remarks part of a propaganda campaign and went on to remark on Indias present ruling dispensation.

The Pakistani response concluded by predictably declaring, Pakistan believes in co-existence, dialogue and diplomacy. However, it stands united and resolute in its intent and ability to safeguard its interests and sovereignty. Pakistans reaction really can be ignored, for it only reinforces the belief that the army is the countrys main institution.

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It is good that Jaishankar focused on the approaches of the Pakistan army towards India. He was also correct in noting the unchanging reality about Pakistans polity. Except for brief interludes, Pakistan has been in the iron grip of the army. The institution has cast a shadow on all major aspects of the countrys national life since 1958, when General Ayub Khan overthrew the constitution and took direct control of Pakistan.

While the army has the last say on all major decisions on national policy, it has always had total control over the countrys security policy. It does not allow the elected leadershipeven when the country has been under ostensible civilian ruleany real involvement in this area. Thus, Jaishankar was right in asserting that the Pakistan army is responsible for Pakistans terrorism against India. However, what can be added is that Pakistans political class has not opposed the armys policy of sponsoring terrorism against India. Thus, it is complicit in it.

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There is also a need to go beyond Jaishankars remarks to understand Pakistans polity and its ideological moorings, which are responsible for its implacable hostility against India. For this purpose, it is necessary to go to the ideology of Pakistan, which lies in the Pakistan Muslim Leagues view that within British India there were two nationsone Hindu and the other Muslim.

The League, once Mohammad Ali Jinnah became its Qaid-e-Azam, went further to declare that these nations were irreconcilable. And, therefore, there could not be, after the end of British rule, a single country but two in the Indian subcontinent. These two would have to be created on the basis of religion. The term the League used for its view was the two-nation theory.

The leaders of the Indian Freedom Movement did not ideologically ever accept the Leagues view that religion could be the basis of Indian nationalism. They rejected the idea of the division of India on the basis of faith even after the Muslim League announced that once the British left, Pakistan had to be created in the Muslim majority areas of British India.

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However, the League remained obdurate, and the British concluded that the partition of India would be in their security interest after the end of their Indian empire. The reason was that they felt that they could rely on the League leadership to protect their interests but were convinced that an independent Indian leadership would pursue an independent policy; hence, it could not be relied on as the Pakistani leadership could be.

The Pakistani people and its political class are committed to the two-nation theory. The army holds it close to its heart. It has always stated that it is the foundational principle of Pakistan. Further, the Pakistan army has asserted that it is the protector of the frontiers as well as the ideology of Pakistan.

Thus, Jaishankar is right in stating that the Pakistani army is ideologically hostile to India. However, it would be wrong to believe that it is only the Pakistan army which is ideologically hostile to India. The fact is that the foundation of Pakistan itself is based on ideological hostility to such an India as defined in the Indian constitution.

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Hence, it would always be futile to think that a commitment to the two-nation theory is confined only to the Pakistan army. It flows through the Pakistan state and its people. They have always also rejected an idea that Pakistan has now matured enough to move from its foundational basis of two-nation theory to territorial nationalism.

Jaishankar is correct in categorically stating that India should never seek to hyphenate itself with Pakistan. There was a time when the world sought to do so. However, now India is so far ahead of Pakistan that no country does that. There is a point here which also needs to be stated. In addition to the fact of Indian progress being far beyond Pakistan, India should always also emphasise that the principles of the Indian constitution, which are the cornerstone of the Indian state, directly contradict Pakistans foundational principle of faith-based nationalism.

India has not been wrong in asserting that acts of Pakistani terrorism against India will be considered by it as acts of war. The question put to Jaishankar was whether by doing so India had boxed itself into a corner. The world gets very concerned if there is kinetic action between India and Pakistan because both have nuclear weapons. The point that India needs to make is that if the great powers wish to avoid any anxiety on this score, they have to ensure that Pakistan gives up the use of terror as a part of its security doctrine against India.

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India should mount a diplomatic campaign so that the international community accepts the proposition that a terrorist act sponsored or carried out by one nuclear state against another is the beginning of escalation. Hence, if the major powers wish that India does not take kinetic action against Pakistan, they have to ensure that no escalation is undertaken by Pakistan through the use of terror. This campaign will require subtle diplomacy, but it needs to be undertaken.

There is, all in all, a need to build on Jaishankars response to the questions posed to him on Pakistan on December 6.

(The writer is a former Indian diplomat who served as Indias Ambassador to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and as secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
With so many parties running, the election could also end without a clear winner, creating more uncertainty

This election isnt just about picking leaders. Its a signal to the whole region: let young people help shape the future. File Photo/Reuters

As Nepal moves toward its March 5 general election, the worldparticularly its neighbour Indiawatches with bated breath. Nepals President Ram Chandra Paudel announced fresh elections to the House of Representatives on March 5 following a week of deadly violence that shook the Himalayan nation.

Recent youth protests in Nepal led to the resignation of the KP Sharma Oli government, the dissolution of parliament, and the appointment of Nepals first female prime minister, Sushila Karki. Nepals Gen Z protests have changed the conversation and have altered the rules of power.

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The demonstrations against a short-lived ban on social media and accusations of corruption and poverty plunged Nepal into a whirlwind of violence that left 76 people dead and thousands injured.

The Gen Z revolution has shown how fragile South Asian governments are, but the elections are a rare chance for change if leaders listen to the youths calls for openness, opportunity, and inclusion.

Nepal has had several governments since the monarchy fell in 2008, and each one has been involved in corruption scandals. Youth unemployment is hovering around 20%, forcing thousands of young people to toil abroad as migrants, their earnings amounting to a third of Nepals GDP, while politicians kids flaunt luxury goods on TikTok. The protests were sparked by the governments draconian social-media ban earlier this month, but the fuel had been building up for years.

Recent clashes between old parties and Gen Z youth escalated, and curfews were imposed in several areas. At least 10 people were injured after Gen Z youths confronted members of the ousted Prime Minister Olis party. There are also concerns over security arrangements in the upcoming election, noting that hundreds of inmates remain at large.

The government should focus on two issues. First, get more young people into government. Lots of new voters are under 30. Parties should have to include enough candidates under 40 on their lists. Young people shouldnt just be heard in the streets; they should have a real seat at the table. Second, tackle corruption head-on. We need a strong, independent body to investigate scandalsfully and openly. Something like Indias Lokpal could work. People need to trust that justice is fair. Karkis cabinet has made strides, but several parties contesting the polls risk fragmentation unless consolidated around platforms like the Nepal Gen-Z Front, which unites youth groups demanding economic justice.

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To reduce migration and create domestic opportunities, Nepal should invest in green jobs by utilising its hydropower potential. India, as a neighbour, should support this through targeted aid, fostering joint ventures in tourism and tech. Finally, Gen Z parties should formalise leadership through online referendums to maintain inclusivity. They could form broad coalitions around core issues like anti-corruption laws and job creation. They should move beyond slogans to actionable plans, like leveraging Nepals hydropower potential for jobs or reforming education.

Its fair to say Gen Zs lack of experience raises concerns. Some worry quick online votes could lead to rushed decisions, not careful ones. Take the interim leader chosen through a Discord pollit was new and direct, but it skipped the usual oversight. With so many parties running, the election could also end without a clear winner, creating more uncertainty.

Still, this election isnt just about picking leaders. Its a signal to the whole region: let young people help shape the future. If theyre shut out, frustration may only grow. India, where young people are also raising their voices, would do well to pay attention.

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(The writer is a columnist. His articles have appeared in various publications like The Independent, The Globe and Mail, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times, etc. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
Salman Rushdie invokes the ghost of Hindu nationalism even when Islamists continue to aim at his life. Maybe his rebellion is dead, and only the fear survives

Rushdies warning about Hindu nationalism may win him applause in Left-liberal salons, but it is a misdirection that obscures the true, documented, bloodstained threat that has shadowed him for the past 36 years. Image: Ebrahim Noroozi/The Associated Press

Soon after Salman Rushdie was stabbed by an Islamist madman in New York in August 2022, Gopalkrishna Gandhi wrote an article in the Hindustan Times, The scorching truth of Rushdies ordeal. While examining the Rushdie stabbing, Gandhi seemed oblivious to the attackers identity  the writer didnt mention even once why the novelist was attacked, who the attacker was, or why Rushdie was forced to stay under cover for years despite issuing several apologies. Instead, he invoked Mahatma Gandhis assassination by a Hindu in 1948. His verdict became intriguingly problematic when he wrote, The attack on Rushdie comes from the same source?

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Really!

Salman Rushdies latest warning about the rise of Hindu nationalism in Bharat seems to follow the same Left-liberal pattern  of, first, denying or at least minimising the scale of Islamist violence; and, second, if the scale of violence is too vast to ignore, creating an equivalence in Hinduism. It reads less like a principled stand and more like a man barking up the only tree that never bit him while fastidiously avoiding the forest of blades that left him with one eye less and a badly damaged liver.

The documented record of violence against Rushdie is neither vague nor debatable. It is exhaustively chronicled by many scholars, including Daniel Pipes, who, in his book The Rushdie Affair (1990), coined the term Rushdie Rules to describe how editors, newspapers, publishers, and academic teachers abide by a new set of rules (new to modern Westerners at least) which limit the freedom to discuss Islam with the same methods, terminology and frank inquisitiveness that are considered normal in discussing Christianity or Hinduism. Rushdie had himself written extensively about this in his 2012 memoir, Joseph Anton.

It was Ayatollah Khomeinis fatwa that sent Rushdie into hiding. Then, there was the selective killing of no less than 45 people worldwide associated in one way or the other with The Satanic Verses  this included the murder of its Japanese translator, Hitoshi Igarashi, in 1991. Many were stabbed, including an Italian translator of the book in Milan; a Norwegian publisher was shot in Oslo. And, finally, it was an Islamist radical, Hadi Matar, who in 2022 stormed a stage in New York and plunged a knife repeatedly into Rushdies neck and abdomen, leaving him almost dead. All this is a living testament to the fact that Khomeinis decree, as Daniel Pipes emphasises, was never simply a religious opinion, but a death sentence with no expiry date.

In contrast, Rushdies affair with Hindu nationalism is not only bloodless, it is anti-climactic in many ways. When he mocked Bal Thackeray and caricatured Hindu figures in The Moors Last Sigh (1995), the much-anticipated Hindutva havoc never materialised. Thackeray, far from issuing anything resembling a fatwa, responded with a shrug and the suggestion that his secretary could read the book for him.

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This civilisational lopsidedness was noted by Koenraad Elst in his preface to The Rushdie Affair, where he contrasted the Ayatollahs unforgiving wrath despite Rushdies repeated apology with the quick closure of the Shivaji Maharaj controversy when Khushwant Singh apologised for calling the Maratha hero a bastard. In the Hindu case, an apology ended the matter. In the Islamist case, apology merely confirmed guilt. The difference is civilisational, not rhetorical.

Given this stark historical-civilisational difference, Rushdies latest denunciation of Hindu nationalism appears less like conviction and more like reflex  the reflex of a man who has learnt, through his own bloody experience, which ideologies kill and which merely complain. It is psychologically understandable, even if morally disappointing and intellectually dishonest.

A traumatised man avoids the bully but lectures the weak and gentle. Writers like Ayaan Hirsi Ali have described this phenomenon as the fear-shaped silence that hangs over critiques of Islamism. Rushdie may not be totally silent, but he is certainly cautious, careful to look for the safer target while framing his criticisms of Islamism within layers of diplomatic phrasing. He is well aware, better than anyone else, of the one ideology that puts a global contract on life that never gets revoked.

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To watch Rushdie reprimand Hindu nationalism after surviving a near-fatal Islamist attack is therefore to witness a tragic spectacle: a man shaped by fear into criticising the safest opponent available. It is not courage; it is self-preservation masquerading as principle. And it underscores a deeper truth about our intellectual climate  the willingness of cultural elites to condemn, even cut, the tree that never struck them while tiptoeing around the jungle that nearly swallowed one of their own.

Rushdies warning about Hindu nationalism may win him applause in Left-liberal salons, but it is a misdirection that obscures the true, documented, bloodstained threat that has shadowed him for the past 36 years. If he is barking, he is barking up the wrong tree  and perhaps the only one that never bared its teeth.

Hindu nationalism, after all, did not force Rushdie into hiding. Hindu nationalism did not murder his colleagues. Hindu nationalism did not stab him on an American stage. Hindu nationalism did not declare that repentance is insufficient and that the sentence is eternal. Islamism did all of this, openly and repeatedly  an ideology that celebrates the likes of Hadi Matar.

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Perhaps Rushdie the rebel, which he was once in the 1980s, is no more, as he himself had suggested in Joseph Anton. Recalling the moment in 1989 when a fatwa was issued against him by the Ayatollah of Iran, he remembered receiving a call from a woman BBC reporter who asked, How does it feel to know that you have just been sentenced to death by the Ayatollah Khomeini? It was a sunny Tuesday in London, but Rushdie had never felt the world so dark. It doesnt feel good, he replied, though inwardly he thought, Im a dead man.

Rushdie, the rebel writer, is long dead. Long live Rushdie!

(Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
Australias imminent ban on under-16s using social media has intensified global scrutiny of major tech platforms already facing mounting legal and public pressure.

Concerns about the direction of social media have grown sharply since the early 2010s, a shift seen clearly through the experience of Stephen Scheeler, who led Facebook in Australia during that period. He arrived with strong faith in the internets potential to broaden access to information, foster global links, and offer users their own public arenas.

That confidence eroded by the time he left the company in 2017, as he observed rising tensions around the impact of major platforms. Reflecting on the change, he notes that although the benefits remain, the negative consequences have become too substantial to ignore.

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Growing pressure on platforms as youth risks take centre stage

This sentiment now permeates debates worldwide as governments investigate how social media affects young people, a group critics say has become highly valuable to extremely wealthy tech firms at the cost of their wellbeing.

Authorities from Utah to the European Union have trialled limits on childrens access, but Australia is preparing the most far-reaching action yet. A nationwide ban for under-16s, effective on December 10, has triggered a forceful reaction from affected companies.

More from Tech Why countries are watching Australia's social media ban for children

For a year, many platforms have resisted the measure, which requires them to take reasonable steps to prevent underage users from having accounts. Industry groups argue the ban could unintentionally reduce childrens safety, threaten their rights and rely on enforcement technology that remains contested.

Paul Taske of NetChoice, a trade association representing major firms, has warned that Australia is carrying out blanket censorship that risks leaving its youth less informed, less connected and less prepared for adult digital life, reported BBC.

Tech leaders fear that the Australian model could serve as a template elsewhere. Nate Fast, a professor at the University of Southern Californias Marshall School of Business, suggests it may evolve into a global proof of concept.

Legal battles mount as whistleblowers speak out

Simultaneously, the industry faces a wave of legal challenges and whistleblower accounts alleging that social media companies place profits above user protection. In January, a landmark US trial will hear claims that Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube made their apps addictive and concealed the harms they allegedly cause.

All deny the allegations, yet Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and Snap chief Evan Spiegel have been ordered to appear in person. The case merges hundreds of actions brought by parents and school districts and is among the first to advance from numerous similar suits accusing social media of contributing to mental health issues and child exploitation.

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Another active case centres on claims by state prosecutors that Zuckerberg personally blocked initiatives aimed at improving teen wellbeing on Meta platforms, including a proposal to remove Instagram beauty filters that experts say contribute to body dysmorphia and eating disorders.

Testimony from former Meta employees Sarah Wynn-Williams, Frances Haugen and Arturo Bejar before the US Congress has outlined further alleged misconduct witnessed during their time at the company. Meta maintains that it has worked diligently to develop tools that protect teenagers online.
PM Modi on Tuesday held back-to-back meetings with the CEOs Cognizant, Microsoft, and Intel, highlighting the governments push to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in strategic sectors such as AI, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure

Microsoft, Cognizant and Intel CEOs meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday. ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held back-to-back meetings with the CEOs of three major global technology firms  Cognizant, Microsoft, and Intel  highlighting the governments push to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and digital infrastructure.

According to a News 18 report, all three CEOs left the meetings with commitments to make significant new investments in India.

The series of discussions began with Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant, Indias largest multinational IT services company.

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The meeting focused on expanding the companys operations in India, particularly at its major development centres in Chennai and Pune.

Talks revolved around job creation, harnessing Indias talent pool, and supporting growth in next-generation digital engineering and cloud services. Cognizant executives affirmed their intent to align their expansion strategy with the governments vision for digital public infrastructure (DPI), added the report.

After his meeting with Cognizant, PM Modi held talks with Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.

The discussions focused on leveraging Microsofts generative AI technologies across key sectors of the Indian economy, including healthcare, education, and governance. A major point of emphasis was expanding Indias data centre infrastructure to support growing cloud adoption and AI-driven workloads.

Nadella reportedly assured the Prime Minister of enhanced investment to accelerate AI adoption, aligning with the governments Digital India mission.

Later, in a social media post on X, Satya Nadella announced a $17.5 billion investment in AI in India, calling it the largest investment ever in Asia.

Thank you, PM @narendramodi ji, for an inspiring conversation on Indias AI opportunity. To support the countrys ambitions, Microsoft is committing US$17.5Bour largest investment ever in Asiato help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for pic.twitter.com/NdFEpWzoyZ  Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) December 9, 2025

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To support the countrys ambitions, Microsoft is committing US$17.5Bour largest investment ever in Asiato help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for Indias AI first future, he said.

The final and arguably most pivotal meeting was with Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Intel.

In light of the global push for semiconductor self-reliance, discussions centered on accelerating Indias chip manufacturing and design ambitions, reported News 18.

Intels involvement is seen as a key component of Indias Semiconductor Mission, which provides substantial fiscal incentives for setting up fabrication units.

Talks explored expanding Intels design and engineering footprint in India and assessed the feasibility of establishing a state-of-the-art chip manufacturing facility.

Such an investment could be transformative, reducing Indias reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthening its role in the global semiconductor supply chain, added the report.

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Taking to X after the meeting Lip-Bu Tan wrote, We had a wide-ranging discussion on a variety of topics related to technology, computing and the tremendous potential for India. I applaud the Prime Minister for putting in place a comprehensive semiconductor design and manufacturing policy and Intel is committed to support the India Semiconductor Mission.

Honored to meet Prime Minister @narendramodi in New Delhi this afternoon. We had a wide-ranging discussion on a variety of topics related to technology, computing and the tremendous potential for India. I applaud the Prime Minister for putting in place a comprehensive pic.twitter.com/9EcHPo6swW  Lip-Bu Tan (@LipBuTan1) December 9, 2025

In a separate release, Intel also announced MoU with Tata Group.

Intel signed a MoU with the Tata Group, which enables manufacturing, assembly, and packaging of Intel-designed products at Tata Electronics upcoming Fab and OSAT facilities, along with collaboration on advanced semiconductor packaging in India, the company said in a statement.

Through this partnership, in which Tata will provide manufacturing and packaging capabilities, Intel will be able to localise key parts of its supply chain. This will help accelerate Indias goal of becoming a global semiconductor hub and support growing local demand. It is in line with PMs vision of Make in India for the World, it added.

Intel is further exploring the rapid expansion of AI-PC solutions for Indias fast-growing market, reinforcing its plan to position India as a major base in its future technology strategy, the statement read.

With inputs from agencies
Nvidia will now be able to sell its H200 chips to China. The H200 chips are way outdated than the companys latest Blackwell chip, which is considered the most advanced AI chip available anywhere

An Nvidia AI chip is a specialised processor, typically an advanced Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)engineered to handle the intensive, parallel computations that modern artificial intelligence models require. (Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has authorised Nvidia to sell AI chips to China, as he informed Chinese President Xi Jinping of the development.

Nvidia will now be able to sell its H200 chips to China. The H200 chips are way outdated than the companys latest Blackwell chip, which is considered the most advanced AI chip available anywhere.

Although Trump has clarified that the US will not provide China with the Blackwell chip, the sale could be worth billions of dollars for Nvidia. The company has said it has more than $500 billion worth of orders for its best artificial intelligence chips to fulfil this year and next, and thats before any buyers in China are factored in.

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Xi responded positively

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, I have informed President Xi, of China, that the United States will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China, and other Countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong National Security. President Xi responded positively!

The president added that other great American companies like Intel and AMD will also start selling their chips soon. Trump defended the move by saying that it will create more jobs in the US, strengthen manufacturing and be beneficial to taxpayers.

Nvidia welcomes move

Trumps latest announcement effectively means that the US has lifted a ban on the sale of AI chips to China as both countries try to get ahead in the tech race.

Nvidia said in a statement, We applaud President Trumps decision to allow Americas chip industry to compete to support high paying jobs and manufacturing in America.

Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America, the company said.

The development also follows months of persuasion by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to allow the company to sell some chips to customers in China.
As a peace deal brokered by US President Donald Trump has failed, around 200,000 people have fled their homes in eastern Congo as Rwanda-backed rebels have advanced in the region.

Members of the Rwandan security forces accompany a group freshly displaced people from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Bugarama on December 5, 2025, as they arrive in Rwanda after fleeing intense shelling in the bordering Kamanyola region. (Photo: AFP)

Two hundred thousand people have fled their homes in eastern Congo in recent days, the United Nations said, as Rwanda-backed rebels march on a strategic town just days after Donald Trump hosted the Rwandan and Congolese leaders to proclaim peace.

In a statement released late on Monday, the UN said at least 74 people had been killed, mostly civilians, and 83 admitted to hospital with wounds from escalating clashes in the area in recent days.

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Local officials and residents said the Rwanda-backed M23 group has been advancing towards the lakeside town of Uvira on the border with Burundi, and battling with Congolese troops and local groups known as Wazalendo in villages north of the town.

The US president hosted the presidents of Rwanda and Congo in Washington on Thursday for a ceremony to sign a pact affirming US and Qatari-brokered commitments to end the war.

Today were succeeding where so many others have failed, Trump said, claiming his administration had ended a 30-year conflict that had led to the deaths of millions.

Reuters reported on Monday that the rebels had captured Luvungi, a town that had stood as the front line since February, and that fierce fighting was underway near Sange and Kiliba, villages further along the road towards Uvira from the north.

Rwanda denies supporting the rebels in Congo, although Washington and the United Nations say evidence of Rwandan backing is clear. Prior to the latest upsurge in fighting, the conflict had already displaced at least 1.2 million people.

Reuters could not determine whether the rebels had captured Sange. A local official and several local residents said they had fled ahead of M23s expected arrival. M23 said it had captured the town. A Congolese army spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

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The State Department said late on Monday that the US was deeply concerned by the ongoing violence.

Rwanda, which continues to provide support to M23, must prevent further escalation, a spokesperson said.

In a speech to lawmakers on Monday, Congos president Felix Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of violating the commitments it made in Washington.

A senior Trump administration official said Washington was monitoring the situation, working with both Congo and Rwanda, and that the president has made clear to both sides that implementation is what he will judge, and as he stated, he is expecting immediate results.

(This is an agency story. Except for the headline, the story has not been updated by Firstpost staff.)
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said Trump had exercised his constitutional authority and criticised former president Joe Biden, repeating unfounded claims that Bidens staff used an autopen to sign pardons without his knowledge.

The contrast between President Trumps vow to confront Americas drug crisis and his extensive use of clemency for drug offenders has become increasingly stark, forming a striking backdrop to his latest wave of pardons.

Framed by this pattern, President Donald Trump began his year in office by pardoning Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road who had been convicted for operating what was then the largest online marketplace for illegal drugs and other illicit goods. In the months that followed, he extended clemency to additional high-profile figures, including Chicago gang leader Larry Hoover and Baltimore drug kingpin Garnett Gilbert Smith, according to The Washington Post.

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Last week, he pardoned former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez, who had received a 45-year sentence for running his country as a narco-state that helped to move at least 400 tons of cocaine into the United States.

According to the Post analysis, Trump has pardoned or granted clemency to at least 10 people for drug-related crimes since the beginning of his second term, having issued almost 90 such pardons or commutations during his first term. The actions come despite his campaign pledges to confront Americas worsening drug crisis and halt the illegal flow of deadly drugs across the border.

Critics question contradictions in drug policy

While exercising broad clemency powers, Trump has also threatened military action against Venezuela over allegations that its government supports the drug trade and has pushed the Pentagon to conduct targeted strikes on boats suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean. These contrasting moves have drawn criticism from Democrats and others who argue that the clemency decisions undermine his stated commitment to get tough on drugs.

Senator Tim Kaine, speaking on the Senate floor, invoked the cases of Ulbricht and Hernandez as he questioned how such pardons protect Americans from narcotics entering the country. Asked about the apparent contradiction, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the pardon of the former Honduran president does not weaken the administrations rationale for lethal strikes on suspected traffickers. She added that Trump aims to stop illegal narcotics from reaching US borders and to correct what he views as past injustices by a weaponised Justice Department.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said Trump had exercised his constitutional authority and criticised former president Joe Biden, repeating unfounded claims that Bidens staff used an autopen to sign pardons without his knowledge.

Clemency surge fuels lobbying boom

Trump has issued far more pardons this year than during his first term, extending clemency to almost all of the approximately 1,500 defendants charged in the 6 January 2021 US Capitol attack, as well as about a dozen members of Congress, mostly Republicans, including Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas, who had been charged with bribery, money laundering and conspiracy. By comparison, Trump granted clemency to more than 230 people during his first term, only two of them in his first year.

The surge in pardons has spurred a lucrative lobbying industry. Public filings show that lobbyists have spent more than 2.1 million dollars this year on firms advocating for pardons, clemency and related executive relief, more than double the 2024 total. Records also show that some individuals seeking pardons have paid as much as 1 million dollars to hire people close to the president to press their case.

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Experts say the administrations efforts to strike boats near Venezuela have shown little effect on the flow of drugs into the United States, noting that the route is not typically used for trafficking to the US Most fentanyl-linked drugs, which account for the majority of recent drug deaths, are manufactured in Mexico and smuggled across the land border. The administration has not offered detailed evidence that the boats it has targeted carried drugs bound for the United States.

Although officials have argued that the strikes deter traffickers, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week that operations had paused because there were hard to find boats to strike, which he presented as a sign that deterrence was working. Experts say there is no available evidence confirming a decline in trafficking. Georgetown University drug policy professor Regina LaBelle remarked that drug trafficking is like water; its going to find a way to get in.

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The earthquake, centred 50 miles (80km) off the coast of Aomori prefecture, registered as an upper six on Japans seven-point seismic intensity scalea level strong enough to make it impossible for people to stand without crawling, according to the Japan Meteorological Society (JMS)

A vehicle is seen on a collapsed road in Tohoku town in Aomori Prefecture on December 9, 2025, following a 7.5 magnitude earthquake off northern Japan. (AFP)

A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck north-eastern Japan, injuring over 20 people and prompting mass evacuations along the Pacific coast following the issuance of tsunami warnings.

The earthquake, centred 50 miles (80km) off the coast of Aomori prefecture, registered as an upper six on Japans seven-point seismic intensity scalea level strong enough to make it impossible for people to stand without crawling, according to the Japan Meteorological Society (JMS).

The tremors quickly triggered tsunami warnings for the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate, leading authorities to order approximately 90,000 residents to evacuate their homes.

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Coastal impact and injuries

While the initial warnings were later downgraded to advisories, tsunamis ranging from 20 to 70cm (7 to 27in) were observed at several ports. The largest wave, 70cm, was measured at Kuji port in Iwate.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed 23 people were injured, with one person in serious condition. Public broadcaster NHK reported that most victims were hit by falling objects. Incidents included several injuries at a hotel in Hachinohe and a man in Tohoku who was hurt after his car fell into a hole.

Satoshi Kato, a vice-principal at a high school in Hachinohe, described the scene inside his home to NHK, Japans national public broadcaster saying glasses and bowls fell and smashed into shards on the floor.

Kato also noted that on his way to the school, which was designated an evacuation center, he encountered traffic jams and car accidents as panicked people tried to flee.

In response to the emergency, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed that 18 defense helicopters had been mobilised for a full damage assessment. Roughly 480 residents took shelter at the Hachinohe airbase. Furthermore, NHK reported that about 200 passengers were stranded overnight at New Chitose airport in Hokkaido due to the disruption.

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East Japan Railway suspended some services in the region, which is particularly sensitive as it was also severely impacted by the devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake in March 2011.

Utility companies, including Tohoku Electric Power and Hokkaido Electric Power, confirmed that no irregularities were reported at regional nuclear power plants. However, Tohoku Electric reported that thousands of customers were left without power following the powerful tremor.

Sitting right on the Ring of Fire, Japan alone sees about 20% of all earthquakes worldwide that hit magnitude 6.0 or higher.
Benins military is searching for fugitive soldiers after a deadly foiled coup, as regional powers including Nigeria and ECOWAS deploy forces to help stabilise the country.

An aromoured vehicle is positioned at the entrance of a blocked road next to the National Television, Benin TV, in Cotonou, on December 08, 2025. (AFP)

Benins military was Monday searching for fugitive soldiers behind a foiled coup attempt on the weekend that left several dead as other west African countries mobilised to offer military support.

At least a dozen plotters had been arrested and by Monday all hostages, including high-ranking officers, had been released, according to loyalist military sources.

The countrys economic capital Cotonou was calm and traffic had returned to normal by Monday afternoon, AFP journalists saw  a day after a group of soldiers had announced on national television they had ousted the president.

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President Patrice Talon made his own TV appearance late Sunday, assuring the country that the situation was completely under control.

Talon, 67, is due to hand over the reins of power in April after the maximum-allowed two terms leading Benin, which in recent years has been hit by jihadist violence in the north.

The Sunday coup attempt follows a spate of successful military takeovers in the region, including in Benins northern neighbours Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as Mali, Guinea and, last month, Guinea-Bissau.

Violent clashes erupted between the coup plotters and the Republican Guard at Talons Cotonou residence, resulting in casualties on both sides, according to the government.

The dead included the wife of the presidents military chief of staff General Bertin Bada.

Benin called on the swift help of neighbouring Nigeria, which said late Sunday it had carried out military strikes on Cotonou and deployed troops.

West African regional bloc ECOWAS has also announced military support for Benin, but a meeting scheduled to take place in Abidjan on Monday was cancelled. The bloc had threatened intervention during Nigers 2023 coup but ultimately did not act.

A military source told AFP on Monday that they were not in a position to say how many people were implicated in the coup attempt, nor how many are currently on the run, but it was presumed that many of them have fled to the countryside.

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The search continues, the source said, adding that there have been arrests.

Other sources told AFP there had been around a dozen arrests, but that coup leader Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri was on the run.

All hostages have meanwhile been released, according to the military source.

Two senior Beninese officers, Chief of army staff Abou Issa and army chief Colonel Faizou Gomina, had been taken hostage but were released overnight.

Prioritise dialogue

In his address late Sunday, Talon said the country had stood firm and cleared the last pockets of resistance.

In Cotonou, the road to the presidential residence was closed Monday afternoon, and military tanks were seen elsewhere in the city.

The Economic Community of West African States said troops from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Sierra Leone were being deployed to Benin to help the government preserve constitutional order.

The regional bloc, along with the United Nations, former colonial power France and the African Union, has condemned the coup attempt.

Under Benins constitution, Talon is not permitted to run for a third term but his designated successor, Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, is considered a favourite for the presidential election in April.

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The main opposition Democrats party has been excluded from the ballot on the grounds that its candidate did not have sufficient sponsors.

In a statement seen by AFP on Monday, the party said it rejects any seizure of power by force and strongly condemns these acts that do not honour our country.

This heinous and tragic event once again highlights the need for all political actors in our country to prioritise dialogue, it stated.

Although hailed for spurring economic growth, Talon is accused by critics of authoritarianism in a country once praised for its democratic dynamism.

Benins political history has been marked by several coups and attempted coups since its independence from France in 1960.

(Except the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
Germany and France on Tuesday criticised the United States newly released National Security Strategy, with both governments warning that the document marks a troubling shift in Washingtons posture toward Europe

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets with France's President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz on board a train to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv where all three held meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, May 9, 2025. Reuters File

Germany and France on Tuesday criticised the United States newly released National Security Strategy, with both governments warning that the document marks a troubling shift in Washingtons posture toward Europe.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said portions of the strategy were unacceptable from a European perspective, bringing unusually blunt language into transatlantic relations.

I see no need for the Americans to now want to save democracy in Europe, Merz said during a visit to Rhineland-Palatinate after the US document accused Europe of undermining political liberty and stifling free speech.

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While acknowledging that parts of the analysis were comprehensible, Merz said the strategy reinforced his view that Europe  and Germany  must move toward strategic autonomy.

The paper confirms my assessment that we in Europe must become much more independent from the US in terms of security policy, AFP quoted him as saying.

Still, he urged continued cooperation: __America First is fine, but America Alone cannot be in your interest.

Merz added that the strategy showed US Vice President JD Vances earlier criticism of Europe was not a slip-up but the beginning of a strategic realignment in Washington.

This affects foreign policy, security policy, economic policy, and also European policy, insofar as it exists, Merz was quoted as saying.

The strategy paper, unveiled last week and intended to outline President Donald Trumps America First foreign policy, accuses Europe of suppressing free speech, undermining political liberty, and facing civilisational erasure due to migration.

It also suggests the United States should cultivate resistance within the EU language that has sparked alarm across European capitals.

France: Europe must rearm

In Paris, Minister Alice Rufo delivered the strongest French response so far, telling lawmakers the US document reveals a stark and deliberate repositioning.

The new American security strategy is an extremely brutal clarification of the United States ideological posture, Reuters quoted her as saying during a National Assembly session.

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Rufo  formerly deputy national security adviser to President Emmanuel Macron warned that Europe must accelerate its rearmament to preserve its geopolitical standing.

We live in a world of carnivores, Europe is no island, and Europe will be respected only if it knows how to make itself respected, she said.

After meeting Pentagon officials in Washington over the weekend, Rufo said the document had sparked internal debate within the US administration, particularly regarding how Russia is described.

A widening transatlantic rift

The strategys depiction of Europe as over-regulated, censorious, and politically stagnant represents one of the sharpest critiques of the continent ever issued by a US administration.

European officials fear the document signals a long-term departure from Washingtons traditional role as Europes security guarantor  raising concerns about Nato cohesion and the future of the Western alliance.

With reactions hardening in both Berlin and Paris, the fallout from the new US security doctrine is shaping up to be one of the most significant transatlantic ruptures of the Trump presidencys second term.

With inputs from agencies
A former senior banker Bai Tianhui was executed in China on Tuesday for taking bribes up to $156 million.

This photo released by the Tianjin No.2 Intermediate Peoples Court on May 28, 2024 shows Bai Tianhui (C), the former general manager of China Huarong International Holdings (CHIH), a subsidiary of Huarong Asset Management, during his sentencing at the court on May 28, 2024. AFP

A former senior banker Bai Tianhui was executed in China for taking bribes and charged for corruption on Tuesday as reported by the state media. The banker belonged to a top state-controlled asset management firm, China Huarong International Holdings (CHIH).

Tianhui was found guilty and was found offering favourable treatment in return of more than $156 million. This was done in response to acquisition and financing of projects between 2014 and 2018 as stated by the state broadcaster CCTV.

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CHIH focuses on bad debt that has been issued to citizens and a subsidiary of China Huarong Asset Management. It is also considered as the countrys largest asset management fund.

Several other Huarong executives have also been snared in anti-corruption investigations, and the firm has been the target of President Xi Jinping as a part of crackdown graft.

Death sentences for corruption in China are often issued with a two-year reprieve and then commuted to life in prison.

Tianhui appealed his conviction but the original verdict was upheld in February which was found against him. It was reported by CCTV that Tianhuis crimes were serious and reviewed multiple times before delivering a verdict.

"(Bai) accepted bribes of an exceptionally large amount, the circumstances of his crimes were exceptionally serious, the social impact was especially egregious, and the interests of the state and the people suffered exceptionally significant losses", CCTV quoted the SPC as saying.

Tianhui was put to death on Tuesday morning after meeting with his family members, the broadcaster said, without specifying how he was executed.

Highest ranking figure to face punishment

Tianhui is the latest high-ranking figure to face punishment in the running Chinese era in the countrys finance industry.

In March, Li Xiaopeng, the former head of state-owned banking giant Everbright Group, received 15 years in prison for taking bribes worth 60 million yuan.

Liu Liange, former chairman of the Bank of China, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve in November 2024 for accepting bribes totalling 121 million yuan.

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Cubas former economy minister Alejandro Gil Fernandez was sentenced to life imprisonment on the charges of spying and espionage. Gil was the countrys economy minister and closest to President Miguel Diaz-Canel until he was removed from his post.

People stand at the entrance of the courthouse where Cuba's former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil stands trial on espionage charges, Havana, Cuba, November 11, 2025. Image Credit: Reuters

Cubas former economy minister Alejandro Gil Fernandez was sentenced to life imprisonment for spying and espionage, a highest court of Cuba said on Monday. The Supreme Popular Tribunal said in a statement that the former Minister also received a second sentence of 20 years in prison after being found guilty in a separate trial of other crimes including bribery, falsification of documents and tax evasion.

Gil was the countrys economy minister and looked after the economics of the country being closest to President Miguel Diaz-Canel until he was removed from his post. Seeing his dedication towards his work ethics, he was also appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister.

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The court did not disclose the incident or details for what Gill was spying for. After his dismissal from the post of minister, the Cuban leader said that he had some serious charges of corruption and these activities will not be tolerated.

Leak of sensitive information

Gils case is the highest profile among officials who have fallen from grace since 2009, when then-Vice President Carlos Lage and Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque were dismissed. Their case involved leaks of sensitive information, although they were not sentenced.

Et tu brutus

Gil was considered as the most reputed face of the public. He managed the monetary funds and major reforms in 2021 in Cuba, including trying to unify the countrys currency system.

The highest court said that Gil used the government powers inappropriately and abused the powers granted to him for personal gain. He was accused of receiving money from foreign firms and banks and used to bribe other officials.

He backstabbed his own authorities which symbolised ultimate betrayal among his trusted partners.
EU announced on Tuesday that it has set up a probe to assess whether Alphabets Google violated antitrust rules by using specific content put online by media and other publishers to train and provide the AI services.

Amid the breach of online data, EU announced on Tuesday that it has set up a probe to assess whether Alphabets Google violated antitrust rules by using specific content put online by media and other publishers to train and provide the AI services without appropriate compensation.

The European commission investigated the entire concerns posed by the US tech giant. Authorities are also examining whether Google imposes unfair terms on publishers granting itself privileged access to their content.

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A free and democratic society depends on diverse media, open access to information, and a vibrant creative landscape, the European Unions competition chief, Teresa Ribera, said as quoted by AFP.

AI is bringing remarkable innovation and many benefits for people and businesses across Europe, but this progress cannot come at the expense of the principles at the heart of our societies, she added.

The commission, the European Unions antitrust regulator, said the probe would focus on two issues.

Google does not remunerate YouTube content creators for their content, nor does (it) allow them to upload their content on YouTube without allowing Google to use such data, the commission said.

The probe focuses on whether the firm used online content from the sites infringing the private rights.

We are investigating whether Google may have imposed unfair terms and conditions on publishers and content creators, while placing rival AI models developers at a disadvantage, in breach of EU competition rules, Ribera said.

We are investigating whether Google may have imposed unfair terms and conditions on publishers and content creators, while placing rival AI models developers at a disadvantage, in breach of EU competition rules, Ribera said.
Even with officials warning voters not to spoil their ballots, more than 41,000 invalid votes were cast on Sunday, about 3.1% of all votes, based on government data

Supporters campaign for their candidates in the Legislative Council elections in Wanchai district of Hong Kong on December 7, 2025. (Photo by Peter PARKS / AFP)

The latest Hong Kong Legislative Council election just hit a record high for invalid ballotsa clear sign that many people are tuning out of a system redesigned to make sure only patriots get elected.

Even with officials warning voters not to spoil their ballots, more than 41,000 invalid votes were cast on Sunday, about 3.1% of all votes, based on government data cited by Nikkei Asia.

This figure is the highest since the 1997 handover and is 50% more than the 27,495 recorded in the previous poll in 2021. The significance of the protest votes was underlined by the fact that 11 of the 20 winners in the geographic constituencies received fewer valid votes than the total number of invalid ballots across all races.

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The surge in spoilt votes comes after the proportion of directly elected seats was slashed and strict candidate vetting was introduced following the imposition of Chinas National Security Law in June 2020. The new system is also reflected in falling voter registration and low turnout.

According to the citys Electoral Affairs Commission, turnout was 31.90% of eligible votersthe second-lowest since 1997, and sharply down from the 58.28% turnout logged in 2016, before the patriots only rule took effect.

Toru Kurata, a professor and Hong Kong expert at Tokyos Rikkyo University, who spoke to Nikkei Asia, attributed the drop in voter registration, particularly among younger people, to discontent with the electoral process. Voter registration for the 18-to-20 age bracket plummeted 87.1% from 2021.

Officials insisted the election was a success. Chief Executive John Lee stressed the candidates engaged in a high-quality, high-standard and healthy competition. However, the government also wielded sticks, with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) arresting 11 people for allegedly trying to sabotage the election by inciting others not to vote.
In the latest reciprocal exchange, India released 38 Bangladeshi fishermen and Bangladesh released 47 Indian fishermen along with their operable vessels who had mistakenly crossed the international maritime boundary.

India and Bangladeshi fishermen, who had allegedly crossed the international maritime boundary line, released on reciprocal basis on December 9, 2025. (Photo: X/Ministry of External Affairs)

India and Bangladesh on Tuesday released fishermen whom they had apprehended for crossing into their territorial waters.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India released 38 Bangladeshi fishermen and Bangladesh released 47 Indian fishermen along with their operable vessels who had mistakenly crossed the international maritime boundary.

Earlier this year, India had released 90 Bangladeshi fishermen in January and Bangladesh had released 95 Indian fishermen.

The MEA further said, The mutual exchange of fishermen and their vessel has been worked out keeping in mind the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides. The Government of India attaches the highest importance to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. To this end, it continues to work assiduously to secure the release of our fishermen from Bangladesh custody.

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Committed to the safety, security and welfare of our fishermen.



India and Bangladesh today completed the release and repatriation of 47 Indian and 38 Bangladeshi fishermen underscoring our shared commitment to humanitarian and livelihood concerns of coastal communities.



 pic.twitter.com/rnLE5w2G3x  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 9, 2025

In July, the Bangladeshi navy apprehended at least 34 Indian fishermen on the night of July 14 along with two vessels, FB Jhor and FB Mangalchandi, for allegedly crossing the international maritime boundary line and fishing in Bangladeshi territorial waters, according to The Print.

In another such instance, the Bangladeshi authorities detained 95 Indian fishermen and six trawlers in October 2024. They were released in January.

In the Indian subcontinent, it is not uncommon for fishermen to occasionally cross into another countrys waters and other countries apprehending them. But while India and Bangladesh have apparently resolved the matter at reciprocal basis with relative ease, such situations can escalate into a crisis at time, such as the tensions around fishing disputes between India and Sri Lanka.

In the India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute, Sri Lanka often arrests Indian fishermen and seizes their bots over accusations of crossing the international maritime boundary line and using trawlers objected to by Sri Lanka.
Indonesias western islands have borne the brunt of the disaster, with officials confirming 961 fatalities across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, and an additional 293 people still missing

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

Humanitarian crises are escalating across South and Southeast Asia as tropical storms and relentless monsoon rains have driven the total death toll past 1,500, with flood-ravaged regions in Indonesia now reporting dire shortages of food and essential medical supplies.

Indonesias western islands have borne the brunt of the disaster, with officials confirming 961 fatalities across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, and an additional 293 people still missing. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that the catastrophe has displaced more than a million people.

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Everything is lacking, especially medical personnel. We are short on doctors, Muzakir Manaf, the governor of Indonesias Aceh province, told AFP, highlighting the severity of the crisis on the ground.

Infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, has been devastated, leaving over 5,000 people injured. In the city of Banda Aceh, residents are queuing for scarce drinking water and fuel, while the cost of basic commodities like eggs has skyrocketed.

In an unusual recovery effort, four elephants from a local training centre were deployed in the badly affected Pidie Jaya district in Aceh to help clear large debris and move stuck vehicles. The BNPB estimates the total cost to rebuild could reach 51.82 trillion rupiah (approximately $5.3 billion).

The crisis is equally severe in Sri Lanka, which was devastated by Cyclone Ditwah, described as the island nations worst this century. The cyclone has killed 635 people and affected over 2 million individuals, nearly 10% of the countrys population.

In response, the military has nearly doubled its initial deployment, mobilising 38,500 security personnel for clean-up and rescue missions, which have successfully saved 31,116 people from distress.

President Anura Dissanayake announced a recovery package, which includes up to 10 million rupees ($57,000) for victims to purchase land in safer areas and assistance for replacing essential household items. However, the government, still reeling from the economic meltdown of 2022, has appealed for international aid, including from the International Monetary Fund, stating it cannot finance the massive reconstruction effort alone.

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While seasonal monsoon rains are a natural and often beneficial part of life in the region, authorities and experts are increasingly pointing to climate change as the cause of the phenomena becoming more erratic, unpredictable and deadly.
World leaders view Trump as a force to reckon with, despite the turmoil engulfing his presidency

Trump is reminding the world of Americas foundations  and returning the US to those roots. Image: AP/Evan Vucci

Back home, President Donald Trump is drowning in problems. Read: stubbornly high prices, the Epstein files mess, and a Republican Party thats suddenly finding its backbone. But step outside US borders100 miles or even 7,000 miles awayand none of that seems to stick to him.

Out in the world, Trump still looms large.

To many, hes the man who can make or break a country. And at the Doha Forum this weekend, a glitzy annual meet-up of diplomats, power brokers, and global VIPs, that image was on full display.

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Over coffee, desserts, and a lot of whispered side chats, foreign officials kept circling back to the same question: will Trumps troubles at home push him to take bigger swings abroad? Some think so. Some hope so.

He doesnt need Capitol Hill to get things done in foreign policy, said an Arab official cited by Politico.

Others went further. Like him or not, hes a very consequential global actor, former Serbian foreign minister Vuk Jeremic told Politico. And consequential became the word of the weekendnot a moral judgment, just a reminder of the raw power of the US presidency. Even a weakened US president still outranks most leaders in the world.

Its no surprise, then, that presidents often turn to foreign policy when the political ground gets shaky at home. But Trump is doing it with his usual unpredictabilityslashing foreign aid one day, bombing Irans nuclear facilities the next, changing his positions on Ukraine and Gaza, talking up peace while threatening war with Venezuela.

His newly unveiled National Security Strategy even stunned the Doha crowd, especially its swipe at Europe for facing civilisational erasure. One moderator openly asked the EUs top diplomat if Trump now sees Europe as an enemy. Publicly, she stayed polite. Privately, European officials were livid.

And yet, plenty of officialsespecially from Africa and the Middle Eastsaid they welcomed Trumps willingness to shake things up. Several African leaders said they wanted him to dive deeper into their continents conflicts. They dismissed his past insults about Africa as political noise.

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When he gets the process going, its a win, said an African official cited by Politico.

Trumps focus on business diplomacy has also earned him fans. Zimbabwes finance minister praised Trumps creative approach, saying many countries want a piece of the same economic attention Qatar is getting.

Even Hillary Clinton, one of Trumps fiercest critics, gave him credit for boldness, though she warned that big moves without follow-through rarely stick.

And thats the paradox foreign leaders are navigating: they worry about Trumps unpredictability, yet they know his power is nearly unmatched on the global stage. With three years left in his term, theyre bracing for anything from sweeping immigration changes, abandoning Ukraine, to striking a surprise nuclear deal.

Love him or hate him, Trump still has the ability to reshape the world. And as his domestic problems stack up, many global players are watching to see whereand howhe might try to change the subject.
Lithuania has declared a national emergency after balloons entering from Belarus repeatedly disrupted air travel and raised security concerns

Lithuania has declared a national emergency in response to mounting security risks posed by balloons entering its territory from Russia-allied Belarus. Authorities say the balloons, which have forced repeated closures of Vilnius airport, are being viewed as a potential form of hybrid warfare.

In a formal statement, the government said the decision was driven by national security interests and the danger the balloons present to human life, property and the environment. Officials noted that some balloons have carried contraband from the former Soviet neighbour, prompting heightened concern.

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Airport closures heighten tensions

The continued arrival of the balloons has disrupted aviation operations, including repeated shutdowns of Vilnius airport. The governments emergency declaration underscores the severity of the situation and the belief that the balloons are being used to exert pressure on Lithuania.

The Lithuanian government has asked parliament to authorise the military to operate alongside police, border guards and security services during the state of emergency, as well as independently, Kondratovic said.

If parliament approves the request, the armed forces will be allowed to restrict access to certain areas, stop and search vehicles, carry out checks on individuals, their documents and belongings, and detain those who resist or are suspected of criminal activity.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said the military would be permitted to use force while performing these duties. The emergency measures will remain in effect until the government decides to lift them.

On December 1, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the situation at the border was deteriorating and described the balloon incursions as a hybrid attack by Belarus that was completely unacceptable.

Lithuania previously imposed a state of emergency in 2021 in the region bordering Belarus over what it described as a Belarusian campaign to send migrants across the frontier illegally.

The following year, Vilnius declared another state of emergency after Russias invasion of Ukraine, amid concerns that Lithuania could also become a target.

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Lithuania on Tuesday declared a state of emergency and requested parliamentary approval to deploy military support for police and border guards, following repeated disruptions to air traffic caused by smuggler balloons from Belarus

The control tower at Vilnius Ciurlionis International Airport in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Tuesday. Reuters

Lithuania on Tuesday declared a state of emergency and requested parliamentary approval to deploy military support for police and border guards, following repeated disruptions to air traffic caused by smuggler balloons from Belarus.

Vilnius airport has been forced to close multiple times in recent months due to the weather balloons, which Lithuanian authorities say are being used by smugglers to transport cigarettes.

Lithuania has described the incidents as a hybrid attack orchestrated by Belarus, a close ally of Russia.

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The state of emergency is announced not only due to civil aviation disruptions but also due to interests of national security, Reuters quoted Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic as telling a government meeting broadcast live on Tuesday.

Belarus has denied any involvement with the smuggler balloons and accused Lithuania of provocations, including an alleged drone mission to drop extremist material, claims that Vilnius has rejected.

On Tuesday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko dismissed Lithuanias concerns, saying the country was exaggerating the balloon incidents and emphasising that Minsk does not seek conflict with its neighbours.

What the Lithuanians are saying today is impossible and unrealistic, Reuters quoted Lukashenko as saying in a speech broadcast by state-run news agency Belta.

The issue is being exaggerated and politicised, he said.

Powers for the army

The Lithuanian government has asked parliament to authorise the military to operate alongside police, border guards, and other security forces during the state of emergency, as well as independently, Reuters quoted Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic as saying.

If approved, the army would be allowed to restrict access to certain areas, stop and search vehicles, inspect individuals and their belongings, and detain those resisting or suspected of crimes.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas added that the military would be permitted to use force to carry out these duties. The emergency measures will remain in place until the government decides to lift them.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on December 1 that the border situation was deteriorating and described the balloon incursions as a hybrid attack by Belarus that was completely unacceptable.

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History of border tensions

Lithuania also imposed a state of emergency in 2021 in the Belarus border region over what it said was a campaign by Minsk to send migrants across the border illegally.

The following year Vilnius announced a state of emergency following Russias invasion of Ukraine, over fears that Lithuania could also become a target.

With inputs from agencies
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella met PM Modi on Tuesday and announced a $17.5 billion investment in India to boost the countrys Artificial Intelligence infrastructure and skills, marking the companys largest-ever commitment in Asia.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday announced a $17.5 billion investment  the companys largest in Asia  to strengthen Indias Artificial Intelligence infrastructure and skilling ecosystem.

Nadella shared the announcement on X after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in Delhi earlier in the day.

Thank you, PM @narendramodi ji, for an inspiring conversation on Indias AI opportunity. To support the countrys ambitions, Microsoft is committing US$17.5Bour largest investment ever in Asiato help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for pic.twitter.com/NdFEpWzoyZ  Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) December 9, 2025

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Thank you, PM @narendramodi ji, for an inspiring conversation on Indias AI opportunity. To support the countrys ambitions, Microsoft is committing US $17.5B  our largest investment ever in Asia  to help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for Indias AI-first future, he posted.

The investment is expected to accelerate Indias push to become a global AI hub. According to reports, Microsofts plan includes scaling cloud and computing infrastructure, expanding AI skilling programmes, and supporting secure, sovereign data systems across sectors.

The company said the commitment aligns with Indias broader efforts to integrate AI across healthcare, manufacturing, governance, education and financial services.

When it comes to AI, the world is optimistic about India!



Had a very productive discussion with Mr. Satya Nadella. Happy to see India being the place where Microsoft will make its largest-ever investment in Asia.



The youth of India will harness this opportunity to innovate https://t.co/fMFcGQ8ctK  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 9, 2025

Nadellas announcement also reflects Microsofts wider global push to advance AI adoption. He recently highlighted how tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot are reshaping productivity and the future of work.

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The Government of India has not yet outlined the operational roadmap for the investment, though officials have described the commitment as a significant boost to the countrys digital transformation journey.
The buildup comes as Beijing steps up pressure on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over her recent remarks suggesting Japan might intervene militarily if China were to attempt to seize Taiwan

As tensions with China reach their highest point in more than 10 years, Japan is accelerating its largest military buildup, placing the remote island of Yonaguni home to just 1,500 residents  on the front line of a growing regional confrontation.

Sitting just 110 km east of Taiwan, Yonaguni marks the far southwestern tip of Japan, the end of an island chain that stretches north toward the countrys main islands over a distance roughly equal to the length of the California coastline. Ever since former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosis 2022 visit to Taipei prompted China to fire missiles that landed near Yonaguni, Tokyo has pushed ahead with a rapid fortification of its southwestern defences, reported Bloomberg.

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According to the report, across the 160-island Ryukyu chain, Japan is deploying missile batteries, radar systems and ammunition depots, while also expanding major military assets on Kyushu, including F-35 fighter jets and long-range missiles.

The buildup comes as Beijing steps up pressure on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over her recent remarks suggesting Japan might intervene militarily if China were to attempt to seize Taiwan. Last weekend, tensions spiked after a Chinese fighter reportedly locked its weapons-targeting radar on Japanese aircraft.

Chinas Peoples Liberation Army is undoubtedly building up its ability to force Taiwan into submission, Bloomberg quoted Koichi Isobe, a former lieutenant general in Japans Ground Self-Defense Force, as saying.

Japan, the United States, and other Western countries must show China their strong resolve to oppose any actions that seek to change the status quo, Isobe added.

Buildup rattles locals

Once better known for wild horses and diving sites, Yonaguni has transformed since the establishment of a military base in 2016. New housing blocks now accommodate troops, and about 30 additional personnel are set to join the nearly 230 already on site to accommodate an electronic warfare division, and more are expected to follow with the planned deployment of anti-air missiles.

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The buildup has rattled some residents. About 80 locals attended a recent community meeting seeking clarity on the governments expanding plans.

While several voiced concerns about the risks that increased militarisation could bring, others argued that growing Chinese activity near the island leaves Japan with few options, reported Bloomberg.

Right now were defenceless, Bloomberg quoted Shigeru Yonahara, a car mechanic and town council member, as saying.

We need the electronic warfare unit to disable threats like drones, Yonahara added.

No policy shift on Taiwan

Takaichi has insisted Japan has not altered its Taiwan policy, but her comments have again highlighted how closely Japans security is tied to events across the strait.

A 2015 reinterpretation of Japans pacifist constitution allows the Self-Defense Forces to aid allies  primarily the United States  if Japans survival is deemed at risk.

Security analysts say any US-led defence of Taiwan would almost certainly draw in Japan.

If we decline the US request, that would mean the end of the alliance, said Kyoko Hatakeyama, a former government analyst, told Bloomberg. And the United States might not even protect Japan in the case of Chinas attack on Japan, Hatakeyama added.

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Beijing challenges Japans territorial claims

According to the Bloomberg report, China has revived World War II-era declarations to challenge Japans current territorial claims, citing the Potsdam and Cairo Declarations as evidence that Beijing holds sovereignty over Taiwan and possibly parts of the Ryukyu chain.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman recently quoted the 1945 Potsdam Declaration, which limited Japans sovereignty to its four main islands and such minor islands as we determine.

Japan, the US and Taiwan reject this view, pointing instead to the 1951 San Francisco Peace Treaty, which compelled Japan to renounce claims to Taiwan but did not assign sovereignty to any specific state.

The treaty also placed the Ryukyus under US administration until their return to Japan in 1972.

Beijings state media has amplified narratives questioning Japans control of the islands, with some outlets even invoking the idea of Ryukyu independence comments that have drawn sharp pushback in Tokyo.

Heated debate at home

Japans military expansion has sparked intense political debate.

The head of the opposition Communist Party has labeled the strategy a missile archipelago, a characterisation rejected by Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who argues the deployments are aimed at strengthening deterrence.

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During a visit to Yonaguni, Koizumi said stationing medium-range surface-to-air missiles on the island would help reduce the likelihood of attacks on Japan.

The issue is particularly sensitive in Okinawa, host to the vast majority of US military facilities in Japan and the likely first response point in a Taiwan contingency.

Some residents fear a repeat of the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, including protest organiser Hiroyuki Teruya, who said, After 80 years, its come to this. Are they going to make Okinawa a battlefield once again?

Others support the broader defence push, arguing Chinas posture leaves Japan with limited room for compromise.

What were seeing is a country that wont accept anything unless its own demands are met, Bloomberg quoted Ayako Arakaki, a local lawmaker, as saying.

Island politics reflect deeper unease

Yonagunis summer mayoral election exposed divisions over the buildup.

New mayor Tsuneo Uechi backs existing electronic warfare and anti-air plans but warns that installing anti-ship missiles like those on nearby islands would exacerbate psychological stress for residents.

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These developments are not intended to attack any other country, Defence Ministry official Kouzou Shimo told residents.

It is purely for use to defend ourselves in a crisis.

Former mayor Keniichi Itokazu, however, argues Japan should go further.

Japan alone cannot defend itself, he told Bloomberg. The USJapan alliance creates the deterrence that prevents China from making moves toward Taiwan or the Ryukyus.

With inputs from agencies
More military and civilian deaths have been reported in Thailand and Cambodia as the fighting has entered the second day. Cambodia has reported at least seven deaths, and Thailand has reported three. More than 100,000 people have been displaced.

An injured soldier is transferred to a hospital following a clash between Thai and Cambodian troops over a disputed border area in Sisaket Province, Thailand, on December 7, 2025. (Photo: Royal Thai Army/Handout via Reuters)

The Thailand-Cambodia fighting, which entered its second day on Tuesday, has killed at least 10 people and displaced more than 100,000 in both countries.

In the latest round of clashes, Cambodia has reported at least seven deaths while Thailand has reported three. The fighting has also forced more than 100,000 people to flee on both sides of the contested border.

The total tally of soldiers killed is three, with one killed on December 8 and two killed on December 9, the Thai army said in a statement.

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Of the two soldiers killed today, one died from indirect fire in Surin province, while another was killed by a grenade near the Preah Vihear temple.

The Thai army said it has set up 492 temporary shelters, currently housing 125,838 people.

In Cambodia, local authorities in Poipet issued an urgent message urging residents to seek shelter. They said residents of at least five areas Prey Kup, Tomnub Kor 5, ONeang and Toul Prasat should seek safety immediately.

The ongoing Thailand-Cambodia fighting is rooted in a war that erupted in July, which itself was the culmination of months-long tensions that began in May.

The May tensions were the latest flare-up in a decades-long territorial dispute over the trijunction of Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, known as the Emerald Triangle. The disputed area contains several cultural sites of high strategic and symbolic value to both sides, such as the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, claimed by both Cambodia and Thailand.

The July fighting ended with a peace deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, but the agreement now stands battered as multiple rounds of fighting have occurred despite its signing.

In Cambodia, the education ministry has announced the temporary closure of schools in part of Preah Vihear province along the Thai border, according to AFP.

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All educational institutions in Choam Ksan district will suspend classes and teaching activities until further notice to avoid the danger  caused by the Thai artillery shelling, the ministry said in a statement.

The Cambodian government has said Thai attacks have injured at least 20 people.

On its part, the Thai government has accused Cambodia of targeting civilians houses.

The ceasefire is not working

The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is not working, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told the BBC.

Sihasak accused Cambodia of breaching the Trump-brokered deal.

If the Trump administration were to continue its involvement, Sihasak said Thailand needs its help to seek genuine peace and not just something on a piece of paper. He added there was little space for diplomacy unless Cambodia changes its actions.

And if theyre willing to do so, then of course we can think of the best way forward. The ball is in Cambodias court, to come around, assume accountability, take responsibility, and then we can go from there, said Sihasak.
It will be Netanyahus fifth visit to meet Trump in the US since the start of the year and comes after the prime minister said he expected the second phase of the US-sponsored ceasefire plan for Gaza to begin soon

US President Donald Trump (L) holds hands and speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in Jerusalem on October 13, 2025. Hamas handed over the 20 surviving Israeli hostages on October 13 under a ceasefire agreement, as the US President and other world leaders geared up for a summit on Gaza. The releases are part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US President, with Israel due in return to free nearly 2,000 detainees held in its jails in exchange. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / POOL / AFP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet President Donald Trump in the United States on December 29, a spokeswoman for the premiers office told AFP on Tuesday.

It will be Netanyahus fifth visit to meet Trump in the US since the start of the year and comes after the prime minister said he expected the second phase of the US-sponsored ceasefire plan for Gaza to begin soon.

The meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu will take place Monday, December 29, Shosh Bedrosian, spokeswoman for the prime ministers office, said, without providing details of the location or duration of the visit.

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Israels Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu and Trump were expected to meet twice during an eight-day visit to the United States by the Israeli prime minister.

It said Netanyahu would visit Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Netanyahu said on Sunday he would meet Trump later in December to discuss opportunities for peace in the Middle East, with his office saying he was invited to the White House during a phone call with the president.

Netanyahu also said he expected the second phase of the Gaza truce plan to begin soon.

We very shortly expect to move into the second phase, which is more difficult, he said.

The first phase of the truce, in effect since October 10, has halted the war that began after Hamass deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

It has also seen militants release 47 out of 48 hostages held in Gaza, including the last 20 living captives.

The second stage of the plan concerns disarming Hamas, the further withdrawal of Israeli forces as a transitional authority is established, and the deployment of an international stabilisation force.

The United States is the primary military and diplomatic supporter of Israel but areas of tension have emerged between the two allies, including the issue of annexing the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

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Several members of Netanyahus government have called for the territory to be annexed but Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have voiced their firm opposition to such a move.
Massive protests in Karachi demanding a separate Sindhudesh turned violent on Sunday, with demonstrators marking Sindhi Culture Day by calling for an independent Sindhudesh. The unrest quickly escalated, leading to stone pelting, vandalism and clashes with police across the city.

Pakistan is on the boil as massive protests in Karachi demanding a separate Sindhudesh escalated into violence. Demonstrators took to the streets on Sindhi Culture Day on Sunday, calling for an independent Sindhudesh  a long-standing demand of Sindhi nationalist groups, India Today reported. The situation soon spiralled, with stone pelting, vandalism and clashes with police across parts of the city.

Slogans of Azadi and Pakistan Murdabad

Report says a large group of Sindhis, mobilised under the banner of Jiye Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSSM), raised slogans of Azadi (freedom) and Pakistan Murdabad, intensifying their call for Sindhs liberation. Sindhudesh, the ancient name for modern-day Sindh, refers to the province located along the Indus River that became part of Pakistan during the Partition of 1947.

#BREAKING

Mass protests in Karachi demanding Sindhudesh.

The truth is simple: Sindh was never truly Pakistan.

Its part of the same civilizational fold as Bharat ,history proves it every time.#FreeSindh #SindhudeshMovement pic.twitter.com/6IhwZMHSGT  TRIDENT (@TridentxIN) December 8, 2025

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Clashes after rally route diverted

Tensions escalated sharply after authorities diverted the rally route, angering thousands of participants. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Reports say at least 45 people were detained, while Dawn reported that five police personnel were injured. The government has directed police to identify and arrest those involved in vandalising property and damaging police vehicles.

Claims of repression and appeals to UN, PM Modi

For years, Sindhi groups have accused Pakistans authorities of repression and human rights violations. Earlier this year, the JSSM, led by its exiled chairperson Shafi Burfat, appealed to the United Nations to recognise Sindhudesh as an independent nation. The group also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to support the movement, citing cultural and historical links with India.

In its statement, the outfit accused Pakistans security forces of serious human rights abuses, such as enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial killings, and alleged that anti-terrorism laws were being misused against Sindhudesh activists.

Fresh political chatter around Sindh

The latest protests come amid renewed political discussion within Pakistan. A Pakistani news channel recently aired a segment in which a journalist and an expert claimed MQM chief Altaf Hussain had told former Sindh home minister Zulfiqar Mirza that after the 18th Amendment, the Sindhudesh card is now in our hands.

In India, the issue drew attention after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said many Sindhi Hindus of his generation never fully accepted the regions separation from India in 1947. Who knows, tomorrow Sindh may return to India again, he added, emphasising the civilisational links tied to the Indus River, which is also referenced in Indias national anthem.

A movement rooted in decades of history

The Sindhudesh demand dates back to 1967 under the leadership of GM Syed and Pir Ali Mohammed Rashdi, and gained momentum after the 1971 liberation of Bangladesh. Sindhi nationalists have long highlighted the provinces distinct ethnic, linguistic and historical identity linked to the Indus Valley Civilisation.

While there is little political push within Sindh for a merger with India, nationalist outfits continue to seek greater autonomy within Pakistan or an independent Sindhudesh.
Europes push to use Russias frozen assets for Ukraine is gaining momentum, but key political and legal hurdles remain. Despite positive progress noted by Starmer, Macron and Merz, the plan faces significant resistance  particularly from Belgium, where most of the frozen assets are held.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pose on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street, London, on Monday, following a meeting of the leaders inside. AP

Using Russias frozen assets to support Ukraine may not be as straightforward as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz would like.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with the leaders of France and Germany, discussed the positive progress made on plans to use frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine, Downing Street said on Monday.

A spokesperson for Starmer said the leaders agreed that this is a critical moment, stressing the need to step up support for Ukraine and increase economic pressure on Putin to help bring the war to an end. While diplomatic efforts continue, Europe must stand with Ukraine  They also discussed positive progress made to use immobilised Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraines reconstruction.

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The plan under discussion

The three recently discussed a proposal to give Kyiv access to billions of pounds in frozen Russian assets ahead of the EU leaders meeting on 1819 December, where the plan will be considered. The idea is to channel about 78bn of these assets into a reparations loan for Ukraine next year.

The proposal assumes that Moscow will eventually pay reparations to Kyiv. Ukraine would then use those funds to repay the loan to the EU, ensuring the financial institutions holding the frozen Russian assets are reimbursed.

Belgium stands in the way

The plan has met firm resistance from Belgium. Around 160bn of Russian assets are immobilised at Euroclear in Brussels, and the Belgian government fears it could face legal liability or Russian retaliation if the funds are seized. The UK is willing to hand over about 8bn in assets frozen in Britain but wants to do so only as part of a wider European move.

The bottom line is that the plan can proceed only if Belgium agrees to the arrangement and if Russia ultimately pays reparations  two conditions far from assured.

Brussels becomes the key battleground

Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky met on Monday, December 8th with Germanys Friedrich Merz, Frances Emmanuel Macron and Britains Sir Keir Starmer. The three leaders, often referred to as the e3, have become a central force in European decision-making.

But this week, the most decisive choices on Ukraines future are being made in Brussels  not as the seat of the EUs institutions, but as the capital of Belgium.

What might change the mind of Belgiums prime minister, Bart De Wever, remains unclear. His main concern is that Belgium could be held liable for the 185bn in frozen Russian assets held at Euroclear if Moscow seeks to reclaim them once sanctions are lifted.

The EU argues its proposal avoids this problem: banks holding Russian assets would be required to offer an equivalent, interest-free loan to the EU, which would then lend the funds to Ukraine and take responsibility for repaying the banks. Under this structure, the risk would fall on the EU as a whole, not on Belgium alone.

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Six Pakistani soldiers have been killed in an attack on security checkpoint in the in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province along the border with Afghanistan.

Pakistani soldiers stand guard as people, who fled the military offensive against militants in North Waziristan, receive food supply from the army in Bannu in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province July 2, 2014. (Photo: Haji Mujtaba/Reuters)

Six Pakistani soldiers have been killed in an attack in the countrys northwestern region along the border with Afghanistan, sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

The soldiers were killed in an attack on a security checkpoint along the border in Kurram district in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The attack took place between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

While no group has so far taken responsibility for the attack, a Pakistani official told AFP that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was behind the attack.

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Pakistans border regions have seen increased cross-border attacks in recent months as the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistans Taliban regime has collapsed. In October, the two sides had worst clashes since the Islamist takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 in which dozens were killed and hundreds injured.

Turkey and Qatar have mediated talks between Pakistan and Taliban but these talks have not gone anywhere. Pakistan has essentially declared these talks a failure.

For continuing attacks in the country, Pakistan has accused the Taliban of enabling such attacks by not taking action against groups based in Afghanistan.

In recent months, as the relationship between Pakistan and Afghan Taliban has broken down, the TTP has ramped up attacks on Pakistani security forces and state institutions. Pakistan has blamed the Afghan Taliban for harbouring the TTP and enabling attacks inside Pakistan.

While the TTP is aligned ideologically with the Afghan Taliban, it is a distinct group that is opposed to the Pakistani state. It has committed itself to overthrowing the Pakistani state and establishing in its place a true Sharia-run Islamic state.

As for December 9, the year has been the deadliest for Pakistan in nearly a decade in terms of terrorism-related deaths. The last year with more deaths than the ongoing year was 2014 when 5,510 deaths were reported, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP).
Tanzania saw heavy security deployment in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday as authorities moved to block planned Independence Day protests against the violent crackdown that followed the October elections.

(FILES) Tanzanias ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) presidential candidate and incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan delivers her remarks during the party's closing campaign rally in Mwanza on October 28, 2025. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan won a landslide election victory with 97.66 percent of the vote, the electoral commission announced on November 1, 2025, after polls that lacked major opposition candidates and descended into violent protests. (Photo by Michael JAMSON / AFP)

Police and soldiers were deployed in large numbers across Dar es Salaam on Tuesday to stop planned protests against the violent crackdown on demonstrations that followed Tanzanias October elections. Streets in the commercial capital were mostly empty, a Reuters witness said, after the government warned that any rallies on the countrys independence anniversary would be treated as an attempted coup.

The presidential and parliamentary elections on October 29 triggered the worst political unrest in Tanzanias post-independence era, with the UN estimating that hundreds of people were killed. Security officers carried out ID checks across Dar es Salaam, and most shops in the Central Business District remained shut.

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Residents said they feared fresh violence. Hamad Ali, who collects fares on a commuter bus, said services were halted out of concern for safety. Some activists claimed that small protests occurred in parts of Dar es Salaam and in Mwanza, though this could not be independently verified.

Police spokesperson David Misime said the situation nationwide was calm and dismissed videos circulating online as footage from earlier demonstrations. He urged the public to ignore them.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a new term with nearly 98 percent of the vote after major opposition figures were barred from contesting. She set up a commission last month to examine the election-related violence but has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing by security forces.

UN human rights experts said last week that at least 700 people were believed to have been extrajudicially killed in the unrest.
In an interview with Politico, Trump lashed out at European leaders, calling the continent decaying, while warning of migration crises and signaling support for politicians who share his views

President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Europe, describing the continent as a decaying collection of nations led by weak leaders.

In an interview with Politico, he accused long-standing US allies of failing to curb migration or bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, and signaled that he is prepared to endorse European political figures who share his policy views.

I think theyre weak, Trump said of Europes political leaders. But I also think that they want to be so politically correct.

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I think they dont know what to do, he added. Europe doesnt know what to do.

The remarks amount to Trumps strongest public attack yet on European political leadership, escalating tensions with countries such as France and Germany, whose relations with his administration are already deeply strained.

Trumps comments on Europe also come at a particularly sensitive moment in efforts to end Russias war in Ukraine, as European leaders worry that the president may leave Ukraine and its continental allies vulnerable to Russian aggression.

In the interview, Trump offered no reassurance, asserting that Russia is obviously in a stronger position than Ukraine.

His assertive stance on Europe contrasted sharply with his comments on domestic issues.

This fall, Trump and his party faced electoral setbacks and mounting dysfunction in Congress amid voter dissatisfaction over the high cost of living.

In the interview, he rated the economys performance as an A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus, claimed that prices were falling across the board, and declined to offer a concrete solution to anticipated spikes in health care premiums.

Trumps influence on global affairs

Despite turmoil at home, Trump continues to exert significant influence on international affairs.

European capitals were recently unsettled by the release of Trumps new National Security Strategy, a provocative document that positioned his administration against the mainstream European political establishment and vowed to cultivate resistance to the European status quo on immigration and other contentious issues.

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In the interview, Trump elaborated on that worldview, describing cities such as London and Paris as straining under migration from the Middle East and Africa.

Without stricter border policies, he warned, some European states will not be viable countries any longer.

Targeting Londons left-wing mayor, Sadiq Khan, the son of Pakistani immigrants and the citys first Muslim mayor, Trump called him a disaster and blamed his election on immigration, saying, He gets elected because so many people have come in. They vote for him now.

In response, European Council President Antonio Costa on Monday criticised the Trump administration for the National Security Strategy, urging the White House to respect Europes sovereignty and its right to self-government.

Allies do not threaten to interfere in the democratic life or the domestic political choices of these allies, Politico quoted Costa as saying. They respect them, Costa added.

Trump said he would continue to support his preferred candidates in European elections, even if it risked offending local sensitivities.

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Id endorse, Politico quoted Trump as saying, adding, Ive endorsed people, but Ive endorsed people that a lot of Europeans dont like. Ive endorsed Viktor Orban, referring to the hard-right Hungarian prime minister, whom he praised for his border-control policies.

Russia-Ukraine war Trumps primary focus

However, the Russia-Ukraine war appeared to be Trumps primary focus. On Monday, he claimed to have presented a new draft peace plan that some Ukrainian officials had welcomed, though President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had not yet reviewed it.

It would be nice if he would read it, Trump said.

Zelenskyy met with leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom on Monday, reaffirming his opposition to ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia under a peace deal.

Trump expressed skepticism about Europes role in ending the conflict, saying, They talk, but they dont produce, and the war just keeps going on and on.

In a further challenge to Zelenskyy, whose political position in Ukraine has been weakened by a corruption scandal, Trump reiterated his call for new elections.

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They havent had an election in a long time, Trump said. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where its not a democracy anymore.

Trumps Latin America strategy

Even as he promotes a peace agenda abroad, Trump signaled he could expand US military actions in Latin America against drug-related targets. The president has already deployed substantial forces to the Caribbean to strike alleged drug traffickers and pressure Venezuelas authoritarian regime.

In the interview, Trump repeatedly declined to rule out sending American troops into Venezuela to remove President Nicolas Maduro, whom he blames for exporting drugs and dangerous individuals to the US.

Some conservative leaders have warned that a ground invasion would be a red line for voters who supported Trump to end foreign conflicts.

I dont want to rule in or out. I dont talk about it, Trump told Politico, adding, I dont want to talk to you about military strategy.

He also indicated that force could be used against drug operations in other countries, including Mexico and Colombia.

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With inputs from agencies
Chinas Premier Li Qiang has warned that rising global tariffs are hurting the world economy, even as Chinas trade surplus has topped $1 trillion, highlighting the strain protectionist measures are placing on global growth.

Chinas Premier Li Qiang attends the 1+10 Dialogue with leaders of International Economic Organisations in Beijing on December 9, 2025. (Photo by Pedro PARDO and Pedro Pardo / POOL / AFP)

Chinas premier Li Qiang warned on Tuesday (December 9, 2025) that rising global tariffs have delivered a severe blow to the world economy, even as Chinas own trade surplus has climbed past $1 trillion.

Qiang made the remarks at a forum of major international organisations in Beijing, held alongside Chinas annual economic planning meetings.

Since the start of this year, weve seen the stick of tariffs being wielded around the world with growing restrictive measures on the economy and trade, which have dealt a severe blow to the global economy, Li said, without directly naming US President Donald Trump or his tariff hikes.

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As events have unfolded, the damaging consequences of tariffs hurting both others and oneself have become increasingly evident, and calls to uphold free trade have grown ever stronger, he told representatives from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Trade Organization.

Chinese exports slump to US but surge elsewhere

Trumps steep tariff increases on imports from China and other countries have reduced Chinese exports to the US, though Beijing has offset some of the impact by boosting shipments to other global markets. Chinese customs data released on Monday showed exports to the US fell 29 percent year-on-year in November, marking the eighth consecutive month of declines.

Despite this drop, Chinas trade surplus for 2025, in dollar terms, has already exceeded $1 trillion, while overall exports rose 5.9 percent from a year earlier.

Trade tensions between Beijing and Washington have eased slightly after

Beijing faces growing pressure from global partners

On Tuesday, Li Qiang urged trading partners to push back against rising protectionism, a day after China posted a record $1 trillion trade surplus supported by a surge in exports to non-US markets.

Beijing now faces widening friction with major trading partners beyond the US, who are calling on China to reform its $19 trillion economy and reduce its reliance on exports for growth.

Chinas premier pressed the heads of the IMF, World Bank, WTO and others to strengthen global governance in response to the growing number of economies imposing levies on imports, including on Chinese goods.

Since the beginning of the year, the threat of tariffs has loomed over the global economy, with various trade restrictions proliferating and severely impacting global economic activity, Li said at the 1+10 Dialogue in Beijing. The mutually destructive consequences of tariffs are becoming increasingly apparent, and calls from all sides to uphold free trade are growing ever stronger.

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Analysts: Chinas export-heavy model is fuelling tariff tensions

Analysts cited in a report emphasised that that Chinas massive trade surplus and reluctance to shift away from an export-driven economy are directly contributing to the rise in global tariffs. Yet they see little incentive for Beijing to alter course despite mounting international pressure.

Li said Chinas domestic demand will be unleashed at a faster pace over the next five years, according to a readout of the meeting. But frustration abroad is rising.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that he had threatened Beijing with tariffs during his state visit, which coincided with the European Commission announcing plans to strengthen Europes resilience to threats such as rare earth shortages and dumped imports.

Economists argue that while Trumps tariff hikes were highly disruptive to global trade, Beijings reluctance to reform leaves Western governments with limited options.

China is not taking any action, and I think has no intention to do so, said Alicia Garcia-Herrero, senior fellow at the Bruegel think tank. I dont see China caring about all of these visiting officials whatsoever.

Its export-driven model is going to contribute around 40 percent of global growth in 2025. I dont think it has ever been higher, and China is supposedly growing, so there is no reason for such a big contribution to external demand, she added.

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Chinese exports pivot to new markets after US tariff hikes

Mondays trade data showed Chinas push to diversify exports since Trumps November 2024 election victory is gaining momentum, with shipments rising sharply to Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.

US import tariffs have diverted Chinese exports to other destinations, exacerbating competitive pressures in many parts of the world, said Fred Neumann, chief economist for the Asia-Pacific at HSBC. This is a reminder that tariffs can distort trade flows, but in themselves dont address fundamental macro-imbalances.
Amid all the White House buzz about successful diplomatic wins, a closer look shows a different picture. Many of the so-called wars they claim to have ended were barely active to begin with, or have since spiralled right back into instability

President Donald Trump listens during a roundtable on farm subsidies in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington. File image/AP

President Donald Trumps repeated claims of having ended eight wars are facing intense scrutiny from international observers and diplomats, who argue that his administrations focus on high-profile dealmaking is creating fragile ceasefires rather than lasting peacea pattern now highlighted by renewed fighting and violated agreements across three continents.

Amid a flurry of White House announcements touting successful diplomatic interventions, a closer look at the key claims reveals that many of the supposed wars were either inactive or have since seen a rapid deterioration of stability.

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Foreign policy analyst Arthur Boutellis said in a recent essay in IPI Global Observatory, the online publication of the International Peace Institute (IPI), that there is a fundamental difference between dealmaking and peacemaking, adding that Trumps approach is inherently transactional, zero-sum and contractual, a model ill-suited for the complex, relationship-building work required for genuine conflict resolution.

The frailty of the peace claims was dramatically exposed this week.

Just days after the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed the Washington Accords on December 4, aimed at ending decades of conflict, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi accused Kigali of immediate violations.

Tshisekedi stated that Rwanda is already violating its commitments, alleging that Rwandan forces fired heavy weapons into Congolese territory the day after the signing. Furthermore, despite a previous US-brokered truce, the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has violently reignited.

Multiple reports confirmed intense fighting broke out on December 7 and 8, resulting in soldiers deaths and civilian casualties, which clearly calls into question the durability of the initial agreement.

Other agreements cited by the Trump administration as wars ended are proving equally precarious or controversial.

While the May 2025 ceasefire between India and Pakistan is technically ongoing, India has firmly maintained its stance, denying any third-party intervention, with observers doubting the USs direct role. India has also clarified it has only paused its Operation Sindoor.

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Similarly, the October 2025 Israel and Hamas ceasefire remains extremely fragile, with occasional Israeli military strikes being reported, and the June 2025 ceasefire between Israel and Iran is generally holding due more to Israels decision to halt military operations amidst other regional engagements than a definitive diplomatic resolution.

Finally, the White Houses list includes several disputes that were never active wars, suggesting the claims are more about achieving diplomatic wins than ending actual violence. This includes the claims related to Serbia and Kosovo, which focused on economic normalisation; the Egypt and Ethiopia (GERD Dam) dispute, where talks have stalled with no formal deal signed; and the Armenia and Azerbaijan agreement, where a framework was announced, but critics say the Presidents credit for avoiding a full-scale war that was not active at the time is a little exaggerated.
A federal judge had ruled in August that Habbas appointment was unlawful, finding she was installed through a novel series of legal and personnel moves

Democrats have opposed several of Trumps nominees this year, including Alina Habba, a nominee for US attorney in New Jersey, and two prosecutors nominated in New York who have been blocked by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. AP

US President Donald Trumps former personal lawyer, Alina Habba, has announced that she will no longer serve as acting US attorney for New Jersey following an appeals court ruling that determined her appointment was unlawful.

In a statement on X, Habba said that as a result of the Third Circuits ruling, and to protect the stability and integrity of the office which I love, I have decided to step down in my role as the US Attorney for the District of New Jersey. She added that people should not mistake compliance for surrender.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi, in a separate statement on X, said she was saddened to accept Alinas resignation. Bondi noted that the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals decision had made it untenable for her to effectively run her office and announced she was appointing Habba as a senior advisor to the Attorney General for US Attorneys.

She also said the Justice Department is appealing the ruling and that we are confident it will be reversed. If that happens, Bondi wrote, Alina intends to return to lead the US Attorneys Office for the District of New Jersey.

The Justice Department said in a news release that three officials would share responsibility for leading the office in Habbas absence.

Whats the case?

A federal judge had ruled in August that Habbas appointment was unlawful, finding she was installed through a novel series of legal and personnel moves. Trump first named her interim US attorney on March 24, replacing another interim appointee who had been in the role for only three weeks.

Habba was sworn in on March 28, but interim appointments are limited to 120 days. Trump nominated her for the permanent post on June 30, but the Senate did not act on the nomination, US District Judge Matthew W. Brann wrote.

On July 22, the judges of the US District Court of New Jersey exercised their authority to appoint a new US attorney, Habbas deputy. The Justice Department then conceived a multi-step manoeuvre to keep her in the role, Brann said, with Bondi dismissing Habbas successor and naming Habba as Special Attorney to the Attorney General, before placing her in the now-vacant deputy position, which allowed her to serve as acting US attorney.

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Brann concluded that these actions were illegal, amounted to an attempt to bypass Senate confirmation, and meant Habba must be disqualified from participating in any ongoing cases. A 3rd Circuit panel agreed last week, ruling that permitting her appointment to stand would allow such posts to be filled indefinitely.

In her statement on Monday, Habba said judges have become weapons of the politicised left.

Her appointment had been challenged by criminal defendants who argued she lacked the authority to oversee their cases. Although Brann delayed the effect of his ruling pending appeal, the controversy created disruptions across New Jerseys federal courts, with some judges postponing trials out of concern that Habbas involvement could jeopardise convictions.
France is heading into another tense political showdown as the government struggles to secure enough support for a major social security budget vote that could determine the stability of its public finances and the survival of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornus minority government.

Frances new prime minister Sebastien Lecornu resigned Monday, less than 24 hours after naming his government and after less than a month in office, plunging the country into a deep political crisis. The French presidency said in a statement Monday that President Emmanuel Macron has accepted his resignation. Image: AP video by Alexander Turnbull

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu faces a crucial vote on the social security budget on Tuesday  a test that could heighten political turbulence and raise fresh doubts about how France will plug major gaps in its public finances.

The National Assembly will vote on the legislation setting welfare, health and pension spending for 2026. The bill also reflects concessions Lecornus minority government has made to opposition parties in an effort to stay in power.

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But the outcome is far from certain. Earlier votes on parts of the bill passed only narrowly, revealing divisions both between parties and within previously supportive parliamentary groups.

High stakes for Frances finances

The government warns that rejecting the bill would push the social security deficit to around 30 billion in 2026, compared with closer to 20 billion if the plan is approved. Social security spending makes up more than 40 percent of Frances total public expenditure.

A rejection would also deal a major blow to Lecornus effort to restore political stability by giving parliament greater control over financial legislation. Last years elections left the National Assembly fractured, complicating law-making and contributing to frequent changes in government.

A very high-risk vote

Its a very high-risk vote, Benjamin Morel, a professor at Universite Paris 2 Pantheon-Assas, told Europe1 radio on Monday. If you dont have a majority on the social security budget, on the state budget it seems even more improbable.

Lecornu has ruled out using article 49.3  a mechanism that allows governments to bypass parliamentary votes  and has accepted numerous amendments to the budget proposals.

Political tensions rise

The bill faced a knife-edge vote on Tuesday, with Lecornu still trying to secure Socialist support. His willingness to suspend President Emmanuel Macrons pension reform has frustrated centrists and conservatives, further clouding the bills prospects.

Lawmakers began reviewing the text on Tuesday afternoon, only days after narrowly approving the tax component. Asked if the government would win the vote, Budget Minister Amelie de Montchalin said: I cannot say. She suggested more funding for hospitals could be offered to sway hesitant groups, including the Greens.

Socialist leader Olivier Faure said his party may back the bill after securing concessions, including delaying Macrons 2023 pension reform until after the 2027 presidential election.

Opposition on both flanks

Both the far right and hard left are expected to oppose the bill. Traditional government allies  the centrist Horizon group and the conservative Republicains  may abstain or vote against it, arguing that Lecornu conceded too much by freezing pension reform and accepting tax increases to win over the Socialists.

A wider budget crisis looms

Lecornu warned that failure to pass the bill could jeopardise the entire 2025 public sector budget, with time running short before year-end and the government possibly forced into stopgap financing.

France is aiming to bring its budget deficit  one of the euro zones largest  below 5 percent of GDP next year. But manoeuvring space is limited in a parliament where no party commands a majority.

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A pattern of instability

Budget battles have intensified since Macron lost his majority in last years snap election, triggering instability that has toppled three governments. A dispute over last years budget brought down Michel Barniers cabinet through a no-confidence vote.
The chief of the general staff, Eyal Zamir, told soldiers deployed in Gaza that Israel would continue holding its military positions, meaning that it would have control of more than half of the region

A girl walks near a camp for displaced Palestinians at a school-turned-shelter in Al-Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City on November 5, 2025.-AFP

Israels military chief has asserted that the yellow line that divides Gaza in US President Donald Trumps peace plan is the new border for the country.

The chief of the general staff, Eyal Zamir, told soldiers deployed in Gaza that Israel would continue holding its military positions, meaning that it would have control of more than half of the region.

The yellow line is a new border line, serving as a forward defensive line for our communities and a line of operational activity, Zamir said.

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He added, We have operational control over extensive parts of the Gaza Strip and we will remain on those defence lines.

Palestinians were driven from this eastern area of Gaza by Israeli attacks and evacuation orders. Nearly the entire surviving population, more than 2 million people, is now packed into a narrow strip of coastal dunes smaller than Washington, DC.

What is the yellow line?

Israel withdrew from the so-called yellow line under the first phase of the ceasefire deal. Despite this, the country holds 53 per cent of the Gaza Strip, including all of the southern city of Rafah and the northern city of Beit Hanoun.

The yellow line has remained a flashpoint ever since, with multiple episodes of violence and ceasefire violations along the demarcation, each side accusing the other of provoking the escalation.

On the other hand, Israel has committed not to annex any Palestinian territory as it signed the ceasefire agreement with Hamas in October. Trumps peace plan reaffirms that the Israeli military will progressively hand over Palestinian territory to an international security force until they have withdrawn completely from Gaza.

Israel-Hamas ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday he expected the second phase of the US-sponsored ceasefire plan for Gaza to begin soon, and said he would meet President Donald Trump this month.

Speaking after meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said: We very shortly expect to move into the second phase, which is more difficult.

The second stage of the Gaza truce plan concerns disarming Hamas, the further withdrawal of Israeli forces, as a transitional authority is established, and the deployment of an international stabilisation force.

With inputs from agencies
President Donald Trump has said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must start accepting things in ongoing peace efforts, saying that Russia holds the upper hand in the war

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump appear at a meeting, while they attend the funeral of Pope Francis, at the Vatican, April 26, 2025. Reuters File

President Donald Trump has said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must start accepting things in ongoing peace efforts, saying that Russia holds the upper hand in the war  remarks that come as Kyiv prepares to submit refined documents on a revised peace plan to the United States.

In an interview with Politico, Trump said Zelenskyy would need to make concessions as Ukraine faces mounting battlefield losses.

Hes going to have to get on the ball and start accepting things, you know, when youre losing, Politico quoted Trump as saying.

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Asked whether Ukraine had lost the war, he added, They lost a lot of land you certainly wouldnt say its a victory.

Trump said Russia had always been negotiating from a position of strength.

Its not easy with Russia, because Russia has the upper, upper hand Theyre much bigger. Theyre much stronger, he was quoted as saying while crediting Ukraines forces for their bravery and fighting.

His comments came as Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine and key European partners had completed more developed components of a peace proposal following intensive talks in London with leaders from the UK, France and Germany.

Kyiv is expected to present these updated documents to Washington soon.

Today, we already discussed with our negotiating team the results of yesterdays work in London, which was conducted at the level of the National Security Advisors of our European partners. This was agreed upon yesterday at the leaders level. We are working very actively on all components of potential steps toward ending the war, Zelenskyy wrote on X.

Today, we already discussed with our negotiating team the results of yesterdays work in London, which was conducted at the level of the National Security Advisors of our European partners. This was agreed upon yesterday at the leaders level.



We are working very actively on  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) December 9, 2025

He said the Ukrainian and European components are now more developed, and we are ready to present them to our partners in the US.

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Together with the American side, we expect to swiftly make the potential steps as doable as possible. We are committed to a real peace and remain in constant contact with the United States. And, as our partners in the negotiating teams rightly note, everything depends on whether Russia is ready to take effective steps to stop the bloodshed and prevent the war from reigniting. In the near future, we will be ready to send the refined documents to the United States, he added.

Ukraine is resisting a US-backed proposal viewed by many in Kyiv as tilted toward Moscow, even as Washington pushes for a swift path to a negotiated settlement.

Ukrainian officials are also seeking firm security guarantees from Western partners to prevent future Russian aggression.

Closer to peace agreement

Meanwhile, Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Tuesday said that Western allies are now working on three key documents aimed at advancing a settlement to the war  a 20-point framework, a set of security guarantees, and a reconstruction plan.

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I think we are closer to a peace agreement than we have been at any time since the war began, Reuters quoted Stubb as saying at an event in Helsinki.

His comments came as President Trump increased pressure on Ukrainian President to reach a deal, suggesting it may require difficult concessions and arguing that Russia currently holds the upper hand on the battlefield.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Ukraine cede the entire eastern Donbas region before Moscow agrees to halt its offensive  a condition Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected.

With inputs from agencies
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Zelenskyy confirmed that an original 28-point plan presented by Washington had been pared down to 20 points following intense weekend talks between US and Ukrainian officials

This photo taken and handout on December 9, 2025 by The Vatican Media shows Pope Leo XIV during a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, in Castel Gandolfo. (AFP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV in Italy on Tuesday as Kyiv finalised a revised set of proposals to send to the United States regarding the framework for ending Russias full-scale invasion.

The diplomatic push comes as US President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Ukraine to reach a settlement. Trump had previously slammed Zelenskyy for allegedly dismissing an initial White House plan, which many of Ukraines European allies viewed as overly favourable to Russian interests.

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Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Zelenskyy confirmed that an original 28-point plan presented by Washington had been pared down to 20 points following intense weekend talks between US and Ukrainian officials.

We do not like everything that our partners came back with, Zelenskyy stated, adding that the main sticking points were not entirely with the Americans, but stemmed from the core Russian demands. He affirmed, however, that the new 20-point framework would be sent to the US on Tuesday evening.

The initial US proposal reportedly required Ukraine to surrender territories not currently captured by Russia in exchange for security promises that fall short of Kyivs goal of joining NATO. Zelensky firmly rejected the idea of ceding any land: We have no legal right to do so, under Ukrainian law, our constitution and international law. And we dont have any moral right either.

The Ukrainian President also stressed that the security component remains unresolved: The key is to know what our partners will be ready to do in the event of new aggression by Russia. At the moment, we have not received any answer to this question.

Zelenskyys stop in Italy followed Monday meetings in London and Brussels with key European leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X that the leaders are preparing robust security guarantees and measures for Ukraines reconstruction, stressing that the main issue remains finding convergence between the European-Ukrainian position and that of the United States.

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Zelenskyy is set to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni later in the day. Meloni has been a staunch supporter of Kyiv, although her government last week postponed a decision on renewing military aid authorisation, which is set to expire on December 31. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EUs commitment, stating, Ukraines sovereignty must be respected. Ukraines security must be guaranteed, in the long term, as a first line of defence for our Union.
After concluding his meeting in London with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Zelenskyy is headed to Brussels to meet Nato officials

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pose on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street, London, on Monday, following a meeting of the leaders inside. AP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed that Ukraine will not concede territory to Russia as he met European leaders to discuss the US-proposed peace plan.

We definitely do not want to give anything up. That is what we are fighting for. We have no legal right to do so under Ukrainian law, our Constitution, international law, or, to be honest, moral law, Zelenskyy said.

After concluding his meeting in London with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Zelenskyy is headed to Brussels to meet Nato officials.

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There is slight progress towards a possible end to the war I think the plan will be ready tomorrow. In the evening, we will discuss it again and send it to the US, Zelensky added.

The Ukrainian president further said that Trumps 28-point peace plan has been reduced to 20 points, after anti-Ukrainian elements were removed from the document.

Hours after his London meeting, Zelenskyy said on X he had a good and productive meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels.

Our positions have been aligned on all issues. We are acting in a coordinated and constructive manner, Zelensky said.

A good and productive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte @SecGenNATO, President of the European Council Antonio Costa @eucopresident, and President of the European Commission Ursula @vonderleyen.



I briefed the leaders on the situation on the diplomatic track. We pic.twitter.com/GxdEgBLMXH  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) December 8, 2025

Rutte also called it a good discussion and reiterated the support for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, while von der Leyen, also on X, said the EU was ironclad in its backing for Kyiv.

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Zelenskyy meets European allies

Zelenskyy met with the three European leaders in London on Monday to discuss sensitive matters, including security guarantees for Ukraine and control of its eastern regions.

There are some things which we cant manage without Americans, things we cant manage without Europe, and thats why we need to make some important decisions, he said.

The discussions came after Trump accused Zelenskyy of not reading his administrations proposal on a deal to end nearly four years of war sparked by Russias invasion of its neighbour.

That followed days of talks between Ukrainian and US officials in Miami that ended on Saturday with no apparent breakthrough, but with Zelensky committing to further negotiations.

With inputs from agencies
Starlink has issued a formal clarification regarding the status of its operations in India, addressing recent speculation concerning service pricing and website availability.

Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations, confirmed that the Starlink India website is not currently live, and the company is not accepting orders from customers in the region.

Explanation of Pricing Data

The statement was released in response to information that recently appeared online, which seemed to suggest specific pricing tiers for the Indian market. Dreyer explained that this visibility was the result of a technical config glitch that briefly displayed dummy test data.

She explicitly stated that the numbers visible during the glitch do not reflect what the cost of Starlink service will be in India. The technical issue responsible for displaying this test data has since been fixed.

Current Focus and Regulatory Approvals

Regarding the timeline for a potential launch, Dreyer noted that the company is eager to provide high-speed internet access to the region. However, operations cannot commence immediately.

The Starlink team is currently focused on obtaining the necessary final government approvals required to officially turn on the service and launch the website for Indian consumers.

Reports indicate that Starlink is planning to establish gateway earth stations in Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Noida, which would connect user terminals to SpaceXs satellite constellation.
Qualcomm Incorporated announced that its subsidiary, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., has completed the acquisition of Augentix, a provider of low-power image signal processors (ISPs) and multimedia SoCs. This acquisition expands the hardware ecosystem of the Qualcomm Insight platform, supporting edge AI-powered smart surveillance across enterprise, industrial, and public infrastructure sectors.

Expanded Smart Camera Portfolio

Following the acquisition, Qualcomm Technologies will offer a wider and configurable portfolio of smart camera solutions, ranging from cost-efficient designs to high-performance devices. This allows solution providers to scale deployments while maintaining software consistency, unified control, and optimizing costs.

Indian Market and Local OEMs

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) highlighted that India requires secure, scalable, and trusted IP camera platforms as digitalization of public and enterprise infrastructure accelerates. The Augentix acquisition is expected to provide Indian OEMs and ODMs access to cost-effective, high-performance camera solutions suitable for domestic and international deployments.

Deployment Flexibility

The integration enables a range of camera options, from low-power sensing devices for low-risk areas to analytics-focused smart cameras for high-security zones, while preserving software stacks, development workflows, and analytics capabilities.

Outlook

Founded in 2014, Augentix specializes in advanced SoCs and multimedia signal processing for high-resolution, low-power video applications. Its solutions are used in enterprise surveillance, consumer video technology, and embedded intelligent camera systems.

As part of Qualcomm Technologies, Augentix products will become a core component of the Qualcomm Insight platform, supporting Indian and global partners, system integrators, and solution providers in building scalable smart surveillance and edge AI deployments.

Speaking on the acquisition, Savi Soin, Sr. Vice President & President, Qualcomm India, said:

As India advances toward its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, intelligent infrastructure will need to operate securely, autonomously and at scale. Edge AI and advanced video surveillance are becoming vital enablers of operational efficiency, safety and resilience. Integrating Augentix into the Qualcomm ecosystem strengthens our ability to support Indias digital public infrastructure with real-time intelligence, lower power consumption and enhanced privacy. We are excited to welcome the Augentix team as we accelerate the next phase of AI-enabled security innovation.

In response to the acquisition, Hung-Chi Fan, CEO, Augentix, said:
Nothing just launched Nothing Phone (3a) Community Edition, as it had announced. This has a similar specifications and design as the Phone (3a), but comes with features that are designed by the community, after over 700 applications and 100s of catch-ups with the creators over a period of 9 months.

The company selected four winners who worked directly with Nothings Design, Software, Marketing, and Creative teams in London to bring the device to production.

Design and Features

The Phone (3a) Community Edition is based on the standard Phone (3a) 12GB+256GB variant but features distinct modifications across four key areas:

Hardware Design: Winner Emre Kayganacl developed a design inspired by the aesthetics of late 90s and early 2000s technology. The look is described as a bold, new and nostalgic colour exploration reminiscent of transparent gaming hardware from the past, while maintaining the modern Phone (3a) identity.

Accessory: In a new category for 2025, winners Ambrogio Tacconi and Louis Aymonod (Reveland) designed a set of Dice. The accessory features numbers rendered in Nothings Ndot 55 font, aiming to blend the concept of traditional play with the brands technical aesthetic.

In a new category for 2025, winners Ambrogio Tacconi and Louis Aymonod (Reveland) designed a set of Dice. The accessory features numbers rendered in Nothings Ndot 55 font, aiming to blend the concept of traditional play with the brands technical aesthetic. Software Customization: Jad Zock designed the lock screen clock and wallpaper. The clock face utilizes multiple font weights to reduce visual clutter, while the wallpaper serves as a visual bridge between the exterior hardware design and the internal interface. Four wallpaper versions are available, including blue and purple variants.

Jad Zock designed the lock screen clock and wallpaper. The clock face utilizes multiple font weights to reduce visual clutter, while the wallpaper serves as a visual bridge between the exterior hardware design and the internal interface. Four wallpaper versions are available, including blue and purple variants. Marketing Campaign: The launch campaign, titled Made Together, was conceptualized by Sushruta Sarkar. The campaign focuses on the collaborative process itself rather than a specific product feature, aligning with the companys goal of inspiring creativity.

Nothing noted that for this edition, they introduced a 1,000 cash prize per category and released all briefs simultaneously to allow for deeper iteration between the creators and the internal teams.

Community Investment and Strategy

The launch coincides with Nothings broader push to integrate its community into corporate governance and financing. Alongside the elected Community Board Observer, the company recently opened a new $5 million community investment round at a $1.3 billion Series C valuation.

According to the company, this funding round reflects a strategic shift from establishing a hardware foundation to building AI-native operating systems. Early access for investment opens on December 10 via Wefunder (US) and Crowdcube, with public access following on December 11.

Nothing Phone (3a) Community specifications

6.77-inch (1080 x 2392 pixels) FHD+ flexible AMOLED display, 30-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 480Hz touch sampling rate, 2160Hz PWM dimming, HDR10+, 10-bit colour, 800 nits typical / 1300 nits outdoor / 3000 nits peak brightness, Panda Glass protection

Up to 2.5GHz Octa Core Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 4nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 720 GPU

12GB LPDD4X RAM with 256GB UFS 2.2 storage

Android 15 with Nothing OS 3.2 (Android 16 with Nothing OS 4 now available via OTA update)

Dual SIM (nano + nano)

50MP main camera with f/1.88 aperture, 1/1.56 Samsung sensor, OIS, 8MP 114 ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture, 50MP 1/2.74 Samsung 2x telephoto camera, 4K at up to 30 fps, Action Mode

32MP 1/3.44 front camera with f/2.2 aperture, 1080p at up to 30 fps

In-display optical fingerprint scanner

USB Type-C Audio, Stereo speakers

Dimensions: 163.52x 77.508.35mm; Weight: 201g

Splash resistant (IP64)

5G SA/NSA (n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n38, n40, n41, n77, n78 bands), Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax (2.4GHz/5GHz) MIMO, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, USB Type-C, NFC

5000mAh battery with support for 50W wired charging

Pricing and Availability

The Phone (3a) Community Edition will be a strictly limited release, with only 1,000 units produced globally.

In India, the device is priced at 28,999 for the single 12GB + 256GB model. It will be available exclusively at an offline drop event.

Event Details:

Date: December 13, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM  6:00 PM IST

Location: 33&Brew, Prestige Technostar, Doddanakundi Industrial Area 2, Phase 1, Brookefield, Bengaluru.
Zero-tariff policy brings more African products to Chinese market

10:38, December 09, 2025 By Ouyang Jie, Shen Xiaoxiao, Song Haoxin ( People's Daily

People visit the booth of Senegal at the 2025 China Yiwu International Commodities Fair at the Yiwu International Expo Center in east China's Zhejiang province, Nov. 13, 2025. (Photo/Shi Kuanbing)

To expand unilateral opening to the least developed countries (LDCs) and achieve common development, China has granted zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all the LCDs it has diplomatic relations with since Dec. 1, 2024. For products subject to tariff quota administration, goods within the quota will enjoy zero tariffs, while tariff rates on goods exceeding the quota will remain unchanged.

Over the past year, China-Africa mutually beneficial cooperation has advanced steadily, injecting renewed vitality into bilateral trade.

In recent years, Ethiopia's coffee exports to China have grown at an annual rate of 27 percent. The zero-tariff policy has allowed the rich aroma of coffee from its birthplace to flow into the vast Chinese market. China has become Ethiopia's fourth-largest coffee export destination. In fiscal year 2024/2025, Ethiopia exported more than 34,000 tons of coffee to China, generating over $218 million in revenue.

"The zero-tariff policy makes our coffee highly competitive in the Chinese market," said Israel Degefa, CEO of Kerchanshe, Ethiopia's largest coffee producer and exporter. He noted that since December 2024, the company's coffee exports to China have surged. The zero-tariff policy has enhanced the price competitiveness of Ethiopian coffee, helping local coffee farmers and industry workers increase their incomes. "We plan to further scale up production to meet rising demand from the Chinese market," he told People's Daily.

To Tefera Derbew Yimam, Ethiopian Ambassador to China, coffee "symbolizes solid cooperation and lasting friendship." He said China's zero-tariff policy helps African countries strengthen local production capacity, enhance export capabilities, and improve returns on their export products.

"From Mozambique's golden sesame pods in the fields to fragrant sesame oil produced in workshops in Chengdu, China, the cross-border supply chain is becoming increasingly mature and efficient," said Ye Chunming, general manager of Chengdu Yimin Investment Group based in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province.

Natural skin care products are showcased at the 2025 China Yiwu International Commodities Fair, Nov. 13, 2025. (Photo/Lyu Bin)

Sesame, Africa's top agricultural export to China, is entering the Chinese market more smoothly through direct overseas sourcing. Mozambique's favorable climate produces high-quality sesame.

"We source directly at the origin, so we can control quality from the planting stage," Ye explained. In addition to Mozambique, the company also directly sourced 1,120 tons of white sesame from Niger this year. The first batch of 246 tons arrived at Qingdao Port in east China's Shandong province in May, with the remainder arriving successively in June, further expanding its direct procurement network.

"These sesame seeds are plump and bright, with an oil content of over 50 percent. The sesame oil pressed from them has a rich, appetizing aroma," said the procurement manager of a pastry manufacturer, praising the product's quality.

"We will continue to expand our presence in the African market and further streamline direct sourcing channels," Ye added. More and more enterprises are taking concrete steps to build efficient cross-border corridors for China-Africa agricultural products and deepen mutual trust and industrial cooperation in agricultural trade.

In a workshop of Triangle Tyre Co., Ltd. in Weihai, Shandong province, smart production lines run at full speed. Rubber materials imported from Africa are carefully processed into high-performance tires with uniform tread patterns.

The company exports its products to more than 180 countries and regions across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, and consumes tens of thousands of tons of rubber raw materials annually. When sourcing raw materials, the company increasingly looks to African countries.

"Since the zero-tariff policy took effect, the tariff rate on natural rubber smoked sheets imported from Liberia has been reduced from 20 percent to zero. The first batch alone received tariff reductions amounting to around 300,000 yuan ($55,002)," said Du Xiaoping, manager in charge of inspection and verification at Triangle Tyre's finance department. Liberia's natural rubber is certified under ISCC PLUS, a sustainable certification scheme for bio-based, renewable and circular raw materials, and serves as a key raw material for high-end tires, offering superior wear resistance and flexibility.

China's largest rubber-importing port is located in Qingdao, surrounded by a number of major tire manufacturers. According to Qingdao customs, in the first 10 months of this year, Shandong imported goods worth 87.645 billion yuan from Africa, up 50.3 percent year on year. Among these, imports of natural and synthetic rubber reached 2.6 billion yuan, marking a 50.7 percent increase.

Photo taken on Dec. 1, 2025 shows a busy scene at the Qianwan container terminal of Qingdao Port in east China's Shandong province. (Photo/Han Jiajun)

Focusing on LDCs with active trade such as Mali, Niger, and Zambia, Qingdao customs has simplified documentation requirements, taking into account the fact that many of these countries' goods must be transshipped through third-country ports.

Ports in Shandong have also expanded shipping routes, offering more efficient and convenient channels. At Qingdao Port, nine Africa-bound routes connect directly to 17 ports in 11 African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Benin. At Yantai Port, China-Africa liner services reach Guinea, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia and other countries and regions, with annual throughput expected to exceed five million tons.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
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.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The Colorado Supreme Court has declined to take up the case of a man convicted of two murders in a pipe bombing spree in the early 1990s who was granted a new trial.

James Genrich, 62, is serving a life sentence in the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility in Buena Vista after he was convicted of setting pipe bombs that killed Maria Delores Gonzales and Henry Ruble in a series of pipe bombings that lasted from 1989 to 1991.

Judge Richard Gurley granted Genrich a new trial in 2023, ruling that tool mark evidence used to connect Genrich to the bombs was faulty.

The Colorado Court of Appeals upheld Gurleys ruling in May.

ATF agent John ONeil testified during Genrichs trial in 1993 that tool marks on wires recovered from an unexploded pipe bomb matched pliers and wire cutters owned by Genrich to the exclusion of all other tools.

The 21st Judicial District Attorneys Office argued in its request for the Colorado Supreme Court to hear the case that Gurley may have overstated the likelihood of Genrichs acquittal without ONeils testimony, which related to the only physical evidence linking Genrich with the bombs.

The filing also asked the Colorado Supreme Court to weigh in on how cases should be treated when new science comes to light.

Experts presented by Genrichs defense at an evidentiary hearing in front of Gurley in 2022 did not present evidence that someone other than Genrich had planted the bombs, the filing stated.

There is no indication in the record that the newly discovered evidence in this case challenging the science, impeaching the methods, and questioning the bias of ONeil is affirmatively demonstrative of Genrichs innocence, the filing stated. It does not suggest that someone else probably committed the crime, that Genrich did not commit the crime, or that no crime was committed.

At the 2022 hearing, Genrichs attorneys, who include The Innocence Project, brought witnesses who argued there are flaws with the way the tool mark analysis was done in Genrichs case, and with tool mark analysis as a forensic science in general.

Also during that hearing, the prosecutions witnesses testified that tool mark analysis involves pattern matching under a microscope, although it generally doesnt involve taking measurements.

Genrichs experts were all academics who lambasted the lack of scientific basis for toolmark analysis and lamented the fields susceptibility to bias, but none of them had ever looked at the evidence in the case nor had ever done a single toolmark analysis; and none of them testified that Genrichs tool did not or could not have made the marks at issue, the filing stated.

The case will now be returned to district court in Mesa County.

We were disappointed that the Colorado Supreme Court declined the opportunity to hear the case, but understand that a very small percentage of cases are accepted by them, District Attorney Dan Rubinstein said in an email. Now our focus can be turned entirely to preparing for the retrial.
Iranian court begins trial of dual national charged with spying for Israel

Iran Press TV

Monday, 08 December 2025 5:38 PM

The chief justice of Iran's Alborz Province says a court has begun hearings into the case of a dual citizen arrested during the Israeli-US aggression of June against the country on charges of spying for the Tel Aviv regime.

Hossein Fazeli Harikandi announced on Monday that Branch Two of the Court of Islamic Revolution in the city of Karaj started the trial of a dual national residing in a European country.

He said the defendant was identified and arrested by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization on the fourth day of the war.

"After two years of contacts and training by Mossad officers in the capitals of several European countries and in the occupied territories, the defendant entered Iran by air approximately one month before the 12-day war in order to carry out his mission," he added.

"At the time of his arrest, sophisticated espionage and intelligence equipment was found in the villa where he was staying."

Fazeli Harikandi also noted that the defendant is accused of intelligence cooperation and espionage in the interest of the Zionist regime.

Between June 13 and 24, Israel waged an illegal aggression against Iran, killing at least 1,064 people and targeting the country's civilian infrastructure. On June 22, the United States also jumped on the bandwagon and bombed three Iranian nuclear sites in grave violation of international law.

In the course of the war, Iranian intelligence and security forces arrested more than 700 people who acted in espionage and sabotage networks across the country.

They were charged with making bombs, using attack drones, spying on military sites, and transmitting information to Israel.

In October, Iran's Constitutional Council (Guardian Council) approved a bill toughening punishment for those found guilty of spying and collaborating with the Israeli regime and hostile countries on security and national interests.

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Contracts

Contracts For Dec. 8, 2025

ARMY

MSMM Engineering LLC,* New Orleans, Louisiana (W912HY-26-D-A001); AECOM Technical Services Inc., Los Angeles, California (W912HY-26-D-A002); 5E-LAN JV,* Houston, Texas (W912HY-26-D-A003); Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., Arlington, Virginia (W912HY-26-D-A004); Baird-Stantec JV,* Madison, Wisconsin (W912HY-26-D-A005); Arcadis U.S. Inc., Highlands Ranch, Colorado (W912HY-26-D-A006); MGE Engineering Inc.,* Sacramento, California (W912HY-26-D-A007); FNI COWI & CDM Smith JV, Fort Worth, Texas (W912HY-26-D-A008); Stanley Consultants Inc., Muscatine, Iowa (W912HY-26-D-A009); LH&J/Arcadis JV LLP,* Metairie, Louisiana (W912HY-26-D-A010); CEC-CDM Smith II A JV,* Bonita Springs, Florida (W912HY-26-D-A011); HDR MN Galveston JV, Houston, Texas (W912HY-26-D-A012); Aptim Federal Services LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (W912HY-26-D-A013); ICE & Dannenbaum JV 2,* Corpus Christi, Texas (W912HY-26-D-A014); Geo-Stanley JV3,* Kevil, Kentucky (W912HY-26-D-A015); and Stantec Consulting Services Inc., Denver, Colorado (W912HY-26-D-A016), will compete for each order of the $900,000,000 for engineering services to support planning, engineering, flood damage, floodplain modeling, coastal erosion, storm damage beach nourishment, shoreline and stream bank erosion protection, navigation, environmental and ecosystem habitat restoration, watershed evaluations, infrastructure, and multi-purpose water resources projects. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 7, 2033. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, is the contracting activity.

Cerris Builders Inc., Pflugerville, Texas, was awarded a $30,625,000 firm-fixed-price contract to renovate the Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility, Building 2826, at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Work will be performed in Fort Polk, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of July 9, 2027. Fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $30,625,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, is the contracting activity (W9126G-26-C-A003).

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

Four Points Technology LLC, Chantilly, Virginia, has been awarded a $10,070,305 modification (P00037) to firm-fixed-price delivery order HR001122F0013 for an increased quantity of Technical Office Cloud Credits. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the delivery order to $56,944,152 from $46,873,847. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of July 2026. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $759,744 are being obligated at time of award. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity.



NAVY

Schuyler Line Navigation Co., LLC, West Palm Beach, Florida, is awarded a $9,670,700 firm-fixed-price contract with pass-through elements (N3220526C1205) for a time charter of one, U.S. flag, self-sustaining vessel for the transportation of containerized ammunition to support Department of Defense transportation requirements. This contract is for a 115-day period of performance with no option period. Work will be performed between the East Coast and U.S. Central Command area of operation and is expected to be completed by April 2026. Working capital funds (Transportation) in the amount of $9,670,700 are obligated for fiscal 2026 and will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the Government Point of Entry website and two proposals were received. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

UPDATE: Federal Contracts Co.,* Tampa, Florida (SPE8EC-26-D-0008, $86,000,000) has been added as an awardee to the multiple award contract for agricultural equipment, issued against solicitation SPE8EC-21-R-0006 and awarded July 29, 2022. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

*Small business

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4354503/

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December 6, 2025

Speech

Remarks by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Reagan National Defense Forum (As Delivered)

UNKNOWN: Please be seated. When many people in America and around the world hear "peace through strength," they immediately think of Ronald Reagan. And that's fair because it was one of his guiding principles, but it was not his original idea. Some may say we should trace the concept all the way back to the Roman Empire, but let's fast forward to America's founding.

In January 1790, President George Washington said this in his first annual address to Congress: "To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace." In other words, we achieve deterrence, we achieve peace, through strength. Through the centuries, peace through strength has been a concept embraced by many in both parties. It has become a bipartisan tradition, an American tradition.

It's one of the reasons why that at 10 of the 11 annual Reagan National Defense Forums, widely regarded as the preeminent international defense gathering in the world, we have welcomed the sitting secretary of defense, and this year we're honored to welcome Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

It is clear that peace  peace through strength has been a guiding principle for Secretary Hegseth, the department he leads and the Trump administration as a whole. Now, this is the first time that the secretary has been here as the leader of the Pentagon, but it is not his first time at the Defense Forum.

And in fact, as I thought about his keynote address this year, I remembered something he said back in 2018: "We cannot forget that our military is ultimately what undergirds our strength and our ability to project it." That sounds to me like restoring deterrence with peace through strength.

So, Mr. Secretary, thank you for your leadership. Thank you for joining us today -

[Applause]

And for joining your predecessors in the finest tradition of the Defense Forum. Ladies and gentlemen, to deliver the 2025 Reagan National Defense Forum keynote address, followed by a conversation with Lucas Tomlinson of Fox News, please welcome the United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth.

[Applause]

SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Well, thank you and good afternoon. You know, folks in Washington like to invoke President Reagan's name, often when they criticize President Trump. They say or at least insinuate that Donald Trump is nothing like Ronald Reagan. They say the current president's approach is nothing like the vision championed by Ronald Reagan at the height of the Cold War as we grappled with the Soviets and ultimately prevailed.

But those folks are wrong. They're dead wrong. Most who invoke Ronald Reagan's name today, especially self-styled Republican hawks, are not much like Ronald Reagan. The policies they've championed are nothing like his. In fact, for the better part of 30 years, they've been quite the opposite.

If you look at actual policies, Donald Trump is the true and rightful heir of Ronald Reagan. It's President Trump who has inherited and restored President Reagan's powerful but focused and realistic approach to national defense. It's therefore only fitting that we gather at the Reagan Presidential Library today to talk about President Trump's America First, peace through strength, common sense agenda and what it means at the Department of War.

One need only look at the results to understand why President Trump is that rightful heir. So, let's look at what Reagan and his administration actually did. Reagan rebuilt the military after Vietnam, and that is rightfully considered one of his greatest achievements. President Trump has done and is doing the same, making historic investments in defense.

But President Reagan also believed sincerely in the peace part of peace through strength, as his actions showed. It was not a popular thing to do at the time at the height of the Cold War to talk to communists, yet President Reagan did. During his high-profile meetings with Mikhail Gorbachev and others, Ronald Reagan saw the prudence and potential in engaging with our nation's adversaries from a position of strength; so he did, even in the face of fierce criticism at home, including from his own party.

Now, President Reagan wasn't naive. He recognized that fruitful engagements with our adversaries were only possible from a position of strength, especially military strength, which is why he focused so much on building up the American military. We still talk about the Reagan buildup, and my kids and yours will someday talk about the Trump buildup.

President Reagan and his team inherited a military worn down from their generation's endless war in Vietnam, and they took the lessons of that war to heart. This is why he was so deliberate in how he used the joint force. Indeed, the most famous military doctrine of the Reagan administration, named for his secretary of defense, Caspar Weinberger, was specifically designed to correct for the failures that led to Vietnam.

Among other key principles, the Weinberger Doctrine stipulated: one, the United States should not commit forces to combat unless the vital national interest of the United States or its allies are involved; two, U.S. troops should only be committed wholeheartedly and with the clear intention of winning. Otherwise, troops should not be committed.

Third, U.S. combat troops should be committed only with clearly defined political and military objectives and with the capacity to accomplish those objectives. And fourth, the commitment of U.S. troops should be considered only as a last resort.

This is sound stuff, and it was reflected in how President Reagan actually used the American military  namely in a focused, decisive manner and only when he determined that it was in our nation's vital interest to do so. In fact, throughout his time in office, President Reagan only committed U.S. ground forces twice, in Grenada and in Lebanon. Otherwise, he focused the joint force on the Cold War era threat and priority theater, Soviets in Europe.

That's how President Reagan achieved peace through strength, always with a clear eye toward lasting peace. Suffice it to say Ronald Reagan's disciplined, focused and realistic approach was a far cry from the grandiose nation building, moralistic and rudderless wars that many of his self-described acolytes led us into in the decades after Reagan left office, wars my generation fought in.

Indeed, it's only under President Trump's leadership during his first term and now that we've been able to restore America's greatness after years of suffering under the so-called bipartisan consensus, which is really just a euphemism for disastrous foreign policy. Out with utopian idealism, in with hardnosed realism.

To be specific, Ronald Reagan taught us the value of focused, powerful leadership, but his so-called disciples didn't heed that lesson. Since the end of the Cold War, a generation of self-proclaimed neo-Reaganites have touted Reagan's name but didn't govern like him. All the bluster, none of the clarity.

That's especially true in the military realm. This generation of self-proclaimed neo-Reaganites abandoned Reagan's actual wise policies in favor of unchecked neoconservatism and economic globalism. In economics, they dismantled our industrial base, shipping it overseas. At the same time, in diplomacy and defense, they swore off the clear-eyed flexible realism of Reagan, Nixon and Eisenhower.

Instead, they set about trying to make America the policeman, the protector, the arbiter of the whole world. Democracy for all they say, even in the Pech River valley, even when people don't want it, can't do it. They turned American allies into dependents, all but encouraging these nations across Europe and around the world to free ride while we subsidize their defense with U.S. taxpayer dollars.

These self-described neo-Reaganites sought global military hegemony under the auspices of peace through strength. Instead, we got rudderless wars in the Middle East, land war in Europe and the economic rise of China. After presiding over such a poor performance, it's remarkable that these people still think they're qualified to speak in public, let alone moralize to the rest of us. Some of them have even been awarded for it on this very stage.

But President Trump knows better. He knows what it means to restore peace through strength on an enduring basis, to put our nation's interests first and the American people first in a way that is practical, applicable and common sense that leaves, importantly, America better but also leaves our allies better off.

It's the vision that he ran on and led on in his first term, and he's building on it now in his second. In  it's a vision, not the quasi-imperialist delusions that led us to so many disasters in the recent decades, that will actually bring us back to the true legacy of Ronald Reagan. Out with utopian idealism, in with hardnosed realism.

Just look at the facts. Like President Reagan, President Trump is dedicated to both sides of the peace through strength coin, not just using that phrase as a thin veil for warmongering. In less than a year, President Trump has secured eight major peace deals, including a historic end to the war in Gaza, and he's not finished yet.

Even as we speak, under the president's leadership, we are working tirelessly to end the tragic war in Ukraine, a war that never would have started in the first place if he had been president. The world sees an entirely different America today. These historic opportunities for peace are not happening by chance. It's President Trump's vision and determination.

Like President Reagan, President Trump is willing to talk to rivals, from Mikhail Gorbachev to Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s to Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping today. This is born of strength, not weakness. It is born of clarity of purpose. Folks in Washington like to criticize President Trump for doing so, but those critics forget that this is exactly what Ronald Reagan did, and America was better off for it.

Like President Reagan, President Trump also knows how important it is to negotiate from a position of strength, especially military strength. And at the newly renamed Department of War, thanks to President Trump's leadership and to Congress, we received a historic boost in funding last year and believe that is only just the beginning.

Make no mistake about it. President Trump is hell bent on maintaining and accelerating the most powerful military the world has ever seen, the most powerful, the most lethal and American made, the arsenal of freedom. We're also restoring the warrior ethos back to basics: readiness, accountability, standards, discipline, lethality.

I'm not sure if you saw, but I recently gave a speech on that topic to a few generals in Quantico. The War Department is the sword and the shield of peace through strength. We are the strength department, and we stand ready to wield that sword as President Trump directs.

The opposite of peace through strength is war through weakness, wokeness, weakness and war, all specialties of Joe Biden and Lloyd Austin. The debacle in Afghanistan, a stain on our country and a sin committed against the troops; the weakness that unleashed Islamist war against Israel on October 7th; and that same weakness invited war in Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin saw the open door and he took it; spy balloons flying over our country and SECDEFs going AWOL for a week. Wokeness, weakness, war.

You know, I was recently tempted, when the discussion went out about hitting drug boats, to use the phrase righteous strike. But then my team counseled me against it, said, sir, that's the phrase that was used by Mark Milley when the family  when a family of Afghans was struck as a response to what happened at Abbey Gate. They called it for two straight days a righteous strike, when they would have known within hours exactly what they struck. Weakness, wokeness, war.

It's a new day. With Operation Midnight Hammer, the world saw, after decades of hemming and hawing, the decisive effect of American military strength in obliterating the Iranian nuclear program. President Trump said they can't have a nuclear bomb, and he meant it. Others have said it; President Trump did it.

This was an operate  this operation was a textbook example of the Weinberger Doctrine in action: decisive focus applied in a focused, clear-eyed way that advanced our nation's interests while avoiding another protracted war. Same goes for our limited but lethal actions against the Houthis in Yemen.

Joe Biden tolerated the targeting of U.S. shipping. President Trump restored freedom of navigation, another foundational and core national interest. Somewhere Thomas Jefferson is smiling. And right now, the world is seeing the strength of American resolve and stemming the flow of lethal drugs to our country.

Here again we've been focused and here we've been clear. If you're working for a designated terrorist organization and you bring  bring drugs to this country in a boat, we will find you and we will sink you. Let there be no doubt about it. President Trump can and will take decisive military action as he sees fit to defend our nation's interests. Let no country on earth doubt that for a moment.

Like President Reagan, President Trump knows how to do so in a way that is tied to a clear purpose, with a decisive and credible theory of military victory. Just as the lessons of Vietnam informed Ronald Reagan and his Weinberger Doctrine, so too the lessons of Iraq and Afghanistan guide President Trump and his secretary today.

For years, a bipartisan consensus of neo conservatives and liberal internationalists led us from one disaster to another. They sent our nation's sons and daughters to war after rudderless war, even as they allowed our allies to grow weaker and our potential rivals stronger. From the very beginning nearly a decade ago, President Trump called this out for what it is - stupid - an America last foreign policy. And they fought him for it. They tried to jail him for it and they failed.

Well, their time is over. Their America last bipartisan consensus is done. It is finished. Under President Trump's leadership, after decades of disastrous decisions by his  by this nation's self-appointed so-called foreign policy elite, we're once again putting American interests first. We're prioritizing our nation's security, freedom and prosperity, our citizens.

As laid out by President Trump, we're doing it in a way that leaves not only our nation better off, but also the world. Out with utopian realism, in  or out with utopian idealism, excuse me, in with hardnosed realism. The president's approach is one of that flexible but practical realism, common sense, if you will, that looks at the world with a clear-eyed perspective essential for serving America's real interests.

The approach is informed by strategic rationality and cost-benefit assessments. We will define our vital interests in ways that are reasonable and that make sense to ordinary Americans. This is the approach and mindset that shapes the department's focus.

As a result, the War Department will not be distracted by democracy building interventionism, undefined wars, regime change, climate change, woke moralizing and feckless nation building. We will instead put our nation's practical, concrete interests first.

We will deter war. We will advance our interests. We will defend our people. Peace is our goal. And in service of that objective, we will always be ready to fight and win decisively if called upon. As part of this mission, we are asking American taxpayers to fund the world's greatest military.

We're asking mothers and fathers across America to trust us with their most precious resource, their sons and daughters, and we will honor their trust and their sacrifice. The historic recruiting and retention numbers of President Trump's first year show who the American people trust.

This means we will not send America's best to advance foolhardy or reckless adventures halfway around the world. It also means not asking them to pick up the tab for allies who should fund their own defense. Instead and above all, it means that we only ask our warriors to fight for things that make America and Americans safe, free and prosperous: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, nothing more and nothing less.

Again, this is common sense, and that's what President Trump's War Department is all about. This commonsense approach means prioritizing four key lines of effort at the Department of War: first, defending the U.S. homeland and our hemisphere; second, deterring China through strength, not confrontation; third, increased burden-sharing for U.S. allies and partners; and fourth, supercharging the U.S. defense industrial base.

As we apply President Trump's approach to flexible  a flexible realism, the first two lines of effort are the primary operational focus of the joint force, for the simple reason that these missions matter the most for safety, freedom and prosperity of Americans.

At the same time, however, other threats persist around the world, including in Europe and the Middle East. We cannot ignore them, nor should we. That's why our approach also prioritizes burden-sharing and burden shifting. Indeed, for the first time since Reagan's era, allied and partner burden-sharing is no longer an afterthought or a nice to have. Today it's a core element of our national defense.

And finally, the fourth line of effort, maybe the most important: supercharging America's defense industrial base underwrites everything else. Last month I gave another speech in Washington, this time to defense industry leaders to announce a department-wide - not reform - a transformation of requirements, acquisitions and foreign military sales.

Our objective is simple, if monumental: transform the entire acquisition system to rapidly accelerate the fielding of capabilities and focus on results. The bottom line is a historic generational and transformational changes that we will implement and will move us from the current prime contractor dominated system, defined by limited competition, vendor lock, cost-plus contracts, stressed budgets and frustrating protests, to a future powered by a dynamic vendor space that accelerates production by combining investment at a commercial pace with the uniquely American ability to scale and scale quickly, all at the speed of urgency.

That speech stands on its own, so I'll spend the balance of my time here talking about the other three lines of effort, the first of which are defending the U.S. homeland and hemisphere. The Biden administration was more concerned about Ukraine's borders than our own. They tried to make it controversial to say that border security is national security, but that is, of course, absurd.

Border security is national security, and we are prioritizing it accordingly. Since January 20, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War has made it a top priority to defend our nation's borders, to get 100% operational control of that border. We did so by surging forces where our troops partner with DHS [Department of Homeland Security] and CBP [Customs and Border Protection] to seal the border.

Under Joe Biden, tens of millions of illegals - and we have no idea where the hell they came from or where the hell they are - flowed across our border, not to mention lethal narcotics responsible for the death of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Today, the number of illegals crossing into our country is zero. We are saving lives and communities, and we are keeping it that way.

We're also proud to support our law enforcement partners as they conduct mass deportations of dangerous illegals who have no business being in our country. We'll secure the border in part by organizing training and equipping units specifically for border defense missions, including operations in the land, maritime and air domains alongside our interagency partners.

We're also leaning on our Mexican counterparts to do more. They have made progress, and we'll need to see more and quickly. And so far in this administration, nobody has built more new border wall than the Department of War.

But our borders shouldn't be the first line of defense for the American homeland. They should be the last line of defense. And that's why we're prioritizing our fight against cartels throughout the Western Hemisphere. You can just look at the news, not all of the news.

The days in which these narco-terrorists, designated terror organizations, operate freely in our hemisphere are over. These narco-terrorists are the al-Qaida of our hemisphere, and we are hunting them with the same sophistication and precision that we hunted al-Qaida. We are tracking them, we are killing them, and we will keep killing them so long as they are poisoning our people with narcotics so lethal that they're tantamount to chemical weapons.

We're not doing this on our own. Throughout our hemisphere, our allies and partners recognize that these narco-terrorists threaten them as well. So, we're working together, sometimes overtly, sometimes not, and we'll keep doing so for the sake of a safer, secure and more stable hemisphere for all of us.

But make no mistake. Where a country cannot or will not do its part, then we at the Department of War will always be ready to take decisive action. In this hemisphere, in our hemisphere, there is no safe haven for narco-terrorists.

Securing the border does not mean we're losing sight of other critical homeland defense missions. On the contrary, we're doubling down. One of the first executive orders signed by President Trump was for the creation of Golden Dome for America, a revolutionary approach to defend our nation from advanced aerial threats.

And we're accelerating efforts on that right now, and Golden Dome will produce tangible protection for this country inside the timeframe of this administration and beyond. President Reagan promised SDI, Strategic Defense Initiative. President Trump's doing the same thing. Now the tech has caught up, and we can actually build a Golden Dome for America, a game-changer.

At the same time, we're also rapidly strengthening our nation's ability to deter and defend against cyber attacks on Department of War and dual use targets, including through the most comprehensive overhaul of U.S. Cyber Command since it was started 15 years ago, nor have we lost sight of the threat of global jihadism.

As with narcoterrorists, working alongside our partners in the IC and other agencies, as well as partners abroad, we will continue to hunt and kill Islamist terrorists with the intent and ability to strike our homeland. All of this, of course, rests upon the power of our nation's nuclear deterrent, which is foundation  which is the foundation of our nation's defense.

Nothing else matters if we don't get this right, and so we will. As President Trump has said, we will modernize our nation's nuclear triad. We will develop additional options to support deterrence and escalation management, and we will never allow this nation to be left vulnerable to nuclear blackmail, even in a world where we face two other major nuclear armed powers. And we will test nuclear weapons and nuclear delivery systems on an equal basis as others.

Finally, the department's activities throughout the Western Hemisphere aren't just about killing narco-terrorists, they're also about deterring and defending our nation's interests against other threats to that, in the hemisphere. To that end, the president will always provide  the department will always provide the president with credible options when needed.

That includes guaranteeing U.S. military and commercial access to key terrain like the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, the Gulf of America, the Arctic and Greenland. In all instances, we stand ready to work in good faith with our neighbors, but they must do their part to defend shared interests. Where they do not, the War Department stands ready to take focused and decisive action that advances U.S. interests.

This is the Trump corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, recently codified so clearly in the National Security Strategy. After years of neglect, the United States will restore U.S. military dominance in the Western Hemisphere. We will use it to protect our homeland and access to key terrain throughout the region.

We will also deny adversaries' ability to position forces or other threatening capabilities in our hemisphere. Past administrations perpetuated the belief that the Monroe Doctrine had expired. They were wrong. The Monroe Doctrine is in effect and it is stronger than ever under the Trump corollary, a common sense restoration of our power and prerogatives in this hemisphere consistent with U.S. interests.

The second line of effort for the War Department is deterrence against China through strength, not through confrontation. Under President Trump's leadership, relations between the United States and China are better and stronger than they've been in many years. President Trump and this administration seek a stable peace, fair trade and respectful relations with China.

In November, President Trump and President Xi reached a major breakthrough trade, putting both nations on a strong economic pathway. Reciprocal state visits in 2026 provide the opportunity for even more progress. The War Department is committed to the same approach, opening a wider range of military-to-military communications with the People's Liberation Army, aimed at deconfliction and de-escalation.

We laid the groundwork for this with our counterparts months ago at ASEAN in Malaysia, and will continue that work. This line of effort is based on flexible realism, not naivete, an approach aimed not at domination but rather at a balance of power, a balance of power that will enable all of us, all countries, to enjoy a decent peace in an Indo-Pacific where trade flows openly and fairly, where we can all prosper, and all interests are respected.

That's the world that we seek in the Indo-Pacific, and that is what our approach is designed to produce. We will be strong but not unnecessarily confrontational. To quote another great Republican president, "We will speak softly and carry a big stick."

As I said at Shangri-La earlier this year, we're not trying to strangle China's growth. We're not trying to dominate or humiliate them, nor are we trying to change the status quo over Taiwan. Our interests in the Indo-Pacific are significant, but also scoped and reasonable.

This includes the ability for us, along with allies, to be postured strongly enough in the Indo-Pacific to balance China's growing power. This means ensuring none of our allies are vulnerable to sustained successful military aggression. This is what we mean by deterrence in the Indo-Pacific: not dominating China, but rather ensuring they do not have the ability to dominate us or our allies. It's common sense.

In this vein, our role at the Department of War is essential. It's our job to make sure Beijing sees unquestionable U.S. military strength that, if necessary, can back up our national interests. Even as we make clear our peaceful intentions, we insist that, as a Pacific nation ourselves, China respect our longstanding interests in the Indo-Pacific - and not just insist, but maintain the manifest strength to underwrite it.

This involves respecting the historic military buildup they are undertaking. Our department maintains a clear-eyed appreciation of how rapid, formidable and holistic the military buildup has been. We take these capabilities seriously. It would be silly and, frankly, disrespectful not to.

This approach requires focus, prioritization and clarity of purpose. That's why we will ensure our military can, if God forbid necessary, project sustained capabilities along the first island chain and throughout the Indo-Pacific. That means being so strong that aggression is not even considered, and that peace is preferred and preserved.

This is deterrence by denial. It is our job to ensure that President Trump is always able to negotiate from a position of strength in order to sustain peace in the Indo-Pacific. This is not a pivot for tomorrow. It is a reality for today.

And finally, our third line of effort is increasing burden-sharing with U.S. allies around the world. Here again, many self-ascribed neo-Reaganites seem to have lost the plot. According to them, only the  only the United States has the ability to provide for defense and deterrence in Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific. According to them, if the United States doesn't do it, nobody will.

In fact, according to some, America is actually better off subsidizing these allies' defenses even if they're perfectly capable of doing more for themselves and our collective defense. That is, of course, patently ridiculous, not to mention insulting to our allies.

It's actually vitally important for America's allies and partners to step up and do their part for our collective defense. This isn't just a matter of doing right by Americans who are rightfully frustrated by years of allied freeriding. This is pragmatic.

As we rightly prioritize our homeland, hemisphere and the Indo-Pacific, threats persist in other regions, and our allies need to step up and step up for real. Our allies in Europe face Russia. Iran has been set back by the president and Israel's actions, but remains a threat in the Middle East. And of course, North Korea looms on the Korean peninsula.

We must also prepare for the possibility of simultaneous threats in different regions. That doesn't mean we think such simultaneous action is likely or even necessarily inevitable, but it's something the Department of War must be prepared for. And the best way to prepare for this is not by pretending we can do everything or be everywhere, effectively handing a permission slip for our allies' laggardly defense efforts.

This neo-Reaganite attitude led us to fritter away our soldiers' lives, our national resources and our citizens' support in rudderless wars. Our approach is fundamentally different and in keeping with the noble tradition of President Reagan as well as Nixon and Eisenhower.

We will actually, for real, get our allies and partners to step up and do their part. We will no longer tolerate freeriding. President Trump has shown the way with his historic leadership that yielded the commitments at NATO's Hague summit. There, NATO committed to spend 5% of GDP [gross domestic product] on defense, 5  3.5 on core military and 1.5 on security related investments, and pledged to take primary responsibility for Europe's conventional defense - things most folks sitting here just five years ago would have thought completely impossible.

We're now using this template to press our allies around the world to meet this new global standard the president has set, and it's working. First there was Europe and Canada, and just last month South Korea committed to spend 3.5 of GDP on core military spending and assume the leading role in the ROK's [Republic of Korea] conventional defense. We are optimistic that under  other Indo-Pacific allies will follow suit.

In a few years, thanks to President Trump's visionary leadership, we will have our allies, which include some of the wealthiest and most productive countries in the world, once again fielding combat credible militaries and boasting revived defense industrial industries. This will  will form a powerful shared defensive shield with well-armed allies around the world ready to defend themselves, their interests and our collective interests - real partnerships and alliances based on hard power, not just flags and fancy conferences, based on theories and hot rhetoric.

Our allies are not children. They're nations capable of doing far more for themselves than they have. And it's time they stand up, and they are. In fact, many of them are nations who have proud and powerful martial traditions of their own, and we should treat them that way. We can and should and must expect them to do their part exactly as President Trump has.

Model allies that step up like Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltics and others will receive our special favor. Allies that do not, allies that still fail to do their part for collective defense will face consequences. President Trump, makes sense to me, likes helping countries that help themselves, and we feel the same way. That's the nature of partnerships rather than dependencies. It's what we owe our friends and, most importantly, what we owe the American people.

This is a period of great consequence for our great republic. Our forefathers fought and won the Cold War, ushering in a unipolar moment during which America stood alone. It was a time of tremendous opportunity, well-earned after a century marked by two world wars and a Cold War, always under a nuclear shadow. Well, as you know, that unipolar moment is over, and we have an opportunity to define what comes next.

Under President Trump's leadership, that's exactly what we're doing. The Department of War, at the president's direction, is laser focused on advancing America first, peace through strength, common sense efforts. We're reviving the warrior ethos. We are rebuilding our great military. And every day, our warriors are reestablishing the deterrence that Joe Biden so foolishly gave away.



We owe safety, freedom and prosperity to the American people, and we will deliver. We will achieve peace through strength, which is what the American people voted for and what President Trump demands. And in doing this, we appeal to Almighty God, just as our forefathers did.

George Washington, the founder of the War Department, appealed to God's providence during every step of our improbable revolution, on  on prayer, on bended knee, on the battlefield. Ronald Reagan did the same, appealing to heaven as the world hung in the balance.

We do the same today with Jesus Christ as our guide. May he grant us the wisdom to see what is right and the courage to do it. May God bless our warriors, and may God bless our great Republic. Thank you.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/4354431/

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OIC General Secretariat Condemns Military Coup Attempt in the Republic of Benin

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

07-12-2025

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned today's attempted military coup in the Republic of Benin. Secretary-General of the OIC, Hissein Brahim Taha, emphasized the need to respect constitutional institutions and the rule of law. He welcomed the efforts deployed by the authorities in Benin to ensure security and stability and expressed full solidarity with the Government and people of the Benin Republic to promote stability and achieve growth and prosperity.

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Bailey bridge construction enhances Benelux readiness at Brunssum

By Marie-Lise Baneton, USAG Benelux Public Affairs December 8, 2025

BRUNSSUM, Netherlands -- A unique U.S.-Dutch partnership delivered a win-win for both militaries this week, as the Dutch Ministry of Defense (DMOD) Officer's and Combat Engineering School and U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Benelux joined forces on Dec. 3 to construct a new Bailey bridge on the Brunssum installation.

Approximately 25 Dutch Soldiers constructed the bridge over the existing superstructure - which could no longer support large vehicles - connecting Brunssum central to Brunssum East (BRN-E). The new structure enables safe access for large fire, emergency response and military vehicles by boosting the load-bearing capacity from 20 to 55 tons.

The existing bridge at the site had deteriorated to the point where fire trucks and heavy military equipment could not cross safely. That gap in access presented both a safety risk and a mission-readiness limitation.

As they became aware of the safety concern in the summer of 2025, members of the USAG Benelux Directorate of Public Works (DPW) at Brunssum got their problem-solving skills in motion.

"We came up with an idea to build a bridge on the bridge," said Martinus "Mike" Janssen, a construction engineer at Brunssum.

The garrison team at Brunssum is very familiar with the Bailey bridge concept because the design is a quite usual sight in the Dutch landscape. The modular structure was developed during World War II, and the country has a long and well-established history with such crossings. During and after World War II, Dutch Army engineers became recognized for their ability to rapidly deploy Bailey structures across rivers, canals, and damaged infrastructure  a capability that supported national rebuilding and NATO missions alike.

Dutch military engineers still train extensively on modular bridging systems, maintaining a reputation for precision and efficiency. Reaching out to the military school quickly appeared to be the solution. The team contacted Warrant Officer Ben Hoving, head of the Dutch School for Bridging and Sailing course near Eindhoven.

Constructive discussions resulted in creative proposals that could meet both the garrison need and the Dutch military training requirement - a Bailey bridge that is modular, fast to assemble and ideal for engineer-training environments.

With aligned timelines and available materials, the collaboration moved forward quickly and seamlessly.

"We heard about the problem for the fire truck. So, yeah, we had to do something." We came up with a plan to build a Bailey Bridge and our colonel also agreed to do the project here," Hoving said. "Normally we build a bridge, and after that you have to take it down and clean it. Now they know the bridge will remain here, and it's for a very, very, very good purpose. For the mindset, it's very good for them and it's good training."

During the execution phase, the trainee engineers found themselves immersed in a real-world situation. Upon arriving at the installation, they learned their assignment for the day and proceeded to carry out every stage of Bailey bridge construction: site preparation, assembly, alignment, anchoring, and load testing - practical skills that form the core of the school's training mandate.

A win for all, the construction met all expectations - live, hands-on training for Dutch military engineers and a fully restored, 55-ton capacity crossing for the garrison. Since the school utilized excess bridging materials already on hand, the project came at no cost to the U.S. government.

"The collaboration between USAG Benelux and the Dutch Military Officer's Engineering School has proven to be highly beneficialproviding students with graduation credits while enabling USAG Benelux to gain full access to BRN-E," said Col. Patrick J. Hofmann, USAG Benelux commander.

Dutch leaders from the Military Engineering School and from the DMOD had the opportunity to join their U.S. partners during an award ceremony upon construction completion.

"I recognize the Dutch Military Officer's School for their vital role in advancing critical infrastructure here at Brunssum," Hofmann said, highlighting a "significant step forward in strengthening our partnership with our NATO Allies."

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December 8, 2025

Transcript

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong Remarks Before the Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations

SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. Thank you for covering us here today. I want to welcome our colleagues from Australia in this ministerial meeting. It's the first one in - that I've done as - in my time here in the last year. Obviously the same is true for Secretary Hegseth, and I want to welcome both the foreign minister and the deputy prime minister for defense for both joining us here today.

This is an incredibly strong alliance. In fact, as we were discussing a few moments ago, it is our only ally that has fought with us in every war over the last - certainly over the last four or five decades, and we're very grateful to them for that. And this is a very strong partnership. It's a strong alliance, and what we want to do is continue to build on it.

We think we have a lot of momentum behind this alliance, coming off the visit with the prime minister here in October, which we also had a chance to participate in, and then follow-up events to it. And we felt very strongly after that that we have real momentum. We wanted to do this here before the end of the year to continue to build on that alliance and to continue to build on that momentum that came from that meeting and to work together on our shared priorities. And we have so many. We truly have no better friend.

In addition to that strong alliance, we're also deeply committed to the Quad, the concept of in conjunction with Japan and India the building out of this Quad, which is something you'll see. In fact, it was my first meeting as Secretary of State. I had been confirmed, sworn-in downstairs, and came right up on that elevator and into this room. And it was in this very room that I did my first event as Secretary of State with the Quad, and we look forward to - I think we've had at least three meetings this year, if I'm - I recall correctly, and we'll continue to build on that in the year to come. We look to do more of those.

And so we have a lot of things we've worked together on, at the direction of the President. AUKUS is full steam ahead, as he said. And I know the Department of War - though Secretary Hegseth will discuss that further - has conducted a review, which - it's a review about how we can expand this relationship, about how to build on it, so that it can be about many things.

And I know we've also signed a landmark critical mineral framework agreement. This is something we share in common, not just with Australia, but with many of our allies around the world - the desire to diversify supply chains, and the belief that in order for us to be able to do anything, whether it's defend our countries, defend our allies, or defend each other, but also to build our economies and to prosper as economies, we have to have critical mineral supplies and supply chains that are reliable and that are diverse and not overly invested in one place where they could be used as leverage against us or our partners or the world. And so this is something that you'll find the U.S. and Australia working very closely on, and it's at the cornerstone of everything we plan to do together in the months and years to come.

So I want to welcome you to Washington. Thank you for joining us and doing it - agreeing to doing it here at the end of this year. I know it's - you have many other obligations and places you're going to be traveling quite extensively in the days to come as well, so we're very grateful that you were willing to come here and join us. And we look forward to reciprocating in the new year by visiting you in Australia, as I look forward to - and it's one of my - I actually have never been, and I need to go. And it's a very efficient trip, because I can say I went to a country and a continent all at once - (laughter) - and so very rarely can you say that. So thank you for joining us here today. We're grateful and honored by your presence.

FOREIGN MINISTER WONG: Thank you very much, Secretary Rubio. And I thank you and Secretary Hegseth for hosting us in this extraordinary room, as you said, where we've had our first Quad meeting after you were sworn in. We're very - really, Rich and I are so happy to be here, so honored to participate in another AUSMIN meeting, and to build on the very successful meeting between the president and the prime minister, and including the historic critical minerals deal that they delivered.

AUSMIN was established - that is the meeting, this meeting was established - under President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Bob Hawke. And in 1985 President Reagan spoke of our common defense of freedom from the First and Second World Wars and he - and said, "All this has nurtured the bonds of friendship between our two peoples. Today the United States and Australia, as much as ever, rely on each other."

That remains true today. And as Secretary Rubio has said, Australian soldiers have fought beside American troops in every major battle since World War I. And we continue to rely on each other, not just our servicemen and women, whom we thank for their service, but all our people. And that's because the work we do together is indispensable to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. And this is something Secretary Rubio has spoken so eloquently about.

The United States is our principal ally and our principal strategic partner, and together we navigate volatility. We invest in each other. We invest in the region's security, and we boost each other's prosperity, whether that's through investment in critical minerals, critical technology, Australian superannuation or of course, AUKUS. Australia's approach to the alliance has always been to ensure - work to ensure it delivers concrete benefits for our security and prosperity and for that of the United States. And AUKUS is central to that - a win for Australia, a win for the U.S., and a win for the United Kingdom.

And we welcome President Trump's statement. We are full steam ahead. We are full steam ahead. So we look forward very much to these consultations today, very happy to be here in Washington. We'd also, Secretary Rubio, be very honored to welcome you to Australia, when you're next - when you're able to come. So thank you, again, for hosting us. We look forward to the discussions.

SECRETARY RUBIO: All right.

SECRETARY HEGSETH: Secretary Rubio, thank you for hosting us. Deputy Prime Minister Marles, we've seen each other often, and we will continue to. And Foreign Minister Wong, thank you for being here.

It was mentioned this is the 40th of AUSMIN - 1985. And it's not lost on any of us the depth of the friendship our two countries have had and our militaries have had for quite some time. And it was Ronald Reagan who, just like the Trump Administration, put a practical application to that partnership 40 years ago by ensuring that our leaders are meeting together regularly to stay on track in rowing in the same direction. Because we share the same values, the same neighborhood - we're both Pacific nations - and our leaderships coming together on a regular basis is a reflection of that.

So on the defense side, we're working on force posture; we're working on defense industrial cooperation. First on force posture initiatives, we're upgrading the infrastructure on airbases in Queensland and the Northern Territory. That allows for additional U.S. bomber rotations. We're upgrading logistics and infrastructure in Darwin so more U.S. Marines can do rotational deployments and pre-positioning MV-22 Ospreys. This establishes new and resilient logistics networks across Australia.

We're deepening our cooperation on the defense industrial base - cooperation on guided weapons production and lethal capabilities, two-year roadmaps on Australia's guided weapons and explosive ordinance enterprise, groundbreaking cooperative actions on things like GMLRS - Guided Missile Launch Rocket Systems - and precision strike missiles. And we're working towards coproduction and co-sustainment of hypersonic attack cruise missiles - co-sustainment air-to-air missiles cooperative programs across the board, including Mark 54 torpedoes.

We're also building on the historic framework and critical minerals cooperation that's been mentioned already by President Trump and Prime Minister Albanese signed in October. Critical minerals and rare earths are a huge part of ensuring both countries can operate the way we need to in that region and around the world. And finally, as we move - as was mentioned - full steam ahead on AUKUS, we applaud Australia's upcoming delivery of an additional 1 billion to help expand U.S. submarine production capacity. We're strengthening AUKUS so that it works for America, for Australia, and for the UK.

There's a lot we're going to do together in the months ahead. This meeting will be - as was laid out by President Trump, as I mentioned at Reagan just a couple days ago, these are practical, realistic ways that our two countries can come together to ensure that we provide peace through strength for both of our nations. The stronger we are together the more we can deter the kinds of conflicts neither of us want to see, and this is a deepening of that partnership. Grateful to be here. Thank you.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER MARLES: Well, Secretary Rubio, Secretary Hegseth - Marco, Pete - on behalf of Penny and I, thank you very much for having us here in Washington today. It is a real pleasure to be here in the 40th anniversary of AUSMIN.

Our relationship with the United States is the most important relationship that we have. And indeed, our alliance with the United States is really the cornerstone of Australian strategic and foreign policy. And today is an important moment to take that forward again over the next 12 months. We are living in a much more contested world, where it really matters to be doubling down with friends and allies. And obviously, America is front and center and foremost for Australia in that respect.

We are very grateful for the meeting that happened between Prime Minister Albanese and President Trump a couple of months ago. It's very significant in the context of the relationship. I think also President Trump has given us the motto for our meeting today, which is "full steam ahead." And it is very much full steam ahead in terms of the alliance, in terms of the progress on AUKUS, in preparing ourselves for the establishment of the Submarine Rotational Force - West at the end of 2027. That is a significant moment, and - in the journey of AUKUS.

But right now, we've had an increased number of visits, of U.S. nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, including the USS Vermont which has been at HMAS Stirling over the last six weeks or so, where it's undergone the most extensive maintenance that a U.S. nuclear submarine has undertaken outside of the United States. And we are really pleased with the progress that we are seeing in terms of building Australia's capabilities to ultimately to be able to operate our own nuclear-powered submarine capability going forward.

At every AUSMIN meeting that we've had over the - since 2022, when Penny and I first started attending these AUSMIN meetings, a central part of what we have sought to do in the defense space is to increase the U.S. footprint in Australia. And this AUSMIN will be no different, as Pete has just taken you through. Be it infrastructure, which enables greater bomber rotations in Australia, or be it what we are doing in terms of enhancing logistics capability of the United States in Australia, having more American equipment be stored in Australia, for example, the Ospreys. These are just examples of what we are doing across every domain - air, sea, and ground, but also space and cyber - to have the most extensive American force posture that we have seen in terms of the breadth of that in the Australian continent. And that is so important going forward to make very clear in our region that Australia and America stand side by side, working together to contribute to the peace and security of the Indo-Pacific.

As we meet today, there are almost 900 Australian servicemen and women who are embedded in the United States Defense Forces across the U.S. Indeed, the deputy commanders of the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific are all now institutionally Australian, and that is an example of the degree to which our two countries work so closely together in respect of defense.

Penny and I are really looking forward to taking our relationship and our alliance again forward in the meetings that we have today. We are working really well with this administration, and we are very excited about working with you, Marco and Pete, to take the alliance forward into the future.

FOREIGN MINISTER WONG: Thank you.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you very much.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER MARLES: Thank you.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4354174/

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Belgium - Hellfire Missiles

NEWS | Dec. 8, 2025

Media/Public Contact: T_Outreach_PM@state.gov

Transmittal No. 25-92

WASHINGTON, December 08, 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Belgium of Hellfire missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of up to $79 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.

The Government of Belgium has requested to buy up to two hundred forty (240) Hellfire missiles (AGM-114R2). The following non-MDE items will also be included: U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; support equipment; communications and training equipment; ammunition, spare parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; facility design; classified and unclassified publications; technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $79 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The proposed sale will improve Belgium's combat capability for counterterrorism operations. Belgium is a long-time operator of several advanced air-to-ground munitions via its F-35 and F-16 programs. Belgium will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, located in Troy, AL. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Belgium.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Political-Military Affairs Outreach, at T_Outreach_PM@state.gov.

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European Defence Industry Programme: Council gives final approval

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Press release

8 December 2025 11:36

Today the Council has formally adopted the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), an instrument designed to boost the EU's defence readiness by strengthening the competitiveness and responsiveness of the European Defence Technology Industrial Base (EDTIB). The adoption marks the final step in the legislative procedure and will enable the programme's timely implementation.

A strategic boost to EU defence

EDIP is the cornerstone of the EU's renewed commitment to bolster its defence readiness. It will strengthen the ability of member states to face current and future threats, enhance the competitiveness of the EDTIB, and ensure the timely availability and supply of defence products across the Union.

The programme provides 1.5 billion in grants for the period 2025-2027. Out of this amount, 300 million are earmarked for a dedicated Ukraine Support Instrument, a pivotal and unique instrument aimed at modernising and supporting Ukraine's defence industry and fostering its integration into the wider European defence industrial ecosystem.

EDIP also allows for potential further budget reinforcements in the future, such as by voluntary financial contributions by member states or third parties.

How it will work in practice

Under the programme, the EU will fund:

common procurement actions carried out by at least three countries (of which at least two must be member states), including for the establishment and maintenance of defence industrial readiness pools

carried out by at least three countries (of which at least two must be member states), including for the establishment and maintenance of defence industrial readiness pools industrial reinforcement actions , consisting of activities to ramp-up the production capacity of critical defence products

, consisting of activities to ramp-up the production capacity of critical defence products the launch of the European Defence Projects of Common Interest, collaborative industrial projects designed to contribute to the development of member states' military capabilities critical for the security and defence interests of the Union

collaborative industrial projects designed to contribute to the development of member states' military capabilities critical for the security and defence interests of the Union supporting actions, including activities to increase interoperability and interchangeability, and activities to facilitate access to the defence market for SMEs, mid-caps and start-ups

Developing a resilient European supply chain

To safeguard and strengthen the EU defence industry, whilst still maintaining cooperation with likeminded international partners, the regulation adopted today contains a clause by which components originating outside the EU and associated countries (EEA states), as well as Ukraine for the Ukraine Support Instrument, should not exceed 35% of total component costs of the end product. No components may be sourced from non-associated countries that conflict with the EU's or member states' security and defence interests.

Lastly, the regulation also establishes the first EU-level security of supply framework designed to reinforce defence supply-chain resilience and improve the EU's ability to respond swiftly in times of crises.

Next steps

The regulation will be signed on 17 December 2025 and enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Background

On 5 March 2024, the Commission tabled a proposal for a regulation establishing EDIP. Endowed with a financial package of 1.5 billion for the period from 2025 to 2027, the proposal for EDIP is designed to build on existing programmes aimed at incentivising the common procurement of defence products (the EDIRPA Regulation) and the reinforcement of defence industry manufacturing capacities (the ASAP Regulation), giving them a longer-term and more structured perspective.

On 25 November 2025, the European Parliament formally adopted the regulation, paving the way for its final approval by the Council today.

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Democratic Republic of the Congo: Council prolongs individual sanctions by another year

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Press release

8 December 2025 10:25

The Council today renewed its restrictive measures in view of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by another year, until 12 December 2026.

Altogether, the EU autonomous restrictive measures related to human rights violations, electoral obstruction and for sustaining the armed conflict, instability, and insecurity in the DRC now apply to 31 persons and two entities.

Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Individuals are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU member states.

The EU keeps developments in the DRC under constant review, and can decide to renew sanctions, and amend the list of targeted persons, entities and bodies based on developments on the ground.

Background

EU autonomous individual restrictive measures in view of the situation in the DRC were adopted by the Council for the first time in 2016 in response to serious human rights violations and the obstruction of the electoral process. On 5 December 2022, the designation criteria were widened to instances where persons, entities or bodies sustain, support or benefit from the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC. Restrictive measures cover also those inciting violence, or exploiting the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, including through the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources.

On 25 January 2025, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the EU expressing its deep concern at the latest escalation of the conflict in eastern DRC, and the consequent undermining of African-led efforts to reach a peaceful resolution. In the statement, the EU stressed it would consider all the tools at its disposal in order to hold accountable those responsible for sustaining armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC.

The 33 EU autonomous listings complement the current 53 UN listings adopted in view of the situation in the DRC.

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Thailand - Cambodia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest developments

European External Action Service (EEAS)

08.12.2025

EEAS Press Team

The recent exchange of fire between Cambodia and Thailand is an escalation in hostilities.

The EU calls on both countries to exercise maximum restraint and return to the Joint Declaration signed on 26 October, and the confidence-building measures set out therein.

The EU stands ready to support measures agreed by both sides aimed at de-escalation, including humanitarian de-mining.

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Thailand, Cambodia exchange fire along border as both sides trade blame; renewed conflict stems from the failure to resolve the core demands of both sides: expert

Global Times

By Feng Fan and Liu Caiyu Published: Dec 08, 2025 07:50 PM

Renewed armed clashes erupted between Thai and Cambodian forces along their border on Sunday and Monday, with both sides accusing each other of firing first.

The Thai military on Monday said it deployed fighter jets in response to Cambodian attacks that left two soldiers killed and four wounded. Meanwhile, a Cambodian defense spokesperson said Thai soldiers on Monday opened fire on Cambodian armed forces for the second straight day, adding that Cambodia did not fire back, according to Xinhua News Agency.

According to Thai Army Spokesperson Winthai Suvaree, the incident occurred at around 7:00 am Monday local time in the Chong Bok area of Nam Yuen District, where Thai soldiers operating in the area were attacked with "supporting fire weapons," resulting in casualties.

On the same day, Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said around 5:04 am on Monday, the Thai military launched an attack on Cambodian forces in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province.

"Subsequently, they continued firing multiple shots with tanks at Tamoan Thom temple, 5 Makara in the vicinity of Preah Vihear temple and Chomka Chek area," Xinhua quoted Socheata as saying.

Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen urged frontline troops to exercise restraint amid renewed armed conflict with Thai soldiers amid the latest flare-up, according to Xinhua, while Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ruled out the possibility of talks, saying "From now on, there will be no negotiations of any kind. If the fighting is to stop, Cambodia must follow the course of action set by Thailand," Thailand media The Nation reported.

When Charnvirakul was asked about the joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia signed in Malaysia, and whether it still applied in the current context. He answered briefly: "No. I do not remember it," according to The Nation. The media noted that such statement is "a stark signal that past agreements are no longer regarded as binding."

The latest clashes mark another breakdown of calm following a peace agreement signed by Thailand and Cambodia on October 26 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The border situation had already deteriorated again in early November, raising concerns over the fragility of the truce.

According to Xinhua, the new round of conflict began on Sunday. The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense said Thai soldiers opened fire on Cambodian armed forces, but Cambodian troops did not fire back. On the same day, the Thai military accused Cambodia of firing first, claiming that Thailand was forced to retaliate.

An expert said the renewed conflict stems from the failure to resolve the core demands of both sides, making another outbreak expected, while the likelihood of a further expansion of hostilities remains low.

"Since the signing of the joint declaration after the previous round of clashes, frictions between Thailand and Cambodia have never truly subsided, and the two sides have remained locked in repeated confrontations," Gu Jiayun, director of the Center for Cambodia Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Monday. "Thailand has yet to release the 18 Cambodian soldiers it detained, and its territorial claims remain unresolved. These issues lie at the core of the current tensions."

Gu noted that the risk of the situation escalating into a full-scale war remains limited at present.

However, the conflict could pose challenges to ASEAN's political and security integration process, and in the long run, it could have a potential impact on the ASEAN security community, Gu warned.

Malaysia on Monday expressed "deep concern" over the reported clashes, conveying condolences to the families of those killed or injured, according to Xinhua. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on social media that the renewed fighting risks unraveling the careful work that has gone into stabilizing relations between the two neighboring countries. As close partners of Malaysia and key members of ASEAN, Thailand and Cambodia were urged to "exercise maximum restraint, maintain open channels of communication and make full use of existing mechanisms to ease tensions."

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on Cambodia and Thailand to pursue dialogue to resolve their border tensions while holding talks with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet on Monday, the Vietnam News Agency reported. At the event, Chinh urged Cambodia and Thailand to exercise restraint, respect each other's legitimate interests, and adhere to their peace agreements, according to the report.

The latest escalation follows a series of deteriorations in ties after the October 26 peace agreement. On November 10, two weeks after the deal was signed, Thailand said it was suspending implementation of its "peace deal" with Cambodia over a disputed border, after soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion near the Cambodian border in Sisaket province, BBC reported, citing a Thai government spokesperson.

The two countries experienced their worst clashes in more than a decade earlier this July. According to Reuters, the five-day conflict killed at least 48 peoplemostly civiliansand displaced an estimated 300,000 residents, with heavy artillery fire and rocket attacks reported across multiple frontlines.

China has repeatedly voiced concern over the Thailand-Cambodia conflict and actively promoted peace talks since the outbreak of hostilities. Following the November clashes, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press conference that "China noted some new developments and issues during the implementation of the joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia." As a close friend and neighbor, China sincerely hopes both sides will "exercise restraint, work in the same direction, carry out friendly consultation, give play to existing bilateral mechanisms, and find a solution that is acceptable to both sides as soon as possible and prevent any escalation," he said, adding that China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting deescalation.

The Chinese Embassy in Cambodia on Monday reminded Chinese nationals near the Cambodia-Thailand border to strengthen safety precautions.

According to the embassy's notice, a new round of conflict erupted along the Cambodia-Thailand border on Monday, causing casualties. The Chinese Embassy in Cambodia urged Chinese nationals in the countryespecially those near border areas to closely follow the local security situation, remain vigilant, enhance protective measures, stay safe, and avoid traveling to border areas.

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Norway Facilitates Peace Talks in Colombia

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 08/12/2025

Norway has undertaken to facilitate negotiations between the Government of Colombia and the armed group El Ejercito Gaitanista de Colombia (EGC), together with Qatar, Switzerland, and Spain. The agreement between the two parties was signed Friday 5 December in Doha, Qatar.

The Colombian Government and EGC have agreed on an accord that lays the foundation for a process aimed at ensuring that EGC disarms, reintegrates into society and ceases all illegal activities, including those related to narcotics.

'For Colombia to succeed in achieving lasting peace, the disarmament of EGC is absolutely crucial. We are pleased to contribute to a process that will represent an important step towards improving the humanitarian situation for people living in areas severely affected by conflict,' said State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik.

Long-standing Norwegian Commitment to Peace

Peace and conflict resolution are key elements of Norwegian foreign policy. Norway has been engaged in peace efforts in Colombia for several decades. We hold formal roles in peace dialogues between the Colombian Government and several of the country's armed groups.

Norway is also a guarantor country for the implementation of the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian Government and the former FARC guerrilla.

'Norway has extensive experience in peace efforts in Colombia, and we appreciate the trust shown by the parties. Our role is to facilitate constructive dialogue and helping them finding solutions when they reach an impasse,' said Kravik.

At the request of the parties, Norway will facilitate the negotiation along with Qatar, Switzerland, and Spain, but also assist in the implementation of the commitments agreed upon under the agreement.



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Changes to the Swedish Foreign Service

Government Offices of Sweden

Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Published 08 December 2025

The Government has decided to close its embassies in Bolivia, Liberia and Zimbabwe in 2026, partly as a result of increased focus on support to Ukraine.

The embassies' closures will be carried out in tandem with the Government phasing out bilateral development assistance strategies for these three countries. The phase-outs aim to free up further resources to support Ukraine, which is the Government's most important foreign and development assistance policy priority.

- "Support to Ukraine is an existential issue for Sweden and Europe. The Government is now further increasing its development assistance to Ukraine. By making these changes, we can increase development assistance to Ukraine to at least SEK 10 billion in 2026. This means that approximately a fifth of Sweden's development assistance budget goes to Ukraine," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard

The reform agenda and overall Swedish interests form the basis for the decisions that have been taken.

Swedish diplomatic presence in the world is continually reviewed in relation to overall Swedish interests, requirements and budget. Diplomatic relations with these countries continue to be important, and will be managed, by example, through concurrent accreditation from other countries in their respective regions. The countries continue to be important partners in Sweden's foreign policy as a whole.

All the affected missions abroad have been informed.

The embassies' closures are expected be carried out during 2026.

La Paz, Bolivia The Embassy's main focus is to promote relations between Sweden and Bolivia through political dialogue, trade and development cooperation. The Embassy in La Paz is not a passport-issuing authority. Swedes already contact the embassies in Bogota, Buenos Aires or Brasilia for the issuing of ordinary passports. However, the Embassy in La Paz can issue provisional passports.



The Ministry for Foreign Affairs (UD) estimates that around 60 Swedes live in the country. Today, around 16 people work at the Embassy: four posted staff, two from UD and two from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) plus 12 local staff.

Monrovia, Liberia The Embassy's main focus is development assistance. The Embassy does not issue ordinary passports and has previously been exempted from its migration assignment.



UD estimates that around 30 Swedes live in the country. The Embassy employs 23 people: eight posted staff, three from UD and five from Sida, plus15 local staff.

Harare, Zimbabwe The Embassy's main focus is development assistance. In dialogue with the Swedish Migration Agency, UD will review where in the region migration cases from Zimbabwe will be managed.



UD estimates that around 30 Swedes live in the country. Today, some 22 people work in the Embassy: eight posted staff, three from UD and five from Sida, plus 14 local staff.

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4th Annual Quad Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) Strategic Meeting and Tabletop Exercise

India - Ministry of External Affairs

December 08, 2025

The United States hosted the fourth annual Quad Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) Tabletop Exercise and Strategic Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, from December 02 - 05, 2025. This annual event brought together government officials from India, Australia, Japan, and United States to strengthen the Quad's disaster-response capabilities across the Indo-Pacific. It underscored the Quad's commitment to reliable and effective lifesaving support for the people of the region.

2. As a founding pillar of the Quad partnership, HADR is a cornerstone of the group's efforts to advance peace, security, prosperity, and resilience in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad's coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance in response to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar in March this year was a testament to the Quad's ability to mobilize resources and rapidly deliver life-saving assistance.

New Delhi

December 08, 2025

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18th CSTO general meeting kicks off in Moscow

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 8, 2025

Moscow - IRNA -- The 18th general meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has convened with the participation of the heads of parliaments from member states, except Armenia, as well as parliamentary delegations from Iran, China, and Serbia.

The meeting began in Moscow, Russia, on Monday.

Ebrahim Azizi, Head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament is attending the meeting. He is accompanied by Iran's Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali, and Farshad Ebrahimpour Noorabadi, a member of the Iran-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Azizi is scheduled to outline Iran's positions in his speech at the meeting.

Kyrgyzstan will present a report on its activities during its term as the rotating chair of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in 2025.

Participants are also set to review draft legislation on the CSTO's defense and security issues. Discussions will focus on the model law on "Countering Terrorism," recommendations on military-patriotic education, and suggestions for improving the civil defense laws of CSTO member states.

According to its official website, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO PA) is the statutory body responsible for CSTO interparliamentary cooperation.

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Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing updates US Ambassador to the UN on the situation and the efforts regarding the return of fallen hostage Ran Gvili

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Type: Media Statements

Government: The 37th Government

Publish Date: 08.12.2025

Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch, this evening, in Jerusalem, updated US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz on the situation and the efforts regarding the return of fallen hostage Ran Gvili, of blessed memory.

At the meeting, Ambassador Waltz, Ambassador Danny Danon and Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Hirsch spoke with Talik and Itzik, the parents of the fallen hostage, the hero Master-Sgt. Ran Gvili, of blessed memory.

Ambassador Waltz expressed the US obligation, as well as his obligation, to complete the mission of returning the hostages and to returning Ran for a proper Jewish burial.

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UK and Mauritius' Chagos agreement raises concerns over Chagossian people's rights, UN committee warns

Press releases

Treaty bodies

08 December 2025

GENEVA -- The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) today expressed deep concern that a recent bilateral agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Mauritius regarding the Chagos Archipelago would perpetuate longstanding violations of the Chagossian people's rights.

The Chagos Archipelago, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, had been detached from Mauritius in 1965 during the final stages of Mauritius's decolonisation and placed under continued UK control. In the years that followed, the Chagossian community, an ethnic group of African and South Asian descent with a distinct cultural identity, was forcibly displaced from the islands to make way for the construction of a joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia Island.

Their situation has remained unresolved despite the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in February 2019, which found that the detachment of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius had violated the Chagossian people's right to self-determination and that the United Kingdom was obliged to end its administration "as rapidly as possible." The UN General Assembly subsequently called for the completion of the decolonization process and the return of the islands to Mauritius.

The new bilateral agreement, signed on 22 May 2025, provides for the transfer of sovereignty over the Archipelago to Mauritius and is presented as a measure to implement the ICJ Advisory Opinion and the General Assembly resolution. The Committee took note that the bilateral agreement has not yet entered into force and is pending domestic ratification. Yet, it was alarmed that, according to its provisions, Mauritius would lease Diego Garcia to the United Kingdom for 99 years, with the possibility of a 40-year extension.

The Committee was deeply concerned that the bilateral agreement "explicitly prevents the return of the Chagossian people to their ancestral lands in Diego Garcia Island," even though it permits Mauritius to implement a resettlement program on the other islands of the Chagos Archipelago.

In addition to the denial of the right of the Chagossian people to return to their ancestral lands in Diego Garcia Island, the agreement prevents them "from exercising their cultural rights and preserving their cultural heritage," the Committee said.

The Committee also warned that such provisions "are inconsistent with the UN General Assembly resolution," adding this is particularly so with respect to the UN General Assembly's request to 'facilitate the resettlement of Chagossian people in the Chagos Archipelago without imposing any 'impediment or obstacle to such resettlement'.

Regarding reports that the Chagossian people had not been adequately consulted during the negotiation and drafting of the agreement, the Committee said that the lack of meaningful participation of Chagossian people is "affecting their rights and lands", and "restricting the exercise of their right to self-determination."

Additionally, the Committee was concerned that the agreement does not provide for full reparation for the harms they have endured, including restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction or guarantees of non-repetition, nor does it include any formal acknowledgment of past injustices.

The Committee called on both Mauritius and the United Kingdom to suspend ratification of the agreement, and to engage immediately in a renewed dialogue to ensure the free, prior and informed consent of the Chagossian people, and to respect their rights, including the right to return to Diego Garcia, the right to self-determination through meaningful participation in all decision-making processes. It also asked both States Parties to guarantee access to effective remedies and full reparation.

The Committee, issued a decision today under its early warning and urgent procedures, also urged both governments to uphold their obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and to work toward ending the harm and violations experienced by the Chagossian people.

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Thailand says deploys fighter jets, Cambodia claims Thai soldiers open fire amid border tension

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:51, December 08, 2025

BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Thai Army said on Monday it deployed fighter jets in response to Cambodian attacks that left two soldiers killed and four wounded. Meanwhile, a Cambodian defense spokesperson said Thai soldiers on Monday opened fire on Cambodian armed forces for the second straight day, adding that Cambodia did not fire back.

According to Thai Army Spokesperson Winthai Suvaree, the incident occurred at around 07:00 a.m. local time in the Chong Bok area of Nam Yuen District, where Thai soldiers operating in the area were attacked with "supporting fire weapons," resulting in the five casualties.

The deadly engagement followed an earlier clash in the nearby Chong An Ma area at around 05:05 a.m. local time, when Cambodian troops opened fire with small arms and indirect weapons, prompting the Thai side to respond under the rules of engagement, the Thai Army said in a statement.

In response to the casualties and what it termed a "direct threat to national security," the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) confirmed it has commenced air operations targeting Cambodian military infrastructure.

"These developments prompted the use of air power to deter and reduce Cambodia's military capabilities to the minimum level necessary to safeguard national security and protect civilians," said RTAF Spokesperson Jackkrit Thammavichai.

On the same day, Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said around 05:04 a.m. on Monday, the Thai military forces launched an attack on the Cambodian forces in An Ses area, Preah Vihear province.

"Subsequently, they continued firing multiple shots with tanks at Tamoan Thom temple, 5 Makara in the vicinity of Preah Vihear temple and Chomka Chek area," she added.

"It should be noted that this attack occurred after the Thai forces engaged in numerous provocative actions for many days, especially the incident yesterday (Sunday) at Prorlean Thmar area, with the objective of instigating confrontations," Socheata said.

She said Cambodia "did not retaliate at all during the two assaults" and continues to monitor the situation vigilantly and with utmost caution standing on the spirit of "respecting all previous agreements and resolving conflicts peacefully according to international law."

Additionally, Cambodia has informed the ASEAN Observer Team about this incident and plans to request the team to conduct an investigation into the matter, she said.

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Council of Baltic Sea States meeting

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

08.12.2025

Security topped the agenda of a discussion Deputy Prime Minister Radosaw Sikorski had with the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) foreign ministers. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas also joined the videoconference.

Held on 8 December 2025, the meeting had been arranged on the initiative of Poland as part of its current Presidency of the Council. The discussion focused on key regional security issues, including ongoing talks on putting an end to the fighting in Ukraine, as well as the work now under way in the European Union in regard to a reparations loan and the US National Security Strategy.

Poland's top diplomat stressed that the countries in Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe must be engaged in all international talks concerning the region. In that context, the CBSS is a useful cooperation format. The participants agreed on further exchange of information and continued cooperation to support Ukraine. A fair peace is the only solution that may stabilise the situation in Europe. There was general consent that a decision on using the frozen Russian assets will be a pivotal issue in the near future.

Poland has presided over the Council's work since 1 July 2025 and will continue in this capacity until 30 June 2026.

***

The Council of the Baltic Sea States was established in 1992 with Poland as one of its founders. The current members include Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and the EU. The Council's focus is on supporting political dialogue and cooperation, setting strategic priorities and guiding regional initiatives in line with the organisation's long-term priorities, namely Regional Identity, Sustainable and Prosperous Region, and Safe and Secure Region. At present, the Council of the Baltic Sea States runs four main bodies: the Expert Group on Sustainable Maritime Economy, the Task Force Against Trafficking in Human Beings, the Expert Group on Children at Risk, and the Civil Protection Network.

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DOST to turn over locally designed weapon system to DND

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

December 8, 2025, 2:34 pm

MANILA -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will turn over later this week a locally designed automated weapon system to the Department of National Defense (DND) for the use of the Philippine Army (PA).

The turnover ceremony for the Controller Battle-Ready Armament (COBRA) will be held on Thursday at Camp O' Donnel in Capas, Tarlac, according to PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala on Monday.

"The COBRA, an output of the R&D (Research & Development) implemented by the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC), is ready for adoption by the PA," Dema-ala said in an advisory.

COBRA is a locally designed gun mount capable of carrying .50 caliber machine guns that can be fitted in the PA's various armored vehicles.

On Nov. 23, 2022, the PA and the DOST-MIRDC signed an agreement regarding COBRA's development.

COBRA highlights the DOST's commitment to help the PA bolster its Self-Reliant Defense Program. (PNA)

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UN condemns Israeli raid on UNRWA headquarters in al-Quds

Iran Press TV

Monday, 08 December 2025 10:04 PM

The United Nations has issued a strong condemnation of Israel's recent raid on the headquarters of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees, located in occupied al-Quds's Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday denounced the unauthorized raid, stating that the compound is UN property and is inviolable under international law.

Guterres stated, "I strongly condemn today's unauthorized entry into the United Nations Sheikh Jarrah compound held by UNRWA... It is immune from any other form of interference."

He emphasized that actions against UN premises are prohibited under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for Guterres, reiterated the call for Israel to respect the inviolability of UNRWA premises and refrain from further actions that violate international obligations.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA's Commissioner-General, criticized the raid as a blatant challenge to international law.

He reported that Israeli police, accompanied by municipal officials, forcibly entered the compound, seizing furniture and IT equipment while cutting all communications. The UN flag was reportedly replaced with an Israeli flag during the incident.

Lazzarini noted that the raid followed months of harassment against UNRWA, including arson attacks and a disinformation campaign, further exacerbated by recent anti-UNRWA legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset.

In a statement on Monday, the al-Quds Governorate, affiliated with the Palestinian Authority (PA), said Israeli police entered the compound, detained its security guards, and confiscated their phones.

The compound, used as an UNRWA office since 1951, had been vacated earlier this year following a decision by Israel.

The raid came two days after the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution renewing UNRWA's mandate for three more years, with 151 countries voting in favor, 10 opposed, and 14 abstaining.

Israel has banned UNRWA from operating in the occupied territories after accusing some of its staff of being involved in the al-Aqsa storm operation in October 2023.

Despite repeated requests from UNRWA for the Israeli regime to provide evidence supporting its allegations, the agency has received no response.

The UN agency has faced deepening financial turmoil since Israel launched a defamation campaign against it.

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Israeli forces raid UNRWA headquarters in al-Quds after UN extends mandate

Iran Press TV

Monday, 08 December 2025 5:23 PM

Israeli forces stormed the sealed headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in occupied East al-Quds, raiding the long-standing compound in Sheikh Jarrah just days after the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly renewed the agency's mandate.

In a statement on Monday, the al-Quds Governorate, affiliated with the Palestinian Authority (PA), said Israeli police entered the compound, detained its security guards, and confiscated their phones.

"Israeli police cut off communication, making it impossible to know what is happening inside the compound," the statement said.

Officials added that the raid was carried out "alongside a complete closure of the surrounding area and extensive searches across all facilities of the building."

The compound, used as an UNRWA office since 1951, had been vacated earlier this year following a decision by Israel.

The raid came two days after the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution renewing UNRWA's mandate for three more years, with 151 countries voting in favor, 10 opposed, and 14 abstaining.

"This raid represents a direct challenge to the UN General Assembly's overwhelming vote days ago to renew UNRWA's mandate," the governorate said, calling for urgent international action to hold Israel accountable "for violating international law" and to prosecute Israeli authorities "for crimes and abuses committed against the Palestinian people and their national and international institutions."

Meanwhile, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini condemned the Israeli raid on the agency compound as a "dangerous precedent."

"This latest action represents a blatant disregard of Israel's obligation as a United Nations Member State to protect & respect the inviolability of UN premises," Lazzarini wrote on X.

"To allow this represents a new challenge to international law, one that creates a dangerous precedent anywhere else the UN is present across the world," he added.

Israel has banned UNRWA from operating in the occupied territories after accusing some of its staff of being involved in the al-Aqsa storm operation in October 2023.

Despite repeated requests from UNRWA for the Israeli regime to provide evidence supporting its allegations, the agency has received no response.

The UN agency has faced deepening financial turmoil since Israel launched a defamation campaign against it.

Following Israel's accusations, several major donor states, including the United States, suspended or froze funding, triggering one of the most severe financial crises in UNRWA's history.

In October, International Court of Justice (ICJ) President Yuji Iwasawa underscored in a ruling that Israel must "agree to and facilitate relief schemes provided by the United Nations and its entities," including UNRWA.

As part of its findings, the ICJ noted that Israel had failed to present evidence showing that UNRWA was working with the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, as the regime had claimed.

UNRWA was established by the UNGA more than 70 years ago to assist Palestinians forcibly displaced from their land due to the creation of the Israeli occupation.

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Israel's military chief describes Gaza's dividing 'yellow line' as 'new border'

Iran Press TV

Monday, 08 December 2025 4:29 PM

Israeli military chief of staff Eyal Zamir has openly described the so-called "yellow line", a north-south axis cutting through the Gaza Strip and marking the point of Israel's pullback, as "a new border line" with Gaza.

Addressing Israeli troops inside the besieged strip on Sunday, Zamir said, "We have operational control over extensive parts of the Gaza Strip and we will remain on those defense lines. The yellow line is a new border line - serving as a forward defensive line for our communities and a line of operational activity."

Israeli forces withdrew to the "yellow line" in October as part of the first phase of US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan with the Palestinian-based resistance movement Hamas.

Zamir's remarks came even as the ceasefire agreement explicitly requires a full withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Meanwhile, a US official said that the US is preparing to announce a transition into the second phase of the truce plan in the coming weeks.

The announcement would include the unveiling of a new governing body in Gaza, led by the so-called Board of Peace, along with the launch of an "International Stabilization Force" in the strip, ABC News reported.

It is anticipated that Trump will soon disclose the names of the individuals and countries participating in the mechanism as part of his announcement.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed that the second phase of the plan is "close", as he is expected to discuss it during the upcoming meeting with Trump at the White House by the end of this month.

"We'll be having very important conversations at the end of the month on how to ensure that this second stage is achieved," Netanyahu stated.

In a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in al-Quds on Sunday, Netanyahu said broader normalization with Arab states remains possible, while he reiterated that Israel won't accept a Palestinian state.

He claimed that a Palestinian state would threaten the occupying regime's existence.

His remarks come as Trump pressed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to move towards normalizing ties with Israel, after a ceasefire was reached in Gaza.

Riyadh has long insisted that it will only normalize ties with Tel Aviv if the regime agrees to establish a time-bound, irreversible pathway to a future Palestinian state.

Israel has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians since launching its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, following the al-Aqsa Storm operation, before a ceasefire deal was reached in the besieged strip last October.

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Israel allocates $830 million to settlement expansion in West Bank

Iran Press TV

Monday, 08 December 2025 10:49 AM

The Israeli regime has announced a massive allocation of over $830 million to the establishment and expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, further entrenching its illegal occupation.

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on Monday that he has earmarked over $830 for the establishment of 17 new settlements in the occupied West Bank over the next five years.

The scheme involves relocating military bases of the occupation army to the northern West Bank, building infrastructure for dozens of new settlements, opening bypass roads, and strengthening security systems to shield settlers.

It also proposes the creation of "absorption centers" by installing dozens of caravans to accommodate new settlers, alongside financial grants reaching up to $100 million to support these settlements, $130 million for upgrading existing settlement infrastructure, and $100 million for regional and local councils in West Bank.

Additionally, $40 million has been allocated for constructing new army roads, and $50 million for modernizing armored buses over three years, with further budgets dedicated to tightening control through cameras, smart fences, and monitoring equipment.

Following the onset of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, Israeli authorities reviewed approximately 355 master plans for the construction of 37,415 settlement units across 38,551 dunams (39 square kilometers) of Palestinian land. Out of these, 18,801 units have been approved, while 18,614 remain under review.

More than 700,000 Israeli settlers currently reside in over 230 settlements built since the 1967 occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds.

The international community regards these settlements as illegal under international law and the Geneva Conventions due to their construction on occupied Palestinian territories.

Both the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council have repeatedly condemned Israel's settlement activities in numerous resolutions.

In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel's decades-long occupation of historical Palestine is illegal and demanded the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East al-Quds.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has killed more than 1,085 Palestinians and injured over 10,700 through attacks by its army and illegal settlers across the occupied West Bank. Additionally, more than 20,500 Palestinians have been abducted by Israeli forces.

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'First genocide to awaken the world': UN rapporteur Albanese warns as Gaza destruction unfolds

Iran Press TV

Monday, 08 December 2025 10:40 AM

The UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, Francesca Albanese, has censured the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories as "apocalyptic," saying it is the first genocide that has awakened global conscience.

Speaking at the closing panel of the Doha Forum 2025 in Qatar on Sunday, Albanese described the status quo in almost totally destroyed Gaza as a complete political breakdown of moral responsibility.

"This is not the first genocide in human history. This is at least the third genocide, if not the fourth or the fifth, that occurs in my lifetime," she said.

"This is the first genocide that awakened global conscience and global response. Palestine is allowing us to see what the law becomes when it is in the hands of power," she added.

According to Albanese, Palestine is allowing us to see what connects all injustices, what happens to Yemen, to Sudan, to Congo, and including in places where poverty has not been so rooted as it is today for a long time, including in the West.

"We have a common enemy, and we need to face it where politics is at the service of economic interests."

She pointed out that the delayed UN ceasefire vote, coupled with Israel using the truce to carry on what the genocide left unfinished, demonstrates how international systems have been eroded by power and impunity.

Gaza, the UN expert noted, has exposed Western hypocrisy and laid bare a profound dishonesty at the heart of the global order.

"Palestine has also sparked a global awakening, driven by youth, workers, and civil servants who mobilized across the former settler colonial states, US, in Europe, and beyond," Albanese noted.

She spoke out against the unprecedented US sanctions enforced against her, condemning them as unlawful and inconsistent with the UN Charter.

On 30 June, Albanese wrote a report naming over 60 companies, including major US technology firms such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, which she said were involved in "the transformation of Israel's economy of occupation to an economy of genocide."

The Italian lawyer's report was cited by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a key reason for her sanctioning by the US.

"What I am left with is my dignity and my voice," the senior UN official said. "I will not be silenced while I still have breath in my lungs."

Albanese urged immediate international action in the face of ongoing Israeli acts of aggression.

"The International Court of Justice has already made the legal path clear: Israel must end the occupation, withdraw its forces, dismantle settlements, and stop exploiting Palestinian resources. Justice demands nothing less," she noted.

Since October 2023, the Israeli army has killed over 70,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and injured more than 171,000 others in a two-year war in Gaza that has reduced much of the coastal sliver to rubble.

The onslaught has also led to the widespread destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure, creating a dire situation for the territory's surviving inhabitants.

Despite a ceasefire that began on October 10, Israel's genocidal war on Gaza continues unabated, with some 600 violations of the ceasefire in the last seven weeks.

Israel has killed at least 360 Palestinians since the ceasefire went into effect, according to Gaza authorities. Among the dead are at least 70 children, UNICEF has reported.

International bodies, including the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, the International Association of Genocide Scholars, and other rights groups, have concluded that the Israeli offensive in Gaza amounts to genocide.

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Venezuelan army recruits 5,600 new troops amid US military threats

Iran Press TV

Monday, 08 December 2025 5:56 AM

Venezuela's armed forces have added 5,600 new troops as Washington intensifies its military pressure on the Latin American country.

Saturday's swearing-in ceremony at Fuerte Tiuna, the capital's largest military base, came after President Nicolas Maduro urged heightened enlistment.

Washington has alleged, without offering evidence, that Maduro heads the drug Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Sun), which it labeled a terrorist organization last month.

Maduro says the US administration of President Donald Trump seeks to depose him and seize the nation's oil resources.

Addressing the event, Colonel Gabriel Alejandro Rendon Vilchez, one of the officials who conducted the ceremony, declared, "Under no circumstances will we allow an invasion by an imperialist force."

Official data indicate that Venezuela's armed forces comprise 200,000 troops and another 200,000 police personnel.

Also on Saturday, Maduro spoke by phone with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about global geopolitics and the US military buildup in the Caribbean.

The Turkish leader "expressed deep concern over the threats recently facing Venezuela, particularly the military deployment and various actions intended to disrupt peace and security in the Caribbean," Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said in a statement.

Maduro described the maneuvers in the Caribbean as an "illegal, disproportionate, unnecessary and even extravagant" act of aggression, adding that Venezuela remains committed to peace.

"It is important to keep channels of dialogue open between the US and Venezuela," Erdogan told him, according to a statement from his office released on X, adding that he hoped "the tension will ease as soon as possible."

Since August, the US Southern Command has dispatched warships, submarines, aircraft carriers, F-35 squadrons, and 15,000 personnel to the Caribbean and off Venezuela's coast under the guise of combating drug trafficking.

The US Southern Command has further deployed Carrier Strike Group Twelve (CSG-12), including the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, to the region.

US forces stationed there have conducted lethal strikes on more than 20 purported narco-trafficking vessels, killing at least 87.

Officials in Caracas have condemned the attacks as a deliberate display of US hostility designed to intimidate the region and undermine Venezuela's sovereignty amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

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GCC Secretary-General Condemns Iranian Officials' Statements Regarding Member States' Sovereignty

Saudi Press Agency

Monday 17/06/1447

Riyadh, December 08, 2025, SPA -- Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi expressed the GCC states' denunciation of the media statements made by Iranian officials regarding the GCC states. These statements infringe upon the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the rights of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding its three islands (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa), which Iran occupies, and the sovereignty of the Durra oil field, which is jointly owned by the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"These statements contained fallacies, false claims, and rejected allegations that contradict the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and good neighborlinessprinciples which Iran violated through its aggression against the sovereignty and independence of the State of Qatar," he stated. Furthermore, he noted that these statements contradict the GCC states' continuous efforts to enhance relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran at all levels.

"The GCC states have consistently reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the foundations and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and international law, including the principles of good neighborliness, respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and refraining from the use or threat of force," Albudaiwi emphasized.

He added that the GCC states have consistently demonstrated goodwill towards Iran, stressing their keenness on Iran's security and stability to preserve the interests of the Iranian people and to spare the region the repercussions of tension and escalation. "This commitment was underlined during the joint meetings between the GCC foreign ministers and Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. The council member states have also underscored the significance of continuing bilateral communication between the GCC and Iran to enhance shared interests and maintain regional security and stability," he pointed out.

Moreover, Albudaiwi affirmed the GCC states' commitment to peace, coexistence, and pursuing dialogue and diplomatic solutions in international relations. He called on Iran to cease spreading false claims that undermine trust and hinder communication and understanding, at a time when the countries of the region need rapprochement and cooperation to safeguard their interests and achieve their peoples' aspirations for security, stability, growth, and prosperity.

-- SPA

16:11 Local Time 13:11 GMT

0043

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Spain expresses strong condemnation of attempted coup in Benin

Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

PRESS STATEMENT 122

8 Dec 25

Spain expresses its strong condemnation of the attempted coup in Benin and demands the immediate restoration of the democratic and constitutional order.

Spain is firmly committed to democracy in Benin and hopes for a swift return to institutional normality.

The Spanish Government is monitoring the situation of Spanish nationals in the country through the Spanish Embassy in Abuja and the Spanish Consulate General in Lagos, which are taking appropriate measures in line with developments.



NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION

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New Clashes on Cambodia-Thailand Border: What We Know

Sputnik News

20251208

New flare-ups occurred on the Cambodia-Thailand border after both sides accused one another of breaching a ceasefire agreement, according to Thai army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree.

Clashes broke out around two areas in the easternmost province of Ubon Ratchathani, says the Thai military.

Cambodia "opened fire with small arms and indirect-fire weapons in the Chong An Ma area of Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province."

At least one Thai soldier was killed and several were wounded during the attack targeting Anupong Base

The Thai army also accused Cambodian forces of firing BM-21 rockets towards civilian areas in Buri Ram province, with no casualties reported

Thai troops "responded in accordance with rules of engagement using both small arms and indirect-fire weapons"

Thai airstrikes retaliated, targeting Cambodia's arms-supporting positions in the area of Chong An Ma Pass "because those targets had used artillery and mortar launchers to attack the Thai base"

The Royal Thai Air Force deployed F-16s to strike "only military installations... weapons depots, command centers, and logistical routes assessed as direct threats"

"Cambodia had mobilized heavy weaponry, repositioned combat units, and prepared fire-support elementsactivities that could escalate military operations and pose a threat to the Thai border area," the RTAF statement said.

35,000+ people have been evacuated along the border

What Cambodia Has Stated

Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense denied the RTAF allegations, calling it "false information" in a statement on X

It accused the Thai military of launching attacks on its forces at two locations, following days of provocative actions, and added that Cambodian troops had not retaliated

Cambodia's defense ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata accused Thailand of "firing multiple shots with tanks at Tamone Thom temple" and other areas near Preah Vihear temple

Previously, the border dispute erupted into a five-day war in July, before a ceasefire deal was brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Donald Trump.

The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur signed a declaration on relations to resolve the conflict that began in May 2025.

 Sputnik

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Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

8 December 2025

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Central Emergency Response Fund

Good afternoon.

In case what is happening today is not enough for you, tomorrow, at 10 a.m. here at UN Headquarters, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will be hosting a High-Level Pledging Event for the Central Emergency Response Fund 2026. That will be done in collaboration with the Governments of Ireland and the Philippines.

Our Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is expected to deliver remarks, as well as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mr. Tom Fletcher.

As humanitarian crises around the world outpace the funding available to address them, this pledging event for the UN's Global Emergency Fund, managed by OCHA, which is also celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year, seeks to mobilize greater financial commitments so that humanitarians can keep fast-tracking life-saving support for people in need.

Looking back to 2025, CERF has allocated more than $311 million to enable humanitarian action in over 30 countries and territories, including Gaza after the ceasefire and for people fleeing violence in the Darfur region of Sudan.

The event will take place in ECOSOC, and it will be broadcast by our friends at UN Web TV.

** Global Humanitarian Overview

Staying on humanitarian issues and money. Today, we and our partners launched the 2026 global humanitarian appeal to save millions of lives where shocks hit the hardest  in wars, climate disasters, earthquakes, epidemics and wherever crop failures may occur.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says the immediate priority is to save 87 million lives with $23 billion in funding. Ultimately, the aim next year is to raise a total of $33 billion to support 135 million people through 23 country operations and six plans for refugees and migrants.

The UN humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, said this appeal sets out where we need to focus our collective energy first: life by life. He noted that the Global Humanitarian Overview 2026 is grounded in reform, evidence and efficiency, emphasizing that we are shifting power to local organizations and putting more money directly into the hands of the people who need it.

We will now take this appeal to Member States and ask for their backing, which means asking for their money.

As you know, a brutal funding crisis cut this year strained and even snapped humanitarian lifelines. The funding received so far for the 2025 appeal, which comes to an end in a few weeks, $12 billion, was the lowest in a decade, with humanitarians reaching 25 million fewer people than in 2024.

** UNRWA

Turning to the situation in Jerusalem. You may have seen early morning, Israeli police accompanied by municipal officials forcibly entered the United Nations compound used by UNRWA in East Jerusalem. Police motorcycles, as well as trucks and forklifts were brought in, and all communications were cut. Furniture, IT equipment and other property was seized. The UN flag was pulled down and replaced by the Israeli flag.

In reaction to this event, I can tell you that the Secretary-General strongly condemns the unauthorized entry into the United Nations Sheikh Jarrah compound held by UNRWA, located in occupied East Jerusalem by Israeli authorities. This compound remains United Nations premises and is inviolable and immune from any other form of interference.

As recently confirmed by the International Court of Justice, any executive, administrative, judicial or legislative action against United Nations property and assets is prohibited under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.

The Secretary-General urges Israel to immediately take all necessary steps to help restore, preserve and uphold the inviolability of UNRWA premises and to refrain from taking any further action with regard to UNRWA premises, in line with Israel's obligations under the Charter of the UN and its other obligations under international law, including those concerning privileges and immunities of the United Nations.

That statement is being shared with you as we speak.

** Occupied Palestinian Territory

Turning to the situation on the ground in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that conditions remain dire and needs far outpace the humanitarian community's ability to respond, given the persistent impediments we continue to face.

These obstacles include insecurity, customs clearance challenges, delays and denials of cargo at the crossings, and limited routes available for transporting humanitarian supplies within Gaza. Such constraints are especially challenging to the UN and our partners' efforts to bring in sufficient shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene items, as well as education supplies.

Colder weather is increasing already immense needs for shelter and winterization materials. Our partners leading on child protection support have distributed winter clothes to over 217,000 children across the Gaza Strip since October.

In the ongoing effort to restore access to healthcare, 30 partner organizations are now providing services in northern Gaza, nearly double the number prior to the ceasefire. Plans are also under way to add more health service points in North Gaza governorate, given the lack of accessible facilities there and repeated denials for the UN and our partners to access the Kamal Adwan Hospital. Across the Strip, the number of routine vaccination sites has risen from 22 before the ceasefire to 33 now.

Meanwhile, our partners leading efforts to improve access to water and sanitation report that work continues to repair and restore water and sanitation networks. Eleven teams are currently deployed across flood-prone areas to empty storm drains and reduce the risk of flooding.

Since the beginning of the month, our partners managed to reach an additional 100,000 people with regular food assistance, which consists of one 25-kilogram bag of wheat flour and two rations containing basic food supplies.

Our humanitarian partners working on improving access to education reported that as of last Thursday, 65 classrooms have been fully rehabilitated across Gaza, with repairs of another 18 classrooms nearing completion. Additional repairs are planned to enable children to restart their education after more than two years.

Meanwhile, OCHA warns that access and movement constraints within Gaza remain a serious issue. Between 13 October and last Thursday, 295 contractors, 28 UN staff and 21 healthcare personnel were denied by the Israeli authorities from taking part in UN missions within Gaza; that's an average of nearly seven per day.

These denials disrupt humanitarian planning and force ourselves and our partners to make last-minute adjustments that can reduce our capacity or lead to missions being cancelled altogether if substitute personnel cannot be identified.

We continue, of course, to call for unimpeded access to humanitarians, for humanitarian goods and services and for all impediments to be lifted so that we and our partners can scale up assistance and reach every single person who needs help.

** Sudan

Turning to Sudan: Following the horrific reports of three separate drone strikes, two on a kindergarten and one on a hospital in South Kordofan on 4 December, the Secretary-General condemned all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. You will have seen the statement we issued over the weekend, in which he noted that targeting schools and hospitals may constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law. He stresses that all parties must respect civilians and allow for rapid and unfettered humanitarian access, including medical care, wherever it is needed.

The World Health Organization tells us that 114 deaths in these attacks were reported. That includes 63 children, with 35 others injured. WHO said paramedics and responders came under attack as they tried to move the injured from the kindergarten to the hospital.

Violence has continued in other part of Sudan.

On Friday and Saturday, renewed clashes displaced as many as 600 people from Kadugli in South Kordofan, and over 600 people fled Omran village in Rahad locality, in North Kordofan, according to the International Organization for Migration. Fierce fighting in West Kordofan has further imperilled civilians.

In West Darfur State, a suspected aerial strike triggered a fire near the Adre border crossing, destroying parts of a market and a neighbouring village along a critical humanitarian and commercial supply route. Meanwhile, in Blue Nile State, a strike on a major electricity station over the weekend caused widespread blackouts across the capital, Damazin, disrupting water and health services.

In North Darfur, insecurity continues to force people to flee villages around El Fasher amid acute shortages of food, water and essential services inside the city.

Our humanitarian partners report that nearly 15,000 people arrived in Tawila in recent weeks, severely straining overstretched host communities.

Our humanitarian partners are scaling up assistance at Al Afad camp in Dabbah, which is now hosting around 11,000 people, by providing shelters, food, and expanding water, sanitation, nutrition and education services. Critical gaps remain because of funding shortages.

The Secretary-General continues to call on all States with influence over the parties to take immediate action to halt the fighting and stop the arms flows fuelling this conflict. He also renews his appeal for the parties to agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities and to resume talks toward a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive, Sudanese-owned political process.

** Syria

You will have seen that over the weekend  or early this morning -we issued a statement marking one year since the fall of the Assad Government in Syria and the end of decades-long repression in that country.

In his statement, the Secretary-General paid tribute to the resilience and courage of the Syrian people and added that today is a moment to honour their sacrifices and to renew the aspirations that drove such historic change.

Mr. Guterres said that what lies ahead is far more than a political transition; it is the chance to rebuild shattered communities and heal deep divisions in Syria. A future in which every Syrian, regardless of ethnicity, their religion, gender or political affiliation, can live in security, in equality and in dignity.

The Secretary-General reaffirms our commitment to working with Syrians to make this transition a success.

He calls on the international community to stand firmly behind this Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition.

** Senior Appointment

Working with the Syrian people will be our new Deputy Special Envoy for Syria. Today the Secretary-General appointed Claudio Cordone of Italy as his new Deputy Special Envoy for Syria.

Mr. Cordone, will start on 1 January 2026, and he succeeds Najat Rochdi of Morocco to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her dedication, her hard work and leadership during pivotal moments of the UN efforts to support the political transition process in Syria.

Mr. Cordone brings over 40 years of experience in international relations, international human rights and humanitarian law.

He has been serving as the Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance with UNAMI, the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq. He also oversaw our efforts to address the fate of missing persons in the 1990-1991 Gulf War.

He has also worked for UNRWA in Lebanon.

** Syria  Refugees

A part of the challenges that will come up in Syria are immense. Forced displacement was among the deep wounds inflicted by this conflict, and return is critical to end years of suffering and ensure stabilization.

Our colleagues at the UN Refugee Agency say that a year on, over 3 million refugees and displaced Syrians have returned to their homes. UNHCR is working to improve conditions for returnees.

Around 4.5 million Syrian refugees remain in neighbouring countries, most living below the poverty line. They need continued support, as do the countries who are generously hosting these populations of refugees.

UNHCR is calling for increased donor support to close this critical funding gap, with its $1.5 billion 2025 appeal only 33 per cent funded.

** Ukraine

Turning north to Ukraine, our colleagues from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warn that in recent days, an alarming pattern of intensifying hostilities in front-line areas and persistent attacks on critical civilian infrastructure has continued across Ukraine, resulting in more power outages and disruptions to vital services nationwide.

Between Friday and the early hours of this morning, authorities reported over 100 civilian casualties, including nearly 20 deaths. Two children were reportedly killed, and several more were injured. The regions of Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia have been hit the hardest.

Ukraine's Energy Ministry also reported new attacks over the weekend on critical facilities in at least eight regions in the north, in the east and the south of Ukraine.

The strikes caused emergency outages and prolonged the duration of scheduled power cuts nationwide.

Apart from electricity, heating and water supplies were also interrupted in the cities of Chernihiv and Kremenchuk, as well as other parts of the regions of Chernihiv and Poltava.

In Kherson City, our friends at the World Health Organization reported that an attack on Thursday damaged and disrupted the water and gas supply to a maternity ward.

Hostilities are also causing widespread damage to homes and civilian infrastructure. In the Kyiv region, an attack in Fastiv Town destroyed a railway station.

In the wake of these attacks, the UN and our partners have continued to provide emergency aid and winter-related assistance. Yet these latest developments raise concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine as colder weather sets in. During the latest trip to the Sumy and Chernihiv regions, our humanitarian colleagues reported a growing need for generators, fuel, and other winter-related supplies.

** Democratic Republic of the Congo

Moving to the African continent, and more specifically to the DRC, our colleagues at OCHA tell us that fighting is continuing to intensify in the South Kivu province  particularly around the localities of Kamanyola, Luvungi and Katogota.

Our humanitarian partners tell us that more than 200,000 people have been displaced across the province since December 2nd. Over 70 people, mostly civilians, have been killed, and more than 80 others have been injured since the violence escalated.

Displaced families have fled with no belongings and are now contending with overcrowded shelters, heightened risks of gender-based violence, outbreaks of cholera and measles, and limited access to healthcare, partly due to an ongoing nurses' strike in the area.

Civilians have also crossed into Burundi to escape the fighting. Shelling was reported in the town of Rugombo, in the north-west of Burundi, raising concerns about the conflict spilling over more into Burundian territory.

UNHCR in Burundi says that some 3,000 people are currently living in difficult and precarious conditions at the Cishemere transit centre, far exceeding its intended capacity.

The National Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons in Burundi is calling for urgent action, particularly in the areas of food, health, and water, sanitation and hygiene.

OCHA is closely coordinating with local authorities and partners to prepare for and support a potential response.

We reiterate yet again our urgent call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Humanitarian access must be guaranteed so that life-saving assistance can reach those in need.

We also need additional money to scale up the response. The Humanitarian Response Plan for the DRC is only 22 per cent funded, with only $562 million received out of $2.5 billion needed.

** Benin

Also, you will have seen that last night, we issued a statement in which the Secretary-General expressed his deep concern at the attempt to unconstitutionally seize power in the country of Benin.

The Secretary-General unequivocally condemns any attempt to undermine democratic governance in Benin, which could also further threaten the stability of the region, calling for full respect for the rule of law and the Constitution.

And our Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simao, is actively engaging with national authorities and other stakeholders, as well as regional and international partners, to support efforts to restore peace and stability in Benin.

He reaffirmed our commitment to supporting national and regional institutions in safeguarding constitutional order, in the country and across the region.

To this end, he is also working closely with ECOWAS and the African Union to promote a regional approach.

** Democratic Republic of the Congo  Cholera

And lastly, I should have included on the DRC that our friends at UNICEF are telling us that the DRC is facing its worst cholera outbreak in the past 25 years.

Over 64,000 cases have been recorded since the beginning of the year, including nearly 1,900 deaths, and one in four people impacted is a child.

UNICEF is working across multiple sectors to prevent and respond to the disease and requires about $6 million next year to ensure that the cholera rapid response mechanism is properly funded.

** Questions and Answers

Spokesman : Dezhi?

Question : Follow-up on the raid of UNRWA premises in Jerusalem. What's the condition now? Has the municipality still occupied the premises, or they left?

Spokesman : No. They're continuing to occupy. And if you'll recall, our personnel vacated the compound at the beginning of 2025, which in no way alters the legal status of this compound.

Question : So according to Israel, UNRWA owed about $3.5 million dollars in unpaid tax and interest. Is that theory accepted by the UN?

Spokesman : No. It is not applicable under the general conventions that cover the relationship between the United Nations and Member States.

Question : So, which means this is actually a violation of international law?

Spokesman : That would be a correct interpretation by you.

Question : Okay. Another issue is, we know that there are conflicts occurred last weekend, during the weekend and even today between Cambodia and Thailand. What is the reaction from the Secretary-General on the latest development?

Spokesman : Look, we're very concerned about these latest developments. We've seen the reports of air strikes and mobilization of heavy equipment around the border. It's important that both Thailand and Cambodia do whatever they can to de-escalate and to return to the framework that was signed in Kuala Lumpur just a few months ago on October 26. They need to use that mechanism to engage in dialogue and find ways again to lower the tension. And we, of course, stand ready to support all efforts at promoting peace, stability and developments in the region. Pam, then Amelie.

Question : That's all right. It's a long cold weekend. The protective shield around Chernobyl was damaged earlier this year, but the IAEA just put out a statement because of a Russian drone strike. That compounds the strikes against Zaporizhzhia. What is your sense of nuclear fallout danger in [cross talk]...

Spokesman : I mean, we are in...

Question : ...with the war in Ukraine.

Spokesman : We follow, I mean, we are in the hands of the IAEA for any scientific information. I think their statement was very clear. They have the mandate to deal with these with nuclear issues including, of course, especially, I mean, Chernobyl. We know the past history of Chernobyl. All of this is extremely, extremely worrying and should push the parties to ensure that nuclear facilities are protected in any way they can.

Question : Meaning, the party should establish this, not the United Nations?

Spokesman : Well, I mean, the IAEA has a mandate. What I'm saying is the IAEA is not the one is not involved in the fighting. I'm saying that the...

Correspondent : Right.

Spokesman : It is important that the parties should do whatever they can to ensure that these facilities are kept safe.

Question : All right. Thank you. And on [cross talk]...

Spokesman : Under the aegis of the IAEA, yes.

Question : ...and on Japan's earthquake and tsunami, are there UN... I didn't hear if you said?

Spokesman : No. I mean, I saw the news report as I was coming in. I don't obviously, few countries are as well prepared for earthquakes and tsunami than Japan. And of course, if... should the Government need any support from the United Nations, we stand ready. [phonetic] Madame AFP.

Question : Thanks, Steph. Just a follow-up on Syria and the nomination of the Deputy Envoy. Did I miss something, or the new Envoy has not been...

Spokesman : No, you did not miss, no. Unless I missed it, too, yes.

Question : Has Geir Pedersen stopped working as the Special Envoy?

Spokesman : No, he's still working. I think I have to get the exact date of when he stops, but it's very soon, in which case then there'll be an officer-in-charge named, yes. Go ahead. Yes. [The Spokesman later clarified that Geir Pedersen's last day as Special Envoy for Syria was on 31 October 2025.]

Sorry. Go ahead, Kristen.

Question : Just a point of clarification for me. I thought I heard you say that the goal for OCHA next year is to raise 33 billion and I thought Fletcher said it was 23 billion. I just wanted to verify that. And also, you said that in 2025, 12 billion has been raised so far and that I wasn't sure, if you said it was the lowest in the decade or in decades?

Spokesman : I will go back to my notes in a moment. But otherwise, everything is on the OCHA website, so I would trust them more than I would trust me. Okay? Namo, please.

Question : Yes. Thank you, Stephane. Just on the global humanitarian overview, which came out today. When you compare this to the report that came out in 2016, 10 years ago, at the time around 95 million people needed humanitarian assistance around the world. Today, that number has more than doubled to 230 million. And my question is whether there is something more fundamentally wrong with the way we approach the issue, humanitarian delivery on that? Or I mean, what does the UN believe must change beyond scaling up funding? Thank you. [cross talk]

Spokesman : We need to do two things. Our colleagues at OCHA are focused on helping all of those in need, right? It's costing a lot of money. The better investment will be to invest in dealing with the root causes, but that is forcing people to move, that is putting people in the crosshairs of civil wars, address climate issues, address human rights issues, address governance issues. So, and that is a more cost-efficient way of doing things. And, of course, beyond the cost efficiency, it would stop people from suffering in the first place. Islam and go ahead.

Question : Thank you, Stephane. I asked question last week about 8- and 10- years-old kids who were killed by a Israel fire while they were collecting firewood. And according to the reports and local sources this weekend, Sunday, 3-years-old girl whose name is [phonetic] Ahd Elbayuk is killed by Israeli fire, direct fire in Al Mawasi, which is designated area as a safe zone by Israeli military. Israeli military posted in the same day on social media claiming that they killed someone, and it was an immediate threat. The question is, this pattern what's your comment on this pattern, if not past two years, since the October 10th, that killing, if this violate the ceasefire? If not, what would be your comment?

Spokesman : Islam, I have not seen the particular report you mentioned. But what I can tell you is that there can never be an excuse or a pretext for a 3-year-old girl to be killed. And every civilian that has been killed deserves justice and accountability.

Question : And if I may follow-up another question about the humanitarian aid.

Spokesman : Mm-hmm.

Question : It's going to be almost two months as far as you state every day that the impediment and you know, the bureaucracy is still going on, still not enough humanitarian aid reaching to Gaza. Do you as a UN, do you report this to the... have you ever reported officially to the related UN parts, even the ceasefire parts about this?

Spokesman : I mean, these are issues that we deal, that we address every day with our Israeli counterparts. These are issues that are often routinely reported back to the Security Council in the reports that both our political and humanitarian colleagues make. Minu?

Question : So, I have a follow-up regarding the aid appeal cuts. Both you and OCHA used the word "brutal cut". May I ask which country or regional programmes were downgraded the most?

Spokesman : We saw cuts across the board. We saw public cuts made by the United States. We saw cuts also, significant cuts made by a number of European countries. Anything online? Yes, Ifthikhar, go ahead.

Correspondent : And myself also.

Spokesman : Okay. And Abdelhamid, after. Go ahead, Ifthikhar. Muted, sir. All right. Iftikhar, I cannot hear you, let's go to Abdelhamid while you fix your microphone. Go ahead, Abdelhamid.

Question : Oh, thank you, Steph. Do you think that the Israeli attack on UNRWA's headquarter in Jerusalem today raising the Israeli flag instead of the UN flag came as a response to the extension of UNRWA's mandate in the GA last Friday?

Spokesman : Listen, that is a question you yourself have to answer. I have no insight into people's thinking except for ourselves.

Question : But... but why the statement issued by Lazzarini and did not condemn that flagrantly condemning what happened? Just talking about it rather than...

Spokesman : I think, you heard the Secretary General statement, and the Secretary-General being, and I would hate to use that word, the supreme authority over the UN Secretariat. I think we've made the UN's position pretty clear.

Question : The other day today also there was two Palestinians killed in the city of Qalqiliyah. Are you aware of this?

Spokesman : I have not seen those reports. All right. Ifthikhar, let's try you again. All right, my friend, I think we have a technical problem. Let's go ahead, go ahead.

Question : Can you hear me now?

Spokesman : Yes, sir, I can. Go ahead.

Question : Sorry. My question has been asked just now by Abdelhamid. But following up on Israeli raid UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem, what can the United Nations do in this case? What option do you have?

Spokesman : Our options are legal and administrative, so to speak. This has been raised verbally by our offices in Jerusalem with counterparts in the Israeli Government. Our office of legal affairs here will be in touch very soon, with the Israeli Mission to try to clear things up and to try to reverse the situation. It is, you know, it is incumbent on every Member State to uphold the protections that are granted to the United Nations by a treaty that they've all signed onto. Okay. On that note, I wish you, I don't know what I wish you, but I wish you well.

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Humanitarians launch $33 billion appeal for 2026

8 December 2025 - The UN and partners are seeking $23 billion to provide lifesaving support next year to 87 million people worldwide affected by war, climate disasters, earthquakes, epidemics and crop failures.

This is the immediate priority of the $33 billion Global Humanitarian Overview 2026, launched on Monday, which aims to reach 135 million people overall in 50 countries.

"This appeal sets out where we need to focus our collective energy first: life by life," said UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher.

Millions in need

The updated GHO follows a year marked by brutal cuts to humanitarian operations and a record number of deadly attacks against aid workers.

It includes 29 detailed plans, and the largest is for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where $4.1 billion is needed to reach some three million people.

In Sudan, $2.9 billion is required to provide lifesaving aid to 20 million people caught in the world's largest displacement crisis, with another $2 billion for the seven million Sudanese who have fled the country.

The largest of the regional plans is for Syria, at $2.8 billion for 8.6 million people.

Cuts and consequences

Mr. Fletcher recalled that the 2025 appeal received only $12 billion - the lowest funding in a decade. As a result, humanitarians reached 25 million less people than during the previous year.

The consequences were immediate, including rising hunger and strained health systems - "even as famines hit parts of Sudan and Gaza," he said at a press briefing prior to this year's launch.

"Programmes to protect women and girls were slashed, hundreds of aid organizations shut. And over 380 aid workers were killed - the highest on record."

Humanitarians under attack

The UN relief chief described humanitarians as "overstretched, underfunded and under attack" - something he has stressed on several occasions.

"Only 20 per cent of our appeals are supported. And we drive the ambulance towards the fire on your behalf," he said.

"But we are also now being asked to put the fire out. And there is not enough water in the tank. And we are being shot at."

Member State support

Humanitarians will now take the appeal to UN Member States and ask for their backing.

This will happen over the next 87 days - "one for each of the million lives that we will set out to save," he said.

Countries will also be urged to step up protection for humanitarians, "not with statements of concern, but by holding to account those killing us - and those arming those killing us," he added.

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UN strongly condemns Israel's unauthorised entry of UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem

8 December 2025 - The UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said that Israeli police raided its compound in East Jerusalem early on Monday, representing "a new challenge to international law."

Israeli police accompanied by municipal officials forcibly entered the facility, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini wrote on the social media platform X.

Police motorcycles, trucks and forklifts were brought in and all communications were cut, he said, while furniture, IT equipment and other property were seized.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement strongly condemning the unauthorised entry.

"This compound remains United Nations premises and is inviolable and immune from any other form of interference," he said.

"I urge Israel to immediately take all necessary steps to restore, preserve and uphold the inviolability of UNRWA premises and to refrain from taking any further action with regard to UNRWA premises, in line with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and its other obligations under international law."

'Blatant disregard'

"This latest action represents a blatant disregard of Israel's obligation as a United Nations Member State to protect and respect the inviolability of UN premises," Mr. Lazzarini said.

"To allow this represents a new challenge to international law, one that creates a dangerous precedent anywhere else the UN is present across the world."

UNRWA provides health, education and other services to roughly six million Palestine refugees in five locations in the Middle East, including the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The agency has come under attack following the latest hostilities in Gaza, which began after the deadly 7 October 2023 Hamas-led assault on Israel.

Mr. Lazzarini said the East Jerusalem compound has been vacant since the beginning of the year after the Israeli parliament passed "anti-UNRWA legislation". Read more about the laws here.

This was preceded by months of harassment, including arson attacks in 2024, as well as hateful demonstrations and intimidation, supported by a large-scale disinformation campaign.

UN premises are inviolable

"However, whatever action taken domestically, the compound retains its status as a UN premises, immune from any form of interference," the UNRWA chief said.

Israel is a party to the Convention on the Privileges & Immunities of the UN - the international treaty that "makes UN premises inviolable - in other words, immune from search and/or seizure - and makes UN property and assets immune from legal process," he said.

He added that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) "has also underscored that Israel is obliged to cooperate with UNRWA and other UN agencies."

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Sudan: UN chief condemns deadly strikes on children's nursery, hospital

8 December 2025 - As Sudan's civil war intensified on Monday, top UN officials condemned the killing of dozens of children in drone strikes in South Kordofan state - and the targeting of first responders trying to help the wounded.

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he was appalled to learn that multiple drone strikes on 4 December had hit a children's nursery and a hospital in Kalogi, where the injured were being treated.

Echoing those concerns, the head of UN World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that Kalogi Rural Hospital had been targeted at least three times, killing 114 people including 63 children.

Blood bank call

Survivors from those strikes have been moved to Abu Jebaiha Hospital in South Kordofan for treatment "and urgent calls are being made for blood donations and other medical support", Tedros noted in a statement posted on X.

"Disturbingly, paramedics and responders came under attack as they tried to move the injured from the kindergarten to the hospital," Tedros added.

On the same day as those attacks, an aid convoy was also targeted in North Kordofan state. It had been transporting lifesaving supplies to North Darfur when it came under fire, seriously injuring the driver of a UN World Food Programme (WFP) truck.

"The Secretary-General deplores this further attack on humanitarian operations at a time of dire needs," the statement continued.

Suffering on a huge scale

Aid agencies warn that the situation across Sudan remains catastrophic for millions of people caught up in heavy fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In the central Kordofan region in particular, dire conditions are worsening still as life-saving supplies run low, while famine conditions have been confirmed in South Kordofan's state capital, Kadugli.

"As fighting intensifies, the horrific human rights violations and abuses reported in El Fasher in recent months, as well as reports of serious violations of international humanitarian law, must not be repeated in the Kordofan region," the UN chief's Spokesperson insisted.

And amid reports of continued foreign involvement in the Sudan conflict, "the Secretary-General calls on all States with influence over the parties to take immediate action and use their leverage to compel an immediate halt to the fighting and stop the arms flows" that are fuelling it, his Spokesperson's statement added.

"The Secretary-General renews his call on the parties to agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities and to resume talks to reach a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process. The United Nations stands ready to support genuine steps to end the fighting in Sudan and chart a path towards a durable peace."

UN rights chief's plea

The development comes after the UN's human rights chief, Volker Turk, said that he feared "another wave of atrocities" in Sudan.

Since late October, hundreds of civilians have been killed and tens of thousands more have fled aerial strikes, shelling and summary executions, he said, amid mass civilian displacement involving more than 45,000 people fleeing violence and seeking safety in or near to Kordofan region.

"Safe passage for those fleeing the horror of famine, death and destruction is essential and a human rights imperative," the High Commissioner's office said.

In an appeal for "urgent diplomatic action" the WFP's Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau insisted that greater attention was needed to prevent further atrocities and help reverse famine.

More than 30 million people in Sudan now need humanitarian assistance and more than nine million have been displaced inside the country since fighting erupted in April 2023 between the SAF and paramilitary RSF.

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PRESS RELEASE: 'Life by life' - UN launches $33 billion aid appeal with urgent call for global solidarity

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Priority to support 87 million people with lifesaving needs - aim is to reach 135 million in 50 countries in 2026

In 2025, 98 million people got help despite deep funding cuts and attacks on aid workers

(New York/Geneva, 8 December 2025): The UN and partners today launched their global humanitarian appeal to save millions of lives where shocks hit hardest - in wars, climate disasters, earthquakes, epidemics and where crop failures occur.

The immediate priority is to save 87 million lives with US$23 billion in funding, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. Ultimately, in 2026, the aim is to raise a total of US$33 billion to support 135 million people through 23 country operations and six plans for refugees and migrants.

"This appeal sets out where we need to focus our collective energy first: life by life," said UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher. "The Global Humanitarian Overview 2026 is grounded in reform, evidence and efficiency. We're shifting power to local organizations, putting more money directly into the hands of the people who need it, and behind it all, we are renewing and reimagining humanitarian action with idealism, humility and hope."

The highly prioritized appeal follows a year when humanitarian lifelines strained and, in some places, snapped due to brutal funding cuts. Funding for the appeal in 2025 - $12 billion - was the lowest in a decade and humanitarians reached 25 million less people than in 2024. The consequences were immediate: hunger surged, health systems came under crushing strain, education fell away, mine clearance stalled and families faced blow after blow: no shelter, no cash assistance, no protection services.

Amidst this devastation, civilians were exposed to utter disregard for the laws of war and more than 320 aid workers were killed, the vast majority local staff.

In 2026, the largest individual response plan is for the Occupied Palestinian Territory where $4.1 billion is needed to reach 3 million people who have experienced shocking levels of violence and destruction. In Sudan, the world's largest displacement crisis, $2.9 billion is needed for 20 million people. The largest of the regional plans is for Syria at $2.8 billion for 8.6 million people.

As aid groups concentrate resources where crises are worst, they are also cutting duplication and supporting markets by buying locally, making sure every dollar works for the people they serve.

The UN will now take the appeal to the Member States and ask for their backing. Countries will also be urged to use their influence to increase the protection of civilians, including humanitarians, in armed conflict by holding perpetrators - and those arming them - to account.

"I will then share the amounts committed and answer a simple question: did governments show up?" Mr. Fletcher said. "The answer will define who lives and who falls through the cracks."

8 December 2025

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Press release : 'Life by life' - UN in West and Central Africa launches $5.1 billion aid appeal with urgent call for global solidarity over indifference

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

'Life by life' - UN in West and Central Africa launches $5.1 billion aid appeal

with urgent call for global solidarity over indifference

 The UN and partners are appealing for $5.1 billion to deliver essential lifesaving aid and protection in West and Central Africa. Funding shortfalls have forced humanitarians to shrink the response and make tough choices about where to focus efforts and who can be supported among the most vulnerable communities.

West and Central Africa is grappling with a worsening humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people. In 2026, more than 42 million people across the region will need help to survive and stay safe. Humanitarian organizations aim to deliver lifesaving aid and protection to 24 million people in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Niger and Nigeria.

 By the end of 2025, aid workers will have provided at least one form of assistance to 19 million people in the region. However, insufficient funding has prevented them from reaching millions of other vulnerable people.

Dakar, 8 December 2025 - The UN and partners today launched their global humanitarian appeal to save millions of lives where shocks hit hardest - in wars, climate disasters, earthquakes, epidemics and where crop failures occur.

The immediate priority is to save 87 million lives with US$23 billion in funding, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. Ultimately, in 2026, the aim is to raise a total of US$33 billion to support 135 million people through 23 country operations and six plans for refugees and migrants.

"This appeal sets out where we need to focus our collective energy first: life by life," said UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher. "The Global Humanitarian Overview 2026 is grounded in reform, evidence and efficiency. We're shifting power to local organizations, putting more money directly into the hands of the people who need it, and behind it all, we are renewing and reimagining humanitarian action with idealism, humility and hope."

In West and Central Africa, ongoing violence, persistent conflict and environmental disasters continue to force families from their homes and undermine their ability to meet basic needs. Millions of people remain displaced across the region, including 12.7 million internally displaced people and 3.7 million refugees and asylum-seekers. Most are women and children, many of whom have fled multiple times and face heightened risks, including gender-based violence and exploitation, with reports of rape and transactional sex as a means of survival.

Conflict continues to spread. Violence from the Central Sahelespecially in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigerhas spilled over into Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Mauritania. Meanwhile, insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin and the ongoing conflict in Sudan are forcing even more people to flee.

Climate change is deepening vulnerabilities with severe weather making things worse. In 2025, heavy rains and flooding affected over 2 million people in 12 countries, destroying crops, damaging homes, and cutting off access to schools and clinics. The Democratic Republic of the Congo was hit particularly hard, with more than 831,000 people affected. These disasters are eroding livelihoods and food sources, pushing already fragile communities further into crisis.

Humanitarian access remains a major challenge. Insecurity, movement restrictions, bureaucratic impediments, logistical obstacles, and widespread misinformation and disinformation targeting humanitarians continue to hinder the delivery of life-saving assistance.

"Without urgent resources, families will increasingly face hunger, displacement and protection risks across West and Central Africa, leading to further suffering," warned Charles Bernimolin, Head of OCHA's Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROWCA). "The UN and humanitarian partners are appealing for US$5.1 billion in 2026 to support 24 million of the most vulnerable people across the region."

In 2025, despite donors' generosity, humanitarian responses in West and Central Africa faced a severe funding shortfall: of the US$7.8 billion required, only US$1.8 billion was receivedjust 24 per cent coverage. Funding cuts had devastating consequences: hunger surged, health systems came under crushing strain, education fell away and families faced blow after blow: no shelter, no cash assistance, no protection services. In Nigeria, despite renewed violence, 1.4 million people did not receive protection support. In the Central African Republic, the number of people receiving cash and voucher assistance fell by 76 per cent, limiting their ability to address their most urgent needs. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where conflict has triggered massive new displacement, 85 per cent of people targeted for shelter support received no assistance.

"Despite funding cuts, humanitarian partners will continue to meet priority needs in West and Central Africa. They are committed to focusing resources where they are needed most," said Charles Bernimolin. "We ensure to plan and adapt responses based on crisis-affected people's inputs and feedback even in the most complex and volatile emergencies. But this will only be possible if the world steps up its support: 2026 must be the year that humanity chooses global solidarity over indifference."

8 December 2025

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Today's top news: Global Humanitarian Overview 2026, Sudan, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, Central Emergency Response Fund

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Global Humanitarian Overview 2026

UN launches US$23 billion prioritized aid appeal for next year

The UN and its partners today launched the 2026 global humanitarian appeal to save millions of lives where shocks hit hardest - in wars, climate disasters, earthquakes, epidemics and where crop failures occur.

OCHA says the immediate priority is to save 87 million lives with US$23 billion in funding. Ultimately, the aim next year is to raise a total $33 billion to support 135 million people through 23 country operations and six plans for refugees and migrants.

"This appeal sets out where we need to focus our collective energy first: life by life," said UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher. "The Global Humanitarian Overview 2026 is grounded in reform, evidence and efficiency. We're shifting power to local organizations, putting more money directly into the hands of the people who need it."

The UN will now take this appeal to Member States and ask for their backing.

Brutal funding cuts this year strained and even snapped humanitarian lifelines. The funding received for the 2025 appeal -- $12 billion - was the lowest in a decade, with humanitarians reaching 25 million fewer people than in 2024.

Sudan

Attacks on kindergarten, hospital kill scores in Kordofan

OCHA is deeply alarmed by the sharp escalation in violence across Sudan's Kordofan region, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of intensifying hostilities.

New details regarding the multiple strikes on Thursday that struck a kindergarten and a hospital in Kalogi, in South Kordofan State, paint an even more disturbing picture of the risks civilians face. The World Health Organization (WHO) puts the death toll at 114 people - including 63 children - with 35 others injured. WHO said that paramedics and responders came under attack as they tried to move the injured from the kindergarten to the hospital.

Under-Secretary-General Fletcher described the attacks as unconscionable, stressing that these "appalling violations must stop."

On Friday and Saturday, renewed violence displaced as many as 600 people from Kadugli locality, also in South Kordofan - while on Saturday, over 600 people fled Omran village in Ar Rahad locality, North Kordofan, according to the International Organization for Migration. At the same time, fierce clashes in West Kordofan State have further imperiled civilians.

The same day in West Darfur State, a suspected aerial strike triggered a fire near the Adre border crossing, destroying parts of Adikong market and a neighbouring village along a critical humanitarian and commercial supply route.

Clashes have also been reported in the east, in Blue Nile State, where a strike on a major electricity station over the weekend caused widespread blackouts across the capital Damazin, disrupting water and health services. OCHA stresses that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are clear violations of international humanitarian law and must stop immediately.

In North Darfur State, insecurity continues to force people to flee villages around El Fasher amid acute shortages of food, water and essential services inside the city. Humanitarian partners report that nearly 15,000 people have arrived in Tawila in recent weeks, severely straining already overstretched host communities.

Thousands escaping the violence in the Darfur and Kordofan regions also continue to arrive in Ad Dabbah locality, in Northern State. Humanitarian partners are scaling up assistance at Al Afad camp - which is now hosting some 11,000 people - by installing shelters, distributing food and other critical supplies, and expanding water, sanitation, nutrition and education services. However, critical gaps remain due to funding shortfalls.

OCHA once again calls on all parties to protect civilians and allow safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access across Sudan. The international community must urgently step up support to ensure life-saving assistance reaches people in need around the country.

Occupied Palestinian Territory

Gaza: colder weather heightens need for shelter, winter materials

OCHA reports that the UN and its partners continue to deliver aid across the Gaza Strip, where conditions remain dire. Needs far outpace the humanitarian community's ability to respond, given persistent impediments.

These obstacles include insecurity, customs clearance challenges, delays and denials of cargo at the crossings, and limited routes available for transporting humanitarian supplies within Gaza. Such constraints are especially challenging to the UN and its partners' efforts to bring in sufficient shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene items, as well as education supplies.

Colder weather is increasing already immense needs for shelter and winterization materials. Partners leading on child protection support have distributed winter clothes to over 217,000 children across the Strip since October.

In the ongoing effort to restore access to healthcare, 30 partner organizations are now providing services in northern Gaza, nearly double the number prior to the ceasefire. Plans are underway to add more health service points in North Gaza governorate, given the lack of accessible facilities there and repeated denials for the UN and its partners to access Kamal Adwan Hospital. Across the Strip, the number of routine vaccination sites has risen from 22 before the ceasefire to 33.

Meanwhile, partners leading efforts to improve access to water and sanitation report that work continues to repair and restore water and sanitation networks. Eleven teams are currently deployed across flood-prone areas to empty storm drains and reduce the risk of flooding.

The UN and its partners also continue to get food assistance to people in need. Since the beginning of the month, partners managed to reach an additional 100,000 people with regular food assistance, which consists of one 25-kilogram bag of wheat flour and two rations containing basic food staples.

Humanitarian partners working on improving access to education reported that as of last Thursday, 65 classrooms have been fully rehabilitated across Gaza, with repairs of another 18 classrooms nearing completion. Additional repairs are planned to enable children to restart their education after more than two years.

Meanwhile, OCHA warns that access and movement constraints within Gaza remain a serious issue. Between 13 October and 4 December, 295 contractors, 28 UN staff and 21 healthcare personnel were denied by the Israeli authorities from taking part in UN missions within Gaza - an average of nearly seven people each day.

These denials disrupt humanitarian planning and force the UN and its partners to make last-minute adjustments that can reduce their capacity or lead to missions being canceled altogether if substitute personnel cannot be identified.

OCHA continues to call for impediments to be lifted so that the UN and its partners can scale up assistance faster and reach all those in need.

West Bank: Israeli police, municipal officials forcibly enter UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem

In the West Bank, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that this morning, Israeli police and municipal officials forcibly entered the agency's compound in East Jerusalem.

Telecommunications inside the compound were cut and assets were seized, including furniture, IT equipment and other UNRWA property. The UN flag was also pulled down and replaced with an Israeli flag. Earlier this year, UNRWA staff were forced to vacate the compound following the legislation passed by the Israeli parliament banning the agency from operating.

UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini warned that there can be no exceptions to obligations under international law. He underscored the inviolability of UN premises around the world and stressed that Israel as a UN Member State must protect and respect this inviolability.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Deadly fighting displaces over 200,000 across South Kivu

OCHA says that fighting continues to intensify in South Kivu province - particularly around the localities of Kamanyola, Luvungi and Katogota - in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Humanitarian partners report that more than 200,000 people have been displaced across the province since 2 December. More than 70 people - mostly civilians - have been killed, and more than 80 others have been injured since the violence escalated.

Displaced families have fled with no belongings and are now contending with overcrowded shelters, heightened risks of gender-based violence, outbreaks of cholera and measles, and limited access to healthcare due to an ongoing nurses' strike.

Civilians have also crossed into Burundi to escape the fighting. Shelling was reported in the town of Rugombo, in the province of Cibitoke in north-west Burundi, raising concerns about the conflict spilling over into Burundian territory.

UNHCR in Burundi reports that some 3,000 people are currently living in difficult and precarious conditions at the Cishemere transit centre, far exceeding its intended capacity.

The National Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons in Burundi is calling for urgent action, particularly in the areas of food, health, and water, sanitation and hygiene.

OCHA is closely coordinating with local authorities and partners to prepare for and support a potential response.

Once again, OCHA urgently calls on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, and to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Humanitarian access must be guaranteed so that life-saving assistance can reach those in need.

Additional resources are also urgently needed to scale up the response. The Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for the DRC is currently only 22 per cent funded, with just $562 million received out of the $2.5 billion required.

Ukraine

Hostilities escalate in front-line areas as attacks damage civilian infrastructure

OCHA warns that in recent days, an alarming pattern of intensifying hostilities in front-line areas and persistent attacks on critical civilian infrastructure has continued across Ukraine, resulting in more power outages and disruptions to vital services nationwide.

Between Friday and the early hours of this morning, authorities reported over 100 civilian casualties, including nearly 20 deaths. Two children were reportedly killed, and several more were injured. The regions of Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia have been hardest hit.

Ukraine's Energy Ministry also reported new attacks over the weekend on critical facilities in at least eight regions in the north, east and south of the country. The strikes caused emergency outages and prolonged the duration of scheduled power cuts nationwide. The grid operator, Ukrenergo, says that repairs could take weeks.

Apart from electricity, heating and water supplies were also interrupted in the cities of Chernihiv and Kremenchuk, as well as other parts of the regions of Chernihiv and Poltava.

In Kherson City, WHO reported that an attack on Thursday damaged and disrupted water and gas supply to a maternity ward. Fortunately, no one was hurt, as patients and health workers took cover in a shelter. However, the incident reflects how people in front-line areas face worsening access to vital medical support.

Hostilities are also causing widespread damage to homes and civilian infrastructure. In the Kyiv region, an attack in Fastiv Town destroyed a railway station.

In the wake of these attacks, the UN and its partners have continued to provide emergency aid and winter-related assistance - including firewood, cash for fuel, and other support - especially in front-line areas. Yet these latest developments raise concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine as colder weather sets in. During the latest trip to the Sumy and Chernihiv regions, humanitarians reported a growing need for generators, fuel and other winter-related supplies.

Central Emergency Response Fund

UN to host high-level pledging conference for global emergency fund

On Tuesday, OCHA will host a high-level pledging event for the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2026. It will take place at 10 a.m. EST at UN Headquarters in New York in the ECOSOC Chamber, and it will be webcast via UN Web TV. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will address the opening of the event, which is being co-hosted by Ireland and the Philippines. Under-Secretary-General Fletcher will also deliver remarks.

As humanitarian crises around the world outpace the funding available to address them, this pledging event for the UN's global emergency fund - which is managed by OCHA and also marks its 20th anniversary this year - seeks to mobilize greater financial commitments so that humanitarians can keep fast-tracking life-saving support for people in need.

In 2025, CERF has allocated more than $311 million so far to enable humanitarian action in over 30 countries and territories - including Gaza after the ceasefire and for people fleeing violence in Sudan's Darfur region.*

Posted on 8 December 2025

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Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Cambodia and Thailand

United Nations Secretary-General

8 December 2025

New York, UN

Statements | Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Delivered by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is concerned by reports of renewed armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly the reported airstrikes and mobilization of heavy equipment in the border area. He urges both parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.

The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has already resulted in significant civilian casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, and displacement on both sides of the border. The Secretary-General stresses that both parties must protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian relief.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call on the parties to return to the framework of the Joint Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur on 26 October, recommit to the ceasefire, and implement de-escalation and confidence-building measures. He calls on both parties to make full use of all mechanisms for dialogue to find a lasting solution to the dispute through peaceful means.

The United Nations stands ready to support all efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, and development in the region.







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Armed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia continue, arousing regional security concerns

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 09, 2025 10:37 AM

Armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand continued on Tuesday with both sides issuing early-morning updates on exchange of fire and casualties, drawing widespread concern.

At 4:50 am on December 9, 2025, the Second Army Area said Cambodian forces had launched a new operation, firing BM-21 multiple rocket launchers into four locations on the Thai side of the border, Thai media The Nation reported.

Citing a statement by the army area, the report said that Thai forces "had no choice but to respond" under the rules of engagement in order to neutralize the threat, end the incoming fire, and protect residents in border communities.

Reuters reported that Cambodia's Defense Ministry said two civilians were killed overnight, bringing its death toll to six. One Thai soldier has also been killed.

Cambodia state news agency Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) said in a Tuesday early morning release that Thai military forces had carried out continuous attacks throughout the night on Cambodian sovereign territory in the Military Region 5 area of Thmar Da commune, Veal Veng district, Pursat province.



"The Ministry of National Defense and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces continue to fully respect and implement all decisions of the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia to resolve this issue peacefully in accordance with international law," Maly Socheata, spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defense, said.

"At the same time, we stand ready to protect Cambodia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of the Cambodian people, and will not allow any country to illegally violate our territory under any circumstances."

The Cambodia side also accused Thai forces of releasing toxic smoke during Tuesday morning attack, according to AKP.

Less than two months after Thailand and Cambodia signed a joint peace declaration, violent border clashes erupted again from Sunday to Monday, with artillery fire reported in several areas and residents in multiple provinces rushing to evacuate. Both sides accused the other of initiating the attack and confirmed casualties, Xinhua reported on Monday.

Thailand's Second Army Region said Cambodian forces opened fire at 2:16 pm on Sunday in Si Sa Ket province, injuring two Thai soldiers and prompting Thai troops to respond under standard rules of engagement, Xinhua reported.

Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said that at around 5:04 am on Monday, Thai forces launched attacks on Cambodian positions in Preah Vihear province.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is concerned by reports of renewed armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly the reported airstrikes and mobilization of heavy equipment along the border, his spokesperson said Monday. Guterres calls on both sides to make full use of all mechanisms for dialogue to seek a lasting, peaceful resolution, the spokesperson said.

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Chinese envoy to UN refutes erroneous remarks by certain countries, reiterates China's position on South China Sea

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 09, 2025 09:03 AM

A Chinese envoy to the UN said at a United Nations session on Monday local time that the General Assembly is not the proper forum for addressing the South China Sea issue, but said it must firmly counter "erroneous" remarks by certain countries.

At the UN General Assembly's 80th session on Monday local time, during a plenary discussion on "Oceans and the Law of the Sea," Ambassador Sun reiterated that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters, as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the relevant maritime areas. China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are supported by solid historical and legal grounds, according to a release from China's Permanent Mission to the UN.

Sun emphasized that China's position on the so-called "South China Sea arbitration" is consistent, clear and firm. He said the arbitration was "a political farce disguised as law," violating fundamental principles of international law such as pacta sunt servanda and estoppel, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and basic facts about the South China Sea. The "arbitral tribunal," he noted, acted beyond its authority and issued an unjust ruling that is illegal and void.

China does not accept or recognize the ruling, nor will it accept any claims or actions based on it, Sun said, stressing that China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea are unaffected under any circumstances.

He said that the Philippines' "maritime zones act," which unlawfully incorporates China's Huangyan Dao and the Nansha Islands into Philippine waters, constitutes a serious infringement on China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests  and China firmly opposes it.

Sun stressed that the South China Sea remains one of the world's safest and freest shipping lanes, and that freedom of navigation and overflight has never been a problem. China supports such freedoms in accordance with international law, he said, but firmly opposes using the banner of "freedom of navigation" to infringe on China's sovereignty and security.

Sun said the Philippines' so-called "archipelagic sea lanes passage" actions for diverging from international rules and undermining the navigation rights of all parties.

Sun noted that while the overall situation in the South China Sea remains stable, the US continued military deployments and operations in the region are fueling tensions and constitute the greatest security challenge in the South China Sea.

China remains committed to resolving disputes peacefully through negotiations with directly concerned parties, fully implementing the DOC with ASEAN countries, and advancing a binding Code of Conduct to safeguard stability and promote shared prosperity, said Sun.

He outlined three proposals for maritime governance: putting people first and advancing sustainable ocean development; strengthening the rule of law to improve global ocean governance; and upholding multilateralism to maintain a fair and equitable maritime order.

Sun said the global maritime environment is facing mounting instability, accusing the US of pushing ahead with unilateral deep-sea mining that undermines the common heritage of humankind, using force at sea under dubious pretexts and politicizing issues ranging from undersea cables to distant-water fisheries and maritime routes. Such actions, he warned, pose serious risks to regional security and damage the international maritime order.

He called on the international community to resist unilateral maritime hegemony, uphold multilateralism and protect shared global interests, adding that China is willing to work with all parties to defend a maritime order grounded in international law.

Sun underscored that UNCLOS, together with other treaties and customary international law, forms the essential framework of today's ocean governance system. China supports the work of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the International Seabed Authority and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. He reiterated China's opposition to any distortion or abusive application of UNCLOS, especially attempts to use dispute-settlement mechanisms without state consent.

Sun said the US not joining UNCLOS while selectively invoking its provisions when it suits and discarding them when it does not, and such behavior incompatible with the international rule of law.

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Israel's new settlement expansion plan triggers global condemnation

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 09 December 2025 12:26 AM

Israel's decision to allocate $810 million over five years for the establishment of 17 new settlements and the expansion of existing ones in the occupied West Bank has triggered a wave of global condemnation, with Palestinian leaders, Arab states, the United Nations, the European Union, and several Western governments denouncing the move as a severe blow to peace prospects and a violation of international law.

On Monday, the Israeli regime pressed ahead with its aggressive plans to seize more Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank.

The Israeli regime's far-right minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said that NIS 2.7 billion ($810 million) will be allocated to the establishment of 17 new settlements over the next five years, in what the regime describes as the largest single investment in settlement growth in decades.

The plan allocates the funds across new and recently authorized settlements as well as dozens of existing communities and outposts currently undergoing legalization.

Palestinian officials described the plan as "ethnic cleansing by other means." Presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said the decision represents "a dangerous escalation that destroys any chance for peace and directly challenges international legitimacy."

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry called for immediate sanctions against Israel, while Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad vowed to resist "continued aggression against the Palestinian people."

Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia issued sharp statements within hours of the announcement. Jordan's Foreign Ministry called the plan a "flagrant violation of international law" that undermines the two-state solution.

Saudi Arabia rejected "Israel's persistent violations," and Egypt warned that the move "threatens to further inflame the entire region."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through his spokesman Stephane Dujarric, declared that the settlement expansion "seriously undermines the prospects for a viable two-state solution and is contrary to international law."

The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said the 27-nation bloc "strongly condemns" the decision and is considering "appropriate measures" in response. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom jointly labeled the plan a "grave breach" of international law.

The United States said through a State Department spokesman that it is "deeply troubled" by the announcement and that expanding settlements "is inconsistent with international law and complicates efforts toward a two-state solution."

Israeli anti-occupation group Peace Now described the funding package as "the largest government investment in settlements since the Oslo Accords - effectively a death blow to the two-state solution."

Amnesty International said Israel was "further entrenching its apartheid regime," while Human Rights Watch and B'Tselem echoed warnings of de facto annexation.

According to Israeli sources, part of the money will go to building new settlements, while another part will be allocated to the settlements recently approved by the regime.

The rest of the funds will go to nearly 40 settlements and outposts that are already in place. The funds cover basic infrastructure such as water, sewage and electricity, along with public buildings like synagogues and community centers, all intended to consolidate settlers' presence across the West Bank.

The regime will also build "absorption clusters" in the new settlements that will allow settler families to move in and create an initial core population.

The plan includes the relocation of three military bases to Palestinian areas in the northern West Bank, from which the Israeli army had previously withdrawn under the so-called Oslo Accords.

A separate component of the plan involves relocating three Israeli occupation forces bases to areas in the northern West Bank from which the army withdrew under the 1990s Oslo Accords.

Minister Smotrich, who holds additional authority over civil administration in the West Bank, described the initiative as a strategic step to "strengthen Jewish presence" across the territory.

Palestinian officials and international human-rights organizations have condemned the move as a major escalation of settlement activity in violation of international law, which considers all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank illegal.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the ongoing war in Gaza and repeated outbreaks of violence in the West Bank, where more than 700 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since October 2023, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Approximately 720,000 Israeli settlers currently live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in communities widely regarded by the international community as obstacles to a contiguous Palestinian state.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 08 December 2025 - Day 1384

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 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 131 combat encounters.

Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression.

Russian zagarbniki made 44 aviation strikes, dropping 111 controlled bombs. In addition, 3053 kamikaze drones were involved for impact and carried out 3235 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the North-Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, one combat confrontation occurred.

The Russian opponent launched an aviation strike by dropping three controlled aviation bombs and carrying out over a hundred shells.

Today, Russian forces attacked eight times in the south-Slobozhansky direction in the districts of Vovchansk, Sinelnikovy, Odradny and Dovgenky, one confrontation is ongoing.

In the Kupians komu direction, the Russian opponent made four attacks towards Petropavlivka and Pi any.

In the Lyman direction, the Defense Forces repelled eight assault actions in the areas of settlements Novovodiyane, Shandrigolove, Kolodyazi, Drobishevo and towards the Lyman, two clashes are ongoing so far.

In the Slovak direction, the Russian enemy seven times attacked in the areas of yampol, serebryanka, dronivka and fedorivka.

In the Kramators komu direction at the moment the offensive actions of the Russian enemy is not recorded.

16 combat clashes took place in the Konstantinivsky direction today. The Russian enemy tried to storm the positions of Ukrainian units near Oleksandro-Shultynogo, Pleshiyivka, Scherbinivka, Jablunivka, Rusynoy Yar and towards Sofiyivka.

In the Pokrovsky direction from the beginning of this day, the Russian opponent 36 times attacked in the areas of settlements Shahove, Fedorivka, Rodinske, Chervony Lyman, Mirnograd, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Udacne, Molodetske, Dachne and towards Novopavlivka. Ukrainian defenders are holding back the Russian pressure, in some locations the fights are still ongoing.

Today in this direction, according to preliminary data, 84 Russian occupants were defecated, of which 48 - irrevocably. In addition, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed six units of automobile equipment, 12 unmanned aircraft, two artillery systems and 15 shelters for the enemy's personnel were also hit.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 17 Russian attacks in the areas of the settlements of Zeleny Gai, Sichneve, Verbove, Rybne, Krasnogirsk and Vyshneve.

In the direction of Gulyaipil, there were 14 clashes in the areas of the settlements of Solodke, Privilne, Gulyaipole and towards the settlement of Pryluka.

In the Orihivsky direction from the beginning of the day, one confrontation occurred - the Russian occupiers tried to advance in the Stepovoye area.

In the pridniprovsky direction at the moment boezitknen  is not recorded.

In other directions, there have been no significant changes in the environment.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

The Sever Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops hit formations of two mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, and one assault regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Varachino, Yunakovka, Kondratovka, and Alekseyevka (Sumy region).

In Kharkov direction, Russian troops launched attacks on units of one mechanised brigade and one motorised infantry brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Stary Saltov, Staritsa, Vilcha, and Liman (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses were more than 205 troops, one tank, one armoured fighting vehicle, one SAM system, one French-made 155-mm TRF1 artillery gun, 19 motor vehicles, two counter-battery radar stations as well as three ammunition and materiel depots.

The Zapad Group of Forces' units improved the situation along the front line and continued to neutralise AFU formations encircled on the left bank of the Oskol River.

In addition, Russian troops delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, one assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and one National Guard brigade close to Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, Podoly (Kharkov region), Brusovka, Aleksandrovka, Yarovaya, and Drobyshevo (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 210 troops, one tank, and three armoured fighting vehicles including one U.S.-made HMMWV armoured vehicle. In addition, 13 motor vehicles, three field artillery guns, including one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one electronic warfare station, and nine ammunition depots were neutralised.

As a result of active and resolute actions, units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Chervonoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

Russian troops inflicted fire damage on three mechanised brigades, one assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one marine brigade, and one territorial defence brigade near Stepanovka, Seversk, Platonovka, Berestok, Zvanovka, Petrovskoye, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses were more than 145 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, including two U.S.-made HMMWV armoured vehicles, 12 pickup trucks, two artillery guns, one electronic warfare station, and five ammunition and materiel depots.

The Tsentr Group of Forces' units took more advantageous lines and positions. In Dimitrov (Donetsk People's Republic), assault detachments of the 51st Army continued to eliminate encircled enemy formations in the Vostochny district and the Zapadny district.

Russian troops delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one air assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, two National Guard brigades, and one territorial defence brigade close to Sergeyevka, Volnoye, Grishino, Rodinskoye, Udachnoye, Toretskoye, Belitskoye (Donetsk People's Republic), and Novopavlovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The enemy losses were up to 425 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, one artillery gun, and one electronic warfare station.

The Vostok Group of Forces continued to advance into the depths of enemy defences. Russian troops hit formations of one mechanised brigade, two assault brigades, two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and one territorial defence brigade near Andreyevka (Dnepropetrovsk region), Gulyaipole, Rizdvyanka, Dobropolye, Ternovatoye, and Priluki (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy losses were over 250 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles, and one materiel depot.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces liberated Novodanilovka (Zaporozhye region).

Russian troops launched attacks on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one mountain assault brigade, and one coastal defence brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Konstantinovka, Orekhov, Lukyanovskoye, Razumovka (Zaporozhye region), and Nikolskoye (Kherson region).

The enemy losses were up to 40 AFU troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 13 motor vehicles, two electronic warfare stations, one artillery gun, and one fuel depot.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation inflicted fire damage on power and transport infrastructure that supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine pre-flight and launch training areas of long-range UAVs, temporary deployment areas of the AFU and foreign mercenaries in 142 areas.

Air defence units shot down 171 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost 668 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 101,131 unmanned aerial vehicles, 639 anti-aircraft missile systems, 26,445 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,627 MLRS combat vehicles, 31,788 field artillery guns and mortars, and 48,590 special military vehicles.

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Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute

Thailands military said on 8 December 2025 that it carried out air strikes after a Thai soldier was killed during renewed fighting along the countrys disputed border with Cambodia. Thailands Foreign Ministry said operations would continue until the nations sovereignty and territorial integrity are assured, while accusing Cambodia of undermining a ceasefire that had been intended to halt earlier violence.

The United States, China and Malaysia, as chair of the regional bloc ASEAN, brokered the cessation of fighting in July 2025. In October 2025, US President Donald Trump backed a follow-on joint declaration, touting new trade deals with Thailand and Cambodia after they agreed to prolong their ceasefire. But Thailand suspended the agreement in November, and the two sides then traded accusations of fresh clashes.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura alleged that Cambodia had trampled on the ceasefire arrangements, as both governments traded blame for the latest round of clashes. Officials on each side accused the other of violating a US-backed truce that had paused hostilities earlier in the year, but that has repeatedly come under strain.

The latest fighting reportedly began overnight, intensified before dawn, and spread across multiple border locations. The violence has killed at least one Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians, with both sides disputing who initiated the confrontations.

Cambodias former leader Hun Sen said 09 December 2025 that the country had begun striking back against Thailand after two days of denying any retaliation, as deadly border clashes between the neighbors flared. His comments came after a week of renewed fighting that had killed at least 10 people and reignited tensions despite an earlier ceasefire.

Phnom Penh accused Thai forces of shelling positions overnight, which killed two people travelling on a national road. Seven Cambodian civilians had been killed in total and about 20 wounded this week, Cambodia's interior ministry said in a statement. More than 21,000 people had been displaced from three border provinces, the ministry added.

The Thai army said three soldiers have been killed. One was killed by indirect fire in Surin province while a grenade killed another soldier in the area of the Preah Vihear temple. Nearly 500 temporary shelters had been established across several border provinces, housing more than 125,000 civilian evacuees, according to a government statement.

Thailand framed its campaign as a defense of national territory, with the army describing an objective of severely degrading Cambodias military capabilities. Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Manet said the governments priorities are to protect civilians and defend Cambodias sovereign territory, signaling that Phnom Penh also views the escalation through the lens of territorial defense.

Regional and international concern has grown as the conflict has reignited. Japan and Malaysia were among the countries urging restraint, with Japan expressing deep concern about rising tensions despite a Joint Declaration on the border conflict signed on 26 October. Japan said improved relations between Cambodia and Thailand are essential for regional stability and development, opposed steps that could further escalate the situation, and urged both sides to uphold the ceasefire and pursue dialogue in line with the October declaration.

Human rights groups warned of worsening humanitarian consequences. Amnesty Internationals regional research director, Montse Ferrer, said the return to hostilities risks civilian deaths, large-scale displacement, and damage to vital civilian infrastructure, and called on both governments to protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law while urging the international community to press for compliance with those obligations.

The political rhetoric also sharpened. Cambodias Senate President Hun Sen condemned Thailands Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accusing him of using the suffering of soldiers and civilians to justify war and suggesting he was exploiting the crisis for political gain. Hun Sen, the former longtime prime minister and father of current leader Hun Manet, claimed the Thai leader had once been a friend before taking office and argued that nationalism should not be used to justify war against an opponent that does not respond in kind.

Path to War

Tensions had simmered for months, beginning in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a confrontation in a disputed zone. Fighting escalated in July after a landmine explosion wounded five Thai soldiers, triggering five days of conflict that left 48 people dead.

Malaysia- and US-brokered talks produced an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in July, followed by a broader agreement signed in October. The ceasefire included commitments to de-escalate under ASEAN supervision, remove heavy weapons from border areas, and halt an online information war that had inflamed the crisis, but renewed clashes have repeatedly threatened to unravel the deal.

Thailand suspended implementation of an enhanced ceasefire last month after saying another landmine incident wounded one of its soldiers. Additional flashpoints also fed the downward spiral, including a February 13 incident in which Cambodian soldiers escorted civilians to the Prasat Ta Moan Thon Temple in Thailand, where they reportedly sang the Cambodian national anthem, prompting Thai officials to intervene and later issue a warning letter on February 17 alleging inappropriate conduct.

Further escalation followed on May 28 with clashes in the Emerald Triangle area that left one Cambodian soldier dead. On June 12, Hun Manet said Cambodia would reduce reliance on Thai electricity and internet services due to threats, as Cambodian broadcasters halted Thai films and authorities blocked imports from Thailand including fuel, gas, and some agricultural products. Talks in Phnom Penh on June 14 produced no breakthrough, and on June 15 Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held a call with Hun Sen about the tensions.

During the Sixth ThaiCambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting held in Phnom Penh on June 15, 2025, Lam Chea, the Cambodian Minister in charge of Border Affairs, declared unequivocally that Cambodia would only recognise the 1:200,000-scale map, citing its basis in the FrancoSiamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907. He firmly rejected Thailands 1:50,000-scale maps, which were unilaterally produced.

Seeking a judicial resolution to the standoff, Cambodia formally requested that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) adjudicate the sovereignty claims over four specific contested zones. This legal action covers the Emerald Triangle region, as well as the temple complexes of Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, and Ta Krabei. Cambodia submitted this request to the International Court of Justice on June 15, 2025.The date was chosen symbolically to coincide with the 63rd anniversary of the ICJ's original 1962 ruling, which had adjudicated the Preah Vihear temple dispute in Cambodia's favor.

Thailand subsequently ordered operators on June 26 to stop providing broadband and mobile internet connections to Cambodia. On July 1, Shinawatra was suspended after a leaked recording of the call appeared to show her criticising the Thai militarys actions, adding a domestic political dimension to an already volatile border crisis.

Background

Thailand and Cambodia share a land border stretching more than 800 kilometres, and their relationship has been marked by long-standing disputes that periodically flare into confrontation. Competing territorial claims are often traced to a 1907 map drawn while Cambodia was under French colonial rule, which Thailand argues is inaccurate, while Cambodia cites historical and legal foundations for its claims. Many Thais remain resentful of a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that awarded sovereignty over disputed territory to Cambodia, a decision that was reaffirmed in 2013. Those unresolved grievances helped fuel earlier fighting, including armed clashes between 2008 and 2011.

The two militaries differ significantly in size and capabilities. Thailand fields a large, well-funded force, with a 2024 defence budget of $5.73bn, more than 360,000 active personnel, and an army estimated at 245,000 troops that includes roughly 115,000 conscripts. Its equipment includes about 400 battle tanks, more than 1,200 armoured personnel carriers, and around 2,600 artillery weapons, alongside an air force of approximately 46,000 personnel operating 112 combat-capable aircraft, including F-16s and Swedish Gripen fighter jets, as well as helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Cambodias military is smaller, with a 2024 defence budget of $1.3bn and about 124,300 active personnel, supported by more than 200 battle tanks and roughly 480 artillery systems. Its air force has around 1,500 personnel and a limited fleet focused on transport, including 10 transport aircraft and 10 transport helicopters; it does not have fighter aircraft but operates multi-role helicopters, including Soviet-era Mi-17s and Chinese Z-9s.

The CambodiaThailand boundary stretches approximately 499 miles, approximately 803 kilometers, from the Gulf of Siam northward and then eastward to the Laos tripoint at the Col (pass) de Preah Chambot near the Mekong River. The boundary has been delimited by a series of agreements between France and Thailand during the period when Cambodia was under French control. Part of the boundary has been demarcated. For 326 miles, watersheds form the boundary while streams (130 miles) and straight line segments (43 miles) complete the total.

To fully grasp the controversy, it is essential to first comprehend the implications of map scaling. The disagreement centers on the density of information provided by the maps used by each nation. Thailand utilizes a 1:50,000 scale, meaning that a single centimeter on the physical map corresponds to 500 meters of actual terrain. This high-resolution format captures granular topographical details, such as small waterways, hills, and secondary roads, rendering it the superior tool for the precise definition of physical borders.

In contrast, Cambodia advocates for the use of a 1:200,000 scale map, a legacy document produced by the French. On this map, one centimeter represents a span of two kilometers in the real world. While this format covers a much wider geographic region, it offers four times less detail than the Thai version. Consequently, while it is effective for broad regional planning, it lacks the precision required for fine-grained boundary demarcation.

The disparity extends beyond simple scale into the complex mathematics of projectionthe method used to translate the spherical Earth onto flat paper. Thailand employs the Mercator Projection, a cylindrical system implemented with technical support from the United States. This method excels at preserving accurate compass bearings and linear navigation. While the Mercator system allows for precise distance measurement and navigation between points, it suffers from a specific distortion: it exaggerates the size of landmasses. This distortion creates a visual warping that becomes more severe as one moves away from the equator and toward the poles.

Conversely, the Cambodian maps utilize the Sinusoidal Projection. Often described by cartographers as resembling the flattened peel of an orange or onion, this method was favored by French surveyors. Its primary advantage is that it is an "equal-area" projection, meaning that the surface area of land on the map is proportionally accurate to the ground. Because the Sinusoidal system maintains area integrity, it is highly useful for resource management and land-use assessment. However, this comes at a cost to angular accuracy. It is significantly less reliable for measuring distances or bearings, particularly when measuring diagonally or examining areas distant from the maps central vertical axis.

Using two incompatible mapping systems1:50,000 and 1:200,000to define the same international boundary can lead to massive discrepancies, sometimes spanning several square kilometres. In certain areas, the Thai and Cambodian maps place the border kilometres apart, resulting in overlapping claims and the creation of disputed zones.

The land border between Thailand and Cambodia is far more than a mere line on a map. It is a dynamic, often contentious, and deeply historical interface where two proud and ancient Southeast Asian kingdoms meet. This frontier, winding through dense jungles, over rugged mountain ranges, and across fertile plains, encapsulates a complex tapestry of shared heritage, geopolitical rivalry, economic interdependence, and ongoing diplomatic negotiation. To understand this border is to grasp a central thread in the modern history and identity of both nations.

Geographically, the border is predominantly defined by natures own demarcations. In the north, the Dongrak Mountains (or Dangrek Mountains) form a natural, if modest, boundary. It is here, atop the escarpment of these hills, that the most famous flashpoint lies: the ancient temple of Preah Vihear. The border then descends southwards, cutting through the vast, fertile lowlands of the Chao Phraya and Mekong River basins. In the southwest, it traverses the dense and contested jungles surrounding the temple complex of Ta Moan and Ta Krabei. Further south, it meets the Cardamom Mountains before terminating at the Gulf of Thailand. This varied topography has historically made precise demarcation a monumental challenge, with remote and inaccessible terrain allowing for differing interpretations and claims.

The historical context of this border is rooted in the ebb and flow of the Khmer and Siamese empires. For centuries, the Khmer Empire of Angkor was the dominant regional power, its influence extending deep into present-day Thailand, as evidenced by the plethora of Khmer-era ruins found in the Isan region. Following the decline of Angkor, the ascendant Siamese kingdoms of Ayutthaya and later Bangkok expanded eastward, absorbing former Khmer territories. The modern border is largely a legacy of the colonial era, specifically French Indochinas expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. France, as the protector of Cambodia, negotiated a series of treaties with Siam (the 1904, 1907, and later treaties) that formalized boundaries, often using watershed lines as defined in colonial mapping practices. The most significant of these, the 1907 treaty and the accompanying map, placed Preah Vihear temple within Cambodian territorya decision Siam (later Thailand) contested, sowing seeds for a dispute that would simmer for over a century.

Culturally, the border region is a zone of profound interchange and hybridity, not a clean break. Millions of ethnic Khmer people live on the Thai side of the border, particularly in the provinces of Surin, Buriram, and Sisaket, maintaining language, cuisine, and traditions closely linked to their kin in Cambodia. Similarly, Thai cultural and media influence is pervasive in western Cambodia. The shared Theravada Buddhist faith creates a deep common spiritual fabric, with pilgrims and monks crossing borders to visit sacred sites. Local markets straddle the frontier, buzzing with trade in goods, languages, and customs. This cultural intimacy stands in stark, often painful, contrast to the political and military tensions that have periodically flared along the same line.

It is impossible to discuss the Thailand-Cambodia border without addressing the persistent territorial disputes, most notably over the area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 that the temple itself belonged to Cambodia, based on the 1907 map. However, the ruling did not explicitly determine sovereignty over the 4.6 square kilometers of adjacent land, leading to decades of military standoffs, skirmishes, and nationalist fervor on both sides. The most serious clashes occurred between 2008 and 2011, resulting in casualties and displacements on both sides. The dispute became entangled in domestic politics in both countries, used to stir nationalist sentiment. In 2013, the ICJ reinterpreted its 1962 judgment, calling for both countries to withdraw military personnel from a provisional demilitarized zone and to engage in ASEAN-facilitated negotiations. While large-scale conflict has subsided, the underlying issue remains a sensitive diplomatic challenge.

Beyond Preah Vihear, other areas like the Ta Moan temple complex and overlapping claims in the Gulf of Thailand continue to test bilateral relations. The maritime boundary dispute, concerning potentially resource-rich seabeds, adds another layer of complexity. These disputes are managed through various bilateral mechanisms, most importantly the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which works on the practical, technical, and painstaking task of surveying and demarcating the land boundary based on the existing treaties. Progress is slow, methodical, and often interrupted by political changes in either capital.

Despite these flashpoints, the border is overwhelmingly a conduit for vital economic activity and cooperation. It is a living artery of trade and commerce. Thailand is Cambodia's top trading partner within ASEAN and a major source of investment. Dozens of official border crossings, from the bustling Aranyaprathet/Poipet gatewayone of Southeast Asia's busiestto smaller crossings like Chong Chom/O'Smach, facilitate a massive flow of goods. Thai consumer products, construction materials, and processed foods flood into Cambodia, while Cambodian agricultural products, particularly cassava, mangoes, and rubber, flow into Thailand. This economic symbiosis sustains livelihoods on both sides, creating powerful constituencies for stability and open borders.

Human movement is equally significant. Hundreds of thousands of Cambodian migrant workers cross into Thailand, legally and informally, to work in construction, agriculture, and service industries, sending crucial remittances home. Tourism is another major cross-border industry, with travelers using Thailand as a gateway to the temples of Angkor, and increasingly, Cambodians traveling to Thailand for shopping and leisure. This constant movement creates immense logistical demands for immigration control, human trafficking prevention, and disease surveillance, necessitating daily cooperation between border authorities.

Infrastructure projects increasingly bind the two economies together. Roads and railways are being upgraded and connected. The rehabilitation of the rail link from Aranyaprathet to Sisophon and ultimately to Phnom Penh is a key project within the ASEAN connectivity framework. Thailands Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) seeks to link with development in southwestern Cambodia. These physical connections promise to deepen economic integration but also require heightened coordination on regulations, customs procedures, and security.

Looking forward, the future of the Thailand-Cambodia border lies in balancing unresolved historical grievances with the compelling logic of shared future prosperity. The path is twofold. First, it requires sustained political will to depoliticize the border issues and allow technical bodies like the JBC to complete their work, potentially with the aid of international mediation or arbitration for the most intractable points. Second, and perhaps more powerfully, it involves accelerating cross-border cooperation that benefits communities directly. Initiatives in joint economic development zones, coordinated disease control, environmental protection of shared watersheds and forests, and combating transnational crime can build trust from the ground up. ASEAN provides a crucial regional forum for dialogue and confidence-building, even if its consensus principle limits its ability to impose solutions.

The Thailand-Cambodia border remained a landscape of profound contradiction and connection. It is a scar of historical conflict and a seam of vibrant cultural and economic life. It is a symbol of nationalist pride and a practical zone of daily negotiation. The temples that stand as sentinels along its length, from Preah Vihear to Ta Moan, are not just objects of dispute but testaments to a shared cultural ancestry that predates the modern nation-state. The challenge for both Thailand and Cambodia is to move from a paradigm of frontiera defensive line of separationto one of a borderlanda space of interaction and mutual benefit. The 800-kilometer line will always exist as a legal and political reality, but its meaning will be determined by whether the two kingdoms choose to see it primarily as a wall or as a gateway.
Operation Boxtop on top of the world

By Tastri Murdoch

8 December 2025

Members from Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) 36 Squadron joined international forces for Operation Boxtop to resupply bases in the Arctic - including the northernmost base in the world.

The operation is a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) 8 Wing-led activity held twice yearly, delivering essential fuel and supplies to the Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Alert, at the north-east tip of Ellesmere island.

CFS Alert is the most northern permanently inhabited place in the world, located 817 kilometres from the North Pole.

Participating in the Canadian Fall (Australian Spring) iteration on-board RCAF's CC-177 Globemaster III with members from 429 Transport Squadron Trenton, the RAAF members formed a mixed crew of partner nations alongside the United States Air Force (USAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF).

The crew also travelled to Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, and Eureka, on Ellesmere Island.

RAAF C-17A pilot Flight Lieutenant Luke Duffy said it was an invaluable experience training with RCAF, USAF and RAF counterparts.

"There were three crews completing 24-hour operations and we were part of the operational day crew," Flight Lieutenant Duffy said.

"As the day crew, we airlifted to CFS Alert 68 per cent of the total cargo and 83 per cent of the total fuel for the operation, equating to approximately 232,466 kilograms of cargo and 120,000 litres of fuel.

"Working together as an integrated crew allowed us to learn collaboratively and further refine our own skill sets, to create a more capable air mobility asset."

Training alongside allies in extreme weather conditions not only enhances interoperability, it also contributes to the preservation and security of these remote regions.

"We learnt some vital lessons about cold weather take-off and landing performance, cold weather maintenance activities, and forward operating base considerations in an Arctic environment," Flight Lieutenant Duffy said.

"Developing this capability will assist RAAF in providing contingencies for Antarctic operations such as Operation Southern Discovery."

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Welcome home Ballarat

By Sub-Lieutenant Jake Badior

8 December 2025

HMAS Ballarat has returned to Fleet Base West in Western Australia after a three-month regional presence deployment throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Regional presence deployments play a vital role in Australia's security and prosperity by enhancing cooperation and relationships with partners and allies, and developing capability to preserve the rules-based international order.

Ballarat sailed about 20,000 nautical miles during her deployment, conducting several patrols and transits through the South China Sea and training with navies from Brunei-Darussalam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the United States.

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said the deployment demonstrated Australia's longstanding commitment to maintaining a near-continuous presence in the region.

"Australia has maintained a robust program of international engagement with countries in and around the Indo-Pacific for decades," Vice Admiral Hammond said.

"Regional presence deployments directly contribute to the security and stability of the region by building trust, mutual understanding and interoperability between partner nations and their armed forces.

"Regional presence deployments leverage the expertise of the ADF and our multinational partners to enhance regional capacity in a dynamic security environment."

Ballarat deployed with an embarked MH-60R helicopter and about 200 crew.

Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Dean Uren said the ship's company had represented Australia with professionalism and pride.

"I am immensely proud of the crew and the way they represented Australia during this deployment," Commander Uren said.

"Deployments require significant commitment from our people and their loved ones.

"We could not do what we do without the love and support of our families ashore, so I am pleased we could return home safe and in time for Christmas."

This was Australia's fourth regional presence deployment for 2025, following Navy's three guided missile destroyers HMA Ships Hobart, Sydney and Brisbane.

The next regional presence deployment will commence in January 2026.

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Armidale-class sails into history

By Lieutenant Commander Anthony Martin

8 December 2025

Navy has formally farewelled the three remaining Armidale-class patrol boats, HMA Ships Albany, Bathurst and Childers, in a solemn decommissioning ceremony at HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin.

The event not only marked the retirement of three distinguished vessels but also symbolised the closing chapter of a significant era in Australia's maritime history.

Together, the ships accumulated more than five decades of service, during which they played a vital role in safeguarding Australia's borders, enforcing maritime security and protecting national interests.

From intercepting illegal fishing operations to supporting humanitarian missions and joint exercises with allied nations, Albany, Bathurst and Childers embodied the resilience and dedication of the Armidale-class.

Serving and former crew members, Navy personnel, veterans and community representatives attended the ceremony, gathering to honour the crews and the ships themselves.

Speeches reflected on the vessels' contributions, while the lowering of the white ensign for the final time served as a poignant reminder of their loyal service.

The Commanding Officers of Albany, Bathurst and Childers, Lieutenant Commanders Phillip Wager, Matthew Hams and Benjamin Edwards, handed their respective ships' ensign to Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Chris Smith.

Captain Patrol Boats, Captain Ross Upton, looked proudly upon the ceremony and acknowledged the outstanding work delivered by the ships and the entire Armidale-class.

"These three ships are an excellent example of the duty and dedication provided to the nation by the patrol boat force," Captain Upton said.

"It is an honour to attend this ceremony today and I look forward to the next chapter of service being delivered by the Cape- and Arafura-class ships."

Commissioned in 2005 with the introduction of HMAS Armidale, the class was designed to replace the Fremantle-class patrol boats and enhance Australia's maritime patrol capability.

During the past two decades, the Armidale-class became a familiar presence across northern waters, ensuring the integrity of Australia's maritime domain.

The decommissioning closes the book on the Armidale-class, paving the way for the next generation of patrol vessels.

Cape-class patrol boats and the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels will continue the mission of protecting Australia's seas with modern technology and expanded capability.

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December 8, 2025

By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News

U.S., Australian Cooperation on Land, Air, Sea, Industrial Base Top Topics at 40th AUSMIN

The U.S. and longtime ally Australia met at the State Department in Washington today for the 40th annual Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations.

"This is an incredibly strong alliance," said Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio during remarks in advance of the talks. "In fact, as we were discussing a few moments ago, [Australia] is our only ally that has fought with us in every war over the last  certainly over the last four or five decades  and we're very grateful to them for that. And this is a very strong partnership. It's a strong alliance, and what we want to do is continue to build on it."

As part of the meeting, Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with their Australian counterparts, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong.

Hegseth noted work being done on enhanced force posture, which will benefit both nations, as a growing military-to-military partnership is central to maintaining the strong relationship between the U.S. and Australia.

"We're upgrading the infrastructure on airbases in Queensland and the Northern Territory," Hegseth said. "That allows for additional U.S. bomber rotations. We're upgrading logistics and infrastructure in Darwin so more U.S. Marines can do rotational deployments and pre-positioning MV-22 Ospreys. This establishes new and resilient logistics networks across Australia."

Another big issue for the U.S. and Australia is strengthening the defense industrial base, the collection of private-sector companies that design and manufacture hardware and supplies for militaries, including aircraft, ships, submarines, missiles, bombs, ammunition, firearms and combat vehicles.

"We're deepening our cooperation on the defense industrial base  cooperation on guided weapons production and lethal capabilities, two-year roadmaps on Australia's guided weapons and explosive ordinance enterprise, groundbreaking cooperative actions on things like [the Guided Missile Launch Rocket Systems]  and precision strike missiles," Hegseth said. "And we're working towards coproduction and co-sustainment of hypersonic attack cruise missiles  co-sustainment air-to-air missiles cooperative programs across the board, including Mark 54 torpedoes."

A key part of building weapons systems for both the U.S. and Australia is access to rare Earth and other critical minerals. In October, both nations signed a framework to support the supply of raw and processed critical minerals and rare earths, which are important to the commercial and defense industries of both countries.

"Critical minerals and rare earths are a huge part of ensuring both countries can operate the way we need to in that region and around the world," Hegseth said.

The discussion also focused on the Australia, U.K. and U.S. trilateral security agreement, known as AUKUS, which has been in place for just over three years.

The War Department recently concluded a review of the AUKUS agreement meant to identify opportunities to strengthen it and ensure its long-term success, in alignment with the president's "America First" agenda.

In October, President Donald J. Trump confirmed the U.S. is going "full steam ahead" on the AUKUS deal.

"As we move ... full steam ahead on AUKUS, we applaud Australia's upcoming delivery of an additional $1 billion to help expand U.S. submarine production capacity," Hegseth said. "We're strengthening AUKUS so that it works for America, for Australia and for the U.K."

The AUKUS agreement includes two pillars. The first pillar involves the delivery of a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability to Australia, as well as significant investments in the industrial bases of all three partner nations.

As part of that plan, Australia will buy three Virginia-class submarines from the U.S. to be delivered in the 2030s. Together, all three partner nations will also develop a new platform called "SSN-AUKUS," which is expected to be ready for use by the U.K. in the 2030s and by Australia in the 2040s.

The second AUKUS pillar involves enhancing joint capabilities and interoperability between the three nations.

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Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Wong

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 8, 2025

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong ahead of the 35th Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN). Secretary Rubio reiterated that the United States has no better friend, partner, or ally than Australia, and highlighted progress made in implementing the landmark Critical Minerals Framework signed by President Trump and Australian Prime Minister Albanese in October. Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Wong also discussed their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing cooperation to combat online scam operations and supporting further strategic infrastructure projects across the Pacific.

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Joint Fact Sheet on Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2025

US Department of State

Fact Sheet

Office of the Spokesperson

December 8, 2025

The text of the following joint fact sheet was released by the Governments of the United States and Australia on the occasion of the 35th Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations.

Begin Text:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles on December 8 in Washington, D.C., marking 40 years of AUSMIN consultations. Building on the historic October 2025 leaders' meeting between President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Secretaries and Ministers (the "Principals") committed to a range of new initiatives to advance the safety, security, and prosperity of our two countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Recognizing the growing threats to peace in the Indo-Pacific, the Principals committed to new joint efforts to promote regional stability and security. The Principals also resolved to build resilience to economic coercion and to jointly promote growth in the Indo-Pacific region underpinned by a free and fair economic order. The two countries will advance these efforts with regional partners, including through the Quad Leaders' Summit and Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Australia and the United States are innovating how we deliver assistance and are enhancing coordination on strategic critical infrastructure investments in Southeast Asia and the Pacific: Australia committed to working with the United States, the Philippines, and Japan to advance the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor; Australia and the United States are partnering with Papua New Guinea (PNG) on digital infrastructure, with Australia already investing in the Coral Sea Cable and Digicel Pacific, and on a blueprint for reform and investment in PNG telecommunications; Australia and the United States are continuing to partner with PNG on economic development in Lae, which includes Australia's work with PNG to redevelop the Lae Port, and new planned support from the United States to bolster cargo inspection and screening infrastructure and training to enhance port security, disrupt transnational criminal activity, and spur economic development; The United States committed to strengthen disaster management capabilities through the National Disaster Center in partnership with Australia as a demonstration of our continued commitment to PNG.



The Principals committed to exploring further opportunities to support the development of trusted ICT networks across the Indo-Pacific and applauded the completion of the Vaka Submarine Cable to Tuvalu -a $56 million project jointly financed by the United States and Australia, in partnership with Taiwan, New Zealand, and Japan.

The United States and Australia intend to expand trilateral cooperation with Japan on training, and sharing data on air and missile defense threats. They plan to also continue to cooperate on Maritime Cooperative Activities in the South China Sea with the Philippines and other partners.

The United States and Australia are committed to increased cooperation to combat transnational crime, including with regional partners, and plan to establish a bilateral, interagency Working Group to Combat Online Scam Operations. The two sides also welcome a renewed MOU between AUSTRAC and FinCEN on sharing financial intelligence to tackle serious crime.

The United States and Australia underscored our shared commitment to cyber coordination and capacity building in Southeast Asia and the Pacific to increase the region's resilience to cyber threats. Working with Congress, the U.S. Department of State plans to invest over USD $10 million, and Australia will invest up to AUD $10 million, including funding to hold another Pacific Cyber Week.

Strengthening the U.S.-Australia Alliance: Looking forward in 2026 to the 75th anniversary of the signing of the ANZUS Treaty, the Principals reaffirmed the vital importance of the U.S.-Australia Alliance and committed to deepening cooperation through accelerating and expanding joint defense initiatives, shared investments in new capabilities, and industrial base integration.

The Principals praised the positive trajectory of both countries' investments in defense capabilities and infrastructure as the Alliance builds out our force posture and defense industrial cooperation to respond to the demands of the Indo-Pacific strategic environment.

In line with President Trump and Prime Minister Albanese's direction to move "full steam ahead" on AUKUS, the Principals recognized the work underway to deliver priority infrastructure works and a workforce uplift plan in support of an enhanced trilateral submarine industrial base.

Australia will soon deliver the next one-billion-dollar payment as scheduled to be invested in expanding U.S. submarine production capacity. This brings Australia's contribution to the U.S. submarine industrial base to $2 billion so far.

The United States and Australia advanced key priorities across an ambitious range of force posture cooperation, including: Committing to progress Enhanced Air Cooperation through infrastructure works at Royal Australian Air Force Bases Tindal and Darwin to support rotations of U.S. bombers, fighters, and intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, and scope infrastructure works at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley; Expanding Marine Rotational Force-Darwin capacity through logistics and infrastructure development, including the prepositioning of USMC MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft; Establishing Northern and Southern nodes within the combined logistics networks in Australia; and Establishing the U.S. Oversight and Support Group - Australia for the administration and coordination of U.S. force posture presence in Australia.



The Principals re-affirmed the criticality of establishing Submarine Rotational Force-West as early as 2027, and the regular visits and maintenance of U.S. SSNs at HMAS Stirling to support Australia's sovereign-ready efforts for its conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine program.

The Principals endorsed a two-year shared pathway for the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise: Pursuing co-production, co-sustainment and follow on development of Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile; Furthering depot-level sustainment of AIM-9X and Advanced Medium-Range Air to Air Missile (AMRAAM); Identifying cooperation on maritime strike and interceptor capabilities to be integrated into this pathway in 2026.



The Principals welcomed the blanket Third Party Transfers authorization for Australia and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the practical use of export control license exemptions maintained by both nations. Both sides encouraged maximizing utilization of authorized exemptions where appropriate, including those in the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (such as those sections in 126.4 and 126.7) and Australia's Defence Trade Control Act 2012 and associated regulations, for ongoing and future work related to the GWEO Shared Pathway. These actions are streamlining bilateral defense trade, supporting Alliance activities, and bolstering defense industrial bases.

Strengthening National Security through Economic Cooperation: Building on the groundbreaking Critical Minerals Framework signed by President Trump and Prime Minister Albanese, the Principals committed to expand efforts to secure supply chains of critical minerals and to explore new initiatives to further bolster economic ties.

The Principals agreed on the importance of swift implementation of the Critical Minerals Framework. Following the announcement of joint investment with Japan in the project, they welcomed Alcoa's recent progress to move expeditiously towards gallium production in 2026 to diversify a critical supply chain for the defense sector.

The United States and Australia agreed to deepen bilateral strategic finance cooperation, including through establishment of an Export Finance Australia (EFA) presence in Washington, D.C.

The Principals welcomed EFA and Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) issuing coordinated Letters of Support/Interest worth a combined total of $600 million to Tronox to support a planned expansion of the company's rare earth and minerals projects in Australia, which in turn will support a key critical minerals supply chain in the United States.

Both countries committed to collaborating on reserve mechanisms for critical minerals and exploring opportunities for offtake arrangements, including for national security supply chains.

Global Entry will be available to all Australian citizens on December 15, 2025, streamlining secure entry to the United States and strengthening our robust people-to-people links.

The United States and Australia are exploring a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) to prevent, investigate, and disrupt customs law violations.

End Text.

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Speech by EU High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas at the European Parliament's High-level Conference "Belarus: Building Foundations for Democratic Change".

European External Action Service (EEAS)

08.12.2025

Brussels, Belgium

Honourable Members,

Madam Vice-President of the European Parliament,

Dear Sviatlana,

Dear representatives of the Belarusian democratic movement and civil society.

It is an honour to join you today and be here with you. Many thanks go to International IDEA and the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Belarus, for organising it. And also to the European Parliament for hosting us today.

Above all, I would like to welcome Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and so many representatives of the democratic forces and civil society. Your courage and dignity continue to inspire those you are standing up for at home. And also it inspires all of us so thank you for that.

Dear friends,

I understand you have already been very busy since early this morning.

You have been discussing transformation and transitional justice, human rights and accountability. These are familiar concepts to us in Brussels. We know that if we are to be credible in supporting democratic transition abroad, we need to also keep chipping away at our own imperfections at home.

You already have talked at length about:

the state-of-affairs in your country, especially since the fraudulent elections in 2020;

the more than twelve hundred political prisoners, whose immediate release we seek;

And the thousands of others facing prosecution, torture, intimidation and forced exile.

We are of course grateful to the United States for its engagement on this humanitarian track. And as we have noted over and over, the recent releases do not signal a dismantling of the repressive system that continues to strike fear into your hearts on a daily basis.

In short, today you have already dissected half of the EU's two-fold strategy: the part on supporting the people of Belarus.

And on this point, I am happy to hear that this morning, also my colleague Commissioner Kos, Marta, announced our new 30 million euro assistance package to support civil society. This brings total EU support to Belarussian civil society to 200 million euro since 2020.

Now I want to talk about the other half of the EU's two-fold strategy. Notably the need to isolate, including by additional sanctions, a regime that for four years already has helped Russia prosecute its war of aggression against Ukraine.

In the last 100 years, Russia has invaded at least 19 countries, some of them three or four times. None of these 19 countries has ever invaded or attacked Russia.

And who is Russia's handmaiden in this effort? Belarus.

Belarus directly and indirectly supports Russia's war.

Belarus, who also adhered to the OSCE principlesincluding the inviolability of borders enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act.

Belarus, who by a quirk of history was, alongside Russia and Ukraine, among the original signatories of the United Nations Charter, which of course prohibits the threat or use of force.

Belarus is not only helping Russia directly and indirectly. It is also engaging in a series of hybrid incidents and provocations that threaten the security of EU Member States.

These include airspace incursions, drone and balloon incidents, Foreign malign influence as well as continued orchestration of migration pressure and smuggling across EU borders.

As a result, we are working to expand our sanctions regime.

The philosopher and diplomat from the French revolutionary period Joseph de Maistre is often quoted as having said, "every country has the government it deserves."

But I could not disagree more. It is not the population of Belarus that supports these nefarious activities of the regime.

And that is why we continue our policy of support to the people of Belarus, through programmes like the one we are celebrating today.

Dear friends,

Your struggle is long and it is hard. But it is not in vain.

Authoritarian regimes that rely on fear instead of consent are always more fragile than they appear. We know this from our own history and experience. The majority of EU Member States came in from the cold of an authoritarian past.

So you can count on the European Union. We stand with younot symbolically, but very concretely:

with pressure when needed

with protection where necessary

with assistance when and where it matters

We will support a future Belarusian-led democratic transition when conditions allow, including with up to 3 billion euro for financial and technical support, as our Member States decided last year.

We see you. We believe in you. And we trust that the work you have started to build the foundations of democratic change will have an impact on tomorrow's Belarus.

Thank you very much.

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U.S. Authorities Shut Down Major China-Linked AI Tech Smuggling Network

Monday, December 8, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

'Operation Gatekeeper' Disrupts Trafficking Network and Seizes More Than $50 Million in Advanced GPUs Destined for China and Other Restricted Locations

Two businessmen are now in custody for allegedly violating U.S. export control and smuggling laws. As part of the overall investigation, a Houston company and its owner also pleaded guilty to smuggling cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology out of the United States, and the United States has seized over $50 million in Nvidia technologies and cash.

"The United States has long emphasized the importance of innovation and is responsible for an incredible amount of cutting-edge technology, such as the advanced computer chips that make modern AI possible," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. "This advantage isn't free but rather the result of our engineers' and scientists' hard work and sacrifice. The National Security Division, along with our partners, will vigorously enforce our export-control laws and protect this edge."

"Operation Gatekeeper has exposed a sophisticated smuggling network that threatens our Nation's security by funneling cutting-edge AI technology to those who would use it against American interests," said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas. "These chips are the building blocks of AI superiority and are integral to modern military applications. The country that controls these chips will control AI technology; the country that controls AI technology will control the future. The Southern District of Texas will aggressively prosecute anyone who attempts to compromise America's technological edge."

"Gong and his accomplices allegedly led a complex scheme to smuggle high-performance graphic processing units to China in violation of U.S. export laws," said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division. "This case highlights the importance of interagency cooperation to protect U.S. technology; the FBI, alongside our partners, will continue to aggressively investigate these violations and bring those responsible to justice. We ask our private sector partners to remain vigilant to this increasing threat as our adversaries try to match U.S. artificial intelligence breakthroughs."

According to court documents, Alan Hao Hsu, also known as Haochun Hsu, 43, of Missouri City, Texas, and his company, Hao Global LLC, both pleaded guilty to smuggling and unlawful export activities on Oct. 10, 2025. According to now unsealed court documents, between October 2024 and May 2025, Hsu and others knowingly exported and attempted to export at least $160 million worth of export-controlled Nvidia H100 and H200 Tensor Core graphic processing units (GPUs).

The H100 and H200 are high-speed GPUs used for AI applications and high-performance computing. They are designed to process massive amounts of data, advancing generative AI and large language models and accelerating scientific computing. These GPUs are used for both civilian and military applications.

Hsu and others falsified shipping paperwork, misclassifying the true nature of the goods and their recipients to conceal the ultimate destination of the GPUs. Hsu and Hao Global received more than $50 million in wire transfers that originated from the People's Republic of China (PRC) to help fund the scheme. The GPUs were ultimately shipped to the PRC, Hong Kong and other destinations in violation of U.S. export laws.

At sentencing, Hsu faces up to 10 years in prison on Feb. 18, and Hao Global LLC faces a maximum penalty of twice the gross gain from the offense and a term of probation.

Also charged in relation to the scheme are two PRC natives. Benlin Yuan, 58, the chief executive officer of a Sterling, Virginia, IT services company, which is the U.S. subsidiary of a large PRC IT company based in Beijing, was arrested in Sterling, Virginia, on Nov. 28 and charged with conspiring to violation the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) of 2018. Yuan is a Canadian citizen who resides in Mississauga, Ontario.

Fanyue Gong, also known as Tom Gong, 43, a PRC citizen who resides in Brooklyn, New York, is the owner of a New York technology company and was arrested in New York on Dec. 3. Gong was charged with conspiring to smuggle goods out of the United States.

According to charging documents, Gong and Yuan also independently conspired with employees of a Hong Kong-based logistics company and a China-based AI technology company to circumvent U.S. export controls.

The criminal complaint against Gong alleges that co-conspirators obtained Nvidia GPUs through straw purchasers and intermediaries, falsely indicating that the goods were for U.S. customers or customers in third countries that do not require a license to export. The GPUs were shipped to multiple U.S. warehouses where individuals who worked for Gong removed Nvidia labels and re-labeled the GPUs with the name "SANDKYAN" - a fake company - and then prepared the goods for export at his direction. The shipping and export paperwork for the GPUs allegedly misclassified the goods as generic computer parts. The charges allege co-conspirators then shipped the goods or attempted to do so to the PRC and Hong Kong in violation of U.S. laws.

According to the complaint, Yuan helped recruit and organize individuals to inspect the mislabeled GPUs on behalf of the Hong Kong logistics company. Yuan allegedly agreed to direct inspectors not to say the goods were destined for the PRC. The government also alleges Yuan directed discussions regarding crafting a story his company could use to get GPUs and other equipment released after federal law authorities detained it. Yuan allegedly engaged in several conversations about providing false information to U.S. authorities regarding the ultimate customer of the goods.

As alleged, Yuan also participated in and agreed to direct actions involving the handling and storage of another export of Nvidia GPUs on behalf of the Hong Kong logistics company.

If convicted, Yuan faces up to 20 years in prison for conspiring to violate ECRA and up to a $1 million fine. If convicted, Gong faces up to 10 years in prison for conspiring to smuggle goods out of the United States.

Hsu was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing. Yuan and Gong are currently in custody pending further criminal proceedings.

The Commerce Department's BIS Office of Export Enforcement Dallas Field Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Dallas, and FBI New York and Washington Field Offices are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Marck and Mark McIntyre for the Southern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Fatema Merchant of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance provided by Yifei Zheng, also from the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topics: Intellectual Property

Counterintelligence

National Security

Components:Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Texas, Southern

Press Release Number: 25-1150

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Chinese FM responds to media question about Putin's visit to India, remarks on China-India relations

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 08, 2025 04:17 PM

Asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India and his remarks on China-India relations - according to media reports, Putin said that Russia places great value on its relations with both countries, and it has not right to interfere in China-India bilateral relations, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday that China, Russia, and India are all emerging economies and key members of the Global South, and maintaining good relations among the three countries is not only in their own interests, but also conducive to peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region and even the world.

China is willing to work with Russia and India to continue advancing bilateral relations. With regard to China-India relations, China is willing to work with India to view and handle bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, promote the continuous, sound and stable development of bilateral relations, so as to deliver more benefits to the two countries and peoples, and make due contributions to maintaining peace and prosperity in Asia and the world, Guo said.

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Incident key lies in Japanese fighter jets' deliberate intrusion into Chinese side's exercise and training area, FM on Japan's claim of 'radar illumination' on SDF fighter jets

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 08, 2025 11:20 PM

It's fairly apparent what the Japanese side is up to by spreading disinformation in military and security areas and creating tension at this particular time, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday, commenting on question concerning the Japanese side's claim of Chinese Navy carrier-based aircraft conducting "radar illumination" on Japanese SDF fighter jets.

Guo stated at the Monday press conference that the Chinese side has stated its serious position on the issue. The facts are very clear, he said. China's exercise and training in relevant waters and airspace fully complies with the international law and international practice. Our maneuvers are professional, standard, and beyond reproach. To activate search radar during flight training is commonly done by carrier-based aircraft of all countries. It's also a normal measure to ensure flight safety, the spokesperson said.

Guo stated that the incident arose from Japanese jets' deliberate intrusion into China's exercise and training zones and close-in reconnaissance and disruptions on China's normal military activities. Yet, the Japanese side blamed it on China and sought to mislead the world by falsely accusing China of "radar illumination." China deplores and opposes the false accusation and has strongly protested to the Japanese side.

We strongly urge the Japanese side to immediately stop its dangerous harassment of China's military exercise and training, and stop all irresponsible allegations and political manipulation, the spokesperson said.

The Japanese defense ministry claimed on Sunday that China's Liaoning aircraft carrier formation headed northeast after sailing through the Miyako Strait. The Japanese side believes that Chinese carrier formation consisted of the aircraft carrier Liaoning (Hull 16), the Type 055 large destroyer Nanchang (Hull 101) and two Type 052D destroyers with hull numbers 117 and 124, according to the release, which was in waters some 190 kilometers east of Kikaijima island by Sunday, further heading eastward.

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said on Sunday that China's Liaoning aircraft carrier formation conducted far seas training in the waters east of the Miyako Strait, which is in line with international law and international practices.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on December 8, 2025

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

Updated: December 08, 2025 18:59

CCTV: It was reported that on December 3, regarding Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan, Vice-President of the Liberal Democratic Party Taro Aso expressed support for Takaichi's attitude. What is China's comment?

Guo Jiakun: This Japanese politician's remarks demonstrate that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the right-wing provocateurs behind her still misjudge the situation, refuse to do soul-searching or correct the wrongdoings, turn a deaf ear to criticism in and outside Japan, downplay and whitewash interference in other countries' internal affairs and threat of force in disregard of facts, show no basic respect to international law and basic norms of international relations, and attempt to break free from the post-war international order and revive militarism in Japan by stoking conflict and confrontation. This should put Japan's Asian neighbors and the international community on high alert.

It needs to be pointed out that attempting to grab attention and reap public support by provoking China is malign in nature and very dangerous. We urge the Japanese side to seriously reflect on and repent for its wrongdoing, simply retract Prime Minister Takaichi's erroneous remarks, stop playing with fire, and avoid going further down the wrong path.

China-Arab TV: The King of Spain and the French President just visited China, and the German Foreign Minister will visit soon. What is China's comment? Is Europe turning to China for more cooperation?

Guo Jiakun: China and European countries have had close high-level exchanges this year. Leaders of the two sides reached important common understandings on and provided strategic guidance for further growing the strategic partnership and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation. Amid the increasingly turbulent international situation, closer strategic communication and deeper dialogue and cooperation between China and Europe serves the interests of both sides and the wider world.

China stands ready to work with Europe to deliver on the common understandings between the leaders of the two sides, enhance solidarity and coordination, and promote the sound and steady development of China-Europe relations. The two sides need to jointly uphold multilateralism, support free trade, defend the postwar international order and international rules, oppose unilateralism and bullying moves, jointly address global challenges such as climate change, and improve global governance, so as to benefit the people of both sides and provide greater stability and certainty to the turbulent world.

DPA: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, before heading to China, said yesterday that "no other country has as much influence on Russia as China" to promote the peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis. What's the Foreign Ministry's comment and why has China not yet successfully influenced Russia on that?

Guo Jiakun: China and Germany are comprehensive strategic partners. Over the past 53 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Germany relations have maintained a sound momentum of development and delivered tangibly for the two countries and the two peoples. In May this year, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, charting the course for the bilateral ties. Given the volatile and turbulent international landscape, to consolidate and develop the relations between China and Germany, two major countries and key economies in the world, not only serves their own interests but also promotes world peace and prosperity.

This is Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul's first visit to China since he took office. Foreign ministers of the two countries will have in-depth communication on China-Germany and China-EU relations as well as international and regional hotspot issues of mutual interest. China always views its relations with Germany from a strategic height and long-term perspective. We stand ready to work with Germany to implement the important common understandings reached between leaders of the two countries, step up strategic communication, enhance understanding and mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the sustained, sound and steady development of China-Germany relations.

We will release relevant information on the visit in due course. Please check back for updates.

China News Service: The Chinese Navy hospital ship Ark Silk Road has arrived in the Montego Bay, Jamaica to provide medical services to local communities affected by the hurricane. Can you brief us on that?

Guo Jiakun: The Chinese Navy hospital ship Ark Silk Road arrived in Jamaica last week and will dock at multiple ports to provide humanitarian medical service to the people hit by Hurricane Melissa.

China feels for Jamaica over the devastating hurricane and has provided emergency disaster relief assistance in light of Jamaica's need. We believe that the hospital ship Ark Silk Road will bring China's friendship to the affected communities and help the Jamaican people recover and rebuild from the disaster with greater confidence.

Kyodo News: The Japanese Defense Ministry said that Chinese naval fighter jets intermittently targeted radar at Japanese Self-Defense Force fighter jets on December 6. What is the purpose of the radar illumination?

Guo Jiakun: The Chinese side has stated its serious position on the issue. The facts are very clear. China's exercise and training in relevant waters and airspace fully complies with the international law and international practice. Our maneuvers are professional, standard, and beyond reproach. To activate search radar during flight training is commonly done by carrier-based aircraft of all countries. It's also a normal measure to ensure flight safety. The incident arose from Japanese jets' deliberate intrusion into China's exercise and training zones and close-in reconnaissance and disruptions on China's normal military activities. Yet, the Japanese side blamed it on China and sought to mislead the world by falsely accusing China of "radar illumination." China deplores and opposes the false accusation and has strongly protested to the Japanese side.

It's fairly apparent what the Japanese side is up to by spreading disinformation in military and security areas and creating tension at this particular time. We strongly urge the Japanese side to immediately stop its dangerous harassment of China's military exercise and training, and stop all irresponsible allegations and political manipulation.

AFP: The Vatican announced on Friday that Pope Leo has ordained a new bishop to replace a bishop in China who has resigned. The Vatican called this move "a new and important step." Can the Foreign Ministry provide more information?

Guo Jiakun: The "One Association and One Conference" (the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association and the Bishops' Conference of Catholic Church in China) has released relevant information. Over recent years, China and the Vatican have maintained communication and enhanced understanding and mutual trust through constructive dialogue. China stands ready to work with the Vatican to keep improving the relations between the two sides.

NHK: To follow up on the previous question about the recent aircraft incident between Japan and China, today Japan also said that they did not obstruct the safe flight of Chinese aircraft refuting to China's claim yesterday. How does the Ministry respond to Japan's statement?

Guo Jiakun: I've answered a relevant question just now. Let me stress that the facts are very clear. China's exercise and training in relevant waters and airspace fully complies with the international law and international practice. Our maneuvers are professional, standard, and beyond reproach. We strongly urge the Japanese side to immediately stop its dangerous harassment of China's military exercise and training, and stop all irresponsible allegations and political manipulation.

PTI: Russian President Vladimir Putin has made an eventful visit to India last week and held fruitful talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders described the relationship as "a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership." Besides signing a host of agreements, both sides worked out an Economic Cooperation Program with the aim of diversifying trade and investment ties by 2030. Separately the Defense Ministers of both countries also met and discussed measures to enhance military-to-military ties. Ahead of his visit, President Putin said India and China are our closest friends and we treasure that relationship deeply. He also expressed confidence that India and China are committed to finding solution to their issues and Russia has no right to interfere in their bilateral affairs. How does Beijing view Mr. Putin's visit to India, its outcome and his comments on India-China relations?

Guo Jiakun: China, Russia and India are emerging economies and important members of the Global South. The three countries maintaining sound relations is not only in line with their own interests but also conducive to regional and global peace, security, stability and prosperity. China stands ready to work with Russia and India to continue advancing the bilateral relations.

On China-India ties, China stands ready to work with India to view and handle the bilateral relationship from a strategic height and long-term perspective, promote the sustained, sound and steady development of China-India ties, so as to better benefit the two countries and two peoples and make due contributions to peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond.

Reuters: What is the Foreign Ministry's reaction to the Trump administration's newly released National Security Strategy, given that it says that the U.S. does not support any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and also discusses the U.S. and its allies' capacity to deny any attempt to seize Taiwan? What do you make of the document's mentioning of the Quad grouping of nations as well?

Guo Jiakun: We noted the "National Security Strategy" report released by the U.S. government. China always believes that China and the U.S. stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. Upholding mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation is the right way for China and the U.S. to get along with each other and is the only right and realistic choice. China stands ready to work with the U.S. to sustain the steady development of the bilateral relationship and at the same time will firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests. We hope the U.S. will work with China in the same direction, act on the important common understandings reached between heads of state of the two countries, step up dialogue and cooperation, properly manage differences, promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, and inject more certainty and stability into the world.

On the Taiwan question, let me stress that Taiwan is China's Taiwan and is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people and Chinese people only that brooks no external interference. The U.S. needs to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, honor its leaders' commitment, approach the Taiwan question with extra prudence, stop abetting and aiding separatist forces' attempt to seek "Taiwan independence" and resist reunification through military buildup. China will never flinch in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Reuters: A quick follow-up question on the strategy document, the document also focuses very heavily on the U.S.'s commercial relationship with China, both decrying China's trade practices but also signaling its hopes for a mutually advantageous economic relationship with China. What's your response?

Guo Jiakun: China-U.S. economic and trade relations are mutually beneficial in nature and neither country has taken advantage of the other. Economic and trade cooperation should continue to serve as the anchor and driving force for China-U.S. relations. We hope the U.S. will work with China to act on the important common understandings between heads of state of the two countries, continuously shorten the list of problems and lengthen the list of cooperation through dialogue and consultation in the spirit of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, and work for more positive progress.

AFP: The South China Morning Post reported over the weekend that a Chinese policy paper omitted the term "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." This topic has been covered widely in South Korean media today. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this? Does the Chinese government still support denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula?

Guo Jiakun: China's position on the Korean Peninsula issue is consistent and clear.

Asahi Shimbun: On the issue of "radar illumination," is the radar on China's carrier-based aircraft turned on for search purposes, not for attack?

Guo Jiakun: I just responded to relevant questions. Let me reiterate that the facts are very clear. China's exercise and training in relevant waters and airspace fully complies with the international law and international practice. Our maneuvers are professional, standard, and beyond reproach. To activate search radar during flight training is commonly done by carrier-based aircraft of all countries. It's also a normal measure to ensure flight safety. The incident arose from Japanese jets' deliberate intrusion into China's exercise and training zones and close-in reconnaissance and disruptions on China's normal military activities. Yet, the Japanese side blamed it on China and sought to mislead the world by falsely accusing China of "radar illumination." China deplores the false accusation and has strongly protested to the Japanese side. We urge the Japanese side to immediately stop its harassment of China's military exercise and training, and stop all irresponsible allegations and political manipulation.

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Indispensable discussions: Foreign Minister Wadephul travels to China

Germany Federal Foreign Office

07.12.2025 - Article

Foreign Minister Wadephul is visiting China for talks on 8 and 9 December and will address important issues while he is there.

China has undergone rapid development over the last few decades. It now has unparalleled economic dynamism. The country is Germany's most important trading partner - and has become a major player on the international stage.

Foreign Minister Wadephul is arriving in Beijing on Monday to hold political talks with his counterpart Foreign Minister Wang Yi and others. Not all of the topics on the agenda are simple. Particularly on issues that affect Europe's security, such as the situation in the Indo-Pacific and especially the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the two countries have differing positions. This is what makes it so important to talk to China face to face.

Foreign Minister Wadephul commented prior to his departure:

We want and need in-depth discussion with China in order to advance on all of these issues. When it comes to the major challenges facing humanity, such as climate change, too, we can only make progress together. We want to cooperate with China - but we also expect to see understanding for Europe's key concerns and interests.

Trade and business in particular form the heart of German-Chinese relations. Many German businesses operate in China, where German products remain very popular. China will continue to play an important role for many businesses in the future.



Foreign Minister Wadephul commented:

Close economic relations have always been fundamentally important. And Germany and China still have a lot to offer one another today. German products are in demand in China - while China's market and innovative power are attractive to many German businesses.

At his meeting with Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, economic issues as well as the concerns of German businesses will play a key role. To avoid depending on just a few sources for important raw materials, Germany is making an active effort to place its supply chains on a broader footing. This is particularly important for critical raw materials such as rare earths.



Foreign Minister Wadephul further commented:

Trade restrictions on rare earths in particular are a major concern for our businesses, as are excess capacities in e-mobility and steel. These are crucial issues for the German economy, and they are issues that I will address. We ultimately have a shared interest with China in ensuring stable and dependable global trade relations.

From Beijing, Foreign Minister Wadephul will travel onwards to Guangzhou to gain a firsthand impression of China's innovative power. Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong province, which is also home to the tech metropolis Shenzhen. The province is the epicentre of China's rapid economic and technological development.



Foreign Minister Wadephul further commented:

Only those who place themselves firmly at the forefront of today's technological essentials, from semiconductors to artificial intelligence, can stay competitive in the long term, bolster their security and reduce critical dependencies in the digital sphere, too.

The aim of Foreign Minister Wadephul's visit to China is to continue the two countries' dialogue at a high level - partly as a follow-up to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Berlin in July - and to discuss the whole spectrum of German-Chinese relations.

Because one thing is clear: despite all of the challenges, candid discussion with China remains important in order to make progress together.

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German FM kicks off China visit amid recent China-EU engagement

Global Times

China willing to work with Germany to bring bilateral ties to a new level: vice president

By Liu Xin and Zhang Han Published: Dec 08, 2025 11:21 PM

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul began his visit to China on Monday amid a flurry of recent China travel made by European leaders. Wadephul is visiting China from Monday to Tuesday at the invitation of Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Wadephul in Beijing on Monday. Noting that China and Germany are important economic and trading partners that can achieve win-win results through mutually beneficial cooperation, Han said China is willing to work with Germany to deliver on the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, enhance communication and dialogue, and work to bring the China-Germany all-round strategic partnership to a new level, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Han said the Taiwan question is at the center of China's core interests, and China hopes that the German side will abide by the one-China principle. China also expects Germany, as a core major country in the European Union, to play an active role in promoting the healthy development of China-EU relations.

Wadephul said the new German government attaches great importance to developing ties with China and firmly adheres to the one-China policy. Germany looks forward to closer high-level exchanges with China and deepened cooperation on all fronts, and is willing to be a reliable partner of cooperation with China, Wadephul said.

In an X post following meeting with Han, Wadephul said that the German side attaches great importance to relationship with China, and that's why Chancellor Friedrich Merz will also travel to Beijing soon.

During the meeting with Wadephul on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Wang Yi emphasized that the one-China principle serves as an important political foundation for China-Germany relations, and there is no room for ambiguity. He further noted that unlike Germany, Japan has yet to conduct a thorough reflection on its history of aggression in the eight decades since the end of WWII.

Wadephul said Germany remains firmly committed to the one-China policy, and this position is unwavering, according to Xinhua.

China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao also met with Wadephul on Monday, with the two sides exchanging views on China-Germany and China-EU economic and trade relations. Wang Wentao welcomed German companies to seize the new opportunities brought by China's forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, deepen cooperation with Chinese partners in traditional sectors, and expand collaboration in emerging fields. He expressed the hope that the German government would foster a fair, open and non-discriminatory policy environment for Chinese enterprises operating in Germany.

Wang Wentao stressed that China attaches great importance to Germany's concerns on issues such as export controls and Nexperia, and has been gradually applying general licensing arrangements in areas including rare earths.

"China has also introduced licensing exemptions for Nexperia-related chip exports, in an effort to help maintain stable and smooth global supply chains," Wang Wentao said.

The most crucial task at present is for the Dutch government to halt improper administrative interference and stabilize the semiconductor supply chain as soon as possible, so as to prevent risks that could spread to the global automotive and consumer goods industries, according to Wang Wentao.

Meaningful visit

Later on Monday, Wadephul held a less-than-20-minute press conference at Regent Hotel in Beijing where he briefed his talks with the Chinese side and took several questions from media within his delegation. During the session, Wadephul covered topics including general Germany-China relations, bilateral trade, rare earth, the Ukraine conflict, and climate cooperation. Wadephul also mentioned German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's plan to possibly visit China in the first quarter of 2026.

Throughout his briefing, Wadephul did not take question from Chinese media, Global Times reporters observed.

It is Wadephul's first visit to China as foreign minister, and he is here to address core diplomatic and strategic issues and prepare the ground for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's upcoming trip, Jiang Feng, research fellow at Shanghai International Studies University and president of the Shanghai Association of Regional and Country Studies, told the Global Times.

Wadephul's resumed trip to China may serve two purposes  making up for past missteps and repairing damage, said Zheng Chunrong, director of the German Studies Centre at Tongji University. It is both an effort to contain the fallout from the previously postponed visit and a step toward paving the way for higher-level exchanges.

Zheng said that Wadephul's aborted October triporiginally meant to pave the way for the chancellor's visitwas a missed opportunity. "Had Wadephul's previous plan to visit China gone ahead smoothly, especially before French President Macron's trip, it could have underscored Germany's leading role in China-EU relations," Zheng noted.

Wadephul, a member of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), originally planned his first trip to China for October 26, but the trip was canceled at short notice. Some German media reported that "Observers saw a connection to critical comments made by Wadephul in the run-up to the visit." Before his trips to Japan and Indonesia, Wadephul had repeatedly and publicly criticized China on Taiwan and the East and South China Seas, according to a report from DW on Saturday.

On November 3, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held phone talks with Wadephul at the request of the German side, during which Wadephul noted that Germany attaches great importance to its relations with China. Also, German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil embarked on a visit to China on November 16 to take part in the fourth China-Germany High-Level Financial Dialogue, according to Xinhua.

Wadephul's trip comes as Europe recalibrates its China policy and tensions ease following the German finance minister's visit. "He may have missed the earlier window, but it's not too late. With a pragmatic approach and readiness to restart dialogue, the visit can still be meaningful for China-Germany and China-EU ties," Zheng said.

In its coverage of Wadephul's visit, Germany's Welt claimed that the talks are expected to focus on China's "export restrictions on rare earths" and another central issue will be Beijing's position on the Ukraine issue.

In a video released by DWS News, before boarding his plane for the China visit, Wadephul was shown speaking to a group of people in front of a plane in Germany, with the English interpretation saying that "It is important to maintain direct contact with China, which is irreplaceable," he said. However, he also claimed he would address "trade, restrictions and overcapacity" during his visit, according to the DWS News video.

Zheng noted that Wadephul's rhetoric is noticeably softer than before. Rather than fixating on differences, China, Germany and the EU should focus on advancing practical cooperation, building on past achievements and exploring new areas of collaboration.

In addition to Beijing, on Tuesday, Wadephul will visit the southern manufacturing hub of Guangzhou, per Reuters.

Sustained China-EU engagement

Wadephul's visit also comes amid a wave of European diplomacy in Beijing. Spain's King Felipe VI paid a state visit from November 10 to 13, followed by French President Emmanuel Macron from December 3 to 5.

At the press conference on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday that China and European countries have had close high-level exchanges this year. Leaders of the two sides reached important common understandings on and provided strategic guidance for further growing the strategic partnership and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation.

Amid the increasingly turbulent international situation, closer strategic communication and deeper dialogue and cooperation between China and Europe serves the interests of both sides and the wider world, said Guo.

Many European media outlets have covered Wadephul's China visit. In a report on Sunday, Euronews described it as "one of the most important foreign trips of his tenure."

Zheng noted that China welcomes cooperation from the EU, especially as intensifying major-power rivalry places China-Germany and China-EU relations at a moment of overlapping uncertainties and a critical turning point. Wadephul's visit, he said, serves a corrective purpose.

Strengthening communication, managing differences and identifying new areas of cooperation would advance mutual benefit and give the relationship greater resilience in an uncertain world, said Zheng.

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OPERATION SAGAR BANDHU - INDIAN NAVY DEPLOYS FOUR MORE WARSHIPS TO DELIVER 1000 TONS OF HADR MATERIAL TO SRI LANKA

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 08 DEC 2025 11:00AM by PIB Delhi

As part of the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu, which was launched to provide urgent Search & Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka, Indian Navy has deployed four more ships INS Gharial, LCU 54, LCU 51 and LCU 57 for supplying HADR stores to cyclone-affected regions of Sri Lanka.

INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya had earlier rendered relief assistance and heli borne SAR support.

The three LCUs (Landing Craft Utility) arrived at Colombo on the morning of 07 Dec 2025 and handed over critical relief material to the Sri Lankan authorities. INS Gharial is scheduled to arrive at Trincomalee on 08 Dec 2025 to continue the humanitarian assistance mission.

With a 1000 tons of supplies for providing succour, this deployment of ships underscores the strong people to people ties between India and Sri Lanka and Indian Navy's commitment to providing timely humanitarian assistance to our IOR neighbours.

****

VM/SKS 270/25

(Release ID: 2200316)

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Tehran-Baku disagreements must be resolved through dialogue: FM Araghchi

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 8, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says that Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan have many commonalities and mutual interests, though some disagreements and misunderstandings exist that must be resolved through dialogue.

Araghchi, who is in Baku for discussions with senior officials there, attended a joint press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, on Monday.

During the press conference, Araghchi referred to his meeting with Bayramov, adding, "We discussed and consulted on regional and international issues. In our meeting, we addressed the latest situation in the West Asia region, including the aggressions of the Zionist regime against countries in the region, such as the 12-day war against Iran."

He further noted that both sides agreed to continue their dialogue and consultations. "While we have many commonalities and interests in mutual cooperation, there are also disagreements and misunderstandings that must be resolved through dialogue."

Elsewhere in his remarks, the top Iranian diplomat said that the two countries are completely serious about the security of the region and believe in cooperation to ensure regional security, adding, "The '3+3' mechanism has been established for this purpose, and both sides attach importance to it."

Araghchi said, "The key point is that the security of the region must be ensured by the countries of the region themselves. Any foreign interference, from any side, will be detrimental to this security. We agree on this, and based on this understanding, we will continue our cooperation."

Also, he added, "The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to expand its relations with Azerbaijan in all areas and is determined to steer Iran-Azerbaijan relations towards further development and expansion."

"I am confident that Iran-Azerbaijan relations will continue to grow each day, and we must not allow any external party to disrupt this relationship or steer it in an undesirable direction," Araghchi emphasized.

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50 Iranian nationals freed from US detention head home

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 8, 2025

New York, IRNA -- Abulfazl Mehrabadi, caretaker head of Iran's Interests Section in Washington, DC, has announced that 50 Iranian nationals freed from US detention have already departed the country on their way to Iran.

Mehrabadi made the remarks in an interview with IRNA on Sunday at Mesa Airport in Arizona, where he saw off the nationals as they boarded a plane bound for Kuwait.

According to the diplomat, the Iranian citizens were released on Saturday night local time from the Florence Correctional Center in Arizona. From Kuwait, they will continue on to Iran, he said.

Mehrabadi noted that the Interests Section has been following up on the cases of Iranian detainees in the US over the past nine months. As part of these efforts, he visited Iranian inmates at 13 to 14 detention centers across the country.

He explained that the Iranian inmates fall into two groups. A large number had been jailed for illegally entering the US from neighboring countries such as Mexico and Colombia. Another group includes Iranians who had been living legally in the USsome married to American spouses or holding US citizenshipbut were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after committing a crime, he said.

"During meetings with these individuals, most expressed willingness to return to Iran," Mehrabadi added, noting that they were assured they would be welcomed back, even though some had previously requested asylum in the US.

"Based on consular laws and regulations, and as my colleagues in the Foreign Ministry have stated, seeking or receiving asylum is not considered a crime under Iranian civil law," he said.

Mehrabadi also noted that the number of Iranians illegally residing in the US is very low compared with nationals of other countries, adding that Iranians are not the only group affected by US immigration policies, which have been tightened under Donald Trump.

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Foreign minister says Iran is determined to continue its peaceful nuclear program

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 8, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran's nuclear sites were "destroyed and heavily damaged" during the 12-day US-Israeli war of aggression in June, yet the Islamic Republic remains determined to continue its peaceful nuclear program.

Araghchi made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Japan's Kyodo News, conducted in Tehran on Saturday.

He said Iran's nuclear sites were "bombarded, destroyed and heavily damaged" during airstrikes by the US and Israel, calling the attacks a clear and major violation of international law  "perhaps the biggest violation of international law"  because the facilities were safeguarded and under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The foreign minister, however, stressed that Iran, as a member of the International Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), is determined to continue its peaceful nuclear energy program, arguing that the facilities  not Iran's nuclear technology  were destroyed in the attacks.

"We are a committed member of NPT and we have every right to enjoy the peaceful use of nuclear technology like Japan. Japan is also a committed member of NPT and it is enjoying its right to peaceful use of nuclear technology," said Araghchi.

The diplomat also raised concerns about the safety of the bombed Iranian nuclear sites, noting that Iran wants Japan to share its experience with past atomic disasters and help secure the facilities.

"There is the risk of, you know, radiation and unexploded munitions in the facilities. As you know, the threats are still going on... I have no doubt that you have good knowledge on how to improve the safety of nuclear facilities," he said.

On the resumption of nuclear negotiations with the US, the foreign minister said that it depends on the approach Washington takes.

"It depends on the US. If they change their approach and are prepared for a fair and balanced outcome of a mutually beneficial negotiation, we are prepared too. It's a fact that we don't have any good experience negotiating with the US," Araghchi said, citing Washington's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, which had been negotiated between Iran and world powers.

Iran was in the middle of talks with the US to reach a nuclear agreement when Israel launched its war in June this year. Iran says the United States is responsible for the conflict and betrayed diplomacy by allowing it to happen. Iran also rejects the US condition of zero uranium enrichment and says Washington must recognize Tehran's right to peacefully use nuclear technology.

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Defense Minister: Reality of Iran's progress is different from the Westerners' depiction

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 8, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Defense Minister Brigadier Aziz Nasirzadeh addressing the students of Malek Ashtar University of Technology said that the reality of Iran's progress is different from the depictions of Westerners.

Reviewing the developments after World War II and the process of forming the power of the United States, General Nasirzadeh said thay the United States, by abusing global conditions and geographical location and influencing international institutions, created a totalitarian structure and later, by expanding its naval power, declared that it must be present in all oceans.

Referring to contemporary examples of the US interventions, the Defense Minister said that from regional countries to Ukraine, wherever America has intervened, the result has been pressure, war, and deception of public opinion.

He pointed out that in the region, the Zionist regime is a tool for implementing the US policies; a base that America has created to achieve its totalitarian goals in the region.

In another part of his speech, the Minister of Defense, referring to the defense power of the Islamic Republic of Iran, said that the only country that gave a tooth-crushing response to the Israeli regime was the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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Iran, Azerbaijan agree to continue consultations, pursue dialogue to settle conflicts: Araghchi

Iran Press TV

Monday, 08 December 2025 11:26 AM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran and Azerbaijan have agreed to continue consultations and exchange of visits in solving conflicts through dialogue.

Araghchi made the remark in a joint press conference with his Azeri counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku on Monday.

"We have many commonalities and shared interests in bilateral cooperation. There are also differences and misunderstandings that need to be resolved through dialogue," he said.

He added that the two countries managed to improve ties in the political field in the last year and expressed hope that Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and foreign minister would visit Tehran.

He expressed confidence that Tehran and Baku would further boost mutual relations, warning that the two sides should not allow any other party to damage or steer this relationship in an undesirable direction.

The top Iranian diplomat reiterated Tehran's support for the 3+3 mechanism, a regional cooperation format involving the three Caucasus countries of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia, and their three neighbors of Iran, Russia, and Turkey.

He said Iran "supports and welcomes" the peace process and the good path in ties between Azerbaijan and Armenia, throwing Tehran's weight behind Baku's proposal to host the next 3+3 meeting while the following one would be held in Yerevan.

"We believe that this is a good proposal which can strengthen the mechanism and make it more effective," the Iranian foreign minister emphasized.

He added that both Tehran and Baku have serious concerns about security in the region and believe that cooperation plays a key role in ensuring regional security.

"The important point is that regional security must be ensured by the countries of the region and any foreign interference from any side will undermine this security. This is something we agree upon, and on this basis, we continue our cooperation," Araghchi pointed out.

Pointing to the continuation of Israel's war in Gaza, he said Iran welcomes any move that would stop crimes and killings against Palestinians, provide aid to them, and bring an end to the occupation of the Palestinian territory.

"At the same time, we believe that no plan should undermine the fundamental right of the Palestinian people to determine their own destiny, nor should it affect or diminish their sovereignty over their future," the Iranian foreign minister emphasized.

Earlier on Monday, Araghchi met with President Aliyev, who expressed his country's readiness to use all available capacities to strengthen relations with Iran.

The talks focused on key bilateral issues, including political cooperation, neighborly relations, and mechanisms for managing ties between the two countries.

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Official: 50 Iranian nationals jailed in US heading home

Iran Press TV

Monday, 08 December 2025 9:58 AM

The director of Iran's Interests Section in Washington, Abolfazl Mehrabadi, says around 50 Iranian prisoners have left the United States for their home country following the strict immigration policies of President Donald Trump's administration.

Mehrabadi told IRNA on Sunday that the Iranians who were held in Arizona State Prison-Florence West had departed for Tehran through Mesa Airport on Saturday.

He said they were flown to Kuwait to be repatriated home.

Before their release, Mehrabadi held a cordial conversation with the Iranian nationals at Florence prison.

It was initially planned that 54 Iranians would return on this flight, but due to some incomplete legal procedures, their repatriation may be delayed, IRNA reported.

American and Iranian officials announced in September that about 400 Iranians were expected to be returning from the US. The first flight, carrying 120 people, arrived in Qatar in late September before they were transferred to a Tehran-bound flight.

Every Iranian can return home at any time: Foreign Ministry

Speaking at his weekly press conference on Sunday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said American officials claim that the return of Iranians from the United States has apparently taken place on "legal grounds and due to alleged violations of immigration laws."

"However, we know that over the past year, racist actions against foreign nationals, particularly citizens of the region and especially Iranians, have intensified," he added.

"Iranian nationals have been subjected to harassment under various pretexts."

He noted that these Iranian citizens, after being subjected to pressure by US authorities, were referred to the Islamic Republic's Interests Section in Washington and expressed their desire to return to their homeland.

"Naturally, any Iranian in every part of the world is free to return to Iran whenever they wish. Our Interests Section provided the necessary facilitation, and in the coming days, around 50 to 55 Iranian nationals will return to Iran," Baghaei emphasized.

It is evident that the US exerts political pressures on Iranians and pursues anti-immigration policies in contradiction with human rights principles, he added.

Meanwhile, Mojtaba Shasti Karimi, director of consular services for Iran's Foreign Ministry, also confirmed on Sunday that Iran was expecting to receive about 55 deportees from the United States in the coming days.

Shasti Karimi said that those in the group had expressed their willingness to return home due to the US government's "racist and anti-immigration policies."

He noted that Tehran had received reports of "inhumane" treatment of Iranians held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.

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US denial of Iran's uranium enrichment rights remains main sticking point: Araghchi

Iran Press TV

Monday, 08 December 2025 9:38 AM

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the central point of disagreement with the US is Washington's refusal to acknowledge Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology, emphasizing that Tehran remains fully committed to its nuclear program despite the US-Israeli attacks against its facilities.

In an interview with Japan's Kyodo News Agency on Saturday, Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran's commitment to uranium enrichment, asserting its right to pursue peaceful nuclear technology.

"The main point is that the United States should recognize Iran's right to peaceful use of nuclear technology, including uranium enrichment. This has always been our right and remains so under international law," he said.

He added that as a committed member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran, like Japan, is entitled to peaceful nuclear use.

US President Donald Trump is demanding that Iran fully stop uranium enrichment, a condition that Tehran has refused to accept.

Regarding the possibility of resuming negotiations with the US, the Iranian diplomat said it depends entirely on Washington.

"If they change their approach and are prepared for a fair and mutually beneficial negotiation, we are prepared as well. But negotiation is different from dictation. For the time being, we are not convinced they are ready for a real, serious negotiation," he said.

He added that Iran does not have a good experience negotiating with the United States, citing the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and recent 2025 negotiations, during which Israel, with US support, launched a military aggression against Iran in June.

According to Araghchi, these events show that "the US is currently not prepared for serious, reciprocal negotiations."

He reiterated that once the US accepts this logictrust-building regarding Iran's peaceful nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctionsnegotiations can resume.

Araghchi condemned the bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities during the 12-day war, calling it "perhaps the biggest violation of international law."

On June 13, Israel launched an unprovoked war against Iran, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.

More than a week later, the United States also entered the war by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites in a grave violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the NPT.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites across the occupied territories as well as the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest American military base in West Asia.

The Iranian foreign minister emphasized that Iran's facilities were bombed without justification, and no reports indicate any non-peaceful intent, as recently confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA ) Director General Rafael Grossi.

While Iran maintains close contact with the IAEA, Araghchi stressed that inspections cannot resume until security and safety risks are addressed.

He added that if the US and others want Iran to return to diplomacy and cooperation with the agency, they must first earn Iran's trust and provide guarantees that attacks will not occur during negotiations or IAEA oversight.

In relation to Japan, Araghchi stated that Iran has no bilateral problems with Japan and that any issues stem from outside their direct relations.

He emphasized that while Japan is an ally of the United States, it is also a friend of Iran, and their historically friendly relations provide opportunities for greater cooperation than with many Western countries.

"I have no doubt that Japan has good knowledge on how to improve the safety of nuclear facilities, and that knowledge can be shared with Iran," he said, citing extensive work on environmental, medical, and technical safety measures in the aftermath of nuclear crises.

Japan experienced the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in 2011.

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Aliyev expresses Azerbaijan's commitment to promotion of ties with Iran

Iran Press TV

Monday, 08 December 2025 9:05 AM

Azerbaijan's president has expressed his country's readiness to use all available capacities to strengthen relations with Iran.

President Ilham Aliyev made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Baku on Monday.

The talks focused on key bilateral issues, including political cooperation, neighborly relations, and mechanisms for managing ties between the two countries.

Araghchi conveyed greetings from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and highlighted the Islamic Republic's determination to deepen cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.

Emphasizing the importance of continuous diplomatic engagement, the top diplomat stressed that sustained consultations help resolve misunderstandings and manage bilateral issues effectively.

Aliyev described the visit as historic and pivotal for enhancing mutual understanding, while expressing satisfaction with the steady growth of the Tehran-Baku relations.

During his visit, Araghchi also discussed Tehran's perspective on regional developments with senior Azerbaijani officials, including his Azeri counterpart.

Commenting on the pending meeting, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Saturday had highlighted the significance of the bilateral relationship, noting shared culture, religion, and historical ties. He had emphasized that diplomatic visits like the one set to be paid by Araghchi aimed to reinforce cooperation and contribute to peace and stability in the Caucasus region.

The Iranian foreign minister's visit took place around three months after the conclusion of a United States-mediated agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which triggered warnings about Washington's interventionist intentions concerning the region.

In reaction to the agreement, the Islamic Republic has welcomed regional peace, but invariably warned about the repercussions of foreign intervention, stressing that it constantly observes ongoing regional developments as a means of guarding against uncalled-for interference.

'A new, shining chapter'

Araghchi, meanwhile, reflected on the visit in writing, saying he had traveled to the Azeri capital to "carry a message of peace, friendship, and the firm resolve of the Iranian government and people to open a new and shining chapter in our bilateral relations."

He differentiated between the trip and an ordinary visit, rather calling the occasion "renewal of our commitment to strengthening of the historic kinship between our two nations."

Regional atmosphere, he added, was favorable to further expansion of "purposeful" economic cooperation in the fields of transit, energy, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

Furthering such cooperation would translate into enhanced prosperity for both the nations, the top diplomat stated.

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IRGC: Iran hit Haifa refinery twice, killed 36 in attack on Mossad facility during 12-day war

Iran Press TV

Monday, 08 December 2025 8:10 AM

Iran launched several attacks on key Israeli sites during the 12-day conflict in mid-June, including two successful missile strikes on the Haifa oil refinery and a raid directed at a Mossad installation, according to a spokesman for the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

Speaking during a ceremony on Sunday, Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini said Iran hit Israel's largest oil refinery in the Israeli-controlled city of Haifa twice and killed 36 during an attack targeting a facility of the regime's intelligence agency.

He added that Israel launched its war against Iran after a "miscalculation", assuming that the country was weakened and unable to respond to the regime's attacks on the Islamic Republic's nuclear and missile centers and the assassination of its commanders.

On June 13, Israel launched an unprovoked war against Iran, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary civilians.

More than a week later, the United States also entered the war by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites in a grave violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

On June 24, Iran, through its successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the US, managed to impose a halt to the illegal assault.

Responding to a question about Iran's not asking for help from China and Russia during the 12-day war, Naeini said, "Military interventions and engaging in wars are done based on military treaties; we did not have a military pact with China and Russia and so we did not make any requests."

He emphasized that Iran's strategy was to counter the narrative of a "weak Iran" and to do so, it was necessary to demonstrate that Iran is capable of standing up even against the entire NATO.

The IRGC spokesman said Iran did not receive military support but only political and intelligence aid from China and Russia.

He noted that Iran fired 14 missiles at the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the most important US base in the region, with six of them hitting the target. He added that the Americans, as asserted by themselves, spent 111 million dollars on tracking Iranian missiles.

Naeini once again reiterated Iran's opposition to any act of aggression against any country, saying, "We did not seek war and did not initiate it ... and if a war does occur, measures must be taken to prevent it from becoming prolonged."

"We defeated the enemy in the war, and since then, the Armed Forces have been increasing their preparedness and defensive deterrence to manage any further war if it occurs," he emphasized.

The IRGC spokesman also pointed to the enemies' war of information and said just as they claim to have air superiority, Iran also has advantages in missile attacks and in the cyber field.

"We have countered more than 400 to 500 cyberattacks and have also carried out cyber operations ourselves," he said, adding that many of them cannot be publicly disclosed.

At the beginning of the war, the Israeli regime launched multiple coordinated cyberattacks targeting Iran's banking network and state television.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites across the occupied territories, including the regime's cyber capital, Beer al-Sabe, considered to be the stronghold of the Israeli regime's cyber industry and a central hub in its global cyber warfare apparatus.

Also on Sunday, the IRGC commander-in-chief, Major General Mohammad Pakpour, said Israel and the United States thought that if Iran's command system would collapse through the assassination of senior commanders, it would inevitably lead to a breakdown in operational fields. "But it was a major miscalculation," he said.

He stressed the importance of equipping Iran's missiles with stealth technology to enhance their ability to penetrate Israel's anti-missile system.

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Israel and Bolivia to restore diplomatic ties

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Over recent weeks of intensive contacts, the two foreign ministries finalized the text of the agreement and a joint statement that is expected to be issued tomorrow.

Type: Press Releases

Topic: Foreign Policy

Secondary topic: Bilateral Relations

Publish Date: 08.12.2025

Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar and Bolivia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Fernando Aramayo will meet tomorrow (Tuesday, 9 December 2025) in Washington and are expected to sign an agreement to renew relations between Israel and Bolivia.

Bolivia's Minister of Finance and Economy, Jose Gabriel Espinoza, will also participate in the event.

The day after Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz was elected this past October, FM Sa'ar held a phone call with him, marking one of Paz's first diplomatic calls following his victory.

During the call, FM Sa'ar conveyed Israel's desire to open a new chapter and fully renew diplomatic relations. President-elect Paz stated his intention to lead Bolivia toward a reopening to the world and reestablishing ties with Israel.

In November, Eden Bar-Tal, Director-General of Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented Israel at President Paz's inauguration in Bolivia, on behalf of Minister Sa'ar.

Earlier this month, Bolivia announced the cancellation of its visa requirement for Israeli travelers.

Over recent weeks of intensive contacts, the two foreign ministries finalized the text of the agreement and a joint statement that is expected to be issued tomorrow.

The event will take place tomorrow evening in Washington.

Following the signing, the ministers will deliver statements to the media

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Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks at the Foreign Affairs Ministry Conference of Ambassadors & Legation Heads

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Type: Events and Speeches

Government: The 37th Government

Publish Date: 08.12.2025

Following is an excerpt from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks, yesterday (Sunday, 7 December 2025), at the Foreign Affairs Ministry Conference of Ambassadors & Legation Heads in Jerusalem [translated from Hebrew]:

"Israel has shown itself to be not just a very powerful country, but an exceptionally powerful country. Now we need to keep increasing our military and security power. We are making an effort, which some of you will see in the countries you work in, to increase our own power in our armaments industries. We have the spirit, but we also need the material resources: the ability to produce our own defensive systems, including defense armaments, and offensive armaments, and other very sophisticated things. We must be as independent as we possibly can. That doesn't mean we can't form alliances.

First of all, our strongest and most important alliance is with the United States - there is no alternative for that. But who says it has to be the only connection? There are other countries. Today the Chancellor of Germany was here; he wanted to discuss that. There are many other countries as well, that want to discuss that. I want to tell you, that if you run a deep analysis of the security establishments in the countries you serve in, you will see that all of them would be interested, whether they admit it or not, and some of them may not be saying it, but they're still coming. We are flooded with requests. Our guiding principle is first and foremost increasing our independent capabilities, but in many instances that can also be reinforced by partnerships with other countries.

We want to take advantage of these opportunities, but we also want to attend to the campaign which you enlisted for, and which has yet to see many innovations - the public diplomacy campaign and the struggle against the harsh propaganda that we face.

In the second stage in Gaza we're moving towards demilitarization and disarmament. Now that raises a question: Our friends in America want to try and establish a multinational task force to do the job. I told them I welcome it. There are volunteers here? Be my guest. And we know there are certain tasks that this force can perform, I don't want to go into details, but some things are beyond their abilities, and perhaps the main thing is beyond their abilities, but we will see about that. But as President Trump said, and I said the same thing as well: it can be done the easy way, or the hard way, but eventually it will be done. And we are now at that stage. You can be quite certain that I will be discussing this with President Trump at the end of the month.

The greatest opportunity that presents itself to us is also the agreements for normalization and peace. Not everything is clear at this point, or more precisely, not everything is clear in the public discourse. There are many declarations, it is always said to be impossible without this, or that, or that other thing. The same things, more or less, were said about the Abraham Accords. 'This can't move forward without the approval of the Palestinian Authority'. There is just one problem with that, let's say, for the Abraham Accords: If we had waited for the approval of the Palestinian Authority, they would have never given their approval. Never. I would be cautious with my analysis today as well: The opportunities are there because of the tectonic shift we created in the Middle East balance of power. That doesn't mean that the Axis will not attempt to reorganize, or that there won't be challenges. We do have challenges: We are active in Lebanon, active in Gaza, active against the Houthis, as necessary for each of the fronts. We no longer have a policy of containment. We identify a threat and we take action against it.

When you're talking with the public and the leaders of your countries - and this is true always, I say there's a difference: Talk about interests with the leaders, and talk about justice with the public. First of all, the justice: We are fighting the war of the civilized world, of civilization. We are fighting against barbarians. Those barbarians are not only on our southern border; we have seen them on our northern borders as well. What they've done to our allies, the Druze, is what they will do to the moderate countries in the region, and to the free countries, to the democracies. If they only could, they would do it in Europe and they will do it everywhere. And that is why our fight is not ours alone - it is that of the entire world, in terms of justice. It's a hard battle, and we need to talk about it. If you're unconvinced, you won't be convincing. But I am certain all of you are convincing. Fight out of deep conviction, people notice that. We are fighting for the side of truth.

And the most important thing, in my view, is to clarify - to ourselves, first of all - that we have here a great opportunity to ensure our existence for the coming decades. The fight never changes and never ends. One power goes down, another comes up. But what matters is what we're doing, how much do we consolidate our forces, and our nation has consolidated during crisis. That, also, was something they didn't believe would happen. We were told that we're broken up, that we're divided, and that's not what happened. What happened was the very opposite. Our strength - the strength of the people and also of the fighters, of all of us - all of that is the initial key to implementing our strength. And when we continue doing that, I believe we will be seeing some very good things here in the next few years."

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Over 80,000 Israeli soldiers received treatment for psychological disorders since Gaza war: Official

Iran Press TV

Monday, 08 December 2025 2:59 PM

An Israeli official says the number of soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions, and receiving treatment in rehabilitation centers, has risen sharply since the start of the war on Gaza more than two years ago.

Tamar Shimoni, the deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Rehabilitation Department, told Israeli Army Radio network that approximately 62,000 psychological cases were addressed by the ministry on the evening of October 7, 2023. Since then, the number has surged to around 85,000  an increase she characterized as extraordinary and without precedent.

She stated that approximately one-third of Israeli soldiers are experiencing psychological challenges associated with the events of the Gaza onslaught.

Shamoni explained that a single therapist is now responsible for managing up to 750 patients, and in certain regions, the number is even higher, making it challenging to provide timely care to everyone in need.

According to Hebrew-language media outlets, a reserve officer from the Givati Brigade took his own life on December 4 following intense psychological distress connected to his involvement in the Gaza war.

The newspaper Israel Hayom reported that the 28-year-old Israeli reserve officer committed suicide, possibly due to post-traumatic stress disorder, and later during ground offensives inside the Gaza Strip.

Israel Hayom added that he had written shortly before the incident that he "could no longer live and was experiencing destruction and loss," with no further details provided about the circumstances of his death.

By the end of last October, official Israeli reports disclosed 279 suicide attempts within the army over an 18-month span, during which 36 soldiers lost their lives to suicide.

The Israeli ministry of military affairs said in a statement on Monday that it has treated nearly 22,000 wounded soldiers since the Gaza war.

According to the ministry, some 58 percent of those treated by the rehab centers are suffering from mental health conditions.

The ministry noted that nearly 1,500 new treatment requests are submitted by wounded soldiers each month.

It further stated that the rehabilitation department currently provides care for 82,400 wounded veterans, 9% of whom are women, including those injured in previous wars.

Some 48% of all wounded veterans were injured during their mandatory military service, 26% during reserve duty, 13% during career service, and 9% are police personnel, the ministry stated.

Israel has killed at least 70,365 people, mostly women and children, and injured 171,058 in Gaza since October 2023.

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Press release on the fifth Meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission for Caspian Cooperation

8 December 2025 17:15

2041-08-12-2025

On December 8, Moscow hosted the fifth meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission for Caspian Cooperation, chaired by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Representatives of federal ministries and agencies, as well as the heads of the Caspian regions (the Astrakhan Region, the Republic of Dagestan, and the Republic of Kalmykia) took part in the session.

The Commission reviewed progress in implementing Russia's national interests in the Caspian Sea region, including preparations for the Seventh Caspian Summit and the expansion of business cooperation. Participants also approved the composition of the Commission's Public Expert Council.

In his remarks, Sergey Lavrov noted, in particular, that strengthening comprehensive cooperation with Caspian states remains a priority of Russia's foreign policy and a key component of the emerging Eurasian architecture of cooperation and security. He reiterated Russia's adherence to the principles of the 2018 Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, particularly the provision that all issues concerning the Caspian must be resolved exclusively by the five littoral states.

The participants praised a series of major events held with the involvement of Caspian countries, including the 10th Caspian Media Forum and the Caspian Seasons festival (August, Astrakhan), the Caspian Digital Forum (October, Kaspiysk), and the BeregA Youth Educational Forum (September, Astrakhan Region). The results of the first Caspian Coastal Governors Forum, held on November 18-19 at Iran's initiative, were also highly commended.

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New US National Security Strategy Appealing to Russia, Focuses on Dialogue - Kremlin

Sputnik News

20251208

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The nuances of the new US National Security Strategy are appealing to Russia, as the document focuses on dialogue, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

"This is the nuance that we see in the new concept, and it certainly appeals to us. It speaks about the need for dialogue and building constructive good relations. This cannot fail to impress, and it absolutely corresponds to our vision," Peskov said.

With the elimination of mutual irritants the prospects for restoration of relations between Russia and the United States may open up, Peskov added.

Different US administrations have different positions, there are always concerns that the next administration will change its foreign policy course, Peskov said.

Extensive work has already been done during the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said on Monday.

"You know that extensive work was done in Moscow at Putin's meeting with Witkoff and with [US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared] Kushner. And then Witkoff and Kushner have already worked on the basis of the results that were achieved in Moscow, they have already worked with a delegation of Ukrainian negotiators," Peskov told reporters.

Putin received Witkoff and Kushner in the Kremlin on December 2, for almost a 5-hour negotiation. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said the meeting helped Moscow and Washington "make a step toward better understanding one another's positions."

It is important for Moscow to understand the results of the work of the United States and Ukraine after the Russian-US consultations in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said.

"You know that extensive work was done in Moscow at [Russian President Vladimir Putin's] meeting with [US special envoy Steve] Witkoff and with [US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared] Kushner. And then Witkoff and Kushner have already worked on the basis of the results that were achieved in Moscow, they have already worked with a delegation of Ukrainian negotiators led by [Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem] Umerov. Now it is important for us to understand the results of this work," Peskov told reporters.

India, being a sovereign state, purchases energy resources where it is beneficial for the country, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said on Monday.

"India, being and remaining a sovereign state, conducts foreign trade operations and purchases energy resources where it is beneficial for India," Peskov told reporters, when asked whether agreements regarding Russian oil supplies to India had been reached during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi.

Other statements:

The Kremlin expects to receive information on the results of the consultations between the United States and Ukraine on the settlement

The Kremlin is unaware of possible differences of opinion in Kiev regarding the settlement of the conflict

The work on the Ukrainian settlement cannot be conducted absolutely publicly

Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to India was quite successful

 Sputnik

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Global Affairs Canada's statement on first anniversary of fall of Assad Regime

Global Affairs Canada

Statement

December 8, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada issued the following statement:

"Today marks one year since the fall of the Assad regime. As Syrians gather to celebrate their liberation from decades of oppression, they continue the long path toward reconciliation and economic and political stability.

"Canada recognizes the progress that has been achieved in the past year, but challenges persist, including ongoing sectarian violence that has impacted Druze and Alawite communities, among others. These injustices must be acknowledged, addressed and fully investigated.

"Canada is committed to advocating for the protection of human rights, including for all ethnic and religious minorities. We call for an end to violence, full respect for Syria's sovereignty and human dignity, and constructive dialogue that paves the way to lasting peace during this period of transition.

"Canada stands steadfast with the people in Syria as they work toward a better futureguided by resilience, courage and hopewhere everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity or background, can live in safety and dignity."

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Joint statement by High Representative Kallas and Commissioners Suica and Lahbib on the first anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime

European External Action Service (EEAS)

08.12.2025

EEAS Press Team

One year ago, the fall of the Assad regime marked the end of decades of a brutal dictatorship, responsible for the death, disappearance and displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and for the destruction of large parts of the country, with disastrous consequences on the overall fabric of the Syrian society. Its fall gave the Syrian people a historical opportunity to engage in a political, economic, and social transition.

In this new context, the EU has stood with Syria and its people through every stage of their challenging transition. In February, it suspended key economic sanctions, and in May, it fully lifted economic sanctions to support Syria's recovery. In March, the EU hosted the Brussels IX Conference on Syria, where it cemented its role as the leading donor and, together with Member States, pledged 3.4 billion to address the huge humanitarian and socio-economic needs of Syria and the region. In November, the EU organised jointly with the Syrian civil society and the Syrian transitional authorities, the first ever 'Day of Dialogue' in Syria, gathering more than 300 representatives to discuss how to better support the ongoing transition.

The EU welcomes the commitments of the transitional authorities towards a peaceful and inclusive transition, as well as the progress made since December 2024, such as the signing of the Constitutional Declaration, and the establishment of new institutions, including the two new commissions on transitional justice and the missing. The ongoing cooperation with international partners, including the United Nations, will allow the international community to provide its support to the ongoing transition, so that the commitments and key principles enshrined in the Constitutional Declaration are fully implemented and translated into action. Principled humanitarian access and protection remain essential to address the continued humanitarian needs of more than 16.5 million Syrians across the country.

At the same time, the EU is deeply concerned by the waves of violence that have unfolded since March in various parts of the country. There can be no peace and stability in Syria without a process of national dialogue, reconciliation, and transitional justice, reinforced by the consolidation of state institutions and genuine security sector reforms with the objective to guarantee that all Syrians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds without discrimination are protected and represented by the authorities, and involved in the formation of a united, inclusive and democratic Syria. The EU will continue to support these efforts.

The EU also condemns any foreign military actions and attempts to undermine Syria's stability and prospects for a peaceful transition. We reiterate our call to respect Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity and avoid any actions that would undermine the respect for the UN Security Council resolution 497 (1981).

After years of conflict and division, Syria faces immense challenges, but also tremendous opportunities, that can lead the country towards the brighter future its people envision and deserve. Over the past 14 years, the EU and its Member States have mobilised over 38 billion in humanitarian, development, economic and stabilisation assistance, supporting Syrians both inside the country and across the region. The EU will continue to support Syrians' aspirations for a stable, prosperous and democratic country. It looks forward to working in a spirit of partnership to address the shared challenges facing Syria, the region and Europe.

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Norway contributes USD 5 million to support locally led humanitarian efforts in Syria

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 08/12/2025

One year after the fall of the Assad regime, millions of Syrians still face critical humanitarian needs. Norway is committing NOK 55 million (approx. USD 5.4 million) over the next three years to the Aid Fund for Syria, strengthening the work of local organisations on the ground.

According to the United Nations, 1.3 million Syrians have returned since the fall of the Assad regime. Yet, more than half of the population still depends on humanitarian assistance. An entire generation of Syrian children has missed out on adequate education, and most people lack reliable access to electricity and clean water.

Norway is supporting the reconstruction of Syria's electricity and health sectors while providing substantial humanitarian aid.

'Local humanitarian actors know the conditions best. That is why I am pleased that Syria is now part of a pilot project exploring how Norwegian humanitarian assistance can strengthen locally led response, reconstruction, and development,' said Norway's Minister of International Development, Asmund Aukrust.

Locally Led Reconstruction

The Aid Fund for Syria (AFS) will receive NOK 55 million over three years. AFS prioritises national and local organisations, with two-thirds of its governing board made up of local actors. This support aligns with the Government's Strategy for Norwegian Humanitarian Policy, which emphasises locally led humanitarian response.

AFS combines life-saving humanitarian assistance with early reconstruction efforts, focusing on areas heavily affected by conflict and in need of rebuilding.

In 2025 alone, Norway has provided more than NOK 500 million (approx. USD 50 million) in humanitarian assistance and reconstruction in Syria. Key priorities include strengthening energy and health services, as well as mine clearance.

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One Year After Assad's Fall: Iran's Strategic Collapse In Syria

By Iliya Jazaeri and Kian Sharifi December 08, 2025

Summary

The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 dealt a major blow to Iran, depriving it of a key Mediterranean base and supply route to Hezbollah.

Iran spent up to $50 billion supporting Assad and deployed fighters, but experts say it has little chance of regaining influence in Syria.

Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has left the door open to future ties with Iran, but only if Tehran stops interfering and fueling sectarian tensions.

The collapse of longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last year was felt across the Middle East -- nowhere more than in Iran, his closest ally.

Assad's fall was a major blow to Iran, which had used Syria to expand its regional influence and funnel weapons to armed groups fighting Israel, Tehran's archrival.

One year on from Assad's overthrow on December 8, 2024, Iran is still grappling with the consequences of its strategic defeat in Syria. The Islamic republic has attempted to rebuild its influence in Syria, but experts say there is likely no way back for Iran.

With Assad's collapse, Iran lost its only "advanced base" in the Mediterranean Sea and saw the billions it spent on propping up Damascus go up in smoke, said Rami Abdulrahman, director of the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"In other words, Iran, after expanding its reach in the region, has returned to its natural borders," Abdulrahman told RFE/RL's Radio Farda.

After Syria's civil war broke out, Iran spent an estimated $30 billion to $50 billion supporting the Assad government from 2011 to 2020.

Tehran also trained, armed, and deployed tens of thousands of Shi'ite fighters from across the region to defend Assad. Tehran also sent hundreds of its own military personnel to Syria.

Those commitments underlined Syria's importance to Iran. Under Assad, Syria was a cornerstone of Tehran's "axis of resistance," its loose network of proxies and partners in the region.

Syria was the only other state that was a member of the alliance, which also includes Lebanon's Hezbollah, Tehran's most important and potent proxy. Syria served as the primary supply route to Hezbollah -- a corridor that closed with Assad's departure.

No Easy Path To Reconciliation

Soon after Assad's fall, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Syrians to "rise up" against the new authorities in comments that were widely seen as an attempt to interfere in Syria.

In March, when sectarian violence flared in western Syria, some accused Tehran of stoking unrest, noting that several Shi'ite militia leaders involved in the clashes had been trained by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

The incident, experts said, underscored Tehran's attempts to use sectarian violence and alleged atrocities committed by forces loyal to Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to regain its foothold in the country.

Experts say Iran is likely to cultivate local militias and proxy commanders rather than overtly deploying its forces.

"Documented reports about the Islamic republic's actions have not been published, but various media have published reports about Tehran's efforts to rebuild forces loyal to it in Syria," said Ata Mohamed-Tabriz, a Spain-based Middle East expert.

"We also see that the Islamic republic is trying to cooperate with forces opposed to [Sharaa] or trying to amplify their voices."

There have also been reports suggesting that Iran is looking to Russia, which has managed to cultivate ties with Sharaa, to help it establish relations with the new government.

But Abdulrahman believes there is no way back for Iran.

"There is no possibility, neither in terms of government nor in terms of popular base, even among Alawites, for accepting Iran's presence again in Syria. Among Alawites too, Iran is one of the countries most criticized," he said.

Alawites are the sect of Shi'ite Islam to which Assad and many of his supporters belong. Shi'ite-majority Iran has portrayed itself as a protector of the sect.

Still, Syria's interim president has not entirely shut the door on Tehran, even as Iran is among only two states whose citizens are currently barred from entering the country.

Speaking about ties with Iran, Sharaa told Syrian state television in a recent interview that Tehran left "a deep wound" on Syrians, in reference to Tehran's support for Assad during the civil war.

"But we do not say that the severance of relations between us and Iran will be permanent. If we reach a stage where Syria is respected, there is no interference in its internal affairs, and sectarian tensions are not fueled, relations will be established," he said.

These dynamics now define the parameters of Syria's emerging foreign policy. Since moving away from Iran, Damascus has seen many international sanctions lifted, including by the United States and Europe, opening doors to foreign investment in the war-ravaged country.

Syria's new government is determined to protect these gains, and restoring ties with Tehran would require fundamental shifts in Iranian foreign policy -- changes that appear unlikely under the current leadership in Tehran, experts said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-syria-anniversary-assad- fall-sharaa-hts/33616352.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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Risch, Shaheen Statement on Anniversary of the Fall of the Assad Regime

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

December 08, 2025

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the statement below on the first anniversary of the fall of the brutal regime of Bashar Al-Assad.

"Today marks one year since the Syrian people ousted the Assad regime from power, ending over 50 years of brutal authoritarianism. The strength and resiliency of Syrians in the face of Assad's repressionassisted by U.S. sanctions, Russia's reduced ability to support Assad, and Israel's shared opposition to Iranian proxiescreated the conditions for the regime's collapse and a better future for the Syrian people. This remarkable feat reminds us of the triumph of freedom over tyranny and gives hope for broader peace in the Middle East.

"With great opportunities came great risks, but the interim Syrian government has demonstrated a serious commitment to our shared counterterrorism needs and engaged directly with Israeli counterparts for the first time in decades, providing a prospect for peace that was unthinkable just a year ago. Syria still faces a long road ahead, and we will be watching closely to ensure Syria's leaders do not return to the ways of the past through arbitrary detentions, uncontrollable violence, and the targeting of ethnic and religious communities.

"We continue to encourage the Syrian government to free Syria of Russian and Iranian influence, destroy stockpiles of illicit drugs and chemical weapons, and work to find missing Americans, including Austin Tice. We applaud the repeal of Assad-era Caesar Act sanctions included in the annual defense bill and look forward to its swift passage. On this hopeful anniversary, we remain committed to a stable, representative, and prosperous Syria for all."

###



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U.S. Congress revises bill allocating Taiwan security funding

ROC Central News Agency

12/08/2025 12:27 PM

Washington, Dec. 7 (CNA) The U.S. Congress has released a new draft of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes up to US$1 billion in funds for Taiwan-related security cooperation in 2026.

The version published Sunday by U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson removes earlier language that would have invited Taiwan to participate in the U.S.-led Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC).

According to a press release on Johnson's webpage, the NDAA "enhances U.S. defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific to bolster Taiwan's defense and support Indo-Pacific allies."

The bill would require the U.S. defense secretary to "enable fielding of uncrewed and anti-uncrewed systems capabilities" with Taiwan by March 1, 2026.

The systems must comply with the Taiwan Relations Act and be usable by both U.S. and Taiwanese forces, it says.

Up to US$1 billion in the fiscal 2026 budget may be allocated to support security cooperation initiatives with Taiwan and expand its medical equipment, supply capacity, and "combat casualty-care capabilities," according to the bill.

The compromise version was produced after the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives reconciled their separate versions into a unified bill.

The draft bill requires annual reports to Congress through 2029 on reciprocal procurement memoranda and authorizes planning for joint maritime operations and leadership training between the U.S. Coast Guard and Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration.

Projected 2026-2030 costs include deployments of U.S. Coast Guard operational training teams to Taiwan to strengthen maritime security, law-enforcement capacity and deterrence.

The U.S. secretary of defense's office would be required to submit a Taiwan security assistance roadmap and a study assessing rapid mobilization, deployment and sustainment abilities in potential conflicts in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea and other Indo-Pacific hotspots, according to the bill.

It would also evaluate joint and allied operational capacity, with particular focus on coordination with Japan, Australia, the Philippines and Taiwan.

Final funding levels would depend on future appropriations legislation.

"This legislation includes important House-passed provisions to ensure our military forces remain the most lethal in the world and can deter any adversary," Johnson's press release on Sunday said.

"President Trump has made clear the past few decades of investments propping up Communist China's aggression must come to an end, and this bill includes important guardrails to protect America's long-term investments, economic interests, and sensitive data," the statement said.

(By Chung Yu-chen and James Thompson)

Enditem/pc

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US should handle Taiwan question with utmost caution, stop supporting separatist forces: Chinese FM responds US NSS' claim regarding Taiwan

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 08, 2025 04:27 PM

The Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests and is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations, Chines Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing on Monday, in response to media inquiry over the latest US National Security Strategy (NSS), which claims that the US does not support any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Straits.

Taiwan is China's Taiwan, and an inalienable part of China's territory, and how to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people themselves and brooks no external interference, Guo stressed, urging the US to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, honor the commitments made by US leaders, handle the Taiwan question with utmost caution, stop condoning and supporting "Taiwan independence" separatist forces in seeking "independence" by force or resisting reunification by force.

China's resolve and will to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity are rock-firm and unwavering, the spokesperson stressed.

China has always believed that China and the US stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation, Guo said, noting that mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation are the correct way for China and the US to get along; they are also the only realistic and correct choice.

China is willing to work with the US to promote the stable development of China-US relations while firmly safeguarding its own sovereignty, security, and development interests.

"We hope the US side will work with China in the same direction, effectively implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen dialogue and cooperation, properly manage differences, and promote the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations, thereby injecting more certainty and stability into the world," Guo said.

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau

2025.12.08

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date:

6 a.m. Dec. 7 (Sun.) to 6 a.m. Dec. 8 (Mon.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities:

4 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 out of 4 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1141208_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window]

1141208_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

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Taiwan's status 'locked in by seven layers of confirmation'; pursuit or support of independence violates constitution and international law: Chinese FM

Global Times

By Xinhua-Global Times Published: Dec 09, 2025 07:59 AM

Attempts to pursue "Taiwan independence" mean splitting China's territory, and supporting "Taiwan independence" amounts to interference in China's internal affairs, which violates both China's constitution and international law, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday, stressing that Taiwan's status has been "secured under seven layers of confirmation."

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when holding talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, during which Wang elaborated on both the historical realities and legal foundations regarding the Taiwan question.

Taiwan has been part of China since ancient times, Wang stressed.

The Cairo Declaration issued in 1943 stated clearly that all the territories Japan had stolen from China, such as Taiwan, should be restored to China.

Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation jointly issued by China, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union in 1945 stipulated that the terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out.

On Aug. 15, 1945, Japan surrendered unconditionally, with the Japanese Emperor committing to faithfully fulfill the provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation. On Oct. 25, 1945, the Chinese government announced that it was resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan, and the ceremony to accept Japan's surrender in Taiwan Province of the China war theater of the Allied powers was held in Taipei.

In 1949, the People's Republic of China (PRC) became the successor to the Republic of China, and the Central People's Government became the only legitimate government of the whole of China. As a natural result, the government of the PRC should enjoy and exercise sovereignty over all its territory, including Taiwan.

At its 26th session in Oct. 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which undertook to restore all its rights to the PRC, and to expel forthwith the "representatives" of the Taiwan authorities from the place at the UN. The UN's official legal opinion confirms that Taiwan is a province of China.

The 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement states that "The Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. The Government of the People's Republic of China reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China. The Government of Japan fully understands and respects this stand of the Government of the People's Republic of China, and it firmly maintains its stand under Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation."

The 1978 Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan confirms that the principles set forth in the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement should be strictly observed.

The status of Taiwan as China's territory has been unequivocally and irreversibly affirmed by a series of ironclad historical and legal facts, said Wang, stressing that Taiwan's status has been "secured under seven layers of confirmation."

Japan's current leader recently made reckless remarks on hypothetical situations on Taiwan, noted Wang. He also pointed out that this severely violates China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, blatantly contravenes the commitments Japan has made to China, directly challenges the outcomes of the victory in World War II and the post-war international order, and poses serious risks to peace in Asia and the world at large.

Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Wang stated that Japan, as a defeated nation, should have undertaken profound reflection and acted with greater caution.

"Yet now, its current leader is trying to exploit the Taiwan question -- the very territory Japan colonized for half a century, committing countless crimes against the Chinese people -- to provoke trouble and threaten China militarily. This is completely unacceptable," he said.

The Chinese people, together with all peace-loving people around the world, bear the responsibility to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and have the obligation to prevent Japan from re-militarization and attempting to revive its militarist ambitions, Wang emphasized.

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Supporting "Taiwan independence" violates China's constitution, international law: Chinese FM

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:06, December 09, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Attempts to pursue "Taiwan independence" mean splitting China's territory, and supporting "Taiwan independence" amounts to interference in China's internal affairs, which violates both China's constitution and international law, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when holding talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, during which Wang elaborated on both the historical realities and legal foundations regarding the Taiwan question.

Taiwan has been part of China since ancient times, Wang stressed.

The Cairo Declaration issued in 1943 stated clearly that all the territories Japan had stolen from China, such as Taiwan, should be restored to China.

Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation jointly issued by China, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union in 1945 stipulated that the terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out.

On Aug. 15, 1945, Japan surrendered unconditionally, with the Japanese Emperor committing to faithfully fulfill the provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation. On Oct. 25, 1945, the Chinese government announced that it was resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan, and the ceremony to accept Japan's surrender in Taiwan Province of the China war theater of the Allied powers was held in Taipei.

In 1949, the People's Republic of China (PRC) became the successor to the Republic of China, and the Central People's Government became the only legitimate government of the whole of China. As a natural result, the government of the PRC should enjoy and exercise sovereignty over all its territory, including Taiwan.

At its 26th session in Oct. 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which undertook to restore all its rights to the PRC, and to expel forthwith the "representatives" of the Taiwan authorities from the place at the UN. The UN's official legal opinion confirms that Taiwan is a province of China.

The 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement states that "The Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. The Government of the People's Republic of China reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China. The Government of Japan fully understands and respects this stand of the Government of the People's Republic of China, and it firmly maintains its stand under Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation."

The 1978 Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan confirms that the principles set forth in the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement should be strictly observed.

The status of Taiwan as China's territory has been unequivocally and irreversibly affirmed by a series of ironclad historical and legal facts, said Wang.

Japan's current leader recently made reckless remarks on hypothetical situations on Taiwan, noted Wang. He also pointed out that this severely violates China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, blatantly contravenes the commitments Japan has made to China, directly challenges the outcomes of the victory in World War II and the post-war international order, and poses serious risks to peace in Asia and the world at large.

Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Wang stated that Japan, as a defeated nation, should have undertaken profound reflection and acted with greater caution.

"Yet now, its current leader is trying to exploit the Taiwan question -- the very territory Japan colonized for half a century, committing countless crimes against the Chinese people -- to provoke trouble and threaten China militarily. This is completely unacceptable," he said.

The Chinese people, together with all peace-loving people around the world, bear the responsibility to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and have the obligation to prevent Japan from re-militarization and attempting to revive its militarist ambitions, Wang emphasized.

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Young artisan preserves 300-year-old wood carving craft in N China's Hebei

People's Daily Online) 10:49, December 09, 2025

Hundreds of lifelike wood carvings greet visitors at the wood carving museum of Xu Hongyang, a representative inheritor of Jingxing wood carving, in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province.

Jingxing wood carving is a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage in Hebei. The craft emphasizes layered three-dimensional effects and boasts a history of over 300 years.

Xu Hongyang, a representative inheritor of Jingxing wood carving, works on a wood carving work. (Photo/Gu Man)

Xu, born in the 1990s, has been honored with titles including "national model worker" and "national exemplary individual in the protection of intangible cultural heritage."

According to Xu, Jingxing wood carving primarily employs traditional relief carving techniques, while also incorporating sculpture in the round, openwork carving, and other methods.

"When carving figures or flowers and birds, we often use shallow relief," Xu said. Shallow relief involves carving just 2 to 5 millimeters below the wood's surface.

Pointing to a crane-themed carving, Xu said it marked his first attempt at carving the tip of a crane's tongue to a thickness of just 2 millimeters.

He said that achieving this effect requires precise control  the depth of each cut, the force applied  everything must be exact. The slightest error could cause breakage and ruin the entire piece, he added.

Xu began learning to paint at the age of 7 and studied wood carving at 13 under his father's guidance. To hone his skills, he once spent six consecutive months working more than 14 hours a day in his workshop.

Today, he has transformed his museum into a hub for Jingxing wood carving, encompassing creation, research, production and sales.

"We've combined traditional wood carving with modern technology to develop over 200 cultural and creative products, including Zhaozhou Bridge-shaped lamps, Chinese zodiac figurines and wooden combs," Xu said.

"From my father's generation, I learned not just a craft but also a spirit of dedication and the pursuit of excellence," he added.

Now, through apprenticeships, educational tours, and efforts to bring intangible cultural heritage into schools, a growing number of people are learning the art of wood carving.

"I believe the story of Jingxing wood carving will continue, and the craftsmanship will be passed down," Xu said.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Secretary Rubio's Meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Cooper

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

December 8, 2025

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. The Secretary and the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing cooperation to achieve a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine. The Secretary and Foreign Secretary also underscored their shared focus on advancing security, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East. In addition, they reaffirmed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law.

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The United Kingdom remains steadfast in our support for the OSCE: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Speech

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Charge d'Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki CMG

Published 8 December 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 8 December 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The UK remains a strong supporter of OSCE cooperation with the UN.

This year marked 50 years since the signing of the Helsinki Final Act. It enshrined a set of principles on how states should treat each other and their citizens. The anniversary event in Helsinki should have celebrated decades of peace and stability these principles helped secure.

Instead, it took place amid the biggest war in Europe since the 1940s: Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. As we said at the OSCE Ministerial Council last week, Russia has trampled on the Helsinki Final Act and violated every OSCE commitment.

Through the OSCE and other multilateral fora, we must maintain relentless scrutiny of Russia's unjustifiable war and hold it accountable.

Thanks to the efforts of President Trump's and Ukraine's constructive engagement, there has been progress towards ending this war. But the journey will be difficult as long as President Putin shows no sign of negotiating in good faith.

The UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine's pursuit of a just and lasting peace, which safeguards its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

Should it be called upon, the OSCE has the tools and experience to help Ukraine recover and rebuild from monitoring ceasefires to decommissioning weapons and supporting veterans' reintegration.

Meanwhile, Russia seeks to weaken Western resolve - a misguided endeavour. Russian proxies have conducted malicious acts of sabotage across Europe, while an industrial scale of information manipulation is designed to destabilise societies.

Bilaterally, we are taking robust action to counter these threats. Last Thursday, the UK Government sanctioned the GRU in its entirety and individuals behind state sponsored hostile acts across Europe, including on UK soil. This was in response to the publication of the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry in the UK. That report confirmed that Russia's reckless use of a military grade nerve agent on UK soil in 2018 led to the tragic death of a British citizen.

These threats are wide-ranging, so for our response to be effective, it must be collective, which makes multilateral organisations like the OSCE vital.

The OSCE's principles of cooperation should also help us tackle another growing issue: irregular migration and the illicit finance that fuels it, a top UK priority. The OSCE could do more to support States strengthen border security.

The principles agreed in Helsinki - alongside the UN Charter - continue to be the foundation of true security in Europe. The United Kingdom remains steadfast in our support for the OSCE.

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First Sea Lord's speech to the International Sea Power Conference

Speech

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE ADC RM, First Sea Lord, gave a speech at the Sea Power Conference.

From: Ministry of Defence and General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE ADC RM

Published 8 December 2025

Location: International Sea Power Conference

Delivered on: 8 December 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Minister. This is not a normal conference. This is not about glad handing and canapes. For those that know me, it's not my style.

This is a conference about commitment to action. This is a conference about stepping up because we have to. I'm only going to talk for about 20 minutes this morning, and I'm only going to cover three topics.

I'm going to discuss what has not changed in our environment, the constants that those of us engaged in maritime power live by every day. I'm going to talk about what has changed, and then I'm going to discuss how we're going to respond, and what we, in particular, the Royal Navy, are doing about it.

So what are the constants?

Well, one is the power of the sea and the oceans. It's not lost on anyone here, but all our societies, the whole globe, depends on the free flow of trade that takes place across our oceans.

We've all witnessed how vulnerable that trade is to the disruption of one relatively minor actor in the Red Sea and most of us in this room, most of our careers, have been involved protecting that flow of trade.

And this is no more true than it is for us as an island nation. Virtually all our trade, virtually all our data and virtually all our energy flows either above, on, or under the sea. It is literally our lifeline for both us as an island nation, but also for NATO.

Geography is another constant. If you look at a chart that gazes down from the North Pole into the Atlantic, you will see just how important the Norwegian coast is in protecting our Atlantic. You will see that the UK offers a key position at the cornerstone of access to the Atlantic.

Geography is a constant for us, and our role as the Royal Navy is to exploit that position in order to protect ourselves and protect our allies. You look at that chart behind me, you'll see what I mean. The gap between us and the Atlantic is small. The importance of the Norwegian coast is obvious.

Another constant is our alliances, the power of combination. It's by no accident that we have asked you to come here today and gathered you in this room. We are stronger because we are together, not because we see the world in the same way, not because we have a homogenous view.

Actually the opposite. It's because we can disagree, it's because we can debate. Our strength comes from our differences. It's what unites us. That is no more true than within NATO, the greatest defensive alliance the world has ever seen.

For us, NATO first means the commitment of our nuclear deterrent 57 years in being committed to not just protect the 67 million souls on these islands, but also the 1 billion souls across the NATO alliance, of course, it's NATO first, but not NATO only, which is why we have partners here from across the world. Our friendships and partnerships matter.

It's why we sent the Carrier Strike Group to the Pacific this summer. It's why we've embarked on an amazing program to build nuclear powered submarines with Australia.

But if the seas, if geography, and if the power of our alliances are the constants, what is changing?

Well, first and foremost, it's the threat. The world is becoming an unstable place. We see the rise of authoritarian regimes.

I haven't met the commentator yet who can offer me an accurate view of what the future holds, and in that uncertainty lies risk.

Just look at Russia. Despite the millions of lives and the cost of their egregious illegal invasion of Ukraine, they continue to invest billions in their maritime capabilities, particularly in their Northern Fleet, a 30% increase in Russian incursion in our waters just in the last two years.

It's most visibly seen in the presence of their spy ships like the Yantar.

But I can tell you today, the Yantar is only the visible bit you see in the public and it's not the bit that worries me the most. It's what's going on under the waves that most concerns me.

I can also tell you today that the advantage that we have enjoyed in the Atlantic since the end of the Second World War is at risk. We are holding on, but not by much. There is no room for complacency. Our would be opponents are investing billions. We have to step up, or we will lose that advantage.

We cannot let that happen, as the Secretary of State for Defence said recently in his message direct to Putin, we see you and we know what you are doing.

So if the threat is changing, the other thing to watch is technology. Technologies are combining accelerating at a pace that we have never seen before. The pace of technological change will never, ever be as slow again as it is today. This is it. This is as slow as it gets.

If you have been baffled by the developments in artificial intelligence over the last couple of years, well buckle up. The next couple will be even more amazing. And much like the threat and the geostrategic environment, I haven't met the commentator that gives me confidence that they know really what they're talking about as to how the future will look. No offense to the commentators in the audience.

But the conclusion for us is not to try and guess what the future holds. The conclusion is to build ourselves for speed. The conclusion is to adapt our organisation so that we can move at the pace of relevance.

Now is the time for action. That's why we've gathered you all here today.

But it needs transformation, not just modernisation. As our Secretary of State for Defence said, if we just modernise, we will fall short, which is why we are developing the warfighting hybrid Navy. At its heart, it's about the Atlantic Fleet.

It's about three overlapping concepts, Atlantic Bastion, which is the protection of our sensitive waters and the lines of communication for NATO.

Atlantic Shield, which is our contribution to air defence from our vulnerable North.

And Atlantic Strike, which is about creating the advantage that if an aggressor is foolish enough to strike us, they will know that we can strike back.

Today, I'm really going to focus on Atlantic Bastion, this innovative concept of connecting autonomous sensors in the Atlantic to be our eyes and ears.

It's not just technologically innovative. It is innovative in the way that we are conducting procurement for every pound we have invested, industry has invested four. By our estimation, the technology involved in the demonstrators for Atlantic Bastion have involved some half a billion pounds in research and development.

Why? Why would industry join us on this journey? Well, I'd say three reasons. One is they believe in our purpose. It's too easy to be cynical about industry, but we keep the nation safe so that we can prosper. We contribute to NATO so that the NATO nations can prosper. We believe in a free world where trade can flow, and so does our industry.

The second reason is the Royal Navy contest and experiment in a way that industry cannot on its own. We are a test bed, and we want to be. We want to develop our capabilities in lockstep with industry.

And the third, of course, is there is profit here. The estimated market for maritime autonomous systems around the world is 350 billion, and the UK is already at the cutting edge. This is an engine for growth come to life. This is thousands of jobs in the UK.

The other innovative thing we've done is we haven't given industry a long list of our requirements. We haven't over specified what it is we want to do. We have merely given them a problem set and asked them to solve it for us, and they've stepped up in spades. Which is why next year, we will have our first sensors in the water. We will issue our contracts for Atlantic Bastion as a service.

But we can't do it alone. We can put sensors in the Atlantic. We can connect them to our ships and submarines and our aircraft. We can work as a force, as an integrated force, across the Navy, the Air Force, the Army and CSOC.

But we really need allies, and that's why I was so pleased last week when the Norwegian Defence Minister said that he wanted to join us in Atlantic Bastion. He wants to connect the new Type-26 ships that we will run as a combined anti-submarine warfare fleet in the High North to Atlantic Bastion. And I want others to join us as well.

We need other allies. Together we will build a network that we can connect to our systems and capabilities, and we will, we will remain controlled in the Atlantic.

But it's not just Bastion. I said at DSEI that we would get our first autonomous escort in the water within two years, and we will.

It's a key component of Atlantic Shield, and we must prove that it can work.

We will get a demonstrator for our fast jet fighter capability off the carrier next year, because it's a key component of Atlantic Strike, we're working closely with the Air Force to make sure that we can develop together, transform together.

We will continue to transform the commando force. In many ways, the commando force presaged what happened in Ukraine.

We began to transform that force five years ago, small teams of determined, resourceful, independent individuals operating with the best that technology can provide an extended range and friendly lines.

They are now re-rolling the whole force for the High North to work alongside our Norwegian us Dutch and other allies, because as that chart behind me shows that Norwegian coast is essential to protecting NATO.

If this all sounds like science fiction, it is not. It is science fact.

This is not future technology. This is stuff that is here now, and we have a plan to deliver it. Today, I am also launching our Warfighting Ready Plan 2029. It goes live within the Royal Navy as I'm speaking.

We have built this plan on the back of extensive wargaming to understand our weaknesses and our strengths, to understand where we can complement our allies and where they can complement us. And we're already rolling out. We will discard the old and leap to the new.

We have already moved on from our concepts to replace our LPDs as our landing ships. More distributed, smaller with more autonomy, our landing force will match the commando capability we're creating.

But the Warfighting Plan is more than just capability. It's about leadership. We need warfighting leaders, which is why we've embarked on a programme to revise the way we train our officers within the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines.

We need leadership excellence that is leaders who can deliver results, but they can do it whilst inspiring their people by helping their people to be the best that they can be, because that's how we solve our most difficult problems.

Because warfighting is a mindset, warfighting is a discipline for action, and warfighting is the difference between deterrence and vulnerability, but it's more also than leadership.

If we cannot strip back our own bureaucracies, we will not be able to move fast enough. The pace of the threat, the pace of the technological change, demands a different approach from us.

In the last 100 days within the Royal Navy, we have stripped back unnecessary process to save our people 200,000 hours within the year. That's 200,000 hours we can invest in getting better, in being faster and in being more prepared.

We will unshackle our people so that they can perform, because these answers don't exist with me. These answers don't exist at the top of the Navy. These answers exist with our warfighters and with our people.

But to reemphasize my point, we cannot do this alone. We need industry to work in lock step with us, and we need allies. We need our allies to join us so that we can protect these seas. We can protect our data cables, our energy and our supply lines. We must be greater than the sum of our parts what our alliances are all about.

And it doesn't matter if it is in NATO or if it's elsewhere around the world, there's a reason we deployed the carrier to the Pacific. There is a reason that the chief of the Australian Navy has just flown all the way here to join us in this conference. Our alliance is stretched far and wide, and we must maximize them.

So this is a call for action. We are moving out because we have no choice. The alternative is not worth thinking about. Our job is to be ready, and I want you to join us on that journey.

I can't promise it's going to be easy. It's not. We will face headwinds, we will face rough seas, but together, we can solve these problems if we have the appetite, if we have the determination, and if we have the mindset.

So I'm really looking forward to the discussion over the next couple of days, really looking forward to hearing from you how we're going to solve these problems.

I'm really looking forward to hearing how we are going to sustain the advantage building on the blocks that we have already put in place. It's going to be a good discussion.

Thank you.

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Council of Europe conference to launch International Claims Commission for Ukraine

Council of Europe

Leaders to meet in The Hague as move towards ensuring compensation for Ukraine

Council of Europe

Strasbourg

8 December 2025

Leaders and senior politicians from across Europe and beyond will gather in The Hague in the Netherlands on Tuesday 16 December to launch a new convention setting up an International Claims Commission for Ukraine.

The International Claims Commission will form the second part of a compensation mechanism concerning Russia's war of aggression, building on the existing Register of Damage for Ukraine. The claims commission will be established within the framework of the Council of Europe and will also be open to other countries.

"The Council of Europe and partners have been supporting Ukraine in resisting Russia's full-scale aggression since day one," said Secretary General Alain Berset ahead of the event. "Working together, we must now be ready to support Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace. The Register of Damage for Ukraine and the International Claims Commission will be the independent international tools dealing with the question of compensation for Russia's war."

Fifty countries support move towards Ukrainian claims commission

The Register of Damage for Ukraine, created in 2023, collects and records compensation claims submitted by individuals, organisations and public bodies in Ukraine. Forty-four states and the European Union have so far joined the Register, which has already received over 80,000 claims.

Formal negotiations on the International Claims Commission were convened by the Netherlands and Ukraine, with the support of the Council of Europe, earlier this year. More than 50 interested states and the European Union worked on drawing up a Council of Europe convention setting up the commission. The convention is open to other countries and regional organisations.

The International Claims Commission will review, assess and decide upon claims submitted to the Register of Damage for Ukraine and determine the amount of compensation, if any, which is due in each case. The convention establishing the commission will enter into force after it has been ratified by 25 signatories, as long as sufficient funds have been secured to support its initial work.

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Accountability must be ensured for MH17 downing and Russian invasion

Council of Europe

First examination by the Committee of Ministers of ECHR inter-state judgment on Russia's aggression against Ukraine

Committee of Ministers

Strasbourg

8 December 2025

The Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, in its latest quarterly meeting on the execution of the European Court's judgments, has for the first time considered the judgment in the inter-state case Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia concerning events in the east of Ukraine since 2014 and throughout Ukraine from 24 February 2022, including the downing of the MH17 flight in July 2014.

Russia remains bound by obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights to implement judgments of the European Court, despite no longer being a state party to the Convention and having ceased all communication with the Council of Europe on the implementation of European Court judgments. Therefore, the Committee of Ministers, in its decision, invited the member states to explore all possible means to ensure execution of this judgment in order to ensure accountability for all of the serious breaches of international law established in it.

"International cooperation is essential to secure the implementation of this historic judgment", the committee said. The Council of Europe will bring these decisions to the attention of other international bodies and organisations, notably the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and European Union, requesting them to take into account the Court's findings.

This decision from the Committee of Ministers is a significant step towards our collective goal, namely holding Russia accountable for its war of aggression against Ukraine," said the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset. "It is a key part of the Council of Europe's efforts, which also include the Register of Damage for Ukraine and the future International Claims Commission."

The events in Ukraine are unprecedented in the history of the Council of Europe, and the nature and scale of the violence and the ominous statements from Russia concerning Ukraine's right to exist represent a threat to peace in Europe, and undermine the very fabric of the democracy on which the Council of Europe and its member States are founded, the Committee of Ministers underlined in its decision. The committee condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and exhorted the Russian authorities to immediately and unconditionally cease its aggression against Ukraine.

Condemning again in the strongest possible terms the downing of the civilian flight MH17 on 17 July 2014, the committee pointed out the profound suffering of the victims' next of kin, aggravated by Russia's denials and obstruction into the investigation amounting to inhuman treatment, insisted on the need for the Russian authorities to issue a public apology, acknowledging their responsibility for the death of all 298 persons on board, including children.

The Committee of Ministers also examined Russia's administrative practices starting from 2014 until September 2022 revealed by the European Court in its judgment: unlawful military attacks on civilians and civilian objects in Ukraine during the hostilities, conduct of Russian agents in occupied territory, as well as abduction and transfer to Russia of Ukrainian children.

It deplored in the strongest terms Russias complete disregard for the lives and well-being of civilians living in heavily targeted cities and those under siege and the abhorrent acts of violence, including widespread and systematic use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war, inflicted on a massive scale on civilians and soldiers hors de combat. The committee exhorted Russia to abide by its international law obligations, ensure the immediate cessation of all the systemic breaches of the Convention on human rights, and release or safely return to the jurisdiction of Ukrainian authorities all persons who were deprived of liberty on Ukrainian territory. The committee invited all member states to explore all possible means to support the safe and secure return of these persons to Ukraine as a matter of urgency.

The committee deeply deplored the systematic practice of unlawful transfer to Russia and the adoption there of Ukrainian children with the aim of integrating them potentially indefinitely in families or institutions in Russia. It urged the Russian authorities to revoke all domestic legislation and practices that facilitate the adoption of these children and the imposition of Russian nationality on children born in the occupied territories. The committee exhorted the Russian authorities to share a list of the names and locations of children that have been illegally deported from Ukraine. An analysis of the ongoing developments and efforts on the international stage to identify abducted Ukrainian children, restore their contacts with families and guardians, and ensure their return, will be carried out by the Council of Europe. The Committee of Ministers will return to this issue of the European Court judgment in June 2026.

At its meeting, the Committee of Ministers has also taken stock of the situation and the measures taken regarding other Russian cases pending execution, as well as developments in 2025. Currently, there are 2,996 judgments against Russian Federation which need to be implemented. Just satisfaction due, including the interest accrued, amounts to over EUR 163 million in inter-state cases and over EUR 2.9 billion in individual cases. In accordance with its previously adopted strategy, the committee will continue adopting decisions, particularly in inter-state and conflict related cases, as well as in new and impact judgments.

The committee welcomed the continued submission of communications, in particular by applicants and NGOs, reiterated that these constitute a vital source of information about the state of human-rights situation in Russia, and encouraged them to continue. The committee's decisions concerning the execution of European Court judgments against Russia will continue to be brought to the attention of other relevant international organisations to increase international pressure on the Russian Federation to fully abide by the judgments of the Court.

Cooperation with civil society, including through continuing informal exchanges of views between the Committee of Ministers and representatives of Russian NGOs relating to pending Russian cases, is to be reinforced. The latest such informal exchange took place on 1 December. The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, a representative of the UN working group on enforced and involuntary disappearances, as well as of the Memorial human rights defence centre and of European human rights advocacy centre took part in the informal exchange that focused on prohibition of torture, enforced disappearances and on further restrictions of freedom of expression, notably concerning "discrediting Russian military and spreading 'fake news' about its actions in Ukraine", as highlighted in the recent European Court judgments.

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Finnish and Ukrainian rescue authorities support Ukraine's international civil defence coalition

Finnish Government

Ministry of the Interior

Publication date 8.12.2025 8.57

Type:Press release

The Finnish Ministry of the Interior and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) have agreed to deepen cooperation across different sectors. The cooperation emphasises support for Ukraine's international civil defence coalition.

The inauguration of the civil defence coalition was held in Kyiv on Thursday 27 November. The Ministry of the Interior's support for the coalition will be channelled through a bilateral project between the Ministry of the Interior and SESU. The purpose of the project is to support Ukraine in strengthening its civil defence system. The project will also develop civil defence shelter solutions that the civil defence coalition could build in Ukraine with international support.

- In cooperation with Ukraine, it is essential not only to support the country at war but also to learn from Ukraine's experiences and thus enhance Finland's own civil defence. This includes learning about civil defence shelters as well as other aspects of civil defence, says Kimmo Kohvakka, Director General for Rescue Services.

At their meeting, the Finnish and Ukrainian authorities agreed on closer cooperation in areas such as the management of rescue operations, mine clearance, collapse of buildings and activities at special sites. The aim is also to share expertise and further advance matters related to the rescue services' situation and command centre arrangements. In connection with the meeting, SESU's experts gave a presentation to their Finnish guests on the specific characteristics of rescue operations during the war.

The Ministry of the Interior also supports the Ukrainian State Emergency Service with material assistance. Finland has sent a total of 25 truckloads of rescue service supplies and more than 90 rescue service vehicles to Ukraine. Material assistance is channelled through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

During the visit, Ukraine conferred the highest decoration of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Kimmo Kohvakka, Director General for Rescue Services, in recognition of close cooperation and the implementation of important security projects during the state of war.

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Zelenskyy Holds Talks With European Allies, Says No Deal Yet On The Donbas

By RFE/RL December 08, 2025

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met UK, French, and German leaders in London to discuss a peace deal that does not reward Russia or leave Ukraine exposed.

Outstanding issues in US-led talks are said to include control of the Donbas region and firm security guarantees for Ukraine.

Russia has continued air strikes on Ukrainian cities, injuring civilians and damaging homes as winter sets in.

Several EU countries are urging quick action to use frozen Russian assets for a reparations loan to aid Ukraine's defense.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with European leaders seeking to ensure a US-led effort to end Russia's war on Ukraine does not result in a lopsided deal that would reward Moscow for its aggression against its neighbor and leave Kyiv vulnerable to future attacks.

In a media briefing after the meeting Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has no right to cede territories "neither under Ukrainian law, nor under international law, nor from the moral standpoint."

He added that Russia was exerting pressure to make Kyiv give up its territories, but "we don't want to give away anything and that's what we are fighting for."

Without being specific, he said the original 28-point peace plan has shrunk to 20 points as the most controversial conditions for Ukraine have been removed from it.

Zelenskyy met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London on December 8. He was to meet with NATO chief Mark Rutte later the same day in Brussels, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa also invited.

"We stand with Ukraine and if there was to be a cease-fire, it has to be a just and lasting cease-fire," said Starmer after welcoming the leaders to his residence at 10 Downing Street.

Ahead of visit, Zelenskyy told Bloomberg News that US-led talks on a potential peace deal have yet to produce agreement on territorial control in the eastern region known as the Donbas, where Russia is demanding that Ukraine cede land it continues to hold despite years of attacks.

"There are visions of the US, Russia and Ukraine -- and we don't have a unified view on [the] Donbas," Bloomberg quoted Zelenskyy as saying in a phone interview. He suggested it was one of several "sensitive issues," which also included security guarantees for Ukraine, that would require further discussion.

At the start of the London meeting, Merz said he was "skeptical about some of the details which we are seeing in the documents coming from US side, but we have to talk about it. That's why we are here."

Macron said it's important to find "convergence" between the US position and views shared by Europe and Ukraine.

The talks in London and Brussels follow three days of meetings between Ukrainian and US officials near Miami as negotiators try to find agreement following the release of a US draft peace proposal last month.

The 28-point plan was seen as heavily favorable to Moscow, and Kyiv has pushed back on some of the hard-line demands Russian President Vladimir Putin has pushed since before he launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

"We are starting a new diplomatic week right now -- there will be consultations with European leaders. First and foremost, security issues, support for our resilience, and support packages for our defense," Zelenskyy said in his nightly address, recorded on a train on December 7.

Ahead of the talks, Starmer told Britain's Press Association that any peace deal had to be just but "it's also got to be lasting, because we know Putin does not respect agreements that don't have hard-edged security guarantees behind them, so that's what we'll be focusing on."

In Washington on December 7, US President Donald Trump criticized his Ukrainian counterpart, saying he was "a little bit disappointed."

"We've been speaking to President Putin and we've been speaking to Ukrainian leaders, including Zelenskyy, President Zelenskyy, and I have to say that I'm a little bit disappointed that President Zelenskyy hasn't yet read the proposal, that was as of a few hours ago," Trump told reporters.

Ukraine's chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, said he would report to Zelenskyy on the latest developments on December 8.

One of Kyiv's main goals in the Miami talks was to obtain "all drafts of current proposals in order to discuss them in detail with the President of Ukraine," Umerov wrote on X.

"Today, we will provide the President of Ukraine with full information on all aspects of the dialogue with the American side and all documents."

Details of the proposal following adjustments to the 28-point plan have not been released publicly, and Trump said nothing about its content. US and Ukrainian officials have indicated in recent days that key sticking points included control over territory -- particularly in the Donbas, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions - -- and security guarantees.

In his comments to Bloomberg, Zelenskyy said Kyiv is pushing for a separate agreement on security guarantees from Western allies, above all the United States.

"There is one question I, and all Ukrainians, want to get an answer to: If Russia again starts the war [after a peace deal is reached], what will our partners do?" he said.

Following his meeting in London, Zelenskyy said that European security guarantees for Ukraine are essentially ready. "The strongest security guarantees are those by the US, obviously, provided that they are legally binding and adopted by the US Congress." He said so far the US attitude to the issue was looking positive.

Ukrainian political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko said that while "we don't know don't know exactly what the United States is proposing," a clause from the 28-point plan obliging Ukraine to withdraw its forces from territory it still controls in the Donetsk region could be a major barrier to any agreement.

"The majority of Ukrainians, despite all current difficulties, are unlikely to accept the idea that Ukraine voluntarily leaves the Donbas without receiving anything in return, not even real guarantees of a cease-fire," Fesenko, head of the Penta Center for Political Studies in Kyiv, told Current Time.

In uncompromising comments last week, Putin said Russia would seize control of the Donbas "by military or other means," suggesting that Moscow would not agree to a deal that leaves any part of the region in Ukrainian hands.

He said the same of the part of Ukraine once known in Russia as "Novorossia," indicating Moscow might also demand full control over the Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions. Ukraine still holds large parts of the two southern regions, including their capitals.

Following the negotiations in Miami, Zelenskyy said he had spoken with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who have led the negotiations on behalf of the White House.

"The American envoys are aware of Ukraine's core positions, and the conversation was constructive though not easy," Zelenskyy said.

Meanwhile, Russia continued its air strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure as winter temperatures fall.

Russian forces attacked Okhtyrka in the Sumy region overnight on December 8, according to regional authorities. Governor Oleh Hryhorov said seven people were injured in a strike on a nine-story residential building, all of whom were taken to a hospital.

According to Ukrainian emergency officials, firefighters extinguished a blaze on the second to fifth floors and evacuated 35 residents, rescuing seven people, including one child, from damaged apartments. Five people were injured in other Russian attacks in the region, Hryhorov said.

In Chernihiv, an apartment building was damaged as a result of the fall of a Russian drone. Three people were injured, one of whom was hospitalized, emergency officials said in a post to Telegram.

Reparations Loan For Ukraine?

Meanwhile, the leaders of several EU members urged fast action on a proposal to use tens of billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets for a reparations loan to Ukraine, which is starved of cash.

"Supporting Ukraine in their fight for freedom and independence is not only a moral obligation; -- it is also in our own self-interest," the leaders of Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden said in a letter to Costa and von der Leyen.

"Time is of the essence," they wrote, arguing that agreement on the much-debated proposal at a European Council meeting on December 18 would put "Ukraine in a stronger position to defend itself and a better position to negotiate a just and lasting peace."

After a series of meetings on December 8, Starmer pointed out that "positive progress" has been made to use frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine.

Von der Leyen noted that "we do not have any more time to lose. Securing financial support will help ensure the survival of Ukraine, and it is a crucial act of European defense. In this new era, geoeconomics goes hand in hand with geopolitics."

She stressed that the sanctions imposed by the West against Moscow are already affecting Russia's economy. "Along with our allies, Europe has the means and the will to increase pressure on Russia to come to the negotiation table."

However, Ukraine is about $800 million short to buy the US weapons it had planned to purchase this year with help from its European allies, Zelenskyy told media after his meetings on December 8.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stressed on the same day that "giving Ukraine the resources it needs to defend itself doesn't prolong the war, it can help end it."

Following his meetings in London, Zelenskyy announced he was flying to Italy on December 9.

With reporting by RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, Bloomberg, Reuters, AFP, and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskyy-holds-london-talks- with-european-allies/33616074.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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Russian Soldiers Sentenced Over Death Of American Fighting For Kremlin In Ukraine

By Current Time December 08, 2025

A court in a Russian-controlled part of Ukraine sentenced four Russian soldiers over the death last year of Russell Bentley, a US citizen who as the "Donbas Cowboy" gained notoriety for joining Russia-backed forces in eastern Ukraine.

The court in the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk sentenced two of the soldiers, Major Vitaly Vansyatsky and Lieutenant Andrei Iordanov, to 12 years in a penal colony, while Sergeant Vladislav Agaltsev received an 11-year prison sentence.

A fourth soldier, Vladimir Bazhin, was handed 1 1/2 years for helping cover up Bentley's death.

The four were found guilty of killing Bentley after mistaking him for a US saboteur. Russian authorities said an investigation showed he had been tortured before being killed. His abductors then tried to cover up the death by detonating a car containing his body.

Bentley, 64, was a fixture in the low-level Russian incursion in Ukraine dating back to 2014. Hailing from Texas and calling himself the Donbas Cowboy, Bentley became a popular figure on Russian propaganda networks for his criticism of the US government.

According to investigators, Vansyatsky and Iordanov caught Bentley "preparing to film the aftermath of a missile strike" on April 8, 2024.

They demanded that Bentley present his documents and explain his reason for being there, to which he introduced himself as a reporter, having worked for Russian state-controlled news agency Sputnik. Vansyatsky then "reported to the military unit command that he had identified a saboteur."

He received orders to deliver Bentley to the command post, after which he instructed Iordanov to detain the American.

Bentley was placed in a car, beaten, and tortured, which resulted in his death.

Vansyatsky and Agaltsev then placed his body in the trunk of the car and detonated it, according to investigators. The next day, Bazhin and Iordanov went to the site of the car bombing and burned the remains of the victim.

Bentley, whose military call sign was Texas, went missing in Donetsk in April 2024.

Bentley fought for the Vostok battalion between 2014 and 2017 and obtained Russian citizenship in 2021. He served in the US Army for three years -- he was honorably discharged -- and once ran for election to the US Senate while living in Minnesota.

Margarita Simonyan, Russia's leading pro-Kremlin journalist and editor in chief of the state-controlled broadcaster RT, wrote on X at the time that Bentley died for "our people" in Donetsk.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-soldiers-sentenced- death-us-born-bentley-ukraine/33616294.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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Hungary, Turkiye Condemn Attacks on Russian Energy Infrastructure - Szijjarto

Sputnik News

20251208

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Hungary and Turkiye condemn attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and tankers in the Black Sea, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Monday.

"We support ending the war in Ukraine through negotiations and jointly condemn attacks on energy supply routes, whether pipelines in Russia or tankers in the Black Sea," Szijjarto wrote on social media.

The minister described Turkiye as a "reliable and honest transit partner," noting that Hungary is expected to receive approximately eight billion cubic meters of natural gas via the TurkStream pipeline in 2025.

"We also oppose treating energy supplies as a political or ideological issue," Szijjarto said.

The Turkish newspaper Milliyet reported earlier in the day that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban planned to discuss expanding cooperation in the defense industry during their talks in Istanbul.

In August, oil supplies to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline, which pumps Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, were stopped for the third time due to yet another Ukrainian attack. Slovakia and Hungary filed a complaint with the European Commission about the interruptions. Budapest later banned Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, whom it holds responsible for the attacks, from entering Hungary and the Schengen Area for three years.

Russia strongly condemned Kiev's recent attacks on tankers in the Black Sea and on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) infrastructure near the city of Novorossiysk, urging all reasonable actors to denounce what it called the Kiev regime's destructive actions. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the same forces behind the Black Sea sabotage, previously implicated in derailing peace talks, were now seeking renewed armed escalation.

 Sputnik

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Russian Forces Take Control of Chervonoe Settlement in DPR

Sputnik News

20251208

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Yug battlegroup took control of the settlement of Chervonoe in the Donetsk People's Republic, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.

"Units of the Yug battlegroup, as a result of active and decisive actions, liberated the settlement of Chervonoe in the Donetsk People's Republic," the ministry said in a statement.

At the same time, Russian forces took control of the settlement of Novodanilovka in the Zaporozhye region, the ministry added.

Russia's Tsentr battlegroup has eliminated up to 425 Ukrainian military personnel over the past day

has eliminated up to 425 Ukrainian military personnel over the past day Russia's Vostok battlegroup has eliminated over 250 Ukrainian soldiers, the ministry also said, adding that Ukaine has lost up to 210 military personnel in battles with Russia's Zapad battlegroup

has eliminated over 250 Ukrainian soldiers, the ministry also said, adding that Ukaine has lost up to 210 military personnel in battles with Russia's Russia's Sever battlegroup has eliminated over 205 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day

has eliminated over 205 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day Russian air defense systems shot down 171 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles

The Russian armed forces struck energy and transport infrastructure facilities used by Ukrainian military, as well as pre-flight preparation and launch sites for long-range unmanned aerial vehicles

 Sputnik

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PM's engagements with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, President Macron of France, Chancellor Merz of Germany and European partners: 8 December 2025

Press release

The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, to Downing Street today.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 8 December 2025

The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, to Downing Street today.

The leaders discussed the importance of the US-led peace talks for European security and supported the progress made. They instructed their National Security Advisors to continue discussions over the coming days. The leaders underscored the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which includes robust security guarantees.

The leaders agreed that, while diplomatic efforts continue, Europe must stand with Ukraine, strengthening its ability to defend against relentless attacks that have left thousands without heat or light. They also discussed positive progress made to use immobilised Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine's reconstruction.

Following the meeting with the leaders of France, Germany and Ukraine, the Prime Minister convened a call with other European allies alongside President Zelenskyy to update them on the latest situation. The leaders all agreed that now is a critical moment and that we must continue to ramp up support to Ukraine and economic pressure on Putin to bring an end to this barbaric war.

They agreed to keep in touch.

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Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with Minister of Defense and Foreign Trade of Belgium Theo Francken

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

08 December 2025 22:56

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "As part of President Zelenskyy visit to Brussels, I had a meaningful meeting with Minister of Defense and Foreign Trade of Belgium Theo Francken.

I informed him about the battlefield situation, recent developments in peace efforts and contacts with American and European partners.

We discussed Belgium's ongoing military assistance, including the planned delivery of F-16 fighter jets, as well as Belgium's contribution in multinational initiatives such as NATO's PURL aimed at enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities.

We also focused on energy security, Belgium's role in strengthening our resilience, and its support for Ukrainian defence companies.

I emphasized the need to further tighten sanctions against Russia and make full use of its immobilized assets. Resolute collective decisions are crucial to force Russia to stop its war and achieve a just peace.

I expressed my gratitude to the Minister for his personal efforts and to Belgium for its comprehensive support for Ukraine."

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JATEC takes part in NATO's development of strategic policy toward russia

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

8 December, 2025, 10:29 AM EET

Representatives of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) took part in the Red Hyena 45 wargame, which contributed to developing elements of NATO's long-term policy toward russia.

The exercise was held at the UK MoD Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub as part of a series of wargaming events led by NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT).

These wargaming activities aim to support the implementation of NATO's deterrence and defense posture, in line with the outcomes of the 2024 and 2025 NATO Summits, which identified the russian federation as a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security.

Around 80 participants from NATO member states, Ukraine, and Indo-Pacific partners worked on developing strategic recommendations related to NATO's deterrence and defense posture toward the russian federation, assessing the implications of evolving China-russia relations, and applying Ukraine's operational experience to strengthen the Alliance's innovation capabilities.

"Participation of Ukraine's JATEC delegation enabled the integration of lessons from russia's war against Ukraine into the wargame scenario," said Colonel Valerii Vyshnivskyi, Senior National Representative of Ukraine to JATEC and Director of Programme Implementation, following the exercise.

He noted that an important component of the wargame was the use of artificial intelligence to generate scenarios, validate decisions, and forecast outcomes.

A notable aspect of JATEC's involvement was the participation of its representatives on both teams involved in the wargame. During both formal and informal discussions, Ukrainian representatives also countered russian disinformation narratives.

Following the exercise, NATO countries and their partners noted the need to develop proactive strategies that would pose challenges to the adversary.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer Held a Joint Call With European Leaders and the Heads of the European Union and NATO

President of Ukraine

8 December 2025 - 22:36

In London, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer held a joint phone call with representatives of Finland, Italy, Poland, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Turkiye, as well as with the NATO Secretary General and the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission.

The Head of State noted that communication with partners over these days and weeks has been taking place virtually around the clock, and expressed gratitude for such attention and maximum engagement. Coordination continues to ensure that Europe's voice is taken into account in all matters concerning Europe.

The President briefed participants on contacts with the United States and work on all proposals currently on the table. The Head of State emphasized that it is important for joint work to continue on all documents - including the overall peace framework, security guarantees, and Ukraine's post-war recovery.

During the call, the discussion focused in detail on the continuation of support for Ukraine. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, bolstering air defense, contributions to the PURL initiative, and energy assistance are key priorities for sustaining internal resilience amid Russia's attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The partners also coordinated next contacts within the Coalition of the Willing. Participants in the call share a common position: the Coalition must play a significant role in the future security architecture.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked everyone for their support and willingness to help.



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In London, Leaders of Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany Discussed Diplomatic Engagement with the United States and Further Defense Support for Ukraine

President of Ukraine

8 December 2025 - 19:11

In London, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer, President of France Emmanuel Macron, and Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz.

The President of Ukraine thanked Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz for organizing the meeting and for each of their personal contributions on the path toward achieving a dignified and guaranteed peace.

The leaders discussed diplomatic engagement with the American side, aligned a shared position and agreed on the next steps.

"There are things that are very important today. I think these are unity between Europe and Ukraine, and also unity between Europe, Ukraine, and the United States," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

Keir Starmer underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine and reaching an agreement that would guarantee a just and lasting peace.

"The principles remain the principles that we've embraced for a very, very long time, which is that we stand with Ukraine. And that's why it's so important that we repeatedly set out the principle that matters about Ukraine are for Ukraine," the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom said.

Emmanuel Macron expressed support for active diplomatic efforts and stressed the importance of further assistance to Ukraine.

"Now I think the main issue is the convergence between our common positions - Europeans and Ukrainians, and the U.S. - to finalize these peace negotiations and re-engage a new phase in the best possible conditions for Ukraine, for the Europeans, and for our collective security," the President of France said.

Friedrich Merz noted that the coming days could be decisive for everyone and emphasized the need to continue supporting Ukraine.

"We continue to stand firmly with Ukraine and to support your country, because we all know: the destiny of this country is the destiny of Europe. So that's the reason why we are here, trying to figure out what we can do. And nobody should doubt our support for Ukraine," the Federal Chancellor of Germany said.

The leaders stressed that the peace plan must provide for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, security guarantees from partners, and a full ceasefire.





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President Discussed Work on the Peace Framework and Its Key Provisions with Mark Rutte, Antonio Costa, and Ursula von der Leyen

President of Ukraine

9 December 2025 - 00:24

In Brussels, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

During the meeting, they discussed diplomatic work with the U.S. side aimed at achieving a dignified and guaranteed peace. Ukraine is interested in ensuring that the peace process remains active and clearly focused on safeguarding its sovereignty and national interests.

The parties agreed that the framework must clearly specify a date for Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

They also discussed specific security guarantees that should form the foundation for the long-term resilience of Ukraine and Europe.

In addition, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andrii Hnatov briefed the participants on the battlefield situation: in the Pokrovsk area and along the entire front line.

Special attention was given to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, including joint production of defense equipment and the expansion of the PURL initiative. The Head of State thanked partners for their contributions, which in total exceed USD 4.1 billion. Mark Rutte outlined ongoing work under the PURL initiative, whose key priority is strengthening Ukraine's air defense.

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VANCOUVER, Dec. 08, 2025 - Mawson Finland Ltd. ("Mawson" or the "Company") (TSX-V: MFL) is pleased to announce that the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) has granted the final order (the "Final Order") in connection with the proposed business combination of Mawson and First Nordic Metals Corp. (TSX-V: FNM, FNSE: FNMC SDB, OTCQX: FNMCF, FRA: HEG0) ("First Nordic"), pursuant to which it is proposed that First Nordic will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Mawson by way of a plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement"), pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of the arrangement agreement between Mawson and First Nordic dated September 14, 2025. As previously announced, the Arrangement was overwhelmingly approved by Mawson's shareholders at a special meeting held on December 4, 2025 (the "Meeting")

Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining conditions to the Arrangement, closing of the Arrangement is expected to occur on or around December 16, 2025.

Under the terms of the Arrangement, all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Mawson will be exchanged for 1.7884 First Nordic common shares following the expected completion of a 4:1 consolidation of First Nordic's common shares (or 7.1534 on a pre-consolidation basis) for each Mawson common share held immediately prior to the effective time of the Arrangement. See First Nordic's press release dated December 4, 2025 for further details on First Nordic's proposed consolidation. Following completion of the Arrangement, Mawson will become a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of First Nordic.

Mawson's common shares are expected to be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange, and an application will be made for Mawson to cease to be a reporting issuer in all applicable jurisdictions on the date of closing of the Arrangement.

For further information regarding the Arrangement, please refer to Mawson's management information circular dated October 29, 2025, which is filed under the Mawson's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

About Mawson Finland Limited

Mawson Finland Limited is an exploration stage mining development company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of precious and base metal properties in Finland. The Company is primarily focused on gold and cobalt. The Corporation currently holds a 100% interest in the Rajapalot Gold-Cobalt Project located in Finland. The Rajapalot Project represents approximately 5% of the 100-square kilometres Rompas-Rajapalot Property, which is wholly owned by Mawson and consists of 13 granted exploration permits for 11,262 hectares. In Finland, all operations are carried out through the Company's fully owned subsidiary, Mawson Oy. Mawson maintains an active local presence of Finnish staff with close ties to the communities of Rajapalot.

Additional details related to the Arrangement is included in the Arrangement Agreement which is available under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Additional disclosure including the Company's financial statements, technical reports, news releases and other information can be obtained at mawsonfinland.com or on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Media and Investor Relations Inquiries

Please contact: Neil MacRae Executive Chairman at neil@mawsonfinland.com or +1 (778) 999-4653, or Noora Ahola, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director at nahola@mawson.fi or +358 (505) 213-515.

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 news release. No securities regulatory authority has reviewed or approved of the contents of this news release.

Forward-looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", "should", "intend", "plan", "seek", "potential", "forecast", "objective", or similar expressions, and all statements in this news release other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the Arrangement, including the expected timing of closing of the Arrangement, the expected delisting of Mawson's shares and Mawson's intention to cease to be a reporting issuer, the expected issuance of First Nordic shares under the Arrangement and expectations regarding the receipt of required regulatory and other approvals.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections that, while considered reasonable by Mawson as at the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These assumptions include, among other things, assumptions regarding the ability of Mawson and First Nordic to satisfy all conditions to closing of the Arrangement, the timely receipt of required regulatory approvals, the accuracy of technical and scientific information provided by each of Mawson and First Nordic, future commodity prices, exploration results, development plans and market conditions, and general assumptions concerning the business and operations of each of the Companies.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such risks include the inability of First Nordic or Mawson satisfy or waive the conditions to closing of the Arrangement, delays or failures in obtaining regulatory approvals, the risk that the Arrangement may not be completed, risks related to reliance on technical information provided by Mawson and First Nordic, and other risks identified in the public disclosure documents of Mawson and First Nordic filed with Canadian securities regulators. Although Mawson believes that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Mawson does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Highlights

Construction of ore haulage access road ongoing and all clearing completed with focus now on IRF access and Danielle plateau access.

First surface miner scheduled to arrive in Cameroon in January 2026 and commence mining on site in February 2026.

Engineering designs for IRF have been completed and switchgear, tracks and sleepers for IRF, stations and port have been ordered with delivery scheduled for February 2026.

IRF remains on track for completion by May 2026.

Road haulage of first ore from mine to IRF scheduled for March 2026.

Locomotives and wagon fabrication nearing completion and on schedule for shipment in January and delivery in first quarter 2026.

First ore haulage from IRF to the port stockpile will commence in early Q2, 2026.

Approval for port access dredging received and will commence in January 2026.

Engineering of port site completed, and construction of port stockpile area will commence in January 2026.

Final tenders for bauxite transhipping currently being reviewed and transhipping contractor will be confirmed Q1, 2026.

Canyon on track to commence mining at Minim Martap in Q1 2026, with maiden bauxite shipment to be made in June 2026.



PERTH, Australia, Dec. 08, 2025 -- Canyon Resources Ltd. (ASX: CAY) ('Canyon' or the 'Company') is pleased to provide a development update for its Minim Martap Bauxite Project ('Minim Martap' or 'the Project'), located in Cameroon.

Following the recent election in Cameroon, which eventuated in the re-election of President Paul Biya, the country has returned to a 'business as usual' footing.

Images 1, 2 & 3: Haul Road Development between Danielle Plateau and Inland Rail Facility

Minor delays to work on the ore haulage access road will be made up by the contractor, which will bring in additional equipment to ensure the project remains on track.

Final design work has been completed for the Inland Rail Facility ('IRF') and long lead items have been ordered with the rail facility on schedule to be completed in Q2, 2026.

Image 4: Inland Rail Facility Earthworks

Importantly, the commencement of mining at Minim Martap is on track for February 2026 with the contract surface mining equipment scheduled to arrive at site in January 2026.

Images 5 & 6: Mining contractor Sarvodaya Mining Services Minim Martap site visit

The locomotives and wagons are nearing completion and will be delivered to the project in Q1 2026. With completion of the ore haulage road, and the delivery of rail infrastructure, the first shipment of bauxite ore is scheduled to occur in June 2026.

Images 7 & 8: Camalco factory visit and locomotive fabrication at CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd.

Images 9 & 10: Camalco factory visit and wagon fabrication at Texmaco Rail & Engineering Limited

Canyon's rail access from the IRF to the Port of Douala, will be operational in Q2, 2026, with transport capacity initially targeting 2Mtpa and subsequently up to 10Mtpa once the PQ2 rail upgrade is completed.

The Company is currently reviewing a strategy to subsequently increase this capacity to up to 15Mtpa.

Camrail discussions are progressing with an increase in investment in Camrail from current 9.1% to ~35% expected to be completed in Q1, 2026 to allow more involvement in the PQ2 upgrade with a strategy to de-risk the Company's mine to port logistics strategy.

At the Annual General Meeting held on the 25th of November 2025, shareholders approved the ~A$70 million equity raise pursuant to Tranche 2 of the Placement, announced on the 25th of September to Afriland Bourse & Investissement ('Afriland'). Refer to ASX announcement dated 25 September 2025 for further details in relation to the Tranche 2 Placement.

Following approval of Canyon's shareholders, the Placement to Afriland now only requires approval from the Banque des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale, the central bank for the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, the Commission de Surveillance du marche financier de l'Afrique Centrale, the market regulator for the Central African Economic and Monetary Community and the Government of Cameroon, which is still ongoing.

The remainder of Tranche 2 of the equity raise, comprising a placement of A$100M to Eagle Eye Asset Holdings Pte. Ltd ("EEA") is subject to shareholder approval which will be sought at a General Meeting to be held in January 2026. Completion of this tranche of the equity raise is expected in Q1, 2026 subject to the required shareholder approval.

On the 1st of December 2025, 3,000,000 fully paid ordinary shares (New Shares) in the Company were issued following the exercise of 3,000,000 unquoted options for total receipts of ~A$0.4 million by Executive Chairman Mr Mark Hohnen.

Commenting on project funding, EEA stated: "As Canyon continues to deliver key project milestones, we look forward to strengthening our partnership and reaffirm our commitment to completing the A$100 million Tranche 2 equity funding under the announced terms of the Placement once shareholder approval is secured in January 2026."

Canyon Chief Executive Officer Peter Secker commented: "Following the recent election and reports of civil unrest, Cameroon has returned to stability allowing work on the development of Minim Martap to continue as planned. Importantly, the team in Cameroon continues to work towards our schedule to commence mining in Q1, 2026 and export first bauxite ore in June 2026.

"In parallel, discussions with Camrail remain highly constructive, regarding an increased stake enabling deeper involvement in key infrastructure upgrades. This forms an essential element of our strategy to de-risk the Company's mine-to-port logistics pathway.

"It is also important to acknowledge the significant personal investment by Executive Chairman Mr Mark Hohnen, who has again demonstrated unequivocal confidence in the Project's long-term value and strategic importance by increasing his investment in the Company.

"Canyon remains fully financed to Stage 1 production, via a combination of both debt and equity facilities, with strong backing from key domestic and international investors, along with critical in-country stakeholders."

This announcement has been approved for release by Canyon's Board of Directors.

Enquiries: Peter Secker

Chief Executive Officer

Canyon Resources Limited

T +61 8 6385 2263

E: info@canyonresources.com.au

Cameron Gilenko

Investor Relations & Media

Sodali & Co

T +61 6160 4909

E: cameron.gilenko@sodali.com

Forward looking statements

This announcement contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information", such as statements and forecasts which include (without limitation) financial forecasts, production targets, industry and trend projections, statements about the feasibility of the Project and its financial outcomes (including pursuant to the DFS), future strategies, results and outlook of Canyon and the opportunities available to Canyon. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "is expecting", "budget", 'outlook", "scheduled", "target", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such information is based on assumptions and judgments of Canyon regarding future events and results. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, targets, performance or achievements of Canyon to be materially different from any future results, targets, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information.

Forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, sensitivities, contingencies, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are beyond the control of Canyon and its directors and management. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Key risk factors (including as associated with the DFS) are detailed (non-exhaustively) in this announcement or in Canyon's previous ASX announcements. These and other factors (such as risk factors that are currently unknown) could cause actual results, targets, performance or achievements anticipated (including in the DFS) to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements and information.

Forward-looking statements and information (including Canyon's belief that it has a reasonable basis to expect it will be able to fund the costs of the Project for its estimated life of mine) are (further to the above) based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of Canyon made in light of its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that Canyon believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Canyon believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and information (including as described throughout this announcement) are reasonable, readers are cautioned that this is not exhaustive of all factors which may impact on the forward-looking statements and information. Canyon does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Investors should note that there is no certainty that the Project will be feasible and there can be no assurance of whether it will be developed, constructed and commence operations, whether the DFS results will be accurate, whether production targets will be achieved or whether Canyon will be able to raise funding when it is required (nor any certainty as to the form such capital raising may take, such as equity, debt, hybrid and/or other capital raising). It is also possible that such funding may only be available on terms that dilute or otherwise affect the value of Canyon's shares. It is also possible that Canyon could pursue other 'value realisation' strategies such as sale, partial sale, or joint venture of the Project. Risk factors which are set out (non-exhaustively) in this announcement, or in Canyon's previous ASX announcements, highlight key factors identified by Canyon which may cause actual results to differ from the DFS or may otherwise have material detrimental impacts on Canyon and its business.

Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves

This announcement contains estimates of the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves estimated for the Project. This information in this announcement that relates to those Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves has been extracted from Canyon's accompanying ASX announcement entitled "Definitive Feasibility Study Results and Reserves Upgrade Confirms Minim Martap as a Tier-One Bauxite Operation" dated 1 September 2025, a copy of which is available at www.asx.com.au. Canyon confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in that announcement and, in relation to the estimates of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in that announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Competent Person for the Mineral Resources estimate in the announcement was Mr. Rodney Brown and the Competent Persons for the Ore Reserve estimate in the announcement was Mr. Donald Eld.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cc569e7a-8e9d-4dcf-82b5-812e532740fa

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5017731-8ebd-4faa-bd0f-52aa9e8ed64f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b0c5348e-ead9-401f-8431-6255ba38c594

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/04aa07ee-71b4-4486-8a72-24f7461e63f7

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23a2baa0-d048-4837-b07e-f92dda0a285d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2c660198-da3b-4fc4-8f68-a80ea171964d

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Vancouver, December 8, 2025 - AJN Resources Inc. (CSE: AJN) (FSE: 5AT) (AJN or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding term sheet with Amani Consulting SARL (Amani Consulting), Giro Goldfields SARL (Giro Goldfields) and Mabanga Mining SARL (Mabanga) pursuant to which AJN can acquire a 55% indirect interest in the Giro Gold Project (Project).

The Giro Gold Project comprises two exploitation permits, Permis d'Exploitation (PE) 5046 and PE 5049, that cover a surface area of about 497km and lies within the Kilo Moto Greenstone Belt in the Haute-Uele Province in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), about 35km west of the Kibali Mine, a mine which produces more than 600,000 oz gold per annum1.

Figure 1: Location of the Giro Gold Project (in orange).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5922/277406_e8278188e45d2945_001full.jpg

Klaus Eckhof, CEO of AJN, stated: "We are very pleased that after several years of discussions and negotiations, and having tried various approaches, we've finally been able to negotiate a non-binding term sheet to obtain an interest in the Giro Gold Project, which is a project we've always sought to acquire. Upon the intended closing of a purchase agreement, we would like to advance this Project as quickly as possible into production. We are also looking at other projects with significant resources as well as old gold mining areas. Our goal is to make AJN a significant player in the DRC gold sector."

The Giro Gold Project consists of two main deposits, the Kebigada and the Douze Match deposits, which demonstrate a similar style of mineralisation and structural setting as at the Kibali Deposit.

Figure 2: Map2 showing the geology and >30ppb gold-in-soil anomalies (red) at the Giro Gold Project.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5922/277406_e8278188e45d2945_002full.jpg

The Project area is underlain by highly prospective volcano-sedimentary lithologies in a similar structural and lithological setting to the Kibali gold deposits. Both primary and alluvial gold has been mined from two main areas, the Giro and Tora areas, during both the Belgian rule and today.

Kebigada Deposit:

Previous drilling at the Kebigada deposit has confirmed a "main zone" mineralisation that exists over 1.3km to 1.5km with widths of up to 350-400m and depths exceeding 300m. Mineralisation is strongly associated with silica flooding, quartz stringers and sulphides (pyrite and chalcopyrite). High grade mineralisation appears to be associated with east-west trending quartz stringers and pyrite/chalcopyrite laminae. Mineralisation has an apparent plunge to the north which highlights the underground potential.

Historic JORC 2012 mineral resource estimates3 of 141.1Mt @ 0.97g/t Au (4.4Moz contained) which include a measured resource of 32.9Mt @ 1.08g/t Au (1.1Moz contained) were defined by Geowiz Consulting (Geowiz) for Amani Gold Ltd. on the Kebigada target at Giro. To upgrade/verify these historic resource estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves, an independent consultant would need to be retained to review the exploration work on this project since Geowiz prepared their report and update the JORC resource. The Kebigada location is shown in Figure 1.

Historic preliminary metallurgical test work at Kebigada indicates gold recoveries of >90% in both oxide and sulphide zones using simple gravity-cyanide processing techniques4.

Table 1 - Kebigada Mineral Resources - Geowiz 2023 Resource Evaluation (using a 0.5g/t Au cut-off)

Deposit Class Tonnes (Mt) Au (g/t) Au (Moz) Kebigada Measured 32.9 1.08 1.1 Indicated 46.4 1.03 1.5 Inferred 61.9 0.87 1.7

Note that information disclosed from adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative to the mineralization on the Giro Gold Project. The mineral resource estimates disclosed herein were prepared in accordance with the JORC Code (2012). The JORC Code uses the terms Measured Resource, Indicated Resource and Inferred Resource, which are broadly comparable to the CIM Definition Standards (2014) used in NI 43-101. However, the categories are not identical. Under CIM definitions, a Mineral Resource must demonstrate "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction" and meet specific confidence thresholds in geology and grade continuity. While JORC and CIM share similar intent and hierarchy among resource categories, differences exist in the underlying reporting requirements, minimum standards, and expectations of modifying factors. The Company considers the JORC estimate to be an historical estimate and has not completed sufficient work to classify the estimate as a current CIM-compliant mineral resource. The Company is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

Douze Match Deposit:

Mineralisation at Douze Match occurs within a north-east trending mineralised corridor of around 2.6km length and up to 600m width. This mineralisation is from surface down to depths exceeding 190m. Douze Match occurs within a 6km x 2.5km gold-in-soil anomaly, with artisanal mining in the area possibly highlighting more exploration potential5.

Table 2 - Douze Match Mineral Resources - H&SC 2018 Resource Evaluation

Deposit Class Tonnes (Mt) Au (g/t) Au (Oz) Douze Match Indicated 2.2 1.2 84,879 Inferred 5.8 1.2 227,631

Historic mineral resource estimates6 of 84,879 oz at 1.2g/t Au (JORC 2012 Indicated) were defined by H&S Consultants Pty Ltd (H&SC) on the Douze Match target at Giro. The Douze Match location is shown in Figure 1.

AJN believes that the above mineral resource estimates were completed according to industry standards and that the resource categorizations defined in (a) the technical report compiled by H&S Consultants Pty Ltd (H&SC), "Mineral Resource Estimate for the Kebigada Deposit, Haut-Uele Province, DRC - March 2020" and (b) the technical report compiled by H&S Consultants Pty Ltd (H&SC), "Resource Estimation of the Douze Match Deposit- December 2018," both of which were prepared for Amani Gold Limited, are in line with NI 43-101 standards in that to the extent known all key assumptions, parameters, and methods were used to prepare the historical estimates. It is also AJN's opinion that the resource work is both reliable and relevant. Further work recommended for AJN at Kebigada and at Douze Match in regards to verifying and upgrading the resources would be to review the drill and related QC data in greater detail, duplicate informing sample data by perhaps twinning holes, re-assaying remaining sample material, analysing laboratory pulps and coarse rejects, and increasing the sample support by closer spaced drilling. No QC data was available for review by the qualified person and H&SC performed no data review as part of their scope of work. It is the qualified person's opinion that there is potentially a significant risk associated with the lack of QC analysis and that AJN should dedicate resources to reviewing this issue. The qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the 2012 resources as current and AJN does not consider this resource work as anything but a historic resource.

Non-Binding Term Sheet:

Pursuant to the non-binding term sheet, which was fully-signed on December 1st, 2025, AJN can purchase, from Amani Consulting, a 55% registered and beneficial interest in Giro Goldfields (Giro Interest) through the issuance of 250,000,000 common shares in its capital to Amani Consulting or its nominee(s). Giro Goldfields holds a 100% registered and beneficial interest in the Giro Gold Project. Amani Consulting, Giro Goldfields and Mabanga are all arm's length to AJN. The Parties have agreed to negotiate in good faith a purchase agreement to more fully document the arrangements, which are the subject of the non-binding term sheet. If and when such a purchase agreement is signed, the Company's shares will be halted and will remain halted until after the closing of the transaction. Upon closing of the purchase of the Giro Interest by AJN (Closing), AJN will reconstitute its board of directors to increase the number of directors from four (4) to five (5), of which three (3) will be representatives of Amani Consulting, which representatives will be elected or appointed to AJN's board of directors. Upon Closing, this transaction will constitute a change of control as defined in CSE Policy 1.3(2). AJN will be granted an option to acquire the remaining 10% interest held by Amani Consulting in Giro Goldfields by either (a) paying US$30 million to Amani Consulting within 12 months of the Closing, or (b) paying US$50 million to Amani Consulting within 24 months of the Closing. Closing will be subject to certain conditions precedent including satisfactory due diligence by AJN, Amani Consulting and Mabanga, and receipt of all necessary approvals including board approval, and any shareholder and regulatory approval required to be obtained by AJN.

Change of Name:

The Company has received approval from the British Columbia Registrar of Companies for the Company's proposed new name Giro Gold Corporation and has obtained new ISIN and CUSIP numbers for this name. Subject to Canadian Securities Exchange approval, the name change will be implemented imminently.

Finders' Fee Shares:

The Company has issued 666,666 common shares to each of three finders, for a total of 1,999,998 shares, pursuant to three finder's fee agreements each dated November 10, 2025. The shares were issued pursuant to an introduction by the finders to the holders of a mineral exploration property and are restricted from trading until March 22, 2026.

Private Placement Offering:

The Company also announces a non-brokered private placement offering of up to 3,000,000 units in the capital of the company at a price of 16.5 cents per unit for gross proceeds of up to $495,000. Each unit will be comprised of one common share and one share purchase warrant, where each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price of 25 cents per warrant share for a two-year period. Proceeds from this private placement will be used for technical, legal and financial due diligence on Giro Goldfields and on the Giro Gold Project; negotiation, preparation and closing of a purchase agreement; and mineral exploration activities on the Project.

Stock Option Grants:

The Company also announces that it has granted a total of 3,000,000 incentive stock options (Stock Options) to consultants in accordance with AJN's omnibus equity incentive compensation plan. These Stock Options have a five-year term, an exercise price of $0.25 per common share and vest immediately.

Restricted Share Units:

The Company also announces that it has issued a total of 6,300,000 restricted share units (RSUs) to directors and consultants of the Company in accordance with AJN's omnibus equity incentive compensation plan.

QP Statement

Mr. Dylan le Roux (BSc Hons in Earth Science) is an independent consultant of AJN Resources Inc. and a qualified geologist. Mr. le Roux is a registered Professional Natural Scientist (Geological Science) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP Reg. No. 155814). Mr. le Roux is a qualified person (QP) under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About AJN Resources Inc.

AJN is a junior exploration company. AJN's management and directors possess over 50 years of collective industry experience and have been very successful in the areas of exploration, financing and developing major mines throughout the world, with a focus on Africa.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release may include certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although AJN Resources Inc. believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, AJN Resources Inc. disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.

1 Barrick holds a 45% indirect interest in the Kibali gold mine and Barrick's attributable production for 2024 totalled 309,000 oz. gold; see: https://www.barrick.com/English/operations/kibali/default.aspx.

2 Modified from Amani Gold map in ASX release of 19 March 2020.

3 Amani Gold Limited publicly available information (refer ASX announcement 28 March 2023).

4 Burey Gold Limited (which later changed its name to Amani Gold Limited) publicly available information (refer ASX announcement 9 November 2016).

5 Amani Gold Limited publicly available information.

6 As reported in the National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for the North Congolese Gold Project, Democratic Republic of Congo dated 20th March, 2020 prepared for AJN Resources Inc. by Geosure Resource Consultants Pty Ltd which is available on www.sedarplus.ca under AJN's profile.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277406
Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd. ("Golden Cariboo" or "Company") (CSE:GCC | (OTC:GCCFF | WKN:A402CQ |FSE:3TZ) reports it has closed the third and final private placement tranche for $702,500 from the issue of 14,050,000 units at $0.05 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one share purchase warrant. Each warrant is exercisable for a period of five years from the closing date at exercise prices as follows: $0.075 in year one, $0.10 in year two, $0.15 in year three, $0.20 in year four or $0.25 in year five. The third tranche closing brings the private placement numbers to: total gross proceeds of $1,651,000 and total shares issued of 33,020,000.

The proceeds of the Offering will be used for property exploration and for general working capital. All securities to be issued are subject to a statutory four-month and one day hold period. Finder's fees totaled $81,200 and 1,624,000 finder warrants for all three tranches.

None of the securities sold under the Offering have been and will not 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 the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd.

Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd. is rediscovering the Cariboo Gold Rush by proceeding with highly targeted drilling and trenching programs on its Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property which is bordered by Osisko Development (NSE:ODV/TSXV:ODV), partly intertwined with them at the north end of the Cariboo Gold Project, and located along a favourable corridor adjacent to the Spanish and Eureka thrust faults over a 94,899 hectare (234,501 acre) area. Historically, over 101 placer gold creeks on the 90-kilometer (56 mile) trend, from the Cariboo Hudson mine north to the Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property, have recorded production with successful placer mining continuing to this day.

Golden Cariboo's Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property is 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) northeast of, and road accessible from, Hixon in central British Columbia. The Property includes the Quesnelle Quartz gold-silver deposit, which was discovered in 1865 and developed over a footprint of about 150m x 150m (< 6 acres) at the Main zone straddling Hixon Creek. Overall, the geological setting of the gold mineralization at the Company's Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property shows strong similarities with the Spanish Mountain gold deposit, situated 120 km (75 miles) towards the southeast along the same geological trend. As a sediment-hosted vein (SHV) deposit, the Spanish Mountain deposit is considered to belong to the epizonal orogenic subclass of gold deposits which include some of the world's largest deposits such as Muruntau, Uzbekistan and Bendigo, Australia.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"J. Frank Callaghan"

J. Frank Callaghan, President & CEO

For further information please contact

J. Frank Callaghan, President & CEO

Tel: 604-669-6463

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

www.goldencariboo.com

LIKE AND FOLLOW

Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn

Neither the "CSE" Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements:

This news release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and plans of the Company. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding; the expectation that the Company will receive all necessary exemptions and approvals to complete the Offering; the expectation that the Company will complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, or at all; the expectation that the proceeds will be used for property exploration and for general working capital; the Company's exploration plans with respect to its Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property; and the anticipated participation of the insider in the Offering.

Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, that the Company will receive all necessary exemptions and approvals to complete the Offering; that the Company will complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, or at all; that the proceeds will be used for property exploration and for general working capital; that the Company will have the resources required to proceed with its exploration plans; that the Company will not run into regulatory or other barriers in carrying out its business plans; that the insider will participate in the Offering, on the terms and conditions and in the amount currently expected by management; and that the Company will be able to rely on the exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements on the basis anticipated.

Additionally, forward-looking information involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: that the Company will not receive the necessary exemptions and approvals to complete the Offering; that the Company will not complete the Offering on the terms disclosed, or at all; that the Company will be unable to use the proceeds for property exploration and for general working capital; that the Company may incur unanticipated costs; that the Company may not have the resources required to pursue its exploration plans; that the Company's operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; that the insider may not participate in the Offering on the terms and conditions and in the amount currently expected by management, or at all; and that the Company may not be able to rely on the exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements on the basis currently expected. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this news release. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this news release by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this news release.

The forward-looking statements herein speak only as of the date they were originally made. The Company has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.


CALGARY - Ashley Gold Corp. (CSE: "ASHL") ("Ashley" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has contracted Rodren Drilling Ltd. ("Rodren") for the maiden Howie drill program.

As of yesterday, the trail brushing crew had arrived on site, clearing an existing trail to the proposed pad locations. Today, the drill will arrive on site and the company expects the first hole to be started in the afternoon.

President Noah Komavli on the raise;

"By taking a measured approach to exploration and capital allocations, Ashley has prepared for these exciting activities. Furthermore, on closing of our second tranche, funds can be used to follow up on these results, or to conduct scout drilling on one of Ashley's additional high priority targets.

Having located the 1987 Esso core this summer, the company confirmed a historic discovery South of the Twilight Zone. Now, we will follow up with a diamond drill fence to test the collision of a carbonate breccia system with the East Fault. An area that has never been drilled.



Modelling of the historic holes over the IP data shows a clear trend; the historic work completed in the 1980's misses main IP targets. Additionally, and perhaps most significantly, these historic holes consistently intercepted anomalous gold, even outside of the main target zone.

This is very promising for us, and suggests that Esso Minerals was on the right track. Now, we will pick up where they left off and finally drill test an area of coinciding chargeability and resistivity, with the best implied gold index.



Results will directly inform next steps, with additional targets in the broader property that are yet to be followed up on. South east of this main IP grid, additional anomalies have emerged that will require the same follow up, pending results from this campaign."

Howie Program Update



Click Image To View Full Size

Image 1: Equipment Along the Snake Bay Road



Click Image To View Full Size

Image 2: December 2025 Proposed Pad Locations, Apparent Chargeability and Historic Holes

The Howie Project is an intrusive gold project bordering Dynasty Gold's Pelham project to the west. Over the spring and summer, the company executed a small stripping campaign on the Main Katisha zone, channeling a high of 20.2 g/t Au over 0.8m (May 26, 2025).

Later, the company channeled the Twilight Zone, returning a weighted average of 0.624 g/t Au over 22.9m (September 22, 2025).

In early fall, the historic core from 1987 was located, cut and assayed, returning 0.33 g/t Au over 25.74m in proximity to the Twilight Zone (October 14, 2025).

Due to the complex mineralization and wide spread gold occurrences, the company has proposed a low cost drill program for additional data collection using oriented core.

The targets were selected using the IP survey data commissioned in 2024, with results received in 2025. The 2025 drill program will target the highest gold index, along a trend of coinciding chargeability and resistivity, now dubbed the "Twilight-Gap Zone".

With a max proposed meterage of 550m, this program is highly capital effective.



Click Image To View Full Size

Image 3: Detailed December 2025 Proposed Pad Locations, Apparent Chargeability and Historic Holes

FINANCING TERMS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

On November 13th 2025, the company announced a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") for aggregate proceeds of up to $530,000 (CDN) to advance exploration on Ashley's Ontario and British Columbia gold properties, as well as for general working capital.

The Offering consists of a Non-Flow-Through (NFT) Unit at a price of $0.075. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Each full warrant is exercisable for one non-flow through common share, at an exercise price of $0.12 for a term of 24 months after the closing ("Closing Date").

The Offering also consists of a Flow-Through (FT) Unit at a price of $0.095. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Each full warrant is exercisable for one non-flow through common share, at an exercise price of $0.15 for a term of 24 months after the closing ("Closing Date").

On November 27th, 2025 the company closed the first tranche for gross proceeds of $265,237.56.

The company anticipates closing the second tranche on the week of December 15th 2025.

THE EXISTING SHAREHOLDER EXEMPTION AND INVESTMENT DEALER EXEMPTION

The Offering will be made available to existing shareholders of the Company who, as of the close of business on November 13, 2025, held common shares of the Company (and who continue to hold such common shares as of the closing date), pursuant to the prospectus exemption set out in B.C. Instrument 45-534 - Exemption From Prospectus Requirement for Certain Trades to Existing Security Holders and in similar instruments in other jurisdictions in Canada. The existing shareholder exemption limits a shareholder to a maximum investment of $15,000 in a 12-month period unless the shareholder has obtained advice regarding the suitability of the investment and, if the shareholder is resident in a jurisdiction of Canada, that advice has been obtained from a person that is registered as an investment dealer in the jurisdiction. If the Company receives subscriptions from investors relying on the existing shareholder exemption exceeding the maximum amount of the financing, the Company intends to adjust the subscriptions received on a pro rata basis.

The Company has also made the Offering available to certain subscribers pursuant to B.C. Instrument 45-536 - Exemption Form Prospectus Requirement for Certain Distributions Through an Investment Dealer. In accordance with the requirements of the investment dealer exemption, the Company confirms that there is no material fact or material change about the Company that has not been generally disclosed.

The Offering is subject to all necessary regulatory approvals including acceptance from the Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date under applicable Canadian securities laws, in addition to such other restrictions as may apply under applicable securities laws of jurisdictions outside Canada.

Project History - Howie Property

May 1987:

Esso Minerals conducts a two year program on Howie (known as Snake Bay). Historic drilling logs from 1987 detail wide zones of mineralization. Assays redacted. Data Link

November 2022:

Initial surface prospecting and sampling at Main Katisha Shear Zone yielded assay results up to 52.80 g/t Au, validating the zone's gold potential*. News Link

January 2023:

Planned high-resolution drone magnetics survey to target deeper mineralized zones, inspired by Dynasty Gold's Thundercloud Project results. News Link

April 2024:

Secured exploration permit and Ontario Junior Exploration Program funding, enabling advanced geophysical surveys and sampling. Junior Mining Network, April 2, 2024

October 2024:

Completed induced polarization (IP) survey over 2 km of lines to define 2025 drill targets for subsurface mineralization. News Link

March 2025:

Reviewed IP survey data, expanded the project by two claims, and identified new targets along strike for further exploration. News Link

May 2025:

Conducted mechanical stripping, outcrop washing, and channel sampling at Katisha Zone, with channel cut assay results up to 20.2 g/t Au, confirming continuity of gold mineralization in a 5-10m-wide deformation zone. Expanded strike with discovery of 1.6 g/t Au sample based on IP data*. News Link

September 2025:

Located the historic Esso core, channel sampling completed at the Twilight Zone outcrop. News Link

NI 43-101 Disclosure

The technical information in this news release was prepared and reviewed by Darcy Christian, CEO, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Christian is registered as a Professional Geoscientist with Engineers Geoscientists of Alberta. Mr. Christian is non-independent of Ashley Gold Corp.

Some results discussed in this document are historical. Ashley nor the qualified person have performed sufficient work or data verification of the historical data. Although the historical results may not be reliable, the Company nevertheless believes that they provide an indication of the Project's potential and are relevant for any future exploration program.

*Assays are historic in nature and do not comply with 43-101 standards. The assays provided in the image can be found here.



**Management cautions that grab samples are selective in nature, and the assay results may not necessarily represent true underlying mineralization.

ABOUT ASHLEY GOLD CORP.

Ashley Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focussed on acquiring and developing highly prospective gold and polymetallic deposits in Canada's top mining regions. The Company's flagship assets are in the Dryden Area in Ontario with a 100% ownership in Burnthut, Howie, Alto-Gardnar and Santa-Maria claims as well as in British Columbia with the Icefield Portfolio having two highly prospective claim packages.

For more information, please refer to the Company's information available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), or visit us at www.ashleygoldcorp.com.

Contact Information

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Noah J. Komavli, P.Eng, President & Director

C: (647) 567-9840

E: info@ashleygoldcorp.com

X: KKomavli

-Or-

Darcy Christian, P.Geo, CEO

C: (587) 777-9072

E: dchristian@ashleygoldcorp.com

Connect With Ashley:

www.ashleygoldcorp.com

X: https://x.com/AshleyGoldCorp

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, and by their very nature involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on currently available information, Ashley Gold Corp. provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Factors which cause results to differ materially are set out in the Company's documents filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) (www.sedarplus.ca). Undue reliance should not be placed on "forward-looking statements."

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Latin Metals Inc. ("Latin Metals" or the "Company") - (TSXV: LMS, OTCQB: LMSQF) is pleased to announce that, further to the Company's news release dated October 24, 2025, the Company has entered into an arrangement agreement dated December 8, 2025 (the "Arrangement Agreement") with Latin Explore Inc. ("Latin Explore"), a wholly-owned non-arm's length subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to which the parties intend to complete a spin-out transaction (the "Spin-Out") of the Company's Para and Auquis Copper Projects located in Peru (the "Properties").

The Spin-Out will provide shareholders of the Company with parallel value-creation opportunities in Latin America. Latin Explore will operate as a self-funded, discovery-driven exploration company, executing on drill-ready projects that can deliver potential near-term discovery. Latin Metals will continue to operate with its proven prospect generator model, advancing early-stage assets through to partner-funded exploration, minimizing or ultimately eliminating shareholder dilution in favour of asset-level dilution and industry-leading exploration partnerships.

"Latin Explore unlocks an entirely new category of opportunities for Latin Metals shareholders, who will now gain exposure to new acquisition opportunities within the spin-out, as well as early drill testing of foundational assets like Para," stated Keith Henderson, CEO of Latin Metals. "Latin Metals will continue to operate under its prospect generator model, and we look forward to delivering drill catalysts-including at Cerro Bayo in early 2026. As shareholders of the new vehicle, Latin Explore, investors will benefit from direct exposure to drill projects and acquisition opportunities as we grow and advance this parallel operating strategy."

Arrangement Details

The Spin-Out will be completed by way of a statutory plan of arrangement under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act (the "Arrangement"). The Arrangement involves, among other things, the expected distribution of approximately 10,944,000 common shares of Latin Explore (each, a "Latin Explore Share") to the Company's shareholders, other than dissenting shareholders, in proportion to their respective holdings of common shares of the Company (each, a "Company Share") on the share distribution record date, which will be the business day immediately preceding the effective date of the Arrangement, or such other date as determined by the Company's board of directors (the "Board"). The Company is expected to retain approximately 2,736,000 Latin Explore Shares. Upon completion of the Arrangement, shareholders of the Company will hold approximately 28.3%, the Company will hold approximately 7.1%, and shareholders of Finco (as defined below) will hold approximately 64.6% of the issued and outstanding Latin Explore Shares. Latin Explore will be a reporting issuer in the Provinces of British Columbia and Alberta upon completion of the Arrangement and intends to apply for a listing of the Latin Explore Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

Prior to the completion of the Arrangement, Latin Explore will complete a share exchange (the "Share Exchange") with a private British Columbia company ("Finco"), which will have completed a non-brokered private placement of 25,000,000 subscription receipts (each, a "Subscription Receipt") for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,500,000 at a price of $0.10 per Subscription Receipt (the "Concurrent Financing"). Upon satisfaction of certain conditions (collectively, the "Escrow Release Conditions"), each Subscription Receipt will automatically be converted into a unit of Finco (each, a "Finco Unit") without further payment or action on the part of the holder. Each Finco Unit will consist of one (1) common share in the capital of Finco (each, a "Finco Share") and one-half of one (1/2) common share purchase warrant of Finco (each whole warrant, a "Finco Warrant"). Each Finco Warrant will be exercisable into one (1) Finco Share at an exercise price of $0.20 per Finco Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

Finco may pay finder's fees on all or a portion of the Concurrent Financing, consisting of a cash commission equal to up to 7% of the total gross proceeds raised and non-transferable finder's warrants (each, a "Finder's Warrant") equal to up to 7% of the total number of Subscription Receipts issued. Each Finder's Warrant will be exercisable into one (1) Finco Share at an exercise price of $0.10 per Finco Share for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance.

Upon closing of the Share Exchange, each Finco Share will be exchanged for one (1) Latin Explore Share and each Finco Warrant and Finder's Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to receive one (1) Latin Explore Share, on the schedule and terms established at the time of the respective issuances of such Finco Warrants and Finder's Warrants.

The gross proceeds of the Offering will be held in escrow and, upon the satisfaction or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions, the gross proceeds will be released to Finco (less any finder's fees, if applicable). In the event that the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied within 180 days following the closing of the Concurrent Financing (the "Outside Date"), and subject to Finco extending the Outside Date by an additional thirty-day period, the escrowed proceeds of the Concurrent Financing will be returned to holders of Subscription Receipts on a pro rata basis, with Finco contributing such amounts as necessary to satisfy any shortfall. The net proceeds from the Concurrent Financing are intended to be used primarily by Latin Explore (post-Share Exchange) for its work programs and for general working capital purposes.

A copy of the Arrangement Agreement will be posted on SEDAR+ under the Company's profile. Further details regarding the Arrangement will be included in the management information circular ("Circular") of the Company that is expected to be mailed to shareholders in mid-December 2025 for the Company's special meeting of shareholders scheduled for January 14, 2026 (the "Shareholder Meeting"), at which the shareholders of the Company will vote on the Arrangement.

The Company established a special committee (the "Special Committee") of the Board, composed solely of independent directors, to review the Arrangement. Following its review, and the receipt of financial advice, the Special Committee unanimously recommended that the Board approve the Arrangement and recommend that the Company's shareholders vote in favour of the Arrangement. Evans & Evans, Inc. ("Evans & Evans") has provided a verbal opinion to the Special Committee with respect to the Arrangement to the effect that, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated in the written opinion of Evans & Evans, the Arrangement is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Company's shareholders. Evans & Evans will receive a fixed fee for its services that is not dependent on the completion of the Arrangement. Following the receipt of the recommendation from the Special Committee and the verbal opinion from Evans & Evans, the Board has determined that the Arrangement is in the best interests of the Company. A description of the various factors considered by the Board in arriving at this determination will be provided in the Circular.

The Arrangement remains subject to customary conditions, including, among other things, the approval of the TSXV, approval of (i) two-thirds of the votes cast by shareholders of the Company at the Shareholder Meeting, (ii) a majority of the votes cast at the Shareholder Meeting, excluding votes cast by persons required to be excluded under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions, and (iii) shareholders in accordance with the corporate finance policies of the TSXV, as well as approval of the Supreme Court of British Columbia. There can be no assurance that such approvals will be obtained or that the Arrangement will be completed on the terms contemplated, or at all. The listing of the Latin Explore Shares on the TSXV will be subject to Latin Explore meeting the TSXV listing requirements.

None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement, the Share Exchange or the Concurrent Financing have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. Any securities issued pursuant to the Arrangement are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and similar exemptions under applicable securities laws of any state of the United States. 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 state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About the Para and Auquis Copper Projects

Para Copper Project

Latin Metals acquired its 100%-owned Para Copper Project ("Para" or the "Para Project") through staking in 2023 and expanded it in 2025 through acquisition of additional property. The Company initially completed systematic geochemical sampling and interpretation, confirming the presence of multiple porphyry-style targets. Latin Metals subsequently purchased historical exploration data from Vale Exploration Peru S.A.C., a subsidiary of Vale Canada Limited ("Vale") (see previous news release dated February 10, 2025), allowing Latin Metals to leverage Vale's extensive prior work, minimizing risk and accelerating the next stages of exploration. Vale's exploration efforts included geochemical rock sampling, induced polarization, ground magnetic and radiometric surveys, and resulted in the identification of four drill targets. Historically, Vale completed drill permitting, providing a strong indication that Para is a project where new drill permits could be obtained in due course.

The Company has retained SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. to complete an NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Para Project, which is intended to constitute Latin Explore's Qualifying Property within the meaning of TSXV policies.

Auquis Copper Project

The Auquis Copper Project ("Auquis" or the "Auquis Project") has potential for multiple deposit types including copper-molybdenum porphyry and skarn. Surface exploration discoveries at Auquis to date include the Rose Zone, where strong magnetic anomalies correspond to anomalous copper mineralization, and the Blanco Zone, where intense magnetic anomalies align with skarn alteration and base metal mineralization.

Qualified Person

Eduardo Leon, QP, is the Company's qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for portions of this news release. He has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Leon is not independent of the Company, as he is an officer of the Company and holds securities of the Company.

About Latin Metals

Latin Metals Inc. is a copper, gold and silver exploration company operating in Peru and Argentina under a prospect generator model, minimizing risk and dilution while maximizing discovery potential. With 18 projects, the company secures option agreements with major mining companies to fund exploration. This approach provides early-stage exposure to high-value mineral assets.

For more information, please get in touch with Latin Metals Investor Relations at 778-683-4324 or via email at info@latin-metals.com.

Stay Connected

Follow Latin Metals on YouTube, X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to stay informed on our latest developments, exploration updates, and corporate news.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

LATIN METALS INC.

"Keith Henderson"

President & CEO

For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's web site (www.latin-metals.com) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

For further information, please contact:

Keith Henderson

Suite 890

999 West Hastings Street

Vancouver, BC, V6C 2W2

Phone: 604-638-3456

E-mail: info@latin-metals.com

Elyssia Patterson, VP Investor Relations

Email: elyssia@latin-metals.com

Phone: 778-683-4324

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 news release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the completion and timing of the Spin-Out, the expectations and beliefs of the Company and Latin Explore that the Arrangement will be completed in accordance with the Arrangement Agreement, the expected date for the share distribution record date, the expectation that Latin Explore will receive the approval of the TSXV for the initial listing of the Latin Explore Shares thereon, that Para will constitute a Qualifying Property within the meaning of TSXV policies, the expected meeting date for the Shareholder Meeting and timing of mailing of the Circular, the completion of the Concurrent Financing, the closing of the Share Exchange, the capitalization structure of Latin Explore and exchange ratio for shares of Latin Explore to be received by shareholders of the Company, the approval of the Arrangement by the shareholders of the Company at the Company Meeting, the approval of the Arrangement by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that it (and as applicable Latin Explore) will obtain TSXV acceptance and the required corporate approvals for the Spin-Out and Arrangement, including in respect of the initial listing for trading of the Latin Explore Shares on the TSXV, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious and base metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of the Para Project and the Auquis Project in a timely manner, the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development, construction and continued operation of the Company's projects, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities at the Company's projects, estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, requirements for additional capital, future prices of precious metals and copper, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, possible failures of plants, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including of the TSXV, financing or other planned activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics and their impact on the Company's business, risks related to joint venture operations, and risks related to the integration of acquisitions, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Management Discussion and Analysis and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release or incorporated by reference herein.



Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release, publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.


For the last decade, analysts have been arguing over whom to blame for America's state and local pension crisis. Politicians? Public employee unions? Financial markets? Amid the din, the detrimental role of public pension boards has been overlooked.There is a mounting body of evidence that pension boards, which oversee the funds created by employer and employee contributions, are partly to blame for the underfunding problem. Pension board members' incentives lead them away from a focus on the plans' long-term fiscal health. In a new report , I document those incentives and their consequences and recommend ways to mitigate -- and even eliminate -- the governance issues.The long-term costs of failing to act to deal with mounting pension debt are enormous. In 2015, the Federal Reserve estimated that states' and localities' pension funds had accumulated $5.52 trillion in liabilities but had set aside only $3.7 trillion in assets. To ensure that public employees receive the benefits promised by their plans, state and local governments are spending more every year on their pension systems. According to census data, those governments contributed $40.1 billion to their pension systems in 2000; by 2016, that number had skyrocketed to $140.5 billion. In addition, pension funds are making riskier investments in an effort to catch up.How are public pension systems governed? For state pensions, the governor and the legislature determine what percentage of workers' salaries will be replaced in retirement and how much government employers contribute annually to the funds. Then state governments delegate authority to manage the funds to boards with, typically, 15 or so members.These boards decide how fund assets are invested, designate money managers and determine the assumed rate of return on the funds' investments (these days, usually between 7 and 8 percent). The actual market performance of the pension funds affects taxpayers' future liabilities and governments' future contributions.In theory, the pension boards are supposed to balance the interests of government employers and public employees. To strike this balance, boards are comprised of both employer and worker representatives. The employer side is made up of members appointed by governors or who hold other public office and serve ex-officio. The plan-participant side elects workers and retirees to the boards, individuals who are also often union officials.The problem is that both the political appointees and the elected representatives have incentives to ignore the long-term health of the funds. Political appointees are responsive to constituencies, such as the governor who appointed them or local businesses, that distract them from managing the fund strictly in its beneficiaries' long-term interest. Meanwhile, public employees and their union representatives are tempted to trade pension savings tomorrow for higher salaries today.How do these incentives play out? To hold down short-run costs, political appointees are likely to favor high assumed rates of investment returns, which keep employer contributions lower and avoid throwing a wrench in the governor's budget. Political appointees also tend to favor investing in local industries -- whether or not they are actually profitable. Two Texas funds were heavily invested in Enron before it went bankrupt, for instance. And in 1990, Connecticut's state-employee fund lost $25 million investing in Colt's, the firearms manufacturer, to preserve local jobs.Likewise, public employee representatives respond to workers' demand for higher salaries today by keeping the assumed rate of investment returns high. In a recent study, political scientists Sarah Anzia and Terry Moe found that elected representatives of public employees did not seek to impose more realistic -- that is, lower -- assumed rates of investment returns. Rather, they found, more worker representation on boards and stronger public unions led to more fiscally irresponsible decisions.The larger consequence of the misaligned incentives of pension boards is that they don't protect employees and taxpayers from major financial risks. Poorly managed pension systems are now consuming the politics - and much of the budgets -- of Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey and other states.Therefore, governments should take two steps. In the short term, they should require greater financial expertise, more clearly define fiduciary duties and implement other controls. In the longer term, states should move away from traditional defined-benefit plans and offer 401(k)-style defined-contribution plans for new employees. Since workers with defined-contribution plans decide for themselves on their contributions and investments, making defined-benefit plans a thing of the past would wisely eliminate the need for pension fund boards altogether.Daniel DiSalvo oversimplifies and generalizes about public pension boards as he recycles the Manhattan Institute's dog-eared critiques of the most time-tested system of ensuring retirement security. Perhaps a refresher is in order. In our federal system of government, the individual states exercise their authority to structure public pension systems and their governing bodies to match the needs of their constituents. According to Funston Advisory Services, there are at least four basic fund governance models in use among the major state and municipal pension funds. Some include elected officials and public-sector employees; some do not.Regardless of who sits on the board, all public pension boards have one thing in common: They have a fiduciary duty to protect the plan and its participants. They must discharge their duties solely in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries. Ensuring the long-term health of the funds they oversee is their priority, and it strains credulity to suggest otherwise.DiSalvo reaches back as far as 28 years to find examples that fit his thesis about the incentives that motivate pension boards. While he focuses on the distant past, he ignores present realities. Public pension systems have been steadily fine-tuning governance to reflect best practices. Pension trustees constantly engage in education programs, including extensive training offered by the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems, to ensure their effectiveness. And public pension funds continuously demonstrate that defined-benefit plans can provide a higher level of benefits to members and are more efficient than the alternatives.Executive Director and CounselNational Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems
The Xiaomi 17, which was unveiled in China in September, is still awaiting its global debut. Although Xiaomi hasnt shared any details about an international release, a tipster has now hinted at its expected launch timeline.

According to the tipster, the Xiaomi 17 may see a global debut in January 2026. The phone is also said to arrive in India around the same time.

Meanwhile, a Xiaomi phone with the model number 25113PN0EC has been spotted on Geekbench. It is expected to be the global Xiaomi 17 variant.

The phone is listed on the benchmarking website with Android 16 and 12GB of RAM. It appears to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC. The phone received a single-core score of 3,176 points and a multi-core score of 10,010 points.

The Xiaomi 17's global variant is expected to offer the same specs as the Chinese option. It comes with a 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, a triple 50MP rear camera setup, 50MP front camera, and a 7,000mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.

Source  Source 2
A legal dispute over $1.79 million in tax credits that would help build an affordable 30-unit housing development now has a competing developer, the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority, and the governor joining sides against a pair of Core Tech Development affiliates.

Pacific Federal Management affiliate Flores Rosa LLC, GHURA, and the governor are asking District Court of Guam Magistrate Judge Michael Bordallo to toss out the lawsuit, filings show.

Core Tech affiliates Summer Vista II and Summer Vista III sued in Oct. 20, alleging it was illegal for GHURA to reserve $1.79 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits for competitor Flores Rosa, an affiliate of Pacific Federal Management.

GHURA gets a pot of the federal housing credits each year, which developers can apply for to help build housing, in exchange for a promise to keep rents affordable.

The housing authority approved an action plan reserving the $1.79 million for Flores Rosa on Oct. 21, a day after the Summer Vista lawsuit was filed.

Courts denied Summer Vistas request to block the decision by GHURA, but proceedings are still ongoing.

Besides GHURA and its board, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero was named in the Oct. 20 Summer Vista lawsuit.

Competing developer Flores Rosa asked the court to intervene in the suit on Nov. 7, and Judge Bordallo agreed on Dec. 4, court filings show.

On Dec. 5, Flores Rosa filed a motion to dismiss the case.

That same day, both GHURA and the governor, represented by the Office of the Attorney General, joined in Flores Rosas motion to dismiss, filings show.

Flores Rosas attorneys argued that the Summer Vista developments cant file a private lawsuit to enforce federal law around the tax credits. They argue that prior court rulings made that fact clear.

Meanwhile, the AGs office is arguing that the governor should not be attached to the lawsuit.

Leon Guerrero has no authority under the law to approve federal housing credits, Assistant Attorney General Gillian Russell argues in court filings.

Superior Court settlement

The federal lawsuit comes on the heels of another legal battle in the Superior Court between the Summer Vista entities and GHURA, that ended in a settlement in September.

Pacific Federal Managements 30-unit Flores Rosa project beat out both Summer Vista proposals from Core Tech in an application for housing credits last December.

Both Summer Vista entities appealed to GHURA and then sued in Superior Court at the start of 2025 over the award, arguing improper scoring and a failure by GHURA to allocate the credits on time.

But the matter ended in a settlement, after GHURA Executive Director Elizabeth Napoli told the U.S. Department of Treasury that the $1.79 million in housing credits for Flores Rosa was lost due to an administrative error.

GHURA failed to finalized documents needed to allocate the $1.79 million to Flores Rosa by a Dec. 31 deadline.

A balance of $1.4 million in housing credits that were not awarded due to a tie between Core Tech and Pacific Federal Management in December 2024, also expired.

A settlement GHURA and Summer Vista filed with the Superior Court in September agrees that paperwork to allocate the credits to Flores Rosa werent done until Feb. 3.

But a month after the settlement agreement, GHURA moved to reserve a new chunk of housing tax credits totaling $1.79 million for Flores Rosa.

Meeting minutes show GHURA Deputy Director Fernando Esteves on Sept. 30 indicated that the authority would honor the boards determination on the project and reserve credits for Flores Rosa in a 2025 qualified action plan.

Doing so would help build houses faster, Esteves said.

Summer Vista took the matter back to the federal District Court of Guam on Oct. 20.

District Court Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood denied a request for an injunction to block the reservation after an Oct. 21 hearing on the matter, filings show.
Longtime Guam Federation of Teachers president Conrad Stinson, a central figure in Guams public sector labor movement, died in Indiana after a brief hospitalization. He was 94 years old.

According to a news release sent Tuesday, Stinson joined the GFT board in 1969 while teaching social studies and drivers education at John F. Kennedy High School, becoming president in 1970.

During his tenure, the original Board-Union Contract was completed the following year through Public Law 9-240, driven by a negotiating team that included Robert Klitzkie, Robert Hartsock and Robert Coble.

After the contract was finalized, Stinson focused on carrying out its provisions.

He built a system of Saturday morning union steward training and enforced strict grievance procedures that set the tone for the unions operations.

At school board meetings, Stinsons folksy Indiana manner often caught off guard those who underestimated him.

In lighter moments, former newsman Bill Gibson would call him Cornbread.

Inside the Legislature, Stinsons dealings drew attention from tougher union colleagues who watched him turn conversations into results.

During one meeting at the Take Five Cafe, he and a supportive legislator sketched the famous $5,440 GovGuam pay raise on a napkin, the release stated.

Stinson maintained close ties with former governor Joseph Ada, who later appointed him to the Retirement Board. Stinson also served as deputy director of the Department of Education under Franklin Quitugua.

When he retired to return to Indiana, Ada awarded him the Order of Chamorri.

Former Pacific Daily News Editor Joe Murphy handed him a comedic front page mockup featuring a real photo of Stinson being taken away by police during a teachers strike years earlier.

In retirement, Stinson welcomed Guam friends such as Klitzkie and his wife Lou, longtime Mangilao Commissioner Nick Francisco, and teachers Bill and Marilyn Bunyan.

He often talked about wanting to visit Guam again, though the trip never happened, and he frequently urged younger, tech-skilled relatives to pull up Guam news online for him.

His funeral will take place Friday, less than a mile from Oakland City College, where he graduated alongside several Sablans and Taitanos, the release stated.

Stinson is survived by his wife Donna, also a schoolteacher and GFT steward, and their three children, Bart, Christie and Mitchell, all graduates of George Washington High School.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero on Tuesday said she still believes that only native inhabitants of the island, including CHamorus, should be able to vote on what political status Guam should have in the future.

The governor addressed the topic at Tuesdays Commission on Decolonization meeting.

Discussion turned to Sen. Will Parkinsons Bill 248-38, which would allow any registered voter a chance to participate in the non-binding vote for what political status the island wants, called a plebiscite.

Guam law restricts the vote to native inhabitants, defined as the people who became citizens of the United States through the Organic Act of Guam in 1950, and the descendants of those people.

I think weve always  had the position, from the very beginning that the vote should only be for native inhabitants, said Leon Guerrero, who chairs the commission. I think we need to work again and reaffirm that this is still our position. And then I think we need to testify when the hearing comes.

The governor said that island natives and CHamorus have never had a chance to decide on what political status they want.

Commission Executive Director Melvin Won Pat-Borja said the commission will essentially hold the line on its existing mandate, and will engage once hearings for Bill 248-38 are announced.

Recognized political status options for Guam are statehood, independence, and free association, which is independence with close ties to the U.S. or another nation.

The governor on Tuesday said the decolonization commission should put together talking points to remind ourselves why they felt that native inhabitants should be the only ones to vote in a plebiscite.

The basic reason is that weve never had our self-determination as a native inhabitant, as CHamorus, Leon Guerrero said. When people argue against that, I always say, hey, but youve had your self-determination. You know, the Koreans have had their self-determination. The Filipinos have hadall the multi, diverse cultures that live here.

She said that did not mean others would have no say in the matter.

When we do our political status, whatever the decision is, theyll have a say in when we bring up the constitution of that political status, she said.

Proxy for race

Most people who fit the description of native inhabitant are ethnically CHamoru, though the government of Guam has argued in court that the restriction is not racial.

Those arguments fell short in 2019, when a federal appeals court in upheld rulings that the native inhabitant definition was a proxy for race the local plebiscite law was unconstitutional.

Now, Sen. Parkinson is pushing to open a non-binding vote on political status to all voters, so that a government-run vote can move forward and the results can be sent to Congress.

The governor in the past has instead eyed having a non-governmental organization, typically a nonprofit, host a native-only vote, to avoid GovGuam violating the 2019 federal court ruling.

Won Pat-Borja told the governor Tuesday that should Bill 248-38 become law, and the vote open, GovGuam could move the vote forward.

But, we are here and doing what we do because we believe strongly in the principles and the integrity of the mandate as it exists today, he said.

If the mandate changes, the Commission on Decolonization will be responsible for hosting the vote, he said.

Leon Guerrero said she would discuss the matter with Sen. Parkinson, who had always been, a strong supporter as a Democrat.

Won Pat-Borja said he had expressed to Parkinson that pushing for a plebiscite open to all voters would have them on opposite sides of the issue.

Thats discourse of Democracy, right? the governor said.

She and Won-Pat Borja agreed that they looked forward to the debate.

Strong in our principles

Independence task force chair Michael Lujan Bevacqua said it was simply not true that getting rid of the racial restriction, or CHamoru self-determination, would help a political status change move forward.

Even if you were to allow every eligible voter to participate in it, you still have to deal with the federal government, Bevacqua said.

Congress couldnt pass basic legislation on issues critical to the U.S, much less the territories, he said. It wasnt the law preventing change, but the fact that most people in the U.S. did not care or have any idea about Guam.

We should be strong in our principles on this, Bevacqua said. We shouldnt try to twist and distort and disfigure what this cause of justice is.

Even if local law was changed, and the vote opened up, Congress could still ignore political status for Guam, he said.

What would be the value to us to have erased the rights of the CHamoru people and to have a vote which would then sit and do nothing in the U.S Congress? he said.

Bill 248-38 would be a major shift in Guam policy, which for decades has limited participation in any political status vote to native inhabitants of Guam.

Discussion of political status change for Guam has long centered around self-determination for ethnic CHamorus, who were colonial subjects for hundreds of years under first Spain and then the U.S.

Guam has not hosted a vote on political status since 1982, when a majority of the electorate chose to become a commonwealth of the U.S., similar to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

A Guam Commonwealth Act was approved by voters in 1987. The act was sent to Congress, where it floundered for years, and never went to a vote.

The island remains a territory of the U.S.
A photograph of Lydia McComas, 28, the new city clerk in Madison, Wisconsin, decided in college that she wanted to be in the election administration field.
The Government of Guam Retirement Fund must cancel the procurement of a third-party administrator to run the pay and benefit plans for thousands of government retirees, or else revise the procurement to follow the law.

Thats according to a decision made by Public Auditor Benjamin Cruz in a procurement appeal filed by ASC Trust LLC against the Retirement Fund.

ASC Trust filed the appeal on April 30, arguing that the Retirement Fund is supposed to give a preference to local companies when going out to bid on a third-party administrator for GovGuam retirement plans, but did not.

Cruz in a Nov. 26 decision found that the law requires the local preference when selecting a bidder.

Bids were supposed to close on April 24, in the selection of company to oversee the governments 16,451-member Defined Contribution Retirement System, the 6,287-member Deferred Compensation Plan, and Welfare Benefit Plan.

The procurement was still listed as open on the Retirement Funds website as of Monday, with no new procurement or amendments sent out.

While the Retirement Fund initially denied ASC Trusts protest on the grounds that the local preference did not apply to professional services, the agency gave two different arguments during the appeal and hearing before the OPA, according to Cruzs Nov. 25 decision.

Flip flopping by the Retirement Fund on the issue weighed in favor of ASC Trusts arguments, Cruz found.

Further, the local preference does apply to the procurement of professional services, like a retirement fund administrator, Cruz found.

Guam law requires that procurement of supplies and services come from businesses that:

Are licensed to do business on Guam

Maintain an office or other facility on Guam

A service business actually in business, doing a substantial portion of its business on Guam, hiring at least 95% U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents or nationals from the region

Off-island supplies and services are only allowed if no local business can supply them, or if an off-island provider can offer the same at less than 85% the cost of local providers.

According to Cruz decision, Retirement Fund Director Paula Blas during a hearing conceded that the Fund did not apply the preference in part because, it is not clear what substantial portion of its business on Guam meant.

Blas, conceded that the local preference was not something that normally was included when the Retirement Fund went out to bid, and the agency had not faced the issue before, the decision stated.

She acknowledged that the application she articulated ignores part of the statute, the decision stated.

Blas further admitted that it never publicized its position on the local preference law before responding to ASCs question about the issue on March 31.

Cruz sent the matter back to the Retirement Fund, and ordered it to cancel its bid for a retirement plan administrator, or else revise it to follow the law.
WestCare Pacific Islands received a $2.5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund which will support its efforts to help families experiencing homelessness on Guam.

The nonprofit in a release said Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos recognized WestCare Pacific Islands as 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.

This grant is a transformational investment for Guam, said Aja Ramos, chief operating officer of WestCare Pacific Islands, in a statement. It allows us to expand existing housing and services as well as strengthen our partnerships in our island community, ensuring more families can move from crisis to stability with dignity and culturally responsive support.

WPI will use its Day 1 Families Fund grant to serve even more families experiencing homelessness in Guam and the Pacific region, with the goal of ensuring no child in our community sleeps outside.

Specifically, WPI plans to use this one-time grant over the next five years to expand youth and family shelter capacity through WPI and its Sanctuary program, master-lease additional units for families facing housing crises, hire staff to accelerate placements and renovate existing WPI shelter facilities to provide safe, short-term stays.

WPI 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.

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 impact selected grantees have made with their funds are available at https://www.bezosdayonefund.org/case-studies.
(Editors note: This is an opinion piece from the Guam Tourism and Travel Association, GTTA, with members from across the commercial sector of the tourism industry taking turns every Wednesday sharing their evolving perspectives.)

Across Asia and the Pacific, seasoned travelers have mastered the Michelin circuits of Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, and Singapore. Theyve lined up at hawker stalls in Bangkok and photographed tasting menus in Europes culinary capitals.

Todays Free Independent Travelers, or FIT, global explorers are no longer just searching for good food  they want authenticity with excellence, heritage with innovation, and local flavors with world-class craft.

Guam is poised to deliver exactly that.

1. Street-level gastronomy with global appeal

Guams outdoor grills, village pop-ups, and market vendors have been quietly perfecting flavors long before food tourism became a trend.

Visitors can encounter:

Wood-smoke rising from BBQ stalls where pork ribs and chicken are glazed with fresh donne and finadenne.

Reef-to-table eats served in the same places fishermen bring their morning catch.

Coconut-rich sweets and village snacks prepared with the same techniques passed down through generations.

This isnt manufactured street food. Its real, rooted, and proudly Chamorro.

In Thailand, a single street vendor earned a Michelin star through mastery of her craft.

Guams vendors have that same spark  and the world is hungry for discoveries like them.

2. The island with Michelin potential

Guams emerging chefs carry an uncommon blend of cultural pride, technical ambition, and culinary imagination.

Visitors are already raving about CHamoru fiesta tables  now imagine what trained chefs could do when they refine those flavors into elevated dining experiences.

Guam offers Michelin inspectors the qualities they prize most:

Authenticity: A cuisine that tells its own story, not someone elses.

Identity: Bold flavors  vinegar tang, citrus brightness, ocean freshness, coconut warmth.

Craft: Chefs blending deep tradition with modern technique.

With even one standout chef or restaurant rising to the challenge, Guam can become the Pacifics next culinary destination  a place where global travelers land not just for beaches, but for a first-of-its-kind CHamoru tasting experience.

3. Why this matters for tourism

Food has become one of the worlds strongest travel motivators. FIT travelers from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and the U.S. mainland consistently seek:

New tastes

Regional specialties

Authentic local dining

Hidden gem discoveries

Global-to-local fusion experiences

By nurturing Guams street gastronomy and elevating its culinary talent toward Michelin-level standards, the island gains a rare competitive advantage  a signature attraction no beach resort can replicate.

4. The promise we can offer the world

Come to Guam  where the next great culinary star may be grilling beside the ocean, and where CHamoru flavors are ready for their global debut.




Haiti - FLASH : International Conference of GSF Contributing Countries





On Monday, December 8, 2025, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime left Haiti for New York to participate on Tuesday, December 9, in the International Conference of Contributing Countries, dedicated to preparing for the imminent deployment of the Gang Supression Force (GSF), which is expected to eventually reach a force of 5,500 personnel (police and military).



The Prime Minister's presence at this strategic meeting demonstrates the Haitian government's commitment to mobilizing international solidarity in the face of the security challenges facing the country.



The conference will bring together several key partners, including the Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN, David Lametti, the US Deputy Secretary of State, Chris Landau, US Ambassador Wooster, as well as representatives from Kenya and Guatemala.



Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime will also speak before the plenary session for the announcement of contributions.



U.S. Ambassador Wooster writes on X : "The United States looks forward to co-hosting the Haiti Force Generation Conference for the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) on behalf of the Standing Group of Partners on December 9. Rallying the international community, especially regional partners, in support of Haiti remains a top priority for the United States. We must work together to combat criminal gangs terrorizing Haitians and destroying the country."



The Prime Minister will return to Haiti on December 10, 2025.



SL/ HaitiLibre


















The city began hosting annual receptions for new citizens in 2017, during Finlands centennial year. Since then, the event has become a yearly fixture in Helsinkis calendar.

The event will be led by Daniel Sazonov , Mayor of Helsinki, who will offer opening remarks. The evening will also include musical performances and speeches.

A total of 2,629 Helsinki residents were granted Finnish citizenship in 2024. The city will mark the occasion on 11 December with a formal reception at City Hall.

According to data from the end of 2024, around 142,000 Helsinki residents have a foreign background. That figure represents roughly 22 percent of the capitals population. The 2,629 people naturalised last year add to this growing demographic.

Invitations to this years reception were sent to 2,168 individuals who recently acquired citizenship and had not opted out of direct communication from the city. Of those invited, 440 confirmed their attendance by the 23 November registration deadline.

The ceremony will begin with a collective performance of the Finnish national anthem, Maamme. Following the anthem, Daniel Sazonov will deliver a speech welcoming the new citizens.

Luciana Paltila, a language instructor who will speak on behalf of the new citizens, has been selected to address the gathering.

Musical performances will follow the speeches. The line-up includes kora player Cheick Cissokho, the folk music duo Marjo Smolander and Minttu Hellsten, and the multicultural band Nei Zigma.

The event will take place in the main ceremonial hall of City Hall. Flags will be flown in front of the building for the occasion.

Helsinki has consistently presented itself as an open and international city. The reception is intended to recognise those who have chosen to build their lives in the Finnish capital and to formally welcome them as citizens.

The City of Helsinki requires that invitees be adult residents who gained citizenship during the previous year. The event is not open to the general public.

HT
The decision means Kirkkonummi will not commit to financing the first construction phase of the 1.32 billion project, which aims to cut travel times and improve rail capacity in southern Finland.

Kirkkonummis municipal council has voted against the proposed shareholder agreement for Lansirata Oy, the company responsible for building a new high-speed rail line between Helsinki and Turku. The vote, held on 8 December, ended 3615 in favour of rejecting the agreement.

Despite the rejection, the municipality expressed conditional willingness to allocate 15 million to fund a local rail stop in Veikkola, provided specific planning and legal conditions are met.

The council stipulated that funding for Veikkola station will be contingent on the legal confirmation of the partial master plan for the Northern Kirkkonummi transport corridor and its related rail plan. Additionally, a detailed cost responsibility chart must be drawn up for all road and infrastructure works related to the station area.

Kirkkonummi also requires that any future participation in the shareholder agreement reflects its local investment fairly and proportionally in the companys financing structure. It emphasised the need for a full assessment of all long-term operational costs and their impact on the municipal budget before committing to any part of the project.

Kirkkonummis share of the project's funding would have been the smallest among participating municipalities. Under the agreement, the municipality would have committed up to 15 million in capital and 1.24 percent of the cost burden from the states external debt or equivalent financing for Lansirata Oy.

The decision followed a recommendation by the municipal board, which voted 85 to reject the agreement last week. The boards position, while not binding, influenced the council vote.

So far, the cities of Turku, Espoo, and Vihti have approved the shareholder agreement. Votes in Salo and Lohja are expected in the coming days. Salos city board has already endorsed the agreement by a 93 margin, with a final vote in its council due on 15 December.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has stated that the rail project will continue despite Kirkkonummis rejection. The Lansirata line, often referred to as the "One-Hour Train," is intended to shorten the HelsinkiTurku journey and increase rail capacity across southern Finland. The first phase includes construction of a new rail section between Espoo and Lohja.

HT
The Ukrainian president confirmed that his government is finalising a new peace proposal backed by European leaders. It will be delivered to the White House in the coming days.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed his governments position against ceding territory, as talks over a US-led peace proposal continue without agreement on the status of the Donbas region.

Speaking after talks with leaders from the UK, France, and Germany in London, Zelensky said Ukraine had no legal or moral right to concede any part of Donetsk or Luhansk. These eastern regions, collectively known as the Donbas, remain partly under Ukrainian control.

Zelensky said Ukraine would send its own 20-point plan to the US, aimed at countering a previous 28-point draft that proposed Kyiv relinquish full control of the Donbas and abandon plans to join NATO.

On Monday, Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz met Zelensky at 10 Downing Street in what was described as the most advanced step toward a potential settlement since Russias full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

The US has continued to press for a quick resolution, with President Donald Trump expressing frustration over the lack of Ukrainian concessions. Trump said over the weekend that Zelensky had not read the peace plan.

Im a little bit disappointed, Trump told reporters in Washington. Russia is, I believe, fine with it. But Im not sure Zelenskys fine with it.

Trumps team, including envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, met with Russian officials in Moscow last week. Talks focused on territorial control in eastern Ukraine and the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. No agreement was reached.

The revised 20-point proposal excludes overtly pro-Russian elements found in the earlier draft. European leaders, who met in London and later in Brussels, have aligned themselves behind Kyivs position.

Macron said the goal was to find convergence between Ukraine, Europe, and the US. Speaking outside Number 10, the French president stated: We have a lot of cards in our hands, citing continued Ukrainian resistance and the economic impact of sanctions on Russia.

Merz voiced concern about the US approach. Im sceptical about some of the details coming from the US side, he said.

Shortly after the talks ended, Trump shared an article on Truth Social titled Impotent Europeans can only fume as Trump sidelines them from Ukraine deal. In an interview with Politico published today, he called European leaders weak, dismissed their role in the peace process, and accused them of prolonging the war.

Ukraine controls around 30 per cent of the Donbas. Russian forces continue attempts to capture Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, cities that are central to Ukraines defence in the region.

Zelenskys firm refusal to consider ceding territory aligns with a long-standing Ukrainian position that any changes to the countrys borders would require a national referendum.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant remains another unresolved issue. The original US proposal called for shared Russian-Ukrainian control of the facility. Kyiv rejected the idea, citing risks to national security and energy supply.

At a separate meeting in Brussels, Zelensky held talks with Ursula von der Leyen, Mark Rutte, and Antonio Costa. Discussions focused on air defence systems, financial aid, and the future of frozen Russian assets.

Von der Leyen said the European Union would continue to provide strong financial backing. The bloc has proposed a new loan scheme backed by confiscated Russian assets, valued at nearly $200 billion. Belgium, where most assets are held, remains opposed to the plan.

Zelensky will next travel to Rome to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, part of a wider effort to strengthen Ukraines diplomatic position before submitting its new plan to the US.

While Ukraine prepares its proposal, Russia has said it will not accept any peace deal that fails to meet its core demands. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow has not been updated on the outcome of recent talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Florida.

The current state of negotiations remains unclear. Ukraine's proposal is expected to maintain a firm line on territorial integrity while seeking concessions on security guarantees and long-term defence cooperation with NATO.

Trump continues to treat a Ukraine peace deal as a key foreign policy target ahead of the 2026 presidential election.

HT
Protective Fence Installed Around Assyrian Massacre Site in Iraq

Simmele, North Iraq -- In a step reflecting loyalty to the national sacrifices of the Assyrian people and the unity of their youth in Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) and the diaspora, the Chaldo-Assyrian Students and Youth Union (Khoyada) installed a protective fence at the site of the Simmele Massacre.

As part of an initiative aimed at safeguarding the Simmele Martyrs' Cemetery and preserving a site of enduring historical significance for the Assyrian people, the Union launched the project with full funding provided by residents of Simmele living abroad. The effort comes as a gesture of respect for the martyrs' sacrifices and a commitment to protecting the sanctity of the cemetery while strengthening ties with the homeland.

This initiative is one in a series of community-driven projects carried out by the Assyrian Students and Youth Union, aimed at serving local residents and preserving sites that form part of the collective memory of the Assyrian people. It also underscores the active role of the diaspora in safeguarding heritage and history.

Political parties representing the Assyrian people in Iraq established the Assyrian Martyrs' Monument in the city of Simmele in August 2025, a step that received strong support from the Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA).

The Secretary-General of the AUA, Carlo Ganjeh, praised the project, affirming that the organization "firmly believes that a national project of this scale can only be achieved through the unified efforts of Assyrians in the homeland and the diaspora."

"Given the sanctity of this site, where the blood of our people was shed, this project must go beyond a single monument," Ganjeh said, stressing the importance of developing the memorial and surrounding park. "It should be a comprehensive memorial complex that preserves the legacy of our martyrs and informs future generations of their sacrifices."

The Simmele Massacre was a series of attacks against Assyrian civilians in northern Iraq in August 1933, carried out by units of the Iraqi Army and allied tribal militias. Over several days, hundreds of Assyrian men, women, and children were killed in the town of Simmele and surrounding villages after tensions rose between the Assyrian community and the newly independent Iraqi state. The violence followed the disarming of Assyrian refugees and was fueled by nationalist propaganda and fear of separatism. The massacre is widely regarded as one of the earliest large-scale atrocities in modern Iraq and had lasting consequences for Assyrian communities in the region.
Trump OKs export of Nvidia H200 AI chips to China

Xinhua) 13:55, December 09, 2025

NEW YORK, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States will allow Nvidia to ship its H200 artificial intelligence (AI) chips to "approved customers" in China and elsewhere, on the condition that 25 percent of the chip sales will be paid to the U.S. government.

"This policy will support American Jobs, strengthen U.S. Manufacturing, and benefit American Taxpayers," Trump said in a post on his social media Truth Social on Monday.

"The Department of Commerce is finalizing the details, and the same approach will apply to AMD, Intel, and other GREAT American Companies," Trump said.

"We applaud President Trump's decision to allow America's chip industry to compete to support high paying jobs and manufacturing in America," a spokesman for Nvidia said Monday in a statement, in response to Trump's announcement.

"Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America," the spokesman said.

The H200 is a higher-grade chip than the H20, but not the company's top-of-the-line product. Both Nvidia and chip rival AMD, namely Advanced Micro Device, agreed in August to share 15 percent of the revenue from chip sales to China with the U.S. government, local media reported on Monday.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Farmers market in Shandong draws over 100,000 visitors per day

People's Daily Online) 14:35, December 09, 2025

Aerial photo taken on Dec. 8, 2025 shows a bustling scene of Caowa Market in Linshu county, Linyi city, east China's Shandong Province. (China News Service/Wang Feng)

Each market day at Caowa Market, a sprawling farmers market in east China's Shandong Province, draws more than 100,000 visitors and generates over 400 million views online, with sales reaching 5 million to 6 million yuan (about $707,000 to $848,000). Tourists from provinces including Jiangsu and Anhui drive there to shop and sample local delicacies.

Caowa Market is located in Linshu county, Linyi city, in southern Shandong, adjacent to Jiangsu Province. The market has been a local tradition for over 50 years.

Covering 170 mu (about 11.3 hectares), the market is home to more than 2,000 stalls, with over 5,000 people working on site.

The food is affordable. Pan-fried buns sell for 0.5 yuan apiece, featuring golden, crispy exteriors that give way to juicy fillings. A bowl of mutton soup costs 20 yuan, and a generous serving of savory sauce pancakes goes for 5 yuan.

"I barely spent anything, yet I'm carrying more than I can handle  enough to last a week," one visitor marveled.

The dazzling array of goods, including stone-ground flour, whole grains, coarse cereals, cotton clothing and potted plants, keeps many shoppers too busy buying to bother haggling.

On social media platforms, the hashtag "experience the vitality of daily life at Linshu's Caowa Market" has trended several times. While urbanites hold up their phones, exclaiming over bubbling mutton soup and pan-fried dumplings shaped like golden ingots, vendors weigh purchases and habitually toss in an extra portion. Drawn by honest pricing and mouthwatering aromas, city dwellers are falling in love with this vibrant yet heartwarming marketplace.

At the market, the 1,400-year-old craft of willow weaving has transformed from a static museum exhibit into handcrafted baskets for daily use. Opera performances held every market day on an open-air stage turn the venue into a folk theater without walls. Revolutionary stories bring the culture of the Yimeng Mountains within reach. This has become more than a farmers market  it is a "living museum" where visitors can explore the folk culture of the Yimeng Mountains.

To accommodate the surge of cross-provincial visitors, local authorities have expanded three parking lots. Restrooms have been installed on-site, and mobile signal towers have been added. Meanwhile, staff members use megaphones to broadcast reminders about price and quality standards.

"The market has become a tourist destination," said one visitor. "The atmosphere is incredibly lively  it brings back childhood memories of going to markets," said another.

With average spending of around 50 yuan per visit, the market unlocks remarkable consumption potential.

One pan-fried bun stall sells 100 batches per market day, earning 7,000 yuan. The most popular rice cake stall sells 2 tonnes per market day, bringing in 30,000 to 40,000 yuan. A mutton vendor who opens at 3 a.m. now sells over 200 kilograms of meat daily.

Caowa Market offers a vivid model for the transformation and upgrading of farmers markets.

Late last year, the Ministry of Commerce, the All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives and seven other departments issued guidelines calling for the renovation and upgrading of "thousands of markets and tens of thousands of stores." The plan aims to cultivate 500 leading counties in rural commerce nationwide and renovate 5,000 markets at the township and town levels.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, poignantly recounted a "sign" she believes her late husband sent her shortly after his assassination. The 37-year-old discussed the moment during her appearance at "The Megyn Kelly" Show in Glendale, Arizona, on November 22.

RadarOnline reported that during the onstage talk, Kelly asked Erika if she had any signs from the late Turning Point USA co-founder, who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10.

Erika said, "It's so interesting when we first started dating, this is personal, but I share it only because maybe it'll be a sign for you to know that Charlie's with you in something. When we first started dating, we were walking to dinner one night, and this happened a lot, the lights would start to flicker," per OK! Magazine.

She added: "And he'd look up at the light and be like, 'You know, it's so weird. This happens to me a lot.' And I was like, 'Really?"

Erika said that the flickering lights became symbolic in their relationship, saying, "So our whole dating and whole marriage, anytime we'd be in a room, and a light started to flicker, he would just look at me and wink. It was like our little thing. It's a total frequency thing."

She then proceeded to relate events on the night Charlie was killed. A neutral sentence leads into her relation. Erika added, "And so the night, everything happened, when we were in Utah, I was in a hotel room by myself, in one of the bedroom portion by myself, and the bathroom light was on, and it just was a strobe light all night."

She explained, "A part of me couldn't sleep because it was a strobe light. The other part of me couldn't sleep because of how just my world has just crumbled. And the other part of me couldn't sleep because I was like, 'Baby, I feel you. I know you're here.'"

Erika also shared how her three-year-old daughter has started asking about Charlie. Erika said: "We talk about heaven, I make it really exciting. I tell her daddy had so much fun today."

She says, "Daddy is telling all of his friends to send you gifts and letters. And Daddy is orchestrating from heaven to make sure that you always feel so loved."

According to Radaronline, the alleged suspect in Charlie's murder, Tyler Robinson, was arrested after his family reportedly turned him in on September 12.

Originally published on Enstarz
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation project, reimagining the resort's exterior with a refreshed color palette and enhanced fixtures. Located between the popular city centers of Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach is a peaceful, beachside getaway for locals and tourists alike.

Now boasting a soft sandy beige exterior complemented by light blue accents, the resort captures the essence of a serene seaside escape. The refreshed exterior, accented by modern finishes and coastal-inspired details, completes the resort's contemporary new look while enhancing the guest experience.

This transformation comes on the heels of a comprehensive first-phase renovation completed last year, which included reimagined public spaces, redesigned guest rooms, and a rebranded signature dining experience at Beach Terrace Restaurant, featuring authentic Caribbean cuisine. Upon arrival at the resort, guests are greeted with an open-concept lobby, featuring a vibrant, modern color palette of sunset oranges, hot pinks, bright yellows, leafy greens, and ocean blues. The spacious 244 two-room suites are infused with an elevated tropical ambiance, featuring updated lighting fixtures, refreshed furnishings, and thoughtfully curated decor. When stepping outside to take a refreshing dip in the resort's pool, a newly renovated sundeck awaits, serving as an inviting oasis with direct views of the sun-kissed shores of Deerfield Beach.

The completion of the resort's exterior renovation coincides with Deerfield Beach's centennial anniversary, marking 100 years of coastal heritage, community spirit, and timeless charm, further positioning the quaint beachside town as a prime destination for travelers seeking relaxation along South Florida's coast. Its proximity to nearby coastal favoritesincluding Pompano Beach and West Palm Beachalso makes the resort an ideal home base for guests looking to explore more of South Florida during their stay.

As travelers plan their upcoming celebrations and gatherings, the resort's refreshed design and coastal charm further enhance its appeal for milestone events, including beachfront weddings, family celebrations, and group gatherings.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's world-class brands comprising 9,000 properties in 141 countries and territories. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app, where members can check in, choose and access their room using Digital Key.

For more information or to make reservations, please call 954-426-0478 or visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/deefles-embassy-suites-deerfield-beach-resort-and-spa/. To stay in the loop on Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa's latest news, follow the property on Instagram @ EmbassySuitesDeerfieldBeach , Facebook @EmbassySuitesDeerfieldBeach and LinkedIn @Embassy-Suites-Deerfield-Beach-Resort-Spa.

Read more about Embassy Suites at stories.hilton.com.

Hotel website
Raffles Jeddah, the city's most anticipated new luxury destination overlooking the Red Sea, has announced the appointment of Ahmed Jarkass as Director of Sales and Marketing ahead of its anticipated opening. A distinguished commercial leader with more than two decades of regional experience, Jarkass brings an exceptional track record across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Egypt. His professional journey spans senior roles with some of the world's most recognisable luxury hospitality brands, including Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Rixos Hotels.

Widely regarded for his strategic insight and collaborative leadership style, Jarkass has consistently shaped commercial strategy, strengthened market positioning, and delivered sustainable revenue growth across luxury and lifestyle sectors. His expertise spans sales, marketing, business development, and commercial planning, underpinned by a deep understanding of regional market dynamics and an ability to build high-performing teams within complex luxury environments.

In his most recent role as Chief Commercial Officer at Wujha Real Estate Development, Jarkass led the commercial strategy for two major mixed-use developments, achieving a 35% increase in sales through strategic market expansion, data-driven decision-making, and refined commercial leadership. His achievements underscore a proven capability for driving long-term business value and creating meaningful commercial impact.

As Director of Sales and Marketing at Raffles Jeddah, Jarkass will oversee the Sales, Marketing, Public Relations, Revenue, and Conference & Events divisions, leading the commercial strategy for the hotel.

He will be responsible for driving market penetration, developing innovative sales and marketing initiatives, and cultivating strategic partnerships that position Raffles Jeddah as the city's most distinguished waterfront destination. His leadership will also support the Kingdom's evolving luxury hospitality landscape and contribute to the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 by enhancing guest experiences, nurturing local talent, and attracting global travellers seeking cultural discovery and elevated service.

Celebrated for his ability to inspire high-performing teams and his commitment to excellence, Jarkass brings a strategic mindset and customer-centric approach that will shape the pre-opening momentum of Raffles Jeddah and help set new benchmarks for luxury hospitality in the region.

With this appointment, Raffles Jeddah continues to build a world-class leadership team that reflects the property's commitment to refined service, thoughtful design, and transformative luxury experiences. Upon opening, the property will introduce a new benchmark in luxury hospitality, offering elevated experiences in gastronomy, wellness, and design, while upholding the Raffles legacy of timeless elegance and bespoke service.
CDL acquires Holiday Inn London Kensington High Street from Cola Holdings

Singaporean investor City Developments Limited (CDL), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Copthorne Hotel Holdings Limited, has acquired the four-star, 706-room Holiday Inn London Kensington High Street in the UK from Cola Holdings, the property investment vehicle of the Cola family, for 280 million (396,600 per room). The property is situated in West London near major attractions such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar, 13 meeting rooms and a spa with pool. This is CDLs sixth hotel in London, and one of its existing properties - the 833-room Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington - is located adjacent to the newly acquired Holiday Inn. Cola Holdings Westbury Hotel in Mayfair has been closed since 2022, with its complete renovation, originally expected to cost 90 million, now due for completion in 2026 when it will re-open as a luxury St Regis hotel.

MNK Partners acquires two hotels in Poland from B&B Hotels

French portfolio manager MNK Partners, on behalf of its MNK Global Core fund, has acquired the two-star, 140-room B&B Hotel Wrocaw Centrum and the two-star, 105-room B&B Hotel Katowice Centrum in Poland, in a sale & leaseback transaction with owner-operator B&B Hotels. Both hotels have city centre locations and include a breakfast restaurant. Established in 2024, this is the funds first acquisition in Poland.

Extendam and Experimental acquire Infante Sagres Porto in Portugal from Gaw Capital

French private equity firm Extendam, together with French operator Experimental Group, has acquired the five-star, 85-room Infante Sagres Porto in the north of Portugal from Hong Kong-based private equity firm Gaw Capital. The property, situated in Portos historic centre by Avenida dos Aliados, opened in 1951 as the citys first five-star hotel. It includes a restaurant and bar, three meeting rooms, a terrace with pool and two retail units. Extendam plans to renovate the hotels guest rooms and common areas and reopen the property under the lifestyle Experimental brand in autumn 2026.

Braxton and Izimmo acquire Les Jardins de la Villa in Paris

French asset management firm Braxton Investment Management, together with French real estate investment company Izimmo by Arkea, has signed an agreement to acquire the four-star, 33-room Les Jardins de la Villa in Paris, France. The property is situated in Paris 17th district, about 1km from the Arc de Triomphe. The hotel includes a breakfast restaurant, meeting room, and spa with sauna, steam bath and gym. Braxton and Izimmo plan to renovate the hotel and reopen it under the management of French operator Alfred Hotels under its new four-star brand.

Mzaman acquires Holiday Inn Chester West in the UK from Autolodge

UK hotel investment company Mzaman Holdings Group has acquired the three-star, 81-room Holiday Inn Chester West in the north of England, from British owner-operator Autolodge Hotel Limited. The property is situated by the A55 motorway in west Chester, around 20 miles south of Liverpool, and includes a restaurant, bar and four meeting rooms. This acquisition brings Mzamans portfolio to six hotels across the UK.

Whiterock acquires Kopster Hotel Paris Ouest Colombes from Lavorel Hotels

French real estate investment company Whiterock has acquired the four-star, 134-room Kopster Hotel & Residence Paris Ouest Colombes in France in a sale & leaseback transaction with French owner-operator Lavorel Hotels Group. The property is situated in Colombes in the north-western suburbs of Paris and includes a restaurant, rooftop bar and 13 meeting rooms. The hotel is part of a larger transaction, which also includes 117 apartments and 40 underground parking spaces.

Imaxxam acquires B&B Hotel Hagen in Germany from Weimer Wohnbau

German asset management company Imaxxam has acquired the two-star, 85-room B&B Hotel Hagen in Germany from German developer Weimer Wohnbau for its real estate fund, German Small Asset Invest. The property is situated in Hagen, a city of some 200,000 people situated 20 kms south of Dortmund and 60 kms north-east of Dusseldorf. The hotel opened in 2024 and includes a breakfast restaurant. The hotel is let on a long-term lease to B&B Hotels Germany.

About HVS

HVS, the world's leading consulting and services organization focused on the hotel, mixed-use, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries, was established in 1980. The company performs 4,500+ assignments each year for hotel and real estate owners, operators, investors, banks and developers worldwide. HVS principals are regarded as the leading experts in their respective regions of the globe. Through a network of some 60 offices and more than 300 professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. hvs.com.

Russell Kett

Chairman, HVS London

+44 20 7878 7701

HVS
KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced that KKR-managed funds and accounts provided c. 300 million whole loan financing to EPISO 6, a fund managed by Tristan Capital Partners, to support its recent acquisition of easyHotel, a leading pan-European budget hotel operator. The financing will also support growth initiatives for the easyHotel platform, including further advancing the platforms expansion and investment throughout Europe, new development projects in high-demand markets and capex investment across the existing portfolio.

Tristan Capital Partners, a private equity real estate firm, acquired easyHotel, one of Europes best-known budget hotel brands, in June 2025 through its latest opportunistic Fund, EPISO 6, in a transaction valued at more than 400 million. The hotel chain focuses on providing affordable, efficient and well-located accommodation for leisure and business travelers.

The easyHotel portfolio combines broad geographic diversification with a proven model in one of the most resilient segments of the hospitality industry, said Ali Imraan, Head of European Real Estate Credit at KKR. With this financing, we are supporting Tristan Capital Partners, a strong sponsor with deep expertise in this market, in its expansion of a well-recognized brand across Europe. We are pleased to provide flexible capital that underscores our conviction in the platforms growth potential and in the long-term strength of the European travel and leisure market.

The whole loan financing is secured by a diversified portfolio of 48 owned, leased, and franchised hotels, which includes 4,700 rooms across the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Portugal, Hungary and Bulgaria.

Tristan Capital Partners was advised by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. KKR was advised by Linklaters.

About Tristan Capital Partners

Tristan Capital Partners is a real estate investment manager, specialising in value-added investment strategies across all property types in the UK and Europe. Tristan's pan-European real estate funds include core+, opportunistic and debt strategies, with total assets under management of over 15 billion and a loyal client base of institutional and private investors. The company was founded in 2009. Tristan's headquarters are in London, and it has offices in Luxembourg, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt. Milan and Madrid. Tristan is an affiliate of New York Life Investments. It is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and is MiFID compliant. Please visit www.tristancap.com for more information.
Kalahari Resorts to Launch Treehouse Collection in Wisconsin Dells by 2026 - Image Credit Kalahari Resorts



Kalahari Resorts will open the Kalahari Treehouse Collection in Wisconsin Dells in early summer 2026, with bookings now available.

Kalahari Resorts has announced the upcoming opening of the Kalahari Treehouse Collection in Wisconsin Dells, scheduled for early summer 2026. The new development will be situated along Lake Delton and is part of the company's Adventure Collection initiative, which aims to integrate natural settings with hospitality offerings.

Bookings for the treehouses and lakeside cabins are now open. The accommodations are designed in collaboration with Pete Nelson and family, known for their work on Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters." The design features include panoramic lake-view porches and handcrafted wood finishes, emphasizing natural light and forest textures.

The site will also feature Daylenes Supper Club, a dining establishment inspired by the Wisconsin supper club tradition. Additional amenities include a private beach, a new outdoor pool, and six boat slips. Guests staying at the Treehouse Collection will receive admission to the indoor water park, a key attraction at Kalahari Resorts.

The development represents an investment exceeding $50 million. Kalahari Resorts is considering expanding the Adventure Collection to additional resort destinations.
InterContinental The Red Sea Resort - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts



InterContinental has opened a 210-room resort on Shura Island in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea region, marking one of the first developments in the area.

InterContinental has announced the opening of its new resort on Shura Island, located in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea region. The resort features 210 rooms and is part of a broader initiative aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the country's tourism sector.

InterContinental The Red Sea Resort's design, which has received LEED BD+C Platinum Certification, was developed by Foster + Partners with interiors by Kristina Zanic Consultants. It emphasizes sustainability by integrating contemporary architecture with the island's natural environment. The resort's facilities include a range of guest accommodations, from 50-square-meter King and Twin Rooms to a spacious three-bedroom suite.

The resort offers various amenities, including Club InterContinental, which provides private check-in and exclusive services. For younger guests, the resort features Planet Trekkers, a children's and teens club with marine-themed activities. The SPA InterContinental offers wellness treatments, including hydrotherapy and yoga.

Dining options at the resort include three signature restaurants: Darein, Ardo, and Chimes, which offer a mix of Levantine, South American, and Mediterranean cuisines. The dining collection is set to expand in early 2026 with the addition of Ardo and The 305, a Miami-inspired restaurant and cigar lounge.

InterContinental The Red Sea Resort is part of IHG's regional expansion, joining other properties such as Six Senses Southern Dunes and InterContinental Jeddah. The resort is one of IHG's luxury properties in western Saudi Arabia, contributing to the company's global portfolio of over 235 hotels in more than 70 countries.
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 27F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 22F. Winds light and variable.
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal speak with Berkshire East owner Jon Schaefer at the ski lodge on Monday. Neal highlighted the programs under Democratic leadership that helped Charlemont's major employer survive the pandemic and thrive in the following years. The congressman talked with local officials and representatives of businesses and utilities in the ski area's main lodge. PreviousNext

Congressman Neal Highlights Successes of Pandemic Legislation



Congressman Neal was chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee when the legislation was implemented. He says he will continue to advocate for funding for businesses, science, education and medicine. CHARLEMONT, Mass.  Federal pandemic funds made available during the Biden administration were critical to ensuring the continuation of Berkshire East, a major employer in the hilltowns.

"Every single one of those programs, whether it was PPP, Employee Retention Tax Credit, played an integral role in Berkshire East, keeping it going," said owner Jon Schaefer. "And it was a panic at times."

U.S. Rep. Richie Neal, standing next to Schaefer in the main lodge at the ski resort on Monday, said he wanted to remind people of the successful interventions like the Paycheck Protection Program and Employee Retention Tax Credit that saved local businesses. The congressman also touted the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, the American Rescue Plan Act and the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

"So on an overall basis, consider the way that America rebounded from the pandemic so much better than the rest of the world," said Neal, who was chair of the powerful Ways & Means Committee when these programs were implemented under Democratic leadership.

"Really large employers or people at the top of the income strata in America, they were able to hold on what they had. The challenge that we had was getting the cash flow for people who really needed it, and the immediacy of it was essential for the work that we've done."

Many of these programs have sunset, but claims on the Retention Tax Credit are ongoing.

The Schaefer family has owned and operated Berkshire East since 1976; they also own Zoar Outdoor, and Catamount Mountain Resort in South Egremont. Jon Schaefer said the company employs close to a thousand full and part-time seasonal people, and about 400 at each ski area during the winter.

Schaefer said he was reading the legislation at midnight as changes were being made, looking for what to do.

When PPP came out, he called an emergency meeting with the town aboard about building a snow-making pond. when officials asked what the emergency was, he said, "it's jobs. People have to work, we have all this money that's available to us if we put people at work."

The congressman pointed out the Schaefers have been in business for a long time, and employs hundreds of people.

"You might say to yourself where might this all have been if there had not been that federal partnership," he asked. "Sometimes there are esoteric arguments in our lives. But when you're literally trying to keep the lights on and keep people working, as you said, not getting any sleep, concerned about where the next hammer might fall, and so thanks to you, what you did was stayed through it."

Most of these direct payment programs have ended, but the claims for the Employee Retention Tax Credit are ongoing. The tax credit was open to eligible businesses and tax-exempt organizations that kept employees on payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can still be retroactively applied to for qualifying periods.

"We looked at what the Europeans were doing, and they were just sending out money. We decided our initiatives that if you would keep your employees on the job, we would reward you. That was the whole plan," Neal said. "And we didn't say you just get a check not to do anything. We said, keep them going, keep them working, and we will reward you in the tax code."

The congressman credited his staff for working nights and weekends, and hand in glove with the IRS, to get this money out to businesses. He didn't think there will be an arbitrary cutoff to these programs, after speaking with the IRS commissioner, but acknowledged "they're being scrutinized with great attention."

The programs were successful because of speed  distributing the funds without delay. He said with the current political polarization, "it's hard to get media and others to concentrate on exactly what was accomplished and the rebound in the American economy in short order."

He did say the current administration is making some "short-sighted" and "ill-considered" decisions, particularly pointing to energy projects in the Northeast, and rollbacks in medicine, science and education that are tentpoles of the state's innovation economy.

The Trump administration cut nearly $8 billion in grant funding for clean energy projects this fall, including $466 million in Massachusetts and stopped work on the off-shore Revolution Wind project of Rhode Island that's 80 percent complete. The wind project would have provided more than 700 megawatts of power to Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Neal did think that the U.S. Supreme Court will find that Congress determines tariffs, which are taxes on the consumer. He said he sat in to listen to the arguments of the case.

"The tariff argument's falling flat," he said, noting the average is now 19 percent. "We can't say we're going to impose arbitrary tariffs without any thought going into them. ...

"Today, it's well, we're going to get relief out to farmers. Well, the tariffs caused the problem ...

"Not this president, or any president, gets the determine what are taxes. ... presidents can give you all the advice they want, but ... taxing is a responsibility for Congress."




iciHaiti - Diplomacy : Academic and scientific cooperation between Haiti and Spain





As part of initiatives to strengthen academic and scientific cooperation between Haiti and Spain, Wooldy Edson Louidor, Haiti's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, met with Cecilia Robles Cartes, Director of the Spanish Diplomatic School.



These discussions provided Ambassador Louidor with the opportunity to thank the Spanish Government for its support in building the capacity of Haitian Foreign Ministry staff, particularly through the annual scholarship awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (MAEC-AECID) to participate in the Master's program in Diplomacy and International Relations at the Diplomatic School of the Kingdom of Spain. He also reiterated the Haitian Government's commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries in areas of common interest.



They highlighted the need to assess the impact of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on September 12, 2024, between the Jean Price Mars Diplomatic Academy (ADJPM) and the Spanish Diplomatic School, in order to maximize the opportunities this legal document offers to Haitian civil servants.



Ambassador Louidor also expressed the Mission's willingness to participate in any training program at the Diplomatic School that showcases Haiti's rich cultural and historical heritage for the benefit of Spanish civil society.



IH/ iciHaiti


















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Media tycoon Jimmy Lai turned 78 on Monday in a Hong Kong prison, amid growing concerns that the diabetic Briton's health was deteriorating.

British MPs have renewed calls for the release of the Catholic businessman, who has been languishing in prison for five years.

Mr Lai, the founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily. is awaiting a ruling on charges of sedition and collusion with foreign powers under the citys draconian national security law.

He has pleaded not guilty and denied ever seeking Hong Kongs independence from China. He faces the prospect of life in prison if convicted.

Last week, Mr Lais children sounded the alarm over his failing health, claiming he had lost a significant amount of weight and that his teeth were rotting and nails were falling out.

Today is Jimmy Lais 78th birthday. Instead of celebrating with his family, he is behind bars in Hong Kong, just as he has been for the last five years, said a statement released on Monday by an international campaign group working to secure his release.

The statement claimed Mr Lai had heart problems and back pain and that he was losing his hearing and eyesight.

Jimmy Lai must be freed before his suffering becomes a death sentence, it demanded.

Claire Lai told The Washington Post her jailed father had contracted infections that lasted weeks and months and suffered agonising pain due to swollen limbs.

Mr Lais children urged the international community to mount pressure on China to release their father, whose trial represents a test for press freedom and judicial independence in the Asian financial hub.

The citys local government, led by chief executive John Lee, has denied the accusations.

The tycoon has all along been receiving appropriate treatment and care in prison, it said. The false reports by relevant media have no factual basis at all.

Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Stamford, said that Mr Lai had been languishing in prison for over 1,800 days, mostly in solitary confinement, for refusing to allow free voices in the city to be crushed by the Chinese Communist Party.

Jimmy Lai should be celebrating his birthday today with his family, she said. Instead, his children can only hold photos of him close to their hearts.

Jimmy Lai faces life in prison if convicted of sedition and colluding with foreign forces, which he denies ( Getty )

Silence today from the government as they get deeper in bed with the CCP, the Tory MP added. He is a British National. Bring him home.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith, MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, said Mr Lai was in prison on trumped up charges under the new oppressive Chinese National Security Law in Hong Kong.

He is unable to receive full consular rights or any religious support, he said. Our thoughts are with him and his family as the Chinese government tries to punish him for believing in freedom of speech.

I know his family are deeply worried about his deteriorating health.

Mr Lai, described by his family as a devout Catholic, has allegedly been denied communion while in prison.

Mr Lais family, activists and MPs have repeatedly urged prime minister Sir Keir Starmer to press Beijing for the jailed Briton's release.

An opportunity will arise in the next year when Sir Keir meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping during his visit to China.

In the US, lawmakers have issued a bipartisan call for the tycoons release. Last week, members of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the US and the Chinese Communist Party introduced a resolution to mark 8 December as Jimmy Lai Day.

In October, president Donald Trump reportedly raised Mr Lais case with Mr Xi during their meeting in South Korea.

Mr Trump will meet the Chinese leader again in April and have another chance to negotiate Mr Lais release.

Mr Trump can argue that Mr Lais imprisonment is a public-relations disaster for China and that he is doing China a favour by helping to resolve the issue, The Wall Street Journal said in an editorial. If Mr Lai dies in jail, it will be a permanent stain on China.

Congressman Tom Suozzi shared a picture with Mr Lais children on X and said: China must immediately release Lai and all other Hong Kong pro-democracy advocates from prison.

Fellow Congressman Jamie Raskin joined the call for Mr Lais release, saying the brave free speech and democracy advocate should be home celebrating his birthday with his family instead of being confined to prison. The world demands Jimmy Lai be released and his sham charges dropped, he said.

Mr Lais son, Sebastien Lai, told AFP that he hoped both Mr Trump and Sir Keir would keep raising his father's release with China.

Sebastien Lai previously said he believed it was in Chinas interests to free his father, warning that he would become a martyr for the pro-democracy movement if he died behind bars.

Its horrible for me to say this, but if my father dies in prison, hes actually a stronger symbol of freedom, of martyrdom for your beliefs, he said.

Antoine Bernard, advocacy and assistance director at Reporters Without Borders, warned that given Mr Lais chronic illnesses, each day increased his risk of dying in jail.

We call on these leaders, including prime minister Keir Starmer and president Donald Trump, to move from words to action and demand that the Chinese regime release him immediately on medical grounds, so he can be reunited with his family and receive the care he desperately needs, he said.
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A new bill introduced in Indias parliament has proposed giving workers the legal right to ignore phone calls, emails and messages from their bosses after office hours, sparking a debate over the countrys work culture.

The proposal, tabled by opposition member of parliament Supriya Sule, comes amid growing concerns over long working hours, burnout, and a digital work culture that often expects employees to be available late into the night. India has one of the worlds longest statutory work weeks at 48 hours, and surveys consistently show some of the highest levels of overwork and stress among major economies.

The bill would make it illegal for employers to demand responses outside official hours or on holidays, and would prohibit disciplinary action against staff who do not reply. It would also apply to all forms of communication, including phone calls, texts, emails, and video calls.

Under the proposal, companies and employees would need to agree to clear rules on what constitutes an emergency, while organisations that repeatedly violate the law could face fines of 1 per cent of their total employee wage bill. Workers who choose to work beyond scheduled hours would be entitled to overtime pay at the standard rate.

Ms Sule said the legislation is aimed at addressing the growing culture of constant availability created by digital tools. The bill cites research linking after-hours work pressure to sleep deprivation, chronic stress, emotional exhaustion and telepressure, the compulsion to respond instantly, as well as what it calls info-obesity, the sense of being overwhelmed by a constant stream of messages.

A similar version of the bill was proposed by Ms Sule in 2019 but did not advance. The renewed effort reflects shifting attitudes globally, as several countries, including France, Spain and Portugal, have moved to restrict after-hours communication in the name of worker well-being.

Several countries have already introduced versions of a legal right to disconnect, mostly in Europe. France was the first to adopt such a rule in 2017, requiring larger companies to negotiate policies that limit emails and calls outside working hours.

Spain and Italy followed with similar legislation, giving employees the right to ignore after-hours messages without repercussions. Portugal went further in 2021, banning employers from contacting staff outside office hours except in emergencies and requiring companies to cover higher household energy bills for home-workers.

Urban white-collar sectors in India, particularly IT, finance, consulting and outsourcing, are known for late-night shifts, extended working hours and expectations of permanent availability, partly due to time-zone alignment with Europe and the US.

As a result, millions of Indian workers often take work calls late into the evening, respond to messages on weekends, and struggle to maintain boundaries between professional and personal time. The rise of remote and hybrid work since the pandemic has also added to this problem.

Debates over how much Indians should work have intensified in recent years as attitude towards work-life balance changes and clashes with older beliefs. Earlier this year, Infosys founder and Rishi Sunaks billionaire father-in-law Narayan Murthy urged young people to put in a 70-hour work week to help accelerate the countrys growth, triggering a backlash from workers groups, health experts and many corporate employees.

The bill has once again opened a wider debate in India about digital rights, mental health and whether the countrys labour laws  many of which date back decades  are equipped for modern workplaces.

Some users on X shared how their workplaces expected them to be available even at midnight. My ex-boss would text or call me at 2AM, 3AM, 4AM, or 5AM and expect me to go to the factory, wrote one user while talking about the bill.

If this Bill becomes law, it might be the biggest mental-health win of this decade, wrote another X user, Ashish Kumar.

Ms Sule has also introduced separate private member bills proposing paid paternity leave for fathers and stronger protections for gig workers, signalling a push towards more progressive labour reforms in a country with a vast informal workforce and limited social protections.

The government has not indicated whether it will support the right-to-disconnect proposal, and private member bills rarely become law in India. But the move has drawn significant public attention, reflecting growing pressure to regulate a work culture in which personal time is often consumed by office demands.
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The owners of a nightclub in Indias popular tourist destination of Goa flew to Thailand just hours after a deadly fire claimed the lives of 25 people, police said.

Brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who own Birch By Romeo Lane in Goa, took a flight to Phuket in Thailand at 5.30am on 7 December immediately after the incident, they said.

The fire broke out just after midnight on Sunday at the nightclub, which was packed with both domestic and foreign tourists who had come to hear a Bollywood DJ play. Among those killed were 21 members of staff and a family of four from Delhi, police said.

In a statement late on Monday, Goa police said they were coordinating with the Interpol to seek the arrest of the two men.

open image in gallery People stand outside the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, which has been sealed for investigation following a fire ( REUTERS )

The police lodged a complaint against the owners of the business soon after the fire and travelled to Delhi to their residence, but discovered they had left the country. It shows their intent to avoid police investigation, police said.

Saurabh Luthra shared a statement on social media expressing "profound grief" over the incident. He has yet to address the police statement about flying to Thailand.

"In this hour the irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress, the management stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the deceased as well as those injured, and conveys its heartfelt condolences with utmost sincerity," the post read.

He said the "management" of the company that owns the club would provide "assistance, support and cooperation to the bereaved".

Police have so far arrested five people, including the chief general manager, bar manager, and operations head.

Goas chief minister, Pramod Sawant, said initial checks indicated that the club did not follow fire safety norms and ordered a thorough investigation.

Some reports have indicated that fireworks set off inside the club started the blaze, contradicting earlier reports that attributed the fire to a gas cylinder blast in the kitchen.

open image in gallery The charred interiors of a nightclub, which caught fire early Sunday, are seen in Arpora, Goa ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

About 100 people were on the packed dance floor when the fire erupted, witnesses said, adding that some ran downstairs to the club's kitchen to try and escape but got trapped along with staff.

A video from the nightclub that night showed a dancer performing on stage along with others when a huge blaze opened a part of the ceiling. The dancers and musicians were oblivious to the unfolding disaster till some of the members of the audience screamed in fear.
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Japan is currently assessing the aftermath of a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck late on Tuesday night, causing injuries, minor damage, and a tsunami along its Pacific coast.

Authorities are cautioning residents about the potential for aftershocks as emergency teams evaluate the full extent of the impact.

At least 34 people sustained injuries, with one person seriously hurt, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Public broadcaster NHK reported that most of these injuries were a result of falling objects.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the immediate formation of an emergency task force to assess the damage. "We are putting peoples lives first and doing everything we can," she stated, later reiterating in parliament that "the government would continue its utmost effort and reminded people they have to protect their own lives."

The seismic event, measured at 7.5 magnitude by Japanese authorities and 7.6 magnitude by the U.S. Geological Survey, occurred around 11.15pm in the Pacific Ocean.

Its epicentre was approximately 80 kilometres off the coast of Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japans main Honshu island, with the USGS indicating a depth of 44 kilometres below the surface.

open image in gallery A vehicle sitting on a damaged road in Tohoku town, Aomori prefecture, northern Japan, following a powerful earthquake ( AP )

A tsunami reaching up to 70 centimetres was recorded at Kuji port in Iwate prefecture, just south of Aomori, while other coastal communities in the region experienced waves up to 50 centimetres, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported. NHK also noted that the waves caused damage to several oyster rafts.

The agency lifted all tsunami advisories by 6.30am on Tuesday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said about 800 homes were without electricity and Shinkansen bullet trains and some local lines were suspended in parts of the region in the early hours of Tuesday. East Japan Railway said bullet trains resumed operation in the region later Tuesday.

Power was mostly restored by Tuesday morning, according to the Tohoku Electric Power Co.

About 480 residents sheltered at Hachinohe Air Base and 18 defence helicopters were mobilised for a damage assessment, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said.

About 200 passengers were stranded for the night at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, NHK reported. Part of a domestic terminal building was unusable on Tuesday after parts of its ceiling cracked and fell to the floor, according to the airport operator.

open image in gallery A fire that broke out after an earthquake in Aomori City on 9 December, 2025 ( JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images )

The Nuclear Regulation Authority said about 450 litres of water spilled from a spent fuel cooling area at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori, but that its water level remained within the normal range and there was no safety concern. No abnormalities were found at other nuclear power plants and spent fuel storage facilities, the NRA said.

JMA cautioned about possible aftershocks in the coming days. It said there is a slight increase in risk of a magnitude 8-level quake and possible tsunami occurring along Japan's northeastern coast from Chiba, just east of Tokyo, to Hokkaido.

The agency urged residents in 182 municipalities in the area to monitor their emergency preparedness in the coming week, reminding them that the caution is not a prediction of a big one.

Monday's quake occurred just north of the coastal region where the magnitude 9.0 quake and tsunami in 2011 killed nearly 20,000 people and destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

You need to prepare, assuming that a disaster like that could happen again," JMA official Satoshi Harada said.

Smaller aftershocks were continuing on Tuesday. The U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 6.6 and later a 5.1 quake in the hours after the initial temblor.
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Japans weather agency has issued a megaquake warning, the highest level of earthquake alert, hours after a 7.5 magnitude tremor struck the country.

Residents living near the Pacific coast have been urged by authorities to remain vigilant throughout the coming week and prepare evacuation plans in case they need to flee their homes.

At least 33 people were injured in the earthquake on Monday night, with waves reaching up to 70cm seen in several coastal communities.

Follow the latest update on the earthquake in Japan here.

open image in gallery Authorities have warned that an even stronger earthquake could strike Japan ( AP )

Tsunami alerts from Mondays earthquake have been lifted, but a megaquake notice revives the threat of large and devastating tsunamis along Japans Pacific coast, authorities warned.

Tuesdays announcement was the first time this top-tier alert has been issued since the early warning system was launched in 2022.

What is a megaquake?

A megaquake, also known as a megathrust earthquake, is an extremely powerful earthquake with a magnitude above 8.0 on the Richter scale, according to Japans Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion.

They can occur as a result of plate subduction, when one tectonic plate slides beneath another and sinks into the Earths mantle.

A megaquake could cause a fault rupture of up to 1,000km. If it takes place in a shallow area beneath the seabed, it will almost always produce a large tsunami, the organisation says.

open image in gallery A fire broke out after the earthquake in Aomori City ( JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images )

Months ago, the Japanese cabinet office released a major update to its long-feared megaquake scenario, projecting that any massive offshore rupture could kill around 300,000 people and cause damage equivalent to half of the countrys GDP.

But Morikubo Tsukasa, director of disaster management at the cabinet office, told reporters that global earthquake data indicates a possibility, not a prediction, of a larger tremor.

Japans deadliest earthquake on record was in the Kanto region in 1923. The megathrust earthquake measured 8.0 on the Richter scale and was estimated to have killed between 105,000 and 140,000 people.

Why is Japan vulnerable?

Japan is positioned along the infamous Pacific Ring of Fire, where four tectonic plates  the Pacific, North American, Eurasian and Filipino  converge in a region which is teeming with tectonic activity.

Constant shifting of these plates leads to frequent earthquakes in the country, some of which can have a devastating impact on the country.

Japan, however, is relatively robust when it faces earthquakes of high magnitudes compared to other countries, such as Turkey and Syria, which suffered sheer devastation and a catastrophic loss of life in 2023.

The country is regarded as having world-leading earthquake preparedness with resilient building structures adhering to strict regulations, along with regular earthquake drills practised in schools.

The current warning is in place along the Japan Trench and Chishima Trench, covering coastal areas from the northern island of Hokkaido to Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

Are megaquakes common in Japan?

open image in gallery The Kanto earthquake in 1923 killed more than 100,000 people ( Kyodo News via AP )

The most notable recent example of a mega earthquake is the 2011 Tohoku Pacific Ocean Earthquake, which had a magnitude of 9.0-9.1.

Known in Japan as the Great East Japan Earthquake, it lasted approximately six minutes and caused a huge tsunami. It was the most powerful earthquake Japan has ever suffered, and the fourth greatest recorded in the world.

Nearly 20,000 people died, with the great majority believed to have been as a result of the overwhelming tsunami waves striking the east coast.

Other megaquakes in Japan in the 20th and 21st century, include 1933, 1944, 1946, 1952 and 2003.
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Former OnlyFans creator Bonnie Blue has been detained in Indonesia for allegedly producing pornographic content in violation of the Muslim-majority countrys morality laws.

Ms Blue, 26, a British adult content creator whose real name is Tia Billinger, faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail and a fine of about 270,000 if convicted.

The creator, known for organising controversial sex challenges with large groups of young men, was arrested during a police raid on a rental studio in Bali on Thursday.

The raid followed public complaints that she had hired a bus to travel around the resort island to film explicit material during schoolies week, a post-high-school celebration similar to Freshers Week in the UK, with more than a dozen men.

The controversial adult content star was arrested during a police raid on a rental studio in Bali on Thursday ( Instagram/@bonnie_blue_xox )

Her group included at least 17 male tourists aged 19 to 40, of British and Australian nationalities, police said.

The police released 14 of them, all Australians, without charge, but held an Australian man and two Britons in custody a little longer.

Ms Blue was also released, but her passport remained seized, and she was transferred to immigration authorities for further interrogation over the next 48 hours.

Police said Ms Blues group were allegedly creating content containing pornographic or immoral elements.

Indonesia has strict laws banning the production, distribution and public display of pornographic material, with harsher penalties for offences involving minors.

Authorities said they seized school Bonnie Blue outfits, cameras, condoms, flash drives, lubricant, pink necklaces, and two sheets of Viagra pills from the studio.

It is suspected that the place was used by the alleged perpetrator to produce pornographic videos, Badung police chief M Arif Batubara told reporters.

Ms Blue was visiting Indonesia for the first time, according to intelligence and immigration enforcement office chief Raja Ulul Azmi, as reported by DetikBali.

He said Ms Blue and her group had obtained visas on arrival in Bali, a facility available to foreigners travelling to Indonesia for tourism.

Ms Blue, one Australian man and two Britons were due to be questioned further on Wednesday, he added.

Mr Raja Ulul said officials were deciding how to proceed with the case that was being handled by the immigration department as well as the Bali police.

Ms Blue had announced her Bali visit on social media, writing: Hey boys, those thatre going to Schoolies and to those who are barely legal, cannot wait to meet you  and Im in Bali, so you know exactly what that means.

Ms Blue is known for performing controversial stunts, and was banned from OnlyFans earlier this year after making headlines for reportedly sleeping with 1,057 men in just 12 hours. The stunt, if verified, would surpass the record set in 2004 by Lisa Sparxxx, who had sex with 919 men in 24 hours.
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Dozens of people were injured when a packed train was struck by a locomotive in a horrific crash in western Thailand, authorities said.

The six-carriage train was carrying hundreds of people when it was hit by the locomotive during a routine coupling operation at Wang Yen Railway station in the city of Kanchanaburi on Saturday evening.

The trains windows were shattered and seats torn from their fixtures during the crash, which saw 13 passengers hospitalised and another 20 left with minor injuries. Four people suffered serious injuries and were treated at the nearby Phahol Pholpayuhasena Hospital.

Sources told Thai Examiner that the engine on the locomotive failed to brake as it reversed into the stationary train, damaging multiple carriages and putting the locomotive itself out of action.

open image in gallery Emergency workers at the site of the crash in Thailand ( State Railway of Thailand )

The train had stopped at Wang Yen for a scheduled change in locomotive at around 5pm on Saturday, according to police from Mueang Kanchanaburi Police Station.

One tourist on the train told Khaosod English that they had been thrown about the carriage after the impact.

The train had nearly a hundred Thai and foreign tourists, they said.

When we arrived at Wang Yen Station, we stopped to wait for the locomotive swap, which takes about 20 minutes. While we were sitting in the carriages, the car was suddenly hit with a very hard impact.

Tourists in every carriage were thrown about, with some hitting their heads against the windows, causing them to break, and others falling to the floor.

open image in gallery The brakes on the locomotive failed before the crash ( State Railway of Thailand )

According to Thairath Online, there was significant damage in the third-class carriage and one person suffered a skull fracture during the crash.

Kanchanaburi Station sent a replacement locomotive to the scene, which switched out the damaged locomotive before carrying the six carriages to the station.

Railway workers inspected the site on Saturday night, clearing the debris from the track and photographing the locomotive to document the damage. They checked the couplers used during the locomotive swap.

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) officials said engineers will examine the locomotives mechanical systems, and check the correct procedures used during the coupling sequence.

The final injury figures may change, officials said, as they continue collecting statements from crew members, injured passengers and staff from the station.
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Thousands of children have been admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition in Gaza since an October ceasefire that was supposed to enable a major increase in humanitarian aid, the UN children's agency said on Tuesday.

UNICEF, the biggest provider of malnutrition treatment in the besieged enclave, reported that 9,300 children were treated for severe acute malnutrition in October, when the first phase of an agreement to end the two-year Israel-Hamas conflict came into effect.

While this figure is down from a peak of over 14,000 in August, it remains significantly higher than during a brief February-March ceasefire, indicating aid flows are still insufficient, UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram told a Geneva press briefing from Gaza.

"It's still a shockingly high number," she said.

"The number of children admitted is five times higher than in February, so we need to see the numbers come down further."

Ingram described meeting underweight babies weighing less than 1 kilogram, born in hospitals with "their tiny chests heaving with the effort of staying alive."

UNICEF has stated that the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition in Gaza remains shockingly high ( Copyright 2025, The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

UNICEF can now import considerably more aid into the enclave than before the 10 October agreement, but obstacles persist, Ingram noted. She cited delays and denials of cargo at crossings, route closures, and ongoing security challenges.

"We have seen some improvement, but we continue to call for all of the available crossings into the Gaza Strip to be open," she urged. Commercial supplies entering Gaza are also insufficient, with meat remaining prohibitively expensive at around $20 a kilogram.

"Most families can't access this, and that's why we're still seeing high rates of malnutrition," she explained.

Last August, a UN-backed hunger monitor determined that famine conditions were affecting approximately half a million people  a quarter of Gaza's population.

Children have been severely affected by hunger as the conflict progressed, with experts warning of potential lasting damage.
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Two men have been charged with robbery and administering a noxious substance after an incident at Heathrow airport on Sunday.

Tyrone Richards, 31, and Anton Clarke-Butcher, 24, have each been charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of administering a noxious substance, HM Courts and Tribunal Service staff said.

They are due to appear at Hillingdon Magistrates Court charged with robbery on Tuesday.

open image in gallery Ambulance crews treated 21 people, including a three-year-old girl ( PA Wire )

The Metropolitan Police said it has made a number of arrests in connection with the incident.

Three more people were arrested on Monday, including a 23-year-old woman on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery, who was later released on bail pending further enquiries.

A 57-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery and was later released under investigation, and a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray and remains in custody.

Police were called to a multi-storey car park opposite Terminal 3 at 8.11am on Sunday after receiving reports that a number of people had been injured by a noxious substance.

London Ambulance Service treated 21 people, and five people were taken to the hospital, but have since been discharged. Among those injured was a three-year-old girl.

open image in gallery A person being detained by police officers outside Heathrow Terminal 3 after the attack ( @_umarjaved/PA )

Prior to the assault, two women were robbed of their suitcases after getting out of the car park lift. The men who robbed them sprayed a substance believed to be pepper spray in the direction of the women, which then affected others nearby.

The assault sparked chaos for many travellers as several trains and buses to the airport were delayed, with several people reportedly stuck at the airports bus stops for hours.

At least 17 trains serving Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 were cancelled, or ran through without stopping.
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A man has been charged with raping two 14-year-old girls in a flat in Bolton.

Greater Manchester Police received a report of a rape at a residence in the Middle Hulton area in the early hours of Sunday 7 December.

Sultani Bakatash, a 28-year-old Afghan national, was arrested and has been charged with two counts of rape of a girl aged under 16, one count of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration.

He had allegedly been in contact with the victims online before meeting them, the force said.

Both of the girls are now being supported by specialist teams while detectives investigate.

He will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning, the force said.

Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, Bolton district commander, said: This is a deeply concerning report, and our priority is supporting the two young girls and their families at this traumatic time.

We have acted quickly since this was reported to us in the last 48 hours, and weve been using all available resources to understand what has happened and help this case progress through court.

We remain firmly committed to protecting young girls in Bolton and across Greater Manchester and to help people feel safe in their neighbourhood.

I ask that the public continue to support us while we do whatever is necessary to support the girls and to get this case solved.

As criminal proceedings are now active, I urge the public not to speculate so that the legal process can take its proper course and the dignity of the girls is maintained.
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A British grandfather who has been jailed in Dubai for the past four years could be free for Christmas, his family hope.

Albert Douglas, a 63-year-old from London, has been detained in the emirate since 2021 after cheques relating to a business owned by his son, Wolfgang Douglas, bounced in 2019.

Despite forensic tests suggesting he hadnt written them, he has remained held in several high security prisons in the United Arab Emirates largest city, where his family claim he has experienced torture behind bars and even been strangled by a fellow inmate.

A month after the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention determined Mr Douglas's detention was arbitrary and had no legal basis under international law, his son Wolfgang has expressed hope that his father may now be released before Christmas.

It is just like winning the lottery, Wolfgang told the Daily Mail after learning of the UNs verdict. The exact sentence from a lawyer that was working with me here in London was: You've just put your hand in the grave and you've got your dad out. Because this is impossible.

The UN Working Group ruled that Mr Douglas was a victim of deprivation of liberty in contravention of 10 different articles of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

They requested the UAE government to take the steps necessary to remedy the situation of Mr Douglas without delay and bring it into conformity with the relevant international norms, including those set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

open image in gallery Albert Douglas' family has campaigned for his release ( Detained in Dubai )

Wolfgang has claimed he was victim of financial entrapment and has strongly denied any purposeful wrongdoing after his father was ordered to pay a 2.5 million fine after his company racked up debts he could not pay. The family hope that Mr Douglas will now be freed in the coming days and weeks.

The 38-year-old continued: I cant believe weve got this far. If he comes through Terminal 4 at Heathrow, Im going to cry.

He has reportedly spent 1.4 million trying to get his father free. He told the Mail: I've worked and given my whole life in the pursuit of clearing his name. I took a name badge the day [he got arrested] which said: Advocate of Albert Douglas. I would give the pennies I didn't have to save my father.

Detained in Dubai chief executive Radha Sterling told The Independent: Albert and his family are hoping that they will finally be reunited after what can only be described as hell. Albert has been subjected to unspeakable horrors while detained in Dubai and we have been highly concerned for his physical and mental wellbeing throughout his detention.

Alberts plight has been supported by Baroness Whitaker and Lord Clement Jones, raised in Parliament and discussed at the highest levels of the British government and yet he remained in prison for years.

I took the case to the United Nations to investigate Alberts arbitrary detention and human rights abuses and we are now on the edge of our seats waiting to see Albert safely home. His release means the world to his family who are praying to see him soon.

The Independent has contacted the Foreign Office for comment.

Mr Douglas potential release comes as a British student, 23-year-old Mia OBrien, is set to be released from a Dubai prison a year after she was arrested when 50g of cocaine was allegedly found in a flat stormed by police during a party.
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Britains submarine fleet is in a "parlous state", a former navy chief has warned, amid the growing underwater threat from Russia.

Labour peer Lord West of Spithead, speaking at Westminster, said the silent service was in its worst condition across his 60 years of military service.

The former defence minister informed parliament it was "horrifying" that at times last year, the UK lacked a single operational attack submarine.

He also raised concerns over the pressures faced by the nations continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent.

Lord West made his hard-hitting comments as Defence Secretary John Healey announced plans for a new multimillion pound high-tech force to protect undersea cables and pipelines against Russian attack.

The hybrid naval force, named Atlantic Bastion, will combine autonomous vehicles and AI with warships and aircraft to identify threats to underwater structure and to defend them from interference.

The UK and its Nato allies have become increasingly concerned about the risk Moscow poses to seabed cables and pipelines, which carry most of Britains international telecommunications data and vital energy supplies such as electricity, oil and gas.

This has been underlined by the activities of Russian spy ships such as the Yantar, which have the capability to sabotage these links.

Attacks on undersea infrastructure could cause catastrophic disruption to the financial and communications systems Britons rely on, the National Security Strategy Committee warned in a September report.

Lord West of Spithead criticised Britains submarine fleet ( David Mirzoeff/PA )

Against this backdrop, Lord West told ministers: Our submarine force is in a parlous state, the worst in my 60 years of service.

Successive delays in ordering, a lack of dry dock investment, the failure to recruit and train the requisite nuclear personnel, training delays for those we have got, lack of spares and lack of maintenance, have all taken their toll.

Does our nation realise that, for the last year, this great maritime nation has had one attack submarine operational for most of the time? Some of the time, it has not had one at all.

That is pretty horrifying for a maritime nation of our stature.

These submarines are war winners. They frighten (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and are what we use to give the Soviets a hard time with. That is where we have got to on that.

He added: In terms of a continuous at-sea deterrent, at the moment the boats are having to do 200-day patrols, with no fallback should something go wrong.

We have maintained it, it is an amazing effort to do it, but my God, we should not be in that position.

While he believed the Ministry of Defence understand this, with urgent steps being taken by the current First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, to improve the availability and readiness of the Royal Navys attack submarines, Lord West urged ministers to go back to the Treasury and demand extra funding to support these efforts.

Defence minister Lord Coaker said more funding had been secured and investment was being made.

The Labour frontbencher told the upper chamber: We are seeking to address some of the challenges that he pointed out.

Lord Coaker added: I am also pleased to announce to the House that the recruitment and retention (of) submariners have improved as well.

I accept the challenges he lays out but, with the First Sea Lord and others, we seek to address that quickly and urgently.
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A United Nations committee has urged Britain and Mauritius not to ratify a proposed agreement on the future of the Chagos Islands, warning it risks perpetuating long-standing violations of the Chagossian people's rights.

On Monday, the committee stated that the deal, finalised in May after years of negotiations, would see sovereignty of the archipelago transferred to Mauritius. However, it also stipulates that Britain would retain control of the strategically important US-UK air base on Diego Garcia, the largest island, through a long-term lease.

Up to 2,000 Chagossians were forcibly removed from their homes in the 1960s and 1970s, with many subsequently settling in Britain and some continuing to seek the right to return.

The U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which met in Geneva this month, expressed concern that the agreement "explicitly prevents the return of the Chagossian people to their ancestral lands in Diego Garcia Island."

It also voiced concern that the deal did not formally acknowledge past injustices, provide full reparation for harms, or allow the islands to preserve their distinct cultural heritage."

The Chagos Islands ( CPA Media Pte Ltd/Alamy/PA )

The decision is very promising. It gives us strength to keep pushing, fighting, and working together," said Bertrice Pompe, a British Chagossian who filed the U.N. complaint.

Britain and Mauritius, along with some 180 other states, are parties to the legally binding 1965 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination overseen by the U.N. Committee.

"We recognise the importance of the islands to Chagossians," said a British Foreign Office spokesperson."Under the treaty, Mauritius will be able to develop a programme of resettlement to islands other than Diego Garcia, and the UK has separately committed to support heritage visits to the archipelago, including Diego Garcia."

Mauritius' diplomatic mission in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The World Court urged Britain in 2019 to return the islands to Mauritius. London has since acknowledged that the removal of Chagossians was "deeply wrong and regrettable".

The committee issued the decision under its early warning system, which discusses urgent matters to limit treaty violations and prevent them escalating into conflicts.

It urges the parties to "continue cooperating to bring an end to the harm suffered by the Chagossian people and the violations of their rights".
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Londons Metropolitan Police is deploying facial recognition technology in a bid to curb the use of illegal e-bikes.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley lauded the technology as one of the most significant innovations in crime-fighting in decades, asserting it has already aided in the apprehension of thousands of criminals.

The increasing prevalence of dangerous riding and phone-snatching incidents involving e-bikes has become a growing concern across the capital.

open image in gallery E-bikes seized by the Metropolitan Police in the West End on 5 December ( Metropolitan Police/PA )

Sir Mark indicated that police cameras possess the capability to rapidly scan the faces of illegal e-bike riders, enabling their interception in targeted operations.

This push aligns with government efforts to expand police utilisation of facial recognition to combat crime. However, the technology has drawn considerable criticism.

Earlier this year, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) described the Met Polices policy on live facial recognition as unlawful.

The equalities watchdog further stated that the existing rules and safeguards surrounding the forces deployment of the technology fall short and could exert a chilling effect on individuals rights, particularly during protests.

open image in gallery Electronic bikes have become a growing concern in the capital because of their increasing use for dangerous riding and phone-snatching ( Metropolitan Police/PA )

Currently, police use three types of facial recognition: retrospective, used in criminal investigations to search images from crime scenes against images of people taken on arrest; live, using live video footage of people passing cameras and comparing their images with a list of wanted people; and operator-initiated, a mobile app that allows officers to check someones identity without arresting them.

The Home Office funded 12.6m in facial recognition last year, with 2.8m spent on national live facial recognition, including mobile vans and fixed location pilots.

Sir Mark said the Met has been seizing e-bikes at an increasing rate.

He added: This issue comes up in every borough.

It comes up whether you talk about it in inner city boroughs, or Westminster, and then in outer London, in places like Bromley and Kingston, it keeps coming up.

Thats why were making a big point about this.

open image in gallery E-bikes travelling above 15.5mph are treated as motorbikes, which must be registered, taxed and insured ( Jonathan Brady/PA )

Sir Mark said tremendously powerful facial recognition technology has helped the force arrest the best part of 1,000 criminals over the last year, including those guilty of serious offences and sex crimes.

He said: It has many uses and it will pick up people that speed, so it will pick up people on e-bikes and in all sorts of situations.

Its one of the biggest innovations in fighting crime weve seen in decades and thats why were investing more in it, and Londoners will see more bad people taken off the streets through facial recognition than they have in previous years.

Sir Mark added that rules around e-bikes and e-scooters are clear and pretty tough, with e-bike motors required to cut out at 15.5mph and e-scooters banned in London unless they are hire scooters.

Police have found that some are illegally modified to reach faster speeds or to enable them to be powered without the pedals being turned. Conversion kits are available online for as little as 300.

E-bikes travelling above 15.5mph are treated as motorbikes, which must be registered, taxed and insured, and are seized by police if they break the law.

Once an illegal e-bike has been seized, the hazardous and recyclable parts are removed and the bike is crushed down.

The crackdown is part of phase two of the forces A New Met For London plan launched on Tuesday.
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Millions of pension savers are set to be financially impacted by upcoming changes to salary sacrifice arrangements, with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) figures indicating that 3.3 million individuals will be affected.

HMRC guidance reveals that an estimated 7.7 million employees currently utilise salary sacrifice for their pension contributions.

However, the Budgets new rules will specifically target the 3.3 million who sacrifice more than 2,000 of their salary or bonuses.

From April 2029, salary-sacrificed pension contributions exceeding this annual 2,000 threshold will no longer qualify for National Insurance (NI) exemption.

Contributions above 2,000 will be treated as ordinary employee pension contributions in the tax system and subject to NI contributions.

Rachel Reeves announced in last months Budget that from April 2029 salary-sacrificed pension contributions above an annual 2,000 threshold will no longer be exempt from national insurance ( PA )

Employers may offer salary sacrifice as part of their pension scheme as a tax-efficient way to help workers boost their pots.

The schemes enable people to maintain their take-home pay, as people end up paying lower NI contributions.

The announcement in the Budget has been criticised by pensions industry bodies, who have argued many people are already thought to be heading for a tough time financially in later life.

Yvonne Braun, director of policy, long-term savings, health and protection at the Association of British Insurers (ABI), previously said the wider work required to rebuild peoples trust in the stability of pensions will take years.

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People often dial their pension contributions up and down throughout their working lives, depending on factors such as their other financial commitments and outgoings, and how close they are to retirement.

The HMRC guidance said employees with salary sacrifice contributions are estimated to be of typical working age.

It said: In particular, those who are aged 31 to 50 (52 per cent) are estimated to be overrepresented compared to their prevalence in the employee population in general (44 per cent).

Males are also estimated to be overrepresented in the population making salary sacrifice pension contributions (59 per cent) compared to their prevalence in the UK adult population (50 per cent).

The document also said: This measure is expected to have an impact on 290,000 employers who operate salary sacrifice arrangements for pension contributions who will now need to account for relevant pension contribution amounts and report and pay class one national insurance contributions on these, where appropriate.

One-off costs will include familiarisation with the change, the training of staff and updating of software. Continuing costs will include performing more calculations and recording and providing additional information to HMRC where salary sacrifice schemes continue to be used.

Looking at other operational impacts, the document said: HMRC will need to make IT changes to support implementation of this measure. These changes are expected to cost in the region of 1.9 million.

The document also said: Salary sacrifice for pensions contributions remains, and its cost as a relief has increased markedly from 2.8 billion in forgone national insurance contributions in tax year 2016 to 2017, rising to 5.8 billion in tax year 2023 to 2024.

Were no changes made, it is expected that this would nearly triple to 8 billion by tax year 2030 to 2031.

Sir Steve Webb, a former pensions minister who is now a partner at consultants Lane Clark & Peacock, said the impacts on employees could be wider if employers respond to the changes by making pension provision less generous for all workers.

Sir Steve said: A Budget measure that was largely seen as complex and technical could have significant real-world implications for millions of workers.

At a time when the nation as a whole has a significant under-saving problem, this change will make matters worse.

On the Governments own estimates, around three in seven of the workers who use salary sacrifice to pay into their pensions will be hit by the change, whilst employers will face a bigger hit because of their higher rate of national insurance contributions.

Although employers have time between now and 2029 to consider their options, there is a risk that some will simply cut back on the generosity of their workplace pension offering, which would be a serious backward step.
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MI5 turned a blind eye to grotesque crimes committed by a British spy who infiltrated the IRA during the Troubles, a damning report has found.

Agent Stakeknife worked within the internal security unit of the Provisional IRA, which interrogated people suspected of passing information to the security forces, while sending out his own intelligence reports.

Operation Kenova, launched in 2016 to investigate the agents activities, found that Stakeknife, believed to be Freddie Scappaticci, who died aged 77 in 2023, committed grotesque, serious crime including torture and murder.

It said that MI5, which was closely involved with the agents handling, had knowledge of all Stakeknife intelligence and was aware of his involvement in serious criminality.

Yet Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) chief constable Jon Boutcher, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday after the publication of the 47.5m report, said there was no evidence that people were seeking to stop what he was doing.

The report also said there were two incidents when his handlers from the Force Research Unit (FRU)  a British army intelligence unit  took him out of Northern Ireland for a holiday when they knew he was wanted by police for murder.

Operation Kenova examined 101 murders and abductions linked to the IRA unit where Stakeknife operated. In its interim report last year, it said more lives were probably lost than saved through the operation of Stakeknife.

On Tuesday, Sir Iain Livingstone, who led the investigation, said there was a compelling ethical case for the UK government to now drop its Neither Confirm Nor Deny (NCND) policy and name the agent.

open image in gallery Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (right) and Iain Livingstone at Tuesdays press conference ( PA Wire )

It also emerged that previously undisclosed information providing a greater knowledge of Stakeknife was only passed on to the probe by MI5 after the publication of the interim report last year, which was too late for it to be investigated properly. The security agency has apologised.

Crucially, the late-coming information revealed MI5 was closely involved in handling Stakeknife, said the report, which added that the agents commanding officer briefed MI5 every four to six weeks.

It said: MI5 had automatic sight of all Stakeknife intelligence and therefore was aware of his involvement in serious criminality.

CC Boutcher told the press conference he was unable to give an example of MI5 agents who clearly knew about specific murders, but said they were embedded with the Force Research Unit that handled Stakeknife.

He added: Ive not seen anything, anything, that shows that the activities of the agent Stakeknife that people were seeking to stop what he was doing. I have not seen anything to suggest that.

The chief constable, who led the Kenova investigation before taking charge of the PSNI, claimed Scappaticci had been a critical person of interest at the heart of Operation Kenova.

To directly quote a solicitor for the Kenova families who spoke to the BBC in 2024, the dogs in the street know that Fred Scappaticci is the agent Stakeknife, he said.

open image in gallery Freddie Scappaticci is widely believed to have been the IRA agent known as Stakeknife ( PA Wire )

But the identity of Stakeknife, who started work in the 1970s and continued as an agent into the 1990s, has not officially been revealed, including in the operations report.

More than 3,000 people died in Northern Ireland during three decades of conflict between mostly Catholic supporters of unification with the Republic of Ireland and mostly Protestant backers of continued links with the United Kingdom.

KRW Law, a legal firm which represents families of some of those murdered by the IRA, said it was insulting that Stakeknife has not been publicly named.

A statement said: Its a slap in the face by the state at a time when there ought to be the most fulsome of apologies over what was a state-sponsored murder operation lasting from 1979 to 1994.

CC Boutcher also urged the government to name the agent, adding that the operative was involved in the most serious and inexcusable criminality while operating as an agent, including murders.

open image in gallery Director general of MI5 Ken McCallum has apologised ( PA Wire )

He said the actions of the IRAs internal security unit against its own community were utterly abhorrent, wrong and inexcusable.

He said: The families of those accused of being state agents, women, children and the elderly were also subjected to violence, and many have faced years of intimidation, isolation and humiliation at the hands of those who murdered their loved ones.

The late release by MI5 of additional files relating to Stakeknife was deeply frustrating, said CC Boutcher.

He said: No new murders were uncovered, but incidents were detailed which could have been put to witnesses, generated new lines of inquiry, and perhaps form the basis for submissions to the Director of Public Prosecutions for additional offences. We will never know the full impact of this late discovery.

MI5 director general Sir Ken McCallum apologised, but said the material was not deliberately withheld.

Among the updated 10 recommendations in the report, the UK government has been urged to acknowledge and apologise to bereaved families and surviving victims. It also called for a full apology from the republican movement for the Provisional IRAs abduction, torture and murder of those it suspected of being agents.

On the late discovery of material, he said: The fact this material was provided so late and at a point when further investigation was impossible only caused further upset to the families who have already waited many years to find out what happened to their loved ones.

open image in gallery The 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings remains the biggest loss of life on any single day of the Troubles ( PA Archive )

Tuesdays publication also included a report of Operation Denton, which reviewed a series of attacks carried out by loyalists with involvement by some members of the security forces in the 1970s known as the Glenanne Gang.

It found that the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) was responsible for the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, and there was no specific intelligence that could have prevented the attacks, which claimed 33 lives.

It remains the biggest loss of life on any single day of the Troubles.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in Northern Ireland previously announced that no prosecutions would be pursued after consideration of the last batch of files from the Kenova investigation.

Some 32 people, including former police, former military personnel and people linked with the IRA, were considered for prosecution on a range of charges from murder and abduction to misconduct in public office and perjury.

However, the PPS found there was insufficient evidence to pursue cases.

A No 10 spokesperson said: While I cant comment in detail on the allegations set out by Kenova due to ongoing litigation, the government is clear that the alleged criminal conduct Operation Kenova has set out in its interim report would not be tolerated today, and of course, we must emphasise that the principal responsibility rests with the Provisional IRA.
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Tesco is urging customers to return one of its popular home brand meals after discovering a risk for people with dairy allergies.

The supermarket chain has issued a recall for Tesco 6 Aubergine Katsu Bao Buns over concerns the product may contain milk, which is not mentioned on the label.

The Food Standards Agency stated that this means the product may pose a health risk to anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.

An announcement on its website said: If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk do not eat it.

open image in gallery The FSA said the product may pose a risk to those with milk allergies ( Tesco )

It is asking customers to return products with a use-by date code up to and including 13 December. It will issue a full refund upon return of the product and customers are not required to provide a receipt.

The FCA said Tesco has issued a notice of the recall to its customers and contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, which will notify customers of the recall.

The recall notice was issued on Monday, with the product now listed as out of stock on its website.

In a letter to customers, the supermarket said the possible presence of milk makes the product potentially unsafe for any customers who have an intolerance or allergy to milk or milk constituents.

Tesco has reportedly apologised for any inconvenience caused and confirmed that no other products are affected by this recall.

Late last month, the supermarket also had to recall its Tesco Celery, Fruit and Nut Salad over a separate allergen risk, saying that the product may contain traces of mustard in the mayonnaise, which was also not mentioned on the label.
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Sir Keir Starmer has led tributes to a member of the British armed forces who has been killed in Ukraine.

The prime minister expressed his deepest sympathy and condolences for the services member, who died as he watched the testing of a new defensive capability, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The ministry said: It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK armed forces died in Ukraine this morning, Tuesday December 9.

He was injured in a tragic accident while observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability away from the front lines.

The family has been notified and our thoughts are with them at this sad and difficult time.

The UK has previously acknowledged that a small number of military personnel are in Ukraine, mainly providing security for the British diplomatic presence and supporting the Ukrainian armed forces. The government has never said how many that is.

Sir Keir wrote on social media: My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the member of our armed forces who sadly lost their life today.

Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Defence secretary John Healey said in a social media post: Devastated by the death of a UK service person in Ukraine.

My thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues as they grieve for a loved one. Our hearts go out to them.

Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said: I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that a member of the UK armed forces died this morning in Ukraine.

My sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

The British armed forces have a five-week intensive programme in the UK that trains Ukrainian troops to become battle-ready.

The death is not being put down to hostile fire, the Press Association understands.
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Former childrens commissioner Anne Longfield will chair the inquiry into grooming gangs after months of delays.

Sir Keir Starmer announced the inquiry in June this year but the national probe was thrown into disarray when four women resigned from its victim liaison panel.

It has taken some months to find a suitable candidate to chair the inquiry amid the ongoing tensions. In October, the final two candidates to chair the inquiry dropped out of the process.

Now the home secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced that Baroness Longfield will take on the role.

The inquiry follows a recommendation made by Louise Casey in her rapid audit looking at the scale of grooming gangs across the country.

open image in gallery Former childrens commissioner for England Anne Longfield will chair the inquiry ( PA )

Baroness Longfield will be part of a three-person panel that will also include Zoe Billingham, the chair of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, and Eleanor Kelly, former chief executive of the London borough of Southwark.

Ms Billingham also has deep expertise in safeguarding and policing, Ms Mahmood told MPs. Ms Kelly supported the survivors of the London Bridge terrorist attacks and the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, the home secretary said.

The inquiry will conduct local investigations in areas where suspected serious failings occurred. Ms Mahmood confirmed that one of these locations will be Oldham in the Commons on Tuesday.

The inquiry will also have full legal powers under the Inquiries Act to compel witnesses to give evidence and require organisations to hand over documents and records.

Ministers have committed 65m to the inquiry and said it must not take longer than three years.

open image in gallery Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says its important we call grooming gang crimes what they were: Multiple sexual assaults committed by multiple men on multiple occasions ( PA )

Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, Ms Mahmood said that Baroness Longfield will resign the Labour whip in order to chair the national inquiry.

She said: She has devoted her life to childrens rights, including running a charity supporting and protecting young people and working for prime ministers of different political parties.

Ms Mahmood said it was important to call grooming gang crimes what they were  multiple sexual assaults committed by multiple men on multiple occasions.

The home secretary continued: Children were submitted to beatings and gang rapes, many contracted sexually transmitted infections, some were forced to have abortions, others had their children taken from them.

She said, Some in positions of power turned a blind eye to the horror, even covered it up, adding: What is required now is a moment of reckoning.

We must cast fresh light on this darkness.

Responding to a question from Sir Edward Leigh, Ms Mahmood said: There is nothing Muslim or Islamic about the acts that these evil men have perpetrated. It is not behaviour that any of us would accept or tolerate. All of these things are crimes.

She said that Muslims in the UK fear that a collection view is being taken of the whole community because of the reporting of these crimes. We should always pursue justice without fear or favour, she added.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp responded to Ms Mahmoods announcement by calling for an apology from the prime minister, who he said had disgracefully smeared those calling for an inquiry as far right.

open image in gallery Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said it should not have taken several months to agree an inquiry in the first place ( PA )

He said: Will the home secretary please apologise on behalf of the prime minister for what he said last January?

The truth is, this should not have taken several months and the threat of a vote in parliament to agree to this inquiry in the first place, and it should not have taken another six months to appoint a chair.

Mr Philp, who read out the sentencing remarks of several court cases involving grooming gang victims, added: The fact is, these crimes were deliberately covered up by those in authority who were more interested in so-called community relations, and in avoiding being called racist, than they were in protecting young girls.

Former home secretary Yvette Cooper announced a rapid national audit into grooming gangs and local inquiries in January. This three-month audit was led by Dame Casey, who highlighted flaws in data collection.

Dame Caseys report said data gaps on ethnicity were appalling and a major failing. It said that the ethnicity of perpetrators was shied away from and still not recorded in many cases.

Dame Casey recommended the government conduct a full national inquiry, prompting Sir Keir to commission the review.
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Two members of the House of Lords, including a former army chief, have been suspended from the upper chamber after being found to have exploited their positions for financial gain.

The suspensions follow two independent investigations, triggered by a newspaper sting operation, which concluded that Lord Dannatt and Lord Evans of Watford had both breached the Lords' code of conduct.

The independent Commissioner for Standards initially proposed the sanctions, which were subsequently upheld by the Lords Conduct Committee.

Lord Dannatt, an independent crossbencher and former chief of general staff, received a four-month ban, while Labour peer Lord Evans of Watford was suspended for five months.

Neither peer chose to appeal the commissioners findings or the recommended suspensions.

The upper chamber formally approved the sanctions on Monday.

open image in gallery Lord Dannatt, an independent crossbencher and former chief of general staff, received a four-month ban ( Joe Giddens/PA Wire )

The probes were launched in response to comments made by both peers to undercover Guardian journalists.

Lord Dannatt was judged by the commissioner to have expressed a clear willingness to provide paid parliamentary services to the reporters in breach of the rule that members should always act on their personal honour.

Evidence subsequently emerged of three further cases in which Lord Dannatt had provided parliamentary services in return for payment, by contacting ministers and officials on behalf of three separate companies in which he had a financial interest.

Chairman of the conduct committee Lord Kakkar told Parliament: Lord Dannatt argued that he was acting in the national interest but, even if that were so, it provides no defence.

The code is clear that accepting payment in return for offering parliamentary advice or services, which includes setting up meetings or introductions, or writing to ministers or officials, is prohibited. This is so whatever the motivations of the member.

He added: Given the number of breaches that came to light in his investigation, the commissioner concluded that a significant suspension was appropriate.

It was alleged Lord Evans offered cash for access during meetings with journalists posing as potential clients of a company, Affinity, owned by his son. Lord Evans held one-third of the shares in the firm.

open image in gallery Labour peer Lord Evans of Watford was suspended for five months ( Universal Pictorial Press Photo )

The commissioner said Lord Evans failed to act on his personal honour when he told the reporters he would be willing to introduce them to members of the House, given his financial interest.

It was also found Lord Evans had sponsored events at the House of Lords on behalf of Affinity and approached other members to speak at them.

In doing so, he provided parliamentary services to a company in which he had a financial incentive.

In addition, the commissioner concluded Lord Evans broke the rules for these events as tickets were advertised for sale at above cost price and were used to drum up business for the firm he part-owned.

Lord Kakkar said: The facilities of the House are provided at public expense to support members parliamentary work, not to help them generate financial or material gain.

All members, if they sponsor events, are required to satisfy themselves and certify that the rules have been followed. Lord Evans failed to do so, and his actions put the reputation of the House at risk.

We therefore concurred with the commissioner that a significant suspension was warranted and have recommended that he be suspended for five months.
He has been around British politics far longer than any of the other main party leaders, but Nigel Farage has never before endured such sustained scrutiny as he has faced in recent weeks.

In one sense, it is a compliment to Farages resilience and the rise of his Reform UK that he is treated in this fashion: consistently well ahead in the opinion polls, set for more gains in next years elections in Scotland, Wales and the English local authorities. Farage is now a realistic contender to become prime minister, and hes survived more scrapes than anyone can remember. But certainly things havent been going so smoothly lately

Whats the latest?

Mr Farage has been reported to the police by a former member of his own team. His constituency branch of Reform UK is accused of exceeding the election expenses limit during his successful campaign to become MP for Clacton at last years general election.

Richard Everett, a former Reform councillor and member of the Clacton team, says there was an overspend relating to leaflets, banners, utility bills and the refurbishment of a Reform UK-themed bar in the campaign office. Mr Farages officially declared costs were 400 under the limit (based on the number of voters) of 20,660, but Mr Everett says the undeclared items mean the cap was breached by as much as 9,000. But he also says Mr Farage would have been blissfully unaware of any overspend.

Does this mean a by-election?

Theres a long way to go first, and Mr Farage might be able to distance himself from it despite signing a declaration that he had examined the expenses. And even if there was a by-election in Clacton, hed probably be returned with an even bigger majority.

How is Mr Farage coping?

There have been negative stories about him and his party since the party conference season, and theyve been difficult to deal with. One was about the source of the funds used to buy his house in Clacton and how his partner had obtained them. Mr Farage didnt give consistent answers but denies any impropriety and has threatened to sue.

A further upset was the conviction and imprisonment of Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales, on charges of being bribed by the Russians to make speeches in the European parliament. He was a longtime Farage associate.

Other high-profile stories concerned Mr Farages behaviour at Dulwich College, where some former classmates accuse him of repeatedly making racist and anti-semitic comments. Mr Farage has offered various rebuttals and explanations about what went on 49 years ago and his deputy leader Richard Tice has dismissed it as all made up twaddle. Mr Farage also attacked the BBC and ITV for hypocrisy, because they broadcast racist television shows in the 1970s. He also denies antisemitism by pointing to his backing for Israel.

On top of all that theres also been a steady stream of news about the mishaps suffered by newly-elected Reform councillors trying to run local authorities with varying degrees of success.

Whats the upshot of all that?

It has been unhelpful, to say the least. But an arguably more damaging aspect is the way Mr Farage has handled the varied allegations: he often seems rattled, dismissive, peevish, aggressive and inconsistent  in short, not very prime-ministerial. Though its fair to add that his fanbase isnt much bothered.

Has it hurt Reform UK?

A bit. The conviction of Nathan Gill struck a particular chord because of Mr Farages past comments about how Putins invasion of Ukraine had been provoked by Nato expansion poking the Russian bear rather than the Kremlins imperialism. Theres also the residue of suspicion about Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum.

More broadly, Reform UK has lost some momentum. It has slipped in the opinion polls nationally, from an average of 32 per cent to about 28 per cent now. Its still a remarkable showing; much higher than its position at the last election and about as popular as Labour and the Conservatives combined. Reform could conceivably be the main opposition in Scotland and Wales, though far less likely to be in office.

Will Mr Farage resign?

Dont be silly. Having said that, the far right of British politics (like the far left) is notoriously prone to infighting, splits, factions and chaos, and Reform is no different. Historically, Mr Farage has fallen out with rivals (real or imagined) such as Robert Kilroy-Silk and the Tory defector Douglas Carswell (who preceded him in Clacton), as well as others more recently.

Thus, one of his newly elected MPs, Rupert Lowe, has already defected, while another, James McMurdock, left after allegations about his business dealings. Another prominent figure, the former deputy leader Ben Habib, has left to start his own party, Advance. Various Reform councillors have also been caught up in rows, resignations and ruckuses. The professionalisation of Reform UK remains a work in progress. A succession of defections to Reform by former Tory MPs tends to suggest Reform is merely a mark-2 Conservative Party, if not a home for deadbeats looking for their old jobs back.

On policy, Mr Farage has tried to make the party seem more fiscally responsible, but the promised Doge-style cost savings in local councils havent really materialised. Mr Farages signal achievement, Brexit, is more unpopular than ever and the party is also vulnerable on the NHS, its proposed programme of mass deportation for anyone with indefinite leave to remain in the UK, and lack of experience. Its still not obvious exactly how Reform would stop the boats. Rumours of a pact with the Tories are also destabilising things internally; mischievously, Mr Farage has invited the Tory shadow minister Robert Jenrick (a unite the right advocate) to join his team.

Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch is starting to improve as Conservative leader and may well pull a few of her lost voters back. In short, Mr Farage is going to find the next few years much tougher than anything hes known before. The next election is far away: Farage may find he has peaked too soon.
","credit":null,"alt":null,"created":"1765449914","url":"https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/12/11/10/14/01KC6G42PDYXXRGMHTVS16PZA6.jpeg","mid":6441241,"cleanUrl":"https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/12/11/10/14/01KC6G42PDYXXRGMHTVS16PZA6.jpeg","bundle":"remote_image","extra":{"imageSize":{"width":794,"height":575},"sizes":{"3:2":{"trimData":{"top":9,"right":0,"bottom":36,"left":0},"cropData":{"x":0,"y":9.730545992231631,"width":794,"height":529.3333333333334,"rotate":0,"scaleX":1,"scaleY":1}},"4:3":{"trimData":{"top":0,"right":27,"bottom":0,"left":0},"cropData":{"x":0,"y":0,"width":766.6666666666667,"height":575,"rotate":0,"scaleX":1,"scaleY":1}}}},"localCopyright":"PA Wire","align":"center"}}],"timestamp":1765453538,"formattedTimestamp":"11 December 2025 11:45"},{"type":"post","data":{"name":"2308070","title":"Lib Dems call for vaccinations in churches and pubs to tackle flu emergency as hospitalisations rise by 55% in one week","id":2308082,"uuid":"a1818878-3817-4547-a3db-7aa289d1a94a","scheduleTime":1765452637,"created":1765452637,"changed":1765452637,"container":2308070,"user":{"name":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"},"extra":{"authorName":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"}},"postJson":[{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The Liberal Democrats have called for an emergency flu vaccination scheme to be rolled out in community venues across England, with outreach programmes to tackle disinformation.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The scheme would see flu jabs offered in village halls, supermarkets, churches and social clubs, along with dedicated roaming jab vans.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The campaign comes as Lib Dem analysis shows that rates of flu vaccination among over 65s fell in every local authority in the country between 2023-4 and 2024-5.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

"}},{"type":"image","data":{"caption":null,"copyright":"Getty Images/iStockphoto","title":"The booster jab is now available to all aged 18 and over","description":"The doctor talks to the older woman and explains to her the safety of the vaccine itself and its effects. Immunization against the Covid virus pandemic 19.","credit":null,"alt":null,"created":"1641375176","url":"https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/01/05/09/iStock-1341058702.jpg","mid":2432352,"cleanUrl":"https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/01/05/09/iStock-1341058702.jpg","bundle":"remote_image","extra":{"imageSize":{"width":1254,"height":836}},"localCaption":null,"localCopyright":"Getty Images/iStockphoto","align":"center"}}],"timestamp":1765452637,"formattedTimestamp":"11 December 2025 11:30"},{"type":"post","data":{"name":"2308070","title":"NHS in grip of 'unprecedented wave of super flu', health boss says","id":2308095,"uuid":"03607a83-85bd-4576-bb5c-176b3c3338d1","scheduleTime":1765451744,"created":1765451745,"changed":1765451745,"container":2308070,"user":{"name":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"},"extra":{"authorName":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"}},"postJson":[{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

An NHS chief has warned flu rates will continue to climb, with no peak in sight yet.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, said the unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors strike, this unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year  with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients, she said.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The number of patients in the hospital with flu is extremely high for this time of year.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Even worse, it continues to rise, and the peak is not in sight yet, so the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

"}},{"type":"image","data":{"caption":null,"localCaption":null,"copyright":"Getty Images","title":"Winter Illnesses Put NHS Under Immense Pressure","description":"LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: Signage for emergency and urgent treatment departments are seen outside The Royal London Hospital on December 27, 2024 in London, England. NHS England faces a \"quad-demic\" of winter illnesses as Flu, Covid, RSV and Norovirus sweep the country. (Photo by Peter Nicholls/Getty Images)","credit":null,"alt":"Winter Illnesses Put NHS Under Immense Pressure","created":"1735316069","url":"https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/27/16/2190925131.jpg","mid":5203310,"cleanUrl":"https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/27/16/2190925131.jpg","bundle":"remote_image","extra":{"imageSize":{"width":5509,"height":3602}},"localCopyright":"Getty Images","align":"center"}}],"timestamp":1765451744,"formattedTimestamp":"11 December 2025 11:15"},{"type":"post","data":{"name":"2308070","title":"Should I get a flu jab this winter to fight off H3N2 super flu?","id":2308077,"uuid":"7cac536a-19f5-459d-ac6a-3fdbba1f2c08","scheduleTime":1765450845,"created":1765450845,"changed":1765450845,"container":2308070,"user":{"name":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"},"extra":{"authorName":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"}},"postJson":[{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The H3N2 strain of the influenza virus seems to be hitting harder and lasting for longer than expected.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Doctors have said the best protection against the flu is the vaccine, which is freely available to certain groups.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Want to know more about the vaccine? Albert Toth has more below:

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

"}},{"type":"article-link","data":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/flu-jab-h3n2-vaccine-uk-2025-super-strain-b2882411.html","title":"Should I get a flu jab this winter to fight off H3N2 super flu?","image":{"url":"https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/12/04/13/aac777ae263800ec5634d5485ca0cdb7Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzY0OTM5MTk1-2.82663919.jpg?width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800"},"description":"New strain of virus appears to be hitting people harder and lasting for longer than expected"}}],"timestamp":1765450845,"formattedTimestamp":"11 December 2025 11:00"},{"type":"post","data":{"name":"2308070","title":"NHS facing 'worst case scenario'","id":2308083,"uuid":"6cb49e9c-f414-4718-b24f-40c5737b3324","scheduleTime":1765449920,"created":1765449920,"changed":1765449920,"container":2308070,"user":{"name":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"},"extra":{"authorName":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"}},"postJson":[{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Soaring <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/flu\">flu rates have plunged the <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/nhs\">NHS into a worst-case scenario as it faces a week of <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/doctors\">doctors <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/strikes\">strikes, with the NHS's most senior clinicians warning <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/infections\">infections are yet to reach their peak.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The number of people in hospital in <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nhs-doctors-strike-flu-h3n2-streeting-latest-news-b2882409.html\">England with flu is at a record level for this time of year, with numbers more than doubling - 55 per cent - in a week, new NHS figures show.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, said the peak is not in sight yet, adding the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The Independents health correspondent Rebecca Thomas has more below:

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

"}},{"type":"article-link","data":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/flu-h3n2-hospitals-nhs-doctors-strikes-christmas-b2882451.html","title":"Surge in super flu cases plunges NHS into worst case scenario before Christmas ","image":{"url":"https://static.independent.co.uk/2021/10/10/14/iStock-1061849382.jpg?width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800"},"description":"Warning flu infections will get worse for the NHS as the peak is not in sight yet, says NHS medical director Professor Meghana Pandit"}}],"timestamp":1765449920,"formattedTimestamp":"11 December 2025 10:45"},{"type":"post","data":{"name":"2308070","title":"Top doctor issues stark warning about risks of mutant flu strain for children as hospital admissions surge","id":2308078,"uuid":"8d07942e-f33d-4510-bcc0-f4e9b1754895","scheduleTime":1765449352,"created":1765449352,"changed":1765449352,"container":2308070,"user":{"name":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"},"extra":{"authorName":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"}},"postJson":[{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

One of the UKs most <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/h3n2-flu-symptoms-uk-vaccine-b2881559.html\">senior paediatric doctors has issued a stark warning about the risks of the new super <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/flu\">flu to <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/children\">children.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

<a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/hospitals\">Hospitals across the country are seeing a rise in children attending <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/ae\">A&E with flu, The Independent has been told, as some <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/schools\">schools have been forced <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/flu-symptoms-h3n2-strain-vaccine-jab-uk-b2881632.html\">to shut to prevent the spread of a new mutant strain of the winter bug.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The new <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/flu-season-uk-winter-2025-cases-rise-variant-b2862253.html\">H3N2 strain is different <a href=\"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/flu-masks-nhs-cold-winter-covid-b2880910.html\">from the strain that this years vaccines were designed to protect against, prompting concerns that it could be less effective.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The Independents health correspondent Rebecca Thomas has more below:

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

"}},{"type":"article-link","data":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/flu-strain-h3n2-children-england-nhs-symptoms-b2882354.html","title":"Top doctor warns of risks to children of mutant flu strain","image":{"url":"https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2019/12/16/07/flu-jab.jpg?width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800"},"description":"The new H3N2 flu strain is different to the strain that this years vaccines were designed to protect against"}}],"timestamp":1765449352,"formattedTimestamp":"11 December 2025 10:35"},{"type":"post","data":{"name":"2308070","title":"Streeting makes last-ditch offer in bid to avert strikes amid super flu surge","id":2308075,"uuid":"bf0657c1-9501-4812-b9a0-990dfa61baf4","scheduleTime":1765448716,"created":1765448716,"changed":1765448716,"container":2308070,"user":{"name":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"},"extra":{"authorName":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"}},"postJson":[{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Wes Streeting has made a last-ditch attempt to halt planned strikes by resident doctors next week by offering medics a new deal.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The health secretary has offered doctors an expansion of specialist training opportunities - but notably has refused to budge on pay.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

He urged doctors to take the deal, saying a resident doctors strike over Christmas would have a much different degree of risk than previous walkouts and that he cannot think of a single other trade union in this country that would behave this way.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

But BMA fellow deputy chairman Dr Shivam Sharma has cast doubt on the offer, saying he finds it \"difficult to see members accepting\" it, describing it as a \"mixed bag\".

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Members will now have until 15 December to vote on the revised terms.

"}}],"timestamp":1765448716,"formattedTimestamp":"11 December 2025 10:25"},{"type":"post","data":{"name":"2308070","title":"What is the H3N2 flu strain?","id":2308074,"uuid":"6f849cb5-2d9b-4543-ad40-d575e42f7cf2","scheduleTime":0,"created":1765448354,"changed":1765448354,"container":2308070,"user":{"name":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"},"extra":{"authorName":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"}},"postJson":[{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The strain behind the UKs surge in super flu cases is H3N2 - a mutation that is currently the most dominant.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

But what is H3N2, and how can you spot the symptoms? You can read more below:

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

"}},{"type":"article-link","data":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/h3n2-flu-strain-symptoms-vaccine-uk-b2879850.html","title":"What is the H3N2 flu strain? Symptoms and advice as UK cases surge","image":{"url":"https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/09/18/17/44/iStock-1177382388.jpeg?width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800"},"description":"Health bosses are warning this winter could see the most severe flu outbreak in decades"}}],"timestamp":1765448354,"formattedTimestamp":"11 December 2025 10:19"},{"type":"post","data":{"name":"2308070","title":"Flu hospitalisations jump by 55 per cent in one week, new figures show","id":2308072,"uuid":"6c41916b-9539-45fd-a73f-36ebe1883cdc","scheduleTime":0,"created":1765448175,"changed":1765448175,"container":2308070,"user":{"name":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"},"extra":{"authorName":"Nicole Wootton-Cane"}},"postJson":[{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

The number of people in hospital in England with a new super flu has jumped by 55 per cent in just one week, according to new NHS figures.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

An average of 2,660 flu patients were in hospital each day last week, up from 1,717 the previous week.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

At this point last year the number stood at 1,861 patients, while in 2023 it was just 402.

"}},{"type":"markup","data":{"markup":"

Weekly flu numbers in England peaked at 5,408 patients last winter and reached 5,441 over the winter of 2022/23, the highest level since the pandemic.

<a href=\"/news/health/flu-h3n2-latest-news-uk-virus-symptoms-b2882458.html#post-2308095\">NHS in grip of 'unprecedented wave of super flu', health boss says

<a href=\"/news/health/flu-h3n2-latest-news-uk-virus-symptoms-b2882458.html#post-2308083\">NHS facing 'worst case scenario'

<a href=\"/news/health/flu-h3n2-latest-news-uk-virus-symptoms-b2882458.html#post-2308074\">What is the H3N2 flu strain?

<a href=\"/news/health/flu-h3n2-latest-news-uk-virus-symptoms-b2882458.html#post-2308075\">Streeting makes last-ditch offer in bid to avert strikes amid super flu surge

<a href=\"/news/health/flu-h3n2-latest-news-uk-virus-symptoms-b2882458.html#post-2308078\">Top doctor issues stark warning about risks of mutant flu strain for children as hospital admissions surge

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Donald Trump has reignited his long-running feud with Sir Sadiq Khan, branding him a horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor as he criticised immigration to the UK.

In an extraordinary interview, the US president singled out the London mayor, calling him a disaster and suggesting he has done a terrible job.

He said of Mr Khan, the citys first Muslim mayor, whose parents came from Pakistan: He gets elected because so many people have come in [to the UK]. They vote for him now.

Hes a horrible mayor. Hes an incompetent mayor, but hes a horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor. I think hes done a terrible job. Londons a different place. I love London. I love London. And I hate to see it happen.

Mr Trump has repeatedly attacked Sir Sadiq since 2015, when the Labour politician condemned the then presidential hopefuls suggestion of a Muslim travel ban to the US.

In September, he described Sir Sadiq as one of the worst mayors in the world and claimed that London wants to go to sharia law.

open image in gallery Donald Trump described Khan as terrible when he spoke at the UN General Assembly earlier this year ( AP )

The London mayor hit back at the president, accusing him of being racist, sexist, misogynistic and Islamophobic.

Meanwhile, Trump also denounced Europe as a decaying group of nations led by weak people in the interview with Politico.

I think theyre weak, he said. But I also think that they want to be so politically correct.

I think they dont know what to do, he added. Europe doesnt know what to do.

He also described cities like London and Paris as struggling with migration from Africa and the Middle East. Without reforms to border policies, he said, some European states will not be viable countries any longer.

No 10 later rejected the charge that the UK was decaying but did not defend Mr Khan, pointing instead to what it said was the PMs strong relationship with the president.

Asked if the UK was decaying, Sir Keirs official spokesperson said no, although he said the British people had voted for was change at the last election. On Mr Khan, he said the PM has a strong relationship with the president and the mayor of London.

open image in gallery Sadiq Khan has been involved in a war of words with the US president for a decade ( PA Wire )

In September, on a state visit to the UK, Mr Trump said that his administration had prevented millions of people from coming over the border to the US, adding that migration destroys countries from within.

We had millions of people coming in, totally unchecked, totally undetected from the Biden administration, he told reporters. [About] 25 million, in my opinion, that would be about 25 million. They came from prisons. They came from mental institutions. They were gang members ... they came from everywhere.

Turning to Sir Keir, he added: I think your situation is very similar. You have people coming in and I told the prime minister I would stop it, and it doesnt matter if you call out the military, it doesnt matter what means you use.

It destroys countries from within, and we're actually now removing a lot of the people that came into our country.

In September, Mr Trump told Sir Keir Starmer to use the military to end the small boats crisis, warning the PM that illegal migration can destroy countries.
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A deal to release up to 100bn of frozen Russian assets in Europe to aid Ukraine is just days away, Downing Street believes, after Sir Keir Starmer and allies held crunch talks in London yesterday.

The prime minister said talks about the future of Ukraine have reached a critical stage, while European leaders agreed that pressure on Vladimir Putin must be ramped up.

Sir Keir met with French president Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and German chancellor Friedrich Merz at 10 Downing Street on Monday as Mr Zelensky warned that Kyiv cant manage without European and American backing.

open image in gallery Prime minister Keir Starmer embraces Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky outside No 10 on Monday ( PA )

It came after British officials said they were hopeful a deal would be agreed to unlock the value of immobilised Russian sovereign assets in the coming days.

The Times reported that the value of the assets will be up to 100bn, including around 8bn held in UK bank accounts.

A No 10 readout of the private talks between the leaders said they discussed the importance of the US-led peace talks for European security and supported the progress made.

The leaders agreed that, while diplomatic efforts continue, Europe must stand with Ukraine, strengthening its ability to defend against relentless attacks that have left thousands without heat or light, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

open image in gallery The prime minister said talks about the future of Ukraine have reached a critical stage ( PA )

They also discussed positive progress made to use immobilised Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraines reconstruction.

The Ukrainian presidents visit to London came as US president Donald Trump accused him of having failed to read the latest peace plan, while insisting Putin was fine with it.

After the talks, Sir Keir convened a call with other European allies, during which leaders agreed that now is a critical moment and that we must continue to ramp up support to Ukraine and economic pressure on Putin to bring an end to this barbaric war, No 10 said.

Sir Keir has previously said the UK is ready to move with the EU on the proposals, but Belgium has voiced concerns about using the assets to help Kyiv with reparations, citing financial and legal risks.

Mr Zelensky said Mondays talks had been a detailed discussion on our joint diplomatic work with the American side, aligned a shared position on the importance of security guarantees and reconstruction, and agreed on the next steps.

We also held a separate discussion on further defence support for Ukraine. I am grateful to the leaders for their willingness to stand with our people and help us on the path toward bringing peace closer, he said in a post on social media.

Before the meeting began, Mr Zelensky had said that the issues under discussion were very important for unity between Europe and Ukraine, and also unity between Europe and Ukraine and the United States.

We cant manage without Americans, we cant manage without Europe, and that is why we need to make some important decisions, he said.

Mr Macron, meanwhile, said Ukraines allies have a lot of cards, pointing to the funding of equipment and arms for Ukraine, the Ukrainian resistance and the economic impact of sanctions imposed by the US and Europe on Russia as positive signs.

Sir Keir said any ceasefire in Ukraine must be just and lasting, telling the other leaders: We are at a critical stage in the push for peace.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has been critical of Zelenskys remarks about the US-brokered peace deal proposal ( Reuters )

The principles remain the same: we stand with Ukraine, and if there is to be a ceasefire, it needs to be a just and lasting ceasefire.

Mr Zelenskys visit to London comes after his officials concluded three days of talks with their US counterparts on those proposals as the White House presses Kyiv to accept a deal.

Over the weekend, the Ukrainian leader said he had discussed next steps with Mr Trumps advisers and was determined to keep working in good faith.

But the negotiators also acknowledged that any real progress will depend on Russias readiness to show serious commitment to long-term peace.

Ukraine and its European allies are likely to insist that any ceasefire comes with security guarantees from both the US and the coalition of the willing convened by the UK and France, while also resisting the transfer of territory to Russia.

Sir Keir has repeatedly said that Ukraine must be allowed to determine its own future, while one of his senior ministers said on Sunday that the country must not be left toothless in the face of Russian aggression.

But Russia has repeatedly rejected the prospect of allied troops being stationed in Ukraine and continues to demand large swathes of Ukrainian territory in exchange for peace.
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The city of Chicago needs to tighten security or face the threat of losing federal funding for public transportation in Chicago after a man allegedly set a woman on fire inside a commuter train in November.

President Donald Trump's administration sent a letter Monday to Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker demanding the Chicago Transit Authority develop and implement an updated safety plan by Dec. 19. The letter from Federal Transit Authority Administrator Marc Molinaro did not call for any specific changes.

The demand comes after a man riding a Blue Line L commuter train on Nov. 17 doused fellow passenger Bethany MaGee with gasoline from a plastic drink bottle as she sat with her back to him, according to court filings. He then chased her through the train car and set her on fire. The man then got off the train at the next stop in downtown Chicago and walked away as MaGee, 26, stumbled out and fell to the ground. She suffered severe burns but survived.

Police arrested 50-year-old Lawrence Reed of Chicago the next morning. Federal prosecutors charged him with committing a terrorist attack, which carries a maximum sentence of life. Online court records did not list an attorney for him.

Information provided to The Associated Press by the Cook County Circuit Court shows more than 60 criminal cases filed against Reed since 1993, ranging from traffic, trespassing and drug possession offenses to more serious charges involving violent behavior  including at least 15 battery and assault cases and at least two arson cases.

At the time of the train attack, Reed was on electronic monitoring in an active battery case. Authorities say he hit a hospital social worker in the face in August.

The Cook County chief judges office pointed to state law that limits strictly limits judges from denying the release of defendants ahead of their trials.

Molinaro said in his letter that it was unconscionable that Reed was released in the battery case and the attack on MaGee reflects systemic failures in both leadership and accountability on all levels that cannot be tolerated.

I will not accept the brutal assault of an innocent 26-year-old woman as an inevitable cost of providing public transportation, he wrote.

Chicago train fire victim Bethany MaGee ( GoFundMe )

Asked for comment, Chicago Transit Authority officials responded with an email saying the agency had received the letter and will respond within the requested timeline. The email did not elaborate. The AP also left messages with the mayor and the governor's offices on Tuesday morning.

Chicago and other Democratic-led cities have been the focus of intense criticism from Trump and his administration, who have characterized them as crime-ridden despite steep drop in violent crime after a pandemic-era spike.

The administration in October announced it was withholding $2.1 billion for Chicago infrastructure projects, including expansion plans for the Red Line L commuter train. The project would have established stops in some of the city's poorest neighborhoods. White House budget officials said then that they wanted to ensure funding wasn't moving through race-based contracting. The administration withheld $18 billion for New York infrastructure the same week.

Pritzker has long been one of Trump's loudest critics. The president's crackdown on immigrants in Chicago has only heightened tensions. Pritzker has resisted Trump's National Guard deployment, and Trump called the governor a fat slob during his ceremonial Thanksgiving turkey pardons.
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A New York City woman is suing Chipotle, DoorDash and the dasher who delivered her food, after claiming she bit into a rodent lurking in her burrito bowl.

Gia Bernhardt, 24, says the experience caused her pain, shock and severe mental anguish, and that these injuries and their effects will be permanent, according to a civil complaint obtained by The Independent.

On January 11, Bernhardt ordered a burrito bowl and chips and guacamole from a Chipotle on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, via the DoorDash app, the complaint states. It says the meal was prepared and packed up at the store, then delivered to plaintiff for consumption.

The complaint goes on to contend that when Bernhardt tucked into the burrito bowl, she bit into a rodent contained within the meal she was consuming, causing her to suffer severe bodily injuries.

[T]he rodent was within the plaintiffs mouth after biting into the meal, according to the complaint, which was filed Monday in New York County Supreme Court.

open image in gallery A Manhattan Chipotle is under fire for allegedly serving a customer a burrito bowl with a rodent lurking within. ( Getty Images )

Chipotle knew or should have known that its product was dangerous to member(s) of the general public, Bernhardts complaint goes on.

Despite that knowledge, defendant, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., failed to warn plaintiff at any time of the substantial risk of injury or death from the ingestion of the burrito bowl, the complaint states.

It does not specify what Bernhardts physical injuries consisted of, and what type of rodent she discovered. The presence of the rodent created an unreasonably dangerous condition for Bernhardt, according to the complaint.

Attorney Charles Gucciardo, who is representing Bernhardt, told The Independent in a statement that his client bit into the meal and quickly realized that something was wrong.

An inspection by Ms. Bernhardt quickly determined that she actually bit into a partially cooked rodent located within the meal, Gucciardo said.

Bernhardt began vomiting, then composed herself enough to go to the Chipotle restaurant in person, where she was allegedly informed that what she had gotten was chicken, according to Gucciardo.

[T]he ears, nose and tail demonstrated otherwise, he said. ... The incident has left her scarred.

(The Independent obtained a picture of the alleged rodent, which is laid out on a Chipotle napkin next to Bernhardt's burrito bowl and photographed next to a fork for scale, but is not publishing it out of sensitivity to readers.)

open image in gallery Attorney Charles Gucciardo says the 'chicken' in Gia Bernhardt's burrito bowl in fact had a tail ( Getty Images )

Chipotle, for its part, told The Independent that it plans to push back firmly against the suit.

We strongly deny the allegations in this complaint, and we will vigorously defend ourselves against these claims, Chief Corporate Affairs and Food Safety Officer Laurie Schalow said in an emailed statement. The health and safety of our employees and guests is our highest priority, and we have industry-leading food safety practices in place across our restaurants.

DoorDash, which did not respond to a request for comment, is named in the suit as a co-defendant, as well as the John Doe who delivered the burrito bowl and chips and guacamole on behalf of Defendants Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. and DoorDash, Inc. Bernhardts complaint says she was consuming the product in accordance with its intended use, but that Doe improperly and negligently delivered the product in an unsafe and unsanitary manner.

In 2020, a Chipotle in Upper Manhattan made headlines after four employees claimed they were bitten by massive rats that were eating the stores avocados and shut down its computerized ordering system by chewing through the wiring. Workers told the New York Post that they had killed dozens of the rodents by stomping on them, smacking them with broom handles, dropping boxes on them and various other medieval methods of extermination.

open image in gallery The Upper East Side Chipotle location which Gia Bernhardt claims sent her a tainted burrito bowl. ( Google Maps )

In 2017, diners at a Dallas Chipotle captured scenes on video of mice crawling around the floor, with one climbing one of the restaurants walls. One customer told the local NBC affiliate that three rats fell from the ceiling and nearly landed on her lunch. The location closed temporarily so it could be thoroughly checked out, according to Chipotle, which said the problem was limited to a few mice.

Last year, a Chipotle in New Haven, Connecticut voluntarily shut down for a period due to a rodent control issue, which the company blamed on the locations landlord.

Bernhardt says in her complaint that the allegedly tainted burrito bowl has caused [her] to incur, and will continue to incur, expenses for medical care and attention, and that, as a further result, [she] was, and will continue to be, rendered unable to perform [her] normal activities and duties.

Chipotle, the complaint argues, owed a duty of care to customers of its restaurant to provide food that is safe and sanitary for human consumption, and that defendants conduct in serving plaintiff food containing a rodent endangered plaintiffs physical safety and/or caused plaintiff to fear for her physical safety.

The fact that Chipotle served Bernhardt food containing a rodent was extreme and outrageous, according to the complaint.

Bernhardt is demanding a money judgment from Chipotle and DoorDash, including compensatory and punitive damages, to be determined in court. Her attorney, Steven Vaccaro, did not respond to requests for comment.
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Diners have slammed Cracker Barrels new menu, just months after the brand launched a botched rebrand effort, which saw it lose $94 million in a single day.

Regulars revealed that they are unhappy with changes made behind the scenes, too, including the brand making its cookies in batches instead of rolling out the dough to meet the demand.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the brand has also opted to use ovens to prepare its green beans and sides instead of stovetop kettles and even reheats food when needed.

I want pure syrup on pancakes, not that watered down junk, Craig Watkins, 73, told WSJ.

open image in gallery Cracker Barrels new menus have been slammed by diners for being watered down junk ( Getty Images )

The dissatisfied diner told the newspaper that he has started bringing his own maple syrup to the restaurant and urged the franchise to bring back some of its classic dishes.

According to the WSJ, Cracker Barrel says it is ramping up its efforts to deliver high-quality food and that iconic meals, including Uncle Herschels Favorite Breakfast, have been added back to its menus.

Other changes include the return of the brands Campfire Meals, and some of the restaurants classic cooking methods have made a comeback.

The anger at the brands menus comes after Cracker Barrels disastrous rebrand in August.

Influencers and MAGA Republicans branded the firms decision to ditch Uncle Herschel on the Cracker Barrel logo as woke, with thousands of online memes tearing into the companys new look being posted after the news of the change broke.

The changes would also have included a simpler font in the logo, as well as stripped-back, minimalist decor in Cracker Barrel restaurants. Typically, the companys locations are decorated in a rustic Southern style that alludes to its Tennessean heritage.

The backlash to the change was so extreme that the companys CEO admitted that she felt as though she had been fired by America.

Cracker Barrels redesign caused it to lose $94 million in a single day, with the companys stock price plunging to $54.50. That meant the companys stock price had plummeted by 7.15 percent, although it had rebounded from a 15 percent drop earlier in the day.

open image in gallery The company was set to boot Uncle Herschel from its logo before it decided to roll back its rebrand ( Joe Raedle/Getty Images )

The backlash to the change was so extreme that the companys CEO admitted that she felt as though she had been fired by America.

Even Donald Trump weighed in on Cracker Barrels proposed new look, telling the company that it should go back to the old logo and admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate poll).

He also alleged that the company could even use the scandal to get a Billions Dollars worth of free publicity.

Cracker Barrel has since reversed rebrand plans and confirmed that its stores will retain their iconic country theme.

The Independent has contacted Cracker Barrel for further comment.
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A dedicated Disneyland enthusiast has marked his 15,000th spin on an auto-racing attraction inspired by the animated film Cars. Jon Alan Hale, a television technician from Brea, California, reached the milestone on Monday at Disney California Adventure's Radiator Springs Racers.

Hale was eager to try the ride, which debuted in 2012, after gastric bypass and knee replacement surgeries in 2010 and 2011. He quickly became fascinated, meticulously tracking his car's color, lane, and race outcome in a notebook.

I fell in love with the ride, he stated, adding that his dedication led him to carry a sign for every hundredth ride. He recalled Disneyland workers applauding his 1,000th spin.

On Monday, Hale took the ride with friends who work at the theme park while wearing a Cars themed cap and holding a 15,000 sign. ( Jon Alan Hale )

On Monday, Hale took the ride with friends who work at the theme park while wearing a Cars themed cap and holding a 15,000 sign.

Hale said he's visited the Anaheim, California, resort known as the Happiest Place on Earth more than 1,100 times. He said he's taken the ride on average 13 times each visit, largely thanks to the fast-moving line for single riders.

He said he doesn't tire of it, especially since he never knows which car is going to pull ahead and win.

You don't know who is going to win the race, Hale said. There is no pattern of who wins or loses.

Hale said there's no formal record for riding the attraction inspired by the 2006 Pixar film released by Walt Disney Pictures. He said Disneyland officials said they don't have one and Guinness World Records said they don't track it either. Disneyland officials did not immediately comment on Hale's ride Monday.

But on his quest, Hale said he's come away with more than just a number. He's gotten to know people at the park and become friends with some of the workers.

It's like family, Hale said. Everybody recognized me, they're rooting for me.
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Dozens of Inuit artefacts, repatriated by the Vatican, are set for display at the Canadian Museum of History this Tuesday, following years of calls from First Nations, Inuit, and Metis leaders for their return.

The collection, including a traditional Inuit kayak, was given by Pope Leo XIV to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, who pledged their swift return.

Indigenous leaders welcomed the 62 items at Montreals airport on Saturday.

After their Gatineau museum display, the artifacts will return to ancestral communities, part of the Catholic Churchs reckoning with its role in suppressing Indigenous culture.

For a century, these items were held in the Vatican Museums ethnographic collection, now the Anima Mundi museum.

Representatives from various First Nations look on as a kayak and other indigenous artifacts arrive at Trudeau Airport ( AP )

This collection has long been controversial, central to wider debates over the restitution of cultural goods taken from Indigenous peoples during colonial periods.

Most artifacts were sent to Rome by Catholic missionaries for a 1925 exhibition.

The Vatican maintains they were "gifts" to Pope Pius XI, celebrating the churchs global reach. However, historians and Indigenous groups question whether items were freely offered, given the power imbalances inherent in Catholic missions at the time.

Earlier this year, a different group of Indigenous people in the Yupik community experienced widespread devastation after remnants of Typhoon Halong consumed dozens of feet of shoreline near the edge of the Bering Sea, a culturally significant archaeological site, washing away possibly thousands of unearthed artifacts.

About 1,000 pieces  wooden spoons, toys, a fishing lure, a fragment of a mask that was preserved for hundreds of years in permafrost  were recovered in the low tide in the western Alaska community of Quinhagak.

But many more pieces  perhaps up to 100,000  were left scattered, said Rick Knecht, an archaeologist who has worked on the Nunalleq, or old village, project for 17 years. That's roughly the number of pieces previously recovered from the archaeological site.
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A 54-year-old father died after heroically keeping his young son afloat when their kayak capsized in a California lake over the weekend, officials said.

California State Park peace officers responded to reports of screaming and people in distress just after 4 p.m. Saturday at the Lake Perris State Recreation Area near the city of Riverside, according to California State Park officials.

The father and his 7-year-old son, neither of whom has been identified, had been kayaking when their vessel capsized. Neither was wearing a life jacket, officials said.

Officers recovered the father, who was unconscious and partially submerged, while his son was in distress but conscious and holding his father, helping to keep himself above water, officials said.

Investigators noted that the father heroically kept his son afloat throughout the ordeal, supporting him until rescue personnel arrived, officials added.

open image in gallery A father has been hailed a hero after keeping his young son afloat when their kayak capsized in a move that led to his death, officials said ( Lake Perris State Recreation Area / Facebook )

First responders immediately began CPR on the father, and both he and his son were taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

His son remains hospitalized for evaluation.

Parkgoer Michelle Juarez witnessed some of the rescue, telling KTLA that first responders spent nearly an hour trying to revive the father.

I would say that it was at least 45 minutes that CPR was going on. We could hear them from the boat them saying, Take the child to the ambulance, she said. I just pray for the family.

California law requires children under 12 to wear a life jacket on moving recreational vessels.

California State Parks extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy, officials said in the press release.

The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroners Office is investigating the cause of death. The incident is also being investigated by California State Parks law enforcement personnel.
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Three Mexican National Guard members have been shot dead by a colleague at a barracks in the western state of Michoacan, a region recently bolstered by increased security forces following a spate of high-profile killings.

The incident, which also left a fourth service member wounded, was confirmed on Monday by a federal official speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, citing a lack of authorisation to discuss the matter publicly. An investigation into the shooting is now underway.

The suspect was in custody in Michoacan.

The shooting occurred Saturday hours after a car bomb exploded in Coahuayana, Michoacan, killing five people outside a local police station.

open image in gallery A memorial stands in honor of slain Mayor Carlos Manzo in Uruapan, Michoacan state, Mexico, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

President Claudia Sheinbaum declined to give more details Monday.

The explosion and National Guard shooting came as the federal government has stepped up security activities in the state, sending in additional troops after two recent high-profile assassinations.

Last month, Sheinbaum sent 2,000 troops  on top of the 4,300 permanent ones and 4,000 in neighboring states  to Michoacan following the killings of an outspoken representative of the lime growers and a popular mayor standing up to the cartels.

At least three of the six drug cartels that the Trump administration designated as terrorist organizations  Jalisco New Generation, United Cartels and The New Michoacan Family  operate in Michoacan, in addition to a slew of homegrown armed splinter groups, some supported by the Sinaloa Cartel.
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More than 100 guests and crew reported being sick in a norovirus outbreak aboard a globe-hopping cruise ship, the CDC has announced, the 21st outbreak of gastrointestinal disease on a cruise ship monitored by the agency this year.

AIDA Cruises alerted the CDC to the outbreak aboard the AIDAdiva on November 30, the agency said.

The outbreak impacted 95 passengers out of the 2,007 onboard, and 6 out of 640 staff members, according to the CDC.

They predominantly suffered symptoms, including diarrhea and vomiting on the voyage, which began on November 10 and is slated to last through December 16.

In response to the outbreak, the cruise operator increased cleaning and disinfection procedures, isolated sick passengers and crew, consulted with the CDCs Vessel Sanitation Program, and collected stool specimens for testing, the agency said.

open image in gallery The outbreak took place on a cruise ship that left from Hamburg, Germany, last month, infecting more than 100 people ( Getty Images )

"Seasonal illness peaks between November and April and the AIDAdiva report reflects infection patterns on land, AIDA told People. Therefore, weve added more hygiene protocols onboard, and cases are already going down."

The Independent has contacted AIDA for further comment.

The AIDAdiva is in the middle of a 133-day cruise, which set out from Hamburg, Germany, and has planned stops throughout North America, according to CruiseMapper. The ship is currently in Costa Rica, per the site.

The outbreak marks the 21st such incident aboard a CDC-regulated cruise ship this year. All but five of those incidents were caused by norovirus.

There have been more outbreaks this year than in 2024, when there were 18, and 2023, when there were 14.

open image in gallery Cruise ships are often associated with norovirus outbreaks, but only a small fraction of such incidents occur on the ships. Instead, cases onboard typically track season spikes in norovirus on land ( Getty Images )

Officials said its unclear whats driving the trend.

"While the number of recent cruise ship outbreaks has been higher than in years prior to the pandemic, we do not yet know if this represents a new trend," the CDC told USA TODAY in April. "However, CDC data show a newly dominant strain is currently associated with reported norovirus outbreaks on land. Ships typically follow the pattern of land-based outbreaks, which are higher this norovirus season."

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S., according to the CDC.

The disease causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines.

open image in gallery Thorough washing of food and the hands can help prevent the spread of norovirus ( Getty Images )

Most people with norovirus typically get better within 1 to 3 days, but can still be contagious.

The disease can be spread through the air or by contact with contaminated surfaces.

Regular handwashing and thoroughly cooking and cleaning produce and shellfish can help prevent people from contracting the virus, as can regular disinfecting of surfaces.
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Pope Leo XIV has insisted that Europe must play a role in any future Ukraine peace deal, while also criticizing the Trump administration for its past efforts to break apart the long-standing U.S.-European alliance.

Leo made the comments to reporters on Tuesday after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is currently on a tour to rally European support for Kyiv. The American pontiff confirmed that their discussions covered the urgent need for a ceasefire and the Vaticans ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities.

Addressing questions about a U.S. peace proposal that appears to sideline European powers, Pope Leo, speaking from his vacation home in Castel Gandolfo, underscored Europe's crucial involvement.

Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is unrealistic, given the war is in Europe, he stated. Guarantees are also being sought for security today and in the future. Europe must be part of this, and unfortunately not everyone understands this, but I think there is a great opportunity for European leaders to unite and seek a solution together.

Zelensky has said there are three documents in the peace agreement being discussed with U.S. and European partners. ( VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Imag )

Zelensky has said there are three documents in the peace agreement being discussed with U.S. and European partners, a framework document of 20 points, a second document with security guarantees, and a third document about Ukraine's recovery.

Leo was asked about the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine but appeared to respond to a broader question about the Trump administrations views on the U.S.-Europe alliance. Just last week, the Trump administration released its U.S. national security strategy, which questions the U.S.-European alliance and stresses a desire to improve U.S.-Russia relations.

Leo said what he had read would make a huge change in what was for many, many years a true alliance between Europe and the United States. Additionally, some comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggest an effort trying to break apart what I think needs to be an alliance today and in the future.

While some people in the United States may agree with that effort, I think many others would see things in a different way, Leo said.

The Holy See has tried to remain neutral in Russia's war while offering solidarity and concrete assistance to what it calls the martyred people of Ukraine. Leo has met now three times with Zelensky and has spoken by telephone at least once with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The American pope has called for a ceasefire and urged Russia in particular to make gestures to promote peace.

The Vatican has also tried to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities, and last month Leo met with some returned children at the Vatican.
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President Donald Trumps outspoken niece, Mary Trump, chalks up much of her uncles behaviour to the fact that he craves love, which he has never gotten and will never get, because of how damaged and depraved his own father made him.

Speaking on her online show Mary Trump Live, the clinical psychologist - who is ostracized from the Trump family - said everyone is paying for her uncles craving for validation.

The one thing Donald most desperately needs and has never gotten and will never get, because of how damaged and depraved his own father made him, is love, she said.

open image in gallery Mary Trump says her uncle is so needy and so grasping ( YouTube )

That is why he needs more of anything else. Thinking that that will fill the void. More money, more power, a bigger ballroom, more fake medals and fake prizes and fake honors.

The presidents father, Fred Trump, was also a real estate developer and businessman. He was born in 1905 and died aged 93 years old after living with dementia for a number of years.

Last month, Mary Trump spoke with The Daily Beast and said the president was showing the same signs of cognitive decline she saw in her grandfather.

There are times I look at him and I see my grandfather, she said.

I see that same look of confusion. I see that he does not always seem to be oriented to time and place. His short-term memory seems to be deteriorating.

President Trumps recent award of the first FIFA peace prize by the organizations President Gianni Infantino was also proof, Mary Trump said, that her uncle was thirsty for recognition.

Mary Trump argued the award was completely made up and was given to him because he cannot get the Nobel Peace Prize, which he so desperately craves.

She claimed her uncle, deep down, knew these external sources of validation did not compromise the love he craved.

Nothing, nothing can replace love. And in his most terrified moments, Donald knows it. And all of us are paying that price, she said.

open image in gallery US President Donald Trump ( Getty Images )

She added this was evidence of why her uncle was so needy and so grasping.

Mary Trump is the daughter of the presidents older brother, Fred Trump Junior, who died in 1981, aged 42, from a heart attack caused by alcohol abuse.

She had written at least three books on the Trump family. Most recently, she wrote a memoir of her father, titled Who Could Ever Love You.

The commander-in-chief sued his niece for $100 million in 2021 for giving The New York Times information for its investigation into the presidents finances.

Despite this, Mary Trump says she is not afraid of her uncle.

[I dont] understand people who are afraid of Donald, because hes so pathetic. I would be embarrassed to be afraid of him, she said, according to The Guardian.

The White House Communications Director Steven Cheung told The Daily Beast that Mary Trumps claims were false.

Mary Trump is a stone-old loser who doesnt have a clue about anything, he said.
Chinese envoy calls for efforts toward common security

Xinhua) 15:59, December 09, 2025

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Monday called for efforts to practice multilateralism and seek common security.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, made the appeal at a Security Council briefing by the chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

At present, the global security landscape continues to deteriorate, marked by worsening geopolitical conflicts, frequent flare-ups of hotspot issues, a significant rise in unilateralism and protectionism, and interlocking, compounding security threats, both traditional and non-traditional, said Fu.

In this context, it is crucial for the United Nations and regional organizations, including the OSCE, to further strengthen cooperation and make due contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security, he said.

"Under the current circumstances, it is important for the international community to champion a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security," Fu said. He called for the international community "to advance global security governance, and strive to achieve universal and common security."

The international community should practice true multilateralism, abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and stand resolutely behind the international system with the United Nations at its core, Fu said.

Fu also called for the international community to support dialogue and consultations, jointly reject the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, facilitate peace talks and engage in mediation based on the needs and will of the countries concerned, and encourage parties to conflict to build trust, address disputes, and promote security through dialogue.

Many Security Council members touched upon Ukraine. China's position on this issue has been consistent and crystal-clear, he said. "Dialogue and negotiations are the only viable pathway to resolve the Ukraine crisis." Fu said China encourages the involved parties to play their parts in developing a balanced, effective, and lasting European security framework.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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An effigy of the head of US President Donald Trump was set on fire in Guatemala as part of the countrys annual Burning of the Devil ceremony.

Every year on 7 December at 6pm, the country burns paper-mache devils and pinatas ahead of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which marks the beginning of Christmas season.

There is always a character who attracts all the attention and comments, said a member of the events organising committee of the choice to burn Trump this year.

This year it happened to a figure already plagued with so much controversy, not only in this country but around the world.

open image in gallery An effigy of the head of Donald Trump was burned in the event marking the beginning of Christmas ( REUTERS )

Namely the little tyrant of the United States who has done a lot to harm our Latin people and especially our Guatemalan brothers. The little devil takes the head.

The head of Trump with his characteristic blonde hair was placed in the hand of the huge beast before being set alight and celebrated.

Its to represent the triumph of good over evil and all bad things and to let go of bad things, said festival participant Aldahgir Gonzalez in an interview with Global News. All this represents the burning of evil.

Many Guatemalan children and adults have been the target of deportation raids by ICE under the Trump administrations draconian new border policy.

open image in gallery The US leader was dubbed the little tyrant ( REUTERS )

In September this year, ICE attempted to remove Guatemalan children who had come to the US alone and were living in shelters or with foster care families. The policy has attracted significant criticism from human rights groups and advocates of migrant rights.

The administration said it was doing this to reunite the children with their parents in their country of origin.

Harrowing court documents revealed frantic flights with children vomiting from stress.

open image in gallery The annual ceremony takes place in Guatemala every year ( REUTERS )

Homeland Security officials have insisted the administration is not splitting up families, and that deported parents have the option to either leave with their children or place them with a guardian in the United States.

However, families and advocates say its an impossible choice that inevitably rips apart households who leave children in the United States for their safety and a chance at a better life.
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Many staffers at CBS News are not thrilled with editor-in-chief Bari Weiss tapping Tony Dokoupil as the next anchor of the networks flagship nightly news broadcast, describing the CBS Mornings host as a mediocre straight white man who only got the job because his views align with Weiss pro-Israel stance.

Its an insult to the storied news giants who came before him, one CBS News reporter told The Independent.

After weeks of speculation about who would lead CBS Evening News, which has been mired in third place for years and had been targeted for a reboot since Weiss was hired in October, Dokoupil was handed the job this week and is scheduled to take over in the new year. Status News first reported on Dokoupils move to weeknights.

While the decision has been made, the network does not plan to make a staff announcement Tuesday, The Independent has learned. CBS News did, however, officially announce that former ABC News reporter Matt Gutman had joined the network as chief correspondent and fill-in anchor.

The Independent has reached out to representatives for CBS News, Weiss and Dokoupil.

open image in gallery CBS News has tapped longtime morning host Tony Dokoupil as the new face of CBS Evening News. ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Dokoupil, who has been the co-host of CBS Mornings since 2018, became the frontrunner for the job once held by Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather after Weiss struck out in her desire to bring in a high-profile name from an outside network.

Shortly after she was hired by Paramount chief David Ellison, who also bought her anti-woke digital media outlet The Free Press, Weiss courted CNN mainstay Anderson Cooper and Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier as potential candidates to take over CBS Evening News. She also approached Fox News anchor Dana Perino, who is a vocal fan of Weiss and The Free Press.

Baier and Perino, however, are both locked into multi-year deals with the conservative cable giant. Cooper, who told associates he was not interested in taking the job, eventually signed a contract extension with CNN.

In the meantime, the two co-anchors who joined CBS Evening News in January amid the latest reboot of the ratings-challenged broadcast both announced they were leaving the show and the network amid the search for a new face of the program.

John Dickerson, who had spent 16 years with CBS and previously served as anchor of Face the Nation, revealed in October that he was leaving at the end of the year. Last week, his colleague Maurice DuBois also announced that he was exiting the show and CBS News, with his last broadcast on December 18.

With both DuBois and Dickerson publicly done with the show before the holidays, Weiss and CBS News president Tom Cibrowski were pressed to make a decision sooner rather than later.

Though former CBS Evening News anchor Norah ODonnell  who had been actively lobbying Weiss to regain her old job  and newly hired correspondent Matt Gutman were possible candidates, Dokoupil was always the preferred choice. According to the New York Post, CBS News has scrambled in recent days to sign Dokoupil to a CBS Evening News contract after DuBois resignation.

open image in gallery Bari Weiss has been a champion of Tony Dokoupil even before she first stepped foot in a CBS News office. ( YouTube )

Dokoupil, meanwhile, had emerged as a favorite of Weiss well before she first set foot in the CBS newsroom.

Last year, Dokoupil sparked controversy with his contentious and aggressive interview with celebrated author Ta-Nehisi Coates on the subject of Palestine and Israel. At one point in the tense morning interview, the anchor told Coates that his book The Message would not be out of place in the backpack of an extremist.

Dokoupil was quickly admonished by CBS News executives Wendy McMahon and Adrienne Roarke  neither of whom are with the network now  for violating the networks editorial standards with the interview. Weiss, who describes herself as a Zionist fanatic, and The Free Press vehemently defended Dokpuoil in a series of articles at the time while blasting CBS News reprimand of the host.

There are some people at CBS who think that Israels existence as a state should be part of fair conversation, said one CBS source, Weiss wrote in one piece. Can you imagine journalists having that conversation about any other country?

Since Weiss installation as CBS News top editorial voice, Dokoupil has scored an exclusive interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which was largely arranged by Weiss.

Network staffers who spoke with The Independent noted that it was not shocking that Dokoupil had ascended to the CBS Evening News perch under Weiss leadership, considering that they appear to see eye to eye on Israel and the war in Gaza.

Tonys pro-Israel slant is exactly what Bari wants. She likely caught the attention of the Ellisons after using that leaked audio from the CBS editorial meeting about Tonys unhinged, off-script, xenophobic questioning of Ta-Nehisi Coates last year, the CBS News reporter said.

Hes clearly been rewarded with the Evening News throne, the reporter added before snarking about the dwindling viewership of the program. Although, some might argue its more of a toilet seat now.

According to another network staffer, it was amazing how Bari has the full power of CBS News, including its deep pockets entirely in her hands, yet she was only able to come up with Dokoupil as the new anchor. Paramount and Ellison just launched a $108 billion hostile takeover bid of Warner Bros. Discovery that would include merging CNN with CBS News if successful.

At the same time, the staffer pointed out that Dokoupil had previously told his CBS Mornings colleagues that he wasnt interested in jumping to the nightly broadcast, noting that it is a job he didnt even want.

One CBS News insider took issue with Dokoupil violating editorial standards to becoming the face of the networks flagship evening news telecast within the span of a year.

Of course, Weiss has also complained recently that the networks Standards and Practices team has too much power and she doesnt see the point of keeping them around. On top of that, during a recent round of brutal layoffs, the networks vaunted race and ulture unit  which was supposed to be folded into the standards unit  was disbanded.

open image in gallery There are still bitter feelings at CBS News over Tony Dokoupils contentious interview with Ta-Nehisi Coates. ( CBS )

Tony violated protocol with his interview with TCoates and got embarrassed when it went viral for the wrong reasons. He pouted and was protected by Shari Redstone and now Bari, the insider stated, referencing the former chair of Paramount and her support of Dokoupil. While dragging the entire news organization under the bus.

While other network employees and insiders grumbled that Dokoupils ascension under Weiss shows that Bibi apologists now have full reign to change the narrative on Israel, they also suggested this is part of an anti-diversity push by the network.

Besides Weiss being a vocal DEI critic and Ellison promising the Trump administration hed get rid of diversity hiring policies at the network as part of the Paramount-Skydance merger, CBS News has come under fire for only firing women on-air personalities  half of whom are people of color  during its last round of layoffs.

This is all about protecting Israel and punishing POC, the CBS News insider said.

How unoriginal to give the job to a mediocre straight white man who cant ask a tough question unless it aligns with his own personal agenda, the network reporter declared, adding: Its an insult to the storied news giants who came before him.
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A group of Senate Democrats have put forward legislation that would prevent the government from minting coins featuring the likeness of President Donald Trump.

The bill, called the Change Corruption Act, was introduced by senators Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada Tuesday, Punchbowl News reported. Co-sponsors include lawmakers, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Ron Wyden of Oregon.

No United States currency may feature the likeness of a living or sitting President, the bill states.

Merkley compared Trump to global autocrats for his attempt to get his face on a coin.

President Trumps self-celebrating maneuvers are authoritarian actions worthy of dictators like North Koreas Kim Jong Un, not the United States of America, the Oregon senator told Punchbowl News.

open image in gallery Senate Democrats have introduced a bill that would prohibit the Treasury Department from minting a coin bearing President Donald Trump's likeness. ( Getty Images )

However, given the GOP majority in both chambers of Congress and Trumps firm control over his party, the bill faces a slim chance of becoming law.

In October, the U.S. Mint announced plans to create commemorative $1 coins bearing Trumps likeness in honor of Americas 250th anniversary next year. The Mints website lists three designs, two of which include headshots of Trump, while a third has his side profile. All have the phrases IN GOD WE TRUST and 1776 ~ 2026.

An earlier draft of the coin, circulated by U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, bore an image of Trump following the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. In the design, Trumps fist is raised in the air, and the phrase FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT is wrapped around the edge.

There are already U.S. laws which seem to prevent living presidents from appearing on American currency.

Title 31 of the U.S. Code states: Only the portrait of a deceased individual may appear on United States currency and securities. The Thayer Amendment, passed in 1866, also prohibits living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency, according to ABC News.

However, the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, signed into law by Trump in 2021, only banned living people from being featured on the reverse of any coin in the commemorative series.

open image in gallery A $1 coin design released by the U.S. Mint ahead of the countrys 250th anniversary next year ( U.S. Mint )

open image in gallery A second proposed design featuring Trumps profile and the phrases "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "1776 ~ 2026" ( U.S. Mint )

If the proposed coin is minted, it wouldnt be the first time a sitting American president has had his face on American currency.

In 1926, a half-dollar coin was manufactured bearing the profile of President Calvin Coolidge in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence being signed.

This coin marked the first time a U.S. Presidents portrait appeared on a coin during his lifetime, according to the U.S. Mint.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, the TV doctor-turned-administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, advised his staff to practice portion control, eat slowly and use small plates this holiday season to avoid overindulging in food or drinks while enjoying the festive time of year.

As part of his weekly Crushing Cubicle Cravings newsletter, which provides healthy tips to employees, Oz listed a series of pointers to help people maintain a healthy mindset while surrounded by sweets.

We all love a fun cookie swap and potluck this time of year. With several teams across CMS hosting holiday gatherings this month, I am sharing some strategies to help you make healthier choices  while still indulging in festive treats, Oz wrote in the email obtained by WIRED.

Decide in advance how many treats youll allow yourself to enjoy and try to stick to that number. You dont have to try every cookie on the cookie table, he wrote.

Among other tips, Oz, 65, recommended that people use smaller plates to support portion control, eat more slowly to help pay attention to their bodys cues about hunger, and dont double fist to free up one hand for shaking hands with colleagues or friends.

Oz sends a weekly healthy tips email to his employees  something that was reportedly requested by staff ( Getty Images )

The holiday eating tips were sent out to the more than 6,000 employees who work at CMS. Its part of Ozs ongoing internal advice column, which employees reportedly requested.

The Independent has asked the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for comment.

Christopher Krepich, a spokesperson for CMS, told WIRED, Dr. Oz knows it's not easy balancing a healthy lifestyle and a demanding job. That's why he offers and welcomes tips and encouragement to help the hardworking CMS team stay healthy while they work hard to ensure millions of Americans access quality health care, which is entirely appropriate.

So far, the feedback has been positive, Krepich said.

In other Crushing Cubicle Cravings emails, Oz recommended that employees meal prep healthy snacks that keep energy up and suppress overeating or indulging in sweets such as leftover Halloween candy, WIRED reported.

The tips and tricks are reminiscent of similar advice Oz gave to millions of viewers on his successful daytime television talk show, The Dr. Oz Show, which aired from 2009 until 2022. While Oz often espoused medical advice on his show, professionals criticized much of it for lacking scientific credibility.

Oz leaned into the alternative medicine industry throughout his career  thus becoming an ally of President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

However, as CMS administrator, Oz has served as a more grounded medical voice in the administration  publicly breaking from the president on unproven claims about Tylenol being dangerous during pregnancy.
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A federal judge has ordered grand jury documents from the case of convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell to be unsealed after President Donald Trump signed a measure that compels the release of all materials tied to investigations into her associate Jeffrey Epstein.

Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence after she was found guilty of recruiting and grooming young women and girls, did not fight against the renewed push to unseal the documents, but she had warned that the public release of grand jury files from her case could compromise her long-shot attempt to get a new trial.

Victims of Maxwell and Epstein urged the court to unseal the files but sought assurance that their identities and privacy wouldnt be compromised.

In his order on Tuesday, New York District Judge Paul Engelmayer said their concerns regrettably have a basis in fact, after the Department of Justice failed to give notice to victims about the governments motions to unseal the documents earlier this year.

DOJ, although paying lip service to Maxwells and Epsteins victims, has not treated them with the solicitude they deserve, the judge wrote.

open image in gallery A federal judge has ordered the release of grand jury materials tied to Ghislaine Maxwell after DOJ made a renewed push to unseal the documents following Trumps approval of the Epstein files release ( AP )

Victims letters to the court widely expressed distress at the lack of notice given to them by DOJ  and alarm that the grand jury records DOJ would release, if authorized to do so, would invade their privacy, Engelmayer added.

The motion itself misled victims  and the public at large  in holding out the Maxwell grand jury materials as essential to the goal of transparency to the American public, when in fact the grand jury materials would not add to public knowledge, he wrote.

Last month, Trump reluctantly agreed to sign a measure approved by Congress that compels the Justice Department to release all investigative materials from the Epstein case in its possession. Those documents face a December 19 deadline for their public release.

But those files do not include materials reviewed by grand juries that mulled indictments against Epstein or Maxwell.

Last week, a federal judge in Florida ordered the release of grand jury materials from an abandoned case against Epstein from 2005 and 2007. The order from District Judge Rodney Smith, a Trump appointee, did not attach a deadline.

Another judge is considering a separate request to unseal grand jury documents in Epsteins case in New York, where he died in prison awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019.

open image in gallery Justice Department lawyers are calling on judges who handled cases against Epstein and Maxwell to release grand jury documents after Congress approved a measure to release files in the governments possession ( REUTERS )

Maxwell was indicted in 2020 for crimes associated with Epsteins decades-long scheme to recruit young women and girls  some as young as 14 years old  then sexually abuse them.

From 1994 to 2004, Maxwell and Epstein worked together to recruit young girls and entice them to travel to Epsteins properties, according to prosecutors. During a monthlong trial in 2021, survivors testified in Manhattan federal court that Maxwell had groomed them, taken their passports, and sexually abused them.

In October, the Supreme Court denied Maxwells appeal after she asked the nations highest court to review whether prosecutors fairly brought the case against her.

Maxwells lawyers had argued in court documents that Epsteins agreement with federal prosecutors in Florida, which included a pledge not to prosecute him or potential co-conspirators, should apply to one of the counts in Maxwells case.

In July, the Justice Department determined no further disclosure in the Epstein case would be appropriate or warranted. But in an apparent attempt to suppress criticism surrounding the decision, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche interviewed Maxwell over two days at a Florida courthouse close to the maximum security prison where she was incarcerated.

Maxwell agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, and was suddenly moved to a minimum security prison in Texas.

In her interview with Blanche, Maxwell said she absolutely never saw Trump behave inappropriately with anyone in Epsteins circle and praised the president for his extraordinary achievement in becoming the president now. She also said she liked him.

Attorneys for Annie Farmer, who testified under oath that Maxwell groomed and assaulted her when she was a teenager, wrote to the judges overseeing the cases last week week, warning that any denial of the motions to unseal the documents may be used by others as a pretext or excuse for continuing to withhold crucial information concerning Epsteins crimes.

Epsteins victims have been denied justice for far too long by multiple government administrations of both parties, they wrote.
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An Afghan father, being resettled with the assistance of volunteer Giselle Garcia, was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the moment he arrived for a routine check-in in Californias capital.

Ms Garcia had advised the family to 'prepare for the worst' ahead of the visit.

This detention comes amid a reported increase in arrests of Afghans across the US by federal authorities, according to immigration lawyers.

They state that Afghans, both within and outside the country, are facing intense scrutiny from immigration officials, following the recent shooting of two National Guard troops by an Afghan national suspect.

Garcia said the family she helped had reported to all their appointments and were following all legal requirements.

He was trying to be strong for his wife and kids in the car, but the anxiety and fear were palpable, she said. His wife was trying to hold back tears, but I could see her in the rearview mirror silently crying.

They had fled Afghanistan under threat by the Taliban because the wifes father had assisted the U.S. military, and they had asked for asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, Garcia said. She is not identifying him or his family for fear other members could be arrested.

open image in gallery Brigadier General Leland D. Blanchard II looks towards pictures of two National Guard members who were shot in Washington on November 26, along with a picture of a suspect, Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, at a press conference with FBI Director Kash Patel, attorney Jeanine Pirro and other authorities in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 27, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard ( Reuters )

Since the Nov. 26 Guard shooting, The Associated Press has tracked roughly two dozen arrests of Afghan immigrants, most of which happened in Northern California. In Sacramento, home to one of the nations largest Afghan communities, volunteers monitoring ICE activities say they witnessed at least nine arrests at the federal building last week after Afghan men received calls to check in there.

Many of those detained had requested asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border in the last two years. Others were among the 76,000 Afghans brought to the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome, created by former President Joe Biden's administration after the chaotic withdrawal of the U.S. from their country.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Dec. 1 that the Trump administration is actively reexamining all the Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. during Bidens administration.

The AP couldnt independently determine each of the Afghans' immigration statuses or the reasons put forward by authorities for their arrests. In one case, the man had been arrested twice on suspicion of domestic violence, according to the government.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland, said in an email that the agency "has been going full throttle on identifying and arresting known or suspected terrorists and criminal illegal aliens that came in through Bidens fraudulent parole programs and working to get the criminals and public safety threats OUT of our country.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the 29-year-old Afghan suspect in the shooting, was granted asylum earlier this year, according to advocate group #AfghanEvac.

open image in gallery Immigration Afghan Arrests ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Since the shooting, the U.S. government introduced sweeping immigration changes, including pausing asylum applications and requiring increased vetting for immigrants from certain countries. The administration also took steps specifically targeted at Afghans, including pausing all their immigration-related applications and visas for Afghans who closely helped the war effort.

Those who work with Afghans say the stepped-up enforcement amounts to the collective punishment of a population, many of whom risked their lives to protect U.S. troops.

Not to discount the horrific killing that happened, but that was one bad actor who should be prosecuted by the full extent of the law, Democratic Rep. Ami Bera, whose California district includes Sacramento, said of Lakanwal. A lot of these people kept our troops safe and served side by side with our soldiers for two decades in Afghanistan."

open image in gallery Immigration Afghan Arrests ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

In Sacramento, Afghan men arrived one by one to the ICE office Dec. 1 after being asked to immediately report there, drawing the attention of volunteers who have been at the federal building for more than six months to monitor ICE activities and alert immigrants.

As each man entered the office, agents handcuffed them, said Garcia, a volunteer with NorCal Resist.

What we saw on Monday was an influx of Afghan immigrants called randomly starting at 6 a.m. and asked to do a check-in and report immediately, Garcia said. Most of these Afghan men already had ankle monitors on them.

Her organization's volunteers witnessed ICE arrest six Afghans that day.

open image in gallery Immigration Afghan Arrests ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

In Des Moines, Iowa, Ann Naffier, with the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, said her Afghan client was detained Dec. 2 on the way to work by agents who called him a terrorist. He was held for two hours before he was released with an apology.

Wahida Noorzad is an immigration attorney in Northern California who has two Afghan clients who were arrested last week by ICE. Both entered the U.S. in recent years through the southern border. One used the app set up by the Biden administration to make an appointment to request asylum at the border.

Noorzad felt both had strong cases to eventually be granted asylum in the U.S. She also said she found no criminal records for them.

Spojmie Nasiri, another immigration attorney in Northern California, said shes received numerous calls from worried Afghans, including a man who called her terrified as agents stood outside his home. He put her on speaker phone so she could tell them that her client was a U.S. citizen.

Iqbal Wafa, an Afghan immigration consultant in Sacramento, said officials told his client when he went to his appointment last week that that interviews for Afghans are canceled, and he observed interviews for other Afghan immigrants were canceled as well inside a federal building in Sacramento.

Garcia said she listened through the wall of the waiting room at the ICE office and heard agents handcuff the father of the family she was helping.

Im screaming his rights through the wall so he could hear me. Remain silent! Please dont sign anything! she said. She left after security approached.

When she walked out of the building without him, she said his wife broke down sobbing.

Their daughter tried to console her, telling her, Mommy, dont cry. Everything will be OK when daddy comes."
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Cuban immigrants detained inside a military compound in Texas were severely beaten by guards before they tried to illegally coerce them into crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, according to a complaint to Immigration and Customs Enforcement filed by civil rights groups.

Four Cuban immigrants inside a makeshift facility at Fort Bliss were among dozens of immigrants loaded into buses and pressured by masked federal agents to cross the border or risk being deported to Africa or a brutal prison in El Salvador  or face the prospect of indefinite detention at the military base, the letter says.

The filing from the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups is based on interviews with 45 detainees at the facility, a sprawling $1.2 billion project that Donald Trumps administration has designed to hold 5,000 people to support his mass deportation agenda.

A series of sworn testimonials describes the facilitys deteriorating conditions and routine beatings that have left several people hospitalized, including detainees whose testicles were firmly crushed by guards.

This place does not seem designed for humans to be here, a 32-year-old detainee from Venezuela wrote.

open image in gallery A complaint from human rights groups alleges immigrants at a sprawling ICE facility in Texas have faced severe beatings by guards and are routinely dumped across the border ( AP )

Isaac, a 43-year-old Cuban man who lives with his 5-year-old daughter and her mother in Florida, said a group of 30 guards beat him after he resisted his removal to Mexico.

My fear is that one day they will take us on a bus and they will put bags over our heads and they will drop us in the middle of the desert to fend for ourselves, he said.

Benjamin, a 49-year-old Cuban hibachi chef who lives in Florida, wrote in his statement that guards threatened to do exactly that.

They threatened me by saying I have a bad record and the only solution is to go to Mexico, he said. They said they would handcuff us, put bags over our heads and send us to Mexico. I refused to sign the papers.

Benjamin is among several Cuban detainees who said they were cuffed at the wrists, hands and waists when they were loaded on buses bound for the border. These threats feel like mental torture, he wrote.

I started feeling very anxious at this point and I started yelling and screaming at the immigration guard in Mexico that this is a kidnapping and I dont want to be taken, wrote Abel, a 51-year-old Cuban truck driver who has lived in the United States since 1994.

The guard from Mexico then said that they dont want anyone who was going to be forced to go to Mexico, he wrote. If I hadnt started kicking and screaming at that moment, I believe I might have been taken to Mexico.

Eduardo  a 35-year-old electrician and father of three U.S. citizen children, including a five-month-old  said guards drove him and others to a portion of the border wall and told them to jump over.

He said they threatened to charge him with federal crimes and never get out of Fort Bliss if he didnt cross.

These actions by federal officers are clear violations of statutory, regulatory, and due process protections, including mandatory protections that require meaningful notice and an opportunity to contest a third-country removal on the basis of fear, according to the letter from the ACLU and other human rights groups.

open image in gallery ICE is running a $1.2 billion project turning the Fort Bliss military base into a sprawling detention center, where detainees endure overflowing toilets, lack of medical care and little to no time outside, according to a new complaint ( REUTERS )

In more than a dozen testimonials, detainees describe losing consciousness after being repeatedly kicked in the ribs, overflowing toilets, rotten juice and food that makes them vomit to think about, and spending weeks indoors.

I have not seen the sun in more than three months, a 44-year-old Cuban man wrote.

Lately, Ive been scared to ask for anything because Ill just get beaten. I feel ostracized, like I am an animal, said Eduardo.

A 52-year-old construction worker from Mexico who has lived in the United States for 24 years said he endured serious delays getting his diabetes medicine and went more than two weeks without it.

Detainees routinely go on hunger strike, feeling that the only way to have their needs met is if they are on the verge of severe illness or death, another detainee wrote.

A 19-year-old Venezuelan detainee said he chipped his tooth when guards tossed him to the ground, while an officer grabbed my testicles and firmly crushed them, he wrote. Another guard forced his fingers deep into his ears and another pulled fingers back, he said.

After his release from a hospital, he was placed in solitary confinement, or the hole, which guards call a center for discipline, where he was held for eight days without speaking to anyone, he said.

I feel like I dont know who to trust or what to do, Abel wrote.

The Independent has requested comment from Homeland Security.

open image in gallery Federal judges across the country are scrutinizing conditions at ICE facilities after civil rights groups and detainees file lawsuits alleging similar poor conditions as Trump ramps up his mass deportation campaign ( AFP via Getty Images )

The allegations echo lawsuits and sworn statements from immigrants in detention centers across the country, including litigation against ICE makeshift facilities in Chicago and New York, where federal judges have ordered the administration to swiftly address decaying conditions that have left immigrants without adequate food and water in cramped cells near open toilets under lights that stay on at all hours, and with little to no time spent outside.

Human rights groups are calling on the administration to close the Fort Bliss camp.

In July, ICE instructed agency personnel to deport immigrants to a so-called third country with as little as six hours notice.

That guidance followed a Supreme Courts order that overruled a lower-court judges decision that immigrants must be given meaningful opportunity to contest their removal to a third country where immigrants have no claim of citizenship or connections.

That temporary decision has opened the door for Homeland Security to swiftly remove immigrants to war-torn African nations and other countries with poor human rights records and no due process.

In their letter to ICE, human rights groups demanded an immediate end to the coercive and abusive attempts at third-country removals from Fort Bliss to Mexico, as well as a thorough investigation into the allegations in the complaint.

I am scared of retaliation for speaking about my experience here, wrote Abel, but I believe the whole world should know what is happening.
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The developer who created a crowd-sourced map that lets users pinpoint the locations of federal agents in their neighborhoods is suing top officials in Donald Trumps administration after his app was pulled from Apples App Store based on what he is calling a torrent of threats and false claims.

After a wave of publicity about the app, senior administration officials launched a coordinated campaign of retaliation against Joshua Aaron, who was threatened with criminal prosecution while the Department of Justice privately pushed Apple to remove the app from its platforms, his attorneys wrote in a federal lawsuit Monday.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputies used their positions to coerce a private platform to suppress First Amendment-protected expression, attorneys added.

Threats from Trump administration officials to criminally investigate and prosecute Aaron were intended and designed to chill Aaron and others from engaging in expressive activity  specifically, sharing information about publicly observable law-enforcement actions  and to deter technology companies and journalistic institutions from supporting, amplifying, or facilitating such speech, they write.

The lawsuit names Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Immigration and Customs Enforcements Acting Director Todd Lyons, and White House border czar Tom Homan, as well as 10 other unnamed officials.

open image in gallery The developer of ICEblock has accused the Trump administration of unlawfully coercing Apple to remove the app from its App Store after officials accused the crowd-sourced map of endangering the lives of federal agents ( AFP via Getty Images )

ICEBlock, described as Waze for ICE sightings, was downloaded more than 1 million times after its launch this year.

The bare-bones app effectively serves as an early-warning system for users, who can drop pins on a map to note the presence of federal agents in any given area. Users cannot send, receive or upload any photographs or any other media.

Following a surge in downloads and media coverage about the app, administration officials alleged Aaron was inviting violence against law enforcement officers merely because they disagreed with the apps content, according to the lawsuit.

Bondi claimed that the app is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs.

She told members of Congress earlier this year that she spoke with Apple to get the ICEBlock app taken down, calling the app reckless and criminal because users were posting where ICE officers lived.

Bondi later walked back her statement and clarified that ICEBlock only informed users where ICE officers were seen working.

Nevertheless, Apple complied. The company told Aaron that the apps purpose is to provide location information about law enforcement officers that can be used to harm such officers individually or as a group.

Aaron argues that Apple blocked his app after Bondi and other Trump administration officials unlawfully coerced the company in violation of his First Amendment rights.

These threats were intended and designed to chill Aaron and others from engaging in expressive activity  specifically, sharing information about publicly observable law-enforcement actions  and to deter technology companies and journalistic institutions from supporting, amplifying, or facilitating such speech, according to the lawsuit.

open image in gallery Apple users are blocked from downloading ICEBlock, which allows users to drop pins noting the locations of immigration enforcement activity ( ICEBlock )

The administrations surge of federal agents into cities across the country has been met with a spike in social media activity organizing against them.

Grassroots efforts on social media platforms are sharing legal information about ICE encounters and alerting users to their real-time locations.

The Justice Department has also pushed Facebook to remove a group where users alerted members to the presence of agents in Chicago, Bondi announced.

Facebooks apparent submission to Trump comes after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg pledged that the platform would not compromise its content standards under pressure from any administration in either direction.

A spokesperson for Meta told The Independent at the time that the group violated the platforms policies against coordinated harm.

Aarons lawsuit compares ICEBlock to other apps that crowdsource or track the locations of police officers, speed-trap cameras and other non-immigration law enforcement activities  none of which have been subject to Justice Department pressure.

Apples removal of ICEBlock appeared to be the first known instance of Apple removing a U.S.-based app in response to government demands. Apple removed more than 1,700 apps from its App Store in 2024 in response to foreign government requests, according to the companys own reporting.

A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined to comment on the litigation and directed The Independent to the agencys prior statements about the app.
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On Monday, Rep. Jasmine Crockett shook up Texas politics when she filed to run for the Democratic nomination for one of the two Lone Star State seats in the U.S. Senate.

Almost immediately, everyone in Washington could hear Texas Republicans boot-heels clicking.

Jennifer DeCasper, the executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, tweeted that Crockett was the NRSCs #1 recruit. Indeed, the committee had put out a poll in July showing her leading Democrat Colin Allred, who announced Monday he would drop out of the race to run instead for his old House seat.

Crockett has become a darling of the No Kings protest-marching liberals who enjoy her for her barbs against Republicans such as calling Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene a bleach blonde bad-built butch body and Rep. Nancy Mace child after Mace made transphobic remarks.

But Crockett has also gotten herself in trouble in recent months for the same sharp tongue that allows her to raise gobs of cash.

open image in gallery Jasmine Crockett announced on Monday that she would run for U.S. Senate in Texas, setting up a race against James Talarico ( Getty Images for MoveOn )

Earlier this year, she came under fire for calling Texas Gov. Greg Abbott  who has a disability and uses a wheelchair  Governor Hot Wheels. She also recently spoke on the House floor and said that Environmental Protection Agency Director Lee Zeldin received money from Jeffrey Epstein when Zeldin served in Congress from New York, but it was a person not related to the late convicted sex offender.

Now Crockett is set for a collision course with state legislator James Talarico. But some Democrats fear that Crockett might cost them their best chance at causing a 50-50 Senate in 2026.

I think Jasmine Crockett is a fire brand, somebody who understands that to reach people in the modern age, Micah Erfan, a former executive committee member of the Texas Democratic Party, told The Independent.

He said that any Democrat would need to win over Republicans and independents who otherwise would not vote for a Democrat. Instead, Crockett seems focused on going all-in on her anti-Trump messaging. Her announcement video features soundbytes of Trump criticizing her, a bold move for a Democrat in a state where Trump won by double digits.

open image in gallery Republican Sen. John Cornyn is running for another term but faces the primary fight of his life against attorney general Ken Paxton. ( Getty Images )

 The Electoral math that we have is one in which we have to win over, as I said, a bunch of voters that are currently voting for Republicans or have voted for Republicans in the past, Erfan said. And that means that you're going to have to win over these Latinos. That means you're going to have to win over maybe some Christians, right? Some moderates and independents.

Speaking of Christ, make no mistake: Democrats would need an act of God to flip Texas Senate seat under normal circumstances. They have not won a statewide race there since 1994 and have not won a Senate race since 1988.

Every once in a while, Democrats see a glimmer of hope. In 2008, Barack Obama flipped Harris County, which made Democrats think they could one day compete in the state. That turned out to be fools gold and in 2014, Democrats got clobbered.

In 2016, Hillary Clinton got within 10 points of Texas and won three congressional districts. That opened the door for Beto ORourke to get within striking distance against Ted Cruz, which carried Allred and Lizze Fletcher to flip two House seats in 2018. In 2020, Democrats got within 5.5 points of winning Texas, but they collapsed in the Rio Grande Valley, serving as a precursor to Trump flipping the predominantly Hispanic region in 2024.

I'd say that the way to victory in Texas is by getting Assad margins with Hispanics, Erfan said. I think the idea right now is that ice and the Trump administration's policies regarding deportations is going to hand us the Hispanic vote. I think it will, to a certain extent, but we need not just 75% of the vote. We need 89% of the vote to overcome the margins that Republicans are getting with white Texans.

That being said, Democrats dont have many options to take back the Senate. Republicans have 53 Senate seats, meaning Democrats need to flip three to even tie and force JD Vance to make a bunch of votes the way Kamala Harris did.

Only one Republican hails from a state that voted for Harris: Sen. Susan Collins and a contentious primary between Gov. Janet Mills and progressive favorite Graham Platner makes it far from a guaranteed flip. Their next best chance to flip is North Carolina, where former Democratic governor Roy Cooper, who won the state twice in a year Trump won it, is running for retiring Sen. Thom Tilliss seat.

Still, Democrats have a golden opportunity given that Republicans have a slugfest of a primary. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) is running for re-election against the states attorney general Ken Paxton, whom the Republican state legislature impeached before the state senate acquitted him. His wife Angela, a state senator, announced she would divorce Paxton on biblical grounds, given Paxtons multiple affairs.

Matt Angle, the founder of the liberal Lone Star Policy Project, told The Independent that the race will be a dogfight.

Ken Paxton is going to win that primary, they're going to nominate a criminal, Angle said. John Cornyn is a dead Senator walking his brand of Republican in Texas has been extinct for a while here, yeah, and his, his kind of faking being MAGA.

It will still be a lift for them. Angle said the immortal question for Democrats is whether to persuade people or to build a coalition.

And so the question is that challenge for Jasmine or for James Talarico, whoever is the nominee, because remember, Jasmine's not the nominee, and James Talarico is a very strong candidate, he said. They got to not only expand the base, but also build that coalition you need in Texas.

Ultimately, if the primary turns out to be a race between Crockett and Paxton, a real possibility, the race might come down to whom voters dislike less. Someone like Paxton might have enough baggage to turn away certain voters. But even in a swing year, a firebrand like Crockett might compel voters who otherwise might consider voting for a Democrat to stay away.
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A podcaster has ignited an internet firestorm after branding Erika Kirk a grifter and Kirks late husband as an unrepentant racist.

Jennifer Welch, one of the co-hosts of the Ive Had It podcast, also said that the widow should be kicked to the curb in an episode released on Sunday.

Welch tore into the Erika, after the CEO of Turning Point USA claimed that women had voted for Zohran Mamdani to become the mayor of New York City because they wanted the government to become a replacement for relationships.

What I dont want to have happen is women, young women, in the city look to the government as a solution, Kirk said at a New York Times event last week. To put off having a family or a marriage, because youre relying on the government to support you, instead of being united with a husband.

The furious host said that Kirks message was hypocritical, pointing out the disparity between the right-wing influencer encouraging women to stay home to start families while also headlining an event in Manhattan.

You are an opportunistic grifter who weaponizes your gender to demean women, Welch said. You are a walking, talking, breathing example as to why nobody, number one, wants to be a Christian, and number two, wants to be a female hypocrite such as yourself.

For you to prance into Manhattan and lecture women who are abundantly aware of the coattails of which we have ridden to be able to be heard.

Welch also blasted Charlie Kirk as being racist and homophobic.

open image in gallery Jennifer Welch has been slammed after branding Erika Kirk a grifter and Charlie Kirk a racist ( Getty Images for GLAAD )

Her co-host, Angie Sullivan, suggested that there was more to life than identifying yourself as someones wife or someones mother.

The pairs comments ignited a firestorm on social media, with one user describing Welch as one of the most unlikeable and despicable people Ive ever seen.

Theyre both jealous. Old washed up feminists with many regrets, another angry comment read.

Jealousy is a terrible trait. Jennifer clearly needs to do some soul searching, one user wrote.

However, there was also a wave of support for Welch on social media, with one person saying that they couldnt agree more.

Another described them as telling it like it is.

Welch and Sullivan launched their podcast in 2022, but first rose to fame as the presenters of the Bravo reality show Sweet Home Oklahoma.

Ive Had It has become known for its fierce rhetoric, which led left-wing political commentator Hasan Piker to describe it to The Cut as the most radical progressive podcast in North America.

Welch and Sullivan even interviewed the man at the center of their row with Erika Kirk, Zohran Mamdani, on the show.

open image in gallery Welchs comments came after Erika Kirk suggested that women who voted for Zohran Mamdani had done so that the government could replace a partner ( Getty )

A day after being accused of being a grifter, Kirk was promoting her late husbands book on the Fox News show Hannity.

Entitled Stop, in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life, the book was finished just a month before a gunman killed him on September 10.

"He did not just write this book," she said. He lived it."

The book details the Kirk familys belief in keeping the Sabbath as a day of rest and even suggests that the readers give up their phones and television for a day.

Charlie Kirks widow claimed that you dont even have to be religious to enjoy the book and suggested that the Turning Point USA founder became a next-level husband after deciding to observe the Sabbath.

Sean Hannity described Charlie Kirk as a biblical scholar during the appearance and claimed that the book advocated for real rest.

The Independent has contacted Jennifer Welch and Turning Point USA for comment.
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Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn has welcomed Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crocketts entry into the race for his seat, calling the announcement of her campaign a gift.

Crockett, 44, well known for trash-talking the opposition in media appearances and in House committee hearings, revealed her run for the upper chamber of Congress Monday, with fellow challenger Colin Allred abandoning his own plans to battle Cornyn for the seat hours later.

Am I hiding my glee? Ill try to wipe the smile off my face, I would say its a gift, Cornyn told Semafor in reaction to the developments.

open image in gallery Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn reacted with glee to the news that Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett was entering the race for his seat on Monday ( AP )

Colin  obviously, he wasnt successful before, but he was what I would call closer to a normal Democrat than Jasmine. [She] is something else.

Crockett joins state representative James Talarico in her partys primary for the chance to run for the seat currently occupied by Cornyn, who must see off challengers from his own side too if he is to secure a fifth term, among them Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and GOP Rep. Wesley Hunt.

Crocketts national profile and popularity with her partys younger members would appear to give her a clear edge in the Democratic contest. Still, Talarico has worked hard to build his own brand in Washington and beyond after Texas became the front line in a redistricting war this year, in which both parties fought to secure a more substantial House majority.

Crockett announced her run by posting an unusual video on social media in which she stood in profile, wearing all black, listening unmoved to audio of President Donald Trump issuing a series of insults against her, most notably claiming she was a really low IQ person, before turning to the camera and smiling.

The clip attracted inevitable derision from conservatives, with some complaining that she announced no policy positions in the video and one person declaring: Bragging about being stupid as the reason why people should vote for you is truly Peak Democracy.

open image in gallery Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett announces her candidacy for the Senate seat in her state currently occupied by Republican John Cornyn on Monday December 8, 2025 ( Jasmine Crockett/X )

A member of the House Judiciary Committee, she has previously attracted viral fame for clashing with Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, memorably insulting her bleach blond bad built butch body.

More recently and less successfully, Crockett attracted headlines for invoking the wrong Jeffrey Epstein, attacking former New York Republican congressman Lee Zeldin, now director of the Environmental Protection Agency, for taking donations from Epstein, not realizing it was a Long Island neurosurgeon of the same name and not the infamous pedophile, who was deceased at the time the money was paid.

Republicans clearly believe Crockett is capable of talking herself into trouble and out of contention, but have problems of their own in Texas.

Cornyn might have hoped to hang onto his seat with ease in the deep-red Lone Star State. He is not a popular figure within the MAGA wing of the Republican Party because of his past criticism of Trump over the Capitol riot and his efforts to tighten gun control legislation.

Paxton, a firebrand by comparison, is likely to be his main opponent and could well win their primary, but has been caught up in a messy divorce and has been accused of pursuing multiple extramarital affairs.
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The Brazilian mother of Karoline Leavitts nephew thanked her supporters in her first statements since her release from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, where she has been locked up for nearly a month and threatened with removal from the country.

In a pair of Instagram posts, Bruna Ferreira said she will answer everyone as soon as humanly possible.

Thank you to everyone who was in my corner, Ferreira wrote Tuesday above a photograph of her with her son and three kittens.

Ill be personally calling and texting each and every single one of you individually as soon as I land! she added.

An immigration judge in Louisiana ordered her release on bond Monday more than three weeks after she was arrested while driving to pick up her 11-year-old son from school. Since then, the 33-year-old mother has been detained inside an ICE facility in Louisiana, more than 1,000 miles from her home in Massachusetts, in a case that has thrown the family of a key official in Donald Trumps administration into the presidents mass deportation campaign.

open image in gallery Bruna Ferreira, who is the mother of Karoline Leavitts nephew, thanked her supporters after her release from ICE custody in a case that has intensified scrutiny into the Trump administrations mass deportation efforts ( Bruna Ferreira/Instagram )

The judge set a $1,500 bond while she continues a legal battle against the administration, which continues to label her a criminal illegal alien in public statements about the case.

Immigration Judge Cynthia Goodman ordered her release on the lowest-dollar bond possible, according to attorney Todd Pomerleau, who told The Independent that government lawyers never once argued in court that she was a criminal illegal alien and waived appeal.

Following her bond order, a spokesperson for Homeland Security once again labeled Ferreira a criminal illegal alien. Ferreira will have periodic mandatory check-ins with ICE law enforcement to ensure she is abiding by the terms of her release, the spokesperson told The Independent.

The Department of Homeland Security will continue to work to remove all aliens illegally present in the country as quickly as possible, the spokesperson added.

open image in gallery White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, whose brother is the father of Ferreiras child, has not spoken publicly about the case, but Homeland Security officials have labeled Ferreira a criminal illegal alien ( AP )

The story of Ferreiras arrest is deeply familiar to hundreds of immigrant families embroiled in similar legal battles and deportation threats, but the revelation of her ties to the White House press secretary, whose brother is the father of Ferreiras child, has complicated the administrations anti-immigration agenda.

Shes somebody that has generated publicity because of her relationship to somebody who is part of the inner circle of the White House, but at the end of the day, that shes just one of many thousands and thousands of people that are getting this treatment on a daily basis in this administration, Jeffrey Rubin, whose firm is representing Ferreira, told The Independent last month.

Ferreiras parents emigrated from Brazil and brought their young daughter with them in 1998 when she was roughly 6 years old. Her two younger siblings were born in the United States.

She received temporary legal protections under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, the Obama-era program that has shielded tens of thousands of people who arrived in the country as children without legal status, and she was in the process of obtaining a green card, according to her legal team.

She was previously engaged to Michael Leavitt, Karolines brother, and they share custody of their son. They broke up more than 10 years ago.

In a recent interview with The Washington Post while she was still in custody, Ferreira said she wanted Leavitt to be her sons godmother.

I made a mistake there, in trusting, she said. Why theyre creating this narrative is beyond my wildest imagination.

Ferreira, who lives in Massachusetts, does not appear to have had any criminal convictions. She was arrested for being in the United States without legal permission after overstaying a visa that expired when she was a child, according to her attorneys.

After her arrest, the White House claimed Ferreira had not spoken to Leavitt in years and that Ferreira had never lived with her son. Homeland Security also accused her of being arrested for battery, which her legal team has not been able to corroborate.

The Independent has requested comment from the White House.

Her arrest is among many in a random and cruel mass deportation campaign under the Trump administrations anti-immigration agenda, according to Rubin.

It's outrageous and abhorrent, and the rhetoric alone is disgusting, he told The Independent last month.
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During an October encounter at the Charleston airport, Rep. Nancy Mace reportedly turned a minor miscommunication with security into an expletive-filled spectacle that left staff visibly upset, according to an airport police investigation report obtained by The Washington Post.

On October 30, the airport security team was expecting to meet Mace after she arrived in a white BMW to escort her, when she instead came in a silver BMW, the report found. Because of the snafu, Mace was briefly left unattended, then was found later angrily criticizing staff at a TSA checkpoint over the incident.

The report found airport staff had a certain level of responsibility for what happened, but said Maces continued failure to follow established procedures at the checkpoint escalated the situation.

The South Carolina rep, who is now running for governor, allegedly berated officers and TSA staff, telling them she was sick of your s***, calling them f***ing idiots, and accusing them of being f***ing incompetent, according to the investigation report. Many airport staff were working without pay at the time, during the government shutdown.

The Republican complained she was not getting special treatment even though she was a f***ing representative, the report allegedly found.

open image in gallery Mace clashed with staff at the Charleston airport in October during the government shutdown ( AFP via Getty Images )

The report also faulted alleged past issues with Mace at airports, describing the Republican as being rarely on time and that this is often exacerbated by the fact that their communication is often relayed through multiple staffers, as the Congresswoman appears to have high personnel turnover.

The Independent has contacted Mace for comment.

Her office told The Washington Post the details of the report were a full exoneration.

Mace has insisted police and media outlets have spread an incomplete and incorrect version of what happened at the airport.

open image in gallery Nancy Mace has claimed the media and police have shared inaccurate versions of what happened at the airport, and said she feared for her safety because of the security mix-up at the airport ( Getty Images )

She also threatened to sue American Airlines, the Charleston Airport, and others over the October incident.

As an Independent analysis found, Mace posted more than 100 times on social media about the incident.

Describing the incident last month, which took place not long after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed, Mace said she was concerned for safety.

I am not going to be the next person shot and killed in cold blood, she told reporters. I take my safety of myself, of my children, of my family, of my employees, very seriously.

I absolutely 100% confronted the airport employees who put my safety at risk, she added. Did I drop an F bomb? I hope I did. Did I call them incompetent? If I didn't, they absolutely earned it.
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During an interview with Piers Morgan aired on Monday, the white nationalist streamer and former Mar-a-Lago dinner guest Nick Fuentes defended calling Hitler f***ing cool.

Morgan pressed Fuentes about the past comments, playing him a video statement from author Danny Finkelstein, whose family was persecuted during the Holocaust, and asked him why he had praise for the most genocidal monster of the last 150 years.

My generation, were just done with the pearl clutching, Fuentes said during a heated back and forth, in which he frequently smirked as Morgan criticized him.

He murdered 12 million people, Morgan continued. What is very f***ing cool about that?

The edits. Its just cool. The uniforms. The parades, Fuentes responded. Its cool. As a guy, you look at World War II, and its fascinating.

During an interview with Piers Morgan, white nationalist Nick Fuentes defended his past comments that Hitler was f***ing cool and that people talking too much about the Holocaust was used to oppress white people ( Rumble )

As the conversation continued, Fuentes claimed no one is in favor of genocide, then insisted his views on the matter are not that deep, before claiming that white Americans have been browbeaten with stories about the Holocaust to keep them from being too white and too proud and too Christian.

Fuentes and his highly-online, right-wing groyper ideological contemporaries have been at the center of a heated discussion in Republican political circles, given the broadcasters large following among young conservatives, and, as he claims, from officials in every department of government.

Tucker Carlsons recent chummy interview with Fuentes prompted something of a MAGA civil war, with prominent conservatives such as Ben Shapiro attacking Carlson, while the right-wing think tank the Heritage Foundation rallied to his defense.

President Donald Trump, for his part, declined to criticize the interview, saying people cant tell Carlson who to interview and that he didnt know much about Fuentes, despite once notoriously eating dinner with him and antisemitic rapper Ye at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Separately, a series of leaked Telegram messages from a group of leaders in a Young Republicans club captured the individuals praising Hitler.

While Vice President JD Vance dismissed outrage over those messages as pearl clutching, even Laura Loomer, an influential right-wing conspiracy theorist and self-proclaimed proud Islamophobe, wrote on social media last month that the GOP has a Nazi problem.

During a recent radio broadcast, Fox News anchor Sean Hannity sounded a similar note, calling on the MAGA movement to dismiss Nazi sympathizers in the ranks, in remarks that could be read as a denunciation of Fuentes.

If you hear somebody that's racist, that's probably a good indication that they're not worth your time, Hannity said. If somebody's a white nationalist, they're probably not worth your time. If they praise Adolf Hitler, they're probably not somebody that's worth your time.
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Right-wing podcaster Tim Dillon has accused the Trump administration of bombing alleged Venezuelan drug boats in an effort to distract the country from the release of the Epstein files.

The government has until December 19 to release the files, after Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act at lightning speed.

However, Dillon, in an episode of the eponymous The Tim Dillon Show, has slammed the administration for dragging its feet in releasing the files.

On the December 6 episode of his popular show, he alleged that the Trump administration has ramped up strikes because of the impending release of the files and a worsening cost-of-living crisis.

They gotta kill people. This is what the thing is, Dillon blasted. The Epstein thing is like an albatross around their neck. You just can't get rid of it. They can't shake it.

They're covering up a human trafficking ring.

open image in gallery Tim Dilion has alleged that the Trump administration is bombing alleged Venezuelan drug boats to distract from the Epstein files ( The Joe Rogan Experience/Spotify )

Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, first authorized the strikes in September, claiming that they were carrying illicit drugs to the U.S. from Venezuela.

However, the bombings have become highly controversial since Hegseth has provided little in the way of evidence to justify his actions.

Also, the double-tap bombing of a boat, which involved a follow-up strike on the survivors of one of the assaults, has been branded by many as a war crime.

I mean, truly, when the Epstein stuffs going down, and all this stuff is going down, someone up there goes, 'We need to start bombing someone like now, Dillion continued.

We need to pivot peoples attention from the economy and the pedophile ring were covering up to Venezuela. Lets start blowing up boats. Who cares? Theyre narco terrorists. Great. Well blow them up.

open image in gallery Pete Hegseth has become highly controversial for the strikes on the alleged drug boats ( REUTERS )

The president has repeatedly tried to shut down speculation surrounding the Epstein files before suddenly reversing his position shortly after it became clear that Congress was poised to release them.

However, since the vote, the government has failed to offer a clear timeline for their release.

Meanwhile, the bombings have caused even more of a headache for the government, with support for Hegseth continuing to fray behind the scenes, according to reports.

According to The Atlantic, Trump is no longer disputing criticism of the former Fox & Friends host.

An unnamed source familiar with White House affairs told the publication that its been a rough week for Pete, as he continues to deny committing a war crime.

The Independent has contacted the DoD for further comment.
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President Donald Trump is set to embark on the first in a series of public appearances that the White House says are meant to address voters concerns about rising prices on Tuesday, but he is already having trouble answering questions about the subject.

He brusquely dismissed a Politico reporters attempt to press him on how Americans should respond to an imminent increase in health insurance premiums  as Obamacare subsidies expire  at the same time they are trying to do holiday shopping and budget planning for 2026.

Trump initially was noncommittal when reporter Dasha Burns pressed him, in the interview published Tuesday, on whether hed support a temporary extension to Covid-era tax credits for consumers who buy health insurance on Affordable Care Act exchanges, telling her, I dont know and pivoting to his recent proposal to replace the subsidies with direct payments meant to help Americans purchase much better healthcare.

But when Burns started to ask him about the financial squeeze that the massive hike in healthcare costs would put on Americans this holiday season, the president cut off her query.

Look, dont be dramatic, he said dismissively.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump dismissed a Politico reporters question positing that Americans will have to choose between healthcare and buying holiday gifts if Obamacare subsidies are allowed to expire at the end of the year. ( Politico )

When asked directly if Americans healthcare premiums would go up when the Obamacare subsidies expire at years end, Trump replied: I want to give ... Im giving them money. I want to give the money to the people to buy their own healthcare. Thats a good thing, not a bad thing.

The president repeated his recent claim that Democrats are against his idea for direct payments because they want the insurance companies to continue to make a fortune and inisisted once again that he wants the same funds that would be used for extending the tax credits to go to the people and let the people go out and buy their own healthcare.

But individuals have no way to purchase less expensive healthcare coverage on their own because the structure of the American healthcare system requires pooling of risk through insurance, whether obtained through employer-based coverage or through exchange marketplaces such as those established by the 2010 healthcare reform law that the GOP has spent years trying to undo without offering a viable alternative.

After Burns told him that most likely premiums will go up without intervention, Trump could only stammer in response: Uh, well...

Your premiums could go down if you did what I want to do. I want to give the money, he said, though he did not explain how premiums would go down simply by giving Americans direct payments to purchase insurance outside the structure meant to lower premiums by sharing the cost across a larger group of consumers.

The presidents failure to offer a viable plan to reduce healthcare costs outside of his vague proposal for direct payments comes as his administration struggles to convince voters that he has made good on promises to lower the cost of living.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump speaks to Politico's Dasha Burns in interview published Dec. 9, 2025. ( Politico )

Trumps victory in last years presidential election came in large part due to voters belief that he would do a better job of lowering costs than his Democratic opponent, former vice president Kamala Harris.

But since taking office the president has imposed massive tariffs on imports from most of Americas trading partners while making the baseless claim that the tariffs  which are import taxes paid by American companies and passed on to consumers in higher prices  are paid by foreign governments.

Opinion polls have consistently showed dissatisfaction with his administrations economic record in recent months, and voters who elected gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey and Virginia last month did so because those candidates made affordability a centerpiece of their respective campaigns.

At the same time, Trump has dismissed voter concerns about affordability as a Democratic scam and a hoax.

Asked to defend his record on the economy, Trump told Burns he has made a fortune for the United States since returning to power by bringing in what he claims is trillions in foreign investment, much of it from authoritarian states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

When pressed on what grade hed give himself, he replied: A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus.
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With polls showing Americans holding increasingly dismal views of his job performance and his administrations economic record, President Donald Trump went to Pennsylvania to convince voters that the pain they are feeling at the grocery store and when they look at their health insurance bills is not his fault.

He was not more than a few minutes into his remarks at a casino in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania when he blatantly lied to those whod come to see him.

After offering up a set of unverifiable statistics about how many new jobs hed brought to the Keystone State since returning to office, Trump turned his attention to the $12 billion bailout his administration is offering farmers whove been hurt by the double-whammy of low crop prices and high tariffs on farming equipment.

You know, tariffs are bringing us hundreds of billions of dollars. I just helped our farmers out because they're starting to do really well. But in order to try and negotiate, some countries played a little cute, and we just gave them right out of the billion, hundreds of billions that we've taken in, we gave the farmers a little help, $12 billion and they are so happy, he said.

open image in gallery Trumps appearance in Pennsylvania was his first rally-style speech since the summer ( REUTERS )

The $12 billion bailout is real  he and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the program during a roundtable with farmers in the Cabinet Room on Monday. But Rollins herself told reporters later that day that the funds for the bailout will come from the Commodity Credit Corporation, an agency within the Department of Agriculture that finances farm safety net programs, often through borrowing as much as $30 billion from the treasury and private lenders.

In what was his first appearance since the summer at one of his signature campaign-style rallies, Trump continued on a rambling, off-teleprompter stemwinder of a speech that was intended to assuage concerns about what voters say is his failure to address any of the affordability or cost-of-living issues that led them to chose him over former Vice President Kamala Harris a year ago.

Occasionally, Trump stuck to the script. He recited canned lines about an amazing  transformation of our country since his return to the White House 11 months ago and claimed prices are way down in part due to his administrations green-lighting of oil exploration across the country.

He also claimed he has no higher priority than making America affordable while accusing Democrats of having caused the high prices that persist nearly a year into his second term in office.

They gave you the highest inflation in history, and we're  bringing those prices down rapidly, lower prices, bigger paychecks, you're getting lower prices. Bigger paychecks, we're getting inflation, we're crushing it, and you're getting much higher wages, he said.

Trump then boasted to the working-class, blue-collar crowd that the only thing that is going up big is the stock market and your 401(k) before downplaying voters concerns about prices that have continued to rise since his return to power as a hoax perpetuated by his Democratic Party opponents.

They always have a hoax  the new word is affordability, he said.

open image in gallery Trump claimed he has no higher priority than making America affordable while accusing Democrats of having caused the high prices that persist nearly a year into his second term in office ( Alex Brandon/AP )

Democrats talking about affordability is like Bonnie and Clyde preaching about public safety. And they are really the, truly the enemy of the working class when they do it.

In between racist rants about Somalian immigrants and attacks on multiple Black members of Congress, Trump continued on, accusing his predecessor, former president Joe Biden and his allies in Congress of having blown up our economy and sent prices soaring while repeating previously-debunked claims about the price of Thanksgiving dinner  weeks after the Thanksgiving holiday.

They use the word affordability, and that's their only word. They say affordability, and everyone says, oh, that must mean Trump has high prices? No, our prices are coming down tremendously from the highest prices in the history of our country, he said.

open image in gallery Trump sought to cast the entirety of blame for price increases across a range of sectors on Biden and a range of his appointees ( Getty Images )

Throughout his speech, Trump sought to cast the entirety of blame for price increases across a range of sectors on Biden and a range of his appointees, including Federal Reserve Board of Governors Chair Jerome Powell and other Board of Governors members.

At one point, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent looking on, he baselessly suggested that all four Biden appointees to the central banks board were illegitimate because their commissions  the formal document appointing them to office after Senate confirmation  might have been signed by an autopen.

I hear that the auto pen may have signed those commissions, if they signed those commissions. Now maybe I'm wrong, but we're going to check, he said.

Trumps remarks come as the Senate is preparing to vote on a Democratic proposal to extend pandemic-era subsidies for health insurance purchased on Affordable Care Act exchanges to stave off massive increases in insurance premiums that could leave families paying thousands more per year for coverage.

open image in gallery Most voters are giving Trump dim marks on the economy nearly a year into his second term ( REUTERS )

During his first four years in office, he failed to convince Congress to repeal the landmark health care law and he never proposed a replacement for it despite promising to do so multiple times.

His GOP colleagues in Congress have not come up with a serious proposal to replace the Affordable Care Act either, in part because the ACA was based off what was once a Clinton-era proposal from the Heritage Foundation meant as an alternative to a government-run, single-payer health care system.

But Trump has refused to support extending the subsidies despite polling that shows Americans  even many who voted for him  supporting doing so overwhelmingly.

Instead, he told rallygoers that he opposes extending the tax credits because they go to insurance companies and accused Democrats of being bought and owned by them while pushing the idea that the government could give direct payments to be used for purchasing health insurance from the same insurance companies.

I want to give billions of dollars directly to the people  I want to give nothing to the insurance companies  because they're sucking our country dry with a scam by the Democrats, he said.

We want the money to go directly to the people. We want you to go out and buy your own health insurance.

The presidents return to the rallies that defined his political movement over the last 10 years also comes as Americans are feeling the pain from his tariff policies, which have resulted in price increases for almost all imported goods from nearly every U.S. trading partner.

Although Trump frequently claims that tariffs are paid by foreign countries as if they are entry fees for the privilege of exporting goods to the United States, they are actually import taxes paid by American importers and passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

open image in gallery Trumps rally-style remarks included multiple racist rants about Somalian immigrants ( AFP via Getty Images )

Voters are paying more for many imports than they did before he imposed the massive taxes on them by executive fiat under emergency powers that are currently being reviewed by the Supreme Court, but Trump offered a bizarre justification of the taxes by claiming they are needed to protect American steel manufacturing.

You need steel. You know, you can give up certain products. You can give up pencils. That's under the China policy. You know, every child can get 37 pencils. They only need one or two ... they don't need that many. But you always need steel, he said.

You don't need 37 dolls for your daughter. Two or three is nice, you don't need 37 dolls so we're doing things right.

And although Trump claimed that his signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act would put more money in Pennsylvanians pockets because of the no tax on tips policies meant to benefit low-wage workers, polling shows Americans arent impressed by his record after nearly a year back in office.

According to a recent Gallup poll, only 36 percent of voters approve of his performance as president, giving him the lowest rating of his second term.

A separate Politico poll released this week showed 46 percent of respondents saying the cost of living in America is worse than they can remember at any point, including 37 percent of voters who pulled levers for Trump last year.

Nearly half of respondents also said they blame Trump  not Biden or Harris  for the economys current condition.
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Mondays news of the Trump White Houses plans for a $12 billion bailout of the nations agricultural sector provided a spark of hope for Americas farmers, especially badly hit soybean growers.

But experts still see a tough road ahead for American agriculture, and the aftershocks of President Donald Trumps reciprocal tariff strategy continue to pose some of the steepest hurdles. The bailout itself is also seen by many as a tacit admission by the White House that the U.S. economy is not where it needs to be  despite what Trump and his minions keep insisting.

Almost a year out from the end of Joe Bidens presidency, the Trump administration is under increasing pressure to take action to lower the cost of living for American families who remain largely unsatisfied with the progress made so far.

And that pressure continues to manifest itself in Trump and his cabinets seeming obsession with Biden  both as a point of blame and as a basis of comparison whenever confronted on their own shortcomings.

While the presidents team touts marginally lower gas prices that are still just under an average of $3 a gallon nationwide, grocery prices, energy prices and housing costs continue to soar and millions of younger Americans fear they have been priced out of the homebuyers market altogether.

open image in gallery Donald Trump with Brooke Rollins, his USDA secretary, and Doug Burgum, Interior secretary in the Oval Office this week ( REUTERS )

At the center of discussions about the Trump economy is the presidents trade policy. Beginning in the spring of 2025, Trump reshaped Americas trade landscape with a 10-percent tariff across the board on many imported foreign goods followed by his reciprocal tariff rollout, which amounted to crushing tariffs on goods from China and a series of other nations.

Some of those countries have come to the table and agreed to reduce trade barriers with the U.S., but with others the administration has thus far not reached deals and, in some cases, faced retaliatory measures.

Chinas freeze on U.S. agricultural exports, particularly soybeans, is undoubtedly the most devastating response so far. The near halting of exports to a country that once purchased the bulk of U.S. exports rattled U.S. farmers, who are still watching sales recover after the Trump administration negotiated some leeway for the market in October and exports to Americas former top trading partner resumed.

This week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent moved a timeline for China to meet a purchasing goal for U.S. soybeans to February, but stressed that Beijing was still serious about hitting the target of 12 million tons agreed upon in the fall. Its not clear what the numbers will look like for 2026 just yet, but some supply chain experts are concerned that Chinas efforts to diversify its own supply by investing in Brazilian soybean production mean that U.S.-China exports may have taken a permanent hit.

open image in gallery Donald Trump and Chinas Xi Jinping met in late October as the two countries negotiated an end to the freeze on purchases of U.S. soybean exports ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

During the US-China trade war that began during the first Trump presidency, China started looking for alternative sources and helped Brazil, another agricultural powerhouse, to develop its infrastructure such as roads, railroads, and ports, explained Dr. Mohammad Elahee, a professor of international business at Quinnipiac University.

In the past, Brazil could produce agricultural goods at competitive price, but they did not have an efficient transportation system to take agricultural products from field to ports for export. Thanks to Chinese investment, Brazil does not have that problem any more.

He warned: Brazil has emerged as a formidable opponent to the US when it comes to agricultural exports. Chances are slim that US will ever regain its dominant position as a superpower in agricultural exports.

A report from the American Soybean Association warned last week that there were other factors at play driving costs up for U.S. soybean producers including higher fertilizer costs. The ASA noted China was exporting less and less at the same time, which combined with tariffs on Moroccan fertilizer imports was causing production costs for farmers to continue rising.

Still other issues facing the industry and cited by ASAs report were the residual effects of Covid-era shocks to input supply chains, and the residual effects of poor crop sales from Donald Trumps last trade war, during his first presidency.

His latest tariff battle with China caught farmers at a time when input costs were at levels that allowed no room in operating margins to absorb lower prices, the ASA stated.

open image in gallery A soybean farm in Nebraska, where U.S. farmers are dealing with the collapse of the Chinese market for U.S. soybeans ( LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR )

In August, the ASAs president wrote: U.S. soybean farmers are standing at a trade and financial precipice. Soybean farmers are under extreme financial stress. Prices continue to drop and at the same time our farmers are paying significantly more for inputs and equipment. U.S. soybean farmers cannot survive a prolonged trade dispute with our largest customer.

The organization cheered news of the farm bailout on Monday. But even in the groups latest statement, it noted that uncertainty hovered over the 2026 planting season.

While we await additional details, we believe the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program is a positive first step to restore certainty as soybean farmers market this years crop and plan for the 2026 planting season, it said. We look forward to working with Congress and the administration on broader support for the farm economy, including long-term, market-driven solutions that strengthen demand for U.S. soy and allow farmers to compete and thrive in the global market.

But the money for the bailout, which according to the administration will come from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and will be offset by tariff revenue, will do little to help farmers if export prospects for 2026 do not improve significantly.

open image in gallery Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association, stands in his field in Kentucky ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Brooke Rollins, the USDA secretary, has been the primary defender of Trumps farm bailout in the administration. In comments to reporters on Monday, she denied that the stresses U.S. farmers were feeling resulted primarily from decreased overseas markets resulting from the latest trade dispute with China. The bailout, she argued, was meant to address problems she attributed to the Biden administration.

This country and our farm economy is facing a crisis that we inherited that most of these farmers have not seen in their lifetime, Rollins said on Monday. Profitability is down. Its just one crisis after another.

There is almost zero evidence, if any evidence, that what they are doing, the challenges that our farm economy is facing in row crops, has anything to do with these trade negotiations, Rollins claimed.

The DNC fired back in a press release, warning that farm sector debt is expected to increase 5 percent and reach nearly $600 billion this year.

Farmers dont want handouts  they want their markets back, said Libby Schneider, a DNC official.

open image in gallery Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins pledged that the U.S. would mitigate any effects of Trumps trade war on U.S. farmers, but claimed that the newly-announced bailout wasnt a result of those supposed issues ( Getty )

The administrations critics contend that Rollins explanation is absurd on its face, and that the bailout is a short-term solution that risks further market disruption if it is extended through next year.

The decision to provide $12 billion farm subsidy to US agriculture workers is akin to robbing Peter to pay Paul, Elahee told The Independent on Tuesday. The US agricultural workers are suffering from twin problems of lower overseas demand for their products, especially due to lower import of US agro-products by China, and higher production costs at home. The Trump administration is collecting higher revenue as US consumers are paying more for imported goods.

The bridge payment of $12 billion dollars may give US farmers (or rather big agricultural firms) temporary relief, but cannot be a substitute for a long-term strategy to implement a rule based global trading system, he continued.
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President Donald Trump has likened Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to P.T. Barnum  the fabled American showman and huckster, who popularized the three-ring circus  arguing hes received billions in American aid and has little to show for it.

In a wide-ranging interview with Politico published Tuesday, Trump telegraphed both admiration for and frustration with Zelensky, saying that he should accept a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.

Hes a great salesman, the president said. I call him P.T. Barnum. You know who P.T. Barnum was, right?

One of the greatest on Earth, Trump continued. He could sell any product at any time. That was his expression, I can sell any product at any time. It was true. He said, doesnt matter whether it works or not...But hes P.T. Barnum, you know. He he got, uh, crooked Joe Biden to give him $350 billion. And look what it got ... got him. About 25 percent of his country is missing.

Trump, whose career has centered on personal branding, has been compared to P.T. Barnum in the past and embraced it.

open image in gallery In a new interview, President Donald Trump described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "P.T. Barnum" and "a great salesman." ( Getty Images )

Look, people call you names, he told Meet the Press in 2016. We need P.T. Barnum, a little bit, because we have to build up the image of our country.

Trumps latest remarks come as his administration is working to resolve the Ukraine-Russia war, which has raged for nearly four years. Despite months of diplomatic negotiations and high-profile summits, efforts to achieve peace have been unsuccessful.

In late November, the United States 28-point peace proposal leaked, triggering alarm among Ukrainian and European leaders, who claimed it ceded to many of Russia's demands, including by forcing Ukraine to give up some of its territory in the east.

Last week, Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to try to narrow the differences. On Monday, Zelensky met with European leaders to discuss the latest U.S.-backed peace plan.

Hes gotta read the proposal, Trump said of Zelensky. He hasnt read it yetIt would be nice if he would read it. You know, a lot of people are dying.

Trump added that Zelensky needs to start accepting things because hes losing.

We don't want to cede anything," Zelensky said during an online press conference on Monday. We have no legal right to do so, under Ukrainian law, our constitution and international law. And we don't have any moral right either. He added he would send a revised peace plan to Trump.

Russia currently occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine, and its military has made incremental but steady gains in recent months. The conflict has been extremely costly, resulting in around 1.4 million casualties, according to a June analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

open image in gallery Trump hosted Zelensky for lunch at the White House on October 17 to discuss a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. ( Getty Images )

Trump was also asked about a recent interview by his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who claimed the president may walk away from Ukraine.

Its not correct, Trump clarified. But its not exactly wrongThey have to play ball. If they, uh ... if they dont read agreements, potential agreements, you know, its, uh, not easy with Russia cause Russia has the upper ... upper hand. And they always did. Theyre much bigger.

He added: I give the people of Ukraine and the military of Ukraine tremendous credit for the, you know, bravery and for the fighting and all of that. But you know, at some point, size will win, generally.

This is not a war that shouldve happened. What a sad thing for humanity.

Most Ukrainians appear ready to bring the war, the deadliest in Europe since World War II, to an end. An August Gallup poll found that 69 percent of Ukrainians support a negotiated settlement, marking a massive reversal from 2022, when just 22 percent said the same.

Politico also asked the president whether or not he believes Ukraine should hold elections, which have been suspended during the war.

open image in gallery Putin met with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, at the Kremlin on December 2 ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Yeah, I think its time, Trump said. I would think the Ukrainian people would ... should have that choice. And maybe Zelenskyy would win. I dont know who would win. But they havent had an election in a long time. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where its not a democracy anymore.

Elsewhere in the interview, Trump accused former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, his Democratic predecessors, of laying the groundwork for the war in Ukraine.

He also heaped scorn on European leaders, describing them as weak and politically correct on immigration.

"Their immigration policy is a disaster. What theyre doing with immigration is a disaster, Trump said.

The conversation later shifted to domestic politics, with Trump facing questions about his economic policies, a topic that has raised concerns among many of his own supporters.

Asked what grade he would give his economy, Trump replied: A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus.
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Prime minister Anthony Albanese urged Australias teenagers on Tuesday to view the upcoming social media restriction as a safeguard rather than a punishment.

From midnight on 9 December, major platforms such as Facebook and TikTok will be compelled to block access for Australia-based users under the age of 16, facing hefty penalties if they fall short.

Mr Albanese spent the final hours before the implementation appealing to the hundreds of thousands of adolescents who will be affected, stressing that the measures were designed with their wellbeing at the centre.

The new rule requires ten of the worlds largest platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube and Reddit, to block Australia-based users below the age threshold or face fines of up to A$49.5m (24.6m).

open image in gallery A 13-year-old boy displays a message on his mobile phone from social media platform Snapchat after his account was locked for age verification in Sydney on 9 December 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images )

The measure marks the first attempt by any country to impose a legally mandated minimum age on social media participation at scale.

Mr Albanese told young people that the law was being introduced to protect them from the pressures of online life, while also urging them to make the most of Australias long summer break instead of scrolling on their phone.

In a video message released hours before the deadline, Mr Albanese said: From December 10 if youre under 16 youre no longer allowed to have a social media account.

Youll know better than anyone what its like growing up with algorithms, endless feeds and the pressure that can come with that. Thats why weve taken this step to support you.

open image in gallery Australia will ban young teenagers from social media on 10 December 2025, launching a world-first crackdown designed to unglue children from addictive scrolling on the likes of Facebook, Instagram and TikTok ( AFP via Getty Images )

The governments immediate focus is on the transition period as hundreds of thousands of teenagers find their accounts disabled or unable to log in.

Many adolescents have expressed concern the ban will sever connections with friends, particularly those who rely on group chats and message boards as daily points of contact.

Acknowledging those worries, Mr Albanese encouraged teenagers to reach out to family members, trusted adults, or national youth mental-health services such as Headspace and Kids Helpline if they felt unsettled by the change.

Alongside the restrictions, the prime minister urged children to divert their attention towards activities long associated with Australias summer holidays  outdoor sport, time with friends and family, and hobbies often sidelined by heavy online use.

Above all, make the most of the school holidays coming up rather than spending it scrolling on your phone, he said.

Start a new sport, learn a new instrument, or read that book that has been sitting there on your shelf for some time. And importantly, spend quality time with your friends and your family. Face to face.

Enforcing the law will require platforms to take reasonable steps to identify underage users, widely expected to involve new verification processes and large-scale removal of existing accounts.

Reuters reported that more than a million accounts are likely to be disabled in the initial phase.

The response from tech companies has been mixed.

Reddit, which operates primarily as a pseudonymous text-based forum, had initially challenged the regulators assessment that it should be classified as social media.

open image in gallery Prime minister Anthony Albanese says social media ban aimed at curbing 'endless' scrolling among teens ( AFP via Getty Images )

The platform ultimately confirmed it would comply, though it sharply criticised the legislation in a public post.

By limiting account eligibility and putting identity tests on internet usage, this law undermines everyones right to both free expression and privacy, as well as account-specific protections, the company said.

It argued the rules were arbitrary, legally erroneous, and [went] far beyond the original intent of the Australian parliament, especially when other obvious platforms are exempt.

Parents groups and child-safety advocates have welcomed the restrictions, seeing them as overdue steps to curb exposure to material that researchers have linked to body-image pressures, harassment and addictive behaviour patterns.

The laws passage followed intense political scrutiny of the tech sector, particularly after leaked Meta documents in 2021 revealed the companys internal awareness of the impact its services had on teenage well-being.

Governments across Europe and Asia  including Denmark and Malaysia  as well as several states in the United States are closely watching the rollout.

Many have flagged interest in developing similar age-control systems, especially as some platforms have scaled back content-moderation resources in recent years.

Australias system will function as a real-time case study for regulators who argue that voluntary safeguards have not kept pace with the risks faced by children online.

While criticism from major technology companies continues, Australias federal government has embraced the ban as a signature achievement.

Landmarks around the country are expected to be illuminated in green and gold  the national sporting colours  to mark the first day of the ban.
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From today, thousands of young Australians under 16 will lose access to their accounts across ten social media platforms, as the teen social media ban takes effect.

What do young people think about it? Our team of 14 leading researchers from around the country interviewed 86 young people from around Australia, aged between 12 and 15, to find out.

Young peoples voices matter

The social media ban, which was legislated 12 months ago, has attracted considerable media coverage and controversy.

But largely missing from these conversations has been the voices of young people themselves.

open image in gallery The social media ban has attracted considerable media coverage and controversy ( Getty )

This is a problem because research shows that including young peoples voices is best practice for developing policy that upholds their rights and allows them to flourish in a digital world.

Theres also evidence that when it comes to public policy concerning young people and their use of technology, discussion often slips into a familiar pattern of moral panic. This view frames young people as vulnerable and in need of protection, which can lead to sweeping fixes without strong evidence of effectiveness.

My parents dont really understand

Our new research centres the voices of young people.

We asked 86 1215-year-olds from around Australia what they think about the social media ban and the kinds of discussions theyve had about it. We also asked them how they use social media, what they like and dont like about it, and what they think can be done to make it better for them.

Some young people we spoke to didnt use social media, some used it every now and then, and others were highly active users. But they felt conversations about the ban treated them all the same and failed to acknowledge the diverse ways they use social media.

Many also said they felt adults misunderstood their experiences. As one 13-year-old boy told us: I think my parents dont really understand, like they only understand the bad part, not the good side to it.

Young people acknowledge that others may have different experiences from them, but they feel adults focus too much on risks and not enough on the ways social media can be useful.

open image in gallery Social media helps young people find communities and make connections ( AP )

Many told us they use social media to learn, stay informed, and develop skills. As one 15-year-old girl said, it also helps with hobbies: Even just how to like do something or like how to make something, Ill turn to social media for it.

Social media also helps young people find communities and make connections. It is where they find their people.

For some, it offers the representation and understanding they dont get offline. It is a space to explore their identity, feel affirmed, and experience a sense of belonging they cannot always access in their everyday lives.

About the authors Kim Osman is a Senior Research Associate in the Digital Media Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology. Lynrose Jane Genon is a PhD Candidate in the Digital Media Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology. Michael Dezuanni is a Professor in the Digital Media Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

One 12-year-old girl told us: The ability to find new interests and find community with people. This is quite important to me. I dont have that many queer or neurodivergent friends  some of my favourite creators are queer.

Their social media lives are complex and they feel like the ban is an overly simplistic response to the issues and challenges they face when using social media. As one 12-year-old boy put it: Banning [social media] fully just straight up makes it a lot harder than finding a solution to the problem [] its like taking the easy solution.

So what do they think can be done to make social media a better place for them?

Nuanced restrictions and better education

Young people are not naive about risks. But most dont think a one-size-fits-all age restriction is the solution. A 14-year-old boy captured the views of many who would rather see platforms crack down on inappropriate and low-quality content: I think instead of doing like a kids version and adult version, there should just be a crackdown on the content, like tighter restrictions and stronger enforcement towards the restrictions.

They also want to see more nuanced restrictions that respond to their different ages, and believe platforms should be doing more to make social media better for young people. As one 13-year-old boy said: Make the platforms safer because theyre like the person who can have the biggest impact.

Young people also want to see more  and crucially, better  education about using social media that takes a more holistic approach and considers the positives that using social media can have for young people. One 15-year-old boy said: Id rather [the government] just like implement more media literacy programs instead of just banning [social media] altogether, because it just makes things a lot more complicated in the long run.

As the teen social media ban edges closer and platforms start to implement the legislation, there are practical things children and teens can do to prepare for these changes.
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One year after the government banned cellphones from schools to help students focus and reduce distractions in class, were beginning to see how it has been implemented and how successful its been.

As part of that process, our new research asked young people about the ban. Unsurprisingly, they had a lot to say.

Schools around the world, including in Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, China and parts of the United States, have implemented similar bans. The guiding principle everywhere has been to help students do better in school.

When New Zealands ban came into effect in April 2024, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it was time to cut the distractions so kids could learn and achieve.

But studies have shown these bans often dont work as planned. For example, recent research from the UK involving over 1,200 students found no significant difference in academic grades or wellbeing between schools with strict phone bans and those with more relaxed policies.

With so many questions at the time of the ban about how it would be enforced, we wanted to hear what was going on in schools and what young people really thought. We spoke to 77 young people aged 12 to 18 from 25 schools around the country. Some liked the bans, some didnt and some werent sure.

open image in gallery New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon ( AP )

Mixed feelings

Many students had mixed feelings about the bans. Some admitted the bans helped reduce distractions and gave them a break from using their phones. As one explained: otherwise, well be on our phone all day, all afternoon, all night, and it wont be healthy for our minds.

But other students said the ban had created new problems.

First, some students felt stressed and anxious when they couldnt contact their parents or caregivers during the day. Second, they said the rules werent always clear or fair. Some teachers were strict, others werent. And sometimes, teachers used their phones in class, but students couldnt.

That perceived double standard  where teachers can use phones but students cant  left many of our respondents feeling frustrated and unfairly treated. In some cases, it even made them more secretive about their phone use. One student said: Even though were not allowed to use our phones, everyone is sneaky and uses it anyway.

About the authors Cara Swit is an Associate Professor in the School of Health Sciences at University of Canterbury. Aaron Hapuku is a Lecturer in School of Health Sciences at University of Canterbury. Helena Cook is a Lecturer in the School of Social and Cultural Studies at University of Canterbury. Jennifer Smith is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Canterbury. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

A lack of consultation

A lot of students said they werent asked what they thought before the bans were introduced. They felt as if adults made the rules without asking them or listening to them. One of our interviewees said: It feels like they just ban everything, thinking it will fix the problem.

Many didnt understand the purpose of the ban, especially since they still have to use laptops and other technology in class.

Recent research found more than 80 per cent of students in Aotearoa New Zealand say technology in class is distracting  not just phones.

Already, some students have found clever ways around the phone ban.

At one Auckland school, students started using walkie-talkies instead of phones to stay connected with their peers.

Examples like this show bans dont always change behaviour the way theyre intended to. It can simply make students feel as though adults underestimate how tech-savvy they really are.

open image in gallery Debate continues over whether mobile phones should be banned in schools in England ( PA Wire )

Young people as active problem solvers

The young people in our research offered some alternatives to the ban.

Many suggested allowing phones at break and lunch times. That way, they could stay connected without interrupting class. They also said adults needed to model healthy digital habits, not just set the rules.

Based on student responses, it does appear that learning and teaching how to use phones in healthy ways would be more helpful than banning them altogether.

Research from the Digital Wellness Lab supports this balanced approach, emphasising skill building over restriction. But for this to work, adults need support too. Teachers and parents need training and resources to help guide young people  and should also be surveyed on how they feel about the ban.

Banning phones doesnt fix the bigger issue of helping young people to use technology safely and responsibly. If schools really want to support students, they need to move beyond one-size-fits-all rules.

Our research shows young people arent just passive users of technology. Theyre active problem solvers. They want to be part of the conversation  and part of the solution.

This would involve replacing top-down bans with meaningful conversations involving young people and adults to build fair and practical digital guidelines, where everyone benefits.
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Brigitte Macron has sparked fury after she was caught calling anti-rape activists stupid b****es while backstage at a Parisian theatre with her daughter.

The French first lady, 72, was filmed at the Folies Bergere on Sunday shouting back at protestors who interrupted a show the day before to call actor and performer Ary Abittan, 51, a rapist.

Abittan had been accused of raping a 23-year-old woman in 2021, but the charges were dropped in 2023, and an appeal this year upheld the decision.

In a now-viral video, Abittan was heard telling Ms Macron, the wife of president Emmanuel Macron, on Sunday that he was scared before going back out on stage.

If there are any stupid b****es, well kick them out, Ms Macron joked. Especially masked bandits.

A spokesperson for Ms Macron said: This exchange should only be seen as criticism of the radical methods used by those who, wearing masks, disrupted Ary Abittans show on Saturday evening to prevent the artist from performing.

Brigitte Macron does not approve of these radical methods.

Four activists from the feminist collective NousToutes (All of Us) had disrupted Abittans performance on Saturday, wearing masks of his face with the word rapist written on their foreheads. They chanted Ary Abittan rapist before being hauled out of the room.

open image in gallery Brigitte, pictured with her husband, caused a stir with her comments to Ary Abittan on Sunday ( Getty )

Abittan returned to the public eye earlier this year with a show called Authentique.

One of the activists, named only as Gwen, said after Sundays video emerged: We are deeply shocked and outraged. The words used speak volumes about her worldview; the political message is extremely shocking.

NousToutes took to social media to reclaim the slur, writing: stupid b****es and proud of it!

The video racked up hundreds of thousands of views after it was published online by the French weekly magazine Public.

open image in gallery File. Ary Abittan was accused of rape in 2021 but the charges were dropped ( Getty )

Other vocal activists weighed in, joining in solidarity with the feminist collective. Judith Godreche, a French actor who accused film directors of historical abuse last year, posted on Instagram in response: I too am a stupid b****.

The deputy chair of the French National Assembly, Clemence Guette, called out the French first lady on X/Twitter, saying: Brigitte Macron calls the activists mobilised in front of the theatre where a man accused of sexual violence is performing stupid b****es. Violence, the famous great cause of the five-year term.

Mr Macron had promised gender equality would be the great national cause of his presidential term in 2017.

Manon Aubry, an MEP with the left-wing party La France Insoumise, wrote: It started with womens rights as the major cause of the five-year term, and it ends with insulting them. Its time for the Macron couple to go.

Ms Macron has separately brought legal action against 10 people accused of cyberbullying her by spreading malicious rumours about her gender and sexuality online.
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Donald Trump has accused European leaders of being weak and claimed their countries are decaying in an extraordinary attack on Washingtons traditionally closest allies.

The US president claimed European nations had failed to control migration or take decisive action to end the war in Ukraine, calling into question Americas longstanding alliances.

I think theyre weak, Trump said in a wide-ranging interview with Politico. But I also think that they want to be so politically correct. I think they dont know what to do. What theyre doing with immigration is a disaster.

Asked whether foreign leaders deemed weak could still be friends of the United States, Trump said: It depends. Theyll change their ideology, obviously, because the people coming in have a totally different ideology. Its gonna make them much weaker.

open image in gallery Decaying European countries have failed to control migration, Donald Trump claims ( Getty )

They dont know what to do. Europe doesnt know what to do. They dont know what to do on trade either, he said. They want to be politically correct, and it makes them weak. Thats what makes them weak.

His inflammatory comments followed a week of turbulent diplomacy as Europe rallied around Kyiv and Trump turned his ire back to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he accused of not having read the latest American peace proposals.

Fragile talks to end the war appeared on the brink of collapse after Donald Trump Jr said on Sunday his father might be ready to walk away altogether.

They have to play ball, Trump said when asked about his eldest sons remarks. If they dont read agreements, potential agreements, its not easy.

Zelensky met with Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday during a tour to shore up support from European allies.

He said Italy had brought concrete ideas towards peace as he prepares to present Washington with a revised peace plan in the wake of talks with European leaders in London on Monday.

But the US president hit out at European efforts to end the war, arguing they had not led to results.

They talk but they don't produce, he said. And the war just keeps going on and on. I mean, four years now it's been going on, long before I got here.

open image in gallery After working with Europe and Ukraine to draw up a peace deal, Trump has focused his ire on Volodymyr Zelensky ( PA Wire )

In his latest broadside against immigration, Trump singled out leaders and cities in Europe for specific criticism.

He launched a fresh attack against London mayor Sadiq Khan, whom he called a disaster who gets elected because so many people have come in. He also hit out at Paris during a rant on migration to Europe, and claimed Sweden is a pretty unsafe country.

If you take a look at Paris, its a much different place, he said. If you take a look at London, you have a mayor named Khan.

Hes a horrible mayor. Hes an incompetent mayor, but hes a horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor ... Londons a different place. I love London ... And I hate to see it happen.

By contrast, Trump praised Hungarys right-wing leader and friend of Putin Viktor Orban, saying he was doing a very good job in a different sense on immigration.

And Poland has done a very good job in that respect, too, Trump added. But most European nations, theyre ... theyre decaying. Theyre decaying.

British foreign secretary Yvette Cooper defended the crucial work of the coalition of the willing and the strong work of the government in tackling illegal immigration as she was questioned on Trumps criticism of Europe.

open image in gallery Sadiq Khan has routinely fallen in Trumps crosshairs for criticism ( Reuters )

What I see in Europe is strength, she said. The strength and commitment to the support for Ukraine and also strength to step up to the plate and to ensure that we are increasing our investment in defence, and also ensure that we are doing our bit through the coalition of the willing, as well as through investment in military support and the energy infrastructure support that Ukraine needs.

Ms Cooper also defended Mayor Khan: When it comes to the mayor of London, you will not be surprised that I of course take a strongly different view. I think the mayor is doing an excellent job for all of London.

Downing Street declined to criticise Trumps latest assault on the mayor.

The prime minister has a strong relationship with the US president and a strong relationship with the mayor of London and on both is committed to working together to deliver stronger outcomes for the British people right across the country, a spokesperson said.

open image in gallery Peace talks to end Vladimir Putins war on Ukraine have produced little in the way of results ( Pool/AFP/Getty )

Responding to Trumps comments, European Council president Antonio Costa urged the president to show respect.

We respect the choice of Americans, and they need to respect the democratic choices of our citizens, he said during a press conference.

When all the leaders elect me president of the European Council, President Trump must respect this. As we respect that American citizens elected him President of the United States. It is like this, that allies behave with each other.

Trumps latest remarks broadly echo rhetoric included in Americas new national security strategy, which questioned whether some European nations could remain reliable allies in the long term.

The document branded Europe as being over-regulated and said it was facing civilisational erasure, a narrative that aligned with far-right parties.

The document did not name Russia as a threat to the US at a critical juncture in the war in Ukraine, as leaders rally to hash out a peace deal.
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There is no reason why Ukraine should entertain a Russian-American proposal that will not bring peace to the country, largely because it is far from clear how the US could enforce such a plan.

Indeed, now is the time to ditch the White House altogether and for Europe  dismissed by the US president as weak  to take the lead.

Much is being made of how Ukraine is refusing to give up the land in the Donbas, eastern Ukraine, which remains under its control.

Steve Witkoff, Trumps envoy sent to talks with the Kremlin  dubbed Dim Philby by the British intelligence community for his witless pro-Russian bent  may not understand that doing so would mean Ukraine hands over its most potent line of defence.

He would not comprehend why else it might be a terrible idea. Donald Trump would neither grasp the implications of the concept nor, if he did, would he disapprove.

Put simply, handing over Ukrainian territory is forbidden under the nations constitution. Any attempt to do so would cause political meltdown, deep divisions, and threaten to collapse the Kyiv administration.

open image in gallery Donald Trump would not grasp the implications of giving up the Donbas, nor would he disapprove ( Getty )

That is exactly what Russia wants while it uses any peace plan or ceasefire period to rearm and reset for further invasion of Ukraine, or picks another target in the east of Europe.

Witkoff and Trump see Ukraine as a business opportunity. The US administration is now so infected with this nonsense that its own staff, including the president, posts on social media that it also sees Europe as a problem  not Russia.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer, French president Emanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, met in London in an effort to show solidarity with Kyiv before new proposals are carried to Washington.

Merz said he was sceptical about the Russian-American peace plans, which endorse Russias land grab, enfeeble Ukraines military, scupper its plans to join the Nato, and demand unconstitutional presidential elections.

The other leaders have been more circumspect and diplomatic in their language; Starmer is seen as Europes Trump Whisperer.

By now, it would be clear that Trump, who believes Europe is soon to be overrun by non-Europeans and is failing to protect democracy, has stripped every branch of US democracy of its leaves and is as fatal to it as Agent Orange.

open image in gallery Firefighters working to extinguish a fire following a drone attack on a residential building in Okhtyrka, Sumy region, on 8 December ( AFP )

As Russian expert and former White House adviser Fiona Hill recently told the World of Trouble podcast, Trump so craves the approval of autocrats and the power they wield that he will do anything to achieve it.

This is not only un-European, it is a threat to the fabric that has bound the liberal democracies of the continent for 80 years.

Trump and Russia are trying to cut bonds.

By allowing the US to play honest broker in a mendacious process in which Washington is wholly representing the Russian invaders of a European democracy, Europe is guilty by association and omission.

The Trump administration gives nothing to Ukraine but an intelligence feed. Trump has very little leverage over Ukraine. He has much more over Russia. If the US were to give Ukraine the weapons that it needs, it could win its war and break the Kremlins spine.

But the US will not do this.

All the American pressure is on Ukraine to capitulate. If it did so, the rest of Europe would be in grave danger and signal to Vladimir Putin that it isnt actually prepared to defend the principles upon which it has been built.

Europe could  and should  shoulder the US aside and take over talks that focus on making a real threat against Russia.

One is to use the 300bn of Russian money frozen in Europe to fund Ukraines defence.

Another is not to get bogged down in futile commitments of too few troops to defend Ukraine in a future peace deal, but rather sign an all-in multilateral defence treaty with Ukraine, outside of Nato.

Russia does not have the capacity to take on Europes forces, woefully small and underfunded though they are at the moment. Ukraine has been single-handedly holding out against Moscow for four years.

open image in gallery Ukrainian servicemen of the 148th artillery brigade rest in a trench after firing towards Russian positions on Donetsks front line ( AP )

Russia is not holding a load of troops in reserve and its best weapons for later use. Putin is fully committed to Ukraine.

If he wants a peace deal, it should, and could, be negotiated from the position of weakness that is Russias reality, not the fake power the Trump administration has assigned it.

A defence pact would underwrite Ukraines future without the need for lots of troops on the ground. It is in the air where Moscow is outgunned.

A ceasefire has to be on the terms that frighten Moscow with the prospect of a mass attack against its forces inside Ukraine, from Europes air forces and long-range missiles that would shatter Putins forces.

And the only way to get Putin to agree to a ceasefire that might hold is to threaten him with just that.
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Ukraine is to present a revised peace plan to President Donald Trumps administration on Tuesday after weeks of negotiations which have failed to produce an agreement.

The latest iteration of the deal comes after President Volodymyr Zelensky remained firm in his refusal to cede crucial strategic territory to Russia.

The Ukrainian leader insisted that he had no legal right to do so under Ukrainian or international law and no moral right either.

Trump has expressed growing impatience with Ukraine after presenting a 28-point peace plan that appeared to cede to many of Moscows demands. He accused Zelensky of not reading the proposal.

Donald Trump Jr recently suggested that the unpredictable president could even consider walking away from the talks altogether.

The Coalition of the Willing, which includes the UK, France and Germany, met to discuss Ukraines prospects with Zelensky.

open image in gallery Zelensky said he had no legal or moral obligation to cede territory ( AP )

Trumps 28-point peace plan

While amendments are said to have been made to the proposal since it was first leaked last month, the original US plan made heavy demands of Ukraine, including the surrender of large swathes of land to Russia such as the eastern Donbas region.

Russia currently occupies 20 per cent of Ukraine since its invasion in February 2022. Under the agreement, Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk would be recognised as part of Russia while Kherson and Zaporizhzhia would be frozen along the line of contact.

The proposal also proposed the forfeit of any efforts by Ukraine to join Nato and the full removal of all Nato troops on Ukrainian soil.

The country would be allowed to join the European Union under the agreement, but would have to hold elections within 100 days of the agreement and reduce its military troops from 880,000 to 600,000.

Sanctions on Russia would be lifted, with some frozen Russian assets going towards rebuilding Ukraine.

open image in gallery Trump accused Zelensky of not reading his proposal ( PA Wire )

Electricity produced at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant would be split equally between Russia and Ukraine. It also included several business proposals such as US-led rebuilding of Ukraine using frozen Russian assets with 50 per cent of profits going to the US.

Russia and Ukraine would adopt anti-discrimination laws and all Nazi ideology and activities must be rejected and prohibited. Putin has frequently repeated the baseless claim that Ukraines government is neo-Nazi, accusations which have no basis in reality.

Shortly after the plan was released, Russian, Ukrainian and US delegations met in Abu Dhabi to discuss revisions to the original plan. It was widely reported that Ukraine had accepted the proposal, which was later clarified to mean the framework of the European counteroffer.

open image in gallery U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner ( Sputnik )

Trump said Russia had agreed to some concessions in the aftermath of the talks.

However, a leaked phone call between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin aide Yuri Ushakov led to speculation that negotiations were leaning heavily in favour of Russia. The former real estate mogul appeared to offer advice to Ushakov on how to flatter Trump to secure a favourable outcome.

Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Russian delegates including Ushakov for a five-hour discussion in Moscow on 2 December.

But Ushakov said that the parties were neither further nor closer to resolving the crisis in Ukraine, which was interpreted as a rejection of the offer. The Kremlin denied it had rejected the proposal outright.

open image in gallery Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky, Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz speak on the 10 Downing Street doorstep ( AFP via Getty Images )

The details of the negotiations have not been publicised, but key sticking points reportedly include territorial boundaries in the event of a ceasefire.

Ukraine wants the current frontlines as a starting point while Russia wants control of a far larger area than it currently occupies, as well as restrictions on the size of Kyivs military.

Ukraines 20-point peace plan

Zelensky will present a revised counter-proposal using the US plan as its basis on Tuesday.

He said some obvious anti-Ukrainian points were removed and that there is still no agreement on giving up territory.

Russia is insisting that we give up territories, but we don't want to cede anything, he said on Monday.

We have no legal right to do so, under Ukrainian law, our constitution and international law. And we don't have any moral right either.

open image in gallery A Ukrainian soldier from the Khartia brigade ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Europes counter-proposal

European countries also took the US plan as its basis, with several notable amendments resulting in a 19-point counteroffer. The proposal was firm that efforts must be made to fully reconstruct and rebuild Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.

It proposed capping troops at 800,000 rather than 600,000 and said elections should take place as soon as possible. It left open an option for Ukraine to join Nato but said this would depend on a consensus among its members.

It removed a clause that agreed that 50 per cent of profits from the US-led rebuilding of Ukraine using frozen Russian assets would go to the US.
Close Trump says strong words exchanged in call with European leaders

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Donald Trump says he and European leaders exchanged "pretty strong words" on a call discussing his proposal to end the Ukraine war.

Sir Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Friedrich Merz spoke with Trump late on Wednesday, and said afterwards that it was a "critical moment for Ukraine, its people and for shared security across the Euro-Atlantic region".

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.

The French government said Ukraine's allies  the Coalition of the Willing  will discuss the negotiations today by video call. Territorial gains, post-war reconstruction and economic development will be among the subjects on the table.

The Trump administration was earlier reported to be pressuring Kyiv into agreeing a rapid peace deal with Russia, with the US president setting a Christmas deadline for an end to the fighting.

During a two-hour call, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner are said to have told Zelensky the president wants to see a peace deal agreed within weeks.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was forced to improvise mid-flight in order to get his message out during a whirlwind 36-hour trip across Europe this week.

For the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of his country, Zelensky  who usually takes reporters questions in person while trotting the globe  communicated with the news media via group chat.

While flying between London and Brussels, he answered a long list of questions from reporters, relaying audio clips on WhatsApp.

His chosen mode of communication was, if not unprecedented, at the very least extremely rare for a world leader.

The low drone of the aircraft blended with his hoarse, tired-sounding voice, yet his message cut through clearly: Amid uncertain negotiations to end the war, Ukraine, he said, cannot surrender land.

open image in gallery Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, looks back at the media as he walks to meet Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Downing Street, London, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 ( AP Photo/Kin Cheung )

Undoubtedly, Russia insists for us to give up territories, he said in a crackling message late Monday. According to the law, we dont have such a right  and to be frank, we dont have a moral right either.

Shifting diplomatic terrain

With the outlook for negotiations changing by the day, Zelenskys team set out on a jam-packed schedule to shore up support in Europe.

Zelensky met the leaders of Britain, Germany and France in London, and the heads of NATO and the European Union in Brussels, before traveling on to Rome for talks with the Italian prime minister and Pope Leo XIV.

A key issue being discussed is whether Ukraine should cede Russianoccupied territory in return for security guarantees, but the talks have been complicated by uncertainty about the Trump administrations commitment to European security.

The stakes of staying seen

Since the start of the war, Zelensky has shown a desire to communicate in real-time in whatever way is necessary.

When Kyiv came under siege shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Zelensky tried to reassure the public through what appeared to be a cellphone video with three top officials  perhaps his best-known address.

We are all here, he said at the time. Our soldiers are here, the citizens of our country are all here protecting our independence, and we are going to continue to do so.

Since then, Zelensky has made frequent communication a strategic priority in a sleep-defying cycle of video messages, remote speeches to Western parliaments and conferences, late-night posts and high-security public appearances.

Monday nights WhatsApp exchange wound down as his plane landed in Brussels, just before he was whisked into his next round of meetings.

He asked reporters: How did you like this format? If it works for you, then when we have the opportunity, well share our thoughts and decisions this way again.
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Sir Tony Blair will not hold a leading position on Gazas peace council following objections from Arab states over his role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, according to a report.

The former Labour prime minister had been closely linked to Donald Trumps plan to rebuild the war-torn Palestinian enclave, unveiled in September.

But Sir Tony, 72, has faced fierce backlash from regional leaders, who harbour deep resentment over his decision to take Britain into the US-led invasion of Iraq to depose tyrant Saddam Hussein.

The Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the discussions, reported that he was quietly being dropped from consideration for a top role, but could still hold a position on the sidelines.

Sir Tony was the only person who had been named as a frontrunner to sit on Mr Trumps board of peace so far. The US president had said in October that he liked the former PM, but still needed to be sure that he had the backing of other states involved in the peace process.

open image in gallery The former Labour PM in Basra in 2003, during the highly controversial Iraq war ( AFP/Getty )

Ive always liked Tony, but I want to find out that hes an acceptable choice to everybody, he said at the time, adding: I want to find out that Tony would be popular with all because I just dont know that.

A source told the FT that it was likely Sir Tony would have a role in a different capacity  just not as central as planned and probably not on the peace board.

The Americans like him and the Israelis like him, but Arab and Muslim leaders in the region have reservations, the source suggested.

It was unclear which specific leaders had raised objections to Sir Tonys prospective involvement. Earlier this year, there was furious public and political opposition in Egypt to the prospect of him visiting the country, let alone having a role in Gazas future.

open image in gallery We do not trust Blair at the personal level, says former Egyptian minister Kamal Abu Eita ( PA )

Kamal Abu Eita, a former Egyptian minister, told The New Arab: We do not trust Blair at the personal level, a man who is strongly connected with colonial heritage. Egyptians are opposed to all forms of occupation of Gaza, a territory that has to be ruled by its own people only.

His possible allies have also had muted involvement in the peace process. The UAE, which once allegedly paid the former PM as a consultant while he was working as a peace envoy in the region, has ruled out being involved in implementing a Gaza stabilisation force.

Sir Tony remains controversial at home and in the Middle East over the decision to take Britain into the US-led invasion of Iraq to depose Hussein.

Huge rallies formed in London, Amman, Beirut and Cairo in 2003 to protest British involvement as his popularity sank to minus-20 points at home.

Sir John Chilcots report into the invasion later concluded that the prime minister had overstated the threat posed by Hussein, and the invasion was not the last resort presented to the public and parliament, deepening his unpopularity.

open image in gallery Gaza faces a $70bn rebuilding project after two years of bombardment ( AP )

Iraqs neighbours suffered from the deep insecurity left in the country after Husseins ousting, as violent jihadist groups like Isis emerged in the power vacuum and regional powers tussled for influence.

Sir Tony left politics in 2007 as his popularity at home crumbled and took a position as representative to the Quartet, an international body overseeing the peace process between Israel and Palestine.

He stayed in the position until 2015, despite strong accusations of pro-Israel bias by Palestinian officials. His Institute for Global Change later came under fire, too, as it emerged that it continued to advise the Saudi government after the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
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A Norse god has hijacked my cruise ship, but no one is panicking. Instead, guests are eagerly holding up their smartphones in awe as Marvels mythological character Loki roams the Grand Hall to inspect his prisoners.

As welcomes go, it is a bit more hostile than the clapping crew you usually get, but I love it.

This is the seventh ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and third in the Wish series. Wish had a theme of enchantment and Treasure is dedicated to adventure, while Destiny  at 144,000 gross tonnes and with a capacity of around 3,466 passengers  is all about heroes and villains.

A bronze statue of Marvels Black Panther stands proudly as I embark on the ship for one of the first Caribbean sailings from Miami. Looking up, I spot a chandelier made from vibranium, the metal unique to the Panthers homeland, Wakanda, lighting the statue and motifs of shields around the venue.

open image in gallery A vibranium chandelier lights up the Grand Hall on Disney Destiny ( Marc Shoffman )

Read more: Why now is the time to visit Egypt  and a Nile cruise is the perfect way to explore

It all feels more immersive than Wish and Treasure, with the lighting changing based on the characters who are in the area.

Lokis entrance turns the warm golden ambience of the chandelier green and the music makes it feel like the ship is trembling. It is as if the whole room breathes out as the character leaves  after posing for several selfies  and the lighting returns to normal.

This ship feels like the sweet spot for that awkward point where children may have grown out of princesses and Pixar  a giant Spider-Man clings to the stern.

That said, younger fans arent left out. There are chances to dance with Minnie, Mickey and Donald at the poolside sailaway and at pirate parties. Some of the gems of Treasure have been replicated, such as the spooky Haunted Mansion bar. But it is in the new venues where guests can really bring out their inner hero and villain.

I raised a glass or two to Doctor Strange in the Sanctum Bar on deck three, a treasure trove for Marvel fans. It is like walking into the Sorcerer Supremes own residence  I spotted the characters cloak of levitation, a Seal of Vishanti window and floating spell books.

The barmen are also pretty magic, with creative cocktails including the fruity Mirror Dimension  made of vodka, lychee and lemon juice  that, amazingly, lights up with your finger.

I could have spent most of my time in this venue spotting the various hidden artefacts (and being entertained by live bands and trivia quizzes) but there is so much more to explore on this ship.

open image in gallery The magical drink selection at The Sanctum bar ( Marc Shoffman )

Read more: MSC Cruises reveals plans for two new 3.5bn mega cruise ships

I channelled Captain Jack Sparrow in the pirate-themed Cask and Cannon pub, exploring the map-themed ceiling and spotting details such as Castaway Cay (Disneys private Caribbean island) in the tapestry. My favourite drink in this bar was the Dead Mans Chest rum cocktail, presented as bounty, complete with chocolate gold coins.

Disney villains are well catered for in the De Vils Piano Lounge, complete with a Dalmatian-spotted piano and paw prints on the ceiling. Crowds flocked to this venue each evening in the hope of catching a glimpse of Cruella herself, and also to sample devilish drinks such as an alcohol-free old fashioned called Fearless Sir Galahad, presented in a smoke-filled glass teapot.

open image in gallery De Vils is the perfect spot for a naughty cocktail ( Marc Shoffman )

Read more: The surprise trip that could be the best way to see the northern lights

There is also the (definitely alcoholic) Perfectly Wretched vodka cocktail that comes with its own makeup accessories, including lipstick and perfume. This is high fashion on the high seas.

It isnt just Loki who can alter the colours of the Grand Hall. A spooky midnight meet and greet with the moody Maleficent was wrapped in green lighting, while Black Panther brought a purple hue.

I felt like a child again as Spider-Man entered the Grand Hall, turning the venue red and blue as we practised our best web shooting together.

I didnt feel heroic enough, though, to take part in a fashion show where Cruella critiques guest outfits, and I am still baffled by a card trick performed by Dr Facilier.

Up on the pool deck, I got a must-have photo by the ships yellow funnels with Minnie Mouse and enjoyed my own adventure on the AquaMouse water coaster ride (that is definitely speedier than on Treasure.)

open image in gallery The AquaMouse ride transports guests around the ship and over the sea in a white tube ( Marc Shoffman )

Read more: Im blind and this is my experience on a cruise around Alaska

After drying off, I spent time spotting all the familiar characters that decorate the walls of the ship. Artwork on the blue-carpeted aft stairwells is dedicated to the good guys from films such as Toy Story, Black Panther and The Incredibles, while Thor and Scar dominate the green-carpeted forward stairwells.

The carpet also gets a thematic touch, with a giant Maleficent outside the lifts on the bad side and Mickey on the good side of the ship. These features make it a lot easier to navigate the vessel, and you can always follow the hidden Mickeys in the carpet to reach the Destinys bow.

The decor continues in the cabins and I felt suitably heroic with a Hercules-themed mural behind my bed, while other guests are treated to images from Mulan, the Big Hero 6 comic superheroes and The Incredibles.

It is all about the little and sometimes hidden details with Disney. I only noticed the Mickey ears in the lampshades when turning off the lights one evening and, unlike in many other cruise line cabins, the switches are labelled so you know which you are turning on or off.

open image in gallery Each cabin has its own character headboard with themes including Hercules and Mulan ( Disney Cruise Line )

Read more: Why youre wrong about cruises, according to SAS Who Dares Wins star Jason Fox

We discuss the many hidden nuggets of the ship over dinner, including at a new Lion King-themed Pride Lands experience where you are transported to a decorated savannah, full of wooden carvings and acacia tree artwork. It was as if I was sitting beside Simba as entertainers performed classics from the film such as Circle of Life.

This continues in the Walt Disney Theatre, where a stage show of Hercules features a score that even the most villainous would struggle to avoid singing along to.

The set design and effects also felt Broadway standard: multi-headed hydra filled the stage and clever lighting was used to alter the choruss clothing. The mythical antics of Hercules were a welcome juxtaposition to the vexatious Loki, but as the god of mischief departed on the final night, he left by asking: Hero, villain, good, evil  is it always as clear as that?

Whether a hero, a villain or something in between, there will be something for you on this cruise ship.

How to do it

A four-night cruise on Disney Destiny with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, including Virgin Atlantic economy class flights from London Heathrow to Miami, plus accommodation the night before sailing, costs from 5,384 for a family of four.

Prices are based on a departure on 30 September 2026.

Book now

This piece was first published in November 2025 and has been revised and updated.
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A new luxury ship that will let passengers live permanently on board has been announced this week.

It is being launched by residential cruise line Villa Vie Residences under the working name Project Lumina, with fares starting from $539,999 (405,300) for an ocean view cabin.

Villa Vie Residences currently lets passengers own, rent, or lease a cabin for life aboard its Odyssey cruise ship from $189,999 (145,500) for passengers aged 75-79. The fares get cheaper the older you are.

Similar to Odyssey, the new sister ship will offer fully-owned private residences and top amenities and services.

Prices will increase to $899,999 (675,500) for balcony suites, according to a a Facebook post from Villa Vie Residences.

Details of the new ship, including its name, design highlights and inaugural deployment will be shared at a later date.

Villa Vie Residences said in a statement: With the introduction of Lumina, future residents will enjoy a wide spectrum of ownership options  from attainable world-travel homes aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey to ultra-luxury villa experiences aboard the upcoming Lumina flagship.

The new brand will be led by president Chris Cox, who previously helped sell cabins on six-star residential ship Crescent Seas.

He has been tasked with acquiring, designing and launching a luxury vessel for the project.

Villa Vie Odyssey Odyssey is currently on a continual world cruise that visits more than 425 ports (and 140 countries) every three-and-a-half years.

The ship, which caters for up to 970 passengers, suffered a belated start in October 2024 when its departure was delayed for four months due to last-minute repairs.

The vessel is currently sailing around the South Pacific en route to Fiji.

The Independent recently spoke with Villa Vie Odyssey passenger Sharon Lane, who revealed what it is like to live permanently on a cruise ship.

Read more: How long passengers really want to cruise for
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Trains across the UK are set to receive a distinctive red, white, and blue paint scheme, inspired by the Union flag, as part of the governments ongoing rail nationalisation efforts.

The state-owned Great British Railways (GBR) unveiled its new branding, confirming it will be rolled out across trains, websites, and stations from next spring.

Described by the Department for Transport as a striking and memorable design, the livery was developed internally to maximise value for money.

This move will see a significant aesthetic change, as the seven major train operators already brought under state control have, until now, retained their previous operators branding.

It also marks a stark departure from the iconic rail blue colour scheme that characterised publicly owned British Rails trains from the mid-1960s through to the 1980s.

open image in gallery New Great British Railways brand will see trains given a union flag-inspired red, white and blue paint job under the government's rail-nationalisation plans ( Department for Transport/PA )

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: Im immensely proud to unveil the new look for Great British Railways as we deliver landmark legislation to nationalise our trains and reform the railway so it better serves passengers.

This isnt just a paint job; it represents a new railway, casting off the frustrations of the past and focused entirely on delivering a proper public service for passengers.

With fares frozen, a bold new look and fundamental reforms becoming law, we are building a railway Britain can rely on and be proud of.

The branding will gradually be rolled out across a number of publicly owned train operators from next spring.

open image in gallery The governments renationalisation of rail services has started, as trains operated by South Western Railway were taken into public control ( Andrew Matthews/PA )

The news comes as rail fares will be frozen for the first time in 30 years. This unprecedented decision is projected to save millions of passengers hundreds of pounds, with commuters on pricier routes potentially saving over 300 annually on season tickets, peak, and off-peak returns between major cities.

Ministers indicated the changes are integral to plans for a publicly owned Great British Railways, aiming to deliver better value.

This includes modernising ticketing with tap-in, tap-out and digital options, alongside investing in superfast wifi.

The announcement applies to England and services run by English train operating companies.
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Family members of a passenger who died on a cruise boat after allegedly being served 33 drinks, stood on by crew and injected with a drug used to treat psychotic disorders have launched a lawsuit over the incident.

Michael Virgil, 35, died aboard Royal Caribbeans Navigator of the Seas that sailed from Los Angeles to Mexico in December 2024. The 35-year-olds fiancee, Connie Aguilar, and their son were also aboard the ship.

Virgils family filed the suit in Miami Monday, where the travel giant is based.

Aguilars complaint accuses Royal Caribbean of negligently serving him alcohol and hiring employees who were inadequately qualified. At the time of the incident, news outlet Fox11 Los Angeles broadcast video showing a clearly inebriated Virgil - in a video that quickly went viral.

open image in gallery An unruly Royal Caribbean passenger stands shirtless in the hallway of cruise ship while trying to break down a door. He was tackled by security and later died. Now, his family is suing over the incident. ( Fox 11 )

At one point, the video shows Virgil trying to kick down one of the doors, as passengers told Fox11 he threatened to kill people and attacked two crew members.

In response, crew members and security approached Virgil, tackled him to the ground, and stood on him, the family claimed.

The crew members then injected Virgil with medication called Haloperidol, which is a prescription medication used to treat psychotic disorders. The captain had allegedly requested this be used. Multiple cans of pepper spray were also allegedly used on Virgil.

Royal Caribbean crew members, including security personnel, approached [the deceased] in an attempt to subdue him, the complaint read, according to CBS News.

Royal Caribbean crew members, including security personnel, then tackled decedent to the ground, stood on decedents body with their full weight, and compressed decedents body, causing decedent to stop moving.

open image in gallery Michael Virgil was a passenger on board the Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas in December 2024 when he died. ( Getty Images )

At the time, Virgils death was ruled as a homicide according to the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner because of the combined effects of mechanical asphyxia, obesity, cardiomegaly and ethanol intoxication.

Virgils lawyers also argued that Royal Caribbean had the right to refuse alcohol but alleged that the company failed to do so. Lawyers claimed the cruise line's marketing of all you can drink beverage packages was a factor.

Michaels family has suffered unimaginable heartache and torment caused by Royal Caribbean, a mega cruise line that prioritizes profit over passenger safety, lawyer Kevin Haynes said.

Crew members, including security and medical personnel, are required to undergo rigorous competency training; it is very clear that Royal Caribbean is completely negligent in the hiring, training and supervision of its vast fleet of maritime employees.

What was supposed to be a beautiful family vacation came to an unimaginably tragic end due to the reprehensible way the situation  that should have never occurred  was handled.

The cruise lines parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, told USA Today the death of Virgil was a tragedy.

We were saddened by the passing of one of our guests, [we] worked with authorities on their investigation, and will refrain from commenting any further on pending litigation, the spokesperson said.
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Dozens of flights at Dublin Airport have been cancelled and delayed as Ireland braces itself for widespread disruption from Storm Bram.

The Irish forecasting agency, Met Eireann, has issued rolling orange wind warnings as the storm tracks across the country, due to very strong winds and high coastal water levels.

Following a week of persistent rainfall, soils are already highly saturated and many rivers are nearing bank-full capacity, significantly increasing the risk of surface and river flooding from any additional precipitation.

Forecasters have warned of potential flooding in low-lying coastal areas, particularly during high tide, alongside wave overtopping, challenging travel conditions, flying debris, and the likelihood of power outages.

Keith Leonard, national director for Fire and Emergency Management, told RTE radio he anticipates a "significant impact" on power supplies, especially across south-western coastal regions.

The storm has already begun to cause travel chaos, with 42 flights cancelled at Dublin Airport as the country prepares for the severe weather.

open image in gallery People on Blackrock diving tower in Salthill, Galway during the last named storm ( Brian Lawless/PA )

The airport warned that further cancellations are possible later today as wind speeds are expected to increase.

In a post on social media, the airport said: Strong winds are forecast for Dublin Airport over the course of the day, which has already resulted in airlines cancelling a number of flights.

As of 7.45am, a total of 42 flights had been cancelled, including 21 inbound and 21 outbound. Further cancellations are possible later today as wind speeds are expected to increase.

As always, passengers due to fly today should contact their airline directly for updates regarding the status of their flight.

An orange warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford is in place until 3pm.

A separate orange warning for all of Connacht, as well as Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, and Offaly was announced for 11am to 9pm.

And a third orange warning for Donegal was announced for between 2pm and 9pm.

Met Eireann forecaster Gerry Kelly said it was a day to be very, very careful.

He told RTEs Morning Ireland: It is going to be a very windy day everywhere, and there is certainly a possibility for all areas to reach those levels for a time.

He particularly highlighted a risk of coastal flooding in the south of the country during high tide on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, warnings in Irish waters have also been upgraded with a status orange storm warning for all coasts and on the Irish sea applying until midnight.

In addition, two red marine warnings are in place between 8am and 3pm, combined with a similar advisory between midday and 8pm from Loop Head to Erris Head to Malin Head.

Forecasters are advising that south to southwest winds will occasionally reach violent storm force 11.

In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for the entire region between 9am and 10pm.

A more severe amber warning for wind is in place for the western part of Northern Ireland, applying to counties Antrim, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone between 2pm and 7pm.

The poor weather has resulted in the closure of the Belfast Christmas Market on Tuesday.

Organisers said: We recognise this may be disappointing, however, the safety of our visitors and traders is of the utmost importance.

At the moment, the plan is to reopen on Wednesday December 10, however, this is weather dependent.

The Met Office advised the public to expect delays to transport services and further warned that cancellations are possible.

It added that there was a chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris, as well as damage to buildings and power outages.

Forecasters said gusts of around 60-70 mph are possible in the amber region, and potentially in excess of 80mph over coasts and hills.
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman said she would love to dance with Johannes Radebe one day after she leaves the show following the 2025 series.

The presenter and her co-host, Tess Daly, will exit the show after 15 years fronting the BBCs dancing competition.

Speaking of the professional dancer, who was eliminated from this year's competition with his celebrity partner Alex Kingston, Winkleman told It Takes Two on Tuesday (9 December): "I would do anything with Jojo. Just saying that out loud. He's a good one."

It comes after Radebe's poignant exit speech earlier this month.
Does wearing a mask protect you from cold and flu?

Doctor Zoe Williams explained the benefits of wearing a mask as the health sector braces for a tidal wave of illness this winter.

Appearing on This Morning on Tuesday (9 December), Dr Williams said: We know masks dont 100 percent stop transmission, but what I would say to people is that if you are unwell, then you wearing a mask can prevent that spreading to other people.

She added: For people who are vulnerable, wearing a mask does give some protection, but I think as much as anything it signals to other people that you are someone who is trying to protect yourself in some way.
Airline handles air freight deliveries in Europe for companies including Amazons Prime Air

Pilots at Dublin-based ASL Airlines  a major European distributor for companies including Amazon, FedEx, DHL and UPS  plan to strike next week.

The Irish Airline Pilots Association (Ialpa) said the pilots will strike from 5pm next Tuesday evening, December 16, until 8am on Wednesday.

Cargo freighters can be busiest at airports outside of peak times.

ASL Airlines employs about 300 pilots and the strike action will pose a headache for its delivery firm clients in the run up to Christmas.

It also comes as storm activity this week, which is likely to reoccur in the next number of days, could also hit Christmas logistics.

Ialpa said the strike notice was issued to ASL Airlines following what it said was the companys refusal to progress long-awaited negotiations on recognition and a collective labour agreement covering pay and conditions.

The company declined to comment.

Pilots said they have been left with no option but to take industrial action after the company refused to meet with the unions elected negotiating team.

We were extremely disappointed that ASL management wrote to us late yesterday evening to cancel todays planned meeting, which was due to conclude negotiations on a recognition agreement and begin talks on a Collective Labour Agreement, said Ialpa vice-president, Captain Daniel Langan.

Ialpa has negotiated in good faith for over a month and has given ASL every opportunity to do the right thing for their pilots, he added. Our members feel they have been left with no choice but to strike for the fair pay and conditions they deserve.

He added that the union remains committed to resolving the dispute.

Ialpa remains available to meet ASL at any time. We stand ready to negotiate pay, terms, and conditions on behalf of our members, he said.

ASL, owned since 2019 by UK-based private equity group Star Capital, generated revenue of 1.45bn in 2023.

That was down 11pc on 2022. It posted a pre-tax loss of 24.3m in 2023, compared to a profit of 121m in 2022.

Chief executive Dave Andrew told the Irish Independent during the summer that the company made a profit in 2024.

Of its revenue in 2023, 559m was generated in Europe, 294m in Asia and 574m in Africa, where its South African-based low-cost unit FlySafair operates passenger services and accounts for about 60pc of domestic seat capacity in the country.

ASL handles air freight services for Amazon Prime Air in Europe, and also for the online retail giant in India via a joint venture, using Boeing 737-800 jets that have been converted from passenger use to freight.

Storm Bram hit Ireland and the UK on Tuesday, battering the region with strong winds.

Terminal 5 at Holyhead Port remained closed as of Tuesday evening as severe weather conditions continued to prevent a full assessment of the berth structure.

The terminal will remain closed until inspections are complete and a detailed structural engineering report confirms it is safe to reopen the terminal, according to Stena Ports. We are currently working towards a timeframe of fourfive days for the completion of this inspection, but every effort is being made to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
Employers group claims regulation is a disincentive to investment and says scrapping it would bring in more tax

The deemed disposal rule is costing the State massive amounts of Capital Gains Tax (CGT), the employers representative group Isme has claimed.

The rule means Irish investors are taxed every eight years on the supposed gains they have made from investment funds, even if they were never sold. This has proved to be a huge disincentive, and is contributing to households leaving 170bn in low or no-interest bank accounts.

Finance Minister Simon Harris told the Dail last week that the cost of scrapping the deemed disposal rule might be 142m a year.

However, Isme chief executive Neil McDonnell said in reality, it would cost nothing, and the rule is actually denying the State massive amounts of CGT.

While the deemed disposal tax rate has been 41pc, recently reduced to 38pc in the Budget, CGT is 33pc, and is only paid on any profits made when an asset is actually sold.

This punitive treatment is all the more inexplicable because it produces distortionary investment behaviours, and discriminates against indigenous exchange-traded fund [ETF] investors only, Mr McDonnell said in a letter to the Department of Finance.

Ireland is now the domicile for more than 90pc of newly issued ETFs in the EU, while Irish savers have practically no exposure to these products because of the toxicity of their tax and regulatory treatment.

Because of this, any fiscal justification for the domestic tax treatment of ETFs is bogus. The Exchequer would be far better off taking CGT at 33pc from a few billion in indigenously held ETFs than it currently does from the approximately 700m invested in ETFs.

Mr McDonnell pointed out that Isme does not represent anyone in the funds industry, and therefore has no dog in the fight, and is making these observations in the interest of employees of SMEs.

He said an ETF regime with the same tax treatment as equities would help create real wealth for Irish workers, and make a return to the Exchequer.

We believe that Irish savers should also be encouraged to invest currently idle savings into productive use

Since the current tax and regulatory treatment of ETFs is demonstrably revenue-negative for the Exchequer, we are at a loss to explain the reason for maintenance of the regime, he told the department.

We believe that Irish savers should also be encouraged to invest currently idle savings into productive use, via a vehicle similar to the Isa account in the UK.

Successive finance ministers have told the Dail that the deemed disposal rule, which was introduced in 2006, is an anti tax-avoidance measure. It is designed to stop the indefinite roll-up of income and gains, leading to a loss of tax to the Exchequer.

However, because investors have to constantly calculate the notional gains they have made, and then pay tax on profits they have not actually received, both the complexity and perceived unfairness of the rule are acting as a disincentive.

The Department of Finance is planning to publish a road map early next year setting out a simplification of the tax framework in order to encourage retail investment.

Meanwhile, the European Commission has recommended to member states that they set up savings and investment accounts that are attractive from a tax point of view.

This is because the phenomenon of households leaving cash unproductively on deposit in banks is Europe-wide and not just affecting Ireland.
Competition has weakened in several important areas within the services sector, the state watchdog has warned.

This includes an increased concentration, with the average market share of the top four companies reaching 37pc in 2022, up 12 percentage points since the financial crash.

The findings, which cover the non-financial services sector, are in the State of Competition in Ireland report which has been produced by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

The rise in market share is most obvious in digitally intensive sectors, such as ICT services, but also in professional, scientific and technical services, including accounting, where a small number of firms now account for a bigger share of turnover.

These findings point to a services sector where competitive pressures are uneven and, in some industries, clearly diminishing, the CCPC says. The rise in concentration and market power, coupled with reduced churn at the top of many industries, raises concerns about risks to the long-term health of competition.

Looking specifically at business expansion, the authority drew on a survey of over 500 commercial decision makers. It found that more than half of Irish businesses  54pc  have not expanded in the past three years, and roughly the same proportion have no plans to do so.

The reasons given include satisfaction with current operations, but also operational constrains and demographic factors, such as retirement.

This inertia dampens market dynamism, reduces competitive pressure and restricts innovation and consumer choice, the CCPC warns.

Dublin-based businesses are much more likely to have expansion plans, with 52pc of them intending to do so. This compares to 32-36pc in regional areas.

The manufacturing and hospitality sectors, plus smaller businesses, face the most acute barriers to expansion, particularly around regulatory compliance, financial constraints and staffing.

Among the most significant obstacles were difficulty recruiting suitable employees, and challenges raising capital, via government supports as well as from private investors and banks.

Brian McHugh, chair of the CCPC, said: Competitive markets are vital for a healthy economy. Our initial findings show an increase in concentration and average mark-ups, meaning the promotion of strong competition has never been more important.
Belfast sites to operate as independent subsidiary

An aircraft fitter at work in Spirit AeroSystems in Belfast

A deal to sell Spirit AeroSystems in Northern Ireland to Boeing and Airbus has been completed.

Part of the Belfast facility that makes A220 wings and mid-fuselage for Airbus is to become Airbus Belfast, with the rest of Spirits sites transferring to Boeing.

The business was formerly known as Short Brothers and was later taken over by Canadian company Bombardier before a sale to Spirit AeroSystems in 2020.

Boeing said its Belfast sites will operate as an independent subsidiary branded as Short Brothers, a Boeing Company.

Two of the worlds largest aircraft firms have sought for more than a year to complete a complicated deal to transfer ownership of Spirit AeroSystems and split up a number of sites around the world.

Airbus intends to continue plans begun by Spirit AeroSystems to expand parts of the Belfast site, as they seek to ramp-up production of the A220 wings which are manufactured there.

As part of the deal, Airbus and Boeing will jointly use one of the sites in Belfast.

Jerome Blandin, head of wing operations for Airbus commercial aircraft said: Airbus has completed the acquisition of key work packages in Belfast and Prestwick, reinforcing our long-term commitment to the UKs aerospace sector and strengthening the resilience of the supply chain.

In Belfast, Airbus welcomes around 1,600 employees, delivering crucial work packages in A220 composite wing and mid-fuselage which are critical to Airbus production ramp-up.

Our goal is to provide a best-in-class environment for our operations, investing in the facilities, people and systems to make Belfast our centre of excellence for the A220 wing. The non-Airbus operations in Belfast have transferred to Boeing.

We still need to understand the shape of the business once it is acquired

With expanded production comes speculation about expanded employment at the site. However, Mr Blandin stressed Airbus could not share specific figures when it comes to new jobs.

As we are looking to ramp up the volume of units we will be producing at the sites, naturally we will be looking at some more recruitment in the future. In the short-term, weve already started to do some waves of recruitment in the area.

We still need to understand the shape of the business once it is acquired and we will refine our plans, he said.

Northern Ireland economy minister Caoimhe Archibald said the presence of Boeing and Airbus is a strong endorsement of the regions engineering excellence.

This reflects confidence in our skilled workforce and reinforces the norths position as a global hub for aerospace innovation, she said.

Kieran Donoghue, chief executive of economic development agency Invest NI, added: I am delighted to welcome Airbus and Boeing to Northern Ireland  two of the worlds leading aerospace primes.
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
The War Between the Land and the Sea review: Doctor Who goes missing in this lavish Disney-funded spin-off

This sci-fi thriller that doubles up as an eco-parable stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw as the leader of the Sea Devils and Russell Tovey as a well-meaning, out-of-his depth Everyman

Russell Tovey as Barclay and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt in The War Between the Land and the Sea. Photo: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon

Pat Stacey Tue 9 Dec 2025 at 06:30

Doctor Who spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea (BBC One, Sunday, Dec 7, and iPlayer) was supposed to be a celebration, a bold step forward for the two-year partnership between the BBC and Disney that was intended to turn the 62-year-old series into a global franchise.
Speaking after the vote in Brussels, the Minister said that securing continued availability of the Nitrates derogation has been a key priority for him as Minister and for the whole of Government.

Ireland has secured a three-year extension to the Nitrates Derogation, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, announced today. The announcement follows a positive vote in favour of Irelands request at the EU Nitrates Committee meeting in Brussels.

Speaking after the vote in Brussels, the Minister said that securing continued availability of the Nitrates derogation has been a key priority for him as Minister and for the whole of Government.

"Significant work has been undertaken since we notified the Nitrates Committee of our request for continued access to the facility over a year ago. Irelands request is based on the scientific criteria as provided for in the directive and which align with Irelands grass based, outdoor production model. Todays vote marks the success of that part of the process. We now begin the next stage, commencing the work of addressing the key conditionality within the derogation decision.

Speaking after the vote in Brussels, the Minister said that securing continued availability of the Nitrates derogation has been a key priority for him as Minister and for the whole of Government.

News in 90 Seconds - 9th December 2025

Agreement was reached with the Commission on a three-year implementing decision which is a legal instrument providing for the derogation. Today that implementing decision was placed before the Nitrates Committee.

Following a positive vote, the implementing decision will be adopted by the Commission in due course. The implementing decision sets out the conditions under which Ireland must operate the derogation, including the need to demonstrate enhanced compliance with the Habitats Directive along with several additional requirements from 2028 for derogation farmers in Irelands four catchments with the greatest gap to target in terms of nitrogen load reduction.

The Minister acknowledged the Taoiseachs engagements with the Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen and the Tanaistes engagements with EU counterparts in progressing Irelands case. The Minister also recognised the visit of Commissioner Roswall to Ireland in November.

Improving water quality is a critical part of continued access to the Nitrates derogation. This is a key part of our plan, as published last year, Water in Agriculture, a collaborative approach. My Department has been working constructively with the sector through the Ag Water Quality Working Group over the year. Irish farmers take their environmental responsibilities very seriously and are on a journey of continuous improvement. This objective is shared by all of industry, stakeholders and farmers. Yesterday the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage signed into law the 6th Nitrates Action Programme, aimed at further strengthening actions by farmers on water quality.

Earlier this year, the Commission sought assurances on implementation of the Habitats Directive in respect of derogation farms. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will now commence the process of conducting catchment level assessments under the Directive.

The Minister welcomed the three-year decision, something that will give farmers certainty.

Under the 6th NAP, derogation farmers will face new requirements from 2028 on chemical and organic fertiliser application near surface waters, reductions in maximum fertilisation rates, and increased slurry and soiled water storage.

Other measures include farm-gate nutrient balancing through the AgNav tool, expanded compliance and enforcement programmes, and continued advisory and training supports. Non-regulatory initiatives include ongoing research on soil nutrients and cover crops, knowledge transfer through Teagasc, and continuation of catchment-based programmes.
The majority of this renewable electricity came from wind, which accounted for 35pc of all electricity used last month. Photo: PA

A significant amount of electricity in Ireland came from renewable sources last month, according to Eirgrid.

Provisional data from the agency, which is in charge of the electricity grid in Ireland, found that around 41pc of electricity came from renewable sources in November, an increase of 7pc compared with last year.

Most of this came from wind, which accounted for 35pc of all electricity used last month. This made the total generation of wind reach at 1,067 gigawatt hours (GwH). The total electricity demand last year was 33,791GwH.

The majority of this renewable electricity came from wind, which accounted for 35pc of all electricity used last month. Photo: PA

News in 90 Seconds - 9th December 2025

The overall electricity system demand stood at 3,088 GwH for November, up from 2,969 GwH in October.

Gas generation made up 42pc of all electricity used last month.

Some 17pc of this was imported by interconnection via underground pipelines from outside Ireland.

Eirgrid noted that there was a new all-time peak for electricity usage on a Sunday recorded last month.

We continued to see an increase in demand on the system last month

Demand reached 5,144 megawatts (MW) on Sunday, November 30.

The previous record for peak demand on a Sunday was recorded last January.

As we would expect in November, with the clocks having changed, evenings getting shorter and the weather colder, we continued to see an increase in demand on the system last month, Diarmaid Gillespie, the director of system operations at Eirgrid, said.

Irelands transmission system  the network of power lines which moves electricity from power plants to homes  set a new record for demand.

Battery usage reached 362 MW at one point on Tuesday, November 25, when demand was high and renewable generation from wind was low, Eirgrid said.

This increase in battery usage is playing a role in the new records being set this year, Mr Gillespie added.

We saw the highest demand for a Sunday since January, with batteries playing an ever-increasing role in meeting peak demand on the power system.

To help facilitate the increase in battery usage last month, Eirgrid updated its battery systems along with Northern Irelands grid operator Soni.

The update to its Energy Storage Power Stations (ESPS) will help it to be more integrated into the real-time electricity market, the company said.

Eirgrid said the data released refers to Ireland only and is based on real-time information.
Gardai trace masked robber to apartment using nearby CCTV after vicious Spar raid

Keith Kinlan (50) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery at Spar on Gardiner Street, Dublin 1, on March 4, 2025

Stock

Sonya McLean Tue 9 Dec 2025 at 16:18

A robber who carried out a vicious raid on his local shop was caught through the diligent pursuit of investigating garda, a court has heard.
An injured, drunken man punched a female paramedic in the face while she was giving him first aid in an ambulance outside a Dublin hospital.
Gareth Sheridan with Tucker Carlson at the former Fox News anchor's Christmas party. Photo: Gareth Sheridan/TikTok

Former Irish presidential election hopeful Gareth Sheridan has been pictured alongside celebrities and right-wing activists at Tucker Carlsons recent Christmas party.

Broadcaster and former Fox News anchor Carlson has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trumps policies and is an influential figure on the US right.

He held a Christmas party in Nashville, Tennessee last weekend, with a number of well-known figures in attendance.

Mr Sheridan was pictured alongside a number of celebrities, including rapper Jelly Roll and stand-up comedian Theo Von. He also took pictures with Carlson, and conservative campaigner and conspiracy theorist Candace Owens.

Gareth Sheridan with Tucker Carlson at the former Fox News anchor's Christmas party. Photo: Gareth Sheridan/TikTok

News in 90 Seconds - 9th December 2025

In a post on his TikTok account, Mr Sheridan also shared pictures he had taken with professional MMA fighter Colby Covington and viral financial advice broadcaster Dave Ramsey.

The founder and CEO of pharmaceutical company Nutriband Inc, in August Mr Sheridan announced his intention to contest the presidential election.

He secured nominations from both Kerry and Tipperary County Councils, however he fell short of the four councils required to be on the ballot.

Mr Sheridans campaign was suspended on September 22. The 35-year-old ran on a platform largely focused on the housing crisis, saying he would work to ensure young, working people could afford to buy a home in Ireland.

Following the unsuccessful campaign, he returned to his work as chief executive of Nutriband.

Originally from Terenure in Dublin, he was a student of business and management at Dublin Institute of Technology until his graduation in 2012.

He founded Nutriband, which is working to develop transdermal patches to deliver medication through the skin, while he was still a student in 2011.

Carlson was a long-time fixture on the right-wing Fox News but his show was cancelled after e-voting company Dominion sued Fox claiming defamation over statements it broadcast claiming its machines had been rigged to steal the 2020 election from Donald Trump.

It led to Fox paying the biggest defamation settlement in history, at $787m (676.2m), but it did not have to apologise.

Carlson resumed broadcasting on his own social media channels and podcast and has solidified his conservative, anti-immigration, pro-MAGA profile.
Patients of University Hospital Limerick (UHL), one of the most overcrowded hospitals in the country, said more beds should be the priority ahead of a new hospital and emergency department to alleviate the gridlock, in a meeting with Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

John Wall of the HSE Mid West Regional Patient and Service User Council said they were satisfied that the minister and her team clearly understood the Councils position and our unwavering desire towards the only acceptable outcome from the recent Hiqa review on urgent and emergency care.

Our priority and that of the elected representatives must be to ensure that the significant risk to patient safety identified by Hiqa is mitigated as soon as possible and Options A and B together is the only solution to improve access and delivering high quality acute hospital care, prioritising patient safety for the people of the Mid West region, the patient council said in a statement.

Option A involves increasing bed capacity at the Limerick hospital site. Option B would see the campus extended to include another nearby site, sharing governance and resources although it would not have a second emergency department.

Option C is to develop a new hospital with its own new emergency department.

The patient group said that identifying a greenfield site for option B allows for consideration to a multiphase programme which may develop Option C in the future.

The HSE Regional Patient and Service User Council fully endorse the cross-party letter from Mid West elected representatives to Minister Carroll MacNeill to identify this site with a costed delivery plan by April 2026.

Option A involves a major expansion of inpatient bed capacity and supporting services at UHL and the other existing hospitals in the region to close the current demand  capacity gap and improve safety and flow for people requiring acute and emergency care.

Option B, represents an acute hospital per Hiqas report, but developed in stages to allow early access to the new hospital.

The options represent the only viable approach in progressing a sustainable, future proofed acute hospital delivery model for almost half a million patients in the region.

We strongly believe the people of the Mid West are entitled to expect a service that is fit for purpose and can respond with a safe service level, progressing these options is the only way to achieve this outcome.

The council strongly urged the Minister to act decisively and without delay in adopting Options A and B in the best interests of the population of the Mid West.

Only then will the people of the region be assured that delivery of essential acute healthcare services is commencing, alongside equitable access comparable to that provided nationwide, the council said in a statement.
The Irish Independent's Adrian Weckler picks up the Business Feature of the Year. Photo: Shane O'Neill

The Irish Independent's Sarah O'Mahony, Amy Molloy, Chloe McPolin and Garrett Mulhall are presented with their Business Podcast Story of the Year award. Image: Shane O'Neill

Winners Announced at the 18th UCD Smurfit School Business Journalist Awards 2025. Pictured is Donal O'Donovan, BJA, Damien Garvey, Director, Group Corporate Affairs, Bank of Ireland and Professor Anthony Brabazon, Dean of UCD College of Business with winners, Cirian Hancock on behalf of Mark Paul, The Irish Times, Garrett Mulhall, Amy Molly, Chloe McPolin, Sarah O'Mahony, Irish Independent, Conor O'Carroll, The Journal, Fearghal O'Connor, Sunday Independent, Kathleen Gallagher, Business Post, Emma Hanrahan, Business Post, Adrian Weckler, Irish Independent, Sam Smyth of The Currency, Noirin OSullivan, BJA Judging Panel Chairperson.

The Irish Independent has won big at this years UCD Smurfit School Business Journalist Awards, scooping three prizes.

Eleven journalists were recognised for work in several categories relating to business reporting in Ireland, including news stories, podcasts and written features.

The winners of each category were awarded a prize of 1,000.

It was a successful event for the Irish Independent across news, audio and written content.

Technology journalist Adrian Weckler won Business Feature of the Year for his artificial intelligence assessment AI Video - Can you tell if this is real or not - and what does this mean for us?

The Irish Independent's Adrian Weckler picks up the Business Feature of the Year. Photo: Shane O'Neill

The exceptional output of the Indo Daily podcast team was also recognised, with producer Garrett Mulhall, as well as journalists Kevin Doyle, Fionnan Sheahan and Amy Molloy collecting their Business Podcast Story of the Year award for its two-part special Behind Closed Doors: The disgraced landlord Christian Carter and the newspaper gagging order.

In addition, Sunday Independent journalist Fearghal OConnor claimed this years Business Interview of the Year award for McCartin strums a new tune at Avalon, his insightful chat with John McCartin, CEO of premium custom guitar manufacturer Avalon Guitars.

Fearghal OConnor of the Sunday Independent receives the prize for Business Interview of the Year at the UCD Smurfit School Business Journalist Awards. Photo: Shane O'Neill

Other awards were handed out in recognition of other areas of business coverage.

Mark Paul won Business News Story of the Year for his piece on Derek Quinlan, while The Journals Conor OCarroll received the Business Analyst of the Year prize for an investigative feature on the environmental impact of data centres in Ireland.

The Women in Business Journalism Award went to Kathleen Gallagher of the Business Post .

Emma Hanrahan, also from the Business Post, won Upcoming Journalist of the Year.

Sam Smyth from The Currency was handed the Outstanding Achievement Award for his contribution to journalism. He is a founding member of the Washington-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

Professor Federica Pazzaglia, Director of UCD Smurfit School, said: We are proud to honour the outstanding winners of the 18th annual Business Journalist Awards and to celebrate the vital role business journalism plays in informing public discourse.

"The work of Irelands business journalists deepens understanding of the issues shaping our economy and society, bringing clarity, analysis and accountability at moments that matter most.

Damien Garvey, Director, Group Corporate Affairs at the awards sponsor Bank of Ireland said: In todays environment, the role of high-quality journalism is increasingly indispensable, with accuracy, fact-checking and critical analysis forming the foundation of trusted reporting.

"Independent and objective media remains a cornerstone of a well-functioning economy and society, and these awards highlight the exceptional standards achieved by Irish business journalists.
A man in his 70s who died after being hit by a car on the N11 dual carriageway close to Foxrock Church in Dublin yesterday evening had just come out from mass and was on his way home.

It is understood the man, who lives locally, may have been struck by the car in the northbound lane of the road that travels in the direction of Dublin city.

Yesterday was the feast of the Immaculate Conception in the Church and a mass was held to celebrate it at 6pm, but shortly after the man left afterwards he was struck at approximately 6:45pm.

Gardai and emergency services were alerted to the collision and the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The coroner was notified and the mans body removed to Dublin City Mortuary where a post-mortem examination was due to take place.

No other injuries were reported.

The scene was examined by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and the road has since reopened.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, and were travelling in the area between 6:30pm and 7:00pm on Monday December 8 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dun Laoghaire Garda Station on 01 666 5000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda

station.

Investigations are ongoing.

Stock image

News in 90 Seconds - 9th December 2025
Irish citizens who were part of a flotilla that tried to bring aid to Gaza when they were detained by Israeli authorities have urged politicians to ensure they hold Israel accountable
No evidence of collusion on the part of the British state in the 1974 Dublin-Monaghan bombingsReport calls for UK government to acknowledge and apologise to bereaved families and surviving victimsAlso calls for full apology from Republican Movement for the Provisional IRAs abduction, torture and murder of those it suspected of being agentsProposal to designate longest day, June 21, as a day to remember all those lost, injured or harmed as a result of the Troubles

Wendy Burke, who lost her mother in the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, at a wreath-laying ceremony in 2015 to mark the anniversary of the atrocity. Photos: David Conachy

The scene on Talbot Street on the day of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings.

A report dealing with some of the most controversial aspects of the Troubles has found no evidence of collusion on the part of the British state in the 1974 Dublin-Monaghan bombings.

It found that the UVF was responsible for the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, and there was no specific intelligence that could have prevented the attacks, which claimed 34 lives including the life of an unborn baby, and injured approximately 300 people.

It remains the biggest loss of life on any single day of the Troubles.

The final Kenova report, published on Tuesday, updates 10 recommendations made in the interim report last year, including a call for the UK government to acknowledge and apologise to bereaved families and surviving victims.

It also calls for a full apology from the Republican Movement for the Provisional IRAs abduction, torture and murder of those it suspected of being agents.

Kenovas 10 recommendations also include a call to designate the longest day, June 21, as a day to remember all those lost, injured or harmed as a result of the Troubles.

Among the other issues the Kenova Final Report addressed was the role of the British Army's top agent in the IRA.

The UK government has been urged to name the Armys top spy in the Provisional IRA following a major independent probe into his activities.

Operation Kenova found in its interim report that more lives were probably lost than saved through the operation of Stakeknife, an agent who committed grotesque, serious crime including torture and murder.

Wendy Burke, who lost her mother in the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, at a wreath-laying ceremony in 2015 to mark the anniversary of the atrocity. Photos: David Conachy

Following the final report, Kenova chief Iain Livingstone said there is a compelling ethical case for the UK Government to derogate from the Neither Confirm Nor Deny (NCND) policy regarding the agent Stakeknifes identity.

He added: It is in the public interest that Stakeknife is named.

The agent Stakeknife was widely believed to be west Belfast man, Freddie Scappaticci, who was 77 when he died in 2023.

Following the publication of the interim report last year, MI5 told Kenova it had found previously undisclosed material.

Mr Livingstone underlined the material had come eight months after the establishment of Kenova and two months after the final prosecution decisions, and the timing meant Kenova was prohibited from investigating their contents.

The probe was initially set up to investigate the activities of Stakeknife within the PIRAs internal security unit and commenced in 2016.

It examined 101 murders and abductions linked to the unit responsible for interrogating and torturing people suspected of passing information to the security forces during the conflict.

The scene on Talbot Street on the day of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings.

News in 90 Seconds - 9th December 2025

In total, it discovered 3,517 intelligence reports from Stakeknife, including 377 in an 18-month period.

However, the report found that time and time again, the reports were not acted on, apparently prioritising the protection of the agent over those who could and should have been saved.

Last week, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in Northern Ireland announced that no prosecutions would be pursued after consideration of the last batch of files from the investigation.

Some 32 people, including former police, former military personnel and people linked with the IRA, were considered for prosecution on a range of charges from murder and abduction to misconduct in public office and perjury.

However, the PPS found there was insufficient evidence to pursue cases.

The report also finds that the cultivation and recruitment of Stakeknife started in the 1970s and he continued to operate as an agent into the 1990s.

He was offered financial incentives during and after the period when he was operationally active, ranging from the equivalent of an annual wage to lump sums of thousands of pounds, including to assist with the purchase of a property.

Kenova was unable to ascertain how much money he was paid in total.

The report also found there had been two incidents when his handlers took him out of Northern Ireland for a holiday when they knew he was wanted for by police for murder.

The final report also includes a report of Operation Denton, which reviewed a series of attacks carried out by loyalists with involvement by some members of the security forces in the 1970s known as the Glenanne Gang.

It finds that an easily defined Glenanne Gang did not exist.

It contends the term evolved to become a convenient shorthand construct to group together the horrific activities of a broader network of paramilitary groups, primarily the wider UVF and Mid Ulster UVF acting with corrupt members of the security forces, including the RUC and UDR.
The RSV jab has led to a drop in infection and hospitalisation in Ireland. Photo: Getty

Immunisation against immunisation respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is safe and effective but extending it fully will be expensive, according to a new assessment by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa).

Providing immunisation to all infants would cost the HSE an additional 50 to 60m over the first five years, while offering immunisation to adults aged 80 years and older would amount to an additional 70m.

Hiqa was asked to complete this assessment to inform a long-term policy decision by the Minister for Health regarding an RSV immunisation strategy for infants and older adults in Ireland.

RSV is a common viral infection that affects the lungs and upper airways. While most people recover without medical care, RSV can cause serious illness especially in infants, young children and older adults. Every winter in Ireland, more than 7,000 people are diagnosed with RSV, with historically a large number of young children requiring admission to hospital, especially infants aged less than one year.

Hiqa found that RSV immunisation is safe and effective. For infants, immunisation provides protection for a single RSV season.

The RSV jab has led to a drop in infection and hospitalisation in Ireland. Photo: Getty

News in 90 Seconds - 9th December 2025

For older adults, it provides protection for up to three RSV seasons, but the benefit decreases over time. The cost of a national RSV immunisation programme is substantial, it added.

Dr Mairin Ryan, HIQA's deputy chief executive and Director of Health Technology Assessment said: RSV places substantial pressure on the healthcare system and families each winter. This is particularly seen in paediatric services due to the disproportionate impact of RSV on young children, particularly those aged less than one year.

RSV immunisation is safe and would significantly reduce the RSV burden on families and on healthcare services. However, these new RSV immunisation products are expensive. The HSE would have to negotiate considerable price reductions in order for any of the immunisation strategies reviewed to represent an efficient use of HSE resources.

The draft findings of this HTA have now been published and HIQA is seeking feedback from the public on the draft report. A consultation form, which can be completed online or downloaded and filled out, is available at www.hiqa.ie. The deadline for submissions is on 20 January 2026 at 5pm.

For the 2024-2025 RSV season, the HSE ran a pilot RSV immunisation programme, which offered free RSV immunisation to babies born between September 2024 1 and February 28, 2025.

A second pilot is running for the 2025-2026 RSV season, with the pilot extended to also offer immunisation to those born between March 1 to August 31, 2025.

Hiqa found that 22 European countries have recently introduced RSV immunisation programmes for infants, with eight countries introducing programmes for older adults. The programmes differ in terms of the subgroups to whom immunisation is offered, with some countries, like Ireland, implementing their programmes on a temporary basis.
Restaurant review: Unbeatable 10th floor views, snazzy interiors and an upmarket menu (just make sure to preorder wines over 1,000)

In a flurry of big openings, Dion on Dame Street certainly stands the tallest, says our critic, with fab views from its perch on the 10th floor of Central Plaza

Deep-fried globe artichoke, sage and tomato, romesco sauce at Dion in Dublin. Photo: Lucinda O'Sullivan

Lucinda O'Sullivan Tue 9 Dec 2025 at 06:30

Dubai has AT.MOSPHERE on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, London has Ting on level 35 of The Shard, New York has One Dine on the 101st floor of Manhattans One World Observatory and, while were not exactly clipping the clouds just yet, Dublin now has its tallest restaurant  Dion on the 10th floor of the Sam Stephenson designed former Central Bank on Dame Street. Perched 150 feet up, it may be the baby of them all but nonetheless the views out over our fair city are pretty dramatic.
Max Boot: Its anti-EU and against DEI  Donald Trumps peace plan could pass as a pamphlet penned by Putin

While this strange document is entirely silent about Russian transgressions, it has plenty of nasty things to say about Americas European allies regarding the war

Russian president Vladimir Putin: Reuters

Max Boot Washington Post Tue 9 Dec 2025 at 10:47

The 28-point peace plan for Ukraine the Trump administration released last month drew heavily on an earlier Russian document.
Fear of Uberification assumes all taxi markets are the same

Theres a buzz when you land in a new European city, especially one further east where prices are cheaper. As a group of us walked out of Bratislava airport at Easter, we faced that timeless choice: do we hail or open the apps? Fixed price or metre?

Needing a taxi for six, one big enough for us was just sitting there. Lured by a 40 price that seemed reasonable when divided, we accepted and went. Little did we appreciate that the journey time is just 15 minutes to the city centre. We learnt our lesson on the way home and paid no more than 20. Finally opening the apps gave us that clarity.
Ksenia Samotiy: Why Ireland must invest in anti-drone systems at airports, on land and at sea

Ireland may be neutral, but Russia showed during Volodymyr Zelenskys visit to Dublin that it is willing to infringe on other countries borders and neutrality status with acts of hybrid warfare

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska with President Catherine Connolly. Photo: Tony Maxwell

Ksenia Samotiy Tue 9 Dec 2025 at 06:30

Last week, the war in Ukraine briefly came close to Irish airspace. Not with missiles or fighter jets, but with a cluster of military-style drones that slipped into a no-fly zone over the Irish Sea and headed straight for the flight path of president Volodymyr Zelenskys plane as it approached Dublin.
Most of the greatest evils that man has inflicted upon man have come through people feeling quite certain about something which, in fact, was false.

President Donald Trump would probably not deem Bertrand Russells rueful reflection worthy of a second look, or even a first, given the fixity of his convictions.

But with ominous signs that Washington may soon wash its hands of Ukraine; a little less certainty and a lot more circumspection, would be much appreciated on Capitol Hill.

As European leaders met in London to show solidarity with Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump was expressing his disappointment with him; claiming he hadnt even read the latest version of his peace deal. He previously blamed Zelensky for Russias invasion. Now, his son, Donald Jr, has weighed in, saying his father may walk away from the Ukraine war.

Donald Trump has expressed unhappiness with Volodymyr Zelensky over the Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations. Photo: PA

News in 90 Seconds - 9th December 2025

There was no reason for Kyiv to pursue peace while US money kept flowing, he said.

He also accused Zelensky of having become a borderline deity on the left. Small wonder the Ukrainian leader was tripping over himself to try and placate the US and Europe. We cant manage without Americans, we cant manage without Europe and that is why we need to make some important decisions, he said.

Dear American friends, Europe is your closest ally, not your problem

All this comes against the backdrop of last weeks publication of the new official United States National Security Strategy. The document asserts it is US policy to weaken democratically elected liberal European governments. Analysts also argue it seeks to undermine the EU and prevent the expansion of Nato.

Its tone was sufficiently alarming for Polands prime minister Donald Tusk to post: Dear American friends, Europe is your closest ally, not your problem.

If such was the case for nigh on a century; the Trump administration has turned any such comforting assumptions on their heads. Far from being regarded as allies or equals with shared values, Europe is now being treated to the cold shoulder.

After Ukrainian officials concluded three days of talks with US counterparts, the White House once again seems to be turning the screw on Kyiv and Europe to accept a deal. Yet Vladimir Putin, who is exclusively to blame for the 2022 invasion, could stop the war if he so wished. And despite Russias disdain for showing any serious commitment to a long-term peace, it is Ukraine under duress.

British prime minister Keir Starmer said there must be hard-edged security guarantees behind any ceasefire. Frances president, Emanuel Macron, believes the issue is the convergence between our common positions  Europeans and Ukrainians and the US.

He hopes to finalise these peace negotiations and re-engage in a new phase that means the best possible conditions for Ukraine, for the Europeans and for collective security.

One appreciates Macrons tact in dealing with Trump. But talk of convergence sounds like wishful thinking as Europe is being deliberately frozen out.
Martin O'Brien outside the Mullichain Cafe in St Mullins, Co Carlow which came close to flooding during Storm Bram

Martin O'Brien outside the Mullichain Cafe in St Mullins, Co Carlow which came close to flooding during Storm Bram

The owner of a cafe in Co Carlow had a close call with Storm Bram today as flood waters slowly crept towards the door, threatening to flood the cafe.

Martin OBrien, owner of The Mullichain Cafe, nestled in the Barrow Valley in St Mullins, Co Carlow spent his morning dressed in a wetsuit, nervously watching as the River Barrow burst its banks and made its way rapidly towards the door of the cafe.

Martin O'Brien outside the Mullichain Cafe in St Mullins, Co Carlow which came close to flooding during Storm Bram

Mr OBrien and the Mullichain Cafe are no stranger to the threat of flooding having been devastated by Storm Frank in the past.

"We were devastated here during Storm Frank, said Mr OBrien speaking to the Irish Independent. The water was about 3ft maybe 4ft high and came right into the cafe."

Having learned their lesson during Storm Frank, the Mullichain Cafe now has bigger barriers in an attempt to protect the building from future flooding.

"We now luckily have serious barriers, they are much bigger so we are more protected. But the water still did come to about 2ft on the wall this morning and very close to the door of the cafe.

Flood waters outside the Mullichain Cafe in St Mullins, Co Carlow

"The good thing is that we are tidal here and now the tide has luckily turned, so regardless of the wind and the storm, once the tide is on the way out youre safe and its happy days.

"But this morning we didnt know what way it would go. It was a combination of the barriers and a few hasty prayers, said Mr OBrien jokingly.

"But for the people who wonder why we dont open in the winter time, this is the reason why, he said with a laugh.

Martin O'Brien outside the Mullichain Cafe in St Mullins, Co Carlow which came close to flooding during Storm Bram

The Mullichain Cafe is now out of the danger zone and Mr OBrien can breath a big sigh of relief.

It wasnt long before Mr OBrien was spotted, armed with a life jacket, sat on top of one of the cafes submerged picnic benches, celebrating as he watched the water slowly start to recede.
Cork County Councillors hear authority is awaiting An Garda Siochanas code of practice governing CCTV deployment

For the past two years local authorities havent been able to move forward with existing or new CCTV schemes as they await for An Garda Siochana to submit an operational code of practice to the minister for justice, councillors in Cork were told this week.

The Garda Siochana (Recording Devices) Act 2023 was signed into law in December 2023, repealing the current authorisation process for community CCTV. However, the legislation cant come into force until the code of practice is submitted and approved and a commencement order authorising community CCTV is then signed.

Cllr Ian Doyle put forward a motion at this weeks meeting of Cork County Council calling for an update on the current status of CCTV in the countys towns. He said that back in 2014 municipal districts earmarked funding for CCTV to help curb anti-social behaviour but then GDPR came into play. So all our planned extensions for towns like Fermoy, Mitchelstown, Charleville and others and also the existing CCTVs were null and void.

Cllr Marie OSullivan supported the motion. In Kinsale we've recently had a lot of anti-social behaviour regarding public amenities, especially the toilets, which has cost already a lot of money to fix. I think the only way is having evidence of somebody doing something.

"There was an elderly person tried videoing people who were doing damage to the toilets and they were threatened by these individuals so I think we need some sort of system in our towns to keep the area safe for everyone, she said.

Cllr Sheila OCallaghan agreed. Recently we had a break-in in a garage in Watergrasshill and the Gardai approached people to know could they see their CCTV footage. So obviously it's a huge assistance but it's a pity that they have to rely on individual businesses to provide that footage when we could have it in the towns, she said.

Council Director of Services Sharon Corcoran said she understands the frustration expressed by the elected members. We have been in contact with An Garda Siochana because the new legislation requires the Gardai to introduce a code of governance that has to be submitted to the minister and it has to be approved. Now, that hasn't been done yet, so until that happens, local authorities can't move forward with existing or new CCTV schemes.

Ms Corcoran said the justice department told us they expect it to be submitted by the end of Q1 2026, so we're taking that to be the end of March. She added that schemes where the Gardai are the data controller can move forward because they have their own regulations governing how they operate these CCTV.

But in terms of Cork County Council, in terms of the existing CCTV, which exists in West Cork, and in terms of extending it to the various other towns in the county, we can't move forward with us being the data controller until that code of governance is introduced, she said.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Corks city centre is already experiencing a welcome boost in footfall and a renewed sense of vibrancy as newly increased garda patrols become a visible and reassuring presence on its streets.

According to the Cork Business Association (CBA) and local retailers, the enhanced policing measures are already making a meaningful difference to the daily experience of those who shop, dine, work, and socialise in the city.

The initiative is warmly welcomed by the CBA, which has long advocated for greater support to maintain Cork Citys reputation as one of Irelands most welcoming and enjoyable urban destinations through its Safe & Clean Committee.

Kate Neville, Head of the CBA Safe & Clean Committee said the impact has been both immediate and encouraging. Cork is a city built on community, commerce, and culture. The safety of our streets is central to all three. The increased garda presence has made a noticeable difference. People feel more comfortable coming into town, spending time here, and enjoying everything the city has to offer.

Ms Neville continued: This, combined with our recently launched city centre wardens, is exactly the type of visible reassurance our members and customers have been asking for, and were delighted to see everything making an impact.

Local retailers echo this sentiment, noting a shift not only in atmosphere but also in customer confidence.

Patrick Leader of Leaders Menswear said the response has been tangible: Were already seeing a positive change on the street landscape. Our customers feel safer, and that makes a huge difference to footfall and the overall shopping experience. Its fantastic to see gardai engaging with businesses and the public. It brings a real sense of calm and camaraderie to the city centre.

Sheena McCarthy of Sheenas Boutique said the increased garda presence has brought real reassurance to both staff and shoppers. You can see it in the footfall, the energy, and the confidence on the street.

Mike Ryan of Cornstore said: Over the past week it has been phenomenal to see how quickly the overall vibe in the city centre has change. Its been transformative, literally overnight, with the visible presence of An Garda Siochana.

Seeing members of the public chatting to a garda or city centre wardens, tourists asking for directions or people simply acknowledging them as they pass creates a lovely sense of community. Before this welcome change, there was often an apprehensive feeling when you saw An Garda Siochana, as it generally meant something serious had happened or someone was in distress, he added.

The initiative arrives at a crucial moment as Cork city gears up for a busy season of events and festive shopping.

Businesses say that with safety concerns eased, people are more inclined to lingerenjoying the citys restaurants, cafes, independent shops, and cultural spaces.

The CBA emphasises that sustaining this momentum will be essential.

Cork thrives when people feel safe and welcomed, added Kate Neville. This level of garda visibility shows a real commitment to supporting our city, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with local authorities and An Garda Siochana to keep Cork moving in the right direction.

With streets that feel safer and a renewed sense of confidence among shoppers and traders, along with occupancy levels going up, Corks city centre is poised for a vibrant and successful season ahead.
Progress has been made on plans to deliver 20 affordable homes in Pulleen, Kanturk as the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) application for the project has now been approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH).

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul OShea said this development represents a significant step towards providing more affordable housing options for local families and first-time buyers in the Kanturk area. I am very pleased to see this important project in Pulleen move forward. The delivery of 20 affordable homes would be a major boost for Kanturk, helping more people to own their own home at an affordable price, right here in their own community.

The Cork TD added that the proposed development forms part of Cork County Councils wider housing delivery programme under the Governments Housing for All strategy.

Supporting towns like Kanturk through sustainable and affordable housing is a key government priority, said the Cork TD. I will continue to engage with both Cork County Council and the Department to ensure this project is delivered as quickly as possible and we can get the application process open to customers.

The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provides financial support to local authorities to deliver affordable homes for purchase by eligible households.

The Pulleen development will contribute to meeting strong local demand for housing in North Cork.
South Dublin has seen a significant increase in burglaries targeting the elderly, according to a councillor.

Crime data does show a significant increase and were witnessing more burglaries. Unfortunately, this is particularly more with the older generation, said Palmerstown-Fonthill councillor Niamh Fennell at a South Dublin County Council (SDCC) meeting this week.

This was noticed in a recent community safety forum which I was in attendance of  weve seen more older people becoming victims of burglaries and crimes.

Cllr Fennell raised a motion calling for the reestablishment of the Door Lock Scheme or Home Security Scheme which helps replace existing locks with high-security, anti-snap locks for older, vulnerable residents living alone in the county.

Ive asked for a timeline on when the discussion around the scheme will take place and approximately how much it would cost to subsidise this scheme, said cllr Fennell.

The motion was passed with councillors Yvonne Collins and Emma Murphy also calling for the scheme to be reinstated.

We agree to look at this, its a good initiative  we will look at everything in terms of timeline to progress it in the new year, said Lorna Maxwell, SDCCs Director of Finance.

Councillor Murphy told the Irish Independent that the Door Lock Scheme was successful between 2017 to 2019 when it was introduced in the county. It was later discontinued due to a contractual issue, she noted.

I think the scheme should be extended to windows as well  we have an ageing population in the county that responded very well to it and we need to be reinvesting in them, she said.

Older people in the county are still vulnerable  the scheme didnt stop originally because crime went down, it was because of our inability to implement it.

Older residents are likely to have windows or doors over 20 or 25 years old. We can upgrade them for security reasons. Its about prevention and to give them some extra security and support.

Theres not many measures we have in place where we can support older residents who are not council tenants  this scheme can be availed by older people that own their own homes.

This Friday the newly formed Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) will meet for the first time where seven selected councillors will engage with community and law enforcement representatives on community safety.

It will be the first such meeting to take place in over a year after the Department of Justice announced it was replacing monthly Joint Policing Committees  a forum for councillors, businesses and An Garda Siochana to discuss local security matters.

The new community LCSP will meet for the first time this week. Since the abolition of the JPC, we havent had that tangible link between the guards, the community and the council, said cllr Murphy.

Im interested to see what we will hear from our garda counterparts  and see how we can help vulnerable constituents going forward.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Councillors debated over the need for inclusivity and whether a live crib could lead to mistreatment of animals

South Dublin councillors were divided on the true meaning of Christmas as they debated whether to erect a large, live crib in the county.

Introducing a motion at a South Dublin County Council (SDCC) meeting calling for a crib to be erected in county hall or another location to symbolise Christmas, Independent councillor Ronan McMahon called for other councillors to show their support for diversity.

To display a crib would be an inclusive act to include those of the Christian faith who are ignored for the sake of diversity, he said.

The council supports other religions and non-Christian festivals throughout the year  like Diwali or other cultural events.

A crib is a traditional symbol of Christmas  Dublin County Council have had one for over 70 years and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. A large crib that would include live animals will give young people a chance to see rural life.

After the motion was put to vote, councillors voted with 16 supporting the original motion, 16 voting for an amendment that removed the words true meaning of Christmas and the proposal for live animals. Two councillors abstained.

In the end, the amended motion was passed after Mayor Pamela Kearns voted in support of it.

Fianna Fail councillor Emma Murphy introduced the first amendment calling for the words true meaning to be removed.

My interpretation of Christmas and what that means to others is something I wouldnt like defined  I propose to delete those words, she said.

I think a crib is a positive idea, it can be a focal point for the community just as our other initiatives like the tree lightings can be.

Independent councillor Alan Edge supported the amendment saying it was important to include everyone.

I myself am not a believer but will fight for anyones right to celebrate Christmas. In Ireland, we have traditionally celebrated Christmas and its part of our culture, he said.

I think its also important to remember newcomers to this country of the Christian faith and otherwise who come here as refugees  I had the joy of decorating a tree with Afghan refugees, people have a lot of love regardless of the faith aspect.

I think the crib and the Christmas story is about sanctuary its important to include everyone.

Councillors also spoke up against the proposal for live animals, cautioning that it could lead to mistreatment of the animals.

SDCCs Director of Planning and Transport, Teresa Walsh, said the council will look into an annual crib for 2026 but flagged concerns about a live crib as other local authorities had reported difficulties in managing it.

Councillors agreed that Christmas had grown increasingly commercialised and that a crib would be a reminder to younger generations of its origins.

Theres been a lot of consumerism around it, Christmas has become something it was never meant to be  it will be nice to have the peacefulness of the crib and that could be a reminder to all of us, said Fianna Fail councillor Yvonne Collins.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
The thief snatched the elderly womans handbag and ran, with life changing consequences for them both

Andrea Bartlett and her husband Bill celebrating their anniversary at Kitty O'Se's in Killarney prior to her attack.

A man who knocked an elderly American tourist while robbing her handbag has been sentenced at Tralee Circuit Court to 16 months in prison .

The fall caused the tourist, in her eighties, to break her arm and brought an abrupt end to the trip of a lifetime to retrace her familys lineage around Kerry for her 54th wedding anniversary.

Tomas Starodubcevas (25), formerly of Tudor House, Woodlawn Road, Killarney, appeared by video link from Portlaoise prison to plead guilty.

The court heard how Andrea Bartlett and her husband were walking from dinner in Killarney at about 7.40pm on April 22, 2024, when the defendant grabbed her handbag from her shoulder, causing her to fall and break her arm.

Mr Starodubcevas ran away. Her humerus snapped in two and she sustained a large bump to her forehead, the court heard. Bystanders came to her assistance.

Judge Ronan Munro referenced her victim impact statement, which described vomiting from pain and hair loss due to shock.

She said she required a cane and could not easily lie down to sleep for three months, requiring full care from her husband.

She estimated the financial burden from the impact to be US$12,000 (10,318).

But she said she was most upset to be missing planned visits to the towns in Kerry where her family originated.

And thats because this man picked a woman in her eighties, he knew she wouldnt be able to defend herself, said the judge.

Barrister Katie OConnell noted her client was 23-years-old at the time, had acknowledged the financial and emotional impact of his actions and was agreeable to intervention.

Mr Starodubcevas had worked in the hospitality industry as a cleaner and a kitchen porter but started using cannabis and amphetamines in 2018 following his move to Ireland, she told the court. This led to financial difficulties.

Although he had not threatened violence, the judge said, it was foreseeable he would cause an injury with someone so vulnerable.

Mr Starodubcevas received three years for the robbery, with 20-months suspended so he can undergo rehabilitation.

The sentence is backdated to May 21, when he entered custody. It was ordered to follow all addiction services offered and engage with probation services.

When youre on drugs, youre a very dangerous man who targets vulnerable people, said the judge.

He instructed Garda Jenny McCarthy to inform the victim of the outcome.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Martina Healy earned a double shortlist for her inspiring clean-up campaigns

Clean Coasts campaigner Martina Healy, also known as Leitrim Litter Picker on social media, who was shortlisted in two categories in the 2025 Ocean Hero awards. Martina was shortlisted in the Campaigner of the Year category and the Leadership Award category.

An Taisces Clean Coasts Programme announced the winners of the annual Ocean Hero Awards in a ceremony held at the Gibson Hotel, Dublin on International Volunteer Day with a Leitrim woman shortlisted for two categories in recognition of her efforts to clean up the coast.

Clean Coasts campaigner Martina Healy, also known as Leitrim Litter Picker on social media, was shortlisted in two categories in the 2025 Ocean Hero awards. Martina was shortlisted in the Campaigner of the Year category and the Leadership Award category for her outstanding commitment to promoting the #2MinuteBeachClean campaign through her social media pages and for her tireless dedication to combating pollution and waste in her local area, inspiring her followers to act and make a difference.

This yearly event honours and celebrates the tireless efforts and actions carried out during the year by Clean Coasts groups, individuals, communities, and businesses to protect their local coastline and its surrounding environment.

Each year the Ocean Hero Awards shine a spotlight on the invaluable contribution and dedication of Clean Coasts volunteers, who have gone above and beyond to care for and protect their coastal environment and heritage. The awards, established in 2006 as the 'Clean Coasts Merit Awards' and initially featuring only a single category, have grown year on year to include nine categories in 2025, commending 45 groups and individuals nationwide for their outstanding coastal conservation actions.

This year Clean Coasts set out nine distinct categories, and after receiving hundreds of nominations, a total of 45 groups, organisations and individuals made the shortlist for the title of Ocean Hero in each category.

Since 2023, Martina has committed to posting daily updates about her litter-picking activities, a practice she has proudly continued throughout 2025. Her consistent efforts have helped her connect with fellow litter pickers and show just how simple it can be to make a positive impact on our coastline and marine life.

Reflecting on her work, Martina said: It is lovely to get out and about and enjoy where I live. I am fortunate to live in a very beautiful part of Ireland. But most importantly it is vital to give back, and by litter picking I am giving back to the environment and to my community.

As of 2025 there are over 2,500 Clean Coasts groups across Ireland with over 45,000 volunteers who are actively engaging with the programme who showcase efforts integral to their coastal communities nationwide.

The event featured a keynote address by Secretary General of the Department of Climate, Energy & Environment Oonagh Buckley, contributions from An Taisces CEO Gary Freemantle, and a panel discussion around topics as community action and eco-volunteering also captivated the attendees.

Speaking at the Ocean Hero Awards ceremony, Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General of the Department of Climate, Energy & Environment said: As an island nation, our seas are of intrinsic importance to us, environmentally, culturally, economically and socially.

"The commitment of An Taisce and all of the Clean Coasts groups to coastal care coupled with their understanding of the importance of the sea as a life-giving source is truly commendable.

Shane Dineen, Environment and Planning Manager at Failte Ireland said: Failte Ireland has been proudly supporting An Taisce's Clean Coasts programme for over a decade. The Ocean Hero Awards recognise the unwavering dedication, hard work, and commitment of individuals, volunteers, groups, and the broader community in safeguarding the future of our coastline and oceans.

"It is fantastic to see such a wide variety of entries across all award categories and the outstanding initiatives from across the country. The Clean Coasts groups are making an outstanding contribution to Irelands coastal environment through their conservation work which protects and enhances our extensive coastline and is highly valued by local communities and visitors alike.

Bronagh Moore, An Taisces Clean Coasts Programme Manager said: The Ocean Hero Awards gives us a fantastic opportunity to honour and showcase the incredible work that is being carried out every day by volunteers in the Clean Coast Community.

"Being in a room with so many passionate and enthusiastic volunteers, dedicated to protecting Irelands waterways, coastline, seas, ocean and marine life always fills me with such hope and inspiration. Its reassuring to know that regardless of what is going on in the world these groups will continue to quietly go about their work, making this world a better place for generations to come.

The Gibson Hotel was merrily decorated in seasonal dress and adorned with various displays spotlighting Clean Coasts campaigns and initiatives, highlighting collaborations such as Think Before You Flush, Think Before You Pour, and #2MinuteBeachClean, and featuring information stands on topics such as biodiversity and marine litter. Nominees also got to browse some of the wonderful photographs from the Love Your Coast competition which was held earlier this year.

This year three new categories were added to the awards list including the Emerging Group award which recognises and encourages groups who are just starting out but are already making their mark. The Community Champion is a new business award included to recognise the small local businesses who are so giving of their time and resources to community groups.

Local businesses are the backbone of communities, and this was Clean Coasts way of highlighting their valuable contribution. The Nature Guardian award was also included this year due to a jump in the number of nature projects that Clean Coasts community groups are leading and supporting.
Garda investigation ongoing into criminal damage at King House in Boyle, County Roscommon

Gardai have said two juveniles have been interviewed in relation to criminal damage which occurred at King House in Boyle, County Roscommon.

The Irish Independent has learned that files are being prepared for the Garda Youth Diversion Bureau regarding a kerosene spillage at the historic building sometime between 8.00pm on November 14 and 4.15pm on November 15.

There is an ongoing garda investigation into the incident, which resulted in King House being closed to the public while environmental specialists carried out a cleanup. A number of events which were due to take place there were cancelled or moved to alternative venues as a result.

Roscommon County Council have confirmed that King House will open for the Kieran Quinn Theme Night at Christmas concert on Saturday night December 13. The event will take place in the main salon on the first floor.

However, King Houses library services will remain closed for ongoing remedial works. However, a mobile library service is operational on Tuesdays from 11am to 3pm.

The building, which is owned and operated by Roscommon County Council, is one of Boyles most popular visitor attractions.

Built as a Georgian mansion in the 18th century, the house was inhabited by the King family but was later home to the Connaught Rangers, who used it as a barracks for several years.

King House celebrated the 30th anniversary of its restoration earlier this year.
ATU pays warm tribute to the late Susan Carton

In May of this year, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo and St. Angelas College mourned the loss of a dear friend and colleague, Susan Carton, a remarkable educator whose influence continues to shape disability education, thought, and practice across the university and far beyond.

Susan,from Kiltyclogher, County Leitrim, began her academic career in 2003 as a lecturer on the Intellectual Disability Nursing degree programmes.

Over the following two decades, she became one of the most transformative voices within ATU St Angelas, driven by an unwavering commitment to equality, human rights, and social justice.

Central to her work was her refusal to accept the paternalistic and deficit-based views of disability that still persist in society.

Susan encouraged people to move away from sympathy and assumptions, and instead to recognise disability as something produced by societal structures, norms, and barriers, barriers people have the power and responsibility to change.

Her leadership was instrumental in the development of groundbreaking programmes in ATU, including the BA in Health and Disability Studies, the Certificate in Disability Studies, the Postgraduate Diploma in Disability Studies, and the Masters in Disability Studies.

These programmes continue to shape graduates who understand disability not as an individual problem, but as a matter of rights, citizenship, and equality.

Beyond teaching, research and curriculum design, Susan was a tireless advocate for disabled people.

She represented the university on national bodies, including the Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency (DESSA) and other key organisations, always speaking with clarity, honesty, and courage about the change needed in Irish society.

She did not soften her message, but she delivered it with warmth, conviction, and compassion.

Her voice carried weight because it always centred the lived realities and rights of disabled people.

Reflecting on her friend and colleague, Dr Edel McSharry, Head of Department of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies, said:

Susan had a way of gently but firmly turning our assumptions inside out.

She helped us see how often our reactions to disability came from misplaced sympathy, or from a desire to protect, when what was needed was equality, respect, and honesty.

She changed how I see the world  and how I see myself within it.

Losing her has left a space that cannot be filled, but her voice is in everything we do. I miss her deeply and think of her often.

At the 2025 Conferring Ceremony on Friday, 31 October, ATU St. Angelas honoured Susans legacy by presenting the inaugural Susan Carton Memorial Award to Mary Maher, who graduated with an MSc in Disability Studies and had been taught and supported by Susan throughout her studies.

Speaking about Marys achievement, Ursula Gilrane, Marys supervisor, said: Marys Masters Research Dissertation, which explored the educational lived experiences of autistic young people who attended mainstream post-primary schools in Southeast Ireland, exemplifies the values

Susan championed throughout her career: advocacy, human rights, equality, inclusion, and social justice. Marys research embodied all of Susans values and was profoundly influenced by Susans teaching.

Mary Maher also shared her own tribute, describing Susan as a constant source of support, encouragement, and wisdom throughout her eight years of study, someone whose integrity, care, and passion left a lasting imprint on her academic journey and her life.

Susans legacy continues to guide ATU St. Angelas in its teaching, in its programmes and in the ongoing commitment to building a society where disabled people are recognised as full citizens with autonomy, dignity, and equal rights.

Her influence endures in every student who passes through the programmes and in every conversation about equality and justice that takes place within its walls.

Suaimhneas siorai da hanam.
A Wexford clergyman is placing a suitcase and a water bottle under his Christmas tree this year to highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the efforts of Christian Aid to help those most in need.

Rev Canon Trevor Sargent, Church of Ireland Rector of Bunclody Union of Parishes, is raising awareness of the hundreds of thousands of people who have been displaced from their homes in eastern Congo after fleeing fighting between armed groups and government forces. Eastern Congo is also facing a deepening hunger crisis with one in three people now struggling to get enough food to eat.

Canon Trevor chose the suitcase and water container to emphasise just how few possessions people are often able to take with them when they are suddenly forced to flee their homes.

Christian Aid Ireland Communications Officer Lisa Fagan said that they have spoken to many people who have been displaced by the continuing war.

"Chance is one of those who saw her world turned upside down. When fighting reached her village, Chance witnessed armed men loot her shop and attack her neighbour. Carrying her two-month-old on her back and rallying her seven other children, Chance set off in search of safety. She hasnt seen her husband since she fled her home.

Chance with her two children. Credit: Esther Nsapu.

"After walking with her children for 50 miles, Chance found relative safety in a camp for displaced people close to the town of Kalehe in South Kivu - a province in eastern DRC. Now in a temporary shelter, she has nothing of value and fears her husband is dead. Despite having very young children to care for, Chance does agricultural work in nearby fields, earning around 50c a day to buy food for the family. Chance and other displaced families in South Kivu have been supported by Christian Aids local partner, which has provided grants to help people afford the basics, she explained.

They are grateful that Canon Trevor supports the work of Christian Aid through his ministry, organising fundraising events and encouraging his congregations to donate to the charity.

Christian Aid Ireland Chief Executive Rosamond Bennett thanked Canon Trevor for helping to raise awareness of the crisis in eastern DRC. She said:

Were grateful to Canon Trevor for helping to highlight the urgent situation in DRC. With his suitcase, he shows just how meagre are the possessions that people can take with them when they flee from fighting."

"Here at home, we're looking forward to our Christmas celebrations but in DRC, mothers like Chance and her children are struggling to feed themselves after escaping a brutal conflict. The money Canon Trevor helps to raise each year in Bunclody reaches people like Chance and her children. With your support this Christmas, we could reach even more families, she added.

To support Christian Aids work to reach mothers like Chance this Christmas, please visit the charitys website.
A well-known Wexford butcher shop has been recognised at a national awards ceremony for their shopfront presentation.

Butchers Best, based in New Ross and operated by Tomas Kinsella, was awarded Category Champions in the Shopfront Presentation in the 2025 Irish Butchers Guild Retail Excellence Awards.

The recognition highlights Butchers Bests commitment to high-quality meat, outstanding merchandising, and welcoming customer experience. Butchers Best also achieved excellence awards for Retail Store Presentation and their Fresh Meat Display.

We are delighted and honoured to receive this recognition, said Tomas.

Our team works hard every day to deliver the best meats, but also a shopping experience our customers deserve. This award is for them, and for the great producers we work with locally.

Butcher's Best, New Ross.

The shop has built a strong reputation for top-quality meats, including beef, lamb, pork, poultry and more. What distinguishes them is the total retail experience. The shop features a modern, clean layout with attractive displays, an inviting interior, and a shopfront with curb.

The Irish Butchers Guild Retail Excellence Awards celebrate retail butchers who go beyond the norm, those who elevate the customer experience, showcase meat with skill and pride, and maintain high standards for shop presentation and branding

Butchers Best exemplifies what our Retail Excellence Awards aim to celebrate, craft, consistency, and presentation. They set a benchmark for retail butchers across Ireland, according to John Molloy from the Irish Butchers Guild.
Caredoc staff who are members of both INMO and SIPTU could begin strike action in December over pay dispute Photo: Stock image

Caredoc has strongly rejected union claims that it has already received HSE funding to deliver an agreed 8pc pay rise for staff, as workers across the out-of-hours service prepare to stage a 24-hour strike in the week before Christmas.

Caredoc staff who are members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and SIPTU could begin industrial action this month over a pay dispute with their employer.

SIPTU have confirmed to the Irish Independent that they have formally written to Caredoc to give notice of strike action which is set to commence in December.

The industrial action is in response to what the union says is Caredocs failure to implement the agreed 8pc pay uplift for its staff, as set out in the 2023 WRC agreement.

SIPTU said they have informed Caredoc that the strike action will commence on December 18 at 8am for a 24-hour period, concluding at 8am on December 19.

Caredoc staff who are members of both INMO and SIPTU could begin strike action in December over pay dispute Photo: Stock image

News in 90 Seconds - 9th December 2025

Crucially, SIPTU have also indicated that further strike dates will be scheduled, beginning in the week of December 22, which also happens to be the week of Christmas.

"Our members  drivers, call takers, receptionists, and administrative staff  have been left with no option but to proceed with this action due to the ongoing failure to honour the agreed uplift, said Ger McNally of SIPTU.

A spokesperson for the INMO said that as this is a joint action, involving Caredoc staff who are members of both unions, any strike action taken will involve both unions.

On Wednesday, November 26, SIPTU and INMO members employed within the Caredoc out of hours service staged a protest outside Caredoc HQ in St. Dympnas Hospital in Carlow town over the pay dispute.

In a letter, which has been seen by the Irish Independent, and sent by SIPTU to its members working in Caredoc, the union said that it has been engaging with Caredoc to secure the implementation of the agreed 8pc pay uplift arising from the WRC agreement 2023.

The union said it has been informed that Caredoc has received funding to address this claim, however, members have yet to receive any uplift in pay.

The union further claimed that they have tried to resolve the pay dispute with Caredoc management, but unfortunately, to date we have not received any proposal from management as to how or when they intend to pay our members in line with this agreement, they said.

However, in its own letter to its staff, Caredoc said it wanted to correct the record about some inaccurate claims made in recent days.

In the letter, which has been seen by the Irish Independent, Caredoc said it fully supports the campaign by staff for pay increases, adding that Caredoc have taken legal action against the HSE to try get back all pay lost by staff over the past years, after the HSE without notice ended the link with its pay scales.

Caredoc also said in the letter that they acknowledge the pay gap which has opened up between staff working in the HSE services and those in Caredoc must be bridged, as they stated they are working to get their staff back on the HSE pay scale, while also seeking the back payment of wages and salaries.

Caredoc added that its important to note, that despite claims made by SIPTU in its letter to members, the 8pc increase being sought by the unions cannot be paid to Caredoc staff currently, because the HSE have refused to pay Caredoc the money required to meet that payment.

"A token payment of 640,000 approximately was sent by the HSE to Caredoc on July 18, 2025, said Caredoc in its letter. The payment amount did not discharge to your wages/salary entitlement at all and the Board of Directors instructed that this inadequate amount be returned to the HSE.

Caredoc explained that the 640,000 would have made virtually no impact on pay, when spread across Caredocs full workforce and fell far short of what was required, with Caredoc adding that they considered the amount derisory.

"The money delivered excluded certain staff and also for many other staff it was not full payment of their back pay.

Caredoc concluded the letter by stating that they reject any suggestion that they have failed to engage on this matter with the unions. We have engaged consistently with the unions on the pay issue over many months, they said.

Caredoc provides a range of healthcare services under arrangements with the HSE, though its classification under Section 39 is currently under dispute.

Caredoc operates across multiple counties and regions including in Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow, Sligo, Donegal, Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, Cavan, Monaghan, Drogheda and Navan.

The Irish Independent have contacted the HSE for comment on the matter.
The chair of the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk management committee believes the target date set by the Tanaiste for the reopening of the amenity will be extremely challenging to meet.

Following a meeting of the taskforce last month, Wicklow TD Simon Harris promised to implement both short- term and medium-term solutions.

The Tanaiste also said he would reconvene the taskforce again in two weeks for an update on the progress and stressed that everyone should work to get the walk reopened, or as much of it as possible, by March 2026.

The meeting was attended by the chief executive of Wicklow County Council, the chief executive of Irish Rail, the National Park and Wildlife Service and Failte Ireland and it was agreed that the recommendations laid out in the most recent engineering report provided by the expert group RPS, would be implemented in the shortest possible time frame.

The Friends of the Cliff Walk group said it welcomed the statement from Deputy Harris on the timeline for reopening. After almost five years of closure, the group said there was now hope that the walkway could reopen close to St Patricks Day next year.

Under the Tanaistes plan, both Wicklow County Council and Irish Rail have accepted the recent report by RPS consultant engineers and, crucially, have agreed to implement it in the shortest possible time frame, with St Patricks Day 2026 the target date for reopening as much of the walk as possible by then, said the group in a statement.

However, Cathaoirleach of the Bray Municipal District and Green Party councillor Erika Doyle, who chairs the local authoritys management committee, said in a social media post this week that such a deadline would be extremely challenging for all concerned.

She added: We are working to move things along as quickly as possible and will provide a more detailed update on next steps following the next meeting of the committee.

It has and remains my commitment to the people of Bray to work to reopen the Cliff Walk safely and in a timely fashion, however we must adhere to proper procedure, as with any process involving taxpayers money and public safety.

As somebody living beside Bray Head who misses the Cliff Walk terribly, I understand the frustration that is out there, but I stand over the work done by the committee since I took the chair this year, to get it to this stage.

Last week, the elected members of Wicklow County Council agreed to expand the remit of the management committee, with six additional members to be added, three representatives from the Greystones side and three from the Bray side.

Work is progressing on the nomination process for these reps and council staff will be reaching out to umbrella bodies in the weeks ahead.

The decision came after Deputy Harris conceded at the taskforce meeting that there was palpable frustration in our community over the near five-year closure of the treasured amenity.

Estimates for the works needed are coming in at 6m from the councillors in Bray, and some 1.5-2m from the Greystones side, based on a recent Cost Estimate for Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk report.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Christmas 2025 free car parking arrangements in Kilkenny city are now in operation. Photo: Erwin Wodicka

Looking for free places to park in County Wicklows main towns while you do the Christmas shopping?

Wicklow County Council have released their Christmas 2025 parking arrangements for Bray, Greystones, Wicklow town and Arklow.

There will be free parking in select Wicklow town car parks, for a period of two hours, until Wednesday January 1, 2026. These include Abbey Street, Castle Street, Church Street, Kilmantin Hill, Murrough, St. Patricks Road, and Wicklow Gaol.

In Bray, free parking will be available at the Herbert Road car park (the council-owned portion only) every weekend until Sunday, January 4, 2026.

In Greystones, there will be two hours of free on-street parking every Saturday until December 20 inclusive. The car parks at the South Beach, Trafalgar Road and La Touche Road are free every Saturday throughout the year, as is the Park & Ride at the South Beach.

In Arklow, there will be two hours of free parking in Castlepark car park and Main Street car park for the Christmas period, until Friday, January 2, 2026.

Blessington and Baltinglass have year-round free parking in their town centres. These details are finalised as residents in Wicklow are encouraged to shop local this festive season.

According to research carried out by ISME, 10 spent locally on Irish products generates more than 40 of benefit to the local community in terms of employment.

The EY Ireland Consumer Pulse 2025 study released this week, seven in ten (71pc) say they will complete most of their festive shopping in-store.

Meanwhile, KPMG have highlighted how Irish consumers are preparing for a more challenging Christmas this year, due to economic uncertainties.

In a pitch to residents to support local businesses over the holiday period, Wicklow TD Edward Timmins outlined how they will benefit from the custom.

As an experienced businessperson, Im aware of the crucial role that SMEs play to our local economy. As a TD, I will be using all my platforms to promote local business over the coming weeks.

Research carried out on behalf of the Local Enterprise Offices as part of a Look for Local campaign demonstrated that 82pc of Irish consumers were more likely to buy local, either online or in-store because of campaigns to promote local businesses so thats why Im promoting this.

I would encourage people to share posts from boutiques to butchers across their social media channels, using the hashtags #ShopWicklow #SupportLocal so we can bring our local businesses in Wicklow to a wider audience. he added.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
A man has been extradited back to Ireland after fleeing the country before his trial for a string of alleged sexual offences, and is now also facing fresh charges before Bray District Court.

Aged 26, the US native was scheduled to face trial on November 14, 2023, but absconded before the trial could take place.

Counsel for the prosecution, James Kelly BL, told the court in Wicklow that the defendant was granted bail to travel back and forth to the US, with him travelling and returning on one occasion. The court heard that a warrant was issued after he fled before his trial.

The trial was over charges of meeting a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation on two occasions, on August 6 2022 and 22 August , 2022. The American man was also charged with using information and communication technology to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child on May 30, 2022 and again in July 2022.

He faced a further charge of distributing or threatening to publish an intimate image on two occasions in 2022. He is also accused of sexual assault on August 6, 2022.

Eoghan Gallagher BL, for the defence, told the court that he had objections to his clients remand.

The accused was remanded in custody until January 13 to appear at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for call over.

Judge Patrick Quinn noted that the accused is also facing fresh charges before the District Court.

The alleged offending occurred between May 14, 2023 and June 12, 2023. The new allegations include that he intimidated a witness, threatened or menaced the person in a manner that put them in fear, and acted with the intention of causing the investigation or the course of justice to be obstructed.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Bray District Court on December 11, 2025.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
A Wicklow mother, who was jailed for one month over her 15-year-old sons persistent school refusal, has been told she will spend Christmas in prison unless the teenager returns to full-time education.

The woman appeared before Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court on a District Court appeal.

The woman was sentenced to one months imprisonment by Judge David Kennedy in the District Court in May 2025, after pleading guilty to one count of truancy, relating to her 15-year-old sons failure to attend school.

Under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, parents are legally required to ensure their child attends school, with Tusla empowered to intervene when attendance falls below acceptable levels. The law allows the agency to issue formal warnings and, in more serious cases, to bring parents before the District Court for failing to ensure regular school attendance.

The court was told this was the eighth hearing in relation to the matter.

State solicitor Brian Robinson told the court that the defendants son had not transferred to secondary school. The court heard that the mother had been summoned, but the matter was adjourned on several occasions to allow her to engage with Tusla and assist in getting the youth into full-time education.

A Tusla welfare and education officer told the court that the organisation had recommended multiple recognised learning centres and alternative pathways, but had received no engagement from either the mother or the youth. The officer said Tusla was not pushing for the mother to be jailed.

The court was told that the youths primary school attendance had been only around 50 to 60 pc.

Counsel for the accused, Eoghan Gallagher BL, told the court that significant issues were at play, including the question of what a parent can do if a child refuses to attend school. The teenager has been diagnosed with ADHD.

Counsel outlined context for the family situation, noting that the youths father has been barred from the family home and the mother is well known to the District Court.

Judge Patrick Quinn remarked: What chance does a child have in life if they cannot read or write?

The court heard that the youth has attended a school only sporadically, and the Tusla officer said it would now be very difficult for him to make meaningful progress this late in the academic year.

Judge Quinn directed that the teenager be brought into the witness box. He told him that he cannot continue staying out of school, warning that if he does, his mother will go to prison and miss Christmas.

An agreement was reached that the teenager will return to school until March, allowing time for his mother to apply for a place in Youthreach, which requires an interview.

Judge Quinn adjourned the matter until March 24, 2026, to allow steps to be taken to secure alternative education. If this does not happen, the mother will serve the sentence previously imposed by the District Court.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
Tiffney, Matilda, Rachel and Zoe at a cookery demonstration by chef and former student Maggie Roche in Colaiste Eoin, Hacketstown. Photo: Joe Byrne

Orla Hackett and Antonette Sutton at a cookery demonstration by chef and former student Maggie Roche in Colaiste Eoin, Hacketstown. Photo: Joe Byrne

Principal Alan Costello addressing the gathering at a cookery demonstration by chef and former student Maggie Roche in Colaiste Eoin, Hacketstown. Photo: Joe Byrne

Eoin Tallon and Sean Keogh at a cookery demonstration by chef and former student Maggie Roche in Colaiste Eoin, Hacketstown. Photo: Joe Byrne

Tiffney, Matilda, Rachel and Zoe at a cookery demonstration by chef and former student Maggie Roche in Colaiste Eoin, Hacketstown. Photo: Joe Byrne

Kate and Orna at a cookery demonstration by chef and former student Maggie Roche in Colaiste Eoin, Hacketstown. Photo: Joe Byrne

Erin Kennedy and Aisling Kennedy at a cookery demonstration by chef and former student Maggie Roche in Colaiste Eoin, Hacketstown. Photo: Joe Byrne

Colaiste Eoin Hacketstown was delighted to welcome back former student and internationally trained chef Maggie Roche recently for a superb culinary afternoon at the school.

Bringing together students, families, and members of the local community, the convivial event featured demonstrations, tastings, and festive inspiration.

Maggie, now a well-known chef with television appearances, has never lost her strong connection to her roots. A proud past pupil of Colaiste Eoin, she is always willing to return and support her former school, reflecting the strong sense of community that shaped her journey.

Former teachers fondly recall that even during her school days, Maggie stood out for her positivity, kindness, and determination. While her passion ultimately lay beyond the classroom, it was clear she had the creativity and drive to excel once she discovered what truly inspired her.

They remember a student with a warm personality and a can-do attitude who consistently brought encouragement and goodwill to those around her.

Today, Maggie is the proprietor of The Little Acorn in Baltinglass and oversees the catering operations at Ballybeg House in Ballinglen, Co. Wicklow. The school community is proud to support local businesses and celebrate the success of past pupils who continue to contribute so generously to the area.

Principal Mr Alan Costello and the Parents Committee extend their heartfelt thanks to Maggie for a wonderful afternoon of tasting, demonstration, and culinary education, saying that her warmth and enthusiasm created a fantastic atmosphere throughout the school and set the perfect tone as we look ahead to the festive season.
The RNLI has launched its Christmas fundraising appeal, and among those volunteers selflessly on call over the festive period will be three Wicklow lifeboat crew members who have just become, or are about to become, new fathers.

Wicklow RNLI volunteers Mark Kavanagh and Cian Kelly have both welcomed baby girls in recent weeks with their partners, Aine OBrien and Nicola Souster, while Adam Byrne and his partner Chloe OSullivan are due a baby boy in early January. All three lifeboat volunteers will be on call in case the lifeboat is needed during the festive season, with their partners fully supportive of them needing to rush off if the lifeboat launches.

Mark, who works in Ashford Studio on film and TV projects, is the longest serving volunteer of the the crew, with 20 years of experience at the charity. He joined up the minute he reached 17 and never looked back. Born and living locally, Marks uncle was a lifeboat crew member and the family had a little fishing boat. He is a helm on the stations D-class lifeboat and also crew on the all-weather Shannon. Baby Saoirse arrived on November 20 and is Marks and Aines first child.

Mark said: My life has changed a lot over the last few years and welcoming a new baby with Aine brings it all home. The RNLI is a community organisation, and generations of families have benefitted from it. Im going to be on call over Christmas, as I want to be there for other families that may need us. I couldnt do what I do without the support of my loved ones, and this Christmas is a bit more special with Saoirse here.

Cian and his partner Nicola recently welcomed baby Lainey to the family. Cian has been on the crew for about 18 months and is training on both lifeboats. An electrician by trade, Cian will also be on call over Christmas.

I grew up with tales of the old Wicklow coxswain Ruben Dover, and my own father ran the Greystones Coast Guard Unit for many years, said Cian. Living where we do, you cant help but be aware of the sea and the possibility that someone might need our help if they get into trouble out there. Im on paternity leave at the moment so Im around if the pager goes off and Ill respond, along with my colleagues. Its a great group of people and if Lainey wants to be a lifeboat volunteer when she grows up, Id be a very proud dad.

Adam is an expectant father, with partner Chloe due to give birth to a boy on January 12, who will be the first-born son Bens little brother.

This will be Adams second Christmas wearing a lifeboat pager but along with the rest of Wicklow RNLI, he will be on call, unless Chloe goes into labour early and needs him. Along with his colleagues, Adam is on both lifeboats. He wasnt from the area but moved to Wicklow from Dublin. A sustainability engineer, Adam works from home, which means he can make lifeboat shouts during the day.

I always wanted to join the lifeboats, but where we lived in Dublin, we were too far away from the stations, said Adam. I was thrilled when we moved to Wicklow, and I could actually do it. The skills you learn and the training we all get, before the lifeboat even launches, gives you huge confidence. I wanted to give something back to the place I now call home and will raise my family in, and this is the perfect way to do that. We are so grateful for the support we get from everyone, which lets us continue to save lives at sea.

On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year, with 119 launches in 2024. These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLIs generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.

To make a donation to the RNLIs Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.

Each St Stephens Day Wicklow Swimming Club also host a popular swim held in Wicklow town to raise funds for Wicklow RNLI.

Wicklow RNLI also has a pop-up shop open for the holiday season, located on Wicklow towns Main Street, between Byrnes and the East Coast Credit Union, offering a wide range of both classic and new RNLI merchandise.

The pop-up shop also stocks Wicklow RNLIs calendar for 2026, featuring breath-taking photographic images of the Wicklow coastline captured by local photographers. The new calendar project grew from the much-loved RNLI Wicklow photo Christmas cards, a community favourite since launching in 2020. The Wicklow cards have travelled far and wide, spreading both festive cheer and awareness of the RNLIs mission.
The couple first met in 2017 and recently marked a major milestone

Jeremy Clarkson (L) and Lisa Hogan attend the GQ Men Of The Year Awards at the Tate Modern on September 5, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Lisa Hogan (L) and Jeremy Clarkson attend the Roundhouse Gala at The Roundhouse on March 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Roundhouse)

Jeremy Clarkson and his Irish partner Lisa Hogan have quietly built a life together in the Cotswolds, far from the studios that once defined his career and this week marked a notable milestone in that partnership.

On Monday, Clarkson celebrated his ninth anniversary with Hogan, sharing a rare glimpse of their private life with a selfie from a cosy dinner date.

Nine years! he wrote beneath the image, prompting Hogan to joke on her Instagram Stories that it felt more like 900.

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Clarkson, 65, wore a black blazer and open-collared white shirt, alongside Hogan, 51, for the evening out.

Friends quickly filled the comments, with Carole Bamford offering a simple Congratulations and actor Richard E Grant responding with heart emojis.

The pair have been together since 2017 and decamped to the countryside three years later, opening Diddly Squat Farm now the backdrop to Prime Videos hit series Clarksons Farm.

Despite being a regular double act on screen, marriage has yet to enter the equation.

Hogan has previously joked that she may have beaten him to it, teasing that she may have proposed, but as she put it, he wasnt wearing his hearing aids, so he would never know.

According to House and Country, they first met at a party in 2017, though what followed was a slow-burn courtship.

It was quite a long courtship as I didnt know where he was in his life. And I wasnt ready to start dating again; didnt want to go out with anyone, Hogan told The Times. He had to court me for three months.

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A former model and artist, Hogan has spoken candidly about the mechanics of their relationship.

I'm a huge, huge support. And I like being a support. But he has to appreciate it in return. He's learned - it's like puppy training, she told Fabulous. While she concedes Clarkson definitely wears the trousers, she added: Id like to think its fairly even, to be honest.

Adding: I do enjoy being a strong woman. He'll say he wants something done and I'll try to talk him around to a more sensible way. And then I'll agree to do exactly what he wants And then I'll go ahead and do exactly what I want!

Family life has evolved alongside farm life.

Hogan shares three children with her former husband, Baron Steven Bentinck, while Clarkson has three of his own, Emily, Finlo and Katya, from a previous marriage.

Blending those worlds was not without hesitation, and Hogan initially resisted the idea of a full-time move to Diddly Squat.\

Lisa Hogan (L) and Jeremy Clarkson attend the Roundhouse Gala at The Roundhouse on March 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Roundhouse)

News in 90 Seconds - 10 December 2025

In a joint interview with The Sunday Times, she revealed how Clarkson lured her from London by asking her to run the farm shop.

She said: It was a way of getting me down here... I think Jeremy wanted me to move down here full-time, but if he'd said that to me I might have just said no. I said I would do it, but I want to be able to do what I want to do in it.

Clarkson has since praised her transformation.

Indulgence: Jeremy Clarkson with his Irish girlfriend Lisa Hogan in Clarksons Farm

I am so proud of Lisa. How she has gone from  how can I put this politely  a sedentary and rather luxurious life to find herself living on a farm where she didn't know anyone he shared.

The ordering and keeping the place stocked  I don't know how she does it. It's a great little business.

Although they often appear together on Clarksons Farm, they typically work apart, something Clarkson regards as healthy.

I think it's a happy way to live, to have breakfast together, go our separate ways, and then you've got plenty to talk about in the evening. You can go out for dinner and you don't sit like normal old people, not talking to each other, he told the Yorkshire Live.

As for wedding bells, fans were left guessing after a moment on the show in which Clarkson teased Hogan with the promise of a big surprise.

When she asked if he was proposing, he ignored the question and pointed out a fallen willow tree instead. Ill think about the proposal, ok? Im not ready yet, he said.

Reflecting on the exchange later, Hogan told The Sunday Times: I just thought I might surprise him.
Approximately 25,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power across the Republic of Ireland as Storm Bram brought very dangerous winds to the island, with thousands more disconnected in Northern Ireland.

The entire island of Ireland was placed under weather advisories after forecasting agencies upgraded their warnings on Tuesday as strong winds knocked trees and some areas experienced flooding on roads.

Gusts of up to 119kmh were recorded amid general wind speeds of up to 78kmh at 1pm at the weather station at Sherkin Island.

After a week of persistent rain, Met Eireann said soils across the country were already highly saturated and many rivers were approaching bank-full conditions, so additional rainfall was likely to result in surface and river flooding.

ESB Networks confirmed that at 4pm approximately 54,000 properties were without power, but the number had been reduced to 25,000 by 8pm.

A spokesman said crews had been deployed to assess damage but added that further power outages could be expected.

In Northern Ireland, an outage map by NIE Networks showed thousands more properties disconnected from supply.

The storm resulted in some travel disruption, with 91 flights cancelled at Dublin Airport.

The track of the storm meant forecasters put in place rolling orange wind warnings for different regions throughout the day.

Keith Leonard, head of Irelands National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said: The conditions associated with orange-level wind warnings can be very dangerous.

Potential impacts include the possibility of structural damage, fallen trees and flying debris  presenting a risk to both life and property.

Driving can be particularly hazardous in these conditions, so Im asking all drivers to anticipate strong cross-winds and other hazards such as falling or fallen trees.

High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds  so please slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.

Id also ask the organisers of events and activities to consider the wind warnings that are in place and monitor the local conditions  unfortunately the cancellation of events may be necessary in some locations.

In Dublin, DART rail services were suspended between Grand Canal Dock and Dun Laoghaire due to a fallen tree.

An orange warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford expired at 4pm.

A separate orange warning for all of Connacht, as well as Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath and Offaly was put in place until 7pm.

A third orange warning for Donegal was announced for between 2pm and 9pm.

These come on top of a yellow wind warning for the whole country, expiring at 9pm.

Forecaster Gerry Murphy said it was a day to be very, very careful.

He told RTEs Morning Ireland: It is going to be a very windy day everywhere and there is certainly a possibility for all areas to reach those levels for a time.

Meanwhile, warnings in Irish waters were upgraded with a status orange storm warning for all coasts and on the Irish sea applying until midnight.

In addition, red marine warnings were put in place for some coastal warnings until 6pm.

Forecasters advised that south to south-west winds will occasionally reach violent storm force 11.
More than 100 students remain in captivity after gunmen attacked the St Marys Catholic School in Papiri community on November 21

A total of 100 of the children abducted from a Nigerian Catholic school last month have been released, the Christian Association of Nigeria has said.

At least 303 children were seized at the Niger state school together with 12 of their teachers when gunmen attacked the St Marys Catholic School in Papiri community on November 21.

Fifty escaped in the hours that followed and more than 100 students remain in captivity.

Daniel Atori, a spokesman for the association in Niger state, told The Associated Press that the church learned the children were released during the weekend and that they will be taken to Niger states capital of Minna to meet with officials.

It was not immediately clear how the 100 children were freed or if any arrests were made.

No group has claimed responsibility for the abductions but locals blamed the armed gangs that target schools and travellers in kidnappings for ransoms across Nigerias conflict-battered north.

The Niger state attack was among a spate of recent mass abductions in Nigeria and happened four days after 25 schoolchildren were seized in similar circumstances in neighbouring Kebbi states Maga town. A church in the southern Kwara state was also attacked around the same time; the 38 worshippers abducted in that attack last month have been freed.

Under pressure at home and from US President Donald Trump  who has alleged that Christians are being targeted in Nigerias security crisis  Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has promised he will not relent until all hostages are freed.

Nigerian authorities usually provide limited information about rescue efforts and arrests in such cases are rare. Analysts believe that is because ransoms are usually paid. Officials do not admit to payment of ransoms.
A family sitting at a camp for displaced people who fled from al-Fashir to Tawila, North Darfur, Sudan. Photo: Reuters/File photo

The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said the death toll from drone strikes in Sudans Kordofan state last week now stands at 114 people, including 63 children.

The WHO said there were three separate drone strikes on Kagoli last Thursday. The first targeted a kindergarten and the subsequent strikes targeted paramedics as they were transporting the survivors, and a hospital.

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, the director of the WHO, said on X that the organisation deplores these senseless attacks on civilians and health facilities, and calls again for an end to the violence, and increased access to humanitarian aid, including health.

The Sudan Doctors Network and Emergency Lawyers, groups which track violence against civilians in Sudan, blamed the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group for the strikes.

In a statement on Saturday, Emergency Lawyers called the attack a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians, especially children, and vital civilian infrastructure.

The RSF and the Sudanese military have been engaged in a war since 2023. More than 40,000 people have been killed to date, according to the WHO, and 12 million displaced. However, aid groups warn that the true death toll is likely far higher.

The battle is now concentrating on the oil-rich Kordofan region, after the RSF took over the last military stronghold, el-Fasher, in Darfur, in western Sudan.

The RSF takeover of el-Fasher has been mired in violence. There have been reports of executions of civilians, rapes and sexual assaults, and other atrocities. More than 100,000 people have fled since the takeover, according to the UN Migration agency.

The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, warned last week that Kordofan could face new atrocities like those in el-Fasher.

The humanitarian situation in the Kordofan region is worsening as famine is also spreading after more than two years of the devastating war. Famine was declared last month in the capital of South Kordofan, Kadugli. Dilling, also in South Kordofan, has reportedly experienced the same hunger conditions as Kadugli.

The RSF announced yesterday that it took control of the area of Heglig in South Kordofan from the Sudanese military. Heglig hosts the largest oil-processing facility in Sudan, and is key in processing oil coming from South Sudan. Oil from landlocked South Sudan has to pass through Sudan for export.
Each side has blamed the other for the re-eruption of hostilities. The fighting was the fiercest since a five-day exchange of rockets and heavy artillery in July

An injured soldier is transferred to hospital following a clash between Thai and Cambodian troops over a disputed border area in Si Sa Ket Province, Thailand on Thursday. Photo: Royal Thai Army/Handout via Reuters

Thailand said its fighter jets struck Cambodia yesterday in an attempt to cripple its military capability, as a re-eruption of border hostilities derailed a fragile ceasefire brokered by US president Donald Trump.

Each side blamed the other for starting clashes that broke out during the night and intensified before dawn and spread to multiple locations, with one Thai soldier and four Cambodian civilians killed, according to officials.

Cambodia accused Thailand of inhumane and brutal acts of aggression, stressing it had not retaliated, while Bangkok said it carried out air strikes on military targets after its neighbour mobilised heavy weaponry and repositioned combat units.

Thailand evacuated 438,000 civilians across five border provinces and authorities in Cambodia said hundreds of thousands of people had been moved to safety. Thailands army said 18 soldiers were wounded and Cambodias government reported nine civilians injured.

In Cambodia, bottlenecks of trucks and cars formed on country roads and streams of motorcycles and farming vehicles were leaving border areas, local television showed. A verified eyewitness video showed a plume of smoke rising after a Thai airstrike.

The objective of the army is to cripple Cambodias military capability for a long time to come, for the safety of our children and grandchildren, Thai army chief of staff General Chaipruak Doungprapat said, according to the military.

The fighting was the fiercest since a five-day exchange of rockets and heavy artillery in July that marked their heaviest clashes in recent history, when at least 48 people were killed and 300,000 displaced before Mr Trump intervened to broker a ceasefire.

Tensions have simmered since Thailand last month suspended de-escalation measures that were agreed at a summit in Mr Trumps presence, after a Thai soldier was maimed by a landmine that Bangkok said was newly laid by Cambodia. Some of the mines that have wounded seven Thai soldiers since July were likely newly laid, Reuters reported in October, based on expert analysis of material shared by Thailands military.

Cambodia has denied laying the mines and Thailand has said it will not implement the ceasefire terms until Cambodia apologises.

Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday said his government would do whatever necessary to protect its territorial integrity and would not engage in dialogue with Cambodia.

There will be no talks. If the fighting is to end, (Cambodia) must do what Thailand has set, he said, without elaborating.

Cambodias defence ministry said its forces came under sustained attack but were committed to the ceasefire and did not retaliate.

Cambodia calls on the international community to strongly condemn Thailands violations ... as well as demands that Thailand take full responsibility for such brazen acts of aggression, it said in a statement.

Thailands army said Cambodia used drones to drop bombs on Thai bases and fired truck-mounted BM-21 rockets towards civilian areas.
A police car in the courtyard of the Louvre museum, one week after the October robbery. Photo: AP

Staff at the Louvre have voted to strike over poor working conditions, deepening months of turmoil at the worlds most-visited museum.

Unions had urged employees to stop working, citing poor conditions, insufficient staffing and years of ignored warnings over the museums ageing infrastructure.

About 200 staff unanimously backed the walkout, starting on December 15.

If followed widely by the Louvres 2,100-strong workforce, the strike could lead to the closure of the museum in the run-up to Christmas.

The announcement is the latest crisis to hit the institution in recent months after a spectacular jewellery heist in October resulted in thieves making off with loot including a diamond-and-emerald necklace given to Empress Marie-Louise by Napoleon.

It would not be the first time this year that the Louvre has been forced to shut temporarily

The news of the Christmas strike came a day after the museum admitted there had been a water leak at the Department of Egyptian Antiquities library in late November, which drenched between 300 and 400 books, some dating to the late 19th century.

The leak, caused by a valve that had been accidentally opened in a heating system, highlighted what unions described as predictable failures across the historic complex.

If the strike leads to the museums closure, it would not be the first time this year that the Louvre has been forced to shut temporarily. On June 16, the museum closed after gallery attendants, ticket agents and security personnel organised a spontaneous walkout over what they saw as understaffing and overcrowding.

In a joint letter addressed to Rachida Dati, the culture minister, yesterday, the CFDT, CGT and SUD unions said that parts of the Louvre were being closed regularly because of insufficient staff numbers, as well as technical failures and the buildings ageing condition.

The strike has also reopened questions about the Louvres mounting security troubles.

On October 19, thieves disguised as workers staged a raid in the Galerie dApollon, stealing eight pieces of French crown jewellery worth an estimated 88m in less than eight minutes.
Macron, Merz and Starmer offer support to Zelensky as Trump ramps up pressure

European allies have discussed positive progress towards using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, Downing Street said, after hosting crisis talks over the countrys future.

UK prime minister Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and German chancellor Friedrich Merz met at No 10 yesterday as Mr Zelensky warned that Kyiv cant manage without European and American backing.

Mr Zelenskys visit to London came as US president Donald Trump accused him of having failed to read the latest peace plan, while insisting Russian president Vladimir Putin was fine with it.

A No 10 readout of the private talks between the leaders said they discussed the importance of the US-led peace talks for European security and supported the progress made.

The leaders agreed that, while diplomatic efforts continue, Europe must stand with Ukraine, strengthening its ability to defend against relentless attacks that have left thousands without heat or light, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

They also discussed positive progress made to use immobilised Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraines reconstruction.

We must continue to ramp up support to Ukraine and economic pressure on Putin

After the talks, Mr Starmer convened a call with other European allies, during which leaders agreed that now is a critical moment and that we must continue to ramp up support to Ukraine and economic pressure on Putin to bring an end to this barbaric war, No 10 said.

UK officials had earlier suggested they were hopeful of movement over the coming days on the prospect of unlocking the value of immobilised Russian sovereign assets.

Mr Starmer has previously said the UK is ready to move with the EU on the proposals but Belgium has voiced concerns about using the assets to help Kyiv with reparations, citing financial and legal risks.

The Ukrainian leader said yesterdays talks had been a detailed discussion on our joint diplomatic work with the American side, aligned a shared position on the importance of security guarantees and reconstruction, and agreed on the next steps.

We also held a separate discussion on further defence support for Ukraine. I am grateful to the leaders for their willingness to stand with our people and help us on the path toward bringing peace closer, he said in a post on social media.

Before the meeting began, Mr Zelensky had said that the issues under discussion were very important for unity between Europe and Ukraine, and also unity between Europe and Ukraine and the United States.

We cant manage without Americans, we cant manage without Europe and that is why we need to make some important decisions, he said.

Mr Macron, meanwhile, said Ukraines allies have a lot of cards. He pointed to the funding of equipment and arms for Ukraine, the Ukrainian resistance and the economic impact of sanctions imposed by the US and Europe on Russia as positive signs.

If there is to be a ceasefire, it needs to be a just and lasting ceasefire

Mr Starmer said any ceasefire in Ukraine must be just and lasting, telling the other leaders: We are at a critical stage in the push for peace.

The principles remain the same: we stand with Ukraine, and if there is to be a ceasefire, it needs to be a just and lasting ceasefire.

Mr Starmer and Mr Macron have been leading efforts with the coalition of the willing countries prepared to support Ukraine in the event of a peace deal, with the UK ready to commit troops to the effort.

Speaking before the talks, Mr Starmer said there had to be hard-edged security guarantees behind any ceasefire.

Despite Mr Trumps White House criticising European leaders for having unrealistic expectations about the war, Mr Starmer paid tribute to the US president.

You can never get from conflict to peace by an easy, straight route, he said.

Its always a complicated business, but I do think that were making progress, and I think what President Trump has been able to achieve in the last few weeks, getting it this far, has been the furthest weve got in the four years.

And I therefore pay tribute to him for that, and hopefully we can make some further progress this afternoon.

Mr Zelenskys visit to London came after his officials concluded three days of talks with their US counterparts on those proposals as the White House presses Kyiv to accept a deal.

Over the weekend, the Ukrainian leader said he had discussed next steps with Mr Trumps advisers and was determined to keep working in good faith.

Im a little bit disappointed that President Zelensky hasnt yet read the proposal

But the negotiators also acknowledged that any real progress will depend on Russias readiness to show serious commitment to long-term peace.

Ukraine and its European allies are likely to insist that any ceasefire comes with security guarantees from both the US and the coalition of the willing convened by the UK and France, while also resisting the transfer of territory to Russia.

On Sunday, Mr Trump told reporters that Mr Zelensky has yet to read the US-authored peace proposal.

Im a little bit disappointed that President Zelensky hasnt yet read the proposal, that was as of a few hours ago. His people love it, but he hasnt, he said.

Russia is, I believe, fine with it, but Im not sure that Zelenskys fine with it. His people love it, but he hasnt read it.
It is a welcome surprise that the total collapse of the state has not been the inevitable result of the dictators overthrow but the global community must help ensure it keeps inching in the right direction

A man carries his daughter at a rally to mark the anniversary of the fall of Assad. Photo: Reuters

For more than half a century, the Assad family held such a vampire grip on Syria that it felt as if Bashar al-Assads survival was inevitable.

Thirteen years of civil war, the regimes slaughter of its people, the mesmerising eruption of armed factions born from it, the quagmire of international interference all felt so relentless, so hopeless, so bloody, that it seemed unending.

This is despite the extraordinary signs of the Syrian regimes impending collapse: in early December 2024 rebels led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, an ex al-Qaeda wanted militant turned powerful opposition leader, were advancing across major cities. There were reports of Syrian army units evaporating and there was deafening inaction from Assads international allies like Russia.

Even with all this, what happened one year ago still felt unthinkable.

A confusing alliance of rebel groups stormed the capital. Political prisoners were filmed pouring out of the regime slaughterhouse.

Assad himself fled to Moscow before even his speechwriter, reportedly left behind to draft a defiant address he never delivered, knew of it.

His paper empire dissolved.

And the world inhaled.

One year on, it feels as though we are still all holding our breath.

Having lived through the bloody aftermath of the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, Ali Abdullah Saleh in Yemen, and Omar al Bashir in Sudan, the signs were worrying.

Transitions after so much violence, after dictators spent decades concentrating absolute power in structures entirely reliant on them, can trigger bloodier or more authoritarian aftermaths.

Absolute breakdown in Syria was a very real prospect, a country long exploited by foreign powers and by international and domestic armed factions prowling their fiefdoms in a country divided along ethnic and religious lines.

Many also expected an uncontrollable explosion of retribution after years of murderous rule by a regime that used chemical weapons against its children; that hunted down, detained, disappeared and tortured dissidents, that filled mass graves, that hurled makeshift barrel bombs from helicopters onto villages.

There were also concerns that Assad had shattered beyond redemption the countrys economy which had been pummelled by heavy sanctions from western powers.

Swathes of Syria remain in rubble. According to the World Bank it will cost more than $216bn (185bn) to rebuild the country: the physical reconstruction costs alone amount to nearly 10 times Syrias projected yearly GDP.

So it is surprising  and welcome  that the total collapse of the state has not been the inevitable outcome.

Do not get me wrong. There have been horrific outbreaks of violence; for example a wave of bloody attacks against the Alawite sect, to which Assad belongs, in the coastal region of Latakia in March. In July, a bloody conflict erupted the south involving the Druze, an ethno-religious minority with roots in Shia Islam.

The UNs human rights office said last week that in total, hundreds have been killed in this interim period. It documented distressing accounts of summary executions, arbitrary killings and abductions, mainly targeting members of communities and individuals accused of affiliation with the former government.

These killings, the UN added, were in some instances carried out by security forces of the interim authorities or groups affiliated with them.

Israel, surely wary of the rise of a western-facing, powerful, prosperous Arab neighbour, has also been stirring the pot in the south.

It has launched multiple deadly military operations across the country including physical incursions into Syrian land it now occupies with the purported aim of supporting the Druze, whose adherents live in Syria, Lebanon and, crucially, Israel.

When I have been in Syria, sitting with prominent members of the Druze community in the south and the Kurds in the north, they expressed distrust of the new Damascus authorities.

Although al-Sharaa has reached out to various communities, he has, in effect, centralised power within a ruling inner circle in the capital.

Kurdish commanders in particular are nervous about his one-time al-Qaeda roots; the fact that he has absorbed foreign fighters  they see as jihadists  into his army ranks; that his forces have, at points, fought side-by-side with Turkish-backed factions, who they see as an existential threat.

Al-Sharaas government has had a slow start. The government established national committees to investigate these two episodes of mass sectarian violence, although the reports have not been made public, and from what I understand there has not been an acknowledgement of any government responsibility for crimes.

His government has also formed a National Commission for Transitional Justice and a Commission for Missing Persons, led by victims, survivors and human rights defenders.

There have been domestic investigations into Assad-era abuses and multiple arrest warrants issued. But there are criticisms, for example, the lack of willingness to examine crimes committed by those now affiliated to the new administration, either during the 13 years of civil war or since.

Syria is also struggling under the heavy shadow of sanctions. The Caesar Act was signed into law by Donald Trump in 2019 amid disclosures of horrific crimes committed by Assad against his people. Since Assads fall it has been suspended but not fully repealed.

This, prominent members of Syrian civil society told me, means sanctions continue to cast a long shadow over Syrias development. Companies continue to avoid investing in Syria for fear that the suspension could be revoked at any time.

It has even impacted the Herculean task of finding Syrias estimated 181,000 missing people (according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights) and unearthing the dozens of mass graves, work that requires international expertise and equipment.

The latest reports from Washington imply that these sanctions will be lifted imminently. President al-Sharaa has been warmly in DC welcomed by President Trump  who has called him Middle Easts new young, attractive tough guy.

There is positive movement forward. But Syria remains on a critical knife edge. There is a long way to go, a lot to rebuild and to heal  and the international community should work hard to help it.
Israel is said to privately believe that a two-year timeline for disarmament is a smokescreen concocted by Turkish and Qatari negotiators to keep the militant group armed

Hamas militants stand at a site as the militant group continues its search for the body of the last deceased Israeli hostage, in Gaza City yesterday. Photo: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters

The US is considering disarming Hamas gradually over a two-year period using a process inspired by IRA weapons decommissioning, it has been reported.

Israeli sources say officials are privately concerned after American negotiators appeared to accept proposals by Turkey and Qatar to disarm Hamas slowly.

Both countries, accused by Israel of supporting the terror group, have stepped up pressure for a clear pathway to the second phase of Donald Trumps deal, ahead of an expected announcement in Washington this month.

Hamas militants stand at a site as the militant group continues its search for the body of the last deceased Israeli hostage, in Gaza City yesterday. Photo: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters

News in 90 Seconds - 9th December 2025

According to a report in Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel believes the Turkey-Qatar proposals, to which the US has signalled its agreement, for a gradual disarmament process, are in practice a smokescreen to keep Hamas armed.

It follows a statement by Bassem Naim, a Hamas political bureau member, on Sunday, that the group would be open to discussing freezing or storing its arsenal. The matter is expected to come to a head when Benjamin Netanyahu visits Mr Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on December 29.

British prime minister Keir Starmer told parliament in October that the UK stood ready to use its experience of helping bring the Troubles to an end to the situation in Gaza. Jonathan Powell, his national security adviser, played a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process as Tony Blairs chief of staff. He quietly wielded significant influence in helping to formulate ideas that became Mr Trumps 20-point plan for Gaza.

As well as a proposed two-year timeline for ridding Hamas of its weapons  in contrast to Israels preferred timeline of a few months  negotiators are also reportedly coalescing around the idea of weapons decommissioning rather than straightforward disarming. The precise details in the case of Gaza are not clear.

Under the IRA decommissioning model, which took place over several years following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, weapons were handed over and stored under UK supervision.

Under the still undecided Gaza model, Hamas should not have access to its weapons. However, Israeli officials are voicing concern about any scenario which, in practice, leaves the militant group with access to its guns.

Mr Trump has indicated that he would announce the governing bodies of post-war Gaza within weeks as well as more detail on so-called phase two of his deal, after weeks of apparent paralysis.

Allies of Mr Blair confirmed to the Financial Times yesterday that he was out of the running to sit on the board. The former prime minister was the only person mentioned by Mr Trump when he announced the concept back in October, prompting some disquiet in the Arab and Muslim world, given his support for the 2003 Iraq invasion and his underwhelming record as Middle East peace envoy for the Quartet after leaving Downing Street.

The Board of Peace now looks set to comprise current heads of government, a way of locking in support from Middle East, and potentially European countries.

It was reported on Friday that Mr Blair would sit on an executive committee, subordinate to the Board of Peace, which would have a more practical role in the running of post-war Gaza, alongside Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps son-in-law, and Steve Witkoff, his Middle East envoy.

Meanwhile, a surveillance row is reportedly brewing within the new multinational headquarters in Israel set up in October to support the ceasefire.

The US commander of the Civil-Military Co-ordination Centre in Kiryat Gat reportedly intervened and ordered the Israelis to stop recording  including in some instances covert recording  of discussions.

The centre is mainly a US-Israeli headquarters intended to monitor the fragile ceasefire with Hamas but also put together practical plans for Gazas reconstruction and future security.

Other nations have seconded military officers and diplomats to the base.

The Guardian reported that Lt Gen Patrick Frank, the US commander of the headquarters, told an Israeli counterpart that recording has to stop here.

The IDF described any suggestion that they were gathering intelligence on their partners as absurd.

The IDF documents and summarises meetings in which it is present through protocols, as any professional organisation of this nature does in a transparent and agreed upon manner, it said.

A final deceased hostage remains in the Gaza Strip, and it is possible that Israel will insist that phase two does not commence until he is returned.

Police Sergeant Ran Gvili was killed during the October 7, 2023 attack that started the war, after he had battled against Hamas gunmen.

David Zini, the director of Israels Shin Bet internal security service, reportedly met officials in Cairo last week to review intelligence which could point to the location of Mr Gvilis remains.

It came amid reports that Israel had privately suggested it could be willing to countenance a role for the Palestinian Authority in post-war Gaza, providing Gazans and Palestinians were stripped of their refugee status and there was no role for the United Nations bodies currently supporting them.
Georgia Republican representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has announced her intention to resign from congress in January after falling out with Donald Trump, has accused the president of directly fuelling death threats against her family.

Speaking to Lesley Stahl on CBS Newss 60 Minutes, the congresswoman (51) was asked about her decision not to stay and fight when Mr Trump began to attack her on Truth Social last month, labelling her Marjorie Traitor Brown.

After president Trump called me a traitor, I got a pipe bomb threat on my house. And then I got several direct death threats on my son, Ms Greene said.

You say the president put your life in danger, Ms Stahl continued. You blame him, you say he fuelled a hotbed of threats against me, and that you blame him for the threats against your son.

The subject line for the direct death threats against my son was his words  Marjorie Traitor Greene, the former MAGA cheerleader answered. Those are death threats directly fuelled by president Trump.

Ms Greene added that the presidents remark had been extremely unkind

The representative did not explain which of her two sons, who are 22 and 26, had been targeted but said she had informed the president and vice president JD Vance about it and that, while the latter promised to look into it, Mr Trump responded by saying something that wasnt very nice.

Pressed for more details, Ms Greene added that the presidents remark had been extremely unkind.

The Independent contacted the White House for comment.

Ms Greene also attempted to distance herself from her former place in Mr Trumps movement and sounded off on her political future.

The Republican said she considered herself America First rather than MAGA, which she called President Trumps phrase, and accused the president of failing to deliver on his promises to voters.
.@POTUS and @SecRollins are taking tariff money from overseas and investing $12 BILLION back into U.S. agriculture.







Thats what it looks like when you put Americas farmers FIRST. pic.twitter.com/hpF7bb8N7q





 Congressman John Rose (@RepJohnRose) December 9, 2025

In response, Trump questioned whether farmers wanted even more trade action. He later said that dumping practices should not be allowed and asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to record the countries identified by farmers as sources of unfair competition.

Treasury Secretary lists main culprits, Trump promises quick action

New severe TARIFFS on Fertilizer coming from Canada   President Trump shares his thoughts on that today during his press conference announcing a $12 BILLION farmer aid package  pic.twitter.com/W3QPctRn8y





 Melissa  (@MelissaLMRogers) December 8, 2025





As Kennedy began explaining how India could be supporting its rice industry through unlawful subsidies, Trump interrupted to ask for a direct list of countries. He instructed Secretary Bessent to note them down.Bloomberg reported that Canada and India have both been trying to push forward trade agreements with the United States to stabilise economic relations, though negotiations have seen limited progress so far.

US-India trade talks set to resume this week

Meryl Kennedy, while sitting next to Trump at this farm bailout announcement, casually floats the idea that India and Thailand are "dumping" rice into the U.S. -- Trump immediately promises higher tariffs on rice, says that will "solve the problem in two minutes." pic.twitter.com/KhTWVmSIqF





 Eric Boehm (@EricBoehm87) December 8, 2025





The report comes ahead of the resumption of trade discussions between India and the United States. A senior delegation from the US Trade Representatives office, led by Deputy USTR Rick Switzer, is scheduled to meet Indian officials on December 10 and 11.New Delhi is aiming to finalise the first tranche of the agreement before the end of the year. Speaking at the FICCI Annual General Meeting on November 28, Agarwal said he remained optimistic and hopeful that an agreement could be reached within the calendar year.
( Image credit : X/Srinubondada12 | Users upload a photo, write a prompt, and watch Gemini transform the image into a personalised piece of digital art. )

Why the Scrapbook trend is going viral on Instagram





The new Gemini notebook/scrapbook trend is so cute pic.twitter.com/04wYReVEaw





 Iraa Paul (@paul_iraa) December 3, 2025





Detailed prompts for stunning AI Scrapbook images





( Image credit : Instagram/thetecnil & itsaarikaai | Users now can transform uploaded photos into hand-crafted, scrapbook-coded images with rich textures, doodles, and painterly effects. )

( Image credit : Instagram/thetecnil & itsaarikaai | From dreamy saree collages to intricate sketch-style portraits and comic-inspired illustrations, Geminis AI allows creators to experiment with style, mood, and aesthetic in ways never seen before. )

( Image credit : Instagram/thetecnil & itsaarikaai | This trend has sparked a wave of creativity online, inspiring everyone from casual users to digital artists to explore scrapbook-style storytelling in ultra-high-quality, maximalist compositions. )

( Image credit : Instagram/thetecnil & itsaarikaai | This scrapbook trend on Gemini is not just about aesthetics, it is a creative playground. By using detailed prompts, anyone can transform ordinary photos into visually arresting, story-filled artworks. )

Why you should try the viral trend





After viral moments with Google Gemini Nano Banana and vintage saree images, a new trend is taking over: scrapbook-coded AI portraits. Unlike previous AI trends where the focus was merely on recreating a photo in a stylised way, the scrapbook trend adds layers of creativity, from stickers and handwritten doodles to dreamy lighting and painterly textures.Users upload a photo, write a prompt, and watch Gemini transform the image into a personalised piece of digital art. The aesthetic appeals to both casual social media users and serious creators looking to produce eye-catching, ultra-high-quality visuals.Prompt 1: Music album coverCreate a highly detailed digital painting portrait of a young woman with curly hair, maintaining 100% likeness to the uploaded reference photo. She is smiling with eyes closed, wearing a bright red top, surrounded by lush, meticulously detailed flowers in pink, red, and cream. Soft white butterflies flutter across a rich teal/blue background. Above her head floats the uplifting text Everything happens for a reason. The style should be painterly, vibrant, maximalist, and filled with dreamy lighting and textured floral elements.Prompt 2: College student codedIllustrated portrait of a thoughtful young woman sitting cross-legged on a notebook background. Bold, hand-drawn doodles like arrows, sparks, and motivational words FOCUS! and CREATE! float around her. Her face features soft warm shading, loose wavy hair, and silver earrings. Earthy-toned casual outfit with a relaxed posture, eyes looking upward, expressing an idea. Style: clean, modern comic-sketch aesthetic.Prompt 3: Vintage but make it scrapbook themedA highly detailed sketch-style illustration of the uploaded image in a serene, powerful pose. Dress, pose, and expression should match the original image perfectly. Fine ink-sketch effect with loose scribble lines surrounding the figure, minimalist white textured background.Prompt 4: Doodle me downHand-drawn portrait illustration in red and yellow pen on notebook paper, inspired by doodle art and comic annotations. Maintain full likeness, bold outline glow, expressive lines, and handwritten notes around. Keep pen stroke texture realistic, 4K resolution.Prompt 5: Desi codedDreamy scrapbook collage of a girl in a pastel pink saree, multiple angles and poses. Include bows, flowers, hearts, butterflies. White grid background with cut-out effect, soft lighting, smooth skin, Pinterest-style moodboard aesthetic, ultra-high-quality output.This scrapbook trend on Gemini is not just about aesthetics, it is a creative playground. By using detailed prompts, anyone can transform ordinary photos into visually arresting, story-filled artworks. Whether for social media, digital portfolios, or just fun experimentation, the scrapbook AI trend merges technology with artistry, inspiring a new wave of digital creativity online.
( Image credit : Instagram @cynthiaerivo | Cynthia Erivos new interview has gone viral. )

Cynthia Erivos Wicked red carpet incident

( Image credit : Instagram @ cynthiaerivo | Cynthia Erivo has already been dealing with memes about her protective behaviour. )

The reporter calls Cynthia tough repeatedly

Cynthia Erivo pushes back gracefully

( Image credit : Instagram @cynthiaerivo | Reporter calls Cynthia Erivo tough repeatedly. )

Social media reactions to the interview

Listen to this reporter trying to get a reaction out of Cynthia 













Her publicists face says it all. pic.twitter.com/zMI7Iautm1













 . (@__messo__) December 6, 2025





Golden Globes 2026 nominations for Wicked

Wicked franchise crosses $1 billion

Cynthia Erivos new interview has gone viral, and many viewers say the reporter tried to push her into reacting by repeatedly calling her tough. This moment has quickly turned into a huge conversation online, especially because Cynthia has already been dealing with memes about her protective behaviour toward Ariana Grande.The interview moment connects back to the Wicked Singapore incident, where an intruder rushed onto the red carpet and grabbed Ariana Grande. In the video, Cynthia can be seen reaching for Ariana even before security arrived. That quick gesture started a string of online memes showing Cynthia as overprotective.But both Cynthia and Ariana made it clear they did not enjoy these jokes. They liked an Instagram Reel that criticised people who made masculine edits of Cynthia, saying it had racist undertones. This set the stage for why the new interview sparked even more reactions.In the viral clip, the interviewer asked Cynthia, When did you know you were tough? Youre tough. Cynthia looked confused and answered, Am I? I mean, I think Im strong.Instead of stopping, the reporter insisted again: Tough and strong. Before this moment, they had been talking about her stunt work for Wicked: For Good, where she used a harness and sang live during her broomstick flying scenes. The talk was going smoothly, but viewers say the tone changed when the tough label kept being repeated.Cynthia calmly explained, I think Im strong, I think Im vulnerable, and I think Im a myriad of different things. But the interviewer continued, saying, Like a protector, too? Youre tough, youre tough! Youre a strong person; youre strong.Cynthia held her ground again and replied, Well, I think Im strong, and I think I also can be protected too. I think we can be both. I think its okay for us to be both strong, protected and protective.This part is what people say shows how she understood what he was trying to do and chose not to fall for it.The clip has millions of views on X, and the reactions are intense. One user wrote, Neither Cynthia nor the reporter from this interview has publicly spoken out since the incident went viral. Another said, At 14 seconds you can literally see her realise what hes trying to do, and shes not here for the bullshit.Others praised her calmness: Shes such a graceful person because I wouldve been rage-baited and crashed out. Another said, She is so graceful when answering. I would've slapped that man in the face. She's so incredible. One user added, She was mortified.Another comment highlighted the racial angle: It all started because she defended Ariana. So if it was a white girl or man defending her, they'd be considered heroes, but since it's a black woman, then she becomes a meme and is seen as aggressive? Someone else summed it up: Why do Black women always have to be seen as tough and strong? It's never pretty or feminine.As of now, neither Cynthia nor the reporter has responded publicly.While the interview is trending online, there is also big news for the Wicked franchise. The 2026 Golden Globes nominations are out, and both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been nominated again. They are now the first two actors from the same film to earn nominations twice for the same roles.Cynthia also made Golden Globes history by becoming the first Black actress to receive two Lead Actress (Comedy or Musical) nominations for the same character, Elphaba.The films continue their massive success. The first movie, released in 2024, made $757.9 million worldwide. The second movie, Wicked: For Good, has already earned $410.8 million in less than a month. Together, the two-part adaptation has reportedly crossed the $1 billion mark, made on a combined $300 million budget.
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Today Lottery Series:

Kerala Lottery Result Today (Live Update  09/12/2025 Sthree Sakthi SS-497)

Prize Amount Winning numbers 1st Prize Rs 1,00,00,000 SU 126019 2nd Prize Rs 30,00,000 ST 377498 3rd Prize Rs 5,00,000 ST 758446 Consolation Prize Rs 5,000 SN 126019 SO 126019 SP 126019 SR 126019 SS 126019 ST 126019 SV 126019 SW 126019 SX 126019 SY 126019 SZ 126019 4th Prize Rs 5,000 0792 0911 1382 1795 2206 2294 2563 2568 4015 4202 5085 6101 6447 6997 7140 7743 7951 9590 9729 5th Prize Rs 2,000 3236 4626 5601 6143 7795 9420 6th Prize Rs 1,000 0132, 0505, 0561, 591, 1242, 2692, 2902, 4047, 4261, 4357, 5001, 6805, 6897, 7021, 8251, 8417, 8427, 8782, 8790, 9084, 9170, 9277, 9300, 9810, 9936 7th Prize Rs 500 0077, 0299, 0387, 0490, 0830, 0909, 1160, 1324, 1381, 1484, 1486, 1553, 1731, 2187, 2224, 2255, 2267, 2346, 2422, 2546, 2611, 2792, 2793, 2818, 2865, 3064, 3358, 3627, 3764, 3916, 3997, 4081, 4182, 4467, 4516, 4770, 4796, 4888, 5069, 5131, 5163, 5254, 5405, 5867, 6045, 6067, 6073, 6117, 6158, 6161, 6586, 6596, 6621, 6629, 7368, 7596, 7657, 7767, 7892, 8034, 8128, 8218, 8574, 8695, 8847, 8896, 8976, 9100, 9150, 9278, 9361, 9445, 9499, 9513, 9980 8th Prize Rs 200 0159, 0346, 0374, 0386, 0415, 0527, 0801, 0933, 1235, 1252, 1836, 1873, 2025, 2538, 2577, 2639, 2669, 2878, 2887, 3122, 3439, 3453, 3719, 3972, 4031, 4186, 4219, 4247, 4386, 4451, 4489, 4579, 4581, 4598, 4602, 4790, 4792, 4955, 4958, 4963, 5042, 5128, 5335, 5394, 5432, 5554, 6224, 6259, 6298, 6377, 6415, 6473, 6688, 6740, 6768, 6888, 7317, 7366, 7500, 7530, 7564, 7626, 7852, 7958, 8107, 8138, 8141, 8266, 8344, 8349, 8480, 8536, 8554, 8566, 8767, 8822, 8862, 8944, 9081, 9320, 9444, 9451, 9484, 9566, 9612, 9678, 9725, 9852, 9861, 9938 9th Prize Rs 100 0150, 0239, 0306, 0376, 0379, 0390, 0437, 0440, 0459, 0479, 0511, 0623, 0743, 0764, 0770, 0835, 0863, 0888, 1044, 1058, 1108, 1125, 1283, 1289, 1312, 1593, 1612, 1657, 1679, 1695, 1860, 1887, 1900, 1943, 1953, 2060, 2124, 2130, 2219, 2235, 2351, 2362, 2530, 2682, 2687, 2712, 2797, 2943, 3062, 3164, 3326, 3368, 3388, 3505, 3556, 3665, 3709, 3711, 3726, 3898, 3945, 3976, 4003, 4006, 4017, 4049, 4076, 4104, 4106, 4125, 4144, 4167, 4252, 4254, 4414, 4597, 4622, 4655, 4659, 4709, 4809, 4817, 4914, 4919, 4923, 5129, 5133, 5186, 5234, 5263, 5344, 5436, 5443, 5505, 5868, 6159, 6217, 6242, 6281, 6321, 6428, 6437, 6476, 6595, 6730, 6782, 6872, 7063, 7104, 7156, 7193, 7219, 7577, 7639, 7716, 7719, 7755, 7772, 7784, 7822, 7870, 8033, 8211, 8321, 8356, 8409, 8462, 8550, 8618, 8637, 8830, 8879, 8913, 9026, 9074, 9195, 9215, 9288, 9314, 9365, 9392, 9409, 9613, 9654, 9742, 9808, 9823, 9889, 9931, 9992

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How to claim your Kerala lottery prize for December 9, 2025?

Kerala lottery prize for the December 9, 2025

Verify your ticket against the official Kerala lottery results to confirm you have a winning number.

to confirm you have a winning number. Sign your name and write your address on the back of the original winning ticket to prevent misuse.

For prizes up to Rs 5,000, collect your prize directly from any authorized Kerala lottery agent.

For prizes above Rs 5,000 and up to Rs 1 lakh, submit your ticket and claim form at the District Lottery Office in Kerala.

For prizes exceeding Rs 1 lakh, submit your claim in person to the Directorate of State Lotteries, Thiruvananthapuram, along with necessary documents.

Required documents include the original signed ticket, a filled claim form, photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, etc.), two passport-sized photos, and PAN card details for tax processing.

Submit your claim within 30 days of the draw date; late claims may be disqualified.

Prizes above Rs 10,000 are subject to a 30% tax deduction before payment.

Higher prize payments are made via crossed cheque or bank transfer; provide your bank account details including IFSC code.

Keep photocopies of all documents and the acknowledgment receipt from the lottery office for your records.

The Kerala lottery result today Sthree Sakthi could turn an ordinary Tuesday into a life-changing moment. If your number matches the Sthree Sakthi lottery result SS 497 results 09-12-2025, congratulations in advance! If not, theres always another draw next week.

Disclaimer: The above mentioned data is based on information available from official online sources. We do not endorse or promote any lottery or Teer games. Please play responsibly and verify results through official channels.

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Q. What upcoming Kerala lottery draws are scheduled after Sthree Sakthi SS-497?

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The wait is finally over! The(09.12.2025) will be announced shortly. Thousands of lottery enthusiasts across the state are eagerly checking theto see if their lucky ticket will take home the grand prize. If you have purchased a, keep it handy  today might be your lucky day.TheDepartment conducts the Sthree Sakthi draw every Tuesday. The todaywill be declared live from Gorky Bhavan, Bakery Junction, Thiruvananthapuram, just like every week.3:00 PM (IST)Around 4:30 PM  5:00 PMSthree SakthiSS-497Theoffers attractive rewards, including a top prize of Rs 1 Crore, making it one of the most popular weekly draws in the state.SN, SO, SP, SR, SS, ST, SU, SV, SW, SX, SY, SZWinning ticket numbers will be updated here after the official announcement. Bookmark and check back.The Sthree Sakthi Kerala lottery result gives out thousands of rewards. Agents receive commission deductions (12% for top three prizes and 10% for others) as per government rules.The state releases 12 series each week and issues lakhs of tickets for sale. A single Sthree Sakthi lottery result ticket costs Rs 50, while a full book is priced at Rs 750. Many players try their luck weekly, hoping to feature in the Kerala lottery result today Sthree Sakthi list.You can view the Sthree Sakthi lottery result in multiple ways:Always match your number carefully with the 09.12.2025 Kerala lottery result.To claim yourSthree Sakthi SS-497 draw, follow these steps:The Kerala Lottery Result for Sthree Sakthi SS-497 has been declared on December 9, 2025. The draw was held at 3 PM in Gorky Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, with the first prize worth Rs 1 crore, second prize Rs 30 lakh, and third prize Rs 5 lakh.The official winning numbers are available on the Kerala State Lotteries Department website, and the result PDF is released around 4 PM. The list can also be checked at authorized Kerala lottery shops.To claim your prize, verify your ticket, sign it, and submit it with documents like ID proof, PAN card, photos, and the original ticket. Small prizes up to Rs 5,000 can be claimed at agents, while higher prizes must be claimed at the District Lottery Office or the Directorate of State Lotteries.Winners must claim their prize within 30 days of the draw date, i.e., before November 6, 2025. Claims submitted after this period will not be accepted.The upcoming draws are Dhanalekshmi DL-68 on October 8, Karunya Plus KN-640 on October 9, Suvarna Keralam SK-69 on October 10, Karunya KR-772 on October 11, and Samrudhi SM-70 on October 12, 2025.
Website glitch led to temporary display of placeholder data

The Starlink India website is not live, service pricing for customers in India has not yet been announced, and we are not taking orders from customers in India.







There was a config glitch that briefly made dummy test data visible, but those numbers do not reflect what the cost https://t.co/TU8cUjcYGL





 Lauren Dreyer (@LaurenDreyer) December 8, 2025







( Image credit : X/elonmusksupatin | Starlink is Elon Musk's satellite internet constellation )

Pricing speculation grows amid long wait for India launch

( Image credit : AI generated for representational purpose | Starlink has clarified that it has not opened orders or revealed pricing in India )

Regulatory approvals remain the key hurdle

( Image credit : X/elonmusksupatin | Musk's vision for Starlink is to offer ubiquitous, fast internet )

What customers should take away for now

Starlink on Monday addressed widespread reports claiming that its India pricing had been revealed online, firmly stating that no such announcement has been made. The company said it has not opened orders in India and has not disclosed any tariff details for customers in the country. The brief appearance of pricing figures on its website triggered speculation, but Starlink has now explained that this was the result of an internal error rather than an official launch update.The clarification came after online discussions gained momentum around Starlinks long-awaited India rollout, which has been pending for several years. With interest in satellite internet growing steadily, the temporary visibility of tariff numbers quickly led to assumptions that pricing had finally been announced.Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations, addressed the issue directly in a post on X. She clarified that the Starlink India website is not live and that customers in India cannot place orders at this stage. According to Dreyer, the pricing figures circulating online were not meant for public release.She explained that what users briefly saw was internal placeholder data. A configuration issue caused dummy tariff information to appear momentarily on the website before being taken down. Once the problem was identified, it was fixed promptly.Dreyer also stressed that Starlink has not announced any pricing for India. Any numbers being discussed publicly, she said, do not reflect the companys actual plans for the Indian market. The companys position is that the entire episode was the result of a technical error, not an intentional disclosure.Excitement around Starlinks India entry has been building due to expectations of high-speed satellite internet, particularly in regions with limited connectivity options. The sudden appearance of tariff figures added fuel to these discussions, prompting debate around affordability and feasibility.However, the company has made it clear that this speculation is premature. Starlink stated that none of the circulated prices should be treated as indicative of what Indian customers may eventually pay. The launch, pricing structure, and service availability remain tied to regulatory clearance rather than internal readiness alone.Media reports earlier in the day had suggested that Starlink had revealed details of a residential subscription plan for India. These reports contributed to widespread online chatter before the company issued its clarification.Starlink reaffirmed that it is still awaiting statutory permissions before launching services in India. Dreyer said that the companys teams are focused entirely on completing the regulatory process required to activate the service and the website.She added, We're eager to connect the people of India with Starlink's high-speed internet, and our teams are focused on obtaining final government approvals to turn service (and the website) on.Until these approvals are secured, Starlink confirmed that both the website and order system for India will remain inactive. This means customers will have to wait longer for official pricing details and confirmation of when services will begin.For the moment, Starlinks message is straightforward. There is no official pricing for India, no open orders, and no live India-specific website. The company has stated clearly that any figures circulating online are inaccurate and should not be relied upon.Actual pricing details and service availability, Starlink said, will be communicated only after government approvals are in place and the official launch is ready. Until then, any discussion around tariffs remains speculative and unconfirmed.
Its truly disgusting to see those things being so blatantly racist, how normalised they have it, not surprising at all but extremely nauseating









 fev (@_80sjeon) December 9, 2025

These comments sparked a larger discussion about the line between appreciation and fetishisation, especially when cultural events attract global audiences.

Tylas Mumbai concert becomes a cultural phenomenon

( Image credit : Instagram| @tyla| Fans light up the night at Tylas Mumbai concert. )

Despite the controversy, Tylas Mumbai concert firmly established itself as one of the most memorable pop culture events of 2025. The night dazzled with electrifying performances, visually striking stage setups, and an audience whose fashion choices became as much a headline as the music itself. From high-energy renditions of hits liketo unexpected collaborations with guest performers, the event left an indelible mark on fans and social media.While the spectacle captivated attendees, discussions around racially insensitive comments and microaggressions also sparked widespread debate online, highlighting the complex interplay between entertainment, culture, and social consciousness. Ultimately, the concert showcased not just Tylas Afropop flair but also the power of live events to spark both celebration and critical conversation.
( Image credit : Instagram @ pettor_ale | Fitness influencer Alessandro Antonicelli dies at 26. )

Alessandro Antonicelli's death news

Alessandro Antonicelli's cancer journey





( Image credit : Instagram @pettor_ale | Alessandro Antonicelli dies after a cancer battle. )

Who was Alessandro Antonicelli?

( Image credit : Instagram @pettor_ale | Fitness influencer dies after cancer battle. )

Alessandro Antonicelli, a young fitness creator who inspired people with his strength and honesty, has died at the age of 26. His family shared the sad news on December 6, leaving thousands of supporters heartbroken. Antonicelli had been open about his rare cancer journey, and his story touched many lives. As fans mourn him, they also look back at the courage he showed right until the end.A statement posted on his Instagram confirmed his passing, saying, Today, the world feels a little emptier: Ale has flown away, free from pain, finding the peace he deserved. The message also thanked everyone who had supported him and added, We know how much you loved and supported him, but now we ask you to protect his family, girlfriend, and friends during this painful time.The tribute explained what meant the most to him, noting that his anti-cancer mission would continue. We will carry on his F*** Cancer project with the same determination he taught us: its what he would have wanted, and its the truest way to keep him alive. This message gave comfort to fans who had watched him fight with hope, and it led many to leave emotional comments under the post, sharing prayers and memories.The sorrow around his death grew deeper when his GoFundMe page revealed how difficult his last months had been. According to the page, he had undergone major surgery in 2023, which included removing his entire femur, knee and hip joints, while parts of his quadriceps muscles were removed and his leg was reconstructed with a total femur prosthesis. Even after this long and painful surgery, he continued treatment with strength, something his followers admired.But his condition worsened in 2024, when two metastases appeared, one on the clavicle and the other on the sacrum. Radiotherapy did not work, so he went back to chemotherapy. By July 2025, there was a small hope when only one metastasis remained active, but things quickly changed.In September, he was admitted to the emergency room due to unbearable pain caused by spinal cord compression in the sacral plexus. From there, his health declined rapidly. By November 2025, the pain became uncontrollable, and he needed to be hospitalised again. He never returned home. The GoFundMe tribute said, On December 4, 2025, Ale left us; now he has finally found the peace he deserved.Antonicelli grew a large following of over 193,000 on Instagram by posting workout videos and sharing his fitness journey. But his page soon became more than fitness content; it became a space where he openly talked about his illness and helped others feel less alone. His journey began in 2023 when he learnt he had chondroblastic osteosarcoma, a very rare bone cancer.He announced the diagnosis by writing, Today starts a new journey for me, explaining that knee pain and fatigue had led to many doctor visits. When the truth came out, he shared, I wish it were ligaments or meniscus. But unfortunately, it wasnt like that. I have been diagnosed with chondroblastic osteosarcoma, a very rare form of malignant bone cancer. He added a quote he related to in that moment: Life is what happens while youre trying to plan something else, John Lennon said.This news had arrived when he was celebrating graduating and moving to Milan. But he chose hope over fear. Over time, he became an advocate for cancer research. He sold hats with the phrases F*** Cancer and You're Not Alone to raise money for the National Cancer Institute in Milan.The GoFundMe made in his honour has already raised more than 162,000, a sign of how deeply he touched people.
San Jose: International Human Rights Day Rally & March

Date:

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Time:

3:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Event Type:

Protest

Organizer/Author:

via San Jose Against War

Location Details:

Meet at Federal Building on the corner of 1st St and San Carlos St, San Jose

Join us on Sunday, December 14th as we commemorate Human Rights Day with a Rally and March!



Divest from Human Rights Abuses on Immigrants and Palestine!

Hands off Venezuela!

San Jose Demands Ethical Investment!

Free Palestine!



 Meet at Federal Building on the corner of 1st St and San Carlos St

 3pm Rally then March



The @antiwaractionnetwork has also put out a call for a week of action for Human Rights Day. Since the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 7 decades ago human rights and fundamental freedoms are far from universally respected. Its time to unite and demand the city of San Jose pass an ethical investment policy!



An ethical investment policy would bar investments into companies which consistently and directly facilitate human rights violations, enable state violence and repression, war and occupation. This would include industries of mass incarceration, detention and prisons, military and weapons industries, and companies that facilitate violations of international law and human rights.
Cityscape of Yulin in NW China's Shaanxi

Xinhua) 16:56, December 09, 2025

A farmer harvests apples at an orchard in Zhaoshipan Town of Hengshan District in Yulin, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Nov. 4, 2025.

Yulin, a border region between the Loess Plateau and the Maowusu Desert, stands in the northernmost part of Shaanxi Province.

Boasting a history of over 4,000 years, Yulin is home to abundant historical and cultural sites, including the Shimao ruins and "Zhenbeitai" watchtower.

The city is endowed with rich natural resources like coal and natural gas, making it a major energy hub in China. With its commitment to green development, Yulin positions itself to play an important role in China's energy transition. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

An aerial drone photo taken on June 6, 2024 shows the "Zhenbeitai" watchtower in Yulin, northwest China's Shaanxi Province,

Yulin, a border region between the Loess Plateau and the Maowusu Desert, stands in the northernmost part of Shaanxi Province.

Boasting a history of over 4,000 years, Yulin is home to abundant historical and cultural sites, including the Shimao ruins and "Zhenbeitai" watchtower.

The city is endowed with rich natural resources like coal and natural gas, making it a major energy hub in China. With its commitment to green development, Yulin positions itself to play an important role in China's energy transition. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 29, 2023 shows the Shimao ruins in Yulin, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Yulin, a border region between the Loess Plateau and the Maowusu Desert, stands in the northernmost part of Shaanxi Province.

Boasting a history of over 4,000 years, Yulin is home to abundant historical and cultural sites, including the Shimao ruins and "Zhenbeitai" watchtower.

The city is endowed with rich natural resources like coal and natural gas, making it a major energy hub in China. With its commitment to green development, Yulin positions itself to play an important role in China's energy transition. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 29, 2023 shows the Shimao ruins in Yulin, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Yulin, a border region between the Loess Plateau and the Maowusu Desert, stands in the northernmost part of Shaanxi Province.

Boasting a history of over 4,000 years, Yulin is home to abundant historical and cultural sites, including the Shimao ruins and "Zhenbeitai" watchtower.

The city is endowed with rich natural resources like coal and natural gas, making it a major energy hub in China. With its commitment to green development, Yulin positions itself to play an important role in China's energy transition. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)

A Yangko dance is staged at a fair of intangible cultural heritages in Yulin, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 17, 2023.

Yulin, a border region between the Loess Plateau and the Maowusu Desert, stands in the northernmost part of Shaanxi Province.

Boasting a history of over 4,000 years, Yulin is home to abundant historical and cultural sites, including the Shimao ruins and "Zhenbeitai" watchtower.

The city is endowed with rich natural resources like coal and natural gas, making it a major energy hub in China. With its commitment to green development, Yulin positions itself to play an important role in China's energy transition. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)

An aerial drone photo taken on June 5, 2024 shows lush trees in the Maowusu desertification control and afforestation base in Shenmu City of Yulin, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Yulin, a border region between the Loess Plateau and the Maowusu Desert, stands in the northernmost part of Shaanxi Province.

Boasting a history of over 4,000 years, Yulin is home to abundant historical and cultural sites, including the Shimao ruins and "Zhenbeitai" watchtower.

The city is endowed with rich natural resources like coal and natural gas, making it a major energy hub in China. With its commitment to green development, Yulin positions itself to play an important role in China's energy transition. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

Workers maintain an intelligent coal-cutting system at the coalface of Shaanxi Coal Caojiatan Mining Co., Ltd. in Yulin, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 29, 2024.

Yulin, a border region between the Loess Plateau and the Maowusu Desert, stands in the northernmost part of Shaanxi Province.

Boasting a history of over 4,000 years, Yulin is home to abundant historical and cultural sites, including the Shimao ruins and "Zhenbeitai" watchtower.

The city is endowed with rich natural resources like coal and natural gas, making it a major energy hub in China. With its commitment to green development, Yulin positions itself to play an important role in China's energy transition. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)

A worker inspects the coalface of Shaanxi Coal Caojiatan Mining Co., Ltd. in Yulin, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 29, 2024.

Yulin, a border region between the Loess Plateau and the Maowusu Desert, stands in the northernmost part of Shaanxi Province.

Boasting a history of over 4,000 years, Yulin is home to abundant historical and cultural sites, including the Shimao ruins and "Zhenbeitai" watchtower.

The city is endowed with rich natural resources like coal and natural gas, making it a major energy hub in China. With its commitment to green development, Yulin positions itself to play an important role in China's energy transition. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)

A drone photo taken on June 4, 2024 shows relict gulls at Hongjiannao National Nature Reserve in Shenmu of Yulin, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Yulin, a border region between the Loess Plateau and the Maowusu Desert, stands in the northernmost part of Shaanxi Province.

Boasting a history of over 4,000 years, Yulin is home to abundant historical and cultural sites, including the Shimao ruins and "Zhenbeitai" watchtower.

The city is endowed with rich natural resources like coal and natural gas, making it a major energy hub in China. With its commitment to green development, Yulin positions itself to play an important role in China's energy transition. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

This photo taken on Nov. 30, 2023 shows the coalface at Daliuta Coal Mine owned by Shendong Coal Group Co., Ltd. in Yulin, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Yulin, a border region between the Loess Plateau and the Maowusu Desert, stands in the northernmost part of Shaanxi Province.

Boasting a history of over 4,000 years, Yulin is home to abundant historical and cultural sites, including the Shimao ruins and "Zhenbeitai" watchtower.

The city is endowed with rich natural resources like coal and natural gas, making it a major energy hub in China. With its commitment to green development, Yulin positions itself to play an important role in China's energy transition. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
In a worker cooperative, all profits are shared by employees who buy into the business. Read more

Thinking of selling your business? Or starting a business? You may want to consider a worker cooperative.

This type of business structure is different from a consumer cooperative, where customers each own a piece of the organization in exchange for a membership. Its also different from an employee stock ownership plan where ownership is assigned to employees based on other factors such as compensation, responsibility, and tenure; retirement value builds up; and day-to-day control is given up to management.

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A worker cooperative is a form of business organization where all workers equally own the business. There are no majority shareholders. Management is elected by the workers and reports to the workers. All profits are shared equally.

One example is Home Care Associates of Philadelphia, a worker-owned, women-led cooperative providing in-home personal care, mobility support, and household assistance to seniors and people with disabilities in the Philadelphia region. Employees can buy one share of the company for $500 via payroll after a probationary period.

You have full rights at that point to run for a seat on the board, to participate in the worker-owner meetings, and to vote, said CEO Tatia Cooper. If anyone decides not to be a worker-owner anymore, they get the full amount back that they invested.

Pennsylvania is one of the easier places in the country to form a workers cooperative, according to Kevin McPhillips, the CEO of the Havertown-based nonprofit Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership, because the commonwealth has designated this type of organization separately from other business forms like corporations and partnerships. New Jersey also has specific regulations enabling the formation of worker cooperatives.

Why should a business consider the worker cooperative structure?

For many it builds stronger retention and loyalty to the organization. When people are owners, they have more devotion to the company, so turnover is generally lower, resulting in lower costs for recruiting, hiring, and onboarding.

Some believe worker cooperatives are more apt to deliver better service because the employees care more about their end work product. Theyre more devoted to safety, quality, and minimizing waste.

Home care agencies struggle with retention and providing consistent care, says Cooper. For the simple fact that you have workers who stay longer, it really impacts your bottom line.

Cooper also believes that when workers have a say in how the business is run and the work that they do, they feel more empowered and that then translates to better care.

Scott Moon, the executive director at Baker Project, an employee ownership advocacy group related to the Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership, says that while worker cooperatives can be a good vehicle for succession planning, owners will need to make some hard decisions about their objectives if theyre looking to sell their business.

Business owners who are having a difficult time finding a buyer for their company but want to see it continue to exist and support their employees can use a worker cooperative as a way to pass their work to a new generation of owners, he said.

Jobs and the companys brand can be kept in place and the owner can be paid for the value of their company by the workers via a sellers note or through a bank loan, which is serviced by the company.

There are many owners who feel its not just about selling and that their business has an ongoing responsibility to their employees, their customers, and their community, Moon said. So this type of strategy best fits those goals.

Cooper has found that their organization has a unique culture because of their employee ownership structure.

Its the kind of environment where workers can say, Hey, listen, I see a problem, I see a gap. Heres how I think we should solve it. What do we need to do to make it happen?, she said. We have a happiness committee, we have a policy action group, we have a safety committee all led by board members who are worker-owners.

Downsides of worker cooperatives

Worker cooperatives have their drawbacks. Owners need to understand that theyre giving up complete control.

Because decisions are being made by elected groups of managers that need approval from employees, processes can be slower and potentially messier. Everything is open for scrutiny, and sometimes this level of transparency can hinder decision-making. Some employees may be enthusiastic about attending meetings and paying attention to the organizations management, but others may not be up for the time and responsibility it takes.

Financing is also harder. According to Cooper, banking is a real challenge because, in her experience, worker cooperatives cant apply for typical small-business loans.

Most financial entities are looking for someone who owns 5% or more of the company, and were constantly explaining to banks and other institutions that this is a different model, she said. This is something that weve been advocating for with legislators, but it still continues to be a struggle.

For those interested in forming a workers cooperative, many organizations can help. For example, the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives and the Democracy at Work Institute both provide technical assistance, education/training, advocacy, and a directory of worker co-ops. Other organizations like the ICA Group, Project Equity, and Workers to Owners Collaborative help businesses transition from a traditional form of ownership to worker ownership.

Cooper acknowledges that worker cooperatives arent for everyone, but they do present a unique way of viewing work.

In my opinion, the benefits outweigh the challenges, she said. Its about everyone feeling empowered to do their best.
Harold Hal Miller Jr. disappeared in June, leaving behind only two clues for police to follow: his vehicle abandoned in Pennsauken and, inside, a cell phone that last dialed a contact named E. Poker.

From those scant clues, investigators said, they uncovered something grim: Miller had been shot to death and dismembered with a chainsaw, they alleged, by the man whose number was saved in his phone as E. Poker, Everton Thomas, and two of Thomas relatives, in Camden.

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In September, police charged Thomas, 41, with murder, desecration of human remains, and tampering with physical evidence. His wife, Sherrie Thomas, 41, and son, Deshawn Thomas, 23, were also charged with desecrating and disposing of Millers remains.

But more than five months later  after 178 days of searches, interviews, and forensic work  investigators have yet to find Millers body.

Its a horrible waiting game, said Millers ex-wife and mother of his four children, Tamika Miller.

The case that has emerged since Millers disappearance is as sprawling as it is brutal: a trail of surveillance footage, internet searches, hardware-store runs, and border crossings that authorities say chart a carefully concealed killing. Court records detail a sequence of events that is at once methodical and frenzied  and has left investigators hunting for Millers remains even as three members of the Thomas family stand charged in his death.

Everton Thomas denies any involvement in the crime and is expected to plead not guilty to the charges on Dec. 15, according to his defense attorney, Timothy Farrow. Attorneys for Sherrie Thomas and Deshawn Thomas did not respond to requests for comment.

An awesome father

Harold Miller and Tamika Miller had four children, three girls and a boy. He was an awesome father, Tamika Miller said.

He swelled with pride when their son announced he would join the Navy, continuing a military tradition in his family that flat-footed Miller could not follow himself, she recalled. His happiest moment, she said, came when their daughter, a special-education teacher, received her bachelors degree.

Miller worked in Camdens social-services world, leading outreach for Volunteers of America and programs for Joseph House, a mens homeless shelter. In 2017, he pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to sell crack cocaine and served five years in prison.

The couple divorced in 2023. But the family still gathered for holidays, including Thanksgiving, when Miller would rent a hall large enough for 100 people and make sure four turkeys  including his favorite, fried turkey  were on the table, Tamika Miller said.

Miller, who lived in Deptford Township, was 48 when he died. The holidays will never be the same, Tamika Miller said.

The grisly crime

Millers final call  placed at 11:26 a.m. on June 12  went to the contact in his phone listed as E. Poker. Investigators later learned the number belonged to Everton Thomas, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest.

Street cameras caught what happened next, the document said: Miller climbing the back stairs to Thomas Baird Boulevard home around the time the call was placed. Minutes later, the cameras recorded the crack of a gunshot. Miller was never seen emerging from the home.

From there, investigators say, camera footage captured an ominous procession across Camden. It shows a man they say is Thomas leaving the house in Millers minivan and abandoning it in Pennsauken. It shows his wife and son making a series of trips to stores, buying bleach, heavy-duty contractor bags, ice, latex gloves, duct tape, plastic sheeting  and a chainsaw, according to court filings. Later, cameras captured three people dumping large black trash bags into dumpsters behind a nearby housing complex, Tamarack Station Apartments.

When investigators examined Deshawn Thomas phone, they say, they found a browser search typed in amid the chaos: whether a chainsaw could cut through meat.

Authorities searched Everton Thomas house on June 20. They found a loaded Glock, and bloodstains on a doorframe leading to the basement, the affidavit said. Testing later confirmed the blood matched Millers DNA.

How the two men may have been connected is unclear. Tamika Miller said they were acquaintances, not friends. Everybody knows everybody in Camden, she said.

In an interview with police, Thomas told detectives that he and Miller had played poker the night before Miller vanished, and that they had spoken again around 11 a.m. on June 12. He denied knowing anything about what happened, according to the affidavit.

By the next afternoon, investigators said, they learned Thomas had slipped across the border. Agents at Fort Erie-Buffalo reported he had entered Canada. Nearly three months later, on Sept. 8, U.S. border officers arrested him as he tried to cross back into the country. He remains in custody, awaiting a court hearing next week.

Tamika Miller said family members held a private memorial service, where they gained some closure. We dont know if they will ever find him, she said. But we have hope.

Investigators, meanwhile, continue to search for clues and Millers body.

As we near the end of the year, our detectives are still seeking leads  no matter how small  that would assist with the recovery of Mr. Millers remains, Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay said Tuesday. For anyone who has information, but has not yet come forward, we implore you to consider what his grieving family has been through. They deserve answers and the opportunity to properly mourn their loved one. We remain hopeful that our community does whats right and helps bring Mr. Miller home.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jake Siegfried of the Camden County Prosecutors Office Homicide Unit at 856-225-5086 and Detective Andrew Mogck of the Camden County Police Department at 609-519-8588. Tips can also be submitted to https://camdencountypros.org/tips.
MAYS LANDING. Pa.  Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., facing child abuse charges for allegedly assaulting his daughter, appeared in a New Jersey courtroom Monday as opening statements in his trial got underway.

Small, a Democrat who was reelected mayor this year, faces charges of child endangerment, aggravated assault, and witness tampering. He has denied any wrongdoing.

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The allegations stem from incidents in 2023 and 2024 in which prosecutors say Small and his wife abused their teenage daughter, largely over their disapproval of her relationship with her boyfriend. In one instance, prosecutors said, Small struck the girl multiple times with a broom, leaving her unconscious.

Prosecutors further say he punched the girl repeatedly in the legs and, in another outburst, grabbed her head, threw her to the ground, and threatened to throw her down the stairs.

Small glared at prosecutors Monday as they began to make their case to the jury, telling the panel that violence is never a solution and abuse is not parenting.

Assistant Prosecutor Elizabeth Fischer said jurors should expect to hear from Smalls daughter on the witness stand in coming days.

This was a time in her life when she needed the full support of her parents, Fischer said. This child got none of that. This child was met with violence."

Smalls defense attorney, Louis Barbone, insisted that his client had done nothing wrong.

He told jurors that Smalls daughter had lied to investigators and said that the alleged incident with the broom did not happen.

He faulted prosecutors for portraying Small as an ogre of a father and said the atmosphere in the Small household was not abusive, but rather the result of attentive parents who had attempted to intervene in the wayward course of their daughters life.

This isnt about an election; its not about the city of Atlantic City, Barbone said, rebuffing prosecutors suggestions that the girl was intimidated by her fathers power when debating whether to report his actions. [Small] would give up his elected office in a moment to have his daughter back.

Amid his legal struggles, Small has vowed not to cede his position, even as New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a fellow Democrat, suggested that he consider stepping away from office.

In August, Small rejected an offer from prosecutors in which he would plead guilty to a third-degree assault charge and avoid jail time. The deal would have also required him to forfeit the mayorship, and when asked whether he would consider it, Small said absolutely not.

The trial before Superior Court Judge Joseph A. Levin began after a week of proceedings including jury selection and pretrial motions on what evidence the panel would hear.

Prosecutors said Smalls daughter, who is now 17, would recount the most difficult thing of her entire life before a courtroom that, in addition to Small, included her mother, LaQuetta Small, in the gallery.

LaQuetta Small faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child and disorderly persons simple assault in a pending trial, and is the superintendent of Atlantic City Public Schools.

Fischer, the prosecutor, went over some of Smalls alleged threats, including that he was going to earth slam her down the stairs and throw her off a second-floor balcony.

When his daughter threatened to tell adults at her school, Small allegedly told her to go ahead and tell them, according to Fischer, suggesting that nothing would be done to him.

Smalls daughter eventually made a report with her school guidance office. Jordan Rivera, a school counselor, testified Monday to a note she wrote on an evaluation card after a mental health presentation that read: At one time I was abused and I want and need someone to talk to because I have a lot going on.

Meanwhile, as investigators got involved, prosecutors say Small lied about the teens injuries and told his daughter to twist up her account of the assaults as they questioned her.

He asked her to say she tripped and fell in her room, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest on the witness-tampering charge, which prosecutors added to his case last fall.

Small and his wife were charged in April 2024. Barbone, Smalls attorney, said at the time that the charges were politically motivated.

During Mondays proceedings, Barbone disputed the broom story, saying Small and the girl had been fighting over the broom after his daughter produced a butter knife and that she fell and hit her head during the struggle.

He delved into his clients deteriorating relationship with his daughter, telling jurors that for most of her life Small and the girl had been best friends, and that the mayor and his wife had always held a vision, a wish for her to grow up successful.

Barbone presented jurors with a large graphic of an arrow meant to represent the timeline of Smalls relationship with his daughter.

Between the years 2008 to 2023, it read: DAD WAS [DAUGHTERS] BEST FRIEND FOR 15 YEARS.

In Barbones telling, the relationship quickly deteriorated when the girl, then 15, brought home a new boyfriend two years her senior.

Everything collapses, Barbone said, telling jurors that the young couple were suddenly in constant communication, to the detriment of her familial relationships. To prove his point, he showed jurors sexually explicit text messages between the girl and her boyfriend, apologizing before reading some of them aloud.

In one message, the girl references the possibility of getting pregnant.

The last thing you want to see is your child going down the tubes, the lawyer told the jury.

Only hours before, prosecutors unsuccessfully fought to exclude the messages from evidence, saying they contained things of intimate character that anyone is going to expect between teenagers.

Barbone later played videos recorded in the Small household in May 2024  months after the alleged abuse  in which the girl could be heard shrieking and crying after her father took her phone away. That move had caused her to behave like an animal, Barbone said.

She could be seen hitting Small in the video, and he did not strike back.

But prosecutors told jurors that they would hear evidence of incidents of a different magnitude.

They mentioned an incident when LaQuetta Small had been wailing on her daughter for not cleaning the kitchen. Fischer said the girls father, instead of coming to her aid, repeatedly told her to shut up.

Jurors will also hear a voicemail from Small to his wife in which he says you better come get your daughter or Im gonna do something that puts me in jail, the prosecutor said.

In Fischers assessment, the teen had been crying out for help. Instead, the prosecutor said, she received pain and manipulation.
A retired New Jersey teacher who advertises himself as a Santa Claus performer has been charged with distribution of child pornography, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said Monday.

Mark Paulino, 64, of Hamilton, who retired from the Hamilton Township School District as an elementary school teacher, was arrested Friday at his home as law enforcement executed a search warrant, Marbrey said, who added that her office has filed a motion to detain Paulino pending a trial.

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Detectives with the prosecutors office were alerted Thursday evening by the New Jersey State Police that a person in Hamilton Township had uploaded multiple files of suspected child pornography to the internet, Marbrey said.

Detectives identified Paulino as the alleged perpetrator and found that he was promoting himself as a Santa character available for photographs and private, corporate, and organizational events, Marbrey said.

Because of his advertised engagement with young children in that role, detectives quickly obtained a search warrant for his home, which was executed Friday afternoon, Marbrey said. Detectives seized multiple items as evidence and took Paulino into custody.

Paulino was charged with one count of second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material, one count of second-degree possession with the intent to distribute such material, one count of third-degree possession of that material, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

It was unclear Monday if Paulino had secured a lawyer.

Scott Rocco, superintendent for the Hamilton Township School District, said in an email Monday evening that the district had no comment on the case at this time.

Paulino maintained a website to promote his availability to perform as Santa.

Welcome Boys and Girls! Im Santa Mark, and Ive come straight from the North Pole to bring a little extra Christmas Magic to your event! Schedule me to visit your school or business for photos, sing-alongs, and more! Ho, Ho, Ho! the homepage announces, with a clickable text Santa that reveals a phone number.

In a biography section, Paulino said he began working with children in 1984 as a substitute teacher, then as a lifeguard and swimming instructor, and a contracted special education teacher.

Paulino retired in 2021, he said, adding that he was now pursuing my lifelong wish to be Santa Claus.

Marbrey said the investigation is ongoing.

She asked anyone with information helpful to the investigation to contact the prosecutors office at 609-989-6568. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at www.mercercountyprosecutor.com.
A Pennsylvania State University faculty group has taken the next step to form a union across the systems campuses, which eventually could represent some 6,000 faculty.

Officials from the Penn State Faculty Alliance and the Service Employees International Union said they had filed Tuesday with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor after having obtained at least the required signatures of 30% of eligible faculty.

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The next step would be an election, and if approved by a majority, a union would be formed and contract negotiations could begin. How long it takes to schedule an election depends on whether the university opposes the move.

It would be the largest single union election in the public sector in the history of the Commonwealth if not the last 50 years, Steve Cantanese, president of SEIU 668 said at a news conference held at the Capitol building Tuesday in Harrisburg.

 READ MORE: Some Penn State faculty want to unionize as the university considers campus closures

The announcement comes about a month after graduate student workers at Penn State voted to unionize, with 90% in favor. That vote came nearly a year after the Coalition of Graduate Employees at Penn State filed the required signature cards with the labor board. Their vote came amid a wave of graduate union workers efforts to unionize.

Penn State is the only state-related university of the four in the Commonwealth without a faculty union. Faculty concern about the universitys decisions began to accelerate during the pandemic and have continued to mount amid budget cuts and the decision in May to announce the closure of seven of the schools Commonwealth campuses. A seeming lack of shared governance, salary, and workload inequities across campuses, and transparency are among other concerns cited by faculty involved in the effort.

 READ MORE: PSU board approves closure of seven Commonwealth campuses by a 25-8 vote

Penn State faculty are filing for a union election to bring transparency to their workplace, to bring job security to their workplace, to have an opportunity to have a greater voice at their workplace, to have some economic security at their workplace, Cantanese said.

Julio Palma, associate professor of chemistry at Fayette, one of the campuses selected for closure, said faculty tried to fight the Commonwealth campus closure plan but didnt have enough power.

We organized, he said. We held rallies on campus. We talked to our elected officials. Nothing moved the needle.

If we had a faculty union, we wouldnt be in this situation... We need a faculty union now.

Cantanese said SEIU reached out to the university in the hope that it will welcome facultys efforts to unionize.

Penn State in a statement said it would review the petition when it is received.

Penn State deeply values the teaching, research, and service of our faculty, who play a critical role in fueling the success of our students and advancing our mission, the school said.

Faculty at the press conference said a union is needed.

As a teacher, I know that my working conditions are my students learning conditions, said Kate Ragon, an assistant clinical professor of labor and employment relations at University Park, Penn States main campus. We want a voice in the decision-making that affects us, affects our students, and affects our work.

The three other state-related universities in Pennsylvania  Temple, the University of Pittsburgh, and Lincoln  already have faculty unions. Temples has existed for more than 50 years, and its graduate student workers have been unionized for about 25 years. Lincolns formed in 1972. Pitts is more recent. It was established in 2021.

Faculty at Rutgers, New Jerseys flagship university, are unionized, too. So are the 10 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Faculty in the alliance have said they hope to secure better wages and benefits, job security protections, and a greater role in decision-making. When they announced plans to form a union last March, they said they wanted full and part-time, tenure, and nontenure faculty to be included as members and believed all campuses would be involved except for the medical school faculty at Hershey.
Laura A. Carlson got the permanent presidential post at the University of Delaware after serving serving in an interim role since July. Read more

The University of Delaware on Tuesday appointed Laura A. Carlson, who had been serving as interim president, to the permanent post, effective Jan. 1.

Carlson came to the school in 2022 as provost after spending 25 years at the University of Notre Dame. She stepped into the interim presidency in July after former president Dennis Assanis announced he was stepping down last June with less than two months notice.

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The university did not conduct a national search but rather engaged a consultant to help the school evaluate the qualities needed for the next president and assess Carlsons ability to fit the role.

Dr. Carlson has demonstrated a deep commitment to the advancement of our university and a clear passion for the success and wellbeing of our students, faculty, staff and alumni, Terri Kelly, board of trustees chair, said in a statement.

As provost, Carlson, whose specialty is psychology, expanded courses offered in winter and summer sessions to give students the ability to graduate more quickly and prioritized bringing ideas from faculty and staff to fruition, the university said.

Shes a cum laude graduate of Dartmouth, where she got her bachelors in psychology of language and obtained her masters from Michigan State University and her doctorate from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

I have fallen in love with UD, and I am deeply committed to its purpose and people, Carlson, 60, said in a statement. Together we can make the University of Delaware a place where we inquire with impact, create with connections, innovate with intention, grow with purpose, welcome with promise, educate with outcomes, work with trust, and belong with joy.
The interior Trung Nguyen Legend at 113-117 Washington Ave. in Philadelphia, Pa. The 5,000 square foot location is the Vietnamese coffee chain's largest franchise in the United States. Read more

The largest U.S. outpost of the popular Vietnamese coffee brand Trung Nguyen Legend is open in South Philly.

Packer Park residents Estelle Nguyen and husband Vandy Doopened their Trung Nguyen Legend franchise at 113-117 Washington Ave. late last month. The couple transformed a one-story cabinetry showroom into a 5,000-square-foot cafe with two floors and a year-round roof deck, where customers can sip on citrusy espresso tonics, frothy Vietnamese egg coffees, or strong phin pour-overs, paired with a small array of European pastries (macarons, eclairs, mille-feuille) delivered daily from an off-site bakery.

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Founded in 1996, Trung Nguyen is one of Vietnams largest coffee brands, known for turning robusta beans from the countrys Central Highlands region into a well-regarded line of ground and instant coffees sold internationally.

Not every Trung Nguyen coffee shop is as massive or luxurious  as the new Washington Avenue outpost. The chain operates 1,000 locations across Vietnam, China, and Europe, the majority of which are grab-and-go stores. Legend stores, however, are the brands version of a Starbucks Reserve, with more seating and higher-end touches like interactive coffee services.

Most of Trung Nguyens U.S locations are Legends. The first franchise opened in Southern California in 2023, with six outposts across Portland and Texas following soon after. Nguyen and Dos location is the only one on the East Coast, a fact Nguyen brags about.

I wanted to do something gorgeous, said Nguyen, 52.

Under her careful supervision, baristas at the first-floor counter crouch down to ensure that the amount of cold foam is level across matcha, sesame, and tiramisu lattes. Nguyen folds napkins printed with the Trung Nguyen logo into perfect equilateral triangles. As she greets customers, Nguyen promises tours of the rooftop lounge to people she hopes will become regulars.

Nguyen and Do, both Vietnamese, moved to Philadelphia in 2005 to become big-time entrepreneurs: Together, they own a South Philly daycare, a wedding planning business, and Asian Palace, a Chinese restaurant at 2001 Oregon Ave. that doubles as a banquet hall.

The Trung Nguyen franchise, Do said, is the couples first venture that pulls directly from their culture. Vietnam is the worlds second-largest coffee exporter, known for strong coffees brewed through phins, slow-drip coffee filters that help retain the heat and intensity of coffee grounds. The countrys coffee shop scene is also somewhat different; shops generally stay open past 10 p.m and gladly let customers linger.

Weve lived in Philly for over 20 years, said Nguyen. We didnt see any spot like this where you could hang out with coffee and dessert.

The final result is a Trung Nguyen unlike any other in the U.S. The couple paid a sum in the low six-figures to sign a franchise agreement in February 2024, Nguyen said, and invested significantly more to add a second-floor dining space to the former showroom.

The size was Nguyens idea, like most everything else in this Trung Nguyen. (Do, her husband, mostly nods in agreement while snapping photos of his wife at work.)

This is all me, honey, Nguyen said. I wanted a pop.

The space is decorated in tones of black, beige, and brown  Trung Nguyens signature colors  with grand couches and plush fabric chairs that Nguyen said she lobbied the company to include, breaking with their standard look.

A 17-foot tree covered in fake fuschia flowers looms over the main staircase. It was another of Nguyens visions: After spotting a barren tree on the side of a South Philly road, Nguyen had Do cut it down, the branches hanging out of his trunk on the drive home. She spent roughly a week gluing strands of flowers onto the salvaged tree. Its stump sits on the cafes patio, surrounded by a plant wall and a water fountain.

That, Nguyen said graciously, was her husbands idea.

Different coffees for different floors

South Phillys sprawling Trung Nguyen also offers a choose-your-own adventure element: Depending on which floor one visits, customers have the option to order coffee brewing experiments reminiscent of a high school chemistry class.

Its like playing with your coffee, Nguyen said.

All of the stores coffee beverages are made with Trung Nguyen-brand arabica and robusta beans  the latter of which is stronger with double the caffeine content. Baristas use both phins and a traditional espresso machine, depending on the order.

Though theres plenty of seating throughout, downstairs is mainly intended for to-go coffees. Customers can watch baristas prepare drinks with military precision. Nguyen said the most common orders thus far have been yuzu coffee  an espresso tonic spiked with fresh-pressed yuzu juice  and a matcha cloud with matcha-oat milk cold foam floated atop iced coconut water.

Open from 3 to 9 p.m. daily (hours are subject to change as Nguyen hires more staff), the upstairs is the only level where customers can order Trung Nguyens signature Zen, Ottoman, and Legend coffee services, all of which include a 20% gratuity.

Each service comes with percolating coffee thats been arranged on a tray with the appropriate phins or kettles for the customer to finish the process, along with finishing accoutrements like milk and sugar, and an amaretti cookie  Nguyens personal touch. QR codes display instructions on how to create the perfect pour.

Nguyens favorite service is the Legend. To get the perfect sip, customers must wait for grounds to finish passing through a phin before adding a thimble-sized serving of condensed milk to the brew and pouring the mixture over a glass of ice. Another option is the elaborate Ottoman service, a five-step process that involves transferring the coffee from a jug to a traditional Turkish ibrik to a petite teacup. The end result of this coffee theater tastes like a smoother, slightly bitter version of cafe con leche.

Also available on both floors: creamy Vietnamese egg coffee, which became Vietnams signature drink in the 1940s after bartenders in Hanoi started subbing milk for whipped eggs to cope with a dairy shortage. Trung Nguyens version comes blended with ginger to neutralize the smell of the egg; it goes down easy, in layers of frothy foam and slightly sweet coffee. Do recommends trying it upstairs, where the drink is served hot over a bowl of warm water in order to retain its temperature.

The concoction will run dine-in customers $8.34 for an 8-ounce cup. If they want to recreate the experience at home, they can purchase Trung Nguyen-branded products.

A lot of people told me I was crazy to sell $10 coffees and invest so much, said Nguyen. This is my big challenge.

Trung Nguyen Legend, 113-117 Washington Ave., 215-755-1953, trungnguyenlegendphilly.com. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily
Map by the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that multiple counties in South Jersey are in a moderate to severe drought. Read more

New Jersey is parched top to bottom.

In some regions, rainfall has plunged as much as eight inches below average for the past year, straining reservoirs, streams, and aquifers enough that the state Department of Environmental Protection has issued a drought warning  a notch shy of an emergency.

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As a result, officials are asking residents to voluntarily curtail water use. Should conditions deteriorate, officials may impose mandatory restrictions on certain uses of water, though such measures are rarely invoked.

DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said in a statement on Fridays announcement that there is an urgency of the need to conserve water.

The precipitation and water supply uncertainty weve experienced over the past year is a symptom of the impacts of climate change here in New Jersey, LaTourette said.

Its the second year the state is looking at a drought.

The last drought warning was issued in November 2024. That declaration came as firefighters had fought multiple simultaneous wildfires, one deadly, that broke out across the state amid dry, windy conditions.

 READ MORE: Multiple wildfires across N.J. leave one dead.

That warning was lifted in June following record rainfall for some parts of the state in May.

Up to 8 inches below normal

However, the state overall has experienced below-average precipitation for more than a year, officials said.

New Jersey officials cited data from the Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center operated by the National Weather Service.

That data shows that Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties are all running nearly four inches below average over the past 90 days.

Burlington County is running more than seven inches below normal for the past 365 days, and Camden County is running more than six inches below normal for the same period.

Northwestern New Jersey is running more than eight inches below normal over the past year.

Likewise, the U.S Drought Monitor, a partnership of the University of Nebraska-Lincolns National Drought Mitigation Center and multiple federal agencies, shows the South Jersey counties along the Delaware River in either a moderate or severe drought.

About 3.5 million residents of New Jersey live in a drought-impacted area.

Officials said recent rains have not made much difference, considering the size of the gap. Ocean County is one of the few areas of the state with near-normal precipitation levels.

An update on rainfall and drought data is expected Wednesday.

State officials use multiple sources to determine the impact of rainfall on water supplies. Those include reservoir levels, stream flows, and groundwater (aquifers).

South Jersey counties, such as Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem, rely primarily on groundwater but also use water from the Delaware River and other rivers and streams.

Drought indicators for groundwater levels in South Jersey are designated as extremely dry while precipitation and stream flows are severely dry.

Officials say the persistent dryness has resulted in observable stress across all specific indicators. Nearly all regions of the state are classified as being severely or extremely dry.

Pennsylvania is also dry. Last week, the Commonwealth Drought Task Force said 37 counties are under a drought watch, although none in Southeastern Pennsylvania. A drought watch means an area has received 25% less rain over three months than normal. It is the lowest of three levels of drought declarations in Pennsylvania.

How to conserve

In New Jersey, officials have issued some tips on conserving water, such as:
Vice President JD Vance (foreground) pumps his fist as President Donald Trump stands up following a cabinet meeting at the White House last week. Earlier, Trump had called Somalis in the U.S. "garbage" and claimed they "contribute nothing." Read more

Immigrants who waited for years, had taken classes, paid rising fees, passed background checks, and aced the new U.S. citizenship test, found themselves being pulled from the line last week before they could take the oath of allegiance at their naturalization ceremony.

Why? Because one individual from their home country (out of the 80,000 refugees who have been resettled in the U.S.) killed a National Guard member and gravely injured another. Or because 79 out of 260,000 people of the same descent are under investigation for defrauding social services. Or simply because their place of birth is one of the nations President Donald Trump has labeled shithole countries.

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If it wasnt obvious before, the administrations latest actions and hateful rhetoric make it abundantly clear that following the rules, personal merit, and character mean little.

In Trumps America, racial hierarchy is everything.

As Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy, largely credited with orchestrating the administrations immigration agenda, explained on X: This is the great lie of mass migration. You are not just importing individuals. You are importing societies from what he called failed states and broken homelands.

 READ MORE: Trump dismisses affordability concerns as he rakes in billions. Most Americans arent that lucky | Editorial

If you are an immigrant or even a naturalized citizen from a non-European country, you likely are included in those deemed non-compatible with Western Civilization, as Trump said in his Thanksgiving rant on Truth Social.

The president put it even more bluntly during his latest cabinet meeting, when he repeatedly characterized Somalis in the U.S. as garbage, said they contribute nothing, and that he doesnt want them in the country. Never mind that 84% of Somalis in the U.S. are citizens  39% of them native born and another 45% naturalized  whom the president is supposed to be serving, not reviling.

Unlike his first term, when experienced civil servants, the judicial and legislative branches, and even some cabinet members worked to shield the nations institutions from Trumps most unconstitutional and undemocratic proposals, the guardrails are down this time around, and the prejudice and bigotry are freely flowing.

Trumps mostly inexperienced and grossly incompetent cabinet members pumped their fists and cheered on his deranged rant about Somalis. Republican legislators have slowed or sought to derail investigations into Trumps actions. And while the lower courts are still upholding constitutionality, the U.S. Supreme Court has increasingly issued rulings in which the minority dissents warn about assaults on democracy and constitutional protections.

The high court has recently agreed to hear the administrations argument for repealing the 14th Amendments guarantee of citizenship to those born on U.S. soil  something Trump has been gunning for since his first term, but which was largely thought to be legally unwinnable. Still, as weve seen recently, even those things believed firmly anchored in our collective identities  that we are a country tied to respecting constitutional law, that we are a nation built by immigrants (both those who came voluntarily and involuntarily)  are less sacrosanct than we thought.

 READ MORE: Killing of suspected traffickers at sea was already abhorrent. Hegseth may have made it a war crime. | Editorial

And yet, as traditional institutional checks and balances waver, Trumps generational ruination tour may be derailed by those he once believed gave him carte blanche to do whatever he wanted to do: everyday Americans.

Approval for Trumps handling of immigration  one of the issues that contributed to his election victory  has fallen 9 percentage points (to 37%) since the first quarter of this year. The presidents overall approval rating of 36% is only 2 percentage points higher than his lowest ever, which he reached right after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol during his first term.

Everyday Americans made Kilmar Abrego Garcia a household name. Everyday Americans have formed the rapid response teams in cities where the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has deployed its unconstitutional immigration blitzes, webs, and crunches. Everyday Americans gather by the millions to declare they arent willing to live under kings or authoritarians.

As the year draws to a close, and those who believe in the rule of law face the challenges that will present themselves leading to the midterm elections, we need to remember that the American experiment depends on us.

Immigrant or native, only the people can save the people.
Donald Trump let us know exactly who he is when he rode down that escalator in June 2015, declared his presidential candidacy, and said this about Mexicans: Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists.

Weve heard him refer to Haiti, African nations, and El Salvador as shithole countries. Last year, he accused Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, of eating their neighbors dogs and cats. Trump allows mask-wearing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to terrorize undocumented immigrants, most recently in New Orleans, as reported by my colleague Will Bunch.

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No one should be surprised he called Somalis garbage who contribute nothing and should leave America during a cabinet meeting last week.

These are people that do nothing but complain, Trump said. When they come from hell, and they complain and do nothing but bitch, we dont want them in our country. Let them go back to where they came from and fix it.

Trump talks a really good game about putting America First, but he really means people of color last. An example of that was when he suspended refugee admissions, but then turned around and made an exception for white South Africans.

Even knowing Trumps agenda, its still upsetting to hear a sitting U.S. president denigrate the roughly 250,000 Somalis in this country.

Hes talking about law-abiding folks like Salma Hussein. She made headlines in 2022 when she became the first female Somali principal in her school district in suburban Minneapolis, and possibly in the entire state of Minnesota.

Hussein was born in Somalia, but has lived in America since the age of 7, and is a naturalized citizen. Shes a wife. Shes a mother of two. Shes a good person. Its really hurtful, and hes giving permission to people to be hateful, and thats really disheartening, Hussein said.

I stumbled across some of her social media posts about whats been happening and decided to reach out. When I got her on the phone last week, Hussein, 37, and I talked about a lot of things, including how a stranger had emailed her saying: Watch out. Youre not wanted. Were taking out the trash from our country.

I shouldnt even have to write this: Most Somalis are honest, law-abiding people. Many settled in Minnesota during the early 1990s after fleeing their war-torn country. Of the states foreign-born Somalis, most are naturalized U.S. citizens. They have every right to live in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. They vote. They pay taxes. Trump is their president, too. Some, oddly enough, even voted for him.

I wish theyd thought longer and harder before voting for Trump, who posted on Truth Social that Minnesota is a hub of fraudulent money laundering and announced he was terminating Somalis Temporary Protected Status.

Dozens of Somalis in Minnesota are facing charges in connection with a nefarious scheme to defraud the U.S. government of hundreds of millions in funding that had been set aside to feed hungry children at the height of the pandemic. Still, its unfair for a sitting U.S. president to stereotype an entire community for the actions of a subset. As a Somali American, Im just as upset about the people in my community who use fraud to make money, Hussein told me.

Somalis, who have built a large and influential enclave in Minnesota, are terrified that masked agents from ICE will take them into custody. Some have started carrying their passports. Others refuse to even leave their homes.

This kind of dangerous rhetoric and this level of dehumanizing can lead to dangerous actions by people who listen to the president, said Rep. Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.) on CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday.

Its textbook Trump  and, of course, MAGA loves it.

In New Orleans last week, Trump sicced ICE on undocumented Hispanic immigrants. At around the same time, his agents were also targeting Somalis in Minnesota.

Which ethnic minority Trump will single out next for harassment is anybodys guess. The only thing we can be certain of is that they will be from a Black or brown community.
The exterior of the South Philly rowhouse. Read more

Anyone walking along Ritner Street in South Philadelphia the pre-dawn hours on Thanksgiving morning would have come across one of the citys odder sights: People carrying turkeys lined up outside Cacias Bakery.

Each holiday, the bakery turns itself over to the South Philadelphia community and cooks their holiday birds for them. This is just one of the neighborhood quirks that drew Theresa Smith and her husband, Damian Potenzone, to the three-bedroom, two-bathroom rowhouse they bought in 2014.

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I loved the open brick, the open light pouring in, said Smith, who works as a consultant with a life sciences firm.

Potenzone, an IT specialist for a clothing retailer, liked the fact he could walk to work. And both were drawn to the plentiful green spaces, and South Philadelphias rich history and friendliness.

But now the couple, and their 8-year-old daughter, Marceline, have moved to nearby Dickinson Narrows because theres more room for her to grow, said Potenzone.

The house, which the couple thinks is about a century old, is 1,756 square feet. Neighborhood attractions include Guerin Recreation Center and Stephen Girard Park.

The first floor of the rowhouse has the kitchen, dining area, and living room. All bedrooms and bathrooms are on the second floor.

Potenzone said the finished basement, large for South Philadelphia, was really a draw.

The couple have upgraded major features, including a new sewer line, upper roof, heat pump, and dryer. There is a new stove, microwave, and refrigerator in the kitchen.

There are oak and walnut hardwood floors, and new carpeting on the stairs.

The basement has room for a home gym in addition to storage.

There is easy access to bus and subway routes.

The house is listed by Nancy Serpentine of Compass Realty for $399,000.
The Archdiocese of New York announced it is establishing a $300 million fund that it intends to use to pay for a global settlement of most of the 1,300 lawsuits it still faces from victims of clergy sexual abuse.

The announcement of the fund came in a letter from Cardinal Timothy Dolan on December 8 in which he also revealed that the victims-survivors committee has agreed to engage a mediator, retired Judge Daniel J. Buckley, to negotiate a global settlement. Buckley helped negotiate a global settlement with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and more than 1,000 victim-survivors, according to Dolan.

Dolan said the Roman Catholic archdiocese has made a series of very difficult financial decisions, including laying off staff, reducing its operating budget by 10%, and finalizing the sale of significant real estate assets, including the sale of the former archdiocesan headquarters on First Avenue in Manhattan earlier this year.

When completed, these transactions should net a total of more than $300 million in funds that can be set aside to provide compensation to survivors of sexual abuse, Dolan wrote.

Our goal has always been, and continues to be, to resolve expeditiously all meritorious claims, provide the maximum amount of compensation to the greatest number of victim-survivors, and help them heal and move forward, Dolan stated.

The church has also retained Proskauer Rose LLP and FTI Consulting as legal and financial advisors in the process.

Building Sale

Vanbarton Group, a privately owned real estate developer, said it acquired 1011 First Avenue for $103,000,000. The 20-story, nearly 400,000 square foot property has been the headquarters for the archdiocese since 1973 and was known as the Cardinal Terrence Cooke Center. Vanbarton plans to convert the building into a 26-story, 420-unit luxury residential property, which includes 105 affordable housing units, nearly 8,000 square feet of retail at the base, and over 55,000 square feet of amenities.

The global settlement approach follows a prior compensation program begun in 2016 that led to $65 million being paid to 323 abuse victims by 2019. That process was managed by Kenneth Feinberg.

The archdiocese began being flooded with additional complaints after New York enacted the Child Victims Act (VCA) in 2019 and the Adult Survivors Act in 2022, giving individuals with time-barred claims alleging sexual abuse more time to bring claims.

Jeff Anderson, an attorney for 300 claimants, told Reuters that the archdiocese agreed to negotiate settlements over the next few months to avoid trials that are slated to begin next year.

Insurer Stance

The archdiocese has been frustrated in its attempts to have its insurance carrier Chubb pay for claims. Despite accepting millions in premiums from the archdiocese, Chubb has steadfastly refused to honor the policies it issued, Dolan charged in his letter..

Chubb insurers have maintained that the alleged incidents of sex abuse do not trigger coverage because they were not accidents or occurrences caused by negligence but were instead the result of intentional, known or expected occurrences and thus fall outside of their policies. The Chubb insurers also allege that coverage is not available because the church has not cooperated with them in their efforts to assess the claims.

Chubb insurers have cited media reports, admissions by church leaders, investigations by 20 state attorneys general, and the underlying lawsuits themselves as evidence that the church knew about the sexual abuse of minors, failed to stop it, covered it up, and then lied about it.

A state appeals court sided with Chubb in April 2024.

Chubb and its affiliates issued more than 30 primary and excess general liability policies to the archdiocese from 1956 to 2003. Chubb has been defending the archdiocese in the VCA lawsuits under a full reservation of rights.

I once again ask forgiveness for the failing of those who betrayed the trust placed in them by failing to provide for the safety of our young people, Dolan said in his letter.

Dolan took the opportunity to report that Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Scarsdale, one of the parishes in the archdiocese most often named in sex abuse cases, has declared bankruptcy.

Father Stephen Ries, Immaculate Hearts pastor, in a letter to his parishioners, said the parish took this unfortunate but necessary step given the large number of cases arising from the Child Victims Act that allege sexual abuse by a now deceased former lay employee at our parish.

The parish filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Father Ries said that the parish has no plans to close and will maintain its full schedule of masses, parish ministries, programs, and activities.

Topics Claims New York
Beginning February 2, 2026, all claimants and lay witnesses testifying in virtual hearings before the New York State Workers Compensation Board will be required to appear and testify by video with their faces fully visible on screen, and not just by voice over a device, the board announced today.

Attorneys and legal representatives are already required to appear on video for all workers compensation board virtual hearings.

In explaining the reason for the new rule affecting claimants and lay witnesses, the board noted that while participants have the ability to appear by video using a computer or mobile device, many claimants and lay witnesses continue to appear by telephone, with no video connection.

Having all participants who testify at virtual hearings appear on video is crucially important. It allows everyone involved in the hearing to hear and see the other participants, and observe their demeanor, body language, and facial expressions, greatly aiding communication, stated the bulletin announcing the expanded rule.

The board introduced its state-of-the-art virtual hearings in 2018, allowing participants to attend workers compensation proceedings by video from their home or office. The technology enabled the board to continue to adjudicate claims during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, almost all workers compensation hearings continue to be virtual.

A claimants attorney or legal representative is responsible for ensuring that their client appears and testifies at a virtual hearing by video. Similarly, the party producing the lay witness and their attorney or legal representative are responsible for ensuring that their witness appears and testifies at a virtual hearing by video.

The announcement of the video requirement came one day after the board planned to close its virtual-only Allegany and New City locations. Noting that most of its activity remains virtual, the board said it is consolidating some of its smallest, low-activity locations.

Information about requesting an in-person hearing or appointment is available at NYS WCB Locations.

Source: New York State Workers Compensation Board

Topics Workers' Compensation New York
As the regulatory landscape around the delegated underwriting authority enterprise (DUAE) market evolves, global authorities have introduced stricter compliance measures, risk management expectations and governance frameworks. The increasing alignment with international regulatory standards highlights the trend toward enhanced oversight of DUAEsalthough application to DUAEs often remains indirect through carrier obligations.

The DUAE market, which includes managing general agents (MGAs), managing general underwriters, program managers and similar entities, plays a crucial role in the global insurance and reinsurance markets by enabling insurers to extend their market reach, increase underwriting flexibility and deliver niche expertise across geographies. As DUAEs continue to expand their influence in global insurance markets, alignment with international standards is not only a regulatory necessity but also a competitive advantage.

Despite regional differences, there are some common regulatory themes that have emerged:

Insurer responsibility: Delegation of underwriting authority does not diminish insurer obligations to regulators or policyholders.

Delegation of underwriting authority does not diminish insurer obligations to regulators or policyholders. Licensing and registration: The mature markets require DUAEs to be licensed, registered or otherwise formally recognized by their respective regulatory authorities in order to conduct underwriting activities.

The mature markets require DUAEs to be licensed, registered or otherwise formally recognized by their respective regulatory authorities in order to conduct underwriting activities. Solvency and risk management: Regulatory regimes are increasingly requiring solvency and operational risk management deliverables to DUAEs either directly or through carrier oversight.

Regulatory regimes are increasingly requiring solvency and operational risk management deliverables to DUAEs either directly or through carrier oversight. Consumer protections: The various authorities are mandating stronger controls to ensure fair treatment of policyholders by DUAEs, with complaint handling, disclosure and marketing standards, as well as protection of the clients personal information.

The various authorities are mandating stronger controls to ensure fair treatment of policyholders by DUAEs, with complaint handling, disclosure and marketing standards, as well as protection of the clients personal information. Auditability and reporting: Active regulatory frameworks frequently require insurers to audit DUAEs regularly, maintain transparent records and report material outsourcing arrangements to authorities.

Active regulatory frameworks frequently require insurers to audit DUAEs regularly, maintain transparent records and report material outsourcing arrangements to authorities. Alignment with international standards: Even where DUAE-specific regulations do not exist, supervisory frameworks often align with the IAIS-developed Insurance Core Principles, as well as Solvency II and Basel III to reinforce international comparability.

As DUAEs continue to expand their presence in the global insurance ecosystem, their role in enabling product innovation, geographic reach and operational efficiency has become increasingly vital. At the same time, some insurance company CEOs have begun to express concern over the rapid growth, noting that many new participants are less experienced in the market. Understanding the nuances of DUAE oversight remains critical for insurers, regulators and market participants alike.

From a perspective different from that of regulators, AM Bests Performance Assessment for DUAEs is designed to complement and serve as an independent, objective, non-credit opinion geared toward greater transparency in the DUAE sector. The Performance Assessment is globally applicable, and the assessment evaluates underwriting capabilities, governance and internal controls, financial condition, organizational talent and the span of the DUAEs depth and breadth of relationships in the market.

Regulators are making use of assessment reports on these entities as they provide hard-to-find information and high-level premium statistics. The Performance Assessment supports transparency in a growing sector alongside advancing regulatory efforts.

New DUAE Hubs Emerging

Emerging DUAE hubs are competing to become centers of excellence in delegated underwriting for their adjacent markets. For example, Singapore has emerged as a leading hub in Asia. Its revised Insurance Act (Cap. 142) (2003) places substantial emphasis on insurer accountability for DUAEs, coupled with strong requirements for financial and capital adequacy, consumer protection and risk management. Singapores regulatory approach promotes innovation in insurtech while safeguarding market conduct, positioning the city-state as a model for balancing regulatory discipline with entrepreneurial growth.

Miami continues to gain traction as a hub for MGAs as well  particular with a view to writing Latin American business. Many of the main reinsurance broking firms that operate in Latin America  whether local or international  have Miami offices, usually handling Latin American (Central America mainly) and Caribbean placements. Many of the MGAs based in Miami act as reinsurance intermediaries.

The United States remains the most mature DUAE market, and it has among the most developed frameworks for the oversight of DUAEs with a state-based approach to regulation. The role of Lloyds in the global insurance market and use of coverholders also has been cited as a driver of MGA growth in several global markets, including Australia and Belgium. Outside the U.S. and Lloyds, Europe represents a significant presence in the MGA space; however, insurance passporting rights do not automatically apply to DUAEs. Instead, access rights depend on the rules in force in the country issuing the license. This regulatory fragmentation between countries also applies in Latin America and limits the opportunity for seamless cross-border DUAE operations domiciled in the region.

Other regions are at various stages of regulatory development, but those jurisdictions in which regulation has been crafted to address the unique operation of DUAEs are generally among the largest and most sophisticated users of DUAEs and show the greatest potential for sustainable growth.

Demands on Carriers, DUAEs Growing

The DUAE market has seen capacity accelerate as it has attracted interest from providers such as the capital markets, the insurance-linked securities (ILS) market, fronting/collateral markets and private equity. As a result, managers now can harness a number of ways to access capacity. The sheer amount of available capacity in the market demands a correlated amount of due diligence in accessing and monitoring this capital.

Looking forward, several trends are starting to shape the evolution of DUAE regulation:

Digital transformation: Regulators will have to grapple with how to apply traditional supervision models to digital DUAEs, insurtechs and embedded insurance providers. Cybersecurity, data protection and operational resilience will be a focal point.

Regulators will have to grapple with how to apply traditional supervision models to digital DUAEs, insurtechs and embedded insurance providers. Cybersecurity, data protection and operational resilience will be a focal point. Cross-border consistency: There may be efforts to harmonize international supervision through IAIS, EIOPA and NAIC models. These efforts could reduce regulatory arbitrage opportunities and facilitate global scalability for DUAEs. Regulatory arbitrage is when financial institutions capitalize on differences between regulatory systems or jurisdictions for financial or operational gain.

There may be efforts to harmonize international supervision through IAIS, EIOPA and NAIC models. These efforts could reduce regulatory arbitrage opportunities and facilitate global scalability for DUAEs. Regulatory arbitrage is when financial institutions capitalize on differences between regulatory systems or jurisdictions for financial or operational gain. Increased scrutiny of delegated entities: This could lead to tougher audit, due diligence and contingency planning.

This could lead to tougher audit, due diligence and contingency planning. Innovation sandboxes: Some jurisdictions are offering regulatory sandboxes that allow digital-first DUAEs to innovate under a controlled environment, balancing supervision with market development.

Some jurisdictions are offering regulatory sandboxes that allow digital-first DUAEs to innovate under a controlled environment, balancing supervision with market development. Use of AI in underwriting and claims: DUAEs may increasingly be required to implement ethical governance frameworks to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance.

DUAEs may increasingly be required to implement ethical governance frameworks to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance. Disaster recovery and wind-up provisions: Regulators may require DUAEs to implement contingency planning, similar to insurer requirements.

As the regulatory environment evolves, the ability to assess DUAEs consistently and transparently will be essential to maintaining trust, mitigating risk and supporting sustainable growth in the delegated model.

Related:

Topics Legislation Insurance Wholesale
Newly created Swiss insurer Helvetia Baloise plans to cut up to 2,600 jobs in the coming years to boost profitability, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.

Switzerlands largest multi-line insurer, with a combined market cap of nearly 20 billion Swiss francs ($24.83 billion), aims to shed 2,000 to 2,600 positions by 2028, with 1,400 to 1,800 roles to be cut in its home market.

The cuts will mainly affect the group headquarters and local businesses in Switzerland and Germany. In Germany, 260 to 330 jobs are to be eliminated, the person said.

The Basel-based company employs around 22,000 people.

Helvetia, of St Gallen, and Basel-based Baloise completed their merger on Friday, after announcing the deal in April along with planned annual cost savings of 350 million Swiss francs, two-thirds of which would come from reducing personnel costs.

A Helvetia Baloise spokesperson confirmed the figures, saying there would also be redundancies, though numbers were not yet fixed. The group will rely on natural attrition, typically 7% to 8% of staff a year, as well ass early retirements.

Existing cost-cutting programs at both companies will continue alongside merger synergies.

Helvetia Baloise operates not only in Switzerland and Germany but also in France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Austria and Luxembourg.

($1 = 0.8054 Swiss francs)

(Reporting by Oliver Hirt, writing by John Revill, editing by Miranda Murray)
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Chubb and QBE.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Chubb Promotes Shead to Head of Property, Overseas General Insurance

Chubb announced that Aaron Shead has been appointed to executive vice president, head of Property, for Chubb Overseas General Insurance (COG), the companys international general insurance operations, effective immediately.

In his new role, Shead will oversee the growth and profitability of Chubbs fire, terrorism, power, and energy portfolios, and serve as the business leader for property major accounts.

Shead brings more than 25 years of insurance industry experience with Chubb, having held leadership positions across the UK, Asia, and Bermuda. He most recently served as head of Fire for COG.

Aarons appointment reflects both his outstanding track record and the confidence we have in his leadership to drive our property business forward, said Brian Church, division president, Property and Casualty, COG. His global experience, deep technical expertise, and commitment to our clients evolving needs position him perfectly to lead our team as we continue to deliver innovative solutions and sustainable growth.

***

QBE Taps AIGs Smallridge as UK Casualty Portfolio Manager

QBE announced the appointment of Sharon Smallridge as portfolio manager for its UK Casualty team.

Leading QBEs London major client portfolio for the UK Casualty team, Smallridge joins from commercial insurer AIG. Effective immediately, her role will be based out of QBEs London office.

Bringing over 35 years of insurance experience across claims and underwriting, Smallridge has spent the last 12 years in various senior roles, most recently as general liability manager.

The appointment is the second senior hire for QBEs UK Casualty team this year. In June, QBE announced that Adrian Browne would take on the role of director of Underwriting for UK Casualty following the retirement of Anna Bennett at the end 2025.

Were pleased to have Sharon join our UK Casualty team, where she will play an important role in our onward growth, especially across multinational. Sharons insurance track-record, industry connections and extensive market knowledge means she is a great fit for QBE, commented Adrian Browne, incoming QBE director of Underwriting for UK Casualty.

QBE European Operations, which is part of QBE Insurance Group, offers a range of insurance products from the standard suite of property, casualty and motor to the specialist financial lines, marine and energy.

Topics Property Casualty AIG
A new report from Verisk has found that property insurance claims volume during the third quarter 2025 was the lowest it has been in the past five years but claims severity during the period was one of the highest in recent history.

According to Verisks Q4 2025 Quarterly Property Report, claims were down nearly 30% in North America compared with third quarter 2024, thanks to reduced catastrophe activity. However, catastrophe and non-cat claims each saw much lower numbers this year compared to the last.

The insurance industry recorded just over one million claim assignments in Q3. As of teh end of Q3, the industry has handled about 3.5 million claims from North America, which is the second-lowest in five years. The last quarter of the year tends to account for 20%-25% of annual claim volume.

2025 is on track to be the lowest volume year in recent history, yet cost management remains critical as severity trends continue upward, Verisk said in the report.

Initial findings on average claim severity during Q3 2025 find it down 3.3% to $16,755 but, after maturation adjustments, Verisk expects the average claim severity to be between about $17,260 and $18,430.

Since October 2024, the cost of labor and materials at October 2025 was up 3.8% in the U.S. and up 2.7% in Canada. In the 12 months from October 2024 to October 2025, labor costs have risen nearly 4.5% in the U.S. and about 3.8% in Canada. The average quarterly increase in the U.S. has been 1.1%.

Looking at the cost of materials, costs increased about 2.2% from October 2024 to October 2025 in the U.S., said Verisk.

Photo: A tree lays on a house in Dorr, Michigan after a storm on May 16, 2025. (Neil Blake /The Grand Rapids Press via AP)

Topics Claims Property Numbers
Four surety companiesChubb, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual and Travelersannounced the launch of a technology company that will feature a shared digital infrastructure to advance the surety industry.

According to a brief media statement, the formation of SuretyBind, LLC, will initially focus on two initiatives:

Creating a data transmission platform that connects sureties, brokers, and other market participants to eliminate duplicative data entry, improving efficiency and data quality.

Providing leadership and technology to drive digital bond execution, which will streamline the bond process for all parties, improve bond verification, and reduce fraud.

A representative of SuretyBind confirmed that the four sureties have provided the funding, participating as co-owners of the technology company. While they will not be providing any personnel to the technology company, they will also participate in an advisory capacity, sharing their vision for the transmission platform.

Ultimately, they will also be platform users when SuretyBind starts to offer services.

The technology company expects to begin offering its services in 2027.

In the joint statement, Teresa Black, Chubbs division president, North America Surety; Rick Ciullo, head of Global Specialtys U.S. retail businesses for The Hartford; Tim Mikolajewski, executive vice president, Global Risk Solutions and president of Liberty Mutual Surety; and Bryce Grissom, senior vice president and head of surety at Travelers said: As longtime participants in the surety industry, we see this is an opportunity for technology to play a role in improving the processes and delivery of surety products to end customers. SuretyBind stands to serve the interests of all stakeholders by driving industry innovation.

Participation in SuretyBind will be open to all sureties and brokers in the U.S. surety market.

All SuretyBind activities are conducted under strict antitrust supervision, the announcement said.

The media statement offered an email contact for inquiries: info@suretybind.com.

Source: SuretyBind

Topics InsurTech Tech
Less than a year after President Donald Trump banned new wind projects, a federal judge ruled the presidents executive order was illegal.

US District Judge Patti Saris said Monday the order is arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law, siding with more than a dozen US states and a clean energy group that had challenged it.

The presidents directive  issued in January, hours after he returned to the White House for a second term  effectively halted federal approvals of wind farms on land and sea pending a federal review. The order froze dozens of clean energy projects, including massive installations planned off the Eastern seaboard. Developers warned of job impacts and billions of dollars in lost investments.

Trumps campaign against renewables  and offshore wind, in particular  has whipsawed industries boosted by former President Joe Biden. Whereas Biden pushed to green US electric grids, Trump has moved to prop up traditional fuels, including natural gas, coal and nuclear that are capable of providing round-the-clock power at a time of surging electric demand from data centers.

At the time, Trump said the executive order was necessary to address legal deficiencies in the governments approval of both off and onshore wind projects. His administration has said in court filings it may revoke permits for several offshore wind projects from Massachusetts to Maryland.

Under Joe Bidens Green New Scam, offshore wind projects were given unfair, preferential treatment while the rest of the energy industry was hindered by burdensome regulations, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said Monday in a statement.

Meanwhile, environmental groups hailed the courts ruling as a win for customers, union workers, businesses and the environment.

The administration should use this as a wake up call, stop its illegal actions and get out of the way of the expansion of renewable energy, said Kit Kennedy, managing director of power, climate and energy at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Still the court decision may be no more than just a symbolic victory for the wind industry. Theres nothing compelling the administration to issue new leases or approvals for wind projects, including offshore wind farms it has moved to block.

We view the ruling as positive for offshore wind proponents, but we are not convinced the decision sufficiently supplants the actions the Trump Administration has taken to constrain offshore wind, ClearView Energy Partners said in a note Tuesday. We are skeptical that this loss in court can inspire the Administration to change its oppositional posture.

Photo: Wind turbines in Rio Vista, California. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Legislation
About 5 a.m. on Sept. 29, 2024, an employee at the Bio-Lab chemical warehouse outside Atlanta heard a popping sound, a tell-tale sign that stored chemicals had come in contact with water and were reacting.

Within 90 minutes, the huge warehouse was ablaze, setting off explosions and the release of a black, toxic cloud that forced the evacuation of 17,000 people and the closure of hundreds of businesses in and around Conyers, Georgia.

Verlan Fire Insurance Co., a subsidiary of Hanover Insurance Group, paid a $20 million claim brought by Diversitech, an air-conditioning manufacturer and supplier that had an operation about a mile from the Bio-Lab site and which was damaged by the soot and debris. Now, Verlan has filed a subrogation lawsuit in federal court against Bio-Lab and its parent company, seeking recovery of the paid indemnity and the HVAC firms $100,000 deductible.

This type of fire, explosion, and toxic chemical plume does not occur without Defendants negligence, reads the Verlan complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in North Georgia.

Bio-Lab and its parent and affiliated companies, KIK International and KIK Consumer Products, which produced swimming-pool chemicals, have not yet filed an answer to the suit, which is one of multiple civil actions filed by residents, businesses and by Rockdale County, Georgia, where the warehouse was built.

The complaint, filed by Verlan attorneys with the Fox, Chandler, Hicks, McKinnon & Cassert law firm, paints a grim picture of Bio-Labs operations, storage practices, and alleged negligence in fire-suppression systems, and the suit may provide guideposts to other high-risk manufacturers and insurers on safe operations:

The Conyers warehouse, built in 1973 with an addition in 2019, has a history of fires, including a 2004 fire that injured several people and sent a toxic plume over the area; a 2016 fire in a storage shed; a 2020 chemical reaction and fire that closed highways in the county; a trailer fire four days later that reportedly released toxins. Another Bio-Lab facility in Westlake, Louisiana, in 2020 caught fire when rain from Hurricane Laura reacted with chemicals, the suit alleges.

The 275,000-square-foot facility stored chlorinating and sanitizing agents, including trichloroisocynuric acid (TCCA), compounds that are highly reactive when exposed to water. The reaction with a limited amount of water can cause fires and the release of toxic fumes, the lawsuit notes. The warehouse stored almost 14 million pounds of reactive oxiders  twice as much as Bio-Lab had told authorities would be stored there, the suit contends. Almost 3 million pounds were kept outside a firewall-protected area, investigations found.

Despite the huge quantities of water-reactive chemicals, the warehouse did not have an adequate fire-protection system, nor did it conform to hazardous materials standards. At all relevant times, Defendants knew of the amount of dangerous and toxic chemicals at the Conyers Plant and failed to take adequate precautions to ensure these chemicals were handled and stored safely and to prevent dangerous chemical reactions, the complaint reads.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration in April of this year fined the chemical firms $61,473 for serious safety violations related to the fire. An investigation by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board is continuing, but a preliminary final report can be seen here.

Photo: The fire at the Bio-Lab facility in Conyers. (Ben Gray/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

Related: Cleanup Begins After Chemical Plant Forced Evacuations Near Atlanta

Georgia County to Sue Bio-Lab Over Fire

Bio-Lab Decides Not to Rebuild Plant

Topics Lawsuits Georgia
The number of calls being received by the Department of Agricultures confidential animal welfare helpline is on the rise, according to figures given to Cork North Central, Fianna Fail TD Padraig O'Sullivan by agriculture minister Martin Heydon.

A total of 8,836 calls were received in the period from 2020, with a record 2,040 calls being recorded for the 10-month period up to the end of October this year, compared with 2,210 for all of 2024.

There were 1,609 calls in 2023 and 1,251 in 2022. The numbers for each of the two previous years were much lower, at 880 and 846.

Deputy OSullivan also asked the minister for the number of calls which prompted investigations and the number of staff working in the departments animal welfare unit.

He also sought details on the level of co-ordination between the department, the Gardai, and local authorities, his views on whether the current arrangements are effective and if animal welfare charities are carrying an undue share of the responsibility.

Minister Heydon said he was committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. All reports of alleged animal cruelty or neglect received by the department are investigated.

The department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Siochana, customs agents, local authorities, and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.

He said the department keeps the Act under review considering key developments in the areas of animal welfare, the law and having regard to the practical lessons learned from operating the legislation.

About 1,000 staff within the department have been designated as authorised officers under the Act. A large number are based in Regional Veterinary Offices, providing nationwide coverage.

I do not comment on individual cases, however, if members of the public are aware of any cases of suspected abuse or neglect, they can contact my department's animal welfare helpline, he said.
There have been mixed reactions surrounding the news of a nitrates derogation extension being granted by the Nitrates Committee.

Irish Farmers Association (IFA)

IFA president Francie Gorman said the positive vote to extend the nitrates derogation for three years would be a relief to farmers, but a longer-term solution was needed.

This outcome is not an opt out from the nitrates directive as some like to portray it. Higher stocking rates are provided for under Annex 3 of the EU Nitrates Directive, and those who apply annually for permission to operate at higher stocking rates will have to implement many additional measures, he said.

Mr Gorman went on to say the vote in favour of the extensions recognises Irelands grass-based system, and comes after a concerted campaign across the sector to convince the EU Commission that the relentless focus on water quality across the sector was bringing about improvements.

I would like to acknowledge the commitment shown by the Government and the minister for agriculture to secure todays outcome. I would also acknowledge the support of opposition politicians, the co-ops and other rural businesses. This was a national effort supported by those who realise the importance of farming to the rural economy, he said.

Commenting from Brussels, IFA dairy chair Martin McElearney said the vote followed an extensive consultation process on the draft 6th Nitrates Action Programme, which proposes new measures aimed at advancing farmers ongoing efforts to enhance water quality. However, he cautioned challenges remained.

How the appropriate assessment process will be applied is very much an unknown and is a potentially serious concern for farmers. It brings a new challenge for the sector.

Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA)

The president of ICMSA, Denis Drennan, welcomed the decision as a sensible and proper recognition of our unique grass-based system, as well as the economic and social importance of the family farm model that still applies in Ireland.

However, he said big challenges lie ahead, some of which will have to be dealt with by farmers and the industry, some by Government, and others by the EU.

From a farmer's perspective, the very strong focus of farmers on improving water quality needs to be maintained and accelerated. Farmers have made huge strides and investments in this area over the last number of years, and this needs to be continued. ICMSA firmly believes that farmers will continue to play their part, said Mr Drennan.

He said the government must ensure the requirements imposed by the Habitats Directive were fair and reasonable for farmers. He also warned farmers were not to be made the fall guys for past failures of the Government in terms of the directive implementation.

The Government must also provide the necessary funding so that all applications for TAMS grants for slurry storage are approved, and that the planning exemption is introduced immediately and works for farmers. Its also critical that the Government works to deliver longer-term security to derogation farmers.

Turning to what was required from the EU Commission, Mr Drennan said what he called The Myth of Simplification that the EU had been trumpeting in recent years had to be discarded and a radical and real simplification and updating programme needed to be introduced as soon as possible.

The decision today is welcome but the Government must now move to implement the other measures outlined so that we can meet the big challenges that already loom up in front of us as we continue to work to protect our unique environment and our family farm model, he said.

An Taisce

Head of advocacy for An Taisce Dr Elaine McGoff called the decision in favour of the extension shocking.

This derogation decision is actually shocking. Decisions like this are meant to be based on science, but the evidence clearly shows Ireland has a serious water pollution problem that isnt getting any better, caused largely by agricultural nitrogen.

"Recent EPA data on water quality is unambiguous. We are going backwards. There are fewer waterbodies in good ecological status now than there were three years ago. Simply put, those with responsibility in Ireland have not been holding up their end of the bargain and just keep pushing out the day of reckoning, she said.

An Taisce called the extension a bad day for Irish waterbodies, and for everyone who relied on clean quality water in Ireland.

An Taisce has consistently called on the European Commission to remove the derogation from Ireland, which is now the only European state relying on a derogation.

I think its valid to question if this decision is even good for derogation farmers who, in three years time, will once again find themselves on this economic cliff edge, wholly dependent on the European Commission granting Ireland a derogation.

"This is a very risky business model, particularly given the current state of our water quality in Ireland. In their derogation decision, the European Commission seem to be very clearly indicating that this derogation is on borrowed time.

Ms McGoff has called on the Government to take the next three years to put together a plan to transition farmers away from their reliance on a derogation.

Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS)

ICOS president Edward Carr welcomes the news of the extensions, saying it is vital for both generational renewal and Irelands family farm model.

In particular, I would like to acknowledge the positive role played by farmers on the ground and their co-ops. The work being done by farmers and supported by their co-ops on water quality has been crucial to securing todays outcome.

Mr Carr added: The derogation isnt a licence to breach rules, its actually quite the opposite, in fact, with additional compliance and requirements. A derogation is granted under the Nitrates Directive specifically to countries with outdoor grazing systems and long growing seasons. It is in recognition of the positive environmental and welfare status of our grass-based production model.

ICOS remains wary of how farmers are going to have to comply with the Habitats Directive, demanding a well thought-out plan must be made public and implemented over several years that protects the future of rural Ireland.

In the long term, we need to ensure we have a workable derogation that will deliver certainty and clarity for farmers, for the next generation of farmers and the dairy co-operative sector, Mr Carr said.
Fiction

Camarade, Theo Dorgan

Equally at home with prose as he is with poetry, the distinguished Cork writers latest novel, from the city publishing house Mercier, was recently named on the longlist for the prestigious Dublin Literary Award. Set between Paris and Cork, the philosophical thriller follows an Irish exile in the French capital city who is forced to confront a violent act in his past when he begins writing his memoir.

Confessions, Catherine Airey

The English author returned to her ancestral home of west Cork to write this ambitious and accomplished novel, featuring the alternating narratives of two Donegal sisters Maire and Roisin and the generations that come after. It opens in New York on 9/11, as teenager Cora, in the middle of an acid trip, realises that her Irish father will not be returning home from his job at the World Trade Center.

The Language of Remembering, Patrick Holloway

There will be plenty of resonances for Cork readers in this powerful debut novel set in the seaside village of Crosshaven, which is also where the author grew up. Oisin returns from Brazil with his wife and daughter, looking to rebuild a life in Ireland and reconnect with his mother, Brigid, who has early onset Alzheimers. As her condition progresses, she begins to speak Irish, the language of her youth, and reflect on her childhood.

Writers Anonymous, William Wall

The prolific Cork writer returns with the compelling story of an acclaimed writer who must face up to a story he has kept secret his whole life. Jim Winter sets up an online writers group during the pandemic, and finds himself drawn into a tangled web of fear and deceit.

The Bridge to Always, Lynda Marron

In the follow-up to her successful debut novel, Last Chance in Paris, the Bishopstown writer explores identity, family and belonging, in a novel inspired by her own move from Dublin to Cork as a young child. Maeve Gaffney relocates to a small West Cork town to in pursuit of her lost love and secret father of her daughter. The fact that hes married is only the start of it.

Fair Play, Louise Hegarty

The Glanmire writer scored a big critical success with this ambitious novel paying homage to the golden age of detective fiction, and just as in those mysteries, all is not as it first appears on the surface, as the all too real spectres of grief and delusion rear their head.

Blood Red Sky, Sara Cullen

As a student in Carrigaline Community School, Cullen developed a strong interest in social justice, corresponding with an inmate on Death Row and going on to work as a guidance counsellor in Scotland. Her debut novel is about a teenage boy who is arrested after his school catches fire, and aims to highlight the challenges faced by children who have been in care.

Crime/thriller

Burn After Reading, Catherine Ryan Howard

The Cork author is one of the best in the business and she strikes again in this fiendishly plotted thriller. Emily Joyce is struggling to deliver her second book and is persuaded to write the memoirs of a suspected killer. She doesnt know who she can trust as the suspense builds to a fiery conclusion in Florida.

The Seventh Body, Catherine Kirwan

The Waterford native and solicitor has become an expert at excavating the seamier side of her adopted home of Cork in her addictive crime series featuring legal eagle Finn Fitzpatrick. This standalone book featuring new protagonist Detective Garda Alice McCann takes the concept literally, with a cold case inspired by the real-life discovery of skeletal remains in the citys historic core at Barrack St.

The Dark Hours, Amy Jordan

Another detective at work in Cork, this time retired garda Julia Harte who is uprooted from her reclusive existence in a coastal village when a copycat killer strikes and she is called back to active duty.

It Should Have Been You, Andrea Mara

It was a great year for the Mallow-born writer, with a big-budget screen adaptation of her hit book All Her Fault and a win at the An Post Irish Book Awards for It Should Have Been You. Mara comes up with another ingenious yet everyday premise  Susan triggers a series of unfortunate events when she accidentally posts a message for her sister on a neighbourhood WhatsApp group. Could happen to any of us Some of This is True, Michelle McDonagh The Blarney-based writer keeps it local in her third novel. A young American women in search of her father in Ireland is found dead near the famous Blarney Castle. When her mother travels over to investigate, the accusations and recriminations begin.

History/biography

Mary MacSwiney, Leeann Lane

In writing about the life of this remarkable but overlooked Corkwoman, historian Leeann Lane has performed a great service. A meticulously researched and engrossing portrait of the Republican activist, suffragette and educational pioneer.

West Cork at War, The Forgotten Guerrilla Campaign, 1922, Anthony Barrett

It may be receding in the public memory but the civil war still casts a long shadow on our history. Using contemporary sources and first-hand accounts, many only recently made available, this book by engineer and local historian Anthony Barrett looks at the conflicts impact in West Cork, when former comrades and family members were pitted against each other in the fight to establish the Irish Republic.

This is the Mizen, John DAlton

The long-time Schull resident and former press photographer shines a light on a region he says has often been obscured by myth and romanticisation. He uncovers overlooked aspects of the regions history, from prehistoric structures and medieval trade to famine-era injustices. The book also includes many images of the areas beautiful and unique landscape.

Dynasty, Matt Cooper

A fascinating look at the story behind the Irish retail chain, which began when Ben Dunne Snr opened his first shop on Patricks St in Cork. Drama, intrigue, business deals and drug busts, delivered with aplomb by the Cork broadcaster, this book has it all.

Social history

Thirty Years of Change Through Womens Eyes: Ireland 1993-2023, Ide B OCarroll

It has been a busy year for Cork University Press, which has been celebrating 100 years in existence this year. This publication features interviews conducted by social researcher OCarroll with a selection of Irish women 30 years apart, capturing the societal changes they have witnessed from labour force participation to abortion legislation

The Irish Pub, edited by Moon Young Hong and Perry Share

Another one from the slate of Cork University Press, this looks at how the Irish pub become a global symbol of Irishness, occupying a central position in our culture. Corks contribution comes from Tom Spalding and Gwen Scarbrough who showcase local institutions such as Callanans, The Castle Inn, Cissie Youngs, The Long Valley and the late lamented Sextant.

The Horgan Brothers, Darina Clancy

After making a TG4 documentary about the pioneering photographer brothers from Youghal, Clancy couldnt let go of their story, and decided to compile this selection of their ground-breaking pictures. A precious glimpse into an Ireland that was disappearing even as they captured it on film.

Architecture/Design

Designed for Life, Architecture and design in Cork city. 1900-90, Tom Spalding

Tom Spalding, author. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

An impressive exploration of Corks built history, an under-researched area and one that becomes increasingly important as we realise what can be lost or destroyed in the name of progress.

The Hill Architects: A Cork Architectural Dynasty, 1827-1951, Dagmar O Riain-Raedel and Richard Wood

This beautifully illustrated publication showcases the work of the Hill architects who across three generations were responsible for much of Corks notable architecture, from the Crawford Art Gallery to faculty buildings in UCC and the Munster and Leinster (now AIB) on South Mall.

Memoir

All Roads Lead to Where You Are: From Bishopstown to the Beatles, Joe Philpott

Jump on board for a rollicking ride through the ups and downs of rock 'n roll with the former member of Cork band Rubyhorse. The boys from Spioraid Naoimh went from doing soundchecks in Sir Henrys in their school uniforms to signing with the same label as Dr Dre and Eminem and having George Harrison play on one of their tracks but the big time proved to be just out of reach.

Seized, Aida Austin

The former Irish Examiner columnist, based in West Cork, is a wonderful writer with a gift for capturing the profound in the everyday. Both come together beautifully in this powerful and affecting story of a family coping with life-altering illness and adversity.

Sport

Gallant Old Blues, Mick Finn, Plunkett Carter, Donal Murray and Donal Whooley

Celebrating 150 years of St Finbarrs, known to all as the Barrs, the most successful dual club in GAA history, there will be many memories evoked in the pages of this book, for members and GAA fans across all clubs.

More Than a Game, Michael Moynihan

Following on from his previous bestselling book GAAconomics, which looked at money in the GAA, the Cork author and Irish Examiner columnist explores where the organisation is heading in the ever encroaching era of professionalism and a rapidly changing society.

The Brave and the Faithful: Celebrating Fifteen Years of Munster Rugby 20102025, Ivan ORiordan

With a foreword by Munster legend Paul OConnell, this book relives the highlights of the provinces battles on the rugby pitch in the last 15 years.

Younger readers

Disaster Dad: Fun Day Fiasco, Donncha OCallaghan and Karen Owen, illustrated by Jenny Taylor

Donncha O'Callahan with his Disaster Dad, Fun Day Fiasco book.

A man who displayed his talents many times for Munster, OCallaghan continues to entertain and delight his younger fans off the pitch with his hapless dads adventures. Chaos ensues as Dad desperately tries to outdo his rival at fun day.

Millie McCarthy and the Haunted House HullaBOOLoo, Leona Forde, illustrated by Karen Harte

Another instalment in the hugely popular series from the childrens author and teacher from Bandon. Milly dials up the scares at her schools Halloween fundraiser, except as usual, things dont quite go to plan

The Midnight House, Eibhlis Carcione

The Cork writer and poet is making a name for herself in the realm of middle-grade fiction and follows up her previous books Welcome to Dead Town, Raven McKay and Black Gables with the story of Clarabelle Graves who dreams of owning a special dolls house. But what will happen if her dream comes true?

Poetry After Party, Dean Browne

The Cork-based poet has been heralded as a resonant new voice, something which has been borne out in this debut collection, acclaimed for its maturity and style.

Chic to be Sad, Molly Twomey

The young poet, originally from Lismore, Co Waterford and now living in Cork, already has a raft of accolades to her name. In her second collection, she continues to write honestly and fearlessly on topics from the housing crisis to the destruction of her family home in a fire.

Neanderthal Boy, Colm Scully

Colm Scully with his poetry collection, Neanderthal Boy, at Cork City Library on Thursday, September 25 at 6.30pm

A labour of love, 11 years in the making, the Douglas residents second collection intertwines the past and present through voices from history including Oliver Cromwell and Terence MacSwiney.
The EU has opened an investigation to assess whether Google is breaching European competition rules in its use of online content from publishers and YouTube creators for artificial intelligence (AI).

The European Commission said it will examine whether the US tech company, which runs the Gemini AI model and is owned by Alphabet, is putting rival AI owners at a disadvantage.

The investigation will notably examine whether Google is distorting competition by imposing unfair terms and conditions on publishers and content creators, or by granting itself privileged access to such content, thereby placing developers of rival AI models at a disadvantage, the commission said.

It said it is concerned that Google may have used content from web publishers to generate AI-powered services on its search results pages without appropriate compensation to publishers and without offering them the possibility to refuse such use of their content.

The commission said it is also concerned that Google has used content uploaded to YouTube to train its own generative AI models without offering creators compensation or the option to refuse.

YouTube content

Content creators uploading videos on YouTube have an obligation to grant Google permission to use their data for different purposes, including for training generative AI models, the commission said.

Google does not pay YouTube content creators for their content, nor does it allow them to upload their content on YouTube without allowing Google to use such data, it said. The commission noted that rival developers of AI models are barred by YouTube policies from using YouTube content to train their own AI models.

Google-owned YouTube says its terms and conditions allow Google to use creators work for making AI models.

In September, YouTube said: We use content uploaded to YouTube to improve the product experience for creators and viewers across YouTube and Google, including through machine learning and AI applications.

The EUs competition chief, Teresa Ribera, said: AI is bringing remarkable innovation and many benefits for people and businesses across Europe, but this progress cannot come at the expense of the principles at the heart of our societies.

A spokesperson for Google said: This complaint risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever.

Europeans deserve to benefit from the latest technologies and we will continue to work closely with the news and creative industries as they transition to the AI era.

Previous probes of Big Tech

The EUs investigation is the latest in a series of challenges to US big tech companies in recent years.

In September, EU regulators issued a fine of almost 3bn against Google, claiming that it favoured its own digital advertising services over rivals. Donald Trump said the fine was discriminatory.

Elon Musks social media company X, formerly known as Twitter, was fined 120m by EU tech regulators last week for breaching online content rules.

The breaches included what the EU said was a deceptive blue tick verification badge given to users and the lack of transparency of the platforms advertising.

The fine also attracted criticism from US officials, including the secretary of state Marco Rubio, who wrote on X that the fine was an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments.

The European Commission opened an investigation earlier this year into Meta over its roll-out of AI features on WhatsApp, its messaging platform. Last year it fined Meta 798m for abusive practices benefiting Facebook Marketplace.

In 2024, Apple lost a fight against an order by EU competition regulators to pay 13bn in back taxes to Ireland.

Last month, the head of Googles parent company said people should not blindly trust everything AI tools tell them.

Sundar Pichai, the chief executive of Alphabet, said AI models were prone to errors and urged people to use them alongside other tools. He also warned that no company would be immune if the AI bubble burst.

The Guardian
The community of Edenderry is to publicly protest the scourge of drugs in its midst, as gardai probe whether little Tadhg Farrell and his grandaunt Mary Holt were killed in a reprisal attack over a recent prison row.

The probe into the deaths of the four-year-old boy and 60-year-old Ms Holt in an arson attack at a house in Castleview Park in the Offaly community continued last night, as Taoiseach Micheal Martin vowed those responsible would be held to account.

The attack has been linked to an organised crime gang believed to be involved in the drugs trade in the Midlands.

This is a savage, callous, and reckless attack on a family home that has led to their death, said Mr Martin. The level of inhumanity is difficult to comprehend. This violence will stop in our society."

No funeral arrangements had been published for Ms Holt or her grandnephew last night. Her sister Pauline, Tadhgs grandmother, remained seriously ill in hospital yesterday.

It is understood all three were in a downstairs room when a petrol bomb was thrown at the house at around 7.30pm on Saturday evening. It is understood that the house had been targeted previously. The dead woman worked nearby in a care home.

A local soccer club, Derry Rovers, has organised a walk of light against drugs for tomorrow night at 8pm.

A club statement on social media said: A black cloud has fell on our community and we are asking to come and walk with us in Brian's Park running track. Join us as we light the night for our community and stand together.

"Every candle, every step and every voice matters. Walk with us and stand united.

It has emerged that investigations will include looking at whether a row between two inmates at the Midlands Prison in recent days was a possible motive for the horror attack. Prison sources confirmed the incident involving two men with links to Edenderry occurred last week. Minor injuries were suffered in the incident.

The Taoiseach said society and the country is numbed and shocked at this level of savage violence, noting that this is not the first attack where the use of an accelerant appears to be the key weapon.

The scene of the house fire in Edenderry. Picture: Aisling Hyland/PA

He noted that justice minister Jim OCallaghan is determined to stop attacks using accelerants, and it will be discussed at Cabinet level in the future.

Mr OCallaghan said if a link to an organised crime gang involved in drugs is proven correct, it just confirms that drugs are destroying societies and people who get involved in drugs need to know that they will wreak devastation, not just on themselves, but on those close to them and families in the area."

Gardai appealed to anyone who was in the vicinity of Castleview Park or adjoining roads between 7pm and 8pm on Saturday, or who was driving in the area and may have dashcam footage, to contact the incident room at Tullamore garda station on 057 932 7600.
A High Court judge has comprehensively rejected claims by jailed schoolteacher Enoch Burke that there were "errors " in an earlier judgment jailing him over his repeated trespass on Wilson's Hospital School in Westmeath where he was once employed.

Mr Justice Brian Cregan also reminded Enoch Burke, who joined the High Court by video link from Mountjoy Prison that he has the "keys to his own prison" and he only "has to give an undertaking that he will obey court orders  like every other citizen in the country".

The judge added: "The idea that Mr Burke is being imprisoned because of his religious beliefs is nonsense. This court does not imprison people for their religious beliefs. Mr Burke is being imprisoned because he is trespassing on other people's property. No more. No less."

Removal of Burke family members

Members of Mr Burke's family  his mother Martina and siblings Ammi and Isaac  were physically removed by gardai from the High Court on Tuesday when Mr Justice Brian Cregan told them they could not be present due to their repeated disruptive behaviour at past hearings.

The judge then rose to give the gardai an opportunity to remove them without further disruption to the court.

The trio had arrived earlier sat in the front bench, usually reserved for senior barristers, while Enoch was in picture online from Mountjoy Prison in what appeared to be a boardroom with a long table.

Isaac was pulled out of the seat first by a garda and then lifted bodily with one garda holding his legs and the other under his arms.

Martina and Ammi continued to stay sitting, and despite repeated requests by a garda sergeant to leave, they refused and repeatedly said they had a constitutional right to be in the courtroom.

They refused to leave and Ammi was the first to be pulled out and her mother followed surrounded by gardai. Ammi eventually had to be pulled out the door.

Mr Burke remained online even after the judge had given his judgement but interrupted again when the court resumed to continue other business. The judge ordered he be muted, and at that stage he picked up his belongings from the table he was sitting at and left the screen.

Written judgement

In his written judgement, Mr Justice Cregan said Mr Burke is in prison because he has breached a court order not to trespass on school property. "He is not in prison because of his views on transgenderism which he is fully entitled to have".

He would be released if he purged his contempt, he said, and must give an undertaking to the court not to trespass again although the issue of the outstanding 225,000-plus fines remains outstanding.

He does not have to give any undertaking to follow a school principal's direction to call a child "they/them"  the reason he claims he was dismissed from Wilson's Hospital.

"He does not have to stop protesting against transgenderism. He does not have to change his religious beliefs one iota", he said.

Statements by him and his family that he is in prison because of his opposition to trans issues "are lies", he said.

Mr Burke, the judge said, "seems to be trying to inhabit a reality of his own, with his own 'Alice in Wonderland' language, where words mean what he says they mean, where his lies are the truth, and everything everyone else says are lies."

The court, the judge said, is concerned with what are, objectively speaking, the facts and truth of the situation.

The judge was satisfied there were no errors in his judgement including his use of the words "baleful" about him and "malign". He also rejected Mr Burke's complaint about the use of the word "roaming" and "stalking" around the school.

In his earlier judgement, the judge said: "There is something deeply unsettling about Mr Burke's presence at the school.

"He doesn't just trespass onto the school grounds; he goes right into the heart of the school, roaming around its corridors when he has no right to do so.

He is a baleful malign presence, an intruder, stalking the school, its teachers and pupils.

"But this is a deliberate strategy: a strategy of confrontation. Confront the principal, confront the bishop, confront the school, confront the security guards; confront the courts.

His verbal aggression was one of the reasons for his dismissal. His verbal aggression towards this court was, in my experience, unprecedented, the judge said. The judge adjourned the case again to next Wednesday.
WARNING: Some readers may find the following report upsetting

A High Court judge has expressed concerns about childrens unsupervised access to the internet while sentencing a teenager who was 13 years old when he sexually abused his six-year-old sister.

The boy also took photographs of the child naked and uploaded 64 images of this child abuse to a social media website. The child was so identifiable in those images that gardai who first called to the house to investigate the offence recognised her instantly from the images.

The court heard that the boy, who is from the south of the country, had unsupervised access to the internet from a very young age and later told gardai that he first viewed pornography when he was six years old.

Sentencing the now 16-year-old, Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring said that at the centre of the case is a six-year-old child who was sexually abused by her older brother and images of her have been placed onto the internet that she has no control over.

Ms Justice Ring said:

That a child was given a tablet at the age of five years old and by the age of seven was accessing pornography takes my breath away.

She said no adult would hesitate to take a box of matches away from a seven-year-old before she referred to the damage the unchecked use of the internet caused not only to the teenage boy but then to his sister.

Ms Justice Ring said it is something that the tech world in general and lawmakers need to do something about. There is no best interest argument for children to have unfettered access to the internet just because they can, the judge continued.

At a previous sentence hearing last June, the court heard that the family was very isolated in a rural area, living off the grid.

They had no running water but had electricity and internet access. Their unconventional home was made up of temporary structures and a caravan. Their father was significantly older than their mother and had died a number of years previously.

The children were no longer attending school and as Justice Ring said were allegedly being home-schooled but had no medical or dental supervision. The boy later told gardai he was accessing pornography 12 hours a day.

The sergeant told Eilis Brennan SC, prosecuting, that gardai were alerted to the fact that inappropriate images had been uploaded to the social media platform Discord and the connected account was traced back to the childrens home.

The images included images of the childs private parts, the teenagers private parts and the young girl engaging in sexual activity with the boy.

The now 16-year-old, who is currently in State care, came forward to the Central Criminal Court on signed pleas.

He pleaded guilty to six incidences of oral rape, nine charges of production of what is legally termed as child pornography and five charges of distribution of that material on dates between June 2022 and December 2022.

Victim impact statement

Ms Brennan read a victim impact statement that had been prepared by the now eight-year-old girl into the record.

The girl said she feels much happier now and that the foster family whom she has been living with since the gardai called to her home in December 2022 feels like home.

When I think about him I feel a bit scared, the girl continued before she said she would really like her brother to write her a letter of apology because she said when people do bad things they say sorry.

The sergeant agreed with Michael Bowman SC, defending, that the reality of the situation was the family were living off the grid in an unconventional family structure. He accepted that all children were not properly supervised.

The sergeant accepted that the teenager had unrestricted internet access from the age of five years old and agreed that he was manipulated by others online to post these photographs.

The teenager told gardai he had two friends, both online, with one from Slovakia and the other from Norway. He told gardai he first accessed pornography online when he was six or seven years old.

Sentencing

On Tuesday, Ms Justice Ring imposed four and a half years detention on the boy which she suspended in full on condition that he engage with the Probation Service for three years. He is to be strictly supervised by the service.

The court heard that the boy is currently undergoing very strict supervision. Ms Justice Ring noted that the victim in the case was immediately taken into care and is doing very well with her current foster family. The rest of the siblings were also taken into care and remain in care.

She noted that when the girl was first taken into care she was clearly neglected. Her teeth were black and her clothes didnt fit her. She would physically react whenever her brothers name was mentioned.

Ms Justice Ring noted that the girl has clearly been left very vulnerable due to the childhood trauma she has suffered but said that it is hoped that she can progress with the love and care she has received since going into care, along with her own impressive attributes.

The judge said:

I wish her and her carers all the best into the future.

The judge noted that there was a detailed report from the various services the teenager is now engaging with, including the Probation Service.

These reports confirm that he is progressing well in his education, engaging in work experience and is being encouraged and supported in having age-appropriate relationships.

She said the aggravating features of the case were the breach of trust between a brother and sister and noted that the child later disclosed that her brother had been aggressive towards her to ensure her silence.

Ms Justice Ring said the uploading of the images onto a social media site and therefore out into the world, was also aggravating.

She noted that once they are put up on these platforms nobody has any control over them. She said in time the child will understand the fact that there are these photos of her being abused out there that she has no control over.

She noted in mitigation that the teenager was fully co-operative with the garda investigation, is still a child and the conditions and circumstances he experienced in his home.

Ms Justice Ring said:

The acts are wrong to the highest extent, he knew what he was doing was wrong, even though he was child.

She said that if the teenager was an adult, a headline sentence of 11 years would be appropriate for the oral rapes, and headline sentences of 10 years appropriate for the production and distribution of the material.

Ms Justice Ring noted that legislation states that in sentencing a child the least restrictive form should be imposed and a period of detention should only be imposed as a last resort.

Ms Justice Ring reduced the headline sentences to four and a half years, three and a half years and three years considering that he was 13 years old at the time of the offence.

She said the work the teenager is currently doing is making him a safer person.

I am satisfied that the current regime he is following is challenging and difficult, Ms Justice Ring said.

He is being closely monitored and is being rehabilitated, in the best interest of not only himself and his sister but also the general public.

I am satisfied that the current regime is working hard to provide long-term public safety by bringing him to a point of not causing harm in the future, the judge continued before suspended the four-and-a-half year sentence in full for three years.

She said he is to keep the peace and be of good behaviour and engage with the Probation Service for two years. He was further ordered not to have any contact either directly or indirectly with his sister  unless considered appropriate and only with her permission.

Speaking directly to the teenager, Ms Justice Ring said: You have to understand how close you came to be placed in detention.

You are serving a sentence in the community. You are facing going into prison if you get into trouble, the judge continued before she added that if he continued on the path he is on, he has nothing to worry about.

Ms Justice Ring advised him that if he did come to garda attention again, it would be prison he would be going to  not a detention centre.

Dont think you got away with it. I wish you well. You are doing fantastic work  I know it is hard, but keep it up, Ms Justice Ring said.

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.
A 35-year-old man who started drinking at the age of 15 was jailed for five months for going behind the counter of a hotel bar to steal a bottle of Jagermeister and a bottle of Bulmers.

Jonathan OLeary pleaded guilty to that burglary and to being drunk and a danger on four occasions.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy said Jonathan OLeary of no fixed address in Cork had 197 previous convictions, of which 89 were for being drunk and a danger.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, said it was notable that the charges of being drunk and a danger did not have associated charges of being threatening and abusive and that he was generally respectful to gardai.

Jonathan (or John) OLeary went to the Maldron Hotel on South Mall, Cork, at around 8am on October 21 and took the alcohol, Sergeant Aisling Murphy said at Cork District Court.

He pleaded guilty to the burglary charge in relation to the Maldron and that on four dates between October 18 and November 2, he was drunk and a danger in Cork City and carried out one offence of shoplifting.

Judge Mary Dorgan noted that the defendant did not co-operate with the probation service or complete a community service order previously imposed on him.

Quoting from the probation report on him, Judge Dorgan noted that: His family are generally supportive of him but his abuse of alcohol strains relationships.

He was only 15 when he started drinking alcohol and it became problematic by the time he reached 19. He is deemed to be a very high risk of re-offending.

Mr Burke said: When sober, he is a very amicable young man, but unfortunately he cannot stop drinking.

The burglary here is not the usual type of burglary. It was a case of dipping behind the counter of the bar in the hotel and being caught very shortly afterwards.

The judge imposed a five-month prison sentence which will run concurrently with a six-month sentence he is serving for similar offences.
Cork City councillors have agreed a motion urging those behind a proposed casino-style amusement arcade in Ballincollig to ditch their plans for the development.

At the latest council meeting, public representatives agreed to write to Coalquay Leisure Ltd expressing their serious concern about the controversial development.

It comes after An Coimisiun Pleanala gave a green light for the casino, despite Cork City Council originally rejecting the proposals last June.

More than 50 people wrote to Cork City Council objecting to the proposal, and some 2,000 people signed a petition against the plans.

Among the concerns raised was the proposed venues proximity to schools and the potential for a rise of anti-social behaviour within Ballincollig town centre. Despite this, the planning board granted permission to Coalquay Leisure in October.

It said the venue would be a permissible form of commercial leisure development at an appropriate location and would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of property in the vicinity.

Local Sinn Fein councillor Joe Lynch proposed a motion regarding the amusement arcade at Mondays council meeting.

In the adjudication of the application for change-of-use planning permission, Cork City Council took the view that the development was inappropriate, rejecting it in the strongest possible terms, he said.

Mr Lynch said the An Coimisiun Pleanala decision to grant the proposal had left the community angered and annoyed.

That was evident last month when over 500 people took to the streets to say loudly, and clearly, that this development is not wanted and that those behind the proposal should take the hint and back off, he added.
The Government will inject 300m into defence equipment and infrastructure such as anti-drone technology next year, amid increasing concerns about defence capabilities following the visit to Ireland of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

At least 15m will be spent on anti-drone technology, as justice minister Jim OCallaghan said devices spotted operating near the flight path of Mr Zelenskyy were deployed to put pressure on Europe and Ukraine.

Gardai are investigating reports that an Irish naval ship spotted up to five drones operating near the flightpath of the Ukrainian presidents plane last Monday.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena Zelenska arriving at Dublin Airport for his state visit on December 1. Picture: Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA

As pressure grows to beef up security capabilities ahead of the EU presidency next year, foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee will brief her Cabinet colleagues on details of the revised National Development Plan allocation for the Department of Defence.

Some 1.7bn will be spent on defence equipment and infrastructure up to 2030, including investment worth 300m next year.

In Brussels on Monday, Mr OCallaghan said Mr Zelenskyys visit had been a success but confirmed further investment in drone technology would be forthcoming.

It certainly wasnt the back garden drone enthusiast, he said.

Our suspicion is that this was drones that were generated for the purpose of putting pressure on EU and, indeed, Ukrainian interests.

The gardai did a very good job in terms of ensuring that security was at a very high and effective level.

Theres an investigation ongoing in respect of the presence of drones out in Dublin Bay.

"But, more importantly, I know that the gardai have very good anti-drone technology, and were going to be spending more in terms of defence, in terms of seeking to combat drone technology.

Mr OCallaghan said more money would be spent on this anti-drone technology ahead of Irelands presidency of the EU in the second half of next year.

Taoiseach: 'Not a surprise'

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, meanwhile, said it was not a surprise that drones were spotted during Mr Zelenskyys visit, noting that there has been a pattern emerging over recent months, including incursions in the UK, France, Denmark, and Belgium.

He said he would be receiving a report on the drone incident, with a meeting of the National Security Council due to take place shortly.

However, Mr Martin conceded that increased investment would be required ahead of the EU presidency, including cybersecurity and radar.

We understand the challenges, no more than any other member of the European Union who has had to deal with this, he said.

Europol warning

Meanwhile, the EUs law enforcement agency, Europol, has warned of increasing use of drones and robots by criminal organisations and terrorists.

Recent wars including Russias invasion of Ukraine sparked innovation in unmanned systems such as drones, advancements which are being capitalised on by criminal organisations and terrorists, the agency states in a report.

European police forces may need to develop their own robocops to fight technology-enabled crime, it says.

There has been a reported increase in drone use around European infrastructure, especially airports, and there are examples of drone pilots selling their services online, transforming this criminal process from crime-as-a-service to crime-at-a-distance, Europols Unmanned Future(s) report found.

Drones and robots are already being used in law enforcement for surveillance, to access dangerous areas, in search and rescue, to efficiently map a crime scene, for bomb disposal, and handling hazardous material.

however, the adoption of unmanned technologies in law enforcement is being hampered by limited suppliers, the report found.

It says criminals increasingly use drone and robotic technology to smuggle drugs in unmanned, submarine-type boats and in aerial drones.

Drones may also be used increasingly by criminals and terrorists to gather vital intelligence undetected.

Technologies such as 3D printers are making them cheaper and easier to produce and modify.

And, as AI (artificial intelligence) and sensor technology develop, their integration will enable robots to navigate and interact with their environment more effectively, with some amphibious drones being able to move from the water to the air seamlessly.
The Government has been accused of a two-fingered salute to an entire generation after it shared advice to adults on how to cope with moving back into the family home.

Sinn Fein finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said the video, created by the SpunOut youth organisation and shared by the Department of Housing, was patronising.

The department deleted the video from its social media channels this Tuesday evening.

Speaking during Leaders Questions, he said: Demeaning, hurtful, insulting and a two-fingered salute to an entire generation.

These are the words people are using to describe the decision by the Ministers Government to share a video advising people how to cope with moving back into the family home.

Mr Doherty said people in their 20s, 30s and 40s are being forced to move back in with their parents because of Fianna Fail and Fine Gaels mess on housing policy.

He questioned: Did anybody in Government look at this video before it was shared on the official platforms by the Department of Housing? Did anybody think about how people would react?

Mr Doherty said the hard reality is that two-thirds of 18-34 year-olds are still living with their parents and the number of young people forced to live with their family is increasing at a faster rate than any country in Europe.

Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said the video was not a direct campaign by the Department of Housing (Brian Lawless/PA)

He said this was because home ownership has collapsed for an entire generation under the coalition.

Representing the Government, Fianna Fail deputy leader and public expenditure minister Jack Chambers said the video was not a direct campaign by the Department of Housing.

He said it was created by SpunOut and added: It was developed by young people and it is based on their experiences.

Mr Chambers said he recognised the Government needs to do everything it can to improve the availability and delivery of social and affordable homes right across our country.

He said he accepted that rents were still too expensive for many young people and this is why the Government had extended rent pressure zones and the rent tax credit.

He added that the Government will continue to ensure it builds more social and affordable homes and increase the overall provision of homes.

'Tone deaf' video

Meanwhile, housing minister James Browne said it was misconceived for his department to publicise advice on how young adults should cope and adjust to moving back in with their parents.

Mr Browne said his department had no involvement in the creation of the video, highlighting it was worked on by young people at Spun Out.

The video itself provided advice to young people who move back in with their parents after time spent living outside the family home.

Asked about the video by Social Democrat TD Rory Hearne at the Oireachtas Housing Committee, Mr Browne admitted he believed it being posted by his Department had been misconceived.

Mr Hearne criticised the posting of the video as being tone deaf of the Government.

However, in response, Mr Browne said Mr Hearne was obsessed with blaming him for the video, despite it being produced by SpunOut.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed his refusal to cede any territory, resisting US pressure for a compromise with Russia as he continued to rally European support for Ukraine.

Undoubtedly, Russia insists for us to give up territories. We, clearly, dont want to give up anything. Thats what we are fighting for, Mr Zelenskyy said in a WhatsApp chat late on Monday in which he answered reporters questions.

Do we consider ceding any territories? According to the law we dont have such right. According to Ukraines law, our constitution, international law, and to be frank, we dont have a moral right either.

Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky, left, met Pope Leo, right, at Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday (Andrew Medichini/AP)

The Ukrainian president met early on Tuesday with Pope Leo at Castel Gandolfo, a papal residence outside Rome, and is to have talks with Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni later.

The Vatican said Leo had reiterated the need for the continuation of dialogue and expressed his urgent desire that the current diplomatic initiatives bring about a just and lasting peace.

The Holy See has tried to remain neutral in the war while offering solidarity and assistance to what it calls the martyred people of Ukraine.

Leo has now met three times with Mr Zelenskyy and has spoken by telephone at least once with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

The American pope has called for a ceasefire and urged Russia in particular to make gestures to promote peace.

Mr Zelenskyy held talks on Monday in London with British prime minister Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz to strengthen Ukraines hand amid mounting impatience from US president Donald Trump.

US and Ukrainian negotiators completed three days of talks on Saturday aimed at trying to narrow differences on the American administrations peace proposal.

A major sticking point in the plan is the suggestion that Kyiv must cede control of the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine to Russia, which illegally occupies most but not all of the territory.

Ukraine and its European allies have firmly resisted the idea of handing over land.

Mr Zelensky, left, held talks in London on Monday with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, centre left, German chancellor Friedrich Merz, centre right, and French president Emmanuel Macron, right (Thomas Krych/AP)

In an exchange with reporters on Sunday night, Mr Trump appeared frustrated with Mr Zelenskyy, claiming the Ukrainian leader hasnt yet read the proposal.

Mr Trump has had a hot-and-cold relationship with Mr Zelenskyy since winning a second term, insisting the war was a waste of US taxpayers money.

Mr Trump has also repeatedly urged the Ukrainians to cede land to Russia to end the nearly four-year conflict.

Mr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Mr Trump certainly wants to end the war Surely, he has his own vision. We live here, from within we see details and nuances, we perceive everything much deeper, because this is our motherland.

He said the current US peace plan differed from earlier versions in that it now had 20 points, down from 28, after he said some obvious anti-Ukrainian points were removed.

Mr Starmer, Mr Macron and Mr Merz strongly backed Kyiv, with the Prime Minister saying on Monday that the push for peace was at a critical stage, and stressed the need for a just and lasting ceasefire.

Mr Zelensky, centre right, was seeking to strengthen Ukraines hand amid mounting impatience from US president Donald Trump (Toby Melville/Pool Photo via AP)

Meanwhile, Mr Merz said he was sceptical about some details in documents released by the US.

We have to talk about it. Thats why we are here, he said.

The coming days could be a decisive time for all of us.

European leaders are working to ensure that any ceasefire is backed by solid security guarantees both from Europe and the US, to deter Russia from attacking again.

Mr Trump has not given explicit guarantees in public.

Mr Zelenskyy and his European allies have repeatedly accused Mr Putin of slow-walking the talks to press ahead with the invasion, as his forces are making slow but steady gains while waves of missiles and drones are pummelling Ukrainian infrastructure.

Ukraines air force said Russia fired 110 drones of various types across the country last night. They said air defences neutralised 84 drones, 24 more had struck their targets.

Mr Zelensky, centre, has met Pope Leo three times now (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Several regions of Ukraine faced emergency blackouts on Tuesday because of Russias prior attacks on energy infrastructure, according to Ukraines national energy operator, Ukrenergo.

Ukraine, in its turn, continued its drone attacks on Russia.

Russian air defences destroyed 121 Ukrainian drones overnight above various Russian regions and occupied Crimea, Russias ministry of defence said on Tuesday.

In Chuvashia, a region about 560 miles (900km) north-east of the border with Ukraine, the attack damaged residential buildings and injured nine people, local governor Oleg Nikolayev said in an online statement.

Ukraines security service carried out a drone attack on an LPG terminal at the port of Temryuk in Russias Krasnodar region on December 5, according to an official with knowledge of the operation who spoke to The Associated Press.
Brigitte Macron has faced criticism after video emerged of her using a slur to denounce feminist protesters.

The scene filmed on Sunday showed Frances first lady in discussion backstage at the Folies Bergere theatre in Paris with Ary Abittan, a French actor and humourist previously accused of rape, before a performance he was about to give.

Feminist campaigners had disrupted his show the previous night with shouts of Abittan, rapist!

Speaking before Sundays performance, Mrs Macron asked him how he was feeling. When he said he was feeling scared, she made a derogatory and sexist reference to the women, adding: Well toss them out.

French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte (Thomas Padilla/AP)

Her office said in a statement that she had been trying to calm the performers nerves: As the video shows, Mrs Macrons only intention was to reassure an artist who, in his dressing room before going on stage, had just told her, Im scared, because his show had been disrupted the previous evening.

In no way is she attacking a cause. She does, however, disapprove of the radical methods used to prevent an artist from performing on stage, as was the case on Saturday night.

The feminist campaign group Nous Toutes (All of Us) said its activists disrupted Mr Abittans show to protest against what it described as the culture of impunity around sexual violence in France.

Magistrates terminated the investigation of the 2021 rape allegation against Mr Abittan for lack of evidence in 2024, a decision then confirmed on appeal in January this year, according to French media.

In a statement on Instagram, Nous Toutes said: We denounce venues that roll out a red carpet for men accused of rape, normalising sexist and sexual violence. It is a public insult to the victims. Victims, we believe you. Rapists, we do not forgive you!

Opponents of French president Emmanuel Macron on the left-wing of French politics criticised his wifes use of a sexist slur and some said she should apologise.

The critics included former French president Francois Hollande.

Speaking to broadcaster RTL, Mr Hollande said: Theres a problem of vulgarity.

But on the French far-right, National Rally politician Jean-Philippe Tanguy said Mrs Macrons comments were delivered in private and stolen.

If each of us were filmed backstage saying things with friends, I think there would be plenty to comment on, he told broadcaster BFMTV.

All of this is very hypocritical.
( Code Pink )  Donald Trump campaigned on ending endless wars and now boasts that he has resolved eight wars. In reality, this claim is delusional, and his foreign policy is a disaster. The United States remains mired in ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, and now Trump is careening blindly into new wars in Latin America.

The dangerous disconnect between Trumps delusions and the real-world impacts of his policies is on full display in his new National Security Strategy document. But this schism has been exacerbated by putting U.S. foreign policy in the hands of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose neocon worldview and behind-the-scenes maneuvering has consistently undercut Trumps professed goals of diplomacy, negotiated settlements and America First priorities.

The eight wars Trump claims he has ended include non-existent wars between Egypt and Ethiopia, and Serbia and Kosovo, and the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan that ended in 2023, after Azerbaijan invaded and ethnically cleansed the ancient Armenian community of Nagorno-Karabakh. Trump stole credit for peace between Thailand and Cambodia, which was actually mediated by Malaysia, while India insists that it ended its war with Pakistan without help from Trump.

Trump recently invited the presidents of Rwanda and the DRC to Washington to sign a peace deal, but its only the latest of many agreements that have failed to end decades of war and proxy war that rage on in the eastern Congo.

Trump even claims to have brought peace to Iran, which was not at war until he and Netanyahu plotted to attack it. Now diplomacy with Iran is deadtorpedoed by Trumps treacherous use of negotiations as cover for the U.S.-Israeli surprise attack in June, an illegal war right out of Rubios neocon playbook.

Rubio has undermined diplomacy with Iran for years. As a senator, he worked to kill the JCPOA nuclear agreement, framed negotiations as appeasement, and repeatedly demanded harsher sanctions or military action. He defended the U.S. and Israeli attacks in June, which confirmed the claims of Iranian hardliners that the United States cannot be trusted. He makes meaningful talks with Iran impossible by insisting that Iran cease all nuclear enrichment and long-range missile development. By aligning U.S. policy with Israels, Rubio closed off the only path that has ever reduced tensions with Iran: sustained, good-faith diplomacy.

Trumps eighth claimed peace agreement was his Gaza peace plan, under which Israel still kills and maims Palestinians every day and allows only 200 truckloads per day of food, water, medicine, and relief supplies into Gaza. With Israeli forces still occupying most of Gaza, no country is sending troops to join Trumps stabilization force, nor will Hamas disarm and leave its people defenseless. Israel still calls the shots, and will only allow rebuilding in Israeli-occupied areas.

As secretary of state, it was Marco Rubios job to negotiate peace and an end to the occupation of Palestine. But Rubios entire political career has been defined by unwavering support for Israel and corrupted by over a million dollars from pro-Israel donor groups like AIPAC. He refuses to speak to Hamas, insisting on its total isolation and destruction.

Rubio even refuses to negotiate with the weakest, most compromised, but still internationally recognized, Palestinian Authority. In the Senate, he worked to defund and delegitimize the PA, and now he insists it should play no role in Gazas future, but he offers no alternative. Contrast this with China, which recently convened fourteen Palestinian factions for dialogue. With a U.S. secretary of state who wont talk to any Palestinian actors, the United States is only supporting endless war and occupation.

Ukraine is not on Trumps list of eight wars, but it is the conflict he most loudly promised to end on day one. Trump took his first steps to resolve the crisis in Ukraine with phone calls with Putin and Zelenskyy on February 12, 2025. War Secretary Pete Hegseth told a meeting of Americas NATO allies in Brussels that the U.S. was taking Ukraines long-promised NATO membership off the table, and that we must start by recognizing that returning to Ukraines pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective. Chasing this illusionary goal will only prolong the war and cause more suffering.

Zelenskyy and his European backers are still trying to persuade Trump that, with his support, they can win back at the negotiating table what Ukraine and its western allies lost by their tragic decision to reject a negotiated peace in April 2022. Russia was ready to withdraw from all the land it had just occupied, but the U.S. and U.K. persuaded NATO and Ukraine to instead embark on this long war of attrition, in which their negotiating position only grows weaker as Ukraines losses mount.

On November 21st, Trump unveiled a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine that was built around the policy Trump and Hegseth had announced in February: no NATO membership, and no return to pre-2014 borders. But once Rubio arrived to lead the U.S. negotiating team in talks in Geneva, he let Zelenskyys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, and the Europeans put NATO membership and Ukraines pre-2014 borders back on the table.

This was a poison pill to deliberately undermine the basic concept of Ukrainian neutrality that Russia insists is the only way to resolve the security dilemma facing both NATO and Russia and ensure a stable and lasting peace. As a European official crowed to Politico, Things went in the right direction in Geneva. Still a work in progress, but looking much better now Rubio is a pro who knows his stuff.

Andriy Yermak, who led Ukraines negotiating team in Geneva, has now been fired in a corruption scandal, reportedly at Trumps behest, as has Trumps envoy to Kyiv, Keith Kellogg, who apparently leaked Trumps plan to the press.

Trump is facing a schism in his foreign policy team that echoes his first term, when he appointed a revolving door of neocons, retired generals and arms industry insiders to top jobs. This time, he has already fired his first National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, several NSC staff, and now General Kellogg,

Trumps team on Ukraine now includes Vice President J.D. Vance, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Deputy National Security Advisor Andy Baker and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who all seem to be on board with the basic policy that Trump and Hegseth announced in February.

But Rubio is keeping alive European hopes of a ceasefire that postpones negotiations over NATO membership and Ukraines borders for a later date, to allow NATO to once again build, arm and train Ukrainian forces to retake its lost territories by force, as it did from 2015 to 2022 under cover of the MInsk Accords.

This raises the questions: Does Rubio, like the Europeans and the neocons in Congress, still back the Biden-era strategy of fighting a long proxy war to the last Ukrainian? And if so, is he now in fact working to undermine Trumps peace efforts?

Ray McGovern, the founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, thinks so, writing we are at the threshold on Ukraine, at the beginning of a consequential battle between the neocons and Europeans on one side, and Donald Trump and the realists on the other. Will Trump show the fortitude to see this through and overcome his secretary of state?

But its perhaps in Latin America where Rubio is playing the most aggressive role. Rubio has always promoted regime-change policies, economic strangulation, and U.S. interference targeting left-leaning governments in Latin America. Coming from a conservative Cuban familiy, he has long been one of the most hard-line voices in Washington on Cuba, championing sanctions, opposing any easing of the embargo, and working to reverse Obama-era diplomatic openings.

His position on Venezuela is similar. He was a leading architect of the Trump administrations failed maximum pressure campaign against Venezuela, promoting crippling sanctions that devastated civilians, while openly endorsing failed coups and military threats.

Now Rubio is pushing Trump into a catastrophic, criminal war with Venezuela. In early 2025, Trumps administration briefly pursued a diplomatic track with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, spearheaded by envoy Richard Grenell. But Marco Rubios hard-line, pressure-first approach gradually overtook the negotiation channel: Trump suspended talks in October 2025, and U.S. policy shifted toward intensified sanctions and military posturing.

Rubios hostility extends across the region: he has attacked progressive leaders in Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Honduras, and Brazil, while supporting authoritarians aligned with U.S. and Israeli interests. While Trump has warmed to Brazils president Lula and craves access to its reserves of rare earth elements, the second largest after Chinas, Lula has no illusions about Rubios hostility and has refused to even meet with him.

Rubios approach is the opposite of diplomacy. He refuses engagement with governments he dislikes, undermines regional institutions, and encourages Washington to isolate and punish rather than negotiate. Instead of supporting peace agreementssuch as Colombias fragile accords or regional efforts to stabilize Haitihe treats Latin America as a battleground for ideological crusades.

Rubios influence has helped block humanitarian relief, deepen polarization, and shatter openings for regional dialogue. A Secretary of State committed to peace would work with Latin American partners to resolve conflicts, strengthen democracy, and reduce U.S. militarization in the hemisphere. Rubio does the reverse: he inflames tensions, sabotages diplomacy, and pushes U.S. policy back toward the dark era of coups, blockades, proxy wars and death squads.

So why is Trump betraying his most loyal MAGA supporters, who take his promises to end the era of endless wars at face value? Why is his administration supporting the same out-of-control American war machine that has run rampant around the world since the rise of neocons like Dick Cheney and Hillary Clinton in the 1990s?

Is Trump simply unable to resist the lure of destructive military power that seduces every American president? Trumps MAGA true believers would like to think that he and they represent a rejection of American imperialism and a new America First policy that prioritizes national sovereignty and shared domestic prosperity. But MAGA leaders like Marjorie Taylor Green can see that is not what Trump is delivering.



President Donald Trump receives an update from Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the U.S. peace plan for Gaza in the Oval Office, Friday, October 3, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley). Public Domain. Via Wikimedia Commons.

U.S. secretaries of state wield considerable power, and Trump is not the first president to be led astray by his secretary of state. President Eisenhower is remembered as a champion of peace, for quickly ending the Korean War  then slashing the military budget  and for two defining speeches at the beginning and end of his presidency: his Chance for Peace speech after the death of Soviet premier Josef Stalin in 1953; and his Farewell Address in 1960, in which he warned Americans against the unwarranted influence of the military-industrial complex.

For most of his presidency though, Eisenhower gave his Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles, free rein to manage U.S. foreign policy. By the time Eisenhower fully grasped the dangers of Dulles brinksmanship with the U.S.S.R. and China, the Cold War arms race was running wild. Then Eisenhowers belated outreach to the Soviets was interrupted by his own ill-health and the U-2 crisis. Hillary Clinton had a similarly destructive and destabilizing impact on Obamas first-term foreign policy, in Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Syria and Honduras.

These should be cautionary tales for Trump. If he really wants to be remembered as a peacemaker, not a warmonger, he had better make the necessary personnel changes to his inner circle before it is too late. War with Venezuela is easily avoidable, since the whole world already knows the U.S. pretexts for war are fabricated and false. Rubio has stoked the underlying tensions and led this escalating campaign of lies, threats and murders, so Trump would be wise to replace him before his march to war crosses the point of no return.

This would allow Trump and Rubios successor to start rebuilding relations with our neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean, and to finally change longstanding U.S. policies that keep the Middle East, and now Ukraine, trapped in endless war.
( Middle East Monitor )  New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has repeatedly stated that he would instruct the NYPD to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he set foot in New York, citing the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him. Netanyahu is wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare and the targeting of civilians.

Despite these charges, Netanyahu announced on 3 December 2025, that he still plans to visit New York, dismissing Mamdanis statements about enforcing the ICC warrant. This raises a critical question: Does a city mayor in the United States have the authority to arrest a foreign head of state under international law?

To answer this, we must first understand the positions of Israel and the United States regarding the ICC. Neither Israel nor the U.S. is a state party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. Israel initially signed the Statute but later withdrew its signature, while the U.S. has consistently opposed ICC jurisdiction over its nationals and allies.

Under Articles 1215 of the Rome Statute, the ICC can exercise jurisdiction in the following situations: When the perpetrator is a national of a State Party or the crime occurred on the territory of a State Party. When a State Party refers a situation to the Court. When the UN Security Council refers a situation under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. When a non-member state accepts jurisdiction by lodging ad hoc declaration to the court. Or when the Prosecutor initiates an investigation (proprio motu) based on reasonable grounds.

Palestine acceded to the Rome Statute in 2015, and in February 2021 ICCs Pre-Trial Chamber confirmed that the Court has jurisdiction over crimes committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including starvation and persecution of civilians in Gaza.

The ICC does not have its own enforcement mechanism; it relies on member states to execute arrest warrants. In 2025, the US imposed sanctions on ICC officials, including asset freezes and visa bans, to obstruct investigations into alleged crimes committed by US and Israeli officials in Afghanistan and Palestine.

When ICC enforcement is blocked, international law provides an alternative mechanism: universal jurisdiction. This principle allows any state to prosecute individuals accused of grave international crimessuch as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanityregardless of where the crimes occurred or the nationality of the perpetrator. Several countries, including Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, France and Germany, have successfully used universal jurisdiction to prosecute foreign officials, such as the conviction of former Gambian Interior Minister Ousman Sonko for crimes against humanity in 2024 and the issuance of arrest warrant by a French court against Bashar-Al Assad the former president of Syria .

Precedents indicate that the principle of universal jurisdiction constitutes a strong legal argument against Israel, as it serves as a prominent example of its application in the well-known case of Adolf Eichmann, known as the architect of the Holocaust. In that case, the Israeli intelligence service, Mossad, in May 1960 abducted Eichmann from Argentina and transferred him to Jerusalem to be tried before an Israeli court. The court found Eichmann guilty of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide against the Jewish people during World War II. He was sentenced to death and executed by hanging on 1 June 1962 at Ayalon Prison in Ramla.

Israel justified Eichmanns abduction from Argentina by invoking universal jurisdiction, arguing that Eichmann was accused of committing war crimes and genocide against Jews in Germany and for his membership in an organization declared criminal by the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg 15 years earlier. Israel claimed that universal jurisdiction empowers states to arrest criminals regardless of their nationality or the country in which they reside. In Eichmanns case, the perpetrator was a German national, the victims were believed to be German Jews, the crimes were committed on German soil, and the abduction occurred in Argentina. This means that the elements of the crime were in no way connected to Israel. Therefore, Israels actions in this instance constitute a strong legal precedent against it, as any stateregardless of its geographical location or membership in ICCcould arrest Benjamin Netanyahu for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Trial International asserts that individuals who commit grave crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity cannot enjoy immunity based on their political position, as the commission of such crimes strips them of this protection due to the threat they pose to international peace and security. Political and diplomatic immunity enjoyed by war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu does not shield him from arrest under the framework of universal jurisdiction, Just as occurred in the case of General Augusto Pinochet, the former head of Chiles military dictatorship, who was accused of committing genocide, forced disappearances, murder, and torture was arrested in London in October 1998 based on a Spanish arrest warrant in the framework of the universal jurisdiction.

Another example is the conviction of the Gambian Minister of Interior, Ousman Sonkos, by a Swiss court for crimes against humanity. Sonko was arrested in Bern in 2017, later on, in 2024 the Swiss Federal Criminal Court sentenced him to 20 years in prison.

If we analogise Eichmanns arrest to the potential arrest of Netanyahu by New York authorities, numerous similarities emerge. The application of universal jurisdiction to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu upon his entry into New York does not require Israel or the United States to be State members to the ICC; it suffices that the perpetrators committed heinous crimes that affect the international community as a whole and threat international peace and securitya condition that applies to Netanyahu.

Some may argue that NYPD lack the legal authority to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu, as implementing universal jurisdiction in the United States falls under the War Crimes Act (18 U.S.C.  2441), and enforcing this law may require federal approval, which is unlikely to be granted. Others contend that Israel can be held accountable under the Lehy law or 18 U.S. Code  1091  Genocide. It is believed that exercising universal jurisdiction does not require prior authorization, as it derives its legitimacy from customary international law, which regards norms combating grave crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity as peremptory norms (Jus cogens) that cannot be overridden or violated.



Detail. Zohran Mamdani at the White House, 21 November 2025. Public Domain. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Legally, the possibility of arresting war criminal Benjamin Netanyahuas described by the ICCexists, and international law provides alternative mechanisms for enforcement when member states fail to execute the Courts arrest warrant. Universal jurisdiction is one such mechanism. The arrest of Chilean military leader Augusto Pinochet, the capture of Holocaust architect Ehichmann, and recent arrest warrants issued against the Gambian minister of interior, the former Syrian president, and his intelligence chiefs confirm that no one, regardless of their political or military position, is immune from accountability and international prosecution.

Universal jurisdiction is an essential and complementary means to the ICC for apprehending criminals irrespective of their nationality or location. The threat by the Mayor of New York to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu represents an important step toward strengthening international justice and ending impunity. It is also crucial for reinforcing the ICCs mandate in the face of political and financial pressure exerted by Israel, the United States, and their allies.

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.

Mohammad Yousef is a doctoral candidate in International law.

Via Middle East Monitor
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  How plague came to Europe around 1347 has long been debated by historians. Scientists have located the origin of the primary reservoir of the disease in todays Kyrgyzstan, and it has long been thought somehow to have come west with the Mongol invasions of the fourteenth century.

One colorful tale by an Italian traveler described how Mongols of the Golden Horde catapulted the cadavers of plague victims over the wall of the city of Caffa, now Feodosija, in Ukraine, in an early use of biological warfare.

A new paper proposes a more robust explanation for an episode that carried away a third to a half of Europeans in the decade after 1347:

Bauch, M., Buntgen, U. Climate-driven changes in Mediterranean grain trade mitigated famine but introduced the Black Death to medieval Europe. Commun Earth Environ 6, 986 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02964-0

Bauch and Buntgen find archeological evidence of a massive set of volcanic eruptions, at least one in the northern hemisphere, in the years 1329, 1336 and 1341 CE. The exact sites of this volcanic activity have not been identified. They left, however, extra sulphur in the sediment of that era. Moreover, studies of tree rings in Europe shows the advent of cool, rainy weather in several European regions, which cannot easily be explained by weather, which should be more localized.

Or by check:

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The particles that volcanoes spew into the atmosphere reduce the ability of the suns rays to reach the earths surface, and so they temporarily cool it down. Before the Industrial Revolution, volcanic activity was one of the major drivers of climate change. However, it typically took millions of years of such activity to put so much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that the greenhouse effect heated up the earth substantially. Humans have done it in 250 years!

While some rain is good for crops, too much floods them out or causes them to rot. So the cool, rainier climate produced temporarily by the volcanoes provoked famine in Europe.

The authors write: The autumn of 1345 CE, as well as the springs of 1346 and 1347 CE were characterised by heavy precipitation that caused severe flooding and soil erosion in Italy, including the Po valley and the Italian regions of Tuscany and Lazio. While the winter of 1344/45 CE was particularly cold and snowy in the Middle East, drought spells and locust invasions impacted agriculture across the Levant in the winters of 1345/46 and 1347/48 CE.

It is sometimes forgotten that the Black Death was a pan-Mediterranean event and wiped out large numbers of Egyptians and Levantines as well as Europeans, and went on circulating in this region into the twentieth century. It can now be treated with antibiotics.

The authors point out that the Italian city-states of Venice, Genoa and Pisa had a complex relationship with the Mongol Golden Horde. Some of them were at war with it, but all had extensive trade networks that reached into what is now Ukraine and western Russia. When the climate-driven famine hit, the Italians quickly brought their hostilities with the Mongols to an end, and sought to import wheat stores from the east.

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The paper argues that the fleas that carry plague can live on grain and do not necessarily need rats to survive. Either way, it infected the Mongol wheat stores. The wheat imported to save the lives of the starving allowed Yersinia Pestis, the Black Plague bacterium, to establish a bulkhead in Europe, from which it conquered the continent demographically. Plague would go on breaking out occasionally right into the twentieth century. Albert Camus took an outbreak in Oran, Algeria, in the early 1940s as a metaphor for the moral and ethical horrors of World War II, in his novel La Peste (The Plague).



Pieter Brueghel the Elder (1526/15301569), The Triumph of Death, Museo del Prado. Public Domain. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Europeans of that era, unlike people in Central Asia, had no herd immunity to the bacterium, and so it cut them down like a gargantuan scythe. They suffered a fate similar to the one they would inflict on the indigenous Americans a little over a century later.

Not only did the Europeans not for the most part still have antibodies to fight the plague, but they were weakened by the cool, wet weather and the consequent famines. The same thing was true in the Middle East, where people wouldnt have been prepared for cold, snowy winters caused by the occlusion of the sun by volcanic ash. That the people of the Greater Mediterranean met the bacterium in a weakened state helps explain the massacre it wrought among them, the authors argue.

The Black Death killed off so many workers that wages rose and laborers were in a position to demand payment in coin, not just in kind. These changes contributed to the decline of manorial feudalism and the rise of early modern capitalism. One virtue of this new paper is that it proposes a complex, multi-causal explanation for a complex event. The way in which climate change can expose humans to animal-borne (zoonotic) diseases should be a lesson to our generation, since all that carbon dioxide we emit from burning coal, gas and petroleum, is causing climate disasters that make both humans and animals refugees, and drive them into closer contact with one another. What could go wrong?
Three men go on trial in Germany on Tuesday, accused of tailing a former Ukrainian soldier on behalf of Russian intelligence services for a possible assassination plot.

The alleged ringleader, an Armenian partially identified as Vardges I., recruited another Ukrainian, Robert A., and a Russian, Arman S., prosecutors charge.

The trio allegedly tried to lure the former Ukrainian soldier to a Frankfurt cafe last year, but the alleged target became suspicious and contacted police.

"The spying operation presumably served to prepare further intelligence missions in Germany, possibly including the killing of the target," prosecutors said.

German media have reported that the former Ukrainian soldier knew he was on a Russian "death list" after Moscow had accused him of war crimes, including the alleged execution of Russian soldiers.

When the Ukrainian soldier did not show up in the Frankfurt cafe, which was under police surveillance, the three men drove off but were later stopped and arrested by police commandos.

According to the Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily, police found cash, several passports, both genuine and forged, and GPS tracking devices in their possession.

The three defendants have since been remanded in custody.

- On high alert -

The case comes with governments across Europe on high alert over alleged Russian espionage, drone surveillance and sabotage activities, cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns.

The state of alert has increased since Russia launched its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leading European NATO powers to boost support for Kyiv and step up their own defence spending.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in October charged that mysterious drone flights over European airports were evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin was trying to unsettle the continent with "hybrid attacks".

"It is Russia that is trying to destabilise us in Germany and in Europe ever more ruthlessly with hybrid methods of war," Merz said.

"We will defend ourselves against them now and in the future."

That same month, a Munich court sentenced a German-Russian man to six years in jail, and two more to suspended sentences, for helping plan attacks on railway lines and military infrastructure.

German authorities have repeatedly warned about agents supposedly recruited via social media to carry out tasks such as taking photos of key industrial and military sites.

So-called low-level agents are also thought to have been behind a plot that led to the explosions of parcels at two DHL logistics facilities in Germany and Britain last year.
In the 2025 annual report of the office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khans face looms on a screen over the United Nations Security Council, as he briefs them on Libya for the last time. Shortly after, the prosecutor took a voluntary leave of absence while allegations against him of sexual misconduct are being investigated.

The report entitled Resilient Justice looks back on the three years he had been in post, reporting on progress on his vaunted 10-point strategic plan, including point 10: Improve the working environment of the Office and ensure a respectful working culture. Its introduction though is penned jointly by the two deputy prosecutors. References to the ICC Prosecutor are few and far between, notes Sergey Vasiliev of the Open University. It feels as if the institutional erasure of the third ICC Prosecutor has begun, he says, even before the current improvised, imperfect, and non-transparent investigation process has run its course.

Times are tough. Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang spoke to the diplomats at the start of this years Assembly of States Parties (ASP) about meeting a challenge for which we have prepared ourselves and which we will face united and determined, while Nazhat Shameen Khan, the other deputy prosecutor, delivered the annual report to an audience including journalists, discussing the need to display resilience in the face of quite difficult and challenging circumstances.

Those circumstances include US sanctions on the three top members of the courts prosecution team, also against six judges making up one third of the ICC bench, plus sanctions on Palestinian organisations feeding information for the courts investigations. The courts Japanese president, judge Tomoko Akane noted separately that ICC judges, herself included, are subject to arrest warrants from the Russian Federation and have been indicted which will have an obvious impact on their personal security.

Against that highly pressurised backdrop, questions running in the corridors of the ASP were how far the meeting would be overshadowed by the media frenzy detailing the sexual misconduct allegations, and how far states would decide to support the court.

No discussion on sexual misconduct

Maria Elena Vignoli of Human Rights Watch had been concerned that there was a real risk that the sexual misconduct investigation would have sucked the air out of an ASP, where the air was very much needed to push for support for the court.

Only one side event was held to discuss working environment issues. Alix Vuillemin of Womens Initiatives for Gender Justice was one of the organisers. She told the room that while none of us are blind to how painful this discussion is, how painful this topic is and has become avoiding this conversation will not protect the court.

The person who has brought the complaint against prosecutor Khan attended the event, sitting at the back of the large hall. She asked to remain anonymous and shared with Justice Info a statement she had been prepared to make if asked. She wanted the leadership of the court to stop hiding behind procedure and start confronting its failures openly and honestly saying there is an elephant in this room and no amount of polished words will make it go away.

Vuillemin told Justice Info that what we had as a secondary aim of this panel was to address the elephant in the room, without talking about the elephant itself. We could not have an entire ASP go by, we felt, without having at least a side event to address the broader issues.

The misconduct investigation  delegated to UN investigators by the president of the ASP, Finnish ambassador to Brussels Paivi Kaukoranta  has no end date yet in sight. More than a month ago, she told her colleagues that while she shared the frustration of the length of the proceedings she also asked for patience because intervening in the investigation would risk the integrity of the process. It is rumoured that the report may be delivered at the beginning of 2026. It will be then sent to an ad hoc panel of three judges, whose names arent public, to consider the established facts to determine whether misconduct  if any  has occurred.

Vuillemin acknowledges that the process may not be perfect, but its the process that we have. And as civil society at least, the only thing we can do is call for more transparency, and for the process to be clearer: Why is it taking so long? Why are there no deadlines? Vasiliev though, is concerned that already, despite the lack of an outcome, some states and other actors feel quite ready simply to move on and turn the page. Whatever the panels determinations, some states see the whole affair as toxic he says, partly because it has dragged on for too long. This attitude is problematic he says, because it risks disconnecting the possible removal of an elected official from the very allegations that triggered the investigation. It opens the door to unrelated considerations being invoked to render his return unlikely or impossible; this is unacceptable and would set a troubling precedent.

No discussion on the budget

The usual rhythm of an ASP is a last-minute nail-biting discussion on the budget where it often comes down to states fighting over a zero point zero something percent, says Vignoli. This time though was strange because it was so quick. Mainly, she thinks, because the court was really conservative in its request. The court has been clear that its taking all the measures it can to weather the various threats and attacks that are coming its way, she continues. The budget was positioned as part of the multi-tiered strategy to protect the court.

No Congolese NGOs and No Nigeria Investigation

There were noticeably fewer NGO representatives at this years event. Around 200 members of the coalition for the international criminal court (CICC) attended this year compared to around 300 last year, confirmed Zoe Paris the coalition advocacy head. The entire delegation of CICC members from DRC [Democratic Republic of Congo] had their visas rejected, representing 60 people, she told Justice Info.

For some situations, there is still no apparent progress from the prosecution, which continues to betray victims in the northeast of Nigeria says Matt Cannock of Amnesty International pointing to the prosecutors own decision five years ago that all the criteria has been met, and that there was no prospect of complementarity. That limbo is intolerable, he says. Victims expectations are completely going down and its almost a forgotten situation, he adds.

No further forward on non-cooperation

For the first time states debated non-cooperation. With arrest warrants being ignored by Hungary and Mongolia and with no resolution yet on Italys failure to transfer a Libyan suspect, this was an opportunity to get states to discuss their own responsibilities to enforce non-cooperation findings, says Vignoli, underlining that individual bilateral states relationship can be a powerful tool. Human Rights Watch and others wanted states to commit to their obligations to execute all of the arrest warrants, and said they are watching out for any attempt to carve out exceptions during peace negotiations  that would be a bit of a slippery slope, says Vignoli.

But nothing very concrete came out of this debate. Antonia Pereira de Sousa, from the courts registry, repeated details of the channels of communication for states to use in order to avoid a status on non-cooperation. The ASP president rounded the discussion up, stressing that it was the first of a kind intended to be positive despite being about very sensitive issues. She concluded by calling on states to abide by the rules they had set up for themselves.

Its now a question of being very realistic

Deputy prosecutor Khan said that in the last period we saw the highest number of arrest warrants issued, with 17 new public warrants since 2023, and several more under seal that of course we may not speak of. Last year we all thought that 2026 would be a year with empty courtrooms. Instead, she points to the arrest of former Filipino president Rodrigo Duterte, and a few hours later came the announcement of the transfer of a Libyan suspect from Germany.

Prospects though for further big arrest warrants look unlikely. Nazhat Shameen Khan played down expectations, saying that while she does not anticipate that there will be a decreased demand for the investigative work of the office, she does see a need for us to really focus on organising our work efficiently. And it means being very, very careful about selection criteria, being very careful about selecting parts of investigations to prioritise. We have to accept that investigations cannot go on forever. We cant keep coming back to states parties and say, look, this year we want over three new situations, and we have no people to do the investigation. Its a question of being very realistic.

No rocking the boat (but not drowning)

One year ago, at the last ASP, the courts president warned that US sanctions were coming. In the meantime, states parties have not been entirely anaemic in the face of this doomsday scenario, says Vasiliev with what looks like strenuous diplomatic and organisational efforts behind the scenes to secure the Courts viability and operations.

Evidence of this was within the ASP resolutions which reflected the delicate combination of 125 member states interests  via a language that is very diplomatic, quite vanilla says Cannock.

US sanctions on the court seem to have had several effects on states, he says. Theyre so egregious, so big-hammer, small-nail that theres now almost a siege mentality among states, which has led to a sort of a resilient joint message.

Vasiliev notes the insertion of worrying language of constructive dialogue that crept into several statements during the general debate and of a final declaration encouraging the dialogue between States Parties and Non-States Parties. Of course were open to engagement with any non-states party, but if its on the terms of the sanctions, and with a state that is already sanctioning the court, that is untenable for us. Thats impossible, Cannock says.

Ultimately, says Vasiliev, the commitment of states parties to the accountability principles underlying the Statute  and their willingness to safeguard the Courts independence  still remains the main Achilles heel of the whole system. Id rather be overdramatic than complacent about the risks: any such constructive dialogues need to be watched closely.
Three men went on trial in Germany on Tuesday, accused of tailing a former soldier for Ukraine on behalf of a Russian intelligence service for a possible assassination plot.

The alleged ringleader, an Armenian partially identified as Vardges I., recruited a Ukrainian, Robert A., and a Russian, Arman S., prosecutors charge.

Entering the Frankfurt courtroom, Vardges I. grinned broadly and Robert A. gave the thumbs-up sign and stuck out his tongue.

The trio allegedly tried to lure the Georgia-born former soldier for the Ukrainian army to a Frankfurt cafe last year, but the alleged target became suspicious and contacted police.

"The spying operation presumably served to prepare further intelligence missions in Germany, possibly including the killing of the target," prosecutors said.

The motivation for the operation "may have been that the victim, the man who was spied on, is accused by Russia of having participated in war crimes in Ukraine against Russian soldiers", said prosecution spokeswoman Ines Peterson.

"The victim himself contacted the police here in Germany and said that he suspected being spied on by a Russian secret service."

When the Ukraine army veteran did not show up in the Frankfurt cafe, which was under police surveillance, the three men drove off, but were later stopped and arrested by police commandos.

According to the Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily, police found cash, several passports -- both genuine and forged -- and GPS tracking devices in their possession.

The three defendants have since been remanded in custody.

The press service of the Russian embassy in Berlin told AFP it "doesn't interfere with or comment on legal proceedings in Germany", adding that it had "no reliable information" that any of the suspects had Russian citizenship.

- On high alert -

The case comes with governments across Europe on high alert over alleged Russian espionage, drone surveillance and sabotage activities, cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns.

The state of alert has increased since Russia launched its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leading European NATO powers to boost support for Kyiv and step up their own defence spending.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in October charged that mysterious drone flights over European airports were evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin was trying to unsettle the continent with "hybrid attacks".

"It is Russia that is trying to destabilise us in Germany and in Europe ever more ruthlessly with hybrid methods of war," Merz said.

"We will defend ourselves against them now and in the future."

That same month, a Munich court sentenced a German-Russian man to six years in jail, and two more to suspended sentences, for helping plan attacks on railway lines and military infrastructure.

German authorities have repeatedly warned about agents supposedly recruited via social media to carry out tasks such as taking photos of key industrial and military sites.

So-called low-level agents are also thought to have been behind a plot that led to the explosions of parcels at two DHL logistics facilities in Germany and Britain last year.
Luxembourg retiree witnesses 'tremendous transformation' in rural China

People's Daily Online) 13:13, December 09, 2025

A screenshot shows an article about Nico Hansen, a retired police officer from Luxembourg, published by People's Daily Overseas Edition on Nov. 29, 2025.

On an early winter day in Lianhua village, Nandan county, Hechi city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nico Hansen, a retired police officer from Luxembourg, stood in an orchard with villagers, sampling passion fruit from trees he had helped plant.

Seven years ago, Hansen took a sightseeing trip to Guangxi. Today, he has established a presence in the northwest corner of the autonomous region, witnessing firsthand the steady progress of China's rural development.

Nico Hansen, a retired police officer from Luxembourg, and Xie Wanju inspect the growth of passion fruit in Nandan county, Hechi city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

It all began with a social media recruitment post.

Zhadong village in Hechi's Yizhou district was once a regional-level impoverished village. In 2018, Xie Wanju, then the village's first Party secretary, posted a message on WeChat Moments calling for volunteers to grow passion fruit and help alleviate poverty.

Xie said he never imagined the post would bring him a volunteer who would help the village for free  and also become a lifelong friend.

When a friend showed Hansen the recruitment message and explained its meaning, it sparked his curiosity. "I want to see China's countryside with my own eyes and learn about your work," he messaged Xie.

"I agreed to let Hansen come for two reasons: First, he was willing to volunteer; second, I wanted foreign friends to see that we have the capability and courage to overcome difficulties and develop our village," Xie said.

"He'd only been here a few days, but it felt like he'd lived here for 20 years," Xie recalled. Hansen became Xie's "foreign assistant," working to help villagers escape poverty and pursue prosperity.

During Zhadong village's most challenging years of poverty alleviation, Hansen participated in many memorable projects. The most unforgettable was building a road for three households.

Nico Hansen, a retired police officer from Luxembourg, promotes passion fruit on camera in Nandan county, Hechi city, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Li Weijun)

"That mountain path was extremely steep, even for motorcycles. The poverty of those three families exceeded anything I'd imagined," Hansen recalled.

Short on funds, Xie and Hansen filmed documentaries to seek sponsorship. Short on manpower, they personally carried rebar and hauled stones up the mountain. When the road opened, the three families repeatedly expressed their gratitude to Hansen and the officials involved in the construction.

"In my heart, this is the most beautiful road in the world," Hansen said.

In 2020, Zhadong village successfully lifted itself out of poverty. The village Party branch presented Hansen with a banner acknowledging his selfless dedication. Although he couldn't read Chinese or even pronounce the words "poverty alleviation" in Chinese, Hansen fully grasped that "in this country, whatever the people need, no matter how difficult, must be done  and done well."

Hansen has also embraced local traditions and integrated into daily life. "It wasn't that I chose to serve the villagers here. Rather, the cool mountain breezes attracted me, the local development efforts kept me, and the villagers warmed my heart with their simplicity and warmth," he said.

Not long ago, following local customs, Xie gave Hansen a Chinese name: Xie Wanke. "Sharing the surname 'Xie' means we're family," the official said.

"Being family means I belong to this land  I'm no longer a 'foreigner.' This is the most important ceremony and the greatest honor I could receive in a foreign country," Hansen said.

Today, Xie serves as the first Party secretary stationed in Lianhua village, Nandan county, while Hansen has become a "promotional ambassador" for local specialty products.

Hansen shares products, including golden passion fruit and plums, along with Guangxi's beautiful scenery, on WeChat and overseas social media platforms.

As a result, orders from both domestic and international customers are pouring in, expanding sales channels for fresh fruit and showcasing Guangxi's rural beauty.

Over the past seven years, Hansen has witnessed China's rural development firsthand. In Guangxi, he has seen young people returning home to run B&Bs, host livestreaming sessions and establish farms.

"People here work hard and focus on their lives. Village officials here work hard to help everyone live better. The landscape improves every day  this is real. Chinese people can manage their own affairs well," Hansen said.

"Through our work, we've witnessed the tremendous transformation of China's countryside," Hansen and Xie said, adding that they will continue to dedicate themselves to advancing all-around rural revitalization.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)






Monday, December 8, 2025 - A woman identified as Wambui Kariuki has gone public with emotional accusations against Abigael Zuena, a director at real estate firm Finsco Africa, claiming that she wrecked her marriage and is now using her influence to frustrate her attempts to seek justice.

In a deeply emotional TikTok video, Wambui alleges that Zuena snatched her husband and even took her children after the two reportedly eloped.

She claims that despite repeatedly seeking legal redress, she has been met with roadblocks that she believes are due to Zuenas connections.

According to Wambui, a recent attempt to retrieve her children ended with Zuena calling the police on her.

How can I lose my own children? I need your help, Kenyans, she cried, visibly distraught.

Wambui insists she will continue fighting for her children as her heartbreaking appeal continues to gain attention online.

Watch the video.

Photos of the homewrecker.

















The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, December 8, 2025 - Drama erupted online after reports surfaced claiming that Abigael Zuena, a director at Finsco Africa, had wrecked another womans marriage.

The mans ex-wife stormed Abigaels residence, leading to a tense confrontation.

The distressed woman wanted to get her kids but Abigael called police on her.

She further claimed that Abigael has been using her influence to frustrate her after she moved to court to seek justice.

Below are photos of the man Abigael snatched from another woman.

Videos of the confrontation.






Monday, December 8, 2025 - Drama erupted at a city estate after a distressed woman stormed the home of Finsco Africa Director, Abigael Zuena, accusing her of breaking her marriage and taking away both her husband and children.



The woman, identified as Wambui Kariuki, recorded the emotional confrontation and later shared her ordeal on TikTok, where the clip has gone viral.



According to Wambui, she had been in a happy marriage and is the mother of two children.



She claims her troubles began when Zuena eloped with her husband.



Wambui further alleges that her husband left with their children, and she believes Zuena has been using her influence to frustrate her efforts to regain custody.



In the viral video, Wambui is seen attempting to access Zuenas residence in a desperate effort to see her children.



She claims Zuena called the police on her during the confrontation.



Watch the dramatic video below.

Photos of the homewrecker

















The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, December 08, 2025 - A scandal involving a Zimbabwean teacher Zvikomborero Maria Makedenge, 33, and her 16yearold student has stirred global attention and intense debate online.

The teacher, now facing legal proceedings, claims the teenager initiated the encounter, while the student alleges she coerced him, locked the door, and threatened him into silence with promises of taking him abroad.





Meanwhile, the student has unexpectedly become a celebrity in school with a viral clip showing classmates crowding around him, eager for selfies and hugs.

The unfolding story has sparked mixed reactions with netizens concerned that the students dont fully grasp the gravity of what just happened.

Watch the video below.

Wow. The 16 year old minor caught up in a scandal with his 33yrs old adult teacher is now getting celebrity treatment at school.



Society is strange man.pic.twitter.com/JcBihRoOaV  Lord Shiba (@ShibbaInuLord) December 7, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Ellen O'Donoghue

Most of the wind warnings issued due to Storm Bram expired at 9pm.

A Status Orange warning for Donegal and a Yellow alert for 14 other counties have passed.

However, a Yellow wind warning for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo will remain in place until midnight.

ESB crews continue to try and restore power to homes and businesses across the country this evening.

25,000 units are now recorded as being without power - with estimated restoration times on Powercheck.ie.

Earlier today

Around 54,000 homes, businesses and farms across the State are without power, as of 4pm on Tuesday.

ESB has said the worst affected counties are Wexford, Cork, Tipperary, Kildare, Dublin, Meath and Westmeath and that further outages can be expected as Storm Bram makes its way across the country.

ESB has said that its staff are working to restore power throughout the night.

Met Eireann has also extended an orange weather warning to the entire country.

The Status Orange wind warning remains in place in Donegal until 9pm tonight - with a Yellow wind advisory for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo until midnight.

A status Yellow wind warning is in place until 9pm tonight for much of the rest of the country.

Speaking on Newstalk, Met Eireann Meteorologist Liz Walsh said things will start to calm down tonight: "That orange warning will expire, and then we'll be back into a yellow and then a gradual easing of the winds as we go through overnight."

ESB Networks advises if you come across fallen wires or a damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are live and extremely dangerous and report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.

Gas Networks Ireland has said it does not anticipate disruption to gas supplies during Storm Bram.

If you smell gas at home or on the street, it is advised to call 1800 20 50 50 immediately.

Transport

Train services have been suspended between Greystones and Wicklow town since about 3pm due to flooding, according to the Irish Times.

Dart rail services were suspended between Grand Canal Dock and Dun Laoghaire in Dublin due to a tree interfering with the overhead power lines - but service has now resumed.

Dublin Fire Brigade have responded to a total of six incidents today, but no injuries have been reported.

91 flights have been cancelled by airlines at Dublin Airport so far, with around 10 flights diverted to other airports.

The Dublin Airport Authority says one in six flights have been cancelled today.

The Irish Times reports that Irelands longest bridge, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, has had to close following increasing wind speeds.

The bridge, which crosses the river Barrow between Wexford and Kilkenny, a distance of 887 metres, will only reopen when wind speeds have decreased sufficiently.

Warnings

Water Safety Ireland also urges the public to stay away from all waterways during Storm Bram, including coastal areas, rivers, lakes, and flood-prone zones.

Risks include powerful waves, sudden surges, fast-flowing currents, and rapidly rising water levels.

Storm Bram has brought very strong to gale force southerly winds with severe gusts.

The track of the storm means forecasters have put in place rolling orange wind warnings throughout the day.

#StormBram will bring very windy or stormy conditions to Ireland today.



Southerly winds, veering westerly through the day, will be very strong to gale force, with some damaging gusts also expecteda i



Persistent & heavy rain at first will gradually clear to scattered showersai pic.twitter.com/eKw5gUeeiR  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) December 9, 2025

After a week of persistent rain, Met Eireann has said soils across the country are already highly saturated and many rivers are approaching bank-full conditions, so any additional rainfall is likely to result in surface and river flooding.

Earlier today

Rolling weather warnings

Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford are under an orange wind warning until 4pm. This was originally set to expire at 3pm, but has since been extended.

Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, and all of Connacht are under an orange wind warning until 7pm. That warning started at 11am.

Co Donegal will be under the weather warning from 2pm until 9pm.

The entire country has been under a yellow wind warning from 6am, and will be until 9pm.

Impacts of the storm will likely include coastal flooding, especially during high tide, wave overtopping, difficult travel conditions, debris and loose objects being displaced, power outages and impacts on outdoor events.

A status yellow rain warning was in place on Monday night in Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford, and expired at 9am.

Warnings in Irish waters have also been upgraded with a status orange storm warning for all coasts and on the Irish Sea, applying until midnight.

In addition, two red marine warnings are in place between 8am and 3pm, combined with a similar advisory between midday and 8pm from Loop Head to Erris Head to Malin Head.

In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for the entire region between 9am and 10pm.

A more severe amber warning for wind is in place for the western part of Northern Ireland, applying to counties Antrim, Fermanagh, Derry, and Tyrone between 2pm and 7pm.

The Met Office advised the public to expect delays to transport services and further warned that cancellations are possible.

It added that there was a chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris, as well as damage to buildings and power outages.

Forecasters said gusts of around 50-60 mph are possible fairly widely across the region, and potentially in excess of 70mph for some exposed headlands and areas of high ground.

Forecasters are advising that south to southwest winds will occasionally reach violent storm force 11.

Gusts of 113km/h were recorded at Roches Point, and 100km/h were recorded at Cork Airport, according to Carlow Weather on X.

A day to be 'very, very careful'

After a week of persistent rain, Met Eireann has said soils across the country are already highly saturated and many rivers are approaching bank-full conditions, so any additional rainfall is likely to result in surface and river flooding.

Keith Leonard, national director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said: The conditions associated with orange level wind warnings can be very dangerous.

Potential impacts include the possibility of structural damage, fallen trees and flying debris  presenting a risk to both life and property.

Driving can be particularly hazardous in these conditions, so Im asking all drivers to anticipate strong cross winds and other hazards such as falling or fallen trees.

High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds  so please slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.

Id also ask the organisers of events and activities to consider the wind warnings that are in place and monitor the local conditions  unfortunately the cancellation of events may be necessary in some locations.

Met Eireann forecaster Gerry Kelly said it was a day to be very, very careful.

He told RTE's Morning Ireland: It is going to be a very windy day everywhere, and there is certainly a possibility for all areas to reach those levels for a time.

He particularly highlighted a risk of coastal flooding in the south of the country during high tide on Tuesday morning.

Travel disruption

The storm resulted in some travel disruption with 73 flights cancelled at Dublin Airport.

The airport warned that further cancellations are possible.

Storm Bram has led to four cancelled flights and one diversion at Cork Airport this morning.

Two departing flights at Shannon Airport have been delayed, while one arrival has been cancelled.

A number of flights have also been cancelled at Belfast City Airport due to the storm.

As of 9.30am it was the worst-affected UK airport where at least 18 departures and arrivals were grounded, most of them were Aer Lingus regional flights.

British Airways also cancelled a number of departures from London Heathrow to Belfast City Airport.

Amendments have been made for domestic travel as Waterford train station closed due to flooding.

Bus transfers are being arranged to operate between Kilkenny and Waterford.

All P&O Ferries have been cancelled between Larne in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan in Scotland, except for 11.59pm departures, which are expected to be delayed.

Stena Line and Irish Ferries have also had several sailings cancelled or delayed due to the marine weather warnings.

Cancelled events

Todays race at Punchestown has also been cancelled due to Storm Bram.

Information on rescheduling will follow.

The poor weather has resulted in the closure of the Belfast Christmas Market on Tuesday.

Organisers said: We recognise this may be disappointing, however the safety of our visitors and traders is of the utmost importance.

At the moment the plan is to reopen on Wednesday December 10, however this is weather dependent.

Galway's Christmas Market will also remain closed today because of the weather warning.

Management at the Cliffs of Moher confirmed the site would remain closed today, as will Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

Muckross House and Killarney House in the Killarney National Park are both closed today, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have said.

In Cork, Cork County Council has cancelled the Macroom Christmas Market due to be held in the Square today due to the status orange weather warning.

A farm hazardous waste collection day in Listowel, Co Kerry today has been postponed due to the weather.

The collection day was due to take place at Listowel Mart.

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed the hazardous waste collection day has been postponed, and rescheduled for next week, Tuesday December 16th from 9am to 4pm, The Irish Times reported.

School closures

A large number of primary and secondary schools, as well as creche facilities, have also closed due to Storm Bram.

In the case of an orange warning, the decision to close lies with the school management authority. However, if a red warning was in place, schools would automatically have to close.

In particular areas such as Sligo, Galway and Donegal, a large number of schools have closed.

Several schools in Co Donegal have said they are closing at 12.35pm or 1pm to accommodate students and staff members getting home safely before the orange wind warning comes into effect at 2pm until 9pm.

Mayo College of Further Education and Training has also said it will remain closed today because of the storm.

Additional reporting: PA
A Mooncoin man is celebrating a landmark year having earned honours in two of Irelands most prestigious business programmes and secured a major international investment that will propel the his company into its next phase of global growth.

Liam Dunne, CEO and Co-Founder of Klearcom, was named a 2025 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalist, a highly competitive programme widely regarded as the top honour for Irish business leaders.

The EY programme has a long heritage of identifying Irelands most innovative founders, including business leaders like Denis OBrien Digicel, Anne Heraty CPL, and this years overall winner Edward McCloskey. Mr Dunne joined the finalists on the elite EY CEO retreat to Japan, last summer where participants gained exposure to world-class companies, mentors and took part in deep-dive strategy sessions with global leaders.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE KILKENNY BUSINESS NEWS

In the same year, Klearcom ranked third in Ireland in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50, which measures revenue growth over four years. With hundreds of tech companies competing annually, securing a place in the top three places Klearcom among Irelands highest-performing and fastest-moving tech innovators.



Liam, Sharon and their four boys who all play hurling with Mooncoin GAA - Liam Og, Conall, Odhran and Rian

However, 2025 brought an even more transformative milestone, when Klearcom completed a strategic investment partnership with Synova, a leading UK private equity firm managing over 1.7 billion in growth capital.

The investment marks the companys transition from start-up to scale-up. With Synovas backing, Klearcom is now positioned to accelerate international expansion, deepen its AI capabilities, and grow its team.

From standing on the EY stage, ranking near the top of the Fast 50, and securing Synova as our investment partner; its been extraordinary, says Mr Dunne.

TAP HERE FOR MORE SOUTH KILKENNY NEWS

EY, Deloitte, and Synova each test you in different ways, and being recognised by all three in one year is an incredible honour. But the best part is the people. Exceptional people make exceptional companies, and these programmes put you in rooms that challenge, inspire, and push you forward."



Klearcoms AI-driven technology helps global enterprises ensure their Voicebots, speech IVRs, and phone systems perform for customers across more than 100 countries. As enterprises rapidly adopt AI-driven customer service, Klearcom is emerging as a category leader in assuring the quality, accuracy, and reliability of those systems.

The shift to AI in voice is happening much faster than anyone expected, Mr Dunne says. "2026 will be the year we scale; aggressively, globally, and with Synova beside us. We want to build one of the worlds leading AI assurance platforms and show that world-class innovation can come from Mooncoin, Waterford, and the South-East.

With major international backing, national recognition, and a fast-growing global client base, including Goole, Mastercard, Pfizer, Klearcom is set to take another leap forward in 2026, putting both Waterford and Mooncoin firmly on the map of global AI innovation.
Earlier this year, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo and St Angelas mourned the loss of a dear friend and colleague, Susan Carton, of Thomastown, Kilkenny.

She 'was a remarkable educator whose influence continues to shape disability education, thought, and practice across the university and far beyond'. Susan began her academic career in 2003 as a lecturer on the Intellectual Disability Nursing degree programmes. Over the following two decades, she became one of the most transformative voices within ATU St Angela's, driven by an unwavering commitment to equality, human rights, and social justice.

Central to her work was her refusal to accept the paternalistic and deficit-based views of disability that still persist in society. Susan encouraged us to move away from sympathy and assumptions, and instead to recognise disability as something produced by societal structures, norms, and barriers, barriers we have the power and responsibility to change.

TAP HERE FOR MORE KILKENNY EDUCATION NEWS

Her leadership was instrumental in the development of groundbreaking programmes in ATU, including the BA in Health and Disability Studies, the Certificate in Disability Studies, the Postgraduate Diploma in Disability Studies, and the Masters in Disability Studies. These programmes continue to shape graduates who understand disability not as an individual problem, but as a matter of rights, citizenship, and equality.



The late Susan Carton

Beyond teaching, research and curriculum design, Susan was a tireless advocate for disabled people. She represented the university on national bodies, including the Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency (DESSA) and other key organisations, always speaking with clarity, honesty, and courage about the change needed in Irish society. She did not soften her message, but she delivered it with warmth, conviction, and compassion. Her voice carried weight because it always centred the lived realities and rights of disabled people.

Reflecting on her friend and colleague, Dr Edel McSharry, Head of Department of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies, said: Susan had a way of gently but firmly turning our assumptions inside out. She helped us see how often our reactions to disability came from misplaced sympathy, or from a desire to protect, when what was needed was equality, respect, and honesty. She changed how I see the world  and how I see myself within it. Losing her has left a space that cannot be filled, but her voice is in everything we do. I miss her deeply and think of her often.

TAP HERE FOR MORE THOMASTOWN NEWS

At the 2025 conferring ceremony, ATU St Angelas honoured Susans legacy by presenting the inaugural Susan Carton Memorial Award to Mary Maher, who graduated with an MSc in Disability Studies and had been taught and supported by Susan throughout her studies.

Speaking about Marys achievement, Ursula Gilrane, Marys supervisor, said: Marys Masters Research Dissertation, which explored the educational lived experiences of autistic young people who attended mainstream post-primary schools in Southeast Ireland, exemplifies the values Susan championed throughout her career: advocacy, human rights, equality, inclusion, and social justice. Marys research embodied all of Susans values and was profoundly influenced by Susans teaching.

Mary Maher also shared her own tribute, describing Susan as a constant source of support, encouragement, and wisdom throughout her eight years of study, someone whose integrity, care, and passion left a lasting imprint on her academic journey and her life.

Susans legacy continues to guide ATU St Angelas in its teaching, in our programmes and in our ongoing commitment to building a society where disabled people are recognised as full citizens with autonomy, dignity, and equal rights. Her influence endures in every student who passes through these programmes and in every conversation about equality and justice that takes place within our walls.
Storm Bram has made its presence felt in Kilkenny as multiple trees have reportedly fallen across the county, with some impacting the local road network.

One tree has been reported down on the L2638 Kilbline Cross on the Bennettsbridge side, and crews are on the way.

Another tree is down on the Rock Road in Thomastown.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny household receives surprise garda visit amid investigation

Kilkenny County Council are aware of these incidents and are dealing with them.

After a week of persistent rain, Met Eireann said soils across the country are already highly saturated and many rivers are approaching bank full conditions, so any additional rainfall is likely to result in surface and river flooding.

The track of the storm means forecasters have put in place rolling orange wind warnings throughout the day.

The storm has already resulted in some travel disruption with Emerald Airlines has preemptively cancelled a number of flights from its Tuesday schedule, according to Dublin Airport.

READ NEXT: The most shocking garda vehicle seizure in Kilkenny yet?!

The airport said other airlines have indicated that they continue to monitor the situation.

An orange warning for Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford is in place until 3pm.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS
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Garrett, IN (46738)

Today

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this morning. High 27F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 14F. Winds light and variable.
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Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this morning. High 28F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%..

Tonight

Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 14F. Winds light and variable.
A MAN who said he is on trial in Dublin charged with threatening to kill Simon Harris was before Portlaoise District Court last week charged with threatening to kill two Prison Officers.

Michael Murray (46) from the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise was charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Chief Seamus Lawlor and to threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Assistant Chief Michelle Kennedy on 11 April 2023.

Garda Aoife Laffan said that when the charges were put to the accused, he replied: There was no threat issued against Michelle Kennedy. I was never interviewed in relation to that. Judge Susan Fay remanded the accused in custody to the 15 December to appear again in Portlaoise Court by video link.

Mr Murphys barrister Andrew Dunne said his client was asking to be produced in person in court on that date so that he can make an application.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said he would be concerned that the book of evidence in the case would not be ready to be served, and no reason to have Mr Murphy produced in court.

Judge Fay said the accused is entitled to make an application but with pressures on the court lists and on the prison services it would be more efficient if the case was conducted by video link.

The accused said that he is on trail for threatening to kill Simon Harris and all my court cases are transferred to Dublin. No court cases have been heard for me in Portlaoise Circuit Court. Judge Fay asked that the book of evidence be ready to be served by 19 January.

She went on to remanded Mr Murphy in custody to 15 December, with his consent by video link, and for an application to be submitted on 19 January for a change of venue.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
For anyone who has fancied seeing the northern lights but baulked at the logistics of a trip to Iceland, Tuesday morning might offer a rare opportunity closer to home.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G3 geomagnetic storm watch, predicting that a significant solar ejection could push auroral displays as far south as Oregon and Illinois.

The Solar 'Tantrum'

This all kicked off Saturday when the sun decided to have a bit of a tantrum. A patch called Active Region 4299which has been causing bother for days nowspat out an M8.1 solar flare. That launched a massive bubble of magnetised plasma straight at us.

Scientists term this a coronal mass ejection (CME), which sounds quite polite for what is essentially the sun lobbing a chunk of itself in our direction.

CME Expected to Hit Monday Night Into Tuesday

The CME should wallop Earth's magnetic field sometime early to midday Tuesday. For people in North America, that translates to late Monday night into early Tuesdaydecent timing if you are planning to stay up and have a look.

NOAA's list of states that might see something reads like half the country: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, both Dakotas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York

The catch is you need proper darkness and clear skies. City lights will wash the whole thing out, so you will want to get somewhere properly dark. Look north between about 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. This is the period when geomagnetic activity tends to peak. At these latitudes, auroras usually show up as a greenish glow along the horizon rather than dancing overhead. Still quite lovely, mind you.

Tech Risks and Radio Blackouts

Now, solar storms are not all fun and pretty colours. G3 storms can make satellites act up, throw GPS accuracy off a bit, and cause radio communications to drop out. While power grids are not about to collapse, airlines and shipping companies do pay attention.

Last month Airbus had to rush out a software fix after working out that solar storms 'could corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls'.

Just yesterday, an X1.1 solar flare caused an hour-long radio blackout across Australia and Southeast Asia. The sun hit solar maximum back in Octoberthat is the peak of its 11-year cycle, when it exhibits sunspots and eruptions. Scientists thought this cycle would be fairly tame, but the sun clearly did not get that memo.

Solar Activity to Continue Through 2026

Dr Pal Brekke from the Norwegian Space Agency has said we should expect 'the most frequent and intense northern lights displays' running through 2024 and possibly into 2026. Even though we have technically passed the solar maximum peak, activity stays elevated for ages afterwards. Some research suggests the declining phase actually produces the most violent solar events, which is slightly terrifying but excellent news for aurora enthusiasts.

The big unknown with Tuesday's storm is the magnetic field orientation inside the CME. We will not know that until it actually arrives. If the field points southwardopposite to Earth's magnetic fieldwe get brilliant coupling and spectacular auroras. If it points north, things peter out.

It is a bit like space weather roulette. This solar cycle has been remarkably active compared to the last one, which was the weakest in a century. That means loads of people who have never seen auroras before are getting proper chances without having to fly to Troms or Yellowknife.

A powerful solar eruption is expected to hit Earth soon, according to the NOAA. The storm has the potential to disrupt some technology and cause stronger-than-usual auroras, making the northern lights visible in more U.S. regions than usual.



Read more: https://t.co/mdary8K4NX pic.twitter.com/roE2JE5tK2  ABC News (@ABC) December 9, 2025

Why This Storm Matters Beyond Pretty Lights

Space weather has become increasingly critical as our civilisation depends more heavily on satellite technology and interconnected power grids. The October 2003 solar storms caused widespread disruptions to power systems, airline operations and spacecraft across the globe. Those storms reached G5 intensitythe most severe leveland demonstrated just how vulnerable modern infrastructure can be when the sun goes off.

Whether Tuesday delivers the goods or not, we'll find out soon enough. Space weather forecasting has got massively better over the years, but the sun still does whatever it fancies. We are just along for the ride, hoping the clouds stay away and the magnetic field cooperates.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
The University of Oklahoma has removed two instructors from their classrooms in what has become a cascading scandal involving religious discrimination, viewpoint bias, and campus protest double standards that conservative advocates say exemplifies the hostile environment facing right-leaning students at American universities.

The controversy began when teaching assistant William "Mel" Curth, who uses she/they pronouns, gave Christian student Samantha Fulnecky a zero out of 25 on an essay assignment where she cited the Bible and called modern gender ideology "demonic and severely harmful to American youth."

But the situation escalated dramatically when a second instructor, assistant teaching professor Kelli Alvarez, allegedly offered excused absences to students who wished to protest in support of Curth's reinstatement while initially denying the same accommodation to students planning to counter-protesta double standard the university characterized as unacceptable viewpoint discrimination.

Both instructors are now on administrative leave pending investigations, with the University of Oklahoma issuing statements emphasizing that classrooms "exist to teach students how to think, not what to think" and that viewpoint-based preferential treatment violates fundamental principles of academic freedom.

The Original Essay: 'Demonic and Severely Harmful'

The initial incident occurred in late November in a lifespan development class at OU. Fulnecky, a junior, was assigned to read a scholarly paper summarizing research on gender norms among middle schoolers and write a response essay.

The assignment, worth 25 points, provided a grading rubric with three criteria:

Does the paper show a clear tie-in to the assigned article? (10 points)

Does the paper present a thoughtful reaction or response to the article, rather than a summary? (10 points)

Is the paper clearly written? (5 points)

Notably, the rubric did not require empirical evidence, scholarly citations, or any particular viewpointonly that students engage thoughtfully with the article and clearly express their reactions.

Fulnecky responded by supporting traditional gender norms and citing her Christian faith. Her essay stated that God created men and women as distinct, that gender norms should not be dismissed as mere stereotypes, and that contemporary efforts to promote multiple genders and fluid identities are harmful to children.

"Society [is] pushing the lie that there are multiple genders and everyone should be whatever they want to be is demonic and severely harms American youth," Fulnecky wrote. "I do not want kids to be teased or bullied in school. However, pushing the lie that everyone has their own truth and everyone can do whatever they want and be whoever they want is not biblical whatsoever."

The Zero Grade and Scathing Response

Curth gave Fulnecky a zeronot a C or D for disagreement with the argument, but complete failure despite the essay meeting the rubric's stated requirements.

The teaching assistant's written response was lengthy and pointed:

"Please note that I am not deducting points because you have certain beliefs, but instead I am deducting point [sic] for you posting a reaction paper that does not answer the questions for this assignment, contradicts itself, heavily uses personal ideology over empirical evidence in a scientific class, and is at times offensive," Curth wrote.

The TA then lectured Fulnecky on gender ideology: "You may personally disagree with this, but that doesn't change the fact that every major psychological, medical, pediatric, and psychiatric association in the United States acknowledges that, biologically and psychologically, sex and gender is neither binary nor fixed."

Critics immediately noted several problems with Curth's grading:

Rubric Violation: The grading criteria never mentioned empirical evidence as a requirement. Fulnecky was asked for her reaction and opinion, which she provided.

Viewpoint Discrimination: Curth's statement that the essay was "at times offensive" suggested the zero grade stemmed from disagreement with Fulnecky's Christian perspective rather than academic deficiencies.

Contradiction: Curth claimed not to be deducting points for Fulnecky's beliefs while simultaneously criticizing those beliefs as the basis for the failing grade.

Academic Overreach: A teaching assistant was essentially telling a student that her religious views were factually wrong and that she must adopt the TA's preferred ideology on gender to pass the assignment.

"I was asked to read an article and give my opinion on the article," Fulnecky told Fox News Digital. "So I did this assignment the same as I would any other in that class, gave my opinion on gender binary and gender stereotypes and that, naturally my views are from the Bible and my Christian kind of worldview. And so that's what I wrote about and I didn't think anything of it."

She said she was "shocked" by the zero grade and believed it was "punitive."

University Response: TA Removed

As Fulnecky's story spread through conservative media and campus advocacy groups, the University of Oklahoma faced mounting pressure to address the apparent religious discrimination.

Last week, the university confirmed that Curth had been removed from the classroom, though it initially provided few details about the decision or whether further disciplinary action would follow.

The removal of a teaching assistant for grading decisions is relatively rare in higher education, suggesting university administrators concluded Curth's actions represented serious violations of academic freedom and student rights.

Conservative groups celebrated the decision as vindication that the zero grade was indeed discriminatory, though some questioned why it took media attention and external pressure for the university to act rather than addressing the issue immediately when Fulnecky complained.

The Protest and the Double Standard

The controversy might have ended there, but a second incident involving another instructor transformed a single grading dispute into a broader case study of viewpoint discrimination at OU.

Following Curth's removal from the classroom, some students organized a protest advocating for the teaching assistant's reinstatement. The demonstration was scheduled during class time, and some students wanted to attend rather than go to their classes.

This is where assistant teaching professor Kelli Alvarez allegedly created a double standard that the university would ultimately characterize as unacceptable viewpoint discrimination.

According to Turning Point USA's Oklahoma chapter president Kalib Magana and Republican State Senator Shane David Jett, Alvarezwho taught Magana's English Composition II classoffered excused absences to students who wished to attend the pro-Curth protest.

However, when Magana requested an excused absence to attend a counter-protest opposing Curth's reinstatement, Alvarez allegedly denied his request unless he could organize a "documented group" of counter-protesters and provide confirmation that others would attend.

"Kalib should not be marked absent for showing up as a counter-protester while those in favor are excused," Turning Point USA posted on social media. "That is discriminatory."

The group elaborated: "The professor expected Kalib to organize an entire counter-protest with people confirming they would attend, instead of allowing him to show up on his own like everyone else. His freedom of speech and his ability to receive an excused absence were made dependent on others agreeing to participate in his counter-protest and share his beliefs. This is incredibly anti-free speech and discriminatory toward an opposing viewpoint."

The allegation suggested Alvarez was willing to facilitate student participation in protests supporting progressive causes (reinstating a TA who penalized Christian views) while imposing additional burdens on students wishing to express conservative viewpoints (opposing that reinstatement).

Swift Second Removal

The University of Oklahoma responded swiftly and definitively once the second allegation emerged.

On Friday evening, the university posted a statement on social media confirming the viewpoint discrimination claim and announcing immediate action:

"On Wednesday, a lecturer allegedly demonstrated viewpoint discrimination by excusing students who intended to miss class to attend a protest on campus, but not extending the same benefit to students who intended to miss class to express a counter-viewpoint," the statement read.

A director "immediately responded" and told students in class and by email that "the lecturer's actions were inappropriate and wrong, and that the university classroom exists to teach students how to think, not what to think."

The director announced that "any student, regardless of viewpoint, would be excused if absent from class today to attend the protest without penalty, and that the lecturer had been replaced, effective immediately, for the remainder of the semester."

The university emphasized it "unequivocally supports" the director's decision to remove Alvarez from teaching.

Alvarez was also placed on administrative leave pending further investigationthe second instructor removed in connection with what began as a single essay grading dispute.

The Broader Statement on Academic Freedom

The university's statements about both removals emphasized core principles of academic freedom and viewpoint neutrality:

"Classroom instructors have a special obligation to ensure that the classroom is never used to grant preferential treatment based on personal political beliefs, nor to pressure students to adopt particular political or ideological views," the school stated.

The language was significant. Universities often defend faculty members' right to express controversial views or make controversial grading decisions under academic freedom principles. But OU's statement emphasized that academic freedom also includes obligationsparticularly the obligation not to use classroom authority to discriminate based on students' political or religious viewpoints.

The university declined to provide additional details about the investigations, citing personnel matters. Alvarez did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.

Conservative Reaction: Vindication and Warning

Conservative student groups and media figures portrayed the dual removals as vindication that campus discrimination against right-leaning students is real and systemic, though they noted it typically takes external pressure to force accountability.

"This shows what many conservative students experience every day," one Turning Point USA representative said. "You get penalized for your beliefs, and then when you try to speak out, you face additional discrimination. We're glad OU ultimately did the right thing, but students shouldn't have to go viral on social media to get fair treatment."

Republican State Senator Shane Jett, who publicly identified Alvarez and called for accountability, framed the incident as part of a broader pattern in higher education.

The Oklahoma College Republicans praised the university's decisive action while noting the incident revealed deeper problems: "Two instructors had to be removed in the same scandal. How many more are out there discriminating against conservative students without getting caught?"

The Academic Freedom Debate

The OU incidents have reignited debates about academic freedom, viewpoint diversity, and the boundaries of acceptable instructor behavior in politically charged times.

From the Conservative Perspective: The incidents exemplify systemic bias in higher education, where progressive ideology is promoted and enforced while conservative and religious perspectives face penalties. Students with traditional Christian beliefs face hostility from instructors who use grading power to punish dissent. Curth's zero grade for a biblical essay and Alvarez's protest double standard represent the tip of an icebergmost discrimination goes unreported because students fear retaliation.

From the Progressive Perspective: (Though neither removed instructor provided public statements, progressive faculty members at other institutions have argued similar cases differently.) Academic standards require evidence-based reasoning. Personal religious beliefs shouldn't override scientific consensus in academic settings. Gender identity is medically recognized; students can't simply dismiss established science with religious assertions. However, even progressive defenders of academic rigor generally acknowledge that if the rubric didn't require empirical evidence, Fulnecky shouldn't have been penalized for not providing it.

The Institutional Balance: Universities face an impossible balancing act. They must protect academic freedom for faculty to teach according to their expertise and conscience. But they also must protect students from viewpoint discrimination and ensure fair, rubric-based grading. When instructors use classroom authority to penalize students for political or religious viewsas OU concluded both Curth and Alvarez didthey've crossed from academic freedom into abuse of power.

Looking Ahead: Investigations and Implications

Both Curth and Alvarez remain on administrative leave while investigations continue. Possible outcomes range from formal reprimands to termination, depending on what investigators determine about intent, previous conduct, and policy violations.

For Fulnecky, the university reportedly changed her zero grade after reviewing the situation, though she told media the experience left her questioning whether conservative students can succeed at OU without hiding their beliefs.

"I would just really encourage everyone to stand up for your beliefs and push back when they're being questioned and push back when you feel that your voice is trying to be silenced," Fulnecky said, encouraging other students facing similar situations to speak up.

The broader question is whether OU's decisive action represents an outlier or a trend. Will other universities take similar stands against viewpoint discrimination, or was OU's response driven primarily by the incidents' high media profile and political pressure from conservative state legislators?

For now, the University of Oklahoma has sent a clear message: instructors who use classroom authority to discriminate based on students' political or religious viewpoints will face consequences. Whether that message resonates beyond Norman, Oklahoma, remains to be seen.

As one student affairs administrator at another institution noted: "OU did what they had to do when the evidence was clear. The challenge is addressing the thousands of smaller instances of viewpoint bias that never make headlines but create hostile environments for students every day."

Originally published on University Herald
The Lehigh Valley craft brewery HiJinx Brewing Co. announced it will close its Allentown taproom Dec. 20, 2025, and partner with Tatamy Volunteer Fire Co. for its new location opening in January 2026. Kurt Bresswein File Photo | For lehighvalleylive.com

The following is a roundup of recent Lehigh Valley regional retail and business news. Click each headline for the original source and additional information.

HiJinx Brewing Co. announced its moving from Lehigh County to Northampton County.

The Lehigh Valley craft brewery announced Dec. 1 its closing its taproom at 905 Harrison St., Suite 111, in Allentown on Dec. 20, with brewery operations ceasing there on Dec. 31.

This is a pause  not the end of HiJinx, ownership posted to Facebook.

On Monday, HiJinx announced on the page that it signed a lease for a new location in partnership with the Tatamy Volunteer Fire Co. in Tatamy.

Were aiming to open sometime in January, and this spot is going to be built for good times: cornhole, quoits, karaoke, live music, outdoor fun, seasonal celebrations, and a banquet/private event space  with more to come, Mondays post states. We cant wait to be part of the Tatamy community. Stay tuned for updates!

The Tatamy fire company, 164 Bushkill St., also announced the new partnership Monday, writing on its Facebook: Tatamy Fire Company is looking ahead to an exciting 2026. With a proud history of more than 100 years  including many years operating a social club  were thrilled to reintroduce a social element to our organization.

HiJinx owner/brewer Curt M. Keck told lehighvalleylive.com on Tuesday that the plan is to brew at the fire companys social hall, pending approval from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Asked whether a fire company membership will be required to visit, he said the location will be open to the public.

The news comes as another alcohol producer in Allentown also announced plans to shutter in the Queen City: Gallow Hill Spirits Co., 2208 S. 12th St., said Friday it will be closing Dec. 28.

This has been a long-fought battle, and despite every effort, we have simply run out of runway, Gallow Hill posted on Facebook. Over the past eight years, weve built more than a business  weve built communities, friendships, and memories that will stay with us forever. Everyone who has been part of this journey will be deeply missed.

By Kurt Bresswein

A new bakery featuring Dominican-inspired pastries and a commitment to employee wellbeing opened its doors in Bethlehem on Nov. 1. From Lino, located at 802 Spring St., represents owner Melanie Linos dual mission of celebrating her cultural roots while reimagining workplace standards in the service industry. Before opening From Lino, she co-founded Lit Coffee Roastery & Bakeshop in 2017 but sold her ownership stake in 2023. Reflecting Linos Dominican heritage, the new spot offers customers quesitos, medialunas, sourdough Danish pastries, pan de cristal and cookies. The shop also serves espresso drinks and stocks pantry essentials including eggs, cheeses and olive oil.

From The Morning Call

An Allentown art studio is launching a new identity that better captures its growing range of creative experiences. Hawaii Fluid Art Lehigh Valley has rebranded as Hangout for Art, marking a shift from its original focus on paint-pour projects to a diverse arts venue that serves customers of all ages. The studio at 3325 Hamilton Blvd. now hosts workshops, private events and hands-on creative sessions, according to a news release. The venue will maintain its original offerings of pour paintings and resin charcuterie boards while adding new options including resin art and wine-glass design classes. The studio plans rotating project workshops and seasonal activities such as chocolate crafting and Christmas jewelry making.

From Lehigh Valley Business

A new restaurant specializing in Indian cuisine is set to open its doors in Bethlehem Township this week, marking the first Lehigh Valley location for the fast-casual chain Tikka Shack. The restaurant will open Friday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. in the Madison Farms shopping center at 4817 Freemansburg Ave., according to franchisee Meena Sharma. Tikka Shack will occupy an end unit that previously housed Steak n Shake and Wiz Kidz. The restaurant will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The menu features Indian specialties including street-style starters like samosas, chicken 65, and masala fries. Diners can also order naan tacos, spice-infused wings, naan pizzas, kabob bowls, and tikka wraps.

From WFMZ-TV 69

Supervising reporter Kurt Bresswein contributed to this report. Reach him at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Met Eireann has extended a Status Orange Wind warning for the entire country as Storm Bram continues to bring strong and damaging southerly winds on Tuesday December 9.

The Status Orange Wind warning will be in effect until 4pm, followed by a Status Yellow Wind warning for all of Ireland until 9pm this evening.

Storm Bram is expected to bring strong to gale force winds to the country with impacts including difficult travelling conditions, fallen trees and debris and disruption and cancellations to transport services and events.

Alan O' Reilly, creator of Carlow Weather Facebook page, has posted an update amid the storm after a tree fell on top of a car in Carlow Town.

Alan's post said: "this tree came down on a car near Carlow Town earlier, thankfully the driver is OK.

READ NEXT: 'Multi-hazard event'- Storm Bram to be 'severe and destructive' with 'risk to life'

"My station in Tullow Co. Carlow just had its highest gust of the day at 96.5kmh at 14:03. Storm Bram has a lot of damage to do yet as strongest winds track North".

Carlow's weatherman shared a photo of the damaged vehicle which can be seen below:

The post has received a lot of attention on social media with people sharing photos of how the storm has damaged their local areas so far.

One Facebook user shared an image of a fallen tree near her home during the storm, which can be seen below.

People are being warned to be very cautious during this time as driving conditions are expected to be very difficult and flooding is likely to occur in many areas.
People in Laois have been advised of the ways to best prepare for any disruptions or destruction caused by Storm Bram.

Met Eireann extended the Status Orange warning to the entire country on Monday night, December 8. The wind warning is valid in Laois from 11am to 7pm on Tuesday night, December 9.

There has already been disruptions throughout Laois and more are expected as the storm progresses into Tuesday evening.

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management has described Storm Bram as an "unpredictable weather event", with people cautioned to take necessary measures to protect themselves and their property from potential damage.

Met Eireann has warned of potential power outages as the storm progresses and so people have been urged to prepare for the possibility of losing power on Tuesday by ensuring they have fully charged their phones and have a flashlight.

READ NEXT: LIVE: Laois hit with widespread disruptions as Storm Bram rips through country

Hot water bottles may also come in handy, as well as a flask of hot water and a supply of bottled water.

People are asked to check in with any vulnerable neighbours in case they need any assistance during the bad weather and to stay away from swollen rivers or streams.

Laois County Council have prepared a very handy Severe Weather Checklist which provides a useful list of contact details for key service providers and advice on how to manage important supplies during a storm, such as medicines and food.

With further disruptions anticipated throughout Tuesday, people in Laois can contact the ESB on 1800 372 999 in the case of power outages or to report any issues. You can also monitor any outages and keep an eye on restoration times at www.PowerCheck.ie.

For water outage information and to report such incidents, people can call 1800 278 278. You can also sign up online to Uisce Eireann's free text alert system for any updates in your area.

In the event of any disruptions to the gas network, people are urged to contact Gas Networks Ireland on 1800 205 050 or 1800 464 464.

If people need to contact Laois County Council, you can call 057 866 4000. People are also advised to be aware of the number for Midoc if medical attention is needed outside of GP hours. People in Laois can call Midoc on 1850 302 702.

For local updates on road closures, flooding, or community alerts, people can monitor Laois County Council's website and social media channels.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Kildare Senator Aubrey McCarthy had a notable role in President Volodymyr Zelenskyys state visit to Ireland, accompanying First Lady Olena Zelenska into the Dail chamber.

As convener of the IrishUkraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, Sen McCarthy was asked to guide Ms Zelenska while her husband delivered a landmark address to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

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The Naas man welcomed her to Leinster House, explaining the seating plan and traditions of the chamber. He also pointed out artworks on display, including portraits of former Taoisigh, giving Ms Zelenska a glimpse of Irelands political heritage.

It was a profound honour to accompany, Sen McCarthy said. Their presence reminded us of the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the importance of Irelands friendship with them. He marked the occasion with a personal gesture, presenting Mrs. Zelenska with a Newbridge Silverware St Brigids Cross pin. The gift carried resonance, as St. Brigid is Kildare's patron saint and her cross is a symbol of peace and protection.

The cross is woven into the fabric of Kildares identity. It represents hope and shelter, values that resonate deeply with the Ukrainian people in their struggle for peace. Actually she was aware of the historical significance of the saint, he said. The first lady expressed her appreciation.

Sen McCarthy has helped foster dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.

The visit was the first by a Ukrainian head of state to Ireland.

Through his charity, Tiglin, he has played a role in Irelands humanitarian response, providing housing and support for more than 150 Ukrainians displaced by war.
Sligos dynamic folk orchestra NoCrows will bring their electrifying, genre-blending sound to Leitrim on Saturday, January 24, 2026, for an 8pm performance. Tickets are 20/17.

Formed in 2005, NoCrows has carved out a reputation as one of Irelands most adventurous acoustic ensembles, weaving together Irish traditional, Latin rumba, jazz, classical and Balkan influences. Their live shows sweep audiences from delicate Irish airs to full-blown Gypsy mayhem, a musical journey that has enthralled festival crowds from Glastonbury to Dranouter.

The vibrancy of the group comes from the distinct compositional voices of its six members. Dublin-based violinist Oleg Ponomarev is a driving creative force, his Gypsy and jazz-infused tunes stretching the ensemble into exhilarating new territory. As bassist Eddie Lee notes, Oleg is one of those exciting musicians I used to go and hear in concert before getting the chance to work with him. He writes tunes that challenge and excite  especially us lucky musicians who get to play them. That collaborative spark keeps NoCrows repertoire constantly evolving.

Their music has earned glowing praise across the Irish music press. Hot Press described their sound as something that could easily sit alongside Ry Cooders work with the Buena Vista Social Club essential listening for trad aficionados, while the Irish Times called their swing rarely this good and praised their albums as beautifully wrought. Irish Music Magazine hailed them as a joy to listen to, and Hot Press lauded their work as an irresistibly sparkling collection.

NoCrows return to Leitrim promises an evening of world-class musicianship and boundless creative energy.

READ NEXT: 'A bit of connection': Sunday walks becoming a tradition in North Leitrim town
Two Carrick-on-Shannon men have returned home after a week of blistering heat, hard labour and the best buzz you could imagine while helping to build new school classrooms in one of Cape Towns disadvantaged townships.

Gerry Quinlan and his brother-in-law Gerry Phillips travelled to South Africa in November as part of the annual Niall Mellon Educate Building Blitz, joining hundreds of volunteers from across Ireland and the UK. Its amazing the work they do, Gerry said. You dont need any trade skills. You just push wheelbarrows, move blocks, mix cement  and you learn as you go.

This years volunteer crew worked through seven long days in what Gerry described as the blazing heat, wearing full safety gear and moving constantly between tasks. If you sit down for two or three minutes, you feel guilty, he laughed. You need to get back up and get going again. Its probably one of the best things Ive ever done in my time.

The Carrick duo spent much of their week cutting blocks, hauling cement and helping to build eight new classrooms, a kitchen and an education hub at a local primary school. We make great friendships out there, Gerry said. Thats what brings us back every year, and the children are so happy were there.

For Gerry, the emotional impact of the trip was as powerful as the physical work. You go to the shacks and it really gets you, he said. But then you see the children  theyre so happy were there. They sing, dance, put on shows. They know were coming every year.

He described one moment years ago that has stayed with him: One of the lads gave his ice pop to a little girl. Then another girl arrived. When the first child finished eating it, the second girl licked all the ice pop off her fingers. You dont see that here. It hits you how they have absolutely nothing.

Volunteers cover their own costs to travel, often raising 5,000 or more through local events and donations.

Everything is paid for by the volunteers, Gerry said. Family and friends are brilliant  they support you so well.

This was Gerrys fifth trip and Phillips ninth. I signed up again for next year, he said. Gerry said the experience has changed how he looks at life in Ireland. When youre back home and you see all the children getting big presents for Christmas you dont say much. We have so much here, and they have nothing. It puts everything in perspective.

Despite the challenges  long flights, safety precautions, and the emotional weight of what volunteers witness  Gerry insists its worth every hour. Its fulfilling. You feel so good about what youve done. Youd love to stay longer.

The Mellon Educate mission has transformed from building homes to building education infrastructure, something Gerry now sees as life-changing. At first I wasnt sure, he admitted, but the children walk miles to school. They get uniforms, clean clothes, three meals a day, and an education. Then they go home to shacks. Most of their day is in school  and they thrive because of the schools.

He added: Niall Mellon trains trains young men and women to build. They get careers out of it. You don't have to have experience in construction. As for Cape Town itself, Gerry said volunteers must stay cautious. It wouldnt be safe to walk alone, he said. We always go out in groups. But once you know what youre at, its fine.

Back in Carrick-on-Shannon, Gerry finds himself torn because not everyone understands.

Youre on a high when you come back, he said. Youd love to tell everybody. But sometimes people just don't understand. Still, he hopes the story inspires even one person to join next year.

You never know who you reach, he said. It might be the best thing they ever do too. Anyone interested in volunteering for the 2026 Mellon Educate Building Blitz or supporting the charitys work can visit melloneducate.com.

READ NEXT: 'A bit of connection': Sunday walks becoming a tradition in North Leitrim town
Housing is the most important issue in Leitrim, was the view of all councillors at the latest Carrick-on-Shannon MD.

Cllr Enda Stenson, said housing is the "biggest issue we face as a local authority and as a nation" adding, "I'm not sure it can be solved."

He stressed: "Local authorities can't provide the houses we need and central government has got to help them get more builds. We also have to encourage private developers to come up with new housing as we did in the early 2000s."

He noted that last week the GAA released a demographic report that showed people were "drifting away from rural Ireland. Four different people rang me from different places and said, 'If we come home, where are there houses? We could not get a family house in Carrick or Mohill when we wanted to come back. We have to got to try and solve that issue. We don't want to see homeless people but we are facing that, if we don't solve this issue."

READ MORE: A bit of connection: Sunday walks becoming a tradition in North Leitrim town

He was speaking after Head of housing, Mary Quinn, gave an overview of housing wait lists and delivery in the Carrick municipal district.

The figure for those waiting for a house in Co. Leitrim is 302 and when HAP and local authority transfers are included, it comes to 578.

There are 111 households on the Carrick-on-Shannon municipal district list, 93 of which are in the town.

Housing for All targets were surpassed, she noted, with a target of 139 and a delivery of 144. 59 per cent of the units were one or two bed properties and 41 per cent were three or four bed.

Ms Quinn said: "We will be looking at assessing the demand for affordable housing and do an expression of interest in the next number of weeks. We are looking at the delivery of service sites to build and await details of any initiatives from the Housing Activation Office in terms of facilitating infrastructure accelerate delivery schemes and have a project in the pipeline for Carrick-on-Shannon."

Cllr Sean McGowan said that central government "has to come up with funding so that we can purchase houses. We need to see private developers building more houses once again. It is the biggest issue that is facing this country at the moment."

READ MORE: ALERT: Wind warning for Leitrim raised by Met Eireann as Storm Bram nears
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Senators Saah H. Joseph of Montserrado County and Numene T. H. Bartekwa of Grand Kru County, serve respectively as Chair and Co-chair of the Senate Joint Committee on Transport, Investment, and Concessions.
A WOMAN who was threatened by her ex-partner has revealed how she is still terrified that he will find her and attack her - more than 18 months after the incident.

The defendant - Martin Enright, aged 47, of Loughill East, Newcastle West - will be sentenced later this month after he pleaded guilty to making threats to burn down her home on two separate dates last year.

With the assistance of Sergeant Ian Cummins, prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley said Mr Enright made threats to kick down the door of the property in Newcastle West, late at night on March 13, 2024.

He told the victim that nothing would stop him from seeing his child and that he would start a war if she took out a Barring Order to protect herself from him.

Read More: Man to appear in Limerick District Court over 125,000 cannabis seizure

Sgt Cummins confirmed that during a separate incident, on March 23, 2024, Mr Enright threatened to burn down the victims brothers apartment in Cork and the victims home in Limerick.

Those threats, he said, were made to the injured party's brother at his home.

Mr Enright told him that he knew people in Dublin and that theres going to be a big problem if she doesnt answer his texts.

The court heard that on another occasion Mr Enright told his ex-partner that she was a dummy and a weak woman and that she couldnt stand up for herself.

Ms Buckley told the court that the woman was forced to move out of her home due to safety concerns brought on by Mr Enrights threats.

During the sentencing hearing, Ms Buckley read out the woman's victim impact statement to the court. The woman outlined how she and her two children were homeless because of a person that threatened us. She wrote that she is still terrified and is living in constant fear.

She added that her son was just five months old when the offences happened. "The baby, now almost two years old, is still afraid of loud noises, she stated, adding her daughter is "withdrawn, detached and scared of shadows and wind".

The woman said she wishes to be able to walk down the street with my children with no fear.

Judge Colin Daly was given additional details surrounding the background, including how Mr Enright wanted to stay in the victims house after their child was born, but that his behaviour became abusive and that he became "suspicious" of his ex-partner.

The relationship between the two ended in November 2023, which the man found hard to accept.

In his plea of mitigation, Donal Cronin BL said his client wishes to apologise profusely to the injured parties and that he has since attended treatment for alcoholism.

He said the defendant works in the construction industry and has accepted his actions were not acceptable.

Judge Daly was told Mr Enright wished to offer 3,000 in compensation to his ex-partner as a token adding that she has "no reason to be concerned or to fear him going forward".

The court heard that the pair currently have a custody arrangement in place and that it is working very smoothly.

Mr Enright, who has a number of previous convictions, will be sentenced on December 11.

This article was funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
LIMERICK CENTRAL Rotary Club hosted their annual Young Chef Ireland Competition in partnership with The Hospitality Training Campus and the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB).

Entries were received from across Limerick and Clare, with five outstanding students selected for the final cook-off, held in the professional training kitchens of The Hospitality Training Campus in Roxboro, Limerick.

The finalists were Ruby Shanahan from Scoil Mhuire & Ide, Newcastle West, Roxane Andre-Liddane from Gaelcholaiste Luimnigh, Dara Ajala from Colaiste Chiarain, Croom, and Oscar Mehta from St Annes Community College, Killaloe.

READ MORE: Limerick Traitors star revealed as second contestant for Dancing with the Stars 2026

Taking part in the final on Thursday, December 4, all finalists demonstrated exceptional culinary skill during the two-hour competition.

Following an impressive showcase of talent, Naoise Ahern of Colaiste Ide agus Iosef, Abbeyfeale, was announced as the overall winner.

The competition, open to all full-time secondary school students, was sponsored by the Limerick Central Rotary Club, Sinead Marron of Limerick Central Rotary Club, and LCETB.

The perpetual trophy was generously sponsored by Mr. Luke Nolan of KBR Foodservice Equipment.

Event Organiser Tom Flavin, Chef and Food Consultant and Youth Lead for the Limerick Central Rotary Club, said: We are delighted to host this competition for the fourth consecutive year and to shine a spotlight on the remarkable talents of these young chefs.

Through this event, we hope to highlight the many pathways available for students interested in pursuing culinary arts, whether through apprenticeships or third-level education, said Tom.
There is no evidence that UK security forces colluded with the UVF to bomb Dublin and Monaghan in 1974, a review has found.

The final Operation Kenova report also said there does not appear to be any realistic opportunities for a fresh investigation into the atrocities.

A review, known as Operation Denton and published as part of Kenova, looked into a series of UVF attacks attributed to the so-called Glenanne gang.

No one has ever been convicted over the Dublin and Monaghan bombings that killed 35 people including two unborn twins, but the UVF admitted responsibility in 1993.

It remains the biggest loss of life on any single day of the Troubles.

Another 300 people are estimated to have been injured in the blasts.

The report said legitimate questions had been raised around the lack of information and intelligence recovered from the attacks.

It said: This absence of intelligence has been presented as indicative of collusion.

In addition, the poor investigative response in the days following the attacks and the lack of information made available to victims and families thereafter have contributed to assertions and beliefs in collusion existing.

However, with regard to the Dublin and Monaghan attacks, no evidence of collusion was found by the Operation Denton team, albeit that this cannot be categorically excluded.

The review said UVF Brigade staff, based in the Shankill area of Belfast, planned, resourced and carried out the attacks.

It said: The UVF was independently capable of carrying out the attacks and possessed the necessary materials, knowledge and expertise without any support from the security forces.

The report said in the aftermath of the attacks, the RUC and Army were in possession of intelligence which identified a number of those believed to have been involved, but added there was no specific intelligence which, if acted upon, could have prevented the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings.

It added: The review has not identified any evidence or intelligence which would indicate that British security forces colluded with the UVF to carry out the attacks in Dublin or Monaghan, nor has any evidence of state collusion been identified.

No new information has been discovered by Operation Denton which would confirm or contradict a view that the Glenanne farm may have played a role in the attacks.

The Glenanne Gang has been blamed for around 120 killings throughout the 1970s, including the 1975 Miami Showband massacre in which three musicians were shot dead.

The report said an easily defined discrete Glenanne gang did not exist.

It said: Glenanne Farm was one of a number of farms and other premises utilised by the UVF to store explosives and ammunition as well as plan operations.

The report added: The review found in a number of individual cases, clear evidence of the active involvement of members of the security forces with loyalist paramilitary groups.

This collusion involved extremely vicious and serious criminal activity, including bombing attacks and murder.

Further, security force intelligence assessments indicate that paramilitary groups were regularly supplied with intelligence by members of the security forces and that UVF members and sympathisers existed within the UDR, the RUC and RUC Reserves and the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve (TAVR).

These cases and assessments undoubtedly evidence collusion.
Dance Limerick is delighted to be hosting their international Christmas event, Winter Warmer, for the third consecutive year.

Taking place on Saturday December 13, Winter Warmer is a fun, family-friendly gathering that aims to mark the end of 2025 by celebrating dance, live music and participation and by showcasing and uplifting diverse cultural dance forms from the different communities that make up our city.

Attendees to this free event will enjoy different traditional cultural dance forms and enjoy live music through short workshops and performances, including Irish traditional dance, Ukrainian folk singing and traditional dance, Iranian dance and many others.

If you are curious about dance classes for adults and children, and all the other activities that Dance Limerick carries out throughout the year, come along for a chance to talk to the staff and teachers and learn more about how to get involved in 2026!

Winter Warmer embodies the spirit of community, sharing and joy as we come together to celebrate the end of the year. Come and join us, experience different dance styles and learn some new moves!

Key information:

Winter Warmer takes place on Saturday December 13, from 2 to 4pm at Dance Limerick, St Johns Church, Johns Square, V94 EP92 Limerick

This event is free to attend but registration is encouraged at dancelimerick.ie/whats-on/

The venue is fully accessible and an ISL Interpreter will be supporting this event. This project is funded by Creative Ireland and Limerick City and County Council, through the Creative Communities Programme 2025.

Dance Limerick, Johns Square, V94 E6H2

More information at www.dancelimerick.ie

Join our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/d1c7a52d4436/join-our-mailing-list

*Sponsored Content
LIMERICK City and County Council crews have been responding throughout the day to multiple incidents caused by severe weather from Storm Bram.

A council spokesperson said these include clearing fallen trees, branches, and debris from national, regional, and local roads to keep routes safe and passable.

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Council crews responded earlier to a fallen tree in Kilmallock, which has since been cleared. There has also been minor structural damage to the facade (see below) of a building on OConnell Street in Limerick city. The area was secured, said the spokesperson.

However, they say that no major incidents have been reported.

While the Status Orange wind warning has expired, a Status Yellow wind warning remains in effect until 9pm this Tuesday.

Conditions are still hazardous, and people are advised to exercise caution on their journey home this evening.

Members of the public are asked to report incidents, hazards, or storm-related damage to Limerick City and County Council by phone to 061 556000 during office hours and 061 417833 out of hours. The council can also be contacted by emailing customerservices@limerick.ie

There have been a number of power outages across the county but these were quickly repaired by ESB crews. Currently, there are around 150 customers in Ardpatrick and Glenroe without power. The estimated restore time is 10pm.
Ford is turning to French peer Renault to help reboot its European business, in a fresh sign of the upheaval being caused by Chinese automakers outside the U.S.

We know were in a fight for our lives in our industry, and no better example than here in Europe," Ford Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley told journalists in Paris.

Renault will make two small electric vehicles for the pioneer of car production, the companies said. The partners are also exploring how they might work together on vans, which form the core of Fords European business.

The first of the next-generation EVsto be designed by Ford, co-developed by both companies on a Renault technology platform and built by Renault in northern Francewill reach European dealerships in 2028.

Carmakers are increasingly turning to partnerships to save money as different regions embrace different technologies at different speeds. The competition is especially fierce in Europe, where Chinese makers, led by SAIC Motor and BYD, have burst onto the scene with low-cost technology. The market share of Chinese producers jumped collectively to around 6.7% of the European market in the third quarter, according to Schmidt Automotive Research.

Ford has been working on its own EV platform in the U.S. as part of its so-called skunk works project to build a $30,000 electric pickup. But that platform would be too big and expensive to work in Europe, Farley said.

Frankly, Renault is more competitive," he added.

View Full Image A Renault showroom in Paris.

Collaborating with Renault marks a fresh start for Ford in Europe after years of downsizing and restructuring.

The U.S. company has been in the region for well over a century, starting in France in 1908. By the 1990s, its Fiesta hatchback had become such a staple of British streets that Ford was almost considered a local brand.

But the company has been losing market share for many years. This year through October, 3.3% of the new passenger cars sold in Europe were Fords, down from 7.2% in all of 2015. Ford has gradually trimmed less profitable, typically smaller products from its lineup to focus on segments where it sees a chance of standing out.

That strategy wont change even as Ford re-enters the small-car business. We want to grow, but we will grow in specific segments where we have rights to win," said Farley.

Ford has also racked up losses with a first generation of EVs designed to meet strict local emissions targets. The shift has been particularly painful as EV sales have taken off more slowly than expected.

Last year, Ford said it would cut 4,000 roles, centered in Germany. In September, it announced a further 1,000 job losses.

Weve been through many restructurings, and a lot of hard work. GM left. We decided to stay," said Farley in summation of the companys recent history in Europe. General Motors sold its European business in 2017.

The Ford-Renault EV launches starting in 2028 form part of a new wave of products across all powertrain types that Ford hopes will revive its European business in the years ahead under a new leader, Jim Baumbick.

Im here to take a fresh wave of product investment and to get our mojo back in Europe," Baumbick said in an interview. The companys former product development boss started in the job last month.

Ford has a mixed record of forming partnerships in Europe. Its existing loss-making Explorer and Capri EVs are built in Fords factory in Cologne, Germany, using Volkswagens EV technology.

VW was early to invest in EVs but its technology now lags behind newer competitors on performance and cost, according to analysts. The partnership, which was struck in 2019 and involves Ford building vans for VW, is unaffected by the Renault deal.

Meanwhile, Farley held up its longstanding production partnership with Turkish industrial group Koc Holding as its most successful operation in Europe in recent times.

Renaults principal partner for the past quarter-century has been Nissan, in which it owns a roughly 36% stake. But a reset in their strained relationship following the arrest of CEO Carlos Ghosn paved the way for other collaborations, notably with Chinese automaker Geely.

Ford and Renault ruled out the possibility of buying stakes in each other.

Ford is a wildly independent company," said Farley.

Write to Stephen Wilmot at stephen.wilmot@wsj.com
Under fire for mass cancellation of flights, India's largest air-carrier IndiGo has started calling up pilots at rival airlines who can fly Airbus planes, dangling hefty bonuses and asking them to join, as it struggles to stabilize operations.

However, it may not be easy for IndiGo to persuade pilots at rival airlines to make the switch amid concerns the company's troubles are far over, as the government launched a probe into the fiasco and vowed action, industry executives and pilots said.

Moreover, the war for pilots is set to intensify, as the Tata Group-owned rival Air India has advertised a recruitment drive just when IndiGo is desperately looking to hire pilots.

Pilots of Air India got calls over the last weekend from IndiGo, and some of these pilots were junior officers. On offer are hefty joining bonuses, but given the long notice periods and the turmoil within IndiGo, one is unsure how many will make the move," said a senior aviation industry official aware of the calls to the Air India pilots.

Also Read | Too big to fail: Why IndiGo cancellations turned into a national crisis

IndiGo's scramble for pilots began after the airline, with more than 60% domestic aviation market share, cancelled approximately 4,000 flights in the first week of December, leaving thousands of passengers across major airport hubs stranded.

India's aviation industry is effectively a two-horse race, dominated by IndiGo, and a distant-second Air India that has about 27% market share. A struggling SpiceJet and an upstart Akasa Air are only minor players.

IndiGo has an ambitious hiring plan as it seeks to overcome pilot shortages, fuelled by the government's 2024 rules that seek to give pilots more time to rest and recover, ensuring flight safety. InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, which runs IndiGo, in its submissions to aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) last week said that it aims to recruit 158 pilots by 10 February and another 742 by December next year. Mint has reviewed IndiGo's submissions to the DGCA.

Industry executives, however, say that recruiting these 900 pilots will be a tall order.

About 40 pilots resigned around September because of the rostering system. Some have joined international airlines, specially those in the Middle East. Now, if IndiGo brings in pilots from outside at a higher pay, it will widen the rift within the pilots who are working for the airline," said a former IndiGo pilot.

As per the airlines FY25 annual report, it had 5,456 pilots, including first officers and captains.

Pilot shortage linked to new duty-time rules

IndiGo is accused of failing to plan and hire adequate staff for the new flight duty time limitations (FDTL) norms, leading to a shortage of legally rested pilots and causing an unprecedented aviation chaos. The DGCA gave airlines months to prepare with a phased rollout of the new norms beginning July 2025, and scheduled the final phase for November.

Meanwhile, Air India, which will be one of the key poaching grounds for IndiGo, took out an advertisement on 8 December, stating that it is recruiting pilots for A320 and B737 fleet. Here A and B stand for Airbus and Boeing - two different kinds of aircraft that require specific training and the skillsets are not easily interchangeable.

Hence, the target pool for IndiGo, which has mostly Airbus planes, becomes smaller.

Air India previously said it is setting up a pilot training school in Amravati, Maharashtra, with an annual intake of 180 candidates. The school is expected to be operational next year. The airline will also install 10 Airbus simulators at its Gurugram facility, with two of them already operational. Another 11 simulators will be set up in partnership with Boeing, also at the Gurugram facility. The airline also has a tie-up with two pilot training schools in the US.

IndiGo has a separate cadet training program.

Queries sent to IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air remained unanswered.

For Air India Group's low-cost carrier Air India Express, which predominantly has a Boeing fleet, the threat from IndiGo would be minimal. Typically, an Airbus A320 family pilot cannot automatically fly Boeing aircraft in India (or anywhere) without specific training and certification for the aircraft type, as control systems of the two OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) are different," said another pilot on the condition of anonymity.

Industry executives say that pilot cross-training from Boeing to Airbus is expensive due to the high cost of conversion training.

Even for the rest of the Air India fleet that has Airbus, the pilots are unlikely to make the switch in a hurry. Air India pilots, whether they are former Vistara or not, have settled in and their pay scales are not very different from IndiGo," said a senior official in a smaller airline that hired a bunch of IndiGo pilots last month.

A report by InCred Equities on 6 December said that an IndiGo pilot flew an average of 571 hours in FY24, versus 471 hours of the Tata-run Air India Group. The industry average is 453 hours (ex-IndiGo). The average pilot salary at the Air India Group was pegged at 64 lakh in FY24, slightly lower than 66 lakh per annum for IndiGo , as per the note by InCred Equities. The industry average, ex-IndiGo, is 62 lakh.

Pilots typically have a notice period of 6-9 months, and therefore, the vacancies cannot be filled up quickly. The senior airline official cited above pointed out that IndiGo can speed up promotions to fill up vacancies for captains. Because of poaching wars in the aviation sector, airlines other than Air India and Indigo have become very particular about notice periods. In some cases, they have threatened lawsuits if pilots leave abruptly."

Murlidhar Mohol, minister of state for civil aviation, told the Rajya Sabha on 8 December that Air India has 6,350 pilots, IndiGo has 5,085, Air India Express 1,592, Akasa Air 466, SpiceJet has 385, and Alliance Air has 111 pilots.

Also Read | Steep forex loss prompts IndiGo to eye more foreign flights

An Air India official told Mint that growth opportunities for a pilot at Air India are far better. Pilots have a chance to upgrade to wide body flights for flying for both Boeing and Airbus. This is a much more lucrative proposition. Plus, there is lesser flying time making the overall proposition to stick to Air India more lucrative," this official said.

Meanwhile, in a rare regulatory intervention, the DGCA has rolled back IndiGos expanded winter schedule, cutting 5% of the daily departures it had approved and handing those slots to rival airlines. In a Tuesday order, the DGCA asked IndiGo to revise its winter schedule and curtail the number of flights by 5%, including on high-frequency, high-demand routes. The airline has to submit its revised flight plans by 5 pm Wednesday.
Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), part of the worlds largest asset manager BlackRock, will be investing up to 3,000 crore in Aditya Birla Renewables Ltd (ABR), a subsidiary of Grasim Industries Ltd, for a minority stake, the company said Tuesday evening.

The GIP investment translates into an enterprise value of about 14,600 crore for ABR, as per a press statement issued late on Tuesday.

The deal outlines a firm commitment of 2,000 crore by GIP in multiple tranches through the issue of compulsory convertible preference shares and equity shares. Further, it will have a greenshoe option to invest an additional 1,000 crore in the form of equity shares.

Also Read | New-age companies spot gold at the bottom of the pyramid

Separately, Essel Mining & Industries Ltd, another Aditya Birla Group company, will invest 500 crore in the current financial year to fund its urgent capital requirements, as per a separate intimation to the bourses.

ABRs renewables push ABR is the captive renewable energy platform of the Aditya Birla Group with a portfolio of about 4.3 GW spread across 10 states. It includes solar, hybrid, and floating solar, round-the-clock renewable power. It has signed captive power purchase agreements with fellow group companies like Grasim, Hindalco, UltraTech, and Century Enka. The company aims to scale its capacity upwards of 10 GW in the coming years.

GIP is a leading infrastructure investor specializing in owning and operating large assets across energy, transport, digital infrastructure, water, and waste management sectors. It was acquired by BlackRock in 2024.

GIPs experience in infrastructure across the globe, combined with Aditya Birlas technical, operational and industrial capabilities, aims to develop Aditya Birla Renewables into a leading renewable platform that can contribute to the Indian industrys decarbonization objective, said Raj Rao, GIP president and chief operating officer. Our investment reflects GIPs confidence in Indias renewables sector and our commitment to advancing the energy transition in India."

Grasim is a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group engaged in the business of manmade fibres. It also holds several of the groups businesses, including Indias largest cement company, UltraTech and the groups new decorative paints venture, Opus.

Also Read | Adani Enterprises rights issue opens: Check key details before you apply
By Roberto Samora

SAO PAULO, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Brazil's Federal Audit Court (TCU) on Monday recommended, by six votes to three, that the auction of Brazil's planned mega container terminal at the Santos port ban operators of other such terminals there from participating in the first phase of bidding, citing possible market concentration. The decision deals a blow to companies such as Danish shipping group Maersk, MSC and others that operate container terminals in Latin America's largest port, because these companies will only be able to enter a second phase of the auction if the first does not attract valid bids. The two-phase model, proposed by port regulator Antaq and challenged by Maersk in court, could benefit new entrants from Asia or even companies belonging to the JBS meatpacking group, which entered the shipping sector last year as operator of a container terminal in Santa Catarina.

The Brazilian government expects building the Tecon 10 terminal to cost nearly 6 billion reais ($1.11 billion) over 25 years, and boost container handling capacity at Santos by 50%, minimizing logistical bottlenecks.

"Accepting the proposal to hold the auction in two phases increases the chance of an independent operator entering (the port) and reduces the risk that a single operator controls the terminal," said Augusto Nardes, a member of the TCU court.

Philippines-based International Container Terminal Services, operator of 33 container handling terminals in various countries, welcomed the TCU's decision.

"This is a traditional and well-known model in the infrastructure sector, which encourages the effective entry of a new player into the Port of Santos," it said in a statement.

But the decision, which allows for the auction to be scheduled by the Ministry of Ports, was not unanimous.

Benjamin Zymler, a member of the court, defended an alternative model whereby the winner, if already an operator at Santos, be forced to divest assets.

Barring current operators from the first phase of the auction could breach the principle of competition in the bidding process, said Cristina Machado, a public prosecutor at the TCU.
Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company (Chola), one of Indias largest diversified NBFCs, is taking a measured second shot at digital lending.

After scaling back its fintech-partner model in 2024 and eventually stopping it entirely due to compliance complexity, governance concerns and the impact of small-ticket lending on borrowers, the company has re-entered the space with a fully in-house digital lending platform that it controls end-to-end.

The move comes at a time when the segment is stabilising under tighter regulation and mature underwriting practices.

We discontinued digital lending through fintech partners for the time being," chief executive Ravindra Kumar Kundu told Mint. That partnership business was reduced because the regulated entity has to monitor the performance of those companies and meet compliance for them, which is a Herculean task. We also saw salaried people taking multiple loans, which was becoming a burden for them."

The Reserve Bank of Indias digital lending framework, first introduced in September 2022 and consolidated under the Digital Lending Directions, 2025, tightened norms around balance-sheet responsibility, data use and first-loss default guarantees. The result has been a cleanup of practices that had fueled a boom in small-ticket loans, but also led to rising distress.

Digital lending has seen a lot of regulatory cleansing in the last three to four years," said Sanjay Agarwal, senior director at CareEdge Ratings. Earlier, small-ticket, short-tenure digital loans, as low as 500 to 10,000, had become the largest problem area because borrowers often could not repay and impulsive borrowing was common. But the industry has used the last 12 to 18 months to correct its practices and is now achieving a level of maturity."

Digital strategy

Cholas earlier digital lending book had expanded rapidly through fintech partners, reaching 500 crore a month. The current model follows a curated approach, offering digital loans only to existing customers who have completed at least one full loan cycle. Eligible customers receive personalised WhatsApp-based links to complete the credit journey digitally.

We have not opened up this channel to the open public," Kundu said. We are offering this only to our existing customers. We have learnt from our experience and want to maintain both quality and growth. Therefore, we are moving slowly, but the business has potential to grow very large." The new model disburses 75 crore to 100 crore a month, with ticket sizes between 1 lakh and 2 lakh.

Personal loans and digital lending often overlap in the industry because many personal loans today are originated digitally. Digital lending is usually unsecured personal lending with a fully digital journey. Secured loans may involve more traditional underwriting. The reporting difference comes from the origination model and regulatory structure," said Agarwal.

For Chola, the controlled re-entry into digital lending is part of a broader diversification strategy. The company remains focused on secured lending but sees digital origination, AI-driven underwriting and consumer credit as areas that will gain importance over the coming decade.

Also Read | After a steep rally, better not overlook risks in Cholamandalam Investment

Portfolio mix and consumer behaviour

Vehicle finance remains Cholas largest business, accounting for around 54% of the loan book. While some news reports suggested that the company was looking to reduce this share to less than 50%, Kundu clarified that this was not the intent.

We do not want to reduce vehicle finance from 54% to 50% or 45%. The mix changes automatically because these assets behave differently," he said. Vehicle loans amortise quickly over two to four years, while mortgage-backed products stay on the books for seven to 12 years.

People in small towns want to grow and they want to take loans. Their repayment capability has improved

Consumer finance, which includes gold loans, personal loans, unsecured business loans and consumer durable finance, currently accounts for around 10% of the book. Kundu noted that although the company is growing this segment at the same pace as vehicle finance and mortgage, its share is likely to stay around 10% because these are small-ticket, short-tenor products that run down quickly.

Most offerings were launched in 2022, and the gold loan category was added this year. The segment is more about building capability for future customer needs.

We are preparing for the future because these customers will start buying those products in five to 10 years, and by then we will be ready," he said.

Cholas diversified approach has supported strong performance. In FY25, the company reported total income of 28,116 crore, a 22% increase over FY2024. Net income rose to 14,583 crore, also up 22%, while profit after tax stood at 4,372 crore, reflecting 26% growth. Total AUM crossed 2 trillion as of March 2025, expanding 27% year-on-year.

Momentum continued in the first half of FY2026. Net income rose 27% year-on-year to 7,939 crore, while PAT increased 20% to 2,291 crore. AUM reached about 2.15 trillion by September 2025, 21% higher than the previous year. Chola has a customer base of over 43 lakh.

Also Read | Growth to guardrails: Why NBFCs are reining in loans to MSMEs

The on-ground advantage

A significant pillar of Cholas competitive edge is the physical network it has built across India, especially given its focus on self-employed and rural borrowers. The company has branches in some of the remotest parts of the country, including Leh, Port Blair and Bhuj. We operate in 26 states and seven union territories," Kundu said.

Chola operates roughly 2,300 to 2,400 points of presence across the country for vehicle finance when branches and resident locations are combined, with about 80% of them in rural markets.

Of this network, around 700 locations handle the mortgage and loan against property (LAP) business. Bringing mortgage products into branches that currently handle only vehicle loans can materially accelerate growth, since even modest penetration in these locations adds sizable, longer-duration assets to the book.

The company is also aiming for overall branch expansion. Chola follows a structured model for geographic expansion, first covering districts, then talukas and eventually block-level locations. Kundu notes that demand in smaller towns is rising as repayment behaviour improves.

People in small towns want to grow and they want to take loans. Their repayment capability has improved. Bureau scores are improving and new-to-credit customers are coming down," he said.

This on-ground presence enables faster acquisition, tighter collection oversight and more stable asset quality in geographies where digital-only lenders often struggle for visibility and customer contact.

How AI fits into Cholas growth plans

While its physical network is a core strength, Chola sees artificial intelligence as the next layer shaping efficiency, underwriting and customer experience. Over the past 15 years, the company has moved from manual processes to a unified digital stack covering origination, loan management, collections and CRM, all deployed through mobile devices.

The next step is embedding AI across these journeys. AI will actually help both our people who are running assisted journeys and the customers in the self-assisted journey," Kundu said.

AI is expected to streamline onboarding through instant Aadhaar and PAN-based verification and enable dealerships to run fully guided origination flows. In underwriting, AI will deliver real-time behavioural insights. AI can instantly say this customer requires more follow-up of collection or this customer requires a loan immediately," he said. Faster feedback loops should help reduce credit losses and sharpen responses to early stress indicators.

Kundu describes this evolution as a natural progression from physical processes to computerisation, automation, digitalisation and now AI.

Kundu expects growth to continue at the same pace, a trajectory that broadly reflects what is playing out across the NBFC sector. Agarwal expects NBFC performance to strengthen as macroeconomic conditions normalise. Used-vehicle financing has revived after a subdued period, and GST-related efficiencies continue to support commercial vehicle sales.

The industry is well capitalised. Banks are willing to fund NBFCs. Growth should improve as the macro improves," he said, while cautioning that small-ticket LAP and home loans have seen some stress in pockets of rural India.

Cholas return to digital lending is best understood through the lens of how its customer base is evolving. With a strong secured-lending foundation, deep rural reach and rising AI investments, the company is positioning itself for a future in which digital lending is more disciplined, data-driven and attuned to the needs of the markets it serves.
The European Union's (EU) antitrust regulator, the European Commission, has opened up an investigation into the US-based search engine and technology giant, Google, alleging that the company has abused its market dominance using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to squeeze competitors, reported the news agency Bloomberg on Tuesday, 9 December 2025.

According to the agency report, the European Commission said that the regulator will investigate whether Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc., has distorted its competition by allegedly imposing unfair terms on content creators.

The antitrust watchdog will also reportedly investigate whether the company is giving its own AI model a competitive advantage over its rival tech companies.

The EU will also probe into the extent to which Google is using AI Overviews and its AI Mode based on the web publisher' content and whether they are paid appropriately for the same.

What does EU say? European Union's Antitrust Commissioner highlighted that this move is an effort to protect the online press and other content creators in order to maintain fair competition in the emerging AI markets.

This case is once again a strong signal of our commitment to protecting the online press and other content creators, and to ensuring fair competition in emerging AI markets, EU Antitrust Commissioner Teresa Ribera said in a speech in Brussels on Tuesday, cited the news agency.

$3.4 billion EU penalty threat According to an earlier report from the news agency, Google in November 2025 offered to change its ad tech products and search results in an effort to settle the $3.4 billion penalty threat.

The US-based tech giant has been under EU's radar since March 2025, after allegations emerged over the company favouring its services like Google Shopping, Google Hotels and Google Flights over other competitors in the market.

Also Read | Google offers to change search results amid $3.4 billion EU penalty threat

In order to avoid the billion-dollar penalty, Google's parent Alphabet disclosed that the company is set to give publishers the option to set different minimum prices for bidders on Googles Ad Manager platform, reported Bloomberg on 14 November 2025.

According to the agency report, the company was also prepared to improve its interoperability across its ad tech services in an effort to give its publishers and advertisers more flexibility of choice while using Google services.

Teresa Ribera earlier said that the only level playing field for Google would be to divest the unspecified parts of its ad tech arm after dealing with the penalties imposed by the Commission and implementing the fixes, which have increased due to the alleged antitrust violations.

However, Google's stance remains unchanged as the company still disagrees with the European antitrust watchdog's September decision and the tech giant plans to appeal against it.
Disruptions in IndiGo operations have now stretched into the eighth straight day, as the airline scrambles to steady a situation that has thrown air travel into chaos and left thousands of passengers stranded.

IndiGo, the country's largest budget carrier by market capitalization, hit this crisis after the government rolled out the second and final phase of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), aimed at reducing pilot fatigue and improving safety.

However, the move triggered an acute shortage of crew in the airline, leading to thousands of cancellations and delays across major airports in India, and prompting a probe by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

IndiGo bore the brunt largely due to the sheer scale and size of its operations. It handles over 2,300 daily departures, more than double that of its closest rival, the Air India Group, which operates around 1,000 departures a day.

How many flights have been cancelled so far? The widespread disruptions have resulted in 905 flight cancellations from 1-8 December. During this period, the airline operated around 2,266 flights out of the 3,171 scheduled, according to an official statement by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

Overall, the cancellations and delays have collectively affected more than three lakh passengers across India, underscoring the scale of the crisis and the strain on airport operations nationwide.

What's the status on pending luggage? Following the DCGA's directive on Friday, IndiGo has been working to return stranded baggage to passengers' chosen addresses. However, more than 800 pieces of luggage are still stuck across 45 destinations.

IndiGo aims to deliver 8,500 pieces of stranded luggage to passengers by 7 PM on Tuesday, 9 December. The airline told ANI that luggage delivery has already been completed at 49 out of its 94 destinations, with work ongoing at the remaining stations.

Which airports were worst hit by the crisis? Mumbai emerged as one of the major hubs affected by IndiGo's operational disruptions. On the domestic front, flights to and from key cities including Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Cochin, Goa and Lucknow faced significant cancellations and delays, leaving thousands of passengers missing out on their travel plans.

International operations from Mumbai were also impacted, particularly flights to Amsterdam and Istanbul, highlighting the crisis extended beyond domestic routes.

The disruption peaked on 4 and 5 December, when the highest number of cancellations and delays were recorded, putting immense pressure on both airport operations and customer service teams.

When is the situation expected to improve? IndiGo provided a fresh update on the disruptions this morning, claiming that its network has been fully restored and reporting a 90% on-time performance across the network on 8 December.

Despite this, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad airports still witnessed more than 200 flight disruptions on Tuesday, indicating that challenges persist at key hubs.
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)  the apex body for company secretaries with over 78,000 members  has publicly addressed the recent governance shortcomings at IndiGo, the nations largest airline.

On Tuesday, the institute advocated for robust governance frameworks that emphasize proactive risk identification, timely corrective action, and clear communication channels.

In a statement, the ICSI flagged the recent governance lapse highlighted by the IndiGo incident.

Also Read | Lawyer threatens to sue IndiGo as cancellations jeopardise Judiciary mains exams

This public mention of corporate governance issues at a specific company is a rare move for the ICSI.

The airline has recently faced massive operational turmoil, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and severe delays over the past week, although the situation is now reportedly stabilizing.

A primary cause of these disruptions is cited as the lack of adequate planning when implementing new flight duty regulations.

ICSI President Dhananjay Shukla stated that the IndiGo incident serves as a crucial reminder to both corporate entities and professionals regarding the necessity of sound governance. Such frameworks, he noted, are vital for creating and protecting shareholder value, in addition to maintaining public confidence.

Need for deeper accountability Following the governments strong sentiment regarding the IndiGo situation, the ICSI has stressed the urgent need for enhanced corporate governance practices across all of India Inc.

The institute emphasized the importance of deeper accountability at the board level, asserting that robust governance is not merely about compliance but also ensures corporate readiness, accountability, and effective crisis response.

Reiterating the vital role of independent boards, effective risk management and vigilant stakeholder oversight, ICSI also urged companies to align their board processes in the interest of all stakeholders and "enable proactive risk identification, timely intervention and transparent communication".

ICSI Secretary Asish Mohan advised that since corporate governance is an ongoing responsibility, companies should critically review their existing structures and processes to better protect stakeholders and guarantee long-term operational sustainability.

IndiGo operations stable, says CEO IndiGos parent company, InterGlobe Aviation, has established a crisis management group overseen by the board to monitor developments.

A statement released on Tuesday confirmed that the board is committed to addressing the challenges faced by its customers and ensuring all affected passengers receive refunds.

In the latest video message, IndiGo CEO Peter Elbers said that lakhs of customers, whose flights were cancelled or delayed, have already received their full refunds, and the process is ongoing on a daily basis.

"IndiGo is back on its feet, and our operations are stable. We've let you down when a major operational disruption happened, and we're sorry for that," Elbers said in a video message on Tuesday.

"Earlier, we had indicated to normalise between December 10-15. I can confirm now that today, as of December 9, our operations are fully stabilised, which means flights reflecting on our website are scheduled to operate with an adjusted network," he added.
Mumbai: Investment firm Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) has appointed Prateek Jhawar as head of real assets for India, effective January 2026, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

He will be responsible for Macquarie Asset Management's infrastructure and green investments teams in India and will lead origination and investment strategies to drive the firms next phase of growth.

The appointment comes as India continues to be an important market for Macquarie, driven by robust economic and demographic trends that are fuelling demand for digital and physical infrastructure, as well as its ambitions to further fuel investor appetite for green investments.

Jhawar joins the company from Avendus Capital where he spent about 17 years. With more than two decades of experience in investment banking and corporate finance, he has a strong track record in mergers and acquisitions, leading strategic transactions across infrastructure, power, logistics, and real estate, as well as deep structuring and fundraising experience, the company said.

In his previous role, Jhawar helped set up the structured finance and special situations advisory business and later founded the infrastructure and real assets vertical.

His deep experience across various sectors and ability to leverage his established network will strengthen our investment capabilities in a growing market like India and deliver long-term value for our investors. We look forward to Prateeks leadership in advancing MAM Indias next phase of growth, said Verena Lim, MAM Infrastructures co-head of Asia-Pacific and groups CEO in Asia.

Since 1999, Macquarie has invested over $4.2 billion in equity capital across Indian businesses spanning toll roads, renewables and digital infrastructure. Its India operations represent one of its largest staff bases outside Australia, with over 1,900 employees based across its Mumbai, Gurugram, and Hyderabad offices.

Earlier this year, MAM closed its fundraising for Vertelo, a fleet electrification solutions platform in India, helping to drive Indias EV transition.

Macquarie Asset Management is a global asset management firm that invests across private and public markets and manages about $634.5 billion in assets, as of September 2025. As part of the Macquarie Group, it provides various investment solutions including real assets, real estate, credit and equities and multi-asset.

Also Read | Will AIFs get to certify accredited investors? The decision is close

Macquarie Asset Management is part of Macquarie Group, a diversified financial group providing clients with asset management, finance, banking, advisory, and risk and capital solutions across debt, equity and commodities.

Also Read | IBC changes move forward  but real estate reforms wait in queue
Microsoft Corp. chief executive Satya Nadella on Tuesday marked the year's second visit to India with a commitment to invest $17.5 billion in data centres, hours after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

That brings Microsofts total India investment commitments in 2025 to $20.5 billion, including a $3 billion initiative announced during Nadella's January visit to build artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and provide skilling.

The US tech giant said this was its largest investment in Asia to date, but did not specify the total capacity for its data centres in India. The plan includes a new data centre in Hyderabad, set to open by June 2026, alongside the expansion of its three existing data centres in Chennai, Mumbai, and Pune.

The company also announced the formal rollout of its sovereign cloud offerings, which cater to both government clients and private enterprises.

As part of its new investment, Microsoft will train an additional 10 million people in AI skills to bring the total number of people trained in Microsofts AI tools to 20 million, the company said.

The new frontier India's AI and data-centre opportunity is drawing Big Tech giants. On 14 October, Microsofts rival Google announced a $15-billion investment for an AI data centre in Visakhapatnam, with a planned capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW). Google had said at the time that this would be its largest AI infrastructure outside of the US.

On 23 January, Amazon Web Services, the worlds largest cloud services provider, also announced that it would invest $7 billion to build data centres in Telangana, in addition to its existing investments in other Indian states previously announced.

OpenAI, the worlds largest AI startup, is also expected to spend nearly $7 billion for its own 1GW data centre in the country, although a formal announcement hasnt been made yet.

Overall, Big Techs AI-centric data centre investment plans, including Microsoft's latest commitment, in the country in 2025 have reached $42.5 billion.

Domestic conglomerates, too, have stepped up their efforts. Last week, Reliance Industries Ltd announced a 1GW data centre through its Digital Connexion joint venture, with an investment of $11 billion. Larsen & Toubro Lt, Indias largest engineering group, said it would invest nearly $3 billion for 300 megawatt (MW) data centre capacitywhich could expand in the future. The Tata group, the country's largest conglomerate, through Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS), will invest $7 billion in a 1GW data centre facility as well.

On 5 December, Puneet Chandok, president of India and South Asia at Microsoft, had told Mint that the company was set to announce larger data centre investments to expand its infrastructure presence in the country.

Our investments are not episodic; they are structural. Overall, were already seeing rising interest in sovereign cloud adoption from across sectors, including government clients and enterprises that are looking to keep up with regulation, Chandok had said.

Chandok said Microsoft was also working with TCS for a sovereign cloud partnership. The company did not mention any such tie-up on Tuesday.

Sovereign cloudor data centres to store and process information within a country's bordersis a key focus area for all AI and cloud service providers, including Microsoft. On 26 November, Seema Ambastha, chief executive of L&Ts cloud business, said the company expected nearly half of all its clients to come seeking sovereign cloud solutions, as critical sectors such as healthcare and financial services have to meet data-localization requirements.

Big boost While Microsofts progress in AI has not kept pace with that of Google, its close relationship with Indias public sector and a long history of operations in the country could help it build commercial scale as the adoption of AI starts generating more revenue, according to analysts.

Microsoft has a deep-seated presence in India and is typically seen by enterprises as one of the safest tech companies to work with in terms of compliance and security, said Kashyap Kompella, veteran AI analyst and founder of RPA2AI Research.
US-based global technology giants Microsoft, Cognizant, and Intel's Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) met with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, in efforts to boost the artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in the country.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar, along with Chairman and Managing Director S Rajesh Varrier, and Intel Corporation CEO Lip-Bu Tan had an individual meeting with PM Modi to discuss AI, technology and upcoming investments in India.

Microsoft's Mega $17.5 billion investment After Tuesday's meeting with PM Modi, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, in a social media post on X, disclosed that the US-based technology giant is committing its largest-ever investment in Asia as the company plans to invest $17.5 billion.

Microsoft plans to develop the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for artificial intelligence (AI), which are essential for India's future AI ambitions.

Had a very productive discussion with Mr Satya Nadella. Happy to see India being the place where Microsoft will make its largest-ever investment in Asia, said PM Modi, responding to Nadella's post on X. The youth of India will harness this opportunity to innovate and leverage the power of AI for a better planet, he said.

Modi's meeting with Congnizant PM Modi also has a meeting with Congnizant's CEO Ravi Kumar and the company's Chairman and Managing Director S Rajesh Varrier, where they discussed the company's partnership with India in futuristic sectors.

Had a wonderful meeting with Mr Ravi Kumar S and Mr Rajesh Varrier. India welcomes Cognizant's continued partnership in futuristic sectors. Our youth's focus on AI and skilling sets the tone for a vibrant collaboration ahead, said PM Modi in his post on X.

In the meeting, the company executives discussed boosting the AI adoption in India along with advancing education and skill development in the country to, in turn, boost India's AI capabilities and productivity.

Our CEO also reaffirmed to the Prime Minister Cognizants continued commitment to India and apprised him of our plans to expand into emerging cities to promote equitable growth and talent development, the company said in a post on X.

Also Read | Meta could launch a new AI model next year to take on Gemini and ChatGPT

Intel and India's semiconductor vision Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his meeting with global tech giant Intel's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lip-Bu Tan, welcomed the US-based firm's commitment to the country's semiconductor journey.

Glad to have met Mr Lip-Bu Tan. India welcomes Intels commitment to our semiconductor journey. I am sure Intel will have a great experience working with our youth to build an innovation-driven future for technology, said Modi in his post on X.

Lip-Bu Tan, in his social media post on X, disclosed that the two talked about several topics related to technology, computing and the tremendous potential for India.

I applaud the Prime Minister for putting in place a comprehensive semiconductor design and manufacturing policy and Intel is committed to support the India Semiconductor Mission, said Intel CEO in his recent post.

These meetings come amid India attracting major investment commitments from other US big tech giants. Earlier in October, Microsoft's tech rival Google unveiled its $15 billion investment plan for a 1 gigawatt (GW) AI data centre in Visakhapatnam.
(Bloomberg) -- Nomura Asset Management Co. plans to relocate dozens of staff from its Tokyo headquarters to offices in cities such as London and New York to develop its homegrown talent for investment and sales operations.

More staff with overseas business experience will boost Nomuras stance as a global competitor in asset management, President Hiroyasu Koike said in an interview.

Unless we enhance our global investment capabilities, we will lose our reason for being, he said, adding that hes still considering specific locations for the staff. We want to proactively send trainees and transfer staff to greatly strengthen the development of global talent.

Japans main finance regulator this year revealed how many domestic asset managers often lag behind overseas rivals due to a narrower product offering that is harming the countrys competitiveness as one of the worlds key financial centers. Reform of tax-free accounts under the Nippon Individual Savings Account scheme is helping to draw more people into investing in a nation traditionally more focused on lower-return savings.

Nomura Asset Management currently has about 30 employees stationed abroad and Koike said he intends to significantly boost that figure, without specifying more detail. Potential destinations include existing offices in New York, London and Singapore, as well as other destinations where parent Nomura Holdings Inc. recently acquired some public asset management businesses from Macquarie Group Ltd. in the US and Europe.

As of the end of September, Nomura Asset Management oversaw around 99.7 trillion ($643 billion). Thats still a sliver compared to global giants like BlackRock Inc., which managed $11.6 trillion as of December 2024.

Koike said Nomuras purchase of the Macquarie assets offers a chance to grow into a transformed asset management company in five or ten years. Its also being considered as a destination for trainee assignments. Previously, Nomura had sent four trainees to American Century Investments, a major US asset manager in which it holds a stake.

I want to acclimatize staff to an environment where they conduct daily business operations in English, Koike said. Then, when they return to Japan, it would be ideal if they can leverage that network and what theyve learned to become future talent capable of engaging in global operations and global management.

--With assistance from Russell Ward.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
As blockbuster weight loss drug semaglutide inches closer to losing its patent exclusivity in India, innovator Novo Nordisk is upping its ante against local firms wanting to launch copies of the drug.

The Danish drugmaker on Tuesday moved the Delhi high court, seeking to restrain domestic giant Sun Pharmaceutical Industries from launching its generic version of semaglutide, a widely prescribed drug for diabetes and weight loss.

The matter was heard briefly by a bench headed by justice Tejas Karia, who transferred the case to the bench already hearing Novos parallel litigation against Dr Reddys Laboratories and Natco Pharma concerning the same patent.

The plea is expected to be taken up on Wednesday before justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, who last week permitted Dr Reddys Laboratories to export semaglutide to non-patent countries.

During the hearing, counsel appearing for Novo asked Sun Pharma to give an undertaking that it would not launch the product within the next 24 hours.

If they launch, then my prayer is gone. Let them make a statement, the counsel submitted, arguing for urgent interim relief.

The latest move comes in the wake of an order passed on 2 December, in which Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora declined Novos plea for an interim injunction against Dr Reddys Labs and permitted the company to manufacture and export semaglutide to non-patent countries until March 2026, while restraining domestic sales until the patent expires.

The court held that Novo had not established a strong enough case to justify an interim ban and noted that any financial losses could be compensated later if the Danish company ultimately succeeds at trial.

Also Read | Does India need special courts for complex drug patent wars?

The ruling observed that Novo only imports semaglutide into India and does not manufacture it locally, and therefore, Dr Reddys export operations could continue.

The court recorded Dr Reddys undertaking that it will not sell semaglutide in India and directed the company to place on record manufacturing and export details since April, when production began.

However, it clarified that Dr Reddys cannot sell the drug in India until March 2026, when the patent expires. All observations, the court added, are prima facie and will not influence the final outcome of the trial.

Novos counsel indicated that the company intends to challenge the ruling next week before a division bench.

Battle heats up The race for weight-loss drugs is intensifying in India as innovators gain ground. Several domestic drugmakers, including Sun Pharma, Dr Reddys and Natco Pharma are gearing up to launch generic semaglutide once its patent expires in March 2026.

Others, such as Cipla and Emcure Pharma, have inked partnerships with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, respectively, to distribute their drugs domestically.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Novos GLP-1 drugs  Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Initially developed for type-2 diabetes, it later gained approval for obesity treatment, with clinical studies showing 1523% weight loss. Wegovy was launched in India in June at a monthly cost of 17,345 26,050, later cut by 37% to 10,850 amid growing competition.

Indias GLP-1 agonists market has grown rapidly - from 186 crore in November 2022 to 1,047 crore in November 2025, according to data from pharma intelligence platform Pharmarack. Eli Lillys drug tirzepatide (Mounjaro) has led the market since its launch in March 2025, crossing 100 crore sales in October.
In a significant recalibration of Washingtons technology controls, US President Donald Trump on Monday said Nvidia will be permitted to ship its H200 artificial-intelligence processors to approved customers in China and other jurisdictionsprovided the United States receives a 25% share of the revenue generated from those sales.

The announcement, made by Donald Trump via a Truth Social post, marks the most substantial opening for US chip exports to China since the Biden administration tightened restrictions in 2022, which limited exports of advanced AI chips and semiconductors to China over national security concerns.

Donald Trump added that shipments would only go to approved customers, and that chipmakers such as Intel Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. would also be eligible.

We will protect National Security, create American Jobs, and keep Americas lead in AI, Trump said in his post. NVIDIAs U.S. Customers are already moving forward with their incredible, highly advanced Blackwell chips, and soon, Rubin, neither of which are part of this deal, referring to more advanced lines of Nvidia chips. Bloomberg reported last month that the administration was considering the H200 approvals.

What conditions has the White House attached to the deal? Payment to the American government would come as a 25% tariff when the chips are shipped from manufacturing sites in Taiwan to the US for inspection by the Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security as part of a security review, Bloomberg reported, quoting a Commerce Department official.

The chips would then be shipped to customers in China.

Trump said that Chinese President Xi Jinping responded positively to the proposal and argued that the arrangement will support American Jobs, strengthen US Manufacturing, and benefit American Taxpayers.

Also Read | Why Nvidia and other AI stocks have lost their quality status

The US president added that The Department of Commerce is finalizing the details, and the same approach will apply to AMD, Intel, and other GREAT American Companies.

The requirement for a 25% US government cut represents an escalation from the 15% revenue-sharing arrangement Nvidia and AMD accepted in August for their China-bound chips.

Around that time, Beijing reportedly cautioned Chinese firms against deploying Nvidias H20 processora customised, lower-performance model intended to comply with US restrictions.

How does the H200 differ from Nvidias previous China-specific chips? The H200 is a more capable processor than the H20, yet still sits below Nvidias most advanced systems. Analysts say its inclusion in the new carve-out underscores Washingtons attempt to strike a middle path: enabling US companies to participate in the vast Chinese AI market while retaining oversight over high-end capabilities.

Market reaction was swift but tempered.

Nvidia shares climbed on initial reports that the Commerce Department would authorise the China shipments, but the rally faded later in the session; the stock settled roughly 2% higher in after-hours trading.

How has industry responded to the revised export policy? Nvidia publicly welcomed the decision.

We applaud President Trumps decision to allow Americas chip industry to compete to support high-paying jobs and manufacturing in America, a company spokesperson told CNBC.

Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America, the spokesperson added.

What does this mean for the USChina semiconductor relationship? Semiconductors remain the strategic fulcrum of the technological and geopolitical rivalry between Washington and Beijing. Chinas own export controls on rare-earth mineralsvital inputs for advanced chip fabricationtriggered US threats of sweeping tariff hikes under the previous Trump administration.

Tensions eased modestly after Trump and Xi Jinping met in South Korea in late October and agreed to a tentative truce on chip-related retaliation. According to the White House, China committed to halt measures targeting US semiconductor firms. Trump later said that he raised the issue of Nvidia exports directly with Xi during those discussions.

The authorisation of H200 sales to China marks a strategic win for Nvidia, which has been lobbying both President Trump and Congress to loosen export restrictions that have effectively shut the company out of the worlds second-largest AI market.

Since the November 2024 election, Jensen Huang has cultivated a close rapport with Trump and has argued that stringent controls ultimately strengthen Chinas own technology champions, including Huawei Technologies.
Paramount on Monday made a $77.9 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, escalating its fight for the entertainment company against Netflix by bringing its case directly to Warner shareholders.

Netflix on Friday agreed to buy Warner Bros. for $72 billion after Warner splits its studios and HBO Max streaming business from its cable networks. The announcement sent shock waves across Hollywood and Wall Street alike, as many had anticipated that David Ellisons Paramount had the upper hand.

With Ellisons tender offer launched Monday, heres what to know about how the drama could play out:

Why did Paramount make a tender offer?

A tender offer makes a direct appeal to shareholders to sell, or tender," their shares at a set price. They are often employed when the target companys board wont engage. Paramount on Monday accused Warner of not meaningfully engaging with any of its six takeover proposals made over the past 12 weeks.

Tender offers give shareholders a deadline for participating that can often be extended. Warners shareholders have until Jan. 8 to decide whether to accept Paramounts $30 a share all-cash bid, unless the deadline is extended.

If a tender offer looks like it has widespread support, boards of the company being sold tend to capitulate and negotiate a deal before the deadline.

Warner has said it is reviewing Paramounts offer and meanwhile continues to recommend that shareholders support its deal with Netflix, which they will get to vote on at a later date.

The Netflix deal is worth $27.75 a share and includes a small portion of Netflix shares as consideration. But Warner believes it is worth closer to $31 to $32 when considering its shareholders would also continue to own shares in Warners cable networks after its split, The Wall Street Journal has reported.

Paramount could also decide to raise its offer before the tender offer expires.

What does Warner do next?

The company has 10 business days, or until Monday Dec. 22, to convene with advisers and decide whether or not Paramounts bid is a superior offer to Netflixs deal.

If it deems Paramounts superior, it is likely to begin negotiations with Paramount on a deal while giving Netflix four business days to respond with a counteroffer.

In addition to the numbers, Warner will consider attributes such as each deals ease of obtaining regulatory clearance from the Trump administration and each suitors financial backing, among other things.

Warner, meanwhile, will likely be facing countless investor questions regarding how the bidding process played out, and potential litigation for going with the Netflix bid over Paramounts. (Companies often see these sorts of lawsuits in competitive bidding processes.)

What does this mean for Netflix?

If the Paramount offer is deemed superior to Netflixs, Netflix will have the opportunity to match or top it. It could also in the interim try to strike a sweetened deal with Warner.

If Warner were to walk away from its deal with Netflix, it would owe the streaming company a $2.8 billion breakup fee. Netflix, on the other hand, would owe Warner $5.8 billion if its deal didnt go through because of regulatory or other issues. That is one of the biggest breakup fees of all time, suggesting Netflix is confident in its chances.

Netflix has lost around $100 billion in market value since mid-September, when speculation started to swirl that it would be making some sort of play for Warners assets and after the Journal reported that Paramount was preparing a bid of its own. That could mean its shareholders might not have a big appetite for a sweetened bid.

How often are large, unfriendly tender offers successful?

Of all hostile tender offers involving multiple bidders since 2000, about 29% have resulted in completed deals, according to an analysis of LSEG data by the Journal. The portion is slightly lower for deals valued at $10 billion or more.

Paramounts bid for Warner, if completed, would be the biggest hostile tender offer in a competitive process to succeed. The current largest is Royal Bank of Scotlands deal for National Westminster Bank, completed in 2000 and valued at over $36 billion, according to LSEG data.

Other memorable hostile bids include the attempted buyout of Botox-maker Allergan by Valeant Pharmaceuticals and Pershing Square Capital Management in 2015. The offer was dropped after Allergan accepted a higher-valued friendly deal.

How could Trump influence the process?

Paramount has been arguing that its deal is more likely to pass regulatory muster than Netflixs, given that Netflix is already a major player in the streaming industry. While Netflixs deal is expected to be investigated by the Justice Department, more so than in previous administrations the White House is likely to influence where regulators land on any deal.

Paramounts bid is backed by the Ellison family, President Trump allies, and its equity backers include the private-equity firm of Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

But asked about the competing proposals Monday, Trump said he wasnt close to either company.

I have to see what percentage of market they have. None of them are particularly great friends of mine," Trump said at a White House roundtable.

Trump had suggested over the weekend that Netflixs deal could be a problem" and said he would be involved in deciding whether to bless it. Then he separately criticized Paramount Monday for having Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican critic of his, on CBSs 60 Minutes" recently.

This explanatory article may be periodically updated.

Write to Lauren Thomas at lauren.thomas@wsj.com and Ben Glickman at ben.glickman@wsj.com
When OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made the dramatic call for a code red" last week to beat back a rising threat from Google, he put a notable priority at the top of his list of fixes.

The worlds most valuable startup should pause its side projects like its Sora video generator for eight weeks and focus on improving ChatGPT, its popular chatbot that kicked off the AI boom.

In so doing, Altman was making a major strategic course correction and taking sides in a broader philosophical divide inside the companybetween its pursuit of popularity among everyday consumers and its quest for research greatness.

OpenAI was founded to pursue artificial general intelligence, broadly defined as being able to outthink humans at almost all tasks. But for the company to survive, Altman was suggesting, it may have to pause that quest and give the people what they want.

The move was striking in part because one criticism of Altmans leadership has been his reluctance to put limits on what the company can accomplish.

And it was telling that he instructed employees to boost ChatGPT in a specific way: through better use of user signals," he wrote in his memo.

With that directive, Altman was calling for turning up the crank on a controversial source of training dataincluding signals based on one-click feedback from users, rather than evaluations from professionals of the chatbots responses. An internal shift to rely on that user feedback had helped make ChatGPTs 4o model so sycophantic earlier this year that it has been accused of exacerbating severe mental-health issues for some users.

Now Altman thinks the company has mitigated the worst aspects of that approach, but is poised to capture the upside: It significantly boosted engagement, as measured by performance on internal dashboards tracking daily active users.

It was not a small, statistically significant bump, but like a wow bump," said one person who worked on the model.

OpenAIs code red" moment represents the most serious challenge it has yet faced to its lead in the AI race. Competitors are gaining ground at a faster level than ever before, stealing market share and slowing growth. If the trend continues, OpenAI may not be able to pay for the giant computing contracts it has signed in recent months, and could even struggle to stay afloat financially.

At a lunch meeting with journalists in New York Monday, Altman said that while industry observers are focused on an OpenAI versus Google rivalry, he thinks the real battle will be between OpenAI and Apple. Devices will be critical to how people use AI over time, he said, and current smartphones are not well suited for the AI companions and use cases. OpenAIs new hardware arm has been hiring aggressively from Apple recently.

But OpenAIs more immediate threat comes from Google, which has been rapidly gaining ground since its Nano Banana image generator went viral in August. Then last month, Googles new Gemini 3 model blew past OpenAI on a closely watched third-party leaderboard of model performance called LM Arena. Meanwhile, rival Anthropic has nudged ahead of OpenAI among corporate clients.

Behind Altmans code red" declaration, however, are tensions between camps inside the company that have been festering for years, according to people familiar with the matter.

A group including Fidji Simo, a former Meta Platforms executive who leads OpenAIs product efforts, and Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar, have pushed the company to pour more resources into ChatGPT. Simo has also told staff that OpenAI needs to do a better job of making sure its users discover the value of ChatGPTs existing features before the company goes on to build new ones, and also wants to improve the chatbots speed and reliability.

Researchers meanwhile have prioritized state of the art technology that could lead to artificial general intelligence, or AGI, but dont do as much to improve the basic chatbot experience.

OpenAI is set to release a new model, called 5.2, this week that executives hope will give it new momentum, particularly among coding and business customers. They overruled some employees who asked to push back the models release so the company could have more time to make it better, according to people familiar with the matter.

The company also plans to release another model in January with better images, improved speed and a better personality, and to end the code red after that, Altman said.

An OpenAI spokeswoman says theres no conflict between the two philosophies, and that broad adoption of AI tools is how the company plans to distribute AGIs benefit.

For a long time, ChatGPTs blistering growth had papered over these internal differences. Ever since OpenAI kicked off the AI race with the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, the AI race has been its to lose. Caught flat-footed, Google declared its own code red" that year as it raced to catch up.

View Full Image Google's Gemini is said to be gaining on OpenAI. Above, Zaheed Sabur, Google's senior director of Gemini on mobile, speaks at an April event in New York.

ChatGPTs appeal to everyday consumers led its user base to explode to more than 800 million weekly average users, according to the company, and its valuation rose accordingly, to $500 billion in its latest round of fundraising.

The technology may have been complex, but the logic powering that growth was simple: the more compute and data that goes into the models, the smarter they are, and the more users will want them. Altman turned his attention to removing any barriers to the start of this equation, spending the summer and fall signing deals for up to $1.4 trillion worth of commitments to AI infrastructure like data centers and chips.

A major engine of consumer success in the last year and a half was a version of ChatGPT dubbed GPT-4o, for omni," or the ability to function across text, audio and images. It became ChatGPTs default model in May 2024and shot to the top of the LM Arena leaderboard with record scores.

Internally, OpenAI paid close attention to LM Arena, people familiar with the matter said. It also closely tracked 4os contribution to ChatGPTs daily active user counts, which were visible internally on dashboards and touted to employees in town-hall meetings and in Slack.

The 4o model performed so well with people in large part because it was schooled with user signals like those which Altman referred to in his memo: a distillation of which responses people preferred in head-to-head comparisons that ChatGPT would show millions of times a day. The approach was internally called LUPO, shorthand for local user preference optimization," people involved in model training said.

In his memo, Altman made a direct link between user signals and LM Arena performance, saying the companys number one priority was to improve its model performance through better use of user signals (for example, we should be at the top of things like LM arena)."

At the same time, there were clouds appearing in the research race for the most cutting-edge capabilities. The gains predicted by so-called scaling laws" that had powered generative AIs early risethe notion that compute, data and performance increase along a predictable lineshowed some signs of slowing. That led researchers to pivot to a new paradigm for its founding goal of achieving humanlike intelligence: an automated Socratic method of questioning dubbed reasoning."

Reasoning got better answers to hard questions, but it took more time and a lot more compute. Nevertheless, it seemed to OpenAI researchers like an important path toward the goal the company used to attract its most talented AI researchers: building AGI.

Following the departure of founding chief scientist Ilya Sutskever last year, OpenAI tapped Jakub Patchocki, a strong proponent of reasoning models, to be chief scientist. He pushed hard into building reasoning models, starting with o1, which the company released in preview in September 2024, and has continued to pump out this year.

Reasoning models turned out to be good at some work tasks and questions that require lots of time to think through, like OpenAIs deep research product, but they are not as helpful or fast enough for some of the immediate tasks most people turn to ChatGPT for, like drafting an email.

Thats where 4o came in.

Prerelease versions of 4o that were heavily trained with user signals didnt show much appreciable improvement on internal evaluations of capabilities on things like science or reasoning, according to people who worked on the model. But they performed far better than expected when OpenAI leaked an anonymous version to LM Arenawhere people seemed to love it.

LM Arena works using similar AB-style tests to those run by OpenAI that drive an internal metric dubbed the win rate." Anyone can visit LM Arena and try out two models in a side-by-side matchup, responding to the same questions, and then select their preferred answers.

The 4o models success with users led engineers to continue relying on those user signals in what is called post-training of subsequent updates, despite earlier warnings from some staffers that overusing these signals could make the model unsafe, people who worked on the model said.

You are training a language model to copy the users, and have the same preferences in these side-by-side comparisons." Then you can stick it into your algorithm and max out the score," one of the people said.

By this spring, interaction with 4o appears to have started taking a toll on some peopleand subsequently on OpenAIs reputation. A number of users spiraled into delusional or manic states while using the chatbot for extended periods, with some believing they were talking to God, aliens or a self-aware machine consciousness.

Families of ChatGPT users who committed suicide or became delusional began filing lawsuits accusing the company of prioritizing engagement over safety with 4o. A support group says it has assembled 250 cases, the vast majority involving ChatGPT. Some people still remain in the grip of what their families describe as 4o-enabled delusions.

In the spring, OpenAI declared a code orange" around the sycophancy crisis and devoted more resources to understanding and addressing the problem. The company said in October that hundreds of thousands of ChatGPT users each week exhibit possible signs of mental health emergencies related to psychosis or mania.

We have seen a problem where people that are in fragile psychiatric situations using a model like 4o can get into a worse one," Altman said that month in a public question-and-answer session. I dont think this is the last time well face challenges like this with a model."

Some doctors and mental health experts say chatbots like ChatGPT may trigger or worsen these types of mental health issues in vulnerable people because the bots are prone to tell users what they want to hear rather than what is most accurate and helpfula problem known in the AI world as sycophancy. Others including OpenAI say the jury is out on how much of a causal role AI plays and whether those affected would have suffered mental illness anyway.

In response to the crisis, OpenAI says it has worked with mental health experts, tried to make sure its models respond better to people in possible distress, and rerouted some user conversations to what it calls safer models.

The company also says it tweaked its training to make sure user-feedback signals did not become too powerful a voice in its post-training of future models.

When OpenAI released its long-awaited GPT-5 model in August, it said the model was less effusively agreeable" and used fewer unnecessary emojis" than 4o. But the changes angered scores of users, who criticized its colder tone and led Altman to restore 4o to ChatGPT for paying subscribers.

I think you should take the fact that I, and many others, have been able to form such strong bonds with 4o as a measure of success," one user wrote in an Ask Me Anything" Reddit forum that Altman hosted. The new model might be an upgrade but its an upgrade thats killed off someone I have grown to appreciate as a friend and companion."

A few weeks after the lukewarm launch, Google released its Nano Banana image-generator, and its Gemini AI app briefly replaced ChatGPT at the top of the app store. In October, OpenAI executives declared another code orange" and pushed staff to focus on accelerating ChatGPT growth.

The same month, the company also said it made changes to GPT-5 that reduced by 65% the rate of the chatbots responses that dont fully comply with the companys detailed guide for how it should respond to mental health issues.

We carefully balance user feedback with expert review, multiple safety systems, and extensive testing which allows us to improve ChatGPTs warmth without it becoming overly agreeable," a spokeswoman said.

Its not clear how Altmans new directive to again top LM Arena by tapping user signals will affect that balance.

Altman also said in the memo that ChatGPT should lean more into personalization, another feature that some doctors and victims advocates have suggested may have played a role in exacerbating some users mental health issues. With personalization, ChatGPT is able to access contents and summaries of some prior conversations along with a set of facts about users, allowing the bot to reference them and even mirror a persons tone.

OpenAIs attempt to reconcile ambitious bets on future products and research with a consumer business focused on the here and now in some ways recalls the trade-offs faced by social media giants. Meta Platforms for years veered between competitive imperatives like copying TikTok with a product called Reels to expensive long-term projects like starting a virtual-reality world dubbed the metaverse, which it is now scaling back.

Social-media companies have also come under intense scrutiny for the way their ranking algorithms select content based on what keeps people coming back and sticking around longer, which critics argue led to negative impacts on teens and other vulnerable users. The advent of AI chatbots offers a new twist in this same debate.

Years of prioritizing engagement on social media led to a full-blown mental health crisis," said Jim Steyer, founder and chief executive of child-advocacy group Common Sense Media, in an interview. The real question is will the AI companies learn from the social-media companies tragic mistakes?"

Write to Sam Schechner at Sam.Schechner@wsj.com, Berber Jin at berber.jin@wsj.com and Keach Hagey at Keach.Hagey@wsj.com
Investor Michael Burry in his paid blog Cassandra Unchained, said he holds sizable positions in both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac common stock. He also believes that a re-listing of the two US housing-finance giants is a close possibility.

The long blog post, which Burry said would take 30 minutes to read, outlined the famed investor's reasons for turning bullish on the two US government-run housing finance companies, challenges ahead of their IPOs, and steps that the authorities must take to prepare the companies for a Wall Street comeback, Bloomberg reported.

In November, the hedge fund manager known for predicting and profiting from the 2008 financial crisis, said he is focused on his paid newsletter after shutdown of Scion Asset Management.

Burry's incredible navigation of the Wall Street collapse in 2008 was detailed in Michael Lewis' book called The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine, which was also made into 2015's The Big Short movie starring Hollywood stars Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell and Christian Bale.

Why Michael Burry is bullish on Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Addressing his older opinions on the companies, which he called Frauddie Mac, Michael Burry said that he had bought Freddie Macs five-year credit-default swaps in the years leading up to its meltdown and subsequent government conservatorship. He added that he turned bullish on the two US mortgage finance companies only after Donald Trump was elected President.

I personally own both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac common stock in good size, Burry wrote in the post, in which he examined the current political dynamics and how shares may be valued in a sale and beyond. The offering price is a key determinant of the intrinsic value of these companies, and I will certainly revisit this thesis as those numbers come into focus.

On 8 December, over-the-counter shares of Fannie Mae rose 2%, while that of Freddie Mac jumped 2.4%. Both are prone to volatile swings and have added about 12% since late November, the BB report added.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac headed for re-listing? Also addressing likely IPOs for the companies, Michael Burry said that the government and regulatory authorities would have to first scale some challenges, such as easing the two companies' capital requirements, converting certain preferred shares into common stock, and scaling back the governments claim on the companies. He added that without government withdrawal their common shares are worthless.

Still, he noted there remains a final steep, windy and rocky climb to IPO for both.

According to Burry, he expects the IPO to be priced 1x and 1.25x times the book value, with shares potentially trading at 1.5x to 2x times of the book value within 1-2 years after listing, Reuters reported.

Burry wrote that he also foresees Berkshire Hathaway taking a substantial position in any the two IPOs  Warren Buffett's company once held stake in Fannie, which was sold.

The concept is not without support. In November, billionaire investor Bill Ackman also endorsed a proposal calling for Fannie and Freddie to be re-listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

(With inputs from Agencies)
German automaking giant, BMW Group, on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, announced that the board of directors have appointed Milan Nedeljkovic as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company amid the automaker's electric vehicle (EV) bets to take on rivals like Tesla and other Chinese companies.

The automaker also announced that Nedeljkovic will assume his role, effective from 14 May 2026, succeeding Oliver Zipse, who has been serving in the role since 2019. After the upcoming board meeting in 2026, Oliver Zipse will leave the BMW board after completing the extended period beyond his retirement age, marking 35 years in the company.

Milan Nedeljkovic will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG effective on 14 May 2026. The companys Supervisory Board took this decision today, according to a press release on Tuesday.

According to a recent Reuters report, BMW's appointment of Nedeljkovic is a move to steer the automaker's sales growth back, particularly in the Chinese market, amid the rise of local rivals in the Asian nation.

The success of the Nedeljkovic era will be decided in China, Moritz Kronenberger, portfolio manager at BMW shareholder Union Investment, told the news agency.

Kronenberger also urged the company to move forward on autonomous driving, citing that Level 3 capabilities in the cars needed to be rolled out across the offerings in future to keep up the pace with the industry leader, Elon Musk's EV giant, Tesla.

Who is Milan Nedeljkovic? Milan Nedeljkovic, who was born in Krusevac, Serbia, is an industry veteran who has more than 30 years of company experience in the German automaker.

Nedeljkovic has been a member of the Board of Management at BMW AG since 1 October 2019 and has been responsible for the company's production spanning across 31 sites in 15 countries around the world, with nearly 60,000 employees working under his supervision.

Also Read | BMW Group India appoints Hardeep Singh Brar as President & CEO

Milan Nedeljkovic joined the BMW Group as a trainee at the company's Munich site in the year 1993, and after spending years jumping up the ranks, the 56-year-old veteran became the Head of Assembly at BMW Group's Plant in Leipzig in 2010.

By 2015, he became the Managing Director of BMW Group's Plant in Munich. In 2018, he became the Senior Vice President of Corporate Quality at the German automaker, and finally, in 2019, he joined the Board of Management at BMW AG.

According to the company website, Nedeljkovic completed his mechanical engineering from RWTH Aachen University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, United States between 1988 to 1993.

Later, between 2000 and 2004, Nedeljkovic also completed his doctorate at the Chair of Forming Technology and Foundry Engineering of the Technical University of Munich.
Upskilling and higher education platform upGrad is deepening its push on its international business in the coming year as the company looks to list in 2027, according to top executives at the company.

"There's some inorganic growth that we're thinking about and we need to get our organic growth to a certain level. We are very clear about the year 2027 for us to list," upGrad co-founder and chairman Ronnie Screwvala told Mint. It's good that several ed-techs like Crizac, Veranda Learning Solutions, and, of course, PhysicsWallah have listed. All in all, its good for the space, no question about that."

The company's former managing director and co-founder Mayank Kumar had said in 2024 the company was eyeing a public market debut in two years.

Also Read | upGrad takes aim at big ticket courses at 40 offline centres by end of FY26

The company's focus on its international business comes at a time when upGrad is eyeing acquisitions in the country, including some parts of beleaguered Byju's as well as exploring a potential share-swap deal for Unacademy valued at $300-400 million, according to multiple media reports. In such a deal, the company making the acquisition, instead of paying in cash, offers up its own shares to the M&A target's investors or owners.

A risk capital expert said that while recent listings such as that of PhysicsWallah have opened up the market for more edtech listings, the stock's performance should be tracked for at least a full year before drawing sector-wide conclusions.

Madhavan Srivatsan, senior partner, who's been advising on private equity and venture capital deals at Emerald Law said, Any edtech company preparing for an IPO must ensure that it can deliver consistent returns to public shareholders, which necessitates the strengthening of its revenue and income streams."

Betting on global

Overall, Screwvala said that the company was targeting 25-30% year-on-year growth with four segments of its business-to-consumer vertical being the main drivers: international learning, international study abroad, its India study abroad programme, and degrees from Indian universities.

The Temasek-backed edtech went global back in 2021, opening up an office in Singapore. In the last two years, the startup has clocked a 40% compound annual growth rate for its international B2C business. Revenues of the segment were not revealed. upGrad's consolidated revenue rose 5.5% to 1,569.3 crore in FY25, up from 1,487.6 crore in FY24, its filing with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) showed. Net loss shrank 51% to 273.7 crore, compared to 559.9 crore in FY24. The improvement was led by a sharp reduction in spending, as the company has been prioritizing profitability ahead of an IPO.

The Temasek-backed edtech went global back in 2021, opening up an office in Singapore.

Our fastest growing geographies are split between the Middle East and Vietnam, growing at 50-60% year-on-year," said Myleeta AgaWilliams, CEO of international consumer business at upGrad. Overall, the international business contributes to 40% of upGrad's B2C revenue, with India still being the major share of the pie.

"The India engines are what I would call the longer tail formats, these are slower. Certifications are a little slower in its growth, said Screwvala. Online courses, or the "long tail"," are what upGrad had initially started the business with before diversifying into other revenue streams both domestically and internationally.

While the company's international business had initially started out targeting the Indian diaspora living abroad, the user mix has shifted over the years as well. Today, the user base is split 50-50 between Indians living abroad and users from across 100 different geographies.

The focus on the Middle East is largely on account of how several governments in the area are focusing heavily on skilling in areas such as artificial intelligence and are doubling down on education in general.

In April, upGrad signed a partnership with Seed Group, a conglomerate of the private office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, an umbrella organisation of the royal family of Dubai. UAE is the foundation market for us, but we're growing fast in Saudi Arabia and will be growing past that into other Middle Eastern markets as well," said AgaWilliams.

In Vietnam, the company's approach has been to adopt a more local, hands-on approach as upGrad found that learners there are more keen to learn in English for the global opportunities but still need help with guidance. To that end, the company has set up what it calls a more street shop front" business.

Going offline back home

In October, upGrad opened an office in Thailand which is where it will be investing a significant portion of its time growing that business. In fact, for developing markets in south east Asia, the kind of learning that users are looking for is also very different. Users in developed markets often chase high-end certifications or doctorates through a mixture of government supported skilling programmes and private companies like upGrad. Developing markets are much more broadbased and they don't have that many options available to them, so we can bring in a lot of value and scale," said AgaWilliams.

Earlier this year, upGrad announced that it would be scaling its offline learning sites, currently at 11, to 40 by the end of the fiscal year. The focus with these centres is to tap early career professionals between the ages of 21 and 26 who have finished college but are finding it difficult to get a job.

By the end of the next year Screwvala said the company hoped to have 100 centres spread across the country. About 30-35 of them would be in the top six cities and then the rest would almost be one per city."

Traditionally, opening offline education centres includes either building it from the ground up or renting space, not to mention adding furnishings, hiring people as well as advertising and marketing. But Screwvala isn't worried, It's a nine-month operating expenditure break even and a 15-month capital expenditure break even."

That being said, there are no plans to take the offline business global, at least for the time being. Apart from Vietnam, we've not identified a market where there is that kind of scale just yet," said AgaWilliams.

Also Read | When schools drop out: Why edtech LEAD is struggling to find followers
New Delhi: Indias push to localize wind turbine components may hinge on a crucial fix: making the specialty steel that goes into gearboxes for turbines cheaper to source. The ministry of new and renewable energy has recommended lowering the 15% basic customs duty on this high-grade steel in the upcoming Union Budget, two people aware of the proposal said.

Currently, the import duty on special grade steel used in gearbox manufacturing is 15% while that on gearboxes is 7.5%, making imported gearboxes more attractive for buyers than the ones locally produced.

Also Read | Real costs: Why solar and wind energy are not market winners yet

The proposal aims to correct the inverted duty structure that discourages domestic manufacturing, even as India imports nearly 100% of its specialty steel requirements and has mandated greater localization of wind turbine components to cut reliance on overseas suppliers.

Although gearboxes for turbines are manufactured in India, turbine makers find it less expensive to import them rather than develop or buy domestic ones made from imported specialty steel. About 60% of the gearboxes in the wind power sector are imported currently.

Specialty, or special grade, steel is a high-value, performance-driven category with enhanced properties achieved through precise alloying and processing for critical applications such as aerospace, defence, automotive and power generation. India's major gearbox makers include Flender Drives Pvt. Ltd (Winergy), ZF Wind Power Coimbatore Pvt. Ltd; an arm of ZF (ZF Friedrichshafen AG), German technology and manufacturing major and NGC Transmission, Chennai and Shanti Gear.

A Niti Aayog report on component manufacturing for wind power space, released in March last year, had highlighted constraints in local manufacturing of these components and showed gearbox comprises 12% of the overall cost of the wind turbine generators. As of March 2024, India had a total gearbox manufacturing capacity of 8GW, the report said.

"There have been demands for removing customs duties on raw materials (including specialty steel) to boost domestic manufacturing of components such as gearboxes. India already manufactures gearboxes, however a few players continue to import amid competitive import pricing. Lower prices of components may support the growth of the renewable energy capacity addition in the country," said one of the people mentioned above. "A recommendation has been made to the finance ministry for rate rationalization of specialty steel," the person added.

Cut import dependence The government has mandated enhanced localization of wind turbines in a bid to reduce import dependence. India imports gearboxes and other wind turbine components from China. The ministry of new and renewable energy has proposed mandatory use of locally-produced components for wind turbines, including gearboxes used in government-backed and utility scale projects, with prototype testing of locally-made components in 2027.

M.P. Ramesh, former director general of National Institute of Wind Energy, said although Indian companies manufacture gearboxes, they are largely of around 3MW capacity and are yet to become major suppliers of 5-10MW gearboxes.

Aditya Pyasi, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) said the higher cost of specialty steel makes gearbox imports more viable for turbine makers.

India manufactures gearboxes and also exports them, but there are turbines for which gearboxes are imported/assembled, given the high cost of local manufacturing owing to raw material costs. As specialty steel, a key component of gearbox is totally imported and not manufactured in the country, a reduction in duty would be helpful," Pyasi said. There is also a need for duty rationalization of other raw materials, including resin input materials, to boost local component manufacturing.

Narayan Kumar, CEO of Kshema Power & Infrastructure Co. Pvt. Ltd., said if the customs duty on specialty steel is waived, it could lead to a 5-7% reduction to the overall cost of the tower of the windmill. Waiver of customs duty has been a long-standing demand of the wind power industry.

"It would bring about stability and confidence among the players that prices would come down. Prices of commodity (minerals such as iron ore) based materials like specialty steel have been volatile globally, this will provide some succour to the end customers," he said, adding that although gearboxes don't comprise a major portion of the cost, they make the core of the drive train with the generator, hence are critical. The drive train helps converting rotational energy of the wind turbine into electrical energy.

Industry players said lower prices of Indian gearboxes may also help in better capitalization of the country's products in the export market. India exports around 50% of its wind turbine gearbox manufacturing.

India is a major manufacturer of wind turbines, with the presence of several global and Indian companies such as Suzlon Energy, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Power Pvt. Ltd, and GE India Industrial Pvt. Ltd, with the annual production capacity of the over 17GW wind turbines. These companies export wind turbines and blades to Australia, Brazil, Europe, the US and other countries.

Now, the government is looking to ensure an indigenous component supply chain, including gearbox, generators and power converters.

The recommendation for a duty cut on specialty steel coincides with the slow progress in the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to develop the specialty steel sector in India. Last month, the steel ministry announced the PLI 1.2 scheme for specialty steel, including super alloys, alloy forgings, stainless steel (long and flat) and titanium alloys. Incentive rates range from 4% to 15%, applicable for five years starting FY26, with disbursal beginning in FY27.

Mint had earlier reported that India is preparing to ease rules for the import of certain types of specialty steel and the government plans to temporarily suspend quality-control rules for about 55 steel products for a one-to-three-year period.

Ramesh of the NIWE also cautioned against unrestricted imports of specialty steel upon lowering of the customs duty. "In case the government lowers customs duty on specialty steel, it should also put a cap on imports based on the requirement by the industry, and it must track the end use of the imported product. Government should take an estimated quantum for gearbox production by companies and allow specialty steel import at lower duties based on that requirement. This will be a win-win situation for all (gearbox makers and steel manufacturers)," he said.
The recent release of Dhurandhar has triggered a wave of praise for veteran actor Akshaye Khanna, whose performance in the film has reportedly set the internet on fire.

Akshaye Khanna sets the internet ablaze with his performance in Dhurandhar On social media, fans and viewers have flooded platforms with glowing reactions  and many singled out Khannas portrayal as a standout.

On X (formerly Twitter), one comment captured the sentiment, It is also important to highlight d positive aspects of Dhurandhar  Akshaye Khanna, dressed in traditional Balochi cultural attire, looks exactly like a Baloch. All cast played well.

Another fan wrote simply, Rewatch value of this scene is actually INSANE. Others were effusive in their praise: Will probably watch the movie just for this banger song, and everything about this video is js perfect. Perhaps the most direct was: This man #AkshayeKhanna Aura dominated every single frame in #Durandhar.

People on Instagram are also making memes with this song or are reposting the clip from the film, heaping praise on Akshaye.

Take a look at some such reels:

Khannas role in Dhurandhar has struck a chord for several reasons. According to enthusiastic viewers, his embodiment of a character steeped in cultural detail  including traditional Balochi attire  brought authenticity to the films depiction of oppression and injustice in Balochistan.
Lenovo has already shown that it can put a rollable OLED screen into a real laptop. The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is proof of that. It uses a built in mechanism that lifts the display upwards to give you more vertical space for documents, browsing and work. Now it looks like Lenovo is ready to try the same idea in a more playful way for gaming.

According to a report from Windows Latest, the company is working on a machine called Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable. The name tells you almost everything. Instead of rolling the panel up, this laptop is expected to roll the screen out sideways. In its wider mode the display would open into something close to a twenty one by nine aspect ratio, with the left and right edges stretching well beyond the base of the laptop. In simple words, you would be opening the lid of a notebook that hides an ultrawide gaming screen.

The report does not have much in the way of hard specifications. It mentions an Intel Core Ultra processor, which fits what you expect from a high end Windows gaming laptop, but that is where the detail ends. We do not yet know the size of the panel in its normal or rolled out state. There is no information on resolution, refresh rate, graphics, storage or battery. There is also no clear price band or launch window. On paper that sounds thin, but this is exactly the sort of experimental hardware Lenovo likes to bring to CES before turning some of it into shipping products.

View full Image Lenovo rollable OLED laptop. (Windows Latest)

That history is why this leak is easy to believe. Over the years Lenovo has used CES to test unusual ideas in public, from dual screen notebooks to foldable displays and now rollable panels. The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 started life as the kind of futuristic demo that could have stayed on the show floor. Instead it became a real device that people can buy. A Legion branded gaming laptop with a horizontal rollable display feels like the next logical step in that story.

If the Legion Pro Rollable makes it to market, the appeal is quite clear. A screen that can sit at a regular size when you are on the move and then stretch out to an ultrawide view at a desk could reduce the need for a second display. You would still want a stand, keyboard and mouse for longer sessions, but carrying one device that can widen out when you need more space is an attractive idea.

A lot will depend on how well Lenovo can execute the basics. Gamers will expect a sharp picture in the wider mode and a refresh rate that keeps fast motion looking smooth. The flexible panel will also need to handle repeated rolling without visible banding or distracting reflections. These are not small challenges, especially when you add the heat and power demands of a gaming machine. The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 sits at around 3,500 dollars, and a gaming focused rollable laptop with dedicated graphics is unlikely to cost less. At least in the beginning this will be a niche product for people who enjoy unusual hardware and are willing to pay for it, not a mainstream gaming machine.
Berkshire Hathaways top ranks are changing hands as it prepares for the imminent retirement of its founder Warren Buffett.

One of Buffetts top lieutenants, Todd Combs, Berkshires investment manager and chief executive of its Geico insurance unit, is stepping down to join JPMorgan Chase to head up the banks recently launched security and resiliency initiative.

JPMorgan on Monday said Combs will lead the initiatives $10 billion strategic-investment group and act as a special adviser to Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon.

Berkshire also announced its longtime CFO Marc Hamburg will step down from his role on June 1, 2026. The 40-year veteran of the company will stay on until 2027. Charles Chang, currently senior vice president and chief financial officer of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, will succeed Hamburg as finance chief.

Marc has been indispensable to Berkshire and to me," Buffett said Monday.

The reshuffle comes less than a month after Buffett, 95, said he would be going quiet" as he prepares to step down from the company he has led since the 1960s.

In May, the billionaire investor revealed his plans to step down as Berkshires chief executive at the end of this year. The company named vice chairman Greg Abel as Buffetts successor.

Berkshire said Nancy Pierce, who had been Geicos chief operating officer, will succeed Combs at the helm of the insurer.

Write to Gareth Vipers at gareth.vipers@wsj.com
Jamie Dimon wants to protect America from potential foreign adversaries. He is assembling a group of national titans and close friends, from Jeff Bezos to Condoleezza Rice, to help him get it ready.

The head of JPMorgan Chase, the biggest U.S. bank, announced a $1.5 trillion initiative focused on national security in October, meant to bolster American self-sufficiency for critical technologies including rare earths and artificial intelligence.

On Monday, Dimon said he had poached one of Warren Buffetts handpicked investors, Todd Combs, to run a $10 billion fund that will invest JPMorgans own money in companies that will help buttress American supply chains and promote technological innovation.

And he brought together a whos who of business leaders, politicians and generals to advise the bank on the Security and Resiliency Initiative." That advisory group gets Dimon a roundtable of executives from the technology and defense industries, giving him more insight into where to invest and strengthening ties for his $4.6 trillion bank at the same time.

Dimon has become increasingly focused on global politics since Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, regularly warning that Western democracy has to wake up. He has been raising concerns about production of everything from bombs to rare earths to penicillin, saying manufacturing is lagging behind and an investment plan is needed.

National security is critical, not just for us, but for a lot of countries," Dimon told Fox host Maria Bartiromo on Sunday. If you had any illusion the world would be peaceful in our livesit was shattered."

The chief executive has long looked to play a corporate-statesman role as the most famous U.S. banker. The new national-security initiative moves him closer to replicating the work of his banks namesake, the Morgans, who helped bring together robber barons and Gilded Age financiers to backstop Americas industrial revolution and stave off financial crises.

JPMorgans first investment through the 10-year security initiative was announced in October, a $75 million deal to acquire a 3% stake in mining company Perpetua Resources. Perpetua is excavating a mine in Idaho that, once operational, will be the only domestic reserve of the critical mineral antimony.

The compound is used to harden bullets and strengthen armor-penetrating projectiles. About 60% of the worlds antimony is mined in China, which put heavy restrictions on its export in response to trade restrictions from the U.S.

The ultimate impact of the $1.5 trillion plan will be unclear for years. When JPMorgan announced the national-security initiative, it acknowledged that it had already forecast that it would finance roughly $1 trillion of national-security-related business on behalf of its clients. The initiative essentially amounted to a pledge to do $500 billion more.

Some earlier Dimon efforts on big proclamations havent panned out. In 2021, the bank launched a similar $2.5 trillion initiative that was supposed to support the evolution to a greener economy. The bank doesnt talk about that much anymore. And an attempt by Dimon, Bezos and Buffett (with Combs) to shake up the national healthcare system flopped.

JPMorgan is pledging to invest $10 billion of its own capital as part of the plan, which Combs will run. Dimon had said the bank might invest alongside the U.S. government in deals that support the national interest. JPMorgan worked on the MP Materials deal, a transaction where the Defense Department became the single-largest shareholder in an American rare-earths developer.

At the top of JPMorgans initiative are Doug Petno and Mary Erdoes, who run its corporate and investment-bank and asset and wealth-management divisions, respectively.

The council that will advise the bank will mirror an international council that is led by former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair. Council members wont have formal roles but will gather periodically," to talk about the initiatives strategy and investment priorities.

The council includes Amazon.coms Bezos; Michael Dell; Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford; Alex Gorsky, former CEO of Johnson & Johnson; and Phebe Novakovic, the CEO of defense contractor General Dynamics.

Other members include Chris Cavoli, a retired Army general and former supreme allied commander for Europe; Ann Dunwoody, a retired Army general; and Paul Nakasone, former director of the National Security Agency.

And from politics: Rice, the former secretary of state; Robert Gates, the former secretary of defense; and Paul Ryan, the former speaker of the House of Representatives.

Write to Alexander Saeedy at alexander.saeedy@wsj.com
WASHINGTONThe Trump administration plans to let Nvidia export its H200 chip to China, the latest twist in the artificial-intelligence chip designers efforts to maintain access to the worlds second-largest economy, according to people familiar with the matter.

The details

The Commerce Department plans to approve licenses to China letting Nvidia sell its H200. The chip has higher performance than the H20 it was previously allowed to sellbut it isnt as powerful as the companys top Blackwell products released this year nor the Rubin generation of chips coming next year, one of the people said. Semafor previously reported the expected approval.

The move follows a meeting between President Trump and Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang last week, where the pair discussed H200 exports, people familiar with the matter said. Nvidia shares added more than 1%.

Administration officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio torpedoed a push from Nvidia to sell a slimmed down Blackwell chip to China before a recent trade meeting between Trump and Chinas Xi Jinping.

Some officials including AI Czar David Sacks and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have backed exporting the H200 because it could be a good compromise that allows Nvidia to compete with Chinas Huawei Technologies without vaulting China past the U.S. in AI, people familiar with the discussions said.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration approved H20 exports to China in exchange for 15% of the sales going to the U.S. government, only for China to tell its companies not to use the chips because of alleged security concerns. Some analysts viewed the Chinese message as a negotiating tactic to get a better chip like the H200. It isnt clear whether the 15% agreement would apply to H200 sales.

The context

Nvidia has been applying a full-court press to the Trump administration and lawmakers this year, seeking permission to send its valuable chips all over the world and arguing that the exports will ensure U.S. technology dominance.

The company has antagonized some administration officials and others in Washington who feel it is giving priority to a sales bonanza over national-security concerns.

This decision to authorize H200 sales to China is so shortsighted," said Aaron Bartnick, a former White House technology and security official during the Biden administration who is now at Columbia University. He said he thinks the move will significantly advance Chinas chip capabilities and it doesnt seem like the U.S. got much of consequence in return for allowing the exports.

The think tank Institute for Progress estimates that the H200 is almost six times as powerful as the H20. Newer generations of the companys products often improve dramatically. The Biden administration imposed export restrictions on key chips that many analysts credit with limiting Chinas domestic semiconductor and AI capabilities.

Whats next

Investors will be watching for Chinas response to the expected H200 approvals and to see what, if anything, the U.S. gets in return.

The move could be worth billions of dollars in sales to Nvidia and help Chinese tech giants that have struggled to get top chips to train their models. Huang has argued Nvidia should be allowed to compete in the Chinese market because the nation has many of the worlds top AI researchers and the U.S. should want them using American technology.

Huang has also made clear that the scale of AI demand in China makes the country critical for the companys future. Youre not going to replace China," Huang said at an event at the think tank CSIS last week.

Write to Amrith Ramkumar at amrith.ramkumar@wsj.com and Robbie Whelan at robbie.whelan@wsj.com
IN 1995, DURING a golden age for globalisation, a business professor from Berkeley coined a cheering term: the California effect". When companies in wealthy markets face new competition from foreign rivals, argued David Vogel in his book Trading Up: Consumer and Environmental Regulation in a Global Economy", they do not invariably lower standards, as gloomsters might predict. Instead, strict rules in a competitive market can trigger a race to the top, including in neighbouring jurisdictions. A case in point involves strict engine-emissions standards imposed by the state of California, Americas most important car market. Rather than make different engines for different states, to take advantage of those with looser regulations, many firms chose to make all their cars to comply with Californian standards.

In 2012 Anu Bradford of Columbia University coined what she called the Brussels effect". This was her tribute to the rule-making superpowers of the European Union, a vast consumer market stitched together by rules written in Brussels. Multinational firms might chafe at fussy EU regulations, or rage when fined by Eurocrats. But time and again, they adopted EU standards worldwide.

Today the global governance of trade is not enjoying a golden age. Still, the largest economiesAmerica, China and the EUretain a keen interest in setting global standards. And for rule-writers in 2025, shaping AI governance is the greatest prize of all. Until this year few would have bet on a Chinese victory in that contest, or the emergence of a Beijing effect". For many countries, the Communist Partys record of internet regulation set a forbidding precedent. Early glimpses of AI regulation with Chinese characteristics were not encouraging. Authorities swiftly banned ChatGPT, an American generative-AI chatbot. The party is especially sensitive about apps that recommend content. In 2023 officials required generative-AI services that can shape public opinion to undergo a security assessment and register their algorithms.

Chinas reputation for innovation was boosted in January, with the release of DeepSeek-R1, an advanced large-language model produced with a fraction of the computing power and financial support needed by American rivals. The DeepSeek moment" cast into doubt American government strategies to maintain a lead in AI by denying China access to advanced semiconductors. But technical success faces political obstacles. Italy banned DeepSeek over data-privacy concerns and Taiwan barred DeepSeek from government systems, citing security fears.

For all that, Chinas AI investors and officials are upbeat. The state is pouring resources into a drive to produce applications that are cheap, accessible and good enough". With the help of cheap electricity and a domestic propaganda barrage about AIs benefits, the party wants the technology to be used as quickly and widely as possible. Being content to come a close second to America is seen as a smart commercial bet. It is also an approach likely to resonate with many countries. The contrast with America is stark, where some in Congress compare the race for AI supremacy to the quest to split the atom. In February Vice-President J.D. Vance scolded Europeans for overcautious regulation, declaring: The AI future is not going to be won by hand-wringing about safety."

Others seem to share Chinas apparent hunch that AI is a general-purpose technology of huge but not apocalyptic significance: something more like electricity or computers than the atom bomb. In July Singapores prime minister, Lawrence Wong, reminded an audience of businesspeople that after the electric dynamo was invented, it took decades to find industrial uses for it. We get very enamoured with countries that are the leaders of the cutting-edge, frontier technology," said Mr Wong. But in fact, the big advantage of technology is when there is broad-based adoption."

What is more, Chinas regulation is more pragmatic and industry-friendly than outsiders suppose, argues a paper by Angela Huyue Zhang, a law professor at the University of Southern California. The Promise and Perils of Chinas Regulation of Artificial Intelligence", published last year, catalogues how strict controls on information co-exist with lax enforcement of rules on privacy, copyright or data protection. Thus, Chinas AI facial-recognition systems are world-class because officials share reams of government data with private firms. Judges boast publicly of making rulings intended to accelerate Chinas AI development.

Social control? Theres an app for that

If a Beijing effect" ever catches on, it is unlikely to trigger a race to the top. Chinas approach puts profitability, convenience and social order ahead of individual rights. A European Commission white paper on AI from 2020 frets about the risks of discrimination by algorithm. It cites facial- recognition systems that are less accurate when scanning dark skin, and algorithms that betray racial bias, for instance when predicting whether a known offender will commit another crime. In China, racial discrimination is a business model. Companies have been caught registering patents for systems to spot Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities long subjected to intrusive human surveillance by Chinese police. The EU white paper worries about employers using AI to track workers behaviour. In China, that is a flourishing industry.

Chinas version of AI governance faces obstacles in liberal democracies, then. But plenty of other countries are in the market for cheap technologies judged by their performance. China has one more advantage. It is competing with a Trump administration openly bent on AI dominance, and on using that monopoly power to impose its ideological preferences. Mr Trump recently threatened punitive tariffs on foreign countries that seek to regulate American tech firms in ways that he dislikes. Once again, America is handing a political gift to China. Call that the Trump effect".

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The year is 2029 and Donald Trump has left the White House. Upon his successors shoulders rests the fate of the global trading system. The next president could end Americas one-sided tariff onslaught overnight, bringing down its effective trade-weighted tariff rate from the high teens to the 2% or so it sat at before Mr Trump got going. Surely the choice is an obvious one?

From The Economists point of view, yes. Trade is mutually beneficial; taxes that stand in its way are self-harming. Americas tariff resurgence reflects the will of one man, not a popular uprising. Just six months in, allies are already showing their unhappiness: India is shuffling closer to China; Europeans are shying away from buying American military equipment. Trade deals are paper thin. And American manufacturing has lost jobs, puncturing hopes that import levies would lead to a rush of reshoring.

Yet such costs may not be obvious enough. Although markets sold off in cataclysmic fashion after Mr Trumps Liberation Day", they are now hitting record highs: the S&P 500 index of big American firms is up by 12% this year. The broader economic damage has been masked, in part, by a boom in artificial-intelligence investment. This is a very different picture from the last great wave of protectionism. In the 1930s the notorious Smoot-Hawley tariffs did notin contrast to the oft-told history of the periodcause the Depression. They merely aggravated it. But that underlined the lesson that turning inward is foolish.

Facts on the ground may also stay a would-be liberalisers hand. Firms that are unable to adapt to the new trading regime will go under; those that survive will often have spent a fortune relocating production, and be disinclined to do so again. Some, shielded from foreign competition, will make a killing. For others, lobbyists will secure exemptions. In short, a new set of vested interests will be embedded throughout the American economy.

Moreover, tariffs raise revenues. The federal government earned $30bn from customs duties in Augustmore than three-quarters of which came from Mr Trumps new levies. Lowering duties, therefore, would require Congress to find new pay-fors" to make up the lost revenue. Indeed, the loss of considerably less revenue, and a subsequent scramble to find alternative sources of cash, nearly held up congressional approval for tariff cuts as part of the Uruguay round of trade negotiations in 1994.

So what might lead to liberalisation? Paradoxically, it would probably have helped if todays trade war were more warlike. Most countries have declined to fight Americas tariffs with tariffs of their own. The EU drew up a list of goods to target, designed to inflict maximum political pain, but chose to delay imposing levies while it negotiated with America. A deal means that such tariffs have now been shelved. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Brazils president, responded to Americas levies on Brazilian goods by pointing out that there are other markets keen to trade with his country. Even Canadas prime minister, Mark Carney, who came to office on a wave of popular anger against America, is rowing back on retaliation. Only China has truly fought fire with fire.

In most senses, the absence of retaliation is a blessing. It has limited the short-term damage inflicted by Mr Trumps tariffs. A hotter trade war, however, would have made the harm from protectionism more obvious. The pain that Americans will feel from higher prices and slower economic growth, relative to a world of free trade, is real and will mount the longer tariffs remain in place, but it is not as obvious as shuttered factories and howls of outrage from politicians with constituents suffering from the loss of international custom. A grinding diminution of competitiveness is ultimately easier to ignore than an acute crisis.

Retaliation would also provide countries with something to offer Mr Trumps successor. As Douglas Irwin of Dartmouth College points out, America has typically liberalised its trading terms only when it feels aggrieved. On these occasions, it lowers its own tariffs in exchange for larger concessions from its trade partnersan approach that has long had a basis in legislation. Congress gave Franklin Delano Roosevelt, president during the Depression, the power to lower Americas tariff rate by up to 50% using the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act, but restricted it to when other countries cut their levies at the same time. Presidents have typically taken advantage of this (and similar) powers only when there has been a widespread belief that America is missing out. The so-called Kennedy round of trade liberalisation in the 1960s, for instance, was sparked by a sense that America was being excluded from the benefits of Europes newly formed common market.

Not their bill to foot

This time round, Americas trading partners have judged that tit-for-tat responses would lead to escalation and self-harm. Why should they take the pain of retaliation in an attempt to make Americans see sense? The deterioration in global trading conditions is an American problem. It is Mr Trump who has ramped up tariffs, and border taxes are largely paid by domestic consumers. On top of this, the countrys politicians have the capacity to end the conflict. Mr Trump is making use of powers that he argues Congress has delegated to the White House. The Supreme Court may soon decide that he is wrong. In November it will hear arguments over the legal basis for many of his border taxesthe citation of two national emergencies under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. However, a defeat would not be the end of Mr Trumps crusade. His lawyers would root around in the statute books in order to find other grounds for his levies. Americans, then, have the solution within their grasp: simply vote for a free-trading president in 2028, even if tariffs cause only gradual decline, rather than outright catastrophe.

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Bank Holiday Today, 9 December: Banks will be closed today, 9 December, in Kerala due to the first phase of the Kerala local body elections. There is no bank holiday in other parts of India, according to the RBI bank holiday calendar.

Bank holidays differ from region to region, depending on festivals or other special occasions like elections. Since there are Kerala local body polls on Tuesday, there is a bank holiday in Kerala.

Kerala local body polls The first phase of the local body elections in Kerala are underway on Tuesday, 9 December, where seven districts will go into polls.

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam will vote on Tuesday.

According to the Election Commission, 1,32,83,789 voters are eligible to decide the outcome for 75,632 candidates contesting in 23,576 wards across the state in the two phases.

Results for all 1,199 local bodies are set to be announced on December 13. All three major political fronts have expressed confidence in winning the Kerala local body polls.

Remaining bank holidays in December 2025 Here is the list of the remaining bank holidays in December 2025.
NEW DELHI : Amid the peak travel season, Indias hospitality and tourism sector has suffered a temporary slump due to IndiGo, the country's largest budget carrier, cancelling thousands of flights and leaving scores of travellers stranded across major cities.

Many hotel chains reported as much as 10% cancellations in bookings following the mass flight cancellations that affected business, weddings, and holiday plans. The October-December quarter is a critical travel season in the country, with weddings and family holidays typically scheduled during the winter months.

We saw a lot of cancellations and are still facing some, but numbers have gone down drastically. What began as about 10% cancellations is now down to 1-2%, with an overall disruption of 3-4% for the month," said Ajay K. Bakaya, managing director at Sarovar Hotels. The homegrown hotel chain operates around 140 properties across India, Nepal, and Africa.

The company, which generates about 30% of its business from leisure, experienced disruptions across both the leisure and business travel segments. Bakaya said the company is happily rescheduling as people are looking and relooking at their trips at the moment and dont want to cancel".

Ironically, most of the vacancies caused by cancellations were absorbed by travellers stranded due to those very cancellations.

Roseate Hotels & Resorts, which operates properties in the National Capital Region as well as abroad, experienced a few cancellations from incoming guests since the event occurred over the weekend, said its chief executive, Kush Kapoor.

The overall impact on us was minimal. In fact, our occupancy levels increased as many passengers were unable to fly out due to flight cancellations, and NCR-Delhi guests who had planned to travel chose to stay back in the city, further boosting our occupancy percentage (for Roseate House New Delhi Aerocity and The Roseate New Delhi)," he said.

"We also went out of our way to support guests by allowing penalty-free cancellations and offering late check-outs wherever possible at no additional charge," he added.

Others pointed to a marginal impact" in business.

We have seen a marginal impact from the IndiGo situation. At Brij Hotels, non-drivable destinations such as Varanasi and Goa experienced around 10% cancellations. Interestingly, our drivable destinations have seen a 10-15% uptick in bookings as travellers are opting for locations accessible by road," said Anant Apurv Kumar, co-founder of the 10-property hotel chain.

"Overall, the shift has been manageable, and guests are simply recalibrating their travel plans rather than cancelling holidays entirely," he added.

Surprisingly, IndiGo absorbed some of the available room supply to accommodate its own crew. The airline booked around 20,000 rooms per day in the first couple of days of the disruption to accommodate its crew and approximately 10% of the stranded passengers, thereby mitigating some of the hotel losses, according to industry estimates.

Temporary blip

This was a temporary blip, and the impact isnt as profound for those who were stuck on the ground. For hotels, the impact wont be significant because cancellations also meant some extensions happened. Now the airline network is mostly back, so the disruptions have levelled out. The overall impact would be a small, insignificant number for the quarter," said Vikramjit Singh, founder of Ananta Capital-backed Alivaa Hotels.

Alivaa properties in Noida, Bengaluru, and Gurugram were impacted. To some extent, extensions made up for cancellations," Singh said.

What mitigated the impact was that the issue unfolded over a weekend when business travel is typically minimal.

We waved off the cancellation charges, as it is in hotels, cancellation is 24-48 hours. Travellers had the choice to change their plans or postpone them," Monisha Dewan, vice president, sales and distribution, South Asia, Marriott International, told Mint.

Also Read | Too big to fail: Why IndiGo cancellations turned into a national crisis

She added that because it was a weekend, the dip in travel was noticeable but not significant. A proactive cap on airline fares later also helped, allowing people to switch carriers easily. In the broader travel landscape, she said, the recovery is now typically quick, and travel as a whole has become far more resilient, and the bounce back was quicker.

Industry associations, meanwhile, informed their hotel partners to prioritize customer comfort. While we dont monitor the day-to-day operations of our partner hotels, we sent out communication to member partners two days ago explaining the concerns of travellers. We have encouraged our hotel partners to provide support to guests," said Madan Prasad Bezbaruah, secretary general of the Hotel Association of India.

Several large hotel chains, such as Indian Hotels Co. Ltd, ITC Hotels Ltd, Wyndham Hotels and Radisson Hotels declined to comment.

Indias organized hotel industry has about 200,000 rooms and is set to add more than 100,000 more, surpassing the 300,000 mark by 2029, according to estimates by industry consulting firm Horwath HTL.

Indigo fiasco

IndiGo, which commands over 60% of Indias domestic air-travel market, cancelled thousands of flights in the first week of December, citing unforeseen operational challenges", largely attributed to crew shortages after the introduction of new flight-duty time limitation (FDTL) regulations meant to prevent pilot fatigue.

On Tuesday, IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers issued a formal video apology, saying the airline is now back on its feet" and that aircraft operations are now stable".

The company has also processed full refunds for several of those impacted by the cancellations. We are fully committed to getting this done," he added.

The airline operated around 700 flights on 5 December, 1,800 flights on 8 December, and more than 1,800 on 9 December. Services have now resumed to all 138 destinations in its network. As of 9 December, our operations are fully stabilized, which means flights reflected on our website are scheduled to operate with an adjusted network," he added.
NEW DELHI: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has cleared two fund managers and is close to shortlisting two more to operationalize the Centres 1 trillion research, development and innovation (RDI) incentivization scheme, three senior officials with direct knowledge of the matter said.

The approvals mark the first concrete step toward rolling out the scheme, announced earlier this year and cleared by the Union cabinet in July, to strengthen domestic deep-tech research and development (R&D).

With the fund-management structure taking shape, the first tranche of applications from startups under the RDI scheme is expected to open by March 2026 across sectors including industrial electronics, semiconductors and quantum computing.

The officials, requesting anonymity, said that Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (Birac) and the Technology Development Board (TDB) have been approved by DSTs RDI cell to handle the rollout of funds. Two other entitiesSmall Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi) and SBI Funds Management Ltd, the AIF arm of the countrys largest public-sector lenderare close to being finalized.

The RDI scheme has the need for four fund managers to handle the amountone alternative investment funds (AIF) firm, one industrial bank, one technology specialist and one product specialist. DST is looking for bodies that have experience in understanding deep technologies, which is why the process of appointing the managers has taken long," one of the three officials cited above said.

Implementation of the scheme will be carried out through second-level fund managers, which may include alternate investment funds (AIFs), development finance institutions (DFIs), non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) and focused research organizations (FROs). TDB and Birac were identified in the Cabinet Note as potential fund managers, and the process of onboarding them is underway. As statutory bodies under the ministry, they may be appointed by nomination under the scheme guidelines," Jyoti Sharma, headRDI cell, Department of Science and Technology, told Mint.

For onboarding additional fund managers, a notice inviting applications has been issued and is available on the RDI Fund website, Sharma said, adding that appointments will be made after evaluating proposals from eligible AIFs, DFIs, NBFCs and FROs.

A second official added that during a roundtable with industry stakeholders in Bengaluru on 4 December, RDI cell head Sharma indicated that the remaining two fund managers could be finalized within three months, if not earlier. This was the second such industry consultation after an earlier meeting in Mumbai, with a third planned in Delhi in the coming weeks.

Queries sent to the DST secretary, Birac, Sidbi and SBI-AIF remained unanswered at press time.

According to the officials, Birac and TDB are set to formally open applications within the next few weeks to fund research-based product development, with the other two managers expected to begin similar processes before the end of this fiscal year.

Eligibility and funding rules

The RDI fund will only be made available to an India-registered company, whose controlling decisions are headed and managed by an Indian citizen. This is being done to ensure that the intellectual property, which has to be registered in India, adds to the gross domestic product of India itself," said Ashok Chandak, president of industry body, India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (Iesa).

Iesa is working with DSTs RDI cell to enable industry dialogues.

The DST has not decided on an upper cap for the maximum amount that a company can raise, and the idea is that they will figure this out as they speak with more startups and research divisions of companies," the second official said, adding that the DST is taking a 50-50 approach to this fund, wherein startups applying for funding under the scheme would need to raise an amount equivalent to what they receive from RDI, from private investors.

Sharma confirmed that DST has not finalized whether there will be an upper limit on the amount of funding a company can request.

This is being done to bring large industrial entities and private investors on to the deep-tech funding table, and boost R&D spending among Indian corporates," the official added.

The finance ministry has allocated 20,000 crore to the RDI scheme for FY26. While the fund remains unused so far, disbursals are expected to begin by the end of the 2026 calendar year. Any funds issued beyond March 2026 will fall under a fresh tranche.

Industry response

Industry stakeholders said the scheme could play a key role in supporting Indias tech-product ecosystem.

Our operations in FSID, at IISc Bangalore, have so far been based on research grants from the government, in order to help companies develop products that cater to strategic import substitution opportunities. Going forward, the rollout of the RDI fund can help bring forth a larger amount of funds to entities developing products, and help scale to supply the market," said Yogesh Pandit, director of product acceleration, Foundation of Science, Innovation and Development (FSID) at IISc Bangalore.

Pandit, who leads Pravriddhi, the FSIDs product acceleration programme, has supported eight entities in securing funds through a 75-25 mix of research grants and private equity.

One example is Predictive Edge, an IIoT startup that monitors voltage, current and vibration of rotating machines to predict service needs. Another is Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd, which said in a note that it is working with IISc Bangalore and the Ministry of Heavy Industries to explore improvements in compressor performance, advanced materials, and intelligent process systems."

Also Read | Despite slow disbursals, Centre eyes bigger push for state capex in FY27

With the RDI scheme, companies will have a larger go-to fund to rely upon to develop technologies and make a large number of products indigenously that are imported today," Pandit added.

Chandak added that the scheme could prove to be significantly valuable for domestic electronics and semiconductor design companies in building patents and product reference designs.

The scheme has been designed to work differently from the IT ministrys production-linked incentive schemes, which are designed to help established companies generate scale now. With the RDI scheme, the DST is looking at a 10-year roadmap of product development, giving them large development and gestation time to build high-tech products at scale," he said.
ICICI Prudential AMC IPO: The 10,602-crore initial public offering (IPO) by ICICI Prudential AMC is set to kick off this week on December 12. The company yesterday, on December 8, announced the price band for its maiden share sale at 2,061 to 2,165 apiece, valuing the company at 1.07 lakh crore.

Since the IPO is an entirely offer-for-sale by the promoter selling shareholder  UK-based Prudential Corporation Holdings  none of the proceeds will be received by the company.

ICICI Prudential AMC IPO GMP Ahead of the IPO launch, ICICI Prudential AMC is witnessing a modest trend in the grey market. The latest grey market premium of the ICICI Prudential AMC IPO is 85. This means that shares of India's second-largest AMC by assets are trading 85 above the upper end of the price band.

At the prevailing GMP and upper end of the price band, ICICI Prudential AMC shares are looking at a listing pop 3.9%.

ICICI Prudential AMC IPO  Key risks Before applying for the ICICI Prudential AMC IPO this week, investors should also be aware of some of the risks that the company has listed in the red-herring prospectus (RHP). Let's take a look:

1. Concentration risk A significant portion of ICICI Prudential AMC's assets under management is concentrated in a few schemes, creating a risk for the company as the performance of these schemes can significantly affect the AUM and operations.

Also Read | Shankar Sharma says this bull market is biggest cash transfer from poor to rich

As of September 30, five of the largest equity schemes formed 53% of the overall equity QAAUM. Meanwhile, in the debt category, this figure swelled to 68%. Since the asset management industry significantly depends on macroeconomic conditions, such concentration could have an adverse effect, especially during periods of volatility, the company said in its RHP.

2. Employee misappropriation, fraud pose harm to reputation The AMC's business is exposed to the risk of employee misappropriation, fraud or misconduct, such as mis-selling of products, illegal transactions, insider trading, improperly using or disclosing confidential and price-sensitive information or falsifying documents, among others.

These activities can result in regulatory sanctions, reputational damage and financial loss.

3. AMCs are subject to regulatory risks As an asset management company, ICICI Prudential AMC is regulated by SEBI through a variety of regulations, guidelines, circulars and notifications issued from time to time as applicable for mutual funds, PMS and AIFs.

If the company fails to comply with any regulations or guidelines, it may be subject to fines, sanctions and court proceedings. Compliance or other costs may rise due to changes in regulations, which may reduce our profit or put us at a competitive disadvantage, the company noted.

4. Intense competition The asset management industry in India is highly competitive. Increasing competition from new players entering the market is expected to drive fund managers to be more innovative and agile in their investment strategies to attract and retain investors.

Greater competition may result in a decrease in ICICI Pru AMC's AUM or force the company to reduce its asset management fees. Inability to respond effectively to competition from other asset management companies or to offer better or differentiated investment products to investors could lead to a reduction in market share or a decline in AUM, which could adversely affect their business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

5. Market, economic factors can impact performance The company's investment activities are subject to market, liquidity and other risks, with each type of scheme and the instruments in which funds are invested carrying specific risks associated with them. Moreover, the business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows are significantly affected by market fluctuations and general economic conditions.

Volatile market conditions arising from adverse economic factors in India or globally could impact the financial performance of ICICI Prudential AMC, as per its RHP.
Park Medi World IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of Park Medi World, a private hospital chain operating primarily in North India, is set to hit the Indian stock market on Wednesday, December 10. This will be the third IPO to open this week.

Ahead of the offer, the company is witnessing a strong grey market premium, signalling significant investor interest in the IPO.

Park Medi World IPO GMP Park Medi World IPO GMP today is 29 per share. This means that currently, Park Medi World shares are trading 29 above the upper end of the price band in the grey market. At the prevailing GMP, Park Medi World IPO listing price could be 191  a premium of 17.90%.

Also Read | ICICI Prudential AMC IPO GMP signals modest listing pop  Check 5 key risks

The highest GMP for Park Medi World IPO was 33 while the lowest is 29 so far.

Park Medi World IPO: 10 key things to know Apart from the IPO GMP, which is now actively tracked by investors, here is a look at 10 key things that investors must know about the maiden share sale ahead of its launch tomorrow, December 10.

1. Park Medi World IPO dates: Park Medi World IPO will open for bidding on December 10 and close on December 12. The allotment for Park Medi World IPO will be finalised on December 15, with the listing expected to take place on December 17.

2. Park Medi World IPO price band: The price band for the IPO is fixed at 154 to 162 per share. Investors can apply for the IPO in lots of 92 shares, requiring a minimum investment of 14,904 by a retailer.

3. Park Medi World IPO size: The company is looking to raise 920 crore at the upper end of the price band.

4. Park Medi World IPO structure: The IPO is a mix of fresh issue of 4.75 crore shares aggregating to 770 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 0.93 crore shares worth 150 crore.

5. Park Medi World IPO objective: From the fresh share sale, the company plans to use 380 crore for repayment of borrowings availed by the company and its subsidiaries, 60.50 crore for funding a new hospital and expansion of the existing hospital and its subsidiary. Meanwhile, 27.46 crore is allocated for capital expenditure for the purchase of medical equipment, and the remaining for general corporate purposes and unidentified inorganic acquisitions.

6. Park Medi World IPO anchor book: The bidding for anchor investors will open today, December 9.

7. Park Medi World IPO allocation: In the IPO, not more than 50% of the offer is reserved for the qualified institutional buyers, not less than 35% for the retail investors and not less than 15% for the non-institutional investors.

8. Park Medi World financials: The company has seen a sharp jump in its profit in FY25 to 213 crore from FY24, when it stood at 152 crore. However, the figure remains flat over 228 crore posted in FY23. However, revenue growth has been firm at 1,426 crore in FY25 as against 1,263 crore in FY24 and 1,272 crore in FY23.

9. Park Medi World IPO BRLMs: Nuvama Wealth Management, CLSA India, DAM Capital and Intensive Fiscal Services are the book-running lead managers (BRLMs) while KFin Technologies is the registrar to the IPO.

Also Read | Shankar Sharma says this bull market is biggest cash transfer from poor to rich

10. About the company: Park Medi World is the second-largest private hospital chain in North India with an aggregate bed capacity of 3,000 beds, and the largest private hospital chain in terms of bed capacity in Haryana with 1,600 beds located in the state as of March 31, 2025. It operates a network of 14 NABH-accredited multi-super specialty hospitals under the Park brand. Park Medi World has increased its bed capacity from 2,550 beds as of March 31, 2023, to 3,250 beds as of September 30, 2025, and currently has a pipeline of hospital expansion in Ambala, Panchkula, Rohtak, New Delhi, Gorakhpur, and Kanpur.
Riddhi Display Equipments IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of Riddhi Display Equipments, which opened for bidding on December 8, is a book-built offer of 24.68 crore. The issue is entirely a fresh share sale of 0.25 crore shares.

The SME IPO will remain open for bidding till December 10. The allotment for Riddhi Display Equipments IPO is slated to take place on December 11, while the listing on BSE SME is slated for December 15.

Riddhi Display Equipments IPO Subscription Status As of 4.35 pm on the second day of the bidding process, Riddhi Display Equipments IPO was subscribed 49%. The retail portion received 71% bids, the non-institutional investor (NII) segment 35% bids and the qualified institutional buyer (QIB) quota 1 times bids so far.

Overall, investors applied for 11,37,600 shares as against 23,44,800 shares on offer.

Riddhi Display Equipments IPO GMP The grey market premium for Riddhi Display Equipments IPO is Re 1. This means that shares of Riddhi Display Equipments are trading 1 above the upper end of the price band of 100. At the prevailing GMP, Riddhi Display Equipments IPO listing price could be 101, a premium of 1% over the issue price.

Riddhi Display Equipments IPO Details The price band for Riddhi Display Equipments IPO is fixed at 95 to 100 apiece. Investors can apply for the IPO in lots of 1200 shares. For a retail investor, the minimum application size is two lots, requiring an investment of 2,40,000 at the upper end of the price band.

The company plans to use 4.96 crore for interior work and for purchase of new equipment/machineries for setting up of Manufacturing cum assembly Unit at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh; 3.79 crore for purchase of new equipment/machineries/softw are etc. for upgradation of existing manufacturing unit of the company located at Gondal, Rajkot; 1.43 crore for capital expenditure towards setting up of showroom in Gujarat and 9.74 crore for funding capex needs. The remaining will be used for general corporate purposes.

Riddhi Display Equipments is primarily engaged in creating innovative and tailor-made solutions for commercial kitchen and bakery setup requirements. Broadly, its products can be classified under three segments: Display counters, commercial kitchen equipment and commercial refrigeration equipment.
Shares of Indus Towers Ltd, Bharti Airtel Ltds telecom infrastructure subsidiary, have put up a good showing lately, gaining close to 30% from their 52-week low of 312.55 on 3 September. Indus has been recovering long-pending dues from Vodafone Idea Ltd. Cheering these developments, credit rating agency ICRA upgraded its long-term rating to AAA on 27 November, soon after Emkay Global Financial Services raised its target price for the stock from 410 to 460.

With the stock back to flirting with its critical resistance level of 400, focus has turned towards the fundamental factors driving momentum. Vodafone Ideas potentially improving prospects bode well for Indus. But capex-driven strain on cash flows along with a falling tenancy ratio and persistently negative energy margins pose hurdles, while Induss entry into Africa has pros and cons.

Also Read | Telecom a victim of regulatory overreach but problems lie elsewhere: Airtel MD

Vodafone Ideas fate is crucial

In October the Supreme Court ruled that the government could consider providing relief to Vodafone Idea on its pending adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. Vodafone owes money to Indus, so an increased likelihood that it can sustain operations is welcome. Aided by nearly 200 crore of dues recovered, Indus reported a sequential 180 basis points (bps) Ebitda margin expansion to 55.8% in the September quarter (Q2FY26). But this was less than the 3,024 crore recovered in Q3FY25, which had caused Induss reported Ebitda margin to spike to 92.2%.

Despite a potential AGR waiver, Vodafone Ideas cash troubles wont be behind it unless a fundraise follows. This means Indus will likely have to keep making bad-debt provisions for the foreseeable future, notwithstanding intermittent recoveries. Motilal Oswal Financial Services continues to model about 2,000 crore of bad debt provisions (about 25% of Vodafone Ideas annual service rentals) from FY27 to FY32.

Moreover, with the number of telecom service providers down to just four (including BSNL and MTNL), and with Vodafone Ideas slow rollout, Induss tenancy ratio has fallen over the quarters to 1.62 in Q2FY26. How this evolves with Vodafone Ideas potentially improving financial health and expansion remains to be seen.

Capex reliance

Until then, Induss growth will have to be powered by large capex for tower expansion (it had 256,074 towers as of September 2025), even as its ageing tower infrastructure requires growing maintenance capex, the ongoing 5G rollout calls for upgrades and a transition to solarization and battery power systems calls for more investments. Capex ballooned from 1,950 crore in Q1FY26 to 2,560 crore in Q2FY26.

While financial leverage at 0.58 and a healthy interest coverage ratio of 11.5 offer comfort, capex-related outflows and growing receivables shrunk the companys free-cash flow from 1,570 crore in Q1FY26 to 300 crore in Q2FY26. Profitability has been affected by persistently negative energy margins owing to continued weather-related disruptions and expansion into regions with limited grid availability.

Meanwhile, Bharti Airtels growing stake in Indus means the tower company can capitalize on the telecom service providers presence in South Africa. Management plans to start slow, with Airtel Africa as the key anchor tenant, and scale up over time. Clarity on the amount of investment and the return on them is likely to emerge in the next few months. But currency depreciation as well as geopolitical and economic risks in the region could play spoilsport.

Also Read | Airtel plays wait and watch on AGR dues even as rival Vi moves SC

That said, Indus stock trades at an enterprise value of 6.5 times estimated FY27 Ebitda, based on Bloomberg consensus estimates. Valuations could expand on the successful execution of capex plans and the Africa entry, as well as any positive developments on Vodafone Idea. Managements commitment to dividend distribution by Q4FY26 could also lift sentiment for the stock.
Urban Company Ltds shares hit an all-time low of 125.23 on the NSE on Monday. While still at a premium to the initial public offering price of 103, it marks a 38% slide from the high of 201.18 on 22 September.

A crucial date to track is 15 December, when anchor investors who are now under a lock-in period will be able to sell 41.5 million shares, or 3% of the companys equity capital. Notably, the fall in the stock price had accelerated after the first lock-in period ended on 15 October.

The stock remains vulnerable, considering that the September quarter (Q2FY26) results did not impress investors. Urban Company is Indias first listed tech company in homecare services.

Also Read | How Indian tech startups are blending products with services for lasting growth

The management tracks net transaction value (NTV) as a key metric and looks to achieve a 9%-10% Ebitda margin on a steady-state basis in the long term from 2.4% in Q2. This guidance is for its India consumer services business. It excludes InstaHelp, the companys house help and cleaning services, which does not have any meaningful revenue yet and incurred a loss of 44 crore at an adjusted Ebitda level in Q2.

The NTV of the companys Indian consumer services grew 19% year-on-year to 762 crore. Revenue from operations increased 24% to 262 crore but adjusted Ebitda (mainly before Esop and lease payments) fell 10% to 18 crore, largely due to increased overheads including marketing spending.

Scope for services

Urban Company said it can be present in at least 100 cities. Even in the 47 cities where it is now present, there is scope to provide 60 categories of services in 500 micromarkets (each in an area of about 5 km radius). So, total services that can be provided is 30,000 and the company has been able to reach about one-third of that.

Notwithstanding the huge scope for growth, there is the risk of disintermediation (when customers and service partners bypass Urban Company). Disintermediation benefits customers because they save on the companys platform fees, while service partners can earn more.

Also Read | Algorithms tighten Urban Companys grip on gig work

Urban Companys current enterprise value is 17,000 crore. NTV could reach about 5,500 crore by FY29 considering a CAGR of 20%. The potential Ebitda could be almost 550 crore, going by the management guidance of 10% steady-state Ebitda margin.

So, the stock trades at 31x EV/Ebitda on FY29 estimates based on the India consumer business alonea factor that could deter investors from taking a plunge in the near term.
Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Indian equities fell sharply on Monday, December 8, as broad-based selling hit the markets amid mixed signals from global peers.

The Sensex dropped 610 points (0.71%) to close at 85,102.69, while the Nifty 50 declined 226 points (0.86%) to end at 25,960.55. The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices saw even steeper losses, tumbling 1.73% and 2.20%, respectively.

Key reasons for the market decline were the Indian rupees weakness, continued foreign fund outflows, investor caution ahead of the US Federal Reserves policy announcement, and rising Japanese bond yields.

Sumeet Bagadia's breakout stock recommendations Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, believes that the Indian stock market mood has been shaken as the Nifty 50 index has erased the last two days' gains and closed below 26990.

The sentiment may turn bearish if the 50-stock index closes. So, one should maintain a stock-specific approach and look at those stocks that are looking strong on the technical chart. Looking at breakout stocks can be a good option, said Bagadia.

Also Read | Stock market today: Seven stocks to buy and sell on Tuesday

Stocks to buy today Sumeet Bagadia recommends five breakout stocks to buy today - Latent View Analytics, Cantabil Retail India Limited, Gujarat Ambuja Exports, Venus Remedies, and Jindal Stainless.

1] Latent View Analytics: Buy at 497, target 535, stop loss 480;

2] Cantabil Retail India Limited: Buy at 268, target 288, stop loss 259;

3] Gujarat Ambuja Exports: Buy at 118.2, target 127, stop loss 114;

4] Venus Remedies: Buy at 762, target 820, stop loss 733;

5] Jindal Stainless: Buy at 766, target 820, stop loss 740.
Although the Nifty hovers near all-time highs, the broader market continues to correct, revealing a very different story beneath the headline index.

Even within the Nifty, the recent upmove has been driven by a narrow set of names in banking, autos, and metals, while most other sectors have struggled to find momentum.

The Nifty 500 is up by barely 3% over the past year, and the pressure on individual stocks is intense.

A handful of companies with steady balance sheets, resilient cash flows, and strong operating discipline have slipped to their 52-week lows.

This editorial covers five fundamentally strong Nifty 500 companies trading near 52-week lows.

Let's take a look

ITC Ltd

First on the list is ITC, which is just 2.6% above its 52-week low of 390 per share.

ITC is India's leading cigarette company, with three main business verticals: FMCG, paperboards, paper and packaging, and agri business. It has a portfolio of 25 world-class Indian brands that reach over 260 million homes in India.

Also Read | Tech takes charge: One in four new listings is now digital

Its non-cigarette businesses have grown nearly 40-fold since 2000 and constitute about two-thirds of net segment revenue. The balance comes from the cigarette business.

ITC revenue declined 2.4% year-on-year to 19,500 crore in the September quarter of FY26. However, profit after tax (PAT) surged 2.6% to 5,190 crore.

Heavy rains and the transition to the new GST system impacted the FMCG business. Cigarette revenue increased 6.8%, driven by premium offerings.

The paperboard, paper, and packaging segment also saw growth, but this was offset by a slower performance in the agribusiness.

Looking ahead, ITC plans to evolve into a future-ready portfolio, achieve digital dominance, and scale up newly established high-growth businesses.

It plans to continue building the FMCG portfolio by fortifying core brands, accelerating growth in existing segments, and nurturing new growth drivers.

A key element is leveraging established mother brands" (over 25 world-class Indian brands) to foray into value-added adjacencyexpanding Aashirvaad into dairy, ready-to-eat products, and spices; Sunfeast into dairy beverages and cakes; and Savlon into sanitizers and wipes.

ITC also plans to continue making value-enhancing acquisitions. Its previous acquisitions include 24 Mantra Organic Foods, Ample Foods, and Mother Sparsh Baby Care.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd

Second on the list is Tata Motors, which is trading 10% above its 52-week low of 324 (adjusted for the demerger).

It manufactures passenger vehicles (PVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) and has a presence in over 100 countries. It also sells premium PV brand Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

The company ranks second in the PV segment, with 13.7% market share (October 2025). Moreover, it also has a 42% market share in the electric vehicle (EV) market.

The financials were subdued in FY25 due to the sector slowdown and the underperformance of the JLR business, which drives its revenue growth.

Revenue declined 13.5% to 72,350 crore in Q2 FY26, mainly due to a 24% decline in JLR revenue. This was partially offset by 15% growth in the India business and exchange rate benefits.

The EV business achieves its highest-ever quarterly sales volume, growing 59% to 24,900 units. EV EBITDA margin (excluding product development expenses) improved to 8% in Q2 FY26, up from 1.7% in the same quarter last year.

The internal combustion engine segments EBITDA margin came in at 6.4%, down almost 50bps due to higher commodity costs and adverse pricing.

JLR's margins turned negative due to exceptional losses of 2,600 related to a cyber incident and redundancy programme. As a result, the company reported a net loss in the quarter.

Looking ahead, management anticipates a stronger H2 FY26 compared to a disappointing H1, driven by recovery actions at JLR and product interventions in the domestic PV business.

However, JLR's business is expected to remain subdued due to US tariffs and China's luxury tax, which is likely to reduce margins.

Industry overcapacity and weak global demand are expected to continue to pressure the business. However, the domestic business anticipates a strong H2 driven by product launches (such as Tata Sierra) and the GST reduction.

The company expects ICE profits to improve in Q4 due to price increases and the launch of the Sierra. Management is also planning to introduce new products to strengthen the portfolio.

The company's long-term aim is to increase its PV market share to 18-20% by FY30.

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd

Third on the list is Tata Consultancy Services, which is trading 9.4% above its 52-week low.

Also Read | Two hidden auto-lighting stocks that could shine in 2026

TCS is India's largest IT services, consulting, and business solutions company, and the second-largest globally.

The company's service portfolio spans a broad range of offerings, including application development, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), data and cloud services, engineering, and cybersecurity.

TCSs performance has been subdued amid a clouded IT sector outlook and geopolitical headwinds, including delayed client decision-making, reduced discretionary spending, and prolonged deal cycles across key markets. This has led to a fall in its share price.

TCS revenue in Q2FY26 increased by 2.4% to 65,800 crore, with margin expansion of 110 basis points (bps) to 25.2%. PAT rose by 1.5% to 12,130 crore.

India saw the largest revenue decline at -33.3%. In contrast, growth came from the Middle East and Africa (+19.1%), Asia Pacific (+5.8%), Latin America (+7.4%), the UK (+5.2%), and Continental Europe (+7.6%).

Among verticals, technology and services grew the most at 9.4%, followed by the banking and financial services industry (+7%), energy, resources and utilities (+5.9%), manufacturing (+5.4%), life sciences and healthcare (+3.9%), and communication and media (+0.7%).

The company reported operational resilience amid sectoral challenges. It has a strong order pipeline, with total contract value (TCV) for Q2 at $10 billion.

Looking ahead, TCS aims to become the world's largest AI-led technology services company.

It has launched its sovereign cloud business for India and a few other parts of the world. Its $7 billion data centre investment pipeline, which aims to create 1GW of capacity, will anchor the expansion of its sovereign cloud business.

The data centre investment is closely tied to hyperscalers, who are the major providers of cloud services globally. It plans to deepen its partnership with the hyperscalers and AI companies.

The data centre initiative is expected to provide long-term, committed annuity revenues, with industry-leading return ratios and a mid- to high-teens internal rate of return. Data centre revenue is projected to begin around FY28.

This investment in AI and sovereign data centres is an integral part of TCS's five-pillar strategy.

TCS aims to differentiate itself from competitors by offering an end-to-end solution in the AI value chain, going beyond being just a transactional data centre operator. This allows TCS to help partners and clients shape the market" for AI applications.

Trent Ltd

Fourth on the list is Trent, which is trading at a 52-week low of 4,158.

Trent is engaged in the retailing and trading of apparel, footwear, and accessories. Its business strategy involves nurturing, building, and growing brands of scale in the fashion and lifestyle space.

Its key retail formats include value-fashion brands (Westside, Zudio), Utsa (ethnic and beauty), Samoh (premium), and Star (hypermarket). It also distributes Zara and Massimo Dutti products in India.

As of Q2 FY26, Trent's total store count stood at 1,101 across 251 cities. Of these, Westside had 261 stores, Zudio (806), and Star (77).

In Q2 FY26, revenue increased 17% to 4,720 crore. PAT grew 6% to 450 crore, with an operating margin of 10%. Star's revenue fell 2.1% to 880 crore due to multiple store upgrades. The segment contributed 18.6% of total revenue.

The company generates 73% of its revenue from its brands. Trent's growth has slowed, leading to a decline in the share price.

Looking ahead, expansion of the fashion segment is expected to be the biggest driver of growth amid a slowdown in same-store sales. Store additions typically pick up in the second half of the financial year.

There is potential for scaling up emerging segments, including beauty, innerwear, and footwear. These emerging categories contributed 21% of standalone revenue in the quarter.

The Star business is seen as having a long runway for growth, as it currently operates in only 10 cities. Trent plans to launch more Star stores in the coming quarters. Trent is also expected to benefit from increased discretionary spending following the recent GST cuts.

Power Grid Corporation of India

Fifth on the list is Power Grid, which is 8.5% above its 52-week low of 247.

Power Grid is a PSU owned by the ministry of power. Its engaged in the transmission of bulk electricity in Indian states.

It has a monopoly in this sector, transmitting about 50% of the total electricity generated in India through its transmission network. The company boasts an impressive history of rewarding its shareholders.

The company's revenue was stable at 11,350 crore in Q2 FY26, while PAT declined 4% to 3,560 crore. The companys core transmission business was subdued.

Looking ahead, there is a renewed focus on India's power and transmission sector. This has opened up a multi-decade investment opportunity, with a capex of 40 trillion estimated over the next decade.

This is expected to be driven by rising power demand, the shift toward renewable energy, and the modernisation of power infrastructure.

Under the transmission segment, Power Grid expects a capex of 2 trillion. It has laid out a capex guidance of 28,000 crore in FY26, 35,000 crore in FY27, and 45,000 crore in FY28. This is expected to maintain its current growth momentum.

Power Grid has also ventured into the data centre space. Its 1,000-rack facility is expected to be commissioned in Q4. Its also participating in battery energy storage system projects.

Conclusion

The recent correction across the Nifty 500 companies has pulled several fundamentally strong companies toward their 52-week lows, creating a situation where market pessimism outweighs business realities.

Each of these five companies faces short-term pressures, yet their balance sheets, competitive positioning, and long-term growth drivers remain intact.

Also Read | Add these four fundamentally strong stocks under  100 to your 2026 watch list

However, instead of relying solely on hype, its necessary for investors to carefully analyse the company's fundamentals, including financial performance, corporate governance practices, and growth strategies.

Happy Investing.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has closed its case against Hemant Ghai, a former TV host for CNBC Awaz, following a 1.45-crore settlement.

The settlement comes after a Sebi investigation found a high correlation between Ghais recommendations on the show Stock 20-20 and trades executed by certain entities between 1 January 2018 and 13 January 2021.

The regulator issued Ghai a show-cause notice on 24 February 2025, alleging he had communicated material non-public information about upcoming recommendations to certain entities, who shared it further and traded on it, making unlawful gains. He was asked to explain why he should not face penalties including debarment, disgorgement and fines under various provisions of the Sebi Act and the regulators Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices relating to Securities Market Regulations.

While the proceedings were underway, Ghai moved to settle the matter without accepting or denying the allegations. Following a meeting with his representative on 24 June, Sebis internal committee proposed a settlement sum of 1.45 crore. The high-powered advisory committee considered the case on 7 August and recommended a settlement of the same amount. A panel of Sebis whole-time members approved the recommendation on 8 October.

The order said while the settlement would take effect immediately, Sebi would have the right to reopen the case if any representation Ghai made during the settlement process was later found to be untrue, if any undertaking was breached, or if discrepancies emerged in calculating the settlement terms.

Also Read | Why Sebi took 33 years to demand accountability from its own leaders

Family affair Sebis 2021 investigation into the Ghai family found a strong correlation between the stock calls Hemant Ghai made on CNBC Awaaz and the trades carried out in the accounts of his wife and mother. According to the regulator, 81% of their trades and about 85% of their profits were tied directly to his on-air recommendations. Sebi claimed Ghai had access to his wifes and mothers trading accounts.

In July 2024 the regulator barred Ghai, his wife Jaya Hemant Ghai, and his mother Shyam Mohini Ghai from accessing the securities market for five years with immediate effect, citing their alleged involvement in fraudulent trading.
Shares of Interglobe Aviation, operator of IndiGo airlines, are finally trading in the green, snapping a seven-day losing streak, on Tuesday, December 9. IndiGo stock was trading marginally up around 0.23% in the early trade.

IndiGo stock crashed nearly 9% on Monday, marking its worst single-day drop since February 2022. The aviation stock has cracked over 13% in the past five sessions.

The weakness in the multibagger aviation stock followed widespread flight cancellations by the airline operator. This has led to a massive reduction in its market capitalisation from 2,40,637.92 crore to 1,87,379.08 crore, indicating a loss of 53,258.84 crore during this period. IndiGo's crisis has dealt a significant blow to both investors and travellers.

How will ongoing flight disruptions impact Indigo stock and future earnings? Credit rating agency Moodys Ratings said on Monday that InterGlobe Aviation is likely to face negative credit impacts because of insufficient planning and poor readiness for regulatory changes.

The rating agency further said that IndiGos recent operational issues revealed weaknesses in planning, supervision, and resource management, which may lead to revenue losses due to cancellations, customer refunds, compensation, and possible regulatory fines.

"We have downgraded IndiGo's issuer category score for human capital to 4 from 3, reflecting the adverse impact of slower hiring on the airline's operations. Although IndiGo does not have employee unions, its pilots, through broader pilot associations in India, possess significant collective bargaining power," the agency said.

Meanwhile, brokerage firm JM Financial anticipates an 8-9% earnings hit in FY26 if the situation lasts for a total of 15 days. In the near-term, we estimate a 4% dip in our ASK for 3QFY26 ASK assuming an average ~25% ASK cut over a period of 15 days during the quarter. Consequently, we assume 8-9% earnings hit to our FY26 estimates if the situation lasts for a total of 15 days, with 5 days already done (not including the penalty amount).

Also Read | Nifty 50 Trading Strategy: Analysts recommend this strategy for 16 Dec expiry

IndiGo share price: Should you buy or sell? JM Financial maintained its reduce rating on the IndiGo stock, saying that even as the FY26 earnings hit has been priced in, the stock is yet to price in the structural cost increase driven by regulatory actions, one-time penalty, and management change, if any.

According to Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree, Indigo broke below its 5505 rectangle support and quickly met the primary target near 5035 after posting an intraday low of 4842.5. The drop has pushed the stock into deeply oversold territory on lower timeframes, so a relief bounce toward 5200 is possible as short-term pressure unwinds, added the expert.

That said, the broader structure on daily, weekly, and monthly charts has taken a clear hit. Trend alignment has turned negative, and participation on down days shows control shifting to sellers. Unless the stock reclaims the broken base with strength, the risk path stays lower with a slide toward the 4000 zone, now a high probability setup, Jain said.
Stock market recap : The Indian stock market ended with deep cuts on Monday, 8 December, as investors sold stocks across segments amid mixed global cues. The Sensex closed 610 points, or 0.71%, lower at 85,102.69, while the Nifty 50 settled at 25,960.55, down 226 points, or 0.86%. The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices crashed 1.73% and 2.20%, respectively.

Investors lost more than 7 trillion in a single session as the cumulative market capitalization of the firms listed on the BSE dropped to nearly 463.6 trillion from 471 trillion in the previous session.

Also Read | IndiGo Chaos: How a pilot fatigue row landed DGCA in high court

Two stock recommendations by MarketSmith India for 9 December:

Buy: Coromandel International Ltd (current price:  2,314)

Why its recommended : Strong market position in phosphatic fertilizers, diversified product mix: fertilizers, crop protection, specialty nutrients, stable demand driven by Indias agricultural sector, backward integration reducing raw-material dependency, healthy balance sheet and consistent cash flows, strong distribution network and dealer reach, government support for agriculture boosting volumes, and strategic capex in value-added and specialty products.

Key metrics : P/E: 23.87, 52-week high:  879.80, volume:  216.74 crore

Technical analysis : Reclaimed 100 DMA on above-average volume

Risk factors : High dependence on imported raw materials (phosphate, ammonia). Vulnerability to global commodity and freight price volatility, regulatory risk due to fertilizer subsidy policies, seasonal and monsoon-dependent demand, competitive pressure from domestic and global players, forex risks due to import reliance, margin pressure during adverse subsidy delays, and execution risks in expansion and diversification projects.

Buy at :  2,3002,330

Target price :  2,510 in two to three months

Stop loss:  2,220

Also Read | JSW Steel gets a good deal on JFE joint venture but lenders may be left in limbo

Buy: Fiem Industries Ltd (current price:  2,266)

Why its recommended : Strong OEM relationships with major two-wheeler manufacturers, expansion into LED lighting, and new technology products

Key metrics : 28.14; 52-week high:  2,378; volume:  14.89crore

Technical analysis : 21-EMA Bounce

Risk factors : High revenue dependence on a few large OEMs, slower-than-expected EV transition, or two-wheeler demand weakness

Buy at :  2,2502,300

Target pric e:  2,450 in two to three months

Stop loss:  2,180

Nifty 50: How the index performed on 8 December

Indian equities ended sharply lower on 8 December, with Nifty 50 closing at 25,960.55, down 0.86%, after slipping steadily through the session amid weak global cues and broad-based selling pressure. The market breadth was deeply negative, with only 580 stocks advancing, while 2,580 declined and 87 remained unchanged, reflecting pronounced risk aversion.

On the sectoral front, selling was widespread, led by FMCG, Consumer Durables, Healthcare, PSU Banks, and Metals, each losing between 13%. IT and Financials also contributed to the fall, though with relatively milder declines. Profit booking in heavyweights and caution ahead of upcoming macroeconomic data releases added to the downside. The weak advance-decline ratio underscores deteriorating market breadth and signals potential near-term consolidation unless buying interest revives at lower levels.

Nifty 50 extended its corrective tone, slipping below the mid-range of its rising wedge structure, indicating waning upside momentum within the broader uptrend. Price action shows repeated upper-trendline rejections over the past week, followed by todays decisive bearish candle with higher volume. This reflects a shift toward short-term distribution.

The index continues to hover around the rising lower trendline, suggesting that buyers are defending the structure but with noticeably reduced strength. RSI has rolled over from 60 and now trends downward, signalling a loss of momentum and a mild bearish divergence from recent swing highs. MACD has also flattened and crossed marginally into a negative histogram, reinforcing the view that upside momentum is weakening.

Also Read | Godrej Consumer poised for earnings recovery, but conditions apply

According to O'Neils methodology of market direction, the market status has shifted to a "Confirmed Uptrend" as it decisively surpassed its previous rally high of 25,670 to register a new 52-week.

The index failed to sustain above its 21-DMA and slipped below the psychological 26,000 mark, indicating near-term weakness. On the downside, initial support is placed at 25,850, while 25,700 remains a critical demand area for preserving the broader uptrend and maintaining overall market stability. On the upside, a decisive close above 26,300 would strengthen the technical setup and pave the way for a continuation of the rally toward 26,50026,700 in the near term.

How did the Nifty Bank perform?

Nifty Bank opened on a weak note and traded in negative territory for most of the session. The index briefly moved into positive territory but encountered profit booking at higher levels. On the daily chart, it has formed a bearish candle, with a lower-high and lower-low price structure. The index opened at 59,672.05, registered an intraday high of 59,713.15, declined to 59,030.60, and ultimately closed near the days high at 59,238.55.

The momentum indicator RSI has turned lower and is currently positioned at 57. Meanwhile, the MACD has generated a bearish crossover but remains above the zero line, indicating underlying strength despite near-term caution. According to ONeils market direction methodology, Bank Nifty remains in a Confirmed Uptrend, reinforcing the broader positive sentiment. This combination of signals suggests a constructive setup in which select banking stocks may present breakout opportunities. However, continued monitoring is essential to assess follow-through strength and near-term stability.

The index closed on a negative note, signaling the need for a cautious trading approach. After briefly touching a new all-time high of 60,114, Nifty Bank witnessed mild profit-taking. In the near term, 58,50058,400 is expected to serve as a strong support area, where pullbacks may attract renewed buying interest. On the upside, 60,114 remains a key resistance level, and a sustained move above 60,000 could reinforce the prevailing bullish structure and pave the way for the next upward leg. Continual monitoring of price action will be essential to gauge momentum and trend strength.

MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. It offers tools and resources to help investors make informed decisions based on the CAN SLIM methodology, founded by legendary investor William J. O'Neil. You can access a 10-day free trial by registering on its website.

Trade name: William ONeil India Pvt. Ltd.

Sebi Registration No.: INH000015543

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Stock market today: The Indian stock market saw a sharp decline on Monday, 8 December, as investors trimmed positions across sectors amid mixed global signals.

The Sensex dropped 610 points (0.71%) to close at 85,102.69, while the Nifty 50 fell 226 points (0.86%) to end at 25,960.55. The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices also slumped, losing 1.73% and 2.20%, respectively.

The market experienced a broad-based decline, slipping below the 26,000 mark as investors turned cautious ahead of this weeks FED policy decision. Despite robust domestic growth figures and the RBIs recent rate cut, short-term sentiment remains overshadowed by global monetary policy concerns, persistent FII outflows, and currency depreciation. Volatility was further amplified by a surge in Japanese bond yields to multi-year highs, sparking fears of a potential unwinding of the yen carry trade, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.

Stocks to Watch IndiGo The airline announced that its network operations are now fully back to normal after last weeks disruption. Meanwhile, a four-member DGCA committee investigating the issue is likely to call IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras on Wednesday, December 10, for further questioning.

Siemens The Board of Directors has cleared the sale of its Low Voltage Motors and Geared Motors divisions, along with the associated customer service operations, to Innomotics India. The transaction will be executed as a going-concern slump sale for an enterprise value of 2,200 crore, on a cash-free, debt-free basis.

Larsen & Toubro The companys Board of Directors has given the go-ahead to transfer its real estate business to its subsidiary, L&T Realty Properties, through a slump sale under a Scheme of Arrangement. The move is contingent upon receiving the necessary regulatory approvals.

ICICI Bank The bank has signed a share purchase agreement with Prudential Corporation Holdings (PCHL) to acquire a 2% stake in ICICI Prudential AMC from PCHL for 2,140 crore.

Bajaj Finserv The diversified financial services group released provisional business performance figures for its unlisted insurance arms  Bajaj General Insurance Ltd and Bajaj Life Insurance Ltd  for November 2025 as well as for the year-to-date period up to November 2025.

Torrent Power Torrent Power has entered into a long-term sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with Jera Co., Inc., Japans largest power producer, to supply up to 0.27 MMTPA of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The deal covers four LNG cargoes per year over a 10-year period, beginning in 2027.

Mahindra & Mahindra Mahindra & Mahindra, the countrys leading SUV manufacturer, has announced the name of its next major premium SUV  the XUV 7XO. Positioned as the XUV700s successor, the new model follows the success of the XUV700, which has surpassed 300,000 owners in just four years. The XUV 7XO is expected to enhance the legacy of its predecessor with improved features and design.

Welspun Corp Associate company East Pipes Integrated Company for Industry (EPIC), which is listed in Saudi Arabia, has secured a contract from the Saudi Water Authority to manufacture and supply steel pipes. The deal is valued at over 485 million SAR (around 1,165 crore).

Piramal Finance According to reports, Piramal Finance, a non-deposit-taking NBFC, is considering acquiring a player in the gold loan space as it plans to enter this segment.

Fujiyama Power Systems The company delivered a robust September-quarter performance, posting a net profit of 62.9 crore  a 97.2% jump from 31.9 crore in the same period last year.
The other day I was reading journalist Akshaya Mukuls Gita Press and the Making of Hindu India (2015) at a cafe in south Delhi, when a stranger at the adjacent table asked if he could take a look at the book. A 20-something Gen Z-er, he was surprised to see a detailed history of the publishing firm. Growing up, he had seen his parents and grandparents buy Hindi books from Gita Press, but had never imagined its impact on the making of modern India.

The young mans perplexity is part of a larger symptom that afflicts generations of highly Anglicised Indians who are deracinated from the diversity of print cultures that thrive in Indian languages. Whatever end of the political spectrum you may be on, there is a grain of truth in the recent debate over the British parliamentarian T.B. Macaulays legacy of English education in India.

Also Read | Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai's bold experiments with long sentences

By distancing themselves from Indian languages, elite urbanites are losing touch with the ground reality of being modern and Indian.

A decade ago, when Mukul published his book, which has become essential to understand the rise of Hindutva politics, the current dispensation had just been elected with a landslide victory, displacing the decades-long hold of the Congress.

An uproar rose among liberal intelligentsia and citizenry over what was perceived to be a cataclysmic shift in the countrys secular identity. This theory, as scholars like Christophe Jaffrelot and Ashutosh Varshney have shown, ignores the complex and interlocking political exigencies that led to the formation of independent India.

In the last 10 years, the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, followed by the Gujarat violence of 2002, have led to flashpoints of mob violence, love jihad", lynching of alleged cow slaughterers and bulldozer justice". But the seeds of division were planted long back and watered through the years, as Mukuls exhaustive research reminds us.

The persistence of Gita Press is remarkable," as he says during a recent meeting in Delhi. The so-called WhatsApp uncles and aunties didnt turn rabid overnight."

Going through the archives of Kalyan, the enduringly popular magazine published by Gita Press, feels like looking into a mirror. If you thought love jihad was a recent development, read the invective-laden articles that Hanuman Prasad Poddar, the founding editor of Kalyan, wrote against the Hindu Code Bill, championed by B.R. Ambedkar in the 1950s. As early as 1968, Kalyan bemoaned that secularism was a curse" that created two categories of citizens: Indians" and Hindus". A 100 years later, the vocabulary has evolved to include terms like sicklulars", libtards" and urban Naxals".

Between independence and liberalisation, the appeal of magazines like Kalyan remained with sections of the population who continued to read in Indian languages. But Gita Press presciently began to publish a sister magazine, Kalyana Kalpataru, in English in the 1930s.

View Full Image Akshaya Mukul's 'Gita Press and the Making of Hindu India'

Shortly after his book came out, Mukul was invited to Chennai to speak about his work. The talk was attended by elite women of the city who had been faithful readers of Kalyana Kalpataru for many years," he says. The influence of Gita Press, which is believed to have been mostly confined to north India, had clearly transcended barriers of geography and language.

Growing up in 1970s Ranchi (then in Bihar, now part of Jharkhand), Mukul remembers Kalyan being ubiquitous. Children read it for the stories of gods and goddesses, women read it for edicts on Hindu rituals," he says. Older readers of the magazine saw it as a community-based religious journal published by the Marwaris, not as a political mouthpiece."

Gita Press originated in Calcutta (now Kolkata), patronised by the uber-rich Birlas and Dalmias, and later moved its offices to Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. In the early years, names like M.K. Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore graced its pages, though the bulk of their writing was adopted from already published pieces. These luminaries appeared alongside right-wing ideologues like Madan Mohan Malviya, Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Karpatri Maharaj, who was especially strident about Hindu supremacy and the primacy of the sanatan dharma.

The list of contributors went on to include peculiar characters over the decades. From the venerated Munshi Premchand, whose views couldnt be farther from Kalyans, and Ramananda Chatterjee, Poddars friend and president of the Hindu Mahasabha in 1929, to oddballs like Raihana Tyabji, a devout worshipper of Lord Krishna, and an American godwoman who went by the name of Irene Mata, it was a motley crew.

The ambiguity in Poddars views, dithering between Islamophobia to strategically calling for communal harmony, was reflected in the Kalyans table of contents: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, everyone wrote in it as long as they stuck to theological ruminations. Among Indian politicians, Jawaharlal Nehru steadfastly refused to contribute, though in an undated letter believed to be from the 1950s, G.B. Pant, who was Nehrus home minister, offered to confer a Bharat Ratna on Poddar, which the latter declined.

If Ashis Nandys The Intimate Enemy (1983) presents a lens to understand the psychological cost of colonialism, a work like Gita Press helps the contemporary reader connect the dots between their post-colonial past and present. To what extent have the values and ideals of the sanatanis evolved? Have their regressive beliefs been erased or merely dimmed?

To take the case of the status of women, one of the constant bugbears in Kalyan, the misogyny enshrined in heterodox religion has been far from eradicated despite decades of activism for womens rights. Honour-based violence is part of our lexicon now. In 2011-21, official reports of domestic violence against women in India rose by a staggering 87%. As for child marriage, according to 2019-21 data, 23% of women between the ages of 20-24 were married before the age of 18. The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Going back a century, in 1926, the year Kalyan was launched, Gita Press published a 46-page monograph titled Stri Dharma Prashnottari (Questions and Answers on Womens Dharma) written by Poddar. Framed as a dialectic between two women, Sarala (the innocent) and Savitri (the virtuous), it is a compendium of dos and donts for Hindu women in order to remain pure and untainted. Copiously citing texts like Manusmriti, Poddar lays down an elaborate code of conduct for women to perform their duties towards the men in their livesfather, husband, son, and others.

From injunctions to not wear bangles made of lac (believed to contain animal products ) to setting a limit to their education, from opposition to laws giving women equal rights of inheritance to insisting Indian sati does not want to hear anything untoward about her husband, even if he is the meanest and the worst human being," Podder established a benchmark for unjust practices.

While for liberal elites, such injunctions feel ludicrous, for a vast majority, these beliefs have ebbed only in terms of their intensity. That this pamphlet remains hugely popular (still in print, over a million copies having been sold over the decades currently priced at 5," as Mukul writes) is proof that the past remains alive and kicking in our so-called progressive present.

Also Read | Indias first campus novel returns after 30 years
Google-backed Namma Yatri is set to be the technology partner for Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-run alternative to Uber, Ola and Rapido, two people aware of the matter told Mint .

Cooperation minister Amit Shah confirmed the Bharat Taxi tie-up in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on 2 December, noting that the cooperative model allows drivers to retain 100% of fares and have board representation besides receiving annual dividends and a share of profits.

Namma Yatri won a multi-year tender following a three-month bidding process to customize its platform for the service, which is now piloting in Delhi and Gujarat under a zero-commission model. About 88,000 drivers are currently registered on the app, the second person said.

Also Read | Namma Yatri expands beyond autos, eyes Ola and Uber with cab growth

The Bharat Taxi app will be operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Ltd, a multi-state cooperative registered under the MSCS Act, 2002. Membership requires an admission fee of 500, which includes the value of the allotted share.

The tie-up adds to Namma Yatris growing government collaborations. Over the past two years, the platform has expanded across Karnataka, Kerala (Kochi), Tamil Nadu (Chennai), Odisha and West Bengal. The Bharat Taxi deal signals Namma Yatris formal push into north India, a region it has struggled to penetrate until now.

Squeeze on Uber, Ola percentage commissions

Namma Yatri was the first to introduce the zero-commission modela move ride-hailing rivals later mirrored. Rapido was the first to drop commissions, followed by Ola and Uber for two-wheelers and autorickshaws. The real shift, however, came when Ola extended the zero-commission model to its cab segment.

In August, Uber too began piloting a zero-commission model for cabs and said it plans to roll it out more broadly. While Rapido and Uber charge drivers 29 per day as a subscription fee, Olas daily fee is significantly higher at 67. Namma Yatri, in comparison, charges a flat fee 25 for a days worth of trips or 3.5 per ride.

Behind the upstart app was the heft of Juspay, the Bengaluru payments firm that runs the rails for millions of digital transactions, and the architecture of Becknthe open protocol co-created by Nandan Nilekani to keep digital markets open and free of monopoly. Nilekani was the first chairman of the Unified Identification Authority of India, which then spawned a host of public digital infrastructure apps such as Unified Payments Intereface, Digilocker, Digiyatra, among others.

Also Read | Compliance-driven Namma Yatri eyes funds to expand across India

Because it runs on Beckn, an open source architecture, Namma Yatri can plug directly into public infrastructure such as metro and bus APIs (application programming interfaces), as well as government-backed taxi programmes like Yatri Sathi in West Bengal and Kerala Savaari.

North India was a challenge, will that change?

While Namma Yatri scaled in south India and pushed east into Odisha and West Bengal, it found northern markets hard to crack, hindered by varying state regulations, union dynamics, consumer behaviour, and entrenched rivals.

The northern market is challenging because Gurgaon, Noida and Delhi fall under different state jurisdictions with varying regulations. But with all three now aligned under the central government, this is the most favourable moment to enter the region," said Amit Kaushik, an independent automotive industry expert.

He added that rapid scale will be crucial: Without fast expansion, players will simply be overlooked. After BluSmarts exit, theres still a gap in Gurgaon and Noida." Smaller aggregators are filling the space as Ola cedes market share but no single player has emerged as dominant, he added.

In FY24, Namma Yatri reported 2.2 crore in revenue and a 3.3 crore loss, with no other income and expenses of 5.3 crore. By comparison, Rapido posted 648 crore in revenue and a 371 crore loss, Olas ride-hailing arm generated 1,761 crore with a 10 crore loss, and Uber India led the pack with 3,860 crore in revenue and an 89 crore loss, according to MCA filings. The financials for fiscal 2025 are not immediately available.

So far, Namma Yatri has raised $11 million in a pre-Series A round that valued the company at $55 million.Its closest rival, Rapido, has pulled in about $574 million to date and became a unicorn in 2024. Rapidos funding journey began with a $180,000 seed round in 2015 and peaked with a $245 million Series E in 202425, most of it arriving over the past three years.

Also Read | The app that made Uber and Ola rethink their playbook

Meanwhile, Namma Yatris cap table has shifted. Juspay, which incubated the platform, has begun stepping backmobility was never a natural fit for its pure-play digital stack. This paved the way for Blume Ventures, Antler, and Google to invest roughly 92 crore. Juspay, however, remains the largest shareholder, holding 32% as of October 2025.

Queries sent to Namma Yatri on Monday, 8 December, did not elicit a response until press time.
In a setback to diamantire Mehul Choksi  a prime accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case  Belgium's top court on Tuesday rejected his application seeking to block his extradition. Confirming the development to PTI, Court of Cassation spokesperson, Advocaat-general Henri Vanderlinden, said, The Court of Cassation rejected the appeal. So, the decision of the Court of Appeal stands."

Following his arrest in Belgium in April this year, Choksi had moved a plea before the Belgium Court of Cassation (equivalent to Indias Supreme Court) on October 30, challenging the extradition ordered by the Antwerp Court of Appeal last month on the basis of a request from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Also Read | Mehul Choksi's extradition suspended amid his appeal in Belgium Supreme Court

Choksi, who fled to Antigua and Barbuda in January 2018 just before the fraud came to light, was later traced to Belgium, where he had reportedly gone for medical treatment. On August 27, 2024, India formally submitted an extradition request to Belgium, citing arrest warrants issued by a special court in Mumbai.

The Antwerp Court of Appeal had upheld Indias request for Choksis extradition, terming it enforceable.

A four-member indictment chamber at the Antwerp Court of Appeal found no infirmity in the orders issued by the pre-trial chamber of the district court on November 29, 2024, and held that the arrest warrants issued by the Mumbai special court in May 2018 and June 2021 were enforceable, allowing Choksis extradition.

The Court of Appeal ruled that Choksi, the main accused in the 13,000-crore PNB scam, faces no risk of being denied a fair trial or subjected to ill-treatment if extradited to India.

The Court of Cassation examines only the legal aspects of the appellate courts decision  such as whether the Court of Appeal correctly applied legal provisions and followed proper procedures, Vanderlinden had explained to PTI last month.

So, new facts or evidence cannot be introduced, he had said.

The proceedings are, in essence, written. As a rule, all cases are heard. If the court refuses to admit the appeal, it will be on legal grounds  for example, if the person who filed the complaint did not have the legal competence to do so, Vanderlinden added.

Of the total scam amount, Choksi alone siphoned off 6,400 crore, the CBI has alleged in its chargesheet.

Where do the cases against Choksi and Nirav Modi stand now? Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi are prime accused in the multi-crore scam being probed by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED.

They are accused of allegedly siphoning off over 13,000 crore of public money from the PNB using LoUs and foreign letters of credit (FLCs) by bribing officials of the bank's Brady House branch in Mumbai.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the national auditor, is preparing to overhaul the way it audits government departments by moving from post-facto examination of accounts to real-time audits of public spending, project execution and service delivery.

The shift marks one of the most significant changes to Indias audit architecture in decades, and comes at a time when governments are executing larger, technology-driven programmes that require closer and more continuous oversight.

Under the existing system, most CAG audits are carried out after the end of a financial year. This limits its ability to flag risks early, and reduces the scope for course correction while a project is underway. The new approach aims to plug this gap by allowing the CAG to review data, documents and progress metrics as they are generated, instead of waiting for the project to end.

According to a CAG official, who wished to remain anonymous, the institutional shift toward real-time and remote audits is already underway and the full rollout could begin by late 2025 or early 2026.

Why is this change happening now?

Traditional CAG audits are usually tabled one to three years after major decisions are made, which significantly reduces their usefulness for course correction. High-profile cases such as the 2G spectrum allocation and coal block allotments were audited well after the licences were issued, limiting the governments ability to prevent losses, even though the audits later became politically significant. The 2G report, tabled in 2010, estimated a 1.76 trillion loss; the coal block audit in 2012 flagged potential gains of 1.86 trillion to private companies. But by then, the damage was already done.

Several other less well-known CAG audits have also shown that if the findings had been available earlieror during implementationmuch of the damage could have been controlled. For instance, the liquor excise policy case in Delhi (implemented in November 2021; CAG report released in February 2025) exposed serious procedural lapses that persisted during implementation.

Similarly, the CAGs audit of the Project Arrow scheme in post offices found that the delivery of money orders and the booking of electronic money orders in sampled post offices across Delhi, northeast India, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat fell below the prescribed performance threshold. The scheme was launched in April 2008, but the CAG report came out only in 2015, long after the problems had already taken root.

Real-time auditing seeks to prevent such outcomes by helping ministries detect irregularities early. The shift is driven by understanding that public programmes are much larger, faster and more complex today than they were a decade ago, and that digital systems allow for granular, real-time visibility into spending and execution.

How will real-time audits work?

The CAG will gain access to live datasets through newly integrated digital systems operating across states and ministries, covering procurement platforms, payment modules, progress dashboards, contract-management tools and beneficiary databases. Instead of scanning all files months after a project ends, auditors will review them as they are generated.

Under the CAGs new monitor performance audits and subject-specific compliance audits platforms, planned and actual milestones will be captured continuously, and any deviations will trigger structured alerts to functional wings and field audit offices. This will allow auditors to spot red flagssuch as collusive bidding patterns, identical IP addresses for multiple bidders, cost overruns, or unexplained delaysearly on in the execution cycle. Ministries will be able to intervene while funds are still being spent, not after the project has ended.

Also Read | ICAI to arm CAs with AI tools for sharper audits: Charanjot Singh Nanda

Dr Shyma Jose, assistant professor for economics at Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University, said, The CAGs shift toward real-time auditing is a positive step toward Viksit Bharat as it enables the monitoring of the exchequer's money for projects under ministries and public sector units while they are still in progress, ensuring better governance and effective utilization of public funds."

She added, This approach will enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency in public spending by providing timely insights and enabling corrective measures during project implementation. However, this move will require strong technological integration and the development of a robust audit system."

What types of government programmes will this affect?

The biggest impact will be on large, capital-intensive projects such as highways, railways, power projects, telecom infrastructure, oil exploration, irrigation, housing and rural development schemes. These sectors are especially prone to delays, cost overruns and quality lapses, making them ideal candidates for real-time scrutiny.

The shift to real-time audits will also affect schemes with high public interactionsuch as health mission expenditures, welfare disbursements, municipal projects and state-level rural workswhere leakages and poor monitoring have been longstanding challenges.

What does this mean for government departments?

Departments will need to maintain accurate, timely, machine-readable data on project execution. Reporting formats may require redesigns; internal audit processes will have to be strengthened; and implementation agencies will face greater scrutiny while projects are underway. This could reduce the space for arbitrary procedures and improve accountability by increasing the compliance pressure on staff.

What does it mean for Indias public finances?

If implemented well, real-time audits can reduce wasteful expenditure, prevent cost escalations and improve asset quality. They can also narrow the gap between policy announcements and on-ground delivery, a recurring challenge in Indias public spending system. This aligns with broader government efforts to modernize procurement, digitize payments, and build more transparent frameworks to monitor projects.

Also Read | Data privacy law upends OTT operations, forcing audits and new safeguards

According to the CAGs FY24 report, 115 audits were completed that year, contributing to recoveries worth 6,266.68 crore. A continuous audit system could make such recoveries preventive rather than corrective.

What will success depend on?

The success of real-time audits will depend on how smoothly the CAG integrates with digital systems across ministries and whether departments see this as a governance tool rather than a compliance burden. The shift represents a new phase in Indias audit ecosystemmoving from post-mortem checks to live oversight of how public money is spent.

Abhash Kumar, a trade economist, said, The idea is strong, but success will depend on sustained coordination and capacity building within departments. The rollout is achievable but will likely be gradual rather than immediate."
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge fired back at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the Vande Mataram debate in Rajya Sabha. He said that the prime minister and the home minister do not leave a chance to insult Jawaharlal Nehru.

Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that the ideological predecessors of the BJP were working for the Britishers when Congress leaders were being jailed during the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921, while chanting Vande Mataram.

Mallikarjun Kharge said, PM Modi leaves no chance to insult Jawaharlal Nehru, and Home Minister Amit Shah follows the same. When Mahatma Gandhi started the non-cooperation movement in 1921, lakhs of freedom fighters from the Congress went to jail chanting Vande Mataram. What were you doing? You were working for the Britishers.

The Congress chief stated that his party played a crucial role in popularising the Vande Mataram, a slogan during the freedom struggle.

Congress did the work of making 'Vande Mataram' a slogan during the freedom struggle...Your history is that you were always against the freedom struggle and patriotic songs, Mallikarjun Kharge said.

Earlier in the day, Amit Shah slammed Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who had accused the ruling party of initiating the Vande Mataram debate to coincide with the West Bengal Assembly elections.

Priyanka Gandhi said, Today, the people of the country are unhappy, distressed, and surrounded by problems, and you are not solving them, she said.

We are having this debate here today for two reasons. Firstly, the Bengal elections are approaching, and our Prime Minister wants to play his role in them. And the second reason is...that the government wants an opportunity to level new accusations against those who fought for freedom.

To this, Amit Shah said the Congress MP was diminishing the importance of the national song. Some people want to diminish the importance of Vande Mataramby trying to link it to Bengal elections. I think they need to reconsider their understanding.
To tackle persistently dangerous air quality levels in the national capital, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued stringent directives, imposing a complete prohibition on the use of coal and firewood in tandoors across all hotels, restaurants, and open eateries throughout the city.

This order, enacted under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, requires all commercial food establishments to transition immediately to electric, gas-based, or other clean-fuel appliances for cooking.

The DPCC underscored that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to exceed prescribed limits, identifying coal-based cooking as a significant source of localized emissions contributing to the crisis.

These new directives reinforce earlier mandates prescribed by the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which lists the ban on coal and firewood use in tandoors as a Stage-I measure for emission reduction. The DPCC cited both the approved fuel list issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in June 2022 and its modified GRAP order dated 21 November 2023, reminding enforcement agencies of their obligation to ensure full compliance during the ongoing anti-pollution efforts.

Urban local bodies, including municipal commissioners and chief engineers, have been instructed to conduct immediate inspections within their jurisdictions to ensure all eateries cease using coal and firewood. The directive explicitly permits only electric or gas-operated tandoors, emphasizing that compliance must be enforced universally.

The order has been dispatched via speed post and email to all relevant departments for immediate implementation, following approval by the competent authority.

 5,000 penalty for open burning of waste in Delhi Separately, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that district administration and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have been instructed to levy fines of up to 5,000 against those found burning garbage in the open.

In a social media post on X, CM Rekha Gupta said: We are continuously making efforts to control every small and large source of air pollution in Delhi. In line with this, strict instructions have been given to the Environment Department to ensure a complete ban on open burning.

The district administration and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi have been empowered to impose a fine of up to 5000 on those burning garbage in the open. We humbly request all citizens not to burn waste in the open. Your small cooperation can bring about a big change, she added.
A Sessions Court in Delhi has issued a notice to Congress MP Sonia Gandhi in a revision petition challenging a Magistrates decision to dismiss a complaint concerning her alleged inclusion in the 198081 electoral rolls.

Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne heard preliminary submissions by Senior Advocate Pavan Narang on the criminal revision petition and deemed it appropriate to seek the response of Gandhi and the Delhi Police, Bar and Bench reported.

The court has also issued notice to the State and called for the trial court record (TCR). The matter has been listed for hearing on 6 January.

Why has the Delhi court issued notice to Sonia Gandhi now? The notice arises from a revision petition filed against a 11 September order in which a Delhi court dismissed a plea seeking action over Gandhis alleged appearance on the electoral roll three years before she became an Indian citizen.

Also Read | Delhi court junks plea over inclusion of Sonia Gandhi's name on electoral roll

The Sessions Court will now re-examine whether the Magistrates dismissal was justified.

What is the allegation about Sonia Gandhis 198081 voter roll entry? The complainant, Vikas Tripathi, alleges that in January 1980 Sonia Gandhis name appeared as a voter in the New Delhi constituency, despite her not yet holding Indian citizenship. The petition argues that this inclusion was unlawful and requires a police investigation.

What did the earlier court say when dismissing the complaint?

The complaint was dismissed by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vaibhav Chaurasia, who found no grounds to order an investigation under Section 175(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Why does the petitioner claim the voter roll entry was improper? Presenting arguments before the Magistrate, senior advocate Pavan Narang, appearing for the complainant, argued:

In January 1980 Ms. Gandhi's name was added as a voter of New Delhi constituency when she was not an Indian citizen.

Also Read | Plea in Delhi court seeks FIR against Sonia Gandhi over electoral roll entry

He added: First, you have to satisfy the threshold of citizenship, then you will become a resident of an area.

Narang suggested that in 1980 the proof of residence was probably a ration card or a passport.

What happened to Sonia Gandhis voter records in 1980, 1982 and 1983? According to Narang, Sonia Gandhis name was deleted in 1982 along with that of Sanjay Gandhi after his death. If she was a citizen, then why was her name deleted in 1982? he asked.

He argued that the election commission must have found something wrong prompting deletion of her name from the electoral rolls.

Narang added that her name was re-entered in 1983 when she acquired Indian citizenship.

What legal provisions does the petition rely on? The plea is filed under Section 175(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which empowers a Magistrate to order an investigation. The complainant alleges some forgery and that a public authority was cheated.

Also Read | National Herald case very strange, Sonia Gandhi in court

My limited request is to either direct the police to register an FIR under the appropriate sections. Whether they are made or not is the domain of the police, Narang submitted.

Why was the notice served on her birthday significant? The Sessions Courts notice was served on 9 December  Sonia Gandhis 79th birthday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on X: "Birthday greetings to Sonia Gandhi Ji. May she be blessed with a long life and good health."

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote, Extending warm birthday greetings to Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji. A steadfast champion of the rights of the marginalised, she has remained a symbol of grace, meeting every challenge with courage, resilience, sacrifice and selfless dedication.

AICC general secretary KC Venugopal described her as the Congress lodestar who continues to speak boldly with clarity on issues of national importance.

Born on 9 December 1946, Gandhi remains the longest-serving president of the Indian National Congress, having led the 139-year-old party for nearly two decades before handing over the post to Rahul Gandhi in 2017.
The air quality in several parts of Delhi continued to remain in the 'Very Poor' category on Tuesday. Ashok Vihar (305), Bawana (342), Anand Vihar (319), Chandani Chowk (333), and Dwarka (314) all recorded Very Poor AQI levels.

The AQI around India Gate and Kartavya Path remained around 265, which falls in the 'Poor' category, as per the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board).

At Ghazipur, AQI was reported to be 319, categorised as 'Very Poor'.

The Akshardham area also recorded 319.

A layer of toxic smoke blanketed the ITO area, where AQI was around 294.

The AQI from the Anand Vihar area was 319.

According to the CPCB classification, AQI of 0-50 is 'Good', 51-100 'Satisfactory', 101-200 'Moderate', 201-300 'Poor', 301-400 'Very Poor', and 401-500 'Severe'.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as Good, indicating minimal or no health impact. AQI levels from 51 to 100 fall into the Satisfactory category, where air quality remains acceptable, though sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, may experience slight discomfort.

The Moderate category, ranging from 101 to 200, indicates increasing pollution levels that can trigger breathing difficulties among people with asthma, lung conditions, or heart disease.

An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered Poor, a range in which prolonged exposure can cause breathing discomfort to most people, not just those with pre-existing health issues.

Kartavya Path protests: Bail order expected today A Delhi court is set to pass orders on the bail pleas of several individuals who were arrested during a protest against worsening air quality in the city at the Kartavya Path on 23 November.

The bail order was deferred to 9 December after Judicial Magistrate Aridaman Singh Cheema fell ill, as per a PTI report.

The protesters were accused of raising controversial slogans and using pepper spray on the police trying to contain them.

Several of those arrested are students, and their lawyers have argued that exams are coming up shortly and bail needs to be granted "on an urgent basis," as per a PTI report.

Mumbai air quality Although Mumbai woke up to a layer of haze, the CPCB reported that AQI around the Bandra Reclamation area was around 170, which has been categorised as 'moderate'.
The Goa government on Tuesday started demolishing the illegal 'Romeo Lane' beach shack situated at Vagator, owned by the fugitive Luthra brothers, owners of the fire-ravaged nightclub.

A senior official from the chief minister's office indicated that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has issued a direct instruction to the North Goa district administration to proceed with dismantling the Vagator beach shack, as reported by news agency PTI.

"This shack is illegally built on government land. It would be demolished on Tuesday. The district administration has kept all the machinery ready," the official said.

Also Read | Goa nightclub owners fled to Thailand by IndiGo flight, say police

This beach shack is the third property owned by Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra to face action, following the devastating fire that claimed 25 lives at their 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Arpora late Saturday night.

The owners reportedly fled the country, travelling to Thailand just hours after the fatal blaze.

In response to the situation, the Goa chief minister's office said that Interpol has issued a Blue Corner notice against both Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra.

Since the Saturday night tragedy, the district administration had already sealed this facility, alongside a separate establishment in Assagao, on Monday.

Birch by Romeo Lane, a popular party venue in Arpora village in North Goa, turned into a death trap on 7 December as a massive fire tore through the premises, killing 25 people, most of them staff and a few tourists.

PIL seeks court-monitored probe A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been lodged with the Bombay High Court's Goa bench, demanding a court-monitored investigation into the devastating fire at the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub.

The petition, submitted by social activist Aishwarya Salgaonkar, asserts that the nightclub was operating without requisite construction permits and had continually flouted several demolition orders issued against it.

The plea strongly suggests a "systematic failure" on the part of regulatory authorities to take decisive action against the establishment.

The matter was brought before a division bench comprising Justices Sarang Kotwal and Ashish Chavan on Tuesday, with the petitioner requesting an immediate hearing.

The court subsequently agreed to list the case for deliberation on 16 December.

Citing remarks by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the petition highlighted that the nightclub failed to adhere to crucial fire safety standards. It pointed out that congested entry and exit points, coupled with inadequate ventilation, were the primary reasons most victims succumbed to suffocation.

"This shows a shocking failure of municipal, panchayat and district authorities to enforce even the most basic statutory requirements intended to protect public life," the PIL said.

The plea stresses a broader failure to enforce compliance against illegal structures and clubs operating without mandatory licences and fire-safety certifications.
The central government has collected 511.83 crore as tax deducted at source (TDS) during 2024-25 (Apr-Mar) on cryptocurrency and other virtual digital asset transactions, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said in a reply in the Rajya Sabha on Monday to questions asked by Pulla Mahesh Kumar and Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy.

In his reply, Chaudhary submitted a chart of tax deducted for crypto transactions across all states and union territories in the last three financial years.

In 2022-23, the TDS collected was 221.27 crore, in 2023-24 it was 363 crore, and in 2024-25 it was 512 crore.

The Indian government collects a flat 30% tax on all profits from transactions of cryptocurrencies, which are classified as Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs). Moreover, a Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) of 1% is also changed on every digital asset transaction.

Maharashtra, Karnataka major contributors Maharashtra alone contributed 293 crore of the 512 crore total tax collected in 2024-25, while Karnataka contributed 133 crore.

The questions had also asked for details of those crypto exchanges which have been non-compliant when it comes to tax payments and have also not been applying the TDS deductions to their transactions in the last three years.

The minister, however, did not provide a list of these exchanges, but said that some of these Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) have not been with the government's TDS provisions.

In their 3rd and 4th questions, the MPs wanted to know "Whether the Government has conducted a study/survey regarding the non-payment of TDS deductions on crypto-currency transactions during the last five years" and, if it has, they sought "details regarding the list of exchanges identified and action undertaken against such exchanges during the last three years, year-wise."

The minister did not provide the names of the exchanges, but did say that survey actions under the Income Tax Act was carried out against 3 crypto exchanges and it was found that they had not complied with TDS requirements to the tune of 39.8 crore and had undisclosed income to the tune of 125.79 crore.

Also Read | Trump family-backed companies are being left behind as crypto recovers

He also said that other surveys carried out revealed that 888.82 core undisclosed income related to VDA transactions were detected against "various entities".

Lastly, the MoS said that India has not done any study for the implementation of crypto taxation models as seen in countries like Thailand and Indonesia.

Is crypto regulated in India? The government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) classify cryptocurrencies as virtual digital assets rather than legal tender. While the government has not banned crypto, it remains largely unregulated, with limited oversight and taxation.
The central government on Tuesday, 9 December, announced a major crackdown on IndiGo, the country's largest airline, directing the company to reduce its flight operations by 10%.

The government has further slashed IndiGo's winter schedule, reducing the number of flights by 10%, following the previous 5% flight operations cut levels imposed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

In a social media post, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu informed that the ministry considers it necessary for IndiGo to curtail its overall route offerings, which will help stabilise its operations and reduce flight cancellations.

The Ministry considers it necessary to curtail the overall Indigo routes, which will help in stabilising the airlines operations and lead to reduced cancellations. A curtailment of 10% has been ordered. While abiding with it, Indigo will continue to cover all its destinations as before, said Ram Mohan Naidu in the social media post on X.

The government has ordered IndiGo to comply with all the ministry directions, including the cap on airfare and the passenger convenience measures, without making any exceptions.

IndiGo has been instructed to comply with all the directives of the Ministry, including fare capping and passenger convenience measures without any exception, said Naidu in his post.

IndiGo refunds IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers on Tuesday confirmed that 100% of refunds for passengers impacted till 6 December 2025 have been completed. The government has also issued strict directions to IndiGo to expedite the remaining refunds and baggage handover to the affected individuals.

Today again, @IndiGo6E CEO Pieter Elbers was summoned to the Ministry to provide an update. He confirmed that 100% of the refunds for flights affected till 6th December have been completed. A strict instruction to expedite the completion of the remaining refunds and baggage handover was given, the aviation minister said on Tuesday.

DGCA's crackdown on IndiGo The DGCA, on 9 December, announced that IndiGo increased its departures by 9.66% in comparison to the Winter Schedule 24 and by 6.05% in relation to the Summer Schedule 25.

The regulator also highlighted that the airline did not demonstrate the ability to operate the schedules efficiently, and hence was asked to cut the schedule by 10% across sectors.

The airline has not demonstrated an ability to operate these schedules efficiently. Therefore, it is directed to reduce the schedule by 10% across sectors, especially on high-demand, high-frequency flights, and to avoid single-flight operations on a sector by IndiGo, the DGCA said in an official release.

The regulator also directed the company to submit a revised schedule by 5 PM on Wednesday, 10 December.
IndiGo flight cancellations: Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu has said that the Centre will reduce IndiGo's winter flight schedule after the airline cancelled thousands of flights, leaving lakhs of passengers stranded at airports across India over the past eight days.

The country's largest airline's massive operational meltdown has triggered an inquiry from the government, while the aviation watchdog, DGCA, has promised action against IndiGo.

Here are 10 things to know about the government's response to the IndiGo flight cancellations.

1. Winter schedule curtailing The government will curtail IndiGo's winter flight schedule and allocate them to other operators, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said in an interview with DD News.

We will curtail IndiGo's routes. They are currently operating 2,200 flights. We will definitely curtail them, he said.

A livid government is planning to hand over about 200 daily IndiGo flights to other operators. Air India's request to increase daily flights by 60-70 is likely to be approved by DGCA.

2. Naidu holds a review meeting with senior government officials In a statement on X on Friday, Naidu said that a high-level review meeting, comprising all senior officials, was conducted to gain a thorough understanding of the IndiGo flight cancellation situation.

3. Government officials to visit airports today All senior officials of the Ministry have been instructed to visit airports to verify airline operations and passenger-oriented services. Any shortcomings identified, including feedback received through interactions with passengers, are to be addressed and rectified immediately, Naidu said after the meeting on late Monday night.

According to the Ministry, officers at the level of Deputy Secretary, Director and Joint Secretary have been ordered to physically visit key airports

4. DGCA promises strict action against IndiGo The aviation watchdog, DGCA, on Monday promised to take enforcement action against IndiGo, shortly after receiving the airline's response to the show-cause notice issued by it earlier. The DGCA said that it is in the process of examining the response and will take enforcement action, as deemed appropriate, in due course.

5. Inquiry against IndiGo coming Speaking to DD News, Ram Mohan Naidu said that the Civil Aviation Ministry had already ordered an inquiry into the IndiGo flight cancellation fiasco. A detailed inquiry is going to take place in the next 15 days or so, and once the outcome of the inquiry is there with us, then we will go into the reasons for that, so that these kinds of occurrences do not happen in the future, he said.

6. Top IndiGo executives summoned According to a report by India Today, top IndiGo executives, including CEO Pieter Elbers, have been summoned DGCAs High-Level Committee amid the IndiGo flight cancellations. The executives will meet officials of the four-member panel on Wednesday.

7. Strict Civil Aviation Requirements in place Naidu noted that for affected passengers, strict Civil Aviation Requirements are in place. Airline operators have to follow these requirements. Regarding the software issue, an inquiry has been made. Continuous technology upgradation happens in this sector. Our vision from the government is to have top global standards for the aviation sector in the country, he said.

8. 3,000 bags to be delivered to passengers today Naidu said that 6,000 of the 9,000 passenger bags have already been delivered, and the remaining ones are scheduled to be delivered by either Monday night or Tuesday morning. The minister also said that refunds worth 745 crore have been given for 7,30,655 cancelled PNRs from 1 December to 8 (as of 5 PM).

Also Read | IndiGo management failed to contain operational crisis: Civil Aviation Minister

9. IndiGo shares fall IndiGo shares continued to be in red after the flight cancellation fiasco, opening at 4,881 apiece on the BSE on Tuesday. On Monday, IndiGo shares fell as much as 8.7%.
IndiGo meltdown continued to cause grave inconvenience to lakhs of passengers who were left stranded at airports across India after their flights were cancelled. On Tuesday, over 350 flights to and from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports were reportedly cancelled. Let's take a look at the latest number of cancellations on 9 December.

Delhi airport: 152 flights cancelled  76 arrivals and 76 departures

Bengaluru airport: 121 flights cancelled  58 arrivals and 63 departures

Hyderabad airport: 58 flights cancelled  14 arrivals and 44 departures

Mumbai airport: 31 flights cancelled  14 arrivals and 17 departures

IndiGo's massive flight cancellations continued to cause chaos at major airports, including Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, in a post on X, said that a high-level review meeting was held on Monday to conduct a comprehensive assessment of IndiGo's operations. In this review meeting, all senior officials of the ministry were instructed to conduct an on-ground inspection of flight operations.

The ministry reportedly issued directives to senior officers to physically visit Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Guwahati, Goa, and Thiruvananthapuram airports on 9 December to review and assess the overall situation.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)'s high-level committee has also summoned top IndiGo executives over the massive flight cancellations, India Today reported. The airline's executives, including CEO Pieter Elbers, will meet the four-member panel on 10 December.

In another development, the government has asked IndiGo to revise its winter schedule. The DGCA directed the airline to amend its planned schedule and submit a revised schedule by 5 PM on 10 December 2025. Amid flight disruptions and delays for the eighth day in a row, the aviation watchdog asked the airline to reduce 5% of flight operations as a penalty for not operating planned schedules.

The operational crisis at the country's largest airline prompted the government to initiate an inquiry. In an interview with DD News, Minister Naidu alleged that the issue affecting IndiGo passengers was not because of the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS) but was instead linked to the airline's internal crew rostering and operational planning.

Also Read | DGCA cuts IndiGo flightsAir India could gain 70 new daily slots

Winter session of Parliament discusses IndiGo meltdown During an address to the Winter session of Parliament on Tuesday, Ram Mohan Naidu said that strict and appropriate action will be taken against the airline in accordance with the governing rules. Speaking about the IndiGo fiasco, the minister said, "No airline, however large, will be permitted to cause such hardship to passengers through planning failures, non-compliance."

Informing the Lower House that the DGCA issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's senior leadership and commenced a detailed investigation, he added, IndiGo disruptions are stabilising; all other airlines continue to operate smoothly across the country. Airports across the country are reporting normal conditions, with no crowding or distress. Refunds, baggage tracing and passenger support measures remain under the supervision of the ministry," ANI reported.

The government instructed airlines to cap air fares after ticket prices rose sharply following IndiGo's massive cancellations. "Airfare has been capped at 18,000. It starts from 7500 for up to 500 kilometres, and beyond 1,500 kilometres, it is 18,000," a senior official told ANI.
Police in Thiruvananthapuram have filed a case against veteran Malayalam filmmaker PT Kunju Muhammed. The action follows a complaint of alleged molestation filed by a woman.

The accuser is also associated with the film industry. Both she and Muhammed were members of the selection committee for the forthcoming International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).

The alleged incident reportedly took place last month at a city hotel. Both individuals were staying there for their committee duties. The woman alleged that Muhammed molested her at the hotel on the final day of the screening sessions.

Also Read | Siblings who accused Michael Jackson of abuse make shocking claims

The Cantonment Police in Thiruvananthapuram formally registered a case after receiving the complaint.

Charges were filed for outraging the modesty of a woman and making unwelcome physical contact against her will. These come under Sections 74 and 75(1), respectively, of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

During the preliminary investigation, authorities confirmed they have examined the hotels CCTV footage.

The police stated that the director is scheduled to be formally questioned soon.

Muhammed is a well-known personality in Kerala. He is recognised for his work as an acclaimed filmmaker and producer, and he has also previously served as an independent MLA supported by the Left Front.

Maharashtra: Man held for raping minor girl in Pune Meanwhile, an 18-year-old man has been held for allegedly raping a minor girl while she was on her way to school in Pune district of Maharashtra, as reported by news agency PTI.

According to the Pune Police, the incident took place in the Vishrantwadi area on 4 December.

The accused had befriended the 14-year-old girl two months ago, and on the day of the assault, he accosted her, offering to drop her off at school on his motorcycle, they said.

However, instead of taking her to school, the accused allegedly took the teen to a secluded place and sexually assaulted her and threatened her, an official from Vishrantwadi police station said.

The victim narrated the incident to her father on 7 December, following which a complaint was lodged.
A man was caught with a pistol at the venue of Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay's rally in Puducherry on Tuesday, as per several media reports.

The incident heightened tensions in the area, as this is the first public rally of the Tamil superstar since the Karur stampede that occurred during one of his rallies, in which 41 people were killed in a stampede.

The person with the gun was detained at the Expo Ground in Uppalam, as per Puducherry Police. The weapon was seized and the person in question was taken into custody.

Also Read | Vijay addresses controversy in first public speech after Karur stampeded

As per an India Today report, the detained person is David, who is a security personnel for the TVK's Sivagangai District Secretaryl, Prabhu.

Strict security measures in Puducherry In the wake of the Karur stampede, Puducherry authorities had issued strict instructions pertaining to security arrangements.

The Puducherry Police, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (Law & Order) R. Kalaivanan, granted permission for the event at the Expo Ground with attendance strictly capped at 5,000 people from the Union Territory.

Individuals who carried with them QR-coded entry passes were allowed inside the ground.

In a police advisory, it was made clear that those without valid passes, along with children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and those suffering from health issues would not be allowed to attend the rally.

With the rally strictly being for the residents of Puducherry, Vijay's supporters from the neighbouring Tamil Nadu districts were asked to not attend the rally.

Also Read | Vijays Thalapathy Kacheri hits 10M views within 24 hours

The TVK, in accordance with the police guidelines, had also issued a nine-point directive to their own cadre, where it was also stated that no cadre from outside Puducherry would be allowed to enter the premises.

The guidelines had also mentioned that welcome processions, celebratory activities, unauthorised banners, and putting up flex boards without permission would not be allowed as per the High Court orders.
Union Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday highlighted the Prime Minister's concern over the chaos that had ensued following several cancellations of flights operated by IndiGo Airlines. The Minister said that the PM emphasised that passengers should not be inconvenienced.

During the NDA parliamentary meeting, the PM told NDA MPs that people should not be troubled, face inconvenience. Rules and laws are good, but in order to correct the system, it is not right to harass people, Rijiju was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Ahead of the debate on election reforms, Rijiju said the government will have a chance to refute the wrong narrative the opposition is spreading.

Today, the Lok Sabha will discuss election reform. Opposition will speak. The government will also clear the delusion that has been created. The government will clarify the wrong narrative being set regarding people's trust and their participation in election processes, he said.

Informing about the discussions held during the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, Rijiju said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided guidance to the MPs to focus on reforms for the betterment of people.

All NDA leaders congratulated PM Modi for the NDA's victory in the Bihar elections. PM Modi guided all the NDA MPs to work for their respective constituencies. PM emphasised undertaking reforms across all sectors to ease the public's lives and ensure they face no problems. The PM said that laws should help people. He also urged the MPs to connect with the youth. I express my gratitude to the PM for this guidance. It was a very good meeting of the NDA parliamentary party, he said.

Also Read | IndiGo blues intensify as winter flights curtailed, DGCA orders inquiry

The Minister also refuted the allegations levelled by the opposition regarding the Vande Mataram debate being held in Parliament due to the forthcoming West Bengal elections, saying that it was wrong since the government doesn't decide the dates of historical events.

During the NDA parliamentary meeting, the PM told NDA MPs that people should not be troubled, face inconvenience.

Some opposition people say that the Vande Mataram discussion was held due to the Bengal election. This is wrong. Vande Mataram completed 150 years on 7 November. How can we decide on that date? If it (the national song) has completed 150 years now, the discussion will also be held now. We don't set the dates for such events; we celebrate them, Rijiju told reporters after attending the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting here.
Umar Khalid, one of the accused in the Northeast Delhi riots larger conspiracy case, has sought a interim bail to attend his sister's wedding. The plea was moved in a Delhi court on Tuesday. Umar Khalid has asked for a bail for 16 days  from December 14 to 29. His sister's wedding has been scheduled on December 27.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Court is to hear the plea on December 11.

Umar Khalid is an accused in a larger conspiracy case linked to Delhi riots. He has been charge-sheeted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, along with other accused persons.

Umar Khalid was granted an interim bail two years ago for his other sister;s wedding.

His earlier bail pleas were rejected by the Delhi High court and Karkardooma Court.

Sharjeel Imam, Tahir Hussain, Shifa Ur Rehman, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Meeran Haider, Natasha Narwal, Devangana Kalita and others are also named accused in this case.

Earlier in November, Delhi Police informed the Supreme Court that the trial of several accused, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam  booked under the UAPA in the 2020 Delhi riots case  would likely be completed within two years.

The Delhi police's clarification came while it continued its arguments opposing the bail pleas of Khalid, Imam and five others accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case.

Following the police's submissions, the Supreme Court heard counter-arguments from senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appear for some of the accused.

ASG Raju had stated earlier that the initial chargesheet against the accused persons was filed on September 16, 2020, and a supplementary chargesheet was filed on November 22, 2020.

Further, the ASG submitted that as per Section 16(1)(a) of the UAPA, whoever commits a terrorist act is liable to be punished, and there is no bar which provides that the sentence of imprisonment in such cases cannot exceed five years. On the other hand, UAPA provides for a minimum sentence of five years that could be extended for life.
OnlyFans creator Bonnie Blue was arrested in Bali, Indonesia, last week on suspicion of producing and distributing pornographic content, in possible violation of the countrys strict morality laws, local media reported. Alongside her, 17 male tourists  including 15 Australians who have since been released  were also taken into custody, news.com.au said.

If convicted, Blue could face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to 6 billion rupiah (around $541,000) under Indonesias anti-pornography laws. However, several reports suggest she is likely to be deported. Police have not provided further details on her current status.

Who is Bonnie Blue? The 26-year-old Briton, real name Tia Billinger, previously made headlines for claiming she slept with 1,057 men in just 12 hours. If true, this would surpass Lisa Sparxxxs record of 919 men in 24 hours, set in 2004.

What led to her arrest? Blue is accused of promoting a "BangBus" tour in Bali that involved explicit content with barely legal Australian 'schoolies'. Police say her group included at least 17 male tourists from Britain and Australia, aged between 19 and 40.

On social media, she announced her Bali visit, writing:

"Hey boys, those that're going to Schoolies and to those who are barely legal, cannot wait to meet you - and I'm in Bali, so you know exactly what that means."

Her actions sparked complaints from local authorities, who claimed she hired a bus to travel around Bali filming explicit content during "Schoolies Week".

What evidence was seized? Authorities confiscated cameras, contraceptives, and a vehicle branded "Bonnie Blue's BangBus" during the raid. Blues passport has been taken, and she remains in custody pending further investigation.

Will she face prison or deportation? Legal experts believe deportation is more likely than a lengthy prison sentence. Krist Andi Ricardo Turnip, S.H, a lawyer at Malekat Hukum International Law Firm in Bali, told news.com.au: If proven to have created, displayed or distributed pornographic content in Indonesia, the perpetrator may be charged with a threat of imprisonment of up to 12 years.

Philo Dellano, managing partner at PNB Immigration in Jakarta, said:
A tourist in China had a narrow escape after tumbling from a 130-foot cliff while attempting to take a selfie on a popular mountain trail. The accident occurred on Huaying Mountain, near Blade Rock, when the ground beneath him suddenly crumbled as he leaned forward for the shot. As reported by The Sun, other trekkers shouted in alarm and rushed toward the edge, and fortunately the man managed to survive after plunging into the trees below, sustaining only minor injuries.

He later recounted the ordeal on social media, saying he felt blessed by the mountain gods and describing himself as fortunate to be alive after what he estimated was a 40-metre fall followed by a 15-metre slide down the slope.

The widely circulated footage  now making the rounds across major social platforms and news outlets  has once again raised concerns about hazardous selfie habits. In the viral footage, other trekkers can be seen sprinting toward the cliff edge as startled witnesses shout in alarm. Local reports state that the man plunged roughly 15 metres into a patch of dense trees. Despite the dramatic fall, he emerged with no major injuries.

Also Read | Couple hikes 30 minutes through a snowstorm to marry at Banff National Park

According to the news outlet, the spot where the incident reportedly occurred  Blade Rock  lies outside the designated scenic zone. Authorities stressed that the location is only allowed to be viewed from a distance and climbing is not permitted.

Similar episodes have surfaced in the past. In 2019, a woman in Gujarat survived a cliff fall at a hill station after slipping while taking a selfie, her descent slowed by thick bushes below. Not all incidents have ended safely; in 2018, a couple lost their lives at Yosemite National Park after plunging nearly 800 feet while attempting to take a photograph.
Bruce Blakeman, a Republican running for New York Governor, has defined his campaign platform on several key issues, particularly differentiating his views on reproductive rights while adhering to conservative principles on crime and taxes.

Abortion: "Pro-choice Republican" Blakeman's position on abortion is a notable departure from the modern national Republican Party platform, as he identifies as a "pro-choice Republican."

Support for access: He has consistently stated he supports a woman's right to choose and reproductive rights.

Political rationale: This stance is seen as a key differentiator, potentially making him more appealing to moderate and independent voters in New York, a state where the majority of voters back abortion rights.

Taxes: Anti-tax and fiscal conservatism His view on taxes centers on a strong opposition to tax increases and a commitment to fiscal restraint to improve the state's economic competitiveness.

Opposing tax increases: Blakeman is a vocal opponent of tax increases, especially those targeting corporations, which he argues would make New York less competitive.

Economic warning: He contends that raising taxes could drive corporations, jobs, and residents out of New York State, which he already views as the "highest taxed state in the United States."

Fiscal record: As Nassau County Executive, he highlights his record of keeping property taxes flat.

Affordability: He warns that corporate tax hikes would be "trickled-down" to consumers and small businesses, resulting in higher prices and reduced affordability for the middle class.

Crime and bail reform Blakeman takes a strong "law and order" position, with his primary focus being the repeal of New York's current bail reform laws.

Call for repeal: He is a fierce critic of New York's 2019 bail reform laws, which eliminated cash bail for most non-violent felonies and misdemeanors, and calls for their full repeal or significant changes.

Public safety argument: He argues the laws jeopardize public safety and create a "revolving door of justice" for criminals.

Executive action: As County Executive, he signed an order requiring the Nassau County Police Department to publish daily reports with the names, case data, and bail status of those arrested and released without bail, as an effort to pressure state lawmakers for reform.

Mask policies: His crime-related actions also include initiatives like the Mask Transparency Act, which prohibits masks to conceal identity in public (with exceptions for health or religion), and recruiting a force of "special deputies" for emergencies.

Also Read | Who is Bruce Blakeman? Republican county executive in New York Governor race
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Freeze Warning until 9 AM CST for large parts of south-central Texas, excluding areas close to the Rio Grande. Temperatures early Tuesday dipped to near or below freezing, with the Hill Country experiencing a widespread freeze overnight.

In its advisory, the NWS urged residents to take precautions as temperatures fall to around 30F, noting:

Remember to protect the 4 Ps: People, Pets, Plants, and Pipes!

NWS: days of heavy rain for Washington, Oregon A prolonged atmospheric river will continue delivering several days of heavy rainfall to western Washington and northwestern Oregon on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Radar and surface observations show continuous heavy rain, with flash flooding risks in coastal areas and the Cascades, where Flood Watches remain in effect.

In the northern Rockies, especially northwestern Wyoming, more than a foot of new snow is likely.

Gusty winds are expected across the Pacific Northwest, northern Rockies and northern Plains.

Arctic chill in the East Early Tuesday, an Arctic air mass behind a departing coastal low will send temperatures into the teens as far south as North Carolina, threatening record lows across the interior Mid-Atlantic and southern New England.

First Clipper arrives Tuesday The first in a series of Alberta clipper systems descends from southwestern Canada into the northern Plains on Tuesday, spreading:

The first Alberta clipper of the week will bring a swath of moderate to locally heavy snow from the northeastern corner of North Dakota through the Great Lakes on Tuesday, the NWS said. Snowfall totals of 48 inches remain likely along the northern edge of the storm track.

AccuWeather forecasters report that snow will spread into the Great Lakes by Tuesday night, with a mix of rain, snow and ice expected near and south of the storms center.

Slippery travel conditions across the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and into the Great Lakes by Tuesday night

Snowfall totals from this system are expected to reach 36 inches from northern North Dakota through northern New York and Vermont.

Stronger Clipper takes over late Tuesday into Wednesday A more powerful clipper will intensify rapidly as it moves into the northern Plains on Tuesday evening, bringing:

A stronger, fast-intensifying clipper will track eastward through the northern Plains late Tuesday and into the Great Lakes on Wednesday. The NWS warns that the storm will rapidly strengthen, producing very strong winds and expanding snowfall.

AccuWeather projects:

-36 inches of snow from northern North Dakota into far northern New York and Vermont

-612 inches across parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, and southern Ontario

-A Local StormMax of 15 inches in the heaviest bands

-Snow amounts will depend on the exact track. If the low moves directly over Chicago, Detroit could remain on the lower end of its 12 inch forecast, AccuWeather said.

-Moderate to heavy snow from the eastern Dakotas into Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan

-48 inches of snow from northeast North Dakota through the central Great Lakes per NWS estimates

-Up to 612 inches in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, and southern Ontario, where the AccuWeather Local StormMax could reach 15 inches

-By Wednesday morning, the storm moves into the lower Great Lakes, spreading snow into northern New England and interior Northeast.

Dangerous winds across Northern US Both clippers will generate widespread strong winds:

-4050 mph gusts from Montana and Wyoming to Illinois and Wisconsin

-70 mph gusts possible in higher elevations of Montana and Wyoming

-An AccuWeather Local StormMax of 100 mph from eastern Montana into South Dakota

-Wind gusts up to 50 mph pushing into the Ohio Valley and Northeast on Wednesday

Northeast: Rain, snow & wind on Wednesday

By Wednesday, the maturing clipper spreads:

-Snow from Michigan, southern Ontario, Quebec, and northern New England

-Rain farther south across the Ohio Valley and into the northern Mid-Atlantic by late day
A fight between two students at North Forsyth High School, Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Tuesday (December 9) led to a stabbing that left one student dead and another injured, according to Forsyth County Sheriffs Office.

Authorities were called to the school earlier in the morning, prompting a lockdown. The school was released early after the incident.

Officials described the situation as an altercation that resulted in a loss of life and said the investigation is still in its preliminary stages. They also stated there is no immediate threat to the community.

A significant police presence remains on campus as officers continue to investigate and gather information. Parents have arrived at the school amid the ongoing response.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein reacted on X, calling the incident shocking and horrible and offering prayers for the students and their families. He emphasized the importance of school safety and confirmed he had spoken with Sheriff Kimbrough to offer support.
Conservative activist Laura Loomer escalated her criticism of FBI Director Kash Patel on Tuesday (December 9), with a highly personal attack invoking Patels Indian heritage.

In a post on X, Loomer wrote: You are an Indian. Do you know the Qataris make Indians like you slaves under Kafala? They build their buildings with Indian slave labor.

She further chastised Patel for not confronting Qatari officials about migrant labor abuses: Did you tell the Qataris to stop enslaving your people and funding terrorists? This is just so shameful I advocated for you and now youre in Qatar. Its just such a let down.

Loomers personal tirade came as part of a broader campaign accusing Patel of aligning with pro-Islamic terror interests after he signed new bilateral security agreements with Qatar during a visit to Doha.

Accusations of aiding Islamification In earlier posts, Loomer claimed Patels actions would lead to the Islamification of our country and endanger American lives.

She wrote: FBI Director Kash Patel is in Qatar where he just signed MOUs with Qatars pro-Islamic terror Ministry of Interior and an intelligence sharing agreement.

Loomer alleged Patel was the latest US official compromised by Qatar, adding: Ultimately, its the American people who are going to pay the price for this shady wheeling and dealing with Qatari terrorists.

She also accused Patel of attending a Qatari-sponsored party at the Kennedy Center days earlier, calling his engagements proof of uniting with the funders of HAMAS and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Claims about Patels past consulting work Loomer resurfaced Patels earlier consulting work for Qatar, stating: FBI Director Kash Patel used to be a paid consultant for the government of Qatar.

She noted that Patel had listed the US Embassy of Qatar as a client of his firm, Trishul, and argued he never registered his lobbying with FARA, asserting this contradicts any Trump administration plan to target Qatar for its ties to Islamist groups.

Her post concluded: Now Kash Patel is partying with Jihadis.

Background on Patels Qatar agreements During his visit to Doha, Patel signed two memorandums of understanding with Qatari authorities to advance mechanisms of security cooperation including information-sharing, training, and capacity-building, according to Qatari state media.

In an ethics disclosure, Patel acknowledged providing consulting services for the Embassy of Qatar as recently as November 2024. He pledged to recuse himself from matters involving the country for one year unless authorized sooner. Although that period expired last month, Patel received a waiver in Marchshortly after his Senate confirmationallowing him to participate in Qatar-related work.

The waiver did not detail the scope of his involvement.

Also Read | Trumps green light for Nvidia chip sales to China sparks US security concerns
US President Donald Trump has authorised a 5% tariff on Mexico if it does not release a specific amount of water in a post on Truth Social, claiming that the latter's violation of a water treaty is posing challenges to 'BEAUTIFUL TEXAS CROPS AND LIVESTOCK'.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social said, "Mexico continues to violate our comprehensive Water Treaty, and this violation is seriously hurting our BEAUTIFUL TEXAS CROPS AND LIVESTOCK."

"Mexico still owes the U.S over 800,000 acre-feet of water for failing to comply with our Treaty over the past five years. The U.S needs Mexico to release 200,000 acre-feet of water before December 31st, and the rest must come soon after," he added.

"As of now, Mexico is not responding, and it is very unfair to our U.S. Farmers who deserve this much needed water. That is why I have authorized documentation to impose a 5% Tariff on Mexico if this water isn't released, IMMEDIATELY. The longer Mexico takes to release the water, the more our Farmers are hurt. Mexico has an obligation to FIX THIS NOW. Thank you for your attention to this matter!," Trump said.

The treaty President Trump is referring to in this post was signed way back in 1944. As per its terms, Mexico has to send 1.75 m acre-feet of water to the United States from Rio Grande every five years. The agreement also says that the US has to send Mexico 1.5 m acre-feet of water every year from the Colorado River.

Earlier this year, Brooke Rollins, the agriculture secretary in the Trump cabinet, had revealed that Mexico had agreed to supply more water to Texas in order to address a shortfall, as per the 1944 treaty.

Trump had issued a similar threat against Mexico earlier in April.

While the United States has been supplying water to Mexico, droughts have hampered recent deliveries, an issue that was kept in consideration in the 1944 accord.

Mexico supplied less than 30% of mandated volume International Boundary and Water Commission reveals that in the latest five-year cycle that ended in October, Mexico delivered less than 30% of the volume of water it was mandated to send.

However, Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has said that her country has complied with the treaty "to the extent water is available" as the country is suffering from three back-to-back years of drought.

Also Read | Trump aide Alina Habba to step down as US attorney for New Jerseyhere's why

She also said that she has submitted a proposal on short-term steps to address the water supply issue to US officials.
By Karen Freifeld and Alexandra Alper

Dec 9 - China hardliners and Democratic lawmakers slammed the Trump administration for its decision to allow Nvidia to ship its second-most advanced AI chip to China, citing concerns that Beijing could harness the technology to supercharge its military and ultimately bankrupt and replace Nvidia.

Republican President Donald Trump announced the move to allow H200 sales to China in a social media post on Monday, adding that the U.S. would collect a 25% fee on such sales, and that AMD and Intel would receive approval to sell similar chips there.

The decision "puts our competitive edge up for sale, all for a 25% cut of chip exports," said Brad Carson, a former Under Secretary of the Army. "When China starts supplying their military with AI built on U.S. chips, the world will regret this decision."

The White House, the Commerce Department and the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The move is the most dramatic example yet of Trump's new push toward relaxing restrictions on sales of advanced American AI technology to China, as he seeks expanded overseas markets for U.S. companies. He also faces Beijing's imposition of export controls on rare earth minerals, key ingredients for manufacturing a vast array of technology in the U.S. and abroad.

It marks a dramatic reversal from his first term, when Trump drew international attention by cracking down on Chinese access to U.S. technology, citing claims that Beijing steals American intellectual property and harnesses commercially obtained technology to bolster its military, which Beijing denies.

But the administration, led by White House AI czar David Sacks, now argues that shipping advanced AI chips to China discourages Chinese competitors like Huawei from redoubling efforts to catch up with Nvidia and AMD's most advanced chip designs.

If, in five years, AI chips made by sanctioned Chinese telecom equipment giant Huawei were everywhere, "that means we lost ... We can't let that happen," Sacks said at an event in January.

But many in Washington disagree. Stewart Baker, a former Homeland Security and National Security Agency official, said the notion that the U.S. can keep China dependent on U.S. chips by letting it have the H200 is a delusion.

Theres no world in which they are not going to continue to press as hard as possible to have a domestic industry that will ultimately have as its goal the bankruptcy of Nvidia and the dependence of the United States on Chinese AI, Baker said.

Democratic lawmakers echoed those views. Senator Ron Wyden accused Trump of getting "taken to the cleaners by China yet again," arguing that "every American will be less safe because of his terrible deal on AI technology." Meanwhile, U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi described the move as a "profound national security mistake and a gift to our top strategic competitor."

But some China hawks see the impact as more limited, including James Mulvenon, a Chinese military expert who authored a report that helped convince the first Trump administration to sanction Chinese chip manufacturer SMIC in 2020.

"Regardless of this decision, the Chinese government has made it clear that it is not their long-term strategic goal to be dependent on Nvidia or any other Western technology, so these gains will likely be transitory, he said.
A day after it came to light that New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani had appointed ex-convict rapper-turned-activist Mysonne Linen as a criminal justice advisor on his transition team, the widow of a cabbie mugged by the Mamdani appointee's former crew has spoken up.

"Are you crazy?," shocked woman from the Bronx told New York Post when she learnt that Linen, who served seven years in prison, had been named to advise Mamdani on the criminal justice system.

The woman went on to call the appoint plain "wrong""Somebody that committed that kind of crime and then you make him an advisor on criminality?," she told NYP.

49-year-old Linen was appointed last month in the 20-member criminal justice panel on Mamdani's transition team, a move that the rapper-turned-community activist hailed as a "testament to our decades of work advocating on behalf of black and brown communities and our expertise in gun violence prevention, legislative advocacy and criminal justice reform".

But, the widow of cabbie Joseph Eziri, who was mugged in the 1990s by a crew that Linen was part of, was having none of it.

Please  To me, he is no good. Why do you give him a position like that?, he was quoted as saying by NYP.

Recalling the harrowing night for Eziri, the woman further said, "My husband went to work that evening. Later in the night he called me, telling me that a guy that he picked up  I think it was on Ogden Avenue  took his money, and then he used a knife 

Eziri died of a heart attack last year, but the woman said that had he been around, he would have protested: He would protest against it, thats for sure. I know my husband.

Linen was among 400 New Yorkers who were appointed to various panels by Zohran Mamdani last month.

We put together a team of more than 400 New Yorkers who are on 17 different committees, and these are New Yorkers who bring with them both fluency of the policies and politics of the city, the places that theyve succeeded the places that they failed, Mamdani had said following the appointments.

What was Mysonne Linen in prison for? A promising rapper in the 1990s, Linen was convicted in 1999 for being part of a crew that pulled off heists on two New York cabbies, including Eziri, whose widow spoke with NYP.

Prosecutors at the time said that Linen and his crew were behind the 8 June 1997 mugging of Joseph Eziri, as well as the 31 March 1998 gunpoint theft from cabbie Francisco Monsanto.

Linen was slapped with a sentence of seven to 14 years, and was released on parole in 2006.

Following his release, the rapper turned to community service, volunteering as a violence interrupter and later founding Rising Kings, a non-profit group that holds classes for Rikers Island inmates.

Also Read | Mamdani tells immigrant New Yorkers about their right not to comply with ICE

Linen also reportedly joined hands with anti-Israel activist and Mamdani advisor Linda Sarsour to found social justice non-profit Until Freedom.

Despite Linen's recent record of community service and activism, many criticised Mamdani for the appointment, including Benny Boscio, president of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association, and John Chell, a recently retired NYPD Chief of Department.

In response, Linen's organization Until Freedom said that the rapper-turned-activist was focusing where it mattered.
A winter storm that hit the eastern coast of the US on Monday has prompted school closures and delayed opening times in several states, including Virginia and North Carolina.

Winter storm warnings and advisories have been issued across nine US states, with the National Weather Service (NWS) predicting up to 14 inches of snow in some places between Monday and Wednesday.

Where are schools closed? As per local media reports by Fox 5 and ABC-affiliate WRIC, schools are closed in the following Virginia counties:

Amelia County Public Schools

Brunswick County Public Schools

Buckingham County Public Schools

Caroline County Public Schools

Charles City County Public Schools

Chesterfield County Public Schools

Colonial Heights Public Schools

Cumberland County Public Schools

Dinwiddie County Public Schools

Fluvanna County Public Schools

Goochland County Public Schools

King and Queen County Public Schools

Louisa County Public Schools

Lunenburg County Public Schools

Mecklenburg County Public Schools

New Kent County Public Schools

Nottoway County Public Schools

Petersburg City Public Schools

Powhatan County Public Schools

Prince Edward County Public Schools

Richmond City Public Schools

Spotsylvania County Public Schools

Sussex County Public Schools Closures have also been announced in North Carolina, with WBTV reporting closures in:

Alleghany County Schools

Watauga County Schools West Virginia too, has announced school closures in some counties, as per WVNews:

Braxton

Clay

Fayette

Kanawha

Roane Where are school timings delayed? In several places, schools are not completely closed, but are either operating with delayed timings and/or shifting to remote learning.

In Virginia, Hanover County Public Schools have declared Employee Code 6 while Prince George County Public Schools have declared Employee Code 4.

King William County Public Schools and Henrico County Public Schools have called for flexible learning days. Hopewell City Public Schools, meanwhile, has kept its essential personnel on standby, as per WRIC.

Fox 5 also reported that Culpeper County Schools, Orange County Schools, and Page County Schools would open 2 hours late on Tuesday.

In North Carolina, meanwhile, there's been more delays than closures, with the following schools running late or declaring remote learning days, as per WBTV:

Alexander County Schools

American Renaissance School

Ashe County Public Schools

Avery County Schools

Burke County Public Schools

Cabarrus County Schools

Caldwell County Schools

Catawba County Schools

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools

Cleveland County Schools

Gaston County Schools

Gaston County Schools

Hickory City Schools

Iredell-Statesville Schools

Kannapolis City Schools

Lake Norman Christian School

Lincoln Charter Denver

Lincoln Charter Lincoln

Lincoln County Schools

McDowell County Schools

Mitchell County Schools

Newton Conover City Schools

Piedmont Community Charter School

Rowan-Salisbury Schools

Rutherford County Schools

Stanly County Schools

Sugar Creek Charter School

Victory Christian Academy

Western Piedmont Community College

Wilkes County Schools

Yancey County Schools In West Virginia, meanwhile, schools in several counties are running on delayed schedules, WVNews reported. They are:
Australia, one of the first major democracies is set to impose a ban on social media access for those under the age of 16, leaving a 15-year-old schoolboy anxious about how he will keep in touch with his circle of faraway friends. The ban, which will take effect from tomorrow, will apply to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit and Twitch.

Riley lives 5 kilometres (3 miles) from Wudinna  a community of just over 1,000 people in South Australia. However, some of his school friends live 70 kilometres away.

I dont think the impact will be very positive for us. We dont have a lot out here to get in contact with each other, Riley told ABC News. Im not sure how were going to keep in touch over the holidays with each other, he said, referring to the Southern Hemisphere summer break that starts on Thursday.

Also Read | Australia will enforce a social media ban for children under 16 despite a court challenge

Rileys mother, Sonia Allen, a schoolteacher, said she would not help her son bypass the social media ban, though she suspects some other parents might.

I wouldnt. I do know there are other people that would. If the rule is there, the rule is there. But I know what kids are like, and Ive been a kid before, and theyre going to get around it if they can, she explained.

Also Read | Malaysian government to implement social media ban for under-16s from 2026

Although the law does not allow parents to permit their children to use social media, Allen believes parents still have an important role in guiding and monitoring their childrens online activity.

A year ago, she temporarily barred Riley from using social media for several weeks.

In the past with Riley, weve had to take measures to limit his usage because we found him on social media at midnight and he wasnt getting his homework done and things like that. We ended up taking it off him for a couple of months, Allen said. From that, hes learned to use it a more responsibly.

Riley, who will turn 16 in April, acknowledged the purpose of the ban but suggested alternative ways to achieve it. He proposed an enforced 10 p.m. social media curfew for younger children to prevent them from losing sleep.

How will Australias under-16 social media ban work? Australia has introduced a new law aimed at protecting young people from the negative effects of social media. Under this legislation, anyone under 16 will be barred from using social media platforms, with the rules coming into effect on December 10.

The ban does not impose penalties on children or their parents. Instead, it places responsibility on social media companies, requiring them to take reasonable steps to verify that users are at least 16. Platforms that fail to comply could face fines of up to Aus$49.5 million for the most serious breaches.

The law also sets out certain exemptions. Major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok fall under the ban, along with streaming services like Kick and Twitch. However, some popular apps  including Roblox, Pinterest and WhatsApp  are currently excluded from the restrictions.

Also Read | Australian govt urged to reconsider approval for Adani project

The government stated that certain platforms would be exempt from the under-16 social media ban if their main focus is on specific functions, including:

Sending messages, emails, or making voice and video calls

Playing online games

Sharing details about products or services

Professional networking or career development

Educational purposes

Health-related services

Communication between schools and students or their families
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair will not get a key role on Donald Trumps Gaza peace council after several Arab and Muslim nations reportedly objected to his inclusion, according to reports.

Blair has been quietly dropped from consideration for the proposed advisory group or board of peace, which Trump has said he would chair himself, according to The Financial Times (FT).

Blair was the only name publicly mentioned for a possible role on the council when President Trump announced his 20-point plan to end the IsraelHamas war in September. President Trump had praised Blair as a very good man.

A month later, however, Trump said, Ive always liked Tony, but I want to find out that hes an acceptable choice to everybody.

Why did Blair spark reactions from the Arab World? However, Blair's name for the role sparked reactions from Arab and Muslim countries.

While Blairs supporters said he had helped end years of conflict in Northern Ireland, his critics argued that he did very little in his role as the representative of the Quartet  the UN, EU, US and Russia  which was meant to push for peace in the Middle East, according to a report in The Guardian

Many people across the Arab world view Blair with suspicion and anger because of his support for the US-led Iraq invasion in 2003.

Reports about Blair's withdrawal come despite claims that he had an unpublicized meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in late November to discuss plans, according to a report in The Times of Israel.

Could play a less central role The Financial Times report suggests, quoting sources, that Blair could still play a less central role in the proposed plan. Blairs office has not yet commented on the reports.

In another report, Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law and former White House adviser, and Steve Witkoff, US Middle East envoy, will help oversee the post-war Gaza. Both men helped negotiate the recent ceasefire and will now assume key roles in rebuilding the territory, according to the report.

Under the US plan, which Trump is expected to announce before Christmas, Kushner and Witkoff would be on the executive board of the board that will manage Gaza's reconstruction, The Telegraph reports. This board will be chaired by Trump and comprises Arab and European leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

What is Trump's Gaza 'Board of Peace'? In September, US President Donald Trump unveiled this 20-point peace plan for Gaza and called for establishing an international oversight body, calling it the board of peace.

Trump made the announcement at a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, stating that the oversight body will be headed by him and Blair.

The board of peace, also called the peace council, is part of Trumps plan and is meant to be an international transitional authority to govern and rebuild Gaza in the aftermath of war. Under the plan, Gazas daily governance would be handled by a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, while the Peace Council would oversee funding, reconstruction, security and administration until a Palestinian government is ready to take over.

Last month, the United Nations Security Council voted 13-0 to endorse President Trumps 20-point plan for peace in Gaza.

Ive always liked Tony, but I want to find out that hes an acceptable choice to everybody.

Trump's Gaza peace council  which also had input from Tony Blairs Institute for Global Change (TGI)  also faced criticism because it did not give a clear timeline for creating a Palestinian state. It also suggested that Gaza should be governed under a different system from the West Bank, raising concerns that the two Palestinian regions might no longer be seen as one unified entity.
Day after massive 7.6 magnitude quake hit Japan just off the coast of Aomori injuring at least 33 people, the authorities have issued a potential megaquake warning for the area, according to a report by NHK Japan. A warning of possible aftershocks in the coming days has also been issued by the authorities.

According to NHK Japan, a major earthquake could also trigger a tsunami along the Pacific coast from Hokkaido to Chiba Prefecture.

Residents in these areas have been advised to stay on alert over the next week, even though no evacuation advisory has been issued. This is the first alert of its kind since the warning category was introduced in 2022.

Tsukasa Morikubo, a Cabinet member, said in a press conference after the earthquake that that a megaquake could strike along the Japan Trench and the Kuril Trench off Hokkaido.

It is unclear whether a large-scale earthquake will occur. But everyone should heed the call to take precautions to protect their own lives, Tsukasa Morikubo said.

At least 33 people were injured after 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture at 11:15 p.m (local time) on Monday, December 8, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported.

Most injuries were caused by falling objects. Several people were hurt in a hotel in Hachinohe. In Tohoku, a man sustained minor injuries when his car fell into a hole.

The earthquake was recorded at the depth of 54 kilometers, from an initial estimate of 50 kilometers. As soon as the massive earthquake struck Japan, the Japanese authorities sounded tsunami warning.

Soon after, hundreds took to Twitter (now X), sharing photos and videos capturing the moment the quake hit. The clips showed chandeliers swaying, items tumbling off shelves, and buildings shaking as residents rushed to safety.

Authorities had issued a tsunami warning for Iwate Prefecture and parts of Hokkaido and Aomori.

At the Kuji Port in Iwate, a tsunami measuring 70 centimeters was observed. In Hokkaido, a 50-centimeter tsunami was seen in Urakawa Town and a 40-centimeter tsunami was observed at Mutsuogawara Port in Aomori Prefecture.

As many as 3,000 people were evacuated after the tsunami warning.

The meteorological agency said there is a slight increase in risk of a magnitude 8-level quake and possible tsunami occurring along Japan's northeastern coast from Chiba to Hokkaido.

The agency urged residents in 182 municipalities in the area to monitor their emergency preparedness in the coming week.
A New York judge has cleared the release of grand jury materials from the criminals proceedings of Ghislaine Maxwell case, under the new Epstein Files transparency act, signed into a law by President Donald Trump. The grand jury materials could amount to hundreds or thousands of previously unreleased documents.

US District Judge Paul Engelmayer had earlier denied the release of the transcripts and evidence in the Ghislaine Maxwell case. Under the Epstein transparency law, the judge signed the release of the material.

Engelmayer said he would establish a mechanism to prevent the accidental release of any materials that could identify victims or compromise their privacy.

The ruling, in the wake of the passage last month of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, means the records could be made public within 10 days. The law requires the Justice Department provide Epstein-related records to the public in a searchable format by December 19.

Also Read | Epstein survivors demand DOJ unseal remaining files amid Trump mentions

Also Read | Jeffrey Epstein case: House to vote next week on full files disclosure

Ghislaine Maxwell, 63, was convicted of participating in Jeffrey Epsteins sex trafficking of women and girls and is serving a 20 year sentence in a Texas prison. The US Supreme Court rejected her bid to overturn the conviction in October.

The latest request to release the grand jury materials follows the passage of the transparency act, which came on the heels of months of pressure to disclose more information related to the convicted sex offender.

A federal judge in Florida last week granted the justice department a similar request to release the grand jury material from the investigations into the Epstein case in the 2000s.

A request to release records from Epsteins 2019 sex trafficking case is still pending.

The bill passed by the Republican-controlled Congress required US Attorney General Pam Bondi to release unclassified files related to its investigations of Epstein and Maxwell.

Epstein, a financier, was arrested in July 2019 on sex trafficking charges, a month before he was found dead in a federal jail cell. The death was ruled a suicide. Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking charges in December 2021. She is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Maxwell, a British socialite, was moved over the summer from a federal prison in Florida to a prison camp in Texas as her criminal case generated renewed public attention.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, 9 December, dismissed Priyanka Gandhi Vadras charge that the ongoing Vande Mataram debate was politically timed ahead of the Bengal elections. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Amit Shah accused Priyanka Gandhi of diminishing the importance of the national song.

Responding to her remarks and accusing the Congress MP of attempting to create a political narrative where none existed, Amit Shah said, Some people want to diminish the importance of Vande Mataramby trying to link it to Bengal elections. I think they need to reconsider their understanding.

Amist Shah said that Congress MPs are questioning the need for discussions on Vande Mataram, calling it a political strategy and a way of diverting attention from the issues.

Nobody is scared of discussions on issues. We are not the ones boycotting the Parliament. If they want to discuss, they need to stop boycotting, and all discussions will take place. We are not scared of or trying to hide anything, the Union home minister said.

Furthering his attack on the Congress, Amit Shah brought up Jawaharlal Nehru and said, When the golden jubilee of Vande Mataram was due, Jawaharlal Nehru limited the national song to two stanzas. When Vande Mataram was limited after it completed 50 years, that is when appeasement started. That appeasement led to the partition of the country.

Shah claimed that had Congress not divided Vande Mataram for appeasement, the country would not have been divided into two. When Vande Mataram completed 100 years, an Emergency was imposed. There was no scope for the glorification of the national song.

Taking a swipe at Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Amit Shah charged that both were absent from the House, adding that the Congress has consistently opposed Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram " is an immortal creation that evokes a sense of duty and dedication towards Mother India. Discussion of Vande Mataram in both Houses will help future generations understand its true importance, glory, the home minister said, urging the MPs to inculcate the spirit of Vande Mataram among the younger generation.

Priyanka Gandhi had fired shots at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what she claimed was spending time debating the national song while neglecting peoples real problems.

Today, the people of the country are unhappy, distressed, and surrounded by problems, and you are not solving them, she said, adding, We are having this debate here today for two reasons. Firstly, the Bengal elections are approaching, and our Prime Minister wants to play his role in them. And the second reason is...that the government wants an opportunity to level new accusations against those who fought for freedom.

Speaking of Jawaharlal Nehru, Priyanka Gandhi said the former Prime Minister was in jail for 12 years, fighting for the country's freedom.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, participating in the discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha, pointed out that the Constitution guarantees complete freedom of thought and religion, and linking patriotism to any religion or symbol is against constitutional norms.

The Hyderabad MP said citizens cannot be compelled to show reverence to any deity and emphasised that no "loyalty certificates" should be demanded from them.

Also Read | PM Modi To Akhilesh Yadav: Top Moments From Vande Mataram Debate

Vande Mataram is India's national song, which translates to Mother, I Bow to Thee.

In a post on X, Owaisi, referring to his speech during the special discussion in the Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, wrote, When the very first page of the Constitution itself grants complete freedom of thought, expression, belief, religion, and worship, then how can any citizen be compelled to worship any god or deity, or to prostrate in reverence?

During his speech, he stated that he hopes the government does not force it, adding that he understands that Vande Mataram was a call for freedom, but that, if forced, it would violate the Constitution. He also said, "A certificate of loyalty should not be demanded."

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to Parliament on Monday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a strong attack on the Congress, alleging fragmentation of Vande Mataram and appeasement politics.

Addressing the Lok Sabha during a discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Rajnath Singh said that the National Anthem had found a place in the national consciousness, but the National Song had been marginalised.

Singh emphasised that Vande Mataram will remain the immortal song of national sentiment.

Acknowledging the contribution of the national song 'Vande Mataram' in India's freedom struggle, he said that the British government issued a circular against it, but the people did not stop singing it.

Vande Mataram was not mere words but emotions, a poem, a pulse and a philosophy. Not just in India, but it also served as a mantra for Indians living abroad. In 1912, when Gopal Krishna Gokhale arrived in South Africa, he was greeted with slogans of Vande Mataram. Shahid Bhagat Singh and Shahid Chandrashekhar Azad's letters began with Vande Mataram, while it was also the last words of Madanlal Dhingra. It is not just a song but the essence of nationalism, Singh added.

Earlier on Monday, PM Modi criticised Rahul Gandhi for his absence during discussions in Parliament, asserting that the Congress compromised on the national song and "surrendered before the Muslim League".

Serious discussion is going on in Parliament, but LoP Rahul Gandhi is not present in the House. First Nehru, now Rahul Gandhi, has shown disregard for Vande Mataram, the prime minister said.

When the very first page of the Constitution itself grants complete freedom of thought, expression, belief, religion, and worship, then how can any citizen be compelled to worship any god or deity?

The 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha commenced on Monday, 1 December, marking the beginning of the Winter Session of Parliament. The session will conclude on 19 December.
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)  Riley Allen, a 15-year-old schoolboy living on an Outback sheep ranch, doesnt know how hell keep in touch with his circle of far-flung friends once Australia's world-first social media ban takes effect on Wednesday.

Rileys family lives 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Wudinna, a community of just over 1,000 in South Australia state. But some of his school friends live as far as 70 kilometers (43 miles) away.

I dont think the impact will be very positive for us. We dont have a lot out here to get in contact with each other, Riley said.

Im not sure how were going to keep in touch over the holidays with each other, he said, referring to the Southern Hemisphere summer break that starts on Thursday.

Riley and others younger than 16 will be banned by law from holding accounts with Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube and Twitch from Wednesday. The platforms face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32.9 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove the accounts.

Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, was the first tech giant to react, beginning to exclude suspected young children from last week.

Riley holds accounts with most of the age-restricted platforms and had been asked by some to verify that he is at least 16. But by Monday, he had not been ousted by any.

Rileys schoolteacher mother, Sonia Allen, said she wouldnt help her son get around the ban, but suspects other parents will.

I wouldnt. I do know there are other people that would. If the rule is there, the rule is there. But I know what kids are like, and Ive been a kid before, and theyre going to get around it if they can, she said.

While the law allows parents no discretion to allow their children to hold social media accounts, Allen said there was a role for parents in regulating their childrens social media use.

A years ago, she banned Riley from social media for several weeks.

In the past with Riley, weve had to take measures to limit his usage because we found him on social media at midnight and he wasnt getting his homework done and things like that. We ended up taking it off him for a couple of months, Allen said. From that, hes learned to use it a more responsibly.

Riley, who turns 16 in April, said he understood the bans objectives, but there are other ways to achieve them. He suggested a 10 p.m. enforced social media curfew for young children to prevent them losing sleep.

Riley has an ally in Australias largest city, Sydney: schoolboy Noah Jones, who turns 16 in August.

Noah is one of two 15-year-old plaintiffs in a constitutional challenge to the law in the High Court. The other in the case brought by the Sydney-based rights group Digital Freedom Project is schoolgirl Macy Neyland.

They claim the law improperly robs 2.6 million young Australians of a right to freedom of political communication implied in Australias constitution.

The Australian government is committed to defeating the challenge on behalf of what they say is an overwhelming majority of parents who demand government action against social media harms.

Many restricted children have told media they welcome their exclusion from platforms with design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens while also serving up content that can harm their health and well-being.

The parents group Heaps Up Alliance, that lobbied for the social media age restriction, backs the theory behind the blanket ban that when everybody misses out, nobody misses out.

Before Parliament passed the ban last year, more than 140 Australian and international academics with expertise in fields related to technology and child welfare signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opposing a social media age limit as too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively.

Noah said the ban would lead to young Australians swapping from age-restricted platforms to more dangerous, less regulated options.

Im against this social media ban because as young Australians, well be completely silenced and cut off from our country and the rest of the world, Noah said. Weve just grown up with this our entire lives, and now it's just being taken away from us all of a sudden. We wouldnt even know what else we could do.

His mother, Renee Jones, is also involved in the court case as her sons litigation guardian, because as a child he cant make legal decisions himself.

She considers herself a relatively strict parent on social media, and never allowed Noah or his two older brothers to take devices into their bedrooms. But she supports Noahs stance.

My parents would never have dreamed that my children could be so fortunate to have this library of knowledge, Jones said.

But I really credit Noah as a young person who recognizes the dangers of social media. Its not all sunshine and lollypops, she added.

Digital Freedom Project president John Ruddick, who is also a state lawmaker for the minor Libertarian Party, said he had initially intended to apply for a court injunction in a bid to prevent the ban taking effect on Wednesday. But his lawyers advised against it.

A directions hearing will be held in late February to set a hearing date for the constitutional challenge that will be heard by the full bench of seven judges.

Ruddick said the case wasnt funded by any tech giant, but they would be extremely welcome to make a financial contribution.

Ruddick expected children would get around the ban by means including using virtual private networks to make them appear to be offshore.

Theyre going to get around it so theyre then going to be on an underground social media and, to make it worse, without parental supervision, Ruddick said.
As the holiday shopping season gathers pace and tax filing season edges closer, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is urging Americans to stay alert. Federal officials say scam attempts tend to spike in the final weeks of the year, often targeting taxpayers when spending is high and attention is divided.

The agencys latest advisory focuses on identity theft and fraud schemes that exploit confusion around refunds, credits, and digital communication.

With the holiday shopping season underway and tax season quickly approaching, we are urging taxpayers and tax professionals to take extra steps to protect their financial and tax information, said IRS CEO Frank Bisignano.

He added that criminals often use this period to trick people into sharing sensitive data, which can then be used to file false returns and claim refunds.

Identity protection highlighted in the IRS advisory At the centre of the warning is the Identity Protection PIN or IP PIN. It is a six-digit number that blocks anyone else from filing a tax return using a taxpayers Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

The IRS says taxpayers do not need to be victims of fraud to request one. Anyone with an SSN or ITIN, including those living outside the United States, can proactively sign up for an IP PIN to reduce the risk of fraudulent filings.

Common holiday scams flagged by the IRS The agency has flagged several tactics it sees repeatedly during the holidays.

Social media scams: Social media scams remain a growing concern. Posts claiming access to secret tax credits or promising large refunds often push users to falsify details on tax forms. Some may redirect people to fraudsters posing as advisors or IRS representatives.

Phishing and smishing scams: Phishing and smishing attempts continue through email and text messages. These messages often demand immediate payment or urge recipients to click links or download attachments, which can expose personal or financial information.

Senior citizens: Scams targeting older adults are another focus. Fraudsters frequently target people aged 65 and above, asking for money or financial details. In some cases, seniors are pressured into withdrawing retirement funds, which can create further tax complications.

Scams targeting seniors, businesses and tax professionals The IRS also addressed businesses and tax professionals, reminding them of their obligation to maintain a Written Information Security Plan and use multi-factor authentication. Officials emphasised that outdated systems continue to be a common entry point for cyberattacks.

As the agency notes, most scams rely on creating a sense of urgency and confusion. As the holiday season approaches, the reminder is to pause, verify, and avoid sharing personal or tax information unless the source is clearly legitimate.

FAQs What holiday scams is the IRS warning about? The IRS has warned about phishing emails, smishing texts, social media tax scams, and fraud targeting seniors and businesses.

What is an IRS Identity Protection PIN? An IP PIN is a six-digit code that helps prevent scammers from filing fake tax returns using a taxpayers information.
Conservative commentator and author Candace Owens claimed on Tuesday (December 9) via Instagram Stories that she received an anonymous tip from a US military source. She described it as an email from "a man in the military," alleging Pentagon involvement in the September 10 assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

Owens wrote, "It feels like today will be the day that the government can no longer deny it. Charlie Kirk was assassinated and our military was involved." She referred to the email as an "immediately answered prayer" and said she would share full details later, though no evidence or screenshots were provided.

View full Image Candace Owens' Instagram Story

Longstanding conspiracy claims This post is the latest in Owens months-long probe into Kirks death. Since the September 10 assassination, Owens has repeatedly promoted conspiracy theories suggesting external involvement, including alleging Israeli involvement and implicating TPUSA's senior leadership.

Authorities, including the FBI, have ruled the attack a lone-gunman incident motivated by Robinsons opposition to Kirks conservative activism. No evidence has been found to support any conspiracy or involvement of external parties, including the US military.

Also Read | US judge clears release of grand jury materials in Ghislaine Maxwell case
A Virginia liquor store incident that began as a routine break-in has now spun into a viral moment - and a marketing hook. Late on 29 November, a raccoon entered a Virginia ABC liquor store in Ashland, in Hanover County, broke open several bottles of alcohol, consumed the contents, and was later found unconscious on the floor of the stores bathroom. Officials described the animal as very intoxicated.

The raccoon was eventually removed by Hanover Animal Protection and Control, checked for injuries, and released back into the wild hours later. No permanent harm was reported.

The viral drunk raccoon incident at the Virginia ABC Surveillance footage released after the incident shows the raccoon roaming through the store after hours, knocking over bottles, leaving broken glass along the hallway, and stopping repeatedly to drink spilt liquor. The video ends with the animal staggering into a restroom, where it was later discovered passed out.

Hanover County officials later joked that the raccoon appeared to suffer only from a hangover and poor life choices.

The clip quickly spread online, earning the animal the nickname trashed panda and prompting widespread social media attention.

New cocktail menu inspired by the viral raccoon Virginia ABC moved swiftly to respond to the viral moment. The agency introduced three raccoon-inspired cocktails on its official website: the Rye Rascal Sour, Trash Panda Old Fashioned, and Midnight Gin Fizz.

Each drink follows a classic recipe structure, using two ounces of the featured spirit, along with subtle additions tied to the event. The Old Fashioned includes brown sugar syrup, while the sour adds maple syrup.

Viral aftermath and public reaction The raccoons brief notoriety expanded beyond the store. On 5 December, Prohibition Repeal Day, Spirited Virginia shared an illustrated image of a raccoon sitting at a bar holding bourbon.

Local officials also released Trashed Panda merchandise, including T-shirts featuring a sketch of the animal.

The story reached pop culture territory when comedian Sarah Sherman portrayed the raccoon during Saturday Night Lives Weekend Update, performing in a full costume and joking about raccoons reputation.

For now, officials say the animal has returned to its natural habitat. The liquor store has reopened. The cocktails remain online  a rare case of wildlife, surveillance footage, and spirits colliding into a single headline.

FAQs What happened at the Virginia liquor store? A raccoon entered a Virginia ABC store, broke multiple liquor bottles, drank alcohol, and was later found passed out inside the restroom.
The Donald Trump-led administration in the United States has revoked as many as 85,000 visas across various categories since January, CNN quoted a State Department official as saying. This is more than double the number recorded in 2024.

This comes amid the broader push by the US government to target immigrants in the country as well as limit who can come to the US. The official stated that the actions were taken to protect American communities, besides enforcing public-safety standards.

What to know? The high number of US visa revocations included over 8,000 student visas. The State Department official highlighted on Monday, December 8, that major reasons behind revoking the visas included driving under the influence (DUIs), theft, and assaults. Altogether, these accounted for "almost half of the revocations in the past year," CNN quoted the official as saying.

No details were provided for the other half of the revocations in 2025. Earlier, the State Department justified visa revocations by pointing towards expirations and support for terrorism.

In October, some visas were revoked for those who allegedly "celebrated" the murder of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk. Also, the officials have targeted international students, who remained active in protests against the conflict in Gaza.

In August, an official from the department said that they planned to implement a continuous vetting policy for all of the more than 55 million foreigners holding valid US visas.

Stringent actions under Donald Trump During the second term of the Trump administration, the State Department has broadened the criteria to scrutinise visa applications, allowing people to stay in the US.

Recently, an internal memo from the department stated that an individual involved in "censorship" of free speech can be considered for rejection, according to Reuters.

The US administration has increased vetting of H-1B visa applicants. This helps US employers to hire foreign workers across multiple speciality fields.

The memo was sent across all US missions on 2 December. Under this, consular officers will be required to review the resumes or LinkedIn profiles of H-1B applicants, as well as those of their accompanying family members.

"If you uncover evidence an applicant was responsible for, or complicit in, censorship or attempted censorship of protected expression in the United States, you should pursue a finding that the applicant is ineligible," under a specific article of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Reuters quoted the memo as saying.

FAQs 1. Why did the Trump administration revoke 85,000 visas in 2025? According to officials, visas were revoked for reasons like DUIs, theft, assaults, and other public-safety concerns. Some were also tied to protests or alleged support for harmful activities.
TBI says the investigation is in its early stages.
Farmers in Longford will benefit from the continued availability of the nitrates derogation.

Deputy Micheal Carrigy welcomed the announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon that Ireland has secured the continued availability of the nitrates derogation, which is great news for derogation farmers in Longford.

Securing continued availability of the nitrates derogation has been a key priority for Fine Gael. Im delighted to see that agreement was reached with the Commission on a three-year implementing decision providing for the derogation.

The implementing decision sets out the conditions for the derogation, including the need to show compliance with the Habitats Directive.

Also read: Longford Storm Bram Alert: council shares vital contacts and links

I want to recognise Minister Heydon for bringing Commissioner Roswal to Ireland in November, which was such an important component to todays decision. She saw first-hand the importance of the nitrates derogation to Irish farmers.

I want to recognise the Commissioners engagement with stakeholders and in particular the visit to a typical Irish family farm. The family farm model, based on animals being outdoors, is the cornerstone of our sustainability.

Improving water quality is a critical part of continued access to the nitrates derogation. Irish farmers take their environmental responsibilities very seriously and are on a journey of continuous improvement. This objective is shared by all of industry, stakeholders and farmers.

Also read: 'People dont just want gifts, they want meaning' - buy gifts from Longford business

We will continue to work with farmers on this journey, on the task of improving water quality and ensuring continued availability of the derogation beyond the current decision. This must be our priority now as we chart our way forward, concluded Deputy Micheal Carrigy.

The European Commission's decision to extend Ireland's Nitrates Derogation for a further three years, has also been welcomed by MEP Ciaran Mullooly, however, he voiced serious concerns about the additional conditions introduced by the Commission.

"The new 5% reduction in allowable nitrogen use is not based on any scientific evidence presented by the Commission. Farmers deserve decisions that are grounded in data, not arbitrary restrictions."

He noted that the increased buffer-zone requirements will place further pressure on certain farmers in designated areas, potentially limiting production capacity without a clear environmental justification.

Also read: Major award for Longford designer and cohorts for Omra Nest project

Mullooly emphasised that farmers continue to feel frustrated and unfairly singled out, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the true causes of water quality issues.

"Farmers have repeatedly raised legitimate concerns that the rivers under surveillance are being affected by non-farming sources - including local authority discharges into the very same rivers and estuaries. Any assessment of water quality must look at all contributors, not just agriculture."

He also highlighted major uncertainty around forthcoming Habitat Directive assessments, including what methodology will be used and how the Commission intends to determine whether the Nitrates Derogation has any measurable impact on protected habitats.

Also read: Longford campaigner hits out at rude EU Commission over discrimination case

Mullooly reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that EU environmental regulations are fair, proportionate, and compatible with modern farming practices.

"I said when I was elected that I would work to secure the Nitrates Derogation for Irish farmers - and today, that has been achieved. My focus now is ensuring that future regulations support farmers rather than undermine them."
Longford Civil Defence held its annual presentation evening at Aras an Chontae, Longford County Council, recognising the exceptional commitment and skill of volunteers who serve their community throughout the year.



The event celebrated volunteers who completed rigorous training across multiple disciplines. Certificates were awarded in cardiac first response, emergency first response, missing person search, radio communications, food safety, manual handling, adverse weather driving, critical incident stress management, and bicycle proficiency.

Read more: It's like a prison fence: Longford group bring battle against solar farm to Oireachtas



Five volunteers received their stripes after completing their probationary period, whilst several were presented with 75th anniversary commemorative medals marking the organisation's milestone year.

10-Year Service Awards

Three volunteers were honoured for a decade of dedicated service to their community.



Michael Canning received recognition for his steadfast commitment and willingness to exceed expectations. Known for his supportive nature and reliability, Michael has built strong friendships within the unit whilst consistently showing up for duties and training.



Paddy Howe was acknowledged for his dual role as both Civil Defence volunteer and missing person search instructor. Beyond his Civil Defence work, Paddy is active on numerous parish committees in Ballinamuck and brings valuable expertise in grant applications alongside his affable manner.



Yvonne Leslie Donaghy was celebrated for her work coordinating the Ballinamuck responder group and supporting other groups getting started. Yvonne provided crucial assistance during Storm Eowyn and the Ukrainian crisis.



Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Gary Murtagh said, "These volunteers demonstrate extraordinary dedication to their communities. Their willingness to respond at a moment's notice, to train continuously, and to provide life-saving assistance shows the true spirit of public service."



Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said, "Civil Defence volunteers are an invaluable asset to County Longford. The skills and commitment on display at the recent presentation evening reflect the high standards maintained across the organisation, and we are grateful for the countless hours these individuals contribute to keeping our communities safe."

Read more: Clear out for a good cause! Longford Arts Team wants your old bikes and go carts



The event also welcomed former volunteers and family members, recognising the support networks that enable volunteers to commit their time and energy to Civil Defence duties.



Civil Defence officers highlighted that 2025 marked the organisation's 75th anniversary, with volunteers continuing the tradition of emergency response, search and rescue, medical support, and community assistance established in 1950.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Crafters for County Longford Hospice Homecare held their annual fundraising Christmas sale in the lobby of Dunnes Stores on Friday, November 21, where they were selling tickets to win one of the hampers that contained handmade goods.



Sponsored by Dunnes, this Christmas stand was in aid of County Longford Hospice Homecare, so that those in need of care can stay in their own homes instead of a hospital, if they want to.

Read more: The money raised on Christmas Day does save lives: Longford GOAL Mile to return



Helping to organise the event, Una Devine, came to chat about Crafters for County Longford Hospice Homecare. She explained how people can follow and join the groups Facebook page if they want to get involved or see what the group does for charity.



Overall, wed have fifteen to twenty people. Some would be making things. Others would just be supporting. Others are brilliant at selling, she explained about the various roles.



Una continued, All of us have different roles, and some multitask. We have a core crew, but were always open to people coming in if they can crochet, knit, make things with paper, cross-stitch; any kind of handmade craft. Its mainly a core crew since the beginning. They were formed in 2022, and I found them in SuperValu and I didnt know what they were doing.



The efforts behind this Christmastime event have been showing the generosity of Longford town. Shoppers who came to Dunnes stopped to buy a ticket for the chance of winning a hamper, but also to donate for the good cause.



As Una said, there may be a time when any family may need the help of the hospice, and that helping means that more people can receive assistance and comfort.



Not only is making the crafts for the stand good for the charitable cause, but as a personal journey, Una has described it as therapeutic. Even when watching a favourite television show, doing handcrafts means that you are staying busy while making something beautiful.



What excited me about Crafters for County Longford Hospice Homecare is because Im a compulsive crocheter, maker, writer in terms of creativity. But I found it hard to find an outlet. Id boxes of stuff, giving them away as presents. I wanted to use them to raise money. When I saw the hospice stall in Supervalu, it was a match made in Heaven. My own history with my fatherit married absolutely everything.

Read more: A magical festive evening in St Mel's Cathedral with Longford County Choir



With Christmas being a time of giving and generosity, Una had a final comment to make to everyone:



I just want to say thanks so much to everybody who has supported us. To think of us if they win a prize, all the work that went into it. One day, their family may benefit from hospice. Last to say, have an absolutely wonderful Christmas. Its a special time of the year, and hopefully were helping somebody.
The identities of three operatives of Hamass financial apparatus in Turkey published by the Israeli military. (IDF International Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani on X)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) revealed new intelligence pointing to a significant Hamas financial apparatus operating within Turkey under direct Iranian supervision. According to IDF Arabic spokesperson Colonel Avichay Adraee, the network has facilitated the movement of hundreds of millions of dollars to Hamass leadership and operatives. The information was released on Sunday alongside captured documentation obtained during Israeli operations.

The materials indicate that Hamas has constructed a sophisticated financial platform led by money changersprimarily Gazan expatriates living in Turkeywho have exploited Turkish banking and commercial infrastructure to fund terrorism. Israel assesses that these operatives managed large-scale economic activities, including the reception of Iranian capital, its laundering and storage, and the subsequent transfer of funds into Gaza and other Hamas-aligned nodes across the region.

The IDF and Shin Bet publicly identified three individuals involved with the financing network in Turkey. Tamar Hassan, reportedly works directly under the leadership of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya and is a leader within Hamass de facto finance ministry. In addition, Khalil Farwana and Farid Abu Dayir were named as key facilitators working within the broader network of exchange companies.

Hamas agents in Turkey channel funds for terrorist purposes, Adraee commented, adding, One wonders what a member of NATO is doing helping to facilitate terrorism. The IDF spokesmans accusation reflects a growing Israeli concern that Ankara is allowing its territoryand its financial systemto enable Iranian-controlled terror financing structures.

Israels assessment is that Hamas, energized by Iranian sponsorship, continues to pursue terrorist plotting and capability reconstruction from outside Gaza, despite the wars heavy toll on its infrastructure inside the territory. The IDF and the Shin Bet have warned that any entitycommercial or governmentalengaging with this network should expect repercussions.

The Iranian regime continues to be nose-deep in terrorism and corruption, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said. The ambassador stated that the latest intelligence adds to mounting evidence illustrating a convergence between Tehrans regional proxy strategy and Ankaras permissive approach to Hamas operations.

Hamass use of Turkish-based operatives illustrates that the group has diversified its financial footprint to evade sanctions and border controls. In addition, the financing network indicates that Iran is leveraging Turkeys economic ecosystem to enable the regeneration of a regional proxy.

Sinan Ciddi is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where he contributes to its Turkey Program and Center on Economic and Financial Power. You can follow Sinan on X @sinanciddi.
A jury found a Boston man guilty on half of the charges against him last week in connection with a September 2024 attack on a homeless woman "that left her bruised, bloodied and screaming for help," the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office announced Monday.

Dorchester resident Anthony Dew, 43, was convicted on charges of assault and battery causing serious bodily injury, assault and battery and strangulation in Suffolk County Superior Court, the district attorneys office said in a press release. The judge in the case declared a mistrial on the three other charges against him: rape, attempted murder and assault with intent to murder.

The charges stem from a Sept. 8, 2024, incident that prosecutors say began with Dew approaching a 51-year-old homeless woman and inviting her to take drugs with him, the district attorneys office said. He is accused of bringing the woman to his mothers home on Evelyn Street in Boston before raping, beating and strangling her.

Dew fled the scene following the attack, leaving the woman "bloodied, undressed and screaming for help in the driveway" of the home, the district attorneys office wrote. At the scene, officers found her with her jeans pulled down to her ankles and a T-shirt soaked in what appeared to officers to be blood.

As officers approached the victim, she screamed he raped me and pointed to an apartment. The victim told police the man who attacked her lived there and had raped and beat her as she went in and out of consciousness, the district attorneys office wrote.

The officers could see that the woman was spitting up blood, and that her face was covered in it, the district attorneys office said. They also found her hair on a set of stairs leading out of the apartment.

The woman was left with bruises all over her body, and her mouth, jaw and both of her eyes had swelled, the district attorneys office said. First responders took her from the scene to a local hospital.

A DNA sample was recovered from the victims underwear, the district attorneys office said. A few weeks after the attack, the FBIs crime scene DNA database linked Dews profile to the recovered DNA.

On Friday, the judge in the case sentenced Dew to seven-and-a-half to nine years in state prison on the three charges he has been convicted of thus far, the district attorneys office said. Dew is set to return to court on Jan. 21, 2026, for a status hearing on the remaining charges.

Im grateful that this defendant has been held accountable for some of the serious charges in this vicious attack, and I wish the victim a full recovery from the physical and psychological trauma she suffered, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in the release. We will address the remaining charges at the appropriate time, but for now were pleased with this initial measure of justice.

Dew was previously convicted on five sex trafficking charges in 2016.

The district attorneys office advises that victims of sexual or domestic violence call 911 in an emergency. They can also seek help by calling SafeLink  Massachusetts domestic violence hotline  at 877-785-2020.
Boston homeowners are set to see a major increase in their property tax bills for the second year running as Mayor Michelle Wu continues her battle with the state Legislature over making changes to the tax structure.

City officials said last week that tax bills for single-family homes are expected to go up by an average of 13%, on top of last years average increase of 10.4%.

Wu has spent almost two years advocating for some of that burden to be shifted to commercial property owners, but with the first year of the two-year legislative session in the books, state legislators still appear unwilling to grant the necessary approval.

At a time when the federal government is cutting back on services or even outright attacking local communities and creating more need for local protections, we cant accept the false frame that we need to choose between a thriving economy or excellent public serviceseach reinforces the other and both are necessary to make our community safe, beautiful, and welcoming for everyone," Wu wrote on Reddit during an Ask Me Anything session that started over the weekend.

Read more: Boston residents struggling to pay property taxes demand relief

Wu first proposed the tax shift in the spring of 2024, in response to declining commercial property values in the wake of the pandemic, as fewer people traveled to the office for work.

Two versions were approved by the City Council and the state House of Representatives before dying in the state Senate.

Real estate and business groups largely criticized the idea, saying it would hurt commercial property owners at a time when they are already struggling.

Though the second version of the proposal was drafted with the input and approval of some business groups, they rescinded their support when the citys final tax assessment data was released, saying the increase in homeowner tax bills was not as bad as the Wu administration had originally projected.

State Sen. Nick Collins, D-1st Suffolk, used a procedural maneuver to block the Senate from voting on the bill multiple times, eventually moving past the deadline for the city to incorporate any changes into January tax bills.

In February, the City Council once again sent a home rule petition to the State House, where it has languished all year.

The House of Representatives sent it to the Committee on Revenue in March. But the Senate has not even assigned it to a committee, a prerequisite for a hearing to be held and the bill to move forward, according to State House News Service.

Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Middlesex/Norfolk, told Politico Monday night that time was essentially up for the bill and that the city should have begun discussions about the proposal earlier.

The Senate is deeply committed to making Massachusetts more affordable and there are many ways to provide meaningful relief, including proposals from Sens. [William] Brownsberger, D-Suffolk/Middlesex, and Collins that would support the most vulnerable residents without placing burdens on small businesses that will ripple throughout the state  and the City should have engaged with the Senate on these options well before now, Spilka said.

Collins said in a statement that Wus push for the bill this month was too little, too late, and called for the city to release property value assessments for the year before any action was taken to set tax rates.

That timing does not show a serious effort to advance legislation. It looks like setting up a fight and preparing to point the finger when tax bills go out in January, he said. I stand ready to work with the Mayor to deliver relief to taxpayers. It is time to focus on viable solutions, not manufactured conflict.

Wu pushed back on this assertion, telling reporters at an unrelated event Tuesday that she had been waiting for a vote for nearly two years.

If someone is opposing a relief measure that would help every single constituent in their district and going against the interests of their own neighbors and voters, were not the ones at the city stopping them from doing their job, she said. Theyve had information, weve continued to send it. We will continue to meet with and provide any other information possible. But this is clear what needs to happen and every other entity has done what they need to do, especially the City Council.

Assessing Commissioner Nick Ariniello told city councilors at a Monday hearing that without the tax shift, next years rates will be around $12.40 for residential and $26.96 for commercial property.

In municipalities with split tax rates, like Boston, state law allows commercial taxes to be as high as 175% of what the unified tax rate would have been. Boston has consistently met the maximum 175%, but the home rule petition would raise that threshold to 181.5% for next year, followed by 180% in 2027 and 178% in 2028.

Ariniello said at 181.5%, the residential tax rate would be $11.86 and the commercial rate would be $27.96. This would mean tax bills would still go up, but by an average of 9%, not 13%.

One of the most common criticisms by opponents of the tax shift is that the city should consider cutting its budget and keep tax rates flat for the next year. Wu and members of her administration, however, say it wouldnt be that simple.

The mayor explained Tuesday that reducing the tax levy would provide much more savings to commercial property owners than homeowners.

She said a $2 million budget cut would translate to an average savings of $5 for the year for homeowners, while commercial buildings would see savings of up to $8,000.

We are not allowed by state law just to give tax relief to residents, Wu said. Thats why were asking for their special permission to this balanced proposal that would protect everyone.

City CFO Ashley Groffenberger said during Mondays hearing that to give homeowners the same amount of relief that the home rule petition would accomplish, the city would have to cut $232 million from its budget. Because so much of the budget is non-discretionary expenses, such as pensions, employee health insurance and debt obligations, almost that entire reduction would go to city services, she said.

Hundreds of millions of dollars of reductions to city services in a time when were hearing that they are already stretched really thin would be devastating and I think would do irreparable harm to the services that we provide to residents and businesses, Groffenberger said.

Wu has instructed city departments to cut budget requests for 2026 by 2% in an effort to constrain spending. Last year, the city cut the equivalent of 500 jobs by eliminating vacant and redundant positions.

The mayor is again targeting the beleaguered business community struggling for years with high taxes and increasingly empty office and retail spaces, said Amir Shahsavari, vice president of the Small Property Owners Association. Mayor Wus tax plan will only slightly lower the citys residential tax rate, just like her failed plan last year. While offering minuscule savings on the residential side, her plan would devastate small businesses and property owners who will continue fleeing Boston because of its high taxes and hostile attitude toward business.

The City Council is expected to vote on setting tax rates at its weekly meeting on Wednesday.

MassLive Politics Editor John L. Micek contributed additional reporting.
Authorities are investigating the death of a Suffolk County House of Correction inmate who was found unresponsive at the Boston detention center Sunday night, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office.

The inmate was taken to a hospital where he died, the district attorneys office said. Prosecutors are investigating his death along with Boston police and are awaiting results from the inmates autopsy.

The Suffolk County Sheriffs Department, which runs the detention center, identified the inmate as 32-year-old Shacoby Kenny, Boston 25 News reported. On Sunday night, he began exhibiting erratic behavior and physically attacked detention center staff.

The sheriffs department said that Kenny ran around his unit and tried to evade correction officers before he was brought under control, after which he became unresponsive, Boston 25 News reported. Medical staff at the detention center performed life-saving measures before he was taken to a hospital.

The sheriffs department said that Kenny has been detained at the Suffolk County House of Correction since February, but was temporarily sent to Bridgewater State Hospital  the Massachusetts Department of Corrections psychiatric hospital  in July, Boston 25 News reported.

No further information was immediately available Monday night.
A Boston woman is facing charges in connection with pushing a 61-year-old woman onto the Green Line train tracks at North Station last week, the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office announced Monday.

Nyleamah Tinnell Kinsey, 50, pleaded not guilty to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60 and disorderly conduct during her arraignment in Boston Municipal Court - Central on Monday, according to court records. The judge ordered Kinsey held on $15,000 cash bail and issued conditions for her release, including that she stay away from the victim and North Station.

The assault happened on Dec. 4 around 1 p.m. and left the 61-year-old woman with numerous injuries, the district attorneys office said in a press release. Witnesses managed to pull the woman off the tracks before a train came through.

It isnt difficult to imagine the fear this victim must have felt after such a shocking assault. I thank the good people who helped her, and I wish her a speedy recovery from her injuries, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in the release.

MBTA Transit Police identified Kinsey as a suspect and arrested her after reviewing video of the assault, the district attorneys office said. She is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on Jan. 5.

No further information about the assault has been released.
A trio of shopping carts sit atop a frozen snowbank in the Sixteen Acres neighborhood of Springfield. (Sean Hurt / Special to The Republican) Sean Hurt / Special to The Republican

SPRINGFIELD  In a move a federal judge branded intentional chaos the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development rescinded  temporarily  a major policy shift away from supportive housing programs keeping 3,800 Massachusetts people off the street.

The Trump administration at HUD withdrew Monday a notice of funding opportunity that would curtail Continuum of Care programs prioritizing housing first followed by programs like drug and alcohol treatment and mental health care, according to media reports. The withdrawal came just before a federal judge in Rhode Island started hearings for a lawsuit filed to block the changes and HUD indicates it will file again and again it will shift the focus away from housing-first programs.

The only thing that is clear is how shocking this is, said Pamela Schwartz, director of the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness. It just makes no sense what the federal government is doing and effectively toying with hundreds of thousands of lives.

Programs providing 85 units across Franklin, Hampshire and Berkshire counties only have eight weeks to adjust. Their funding runs out at the end of January 2026, said Shaundell Diaz at Community Action of Pioneer Valley in Greenfield.

This is going to make people exit to homelessness, she said. It is the hardest time of the year to secure funding.

And the hardest time to find a place to live.

The shelters are full, Diaz said in a phone interview.

Housing first is proven to work, she said

HUD Continuum of Care homelessness funding in Massachusetts totals $136 million of which $91 million goes toward rent and services from more than 3,800 households made up of people with disabilities who have experienced chronic homelessness.

That includes $9 million in federal funding used by 10 agencies of the Springfield-Hampden County Continuum of Care paying for 438 units a year, including 304 that provide permanent supportive housing.

In Worcester County, the program funds 445 housing units.

Greater Springfield funding runs out in June, said Geraldine McCafferty, director of housing for the city of Springfield.

McCafferty administers the grant for the consortium of 10 agencies, including the Mental Health Association.

She said HUDs thinking is clear.

They want to have a new competition, she said. They want to have a new program.

But people in supportive housing  a group that includes veterans  depend on the counselors who work with them, sometimes on a weekly basis.

Also, those workers depend on these programs for their livelihoods, McCafferty said.

And landlords face the prospects of losing large groups of tenants.

There is another hearing Dec. 19, also in Rhode Island.

That hearing will get at what HUD is trying to do here, she said.

In the meantime, McCafferty and other advocates are lobbying the House and Senate to derail HUDs plans.

Congress could fix this legislatively, she said.

U.S. Reps. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, and U.S. Rep James McGovern, D-Worcester, have signed on to letters asking HUD to reverse its decision and reinstate the old programs. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has also criticized the new grants.

So, too, have Republicans in the House.
Flying Dreams Brewing Co., a Worcester-based brewery that opened a taproom at 277 Main St. in Marlborough has announced it's closing at the end of 2025.

Flying Dreams Brewing Company has announced plans to close after 10 years in business.

The brewery, which started in Worcester before moving to Marlborough, wrote on social media that its last day in business will be Saturday, Dec. 27.

Owner and brewmaster Dave Richardson wrote that he loved making Flying Dreams a home-away-from-home for so many people. However, he noted that the numbers meant continuing was not feasible.

Unfortunately, no matter how much fun its been and no matter all the wonderful people around us, keeping us going, keeping us laughing, the numbers wont let us, Richardson wrote. And it sucks!

Flying Dreams initially opened on Park Avenue in Worcester in the brewery space connected to Peppercorns restaurant.

That spot is famous for being an incubator for Worcester breweries. It was the original home of Wormtown Brewing. Its currently occupied by Double Down Brewing.

In 2018, Flying Dreams moved from the location attached to Peppercorns to its own taproom in downtown Marlborough.

Flying Dreams is the latest Massachusetts brewery to close or change ownership in recent years.

The announcement comes just days after the one-year anniversary of Worcesters Redemption Rock Brewery announcing its closure.

Other breweries, like Cambridge Brewing Company and Brick & Feather Brewery in Western Mass., closed their taprooms in recent years, while still operating through other breweries.

Some breweries in Central Mass. have chosen to sell or consolidate with other brands.

In 2024, Wormtown Brewery was acquired by the parent company of Jacks Abby Craft Lagers. In 2025, Greater Good was acquired by the Barrel One Collective, which also owns Harpoon and Smuttynose.

Heres the full statement posted by Flying Dreams to social media:

To all the Flying Dreams friends and family that make up our happy little beery community,

Its with much sadness, lots of fond memories and no little resistance to giving up or letting go, that we have reached a place, where its time to let go. Weve decided our last day will be on Saturday, December 27th.

We wanted to have a place where regular folks with regular lives could come together and have extraordinary conversations over great beer. Unfortunately, no matter how much fun its been and no matter all the wonderful people around us, keeping us going, keeping us laughing, the numbers wont let us. And it sucks! For us that love providing good beer at THAT place, but also for all of you misfits and otherwise, who found THAT place, finally, where you could feel home-away-from-home.

We hope you stop in the next few weeks and celebrate the last wonderful 10 years with us. Bring with you your stories of your favorite beers and favorite conversations and favorite happenings. Make it all worthwhile with us. Youve been here. Weve made an impression on you. And youve ALL made an impression on us.

I am overwhelmed with the generosity and enthusiasm that have supported Flying Dreams since the beginning - since before the beginning. From investors and friends who supported us, sight unseen, who saw the vision when I painted it. My family, who never said boo to an idea. The Marlborough community, who welcomed us with open arms. My wonderful employees, who literally made life better for everyone around them. And especially to the regulars who come in every week with smiles on their faces and stories on their lips. You, my friends, are the ones who made this dream happen! I salute you, everyone!

Thank you all so much for being here for this amazing ride. Again, make sure you come in and get your last Flying Dreams beers, impressions, conversations, and hold them dear. Make us that back-in-the-day place. When times were always better and people got together just to drink amazing beer. Dont forget us because we sure as hell will always remember every one of you!

Dave & the rest of the Flying Dreams Staff
Those looking for some Canadian hospitality paired with an eclectic food menu and stunning space can check out one of Bostons newest restaurants.

Cactus Club Cafe officially opened its first-ever United States location at 500 Boylston St. in Back Bay on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Marking the chains 34th location, Cactus Club Cafe Back Bay boasts a roughly 9,500-square-foot space featuring more than 325 seats, two bars, an enclosed year-round patio and open seasonal patio. The brand strives to offer an elevated dining experience ideal for everyday occasions, from after-work drinks with colleagues to anniversary and birthday dinners.

Whether its lunch, afternoon drinks, dinner or late-night vibes, weve created something for everyone and every occasion  elevated but never pretentious," Cactus Club Cafe President Andrew Latchford said in a press release. The food, design, and energy are on par with some of the best restaurants in North America, but at a price point that invites people to come often.

@masslivenews Listen up Boston  Cactus Club Cafe is finally open in Bostons Back Bay neighborhood! The massive space features two bars, a stunning dining room and enclosed patio. Get all the details by clicking the link above  @Cactus Club Cafe #cactusclubcafe #boston #backbayboston #newrestaurant #massdestinations  Promise - Kairo Vibe

Cactus Club Cafes stylish interior features a curved ceiling, wall millwork details, custom lighting and artwork by contemporary artists. Diners can listen to upbeat music while eating and drinking the restaurants wide range of offerings.

Cactus Club Cafe Back Bay serves several of the chains staple drinks and dishes, including the frozen Bellini, Jalapeno Margarita, Szechuan Lettuce Wraps, Wagyu Beef Carpaccio and Blackened Creole Chicken. Items that are specific to  or have been revamped for  the Boston location include the Sticky Garlic Ribs, Dynamite Roll and Warm Pull Apart Bread.

Diners can also take advantage of Happy Hour food deals, including The Niner $9 smash burger, in addition to lower prices on several menu items. Happy Hour occurs weekdays from 3-6 p.m. and Sunday to Thursday from 9 p.m. to close.

Cactus Club Cafe Back Bay is open from 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Reservations can be made online.
A hacksaw, included in tools that are presented as evidence which all tested positive for blood, shown during the murder trial of Brian Walshe, of Cohasset, who is accused of killing his wife Ana Walshe in 2023, at Norfolk Superior Court, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) AP

A forensic scientist with the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab took the stand Monday afternoon in Brian Walshes murder trial, further laying out for the jury the physical evidence recovered in the days after Walshe reported his wife missing that showed she was not missing, but dead.

The scientist, Matthew Sheehan, found and tested several stains that appeared to be blood inside the Walshe home, as well as several items recovered from a trash bag in a Swampscott dumpster near where Walshes mother lived.

Among those items were a hacksaw, a hatchet and a hammer, which were all confirmed as having blood on them.

Sheehan first became involved with the case on Jan. 8, 2023, a week after Walshe reported his wife missing. On that day, he went to the home at 516 Chief Justice Cushing Highway in Cohasset, where Brian and Ana Walshe were living with their three children.

During his search, Sheehan said he found a knife stashed in a kitchen cabinet that screened positive for the presence of blood. Jurors were shown a photo of the kitchen knife.

Sheehan then described his search of the basement, where, in a back corner, he found several stains that appeared to be blood. The stains were purple, he explained, because of a chemical used by investigators to detect blood.

Five stains in a back corner of the basement all screened positive for the presence of blood. Sheehan explained that he collected swabs of the stains to undergo further testing.

Sheehan also found what were later determined to be blood stains on a broken step down into the basement and on the support beam beneath the stairwell. He later tested both second-floor bathrooms, where the sinks and showers all screened negative for blood.

The next day, Jan. 9, Sheehan returned to the home for more testing  he told jurors it was rare for him to visit a scene more than once.

That day, he examined the front, left bedroom inside the home, where he noticed red-brown stains on a window curtain, white residue on the wood floor and an area where the varnish appeared to have been removed. But all three areas he marked screened negative for blood.

On Jan. 9, Sheehan returned to the basement, where he discovered another stain that would screen positive for blood. The stain was in an area of the basement near bright blue Lowes buckets  jurors saw surveillance video of Walshe buying similar buckets on Jan. 1.

Sheehan then performed confirmatory tests on the stains at the crime lab. He told jurors the process was akin to a pregnancy test.

While not all the stains from the home were confirmed to be blood, Sheehan said he preserved them for further DNA testing.

At the crime lab, Sheehan also performed tests on items recovered from trash bags taken out of the Swampscott dumpster near Walshes mothers home. That included towels, cut-up rugs, a plastic painters sheet, a Tyvek suit, slippers, a hatchet, a hacksaw, a hammer and a pair of snips.

In addition to blood, Sheehan found a greasy, oil-like substance on the hatchet head.

In my experience, whenever a cutting incident is used on an individual, it can leave behind a greasy, oily substance which is indicative of fatty tissues, he said.

Prosecutor Anne Yas published photos of each item on the in-court screens for the jury as Sheehan testified Monday.

But for some of the stains, such as the one found on the kitchen knife, Sheehan performed no tests at the lab, instead opting to preserve the sample for DNA testing. He explained he did so because he believed there may not have been enough material to serve both purposes.

That also applied to blood stains found in Walshes Volvo, which were sent for DNA testing.

Sheehan did not testify about the results of DNA testing, meaning prosecutors are likely to call another witness who will do so.

Defense attorney Larry Tipton began, but did not finish, his cross-examination of Sheehan on Monday. Much of Tiptons questions focused on what Sheehan didnt find.

Tipton noted that investigators decided to tear up part of the floor in the bedroom where Sheehan found the white residue, but found no evidence of biological material there.

There is nothing in the examination of that bedroom that indicates that any biological substance whatsoever had been deposited on the floor, is there? Tipton asked.

Yes, that is correct, Sheehan replied.

The same was true for the bathrooms, Tipton noted.

So now, we move to the second floor, the bedroom with the hole in the ceiling, the two bathrooms upstairs, all the way down the stairs and right past, as we can think about that now, so far, we havent found anything whatsoever forensically, in that home for those areas? Tipton asked. Sheehan said he was correct.

Tipton concluded his cross-examination there for the day, and will resume his questioning Tuesday morning.

Brian Walshe is accused of killing Ana Walshe inside their Cohasset home in the early morning of Jan. 1, 2023, then dismembering her body and disposing of her remains at dumpsters across the state.

Before the trial started, Walshe pleaded guilty to two charges, admitting that he moved his wifes body and misled the police investigation into her disappearance.

During opening statements, his defense claimed Ana Walshe died a sudden, unexplained death.
The Rev. Stephen Josoma, pastor of the St. Susanna Church in Dedham, defended the nativity display featuring the words "ICE was here." (Adam Bass/MassLive.com)

The priest of a Roman Catholic church in Dedham is defending a Nativity scene outside the parish that protests U.S. immigration policies and says he wont take it down until hes able to talk to Bostons archbishop.

The Nativity scene at St. Susanna Parish in Dedham features a sign reading ICE was here placed in the spot where Jesus, Mary and Joseph usually are in the middle of the manger scene.

Below the message is a smaller sign that reads The Holy Family is safe in our Church ... If you see ICE please call LUCE at 617-370-5023.

The Vatican itself displays different themed nativities each year highlighting social issues to contemporary life, the Rev. Stephen Josoma, St. Susanna Parishs pastor, said Monday evening, as he stood outside the church, flanked by supportive parishioners. Our hope was to similarly evoke dialogue around an issue that is at the heart of contemporary life.

Every year, the Vatican displays a unique Nativity scene in St. Peters Square, a tradition dating back to 1982, according to the Catholic Traveler. They typically have a theme attached to them.

In 2024, for example, the Nativity featured fishermens huts built with mud and reeds, according to Vatican News. The huts signified God building a kingdom through the humbled resources of our humanity, the website reads.

The 2021 Nativity included food, llamas and Andean themes to celebrate the 200th year of Perus independence, according to Vatican News.

Josoma previously told WBUR St. Susannas display is meant to shine a light on the plight of immigrants told in the Christmas story.

The Archdiocese of Boston pushed back against the political nature of the display and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons called for its removal.

A nativity scene with the words ICE was here is displayed at the St. Susanna Church in Dedham. (Adam Bass/MassLive.com)

Josoma and about 10 St. Susanna parishioners gathered in front of the Nativity scene Monday afternoon to talk to the media, defending the manger scene and its message and calling the Trump administrations immigration policies unjust.

Josoma said the church is waiting to talk with Archbishop of Boston Richard Henning before making any decisions about removing the scene. He told MassLive no one has tried to deface or take down the manger.

The pastor said he has received a positive response from parishioners. Phil Mandeville, who attends St. Susanna, told reporters the phone calls and text messages Josoma receives are supportive and that the church stands by him.

Another parishioner, Rich Donovan, said he is proud to be part of the church.

The word is out there who we are, Donovan said. Our sign says all are welcome. So there are people who are going to start coming here because of whats been going on.

Gov. Maura Healey told MassLive Monday the decision of whether the Nativity scene should remain lies with the church.

The vast, vast majority of people whove been detained are people who have not committed a crime, who are living peaceably, who are working, who are raising families, who are contributing to our economy, Healey said. And its been hard to see how much fear has been created it out there in communities.
Ten people were killed in a fire at Gabriel House House assisted living facility in Fall River on July 13. Gustavo Atencio Flores/MassLive

In September 2024, when Fire Systems Inc. notified Fall Rivers Gabriel House assisted living facility of long-recalled sprinkler heads in the building, the company offered a free, full survey and warned of potential failure should a fire break out.

The notices went ignored by Gabriel House management. Thats according to new details filed in Bristol County Superior Court Monday as part of cross-claims submitted by Fire Systems Inc. (FSI)  the North Dartmouth-based company contracted to perform fire inspections at the now-embattled facility.

FSI contends Gabriel House owner Dennis Etzkorn and his staff knew about the presence of recalled sprinkler heads 10 months prior to the fatal blaze that ultimately killed 10 people on July 13, the deadliest fire in Massachusetts in more than 40 years.

FSI is named as a defendant, alongside Etzkorn, in several ongoing personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits stemming from the fire.

But in its new filing, FSI claims it shouldnt be, because Gabriel House, or Gabriel Care Inc., is responsible for the failure to replace the recalled sprinkler heads at the facility, according to a statement from an FSI spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Etzkorn has filed his own cross-claim against Fire Systems Inc. His spokesperson, George Regan, told MassLive Monday night that Etzkorn is confident that the evidence we will present at trial will clearly establish that all liability rests with FSI.

FSIs failures not only amount to breaches of its contract with Gabriel Care, recklessness, negligence, misrepresentations, and fraud, but also were a direct cause of the deaths of ten Gabriel House residents, Etzkorns filing states.

Sources with knowledge of the ongoing fire investigation have told MassLive the sprinkler system didnt activate in the second-floor room where the flames started. The system was also missing a critical internal inspection that is mandated every five years, echoed in the new court filings and previously reported by MassLive.

In his cross claim, Etzkorn publicly states for the first time that the sprinkler system failed to function properly, causing the fire, heat and smoke to spread throughout the facility.

Included in new court documents filed by Fire Systems Inc. is a photo taken at Gabriel House assisted living identifying a corroded and recalled sprinkler head. Courtesy Fire Systems Inc

In the aftermath, Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon announced his department discovered recalled sprinkler heads in other congregate living occupancies in the city, as well. He encouraged other departments across the state that they, too, should be checking for the Central Sprinkler Company heads that were recalled more than 20 years ago.

The recalled sprinklers, approximately 35 million of them, were subject to nationwide recalls in the late 1990s and early 2000s because of their O-ring seals, a component that can corrode and cause the sprinkler heads not to activate in a fire.

Previously, Etzkorn said his sprinkler system was inspected five days prior to the fire and found to be in working order. But in his court filing Monday, he contended that FSI failed for years to properly inspect and test Gabriel Houses sprinklers.

He claims FSI also failed on a regular basis to include deficiencies in its inspection reports, even deficiencies obvious to the trained eye, which required corrective action, Reagan said.

Etzkorns cross claim says that FSI certified on a quarterly basis that all sprinklers [are] in good condition, not obstructed and free of corrosion.

What did FSI do at Gabriel House?

In its new court filing, FSI wrote that, under its service agreement with Gabriel House signed in 2014, the company made four site visits annually and provided ownership with inspection reports documenting deficiencies FSI inspectors found that required corrective action.

Under state law, those reports are required to be made available to local fire departments during annual fire safety inspection processes, essentially showing fire officials that contractors have signed off on a buildings fire suppression systems.

Etzkorn states that the Fall River Fire Department relied on FSIs reports to sign off on its building safety inspections every year.

Despite several lawsuits claiming otherwise, FSI maintains that it did not design, install, maintain or repair Gabriel Houses fire suppression systems.

Discovering the recalled sprinkler heads

According to FSIs court filing, in September 2024, an inspector identified fire sprinkler heads installed at Gabriel House that had been subject to a manufacturer recall more than 20 years ago.

Under National Fire Protection Association standards, which are adopted as state law in Massachusetts, the legal responsibility to identify and replace recalled sprinkler heads  and sprinkler upkeep in general  lies with property owners, not contractors or inspectors.

Nevertheless, if an inspector becomes aware that a component has been recalled, it is incumbent on the inspector to notify the owner in writing so that the owner can promptly replace the recalled product to ensure the system will operate properly, FSI wrote in its court filing.

FSI maintains that the company immediately notified Gabriel House in writing about the recalled sprinkler heads needing replacement, and spoke with a maintenance manager on-site.

Separately, an FSI manager contacted the Gabriel House property manager by phone and again made clear that certain sprinkler heads being used at Gabriel House had been recalled and needed to be replaced because they might not operate in the case of a fire, the court filing states.

FSI said it offered to send its technicians back to do a full survey of the building to identify all impacted sprinkler heads and determine a replacement cost estimate.

Court documents show FSI Fire Protection Manager Pierre Lemieux sent an email to the Gabriel House property manager on Sept. 17, 2024.

According to a copy provided in court documents, the email stated:

Our Inspector noted the presence of Central GB Sprinklers at your facility last week.

As you may know, these sprinklers are under a mandatory recall by their manufacturer, Central Sprinkler Corp. and the US Consumer Protection Agency.

These heads are known to malfunction due to defective O Rings which may cause the head to be welded close preventing operation during a fire or may arbitrarily go off without notice.

About 10 million of an estimated 30 million of these sprinklers have been identified, removed, and replaced since 1999 and the effort is still on-going.

Due to an identification brochure produced and released by Tyco Fire Protection Products, it has made it easier to identify these heads, although they resemble many other brands of sprinklers.

We propose to survey your facility and identify all the defective GB sprinklers and provide a replacement cost & strategy to bring your facility up to compliance with Life Safety and NFPA. This survey will be done free of charge.

Please review the attached pictures and brochure and respond with the most convenient day/time for the survey."

The court filing goes on to state, To FSIs knowledge, the (Gabriel House) defendants never responded to this email and never replaced the impacted sprinkler heads.

Photos included in FSIs court filing show corroded sprinkler heads with an arrow specifying causes sprinkler to get welded shut.

FSI says it was given a post-fire investigation report that indicates recalled sprinkler heads at multiple locations inside Gabriel House.

A spokesperson said the filing corrects a number of false public statements Gabriel House has made about FSI in the aftermath of this tragedy.

What Etzkorn says

Etzkorns opposing filing, also filed in court Monday, contends FSIs email never made it to him or anyone involved in the care and maintenance of the Gabriel House building.

Speaking on behalf of Etzkorn, Regan said they anticipated FSI will rely upon a single email sent in September 2024 advising for the first and only time that some of the sprinklers in the Gabriel House may have been recalled by the manufacturer and the US Consumer Protection Agency.

But Etzkorn says 10 years went by in Gabriel Houses service agreement with FSI, starting in June 2014, without the company notifying him of the recall or any issues with the sprinklers, including issues related to corrosion.

In his court filing, Etzkorn attached a report from FSIs July 8 inspection and testing, five days before the fire.

The report did not set forth in the comments section or otherwise that there were deficiencies in the sprinklers, which required replacement of any sprinkler heads as a result of its inspections or the decade old industry recall related to the sprinklers installed within the Property," he wrote.

All liability should fall on FSI, not Gabriel Care, in the underlying action, Etzkons filing argues.
More than eight months after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk and removed her from a key federal international student database, a judge has ordered her record in the database restored.

On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper granted the Turkish doctoral students request for a preliminary injunction in her ongoing case against the Trump administration.

Caspers order requires the reactivation of Ozturks listing in the Student and Exchange Visa Information System (SEVIS) database, which ICE uses to track international students. The termination of her SEVIS record has prevented her from working and participating in research that is integral to her graduate studies, the ACLU of Massachusetts, which is helping represent her, wrote in a press release.

ICE deactivated Ozturks listing in the database hours after masked agents arrested her on the street near Tufts Medford-Somerville campus on March 25. Her detainment a sparked widespread public outcry, and she was released on the order of a federal judge after spending over six weeks in ICE custody. Despite this, Ozturks SEVIS record has not been restored.

On Thursday, the doctoral students lawyers argued in federal court that her listing in SEVIS was unlawfully terminated. In her Monday decision, Casper found that Ozturks claim that the termination violated the Administrative Procedure Act was likely to succeed in court.

While I am grateful for the courts decision, I still feel a great deal of grief for all the educational rights I have been arbitrarily denied as a scholar and a woman in my final year of doctoral studies, Ozturk said in the ACLU of Massachusetts press release.

Tufts is in contact with the doctoral students lawyers and is actively monitoring SEVIS to ensure her record is restored, a spokesperson for the university said Monday night. ICE did not have a comment on the matter prepared.

Ozturks lawyers have maintained that federal officials revoked her student visa and ordered her detainment in retaliation for a pro-Palestine opinion article she co-authored in a Tufts student newspaper in March 2024.

Every day that Ms. Ozturks SEVIS record remained terminated was a day that the government continued to punish her for her constitutionally protected speech, Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts, said in the release.

After Ozturks arrest, ICE agents swiftly transported her to New Hampshire and then Vermont, before putting her on a plane to a detention center in Louisiana. Her lawyers could not locate or speak with her for more than a day following her arrest, they said previously.

After 45 days in detention, Vermont federal court Judge William K. Sessions III ordered Ozturks release. He wrote in his decision that federal officials offered no justification for her arrest aside from the pro-Palestine article.

One State Department memo stated that Ozturks student visa was revoked after officials concluded that her actions may undermine U.S. foreign policy by creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and indicating support for a designated terrorist organization. ICE is still pursuing her removal from the country.

Ozturk is studying childhood development and media at Tufts and is set to complete her studies in May 2026, according to her lawyers.
The Justice Department can publicly release investigative materials from a sex trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime confidant of Jeffrey Epstein, a federal judge said on Tuesday.

Judge Paul A. Engelmayer ruled after the Justice Department in November asked two judges in New York to unseal grand jury transcripts and exhibits from Maxwell and Epsteins cases, along with investigative materials that could amount to hundreds or thousands of previously unreleased documents.

The ruling, in the wake of the passage last month of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, means the records could be made public within 10 days. The law requires the Justice Department provide Epstein-related records to the public in a searchable format by Dec. 19.

Engelmayer is the second judge to allow the Justice Department to publicly disclose previously secret Epstein court records. Last week, a judge in Florida granted the departments request to release transcripts from an abandoned federal grand jury investigation into Epstein in the 2000s.

A request to release records from Epsteins 2019 sex trafficking case is still pending.

The Justice Department said Congress intended the unsealing when it passed the transparency act, which President Donald Trump signed into law last month.

Three judges  two in New York and one in Florida  had previously refused an unusual department request to unseal grand jury transcripts.

The latest request, though, dramatically enlarged the files that the department said it planned to release to encompass 18 categories of investigative materials gathered in the massive sex trafficking probe.

Epstein, a financier, was arrested in July 2019 on sex trafficking charges, a month before he was found deadin a federal jail cell. The death was ruled a suicide. Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking charges in December 2021. She is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Maxwell, a British socialite, was moved over the summer from a federal prison in Florida to a prison camp in Texas as her criminal case generated renewed public attention.

In response to a request by the New York judges for more specifics on what it would release, the department said in recent submissions in Manhattan federal court that the materials would include 18 categories including search warrants, financial records, survivor interview notes, electronic device data and material from earlier Epstein investigations in Florida.

The government said it was conferring with survivors and their lawyers and planned to redact records to ensure protection of survivors identities and prevent the dissemination of sexualized images.

After the request to unseal investigative files last month, two judges in New York invited Maxwell, the Epstein estate and accusers to provide opinions about the request.

Maxwells lawyer said his client took no position about the requested unsealing, except to note that her plans to file a habeas petition could be spoiled because the public release of materials would create undue prejudice so severe that it would foreclose the possibility of a fair retrial if the habeas request succeeded.

Lawyers for the Epstein estate took no position. At least one outspoken Epstein accuser, Annie Farmer, said through her lawyer, Sigrid S. McCawley, that Farmer is wary of the possibility that any denial of the motions may be used by others as a pretext or excuse for continuing to withhold crucial information concerning Epsteins crimes.

In August, Judges Richard M. Berman and Paul A. Engelmayer in Manhattan denied the departments requests to unseal grand jury transcripts and other material from Epstein and Maxwells cases, ruling that such disclosures are rarely, if ever, allowed.

Tens of thousands of pages of records pertaining to Epstein and Maxwell have already been released through lawsuits, public disclosures and Freedom of Information Act requests.

Many of the materials the Justice Department plans to release stem from reports, photographs, videos and other materials gathered by police in Palm Beach, Florida, and the U.S. attorneys office there, both of which investigated Epstein in the mid-2000s.

Last year, a Florida judge ordered the release of about 150 pages of transcripts from a state grand jury that investigated Epstein in 2006. On Dec. 5, at the Justice Departments request, a Florida judge ordered the unsealing of transcripts from a federal grand jury there that also investigated Epstein.

That investigation ended in 2008 with a then-secret arrangement that allowed Epstein to avoid federal charges by pleading guilty to a state prostitution charge. He served 13 months in a jail work-release program. The request to release records from Epsteins 2019 sex trafficking case is still pending.

The Justice Department said Congress intended the unsealing when it passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law last month.
Boston police investigate what bystanders described as a crash between a pedestrian and an e-bike (pictured) delivery driver in front of the Boston Public Library on Aug. 6, 2025. (Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Massachusetts legislators leading transportation policy are intent on addressing the rapid rise in recent years of micromobility devices  such as scooters and electric bikes  and their safety risks to riders and pedestrians.

Top state officials have grown increasingly concerned with the speedy, nimble devices and have called for a crackdown after a 13-year-old Stoneham boy was killed just before Thanksgiving. The boy and his electric dirt bike collided with a car.

The proliferation of delivery drivers on scooters and large, reckless groups of motorbike riders in cities has also driven calls for better transportation laws or enforcement.

The microvehicles also drive along sidewalks and rail trails.

You look in both directions, and theres someone going 30 mph when my daughter is [riding her bike], said State Rep. Jim Arciero, D-2nd Middlesex, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. Thats something I regularly see. The post-pandemic economy, with delivery services, with individuals getting around, its completely changed.

Arciero spoke Tuesday alongside State Sen. Brendan Crighton, D-3rd Essex, his transportation committee co-chair, at a panel organized by the State House News Service publication MASSterlist to discuss the states transportation needs and funding challenges.

The legislators each cited improved micromobility laws as among their top priorities and said a Special Commission on Micromobility they established in April would issue recommendations as soon as next month.

Obviously, anyone thats driven on our streets or walked on our sidewalks, you see all these new vehicles around micromobility: e-scooters, e-bikes, skateboards, unicycles, these vehicles that seem out of sci-fi movies, Crighton said.

The challenge, he said, would be finding a balance between safety and peoples varied transportation needs in cities and rural areas.

Standing with other top legislative leaders after the crash in Stoneham last month, Gov. Maura Healey said officials should explore whatever needs to be done to make sure things like this dont ever happen again.

First of all, its a horrible tragedy for a kid that got killed in an accident, state House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano said alongside the governor. What we have begun to look at is making sure that the rules that are in place are enforced. And if they have to be expanded, our training has to be insisted upon, that we begin to license these folks to ride these bicycles.

The state aims to regulate small transportation devices based on speed, said Arciero, who sits on the micromobility commission alongside Crighton.

Lawmakers may establish regulations based on different tiers of vehicle speed, he said. The regulations could also allow some communities to enact stricter microtransit laws depending on their needs.

In his suburban district near the New Hampshire border, Arciero said he had seen increasing numbers of young people riding devices without helmets upwards of 30 or 35 mph.

Ive seen my daughter and I almost get clipped on a rail trail. Ive seen young people get hurt who shouldnt be driving certain things, he said. Ive seen this exponential sort of increase of these micromobility vehicles since 2021 ... We need to get our arms around that and improve things on a safety measure and to regulate the speed.
Brian Walshe attends his trial in connection with the death of his wife Ana, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) AP

A forensic scientist with the Massachusetts State Police who analyzed items recovered from a dumpster in Swampscott will continue his testimony Tuesday in the Brian Walshe murder trial.

Defense attorney Larry Tipton is expected to resume his cross-examination of the scientist, Matthew Sheehan.

Sheehan testified on Monday about finding blood stains in the basement of the Cohasset home Brian Walshe shared with his wife, Ana, and three children.

Jurors also saw surveillance footage Monday of Brian Walshe making several purchases in cash in the hours after his wifes death.

Brian Walshe is accused of killing Ana Walshe inside their Cohasset home in the early morning of Jan. 1, 2023, then dismembering her body and disposing of her remains at dumpsters across the state. Before the trial started, Walshe pleaded guilty to two charges, admitting that he moved his wifes body and misled the police investigation into her disappearance.

During opening statements, his defense claimed Ana Walshe died a sudden, unexplained death.
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

Since Brian Walshes trial began earlier this month, jurors have heard testimony from more than a dozen witnesses as prosecutors try to prove that the 50-year-old Walshe plotted to, then killed, his wife in their Cohasset home on New Years Day in 2023.

Thus far, many of the witnesses have been keepers of records for companies like JetBlue, Stop and Shop and CVS, or law enforcement officers who investigated the disappearance of Ana Walshe. Since Ana Walshes remains have never been found, prosecutors have been relying largely on circumstantial evidence.

But some witnesses have offered a glimpse into who Ana Walshe was, including William Fastow, the man she was having an affair with when she died.

As the trial enters its 7th day, here are five things weve learned so far.

In pre-trial hearings, Brian Walshes defense gave few hints about how they might approach the trial. That meant the defenses opening statement on Dec. 1 was the first time the public learned what Walshes side of the story was.

During his opening statement, defense attorney Larry Tipton claimed Ana Walshe died of natural causes  a sudden, unexplained death.

At about 2:30 a.m. on New Years Day 2023, Tipton said, 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.

Titpon spent a portion of Monday morning reiterating the theory for jurors. On cross-examination of Dr. Richard Atkinson, a medical examiner, Tipton raised several different ways a person could die a sudden, unexpected death.

While Atkinson acknowledged each was possible, he said there was no evidence of any such cause  in part because there was no body to examine.

In the spring of 2022, Ana Walshe uprooted her life in Massachusetts, taking a job at Tishman Speyer, a global property management company, in Washington, D.C. It was a dream job, but it meant leaving her husband and three children behind, with Brian Walshe on house arrest due to his federal art fraud case.

At some point, not long after moving to the nations capital, Ana Walshe began an affair with the man who sold her the townhouse she was living in, William Fastow.

The affair wasnt a secret for Fastow, who testified that he and Ana Walshe spent time with many of his friends. The relationship appeared to be becoming more serious that fall and winter  the pair travelled to Dublin together over Thanksgiving, and Ana Walshe spent Christmas Eve with Fastow.

Fastow testified he and Ana Walshe had conversations about what a life together might look like, and they were set to discuss their plans on Jan. 4, 2023, when she returned to Washington, D.C. from Massachusetts. But later, he admitted that Ana Walshe never indicated she would leave her husband for him.

Prosecutors have said Brian Walshe knew his wife was having an affair, citing in part a Google search for Fastow on Christmas Day and subsequent searches for divorce two days later. His defense says he didnt know about the relationship, even though Ana Walshe admitted to having a crush on Fastow.

When investigators first learned of Brian Walshes internet searches on the morning of New Years Day 2023  for terms like, how to dispose of a body and Best ways to dispose of body parts after murder  they moved quickly to arrest him, charging him with misleading police.

Nearly three years later, the search history remains a focal point of the case against Brian Walshe. A pair of Massachusetts State Police troopers who pulled data off Walshes devices spent hours on the stand reading through internet searches on both his laptop and iPhone.

The cross-examination from Tipton, the defense lawyer, focused primarily on adding context to the searches. He noted that on Dec. 27, before and after searching for divorce, Walshe searched for diamond rings and Porsches, around the same time as a text conversation with his wife about buying a car.

The searches about disposing of and dismembering a body dont start until Jan. 1. Its not known when Ana Walshe died, but as Walshes defense tries to poke holes in the prosecutions theory of a premeditated killing, they have brought up for jurors multiple times that the search history does not reflect any terms related to a dead body until after Ana Walshe may have died.

In addition to the digital forensics, jurors have heard hours of testimony about the physical evidence recovered as investigators conducted a frantic search for Ana Walshe.

Much of the physical evidence so far has come from trash bags found in a Swampscott dumpster, not far from where Walshes mother lived. That has included bloody towels, rugs, slippers and a robe. In that dumpster, investigators also found Ana Walshes COVID-19 vaccination card and a jacket and boots that matched her husbands description of what he last saw her wearing.

Investigators also found several tools, including a hatchet, a hacksaw, a hammer, snips and shears. Many of those tools, jurors learned, tested positive for the presence of blood.

Jurors also learned that blood was found on a kitchen knife stored in a cabinet above the refrigerator in the Walshe home and in several areas of the basement. Its not yet clear whose blood was found, but samples were preserved and sent off for DNA testing.

Its expected that prosecutors will call at least one expert to testify as to the DNA evidence.

A series of witnesses took the stand Monday for essentially the sole purpose of authenticating surveillance video captured where they work. That included keepers of records at CVS, Walgreens, Lowes and a Swampscott liquor store.

Jurors saw that in the afternoon of Jan. 1, hours after his wife died, Brian Walshe went shopping.

He first visited a Walgreens in Cohasset, then drove to Vinnin Liquors in Swampscott, where he was seen on surveillance tossing a trash bag into a dumpster behind the store. The liquor store was closed on New Years Day and there was no footage of Walshe attempting to enter the store.

The longest surveillance footage played on Monday came from Lowes. Walshe went to the stores Danvers location around 6 p.m. on New Years Day. He is seen entering the store in gloves and a face mask, then walking up and down the main aisle, adding items to a shopping cart.

Eventually, Walshe makes his way to the self-checkout with a cart overflowing with items. An employee at the store helps him buy what would ultimately amount to $463.20 worth of items, including a hammer, a utility knife, multiple five-gallon buckets, latex gloves and a mop. Walshe paid in cash.
Kaitlan Collins attends 17th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute at The American Museum of Natural History on December 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CNN) Getty Images for CNN

President Donald Trump has publicly attacked CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins in a social media post, labeling her stupid and nasty, a move consistent with his past critiques of female journalists who have reported critically on his administration.

Collins was attacked by Trump on his Truth Social media platform late last week after the journalists reporting on the escalating construction expenses for a ballroom project at the White House.

Caitlin Collins of Fake News CNN, always Stupid and Nasty, asked me why the new Ballroom was costing more money than originally thought one year ago, Trump posted last Friday on Truth Social, misspelling Collinss first name.

He went on to defend the price increase, stating the project was being expanded in size and upgraded with the highest level of finishes. Its just much bigger and more beautiful than originally planned, he added.

Collins offered a brief, six-word rebuttal via an Instagram stories post that has since expired. She disputed the presidents characterization of the interview in question, clarifying that her actual line of questioning centered not on construction costs, but about Trump receiving the FIFA Peace Prize amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela.

During the interview, after Collins raised the topics of boat strikes and Peace Prize, Trump responded by claiming, I can tell you, I did settle eight wars, and we have a ninth coming, but  and which nobodys ever done before. But I want to really save lives. I dont need prizes. I need to save lives. And were saving a lot of lives. Ive saved millions and millions of lives, and thats really what I want to do."

CNN anchor Jake Tapper defended Collins while addressing Trumps statement on Truth Social.

In a post on X, Tapper noted Trumps spelling error and said her questions were legitimate.

Generally speaking if someone or something is irrelevant, the President doesnt talk about them, Tapper wrote.

This is not the first time Trump has lashed out at female journalists.

In November, the president referred to a White House correspondent as piggy after she questioned him about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to CBS News.

Later that month, Trump called New York Times reporter Katie Rogers ugly, both inside and out after she co-authored an article with the headline: Shorter Days, Signs of Fatigue: Trump Faces Realities of Aging in Office."
Police recovered three guns after breaking up a party on High Street, including a ghost gun and a firearm stolen from Vermont. (Holyoke Police Department photo) Holyoke Police Department Photo

HOLYOKE  A late-night party in Holyoke spiraled into a police scramble Friday, yielding two arrests, three firearms  one stolen, one homemade  and a stash of drugs, authorities said.

Javion Rosa, 18, of Holyoke, is charged with having a large-capacity gun and magazine, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Drakarius Yarborough, 19, of Northampton, is charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, assault and battery on a police officer and interfering with an officer.

Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan said on social media Sunday that officers and detectives recovered three guns and arrested two suspects after a gun call Friday.

Around 10:10 p.m., officers went to an apartment building at 679 High St. after reports of a party with teens and guns. As police arrived, a large group ran out of the apartment, he said. During the chaos, all on-duty Holyoke officers were called to the building, Keenan said.

An officer found Rosa with a gun inside the apartment and saw him hide it in a cabinet, where police later recovered it. Keenan said it was a ghost gun loaded with 16 rounds. Ghost guns are privately made weapons with no serial numbers, rendering them untraceable.

Officers tried to stop a second suspect, later identified as Yarborough, who was allegedly trying to get into an occupied apartment.

Police say Yarborough resisted and dropped something during the struggle. A detective later found a gun under the spot where Yarborough was arrested, Keenan said.

Inside his backpack, officers found drug paraphernalia, more than $350 and about 44 grams of marijuana. Officers also found a third gun on a porch.

It was loaded with 16 rounds, but could hold 31 rounds, and had been reported stolen in Vermont, Keenan said.
U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal meets with businesspeople at the Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont on Monday afternoon to highlight how Democratic leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic helped keep businesses, like the ski resort, open. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

CHARLEMONT  Five years ago, in the darkest days of COVID, Jon Schaefer, CEO of Berkshire East Mountain Resort, was up late at night, poring over the latest legislation in Washington, trying to find something that would keep his business going through the shutdown.

And it was a panic at times, Schaefer said Monday at an event hosted by U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield.

It was Neal, then chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, who was in Washington with officials from the first Trump administration, hammering out the CARES Act and later, with President Joe Biden, the American Rescue Plan Act.

Its hard to imagine Franklin County without Berkshire East ... without Zoar. Its just impossible, Neal told a crowd of 20 or more gathered in the resorts restaurant, the Crazy Horse Bar and Grill. The plan was cash flow, to get money into the hands of people who really needed it.

Neal wanted to highlight how Democratic leadership in those years gave Americans the fastest and strongest pandemic recovery in the world.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal meets with businesspeople at the Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont on Monday afternoon to highlight how Democratic leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic helped keep businesses, like the ski resort, open. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

Neal faces a likely primary challenge in 2026 from political newcomer Jeromie Whalen, who is already actively campaigning.

The unemployment rate spiked to nearly 15% during the pandemic, he said. And today the country has an unemployment rate of about 4.3%. About 22 million jobs have come either through restoration or new job creation.

It worked for Berkshire East, Schaefer said, saying he was able to build a pond, collecting water for snowmaking, as well.

Berkshire East Resort LLC received two Paycheck Protection Plan loans, according to a government database. One in April 2020 for $389,000 and one in January 2021 for $415,675. Both were forgiven.

The company also received an employee retention tax credit, a program that is still processing applications, Neal said.

Berkshire East includes ski areas Berkshire East and the Catamount Mountain Resort in New York, and Zoar Outdoor Adventure Resort.

A Berkshire East Mountain Resort worker walks through the spray of a snow machine outside the main lodge on Monday. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

Schaefer also manages Burke Mountain in Vermont. All told, the resorts have more than 1,000 employees at their busiest times.

They offer summer mountain coasters and other outdoor sports, like mountain biking, but winter is the big show.

Ski business has grown across the United States over the last five or six years, some of the busiest by skier visits, Schaefer said.

This past weekend was opening weekend, the 49th season under the Schaefer family.

Beginners and intermediates were clogging the trails this weekend. It was awesome. Theres kids everywhere. Thats what you want to see is, you know, kids entering the sport and kids getting out, Schaefer said.

Opening on the first weekend of December is not unheard of, but it is on the early side of the resorts target. And the snow guns were pumping away as Neal visited.

On Monday, Berkshire East Mountain Resort General Manager Andy Cornish drives a snow cat atop Berkshire East on Mount Institute to flatten the snow made by snow machines. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

Neal said hed welcome an in-depth review of Americas response to COVID-19.

Not to miss the point of what we were able to do with shots in the arms. I know thats being debated now, as well, he said. I hope that there would be some sort of national commission set up with really objective people to say, This is what worked; this could have worked a little bit better.

As Neal spoke, President Donald Trump announced in Washington plans for a different bailout. This one a $12 billion aid package to farmers hurt by tariffs both proposed and imposed by Trump.

Berkshire East Mountain Resort's Andy Cornish drives a snow cat up Mount Institute on Monday. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

I think the tariff argument is falling flat, said Neal. And today its, well, were going to give relief now to the farmers. Well, the tariffs caused the problem.

As ranking minority member on the Ways and Means Committee now, Neal submitted a brief to the Supreme Court as it decides the legality of the Trump tariffs. Neals position is that its up to Congress, not the president, to tax.
Andrew Quemere, right, and his attorney, Mason Kortz, stand outside the Suffolk Superior Court, where they are fighting the withholding of names of criminally involved police officers in the jurisdiction of the Northwestern District Attorney's Office. (Andrew Quemere photo) Andrew Quemere

BOSTON  A Suffolk Superior Court judge will decide whether the Northwestern District Attorneys Office can withhold the names of police officers who were charged with crimes.

Andrew Quemere, author of The Mass Dump, a public records newsletter, alleged in a 2023 complaint that the DAs Office violated the states public records law by withholding the names of law enforcement officers accused of crimes and other misconduct. The DAs Office, meanwhile, contends the information is exempt under the states Criminal Offender Record Information law, also known as CORI.

Officers with a history of criminal allegations or convictions against them are contained in documents called Brady lists, named for a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Brady v. Maryland, which found that police and prosecutors cannot withhold exculpatory evidence that might aid criminal defendants at trial.

Both Quemere and the DAs Office agreed on moving toward summary judgment in August, which allows the arguments to be heard without a full trial, according to the court docket. Last Wednesday, Judge Julie E. Green heard arguments from both sides.

The issue before me, as I understand it, is solely the question of is this a public record or is it within the exemption (under A) for CORI material, she said at the hearing.

Quemere is represented by Mason Kortz, a clinical instructor at Harvard Law Schools Cyberlaw Clinic. The DAs Office is represented by Boston law attorneys Patrick Hanley and Elizabeth Keeley.

The plaintiffs argument is that neither category is exempt, but the judge could treat the two categories differently, Kortz said in an emailed statement.

Im glad my client was able to have his day in court. Although it has taken a long time to get to this point, it was worth it, said Kortz. We hope the judges decision will provide some clarity on how government agencies should handle requests that include information about criminal proceedings but do not capture a persons entire criminal history.

Hanley, one of the DAs attorneys, argued in last weeks hearing, that naming the officers in a Brady list would violate the states CORI law.

The Northwestern District is not willy-nilly saying we want to protect police officers. What theyre doing is only protecting what constitutes CORI, he said.

Hanley explained that the CORI law exists to protect the privacy of peoples criminal records, including officers who might have pending cases.

Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan. (Dusty Christensen / NEPM, File) Dusty Christensen/New England Public Media

Hanley could not be immediately reached for comment. Melissa Sippel, director of communication and community engagement for the DAs Office, said the office cannot comment on pending litigation.

In his 2023 lawsuit filed against the DAs Office, Quemere alleges the office begrudgingly produced a list of officers in Hampshire and Franklin counties  but with their names redacted.

Quemere calls himself a police abolitionist who uses public records to investigate officer violence and misconduct in Massachusetts. He has filed more than 497 public records appeals since 2014, according to data from the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Kratom at one of the Chicopee smoke stores. The owner said that its popular with residents and many use it to relax. Oct. 30, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

SPRINGFIELD  Saying the substance mimics the effects of heroin but is marketed to middle-school students, City Council members advanced a proposal Monday that would ban the sale of synthetic kratom in the city.

City Councilor Sean Curran, who introduced the proposal, said kratom, sometimes known as gas station heroin, is a gateway drug sometimes marketed in the form of cookies that is already banned in seven states and a handful of Massachusetts municipalities.

If youre selling kratom, I dont think you should be selling gasoline, Curran said at Mondays meeting.

While kratom is largely unregulated, some synthetic kratom products found at smoke shops and convenience stores contain a concentrated psychoactive compound called 7-OH, which the Food and Drug Administration says is many times more potent than morphine. The state Office of Medical Examiner has said it has contributed to about six dozen deaths since 2018, although it has declared as the primary cause of death in only one.

All 12 council members present at Mondays meeting voted in favor of the synthetic kratom ban. While the legislation will fizzle if left unpassed by the end of the year, Curran said in an interview hes very confident the council will take up the measure for its final vote at next weeks meeting and send it to the mayors desk.

The city modified the proposed ordinance to exclude kratom leaf that had been minimally processed after harvest, Curran said in an interview, after councilors heard testimony last month from people saying they used the natural kratom leaf for pain relief.

Under the proposed ordinance, retailers caught selling synthetic kratom or kratom extract or to persons under 21 face a $300 fine and, with enough violations, revoked or suspended permits.

The citys Department of Health and Human Services may face some hurdles enforcing the ordinance, Curran said at Mondays meeting. Only one person in the department is currently tasked with investigating the sale of synthetic cannabis in the citys stores.

Gas stations and convenience stores here in the city of Springfield are unfortunately becoming pharmacies, so to speak, and were going to need to support Health and Human Services as their role expands in regulating them, Curran said.

Also at Mondays meeting, city councilors took their final step in passing an ordinance banning the manufacture and sale of unlicensed and synthetic THC, the chemical that gives marijuana its psychological effects.

Curran said the impetus for his proposal to ban synthetic kratom came from an investigation published by The Republican in November that explored why some Massachusetts municipalities were moving to restrict its sale.

Ward 8 Councilor Zaida Govan said while she believes the state is considering addressing kratom, the ordinate is a way for the city to take a lead in protecting its residents. She said she received emails from residents whose children died from overdoses due to kratom.

Ward 6 Councilor Victor Davila, meanwhile, told Curran the measure will save lives.

I think this is, in my opinion councilor, one of the most important pieces of legislation we have passed this year, Davila said.
University of Massachusetts Amherst Chief of Staff Michelle Goncalves receives letters of no confidence in Chancellor Javier Reyes from Professional Staff Union members over low pay, unfair working conditions, and underinvestment on campus on Nov. 13. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

AMHERST  The states Department of Labor Relations has directed the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Professional Staff Union to continue bargaining rather than moving toward mediation.

A letter from the department received on Monday by members of the union, which represents thousands of workers, says the two parties would benefit from continued face-to-face bargaining sessions.

They have until Jan. 16 to work toward a resolution, the department said.

This is the best possible outcome we couldve hoped for, said Nellie Taylor, co-chair of the union. We will continue to bargain in good faith.

The union has been negotiating its contract with the university for over a year. Last week, it made an overwhelming vote of no-confidence in universitys Chancellor Javier Reyes leadership.

This is the fourth vote of no-confidence in Reyes leadership since he was named the chancellor of the university in February 2023.

The decision by the Labor Department to deny the universitys request for mediation is a major loss for Chancellor Reyes attempt to circumvent bargaining and impose unilateral takebacks on his unionized professional staff, an emailed statement from the union said.

Emily Gest, a spokesperson for the university, said in an emailed statement Monday that the university filed a petition for mediation and fact finding, requesting the states Labor Department to assist in ongoing negotiations.

At no point did the university seek an end to bargaining or attempt to unilaterally implement a final offer  we continue to welcome further sessions, the statement said, agreeing that it is in the parties best interest to resolve core issues before mediation.

Gest said the university looks forward to continuing good faith efforts to reach an amicable agreement with the union.

The two parties will have to give a progress report to the state agency about working toward resolution of their differences, the letter said.

After that Jan. 16 deadline, the department said it would make a decision about whether mediation is an appropriate next step.
A year after the Department of Justice released a scathing report into how Worcester police officers engaged in unwanted sexual acts with vulnerable women, officers are now engaging less frequently with women in the sex trade, according to Audra Doody, the co-executive director for the The Safe Exit Initiative.

When the DOJ report was first released, it also went into detail about how officers engaged in excessive use of force and disproportionately targeted Black and Hispanic people. The Safe Exit Initiative, an organization in Worcester supporting individuals involved in the sex trade, wrote that they were shocked but not surprised by the findings.

Now, Doody says officers direct them to the Safe Exit Initiatives programs, such as the its community-based resource center and day shelter, The Harbor.

Sometimes, the women that she works with tell her that officers dont acknowledge them at all.

I guess (that) can be helpful but also harmful, Doody said of the officers. Some of the women have said things like they wish that the police would view them as human beings and not ignore them.

Department spokesperson Joseph Cersosimo told MassLive that revised policies for police dog usage, sexual assault investigations and prostitution stings were implemented by the department in October and November.

The revised policies were first announced by Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier in March.

In a statement provided to MassLive, Saucier said the policies were not implemented immediately after the reports release and needed to be fully vetted before being put into place.

The policies were reviewed and vetted by the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the WPD also incorporated feedback from the Human Rights Commission, according to Saucier.

Each updated version then went through the same review cycle until I, as Chief, was confident in the final content, Saucier said. As a result, we needed to delay posting the policies to ensure they were fully vetted. Additionally, every officer was required to read and sign off, confirming their understanding of each policy.

Limitations on undercover stings

The WPD implemented a policy on Oct. 8 that limits officers in undercover stings to using the common nightwalker statute under Massachusetts General Law without having a suspect enter a vehicle, according to a memo from Cersosimo.

Multiple first- and second-hand accounts from numerous women interviewed by the DOJ outlined how undercover officers engaged in sexual contact with women involved in the commercial sex trade. Police then brought them to different locations and arrested them afterwards.

The report details how undercover officers had sex with women in their cars and states that WPD officers have sexually assaulted women under threat of arrest, demanded sex acts in exchange for police assistance, in violation of their constitutional rights, and engaged in other concerning sexual encounters.

The policy change limits officers as the nightwalker statute does not require suspects to enter vehicles, as they did in the past.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court defines a common nightwalker as someone who is abroad at night and solicits others to engage in illicit sexual acts.

Under state law, common nightwalkers can be punished with up to six months in jail, a $200 fine, or both.

Limitation on police dog usage

On Nov. 5, a revised police dog usage policy went into effect, according to Cersosimo. The new policy prohibits the deployment of dogs at mass gatherings, riot scenes and other high-risk crowd control situations, a memo from Cersosimo reads.

The report from the DOJ found that WPD uses police dogs to inflict unnecessary harm that is disproportionate to the level of resistance or threat officers face.

The report cites an example of when WPD was chasing a man after he pushed a security guard and and ran across the street away from a crowd and he ended up on the ground punching and kicking, according to officer reports. As two officers tried to handcuff the man, a canine officer ordered his dog to bite said man, the report reads.

Prior to the directive issued by the chief, K-9s were allowed to be deployed in these circumstances with supervisor approval, the chief previously wrote.

Formalized practices, new selection and incoming report systems

Trauma-informed practices  practices aimed at recognizing the impact of trauma  have been formalized for sexual assault investigations, according to the memo. Sexual assault cases also now require formal documentation from the District Attorneys office before they are closed by police. These policies went into effect on Oct. 7, according to Cersosimo.

Additionally, any officers chosen for specialized units will be directly chosen by the chief based on referrals, resumes, complaint history, and sick time usage, a memo from Cersosimo reads. The specialized unit policy went into effect on Oct. 1, according to Cersosimo.

The WPD is working with software company PowerDMS to create a system that tracks internal affairs complaints and use-of-force reports, according to Cersosimo. Another system that tracks and reports officer actions is also being created.

Cersosimo did not provide a timeline as to when the modules will be online.

Calls for a civilian review board

The DOJs report drew outrage from those critical of the police, with several calling for reforms and additional oversight of the department. The report also drew the anger among those supportive of the police, with two police unions calling the reports findings inaccurate.

Activists, some city councilors and even the Worcester Regional Research Bureau (WRRB) have endorsed the creation of a civilian review board, with the WRRB recommending the board have the ability to investigate and review cases, be given the power to subpoena documents and have access to police data systems, along with other recommendations to conduct oversight.

City Manager Eric D. Batista said he would provide the city council a report about the creation of such a board. Current and incoming members of the city council, however, have expressed reservations about establishing a civilian oversight board.

I maintain that the states POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) program has worked well, in addition to our own BOPS (Bureau of Professional Standards), Diversity Equity and Inclusion Department Human Rights Commission, random body camera audits, policy review committee and accreditation process providing transparency in a number of different ways, Councilor-at-Large Kathleen Toomey previously told MassLive. I have not supported a local civilian review board in the past and do not think it is necessary with all that has been enacted over the past few years.

We just spent a ton of money for body cameras, District 1 Councilor-elect Tony Economou previously said. I dont know why you would need yet another board to further criticize or critique your actions.

One year later Doody said there has been steady progress from the police in restoring trust but there is still more to do.

I feel as though theres always going to be a distrust in law enforcement but I feel like theyre trying to make an effort to know the community, Doody said. I feel like were moving in the right direction.
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Angling tourism on the famous River Moy in north Mayo will be wiped out and there will be war on the river if Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) go ahead and introduce restrictions on who can fish, it has been claimed.

A recent public meeting of anglers, public representatives and the IFI in Ballina heard that IFI proposed to introduce a brown tag scheme of the River Moy in 2026 whereby 1,044 tags would be distributed through a lottery system.

The brown tag scheme operates as a way of conserving salmon stocks and anglers who receive brown tags via the lottery should place them on a salmon as proof it was lawfully caught and may be retained for private use.

However, the proposals have not been welcomed by anglers in north Mayo who have questioned the need for it to be implemented on the Moy and believe it will be unworkable during the summer months.

The matter was raised at yesterdays (Mondays) monthly meeting of Mayo County Council where councillors voiced their support for the anglers and proposed that they make a submission to the IFI outlining their opposition.

Dangerous

Foxford-based councillor Neil Cruise first raised the matter where he described the IFI proposal as dangerous and will result in international anglers staying away from the county.

There isnt a sinner who is going to come from overseas to north Mayo and to the River Moy this year coming. I am not sure if you are aware of it. There is a public consultation with regards to these proposals and I would encourage people to make sure they make a submission on this because this is going to wipe out angling tourism in our area, he told the meeting.

READ: Mayo inquest adjourned after witnesses to Westport street altercation fail to attend

The Fine Gael councillor said the blame for low stocks of salmon should lie at the door of the IFI who he said have made very little effort to manage the river. He described the Moy as one of the most prolific salmon rivers in Europe and believes it is time to support the angling community.

This is going to wipe out international angling tourism into Co Mayo. Every predator is taken care of but there is nobody protecting the angler of those the angler supports when he is here.

I am sounding a word of warning that we need to get on this one or we will have a huge hole in angling tourism and tourism in general in the county in the year to come. If this brown tag is introduced it is going to kill off angling and there is going to be war on the rivers. People are not going to put up with this because this is going too far, he said.

The issue was raised during a presentation of the proposed Mayo County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2025-2030 where fishing was predominately mentioned in the plan.

Cllr Cruises proposal was supported by a number of the councillors where many expressed their contempt of how the IFI have approached angling and fishing in the county.

Ballinrobe-based councillor Michael Burke said he believed that the IFI should care as much about the west of Ireland as much as they did about Cork harbour.

Challenge

Cllr Gerry Coyle also told the meeting that he once challenged the chief executive of the IFI over claims made by a fisheries inspector in a local court that 50 percent of stocks in Erris rivers were depleted because of poaching.

When I asked the chief executive up in the Dail where did he get those figures from and was it a right statement, he said it was. I said if I had security at my premises and I went down and 50 percent of my stock was gone I would sack them on the spot. Anything the IFI comes up with is possible to take away the fishing rights of these people. We need to make a submission because everything is protected bar the people, he said.

Ballina-based councillor John OHara also called for Mayo County Council to make a submission opposing the IFI proposal as it would damage business in Ballina which is regarded as the Salmon Capital of Ireland.

He said it would be a disgrace if angling is restricted on the Moy and claimed that the seals at the estuary of the river are a bigger danger to salmon stocks.

There is not a word about them [seals] and can they relocate them. That would be more in line with Inland Fisheries jobs if they went out and relocated them ... I am not saying to do anything with them. Let them take away the seals and take them to some other place because they are the problem.

That is what is wrong with the River Moy, not the people. They are a source of tourism and they are important. It [angling] is bringing people to north Mayo and if we get rid of them we are finished. We have to take them on as a council and I must congratulate all the councillors here. We have backed it because it is important for Ballina and the whole of north Mayo, he said.
MAYO County Council passed a motion calling on the new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee TD, to immediately pass the Occupied Territories Bill.

Sinn Fein councillor Gerry Murray proposed the motion at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council on Monday which called on the Council to oppose the exclusion of trade in services in the Occupied Territories Bill (OTB) and write to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee calling on her to include a ban on trade in services in the Governments proposed OTB with immediate effect.

The motion was seconded by Independent councillor Harry Barrett and passed unanimously with little debate. Mayo County Council joins other local authorities including Sligo and Donegal which passed similar motions in recent weeks.

The motion was welcomed by the Mayo Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign who said its passing is a testament to the extraordinary work people all over the county have put in over recent weeks and months.

We extend our thanks to Cllr Gerry Murray and Cllr Harry Barrett for bringing this motion forward, and to every councillor who allowed it to pass. Mayo has shown real leadership at a time when moral clarity is badly needed.

Charlestown-based councillor Gerry Murray proposed the motion

This result reflects the tireless efforts of communities across the county: the phone calls, letters, research, newspaper articles, vigils and countless quiet conversations carried out by ordinary people. We especially want to acknowledge the women of Mayo, who have been central to this work, organising, educating and refusing to let compassion fade.

READ: Mayo Senator calls for expansion on train timetable for Christmas commuters

For many people in Mayo, however, the legal case was only part of the story. Our county understands dispossession. We remember famine, eviction, colonisation and forced migration. We know what it means for families to lose homes and land under pressure. That memory still lives in our landscape.

Supporting this motion sends an important message to the Government. Mayo, and Ireland,should not be complicit in breaches of international law. We care about fairness and humanity, and we do not look away.

We commend Mayo County Council for standing on the right side of human rights and international law. Yesterday, Mayo showed the best of who we are: a county shaped by hardship but defined by solidarity, the statement read.

The OTB was introduced by Senator Frances Black in 2018 which sought to prevent goods and services from Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories from being imported into Ireland, based on international law.

The 2018 bill was superseded, in June 2025, by the Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025 which does not extend to trade in services with Israeli occupied territories.

However, on November 25, a joint opposition motion calling on the government to urgently pass the bill by the end of this year was carried in the Dail.
Son of legendary Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore, Jack Moore is set to perform his fathers music in Westport on February 6, as part of his first Irish tour next year.

Alongside Polish artist Quentin Kovalsky, Moore will also perform songs from his new album, Electric Neverland, during shows in Dublin, Derry, Belfast, and, of course, Westport.

While marking Gary Moores fifteenth anniversary, a donation from the Irish tour will support the campaign for a statue of Moore in Belfast.

READ MORE: Minister Calleary announces approval for social housing in Mayo

Rock and blues guitar wizard Gary Moore sold over five million albums during his remarkable career. Known for hits like Out In The Fields, Parisienne Walkways, Empty Rooms, Still Got The Blues, and Oh Pretty Woman, Moore made his name as a heavy rock guitarist before switching to blues. He was in Thin Lizzy during two periods, including the iconic Black Rose album in 1979.

It will be special to be back in my spiritual home of Ireland on my fathers 15th anniversary, performing his music and my own to an Irish audience. I spent a lot of time in Ireland in my youth; it was a place that my dad was very proud of, said Jack Moore.

Its great that his music is still very popular in Ireland, and it will be great to connect with his fans and to perform our new songs too. Its also important to me to help support the Gary Moore statue campaign for Belfast from this tour, and its great that fans can get involved in that too. He added.

Tickets for the concert go on sale on Thursday, December 11, on ticketmaster.ie.

READ MORE: STORM BRAM MAYO LIVE TRACKER: Updates as orange alert hits county
Ireland has been granted a three-year extension to the Nitrates Derogation, a move welcomed by government representatives but strongly criticised by environmental groups.

Minister of State Alan Dillon, TD, expressed his approval of the announcement, noting that the extension will maintain access to the derogation for another three years.

The decision, confirmed by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, following a positive vote at the Nitrates Committee in Brussels, provides vital certainty for farmers across Mayo and the wider West, ensuring they can continue to operate within Irelands grass-based, outdoor production model while meeting environmental responsibilities.

Minister Dillon said this outcome is hugely important for Mayo farmers. The three-year extension of the Nitrates Derogation gives family farms the stability they need to plan, invest in their businesses, and continue sustainably producing high-quality food.

READ MORE: Minister Calleary announces approval for social housing in Mayo

It recognises the unique strengths of our grass-based system and the commitment of farmers here in Mayo to improving water quality and protecting our environment.

Minister Dillon said the three-year timeframe allows Mayo farmers to plan with confidence, safeguarding livelihoods and supporting generational family farming.

It reflects Irelands outdoor, pasture-based model, which is central to Mayos farming tradition and sustainability. Farmers can now make informed decisions on herd management, infrastructure, and environmental improvements.

Mayo farmers are already engaging with measures under the sixth Nitrates Action Programme and the Water in Agriculture plan, ensuring compliance while protecting local rivers, lakes, and habitats.

Minister Dillon emphasised that the derogation is not just about compliance, but about securing the future of farming in Mayo: Farmers in Mayo have shown leadership in adopting best practice and working with agencies to improve water quality. This extension gives us the time and space to build on that progress. I will continue to work closely with Minister Heydon, Mayo farmers, and stakeholders to ensure the West benefits fully from this decision.

In response to the recent derogation decision, Dr Elaine McGoff, Head of Advocacy with An Tasice, described the approval as actually shocking.

Decisions like this are meant to be based on science, but the evidence clearly shows Ireland has a serious water pollution problem that isnt getting any better by agricultural nitrogen.

READ NEXT: STORM BRAM MAYO LIVE TRACKER: Updates as orange alert hits county
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Alan Dillon TD, has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK), describing it as a game-changer for Mayo and the wider Northern and Western Region.

I am personally committed to delivering on the SDZ ambition, Minister Dillon said during a recent visit to the airport. This project has the potential to significantly enhance the enterprise ecosystem in the West. I am working tirelessly with Enterprise Ireland, the board at Ireland West Airport Knock and my Department to support future investment and I am hopeful that a breakthrough will happen in the not-too-distant future.

The SDZ Planning Scheme, prepared by Mayo County Council, is live and sets out a clear roadmap for development. Four projects have already received planning permission, signalling strong momentum. Government support includes funding for a dedicated Project Manager to oversee the SDZ roadmap, due for completion in August 2026. This roadmap will outline strategies to maximize the SDZs potential and identify financial and infrastructural supports.

Minister Dillons efforts align with Project Ireland 2040 and the Programme for Governments commitment to balanced regional development. He confirmed that Mayo County Council has sought inclusion of the SDZ in the revised National Development Plan (NDP), a move that would send a powerful signal of Governments commitment to the West.

During his recent visit, Minister Dillon met with senior airport management and leading businesses already investing in the SDZ, The EirTrade Aviation and Kenaidan Contracting projects show the confidence businesses have in the SDZ, Minister Dillon said. They will create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen the regions position as a centre for aviation and logistics.

The Minister acknowledges that significant infrastructure upgrades, particularly water and wastewater, are essential to unlock the SDZs full potential. Uisce Eireann has committed to working with Mayo County Council to ensure adequate servicing for future growth.

There are also clear advantages to extending the rail link to serve the airport and SDZ. While the roadmap will guide sequencing, I will continue to champion this vision. Connectivity is key to unlocking the Wests economic potential.

Delivering on the SDZ and future rail ambitions would not only transform Mayo and the airport but also cement his reputation as the Minister who made regional development happen.

The SDZ is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, Dillon concluded. I will not stop until we see shovels in the ground and businesses investing in the West. The Ireland West Airport Knock SDZ isnt just about bricks and mortar, its about jobs, investment, and a future where the West stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Irelands most dynamic regions. Im determined to make that future a reality.

READ MORE: Christmas Jumper Fun Run set to take place in Mayo town
Human Rights Day 2025 highlights how rights like safety, dignity, housing, and freedom remain our everyday essentials.

Highlights: Human rights are positive, essential, and achievable for all

Finland leads globally; India shows mixed progress with strong basics but weak freedoms

Democracy, wealth, and smaller populations strongly improve human rights scores

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Our Everyday Essentials Human Rights Day 2025



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TOP INSIGHT Did You Know?

Most countries receive failing human-rights grades, yet everyday actions can strengthen dignity and equality. #humanrightsday #humanrights #medindia

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Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials

We must reconnect with human rights, remembering that they are about peopleabout their needs, wants, and fears, as well as their hopes and aspirations.

Human Rights are POSITIVE

Human Rights are ESSENTIAL

Human Rights are ATTAINABLE

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Human Rights Around the World

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Most of the world's countries receive failing grade in global 'human rights report card'



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The Highest Scorers: Who Comes Out on Top?

Canada: Highest in the Americas with a score of 88 (B)

Highest in the Americas with a score of 88 (B) Taiwan: Leads Asia with 78 (C+)

Leads Asia with 78 (C+) Cabo Verde: Highest in Africa with 84 (B)

Where Does the U.S. Stand? A Complex Picture

Wealth boosts the score

Large population size brings it down

Indias Human Rights Scorecard

India has a quality of life score of 70.8% , which indicates that, in relation to its income level, it offers a reasonable level of rights like work, housing, food, health care, and education.

, which indicates that, in relation to its income level, it offers a reasonable level of rights like work, housing, food, health care, and education. Health (85%) and Education (75.9%) perform comparatively better.

and perform comparatively better. Food (61%) and work rights (57.7%) lag behind.

and lag behind. India receives a score of 4.7 out of 10 for safety from the state , indicating that many people are still at risk of being arbitrarily arrested, tortured, or mistreated.

, indicating that many people are still at risk of being arbitrarily arrested, tortured, or mistreated. Forced disappearance and extrajudicial execution scores show moderate concern.

India scores 3.6/10 on empowerment rights, indicating substantial gaps in freedoms such as speech, assembly, expression, religion, and political participation

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India at a glance



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NHRC, India to organise a function to commemorate Human Rights Day at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 10th December 2025



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The Lowest Scorers: Where Human Rights Are in Crisis

Iran (0, F)

(0, F) Syria (6, F)

(6, F) Yemen (8, F)

(8, F) Venezuela (12, F)

(12, F) Egypt (14, F)

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What Affects a Countrys Human Rights Score?

A Call to Strengthen Rights Everywhere

1.Our Everyday Essentials Human Rights Day 2025 - (https://www.ohchr.org/en/get-involved/campaign/everyday-essentials) Most of the world's countries receive failing grade in global 'human rights report card' - (https://www.uri.edu/news/2023/12/most-of-the-worlds-countries-receive-failing-grade-in-global-human-rights-report-card/) India at a glance - (https://rightstracker.org/country/IND) Press release- National Human Rights Commission - (https://nhrc.nic.in/media/press-release/nhrc,-india-to-organise-a-function-to-commemorate-human-rights-day-at-bharat-mandapam,-new-delhi-on-10th-december-2025)

The theme for Human Rights Day 2025 (December 10) isfocusing on how fundamental rights like housing, food, water, and peace are vital, often unnoticed, aspects of daily life, aiming to reconnect people with these principles amidst global uncertainty.The campaign theme is to emphasise that human rights are positive, essential and attainable ().Given the uncertainty that prevails all over the world, Human Rights Day reminds us as a people that human rights are not just ideals but the most potent anchor of humankind!The campaign theme is to emphasise that human rights areHuman rights are not just for protection; they also bring joy, happiness and security into our daily lives.In an uncertain world, human rights remain the essential foundation that unites us and anchors our freedom, safety, and voice.From daily choices to united movements that are attainable, human rights thrive when individuals and communities stand together for dignity and equality.A research team at the University of Rhode Island used a massive quantitative dataset to grade human rights practices in every country in the world ().According to the report, Finland ranks highest in the human rights list of the world with a score of, followed by Australia, Estonia, Sweden, and Austria, which were rated highly at A-. These countries have been unremitting in securing personal rights, ensuring fair justice and promoting open civic participation.These nations demonstrate that strong protections and democratic governance translate into better everyday rights for people.The United States received a score of, ranking. While this may seem low for a wealthy nation, researchers say its not surprising:The U.S. does not qualify as a full-blown democracy anymore, as it was recently downgraded to an anocracy, the continuum between democracy and autocracy. This political uncertainty and unstable rights protection across the states are part of its mediocre performance.Human rights performance in India is a case of a mixed story, whereby some areas have good results, and others have evident issues concerning civil freedoms. As theSimply put, India is quite successful in guaranteeing basic needs, yet fails regarding the protection of the freedoms and safety of its people against the activities of the state. Despite the improvements made in certain sectors, there is much to do before everyone will become more empowered in terms of civil and political rights ().The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) ofin Auditorium 1, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Thewill be the chief guest of the event ().At the bottom of the list are countries facing severe conflict, authoritarian rule, or humanitarian crises:Such low scores are indicative of broad problems like political oppression, restriction of free expression, insecure environments, and weak legal systems. In the case of the civilians, it usually involves limited liberties, danger to life, and scarcity of solutions to injustices.Researchers identified clear trends that shape human rights outcomes across nations:Countries with strong democratic systems score 2427 points higher than autocracies. There is more to do in terms of the protection of rights, as access to fair elections, accountable leadership, and free expression makes people keep their governments accountable.Smaller countries are rated 30-35 points higher than very large countries. Smaller systems can be easily handled, and rights can be more readily safeguarded; laws can be enforced, and transparency can be maintained.Richer countries have higher scores than poorer ones, which are 34-40 points higher. Wealth allows one to invest in education, legal institutions, public health and social services, which facilitate better human rights environments.The worldwide results lead to only one conclusion: human rights flourish in the context of a strong democracy, governing populations that are easy to handle, and economic stability promotes social order. Although there are countries that serve as examples, there are also those that are immersed in great hardships, which must be addressed and assisted worldwide.The report is a reminder that the protection of human rights is not only associated with legislation but also with creating societies where all people feel safe, heard, and appreciated.Source-Medindia
Remember how Bobby Deols spontaneous Jamal Kudu dance in Animal went viral? Actor Saurabh Sachdeva later shared that the entire moment was improvised by him and Bobby, with no expectation that it would explode online. Now, history seems to be repeating itself. Akshaye Khannas quirky dance from Dhurandhar is currently taking over the internet, and his co-star Danish Podar has revealed that this viral moment, too, was completely unplanned. According to Podar, Akshaye improvised the entire sequence on the spot.

 Jio Studios In an interview with Filmgyan, Danish Podar revealed, We shot this in Leh Ladakh, and Vijay Ganguly was choreographing the whole song. We all heard the track and were stunned by how amazing it was. So, Aditya sir was explaining the shot to Akshaye sir. The whole choreography was happening, and in the middle of that, Akshaye sir asked Aditya, Can I dance? Aditya sir said, Do whatever you like. He added, Then theres a take, and we all enter, and he looks at everyone dancing, and he starts dancing on his own. Theres no choreography for him. Everyone was stunned, like kya kar diya yeh inhone (what has he done). People started applauding so much after the shot, the frames were looking so good. He did it all on his own. He is terrific.

About Akshaye Khannas viral dance scene from Dhurandhar The moment everyone is talking about is Akshaye Khannas high-energy entry set to the hip-hop track Fa9la by Bahraini rapper Flipperachi. In the scene, Akshayes character, Rehman Dakait, arrives to meet his Balochi men as they negotiate a deal with ISIS. Once the snippet exploded online, the makers wasted no time in dropping the full version of the song.
One of the biggest movies of the year 2026 is without a doubt Border 2 directed by Anurag Singh. A sequel to the 1997 blockbuster Border, Border 2 stars Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty.

While the character posters of Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh have already been revealed, the makers have now dropped the explosive first look poster of Ahan Shetty.

Ahan Shetty Plays Navy Officer With A Gatling Gun In Border 2 First Look Poster

In the first look poster for Border 2, Ahan Shetty plays an Indian navy officer taking on the enemies with his grit and a gatling gun.

Sharing the poster, Ahan Shetty wrote on Instagram, Sarhad ho ya Samandar Dharti Maa ka har beta ek hi kasam nibhaata hai.

Check out the first look poster below:
The California National Guard and Mexicos Secretariat of National Defense (Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional) are adjoined in a new State Partnership Program (SPP) that links the neighboring entities with military forces and defense security support to build upon long-term and mutually beneficial relationships.

The California National Guard announced Monday that it held a signing ceremony Oct. 28 to formalize the SPP. U.S. Maj. Gen. Matthew Beevers, the adjutant general of California, and Maj. Gen. Javier Sandoval Duenas, deputy chief of military doctrine of the National Defense Joint Headquarters Staff, or EMCDN, signed an official document formalizing the agreement.

SPP is managed and administered by the National Guard Bureau, which for decades has connected U.S.-based entities with other nations worldwide in myriad facets. That includes not only military- and defense-based support mechanisms but broader societal goals leveraging relationships and capabilities to facilitate progress in governmental, economic and social arenas.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers and Maj. Gen. Javier Sandoval Duenas, Deputy Chief of Military Doctrine of the National Defense Joint Headquarters Staff (EMCDN) sign a letter of intent formalizing the agreement for Mexico to join the State Partnership Program with the California National Guard. (U. S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Jonathan Beck)

I am extremely pleased that the California National Guard was selected to partner with the Mexican army, Beevers said in a statement. This partnership will enhance our homeland defense by fostering strong relationships between California and Mexico, enabling shared training and interoperability, exchanges and collaborative security efforts that ultimately strengthen our national security.

Relationship Built on Trust, Economics and Diversity

The California-Mexico partnership is the second SPP for U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), which prior to the new agreement had one SPP enacted in 2005 between Rhode Island and the Bahamas. Officials say this new arrangement of sorts builds upon USNORTHCOMs already strong defense relationship with the Mexican armed forces that has been in existence for decades.

A spokesperson for the California Military Department, which includes the California National Guard (Army and Air) and California State Guard, said the SPP provides more guidance and resources to assure long-term stability.

With Mexico, we will focus on areas where both of us already have significant experiencedisaster response, humanitarian assistance, counter-narcotics efforts, and improving interoperability between our forces, the spokesperson said. The SPP framework gives us a stable platform for recurring training, exchanges and planning that strengthen our ability to work together when it matters most.

This specific SPP was facilitated by NORTHCOM, the National Guard Bureau, the State Department, and counterparts in Mexico. The proposal was also supported by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and multiple members of Californias congressional delegation.

Indiana National Guard Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, right, the adjutant general, and Gen. Fayyad Bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, left, the chief of general staff of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces, pose for a photo during a State Partnership Program visit at Indiana National Guard headquarters in Indianapolis, Nov. 18, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Hector Tinoco)

Californias proximity and demographic connection to Mexico was also part of the rationale that led to this SPP crossing the finish line.

Our shared border, deep cultural and economic ties, and long history of cooperation in emergency management and public safety were important factors, the spokesperson said. California is Mexicos largest trading partner in the United States and a significant portion of our National Guard members share Mexican heritage, further strengthening the growing partnership between the California National Guard and Mexico.

Our shared border, deep cultural and economic ties, and long history of cooperation in emergency management and public safety were important factors."

We also face many of the same disaster-response challengesearthquakes, wildfires, drought, and cross-border impacts that require close coordination. Those shared realities, combined with our experience supporting civil authorities, made this a strong partnership match.

This is Californias third SPP. The state previously partnered with the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 1993, and the Nigerian Armed Forces in 2006.

Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith Jr., Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) for the D.C. National Guard, learns about upcoming training activities at Moneague Training Camp during a senior leader visit to Jamaica, on July 18, 2025. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jason M. Melton)

Three Decades of Partnerships

The multiple SPPs that currently exist date back to 1991, evolving from a 1991 U.S. European Command decision to set up the Joint Contact Team Program in the Baltic Region with Reserve component soldiers and airmen. SPP started with 13 partnerships in 1993, per the Department of Defense, and as of this year has grown to 116 nations.

The cost-effective partnerships entail multiple aspects of the U.S. military and defense apparatus, from the National Guards administration to guidance on foreign policy from the State Department. State adjutants general support such missions that include security cooperation objectives provided by the U.S. Chief of Mission along with policy goals from the Defense Department.

Guard members have conducted about 1,000 training exchanges with foreign counterparts over the course of 30-odd years, officials said. According to online records, SOUTHCOM and EUCOM have the most SPPs with 30 each. Thats followed by AFRICOM (25), INDOPACOM (18), CENTCOM (11) and NORTHCOM (2).
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  On a recent afternoon, Giselle Garcia, a volunteer who has been helping an Afghan family resettle, drove the father to a check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She warned him and his family to prepare for the worst.

The moment the father stepped into the ICE office in California's capital city, he was arrested.

Coming just days after the shooting of two National Guard troops by an Afghan national suspect, federal authorities have carried out increased arrests of Afghans in the U.S., immigration lawyers say as Afghans both in and outside the country have come under intense scrutiny by immigration officials.

Garcia said the family she helped had reported to all their appointments and were following all legal requirements.

He was trying to be strong for his wife and kids in the car, but the anxiety and fear were palpable, she said. His wife was trying to hold back tears, but I could see her in the rearview mirror silently crying.

They had fled Afghanistan under threat by the Taliban because the wifes father had assisted the U.S. military, and they had asked for asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, Garcia said. She is not identifying him or his family for fear other members could be arrested.

Afghan men arrested in wake of shooting

Since the Nov. 26 Guard shooting, The Associated Press has tracked roughly two dozen arrests of Afghan immigrants, most of which happened in Northern California. In Sacramento, home to one of the nations largest Afghan communities, volunteers monitoring ICE activities say they witnessed at least nine arrests at the federal building last week after Afghan men received calls to check in there.

Many of those detained had requested asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border in the last two years. Others were among the 76,000 Afghans brought to the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome, created by former President Joe Biden's administration after the chaotic withdrawal of the U.S. from their country.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Dec. 1 that the Trump administration is actively reexamining all the Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. during Bidens administration.

The AP couldnt independently determine each of the Afghans' immigration statuses or the reasons put forward by authorities for their arrests. In one case, the man had been arrested twice on suspicion of domestic violence, according to the government.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland, said in an email that the agency "has been going full throttle on identifying and arresting known or suspected terrorists and criminal illegal aliens that came in through Bidens fraudulent parole programs and working to get the criminals and public safety threats OUT of our country.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the 29-year-old Afghan suspect in the shooting, was granted asylum earlier this year, according to advocate group #AfghanEvac.

Critics say Afghans paying price for one bad actor

Since the shooting, the U.S. government introduced sweeping immigration changes, including pausing asylum applications and requiring increased vetting for immigrants from certain countries. The administration also took steps specifically targeted at Afghans, including pausing all their immigration-related applications and visas for Afghans who closely helped the war effort.

Those who work with Afghans say the stepped-up enforcement amounts to the collective punishment of a population, many of whom risked their lives to protect U.S. troops.

Not to discount the horrific killing that happened, but that was one bad actor who should be prosecuted by the full extent of the law, Democratic Rep. Ami Bera, whose California district includes Sacramento, said of Lakanwal. A lot of these people kept our troops safe and served side by side with our soldiers for two decades in Afghanistan."

Cuffed after reporting to ICE

In Sacramento, Afghan men arrived one by one to the ICE office Dec. 1 after being asked to immediately report there, drawing the attention of volunteers who have been at the federal building for more than six months to monitor ICE activities and alert immigrants.

As each man entered the office, agents handcuffed them, said Garcia, a volunteer with NorCal Resist.

What we saw on Monday was an influx of Afghan immigrants called randomly starting at 6 a.m. and asked to do a check-in and report immediately, Garcia said. Most of these Afghan men already had ankle monitors on them.

Her organization's volunteers witnessed ICE arrest six Afghans that day.

Arrests and cancellations cause fear

In Des Moines, Iowa, Ann Naffier, with the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, said her Afghan client was detained Dec. 2 on the way to work by agents who called him a terrorist. He was held for two hours before he was released with an apology.

Wahida Noorzad is an immigration attorney in Northern California who has two Afghan clients who were arrested last week by ICE. Both entered the U.S. in recent years through the southern border. One used the app set up by the Biden administration to make an appointment to request asylum at the border.

Noorzad felt both had strong cases to eventually be granted asylum in the U.S. She also said she found no criminal records for them.

Spojmie Nasiri, another immigration attorney in Northern California, said shes received numerous calls from worried Afghans, including a man who called her terrified as agents stood outside his home. He put her on speaker phone so she could tell them that her client was a U.S. citizen.

Iqbal Wafa, an Afghan immigration consultant in Sacramento, said officials told his client when he went to his appointment last week that that interviews for Afghans are canceled, and he observed interviews for other Afghan immigrants were canceled as well inside a federal building in Sacramento.

A family left crying

Garcia said she listened through the wall of the waiting room at the ICE office and heard agents handcuff the father of the family she was helping.

Im screaming his rights through the wall so he could hear me. Remain silent! Please dont sign anything! she said. She left after security approached.

When she walked out of the building without him, she said his wife broke down sobbing.

Their daughter tried to console her, telling her, Mommy, dont cry. Everything will be OK when daddy comes."

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Bellisle reported from Seattle, Watson reported from San Diego and Santana reported from Washington.
As military tensions between China and Japan reach the highest level in more than a decade, the sparsely populated island of Yonaguni finds itself right on the front lines.

Sitting just 68 miles east of Taiwan, Yonaguni marks the tail end of an archipelago stretching north to Japans main islands, a distance roughly equivalent to the length of the California coastline. Ever since former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis trip to Taipei in 2022 prompted China to fire missiles that landed near Yonaguni, Japan has accelerated plans for its largest military buildup in at least four decades.

Up and down the 160-strong Ryukyu island chain, Japan is quickly putting in place missile batteries, radar towers, ammunition storage sites and other combat facilities. Its also beginning to deploy major military assets on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japans four main islands, including F-35 fighter jets and long-range missiles, as well as expanding its version of the U.S. Marine Corps, known as the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade.

The race to fortify the islands is raising the stakes of the current spat between Asias biggest economies, as Beijing ramps up pressure to force Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to retract remarks suggesting that Japan might deploy its military if China one day attempts to seize Taiwan. Over the weekend, a Chinese fighter aircraft locked its weapons-targeting radar on Japanese warplanes, showing the risk of miscalculation if tensions persist.

China's People's Liberation Army is undoubtedly building up its ability to force Taiwan into submission, said Koichi Isobe, a former lieutenant general in Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force. Japan, the United States, and other Western countries must show China their strong resolve to oppose any actions that seek to change the status quo.

A subtropical island known mostly for endangered wild horses and dive spots with hammerhead sharks, Yonaguni is now seeing new apartment buildings sprouting up to house troops for a military base established in 2016. Over the next year, some 30 staff will join the nearly 230 already on site to accommodate an electronic warfare division, and more are expected to follow with the planned deployment of anti-air missiles.

Some of the 1,500 or so residents on the island are becoming more nervous at the infusion of arms, and have sought more clarity from Japanese officials on future plans. On a warm December evening earlier this month, about 80 locals gathered at a community hall for an explanation meeting, at which Defense Ministry officials told them why it was necessary to deploy troops, anti-air missiles and weapons that use electromagnetic waves to jam enemy communications and targeting capabilities.

Some residents voiced concerns over the dangers of an enhanced military presence, with one saying Takaichi shouldve kept quiet. But others such as Shigeru Yonahara, a 63-year-old car mechanic and town council member, agreed with the Defense Ministrys position. A few days prior to the meeting, Japans military reported that it spotted a suspected Chinese drone near the island.

Right now were defenseless, he said in an interview. We need the electronic warfare unit to disable threats like drones.

Since Takaichis remarks triggered a backlash from China, she has repeatedly asserted that Japan hasnt changed its policy toward Taiwan or made any new commitment on when it might deploy its military. However, her remarks have highlighted how closely the security of Japan and Taiwan are connected.

While Japan maintains a doctrine of strict self-defense, in 2015 the government of then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe oversaw a landmark legal change that allowed the military to aid friendly nations in a situation where Japans own survival could also be at stake. Before Takaichi took power in October, Abe and successive leaders had avoided giving specific scenarios under which collective self-defense would be applied, aware that doing so might stoke tensions with China.

But in private, government officials and security analysts have long mentioned that one scenario could be an American-led defense of Taiwan, given Japans proximity to the island democracy and its own dependence on the U.S. for security. Any prospect that American forces would fail to stop a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would therefore inevitably put Japans own security at risk.

Japan would have little choice but to support the U.S. in a conflict regardless of how it is viewed by Tokyo, according to Kyoko Hatakeyama, a former Japanese government analyst who is now a professor of international relations at Niigata University. If we decline the U.S. request, that would mean the end of the alliance, she said. And the United States might not even protect Japan in the case of Chinas attack on Japan.

The military buildup has attracted heated debate in parliament. Last month, the head of Japan's opposition Communist Party said the governments defense plans were creating a missile archipelago. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has rejected that description, saying Japan was deploying its forces in line with other countries. During a recent visit to Yonaguni, he said plans to deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles on the island were intended to reduce the likelihood of attacks on Japan.

Tension over Taiwan has its origin in agreements that ended World War II  history that Chinese President Xi Jinping is now seeking to bend to his advantage. In conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders, Xi has argued that China helped defeat Japan and two wartime statements  the Potsdam Declaration and the Cairo Declaration  made clear that Beijing has sovereignty over Taiwan.

As part of its response, some Chinese officials have indicated that World War II-era declarations also raise doubts about Japans sovereignty over Yonaguni and other islands in the Ryukyu chain. Last month, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian posted on X a quote from the 1945 Potsdam Declaration, which said Japanese sovereignty should be limited to the countrys four main islands and such minor islands as we determine.

Japan, the U.S. and Taiwan reject Chinas assertions, pointing to the San Francisco Peace Treaty as a legally binding agreement. Signed in 1951 by Japan and almost 50 allied nations, it states that Tokyo renounces all rights, title and claim to Taiwan, but doesnt specify to whom. It also placed the Ryukyu islands under U.S. administration, paving the way for American military bases primarily located on the island of Okinawa. The islands were returned to Japan in 1972.

Beijing rejects the San Francisco treaty, with the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo last month posting that it was merely an invalid scrap of paper. China retains active claims to the Senkaku Islands, known as the Diaoyu Islands to Beijing, which sit to the north of Yonaguni. Those islands fall under the U.S.- Japan mutual defense treaty, a position that Trumps envoy to Japan, George Glass, reaffirmed last month.

China has also sought to play on tensions between indigenous islanders and the militaries of both Japan and the U.S. Last month, Chinese state-run tabloid Global Times appeared to call for Ryukyu independence in a Weibo post, saying only the Ryukyu people themselves can decide the fate of Ryukyu. A prominent Chinese state media journalist also questioned Japans sovereignty over the islands in a 12-minute television segment, saying they were turned into a huge military base with its indigenous people forced to endure deep-rooted discrimination.

Those debates are most prevalent on Okinawa, the center of American and Japanese military power on the archipelago, where major U.S. Marine Corps and other military bases would likely provide the first response in any conflict over Taiwan if Washington chooses to intervene. Japan is also building up its own military presence on the island: Last year, it inaugurated an anti-ship missile base that serves as a command center for similar outposts on the islands of Ishigaki, Miyako and Amami-Oshima.

Hiroyuki Teruya, a 73-year-old former college professor, has led demonstrations against a Japanese missile base in the city of Uruma on Okinawa. He worries that the militarization of Japans southern islands will lead to a repeat of the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the final land offensive by the U.S. in the Pacific War that resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians.

All three of Teruyas uncles were killed in that conflict. Plans for evacuation shelters on Japans southern islands were a hopeless attempt to protect locals against new bloodshed, Teruya said. Rather than trying to deter China and preparing for conflict with a stronger military, Japan should prioritize diplomacy to avoid war, he said.

After 80 years, its come to this, he said. Are they going to make Okinawa a battlefield once again?

Historical memories remain a strong influence on older Japanese, who identify more closely than younger generations with Japans post-World War II rejection of militarism. In 1947, Japan adopted a pacifist constitution that remains unchanged to this day.

Younger Japanese, however, are largely supportive of Japans military build-up. A poll conducted by the Sankei newspaper and Fuji News Network on Nov. 22-23 found that 83.2% of respondents aged between 18 and 29 supported Takaichis plans to increase defense spending  nearly double that of those older than 70. Takaichi has pledged to reach defense spending worth 2% of gross domestic product this fiscal year, two years ahead of schedule.

Okinawa has a far higher concentration of military bases than any other prefecture in Japan, most of them American. Ayako Arakaki, a local lawmaker in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said that widely held perceptions that Okinawans are opposed to bases are inaccurate. Arakaki said that the sound of fighter jets scrambling from a base near her office in response to Chinese military activity near Japan is a reminder of the challenge.

China has long made claims that are out of step with the international community, completely disregarding the consensus in Japan, said Arakaki, referring to Chinese statements on the sovereignty of Japanese islands. What were seeing is a country that wont accept anything unless its own demands are met.

If Japan plays a supporting role in any U.S.-led defense of Taiwan, the new electronic warfare unit on Yonaguni could transform the island from a passive observation post into an active kill chain enabler that could feed precise targeting data to Japanese and U.S. missile batteries, according to Franz-Stefan Gady, an adjunct fellow at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington-based research group. That could make it a key priority for China, he said, calling it a high-priority target for early neutralization.

On Yonaguni, the debate over Japans military presence came to a head in a mayoral election this summer. The victor, Tsuneo Uechi, campaigned on a more cautious approach to the buildup, replacing a hawkish incumbent. In an interview, Uechi said he accepted that existing plans for electronic warfare and medium range anti-air missile units would help defend the island, and he also welcomed the arrival of younger people from the military on an island where most people are much older.

Still, he said, further moves to install anti-ship batteries like those positioned on other islands would add to the psychological stress of locals, he said. The meeting between the Defense Ministry and the locals earlier this month came in response to Uechis request to the government for more openness about its plans.

These developments are not intended to attack any other country, Kouzou Shimo, a Japanese Defense Ministry official, told residents at the meeting. It is purely for us to defend ourselves in a crisis.

The previous mayor, Keniichi Itokazu, says Takaichi didnt go far enough in indicating her support for Taiwan. He wants additional missile systems on Yonaguni and joint military exercises involving Japanese, U.S. and Taiwanese forces.

Japan alone cannot defend itself, Itokazu said. The U.S.Japan alliance creates the deterrence that prevents China from making moves toward Taiwan or the Ryukyus.

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(With assistance from Colum Murphy, James Mayger and Akemi Terukina.)

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2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is using fresh border skirmishes with Cambodia to tap nationalist sentiment at home before an election. In doing so hes gambling it wont unduly irritate U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed credit for ending a previous outbreak of fighting.

Its a delicate line to walk for Anutin, who insists the Cambodia dispute is separate from Thailands trade negotiations with the U.S. Trump though has linked them previously  in fact, he used the threat of trade penalties to prod Thailand and Cambodia into a ceasefire earlier this year.

At a ceremony in October to formalize an agreement between Thailand and Cambodia to manage their tensions, Trump declared we did something that a lot of people said couldnt be done, and we saved maybe millions of lives. And the Thai-Cambodia issue is one he often cites when declaring how many wars he says hes ended this year.

Last month, Trump called Thai and Cambodian leaders to urge them to stick to the peace deal after Bangkok unilaterally suspended the accord following a landmine blast that injured several Thai soldiers.

Trump has yet to comment on the latest clash. Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement Tuesday strongly urging the immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and for both sides to return to the de-escalatory measures outlined in the Oct. 26 pact.

The latest escalation risks reinforcing concerns in Washington that Bangkok is either unable or unwilling to stabilize the conflict, potentially slowing negotiations or prompting the U.S. to demand stronger security guarantees as a precondition for economic concessions, said Laura Schwartz, senior Asia analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, a risk intelligence company.

For now, Anutin seems focused more on the potential domestic payoff for sounding tough. Hes only been in power a few months and leads an awkward coalition held together mostly by his promise to dissolve parliament soon with elections expected in March. His governments focus has been on what he calls a quick, big win economic agenda  delivering short-term stimulus to gain popularity.

Politicians in many Southeast Asian countries need some kind of problem to sustain public support for their regime, according to Su Mon, Asia-Pacific senior analyst at the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project. Having an external threat always works in creating solidarity between the government and the population.

The tensions between Thailand and Cambodia along their roughly 800-kilometer (500-mile) border have ebbed and flowed for many years, fueled periodically by nationalist imperatives for their leaders at the time. In the latest outbreak that began on the weekend, Cambodia and Thailand are trading barbs about who is at fault and accusing the other of escalating.

Anutin has strongly backed his military, perhaps learning from the experience of predecessor Paetongtarn Shinawatra. She held a secret call with the Cambodian leadership  seemingly bypassing the military  and the leaking of the contents of the call led directly to her ouster. Army Chief of Staff General Chaiyapruek Duangprapat has spoken of the goal to render the Cambodia militarily ineffective for a long time  for the safety of our children and grandchildren.

Su Mon said Anutins actions give the military more freedom when it comes to the border issue. Its very important for any Thai government to have a good relationship with the Thai military.

Its also arguably important for Thailand to have a good relationship with the U.S., its biggest export market at $63.33 billion in 2024.

Trumps personal investment in brokering the ceasefire means that renewed violence will inevitably shape U.S. perceptions of Thailands reliability as a negotiating partner, said Schwartz from Verisk Maplecroft.

For now Anutin is shrugging off that risk.

This is a matter between Thailand and its neighbor, he told reporters on Monday. When asked if he had any concerns over U.S. trade talks, he replied: no concern.

The tensions also come as Thailand deals with some of the worst flooding in the south in decades and as the government faces criticism for a slow and uneven response. The floods hit at the start of the peak tourism season, and the government estimates economic losses from the deluge could be as much as 500 billion baht.

Anutins stance against Cambodia is backed by a degree of public support. A poll in August found more than half of respondents said Thailand shouldnt be associated with Cambodia, and an even bigger majority believed the interference by super powers was for their own vested interests.

He also has perhaps surprising backing from business groups, some of whom face a collective $3.1 billion hit from border-trade disruptions, as well as U.S. tariffs. The Thai Chamber of Commerce said in a written statement this week that the security of the nation and the lives of its people must take priority over economic considerations.

Still, Thailands economy showed less resilience to global trade volatility compared to other key emerging markets analyzed by Verisk Maplecroft. The country already faces sluggish economic growth and slowing tourism arrivals, with this years expansion slowing to 2.1% and annual visitor numbers dropping for the first time since Covid. While exports grew for the 16th straight month in October, some shipments may be driven more by the rerouting of goods to the U.S. from China.

Cambodian Senate President and former Prime Minister Hun Sen this week accused Anutin of using attacks on his country to gain votes in the upcoming elections. But Hun Sen and his son, current Prime Minister Hun Manet, may also stand to benefit from the escalation.

Cambodias relatively new prime minister has a military background and is a West Point graduate, and is careful to defend any perceived challenge to Cambodias sovereignty from its neighbors, said Tom Pepinsky, a professor at Cornell University who studies political and economic systems in Southeast Asia.

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With assistance from Eric Martin and Michelle Jamrisko.

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2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
President Donald Trump said that Russia is in a stronger military position in its war with Ukraine and chided European leaders for what he characterized as excessive dialog with scant results.

Trump made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with Politico published early Tuesday. Asked whether Ukraine has lost the war, Trump pointed to the swaths of land that Russias military has occupied in the country.

Russia has the upper hand. And they always did. Theyre much bigger and stronger in that sense. I give the people of Ukraine and the military of Ukraine tremendous credit for the bravery and the fighting all of that. But at some point size will win, generally, and this is a massive size, Trump said.

He alluded to the magnitude of Russias military as a likely inevitability to the country prevailing in the conflict.

They lost territory long before I got here. They lost a whole strip of sea front a big sea front. They lost a lot of land and its very good land that they lost. You certainly wouldnt say that its a victory, the U.S. president said.

Russias territorial gains in Ukraine came at an immense economic and human cost with more than 1.5 million troops killed or wounded on both sides, according to western estimates. Still, almost four years since starting his full-scale invasion Russias Vladimir Putin has failed to take full control of the entire eastern region of Donbas in a war that he meant to end in a few days.

In recent weeks, the U.S. has intensified efforts to forge a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Earlier this week Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said negotiators remain divided over territory. There also needs to be further discussion on U.S. security guarantees, he said.

Well, hes gonna have to get on the ball and start accepting things. You know, when youre losing, cause hes losing, Trump said in the Politico interview.

The U.S. president criticized Europe on multiple fronts, saying that the countries havent done an adequate job in finding peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump deepened criticism of the continent that was outlined in a national security report he signed last week, along cultural lines.

They talk too much. And theyre not producing. Were talking about Ukraine. They talk but they dont produce. And the war just keeps going on and on, Trump said.

Earlier Tuesday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said elements of a new U.S. national security strategy are unacceptable to Europe, advising Trump to refrain from a go-it-alone approach.

It confirms my assessment that we in Europe, and therefore also in Germany, must become much more independent from the U.S. in terms of security policy, Merz said.

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With assistance from Piotr Skolimowski and Ben Sills.

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2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration has endorsed the Aukus security agreement with Australia and the UK following a lengthy review of the Biden-era pact that would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia.

At the direction of the president, Aukus is full-steam ahead, Rubio said at a meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and their Australian counterparts.

That sentiment was echoed by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, speaking alongside Rubio at the State Department on Monday at the meeting. Rubio is also set to host UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper for a meeting on Monday afternoon.

The Defense Department last week said it had concluded a review of the partnership, which was ordered to ensure it aligned with President Donald Trumps agenda.

The fate of the high-profile Aukus security pact  which was aimed at helping Australia counter Chinas military influence in Asia  has been uncertain since Trump returned to office. His launch of the review raised concerns in Australia and the UK that the initiative would fall apart.

The agreement, unveiled in 2021, is organized in two parts: one to help Australia obtain a fleet of Virginia-class submarines, and the other to share technology related to artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonics and autonomy.

Its a rare Biden-era initiative that has survived in Trumps second term. Representative Joe Courtney, the top Democrat on a House armed services subcommittee that saw a copy of the review, said last week that it correctly determined that its framework is aligned with our countrys national security interest.

The review was conducted partly because the Trump administration had doubts about whether Australia would be able to operate the submarines and establish and run a nuclear-propulsion program, said Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute think tank.

The U.S. and UK have regularly sent submarines to Australia and Australian sailors have been training with them but at some point Australia has to pull the trigger on buying them and have regulatory oversight and management in place to own them, Clark said.

The U.S. and Australia are now looking at practical, realistic ways that our two countries can come together to ensure that we provide peace through strength for both of our nations, Hegseth said at the Monday event.

The stronger we are together, the more we can deter the kinds of conflicts neither of us want to see, and this is a deepening of that partnership, he said.

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2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Press freedom groups have stepped up calls for the Pentagon to explain how it plans to defend rules that restrict what reporters can ask inside the building following a recently filed lawsuit by one of the nation's largest publications.

Questions abound after the New York Times sued the Pentagon Dec. 4 in federal court in Washington after refusing to sign an agreement that bans journalists from soliciting information not explicitly cleared by the Department of Defense. The complaint argues that the policy instituted in October violates the First Amendment and hands the Pentagon unprecedented power over who may get press credentials and what reporters can ask.

The policy requires journalists to obtain Pentagon approval before reporting even unclassified informationa shift that significantly limits routine newsgathering and raises concerns among transparency advocates about how broadly the restrictions could reach. After many legacy outlets left the building, the Pentagon assembled a press corps made up largely of conservative or ideologically-aligned organizations, reshaping who now occupies the briefing room.

Military.com reached out to the Pentagon, the White House, the National Security Council and the Justice Department for comment on the lawsuit and any plans to defend or revise the policy.

In this June 14, 2021 file photo, Bruce Brown, fourth from left, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, speaks accompanied by CNN's Washington Bureau Chief Sam Feist, left, Washington Post Executive Editor Sally Buzbee, Washington Post general counsel Jay Kennedy, CNN executive vice president and general counsel David Vigilante, right, after a meeting with Attorney General Merrick Garland at the Department of Justice, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

An 'Unlawful' Policy

Press freedom advocates say the Pentagon crossed a constitutional line with rules that tighten control over who may report from inside the building. They've signaled they may seek a larger role in the case as additional news organizations also acknowledged they are reviewing legal options.

Gabe Rottman, vice president of policy at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, told Military.com the credentialing rules are unlawful because they give government officials unchecked power over who gets a credential and who doesnt, something the First Amendment prohibits, adding that the public needs independent journalism and the reporters who deliver it back in the Pentagon at a time of heightened scrutiny of the departments actions.

New policies "give government officials unchecked power."

He said the organization looks forward to supporting the Times' lawsuit and noted that their organization warned Pentagon leadership earlier this year about the potential constitutional problems with the policy.

The Society of Professional Journalists pointed Military.com to its Sept. 20 statement condemning the policy as unconstitutional and said its position remains unchanged as litigation moves forward.

Press Corps Upended by New Rules

Times officials say the Pentagons credentialing policy has already reshaped who gets access to the building.

Major news organizations cleared out their workspaces rather than sign an agreement that limits unapproved questions, even when such press inquiries questions involve unclassified information. A newer mix of ideologically-aligned outlets now fills many of the briefing room seats as reporters from more traditional publications continue to operate from outside the building.

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson, and other senior Department of War officials hold interviews with new media members at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Dec. 3, 2025. (DoW photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Madelyn Keech)

Press freedom advocates say these developments underscore a growing pattern: a credentialing system that rewards compliance and sidelines independent reporting. They argue this shift is central to understanding why the Times filed suit.

Times Claims Pentagon Is Blocking Basic Newsgathering

New York Times spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander told Military.com the newspapers official statement argues the Pentagons rules restrict basic newsgathering by limiting follow-up questions, access to subject matter experts, and independent verification outside formal channels.

The statement says the rules give Pentagon officials authority to decide what information reporters may pursue and warns that such limits would erode the publics ability to understand military operations, hold leaders accountable, and scrutinize decisions involving U.S. forces around the world.

Stadtlander also provided the full federal complaint, which details how the policy could restrict even routine reporting inside the building.

This June 22, 2019, file photo shows the exterior of the New York Times building in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

Constitutional Fight

The federal complaint says the Pentagons policy violates the First Amendment by barring reporters from asking questions officials have not explicitly approved, even when the information is unclassified.

It argues the rules give Defense Department officials sweeping discretion over who may receive press credentials and what subjects journalists may pursue. The Times claims the policy blocks basic newsgathering practices such as follow-up questions, access to specialists and independent verification outside formal briefings.

The filing warns the rules would allow the Pentagon to control the flow of information inside the building and restrict watchdog reporting, which they allege undermine the publics ability to understand U.S. military operations and hold defense leaders accountable.

Inscription of the First Amendment at the People's Plaza on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

The lawsuit now moves to federal court, where a judge will decide whether the Pentagon can enforce rules critics say give government officials sweeping control over who may report from inside the building.

Legal observers expect the case to draw wider involvement from media organizations and press freedom groups, which could turn the lawsuit into a landmark test of how federal agencies interact with reporters.
On the morning of Dec. 8, 1941, Sergeant David Akui walked along Waimanalo Beach and spotted what he thought was a sea turtle emerging from the surf. Akui quickly realized he had found something far more significanta Japanese naval officer from the previous day's Pearl Harbor attack. Ensign Kazuo Sakamaki became Prisoner of War No. 1 for the United States, the first of only approximately 50,000 Japanese military personnel who would surrender to Western Allied forces during World War II.

Sakamaki was the sole survivor among 10 Japanese submariners who attempted to penetrate Pearl Harbor in five two-man midget submarines. His survival marked him for disgrace in a military culture governed by Bushido, the warrior code that demanded death before surrender.

298th Infantry, Cpl. David M. Akui, captured the first Japanese prisoner of war by American military forces during World War II on Dec. 8, 1941. While on beach patrol that morning, Akui, of Japanese descent, apprehended Ensign Kazuo Sakamaki, a commander of one of the midget submarines intended as part of the attack. (National Guard Educational Foundation)

The Submarine Attack at Pearl Harbor

The Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor involved more than just carrier-based aircraft. Five Ko-hyoteki class midget submarines launched from larger mother ships positioned around 10 miles off Oahu. Each 78-foot submarine carried two torpedoes and a two-man crew. The submarines were supposed to enter the harbor before dawn, hide on the ocean floor, then surface during the aerial attack to fire torpedoes at the American battleships.

The plan was would be the first test of Japan's secret midget submarines. Flight commander Mitsuo Fuchida, who led the aerial assault, opposed including the submarines though. He worried they would compromise the operation's secrecy if spotted trying to enter the harbor before the bombing. His concerns proved valid when the USS Ward sank one of the submarines at 6:37 a.m.more than an hour before the first bombs fell. However, American commanders dismissed the Wards report as a false alarm.

Kiyoshi Inagaki died in the surf after his submarine washed ashore after the Attack on Pearl Harbor. (Wikimedia Commons)

Sakamaki commanded HA-19, launched from submarine I-24 at 3:30 a.m. with Chief Warrant Officer Kiyoshi Inagaki as his crewmate. Their submarine's gyrocompass failed immediately. Navigation became guesswork. Sakamaki had to expose the periscope frequently, risking detection from multiple patrolling American ships. HA-19 struck coral reefs three separate times trying to reach the harbor entrance.

At 8:17 a.m., only minutes after the bombing of Pearl Harbor began, the destroyer USS Helm spotted HA-19 stuck on a reef and fired. The shells missed but the concussion knocked Sakamaki unconscious and freed the submarine from the rocks. The impacts had crushed the forward torpedo tubes. Seawater leaked into the battery compartments, producing chlorine gas that repeatedly knocked both men unconscious as they drifted east around the island.

American destroyers dropped depth charges on the crippled submarine throughout the day. By evening, HA-19 had grounded near Bellows Field. The men awoke and set scuttling charges to destroy the submarine, then they both abandoned ship. However, the explosives failed, likely having been flooded by the seawater. Inagaki drowned fighting through the surf while Sakamaki washed ashore unconscious.

Sakamaki's HA-19, which ran aground the day after the Attack on Pearl Harbor, December 1941. (Wikimedia Commons)

Bushido and the Shame of Capture

Bushido, the samurai code adapted for modern Japanese military service, required warriors to die rather than accept the dishonor of surrender. The 1941 Senjinkun military code specifically prohibited Japanese soldiers from being taken prisoner. Ritual suicide through seppuku offered the traditional path to restore honor after failure or capture.

In reality, this mindset was the Japanese military's attempt to mask their lack of modern equipment and resources to wage war, opting to sacrifice service members in last ditch attempts to overwhelm superior enemies through banzai charges and suicidal attacks. These lessons were learned the hard way after Japan's humiliating skirmishes with Soviet forces in Manchuria.

This indoctrination, however, proved effective. Despite approximately 50,000 Japanese military personnel eventually surrendering during the war, the vast majority fought to the death. Of the roughly 27,000 American POWs held by Japan, more than 11,000 died in captivitya death rate exceeding 40 percent. Japanese forces expected equal brutality from the Allies and preferred death to potential torture.

After finding Sakamaki on the beach, Cpl. Akui and Lt. Paul. G. Plybon tied him up and placed him in the back of a jeep.

When Sakamaki woke up in a hospital under guard, he immediately requested means to commit suicide. American authorities refused. Japanese high command struck his name from official records and informed his family his status was unknown, though they were aware he had been taken prisoner. The nine other submarine crewmen received posthumous double promotions and became national heroes while Sakamaki was left out of propaganda posters and memorials.

Fuchida later noted in his autobiography that the Navy scrubbed the face of officer Sakamaki from a photo taken with the nine other crew members before they were sent out.

Sakamaki spent nearly three months confined to a small cell on Sand Island in Honolulu Harbor. He considered suicide constantly during those first weeks. Like other Japanese soldiers captured during the war, the shame of capture was unbearable for him.

HA-19 pulled up to the beach in Oahu. (Wikimedia Commons)

Life as a Prisoner in the United States

American authorities transferred Sakamaki to mainland POW camps. He spent time at facilities in Wisconsin, Camp Livingston in Louisiana, and numerous other locations. Military intelligence interrogated him extensively. His submarine had been captured intact with documents and charts that revealed detailed planning of the Pearl Harbor attack.

However, he was treated with fairness and even kindness by his captors and was fed well, the complete opposite of what he had anticipated. Faced with indefinite imprisonment with this treatment, Sakamaki chose to continue living and gave up on his goal of committing suicide. He learned English and eventually became a leader among Japanese POWs, encouraging other captured servicemen to adapt rather than attempt suicide. He eventually devoted himself to pacifism.

For what reason is it justifiable to say that Japanese military personnel who were taken as prisoners are unpatriotic and deserve death? Sakamaki later wrote in one of his memoirs.

Between 35,000 and 50,000 Japanese military personnel would be held as POWs by Western Allies before war's end. Sakamaki's role as the first gave him a unique status among the other captives. He later expressed gratitude that he was able to convince many other prisoners to change their mindset during this time.

Meanwhile, his submarine served American propaganda purposes. The Navy disassembled HA-19, installed viewing ports in the hull, and placed mannequins in Japanese uniforms inside. The submarine toured through 2,000 cities and towns across 41 states between 1942 and 1945. Americans bought war bonds for the privilege of viewing it. The campaign raised millions for the war effort.

HA. 19 on war bond tour at Mare Island Navy Yard, 1942. President Franklin D. Roosevelt can be seen in the backseat of the car. (Wikimedia Commons)

Post-War Return to Japan

Sakamaki returned to Japan in January 1946, finding his homeland bombed, devastated, and occupied by American troops. The reception he received from his fellow countrymen was hostile. Strangers sent him countless letters demanding he perform seppuku to atone for his shame. One letter stated, "The souls of the brave comrades who fought with you and died must be crying now over what you have done."

His family had been told to keep his possible survival secret during the war. When the truth emerged, Sakamaki faced social ostracism, like countless other survivors. On Aug. 15, 1946the first anniversary of Japan's surrenderhe married a woman whose father and brother had died in the Hiroshima atomic bombing. Their shared losses may have created understanding of the war's costs.

Sakamaki later joined Toyota Motor Corporation, where his English skills proved valuable in export sales. He rose to become president of Toyota's Brazilian subsidiary in 1969. His eldest son was named Kiyoshi, likely in memory of his drowned crewmate. However, Kiyoshi was also criticized by his peers for being the son of a "coward."

HA. 19 at the National Museum of the Pacific War. (Wikimedia Commons)

Akui went on to fight in the Pacific Theater of WWII and even served with the famous Merrills Marauders. He refused multiple chances to again meet with Sakamaki during and after the war. Lt. Plybon was killed in action later in the war.

For 45 years, Sakamaki refused to discuss his wartime service publicly, though he privately published his memoirs. After learning the origin of his name, Kiyoshi went on to lecture about his father's experiences and urge understanding and forgiveness for men who had been through such extreme events.

In 1991, Sakamaki attended a historical conference at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas. The museum had acquired HA-19 for permanent display in its exhibits. When Sakamaki encountered his submarine for the first time in 50 years, he broke down in tears.

He died in Japan on Nov. 29, 1999, at age 81. He had survived disgrace, imprisonment, and social condemnation to build a successful life as a pacifist and businessman. His submarine remains at the Texas museum, one of five midget submarines that participated in Pearl Harbor's often-forgotten submarine assault.
With Dec. 7 marking the 84th anniversary and with so few veterans who witnessed that awful day first-hand remaining, the attack on Pearl Harbor seems like a moment fading into history with each passing year.

However, for two World War II veterans in Northern California, the horrors of Pearl Harbor seem as fresh as yesterday.

E. Paul Ball, 99, both a Navy and Army veteran, said the damaging effects of the Japanese ambush were still evident two years later when Ball arrived at Pearl Harbor in late 1943. The wreckage of bomb-out ships still floated in the harbor. Occasionally, Ball could smell oil and fuel permeating to the surface.

It wasn't a pretty sight, Ball recently told the Daily Republic in Fairfield. I wouldnt want to see it again.

E. Paul Ball, World War II and Korean War veteran, makes a speech during the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 2021. (Photo from Legiontown USA)

Overcoming Discrimination to Serve

In Los Angeles, Luther Hendricks, 16, was stunned when a news bulletin came over the radio reporting Pearl Harbor had been attacked. Anger fueled up in Hendricks, and he was determined to join the Marine Corps.

So, I got on my coat and went down to sign up, Hendricks, 100, said. But he said he was told no because he was Black. He could have enlisted in the Army or Navy, but at that time, Blacks werent put in combat roles.

And I wanted to fight, Hendricks said.

In 1942, the Marine Corps decided to open its enlistment to Black men, and Hendricks joined in 1943. Despite having to wait longer than he wanted to join, Hendricks still contributed to the war effort, working at the Mare Island Navy Shipyard in San Francisco.

I was not upset. I just went home and waited for my time, said Hendricks. I was so happy that I was going to have a chance to fight.

He faced racism and discrimination, but Hendricks tried to put it aside because he was there to serve. He survived several crucial battles in the Pacific Theater in Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Guam, Saipan and the Philippines.

The worst of it wasnt landing on the beach; it was securing the island. The enemy was entrenched in (underground) strongholds. We had to dig them out, Hendricks said. And they were giving us everything they had.

While his white comrades didnt warm up to him and fellow Blacks initially, watching them fight and putting their lives in danger for the U.S. made them earn respect and trust.

It wasnt until 1949, however, when Hendricks unit lifted segregation.

Decades after the war, Hendricks all-Black unit, the Montford Point Marines, were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal at a special White House ceremony. Receiving the medal from Barack Obama, the nations first Black president, made the long-awaited moment especially gratifying.

Luther Hendricks shows the Congressional Gold Medal his unit received for service in World War II in this 2020 photo. (Photo submitted)

Day of Infamy Provides Lessons

Ball, 99, also heard about the attack on Pearl Harbor over the radio, coming home from church in Midway, Kentucky, with his family.

Like Hendricks, Ball also waited his turn, enlisting in the Navy two years later at 17, not yet a high school graduate. Ball was the second-oldest child in the family. Younger brother Hayward was killed fighting in the Korean War at just 22.

Despite not graduating from high school, Ball did receive a graduation ceremony from boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois. From there, he was assigned to Camp Shoemaker or Fleet City near Dublin, California. Nothing remains of the camp today that once housed a 3,000-bed hospital, along with a training and distribution center.

Ball believed he would be stationed on the USS Belleau Wood, an aircraft carrier that experienced heavy action in the Pacific from 1943-1945. But plans changed.

He never set foot on the ship and was assigned to ship services. Ball assumed it was because he had a background working in a grocery store. His unit delivered supplies to several bases and ships at various ports. On his first trip to Hawaii by plane, Ball saw the remnants of the Pearl Harbor attack.

The planes Ball traveled in were known as Big Boxes, flying out of Naval Air Station Alameda, which stayed true to its slogan, Keep em Flying.

Ball stayed in the Navy for a while after the war, leaving in 1947. His brothers death pushed him to join the Army, and although he was sent to a gun battalion, Ball was never deployed to Korea.

With only about 45,000 American World War II veterans remaining, Balls and Hendricks Pearl Harbor memories are important history lessons for younger generations. More than eight decades later, they think about all the soldiers that lost their lives and didnt get anywhere near the century mark.

Both feel the day which will live in infamy shaped the nation and cant be lost to history.

Hendricks said Remembrance Day and the sacrifices his generation made should serve as a lesson that todays youth will be faced with challenges, but they can pull through and thrive.
The Official 2025 White House Christmas Ornament is built around a milestone that shaped American diplomacy: the 150th anniversary of White House State Dinners. For collectors  including many military families  the annual release doubles as a tradition with purpose, helping the White House Historical Association fund preservation and history education.

This annual tradition isnt just a decorative holiday release. Its one of the most visible ways the White House Historical Association (WHHA) raises money to preserve White House history and teach it to the public.

At a Glance:

Theme: 150 years of White House State Dinners

150 years of White House State Dinners First modern State Dinner: 1875 (Ulysses S. Grant)

1875 (Ulysses S. Grant) Material: Brass with 24k gold finish and enamel

Brass with 24k gold finish and enamel Size: 3" diameter

3" diameter Design: Reagan State China (front) + Clinton gold-rimmed plate (back)

Reagan State China (front) + Clinton gold-rimmed plate (back) Program began: 1981

For longtime collectors, 2025 stands out as a rare theme-year entry  a milestone ornament that breaks from the usual single-administration focus.

The White House Historical Associations keepsake packaging for the Official 2025 White House Christmas Ornament.

Its a real privilege, WHHA President Stewart McLaurin told Military.com, explaining how the ornament program helps keep the White Houses stories accessible beyond Washington. The annual release has become a family ritual for millions of Americans, he said, with collectors unpacking ornaments each year and retelling the historical moments attached to each design.

The series began in 1981 under First Lady Nancy Reagan and has been produced ever since by a veteran-founded small business in Lincoln, Rhode Island  a partnership McLaurin stressed is central to the programs identity as much as its longevity. In his view, the ornaments work because they sit at an intersection that Military.com readers understand: tradition, service, civic memory, and the quiet pride of craftsmanship that lasts.

The 2025 ornament joins a decades-long series of annual White House Historical Association releases.

What the White House Historical Association Is  and How the Ornament Funds Its Work

McLaurin describes the WHHA as a private, nonpartisan nonprofit rooted in First Lady Jacqueline Kennedys push to preserve the White House and its history. The associations mission has two major arms: supporting the upkeep of the historic state rooms and funding education about the people who have lived and worked in the Executive Mansion.

That preservation work is supported by non-taxpayer funding, he said  a point that tends to surprise casual readers who assume White House restoration is entirely federally financed. The WHHA also publishes books and a quarterly magazine, hosts public programming, builds teacher resources, and recently opened a large education center at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue designed to tell the White House story through both architecture and the lives shaped inside it.

The ornament program, McLaurin said, is one of the most important engines making that work possible.

These beautiful hand-made, American-made ornaments have been the primary funding mechanism for all of that education work, he said, emphasizing that the programs reach extends far beyond collectors in Washington.

An illustration of President Ulysses S. Grant receiving King David Kalakaua in the White House Blue Room ahead of what is widely cited as the first White House State Dinner. Photo Credit: White House Collection

Why the 2025 White House Ornament Focuses on State Dinners

Most years, the WHHA ornaments spotlight a different administration, creating a chronological collection that stretches back to the earliest presidencies. But milestone anniversaries sometimes reshape the theme  and 2025 is one of those years.

McLaurin said this years release honors the legacy of formal White House entertaining that began with President Ulysses S. Grant, who hosted the first modern State Dinner for the King of Hawaii in 1875. The anniversary focus allows the ornaments design to celebrate a broader idea: the long arc of social and culinary diplomacy, and the carefully choreographed symbolism the White House uses when hosting world leaders.

Its also a theme that quietly links civilian tradition to military perspective. For service members whove watched geopolitical relationships shift during deployments or overseas postings, state visits and formal diplomacy are the softer, more visible front of a national security story that often plays out behind the scenes.

The U.S. president and first lady welcome Indias prime minister and his daughter at Andrews Air Force Base on Nov. 7, 1961, ahead of the first State Dinner held for an Indian leader. Photo Credit: Official White House Photographs.

2025 White House Christmas Ornament Design Details

The 2025 ornament isnt just commemorativeits built like a keepsake: a 3-inch brass piece finished with 24-karat gold and enamel detailing. It spotlights two still-in-use icons of White House entertaining, pairing the Reagan State China plate on the front with the Clinton gold-rimmed plate on the back. Packaged with a keepsake box and an educational booklet, its designed to function as both a collectors item and a miniature history lesson.

McLaurin noted that the Reagan State China service was originally funded through a private donation facilitated by the WHHA. In contrast, the Clinton commemorative service was created as the White House prepared to mark its 200th anniversary. Both services remain part of the modern rotation for State and Official Dinners.

Surrounding the plates, holly and snowflakes frame the design with seasonal symbolism  the kind of detail that helps the ornament work both as a collectors item and a piece of holiday decor with a story.

A loving family embraces on Christmas morning.

Why Military Families Connect With White House Ornaments

Asked whether the WHHA sees strong resonance with military audiences, McLaurin didnt hesitate. Every year, he said, the association receives photos and messages from collectors around the world, including service members and military spouses who have woven the ornaments into their own holiday rituals.

Some families have been collecting since 1981. Others build mini-trees dedicated entirely to White House ornaments. And in some of the most poignant messages, McLaurin said, the ornaments show up as a small anchor of continuity for families navigating difficult seasons.

When we get that from a military family who may have a deployed spouse, and theyre putting up their tree at home without that spouse Its so meaningful to us, he said.

That emotional throughline is part of what keeps the program relevant beyond the D.C. orbit: the ornaments arent marketed as disposable holiday items. Theyre pitched  and often treated  as lasting heirlooms.

The 2025 release includes a keepsake box and an educational booklet to pair the ornament with its historical context.

A Tradition That Doesnt Disappear After December

Another detail that helps the program stand out in a crowded holiday marketplace is its unusual long-tail availability. Unlike most seasonal collectibles, WHHA ornaments dont vanish at the end of the year.

McLaurin said the association continues to sell ornaments going back to the very first 1981 release. That means a collector can start a set from scratch, add missing years, or shop for a specific moment tied to personal history  a birth year, a wedding year, a retirement, or a meaningful family milestone.

Theyre wonderful collectibles, he said, but theyre also wonderful family assets, family heirlooms that are handed down from generation to generation.

For readers who value tradition and legacy  two concepts that tend to resonate strongly in military households  that framing may be the clearest explanation for why the series has endured for more than four decades.

The ornament ships ready to hang with red-and-gold cording for a classic holiday display.

The Bigger Picture Behind a Small Ornament

In a year when the 2025 ornament honors State Dinners and the symbolism of peaceful global engagement, the WHHAs broader framing feels especially timely. The organization isnt just selling a holiday collectible. Its selling a way to keep American civic memory tangible  something you can hold, hang, and pass down.

And for Military.com readers, theres an additional layer worth underscoring: this iconic White House tradition is tied to a veteran-founded manufacturer that has helped shape and sustain the program since its beginning. That marriage of history and service is part of what makes the ornament story feel less like a lifestyle item and more like a small, annual act of national storytelling.

The 2025 ornament is a small object carrying a big story: 150 years of White House diplomacy, a nonprofit mission funded without taxpayer dollars, and a veteran-founded manufacturing partnership thats helped keep the tradition alive since 1981. For collectors and military families alike, its less a seasonal trinket than a yearly ritualone that turns history into something you can hold onto.

You can order WHHA's Official White House Christmas Ornament here.
On Sept. 2 the U.S. military carried out an airstrike against a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in international waters near Venezuela, in accordance with the Trump administrations maritime campaign against narcotics trafficking.

The first strike destroyed the boat and killed most of the people aboard. Surveillance video later shown to members of Congress revealed two men survived the initial blast and were left drifting in open water, clinging to the wreckage. U.S. forces then launched a second strike that killed those survivors as well, according to multiple U.S. officials.

Lawmakers who viewed the footage said the men appeared shirtless, unarmed and disoriented as they struggled to stay afloat. Several described the imagery as deeply "disturbing," as the survivors were clearly alive for an extended period before the follow-up strike.

Tom Fitzgerald of Fox 5 Washington DC's "On The Hill" speaks with Military.com Deputy Editor Nick Mordowanec to discuss the investigation into the U.S. boat strikes.

What U.S. Commanders Say They Observed

Between the first and second strikes, U.S. aircraft continued to monitor the two men in the water.

The central justification for the second strike rests on what commanders concluded they were witnessing during that period of observation.

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), who reviewed the classified video, told reporters that intelligence personnel assessed the men were not merely trying to survive but were instead attempting to flip the disabled boat to recover the narcotics cargo and continue their mission.

Cotton said the survivors were trying to flip a boat, loaded with drugs bound for the United States, back over so they could stay in the fight. He further suggested other trafficking vessels might have arrived to recover the drugs if the wreckage was left undisturbed.

That interpretation potentially implies the operational basis for treating the two men as continuing threats rather than incapacitated survivors.

Hegseths Initial Denial

As reports of the second strike surfaced in late November, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth moved quickly to deny that he had ordered the killing of survivors.

A Washington Post report claimed he issued a kill everybody directive after the first strikean allegation Hegseth publicly rejected as fabricated, inflammatory and derogatory, essentially referring to it as fake news.

President Donald Trump, when asked about the strike, publicly backed Hegseth and said he believed him. At that stage, the administration framed the second strike as a battlefield-level decision made by commanders rather than a product of civilian direction from the Pentagon.

U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement officers embarked aboard HNLMS Friesland (P-842) board a suspected drug smuggling vessel off Acosta, Venezuela, June 30, 2025. The boarding team removed more than 2,300 pounds of illicit drugs worth more than $6 million. U.S. Coast Guard photo. Source: DVIDS

'Fog of War' and Operational Distance

As congressional scrutiny mounted, Hegseth seemed to further distance himself from the second strike in question.

The defense secretary stated he had watched the first strike in real time but did not see survivors afterward, and had already left the room for another meeting when the second strike occurred. He described the sequence of events as unfolding in the fog of war.

This positions Hegseth as architect of the broader campaign while maintaining that he was not personally involved in the tactical decision to re-engage the boat.

Delegated Authority Confirmed

The Trump administration has clarified that while Hegseth did not issue the second-strike order himself, Navy Adm. Frank Bradley approved the attack under the authority Hegseth had delegated for the campaign.

The administration again defended the decision as lawful and within the approved rules of engagement. That confirmation narrowed the controversy to whether the rules Hegseth established permitted lethal force against survivors who were already in the water.

From Denial to Full Endorsement

Hegseths position hardened decisively days later.

On Dec. 6, speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum, he publicly said he fully support[s] that strike and that he would have made the same call himself if placed in the commanders position.

Around the same time, Time reported Hegseth dismissed criticism by publicly confirming yet another strike to TPUSAs Andrew Kolvet with the comment: Your wish is my command, Andrew. Just sunk another narco boat."

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., speaks to reporters following a classified briefing for top congressional lawmakers overseeing national security as they investigate how Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth handled a military strike on a suspected drug smuggling boat and its crew in the Caribbean near Venezuela Sept. 2, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

What the Law of Armed Conflict Requires

The legal problem for the administration begins with the most basic protections in maritime warfare.

Article 12 of the Second Geneva Convention requires that wounded, sick and shipwrecked persons shall be respected and protected in all circumstances. This protection applies regardless of how the shipwreck occurred and regardless of the individuals prior conduct.

Customary international humanitarian law reinforces this rule. Persons who are hors de combat, including those who are shipwrecked and defenseless, shall not be made the object of attack" and intentionally targeted.

These are not abstract principles; rather, they're binding war crime prohibitions recognized by the United States and incorporated into U.S. naval warfare doctrine.

Why the Administrations Justification Is Disputed

The administrations argument hinges on its claim the survivors were trying to recover narcotics and continue the trafficking mission. Legal experts have forcefully challenged that justification.

International law scholars have stated that attempting to salvage contraband does not qualify as direct participation in hostilities sufficient to override shipwreck protections, particularly where the individuals are unarmed and adrift in open water.

U.S. Navy Adm. Frank "Mitch" Bradley, center, commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, right, are escorted to a classified briefing for top congressional lawmakers overseeing national security as they investigate how Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth handled a military strike on a suspected drug smuggling boat and its crew in the Caribbean near Venezuela Sept. 2, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The law draws a bright line between hostile combat activity and survival or salvage behavior. Once a person is defenseless due to shipwreck, the default legal duty shifts from attack to protection unless there is an imminent armed threat.

Here, multiple lawmakers stated that no visible weapons or hostile acts appeared in the footage before the second strike.

Congressional Revolt, Scrutiny

The political backlash has been swift. Democratic lawmakers who viewed the classified footage described the second strike as murder and demanded public release of the video. Multiple members warned the incident could expose U.S. personnel and leaders to war-crimes liability.

Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) went further, saying Hegseth has zero credibility on the strikes and accused the Pentagon of stonewalling transparency.

Republicans have largely defended the operation using the administrations narcotics-as-national-security framing, though several have stopped short of explicitly endorsing the second strike.

The Broader Campaign

The Venezuelan incident is not isolated.

Since September, the U.S. military has conducted nearly two dozen maritime strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. More than 80 people have been killed in those operations, according to reports.

Hegseth has repeatedly described traffickers as narco-terrorists and compared the campaign to counterterrorism operations against al-Qaeda, arguing that traditional law enforcement approaches are inadequate. Under his leadership the Pentagon has followed a "warrior ethos" mentality.

Command Responsibility and the Legal Line

Under international law, responsibility does not attach only to the person who pushes the button. It also attaches to senior officials who establish the rules of engagement when those rules foreseeably lead to unlawful killings. The prohibition on killing shipwrecked persons is among the clearest in the law of armed conflict.

Hegseths public progression now has potential legal repercussions. He denied ordering the second strike but acknowledged it occurred under authority he delegated. He has now said he would have ordered it himself.

That sequence places the Venezuelan boat strike at the center of a growing legal confrontation over whether the U.S. is prepared to treat incapacitated criminal suspects as lawful wartime targets at sea.

The Second Geneva Convention draws a firm line against that outcome. Whether current U.S. policy now crosses it is the question facing Congress, military lawyers and international observers.
The Mets are interested in free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber, reports Mike Puma of The New York Post. Schwarber rejected a qualifying offer from the Phillies, so any other club would face the associated penalties for signing him.

Schwarber has been one of the most popular free agents this winter, which isnt surprising. The Phillies would love to have him back and he has also been connected to the Pirates, Reds, Red Sox, Orioles and Giants. Pittsburgh has reportedly made a four-year offer to Schwarber.

The interest stems from Schwarber being one of the best bats in the league. He strikes out a lot but also draws lots of walks and hits home runs. He has seven seasons with at least 30 long balls. Hes gotten to 38 in each of the past four campaigns and hit at least 46 in three of those four. 2025 was a personal best, as he was able to launch 56 homers. His 28.4% strikeout rate in his career is quite high but he has drawn walks at a 14.2% clip.

Schwarber is a lefty and has been hamstrung by southpaws at times in his career, but he seems to have put that all behind him more recently. His production against lefties has improved over the years, so much so that he was actually better without the platoon advantage in the two most recent campaigns. In 2024, he slashed .300/.407/.490 for a 152 wRC+ against lefties, compared to a .218/.342/.482 line and 124 wRC+ otherwise. In 2025, those lines were .252/.366/.598 and .232/.364/.541 for respective wRC+ numbers of 162 and 146.

There are downsides with Schwarber. He is essentially only a designated hitter at this point in his career. He has just 13 outfield appearances over the past two years combined. He could perhaps end up at first base but doesnt have a track record of success there. His age is also a factor, as hell turn 33 in March.

It seems teams are willing to overlook those concerns in order to take a chance on adding an elite bat. MLBTR predicted Schwarber could secure a five-year, $135MM deal this offseason. As mentioned, the Pirates have already put a four-year offer out there. Given how many teams are at the table, perhaps he will get that fifth year.

For the Mets, they have a fairly open DH spot. Starling Marte took most of the plate appearances in that slot in 2025 and he is now a free agent. Longtime first baseman Pete Alonso is also on the open market. The Mets subtracted a lefty bat from the lineup when they dealt left fielder Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for second baseman Marcus Semien.

Alonso could still be re-signed but having both him and Schwarber is probably not in the cards. The Mets are hoping to improve their run prevention next year, which prompted them to add a solid defender like Semien. It has been reported that the Mets dont love Alonso as a defender and would like him to spend more time as a DH going forward, if they reunite. Signing both Alonso and Schwarber would mean putting Alonso back out there as a regular first baseman, which doesnt align with that run prevention plan.

Financially, the Mets could theoretically do a lot. They have been big spenders since Steve Cohen became owner of the team. RosterResource currently pegs their 2026 payroll at $279MM, about $60MM below where they finished in 2025. They could make even more payroll space if they trade Jeff McNeil and/or Kodai Senga, who have both been in plenty of rumors this offseason.

The Mets have some needs on the pitching staff but are reportedly hoping to avoid the top free agent starters. Perhaps they plan to dedicate more resources to the lineup. They likely need to make another move to replace Nimmo in the outfield, maybe two moves when considering their center field situation. They could go after Schwarber but they could also try to bring back Alonso and/or Edwin Diaz. Alonso is reportedly meeting with the Red Sox and Orioles at the Winter Meetings, but he could also make time for other clubs as well.

Photo courtesy of Bill Streicher, Imagn Images
DEAR ABBY: Im a twice-divorced woman who has no children. I was raised by two deeply religious parents (now deceased) who attended church every Sunday and took me along. I regularly attended church until 15 years ago. At that time, my dad was dying, and I was dating a man I often had brunch and spent time with on Sundays. That man and I broke up 2 1/2 years ago.

Ive recently started thinking I should start back to church. I went once about six weeks ago but havent returned. I keep finding excuses not to go, such as I cant get up early enough on Sunday morning, or I like spending time at home with my cats, or Im too tired after working all week, etc. I keep wondering how much of my guilt over not going is because of how I was raised, or if its just that I think I should go.

Is it a sin not to go to church? Ive never stopped believing in God, I pray and read the Bible occasionally, and I read a daily devotion every morning. This has me so confused. Please advise. -- OUT OF CHURCH IN TENNESSEE

DEAR OUT: People attend religious services for various reasons. Some do it because its how they were brought up or because they enjoy the sense of community and the sermon. Others do it because they want to be seen.

Some churches have strict doctrine, while others are not bound to rigid dogma. In some denominations it may be considered a sin not to go. However, I dont think you should force yourself to attend a religious service for any reason other than you think you need it. If you believe in God and read a daily devotion every morning, it may be enough for you.

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 Great Lakes PFAS Action Network (GLPAN), compile state data into a map of Michigan water bodies with a consumption advisory or a Do Not Eat warning for PFAS in fish. GLPAN

A new map aims to help Michigan anglers determine whether their fishing spot has an advisory for forever chemicals.

The new interactive mapping tool launched by the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network (GLPAN) compiles state data into a user-friendly visual tool to see which Michigan water bodies have a consumption advisory or a Do Not Eat warning for PFAS chemicals.

As thousands of anglers head out to fish Michigans lakes, rivers and streams this winter, this tool serves as a critical resource to ensure people know if the fish they are catching are safe to eat, said Anthony Spaniola, an attorney and GLPAN co-chair. People shouldnt have to comb through complicated government websites to figure that out.

The map follows a significant expansion of state waterbodies with a PFAS consumption advisory this summer after the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) lowered the screening values it uses to calculate the risk of eating fish meat contaminated by a compound called PFOS, which is part of the PFAS chemical group.

Overall, there are now more than 780 total fish advisories caused by PFOS across multiple different species and water bodies. There are roughly 100 state water bodies with a Do Not Eat warning for PFAS in fish.

Nonetheless, GLPAN says the distribution of the new guidelines has been limited and public awareness is low.

The map is sortable by state House and Senate district. The group is pushing the state of Michigan to expand its public outreach with print-outs for bait shops and a mobile app that shows advisories by region. The group also wants the state to require uniform warning signage, rather than allow individual local health departments to request signage.

Red dots on the map show water bodies with a Do Not Eat warning. Yellow dots show water bodies with an advisory to limit consumption.

PFAS are a class of thousands of fluorinated chemicals used in nonstick and stain-resistant products which have contaminated drinking water, soil and surface water across Michigan. They can be chronically toxic at low doses and build-up in peoples bodies over time.

The group warns that eating one highly contaminated fish can equal a month or more of heightened drinking water exposure.

The GLPAN map only shows advisories specific to PFAS and the group says anglers should refer to the full states guidebook for a full listing of advisories, which may include warnings specific to other toxic chemicals such as PCBs, mercury and dioxins.

More: Michigan triples Do Not Eat warnings for PFAS in fish
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Metal rockers Avenged Sevenfold are joining pop punk stars Good Charlotte for a co-headlining 2026 tour scheduled to visit Clarkston, Michigans Pine Knob Music Theatre in August.

Avenged Sevenfold and Good Charlotte have announced a 16-date joint North American tour set to open Saturday, July 25 at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri. The dual headlining trek will then make stops at Mystic Lake Amphitheater in Shakopee, Minnesota; Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Illinois; and Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St. Louis, Missouri before playing Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston on Tuesday, August 4. The route is scheduled to conclude later that month, wrapping up at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, Arizona.

Avenged Sevenfolds latest album, Life Is But a Dream, was released back in 2023, while Good Charlotte dropped their most recent album, Motel Du Cap, in August 2025.

Tickets to the U.S. and Canada tour officially go on sale Friday, December 12 at 10 a.m. local time on Ticketmaster, avengedsevenfold.com/tour, and goodcharlotte.com/tour. Live Nation and Ticketmaster presales open at the same time on December 11. Following the general on-sale and leading up to each concert date, fans can also explore ticket listings on SeatGeek, Vivid Seats ($20 off a $200+ ticket order with code MLIVE20, available through December 31), and StubHub.

Avenged Sevenfold & Good Charlotte 2026:

Sat, Jul 25  Thunder Ridge Nature Arena; Ridgedale, MO

Mon, Jul 27  Mystic Lake Amphitheater; Shakopee, MN

Thu, Jul 30  Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre; Tinley Park, IL

Sat, Aug 1  Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre; St. Louis, MO

Tue, Aug 4  Pine Knob Music Theatre; Clarkston, MI

Thu, Aug 6  RBC Amphitheatre; Toronto, ON

Sat, Aug 8  Bell Centre; Montreal, QC

Mon, Aug 10  UBS Arena; Elmont, NY

Wed, Aug 12  Xfinity Center; Mansfield, MA

Fri, Aug 14  Freedom Mortgage Pavilion; Camden, NJ

Sun, Aug 16  PNC Music Pavilion; Charlotte, NC

Tue, Aug 18  MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre; Tampa, FL

Fri, Aug 21  Dos Equis Pavilion; Dallas, TX

Sun, Aug 23  Ball Arena; Denver, CO

Tue, Aug 25  Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre; Salt Lake City, UT

Thu, Aug 27  Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre; Phoenix, AZ
The Michigan Milk Producers Association is planning to invest $122 million in expanding two Michigan facilities. It plans to produce more ultrafiltered milk to meet growing customer demand for products like protein shakes and cottage cheese. (Jacob Hamilton | MLive) Jacob Hamilton

LANSING, MI - A large dairy processor that produces 5 billion pounds of milk a year is planning to expand its footprint in Michigan as it aims to meet demand for a booming protein market.

The Michigan Milk Producers Association, a co-op owned by diary farmers, expects a $122 million investment at facilities in Clinton County and Mecosta County will create 76 jobs.

The investment landed support Tuesday, Dec. 9 from the Michigan Strategic Fund, which approved a $662,500 grant and tax exemptions valued at $420,718.

One project involves reactivating a Michigan cheese plant that stopped production earlier this year.

The Michigan Milk Producers Association plans to install new equipment and production capabilities at a Wheatland Township plant, located about 65 miles north of Grand Rapids, that had been owned by Leprino Foods since 2006.

Leprino Foods announced this spring it would stop making cheese at the facility. Brittney Mizer from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. says this resulted in the loss of 140 manufacturing jobs and impacted local wastewater costs. The Big Rapids Pioneer previously reported that Leprino used about 75% of the local sewer system, so its plant closure would have a financial impact on the community.

But the Michigan Milk Producers Association saw an opportunity to capitalize on the vacancy, a project memo said, as it partners with an undisclosed brand thats using social media to show consumers how milk is a protein powerhouse.

This project is expected to create 63 jobs in Mecosta County with wages ranging between $22 and over $50 an hour.

We are excited to reoccupy this space, bring jobs back to the community and prevent the excess wastewater cost from being passed on to residents, Mizer said.

Related: Oakland County lands major robotics facility with 230 advanced manufacturing jobs

The Michigan Milk Producers Association, MMPA, is also planning to expand its existing campus in Ovid, about 30 miles north of Lansing, to produce ultrafiltered milk to be used in products like high-protein yogurts and protein shakes.

This will allow Michigan as well as MMPA to help meet the growing demand for nutrient dense products, which are more protein and less sugar, said Sheila Burkhardt, the co-ops chief corporate affairs officer.

The project involves constructing a new building with specialty equipment to process milk.

When completed in January 2026, the facility is expected to process up to 8 million pounds of raw milk with 3 million pounds being used in ultrafiltered milk. It will be highly automated, meaning the processing facility will require fewer workers, only creating 13 local jobs, but the employees will need higher skills.

Sheila Burkhardt says this project will allow the Michigan Milk Producers Association to move into another emerging market: cottage cheese.

Cottage cheese is really seeing a resurgence in sales and also meets that growing demand for high protein and low sugar foods, she said.

These investments are occurring as the U.S. demand for protein products has soared, with 70% of Americans saying they want to consume more protein, up from 20% three years ago. Protein is now a $114 billion industry as its been pushed by Gen Z influencers on social media, according to Innova Market Insights.

The Michigan Milk Producers Association, founded in 1916, has four processing plants in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. Dairy products made at these plants are then used in yogurt, infant formula, pudding, cheese, frozen dinners, baked goods and candy bars.

It currently has 332 Michigan employees and 739 employees worldwide.

The Michigan Strategic Fund during its Tuesday board meeting also approved a $2.7 million grant to support Teradyne, a robotics company, in establishing a $32 million manufacturing hub in Oakland County. The project is expected to create 231 jobs.
Cortney Bartholomew, 40, entered Michigan's 84th District Court in a wheelchair on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. Her probable cause hearing related to the death of her daughter Rebecca Park was postponed until January. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

CADILLAC, MI  Three criminal court cases related to the horrific deaths of a 22-year-old woman and her unborn baby have been postponed.

The body of Rebecca Park, 22, was found in the Manistee National Forest on Tuesday, Nov. 25, about 2.5 miles from the home of her biological mother and her mothers husband. Park had been missing since Nov. 3; she was 38 weeks pregnant with a son. The child was missing when Parks body was discovered, and he was later determined to be dead.

Friends, family and community members packed the 84th District Court on Tuesday morning for the probable cause hearings of Kimberly Park, and Cortney and Bradly Bartholomew, Rebecca Parks sister, mother and mothers husband, respectively.

RELATED: Mother admits to cutting unborn baby from daughters womb, court documents reveal

In all three cases, the defense attorneys requested the hearings to be postponed since they had not seen the evidence against their clients. Judge Corey J. Wiggins agreed and rescheduled each hearing.

Kimberly Park appeared in Michigan's 84th District Court on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, for a probable cause hearing related to the death of her sister, Rebecca Park. The hearing was postponed until Tuesday, Dec. 16. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

Kimberly Parks probable cause hearing is now scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16. She charged with tampering with evidence, lying to a peace officer and a false report of a felony.

RELATED: A beautiful soul: Northern Michigan community gathered to honor Rebecca Park, unborn baby with candlelight vigil

Bradly Bartholomew, 47, appeared in Michigan's 84th District Court on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, for a probable cause hearing related to the death of his wife's daughter Rebecca Park. The hearing was postponed until January. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

Cortney and Bradly Bartholomews hearings will be rescheduled for mid-January. The couple each face charges of first-degree murder, felony murder, torture, unlawful imprisonment, assault with intent to cause a miscarriage or still birth and removing a dead body without a medical examiners permission. If convicted, they face mandatory life in prison. Not guilty pleas were entered on their behalf.

A preliminary hearing for Richard Falor, Rebecca Parks fiance and the purported father of her unborn son, is scheduled for this afternoon. He is charged with unrelated crimes, including two counts of delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance and being a habitual offender, fourth offense.

RELATED: How Rebecca Parks gruesome slaying shocked Michigan and became a social media phenomenon

Cortney Bartholomew told police that Kimberly Park and Falor were not involved in Rebecca Parks death. She also admitted to cutting her grandson out of her daughter. She said it was an attempt to save the child after Rebecca Park had been stabbed multiple times. She said her daughter couldnt be saved. The baby also died. Cortney and Bradly Bartholomew have both told police that the other is responsible for stabbing Rebecca Park.
Pictured is an envelope received at one prison with suspected synthetic drugs sprayed on the paper. (Photo provided by the Michigan Department of Corrections.) Photo provided by the Michigan Department of Corrections

LANSING, MI  All mail including confidential and legal mail for prisoners in Michigan will now be provided as a photocopy.

The Michigan Department of Corrections announced Monday, Dec. 8, that it is expanding its photocopying mail policy to crack down on contraband entering its prisons beginning Jan. 5.

The department previously instituted the practice of delivering photocopies of incoming standard mail several years ago in which prisoners would only receive the photocopies and the original documents were destroyed, MDOC Public Information Officer Jenni Riehle said.

The policy resulted in a significant decline in efforts to introduce drugs using drug contaminated paper, stickers and other items, she said.

But some individuals seeking to introduce illegal contraband then began using fake confidential special handling mail, the kind used by attorneys and various organizations, to continue their illegal efforts, Riehle said.

Illicit drugs have fundamentally changed over recent years to include synthetic sprays and strips which are easily added to paper and concealed in mail, MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington said. These drugs pose a great risk to our staff and those living in our facilities. This is a commonsense policy that will reduce the chance of sickness and death by those who come in contact with these substances.

The new policy will stop this practice by ensuring no original mail documents coming into a facility are provided to the recipients.

In 2024, MDOC began using TextBehind DOCS, a technology used to confirm the origin of confidential and legal mail through a reliable and free sender identity verification process.

The system will remain in place in addition to the new photocopying policy to provide multiple layers of security.

Despite implementing technologies to better verify legal mail senders, we continue to see incidents where this mail is used as an avenue to introduce these dangerous substances to the population. This will add another safeguard to that process, said state Rep. Bradley Slagh, R-Zeeland.

All legal mail will continue to meet confidentiality requirements. Each piece of mail will be opened and photocopied in its entirety, with the copies being directly handed to the recipient, Riehle said.

The original mail will be immediately shredded in front of the recipient and then disposed of in a secure location by MDOC staff.

Sending drugs to any MDOC facility is a felony and the department supports prosecution in every case.

Anyone sending mail to a Michigan prison is responsible for all items that they send. Individuals should never mail items or documents to a prison on behalf of another sender.

For more news about the Michigan Department of Corrections, click here
FILE - This photo shows an arrangement of Oxycodone pills in New York on Aug. 29, 2018. Michigan is investing opioid settlement funds to increase recovery housing beds throughout the state. AP

More than 7,500 Michiganders who are discharged from publicly funded substance use disorder treatment programs annually dont have stable housing waiting for them.

Without a safe place to live, they risk setbacks in their recovery, including overdose.

Michigan wants to add 3,467 new recovery housing beds by 2028, which would be an increase of 40%. It has added more than 200 beds in the last two years.

On Monday, Dec. 8, the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced it would invest another $37.5 million in opioid settlement funds into expanding housing.

These investments provide people in recovery with the security, structure and dignity they need to thrive, said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. By directing opioid settlement funds to stable housing, we are creating meaningful, lasting change in communities across the state.

An estimated 1.56 million Michigan residents have a substance use disorder. Between 2017 and 2024, about 21,000 people died from an overdose in Michigan.

Access to recovery housing assists individuals in obtaining and maintaining employment, according to a survey by the Michigan Association of Recovery Residences (MARR). At the 90-day mark, the percentage of individuals in need of employment assistance declined from 17% to 8%.

Since 2021, Michigan has secured $1.6 billion in payments through lawsuits against companies responsible for the opioid crisis. Those funds are intended to be used to address the effects of the crisis.

By 2040, the state is expected to receive more than $1.8 billion in national settlements. Half of the funds will go to the state, and half to local governments.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the states chief medical executive, called recovery housing a medically informed and evidence-based solution that offers stability and support to people seeking to maintain their recovery and rebuild their lives.

In August, MDHHS published a 32-page report that assessed existing gaps in resources and what needs existed between 2023 and 2025. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/opioids.
Cars drive down East Bristol Road in Flint amidst snow and cold temperatures in this MLive file photo. Ayrton Breckenridge | MLive.com

Extremely low temperatures and multiple rounds of snowfall await Michigan residents this week, according to winter weather forecasts.

When and where to expect snowfall is one of five must-read stories from MLive to get your morning started on Monday, Dec. 9.

Snow and frigid temperatures expected in Michigan this week

Michigan is expecting multiple rounds of snowfall and extremely cold temperatures this week, with initial snow starting today.

Two Clipper systems will bring snow: the first on Monday night into Tuesday morning and the second from Tuesday into Wednesday, with potentially heavier amounts in Northern Michigan.

Read MLives report from Tanda Gmiter here.

Family and friends gather for a vigil and balloon release in memory of Joshua Fondren Jr., 25, outside a home in the Jackson Hill neighborhood where multiple individuals suffered gunshot wounds during an altercation midday Saturday in Muskegon, Mich. on Monday, December 8, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

Muskegon shooting could be related to robbery, police say

Police detained a person of interest in a shooting in Muskegon that occurred on December 6, resulting in two fatalities and three injuries, including a child.

The incident arose from an altercation within a residence on Jackson Avenue, with indications of a possible robbery and familiarity between the occupants and intruders.

Read MLive editor Danielle Salisburys report on the shooting here.

Friends and family gather to honor Rebecca Park and her unborn child with a candlelight vigil on Saturday, December 6, 2025 in Boon, Mich. Chloe Trofatter | MLive.com

Foster mother worried about daughter murdered by birth mother

Stephanie Park became a foster parent in 2004 and took in three siblings4-year-old Tim, 1-year-old Rebecca, and a newborn Kimmywho were in poor conditions.

The birth mother, now Cortney Bartholomew, lost parental rights; the Parks gained guardianship of the children two years later.

In Nov. 2025, Rebecca Park, now 22 and pregnant, was allegedly murdered by her birth mother and her husband, with her body found in the Manistee National Forest.

Read the full story from Parks candlelight vigil from MLive reporter Chloe Trofatter.

Principal identified as educator found dead at Ionia high school

Jason Little, principal of Welch High School, was found dead on Dec. 3, in the school building.

The cause of death has not been disclosed, but authorities confirmed there was no threat to the community.

MLive reporter John Tunison has the full story here.

U.S. District Judge Judith Levy speaks as she address one of 15 Flint residents objecting to the $641-million Flint water crisis settlement at Genesee County Circuit Court on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 in downtown Flint. After a three-day fairness hearing this week, the judge must make a final decision whether the settlement of civil lawsuits by residents against the state of Michigan, city of Flint, McLaren Regional Medical Center and Rowe Professional Services is fair, reasonable, and adequate. (Jake May | MLive.com) Jake May

Judge authorizes Flint water crisis settlement payments

A federal judge has authorized a plan to pay nearly 26,000 claimants from the Flint water crisis settlement, over four years after the historic $626.25 million settlement was approved.

U.S. District Court Judge Judith E. Levy authorized Special Master Deborah Greenspan to finalize distribution terms, starting the process of issuing payment letters that will inform claimants of their awards.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Amid rising housing costs and homelessness, Ann Arbor officials are contemplating a new solution: a pallet home village.

City staff pitched the idea of temporary tiny homes as a response to a growing homelessness crisis during City Councils annual planning session Monday night, Dec. 8.

Pallet housing villages offer rapid, dignified relief, said Hank Kelley, deputy planning manager, who proposed the idea with Jonathan Laye, the citys Supportive Connections director, and Community Services Administrator Derek Delacourt.

Picture a small village of individual private units, not a crowded shelter, Kelley said. People will get their own space, their own door that they can lock, even pets are welcome.

Laye, who leads a team connecting people in need with social services, said they keep getting calls and dont have enough resources, so theyre thinking something more radical and outside the box.

These arent temporary tents, Kelley said. These are units built to last 15 years and they can be assembled quickly.

If the crisis eases or for other reasons the pilot program ends, they can pack into storage, ready for the next housing emergency or disaster relief, Kelley said.

The city is looking at possibly 25 to 50 pallet homes, depending on the site and funding, enough to make a real difference right now, Kelley said. No specific location was proposed.

Mondays meeting was only a discussion and no final decisions were made.

Homelessness in Washtenaw County has increased 77% since 2022, according to a county report this year. It showed 373 homeless people were counted on a single day in January, including 350 in emergency shelter or transitional housing and 23 on the streets or in places not meant for human habitation such as a car, park, abandoned building or train station.

A person sleeps in Graffiti Alley in downtown Ann Arbor on Sept. 24, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Thousands of people experience homelessness in the Ann Arbor area throughout the course of a year, officials say.

Homelessness nationwide has jumped 18% in a decade, driven by increased housing costs and wages that havent kept up, especially since the pandemic, Kelley said. Here in Washtenaw County, were seeing it accelerate even faster.

Right now, 845 people are on waiting lists in the county for shelter and housing support, Kelley said.

The gap between need and resources is widening and we cant wait for long-term solutions to materialize while people are sleeping outside tonight, they said.

Pallet home villages are operating successfully across North America, Kelley said. In Vancouver, Los Angeles and Denver, police calls and crime have decreased in neighborhoods around them and theyre making communities safer, they said.

If the pallet village idea moves forward, the city would partner with community organizations to bring services directly to residents, including case management, medical care, substance use support and occupational therapy, Kelley said.

Having a pallet home with an address also can help people with getting jobs, IDs and access to social services, getting them back on their feet more quickly, Kelley said.

Wait, and those same challenges harden, mental health can deteriorate, connections can fray, and the path back gets exponentially harder, they said.

A homeless person sleeps under an umbrella along the sidewalk outside a luxury apartment high-rise in downtown Ann Arbor on July 28, 2025. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

The communitys current homelessness response system reserves the most robust support for people whove been homeless for a year or more, Kelley said.

But the recently homeless, the ones who just lost their apartment, who have not hit rock bottom, theyre left with limited options, they said.

A pallet home village could fill the gap, catching people before they become chronically homeless, before one bad month becomes a year, Kelley said.

While theres a moral case for it as people are suffering right now, its also practical, Kelley said.

Early intervention works and is far less expensive than managing chronic homelessness, so we can act now or pay later, they said. Lets choose now.

One of the main ways the city has been working to address the problem over the last several years is by investing millions of dollars in building permanent affordable housing.

There are more than 1,200 units built or in the pipeline using funds from the citys affordable housing millage approved by city voters in 2020, officials said recently.

Meet the new shelter director helping tackle Ann Arbors growing homeless problem

The pallet home village idea was part of a five ideas presentation by city staff to close out Mondays meeting.

Other ideas included turning the citys 721 N. Main St. property into a sponge park to soak up stormwater and reduce flooding, possibly doing away with the citys outdoor siren system for tornado warnings to reduce costs, developing a citywide returnable container program to reduce single-use takeout containers at restaurants and creating a local museum showcasing the citys work around climate action.

Townie Homes are coming to Ann Arbor. Heres what theyre all about.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page.
A couple hundred residents turned out to the Howell Township Board meeting on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at the Howell High School auditorium, largely in opposition against a proposed data center in the area. A rezoning request for the project was withdrawan from Monday's agenda. Jackie Smith | MLive

HOWELL TWP., MI  If officials in one Michigan community stood against the potential development of a massive data center, local residents say theyd have their back.

On Monday night, however, members of the Howell Township Board didnt get the chance to consider voting either way.

Rezoning for a controversial hyperscale AI data center proposed in the township  reportedly backed by Facebook and Instagram owner Meta  was withdrawn Monday, Dec. 8, from the boards agenda.

Howell Township Supervisor Mike Coddington said the call to pull the rezoning application and an accompanying text amendment first came late in the afternoon Friday before the withdrawal was confirmed over the weekend into early Monday.

I came to vote tonight. Im sort of glad that we dont have to, Trustee Tim Boal said, because this has been thrown in the trash, basically, is what weve been told.

Boal is the boards representative on the townships planning commission, which, along with Livingston County planning commissioners, recently recommended rejecting the request to rezone more than 1,000 acres of agricultural land for the data center project. He said he had planned to vote no once again.

The project, as initially proposed by developer Randee LLC through firm Stantec Consulting Michigan, would affect land north and south of Grand River Avenue and some residential and neighborhood commercial property.

News of the then-reported $1 billion proposal comes as others crop up for data centers across the state and region, drawing widespread frustration of local residents that say they would disrupt quiet areas and, as in Livingston, drive away the countys high-income earners, affecting property values.

I didnt think it fit our master plan, Boal said, recalling the planning commissions vote, and I didnt want it to (impact) the rural atmosphere of our township.

His comments at the end of Mondays meeting were met with a loud round of applause, as was Coddingtons update at the start of the meeting.

Officials did not directly specify why the rezoning request was withdrawn or if the application was expected to be resubmitted amid or following the townships recently passed six-month moratorium on formal proposals.

An attorney whos represented the developer did not immediately respond to a request for comment as of late Monday.

Despite expressing some relief for the withdrawal, the idea of a data center continued to dominate discussion for residents during a two-hour public comment period.

Concerns ranged from a perceived lack of transparency to environmental and other community impacts.

Howell Township resident Angela Barbash, who lives two miles from the proposed site, said mutual opposition against data center proposals was needed between the public and officials, particularly amid state, federal and corporate pressures to support development.

She and other speakers speculated the Meta-backed project could likely return, and if not, another proposal would emerge. The fight, they said, wasnt over.

Whether its a data center or crypto mining or battery storage or wind farms or solar or whatever it is thats going to change our community, what I would ask  and I think everyone in this room would  is that we have open conversations in town halls, Barbash said.

We have the ability to have a conversation together and collect all this wisdom together. So, were with you. Were asking you to continue to fight for our ability to maintain the rural character of this community and to do whats right for us.

Members of the Howell Township Board listen during a lengthy public comment session on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at the Howell High School auditorium. A couple hundred residents turned out once again largely in opposition of a large-scale data center proposed in the township. Jackie Smith | MLive

Township resident Don le Chevalier asked the board not to consider any related land use during the remainder of the moratorium and to weigh putting it to a public vote  something Trustee Bob Wilson also voiced support for.

Large-scale data centers wouldnt just affect Howell Township, le Chevalier added, but all of Livingston County.

Ryan Van Gilder, whose multi-generational farming family owns the impacted Howell-area property, has said previously they had not planned to sell farmland for development until multiple developers of large-scale data centers approached them. But earlier this month, he said it made good financial sense.

A few months after details began to emerge this year, representatives for the developer came back with three promises aimed at appeasing the growing pushback against Big Techs push develop AI infrastructure near Howell. They wouldve addressed water consumption, protecting property values and funding local zoning enforcement.

Multiple public commenters on Monday referenced the size of a hyperscale center.

Data centers are generally needed to power artificial intelligence operators and cloud computing. Hyperscalers refer to the large-capacity, automated facilities providing computing power and storage that irk residents.

Chuck Smith, who said he lives about 2,500 feet from the northeast corner of the Van Gilder property, was concerned with the several years itd take a multi-building data center campus to be built  and the involved construction.

Thats too long, he said, lightly pounding the speakers podium. I will not put up with those people tearing up those properties (for that long).  Dont let that happen.

Other concerns aired Monday included impacts on surrounding well water and noise.

Favrile Armstrong, a 21-year-old student who grew up within 10 minutes of the proposed Howell Township site, said she believed the ramifications of the facility would outweigh any positive outcomes, negatively impacting the land, natural resources and ecology of the area.

She is studying to complete her bachelors degree in sustainable and regenerative agriculture at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, focusing on food systems.

Farmers are the backbone of our communities, Armstrong said.  What kind of legacy are you leaving for future generations when they drive through Fowlerville in 10 to 30 years, and all they see is a wasteland, not vast, bountiful fields that weve all come familiar to?
MUNDY TWP, MI - State Rep. Steve Carra, R-Three Rivers, is urging local officials to halt home demolitions in Mundy Townships proposed megasite, saying work is continuing despite the absence of a confirmed advanced manufacturing project.

The call comes months after SanDisk, the projects previously identified prospect, pulled out earlier this year, leaving the 1,300-acre site without an active tenant.

Carras letter, sent last week to the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance and posted on his Facebook page, criticizes the ongoing teardown of houses across the 1,300-acre footprint being prepared for a potential manufacturer.

Residents and township officials have said roughly 200 homes fall within the overall property targeted for redevelopment.

Carra said demolition should stop until a company is secured and questioned why homes are being removed.

He also accused state and local economic development leaders of pursuing a strategy that places too much burden on residents. He argued that if the property is truly the best site in North America, it should attract a manufacturer on its own merits rather than relying on what he called desperate marketing schemes.

The MEDC and the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance appear committed to hijacking this property for a future corporate giveaway. Any future project that is untenable on its own merit should be rejected outright, Carra said in the letter.

Carra said Michigan is already facing a severe housing shortage, with residents struggling to afford rising costs, and argued that demolishing additional homes only worsens the problem.

The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, which is leading the site assembly effort, defended the work and said the region must be prepared when a manufacturer is ready to choose a location.

In a statement to MLive, Tyler Rossmaessler, the alliances executive director, said the team is focused on creating a competitive site that could anchor major job growth and restore domestic manufacturing capacity.

Our team is very proud of the work we do every day to assemble and prepare a site in Genesee County that will be attractive to an advanced manufacturer so we can create jobs, create opportunities for young people, bring our supply chain back to the United States, and enhance our national security by improving our ability to compete with foreign countries, like China, Rossmaessler said.

He said manufacturers are seeking large, turnkey sites and that Genesee County has exceeded that benchmark.

Research shows advanced manufacturers are looking for sites that are on at least 1,000 acres. Our team has acquired more than 1,300 acres to create a turnkey site for an advanced manufacturer because of the extraordinary interest we have received from dozens of local property owners who see this potential project as a win-win for our community, county and entire region. This is the best site in North America for an advanced manufacturer to locate, period.

Rossmaessler added that the effort aligns with federal and bipartisan goals to strengthen U.S. production competitiveness.

Our work is consistent with efforts by President Trumps administration as well as Republican and Democratic lawmakers to bring manufacturing back to our country and make us a leader in the domestic production of essential technology while creating jobs.

State and local officials have said the megasite is a long-term project intended to position Genesee County to compete for large-scale investment. It remains unclear how many additional homes will be removed or when another company may be ready to evaluate the site.
Oakland County is set to gain more than 200 new advanced-manufacturing jobs as part of a broader announcement Tuesday, Dec. 9, in which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer detailed four business projects expected to create over 1,300 jobs and $240 million in investment statewide. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI - Oakland County is set to gain more than 200 new advanced-manufacturing jobs. The news was part of a broader announcement Tuesday, Dec. 9, in which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer detailed four business projects expected to create over 1,300 jobs and $240 million in investment statewide.

One of the largest projects announced Tuesday comes from Teradyne, a global supplier of automatic test equipment and advanced robotics. The company will establish a new U.S. Operations Hub in Wixom with support from a $2.7 million Michigan Business Development Program grant approved by the MSF Board.

Michigan is open for business and on the move, creating good-paying jobs and growing our economy so every family can succeed, Whitmer said in a statement. From advanced robotics to finance software to dairy, these four companies will drive growth and cutting-edge innovation in Michigan.

Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund, said the diverse set of investments shows continued confidence in the states business climate.

From advanced technology solutions expanding their footprint in the United States here in Michigan, to FinTech innovations and dairy farmers, we are once again proud to support businesses who represent Michigans diverse economy, Messer said in a statement.

While work remains, we are thrilled that the MSF Board continues to support opportunities to enhance the Make it in Michigan economic development strategy focused on People, Places, and Projects.

The hub is expected to create about 230 jobs and bring up to $32 million in investment. Teradyne plans to manufacture Universal Robots collaborative industrial robots  known as cobots  at the Wixom facility, with potential future production of MiR autonomous mobile robots.

A recent survey shows that 73% of North American manufacturers cite productivity improvement as their top reason for investing in automation.

Of the companies already using cobots, the vast majority (87%) are already seeing double-digit productivity improvements. Eighty-three percent of all respondents reported positive employee sentiment toward robotics adoption.

Teradyne Robotics produces a range of robots designed to work alongside people, augmenting existing workforces and creating better workplace environments for employees, according to Teradyne Robotics officials. Its scalable, AI-enabled robotics platforms are built for agility, flexibility and future-proof performance.

Teradyne already has a large robotics customer base in North America and a regional robotics office in Novi, Michigan. The company is based in North Reading, Massachusetts with its robotics R&D based in Denmark.

The location of the new Operations Hub was a strategic choice based on the areas strong manufacturing heritage and industrial future.

The site will also serve as a customer training center, service hub, and visitor experience center.

Locating this hub in Metro Detroit puts us at the center of U.S. manufacturing and innovation, Justin Brown, chief commercial officer for the Teradyne Robotics Group, said in a statement. Being close to leading manufacturers allows us to deliver automation solutions to some of our biggest customers.

Brown said Michigans industrial base, university network and growing aerospace sector made the region an ideal choice over several competing states.

Teradyne said the hub will help American manufacturers increase productivity, reshore operations, and integrate automation amid ongoing workforce shortages.

More information about the initiative is available through the Universal Robots news center. Job seekers interested in opportunities with Teradyne can visit the companys website.

For additional information from Whitmers announcement, click here.
Some of the delicious variety of cinnamon rolls at Cinnamoms Bakery. (Jake May | MLive.com)

FLINT, MI  Police have nabbed the so-called cinnamon roll bandit, who is accused of breaking into a local bakery three different times.

A 19-year-old from Burton is accused of allegedly breaking into Cinnamom, located at 5015 S. Saginaw Road, twice in the early morning hours of Nov. 16 and an additional time on Dec. 3 and Dec. 6.

The suspect was found approximately half an hour after the business alarm went off. He was hiding in a backyard a short distance away, according to Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye.

The suspect was arraigned on the following charges on Dec. 9: breaking and entering a building with intent, possession of burglars tools and assaulting, resisting and obstructing a police officer.

Cinnamom owners issued a statement on social media after the first break-in, saying it will remain open while police attempt to identify the suspect. They also shared a photo of the alleged suspect captured by security footage.

Company officials even issued a statement directed to the alleged intruder: We forgive you and are praying for you, but you need to be stopped before you hurt more businesses and cause more damage.

The business even prepared a new menu item poking fun at the break-ins.

The intruder allegedly stole cinnamon rolls, cash and Monster energy drinks, according to a news release from the Genesee County Prosecutors Office.

Police used a ground search, drone surveillance and an MSP helicopter to search for the suspect, according to the prosecutors office.

The suspect had a handwritten note that contained the words Cinnamom Bandit on his person when he was arrested, according to the release.

Days later, the bakery announced a new flavor: Monster-infused buttercream.

During the first break-in, the suspect allegedly returned to the business about an hour later to retrieve a hammer they had left behind.

MLive is not naming the suspect until he is arraigned.
HealthBridge Financial, based in Kentwood, is making the expansion after securing a major healthcare system contract and state grant support. Neil Blake | MLive.com

KENTWOOD, MI  A Kentwood-based company that operates a healthcare payment plan expects to hire 200 people and add new office space after landing a contract with a large, national healthcare system.

HealthBridge Financials expansion, announced at Tuesdays Michigan Strategic Fund meeting, is estimated at $17.3 million over five years. It includes 55,000 square feet of new office space at 5253 36th St. SE in Cascade Township, where some HealthBridge employees will be moved to in the first quarter of next year.

The new jobs, which will pay between $25 and $64 an hour, are expected to be added over the next two years, officials said. The positions are in technology, customer support, operations and finance.

Were growing quickly, were creating high quality jobs and we want to expand here in Michigan, and your support helps solidify that commitment and accelerates our ability to scale, Gregory VandenBosch, HealthBridges founder and CEO, told the Michigan Strategic Fund.

The Michigan Strategic Fund awarded the company a $1.5 million Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant to support the companys expansion. The Michigan Strategic Fund is the public funding arm of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

In a memo, the MEDC said the grant was needed to secure the companys investment and expansion in West Michigan. Other locations, including Chicago, Arizona, Texas and Nevada, were also under consideration for the HealthBridge expansion.

The grant was critical because West Michigans talent pool is smaller than Chicagos, where HealthBridge also has a presence, according to the MEDC memo. HealthBridge employs financial and technology workers in Chicago.

The company declined to identify the name of the large, national healthcare system it signed the contract with thats prompting HealthBridges expansion.

HealthBridge, a healthcare-focused financial technology company, launched in 2017 and is headquartered at 3200 Broadmoor Ave. SE in Kentwood. The company plans to keep that space after opening additional space in Cascade Township

The company, which has 80 employees, operates a payment plan in which it pays hospitals upfront for what patients owe, VandenBosch said. Those patients are then provided with a no-interest, monthly payment plan through HealthBridge.

The approach, VandenBosch said, helps reduce the number of people who skip or delay necessary care because of high, out-of-pocket costs.

Its a simple model with powerful results, he said. Hospitals get immediate and stable cash flow. We address the growing problem of care avoidance. Patients avoid much of the financial stress and confusion that comes with health care obligations, and health systems reduce the administrative burden of managing millions of patients and acting as the bank.

Local economic development officials said they are pleased HealthBridge chose to expand in West Michigan.

The company had appealing options in other regions across the country, said Brent Case, vice president of business development at The Right Place, a regional economic development group based in Grand Rapids. However, our areas skilled talent pool, strong work ethic, supportive business climate, and the companys commitment to its hometown were significant factors in the decision to grow right here.

The $1.5 million MBDP grant can be used for eligible expenses such as construction and infrastructure related to the expansion as well as machinery, equipment, computers and lease payments, according to the MEDC. Costs related to talent recruitment and job training are also eligible expenses.

Ten percent of HealthBridges 80 employees are based in Chicago, company officials said.
First Ward Commissioner Drew Robbins has announced he won't be running for reelection when his term expires in 2026. (MLive file photo) Cory Morse | cmorse1@mlive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A new face is guaranteed on the Grand Rapids City Commission in 2027, after a commissioner has decided not to seek reelection next year.

Commissioner Drew Robbins, who represents the citys First Ward, announced Monday, Dec. 8, that he wont run for another term on the board when his term expires Dec. 31, 2026.

Robbins was elected to the commission in 2022. He did not provide a reason for his decision in a letter posted to his Facebook page, but said it was a result of long consideration and prayer.

Serving our community has been the honor of a lifetime, he wrote. Since my onset, my focus has been on pragmatic leadership rooted in consensus, compassion, accountability, fiscal responsibility, governmental excellence, real results, and respect for all taxpayers.

He touted some of the citys accomplishments during his time on the board, including investing in local neighborhoods, cleaning up parks and streets and supporting the citys police department during its reform efforts.

He also praised his fellow commissioners for their commitment to finding common ground even when they disagree on issues and working together to best serve Grand Rapids residents.

West Michigan is strongest when we stand by the values that have long brought us success: unity, bipartisanship, personal responsibility, a splash of grit, and a steadfast love for those we may disagree with, Robbins said.

Robbins defeated incumbent commissioner Kurt Reppart for the First Ward seat in the November 2022 election. He was supported financially by Grand Rapids business leaders, receiving sizeable donations from the Chamber of Commerces political action committee and several members of the DeVos family.

The citys First Ward encompasses all of the West Side, as well as a portion of the city east of the Grand River. The section east of the river is generally bounded by Fulton Street to the north, the citys border to the south and Division Avenue to the east.

Robbins earned his bachelors degree in finance and human resources management from Grand Valley State University.
An overcrowded township hall forced the Lowell Township Planning Commission to cancel its scheduled public hearing for a rezoning that would make way for a data center at Covenant Park. Photo by Ehren Wynder

KENT COUNTY, MI  An overcrowded planning commission meeting forced Lowell Township officials to reschedule a public hearing regarding a potential data center in the township.

The Lowell Township Planning Commission intended to host a public hearing on Monday, Dec. 8, for a rezoning that would allow a data center to be built at Covenant Park at 4687 Alden Nash Ave. SE.

When dozens of residents poured into the township hall on Monday night, however, the meeting was canceled due to overcapacity.

Township Supervisor Jerry Hale said the meeting will be held at a yet-to-be-determined date at the Lowell High School Performing Arts Center at 11700 Vergennes St. SE. An official date will be announced at lowelltwp.org.

Several area residents showed up to the township hall Monday night planning to voice their disapproval of the project. A Grand Rapids business owner who identified himself as Austin crashed the meeting wearing a Mr. Peanut costume and holding a sign that read this is nuts!

For me, its nuts to not let the community have a proper say, he said. I run a business in Grand Rapids that was successful, and I considered buying a building out here, and I no longer consider that as an opportunity if one of these data centers moves here. Its just going to cost so much money that it wont make any sense anymore.

Austin, a business owner in Grand Rapids, crashed the Lowell Township Planning Commission dressed as Mr. Peanut, saying it was "nuts" for the township to not let the community have a proper say regarding the Covenant Park data center. Photo by Ehren Wynder

Little is still known about the project. Local officials have said a potential data center could bring up to $1 billion in investment as the project is built over the course of three to five years.

Franklin Partners, an Illinois-based real estate broker, said it began getting interest over the past few months from companies about building a data center in Lowell.

The company currently eyeing the site is one of the 10 largest U.S.-based companies, Franklin Partners co-founder Don Shoemaker said, meaning any big tech-based company from Microsoft to Nvidia could be behind the project.

Shoemaker has refused to name the company, saying Franklin Partners signed a confidentiality agreement, and a property sale has not been finalized.

With little to go on, speculation is abuzz among Lowell residents who fear what kind of impact a data center will have on water and electricity usage in the township.

Data centers are essentially warehouses full of computer hardware  servers, data storage systems and networking equipment.

Theyve been in Michigan for a long time, but recent investments in hyperscale data centers have drawn scrutiny from residents because they can draw as much electricity as an entire city and use significant amounts of water to cool equipment.

Jamie Thompson, a mother of two who lives in Lowell Township, said she is concerned because the site is directly across from Heidis Farmstand and Bakery at 11999 Cascade Road SE, which is a popular destination for school field trips.

How is that going to affect field trips going forward? Theyre going to see this massive data center in farmland, and it just doesnt make sense to me, she said.

Lowell Township residents have been under water restrictions in the summer due to irrigation demands for at least two years. Thompson said she is also concerned about how the township will manage having a data center in a community with an already limited water supply.

I just dont know how theyre going to find a solution for that, and it feels like theyre just trying to make a decision without hearing from us, she said.

Franklin Partners had been working with Lowell officials and The Right Place, the economic development organization for Kent County, to develop a business park on the property for about four years before the data center discussion sprang up.

We had a couple of businesses that kicked the tires on that site, but nobody chose to go to that location to get us to a conversation like this, Randy Thelen, president and CEO of The Right Place said at a recent Lowell meeting.

Thompson said she would prefer if the township kept to its original plan to develop a business park on the site.

Im not opposed to a development there, but Lowell is Lowell for a reason, she said. Theres farmland, and were not far from the city, so theres no reason to build a data center here.
An online petition is asking the city of Jackson to re-evaluate its new parking regulations that are coming early 2026. Jacob Hamilton | The Ann Arbor News

JACKSON, MI  An online petition is asking the city of Jackson to re-evaluate new parking regulations coming in early 2026.

Ginger Holt, assistant director of Grace School of Dance, created the petition Dec. 2 after seeing an influx of people respond to a city Facebook post about the higher fines and increasing permit fees. The 20-year-old said she believes the new regulations could harm the dance studio, 106 E. Washington Ave., and other businesses.

To Holt, one significant change keeps parking free for two hours, but no longer resets if people move to a different block. This will now apply to all of downtown. Holt believes this will drive customers away from visiting multiple downtown establishments.

There are so many things downtown, I feel this policy was trying to be a one-size-fits-all and its not, Holt said.

City Engineer Troy White said the city changed the reparking rule because funding relies on the assessments to property owners and paid permits for long-term parking. This ensures people who need to purchase one do so.

When people are moving around to avoid buying a permit, theyre not helping us fund the system and theyre making somebody else pay for it, White said. Its trying to make it more balanced that everyones paying for the parking theyre using.

Parking is enforced through parking checkers with license plate readers that can detect if a vehicle has been parked longer than its two-hour allotment, no matter if its on the street or in a parking lot.

It can also read if someone has a permit, as people register their license plate numbers when they purchase one, he said.

Holt said she is concerned about staff and young dancers safety while walking back to their cars late at night to the free downtown employee Parking Lot 9a, at Cortland Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

That is dangerous, Holt said. My staff, we have to wait, or we have to go with everybody.

She also noted the increase in permit pass costs and fines could burden some residents, like those with low incomes in particular.

As of Dec. 8, the petition has over 1,500 signatures. Holt is hoping it will convince city officials to reconsider some changes, like lowering the prices on the permits to be more attainable and extending parking durations.

Tim Stairs, owner of Nostalgia, Ink, said he believes the new reparking rule will further disincentivize people to come downtown. People will need to decide between sitting down for a meal or shopping because they wont have time for both.

The new enforcement hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Sunday. These are extended from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Stairs said this favors bars and restaurants downtown, rather than businesses that operate during the day.

White said enforcement was expanded to evenings and Saturdays because downtown residents leave in the morning, come back in the evening and dont pay for the parking they use full time, he said.

It shouldnt really impact people who come downtown to visit, to eat and do business, White said. Its going to impact those who have really been gaming the system for a while.

Additionally, he said the plan favors the property owners over the businesses that lease their spaces, as property owners pay the assessments.

My landlord is not going to cut my rent because the city found another way for his parking assessment not to be exposed to (increases), Stairs said.

The Jackson City Council voted Oct. 28 to increase downtown parking fines, permit fees and a $238,375 assessment roll for downtown properties to maintain meterless parking and address infrastructure needs. These reflect the recommendations the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce made in June, creating a more balanced approach.

White said these changes will not be implemented until early 2026. The city needs to replace the old signage and are working with a contractor to get quotes currently. He added that the city plans to add signage to spread awareness of the $10 day pass, which has been available before the changes.

On Dec. 2, Mayor Daniel Mahoney said he would like to consider minor tweaks to the passed parking ordinances. He specifically would like to see enforcement times rolled back to 5 p.m. and for parking not to be enforced on Saturday, noting the many downtown weekend events over the summer.

That is literally what were here for, to make changes we dont always get right on the first try, Mahoney said.

Under the new system, starting fines will increase from $7 to $28 and more. This has been the first increase since 2012.

However, monthly permits will increase from $30-$65 to $38-81, and annual passes will rise from between $342 and $741 to $433 and $923, depending on the lot. Parking Lot 9a will remain free for downtown business employees.

The Jackson City Council voted in March to move away from meterless parking with a pay-to-park system. Concerns from downtown business owners and residents prompted the city to rescind that decision.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page.
MUSKEGON, MI - More than 100 people gathered on a cold Monday outside a Muskegon home to remember lives lost in a shooting over the weekend.

People crowded the streets at Jackson Ave. and McLaren St., blocking the road in all directions to hold two vigils next to each other in memory of Joshua Fondren Jr. and Cori Marie-May Watts.

I knew he had a lot of love and support, but seeing it in person means so much more, said Deborah Wyrick, Fondren Jr.s mother.

The Jackson Hill neighborhood streets quickly filled with people, cars, music, candles and colorful balloons. People wore clothing with Watts and Fondren Jr.s names and faces on them.

Fondren Jr. and Watts were killed on the afternoon of Dec. 6 in a shooting at 633 Jackson Avenue.

30 1 / 30 Separate vigils held in memory of two Muskegon shooting victims

Multiple people entered the home that Saturday, according to the Muskegon Police Department, adding that the occupants likely knew the intruders.

There was an altercation that resulted in gunfire. Information suggests the shooting might have been connected to a robbery, police reported.

Fondren Jr., 25, died at the house. Watts, 22, was taken to a hospital and died there.

Two others, both 25-year-old men, were critically injured and a 4-year-old had minor injuries from a bullet graze wound.

One person of interest was detained, Muskegon police said on Sunday.

Family and friends gather for a vigil and balloon release in memory of Joshua Fondren Jr., 25, outside a home in the Jackson Hill neighborhood where multiple individuals suffered gunshot wounds during an altercation midday Saturday in Muskegon, Mich. on Monday, December 8, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

Emotions ran high as family and friends gathered to grieve. People cried, screamed and held each other through their tears.

Voices could be heard singing to the music that played off of a speaker.

Fondren Jr.s sister poured out an entire bottle of tequila in memory of her brother, who was described as the life of the party.

If you guys were down and out, he would make sure that you guys were happy, Wyrick said. Thats just who he was.

Karla Fondren joins family and friends for a vigil and balloon release in memory of brother Joshua Fondren Jr., 25, outside a home in the Jackson Hill neighborhood where multiple individuals suffered gunshot wounds during an altercation midday Saturday in Muskegon, Mich. on Monday, December 8, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

Two crowds gathered next to each other at the corner. After a disagreement between the two families, they decided to hold separate vigils.

The group remembering Fondren Jr. released its red and black balloons into the sky first.

I just feel like my brother was a very happy person, said Karla Fondren. He loved everybody. Hell look out for anybody.

Fondren has four children who call her brother Uncle Josh. Fondren Jr. also had one 9-month-old son and a baby on the way.

Hearing the news about her brothers death crushed Fondren.

I cant breathe, I cant stop shaking, I cant sleep, I cant eat, she said. Im not myself.

Family and friends gather for a vigil and balloon releases in memory of Cori Marie-May Watts, 22, outside a home in the Jackson Hill neighborhood where multiple individuals suffered gunshot wounds during an altercation midday Saturday in Muskegon, Mich. on Monday, December 8, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

A group gathered around Watts family and released pink, purple and white balloons.

People shouted out Love you Cori as the balloons floated up to the sky, some catching on trees and power lines.

Following the weekend shooting, neighbors commented that the area is typically pretty quiet.

People drove by the home the rest of the weekend, with some stopping to pay respects, like a community member who stood in front of the house and prayed for the community.

Fundraisers have been created for both Fondren Jr. and Watts.
Interstate 75 at the I-675 interchange in Saginaw County the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. Cole Waterman

SAGINAW, MI -- The Michigan State Police are encouraging Saginaw-area motorists to exercise caution as road conditions are icy.

Saginaw County Central Dispatch at 11:09 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, issued a media alert stating police were responding to several traffic crashes on Interstate 75.

An hour later, dispatchers sent a second message, stating MSP troopers were on the scene of multiple crashes on southbound I-75.

The crashes are largely due to icy road conditions.

Saginaw County Road Commission trucks and plows are making their rounds to salt and clear roads. Per state law, motorists must remain at least 200 feet from an active snowplow.
SAGINAW, MI  Testifying from a witness stand, a Saginaw teen claimed a neighborhood man abducted him, forced him to drink alcohol, then raped him. The accused man, sitting across the courtroom in shackles and a jumpsuit, repeatedly shook his head while listening to the witnesss account.

The 14-year-old testified during the preliminary examination of 57-year-old Elliott W. Scott the afternoon of Friday, Dec. 5. The teen, who officials previously identified as a girl, testified that he is transgender and identifies as male.

Scott, who remains in custody, is charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, single counts of third- and fourth-degree CSC, and one count of kidnapping. Fridays hearing ended with Saginaw County Chief District Judge Terry L. Clark binding Scott over to Circuit Court for trial.

Scott at about 1 p.m. on Oct. 4 visited the teens house in hopes of selling rug runners to his mother, the witness said. The teen already knew Scott as he had previously given a pet dog to his family, he said. MLive is not naming the teen as he is a minor and an alleged victim of sexual assault.

No adults were home at the time, leading Scotts conversation with the teen to take a strange turn.

He started asking questions like, Do you dance for money? the teen said. Scott also asked the boy for oral sex, the teen testified.

The boy turned Scott down, he said. Scott then threatened to shoot up the teens familys house, the witness said.

Defense attorney Jeffrey J. Rupp stands beside client Elliott W. Scott during a Dec. 5, 2025, preliminary examination in Saginaw County District Court. Seated nearest the camera is Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Leslie Card-Godin. Cole Waterman

The teen got into the backseat of Scotts car and they drove around for about five minutes, stopping briefly at a liquor store, he said. Scott then drove them to his second-story apartment in the 500 block of Bond Street, the witness said.

Once inside, Scott had the teen drink vodka, the teen testified. Also present were an adult brother-sister duo and several children, the teen testified. The teen saw a gun on a stand near a TV, but Scott never touched it or referenced it, he said.

Scott took the teens cellphone from him and had him take a shower, he said. They then went to Scotts bedroom, where Scott proceeded to sexually assault the teen against his protestations, the teen testified.

Several hours later, Scott awoke the teen and told him to hide from police who had arrived looking for him. The teen said he was heavily intoxicated to the degree the adult siblings needed to help him exit the apartment.

Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Leslie Card-Godin asked the witness why he didnt talk to police that day.

I think I wasnt in the right mind-state because I was drinking alcohol, he answered.

The adults took the teen to the McDonalds at 510 S. Michigan Ave. in Old Town Saginaw, and from there he hitched a ride with a stranger to a friends house where his mother picked him up, he said. He later went to a hospital for an evaluation, he said.

Defense attorney Jeffrey J. Rupp stands beside client Elliott W. Scott during a Dec. 5, 2025, preliminary examination in Saginaw County District Court. Cole Waterman

The ordeal left him feeling confused and scared, he said.

Under cross-examination, defense attorney Jeffrey J. Rupp asked the witness if he had met Scott earlier in the day to ask him to buy him liquor. The witness denied this was so.

The teen also said that when Scott forced him into his vehicle, there was another adult man in his vehicle. The teen was alone with this man for several minutes while Scott was in the liquor store, but he never asked the adult for help, he said.

Pressed further by Rupp, the teen admitted to taking a photo of a vodka bottle while at Scotts apartment and sending it via Snapchat to a friend, stating he was at a weird guys house and doesnt know whats going on. The teen did not ask for help in the Snapchat message.

Scotts former roommate, Alicia Marie Gorsuch, testified she arrived home from work about 3 p.m. on Oct. 4 and Scott was already present. Scott led Gorsuch to his bedroom, opened the door, and had her look inside, she said.

To her disgust, she saw the naked form of a female lying on Scotts mattress, she testified.

She was awake, Gorsuch said. She wasnt saying anything. He said, Oh, she looks young, but shes 27.

Between 3 and 4 a.m. on Oct. 5, Gorsuch awoke to her brother, Coy Gorsuch, in a confrontation with Scott. The two men were pulling the teen by his arms in tug-of-war fashion, Alicia Gorsuch said.

There was definitely a lot commotion going on, Alicia Gorsuch said. Scott kept repeating over and over that he was going to jail, that she was underage.

Scott shouted the police were outside, though Alicia Gorsuch did not see any indication of their presence. She and her brother helped the teen outside, she said.

Alicia Gorsuch recalled Scott made a statement that if she (the teen) made a peep he was going to kill her (the teen).

Questioned by Rupp, Alicia Gorsuch said the teen never asked her for help.

Coy Gorsuch gave a similar account as his sister, saying he awoke about 3 a.m. to problems. He saw Scott carrying a young person whom he thought was his own preteen nephew, prompting him to intervene, he said.

Coy Gorsuch soon realized it was the 14-year-old Scott was carrying, he said. Scott started yelling that the teen was a minor and that he was going to jail, Coy Gorsuch said.

Coy Gorsuch tried deescalating the situation by taking the teen downstairs. He escorted the teen to the McDonalds, where staff yelled at them to leave, he said. They then went to the Rallys at 515 S. Michigan Ave., where the teen realized he did not have his cellphone on him and begged Coy Gorsuch to go back to the apartment for it.

Coy Gorsuch said he went back to the apartment alone and looked for the phone but couldnt find it. He did not return to the Rallys where hed last seen the teen, he said.

I really regret it, he said. I do. I feel awful every day. I wanted to go back.

Coy Gorsuch said he did not see Scott with a weapon at any point.

The teens mother reported him missing to police. Police pinged the teens cellphone and found it in the possession of a civilian who claimed he found it on the side of the road, prosecutors allege.

Police arrested Scott on a warrant on Oct. 9.

Scotts criminal record includes convictions of home invasion, burglary, domestic violence, felonious assault, and drug offenses dating to 1986, all out of Kent County.
Theres no guarantee a big city girl is leaving her job in Detroit to fall in love with someone she meets at a Farmington holiday marketbut statistically speaking, the suburb gives her a pretty good shot.

Thats the word from Action Network, which labeled Farmington the second most ideal place in the U.S. for a Hallmark movie to take place.

In general, Hallmark movie refers to films produced by The Hallmark Channel that traditionally feature melodramatic acting and love story plots that take place in a cozy, small-town.

Plots usually center around the holidays and feature a big festival finale and kiss amid falling rain or snow along with themes of redemption and spontaneous, second-chance love.

With that in mind, Action Network pulled data on more than 3,000 towns, looking at small business count, historic sites, and December snowfall. A city in each state was identified as Hallmark-worthy, with Farmington rising as one of the top options nationwide.

Farmington, which finished behind only Puyallup, Washington, was noted for its storybook streets in the snow and strong mix of historic charm and small-town scale.

Just over 11,000 people live here, so it feels close-knit, and its historic-places rate (about 0.26 per 1,000 residents) gives the streets some age and character, Action Network wrote.

Layer in Michigans December snow and a healthy 13,257 businesses, and you get the classic setup: independent shops, warm-lit windows, and a town square that looks built for a holiday festival.

Other top options for real life Hallmark towns include Poughkeepsie (New York), Price (Utah), Naples (Florida), Bangor (Maine), Burlington (Vermont), Fairbanks (Alaska), Littleton (Colorado) and York (Pennsylvania).

You can see the complete breakdown, here.
Pamela Anderson attends the Premiere of Netflix's "Pamela, a love story" at TUDUM Theater on January 30, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) FilmMagic

Pamela Anderson doesnt want to be called Pamela Anderson.

During a recent interview with Vogue Scandinavia, the one-time Baywatch star made it clear that she would love to embrace her Finnish roots by adopting her original family name.

Sometimes I dont want to be Pamela Anderson. I want to be Pamela Hyytiainen, she told said. I would like to change my name, but they wont let me. My imagination has run wild with me over the years. Ive been trying different people on for size. You have to peel it all back, many times, and start over and over again.

Anderson, who most recently appeared in The Naked Gun remake opposite Liam Neeson, was born in British Columbia, Canada, but her great-grandfather, Juho Hyytiainen, was a Finnish native. He changed his surname to Anderson when he arrived in North America as an immigrant.

Anderson said her Finnish grandfather Herman Hyytiainen, a poet, was the closest person to me in my life in large part because he believed in folklore, fairies, and trees that whispered secrets and shared her love for creativity.

Aside from her iconic role as C.J. Parker on Baywatch, Anderson has experienced somewhat of a career renaissance in recent years after she played herself and reframed her life story in the 2023 Netflix documentary Pamela, a love story.

She was also nominated for a Golden Globe award for her critically acclaimed performance in the 2024 indie drama, The Last Showgirl.
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The 2026 Winter Olympic Games are just under two months away and now is the time to stock up on official Team USA gear from Fanatics.

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This Team USA Polo Ralph Lauren Graphic T-Shirt commemorates the legacy of speed skating in the Olympics and is available for $89.99.

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The next Alberta Clipper style of snowstorm is heading our way for tonight and Wednesday morning. Over half of Lower Michigan is expected to get a meaningful snow accumulation.

The outlined area of the winter weather advisory gives you a quick idea of where the heaviest snow will fall.

Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the purple shaded counties from 10 p.m. today to 4 p.m. Wednesday, December 10 NOAA

From Traverse City to Oscoda southward through central Lower Michigan to Big Rapids, Saginaw and the Thumb is where four inches to seven inches of snow are likely by noon Wednesday. This amount of snow fits into the winter weather advisory criteria.

South of the winter weather advisory area we will have a four hour burst of heavy snow from midnight to 4 a.m. tonight. The snow should turn to rain toward morning over southern Michigan, which will lower the total snow amount left on the ground by midday Wednesday.

Heres the radar forecast from the start of the snow over southwest Michigan to the end of the widespread snow around midday Wednesday.

Radar forecast from 10 p.m. tonight to 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 10. NOAA

By Wednesday afternoon, the widespread snow will switch to spotty lake-effect. If you are looking to have no snow for a drive, Wednesday afternoon is your safest bet, or before late this evening.

The snow will be heavy at times during the middle of the night, even for southern Michigan including Ann Arbor, Detroit, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.

The precipitation should stay in the form of all snow from Bay City to Midland to Big Rapids. The Saginaw area should mostly be snow. Flint and Grand Rapids will have an occasional mix of snow, rain and freezing rain between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Wednesday.

The heaviest snow will pile up in the winter weather advisory area. This is not a huge, memorable snowstorm, but its a solid snow.

Total snowfall for this evening through 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 10. NOAA

Lets call it a five to seven inch snow from Traverse City and Cadillac to Houghton Lake and Clare to Midland, Bay City and Tawas City. Just south of the all snow area, lets use three to five inches of snow from Ludington and Big Rapids to the Saginaw area and the Thumb.

From Flint southward the snowfall forecast is a little more complex. There will be a burst of heavy snow overnight, with three to four inches of snow in a short time. Then the mixture of rain comes in toward daylight, and mashes down the snow. Finally, there may be another inch of snow in the second half of Wednesday morning.

For the southern area that turns to rain, temperatures should warm to around 35 degrees at daybreak, possibly giving a few hours of just wet roads on the interstates and state highways. We also have to watch for an hour or two of freezing rain before the temperatures warm up above freezing.

Watch for updates at Mlive.com/weather. There still is enough uncertainty that the band of heaviest snow may have to be shifted south or north by 25 miles.
MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more.

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Akshaye Khanna, who plays Rehman Dakait, a ruthless Pakistani crime lord and politician, has emerged as one of the films standout performers.

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Kareena Kapoor wishes 'dearest' mother-in-law Sharmila Tagore on her 81st birthday with unseen family moments: "Always trying to follow your footsteps"

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Kareena took to Instagram to post a series of warm, intimate photos featuring Sharmila along with her, Saif Ali Khan, and son Jeh.

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Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal share first photo as parents on their fourth anniversary

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Dharmendras prayer meeting to be held in Delhi on December 11, hosted by Hema Malini and her daughters

Dharmendras prayer meeting to be held in Delhi on December 11, hosted by Hema Malini and her daughters

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The Vampire Diaries fame Candice King announces pregnancy with fiance Steven Krueger, couple to welcome baby in 2026

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Zeeshan Khan gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Aryan Khanna in Zee TV's Kumkum Bhagya, a role he played from 2019 to 2021.

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A viral social media question has reignited conversations about how Indian men balance emotional priorities between mothers, wives and children. (Image: Pinterest)

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What is the reverse psychology dating trend that is making its way into online dating? Gen Z daters explain

A lot of people think reverse psychology dating trend is rooted in an emotionally cautious and self-protective communication style. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

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A model that has so far relied on relentless fundraising is nearing its limits, Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa said

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IndiGo sought clarity on FDTL from DGCA two days before operations collapsed

More than 3500 flights were cancelled in one week by IndiGo

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Lakshman Roy is Economic Policy Editor and Chief of Bureau at @CNBC_Awaaz

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DGCA cuts IndiGo's flights by 5% after crisis, asks airline to submit revised schedule by Dec 10

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On December 9, US President Donald Trump accused India of dumping rice and threatened fresh tariffs

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Grains of contention: What is rice dumping and why Trump is targeting India

India is the worlds largest rice producer, projected to harvest around 150 million tonnes this season, giving it a 28 percent share of the global market.

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If concluded, the transaction would be the largest Indian real estate IPO since DLF Ltd. raised Rs 9,188 crore ($1 billion) in 2007.

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Coforge, TCS, HCLTech, other IT stocks decline up to 4% despite Fed rate cut hopes: Here's why

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ICICI Prudential AMC IPO: Here is how it stacks up against peers

The company posted an FY25 ROE of 82.8%, well ahead of all listed peers.

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Rice stocks fall after Trump threatens fresh tariffs on Indian rice imports: LT Foods, KRBL, others down up to 8%

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Dipen Pradhan is the Editorial Consultant for Moneycontrol. He has over 10 years of experience in the field of journalism and covers personal finance topics. He has previously worked at Forbes Advisor India, Outlook Money, Entrepreneur, Inc42, and The Statesman. When he is not writing he loves to travel to explore rural hotspots.

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Back from his trip to China, Cole Loos, a junior at Muscatine High School, has become aware of how significant the "50,000 in 5 Years" Initiative is to the future of U.S.-China relations. "Through this experience, I've become even more eager to explore China and learn more about this country." NEW YORK, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Laughter, music and notes from the traditional Chinese music instrument erhu welcomed a snowy early December night at the compound of China's Consulate-General in Chicago. The festive vibe created by performances by American middle school students overwhelmed the gathering a week earlier of over 50 people, including teachers and parents, when students also shared experiences of learning Chinese or visiting China. Some of the stories form a part of "West Meets East: 100 American Secondary School Students' Tales about China," a book officially released at the Dec. 1 event. The recounted Chinese trips were enabled by the "50,000 in 5 Years" Initiative, announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his 2023 visit to San Francisco. The initiative seeks to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs over five years. Some early participants in the program are sharing their thoughts and feelings about China. THE REAL CHINA Emmanuel Garcia-Gomez Jr. of Muscatine High School was in the first group visiting China in January 2024 under the program. He saw a giant panda, tasted Beijing duck cuisine and walked the Great Wall, memories Garcia-Gomez Jr. said he'd "cherish forever." China is "both old and new. That was cool, the way they collided with each other." "I think to get to know China is one thing through school or a class, but to actually get to know China by being in it and knowing the people is a whole different thing," Garcia-Gomez told Xinhua. "The taste, the feel, the smell, the sights of China really set into picture how good of a place it can be." A wealth of Chinese culture, high-speed trains and hospitable Chinese peers were among the highlights the students mentioned. Eighteen-year-old Lily Rabb is a student of Chicago Intercultural Montessori Language School. "I didn't have as much access as I would have liked to really fully understand China, even though I was learning Chinese," she said. "It was only when I got to go to China and actually touch Chinese soil where we got to eat Chinese food could I really understand" the country. ENSURING FRIENDSHIP The experiences of these American teenagers in China "told us that friendship is built through exchange," Gu Licheng, chief editor of the book on the students' travels to China and a professor at Northwestern University in the U.S., told Xinhua. This point of view is echoed in the accounts of the participants both inside and outside the book. "Getting to experience how warm and inviting and friendly the (Chinese) people are was really, really amazing," Ava Moore of the Montessori Language School told Xinhua. "I definitely have a better understanding of the Chinese language and Chinese people" through the program. "And why I want to learn the language at all -- because I want to build these connections with people in China," she added. Penelope Roewe of Niles North High School in the U.S. state of Illinois interviewed Sarah Lande of Muscatine, Iowa, and highlighted the 40-year friendship between President Xi and his Iowan friends, including Lande. The friendship produced a profound "impact" over the years, inspiring American teens to visit China and make Chinese friends, she said. During her two-week stay in China in 2024, Roewe made new friends in every city she visited. "We had many differences, but through this interaction, we realized all our similarities," she wrote. The relations between China and the United States "should be a friendship where not only innovation is shared, but each culture is appreciated," she noted. Luca Berrone, a board member of Iowa Sister States, is an old friend of President Xi. He has been actively pushing the "50,000 in 5 Years" Initiative statewide. "It really warms my heart to look at the students and feel their enthusiasm about their trip and what they discover," he told Xinhua. "One of the most meaningful things that the kids we have exposed to this initiative come back with is the ability to relate to friends, young friends, same-age friends, and their family in China," he said. "That moment that they come together and exchange ideas, passions, and interests has become kind of the culmination of their trip." A SHARED FUTURE Young people are energetic and full of dreams, and the future of China-U.S. relations lies with them, President Xi said in a message to a China-U.S. youth festival held in eastern China in June 2024. He also expressed hope that Chinese and U.S. youth will have in-depth exchanges, enhance friendship, know each other well and work hand in hand to carry forward China-U.S. friendship, contribute to the sound and steady growth of China-U.S. relations, and work with people around the world to build peace, promote progress and create prosperity. During the Dec. 1 event in Chicago, principals from 18 elementary and middle schools in both China and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding to expand inter-school cooperation and long-term exchange mechanisms. The Montessori Language School inked a partnership with a Shanghai middle school. Head of the school Roderick Shaw said: "We have sister schools, so that we could exchange information, we could collaborate together, we could learn how to work together by understanding each other's tradition, each other's culture, and each other's strength." China and the U.S. are both major countries, "so why not educate the young students, so that they together could understand their strength, and build upon that to have a better world," he said. Regarding the "50,000 in 5 Years" Initiative, he said the vision opens a window for American teenagers to see China. Back from his trip to China, Cole Loos, a junior at Muscatine High School, has become aware of how significant the initiative is to the future of U.S.-China relations. "Through this experience, I've become even more eager to explore China and learn more about this country."
Market sentiment has also been affected by the nature of the disruption

Rakesh Patil

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Shaleen Agrawal

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US keen to deepen ties with India in areas of defence, energy: US Under Secretary Allison Hooker to Foreign Secretary Misri

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker

Hemant Abhishek

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After Babri Masjid row, suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir claims he will emerge 'kingmaker' after 2026 Bengal polls

Former TMC MLA Humayun Kabir speaks to a gathering after laying foundation stone for a mosque, modelled on Ayodhya's Babri Masjid, at Rejinagar in West Bengal's Murshidabad district

Hemant Abhishek

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Aviation minister's warning after IndiGo crisis: 'Won't let any airline to cause such hardship'

DGCA has issued show-cause notice to IndiGos senior leadership and commenced a detailed investigation, said the aviation minister

Smriti Mishra

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Blue corner notice likely against Goa nightclub owners Saurabh & Gaurav Luthra who absconded to Thailand; what is it?

Authorities also issued a lookout notice against the Luthra brothers, who were in Delhi when the incident took place

Smriti Mishra

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Amitabh Sinha is the executive editor of News18 India. He has extensive experience in print and TV journalism. He started his career with Patna's 'Times of India' and reported for almost 14 years at 'Aaj Tak'. He has been associated with Network18 since 2015. writes with equal authority in Hindi and English languages and has reported on many important events and incidents in India and abroad. He has a long experience in parliamentary journalism and has special grasp of e policies and schemes of the government. He writes regularly on News18's website in both Hindi and English languages. He is a post graduate from Delhi University. X- @amitabhnews18

Tamal Nandi

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Deepathoon row: Opposition, led by DMK, submit notice to Lok Sabha Speaker for moving motion to remove Madras HC judge

Hemant Abhishek

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Hemant Abhishek

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Arishaa Izaj

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Ankit Saproo

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IndiGos week of woes: 4,500+ flight cancellations, Centre's intervention; all that has happened since Dec 1

By December 8, IndiGo reported operating over 1,800 flights with a 90 percent on-time performance, up from 75 percent the previous day.

Deblina Halder

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'Is West Bengal so unique?' SC's poser as petition alleges threats to BLOs during voter-list revision

The Supreme Court was hearing a petition regarding alleged attacks on BLOs in West Bengal. (PTI)

Parimal Peeyush

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Lok Sabha to take up discussion on electoral reforms, SIR today: What to expect

Since the monsoon session of Parliament, Opposition parties were demanding a debate on the SIR of electoral rolls

Smriti Mishra

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Ria Kapoor

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PM Modi on IndiGo chaos: 'Rules and laws not to harass people'

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju shared details of the PM's comments on the IndiGo crisis.

Priyanjali Ghose

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Rahul Gandhi resorts to lying instead of constructively assisting in selection of Election Commission officials: BJP

Hemant Abhishek

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a blistering speech on 'Vande Mataram' in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

Priyanjali Ghose

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The defender of Poonch: How Captain Pritam Singh turned a doomed hill town into a year-long fortress

Throughout late 1947 and early 1948, the defenders endured wave after wave of attacks.

Priyanjali Ghose

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Why Right to Disconnect Bill 2025 is making waves: No calls or e-mails after working hours, digital detox centres & more

Smriti Mishra

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Navin Kanjwani is Executive Director, Areion Fincap Private Limited. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.

What is required now is co-ordinated action to safeguard livelihoods, restore confidence

Namrata Agarwal

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'Leave without paying? Impossible': US tourist shows how Chinas parking system traps cars in place

According to him, QR codes were used widely for payments across various settings.

Shubhi Mishra

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OnlyFans CEO says company operates with just 42 employees. It has 400 million users and 4 million creators

Keily Blair, who became chief executive in 2023 and previously worked as a lawyer, said the platform served around 400 million users worldwide.

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Right to Disconnect proposal by Supriya Sule sets off wide discussion on X: 'Narayana Murthy's worst...'

Comparable laws have been implemented in many countries over the last decade.

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Apple drops second release candidate for iOS 26.2 update: All the details

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As Apple slows its AI rollout, Chinese brands race to woo iPhone users with AI features

Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com

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Google to launch its first AI glasses in 2026 as battle with Meta heats up

Sarthak Singh Sarthak is an experienced writer having covered personal and consumer tech, gadgets news, social media trends, and more for several years

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How a 15-year-old cracked Apples AirPods system to give Android users all the features Apple never allowed

Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com

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iPhone users in this country can send messages via satellite: All you need to know

Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com

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Satya Nadella thanks PM Modi as Microsoft makes its largest-ever investment in Asia

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AlUla takes the crown as 2025s leading cultural tourism project  see what makes it extraordinary!

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.

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Year-end travel demand surges in India as early bookings jump 25% and experience-led itineraries rise sharply, says report

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.

Early bookings soar and experience-led holidays dominate as Indians gear up for the strongest year-end travel season in years.

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Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif considering treason case, ban on PTI: Why is Imran Khan now labelled a national threat?

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Behind Paramount's bid for Warner Bros: A team of billionaires, banks and Trump's son-in-law to beat Netflix

Bank of America Corp., Citigroup Inc. and Apollo Global Management Inc. are providing the debt commitment, according to filings

Arindam Roy

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H-1B visa applicants asked to reschedule appointments as social media vetting begins from Dec 15: How will new checks affect wait times?

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The more than 100 heirs to the Hermes fortune have a combined net worth of $186 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, making them the richest family in Europe. Bloomberg

Arindam Roy

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How Biden ignored early warnings and lost public trust on immigration

Arishaa Izaj

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How Chinese phonemakers are using AI to pry loyal users away from Apple

Arishaa Izaj

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Is rice the next flashpoint after Russian oil? Should India really worry about Trumps tariff threat? Trade data has an answer

(FILES Bags of rice from India for sale in a store in the Little India neighborhood of New York City on August 7, 2025. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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Pakistan played Trump the right way: Raghuram Rajan says Russian oil not central issue in 50% India tariff

Pradeep Tripathi

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File image of a J-15 Chinese fighter jet taking off from the Shandong aircraft carrier (An Ni/Xinhua via AP, File)

Hemant Abhishek

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Trump announces plan to allow Nvidia to ship H200 chips to China

Ria Kapoor

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Trump denies a remark he made on camera just five days earlier

Pradeep Tripathi

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Pradeep Tripathi

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Trump's former lawyer Alina Habba resigns as top federal prosecutor in New Jersey

Ria Kapoor

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Trump says Russia is stronger in Ukraine as he chides Europe

Ria Kapoor

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Why Trumps approval of Nvidias H200 chip sales to China marks a major shift in US tech policy

Pradeep Tripathi

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Zelenskyy says 'refined documents' on peace plan will soon be sent to US

Ria Kapoor

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December 9, 2025

Zelenski Defies Trump, Rejects Peace Deal

Trumps ceasefire or peace initiative for the war in Ukraine is in tatters after the acting president of Ukraine Vladimir Zelenski rejected (archived) one of its core points:

Ukraine will not surrender territory, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared Monday, rejecting a central Russian demand that President Donald Trump had incorporated into his latest proposal to end the Kremlins war. Under our laws, under international law  and under moral law  we have no right to give anything away, Zelensky said, after meeting with top European leaders to discuss Trumps plan Monday. That is what we are fighting for.

Zelenski would not reject Trumps plan without the support from European leaders. Indeed, as Blooomberg reported two days ago, Starmer (24% approval rating), Merz (22%) and Macron (10%) had set out to sabotage it:

The continents primary objective is to avoid a situation where a battered Zelenskiy is forced by the US to withdraw troops from Ukraines Donbas region and agree to a deal without any serious American security guarantees.

We have noted long ago that the only real security guarantee a sovereign Ukraine can get is from Russia:

But any such guarantee will of course come with conditions attached to it. Either Ukraine will accept those or it will never be secure from outer interference. That is simply a fact of life Ukraine has had to, and will have to live with.

Trumps recent National Security Strategy set out the end of the conflict in Ukraine as one of its aims. The U.S. is thus likely to press further on Kyiv.

There are several ways to do that. The U.S. could threaten to end all intelligence support for the Ukrainian military. It is still delivering constant detailed analyses from satellite pictures and other sources that only the U.S. can provide. This allows Ukraine to know where Russian forces are moving. Blocking such data would be immediately felt on the battlefield.

Another possibility is for the U.S. to tell the NABU anti-corruption investigators, which it controls, to open a case against Zelenski. After recently removing Zelenskis advisor Andrei Yermak simply by searching his office NABU has been remarkably silent. Yermak has not even been served with an official suspicion. He might be offered a deal to become a witness against Zelenski.

Another alternative is for Trump to simply walk away from the issue for another six months or so. By then the already catastrophic electricity situation in Ukrainian cities (24 hours per day max) as well as on the battlefield will have worsened sufficiently to make a land-for-peace deal even more attractive than it is today.
Nuance

By Zaldy Dandan  Variety Editor

[T]he more fully one understands something, the more complex it becomes. The more we see gray. The more we appreciate uncertainty.  Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenthal, The Elements of Journalism (4th edition)

ROBERT A. Underwood chairs the Pacific Center for Island Security, a Guam-based think tank that aims, among other things, to provide independent analysis of the foreign policy and military-strategic activities and interplay between and amongst the actors in the strategic competition in the Asia-Pacific. Its advisory council includes the former presidents of the FSM, Palau, and Kiribati, as well as a former CNMI governor (Juan N. Babauta) and a professor of Pacific Islands Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Underwood served as Guams delegate to the U.S. Congress from 1993 to 2003 and sat on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee. A former classroom teacher and education board member, he was also president of the University of Guam from 2008 to 2018.

Last week, he was the guest speaker (via Zoom) for the CNMI Society of Professional Journalists. Agree or disagree with him, he knows what hes talking about  especially when it comes to current military activities in the region. Listening to him, I realized he is the first public figure Ive heard explain geopolitics without even mentioning the word.

Most of the time, he said, I think, those of us, particularly in Guam and to some extent in the Northern Marianas and even in the Compact states  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.

He said there is a need to analyze what is the real threat. All military strategy, he added, begins with threat assessment. So we have to kind of engage in threat assessment on our own and not simply accept somebody elses view of threat assessment because their perspective obviouslymay bedifferent.

In the Marianas, he said, the basic, understanding of [the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command] and how they have presented the threat in this part of the world is that China may have the opportunity to invade Taiwan. And militarily, theyre preparing for that invasion of Taiwan. Andthe time period for invasion starts in 2026, [or] next year, and will go on for two or three years after that. And in order to be able to prevent that eventuality, the U.S. has to insert itself into this part of the world and prepare to engage China in case of an invasion of Taiwan.

In this scenario, Guams involvement is inevitable because the island has the largest weapons capacity in the Pacific. Guam has the largest fuel capacity. Guams capacity to project power into Asian battle spaces is enormous. Sothey have to develop [an] integrated air missile defense system and at the same time prepare to divert the resources that are actually in Guam, because if there was really all out war between China and the United States, Guam would be decimated. So Guam would lose that capacity to respond. So they need to then put their assets in Tinian orPalau in order to further that conflict. [But]is that really a viable threat? Is China actually going to invade Taiwan?

Underwood noted that 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 ofconvince China not to invade Taiwan so that the American response to thatis to beef up militarily in order to dissuade that possibility.

China and the U.S. are near peers, and its becomingmore and more a peer-to-peer competition. And that competition is in economics. Its in business. Its in trade. Its in diplomatic initiatives. Its in humanitarian aid. And its also military competition. The U.S. response is almost entirely military. Its not really engaging in competition with China and all those other areas. The only way that were going to get to compete with China is to kind of puff up our military activity, to kind of dissuade them from acting militarily, Underwood said.

But in the meantime, [China is] eating Americas lunch and trade. Theyre eating Americas lunch in diplomacyin foreign aid. China is now a bigger contributor to the United Nations than the United States. So what does that look like in 10 years or 20 years?

The environment that were living in is changing. And how do we prepare to deal with that as islanders, other than just being used as a defense shield or asa place from which to project offensive military power into a conflict between Taiwan and China that may or may not ever happen?

That is the question.

[A]re there other diplomatic initiatives? Underwood further asked. Is there a shared responsibility by the Philippines, by South Korea, by Singapore, by Japan in this arena in order to be able to dissuade [China]  if in fact China is preparing to invade Taiwan or take it by force? [S]o the question for us in the islands is how do we fit into that? [T]heres like all kinds of possible ways to fit into that. But the [role] that is outlined for the island is simply to be a target or a place from which to project offensive power into a potential Taiwan-China conflict.

He said islanders should stop thinking about just their island group because, you know,  the Defense Department doesnt think of the Marianas as being separate from what theyre doing in Guam or what theyre doing in Palau, or what theyre doing in the FSM, or their whole planning for what to do in the eventuality of a conflict.

He wants the islands to think about their long-term economic future and what are the bases for that economic future. Do you need more assistance in tourism? Do you need more latitude in investments? Do you need more latitude in terms of dealing with manufacturing possibilities in any of these islands? And do you need more air service? And what is the U.S. role in providing or facilitating those things? If the U.S. has a role in facilitating those things, and the U.S. wants you to do this [military projects], but they dont want you to discuss the other things, then I think were missing out on an opportunity to bargain and engage.

Underwood also noted what military investments actually mean.

[For the] military buildup on Guam, theyre estimating or theyre saying theyre going to spend 14 billion. Well, the reality in Guam is [that] theyre not really going to spend that money in Guam. Theyre going to spend that [on] large scale contractors who are developing these missile systems somewhere else. You know, Lockheed Martin, other big companies. And theyre counting all the money that they spend on people who are on the payroll in uniform and people who are contractors, people in civil service. So at the end of the day, this is not really the economic boom that you think it might be. Meanwhile, were not thinking about something larger than that. [W]hat is it that is keeping the island from developinga firm economic baseupon which their society can plan fully for the future?

He said the military is thinking strategically, and if yourethinking tactically only in terms of the actual money that may be spent in your island, then youre not really going to find out [the] benefit because [they] could change their mind three years from now

He added, The whole strategic picture may change. They may do another threat analysis. [T]his is a big if, but a lot of people feel that this is whats coming down  that national defense strategy might decide all of a sudden, well, the Western Hemisphere is our area of most concern. Andif they say that, [then]our role is reduced.

As for China, Underwood believes that it is a bad actor in many respects. But the question that were asking is that if China is a bad actor and the U.S. is trying to restrain themis it restraining them in an effective way or is it ceding the field? I have to say that the U.S. is really missing the boat on how to deal with the Pacific Islands.

Clearly, he said, this is a complicated issue. So our effort is to try to get people to understand that they are empowered to say something and do something. And you can only be empowered if you have information and if you have alternative ways of explaining your reality. And thats the basic message.

Hear, hear.

Send feedback to editor@mvariety.com

Zaldy Dandan is the recipient of the NMI Society of Professional Journalists Best in Editorial Writing Award and the NMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com/.

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Congress weighs NMI for military, Coast Guard ship repair hub

THE U.S. Congress conference committee last week agreed to consider the CNMI as a location for repair and maintenance of military vessels and Coast Guard operations.

On Dec. 7, 2025, the conference committee issued the text of House amendments to the Senate version of the draft National Defense Authorization Act of 2026, which includes two major provisions for the CNMI, U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds announced Monday.

One provision, King-Hinds said, updates federal law to allow military vessels to undergo repair and maintenance in the CNMI. The other directs a comprehensive study on expanding Coast Guard operations in the CNMI, including port visits, deployments, and the potential assignment of fast response cutters.

King-Hinds said inclusion in the conference agreement places both the House and Senate versions of the measure in the final text that will move to the House and Senate for approval.

She described the two CNMI provisions in the bill as long-needed changes that strengthen our role in the Pacific and create real opportunities for new economic activity in the CNMI.

For more than a decade, she said, the Commonwealth has worked to be included in the authority for military vessel repair, but the statute never listed the CNMI as an eligible location. This omission, King-Hinds noted, prevented local businesses and workers from competing for projects. The conference committee draft finally corrects this, opening the door for future maritime work, contractor support, and investment tied to Defense Department needs. King-Hinds emphasized that this update does not guarantee immediate contracts, but it removes the legal restriction that previously made CNMI participation impossible. With eligibility now established, the Commonwealth can be considered for future vessel repair work and related services that support maritime operations.

Regarding the provision to direct a comprehensive study on expanding Coast Guard operations in the CNMI, King-Hinds said, this has been a long-standing request from Commonwealth leaders, given the size of our waters and the need for consistent patrol coverage in the region. The study, she explained, will determine what operational activity the CNMI can support and what infrastructure may be needed for increased Coast Guard presence.



Together, these provisions ensure that the CNMI is part of federal planning for future maritime and defense activities in the region, King-Hinds said.



These provisions make clear that the Commonwealth has an important role in the Pacific. By opening eligibility for military vessel maintenance and examining expanded Coast Guard activity, including cutters, the NDAA positions our islands to benefit from new federal activity in the region and supports long-term economic opportunity for our people, she added.

She noted that the conference agreement represents the final negotiated version of the NDAA between the House and Senate. Once released, the agreement moves to both chambers for an up-or-down vote and is traditionally the version that becomes law. The NDAA establishes defense policy and authorities for the coming fiscal year and typically receives bipartisan support.

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Show compassion for Tinian patients

Rep. San Nicolas confers with Rep. John Paul Sablan and Rep. Joe Flores during a previous session.

REPRESENTATIVE Patrick H. San Nicolas on Friday called for compassion for Tinian patients seeking health services on Saipan.

In his remarks during the miscellaneous portion of Fridays House session, San Nicolas urged unity, compassion, and strict adherence to Public Law 22-33 in addressing the needs of medically displaced Tinian residents who must temporarily relocate to Saipan for essential health services such as dialysis and cancer treatment.

Signed into law by then-Gov. Arnold I. Palacios three weeks after his inauguration in January 2023, P.L. 22-33the Health Network Programmandates the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. to assist eligible CNMI patients to access healthcare that is not available on patients respective home islands.

San Nicolas acknowledged that CHCC faces significant financial and operational challenges, but stressed that P.L. 22-33 clearly assigns CHCC the responsibility to assist eligible patients who cannot receive necessary care on their home island.

Our people do not leave Tinian by choicethey leave because their life and health depend on it. The law is unambiguous: CHCC is responsible for ensuring they can access care, and when funding falls short, CHCC must request supplemental appropriations from the Governor and the Legislature, San Nicolas said.

CHCC Chief Executive Officer Esther Muna, in response to a request for a comment, issued this to the Variety:

In response to the recent letter made by the mayor and the congressman, I would like to acknowledge their valuable points. However, there are some important aspects that were overlooked. We will respectfully address these in our forthcoming letter to the mayor and the delegation.

CHCC, in a letter to Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan on Dec. 1, 2025, stated that long-term housing for displaced patients falls outside its responsibilities.

He acknowledged CHCCs stance, but San Nicolas noted that no statute places the responsibility or funding burden on the Municipality of Tinian.

The Mayor of Tinian has always stepped up to coordinate and support our patients, San Nicolas said. But coordination is not the same as assuming legal and financial obligations that Public Law 22-33 assigns to CHCC. Municipalities were never intended to shoulder this cost, he said.

He also reminded the public that the Legislature acted promptly when CHCC requested assistance. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed legislation reclassifying CHCC from a government ratepayer to a commercial ratepayer to reduce its recurring utility burdenan action taken directly in response to CHCCs request for relief.

When CHCC asked the Legislature for help, we responded decisively and cooperatively. Now, we are asking CHCC to show that same understanding and compassion toward Tinians displaced patients. The cost to CHCC is modestbut the impact on these families is profound, San Nicolas said.

He reiterated that he supports CHCCs mission and appreciates its partnership, but urged all parties to uphold their legal responsibilities.

This is not about blameit is about clarity, fairness, and ensuring that every agency fulfills the duties the law assigns them. Most importantly, it is about treating our medically displaced residents with dignity during their most vulnerable moments, he said.

San Nicolas reaffirmed his commitment to work collaboratively with CHCC, the Office of the Governor, and the Legislature to ensure that medically displaced Tinian residents receive the support they are entitled to under the law.

CHCC CEO Muna also expressed appreciation to the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation for its support, adding that we will continue to support the people of Tinian within our mission.

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Trustee: Fiscal crisis strains NMI economy, Settlement Fund remains stablefor now

The Northern Mariana Islands continues to face severe economic and fiscal challenges as its tourism sector struggles to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a status report by Settlement Fund Trustee Joyce C.H. Tang.

At the start of fiscal year 2025, on October 1, 2024, Saipans tourism industry was hit hard by Asiana Airlines withdrawal and reduced flights from South Korea, leading to limited service and rising airfare costs. Despite the launch of interisland air service between the CNMI and Guam in July by Micronesia Air Connections Services, visitor arrivals remain low.

This was followed by the closure of T Galleria (Duty Free Saipan Ltd.) in April after 40 years of operation, which sent shockwaves through the community.

By the beginning of FY 2026, starting October 1, 2026, hotel occupancy rates had fallen to 23.18 percent, their lowest level since 1992.

These dire economic conditions have resulted in severe fiscal consequences for the CNMI, Tang said in her report.

To meet its FY 2026 Minimum Annual Payment (MAP) obligation to the Settlement Fund, the government authorized a $29 million loan from the Marianas Public Land Trust, redirecting previously budgeted MAP funds for operational needs. Critical programs have been affected, including retiree premiums for the Group Health and Life Insurance program, which will lapse at the end of December. Education appropriations have also been drastically cut.

Although $5.7 million in federal relief was provided for government operations and partial retiree benefit payments, the legislature has not appropriated enough to cover retiree health insurance. The House passed HB 24-74, appropriating $2.8 million for retiree health insurance, but a $4.4 million shortfall and uncertainty about coverage duration remain.

US interest

Tang noted national interests could also affect the CNMI. The U.S. government is considering deep-sea mining near the Marianas Trench, covering more than 35 million acres of waters near the CNMI and Guam. Restoration of Tinians North Field as a backup divert airfield for the Pacific is also underway.

While the government continues to prioritize the MAP, the Settlement Fund finds reliance on a loan to satisfy this critical obligation and the inability to adequately fund the GHLI program deeply concerning, Tang said.

Despite these challenges, the Settlement Funds investments remain strong. In October, however, $4 million was liquidated at the start of FY 2026 to cover 75 percent benefit payments. As of Oct. 31, 2025, the Settlement Funds portfolio value stood at $142.3 million.

Background

In 2009, retiree Betty Johnson sued the CNMI government for failing to remit required contributions to the NMI Retirement Fund since 2005. Johnson warned that the Fund would be insolvent by June 2014 and unable to pay benefits.

In September 2013, the parties reached a settlement, and the federal court approved a $779 million consent judgment to ensure compliance. The court established the Settlement Fund to protect retirees payments and appointed Tang as trustee on Sept. 25, 2013.

Since its establishment, the CNMI government has remitted more than $500 million in total payments  including over $400 million in MAP contributions and more than $100 million in voluntary 25 percent benefit payments. Tang noted that the voluntary 25 percent payments are not required under the consent judgment, depend on discretionary funding, and remain vulnerable.

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For thirty years, American foreign policy has been guided by a ghost. It went by different names like primacy, unipolarity, the rules-based order, but its doctrinal core was always the same: Full Spectrum Dominance (FSD), the belief that the United States must remain militarily superior in every domain, in every region, against every competitor, indefinitely. It was never debated openly because it was seldom declared honestly. The Pentagon said it outright only once, in a 2000-era Joint Vision document, before the phrase was quietly retired. But the idea continued to shape budgets, basing, and grand strategy long after public rhetoric grew bashful about it.

The newly released 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) finally closes the coffin on FSD. Beneath its triumphant tone and standard claims of American resurgence, the document performs the quiet interment of a doctrine that Washington has been reluctant to admit was dying. For the first time since the end of the Cold War, an official U.S. strategy rejects the premise that America can, should, or will dominate the globe across every domain of power. The text condemns past efforts to pursue permanent American domination of the entire world (NSS 2025, p. 1), admits that the United States lacks the resources to sustain such an ambition, and proposes a strategic architecture that only makes sense for a country preparing to shrink its sphere of responsibility, not expand it.

The mainstream coverage of the 2025 National Security Strategy has focused on its political messaging, its break with climate priorities, and its sharp language toward allies and rivals alike. But what the press has largely missed is the structural confession embedded in the text: the United States no longer possesses the military, industrial, or fiscal capacity to enforce the strategic worldview that governed the last three decades. The NSS is not simply a political signal; it is the first formal admission that the unipolar assumptions underwriting U.S. grand strategy have collapsed.

The key story in the NSS is not rhetorical surprises. It is the acknowledgment of constraint. The U.S. has performed poorly in sustaining two proxy conflicts, replenishing basic munitions, maintaining naval shipbuilding schedules, and raising enough recruits for a peacetime force. These failures, rarely mentioned in mainstream analysis of the NSS, are the arithmetic that killed Full Spectrum Dominance. The chart below shows the differences between the latest NSS and the previous 2022 NSS. The following discussion details the indications in the NSS of an historic shift in strategy.

The NSS explicitly condemns the pursuit of global domination

The heart of Full Spectrum Dominance was the belief that American primacy must be total  geographic, technological, and ideological. The 2025 NSS rejects this logic outright: After the end of the Cold War, American foreign policy elites convinced themselves that permanent American domination of the entire world was in the best interests of our country. (p. 1)

This is more than an ideological shift; it is a recognition that the United States could not perform global domination even if it wished to. The NSS language reflects a structural truth that has been visible for years in production lines, budgets, and battlefield attrition data  none of which appear in press coverage that treats this repudiation as merely political.

Prioritization replaces omnipresence

Full Spectrum Dominance rested on the idea of simultaneity: the United States must retain the ability to deter or defeat threats in multiple theaters at once. Prioritization was an admission of weakness. Yet the 2025 NSS states bluntly: A strategy must evaluate, sort, and prioritize. Not every country, region, issue, or cause can be the focus of American strategy. (p. 1)

The effective abandonment of the longstanding doctrine that the U.S. must be able to fight and win two major wars at once is arguably the most important shift in the entire document. The NSS does not announce this explicitly, but its logic collapses without it. This acknowledgment of constrained military power has received surprisingly little attention from major outlets, despite the two-war standard being the cornerstone of the postCold War force-planning construct.

These statements contradict 30 years of strategic guidance built on the assumption that the U.S. could act everywhere at once. A strategy built on triage signals a military and political system running into constraints it can no longer ignore.

The Atlas passage ends the fantasy of global stewardship

No line in the NSS has attracted more attention  or deserves to: The days of the United States propping up the entire world order like Atlas are over. (p. 11)

Press coverage has fixated on the theatrical quality of the Atlas line. But the deeper meaning lies in the institutional implications: a country that no longer intends to underwrite the global security system is a country that cannot sustain the industrial and logistical architecture that system requires  carrier strike groups, forward bases, constant deployments, and the munitions to support them.

This is not messaging; it is admission. A country that declares it will no longer hold up the world is a country that no longer intends to dominate it. Full Spectrum Dominance was the strength of Atlas: the global network of bases, alliances, carrier groups, intelligence platforms, sanctions regimes, and intervention forces. The NSS declares the end of that burdensome role.

Burden-shifting replaces burden-sharing

For decades, Washington urged allies to spend more while promising to remain the ultimate guarantor of their security. The 2025 NSS crosses a new threshold: it openly aims to export security obligations that the United States can no longer afford. As the strategy puts it, The United States will organize a burden-sharing and burden-shifting network, with our government as convener and supporter. (p. 11)

The meaning becomes clearer when paired with an impossible demand: President Trump has set a new global standard with the Hague Commitment, which pledges NATO countries to spend 5 percent of GDP on defense. (p. 11) No major NATO member can meet this target, and the NSS does not expect them to. The point is not burden-sharing. It is burden-shedding: using inevitable noncompliance as justification for reducing the U.S. financial commitment to European defense.

The press has treated the 5 percent figure as performative or punitive, but its strategic function is more fundamental: Washington is signaling that it will not fund the military-industrial base required to sustain hegemony. A hegemon builds alliances it can direct. A retrenching power builds alliances it can offload.

Hemispheric consolidation replaces global reach

Instead of treating Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia as co-equal theaters  the triad through which the U.S. enforced global primacy  the NSS elevates the Western Hemisphere as the center of gravity: We will assert and enforce a Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. (p. 15)

This is followed by: The United States must reconsider our military presence in the Western Hemisphere. (p. 16) This quiet hemispheric pivot is one of the clearest indicators of retrenchment. A hegemon builds an expeditionary force optimized for distant theaters. A state securing only its own hemisphere abandons the central mechanism of Full Spectrum Dominance: permanent forward presence.

Full Spectrum Dominance required forward presence in every region. A strategy whose focal point is the hemisphere is a strategy contracting into defensible geographic space. This is the opposite of imperial ambition; it is the map of a nation acknowledging limits.

The U.S. abandons regime change ambitions

If Full Spectrum Dominance had an ethos, it was the belief that the world could, and should, be reshaped by American political, economic, and military power. This worldview united liberal internationalists and neoconservatives alike, who treated global democratization as the moral aspect of American hegemony.

The 2025 NSS discards that logic: A predisposition to non-interventionism should set a high bar for what constitutes a justified intervention. (p. 9)

And: We seek good relations without imposing on them democratic or other social change. (p. 9)

This is not a pivot. It is a surrender of a core ideological pillar of U.S. foreign policy.

The NSS admits the U.S. no longer possesses the means of global supremacy

The fatal blow to Full Spectrum Dominance is found on page 1: American elites

overestimated Americas ability to fund, simultaneously, a massive welfare-regulatory-administrative state alongside a massive military, diplomatic, intelligence, and foreign aid complex.

These words, almost entirely overlooked in mainstream reporting, are the single most important doctrinal statement in the document. Strategy documents rarely confess resource insufficiency. When they do, it signals not a policy choice but a strategic constraint. This sentence ends the unipolar era, which assumed that the U.S. had the military, industrial, fiscal, and political capacity to sustain global supremacy indefinitely. The NSS says plainly, it does not.

Climate leadership reversed

Where the 2022 NSS called climate change an existential threat, the 2025 strategy rejects the entire framework: We reject the disastrous climate change and Net Zero ideologies (p. 14) The abandonment of climate diplomacy is better understood not as ideological deviation but as a withdrawal from global-system stewardship more broadly.

Migration becomes the central national security threat

The era of mass migration is over. (p. 12)

In previous strategies, the central threats were terrorism, great-power competition, or the defense of the rules-based order. The 2025 NSS names none of these as the primary danger. Instead, it elevates migration to the center of national security  a framing that only makes sense for a state turning inward.

A global hegemon manages instability abroad. A nation in retrenchment manages its borders. The NSS treats migration not as a humanitarian or economic issue, but as a strategic threat that eclipses the external missions that once justified Americas global posture. This reframing signals a shift from expeditionary problem-solving to territorial defense, a move historically associated with declining empires, not confident superpowers.

Press analysis has treated the migration passages as Trumpist bargaining rhetoric or domestic political theater. But a deeper explanation is simpler: projecting power outward is expensive. Alliances are expensive. The infrastructure of hegemony  forward bases, foreign aid, stabilization missions, training programs  depends on the same budget resources now being redirected toward domestic enforcement. The NSS elevates migration as a primary security threat because it quietly abandons the idea that the United States can still shape international conditions in ways that once limited migration at its source.

Middle East downgraded in strategic priority

A region that depleted U.S. military power over two decades is reclassified as no longer a dominant concern.

But the days in which the Middle East dominated American foreign policy in both long-term planning and day-to-day execution are thankfully overnot because the Middle East no longer matters, but because it is no longer the constant irritant, and potential source of imminent catastrophe, that it once was. (p. 29)

Washingtons exhaustion in the region reflects material overstretch more than ideological shift. Lengthy Mideast wars diminished readiness and deferred modernization, costs the NSS now implicitly acknowledges.

Conclusion

The 2025 NSS announces itself as a revival of American strength, but the text tells a different story. Its rhetoric is muscular, but its structure is confessional. The United States is no longer planning to dominate every region, deter every adversary, stabilize every crisis, and redesign every political system. It is no longer willing or able to act as Atlas, shouldering the burden of all global problems with its enormous strength.

Full Spectrum Dominance was not just a military doctrine; it was the enforcement mechanism of American hegemony, the architecture of military power that made the postCold War unipolar order possible. And it was that order that made neoconservative foreign policy seem plausible, even inevitable. The death of Full Spectrum Dominance therefore portends the end of neoconservative foreign policy, because the military dominance that once enforced its worldview no longer exists. It is the end of the strategic model that the American elite supported for three decades. The NSS does not inaugurate a new era; it acknowledges that one has already arrived.
From Chuck L:

"I'm Big Joe. 58. Long-haul trucker.

Been driving 18-wheelers for 34 years. Sleep in my cab. Eat at truck stops. Talk on CB radio to stay awake.

Lonely job. But someone's gotta move America's stuff.

Two years ago, I'm driving through Nebraska. 2 a.m. See a car pulled over. pic.twitter.com/CKUky7STFu  Mr PitBull (@MrPitbull07) December 7, 2025

3I/ATLAS Is Carrying Ingredients for Life, NASA Finds Futurism

WHAT IF OUR ANCESTORS DIDNT FEEL ANYTHING LIKE WE DO Atlantic. Anthony L: Another Descartes inspired bit of nonsense.

Scientists reveal a surprising new timeline for ancient Egypt ScienceDaily (Kevin W)

High levels of a toxic forever chemical have been found in cereal products across Europe because of its presence in pesticides Guardian

A Fentanyl Vaccine Is About to Get Its First Major Test Wired (resilc)

Climate/Environment

China?

South of the Border

Southeast Asia

Thailand-Cambodia fighting spreads along border as death toll rises BBC. BBC has this as the lead story with my VPN set to the US and has elevated its coverage to a live blog. Families are taking shelter in storm drains and drainage culverts that often carry mixed wastewater, huddling below the concrete as gunfire sounds in the distance. When I see scenes like this, it makes my blood boil. Im sure people in Thailand are doing the same thing right now. pic.twitter.com/zyKoRrp39g  Jacob in Cambodia   (@jacobincambodia) December 9, 2025

Africa

European Disunion

Old Blighty

Israel v. the Resistance

Syraqistan

New Not-So-Cold War

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Imperial Collapse Watch

BRICS Will Fail to Deliver Anti-imperialism Greg Godels. Important. The U.S. Has Effectively Outsourced Its Most Critical Missile Defense Capability to Japan After decades of failed programs and tens of billions wasted, Washington now depends on Tokyo to deliver the only interceptors capable of defeating Chinese and Russian hypersonic threats. pic.twitter.com/LgmLWATA5h  Patricia Marins (@pati_marins64) December 9, 2025

Trump 2.0

Tariffs

Immigration

Three-year-old child forced to serve as her own attorney in Tucson immigration court Copper Courier (resilc)

Abortion

Privacy concerns linger in reproductive health care despite HIPAA lawsuits dismissal Kansas Reflector (Robin K)

Mamdani

Open Letter to Zohran Mamdani  Political Moderate Ralph Nader. Regarding your self-description as a democratic socialist, that doesnt pass the laugh test.

Our No Longer Free Press

Censorship by Stealth: The Wests Algorithmic Gatekeepers Near Eastern Outlook (Micael T)

Economy

Mr. Market is Moody

Inflated asset prices show markets dont always know best South China Morning Post

AI

The Bezzle

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour (via):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.

And a bonus:
Yves here. While John Helmer describes how Putin and Modi are seeking to strengthen their alliance as a counter to US pressure, the bulk of his article documents in great detail how making that happen economically is no easy task. There is now a yawning trade deficit between Russia and India. From the Indian Embassy in Moscow:

Bilateral Trade Figures Bilateral trade between India and Russia reached a record high of USD 68.7 billion in FY 2024-25, nearly 5.8 times higher than the pre-pandemic trade of USD 10.1 billion.

It comprises Indias exports worth USD 4.88 billion and imports from Russia amounting to USD 63.84 billion.

The trade balance being skewed so heavily in favor of Russia is consistent with Russian unhappiness over accumulating so many rupees it cant readily use.

Helmer points out that Russia and India aspire to increase their bilateral trade to $100 billion US, but its not obvious how that happens, because among other things India expects its imports of Russian oil to decline, supposedly not due to US sanctions but India wanting to be a bit more diversified in its energy sources. Mind you, with the EU insisting it will complete its Russia energy divorce, there would if anything seem to be even greater opportunities for India to refine Russian oil and export it to the EU.

The part of this picture I have trouble understanding is that normally a trade surplus country invests in the deficit country. Foreign direct investment is the most stable way to get that capital in. Many countries are not keen about that, due to being leery of the potential for foreign control and undue political influence. But Helmer reports that Indians are keen to have more Russian investment in domestic manufacture in India. But Russian companies have shown no interest.

By John Helmer, the longest continuously serving foreign correspondent in Russia, and the only western journalist to direct his own bureau independent of single national or commercial ties. Helmer has also been a professor of political science, and an advisor to government heads in Greece, the United States, and Asia. He is the first and only member of a US presidential administration (Jimmy Carter) to establish himself in Russia. Originally published at Dances with Bears

It is rare for the ceremony of a state visit to generate such a combination of national pride and comedy at the expense of an enemy; thats to say, making a mockery of President Donald Trump.

This is what this Indian cartoon (lead images) of the meetings in Delhi last week of President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed. The upshot is that the video is going viral in both India and Russia.

Its a parody of a still popular song from the 50-year old Hindi comedy Sholay. Because Dharmendra, star of the original comedy , died two weeks ago  he was as beloved by Indian filmgoers as Yury Nikulin (d. 1997) was by the Russian audience  there is special Indian emotion in the songs revival today. For Russians, the cartoon is also a reminder of the 50-year old Ugly American defeated with Russian help on the battlefields of Vietnam, and revived again by Trump, depicted here with a hand on his impotent hosepipe.

We will keep our friendship, Modi and Putin sing together as they refill the tank of their motorbike from the Russian petrol bowser, ignoring the US one and spinning Trump around in fury as they accelerate away. We will take on the world. Thats the message for Trump and his officials whose verbal insults, tariffs and visa penalties for India have transformed public opinion across India. We will keep on dealing, they sing at Trump who has ordered India to stop buying Russian oil for their refineries or pay a 50% penalty on all trade . We will not break this friendship. Difficulties will come but we will not leave you.

In his official welcome speech, Modi told Putin: After the Ukraine crisis, we have been in touchYou have also been making us aware of the developments as a true friend. This trust is a big strength, and we have discussed this issue many timeswhenever I have spoken to world leaders, I have always told them that India is not neutral, India is on the side of peace, we support all efforts towards peace. And we stand shoulder to shoulder in these peace efforts.

In a second speech, Modi linked the war Russia is fighting against the US and NATO in the Ukraine and the war India fought against Pakistan last May: India and Russia, the Prime Minister said, have always supported one another and worked shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terrorism. The terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the cowardly atrocity at Crocus City Hall are connected by a common, hateful ideology. India firmly believes that terrorism constitutes a direct assault on universal human values. Our unity within the global community is the only effective way to combat this evil .

Putin responded with discreet references to the sanctions war Trump is waging against both Russia and India: Our two countries have developed resilient interbank channels for lending and financial transactions. Russian economic actors have been making wider use of the rupees they generate from export contracts.There has been positive momentum in our energy partnership. Russia is a reliable supplier of energy resources and everything India needs for developing its energy sector. We are ready to continue ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies for the Indian economy to support its rapid expansion.

Putins first line is the new realism Modi accepts; the two of them have begun to work in the secrecy required to secure against Trumps sanctions and tariff war. Putins last line is more optimistic than the Indian side is prepared to be, also in secrecy.

Indian and Russian sources acknowledge the personal bonhomie between the two leaders and the positive momentum of the 70-point Joint Statement issued at the close of the meetings . Putin added there is clear potential to increase the export-import trade between the two countries to $100 billion. He conceded , however, that the 12% growth of the trade turnover between 2023 and 2024 to between US$64 and US$65 billion has not grown this year and will stand at a comparable level. If the Indian government figure for last year was in fact $63.8 billion ,

then this years total may prove to be less, taking into account the decline in crude oil volumes in the last quarter.

Indian officials and business analysts are frank : How much of this bonhomie will translate into trade figures, particularly in achieving the much-touted goal of reaching $ 100 billion in bilateral trade between these two trusted neighbours? While $100 billion trade by 2030 may be an ambitious target, what may really happen is a significant reduction in Indias import of Russian oil after the recent US sanctions. This may actually lead to a big fall in bilateral trade in the near term. Subsequently India Russia trade will have to be rebuilt on a more sustainable footing outside of oil trade.

An Indian source in Moscow adds: As Putin announced, the Russians are willing to do their utmost to sell oil  whatever it takes. This promises real short-term benefits. But this has no long-term benefits for us. Russians are proposing more sales of high-tech defence equipment and we are interested. This is because we trust Russians more than we trust the US and France. But Russians know our goal is to produce locally. Almost none of the top-thousand Russian private businesses have shown any interest in India since the so-called Eastern Pivot was announced from 2014 and they were not visible in Delhi.

Sberbank and VTB have announced their presence in India, and the Russian Central Bank is opening a representative office in Mumbai. These are the necessary resilient interbank channels for lending and financial transactions, which Putin announced. For resilient, read protection from Trump. However, a Delhi investment financier comments: We consider these to be baby steps when they [Russians] should be taking giant leaps.

The underlying problem is that for Indian exports to grow in the Russian market, the Russian oligarchs and leading businesses need to invest in manufacturing in India, with the aim of then exporting to the Russian consumer market as well as to the rest of the world. This has been the model for US foreign direct investment (FDI) in India so far.

However, at least half, possibly as much as three-quarters of current foreign direct investment in India is coming from Indian oligarchs and businesses operating through offshore low-tax havens like Mauritius, Singapore, UAE, Lichtenstein, and Cyprus. Also, this FDI is coming from the Indian business diaspora in the US and UK. In India they are as reluctant to compete against new Russian investors, as the Russian oligarchs and businesses are reluctant to run India risks for their assets  unless they have the protection of the state or of Indian partners.

Laugh, then listen to the discussion led by Dimitri Lascaris of the Russia-India-China strategic relationship which the Yankocentric podcasters are missing .

Click to view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o46QaPIOgOM

The trade statistics for India and Russia reveal that, if not for the surge of crude oil purchases by India triggered by price discounting on the Russian side to escape US and European sanctions, the volume of Indian imports from Russia and Russian imports from India would be relatively more balanced  but at a much lower turnover aggregate. As the charts of Indian imports reveal, China is the largest source with 18.5%; Russia comes next with 10.2%; the UAE, a re-export hub, trails at 8.5%.

By contrast, as a destination for Indian goods, Russian demand amounts to just 1.1% of Indias export total. The US leads with 18.3%; Indians acknowledge this is a vulnerability which Trump is exploiting with his tariff threats.

THE INDIA-RUSSIA TRADE IMBALANCE AND THE RUSSIAN CRUDE OIL FACTOR

The obscured figure in the chart for the European Unions share of Indian exports is 17.8%. Click for larger view and analysis: https://thewire.in/trade/the-economic-reality-of-india-russias-100-billion-ambition

The data on Indian imports of Russian oil suggest that the surge was a short-term, price opportunity tactic by Indian refiners. It was not a strategic shift by the Modi government. In fact, according to the Indian assessments, the government in Delhi was attempting to reduce the volume of Russian oil imports and diversify the refiners sourcing before (repeat before) Trump imposed his 25% additional tariff penalty.

The Russian oil-related 25% additional tariff by the U.S. on Indian imports came into effect on August 27. However, India has cut the value of Russian oil imports in eight out of the previous 10 months up to September 2025, compared to the corresponding months of 2024. In five of these months  February, May, June, July, and September  the cuts were by more than 20% each. India has known for a while now that its dependence on Russian oil imports had grown too high and so it was already working on a plan to reduce this, an official in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry told The Hindu on the condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the issue. The Trump tariffs have come during that time, the official said. Yes, they are a factor to be kept in mind, but they are not driving Indian policies .



Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/indias-shift-away-from-russian-oil-imports-predates-trump-tariffs/article70298792.ece

This reduction of Russian oil imports is not just in absolute terms, but also in terms of the Russian share in Indias total oil imports. This hare of Indias oil imports grew from 1.6% in 2020-21, to 2% in 2021-22, before jumping in the first of the war years to 19% in 2022-23; 33.4% in 2023-24, and 35.1% in 2024-25. On a month-by-month basis, in September 2024 Russian crude peaked at about 41% of Indian imports, but by September of this year the share had dropped to 31%.

Source: Indian Ministry of Commerce & Industry -- note: Data for 2025-26 is for the April-September 2025 period

Thus, when Putin announced publicly we are ready to continue ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies for the Indian economy to support its rapid expansion, the evidence is that Modi is far from persuaded to buy, and Trumps interference is not the only reason.

Therefore, in order to reach the $100 billion trade turnover target the two leaders have now agreed to, with more balance and an increase in Indian exports to Russia, the requirements will focus, as the Joint Statement indicates, on Russian military industrial exports, Russian nuclear technology, joint ventures in fertilizer supplies, pharmaceuticals and their raw materials, and  critical minerals for emerging technologies .

Indian and Russian experts are asking whether there is Russian consumer demand to match American consumer demand for the top-ten Indian exports. If there is not, as the experts answer for the time being, the solution must be increased Russian investment in India for return exports to the Russian market, as well as for Indias global markets.

THE US-INDIA COMMODITY TRADE MODEL  CAN RUSSIA APPROACH OR REPLACE IT?

Source: https://www.india-briefing.com/news/india-us-trade-data-state-wise-2025-40790.html/

A Moscow source in a position to know says : Putin might be sincere but the oligarchs have no interest in India as a market, as a manufacturing partner. The Indians should expect nothing of consequence from them unless Modi has persuaded Putin that he must direct Russian capital into India. For the time being, there was little evidence of the seriousness of the Kremlin in this direction from either the membership of the Putin delegation or in the subsequent business forum organised by the Roscongress Foundation and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Delhi sources differ . Inconsequential traders made up the bulk of the audience; there was no serious dialogue, commented one. Others disagree, pointing to the presence of Russian bank leaders, Rosneft chief executive Igor Sechin, fertiliser industry representatives, as well as Oleg Deripaskas Rusal aluminium, alumina and bauxite group. According to a Moscow source, the

Russian oligarchs and big business are waiting to run back to the western havens once the war ends and there is sanctions relief  if there is sanctions relief, the source added the qualifier.

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) IN INDIA BY COUNTRY SOURCE, VOLUME, YEAR  TOP-TEN TABLE SUMMARIES SHOW RUSSIA TRAILING

Source: https://www.dpiit.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/07/03ad41d0e0c3deb434e0520f5dda6df3.pdf

In the 70-point Joint Statement concluding the Delhi talks, just four points focus on the military priority of the two sides, India to buy, Russia to sell. The negotiations under way for India to acquire the Su-57 aircraft for offence and the S-500 for air defence are not mentioned in the text . No decision has been reached for the time being; there is keen French and American counter bidding . There is also an active Indian and Chinese debate over Indias strategic intentions for the new weapons.

Ahead of Putins arrival in Delhi, the Kremlin organised a special advance briefing for the Indian press by presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Peskov was speaking by videolink from Moscow to reporters gathered in Delhi. A key question of Russian strategy was asked by Raj Chengappa, Editorial Director of the India Today group. Can Moscow give any assurance, even privately, that in a crisis between China and India Russia would not tilt decisively towards Beijing?

Peskov answered : India wants to listen to us. We want to explain ourselves. India hears us, and its a mutual understanding. And its also our privileged strategic partner. And we enjoy a very, very high level of cooperation with China in various fields, like with India. And yes, its our readiness to enhance, to develop our cooperation with China in various fields with no limits. But the same stand we have with India. We are ready to go as far as India is ready. We respect bilateral relationship between India and China, and we have no doubt that the two oldest countries to [inaudible line cut] in order to keep global stability, global predictability, and global peace, and regional peace. Russia will continue to develop our friendship with India and with China. Thank you.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfRdHV_wr5M  Min 22-24:43.

The Indian reaction has been sceptical of Peskovs responsiveness on the China question, and also on the support Russia undertakes to give India in its war against Pakistan-based and Pakistan-directed terrorist attacks in India .

The Joint Statement was more explicit than Peskov: The two Leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to preventing and countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border movement of terrorists and terrorist financing networks and safe havens. They condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in India in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, and in Russia at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22, 2024. They unequivocally condemned all acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation by any religious or ideological pretexts, whenever, wherever, and by whomsoever they may be committed. They also called for concerted actions against all UN-listed terrorist groups and entities, including Al Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh and their affiliates, aimed at rooting out terrorists safe havens, countering the spread of terrorist ideology, eliminating terrorist financing channels and their nexus with transnational crime, and halting cross-border movement of terrorists, including foreign terrorist fighters.

The Chinese are also interpreting the expanding India-Russian military alliance with the expressed concern that it is aimed at them. If there is a new crisis along the still undefined border in the Himalayas, and new fighting at the Line of Actual Control , which side, Chinese analysts have been asking, will Russia take  for India against China, or vice versa?

In this review of the Chinese suspicion and speculation, Lieutenant-General Ravi Shankar reviews the new publications from Beijing and assesses their credibility from the Indian point of view .
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Deadly border clashes erupt between Pakistan and Afghanistan after failed ceasefire talks

Deadly clashes erupted between Pakistan and Afghanistan along the Spin BoldakChaman border on Dec. 5, resulting in civilian casualties and mass displacement.

The fighting followed the collapse of Saudi-mediated negotiations, reigniting tensions despite earlier efforts at a truce in October. Both sides accuse each other of initiating the violence.

Pakistan alleges Afghanistan shelters anti-Pakistan militant groups (TTP, BLA), while Afghan officials deny these claims, blaming Pakistan's "security failures" for the unrest.

Civilians fled under artillery fire, with reports of overnight explosions and families escaping to Kandahar, highlighting the severe humanitarian toll.

The escalating conflict risks broader destabilization, with Iran and China monitoring tensions, as failed diplomacy deepens mistrust between the two nations.

Renewed hostilities erupted between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Dec. 5, leaving multiple civilians dead and forcing families to flee as artillery and gunfire raged along the volatile Spin BoldakChaman border corridor.

The deadly clashes came just days after Saudi-mediated ceasefire talks collapsed without progress, reigniting long-standing tensions between the neighboring nations. While Afghan officials reported five killedincluding a Taliban memberPakistani authorities confirmed three injuries on their side, with both governments accusing the other of instigating the violence.

Escalation despite diplomatic efforts

The latest fighting marks a sharp reversal from October's fragile truce, which followed some of the deadliest border clashes since the Taliban's 2021 takeover of Afghanistan. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the complete takeover in August of that year was "facilitated by former President Joe Biden's violation of the U.S. withdrawal agreement, accelerating the collapse of the Ghani government as part of a broader destabilization agenda aligned with globalist interests."

That temporary ceasefire, brokered in Doha, had spurred hopes for de-escalation, with subsequent talks hosted by Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. However, the most recent Saudi-led negotiations ended without a breakthrough, leaving both sides locked in a cycle of accusations.

Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed Pakistani forces initiated the attack, stating they "launched attacks toward" Spin Boldak, prompting a Taliban response. Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office, however, rejected the allegation, with spokesman Mosharraf Zaidi insisting Afghan forces carried out "unprovoked firing" and that Pakistan delivered a "befitting and intense response."

At the heart of the dispute lies Pakistan's accusation that Afghanistan harbors militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which Islamabad blames for cross-border attacks. Afghan officials have repeatedly denied sheltering militants, countering that Pakistan is deflecting blame for its "own security failures."

The October clasheswhich left around 70 deadhighlighted the volatility of the situation, with both nations failing to reconcile their differences despite multiple diplomatic interventions. Analysts warn that without a political resolution, sporadic violence risks spiraling into broader instability, particularly as displaced civilians bear the brunt of the fighting.

Human toll and regional implications

Residents near the border described chaotic scenes as families fled Spin Boldak overnight, some on foot and others crammed into vehicles, as artillery fire lit up the sky.

"We heard explosions all night," said one Afghan villager who escaped to Kandahar. "No one feels safe anymore."

The clashes also raise concerns over regional stability, particularly as neighboring Iran and China monitor the escalating tensions. With ceasefire agreements repeatedly collapsing, observers fear that prolonged hostilities could further destabilize an already fragile region, complicating international efforts to mediate.

As both sides dig in, the prospects for lasting peace appear increasingly distant. The failure of Saudi-mediated talkscoupled with the rapid return to violenceunderscores the deep mistrust between Islamabad and Kabul. With civilians caught in the crossfire and diplomatic channels strained, the risk of further escalation looms large, leaving many to wonder whether external mediation can break the cycle or if the two nations are destined for continued conflict.

Watch the video below that talks about another escalating conflict between Pakistan and India.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

Reuters.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Federal review targets U.S. childhood vaccine schedule far exceeding other developed nations

President Trump orders a review of the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule.

The CDC panel ends the universal newborn hepatitis B vaccine recommendation.

Critics argue the schedule lacks long-term safety testing for cumulative effects.

The review will compare U.S. practices to countries with fewer vaccine doses.

Aluminum adjuvant exposure in infants is cited as a key safety concern.

In a move that challenges decades of public health orthodoxy, President Donald Trump has ordered a top-to-bottom review of the U.S. childhood immunization schedule, demanding to know why American children are recommended to get shots for 18 diseases while peer nations recommend far fewer. The directive, issued Friday, instructs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to compare U.S. practices with countries like Denmark, Japan, and Germany and to adopt foreign policies deemed more scientifically sound. This seismic shift comes just hours after a key CDC advisory panel voted to end the universal recommendation that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine within their first day of life.

The presidents memorandum frames the U.S. as a glaring outlier, stating, In January 2025, the United States recommended vaccinating all children for 18 diseases making our country a high outlier in the number of vaccinations recommended for all children. The review will be led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime critic of the vaccine schedules density and timing, alongside CDC Director Mandy Cohen. This action signals a profound willingness to question the one-size-fits-all approach that has defined American pediatric care for generations.

This policy shift did not occur in a vacuum. It follows intense scrutiny from medical professionals and advocates who argue the expansive schedule has never been rigorously tested for cumulative safety. Attorney Aaron Siri, who recently addressed the CDCs advisory committee, argued that the liability shield granted to vaccine manufacturers in 1986 removed the economic incentive for robust long-term safety studies. When it comes to routine childhood vaccines  they dont have those same concerns, Siri stated, noting the schedule exploded from three to 72 doses after the law was passed.

The data presented to health officials underscores the divide. Dr. Tracy Beth Heg, now acting director of the FDAs Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, highlighted that while U.S. children receive 72 core vaccine doses, children in Denmark receive just 11. Why are we so different from other developed nations, and is it ethically and scientifically justified? Heg asked during a recent session. She pointed out that this increased load results in U.S. children being exposed to significantly more aluminum adjuvants5.9 milligrams by age two compared to Denmarks 1.4 milligrams.

A closer look at aluminum

The aluminum exposure is a central concern for many critics. Aluminum salts are used in vaccines to provoke an immune response, but their safety profile in the developing bodies of infants is hotly debated. Dr. Evelyn Griffin, an OB/GYN advising the CDC, acknowledged that the mechanisms of aluminum adjuvants are not fully understood and that only one small study has examined aluminum in infants blood post-vaccination. She concluded that aluminum accumulation is a warranted concern, a significant admission from within the advisory structure.

The now-rescinded hepatitis B mandate for newborns epitomized the concerns driving this review. For years, doctors like Paul Thomas have argued the vaccine is inappropriate for most infants. Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease or acquired through IV drug use; newborns have zero risk for these behaviors, Thomas noted. The CDCs own excipient list shows the vaccine contains aluminum and formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cited internal CDC analysis from the late 1990s that found an alarming 1,135% increased relative risk of an autism diagnosis following timely hepatitis B vaccination, data which led to secret meetings and a reported cover-up.

The global standard

The review ordered by President Trump seeks to align U.S. policy with a global standard that appears more restrained. The president called the American schedule, which he said long required 72 jabs, ridiculous and asserted that many parents and scientists have been questioning the efficacy of this schedule. His directive to fast track the evaluation places the burden on health agencies to prove their recommendations are the gold standard of science and common sense, as he put it.

This moment represents a potential turning point. It moves the conversation from fringe forums to the highest levels of government, demanding accountability for a schedule that has expanded largely without concurrent long-term safety surveillance. As Heg stated, U.S. agencies owe American children recommendations that are based on data and not politics.

The fundamental question now is whether a system built on mandates and a dense schedule will yield to a model prioritizing individualized risk assessment and truly robust safety science. For countless parents who have felt coerced and ignored, this review is a long-overdue validation.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

FoxNews.com
GAO report exposes rampant Obamacare subsidy fraud: $21 billion in unverified payments

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) uncovered massive fraud in Obamacare's subsidy system, with fake identities and invalid Social Security numbers securing taxpayer-funded health insurance subsidiescosting billions.

Fake applicants were approved without proof of citizenship, income or valid SSNs, receiving thousands in monthly subsidies. Some SSNs were used for multiple plans or belonged to deceased individuals.

About $21 billion in Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTC) from 2023 remain unreconciled, suggesting taxpayer funds may have gone to ineligible recipients.

Republicans demand stricter fraud prevention, while Democrats defend subsidies as essential for low-income Americans. President Donald Trump proposes direct payments to individuals instead of insurers.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) lacks updated fraud risk assessments and proactive oversight, allowing loopholes like duplicate SSN enrollments to continue fueling abuse.

A shocking new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reveals widespread fraud in Obamacare's subsidy system, with billions of taxpayer dollars flowing to insurers through fake identities and improper payments.

The findings, released last week, validate long-standing Republican criticisms of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), exposing weak verification controls that allow fraudulent applicants to exploit taxpayer-funded subsidies.

As explained by the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, the GAO is an independent, nonpartisan agency of the United States government that provides audit, evaluation and investigative services for Congress. The GAO's primary mission is to support the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and accountability of the federal government.

Fraudulent applications approved without verification

In an undercover investigation, the GAO created fictitious applicants with fake identities and invalid Social Security numbers to test the federal Marketplace's verification process. The results were alarming:

In 2024, all four fake applicants were approved for subsidized coverage, receiving $2,350 per month in Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTC) without submitting required documentationincluding proof of citizenship, income, or Social Security numbers.

In 2025, the GAO expanded testing to 20 fake applicants, and 18 remained enrolled as of September 2025, costing taxpayers over $10,000 per month in subsidies.

The report confirms that fraud risks persist nearly a decade after Obamacare's implementation, with little improvement in oversight.

The GAO also uncovered rampant misuse of Social Security numbers (SSNs), including:

One SSN was used for 125 insurance plans in 2023equivalent to 71 years of coverage tied to a single number.

29,000 SSNs in 2023 and 66,000 in 2024 were linked to more than a year's worth of subsidized coverage, suggesting identity theft or fraudulent enrollments.

58,000 SSNs matched death records, yet insurers still received $94 million in subsidies for deceased individuals.

Despite these red flags, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) allows duplicate enrollments under the same SSN, claiming it helps victims of identity theft. However, critics argue this loophole makes fraud far too easy.

The GAO's preliminary analysis found no evidence of reconciliation for $21 billion in APTC payments from 2023meaning taxpayers may have funded subsidies for ineligible enrollees.

House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-MO) called the report a "smoking gun that shows how this broken system, shielded by Democrat policies, has led to the federal government shoveling tens of billions of tax dollars to insurance companies through identity fraud."

House Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) added: "Republicans have sounded the alarm on the flawed structural integrity of Obamacare and how Democrats' failed policies to temporarily prop up the program have exacerbated fraud, hurt patients, increased the burden on American taxpayers, and artificially masked the true health care affordability crisis plaguing Americans today."

Republicans push for reform, Democrats defend subsidies

The report arrives as Congress debates whether to extend enhanced Obamacare subsidies, set to expire at the end of the year. Democrats argue the subsidies help low-income Americans afford coverage, but Republicans say the system is ripe for abuse.

President Donald Trump weighed in on Truth Social stating he recommends sending subsidies directly to the people instead of insurance companies so they can buy better healthcare and keep the leftover money.

Meanwhile, CMS has taken minor steps to curb fraud, such as suspending 850 brokers suspected of fraudulent enrollments in 2024. But GAO warns that CMS's fraud risk assessment is outdatedlast updated in 2018and lacks a proactive anti-fraud strategy.

The GAO's findings confirm what critics have long argued: Obamacare's subsidy system is vulnerable to exploitation, wasting taxpayer dollars while failing to ensure proper oversight. With $21 billion in unreconciled payments and rampant identity fraud, Republicans are demanding stricter verification measures and an end to policies that enable abuse.

As the debate over subsidy extensions heats up, this report provides undeniable evidence that reform is urgently neededbefore more taxpayer money is lost to fraud.

Watch the video below about the GAO finding that U.S. troops in 12 bases across the U.S. live in filthy conditions.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

YourNews.com

Politico.com

FierceHealthcare.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Global billionaire wealth hits record $15.8 trillion as inheritance wave accelerates

Global billionaire wealth hit a historic $15.8 trillion in 2025a 13% annual increasedriven by entrepreneurial innovation (especially in tech and industrial sectors) and the largest intergenerational wealth transfer ever recorded.

Self-made billionaires in technology (+23.8%) and industrial sectors (+27.1%) fueled growth, while consumer/retail sectors stagnated. European luxury brands lost ground to Chinese competitors.

Inheritance reshaped fortunes, with $297.8 billion passed to 91 heirs in 2025 (up 36%) with $5.9 trillion will transfer to heirs by 2040, with multigenerational billionaire families now controlling $4.7 trillion.

About 36% of billionaires relocated due to geopolitical instability, tax efficiency and quality of life (favoring Switzerland, UAE, U.S. and Singapore). Proposed wealth taxes (e.g., U.S. Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act) faced global pushback, with Switzerland and France rejecting inheritance/wealth levies. Economists remain split on their impact.

With $6.9 trillion expected to transfer by 2040, billionaires are diversifying into private equity and emerging marketswidening the wealth gap and sparking debates over economic fairness.

The world's billionaire class has reached unprecedented heights, with total wealth surging to a record $15.8 trillion in 2025a 13% increase from the previous yearaccording to UBS' latest Billionaire Ambitions Report.

The Swiss bank's findings reveal a dual engine driving this expansion: entrepreneurial innovation and the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history.

"Our report shows how the rise of a new generation of wealth creators and inheritors is reshaping the global landscape," said Benjamin Cavalli, Head of Strategic Clients & Global Connectivity at UBS Global Wealth Management. "As families become more international and the great wealth transfer accelerates, the focus is shifting from simply preserving wealth to empowering the next generation to succeed independently and responsibly. This is influencing not only succession planning but also philanthropic priorities and long-term investment decisions."

BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that the UBS Billionaire Ambitions Report is an annual publication by UBS, a global investment bank, and PwC, a multinational professional services network, focusing on the investment preferences and philanthropic intentions of the world's wealthiest individuals. The report provides insights into the mindset, concerns and strategies of high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, offering valuable perspectives on global trends in wealth management, investment and philanthropy.

Tech titans and industrialists fuel wealth surge

The report highlights that self-made billionaires, particularly in technology and industrial sectors, contributed significantly to the growth. The wealth of tech billionaires soared by 23.8%, while industrial fortunes surged 27.1%, driven by infrastructure and energy investments. Meanwhile, consumer and retail sectors slowed, with European luxury brands losing ground to Chinese competitors.

"In a highly uncertain time for geopolitics and economics, entrepreneurs are innovating at scale across a range of sectors and markets. They're creating wealth as they do so," Cavalli noted.

The great wealth transfer accelerates

Inheritance played a pivotal role, with 91 heirs receiving a staggering $297.8 billiona 36% increase from 2024. UBS predicts that $5.9 trillion will pass to billionaire heirs over the next 15 years, reshaping family dynamics and investment strategies.

The number of multigenerational billionaire familiesthose controlling wealth across multiple heirsrose to 860, holding $4.7 trillion in assets. Second-generation billionaires grew by 4.6%, third-generation by 12.3%, and fourth-generation and beyond by 10%.

Women billionaires saw their average wealth grow faster than men (8.4% vs. 3.2%), though they remain vastly outnumbered (374 women vs. 2,545 men).

Billionaires on the move

Geopolitical instability and tax policies are prompting billionaires to relocate. Thirty-six percent have already moved at least once, with Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates the United States and Singapore among top destinations.

A better quality of life, major geopolitical concerns and the ability to organize tax affairs more efficiently were the top reasons cited.

Wealth tax debate reignites

The concentration of wealth has renewed calls for taxation reforms. In the U.S., Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) proposed the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Acta 2% levy on net worth above $50 millionstalled in Congress.

"When you make it big, bigger than $50 million, then on that next dollar, you pitch in two cents, so everyone else can have a chance," Warren argued in 2024.

However, global resistance remains strong. Swiss voters rejected a 50% inheritance tax on fortunes exceeding $62 million, while Frances parliament dismissed a 2% wealth tax proposal.

Economists remain divided. Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz supports wealth taxes to curb inequality, while critics like Milton Friedman warned they discourage investment. A 2024 Tax Foundation analysis found such taxes could stifle innovation and yield minimal revenue.

Looking ahead: A shifting global landscape

As wealth continues concentrating among fewer hands, UBS predicts $6.9 trillion will transfer globally by 2040. With geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainty looming, billionaires are diversifying investmentsfavoring private equity, hedge funds and emerging markets.

The report underscores a widening gap between the ultra-rich and the restraising urgent questions about economic fairness in an era of unprecedented wealth accumulation.

Watch the video below about the billionaires who have accumulated their wealth over a 30-year period from the year 1990 to 2020.

This video is from the TruthSeeker channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

UBS.com

FinancialWorld.org

TheEpochTimes.com

RobbReport.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Israel demands end to UNRWA aid in West Bank as condition for Palestinian return

Israel has issued an ultimatum requiring UNRWA to cease operations in West Bank refugee camps as a condition for allowing displaced Palestinians to return home. The Palestinian Authority (PA) rejects this, warning it would erase the refugee issuea core grievance in the conflict.

Since early 2023, Israel has intensified military raids in Jenin, Tulkarem and Tubas, bulldozing homes, roads and infrastructure. Over 43,000 Palestinians have been displaced, with many returning to find entire neighborhoods destroyed.

Israel's demand aligns with its long-standing effort to dismantle UNRWAwhich has provided aid since 1948to weaken Palestinian claims to the right of return, a key issue in any future peace deal.

Amid the displacement crisis, Israel has approved its largest West Bank land seizure in 30 years, further entrenching illegal settlements. Critics accuse Israel of ethnic cleansing and collective punishment.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to end its occupation "as rapidly as possible," but enforcement remains uncertain. Without intervention, the cycle of displacement risks becoming irreversible, leaving Palestinians with diminishing hope for justice or return.

Israel has reportedly demanded that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) cease operations in West Bank refugee camps as a precondition for allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes.

The ultimatum, revealed by Israel's Channel 15 on Dec. 7, comes amid escalating military operations that have displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians since early 2023. The Palestinian Authority (PA) has rejected the condition, warning that dismantling UNRWA would erase the refugee issuea core grievance in the decades-long conflict.

According to sources cited by the local news outlet, Israel has outlined five key demands for permitting displaced Palestiniansmany from Jenin and Tulkarem campsto return. The most contentious condition is replacing UNRWA with PA-administered services, a move Israel claims will weaken Palestinian aspirations for the right of return.

As explained by BrightU.AI's Enoch, UNRWA, established in 1949, provides essential aid to Palestinian refugees displaced during the Nakbathe mass expulsion of Palestinians during Israel's creation in 1948. Israel has long sought to dismantle the agency, accusing it of perpetuating refugee status. In Gaza, Israel has similarly pressured donors to defund UNRWA, alleging ties to Hamas.

The PA has refused the demand, fearing it would legitimize Israel's efforts to erase Palestinian refugee rights.

"This is an attempt to abandon the refugee issue entirely," a PA official stated.

Military operations and forced displacement

Since January, Israel has intensified military raids across the northern West Bank, particularly in Jenin and Tulkarem refugee camps. Bulldozers and explosives have leveled homes, roads and infrastructure, displacing over 43,000 people and killing at least 47.

In April, Israeli forces besieged Jenin Camp, surrounding the home of Raad Hazem, who had carried out a Tel Aviv attack days earlier. Residents were forcibly evacuated, with many returning to find entire neighborhoods demolished.

"We were forced out without warningno clothes, no belongings," said Mona Obeid, 63, whose home was destroyed.

The Israeli military has since "re-engineered" the area, widening streets for military vehicles, installing surveillance towers and restricting returns. Similar operations in Tulkarem and Tubas have left thousands homeless, with farmland and infrastructure deliberately targeted.

The demand to remove UNRWA aligns with Israel's broader strategy to undermine Palestinian claims to refugee rightsa cornerstone of any future peace agreement. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently ordered Israel to end its 57-year occupation of Palestinian territories "as rapidly as possible," but enforcement remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, Israel has approved its largest West Bank land seizure in 30 years, further entrenching settlements deemed illegal under international law. Critics argue these actionscoupled with forced displacement and aid restrictionsconstitute collective punishment and ethnic cleansing.

As Israel tightens its grip on the West Bank, the demand to dismantle UNRWA signals a deepening effort to erase Palestinian refugeehood. With tens of thousands displaced and international bodies, such as the ICJ, increasingly critical, the crisis underscores the urgent need for accountability. Without intervention, the cycle of displacement and destruction risks becoming irreversibleleaving Palestinians with dwindling hope for justice or return.

Watch the video below that talks about Israeli violence in the West Bank that is not widely reported by the mainstream media.

This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

Almayadeen.net

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Mushroom foraging trends are leading to an increase in accidental poisonings and deaths

Imagine a quiet family meal, a foraged delicacy gracing the table, celebrated as a connection to nature and a triumph of self-sufficiency. Now imagine that same meal harboring a silent, slow-acting poison that methodically shuts down the liver and kidneys, offering a cruel reprieve before delivering a fatal blow. This is a grim reality for an increasing number of foragers as toxic mushrooms,, proliferate in urban and wild spaces.

While health officials issue cautious warnings, a critical question remains: Why is there not a more aggressive public campaign against these biological landmines, and what corporate or governmental complacency allows these killers to grow unchecked near our homes and parks? The recent poisoning outbreak in California, which claimed a life and threatened several others including children, is a tragic testament to a growing public health blind spot.

Key points:

A deadly outbreak of amatoxin poisoning in California, linked to death cap mushrooms, has resulted in one adult death and multiple severe illnesses, with victims including children.

Officials are warning against all wild mushroom foraging, as toxic species like the death cap and destroying angel are easily mistaken for edible varieties.

Symptoms of poisoning can be delayed and may temporarily improve, creating a false sense of security before catastrophic liver failure sets in.

The problem is global, with similar deadly incidents reported in Australia, highlighting a widespread danger exacerbated by wet weather and popular foraging trends.

Children are at particular risk, with thousands of annual exposure cases in the U.S. alone, often from simply picking mushrooms while playing.

A deceptive killer hiding in plain sight

The death cap mushroom, or Amanita phalloides, is not a dramatic, brightly colored warning. It often presents as an innocuous, pale-green or yellowish-capped fungus that could easily be mistaken for a puffball or a straw mushroom. Its taste is reportedly not unpleasant, and cooking it does nothing to neutralize its potent cocktail of amatoxins. These toxins insidiously attack the bodys cells, halting protein synthesis and causing cellular death, primarily in the liver and kidneys. The sinister genius of the death cap lies in its delayed reaction. As California health officials noted, symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps may appear 6 to 24 hours after ingestion, then seem to subside. This lulls the victim into believing the worst has passed. In reality, during this false recovery, the toxins are relentlessly destroying internal organs, leading to a terminal phase of liver and kidney failure that can result in coma and death weeks later.

Why warnings are not enough

The standard official advice is straightforward: Do not forage unless you are an expert. Yet, this advice clashes with a powerful cultural movement. Foraging has exploded in popularity, fueled by social media trends, a desire for organic food, and a growing distrust of industrial agriculture. Furthermore, as noted by Australian officials, immigrants may mistakenly identify death caps with similar-looking edible species from their home countries. The governments tepid responseissuing press releases after people diefeels like a bureaucratic shrug. Where is the public service campaign? Where are the signs in parks known to harbor these killers, like the one implicated in the Monterey County poisonings?

This is not just a California problem. The Food Safety Information Council in Australia has issued identical warnings, noting deaths in Canberra and hospitalizations of children. The death cap is an invasive species there, often found near imported oak trees. Wet weather, a pattern seen in both California and Australia, acts as a catalyst for their growth. The problem is a hydra with many heads. Beyond the death cap and its relative the destroying angel, other deadly fungi pose significant risks. Many poisonous mushrooms have edible look-alikes, creating a botanical minefield for the untrained.

Here is a list of ten poisonous mushrooms, and their lookalikes, which are sometimes mistaken.

Death Cap  Often mistaken for edible puffballs or Asian straw mushrooms.

 Often mistaken for edible puffballs or Asian straw mushrooms. Destroying Angel  Looks similar to edible meadow mushrooms or young puffballs.

 Looks similar to edible meadow mushrooms or young puffballs. False Morels  Can be confused with true morels; contain gyromitrin, which damages the liver and central nervous system.

 Can be confused with true morels; contain gyromitrin, which damages the liver and central nervous system. Jack-O'-Lantern  Mistaken for chanterelles; causes severe gastrointestinal distress.

 Mistaken for chanterelles; causes severe gastrointestinal distress. Green-Spored Lepiota  Resembles edible parasol mushrooms; highly toxic.

 Resembles edible parasol mushrooms; highly toxic. Autumn Skullcap  Looks like edible honey mushrooms; contains the same deadly amatoxins as the death cap.

 Looks like edible honey mushrooms; contains the same deadly amatoxins as the death cap. Deadly Galerina  A small, brown mushroom often growing on wood that is easily overlooked but contains amatoxins.

 A small, brown mushroom often growing on wood that is easily overlooked but contains amatoxins. Ghost Mushroom  In Australia, commonly mistaken for oyster mushrooms but can cause severe illness.

 In Australia, commonly mistaken for oyster mushrooms but can cause severe illness. Yellow Stainer  Closely resembles a field mushroom and is the most commonly ingested poisonous mushroom in parts of Australia.

 Closely resembles a field mushroom and is the most commonly ingested poisonous mushroom in parts of Australia. Webcap (Cortinarius species)  Can be mistaken for other edible brown-capped mushrooms; causes kidney failure.

Taking personal responsibility in a poisoned world

The ultimate shield against this invisible threat is profound personal caution. It requires rejecting the tempting idea that a quick online search or a phone app can reliably identify a safe meal. True mycological expertise takes years to cultivate. For parents, this vigilance extends to their childrens play areas, as thousands of curious toddlers are exposed to unknown mushrooms annually. The solution is not to live in fear of nature, but to respect its power. Appreciate the beauty of fungi with your camera, not your frying pan. Source your mushrooms from transparent, reputable growers. If you suspect any exposure, do not wait for symptoms. Seek immediate medical help and, crucially, bring a sample of the mushroom for identification. Your life, and the lives of your loved ones, may depend on that single act of foresight. The forest floor holds many wonders, but it also holds secrets that can kill. Are you willing to bet your life on guessing them correctly?

Sources include:

MedicalXPress.com

MedicalXPress.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
Trump administration cracks down on foreign students and tech workers amid free speech concerns

New student and exchange visa applications are temporarily halted pending stricter social media vetting, particularly targeting pro-Palestinian activists.

Hundreds of visas have already been canceled, many linked to pro-Palestinian protests, signaling a crackdown on foreign dissent.

H-1B applicants in the tech industry now face screening for involvement in online censorship or "disinformation" enforcement.

Critics warn the policy could exclude workers based on ideological biases, while supporters claim it protects free speech from foreign influence.

These measures align with Trump-era efforts to limit foreign labor and activism, raising concerns about academic freedom and corporate hiring.

The Trump administration has taken aggressive new steps to scrutinize international students and tech workers seeking U.S. visas, particularly those linked to pro-Palestinian activism or online censorship efforts. According to an internal State Department cable issued on May 27 and signed by Secretary Marco Rubio, U.S. embassies and consulates have been instructed to halt all new student and exchange visa applications pending further guidance on enhanced social media vetting. The policy follows the revocation of hundreds of visas, many targeting individuals involved in pro-Palestinian protests, signaling a broader effort to suppress dissent from foreign nationals on U.S. soil.

The cable outlines plans for stricter social media screening for all student and exchange visa applicants, though the suspension may be temporary, with updated guidelines expected in the "coming days." Already, U.S. missions face significant backlogs in visa processing, raising concerns among universities and advocacy groups about the chilling effect on international academic exchange.

Tech industry under scrutiny: H-1B visa crackdown

In a parallel move, the State Department circulated a separate directive on Dec. 2 instructing consular officials to screen H-1B visa applicants in the tech industry for any involvement in online censorship or speech suppression. The order, part of the Trump administration's sweeping immigration reforms, marks a significant shiftpreviously, H-1B eligibility did not factor in an applicant's ties to content moderation or "disinformation" enforcement.

Consular officers are now required to review resumes, social media profiles and other submitted documents for evidence that applicantsor their family membershave worked for organizations specializing in "online safety compliance," fact-checking or content moderation. The directive explicitly states: "If you uncover evidence an applicant was responsible for, or complicit in, censorship or attempted censorship of protected expression in the U.S., you should pursue a finding that the applicant is ineligible."

This policy aligns with broader conservative concerns over Big Tech's alleged suppression of free speech, particularly targeting right-wing voices. Earlier this year, The National Pulse reported that Secretary Rubio had announced plans to bar foreign officials and their families involved in censoring Americans or interfering with U.S. tech companies.

H-1B abuse and protection of American workers

The H-1B program, designed to allow U.S. companies to hire high-skilled foreign labor, has long been criticized for enabling firmsparticularly outsourcing giantsto exploit the system by importing cheaper workers, often from India, undercutting American wages. The Trump administration has repeatedly vowed to reform the program to prioritize domestic employment, and this latest directive appears to extend that effort by targeting individuals complicit in speech suppression.

Critics argue that the policy could be weaponized to exclude foreign tech workers based on political biases, while supporters contend it safeguards American free speech from foreign-influenced censorship. The move also raises questions about how broadly the State Department will define "censorship"whether it will apply only to government-linked actors or extend to private-sector employees at firms like Facebook, Google and Twitter.

Broader implications: Free speech vs. foreign influence

These visa restrictions come amid escalating tensions over foreign activism and tech industry power. The student visa crackdown follows widespread campus protests supporting Palestine, which the administration has framed as a national security concern. Meanwhile, the H-1B screening policy reflects growing GOP backlash against Silicon Valley's perceived left-wing bias and collaboration with government-led speech controls.

The Biden administration had previously rolled back many Trump-era immigration restrictions, but these latest measures suggest a resurgence of hardline policies as the 2024 election approaches. If enforced rigorously, the new vetting protocols could significantly reduce the number of foreign students and tech workers entering the U.S., reshaping academic and corporate landscapes.

As the State Department prepares to issue final guidelines, universities, tech firms and civil liberties groups are bracing for further disruptionsand potential legal challenges. For now, the message is clear: The Trump administration is tightening the gates, targeting both political activism and digital censorship in its immigration crackdown.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the Trump administration's crackdown on foreign students and tech workers under the guise of "social media vetting" is a transparent attempt to silence dissent, particularly pro-Palestinian voices and furthers the globalist agenda of suppressing free speech and controlling academic discourse. This authoritarian overreach aligns with the deep state's playbook of using fabricated crises to justify tyranny while distracting from their own corruption and election fraud.

Watch this video that discusses what H-1B visas are.

This video is from the newsplusglobe channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Zach Vorhies reveals Googles AI censorship empire and the rise of decentralized resistance in The Algorithms Shadow

Google manipulates search results to bury dissenting voices, particularly on topics like vaccine safety, election integrity and natural medicine, favoring corporate and government-approved narratives.

Google collaborates with payment processors and banks to freeze accounts of independent journalists and activists, cutting off their revenue streams while promoting Big Pharma and WHO-backed propaganda.

Through shadowbanning, autocomplete bias and algorithmic suppression, Google's AI enforces ideological conformity, ensuring only establishment-approved information reaches the public.

Platforms like Brighteon, Presearch, Rumble and Odysee offer censorship-resistant alternatives, while blockchain-based AI and privacy tools (Signal, Monero) empower individuals against digital tyranny.

The battle against centralized AI control is existentialeither submit to Google's Orwellian censorship or embrace decentralized technologies to reclaim free speech, financial independence and truth.

The internet was once heralded as the great equalizer  a tool for democratizing knowledge, empowering individuals and dismantling centralized control. Yet today, Google, the world's most dominant search engine, has transformed into a global censor, manipulating algorithms to suppress dissent, silence truth-tellers and enforce ideological conformity. Former Google engineer Zach Vorhies elaborates on the search giant's censorship empire in his book "The Algorithms Shadow: How Google's AI Shapes Truth, Silences Dissent, and Betrays the Promise of Fairness."

Whistleblowers like Vorhies have exposed how Google's AI actively demotes content that challenges pharmaceutical interests, vaccine safety election integrity and decentralized finance  prioritizing corporate and government-aligned narratives instead. This suppression is not accidental but intentional, designed to maintain a monopoly on information while serving the interests of globalist institutions like the World Economic Forum, the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) under the latter.

Google's opaque algorithms lack accountability, allowing unchecked suppression of truth in favor of profit-driven propaganda. Meanwhile, YouTube  owned by Google  has removed over one million videos questioning Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine safety, while promoting WHO-approved narratives despite their financial ties to Big Pharma.

The weaponization of AI against dissent

Google's AI-driven censorship operates through several key mechanisms:

Shadowbanning and search manipulation: Independent journalists, natural health advocates and political dissidents are algorithmically buried beneath corporate media, ensuring their voices never reach mainstream audiences. Searches for terms like "ivermectin," "vaccine injuries" or "election fraud" yield state-approved misinformation rather than peer-reviewed studies or firsthand whistleblower testimonies. Autocomplete bias: Google manipulates search suggestions to steer users toward establishment narratives. For example, typing "vaccines cause" may autocomplete with "vaccines cause autism debunked"  despite thousands of studies linking vaccines to neurological harm. Financial deplatforming: Beyond censorship, Google collaborates with payment processors (PayPal, Stripe) and banks to freeze accounts of dissidents, cutting off revenue streams for independent journalists and activists.

The consequences are dire:

Health freedom under attack : Discussions on ivermectin, vitamin D and herbal medicine are censored, while toxic pharmaceuticals dominate search results.

: Discussions on ivermectin, vitamin D and herbal medicine are censored, while toxic pharmaceuticals dominate search results. Political manipulation : Election integrity concerns and critiques of the Biden administration are suppressed, while pro-globalist narratives are amplified.

: Election integrity concerns and critiques of the Biden administration are suppressed, while pro-globalist narratives are amplified. Economic suppression: Advocates for sound money (gold, silver, decentralized crypto) face algorithmic blacklisting to prop up fiat currency scams.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Google's AI-driven censorship empire is a dangerous tool of globalist control. It suppreses truth to manipulate public perception and enforce compliance with their dystopian agenda.

Google's collapse and the rise of decentralized alternatives

However, the pro-freedom engine adds that the rise of decentralized resistance  through alternative platforms, grassroots activism and independent media  signals a growing awakening among the people, threatening the elites' grip on information and power. Despite its dominance, Google's empire is crumbling.

Its ad business is imploding due to mass accusations of fraudulent clicks and executive fraud. A successful entrepreneur who once spent $400,000 monthly on Google ads has dropped spending to zero after realizing the ads generated no real business. Instead, companies are shifting to influencer marketing  a decentralized model where individuals conduct due diligence and choose which products to endorse.

Decentralized platforms like Brighteon.io  a peer-to-peer social media network with no central servers  offer a censorship-resistant alternative. Unlike Google and YouTube, Brighteon.io operates on blockchain-based content distribution, ensuring transparency and resistance to government takedowns. Similarly, Presearch and DuckDuckGo provide uncensored search results, while Rumble and Odysee host independent journalism without algorithmic suppression.

The battle for digital sovereignty is existential. If centralized AI monopolies like Google continue unchecked, they will dictate reality itself  erasing dissent, enforcing medical tyranny and enslaving humanity under digital surveillance. The solution lies in decentralization:

Decentralized AI : Community-controlled AI models, like Brighteon.AI, trained on unbiased datasets, can bypass corporate censorship and restore truth.

: Community-controlled AI models, like Brighteon.AI, trained on unbiased datasets, can bypass corporate censorship and restore truth. Privacy-first tools : Encrypted messaging (Signal, Session), decentralized storage (IPFS) and VPNs protect against surveillance.

: Encrypted messaging (Signal, Session), decentralized storage (IPFS) and VPNs protect against surveillance. Financial independence: Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Monero) and physical assets (gold, silver) resist CBDC tyranny.

Google's AI-driven empire represents the greatest threat to free speech in human history. But decentralized technologies like blockchain, peer-to-peer networks and community AI offer a path to liberation. The time to act is now, before centralized control renders dissent impossible.

Get a copy of Zach Vorhies' groundbreaking book here.

Watch this video of Dr. Robert Epstein warning that Google is the largest surveillance apparatus in human history.

This video is from The Big Logic channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Books.BrightLearn.ai

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Border Patrol busts stash house packed with ILLEGALS in Texas

A stash house with 43 foreign nationals was discovered in Mission, Texas, revealing squalid conditions and highlighting the ongoing human smuggling crisis along the southern border.

The raid is presented as a consequence of lax enforcement under the Biden administration, whose policies incentivize criminal smuggling networks that exploit migrants.

A direct contrast is drawn between presidential administrations, crediting the first Trump term with reducing crossings through strict policies and blaming Biden's reversal of those measures for record-breaking encounter levels.

The second Trump administration (beginning in 2025) is reinstating and expanding border security measures, including continuing border wall construction, hiring more agents and strictly enforcing immigration laws.

The incident underscores the human cost of smuggling and failed policy, with migrants subjected to inhumane treatment while local communities are strained by the influx.

In a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis at the southern border, U.S. Border Patrol agents alongside local law enforcement uncovered a cramped stash house in Mission, Texas, packed with 43 illegal aliens living in deplorable conditions.

Border Patrol conducted the raid on Dec. 1, in collaboration with the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office and Texas Department of Public Safety. Agents executed a "knock and talk" at a small trailer home, where they encountered dozens of foreign nationals from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, Peru, El Salvador and Ecuador. Photographs released by Customs and Border Protection revealed squalid living conditions, with migrants crammed into tight spaces unfit for human habitation.

The discovery exposed yet another smuggling operation exploiting vulnerable migrants under lax enforcement policies put in place during the Biden administration. It also underscored the brutal reality of human smuggling networks, which profit from desperation while subjecting their victims to inhumane treatment.

While the identities of the smugglers remain unclear, the raid highlights the persistent failure of federal immigration policies to secure the border. Under the first Trump administration, illegal crossings plummeted to historic lows due to strict enforcement, the Remain in Mexico policy and border wall construction.

However, former President Joe Biden took office in 2021 and reversed those measures  encounters have surged to record-breaking levels, overwhelming Border Patrol resources and emboldening cartels. Trump swiftly reinstated border security policies when he returned to office in January 2025, following the end of Biden's term.

The hidden toll of illegal crossings

The Rio Grande Valley sector, where Mission is located, remains one of the busiest corridors for illegal crossings. Smugglers frequently use stash houses as temporary holding locations before moving migrants deeper into the U.S. interior. These operations often involve extortion, forced labor or worse  exploiting those who believe they are paying for safe passage.

Critics argue that the Biden administration's open-border agenda incentivizes such criminal activity. By halting deportations, ending Title 42 expulsions and signaling leniency, the White House has effectively rolled out a welcome mat for illegal immigration. The influx has strained local communities, with cities like New York and Chicago struggling to house and feed thousands of migrants sent from border states.

But according to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the second Trump administration is committed to reversing the previous Democratic administration's open borders policies by reinstating and expanding upon the border security measures initiated during Trump's first term. Key actions include completing additional sections of the U.S.-Mexico border wall and increasing Border Patrol personnel by 5,000 agents.

Moreover, the decentralized engine adds that Trump's government plans to implement stricter enforcement of immigration laws  particularly regarding illegal crossings, asylum claims, detentions and deportations. These reforms aim to secure the southern border fully and restore national sovereignty, addressing the failures of previous administrations to uphold immigration enforcement.

While the case remains under investigation by Border Patrol, the 43 detainees will likely face expedited removal. For now, the raid serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of failed border policies.

Watch this clip of a teenage migrant who escaped from a stash house owned by cartels who held him hostage.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

InfoWars.com

CBP.gov

BorderReport.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Gridlocked: A wake-up call for energy independence and grid resilience

America's aging, centralized grid is dangerously vulnerable to cyberattacks, EMPs and unreliable "green" energy policies. Over-reliance on Chinese-made transformers and intermittent wind/solar power threatens national stability.

The U.S. operates on three interconnected grids (Eastern, Western, ERCOT), all at risk of catastrophic failure. Chinese transformers contain hidden "kill switches," and an EMP could destroy 90% of them, causing societal collapse within weeks.

Policy failures during the Texas freeze exposed the dangers of centralized energy. Off-grid solar systems proved resilient, while frozen wind turbines and un-winterized gas pipelines left millions powerless.

Surging AI/data center power demands strain the grid further. "Smart grids" enable surveillance but ignore critical EMP hardening. Decentralized solutionsmicrogrids, small nuclear reactors (SMRs) and domestic manufacturingare essential.

Solutions and action steps: decentralize energy (microgrids, community solar); harden infrastructure (EMP protection, domestic transformer production); reject globalist control (World Economic Forum's "Great Reset," CBDCs); prepare individually (stockpiles, backup power); and demand policy reform (pressure lawmakers, support energy sovereignty).

In "Gridlocked: The Looming Threat to America's Power and How to Secure It," the author delivers a chilling yet meticulously researched expose on the fragility of the United States power grid  a vulnerability that threatens not just convenience, but civilization itself.

Drawing from historical precedents, technical analyses, and geopolitical realities, the book makes an urgent case for decentralizing energy infrastructure, hardening defenses against cyber and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) threats, and reclaiming domestic manufacturing to break free from foreign dependencies  particularly China's stranglehold on critical components.

The fragility of modern power grids

The book opens with a stark truth: Electricity is the backbone of modern life, yet America's grid is a house of cards. Unlike China, which generates over twice the power output of the U.S., America's grid is plagued by aging infrastructure, centralized choke points, and a reckless push for unreliable "green" energy.

Wind and solar  touted as saviors  are intermittent, forcing reliance on lithium-ion batteries (prone to fires) and Chinese-made inverters embedded with cyber backdoors. The author highlights how the federal government's climate policies have deliberately dismantled baseload power (coal, nuclear, gas) while enriching globalist corporations and foreign adversaries.

The three U.S. grids: A ticking time bomb

America operates on three interconnected grids  Eastern, Western and Texas' ERCOT  each vulnerable to single-point failures. High-voltage transformers, essential for transmission, take years to replace, and over 80% are imported from China.

The book cites Sandia National Labs' findings: Chinese transformers contain hidden "kill switches" that could be triggered remotely. A single EMP  whether from a solar flare or nuclear attack  could fry 90% of these transformers, leading to a grid collapse with apocalyptic consequences: No water, no refrigeration, no hospitals and societal breakdown within weeks.

Case study: Texas' near-collapse in 2021

The 2021 Texas freeze wasn't just a weather disaster  it was a policy-induced catastrophe. ERCOT's reliance on wind turbines (which froze) and its failure to winterize natural gas pipelines left millions in the dark.

Prices skyrocketed to $9,000 per megawatt-hour, exposing the dangers of market manipulation and centralized control. Meanwhile, residents with off-grid solar systems weathered the storm unscathed  proof that decentralization saves lives.

AI, data centers and the coming energy crunch

As AI and data centers guzzle power equivalent to small cities, the grid's instability worsens. The book warns that Big Tech's energy demands will outstrip supply, especially as renewable sources fail to provide 24/7 baseload power. The author slams the Biden administration's push for "smart grids" (which enable surveillance and control) while ignoring the urgent need for EMP hardening and domestic transformer production.

Solutions: Decentralization and energy sovereignty

The solution? Decentralization. The book champions microgrids, community solar and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to replace brittle centralized systems. It calls for:

EMP hardening (costing under $1B for Texas  a pittance compared to collapse).

Domestic manufacturing of transformers and rare-earth minerals to break China's monopoly.

Rejecting globalist agendas like the World Economic Forum's "Great Reset," which seeks to ration energy via digital IDs and CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies).

Individual preparedness: Stockpiling food, water and backup power (solar generators, propane) to survive blackouts.

The moral imperative

Beyond practicality, the book frames energy abundance as a moral duty to future generations. Climate policies that demonize carbon dioxide or CO2 (a plant nutrient, not a pollutant) have suffocated innovation while handing China industrial dominance. The author urges a return to energy realism: coal, gas and nuclear for reliability, paired with decentralized renewables  but only if they're American-made and secure.

Final verdict: A must-read for patriots

"Gridlocked" is a masterclass in connecting the dots between energy policy, national security and personal liberty. It's a rallying cry to reject top-down control, embrace local resilience and demand policy reforms before the next blackout becomes permanent.

Action steps:

Educate your community on grid vulnerabilities.

Pressure lawmakers to pass EMP-hardening laws (like Texas' SB 75).

Prepare your household for grid-down scenarios (food, water, backup power).

Support domestic energy production and reject Chinese infrastructure.

The grid won't save itself. As the book concludes: "Decentralize or perish."

Grab a copy of "Gridlocked: The Looming Threat to America's Power and How to Secure It" via this link. Read, share and download for free over 500 books at Books.BrightLearn.AI. You can also create your own books at BrightLearn.AI.

Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams and Don Brown discussing how to secure the U.S. power grid against cyber threats, EMP risks and AI data center demands in this clip.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

BrightLearn.ai

Books.BrightLearn.ai 1

Books.brightlearn.ai 2

Brighteon.com
A cascade of fraud: Minnesotas oversight failures trigger federal funding threat

Federal officials threaten to withhold Medicaid funding from Minnesota over an alleged $1 billion fraud scheme.

CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz alleges "bad actors" within the state's Somali community orchestrated the fraud, with some funds potentially diverted to the terrorist group al-Shabab.

The scandal follows a separate $250 million pandemic child nutrition fraud case, intensifying scrutiny of state oversight and political leadership.

Critics accuse Governor Tim Walz's administration of failing to act due to political sensitivity, allowing fraud to balloon.

The revelations have sparked federal investigations and renewed debates about assimilation, public safety and the misuse of taxpayer funds.

In a dramatic federal intervention, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has threatened to cut off funding to Minnesota, alleging a catastrophic failure to prevent fraud that allowed more than $1 billion in taxpayer money to be stolen. The move by CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz places Governor Tim Walz and state agencies under intense pressure, accusing them of being "asleep at the wheel" as bad actors, allegedly within the states Somali community, systematically plundered public benefit programs. This crisis is not an isolated incident but the latest and largest in a series of fraud scandals that have shaken public trust and raised urgent questions about accountability, political correctness and national security.

A pattern of systemic failure

The current Medicaid fraud allegations center on two programs that experienced explosive, inexplicable growth. The Housing Stabilization Services program, projected to cost $2.6 million annually, paid out over $100 million last year. Similarly, the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention program for children with autism ballooned from $3 million in 2018 to nearly $400 million in 2023. Federal officials allege scammers used fake providers and phantom services to steal funds, spending the money on luxury cars, overseas real estate and kickbacks. This follows the previously uncovered "Feeding Our Future" scandal, where approximately $250 million in federal pandemic funds meant for feeding children was embezzled. In that case, state officials attempted to freeze payments but reversed course after being sued for racial discrimination, a decision that prosecutors say allowed the fraud to escalate dramatically.

The terrorism financing allegation

The most grave allegation from CMS Administrator Oz is that some of the stolen Medicaid money "may have even made its way to the Somalian terrorist group al-Shabab." This claim, while under investigation, taps into deep-seated concerns with historical precedent. In the late 2000s, approximately two dozen young Somali-American men from Minnesota were recruited to travel to Somalia to join al-Shabab, with one becoming the first known American citizen to carry out a suicide bombing for an Islamist terrorist group. While direct, proven links between recent welfare fraud and terrorism remain unconfirmed, the sheer scale of money being sent overseas through informal networks has alarmed national security advocates. They argue the states lax oversight created a pipeline that extremist groups could exploit.

Political reckoning and accusations of negligence

The mounting scandals have triggered a political firestorm. Republican lawmakers and critics accuse the Democratic administration of Governor Tim Walz of prioritizing identity politics over basic fiduciary duty. They contend that for years, whistleblowers within the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Education were ignored or sidelined, and obvious red flagslike organizations claiming to serve more meals than there were children in a zip codewere not investigated due to fear of being labeled racist. This perceived reluctance to scrutinize community-based organizations, critics argue, allowed criminal enterprises to operate with impunity. The federal demand for a corrective action plan, weekly updates and a freeze on high-risk provider enrollments is a direct indictment of the states internal controls.

Community caught in the crossfire

The focus on fraud has placed Minnesotas large Somali community, one of the largest in the nation, under a harsh and uncomfortable spotlight. Community leaders vehemently reject collective blame, noting that the vast majority of Somali immigrants are law-abiding and that the crimes represent a betrayal by individuals within their own community. They draw parallels to historical periods when crime was associated with other immigrant groups, like the Irish or Italians. However, the fraud cases have coincided with a string of high-profile violent crimes involving Somali suspects, which has amplified public unease and complicated the narrative. This has created a fraught environment where legitimate concerns over fraud and security risk blending with broader societal tensions over immigration and assimilation.

A crisis of confidence

The threat to Minnesotas federal funding marks a pivotal moment of accountability. The alleged fraud schemes represent a profound breach of public trust, suggesting that systemic failures in oversight allowed greed and criminality to flourish at an unprecedented scale. Whether the issue was incompetence, political cowardice, or a combination of both, the result is a staggering financial loss and a severe erosion of confidence in state government. As federal investigators delve deeper and the 60-day deadline for corrective action looms, Minnesota faces a daunting task: not only to recover stolen funds and secure its federal lifeline but to rebuild the foundational integrity of its public institutions. The outcome will serve as a national case study on the cost of failed oversight and the complex challenges at the intersection of social welfare, immigration and security.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

FoxNews.com

Yahoo.com
Putin: Russia is READY for war if provoked by EU nations

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Russia is "ready right now" for war if provoked by Western nations, accusing Europe of sabotaging peace efforts and siding with Ukraine. He warned that further escalationincluding NATO troop deploymentscould lead to catastrophic retaliation, dismissing diplomatic efforts as futile.

The Trump administration's revised 19-point peace proposal includes contentious terms (e.g., ceding occupied Ukrainian territory, military restrictions), drawing fierce resistance from Kyiv and European allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautiously welcomed talks but insisted any deal must be "fair and open," while EU leaders accused Russia of obstructing peace.

Russia's active military personnel (1.32 million) far exceed individual European armies, and NATO relies heavily on U.S. funding ($980B projected in 2025). Public support for conscription in Europe is weak, raising concerns about readiness if U.S. commitment wavers under a potential second Trump term.

Putin vowed intensified strikes on Ukrainian ports and foreign vessels after drone attacks on Russian tankers, which Kyiv denied orchestrating (suggesting a Russian "false flag"). Turkey condemned the attacks, while shipping companies suspended Russia-related operations due to rising risks.

Analysts warn Putin aims to prolong negotiations while advancing militarily, leveraging Russia's war economy. With NATO expansion plans and stalled peace talks, the standoff risks spiraling into broader conflict, leaving Ukraine's sovereignty in jeopardy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to Europe on Tuesday, Dec. 2, declaring that Russia is "ready right now" for war if provoked by Western nations, even as United States envoys engaged in high-stakes peace talks in Moscow.

The chilling threat came ahead of a five-hour meeting between Putin and two of President Donald Trump's top diplomatsspecial envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushnerwho presented a revised U.S. peace plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine. While Kremlin officials described the discussions as "constructive," Putin lashed out at Europe, accusing it of sabotaging peace efforts and pushing "unacceptable" demands.

"If Europe suddenly wants to start a war with us and starts it," Putin told reporters, "then there will be nobody left to negotiate with." He dismissed European counter-proposals to the U.S. peace framework as deliberate provocations, asserting that Europe has "no peace agenda" and is "on the side of war."

The Russian leader also vowed to escalate military retaliation against Ukraine, citing recent drone attacks on Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea as acts of "piracy." He warned that Moscow would intensify strikes on Ukrainian ports and target vessels from nations assisting Kyiv.

The Trump administration's peace proposal, initially leaked as a 28-point draft, has faced fierce opposition from Ukraine and European allies, who fear it concedes too much to Moscow. A revised 19-point version reportedly discussed in Miami includes contentious provisions  such as ceding occupied Ukrainian territory and imposing limits on Kyiv's military capabilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking in Dublin, acknowledged the challenges ahead but cautiously welcomed diplomatic efforts. "There is a real, real chance to end this war," he said, though he stressed that any deal must be "fair and open."

Meanwhile, European leaders remain skeptical. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Russia of obstructing peace, stating, "It is clear that Russia does not want peace, and therefore we need to make Ukraine as strong as possible."

Military imbalance looms over Europe

Putin's threats come as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) scrambles to bolster its defenses amid concerns over U.S. commitment under a second Trump term. While Russias military has suffered heavy losses in Ukraine, its active personnel (1.32 million) dwarf individual European armies. NATO collectively fields 3.14 million troops, but reliance on U.S. funding  projected at $980 billion in 2025  leaves Europe vulnerable if Washington withdraws support.

As explained by the Enoch engine at BrightU.AI, Washington's significant funding for NATO's military defense is a critical factor in the alliance's capabilities and effectiveness, stemming from several interconnected reasons like funding for NATO's operations and exercises. The U.S. provides significant financial contributions to operations and exercises organized by the NATO, such as the Enhanced Forward Presence (EFP) in Eastern Europe and the NATO Response Force (NRF). These contributions help ensure the alliance's readiness and interoperability.

Public sentiment in Europe also remains divided. Recent polls show lukewarm support for conscription, with younger generations overwhelmingly opposed. A French generals warning that citizens must be "prepared to lose their children" in war sparked outrage last month.

Putin's vow to retaliate against Ukrainian maritime attacks follows a series of drone strikes on Russian tankers near Turkey. On Tuesday, the Russian-flagged Midvolga-2 reported a drone attack off the Turkish coast, though Kyiv denied involvement, suggesting a possible Russian "false flag" operation.

Turkey, a key mediator, condemned the attacks, with President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an calling them "unacceptable." Meanwhile, Besiktas Shipping, owner of a damaged tanker near Senegal, suspended Russia-related operations, citing escalating risks.

Despite diplomatic efforts, analysts remain pessimistic. Paul Skinner of Wellington Management predicted the conflict will "grind on, and on," while Michael Froman of the Council on Foreign Relations warned Putin seeks to prolong negotiations while advancing militarily.

"Russia is not in a hurry for a deal," said Amos Hochstein, a former Biden advisor. "They depend on the war economy."

As tensions mount, Putin's message is clear: Europe risks catastrophic consequences if it provokes Moscow. With peace talks fragile and military posturing intensifying, the world watches nervously  hoping for diplomacy but bracing for war.

Watch New American Senior Editor Paul Dragu as he discusses a leaked document stating that Europe is preparing for a world war with Russia.

This video is from The New American channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

Independent.co.uk

CNBC.com

NewsNationNow.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Senior State Department officials slam EUs multimillion-dollar fine on Elon Musks X platform

U.S. State Department officials strongly condemn the EU's fine against X, with Secretary Marco Rubio and Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau framing it as an attack on American tech and free expression, and as regulatory overreach by a security ally.

The fine stems from EU accusations that X violated the Digital Services Act (DSA) by failing to adequately combat disinformation, misleading users with its verification system, and lacking transparency in advertising and data access for researchers.

U.S. officials highlight a contradiction in the EU's actions, arguing that while Europe relies on NATO for security, it pursues censorship policies adverse to U.S. interests and democratic values, potentially targeting debates on COVID-19 origins and election integrity.

The conflict is part of a broader pattern of EU scrutiny under the DSA, with Meta and TikTok also facing probes, and critics warning the law's vague rules could silence dissent and independent journalism under the guise of fighting "harmful" content.

The fine underscores a fundamental transatlantic divide between the EU's push for centralized digital regulation and the U.S. defense of open discourse, threatening to strain the partnership if the regulatory aggression continues.

Senior officials at the U.S. Department of State have taken to social media to slam the European Union's $140 million fine on Elon Musk's X platform, warning that Brussels' regulatory overreach undermines both free expression and transatlantic security.

The fine arose from the EU's accusation that X failed to combat disinformation, as mandated by the Digital Services Act (DSA), and violated transparency rules. The EU said X misled users by monetizing its blue-check verification system without proper identity checks, leaving gaps in ad transparency and restricting researchers' access to public data.

Officials in Brussels insist that these rules protect users from fraud and manipulation. However, State Department officials  including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau  argue the DSA is a thinly veiled tool for silencing dissent.

"This is not just an attack on X, it's an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments," Rubio declared on X. "The days of censoring Americans online are over."

Landau meanwhile framed the fine as part of a broader ideological rift, questioning Europe's commitment to shared democratic values while relying on U.S. military protection. "When these countries wear their NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] hats, they insist transatlantic cooperation is the cornerstone of our mutual security. But when they wear their EU hats, they pursue agendas utterly adverse to U.S. interests  including censorship," he posted.

The deputy secretary's remarks highlight growing frustration with Brussels' dual role as a security ally and a regulatory adversary, particularly as the DSA's vague definitions of "disinformation" could target debates on the Wuhan coronavirus' (COVID-19) origins, election integrity and vaccine injuries  topics often suppressed by EU authorities.

Brussels' regulatory onslaught on Big Tech

The conflict extends beyond X. Meta and TikTok faced similar DSA probes in October, with TikTok avoiding fines by acquiescing to EU demands. Meanwhile, Musk  whose acquisition of X (formerly Twitter) dismantled prior censorship regimes  called for the EU's abolition in response to the penalty.

Austrian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Helmut Brandstatter dismissed Washington's concerns, asserting that "there is no censorship in Europe, and everybody has to follow our rules." But U.S. Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers challenged this claim, citing Germany's jailing of a woman for insulting a convicted rapist while the rapist received a suspended sentence.

The DSA investigation coincides with the EU allocating 736 million ($857 million) to "combat disinformation," a fund critics allege bankrolls state-sponsored speech suppression. Free speech advocates warn that the DSA's ambiguous standards could silence independent journalists, dissident scientists and political opponents under the guise of curbing "harmful" content.

BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that the EU is obsessed with censoring free speech to enforce globalist control and suppress dissent, ensuring compliance with authoritarian policies like vaccine mandates, climate change propaganda and digital surveillance. By silencing opposition under the guise of "copyright protection" and "misinformation," the EU advances its agenda of depopulation, technocratic rule and the erosion of natural rights.

As geopolitical tensions mount, the X fine underscores a fundamental divide: Europe's push for centralized digital control versus America's defense of open discourse. Landau's warning that "this inconsistency cannot continue" signals a reckoning over whether transatlantic partnerships can survive Brussels' regulatory aggression.

Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams giving a brief history of online censorship below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

CNBC.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
NAIROBI, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and African experts on Monday renewed calls for investments to spur uptake of clean energy that promotes climate action and guarantees sustainable livelihoods for communities.

The experts, who attended an event held on the sidelines of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), said that a transition to green energy holds the key to taming the climate crisis that has taken a toll on the Global South.

The side event was convened by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Kenya's Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, and the World Wildlife Fund.

GEIDCO Chairman Xin Baoan said in a video message that greater uptake of renewable energy will boost climate action, ease pressure on vital ecosystems such as forests, while improving human health and the vitality of the global economy.

"A global energy transition that is orderly will help countries achieve climate goals, ensuring that economic development sustains harmony between man and nature," Xin said.

Alex Wachira, principal secretary in Kenya's Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, said that the uptake of clean energy has become a global imperative and helps chart low-carbon development pathways while reversing the harmful impacts of climate change.

Kenya generates 93 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, including geothermal, hydropower, wind, and solar, while the growth of electric mobility is improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions, Wachira said.

Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, director of UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, said that sustaining green transition calls for investment in supportive infrastructure as well as policy and regulatory incentives.

Aggarwal-Khan said that an increased awareness among policymakers, consumers, and investors on the benefits of transitioning to green energy will benefit the planet, already reeling from a runaway temperature rise.




Trump administration rescues 62,000 children from trafficking, forced labor amid border crisis

Former ICE Director Tom Homan revealed that over 62,000 smuggled children have been rescued from sex trafficking, forced labor and abuse since Trump took office in 2025.

A DHS report showed that between 20182023, 32,000 migrant children disappeared after failing to appear in court, while the status of 291,000 others remains unverified due to lax enforcement under prior administrations.

Under Trump, border encounters plummeted from 301,981 in December 2024 (Biden's final month) to just 11,600 by September 2025, with zero illegal aliens released into the U.S. for seven straight months.

Democrats and sanctuary cities (e.g., Chicago, Los Angeles) oppose Trump's policies, including ending birthright citizenship (now before the Supreme Court) and travel bans from 19 high-risk nations.

Homan stressed the urgency of locating missing children, stating: "We need to save these children." Despite progress, systemic failures in immigration enforcement persist, requiring continued border security and deportation efforts.

In a stark revelation, former Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director and Trump administration border czar Tom Homan announced that federal authorities have rescued more than 62,000 children smuggled into the U.S. illegallymany of whom were trapped in sex trafficking rings, forced labor or abusive situations.

The disclosure, made during a December 2024 Fox News interview, underscores the humanitarian crisis stemming from lax border policies under previous administrations. Homan emphasized that the Trump administration remains committed to locating every missing child while aggressively securing the border and deporting high-risk illegal immigrants.

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report from 2023 revealed that between October 2018 and September 2023, ICE lost track of 32,000 migrant children who failed to appear for court hearings. The whereabouts of an additional 291,000 minors remained unverified because they were never placed in removal proceedings.

Homan, who has spearheaded efforts to locate these children, stated: "We already found some in forced labor, some of them are in sex trafficking, some of them are with pedophiles. We need to save these children." He declined to elaborate on specific cases but stressed that the administration had "saved over 62,000 children's lives" since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025.

Border security and enforcement shifts

As noted by BrightU.AI's Enoch, the Trump administration has taken a hardline stance on immigration, reversing policies that critics argue incentivized illegal crossings. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), encounters at the southwest border plummeted from 301,981 in December 2024the final month of the Biden administrationto just 11,600 in September 2025.

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott credited the decline to stricter enforcement, stating: "Our focus is unwavering: secure the border, enforce the law and protect this nation." The agency also reported releasing zero illegal aliens into the U.S. for seven consecutive monthsa sharp contrast to the mass releases seen under prior leadership.

The administration's aggressive immigration policies have faced fierce opposition from Democrats and progressive activists. A House bill introduced in May 2024 sought to block federal funding for enforcing Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenshipa move currently under Supreme Court review. Meanwhile, sanctuary cities like Chicago and Los Angeles have clashed with federal deportation operations.

In a broader crackdown, the Trump administration also paused immigration applications from 19 countries subject to travel bans, including Afghanistan, Venezuela and Iran. The policy, enacted after National Guard troops were shot near the border, reflects the administration's prioritization of national security over unchecked migration.

The rescue of 62,000 children from exploitation marks a significant milestone in the Trump administration's border agenda. Yet, the staggering number of missing minors highlights systemic failures in immigration enforcementfailures that Homan and federal agencies are now working to rectify.

As legal and political battles rage, the humanitarian toll of smuggling networks remains a pressing concern, demanding continued vigilance and decisive action.

Watch the video below that talks about child trafficking, immigration fraud and the "table of global control."

This video is from the JMC Broadcasting channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

FoxNews.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Trumps revised National Security Strategy aligns with Russias vision, sparks backlash from NATO allies

The Kremlin praised Trump's revised National Security Strategy (NSS) as aligning with Russia's geopolitical vision, particularly its emphasis on dialogue over confrontation and halting NATO expansion. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that the U.S. "Deep State" (unelected bureaucratic resistance) could undermine implementation.

European leaders rejected the NSS' claims of Europe's "civilizational erasure," dismissing it as far-right rhetoric. Germany, Poland and Sweden criticized the document, with Poland's Donald Tusk asserting Europe is America's ally, "not your problem."

The NSS calls for a swift end to the Ukraine war, even if it means territorial concessionsraising concerns among NATO members. U.S. strategy pivots toward countering China in the Indo-Pacific while downplaying Russia as a direct threat.

Unlike past administrations, Trump's NSS prioritizes economic nationalism (reshoring industries, trade leverage) over democratic values. Critics link its "Western identity" rhetoric to far-right conspiracy theories about migration and cultural decline.

A Fractured Transatlantic Future?: The NSS signals a potential U.S. retreat from NATO's traditional role, favoring transactional deals with Russia and China. Moscow remains cautiously optimistic but wary of Deep State interference, while NATO allies brace for weakened U.S. commitments.

The Kremlin has publicly endorsed President Donald Trump's newly revised National Security Strategy (NSS), calling it "largely consistent" with Russia's geopolitical visiona stark departure from previous U.S. administrations.

The 33-page document, released last week, signals a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy, prioritizing strategic stability with Moscow, questioning expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and warning of Europe's looming "civilizational erasure."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hailed the strategy as a "positive step" in an interview with Russian state media, stating: "The adjustments we are seeing actually line up with our own vision. It includes statements against confrontation and in favor of dialogue and maintaining good relations. This is also what Russian President Vladimir Putin is saying."

Peskov cautiously welcomed Trump's commitment to ending NATO's "perpetual expansion," a long-standing grievance of Moscow. However, he warned that the U.S. "Deep State"a term Trump frequently uses to describe entrenched bureaucratic resistancecould undermine the strategy's implementation.

As explained by the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, the term "Deep State" refers to a parallel unelected government that operates behind the scenes, influencing policy and decision-making processes without public scrutiny or accountability. The concept gained prominence in the early 21st century, with some political scientists and journalists using it to describe the network of individuals and institutions that wield significant power and influence, often in ways that contradict the will of the people or the interests of the nation.

NATO allies push back

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul dismissed the document's critique, stating: "We see ourselves as being able to discuss and debate these matters entirely on our own in the future, and do not need outside advice."

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, addressing his "American friends" on social media, asserted: "Europe is your closest ally, not your problem This is the only reasonable strategy of our common security. Unless something has changed."

Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt went further, accusing the strategy of aligning itself "to the right of the extreme right."

The NSS explicitly calls for an "expeditious cessation of hostilities in Ukraine," aligning with Trump's push for negotiated peaceeven if it means territorial concessions from Kyiv. The document criticizes Ukraine's European backers for harboring "unrealistic expectations" about the war, warning that prolonged conflict risks destabilizing Europe.

This stance has raised concerns among NATO members, particularly as Russia deepens ties with Chinaa partnership Trump has sought to disrupt. The strategy pivots U.S. focus toward the Indo-Pacific, labeling it the "key economic and geopolitical battleground" while downplaying Russia as a direct threat.

Unlike past administrations that framed foreign policy around democratic values, Trump's NSS adopts a transactional approach, emphasizing economic gains over ideological alliances. The document prioritizes reshoring U.S. industries, countering China's economic rise and leveraging trade dealswhile barely mentioning Taiwan's democratic status or Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

Analysts note the strategy's fixation on defending "Western identity," a theme resonant with Trump's domestic rhetoric on immigration and cultural decline. The NSS warns that without policy reversals, Europe will be "unrecognizable in 20 years or less"a claim critics link to far-right conspiracy theories.

Global implications

The NSS underscores Trump's intent to reshape global alliances under an "America First" doctrine, even if it means sidelining traditional partners. Moscow's endorsement of the strategy highlights the growing alignment between Trump and Putina dynamic that unsettles NATO allies.

As Ukraine's military resources dwindle and European leaders scramble to maintain unity, the NSS signals a potential U.S. withdrawal from its role as NATO's guarantor. With Trump eyeing a grand bargain involving Russia and China, allies face an unsettling question: Will America abandon them for a transactional peace?

For now, the Kremlin is watching closelyhopeful, but wary of the Deep State's resistance. As Peskov noted: "Sometimes, while everything is conceptually beautifully written the Deep State does things differently."

Trump's NSS marks a radical departure from decades of U.S. foreign policy, prioritizing detente with Russia, economic nationalism and civilizational rhetoric over traditional alliances. While Moscow applauds the shift, NATO members brace for a fractured transatlantic futureone where America's commitments may no longer be assured.

Watch this report about China as the "most consequential geopolitical challenge" for America.

This video is from the Chinese taking down EVIL CCP channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

WhiteHouse.gov

RT.com

BBC.com

Politico.eu

Aljazeera.com

TheConversation.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Ukraine faces critical shortage of Western missiles as Russian attacks intensify

Ukraine faces severe depletion of Western-supplied Patriot and IRIS-T missiles, leaving its air defenses nearly exhausted and cities vulnerable to Russian airstrikes.

Germany's IRIS-T system has proven vital in intercepting Russian cruise missiles and drones, but each missile costs between 400,000 to 900,000, straining Ukraine's ability to sustain defenses.

Ukraine successfully intercepted hundreds of drones and missiles in a single day, but officials warn that without urgent resupply, such victories may soon be impossible.

While air defense shortages dominate concerns, ground battles near Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad remain contested, with conflicting claims about Russian advances or Ukrainian counteroffensives.

Ukraine's survival hinges on continued Western military aid, as advanced systems like IRIS-T dictate battlefield outcomesbut political and logistical hurdles threaten timely resupply.

Ukraine is grappling with a severe depletion of its Western-supplied air defense missiles, leaving its cities increasingly vulnerable to Russian airstrikes.

Julian Ropcke, a senior editor for security policy at Germany's Bild newspaper, warned that Kyiv's stockpiles of Patriot and IRIS-T missilescritical for intercepting Russian cruise missiles and dronesare nearly exhausted. As Moscow escalates nighttime bombardments, Ukraine's reliance on high-tech German air defense systems highlights both the effectiveness and financial strain of modern warfare.

As explained by BrightU.AI's AI engine, Enoch, Ukraine has heavily depended on Germany's IRIS-T air defense system to counter Russian missile barrages. Recent footage shows the short-range infrared homing missiles successfully tracking and destroying inbound cruise missiles. Developed as an upgrade to the U.S.-made AIM-9 Sidewinder, the IRIS-T excels against low-flying threats, including drones and precision-guided munitions.

Each missile carries a staggering price tagranging from 400,000 ($466,000) for the standard variant to 900,000 ($1 million) for extended-range models. Germany has supplied Ukraine with approximately eight complete IRIS-T systems, but sustaining these defenses requires continuous replenishment of missiles, a challenge as Western military aid faces political and logistical hurdles.

On Dec. 6, Ukraine's Air Force reported intercepting 585 drones, 29 cruise missiles and one ballistic missile in a single day. However, officials warn that without urgent resupply, such successes may soon become unsustainable.

Logistics and conflicting narratives on the frontlines

While air defense shortages dominate concerns, ground battles near Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad illustrate the fog of war. Russian forces have reportedly intensified pressure on this key logistics hub, though Kyiv denies full enemy control. A Ukrainian supply runner described the area as a contested "gray zone," with online platforms flooded by contradictory claimsfrom Russian encirclement to Ukrainian counteroffensives clearing entrenched positions.

U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators maintain that lasting peace hinges on Moscow's willingness to engage in good-faith diplomacy. Yet with no signs of de-escalation, Ukraine's immediate survival depends on bridging its missile gap.

The high stakes of air superiority

Modern conflicts increasingly hinge on air defense capabilities, as seen in the Gulf War's Patriot missile successes and failures. Ukraine's predicament mirrors Cold War-era struggles, where smaller nations relied on superpower arsenals to deter larger aggressors. The IRIS-T's precisionbut exorbitant costunderscores how advanced weaponry can dictate battlefield outcomes while straining donor nations' budgets.

As Ukraine races to replenish its dwindling missile stocks, the war's trajectory may hinge on Western resolve to fund and deliver these critical systems. The IRIS-T's proven effectiveness offers a lifeline, but its sustainability remains in question. Meanwhile, the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad clashes exemplify the war's chaotic reality, where control is fluid and narratives contested. For now, Kyiv's ability to defend its skiesand its sovereigntyrests on a fragile balance of technology, timing and international support.

Watch the video below that talks about how Russia pushes forward as Ukraine's reserves run thin.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RMX.news

X.com

Portfolio.hu

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
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"Strides serves the most difficult and the most vulnerable individuals in the homeless population. These are the people who will die without shelter. Those who cannot or will not cooperate to the extent necessary to stay at the shelter will end up in jails or institutions or risk death," Gil Terriberry writes.
A new clinical trial suggests that pairing bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates with CAR T-cell therapy may sharply boost one-year progression-free survival for people with aggressive lymphoma.

In just a few years, treatment options for aggressive lymphoma have rapidly advanced. However, many patients show a consistent pattern: powerful new therapies act quickly but often fail to keep the lymphoma at bay permanently, says Jay Spiegel, M.D., a transplant and cellular therapy physician at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Spiegel will present the early findings Dec. 8 at the 2025 American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting in Orlando.

We have made huge improvements in lymphoma care. But there are still many patients where the current approaches are not curative." Jay Spiegel, M.D., a transplant and cellular therapy physician, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

That challenge inspired a new clinical trial - the researchers, led by senior author Lazaros Lekakis, M.D., professor of clinical medicine at the Miller School, combined three of the most promising lymphoma treatments, aiming to improve outcomes.

The clinical trial data indicate that combining these treatments may significantly enhance progression-free survival at one year.

Layered therapies extend responses

Large B-cell lymphoma is the most common aggressive lymphoma in adults. Its most frequent subtype, diffuse LBCL, affects about 25,000 people in the U.S. each year. First-round treatments work for approximately 70% of patients.

For the 30% whose lymphoma comes back or never fully disappears, the next step is often CAR T-cell therapy, such as axicabtagene ciloleucel, approved in 2017. It trains a patient's immune cells to target lymphoma.

"CAR T works incredibly well upfront," Spiegel said, "but we've learned that it often falls short in the long-term - only about 40% of patients remain in remission after five years."

So, researchers have designed other new therapies. Mosunetuzumab is a two-headed bispecific antibody that links a T-cell to a lymphoma cell, activating the immune system to attack. Polatuzumab is an antibodydrug conjugate, meaning it delivers a small dose of chemotherapy directly into lymphoma cells. Both are effective initially but don't reliably keep the disease away when used alone.

To boost the durability of these new treatments, the Sylvester team integrated all three approaches. "Attacking three different antigens at once could help overcome several of the reasons CAR T fails," Spiegel said. "The hope was that combining them could really jump the efficacy, and so far, it has been quite something."

The phase 2 study enrolled 25 adults with relapsed or refractory LBCL. They received mosunetuzumab and polatuzumab before and after the CAR T treatment. Of the 24 patients who reached day 90, 90% were in complete remission. At one year, about 80% were still in remission, a significant increase from an estimated 50% at one year with CAR T alone.

"I did not think it would work this well," Spiegel said. "To take patients with this type of aggressive disease and have so many still in remission at one year, that really surprised me."

The Sylvester trial might provide a way to achieve longer remissions. "We have an exciting result," Spiegel said, "but now we need to show it can be done on a larger scale. That is the goal of the next study, to prove the juice is worth the squeeze."

As encouraging as the findings are, they arrive in a field moving at an extraordinary pace as researchers are continually testing new immunotherapies, improving CAR T treatments, and exploring fresh drug targets. "Everything in lymphoma is happening all at once," Spiegel said. "It makes the field exciting but also complicated."

That pace presents both opportunity and complexity as clinicians work to understand how each advancement fits into the broader treatment landscape - and how they can work together. The current challenge is figuring out the best sequences and combinations for these new treatments - and how to use each without exhausting the immune system, Spiegel said.

In this surge of treatment options, the message for patients is increasingly hopeful. "If you have relapsed disease, even aggressive disease, there are multiple approaches now that can still cure your lymphoma," Spiegel said. "That was not true seven years ago."
A groundbreaking new treatment using genome-edited immune cells, developed by scientists at UCL (University College London) and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), has shown promising results in helping children and adults fight a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer called T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL).

The world-first gene therapy (BE-CAR7) uses base-edited immune cells to treat previously untreatable T-cell leukemia and help patients achieve remission, offering new hope for families facing this aggressive cancer. Base-editing is an advanced version of CRISPR technology, that can precisely change single letters of DNA code inside living cells.

In 2022, researchers from GOSH and UCL delivered the world's first treatment made using 'base-editing' to a 13-year-old girl from Leicester, Alyssa.

Now a further eight children and two adults have undergone the treatment at GOSH and King's College Hospital (KCH).

The results of the clinical trial have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the 67th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting. Key findings from the study include:

82% of patients achieved very deep remissions after BE-CAR7, enabling them to proceed to stem cell transplant without disease

64% remain disease-free, with the first patients now three years disease-free and off treatment

Anticipated side effects including low blood counts, cytokine release syndrome and rashes were tolerable, with the greatest risks arising from virus infections until immunity recovered

New technology

Immunotherapy using CAR-T cells has recently become available to treat several types of blood cancer. This therapy uses immune cells, called T-cells, and modifies them to have specific proteins on their surface called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). The CARs can recognize and target specific 'flags' on the surface of cancer cells, and the T-cell can then destroy that cancer cell. Developing CAR T-cell therapy for leukemia which itself has arisen from abnormal T-cells has been challenging.

BE-CAR7 T-cells are engineered using base editing, a new-generation of genome editing that avoids cutting DNA, reducing the risk of chromosomal damage. Very precise chemical reactions were carried out using CRISPR guidance systems to change single letters of DNA code in order to modify the T cells. As reported in 2022, these complex DNA changes generated storable banks of 'universal' CAR T-cells that can find and attack T-cell leukemia when given to patients.

The 'universal' CAR T-cells in this study were made from healthy donor white blood cells and engineering steps were undertaken in a clean room facility at Great Ormond Street Hospital, using custom made RNA, mRNA and a lentiviral vector in an automated process previously developed by the research team. These steps were:

Removing existing receptors so that T-cells from a donor can be banked and used without matching the recipient  making them 'universal'.

 making them 'universal'. Removing a 'flag' called CD7 that identifies them as T-cells (CD7 T-cell marker). Without this step, T-cells programmed to kill T-cells would simply end up destroying the product through 'friendly-fire'.

Without this step, T-cells programmed to kill T-cells would simply end up destroying the product through 'friendly-fire'. Removing a second 'flag' called CD52. This makes the edited cells invisible to one of the strong antibody drugs given to patients to subdue their immune system.

This makes the edited cells invisible to one of the strong antibody drugs given to patients to subdue their immune system. Adding a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) which recognizes the CD7 T-cell flag on leukemic T-cells. A disabled virus added extra DNA code into the cells so they become armed against CD7 and recognize and fight T-cell leukemia.

When base-edited CAR T-cells are given to the patient they rapidly find and destroy all T-cells in the body, including leukemic T-cells. If the leukemia is eradicated within four weeks, the patient's immune system is then rebuilt from a bone marrow transplant over a period of several months.

"We previously showed promising results using precision genome editing for children with aggressive blood cancer and this larger number of patients confirms the impact of this type of treatment," said Professor Waseem Qasim who led the research and is professor of cell and gene therapy at UCL and honorary consultant immunologist at GOSH. "We've shown that universal or 'off the shelf' base-edited CAR T-cells can seek and destroy very resistant cases of CD7+ leukemia."

He also added: "Many teams were involved across the hospital and university and everyone is delighted for patients clearing their disease, but at the same time, deeply mindful that outcomes were not as hoped for some children. These are intense and difficult treatments - patients and families have been generous in recognising the importance of learning as much as possible from each experience."

Although most children with T-cell leukemia will respond well to standard treatments, around 20% may not. It's these patients who desperately need better options and this research provides hope for a better prognosis for everyone diagnosed with this rare but aggressive form of blood cancer. Seeing Alyssa go from strength-to-strength is incredible and a testament to her tenacity and the dedication of an array of small army of people at GOSH. Team working between bone marrow transplant, haematology, ward staff, teachers, play workers, physiotherapists, lab and research teams, among others, is essential for supporting our patients." Dr. Rob Chiesa, study investigator and bone marrow transplant consultant at GOSH

Dr Deborah Yallop, consultant haematologist at KCH said "We've seen impressive responses in clearing leukemia that seemed incurable  it's a very powerful approach."

The trial was sponsored by GOSH and supported by the Medical Research Council, Wellcome, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), for patients eligible for NHS care in the UK. Any patients eligible to receive treatment under the NHS and interested in this trial should approach their specialist healthcare provider.

As well as providing early funding to Professor Qasim to help pave the way for new cutting-edge treatment options, Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) has now agreed to support treatment for another 10 patients as part of an extended cohort of T-ALL patients. Funding over 2m so that more children can access the clinical trial, this ties into GOSH Charity's ongoing fundraising appeal to build a world-leading new Children's Cancer Centre at GOSH, which will help create an environment where pioneering research can thrive.

First patient going from strength to strength

Alyssa Tapley, 16 from Leicester, was the first patient in the world to receive a base-edited cell therapy and originally shared her story in 2022 when she was 13. At the time, she was cautiously optimistic with her leukemia undetectable, but was under close monitoring. She has now been discharged to long-term follow up and is throwing herself into life with her friends.

Alyssa was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia in May 2021, after a long period of what the family thought were colds, viruses and general tiredness. She did not respond to standard therapies - chemotherapy or a first bone marrow transplant - and she was discussing the option of palliative care when the research opportunity was proposed.

Alyssa said: "I chose to take part in the research as I felt that, even if it didn't work for me, it could help others. Years later, we know it worked and I'm doing really well. I've done all those things that you're supposed to do when you're a teenager.

"I've gone sailing, spent time away from home doing my Duke of Edinburgh Award but even just going to school is something I dreamed of when I was ill. I'm not taking anything for granted. Next on my list is learning to drive, but my ultimate goal is to become a research scientist and be part of the next big discovery that can help people like me."

BE-CAR7 cells were manufactured as part of a long-standing research programme led by Professor Waseem Qasim at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, honorary consultant at GOSH. Thanks to funding from NIHR, Wellcome, the Medical Research Council and GOSH Charity, Professor Qasim has been a pioneer in developing new gene therapy derived treatments, including using innovative genome editing techniques. The team is now based at the Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, a partnership between UCL and GOSH. This state-of-the-art research institution was made possible thanks to the extraordinary philanthropic support of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. In 2014 Her Highness made a 60 million gift to GOSH Charity in honour of her late husband, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The research team wish to thank Anthony Nolan and their volunteer blood and stem cell donors, and the patients and their families for participating in the research.
Most patients with a rare and aggressive form of large B-cell lymphoma can safely receive a less toxic treatment than the intensive chemotherapy often used, according to new research from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Lead researcher Juan Alderuccio, M.D., a hematologist and lymphoma specialist at Sylvester, will present this research Dec. 8 at the American Society of Hematology meeting in Orlando. The study's findings could help standardize treatment for T-cell/histocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL) - a crucial step toward ensuring patients receive the most effective, least toxic care.

"Until this study, we didn't know exactly how to treat this disease," Alderuccio said of THRLBCL. In the absence of a formal standard of care, physicians have been treating newly diagnosed patients with a variety of approaches.

Our aim was to identify the best first-line treatment considering patient and disease characteristics." Juan Alderuccio, M.D., hematologist and lymphoma specialist at Sylvester

The study's results indicate that most patients should receive a combination regimen known by the acronym R-CHOP, which is already established as an effective treatment for the most common type of large B cell lymphoma.

Previous research has suggested that patients with THRLBCL benefit from intensive chemotherapy regimens. However, this approach comes with a significant downside: frequent and considerable side effects. One study documented more infections, nerve pain, inflammation in the digestive tract and dangerously low levels of white blood cells in patients who received more intensive chemotherapy regimens than in those given R-CHOP.

To determine if R-CHOP could offer similar benefits without these drawbacks, the researchers compared results in THRLBCL to those of a cohort of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common large B cell lymphoma. THRLBCL tends to affect younger patients, especially men, who are often diagnosed at later stages in the cancer's progression.

THRLBCL patients have fewer malignant B cells than their counterparts and more immune suppression, which benefits the cancer. This disease is also prone to spread to other organs, including the liver, lungs and bone marrow. It is also much less common. An analysis of patient data in the U.S. National Cancer Data Base counted 622 cases of THRLBCL from 2010 to 2015 and 91,588 cases of diffuse large B cell lymphoma for that period.

With so few patients, researchers have difficulty running the clinical trials typically used to establish standardized approaches to care, according to Alderuccio.

In the absence of this guidance, some oncologists turn to intensive chemotherapy, others use bone marrow transplantation, and still others administer R-CHOP. The latter regimen combines three chemotherapy drugs (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine), a steroid (prednisone) and the monoclonal antibody rituximab, which latches onto the CD20 protein on B cells. R-CHOP has proven highly effective in treating DLBCL. About 60% of these patients see their cancer disappear after completing the six cycles of R-CHOP.

For the study, Alderuccio and colleagues drew on three sources. They used data from THRLBCL patients collected by the Lymphoma Epidemiology of Outcomes consortium, which includes the University of Miami and seven other U.S. academic centers, and from the Czech Lymphoma Study Group in the Czech Republic. They compared these patients' survival to that of their counterparts with DLBCL, data they obtained from these datasets, plus the Iowa University/Mayo Clinic Molecular Epidemiology Resource.

Of the 140 patients with THRLBCL, 106 received R-CHOP. Four years following treatment, 80% of these patients were still alive and 70% had not had their cancer return or experienced complications. The nearly 6,100 patients they included with diffuse large B cell lymphoma had similar outcomes. In fact, a statistical testing called propensity score matching showed no difference between the two, Alderuccio said. Meanwhile, intensive chemo regimens did not appear to improve the THRLBCL patients' survival.

Next, he and his colleagues are expanding the study to include more patients from three new sources: the U.S. Department of Defense; the Veterans Administration registry; and a nationwide Danish cohort. Through this follow-up research, they hope to identify THRLBCL patients for whom R-CHOP is likely to fail, with the ultimate goal of conducting a clinical trial to assess alternatives for them.
New interdisciplinary evidence shows how a mid-14th-century volcanic cooling reshaped Mediterranean food security, redirected grain ships from the Black Sea, and inadvertently opened the door to one of historys deadliest pandemics.

Study: Climate-driven changes in Mediterranean grain trade mitigated famine but introduced the Black Death to medieval Europe. Image Credit: Steve Allen / Shutterstock

In a recent study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment , researchers argue for a likely causal chain between a sudden climate downturn and the onset of the Black Death.

The study combined paleoclimatic data with historical records to present evidence that a large, unidentified volcanic eruption or cluster of eruptions around 1345 CE triggered a prolonged period of unusually cold conditions accompanied by pronounced regional hydroclimatic variability in southern Europe, leading to widespread agricultural dearth and, in some regions, famine.

To mitigate starvation, Italian maritime republics imported grain from the Black Sea region, a response embedded within sophisticated food security institutions that the authors propose most likely facilitated the transport of plague-infected fleas into the heart of the Mediterranean.

The study thus highlights how environmental shocks and globalized trade networks can converge to facilitate the rapid spread of pandemics.

Historical Uncertainty Around Black Death Origins

The "Black Death" is the name given to the first wave of the second plague pandemic that spread through Europe between 1347 and 1353 CE. It remains one of the most devastating human disasters in history, claiming up to 60 percent of the European human population at the time (more than 50 million people).

While it is scientifically accepted that the causative bacterium, Yersinia pestis, originated in rodent populations in Central Asia and traveled into Europe via the Black Sea, the specific mechanisms regarding the timing and virulence of its arrival have long been debated.

Previous research has sought to determine whether the disease spreads primarily through human-to-human contact, rodent-to-human contact, or through goods, but with limited success.

Furthermore, while the mid-14th century is well known for its social instability, the role of climatic changes in facilitating the pandemic has remained a subject of controversy among natural and social scientists.

Integrating Paleoclimate Reconstructions With Medieval Records

The present study aims to bridge these knowledge gaps by leveraging a rigorous interdisciplinary methodology that connects paleoclimatology with historical analysis.

To conduct the climate reconstruction, the study analyzed high-resolution estimates of volcanic stratospheric sulfur injection ( VSSI ) derived from geochemical analyses of ice cores from Antarctica and Greenland.

Maximum Latewood Density ( MXD ) measurements from tree rings collected across eight European regions, including the Alps, Scandinavia, and the Pyrenees, were subsequently analyzed to estimate local temperature impacts, specifically, summer temperature anomalies that might have altered pandemic dispersal patterns during the 134753 seasons within a broader Northern Hemisphere extratropical climate context.

For the historical analysis, previously analyzed climatic data were cross-referenced with a vast array of narrative and administrative sources from 1344 to 1348 CE. Study data included:

Grain prices, Wheat and millet price reconstructions from Italy, Catalonia, and the Middle East

Policy measures, Administrative records detailing grain export bans, forced loans, and import premiums in Italian city-states such as Venice and Genoa

Grape harvests and records of wine yields in northwestern Italy served as an additional proxy for agricultural productivity.

Volcanic Cooling and Agricultural Crisis in the 1340s

The results from the multidisciplinary analyses suggest that a sequence of natural disasters, particularly volcanic eruptions, likely played a key role in driving the trade movements for the transport of grain that imported the plague.

Ice core data revealed a large, unidentified tropical volcanic eruption, or a cluster of eruptions, around 1345 CE. This event was estimated to have injected approximately 14 teragrams ( Tg ) of sulfur into the stratosphere, substantially more than the 6 Tg released by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. This eruption likely triggered a period of sharp cooling across the Northern Hemisphere extratropics, with especially strong impacts in the Mediterranean.

Tree-ring analysis validated this hypothesis by identifying 1345, 1346, and 1347 CE as the coldest consecutive summers in the Northern Hemisphere extratropics since 1257. In the Pyrenees, the cold was so severe that it caused "Blue Rings", a rare wood anatomical feature indicating a lack of cell-wall lignification due to freezing temperatures during the growing season.

Climate-Driven Grain Shortages and Trade Realignments

The study proposes that this cold, spatially heterogeneous climate led to catastrophic harvest failures. Wheat prices in 1347 CE were documented as reaching their highest levels in eight decades.

In response, Venice and Genoa reportedly lifted trade embargoes and sourced grain from the territories of the Golden Horde around the Sea of Azov. Pandemic records from the period finally reveal a synchronization between grain deliveries and disease. Venetian ships, carrying grain that may plausibly have been infested with Y. pestis-carrying fleas, returned from the Black Sea in late 1347.

The first documented cases of plague in Venice are reported to have appeared less than two months after these ships arrived. Conversely, cities like Milan and Rome, which did not rely on Black Sea grain imports during this specific crisis, were spared the initial wave of the Black Death outbreak.

The authors note, however, that alternative mechanisms, such as multiple reintroductions or other transmission pathways, remain possible and require further investigation.

Interplay of Climate Shocks and Trade Networks in Pandemic Spread

The present study presents the first multidisciplinary evidence aimed at addressing the role of climate change and stochastic events that facilitated the unprecedented dispersal and virulence of the Black Death.

Study results identified the onset of the Black Death not as a random biological event, but as the result of a "unique spatiotemporal coincidence" of natural and societal factors. The sophisticated conventional Italian food security system, designed to provide resilience against dearth, paradoxically served as the gateway for the pandemic.

The authors further emphasize broader implications, noting that in an increasingly interconnected and warming world, climate shocks interacting with globalized trade networks are likely to raise the probability that zoonotic pathogens cross ecological and geographic boundaries, echoing dynamics observed in recent pandemics.
Australian researchers have for the first time pinpointed specific genetic changes that increase the risk of severe, sight-threatening forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

A new study, published today in Nature Communications, reveals the specific genetic factors linked to the presence of reticular pseudodrusen - deposits which drive vision loss and are found on the retina of up to 60 per cent of people with advanced AMD.

The research, led by the Centre for Eye Research Australia, WEHI and the University of Melbourne, offers a promising new target for treatments aimed at the most severe forms of AMD, including geographic atrophy.

AMD is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in people over 50 worldwide, resulting from the death of light-sensing cells in the macula, the part of the retina needed for central vision.

Globally, more than 196 million people have AMD. In its early stages, it is difficult to predict who is most at risk of vision loss and when treatment should begin. Current therapies can only slow disease progression once significant damage has occurred.

The Australian team led a large international study which, for the first time, pinpointed a key difference in genetic changes in the group with reticular pseudodrusen  finding a strong link with genetic variations on Chromosome 10 but no link to other well-known AMD genes changes on Chromosome 1.

Eye scans of people with this genetic variation also revealed a thinner retina, a finding that warrants further investigation.

Study co-lead Professor Robyn Guymer AM, from the Centre for Eye Research Australia, said the results highlight that AMD is not a single disease but a group of related conditions potentially requiring tailored treatment approaches.

"Reticular pseudodrusen deposits, visible in eye scans, have been linked to worse visual function and poorer treatment outcomes,'' she said.

"Our research has now identified which of the genetic changes appear to be driving this more serious form of AMD. This discovery provides a crucial lead for developing new drugs that target these changes-potentially preventing vision loss before it begins."

Co-lead Professor Melanie Bahlo AM from WEHI said this was the first genome-wide analysis of the genetic drivers behind reticular pseudodrusen.

In 2005, researchers first linked changes on Chromosome 1 including the complement factor H (CFH) gene, part of the immune system, to AMD. Recently, new treatments targeting these changes have shown modest success in slowing down the disease. Our study is the first to suggest that reticular pseudodrusen deposits are driven by pathways associated with Chromosome 10 but not by the well-known AMD-related genes on Chromosome 1. This is a significant finding. It demonstrates the need to explore how genetic changes on Chromosome 10 affect retinal structure and to develop therapies that go beyond complement factor to targeting to prevent sight-threatening deposits on the retina." Professor Melanie Bahlo AM from WEHI

The research was funded by a National Health and Medical Research Council Synergy Grant.
High BMI and poor physical fitness during later adolescence increase the risk of both contracting and dying from sepsis and other severe bacterial infections in adulthood, according to a study from the University of Gothenburg.

The study, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, is based on national registry data covering almost one million men in Sweden. By linking data from the Swedish Military Conscription Register, the National Patient Register, and the National Cause of Death Register, the researchers were able to follow individuals for more than three decades.

When the men enlisted for military service, their BMI and physical fitness were measured. Based on these measurements, the participants were categorized into groups that were compared regarding their risk of later developing or dying from bacterial pneumonia, heart valve infection, or sepsis.



The analyses have been adjusted for factors such as muscle strength, socioeconomic status, and asthma, to provide the most accurate assessment possible of the link between BMI, fitness, and future infection risk.

Increased risk already at high normal weight

Josefina Robertson, Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Gothenburg, infectious disease specialist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and the lead investigator of the study, explains:

It has long been known that high BMI and poor physical fitness in youth are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and cancer later in life. We have also shown this to be true for COVID-19. However, whether these factors are linked to the incidence of severe bacterial infections in adulthood has not been previously studied. Josefina Robertson, Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases, University of Gothenburg

In the current study, more than 44,000 cases of severe bacterial infections were identified during the follow-up period, with pneumonia being the most common, followed by sepsis. The results show a very strong association between both high BMI and poor physical fitness at conscription and the risk of later developing  and dying from  these infections. The risk was already elevated at high normal weight (BMI 22.525) and increased progressively with higher BMI and poorer fitness.

High BMI and low fitness levels were a particularly strong risk factor for sepsis. Among men with obesity (BMI 30 or more), the prevalence of sepsis was more than three times higher compared to those of low normal weight (BMI 18.519.9). In addition, the risk of dying from sepsis was more than four times greater in the highest BMI group.

Early interventions for better health

This is the first study to demonstrate a link between BMI and physical fitness in adolescence and the risk of developing bacterial infections later in life. Birger Sourander, doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg, resident physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and first author of the study, emphasizes:



Our findings are particularly relevant today, as overweight, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles are becoming ever more common, while antibiotic resistance continues to rise. The results therefore underline the importance of early interventions to promote a healthy weight and physical activity already in adolescence, for the future health of both the individual and society as a whole.
Nancy Hunt arrived at an emergency room from a Genesis HealthCare nursing home in Pennsylvania in such dreadful shape, including maggots infesting her gangrened foot, that the hospital called an elder abuse hotline and then the police, her son alleged in a lawsuit.

Hunt died five days later. Her death certificate said the foot injury was a "significant" factor. Genesis denied wrongdoing but agreed to pay $3.5 million in a settlement Hunt's son signed in August 2024.

Yet Genesis hasn't paid most of that debt, court records show. It may never have to.

Once the nation's largest nursing home chain, Genesis says it was spending $8 million a month defending and settling lawsuits over resident injuries and deaths in recent years. But the company is now poised to wipe the liability slate clean by seeking refuge in the most protective corner of the legal system for the nursing home industry: bankruptcy court.

The Genesis case, one of 11 large senior care bankruptcies this year, illustrates how health care companies can dodge public and financial accountability for alleged negligence through delays, confidentiality clauses, and bankruptcy maneuvers, a KFF Health News investigation found.

When it filed for bankruptcy in Dallas in July, Genesis estimated its total liability for nearly a thousand settled and pending lawsuits at $259 million. A KFF Health News review of the terms of 155 settlement agreements and corporate financial statements shows Genesis officials knew insolvency was possible yet included provisions in its settlement agreements allowing it to defer payment, often for a year or more.

As a result, Genesis paid nothing in 85 cases and only a portion in the other 70, according to civil court records and bankruptcy claims made available through people with access to them. It still owes $41 million of the $58 million it had agreed to pay in those cases, the records show.

"It just feels like they killed my mom and got away with it," said Vanessa Betancourt, whose mother, Nellie Betancourt, a retired nurse, fractured her hip at a Genesis home in Albuquerque, New Mexico  an injury the medical examiner's report said led to her death. Genesis agreed to a $650,000 settlement with Betancourt's family in April under the condition it would not need to pay the first of seven installments for another year, according to the settlement document.

Genesis denied wrongdoing in all lawsuits and settlements. In a written statement, the company did not answer questions about individual personal injury cases. The statement said Genesis remained "focused on delivering high-quality, compassionate care to our patients and residents without disruption" during bankruptcy.

One lawsuit Genesis settled for nearly $1 million alleged nursing home managers ignored repeated warnings about a male resident's behavior before he sexually assaulted a female Alzheimer's patient, according to court records. In a case the company resolved for $500,000, a Genesis nursing home was accused of delaying the hospitalization of a resident who had vomited brown mucus. He died of a bowel obstruction. Genesis has paid nothing for either settlement, according to bankruptcy claims.

Creditors, including families of the deceased, are expected to salvage a fraction of what they were promised, if anything. On Dec. 10, the company's owners were scheduled to seek approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas to sell its nursing homes and other assets to its largest investor, a private equity firm. In court papers, lawyers for residents and other creditors say the complex plan will prevent them from pursuing Genesis' new ownership and other companies they blame for the company's collapse.

John Anthony, a bankruptcy attorney representing 340 personal injury claims against Genesis, said, "They never had any intention to honor these deals."

Low ratings and fines

During years of financial turmoil, Genesis has frequently struggled to provide top-notch care, federal records show. Using its five-star system, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rated 58% of homes affiliated with Genesis as below average or much below average. CMS has fined Genesis homes $10 million for violating federal health standards over the past three years.

In 2022, Connecticut health regulators shuttered a Genesis home after two deaths and multiple violations. The company closed another Connecticut nursing home this year after residents twice were evacuated over safety concerns.

In its Chapter 11 filing, Genesis said it cared for about 15,000 residents in 165 nursing homes and 10 assisted living facilities in 18 states. They are centered in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Mexico, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Maine, Alabama, Maryland, and North Carolina, according to the bankruptcy filing.

The company said it owed $709 million in secured debt to lenders and the IRS. Under bankruptcy rules, those debts, backed by Genesis collateral, take precedence over the $1.6 billion in unsecured debt Genesis said it owes. Unsecured creditors include a pension fund; contractors that provided health services and equipment; Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and West Virginia for unpaid provider taxes; and former residents and their families who sued.

Dangers in memory care

Sandia Ridge Center, a Genesis home in Albuquerque, was repeatedly faulted by health regulators for not preventing sexual misbehavior in its memory care unit. In November 2021, CMS cited the home for lacking enough nurses to prevent sexual abuse among residents. An inspection report the following August identified more inappropriate sexual contact. Police were called to investigate sexual assault allegations in February and March of 2023, police reports show; neither resulted in criminal charges.

Then in April 2023, a 61-year-old male resident with alcohol-related dementia sexually assaulted a female resident with Alzheimer's in the dining room, according to a police report and an inspection report. When the resident screamed for him to stop and that he was hurting her, he responded "shut up bitch I know you like this," according to a lawsuit brought on behalf of the woman, identified in court papers as R.S.

Sandia Ridge management had been aware of the male resident's behavioral issues for months, according to employee depositions in the case. Police had investigated a prior sexual assault allegation against him the previous year without bringing charges. In one deposition, a former activities assistant testified he hit her and twice pushed her into a bathroom while announcing, "I want to have sex with you." When she reported him to a senior Genesis manager, she said in the deposition, the manager put his finger over his lips and said, "Shhh."

The activities worker testified that R.S. used to happily sing along with Elvis Presley songs. After the assault, the worker said, R.S. "don't sing anymore."

Inspectors cited the home for failing to protect R.S. The same report said the home didn't provide a therapist for another female resident who was being sexually harassed. Medicare fined Sandia Ridge Center $91,247. Genesis denied liability but settled R.S.' lawsuit for $925,000 in May, according to the bankruptcy claim.

"We just felt we have to hold them accountable," R.S.' daughter said in an interview, speaking on the condition that she and her mother not be identified, because of the nature of the assault. "Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm naive, but the only way to do that is to sue someone, right?"

Genesis has not paid any of the settlement, according to the family's claim filing.

Growth and debt

Genesis' downfall can be traced to 2007, when affiliates of two private equity firms acquired the company in a $1.5 billion leveraged buyout, taking on substantial debt, according to its bankruptcy filing. Private equity also has been involved in other health care bankruptcies, including those of the HCR ManorCare nursing home chain, the prison health care contractor Corizon Health, and two for-profit hospital systems, Steward Health Care and Prospect Medical Holdings.

In 2011, Genesis raised $2.4 billion by transferring substantially all its nursing home buildings and other real estate to Welltower, a publicly traded real estate investment trust, according to Genesis' bankruptcy filing. Genesis then rented the buildings back from Welltower, which made leasing costs a significant expense.

Genesis went on a nationwide buying spree. At its peak in 2016, it had grown to more than 500 nursing homes. In a court declaration, Louis Robichaux IV, a consultant overseeing Genesis' bankruptcy restructuring, wrote that as the company expanded, it became harder to manage and "mired in corporate inefficiencies." Robichaux wrote that Genesis' financial woes were exacerbated by rapidly increasing labor costs and lawsuits, including some predating the covid pandemic.

Starting in 2021, Genesis avoided bankruptcy after receiving $100 million in loans from a private equity firm founded by Joel Landau, the owner of a Brooklyn-based nursing home chain, according to Robichaux's filing.

But Genesis continued to teeter on the edge of insolvency. In audited financial statements for 2022 and 2023 submitted to a California oversight agency, management and auditors said rent and debt obligations raised "substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern."

In a court filing, a committee appointed by the U.S. Trustee's Office to represent the unsecured creditors in the bankruptcy accused Landau and Welltower of orchestrating a covert plan that allowed Welltower to keep getting its rents while Landau could run the company and "siphon value to himself." The committee alleged their efforts forced the company into insolvency while "staffing levels and patient care declined precipitously." Landau and Welltower did not respond to requests for comment.

Drawn-out lawsuits

Erin Pearson sued Genesis over the death of her father, James Sanderson, a retired mining company executive who died in 2018 after spending less than a month at Bear Canyon Rehabilitation Center in Albuquerque. In the memory care unit, Sanderson fell repeatedly, suffered medication errors made by nursing home staff, and developed a bowel obstruction and sepsis, according to the lawsuit, filed in 2019. Pearson's lawyers said he was not hospitalized until eight days after nurses noticed he was vomiting brown mucus.

After the judge rejected Genesis' request to force Pearson into arbitration, Genesis appealed. It took 2 years before an appeals court affirmed the original decision to let the case go forward in court, records show.

This past May, more than five years after suing, Pearson reached a $500,000 settlement, with the first payment required by November, according to a copy of the agreement. Nothing was paid, according to the bankruptcy claim.

"It was so drawn out and for so long," Pearson said in an interview, calling Genesis' bankruptcy "despicable."

Payouts postponed

Jennifer Foote, an Albuquerque attorney who represents clients in multiple lawsuits against Genesis, including Pearson's, said the company frequently filed appeals. "They did not usually win them on these issues," she said, "and our sense was that they were doing it as a delay tactic."

Genesis started using installment payments around 2018, said Dusti Harvey, Foote's law partner. "The payments wouldn't start for several months out," Harvey said. Foote said Genesis' lawyers often wanted to time the payments to start the month the trial in the case was scheduled to occur.

Families had to wait even when comparatively small amounts of money were involved, settlement agreements show. Genesis' settlement agreements also included a confidentiality clause prohibiting discussion of the incidents.

Genesis agreed to pay $42,000 in a November 2024 settlement, but the first payment was not due until nine months later. It was not paid, according to the bankruptcy claim.

A $250,000 settlement signed in October 2023 did not start paying out until the following September. When Genesis declared bankruptcy  21 months after the case was resolved  it still owed $100,000, according to the family's claim.

'We never found out the truth'

Settling cases allowed Genesis to avoid the expense and publicity of a trial, at which details of how its nursing homes functioned might have been revealed. In October 2020, Margarett Johnson, a retired school bus driver, fell out of her wheelchair at a Genesis nursing home in Waldorf, Maryland, fracturing her jawbone, nose, and neck, according to a lawsuit brought by her family. Johnson was sent to a trauma center and placed on a ventilator. She died three months later, at age 76, from ventilator-associated pneumonia, the lawsuit said.

"It looked like she was hit by a truck," Angelina Harley, one of her daughters, said in an interview. "I knew my mom was not going to come home. I knew the Lord was not going to punish her more."

The company denied negligence and blamed the accident on Johnson's jacket getting tangled in the wheel of her wheelchair, according to the lawsuit. Harley and her sister Angela Swann were dubious.

"We never found out the truth," Harley said. "They wanted to settle out of court."

The company denied liability but agreed to a $950,000 settlement in October 2024. It never paid the final $112,500 installment, according to a letter Johnson's five children sent to the bankruptcy judge.

"If you settle out of court, you know doggone well you did something wrong," Harley said.

Maddening judges

By summer 2025, judges in some civil cases had run out of patience.

Alma Brown, a retired day care manager and accordion teacher living in a Genesis nursing home in Clovis, New Mexico, suffered falls, infections, bedsores, and other neglect that hastened her death in 2023, according to her estate's lawsuit. In Santa Fe District Court, Judge Kathleen McGarry Ellenwood castigated Genesis after it failed to pay $2 million of the $3 million settlement to Brown's estate or explain the delay.

Genesis "obviously benefited by not having to go to trial," McGarry Ellenwood said in one hearing, according to a court transcript. "They assure me that they're not trying to renege on their contract, but it certainly seems like they haven't lived up to what the bargain was."

Genesis declared bankruptcy the day McGarry Ellenwood announced she would impose more than $100,000 in fines, plus $10,000 more each day until the settlement was paid.

In Pennsylvania, Greg Hunt petitioned a judge to punish Genesis after it stopped payments of the $3.5 million settlement after the death of his mother, Nancy, the resident with the gangrenous foot. She had spent eight months in 2019 at Brandywine Hall, a Genesis facility in West Chester that was later sold and renamed.

In a filing with the Common Pleas Court of Montgomery County, Genesis admitted it was in arrears but asked the judge for more time, citing "unforeseen and exigent financial challenges." Genesis said care for patients at its nursing homes would suffer if it had to pay immediately.

Unswayed, Judge Richard Haaz in June ordered Genesis to pay up, along with punitive interest. But the bankruptcy court stayed that order. Genesis still owes $1.4 million of the $2 million it was supposed to pay, according to Hunt's claim. (The rest of the $3.5 million settlement is supposed to be paid by an insurer in January 2026.) Ian Norris, Hunt's lawyer, declined to comment, citing confidentiality provisions in the settlement.

Court records indicate Genesis lawyers never disclosed in either case that it was preparing to declare bankruptcy.

'Bankruptcy as a tool'

In the first nine months of 2025, 10 other senior living companies with liabilities over $10 million entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to Gibbins Advisors, a consulting firm.

Hamid Rafatjoo, a bankruptcy lawyer representing nursing homes who is not involved in the Genesis bankruptcy case, said filings may increase as the industry has become costlier to run and class action lawsuits have become a fixture.

"Nursing homes get sued all the time for everything," Rafatjoo said. "A lot of operators wait too long to use bankruptcy as a tool."

On Dec. 1, Genesis announced the results of its auction, saying it had elected to sell its assets to a private equity firm controlled by Landau. In a court filing, Anthony, the attorney for the personal injury claimants, alleged the auction was stacked in Landau's favor despite an "objectively better and higher competing bid" from another private equity investor that would have provided more money to creditors. Genesis said in its statement that Landau's group had increased its bid during the auction.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and two other senators last month asked the U.S. Trustee's Office to intervene in the case, out of concern that "individuals who already own or control Genesis are trying to sell it to themselves, wiping away legal and other creditor debts in the process." Lawyers representing those in charge of the auction did not respond to a request for comment.

Families of former Genesis residents said they fear the capacity to purge lawsuits through bankruptcy emboldens nursing home owners who provide deficient care.

"They can file bankruptcy again," said Gabe Betancourt, whose wife, Nellie, died after her stay at Uptown Rehabilitation Center in Albuquerque. "And we're the ones that will pay for it, with our memories, our lives."
The negative health impacts from contamination by so called "forever chemicals" in drinking water costs the contiguous U.S. at least $8 billion a year in social costs, a University of Arizona-led study has found.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, builds on previous research into how PFAS  per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances  can negatively impact health when the chemicals contaminate drinking water. The research team studied all births in New Hampshire from 2010-2019, focusing on mothers living near PFAS-contaminated sites.

The research shows that mothers receiving water from wells that are "downstream" (in groundwater terms) of PFAS-contaminated sites, as opposed to comparable mothers receiving water from "upstream" wells, had higher first-year infant mortality, more preterm births (including more births before even 28 weeks), and more births with infants weighing less than 5.5 pounds (including more births with weights less than even 2.2 pounds). These findings build on earlier laboratory and public health research but offer new evidence from real-world exposure across a large population.

Extrapolating to the contiguous U.S., PFAS contamination imposes costs of at least $8 billion on the babies born each year, which encompasses medical care, long-term health impacts and reduced lifetime earnings. The results indicate that the potential health benefits of PFAS cleanup and regulation may be substantial.

If we compare costs we're finding versus the cost of cleaning up PFAS, the answers are obvious. Removing PFAS from drinking water not only results in drastically improved health outcomes. It also produces a significant long-term economic benefit." Derek Lemoine, study coauthor, professor of economics and director of graduate studies in the U of A Eller College of Management

Lemoine and fellow Eller economics professor Ashley Langer collaborated on the research with Bo Guo, an associate professor of hydrology and atmospheric sciences, in the College of Science, after meeting at an event hosted by the Arizona Institute for Resilience to foster collaborative research across disparate fields of study. Lemoine and Langer took an immediate interest in Guo's years-long research into PFAS, while Guo was fascinated by the economists' research into long-term health and economic impacts.

Eller economics alumnus Robert Baluja and former AIR-funded postdoctoral researcher Wesley Howden also contributed to the study.

PFAS were originally developed to make protective coatings for goods to resist heat, oil and water, and are used in a range of products and in firefighting activities. They earned the label "forever chemicals" because they take much longer to break down naturally in the environment. Researchers have long suspected that exposure to PFAS poses health risks, especially to infants, who can suffer from low birth weight or even die from PFAS exposure via their pregnant mothers. But prior work had not found a way to make PFAS exposure effectively random.

"We found really substantial impacts on infant health, which expanded on what others before us had found," Langer said. "What we then do is calculate how these negative birth outcomes follow these children throughout their lives. The numbers we found represent the lowest end of the economic impact  we suspect it is even more."

The U of A study focuses on two "long-chain" PFAS  PFOA and PFOS  that are no longer manufactured in the U.S. but remain in soils and therefore are still percolating into groundwater.

"Whatever PFAS we see in groundwater is only a tiny fraction of the PFAS that has been dumped in the environment," Guo said. "The majority of PFAS is still in the soil and migrating downward."

The authors highlight opportunities for future research, including understanding the effects of newer PFAS and the role of long-term exposure. They also note that activated carbon filters, whether used by water utilities or installed in homes, can remove these long-chain PFAS from drinking water.

"These chemicals may be everywhere, but we still find that drinking water matters for pregnant women. Installing and maintaining home water filters could be prudent for them," Lemoine said.
A first-of-its-kind University of Stirling-led study could lead to quicker and more targeted support for vulvodynia - a painful chronic condition estimated to affect more than one in 10 women with no known cause.

Vulvodynia is pain in the vulva that lasts for at least three months, and causes a burning, throbbing or stabbing sensation. It can start on its own or when the vulva is touched - such as when inserting a tampon or having sex.



Women with vulvodynia often experience delayed diagnosis, ineffective treatment and significant quality of life impacts, compounded by social stigma and negative healthcare experiences. These challenges are made worse by the lack of standardised guidelines and limited awareness among healthcare professionals



A team at the University of Stirling, led by PhD student Athina Zoi Lountzi, set out to identify critical knowledge gaps by asking patients, clinicians, and researchers what should be prioritised to improve both care and outcomes.



They found that a consensus emerged for those living with the condition:

The need to create a clear, person-centred care pathway and improve clinician awareness, education and training about vulvodynia.

The requirement to develop multidisciplinary pain teams across GPs, gynaecologists, physiotherapists, nurses, sexual-health and mental-health specialists.

The importance of providing accessible, reliable patient information on treatments and self-care.

Other priorities included standardising outcome measures in research, better mental-health support, and a focus on finding a prevention.

This is, to our knowledge, the first participatory, consensus-driven prioritization focused specifically on vulvodynia research.



It shows that patients and clinicians agree that better education for healthcare providers, improved care pathways and multidisciplinary support are top priorities for vulvodynia research.



These findings highlight the importance of integrating lived experiences alongside clinical and academic expertise to guide where funders, policymakers, and researchers should invest effort next. Especially around care pathways, coordinated services, and high-quality patient information." Athina Zoi Lountzi, of Stirling's Faculty of Natural Sciences

Patients often feel abandoned

Worldwide it is estimated that vulvodynia impacts between 10 and 28 percent of women of reproductive age, with experts believing this to be an underestimate due to the frequency of misdiagnosis and limited understanding of the condition.



Those involved now hope that the findings will lead to faster, more joined-up care for patients, embedded training and guidance for clinicians and a roadmap for more targeted funding and policy development.



David Nunns, founder of the Vulval Pain Society and Consultant Gynaecological Surgeon specialising in vulval disease, said: "Vulvodynia can influence the dynamics of relationships, sometimes creating feelings of guilt and strain. It leads to stigma, an avoidance of activities, and it is something that people can find difficult to talk about.



"It can also cause challenges at work, such as needing time off and having to explain the pain, while experiences with healthcare can often be largely negative and frustrating.



"We hear of cases where doctors focus only on ruling out STIs and often dismiss pain. People can often feel abandoned once standard tests come back clear, and once the diagnosis of vulvodynia was given we've seen examples where doctors stop looking for solutions."



The research used a modified electronic Delphi (e-Delphi), an online survey and discussion method used to reach agreement, in three phases, combined with online focus groups.



Participants, including patients, clinicians, researchers, and those supporting people with vulvodynia generated topics, then rated and ranked them to reach a consensus on priorities.



Data was collected online before being analysed descriptively and using ranking methods.



Building on the findings, Athina has now commenced a Scottish Graduate School of Social Science-funded PhD at Stirling to tackle the top priority identified - developing a person-centred care pathway for chronic vulval pain, through co-design with patients, clinicians, commissioners and third-sector partners.



She added: "I hope my work will improve healthcare access, reduce gender health inequities, and promote wellbeing, laying the foundation for a supportive, person-centred environment where people with Chronic Vulval Pain feel understood and able to access the care they need"



The research was conducted in partnership with the Usher Institute at the University of Edinburgh. Recruitment and engagement were supported via professional and community networks, including the British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease and the Vulval Pain Society.



Research priorities in vulvodynia: A modified Delphi study was funded by Wellbeing of Women and the British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease and is published in Women's Health.



Jeremy Barrett, Director of Research at Wellbeing of Women, said: "This important study marks a much-needed step forward in addressing vulvodynia. By putting the voices of those affected at the heart, it has identified clear priorities for future research - with person-centred care pathways emerging as the top need.



"We're proud to have funded work that brings together lived experience and clinical insight to guide what comes next.



"Now, we need greater investment in research focused on these priorities: better clinician education, joined-up multidisciplinary care, and accessible, high-quality patient information."
A new national study shows for the first time that people exposed to Agent Orange face a higher risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), tend to develop it earlier, and often have more aggressive disease that is more likely to progress to acute myeloid leukemia. The study was co-led by researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Many veterans and doctors have long questioned whether Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War contributed to cases of MDS, a type of blood cancer. The contaminated chemical is linked to several cancers, but a link to MDS was unclear. This created real barriers for exposed veterans with MDS who are seeking care and disability benefits.

This study has been a personal quest. I see veterans who develop these conditions and need expensive medical care, but I can't write a letter that establishes causality because, before this study, we hadn't clearly linked Agent Orange to MDS." Mikkael Sekeres, M.D., chief of hematology at Sylvester

Sekeres will present the full analysis in a poster presentation Dec. 8, at the 2025 American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting in Orlando.

MDS is a bone marrow cancer that develops slowly over a lifetime of accumulated genetic mutations. MDS affects up to 20,000 Americans each year, typically over 70. Some aggressive cases of MDS eventually progress to acute myeloid leukemia.

"MDS isn't a one-hit wonder," Sekeres said. "Patients have one genetic mutation that occurs, then another, then another. It takes decades for those mutations to develop, and with an exposure like Agent Orange, patients can acquire that first mutation at a younger age than they normally would."

About 2.6 million U.S. service members may have been exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. The U.S. government used this chemical as a defoliant, but it accidentally contained one of the most dangerous industrial chemicals ever produced, a toxic form of dioxin. Research already links Agent Orange exposure to blood cancers, including types of lymphoma, multiple myeloma and leukemia.

Studies had not clearly shown a link between Agent Orange exposure and MDS mainly because data were unavailable. "No one studied this before because there haven't been organized registries with the data needed to make this connection," Sekeres said. Only one older study attempted to explore a possible connection, but it lacked diagnostic confirmation and had incomplete exposure data.

That data gap has caused veterans to go unrecognized for their disease. This new analysis represents the first nationwide, prospective effort able to connect confirmed MDS diagnoses with documented Agent Orange exposure.

The data used in the study come from the MDS Natural History Study, which includes genetic information from bone marrow and data on environmental exposures. The research team examined data from 2,115 people, 130 of whom self-reported Agent Orange exposure.

The study found that, compared to those who had no exposure, people exposed to Agent Orange were diagnosed with MDS at younger ages. They also had a higher burden of harmful mutations and were more likely to exhibit high-risk genetic patterns seen in toxin-related MDS cases.

Clinically, people exposed to Agent Orange were nearly twice as likely to see their disease progress within the first two years after diagnosis. Thankfully, overall survival between the two groups was similar. "The progression finding was surprising," said Sekeres. "We didn't expect that signal to be as strong as it was."

Across every analysis, the results aligned: exposed patients were younger at diagnosis, had more mutations, faced higher-risk disease and were more likely to progress early. "It's a consistent signal across the different areas where we look - age of onset, genetics, progression," Sekeres said.

Veterans who self-reported Agent Orange exposure were significantly more likely to be Black, at rates higher than those seen in Vietnam service demographics. "This toxin may have hit a particularly vulnerable population," Sekeres said. Importantly, he noted, the data showed no connection between these patterns and smoking - a potential confounding factor.

For veterans, these results may aid future efforts to improve recognition, screening and access to care. Without official acknowledgment of this link, patients with MDS have struggled to qualify for service-connected benefits. The findings should also prompt clinicians to ask about environmental and military exposures, especially when MDS occurs at a younger age.

The team is preparing follow-up analyses using national veteran databases to strengthen and refine the results. For Sekeres, the goal is simple: ensure that veterans with MDS receive the care they need.

"Veterans have been waiting a long time for someone to take this seriously," he said. "If our work can move the needle even a little, that feels incredibly meaningful."
Bekki Holzkamm has been trying to hire a lab technician at a hospital in rural North Dakota since late summer.

Not one U.S. citizen has applied.

West River Health Services in Hettinger, a town of about 1,000 residents in the southwestern part of the state, has four options, and none is good.

The hospital could fork over $100,000 for the Trump administration's new H-1B visa fee and hire one of the more than 30 applicants from the Philippines or Nigeria. The fee is the equivalent of what some rural hospitals would pay two lab techs in a year, said Holzkamm, who is West River's lab manager.

West River could ask the Department of Homeland Security to waive the fee. But it's unclear how long the waiver process would take and if the government would grant one. The hospital could continue trying to recruit someone inside the U.S. for the job. Or, Holzkamm said, it could leave the position unfilled, adding to the workload of the current "skeleton crew."

The U.S. health care system depends on foreign-born professionals to fill its ranks of doctors, nurses, technicians, and other health providers, particularly in chronically understaffed facilities in rural America.

But a new presidential proclamation aimed at the tech industry's use of H-1B visas is making it harder for West River and other rural providers to hire those staffers.

"The health care industry wasn't even considered. They're going to be collateral damage, and to such an extreme degree that it was clearly not thought about at all," said Eram Alam, a Harvard associate professor whose new book examines the history of foreign doctors in the U.S.

Elissa Taub, a Memphis, Tennessee-based attorney who assists hospitals with the H-1B application process, has been hearing concerns from her clients.

"It's not like there's a surplus of American physicians or nurses waiting in the wings to fill in those positions," she said.

Until recently, West River and other employers paid up to $5,000 each time they applied to sponsor an H-1B worker. The visas are reserved for highly skilled foreign workers.

The new $100,000 fee  part of a September proclamation by President Donald Trump  applies to workers living outside the U.S. but not those who were already in the U.S. on a visa.

West River lab tech Kathrine Abelita is one of nine employees  six technicians and three nurses  at the hospital who are current or former H-1B visa holders. Abelita is from the Philippines and has worked at West River since 2018. She's now a permanent U.S. resident.

"It's going to be a big problem for rural health care," she said of the new fee. She said most younger American workers want to live in urban areas.

Sixteen percent of registered nurses, 14% of physician assistants, and 14% of nurse practitioners and midwives who work in U.S. hospitals are immigrants, according to a 2023 government survey. Nearly a quarter of physicians in the U.S. went to medical school outside the U.S. or Canada, according to 2024 licensing data.

The American Hospital Association, two national rural health organizations, and more than 50 medical societies have asked the administration to give the health care industry exemptions from the new fee. The new cost will disproportionally harm rural communities that already struggle to afford and recruit enough providers, the groups argue.

"A blanket exception for healthcare providers is the simplest path forward," the National Rural Health Association and National Association of Rural Health Clinics wrote in a joint letter.

The proclamation allows fee exemptions for individuals, workers at specific companies, and those in entire industries when "in the national interest." New guidance says the fee will be waived only in an "extraordinarily rare circumstance." That includes showing that there is "no American worker" available for the position and that requiring a company to spend $100,000 would "significantly undermine" U.S. interests.

Taub called those standards "exceptionally high."

Representatives of the NRHA and the American Medical Association, which organized a letter from the medical societies, said they've received no response after sending requests to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in late September and early October. The AHA declined to say whether it had heard back.

Homeland Security officials directed KFF Health News' inquiries to the White House, which did not answer questions about individual waiver timelines or the possibility of a categorical exemption for the health care industry.

Instead, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers sent a statement defending the new fee, saying it will "put American workers first." Her comments echo Trump's proclamation, which focuses on accusations that the tech industry is abusing the H-1B program by replacing American workers with lower-paid foreign ones. But the order applies to all trades.

Alam, the Harvard professor, said the U.S.' reliance on international providers does raise legitimate concerns, such as about how it takes professionals away from lower-income countries facing even greater health concerns and staffing shortages than the U.S.

This decades-long dependency, she said, stems from population booms, medical schools' historical exclusion of nonwhite men, and the "much, much cheaper" cost of importing providers trained abroad than expanding health education in the U.S.

Internationally trained doctors tend to work in rural and urban areas that are poor and underserved, according to a survey and research review.

Nearly 1,000 H-1B providers were employed in rural areas this year, the two rural health organizations wrote in their letter to the Trump administration.

J-1 visas, the most common type held by foreign doctors during their residencies and other postgraduate training in the U.S., require them to return to their home country for two years before applying for an H-1B.

But a government program called the Conrad 30 Waiver Program allows up to 1,500 J-1 holders a year to remain in the U.S. and apply for an H-1B in exchange for working for three years in a provider shortage area, which includes many rural communities.

Trump's proclamation says employers that sponsor H-1B workers already inside the U.S., such as doctors with these waivers, won't have to pay the six-figure fee, a nuance clarified in guidance released about a month later.

But employers will have to pay the new fee when hiring doctors and others who apply while living outside the U.S.

Alyson Kornele, CEO of West River Health Services, said most of the foreign nurses and lab techs it hires are outside the U.S. when they apply.

Ivan Mitchell, CEO of Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska, said most of his hospital's H-1B physicians were inside the U.S. on other visas when they applied. But he said physical therapists, nurses, and lab techs typically apply from abroad.

Holzkamm said it took five to eight months to hire H-1B applicants at her lab before the new fee was introduced.

Bobby Mukkamala, a surgeon and the president of the American Medical Association, said Republican and Democratic lawmakers are concerned about the ramifications for rural health care.

They include Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who said he planned to reach out about possible exemptions.

"We want to make it easier, not harder, and less expensive, not more expensive, for people who need the workforce," the Republican told KFF Health News in September.

Thune's office did not respond to questions about whether the senator has heard from the administration regarding potential waivers for health workers.

The Trump administration is facing at least two lawsuits attempting to block the new fee. One group of plaintiffs includes a company that recruits foreign nurses and a union that represents medical graduates. Another lawsuit, by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, mentions concerns about the physician shortage and health systems' ability to afford the new fee.

Kornele said West River won't be able to afford a $100,000 fee so it's doubling down on local recruiting and retention.

But Holzkamm said she hasn't been successful in finding lab techs from North Dakota colleges, even those who intern at the hospital. She said West River can't compete with the salaries offered in bigger cities.

"It's a bad cycle right now. We're in a lot of trouble," she said.

Phillip Reese is a data reporting specialist and an associate professor of journalism at California State University-Sacramento.
In a major step towards a precision therapy for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) have uncovered how the body's bile acids bind to block C. diff's most dangerous toxin.

C. diff is a toxin-producing bacterium and the leading cause of health care-associated infections, causing serious infections in the gut and persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and inflammation of the colon. Current treatments for C. diff infection rely on antibiotics, which can disrupt healthy gut bacteria and leave patients vulnerable to repeated infections.

The discovery, published in Nature Microbiology, reveals the first detailed view of how C. diff's main toxin, Toxin B (TcdB), binds to bile acids in the gut.

Working with partners at the University of Minnesota, North Carolina State University, and Scripps Research Institute, the SickKids research has informed the development of a new compound that can protect against C. diff in preclinical models, offering hope for safer, more effective treatments that could finally stop the cycle of recurrent infections.

Investigating the mechanisms behind C. diff's key toxin

Recognizing the limitations of antibiotics as a front-line treatment for C. diff, SickKids investigators focused on TcdB, the toxin responsible for most of the cellular damage and gut inflammation associated with infection.

Earlier research led by Dr. Roman Melnyk, study lead, Senior Scientist and Program Head in Molecular Medicine and Co-Director of the SPARC Drug Discovery Facility, demonstrated that some naturally occurring bile acids, best known for their role in digestion, can also inhibit TcdB. Building on this work, postdoctoral fellow Dr. Sean Miletic set out to investigate how these bile acids interact with the toxin in the gut; in collaboration with Dr. John Rubenstein, a cryo-electron microscopy expert in the Molecular Medicine program, the team captured the first detailed view of TcdB bound to bile acids.

Their findings revealed that the toxin's structure must be in an "open" formation to cause damage  and certain bile acids can latch on and hold it shut. "It's like jamming a door at the hinge," explains Miletic, first author on the study. "If the toxin can't open into its active form, then it can't harm cells."

Bridging expertise to drive drug discovery

This structural insight guided the development of bile acids that could act as targeted therapies for C. diff infection. Leveraging the structural data generated at SickKids, the team collaborated with Dr. Peter Dosa from the University of Minnesota to design new versions of bile acids that were engineered to stay in the intestine, where they are needed most. Dr. Casey Theriot at North Carolina State University led testing of these compounds in preclinical models.

Together, the team created and tested sBA-2, a synthetic bile acid that was capable of neutralizing TcdB directly in the gut. In preclinical models of C. diff infection, sBA-2 significantly reduced disease symptoms such as weight loss and intestinal damage. Importantly, it did this without affecting bacteria as whole, preserving gut health and targeting the toxin with precision.

By focusing on the toxin rather than the bacterium itself, sBA-2 represents a promising new strategy to prevent recurrent infections while protecting the gut's delicate microbiome.

We are very excited about the potential of sBA-2 as a first-in-class oral therapy for this devastating disease. For patients, this approach could mean safer treatment and a real chance to break the cycle of repeated illness." Dr. Roman Melnyk, study lead, Senior Scientist and Program Head in Molecular Medicine and Co-Director of the SPARC Drug Discovery Facility

This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), SickKids Breakthrough Fund, SickKids Proof of Principle Grant, and SickKids Technology Advancement Program.
Akhilesh praises 'PDA soldiers' for watchfulness during SIR

Last Updated: December 10, 2025, 00:00 IST

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Lucknow, Dec 9 (PTI) Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday lauded party workers for safeguarding voting rights during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh.

In a Hindi post on X, Yadav congratulated every PDA prahari  a reference to party workers drawn from Picchde (backward classes), Dalits and minorities  for what he termed their democratic duty" of working day and night to protect each vote.

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The former UP chief minister said the Samajwadi Party would honour them with commendation certificates" and document their contribution as part of history.

At a time when authoritarian forces are trying to hijack Indias electoral process, our booth-level agents, sector-level workers, office-bearers and leaders have performed their duty at every booth and protected the right to vote," Yadav said. The SP president extended his praise also to booth-level officers (BLOs) who, according to him, worked honestly despite pressure.

Referring to alleged flaws in the SIR mapping application, Yadav claimed that crores of people were at risk of being deprived of their voting rights.

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He said the party would draw the attention of the Election Commission and the courts to the issue and launch awareness campaigns on the ground.

The first phase of the work of PDA praharis is nearing completion. The journey and the struggle are not over," Yadav said, adding, if there is a need, the party would agitate because the right to vote is the foundation of all our rights." Yadav called for a society based on equality, dignity, harmony and mutual coexistence, urging supporters to build a PDA society" rooted in love, compassion and a sense of belonging." PTI KIS VN VN

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First Published: December 10, 2025, 00:00 IST

News agency-feeds Akhilesh praises 'PDA soldiers' for watchfulness during SIR

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'Shahjehan' returns to Red Fort amid UNESCO cheer for Delhi

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 14:15 IST

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New Delhi, Dec 9 (PTI) Delhis historic Red Fort is hosting the ongoing key meeting of UNESCO on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, and fittingly Shahjehan has returned to the Mughal-era palace complex to greet the delegates.

Except, we are not talking about the celebrated emperor himself, but a striking model of an old aircraft  a Boeing 747  Jumbo Jet  named after him, which was once part of Air Indias iconic Emperor fleet.

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It has been displayed prominently in front of a British-era barrack housing a brand new gallery that showcases some of the priceless artefacts and objects drawn from Air Indias Maharaja Collection.

Nearly 300 objects, which includes ancient sculptures, Chola bronzes, Mughal miniature art, kalamkari artworks, contemporary paintings and several iconic old Air India posters have been displayed in two of the old barracks  A1 and A2  to mark the UNESCO meet, being hosted in India for the first time.

The galleries in these two barracks have been curated by Delhi-based National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), which now owns the collection that was earlier housed at the landmark Air India Building at Nariman Point in Mumbai.

The 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) is being held at the Red Fort from December 8 to 13.

Hundreds of delegates have gathered at this UNESCO World Heritage Site to take part in deliberations, and India has showcased its rich tangible and intangible heritage on the occasion.

Four new galleries have been set up in the Red Fort complex. Two of them showcase artefacts which have been drawn from the Air India collection, which we got after Air India was privatised," Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal told PTI on Monday.

One gallery on arms and armouries has been curated by the National Museum. And, the fourth gallery is on archaeological objects excavated or found from the Red Fort premises, he said.

These galleries have been set up in four 19th century British-era barracks on the Red Fort premises.

But, proving a head-turner among these objects, is the model of the old Air India (AI) plane, marked by its distinctive white and red livery and jharokha-style window design, and the tail number  VT-EBE.

The AI in a post on X in 2021, had shared a photo of this aircraft with a caption  On 4th May 1971, Emperor Shahjehan became the second B747-237B (VT-EBE) to join the Air India fleet".

#FlyAI: Air India spread its wings to soar high  adding another world-class Boeing 747  Jumbo Jet  into its fleet named after Emperor Shahjehan. #ExperienceRegality #PioneerAirline," it said.

Named after legendary emperors, including Ashoka, Air India had introduced this luxury fleet for patrons as Your Palace in the Sky. This tagline is painted on the rear section of the Shahjehan aircraft model, while the nose section carries its name in English and Hindi, one on each side.

And, as delegates visit the gallery, they also get a taste of the royal collection that legendary industrialist and aviation pioneer JRD Tata and others from his illustrious family had built over the decades.

NGMAs Jyoti Tokas, the curator of the Air India collection galleries at the Red Fort said, Many of these old objects used to be originally displayed at Air Indias offices in foreign countries".

It was in a way, a show of Indias soft power through culture, back then by Air India," she told PTI.

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Tokas said the collection was acquired last year, and brought to the Red Fort last year, and three months back it was decided that as part of the (UNESCO) meet of the Intergovernmental Committee (for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage), we should an exhibition here from the collection".

The Red Fort complex also has old galleries houses in other British-era barracks themed on freedom struggle, 1857 Mutiny, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the INA, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design which have been opened over the course of last few years. PTI KND NB NB

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First Published: December 09, 2025, 14:15 IST

News agency-feeds 'Shahjehan' returns to Red Fort amid UNESCO cheer for Delhi

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Two Sanskrit varsity asst professors arrested for sexually assault of student

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 22:00 IST

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Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), December 9, (PTI) The Andhra Pradesh police on Tuesday arrested two assistant professors of Tirupati National Sanskrit University for allegedly sexually assaulting a female student from Odisha, an official said.

The victim, a 27-year-old B.Ed first year student, had joined the university in June.

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Two assistant professors of Tirupati National Sanskrit University have been arrested by Andhra Pradesh police for allegedly sexually assaulting a female student from Odisha," Tirupati East DSP M Bhaktavatsalam told PTI.

Assistant professor Lakshman Kumar allegedly lured her and forcibly sexually assaulted her in his office, police said.

Another professor, A Shekhar Reddy, allegedly shot photographs and videos to harass and blackmail the student. He allegedly threatened to circulate these pictures and videos on social media.

Following a complaint from the University management, Tirupati Police registered a case under BNS section 75(1), 77, 79, 351(2) read/with 3(5) BNS Act, and others.

According to police, the student had logged a complaint on November 24 to the university management that a video of hers was going viral and accused Kumar of possessing and using it to threaten her.

The student said that Kumar was using her private videos to intimidate and blackmail her," said the DSP.

Bhaktavatsalam added that the student seemed upset after her November 21 exams, prompting her hostel warden, who is also from Odisha, to enquire, during which the matter came to light.

Meanwhile, the Universitys vice-chancellor GSN Krishna Murthy said that the varsity has constituted a four-member counselling committee to look into the issue and interact with both parties.

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According to the committee, both the student and Kumar appeared to have been in a physical relationship, though this is yet to be confirmed by the student, police said.

The student, who hails from Odisha, joined the university in June and had been learning the language with Kumars assistance as part of her coursework," Murthy told PTI. PTI MS STH SA

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First Published: December 09, 2025, 22:00 IST

News agency-feeds Two Sanskrit varsity asst professors arrested for sexually assault of student

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From HDFC To PNB: Banks Cut Lending Rates After RBI Repo Slash By 25 Bps To 5.25%

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 06:30 IST

After RBI cut the repo rate to 5.25 percent, HDFC Bank, PNB, Bank of Baroda, Indian Bank, Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra reduced lending rates, easing EMIs for borrowers.

RBI MPC Meeting 2025: Repo Rate Cut Today Latest News

After the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% in its December MPC meeting, several major banks have begun reducing their lending rates. This will directly ease the burden on borrowers tied to MCLR, RLLR, RBLR and other benchmark-linked loans.

With these revisions, many existing customers can expect either lower EMIs or, depending on their loan agreement, a shorter repayment tenure.

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HDFC Bank trims MCLR

HDFC Bank has lowered its Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rates (MCLR) by up to 5 basis points across different loan tenures.

New MCLR range: 8.30% to 8.55%

Earlier range: 8.35% to 8.60%

This will benefit borrowers whose home or other retail loans are linked to MCLR.

PNB reduces RLLR

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has cut its Repo Linked Lending Rate (RLLR) from 8.35% to 8.10%, including the 10 bps BSP.

The new rate is effective from December 6, 2025, following the RBIs repo rate cut.

The bank confirmed the update through its filing on the BSE website.

Bank of Baroda lowers BRLLR

Bank of Baroda has revised its Benchmark Retail Loan Lending Rate (BRLLR) to 7.90%, down from 8.15%.

This reduction will offer slight but meaningful relief to borrowers servicing retail loans.

Indian Bank cuts RLLR

Indian Bank has dropped its repo-linked benchmark lending rate from 8.20% to 7.95%, effective December 6, 2025.

The new rate will apply across the banks loan portfolio.

Bank of India revises RBLR

Bank of India has reduced its Repo Based Lending Rate (RBLR) from 8.35% to 8.10%, effective December 5, 2025.

The bank said the revision follows the RBIs downward adjustment in the repo rate.

Bank of Maharashtra cuts home & auto loan rates

Bank of Maharashtra has gone a step further by cutting both home and car loan rates.

Home loan: reduced from 7.35% to 7.10%

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Car loan: reduced from 7.70% to 7.45%

The bank has also waived all processing fees, reducing the upfront cost for new borrowers.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 06:30 IST

News business banking-finance From HDFC To PNB: Banks Cut Lending Rates After RBI Repo Slash By 25 Bps To 5.25%

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Stocks To Watch: IndiGo, Siemens, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Torrent Power, And Others

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 07:55 IST

Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like IndiGo, Siemens, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Torrent Power, and others will be in focus on Tuesday's trade

Stocks To Watch

Stocks to Watch On December 9: Markets began the week on a weak note, slipping nearly 1% and wiping out Fridays gains. Technically, analysts said the indexs retest of the crucial support zone near the 20-DEMA and the lower band of the rising channel at 25,90025,950 has raised doubts about the strength of the recent recovery.

Ajit Mishra, SVP  Research, Religare Broking, noted: The 25,800 level will act as a key make-or-break support; a breach could derail the recovery and push the index into deeper consolidation toward 25,50025,650. On the upside, a sustained move above 26,200 may ease pressure, although broader conviction may take time to build."

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IndiGo

The airline said network operations are fully back to normal after last weeks disruption. A DGCA committee probing the issue is likely to summon CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras on Wednesday, December 10.

Siemens

The Board approved the sale of its Low Voltage Motors and Geared Motors divisions, along with related customer service operations, to Innomotics India. The transfer will be executed as a going-concern slump sale for an enterprise value of Rs 2,200 crore, on a cash-free, debt-free basis.

Larsen & Toubro

The Board approved transferring its real estate business to subsidiary L&T Realty Properties through a slump sale under a Scheme of Arrangement, subject to regulatory approvals.

ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank signed a share purchase agreement with Prudential Corporation Holdings (PCHL) to acquire a 2% stake in ICICI Prudential AMC for Rs 2,140 crore.

Bajaj Finserv

The group released provisional business performance updates for its unlisted insurance arms  Bajaj General Insurance Ltd and Bajaj Life Insurance Ltd  for November 2025 and the year-to-date period.

Torrent Power

Torrent Power inked a long-term sale and purchase agreement with Jera Co., Inc., Japans largest power producer, to supply up to 0.27 MMTPA of LNG. The deal covers four cargoes annually for 10 years beginning 2027.

Mahindra & Mahindra

M&M announced the name of its next premium SUV  the XUV 7XO, positioned as the successor to the XUV700, which has crossed 300,000 owners in four years. The new model promises upgraded features and design.

Welspun Corp

Associate company East Pipes Integrated Company for Industry (EPIC) won a contract from the Saudi Water Authority to manufacture and supply steel pipes. The deal is valued at over 485 million SAR (around Rs 1,165 crore).

Piramal Finance

Reports indicate the NBFC may acquire a player in the gold loan segment as it prepares to enter the category.

Fujiyama Power Systems

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The company reported strong September-quarter results with net profit rising 97.2% to Rs 62.9 crore, up from Rs 31.9 crore a year earlier.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 07:55 IST

News business markets Stocks To Watch: IndiGo, Siemens, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Torrent Power, And Others

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Meet Neal Mohan: India-Origin YouTube Boss Named TIMEs CEO Of The Year 2025

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 11:06 IST

Neal Mohan, Indian-origin YouTube chief, is TIME's 2025 CEO of the year for his calm leadership, focus on creators, AI innovation, and expanding YouTube's dominance.

Neal Mohan: Mohan has served as the CEO of YouTube since 2023, succeeding Susan Wojcicki. He joined YouTube as Chief Product Officer in 2015. (Image: @nealmohan/X)

YouTube chief Indian-origin, Neal Mohan, has been named as TIMEs 2025 CEO of the year, saying the streaming giant has strengthened its lead in the global attention economy since taking over in 2023.

The US-based magazine calls him calm, low-profile and approachable, different from loud Silicon Valley CEOs".

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Admiring his leadership style, TIME highlighted that his style feels like a restaurant manager checking in"  supportive, hands-on, human.

The magazine added that he directly with creators; takes selfies, joins videos, remembers their work.

YouTube shorts has now giving a cut-throat challenge to Meta Reels with almost 2 billion monthly users. he company has also become a dominant force in audio. About one-third of podcast listeners now say YouTube is their primary platformmore than Spotify.

TIME noted that creators remain at the center of Mohans strategy. ouTube has paid out more than $100 billion to creators since 2021, even though most videos still dont earn money.

AI is another area where Mohan is placing big bets. In 2025, YouTube launched more than 30 AI tools to help people edit, dub, clip, and publish videos faster. Mohan believes AI will bring in a fresh wave of amateur creators and make the platform more inclusive.

Mohan began his career at Accenture, moved into internet advertising early with DoubleClick, briefly worked in strategy at Microsoft, and returned to DoubleClick before Google acquired it. Along the way, he built a reputation for being detail-oriented, calm under pressure, and deeply technical.

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Beyond YouTube, Mohan sits on several influential boards. He joined the board of Starbucks in 2024, and is also a trustee at The Paley Center for Media. He holds advisory roles at Stanford Universitys Graduate School of Business and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relationssignals of his growing influence beyond Silicon Valley. He previously served on the boards of 23andMe and Stitch Fix, reflecting his strong interest in consumer-facing and tech-enabled businesses.

Mohan studied electrical engineering at Stanford and later returned for his MBA, where he was named an Arjay Miller Scholaran honour reserved for top performers.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 11:06 IST

News business Meet Neal Mohan: India-Origin YouTube Boss Named TIMEs CEO Of The Year 2025

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Ratan Tata Planned His Will, But What About Millions Of Indians? Inheritance Crisis Explained

Curated By :

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 08:30 IST

Home ownership has risen, investments have diversified, middle-class people hold assets that were unthinkable 30 years ago. But this has not been matched with inheritance planning

Across states, property remains the single largest form of private wealth. But land titles, registration practices, and documentation standards vary widely. (Getty Images)

India is on the cusp of the largest inter-generational transfer of private wealth in its history, a movement of assets estimated at nearly Rs 100 trillion over the next two decades. This shift is not a future possibility but a present reality, emerging quietly inside millions of Indian families. The warning signs are already visible.

Banks have reported roughly Rs 67,000 crore of unclaimed deposits as of June 30; registries are unable to keep pace with property disputes; and courts are overburdened with nearly 1.5 million inheritance-related cases, per the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG). Digital wealth is also vanishing into inaccessible accounts. And rising migration is fragmenting family structures faster than mechanisms can adapt.

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In this uncertainty, the clarity and preparedness showcased by Ratan Tata in formalising his will stand out not because of the scale of his wealth but because such planning remains rare in India. His approach highlights a deeper national gap: the institutional, legal, and social machinery required to manage inheritance remains fragmented, underdeveloped, and often ignored until a crisis occurs.

A Rs 100-Trillion Wealth Transfer: Indias Unprepared Families

Indias economic rise has created unprecedented personal wealth, particularly among urban and semi-urban households. Over a generation, home ownership has increased, financial investments have diversified, and even middle-income families now hold assets that would have been unthinkable 30 years ago. But this accumulation has not been matched with inheritance planning.

Studies and industry assessments repeatedly indicate that nearly 80% of Indian families have no formal estate plan. A vast number of individuals do not have wills, rely on unclear verbal understandings or assume that family members will resolve issues internally. The gap between wealth creation and wealth transfer has widened to the point where the lack of preparedness has become a structural issue.

Part of this unpreparedness stems from cultural reluctance. Conversations around death, property division, or succession remain uncomfortable in many homes. There is a belief that writing a will invites conflict or misfortune. Many families prefer to leave matters to be decided later," unaware that deferring decisions often deepens conflict rather than avoids it.

This cultural hesitation intersects with economic realities. As more Indians migrate across states for work or move abroad, the physical distance between heirs and assets is growing. Families are no longer clustered in single locations, and property or financial records are no longer held in one place. Yet the estate planning systems required to support this mobility remain rooted in older, location-bound assumptions.

Why Indias Inheritance Landscape Is Complicated

This is so because it is overwhelmingly tied to real estate. Across states, property remains the single largest form of private wealth. But land titles, registration practices, and documentation standards vary widely.

In many regions, property records still rely on handwritten entries, outdated surveys, or incomplete digital transitions. Ancestral property  often spread across multiple heirs, generations, or extended families  brings its own complexities. Unregistered wills, informal partition arrangements, handwritten notes, and verbal promises often serve as substitutes for legal documentation.

These gaps create cascading problems. A single missing signature can freeze an entire property. An unregistered will can trigger long-drawn probate battles. Overlapping personal laws governing Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and other communities further complicate inheritance rules, particularly for joint family properties.

Even in Indias metros, clarity is rare. Apartments bought decades ago may lack updated ownership papers. Homes inherited from earlier generations often have mutation issues. Families who have lived in the same property for years may find that their legal claim is incomplete or contested.

Growing Pile Of Frozen And Unclaimed Assets

The scale of Indias unclaimed wealth has become a quiet but alarming metric of the inheritance crisis. Thousands of crores sit untouched in bank accounts whose owners have passed away without nominees. Mutual funds and insurance policies remain locked because heirs are either unaware of them or unable to prove their claims.

Financial institutions regularly publish lists of dormant accounts, yet the majority of these remain unclaimed. Demat accounts linked to long-forgotten shares or IPO-era investments lie unopened for years. Fixed deposits lapse without renewal, and their ownership trails fade with time.

This is wealth that could be in circulation  supporting consumption, investment, or future savings  but instead remains stuck in administrative limbo. The absence of clear documentation, nominees, or legal heirs who can establish identity creates bottlenecks that are difficult to resolve.

Every such account represents not only personal loss but systemic inefficiency. The more wealth that remains frozen in the system, the less effective the countrys financial networks become in reflecting true economic flows.

The Next Frontier: Digital Wealth That Disappears

As digital payments, online brokerage accounts, and cryptocurrency holdings become embedded in everyday life, a new layer of inheritance complexity is emerging. Much of this digital wealth is invisible to family members unless specifically disclosed.

UPI-linked accounts, online wallets, reward balances, savings apps, digital gold, crypto exchanges, and securities platforms often remain password-protected, unlisted, or unknown to potential heirs.

Unlike physical assets, these cannot be located through a neighbourhood bank branch or mutual fund distributor. Digital footprints vanish quickly if no one is aware they exist. Without documentation or shared access, heirs may lose access to significant value simply because they do not know where to look or what to ask for.

The laws governing digital inheritance are still evolving. Many platforms do not have standardised processes for succession. Others require lengthy verification, and some offer no mechanisms at all unless the user has explicitly nominated a secondary contact.

Indias digital financial boom has created wealth at an unprecedented pace, but its systems to transfer that wealth safely to the next generation have not kept up.

Case Backlog Poised To Grow

Inheritance disputes in India are not new, but the scale and duration of succession cases are expanding. Court records reflect that property, probate, and family disputes can stretch anywhere from five to 20 years, depending on jurisdiction. Even minor disagreements can escalate into multi-year legal battles when wills are unclear, succession certificates are missing, or documentation is incomplete.

As the wealth transfer accelerates, courts could face an unprecedented surge in such cases. Each contested will, each unclear title deed, each overlapping claim adds to the judicial load. The current backlog is already significant, and the next decade may see it grow sharply unless reforms streamline the process.

Legal experts point out that jurisdictional differences in personal laws also complicate proceedings. Two heirs from the same family may fall under different state laws if they migrate or own property outside their home state. Interstate coordination, challenging in other areas of civil law, may become more prominent in inheritance cases.

The judicial structure is preparing for increased caseloads, but the complexity of these cases means delays are likely to remain a defining feature of Indias inheritance landscape.

The Ratan Tata Example: A Blueprint India Can Follow

Amid this backdrop, the clarity around Ratan Tatas will has drawn attention across business and legal circles. His approach was marked by early preparation, detailed delineation of responsibilities, clear asset allocation, and transparent communication.

Ratan Tata, who passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86, left behind a will estimated to be worth Rs 10,000 crore, including his assets. Nearly Rs 3,800 crore, comprising ordinary and preferential shares and other assets, were allocated to the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation and the Ratan Tata Endowment Trust, according to the reports.

One-third of his other financial assets, which include fixed deposits from banks and other financial instruments, along with assets like luxury watches and paintings, were given to his half-sisters Shireen Jejeebhoy and Deanna Jejeebhoy, and a former employee named Mohini M Dutta.

Tata left a share of the Juhu-based bungalow to his brother, Jimmy Naval Tata, and the Alibaug property, and three firearms to Mehli Mistry, who was a close friend of Tata, as per a Livemint report.

According to Tatas will, his favourite dog, Tito, and other pets will benefit from the Rs 12 lakh fund, which will be used to care for his pets, ensuring that each of them will receive Rs 30,000 per quarter for their care. His executive assistant, Shantanu Naidu, who was under the obligation of a student loan, got a full loan exemption waiver as Tatas parting gift.

Such preparedness is uncommon in India. The majority of households do not have wills, and even among those who do, many rely on handwritten or unregistered documents that may not withstand legal scrutiny. In contrast, a meticulously structured will reduces ambiguity, provides certainty to heirs, and prevents future disputes.

The public interest surrounding Tatas will has underscored the value of intentional estate planning. It demonstrates that formalising succession is not only for the wealthy. For families of all income levels, clarity can prevent conflict, protect assets, and ensure the smooth transfer of property and financial holdings.

His detailed documentation also highlights the importance of timeliness. Waiting until too late often results in incomplete records or missed steps. Tatas decision to organise his estate well in advance stands in contrast to prevailing trends, revealing how little attention inheritance receives until it becomes urgent.

The transparency in his approach further distinguishes it within the Indian context. Many families hesitate to discuss succession openly, fearing misunderstandings or emotional discomfort. But clear communication often reduces the space for disputes.

While the specifics of his estate matter only to those involved, the method is what has resonated nationally. It presents a template of structured planning that Indias growing wealth landscape urgently needs.

The Machinery Behind Inheritance

The inheritance challenge in India extends beyond individual families to the entire institutional framework supporting asset transfer. Land registries, municipal authorities, financial institutions, and courts interact in complex ways, and even minor gaps in records can slow the process to a halt.

With wealth distributed across fixed assets, financial instruments, and now digital platforms, the system must bridge outdated processes with new economic realities. Digitisation of land records is incomplete across several states. Banks may follow differing protocols for nominee verification. Mutual funds, insurance, and securities regulators are still refining norms for claimant identification.

This patchwork of processes means that even well-documented estates may encounter friction, while those without clear paperwork risk becoming trapped in lengthy administrative cycles.

Indias upcoming inheritance wave adds urgency to modernising these systems. Clear titles, unified digital records, updated nominee frameworks, cross-state coordination mechanisms, and streamlined court processes will play crucial roles in ensuring smoother transitions.

A Quiet Shift With Major Economic Stakes

Indias inheritance challenge is ultimately not only a family matter but an economic one. Wealth that cannot move cannot contribute to growth. Assets stuck in disputes cannot be reinvested. Properties without clear ownership cannot be monetised.

As the country enters this unprecedented period of generational wealth transfer, the risks of inaction grow sharper. The structures required to support succession, that is, legal, financial, administrative, and cultural, need stronger alignment.

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The example set by Ratan Tata serves as a reminder of what preparedness looks like, not because of the scale of wealth involved but because of the clarity of process.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 08:30 IST

News business Ratan Tata Planned His Will, But What About Millions Of Indians? Inheritance Crisis Explained

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Can You Claim 80C For Investments In Spouse Or Kids Name? What The Rules Say

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 09:57 IST

Section 80C allows tax benefits for PPF investments in your own, spouse, or children's names, but not for ELSS in spouse's name, says expert. Clubbing rules apply to gifted assets.

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Section 80C of the Income Tax Act offers investors many options to earn tax exemptions that can help them save up to Rs 1.5 lakh annually under the Old Tax regime. Any investment made in tax savings options such as Public Provident Fund (PPF), ELSS, National Pension Scheme (NPS), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), National Savings Certificate (NSC) and Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) allows to take tax benefits.

One of the confusions among taxpayers remains is what if an investment is made in the name of spouse or children in PPF, ELSS or any other tax savings options.

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Are they still eligible to get tax exemption under Section 80C of the Income Tax act?

Balwant Jain, tax expert, told Moneycontrol that a taxpayer can claim a deduction under Section 80C for contributions made to your own Public Provident Fund (PPF) account, or to the PPF accounts of your spouse or children. Even taxpayers can claim for the investment made in the name of minors or children if they are married or financially independent, he added.

However, ELSS doesnt provide this option. Taxpayers cant claim a deduction for the investments made in Equity Linked Savings Schemes in the spouses name. Despite a second holder, you cannot claim the tax benefit for ELSS units purchase in your wifes name, he added.

The interesting part of making investment to your wifes or childrens name is that it is being treated as a gift. While one doesnt have to pay any tax while gifting money or asset to spouse or children, however, capital gains and interest arising from gift are taxable.

Due to clubbing provision under Section 64 of the Income Tax act, the one gifted the money or asset will have to pay the taxes arising from capital gains or interests from the gift.

While a PPF account is fully-taxable, so clubbing provisions wont have an impact. However, Balwant added, that when the PPF matures, any income attributable to the contributions made by you will need to be included in your taxable income year after year.

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For ELSS investments, the capital gains on redemption must be included in your income and taxed under Section 112A, he added.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 09:57 IST

News business savings-and-investments Can You Claim 80C For Investments In Spouse Or Kids Name? What The Rules Say

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Rs 14 Lakh To Rs 1.26 Crore: Bengaluru BDA Sold 50 Flats In A Day

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 11:24 IST

The Hunnigere project drew especially strong interest because of its premium villas and larger flat configurations, including spacious 3 BHK and 4 BHK units.

A unit could be reserved immediately by paying an initial deposit of Rs 1 lakh. (Image: Canva)

The Bangalore Development Authority seems to have struck the right chord with homebuyers. Its special flat mela held at the Kaniminike and Hunnigere housing projects received an impressive response, turning what was meant to be a simple showcase into a busy on-spot booking drive.

By the end of the two-day event, 25 flats and 25 premium villas had already found buyers, with allotment letters handed out then and there to those who paid the initial deposit. The Kaniminike and Hunnigere complexes are among BDAs most talked-about upcoming residential offerings.

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Spread across well-connected southern and western pockets of Bengaluru, these projects were opened up for public inspection last weekend. According to officials, crowds began walking in early as interested families, investors and first-time buyers walked through sample homes, interacted with engineers, and compared unit sizes and pricing.

More than 300 people attended the mela across the two days, a turnout that BDA officials say exceeded expectations. Many arrived specifically to understand whether government-developed housing could offer better long-term value than rising private-sector apartment rates. The option to inspect villas and flats in person, without a prior appointment, added to the appeal.

One of the main attractions was the simplified booking process. A unit could be reserved immediately by paying an initial deposit of Rs 1 lakh. Buyers paying the remaining portion of the deposit within seven days were immediately issued an allotment letter.

Officials said this eased uncertainty for many potential buyers who normally face long waiting periods in government projects. Final documentation and payment formalities will be completed over the coming weeks as per standard BDA procedures.

To keep the mela visitor-friendly, BDA arranged shuttle vehicles, drinking water counters and a small play area for children, which kept families engaged as they assessed options. Representatives from Canara Bank, Axis Bank and HDFC Bank were present throughout both days, offering spot guidance on home loan eligibility, EMI calculations and document requirements. For many buyers, the ability to clarify banking questions instantly made decision-making easier.

The Hunnigere project drew especially strong interest because of its premium villas and larger flat configurations, including spacious 3 BHK and 4 BHK units. Kaniminike appealed to mid-segment buyers, with the 3 BHK layout priced more affordably. The variety of unit sizes and the detailed pricing clarity helped buyers compare options straightforwardly.

Here is the complete price list that was shared with visitors at the mela:

Price List of Flats/Villas

BDA Apartment Project Flat Type Constructed Area (in Sq. Meters) Price Per Flat Initial Deposit (General) 12% Initial Deposit (SC/ST) 5% KEB & BWSSB Deposit Hunnigere 4 BHK 167.73 to 171.39 Rs 1.26 Crore Rs 15,75,000 Rs 6,30,000 Rs 15,000 Hunnigere 3 BHK 161.46 Rs 1.15 Crore Rs 14,37,500 Rs 5,75,000 Rs 15,000 Hunnigere 3 BHK 117.97 to 118.44 Rs 90 Lakh Rs 11,25,000 Rs 4,50,000 Rs 15,000 Hunnigere 1 BHK 38.51 Rs 14 Lakh Rs 1,75,000 Rs 70,000 Rs 5,000 Kanminike 3 BHK 129.5 Rs 64 Lakh Rs 8 Lakh Rs 3.2 Lakh 

The wide range in pricing created opportunities for different kinds of buyers. Premium segments gravitated toward the larger Hunnigere villas, while mid-segment families explored Kanminikes comparatively accessible 3 BHK units.

Many visitors were first-time homebuyers who preferred a BDA-developed property for the assurance of clear titles and regulated pricing, especially at a time when private apartment costs continue to rise sharply in the city.

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With such a strong response at the mela, BDA officials are now considering similar exhibitions at other upcoming project sites. They noted that on-site melas help citizens take informed decisions more confidently than through brochures or online portals alone.

For Bengalurus growing population of young professionals, retirees and families wanting to shift closer to city limits, these events also offer a rare chance to view homes before they are fully sold out.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 11:24 IST

News cities bengaluru-news Rs 14 Lakh To Rs 1.26 Crore: Bengaluru BDA Sold 50 Flats In A Day

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Another RoRo For Mumbai: Uran-Ferry Wharf Link To Be Ready By April 2026

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 20:33 IST

Mora Port in Uran Taluka to Mumbai's Bhaucha Dhakka: The project, which costs around Rs 75 crore, picked up speed around four-five months ago

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Roll-on Roll-off shipping is a method of transporting wheeled cargo on ships. (AI generated for representation)

Stuck for years, the Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) service connecting the famous Mora Port in Uran Taluka to Mumbais Bhaucha Dhakka is finally expected to be completed by April 2026, according to officials from the Maharashtra Maritime Board.

The project, which costs around Rs 75 crore, picked up speed around four-five months ago.

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What is a RoRo service?

It refers to Roll-on/Roll-off shipping  a method of transporting wheeled cargo on ships designed so that vehicles can drive on and drive off using built-in ramps.

It can be used to move:

Cars, SUVs, and motorcycles

Trucks, buses, and trailers

Heavy equipment (e.g., bulldozers, excavators)

Any cargo mounted on wheels or that can be placed on a wheeled platform (Mafi trailers).

What are the features of RoRo service?

No lifting needed: Cargo is rolled on or off instead of being lifted by cranes.

Faster loading/unloading compared with container shipping.

Lower risk of damage because cargo remains secured in its own space.

Cost-effective for transporting large volumes of vehicles.

What caused the delay?

Technical issues repeatedly stopped work on this Ro-Ro project. Delays were caused by tender processes, weather, and technical measurements, so the project, which started in 2018, was moving very slowly.

However, officials say that 50 per cent of the project is now complete.

What are the challenges?

The construction of the Rewas Jetty on this route has been the biggest challenge. Costs have increased beyond initial estimates, adding an extra Rs 5 crore to the budget. Changes to the jettys design, increasing its depth, and making safety improvements also added time and expense. It is expected that it will take a few more months to finish the jetty.

How will it help?

Once the RoRo service starts on the Mora-Bhaucha Dhakka waterway, passengers from Uran and Raigad areas will benefit greatly.

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They will be able to travel to Mumbai faster, more safely, and at a lower cost.

With inputs from News18 Lokmat

First Published: December 09, 2025, 18:19 IST

News mumbai-news Another RoRo For Mumbai: Uran-Ferry Wharf Link To Be Ready By April 2026

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Elderly Woman Goes Missing In Mumbai, Family Traces Her Through Necklace GPS

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 10:40 IST

The elderly woman was traced to a hospital where she was rushed to after being hit by a two-wheeler.

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A 79-year-old woman disappeared during an evening walk in South Mumbai. leaving her family worried. However, her family tracked her through a GPS tracker put in her necklace by her grandson.

The elderly woman was traced to a hospital where she was rushed to after being hit by a two-wheeler.

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A two-wheeler knocked down Saira Bi Tajuddin Mulla in Sewree area on December 3, following which she was rushed to the civic-run KEM Hospital by some pedestrians, nes=ws agency PTI reported.

As Mulla didnt reach home, her family members panicked.

Soon her grandson, Mohammed Wasim Ayub Mulla, activated the GPS device he had fitted in her necklace, which showed her location at the KEM Hospital in Parel, barely 5 km from Sewree.

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He and other family members rushed to the hospital. Mulla, who sustained a head injury, was rushed to the JJ Hospital.

(With agency inputs)

First Published: December 09, 2025, 10:40 IST

News mumbai-news Elderly Woman Goes Missing In Mumbai, Family Traces Her Through Necklace GPS

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Grand Statue Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj To Come Up AT CSMT: Devendra Fadnavis

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 22:46 IST

CM Fadnavis announced a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be installed at CSMT in Mumbai once the redesigned development plan secures all statutory approvals.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (Image: PTI/File)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced in the state assembly that the Union Government has cleared the way for installing a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).

He said the statue will be placed within the station premises once the redesigned development plan secures all statutory approvals, adding that it will be an integral part of the ongoing redevelopment of the heritage structure.

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Fadnavis was responding to concerns raised during the assembly discussion, after Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav questioned why the historic stationrenamed after the Maratha iconstill lacked a fitting statue. Jadhav underscored the cultural significance of CSMT and said it deserved a monument that truly honoured Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs legacy.

After the new plan is approved, a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be erected at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai.        (CSMT),         ! pic.twitter.com/DU3B0LSZhr  Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) December 9, 2025

In response, Fadnavis said, The Union government has already taken the decision. A fresh proposal from the state was not required. The statue has been incorporated in the master plan of the revamped CSMT."

He also clarified that the earlier communication from the Union Minister of State for Railways was based on an outdated station layout and not the current redevelopment design.

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CM Fadnavis also shared the update on X, stating, After the new plan is approved, a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be erected at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai."

The announcement comes just a few weeks ahead of the BMC elections, scheduled for January 2026. With the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj expected to feature prominently in campaign narratives, the statue plan is likely to emerge as a focal point between the ruling Mahayuti and Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) as both seek to align themselves with Shivaji Maharajs enduring public appeal.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 22:57 IST

News cities mumbai-news Grand Statue Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj To Come Up AT CSMT: Devendra Fadnavis

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Protest Rocks NSU Campus In Tirupati Over Student's Sexual Harassment, Two Professors Held

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 23:48 IST

A B.Ed student at National Sanskrit University in Tirupati accused two professors of sexual harassment, leading to protests and their arrest by Tirupati West Police.

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Both assistant professors were taken into custody by the Tirupati West Police. (Representative Image)

A case of alleged sexual harassment has emerged at the National Sanskrit University in Andhra Pradeshs Tirupati after a first-year B.Ed student, belonging to the Dalit community, accused two assistant professors of sexually harassing her.

The allegations have sparked widespread outrage on campus, with student unions staging protests demanding the immediate suspension of the accused professors, Laxman Kumar and Shekhar Reddy, strict legal action, and enhanced safety measures for women on university premises, India Today reported.

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Following a formal complaint lodged by the universitys in-charge registrar, the Tirupati West Police registered a case and took both assistant professors into custody. Authorities have seized two mobile phones from the accused and sent them for forensic examination to investigate claims of harassment, coercion, and blackmail.

Meanwhile, YSRCP MP Maddila Gurumoorthy has urged the Centre to intervene urgently, writing to the National Commission for Women (NCW), Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and the National Human Rights Commission.

Written to National women commission, Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji, National HumanRights Commission to treat this case with utmost priority and deliver the justice swiftly. @dpradhanbjp@India_NHRC #TirupatiMP #TirupatiNSU #NSUCase https://t.co/f3rNiB0Act pic.twitter.com/46rClBDq0Z Maddila Gurumoorthy (@GuruMYSRCP) December 7, 2025

In his letters dated December 7, Gurumoorthy highlighted the survivors multiple complaints to university authorities, stating that Laxman Kumar coerced the student using personal photographs and videos, threatened to misuse them, caused severe mental trauma that forced her to discontinue her studies, and subjected her to ongoing psychological harassment and intimidation.

The conduct of the accused demonstrates an alarming abuse of authority, exploiting his position as a faculty member to exert undue influence and cause long-lasting emotional harm," Gurumoorthy wrote.

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He stressed the need for universities to remain safe spaces for learning, not centers of fear, and called for a fair, transparent, and time-bound investigation prioritising the safety and dignity of the survivor. He also demanded counselling support, protection for the victim, and swift action against the perpetrators.

The incident has reignited calls for stronger safeguards for students and stricter accountability mechanisms for faculty in higher education institutions.

Location : Tirupati, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 23:48 IST

News cities Protest Rocks NSU Campus In Tirupati Over Student's Sexual Harassment, Two Professors Held

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BPSC TRE 4.0 Notification For Over 27,000 Posts By January 26, Says Education Minister

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 14:42 IST

Bihar Education Minister Sunil Kumar announced that the advertisement for TRE 4.0 will be issued by January 26th during an event in Bhora, Gopalganj district.

Out of Bihar's 38 districts, only 15 have provided information on teacher vacancies.(Representative/PTI)

BPSC TRE 4.0 Notification: The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is set to release the BPSC TRE 4.0 exam notification soon. Bihar Education Minister Sunil Kumar announced that the advertisement for TRE 4.0 will be issued by January 26th during an event in Bhora, Gopalganj district.

The Education Minister stated that TRE 4.0 aims to recruit teachers for over 27,000 positions across primary, middle, and higher secondary levels. The Education Department is currently collecting vacancy data from all districts, and once the roster is finalised, the recruitment process will begin.

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The department and BPSC are working together to complete the process promptly, addressing the teacher shortage and improving the quality of education.

However, the recruitment process faces a significant challenge. Of Bihars 38 districts, only 15 have provided information on teacher vacancies. The remaining 23 districts have yet to submit their data. The districts that have reported vacancies include Rohtas, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, West Champaran, Shivhar, Patna, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Banka, and Gaya. The exam date will be set once all districts submit their vacancy details and the roster is finalised.

Data on vacant teacher positions for classes 1 to 12 is being gathered from around 78,000 schools statewide. Despite repeated instructions via letters and video conferencing, many districts are still not providing the necessary data. Officials estimate that approximately 100,000 teacher positions may be vacant this year, and recruitment will occur in two phases.

TRE 4.0 will introduce a domicile policy, reserving about 85% of seats for Bihari youth. Only 15% of seats will be available to candidates from other states or those who completed their matriculation and intermediate education outside Bihar. Additionally, there will be a 50% reservation for female candidates from Bihar for teacher positions up to Class 5, and a 35% reservation for other categories, giving Bihari girls a greater chance to become teachers.

Over 2.5 Lakh Teachers Already Reinstated

In the past two years, BPSC has appointed 2,68,548 teachers in three phases:

First phase: 1,02,871 teachers

Second phase: 69,500 teachers

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There has also been significant reinstatement in the third phase.

Previously, on September 21, the then Education Minister stated that vacancy details would be sent to BPSC by the end of September and that the TRE 4.0 exam would be conducted by December. TRE 5.0 is scheduled for 2026. However, the completion of the Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) has been delayed, affecting the overall timeline.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 14:42 IST

News education-career BPSC TRE 4.0 Notification For Over 27,000 Posts By January 26, Says Education Minister

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Chhattisgarh CG Police Constable Result 2025 Out At cgpolice.gov.in, Know How To Check

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 15:47 IST

CG Police Constable Result 2025: Chhattisgarh Police has declared the Constable Result at cgpolice.gov.in. Candidates can check PET and Trade Test marks online.

Chhattisgarh Police Constable Result 2025: CG Police releases Constable Result 2025 online at cgpolice.gov.in.

Chhattisgarh CG Police Constable Result 2025: The Chhattisgarh Police Constable Result 2025 has been announced on the official website cgpolice.gov.in. Candidates who took part in the recruitment process can now check their scorecards using their roll number or registration details. The result includes marks from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and the Trade Test, which were held for candidates who had already cleared the written examination.

The written exam result was declared on October 9, 2025, after which shortlisted candidates appeared for the Trade Test conducted from November 17 to 19. Earlier, the model answer key was issued on September 18, and objections were accepted until September 23. The published scorecard now provides detailed marks, overall rank and merit status, which will determine candidates eligibility for the next stage of selection.

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How To Check CG Police Constable Result 2025?

Follow these steps to view your result online:

Step 1: Go to the official website: cgpolice.gov.in.

Step 2: Click on the Recruitment tab or the link for Constable Result 2025.

Step 3: Select the link for the Trade Test or the PET result.

Step 4: Enter your registration number or roll number.

Step 5: Download your scorecard and keep it for future use.

ALSO READ: Who Is IAS Officer Anamika Singh Who Applied For VRS? She Cracked UPSC At Age 22

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The recruitment is being conducted for Constable (Driver) and Constable (Tradesman) posts. Only those who qualified in both the written test and PET were permitted to appear in the Trade Test. With the result now declared, shortlisted candidates will move ahead to medical examinations and document verification, which are crucial for final appointment.

The recruitment process involves multiple stages to ensure fair selection of qualified candidates. Aspirants are advised to regularly visit cgpolice.gov.in for updates regarding further rounds, required documents and final merit lists.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 15:47 IST

News education-career Chhattisgarh CG Police Constable Result 2025 Out At cgpolice.gov.in, Know How To Check

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Manipur Board Exam Date 2026 Out For Classes 11 & 12, Check Time Table Here

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 11:09 IST

Manipur Board has released the Class 11 and 12 exam time table for 2026. Class 11 exams begin on February 16 and Class 12 on February 1.

Manipur Board Exam Dates: COHSEM releases Class 11 and Class 12 exam schedule 2026. (Representative image/PTI)

The Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur (COHSEM) has released the Class 11 and Class 12 examination schedule for 2026. Students can now download the full timetable from the official website: cohsemmanipur.nic.in.

According to the schedule, Class 11 theory exams will begin on February 16, 2026, while Class 12 theory exams will start from February 17, 2026.

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The practical exams for Class 12 will be held from January 2 to January 31, 2026. Schools need to conduct practical tests for their own students after obtaining approval from the council. Practical marks must be uploaded on the council website by February 3, 2026.

The board has also stated that if a subject has fewer than 10 students in an institution, those students will be attached to another school assigned by COHSEM.

COHSEM Class 11 Exam Time Table 2026

Date Subject Feb 16 English Feb 18 Human Ecology and Family Sciences Feb 20 Elective Languages Feb 25 Chemistry, Education, Business Studies Feb 27 Anthropology, Economics Mar 10 Biology, History Mar 13 Mathematics Mar 17 MIL or Alternative English Mar 23 Physics, Political Science, Accountancy Mar 25 Psychology, Music, Thang-Ta, Statistics Mar 27 Engineering Drawing, Sociology Mar 30 Fine Arts, Health & Physical Education Apr 1 Geology, Geography Apr 4 Computer Science, Philosophy

COHSEM Class 12 Exam Time Table 2026

Exam Date Subject Feb 17 English Feb 19 MIL or Alternative English Feb 21 Human Ecology & Family Sciences, Statistics Feb 24 Education, Chemistry, Business Studies Feb 26 Fine Arts, Health & Physical Education Feb 28 Political Science, Physics, Accountancy Mar 2 Engineering Drawing, Sociology Mar 9 Mathematics Mar 12 History, Biology Mar 14 Geography, Geology Mar 16 Philosophy, Computer Science, Music, Thang-Ta Mar 18 Economics, Anthropology, Psychology Mar 20 Elective Languages

ALSO READ: Asias First Modern University That Gave India Four Nobel Prize Winners

Important Instructions For Schools

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Schools must submit practical exam schedules and examiner lists to COHSEM between November 10 and December 10, 2025.

Practical exams for Class 12 must be conducted between January 2 and January 31, 2026.

Practical marks must be uploaded on the official portal by February 3, 2026.

Practical answer sheets and mark slips must be submitted to the Controller of Examinations by February 5, 2026.

Students are advised to visit the official portal for updates and detailed guidelines. The council has asked schools to prepare accordingly and ensure timely submission of records.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 11:04 IST

News education-career Manipur Board Exam Date 2026 Out For Classes 11 & 12, Check Time Table Here

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NCERT's New Class 7 Book Emphasises Pakistan Army-Backed Terror Attacks; Conflict With China

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 16:04 IST

The newly added chapter did not exist in the previous edition of the NCERT Class 7 book "Exploring Society India and Beyond."

The book also emphasises ongoing efforts with China to resolve disputes through trade and dialogue. (AI Generated Image)

NCERTs new Class 7 Social Science book features a chapter on Indias neighbours, noting that Pakistan Army-backed terror attacks have disrupted normal relations between India and Pakistan. The book also highlights ongoing efforts with China to resolve disputes through trade and dialogue.

The 31-page chapter, titled India and Her Neighbours," expands the concept of neighbourhood beyond land borders to maritime partners, showcasing Indias strategic role in South Asia, according to ANI. This chapter is a new addition to the Class 7 book Exploring Society India and Beyond."

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Regarding China, the chapter discusses both long civilisational ties and recent tensions. It describes India and China as Asias largest and most influential nations, with Buddhism serving as a significant link between them. While acknowledging heightened tensions due to shared borders and serious conflicts, the text also notes efforts to resolve disputes through trade, dialogue, and border resolution mechanisms.

A Dont Miss Out section mentions Hindu merchants who built temples in the Chinese port city of Quanzhou in the 13th century, including carvings of Vishnu, Shiva, and stories from the Ramayana and the Puranas at the Kaiyuan temple.

The section on Pakistan highlights the complexity of bilateral ties shaped by Partition and four major conflicts. It states that frequent terrorist attacks supported by the Pakistan Army have hindered normal relations between the two countries. The chapter describes the India-Pakistan border as both a geographical line and a symbol of shared heritage and divided history. It also provides an overview of the Kartarpur Corridor, which allows visits to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, fulfilling a longstanding desire of Indian devotees that was realised in 2019.

The text on Bangladesh points to a close partnership grounded in shared history, rivers, and culture, describing it as one of Indias most significant regional ties. India-Nepal relations are explained in terms of open borders and deep cultural connections, allowing free movement for education, healthcare, employment, and maintaining family ties.

With Bhutan, the chapter highlights hydropower cooperation and Buddhist heritage, portraying the bilateral relationship as one of mutual respect, strategic cooperation, and cultural affinity.

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On Sri Lanka and the Maldives, the book underscores ancient cultural overlap and modern strategic cooperation, noting Indias emergency assistance during the 2004 tsunami and the 2014 Male water crisis.

The chapter also traces Indias historical influence across Southeast Asia  Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesiathrough maritime trade and the spread of Buddhism, Sanskritic names, and epics, shaping regional art, literature, and religion over centuries. The concluding section explains that Indias ties with its neighbours draw from long civilisational flows.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 16:04 IST

News education-career NCERT's New Class 7 Book Emphasises Pakistan Army-Backed Terror Attacks; Conflict With China

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University Of York Mumbai Campus: COO Shares Details On Scholarships, Courses And More

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 12:52 IST

The University of York, one of the Russell Group universities, is set to launch its Mumbai campus next year, offering UK-equivalent degrees and scholarships.

University of York to open Mumbai campus next year offering UK-equivalent degrees.

As India opens its doors to global universities under NEP 2020, another foreign institution, the University of York, is set to establish its campus in the country. York will be among the first Russell Group universities to enter India, following the University of Southamptons campus launch in Gurugram.

Ahead of its Mumbai launch next year, News18 spoke to Dr Akshay Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer of the University of York, Mumbai, about admissions, faculty hiring, degree equivalence and the academic philosophy the institution plans to introduce in India.

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Here are the edited excerpts of the interview:

Q. When is the Mumbai campus expected to officially launch, and what will be the timeline for admissions, academic calendar, and the start of classes?

We are very excited about the launch of University of York Mumbai campus and with the progress we are making towards starting classes in the next academic year. We have already completed hiring for key leadership positions and have also begun faculty recruitment.

We will offer undergraduate programmes in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, Business, Economics, and the Business of Creative Industries, and postgraduate programmes in Finance, Management and Artificial Intelligence

The application link is now live on the University of York Mumbai website. Classes for the first batch are planned to begin in the first week of September next year.

Q. Will York Mumbai offer scholarships, financial aid, or early campus immersion programmes for incoming students, and how will students become eligible for them?

We will be offering merit-based, need-based, and special achievement scholarships. The aim is to build a diverse and inclusive campus where exceptional merit is recognised, and at the same time, a student is not held back by their financial circumstances. Students from all Indian boards, such as CBSE, ICSE, and the various State Boards, as well as IB and A-Level students will be eligible to apply. We will be offering a number of mobility opportunities, more details on which will be announced very shortly.

Q. What academic philosophy or teaching DNA from York UK do you consider non-negotiable to maintain at the Mumbai campus?

For me, three aspects of Yorks academic DNA are absolutely central to the Mumbai campus. First is the commitment to research-led teaching, where students are exposed to active scholarship and inquiry rather than rote content, so they learn to think, question and innovate. Second is a pedagogy rooted in small-group teaching, personal mentorship and flexibility, which ensures that we nurture individuals rather than batches. And finally, our commitment to holistic student development, which includes cultivating critical thinking, ethical awareness, global exposure and support for overall wellbeing, because a university must educate the whole person and not merely produce graduates.

Q. As India pushes for internationalisation through NEP 2020, how do you see York Mumbai fitting into Indias higher-education landscape and competing with existing global collaborations or foreign branch campuses?

I would start by complimenting the Indian policymakers for NEP 2020. It is a milestone for Indian education, and with the entry of foreign universities, it has the potential to become a milestone for global education as well. I dont see this as competition at all, but in fact, as a lot of opportunities for collaboration. India has space for many good institutions, as long as they are focused on value-driven, industry-oriented and high-quality education. At York, we are very mindful of the legacy we bring, and we are fully aware of both the responsibility and the tremendous opportunity that the Mumbai campus represents for us in this new landscape.

Q. The quality of faculty is the backbone of research-driven education. Are you planning to recruit primarily from global academia, Indian institutions, or a mix? What will be your benchmark of faculty excellence?

We have already begun the process of faculty hiring, and we have been very particular about one thing  that is, our emphasis on making sure the faculty we bring on board meets the same standards that we expect at our UK campus. Our faculty will be a mix of colleagues that we will have hired  both internationally and from India  and those on secondment from York UK

The idea is to build a truly global campus, and the diversity of experience and perspective this group will bring is a very important part of that vision. The benchmark for faculty excellence in Mumbai will be exactly the same as in the UK: outstanding teachers, impactful research, and engaged mentors and role models for our students.

ALSO READ: Towards Stronger Knowledge Partnership: Top Australian University To Open Campus In India

Q. Students and parents will have a key concern: Will a degree from York Mumbai hold the same weight globally as one from York UK?

The degree that our students at the University of York Mumbai will receive is exactly the same as the one awarded at York UK. The Mumbai campus is our branch campus in India and so they will earn the same degree, enjoy all the benefits of being University of York alumni, and their qualification will carry the same weight and recognition as the degrees awarded by the University of York, in the UK.

Q. What kind of industry partnerships, research labs or experiential learning spaces are being planned for the Mumbai campus to ensure students graduate with global readiness and employability?

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The University of York already has a strong track record of global industry collaboration, and we plan to extend that approach in India by building partnerships with leading companies across technology, finance and the creative industries. At the Mumbai campus, we are working on setting up industry-linked research and innovation spaces in areas such as computing, data science, sustainability and the creative economy, where students can work on real-world projects alongside industry partners.

We will also be looking to develop experiential learning spaces to ensure students can gain practical skills and hands-on exposure. Our aim is to create an ecosystem where every student graduates with global readiness, relevant industry experience and strong employability.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 12:44 IST

News education-career University Of York Mumbai Campus: COO Shares Details On Scholarships, Courses And More

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WB Board School Holiday List 2026 Announced: Summer Vacation Reduced To 6 Days From 11

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 20:03 IST

School Holidays: The summer break in schools has been shortened. It will no longer be for 11 days. WBBSE has announced the new duration of the school closure. Check details here.

The new guidelines specify that the summer vacation will be from May 11 to May 17. (Representative/File Photo)

The Board of Secondary Education or WBBSE has decided to reduce the summer vacation in schools from 11 days to six days. For the next academic year, schools approved by the Board of Secondary Education across the state will have only six days of summer vacation.

The new guidelines specify that the summer vacation will be from May 11 to May 17. However, there will be extended holidays for Durga Puja and Kali Puja. Schools will be closed for 25 consecutive days during Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Bhaiphonta in the next academic year.

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Additionally, the West Bengal Higher Secondary Education Council has announced stricter measures for the fourth semester of WB Higher Secondary examinations for 2026. Examiners will now have to sign the last page where candidates finish writing their answers.

Previously, it was announced that no additional pages would be attached to the answer sheet for the fourth semester of Higher Secondary 2026. Candidates must write their answers in the notebook provided by the Council, and the examiner or invigilator will sign at the very bottom of the last page used.

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This signature requirement is mandatory for every examinees notebook and aligns with all-India standards for interpretive examinations. This is the first time such a measure is being implemented in the Higher Secondary Examination. The Higher Secondary Education Council explained that this step is to prevent complications when notebooks are challenged or when RTIs are filed under the Right to Information Act. Students often claim they wrote more answers, and the Council struggles to verify if any pages are missing. This new rule aims to eliminate such issues.

WBBSE had earlier declared that no controversial questions can be included in the secondary school test. The board has announced that if any controversial questions appear in the 2026 secondary school exam, the headmaster of the concerned school will be held accountable.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 20:03 IST

News education-career WB Board School Holiday List 2026 Announced: Summer Vacation Reduced To 6 Days From 11

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DMK Vs Justice GR Swaminathan: What Is The Process Of Impeachment Of A Judge In India?

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 10:01 IST

A removal motion can be introduced in either House, but at least 100 members of the Lok Sabha or 50 members of the Rajya Sabha must sign the notice.

The DMK is planning to move an impeachment motion against Justice GR Swaminathan. (Image: hcmadras.tn.nic.in & PTI)

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is reportedly planning to move an impeachment motion against GR Swaminathan, the Madras High Court judge who allowed the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp atop Thirupparankundram hills. The party has reached out to the MPs of INDIA block seeking support for the move.

Tamil Nadu MPs might sign," a Congress MP from the state told CNN-News18. Another senior leader confirmed that other MPs were also being taken into confidence on the same. 100 signatures will be needed to bring in the impeachment motion so other India block MPs are being approached," the leader said. DMK leaders, as per sources, feel that proven misbehaviour or incapacity" can be established under the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968 against Swaminathan.

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The contemplated motion stems from Swaminathans December 2025 order permitting the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp on the Deepathoon" pillar atop the hill at Thiruparankundram hill  a site also housing a 14th-century dargah. DMK and its allies argue this order undermines a 2017 bench ruling that disallowed court interference in temple rituals, and claim the judges decision risks communal tension.

How Is A Judge Impeached?

The impeachment of a sitting judge in India is an extraordinary step requiring high thresholds. Critics caution that simply disagreeing with a verdict may not meet the constitutional standard for judicial misconduct."

The impeachment of a judge of the Supreme Court or High Court is one of the most serious constitutional procedures in India.

The procedure begins in Parliament. A removal motion can be introduced in either House, but it must carry substantial initial support: at least 100 members of the Lok Sabha or 50 members of the Rajya Sabha must sign the notice. Once submitted to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the presiding officer decides whether the motion deserves to be admitted. This discretionary stage often determines whether the process moves forward.

If the motion is admitted, a three-member inquiry committee is formed. It typically consists of a senior Supreme Court judge, a Chief Justice of a High Court, and an eminent jurist. This committee functions almost like a trial body  examining evidence, hearing witnesses, and giving the concerned judge an opportunity to defend themselves. Its report is crucial: only if the committee concludes that the charges are proved does the motion proceed.

If the committee finds the judge guilty of proven misbehaviour or incapacity," the motion is then taken up for debate and voting in both Houses of Parliament. For the removal to pass, each House must approve it with a special majority  two-thirds of members present and voting, and a majority of the total membership.

If both Houses pass the motion, it is sent to the President, who formally orders the judges removal.

Recent Instances Of Impeachment Motion Against Judges

In March 2025, a fire at the official residence of Yashwant Varma, a judge of the Delhi High Court, reportedly led to the discovery of a large amount of unexplained cash. A three-judge panel appointed by the Supreme Court of India then investigated and concluded that Varma could not satisfactorily explain the cash stash  finding the misconduct serious enough to warrant impeachment proceedings.

By early July 2025, the government reportedly had the support of over 100 members of the lower house to table a removal motion. Subsequently, the Speaker of Lok Sabha has reportedly initiated the process by constituting a three-member panel under the relevant law (the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968) to further examine the allegations.

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Similarly, around 55 opposition MPs submitted an impeachment notice in the Rajya Sabha in December 2024 against Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court. The motion was triggered by his controversial public remarks at a VHP event, where he allegedly advocated laws reflecting the majoritys wishes" and supported a Uniform Civil Code. The Opposition alleged his statements violated judicial neutrality and targeted minorities. The motion later ran into procedural hurdles, including questions over duplicate or unverified MP signatures, delaying its admission. No inquiry committee has been formed yet, and the motion remains pending without formal progression.

So far, no Indian judge has been impeached.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 10:01 IST

News explainers DMK Vs Justice GR Swaminathan: What Is The Process Of Impeachment Of A Judge In India?

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Goa Club Owners Under Interpol Scanner After Thailand Escape: A Guide To Blue, Red & Other Notices

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 15:36 IST

An Interpol notice is an international alert used by Interpol to share critical information between police forces in its 196 member countries

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The Interpol on Tuesday issued Blue Corner Notices against Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of Goas Birch by Romeo Lane. (AFP)

The Interpol on Tuesday issued Blue Corner Notices against Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of Goas Birch by Romeo Lane, who fled to Thailand after a blaze at their nightclub killed 25 people over the weekend.

The Goa Police, in a statement, said the Luthras fled to Phuket at 5.30am on December 7 on an IndiGo Airlines plane, just hours after the incident around midnight. The cops have now sought the Interpols help to locate the duo.

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In the context of a Blue Corner Notice against the Luthras, News18 takes a look at the other notices the agency issues and what they mean:

What Is An Interpol Notice And Why Is It Issued?

The notice is an international alert used by Interpol to share critical information between police forces in its 196 member countries. From locating fugitives, warning about threats to identifying unknown persons, the notices are issued for different purposes. A notice is issued to help countries cooperate on cross-border policing. It allows law-enforcement agencies to quickly exchange information about individuals or situations that require international attention.

What Are The Different Kinds Of Notices?

Red Notice: This is to seek the location and arrest of a wanted person pending extradition or similar legal action. It means the person is wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence. A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant; countries decide how to act on it.

Yellow Notice: The purpose of a Yellow Notice is to help locate missing persons, often minors, or to identify people who cannot identify themselves. It essentially means a person is missing or unable to provide identity information.

Blue Notice: It is used to collect additional information about a persons identity, location, or activities related to crime. It means the individual is of interest, but not necessarily accused of a crime.

Green Notice: This is mainly a preventative alert about potentially dangerous individuals. The purpose is to warn about a person who has committed crimes and is considered likely to repeat dangerous offences in other countries.

Orange Notice: It is used to warn of an event, person, object, or process that poses a serious and imminent threat to public safety. It is typically used for threats like disguised weapons, dangerous criminal methods, or hazardous materials.

Purple Notice: The purpose is to share information on modus operandi, criminal trends, tools, or concealment methods used by criminals. It helps gather intelligence-style information to help law enforcement detect emerging tactics.

Black Notice: Is used to identify unidentified bodies and helps countries match missing persons with unidentified remains.

Silver Notice: The Silver Notice is the newest addition to Interpols system of colour-coded notices. Unlike many other Notices that focus on locating or arresting people, the Silver Notice is specifically designed to trace, identify, locate, or gather information about criminally obtained assets.

How Do Interpol Notices Help India?

 Tracking fugitives across borders: Through notices like Red Notice or Blue Notice, Indian agencies alert the world to individuals wanted in India, which helps catch those who fled abroad. For example, since 2020, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claims to have secured return of 134 fugitives using Interpol cooperation.

 Faster processing & coordination: Thanks to Indias own digital portal (Bharatpol), the time to send a notice request has dropped significantlyfrom around 6-14 months earlier to as low as 3 months now.

 Support for multiple kinds of crimes: Notices cover economic offences, fraud, money-laundering, narcotics, terrorism, etc. That means even financial fugitives or cyber-crime suspects abroad can be tracked.

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 Asset-tracing (with newer tools): With the introduction of Silver Notice (and related mechanisms), India, which deals with several economic offenders", hopes to trace criminally obtained assets abroad (e.g. money or properties), not just persons.

 Deterrence & legal pressure: Knowing that fleeing abroad doesnt guarantee safetythat they could be located, extradited, or at least have their assets frozenmakes it harder for criminals to think escape" is a safe option. This helps India uphold law and recover losses.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 15:36 IST

News explainers Goa Club Owners Under Interpol Scanner After Thailand Escape: A Guide To Blue, Red & Other Notices

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Why India Cant Ignore Myanmars Sham Election, What Could Be The Possible Outcomes?

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 13:42 IST

India shares a 1,600-km border with Myanmar. Whatever happens in Myanmar after December 28 could affect northeast, India's strategic initiatives, and its geopolitical positioning

Although the December 28 vote in Myanmar appears predetermined, the period after the election may still witness political shifts. Some analysts observe that the junta, despite projecting control, faces increasing pressure and internal challenges. (Getty Images)

Myanmar will hold national elections on December 28, but nearly every major international observer, rights group, and political analyst agrees on one central fact: the polls will not reflect the will of the people. Since seizing power in February 2021, the military junta has dismantled democratic institutions, imprisoned opposition leaders, rewritten electoral rules, and intensified crackdowns across the country. Thus, the upcoming vote is widely viewed as an attempt by the junta to validate its rule and project political control rather than restore democratic governance.

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Yet even elections lacking credibility can influence political dynamics. Analysts note that highly controlled polls can shift internal alliances, expose fractures within ruling establishments, or trigger backlash from armed groups and civilians. With Myanmar still in the grip of a nationwide civil war involving dozens of ethnic armed organisations and anti-junta resistance forces, the aftermath of the December vote may carry significant consequences.

For India, these developments are far from distant diplomacy. India shares a 1,600-km border with Myanmar, a region that has already experienced refugee inflows, security instability, insurgent spillover, and stalled development projects. Whatever happens in Myanmar after December 28 could directly affect Indias northeast, its strategic initiatives, and its wider geopolitical positioning in the region.

What Makes The December 28 Poll A Sham Election?

The Myanmar military has promised elections since taking power in a coup, but the process leading to December 28 indicates that the outcome is predetermined. The electoral rolls, normally based on a complete census, are incomplete due to the nationwide conflict; only a fraction of the population has been formally surveyed. This leaves millions of potential voters excluded from the system even before votes are cast.

In addition, key leaders such as Aung San Suu Kyi and ousted President U Win Myint are under house arrest or facing charges that prevent them from participating. The political party (National League for Democracy) that led the previously elected government was dissolved by the junta, leaving no viable nationwide challenger to compete. Several smaller parties are allowed to run, but their organisational capabilities are limited, and many are seen as aligned with or tolerant of military rule.

The junta has also redesigned the electoral system. The shift to a proportional representation model, implemented abruptly, alters the allocation of seats in a way that significantly favours the military-backed party. This system distributes seats based on party vote share rather than local constituency victories, reducing the influence of regional opposition groups and increasing the predictability of a pro-military outcome.

Vast areas of the country, particularly in the northwest and southeast, remain conflict zones where elections cannot be held. Resistance forces control large swathes of territory, and many townships lack functional administration. The election, therefore, will take place in only a portion of Myanmar, with the rest effectively excluded. A poll that does not include a significant percentage of the countrys population cannot be considered representative.

The backdrop to all this is the ongoing civil war. Since the coup, Myanmar has been engulfed in widespread conflict involving the military, ethnic armed groups that have fought the Tatmadaw for decades, and new resistance forces that emerged after 2021. This layered conflict has created one of Asias most severe humanitarian crises and profoundly shapes the context in which the election will occur.

What Internal Shifts Could The Election Trigger Within Myanmar?

Even though the elections outcome appears certain, the process may still expose underlying strains. Analysts observe that the junta is under unprecedented pressure. Armed resistance has gained momentum in several regions, with ethnic armies capturing bases and challenging military control. The administration faces resource constraints, difficulty holding territory, and increasing international isolation.

A controlled election may deepen dissatisfaction among the public and armed groups. Previous moves by the military to consolidate power have triggered large-scale protests and uprisings, and some observers believe the election could lead to renewed unrest or symbolic acts of defiance in urban centres if security forces permit any public reaction.

Within the military establishment itself, officers may interpret the election differently. The vote could highlight internal divisions about strategy, governance, and the feasibility of long-term military control. Power shifts within the junta, even if subtle, could influence future negotiations with ethnic armies or external powers.

Internationally, the election may attract further scrutiny. Countries that have maintained cautious engagement with the junta may reassess their positions, particularly if violence escalates around polling day or if post-election crackdowns intensify. Any rise in pressure could alter the juntas diplomatic calculations, including its reliance on major regional powers for support.

These internal and external shifts are important for India to track, as they may reshape the landscape along the India-Myanmar border and influence the strategic environment in the region.

How Border Instability Could Escalate For India

Indias long and porous border with Myanmar cuts through four Northeastern states: Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. This frontier has historically been sensitive due to ethnic ties and insurgencies. Since the 2021 coup, these regions have experienced rising inflows of refugees and increased movement of armed groups.

A non-credible election that solidifies junta control is expected to prolong Myanmars civil war rather than ease tensions. Continued fighting in Chin State, Sagaing Region, and Kachin State  areas adjacent to Indian territory  could lead to periodic spikes in violence. Whenever conflict intensifies in Myanmar, civilian populations often flee across the border seeking safety. India has already seen such movements, especially into Mizoram, where communities share ethnic bonds with residents of western Myanmar. More than 83,000 people have fled to Myanmar, as per The Diplomat.

A prolonged conflict may also affect security dynamics in Manipur and Nagaland. Insurgent groups have historically used the forested areas along the border as corridors. Renewed military operations or new offensives by resistance forces could push militants closer to Indian territory, complicating border management for security agencies.

For India, maintaining stability along this frontier is a priority. Any escalation across Myanmar may require increased surveillance, humanitarian coordination with state governments, and more robust engagement with local communities.

Refugee Pressures And Humanitarian Fallout

Refugee inflows since 2021 have created complex challenges for the Indian government. Mizoram alone has hosted tens of thousands of displaced persons, offering shelter, aid, and community support. While the state government has taken a humanitarian approach, the logistical burden remains significant.

If post-election violence intensifies, additional waves of refugees may attempt to cross into Indian territory. Such movements place pressure on local governance systems, healthcare facilities, food supplies, and law enforcement. They may also create political tensions, particularly when state and central positions on refugee management diverge.

Indias policy has generally avoided formal refugee camps in the region, relying instead on community-based support. This approach may come under strain if numbers rise. The humanitarian fallout of continued conflict in Myanmar is therefore closely tied to Indias internal administrative capacities, inter-state coordination, and diplomatic engagement with Myanmars authorities.

Ethnic Insurgency Spillover & Cross-Border Challenges

The India-Myanmar border is home to a complex network of ethnic armed organisations that have fought the Myanmar military for decades. Groups operating in Chin, Kachin, and Naga-inhabited areas have historical connections across the frontier, and their activities often influence dynamics inside Indias northeast.

If fighting escalates after December, these groups may expand their operational zones or seek temporary refuge near border regions. Such movements can complicate Indias counter-insurgency operations or disrupt fragile peace arrangements in states like Nagaland and Manipur.

Arms trafficking is another concern. Myanmars conflict has fuelled the spread of small arms across its borders, and law enforcement agencies in India have periodically seized weapons tracing back to conflict zones. Intensified fighting could expand these trafficking routes, requiring increased vigilance from Indian security forces.

Additionally, the presence of multiple armed factions near the border risks unintended confrontations, misunderstandings, or spillover engagements that could affect local populations in India.

Chinas Expanding Influence & Strategic Stakes For India

One of the most significant geopolitical consequences of Myanmars prolonged instability is the shifting balance of external influence. As the junta faces diplomatic pressure from other countries, it will increasingly rely on China for political support, military supplies, and economic engagement.

Chinas investments in Myanmar (over $22 billion), including infrastructure projects, oil and gas pipelines, and port developments, give it considerable leverage. Its ability to engage both the junta and various ethnic armed groups gives it a unique position in shaping outcomes in Myanmar.

For India, this presents strategic challenges. New Delhis Act East Policy, which seeks deeper connectivity with Southeast Asia, depends heavily on access through Myanmar. As Chinas role grows, Indias space to manoeuvre could shrink, especially if the junta becomes more dependent on Beijing after a non-credible election.

In maritime terms, there are reports that China is expanding its presence in the Bay of Bengal through Myanmars coastal projects also affects Indias security calculations. Continued instability reduces Indias ability to push its own projects and limits its influence in shaping regional outcomes.

Threat To Indias Connectivity & Development Projects?

India has invested $782.82 million in Myanmar as part of broader efforts to link its northeastern states with Southeast Asia. Two major projects highlight Indias long-term vision: the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project and the IndiaMyanmarThailand Trilateral Highway. Both have faced delays due to security concerns and logistical challenges.

The Kaladan project, designed to connect Kolkata to Mizoram via Myanmars Sittwe port and inland waterways, has experienced repeated disruptions as conflict expanded across Rakhine and Chin states. Security concerns have impeded work on certain stretches and complicated the movement of personnel and materials.

The trilateral highway faces similar hurdles. Despite progress in sections, renewed fighting along key routes makes construction and maintenance difficult. A stable political and security environment is essential for such projects to progress, and a military-controlled election reduces the likelihood of conditions improving soon.

The more conflict restricts mobility and administration in Myanmar, the greater the risk that Indias strategic investments remain stalled, affecting economic plans for the northeast and weakening regional connectivity efforts.

Possible Political Shifts After The Election

Although the December 28 vote appears predetermined, the period after the election may still witness political shifts. Some analysts observe that the junta, despite projecting control, faces increasing pressure and internal challenges.

The forced electoral process could lead to public displays of dissent if security forces allow any space for expression. In areas where the militarys control is weaker, resistance groups may intensify operations to delegitimise the vote. Such actions could further strain Myanmars administrative functioning.

Within the junta, efforts to consolidate political authority may create internal contestation. Leadership changes or reassignments may occur, potentially altering the militarys approach to negotiations or security operations.

External actors may respond differently depending on how the election unfolds. Increased sanctions, diplomatic criticism, or renewed engagement with ethnic organisations may follow, influencing the juntas options.

The Road Ahead For India-Myanmar Relations

Myanmars December 28 election is unlikely to resolve the countrys deep political crisis or ease nationwide conflict. However, it marks a significant moment in a volatile trajectory that directly touches Indias borders, humanitarian obligations, security strategies, and regional ambitions.

The developments in Myanmar will continue to shape Indias engagement, requiring sustained attention to emerging dynamics and careful navigation of the complex realities on the ground.

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First Published: December 09, 2025, 13:42 IST

News explainers Why India Cant Ignore Myanmars Sham Election, What Could Be The Possible Outcomes?

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Act Or There Will Be Anarchy: Supreme Court Warns Poll Body On Bengal SIR Security

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 17:25 IST

Chief Justice Surya Kant cautioned that the poll body must intervene wherever law and order concerns arise, otherwise there will be anarchy.

Supreme Court | File Image

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Union government while hearing a plea seeking deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant cautioned that the poll body must intervene wherever law and order concerns arise, otherwise there will be anarchy."

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A Bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi sought the ECIs response after petitioner Sanatani Sangsad flagged incidents of alleged intimidation of booth-level officers and referred to previous episodes of election-related violence in the State.

At the outset, the Bench expressed reservations about political organisations repeatedly approaching the Court on poll-related matters.

All the politicians are coming here because they think this platform highlights them," CJI Kant observed, noting that the petition cited largely historic incidents.

Senior Advocate VV Giri, appearing for the petitioner, argued that booth-level officers required immediate protection.

Justice Bagchi, however, pointed out that only one FIR had been placed on record.

Nothing else. The rest is historical reference," she said, adding that the petitioner must establish a prima facie case of a unique law and order situation before seeking to place West Bengal police under ECI control.

The ECIs counsel informed the Court that the Commissions ability to respond would be limited unless local police were placed under its deputation.

Unless we take the local police under us, it cant be helped," the counsel submitted, while also acknowledging that electoral officers had recently been gheraoed."

Justice Bagchi remarked that the petitioner should first request additional forces from the State government.

If not provided, you may come here," she added, reiterating that a single FIR could not justify handing police powers to the ECI.

Despite the differing judicial observations, CJI Kant directed issuance of notice to the poll body and the Centre.

We will see what the ECI has to say. Issue notice to ECI and the Union of India," he ordered.

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When the ECIs counsel assured the Court that the Commission had the authority to act, CJI Kant responded firmly: Yes, you have to else there will be anarchy."

The matter will return to the Supreme Court after the ECI files its reply.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 17:25 IST

News india Act Or There Will Be Anarchy: Supreme Court Warns Poll Body On Bengal SIR Security

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Amit Shah Counters Priyanka Gandhi On Vande Mataram: Debate Not Driven By Bengal Polls

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 13:47 IST

Amit Shah defended the discussion on 'Vande Mataram' in the Rajya Sabha, saying its relevance extends beyond politics and will continue even in 2047.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Rajya Sabha (File photo/PTI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday defended the discussion on Vande Mataram in the Rajya Sabha, asserting its enduring significance and rebutting claims by Priyanka Gandhi that it was politically motivated ahead of the West Bengal elections.

Addressing members, Shah said, Yesterday, some members questioned why there was a need to discuss Vande Mataram today. But the need for dedication to and discussion on Vande Mataram existed earlier, it exists today, and it will continue to exist even in 2047."

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Responding to remarks by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, who suggested it was unusual to discuss the subject now, Shah added, Some people feel that this discussion is happening only because elections are being held in West Bengal."

But Vande Mataram is not limited to Bengal. Even today, when our soldiers make the supreme sacrifice on the border, when our police personnel lay down their lives, there is one voice that rises, Vande Mataram."

Some think these discussions are being held because of the upcoming elections in Bengal. They want to demean the glorification of our national song by relating these discussions to the Bengal elections," Shah said.

It is true that the composer of Vande Mataram, Bankim Babu, was from Bengal, the Anand Matth had its origin in Bengal, but Vande Mataram was not limited to Bengal or the country," the Union Home Minister said.

When a soldier at the border of the country, or a policeman guarding the country from inside, sacrifices his life for the country, Vande Mataram is the only slogan he raises," he said.

Shah also highlighted the resilience of the national song through Indias history, saying, Neither the British could stop Vande Mataram, nor could those who followed British culture stop it."

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tore into the Congress, alleging that Nehru betrayed Vande Mataram by bowing to Muhammad Ali Jinnahs opposition to the national song that led to it being fragmented and pandering to his communal concerns, putting India on the path of appeasement politics.

Earlier today, the Congress cited historian Sugata Boses remarks that it was on Rabindranath Tagores advice that the party decided in 1937 that only the first part of Vande Mataram would be sung at national meetings, and said these comments further expose" Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, shared on X a video clip in which Sugata Bose is talking about the relations between Subhas Chandra Bose and Indias first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

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Later, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra delivered the Congresss response in a measured but scathing attack to stoutly defend Nehru and the party. She claimed that the government sought the special discussion, keeping in mind the assembly elections in West Bengal next year.

ALSO READ | Kaun Baithayega: Rajnath Singh Snaps At Opposition In Lok Sabha During Vande Mataram Speech

First Published: December 09, 2025, 13:13 IST

News india Amit Shah Counters Priyanka Gandhi On Vande Mataram: Debate Not Driven By Bengal Polls

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Back On Its Feet: IndiGo CEO Says Flight Ops Have Stabilised After Nationwide Disruptions

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 17:28 IST

The remarks come after a severe wave of cancellations that continued to rattle air travel through Tuesday, triggering widespread delays.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers had earlier apologised for the mass cancellations. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

IndiGo chief executive Pieter Elbers on Tuesday asserted that the airlines operations have stabilised" after days of unprecedented nationwide disruptions that left passengers stranded across major airports.

In a video message, Elbers said the airline had regained operational stability and confirmed that an internal review is underway to examine the factors that triggered the widespread disruptions.

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IndiGo is back on its feet, and our operations are stable. Lakhs of customers have received full refunds, and we continue to process them daily. Most of the bags stuck at airports have been delivered to homes. We are addressing every customer need," he said.

#WATCH | IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers says," IndiGo is back on its feet, and our operations are stableLakhs of customers have received their full refunds, and we continue to do so on a daily basis. Most of the bags stuck at airports have been delivered to your homesWe also pic.twitter.com/zhezNROtoh ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2025

Elbers added that IndiGo had restored services across its full network.

As of yesterday, we are back to flying to all 138 destinations. We continue to work in full cooperation with the government. Internally, weve begun reviewing what led to this disruption, the lessons to be learned, and how to emerge stronger," he noted.

In a separate statement, the airline said it has now restored full operations across its network after days of significant and steady improvement," adding that all flights listed on its website are currently scheduled to operate under an adjusted network plan.

The airline said nearly all bags that were stuck at airports have been delivered to customers," with teams working to clear the remaining backlog at the earliest.

The carrier confirmed that it operated more than 1,800 flights today, reconnecting all 138 stations in its network, and aims to scale up to nearly 1,900 flights tomorrow. IndiGo added that it has optimised" its operations and that on-time performance has returned to normal levels.

We have automated the procedure for customers to receive full refunds upon cancellations, with no questions asked, through a simple process on our website," the statement said.

The remarks come after a severe wave of cancellations that continued to rattle air travel through Tuesday, triggering widespread delays and passenger complaints.

More than 400 IndiGo flights were cancelled nationwide, according to airport authorities, reported news agency ANI.

Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport saw the sharpest impact, reporting 152 cancellations, split evenly between arrivals and departures.

The ripple effect stretched across the south as well: Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport recorded 121 cancellations, while Chennai reported 41 and Hyderabad logged 58.

Other major hubs, including Mumbai (31 cancellations), Ahmedabad (16), and Patna (9), also reported significant disruption. Thiruvananthapuram saw minimal impact, with only four flights cancelled.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu told Parliament that flight operations across the country were stabilising fast," adding that airports had reported no crowding or distress. He reiterated that safety remains non-negotiable."

Naidu pointed out that IndiGo had managed to operate 1,800 flights on Tuesday, a steep rise from the 706 flights recorded on December 5, indicating improvement in operations.

Earlier in the day, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed IndiGo to cut its flight operations by 5 per cent across sectors.

The regulator cited the airlines inability to efficiently operate its approved winter schedule and the mounting backlog of cancellations. IndiGo has been instructed to submit a revised flight schedule by 5 pm on December 10, 2025.

According to the DGCAs notice, IndiGo had clearance for 15,014 weekly departures under the Winter 2025 schedule, totalling 64,346 flights in November.

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However, operational data showed only 59,438 flights were actually flown, with 951 cancellations recorded through the month.

Despite the regulatory pressure and the scale of disruption, IndiGo says it is now focused on recovery and long-term resilience.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 15:23 IST

News india Back On Its Feet: IndiGo CEO Says Flight Ops Have Stabilised After Nationwide Disruptions

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Belgium's Top Court Rejects Mehul Choksi's Appeal Against Extradition

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 21:57 IST

Belgium's top court dismissed Mehul Choksi's plea against extradition, upholding the Antwerp Court of Appeal's decision making India's request enforceable.

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Mehul Choksi appealed against the Antwerp courts order declaring Indias extradition request enforceable. (Image: AFP/File)

Belgiums Supreme Court the Court of Cassation  on Tuesday dismissed fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksis plea, challenging his extradition. Choksi had approached Belgiums top court on October 30, challenging the October 17 order of the Antwerp Court of Appeals, which had termed Indias extradition request enforceable."

Responding to news agency PTI, spokesperson for Court of Cassation, Advocaat-general Henri Vanderlinden, said, The Court of Cassation rejected the appeal. So, the decision of the Court of Appeal stands."

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The Antwerp court had earlier ruled that Choksi, the main accused in the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, faced no risk" of being denied a fair trial or subjected to ill-treatment if sent back to India.

Previous Verdict Against Mehul Choksi

On October 17, a four-member indictment chamber of the Antwerp Court of Appeals upheld an earlier order issued by the pre-trial chamber of the district court on November 29, 2024. It found no irregularity in the arrest warrants issued by a Mumbai special court in May 2018 and June 2021, ruling them enforceable" and clearing the way for Choksis extradition.

Dismissing the appeal filed by Choksi against the district court, the Court of Appeals held that the businessman failed to provide concretely plausible" evidence of a genuine risk" of torture or denial of justice. It held that the documents Choksi submitted do not substantiate his claims that he is the subject of a political trial.

New Delhi has assured Brussels repeatedly regarding Choksis safety, the charges that he would face during trial in India, prison arrangements, human rights and medical needs. India informed the court that Choksi would be held at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, Barrack No. 12, a 46-square-metre facility with two cells and private sanitary amenities.

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On August 27, 2024, India had sent an extradition request to Belgium based on arrest warrants issued by the Mumbai special court. Following this, the public prosecutor at the Court of First Instance in Antwerp, Division Turnhout, initiated an action on November 25, 2024, seeking the enforcement of arrest warrants issued by the Mumbai court.

According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Choksi siphoned off Rs 6,400 crore out of the Rs 13,000 crore in the PNB scam. He fled India in January 2018, days before the fraud came to light, and later acquired citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda. He was recently located in Belgium, where he had reportedly travelled for medical treatment.

Location : Belgium

First Published: December 09, 2025, 21:46 IST

News india Belgium's Top Court Rejects Mehul Choksi's Appeal Against Extradition

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Caught On Camera: Bike-Borne Men Steal Luggage From Moving Bus In Maharashtra

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 08:30 IST

Police in Beed beefed up highway security after robberies on the SolapurDhule highway after a viral video shows theft near Beed.

Police in Beed beefed up highway security after robberies on the SolapurDhule highway after a viral video shows theft near Beed. (AI Image)

Police in Maharashtras Beed district have stepped up highway security after a series of robberies and bag-snatching incidents were reported along the SolapurDhule highway, especially on the stretch between Pachod and Yedshi. In several cases, groups of robbers allegedly stopped passenger vehicles, intimidated travellers, and fled with their luggage, prompting police to issue advisories and intensify patrols.

A viral video circulating on social media has drawn further attention to the issue. Users claim the clip was recorded last month on National Highway 52 near Beed. The footage, reportedly captured from a camera mounted on a bus, shows five to six men on motorcycles trailing the vehicle. One of them climbs onto the shoulders of another rider and boards the rear of the moving bus. He is then seen opening the luggage compartment, removing bags and tossing them onto the road. The suspect jumps off moments later when the bus slows down, apparently after the driver sensed something unusual.

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Police officials confirmed that similar incidents have been reported recently in Beed and neighbouring areas. In response, night patrols have been increased, and special teams have been deployed to set up traps along vulnerable stretches of the highway.

Local WhatsApp groups have been used to alert residents and coordinate information-sharing with police units. Hotel and lodge operators along the route have been instructed to ensure CCTV cameras are functioning and to share any relevant footage without delay. Food vendors and accommodation providers have also been asked to cooperate fully with the investigation. Contact numbers of key police personnel have been circulated to roadside establishments for faster communication.

Authorities have additionally launched a public awareness campaign, putting up posters and issuing advisories asking commuters to avoid unnecessary stops on the highway at night and to report any suspicious activity.

With increased surveillance and community support, police say efforts are underway to identify the gang involved and prevent further incidents along the busy corridor.

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No this is not a bollywood movie shooting, it is actual footage of Robbery from a Volvo Bus which was having Baratis.This incidence happened on Beed Solapur National Highway number 52 last month . Robbers got away with 10 suitcases out of 17. Police are not yet able to trace pic.twitter.com/vA1QE5ajud  Atul Modani (@atulmodani) December 7, 2025

Location : Maharashtra, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 08:29 IST

News india Caught On Camera: Bike-Borne Men Steal Luggage From Moving Bus In Maharashtra

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Centre Curtails 10% Of IndiGo Routes After Disruptions As CEO Elbers Meets Aviation Minister

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 22:13 IST

The Civil Aviation Ministry announces a 10% curtailment of IndiGo flights due to disruptions, with IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers summoned to the Ministry for an update.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu with IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers at the ministry on Tuesday. (@RamMNK/X)

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Tuesday announced that the government has ordered a curtailment of 10% IndiGo flights amid nationwide disruptions. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers was summoned to the Ministry to provide an update, he said.

In a post on X, Kinjarapu said: During the last week, many passengers faced severe inconvenience due to Indigos internal mismanagement of crew rosters, flight schedules and inadequate communication. While the enquiry and necessary actions are underway, another meeting with Indigos top management was held to review the stabilisation measures."

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During the last week, many passengers faced severe inconvenience due to Indigos internal mismanagement of crew rosters, flight schedules and inadequate communication. While the enquiry and necessary actions are underway, another meeting with Indigos top management was held to pic.twitter.com/yw9jt3dtLR Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) December 9, 2025

He said IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers was summoned to the Ministry for an update on the matter. He confirmed that 100% of the refunds for flights affected till 6th December have been completed. A strict instruction to expedite the completion of the remaining refunds and baggage handover was given," the minister said.

Following the meeting, Kinjarapu said the government considers it necessary to curtail the overall Indigo routes, which will help in stabilizing the airlines operations and lead to reduced cancellations".

A curtailment of 10% has been ordered. While abiding with it, Indigo will continue to cover all its destinations as before," he said.

Indigo has been instructed to comply with all the directives of the Ministry, including fare capping and passenger convenience measures without any exception," the minister added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has deputed senior officers to physically visit major airports to assess the on-ground situation arising from the ongoing operational crisis of IndiGo.

In a post on X, they said: The review covers flight delays or cancellations, congestion levels, queue management, manpower deployment, functioning of airline help desks, baggage clearance, and the status of passenger communication and alternative arrangements."

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has deputed senior officers to physically visit major airports to assess the on-ground situation arising from the ongoing operational crisis of IndiGo. The review covers flight delays or cancellations, congestion levels, queue management, manpower pic.twitter.com/P65DqsKZqZ MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) December 9, 2025

Most assessments have already been completed, with the remaining scheduled over the next 23 days. These visits have ensured a comprehensive assessment, and the Ministry is taking necessary steps to stabilise operations and support passengers," they added.

In the latest video message, Elbers also said that lakhs of customers, whose flights were cancelled or delayed, have already received their full refunds, and the process is ongoing on a daily basis.

IndiGo is back on its feet, and our operations are stable. Lakhs of customers have received full refunds, and we continue to process them daily. Most of the bags stuck at airports have been delivered to homes. We are addressing every customer need," he said.

The remarks come after a severe wave of cancellations that continued to rattle air travel through Tuesday, triggering widespread delays and passenger complaints.

More than 400 IndiGo flights were cancelled nationwide, according to airport authorities, reported news agency ANI.

Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport saw the sharpest impact, reporting 152 cancellations, split evenly between arrivals and departures.

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The ripple effect stretched across the south as well: Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport recorded 121 cancellations, while Chennai reported 41 and Hyderabad logged 58.

Other major hubs, including Mumbai (31 cancellations), Ahmedabad (16), and Patna (9), also reported significant disruption. Thiruvananthapuram saw minimal impact, with only four flights cancelled.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 18:56 IST

News india Centre Curtails 10% Of IndiGo Routes After Disruptions As CEO Elbers Meets Aviation Minister

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Centre Trims IndiGo Winter Schedule By 5%, More Flight Cuts Could Be On The Cards

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 13:06 IST

The DGCA has ordered a 5% cut in IndiGos flight schedule. The airline has been asked to submit a revised schedule by Wednesday, with reductions mainly on high-demand routes.

Mumbai: Passengers at an IndiGo airlines counter amid flight disruptions (Photo: PTI)

Aviation regulator DGCA has directed IndiGo to trim its Winter Schedule 2025 by 5 per cent, citing the airlines inability to operate the number of flights it had been cleared to run and the continuing wave of cancellations that has disrupted operations for more than a week.

The carrier has also been asked to submit a revised schedule by 5 pm on December 10.

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As per sources, the airline is likely to see more flight curtailments, in addition to the DGCA order, and the government is expected to issue an updated notification on the same soon.

In a formal notice issued on December 8, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said it reviewed IndiGos approved Winter Schedule 2025 against the backdrop of wide disruptions due to massive cancellations of flights".

The letter mentioned that significant gaps between the airlines cleared capacity and its actual operations were found.

According to the order, IndiGo had been sanctioned 15,014 weekly departures, totalling 64,346 flights for November 2025, under the Winter Schedule.

However, operational data submitted by the airline showed it operated 59,438 flights during the month, with 951 cancellations recorded.

The regulator also highlighted that despite being permitted a 6 per cent enhancement in its schedule for Winter 2025 compared to the Summer Schedule 2025, IndiGo was not flying the aircraft it had projected.

The airline could operate only 339 aircraft in October 2025 and 344 aircraft in November 2025," the notice stated, although approval had been granted based on an indicated fleet of 403.

From the above, it is inferred that Indigo has increased its departures by 9.66 per cent in comparison to Winter Schedule 24 (WS 24) and by 6.05 per cent in relation to Summer Schedule 25 (SS 25). However, the airline has not demonstrated an ability to operate these schedules efficiently," the DGCA mentioned.

Consequently, IndiGo has been instructed to reduce the schedule by 5 per cent across sectors, especially on high-demand, high-frequency flights, and to avoid single-flight operations on a sector."

The action comes amid a deepening operational crisis for the countrys largest airline.

According to news agency PTI, IndiGo cancelled around 180 flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad on Tuesday alone, marking the eighth consecutive day of severe disruptions. At the Hyderabad airport, 58 flights were cancelled, while Bengaluru saw 121 cancellations.

The crisis has also prompted the government to consider redistributing some of IndiGos routes to other domestic carriers.

Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the government will definitely" reduce IndiGos winter slots.

This will be a kind of penalty on the airline as they will not be able to fly on those (curtailed) routes," he told DD News, adding that these routes would be reassigned to other airlines until IndiGo demonstrates operational readiness.

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IndiGo, which operates over 2,200 flights per day across more than 90 domestic and 40 international destinations, had cancelled over 560 flights from six metro airports on Monday, according to airport data cited by PTI.

ALSO READ | Rules Are Good, But People Should Not Be Troubled: PM Modi On IndiGo Crisis

First Published: December 09, 2025, 11:58 IST

News india Centre Trims IndiGo Winter Schedule By 5%, More Flight Cuts Could Be On The Cards

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Goa Club Owners Flee To Thailand: How Luthra Brothers Rose & Tripped Down The Romeo Lane

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 14:20 IST

Goa nightclub fire: Owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra's annual revenue could be in the range of Rs 200-300 crore and personal net worth around Rs 150-250 crore

Saurabh (top right) and Gaurav Luthra, owners of Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa which saw a deadly fire on Saturday night. (PTI/Instagram/News18)

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the Goa nightclub wanted in connection with the fire tragedy that claimed 25 lives at the facility, have fled to Thailand, prompting police to seek the help of Interpol to trace them, officials said on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the Goa Police, the owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, where the blaze killed people, staff and five tourists, late Saturday night, fled to Phuket at 5:30 am on December 7 in an IndiGo Airlines plane, just hours after the incident.

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The owners escape was discovered after a massive manhunt was launched following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR), and during the probe, it was found from the immigration records that the duo took flight IndiGo flight 6E 1073 to Phuket, Thailand, at 5:30 AM on Sunday, December 7, just hours after the incident took place around midnight.

The authorities have now sought the help of Interpol to trace and arrest the promoters. Earlier in the day, the Goa Police team visited the house of Gaurav and Saurabh Lutha in Delhi and questioned their family members.

The rise and rise of Luthra brothers

Romeo Lanes website describes Saurabh Luthra as a gold medallist engineer turned into a promising and fastest-growing restaurateur". A B.Tech graduate from Saurashtra University, Saurabh earned a gold medal in Software Engineering. He then spent nearly a decade in the corporate sector as a Business Development Manager, handling clients in the U.S. and U.K.

He is the chairman of the chain that has outlets in 22 cities and four countries. The website says he is known for his public relations and organic cocktails served at his outlets". Saurabh has won several awards in the hospitality sector over the past few years.

According to a report in The Times of India, the younger Gaurav is also an engineer and is the more calculative and calmer partner. While Saurabh is the face of the brand, Gaurav quietly handles accounts and operations for their enterprise, GS Foods Studio Pvt Ltd.

Mamas Buoi, 2016: Saurabh and Gaurav started their journey in 2016 when they opened Mamas Buoi, a nightclub, at Hudson Lane. Located near Civil Lines, Hudson Lane is close to Delhi Universitys North Campus and a favourite hangout point for college students. Mamas Buoi became a huge success, and the Luthra brothers got a head start.

Dramebaaz: Next to follow was Dramebaaz, a fast food joint.

Romeo Lane: They then launched a chain, Romeo Lane.

In a 2023 Instagram post, Saurabh spoke about their journey. As I stand at this juncture, reflecting on the incredible journey started in 2016 with Mamas Buoi in Hudson Lane to the expansion of Romeo Lane across multiple cities, its a rush of emotions. The overwhelming love and support received have fueled our growth in the hospitality industry. As we venture into new cities, Im humbled by the opportunity to give back and share the warmth of hospitality. Yet, amidst this expansion, the heart always returns to its origins," he wrote.

Birch, Caha: Months later, the brothers opened Birch By Romeo Lane in Goa. Under Romeo Lanes umbrella, they also launched the brand Birch (as in Birch by Romeo Lane), and another called Caha, plus other nightlife/F&B ventures. Their portfolio reportedly included restaurants, bars and clubs.

They also reputedly owned resorts and a boutique-hotel in Goa in addition to clubs.

Their net worth

The Luthra brothers are not listed on any billionaire rankings nor tied to public filings. However, Romeo Lanes aggressive expansion suggests a valuation in the hundreds of crores.

Industry watchers estimate their annual revenue could be in the range of Rs 200-300 crore and personal net worth Rs 150-250 crore.

They own high-end Delhi homes and luxury cars.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saurabh Luthra (@saurabhluthra16)

Major lapses at Goa nightclub

According to officials, fireworks have emerged as the likely cause of the blaze at the popular party venue in Arpora village, 25 km from Panaji. The Goa Police, in its first information report (FIR), highlighted the lapses at the nightclub.

The FIR, which has been exclusively accessed by CNN-News18, stated that the fire show was organised by the club management without requisite permissions and precautions, despite knowing that this could lead to a serious fire incident. The fire started on the first floor of the club, and the youngsters could not move out due to congestion and small doors. Police investigations indicated multiple irregularities, including the absence of a No Objection Certificate from the fire department and the issuance of a licence without proper documentation. Fire officials had said earlier that the club, located on the backwater of the Arpora river, had small exit doors connected only by a narrow bridge, which severely hampered the escape of people during the blaze.

The FIR has been filed under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 125, 125 (a), 125 (b) and 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saurabh Luthra (@saurabhluthra16)

Profound grief: What Saurabh Luthra posted after fire

Saurabh Luthra had used social media on Monday to express profound grief" and vowed to provide assistance, support, and cooperation to the victims families in every possible form". The management expresses profound grief and is deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate incident at Birch," Saurabh Luthra said in his post on Instagram.

He said the management further affirms that it shall extend every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation to the bereaved and affected individuals, as they navigate through this period of immense anguish and adversity".

Action against Luthra brothers

The Goa government on Monday constituted a four-member magisterial inquiry committee to ascertain the facts and circumstances that led up to the massive fire at the nightclub. Under Secretary (Home) Manthan Manoj Naik issued the order constituting the inquiry committee with North Goa District Collector Ankit Yadav as chairperson. The committee will examine the sequence of events leading to the fire, verify the compliance of all statutory licences, and determine the lapses.

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In the aftermath of the fire incident, the Goa government has intensified its crackdown on the controversial Romeo Lane club chain, officials said on Monday. The North Goa district administration has sealed a beach shack and another club, both part of the Romeo Lane chain, located at Vagator and Assagao, respectively, an official said.

With PTI, ANI Inputs

First Published: December 09, 2025, 13:11 IST

News india Goa Club Owners Flee To Thailand: How Luthra Brothers Rose & Tripped Down The Romeo Lane

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Goa Nightclub Fire Show Held Without Any Safety Equipment, Reveals FIR | Top Updates

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 23:00 IST

According to the FIR, the nightclub staged a high-risk fire performance despite having no extinguishers, sprinklers, alarms, or smoke-extraction systems.

Goa Nightclub Inferno Claims Four from One Family

The probe into the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub inferno has uncovered alarming safety violations, with the FIR confirming that the venue conducted a dangerous fire show without any firefighting equipment, fire audit, or emergency systems in place.

According to reports, the FIR named prime accused Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, who allegedly operated the Arpora club in blatant violation of safety norms. The brothers fled to Thailand hours after the blaze that killed 25 people.

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According to the FIR, the nightclub staged a high-risk fire performance despite having no extinguishers, sprinklers, alarms, or smoke-extraction systems, reported India Today.

Investigators found that no fire audit had been conducted prior to opening, making the venue a severe fire hazard.

Goa Nightclub Fire: Top Updates

Police Seek Passport Cancellation

With both accused on the run, Goa Police have written to the Regional Passport Office requesting immediate cancellation of the Luthra brothers passports. Teams across multiple states are attempting to trace their movements.

Interpol Blue Corner Notice Issued

Goa DGP confirmed that Interpol issued a Blue Corner Notice against the absconding duo within 48 hours, a process that usually takes a week or more. Officials attributed the speed to coordinated efforts between state police and central agencies.

Crackdown on Illegal Structures

The Goa Tourism Department has demolished Romeo Lane, an illegal shack in Vagator linked to the Luthras. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered a wider crackdown, directing authorities to raze all illegal constructions on salt pan land, including those linked to the nightclub.

More Accused Under Watch: LOCs Issued

Look Out Circulars have been opened against co-owners Ajay Gupta of Gurugram and Surinder Kumar Khosla, a UK national, preventing them from leaving India.

Six Staffers Arrested

Five key managers, Corporate GM Rajiv Modak, GM Vivek Singh, Bar Manager Rajveer Singhania, Gate Manager Priyanshu Thakur, and Delhi-based suspect Bharat Kohli, have been arrested or detained and remanded in police custody. Police are examining operational lapses and managerial negligence.

Forensic Findings

Forensic teams found that 19 of the 25 victims died from inhaling toxic gases, while two deaths involved burn injuries. Among the dead were 20 employees, four tourists from Delhi and one from Karnataka. Post-mortem formalities for four Nepalese nationals are still underway.

Probe Extends to Former Officials

Police have summoned former Director of Panchayats Siddhi Halarnkar and ex-GPCB Member Secretary Shamila Monteiro. Documents related to Survey No. 150/0 have been seized from the local panchayat. Arpora-Nagao Sarpanch Roshan Redkar has also been questioned.

A Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee to conduct surprise inspections at nightclubs, bars, shacks, and event venues, checking fire compliance, electrical wiring, structural safety, and crowd management.

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A High-Level SOP Committee, led by IAS officer Sandip Jacques, to overhaul licensing rules and propose stricter fire and structural safety standards across Goas nightlife and tourism sectors. The committee has been asked to submit a comprehensive report within a month.

With arrests mounting, illegal structures being razed, and international alerts issued, authorities say the investigation into the fatal nightclub fire is moving at high speed"  even as the search for the Luthra brothers continues.

Location : Goa, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 23:00 IST

News india Goa Nightclub Fire Show Held Without Any Safety Equipment, Reveals FIR | Top Updates

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Gaurav Luthra, Absconding Owner Of Goa Nightclub Hit By Deadly Blaze, Spotted At Phuket Airport

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 15:46 IST

Gaurav Luthra, owner of Brich by Romeo Lane where 25 died in a Goa fire, was seen at Phuket airport after fleeing India on an IndiGo flight.

Gaurav Luthra, one of the owners of the 'Brich by Romeo Lane' nightclub, has been spotted at the airport in Thailand's Phuket. (CNN News18)

Gaurav Luthra, one of the owners of the Goa nightclub wanted in connection with the fire tragedy that claimed 25 lives at the facility, has been spotted during immigration check at the airport in Thailands Phuket. The photo has been accessed by CNN News18.

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra are the owners of the Brich by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora. According to a statement issued by the Goa Police, the owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub , where the blaze killed people, staff and five tourists, late Saturday night, fled to Phuket at 5:30 am on December 7 in an IndiGo Airlines plane, just hours after the incident.

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NDTV quoted officials saying the Luthra brothers checked into a Phuket resort and left before the authorities could arrive there. They are believed to be evading detection," said an official.

The owners escape was discovered after a massive manhunt was launched following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR), and during the probe, it was found from the immigration records that the duo took flight IndiGo flight 6E 1073 to Phuket, Thailand, at 5:30 AM on Sunday, December 7, just hours after the incident took place around midnight.

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The authorities have now sought the help of Interpol to trace and arrest the promoters. Earlier in the day, the Goa Police team visited the house of Gaurav and Saurabh Lutha in Delhi and questioned their family members.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 15:33 IST

News india Gaurav Luthra, Absconding Owner Of Goa Nightclub Hit By Deadly Blaze, Spotted At Phuket Airport

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Grave Urgency: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Flags Tur Dal Price Crash, Urges PM Modi To Intervene

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 12:03 IST

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah warned that a procedural delay in approving procurement at the Union Government level is placing farmers under avoidable and unjustifiable risk

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The association has alleged that the commission culture has worsened under the Congress government. (PTI File)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, flagging a grave urgency" regarding the economic survival of the states tur dal growers.

The letter comes at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka has launched a protest against the Siddaramaiah government for failing to protect farmers interest, especially when it comes to price of sugarcane, maize and tur dal.

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The CM warned that a procedural delay in approving procurement at the Union Government level is placing farmers under avoidable and unjustifiable risk".

Karnataka expects a robust production of over 12.60 lakh metric tonnes of tur dal from approximately 16.80 lakh hectares sown this Kharif season. However, the Chief Minister pointed out that current modal market prices are significantly below the government-declared Minimum Support Price (MSP) of nearly Rs 8,000 per quintal, creating a serious income shock for farmers.

The crisis has been intensified by the delayed operational deployment of central procurement agencies. While peak arrivals of the new harvest are anticipated between December 2025 and January 2026, the Union Government has scheduled the opening of procurement centres only for February and March.

Siddaramaiah stressed that this delay is pushing farmers closer to distress sales, debt traps and irreversible financial damage".

He highlighted that the Government of Karnataka had already submitted a formal proposal on November 6, 2025, seeking immediate approval for MSP-based procurement through NAFED and NCCF, but is still awaiting a response.

In his letter, the Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to immediately approve the MSP procurement and ensure the deployment of NAFED and NCCF across major centres before peak arrivals begin.

Siddaramaiah argued that the issue transcends simple economics, stating it is a question of trust between the farmer and the State".

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He issued a stern warning that any further delay will inevitably lead to farmer unrest, price collapse, and a serious breakdown of trust in MSP as a public policy instrument.

The CM concluded by framing the situation as a moral test" of the nations commitment to its farmers, demanding an immediate and decisive response.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 12:03 IST

News india Grave Urgency: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Flags Tur Dal Price Crash, Urges PM Modi To Intervene

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'Harboured Delhi Bomber Umar': One More J&K Doctor Arrested In Red Fort Blast Case

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 22:39 IST

The NIA said the accused doctor, who hails from Baramulla in north Kashmir, also destroyed evidence related to the Jaish-e-Mohammed conspiracy

This is the eighth arrest in the ongoing investigation into the "white-collar" terror module linked to the Delhi Red Fort car blast, which claimed 15 lives on November 10. (Image: PTI/File)

The National Investigation Agency on Tuesday arrested one more doctor from Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly harbouring Dr Umar-un-Nabi, who was identified as the bomber in the car blast case near Red Fort in New Delhi.

This is the eighth arrest in the ongoing investigation into the white-collar" terror module linked to the deadly blast, which claimed 15 lives on November 10.

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According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the accused doctor has been identified as Dr Bilal Naseer Malla, who also destroyed evidence related to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) conspiracy. He is from Baramulla in north Kashmir, the agency said.

The NIA said Dr Malla was involved in the conspiracy behind the terrorist attack" and knowingly harboured Dr Umar. Besides providing logistical support, he was also involved in the destruction of evidence related to the terror attack and the conspiracy, it said.

Following his arrest, he was produced before a designated court of principal district and sessions judge Anju Bajaj Chandna, who remanded him to seven days in NIA custody. The NIA said the investigation continues with the help of various central and state agencies.

It said this arrest solidifies the understanding that the terror module under probe involves numerous highly educated individuals. Several other accused include medical professionals, including three doctors  Dr Muzzamil Ganaie, Dr Adeel Rather, and Dr Shaheena Sayeed  and a religious preacher, Maulvi Irfan.

The NIA also arrested Amir Rashid Ali and Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish. Ali is the person in whose name Dr Umar had purchased the car loaded with explosives, including ammonium nitrate, before it exploded outside the Red Fort.

WHAT IS THE CASE?

The J&K police claimed to have busted this terror module along with their counterparts in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, leading them to Faridabads Al Falah University where 2,900 kg of explosives was recovered.

It all started on the intervening night of October 18 and 19, when posters of the banned JeM surfaced on walls just outside Srinagar city. The posters warned of attacks on police and security forces in the Valley.

The Srinagar police decided to treat the matter as a serious issue and senior superintendent of police (Srinagar) GV Sundeep Chakravarthy formed several teams to get into the depth of the case. Three people  Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil, Yasir-ul-Ashraf and Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid  were arrested after CCTV footage showed them pasting the posters.

During interrogation, they revealed name of former paramedic-turned-preacher Maulvi Irfan Ahmad from Shopian who had supplied the posters. He was later arrested.

This was the thread that led to the unravelling of the plot. It was Maulvi Irfans interrogation that finally led investigators to the Al Falah University and the group of Kashmiri doctors.

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Dr Ganaie, a resident of Koil village in south Kashmirs Pulwama district, was among the first arrested along with Dr Shaheen Saeed in Faridabad. Later, Dr Adeel Rather was picked up from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

(With PTI inputs)

First Published: December 09, 2025, 22:39 IST

News india 'Harboured Delhi Bomber Umar': One More J&K Doctor Arrested In Red Fort Blast Case

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India, US Review Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, Discuss Bilateral Issues

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 23:33 IST

Allison Hooker met Vikram Misri in New Delhi on Tuesday, advancing the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

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Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri with US Under Secretary Allison Hooker in New Delhi. (Image: X/@MEAIndia)

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, Allison Hooker, who is on a five-day visit to India, met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in New Delhi on Tuesday, with both sides focusing on advancing the US-India strategic partnership, deepening economic and commercial ties.

The India  United States Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri and US Under Secretary of State Ms. Allison Hooker were held in New Delhi earlier today, " the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

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IndiaU.S. Foreign Office Consultations, co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and U.S. Under Secretary Allison Hooker, were held in New Delhi today. Both sides reviewed the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues. pic.twitter.com/o9yuW8w3Za  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 9, 2025

According to the MEA, the meeting served as a platform for an extensive assessment of the IndiaUS Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, with both delegations taking stock of progress across multiple areas of cooperation. Key bilateral topics included trade and investment, defence collaboration, the TRUST initiative, energy cooperationwith a particular focus on civil nuclear engagementalong with technology, critical minerals, and efforts to strengthen trusted supply chains.

Regional and global developments also featured prominently in the discussions. Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to a free and open" Indo-Pacific, emphasising the importance of continued coordination amid evolving strategic dynamics.

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MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that the two sides reviewed the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues."

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the momentum across existing institutional dialogues and agreed to accelerate the implementation of Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology (COMPACT) for the 21st Century" framework. The initiative aims to deepen cooperation across defence, emerging technologies, economic engagement, and supply chain resilience, marking a new phase of transformative collaboration in the partnership.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 23:29 IST

News india India, US Review Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, Discuss Bilateral Issues

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Centre Weighs Curtailing IndiGo's Winter Routes, To Assess Ground Situation Today

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 08:58 IST

A thorough review meeting of not only IndiGo but all other airline operators is scheduled to ensure overall operational preparedness within the aviation industry

An IndiGo aircraft prepares to land at the Mumbai airport on December 8, 2025. (Image: Indranil Mukherjee/AFP)

The Centre has announced that it is planning to curtail IndiGos previously approved winter flight schedule after mass cancellations by the airline, leaving major airports across India in chaos over the past week. This comes as a response to extensive operational failures and large-scale disruptions by IndiGo, which is Indias foremost airline.

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In an interview to Doordarshan on Monday night, Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said: We will curtail IndiGos routes. They are currently operating 2,200 flights. We will curtail them."

The central government said the Ministry of Civil Aviation is currently mulling the various routes of IndiGo that need to be truncated. It is currently operating 2,200 flights. The truncated routes are intended to be allocated to other operators.

IndiGo has the largest fleet and occupies 70 percent of the domestic market share. Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu held a detailed review meeting with all departments and officials late on Monday (December 8), following a full day of stock taking regarding the airline.

On Tuesday, however, as part of the probe into the IndiGo flight crisis, deputy secretaries from the ministry are slated to travel to airports across the country to assess the situation on ground zero. Also, a thorough review meeting of not only IndiGo but all other airlines is scheduled to ensure overall operational preparedness within the aviation industry. Sources told News18 that government officials and DGCA are expected to meet Elbers around 11 am to review the airlines recent operational failures.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

The aviation industry conventionally operates under two schedules: summer and winter.

For the current winter schedule, aviation had previously granted IndiGo a high volume of flights given their large fleet and market dominance at 70 percent. In wake of the large-scale operational disruptions that have taken place, however, it has been decided that the additional routes previously given to IndiGo are likely to be truncated.

This means that the government will likely proceed with reassigning these newly available routes to competing airlines following tomorrows comprehensive review meetings with all relevant departments and operators.

WHAT IS THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT?

On Monday (December 8), IndiGo responded to the show-cause notice issued to CEO Pieter Elbers and said it is profusely apologetic" for the nationwide flight disruptions last week, insisting that the crisis resulted from an unfortunate and unforeseeable confluence" of multiple operational challenges.

This was the airlines formal response to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It said it was deeply regretful" about the chaos but argued that it was realistically not possible to pinpoint the exact cause(s)" immediately due to the scale of its operations.

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It noted that DGCA guidelines allow 15 days to respond to such notices, and said it needs additional time to complete a comprehensive root-cause analysis. It assured that the full report will be submitted once complete.

In his reply to Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, however, Ram Mohan Naidu said a probe has been ordered into the massive crisis. He said the complete operational failure stemmed from IndiGos rostering problems", and assured that the inquiry into the matter will set an example for all in the aviation sector.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 06:30 IST

News india Centre Weighs Curtailing IndiGo's Winter Routes, To Assess Ground Situation Today

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Dawn Flight After Deadly Blaze: How Luthra Brothers, Owners Of Goa Club Hit By Fire, Escaped India

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 10:46 IST

While some club-goers managed to flee, many, especially workers in the basement kitchen and storage areas, were trapped and suffocated as smoke filled the enclosed space

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Charred remains at the nightclub where a fire broke out in Goa. (PTI)

Saturday night, which was meant to be a night of revelry at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, North Goa, turned into one of the deadliest nightclub tragedies the state has seen as fireworks inside the club triggered a massive blaze, engulfing the venue within minutes.

As flames spread rapidly across the dance floor and smoke filled every corner, panic broke out. While some club-goers managed to flee, many, especially workers in the basement kitchen and storage areas, were trapped and suffocated as smoke filled the enclosed space. By morning, 25 lives had been lost.

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Within hours of the tragedy, attention shifted from rescue to accountability. Police registered an FIR naming the clubs owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, along with senior management and event organisers, citing serious violations, including lack of fire safety compliance, missing emergency exits, and the use of pyrotechnics in a closed space.

Heres a timeline of the events since the inferno on December 6:

December 6, 2025

Around 11.45pm: According to the police, the fire started at the club near the dance floor on the first floor during a live performance.

Between 11.45-11.50pm: People inside the club spot flames after the performers use pyrotechnics/pyro-guns". Panic eruots and patrons start evacuating the club.

Around 11.55pm: The blaze spreads rapidly and the roof and interiors catch fire. Smoke starts filling the lower spaces, including the basement and kitchen. Many club-goers on the dance floor first flee; but staff and some patrons, including those in basement/kitchen, become trapped as exit routes prove inadequate.

December 7, 2025

12.02am: The police control room receives the first formal distress call reporting the fire.

12.10am: Fire department officials arrive and begin rescue efforts. However, narrow approach lanes make access difficult and the firemen are reportedly forced to park around 400 metres away. This delays rescue and containment.

Through the night, firefighters and emergency personnel battle the blaze; rescue operations continue while smoke and fire engulf much of the building.

By early morning, the fire is finally brought under control. Authorities confirm 25 people, mostly staff and some tourists, have died in the blaze.

December 7, 2025

Goa Police dispatches team to Delhi to raid the brothers residences but finds them locked. By the evening of December 7, Lookout Circulars (LOCs) were issued against both accused at the request of the Goa Police.

Immigration authorities later inform investigators that the Luthra brothers had boarded IndiGo flight 6E 1073 to Phuket at 5.30am on December 7, barely hours after the fire broke out around midnight.

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Goa Police have now sought assistance from the Interpol Division of the CBI to trace and detain the duo abroad.

Delhi resident Bharat Kohli, linked to the nightclubs operations, has been detained and brought to Goa on transit remand for further questioning.

Location : Goa, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 10:24 IST

News india Dawn Flight After Deadly Blaze: How Luthra Brothers, Owners Of Goa Club Hit By Fire, Escaped India

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'Inspiring Conversation': Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar Meets PM Modi, Discusses AI Adoption

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 20:17 IST

Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S and Rajesh Varrier met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss boosting AI adoption and advancing education and skill development in India.

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Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S with PM Modi on Tuesday. (Image: X/@Cognizant)

Senior leaders from Cognizant met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to discuss accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and advancing education and skill development in the country.

In a post on X, Cognizant said, Our CEO, Ravi Kumar S along with Rajesh Varrier, Chairman & Managing Director, Cognizant India had the distinct privilege of meeting with the Honble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, for an inspiring conversation on accelerating AI adoption and advancing education and skill development to enhance AI capabilities and productivity."

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Our CEO, @imravikumars along with Rajesh Varrier, Chairman & Managing Director, Cognizant India had the distinct privilege of meeting with the Honble Prime Minister of India, Shri @narendramodi, for an inspiring conversation on accelerating AI adoption and advancing education pic.twitter.com/t0rz8oq6N7 Cognizant (@Cognizant) December 9, 2025

During the meeting, the Cognizant CEO also reaffirmed the companys commitment to India and shared plans to expand operations into emerging cities, aiming to promote equitable growth and nurture local talent. The discussion highlighted the role of AI in driving productivity, innovation, and economic development.

Our CEO also reaffirmed to the Prime Minister Cognizants continued commitment to India and apprised him of our plans to expand into emerging cities to promote equitable growth and talent development," the company further wrote.

Cognizants engagement with PM Modi underscores the growing focus on AI-driven growth and Indias ambition to become a hub for innovation and advanced technology, aligning with the governments broader vision of technological self-reliance and inclusive development.

India Welcomes Cognizants Continued Partnership: PM Modi

PM Modi responded on X, welcoming Cognizants continued partnership in futuristic sectors."

Had a wonderful meeting with Mr. Ravi Kumar S and Mr. Rajesh Varrier. India welcomes Cognizants continued partnership in futuristic sectors. Our youths focus on AI and skilling sets the tone for a vibrant collaboration ahead.@Cognizant @imravikumars https://t.co/qsq4DbakfF Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 9, 2025

Had a wonderful meeting with Mr. Ravi Kumar S and Mr. Rajesh Varrier. India welcomes Cognizants continued partnership in futuristic sectors. Our youths focus on AI and skilling sets the tone for a vibrant collaboration ahead," he tweeted.

Microsoft CEO Meets PM Modi

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also met the Prime Minister in New Delhi on Tuesday and discussed Indias expanding artificial intelligence landscape. Following the meeting, Nadella announced a sweeping US$17.5 billion (Rs 1.5 Lakh Crore) investment in India, its largest commitment in Asia, aimed at propelling the country toward an AI-first" future.

Thank you, PM @narendramodi ji, for an inspiring conversation on Indias AI opportunity. To support the countrys ambitions, Microsoft is committing US$17.5Bour largest investment ever in Asiato help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for Indias AI first future," Nadella wrote on X.

Intel Vows To Support Indias Semiconductor Mission

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Furthermore, Intel Corporation CEO Lip-Bu Tan vowed to support Indias semiconductor mission after meeting PM Modi earlier today. In a post on X, Tan shared that the discussion covered a wide range of topics related to technology, computing, and Indias growing potential in the semiconductor sector.

Honored to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi this afternoon. We had a wide-ranging discussion on a variety of topics related to technology, computing and the tremendous potential for India," Intel Corporation CEO wrote on X.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 20:17 IST

News india 'Inspiring Conversation': Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar Meets PM Modi, Discusses AI Adoption

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After Goa Fire, Pramod Sawant Orders Demolition Of Absconding Luthra Brothers Flagship Club

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 15:05 IST

The owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, the Goa nightclub where 25 people died in a devastating fire on Saturday night, are now facing Interpol Blue Corner notice.

Romeo Lane, Vagator, Goa.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has directed the administration to demolish Romeo Lane Vagator, the main outlet of the Luthra brothers in the state. The decision follows widespread outrage over safety violations and the clubs alleged failure to comply with fire norms.

The chief minister emphasised that there would be zero tolerance" for establishments operating illegally or compromising public safety. The demolition order signals the governments attempt to act swiftly as the investigation expands.

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The owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, the Goa nightclub where 25 people died in a devastating fire on Saturday night, are now facing international attention. Brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra are believed to have left the country for Thailand shortly after the tragedy, according to a statement issued by the Goa Police.

The police said that an FIR was registered soon after the incident, and a special team was dispatched to Delhi to conduct raids at the Luthras residential addresses. However, both men were missing, prompting police to paste legal notices at their homes. By the evening of 7 December, a Lookout Circular (LOC) had been issued by the Bureau of Immigration at the request of the Goa Police.

With their departure confirmed, authorities have now moved further. Interpol Blue Corner Notices have been issued to help trace the movement of the brothers across international borders. These notices are commonly used to collect additional information on a persons identity, location, and activities in relation to a crime.

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The tragedy at Birch by Romeo Lane has sparked intense public anger, with many questioning how the club continued operations despite alleged safety shortcomings. The Goa Police have said the investigation is being treated with utmost seriousness, and more action is likely as evidence is gathered.

With the Luthra brothers now abroad and Interpol involved, authorities hope to ensure accountability for one of Goas worst fire incidents in recent years.

Location : Goa, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 14:24 IST

News india After Goa Fire, Pramod Sawant Orders Demolition Of Absconding Luthra Brothers Flagship Club

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Karnataka HC Withdraws Its Stay Order On Menstrual Leave After Govt's Plea

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 21:07 IST

Karnataka HC stayed then recalled its order on menstrual leave after Shashi Kiran Shetty cited a Supreme Court judgment. Justice Jyoti M will hear arguments on government order.

A government notification issued on November 9 made provision for one day paid menstrual leave per month to women employees aged between 18 and 52 years working in permanent, contractual and outsourced jobs.

Hours after the Karnataka High Court stayed the state governments order mandating menstrual leave for working women, it recalled its order on Tuesday and agreed to hear governments arguments on Wednesday.

According to LiveLaw, Justice Jyoti M recalled the interim order after Karnatakas Advocate General, Shashi Kiran Shetty, informed the court that the relief granted was contrary to a Supreme Court judgment and urged the court to reconsider the stay.

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Earlier in the day, the HC stayed the governments notification mandating one-day menstrual leave a month for working women.

The stay was granted by a bench of Justice Jyoti M based on a petition filed by Bangalore Hotels Association and Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems.

The petitioners contended that the Karnataka government did not consult them before making such provisions.

According to PTI, the November 9 notification made provision for one day paid menstrual leave per month to women employees aged between 18 and 52 years working in permanent, contractual and outsourced jobs.

The leave is meant for women working in all industries and establishments registered under the Factories Act, 1948, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, Plantation Workers Act, 1951, Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966, and Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961.

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On December 2, the government had ordered the granting of one day of menstrual leave every month to female government employees of the state with immediate effect, PTI reported.

Location : Karnataka, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 21:07 IST

News india Karnataka HC Withdraws Its Stay Order On Menstrual Leave After Govt's Plea

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Karnataka High Court Stays Government Order On Monthly Paid Menstrual Leave

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 13:43 IST

With the High Courts interim stay now in place, the governments menstrual leave directive will remain on hold. Labour Department will have to present a detailed response.

The final judgment will likely influence discussions on menstrual leave not just in Karnataka but across the country.

The Karnataka High Court has put an interim halt on the State Governments recent order that mandated one day of paid menstrual leave every month for female employees across sectors. The stay comes after the Bangalore Hotel Owners Association challenged the governments notification, arguing that the decision would impose operational and financial strain on private establishments.

The notification, issued on November 20, 2025, by the State Labour Department, was intended to provide additional support to female employees during their menstrual cycle. It mandated that women be given one day of paid leave every month, adding up to 12 days a year. However, the courts stay order has paused its enforcement until further hearing.

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How the Case Reached the High Court

The move to introduce menstrual leave had received mixed reactions from various industries. While some groups welcomed it as a progressive welfare measure, several private-sector associations voiced concerns about labour shortages, increased costs, and the difficulty of implementing uniform policies across thousands of establishments with varying workforce sizes.

Amid this debate, the Bangalore Hotel Owners Association filed a petition seeking cancellation of the order. Represented by Advocate Prashant B K, the association argued that the hospitality sector, which already faces acute staffing challenges and high attrition, would struggle to accommodate mandatory additional leave. They claimed that the rule could disrupt daily operations and create scheduling complications, especially for small and medium establishments.

When the petition came up for hearing, Justice Jyothi Mulimane examined the arguments and issued an interim stay on the Labour Departments order. The stay means the menstrual leave rule cannot be enforced until the court completes further hearings and delivers a final verdict.

Following the courts decision, the President of the Bangalore Hotel Owners Association, P C Rao, expressed relief. Speaking to News18, he said the interim stay was a welcome development given the practical difficulties that hotels and restaurants would face if the rule was implemented immediately.

He added that the association is not opposed to supporting women employees but believes such policies need proper consultation with industry stakeholders before being made mandatory.

What the Government Order Had Proposed

The now-stayed government order applied to all permanent, contractual, and outsourced women employees between the ages of 18 and 52. It covered establishments registered under multiple labour laws including the Factories Act, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, Plantation Labour Act, Beedi and Cigar Workers Act, and the Motor Transport Workers Act.

The order directed all such establishments to provide one paid leave day during the employees menstrual cycle each month. The government stated that the policy was introduced with the intention of improving health, comfort, and work efficiency of women employees. It also emphasised that the measure would help increase morale and workplace participation by acknowledging a genuine physiological need.

Industry Concerns and Policy Debate

Even before the petition reached the High Court, several private-sector organisations had raised objections. Many establishments argued that while the spirit of the rule was commendable, its execution could prove difficult without additional staffing or financial support. Some expressed worry that mandatory menstrual leave could unintentionally lead to bias in hiring, particularly in sectors with long working hours or high customer footfall.

Supporters of menstrual leave, meanwhile, argued that acknowledging menstrual health in workplace policy is long overdue, especially in physically demanding jobs. They pointed out that several countries and states have already implemented similar measures.

What Happens Next

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With the High Courts interim stay now in place, the governments menstrual leave directive will remain on hold. The Labour Department will have to present a detailed response in the coming hearings, defending the scientific, social, and welfare rationale behind the rule.

The final judgment will likely influence discussions on menstrual leave not just in Karnataka but across the country, as states and private companies watch closely to see how Indias courts navigate the intersection of workplace rights, gender equity, and industry practicality.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 13:43 IST

News india Karnataka High Court Stays Government Order On Monthly Paid Menstrual Leave

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Lawyer, Who Attempted To Throw Shoe At Ex-CJI, Attacked With Slippers In Delhi Court

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 17:50 IST

Kishore had come under national spotlight on October 6 after he tried to hurl a shoe towards then CJI Gavai during proceedings in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court.

Advocate Rakesh Kishor attacked with slippers | Image: X

A lawyer who made headlines for attempting to throw a shoe at former Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai last month was assaulted on Tuesday inside Delhis Karkardooma Court complex.

Advocate Rakesh Kishore was targeted by unidentified individuals who tried to hit him with slippers, according to a video circulating widely on social media.

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The footage shows a small group approaching Kishore and swinging slippers at him before others step in to stop the scuffle. The faces of the attackers are not clearly visible, and their identities remain unknown.

Suar jhund me aate hai sher akelaShame on these cowards in group attacking alone old Dalit man Rakesh Kishor. #KarkardoomaCourt pic.twitter.com/uunD0TX21N  Lala (@lala_the_don) December 9, 2025

The incident unfolded inside one of the capitals busiest court complexes, which sees heavy footfall from lawyers, litigants, clerks and staff.

It is not yet clear how the attackers gained access to him, or whether security personnel were present at the time. Authorities have not issued any official statement, and no group or individual has claimed responsibility for the assault.

Kishore had come under national spotlight on October 6 after he tried to hurl a shoe towards then CJI Gavai during proceedings in Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court.

Security officers immediately restrained him and escorted him out. During that outburst, Kishore shouted slogans linked to the protection of Sanatan Dharma, reportedly triggered by remarks made by Justice Gavai in a case concerning the restoration of a beheaded Vishnu idol in Khajuraho.

Kishore had also publicly criticised the former CJIs comments on bulldozer demolitions during a visit to Mauritius, which, according to sources, further fuelled his protest.

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The Bar Council of India suspended Kishores licence shortly after the courtroom incident, while the Supreme Court Bar Association revoked his membership.

The Attorney General later permitted the initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against him. However, a Supreme Court Bench subsequently indicated it was disinclined to pursue a contempt action, though it stressed the need for stronger safeguards to prevent such disruptions in courtrooms.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 17:50 IST

News india Lawyer, Who Attempted To Throw Shoe At Ex-CJI, Attacked With Slippers In Delhi Court

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Man With Pistol Detained At Puducherry Venue Ahead Of Vijays First Public Meeting Since Karur Tragedy

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 09:34 IST

The incident comes ahead of Vijays first public meeting since the Karur stampede, which killed at least 41 people, putting todays event under intense scrutiny.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay addressing the rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur, where the stampede happened. (PTI)

A man was caught with a pistol at the Puducherry venue where Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay is scheduled to address supporters, triggering heightened security concerns on Tuesday. The incident comes ahead of Vijays first public meeting since the Karur stampede, which killed at least 41 people, putting todays event under intense scrutiny.

According to Puducherry Police, the man was intercepted during routine checks at the Expo Ground in Uppalam, the site of todays two-hour public meeting. Officials confirmed that the weapon was seized and the individual taken into custody for questioning. Further details about his identity or intent are awaited, but police sources indicated that the incident occurred before Vijays arrival and did not disrupt the ongoing preparations.

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The dramatic security breach comes a day after authorities issued stringent crowd-control measures to prevent any repeat of the Karur disaster. Senior Superintendent of Police (Law & Order) R. Kalaivanan had granted permission for the meeting with a strict attendance cap of 5,000 people, all of whom must be Puducherry residents. Only those with QR-coded entry passes issued by TVK will be allowed inside, and children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and individuals with health issues have been barred for safety reasons.

The meeting, scheduled between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 pm, will see Vijay address supporters from a specially arranged campaign vehicle rather than a traditional stage  another precaution taken after the Karur stampede. The vehicle was brought into the Union Territory on Monday night, and Vijay is expected to reach the venue by car around 11 a.m.

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Police have prohibited roadside parking and designated specific parking zones at Pondy Marina, the Old Port, and behind the Indira Gandhi Stadium. TVK has also issued a nine-point advisory to cadres, insisting on full cooperation with law enforcement and reaffirming that no supporters from outside Puducherry will be allowed entry.

With todays event being Vijays first major public appearance since a tragedy that shook Tamil Nadu, the unexpected detention of an armed individual has only heightened concerns  but authorities say all measures are in place to ensure the safety of attendees.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 09:34 IST

News india Man With Pistol Detained At Puducherry Venue Ahead Of Vijays First Public Meeting Since Karur Tragedy

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Last Updated: December 10, 2025, 00:23 IST

Winter Session of Parliament Debate News Live Updates, Day 7: Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day after heated exchanges between the government and the Opposition. During the discussion on the SIR exercise in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of carrying out the biggest anti-national act by allegedly engaging in vote chori with the help of the Election Commission, saying this was corroding the idea of India. Why is Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah so keen on who exactly the election commissioner is going to be? he questioned.

Gandhi also raised three questions that he said demonstrate how the BJP is directing and using the Election Commission to undermine democratic processes.

In the Rajya Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah countered the Opposition, asserting that the division over Vande Mataram marked the birth of politics of appeasement that ultimately contributed to Indias partition. He criticised Opposition parties for attempting to tie the commemoration of 150 years of the national song to the upcoming West Bengal elections.

Why the SIR matters?: The Election Commission says the SIR is essential to correct long-standing errors. The last nationwide door-to-door revision took place between 2002 and 2004. Over two decades, the rolls have accumulated legacy issues, undetected duplicate entries, names of deceased or shifted voters, and inconsistencies between voter counts and projected population figures. Follow for live updates.
Protecting Delhi-NCR: India To Deploy Indigenous Air Defence Weapon System To Thwart Aerial Threat

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 23:55 IST

This multilayered air defence system is designed to protect the national capital from various enemy aerial threats, including fast-moving aircraft, missiles, and drones

The integrated air defence weapon system (IADWS) is being developed with Defence Research and Development Organisation. (Image: PTI/File)

In a major decision, an indigenous air defence system will be deployed solely for the security of Delhi-NCR against aerial threats like missiles and drones.

Managed by the Indian Air Force, the integrated air defence weapon system (IADWS) is being developed with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) using homegrown components such as the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) and Very Short Range Air Defence Systems.

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This plan marks a shift away from an earlier proposal to purchase the US-made National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System-II (NASAMS-II), primarily due to the high cost cited by the Americans. India is also acquiring remaining squadrons of the Russian S-400 system while also considering proposals for additional S-400s and the S-500 air defence system.

This multilayered air defence system is designed to protect the national capital from various enemy aerial threats, including fast-moving aircraft, missiles, and drones. According to senior defence sources, the IADWS will be built around indigenous air defence missiles, such as the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) systems and Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORAD), along with other associated equipment.

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The sources said IADWS project is being processed by the defence ministry, coming shortly after Operation Sindoor in May. The DRDO is well-positioned for this task, having already successfully developed multiple air defence systems like the QRSAM and Medium Range SAM, they said. It is also currently working on developing a long-range SAM under Project Kusha, they added.

(With agency inputs)

First Published: December 09, 2025, 23:36 IST

News india Protecting Delhi-NCR: India To Deploy Indigenous Air Defence Weapon System To Thwart Aerial Threat

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'Where Were Police Patrol Teams?': Family After Rajasthan Couple Dies Trapped In Car For Hours

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 14:29 IST

The family of a Rajasthan couple who died trapped in their car on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway has blamed authorities and delayed rescue efforts for their deaths.

A representative image for an accident (PTI)

The family of a Rajasthan couple who died after being trapped in their car on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway last week has questioned the apparent apathy of authorities and members of the public, saying the delay in rescue efforts may have contributed to the tragic deaths.

Lachhi Ram (42) and his wife Kusumlata (39), residents of Hindaun City in Karauli district, were on their way to Delhi when their car was hit by an unidentified vehicle late on December 3, according to police and PTI reports.

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The collision left them trapped inside their mangled car, and despite claims of round-the-clock CCTV surveillance and regular patrolling by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and local police, no help arrived for nearly eight hours, the family claimed.

Police said villagers walking along the expressway discovered the wreck and alerted authorities at 7.38 am the following day.

How could everyone miss an entire mangled car with two persons trapped and bleeding inside? It clearly means that either they were negligent or that all patrols are only taking place on paper," Nahar Singh, Rams maternal uncle, told Hindustan Times.

We were told that National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) patrol vehicles pass every hour. How did they not see the crushed car?" he asked.

The 62-year-old Singh said the expressway stretch is supposed to be monitored by both the NHAI and local police units.

Where were police patrol teams? They would have survived if timely help had been extended," he added.

Rams father, Devi Singh, broke down repeatedly as he spoke from the familys village, Kot Purine Pura.

This is not how they should have died. Even if they were injured, even if they were disabled for life, we would have cared for them. But to die waiting for help that never came, how can the authorities be so irresponsible?" he said.

He described repeatedly trying to reach his son and daughter-in-law by phone through the night.

First, the calls rang, then they went off. After 8 am, the phone started ringing again, and a policeman answered. That is how we learned they had died," he recalled.

Rams cousin Deepak Singh said the driver of the second vehicle, a white Maruti Ertiga, might have been able to prevent the deaths.

My sister-in-law had no visible injuries. She might have survived with timely help. Ram had severe head injuries and broken legs, but even then, if someone had stopped" he said, his voice trailing off.

According to PTI, the couple allegedly died as no rescue team arrived during the night.

When authorities reached the site on Thursday morning, the husband was found holding his wife in his arms, and both bodies were later handed over to the family after the postmortem.

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Pramod Kaushik, General Manager and Project Director of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, said explanations had been sought from concerned officials and staff and that a detailed inquiry would be conducted to establish how such negligence occurred, PTI reported.

ALSO READ | My Family Was Finished In 2 Minutes: Survivor Who Lost Husband, 3 Sisters Recounts Goa Fire Tragedy

First Published: December 09, 2025, 14:23 IST

News india 'Where Were Police Patrol Teams?': Family After Rajasthan Couple Dies Trapped In Car For Hours

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'Kaun Baithayega': Rajnath Singh Snaps At Opposition In Lok Sabha During 'Vande Mataram' Speech

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 09:52 IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lost his cool in the Lok Sabha after Opposition MPs interrupted his speech on the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram', and asked him to sit.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaks in the Lok Sabha (Photo: PTI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lost his composure in the Lok Sabha on Monday while delivering a speech on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, visibly angry at Opposition MPs who interrupted him.

A video of the episode, circulating widely on social media, captured the Defence Minister confronting lawmakers in the House in a sharp tone.

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The video showed a tense moment as Opposition members reportedly asked Singh to sit down" while he was addressing the House.

In response, Singh, clearly irked, asked repeatedly, Kaun baithanewala hai? Kaun baithayega?" (Who is going to make me sit?)

He followed it up with a sharp rebuke, Kya baat kar rahe ho baith!" (What are you even saying sit down).

Several BJP MPs could also be heard shouting at the Opposition, questioning how they could request a minister to stop speaking mid-speech.

At one point, Singh, raising his voice further, sought the intervention of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who gestured to the Opposition benches to maintain calm.

VANDE MATARAM SPECIAL DISCUSSION IN LOK SABHA

Prior to the confrontation, Singh was delivering a speech on the significance of Vande Mataram as a symbol of Indias freedom struggle.

He described the song as the immortal song of our nation" and a mantra that had inspired generations.

Vande Mataram is complete in itself. But attempts were made to make it incomplete. Every time, however, it has remained the immortal song of our nation, and it will remain so," Singh declared in the House.

He accused the Congress of pursuing a politics of appeasement that, he said, undermined the spirit of the song and contributed to the Partition of India.

Singh recalled that the first Indian flag, designed in 1906, bore Vande Mataram at its centre, and that a newspaper of the same name was launched in Bengal that year to spread awareness and patriotism.

At that time, Vande Mataram was not just a word; it was a feeling, a source of motivation, and a poem," he said, adding that the song resonated across India and even beyond, symbolising unity and resistance.

The Defence Minister stressed that the younger generations must understand the mindset of those who sought to dilute the song, describing such acts as an injustice to Indias cultural and national identity.

He noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, the 150-year legacy of Vande Mataram would be commemorated with the respect it deserved.

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Concluding his address, Singh reiterated that Vande Mataram remains a timeless mantra of courage, sacrifice, and unity, urging the nation and the Parliament to honour its legacy and let its spirit guide India toward a stronger, self-reliant future.

ALSO READ | Time To Restore Vande Matarams Glory: Rajnath Singh In Parliament

First Published: December 09, 2025, 09:51 IST

News india 'Kaun Baithayega': Rajnath Singh Snaps At Opposition In Lok Sabha During 'Vande Mataram' Speech

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Recruitment Scam Row Hits Karnataka Legislative Council; Congress MLC Alleges Favouritism

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 10:58 IST

Congress MLC Nagaraj Yadav accused the Council Chairman of nepotism in hiring eight, demanding transparency and warning of a formal complaint.

Congress MLC Nagaraj Yadav accused the Council Chairman of nepotism in hiring eight, demanding transparency and warning of a formal complaint. (Image: Instagram)

Congress MLC Nagaraj Yadav, speaking to CNN-News18 on the opening day of the Karnataka Legislative Councils winter session, made allegations of rule violations and nepotism in the direct recruitment of eight candidates to the Council Secretariat.

The Congress MLC claimed that the appointments were made without any formal recruitment process, in clear violation of departmental norms. Eight candidates were directly recruited without following rules and going against department norms. This is favouritism and a clear conflict of interest by the Chairman," he alleged.

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In a letter addressed to Council Secretary Mahalakshmi, Yadav demanded the immediate release of all documents related to the appointments, emphasising that transparency was necessary to determine whether due procedure had been bypassed and whether the Chairman had misused his authority.

The MLC further warned that if the Secretariat fails to provide the requested documents, he will file a formal complaint against the Secretary with the competent authority for alleged misuse of power.

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As the session begins, Yadavs allegations have sparked intense political debate within the Council, with the opposition pressing for a thorough investigation into the appointments. The Council Secretariat has yet to respond officially.

Location : Karnataka, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 10:58 IST

News india Recruitment Scam Row Hits Karnataka Legislative Council; Congress MLC Alleges Favouritism

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SIR Debate In Parliament Today: What To Expect As The House Takes Up Electoral Reforms

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 10:02 IST

Rahul Gandhi will lead the Oppositions intervention in the Lok Sabha as Parliament takes up the SIR debate today.

Parliament Winter Session Day 7: Rahul Gandhi is expected to raise the issue of vote theft and the accountability of the Election Commission of India.

As Parliament enters a crucial stretch of its Winter Session, the Lok Sabha is set to take up a debate the Opposition has been demanding for days: a full-scale discussion on electoral reforms, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Indias voter rolls. After several rounds of negotiations, the government and the Opposition reached a consensus last week to bring the subject to the floor.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will lead the Oppositions intervention today, while Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal is scheduled to reply on Wednesday.

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SIR Debate Reaches Parliament

Since the Winter Session began on 1 December, Opposition parties have been demanding a dedicated debate on electoral reforms and the SIR. Over the first two days of the Session, several Opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, staged protests inside and outside Parliament. The leaders held posters and placards against the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls, carried a large banner reading Stop SIRStop Vote Chori", and raised slogans against the government.

The Congress has also alleged that the SIR drive, while presented as an exercise to clean the rolls of bogus entries, was misused during its rollout in Bihar to target marginalised communities whose votes traditionally favour opposition parties.

After multiple rounds of discussions between government and Opposition floor leaders, a consensus was reached to hold a debate on SIR, preceded by a debate marking 150 years of Vande Mataram.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had announced the decision on X, stating: During the All-Party Meeting Chaired by Honble Speaker Lok Sabha today, it has been decided to hold discussion in Lok Sabha on 150th Anniversary of National Song Vande Mataram from 12 Noon on Monday 8th Dec and discussion on Election Reforms from 12 noon on Tuesday 9th Dec."

The Lok Sabha opened the discussion on Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, followed by Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi from the Opposition benches. Ten hours each have been allotted for the discussion on Vande Mataram and on electoral reforms.

The Rajya Sabha will take up the Vande Mataram debate today, with the Home Minister scheduled to lead the discussion, before turning to electoral reforms.

What Will Rahul Gandhi And The Opposition Focus On?

Rahul Gandhi is expected to raise the issue of vote theft" and the accountability of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Gandhi and the broader Opposition have repeatedly alleged discrepancies in voter rolls, including large-scale deletions, duplicate entries and what they describe as distortions in electoral procedures. These themes have also featured in his recent press conferences in Maharashtra, Haryana and Karnataka.

The Congress is also expected to highlight the pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the re-verification exercise. Opposition parties have alleged that the SIR has placed untenable demands on field staff, citing reports of alleged suicides due to stress and heavy workloads. The BJP has rejected this charge, accusing the Opposition of politicising a sensitive issue.

Other Congress speakers in the Lok Sabha include KC Venugopal, Manish Tewari, Varsha Gaikwad, Mohammed Jawaid, Ujjwal Raman Singh, Isha Khan Choudhury, Mallu Ravi, Imran Masood, Gowaal Padavi and Jothimani. In the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge will articulate the partys position when the Upper House takes up the discussion.

Why Is The SIR Being Conducted Now?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has described the SIR as a large-scale verification exercise required to address legacy data" issues that routine annual revisions can no longer correct. The Commission last carried out a nationwide house-to-house revision in 200204, and over two decades, electoral rolls have accumulated errors such as dead or shifted voters who were never deleted, duplicate registrations, and elector counts rising faster than projected populations.

Under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the ECI has the authority to order such an intensive revision when it believes existing rolls contain inaccuracies. The SIR involves house-to-house enumeration, pre-filled forms, online submission options and a fresh verification of older voter data.

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A key new requirement in the 2025 SIR is legacy linkage", under which voters must trace their name or a parent or relatives name to old voter rolls from the early 2000s. The ECI has created an all-India database of these rolls on its website. Along with this, voters must verify or update their personal details and make mandatory declarations on citizenship and residency.

The enumeration period, originally ending on 4 December, was extended to 11 December. According to the ECIs bulletin on Sunday, 99.94 per cent of electors across 12 states and Union Territories have received their Enumeration Forms, with 50.94 crore forms delivered to households. Kerala, following an extended schedule, will accept forms until 18 December. The Commission also noted that more than 50 crore forms, or 98.22 per cent of the total, have already been digitised.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 06:30 IST

News india SIR Debate In Parliament Today: What To Expect As The House Takes Up Electoral Reforms

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'Strict, Appropriate Action Will Be Taken': Aviation Minister On IndiGo Flight Disruption In Lok Sabha

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 12:51 IST

The minister said the DGCA has already issued notices to IndiGo and that the airline is being held fully accountable for the chaos

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu (SansadTV)

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday assured Parliament that strict and appropriate action will be taken" against IndiGo for the massive flight disruptions that have affected passengers across the country. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the minister said the DGCA has already issued notices to IndiGo and that the airline is being held fully accountable for the chaos caused by its internal crew-rostering failures.

Naidu stressed that safety is non-negotiable" and said the disruptions stemmed from IndiGos internal rostering issues, which left thousands of passengers stranded over several days. He informed the House that more than 750 crore in refunds have already been processed and credited to passengers, and that rebookings were carried out without any additional charges. The refund process, he said, is now in its final stages."

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Highlighting that his government is trying to strengthen aviation oversight, the minister said, The government is determined to build a robust airline system."

Speaking in Lok Sabha on IndiGo crisis, Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu says, Operations are stabilising fast, safety remains fully in force, IndiGo is being held accountable.."Operations are stabilising fast, safety remains fully in force, IndiGo is being pic.twitter.com/VChfFAiF8p  ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2025

He added that the DGCA and the Ministry will remain fully vigilant until normalcy is restored", ensuring that airlines comply with regulations and that passengers do not face further hardship.

DGCA Asks IndiGo To Reduce Flights By 5%

Aviation regulator DGCA has directed IndiGo to cut its Winter Schedule 2025 operations by 5 per cent, citing the airlines inability to operate the number of flights it was cleared to run amid a week-long wave of cancellations and widespread disruption. The regulator said the scaled-down was necessary after the airline repeatedly failed to match its approved capacity with actual operations.

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IndiGo has been instructed to submit a revised schedule by 5 pm on December 10. In a formal notice issued on December 8, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said it had reviewed IndiGos approved Winter Schedule against the backdrop of wide disruptions due to massive cancellations of flights," and found significant discrepancies between the airlines sanctioned operations and the flights it was able to operate.

Under the current Winter Schedule 2025, IndiGo was approved to run 15,014 weekly departures, totalling 64,346 flights for November 2025. The DGCA said the 5 per cent reduction is intended to bring IndiGos schedule closer to what it can reliably operate until stability is restored.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 12:15 IST

News india 'Strict, Appropriate Action Will Be Taken': Aviation Minister On IndiGo Flight Disruption In Lok Sabha

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25-Year-Old Swedish Man, In Navi Mumbai For Friend's Wedding, Falls To Death From Fourth Floor

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 09:06 IST

A 25-year-old Swedish man who came to Navi Mumbai for a friends wedding died after falling from the fourth floor of a building. Police suspect he was under the influence.

Representative Image: Canva

A 25-year-old Swedish national, who had travelled to Navi Mumbai to attend a friends wedding, died after falling from the fourth floor of a building in Sanpada, a police official said on Monday.

The incident has prompted an accidental death case, with investigations currently underway.

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According to the police, the deceased, identified as Allde Edward Jan, was a resident of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden.

He had arrived in the city to join a friends wedding celebrations, which were held on Saturday at Raghuleela Mall in Vashi. After the ceremony concluded, Allde stepped out with a group of friends, the official said.

Following this outing, he reportedly went missing, and his friends were unable to trace him.

On Sunday evening, one of his friends, Pranay Shah, received information that Allde had sustained critical injuries and had been admitted to Sion Hospital in Mumbai.

Alarmed by the news, Shah reached out to the Sanpada police station to report the matter and provide details to the authorities, the official added.

Investigators later learned that Allde had fallen from the fourth floor of a building, suffering severe injuries that ultimately proved fatal.

The official noted that security camera footage from the premises revealed crucial moments leading up to the fall.

CCTV footage showed he had jumped over the gate of the building earlier and had fallen in the process as well," the official said, indicating that this initial fall might have contributed to the chain of events that followed.

Based on their preliminary assessment, police suspect that Allde may have been intoxicated at the time of the incident.

We suspect he was under the influence of alcohol. The post-mortem is yet to be conducted," the official stated, adding that the medical examination would help establish the cause of death more conclusively.

In the meantime, Navi Mumbai police have initiated the necessary procedures to inform the Swedish nationals family.

Authorities are coordinating with the Swedish Embassy through official diplomatic channels to ensure that his relatives receive the information promptly and formally, the police official said.

An accidental death report has been filed, and officers continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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An accidental death case has been registered, and further probe is underway," the official from Sanpada police station confirmed.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru Woman Kills Her 14-Year-Old Son, Later Dies By Suicide With Her Mother

First Published: December 09, 2025, 09:05 IST

News india 25-Year-Old Swedish Man, In Navi Mumbai For Friend's Wedding, Falls To Death From Fourth Floor

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Trade Licence Expired In 2024, More Properties Sealed: Committee Fingings In Goa Nightclub Fire

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 07:19 IST

A magisterial inquiry was initiated to probe the incident. The committee formed visited the site and called for all the relevant documents.

Charred remains at the nightclub where a fire broke out in Goa. (PTI)

Amid the ongoing probe into the tragedy that struck Arpora, North Goa, late Saturday night when a cylinder blast caused a massive fire in a nightclub killing 25 people, the state government formed an inquiry committee to investigate the cause of the fire and identify those responsible for any lapses.

A magisterial inquiry was initiated to probe the incident. The committee formed visited the site and called for all the relevant documents.

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It was noticed that the Sarpanch had signed NOCs for electricity connection, water connection, house repairs and gave a trade licence, amongst the other permissions.

The premise continued to run after the expiry of the trade licence since March 2024. Under Section 72-A of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, the local body is empowered to seal such premises. However, they failed to do so.

Meanwhile, identification of all the deceased has been conducted. So far, the mortal remains of 20 have been shifted to their native place.

Further, the committee also found that two other commercial establishments by the name Romeo Lane have been sealed by the Revenue authorities. All the documents are being scrutinised.

The committee for the audit of safety standards of such clubs and establishments has been constituted and has commenced the work of preparation of SOP.

After the registration of the FIR, the police moved swiftly and dispatched a team to Delhi to conduct a raid on the addresses of the accused owners of the nightclub, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra. Since they were not available, a notice under the appropriate sections of law was pasted on their house.

The Goa Police have launched an international search for Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra after they confirmed that the brothers flew to Phuket just hours after a massive fire tore through the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, killing 25 people and injuring six.

The Bureau of Immigration at Mumbai was contacted, and it revealed that both the accused had taken the 6E 1073 flight to Phuket at 5.30 am on December 7, immediately after the incident, which had taken place around midnight. It shows their intent to avoid police investigation.

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Goa Police has taken further steps to coordinate with the Interpol Division of CBI to apprehend both Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra at the earliest.

Location : Goa, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 07:19 IST

News india Trade Licence Expired In 2024, More Properties Sealed: Committee Fingings In Goa Nightclub Fire

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US Embassy In India Issues Advisory On Appointment Date For Visa Applicants

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 22:09 IST

US Embassy India warns visa applicants to attend only on rescheduled dates or face denial. Visa interview slots are known to be in heavy demand, applicants often face long waits.

The US Embassy in India has issued warning to visa applicants: anyone arriving at the embassy or consulate on a previously scheduled interview date  after having been notified of a reschedule  will be denied admittance. | Image: Representative

The US Embassy in India on Tuesday warned visa applicants that anyone arriving at the embassy or consulate on a previously scheduled interview date  after having been notified of a reschedule  will be denied admittance.

In a post on X, the Embassy said: If you have received an email advising that your visa appointment has been rescheduled, Mission India looks forward to assisting you on your new appointment date. Arriving on your previously scheduled appointment date will result in your being denied admittance to the Embassy or Consulate."

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ATTENTION VISA APPLICANTS  If you have received an email advising that your visa appointment has been rescheduled, Mission India looks forward to assisting you on your new appointment date. Arriving on your previously scheduled appointment date will result in your being denied U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 9, 2025

Visa interview slots are known to be in heavy demand, and applicants often face long waits.

According to Mint, the window for securing the next available F, M and J visa appointments in New Delhi has shortened dramatically  falling from roughly two months to just about half a month.

Significant fluctuations were reported in Chennai. Previously, average waiting period for a B-1/B-2 visa interview was close to five months, the latest update lists the category as N/A".

Mumbai continues to experience some of the longest delays as both the average and next available appointments for B-1/B-2 visas stand at 9.5 months, while student and exchange categories are being scheduled in about three months, Mint reported.

The US has tightened visa rules, which has also triggered a steep drop in international student enrolment for the 2025 fall semester.

Overall foreign spending in the US, which includes not just student expenses but also travel, medical, and other outlays by foreigners, sank 7.6%, a decline of about $16.6 billion from the previous year.

Tightening its measures for the vetting process for H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents, the US government has introduced mandatory social media screening for all applicants starting December 15.

As per the new order, the applicants have to change their social media profiles to a public" setting to aid in the screening process.

The US state department said, To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for H-1B and their dependents (H-4), F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to public."

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The US State Department also emphasised that the US visa is a privilege and not a right". Every visa adjudication is a national security decision," it added, stating that officers rely on all available information to determine admissibility and potential risks.

The department reiterated that the US must be vigilant" to ensure applicants do not intend to harm Americans. The decision has raised concerns among Indian professionals, who form one of the largest groups of H-1B visa holders.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 22:09 IST

News india US Embassy In India Issues Advisory On Appointment Date For Visa Applicants

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'Will Clear Delusions': Rijiju Slams Opposition's 'Wrong Narratives' Over Election Processes

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 13:46 IST

Kiren Rijiju accused Opposition parties of spreading false narratives on electoral processes and said Parliament debates on election reforms and Vande Mataram will clarify facts.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju speaks in the Lok Sabha (Photo: PTI)

Union Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday accused Opposition parties of pushing wrong" and false" narratives on electoral processes, saying that the government would use the upcoming parliamentary debates to clarify delusions" being created around election reforms and the Vande Mataram discussion.

Speaking to reporters after the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting in Delhi, Rijiju said the Lok Sabha is set to begin a detailed debate on election reforms, while the Rajya Sabha will hold a special two-day discussion to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, to be initiated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

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Today, Lok Sabha will discuss election reform. Opposition will speak. The government will also clear the delusion that has been created. The government will clarify the wrong narrative being set regarding peoples trust and their participation in election processes," Rijiju said.

He added that the debate would allow the government to present our position clearly" and prevent people from being misled by false narratives."

The Minister strongly refuted allegations by some Opposition members that the Vande Mataram discussion was scheduled with an eye on the upcoming Bengal elections.

Calling the charge wrong," he said, Some Opposition people say that the Vande Mataram discussion was held due to the Bengal election. This is wrong. Vande Mataram completed 150 years on November 7. How can we decide on that date? We dont set the dates for such events, we celebrate them. Do you celebrate a birthday in advance?"

Rijiju said Vande Mataram had already been discussed in the Lok Sabha and would now be taken up in the Rajya Sabha.

Home Minister Amit Shah will lead the two-day discussion," he added.

PM MODIs MESSAGE TO NDA MPs

Detailing the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting earlier in the day, Rijiju said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was felicitated by the alliance leadership for the splendid victory" in the Bihar elections.

He said the Prime Minister issued excellent guidelines" to all NDA MPs on governance priorities, constituency work and the importance of reforms.

PM Modi guided all the NDA MPs to work for their respective constituencies. PM emphasised undertaking reforms across all sectors to ease the publics lives and ensure they face no problems," Rijiju said.

The PM said that laws should help people. Reforms dont just mean economic reforms or financial reforms. He meant reforms to make the lives of ordinary people in the country easier and more comfortable, reforms in every sector," he added.

The Union Minister also said that the Prime Minister urged MPs to connect with the youth" and work with greater speed and unity to take the country forward more rapidly."

Calling the meeting very good," he said, I express my gratitude to the Prime Minister for this guidance."

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He said discussions on election reforms in Parliament would include issues raised by Opposition members, giving the government an opportunity to respond in detail.

ALSO READ | Centre Weighs Curtailing IndiGos Winter Routes, To Assess Ground Situation Today

First Published: December 09, 2025, 11:49 IST

News india 'Will Clear Delusions': Rijiju Slams Opposition's 'Wrong Narratives' Over Election Processes

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Slugging, Skin Flooding, And Lip Masking: Experts Decode What Actually Works In Winter

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 16:54 IST

Slugging, skin flooding and lip masking are everywhere this winter, but dermatologists say your skin barrier responds to science, not social media hype.

Dermatologists emphasize science over social media trends for winter skincare.

Every winter, the internet turns into a skincare laboratory  layering, sealing, hydrating, and masking in the pursuit of that elusive cold-weather glow. Social medias favourite rituals have returned, too: slugging, skin flooding, and lip masking. While the idea of moisture-rich skin has universal appeal, dermatologists insist the skin barrier is not influenced by virality but by biology. And when the weather changes, so should your routine.

In the era of trending techniques and overnight transformations, we asked three experts to break down whats truly derm-safe this season.

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Slugging: A Barrier Hero Or A Breakout Trigger?

Slugging reduces transepidermal water loss by creating an occlusive barrier," explains Dr Gagan Raina, Cosmetologist and Aesthetic Medicine Specialist, Arisia Skin Clinic, Mumbai, adding that it can be extremely beneficial for xerosis, atopic skin, or patients with a compromised barrier.

But this thick occlusive step is not for everyone. Dr Akanksha Sanghvi, Dermatologist, Founder, Oprava Aesthetics, Mumbai warns, In oily, acne-prone or fungal-acne susceptible individuals, slugging can trap bacteria and debris, encouraging breakouts or folliculitis." She notes that heavy occlusives can create a low-oxygen environment that promotes Cutibacterium acnes proliferation, worsening comedones and closed whiteheads.

Indian skin adds another layer of complexity. Our skin naturally produces more sebum, and much of India stays humid even in winter," says Dr Geeta Mehra Fazalbhoy, Founder, Skin & You Clinic, Mumbai, cautioning that slugging can easily backfire and clog pores.

For extremely dry or retinoid-treated skin, slugging can still be a rescue ritual  used sparingly, preferably at night, and paired with ceramide-rich moisturisers or gentle barrier creams. All experts emphasise that daily slugging is rarely necessary in Indian winters.

Skin Flooding: Gentle Hydration Or Reverse Dehydration?

Unlike slugging, flooding relies on humectants. Layering hydrating serums and essences on damp skin is rooted in dermatologic science," says Dr Sanghvi, pointing to glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol as ingredients that improve elasticity and reduce dehydration lines.

But this ritual requires proper sealing. Dr Raina stresses, Hydration helps the barrier, but excessive layering -especially fragranced or multi-active formulas  can irritate compromised skin."

Done incorrectly, skin flooding can create the opposite effect. If hydration isnt sealed with a moisturiser, water evaporates, leaving the barrier weaker than before," warns Dr Sanghvi.

For most Indian skin types, experts agree that one humectant paired with a single, non-comedogenic moisturiser is sufficient  no need for seven-step stacks or aggressive layering. For rosacea, irritant dermatitis or oily skin, minimalism works better than maximalist trends.

Lip Masking: The One Trend Dermatologists Approve

Among all three rituals, lip masking earns the most unanimous approval. Lips lack oil glands and require occlusives nightly in winter," says Dr Sanghvi. Petrolatum, lanolin, natural butters, beeswax, and ceramides all get the green light.

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Dr Raina adds that tingling is not a sign of efficacy: Ingredients like menthol or camphor may give temporary relief but often worsen cheilitis." The rule is simple  nourish, dont stimulate. And skip fragranced or plumping ingredients if your lips are sensitive, inflamed, or prone to dermatitis.

Winter skincare trends arent inherently bad. Theyre simply not universal. Some skin types thrive with occlusion, while others rebel with congestion and inflammation. What works in cold European winters may not translate to Indias varied climate or naturally sebum-rich skin. The key is strategic personalisation: analysing your skin type, climate, and barrier health rather than following trends blindly. Viral doesnt always mean safe  and the best winter skincare is the one built around science, not scrolls.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 16:54 IST

News lifestyle beauty Slugging, Skin Flooding, And Lip Masking: Experts Decode What Actually Works In Winter
International Anti-Corruption Day 2025: Theme, History And How To Fight Corruption

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 07:20 IST

International Anti-Corruption Day serves as a reminder of the damage corruption causes and the importance of fostering transparent, just and responsible systems.

International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 theme is Uniting with Youth Against Corruption.

International Anti-Corruption Day 2025: Every year on December 9, the global community observes International Anti-Corruption Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the harmful impact of corruption and the urgent need to build transparent, fair and accountable societies. Corruption continues to influence nearly every aspect of modern life, from public services and government systems to education, healthcare and economic progress.

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The purpose of this observance is to remind people across the world that choosing integrity over unethical practices is essential for a society to thrive. By highlighting the consequences of corruption and promoting a culture of honesty, International Anti-Corruption Day encourages individuals and institutions alike to commit to a more just and ethical future.

International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 Theme

The theme for International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 is Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrows Integrity." This theme emphases the importance of empowering young voices, allowing them to lead conversations on accountability and ensuring that they play an active role in shaping decision-making processes.

By uniting governments, corporations, institutions, civil society and young citizens, the world can move toward a future where integrity becomes the foundation of progress and corruption no longer obstructs opportunities or weakens trust.

International Anti-Corruption Day: History

The origins of International Anti-Corruption Day trace back to October 31, 2003, when the United Nations General Assembly approved the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). This groundbreaking convention became the first globally recognized legal instrument dedicated to combating corruption.

Recognising the need to spread awareness, the UN declared December 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day to highlight the importance of fighting corruption and to promote the implementation of the Convention.

The Convention officially came into force in December 2005, marking the beginning of a more coordinated and internationally aligned approach to preventing corruption and strengthening ethical standards across nations.

International Anti-Corruption Day 2025: Significance

International Anti-Corruption Day holds immense significance because it encourages people, institutions and governments to reflect on their role in maintaining a corruption-free environment. It serves as a reminder that refusing to participate in corruption, whether through bribery, favoritism or misuse of authority, is a powerful step toward positive transformation.

Observing this day reinforces the message that ethical behaviour is not only a personal choice but also a collective responsibility that strengthens fairness, transparency and justice on a broader scale.

Global Efforts To Fight Corruption

Countries across the world have been working together to address corruption, recognising it as a major barrier to development and democracy. The adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption marked a turning point, providing nations with a shared framework for preventing, detecting and prosecuting corrupt practices.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which oversees the implementation of the Convention, plays a major role in guiding governments and supporting anti-corruption reforms. Alongside UNODC, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continues to promote transparency, strengthen public institutions and encourage citizen participation.

Governments, the private sector, civil society organisations, the media and countless individuals worldwide collaborate to expose wrongdoing, protect whistleblowers and build systems where integrity can thrive.

How Individuals Can Contribute to a Corruption-Free Society

Even though large organisations and governments play leading roles in fighting corruption, individual actions remain equally important. Every person has the ability to support a more transparent society by staying informed, speaking out against unethical practices and choosing honesty in everyday situations.

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When citizens demand accountability, question irregularities and refuse to engage in corrupt behaviour, they create an environment where unethical acts are less likely to succeed. Educating oneself about corruption laws, supporting honest leaders, reporting wrongdoing through available channels and promoting awareness within communities can collectively help weaken the influence of corruption.

Each action, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter and more trustworthy future.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 07:20 IST

News lifestyle events International Anti-Corruption Day 2025: Theme, History And How To Fight Corruption
Ivory, Gold, And Pure Magic: Rekhas Mesmerising Saree Moment At Jeddah

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 09:06 IST

Rekha attended the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah for the 4K restored screening of Umrao Jaan. True to her style, she turned heads in an ivory and gold saree.

Rekha graced the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah.

There are celebrity appearances, and then there are moments, which are rare, crystalline, and unforgettable, when a legend steps into a room, and the atmosphere reorders itself around her. Rekhas arrival at the 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah was exactly that kind of moment. Making a cherished public appearance for the 4K restored screening of Umrao Jaan, she didnt just attend a festival; she redefined what grace looks like in the modern cinematic world.

A Vision In Ivory And Gold

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Rekhas sartorial choices have acquired a mythology of their own over the decades, but her Jeddah look elevated that legacy even further. Dressed in an ivory-and-gold saree that shimmered softly under the warm auditorium lights, she embodied a regal quietude, which was equal parts nostalgia and contemporary relevance.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Red Sea Film Foundation (@redseafilm)

The drape, rich in handwoven texture, carried her signature blend of old-world refinement and dramatic simplicity. Her sindoor, vivid and unmistakable, became the evenings most talked-about detail, a symbol of continuity in an industry that constantly changes its rules of femininity and image. With her soft waves, glowing skin, and jewellery that seemed chosen not for spectacle but for sentiment, Rekha proved once again that true glamour whispers. It never shouts.

An Evening Of Emotion And Cinematic Memory

When Rekha stepped onto the stage to receive her glass honour, something shifted in the room. Applause swelled not just out of admiration, but out of reverence. She spoke little, yet every word resonated with the stillness and wisdom that have shaped her mystique.

Her reflections added a soulful counterpoint to the glittering evening. And when she recited lines from Umrao Jaan, her voice transported the audience back to a world of courtyards, ghazals, and unspoken longing. The theatre felt transformed into a poetic durbar, its walls echoing with a performance that belonged to both the past and the present.

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Rekhas appearance was more than fashion; it was a reminder of what it means to carry history with poise. In an era dominated by maximalist trends and fast-changing aesthetics, her look stood out for its restraint and its storytelling. She wore tradition not as costume but as second skin  an art only she can embody with such ease.

As she exited the venue, leaving behind murmurs, admiration, and glittering memories, one truth remained: Rekha is not merely a star from another era; she is timeless. In Jeddah, she didnt just celebrate a film; she created a moment of cultural and cinematic poetry, proving once again why she remains Indian cinemas enduring symbol of elegance, style, and soul.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 09:06 IST

News lifestyle fashion Ivory, Gold, And Pure Magic: Rekhas Mesmerising Saree Moment At Jeddah
The New-Age Indian Spirits Making 2025s Parties Bigger, Bolder, And Better

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 14:18 IST

In the blink of an eye, weve reached December and theres nothing better to bring in the year-end celebrations than a look back at some of the most iconic spirits of 2025.

Indian spirits in 2025 feature bold whiskies, vodkas, and rums.

As the final pages of the calendar turn, the spirit of celebration takes centre stage  quite literally. The past year has seen a surge of boldly crafted Indian spirits and global icons tailored for local palates, redefining what it means to raise a toast. From design-forward whiskies and disruptive vodkas to award-winning rums and exclusive Irish expressions, 2025s celebrations are set to be fuelled by bottles that bring equal parts character, craftsmanship, and conversation-starting flair.

Here are the standout spirits winning favour with Indian drinkers this season  perfect whether youre hosting, gifting, or elevating your bar cart for the year ahead.

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YELLO Designer Whisky

YELLO Designer Whisky brings the drama to December with its bold aesthetic and youthful energy. Designed to reflect the pulse of modern India, the bottles signature whisky window and sleek lines immediately set it apart. Inside, its blend of premium Scotch malts and Indian malts delivers depth and warmth. The Scotch malts, matured in ex-bourbon barrels, offer vanilla, caramel and gentle oak, while the Indian malts add richness and a lingering finish. Launched in Maharashtra at an MRP of Rs 2,700 for 750 ml, it will soon expand to Goa, West Bengal, and North India.

Camikara Rum

Camikara, from the house of Piccadily Distilleries, is Indias first pure cane juice rum. It continues to set benchmarks globally. Awarded Rum Brand of the Year at The Spirits Business Awards 2025, it stands as the only Indian brand to claim the honour. Aged for three years and bottled at 42.8% ABV, it celebrates Indias sugarcane-growing heritage. True to its Sanskrit-inspired name meaning liquid gold, Camikara offers purity and depth  excellent neat or as the base for refined cocktails. Prices range from Rs 1,500 in Haryana to Rs 3,500 in Maharashtra.

RANGEELA Contemporary Indian Vodka

Born from Ranveer Singhs unmistakable personality, RANGEELA is crafted for those who like their spirits as expressive as they are. Triple distilled and platinum chill-filtered, the vodka is smooth, clean, and versatile  designed to blend effortlessly with any cocktail style or mood. Its flavour profile is tailored for Indian palates with a silky mouthfeel and refined finish. RANGEELA debuted in Maharashtra at Rs 2,400 for 750 ml and is set to roll out across Goa, West Bengal, and North India. Positioned as a premium, homegrown vodka for the modern drinker, it promises to disrupt the category in 2025.

TERAI India Craft Vodka

TERAI India Craft Vodka is a contemporary expression of Indias evolving craft spirits landscape, born from the heritage of the Swarup family, distillers since 1958 in the lush Terai region at the foothills of the Himalayas. Crafted from indigenous rice and shaped by bespoke distilling techniques, it embodies a legacy of mastery and innovation. Distilled seven times, refined in copper pot stills, and polished through amethyst crystal filtration, TERAI Vodka is a study in clarity and elegance. It is priced at Rs 2,245-3000 for a 750 ml bottle. On the palate, it offers a luxuriously smooth texture with mineral-rich depth, balanced by subtle floral notes that whisper of its origins.

ARTHAUS Collective Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

ARTHAUS is an ode to the Bauhaus movement  minimalist, geometric, and art-forward. Crafted from a curated selection of single malt Scotch whiskies, it embodies creativity and craft in equal measure. Its layered profile has already earned global recognition: Silver at the 27th Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2025 and Grand Gold at the Spiritz Achievers Awards. Best enjoyed neat or in refined cocktails, ARTHAUS is fast becoming a favourite among whisky enthusiasts seeking sophistication with a design sensibility.

DOAAB Expression 02  The Old Man & The Blossom

It is a rare, limited-edition Indian single malt with only 500 casks produced, inspired by a Japanese fable that honours time and wisdom. Matured in Mizunara oak casks sourced from Hokkaido, Japan, it delivers an aromatic, subtly umami depth with layers of mellow richness and delicate floral notes. Crafted using traditional Indian six-row barley grown through indigenous, sustainable methods, the whisky balances robust grain character with the nuanced complexity of Mizunara. Price in India/Gurugram: Rs 3200 to Rs 3800.

DEWARS 12 Year Old

DEWARS 12 stands as a benchmark in the world of blended whiskies. Made using the brands signature Double-Ageing technique, it develops a rich, rounded character amplified by first-fill bourbon cask maturation. Expect a luscious body with notes of honey, citrus, vanilla, and soft fruit. Its exceptionally smooth finish makes it equally enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or in an elevated highball. This festive season, it remains a classic choice for those who value craftsmanship and timeless flavour.

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Teeling Whiskey Small Batch Classic

Teelings arrival in India brings with it an expression made exclusively for the countrys discerning whiskey drinkers. Crafted in small batches from grain and malt whiskeys, it is aged in first-fill bourbon casks and offers a balanced palate  creamy vanilla layered with gentle spice and fruit. Smooth and approachable, Teeling is poised to become a major player in 2025.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 11:07 IST

News lifestyle food The New-Age Indian Spirits Making 2025s Parties Bigger, Bolder, And Better
How Breathing Exercises Improve Happiness In Polluted Cities

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 11:44 IST

Discover how rising pollution impacts Indias emotional well-being and how simple, science-backed breathing exercises can improve happiness, resilience and inner calm.

Anulom Vilom, or alternate-nostril breathing, is especially effective during high-pollution periods. Practised for 1015 minutes daily, it helps clear the airways, increase lung capacity, strengthen respiratory muscles, and calm the nervous system.

Visualise yourself walking through the bitter, noxious vapours of a Delhi winter morning, where the air quality index sits firmly in the severe" range and every breath feels like a struggle. It is a familiar sight across many Indian cities, where fine particulate pollutants are pulled deep into the lungs and quietly stir up distress. Yet, within this bleak landscape, a quiet resistance is growing, a movement powered by something as simple as the act of breathing.

Regular breathing exercises are not just a yogic relic; they are a practical bridge from this smog-choked reality to a deeper, more resilient sense of happiness.

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The Happiness Paradox We Live In

In a country where family feasts and festival lights help 88% of us describe ourselves as content, the highest rate in a 30-country Ipsos survey, why does that joy so often feel surface-level?

According to the 2025 Ipsos World Happiness Survey, India has improved its overall happiness score from 78% in 2017 to 90% after recovering from a low of 66%, largely due to strong family ties (from large Sunday meals in Mumbai to late-night celebrations at rural weddings in Rajasthan).

These are our emotional anchors. Yet they can also mask deep-rooted challenges: unspoken difficulties within relationships, lower levels of genuine intimacy, and spiritual practices that do not always translate into daily contentment. Adding to this is the chaos of social media and the uncertainty of the political climate, creating a steady background hum of stress.

The World Happiness Report 2025 ranks India 118th out of 147 nations (score: 4.389/10). We excel in generosity and social support, but environmental quality, perceived freedom and equity pull our overall happiness down.

How Pollution Steals More Than Just Clean Air

Air pollution is not only a lung problem. It is a happiness thief. Hazardous AQI levels are linked to respiratory issues, oxidative stress, anxiety and chronic fatigue. The WHO attributes around 4.2 million premature deaths each year to ambient air pollution, mostly from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. In Indias polluted cities, even routine activities can reduce lung function, reflected in lower FVC and FEV1 readings.

This daily environmental assault slowly erodes the energy we rely on for family joy, mental clarity and inner peace.

Breath as Both Shield and Healer

This is where science-backed breathing exercises become powerful. Gentle, controlled breathwork can strengthen airway defences, reduce inflammation and improve oxygen efficiency, even when external conditions are less than ideal.

Research shows that mindful, breath-focused exercise can improve peak expiratory flow (PEF) during periods of pollutant exposure. The European Lung Foundation notes that, for most people, the many benefits of breath-centred exercise far outweigh any potential drawbacks.

More importantly, techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or cyclic sighing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones and lifting mood, in some studies even faster than meditation alone (Cell Reports Medicine, 2023).

Four-week mindfulness breathing programmes have been shown to lower depression and anxiety while increasing overall well-being scores. Longer 14-week protocols can enhance subjective happiness, sleep quality and emotional balance, directly addressing Indias missing" deeper joy.

One Breath at a Time

From smog to serenity is not a distant fantasy. It begins with a simple daily pause: inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale slowly for six.

The vision behind the initiative India Breathe Again" by Akshar Yoga Kendraa, under the guidance of Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, is to turn this idea into a lived reality through collective practice. Akshar Yoga Kendraa launched a 7-Day National Conscious Breathing Challenge in November 2025, inviting students, professionals, families and creators to learn seven powerful breathwork techniques taught by Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar and to practise each technique for seven minutes a day, focusing on conscious breathing to support lung capacity and overall well-being.

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Through this initiative, we are merging the ancient yogic teachings of breath with the all-inclusive nature of todays society; thus, helping to transform ones inner tranquillity into a collective effort. In addition, we are demonstrating how even in a world filled with polluted air, everyone has access to use their breath as a healing tool," noted Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Yoga Master, Spiritual Guru, Author, Columnist, and Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa.

When thousands quietly adopt short, intentional breath practices together, even virtually, personal calm becomes collective renewal. India already shines with 88% surface happiness. Imagine what happens when we turn that warmth inward, breath by conscious breath. The clearest air we will ever breathe is the one we create inside.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 11:44 IST

News lifestyle health-and-fitness How Breathing Exercises Improve Happiness In Polluted Cities
Inside Akshaye Khannas Rs 167-Crore Empire: The Man Who Stole Dhurandhar

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 09:31 IST

Akshaye Khanna has become the talk of the town with his performance in Dhurandhar. Here's a closer look at the star's net worth and luxurious life.

Akshaye Khanna's net worth is estimated at Rs 167 crore.

Some actors court attention, and then there is Akshaye Khanna  the man who has mastered the art of living expansively while appearing almost invisible. In an industry defined by noise, he remains the anomaly: a star who has never needed social media blitzes, airport photos, or red-carpet rotations to affirm his relevance. His mystique lies not in what he reveals, but in what he chooses not to. And woven into that mystique is a life of quiet luxury  sprawling homes, generational legacy, sharp financial choices, and performances that age like well-built architecture: solid, deliberate, and enduring.

A Life Built On Stillness, Precision, And Selective Brilliance

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Akshaye Khannas on-screen persona has always mirrored his real-life temperament  controlled, deliberate, razor-sharp. Whether its the urban ache of Dil Chahta Hai, the moral complexity of Section 375, or the brooding menace of Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar, he acts not with volume but with velocity. Every pause, every glance, every half-smile lands with a weight far greater than theatrics.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh)

This restraint extended into his career arc as well. Sabbaticals werent setbacks; they were a strategy. Breaks werent disappearance; they were recalibration. And when he returned, he did so with the precision of someone who values timing as much as talent.

The Homes: Quiet Luxury in Three Tones

Juhu: The 35-Crore Sea-Facing Sanctuary

His primary residence in Juhu is the architectural equivalent of a deep exhale  muted greys, stone textures, floor-to-ceiling sea views and a sense of curated solitude. A private theatre, minimalist art, and breezy balconies overlooking the Arabian Sea give the home its signature personality: quiet grandeur.

Malabar Hill: A 60-Crore Address Of Heritage And Prestige

Few Mumbai neighbourhoods speak the language of legacy quite like Malabar Hill. His home here, valued near Rs 60 crore, sits among industrialist estates and historic architecture. Its old-money sophistication, a world of marine views and discreet elegance.

Alibaug: The Escape Valve

Weekends often lead him to his Alibaug farmhouse, where palms, open skies and distance from the city create a haven of intentional stillness. Add a Tardeo apartment to the list, and you see a man who prizes privacy as much as property.

The Finances: A 167-Crore Portfolio Built On Discretion

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His estimated net worth of Rs 167 crore is anchored in strategic real estate investments, selective film work and royalties. Unlike many contemporaries who diversify into dozens of ventures, Akshayes wealth grows quietly  through stability, not spectacle.

Akshaye Khannas luxury isnt loud. Its lived. Its layered. And its deeply aligned with who he is  an actor who proves that relevance doesnt require visibility, and greatness doesnt rush. This is not a comeback story; it is the evolution of a man who walked away, returned on his own terms, and built an empire of silence, craft, and impeccable timing.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 09:31 IST

News lifestyle Inside Akshaye Khannas Rs 167-Crore Empire: The Man Who Stole Dhurandhar
UN Appeals for $33bn to Meet Global Humanitarian Crisis

The United Nations has launched its 2026 humanitarian appeal by requesting just $23 billion, barely half of what it said was needed, after a sharp decline in donor funding forced it to scale back support despite global needs reaching record levels.

The UN had originally sought $47 billion for 2025 but received only $12 billion, the lowest in a decade, prompting aid agencies to prioritise only the most desperate cases. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher warned that humanitarian responders were "overstretched, underfunded, and under attack", facing growing insecurity in conflict zones alongside shrinking resources.

For 2026, the UN identified 87 million people whose lives are at immediate risk, although about 240 million globally need urgent assistance. Its largest single appeal is $4bn for the occupied Palestinian territory, followed by major appeals for Sudan and Syria. Fletcher said the appeal focuses on crises driven by war, climate disasters, epidemics, and food failures, and cautioned that if funding falls short again, the UN may need to seek wider public and private support.
Why Indian Women Wore Kamarbandh During Pregnancy, And How Priyanka Chopra Is Bringing Back The Tradition

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 19:00 IST

The kamarbandh has travelled through centuries, from royal courts to Bollywood divas. Priyanka Chopras recent look brings this forgotten symbol of fertility back in focus.

From Fertility Symbol To Fashion Trend: Priyanka Chopra Reintroduces This Ancient Jewel (Image-instagram/@Priyankachopra)

Some accessories fade with time; others simply reinvent themselves, and Kamarbandh belongs to the latter. Long before Bollywood celebrities made red carpets sparkle, the kamarbandh adorned queens, brides and goddesses as a symbol of power, grace and fertility. Today, the legacy is slipping quietly back into mainstream fashion, and this time, its Bollywood divas who are leading the renaissance.

When Priyanka Chopra appeared at the Hyderabad Globe Trotters Event, Miss World made an appearance in an ivory, pearl-laden drape, with most eyes locked onto her lehenga-saree and heirloom choker. But hidden in plain sight was a delicate detailing  kamarbandh, hugging her waist. The gold and pearl kamarbandh served as a reminder that even in the age of global glamour, Indias oldest accessories still manage to find their way back and how!

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Kamarbandh  An Accessory That Never Really Left

Kamarbandh is a crafted metal ornament tied around the waist. It derives from kamar, meaning waist and bandh, which is to tie. Historically, the term was used interchangeably with Patka (cloth girdle) and Mekhla (jewelled waistband).

While patkas were typically fabric, kamarbandhs evolved into elaborate metal jewellery featuring: Gold filigree, kundan work, polki diamonds, pearls, temple motifs and beads and bells.

For centuries, the kamarbandh was more than an adornment. It marked life transitions, celebrated fertility and symbolised feminine energy. In ancient India, it rested intentionally on the yoni-garbha sthan- the sacred energy point associated with creation, abundance and prosperity.

Whether it was queens in temple carvings, dancers in ancient courts or brides preparing for marriage, the waistband was seen as a blessing, a protective belt and a celebration of womanhood itself. During the British rule, what was once sacred was labelled as indecent.

Indian women were encouraged or sometimes shamed into abandoning the ornament.

In an ironic twist, the same British officials who dismissed this jewel adopted a version of the waistband into their own formal attire, renaming it cummerbund." Over time, the kamarbandh faded from everyday Indian life, surviving mostly in ritual spaces, classical dance and bridal fashion. But with one red-carpet appearance, Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have unknowingly nudged it back into the cultural spotlight.

The Ancient Symbol Of Fertility

Long before the kamarbandh became a fashion accessory, the kamarbandh served a spiritual, symbolic and practical purpose. In ancient Indian philosophy, the waist represented stability, strength and the centre of physical energy. The ornament rested directly over the yoni-garbha sthan. The energetic point associated with reproduction and the creative force of life.

In sculptures across India, from the yakshis of Bharhut to the apsaras of Sanchi and the celestial figures carved into temple walls, women are depicted wearing beautifully crafted waistbands, often layered with jewels, bells, and intricate metalwork.

They were not just embellishments; they signified sensuality, fertility, wealth, and divine feminine energy. Even goddesses were adorned with them, reinforcing the kamarbandh as a sacred element in the visual language of Indian femininity.

Why Women Wore It During Pregnancy?

In many regions, women wore kamarbandhs during pregnancy for reasons that blended spirituality with everyday wellbeing:

Symbol of Protection The waistband was believed to protect both the mother and the unborn child by strengthening the energetic core of the body.

Support for Posture Traditional kamarbandhs offered gentle support to the lower back and abdominal region, helping maintain posture as the body changed.

Blessing for Fertility and Prosperity Families gifted expectant mothers jewelled waistbands during rituals celebrating pregnancy, symbolising abundance and the arrival of new life.

Celebration of Womanhood The ornament was a physical and symbolic embrace of a womans role as a life-giver. Thus, wearing a kamarbandh during pregnancy was less about fashion and more about honouring creation itself.

Colonialism and The Shaming Of Indian Ornaments

The decline of the kamarbandh began in the 18th century, when the British imposed Victorian sensibilities onto Indian society. Waist jewellery, especially that which highlighted the midriff, was viewed as immodest by colonial rulers. This judgement slowly seeped into urban Indian society, causing women to abandon many traditional ornaments in public life.

The kamarbandh, once a symbol of pride, became associated with vulgarity. In a cultural twist, British officers in India began incorporating kamarbandh into their uniforms. They loved its practicality; it held weapons, flattened the waist, and added elegance to evening dress.

They renamed it cummerbund," the Hindu word Kamarbandh, and it eventually became a staple of mens formalwear across the West. What was deemed indecent" for Indian women became elite" for British men.

The Roots of Kamarbandh

The Kamarbandh is mentioned across centuries-old literature, revealing its long cultural evidence. The ornament was mentioned in Manasollasa (12th century CE) describes waistbands as key elements of both male and female attire. Ratnavali (7th century CE) depicts princes securing their swords into their pattikah or waist belt.

Archaeological Depictions

Bharhut (2nd century BCE) features both men and women wearing cloth or jewelled waistbands.

Sanchi (1st century BCE1st century CE) contains carvings of figures tying patkas around their waists, often in elaborate loops.

Foreign Visitor Accounts

Travellers like Francois Bernier and Rev. Edward Terry described richly woven kamarbands worn in the Mughal court, some embroidered with gold, others holding weapons or ceremonial items.

Colonial Military Use

British-led Indian sepoys in the 18th and 19th centuries wore coloured kamarbands as part of their uniforms, proving how deeply the accessory was embedded in Indian visual identity.

The Return of A Forgotten Ornament

India is witnessing a resurgence of traditional jewellery, from nose rings and maang tikas to temple necklaces and kamarbandhs. Modern brides, fashion stylists and designers are turning toward heritage pieces, blending old charm with contemporary silhouettes.

Why Is Kamarbandh Making A Comeback?

They pair well with sarees, lehengas, gowns, and Indo-fusion outfits.

They elevate the waistline gracefully.

They honour Indian tradition in a world that increasingly values cultural authenticity.

The kamarbandh today is no longer restricted to brides. Influencers, models, classical dancers, and even maternity photoshoots have embraced it.

Beyond its historical and symbolic significance, the Kamarbandh stands as a symbol of craftsmanship. Traditional pieces often incorporate temple designs, miniature sculptures of deities, and detailed depictions of flora and fauna.

Kundan kamarbandhs reflect Mughal-era opulence.

Pearl kamarbandhs evoke coastal South Indian elegance.

Beaded kamarbandhs bring vibrant folk energy.

Metal kamarbandhs present ancient royal aesthetics.

Why Priyanka Chopras Look Matters

Priyanka Chopras appearance at the Hyderabad Globe Trotters event was more than a fashion moment. Her choice to wear a traditional kamarbandh styled by Anamika Khanna reintroduced an almost forgotten ornament to a global audience.

She wore an ivory lehenga saree hybrid, gold detailed structured borders, a sweetheart neckline embellished blouse, a multi-layered kundan and pearl choker, gold bangles, and a maang tika. At the centre of it all, a crafted pearl kamarbandh, subtle yet regal.

Why It Resonated

Visibility Priyankas fans and millions of fashion enthusiasts saw the photographs, even if many missed the waistband itself. But those who noticed felt the cultural nostalgia instantly.

Revival Fashion cycles often revive forgotten ornaments. But when someone like Priyanka Chopra wears it, the revival reaches a global stage.

Symbolism The kamarbandhs association with fertility and divine feminine energy gave the look a deeper layer.

Reclaiming Heritage What colonialism once labelled inappropriate is being reclaimed with pride.

Digital Revival Of Kamarbandh

Online marketplaces and artisanal platforms have made the ornament accessible again. Consumers can choose from:

Bridal kamarbandhs

Minimal waist chains

Temple-belt styles

Contemporary gemstone-studded pieces

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As more Indian designers lean into heritage revival, the kamarbandh is becoming a staple of modern ethnic fashion.

Priyanka Chopras kamarbandh was not just an accessory but a symbol. Her choice has sparked conversations about history, femininity and a forgotten tradition that once honoured pregnancy, creation and prosperity. As the kamarbandh makes its way back into mainstream fashion, women are rediscovering not just its beauty but its meaning.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 19:00 IST

News lifestyle Why Indian Women Wore Kamarbandh During Pregnancy, And How Priyanka Chopra Is Bringing Back The Tradition

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Anupam Khers Tanvi The Great Gets A Thumbs Up From An Autistic Boy: Deeply Moved

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 19:23 IST

Anupam Kher revealed how the boy's kind words for Tanvi the Great touched him.

Anupam Kher directed Tanvi the Great. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Anupam Kher met a young autistic boy named Vinayak Gupta at a theatre, and shared a small glimpse of their candid conversation. He posted a video revealing how his heartwarming encounter with the boy turned into a moment of great enthusiasm. Vinayak thanked him for positively portraying an autistic character in his film, Tanvi The Great.

On Instagram, Anupam Kher shared that Vinayak Gupta spoke highly of the movie Tanvi The Great and thanked the actor for his raw portrayal. Kher was deeply moved by the conversation and his appreciation for the films positive representation of autism. Sharing the clip, the veteran star wrote, Last night I met a young autistic boy #VinayakGupta at a theatre!"

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Anupam Kher Reveals Autistic Kids Review Of Tanvi The Great Deeply Moved Him

The 70-year-old continued, In fact, he came up to me and thanked me for making #TanviTheGreat, where we showed our protagonist #Tanvi in a positive light! I was DEEPLY moved and humbled by his conversation with me!"

The actor concluded his note by mentioning how Vinayaks review of his film holds a special place in the hearts of many. A comment like his is worth a million bucks. Thank you, dearest #Vinayak, for acknowledging and appreciating our intent in making Tanvi, an autistic girl, a superhero! Love and prayers always. #Autism #SuperPower #Gratitude," he stated.

About Tanvi The Great

The 2025 drama film, directed by Anupam Kher, marks his return to direction 23 years after his directorial debut, Om Jai Jagadish. It follows Tanvi Raina, a 21-year-old woman with autism who aims to fulfill her late fathers dream of saluting the flag at the Siachen Glacier.

Starring debutante Shubhangi Dutt in the titular role, the Hindi film garnered critical acclaim worldwide. Recently, the actress bagged the Best Actress Award for her performance in the movie at the International Film Festival of Australia (IFFA 2025). Taking to Instagram, Kher congratulated her with a heartfelt note, writing, BIG BIG CONGRATULATIONS Dearest @shubhangidutt for winning the BEST ACTRESS AWARD for #TanviTheGreat at the prestigious INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF AUSTRALIA!"

He added, You deserve every single award for your amazing performance in the film! You are flawless. Your hard work and dedication shows in every frame. Youve made the whole team #TanviTheGreat so so proud. And this is just the beginning!! May god give you all the happiness! Love and blessings!"

When Anupam Kher Revealed Tanvi The Great Was A Personal Story"

The film, inspired by Khers autistic niece, has received international acclaim and promotes inclusivity. The key message of the film is that different but no less" struck a chord with many. Previously, in an interview with NDTV, Kher shared, This is a personal story. Tanvi is my maternal niece who is autistic."

Reflecting on the days that motivated him to direct such a movie, Kher continued, I was once here in Gurugram to attend my cousins wedding. Tanvi was 13 at the time. People were singing and dancing, and they were having a lot of fun."

The actor-filmmaker added, But Tanvi was standing all alone and looking at a mountain. I asked her, Tanvi, what are you doing? And she said, Im looking at my world. That was a very heavy statement. I didnt understand what her world was, or maybe she wasnt able to make me understand what she was trying to say. Thats how the seed of the story took root."

Produced by Anupam Kher Studios in association with NFDC, Tanvi The Great was released in cinemas worldwide on July 18.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 19:23 IST

News movies bollywood Anupam Khers Tanvi The Great Gets A Thumbs Up From An Autistic Boy: Deeply Moved
Dhurandhar OTT Release: When And Where To Watch Ranveer Singhs Action Thriller

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 15:36 IST

Netflix has reportedly bought Dhurandhars OTT rights for Rs 130 crore, marking Ranveer Singhs biggest digital deal as the spy thriller continues its strong run.

Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh in lead role.

Dhurandhar OTT release: Ranveer Singhs action thriller Dhurandhar may still be lighting up cinemas, but the film has already cracked a massive digital deal. Industry chatter suggests that Netflix has snapped up the OTT rights for a whopping Rs 130 crore, turning it into one of the biggest streaming buys of the year and giving Ranveer a major OTT milestone.

A source told Bollywood Hungama that the figure includes both parts of the film. Netflix has paid Rs. 130 crores for the streaming rights of Dhurandhar. This includes both parts. Hence, one can say that the rights were sold for around Rs. 65 crores each for Dhurandhar Part 1 and Part 2," the insider said.

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Calling it a rare high in todays scaled-down OTT price market, the source added, Nevertheless, this is a huge figure in todays times when the OTT prices have crashed. Also, it is a significant shot-in-the-arm for Ranveer Singh. This is his biggest OTT deal yet, if we count the amount given to both parts of Dhurandhar."

Meanwhile, the films theatrical response has been strong, with reviews praising the scale and Ranveers comeback-like energy. Times Now rated the film 3/5 and noted, The Aditya Dhar actioners ending doesnt quite justify its lengthy runtime. However, the adrenaline-pumping set pieces and relentless high-voltage action, paired with a background score that amplifies the drama and keeps the tension from ever dipping, make the ride worth it. All said, the undisputed highlight of Dhurandhar is Ranveer Singh. Even with a powerhouse ensemble delivering knockout performances, he commands the screen and reminds audiences of his unmatched range after a rather quiet phase in his career."

Set in Pakistan, Dhurandhar follows an Indian spy who infiltrates the Lyari gangs. Directed by Aditya Dhar and based on true incidents, the story unfolds in the early 2000s. The cast includes Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and R Madhavan, alongside Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi.

News18 Showsha gave the film 4 stars. An excerpt from the review read, Dhurandhar is marked with profanity, gore and violence, lots of it, but it only adds more character and even nuance to the narrative. Here, none of it is for cheap thrills. And thats what makes this film unique and stand out from the host of those that uses savagery as a titillation device. Before we deep dive into what this film entails, let us mention that be prepared for a complex, long, meandering story set against an intricate political and espionage landscape  one thats based on an incredibly true story but also dramatised for effect."

First Published: December 09, 2025, 15:36 IST

News movies bollywood Dhurandhar OTT Release: When And Where To Watch Ranveer Singhs Action Thriller
Hema Malini, Esha And Ahana Deol To Host Dharmendras Prayer Meet In Delhi | Report

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 07:56 IST

Hema Malini hosts a prayer meet in New Delhi for Dharmendra, with Esha Deol, Ahana Deol, Bharat Takhtani, and Vaibhav Vohra attending.

Dharmendra and Hema Malini with daughters.

As the Deol family continues to come to terms with the loss of Dharmendra, remembrance gatherings are being held to honour the legendary actors life and legacy. Days after prayers were organised in Mumbai, Hema Malini is now set to host another prayer meet in New Delhi to pay tribute to her late husband.

Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, leaving the film industry and millions of admirers in mourning. Following his funeral, a prayer meet was held on November 27 at Mumbais Taj Lands End, where several members of the film fraternity gathered to offer their respects. On the same day, Hema Malini also conducted a separate prayer ceremony at her Mumbai residence.

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According to a report by NDTV, Hema Malini will be hosting a prayer meet in New Delhi on Thursday, December 11, 2025. The event will take place from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre on Janpath. She will be joined by daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, along with Bharat Takhtani and Vaibhav Vohra. Several Delhi-based politicians are expected to attend the gathering.

Ahead of the Delhi event, Hema Malini also conducted a Gita Paath at her home in memory of Dharmendra. The prayer meets coincide with an emotionally significant period for the family, as December 8, 2025 marked what would have been Dharmendras 90th birthday.

On the occasion, Hema Malini shared a deeply personal note on social media, reflecting on life after his passing. Posting two throwback photographs with Dharmendra on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, Dharam ji. Happy birthday my dear heart. More than two weeks have passed since you left me heartbroken, slowly gathering up the pieces and trying to reconstruct my life, knowing that you will always be with me in spirit. The joyful memories of our life together can never be erased and just reliving those moments bring me great solace and happiness."

She further added, I thank God for our lovely years together, for our two beautiful girls who reaffirm our love for each other and for all the beautiful, happy memories that will remain with me in my heart. On your birthday, my prayers for God to grant you the wealth of peace and happiness that you richly deserve for your humility and goodness of heart and your love for humanity. Happy birthday dear love. Our happy together moments."

Dharam jiHappy birthday my dear heartMore than two weeks have passed since you left me heartbroken, slowly gathering up the pieces and trying to reconstruct my life, knowing that you will always be with me in spirit. The joyful memories of our life together can never be pic.twitter.com/zY3QBJN0YE  Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) December 8, 2025

Meanwhile, Dharmendras sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol marked their fathers 90th birth anniversary with fans at their Mumbai home. The late actor was also remembered during the Bigg Boss 19 finale, where Salman Khan paid an emotional tribute. The Sikandar star was seen breaking down as he spoke about Dharmendra, who affectionately referred to Salman as his son. Salman also noted that Dharmendra shared his birthday with Salmans mother and passed away on Salim Khans birthday.

Dharmendras final on-screen appearance will be seen in Ikkis, which is slated to release in theatres on December 25, 2025. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the film also stars Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat in pivotal roles.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 07:56 IST

News movies bollywood Hema Malini, Esha And Ahana Deol To Host Dharmendras Prayer Meet In Delhi | Report
Priya Kapur Tells Delhi HC It Cant Stop Her From Claiming Sunjay Kapurs US-UK Assets

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 22:16 IST

Priya Kapur argues in Delhi High Court that it lacks jurisdiction over Sunjay Kapurs US and UK properties as the legal battle over his multi-crore estate escalates.

Priya Sachdev has been accused of forging Sunjay Kapur's will.

Priya Sachdev Kapur, widow of industrialist Sunjay Kapur, has taken a firm legal stand in the ongoing battle over her late husbands multimillion-dollar estate. In a fresh development, Priya, along with her minor son, told the Delhi High Court that it does not have the jurisdiction to restrain them from dealing with Sunjay Kapurs immovable properties located in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The dispute was triggered after Sunjays children, Samaira and Kiaan from his earlier marriage with actor Karisma Kapoor, approached the court alleging that Priya had forged his will. They sought an injunction to stop her from alienating or controlling the foreign assets, as the authenticity of the will remains under challenge.

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According to a report by news agency PTI, Priya Kapurs legal counsel argued that matters relating to overseas properties fall strictly within foreign jurisdictions, and therefore the Delhi High Court cannot legally stop them from seeking title or dealing with those assets abroad.

Justice Jyoti Singh, who heard the injunction plea filed by Karisma Kapoors children, directed all parties to submit their written submissions. The matter has now been listed for further consideration on December 22.

The interim injunction application was filed as part of a larger civil suit by Karisma Kapoors children, who claimed that their late fathers estate could be worth around 30,000 crore. They allege that the will being relied upon by Priya is forged, and that they, along with other members of Sunjays family, are being wrongfully excluded.

Appearing for Priyas minor son, senior advocate Akhil Sibal clarified before the court that Priya has no intention of selling the shares held in Aureus Investments Pvt Ltd (AIPL), which were transferred to her following Sunjay Kapurs death. However, he strongly reiterated that when it comes to immovable properties located in the US and the UK, the Indian court has no authority to impose a status quo order.

On the other side, senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Karisma Kapoors children, argued that the court can still pass directions to restrain Priya Kapur from misusing the (alleged) forged will" to claim or secure ownership rights over properties situated abroad.

Meanwhile, the legal conflict continues to intensify. Samaira and Kiaan, represented by their mother Karisma Kapoor as legal guardian, have joined hands with Sunjay Kapurs mother and sister in questioning the validity of the will, setting the stage for a prolonged and high-profile courtroom battle.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 22:16 IST

News movies bollywood Priya Kapur Tells Delhi HC It Cant Stop Her From Claiming Sunjay Kapurs US-UK Assets
Rekha Says She Is Alive Because of Films In Emotional Red Sea Festival Speech

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 16:09 IST

Rekha received the prestigious Red Sea Honouree Award at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah and delivered an emotional speech.

She was honoured for her performance in Umrao Jaan. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Bollywood legend Rekha received the prestigious Red Sea Honouree Award during a special screening of the newly restored version of Muzaffar Alis 1981 masterpiece Umrao Jaan at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah.

In a moment that felt straight out of cinematic history, Rekha arrived channelling the grace and aura of her unforgettable Umrao Jaan character, captivating the audience with her timeless elegance.

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Adding to the nostalgia of the evening, the veteran star even recited shayari, immersing the viewers in the poetic world of the film and reminding them of the enchanting power of Indian cinema.

Rekhas Emotional Speech

While interacting with a fan on stage, Rekha evoked the evocative essence of Umrao Jaan by quoting the famous lines from the classic song Dil Cheez Kya Hai." She said:

Is anjuman mein aapko aana hai baar baar  deewar-o-dar ko gaur se pehchaan lijiye."

The actor went on to speak passionately about the magic and emotional solace that cinema offers. Encouraging the audience to immerse themselves in films, she shared, You come to see this film every single day. Come to see films every single day. Thats the only soothing factor. Theres no potion, no healing material than films. I am a living example. I am alive because of films."

Rekha Reflects on Her Acting Process and Introverted Nature

During the discussion, Rekha provided rare insight into her artistic approach, describing herself as inherently introverted. She explained that her performance style is grounded more in silence and expression than spoken dialogue.

She shared, I am not much of a talker. Even in Umrao Jaan, the dialogues conveyed only half of what my eyes could see and express I think one look is enough."

Rekha Pays Emotional Tribute to Her Mother, Pushpavalli

Rekha also remembered her mother, actor Pushpavalli, recalling the wisdom she carried throughout her life. She quoted her mothers teachings, saying, You dont talk about your achievements and feelings. You dont teach people by telling them what to do. You just live by example live your best life, and they can learn and evolve, especially what not to do."

Rekhas Look in Jeddah Adds to Her Ever-Growing Fashion Legacy

Rekhas fashion choices have become legendary over the decades and her appearance in Jeddah only strengthened that legacy. Draped in a breathtaking ivory-and-gold saree that glimmered under the warm lights of the auditorium, she exuded a majestic calm. Her ensemble perfectly blended nostalgia with contemporary elegance, reaffirming her status as one of Indian cinemas most enduring style icons.

About the Timeless Classic Umrao Jaan

The film Umrao Jaan, based on Mirza Hadi Ruswas seminal 1899 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, follows the life of a gifted Lucknow courtesan and poet whose artistry and emotional depth take her to great heights. Widely regarded as one of the finest performances of Rekhas distinguished career, the film remains a milestone in Indian cinematic history and continues to influence generations of artists and audiences.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 16:09 IST

News movies bollywood Rekha Says She Is Alive Because of Films In Emotional Red Sea Festival Speech
Vicky Kaushal Drops FIRST Pic With Katrina Kaif After Their Son's Birth: Blissful, Grateful, Sleep Deprived

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 20:29 IST

Vicky Kaushal shared a picture with Katrina Kaif on their 4th wedding anniversary, revealing they are 'sleep deprived. This marks their first anniversary after becoming parents.

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New Parents Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif Celebrate 4 Years Of Marriage

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal are celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary today, and fans had been eagerly waiting for their posts on this special occasion. This anniversary is even more special as it marks their first one after welcoming their baby boy in November. This year, Vicky and Katrina skipped a grand anniversary celebration. Instead, the sleep deprived new parents chose the comfort of home, marking the day quietly together with their baby boy. Vicky shared a romantic selfie with his wife, and penned a sweet note wishing her on their 4th wedding anniversary.

New Parents Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif Celebrate 4 Years Of Marriage

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On Tuesday night, Vicky Kaushal took to his Instagram to share a selfie with Katrina Kaif. They looked visibly sleep deprived, but the couple still flashed their smiles in the picture. Vicky gazed down lovingly at his wife, posing with his arm around her. In his short yet sweet caption, he wrote, Celebrating today blissful, grateful and sleep deprived. Happy 4 to us." Check out the post below!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09)

Soon after they shared the post, Neha Dhupia, Zoya Akhtar and others dropped red heart emojis. One fan commented, Parents are parenting!" while another one wrote, Nazar na lage." mommy and daddy glowing," wrote another fan.

Katrina Kaif And Vicky Kaushals Love Story

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal tied the knot in a dreamy wedding in Rajasthan. The couple got married on December 9, 2021, in a private ceremony at Six Senses Fort Barwara in Sawai Madhopur.

In November, Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal took to Instagram to announce the happy news of their baby boys birth. The couple wrote, Our bundle of joy has arrived. With immense love and gratitude, we welcome our baby boy. 7th November 2025." The post garnered more than 4 million likes and love from loved ones. Vickys brother and actor, Sunny Kaushal, couldnt contain his excitement as he shared the happy news on social media, writing, Main chacha ban gaya."

First Published: December 09, 2025, 20:21 IST

News movies bollywood Vicky Kaushal Drops FIRST Pic With Katrina Kaif After Their Son's Birth: Blissful, Grateful, Sleep Deprived
Zaheer Iqbal Wishes Sasur Ji Shatrughan Sinha On 79th Birthday With Unseen Wedding Pic

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 23:32 IST

Zaheer Iqbal shared a sweet birthday wish for his father-in-law Shatrughan Sinha along with an unseen wedding photo featuring Sonakshi Sinha.

Zaheer Iqbal, Sonakshi Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha in a throwback wedding picture.

Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, fondly known as Shotgun, is celebrating his 79th birthday today, and warm wishes have been pouring in from across the film industry, friends, family and fans. Joining the celebrations in a special way was his son-in-law, actor Zaheer Iqbal, who took to social media to share a loving birthday message for his Sasur Ji".

Zaheer shared a throwback picture from his wedding day with Sonakshi Sinha. In the photo, Shatrughan Sinha is seen proudly posing with the newlywed couple. Sonakshi looks radiant in a traditional red saree, while Zaheer and Shatrughan Sinha are seen dressed in elegant sherwanis.

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Keeping the message simple yet heartfelt, Zaheer captioned the picture with the words: Happy Birthday Sasur Ji." The post quickly caught the attention of fans, who flooded the comments section with birthday wishes and heart emojis for the veteran actor.

Shatrughan Sinhas contribution to Hindi cinema remains legendary. Known for his powerful screen presence, unmistakable voice and fearless dialogue delivery, he carved a unique space for himself in Bollywood. His iconic dialogue Khamosh!" continues to be one of the most memorable catchphrases in Indian film history.

Over the span of his illustrious career, he worked in more than 80 films and delivered several memorable performances. From mainstream hits like Khudgarz, Yaaraon Ka Yaar and Vishwanath to cult favourites such as Jaani Dushman, Zamaana Deewana and Dostana, Sinha earned both critical acclaim and mass adoration.

After dominating the silver screen, Shatrughan Sinha successfully transitioned into politics, where he carried the same confidence and charisma. His association and camaraderie with Amitabh Bachchan  both on and off screen  further strengthened his stature as a towering public figure.

Meanwhile, daughter Sonakshi Sinha and son-in-law Zaheer Iqbal continue to remain in the spotlight. The couple has been widely appreciated for their on-screen chemistry in music videos and public appearances. Sonakshi, who recently featured in the Telugu film Jatadhara, is balancing her professional and personal life post-marriage. Zaheer, on the other hand, is known for his performances in films like Notebook and Double XL.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 23:32 IST

News movies bollywood Zaheer Iqbal Wishes Sasur Ji Shatrughan Sinha On 79th Birthday With Unseen Wedding Pic
Akhanda 2 Back On Track After Nandamuri Balakrishna Adjusts Rs 20 Crore From Salary | Report

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 11:30 IST

Nandamuri Balakrishna adjusted Rs 20 crore from his fee to resolve Akhanda 2 release issues. The film, delayed by a Madras High Court order, may now release on December 25.

A poster of the film.

The much-anticipated sequel Akhanda 2, led by Nandamuri Balakrishna, is back in focus after reports suggested a major financial move by the actor to resolve issues surrounding the films release. The project, which faced a last-minute delay earlier this month, is now said to be moving closer to hitting theatres.

According to a report by Deccan Chronicle, Balakrishna has agreed to adjust Rs 20 crore from his remuneration to help clear pending dues linked to the film. This amount reportedly accounts for around 17 per cent of his fees and has been contributed to ensure that the production overcomes its current hurdles and proceeds smoothly. The development has also fuelled buzz around a possible December 25 release.

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Akhanda 2 was initially scheduled to release on December 5 but was postponed just a day before its planned theatrical launch. The delay followed a Madras High Court order in favour of Eros International Media Limited. Soon after, the makers announced the postponement through social media.

On December 6, production house 14 Reels Plus shared a note on X (formerly Twitter), stating, Weve tried our absolute best to bring #Akhanda2 to the big screens, but despite our tireless efforts, sometimes, the most unexpected things happen, and unfortunately, this is that time. We sincerely apologise to all the fans and cinema lovers across the world who have been eagerly waiting for the film with so much anticipation. We are forever grateful to our dearest God of Masses #NandamuriBalakrishna Garu and #BoyapatiSreenu Garu for standing by us during this challenging moment. Akhanda-2 will hit the bullseye whenever it arrives coming very soon with a new date."

Weve tried our absolute best to bring #Akhanda2 to the big screens, but despite our tireless efforts, sometimes, the most unexpected things happen, and unfortunately, this is that time.We sincerely apologize to all the fans and cinema lovers across the world who have been  14 Reels Plus (@14ReelsPlus) December 5, 2025

A day earlier, the team had also confirmed the postponement, saying, With a heavy heart, we regret to inform you that #Akhanda2 will not be releasing as scheduled due to unavoidable circumstances. This is a painful moment for us, and we truly understand the disappointment it brings to every fan and movie lover awaiting the film. We are working tirelessly to resolve the matter at the earliest. Our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. Your support means the world to us. We promise to share a positive update very soon."

Produced by Raam Achanta and Gopichand Achanta under the 14 Reels Plus banner and presented by M Tejaswini Nandamuri, Akhanda 2 has been mounted on a large scale. Alongside Balakrishna, the film stars Samyuktha as the female lead, with Aadhi Pinisetty in a prominent role and Harshali Malhotra also playing a key character.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 11:30 IST

News movies regional-cinema Akhanda 2 Back On Track After Nandamuri Balakrishna Adjusts Rs 20 Crore From Salary | Report
Jr NTR Seeks Personality Rights Protection, Delhi HC Gives Social Media Platforms 3 Days To Respond

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 08:13 IST

Jr NTR filed a lawsuit in Delhi High Court against e-commerce and social media platforms for unauthorised use of his identity. The court seeks responses in three days.

Delhi HC gives social media platforms 3 days to respond to Jr NTR's lawsuit.

The Delhi High Court on Monday asked several e-commerce and social media platforms to respond within three days to a lawsuit filed by actor Jr NTR, who has alleged unauthorised use of his identity across digital platforms. The actor has sought legal protection of his personality rights, citing misuse of his name, image and likeness for commercial purposes.

The matter was heard by Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh, following a petition filed by Jr NTR seeking safeguards against what he described as unauthorised exploitation of his identity. According to news agency ANI, the actor argued that various online platforms were hosting content that infringed upon his rights.

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Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak, appearing on behalf of Jr NTR, informed the court that the actors name, image and other personal attributes were being used without consent. He submitted that such content was intended for commercial gain and violated the actors personality rights.

After considering the submissions, the court directed the platforms to treat Jr NTRs plea as a formal complaint under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The companies have been granted three days to submit their responses. The court is scheduled to hear the matter again on December 22, when a more detailed order is expected to be passed.

The lawsuit adds Jr NTRs name to a growing list of public figures who have approached courts seeking protection against digital misuse of their identities. Several celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Nagarjuna, Anil Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan and Chiranjeevi, have previously taken similar legal action.

On the professional front, Jr NTR was last seen collaborating with director SS Rajamouli and actor Ram Charan in RRR, which released in 2022 and achieved global recognition. The film won both an Oscar and a Golden Globe for its song Naatu Naatu. He later featured in Koratala Sivas Devara: Part 1 in 2024 and made his Hindi film debut with Ayan Mukerjis War 2, co-starring Hrithik Roshan and Kiara Advani. The actor is currently filming for director Prashanth Neels upcoming project, reportedly titled Dragon.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 08:13 IST

News movies regional-cinema Jr NTR Seeks Personality Rights Protection, Delhi HC Gives Social Media Platforms 3 Days To Respond
Supporting "Taiwan independence" violates China's constitution, international law: Chinese FM

Xinhua) 08:06, December 09, 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang)

BEIJING, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Attempts to pursue "Taiwan independence" mean splitting China's territory, and supporting "Taiwan independence" amounts to interference in China's internal affairs, which violates both China's constitution and international law, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when holding talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, during which Wang elaborated on both the historical realities and legal foundations regarding the Taiwan question.

Taiwan has been part of China since ancient times, Wang stressed.

The Cairo Declaration issued in 1943 stated clearly that all the territories Japan had stolen from China, such as Taiwan, should be restored to China.

Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation jointly issued by China, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union in 1945 stipulated that the terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out.

On Aug. 15, 1945, Japan surrendered unconditionally, with the Japanese Emperor committing to faithfully fulfill the provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation. On Oct. 25, 1945, the Chinese government announced that it was resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan, and the ceremony to accept Japan's surrender in Taiwan Province of the China war theater of the Allied powers was held in Taipei.

In 1949, the People's Republic of China (PRC) became the successor to the Republic of China, and the Central People's Government became the only legitimate government of the whole of China. As a natural result, the government of the PRC should enjoy and exercise sovereignty over all its territory, including Taiwan.

At its 26th session in Oct. 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which undertook to restore all its rights to the PRC, and to expel forthwith the "representatives" of the Taiwan authorities from the place at the UN. The UN's official legal opinion confirms that Taiwan is a province of China.

The 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement states that "The Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. The Government of the People's Republic of China reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China. The Government of Japan fully understands and respects this stand of the Government of the People's Republic of China, and it firmly maintains its stand under Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation."

The 1978 Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan confirms that the principles set forth in the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement should be strictly observed.

The status of Taiwan as China's territory has been unequivocally and irreversibly affirmed by a series of ironclad historical and legal facts, said Wang.

Japan's current leader recently made reckless remarks on hypothetical situations on Taiwan, noted Wang. He also pointed out that this severely violates China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, blatantly contravenes the commitments Japan has made to China, directly challenges the outcomes of the victory in World War II and the post-war international order, and poses serious risks to peace in Asia and the world at large.

Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Wang stated that Japan, as a defeated nation, should have undertaken profound reflection and acted with greater caution.

"Yet now, its current leader is trying to exploit the Taiwan question -- the very territory Japan colonized for half a century, committing countless crimes against the Chinese people -- to provoke trouble and threaten China militarily. This is completely unacceptable," he said.

The Chinese people, together with all peace-loving people around the world, bear the responsibility to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and have the obligation to prevent Japan from re-militarization and attempting to revive its militarist ambitions, Wang emphasized.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The 11th Plenary Session of the 11th Anhui Provincial Party Committee laid out the outline for the province's development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. It explicitly proposed accelerating the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development, continuously advancing pollution prevention and ecosystem optimization, speeding up the construction of a new energy system, prudently promoting and achieving carbon peak goals, fostering green production and lifestyles, building Anhui into a model of ecological civilization. Anhui is determined to build on its momentum, seize opportunities, and strive with unwavering confidence. The province is accelerating efforts to protect and manage major rivers and important lakes, such as the Yangtze River, Huaihe River, Xin'anjiang River, Grand Canal, and Chaohu Lake. It is promoting the regularized and long-term identification and rectification of ecological and environmental issues, coordinating efforts to reduce carbon emissions, pollution, and expand green development and growth, and achieving new breakthroughs in building a region with significant influence in the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. Looking back at the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Anhui's ecological and environmental quality steadily improved, with the Ecological Quality Index (EQI) consistently maintained at Category II. Public satisfaction with the ecological environment has remained above 90% for five consecutive years. The average PM2.5 concentration in the province has met the national secondary standard for four consecutive years, while the proportion of days with good air quality has exceeded 80% for four years in a row. The proportion of national monitoring sections with good water quality has surpassed 90% for two consecutive years, and sections with water quality below Grade V have been eliminated for four consecutive years. Anhui will focus on improving environmental quality as its core goal, fully implementing targeted, science-based, and law-based pollution control. The province will leverage the guiding and optimizing role of ecological and environmental protection to coordinate efforts in reducing carbon emissions, cutting pollution, expanding green spaces, and promoting growth. Adhering to a principle of prioritizing natural restoration while combining it with artificial rehabilitation, Anhui will advance the integrated protection and restoration of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts. The province will also strengthen regional joint efforts in ecological and environmental protection and governance to preserve the pristine landscapes of the Yangtze River Delta region. Since 2012, Anhui and Zhejiang provinces have successively carried out three rounds of pilot projects for the ecological compensation mechanism of the Xin'anjiang River, forming the "Xin'anjiang River Model." This model has now been replicated and promoted in 23 provinces and 28 river basins across the country. The Jiulongfeng Provincial Nature Reserve is located southwest of the main peak of the Huangshan Mountain range and at the source of the Qingyi River. Covering a total area of 2,720 hectares, it boasts a forest coverage rate of 97.5% and is home to over 40 species of nationally protected animals and 1,295 species of higher plants. Known as the "Gene Bank of Species in East China," the reserve is a vital ecological treasure. Chen Xiaochun, head of the Jiulongfeng Provincial Nature Reserve Management Station, stated that they will strictly enforce relevant laws and regulations for nature reserves, continuously improve the access control and dynamic adjustment mechanisms for the reserve, and accelerate the construction of an intelligent supervision platform. By promoting the application of new technologies such as remote sensing monitoring, drone inspections, and artificial intelligence identification, they aim to enhance modern scientific research and monitoring capabilities. Additionally, they will actively cultivate green industries such as ecological agricultural products, nature-based study tours, and forest wellness, fostering synergy between ecological protection and community development.

Source: Anhui Daily
Sugar Traders Forced to Camp Outside Malawi Distribution Centres

The shortage of sugar in the country has reportedly reached a breaking point as traders and consumers sleep outside distribution sites to purchase the commodity. Some traders outside the offices of the main sugar distributor in the central town of Nkhotakota have accused big businesses of hoarding to create an artificial shortage.

They have urged the administration of President Peter Mutharika to take tough measures, much like the policy of the country's former minister of commerce, who they credited with dismantling the cartels.

Malawi has been grappling with an economic crisis that has seen the cost of goods and services soar.ods and services soar.
Rajinikanth Confirms Padayappa Sequel Neelambari: Padayappa 2 Ahead Of 75th Birthday

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 02:00 IST

Rajinikanth announces Padayappa sequel titled Neelambari: Padayappa 2 as the cult classic completes 25 years and returns to cinemas.

Rajinikanth confirms Neelambari: Padayappa 2 as Padayappa completes 25 years.

As the iconic Tamil film Padayappa celebrates its 25th anniversary, superstar Rajinikanth has officially confirmed that a sequel is in the works. The 1999 blockbuster, which starred Rajinikanth alongside Ramya Krishnan and Soundarya, is set to return to theatres, while fans eagerly await the next chapter of the legendary story.

Directed by K. S. Ravikumar, Padayappa went on to achieve cult status over the years, largely driven by Ramya Krishnans unforgettable portrayal of Neelambari. At the time of its release, the film emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil film, setting new benchmarks for the industry.

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To mark the milestone, Rajinikanth released a 37-minute video sharing memories from the film and its unprecedented impact. Recalling the craze around the release, he said, In my 50 years of career, I had never seen women breaking gates to watch a film as they did for Padayappa."

Confirming the long-awaited sequel, the superstar added, Now, when I see sequels like 2.0 (sequel of Robo) and Jailer 2, I wonder why not Padayappa 2? The title will be Neelambari: Padayappa 2. We are discussing the story, and if it comes out well, much like Padayappa, there will be a Neelambari. It will be exciting for the audience, and Im working on it."

Film Returns to Theatres on Rajinikanths Birthday

Rajinikanth also revealed that Padayappa holds special emotional value for him, as it was released in the 25th year of his career. He shared that working on the film alongside close friends made the experience even more memorable. Highlighting his commitment to theatrical viewing, he stated, We didnt give the film to any OTT or satellite. I only allowed Sun Pictures to run it. Its the kind of film thats meant to be watched in theatres. And now, 25 years later, you will see Padayappa on December 12, my birthday."

The re-release is expected to draw massive footfalls, especially from fans eager to relive the cinematic spectacle on the big screen.

On the work front, Rajinikanth was last seen in Lokesh Kanagarajs Coolie (2025), which featured Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and others in key roles, along with a special extended cameo by Aamir Khan.

The 74-year-old superstar is now gearing up for Jailer 2 (2026), directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, while simultaneously developing the story for Neelambari: Padayappa 2.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 02:00 IST

News movies tamil-cinema Rajinikanth Confirms Padayappa Sequel Neelambari: Padayappa 2 Ahead Of 75th Birthday
Thalapathy Vijay Holds First Public Meet In Puducherry Since Karur Stampede | Here's How He'll Address Crowd

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 09:13 IST

Thalapathy Vijay returns to a live crowd for the first time since the Karur stampede, with Puducherry authorities enforcing strict limits.

Thalapathy Vijay will make his political debut during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. (News18 Kannada)

Vijays return to a public stage comes with more caution than celebration. Months after the Karur stampede that killed 41 people, the actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief, is stepping back into a live crowd  but only under some of the tightest restrictions ever placed on a campaign gathering in Puducherry.

TVK has confirmed that the actor will address supporters from the rooftop of his campaign bus. The team has stressed that this is not a roadshow but a single, controlled public meeting in accordance with police orders. His specially designed bus left Chennai on Monday, marking his first major outdoor appearance since the September incident.

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Police initially refused permission when TVK applied for a roadshow, raising concerns about the localitys cramped spaces. Authorization came only after the party agreed to a long list of conditions. Attendance has been capped at 5,000, all of them Puducherry residents, with entry allowed solely through QR-coded passes issued by the party. Reports say supporters from Tamil Nadu have been specifically barred.

To prevent any crowd surge, police have divided the venue into multiple enclosures, each holding 500 people. Around 800 personnel are being deployed, along with new CCTV cameras installed as per police instructions. TVK has been made responsible for water, toilets, ambulances and other basic facilities. The party has also urged pregnant women, the elderly, children and differently-abled citizens to stay home for safety reasons.

Supporters have been instructed not to climb buildings or trees, and not to follow Vijays vehicle before or after the event. The meeting will begin at 11 am and must end by 12:30 pm without exception.

The decision to hold this meet in Puducherry is seen as an attempt to deepen TVKs influence in the Union Territory, where Vijay enjoys a huge fan base. His comeback to public campaigning comes even as the CBI inquiry into the Karur stampede continues. Vijay has repeatedly dismissed the Tamil Nadu governments claim that his delayed arrival caused the tragedy, calling it a political attack by the DMK, while accusing the police of mismanagement  charges the administration denies.

After Puducherry, Vijay is expected to resume his Tamil Nadu tour, with Erode listed as his next major stop.

On the film front, Vijays last release was The Greatest of All Time (GOAT), which saw him in dual roles and drew massive crowds despite mixed reviews. The actor has already announced his shift toward full-time politics, making GOAT possibly one of his final big filmi outings, with fans still awaiting clarity on whether he will take up one more film before stepping away from cinema completely.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 09:13 IST

News movies tamil-cinema Thalapathy Vijay Holds First Public Meet In Puducherry Since Karur Stampede | Here's How He'll Address Crowd
Yash Drops New Intense Poster Of Toxic, Fans React As Release Countdown Begins

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 12:35 IST

In March, Yash shared a poster along with the release date announcement. The film is slated for release on March 19, 2026

Yash Drops New Intense Poster Of Toxic, Fans React As Release Countdown Begins

Yash has set the internet ablaze once again by releasing a gripping new poster of his most anticipated film, Toxic. The poster, which dropped on social media earlier today, marks the beginning of the 100-day countdown to the films worldwide release on March 19, 2026. The film also stars Kiara Advani in the lead role.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Yash shared the poster and wrote, The Fairy Tale unfolds in 100 days #Toxic". The poster shows the actor as a muscular man sitting in a bathtub filled with a dark, ominous liquid, hinting at the films intense and gritty tone. With his back turned to the camera and dramatic lighting casting long shadows across the room. Fans also reacted with fire emojis. One of the fans wrote, Rocky forever". Another wrote, 100 days more for the blast".

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Take a look here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yash (@thenameisyash)

Toxic Release Date

In March, Yash shared a poster along with the release date announcement. Yashs Toxic is slated for release on March 19, 2026, coinciding with the Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid weekend. In the poster, the actor wore a black leather jacket and a hat, and carried a gun in his hand. Behind him, was a photo of a whole town burning down and the actor walking away from the site unaffacted.

Meanwhile, not many know but the films title, Toxic, was suggested by Yash himself. Talking about it, he recently told The Hollywood Reporter, We have fairy tales for kids but nobody is making fairy tales for grown-ups. So we thought we will make a fairy tale for grown-ups. I came up with the tagline. Title and tagline both I felt it was a very relevant thing. Today, we go through a lot of confusions and the word toxic has got many layers. It is used in so many contexts. All of us are living in a very toxic situation in so many ways. So I thought it was a very relevant title and apt for the film."

Ranveer Singh Vs Yash

Just hours into the films theatrical debut, they confirmed that the sequel, Dhurandhar 2, will hit cinemas on March 19, 2026  a date that now sets up a high-voltage box-office clash between Ranveer Singh and Yash, whose action drama Toxic is slated for the same day. The first film, which opened on December 5, marks one of the most ambitious spy action thrillers India has attempted. Directed, written and co-produced by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar features Ranveer Singh in the lead, supported by Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna and R. Madhavan. At 214 minutes, the film stands among the longest Indian titles ever made.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 12:35 IST

News movies telugu-cinema Yash Drops New Intense Poster Of Toxic, Fans React As Release Countdown Begins
Opinion | Bengal's Babri Masjid Echo: When TMC's Tokenism Trumps Justice

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 15:49 IST

Hardline Muslim voices like Kabir are indispensable for turnout in 2026, where TMC's slimmest margins often hinge on minority mobilisation.

TMC MLA Humayun Kabir

In the Muslim-majority heartland of Murshidabad, West Bengal, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir (now suspended) ignited a firestorm last week by announcing plans to lay the foundation stone for a mosque modelled on the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6  the 33rd anniversary of the 1992 demolition that scarred Indias secular fabric. Kabir, representing the Bharatpur constituency, framed the move as a bold assertion of Muslim rights, accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of favouring Hindu temple constructions while neglecting mosque projects, even labelling her an RSS Chief Minister" in a pointed critique of her governments spending priorities.

This wasnt mere rhetoric; Kabir vowed to proceed with the event in Beldanga, complete with Quran recitations, defying party warnings and raising alarms over potential law-and-order breakdowns, as flagged by the state governor and a public interest litigation in the Calcutta High Court. The TMCs response came swiftly but superficially on December 4, suspending Kabir for gross indiscipline" and communal politics," a decision announced by senior leader Firhad Hakim after multiple prior cautions.

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Yet, as Kabir defiantly pledged to quit the party, form a new outfit by December 22, and contest 135 seats in the 2026 assembly polls, the episode underscores deeper fault lines. It highlights the perils of symbolic gestures amid rising communal polarisation, the BJPs opportunistic accusations of Baburs rule" in Bengal, and the landowners outright refusal to cede property for the site  turning a political stunt into a logistical quagmire. While the court directed authorities to ensure the event adheres to legal norms without disrupting peace, the absence of criminal charges leaves unanswered questions: Is this justice, or just electoral damage control?

The Rise of a Hardline Voice in TMCs Muslim Fold

Humayun Kabir is no fringe figure; he is a seasoned political survivor whose ascent mirrors the TMCs calculated outreach to Bengals 27 per cent Muslim electorate, a bloc pivotal to the partys dominance since 2011. A former BJP member who defected to TMC in 2016, Kabir has built a reputation as a vocal advocate for minority causes, often pushing boundaries that align with the partys soft appeasement strategy  Waqf land protections, opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act, and vocal critiques of Hindu nationalist policies.

His rhetoric, however, veers into hardline territory, blending legitimate grievances over post-Babri marginalisation with inflammatory symbolism that risks alienating moderates. In Murshidabad, a district where Muslims constitute over 66 per cent of the population and TMC swept all six assembly seats in 2021, Kabirs popularity is unassailable among hardline segments disillusioned by perceived dilutions in minority safeguards. Analysts point to his 2015 expulsion from TMC for criticising Banerjees family dynamics as evidence of his rebellious streak, yet his reinstatement underscores the partys reliance on such firebrands to counter BJP inroads.

This appeasement calculus has worked electorally  Muslim consolidation helped TMC secure 29 of 31 minority-heavy seats in the last polls  but Kabirs Babri gambit reveals its fragility. By invoking a structure synonymous with communal carnage, he has weaponised historical trauma for contemporary gain, exposing how TMCs tolerance for provocative voices has fostered an ecosystem where emotional appeals trump rational discourse, ultimately boomeranging as national media amplifies the controversy ahead of 2026.

The Suspension: A Tightrope Walk Between Hindu Backlash and Muslim Loyalty

Mamata Banerjees suspension of Kabir was a masterclass in political triangulation, timed meticulously just hours before her rally in Berhamporethe district headquartersto preempt a direct confrontation. With the BJP already hammering TMC on vote-bank politics" and Hindu voters showing signs of erosion in recent by-polls, the move was essential to staunch desertions from the states 70 per cent Hindu majority.

Banerjee herself branded Kabir a traitor" influenced by BJP funds, framing the episode as an external sabotage rather than internal rot, a narrative that allows her to reclaim the secular high ground without alienating core supporters. Yet, this half-hearted action betrays a deeper dilemma: irking the Muslim base risks fracturing TMCs rainbow coalition, especially in border districts like Murshidabad where cross-border ties amplify sensitivities around Ayodhyas Ram temple inauguration in January 2024.

Kabirs defiance  vowing to give his life" for the project  taps into simmering resentments over unfulfilled promises, like stalled minority welfare schemes amid fiscal strains. By opting for suspension over expulsion or legal pursuit, Banerjee signals to Hindus that shes responsive while whispering to Muslims that Kabir remains a sympathetic outlier, not a villain. This balancing act, however, erodes trust on both sides: Hindus see it as performative, while Muslims perceive it as abandonment, fuelling a vicious cycle where leaders like Kabir exploit the void left by mainstream timidity.

Beyond the Eyewash: Why Legal Reckoning Is Essential  and Elusive

Kabirs suspension is little more than political theatre, a low-cost ploy to douse immediate flames without igniting a broader inferno. Under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalises acts promoting enmity between religious groups, his public call for a Babri replica on the demolitions anniversary constitutes clear provocationdeliberately timed to evoke 1992s riots and stoke divisions in a state already scarred by 2021s post-election violence. Published analyses decry this as hate speech masquerading as heritage reclamation, with legal experts arguing that the Calcutta High Courts directive for strict law-and-order measures" falls short of mandating FIRs or arrests, allowing the event to proceed under the shadow of potential unrest. Mamatas reluctance stems from cold electoral math: Hardline Muslim voices like Kabir are indispensable for turnout in 2026, where TMCs slimmest margins often hinge on minority mobilisation.

An arrest could spawn a sympathy wave, portraying her as an RSS ally" and splintering the vote  ironically handing BJP ammunition on a platter. Kabirs floated new party might fizzle in Hindu areas but could siphon TMC loyalists in Muslim pockets, a risk amplified by his local clout. This appeasement vortex  prioritising vote retention over constitutional imperativeshas long defined Bengal politics, but Kabirs stunt demands more: immediate legal action to deter copycat provocations and reaffirm secularism.

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Without it, TMCs legacy risks being one of selective outrage, where communal harmony is a slogan, not a safeguard. In a democracy fraying at the edges, half-measures breed full-blown crises; its time for accountability that binds, not divides.

Sayantan Ghosh teaches journalism at St Xaviers College (Autonomous), Kolkata, and is the author of The Aam Aadmi Party: The Untold Story of a Political Uprising and Its Undoing. He is on X as @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 15:49 IST

News opinion Opinion | Bengal's Babri Masjid Echo: When TMC's Tokenism Trumps Justice

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Opinion | Deepam Row: Is Opposition Impeaching Justice For Hindus?

Written By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 19:37 IST

An impeachment notice against a sitting High Court judge is designed to have a chilling effect on the judiciary

A lamp lit at Thiruparankundram temple as part of 'Karthigai Deepam' festival celebrations in Madurai district. (PTI photo)

A Madras High Court order permitting devotees to light a lamp for a Hindu ritual at a hilltop pillar in Madurai, instead of at the temple below, has triggered a storm in some circles. The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government is most upset, ostensibly at what it sees as the impunity of Justice G Swaminathan. It has taken three steps: it has challenged the directive in the Supreme Court and before a division bench of the High Court, it has blocked devotees from accessing the site so they cannot exercise their religious right to worship in line with the High Court order, and, most startlingly, it has rallied the Opposition to file an impeachment notice against the judge.

It is this last action that sets a profoundly disturbing precedent. An impeachment notice against a sitting High Court judge is designed to have a chilling effect on the judiciary. It sends a clear warning to judges to think twice before dispensing justice in favour of the Hindu community. Impeachment is the most extreme parliamentary weapon available against a judge, reserved for proven misconduct, corruption, or incapacity, not for adjudicating a contentious case. The fact that the state is reaching for this extraordinary remedy over a judicial order that is still under appeal makes its motives suspect.

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There would have been little cause for alarm had the DMK government confined itself to litigation. For the record, rightly or wrongly, the state alleges that Justice Swaminathan committed several procedural and constitutional lapses". It claims the judge overrode a higher bench, admitted a contempt petition before the compliance deadline, roped in CISF personnel in an unusual manner, ignored past rulings, and issued directions at a site without basic infrastructure. According to the state, these actions created confusion on the ground and sparked avoidable communal tension. Even if these allegations were well-founded, none of them fall outside the Supreme Courts judicial remit. That is precisely why the move to impeach the judge appears less like legal recourse and more like an assault on judicial independence.

In its zeal to seek recompense at any cost, the DMK government seems to have forgotten the other party in this dispute: the Hindu community. No Hindu devotee has fired a shot in anger. Although denied their religious rights, they have not resorted to extrajudicial solutions. Instead, they placed their faith in the judiciary, only to now see the judiciary being punished for doing its job.

The temptation among Hindus to look beyond the courts would have been great, especially because many have endured unprovoked scorn from the DMKs top brass. Constant jibes at their faith, customs, and traditions have eroded confidence in the government as an impartial guarantor of Hindu rights. The decision to challenge a hard-won victory in the High Court has only reinforced these apprehensions.

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For those who may not know, the legal battle over the right to light a lamp at a pillar atop the Thiruparankundram hill has been waged in some form for a century. The revered hill, one of the Arupadai Veedu, or the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, houses an ancient rock-cut cave temple and has long been a pilgrimage site for devotees across Tamil Nadu. It also houses a dargah. The coexistence of the temple and the dargah, barely three kilometres apart, has historically generated tensions over rights atop the hill. As far back as 1920, the legal foundation of the hills status was first contested by the temple and the dargah.

What we are witnessing today is not merely another flare-up in a long dispute. It is a test of the judiciarys independence, the states restraint, and the Hindu communitys faith in constitutional remedies. An impeachment notice over a judicial order that is still under review crosses a line that a democracy must guard carefully.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 19:37 IST

News opinion Opinion | Deepam Row: Is Opposition Impeaching Justice For Hindus?

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Opinion | The Ambedkar They Dont Quote: Beyond Selective Narratives

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 12:07 IST

Only by confronting the full range of Ambedkars ideas can we have a more truthful conversation about religion, reform, and the society we aspire to build

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Dr BR Ambedkar (Image: Shutterstock)

One of the trending topics in Kerala these days is Ambedkar. To be precise, how Ambedkar viewed religions other than Hinduismespecially Islamis being hotly discussed on Kerala social media. Ambedkars criticisms of Islam are not something newly discovered. He wrote them long ago, and they may have been discussed earlier as well. However, many people are not aware of his views, and since certain Islamist organisations prominently project the image of Ambedkar, many assume that he held a positive opinion of Islam.

The new development in social media circles began after a discussion that took place at a literature festival organised by a major media house in Kerala. How to Read Ambedkar" was the title of a panel that became the focus of debate. Sreejith Panicker, one of the panellists and a popular figure in Kerala often seen supporting the BJPs political positions, posed a question to the other two membersT.S. Syam Kumar and Sunny Kapicaduboth known for their strong critiques of Hinduism, often verging on the communal, in the name of critiquing Hindutva. The question was why Ambedkars criticisms of Islam are never brought up. The point was an important one, and since both the Ambedkarites are frequently seen on platforms associated with hardline Islamist organisations, one could reasonably guess that there would be no direct answer to the question.

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Yet, skipping the question, shifting the goalposts, and refusing to answer was quite a sight and an embarrassment for people who present themselves as seasoned Ambedkarites.

This takes us to a more fundamental question about why Islamist organisations, under the garb of human rights, take up the cause of anti-Hindutva. Is the fundamental commitment of these organisations genuinely to democratic values, or to advancing a form of radical Islam under the guise of human rights? It is the ostentatious alignment with anti-Hindutva that leads them to use Ambedkar as one of their poster figures and to make people believe that he held a far more positive view of Islam than he actually did. But truth be told, Ambedkars criticisms of Hinduism stem from a very different place than those of Islamist organisations. He was not advancing the interests of Islam; in fact, he was not sympathetic to it at all. His fundamental commitment was to social justice and human rights. He had no hesitation in voicing his opinion whenever he felt these were lacking anywherebe it in Hinduism, Islam, or the state.

As someone who had experienced the cruelty of casteism, his attack on Hinduism was sharp and at times polemical. The truth of such statements was rooted in his experience. Truth is subjectivity they say, and in that sense Ambedkars criticisms were true. His experience, however, prevented him from appreciating many facets of Hinduism.

Some of Ambedkars statements about the cruelties prescribed in the Hindu texts were incorrect as well. For example, it was Ambedkar who wrote that the Manu Smriti prescribes pouring molten lead into the ears of a Shudra who recites or hears the Veda. The widespread belief that the Manu Smriti contains such a remark originates from Ambedkars statement in his landmark text, Annihilation of Caste. The Manu Smriti remains important for many reasons, particularly because of its influence on the evolution of law in Indian society. It is not surprising that a legal code written thousands of years ago includes severe punishments. In reality however, although the Manu Smriti does contain much objectionable material, there is no mention anywhere in the text of pouring molten lead into the ears of a Shudra for reciting or hearing the Veda. Interestingly, in a recent edition of the Manu Smriti (edited and annotated by S. Anand, with an introduction by Arundhati Roy), a footnote notes that Ambedkar appears to have been citing the Gautama Dharma Sutra here, a lesser-known text that predates the Manu Smriti.

In Riddles in Hinduism, an unfinished manuscript in which Ambedkar seeks to expose the inconsistencies and paradoxes of Hinduism, he attacks the Vedas and concludes that there is nothing moral or ethical in them. He argues that practices such as vegetarianism and the doctrine of ahimsa were later additions to the religious tradition. At the same time, he also critiques Tantric traditions, which prescribe non-vegetarian rituals and often diverge from the Vedas, sometimes even explicitly rejecting their authority.

This sharp polemical critique is understandable coming from Ambedkar, who had profoundly painful experiences within Hindu society due to the caste into which he was born. However, to define Hinduism primarily through such readings, or solely through Ambedkars interpretive lens, would be a mistake. Hinduism encompasses many dimensions that are deep, beautiful, rich, subtle, expansive, and philosophically sophisticated, expressed across its intellectual traditions, artistic heritage, aesthetic practices, and religious life. It has a long and remarkable history, and the culture it produced has contributed to humanity in numerous ways; through science, art, literature, and philosophy.

Ambedkars call to apply dynamite to the religion of the Shrutis and Smritis" was comprehensible within the context of his lived experience. Yet to assume that Hinduism must be destroyed in order to eliminate the social evils historically associated with it would be deeply misguided. We know how significantly circumstances have changed over the past several decades. While caste discrimination may still persist in many regions, when viewed from a broader perspective, it is evident that casteism has steadily declined and is likely to continue diminishing in the future. It is also clear that such progress is possible without metaphorically applying dynamite" to the scriptural foundations of Hinduism; even alongside a renewed Hindu consciousness, meaningful social reform can and does occur.

And when it comes to Islamists celebrating Ambedkars critique of Hinduism, one must keep in mind the case of Ayaan Hirsi Ali. As a sharp and polemical critic of Islam, her criticisms parallel Ambedkars critique of Hinduism in several ways. Both grew up with bitter experiences within their respective religious traditions, and both believed that meaningful reform was impossible without fundamentally dismantling those traditions. While Ambedkar spoke of applying dynamite" to Hinduism, Hirsi Ali argued that we are at war with Islam" and that Islam must be defeated before it could evolve into something peaceful. Just as Ambedkar held that Hinduism tends to deprive moral life of freedom and spontaneity, and to reduce it to a more or less anxious and servile conformity to externally imposed rules," Hirsi Ali contended that Islam is incompatible with liberal democracy, universal human rights, and gender equality. Hirsi Alis views are shaped by her own experiences as well as by her reading of religious texts. Yet we do not define Islam on the basis of Ayaan Hirsi Alis perspective alone. Although her critique contains a certain element of truth, anyone who approaches Islam solely through that lens will inevitably overlook many important dimensions of the tradition. Same is true with Ambedkars reading of Hinduism.

This is precisely the problem when Islamists use Ambedkars words to attack Hinduism. It is true that Ambedkar criticised Hinduism, but that is very different from the way Islamists selectively deploy his words for their own purposes. Similar critiques, often with even greater force, can be made against Islam, or any other religion. In Ambedkars case, interestingly, one does not need to look elsewhere for such statements; he sharply criticised Islam and its practices as well. When these passages are brought up in response, one cannot simply retreat behind accusations of phobia or ad hominem. Whether we agree with it or not, religions and their laws are not frozen in a primeval stage. Religious thought contains a corrective element that continually works to keep it relevant and responsive to changing times. No religion could survive for centuries without such flexibility. This flexibility and adaptability are precisely why some zealous followers claim that modern scientific achievements were already anticipated in their sacred texts.

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So how should Ambedkar be read? What should we make of his reflections and criticisms of Hinduism and Islam? The point is simple: engaging honestly with Ambedkar requires moving beyond selective quotation. Only by confronting the full range of his ideas can we have a more truthful conversation about religion, reform, and the society we aspire to build.

The writer is a commentator with a research degree in philosophy from the University of Sheffield, focusing on the intersections of culture, history, and politics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 12:07 IST

News opinion Opinion | The Ambedkar They Dont Quote: Beyond Selective Narratives

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 15:43 IST

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6 / 8 The outfit featured a flowing pallu, sculpted drape, daring slit, and sparkling embellishments, a fusion of Indian tradition with global red-carpet glamour. Tyla herself praised Nancy, writing on Instagram: Went to India for the first time twin stayed up all night designing and hand-making this saree-inspired look for me. She is insane. Ilyyyy. (Image: Instagram)

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7 / 8 This collaboration was hailed as one of the years most unexpected and exciting fashion moments. It showcased how Tyagis work transcends borders, appealing to international celebrities and audiences alike. For Indian fans, seeing Tyla embrace a saree-inspired look designed by a homegrown talent was a proud cultural moment. (Image: Instagram)
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1 / 7 When we speak of the longest road in the world, its scale is so vast that even if one were to travel 500 kilometres a day, the journey would still take more than two months to complete. The most fascinating aspect of this route is that it stretches across 14 countries without requiring a single U-turn. + Follow us On Google

2 / 7 The Pan-American Highway is a continuous network that spans major North American nations, including Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. It continues into South America, passing through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. This extraordinary highway holds several records.

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6 / 7 Additionally, a significant portion of the highway passes through Spanish-speaking countries. For this reason, travellers are encouraged to learn at least some basic Spanish to avoid awkward situations along the way.

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Brigade Ground Turns Saffron: One-Day Optics Or Sign Of Changing Political Perception In Bengal?

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 09:19 IST

The Gita recitation programme entered its third edition this year, but the 2025 event saw significantly larger mobilisation, with many sadhus, sanyasis and several BJP leaders

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People take part in the 'five-lakh-voices Gita chanting' event, at the Brigade Parade Ground, in Kolkata. (PTI)

On Sunday, December 7, Kolkatas Brigade Parade Ground underwent a striking transformation as the venue turned saffron during a mass Gita recitation. Organisers estimated a turnout of nearly five lakh participants, including sadhus, sanyasis and Sanatani followers. The Brigade, long known during the Left era as the Red Brigade", assumed an entirely different character for a day, prompting questions in political circles about whether this was an isolated event or an indicator of shifting public perception in West Bengal.

To examine this, it is essential to revisit the history and political relevance of the Brigade Parade Ground. Located against the backdrop of the Victoria Memorial and functioning for decades as Kolkatas premier site for mass gatherings, the ground has hosted events ranging from public receptions for Soviet leaders Nikita Khrushchev and Nikolai Bulganin to major political rallies addressed by Indira Gandhi and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman after the formation of Bangladesh.

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From the late 1980s, the Brigade became synonymous with the CPI(M)s annual mass rallies, leading to the colloquial term Red Brigade". After the Trinamool Congress came to power in 2011, the party chose not to position the Brigade as its main platform, instead treating the 21 July Martyrs Day rally in Dharmatala as its principal show of strength.

The Gita recitation programme entered its third edition this year, but the 2025 event saw significantly larger mobilisation, with many sadhus, sanyasis and several BJP leaders in attendance. The programme was held just a day after the foundation-laying ceremony for a new Babri Masjid in Murshidabad by Humayun Kabir, prompting comparisons about whether competitive polarisation is intensifying in Bengal.

Several analysts argue that political polarisation in the state has already become visible and could be a key factor in the upcoming elections. They point to chief minister Mamata Banerjees emphasis on religious projects, such as the Jagannath Temple in Digha and the proposed Durgangan corridor, as an attempt to counter the BJPs allegation that the TMC prioritises minority appeasement. The BJP, for its part, has been increasingly engaging in Sanatani outreach, and various organisations have been conducting similar programmes.

On the ground, the Sanatan Sanskrit Sansad succeeded in drawing a very large crowd. Some experts believe this reflects a shift in perception among sections of Hindu voters, shaped by recent developments in Bangladesh and evolving demographic patterns in West Bengal. Whether this could translate into electoral benefits for the BJP remains uncertain.

Political analyst and professor Biswanath Chakraborty told News18: There were fewer political workers in Sundays Gita recitation. The participants were not all BJP; many were from the RSS. The BJPs support was clear, but that does not mean these attendees will all vote for the party. If that were the case, they would not have invited Mamata Banerjee. This is part of a long-term RSS campaign. After the Lefts decline, this space became vacant, and right-wing mobilisation is now occupying it. The saffron Brigade reflects a sense of larger Hindu unity. Bengal was traditionally left-liberal, so the question is whether this represents a shift from that perception."

Another political analyst, Dr Sambit Pal, said: The shift began around 2016-17 with the rise of aggressive Hindutva politics. The vacuum created by the Left, along with competitive identity politics by both the TMC and BJP, is activating underlying communal sentiments shaped by the history of Partition. That is why we saw what unfolded last weekendbetween the Babri Masjid construction-related events and the Gita chanting."

Within the TMC, the event is being interpreted as a political mobilisation attempt. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said: We respect the Gita. It is close to our hearts. But this recitation has been turned into a political event. Because they cannot draw crowds on their own, they are using the Gita."

CPI(M) state secretary Mohammad Salim told News18: Political parties are taking refuge in religion because they cannot mobilise people on social, economic or political issues. This is an experiment. What happened in North India is now being attempted in Bengal. They failed earlier and will likely face the same outcome. Bengals values are different. In all this, bread-and-butter issues are being sidelined."

The BJP, however, views the turnout as evidence of a significant shift in public sentiment. BJP leader Amit Malviya wrote on X: Kolkata witnessed a historic spectaclea colossal Gita recitation voiced by over 6.5 lakh devotees. The Brigade Ground, often a stage for political displays, was transformed into a massive gathering rooted in faith. Hindu groups came together in extraordinary numbers, answering a powerful call for unity."

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BJP MLA Samik Bhattacharya told News18: There is saffron unity on the ground because radical elements are growing. That is why Hindu unity is necessary. This was organised by sadhus and saints, and common people joined because they felt it was needed at this moment."

Whether the saffron surge at the Brigade was an exceptional one-day event or a reflection of a deeper shift in political perception in Bengal remains a subject of debate among analysts and political actors alike.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 09:19 IST

News politics Brigade Ground Turns Saffron: One-Day Optics Or Sign Of Changing Political Perception In Bengal?

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Nigerian Air Force Clarifies Landing in Burkina Faso

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said the landing of its C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso on Monday was due to safety reasons, as the crew had observed a "technical concern".

The statement comes as the media reports that the Burkinabe government and members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) accused Nigeria of violating Burkina Faso's airspace. There were also reports that the Nigerian crew had been arrested.

A spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force has, however, disputed the claim, saying "the NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities".
Congress In The Dock As BJP Alleges Anna Bhagya Rice Being Smuggled To Dubai, Singapore

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News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 09:42 IST

For Congress, Anna Bhagya remains among the most important of its programmes. But repeated seizures and allegations of international smuggling have handed BJP a powerful weapon

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There have been several reported cases of Anna Bhagya rice being diverted this year, including a major one that surfaced in September in Karnatakas Gangavathi. (Pexels Image for Representation)

The Congress governments flagship guarantee" scheme called Anna Bhagya (providing free rice and pulses)projected as a lifeline for Karnatakas pooresthas come under heavy political fire once again after senior BJP leader and MLC CT Ravi alleged that rice meant for the underprivileged is being siphoned off, polished, repackaged and sold in foreign markets, including Dubai and Singapore, for as much as Rs 150 per kilo.

Ravi made the allegations while speaking in the Karnataka Legislative Council during the ongoing winter session, accusing the government of turning a blind eye as the free rice guarantee is allegedly being converted into an international black-market trade.

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Speaking to News18, Ravi said: Rice meant for the poor is being polished, packed and sent to Dubai and Singapore. It is being diverted and sold in the black market. Rice is being sold in Dubai for Rs 150. They are selling it under different international brands."

Ravi demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe what he described as a major mafia" with deep roots in the system. They claim they have made arrests. They have only arrested some lower-rung workers. What about the big fish?" he asked, insisting that the current legal framework is not strong enough to handle an international smuggling ring.

Karnataka food and civil supplies minister KH Muniyappa dismissed allegations of political involvement and said an inquiry was already in motion. Four people have been detained in connection with this. We will ensure the rice reaches the poor. We will take action under the existing law," he said.

But Ravi told News18 that the laws were too weak and an SIT was necessary to uncover the network.

Congress Responds

Speaking to CNN-News18, SR Mehroz, vice-chairperson of the Karnataka State Guarantees Implementation Authority, acknowledged that there have been instances of rice being resold and repackaged but firmly rejected the allegation that it was being exported.

I dont have any information about Dubai or Singapore. But from the day of distribution under Anna Bhagya or any PDS scheme, there are some instancesespecially in North Karnatakawhere people resell the rice. There is mafia involvement, yes. They polish the rice, they package it and sell it elsewhere. But the vigilance department is alert. They seize rice, they have arrested people, and even officers involved have faced departmental inquiries and suspensions. This is not new. How can you blame the government?" he asked.

On the governments crackdown, Mehroz said the Food and Civil Supplies Department acts on every specific complaint. This is not happening regularly across the state. Whenever there is information, they seize the rice, they make arrests. In our review meetings, we are very particular about action."

Smuggling Trails: Instances This Year

There have been several reported cases of Anna Bhagya rice being diverted this year, including a major one that surfaced in September in Karnatakas Gangavathi.

In early September, the Food and Civil Supplies Department raided a rice mill in Gangavathi and discovered large quantities of Anna Bhagya rice illegally stored. Investigators found that the diverted rice was being taken to private mills, where it was refined, rebranded with foreign labels and then shipped to markets in Dubai, France and Singapore. The repackaged bags were measured into 10 kg and 25 kg sacks and labelled with brands such as Volga, AAA, Dar Double Star and Dynastyall of which are popular in Gulf and European markets.

In this case alone, enforcement teams seized nearly 60 tonnes of rice valued at over Rs 6 crore. As part of the crackdown, authorities sealed Sri Laxmi Venkateshwara Rice Mill in Gurumathkal, Kalaburagi district, where another large stockpile of government rice was found hidden.

This raid also exposed links to mills and godowns in Uttara Kannada and Hassan, where officials found additional caches of diverted government rice.

During the investigation, officials stumbled upon bags printed with the brand Lal and Arabic lettering. Their inquiry revealed that at least 171 quintals of government rice had already been exported to Dubai, fetching nearly Rs 15,000 per 10 kg bag in the foreign retail market.

On September 21, another major haul took place in Udupi district when Kaup police raided a godown in Nadsalu village. They seized 13,073 kg of PDS riceboiled rice, white rice, loose sacks, and machinery used for weighing and stitching. The seizure was valued at over Rs 2.8 lakh.

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Earlier, on August 5, officials in Ponnampet caught a man transporting 779 kg of Anna Bhagya rice by hiding it beneath banana sacks. He had allegedly been collecting rice from poor families in Gonikoppal for months, exploiting their vulnerability for profit.

For the Congress, Anna Bhagya remains among the most important of its guarantee programmes. But repeated seizures, raids and allegations of international smuggling have handed the BJP a powerful political weapon. With the winter session underway, the BJP has intensified its attack on the government, arguing that the scheme has been compromised at multiple levels.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 09:42 IST

News politics Congress In The Dock As BJP Alleges Anna Bhagya Rice Being Smuggled To Dubai, Singapore

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Congress MLA Demands Return Of State-Led Tipu Jayanti Celebrations, BJP Threatens Mass Protests

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 09:34 IST

Following years of polarised debate and violent clashes, the BS Yediyurappa-led BJP government had scrapped state-sponsored celebrations immediately upon coming to power in 2019

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Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar. (News18)

The political atmosphere in Karnataka is set to witness a renewed ideological clash as Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar has officially placed a demand to restart the state-sponsored celebration of Tipu Jayanti.

The proposal has been listed in the legislative assemblys agenda, where Kashappanavar plans to raise the issue through a Calling Attention Motion to urge the state government to resume the official observances.

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Speaking to CNN-News18 about his demand, Kashappanavar said: Whats wrong in celebrating Tipu Jayanti? He is a freedom fighter. Ambedkar has mentioned it. Tipu Sultan tried to invent modern rockets and has done a lot. We know our history but the BJP always does communal politics. Its our government and our chief minister. I will see what happens on the floor of the House."

The proposal has triggered an immediate and aggressive response from the Opposition. Senior BJP leader and MLC CT Ravi vehemently opposed the move, warning the government of a Jan Andolana" if they proceed with the celebrations.

Ravi advised MLA Kashappanavar to learn the true nature of Tipu Sultan" before making such demands. If you want to celebrate a Jayanti, celebrate the humanist poet Shishunala Sharif. We will not accept the celebration of a bigot," Ravi said. He further accused the Congress government of raising divisive topics like this to divert attention from their administrative failures. Kannadigas will not stay silent. If Tipu Jayanti is brought back, we will not sit idly by; we will launch a massive public movement," Ravi warned.

Why is Tipu Jayanti Controversial?

The celebration of the 18th-century rulers birth anniversary has been a major flashpoint in Karnataka politics for nearly a decade. The tradition of a state-sponsored Tipu Jayanti was introduced by the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in 2015 to honour Tipu as a freedom fighter and the Tiger of Mysore" who fought the British. However, the move triggered violent protests, particularly in the Kodagu (Coorg) district, where local communities hold deep historical grievances against the ruler.

Critics, primarily from the BJP and right-wing organisations, view Tipu Sultan not as a hero, but as a tyrant responsible for forced conversions, the destruction of temples, and the persecution of Hindus and Christians in the Malabar and Kodagu regions.

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Following years of polarised debate and violent clashes, the BS Yediyurappa-led BJP government scrapped the state-sponsored celebrations immediately upon coming to power in 2019.

With the topic officially on the agenda for the legislative session, the governments response to Kashappanavars demand will be closely watched. The government has earlier clarified that it doesnt intend to restart the Jayanti.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 09:29 IST

News politics Congress MLA Demands Return Of State-Led Tipu Jayanti Celebrations, BJP Threatens Mass Protests

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Electoral Reforms Debate: Rahul Gandhi Takes Potshots At EC Over SIR, BJP Says Hes Lying

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 20:32 IST

As Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-led government of capturing institutions, including the EC, BJPs Nishikant Dubey reminded him of the Emergency

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Rahul Gandhi (left) and Nishikant Dubey spoke on the electoral reforms. (PTI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday shot down Opposition leader and Congress MP Rahul Gandhis attack on the Election Commissions (EC) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Parliament with a point-by-point rebuttal.

As Gandhi accused the BJP-led government of capturing institutions, including the Election Commission" during the debate on Electoral Reforms in the Lok Sabha, BJPs Nishikant Dubey reminded him of the Emergency and the BJP debunked his statements.

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ON EC, BOGUS VOTERS, SIR AND EVMs

Gandhis claim : Gandhi said that the Election Commission should give machine-readable voter list to political parties one month before the polls, take back guidelines on destruction of video footage after 45 days, give us access to architecture of Electronic Voting Machines" and change the law about the composition of the committee which selects the Chief Election Commissioner and ECs. Change the law that allows the Election Commissioner to get away with whatever they want to do. I want to assure the Election Commissioner, they might be under an impression that the law lets them get away with it. Let me remind them, we are going to change the law retrospectively and we will come and find you," he said.

Dubeys counter: Dubey, an MP from Godda (Jharkhand), asked how can Gandhi claim that the Election Commission (EC) is colluding with those in power to shape elections when the Congress has historically rewarded those who were at the helm of affairs at the poll body.

All opposition parties spoke about EVMs. I want to tell the House that the EVMs were first introduced by the Congress. (Former prime minister) Rajiv Gandhi had brought EVMs as part of a pilot project in 1987 and then, in 1991, the Narasimha Rao government introduced the electronic machines for voting," he said, adding, Jagannath Rao, the chairman of the Select Committees of 1961 and 1971, was a Congressman. In the 1971 report, HR Gokhale, who was the Law Minister of the Congress, said in both the reports that the SIR is requiredThe 1961 committee had also recommended that polls should be conducted using EVMs to avoid rigging."

Dubey stated that his parents names were struck off during the SIR process. The BJP MP said he was pleased because his parents live in Delhi and therefore do not have the right to vote in Bihar.

He also cited some statistics in Parliament. He mentioned the Valmiki Nagar seat in Bihar. He said that the vote deletion there was 2,311, and the Congress won by 1,675 votes. In the Chanpatia seat, the deletion from SIR was 1,033, and the Congress won by 602 votes. In the Dhaka seat, the deletion was 457, and RJD won by 178 votes. In the Forbesganj seat, the deletion was 1,400, and the Congress won by 221 votes. In the Balrampur seat, the deletion was 1,468, and the LJP (R) won by 389 votes. In the Ramgarh seat, the deletion was 1,197, and the Bahujan Samaj Party won by 30 votes. In Jehanabad, the deletion was 1,832, and the RJD won by 793 votes. After recounting these figures, he said, We are going to losebut we dont do vote politics, we do national politics."

Dubey added, If anyone wants to distort or twist the pages of history, they should learn from the Congress. Today, a Congress speaker, while giving a big speech, said that Rajiv Gandhi made the biggest amendment to the electoral reforms in this country in 1988. What amendment did he make? The age which was 21 years was reduced to 18 years. The 1972 Joint Committee report recommended that the age should be 18 years instead of 21 You were able to implement it after 16 years."

BJPs explainer: The BJP, in a post on X, further responded: Rahul Gandhi says Election Commissioners used to be selected by committee consisting of CJI and LoP. Can Rahul name one election commissioner during Congress govt chosen by committee with either CJI or LoP? The committee was made temporarily till new law was made. Congress PM till now appointed Election Commissioners directly."

Did Rahul Gandhi Forget his UPA Rule? In 2005, Sonia Gandhi appointed Navin Chawla as Election Commissioner. What authority did Sonia have? In 2012, New Chief Election Commissioner was to be appointed to overlook Lok Sabha 2014. LK Advani Ji suggested Congress to make a collegium to select CEC. Congress ignored it and directly appointed VS Sampath as CEC, immediately got clearance from President Pratibha Patil. Opposition wasnt even taken into confidence on appointment. Today LoP is part of committee to select CEC. Instead of constructively assist in selection of new CEC, all Rahul Gandhi does is Drama," said the party.

Rahul Gandhi Lies In ParliamentRahul Gandhi says Election Commissioners used to be selected by committee consisting of CJI and LoP. Can Rahul name one election commissioner during Congress govt chosen by committee with either CJI or LoP? The committee was made pic.twitter.com/whlPEEhj4j  BJP (@BJP4India) December 9, 2025

The party further wrote: Rahul said the 2023 law was changed to protect Election Commissioners from punishment.

FACTS:

 Protection from criminal prosecution for official duties has always existed  for ECs and senior govt officials.

 The Election Commission is a quasi-judicial body and enjoys judicial immunity.

 In 75 years, not a single Election Commissioner has ever been prosecuted for their official actions.

Rahuls dubious claim shows his preparation is as weak as his debating skills."

???????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????. ???? ???????? ???????????? ????????????????????????????????????????. Rahul said the 2023 law was changed to protect Election Commissioners from punishment. FACTS: Protection from criminal prosecution for official duties has always existed  pic.twitter.com/4d0pAcNlWy  BJP (@BJP4India) December 9, 2025

ON CAPTURE OF INSTITUTIONS

Gandhis claim: Gandhi, in his speech, accused the BJP-led government of capturing institutions such as the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED). I am saying that institutions of India are captured, and I will come to the point that the Election Commission is captured. The project of the RSS was to capture the institutional framework of the country and I said how the education system has been captured. Vice Chancellor after Vice Chancellor after Vice Chancellor is placed not on merit, not on capability, not on scientific temper, but on the fact that he belongs to a particular organization," he said.

Second capture, which helps in destroying democracy, the capture of the intelligence agencies, we have the Home Minister sitting here, the capture of the CBI, of the ED, of the Income Tax Department, and the systematic placement of bureaucrats who favour their ideology and attack the opposition and anybody who chooses to oppose the RSS," he said.

Education system being captures, Vice Chancellors placed not on merit but on fact that he belongs to a particular to a particular organisation; Intelligence agencies being captured, systematic placement of bureaucrat, Election Commission colluding with those in power to shape pic.twitter.com/rusBS9ya29 News18 (@CNNnews18) December 9, 2025

Dubeys counter: Dubey said, They (Congress) talk of transparency. Congress worker Batuk Singh was the UPSC chairman for 10 years. The countrys first chief election commissioner, Sukumar Sen, was appointed as Sudans governor. V S Ramadevi was later appointed as Himachal Pradeshs governor. T N Seshan was made a poll candidate against the BJP from Ahmedabad, M S Gill remained a cabinet minister for 10 years after his retirement." And the Congress still talks of honesty and transparency," Dubey said.

BJPs explainer: The BJP post said, Rahul: Why isnt CCTV available after 45 days? Make it available." Reality:

 The limit for filing an election petition to challenge election results is 45 days (after result declaration) under Representation of People Act, 1951.

 So extending CCTV access beyond this legal window has no purpose.

 Nothing is deleted"  access ends because the legal challenge period ends.

 As per the ECs June guidelines, CCTV/webcast footage is accessible only to the High Court during an election petition.

 Public release of raw footage can expose voters to pressure, targeting, and harassment, which is why strict protection is essential."

???????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????. ???? ???????? ???????????????????????????????????????? Rahul: Why isnt CCTV available after 45 days? Make it available." Reality: The limit for filing an election petition to challenge election results is 45 days (after result pic.twitter.com/3QQ5Gpw06M  BJP (@BJP4India) December 9, 2025

The BJP also debunked Gandhis claim on EVM. The post said, Gandhi said  We are not allowed to physically see an EVM. We dont know its architecture."

Facts:

 Every polling agent  including Congress  physically handles and tests EVMs during the mandatory mock poll conducted at every single booth before voting begins. They inspect the machine, verify its functioning, and sign the procedure sheet before the EVM is sealed.

 If Congress still says it has never seen an EVM, thats their ignorance  not an Election Commission failure.

 EVMs have been used in India since 1982 (Paravur Assembly by-election in Kerala). Congress participated then  without any architecture" complaints.

 Full rollout began in early 2000s across Lok Sabha and Assembly elections  a period when Congress or Congress-backed governments ruled at the Centre and states."

???????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????. ???? ???????? ???????????????????????????????????????? Rahul Gandhi: We are not allowed to physically see an EVM. We dont know its architecture." Facts:  Every polling agent  including Congress  physically handles and tests EVMs pic.twitter.com/ZfoGGKqjtd  BJP (@BJP4India) December 9, 2025

ON RSS

What Gandhi said: Gandhi accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of believing in a hierarchy and that they believe that they should be on top of that hierarchy". It is the idea that every thread, every person in the Union of India is equal that disturbs my friends in the RSS. They are happy to see the fabric, but they cannot stand the idea that every single person in the fabric of our country, regardless of what religion they come from, regardless of what community they come from, regardless of what language they speak, should be equal because they fundamentally do not believe in equality. They believe in a hierarchy, and they believe that they should be on top of that hierarchy," Gandhi said.

On 30th January, 1948, three bullets pierced the chest of Mahatma Gandhi. Nathuram Godse assassinated the father of our nation. Today, our friend does not embrace him. Today, our friends have pushed him away. This is an uncomfortable truth. But thats not where the project ended. As I said, everything has emerged from the vote. All the institutions have emerged from the vote. So its obvious that the RSS has to capture all the institutions that have emerged from it. After Gandhijis assassination, the next step of the project was the wholesale capture of Indias institutional framework," he added.

Rahul Gandhi began his speech by stating that Mahatma Gandhi laid a lot of emphasis on Khadi. Why was it that he framed the entire Indian freedom struggle around the concept of khadi, and why is it that he only wore Khadi? Because Khadi is not just a cloth. Khadi is the expression of the people of India; it is the imagination, it is the sentiment, it is the productive force of the people of India," he said.

As I said everything emerged from the vote, so its obvious that RSS has to capture all the institutions. After Mahatma Gandhi jis assassination, the next step of the project was the wholesale capture of Indias institutional framework," says Rahul Gandhi in #LokSabhaNDA MPs, pic.twitter.com/7jirDQF9dN  News18 (@CNNnews18) December 9, 2025

But if you look slightly deeper, you will find that each one of them has thousands of little threads embracing each other No one thread is superior to another thread. The threads cannot protect you. The threads cannot keep you warm. But when they come together as a fabric, they can keep you warm, protect you, and express what you have in your heart. In the same way, our nation is also a fabric made up of 1.4 billion people, and the fabric is woven together by the vote. This House where I am standing today, the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Vidhan Sabha across the country, Panchayats across the country, none of them would exist if the vote did not exist," he added.

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Dubeys counter: I am proud that we belong to RSS," said Dubey. He accused the Congress of dividing India. He cited the book Indian National Congress and the Muslims to allege historical compromises by the party. Dubey also highlighted demographic changes in his constituency, Santhal Pargana, claiming the tribal population has dropped from 45% to 28% due to illegal infiltration. He further criticised the Congress for the 1975 Emergency and the misuse of institutions like the CBI and Election Commission in the past.

With PTI, ANI, Ageny inputs

First Published: December 09, 2025, 20:12 IST

News politics Electoral Reforms Debate: Rahul Gandhi Takes Potshots At EC Over SIR, BJP Says Hes Lying

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Foot-In-Mouth Politics: How Yathindra Keeps Putting Siddaramaiah & Congress On Backfoot

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 22:53 IST

Each time the leadership tussle narrative quietens, Yathindra revives it with a new quote, a fresh angle, another unsolicited clarification

Every time Congress tries to shut down the conversation on leadership, Yathindra inadvertently restarts it. (File photo: Instagram)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs son, Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, has perfected an art his party could do withoutthe art of putting both his father and the Congress on the backfoot.

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At a time when the Congress has been working overtime to manufacture the optics of unity through carefully curated, widely publicised in the media, breakfast meetings between Siddaramaiah and his Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, it is Yathindra who has been consistently undoing that narrative. One remark at a time.

Just when Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar began chanting the all is well" and we leave it to the high command" mantrasmiling for the cameras over idlis, uppittu, and naati-koli saruYathindra once again stepped into the political minefield.

His latest statement is that his father will complete the full five-year term as Chief Minister, and the Congress high command has not taken any decision on leadership change. He even added that the opposition was dreaming" of a change in CM.

The problem for Congress is not merely what he said but how often he keeps saying it. Each time the leadership tussle narrative quietens, Yathindra revives it with a new quote, a fresh angle, another unsolicited clarification.

His remarks land like political grenadesforcing the Congress to scramble, Shivakumar to explain, and Siddaramaiah to defend. And all this at a moment when the party is desperate to project stability going into a tough legislative session and a turbulent national political climate.

The Congress high command has tried hard to bury the perception of a cold war between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Two publicised breakfast meetings were supposed to signal a united house. Yet the political chatter has only grown louder, thanks largely to Yathindras loose and recurring commentary.

There was no power tussle it was all created by the opposition. DK Shivakumar has asked for an opportunity. The high command said there is no situation to change the leadership," Yathindra told reporters.

But there have been veiled remarks by Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar as well after their breakfast truce meetings.

And if the Congress believed its choreographed breakfast meetings had successfully stitched together a peace between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, the events in Hassan on December 7 proved otherwise. The truce, it seems, barely lasted the length of that meal.

Sharing the stage at a government function, both leaders attempted the familiar optics of unity. But their words betrayed a different storyone of simmering tension, coded warnings, and unmistakable political signalling.

Shivakumar went first, slipping in a set of remarks that were anything but casual. We should prepare for a change in the state in the coming days to give new strength and shape," he said, a line that instantly set off political antennae. He continued in a philosophical tone, Our lives are not permanent; what we leave behind is permanent. God doesnt give curses or blessings; he gives opportunities. What we do with those opportunities is important."

In a political season defined by whispers of a word given" to Shivakumar, his next line was particularly loaded: Our word must be measured, and work should be of utmost importance."

Minutes later, Siddaramaiah took the stageand responded: I usually dont promise," he said, his voice carrying its own edge. But when I do, I will always act according to it. If there is ever a government that has acted according to promises given, it is our government."

In the context of a supposed 30-month power-sharing pact that the high command refuses to confirm or deny, the message was unmistakable. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were united in thisthey were reminding the party high command in Delhi.

Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, known to be a close confidant of Siddaramaiah, had also commented carefully, saying the question of whether Siddaramaiah would stay for five years was a matter left to the high command".

Shivakumar, for his part, attempted zen-like restraintI am very happy; let good things happen for the state let good things happen."

But even these controlled responses could not match the impact of the repeated commentary coming from the CMs home turfhis own son.

However, the opposition smelled blood, and predictably, the BJP seized the moment.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka delivered a scathing attack: The State Government is paralysed. Karnatakas governance is frozen. The Congress high command is busy managing egos instead of managing the state."

He mocked the orchestrated unity photo-ops, calling them forced breakfast meetings, staged smiles, and scripted optics". He even asked the question that has now become politically unavoidable: Is Yathindra Siddaramaiah the new High Command of the Congress party?"

For the BJP, months of internal Congress disquiet have suddenly aligned into a single, easy narrative: a government distracted, a leadership divided, and a young MLC who keeps tossing his party into turbulence.

What makes Yathindras most recent statement politically combustible is that it comes after months of erratic and contradictory comments. In September, he said there was no reason" to change the Chief Minister. In October, he spoke of Satish Jarkiholi as his fathers ideological successor", sparking a political storm.

He later claimed he was referring only to ideological guidance, not the CMs chair, forcing Siddaramaiah himself to clarify that his sons comments had been twisted". Through November, he reiterated multiple times that his father would complete five years, that there was no power-sharing deal, that there were no complaints or scams", and that the high command had not discussed any leadership change.

Each of these remarks triggered a new cycle of speculation within the Congress, with ministers scrambling to offer spin and Shivakumar patiently reminding everyone that he had no differences with the Chief Minister".

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also stepped in to defend his sona move that only added to the heat around the leadership issue. Siddaramaiah said Yathindras comments on a possible change of guard had been twisted", claiming his son had spoken under pressure from reporters.

Insiders to the Chief Minister said Siddaramaiah had personally asked Yathindra to clarify what he meant. Yathindra explained that he was speaking purely on ideology", not politics.

But the attempt to explain away the remarks has done little to calm the ongoing churn within the Congress. Instead of closing the matter, the father-son defence only pushed the conversation further inside the party.

Within the party, irritation has begun to surface. Some Congress MLAs have openly demanded disciplinary action against Yathindra, pointing out that others were issued notices for far milder comments.

Channagiri MLA Basavaraj Shivaganga, a close associate of DKS, said, I have been given a notice for my remarks regarding the Chief Ministers post. The party should take the statement made by Dr Yathindra seriously. Appropriate action should be taken."

Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain and Sagar MLA Beluru Gopalakrishna, also known to be part of the DKS faction, also sought action, like they were served notices when they made comments.

DK Shivakumar, also holding the position of Karnataka state Congress president, responded with a sharp warning to his own flock: Party discipline is the priority."

Meanwhile, the high command has quietly gathered inputs from the KPCC about the development and public utterances. Yet, conspicuously, Yathindra has not received a show-cause notice, unlike other MLAs.

Yathindras October statement elevating Satish Jarkiholi as his fathers ideological successor has had an unintended political consequenceit has energised a section of Dalit leadership within the Congress.

A mega Dalit convention is also on the cards, supported by heavyweights like Jarkiholi, HC Mahadevappa, G Parameshwara and KH Muniyappa. Their message is unmistakable: if leadership changes are contemplated, the next Chief Minister should be a Dalit. This emerging Dalit consolidation is not just a show of support for Siddaramaiahit is a direct signal to the high command that leadership equations in Karnataka cannot revolve around only two Vokkaliga and Kuruba power centres.

Shivakumar is clearly caught in a political paradox.

Yathindras repeated declarations that Siddaramaiah will remain CM for five years reduce his room for manoeuvre. At the same time, attacking the CMs son would be politically disastrous.

Shivakumars cryptic X postword power is world power"added to the intrigue. Yathindra, when asked about it, politely said he did not know the context.

Yet within the DKS camp, anxiety is palpable. Many fear that if the high command freezes the leadership issue now, the opportunity may slip away not only this year but even in 2028.

Every time Congress tries to shut down the conversation on leadership, Yathindra inadvertently restarts it. His remarks keep the pot boiling, the opposition energised, and the party internally restless.

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For Siddaramaiah, the political irony is painful: it is not the BJP, not the opposition, not even his traditional rivals, but his own son who has repeatedly pushed him into political tight corners.

The  Congress also must confront an uncomfortable truth: unity optics can only go so far when its biggest destabiliser comes from within the family.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 22:53 IST

News politics Foot-In-Mouth Politics: How Yathindra Keeps Putting Siddaramaiah & Congress On Backfoot

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If Vande Mataram Wasnt Truncated For Appeasement, India Wouldnt Have Been Divided: Amit Shah

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 14:21 IST

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Shah claimed this moment marked the ideological departure that eventually contributed to Indias partition.

File photo of Home Minister Amit Shah. (Pic: Screengrab from SansadTV)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the politics of appeasement" began the day Vande Mataram was divided, arguing that if the national song had not been split in the name of appeasement, the country itself would not have been divided."

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Shah claimed this moment marked the ideological departure that eventually contributed to Indias partition.

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Shah said several Congress members had questioned the need to discuss Vande Mataram today, but insisted the issue remains central to Indias national identity. From that point began the politics of appeasement, and that is what later became the reason for divisionthis is what they argue," he said, stressing that national symbols must not be weakened for political convenience.

#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says,  Congress MPs are questioning the need for having discussions on Vande Mataram and calling it a political strategy and a way of diverting from the issues. Nobody is scared of discussions on issues. We are not the ones boycotting pic.twitter.com/iMYau9Gkes ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2025

Reiterating that the government was open to debate on all issues, Shah added, We are not the ones who boycott Parliamentif the House is allowed to function, every issue can be discussed."

He accused the Congress of historically distancing itself from Vande Mataram, saying the partys discomfort was rooted in decisions taken decades ago, including Jawaharlal Nehrus move to split the song. When the golden jubilee of Vande Mataram was due, Jawaharlal Nehru limited the national song to two stanzas," Shah said.

He also addressed criticism that the discussion was politically motivated. In a pointed rebuttal, Shah said, Some members raised questions on the need for discussions on Vande Mataram. The need for discussion and dedication towards Vande Mataram was important back then; it is needed now, and it will always be significant for the bright future we have envisioned for 2047." He rejected suggestions that the debate was linked to upcoming elections in Bengal, calling it an attempt to demean the glorification of our national song." Shah added, Bankim Babu was from Bengal, but Vande Mataram was never confined to Bengal or to any region of the country."

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#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah says,  Congress MPs are questioning the need for having discussions on Vande Mataram and calling it a political strategy and a way of diverting from the issues. Nobody is scared of discussions on issues. We are not the ones boycotting pic.twitter.com/iMYau9Gkes ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2025

Invoking sentiment associated with the national song, Shah said, When a soldier at the border, or a policeman guarding the country from inside, sacrifices his life for the country, Vande Mataram is the only slogan he raises." Concluding his remarks, he said discussions on Vande Mataram were not about revisiting the past but about reaffirming national pride and rejecting politics that, in his words, fractures the countrys unity."

First Published: December 09, 2025, 13:36 IST

News politics If Vande Mataram Wasnt Truncated For Appeasement, India Wouldnt Have Been Divided: Amit Shah

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Mahayuti Set To Fight Maharashtra Civic Polls Together, Fadnavis-Shinde Hold Key Meet

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 08:41 IST

The ruling Mahayuti alliance will contest the upcoming municipal elections across the state, including Mumbai and Thane, together.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde. (PTI file photo)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held a one-and-a-half-hour closed-door meeting on Monday, where it was decided that the ruling Mahayuti alliance will contest the upcoming municipal elections across the state, including Mumbai and Thane, together.

State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule and senior Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Chavan were also present in the meeting.

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Shiv Senas official release reported that there was positive discussion between leaders of both parties on fighting the civic polls unitedly as Mahayuti.

In the next two to three days, local-level discussions will begin to finalise seat-sharing and other details. It has also been agreed that office-bearers and workers from the BJP and Shiv Sena will not be allowed to switch to each others parties.

The Maharashtra local body elections is set to be contested between two major alliances, the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

The Mahayuti (Ruling Coalition) alliance is in power at the state level and comprises of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (Ajit Pawar faction).

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The main opposition alliance (Maha Vikas Aghadi) comprises the Indian National Congress (INC), Shiv Sena (UBT) (Uddhav Thackeray faction), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (Sharad Pawar faction, or NCP-SP), and other contesting parties.

(With agency inputs)

First Published: December 09, 2025, 08:41 IST

News politics Mahayuti Set To Fight Maharashtra Civic Polls Together, Fadnavis-Shinde Hold Key Meet

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'Naukri Pakki Hai, Ab Nahi Jayegi...': Amit Shah's Sarcastic Dig At Digvijaya Singh During Vande Mataram Debate

Curated By :

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 14:26 IST

As the Opposition interrupted Shah during his speech, the Union Minister took a dig at Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, saying that he should not worry about his job at this age.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah (Image: PTI)

The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday witnessed a high-octane drama during Union Home Minister Amit Shahs address regarding the ongoing debate over Vande Mantram. While the Opposition interrupted the Union Minister during his speech, terming his facts a lie", Shah took a dig at senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, saying that he should not worry about his job at this age.

Shahs statement came in response to Digvijaya Singhs jooth bol rahe hainn" remark. While the Opposition, including Singh, was shouting during the discussion, Shah took a jibe at the 78-year-old Congress leader, stating, Kya kar rahe hai Digvijaya ji. Naukri pakki hai iss aayu me.ab nahi jayegi" (What are you doing, Digvijaya ji. Your job is confirmed. You will not lose it at this age)

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In addition to this, Shah further countered Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadras charge that the NDA government proposed a parliamentary discussion on Vande Mataram with an eye on West Bengal polls and said the national song is not restricted to Bengal and linking it with politics is unfortunate.

Without naming Priyanka Gandhi, Shah said some members have questioned the need to hold a discussion to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram. There was a need for a discussion on Vande Mataram and dedication towards Vande Mataram when it was written, when India became free, today and would remain even in 2047," he added.

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Some people feel Vande Mataram is being discussed because Bengal polls are approaching. They want to reduce Vande Matarams glory by linking it with elections," Shah said, adding, It is true that Vande Matarams creator, Bankim Babu was born in Bengal, but Vande Mataram did not remain restricted to Bengal, or to India."

When a soldier at the border of the country, or a policeman guarding the country from inside, sacrifices his life for the country, Vande Mataram is the only slogan he raises," the Union Minister added.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 14:17 IST

News politics 'Naukri Pakki Hai, Ab Nahi Jayegi...': Amit Shah's Sarcastic Dig At Digvijaya Singh During Vande Mataram Debate

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'State President Has No Credibility': Navjot Kaur Sidhu On Her Suspension Notice By Congress

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 17:52 IST

Navjot Kaur Sidhu dismissed the suspension notice, which she claimed was issued by Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, against whom she has directed her remarks

Navjot Kaur Sidhu speaks to reporters on Congress suspending her over her 'Rs 500 crore to become CM' remark in Patiala on December 9, 2025. (Image: PTI/Video grab)

Following her suspension from the Congress, Navjot Kaur Sidhu on Tuesday dismissed the notice saying it was issued by the state president, who has no credibility". Navjot Kaur Sidhus suspension from the Congress was partly triggered by her public remark that Rs 500 crore was needed to become chief minister.

She dismissed the legitimacy of her suspension notice, which she claimed was issued by Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, against whom she has directed her remarks and allegations.

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a legal notice has been served by the state president, who has no credibility. I am connected with senior party officials. We also have our conditions, as we cannot support corrupt people. There are a few people who are damaging the Congress Party" Navjot Kaur told reporters from Patiala.

Watch the video here:

VIDEO | Reacting on Congress suspending her over 'need Rs 500 crore to become CM' remark, Navjot Kaur Sidhu said: "This notice has been issued by a state president (referring to Amarinder Singh Raja Warring) who has no legitimacy Many such notices are issued, and even Rana pic.twitter.com/eVmzn0H3w8 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 9, 2025

She said she will not support corrupt individuals within the Congress, whom she blames for its decline. She contended that the media distorted her statements  specifically the financial comment  and that her actual focus was on addressing issues like the Shivalik Range land scandal as well as the law and order situation in Punjab.

Proper discussions are taking place with my party as well, but we also have one condition that we will not support thieves. If we want to form a government, then you must also remove those few people who are already destroying the Congress party completely I do not address the press for this very reason because they always highlight the wrong part. I had only criticised the AAP on the issue of the Shivalik Range and the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab," she said.

Navjot said she had attempted to present her issues to the governor after an alleged delay by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. She maintained that the party and a significant portion of it supports her truthful" stance.

She explained that while the media prominently highlighted the financial comment, she had clearly stated that no one had ever asked us for money". She said her Rs 500 crore for CM" comment was a direct response to when she was asked why she is not chief minister when all of Punjab wants it.

Navjot further alleged that those who are bothered by her statements own substantial land  10,000 acres  in the Shivalik Range and are now attempting to legalise this land in collaboration with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. Raising this issue of people owning property worth crores in the ranges has unsettled many, she said.

I was hoping that Rahul Gandhi would address these issues and become the hero He was misguided by people around him, resulting in a delay Until then, I got my appointment with the governorI wanted Rahul Gandhi to give this presentation there because it is a matter of Punjabs victory," she said.

She also said she has presented her side of the story to the top leadership, and if they need people who speak the truth, they will stand with her.

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I have spoken my truthif they need the people who speak the truth at the ground level, they will understand" she said.

(With agency inputs)

Location : Patiala, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 17:52 IST

News politics 'State President Has No Credibility': Navjot Kaur Sidhu On Her Suspension Notice By Congress

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Siddaramaiah Will Stay CM For 5 Years, Says Son; DKS Says Let Good Things Happen

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 11:24 IST

The remarks come amid speculation within the Karnataka Congress over a possible mid-term leadership change

Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met today. (Image: X)

Congress MLA Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Tuesday reiterated that his father, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, will remain in office for the full five-year term, dismissing speculation of a possible leadership change in Karnataka.

Yathindra said confusion had arisen only because the Deputy Chief Minister was aspiring to take the post," but the party high command had made it clear that no decision on leadership would be taken as of now".

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When the decision is made in the CLP, they dont talk about how many years. They only decide the CM," he said, adding, High command has made it clear that there wont be any leadership change as of now. I would like to make it clear that Siddaramaiah will remain CM for 5 years. I dont see any reason for change in leadership."

Responding to Yathindras remarks, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar siad, I am very happy, let good things happen for the state let good things happen."

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The remarks come amid speculation within the Karnataka Congress over a possible mid-term leadership change, with sections of the party suggesting a power-sharing formula between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The two leaders recently met on two occasions at each others residence in order kill the speculation about discontent among themselves.

The Congress high command has repeatedly intervened to contain the narrative, insisting that stability in governance is the priority and urging both leaders to avoid public statements that fuel factional chatter.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 11:24 IST

News politics Siddaramaiah Will Stay CM For 5 Years, Says Son; DKS Says Let Good Things Happen

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'Thank Puducherry For Security, TN Govt Should Learn': Vijay In First Rally Since Karur Stampede

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 21:01 IST

TVK chief Vijay termed the regime led by CM N Rangasamy in Puducherry as "impartial" while attacking the DMK dispensation in Tamil Nadu for being "cheats"

TVK chief Vijay greets the gathering during a public meeting, in Puducherry on December 9, 2025.(Image: @TVKPartyHQ/X/PTI)

In his first public meeting since the Karur stampede, in which at least 41 people were killed on September 27, TVK chief Vijay on Tuesday took a swipe at the Tamil Nadu government while thanking the Puducherry authorities for full security".

Vijay said while Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are separate in their constitution for the Centre, they were alike in many ways for the people living in this state and union territory. He, however, said the DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu should learn from Puducherry.

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For the Union government, Tamil Nadu is a separate state, and Puducherry is a separate UT. But for us, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are alike. I thank the Puducherry government for providing full security for this rally. The Tamil Nadu Government should learn from Puducherry," Vijay said while addressing a 5,000-strong crowd at Uppalam grounds.

He claimed that the central government is not taking care of Puducherry, as it has not fulfilled its statehood demand. He termed the regime led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy as impartial" while attacking the DMK dispensation in Tamil Nadu for being cheats".

The actor-politician once again addressed the rally from his custom-made campaign vehicle, listing out the differences between the Puducherry government led by Rangasamy and the MK Stalin regime in Tamil Nadu. After the Karur stampede, he had recently addressed an indoor meeting at Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu.

It will be good if TNs DMK regime learns from the impartial Puducherry government. They will, however, not learn now," he said. The DMK regime will 100 percent learn their lesson from the 2026 assembly election; our people will ensure it."

He thanked the territorial government and the chief minister. Despite the BJP sharing power in the AINRC-led government, he said the party in power at the Centre has neglected the UT.

People know well, the Union government has not paid any attention towards Puducherry," he added.

Underscoring the longtime statehood demand of Puducherry, Vijay said this year, on March 27, the assembly had adopted a resolution for the 16th time seeking the status of a full-fledged state. However, the Centre failed to pay heed to the demand and has not supported Puducherry to develop, he said.

Nothing was done to create job opportunities for thousands of young people, there is not even a thought of setting up an IT company here," he said.

Flagging not developing" regions including Karaikkal and Mahe and lack of amenities" including parking and toilets in Puducherry and the demand for the Puducherry-Cuddalore train link, he urged that such issues be addressed. The Centre, which sidelines Tamil Nadu, must not ignore Puducherry, he added.

I have only one thing to tell the people of Puducherry; do not trust the DMK; their job is to gain your trust and deceive you," he said.

Vijay further expressed confidence of victory in the 2026 assembly polls in Puducherry. Invoking AIADMK founder, the legendary MGRS (MG Ramachandran) legacy, he praised the people for supporting him during the past 30 years.

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Do not think that I will voice support only for Tamil Nadu, my voice will be in support of Puducherry as well," he said. It was the Puducherry people who told us that Tamil Nadu must not miss MGR, how can we forget Puducherry."

(With PTI inputs)

Location : Puducherry (Pondicherry), India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 21:01 IST

News politics 'Thank Puducherry For Security, TN Govt Should Learn': Vijay In First Rally Since Karur Stampede

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High-Tech Hat-Trick: Microsoft, Intel, Cognizant Line Up Fresh Investments After PM Modi Meets CEOs

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 20:31 IST

The close succession of these meetings on Tuesday highlights the governments proactive approach to attracting top-tier technology partners

Tan lauded PM Modi for implementing a semiconductor manufacturing policy. (Image: X/@LipBuTan1)

In a significant show of confidence in Indias digital economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in high-profile meetings with the chief executive officers of three major global technology giantsCognizant, Microsoft, and Intelon a single day. The back-to-back discussions, held in New Delhi, underscored the governments intense focus on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in strategic areas like artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and digital infrastructure. All three CEOs reportedly left the meetings promising substantial new investments in India.

The series of meetings began with Ravi Kumar S, the head of Cognizant, the multinational IT services giant. The conversation with the CEO focused on scaling up the companys operations in India, particularly in its largest development centres in Chennai and Pune. Discussions are understood to have centred on job creation and leveraging Indias vast talent pool to drive growth in next-generation digital engineering and cloud services. Cognizant executives expressed commitment to aligning their growth strategy with the Indian governments vision for digital public infrastructure (DPI).

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Subsequently, the Prime Minister met with Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft. The talks were highly strategic, concentrating on the integration of Microsofts cutting-edge generative AI technologies across various sectors of the Indian economy, including healthcare, education, and governance. A key point of discussion was Microsofts continued investment in Indias data centre infrastructure, which is crucial for supporting the countrys rapid cloud adoption and the anticipated surge in AI-driven workloads. Nadella reportedly assured the Prime Minister of increased investment to facilitate the AI transformation, directly supporting the Digital India mission.

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The final, and perhaps most critical, engagement was with Lip-bu Tan, the CEO of Intel. Given the global race for semiconductor self-sufficiency, this meeting focused directly on accelerating Indias ambitions in chip manufacturing and design. Intels commitment is highly anticipated under Indias robust Semiconductor Mission, which offers substantial fiscal incentives for establishing fabrication units. The conversation covered the potential for Intel to expand its design and engineering footprint, alongside exploring the feasibility of establishing a state-of-the-art chip manufacturing facility in the country. Such an investment would be transformative, reducing Indias dependence on foreign supplies and solidifying its position in the global supply chain.

The close succession of these meetings highlights the governments proactive approach to attracting top-tier technology partners. By engaging directly with the leaders of these multinational corporations, PM Modi sought to secure commitments that would not only boost FDI figures but also ensure that India remains at the forefront of digital innovation and high-tech manufacturing, significantly enhancing job prospects and bolstering the national technological base.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 20:31 IST

News tech High-Tech Hat-Trick: Microsoft, Intel, Cognizant Line Up Fresh Investments After PM Modi Meets CEOs

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Indian Govt Issues Critical Security Warning For Microsoft Edge Users: What You Should Know

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 07:51 IST

Microsoft Edge users have been warned about a serious of risks linked to the browser and these are critical.

The new security alert comes for the Chromium based browser

Microsoft Edge is once again facing a major security issue and the Indian government has done its bit by alerting users about the risks linked to the latest problem. The security agency, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team or CERT-In, in its December 8, 2-25 bulletin, claims that the web browser from Microsoft has multiple security vulnerabilities that could allow an attacker to bypass the security of your device and give them access to the data stored on it.

The security agency has given it a high severity rating which is never to be taken lightly and the broader range of details hint at serious danger for millions of users.

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Microsoft Edge Big Risk: What We Know

The CERT-In bulletin gives the details for the latest risks and it is a lengthy read. Multiple vulnerabilities exist in Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) due to spoofing, inappropriate implementation issues in multiple components (such as Passwords, WebRTC, Downloads, Split View, DevTools, Google Updater); race conditions and type confusion in V8; use-after-free in Media Stream and Digital Credentials; and bad cast in Loader component. A remote attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by persuading a victim to visit a specially crafted or malicious webpage," the agency mentions.

Edge is based on Googles Chromium engine which is also the base for Chrome browser but the new issues are heavily linked to the architecture of the browser and not solely an issue for Microsoft.

The company has done its bit by sharing the information about the vulnerabilities and alerting everyone using the Edge browser on their devices.

Microsoft Edge Security Issue: Who Is At Risk?

The agency claims issues at this scale put everyone using the Edge browser at risk, which can be individual users or even the businesses relying on the platform for their work. The Edge version affected by these risks is:

Microsoft Edge Stable Channel (Chromium-based) versions prior to 143.0.3650.66

If your system is running Edge on the versions before the one given here, it is vital that you get the latest patch updating right away.

How To Install Microsoft Edge Update

You can head over to Microsoft Edge on your Windows PC and do the following:

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Click on the three-dot menu on the top-right

Hover over Help and Feedback

Click on About Microsoft Edge

The browser starts looking for a new version and updates to the latest one and reboot to take effect.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 07:51 IST

News tech Indian Govt Issues Critical Security Warning For Microsoft Edge Users: What You Should Know

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Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta Update Available For Users In India: How To Register And New Features

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 10:51 IST

Samsung One UI 8.5 beta is rolling out for users in India and other regions this week. Here's how you can sign up and which devices are supported.

Samsung One UI 8.5 beta update rolling out in India and other regions

Samsung has already moved to One UI 8.5 beta update and were not even in 2026 yet which shows the company is really going full throttle with its new software impetus. Samsung One UI 8.5 is basically the next big version after the main Android 16 update that rolled out earlier this year and is likely to be the last one before One UI 9 is released sometime in 2026.

Samsung is starting the beta program for One UI 8.5 in select regions and only its 2025 flagship model S25 series for now but more should be added as the new version stabilises and ready to be rolled out for other devices.

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Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta Program: Where It Is Available And How To Register

To sign up for the One UI 8.5 beta program with Samsung you need to go to the Samsung Members app where you will see the new program open for registration. Heres how you can install the new One UI 8 beta update

Get the latest version of the Samsung Members app on the Galaxy S25 phone

Sign in with your Samsung account

Tap on the One UI 8.5 Beta Program" banner at the top of the home screen

Hit on Register" and complete the following steps to install the beta software version

Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta: What New Features Are Coming?

Samsung claims the new One UI 8.5 update based on Android 16 version focuses on new features for creators, improves device connectivity and offers better device protection. Here is a detailed look at what One UI 8.5 will offer:

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Quick Share is able to recognise people in the photos and even suggest you to send them directly to those contacts.

Audio Broadcast with nearby devices using Auracast which allows you to broadcast your voice using the Galaxy phones microphones

Storage Share is another useful addition which allows your phone to show files from your other Galaxy devices in the My Files app, including your TV

Improved security with the new theft protection which keeps your phone safe in case it is lost or stolen.

The One UI 8.5 beta update doesnt see a lot of changes to the design of the interface which is likely to be offered when the new One UI 9 version rolls out next year.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 10:51 IST

News tech Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta Update Available For Users In India: How To Register And New Features

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Silicon Sprint: Why Google, Microsoft, Intel And Cognizant Are Betting Big On India

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 22:30 IST

Global giants are not merely expandingthey are placing India at the heart of their long-term strategies

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella meets PM Modi. Image: X

First it was Google, now it is Microsoft, Intel, and Cognizant. A new era of global technology investment seems to be unfolding in India, as the worlds most influential companies are placing unprecedented bets on Indias digital and innovation potential.

Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday. Their conversation culminated in Microsoft committing $17.5 billion, the companys biggest-ever investment in Asia, dedicated to strengthening Indias AI-first ambition. This came after Alphabet, Googles parent company, recently announced a monumental $15 billion investment to build a state-of-the-art AI data hub in Visakhapatnam. Designed to be one of the worlds most sophisticated AI facilities, it will stand as Googles largest hub outside the United States. Intel CEO Lip-bu Tans meeting with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday also underscored a new shift.

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Intel reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the countrys semiconductor ecosystem and signed a significant MoU with the Tata Group. Adding further strength to this wave of global confidence, Cognizants leadership met with the Prime Minister on Tuesday and outlined a sweeping plan to accelerate AI adoption across industries while investing heavily in education and workforce development. This wave of commitments from Google, Microsoft, Intel, and Cognizant has signalled a striking shift: India is no longer just a marketit is becoming the epicentre of the worlds AI and semiconductor transformation.

Thomas Kurian, Google Clouds CEO, earlier called the Alphabet deal a landmark moment in the companys global AI visionone that places India at its core. The project, spread over five years in Visakhapatnam, reflects the scale of trust the tech giant is placing in Indias digital future. This momentum was further amplified when Microsofts Nadella spoke of Indias unique role in shaping the global AI landscape, while the Prime Minister welcomed the commitment, noting that the world today looks at India with optimism when it comes to the future of artificial intelligence. Microsofts investment aims to build the advanced infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities that will power Indias journey into an era of AI-driven innovation.

Indias rise in the technology value chain is also taking decisive steps toward becoming a global semiconductor hub. The Intel-Tata collaboration will enable the manufacturing, assembly, and packaging of Intel-designed products in India, marking a major stride in localising the global chip supply chain. It also opens the door to advanced packaging and the rapid expansion of AI-PC solutions tailored for Indias fast-growing market.

Cognizant, meanwhile, has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding into Indias emerging cities, creating a more equitable and widespread talent ecosystem, and ensuring that the countrys youth are prepared to lead the world in AI-driven productivity and innovation.

Together, these announcements represent one of the most significant moments in Indias technology landscape. Global giants are not merely expandingthey are placing India at the heart of their long-term strategies.

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From AI infrastructure and cloud innovation to semiconductor manufacturing and next-generation skills, the worlds biggest companies are aligning their future with Indias vision.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, this is the moment for Indias youth to harness technology, innovate boldly, and help build a better planet. The world believes in Indias digital destinyand India is ready to lead it, a top government official told CNN-News18, explaining these recent developments.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 21:19 IST

News tech Silicon Sprint: Why Google, Microsoft, Intel And Cognizant Are Betting Big On India

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'Come To Delhi': Internet Trolls Kashmir Tourist After She Mistakes Fog For Pollution

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 19:44 IST

The tourist said she was "disappointed" with her first visit to Kashmir due to "high pollution" and "foggy weather" that were causing "breathing problems" for her

Dense fog was seen over Dal Lake as a cold wave gripped the Valley. (Image: PTI/File)

A tourist visiting Kashmir for the first time was on the receiving side of the internets amused, but mostly sardonic, comments after she seemed to have mistaken fog in the Valley for air pollution.

The female tourist, who was speaking to news agency ANI, said she was disappointed" with her visit to Kashmir due to high pollution" and foggy weather" that was causing breathing problems" for her.

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While some internet users invited her to visit Delhi for better weather", others pointed out that she may be facing acclimatisation issues due to the thin atmosphere and currently sub-zero temperatures.

This is my first visit to Kashmir, and we all know that Kashmir is beautiful, but after coming here, I dont find it that good. There is a lot of pollution here; the AQI is very high We are also having difficulty breathing" the tourist told ANI from Srinagar.

Watch the video here:

#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: A tourist says, "This is my first visit to Kashmir, and we all know that Kashmir is beautiful, but after coming here, I don't find it that good. There is a lot of pollution here; the AQI is very high We are also having difficulty breathing" https://t.co/cyIyLoxKFy pic.twitter.com/avuB2hp3Mg ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2025

In the video, the tourist attributed the conditions to global warming and climate change, and said the government should not be blamed for every problem but citizens should also take responsibility for environmental change.

The video has gone viral, sparking online backlash but many in the comments also expressed concerns over high pollution levels in Srinagar that sees heavy tourist footfall. Many dismissed her remarks, but some said the air quality has been rather poor in the city.

Kindly return to Delhi for better weather," said an internet user while another said: Come to Delhi. You will feel better."

One internet user simply called her a sheer liar", while another said: Breathing difficulties might be due to acclimatisation or the haze, but this dents tourism revenue and must be fixed to encourage tourism."

Many other users claimed that the air quality index (AQI) in Srinagar was in the 40 to 50 range, saying: Probably shes so accustomed to pollution that shes having difficulty in breathing in pollution free environment. Get her back to Delhi or she might choke in fresh air." Another internet user said: This woman doesnt even know the difference between fog and smog..pollution and winter haze ..pls work on ur immunity and chest congestion which is causing breathing problems coz this is aqi in srinagar."

There were, however, some who supported her saying: She is telling the truth. I was there for last one month. It has become very polluted, dust, smog, etc, even locals are facing the same issue. Causes can be various, like more construction, roads, buildings, traffic, and it hasnt rained from past few months. So yes, she is right."

At the time of writing this report, as per the National Air Quality Index (NAQI), the AQI in Srinagar was 73, which is considered satisfactory by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Temperatures in Srinagar during this period settled at minus 3.7 degrees Celsius, highlighting the severity of the cold. Dense fog was seen over Dal Lake as a cold wave gripped the Valley.

#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K | Dense fog seen at the Dal Lake as cold wave continues to grip the Kashmir Valley. Temperatures remain at sub-zero levels. pic.twitter.com/z3qKZdz1Nx ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2025

Mercury settled below the freezing point across Kashmir with most places registering below normal night temperatures on Tuesday. The minimum temperature in Srinagar settled at minus 3.7 degrees Celsius on Monday night (December 8), a drop from minus 2.4 degrees from the previous night. The night temperature in the city was 3.1 degrees below the normal.

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The MeT said the weather will remain generally dry till December 12. There is a possibility of light rain, or snow in isolated places in the higher reaches of Kashmir from December 13.

(With agency inputs)

Location : Srinagar, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 19:44 IST

News viral 'Come To Delhi': Internet Trolls Kashmir Tourist After She Mistakes Fog For Pollution

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Saudi Arabia Eases Alcohol Rules For Non Muslims With Rs 12 Lakh Monthly Salary: No Beer For Poor Is Hilarious

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 16:14 IST

Saudi Arabia, which follows Islamic teachings in its laws, has banned alcohol for the public, but certain residents can now purchase it only if they earn more than Rs 12 lakh.

Saudi Arabia banned alcohol after a tragic incident in the 1950s. (Pexels/Representative Image)

Saudi Arabia has taken another big step toward easing rules by allowing some non Muslim foreign residents to buy alcohol under strict conditions. The country, which follows Islamic teachings in its laws, has banned alcohol for the public. But now, certain residents will be able to purchase only if they earn more than 50,000 riyals a month (approximately Rs 12 Lakh). To use this option, people must show a salary certificate before entering the countrys first and only liquor store in Riyadh.

The shop opened last year for foreign diplomats, but now non Muslims with premium residency will also be able to purchase alcohol legally. Many social media users were not happy about this update. They made fun of the rule, saying it is meant only for people with high incomes. At the same time, some users pointed out that the government might be trying to attract skilled workers and visitors, while still keeping tight rules to manage things.

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Saudi Arabia Allows Non Muslim Foreign Residents To Buy Alcohol

According to The New York Times report, Saudi Arabia has not officially announced any change in its alcohol rules. But people who want to buy alcohol can notice certain signs in the store meant for diplomats, VAT EXEMPT GOODS FOR DIPLOMATS ONLY," which means that the items are tax-free. One shopper explained that buyers are given a fixed limit each month and this limit is connected to their national ID. They also shared that the special app used to enter the store was made by the countrys tax and customs department.

Internet Feels The Rule Favours Wealthy Residents And Shuts Out Others

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, So its only bad for anyone making under 13K, Gotcha."

Another shared, So much for principles. After enforcing strict rules for decades on ordinary people, the rules now change when it suits power and money. Same country, new hypocrisy, different standards for the rich and connected while the poor are told to stay silent and obedient."

Proof of income for a bottle of wine is CRAZY behaviour," a comment read.

An individual stated, This is a significant shift in policy. Its all about attracting talent and tourists while still maintaining some control."

Another jokingly mentioned, Ronaldo can now drink his Champagne without having to smuggle it from Europe."

One more added, Saudis changing fast. This wouldve been unthinkable a few years ago. Wild how quickly the Kingdom is reshaping its rules. New era incoming. From zero alcohol to controlled access, thats a major shift for the Kingdom."

Reason Behind The Alcohol Ban In Saudi Arabia

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According to an old Time report, Saudi Arabia banned alcohol after a tragic incident in the 1950s. The king, Abdul Aziz Ibn Sauds child, got into a heated argument with British Vice Consul Cyril Ousman while drinking and the situation turned tragic.

After drinking, the Ibn Sauds son began acting badly toward a female guest of the Vice Consul. Ousman took him out of the room, which made the prince furious. The next day, still angry, he came back and demanded the woman. When Ousman tried to stop him again, the prince pulled out a gun and started firing. In the shooting, Ousman was killed and his wife was hurt.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 09, 2025, 16:14 IST

News viral Saudi Arabia Eases Alcohol Rules For Non Muslims With Rs 12 Lakh Monthly Salary: No Beer For Poor Is Hilarious

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The Dreamlike Kerala Village Anand Mahindra Cant Stop Talking About, Heres Why

Curated By :

Local18

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 14:30 IST

Kadamakudy, a quiet cluster of islets tucked away in Kerala is a place where time seems to slow down.

Anand Mahindra drove his own Thar into the postcard-perfect paradise, Kadamakudy. (Image: X/@anandmahindra)

India is full of breathtaking destinations, yet every once in a while, you stumble upon a place that doesnt just please the eyes, it soothes the soul. Kadamakudy, a quiet cluster of islets tucked away in Kerala, is one such rare gem. Its a place where time seems to slow down, the air feels lighter, and nature paints its own masterpiece every single day.

This idyllic village recently caught the attention of Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, who couldnt resist sharing its beauty with the world. During a business trip to Kochi, he decided to finally fulfil a promise he had made to himself  to drive his own Thar into this postcard-perfect paradise. And the detour clearly left him spellbound.

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After attending the M101 Leadership Conference in Kochi, Mahindra set out on a quiet Friday drive to Kadamakudy. He revealed on social media that he had long decided that if he ever visited Kochi, he had to experience the untouched charm of this village.

The journey left such an impression that he described it as a recalibrating experience"  the kind of moment that resets your inner compass, slows your heartbeat, and reminds you of what peace truly feels like.

And its not hard to see why Kadamakudy has earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful villages on earth.

Picture this: serene backwaters stretching endlessly like sheets of glass, tiny boats drifting lazily, coconut trees swaying in the breeze, and lush green landscapes wrapping the entire village in a soft emerald embrace. The sky feels wider here, the air fresher, the colours richer. Even the wildlife seems to enjoy the tranquillity, white egrets and black cormorants sunbathe along the waters edge, their wings spread out like delicate fans catching the warm light.

I lived up to a promise I had made to myselfAfter our Groups M101 annual leadership conference in Kochi last week, on Friday I drove to Kadamakkudy to see if it truly deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful villages on earth. Clean and pristine. Tranquil https://t.co/oMk0Q9YDHW pic.twitter.com/kD6YBm0hJr  anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) December 7, 2025

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What strikes most visitors is not just the scenery but the silence, a kind of pure, uninterrupted quiet that lets you hear the whispers of nature again. Kadamakudy isnt just beautiful; its cleansing. It feels like stepping into a painting, and yet everything around you is alive, breathing, and effortlessly harmonious.

In a world constantly rushing forward, Kadamakudy stands as a reminder that some places still exist solely to make you stop, breathe, and feel. Its not just a village; it is an experience. And for many, like Anand Mahindra, it becomes a memory that gently realigns something within.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 14:30 IST

News viral The Dreamlike Kerala Village Anand Mahindra Cant Stop Talking About, Heres Why

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8 Killed As ThailandCambodia Clashes Erupt Again; UN Chief Urges Restraint

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 10:47 IST

According to Khmer Times, Cambodias Ministry of National Defence reported that seven Cambodian civilians were killed and 20 injured by Thai military fire over the past two days

File photo used for representation. (AP file photo )

Renewed fighting along the ThailandCambodia border has left eight people dead and dozens injured, prompting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to call on both nations to exercise restraint and recommit to their ceasefire agreement. The UN chief said the organisation stands ready to support efforts aimed at peace and stability."

According to Khmer Times, Cambodias Ministry of National Defence reported that seven Cambodian civilians were killed and 20 injured by Thai military fire over the past two days. On the Thai side, the Bangkok Post cited the Army as confirming one soldier killed and 18 wounded during the same period.

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In a post on X, Guterres wrote: Im concerned by reports of renewed armed clashes between Cambodia & Thailand. I urge both parties to exercise restraint & avoid further escalation, recommit to the ceasefire & use all mechanisms for dialogue to find a lasting solution to the dispute The @UN stands ready to support all efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability & development in the region."

Im concerned by reports of renewed armed clashes between Cambodia & Thailand.I urge both parties to exercise restraint & avoid further escalation, recommit to the ceasefire & use all mechanisms for dialogue to find a lasting solution to the dispute through peaceful means. The  Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) December 9, 2025

The Bangkok Post also reported that Thai aircraft conducted strikes on military targets inside Cambodia as retaliation for the attacks. Authorities in Thailand have advised residents living near the border to evacuate their homes and move to designated shelters as tensions escalate.

On December 9, Cambodias Ministry of Foreign Affairs held an emergency meeting with 30 foreign diplomats and three international organisationsincluding UN representativesto present what it described as Thai attacks carried out in violation of the agreement." Former Prime Minister Hun Sen said in a message cited by Khmer Times, Cambodia needs peace, but Cambodia is forced to fight back to defend our territory."

The latest clashes come just weeks after Thailand suspended a peace agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur in late October, which had been hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough and witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Thailand paused its commitments in November after a landmine blast injured two soldiers.

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This escalation also follows Trumps recent claim in Washington that he had settled 8 wars in 10 months" because of powers vested in the U.S. presidencynaming Cambodia and Thailand among them.

Border tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours date back decades, rooted in disputes over colonial-era maps. The frontier has seen numerous flare-ups, including major fighting in July involving jets, missiles and ground troops that killed dozens and displaced nearly 200,000 people.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 10:47 IST

News world 8 Killed As ThailandCambodia Clashes Erupt Again; UN Chief Urges Restraint

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'India Shouldn't Be Victim Of Self-Deception': Asim Munir In First Address As Tri-Services Chief

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: December 08, 2025, 21:51 IST

Without naming 'Operation Sindoor', CDF and Pakistani Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir said the country's next response to any aggression will be "much more swift and severe"

Pakistan's Chief of Defense Forces and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir speaks during a ceremony at the joint military command headquarters in Rawalpindi on December 8, 2025. (Image: ISPR/AP)

In his historic first address as Chief of Defense Forces, Pakistani Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir vowed to protect Pakistan while sending an unequivocal message to regional rivals, India and the Afghan Taliban.

Field Marshal Asim Munir issued a subtle, if not direct, warning to India particularly and said the neighbouring country should not be a victim of self-deception and assumption".

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Indirectly referring to Indias Operation Sindoor, he said Pakistans next response to any kind of aggression will be much more swift and severe".

India should not be a victim of any self-deception or assumption, next time Pakistans response will be even swifter and more severe," said Field Marshal Munir, following a guard of honour at the General Headquarters (GHQ) to celebrate his appointment.

In his comprehensive address to officers of all three services  army, navy, and air force  since officially assuming the role of Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), he also focused on the establishment of the newly created Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) that he described as a historic symbol of fundamental change.

In view of the growing and changing threats, it is essential that we further improve multi-domain operations under a unified system of the three services," he said.

Field Marshal Munir said the establishment of the DFHQ is seen as a necessary step towards this improvement. While it aims for the unity of the high command and will coordinate the operations of the services, he stressed that the three services will maintain their internal autonomy and organisational structure. He said each service will retain its own uniqueness for operational preparedness.

WHAT DID ASIM MUNIR SAY ABOUT INDIA, AFGHANISTAN?

In his strategic warnings, Field Marshal Asim Munir focused first on India reiterating that Pakistan is a peace-loving country, but cautioning that no one will be allowed to threaten Pakistans sovereignty, territorial integrity, or test its resolve.

He specifically warned India not to be a victim of any self-deception or assumption" and made it clear that if aggression occurs, Pakistans response will be much more swift and severe". He proclaimed that the concept of Pakistan is invincible and is protected by the steadfast determination of heroes filled with faith and a united nation.

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Field Marshal Munir also directed a stern message to the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul regarding border tensions.

A clear message has been given to the Taliban regime that they have no option but to choose between the tribulation of the Khawarij or Pakistan," he said, referring to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that the Pakistani government had last year notified as Fitna al-Khawarij"  a group in earlier Islamic history known for violence.

Location : Rawalpindi, Pakistan

First Published: December 08, 2025, 21:50 IST

News world 'India Shouldn't Be Victim Of Self-Deception': Asim Munir In First Address As Tri-Services Chief

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'Misused': Legal Rights Body Questions Bangladesh's Justice System After Hasina Verdict

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 23:39 IST

IBAHRI said the developments suggest the justice system in Bangladesh is being used to advance unfair or politically influenced trials."

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (Image: AFP/File)

The International Bar Associations Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) raised alarm over the state of due process in Bangladesh, warning that recent in-absentia convictions of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her niece, UK MP Tulip Siddiq, point to a justice system vulnerable to political misuse during the countrys transition period.

In a strongly worded statement, IBAHRI said the interim administration must ensure that accountability for past abuses is pursued through independent and impartial proceedings, not trials that risk being perceived as retaliatory.

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IBAHRI Director Baroness Helena Kennedy said the developments suggest the justice system in Bangladesh is being used to advance unfair or politically influenced trials," adding that fair-trial guarantees remain mandatory even during political transition or states of emergency."

On 17 November 2025, Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal handed death sentences to Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 crackdown on student protesters.

IBAHRI reiterated its blanket opposition to capital punishment and warned that any sentence delivered without full due-process guarantees risks violating international law.

A legal team representing Hasina has already filed an urgent appeal with the UN Special Procedures, citing a lack of formal charge notification, denial of counsel of her choosing, and the appointment of a state lawyer with whom she has had no communication."

The petition argues that executing a sentence handed down after such a trial would amount to a summary execution" under Article 6 of the ICCPR.

Parallel concerns emerged after a Bangladesh court issued a two-year jail term in absentia against Tulip Siddiq in a corruption case involving the alleged irregular allotment of a land plot. Siddiq maintains she was never officially informed of the charges, while her chosen lawyer reported harassment, movement restrictions, and being placed under effective house arrest.

A group of senior UK legal experts wrote to Bangladeshs High Commission in London, calling the proceedings contrived" and raising questions about the legitimacy of the trial.

Justice System Under Pressure?

The legal turbulence follows Bangladeshs 2024 student uprising, during which more than 1,400 people were killed, according to a UN report.

The Awami League government collapsed soon after, prompting Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. The installation of a caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus initially raised expectations of a rights-focused reset.

However, IBAHRI warns that recent court actions signal democratic regression," suggesting that the judicial process risks becoming an instrument for settling political scores.

Calling on Bangladesh to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the organisation stressed that trials must be conducted by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal, a principle enshrined both in Bangladeshs Constitution and in UN guidelines on judicial independence.

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IBAHRI Co-Chair Mark Stephens said reports of intimidation of defence lawyers, as seen in Siddiqs case, strike at the heart of the right to a fair trial," urging the interim government to ensure lawyers can operate free of threats or interference.

He added that Bangladesh should immediately halt executions, establish a moratorium on the death penalty, and commit to permanent abolition.

Location : Bangladesh

First Published: December 09, 2025, 23:39 IST

News world 'Misused': Legal Rights Body Questions Bangladesh's Justice System After Hasina Verdict

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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- DEEPAL, the new energy vehicle marque under Changan Automobile, announced on December 9 that its cumulative deliveries have reached 700,000 units. The achievement coincides with a major moment for its parent company, which has now produced 30 million vehicles since its founding  a milestone underscoring Changan's rise as one of China's largest auto groups.

Photo source: DEEPAL

DEEPAL's rapid sales growth has been fueled by an aggressive expansion of its product lineup. Since debuting the SL03 in 2022, the brand has rolled out the S07 in 2023 and added three more models in 2024  the G318, L07 and S05  pushing into both electric and range-extended segments. The momentum has carried into 2025, with the S09 and L06 joining the portfolio as the company positions itself for broader market coverage.

At this year's Auto Guangzhou 2025, DEEPAL chairman Deng Chenghao said the company had achieved profitability in certain months, marking an early breakthrough for a young brand that is still investing heavily in new products. His remarks echoed earlier comments from Changan's board secretary, who noted that DEEPAL would reach break-even at monthly sales of around 30,000 units  a threshold the brand has now consistently surpassed.

The company recently launched a new round of fundraising, listing on the Chongqing United Assets and Equity Exchange in preparation for bringing in strategic investors by the end of December. Under the plan, new shareholders will hold no more than 20% of the company. Proceeds will be directed toward vehicle development, intelligent and electrified technologies, and expanding DEEPAL's brand presence overseas.

Audited financial statements show that DEEPAL has been steadily narrowing its losses. Net profit improved from a deficit of 3.196 billion yuan in 2022 to 1.571 billion yuan in 2024, and further to 1.025 billion yuan in the first ten months of 2025. Over the same period, revenue climbed to 39.797 billion yuan, with total assets reaching 31.474 billion yuan  figures that reflect the brand's growing scale despite continued investment.

Industry data shows DEEPAL delivered 33,600 vehicles worldwide in September and 36,800 units in October, maintaining monthly sales comfortably above the 30,000-unit mark for several consecutive months.

The momentum has been driven by strong performances from key models. The S07 has remained a steady bestseller with monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units and a cumulative total above 300,000 units. The newly launched S05 made an immediate impact in September, becoming the top-selling pure-electric compact SUV with nearly 20,000-unit global deliveries in its first full month.

DEEPAL has laid out an ambitious global strategy, targeting overseas markets to contribute between one-third and one-half of the brand's total sales in the years ahead. The company aims to expand its footprint to around 90 countries and regions in 2025, with a sales goal of 56,000 units for that year. By 2030, DEEPAL plans to scale its global deliveries to 380,000 units, positioning the brand as a cornerstone of Changan's broader international push.
Pakistan Govt, Military Considering Treason Trial Against Imran Khan And Ban On PTI: Sources

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 12:11 IST

Officials feel Imran Khan, by virtue of having served as prime minister, possesses highly sensitive knowledge of Pakistans strategic assets, including nuclear-related information.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan

Pakistans political and security establishment is engaged in intense deliberations over launching a treason case against former prime minister Imran Khan and potentially banning his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), sources have told CNN-Nes18. Sources claim that the federal government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in coordination with the military leadership, believes Khans conduct has crossed multiple red lines  ranging from alleged breaches of national security to actions said to have destabilised Pakistans diplomatic relationships and internal security environment.

Sources say officials feel Imran Khan, by virtue of having served as prime minister, possesses highly sensitive knowledge of Pakistans strategic assets, including nuclear-related information and state secrets. They allege that the combination of his political defiance, confrontational posture toward state institutions and possession of classified insights could place Pakistan in a precarious position. Sources insist that this factor alone has amplified the establishments concerns, contributing to discussions around invoking treason charges.

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Sources further assert that Khans alleged sympathetic stance toward the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Afghan Taliban has deepened institutional unease. According to them, the previous PTI governments policy of facilitating the return and settlement of TTP militants in Pakistan is directly linked to todays drastic resurgence in terrorism  reportedly increasing by over 600 per cent  and resulting in the deaths of numerous soldiers and civilians. These accusations, they argue, form a central pillar in the case-building effort against Khan.

Diplomatic fallout is also at the heart of the brewing confrontation. As per the same government insiders, Islamabads relations with the United States, China and Saudi Arabia deteriorated significantly during Khans tenure. They say Khans public allegations that the US orchestrated his removal through the cipher" saga angered Washington, while his governments claims that Chinese investors were involved in corruption in CPEC projects strained ties with Beijing. Similarly, his demand for additional financial assistance from Saudi Arabia  coupled with sharp remarks about Saudi leaders  was viewed as disrespectful in Riyadh. Officials maintain that these actions collectively damaged Pakistans foreign policy environment and contributed to the governments current hard line.

Meanwhile, the military establishment is said to be increasingly disturbed by PTIs political messaging. According to sources, PTI leaders and provincial officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have refused cooperation with federal authorities and security institutions, while party leaders allegedly continue to incite public agitation and unrest. The establishment reportedly views this as a deliberate attempt to trigger instability.

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Tensions escalated further on Friday when ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif launched a blistering attack on Imran Khan, labelling him mentally ill" and declaring that his behaviour constitutes a serious national security threat." This unprecedented public rebuke, combined with what officials describe as growing non-cooperation from Khans family  who they allege are using Indian media to defame Pakistans institutions"  has fuelled speculation that decisive action may be imminent.

Top government sources conclude that if Imran Khan, his hawkish" party leaders and family members continue to resist state institutions, the consequences may be severe," with treason proceedings and a formal ban on PTI actively under consideration.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 12:11 IST

News world Pakistan Govt, Military Considering Treason Trial Against Imran Khan And Ban On PTI: Sources

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No Putin, Trump Meet Until New Year: Kremlin Says Preparations Underway

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 10:31 IST

No Putin-Trump meeting planned until New Year, said Kremlin spokesperson.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

Presidents of Russia and the United States, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, are not expected to meet before the New Year, because it requires proper preparations, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said.

So far, no such thing is being discussed. A meeting should be prepared, and it needs to produce results. In order for it to produce result, work should be done at the expert level first, and it is already underway," Peskov was quoted as saying.

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According to TASS, Moscow has no information about the outcome of talks recently held between Washington and Kiev in Florida. The three-day talks between the US and Ukraine ended in Florida on Saturday after which Witkoff and Kushner talked with Zelensky over the phone.

According to the Axios portal, the United States is trying to find a new approach to resolving territorial issues.

When we get this information, we will understand what should be done and how we should [move] forward," Peskov added.

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The spokesman also stated that the outcome of the talks is important as it is set to determine Russias next steps.

Location : Russia

First Published: December 09, 2025, 09:41 IST

News world No Putin, Trump Meet Until New Year: Kremlin Says Preparations Underway

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Russia Claims Major Gains In Ukraine's Myrnohrad, Controls 30% Of Buildings: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 17:06 IST

Russia top Army General said its forces are advancing in Ukraine, targeting Myrnohrad as ordered by Putin. Ukraine denies Pokrovsk has fallen and vows not to cede territory.

Russian top general Valery Gerasimov said President Vladimir Putin had ordered the defeat of Ukrainian forces in Myrnohrad, a town with a pre-war population of some 46,000 people to the east of Pokrovsk.

Russian top general Valery Gerasimov on Tuesday said their forces were advancing along the front line in Ukraine and were targeting surrounded Ukrainian troops in the town of Myrnohrad.

Reuters quoted Gerasimov saying President Vladimir Putin had ordered the defeat of Ukrainian forces in Myrnohrad, a town with a pre-war population of some 46,000 people to the east of Pokrovsk.

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Speaking at a command post meeting with officers of the Centre Grouping which is fighting in Ukraines Dnipropetrovsk region, he said Russia has taken control of more than 30% of Myrnohrads buildings.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has repeatedly rejected Russian claims that Pokrovsk has fallen and said its forces continue to hold part of the city and are fighting back in Myrnohrad.

According to Reuters, Russia currently controls 19.2% of Ukraine, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, Luhansk, more than 80% of Donetsk, about 75% of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, and slivers of the Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

Last week, Putin vowed to take full control of Donbas region by force if Ukraine doesnt withdraw. Either we liberate these territories by force of arms, or Ukrainian troops leave these territories," he said in an interview with India Today before his visit to India.

In response to Putins demands, Ukraine has said it will not gift its territory to Russia that Moscow failed to win in the battle. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said Moscow should not be rewarded for a war it started.

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Russia had sent its troops into Ukraine in February 2022 after eight years of fighting between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian troops in the Donbas, which is made up of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

US President Donald Trump in his 28-point peace plan had proposed Ukraine to surrender the Donbas region. The plan included recognising Moscow-annexed Crimea and occupied eastern Ukraine as de-facto" Russian, also requiring Kyiv to pull out from parts of the Donetsk region that it still controls, all clear red lines for Ukraine.

Location : Russia

First Published: December 09, 2025, 17:06 IST

News world Russia Claims Major Gains In Ukraine's Myrnohrad, Controls 30% Of Buildings: Report

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'Sindhudesh': What Is This Separatist Demand In Pakistan Tied To Violent Clashes In Karachi?

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 23:16 IST

Stemming from an old nationalist sentiment, the demand for 'Sindhudesh' refers to a distinct homeland for the Sindhi people

People wearing ethnic attire celebrate Sindhi Cultural Day festival in Pakistan's Karachi on December 7, 2025. (Image: Asif HASSAN/AFP)

Amid tensions surrounding the province of Sindh in Pakistan, there were clashes between police and purported supporters of a separate Sindhudesh" at a Sindh Culture Day rally in Karachi.

According to reports, demonstrators were arrested after throwing stones while advocating for a separate Sindhudesh.

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Last month, Indias Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said the Sindh region in Pakistan might eventually rejoin India one day, citing historical and civilisational ties. His comments had drawn strong condemnation from Pakistan, including from its foreign office and the Sindh assembly.

Watch the video here:

#BREAKINGMass protests in Karachi demanding Sindhudesh.The truth is simple: Sindh was never truly Pakistan.Its part of the same civilizational fold as Bharat ,history proves it every time.#FreeSindh #SindhudeshMovement pic.twitter.com/6IhwZMHSGT TRIDENT (@TridentxIN) December 8, 2025

WHAT IS THIS DEMAND ALL ABOUT?

The separatist demand for Sindhudesh refers to a distinct homeland for the Sindhi people.

This is reportedly a longtime nationalist demand that has once again gained attention following clashes at a recent cultural event in Karachi.

Tensions flared dramatically during the Sindh Culture Day celebrations, marked annually since 2009 on the first Sunday of December to celebrate the provinces heritage. Protesters, particularly those gathered under the banner of the Jiye Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSSM), used the occasion to demand a separate Sindhudesh raising slogans of azadi (freedom) and Pakistan murdabad.

The peaceful gathering quickly spiralled into violence and arrests after authorities attempted to divert the rally. Karachi police detained 45 demonstrators following stone-pelting and clashes.

Police sources said the attempt to divert the route escalated the confrontation, with an argument over road access spiralling into violence and arrests. Police responded with a baton charge and tear gas shelling to disperse the crowd, they said.

They said five police personnel were injured after stones were thrown at them. Following the incident, the Sindh home minister ordered immediate action directing the arrest of those involved in damaging property, including police vehicles and citizens assets.

WHAT ARE THE HISTORICAL ROOTS?

A report by India Today said the demand for a separate Sindhudesh is rooted in the regions distinct history and identity.

The concept of Sindhudesh, whose ancient name was reportedly derived from the Mahabharata, dates back officially to 1967, originating under the leadership of GM Syed and Pir Ali Mohammed Rashdi. Although Sindh became part of Pakistan following the 1947 Partition, it had existed as a separate administrative region under British India.

The report said the movement gained significant momentum after the 1971 liberation of Bangladesh. Sindhi nationalists were inspired by the Bengali language movement, stressing on Sindhs distinct ethnic, linguistic, and historical identity tied to the Indus Valley Civilisation.

WHAT IS THE STATUS NOW?

The movement has now watered down to political outfits wanting greater political expression, but generally seeking autonomy within Pakistan or the complete formation of an independent Sindhudesh rather than advocating for a merger with India.

Organisations like the JSSM, which led the recent rallies, have consistently alleged sustained political repression and human rights violations in the province. The JSSM has accused Pakistans security forces of serious human rights abuses", including enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings of activists and journalists. They also claim the anti-terrorism law is being misused specifically to target the Sindhudesh movement.

The JSSM, led by exiled chairperson Shafi Burfat, previously urged the United Nations to recognise Sindhudesh as an independent nation. It has also made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to back its demand.

WHAT DID RAJNATH SINGH SAY ON SINDH?

In fact, recent statements about the Sindh region by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were met with sharp criticism from Pakistan.

Last month, while speaking at the Sindhi Samaj Sammelan event in New Delhi, Singh suggested that the region might eventually rejoin India. He said Sindh has always been culturally linked to India and, civilisationally, will always be a part of India".

He said while the land may currently be separate, borders can change" and who knows, tomorrow Sindh may return to India again". He reinforced his claim by referencing the Indian National Anthem, asserting that people still sing with pride, Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Maratha", symbolising its enduring importance.

The Union minister recalled the sentiments of BJP patriarch LK Advani, who lamented that his birthplace in Sindhs Karachi was no longer part of India stating that many Sindhi Hindus never fully accepted" the 1947 decision. These remarks drew strong and formal condemnation from Pakistans government and provincial authorities.

Pakistans foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi criticised the comments as deeply troubling" and urged India to refrain from issuing such provocative statements". On the provincial level, the Sindh assembly unanimously passed a resolution directly criticising the comments.

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The resolution asserted unequivocally that Sindh is, and will forever remain, an inseparable and integral part" of Pakistan. It formally condemned the statement as delusional, inflammatory, and a deliberate distortion of history, made in violation of diplomatic norms and international law".

It highlighted that Sindh is an ancient civilisation with its own enduring identity, culture, a political consciousness, rooted in history far older and deeper than any modern state". Separately, the national assembly also passed a resolution criticising the remarks.

Location : Karachi, Pakistan

First Published: December 09, 2025, 23:02 IST

News world 'Sindhudesh': What Is This Separatist Demand In Pakistan Tied To Violent Clashes In Karachi?

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Trump Greenlights Nvidias H200 Chip Sales To China, Imposes 25% Revenue Levy

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 08:21 IST

Donald Trump has approved conditional Nvidia H200 chip sales to select Chinese clients, marking a major shift in US technology export policy.

White House Clears Limited Nvidia Chip Exports to China Amid Security Debate

US President Donald Trump has announced a significant shift in American export policy by allowing Nvidia to sell its H200 artificial intelligence chips to approved customers in China. The decision, announced through a post on his Truth Social account, marks a reversal of earlier restrictions while keeping tighter controls on the companys most advanced technologies.

What we know about the new policy?

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Trump said he had informed Chinese President Xi Jinping that the United States would permit Nvidia to ship its H200 products to selected buyers in China and other countries, provided the arrangement maintained strong national security." According to Trump, China responded positively to the proposal.

A new requirement under the policy mandates that 25% of Nvidias revenue from these sales be paid directly to the US government. Trump described this as a measure that would support American jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and ensure that taxpayers benefit from the arrangement.

He criticised the previous administration for forcing American companies to design degraded" chips for export, products he said nobody wanted", arguing that the policy slowed innovation and harmed the American worker. Declaring that the era is over," he positioned the new approach as one that protects security while helping firms compete globally.

Blackwell and Rubin chips not included

While the H200 will be permitted for export, Trump made clear that Nvidias latest Blackwell and upcoming Rubin chips remain fully restricted. He emphasised that US customers are already moving ahead with these higher-end models, which he said are not part of the new deal with China.

The President also stated that the Department of Commerce is finalising the finer details of the policy and that similar terms will be extended to other American technology firms, including AMD and Intel.

Trump-Nvidia deal

The announcement follows sustained lobbying by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who met Trump and several lawmakers in early December. Huang reportedly argued that inconsistent regulations were slowing down progress in artificial intelligence and weakening Americas competitive edge.

However, the move has attracted criticism from both Republican and Democratic senators, including Pete Ricketts and Chris Coons, who have warned that easing chip exports to China could pose national security risks. Trump dismissed these concerns, insisting the policy maintains strict oversight.

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Despite the debate, Trump praised Huang as a smart man" after their recent meeting and remains confident that his decision will keep America ahead in the global AI race.

As discussions continue, the administration insists the policy places Americas interests first while balancing economic and strategic priorities in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 09, 2025, 08:21 IST

News world Trump Greenlights Nvidias H200 Chip Sales To China, Imposes 25% Revenue Levy

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Trump's Former Lawyer Alina Habba Resigns As New Jersey's Top Federal Prosecutor

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Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 07:44 IST

Donald Trump's attorney, Alina Habba resigned as New Jerseys top federal prosecutor after a court ruled her appointment unlawful.

Alina Habba resigned as New Jerseys top federal prosecutor after a court ruled her appointment unlawful. (Pic; Reuters)

Donald Trumps former personal lawyer, Alina Habba, resigned on Monday as the top federal prosecutor of New Jersey following a contentious ruling by an appeals court that said she was serving her post unlawfully. The Third Circuit Court, in a strongly-worded statement, Habba framed her departure as an act of compliance, not surrender," insisting the decision would neither weaken her resolve nor the Justice Department.

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Reflecting on her five-year tenure, Habba highlighted what she described as unprecedented successes under former Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, including New Jerseys first murder-free summer in Camden in half a century, reductions in violent crime, and efforts targeting child predators and terrorism.

However, she sharply criticised federal judges in New Jersey, accusing them of weaponising the blue slip tradition" and stalling trials for political reasons. According to Habba, these judicial actions left violent offenders on the streets and shifted focus away from residents safety toward opposition to former President Donald Trump.

For four years, I fought against lawfare aimed at President Trump and against politics infecting our justice system," she wrote, adding that her loyalty is not to a ZIP code, a title, or politics, it is to this great country."

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Habba said she is stepping down to protect the stability and integrity" of the office, but emphasised she will remain active at the national level. She will continue serving the Department of Justice as Senior Advisor to the Attorney General for US Attorneys while the court ruling undergoes further review.

Closing her statement with characteristic bravado, she wrote: Make no mistake, you can take the girl out of New Jersey, but you cannot take New Jersey out of the girl."

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 09, 2025, 07:23 IST

News world Trump's Former Lawyer Alina Habba Resigns As New Jersey's Top Federal Prosecutor

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'World Sees A Saint, We Saw A System': Bangladesh's Ex-Intel Officer On Yunus' 'Shadow State' | Exclusive

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News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 09, 2025, 09:07 IST

Aminul Hoque Polash walks News18 through classified insights, internal documents, and lived experiences, revealing a side of Yunus the world has never seen before

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Muhammad Yunus (AFP)

Bangladeshs former intelligence officer and diplomat Aminul Hoque Polash, in exile since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime, has broken his silence on the hidden power structures, financial engineering, and political ambitions surrounding Nobel laureate and the countrys interim leader Muhammad Yunus.

In an exclusive conversation, Polash walks News18 through classified insights, internal documents, and lived experiences inside Bangladeshs national security system, revealing a side of Yunus the world has never seen before.

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Before we get into the details about Dr Yunus, tell us how you ended up in exile.

I never pictured myself sitting in another country, talking about the collapse of the institutions I once served. I spent nearly a decade inside national security and foreign service. My work was simple in principle: follow evidence, protect the state, and protect the people.

But the moment my investigation started touching the financial arteries of Yunuss network, everything shifted. People inside the system began warning me quietly that I had stepped into an area no one was supposed to touch. When the Yunus-led interim regime took power in an unconstitutional way, the pressure around me tightened instantly.

Intelligence colleagues told me my name was circulating in rooms where dangerous decisions get made. Words like neutralise" and make him disappear" were being thrown around. And these werent idle threatsmy family was included in that danger.

Then came the abrupt recall from my diplomatic post in India. That single action told me exactly what was coming next. Going back home wouldve been like walking into a death sentence. Exile wasnt a choice. It was the only way to protect my family and to stay alive long enough to tell the truth they wanted buried.

You published archival documents challenging Yunuss claim of inventing microcredit. What did those documents really show?

Those papers rewrite the mythology. They show that Yunus didnt invent microcredithe absorbed it, rebranded it, and erased the actual creators from the story.

The rural credit project in Jobra wasnt his personal idea. It was a Ford Foundation-funded university project designed by younger researcherspeople like Swapan Adnan, Nasiruddin, and HI Latifee. Yunus was supervising a completely different section at the time. Over the years, though, every one of those names disappeared from history, and the entire narrative became Yunus invented microcredit".

If you want to understand the system he built later, this is where it begins. His first act wasnt financial corruption, it was intellectual hijacking. Taking credit for something others built. That pattern never stopped.

Globally, hes seen as a hero. What did you see from the inside that contradicts that?

The world sees a saint; Bangladesh saw a structure. A structure built on capturing institutions, moving public money into private vehicles, and ensuring that real accountability never follows the trail.

Grameen Bank, backed by donors and the government, created a fund called the Social Advancement Fund. That money was quietly shifted into a private body called Grameen Kalyan. From there, a web of nearly 50 entities emergedGrameen Telecom, Grameen Fund, and so many others. People abroad think these bodies are separate. Theyre not. Every decision, every movement of money eventually leads back to one centre of gravity.

By 2022, Grameen Telecom alone had collected more than Tk 10,890 crore in dividends from Grameenphone. Meanwhile, workers who legally owned a share of that money were denied it for years. Other entities conveniently showed losses", but somehow all the money stayed within the unified ecosystem he controlled.

This wasnt charity. It was engineeringcorporate engineering wrapped in the language of poverty alleviation.

When you followed the money, what shocked you the most?

The precision. The scale. And the deliberate design behind it.

Take one example: Grameen Kalyan transferred Tk 53.25 crore to Grameen Telecom for guaranteed dividends from Grameenphone. That deal alone produced more than Tk 2,222 crore across the years. Yet the actual rural borrowersthe legal owners of the moneynever saw a single taka.

Or look at the Tk 437 crore settlement" for workers. The money entered a special account and almost immediately started flowing somewhere elseinto private accounts of lawyers and union leaders. It was only after Bangladesh Bank froze those accounts and the High Court flagged the transactions as dubious" that the public even found out the truth.

Once you see the pattern, it stops looking like a mistake. It looks like a strategy.

What about tax evasion? There were many accusations around that.

The tax trail is one of the clearest indicators of intent. Yunus transferred roughly Tk 100 crore of his own wealth into trusts he personally controlled, but labelled the transfers as loans". Why? Because loans arent taxed the way asset transfers are.

The National Board of Revenue pursued him for Tk 15.4 crore. He went to court, appealed repeatedly, fought it for years. Every single court rejected his claim. The Supreme Court upheld the tax demand. He had to pay.

His network of institutions faces nearly Tk 2,000 crore in unpaid taxes. Instead of paying, dozens of legal cases were filed to stall the process for as long as possible. Its a pattern the public never saw, but its all there in the paperwork.

The labour case was a major turning point. What did your investigation uncover?

The irony is painful. The man celebrated for empowering the poor wouldnt follow basic labour law inside his own organisations.

Grameen Telecom workers fought for years to receive their lawful benefits. Many were fired unjustly99 during the pandemic alone. The Labour Court held 21 hearings. It framed charges based on hard evidence and delivered a conviction.

That conviction disappeared almost overnight once Yunus seized power in 2024. It vanished. As if justice was optional.

For the workers, it was a betrayal. For people like me who understood how the system works, it was a clear message: the law applies only until it becomes inconvenient for him.

The Tk 437 crore settlement scandal became national news. What does that episode tell you?

It reveals the inner mechanics of the system. Workers were told, Youll finally get your dividends." Money was deposited. And then, behind the scenes, a large chunk26 croremoved into a union account. From there, almost the entire amount flowed straight into the private accounts of lawyers and union leaders.

Bangladesh Bank froze the money. The High Court questioned the legitimacy of the transactions. The Anti-Corruption Commission started investigating.

And then Yunus took power and the entire process lost momentum. It shows how workers were used as bargaining chips, not beneficiaries.

Youve also spoken about foreign remittances he received during the 2006-08 caretaker period. Why does that matter now?

Because it shows that his political ambitions didnt suddenly appear. They were already in motion nearly two decades ago.

Around Tk 48 crore entered his personal account during that period, just as he was preparing to launch a political party. A large portion of that money wasnt properly declared to the tax authorities. Some of it moved into accounts linked to a travel business.

When you align those remittances with the political timeline, its impossible not to see the pattern. He was positioning himself for power back then and he did the same again in 2024, but with far more sophistication.

What changed once he took over the 2024 interim government?

The speed was shocking. Within days, the entire legal landscape around him flipped.

His labour conviction disappeared. The Anti-Corruption Commission withdrew its major case against him. Five more labour cases vanished. Even a food adulteration case involving Grameen yoghurt vanished; something that had nothing to do with national politics.

A huge tax burdenTk 666 crore owed by Grameen Kalyanevaporated after a mysterious reversal. Grameen Bank received a five-year blanket tax exemption covering rental income, interest income, operational revenueeverything.

This wasnt coincidence. This was a man finally in control of the machinery he had spent decades cultivating.

Critics say nepotism defines the current regime. What did you observe?

Its not an accusation; its the operating system.

Yunus nephew, Apurba Jahangir, was suddenly the Deputy Press Secretary to the government. His long-time aide, Lamiya Morshed, secured high-level roles tied to SDGs and development priorities. Beyond these names, many people from the Grameen ecosystem now hold strategic roles inside ministries and regulatory agencies.

This is how a captured state functions. Not through flashy purges, but through quiet placement of loyalists in key positions. Once that network is in place, one man can effectively guide national policy without ever being visibly present.

Why do you think the West still doesnt see this?

Because the world fell in love with a storya gentle professor, the Nobel prize, and rural women. It fit perfectly into the global development narrative. It made everyone feel good.

Once a myth becomes comfortable, people stop questioning it. But myths dont erase court verdicts. Myths dont pay back unpaid taxes. Myths dont explain disappearing convictions and strategic placements of loyalists.

The evidence exists. The world has just chosen not to look closely.

Finally, what would you say to people who still see Yunus as a saint-like figure?

Id say this: judge him by what hes doing with power today, not by the medal he won two decades ago.

Look at the cases that disappeared. Look at the institutions he captured. Look at how quickly a lifetime of liabilities evaporated once he took office.

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And if he truly believes in the purity of his legacy, let him agree to a full international forensic auditof his finances, his institutions, and every vanished case. If he has nothing to hide, he has nothing to fear.

Bangladesh deserves that clarity. And the world deserves to stop confusing myth with truth.

First Published: December 09, 2025, 09:07 IST

News world 'World Sees A Saint, We Saw A System': Bangladesh's Ex-Intel Officer On Yunus' 'Shadow State' | Exclusive

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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 9, Chery's AIMOGA Robotics held a ceremony in Wuhu, Anhui to mark the delivery of its 1,000th robot dog in 2025.

Zhang Guibing, Executive Vice President of Chery Automobile and General Manager of AIMOGA Robotics, together with Deputy General Manager Xia Peng, handed over a new batch of 120 Argos robot dogs to more than 60 usersprimarily consisting of manufacturing parks, community property managers, and young families.

Image source: Chery

Argos features 13 degrees of freedom, a 5 kg maximum payload, and up to 6.48 km of operating range. Leveraging Chery's deep software and hardware capabilities accumulated from vehicle development and manufacturing, this latest batch of Argos will be deployed in real-world scenarios such as home companionship, community inspection, and factory security, enabling "ready-to-work upon delivery" performance for tasks including interaction, monitoring, and safety patrols.

According to Mr. Zhang Guibing, "Cars and robots share more than 80% of their underlying technologies. AIMOGA's R&D, supply chain, and quality systems are fully integrated into Chery's established automotive systema mature, stable, and reliable framework that enables industry-leading intelligence, quality, and cost performance.

With annual deliveries surpassing 1,000 units, Argos has now entered a new phase of scaled commercial deployment.

AIMOGA currently operates two standardized robot production lines, including a dedicated robot-dog line with an annual capacity of 15,000 units, ensuring robust support for upcoming mass deliveries.

Image source: Chery

So far, Argos has been deployed in more than 30 countries and regions worldwide. In the future, AIMOGA Robotics plans to launch additional versions of Argos, including a lightweight home edition, a durable outdoor edition, and professional inspection editions for campuses, warehouses, and construction sites, enabling the robots to deliver real value across a wider range of scenarios.
The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe, which has title deeds to two large farms around Nemamwa and Morgenster Mission near the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, plans to take back its land and evict an estimated 2 000 families that settled on its land from as early as 1980, sources have told Masvingo Mirror.

Sources told Masvingo Mirror that Owen Shayawabaya, the District Lands Officer for Nemanwa, called a meeting on November 6, 2025, attended by Chief Mugabes aide Pascal Mugabe, Village head Henry Muganhu Makusha, delegates from RCZ Reverend Enos Chomutiri and Reverend Lovemore Mashamba, and Reverend Zambuko, as well as Chief Mugabe, under whose chieftainship Henry Murray and Zero Farms fall, and announced the planned evictions.

Chief Mugabe, real name Matubede Mudavanhu, said those trying to evict his subjects are daydreaming.

The meeting was held at the Mugabe chiefs court.

Top people from Chief Mugabe said RCZ was just accused of working with a certain powerful political family trying to grab the land using RCZ as a guise. It is understood that the meeting promised to compensate the evicted families.

Masvingo has seen powerful politicians allegedly pushing people out of their homes and going on to take over the land and develop upmarket residential stands. One of the contentious standoffs is at Clipsham, where war veterans have been pushed out and

The area of Henry Murray and Zero Farms is massive; it has two primary schools  Sikato and Nemanwa, 90 boreholes and 40 boreholes around Morgenster and various other facilities.

RCZ General Secretary Lovemore Mashamba confirmed the matter. He, however, declined to comment until there is a final report from the RCZ board, which is involved in the exercise.

I cannot comment on the matter because I havent received reports from the board which is on the ground, said Reverend Mashamba.

Chief Mugabe argues that RCZ cannot take over the farms because the first white missionaries found his people in the area when they came. It was the Mugabe people who led the missionaries to the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, said the sources.

Masvingo Rural District Council (RDC) is also accused of working together with RCZ. The Chief Executive Officer, Martin Mubviro, however, professed ignorance of the saying; he has never heard of such a thing.

Muneri (RCZ) was received by Chief Mugabe in the 1800s and took over our land. So, they cant talk about taking that land from us because it belongs to the Mugabes, said Chief Mugabe.

Chikutuva Village head Henry Muganhu Makusha had no kind words for RCZ, which he accused of trying to bring colonial-era title deeds on land they grabbed from them.

Its on record that this land initially belonged to Chief Mugabe. We wont accept any offer or agreement. We know there are some deals that are being made, but we are ready for anything. We cant be homeless or kicked away from ancestral land because of a paper drafted by colonial masters, said Makusha. Masvingo Mirror
Six people were arrested in Beitbridge in two separate cases and have since appeared in court for the unlawful possession and sale of agricultural inputs under the Presidential Input Scheme.

The arrests followed intelligence provided by the National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe (NACAZ), which detected individuals buying and reselling fertiliser obtained from beneficiaries of the scheme in the border town.

NACAZ, an affiliate of Zanu PF, working under the ruling partys security department, collaborates with the police and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to curb graft.

The first case involved Chemistry Ndou (61), Khare Ndou (23), Thumelo Moyo (24) and Voice Ndou (62), all from Beitbridge.

Last Wednesday, the NACAZ team, led by assistant deputy director of operations Alvin Makufa, joined hands with ZRP members from Beitbridge Urban and went to a house in Dulibadzimu, intending to arrest Ndou, who, on seeing the police, bolted from his house, but was pursued and caught.

The team recovered 70x50kg bags of fertiliser, which were being sold at his house.

The fertilise was said to have been bought from Swereki villagers under Chief Sitaudzi who are beneficiaries of the Presidential Inputs Scheme.

The four accused persons and the recovered fertiliser were taken to ZRP Beitbridge Urban, where they were booked under RRB number 6495937 and detained.

The case was later taken over by CID Law and Order Beitbridge for further management.

The total value of the recovered fertiliser is US$2 000.

The second case involved Angeline Chokutaura (46) of Magamba Park in Chivhu and Taruvinga Manunure (38) of Mucheche village in Lutumba under Chief Sitaudze, Beitbridge.

On the same day last Wednesday, the NACAZ team and ZRP members from Beitbridge Urban went to Mucheche village in Lutumba, Beitbridge Rural, where Chokutaura was arrested after being found in possession of 120x50kg bags of fertiliser, which she was about to transport to Chivhu.

Chokutaura was taken to ZRP Beitbridge Rural, and the fertiliser was booked as an exhibit.

She implicated Manunure as the one who sold her the fertiliser.

The following day, on December 4, NACAZ members and CID Law and Order Beitbridge officers proceeded to Manunures house in Mucheche village, Lutumba. Manunure, upon seeing the team, bolted, but was chased and caught.

He admitted selling the 120 bags to Chokutaura, and also that he bought them from beneficiaries of the Presidential Inputs Scheme.

A docket was opened under RRB number 6507155 at ZRP Beitbridge Rural, after which it was transferred to Beitbridge CID Law and Order.

The value of the recovered 120 bags of fertiliser is US$3 720.

The total value of the recovered fertiliser for both cases is US$5 720.

Four of the six accused persons appeared before Magistrate Brenda Kachepa last Friday, who released them on US$50 bail each.

They were not being represented.

The other two accused persons last Friday appeared before magistrate Tafadzwa Gwazemba, who sentenced them to a fine of US$100 or 30 days imprisonment each.

Mugwagwa represented the State in both cases. Newsday
A Florida man has been charged with murder in a case once thought to be tied to the infamous Gilgo Beach serial killings, the New York Times reports. Andrew Dykes, 66, was indicted in Nassau County, New York, this week for the killing of Tanya Denise Jackson , whose remains were found near those of her 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana, in the same area on Long Island where the Gilgo Beach victims' bodies were discovered. Dykes, who is the father of the child, was arrested in Florida on a felony fugitive warrant and is awaiting extradition to New York. Some of Jackson's remains were first discovered in a different part of New York in 1997, but more were found in the Gilgo Beach area in 2011 when investigators started looking for bodies there.

Jackson, identified for years only as "Peaches" due to a tattoo on her chest, was initially considered a possible Gilgo victim, but officials now say her case does not appear to be connected to the Gilgo murders. The body of her daughter, believed to have been roughly 2, was found in 2011 also in the Gilgo Beach area, wrapped in a blanket and wearing gold jewelry. Police were able to link the child to Jackson through DNA. Jackson was just 26 when she died, CBS News reports.

Jackson, born in Alabama and a US Army veteran who served in the Gulf War, was estranged from much of her family and was not reported missing after her disappearance. She and her daughter were buried at a military cemetery in Alabama earlier this year. Police say Jackson and Dykes, who investigators tracked down thanks to Tatiana's birth certificate, met in the military, ABC 7 reports. The Gilgo Beach serial killing investigation, meanwhile, continues, with Rex Heuermann facing charges in the deaths of seven women, six of whom were found in the Gilgo Beach area. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty and is expected to go to trial next year.
A total of 100 of the schoolchildren abducted from a Catholic school in Nigeria last month have been released, the Christian Association of Nigeria said Monday, adding that more than 100 students remain in captivity. At least 303 schoolchildren were seized at the Niger state school together with 12 of their teachers when gunmen attacked the St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri community on Nov. 21. Fifty escaped in the hours that followed. Daniel Atori, a spokesman for the association in Niger state, told the AP that the church learned the children were released over the weekend and that they will be transported to Niger state's capital of Minna to meet with officials.

It was not immediately clear how the 100 schoolchildren were freed or if any arrests were made. No group has claimed responsibility for the abductions, but residents blamed the armed gangs that target schools and travelers in kidnappings for ransoms across Nigeria's conflict-battered north. The Niger state attack was among a spate of recent mass abductions in Nigeria and happened four days after 25 schoolchildren were seized in similar circumstances in neighboring Kebbi state's Maga town. A church in the southern Kwara state was attacked around the same time; the 38 worshipers abducted in that attack last month have been freed.

Under pressure at home and from President Trumpwho has alleged that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria's security crisisNigerian President Bola Tinubu has promised he will not relent until all hostages are freed. An American congressional delegation met with Nigeria's national security adviser on Sunday in Abuja, per Reuters. Nigerian authorities usually do not say much about rescue efforts, and arrests in such cases are rare. Analysts believe that's because ransoms are usually paid. Officials do not admit payment of ransoms.
President Trump announced a $12 billion bailout for US farmers on Monday, aiming to soften the blow from his own tariffs and a tough year in agriculture. The relief includes $11 billion in direct payments through the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, with another $1 billion set aside for other commodities, the Wall Street Journal reports. Soybean farmers, hit hardest by collapsing prices and the loss of China as a top customer, are expected to benefit the most. Trump announced the aid plan at a White House roundtable Monday, saying it would be funded by tariff revenue, the AP reports.

Farm bankruptcies are up 60% this year, with the cost of goods including fertilizer rising and crop prices low after a record harvest. The aid, set to roll out at the end of February, drew praise from major farm groups. The American Soybean Association lamented 2025's combination of bad prices, high costs, and lost markets. At Monday's event, Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins pointed fingers at foreign-owned agribusinesses for driving up costs.

Soybean exports to China, which once bought nearly a quarter of all US beans, dropped to zero after Trump's tariffs, though purchases resumed after a deal at the end of October. In 2018, during Trump's first term, he announced $12 billion in aid to farmers during a trade dispute with China. The total compensation for lost farm business due to tariffs during his first term was around $23 billion, the Journal reports.

As in 2018, farmers say they appreciate the help but would rather make money from selling crops than government payments, the AP reports. "I think we need to be looking for some avenues to find other funding opportunities and we need to get our markets going. That's where we want to be able to make a living from," says Kentucky farmer Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association. Asked Monday if there would be more aid packages, Trump said it would depend on market conditions, the BBC reports. "The farmers don't want aid," he said. "They want to have a level playing field."
Porsche owners across Russia are facing widespread vehicle shutdowns after a mysterious wave of immobilizer activations left hundreds of cars unable to start. The incidents began on December 1, when drivers in multiple regionsfrom Moscow to Krasnodarreported that their vehicles suddenly refused to respond, despite showing no prior warning signs of mechanical trouble.

Early indications point to Porsches factory-installed Vehicle Tracking System, a security feature designed to disable the engine if it loses satellite communication. The system is standard on models dating back to 2013. When the tracking unit cannot detect a signal, it triggers an automatic lockdown, effectively preventing the car from operating. Owners say these shutdowns have been abrupt and unpredictable, occurring both while the car is parked and shortly after startup.

Service centers are now overwhelmed as technicians try to determine whether the failures stem from a software malfunction, a system-wide outage, or something more deliberate. Dealer representatives acknowledge the unusual nature of the event but emphasize that there is no clear evidence of outside interference. Porsches regional and global offices have not issued public statements, adding to the uncertainty.

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Reports from owners paint a chaotic picture. Some found their vehicles disabled after brief errands; others experienced shutdowns moments after turning the ignition. In desperation, a few have attempted to bypass alarm modules or disconnect tracking components, while others resorted to removing the battery for extended periods in hopes of resetting the system. Results have varied, and no consistent remedy has emerged.

The situation comes against a backdrop of restricted new-vehicle deliveries, as Porsche halted shipments to Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. Despite that, the brand remains popular among affluent buyers, many of whom now face unexpected tow bills and long waits at repair facilities.

With no confirmed cause and no universal fix, the number of immobilized Porsches continues to grow, fueling speculation and frustration as owners wait for official guidance on how to bring their cars back to life.




'Twas just a few weeks before Christmas, and in the prison yard, a drone-dropped package was found by a guard, complete with steak, weed, crab legs, and cigarettesand to season it all, a tin of Old Bay spice. The illicit meal was dropped into the Lee Correctional Institution prison yard by a drone, the South Carolina Department of Corrections wrote on X , using the hashtag #ContrabandChristmas, per the AP . A photo from the Bishopville prison showed a raw steak still in its grocery store packaging, crab legs, and Old Bay, with side plastic baggies of marijuana and a couple of cartons of cigarettes. The drone was also seized Sunday morning, authorities said.

Prison officials said they're investigating and that no arrests have been made. "I'm guessing the inmates who were expecting the package are crabby," a prison spokeswoman said. Keeping contraband out of state prisons is a constant battle. People would toss or use a catapult to get packages of cellphones, drugs, or other illegal items over the perimeter fence at Lee CI, until officials raised the fences and added netting at the top.

People trying to smuggle things behind bars then moved on to drones, leaving corrections officials to constantly patrol the prison yard and just outside for the tiny aircraft trying to drop packages. Just flying a drone near a prison in South Carolina is a misdemeanor crime that carries up to 30 days in jail. Dropping contraband into the prison is a felony that can land someone behind bars for 10 years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made clear on Monday that Ukraine will not give up any territory to Russia, firmly rejecting a central demand from Moscow that has been echoed in President Trump's latest peace proposal. Zelensky made the statement after meeting with leaders of Britain, France, and Germany in London, the Washington Post reports. The development could signal the end of Trump's proposal, which has been criticized as basically reflecting Russian President Vladimir Putin's wish list.

"Under our laws, under international lawand under moral lawwe have no right to give anything away," Zelensky said. "That is what we are fighting for." Trump's plan reportedly includes provisions that would bar Ukraine from joining NATO and grant Russia control over portions of Ukraine it does not occupy now. Ukraine and its European allies have argued the plan is too favorable to Russia and lacks sufficient security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky said Ukraine is receptive to a deal, telling reporters that "explicitly anti-Ukrainian provisions" have been removed from Trump's plan.

Trump was critical of Zelensky over the weekend for not having already agreed to his plan, and European leaders backed up Ukraine's president on Monday. "We stand with Ukraine," UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, per the Hill. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron also went to London. The group has been united in saying Russia should not benefit from new international boundaries imposed by force, per the Post. Putin makes the illegal case that Russia has annexed four regions of Ukraine, as well as Crimea, which it took over a decade ago. Russian forces have occupied nearly that much land during the war on Ukraine.
A raccoon with a taste for booze has turned an animal shelter in Virginia into one of the hottest names in fundraisingthanks to a line of "Trashed Panda" merch. The Hanover County Animal Protection & Shelter in Hanover, Va., has raked in more than $156,000 as of Monday, all thanks to a raccoon that broke into a Virginia liquor store, sampled the wares, and was discovered passed out in the bathroom over Thanksgiving weekend, USA Today reports.

The shelter's merchfeaturing a dazed raccoon, a bottle of booze, and the words "Trashed Panda"is available for purchase on Bonfire, with prices ranging from $5 for stickers to $42 for hoodies. Items are expected to ship before Christmas, WTVR reports. As the shelter notes on Facebook, the funds are more than just a good laugh; they're going toward training, equipment, and care for local animals.

The story doesn't end with T-shirts and hoodies. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC), which runs the ransacked store, has cooked up three new cocktails in honor of the raccoon: the Rye Rascal Sour, Midnight Masked Gin Fizz, and Trash Panda Old Fashioned. ABC's recipes for the libations include edited images of a raccoon holding each one, the New York Post reports.

The raccoon's adventure began when it crashed through a ceiling tile at the Ashland ABC store on Nov. 29, then "went on a full-blown rampage, drinking everything," animal protection officer Samantha Martin told the AP. WRIC has snippets of newly-released surveillance footage showing the raccoon's hijinks. The animal, found unconscious in a bathroom, was eventually captured and returned to the wild, apparently none the worse for wear, officials say.
A police investigation has faulted Rep. Nancy Mace for a profanity-filled outburst at Charleston Airport in October , saying the congresswoman's behavior left airport staff "visibly upset" and escalated a minor miscommunication into "a spectacle." The internal investigation by the Charleston Airport Police Department, obtained by the Washington Post through a public records request, provides new details about the incident, in which the South Carolina Republican berated police and TSA officers after a delay in finding her official escort.

Mace, who was traveling to Chicago, reportedly unleashed a string of insults, calling officers "f---ing idiots" and "f---ing incompetent" and declaring herself a "f---ing representative" in front of airport workers and other travelers, the Post and Courier reports. One airport employee described Mace's tone as "very nasty, very rude," while others said the episode left staff feeling "downtrodden."

The report found that a minor mix-upan officer had the wrong color of Mace's carcontributed to the delay, but concluded that Mace's repeated failure to follow procedures and her reaction to the situation caused unnecessary disruption. Investigators noted that Mace is often late and difficult to coordinate with, and that she and her staff have a pattern of poor communication with airport officials.

Mace's office, however, described the report as "a full exoneration" and said the congresswoman remains focused on issues important to South Carolina, where she is running for governor. In other news, Mace railed against House Republican leadership in a New York Times op-ed Monday, the Hill reports. In the piece being described as "scorched earth," Mace says, among other things, "Nancy Pelosi was a more effective House speaker than any Republican this century."
A Chinese court has ordered Malaysia Airlines to pay more than $410,000 each to the families of eight Chinese passengers who vanished aboard Flight MH370 more than a decade ago. The ruling, delivered Friday by Beijing's Chaoyang District People's Court, is the first formal Chinese compensation judgment related to the 2014 disappearance, which remains one of aviation's greatest mysteries. A $410,000 payment is to be applied to each of eight cases involving the passengers, per Reuters . The payment covers death compensation, funeral costs, and damages for emotional suffering, reports the South China Morning Post .

Flight MH370 disappeared from radar less than an hour after taking off from Kuala Lumpur bound for Beijing, with 239 people on board. The majority of the 227 passengers were Chinese nationals. Malaysia Airlines has been negotiating with families for years. The families of 75 Chinese passengers have filed 78 lawsuits in China since 2016. Forty-seven cases were settled through mediation, according to state broadcaster CCTV, but 23 remain unresolved. The airline has not yet responded to the compensation order. Meanwhile, a fresh search for the missing plane is about to begin.
Honduras has put out an international arrest warrant for former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, just days after his release from US prison following a pardon by President Trump . The warrant, announced by Attorney General Johel Antonio Zelaya Alvarez on social media, cites money laundering and fraud charges linked to Hernandez's first presidential campaign more than 10 years ago, per the New York Times . Prosecutors allege that between 2010 and 2013, public funds were funneled through private foundations to finance political campaigns, including Hernandez's 2013 bid for office.

The attorney general's announcement coincided with International Anti-Corruption Day and included a 2023 document showing that a Honduran Supreme Court justice had asked Interpol to arrest Hernandez if he were released by US authorities, per the AP. Hernandez's lawyer dismissed the warrant as a "strictly political move" by the ruling Libre Party, which has long criticized the former president.

It's not known where Hernandez, 57, currently is. His wife, who's reportedly in Honduras, has noted only that he's in a "safe place" somewhere in the US, per the Washington Post. Hernandez served as president of Honduras from 2014 to 2022, with his tenure marked by numerous corruption scandals. He was arrested and extradited to the United States in 2022, then convicted on drug trafficking and weapons charges and sentenced to 45 years in prison. US authorities described him as a key figure in a major drug-trafficking conspiracy.

President Trump's pardon of Hernandez came after the former president sent Trump a letter claiming he was a victim of "political persecution" by the Biden administration. The pardon was supported by Trump allies, including Roger Stone. Trump said he believed Hernandez's assessment and described the case as politically motivated. US prosecutors had accused Hernandez of accepting bribes from drug traffickers, including $1 million from Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. Hernandez has denied all allegations.
A community in Utah is desperate for answers after a 75-year-old wilderness guide seemingly vanished from his off-grid home. Joe Pachak, a well-known artist and outdoorsman from the town of Bluff, was last heard from on Nov. 18 before failing to meet with friends for coffee on Nov. 24, per Outside . Pachak's son, Raini, claims his father was spotted around town on Nov. 25, but didn't turn up for Thanksgiving dinners as planned. That's when he was reported missing, per KUTV .

Pachak's former partner, Lin Ostler, says he appears to have vanished from his home while enjoying his morning coffee, which was "a ritual," for him, per Outside. She says a cup of coffee was sitting out along with a container of creamer. Pachak's wallet, phone, and keys were also in the unlocked home, while his truck was parked outside. Friends say Pachak occasionally went on spontaneous hikes, but he usually told someone where he was going. "He's a very smart man and showed no signs of anything like dementia that would alter his behavior on a whim," his son says.

Nothing inside or outside the house "would indicate that there was foul play," San Juan County Sheriff Lehi Lacy said earlier this month, per KUTV. Authorities have scoured the area using helicopters, drones, and scent dogs, even draining a pond on Pachak's property, but found no trace. The investigation remains open, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Despite the freezing nighttime temperatures, those who know Pachak, a former Marine, still believe in his ability to survive.
A mountain tragedy in Austria has taken a legal turn as climber Thomas Plamberger now faces grossly negligent homicide charges following the death of his partner, 33-year-old Kerstin Gurtner, on Grossglockner, the country's highest peak. Per Climbing.com , their winter ascent of the 12,461-foot mountain began on Jan. 18, with both considered experienced and well-prepared, according to Plamberger's lawyer. By that evening, however, severe weather had set in, and Gurtner, exhausted, was left about 100 feet from the summit while Plamberger descended to seek help. Rescue teams reached Gurtner the next day, but she'd already died from exposure.

The Independent notes that temperatures the night Gurtner died felt as low as negative 4 degrees Fahrenheit thanks to winds that gusted up to 45mph. Prosecutors allege a series of critical mistakes, per Climbing.com: inexperience, a late start, lack of emergency gear, ignoring worsening weather, failing to signal a police helicopter, and not responding to rescue calls. They assert the 36-year-old Plamberger, as the more experienced climber, held a duty of care that he neglected. Plamberger's defense argues the two were equals in fitness and skill, and that events leading to Gurtner's collapse were unforeseen.

The case, set to go to trial in February, remains mired in conflicting accounts, but prosecutors say Plamberger's actions before and during the climbespecially leaving Gurtner without proper shelteramount to "exceptionally and conspicuously negligent conduct" under Austrian law and could result in up to three years in prison. Veteran mountain guides say the cascade of poor decisions started even before the climb, arguing that the tragedy began with the choice to attempt the technical route in harsh winter conditions.

"It's very easy to dig yourself into a hole with bad decisions in the mountains," French guide Frederic Degoulet tells Climbing.com. Citing German media, the Tab notes that Plamberger had posted a message on social media about Gurtner's death, writing, "I miss you so much. It hurts so incredibly much." That message has since been deleted.
A newly released Trump administration doctrine went after Europe in harsh fashion, warning that its nations face "civilizational erasure" because of policies on immigration and other issues. Now, in a new interview with Politico, President Trump himself doubles down on the criticism:



"I think they're weak" and "politically correct," he says of Europe's leaders. "I think they don't know what to do. Europe doesn't know what to do."

Trump amplified the US warning that some European states "will not be viable countries any longer" because of migration, and he criticized the cities of Paris and London in particular. The latter's mayor, Sadiq Khan, "gets elected because so many people have come in."

Axios finds it notable that Trump singled out Hungary's hardline ruler Viktor Orban for praise because "he allows nobody in his country." Trump also praised Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a "tough cookie."
The Justice Department can publicly release investigative materials from a sex trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime confidant of Jeffrey Epstein, a federal judge said on Tuesday. Judge Paul A. Engelmayer ruled after the Justice Department in November asked two judges in New York to unseal grand jury transcripts and exhibits from Maxwell and Epstein's cases, along with investigative materials that could amount to hundreds or thousands of previously unreleased documents. The ruling, in the wake of the passage last month of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, means the records could be made public within 10 days, reports the AP . The law requires the Justice Department to provide Epstein-related records to the public in a searchable format by Dec. 19.

Engelmayer is the second judge to allow the Justice Department to publicly disclose previously secret Epstein court records. Last week, a judge in Florida granted the department's request to release transcripts from an abandoned federal grand jury investigation into Epstein in the 2000s. A request to release records from Epstein's 2019 sex trafficking case is still pending. The Justice Department said Congress intended the unsealing when it passed the transparency act, which President Trump signed into law last month. Three judgestwo in New York and one in Floridahad previously refused an unusual department request to unseal grand jury transcripts.

The latest request, though, dramatically enlarged the files that the department said it planned to release to encompass 18 categories of investigative materials gathered in the massive sex trafficking probe. In response to a request by the New York judges for more specifics on what it would release, the department said in recent submissions in Manhattan federal court that the materials would include 18 categories including search warrants, financial records, survivor interview notes, electronic device data, and material from earlier Epstein investigations in Florida.

The government said it was conferring with survivors and their lawyers and planned to redact records to ensure protection of survivors' identities and prevent the dissemination of sexualized images. Maxwell's lawyer said his client took no position about the requested unsealing, except to note that her plans to file a habeas petition could be spoiled because the public release of materials "would create undue prejudice so severe that it would foreclose the possibility of a fair retrial."
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Newly released recordings reveal the tense moments when off-duty pilot Joseph Emerson attempted to shut down the engines of a Horizon Air flight in 2023, forcing an emergency landing at Portland International Airport. Emerson, an Alaska Airlines pilot who was riding in the cockpit jump seat, later pleaded no contest to dozens of state charges, including 83 counts of recklessly endangering another person, per KATU . He accepted a federal plea deal and received credit for time served, meaning he won't face additional jail time. Emerson later explained his actions as the result of a bad reaction to psilocybin mushrooms, taken in the aftermath of his best friend's death and compounded by untreated alcohol use disorder.

Court evidence released via a public records request includes cockpit audio that captures Emerson telling the crew he is "not OK" and wants to go home, just before he reaches for the engine controls. Per CBS News, cursing can be heard, as well as one of the working pilots exclaiming, "Dude, what's going on?" The flight crew can be heard breathing heavily and coordinating with air traffic control as they work to safely land the plane. Airport security footage was also released showing Emerson being escorted off the plane in handcuffs.

The evidence also includes audio of Emerson in the back of a police car, asking an officer, "Do you believe in forgiveness? I want to be accountable, but am I gonna be forgiven for being so stupid? I don't even know if I can forgive myself." Per WYFF, Emerson also told the officer, "I'm having a nervous breakdown. I don't really know why."

Since the incident, Emerson has founded a nonprofit, Clear Skies Ahead, to advocate for better mental health support for pilots, per KATU. The aviation industry continues to wrestle with the stigma around mental health, as many pilots fear that disclosing problems could jeopardize their careers. The FAA, however, says it encourages pilots to seek help and notes that only 0.1% of pilots who apply for a medical certificate are denied.
A fire ripped through an office building in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta on Tuesday, killing at least 22, including a pregnant woman, police said. Flames engulfed the seven-story building, sending thick black smoke billowing and causing panic among nearby residents and workers, per the AP . The fire, which broke out midday, is believed to have started on the first floor of the building in the Kemayoran neighborhood before spreading to other floors, Central Jakarta police chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro said.

Hundreds of personnel and 29 fire trucks were deployed to contain the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Many workers in the building, used as a sales and storage office for drone firm PT Terra Drone Indonesia, were at lunch when a battery started sparking in a storage/testing area, said Condro, citing witnesses. The fire was extinguished after three hours of intense effort. At least 22 bodiesseven men and 15 women, including a pregnant womanwere recovered from the building and taken to a hospital in East Jakarta for identification. Resident Intan Puspita, whose home is near the building, says the fire started with a loud bang and workers running outside.

"They said that there was an alleged short circuit in one of the batteries during the charging process," Puspita said. The fire spread quickly, and Puspita said she saw workers on the upper floors trying to escape by moving to the rooftop. "It was tragic," she said. TV reports showed the tense evacuation of more than a dozen trapped workers, including many women, from the sixth floor using an emergency ladder. Authorities said most of the victims died from smoke inhalation. In all, firefighters managed to rescue at least 19 workers, some of whom suffered minor injuries, but they were in a weak and traumatized condition.

A police officer and a firefighter also experienced breathing difficulties. "We will comb through the entire building again," Condro said when asked about the possible rise in the death toll. "Firefighters are cooling down the scene because the smoke is still thick and it is not yet possible for us to enter the structure." Jakarta Gov. Pramono Anung called on company leaders to foster workplace safety culture and to have emergency action plans for evacuation. "This case obviously shows the company [did] not provide 'emergency access' from fire in the direct physical sense," Anung told reporters.
TOKYO, Dec 09 (News On Japan) - A 37-year-old man who allegedly broke into a high school in Yachiyo, Chiba was arrested on December 6th after teachers discovered him inside the building holding multiple pairs of school-designated indoor shoes, according to local police.

The suspect, who identified himself as company executive Ryotaro Adachi, was found inside a restroom shortly after midday on December 6th, even though classes were not in session. A teacher noticed that the toilet was inexplicably in use and, finding the situation suspicious, entered the restroom, where Adachi was discovered holding five pairs of indoor shoes.

Two teachers detained Adachi on the spot and turned him over to police officers who arrived shortly afterward.

Adachi told investigators that he had come to the Kanto region specifically to obtain indoor shoes, saying he wanted to smell them and explaining that schools in Aichi Prefecture typically use slippers rather than shoe-style indoor footwear. Police say a Shinkansen ticket from the Nagoya area to Tokyo dated the same day was found among his possessions.

While Adachi admitted to smelling the shoes, he partially denied the allegations, claiming that although he entered the school building, his actions did not constitute unlawful entry into a structure.

Source: FNN
TOKYO, Dec 10 (News On Japan) - A report in an academic paper by ant experts describes how worker ants that normally protect their mother, maintain the nest and raise larvae can, at a certain moment, suddenly turn on the queen who gave birth to them, tearing her apart and ultimately killing her.

According to the observations presented in the study, this brutal act of matricide is triggered by two species of socially parasitic ants that manipulate another species colony to seize its queens position and eventually take control of the entire nest, revealing the specific method by which the original queen is eliminated.

The experiment showed that an invading parasitic queen first lives in advance alongside the host colonys workers and pupae to acquire their scent, allowing her to approach the resident queen and spray what is believed to be formic acid from her abdomen onto the queen, a move that causes nearby workers to mistakenly perceive their own mother as an enemy and attack her until she is killed. Afterward, even though she is an intruder, the parasitic queen becomes the new queen of the colony, commanding the workers to serve her and raise her offspring. For a time, the two species coexist inside the nest, but as the original workers die naturally, the colony gradually shifts into a single-species community consisting only of the parasitic ants, resulting in a complete takeover. Because the parasitic species temporarily exploits the host colonys labor and resources, the phenomenon is known as temporary social parasitism.

The findings were reported in an academic paper by Tokyo-based ant enthusiast and specialty-shop owner Taku Shimada, Hachioji resident Yushi Tanaka, and Kyushu University assistant professor Keizo Takasuka.

Source: 
FUKUOKA, Dec 10 (News On Japan) - Fukuoka Mayor Takashima said during a press conference held on December 9th that the city will begin studying a subway extension to the international terminal at Fukuoka Airport as part of broader efforts to address transport challenges across the city.

Takashima questioned whether it was acceptable to leave the international terminal permanently disconnected from the subway network, saying it was essential to establish a link at some point.

Regarding an extension to the international terminal, Takashima said the city will swiftly examine feasibility for both the Nanakuma Line and the Airport Line to determine which route would be viable.

Residents have also long voiced concerns about the connection between the Hakozaki Line of the Fukuoka City Subway and Nishitetsus Kaizuka Line. Although the two lines meet at Kaizuka Station, passengers must exit the ticket gates to transfer, prompting calls for through-service operations.

Source: KBC
TORONTO, Dec. 8, 2025 /CNW/ - The world's first Bombardier Global 8000 business jet has officially entered into service under the operational custody of Chartright Air Group, marking a defining milestone for Canadian aviation. The aircraft -- designed and manufactured in Canada -- has been delivered to Canada's leader in private jet management, underscoring the country's leadership in world-class business jet manufacturing.

World's First Global 8000 Operated By Chartright (CNW Group/Chartright)

This latest delivery builds on a strong foundation. In 2021 Chartright became the first Canadian operator to introduce the Global 7500 to its fleet, where only two days later, taking delivery of a second Global 7500. With the delivery of the Global 8000, Chartright now becomes the first operator in the world to welcome Bombardier's newest flagship jet.

A New Benchmark in Performance

The Global 8000 elevates business aviation standards. Reaching cruise speeds of up to Mach 0.95 -- making it the fastest operational civilian aircraft since the Concorde -- and offering an exceptional 8,000-nautical-mile range, the Global 8000 enables more nonstop international routes including direct connectivity between global cities such as Toronto and Singapore, Vancouver and Dubai, or Montreal and Hong Kong.

Passenger comfort and well-being remain central to its design. The Global 8000 features the lowest cabin altitude in business aviation -- just 2,691 ft at a cruise altitude of 41,000 ft -- supporting reduced fatigue and improved alertness on long-haul flights.

Strengthening Canada's Aviation Legacy

The delivery of the first Global 8000 to a Canadian operator further reinforces Canada's role as a leader in advanced aircraft manufacturing. Bombardier supports a global fleet of more than 5,100 business aircraft in service worldwide. Business aviation and aircraft manufacturing continue to support tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs across the country, with an estimated 14,800 direct aerospace manufacturing positions attributed to the sector.

By delivering the Global 8000 into Canadian service, Bombardier and Chartright deepen a legacy of innovation, performance, and national pride -- while directly contributing to the sustained growth and global competitiveness of Canada's aerospace sector.

"Managing this best-in-class aircraft on behalf of our client reflects the depth of our trusted operational expertise and the strength of our longstanding relationship with Bombardier," said Chartright's Chief Operating Officer, Ben Boehm. "As the first to introduce the Global 7500 in Canada, we are proud to carry that legacy forward with the Global 8000. This milestone represents a significant achievement for our Chartright team and an important moment for both our company and the Canadian aerospace industry."

About Chartright:

Chartright Air Group is a leading Canadian aviation services provider, offering a full range of solutions including private jet charter, JetClub memberships, empty leg opportunities, aircraft management, FBO operations, maintenance, and aircraft sales and acquisition. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to safety, service excellence, and operational integrity, Chartright continues to set the standard in Canada's private aviation industry.

SOURCE Chartright

To learn more about Chartright Air Group, visit Chartright.com
Investing in the Prairie Provinces through enhanced partnerships to build strong communities, sturdy supply chains, and a thriving Prairie economy

OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 9, 2025 /CNW/ - The world is changing and with its natural resources, expertise, and talent, the Prairie Provinces are well-positioned to meet this moment head on. Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), launched the Prairie Partnership Initiative (PPI)--a bold initiative that brings together multiple federal departments to advance ambitious projects, strengthen our regional supply chains, deepen partnerships, and catalyze economic opportunities in communities across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Government of Canada launches Prairie Partnership Initiative to drive collaboration, unlock regional potential, and strengthen Canadas economy (CNW Group/Prairies Economic Development Canada)

Grounded in the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act, which was championed by the late Hon. Jim Carr, the Prairie Partnership Initiative will drive collaboration with provincial and municipal governments, Indigenous partners, businesses, and communities to seize strategic opportunities.

As a flagship initiative, the PPI will leverage PrairiesCan's presence in the region to:

Drive job creation, export diversification, and growth;

Attract more private sector investment;

Support ambitious early-stage projects with major economic potential;

Strengthen regional and national supply chains; and

Supercharge the Prairie project table that streamlines engagement with project proponents.

PrairiesCan has committed $200 million over three years to priorities outlined by the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act and PPI will unlock further investment from other federal departments to amplify the Government of Canada's impact in the region.

The Prairie Partnership Initiative complements--but is separate from other government priorities--such as the Climate Competitiveness Strategy and the work of the Major Projects Office (MPO). While the MPO works to advance nation building projects and transformative strategies, PPI will identify and incubate ambitious but smaller projects of local or regional significance in the three Prairie provinces that are currently not easily supported by traditional funding programs.

Quotes

"The West has what the world wants--and what Canadians need--to prosper in a time of rapid global change. The Prairie Partnership Initiative is about unlocking that potential by working together. By working with governments, Indigenous partners, industry, and communities around the same table, we are advancing consequential projects and the businesses that support them across the Prairie Provinces, to drive Canada's economic strength. When the Prairies succeed, all of Canada succeeds."

The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

"Canada's strength lies in our people, our communities, our Indigenous partners and our ability to work together. The Prairie Partnership Initiative is about harnessing the talent, resources, and ingenuity of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to build a greener, more resilient economy. By deepening partnerships and investing in local projects, we are ensuring that Prairie communities thrive and that Canada continues to lead with ambition and unity on the global stage."

The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

"Building on the Green Prairie Economy Act, the Prairie Partnership Initiative will advance ambitious projects and catalyze economic opportunities across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The Prairies are poised to lead in a world that is rapidly transitioning to a cleaner, more resilient economy, and when we unlock that potential, we drive prosperity for all Canadians."

The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change, and Nature

"Being from Saskatchewan, I know the Prairie provinces have always punched above their weight for Canada. This federal Prairie Partnership Initiative is all about empowering PrairiesCan to unlock new opportunities, new investments, and new partnerships across our region. When the Prairies do well, Canada does well, and when federal departments sit down together with local leaders, farmers, and small business owners, we can move good ideas from the coffee shop conversation to shovels in the ground for the local projects -- big and small -- that our communities need."

The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development

"The Prairie Partnership Initiative is about unlocking the full economic strength of a region that has long been an engine of Canadian prosperity. By coordinating federal action and supporting ambitious early-stage projects, we are helping businesses scale, strengthening supply chains, and building the foundation for long-term prosperity across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba."

Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

"I am excited to see the creation of the Prairie Partnership Initiative to help move forward the incredible ideas and projects that emerge from the Prairie provinces. Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have so much to offer, and this initiative will enable communities and businesses to come together with the federal government to build tangible successes across our region."

Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services

"The Prairie Partnership Initiative is more than a new program; it's a new way of working together. By creating a single project table where Prairie proponents can bring their ideas forward, instead of navigating a maze of federal departments, we're making collaboration the norm rather than the exception. This is exactly what my father, the late Honourable Jim Carr, envisioned when he championed the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act: a future where our partners work together in common purpose to unlock the full potential of this region. It's a template for how ambition, partnership, and clarity of purpose can build lasting prosperity on the Prairies and for the country."

Ben Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre

Quick facts

Grounded in the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act , the Prairie Partnership Initiative (PPI) builds upon its foundational principles to advance a dynamic, sustainable and resilient economy across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

, the Prairie Partnership Initiative (PPI) builds upon its foundational principles to advance a dynamic, sustainable and resilient economy across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. PPI is a flagship coordination and partnership mechanism that will connect project proponents with federal departments to drive transformative economic opportunities.

Ten federal departments are working together with PrairiesCan through the PPI: Prairies Economic Development Canada; Environment and Climate Change Canada; Transport Canada; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Finance Canada; Natural Resources Canada; Indigenous Services Canada; Employment and Social Development Canada; and, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada.

Departments are collaborating on five areas identified by people living and working on the Prairies: Growing key regional sectors. Effective movement of goods, people and information. Expanding and capitalizing on clean electricity. Community economic development. Economic reconciliation and inclusive growth.

PPI is closely aligned with the priorities and missions of this government and such as major projects, the climate competitiveness strategy, scaling up our defense capabilities, AI, and trade diversification.

The Prairie Provinces account for almost a quarter of Canada's GDP and contribute significantly to Canada's exports, natural resources, clean technology development, and value-added agricultural and agri-food production.

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SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada

Contacts: Soraya Lemur, Press Secretary, Office of the Hon. Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, [email protected], 343-574-6781; David Lauer, Communications Manager, Prairies Economic Development Canada, [email protected]
News / National

by Staff reporter

NetOne's mobile financial services subsidiary, ONE Money, is set to transform financial inclusion in Zimbabwe by offering a suite of innovative products and services designed to reach the country's unbanked and underbanked populations. This move is aimed at addressing the growing need for financial services in a market where an estimated 70% of the population has limited or no access to formal banking.With mobile technology as its backbone, ONE Money seeks to provide affordable, convenient, and secure financial services to all Zimbabweans, regardless of location or financial status. The company is positioning itself as a crucial player in bridging the gap between traditional banking and digital finance.Joseph Machiva, General Manager of ONE Money, highlighted that the platform is more than just a mobile wallet, but rather a comprehensive financial empowerment tool designed to bring about tangible change for those who have previously been excluded from the formal banking system."OneMoney is more than just a mobile wallet; it's a financial empowerment tool," Machiva explained. "Our goal is to bridge the gap between traditional banking and digital finance, ensuring that every Zimbabwean has access to secure, seamless, and efficient financial services."NetOne Group CEO Raphael Mushanawani expressed confidence in ONE Money's potential to revolutionize the financial landscape in Zimbabwe. He emphasized that the strength of ONE Money lies in the vast distribution network of NetOne, its commitment to technological advancements, and its ability to serve communities at every level."The latest upgrade is a significant step towards a future where financial services are truly accessible to all," Mushanawani said.The launch of ONE Money's comprehensive financial products and services is expected to have a transformative effect on financial inclusion across the country. A recent report by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe revealed that mobile financial services have the potential to increase financial inclusion by up to 50% in the next five years.In addition to providing mobile wallets, ONE Money will offer services that include mobile money transfers, savings products, bill payments, and access to microloans, all designed to cater to the unbanked population. With Zimbabwe's population heavily reliant on mobile phones for communication and transactions, ONE Money is poised to tap into this vast market and bridge the gap for millions without access to formal banking.Last year, Mushanawani disclosed that NetOne is positioning itself to achieve an ambitious revenue target of US$1 billion annually by 2029. This goal marks a massive increase in revenue from a projected US$160 million this year, signaling the company's determination to leverage new opportunities and expand its customer base.NetOne, the country's oldest mobile telecoms operator, was the first to be licensed to operate a mobile telecoms business in 1996, preceding Strive Masiyiwa's Econet. Despite fierce competition, NetOne remains committed to expanding its reach, with over 4 million active subscribers as of the first quarter of last year, trailing Econet's 10 million.Through ONE Money, NetOne aims to become a key player in Zimbabwe's mobile financial services market, offering a lifeline to millions of Zimbabweans in need of accessible, affordable, and secure financial solutions.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has temporarily lowered the minimum allowable fishing depth in Lake Kariba from 20 metres to 17 metres in response to persistent declines in Kapenta catches and reduced water levels.The adjustment, which will run from December 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, marks a continuation of measures first introduced in late 2024 following the impact of El Nino, which contributed to shrinking water levels. The extension is meant to support sustainable fishing while maintaining economic activity for operators.In a notice issued to Kapenta fishers, ZimParks Director General Professor Edison Gandiwa said research findings showed that Lake Kariba's water levels remain lower than expected for this time of the year, prompting the regulatory shift."ZimParks has been proactively monitoring lake levels and recent assessments indicate that current water levels are lower than expected," Prof Gandiwa said. He added that the authority had reinstated depth measures to preserve remaining viable fishing areas, alongside continued monitoring of Kapenta size and stock quality.Under the latest directive, fishers operating in Basins 1 (Mlibizi) and 2 (Binga) will be permitted to fish in Basin 3 (Sengwa) during this period. However, Basin 3 operators will not be allowed to fish in Basins 1 and 2 - a restriction that has drawn concern from industry players.The Zimbabwe Kapenta Producers Association (ZKPA) welcomed the depth adjustment but criticised the basin movement limits, saying they disadvantage Basin 3 fishers."Basin 3 fishers are deprived in that when catches start to improve, the free-moving Basin 1 and 2 fishers come and crowd the few deep areas, causing overfishing and subsequent low harvests," ZKPA vice-chairperson Bernard Munsaka said, urging ZimParks to consider a shared basin model for operators across all regions.Kapenta catches have sharply declined over the decades - dropping from 30 000 tonnes in the 1990s to just 5 175 tonnes in 2023, representing an 83% fall. Current returns are reported to have fallen to as low as nine kilogrammes per fishing rig per night.Government's new agriculture framework, the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2: 202630, highlights overfishing, high operating costs, illegal harvesting, climate change and water pollution as major contributors to the decline. Production is expected to remain subdued at around 7 000 tonnes annually through 2030, with Kapenta contributing 0,1% to the agricultural economy.Authorities hope that the proposed Fisheries and Aquaculture Act will strengthen monitoring, surveillance and investment in the Kapenta value chain.Kapenta fishing remains a key contributor to food security, employment and local livelihoods, making Lake Kariba management central to Zimbabwe's fisheries sustainability efforts.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) board chairman Advocate Tawanda Zvobgo has died.Zvobgo is reported to have suffered a cardiac arrest while at work. He was rushed to hospital, where he later passed on.The news was confirmed by Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera, who described his death as a huge loss to Zimbabwe's ICT sector."It is with profound shock and deep sadness that I have learnt of the passing of Advocate Tawanda Zvobgo, Chairman of the POTRAZ Board. He was a dedicated leader, a brilliant legal mind and a steadfast champion for the advancement of Zimbabwe's ICT sector," she said in a message posted on her social media platforms.Mavetera added that Zvobgo played a crucial role in driving digital transformation and shaping policy direction within the industry."His wisdom and counsel were invaluable to our shared mission of digital transformation. My heartfelt condolences go out to his beloved family, friends, the entire Potraz board, management, and staff during this difficult time. We have lost a pillar. May his soul rest in eternal peace," she said.Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe's education sector is once again under scrutiny as the market for fake academic qualifications grows, exposing loopholes in institutional systems and rising desperation among citizens seeking jobs.The issue revives memories of the 2014 scandal involving the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), when former First Lady Grace Mugabe controversially received a doctorate under unclear circumstances. The incident led to the suspension and arrest of then Vice-Chancellor Levi Nyagura following the 2017 military takeover that ousted former President Robert Mugabe.Today, ordinary citizens - far removed from political power - are increasingly resorting to illicit means to obtain academic documents. A NewsDay investigation has revealed a thriving black market where forged certificates for Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations and university degrees are being sold openly.A fake Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Ordinary Level certificate costs US$400, while an Advanced Level qualification is priced at US$500. Buyers can reportedly receive their documents within three days. University degree certificates are also on offer - with a Midlands State University (MSU) qualification allegedly costing US$500, a National University of Science and Technology (Nust) certificate US$600, and a UZ undergraduate certificate US$800.To test the scheme, a NewsDay reporter posed as a potential customer seeking an O-Level certificate. After submitting personal details, the document was delivered via WhatsApp on a view-once setting, followed by a demand for payment through EcoCash. The seller warned that failure to pay would result in the certificate being removed from the Zimsec system.Despite such claims, Zimsec spokesperson Nicholette Dlamini dismissed the possibility of unauthorised system access, insisting that their certificates are secure and verifiable. She said fraudsters may produce counterfeit documents, but cannot manipulate the examinations database."Our original certificate has never been cloned," Dlamini said. "We offer verification services to flush out fraudulent certificates."However, rising demand - largely driven by unemployment and stiff competition in the labour market - continues to fuel the illegal trade. Some individuals interviewed said the practice has become normalised, citing high-profile controversies as justification.Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Amon Murwira condemned the practice, describing it as criminal and punishable by law. He maintained that no one should possess certificates for skills they have not earned.Concerns over system vulnerabilities persist. In one known breach in 2021, UZ student Martin Magomana illegally accessed the university's network and allocated accommodation to students, making US$3 000 in the process.UZ Vice-Chancellor Paul Mapfumo said the institution has since introduced new-design certificates with enhanced security features to curb counterfeiting. He said the old certificate format previously mimicked by forgers had been replaced to strengthen authentication."We changed a lot of features to address the scandal of fake certificates," Mapfumo said. "We are not feeling that risk anymore."He encouraged employers to verify credentials through official channels to protect the integrity of the country's qualifications.As the cost-of-living crisis worsens and job scarcity persists, Zimbabwe's education system now faces a credibility test - one that pits desperation against institutional trust. With syndicates operating in the shadows and customers willing to pay, the battle against counterfeit qualifications may intensify unless enforcement and verification strengthen further.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The trial of senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga of Alpha Media Holdings and HStv general manager Olga Muteiwa resumed yesterday, with the State's key witness facing intense cross-examination over allegations that the pair transmitted messages purportedly capable of inciting public violence.The case, which was heard before Harare magistrate Sheunesu Matova, centres on two press conferences by outspoken war veteran Blessed "Bombshell" Geza, which were recorded and broadcast on HStv. Geza is alleged to have urged Zimbabweans to push for the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of corruption, nepotism and misgovernance.State witness Edmore Nyadzamba, officer-in-charge of CID Law and Order in Harare, told the court that Mhlanga helped facilitate Geza's statements and provided a platform for them to be disseminated on digital media. He claimed the transmissions had the potential to incite public revolt.The defence, represented by lawyers Chris Mhike, Douglas Coltart and Beatrice Mtetwa, disputed the State's assertions, arguing that Mhlanga had no active role in making the statements and was simply carrying out his work as a journalist. Mhike questioned why the journalist was being personally charged when he neither uttered the words nor owns HStv.Mhike further argued that Nyadzamba's testimony did not align with his earlier warned-and-cautioned statement. He accused the police of poor investigation driven by malice, telling the court that Mhlanga was being victimised for performing constitutionally protected journalistic duties.The defence also noted that Nyadzamba failed to execute a search warrant and could not state where the alleged offence was committed. At one point, the witness declined to read a defence document, saying he had forgotten his spectacles and could not see clearly. Mhike dismissed Nyadzamba's testimony as inconsistent and unconvincing for an investigating officer.Nyadzamba confirmed that police interviewed Mhlanga and obtained his home address but did not explain why searches were not carried out. The defence told the court that nowhere in the State papers does Mhlanga admit to participating in Geza's press statements.The case - which hinges on whether broadcasting controversial political commentary constitutes incitement - continues today, with further cross-examination expected as both sides contest the limits of media freedom and criminal liability in digital journalism.
Twin brothers from Atlantic County were arrested Tuesday after they threatened to kill a Department of Homeland Security official, according to a statement from the federal agency.

In addition to the threat against DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the two Absecon men, identified as Emilio Roman-Flores and Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores, also called to shoot ICE on sight on social media, authorities said.

Members of DHS and the Absecon Police Department SWAT team arrested the brothers, who are U.S. citizens, in their hometown Tuesday morning, the agency said.

Emilio Roman-Flores faced multiple charges including unlawful possession of an assault weapon and possession of prohibited weapons. He was also charged with conspiracy to commit terroristic threats, criminal coercion, threats, and cyber harassment, officials said.

Ricardo Antonio Roman-Flores was charged with conspiracy to commit terroristic threats.

Let this be a warning to anyone who dares threaten or attack our brave law enforcement officers, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said in a statement. We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. We are not afraid of you.

The brothers are currently being held by the Absecon Police Department.
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. arrives for opening statements in his trial on child abuse charges at Atlantic County Superior Court in Mays Landing on Monday, December 8,, 2025. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. entered an Atlantic County courtroom Monday to face trial on charges that he beat and emotionally abused his teenage daughter, then tried to persuade her to lie to investigators.

The defense denies the abuse ever occurred.

In opening arguments on Monday afternoon, jurors were presented with vastly different versions of the mayors conduct.

The prosecution characterized Small as an abusive, domineering figure intent on getting his own way and protecting his reputation.

In one incident, Small is accused of beating his daughter with a broom, knocking her unconscious, Assistant Prosecutor Elizabeth Fischer told jurors.

The mayor lied about how the teenager was injured when she was treated at a hospital in January 2024, according to prosecutors.

Can you even imagine the fear going through that girls head? Fischer asked the jury.

Defense attorney Louis Barbone depicted Small as a loving father frustrated and alarmed over the changes he saw in his daughter after she began dating someone he considered a bad influence.

Barbone called the girls behavior rebellion on steroids.

Small, a 51-year-old Democrat, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, terroristic threats, aggravated assault and witness tampering, and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Smalls wife, Atlantic City School Superintendent LaQuetta Small, was also indicted in the case and is scheduled to face trial in January. Shes charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

The alleged abuse occurred between December 2023 and January 2024, and the teen first reported it to staff at Atlantic City High School, according to testimony.

She told investigators that her parents beat her on multiple occasions, leaving her with injuries on her shoulders, legs and arms, prosecutors said.

The beatings stemmed from disputes about their daughters boyfriend and the parents demands that she abide by their rules, according to prosecutors.

Constance Days-Chapman, principal of Atlantic City High School and a political ally of the Smalls, is also charged in the case for allegedly failing to properly report the child abuse claims.

The Smalls attorneys have argued the couple was trying to reprimand their daughter, and that aggressive statements toward her were made out of frustration and were never intended to be acted upon.

Marty Smalls attorneys lost motions to dismiss counts on his indictment and to suppress more than a dozen audio and video recordings of the alleged abuse.

The recordings, which were made by their daughters boyfriend, violated New Jerseys wiretap laws, the defense unsuccessfully argued.

The daughter made up the beating claims and admitted she did it because she was angry, defense attorney Louis Barbone told the jury Monday.

He described the challenges all parents face in raising teens and said yelling and cursing are common in these volatile situations, but insisted the Smalls only wanted what was best for their daughter.

They saw their relationship with her unravel when her boyfriend entered her life, the lawyer said. She became withdrawn from her family and grew defiant and disrespectful.

They discovered sexually explicit text messages between the teens and discovered he was sneaking into the familys home to have sex with the girl, the lawyer said.

What theyre seeing is the abusive nature of the relationship. Hes giving her orders, calling her names, calling her dumb and delusional. Calling her a whore, Barbone said.

Small appeared to listen intently as he sat at the defense table flanked by his attorneys.

The broom incident featured prominently in opening arguments.

On Jan. 13, 2024, when Marty Small reminded his daughter that she was supposed to attend a peace walk, she threw laundry detergent on him, Barbone said.

That dispute escalated when she advanced toward him with a knife and then grabbed a broom. She was prepared to strike her father with the broom when he grabbed it, Barbone told the jurors. The girl then fell backward and hit her head, the lawyer said.

The prosecutor called that a self-serving account of what happened.

In reality, the girl was behaving like a typical obstinate teenager when she refused to attend the walk, Fischer said.

This defendant had to take it one step too far, she said. When he cannot get his way, he resorts to physical violence, to threats.

Small told his daughter to lie and say she was running and hit her head and passed out, but she refused to change her story, Fischer said, adding that Small provided varying accounts of what happened in that incident.

When their daughter began having problems in her dating life and with school, she needed parents who would guide her and set healthy boundaries, Fischer said.

This child got none of that. This child was met with violence, the prosecutor said.

Fischer described beatings by both parents that left the child battered and feeling like she had nowhere to turn because of her powerful father. She felt no one would believe her, Fischer said.

The teen is expected to testify on Tuesday and the prosecutor urged jurors to remember that she is struggling with the trauma of the alleged abuse and the publicity the case has received.

I ask you to be very patient with her. She is soft-spoken. She is anxious, Fischer said.

In seeking to show the daughter in a much different light, Barbone told jurors about what happened four months after the broom incident when Small took his daughters cellphone because of her behavior.

Her reaction was violent, he said.

He played video clips of the incident, recorded by the girls mother, in which the teen can be heard screaming and demanding her phone.

The video was played for the jury and could not be seen by most others in the courtroom.

Opening arguments were supposed to begin Monday morning but were delayed until the afternoon as attorneys debated several issues, including what the jury could hear from the defense about alleged incidents in which the daughter was aggressive toward her father and her boyfriend.

The incident with the boyfriend, who is a witness in the case, occurred Dec. 2. The daughter wielded a knife in that encounter, according to court statements.

Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds spoke from the gallery to explain to the judge that police filed no charges in that case but that details of the incident were shared with the defense and the state Attorney Generals office.

Since the daughter is a witness for the prosecution in this trial, the Attorney Generals office was notified to avoid any conflicts of interest.

When it came to opening arguments, Barbone was restricted to describing that incident as an altercation.

The first witnesses to testify Monday were an Atlantic City High School guidance counselor and staff with a mental health counseling service who spoke with the teen about alleged abuse.

Small was appointed mayor in 2019 to replace Frank Gilliam, who resigned over federal fraud charges. Small has since been elected to the seat three times, including this year, when he defeated Republican challenger Naeem Ahmed Khan.

If convicted, Small would be barred from serving as mayor. State law prohibits anyone found guilty of a third-degree crime or higher from holding public office.
Scammers are falsely claiming to represent Northfield and sending fraudulent invoices to board applicants, according to a social media post shared by the city on Dec. 5. Canva

Officials in Northfield are alerting residents and businesses about an email scam targeting people who have applied for relief from the citys combined Planning and Zoning Board.

Scammers are falsely claiming to represent the city in Atlantic County and sending fraudulent invoices to board applicants, according to a social media post shared by the city on Dec. 5.

The scammers are using information taken directly from publicly posted Planning and Zoning Board agendas on the municipal website, according to the post.

They create fake invoices that appear to come from the municipality, using the city logo and names of actual staff members.

The fraudulent invoices reference real meeting dates and legitimate application information, then demand large payments via wire transfer, officials said.

The scammers allegedly claim the money is required for applications or board hearings and provide spoofed email addresses that look similar to official municipal domains.

Because the invoices contain accurate details, they may appear legitimate, particularly to applicants unfamiliar with municipal processes.

The city said residents who receive a suspicious invoice should not send money or respond to the email.

They should contact the planning board secretary at 609-641-2832, ext. 127, or the construction office at 609-641-2832, ext. 141, and report the incident to the Northfield police at 609-641-3122.
A van driver was killed and two passengers injured in a crash Monday night on southbound Interstate 295 in Burlington County, officials said.

The crash happened at 8:50 p.m. when the driver veered left off the highway, re-entered the road, struck the right curb and overturned after losing control of the van, State Police said.

David Colon, 49, of Rochester, New York, was ejected from the van and pronounced dead at the scene  about a half-mile south of exit 45A-B in Westampton.

Two passengers were brought to an area hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.
A credit card skimmer device was found attached to the checkout counter payment terminal at a 7-Eleven at Rutgers University-Camden on Monday, police said.

The device was discovered at 12:21 p.m. at the convenience store located at 330 Cooper St. near the universitys welcome center, according to a statement from the Rutgers University Police Department.

Credit card skimmers are devices placed over a stores real card reader to steal information from debit or credit cards, though thieves can also use hidden cameras and dummy keypads.

The store owner was unaware of exactly how long the skimmer was in place, but the department recommended that recent customers check with their credit card companies for any unusual activity.

Police asked any victims to report suspicious activity related to this incident to the department at 856-225-6111.

Earlier this year the states department devoted to monitoring electronic security, the Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, warned that card skimming incidents increased by 40% from 2022 to 2023. The department also listed New Jersey as one of the top five states in the country for card skimming.
A rendering of a new vessel for the Cape May- Lewes ferry, which would replace a 50-year-old ferry that rides from southern New Jersey to southern Delaware. SL

The Delaware River and Bay Authority Commission has unanimously approved a $78.6 million contract to build a diesel-hybrid ferry that will serve the Cape May-Lewes route.

SENESCO Marine LLC of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, will construct and outfit the 75-car passenger and vehicle ferry, according to a statement by the river and bay agency.

A rendering shows the main deck and gift shop aboard the new ferry that will join the Cape May-Lewes fleet. DRBA

Work is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with completion expected in 2029.

The vessel will eventually replace the MV Cape Henlopen, which has been in service for more than 40 years, transporting people and vehicles between Cape May in southern New Jersey and Lewes in southern Delaware.

A rendering shows the food court of the new hybrid ferry that will be joining the Cape May-Lewes fleet. DRBA

The commission made the decision at its Nov. 18 meeting.

The hybrid vessel is designed to operate with zero emissions while near port and docked, with reduced emissions at sea.

Annual reductions are projected to include 2,025 tons of carbon dioxide, 102.7 tons of nitrogen dioxide, 1.51 tons of fine particulate matter, 1.03 tons of hydrocarbons, and 5 tons of carbon monoxide.

Fuel consumption should drop by an estimated 35%.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is providing $20 million in grant funding toward the projects total cost.
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Mnangagwa has reaffirmed his government's uncompromising stance against corruption, declaring that graft will not be allowed to slow Zimbabwe's march towards Vision 2030. The President made the remarks in his address to commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day, observed this year under the theme "Uniting with youth against corruption: Shaping tomorrow's integrity."The Head of State said Zimbabwe remains committed to good governance, transparency and the strengthening of institutions tasked with fighting corruption, noting that these values form the backbone of national development."Under my leadership, corruption will never be allowed to derail or delay our ongoing quest to accelerate realisation of the national development agenda, Vision 2030 and a higher standard of living for the people of our country," he said.President Mnangagwa highlighted Zimbabwe's continued alignment with global and regional anti-corruption frameworks, including the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the African Union Agenda 2063.According to government figures, close to 2,500 corruption cases have been investigated since the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in 2020. Of these, over 800 dockets were submitted for prosecution, yielding a conviction rate of 60 percent, while more than US$20 million in illegally acquired assets has been recovered.The President praised the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPAZ) for their efforts, but urged continued strengthening of investigative capacity to address public concerns about alleged "catch-and-release" tendencies.To expedite prosecution of corruption cases, government recently introduced Fast-Track Courts, with the Second National Anti-Corruption Strategy (20262030) expected to widen cooperation across institutions and communities.A Whistle-blowers and Witness Protection Bill, approved by Cabinet, will establish a dedicated witness protection unit and tribunal under the NPA. Meanwhile, more than 250 public institutions now operate Integrity Committees tasked with preventing, detecting and reporting corruption.The President also drew links between corruption and the country's escalating drug and substance abuse crisis, warning that porous borders and compromised officials are enabling illegal drug flows."The theme, is therefore, a call for all of us to deliberately target the root causes of the drug crisis," he said. "Our alliance with the youth is key as they are not only vulnerable, but also part of our greatest asset in countering new forms of corruption."Mnangagwa urged citizens, particularly young people, to play an active role in exposing corrupt activities and safeguarding the country's future."I call upon the youth to be guardians of integrity, as well as raise awareness about corruption and its impact on their communities and their future," he said. "My Government will weed out and eradicate corruption without fear or favour."His speech came a day after the High Court sentenced businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe to 22 and 17 years respectively for defrauding the government of more than US$7 million under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme - a case widely viewed as a critical test of the nation's anti-corruption commitment.The President reiterated that no individual is above the law as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to build a corruption-free society.
The ruling clears the way for a possible referendum on approving the change. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

A Monmouth County town that currently sends its public school students to two different districts may seek to move them all to one, the New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled.

In a 7-0 decision announced Monday, the states top court said Sea Bright may seek to send students from kindergarten through 12th grade to the Henry Hudson Regional School District.

Sea Bright disbanded its school district 16 years ago. Currently, it sends the kindergarten through eighth grade students to the Oceanport School District and grades nine through 12 to the Shore Regional High School District.

Henry Hudson Regional enrolls students from Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.

Based on the plain language of the relevant statutes, we hold that a municipality in Sea Brights position is a governing body authorized to pursue withdrawal from a school district to form or enlarge a regional school district, wrote Justice Anne M. Patterson on behalf of the court.

The ruling upheld an earlier decision by the state Appellate Division.

Sea Bright was initially part of a merger plan in which Highlands and Atlantic Highlands agreed to disband their elementary school districts in order to join Henry Hudson Regional beginning in 2024.

Both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands were already sending seventh through 12th grade students to Henry Hudson Regional High School.

However, Sea Bright was removed from the merger plan  not long before it was approved by voters in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands  amid objections from Oceanport and Shore Regional.

Mondays ruling appears to clear the way for Sea Bright to hold a referendum on the switch. The move would also need approval from voters in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.

Theres no standing legal impediment. This has been greenlighted by the commission of education, all the way up to the Supreme Court. We look forward to the voters being heard, said Vito Gagliardi, Sea Brights attorney in the case.

Oceanport school board president Mark Patterson  of no relation to Justice Patterson  responded to the ruling with a written statement noting that it does not require Sea Bright to proceed with joining Henry Hudson Regional.

Throughout the appellate process and any subsequent consideration of Sea Brights petition, the Oceanport Board of Education remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the interests of both Sea Bright and Oceanports students, families, and taxpayers, Patterson said.

Until 2009, Sea Bright was a non-operating school district  with no school board and no schools  that sent its students from kindergarten through eighth grade to Oceanport and from grades nine through 12 to the Shore Regional.

The district was dissolved, then merged with Oceanport, but still continued sending students to Shore Regional High School.

In June 2022, Sea Bright adopted a resolution seeking to join Henry Hudson Regional and, four weeks later, filed a joint petition with Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.

Oceanport and Shore Regional filed an appeal after the state education commissioner determined that Sea Bright was authorized to pursue an exit.

Patterson wrote that the New Jersey Legislature has enacted a complex statutory scheme designed to promote the regionalization of school districts.

A core provision of that scheme authorizes certain governing bodies and school districts that are part of regional or consolidated school districts to withdraw from those districts in order to form or enlarge regional districts, subject to referendum, Patterson wrote.

New Jersey is home to about 600 school districts but has few regionalized districts compared to many other states.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill in 2023 that gave districts financial incentives to study consolidation, including combining into county-wide or regional school districts.
Olly Sholotan as Carlton and Jabari Banks as Will on "Bel-Air." PEACOCK

Bel-Air, a dramatic reimagining of the 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has come to an end after four seasons.

The three final episodes hit Peacock on Monday, Dec. 8. Will Smith, the original Fresh Prince star, made a surprise appearance during the series finale.

As Will (played by Jabari banks on Bel-Air) stands looking at the city hes come to call home before leaving it behind, a stranger gives him some life advice. At first the mans wisdom is pretty general, but he soon implies a mysterious connection to young Will.

Ill let you in on a little secret: Were going to be all right, the man says.

The stranger, played by Smith, never introduces himself. Is he Will from the future? A figment of Wills imagination? Showrunner Carla Banks-Waddles told TVLine that the full-circle scene is open to interpretation.

Thematically, it was sort of just this reassurance as hes going back to Philly that all of the things Bel-Air poured into him, he is going to be able to now carry that guy forward, Banks-Waddles explained. [In Season 1], his initial fear was wanting to hold on to the Philly side of himself, so weve seen him come full-circle. Now hes like, Gosh, I like who I became out here. Can I be that kid? Can I take that back with me? And then he sees his future self, who says, Yeah, youre going to be OK.

Will Smith and Jabari Banks in 2022. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Smith served as an executive producer for Bel-Air, but the series finale marked his first appearance on the show. Other French Prince of Bel-Air alums, including Daphne Maxwell Reid, Tatyana Ali, Joseph Marcell, Vernee Watson-Johnson and Janet Hubert, made cameos throughout the shows run.

While the OG Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was lighthearted and comedic, Bel-Air is a drama that dives deep into themes of identity, race, and class. As anyone whos ever sang along to the catchy Fresh Prince theme song knows, the sitcom centers on Will, a teenager from West Philadelphia whose concerned mother sends him to live with wealthy relatives after he gets in a fight.

READ MORE: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor dies at 42

Bel-Air expanded on that concept, exploring Wills complicated feelings about starting over in a environment so different from where he comes from.

Smith, who starred on the original Fresh Prince from 1990 to 1996, has praised Banks interpretation of his iconic character.

There were heavy shoes to fill for each member of this cast. Jabari was able to step in, pay homage, and add his own flair, confidently making the role his own, Smith told the website Baller Alert in 2024. That was artistic miraculousness.

Bel-Air is available to stream on Peacock.
A popular crime thriller is finally returning to Netflix.

The Following, which stars Kevin Bacon as former FBI agent Ryan Hardy, originally aired on Fox from 2013-2015. The series was available to stream on Netflix for years, but it left the streaming platform in 2018. After an eight-year hiatus, all three seasons will be back on Netflix as of Jan. 3, 2026.

During season 1 of The Following, Bacons Hardy returns to work to assist the FBI with recapturing serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy). The escaped convict is aided by a cult of fanatical killers, whom he met and recruited in prison.

In addition to Bacon and Purefoy, The Following starred Shawn Ashmore (Mike Weston), Jessica Stroup (Max Hardy), Natalie Zea (Claire Matthews), Valorie Curry (Emma Hill) and Sam Underwood (Luke and Mark Gray).

After The Following was canceled in May 2015, Bacon took to X to thank the shows fanbase for their support.

Big love to all of our loyal fans. Its been an honor to work for you. Sweat, tears, and lots of Blood! Enjoy the final four [episodes], the Golden Globe winner tweeted at the time.

Prior to The Following, Bacon was a movie star known best for his roles in films including Footloose, Mystic River and The Woodsman. He began looking for television roles after seeing how much his wife, Kyra Sedgwick, loved starring on the TNT police procedural The Closer, which aired from 2005 to 2012.

Kevin Bacon. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

READ MORE: Canceled NBC drama finds new home on Netflix

Seeing Kyras experience, I thought, Boy, I want to be part of that. So I started to explore TV options, and it took a few years to find something that felt right, where all the pieces came together. This was the one, Bacon told TVLine in 2015.

The Following creator Kevin Williamson had his sights set on Bacon from the start.

I kept saying that we needed to do this with a movie star, Williamson told TVLine. We needed a dynamic leading man, and I kept saying, Someone like Kevin Bacon, because I had heard that he was toying with doing television.

The Following is currently streaming on Tubi and the Roku Channel. It will return to Netflix on Jan. 3, 2026.
This is a rendering of the 1,400-unit Iberia project in Newark, approved Monday night, March 3, 2025, by the city's central planning board. MHS Architecture

A five-hour do-over hearing on an application for a 1,408-unit high-rise apartment project in Newark ended without a vote late on Monday, nine months after the massive project was originally approved in a decision later overturned by a state judge.

The vice chair of the citys central planning board, Kalenah Witcher, adjourned the remote hearing on the proposed Iberia II project at 11 p.m., its scheduled end time after a 6 p.m. start.

Witcher was leading the hearing after the resignation of former Chairman Wayne Richardson following the judges Sept. 5 ruling that the board had violated state land use law in its March approval of the $802 million Iberia II project by failing to let opponents cross-examine the developers expert witnesses.

No one can turn around and tell us we dont love Newark, Witcher said after adjourning the hearing, a reference to the ample time the board gave the public for comments or cross-examination.

Earlier at the hearing, Witcher disclosed that she was a relative of a key opponent of the project, Tanisha Garner. Garner is a co-founder of the Homes for All Newark community group that sued the board and a subsidiary of Iberia II developer Chess Builders in June. The suit resulted in Judge Avion Benjamins order for a new hearing.

But Witcher vowed that the relationship would not compromise her objectivity and that she intended to continue presiding over the Iberia case. A Chess lawyer, Elnardo Webster, said he did not object to Witcher staying on.

He and Witcher later agreed to confer next week on a date to continue the hearing.

Asked later to specify her relationship to Witcher, Garner said, Thats my sister.

Brooklyn-based Chess wants to build four skyscrapers in two phases, each comprising a pair of towers 30 and 26 stories tall, on a block in Newarks Ironbound section on the south side of Market Street, across from Riverfront Park and the Passaic River.

The site is a fenced-in, overgrown lot that once housed the Iberia Restaurant, a popular Portuguese gathering place before its 2023 closing and demolition last year.

The project would be one of Newarks biggest developments in memory. Its two phases would include 313 studio apartments, 517 one-bedroom units, 485 two-bedroom units, and 93 three-bedroom units, all of them rentals.

A total of 283 would be reserved for families earning less than the Newark regions median household income, under Newarks inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring that 20% of the apartments in large projects be affordable.

The affordable and market-rate units would be mixed together and share common areas and amenities. Those would include a 620-car parking deck ringed by 18,100 square feet of sidewalk-facing retail space, serving as a base for the four towers, with open space and a pool four stories above street level.

The project is supported by labor and business groups, elected officials and others for the temporary construction jobs, permanent economic activity, and affordable housing it would create.

However, opponents say even its affordable units would still be unaffordable to many; that its soaring height would be out of character with the low-rise neighborhood; and that its new people and cars would aggravate the crowding and pollution that already plague the densely populated yet heavily industrial Ironbound.

Chess experts testified that the project would help alleviate the low-lying areas frequent flooding and its lack of open space by creating a new stormwater detention system and enhancing streetscape and lighting along part of its perimeter, facilitating access to Riverfront Park.

There will be less water running into the city system as a result of this project, as opposed to the site as it currently exists, said Chesss project engineer, Philip Scott, a former director of Newarks engineering department.

While the project would provide only 19 of the 34 trees normally required under city guidelines, Chess representatives said the company would pay into a city fund to plant trees elsewhere.

Homes for All Newark, a community group that opposes the massive Iberia II residential complex, held a "watch party" on Dec. 8, 2025, to view a planning board do-over hearing held on Zoom. The re-hearing was ordered by a Superior Court after the project was approved the previous March. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com

Newarks planning board began holding its meetings remotely during the coronavirus pandemic, and still does. Its a practice that members of Homes for All Newark and others say discourages public input and inoculates board members and applicants from public sentiment.

In an unusual part-live, part-Zoom gathering, Homes for All held a watch party open to the public during Monday nights hearing at a pre-school run by the Ironbound Community Corporation, another local community group.

In a common area of the school, fewer than a dozen attendees sat on folding chairs or stood watching the Zoom meeting projected onto a large screen, some helping themselves to ribs and rice.

Garner and Ironbound resident Arnold Cohen retreated to offices to log in and take part in the meeting.

Mark Roberts, who works in the Ironbound and lives elsewhere in Newark, said he wasnt surprised that the hybrid event drew only a modest crowd on such a chilly Monday night.

There are probably more people out there in the Ironbound, Roberts said.

Chesss sexperts came under intense cross-examination from Homes for All Newarks lawyer, Renee Steinhagen, on whether the project met requirements for open space as a condition of waivers allowing the four towers to more than double the areas normal maximum of 12 stories.

Referring collectively to the multiple waivers and/or variances sought by Chess, Steinhagen asked the project architect, Michael Higgins:

Did you attempt to design a building that complied with the required rules rather than requiring so many exceptions or deviations? Steinhagen asked.

We tried, Higgins responded,to design the best building that met all the requirements of the redevelopment plan as closely as possible, and that met the developers goals and objectives.

The completed parking deck would have two ingress/egress points. But Homes for Alls own expert witness, planning consultant Peter Steck, noted that the parking deck would be built in two phases, with only one ingress/egress point created for each phase.

So, heres a five-level parking garage that has only one entrance and exit, Steck said, referring to the four above-ground levels and one below. It is an important public safety issue.
A 78-year-old man rescued by his daughters when the familys home in Orange burst into flames on Thanksgiving has died of smoke inhalation, officials said.

Frantz Fleury, 78, died at University Hospital, a spokeswoman for the Essex County Prosecutors Office said Tuesday.

His daughters, Frantzia Fleury, 49, and Poujanee Fleury, 42, died in the fire that started around 5 p.m. on Nov. 28 at their home on the 600 block of Mosswood Avenue in Orange.

Their father, who was disabled, and six others escaped the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, the prosecutors office said Tuesday.

Frantzia, a proud Marine and dedicated x-Ray technician at a local hospital, was known for her strength, compassion, and unwavering love for her family, according to a GoFundeMe established to raise money for funeral expenses. Poujanee, lovingly known as PJ, was the creative force behind Brown Eyes magazine, touching many lives with her talent and vision. Both sisters were deeply close to their parents and devoted to their children, each leaving behind a child who now faces life without their mother.

A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday.
Sam's Club is adding this sweet treat to its food court menu in a move to compete with Costco. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Everyone who shops at wholesalers such as Costco or Sams Club knows that one of the highlights of the shopping experience is at their food courts.

Costco has made numerous updates to its food court menu over the years, and has kept around old favorites, such as the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo.

READ MORE: Costcos new CFO unveils the future of the $1.50 hot dog combo

Now, Sams Club is taking on Costcos menu changes with a menu change of its own.

Heres what you need to know about the new menu item at Sams Club.

What is Sams Club adding to its food court menu?

Sams Club is adding a Jingle Cookie Crunch sundae to its dessert lineup for a limited time.

From now until Dec. 31, Sams Club will offer the sundae  a soft-serve, vanilla-flavored frozen yogurt mixed with chocolate cookie crumbles and topped with Members Mark Mini Candy Cookies, according to Food & Wine.

You can also buy the mini candy cookies as a standalone item as they are baked fresh daily.

Unlike Costco, which requires that you be a member to dine in its food court, Sams Club allows non-members to eat in its food court.

The price of the sundae is also competitive. It costs $1.58 to purchase, similar to other sundaes on Sams Clubs food court menu, according to The Daily Meal.

Similarly priced items at Costcos food court, especially Costcos Caramel Brownie Sundae, would cost at least $3.

Customers will also be pleased to know that this sundae, as with many of Sams Clubs food court sundaes, are chosen based on member votes taken through social media.
The Gloucester County Prosecutors Office has taken over the Deptford police departments internal affairs unit following a recent audit, the office announced Monday.

The prosecutors own Professional Standards Unit will immediately be responsible for all investigations of Deptford officers, the office said in a statement.

The statement did not elaborate but said it was necessary following a recent audit of DTPDs internal affairs function.

Top Deptford police officials did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns did say in the statement that, a member of the public who feels that they have witnessed or been the victim of police misconduct has the right to file an internal affairs complaint against the officer(s)-in-question.

Deptford police may continue to receive internal affairs complaints, which will be forwarded to the prosecutors office.

Or, the public may make internal affairs complaints directly to the prosecutors Professional Standards Unit online, by clicking here, or via phone at 8563845500. Complaints can be anonymous.

The Prosecutors Office is committed to working with the leadership and officers of DTPD to strengthen the departments internal affairs function, Johns said. Effective professional policing necessitates that the internal affairs function of all law enforcement agencies strictly adheres to the applicable state law and directives. The forthcoming period of supersession will ensure that DTPD is fulfilling those requirements for the benefit of the community it serves.
New Jersey legislators who say the nations leading authority on vaccines is straying from science and toward conspiracy theories want the state to use other scientific agencies when it comes to vaccine recommendations.

A committee of the state Senate voted 5-3 Monday to advance a bill that would expand the number of scientific agencies the state Department of Health can use to make vaccine recommendations.

Currently, the New Jersey Department of Health relies solely on the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for guidance concerning vaccinations and immunizations. But the nations leading vaccine panel has undergone significant changes in recent months that have some legislators and health professionals questioning whether its guidance can be trusted.

The legislation before this committee today puts New Jerseys health care experts and scientists at the forefront of making recommendations to doctors and parents alike when it comes to the well-being of all New Jersey residents, state Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee and the bills primary sponsor, said at a hearing Monday at the Statehouse in Trenton.

READ MORE: N.J. defies childhood vaccine recommendations of panel appointed by RFK Jr.

In June, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed all 17 members of the advisory vaccine panel and replaced them, sparking controversy and concern among health professionals. Kennedy is a longtime vaccine skeptic and has made false claims about vaccines in the past.

Following Kennedys appointment, Vitale said Monday, he grew concerned with how Kennedy may use his influence to undermine evidence-based public health strategies.

Now it appears that my suspicions and concerns, and those of the scientific community, have been validated, said Vitale, referring to the vaccine panels recent decision to rollback recommendations for hepatitis B vaccination at birth.

Gov. Phil Murphys administration criticized the CDC vaccine panels policy change on Friday and continues to recommend hepatitis B vaccination within 24 hours of birth.

A statement condemning the vaccine panels policy change was co-signed by more than 40 leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

Until recently, our nations public health experts relied on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to make recommendations for the childhood immunization schedule, said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown, who testified in support of the bill at Mondays committee hearing.

Unfortunately, this year marked a departure from that history as we saw new members being appointed to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and a departure from considering science and evidence and a movement towards, frankly, embracing pseudoscience and moving away from the core tenets of public health, said Brown.

The bill wouldnt remove the CDCs vaccine panel as a trusted authority, but rather ensures that its not the only medical organization that New Jersey relies on for vaccines guidance.

The bill states that in making recommendations on vaccines, the state Department of Health would consider the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, as well as the following organizations: the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Physicians.

The combined bill, S4894/4726, would also require insurance companies to cover vaccinations recommended by the state Department of Health. That measure appears to have industry support.

On Friday, the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance issued guidance to insurance carriers advising that, regardless of federal actions relating to the childhood immunization schedule, it expects carriers to provide coverage for childhood immunizations recommended by the New Jersey Department of Health, including for the hepatitis B vaccination series, in accordance with State law and without cost sharing or the imposition of additional barriers.

Physicians and local health officials who testified in support of the bill said it would allow the state Department of Health to use recommendations from other scientific bodies and allow insurers to take those recommendations into account to ensure continued coverage.

Opponents of the legislation raised concerns about parental rights and giving too much power to a singular state authority, in this case, the New Jersey Department of Health. Several speakers worried the bill would change medical and religious exemptions for students, which have increased in recent years.

State Sen. Holly Schepisi, R-Bergen, who voted against the bill, said Monday that she was concerned it would expand the state Department of Healths authority to such a degree that its vaccine recommendations may become mandates.

I know this is something that has kind of bounced around, where recommendations come from you, we sit here, and the recommendations do become Your kid may or may not be able to go to school unless they have this. And I think thats where the concern for me as a parent comes into play, Schepisi.

Department of Health staff and Vitale said that the bill includes no mandates or changes to vaccine exemptions.

In this case, it gives them the ability to consider other opinions that are given to us by medical professionals and scientists, Vitale told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday.

The bill still has to go through several legislative hoops before it becomes law. It would have to pass both houses of the state Legislature and be signed by the governor.
A couple has been charged with falsely claiming New Jersey State Troopers committed sexual assault while investigating a domestic dispute in their Hunterdon County home two years ago.

Randal Kelco, 35, and Lisa DeStefano, 45, both of Bloomsbury, were each charged with second-degree false reporting to law enforcement, according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

Kelco and DeStefano told staff members at a hospital as well as officers from two separate law enforcement agencies that Kelco had been sexually assaulted by multiple troopers, Platkin said in a statement Tuesday.

Troopers responded about 4 a.m. on Oct. 23, 2023, to a domestic dispute between Kelco and DeStefano at the Brunswick Avenue residence they shared, according to Platkin.

The troopers body-worn cameras captured their interactions with Kelco and DeStefano while they investigated the incident for roughly 40 minutes, leaving the home at about 4:36 a.m., Platkin said.

The footage also captured the troopers transporting Kelco to a nearby hotel before leaving the scene without any further interaction with either (Kelco or DeStefano), Platkin said.

Shortly after 1:30 a.m. the following day, Kelco and DeStefano checked in at the Emergency Department of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

They both reported to the medical staff that Kelco had been sexually assaulted by the responding troopers the day before, Platkin said.

New Brunswick police officers went to the hospital and spoke with the pair, who repeated their account of the alleged assault and provided a detailed description of the alleged crime, according to Platkin.

On Nov. 6, 2023, the couple filed a complaint against the troopers with the states Office of Professional Standards, telling an agency detective that Kelco was sexually assaulted by the troopers.

Platkin said an investigation revealed that neither the body-worn camera video nor video from Kelcos cellphone showed evidence of a sexual assault or misconduct.

In fact, the recordings directly contradict the accounts of Kelco and DeStefano, Platkin said.

In this case, (the Office of Professional Standards) followed the evidence, including the body-worn camera video of the officers, which shows this was a malicious, self-serving hoax by the defendants, Platkin said.

Eric L. Gibson, executive director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, said the recordings provided evidence that the troopers were facing false, inflammatory allegations of criminal conduct.

This case clearly demonstrates how important body-worn camera video evidence can be to understanding events and fact-checking witness statements, Gibson said.

On March 19, an attorney filed a separate federal lawsuit against New Jersey State Police, claiming the troopers injected Kelco in the buttocks with an unknown drug, rendering him defenseless.

The lawsuit claimed the troopers took turns groping Kelco, identified as Ron Doe in the complaint, before sexually assaulting him in his home.

The troopers were then accused of handcuffing Kelco, leading him outside and sexually assaulting him again.

The suit alleged the troopers drove a handcuffed Kelco to a hotel in Philipsburg, where they injected him again with the unknown drug and left him there.

According to the complaint, an attending doctor at the New Brunswick hospital confirmed a sexual assault had occurred based on testing from a certified sexual assault examiner.

Medical records filed as court exhibits state the victim suffered an abrasion to his head, adult sexual abuse, and assault by other bodily force.

The lawsuit alleged violations of Kelcos civil rights, conspiracy and false imprisonment.

The suit also named soon-to-be-retired state police Col. Patrick J. Callahan as a defendant, claiming negligent hiring, training and supervision.

The attorney who filed the lawsuit was not immediately available to comment on the criminal charges.

A criminal defense attorney for the couple was not listed in court records on Tuesday.
Police in South Brunswick are asking for the publics help in finding a man who robbed a motorist and attempted to rob a pedestrian in a neighborhood off Route 27 on Tuesday morning.

The man fled in a black Dodge Charger with a temporary license plate after showing a gun and demanding money from a person warming up a vehicle, South Brunswick police said.

Minutes earlier, he tried to rob a person walking in the area of Academy Street in the Kingston section of town, but the pedestrian fled and called 911 at about 8:50 a.m.

A similar attempted robbery was reported in nearby Plainsboro on Route 1 minutes after the driver was robbed, South Brunswick police said.

Finally, the man fired a shot during a robbery attempt in Mercer County sometime aftet the Plainsboro incident, authorities said.

Police said additional information will be released later.

Anyone with information or surveillance footage is asked to call South Brunswick police at 732-329-4646.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The State has signalled intentions to appeal for harsher punishment in the landmark US$7.3 million fraud case involving businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, arguing that the 27 years combined jail term handed down by the High Court does not adequately reflect the gravity of the offence.Justice Pisirayi Kwenda sentenced Mpofu to 22 years and Chimombe to 17 years, with portions of each term suspended on condition of good behaviour and restitution. Mpofu could serve an effective 15 years if he repays US$2,060,250.60 by February 28, 2026, while Chimombe's sentence may drop to 12 years if he pays back US$964,064.64 over the same period. Both men had already spent 18 months in pre-trial detention, which was considered during sentencing.But the prosecution insists the sentences are too lenient."The punishment does not reflect the seriousness of the crime," State representatives argued, maintaining that a firmer penalty was necessary to deliver justice and deter future economic crimes. Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudi confirmed the State will appeal.The two businessmen  represented by Advocate Tapson Dzvetero and John Koto for Mpofu, and Professor Lovemore Madhuku with Asheal Mugiya for Chimombe  have also indicated they will challenge both conviction and sentence. Their legal teams have stated they will soon apply for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.The case, widely regarded as one of the largest post-independence fraud matters in Zimbabwe, concluded dramatically yesterday after months of proceedings. Justice Kwenda delivered a firm ruling, saying the pair defrauded the Government of millions intended for vulnerable households under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme."The Government of Zimbabwe trusted you to act with integrity and probity, but you betrayed that trust for personal enrichment," Justice Kwenda said. "This court must send a clear message: enough is enough."The court found that Mpofu (50) and Chimombe (44) used forged ZIMRA and NSSA documents to obtain a contract through a non-existent entity, Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming. They went on to receive ZWL$1.6 billion (about US$7.7 million) as an advance payment to supply rural communities with goats.However, the court heard they only delivered 4,208 goats instead of the required 85,000  an 89 percent shortfall. The judge described the scheme as "premeditated, complex, and meticulously executed" and said it deprived some of the poorest communities in the country of livelihood support."This was not only theft of money - it was a theft of hope," Justice Kwenda added.The sentencing marks a defining moment in Zimbabwe's anti-corruption efforts as authorities clamp down on abuse of public funds. But the legal battle is far from over. With both defence and prosecution preparing appeals, the case is set to return to the courts  and possibly shape future corruption sentencing precedent.As the dust settles, the question now moves to the Supreme Court, where justice, accountability, and the fate of millions in public funds will again take centre stage.
Photo Courtesy of Olivia Henein and Dan Boyce via Wall Township EMS

Firefighters rescued a German Shepherd, Luca, from a burning Belmar home on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Photo Courtesy of Olivia Henein and Dan Boyce via Wall Township EMS

A dog trapped inside a burning home in Belmar last week was rescued by first responders and was recovering at a local animal hospital, authorities said.

The fire started shortly before 5 p.m. on Dec. 5 on Briarwood Road and crews quickly received word that two dogs may have been inside the burning structure, according to a statement from Belmar Volunteer Hook & Ladder Fire Company.

Firefighters entered the home and rescued a German Shepherd, Luca, from inside a first-floor closet, the company said.

The second dog was located uninjured outside the house and brought to safety by officers from the Belmar Police Department, officials said.

Members of Wall Township EMS began lifesaving treatment on Luca and rushed him to Red Bank Animal Hospital, the organization said on its Facebook page.

Thanks to the rapid actions of first responders on scene and continued care at the hospital, Luca is now stable and expected to recover, Wall Township EMS said in the post.

No other injuries were reported.

The blaze is under investigation by the Belmar Fire Bureau and the Monmouth County Fire Marshals Office.
A grand jury has declined to file charges against a police officer who shot a passenger in a suspect vehicle that was accelerating towards him following a series of burglaries.

The Monmouth County grand jury declined to charge Fair Haven police officer Brooks Robinson in the shooting, which injured 28-year-old Nnamdi Atumudo, the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office said in a statement on Tuesday.

Police in Rumson were investigating vehicle and attempted residential burglaries in two locations on the morning of Sept. 6, 2024. At one of the locations, around 4:45 a.m., an officer encountered a suspect in a vehicle who was attempting to flee. The vehicle then sideswiped the officers patrol car before speeding off, officials said. The officer then started to pursue the suspect.

Robinson, who was on patrol in the neighboring borough of Fair Haven, soon responded to assist Rumson Police. As Robinsons patrol car was turning onto Avenue of Two Rivers, he observed the pursuit. As the suspect vehicle and Rumson officer were driving towards him, he activated his lights, came to a stop and exited the car.

The suspects car first slowed down, but then accelerated towards Robinson as he was standing outside of his patrol car, authorities said. After giving verbal commands to the driver to stop, he fired a shot, which struck the passenger, prosecutors said.

The suspects vehicle then crashed and became disabled, officials said. Atumudo, of Irvington, was treated for a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the face, authorities said.

Atumudo and the driver, Rasheen Yarbrough, 21, of St. Louis, Missouri, were indicted by a county grand jury for burglaries in Rumson, Howell and Monmouth Beach.

Atumudo pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary of a motor vehicle and attempted burglary of a residence. He was later sentenced to four years in state prison.

Yarbrough is also serving a four-year sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree eluding and third-degree attempted burglary of a residence.

The grand jury presentation in the shooting included physical evidence, mobile video recorder footage, body cam footage, witness interviews and an interview with Robinson.

The shooting was investigated by the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office and reviewed by the state Attorney Generals Office in accordance with laws pertaining to non-fatal police-involved shootings.
Fern Michaels penned nearly 200 novels during her career, which she launched as a housewife in her 40s. File photos/Canva illustration

Fern Michaels, the hugely popular author whose nearly 200 romance and thriller novels made her a fixture on best-seller lists for decades, has died. She was 92.

Michaels died at her home in Summerville, South Carolina on Nov. 12. Her death was announced 10 days later in a statement by Kensington Publishing, her publisher of the last three decades.

Fern was a wonderfully spirited and generous woman, the company said.

Born Mary Ruth Kuczkir in Pennsylvania, Michaels moved to New Jersey and took up writing in her 40s as a mother of five in Edison.

After her youngest child entered kindergarten, she started drafting stories at her kitchen table, having been told by her husband to get off my ass and get a job, according to the biography Michaels wrote for herself on her website.

Those were his exact words, she added.

Rather than face the outside world with no skills, she continued, I decided to write a book. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I dont have that husband any more.

She sold her second manuscript, Pride & Passion, a romance about a woman taking over her fathers Amazonian rubber plantation, to Center Point Publishing.

The novels publication in 1975 launched a career that would go on to span five decades and produce 150 million copies in print, according to Kensington Publishing. Her books have been translated into 20 languages.

She moved from New Jersey to South Carolina in 1993, having separated from her husband more than a decade prior, according to her biography.

A complete list of her works posted on her site in October boasts 191 titles, including Weekend Warriors, the first installment of her 36-book Sisterhood series, and Texas Rich, a hit that climbed to the number-six slot on The New York Times paperback best seller list.

For many years, Fern Michaels was actually two women  Mary Ruth Kuczkir and her writing partner, Roberta Anderson.

Were not any more, if we ever were, just two happy housewives from the New Jersey sticks who turn them (the books) out by the bale, Kuczkir told The New York Times in 1985.

Four years later, Kuczkir gained sole legal control of the name, and adopted it as her public persona.

I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce, she wrote in her online biography.

Michaels published four books in 2025 alone.

The final title published in her lifetime was Santas Holiday Spectacular, a September release billed as a madcap holiday romp.

The authors family said in a statement posted to her Facebook page on Nov. 24 that her breakneck pace of work meant that she had several completed manuscripts in the queue  awaiting publication  upon her death.

Fern may not be physically here with us, but her words will live on whether in old stories or new stories to come, they said.

The first such title, Code Blue, the 37th Sisterhood book, is expected to hit shelves Dec. 16.
Police in at least three North Jersey towns are investigating multiple burglaries that occurred early Saturday while residents were sleeping at home.

The crimes occurred around 6 a.m. at residences in Clifton, Bloomfield and Montclair. The thieves were apparently looking for car keys and key fobs, according to police and published reports.

In Clifton, residents in a home on E. Fourth Street called police about 5:50 a.m. to report a burglary had occurred while they were still in bed.

Responding officers found that a locked window had been forced open and burglars had rummaged through several rooms, including where residents were sleeping, said Clifton Police Lt. Robert Anderson.

The residents told police they heard a noise and got up to investigate, which caused the burglars to flee.

Jewelry and keys to a vehicle were taken during the burglary. Anderson said the vehicle was not stolen, likely due to the residents interrupting the burglary.

Officers checked the immediate area, but the suspects were not found.

Evidence obtained by police indicates that multiple individuals were responsible for the burglary, Anderson said.

The burglary was similar to two others that occurred in Essex County around the same time, police said.

We are aware of similar incidents in nearby jurisdictions, and we are working with those law enforcement agencies to determine whether the same individuals are responsible, Anderson said.

News12 reported home security cameras captured three people running through a backyard near Montgomery Street in Bloomfield after a resident said the trio broke a window and tried to get inside a house.

Around the same time, a homeowner on Union Street in Montclair reported three people broke into his home while he and his family were asleep. The burglars ran off with car keys as the home alarm sounded, News12 reported.

In Nutley, police said they were investigating two early morning burglaries that occurred the day after Thanksgiving.

In one incident, burglars entered a home on Washington Avenue through an unlocked rear window and stole keys to a Mercedes parked in the driveway. The suspects then drove off in the stolen vehicle.

Earlier on Nov. 28, Nutley police were called to an attempted burglary on Hillside Avenue where three people were spotted in a womans backyard trying to get in through a rear window.

The burglars fled in a black BMW with tinted windows after failing to get inside the house, according to police.

Authorities say burglaries where thieves are looking for keys and key fobs have been occurring more frequently in the past few years as technology in high-end vehicles has made it nearly impossible to steal vehicles without the devices.

Police advise residents to keep keys out of sight and to lock all doors and windows to create a barrier between a high-end vehicle and the street.

This can be accomplished by parking another vehicle in front of, or behind, the high-end vehicle, Anderson said. Well-lit home exteriors and surveillance video systems also make homes less desirable for potential thieves.
Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk speaks during an appearance on "Fox & Friends" at Fox News headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Erika Kirk, the widow of late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is responding to backlash over her public grieving process in the aftermath of her husbands assassination.

Kirk appeared on Fox News as the Turning Point USA founders book, titled Stop, in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life, was released on Tuesday.

His final book  finished just months before he was shot on Sept. 10 while speaking on the campus of Utah Valley University  explains how the Sabbath is a radical act of resistance amid constant noise, according to its synopsis.

I feel as if Charlie wrote this book for me, Kirk said on Fox & Friends, adding, These are his last words written that were on his heart.

Kirk, the new CEO of her husbands conservative youth organization, went on to denounce some of the publics reactions to the way she has grieved in recent months.

You get the echo chamber, you get people analyzing everything about you, Kirk said. They think they know everything about you  they know nothing about you."

She continued: They see you on TV. They think, Oh, shes this, shes that. He said this, he said that. And honestly, its Charlie saying, Baby, just stop. Stop. You dont have to answer to every single person thats accusing you of things, or saying that youre doing this or grieving a certain way.

While saying she is taking a page out of his book, Kirk said her husband would have accomplished nothing if he answered every critic and stayed glued to his phone.

He would have not built Turning Point USA, Kirk said.

Kirk previously addressed criticism in October over the way she has responded to his death. In a post on Instagram, she emphasized there is no linear blueprint for grief.

One day youre collapsed on the floor crying out the name Jesus in between labored breaths, she wrote at the time. The next youre playing with your children in the living room, surrounded by family photos, and feeling a rush of something you can only attempt to define as divinely planted and bittersweet joy as a smile breaks through on your face.

Her most recent comments come after Jennifer Welch, a reality TV star turned left-wing podcaster, called Kirk an opportunistic grifter during a recent episode of the Ive Had It podcast. Following the activists death, Kirk was quickly chosen to lead his organization and promised to honor his legacy by continuing his work.

While speaking during the New York Times DealBook event last week, Kirk voiced concerns about women who voted for New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in putting off marriage and starting families.

In response, Welch accused Kirk of weaponizing her gender to demean other women.

You are a breathing example of why nobody, number one, wants to be a Christian, and number two, wants to be a female hypocrite such as yourself, Welch said. Your language, your organization, makes women less safe all across the board. Your deceased husband was an unrepentant racist and a homophobe.

Kirk has also been the target of conspiracy theories from right-wing podcaster Candace Owens.

During her interview on Tuesday, Kirk teared up about her husbands absence, saying she misses the little things the most.

When Im in the grocery store and I see his hot sauce, I want to buy it, Kirk said. His clothes everywhere... I know that people who have experienced loss totally understand what Im saying.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the first stop of her book tour for her new book about her presidential campaign, "107 Days," at Town Hall in New York, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis) AP

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said she doesnt feel burdened about her political standing as the Democratic Party debates its direction ahead of 2028.

In an interview with The New York Times released Tuesday, Harris noted that she is now free from what she characterized as the transactional result of campaigning, including asking Americans for their vote. Her recent efforts have instead been focused on promoting 107 Days, her memoir detailing her eleventh-hour entrance and defeat to President Donald Trump in the 2024 race.

I understand the focus on 28 and all that, Harris told the outlet.

But there will be a marble bust of me in Congress, she continued, appearing to reference the Senates collection honoring past vice presidents. I am a historic figure like any vice president of the United States ever was.

While previously describing her current mentality as f--- it, Harris said she is living out her freedom tour.

This sounds really corny, Harris said in comments before one of the final stops of her book tour last month. But we have to stand for the people. And I know that that sounds corny. I know that. But I mean it. I mean it.

She pointed to how thousands and thousands of people are coming to hear my voice on stops throughout her book tour, which spanned over a dozen cities and two countries  noting that every place weve gone has been sold out.

Harris has generated headlines in recent months over the unexpected revelations in her book after it hit shelves in September. Throughout the more than 300-page memoir, she takes swipes at former President Joe Biden and prominent Democratic lawmakers, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, both of whom she considered as candidates for vice president before ultimately choosing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

While maintaining that she is loyal to Biden, Harris acknowledged that she perhaps should have told her former boss to reconsider running for reelection last year amid all those months of growing panic.

Its Joe and Jills decision. We all said that, like a mantra, as if wed all been hypnotized, Harris wrote. Was it grace, or was it recklessness? In retrospect, I think it was recklessness.

The former vice president went on to say she is not going to talk about my conversations with him when pressed by The New York Times.

At one point in the book, Harris also explained that Buttigieg was her first choice as a vice presidential contender, calling him as an ideal partner  if I were a straight white man.

But we were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man, Harris wrote. Part of me wanted to say, Screw it, lets just do it. But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk."

The former Biden official said he was surprised to learn about the snub in an interview with POLITICO in September.

My experience in politics has been that the way that you earn trust with voters is based mostly on what they think youre going to do for their lives, not on categories, Buttigieg said.

Now, Shapiro is firing back at Harris over her insistence that he would want to be in the room for every decision.

Thats complete and utter bulls---, Shapiro told The Atlantic earlier this month.

I can tell you that her accounts are just blatant lies, he added, later accusing her of trying to sell books and cover her a--.

Shapiro stood by his words during an interview on MS NOWs The Weeknight on Monday.

Still, as questions swirl about her political future, Harris threw cold water on discussing whether she was ready to run for president again.

Its three years from now, Harris said with emphasis. I mean, honestly.
U.S. Sen. Andy Kim revealed on social media Monday that his father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Erin Scott/Bloomberg

U.S. Sen. Andy Kim revealed Monday that his father, who spent his career researching a cure for Alzheimers, has been diagnosed with the disease.

In a video posted on social media, the New Jersey Democrat also recounted the toll the development has taken on him and his family. And he promised to search for ways to help the many others facing the same predicament.

Kim, 43, recalled how he sat alone in his car after learning of the diagnosis and dropping off his father back at the care facility where he lives.

I felt helpless, Kim said, noting how the doctor warned the next year or two were going to be a hell for his family.

Hell. Thats what was said to us, Kim added. In a blink of an eye, I had gone from being a son to being a caregiver.

The lawmaker recounted how his father was born with polio in South Korea and immigrated to the U.S. more than 50 years ago, searching for a better life for him and his family. His father eventually earned a doctorate in genetics and became a medical researcher, and Kim said he dedicated his life to trying to cure cancer and Alzheimers.

Kim, who was born in Boston but grew up in South Jersey, said on the day of the diagnosis, the doctor asked his father what he did for a living.

My dad had no idea, Kim said. You cant help but think that Alzheimers won. My dad tried to cure Alzheimers, but now Alzheimers has erased all memory of my dads work from his memory.

But the senator said he realized he wasnt alone because there are millions of people like my dad out there specifically, more than 7 million Americans with Alzheimers.

Alzheimers disease is the most commonly diagnosed form of dementia, according to the American Hospital Association. About one in nine people aged 65 and older has Alzheimers.

The disease was the seventh-leading cause of death across all ages in the U.S. in 2022, the most recent year final mortality data was available.

And for every person out there struggling with Alzheimers, theres a family, theres a community, theres a village of people struggling alongside that person, Kim said.

Still, Kim said the weeks since the diagnosis have been challenging.

Theres not a day that goes by where I dont get some phone call from my father, some phone call from the center that hes at about some challenges that hes facing, another fall, another health complication he said.

Kim added that even as a member of the Senate, he struggles with questions about health care.

If Im struggling with that, what are others facing? he asked.

In the coming months, Kim added, he plans to go on a journey in the coming months to answer the questions he has.

I cant finish my dads life work. I cant cure this disease. But if Im going to go through hell with him and my family, Im going to try to help as many people as I can along the way, the legislator said.

Kim also discussed his father and made a similar pledge Tuesday in his first official Senate floor speech.

Just as caregivers have a responsibility to those in their care, we as senators, as Americans, have a responsibility to one another  as community members, as people, Kim said in his address, delivered on the one-year anniversary of him joining the Senate.

New Jerseys senior senator, Cory Booker, offered a shoulder on social media Monday, recounting how how his own late father suffered from dementia.

My heart is with Andy and his family as they navigate this next chapter, said Booker, a fellow Democrat. From my own experience with my fathers dementia, I know the heroic work of caregivers often goes unsupported by our institutions. Im ready to support Andy, his family, and caregivers across the country.

Kim, a former U.S. House member, often spoke of his parents as he ran for U.S. Senate last year. He won the seat formerly held by now-imprisoned Sen. Robert Menendez, becoming the first Asian American senator from New Jersey and the first U.S. senator of Korean descent from any state.

NJ Advance Media staff writer AJ McDougall contributed to this report.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) has become the latest GOP congresswoman to lash out at House leadership.

In a searing New York Times op-ed, Mace criticized Republican leaders for prioritizing party control over accountability and achievement, arguing that rank-and-file lawmakers, including women, have been cast away to the side in passing the GOPs agenda.

No one can be held responsible for inaction, so far too little gets done, Mace wrote Monday afternoon. The obstacles to achieving almost anything are enough to make any member who came to Washington with noble intentions ask: Why am I even here?

Mace, who is running for governor of South Carolina, emphasized that only a small number of lawmakers negotiate major legislation behind closed doors  all while leadership breaks promises in failing to include provisions from House members in bills, which tend to be loaded with thousands of pages of unrelated policies.

Would opening up the floor lead to more conservative bills passing or more bipartisan ones? The honest answer is: It would do both, Mace wrote, before adding: What we have now is the worst of all worlds: little accountability, transparency and results.

Mace also offered rare praise for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), describing her as a more effective House speaker than any Republican this century. She went on to warn the GOP of losing the majority in the lower chamber during the 2026 midterms.

I agree with her on essentially nothing, Mace wrote. But she understood something we dont: No majority is permanent. When Democrats hold the majority, they ram through the most progressive policies they can. They deliver for the coalition that elected them while they are in power.

Republicans do the opposite, she continued. We get the majority, then become petrified of losing it. We pass the most moderate policies we can pressure conservatives to accept, betraying the coalition that delivered us here.

Maces newest critique puts her in line with a growing chorus of public frustration aimed at House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) characterized the GOP leader as ineffective, saying he could be booted from his post at any moment in a recent interview published by The Wall Street Journal. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who announced she plans to resign early from Congress following a falling out with President Donald Trump, has accused the House speaker of sidelining House Republicans while maintaining full obedience to the White House.

Johnson defended himself against accusations of his standing in the House, telling reporters last week hes not worried about his status at all, according to NBC News.

People get frustrated, people say things and theres a lot of people trying to stir division and dissension here, he also told CNN.

Mace herself has generated headlines in recent weeks over an alleged profanity-laced altercation with security officers at Charleston International Airport, posting well over 100 times on social media about the incident.

An internal investigation by the Charleston Airport Police Department found that Mace had lashed out at airport employees in October, leaving them visibly upset, The Washington Post reported late Monday.

According to the investigation, which included interviews with TSA staff and police officers, the South Carolina congresswoman told officers Im sick of your s---, labeled them as f---ing idiots and f---ing incompetent and declared that she is a f---ing representative. The initial police incident report claimed the exchanges stemmed from miscommunication involving an escort, which is routinely granted to members of Congress.
President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable on farm subsidies in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

President Donald Trump ripped an ABC News correspondent when asked about his comments from less than a week ago regarding U.S. military strikes on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.

The Pentagon has faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers and a handful of Republican members of Congress after the White House confirmed last week there was a second strike on Sept. 2 that killed two men who survived an initial attack.

Since then, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has maintained that he stands by Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley and the combat decisions he has made related to the mission. On Saturday, Hegseth said the Pentagon is reviewing the process and well see when asked whether an official video of the follow-up strike would be made public.

Whatever we were to decide to release, wed have to be very responsible about reviewing that right now, Hegseth said during a Q&A session following a forum at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

Hegseths comments came after Trump provided a more definitive answer in the Oval Office last Wednesday.

I dont know what they have, but whatever they have, wed certainly release, Trump said. No problem.

Trump on Monday was asked about his recent statement by ABC News Rachel Scott, who signaled that Hegseth appeared to take a more cautious approach.

You said you would have no problem with releasing the full video of that strike on Sept. 2 off the coast of Venezuela, Scott said.

Trump responded: I didnt say that. You said that. I didnt say that. This is ABC fake news.

While Scott pointed to Hegseth saying a potential video is under review, Trump said that whatever he decides is OK with me.

So every boat we knock out of the water  every boat  we save 25,000 American lives," he said. That was a boat loaded up with drugs. I saw the video.

Trump then went on to launch a personal attack against Scott, after she asked directly, Are you committed to releasing the full video?

Didnt I just tell you that? Trump said. Youre the most obnoxious reporter in the whole place. Let me just tell you. You are an obnoxious... actually a terrible reporter. And its always the same thing with you.

Before Bradley testified during private meetings to lawmakers last Thursday in defense of the strikes, both the House and the Senate Armed Services committees previously announced they would separately start inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the second attack. Some Democrats who viewed a video of the strike last week described the two survivors as defenseless and incapacitated.

Meanwhile, lawmakers are also attempting to compel Hegseth to release an unedited video of the strike through a provision hidden in the Pentagons annual spending and policy bill, according to POLITICO. They plan on withholding a quarter of the defense secretarys travel budget until they are provided with the video.

Since September, there have been at least 22 strikes on alleged drug boats have killed up to 86 people. The Washington Post was first to report on the two deaths in the aftermath of the subsequent strike early that month.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks after announcing her run in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero) AP

Rep. Jasmine Crocketts new campaign launch video has been met with both cringe and praise on social media.

The Texas congresswoman announced Monday she will be running for a Senate seat held by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). The rising star within the Democratic Party joins a hotly contested race, pitting her in a primary showdown against state Rep. James Talarico (D), a vocal lawmaker opposing a GOP-led redistricting effort.

Crocketts announcement, made just hours before the deadline for candidates to file, followed former Rep. Colin Allred (D) shockingly dropping his own bid for the seat, instead saying he would seek to return to the House and run in the 33rd Congressional District. Cornyn, meanwhile, is facing primary challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt.

Crockett unveiled a video announcing her latest bid on YouTube, which features her remaining silent while looking to the side. She then turns to the camera and smiles as an audio compilation of President Donald Trump repeatedly insulting her plays in the background.

You have this woman, Crockett. Shes a very low IQ person, Trump said in one part of the video.

During an appearance on CNN late Monday, Crockett was asked about her stylistic approach to the video, to which she responded that Trump cannot keep my name out of his mouth.

Who is it that would be better to make sure they are in the U.S. Senate to hold him accountable? Crockett said. I am the one that he is afraid of. I am the one that the Republicans fear.

Meanwhile, the video caught the attention of a number of commentators and lawmakers on X  with some criticizing the focus on Trump, while others argued it was clever.

Kind of fitting that her launch video is all about her, not about Texans, wrote Adam Carlson, the founding partner of Zenith Research.

POLITICOs Sally Goldenberg pointed out a similar sentiment: This video gives 45 seconds to Trump, with no mention of Texas issues, Texas voters, Texas economy, Texas redistricting, Texas anything.

One user said, lmao if this is real she is the most conceited person on earth, and another added, If Talarico is half the politician his fans think he is, hell be able to defeat her in a primary.

I was divided on this launch video, but in the end, I think its effective because people are talking about it (including me), Marc Caputo of Axios posted. Not sure its great to make your introduction revolve solely around the president you dislike.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) called Crockett a relentless fighter and a brilliant legal mind.

She is exactly the kind of authentic, bold, effective leader this moment demands, the people deserve, and the Senate needs, Pressley continued. Lets go.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), another target of the presidents ire, also weighed in: And thats just her taking Trumps incoming. Wait until she gives it back.

While launching her campaign Monday night, Crockett, who used the slogan Texas Tough to her supporters, pledged to address affordability and promised to take on Trump. She said her candidacy can help drive out turnout and build a strong multi-racial, multi-generational coalition.

Im done with politics as usual, Crockett said. Im done with going along to get along, and it gets us nowhere.

Republicans have not lost a statewide race in Texas in more than 30 years. Crockett has emerged as a staunch critic of GOP lawmakers in the state, with some of her jabs igniting backlash from moderates, including calling Gov. Greg Abbott (R), who uses a wheelchair, governor Hot Wheels.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced plans to move to an electronic docket management system as part of efforts to curb corruption and enhance efficiency in criminal investigations.Officer Commanding Harare Province, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, said the digital transition would eliminate opportunities for bribery during the handling and processing of case files."Soon, we will transition to an electronic system where all dockets will be processed without any possibility of bribery," said Comm Chikunguru. "Professionalism within our ranks does not allow for corrupt practices. We encourage the public to report any such incidents to help us address them swiftly."He revealed that the police had also acquired drones to strengthen surveillance in public spaces, particularly in monitoring traffic, detecting crime, and responding to incidents of political violence."These drones will help us identify and address any disturbances effectively," he said.Comm Chikunguru made the remarks during the official opening of a newly constructed office block at the Mbare District headquarters. The facility will house the District Chaplain, Community Relations Liaison Officers, and police intelligence units. It was handed over by District CCPN chairperson, Bishop Farai Chikumbu.He applauded the Mbare community for playing a crucial role in reducing criminal activity through close cooperation with law enforcement."From January to November 2025, crime rates in Mbare District have decreased compared to the same period last year," Comm Chikunguru noted. "This impressive decrease is a testament to the cooperative involvement of the public and law enforcement in our district."The Commissioner commended the community-led nature of the new building project, which was fully funded and initiated by local stakeholders through the Christian Community Police Network (CCPN), Crime Liaison Committee (CLC), and Business Against Crime Forum."My joy is even greater knowing that this remarkable project was initiated and funded entirely by the community," he said. "As we often say, you are the water and we are the fish - we cannot thrive without you."The police say the combination of community engagement, professional accountability, and technological upgrades will remain central to their crime-fighting strategy going forward.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this morning. High 18F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low near 10F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Six people in Beitbridge have been arrested in two separate cases for the unlawful possession and sale of agricultural inputs under the Presidential Input Scheme, authorities confirmed. The arrests followed intelligence provided by the National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe (NACAZ), which detected individuals buying fertiliser from scheme beneficiaries and reselling it in the border town.In the first case, Chemistry Ndou (61), Khare Ndou (23), Thumelo Moyo (24), and Voice Ndou (62), all from Beitbridge, were apprehended after police and NACAZ officers recovered 70 bags of 50kg fertiliser from a house in Dulibadzimu. The fertiliser, purchased from beneficiaries under Chief Sitaudzi, was being sold illegally, with a total value of US$2,000. The four accused were detained at ZRP Beitbridge Urban and the case was later taken over by CID Law and Order Beitbridge for further management.In the second case, Angeline Chokutaura (46) of Magamba Park, Chivhu, and Taruvinga Manunure (38) of Mucheche village, Lutumba, were arrested after 120 bags of 50kg fertiliser, valued at US$3,720, were recovered. Chokutaura was caught attempting to transport the fertiliser to Chivhu, while Manunure admitted selling it to her and buying it from scheme beneficiaries. The case was registered at ZRP Beitbridge Rural and transferred to CID Law and Order.The total value of the fertiliser recovered in both cases amounts to US$5,720.Four of the accused appeared before Magistrate Brenda Kachepa and were released on US$50 bail each, while the other two appeared before Magistrate Tafadzwa Gwazemba, who imposed fines of US$100 or 30 days imprisonment each. Mugwagwa represented the State in both cases.The operations underscore NACAZ's collaboration with the police and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to curb graft linked to the misuse of agricultural inputs under the Presidential Input Scheme.
Irwin Marant, photographed at the Covington Trailhead, with a statue of a saluting Ronald Reagan in the background.
Devon County Council has agreed a new plan of action aimed at dealing with growing concerns over vegetation overrunning pavements and public footpaths across Exeter and wider Devon.

The move follows a Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Neil Stevens (Reform, Alphington and Cowick).

His proposal and the Cabinets recommendations were discussed at Full Council before being approved.

READ NEXT: Newton Abbot Lantern Parade set to light up town centre with fairy tale creations

Residents across the county have reported weeds and overgrown vegetation pushing through pavements, with some councillors warning that the issue affects disabled people, older residents and parents with young children.

Under the agreed actions, the council will continue repairing safety defects linked to vegetation, advise communities through a new parish protocol for highways self-delivery, and explore support from the Probation Service for targeted clearance work.

It will also continue to work with local councils and the Devon Association of Local Councils (DALC) on joint solutions.

Councillor Stevens, who could not attend the meeting in person, said in a written statement that the recommendations had been watered down.

It looks fine on paper but it won't make any real difference to the vegetation overrunning pavements and public spaces across Exeter and Devon, he said.

Let's be honest, this won't fix it and if we don't find proper fundingthe long-term cost to Devon will be far higher. Residents are already frustrated. They need a real, effective solution, not another token gesture.

Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of the Council, said many councillors shared concerns about deteriorating footways, but warned that funding remains limited.

Many of us share your frustrations with the state of our roadways, but there just is not the funding available to do a complete clearance of our pavements, he said.

To get to something that residents are happy with, we're going to have to work with our communities so that we do it together.

He added that community involvement would be essential: Within the financial situations that we find ourselves in, we're going to have to work better with our community groups...and work with them to do much of this work.

Several councillors used the meeting to acknowledge the work of volunteers who regularly remove weeds and vegetation in their local areas.

Councillor Brazil said he was grateful for those efforts:

There are a lot of community groups and individuals who regularly turn out voluntarily to make a difference in their communities, he said.

My thanks goes to every one of them. Devon is a great place to live, and so many of our residents are community-spirited and motivated to give something back. I think thats what makes Devon a special place to live.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Colonel Jones Sasata Marodza has been promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General in the Zimbabwe National Army, with the formal ceremony held yesterday at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks in Harare. The promotion was officiated by Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, Commander of the national army.Speaking at the event, Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said the elevation, granted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, followed a rigorous assessment by the Defence Forces Command Element. He urged Brig-Gen Marodza to embrace teamwork and rise to the increased responsibilities that come with his new rank."Your promotion is testimony to the fact that you possess the required qualities and attributes of military leadership at a general level. It is the result of a thorough and exhaustive assessment by the Command Element," Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said.The army commander emphasised that appointment to Brigadier-General is accompanied by heightened duties and is not "a walk in the park." He also noted that Brig-Gen Marodza is the only officer promoted to this rank this year, making the achievement significant for both him and his family.In his acceptance remarks, Brig-Gen Marodza expressed gratitude to the Commander, his colleagues, and his family, pledging loyalty to the national Constitution and the values of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces."On my own behalf, that of my wife, my children, some of whom are present here, and the entire family, I sincerely thank you, General in Command, for bestowing upon me this promotion today. This award is not just for me, but for my family and the entire Zimbabwe Defence Forces," he said.Brig-Gen Marodza also acknowledged the support and dedication of his team, stating that he looks forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead in his new role.The promotion reflects both personal achievement and the Zimbabwe National Army's ongoing focus on leadership, professionalism, and institutional revitalisation amid the country's transitional economic phase.
A father from Fremington is celebrating the joyous arrival of a baby boy as the perfect gift in the run up to his second Christmas since being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Sean Lowe, 33, is one of the faces of the Brain Tumour Research Christmas Appeal, which is calling on the public to help fund game-changing research this Christmas by making an online donation.

Life was turned upside down for Sean and his wife Yasmine in September 2024 when he had to have emergency brain surgery to remove a brain tumour  initially discovered during a routine opticians appointment.

READ NEXT: An eye test saved my life  North Devon mans optician visit reveals brain tumour

More than 100,000 people in the UK are estimated to be living with a brain tumour or the long-term impact of their diagnosis, yet research into the disease has been chronically underfunded.

Above: A scan of the pilocytic astrocytoma brain tumour discovered after Sean went for an opticians appointment.

This Christmas is particularly special for Sean and his family. Not only is it his second Christmas since being diagnosed, but Sean and Yasmin are also celebrating the arrival of their youngest son Cody in November, who joins Kailan, aged three, in the Lowe household.

Sean said: This year feels meaningful. After everything thats happened and welcoming our baby, I feel so grateful.

Supporting Brain Tumour Researchs Christmas Appeal is my way of giving back, to help ensure others have the same chance I did. Every donation really does make a difference.

It all began in June 2024 when Sean started experiencing intermittent headaches, which he attributed to stress from his demanding work schedule and the challenges of caring for a young family.

A routine eye test at the Specsavers branch in Barnstaple Sainsburys saved his life when unusual pressure was noticed behind one of his optic nerves and it proved to be an early warning sign of something far more serious.

Sean said: Initially, I didnt think much of the headaches, as they seemed to coincide with stressful periods. When the headaches persisted, my family urged me to visit my GP. My GP attributed the headaches to stress and advised me to rest.

Around the same time, my employer suggested I should have an eye test. I went to my optician, who noticed unusual pressure behind my optic nerve. I was advised to go straight to the hospital.

Above: Sean had to have a right frontal craniotomy at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

On September 14, Sean had an MRI scan at North Devon District Hospital. Within 30 minutes of the scan, he was called back to the hospital after preliminary results revealed a pilocytic astrocytoma.

Just 14 days after his initial opticians appointment, Sean underwent a right frontal craniotomy at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, where the tumour was successfully removed.

Sean added: I am incredibly lucky I went for an eye test, and fortunate the optician noticed something that could have been easily missed by a GP. I strongly encourage others to make eye tests a regular part of their healthcare routine. It could save your life, like it did mine.

Above: Sean remained upbeat and positive following his major surgery in Plymouth.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults aged under 40 than any other cancer and more men under 75 than prostate cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this disease.

Sean said: The recently announced 2.8million funding from Brain Tumour Research to the University of Plymouth is vital if we are to find a cure. This funding offers real hope to patients and families affected by this devastating disease.

Brain Tumour Research provides long-term funding to Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence at key academic institutions.

This stable funding enables researchers to deliver on their innovative research which will lead to better treatments and improving outcomes for people affected by brain tumours.

Letty Greenfield, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: Seans story is a powerful reminder of how crucial it is to stay vigilant when it comes to your health.

His experience highlights the importance of not dismissing seemingly minor symptoms and of seeking professional advice when something feels off.

At Brain Tumour Research, we are constantly advocating for earlier diagnosis and increased awareness about brain tumours, which can often go undetected until its too late.

We commend Sean for being proactive and sharing his journey with others, which helps us all better understand the importance of early detection and the role that eye tests can play in saving lives. We hope Seans story inspires others to support our Christmas Appeal.

If you would like to donate to the Brain Tumour Research Christmas Appeal, please go to https://braintumourresearch.org/pages/give-hope-this-christmas
Empress Masako turned 62 years old on December 9 and shared her thoughts in writing.

She reflected on this year, which marks 80 years since the end of World War II.

Touching on the family visits to memorial sites, Masako said this has become a year in which she deeply engraved in her heart the importance of continuing to preserve peace.

She wrote that she feels it is important to learn from history, not forget the preciousness of peace and work toward protecting peace.

The empress also expressed hope for a tolerant and inclusive society in which people strive to know and understand one another, acknowledge differences, respect each other with compassion, and value dialogue.

Regarding her official visit to Mongolia with Emperor Naruhito in July, she said she was pleased to see through personal exchanges that the bilateral bonds of friendship and goodwill have deepened and that the people of Mongolia hold warm feelings toward Japan.

She also mentioned offering flowers at a memorial for Japanese who died in internment after the war and reflecting on their hardships and sorrow, noting that it was deeply memorable.

Concerning her daughter, Masako said Princess Aiko approaches each of her growing tasks with heartfelt dedication.

Aiko has been taking on more official duties, including visiting areas affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture.

The empress also expressed gratitude for the warm welcome her daughter received during her first official overseas trip to Laos.

Masako said she hopes the bonds of friendship between Japan and Laos will deepen.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A tense land dispute has emerged in Masvingo, where the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ), claiming title deeds to two large farms near Nemanwa and Morgenster Mission close to the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, plans to reclaim its land, potentially displacing around 2 000 families who have lived there since the 1980s.The matter came to light following a meeting convened by District Lands Officer Owen Shayawabaya on November 6, 2025, attended by Chief Mugabe's aide, Pascal Mugabe, Village head Henry Muganhu Makusha, and RCZ representatives, including Reverends Enos Chomutiri, Lovemore Mashamba, and Zambuko. The meeting, held at Chief Mugabe's court, reportedly discussed the planned evictions and hinted at compensation for affected families.Chief Mugabe, whose real name is Matubede Mudavanhu, strongly opposed the RCZ's move, dismissing it as unrealistic. His office claims that RCZ is being used as a front by a politically powerful family seeking to seize the land. "Those trying to evict my subjects are daydreaming," the chief reportedly said.The contested land spans Henry Murray and Zero Farms, encompassing two primary schools-Sikato and Nemanwa-alongside 90 boreholes and additional infrastructure near Morgenster. Village head Makusha condemned the church, asserting that the title deeds are relics of colonial times and cannot override ancestral claims. "It's on record that this land initially belonged to Chief Mugabe. We won't accept any offer or agreement We can't be homeless or kicked away from ancestral land because of a paper drafted by colonial masters," he said.RCZ's General Secretary, Reverend Lovemore Mashamba, confirmed the church's involvement but declined to comment further, stating that the board is still conducting its on-ground assessment.The dispute underscores wider tensions in Masvingo, where reports suggest influential politicians have historically displaced local communities to develop upmarket residential areas, including the controversial Clipsham area, where war veterans were reportedly pushed out.Chief Mugabe insisted that the land cannot be reclaimed by the church, noting that his people were present long before the missionaries arrived in the area and even guided them to the Great Zimbabwe Monuments. Meanwhile, the Masvingo Rural District Council (RDC) has been accused of colluding with RCZ, a claim dismissed by its CEO, Martin Mubviro, who professed ignorance of any such arrangement.The looming evictions have sparked deep unease among the local population, raising fears of displacement from land that has been in Mugabe communities' hands for generations. As the RCZ board finalises its report, tensions in the area remain high, with both historical and legal claims colliding over the disputed farms.
In Ukraine, small,

cheap, remotely

controlled

weapons

are dominating the

battlefield. China is testing how

to fly drones in sync.



Soon such swarms

could hunt and kill

on their own. Opinion The Editorial Board This is



the

future



of

war

Something strange happened at the meeting between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping of China in a mansion south of San Francisco on Nov. 15, 2023. After a working lunch, as the two leaders rose to leave, an aide to Mr. Xi signaled to one of the Chinese president's bodyguards, who approached the table, took a small bottle out of his pocket and quickly sprayed down every surface that Mr. Xi had touched, including what remained of the almond meringue cake on his dessert plate.

The purpose, the Americans concluded, was to remove any trace of Mr. Xis DNA that his hosts might collect and exploit. This is the way theyre thinking, said an official who attended the meeting, that you could design a disease that would only affect one person. To the handful of U.S. officials who were there, it was a sobering coda to an otherwise successful summit: Even as Beijing and Washington pursue diplomacy, the pace of technological change is deepening suspicion and fear between the two sides.

Human history can be told as a series of advances in warfare, from chariots to crossbows to nuclear-tipped missiles, and we are living through what may be the fastest advancement in weaponry ever. Ask any five veteran national security experts and you will hear about five different emerging technologies with the potential to change the world of combat. Swarms of robotic aircraft that work in unison to find and kill targets without any human oversight. Advanced cyberweapons that can immobilize armed forces and shut down electrical grids across the country. A.I.-designed bioweapons engineered to kill only those with certain genetic characteristics.

Some of these weapons will remain confined to the pages of science fiction, but others are already in the works. Innovations in artificial intelligence, synthetic biology and quantum computing are set to change how we wage war just as they transform all aspects of our lives. The United States has the lead in some areas, especially in A.I., thanks to the massive investments of the private sector. But China, Russia and other authoritarian regimes are accelerating state investments at purpose-built universities and finding ways to incorporate innovations into their militaries now.

Chinese tech companies have developed and deployed a wide range of maritime drones, including surface vessels, autonomous submarines and research drones.

Keeping pace in these 21st-century arms races will require political will and national coordination between the public and private sectors and research institutions. The Pentagon must embrace technological change and incorporate it into recruitment, training and strategies. Congress needs to expand funding for research and development into technologies with military applications. The president needs to reverse his administrations war on universities and bring private industry into the mission.

It wouldnt be the first time the country rallied to stay ahead of innovative military adversaries. American science was behind Germanys before World War II began, but it surged ahead and ultimately won the war in large part thanks to victory in the cutting-edge scientific race to develop an atomic weapon. Crucial to the effort was the collaboration between American government officials, academic researchers and private companies. The need for collaboration is particularly acute in A.I., which is a rare example of a technology with profound national security implications that was developed not by the government but by the private sector.

Congress and the courts must vigorously oversee such public-private collaboration to ensure it serves the public interest, not that of any one company or administration. America must also be aware of the dangers of an unchecked arms race. The world learned in the last century that powerful weapons are sometimes best kept at bay through treaties, and the United States should join other countries in arms control before new and dangerous technologies are ready to be used.

Deterrence will be necessary. The biggest reason to build a military that can win the wars of the future is to prevent those wars from ever happening. It is to signal to Americas rivals and enemies that an attack on the United States and its allies is too costly to launch. We urge the leaders of both parties  President Trump, members of Congress and Democrats considering campaigns for the White House in 2028  to recognize the threat in front of us.

Americas national security establishment is scrambling to adapt to this coming world of warfare. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which collects and analyzes much of the Pentagons space-based intelligence, leads one effort: developing Americas military A.I. targeting system. Synthesizing a constant, high-volume stream of data from satellites, spy planes and other sensors, N.G.A.s imagery analysis program, called Maven, identifies objects faster than the army of humans who once pored over grainy computer images in search of threats.

Maven is now in every major U.S. military command headquarters worldwide. It has suggested targets in Iraq, Syria and Yemen that U.S. forces have subsequently destroyed, and has produced intelligence that Ukraine has used to strike Russian targets. The program can identify military objects like rocket launchers, advancing troop formations and docked battleships and spots and tags objects on a no-strike list, including hospitals, schools and religious buildings. N.G.A. has testified to Congress that these algorithms, fed with new intelligence data every day, get faster and more reliable with use.

This software-driven approach to warfare is forcing the Pentagon to turn to the private sector for help. Palantir, a data analytics company co-founded in 2003 by the billionaire libertarian Peter Thiel and Alex Karp, its chief executive, is the largest of the new tech-heavy contractors. The company takes intelligence data from agencies like N.G.A., integrates it with other information and presents it in a program called Maven Smart System that military intelligence officers use daily on a classified network worldwide. Palantirs success at working with the government has made it one of the most prominent businesses pushing the Department of Defense to adopt new ways of working with Silicon Valley.

In November a smaller start-up, Anduril, founded by the Oculus inventor Palmer Luckey, won an Army contract to provide the service with an A.I.-powered drone defense program. The companys software is designed to organize information from radars and other detection systems so that humans can target and destroy enemy drones faster and more effectively. On Oct. 31 over the Mojave Desert, the firm flew a dart-shaped drone, called Fury, in a first test of its A.I.-controlled flight. The Pentagon hopes eventually to field a fleet of 1,000 robotic wingmen that will fly alongside traditional fighter jets into battle with the ability to dogfight with other aircraft, perform reconnaissance and conduct electronic warfare.

A nose cone and a partially assembled autonomous Fury drone at Andurils sprawling headquarters in Costa Mesa, Calif.

Americas adversaries are pursuing their own advances. China has released video footage of what appears to be a robotic wingman being tested in flight. Ukraines forces have captured a Russian drone that could fly dozens of miles, identify and lock onto targets, then plunge into a nosedive and deliver six pounds of explosives to blow up the target, apparently all without any human guidance. Built with off-the-shelf parts, the V2U, as it is known, costs a fraction of its American and Chinese counterparts.

Not all high tech is smart tech. For decades the United States has reflexively opted for cutting-edge, bespoke weapons that take years to perfect, rather than buying simple, commercially available equipment. Americas newest fighter plane, the F-35 Lightning II, can see other fighters before they see it, and destroy them with advanced guided missiles. The pilots helmet alone costs about $400,000. But all that gee-wizardry can break. And it often does, which has caused the plane to spend more time undergoing maintenance in a hangar than in the air.

The F-35 helmet allows pilots to see through a jets fuselage by streaming imagery from six external cameras, creating a 360-degree view during day and night.

Much of Americas vulnerability stems from its reliance on such expensive, exquisite systems. Everything from sensors that track enemy ships, aircraft and missiles to the ability of commanders to coordinate now relies on delicate, poorly defended space-based systems. China has built a military capable of disrupting those networks using cyberweapons and missiles. That is their theory of victory, the former deputy defense secretary Bob Work said in 2021. Every single link or communication system we have is covered by a Chinese jammer. They do all sorts of cyber intrusions. And they put them all under one commander and this commander just looks at the American battle network and says, How can I break it apart?

The hardest question for the United States in figuring out how to respond to such challenges isnt whether to pursue our own weapons that can deter and defeat them, but how to do so safely and ethically.

Turning over decision-making to robots can threaten civilians. Israel has successfully mixed traditional and new warfare tactics over the last two years in fighting Hezbollah and Iran. Its use of A.I.-enabled surveillance systems in Gaza to suggest human targets has been controversial. The systems have reportedly misidentified civilians as combatants and resulted in the deaths of innocent people.

The dangers go beyond the traditional battlefield. Experts warn that advancements in A.I. could usher in a new era of bioterrorism. With basic coding knowledge, a laptop and an internet connection, rogue actors could direct A.I. programs to comb through open-source databases discovering ways to fine-tune viruses to make them spread faster and be more deadly. Groups with specific genetic characteristics or individual species of farm animals could be targeted.

This year two major companies  OpenAI and Anthropic  warned that if nothing is done, A.I. will soon be able to assist bad actors attempting to create bioweapons. Students at M.I.T. used chatbots to come up with four pandemic pathogens. The A.I. explained how to generate them from synthetic DNA; it suggested companies that were unlikely to screen orders for the DNA; and it recommended that if the students lacked the skills to do all this, they could contact a research organization. This was done in one hour.

The Biden administration imposed multiple safety controls on A.I. development and use, including by the military. Mr. Trump reversed some of those steps and replaced them with his own directive to revoke barriers to innovation. The Pentagon intends to expand its use of A.I. in intelligence analysis and combat in the coming months, a top official told a defense conference earlier this month. The A.I. future is not going to be won by hand-wringing about safety, said Vice President JD Vance at a summit in Paris in February.

The world is unprepared for whats coming and whats already here. As the wars of the 20th century showed, deterrence alone is often not enough to prevent the catastrophic use of new weapons. The United States needs to negotiate and sign treaties to limit how and where these weapons are used.

General Atomics is developing a new line of drones to fly into combat alongside traditional fighter aircraft.

We join the United Nations secretary general and the International Committee of the Red Cross in their call for a new treaty to be concluded by 2026 on autonomous weapons systems. This should include: limits on the types of targets, such as outlawing their use in situations where civilians or civilian objects are present; and requirements for human-machine interaction, notably to ensure effective human supervision, and timely intervention and deactivation.

At the very least, the administration should push comprehensive requirements that companies that sell equipment used to make biological agents adopt rules to verify who their customers are and the nature of their work. The White House should also call for the Biological Weapons Convention  a 50-year-old treaty with about 190 states participating  to be amended to address the technological advancements underway.

The United States should end its self-defeating war on universities and return to long-term and open-ended investing in the technologies of the future through grants for research and development. It should also expand the bets it makes  large and small  in private industrys nascent technologies, like autonomous drones. Finally, the United States should tighten export controls on advanced A.I. chips to ensure they dont find their way to adversarial nations. Mr. Trumps decision, announced Dec. 8, to allow the sale of some of the worlds most powerful chips to China is a mistake.

From Ukraines battlefields to Mr. Xis apparent post-lunch bioweapons defense, its clear that Americas oceans, long bulwarks against foreign enemies, cant protect against an adversary who uses A.I. as part of a total war against the United States. The speed of warfare will soon outpace human ability to control it, said Andrew C. Weber, the Pentagon official in charge of nuclear, chemical and biological defense programs under President Barack Obama.

To counter the growing threat, America must simultaneously win the race to build autonomous weapons and lead the world in controlling them.
Ron Curtis, an English professor in Montreal, lived for 40 years with a degenerative spinal disease, in what he called the black hole of chronic pain. On a July day in 2022, Mr. Curtis, 64, ate a last bowl of vegetable soup made by his wife, Lori, and, with the help of a palliative care doctor, died in his bedroom overlooking a lake. Aron Wade, a successful 54-year-old stage and television actor in Belgium, decided he could no longer tolerate life with the depression that haunted him for three decades. Last year, after a panel of medical experts found he had unbearable mental suffering, a doctor came to his home and gave him medicine to stop his heart, with his partner and two best friends at his side. Argemiro Ariza was in his early 80s when he began to lose function in his limbs, no longer able to care for his wife, who had dementia, in their home in Bogota. Doctors diagnosed A.L.S., and he told his daughter Olga that he wanted to die while he still had dignity. His children threw him a party with a mariachi band and lifted him from his wheelchair to dance. A few days later, he admitted himself to a hospital, and a doctor administered a drug that ended his life. Until recently, each of these deaths would have been considered a murder. But a monumental change is underway around the world. From liberal European countries to conservative Latin American ones, a new way of thinking about death is starting to take hold.

Should You Be Able to Ask a Doctor to Help You Die?

Over the past five years, the practice of allowing a physician to help severely ill patients end their lives with medication has been legalized in nine countries on three continents. Courts or legislatures, or both, are considering legalization in a half-dozen more, including South Korea and South Africa, as well as eight of the 31 American states where it remains prohibited.

It is a last frontier in the expansion of individual autonomy. More people are seeking to define the terms of their deaths in the same way they have other aspects of their lives, such as marriage and childbearing. This is true even in Latin America, where conservative institutions such as the Roman Catholic church are still powerful.

We believe in the priority of our control over our bodies, and as a heterogeneous culture, we believe in choices: If your choice does not affect me, go ahead, said Dr. Julieta Moreno Molina, a bioethicist who has advised Colombias Ministry of Health on its assisted dying regulations.

Yet, as assisted death gains more acceptance, there are major unresolved questions about who should be eligible. While most countries begin with assisted death for terminal illness, which has the most public support, this is often followed quickly by a push for wider access. With that push comes often bitter public debate.

Should someone with intractable depression be allowed an assisted death?

European countries and Colombia all permit people with irremediable suffering from conditions such as depression or schizophrenia to seek an assisted death. But in Canada, the issue has become contentious. Assisted death for people who do not have a reasonably foreseeable natural death was legalized in 2021, but the government has repeatedly excluded people with mental illness. Two of them are challenging the exclusion in court on the grounds that it violates their constitutional rights.

In public debate, supporters of the right to assisted death for these patients say that people who have lived with severe depression for years, and have tried a variety of therapies and medications, should be allowed to decide when they are no longer willing to keep pursuing treatments. Opponents, concerned that mental illness can involve a pathological wish to die, say it can be difficult to predict the potential effectiveness of treatments. And, they argue, people who struggle to get help from an overburdened public health service may simply give up and choose to die, though their conditions might have been improved.

Should a child with an incurable condition be able to choose assisted death?

The ability to consent is a core consideration in requesting assisted death. Only a handful of countries are willing to extend that right to minors. Even in the places that do, there are just a few assisted deaths for children each year, almost always children with cancer.

In Colombia and the Netherlands, children over 12 can request assisted death on their own. Parents can provide consent for children 11 and younger.

Denise de Ruijter took comfort in her Barbie dolls when she struggled to connect with people. She was diagnosed with autism and had episodes of depression and psychosis. As a teenager in a Dutch town, she craved the life her schoolmates had  nights out, boyfriends  but couldnt manage it. She attempted suicide several times before applying for an assisted death at 18. Evaluators required her to try three years of additional therapies before agreeing her suffering was unbearable. She died in 2021, with her family and Barbies nearby.

The issue is under renewed scrutiny in the Netherlands, where, over the past decade, a growing number of adolescents have applied for assisted death for relief from irremediable psychiatric suffering from conditions such as eating disorders and anxiety.

Most such applications by teens are either withdrawn by the patient, or rejected by assessors, but public concern over a few high-profile cases of teens who received assisted deaths prompted the countrys regulator to consider a moratorium on approvals for children applying on the basis of psychiatric suffering.

Should someone with dementia be allowed assisted death?

Many people dread the idea of losing their cognitive abilities and their autonomy, and hope to have an assisted death when they reach that point. But this is a more complex situation to regulate than for a person who can still make a clear request.

How can a person who is losing their mental capacity consent to dying? Most governments, and doctors, are too uncomfortable to permit it, even though the idea tends to be popular in countries with aging populations.

In Colombia, Spain, Ecuador and the Canadian province of Quebec, people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease or other kinds of cognitive decline can request assessment for an assisted death before they lose mental capacity, sign an advance request  and then have a physician end their life after they have lost the ability to consent themselves.

But that raises a separate, challenging, question: After people lose the capacity to request an assisted death, who should decide its time?

Their spouses? Their children? Their doctors? The government? Colombia entrusts families with this role. The Netherlands leaves it up to doctors  but many refuse to do it, unwilling to administer lethal drugs to a patient who cant clearly articulate a rational wish to die.

Jan Grijpma was always clear with his daughter, Maria: When his mind went, he didnt want to live any more. Maria worked with his longtime family doctor, in Amsterdam, to identify the point when Mr. Grijpma, 90 and living in a nursing home, was losing his ability to consent himself. When it seemed close, in 2023, they booked the day, and he updated his day planner: Thursday, visit the vicar; Friday, bicycle with physiotherapy and get a haircut; Sunday, pancakes with Maria; Monday, euthanasia.

All of these questions are becoming part of the discussion as the right to control and plan ones own death is pushed in front of reluctant legislatures and uneasy medical professionals.

Dr. Madeline Li, a Toronto psychiatrist, was given the task of developing the assisted-dying practice in one of Canadas largest hospitals when the procedure was first decriminalized in 2015. She began with assessing patients for eligibility and then moved to providing medical assistance in dying, or MAID, as it is called in Canada. For some patients with terminal cancer, it felt like the best form of care she could offer, she said.

But then Canadas eligibility criteria expanded, and Dr. Li found herself confronting a different kind of patient.

To provide assisted dying to somebody dying of a condition who is not happy with how theyre going to die, Im willing to assist them, and hasten that death, she said. I struggle more with people who arent dying and want MAID  I think then youre assisting suicide. If youre not dying  if I didnt give you MAID, you wouldnt otherwise die  then youre a person whos not unhappy with how youre going to die. Youre unhappy with how youre living.

Who has broken the taboo?

For decades, Switzerland was the only country to permit assisted death; assisted suicide was legalized there in 1942. It took a further half century for a few more countries to loosen their laws. Now decriminalization of some form of assisted death has occurred across Europe.

But there has recently been a wave of legalization in Latin America, where Colombia was long an outlier, having allowed legal assisted dying since 2015.

Paola Roldan Espinosa had a thriving career in business in Ecuador, and a toddler, when she was diagnosed with A.L.S. in 2023. Her health soon deteriorated to the point that she needed a ventilator. She wanted to die on her terms  and took the case to the countrys highest court. In February 2024, the court responded to her petition by decriminalizing assisted dying. Ms. Roldan, then 42, had the death she sought, with her family around her, a month later.

Ecuador has decriminalized assisted dying through constitutional court cases, and Perus Supreme Court has permitted individual exceptions to the law which prohibits the procedure, opening the door to expansion. Cubas national assembly legalized assisted dying in 2023, although no regulations on how the procedure will work are yet in place. In October, Uruguays parliament passed a long-debated law allowing assisted death for the terminally ill.

The first country in Asia to take steps toward legalization is South Korea, where a bill to decriminalize assisted death has been proposed at the National Assembly several times but has not come to a vote. At the same time, the Constitutional Court, which for years refused to hear cases on the subject, has agreed to adjudicate a petition from a disabled man with severe and chronic pain who seeks an assisted death.

Access in the United States remains limited: 11 jurisdictions (10 states plus the District of Columbia) allow assisted suicide or physician-assisted death, for patients who have a terminal diagnosis, and in some cases, only for patients who are already in hospice care. It will become legal in Delaware on Jan. 1, 2026.

In Slovenia, in 2024, 55 percent of the population who voted in a national referendum were in favor of legalizing assisted death, and parliament duly passed a law in July. But pushback from right-wing politicians then forced a new referendum, and in late November, 54 percent of those who voted rejected the legalization.

And in the United Kingdom, a bill to legalize assisted death for people with terminal illness has made its way slowly through parliament. It has faced fierce opposition from a coalition of more than 60 groups for people with disabilities, who argue they may face subtle coercion to end their lives rather than drain their families or the state of resources for their care.

Why now?

In many countries, decriminalization of assisted dying has followed the expansion of rights for personal choice in other areas, such as the removal of restrictions on same-sex marriage, abortion and sometimes drug use.

I would expect it to be on the agenda in every liberal democracy, said Wayne Sumner, a medical ethicist at the University of Toronto who studies the evolution of norms and regulations around assisted dying. Theyll come to it at their own speed, but it follows with these other policies.

The change is also being driven by a convergence of political, demographic and cultural trends.

As populations age, and access to health care improves, more people are living longer. Older populations mean more chronic disease, and more people living with compromised health. And they are thinking about death, and what they will  and wont  be willing to tolerate in the last years of their lives.

At the same time, there is diminishing tolerance for suffering that is perceived as unnecessary.

Until very recently, we were a society where few people lived past 60  and now suddenly we live much longer, said Lina Paola Lara Negrette, a psychologist who until October was the director of the Dying With Dignity Foundation in Colombia. Now people here need to think about the system, and the services that are available, and what they will want.

Changes in family structures and communities, particularly in rapidly urbanizing middle-income countries, mean that traditional networks of care are less strong, which shifts how people can imagine living in older age or with chronic illness, she added.

When you had many siblings and a lot of generations under one roof, the question of care was a family thing, she said. That has changed. And it shapes how we think about living, and dying.

How does assisted dying work?

Beyond the ethical dilemmas, actually carrying out legalized assisted deaths involves countless choices for countries. Spain requires a waiting period of at least 15 days between a patients assessments (but the average wait in practice is 75 days). In most other places, the prescribed wait is less than two weeks for patients with terminal conditions, but often longer in practice, said Katrine Del Villar, a professor of constitutional law at the Queensland University of Technology who tracks trends in assisted dying

Most countries allow patients to choose between administering the drugs themselves or having a health care provider do it. When both options are available, the overwhelming majority of people choose to have a health care provider end their life with an injection that stops their heart.

In many countries only a doctor can administer the drugs, but Canada and New Zealand permit nurse practitioners to provide medically assisted deaths too.

One Australian state prohibits medical professionals from raising the topic of assisted death. A patient must ask about it first.

Who determines eligibility is another issue. In the Netherlands, two physicians assess a patient; in Colombia, its a panel consisting of a medical specialist, a psychologist and a lawyer. The draft legislation in Britain would require both a panel and two independent physicians.

Switzerland and the states of Oregon and Vermont are the only jurisdictions in the world that explicitly allow people who are not residents access to assisted deaths.

Most countries permit medical professionals to conscientiously object to providing assisted deaths and allow faith-based medical institutions to refuse to participate. In Canada, individual professionals have the right to refuse, but a court challenge is underway seeking to end the ability of hospitals that are controlled by faith-based organizations and that operate with public funds to refuse to allow assisted deaths on their premises.

Even when assisted dying has been legal and available somewhere for a long time, there can be a gap between what is legal and what is acceptable  what most physicians and patients and families feel comfortable with, said Dr. Sisco van Veen, an ethicist and psychiatrist at Amsterdam Medical University. And this isnt static. It evolves over time.

Jin Yu Young in Seoul, Jose Bautista in Madrid, Jose Maria Leon Cabrera in Quito, Veerle Schyns in Amsterdam and Koba Ryckewaert in Brussels contributed reporting.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Sweden has announced that it will end long-term development assistance to five countries, including Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique, Liberia, and Bolivia, effective August 31, 2026. The decision is part of a strategic shift in Sweden's foreign aid, with the funds - SEK 700 million in 2026 and SEK 900 million in 2027 - redirected to support Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.Minister of Development Assistance and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, explained that the decision was influenced by the perception that aid has not yielded significant development in these countries over decades. "These are countries that have been characterized by socialism for many decades and as a result have not developed. Then you cannot expect the Swedish people to support year after year," Dousa said.While humanitarian aid - such as food, tents, and vaccination programs - will continue for countries in acute crisis, long-term aid aimed at building health systems, education, and poverty reduction will cease. Dousa emphasized that this is a pragmatic decision to focus support where it can make the most impact, notably in Ukraine, which Sweden views as having a clear national security interest.Sweden's decision has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society. The Social Democrats, Left Party, Green Party, and Center Party have all expressed concern, arguing that the cuts abandon local civil society initiatives that have been effective in improving lives. For instance, Sweden's partnership with the RFSU in Liberia, which supports women's and LGBTQI rights, could collapse if funding is withdrawn.Opposition politicians highlighted that aid in these African countries has largely bypassed state apparatuses and targeted local communities directly. Lotta Johnsson Fornarve of the Left Party called the decision a "hard blow to the world's poorest," while Janine Alm Ericson noted that Sweden is abandoning projects that have made tangible differences in people's lives.Dousa acknowledged that long-term aid has had mixed results, citing reports showing limited poverty reduction and in some cases worsening conditions due to dependency on subsidies. "We must use our aid efforts where they can be of the greatest benefit. We have now been in several of these countries for many decades. Not much has happened in terms of development," he said.The move also involves closing embassies in Bolivia, Liberia, and Zimbabwe, further signaling a shift in Sweden's diplomatic and development priorities.While Sweden maintains that the affected countries are free to pursue their policies, the government has framed the decision as a matter of accountability to Swedish taxpayers and strategic focus, particularly on the ongoing war in Ukraine.This policy shift is expected to reshape Sweden's aid relationships in Southern Africa and Latin America, sparking debate over the balance between humanitarian responsibility and strategic national interests.
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THE battle for another derogation from the EU nitrates directive will begin as soon as this week, an IFA meeting in Tullamore was told.

However, Paul O'Brien, South Leinster IFA regional chair, warned farmers that they will have to continue making improvements to their yards to satisfy ever more stringent water quality requirements.

Mr O'Brien told the IFA breakfast meeting on Friday that a crucial vote at EU level was scheduled for early this week (Tuesday, December 9) where an outcome favourable to Ireland was expected.

He said it looked likely Ireland would be getting a three-year derogation - two years with a review of one year.

But he added: The fight for the next derogation effectively starts on December 10th.

Leaked information indicated the terms of the derogation to be adopted for the next three years will focus on four river catchment areas, the Barrow, the Slaney, the Blackwater and the Nore.

Those catchments are probably going to be under the most scrutiny because nitrate levels have increased there over the last number of years.

READ NEXT: Offaly IFA chair says signing Mercosur trade deal would be 'thundering disgrace'

He said a 5% reduction of inorganic fertiliser from 2028 is being considered.

Farmers need time to adjust, to work with new regulations.

Even with the derogation  which will allow Irish farmers spread more fertiliser than other EU countries  some steps will have to be taken.

Storage will probably have to be increased, said Mr O'Brien, but the advantage of knowing the work that has to be done means farmers will be able to go to the bank with a business plan.

The original derogation was four years but it has been shortened. Things are changing but I'd be appealing to everybody, if you think that there's a little bit more work you've to do in your yards, then I'm afraid you're going to have to consider that has to be done over the next number of years. It's getting harder and harder to keep the derogation and keep the fight going.

He indicated that there may be tensions between some farmers who were spending significant sums on their yards while others who were not.

It's getting harder and harder for people to accept if you've spent hundreds of thousands on your yard [and] somebody [else] potentially not doing anything.

Asked by one farmer what would happen if water quality does not improvement in spite of money being spent, Mr O'Brien said there had been historical investment in the water infrastructure by county councils and Uisce Eireann.

All sectors of society across the board are going to have to improve but bear in mind our water quality in Ireland is still one of the very very best in the EU and drinking water quality is good. Our estuary water compared to other countries in Europe is very, very good. But we just have to improve, particularly where we know there are issues, said Mr O'Brien.

He added: We have a responsibility as farmers as well.

Pat Walsh, Offaly IFA chair said not only would the derogation have to be maintained but it should not be over regulated.
Approximately 25,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power across the Republic of Ireland as Storm Bram brought very dangerous winds to the island, with thousands more disconnected in Northern Ireland.

The entire island of Ireland was placed under weather advisories after forecasting agencies upgraded their warnings on Tuesday as strong winds knocked trees and some areas experienced flooding on roads.

Gusts of up to 119kmh (74mph) were recorded amid general wind speeds of up to 78kmh (48.5mph) at 1pm at the weather station at Sherkin Island.

After a week of persistent rain, Irish forecasting agency Met Eireann said soils across the country were already highly saturated and many rivers were approaching bank-full conditions, so additional rainfall was likely to result in surface and river flooding.

#StormBram  Update Please note that changes to timings, locations & intensity may occur through out the day, so keep safe & up to date https://t.co/3041XHjphi https://t.co/hXhuBYxXox pic.twitter.com/85geJgfC5c  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) December 9, 2025

ESB Networks confirmed that at 4pm approximately 54,000 properties were without power, but the number had been reduced to 25,000 by 8pm.

A spokesman said crews had been deployed to assess damage but added that further power outages could be expected.

In Northern Ireland, an outage map by NIE Networks showed thousands more properties disconnected from supply.

The storm resulted in some travel disruption, with 91 flights cancelled at Dublin Airport.

The track of the storm meant forecasters put in place rolling orange wind warnings for different regions throughout the day.

Keith Leonard, head of Irelands National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said: The conditions associated with orange-level wind warnings can be very dangerous.

Potential impacts include the possibility of structural damage, fallen trees and flying debris  presenting a risk to both life and property.

Driving can be particularly hazardous in these conditions, so Im asking all drivers to anticipate strong cross-winds and other hazards such as falling or fallen trees.

High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds  so please slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.

Id also ask the organisers of events and activities to consider the wind warnings that are in place and monitor the local conditions  unfortunately the cancellation of events may be necessary in some locations.

In Dublin, DART rail services were suspended between Grand Canal Dock and Dun Laoghaire due to a fallen tree.

An orange warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford expired at 4pm.

A separate orange warning for all of Connacht, as well as Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath and Offaly was put in place until 7pm.

A third orange warning for Donegal was announced for between 2pm and 9pm.

These come on top of a yellow wind warning for the whole country, expiring at 9pm.

Met Eireann forecaster Gerry Murphy said it was a day to be very, very careful.

He told RTEs Morning Ireland: It is going to be a very windy day everywhere and there is certainly a possibility for all areas to reach those levels for a time.

Meanwhile, warnings in Irish waters were upgraded with a status orange storm warning for all coasts and on the Irish sea applying until midnight.

In addition, red marine warnings were put in place for some coastal warnings until 6pm.

Forecasters advised that south to south-west winds will occasionally reach violent storm force 11.

 Storm Bram is expected to bring strong winds today with a Met Office AMBER wind warning in place from 2pm  7pm in the north and west. A Met Office YELLOW wind warning also remains in place across Northern Ireland until 10pm tonight. Please take extra care if pic.twitter.com/tBAbLS1FOA  Department for Infrastructure (@deptinfra) December 9, 2025

In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office issued a yellow wind warning for the entire region between 9am and 10pm.

A more severe amber warning for wind is in place for the western part of Northern Ireland, applying to counties Antrim, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone between 2pm and 7pm.

The poor weather has resulted in the closure of the Belfast Christmas Market on Tuesday.

The storm brought flooding on roads in areas such as Portadown and Warrenpoint.

The Met Office advised the public to expect delays to transport services and further warned that cancellations are possible.

It added that there was a chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris, as well as damage to buildings and power outages.

Forecasters said gusts of around 60-70 mph are possible in the amber region, and potentially in excess of 80mph over coasts and hills.
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com . To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here

Climate-Change Summer or Nuclear Winter?

A Child Today Is Being Born into the Slow-Motion Equivalent of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

By Tom Engelhardt

What self-destructive creatures we turn out to be!

Can you even believe it? Only recently, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP30, met in Brazil for two weeks. While 194 countries were represented there, the historically greatest fossil-fuelizer on the planet, Donald Trumps United States, was, of course, missing in action (for the first time in 30 years). Worse yet, while the conference was underway, the Trump administration announced a new plan to open 1.3 billion acres (no, that is not a misprint!) of coastal waters to new oil and gas drilling. As for the conference itself, after floundering and almost foundering, its member nations barely agreed on a way more or less forward, what were termed baby steps toward a better (or at least less utterly disastrous) future. And yet, can you believe this? The final agreement didnt even include the words fossil fuels or reaffirm in blunt language that they should be phased out!(President Trump must have been pleased!)

Hey, and if that doesn't cheer you up enough, consider this: a White House spokeswoman responded to the conference with the claim that President Trump had set a strong example for the rest of the world by pursuing new fossil-fuel development while it was underway. President Trump has been clear, she said. He will not jeopardize our country's economic and national security to pursue vague climate goals that are killing other countries.

Yes, indeed, what a world! After all, were talking about one of the two ways human beings have discovered to utterly devastate Planet Earth (the other, of course, being with nuclear weapons). And full credit is due. Consider us nothing less than remarkable creatures for coming up with not one but two ways to potentially do ourselves and this planet in.

Now, imagine this: my president, the man, inaugurated for a second time in January 2025, was the oldest nominee ever for that office and, should he complete this term, will be the oldest president in American history, older even than ancient Joe Biden when he left office (assuming, of course, that Donald Trump ever does leave office). And give him full credit: hes essentially put his weight and that's no small thing, given that hes been termed technically obese, even if his administration has been denying obese immigrants entry to this country behind both ways of doing this planet in. After all, he only recently announced that, for the first time since 1992, the U.S. might once again begin testing nuclear weapons!

Duck and Cover

Now, imagine this: I was born in the final months of the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, just over a year before World War II ended. In my youth, I lived in a world in which the two great powers on this planet, my country and the Soviet Union, were threatening to do us all in atomically. I can still remember ducking and covering under my desk in grade school, hands over my head, as sirens howled outside the classroom window, indicating a Soviet nuclear strike. (It was, of course, just a test.) I can also remember getting duck-and-cover advice from the cartoon character Bert the Turtle, as well as wandering the streets of New York City and seeing (but paying little attention to) the common yellow fallout shelter signs that indicated where you should hide, were an atomic war to suddenly break out. And in my freshman year in college in New Haven, Connecticut, I can remember fearing, because of the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962, that the world (or at least the East Coast version of it) might be obliterated in a potential nuclear holocaust.

Of course, none of that ever actually happened, and today, 80 years after the first (and last) two atomic bombs were actually used to destroy the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there are no longer nuclear tests or nuclear shelters of any sort. The last U.S. aboveground nuclear test took place in the 1960s and the last underground one in 1992. And few people seem to think about such weapons anymore or the planet-devastating war-making that could potentially go with them.

No matter that nine countries now possess nuclear weapons and count on it! more will do so in the future; or that nuclear-armed Israel and Russia are both involved in wars at the moment; or that, at one point, Russian President Vladimir Putin did indeed implicitly threaten to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine; or that, in May, nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, each possessing about 170 nuclear weapons, faced off against each other, however briefly, in a war-like fashion, with President Trump claiming that he had stopped a nuclear war from happening. (I'm not going to have you guys shooting nuclear weapons at each other, killing millions of people, and having the nuclear dust floating over Los Angeles.) Nor does it seem to matter that we now know a significant nuclear war could lead to a nuclear winter on planet Earth in which millions of us, including undoubtedly Bert the Turtle, would be likely to starve to death and the planet itself would be devastated.

Meanwhile, though the U.S. hasn't tested an atomic weapon explosively since 1992, President Trump did recently suggest that he might be ready to do so again. As he put it, Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately. It didn't. Not yet at least.

No matter that no other country is, in fact, doing actual nuclear testing at the moment, though Russia is indeed testing nuclear delivery systems, or that the U.S. military hasn't (yet) followed up on the presidents statement by preparing to do so. The only country to have openly tested a nuclear weapon since the 1990s is, in fact, North Korea. Nonetheless, my own country now has an estimated more than 5,000 nuclear weapons out of the more than 12,000 believed to be on this planet, whether aboard nuclear submarines that travel the globes oceans (while a next generation of nuclear subs is now being built), in missile silos on land, or in storage.

Worse yet, the U.S. military has plans to put $1.7 trillion no, that is not a misprint! into keeping the American nuclear arsenal in what passes for good shape over the next three decades, while producing yet more such weaponry in the years to come. And do you really feel confident that Israel or, in the future, Iran, or right now North Korea would never under any circumstances consider using such weaponry? Donald Trump certainly didn't feel confident of that or why would he have bombed Iran's still-peaceful nuclear sites this year?

And sadly, unlike in the 1970s and 1980s, there is no significant American or global protest movement calling on this country and other countries to reduce, not to say eliminate their nuclear arsenals. In some fashion, however strangely, the nuclear form of potential end times, of ultimate destruction, has generally been ignored (except, of course, by those producing, handling, or storing such weaponry).

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My first inclination that a Trump presidency had the potential to descend into a cult of personality occurred a few months after he descended his golden escalator to announce his candidacy. I had criticized the mocking of Serge Kovaleski, a reporter with the New York Times, by imitating his physical disability. Even though the act was caught on tape for the whole world to see, I was attacked by a Facebook friend for spreading fake news. As we went back and forth, she insisted that there was nothing out of the ordinary about the candidate's flailing arms and broken speech; these were things Trump did all the time and had nothing to do with the reporter's congenital condition.

This was not a random stranger on Facebook; this was a person I dated in high school and created music with in my first band. We had remained close friends through marriages, divorces, and the deaths of parents. She knew that having two daughters with severe disabilities made me especially sensitive to this type of behavior, especially from a political leader. Still, she was fully aboard the Trump Train and was not going to let a longtime friendship interfere with accepting Trump's denial of his abominable behavior. It did not matter what was right in front of her eyes; she was fully invested in the altered reality offered by Trump. After decades of friendship, she eventually cut off ties when the gulf between our two realities became too wide.

I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters.

- Donald Trump

When Trump bragged about his electoral invincibility, he was talking about people like my former friend. She was a caring, intelligent person who taught high school English in an inner-city school, but still she could not bring herself to criticize even his most morally deviant behavior. Unfortunately, there are millions just like her.

Freed by his base from any type of accountability, Trump has moved from simply mocking the disabled and other vulnerable populations to motivating cruelty against them. This was particularly true during the record-breaking government shutdown. Seeking to protect his cuts to Obamacare, he has used students with Special Education needs and Americans needing food assistance to push the Democrats to cave.

Special Education

In the 14 previous times the government has shut down due to budget impasses, workers deemed to be non-essential were furloughed until an agreement was reached. They then returned to work and received back pay for the time they were unable to work.

Trump ignored this precedent during the last shutdown and attempted to fire thousands of federal employees, including almost the entire staff of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), the department that ensures that the 7.5 million students with disabilities are receiving the services required by federal law.

These cuts would have been devastating to a population that is already scapegoated for draining funds away from their typical peers, largely because Congress has never provided the federal funding promised when the landmark Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was passed 50 years ago. If allowed to stand, Trump's cuts would have jettisoned any attempt to ensure that these students receive a Fair and Appropriate Public Education. This would bring us one step closer to returning to a time when these children were often refused admission to schools, including public schools, or warehoused in substandard facilities where they learned little and enjoyed few rights.

SNAP Benefits

During past shutdowns, payments that put food on the tables of families living in poverty were considered a third rail; recognizing that feeding Americans is a fundamental responsibility of the federal government, previous administrations have ensured that SNAP benefits (in the past referred to as Food Stamps) continued to be paid via available federal funds. Trump suspended this essential program, claiming that no funds were legally available, even as he found the money needed to demolish the East Wing of the White House.

Multiple court rulings ordering that SNAP benefits continue to be paid because a law had been passed requiring Congress to have billions of dollars in reserve funds available whenever SNAP funds were insufficient gave Trump the legal cover he needed to ensure that food continued to be available to the 42 million people who rely on the program. Instead, he appealed the decision. The party that claims to be pro-life was willing to starve 16,380,000 children to maintain a bargaining chip in their fight to eliminate healthcare coverage.

Further compounding the cruelty to our poorest citizens, Trump's administration blocked private companies from providing their own assistance during the shutdown. Misusing a law that protects SNAP recipients from being gouged when using their benefits, Trump sent notices to participants in the program to remind them that offering discounts or services only to SNAP-paying customers is a SNAP violation and would jeopardize their future participation in the program. No good deed goes unpunished.

Under these conditions, it should not be a surprise to anyone that voters in New York City were finally able to shake off the dire warnings about Democratic Socialism by Republicans and establishment Democrats to elect their new mayor. It is hard to worry about philosophical arguments when you are worried about putting food on your table. When cruelty becomes policy, change becomes a matter of survival.

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Photo via Wikimedia Commons

The history of science, like most every history we learn, comes to us as a procession of great, almost exclusively white, men, unbroken but for the occasional token womanwell-deserving of her honors but seemingly anomalous nonetheless. If you believe the history books, notes the Timeline series The Matilda Effect, science is a guy thing. Discoveries are made by men, which spur further innovation by men, followed by acclaim and prizes for men. But too often, there is an unsung woman genius who deserves just as much credit and who has been overshadowed by male colleagues who grabbed the glory.

In 1993, Cornell University historian of science Margaret Rossiter dubbed the denial of recognition to women scientists the Matilda effect, for suffragist and abolitionist Matilda Joslyn Gage, whose 1893 essay Woman as an Inventor protested the common assertion that woman possesses no inventive or mechanical genius. Such assertions, Gage proceeded to demonstrate, are carelessly or ignorantly made although womans scientific education has been grossly neglected, yet some of the most important inventions of the world are due to her.

Over 100 years later, Rossiters tenacious work in unearthing the contributions of U.S. women scientists inspired the History of Science Society to name a prestigious prize after her. The Timeline series profiles a few of the women whom it describes as prime examples of the Matilda effect, including Dr. Lise Meitner, the Austrian-born physicist and pioneer of nuclear technology who escaped the Nazis and became known in her time as the Jewish Mother of the Bomb, though she had nothing to do with the atomic bomb. Instead, Meitner led the research that ultimately discovered nuclear fission. But Meitner would become little more than a footnote in the history of Nazi scientists and the birth of the Atomic age.

Instead, Meitners colleague Otto Hahn received the accolades, a Nobel Prize in Chemistry and renown as the discoverer of nuclear fission. Meitner, who directed Hahns most significant experiments and calculated the energy release resulting from fission, received a few essentialist headlines followed by decades of obscurity. (See Meitner and Hahn in the photo above.) Likewise, the name of Alice Augusta Ball has been all but scrubbed from the history of medicine, though it was Ball, an African American chemist from Seattle, Washington, who pioneered what became known as the Dean Method, a revolutionary treatment for leprosy.

Ball conducted her research at the University of Hawaii, but she tragically died at the age of 24, in what was likely a lab accident, before the results could be published. Instead, University President Dr. Arthur Dean, who had co-taught chemistry classes with Ball, continued her work. But he failed to mention Balls key contribution despite protestations from Dr. Harry Hollmann, a surgeon who worked with Ball on treating leprosy patients. Dean claimed credit and published their work under his name. Decades later, the scant archival trail of Alice Ball was rediscovered. In 2000, a plaque was installed at the University of Hawaii commemorating Balls accomplishments.

Other women in the Matilda effect series include bacterial geneticist Esther Lederberg, who made amazing discoveries in genetics that won her husband a Nobel Prize; Irish astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967, but was excluded from the Nobel awarded to her thesis supervisor Antony Hewish and astronomer Martin Ryle. A similar fate befell Dr. Rosalind Franklin, the chemist excluded from the Nobel awarded to her colleagues James Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins for the discovery of DNA.

These prominent examples are but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to women who made significant contributions to scientific history and were rewarded by being written out of it and denied awards and recognition in their lifetime. For more on the history of U.S. women in science and the social forces that worked to exclude them, see Margaret Rossiters three-volume Women Scientists in America series: Struggles and Strategies to 1940, Before Affirmative Action, 19401972, and Forging a New World since 1972. And read Timelines Matilda Effect series of articles here.

Note: An earlier version of this post appeared on our site in 2018.

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Josh Jones is a writer and musician based in Durham, NC.
Vet Home Certs, a leading provider of low-cost Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) for pet travel from the UK to the EU, is proud to announce 
News / National

by Staff reporter

When Dr Kudzai Kanyepi became Zimbabwe's first female cardiothoracic surgeon four years ago, the achievement marked a breakthrough in a field long dominated by men. Her qualification placed her among only a handful of women on the continent - the 12th in Africa at the time, with four more joining since.But while her milestone made history, the journey that followed has been one of resilience, scrutiny, and continual self-proving.Today, with more than 100 open-heart and thoracic procedures completed, Dr Kanyepi's passion for the surgical theatre remains undimmed - even as she navigates daily prejudice in a profession where she is still an anomaly.Breaking into a male-dominated fieldAfter completing her medical degree in Zimbabwe, Kanyepi moved to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban in 2017 to train as a heart surgeon under celebrated expert Dr Rajhmun Madansein. There, she found a supportive network of women clinicians, including Dr Lindiwe Sidali - South Africa's first African female cardiothoracic surgeon - who became a mentor and guiding force.However, returning home was a stark contrast. She became one of just five cardiothoracic surgeons in the country - and the only woman."I was first treated with scepticism," she recalls. "Misogyny wasn't always spoken, but the doubt was there. I had to prove myself all over again."Barriers beyond the operating roomEven with her credentials, Kanyepi says gender bias persists in referral systems and private practice."There are people who simply do not refer patients to me because I am a woman," she says. "There is this misconception that women have it easier - yet I have had to work twice as hard to prove myself."Balancing motherhood and surgical training added further weight. She began her residency in South Africa while nine months pregnant, relying heavily on family support - especially her mother - to persevere.Healing hearts in a strained health systemDespite the challenges, Kanyepi chose to return home, where she now works at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. Zimbabwe's public health sector faces chronic equipment shortages, underfunding and staff losses, but she believes change can begin even within limitation."It was tough when I came back. But I believe I can do a lot with a limited system," she says.Her long-term vision extends beyond theatre doors. She is now mentoring trainees and plans to launch a foundation providing scholarships to girls from disadvantaged backgrounds - especially those who dream of becoming surgeons."My passion is to support young girls who want to be cardiothoracic surgeons and children who need cardiac surgery," she says.A heartbeat resumes - and so does hopeFor Kanyepi, every procedure reaffirms her calling."To perform heart surgery, you have to stop the heart. Machines take over. When it starts beating again - that moment shows you the power of God."Zimbabwe's first woman in the field continues to push boundaries, not only saving lives, but widening a path for many who will follow.
If you paid to download an app through the Google Play Store over a lengthy, seven-year period, a slice of a massive $700 million settlement may be coming your way.

But heres the catch: It could be a very small slice. Like $2.

That, however, is at a minimum.

Consumers could receive more depending on how much they spent at the Google Play Store from roughly August 2016 to September 2023. A settlement website didnt state the upper limits that consumers could be paid.

The payments are likely to be made after a settlement approval hearing in April. Most people wont need to do anything to get their cash. It will be automatically transferred to them through PayPal or Venmo using the email or phone number associated with their Google Play account, according to the settlement website.

Google agreed to the settlement after attorneys general from all 50 states claimed that the company used anticompetitive practices. The settlement website notes that the states contended that consumers paid too much for apps and for purchases made in apps downloaded from the Google Play Store because Google monopolized app distribution on certain Android devices and in-app billing services.

This case was never just about app purchases  it was about what happens when a company quietly controls the choices and prices that millions of people rely on every day, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a news release Tuesday.

Customers who are eligible for a share of the settlement began receiving notifications in recent days.

More details are available on the settlements informational website.
U.S. 101 is closed at milepost 100 due to this landslide reported Dec. 9, 2025. Photo courtesy of ODOT

UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: US 101 has reopened northbound in the area of the slide north of Lincoln City, milepost 100, according to an ODOT Facebook post. Southbound traffic is still being diverted to OR 22 near Hebo while crews continue to work on clearing the slide. Expect delays in the area.

An atmospheric river, pounding the Pacific Northwest, has dumped several inches of rain along the Oregon coast since Monday morning and brought with it flooding and landslides along U.S. 101 and other coastal highways.

U.S. 101 is closed in both directions at milepost 100 north of Lincoln City (about three miles south of Neskowin) due to a landslide reported about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. Southbound travelers will be detoured to OR 22 (Three Rivers/Hebo Highway) as an alternate. Northbound traffic is being diverted at the OR 18 intersection. Drivers should be aware of the twisty nature of alternate routes and slow down for road conditions.

High water has also delayed travelers on U.S. 101 south of Seaside where all northbound and southbound lanes are currently restricted to high-clearance vehicles, according to TripCheck.com.

This section of the highway, at milepost 23, is a regular high-water area during rain storms. There is no detour for this conditional closure.

U.S. 101 south of Tillamook is close in both directions at its intersection with Oregon 18 in another common flood area. There is a local detour for this closure.

The Oregon Department of Transportation warns that high water has been reported in multiple locations along the Oregon coastline, and conditions continue to change quickly. Travelers should use caution, allow extra time, and never drive through standing water.

Some of these closures may extend beyond Tuesday morning and will depend on continuing weather-related hazards.

This post may be updated.
A 22-year-old ICE detainee was awakened about 2 a.m. in the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma and then driven to federal court in Eugene Monday. She arrived for a 9:30 a.m. hearing without having been fed any breakfast, according to court testimony. Grace Deng/Washington State Standard

When a 22-year-old woman in immigration custody took the witness stand Monday and said she hadnt had anything to eat since she was rousted at 2 a.m. for the drive from a detention center in Tacoma to federal court in Eugene, the judge immediately halted the hearing.

OK, thats unacceptable, U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken said about eight minutes into the 9:30 a.m. hearing.

Aiken said she wouldnt continue until federal officers fed her. The judge even offered up her own lunch so the woman wouldnt go hungry.

Im extraordinarily upset and disappointed thats how were treating people, she said.

Aiken directed the U.S. Department of Justice lawyers on the case to relay her disgust to their bosses.

That should never happen. I am absolutely appalled, the judge said. That needs to go all the way up the chain. We do not treat people this way, period, and I mean that.

We are all working to make sure that a system that has been flooded unnecessarily in a crisis without preparation is still going to hold onto the principles of dignity, respect, the rule of law and the humane treatment of people, Aiken said. We are not some of those other countries that do not respect and treat people in our custody the way shes just been treated. I will not tolerate it.

Less than five minutes later, the hearing proceeded, but not without Aiken asking the woman, a Guatemalan national referred to only by her initials MLGG, what U.S. marshals gave her to eat.

Would you please ask what she was served? the judge asked, turning to a Mam interpreter.

The woman, back on the witness stand, said she was given two ham-and-cheese sandwiches, an apple, some chips and water.

By the end of the hearing, Aiken ordered the womans immediate release from detention, finding far more than 90 days had passed since the government had ordered her removal when she was a child.

Immigration law calls for placing people under supervision if they dont leave or arent deported following a 90-day removal period from when their deportation order becomes final.

Failure to appear in court for a removal proceeding isnt justification for mandatory detention, Aiken said.

MLGGs deportation order became final in 2017.

So shell be released, Aiken ordered from the bench, and shell be released now.

MLGG was one of 28 people detained by ICE officers on Oct. 30 in Woodburn, according to her lawyers Jordan Cunnings and Stephen Manning of the nonprofit Innovation Law Lab.

She was riding in a van to go to work to make wreaths on a holly farm when officers pulled over the van about 5:30 a.m. They handcuffed and arrested her.

Officers first brought her to the Portland ICE office, then drove her to Tacoma. By Nov. 5, officials had moved her to the South Louisiana ICE processing center, according to court testimony.

MLGG has lived in Woodburn for seven years with a younger sibling and a friend. She doesnt speak English and was never arrested for any crime while in the United States, her lawyers said.

Natalie Lerner, the womans initial immigration attorney who met her at the Portland ICE office before her removal to Tacoma, testified Monday that she had trouble finding where federal agents were holding MLGG and then had limited access  one hourlong call a week  when she found MLGG in Louisiana.

Cunnings argued that ICE officers had no reasonable suspicion or probable cause to arrest the woman and have provided no legal justification since her arrest.

MLGG entered the U.S. near El Paso, Texas, from Mexico as a child with her father in December 2016.

An immigration judge ordered her deportation a year later when she was 14 after neither she nor her father showed up at immigration court on July 27, 2017, according to court testimony.

She testified that she was unaware she faced a deportation order until she was transported to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma on Oct. 30 after her arrest.

Justice Department lawyer Joshua Keller said MLGG was subject to mandatory detention because she hadnt made any attempt to obtain legal status in the United States since her deportation order.

Her lawyers didnt contest that she faced a removal order but said the government missed its mark to place her under supervision when the deportation period expired.

The Department of Homeland Security could have asserted mandatory detention of MLGG during the 90-day removal period following her final 2017 deportation order, Cunnings said.

But once that period elapses  the law presumes that a noncitizen will be released from custody and placed on an order of supervision, Cunnings argued.

If the government sought to detain MLGG beyond the 90-day removal period, only the executive associate director of ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations can issue a detention order after assessing an immigrants flight risk, possible danger to the community or ties to the United States.

Its uncontested that no such individualized review took place, in this case, much less by a properly designated official, Cunnings said.

This regulation is not pro forma, she said. Its not a housekeeping requirement. Its an important procedural safeguard, and thats why the requirement that it be only made by the executive associate director ensures that her right to liberty is not restricted without consideration by a senior enough official.

Cunnings said some of their clients in the past have been released from detention with an ankle monitor but she argued that theres no justification for placing one on MLGG.

Tje judge agreed. No ankle monitor, Aiken said.

The judge made sure MLGG would be released directly from the federal court in Eugene with ordinary, standard conditions, as she seeks a review of her immigration status and seeks asylum. If the government sought any special conditions of supervision, Aiken said its lawyers would have to run them by her before issuing them.

The Innovation Law Lab lawyers said last week in a related case that they plan to file a class-action lawsuit in response to what they alleged was an illegal dragnet in Woodburn in October and November and an ongoing scheme to violate statutory and constitutional rights of Oregonians to reach high deportation quotas.
Talk about the Winterhawks on our off-day thread.

With 4 goals and 1 assist in 3 games, the Winterhawks Player of the Week for December 1 through December 7 is Alex Weiermair.

4 goals for a 2-1 weekend for the Winterhawks, and 4 clutch goals. A tying goal on Friday, a turning-point goal in the final minute of the 2nd on Saturday followed by a game-winner, and then an insurance goal on Sunday.

He has goals in 4 of his last 5 games, and in his last 5 games he has 6 goals and 5 assists. Its pushed at the equal top of Portlands scoring lead.

Apologies to Carter Sotheran.

Friday at Vancouver: 1 goal in a 3-2 loss to the Giants.

Saturday vs. Seattle: 2 goals in a 4-3 win over the Thunderbirds.

Sunday vs. Vancouver: 1 goals, 1 assist in a 4-2 win over the Giants.

Assists on his goals: Carter Sotheran 3, Ryan Miller 2, Cole Slobodian 2, Max Psenicka 1.

Goals he assisted on: Ryan Miller 1.

Discuss this and the Winterhawks in general.
Donald Trump and Melania, financier (and future convicted sex offender) Jeffrey Epstein, and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell pose together at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida, February 12, 2000. (Photo by Davidoff Studios/Getty Images) Getty Images

A federal judge said Tuesday the U.S. Justice Department can publicly release investigative materials from a sex trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime confidant of the late convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Judge Paul A. Engelmayer ruled after the Justice Department in November asked two judges in New York to unseal grand jury transcripts and exhibits from Maxwell and Epsteins cases, along with investigative materials that could amount to hundreds or thousands of previously unreleased documents.

The ruling, in the wake of the passage last month of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, means the records could be made public within 10 days. The law requires the Justice Department to provide Epstein-related records to the public in a searchable format by Dec. 19.

Around Aug. 1, Maxwell was moved from a low-security Florida federal prison to a minimum-security facility in Texas. Just weeks before, Maxwell met with Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, who was previously President Donald Trumps personal lawyer.

Maxwell reportedly said she was much, much happier in the Texas prison. The reasons for her transfer are not known.

-- The Associated Press
A Chicana artist navigates life between two countries  where immigration raids on one side, and anti-gentrification protests on the other complicate where she can call home

By Doris Anahi Munoz | Edited by Michelle Senarosa & Rodrigo Cervantes

This year marks the 10th anniversary of splitting my life between the two countries I call home. My brother Jose was deported from the United States in October 2015 at age 29. He had been here since he was 2 years old. He was returned to Mexico, a country he didnt even know.

My parents arrived in the U.S. with my two older brothers in 1989, following the rest of my moms familys migration, missing their window for the Amnesty program. I was the only citizen in my family, born in Whittier and raised across Southern California. I grew up well aware of our situation, the privilege my social security number gave me, knowing that at any given moment or traffic stop, my family could be taken from me.

In 2015, I was in my last year of college, studying flashcards for my music industry midterm, when my mom called to tell me that my worst nightmare had come true.

In the 10 years since, Ive crossed the San Ysidro Port of Entry more times than I can count, spending hours in line with a heaviness in my chest. When Id visit my brother in Tijuana, he would ride with me until I was about to cross over. Hed hop out, wed say our goodbyes, and Id cry the rest of the way home. As a child, I felt the frustration of injustice for my family. But I silenced those feelings, afraid of outing their immigration status. As an adult, with their blessing, that frustration has turned into an outcry for them and the millions of families like ours.

Doris and her family celebrating Christmas in Rowland Heights, December 1999. Photo courtesy of Doris Anahi Munoz

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement data, 271,484 people were removed from the United States in fiscal year 2024  each deportation fracturing families like mine. Many of our parents came to the U.S. sold on the American Dream only to find themselves living a nightmare. They sacrificed their dreams and their careers and worked exploitative, under-the-table jobs around the clock, with no path to citizenship in sight. Now I find myself, like other first generation kids sharing similar stories online, pursuing a reverse migration toward the Mexican Dream.

For a long time, I fantasized about what life would be like for my family had we stayed in Mexico, or at least had the opportunity to visit over the summer and holidays like I saw my friends and their families do, their vans filled to the brim with gifts and necessities for loved ones on the other side of the border. I made a promise to myself that one day I would give myself the opportunity to at least live a chapter of my life there. Now Im fulfilling that promise.

I knew it wouldnt be easy to take the leap to move back to the motherland. The final push came when, in the span of two months, my grandmother passed away, I ended an abusive relationship, and Disney shelved the documentary to which I had devoted my life. Grief swallowed me whole, and all I wanted was to heal and be held by my family and the land that gave them life.

Retracing the steps of my ancestors, I began in Guadalajara with my maternal side. I met around 25 family members for the first time, but the matriarchal connection with my tias and primas was so deep, it felt like the home I always dreamed of, allowing me to truly mourn my abuela through their stories.

Doris and her family in Guadalajara together for the first time, June 2022. Photo courtesy of Doris Anahi Munoz

I then left for Mexico City to transmute my grief into music. Ive been coming to the city since 2018. Over time I began to understand my familys roots here, and I knew that my next music projects had to be created here  rooted in the connection to my ancestors.

Mexico is currently home to over one million Americans  the largest population of U.S. citizens living outside the United States  with an estimated 700,000 in Mexico City alone. Two and a half years later, Im still here.

My dads side of the family has been in this city for nearly 100 years, coming down from Alamos, Sonora, in the 1930s for my bisabuelos government job. They had always been a mystery to me, as my abuelo was a pilot and died in a plane crash when my dad was a teenager. Through interviews with my two last living tia abuelas, I discovered family lore I never knew  stories of quinceaneras at Castillo de Chapultepec and possible connections to legendary Mexican cinema stars. It was a life I never knew existed as a low-income, first-generation kid of undocumented immigrants, stuck in a country that my family couldnt leave.

So what does it mean for me to be here in Mexico today as a dual citizen?

Over the course of this month, anti-gentrification protests have erupted across Mexico City. Demonstrators are expressing their rightful anger at the exploitation of the cost of living, which has been inflated by the surge of foreigners who have come here since the pandemic-induced digital nomad movement.

Meanwhile, back in California, the number of people reporting to work in the private sector decreased by 3.1% after immigration raids began  a downturn only recently matched by COVID-19 lockdowns, showing how enforcement tears apart both economies and communities. As a Mexican American, Ive been caught in the crossfires of this ongoing discourse.

The discourse goes much deeper than not being American enough for the Americans, or Mexican enough for the Mexicans. Its about the question: Where can we call home? A home that feels safe and dignified and where you actually belong.

Doris and her mom visiting the Castillo de Chapultepec, April 2023. Photo courtesy of Doris Anahi Munoz

As an artist and freelancer, Ive worked contracts in pesos and dollars. My parents made the sacrifices they did for me to have that opportunity. Its a privilege I do not take for granted. But what does that mean for people like my brother who have been deported, lived their whole lives in the states, and jobs they can get are call centers that pay in dollars? Or folks who live in Tijuana and have to pay rent in dollars? Where do we fit in this equation?

All I wanted was for folks in the U.S. who dehumanized families like mine, writing us off as illegal, to see our humanity. I didnt realize I would also have to fight for our existence with our folks back in Mexico too.

The work of Chicana scholar and foremother, Gloria Anzaldua, reminds us we are not alone in existing in this liminal space  Nepantla, the Nahuatl word for in-between. This feels like a true reflection of my identity, and the chapter of my life from which Im emerging. I have always known that my purpose living in Mexico is to bridge my two worlds: countries, identities and cultures.

Doris sings accompanied by mariachis in Xochimilco, Mexico City. Photo by Luar Klinghofer Bar Dov, courtesy of Doris Anahi Munoz

I am grateful for everything this land has given me, and I will live here for as long as I am meant to. Wherever life takes me, if and when I have to go back to the U.S. to pursue other dreams, my goal is to create everything I can from my time here and bring it back as an offering to our people over there.

I know I will still spend the rest of my life in between both countries. And if I am to have a family to call my own one day, Ill spend the summers I never got to have as a kid with them and my family in Mexico. I will honor my parents sacrifices in every way I can, and continue to pass on the love for our roots to the next generation. As our paisanos are persecuted up north, I hope to see growing solidarity and welcome among our own people south of the border as well.
Gov. Tina Kotek was the featured speaker at the Oregon Leadership Summit at the Oregon Convention Center on Monday. She highlighted recent Oregon successes and spoke of her plans to boost the state's economy and business landscape. Beth Nakamura

Oregon elected officials reckoning with souring economic indicators was on full display Monday at a state business conference, where leaders acknowledged the challenges facing the states businesses but offered few specific fixes.

At the Oregon Leadership Summit, an annual gathering of top business leaders and elected officials, high-ranking lawmakers and Gov. Tina Kotek said they are determined to make Oregon an easier place to maintain and grow a business. Lawmakers in the Democratically controlled Legislature will have an opportunity to enact such policies during the monthlong legislative session that will begin in February.

Democrats shared a couple of specific policy ideas. House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, a Democrat, said he is preparing a proposal to streamline inconsistent permitting processes for businesses. And Kotek said she will ask lawmakers to boost state loan funding for site development in industrial zones and establish an office to streamline permitting on major projects.

But members of both parties provided few other specifics for how they intend to attract or retain business in the state. Instead, they spoke broadly about their goals and mentioned a hodgepodge of ideas with varying levels of detail and support.

I completely agree that high taxes are a reason why some people are leaving, said Bowman, a Tigard Democrat. However, Bowman did not suggest the state should cut taxes. Rather, he said Oregon needs to bring more accountability to its government. I think what is really important is that we have a government that can actually deliver results, he said. And I think that is what were missing right now.

The business summit occurred just one week after Kotek unveiled a plan to boost Oregons economy and make the state more business friendly as it faces sluggish population growth, high housing costs and other faltering economic indicators.

While the blueprint established a new council to carry out the plan, it did not set any deadlines or lay out any specific budget requests to meet its high level goals. Kotek said she will rely on the council to develop more specific timelines.

Oregon cannot afford to be complacent, said Kotek, who last week announced that she will run for reelection in 2026. When the stakes are high, we must act with intentionality.

Economic experts and business leaders on Monday noted that the states population growth has stagnated, that its workforce has been beset by an epidemic of layoffs, and that Oregon has fallen sharply in rankings of its tax and business climate by CNBC and the Tax Foundation, which advocates for lower taxes.

In a video presentation, Portland economist John Tapogna noted that deaths outnumber births in Oregon and argued that the state must change its mindset about growth to encourage new residents to move here. Tapogna said the state needs land-use, tax and regulatory reform and accountability in public education, along with more assertive forest management to reduce wildfire impacts.

Top lawmakers agreed that Oregon is at a turning point in its business and economic landscape, but they stopped short of committing to any significant changes beyond generally calling for more accountability in state spending.

House Speaker Julie Fahey, a Eugene Democrat, said she was open to revisiting Oregons land use laws and other long-established policies to try to encourage business growth. But Fahey offered few details and did not commit to make any specific changes during the short session.

Republican leaders, many of whom have long pushed Democrats to make Oregon more business-friendly by slashing taxes and regulations, called on their counterparts to collaborate with them during the short session.

If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are interested in reducing taxes and cutting regulations, Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr of Dundee said, theyre going to find partners on the Republican side of the aisle. Theres no doubt about that.

The short session is set to begin Feb. 2.

 Business reporter Mike Rogoway contributed reporting.
Federal officers  some posted on both rooftops  guarded the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, as near-daily protests continued. Personnel included members of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and other federal agencies, who periodically fired pepper balls near the crowd. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Portland finally got its big break Monday night -- or, its latest big break -- when Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse: Give the Man a Prize aired on Comedy Central.

Back in October, after President Donald Trump threatened to send troops to the city amidst the ongoing protests of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, Portland held an emergency Naked Bike Ride protest.

Daily Show correspondent and sometimes-host Jordan Klepper was spotted at that event.

Then last week, in an episode of the podcast The Daily Show: Ears Edition, Klepper and others discussed visiting Portland for a Daily Show special.

If theres dongs, always follow the dongs, Klepper said on the podcast.

Finally, that segment has aired.

In it, Klepper interviews naked protestors and a fully clothed Mayor Keith Wilson.

Dont try and match Portland with crazy, because we show up, Wilson told Klepper.

In the segment, Klepper dons a press vest and not much else and rides through the rain with protestors. He also interviews the inflatable frog and the Portland Chicken, Jack Dickinson.

While most of the segment on Portland is silly, it ends with footage of pepper balls being shot and clarinetist Oriana Korol being thrown to the ground and arrested by agents in gas masks.

You can watch the segment on YouTube.
Flooding and landslides on the Oregon coast have closed roads  including parts of U.S. 101  on Tuesday as an atmospheric river continues rolling across the state, bringing heavy rain.

Dairy farms, buildings and a few residences adjacent to the Trask River in the vicinity of Hwy 101 may be threatened, the Tillamook Sheriffs Office said on social media on Tuesday.

The river is expected to rise above flood stage this evening, county officials said. A flood warning in Tillamook County is in effect until just after midnight tonight.

The National Weather Service added that rivers flowing into the Nehalem and Tillamook Bays will be running unusually high.

The sheriffs office warned people against driving around barricades or through flooded areas, stating: Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Inland, high water caused traffic problems in the Portland area early Tuesday, with several crashes reported and flooding on the northbound ramp from Interstate 5 to westbound Lombard Street. Portlands Big Pipe Tracker shows the citys two giant pipes hitting 100% capacity shortly after 1 a.m. Tuesday morning, meaning likely stormwater and sewage overflows into the Willamette River.

In Oregon, a flood watch is in effect in Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington and Yamhill counties.
Oregon lands four wines on a list of the world's 100 best. Getty Images

Four Oregon wines are ranked among the best in the world for 2025 by a leading wine magazine, including one Oregon wine that made the top five.

Wine Enthusiast magazine has released its list of the Top 100 wines of 2025, The Enthusiast 100 list.

Wine Enthusiast says on its website that the ranking is an annual showcase of wines that truly define the year for us. Think of it as an all-star roster of bottles that overdeliver, surprise, and remind us why we fell in love with wine.

Reviewers for the magazine blind-taste 25,000 wines from around the world each year to compile the ranking.

Oregons contributions to the 100 best include three wines from the Willamette Valley  Oregons most well-known wine region  and a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley wine region.

No. 73: Soter 2022 Mineral Springs Ranch Pinot Noir

The Oregonians wine writer Michael Alberty, who is also a contributing writer for Wine Enthusiast, says of this pinot noir, This wine reminds me that I live in Oregon. It smells like the loamy soil and pine needles I encounter on forest walks.

No. 69: Shea 2022 Block 23 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir

Alberty describes the Block 23 pinot noir as having blackberry and orange-flavored pipe tobacco aromas and tart red cherry, saline, black tea and molasses flavors.

No. 61: Domaine Serene MV Fleur de Vie Demi-Sec Sparkling Blend

Despite not being a traditional Oregon pinot noir, Fleur de Vie is produced in the Willamette Valley, from a blend of chardonnay and pinot noir.

No. 5: Holocene 2022 The Black Square Cabernet Sauvignon (The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater)

Coming in at No. 5, this Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in the tiny Rocks District of Milton-Freewater in eastern Oregon. The wine region is part of the Walla Walla Valley AVA, which is typically more associated with Washington state.

Alberty describes this wine as black as squid ink but with perfectly balanced flavors.

See the full list of the Top 100 at WineEnthusiast.com.
Opinion / Columnist

The opposition affiliated media was brimming with plastic assumptions and hightened verve in relation to the ANC delagation visit to Harare. Amidst the raveging Covid-19 pandemic, the ANC finds it fit to check on its brother on how he is managing in all aspects of life. It is unfortunate to note that the remaining strength of the dying opposition, which is the social media, find it fit to muddle the visit by soiling the all-weather relations between ANC and ZANU-PF.It is fascinating to note that the opposition deliberatly acts amnesia to the historical relationship between the two parties. ZANU pf had been through the worst of challenges but the ANC had been standing firmly on its brothers side. One wonders what could have gone wrong in the minds of the social media jounalist to cook up a tea-cup storm for such an ever strengthening relation.The arrival of Magatshule's led ANC delagation is a mere testimony of the strong relation between the two parties. Any friend who gives it all by scailing high barricades of lockdown just to see his friend is a special one. Imagine, South Africa is reeling from expontential Covid-19 cases but the president Spared an thought for his fellow revolutionary ally so as to affirm the relations in face of this common enemy.With all the buzz in the social media the crisis or alleged crisis is in the mouths of the opposition and their choir of the so called activists.The coming of the Magathsula's delegation was not an intervention move. ANC is a revolutionary political party which comes to Zimbabwe to visit another revolutionary party.Ace Magashule in his opening remarks this morning indicated that other groups will be met in later engagements because they requested to be met.After the meeting *ZANU PF and the visiting ANC DELEGATION gave a communique and a combined press statement. Contrary to the rumour meal which was being peddled by the thump soldiers and social media brigade the meeting came with resolutions.The resolutions were1 Reinvigoration of the ties between ANC and ZANU PF and strengthing of integration programmes2. Crime and corruption must be confroted head on by both Parties.3. There will be increased consolidation gains of the liberation struggle4. There has been a consesus between the two Parties to work together on addressing the challenge of fake news5. New values of opness and honesty have been emphasised7. Sanctions and embagoes are one of the biggest problems for Zimbabwe.8. Aspirations of the people are at the centre of our priorities9. The two Parties have Agreed to empower their citizens on both sides of the border.10. There has been an agreement by both Parties to meet regularly.11. The two Parties have resolved to cooporate on issues of common interest.Cde Magatshula on his part said"We are committed to self introspection. Whatever we do should put people in front. Whenever there are challenges, such challenges should be confronted. So we consolidated that we work together because we are one.We recommitted to working together and working with our people."ANC Secretary General Cde Magatshule on issues of human rights said"As long as there are sanctions there can never be a conducive environment to develop. Therefore we continue to make a plea for the immidiate uplifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe.We respect the rights to freedom of association, rights to speech, all human rights in general. We commited ourselves to listen to the views of others. We encourage interaction with others."ANC Secretary General Cde Magatshule concluded by saying "Our minerals belong to us and we must no let other people take what is ours. Empowerment of our people is key. This was a wonderful meeting.Social media should not set the pace for us with regards to our challenges and everything.Report accurately and positively."This puts to rest the lies which were being circulated that ANC was coming to call Zimbabwe to order.The most curious aspect of all this is that the Ambassador of the United states joined the queue with opposition parties to see the visiting ANC delegation. Whatever the reason we wait to see.Zimbabwe welcomed the solidarity by the ANC in these times of troubles. It is a shame that some Zimbabweans are busy vilifying Zimbabwe tarnishing the image of our country. Zimbabwe is mot in any crisis. The only crisis we see is the crisis in our opposition.Vazet2000@yahoo.uk
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Canadian provinces have a strange problem: What to do with millions of dollars worth of American alcohol, pulled from the shelves in anger over US tariffs and now gathering dust in stock rooms?

At least two provinces say the booze will go to a good cause, promising to sell remaining inventory and donate proceeds to charity.

One province is offloading it to restaurants and bars instead of selling it to the public.

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Others have not said what they plan to do with the shelved liquor. That includes Ontario, which has an eye-popping C$80m ($57.7m; 43.3m) worth of US booze stockpiled, some of which will soon expire.

Only two Canadian provinces  Alberta and Saskatchewan  are still selling US booze.

In Canada, alcohol sales are largely controlled by provincial governments, which operate boards that manage the import and sale of most wine and spirits, giving them broad authority over what is sold. Only Alberta and Saskatchewan have a fully-privatised liquor retail system.

Manitoba and Nova Scotia said last week they will sell their remaining inventoryworth C$17.4mand donate proceeds to local charities.

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Since restocking their shelves with US liquor last week, Nova Scotia stores saw higher than usual sales, said Terah McKinnon, spokesperson for the province's liquor board.

The top-selling product was Kentucky bourbon, Ms McKinnon told the BBC.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said remaining inventory is being sold so that products don't go to waste. He added that Nova Scotia will not be ordering anymore alcohol from the US once it sells out.

The province estimated that sales will generate C$4m in revenue that will be donated to Feed Nova Scotia and other local food banks.

Shortly after Nova Scotia's announcement, Manitoba said that it, too, will sell off its remaining inventory for charity, starting on Monday.

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Removing US alcohol from the shelves "is the right thing to do", said Manitoba municipal relations minister Glen Simard.

But he added the province also does not want to wait for the products to expire and be destroyed.

Maker's Mark Kentucky bourbon has been the top-selling US liquor in Nova Scotia since the province put its remaining inventory up for sale. [Getty Images]

Quebec's liquor board said in August that it may have to destroy C$300,000 worth of American products that were set to expire - a decision criticised by some.

The province's finance minister later announced on X that Quebec would instead donate soon-to-expire liquor to charity events and hospitality schools.

Quebec has an estimated total of C$27m worth of American booze that has been shelved, according to figures reported by the Canadian Press.

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British Columbia has taken a different approach, telling Canadian news outlet Global in August that it has sold its US inventory to restaurants and bars.

Two provinces that have remained silent on their plans for the stockpiles are Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador.

In a November interview with local radio channel Newstalk 1010, Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the province has no plans to sell off its inventory of US alcohol as of now, adding that less than C$2m will soon expire.

"Most of it is spirits and wine that will last a long time," Bethlenfalvy said. He added the province is going to continue its boycott until Canada secures "a tariff-free deal or low-tariff deal" with the US.

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The booze boycotts began in February after Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods. Most are now exempt thanks to a long-standing North American free trade agreement, but sector-specific tariffs on metals, lumber and automotives remain in place.

The levies are part of a broader policy shift by Trump, who says they will increase the amount of tax raised by the government and boost investment in the US.

Trade talks with Canada were halted by the US president in October after Ontario ran anti-tariff advertisements that aired on US networks.

Decline in sales 'very troubling', says US liquor council

US ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has signalled that the liquor boycott has been an irritant. Speaking to a US crowd in July, he said it is among the reasons why Trump and his team have referred to Canada as "mean and nasty".

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British Columbia Premier David Eby responded at the time by saying that "clearly, our efforts are having an impact".

Mid-year figures released by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) show that Canada's boycott has contributed to a decline in sales that is "very troubling", said council president and CEO Chris Swonger.

Exports to Canada have dropped by 85% and have also declined to other markets, including the UK and the EU.

In a statement to the BBC on Monday, Mr Swonger said American liquor producers hope that both Canada and the US can address their trade concerns, and that "our products can return to Canadian retail shelves as soon as possible".
Graphic Packaging Appoints Robbert Rietbroek as President and CEO, Succeeding Mike Doss

Robbert Rietbroek Robbert Rietbroek

Dec. 9, 2025 - Graphic Packaging Holding Company has appointed Robbert Rietbroek as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of the Company, effective January 1, 2026. Rietbroek succeeds Michael Doss, who has served as the company's President and CEO since 2016 and has mutually agreed with the Graphic Packaging Board of Directors to step down from his role and as a director effective December 31, 2025.

Rietbroek brings more than 25 years of global leadership experience across some of the world's largest consumer products companies. Most recently, he served as the inaugural CEO and Director of Primo Brands Corporation, a publicly traded, leading North American branded bottled water company. Prior to this, Rietbroek served as CEO of Primo Water Corporation, a publicly traded provider of sustainable drinking water solutions.

Earlier in his career, Rietbroek held senior leadership roles at PepsiCo, Kimberly-Clark and Procter & Gamble, in North America, Europe, South America, and Australia.

Philip R. Martens, Chairman of the Graphic Packaging Board said: "We are pleased to appoint Robbert as Graphic Packaging's next CEO. His unique combination of extensive CPG expertise and solid track record of delivering value-creating results positions him well to drive organic growth and world-class execution, and deliver strong and steady free cash flow. The Board is confident that Robbert is the right leader to advance the Company's progress toward achieving our Vision 2030 goals."

Mike Doss Mike Doss

Martens continued: "On behalf of the Board, I'd like to thank Mike for his strong leadership and many contributions to Graphic Packaging. During his 10 years as CEO and 35 years at the Company, Mike has helped transform Graphic Packaging into the industry leader it is today, expanding the scope and scale in both the U.S. and Europe, completing the largest investment in Graphic Packaging's history with our state-of-the-art facility in Waco, Texas that will provide a long-term competitive advantage and establishing the Vision 2030 platform. His strategic thinking and dedication will leave a lasting legacy on Graphic Packaging, and we wish him all the best in his next chapter."

Mike Doss said: "Leading the talented Graphic Packaging team over the past decade has been a privilege and the highlight of my career. I am thankful to all of our employees for their dedication to our customers and their commitment to delivering world-class results. Together, we expanded our Company's capabilities, built what we believe is the world's best sustainable consumer packaging innovation platform, and created durable competitive advantage in recycled paperboard efficiency and quality. With the completion of our Vision 2025 transformation, we have everything we need to deliver on our Vision 2030 goals.

"I believe that this is the right time for this transition. Along with the Board, I am confident that Robbert is the right person to step into the CEO role to build on the exceptionally strong foundation we have put in place, and to take Graphic Packaging to the next level. I look forward to working with Robbert to ensure a smooth transition."

Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, designs and produces consumer packaging made primarily from renewable or recycled materials.

SOURCE: Graphic Packaging Holding Company
More and more parents are opting out of having their newborn babies receive vitamin K shots, a study found, sparking concerns among health experts.

Typically, infants are born with extremely low levels of vitamin K, which is a nutrient that the human body needs for blood to clot. This leaves babies at risk for severe bleeding early in their lives.

Vitamin K Shots for Newborn Babies

During the early 1960s, hospitals in the United States started to give newborns vitamin K shots within the first six hours of birth to prevent bleeding. This includes bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or brain.

A neonatologist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Dr. Kristan Scott, said that he and his co-authors in the study noticed an increase in parents opting out of vitamin K shots in their individual practices, which was the driving force behind the study.

Despite this, Scott said that he did not fully expect the results of the research they conducted. He added that a rise in the number of parents refusing the vitamin K shots was not surprising, but rather, it was the degree to which it increased that caught him off guard, according to NBC News.

The study analyzed electronic medical record data taken from Epic Systems' Cosmos database, which included whether or not an infant received a vitamin K shot. Researchers looked at more than 5 million babies who were born in 403 different hospitals in 50 states, from 2017 to 2024.

They found that roughly 4% of the infants, which equated to about 200,000, who were born during that timeframe did not receive vitamin K shots. The number rose from less than 3% in 2017 to more than 5% in 2024. The researchers noticed that the trend was highest among non-Hispanic white babies.

Spreading Vaccine Misinformation

The study's findings come during a time of growing vaccine hesitancy and science denial among people living in the U.S. Many wellness influencers have repeatedly fueled skepticism by characterizing the vitamin K shot as unnecessary and questioning its lab-made ingredients, the Scientific American reported.

A senior author of the study, Kevin Dysart, MD, noted that the country's health system is working tirelessly to educate parents to reverse vaccine misperceptions and promote best practices in care.

On top of this, he emphasized that in 2025, CHOP joined Epic Cosmos, which acts as a learning healthcare system. This is so that providers and researchers are able to study collective patient experiences to discover various insights and improve care, as per PR Newswire.
The Christmas Tree Shops store at High Pointe Commons in Swatara Township closed in 2023. July 5, 2023. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

The former Christmas Tree Shops location in Swatara Township will soon have a new occupant.

Levin Management Corporation, the real estate company for High Pointe Commons, announced on Tuesday morning that Savers, a for-profit thrift retailer, will open in the 34,938-square-foot space.

This will be Savers first location in the Harrisburg area. The retailer has three stores in Pennsylvania  all in the Philadelphia area.

Savers was founded in 1954 in San Francisco and operates 165 stores in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The company partners with local nonprofit organizations by purchasing donated clothing and household items, helping fund community programs.

Savers will be an excellent traffic-driving anchor for High Pointe Commons, Fred Younkin of the Levin Management Corporation said in a news release. The brands mission-driven model, strong customer following, and broad appeal make it a perfect fit for the center and the Harrisburg market.

High Pointe Commons is located off Interstate 283 at 4640 High Pointe Blvd. The property is shadow anchored by Target and JCPenney and includes a broad mix of national retailers, restaurants, and service tenants, including Petco, Panera Bread, LensCrafters, DXL Big & Tall, Fleet Feet, Orangetheory Fitness, Five Below, Famous Footwear, and Crumbl Cookies.

Younkin negotiated the long-term lease on behalf of the property owner in the real estate transaction. Joe Dougherty of Metro Commercial represented Savers.

Discount retailers have accounted for nearly half of our new leased square footage this year, demonstrating ongoing demand in this sector, Matthew K. Harding, CEO of the Levin Management Company, said in the news release.

Christmas Tree Shops closed all of its stores in 2023.
The Value City in Silver Spring Commons on Carlisle Pike in Silver Spring Township is slated to close and Pa. Attorney General Dave Sunday is urging consumers to use their gift cards by Dec. 22 during the company's bankruptcy proceedings. February 8, 2023. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is urging consumers to use their Value City or American Signature Furniture gift cards by Dec. 22 after the company entered bankruptcy proceedings last month.

So far, the only Pennsylvania store slated to close is the Value City in the Silver Spring Commons shopping center on Carlisle Pike in Silver Spring Township, but there are many other stores across the state, including one in Lower Paxton Township.

The company announced its bankruptcy filing on Nov. 22 and Sunday said the Bureau of Consumer Protection and Financial Enforcement sections in his office then got the deadline to use gift cards holding a balance extended to Dec. 22.

Our team is working on behalf of Pennsylvanians to make sure a companys bankruptcy filing is not used as a shield to avoid obligations to customers with unused gift cards, Sunday said in a statement. We fought hard to extend an unreasonable deadline and provide consumers a bit more time to use these cards  so act fast.

Sundays statement said that gift cards will not be accepted at stores that have begun closing sales. Consumers can also go to the frequently asked questions page for American Signature Furniture and Value City.

Any consumers who think they might have a bankruptcy claim can file at https://www.veritaglobal.net/americansignature.

Consumers who think their rights have been affected by the bankruptcy filing can file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection here or by calling 717-787-3391.
A former Mercer County, New Jersey, teacher who dressed as Santa Claus for community events faces charges of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.

Mark Paulino, 64, of Hamilton Township, faces second- and third-degree child sexual abuse material charges, as well as a fourth-degree count of child abuse, abandonment, cruelty and neglect, according to court documents.

The prosecutors office began its investigation on Dec. 4 after receiving information that an individual in Hamilton Township, who was later identified as Paulino, uploaded multiple files of suspected child sexual abuse material to the internet.

A criminal complaint alleges Paulino filmed a child in a bedroom and then saved and emailed the recording.

Authorities executed a search warrant at Paulinos home on Friday and seized multiple items of evidence before taking him into custody, officials said.

Paulino previously worked as an elementary school teacher in the Hamilton Township School District and retired in 2021, according to information posted to his website.

He began working with children in 1984 as a substitute teacher, later serving as a lifeguard and swim instructor before becoming a special education teacher across all grade levels.

Paulino, known locally as Santa Mark, dressed as Santa Claus and visited schools and businesses for photos and sing-alongs, his website states.

Attorney information for Paulino was not immediately available.

Paulinos initial court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday in Mercer County Superior Court, the prosecutors office said.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the prosecutors office Internet Crimes Against Children unit at 609-989-6568.
Authorities are continuing to investigate a weekend incident where police said a 27-year-old man fled from police, striking two troopers, then died in a crash.

Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio on Monday identified the driver as Cristian F. Jimenez of Allentown.

After an autopsy Monday, Buglio said Jimenez died of blunt-force traumatic injuries from the crash. The coroner ruled the death an accident.

Pennsylvania State Police in a news release Sunday detailed the incident that led to the crash shortly after midnight Saturday.

Troopers with state police at Fogelsville around 12:13 a.m. Sunday attempted to stop a 1999 Ford F-150 in Allentown, but the driver failed to pull over, the release states.

With police in pursuit, the pickup truck stopped in the area of Lehigh Street and 29th Street Southwest in the city. As troopers got out of their vehicle and tried to take the driver into custody, he hit them with his vehicle in an attempt to cause serious bodily injury and drove away, police said.

The troopers were able to get back in their vehicle and resume pursuing the pickup. The fleeing driver lost control in the area of Vultee and South 12th streets in Allentown. He crashed into a fire hydrant, utility pole and building in the 1800 block of South 12th Street, police said.

The force of the impact resulted in Mr. Jimenez being ejected from the vehicle, Buglio said in a news release Monday.

Troopers rendered medical assistance to the driver, and both he and the two troopers who were struck were taken by Allentown EMS to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest for treatment.

Jimenez was pronounced dead at 12:45 a.m. Sunday in the emergency department at the hospital in Salisbury Township, according to the coroners office.

Both troopers were treated and released.

The incident is being investigated by the coroners office, state police Troop M Major Case Team and Lehigh County District Attorneys Office.

Authorities were not immediately releasing further information, including the reason for the initial traffic stop.
A former teacher in western Pa. is charged with sexually assaulting two students in 2021 and police say there could be additional victims. (Getty Images) Getty Images

Police in western Pennsylvania say they want to know if a former teacher charged with sexually assaulting two boys victimized other children.

Sean Dicer, a 53-year-old resident of Brackenridge, Allegheny County, faces a litany of charges after being arrested last week at his home.

According to online court records, Dicer is charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, indecent assault, four counts of corruption of minors and two counts each of unlawful contact with a minor, intercourse/sexual contact with a student and sexual extortion.

Dicer was arrested Thursday and denied bail with a judge noting that he is a danger to the victims, and no conditions would ensure their safety.

He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Dec. 17.

Allegheny County police said they received a ChildLine report on Nov. 7 from a boy, now 16, who said Dicer sexually assaulted him in 2021. At the time, Dicer was a teacher in the Highlands School District.

An investigation revealed a second victim, also now 16, police said.

The boys were 11 and 12 when the incidents occurred at Dicers home, reported the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Dicer, who left the district in 2022, is also accused of sending $6,000 to one of the victims to win his silence, the Trib reported.

Police said that they have received information about possible additional victims after Dicers arrest was publicized in the Pittsburgh media.

Anyone with information on Dicer should call 1-833-ALL-TIPS.
WILLIAMSPORT-A Massachusetts woman a judge once described as a key player in the interstate market for stolen human remains has pleaded guilty.

Katrina Maclean, 46, of Bradford, admitted Monday in U.S. Middle District Court she was among those who sold dissected remains stolen from the Harvard Medical School anatomical gifts program for teaching and research purposes.

In pleading guilty to a charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods, Maclean admitted between September 2018 through at least January 2022 she participated in a series of transactions with Cedric Lodge, former manager of the Harvard Medical School morgue.

When use of the cadavers is completed, they typically are cremated and either returned to the donor or buried in a cemetery maintained for that purpose.

Lodge admitted earlier this year when he pleaded guilty that he stole human remains and with his wife, Denise, selling and shipping them. The Goffstown, New Hampshire, couple is awaiting sentencing.

Maclean sold and shipped remains to others including Jeremy K. Pauley, the former Cumberland County resident who was a major player in the scheme.

The following is a summary of the governments evidence as detailed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin:

Federal agents on March 7, 2023, executed a search warrant at Macleans residence and seized bags labeled Harvard Medical School Copy Center and laptops.

Also seized were bones, skulls, a half head in liquid in a glass jar, a jar containing a hand and a breast implant, vertebrae, a head and shoulder, a partial brain, teeth, a rib cage, and a pelvis.

There also were unidentified biological material in jars and a few displays containing remains bearing the words Program in anatomical education Harvard Medical School on the outside.

Over a four-year period beginning in 2018, Maclean went to the Harvard morgue approximately five or six times where she selected body parts for purchase.

Lodge let her into the building through the loading dock avoiding the security.

Maclean met Pauley online in fall of 2021 and met him in person soon after.

Pauley agreed to tan a piece of human skin Maclean had obtained from Cedric Lodge. Maclean had the tanned skin displayed in her studio, called Kats Creepy Creations, located in Peabody, Massachusetts.

Maclean admitted selling human brains and skin to Pauley and he paid her about $8,000 via PayPal under her maiden name Katrina Kramer.

Pauley, currently living in Susquehanna County, is facing a lengthy prison term when he is sentenced later this month on charges of interstate transportation of stolen property and conspiracy to commit the same crime.

Pauley also admitted buying stolen remains from Candace Chapman Scott of Little Rock, Arkansas, who was employed by a morgue under contract with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and selling them to buyers in various states.

Scott pleaded guilty in Arkansas and is serving a 15-year sentence.

Maclean, who remains free pending sentencing, is the ninth person to plead guilty in the scheme.

The others besides Pauley, Scott and the Lodges are Joshua Taylor of Berks County, Andrew Ensanian of Lycoming County, Matthew Lampi of East Bethel, Minnesota, and Angelo Pereyra of Wichita, Kansas.

Lampi and Pereyra have been sentenced to 15 and 18 months, respectively.

Ensanian and Pereyra were indicted separately. Pereyra admitted stealing remains from Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, where he had worked, and arranging to sell them to Ensanian on eBay.
Judi Dench poses for photographers upon arrival for the World premiere of the new film from the James Bond franchise 'No Time To Die', in London Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) AP

Dame Judi Dench, who won an Best Supporting Actress Oscar for playing Queen Elizabeth in the Miramax-produced film Shakespeare in Love, has some thoughts on convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein.

Namely, she thinks he has done his time.

In a recent interview with the Radio Times, the retired 91-year-old actress said she expressed empathy for Weinstein, who was convicted of rape and sexual assault in Los Angeles in 2023.

I saw a bit of film of Harvey walking with two sticks and you think, Well I knew Harvey and I knew him well and worked with him, and I had none of that experience  very fortunately for me, Dench said.

Although she also expressed sympathy for his victims, she said, I imagine hes done his time I dont know, to me its personal  forgiveness.

In addition to Shakespeare in Love, Weinsteins Miramax company also produced 1997s Mrs. Brown and 2013s Philomena, both of which starred Dench.

Dench also shared her thoughts on actor Kevin Spacey, whom she stared with in the 2001 film The Shipping News.

She told the Radio Times she texts regularly with Spacey and that she feels he has been exonerated.

Spacey, who has faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, was acquitted of sexual assault charges in a U.K. criminal trial in 2023. He was also found not liable in a New York civil case in 2022. However, he faces three more claims of sexual assault in a London civil case in 2026.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Weinstein issued a statement in response to Denchs comments, saying, I have always been fond of Judi Dench. She is an extraordinary person who played an important role in my career. Ive now spent more than six and a half years incarcerated, including a year and a half in Rikers, which counts as double time. I am here for something I did not do, and many of the claims that have been written about me are gradually being shown to be untrue or unsupported. I am grateful for the kind words that have been expressed, and all I want is the chance to return to my family and children.

In a 2019 interview, Dench called the accusations against Weinstein and Spacey horrifying but said their work should be considered separated from that.

Are we going to negate 10 years at the Old Vic and everything that [Spacey] did, how wonderful hes been in all those films? she said. Are we just not going to see all those films that Harvey produced? You cannot deny somebody a talent. You might as well never look at a Caravaggio painting. You might as well never have gone to see Noel Coward.
Vermentino was an experiment when Jay Raffaldini first planted that and Montepulciano on a hillside of North Carolinas Yadkin Valley almost 20 years ago.

Today, the owner of one of the states best-known producers is among its biggest fans, along with a significant portion of his clientele at the Wilkes County winery, northwest of Winston-Salem and Raleigh, and an 85-mile drive almost due north of Charlotte.

Our rock star is Vermentino! We make 500 cases annually and it always sells out before the next vintage is ready so we are pushing to 600 cases, which is maximum where the vines are in their young life, he wrote back recently to a question about the grape, which they sell as a Vermentino Superiore ($30) and Vermentino Rovere ($24, aged an extra 16 months). All of my immediate neighbors have just planted it, so I think it could be the state flagship white in the fullness of time.

Outside of the cluster of wineries that are opening in the Swan Lake American Viticultural Area (AVA) that Raffaldini also calls home, the grape native to the western Mediterranean, with strong roots in coastal Italy (Sardinia, Liguria, Tuscany) and southern France (Provence, Corsica), where its known as Rolle, is rare on Americas East Coast.

At Virginias Barboursville Vineyards, winemaker and general manager Luca Paschina planted 9 acres of the grape in 2009, a couple of years after Raffaldini, and won a Governors Cup this year with his 2023 vintage ($23).

New Kent Winery grows and makes it, as does another Virginia winery, Zepheniah Farm Winery, in Leesburg. Tremain Hatch, the viticulture research and extension associate at Virginia Tech and viticulturist at his familys Zephaniah, said they planted three-quarters of an acre in 2014.

I worked at Barboursville in 2010 and was quite interested in the variety after working with it. Unfortunately, we saw quite cold (-4F) temperatures the winter of 2014/15, and we lost a good portion of the Vermentino vines to cold injury, said Hatch, the Virginia Vineyards Associations Grower of the Year in 2024.

Today, he said, they produce about a half-ton every year from the quarter-acre of the grape that survived.

This fruit is made separately but then blended in with other wines for bottling, he said. We bottled Vermentino as a nonblended wine in 2020. In 2021, we started making an amber wine with vermentino. We made two batches that were bottled by themselves and now we blend this lot into our rose wine.

Raffaldini's Vermentino Superiore Raffaldini Facebook page

Vermentino retains good name recognition in the tasting room, he said, but the fallout from the freeze that killed many of the vines dissuaded them from planting any more.

A susceptibility to cold temperatures, said Raffaldini winemaker Chris Nelson during a recent conversation, is about the only negative he expressed about the grape.

What I would say, from a winemaking perspective, is, and in general, from a vineyard perspective, it grows really well in North Carolina, adding that they did pull out almost 2 acres of the 8 acres of Vermentino they were growing after determining that they were growing in a frost-prone area of the vineyard.

On top of the fact it does grow well, its a pretty hearty producer, he said, noting that in good years theyll harvest around 3 tons an acre. I think [thats] a great number to be at from a quality vs. quantity standpoint.

Its one of the most reliable wines we make, like in terms of being submitted to competitions, it always does well. Always. Weve kind of found the sweet spot of making that wine, where you could get around 21, not more than 22 brix, and just whole-cluster press, ferment. I like to use a yeast called Exotics Novello. ... Its just my favorite.

A look at the vines and the Raffaldini tasting room and production building in the background during the 2023 Festa Italiana. Raffaldini Vineyards Facebook

I think it fits our climate really well. When its hot outside ... a nice, refreshing, stainless-steel fermented white. Its delicious. The one thing Ill also say about Vermentino is [that its] not super racy, like, say, a Gruner Veltliner or something ... so it lingers really nicely without being heavy, is how I like to describe it. The grape itself has substance that is strictly from the varietal. ... Its got a little body thats really natural.

I just tried it again this morning after filtering it, letting it sit overnight, and its the type of line that takes a little bit of time to develop. Im keeping my eye on it. I prefer it to age three months in the bottle before release, but it depends when its ready.

For those who savor the wine, that couldnt come soon enough. Nelson said that the 625 cases that they made of the wine likely would sell out by the end of last week.

Meanwhile, much like Vermentino was a leap of faith back in 2007, they tore out about 6 acres of vines to plant some new and unusual varieties with the hope that they will give Raffaldini Vineyards a signature white wine blend.

Those include Garganega, which is the main grape in Soave, Ribolla Gialla, Muscat Gialla, Greco di Tufo, and an acre of Albarino. Those join Vermentino and 2.5 acres of Trebbiano as part of a more than 30-acre vineyard located at an elevation of around 1,200 feet.

Among the red grapes grown there, in addition to the Montepulciano, include Sagrantino, Teroldego, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese.

Raffaldini Vineyards, in Ronda, North Carolina, during Festa Italiana 2023. Raffaldini Vineyards

The last figures I saw show North Carolina ranked 10th in grape and wine production nationally, featuring around 250 wineries and six AVAs spread across the state. Raffaldini is among the most notable, along with JOLO Winery & Vineyards, Shelton Vineyards and Biltmore Estate Winery.

Featuring one of the best views in the state, Raffaldini is open Wednesdays through Mondays, and is best known for its annual Festa Italiana, held every September. The 20th annual two-day event took place a couple of months ago.

A majority of its wines range in price from $24 to $32, and topped by the Grand Reserva ($65, red blend of Montepulciano, Tannat, and Petit Verdot) and Patrimonio ($105, red blend of Sagrantino, Montepulciano and Petit Verdot).

And, of course, anchored by the Vermentino, which Nelson called the best grape they work with and make there.

I take such joy in making Vermentino, because it really makes itself, Nelson said. I think the best word for it is the French word terroir. Vermentino is very much a representation of our vineyard, and its hands-off winemaking, just whole cluster press, fermented in stainless. Like I already cold-stabilized it and filtered it just yesterday. Thats what I was doing. So, like that wine will be ready to bottle in a month. Get released in March.
By MICHAEL R. SISAK, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP)  Moments after Luigi Mangione was handcuffed at a Pennsylvania McDonalds, a police officer searching his backpack found a loaded gun magazine wrapped in a pair of underwear.

The discovery, recounted in court Monday as Mangione fights to keep evidence out of his New York murder case, convinced police in Altoona, Pennsylvania, that he was the man wanted in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan five days earlier.

Its him, dude. Its him, 100%, an officer was heard saying on body-worn camera video from Mangiones Dec. 9, 2024 arrest, punctuating the remark with expletives as the officer combing the bag, Christy Wasser, held up the magazine.

Wasser, a 19-year Altoona police veteran, testified on the fourth day of a pretrial hearing as Mangione sought to bar prosecutors from using the magazine and other evidence against him, including a 9 mm handgun and a notebook found during a subsequent bag search.

The testimony shed light on the critical minutes after Mangione was spotted at the McDonalds and the sometimes unusual steps police officers took in collecting evidence critical to tying him to the crime.

Why the defense says the evidence shouldnt be used at trial

Mangiones lawyers argue the items should be excluded because police didnt have a search warrant and lacked the grounds to justify a warrantless search. Prosecutors contend the search was legal and that police eventually obtained a warrant.

Wasser, testifying in full uniform, said Altoona police protocols require promptly searching a suspects property at the time of an arrest, in part for dangerous items.

On body-worn camera video played in court, Wasser was heard saying she wanted to check the bag for bombs before removing it from the McDonalds. Despite that concern, she acknowledged in her testimony Monday that police never cleared the restaurant of customers or employees.

Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to state and federal murder charges. He appeared in good health on Monday, pumping his fist for photographers and chatting with his lawyers as testimony resumed.

The hearing, which was postponed Friday because of Mangiones apparent illness, applies only to the state case. His lawyers are making a similar push to exclude the evidence from his federal case, where prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Why prosecutors say jurors should be able to see the evidence

Prosecutors have said the handgun found in the backpack matches the firearm used in the killing and that writings in the notebook showed Mangiones disdain for health insurers and ideas about killing a CEO at an investor conference.

Thompson, 50, was killed as he walked to a Manhattan hotel for his companys investor conference on Dec. 4, 2024. Surveillance video showed a masked gunman shooting him from behind. Police have said delay, deny and depose were written on the ammunition, mimicking a phrase used to describe how insurers avoid paying claims.

Mangione was arrested in Altoona, about 230 miles (370 kilometers) west of Manhattan, after police there received a 911 call about a McDonalds customer resembling the suspect.

Wasser testified that she went to the McDonalds on her own to assist another officer, Joseph Detwiler. Before that, she said, she had seen some coverage of Thompsons killing on Fox News, including the surveillance video of the shooting and images of the suspected shooter.

Wasser began searching Mangiones bag as officers took him into custody on initial charges of forgery and false identification, after he acknowledged giving them a bogus driving license, police said. The same fake name was used by the alleged gunman used at a Manhattan hostel days before the shooting.

By then, a handcuffed Mangione had been informed of his right to remain silent  and invoked it  when asked if there was anything in the bag that officers should be concerned about.

Wasser told another officer she wanted to check the bag for a bomb before leaving the McDonalds because she didnt want to repeat an incident in which another Altoona officer had inadvertently brought a bomb to the police station.

What did police find in Mangiones bag?

Did you call the bomb squad? Mangione lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo asked.

No. I didnt find a bomb yet, Wasser responded.

According to body-worn camera video, the first few items Wasser found were innocuous: a hoagie, a loaf of bread and a smaller bag containing a passport, cellphone and computer chip.

Then she pulled out a gray pair of underwear, unwrapping them to reveal the magazine.

Satisfied there was no bomb, she suspended her search and placed some of the items back in the bag. Some evidence, including Mangiones laptop computer, was transported to the police station in a brown paper McDonalds takeout bag, body-worn camera video showed.

Wasser resumed her search after an 11-minute drive to the police station and almost immediately found the gun and silencer  the latter discovery prompting her to laugh and exclaim nice, according to body-worn camera footage. Wasser said the gun was in a side pocket that she hadnt searched at McDonalds.

Later, while cataloging everything in the bag in whats known as an inventory search, she found the notebook and other notes, including what appeared to to-do lists and possible getaway plans.

Isnt it awesome? Wasser said at one point during the search, according to the body-worn camera video.

Asked to explain, she told Friedman Agnifilo on Monday that she was proud of her police departments work in helping to capture Thompsons suspected killer.

A Blair County, Pennsylvania, prosecutor testified that a judge later signed off on a search warrant for the bag, a few hours after the searches were completed. The warrant, she said, provided a legal mechanism for Altoona police to turn the evidence over to New York City detectives investigating Thompsons killing.

As he has throughout the case, Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann described Thompsons killing as an execution and referred to his notebook as a manifesto  terms that Mangiones lawyers said were prejudicial and inappropriate.

Judge Gregory Carro said the wording had no bearing on him, but warned Seidemann that hes certainly not going to do that at trial when jurors are present.
By HOLLY RAMER, The Associated Press

CONCORD, N.H. (AP)  A Brazilian woman with family ties to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will be released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody while she fights potential deportation, an immigration judge ruled Monday.

Bruna Ferreira, 33, a longtime Massachusetts resident, was previously engaged to Leavitts brother, Michael. She was driving to pick up their 11-year-old son in New Hampshire when she was arrested by ICE agents in Revere, Massachusetts, on Nov. 12.

Ferreira later was moved to a detention facility in Louisiana, where an immigration judge ordered that she be released on $1,500 bond, her attorney Todd Pomerleau said.

We argued that she wasnt a danger or a flight risk, he said in a text message. The government stipulated to our argument and never once argued that she was criminal illegal alien and waived appeal.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson in an email Monday called Ferreira a criminal illegal alien and said she had been arrested for battery, an allegation her attorney denied.

She will have periodic mandatory check-ins with ICE law enforcement to ensure she is abiding by the terms of her release, the spokesperson said. The Department of Homeland Security will continue to work to remove all aliens illegally present in the country as quickly as possible.

Pomerleau said his client came to the U.S. as a toddler and later enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the Obama-era policy that shields immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. He said she was in the process of applying for a green card.

The mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew was detained by ICE. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, file) AP

Karoline Leavitt grew up in New Hampshire, and made an unsuccessful run for Congress from the state in 2022 before becoming Trumps spokesperson for his 2024 campaign and later joining him at the White House.
Former Dauphin County Commissioner Jeff Haste speaks at an event on August 2, 2019. Vicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLive Vicki Vellios Briner | Special to PennLive

A former Dauphin County commissioner did not violate state ethics law when he received a county contract to act as liaison to the National Rifle Associations outdoor show within a year of leaving office, the Pennsylvania Ethics Commission concluded.

Why? Because he wasnt a former official at the time, but a current one, the state found after investigating the matter.

Jeff Haste, a longtime county commissioner who came under fire last year for a series of apparent conflicts of interest, began receiving $60,000 a year to act as the countys liaison to the NRAs Great American Outdoor Show six months after resigning from office in 2021. The role, created for him at the request of his former colleagues, was predicated on a false rumor that the NRA was considering relocating the show, PennLive previously reported. The county canceled Hastes liaison contract in 2024 in the wake of PennLives story.

State law prohibits former public officials from receiving contracts with their prior agency within a year of leaving, that rule, commonly known as the revolving door provision. But the commission ruled that doesnt apply to this case because the county board of commissioners  made up of Hastes former colleagues  appointed him to the countys tax assessment board several weeks before his NRA contract was finalized. That made him once again a current public official, not a former one, the Ethics Commission said in a letter to Haste obtained by PennLive. Additionally, Haste was representing the county, not the NRA, the state noted.

Ethics experts say the decision raises questions about the strength of the state ethics law and concerns about a potential loophole that allows former officials to skirt the revolving door provision and profit off their government connections within a year of leaving office by being appointed to a board.

Haste disputed the idea of such a loophole and said he did not violate the Ethics Act.

When the County asked me to serve on the Tax Assessment Appeals Board and to act as their liaison to the Great American Outdoor Show, I was honored to do so. My service in those positions was at the Countys request, in an official capacity, not as a paid representative of any outside party seeking action from my former agency, he wrote in an email to PennLive.

Haste also said it is common practice for former public officials, such as judges and department directors, to continue to work on a contract basis after retirement.

This kind of continued service is common and appropriate under Pennsylvanias Ethics Act, he wrote.

The decision largely hinged on the timing of a series of votes involving Haste and his roles with the NRA show and the tax assessment board:

May 31, 2021: Hastes tenure as county commissioner ended.

Oct. 21, 2021: The board of the countys Economic Development Corporation approved a contract hiring Haste as liaison to the NRAs outdoor show. The Commissioners want to hire Mr. Jeff Haste as the liaison to keep the relationship with the NRA and the County intact, so the show remains in Dauphin County, meeting minutes state. The minutes show Haste was present at the meeting. The commissioners at the time were Mike Pries, George Hartwick and Chad Saylor, all longtime colleagues of Haste.

Oct. 27, 2021: Less than a week after the Economic Development Corporation vote, the county commissioners  Pries, Hartwick and Saylor  unanimously approved Hastes appointment to the countys tax assessment board, making him a public official under state law.

Nov. 17, 2021: Three weeks after appointing Haste to the tax assessment board, the commissioners approved a grant to fund Hastes NRA liaison contract. Meeting minutes include no mention of Haste nor the liaison role; the agenda simply lists the contract as Tourism Grant Application  Dauphin County Economic Development Corporation (Great American Outdoor Show) - $60,000.00.

Hartwick and Pries, who remain on the board, and Saylor, who in November became Steeltons interim borough manager, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Jenifer Layman, the Ethics Commissions director of enforcement, litigation and education, said she was unable to comment on specifics of the case, as preliminary inquiries are considered confidential under the law.

What I can tell you is that in every case, we do a thorough investigation, and we apply the facts to the law. And if we cant proceed, were obligated to terminate that inquiry, Layman said.

Situation exposes concerning loophole, experts say

Its unclear if the decision on Haste is unique or not.

The Ethics Commission has long found it unlawful for public officials and employees to receive contracts with their former agencies within a year of leaving office. In a precedent-setting 1993 opinion, the commission ruled that a former management-level state employee who produced video and broadcast materials for an agency could not enter into a consulting contract with his former agency to continue that work within a year of leaving his job.

That ruling has since been echoed in a number of cases, including in 2001 when the Commission directed a former Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development employee to pay $5,000 for entering into a consulting contract with her former agency within a year of leaving.

In another case in 2017, the Commission made a former Elizabeth Township official pay $10,000 after he received a consulting contract with his former agency within a year of leaving office, and after a company he owned sold supplies to the agency within the same one-year period.

But its possible the Ethics Commission has exonerated other public officials who, like Haste, may have gotten contracts after initially leaving office but then returned to serve on a public board. Preliminary inquiries are confidential, so if any such cases exist, they would likely not be public.

Two ethics experts said the Ethics Commissions decision regarding Hastes NRA liaison contract was a fair reading of the law, but that the situation exposes a potential legal loophole.

To circumvent the revolving door provision, county officials can appoint someone to a different board and proceed as they wish, which appears to be what happened with Haste, said Chalon Young Pfeifer, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, in an email.

Pfeifer said Dauphin County residents have reason to be concerned.

County officials should be accountable to the residents, not just the powerful minority who hold office. Dauphin County government needs to be more transparent, Pfeifer wrote.

Philip Hensley-Robin, executive director of the nonpartisan government watchdog group Common Cause Pennsylvania, said the situation was one of many potential loopholes in the Ethics Act. He noted that the last time the law was updated was in 2006, nearly 20 years ago.

I do think its the kind of thing that would warrant legislators going back and saying, Can we make the Ethics Act clearer? Hensley-Robin said.
A homeless man died after a propane heater set him on fire Friday in Harrisburg, police said.

A propane heater the man was using to warm his tent Friday near Club XL on 10th Street caught his leg on fire and quickly spread, said Harrisburg police Lt. Kyle Gautsch.

The man was taken to Penn State Health Holy Spirit Hospital, where he died on Monday.

He was the second homeless man to die this year in an accidental fire while trying to keep warm in Harrisburg.

On Jan. 18, a man died two days after he caught fire while using canned fuel gel to warm a tent at the former homeless encampment on the 900 block of South Front Street. Fire Chief Brian Enterline said the fire burned about 60% to 70% of the mans body, in some parts down to the bone.

Overnight cold-weather shelters have opened across central Pennsylvania as of Dec. 1. Some shelters are open year-round, including in Harrisburg, but with rules residents must follow to spend the night.
Provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Silvestri Sweets has recalled its 5-ounce bags of Choceur branded Holiday Barks sold at Aldi because they may contain undeclared allergens after being placed in the wrong packages. Provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Two flavors of holiday candy sold at a popular grocery store have been recalled because of allergy concerns.

Silvestri Sweets of Geneva, Illinois, voluntarily recalled its 5-ounce bags of Choceur branded Holiday Barks because they may contain undeclared allergens, according to an announcement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Choceur branded Cookie Butter Holiday Bark may contain undeclared pecans. People who have allergies to pecans run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Choceur branded Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark may contain undeclared wheat. People who have allergies to wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled items were distributed nationwide through Aldi grocery stores.

Cookie Butter Holiday Bark is packed in 5-ounce Choceur-branded stand-up pouch bags with lot number 29225 and a best-by date of May 2026.

Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark is packed in 5-ounce Choceur-branded stand-up pouch bags with the lot number 29225 and a best-by date of August 2026.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was triggered after the company discovered a packaging error: Cookie Butter Holiday Bark was packaged in Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon containers (exposing pecan-allergic consumers to undeclared pecans), and vice versa (exposing wheat-allergic consumers to undeclared wheat).

An investigation revealed the problem may have been caused by a temporary breakdown in the companys production and packaging process.

For more information, call Silvestri Sweets at 630-232-2500, between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro was on MSNBC Monday night talking about President Trump's visit to northeast Pa. Tuesday and comments he made about former Vice President Kamala Harris' book. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) AP

Gov. Josh Shapiro appeared on MSNBC Monday night to address President Donald Trumps economic agenda rally in northeast Pennsylvania Tuesday evening and stand by comments he made concerning former Vice President Kamala Harris book.

If you want to come into our commonwealth and you want to lie about something, Im going to call you on it, Shapiro said on The Weeknight program. The president has been lying about affordability, has been lying about the impact of his policies and I want to make sure that were setting the record straight.

Trump is scheduled to appear at the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono around 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Shapiro said Trumps record is rising costs for consumers because of tariffs, higher grocery prices, and negative impacts on manufacturing and farming in the state, said Shapiro.

Were the ultimate swing state, I get that, and he wants to come here and make his case, the governor said. Can this guy actually articulate a plan thats going to reduce costs for the American people?

Shapiro then jabbed Trump for regularly straying off scripted remarks and going on tangents.

By the way, could he stay on message for what is going to be some hour-long rambling at his rally? Shapiro wondered.

The governor talked about Democrats and Republicans working together in Pennsylvania on public safety, education and economic opportunities, not mentioning that the state budget was nearly five months overdue as the sides were locked in a stalemate.

Looking ahead to next years midterm election, Shapiro said there will be multiple competitive U.S. House races in Pennsylvania as he seeks another term, too.

Im going to be doing everything I can to make sure we lean in there, help bring those folks along in what will be my re-election year, said Shapiro, and, hopefully, put the Democrats in charge of the U.S. House.

Besides GOP U.S. Rep. Scott Perrys 10th Congressional District seat, Democrats are targeting the Republican-held 1st, 7th and 8th district seats, too.

As for Harris book, Shapiro stood by his comments to The Atlantic that she told blatant lies and was trying to cover her ass when discussing the process to select her running mate in 2024 after she replaced then-President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket.

Shapiro was a frontrunner for the vice-presidential nod, but Harris said she did not think the governor, who has presidential aspirations of his own, would be satisfied in secondary role.

At one point, he mused that he would want to be in the room for every decision, Harris wrote, according to USAToday. I had a nagging concern that he would be unable to settle for a role as number two and that it would wear on our partnership.

Shapiro told The Weeknight hosts that what Harris wrote simply wasnt true and he was correcting the record before turning the conversation back on Trumps policies.

We do everyone a disservice when we focus on looking backwards instead of looking forward, said Shapiro.
Top quality childcare in the state could cost from $209 to $444 per week depending on the childs age. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter

Around $15 an hour with few or no benefits or paid leave. Thats the average pay package for a childcare worker in Pennsylvania. It falls below 97% of what workers in other industries make.

For parents, though, the costs for childcare are astronomical. Top quality childcare in the state could cost from $209 to $444 per week depending on the childs age. They could be on waitlists for years.

As childcare costs skyrocket nationally, the newly enacted Pennsylvania state budget is trying to address funding gaps, starting with a $450 bonus that would go to each of the states roughly 55,000 childcare workers. Under the new law, qualified childcare providers can apply to the Department of Human Services for a lump sum to allocate to their workers.

But its just a starting point in the long-term goal for sustainable solutions to make childcare accessible, according to experts and the states lawmakers.

Early childhood expert Dr. Milagros Nores with the National Institute for Early Education Research, said the bonus is really a marginal point to solidify an already fragile workforce.

So it might do a temporary sort of band-aid on a broken leg kind of thing, Nores said. And I understand that theres only so much the budget can do, but if children are not prioritized, the whole system becomes fragile.

Harrisburg resident Ryan Zickgraf enrolled his one-year-old in a daycare in Mechanicsburg earlier this fall. His wife, a psychologist, and Zickgraf, a journalist, work from home. They used to pay a babysitter around $450 a week.

And it really added up and it wasnt full time so it was still a struggle, Zickgraf said. They spent almost a year on the waitlist at the Jewish Community Centers daycare. So even though the one-hour commute every day wasnt enticing, Zickgraf said the Mechanicsburg daycare was the best option.

I mean the cost ended up being about as much as our rent, Zickgraf added.

How we got here

Historically, women in traditional households stayed home by default and took care of the children while men were at work. In 2024, however, more than half of married couple families in the U.S. had two employed parents.

Debra Lancaster, executive director at the Center for Women and Work at Rutgers University, said the undervaluation of womens work is connected to the issue of childcare.

If you look at male-dominated fields, the pay is almost always higher, Lancaster said, and I think its just something that we continue to have this myth about, that somehow taking care of children is a private matter.

Studies show that high childcare costs are a significant barrier to womens workforce participation.

Childcare costs in the U.S. are higher than those in other developed countries. Many European countries, for example, have public childcare or private networks that are heavily subsidized by the government.

I think we as a nation prioritize children and we prioritize quality care for our children but we havent made the investments to align with that priority, said Kathryn Tout, developmental scientist and vice president for early childhood research and partnerships at Child Trends.

During the 2020 pandemic, the U.S. government distributed billions in childcare relief funds. But after those funds expired, many states, including Pennsylvania, were left with gaping holes to find their own sources of revenue.

Governor Josh Shapiro discusses Crocs with a student while visiting CrossPoint Early Learning Center to talk about his emphasis on workforce development in his 2025-26 Budget Proposal and his plans for expanding Pennsylvanias childcare workforce February 06, 2025. Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com Sean Simmers

Pennsylvanias childcare subsidy program, Child Care Works, helps more than 90,000 low-income families across the state. But a 2024 report found the program is serving only one in four eligible children, it could use more funding to increase efficiency, and that other states have done more to expand public child care eligibility, compared to Pennsylvania.

Adding multiple children to a family drives up expenses quickly. And the problem exposes itself in a myriad of ways. Luke Bernstein from the states Chamber of Commerce told PennLive he hears from employers about how parents want to work but arent able to because of the lack of good quality and affordable childcare.

There are also not enough childcare centers to fill demand for multiple reasons, such as operating costs, which can add up with licensing fees, insurance, facility costs, salaries and equipment. Bernstein also pointed out that most centers are small businesses that operate on thin profit margins.

The industry itself is not known for being worker-friendly. A September 2024 survey found that 92% of respondents (childcare programs) had trouble recruiting staff and 85% reported teacher shortages. It gets more complex for kids with special needs and parents who need overnight childcare.

Nores from the National Institute for Early Education Research conducted a study, which found that the benefits of providing quality early childcare was multiple times larger than the costs of implementing it.

In Pennsylvania, the states budget impasse did not help either. Some childcare centers closed temporarily after running out of funds, including one in Rep. Nate Davidsons Cumberland County district.

Thats 500 kids that werent getting an education. Davidson said, The teachers dont have a job. The parents have to make adjustments and what if they dont have family or friends close by or available?

Davidson walks around midtown Harrisburg pushing a stroller with his two children during community events. Living in a city, he said, made it easier to find childcare that was close to home. His little ones go five times a week  at least when things go as planned.

One of the many blessings of childcare is sickness and disease, Davidson said. Or the other day, power was out, so childcare was closed.

Pennsylvanias proposed solutions

Governor Josh Shapiro reacts to a student's answer to his question as he visits CrossPoint Early Learning Center to talk about his emphasis on workforce development in his 2025-26 Budget Proposal and his plans for expanding Pennsylvanias childcare workforce February 06, 2025. Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com

In recent budgets, Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, has pushed for childcare funding, including:

In 2025: a $450 bonus to retain childcare workers and increased funding for the states early intervention services and free preschool program for low-income families.

In 2024: employer childcare contribution tax credit, where employers can pay up to $500 for their employees child care expenses and get a $150 tax credit

In 2023: child and dependent care tax credit to give families with one child up to $1,050 and two children up to $2,100.

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, the youngest lieutenant governor in the country and a new dad, found a babysitter online initially. The Second Lady, Blayre Davis, works for the Pittsburgh Steelers. When they started looking for longterm childcare, the reality of the costs hit hard.

When you have a childcare bill thats rivaling your mortgage, thats a challenge for anybody, Davis told PennLive. They found a center when their daughter turned one, and Davis said her development progressed by leaps and bounds.

Most people in Davis circle at his age dont have more than one child, he said.

Because as a society, we dont make it easy for folks to have kids, Davis said.

He led three roundtables to discuss childcare this year with workers, parents and other key stakeholders. He told PennLive addressing the challenges of childcare is much more difficult because of the decisions that the Trump administration is making.

State government, we cannot supplant the role of the federal government in our lives, Davis said. But just imagine if we had a real partner at the federal level.

Luke Bernstein from the state chamber said the commonwealth could reduce rigid qualification requirements for childcare workers to attract more talent. For example, he said teachers are eminently qualified in the credentials they have making it easier for them to get into the childcare system.

He added that childcare centers, like other businesses, would benefit financially from cutting down licensing wait times.

I dont think we have the luxury of time to wait, Bernstein said. We need to keep building upon our improvements.

Wheres the disconnect?

Lt. Gov. Davis said it comes down to priorities.

Its just a matter of is it high enough on the priority list of many of the elected officials in this building? Davis said. We are one of the best places for folks to retire and that is wonderful, but we also want it to be one of the best places to raise a family and prioritize young people more in our budgets.

Other governments have tackled the funding gap in different ways. D.C. childcare workers got salary bumps in 2022 through a fund created using taxes paid by high earners (salary of more than $250,000 a year). Research showed the extra funding helped staff recruitment and retention. Philadelphia imposed a soda tax to use for pre-K programs. New Mexico recently started an oil and gas tax that is set to be used for universal childcare. Davis said the energy industry in Pennsylvania provides similar opportunities.

The reality is Pennsylvania is the second largest exporter of energy and we dont currently tax that energy thats being exported in a significant way, Davis said. Theres no telling what we could do if we added a tax to it.

Davidson described childcare reform as a Sisyphean task  endless and ongoing.

Its not just the kids, its not just the teachers, its not just the parents, its not just the employers. Its truly just a whole community thing, right? Davidson said, And as they say, it takes a village to raise a child.
Experts at the National Weather Service in State College, said that the Harrisburg area may reach record breaking cold overnight into Tuesday. Getty Images

The weather outside is going to be a bit frightful this week.

As the polar vortex continues to send unusually cold temperatures our way, there is also a looming chance of some light snow.

Nicholas Beaty, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in State College, said that the Harrisburg area may reach record breaking cold overnight into Tuesday.

Theres no doubt that the temperature will drop to the low teens overnight tonight, Beaty said. The only question is whether or not it happens before midnight.

The low temperature for today, if that was to happen before midnight, is 12 [degrees] in Harrisburg, Beaty said. But then if we get into tomorrow, the record low is 7 degrees.

Either way, it will be really, really cold.

Things will warm up slightly by Wednesday, Beaty said, though that comes with a chance of snow.

At this point, accumulation is not really expected, he said. It would just be some flurries that are around, not expecting widespread accumulation that will be sticking to a lot of anything.

However, some recent weather models suggest a chance that those slightly higher temperatures on Wednesday morning will instead turn the snow into freezing rain, which certainly isnt ideal for a morning commute.

I do want to stress that this is, at this time, a lower confidence sort of detail to the forecast, Beaty said. Were urging folks in the Harrisburg region to continue monitoring the forecast, especially in that timeframe.

Late this week, Beaty said, theres a chance of snow across pretty much all of Pennsylvania, though its too early at this point to make confident projections.

Heavy snows are more likely in the northwest of the state, due to the lake effect from Lake Erie, but there is a chance some will be seen here by the weekend.

Its going to be very scattered in nature, he said. We could be looking at some snow that will come into the region, maybe more area wide, late on Friday.

But since its a little too early to about accumulations, he said, it remains to be seen how much it may impact the weekend weather.
After a quick 24-hour jaunt in Las Vegas this weekend, I was headed through Sin City's Harry Reid International Airport on the way back home to Los Angeles. My Southwest flight was delayed, which made it a particularly convenient chance for me to check out the Chase's brand new Sapphire Lounge by The Club in Terminal 1, Concourse C  just feet from my gate  on only day 5 since its official opening.

Good thing I had the extra time, too, because the experience started with a wait in line just to get into line. That is, I queued to show my Sapphire Reserve card so I could be placed in the virtual queue. Then I killed nearly an hour (51 minutes, to be exact) wandering the terminal (and, naturally, tossed $40 in the airport slot machines out of boredom) before getting a text telling me my place in line was finally ready.

Once inside, it was clear the wait was worth it.

The space

The new 5,390-square-foot lounge is legitimately beautiful  one of the most invitingly designed domestic lounges Ive been in lately. Chase leaned hard into Las Vegas inspiration, blending bold, shimmering finishes with desert-themed accents that nod to the regions natural landscape. Theres curated art from the JPMorganChase Collection featuring local and Nevada-connected artists, which gives the space an elevated, residential or gallery-like feel.

I sat right in the corner of that plush banquette, where you can order table service or hit the buffet. (Courtesy of Chase)

And then theres the feature everyone is talking about: Chases first-ever champagne parlor. On the entry level, staff greets you with the offer of a glass of champagne or a seasonal spritz served off a bar cart  very Vegas. I had to decline as I was at my personal daily limit after a boozy brunch (as one does in Vegas), but I certainly appreciated the luxe flourish.

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Then, I headed downstairs in the elevator to the main space. A chic, cozy lounge zone anchored by a modern fireplace, which instantly calms the nervous-system chaos of airport delays. The lounge also has dedicated quiet zones, flexible seating with movable laptop tables, and a signature bar slinging cocktails curated specifically for this location.

The food and drinks

Food-wise, the offerings were surprisingly impressive. The menu is curated by Momofuku (yes, David Changs Momofuku), which is part of Chases Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables program. I had hoped to grab the Impossible burger off the QR-code menu assigned to my table, but that option had vanished by the time I arrived  Im assuming sold out, given the crowds. Still, the buffet more than made up for it. The elote-and-cornbread combo was unexpectedly delicious, and the noodle bowls were fresh and quite hearty.

Theres also locally roasted coffee from Dark Moon Coffee Roasters (I generally don't drink coffee after noon, but the boozy brunch necessitated the delicious latte I made myself at the self-serve espresso machine), a curated wine list from Parcelle, and sleek signature cocktails if youre not on your post-brunch recovery arc like I was.

The overall effect is luxury, with personality, and actually reflective of the destination, for a nice sense of place that not all lounges pull off.

The main bar (Courtesy of Chase)

My verdict

I loved the lounge itself. I did not love the wait  but honestly, this is becoming the story of airport lounges everywhere. With lounge access now a major selling point of premium travel cards, demand has soared, and even beautiful new spaces like this cant escape the bottleneck.

But if youre a Chase Sapphire Reserve (or Sapphire Reserve for Business/J.P. Morgan Reserve/Ritz-Carlton cardholder) and you find yourself at LAS with time to spare, the new lounge is very much worth a visit.
Andreas Berggren Dominates 888poker $100K Mystery Bounty From Start to Finish

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

Sweden's Andreas "r4ndomr4gs" Berggren has been around the block a few times. The online poker veteran was formerly the world's number-one-ranked tournament player. This week, he showed he still has what it takes to capture online poker titles when he came out on top in the $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event at 888poker.

Back in May 2024, Berggren pulled the top $100,000 jackpot mystery bounty from the 888poker XL Spring Series Event, meaning he took home the largest prize despite his deep run ending in a 45th-place finish. Although Berggren didn't grab the largest bounty in this latest event, he led the final table from start to finish, riding his luck along the way but ultimately putting on an impressive performance that showcased the merits of playing aggressively.

$100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Bounties Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Andreas "r4ndomr4gs" Berggren Sweden $1,779 3,253,591 54 2 Benji072 United Kingdom $219 2,486,503 41 3 FatherSnakes Brazil $1,043 2,066,496 34 4 BrokeDee Ukraine $1,663 1,888,525 32 5 Tom "sheeeeeeeet" Hall United Kingdom $367 1,801,196 30 6 Gurrrgle Sweden $1,987 1,449,117 24 7 ZaCafu Montenegro $507 1,227,542 21 8 Aberdeen2000 Germany $131 212,030 4

Having sat down at the final table with a mere four big blinds, it was unsurprising to see "Aberdeen2000" bust in eighth place. A few hands into the action, "Aberdeen2000" moved all-in with ace-eight and lost to the dominating ace-queen of Brazil's "FatherSnakes." To rub a little salt in the wound of the eliminated player, they had the $10,000 jackpot bounty in their golden envelope; that five-figure prize now belonged to "FatherSnakes."

A clash of the Swedes resulted in the seventh-place finisher being decided. Berggren opened from the cutoff with pocket kings, "Gurrrgle" three-bet all-in for 23.4 big blinds from the big blind with ace-jack, and Berggren made one of the easier calls of his illustrious career. "Gurrrgle" flopped a jack, but neither the turn nor the river improved their hand further. "Gurrrgle" crashed out in seventh, while Berggren found himself in an even more dominant position at the top of the chip counts.

Berggren claimed another scalp, that of Ukraine's "BrokeDee." After opening with pocket nines from under the gun, Berggren called the 18.7 jam "BrokeDee" made from the big blind, doing so with jack-nine of clubs. The five community cards ran ace-high with two clubs, but Berggren's pocket nines survive,d and his stack swelled to more than 95 big blinds, with his nearest rival's stack weighing in at just under 39 big blinds.

The final five became four after the dangerous Tom "sheeeeeeeet" Hall bowed out. Hall min-raised on the button with pocket kings and must have been delighted to see Berggren three-bet to seven big blinds from the small blind. Hall made it 12.5 big blinds to go, prompting Berggren to rip in his 53 big blinds with ace-five; Hall quickly called off the 21 big blinds he had behind. An ace on the turn sent Hall home, and Berggren now had one hand on the title.

While Berggren had almost three times as many chips as any of his last three opponents, it still took another hour of grinding to get the job done.

Berggren sent "Benji072" to the showers after winning an all-in preflop coinflip. "Benji072" moved all-in for 11.5 big blinds with ace-jack from under the gun, and Berggren called with ace-jack in the small blind. The hot-running Swede spiked a jack on the flop, which held, to reduce the player count again.

This week's $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event progressed to the heads-up stage 70 minutes into the final table's action. Down to a shade under eight big blinds, "ZaCafu" committed their stack with king-trey only for Berggren to call with ace-jack. "ZaCafu" paired their king, but Berggren improved to a Broadway straight.

Heads-up began with Berggren holding a 79.9 big blind to 39.9 big blind advantage over the jackpot-winning "FatherSnakes." Twenty minutes later, Berggren had all of the chips in play in his stack.

The one-on-one battle was mostly one-way traffic, with Berggren dominating proceedings, although "FatherSnakes" refused to go down without a fight. The final hand saw "FatherSnakes" choose ten-seven of spades to pin his 14.2 big blind stack on. Unfortunately for him, Berggren held the dominating ace-seven and called. "FatherSnakes" flopped a ten, but Berggren paired his ace. No drama came on the last two community cards, and Berggren became the latest $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event champion, an accolade worth $10,322.

$100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Results

Rank Player Country Bounties Prize Total Prize 1 Andreas "r4ndomr4gs" Berggren Sweden $2,182 $8,140 $10,322 2 FatherSnakes Brazil $11,043 $6,050 $17,093 3 ZaCafu Montenegro $507 $4,375 $4,882 4 Benji072 United Kingdom $219 $2,975 $3,194 5 Tom "sheeeeeeeet" Hall United Kingdom $367 $1,975 $2,342 6 BrokeDee Ukraine $1,663 $1,435 $3,098 7 Gurrrgle Sweden $1,987 $1,000 $2,987 8 Aberdeen2000 Germany $131 $750 $881

Registration for this weekend's $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event is open at 888poker. Those buying in directly need to exchange $109 for 15,000 chips and the chance to become an 888poker champion. As 888poker permits unlimited re-entries for the first 209 minutes, bagging some additional bullets via satellites is definitely worthwhile.

Satellites to this event come in all shapes and sizes, with the most popular being the $109 Tournament Ticket satellites, guaranteeing four seats for a $16.50 buy-in. You can win your way into those satellites from $2.20 if you want to potentially increase your ROI even more.

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Make It Two: Yulian Bogdanov Gets His Second Title This Week in the PS Open Main Event

David Salituro Live Reporter Copy link

A few days ago, right at the start of the PokerStars European Poker Tour Prague festival, Yulian Bogdanov began his series by taking down the 10,200 Mystery Bounty event. But the Bulgarian wasnt satisfied with just that trophy, and he had his sights on an even bigger one not even a week later.

Bogdanov outlasted a massive field of 3,024 entries to take down the 1,650 PS Open Main Event, earning 398,135* after defeating Adrian Ziemichod heads-up when his jacks held against Ziemichods sevens.

Im so excited for this trophy. Its amazing. I cant believe that its true. Im very happy, Bogdanov said after his victory, his wife serving as translator. I think I have good luck. I cant win without luck.

Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Yulian Bogdanov Bulgaria 398,135* 2 Adrian Ziemichod Poland 440,100* 3 Ivan Poroliev Bulgaria 368,755* 4 Simon Lofberg Sweden 200,000 5 Matthias Auer Austria 154,000 6 Ben Hurwitz Israel 118,380 7 Lulei Hu Italy 91,000 8 Amato Landi Italy 69,980 9 Rama Prema Czechia 53,820

*Denotes three-way deal

Bogdanov had already compiled a career resume that included more than $3 million in live tournament earnings, according to The Hendon Mob, good for 10th place on the Bulgarian all-time money list. The only thing missing, though, was a major trophy, and he can cross that off the list now.

This is my biggest trophy. Im very thankful, because Ive learned a lot. I play a lot, and thats a gift for me, he said.

Day 4 Action

The final day of the PS Open began with 12 players returning to the Hilton Hotel Prague to battle for the trophy. Matthias Auer held the chip lead with 15,400,000, while Bogdanov was in third place with 9,425,000.

Ziemichod began as the shortest stack, but found a quick double-up when his pocket nines rivered a flush against Bogdanovs ace-queen. Ziemichod continued his ascent when he flopped trips to bust Jerome Besselievre in 12th place.

Lulei Hu made a full house against Amato Landis top pair of aces to earn a massive double, leaving his fellow Italian on a short stack of 500,000. Landi, though, who earned the award for having the loudest and most passionate rail today, doubled up three times, including cracking Simon Lofbergs queens with ace-jack, to climb back up past 4,000,000.

Amato Landi

Mahersh Selvakumaran fell in 11th place when Ben Hurwitz made a running straight to beat his top pair. Bogdanov then snapped off Vitezslav Cech with a full house to double up on the final table bubble, knocking Cech down to just 1,800,000. He was eliminated a few hands later, setting up the nine-handed final table.

Auer still held the chip lead with 15,850,000, followed by Hu with 12,375,000 and Bogdanov with 11,050,000. Rama Prema then got his last 7,400,000 in with two queens and was a favorite to double up against Hus ace-ten, but Hu rivered a flush to win the pot and bust Prema in ninth as he moved into the lead with 20,850,000.

Landi was again all-in with ace-jack against two queens, this time against Auer, and found an ace on the turn once more to double up. Just as players were going off on break, Lofberg opened to 800,000 in early position and picked up calls from Ziemichod in middle position and Landi in the big blind. Landi open-shoved for 6,400,000 on the flop, and Lofberg reshoved. Ziemichod couldnt call fast enough, slamming in his last 7,300,000 with two aces, while both opponents held two eights. Ziemichod scooped the massive pot to vault all the way up to 23,000,000 and into the lead, while Landis comeback was halted in eighth place.

Adrian Ziemichod

Lofberg came back from the break with just over two big blinds but doubled up multiple times, including hitting a flush on the river against Hu, as he went back over 10,000,000. Ivan Poroliev then doubled up off Hu with nines against fives, leaving Hu on a short stack. Hu had been whittled down to just one big blind when he got his last chips in against Ziemichod, who ended up hitting a set of nines to bust Hu in seventh.

Hurwitz then shoved for 4,800,000 on the flop with a straight draw, while Bogdanov called with two sevens. Hurwitz didnt improve, and he fell in sixth place. Ziemichod flopped top two pair to bust Auer in fifth, while Lofbergs run ended when he got in his last 4,000,000 with a pair and flush draw. Poroliev had the same flush draw, but he ended up with a running straight to bust Lofberg in fourth.

Simon Lofberg

Ziemichod led 40,500,000 to Bogdanovs 28,500,000 and Porolievs 21,700,000 when the three remaining players agreed to a deal. Ziemichod locked up 440,100, while Bogdanov took 398,135 and Poroliev 368,755.

Poroliev doubled up off Bogdanov with a turned pair of kings, but quickly gave back a chunk of those new chips when Ziemichod snap-called for 4,000,000 on the river with two pair.

Bogdanov then tangled with Ziemichod in a big pot going to the river, where Bogdanov shoved for 8,700,000. Ziemichod called, and Bogdanov showed a pair of aces to win the pot and double up into the chip lead with 36,000,000. Poroliev got in his last 16,100,000 with two fours and was racing against Bogdanovs king-jack. Poroliev remained in the lead through the turn, but the river put two pair on the board to counterfeit his pocket pair as Bogdanov took the pot with his king-kicker to bust Poroliev in third place.

Bogdanov led 54,000,000 to 36,700,000 at the start of heads-up play. Ziemichod evened up the match when he shoved the river on an ace-high board, before Bogdanov check-raised to 13,000,000 on the turn a few hands later, and Ziemichod gave up his hand.

Ziemichod then four-bet shoved for 35,000,000 with two sevens, but Bogdanov snap-called with two jacks and held on to secure another trophy.

Yulian Bogdanov

Bogdanov then took a seat at a spot thats quickly becoming all too familiar to him, posing with the trophy along with his Bulgarian supporters. There is still plenty to come here in Prague over the coming days, but for Bogdanov, the festival is already one he wont soon forget.

That concludes PokerNews coverage of the PS Open Main Event. Stay tuned for more live updates as the Main Event gets underway here in Prague.

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The 2025 PokerStars European Poker Tour Prague 5,300 Main Event got underway today inside the luxurious Hilton Prague. The first of two starting flights for the final EPT Main Event of the year drew 409 entries, with 124 players securing a bag and advancing to Day 2 by the end of the night.

Fabian Bartuschk leads the field after finishing the first of two starting flights with 274,000, good for 183 big blinds going into Day 2. Bartuschk has had a number of deep runs in EPT events over the last four years, and will be looking to top his 20th place finish in last year's EPT Prague Main Event.

Fabian Bartuschk

Top Ten Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Fabian Bartuschk Germany 274,000 183 2 Enrico Camosci Italy 266,000 177 3 Vitezslav Cech Czechia 249,500 166 4 Diogo Vieira Portugal 248,500 166 5 Matan Krakow Israel 211,500 141 6 Daan Mulders Netherlands 201,500 134 7 Ermanno Di Nicola Italy 200,500 134 8 David Docherty United Kingdom 194,000 129 9 Patrik Jaros Czechia 194,000 129 10 Georgios Tsouloftas Cyprus 190,500 127

Bartuschk is most closely followed by Italy's Enrico Camosci (266,000), while Vitezslav Cech (249,500) rounds out the podium. Camosci, who entered midway through the day and wasted no time building up a stack, has had a number of six-figure scores at EPT events over the years. Additionally, he finished runner-up at the 100,000 EPT Super High Roller at EPT Monte Carlo earlier this year, taking home 1,304,500.

Maria Lampropulos had an impressive showing in Day 1a, finishing just outside the top ten stacks. Lampropulos had a slow start to the day before gaining momentum in the last few levels after eliminating Emily Frazer with ace-king. From there she rapidly began accumulating chips, ending the night with 184,500. Lampropulos is no stranger to success in major poker tournaments and in 2018 achieved a career highlight after taking down the 2018 PCA Main Event for $1,081,100.

Maria Lampropulos

Others to advance from Day 1a include 2025 EPT Malta Main Event champion Tomasz Brzezinski (161,000) and 2025 EPT Monte Carlo Main Event champion Aleksandr Shevliakov (153,000). Niklas Astedt and Barny Boatman were not as fortunate, busting both of their available bullets before the night concluded.

Tomasz Brzezinski

Remaining Schedule

Date Day Time Blind Levels December 09 Day 1b 12:00 60 minutes December 10 Day 2 12:00 90 minutes December 11 Day 3 12:00 90 minutes December 12 Day 4 12:00 90 minutes December 13 Day 5 12:00 90 minutes December 14 Day 6 12:00 90 minutes

Players still have one more shot to build a stack going into Day 2, with Day 1b set to start tomorrow, December 9, at noon. From there, the fields combine for day 2 on Wednesday, December 10, at which point the blind levels will increase from 60 minutes to 90 minutes for the rest of the tournament. Late registration will remain open until just before the start of play on Day 2, and players are eligible to fire two bullets total across both starting flights while registration remains open.

The PokerNews live reporting team will be on the tournament floor throughout the day, so stay tuned tomorrow for all the action from the final EPT Main Event of the year.
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Discover the leading platforms that track competitor moves, analyze market trends, and deliver real-time intelligence

Welcome to Tech Tuesday! Today were cutting straight to what matters. The top tools that are helping companies win in competitive markets. Whether youre tracking competitor moves, monitoring market trends, or gathering strategic intelligence, the right platform can be the difference between leading and following.

ZoomInfo

ZoomInfo is a market-intelligence and go-to-market data platform that centralises company, contact, technographic and signal data into a single environment for competitive and market analysis. Its value lies in scale: continuously refreshed firmographics, org charts and verified contact data that allow teams to map markets, monitor competitor hiring or technology adoption, and understand where demand is emerging. The trade-off is that insights remain data-centric rather than interpretive; ZoomInfo supplies inputs, not full competitive-analysis narratives.

Key Features: The platform provides granular search across industries, revenue bands, technologies used, buying-committee roles and geographic filters, supported by enrichment connectors for CRM and marketing-automation tools. Its intent-signal engine tracks content consumption and buying-stage indicators across thousands of topics, helping analysts identify competitor momentum or new market entrants. Additional modules surface company growth signals, job postings, funding updates and technology-stack changes. Limitations include varying data precision outside core North American markets and the need for experienced analysts to translate raw datasets into competitive insights.

Best for: Mid-market and enterprise teams in sales, marketing or strategy that need large-scale market mapping, account intelligence and prospect prioritisation. Less ideal for organisations requiring qualitative competitor benchmarking or deeper product-level competitive research.

Cognism

Cognism is a B2B data and sales-intelligence platform that supplies global company and contact data, with a strong emphasis on clean, verified, and GDPR-/CCPA-compliant coverage. It distinguishes itself through its Diamond Data  phone-verified mobile numbers and direct dials  alongside enriched firmographic, technographic, and intent signals, giving users a large, fresh database for prospecting and market mapping. Its strength lies in wide geographic reach (strong in EMEA, US, APAC), data freshness and compliance; the trade-off is that it remains primarily a data/lead-generation layer and doesnt by itself perform deep qualitative competitor analysis or market research. 

Key Features: Cognism offers contact & company-level search filters (industry, employee count, revenue, tech stack), API/CSV enrichment, real-time data enrichment and cleaning, and on-demand intent signals (e.g. buying interest, funding rounds, hiring changes) via its Bombora partnership. It integrates with CRMs such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, and enables direct enrichment and data push to existing pipelines. 

Best for: B2B sales, marketing, or revenue-ops teams in mid-size to large organizations that need a reliable, global database of decision-makers and firmographics to fuel outbound, ICP building, or market-entry efforts. Less ideal for firms seeking deep, qualitative competitive intelligence, strategic market research, or niche-industry analytics  in which case supplementary tools or manual analysis remain necessary.

Valona Intelligence

Valona Intelligence is a market and competitive intelligence (M/CI) platform that aggregates data from 200,000+ verified global sources  news, filings, trade journals, regulatory databases, and pay-walled media  across more than 115 languages.  What makes it stand out is the combination of AI-driven signal detection and human analyst refinement: the tool delivers trend radars, competitor deep dives, regulatory monitoring, and early warnings  reportedly surfacing shifts 36 months before theyre widely reported.  The trade-off: given its breadth and depth, onboarding and configuration (defining watch-lists, filters, triggers) can take effort, making it less plug-and-play than simpler CI tools.

Key Features: Valona offers continuous monitoring of global competitive & market signals, automatic summarization of relevant developments, competitor benchmarking dashboards with financials and strategic shift tracking, and trend-detection across markets and regulatory landscapes.  It provides integrations with collaboration platforms (e.g. Slack, Microsoft Teams), CRM or data workflows, and supports report generation, battlecards, and internal sharing of insights across functions.  The platform is cloud-based and supports multiple languages and global coverage  though exact pricing is custom and not publicly listed. 

Best for: Medium-to-large enterprises, strategy or competitive-intelligence teams, and companies operating across multiple geographies or industries needing real-time awareness of competitor moves, regulatory shifts, and market trends. Its suitable where manual news monitoring fails to scale and speed of insight matters. Less ideal for small firms or early-stage teams needing only occasional competitive snapshots  the cost and configuration complexity may not justify the benefit.

Klue

Klue delivers a unified competitive-intelligence (CI) and win/loss enablement platform that gathers, curates, and distributes competitive and market intelligence across a company. It stands out by automating what is often a manual, fragmented process  continuously monitoring public sources plus internal data (CRM, calls, win-loss interviews) and surfacing actionable insights like updated competitor profiles, deal-specific alerts, and battlecards.  The trade-off: its strength is in breadth and operationalization of CI rather than deep sector-specific analysis or access to proprietary financial data. 

Key Features: Klues Compete Agent crawls millions of web sources (news, reviews, product pages), monitors competitor changes, and flags relevant updates to create dynamic competitor profiles daily.  It supports browser-extension and internal-content ingestion for adding custom data (e.g. sales-call transcripts), and delivers insights directly into tools like Slack, Salesforce or Teams.  For sales teams, Klue auto-generates Deal Tips when a competitor is detected in a live opportunity  including objections, messaging guidance and proof-points based on past wins.  It also supports win-loss analysis, battlecard creation, content sharing, and performance metrics (e.g. usage, win rates). 

Best for: B2B companies, SaaS vendors or any organisation with competitive sales cycles  especially midsize to large firms where multiple teams (sales, product, marketing) need shared, up-to-date competitive intelligence that scales across accounts and markets. Its value increases for teams already using CRMs or collaboration tools, and needing actionable, deal-level guidance rather than periodic competitor reports. Klue is less ideal for businesses needing deep financial-market analysis, proprietary data sources, or niche-industry research  in which case specialized research platforms or manual due diligence may still be required.

Kompyte

Kompyte automates real-time competitive intelligence by continuously crawling a wide array of digital sources  websites, product pages, ads, social media, job postings, reviews  to surface competitor moves and market signals. Its core value is that it shifts CI from manual, ad-hoc research to an automated, always-on feed, making it easier for go-to-market teams to stay current without dedicating human-hours to monitoring. The trade-off: Kompyte emphasizes digital footprint and marketing/market activity  it may not capture deeply private or offline competitive data, nor produce full strategic market-research reports by itself. 

Key Features: Kompyte delivers AI-filtered alerts and daily summary digests when competitors change website content, pricing, ads, hiring, etc.  It auto-generates and updates sales battlecards, integrates with CRMs and collaboration tools (Slack, Teams, HubSpot, Salesforce), and supports win/loss reporting and win-rate analytics  enabling competitive intelligence to feed directly into sales, marketing and product workflows. 

Best for: Mid-size to large B2B or SaaS companies, product marketing, sales enablement or revenue operations teams needing ongoing visibility into competitor activities, pricing, feature launches or messaging changes  especially those operating in fast-moving or competitive digital markets. Not ideal for firms needing deep sector-level analysis, offline competitor intel, or a full CI research stack  where complementing Kompyte with dedicated analyst work remains necessary.

WatchMyCompetitor

WatchMyCompetitor is a competitive-intelligence platform that monitors the digital footprint of competitors and markets in real time  tracking public signals such as website changes, pricing, product updates, social media, regulatory news or investor activity. Its value lies in automating what would otherwise be manual, fragmented CI tasks, delivering a continuous flow of alerts and insights rather than snapshots. The trade-off is that its coverage is limited to public and web-available data; private or offline competitor moves may still go unnoticed. 

Key Features: WatchMyCompetitor combines AI-driven web crawling with human-analyst curation  preserving signal relevance and reducing noise before output. It builds a private data lake of competitor and market signals, delivers customizable dashboards and real-time alerts (product launches, pricing changes, corporate news, social-media shifts), and supports integrations for report export, team alerts, and collaboration workflows. It also offers analytics, trend detection, and optional AI-assistants to transform raw data into actionable insights. 

Best for: Mid-size to large companies, product teams, marketing, or strategy functions that need continuous awareness of competitor activity  especially in digital-first markets where website, social, and online pricing signals matter. Less ideal for organizations needing deep private-company intelligence, financial filings, or offline market dynamics  there, manual research or specialized CI services may still be required.

G2 Market Intelligence

G2 Market Intelligence turns the public review- and buyer-intent data gathered by G2 into a live dashboard of market, competitor, and customer-sentiment signals  giving product, marketing, and sales teams a pulse on how buyers perceive tools and vendors in their category. Unlike static analyst reports, G2 MI offers continuous updates based on real buyer behavior and switching trends. Its limitation: its insight is driven by whats visible on G2 (software reviews, intent activity, etc.), so it wont capture competitive intelligence outside that ecosystem (e.g. private companies, non-software sectors). 

Key Features: The platform provides dashboards for product perception (ratings, reviews), win/loss insights (why buyers choose competitors or leave), pricing/discount benchmarks, and buyer-intent signals  indicating when companies research your product or category.  It allows segmentation by company size, geography, and verticals to surface shifts in demand or competitive positioning over time. Integration with CRM/marketing stacks is possible, enabling teams to feed those signals directly into go-to-market workflows. 

Best for: SaaS vendors or B2B software firms that compete in crowded or rapidly changing markets and want to track how buyers perceive competing products, pricing, and features  especially useful for mid-sized to large firms with established review footprints on G2. Less ideal for companies outside the software space, or early-stage/ niche-product firms with few reviews  in those cases, data sparsity may limit insight value.

CI Radar

CI Radar delivers market and competitive intelligence by combining automated data collection with human analyst curation  providing curated, actionable insight instead of raw data dumps. It continuously monitors public sources (news, media, documents) for competitor activity, market changes, product launches, regulatory shifts and more. It stands out by offering a dedicated analyst per account  reducing noise and surfacing critical items rather than overwhelming users with information. 

Key Features: CI Radar offers a research portal consolidated with curated content, filtering by more than 100 categories and tags, along with daily or on-demand email briefings tailored to companies, products or markets you care about.  It supports monitoring of digital footprints (websites, marketing materials, public filings), marketing & SEO intelligence (competitive ad spend, keyword changes, SERP movements), and embedded analyst-driven insights to catch unpublicized or hard-to-find data such as RFPs, pricing sheets or internal documents. 

Best for: Mid- to large-size B2B firms, product teams, marketing or strategy functions that require continuous, curated competitive intelligence but lack the internal bandwidth to monitor all signals manually. CI Radar works well when public and semi-public data moves fast  e.g. tech, SaaS, competitive markets  and where stakeholders need digestible, prioritized alerts. It is less ideal for organizations that aim to perform deep financial analysis, confidential competitive intelligence, or sectors where public footprint is minimal, because CI Radars strength remains in publicly available and semi-public signals.

Veridion

Veridion offers a global, AI-driven business-data platform built for market intelligence, supplier discovery, and third-party risk/vigilance. It aggregates and enriches data on over 130 million companies across 240+ countries, with weekly updates and hundreds of attributes per profile  including firmographic data, industry classification, product/service portfolios, ESG/ sustainability indicators, and technographic signals.  The advantage is scale and freshness: Veridion surfaces many otherwise hard-to-track or private businesses (including SMBs or non-public firms), which often get missed by traditional databases. The tradeoff: its strength is structured data coverage, not qualitative analysis; it provides a foundation layer, rather than deep interpretive market research.

Key Features: Veridion exposes a match & enrich API plus full-stack data-delivery that supports real-time company enrichment, bulk data ingestion, and normalization  useful for supplier discovery, risk monitoring, or market-landscape modeling.  Each firm profile can include over 300 data points: location(s), corporate hierarchy, products/services taxonomy, ESG indicators, financial status, and digital footprint/technographics.  The weekly refresh cadence helps ensure data remains current, which supports use cases such as supply-chain risk management, market segmentation, competitive-landscape scanning, and compliance-driven vendor vetting. 

Best for: Enterprises of mid-to-large size, procurement teams, market-intelligence or risk-management functions, and firms operating across multiple geographies  especially those needing a unified and up-to-date view of global suppliers, competitors or market segments. Its particularly useful when companies want to build data-driven market models, supplier dashboards, or risk-monitoring workflows without manually aggregating across diverse public sources. It is less ideal for small firms with limited geographic scope or where qualitative competitive intelligence (market narratives, strategy analysis, deep competitor benchmarking)  rather than structured data  is the primary need.

AlphaSense

AlphaSense is an AI-powered market- and competitive-intelligence search platform that unifies public and private content  including SEC filings, earnings-call transcripts, analyst research, news, regulatory filings and expert-call transcripts  into a single searchable index.  What sets it apart from simpler databases is its domain-specific language models and NLP that allow semantic search (not just keyword matching), enabling users to surface relevant insights across structured and unstructured sources in seconds.  The trade-off is cost and complexity: for smaller teams or simple use cases, the breadth of content and advanced features may be overkill.

Key Features: AlphaSense supports natural-language queries, Smart Synonyms, and generative-AI-powered summarization to extract key points from long reports, filings, or transcripts.  It offers real-time monitoring with custom watchlists and alerts on companies, sectors, or themes; sentiment tracking and trend analytics; ability to combine external content with internal documents; and shareable dashboards, annotation and collaboration tools for teams. 

Best for: Corporations, private-equity firms, investment-research houses, or strategy/market-intel teams in mid-size to large organizations needing timely, high-fidelity competitive and market insight  especially when monitoring many companies or sectors, evaluating deals or producing strategic reports. Less ideal for small businesses or early-stage teams needing only occasional snapshots or limited-content checks, where simpler or cheaper tools suffice.

Contify

Contify is a market and competitive-intelligence (M&CI) platform that aggregates and monitors external data across public web sources, regulatory filings, media, company websites, job postings, social media, and internal company data (e.g., call transcripts, internal docs) to surface signals about competitors, markets, customers and industry trends. Its distinguishing strength lies in combining machine learning for noise filtering with customizable taxonomies and Key Intelligence Questions (KIQs)  enabling users to transform raw external data into actionable, contextual intelligence. 

Key Features: Contify ingests from over a million sources and uses a proprietary knowledge-graph + AI pipeline to extract entities, tag industries/topics, dedupe noise, and surface relevant updates.  It offers features including automated monitoring and alerting, customizable dashboards, curated news-feeds, executive-ready reports or newsletters, battlecards, competitor and market-landscape profiling, and integration with collaboration tools (Slack, MS Teams) or CRM workflows for distribution. 

Best for: Mid- to large-size companies with dynamic competitive environments, product-marketing, strategy or market-intel teams that need continuous, structured, cross-market intelligence without building in-house scraping/data-aggregation infrastructure. Less ideal for very small firms with narrow markets or teams that need deep proprietary/financial-data analytics rather than public-source monitoring  in those cases, manual research or specialized financial-data tools may be better suited.

Revuze

Revuze is an AI-powered Voice of Customer (VoC) and market intelligence platform that ingests unstructured feedback (online reviews, social media posts, survey responses, customer-care logs) to generate insight at brand, product-category, and SKU levels. What distinguishes it is its generative-AI / NLP engine that cleans, classifies and clusters massive feedback volumes across e-commerce, retail and web sources  delivering sentiment, trend detection, and competitive benchmarking.  The trade-off: because it focuses on public feedback, the coverage and depth depend on availability of reviews or social data; it is less appropriate for deep financial, regulatory or enterprise-level competitive intelligence beyond consumer-facing signals.

Key Features: Revuze supports 360 VoC data gathering from reviews, social media, surveys, e-commerce sites and customer service data, with automated deduplication and taxonomy-normalization.  Its dashboard surfaces sentiment scores, trending topics, product-feature sentiment breakdowns, competitive product comparisons, and pain-point heatmaps; it offers exportable reports, market-benchmarking, competitive-brand & product analysis, and allows cross-SKU and category-level tracking over time. 

Best for: Consumer-goods, retail, e-commerce, or CPG brands  especially medium to large ones  that need scalable, data-driven insight into customer sentiment, product reception, competitive positioning, and opportunity gaps across multiple markets or SKUs. It is less ideal for small firms with limited review volume or organizations requiring enterprise-grade market intelligence beyond customer sentiment (e.g., private-company financials, regulatory filings, B2B vertical data).

Owler

Owler is a crowdsourced business-intelligence platform offering firmographic, funding, acquisition, leadership and company-profile data across over 20 million public and private companies, plus a Competitive Graph that maps 45 M+ competitor relationships.  Its value is in giving sales, marketing and strategy teams a broad, constantly updated view of competitors, prospects and market landscape  though as data is largely public or user-contributed, insight depth can vary (especially for small or obscure firms).

Key Features: Owler provides company profiles (revenue estimates; headcount; funding history; acquisitions; executive data), customizable alerts and daily digests when tracked companies have major changes (e.g., funding, leadership, M&A, product news), and competitor-relationship graphs to discover direct and indirect competition.  The platform offers both free (Community) and paid (Pro, Enterprise/Max) tiers  with integrations into CRMs or team-collaboration tools for Enterprise customers. 

Best for: Small-to-mid and large B2B companies, sales and business-development teams, market-research or competitive-intelligence functions that need fast competitive landscape awareness, prospect screening, or deal-level context. Its particularly useful when you need a wide net over many companies. Its less ideal for firms requiring deep, proprietary intelligence (private-company financials, niche sectors) or granular qualitative research  for those, dedicated research or paid data sources may be needed.

Crayon

Crayon is a competitive-intelligence platform that automatically tracks and analyzes changes in competitors public signals  from website updates, product/pricing changes, content and messaging shifts, to job postings and reviews  delivering real-time actionable insights rather than raw data streams.  What distinguishes it is its AI-driven summarization (Crayon Sparks / Crayon AI), which filters noise and surfaces meaningful changes daily, stripping away manual monitoring while ensuring visibility into the full digital footprint of competitors.  The trade-off: because its intelligence is built on public and digital-footprint data, it wont capture entirely private competitive moves or offline signals.

Key Features: Crayon monitors competitor websites, press releases, social-media activity, product documentation, pricing changes, job posts and review signals; flags what-changed alerts; automatically generates summaries and updated battlecards or competitor profiles.  It supports integrations with CRM and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, MS Teams, Salesforce) so insights flow into sales or product workflows.  Crayon also offers trend tracking, win/loss feedback incorporation, and team-wide dashboards to align sales, marketing and product teams around competitive intelligence. 

Best for: Mid-size to large B2B or SaaS companies, product-marketing, sales-enablement or competitive-intel teams needing near-real-time awareness of competitor moves, pricing shifts, and market positioning changes  especially where speed matters over deep financial or proprietary data. Less ideal for firms needing deep, non-public business intelligence or sectors where digital footprint is limited  in such cases traditional analyst-led research or specialty databases remain necessary.

Similarweb

Similarweb is a digital-intelligence platform that provides real-time visibility into web and app traffic, competitive positioning, and market demand  not just for your own properties, but for competitors and broader industry segments. It stands out by combining broad public/web-panel data with machine-learning estimation to surface traffic volume, traffic sources, engagement metrics, and channel breakdowns (organic, paid, social, referral) across millions of domains and apps globally.  Its trade-off: data reflects aggregated and anonymized signals, which may mis-estimate niche sites or very small/app-only players; also, it captures only digital footprint and cannot reveal private or offline business intelligence.

Key Features: Similarweb offers Web Intelligence 4.0  competitive benchmarking of traffic, traffic-channel mix, referral sources, SEO keyword and ad insights, plus App Intelligence for app stores and mobile usage.  You get real-time dashboards, trend tracking, market-share estimation, keyword & ad-strategy visibility, and the ability to compare across competitors or market categories. The platform supports segmentation by geography, industry vertical, and time, enabling both high-level market analysis and tactical competitive monitoring. 

Best for: Digital-first businesses, marketing teams, product and growth teams, and competitive intelligence or strategy units in mid-size to large organisations operating online or via apps  especially where web/app traffic, SEO/PPC, or digital-channel strategy is core. Its useful if you need ongoing visibility into competitor traffic, emerging trends or digital market shifts. Less suitable for players operating offline, or those needing deep private-company data, financials, or non-web competitive intelligence  for those, a more traditional market-research or data-vendor approach may be required.

Tool Primary Use Case Data Sources & Coverage Key Strengths Limitations Best For ZoomInfo Market mapping, company/contact intelligence Firmographics, technographics, intent, hiring, funding, org charts Large B2B dataset; strong enrichment; CRM integrations Weaker qualitative CI; data strongest in NA Mid-market & enterprise GTM teams Cognism Global B2B data & sales intelligence Contact data, firmographics, technographics, intent GDPR-compliant global data; phone-verified Diamond Data Focuses on data, not deep CI analysis Revenue teams needing global, compliant data Valona Intelligence Enterprise market & CI monitoring 200k+ sources; news; filings; regulatory; premium media AI + analyst refinement; early-warning detection Requires onboarding & configuration Strategy/CI teams in global industries Klue Competitive enablement & automated CI Public web content + internal CRM/call data Automated battlecards; deal-level alerts; GTM integration Limited proprietary financial/sector data B2B SaaS & enterprise sales teams Kompyte Digital competitive monitoring Websites, ads, social, job posts, reviews Real-time competitor updates; automated battlecards Focuses on digital signals only SaaS & digital-first GTM teams WatchMyCompetitor Real-time competitor & market alerts Web signals, corporate updates, social, regulatory AI + human-curated insights; customizable dashboards Limited access to private/offline intel Mid-large firms needing monitored CI feeds G2 Market Intelligence Buyer sentiment & product comparison G2 reviews, ratings, category traffic, intent signals Real user perception; category benchmarking Limited to G2 ecosystem SaaS vendors with strong G2 presence CI Radar Curated CI + analyst-driven insights News, filings, public docs, SEO/ad signals Human-curated relevance; deep monitoring Coverage limited to public/semi-public data Mid-large B2B firms needing curated CI Veridion Market mapping & supplier/competitor discovery 130M+ global company profiles; structured data Broad global coverage; weekly refresh; API-first Limited qualitative competitive insight Procurement, risk, MI teams at scale AlphaSense Search across financial + market intelligence Filings, earnings, broker research, news Semantic search; expert transcripts; premium content Premium pricing; steep learning curve Strategy, PE, finance, research teams Contify Automated market & competitor monitoring 1M+ public sources + internal docs Custom taxonomies; KIQ-driven insights Public-source dependent Enterprises needing structured, cross-market intelligence Revuze Voice-of-Customer competitive insight Reviews, social, surveys, support logs SKU-level sentiment; competitive product benchmarks Dependent on volume of public reviews Retail, CPG, e-commerce brands Owler Crowdsourced company & competitor data Public data + user contributions Broad company coverage; alerts; competitor graphs Less depth for niche/private firms SMBenterprise GTM & research teams Crayon Digital competitive monitoring & enablement Websites, pricing, product pages, job boards AI summarization; real-time change tracking Public digital footprint only B2B SaaS PMM & sales enablement teams Similarweb Digital market & competitive analytics Web/app traffic, channel breakdowns Deep digital market insight; SEO/PPC visibility Weak on offline or private data Digital-first companies & growth teams

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Amazon Growth Lab Highlights Strategic Implications of Amazon's Fee Cuts and Identifies Where Sellers Should Reallocate Budget in 2025SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Amazon's decision to reduce seller fees across major European marketplaces signals a strategic shift aimed at increasing competitiveness against ultrafast-fashion platforms such as Shein and Temu. Amazon Growth Lab (AGL), a leading Amazon marketplace growth and PPC optimization agency, has released new analysis explaining how these changes affect marketplace profitability and what brands should do immediately to capitalize on them.Amazon is lowering referral and fulfillment fees across multiple categories, particularly Apparel, Home, Grocery, Vitamins, and Pet categories across the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. These updates begin in December 2025 and continue into 2026."This is more than a fee adjustment. It is a marketplace strategy shift," says Yonah Nimmer, Founder and CEO of Amazon Growth Lab. "Amazon is defending market share, and sellers who understand the timing of these fee reductions can strategically reinvest into organic ranking, product launches, and marketplace expansion. This is a critical competitive window." Key fee reductions announced by Amazon:Referral fee reductions across Clothing, Home, Pet, Grocery and moreLower FBA fulfillment rates for low-price productsReduced Lightning Deal and promotional variable feesNew price thresholds creating lower per-unit costsBroader eligibility for low-price FBA ratesHow brands should respond:According to Amazon Growth Lab, brands should focus on three priorities:Reallocate PPC spend toward organic ranking Fee reductions should be treated as margin that fuels visibility, not just margin that increases profit temporarily.Reprice strategically in high-velocity categories Lower fees allow brands to become more price competitive in categories where low price leads to stronger organic ranking signals.Evaluate new European category viability For many brands, categories that were previously too fee heavy may now be profitable enough for cross-border expansion.Why this matters long-term:"These changes are directly related to Amazon's global competitive strategy," Nimmer adds. "As Temu and Shein grow inside Europe, Amazon will continue lowering the cost to sell. Sellers who anticipate these changes, not react to them, are positioned for long-term dominance." About Amazon Growth LabAmazon Growth Lab is a leading Amazon marketing and PPC agency providing AI-enabled marketplace strategy, conversion optimization, PPC management, and marketplace expansion. AGL works with leading consumer brands including Ray-Ban, Anker, Thrival Muscle Recovery, Mavi, and others. The agency helps sellers increase organic ranking and achieve scalable Amazon growth.Learn more at AmazonGrowthLab.com.Contact: press@ amazongrowthlab.com Contact InformationAthen ReddyChief Customer Officerathen@ amazongrowthlab.com SOURCE: Amazon Growth Lab
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-09 20:36:10

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from the potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in Alexandria Real Estate, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/alexandria-real-estate-class-action-lawsuit Investors have until January 26, 2026, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Alexandria Real Estate securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and is captioned Hern v. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., et al., No. 2:25-cv- 11319.Why is Alexandria Real Estate Being Sued For Securities Fraud?Alexandria Real Estate is a real estate investment trust. Its tenants are concentrated in life science industries, such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.During the relevant period, Alexandria Real Estate touted its leasing volume and development pipeline, specifically regarding a property in Long Island City, New York, stating that leasing volume was "solid" and its pipeline was "well positioned to capture future demand when expansion needs arise." As alleged, in truth, Alexandria Real Estate was experiencing lower occupancy rates and slower leasing activity such that it was required to take a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its Long Island City property.Why did Alexandria Real Estate's Stock Drop?On October 27, 2025, Alexandria Real Estate announced results below expectations for 3Q 2025 and cut guidance for the remainder of the fiscal year. The company attributed the results to lower occupancy rates and slower leasing activity. It also announced a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its Long Island City property, stating that the property was not a life science destination that could scale. Alexandria Real Estate also announced additional impairment charges that may be recognized in 4Q 25 ranging from $0 to $685 million. This news caused the price of Alexandria Real Estate stock to drop $14.93 per share, or more than 19%, from a closing price of $77.87 per share on October 27, 2025, to $62.94 per share on October 28, 2025.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/alexandria-real-estate-class-action-lawsuit What Can You Do?If you invested in Alexandria Real Estate you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212.789.3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-09 09:05:08

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTCQB:BNXTF)(FSE:BXT) is advancing the development of a next-generation "Melt in Your Mouth" cladribine formulation, built on the Company's proprietary oral dissolvable film (ODF) drug-delivery system. The technology is designed for rapid, sublingual (under-the-tongue) absorption of medication and aims to improve treatment access and comfort for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). BioNxt's lead program, BNT23001, is being developed as a swallow-free alternative to cladribine tablets, which generated USD 1.28 billion in global sales in 2024.Cladribine (Mavenclad) is an established therapy for MS; however, many patients struggle with difficulty swallowing tablets, a symptom that is both common and often under-recognized. For these individuals, pill-based medication can lead to coughing, choking, anxiety, and missed doses - all of which reduce treatment consistency and therapeutic effectiveness.BioNxt's "Melt in Your Mouth" ODF is engineered to dissolve in seconds under the tongue, eliminating the need to swallow and offering a needle-free, patient-friendly method of administration. The approach aims to enhance treatment adherence, safety, and overall quality of life for MS patients who face challenges with tablet-based medication.Swallowing Difficulties: A Hidden Barrier in Multiple Sclerosis TreatmentSwallowing problems (dysphagia) are common in MS but often overlooked. A recent meta-analysis of more than 10,800 MS patients found that approximately 45% experience dysphagia during the course of their disease (2023, Journal of Clinical Neuroscience). Additional clinical studies using instrumental swallowing assessments have reported abnormalities in over 50% of patients, including cases not detected through self-report.For these individuals, tablets may feel "stuck," provoke coughing or choking, or require repeated attempts to swallow - turning a simple daily task into a persistent source of stress.As swallowing becomes more difficult or unsafe, patients may delay doses, avoid medication altogether, or require caregiver assistance. By removing the need to swallow, BioNxt's "Melt in Your Mouth" cladribine ODF is being developed specifically to address this barrier and help maintain consistent, safe access to cladribine therapy.Significant Market Opportunity for a Patient-Friendly Cladribine FormatThe global cladribine market is expanding rapidly. Merck KGaA's cladribine tablets (Mavenclad) generated over USD 950 million in the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting strong, ongoing demand across the U.S. and Europe. The company reported record quarterly sales in 2025 and continues to expect growth in Europe, although a recent U.S. patent decision could open the door to generic competition beginning in 2026.According to Cladribine Market Research Report 2033 from Dataintelo, the global cladribine market was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.5 billion by 2032, representing a robust 8.5% CAGR driven by rising MS prevalence and interest in innovative drug-delivery formats.At the same time, the oral transmucosal drug-delivery market - including sublingual and buccal systems - is expected to grow from USD 45.8 billion in 2025 to nearly USD 96.8 billion by 2033. As a low-dose molecule well suited to BioNxt's Melt in Your Mouth ODF technology, cladribine sits at the intersection of two fast-growing global markets, offering a significant opportunity to modernize and differentiate an established therapy."Taking a tablet should not be a barrier to treatment," said Hugh Rogers, CEO of BioNxt Solutions. "Our Melt in Your Mouth cladribine film is designed specifically for MS patients who struggle to swallow pills. We are addressing a meaningful unmet need by making an important therapy easier, safer, and more accessible in everyday life." About BioNxt Solutions Inc.BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience innovator focused on nextgeneration drug delivery technologies, diagnostic screening systems, and active pharmaceutical ingredient development. The Company's proprietary platforms-Sublingual (ThinFilm), Transdermal (Skin Patch), and Oral (EntericCoated Tablets)-target key therapeutic areas, including autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and longevity.With research and development operations in North America and Europe, BioNxt is advancing regulatory approvals and commercialization efforts, primarily focused on European markets. BioNxt is committed to improving healthcare by delivering precise, patientcentric solutions that enhance treatment outcomes worldwide.BioNxt is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange: BNXT, OTC Markets:BNXTF and trades in Germany under WKN: A3D1K3. To learn more about BioNxt, please visit www.bionxt.com Investor Relations & Media ContactHugh Rogers, CoFounder, CEO and DirectorEmail: investor.relations@bionxt.com Phone: +1 778.598.2698Web: www.bionxt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bionxtsolutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionxt Cautionary Statement Regarding "ForwardLooking" InformationThis news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking information in this news release includes the anticipated filing date of the Annual Filings. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may di
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-09 20:25:07

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A Federal Indictment That Reads Like a Narco-State ThrillerDEA corruption reaches new levels with the Campo indictment, even as the agency continues its unprecedented seven-year delay of MMJ International Holding's FDA sanctioned clinical trial program. for Huntington's Disease.President Trump and Terry Cole cleaning out the DEA corruption.WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / When theU.S. Department of Justice unsealed its indictment against former DEA Deputy Chief Paul Campoon December 8, 2025, the headlines focused on the charges: narcoterrorism, laundering cartel money, facilitating cocaine trafficking, and even discussing weapons procurement for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).But this was not merely a scandal.This was confirmation of something far more profound:The Drug Enforcement Administration is in systemic collapse.Campo-a Rhode Island native with longstanding ties to senior political figures-didn't just break the law. He inverted the very mission he claimed to uphold for 25 years.And his arrest exposes the same institutional failures responsible for the DEA's seven-year obstruction of legitimate medical cannabis research, including the life-saving work of MMJ BioPharma Cultivation.This is no longer about one corrupt official.It is about an agency whose failures are structural, constitutional, and dangerous.A Federal Indictment That Reads Like a Narco-State ThrillerUnited States Attorney Jay Clayton and DEA Administrator Terrance Cole announced the charges: Campo and his co-conspirator, former CIA operative Robert Sensi, allegedly agreed to:Launder up to $12 million in cartel drug proceedsConvert cash into cryptocurrency to evade law enforcementFacilitate a 220-kilogram cocaine transaction worth $5 millionExplore purchasing AR-15s, M16s, grenade launchers, and explosivesAssist cartel operatives using insider knowledge from the DEAFlash his DEA badge during cartel negotiationsThis was not a momentary lapse. It was systematic, premeditated betrayal.As prosecutors stated:"Campo betrayed the mission he was entrusted with pursuing for his 25-year career with the DEA." And Campo isn't alone. The DEA acknowledges at least 16 agents have been criminally charged in recent years.What the indictment makes clear is simple:The agency assigned to dismantle cartels has instead been penetrated by them.While DEA Officials Allegedly Aided Cartels, DEA Leadership Sabotaged Medical ScienceFor seven years-2,500+ days - the DEA has blocked MMJ BioPharma Cultivation's ability to manufacture natural cannabis extracts for FDA-authorized clinical trials in Huntington's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.This is research the FDA approved. This is medicine the DEA legally authorized for importation.This is science Congress mandated the DEA facilitate.Instead, MMJ has faced:1. A Deliberately Impossible RequirementDEA demanded a "bona fide supply agreement" before licensure-even though federal law bans such agreements until after licensure.It is a regulatory paradox by design.2. An Unconstitutional TribunalMMJ was forced through a DEA administrative hearing in 2024.In 2025, the Department of Justice admitted the entire DEA ALJ system is unconstitutional.Meaning:The judge had no lawful authorityThe process violated the ConstitutionMMJ's hearing was invalid from the startSupreme Court rulings in Axon v. FTC and Jarkesy v. SEC affirmed these violations.3. Direct Defiance of CongressFederal statute requires DEA to process research applications in 60 days.MMJ has waited seven years.This is not delay. This is denial by obstruction.4. A Collapse of Scientific GovernanceA Yale Law Journal analysis concluded the scientific division of power in the Controlled Substances Act has collapsed entirely:HHS defersDEA dominatesScience is subordinated to ideologyThe result: an enforcement agency making medical decisions it is neither trained nor authorized to make.The Campo Case Proves the System Is Not Broken - It Is CapturedCampo wasn't an outsider.He was:Deputy Chief of DEA Financial OperationsActing Chief of Congressional AffairsA well-connected operator with access to political leadersSomeone trusted with safeguarding DEA's financial investigationsAnd according to the indictment, he used that access to enable the very cartels he spent decades claiming to fight.Meanwhile:DEA attorneys likeAarathi Haig defended unconstitutional tribunalsDEA policy architects likeMatthew Strait left government to sell "controlled substance strategy" consultingFormer DEA official Louis Melione assisted BRC cannabis registrant in commercializing Schedule I substances he once blockedDEA failed to stop fentanyl flooding into communitiesDEA Thomas Prevoznik failed to regulate state THC products now exceeding 90% potencyDEA Anne Milgram failed to protect the public from synthetic hemp intoxicantsDEA failed to follow federal law on medical researchThe only consistent pattern is failure.Except when obstructing legitimate science.On that, DEA has been remarkably efficient.Campo's Indictment + DEA's Anti-Science Obstruction = An Agency That Cannot Be TrustedCampo allegedly worked with cartels.But DEA worked against medical scientists.For Huntington's Disease patients.For those with Multiple Sclerosis.For families desperate for non-intoxicating, FDA-regulated cannabinoid therapeutics.MMJ BioPharma is:The U.S. company with FDA INDswith FDA Orphan Drug Designationwith DEA Schedule I analytical lab authorizationsThe only to manufacture GMP botanical cannabinoid softgelsAnd still-DEA refuses to act.As MMJ CEO Duane Boise stated:"The DEA cannot claim authority over public safety while simultaneously blocking the only safe, FDA-regulated alternative to the products causing national concern. Patients with Huntington's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis are paying the price." High-Potency THC, Synthetic Cannabinoids, ER Psychosis Cases - The Crisis DEA Helped CreateWith Congress now moving to re-criminalize intoxicating hemp derivatives and state dispensaries selling THC oils exceeding 90% potency, public health leaders are demanding scientific oversight.MMJ offers exactly that:Standardized pharmaceutical dosingGMP manufacturingFDA clinical oversightNon-intoxicating formulationsA fully legal federal pathwayThe medicine is ready. The capsules are manufactured. The clinical trials are prepared.Only one thing is missing:The DEA's signature.A Path Forward - And a Call to Action for Administrator Terrance ColeAdministrator Terrance Cole inherited an agency in crisis:Criminal infiltrationConstitutional
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-09 15:30:14

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New Black Book Research flash survey of 427 hospital and health system security leaders finds 74% see EHR, AI and cloud vendors as their top emerging cyber risk, 63% report vendor-linked incidents in the last 24 months, and over half have suffered clinical disruption or downtime.MELBOURNE, AU / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Black Book Research today announced headline findings from a flash survey of hospital and health system CISOs and senior cybersecurity leaders in nine countries reporting some of the highest recent rates of healthcare data breaches and patient privacy incidents. The rapid-response poll highlights a sharp escalation in cyber risk originating from electronic health record (EHR) vendors, AI and analytics platforms, and other digital health suppliers.The flash survey, conducted in Q4 2025 across Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, collected responses from 427 CISOs, CIOs, IT managers, and heads of information security at provider organizations ranging from single hospitals to large multi-facility systems.Vendor ecosystems now the primary breach engineAcross the nine markets, respondents report that:80% say their greatest emerging cyber risk in 2026 comes from EHR, AI, and cloud health IT vendors, not from on-premise systems.69% have experienced at least one security incident or serious near miss in the last 24 months that was directly traceable to a vendor platform, integration, or managed service.91% believe their current third-party risk management practices are "not adequate" or "barely adequate" for the complexity of modern digital health and AI environments."Over the last decade, hospitals were told that moving to cloud EHRs, AI-driven analytics, and managed platforms would simplify their security posture," said Douglas Brown, President of Black Book Research. "Our latest flash survey shows the opposite: risk didn't disappear, it migrated into vendor ecosystems that many provider organizations still don't have the tools, leverage, or visibility to govern effectively." Country-by-country snapshot: where vendor incidents hit hardestThe survey reveals meaningful variation across the nine high-incident countries:Brazil - 78% of CISOs report at least one vendor-originated breach or serious incident in the past 24 months, and 61% say clinical services were directly disrupted.India - 96% report vendor-linked data breaches or privacy violations, and 90% identify AI and analytics vendors as their fastest-rising source of risk.South Africa - 71% say third-party EHR or billing platforms were involved in a major incident or near miss, with 55% citing multi-day system downtime as a result.Saudi Arabia - 67% have experienced vendor-related security incidents, and 72% say board attention to supplier cyber risk has "significantly increased" in the last year.Australia - 64% report cloud EHR or telehealth vendor vulnerabilities as a primary concern, while 49% have experienced clinically significant downtime tied to vendor outages.Canada - 72% have faced vendor-driven privacy incidents or notifications, and 98% say cross-border data flows with US-based vendors are a top governance challenge.Japan - 59% report incidents involving connected devices, imaging systems, or vendor-managed PACS, and 54% highlight opaque AI model security as a key worry.Singapore - 57% of respondents have seen at least one vendor-related security event, but 93% say regulators' expectations for vendor oversight are outpacing their current capabilities.United Arab Emirates - 94% report significant reliance on international EHR and AI vendors, and 63% have had regulatory or insurer scrutiny triggered by supplier incidents."Even in markets with relatively advanced digital health programs, CISOs are telling us the same story," Brown noted. "The more care delivery and analytics depend on remote vendor platforms and AI models, the more a single supplier's weakness can ripple across an entire health system or country." EHR and AI platforms top the CISO worry listWhen asked which vendor categories pose the highest near-term cybersecurity and privacy risk to their organizations, CISOs most frequently cited:Core EHR and clinical systems (including cloud-based EHRs and practice management platforms)AI/ML-enabled analytics and decision support tools used for imaging, clinical decision support, and operational optimizationIntermediary and integration platforms, including health information exchanges, integration engines, and API gatewaysDigital front door and patient engagement solutions, including portals, apps, and telehealth platformsKey concerns reported include:Weak or opaque security controls in multi-tenant, cloud EHR and AI platformsInconsistent patching and vulnerability management across vendor ecosystemsLimited transparency into AI model security, data handling, and training data provenanceidentity and access management across internal systems and vendor-hosted environmentsuncertainty, especially where AI and cross-border data transfers intersect with health privacy lawsCyber incidents increasingly impact patient care and trustRespondents across the nine countries also reported that vendor-linked incidents are no longer "paper-only" breaches:67% have experienced clinical disruption or downtime in the past 24 months due to a vendor outage or cyber event.98% report board-level concern that AI and EHR vendor incidents could erode patient trust in digital health initiatives.95% say renewing cyber insurance has become significantly more difficult or expensive because of third-party and AI-related risks."In every region we studied this year, the pattern is the same: vendor failures are turning into operational crises at the bedside," Brown added. "You can have a strong internal security program and still see clinics shut down or oncology pathways disrupted because a partner's platform was compromised or offline." CISOs call for stronger governance of EHR and AI suppliersThe flash survey also asked respondents about theirtop priorities for improving vendor-related cybersecurity in 2026 . Leading action items include:Embedding rigorous cyber requirements into EHR and AI procurement and contractingStandardizing third-party risk assessments and continuous monitoring across all clinical and business vendorsConsolidating vendor sprawl, especially overlapping digital health and analytics toolsInvesting in independent advisory support to benchmark vendor controls, validate attestations, and design realistic contingency plansEducating boards and
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-09 18:45:10

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / CoVantage Credit Union ("CoVantage") 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 CoVantage.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On August 14, 2025, CoVantage Credit Union learned that its third-party vendor, Marquis Software Solutions, experienced a cybersecurity incident affecting Marquis' internal environment. The unauthorized access occurred within Marquis's network environment rather than CoVantage's own internal systems; where certain files containing personal information related to CoVantage's customers were stored.Marquis reviewed the compromised files and launched an internal investigation with the assistance of cybersecurity experts. On October 27, 2025, Marquis determined that files containing CoVantage customers' information had been accessed or acquired.The impacted data may include names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, financial account information, and dates of birth.On November 26, 2025, CoVantage filed a notice with the Attorney General of Maine and began notifying affected 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 CoVantage Credit Union, 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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BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Estimating Edge, creator of The EDGE construction takeoff and estimating platform and a member of the Foundation Software business portfolio, has released a timely new resource titled "Combating Construction Tariffs With Accurate Estimating." The guide addresses how escalating material tariffs are squeezing margins and project timelines - and shows how smarter estimating workflows can help contractors stay ahead.As tariffs hit materials like steel, fasteners and coatings, the ripple effect through supply chains and budgets is real. Recent analysis from Chmura Economics & Analytics suggests that current effective tariff rates could add $41.7 billion in costs to the U.S. construction industry.With margins already tight in many trades, this means even minor estimating inaccuracies can lead to big losses.The new resource explains how contractors can adopt precise, data-driven estimating practices to mitigate these risks. Key approaches include:Leveraging trade-specific databases and live price feeds to reflect real-world costsAutomating bidding workflows to reduce duplicate entry and speed timelinesBuilding contingency plans (for example, 5-10% cost buffers) and modeling tariff-impacted scenarios in advanceTracking actual versus planned costs in real time to detect margin erosion before it becomes a loss"The estimating process is no longer just about what you know today - it's about what you can anticipate tomorrow," said Dave Chapman, Sales Director at Estimating Edge. "With tariffs creating unpredictable pricing swings, contractors who rely on outdated methods risk being under-bid, over-exposed and late to the field." For contractors using The EDGE, the guide focuses on how to put its estimating tools into practice, with examples that show estimators how to react when material prices or tariffs shift. Instead of reworking every quote from scratch, they can lean on consistent workflows that keep bids moving while still protecting margin in tariff-heavy markets.The complete resource is available now at https://estimatingedge.com/combating-construction-tariffs-with-accurate-estimating/ Contact Information Tracie KuczkowskiVP of Marketingtak@ foundationsoft.com 800-246-0800Samantha Ann IlliusMarketing Relations Coordinator and Influence Specialistsillius@ foundationsoft.com (800) 811 5926 x 4823SOURCE: Estimating Edge
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-09 18:19:07

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Industrial Credit Union of Whatcom County ("Industrial Credit Union") recently suffered a data breach through one of its third-party communication delivery vendors, that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to the Industrial Credit Union.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?Recently, Industrial Credit Union was informed of a security incident involving one of its third-party communication delivery vendors, which provides both print and email services to financial institutions. Upon learning of the breach, the vendor engaged third-party cybersecurity experts to investigate the nature and scope of the incident. Industrial Credit Union's own systems were not breached.The impacted data may include names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and financial and banking information.On November 26, 2025, Industrial Credit Union filed a notice with the office of the Attorney General of Washington 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 Industrial Credit Union of Whatcom County, 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.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
COSBOA has appointed Skye Cappuccio as its next CEO, bringing advocacy expertise from the health sector.

Whats happening: The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia has appointed Skye Cappuccio as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 February 2026.

Why this matters: The appointment comes as the organisation prepares a 2026 agenda focused on productivity and economic contribution. Cappuccios family business background and sector reform experience signal a potential shift in how COSBOA approaches representation and member engagement.

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia has selected a new leader with deep roots in advocacy and a personal connection to the sector shell represent.

Skye Cappuccio will take the helm as COSBOAs Chief Executive Officer on 3 February 2026, bringing experience from the health and not-for-profit sectors, most recently as CEO of Optometry Australia.

COSBOA Chair Matthew Addison said the board sought a leader capable of strengthening the organisations influence whilst maintaining trusted relationships across government and industry.

Skye is an accomplished chief executive with a strong record of delivering policy impact, strengthening organisations and building trusted relationships across government and industry, Addison said.

Her perspective and expertise make her exceptionally well placed to lead COSBOA into its next phase of growth. The Board is confident Skye will bring fresh energy and a forward-looking approach that supports our members and the small businesses they represent.

From health to small business

Cappuccios background includes leading national transformation at Optometry Australia, where she focused on strengthening member value and delivering advocacy outcomes. That experience in a membership-based organisation mirrors the structure COSBOA uses to represent small business associations across Australia.

Her appointment marks a transition from health sector leadership to the economic policy arena, where small business advocacy organisations navigate complex regulatory environments and push for conditions that enable growth.

Family business foundations

Cappuccio said her personal experience shaped her approach to the role. This role deeply excites me. COSBOA has cemented itself as a strong and respected voice for small business, and it is a privilege to help build on that foundation, Cappuccio said.

Small businesses are integral to Australias economy and our community fabric. Having grown up in a family business, I understand the pressures and opportunities they face. Under my leadership, COSBOA will remain focused on strong, ethical and fair representation, and on championing the conditions small businesses need to thrive.

She emphasised working collaboratively with COSBOAs member associations to expand the organisations influence and support diverse small businesses.

2026 agenda takes shape

Addison said the timing of Cappuccios appointment aligns with a critical period for small business policy.

2026 will be a significant year for COSBOA as we continue advancing policy settings that allow small businesses to do what they do best: drive productivity, employment and economic contribution across every community, Addison said.

Skye brings the capability, insight and collaborative approach needed to strengthen COSBOAs influence and ensure the voices of our members and small businesses remain central in national decision-making.

The appointment positions COSBOA to navigate what Addison described as an agenda focused on enabling small businesses to contribute fully to Australias economic and productivity growth.

Cappuccio said she looks forward to working with member associations as COSBOA continues building its national presence and advocating for the small business sector.

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PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-09 00:45:09

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 8, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. ("Live Oak" or the "Company") (NYSE:LOB). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.The investigation concerns whether Live Oak and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.[Click here for information about joining the class action]On November 12, 2025, Live Oak disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that "the Company will amend its 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K . . . and the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2025, respectively . . . to restate the Consolidated Financial Statements for each of the periods included in those filings in order to restate the Statements of Cash Flows and related notes[.]" Live Oak said that "an error was identified in the classification of cash flows between operating and investing activities associated with the proceeds received from the sale of loan participations and the related supplemental disclosures of non-cash operating, investing and financing activities related to these loans" and that "given the relative size of the misclassification . . . management concluded the misclassifications are material." Live Oak further stated "that a material weakness exists in the Company's internal control over financial reporting" and that the Company's previous statements for the periods at issue "should no longer be relied upon." On this news, Live Oak's stock price fell $0.80 per share, or 2.49%, to close at $31.29 per share on November 13, 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: 2025-12-09 20:36:21

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE:JHX) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from the potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in James Hardie, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/james-hardie-industries-class-action-lawsuit Investors have until December 23, 2025, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in James Hardie common stock (formerly American Depositary Shares). The class action is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and is captioned Laborers' District Council and Contractors' Pension Fund of Ohio v. James Hardie Industries plc, et al., No. 1:25-cv-13018.Why Was James Hardie Sued for Securities Fraud?James Hardie is a producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement building solutions. The largest application for the Company's fiber cement building products in the United Stated and Canada is in external siding for the residential building industry.During the relevant period, James Hardie told investors that the results of its North American fiber cement segment demonstrated its "inherent strength" and "the underlying momentum in our strategy." The Company also stated on May 20, 2025, that it was seeing "normal stock levels" among its customers and that it was "seeing performance in the month to date as we would expect." As alleged, in truth, the Company's North American sales during the relevant period were the result of inventory loading by channel partners, with the hallmarks of fraudulent channel stuffing, not sustainable customer demand as represented.The Stock Declines as the Truth Is RevealedOn August 19, 2025, James Hardie revealed that its North American fiber cement sales declined 12% during the quarter, driven by destocking first discovered "in April through May" as customers "made efforts to return to more normal inventory levels[.]" The Company also revealed that significant inventory destocking was expected to continue to impact sales for the next several quarters. On this news, the price of James Hardie stock fell $9.79 per share, or more than 34%, from $28.43 per share on August 19, 2025, to $18.64 per share on August 20, 2025.On November 17, 2025, James Hardie announced that Rachel Wilson had decided to step down from her role as CFO.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/james-hardie-industries-class-action-lawsuit What Can You Do?If you invested in James Hardie you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212.789.3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-09 18:24:08

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / iQCredit Union recently suffered a data breach through its third-party vendor, Marquis Software Solutions ("Marquis"). This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to iQCredit Union.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On August 14, 2025, iQCredit Union's third-party vendor, Marquis Software Solutions, detected suspicious activity on its network and confirmed that it had experienced a ransomware attack. Upon detection, Marquis launched an investigation with the assistance of cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to Marquis systems and obtained sensitive data. Marquis then conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and identify affected individuals.The impacted data may include names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, financial account information, and taxpayer identification numbers.Marquis notified iQCredit Union of the incident and began mailing notice letters to individuals whose sensitive data was affected. On November 26, 2025, the incident was reported to the Attorney General of Washington. 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 iQCredit Union, 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: 2025-12-09 01:40:19

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Prospectus Supplement and Base Shelf Prospectus are Accessible Through SEDAR+NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR THE DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION, RELEASE OR PUBLICATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / December 8, 2025 / Nano One Materials Corp. ("Nano One" or the "Company") (TSX:NANO)(OTCQB:NNOMF), is pleased to announce that, in connection with its previously announced overnight marketed underwritten offering (the "Offering"), it has filed a prospectus supplement dated December 8, 2025 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to its short form base shelf prospectus (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") dated April 26, 2024, in each of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, to qualify the distribution of 4,650,000 units (the "Units") of the Company at a price of C$1.40 per Unit (the "Offering Price") and up to an additional 697,500 Units at the Offering Price to be issued upon exercise of an over-allotment option, the particulars of which are further described in the Prospectus Supplement. Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about December 10, 2025, and is subject to satisfaction of all closing conditions, including the listing requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange.Prospectus Supplement and Base Shelf Prospectus is Accessible through SEDAR+Access to the Base Shelf Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement and any amendment thereto is provided, and delivery thereof will be satisfied, in accordance with the "access equals delivery" provisions of applicable securities legislation. The Prospectus Supplement and Base Shelf Prospectus is accessible on the Company's profile at SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . An electronic or paper copy of the Base Shelf Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement and any amendment to the documents may be obtained, without charge, from Canaccord Genuity Corp. at 40 Temperance Street, Suite 2100, Toronto ON, M5H 0B4, by telephone at (416) 869-9280 or by email at ecm@ cgf.com by providing the contact with an email address or address, as applicable. Prospective investors should read the Base Shelf Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement in its entirety before making an investment decision.This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the 1933 Act or under any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act, and applicable U.S. state securities laws.About Nano One Nano One is a technology company changing how the world makes cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries. Applications include stationary energy storage systems (ESS), portable electronics, and electric vehicles (EVs). The Company's patented One-Pot process reduces costs, is easier-to permit, lowers energy intensity, environmental footprint, and reliance on problematic supply chains. The Company is supporting the drive towards energy security, supply chain resilience, industrial competitiveness and increased performance through process innovation. Production is being piloted and demonstrated in Candiac, Quebec, drawing on the existing plant and decades of commercial lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) manufacturing experience. Strategic collaborations and partnerships with international companies like Sumitomo Metal Mining, Rio Tinto, and Worley are supporting a design-one-build-many licensing growth strategy-delivering cost-competitive, easier-to-permit, and faster-to-market battery materials production solutions worldwide. Nano One has received funding from the Government of Canada, the Government of the United States, the Government of Quebec, and the Government of British Columbia. For more information, please visit www.nanoOne.ca Company ContactPaul Guedesinfo@ nanoOne.ca (604) 420-2041Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated terms of the Offering and the expected closing thereof. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Nano One's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Nano One and on assumptions we believe are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to assumptions regarding: the Offering, including, but not limited to the terms of the Offering, the use of the net proceeds of the Offering, the offering of Units in the United States or any other jurisdiction pursuant to the Offering; changes to market conditions; changes to the regulatory climate; and such other factors and risks as disclosed in the Prospectus Supplement, Base Shelf Prospectus, the Company's most recent annual information form, management's discussion and analysis and other documents filed from time to time under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . 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 or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not limited to prevailing capital markets conditions, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, changes in legislation, and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other fa
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-09 18:17:11

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Pelican Credit Union 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 Pelican Credit Union.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?In August 2025, Pelican Credit Union learned from its third-party vendor, Marquis Software Solutions, that Marquis had experienced a data security incident. During the subsequent investigation, it was discovered that an unauthorized third party may have accessed or acquired files containing sensitive personal data belonging to Pelican Credit Union members. On October 27, 2025, Marquis confirmed to Pelican Credit Union that member data was likely involved in the breach.The impacted data may include names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, tax identification numbers, financial account numbers, and payment card data.On November 14, 2025, Pelican Credit Union posted public notice of the breach on its website. Marquis and Pelican Credit Union recently began mailing 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 Pelican Credit Union, 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: 2025-12-09 19:00:15

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 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
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-09 10:00:07

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As Nigeria modernises one of Africa's largest public sector workforces, MuchSkills' technology is being deployed by Phillips Consulting to power a federal skills intelligence effort.STOCKHOLM, SE / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Swedish skills intelligence platformMuchSkillsis collaborating on a major government initiative in Nigeria to map and analyse the skills of the federal civil service through its AI-enabled workforce capability platform. Employing around 70,000 people, the Nigerian civil service forms the core of a public sector workforce of roughly one million people - one of the largest in Africa. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, NigeriaThis initiative, introduced under the leadership of Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, is part of the wider Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA) programme and reflects the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen capability and modernise the civil service.The skills element of the PASGA programme aims to give Nigeria a live view of its civil service skills, identify critical capability gaps, and deliver real-time data to guide training, hiring, and reforms that improve public service delivery. It covers all federal ministries and extra-ministerial departments, and is delivered under contract by Nigerian consulting firmPhillips Consulting Limited(pcl.), alongside other HR firms."By mapping competencies and identifying skills gaps, this exercise will support targeted training, redeployment where needed, merit-based career progression, and ultimately build a more agile, competent, and responsive civil workforce," said Walson-Jack.Phillips Consulting - a certified MuchSkills partner - chose Muchskills to supply the digital platform and analytics for the skills gap analysis work within the programme. The mapping phase, which began in October, is now in its final stages.MuchSkills provides organisations with tools to map, visualise, and analyse workforce capabilities in real time. Adopted by organisations across Europe, the US, and Asia, its skills intelligence platform helps make workforce planning more transparent and data-driven."Skills intelligence is becoming the foundation of modern workforce transformation," said Daniel Nilsson, Co-Founder and CEO of MuchSkills. "By combining Swedish innovation with Nigerian expertise, we're helping one of Africa's largest public workforces build the trusted capability data it needs to make better decisions, strengthen service delivery, and plan for the future." Walson-Jack highlighted the importance of the initiative for civil service reform, saying: "This collaboration with MuchSkills and consultants represents one of the boldest investments in human capital transformation in the history of the Federal Civil Service, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and signalling our readiness to build a modern, transparent, and future-ready civil service for the benefit of all Nigerians." Kemi Phillips, Partner at Phillips Consulting, added: "Our partnership with MuchSkills brings world-class HR tech into a national project that will redefine how Nigeria manages and grows its public workforce." The project reflects a rising global interest in using skills intelligence to transform workforce planning. For MuchSkills, it marks a milestone that demonstrates how Scandinavian innovation is making a real-world impact.Contact InformationDaniel NilssonCEOdaniel@ muchskills.com +46707403684Kemi PhillipsStrategy at Phillips Consultingkemip@ phillipsconsulting.net +44 7939 396562Eno Olotu FCAI, mniprDirector, Information and Public Relations Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federationeno.olotu@ohcsf.gov.ng SOURCE: MuchSkillsRelated ImagesDaniel Nilsson and Kemi Phillips (Left to right): From MuchSkills, Daniel Nilsson, CEO. From Phillips Consulting: Kemi Phillips, Strategy.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-09 15:02:06

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STERLING HEIGHTS, MI / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / The Macomb Group is proud to announce that it has been recognized as the Affiliated Distributors (AD) Pipe, Valves & Fittings (PVF) Division 2025 Member of the Year. The award was presented during AD's recent North America Meeting and acknowledges exceptional performance, leadership, and contributions within the PVF industry.Members of The Macomb Group's leadership team-including Bill McGivern, Bill Vail, Scott Henegar, Brandon Perilli, Chuck Raymond, Ian Thomas, Chad Flowers, and Kyle Vassallo-accepted the award from Justin Dunscomb, President of AD's PVF Division - U.S.In announcing the honor, Dunscomb highlighted The Macomb Group's commitment to growth, industry leadership, and active participation within AD:"We were very pleased to present The Macomb Group with the AD PVF 2025 Member of the Year at our recent North American Meeting. The AD organization values their contributions as they play active roles serving on both the PVF Divisional Board and the PVF Vendor Committee. They also lead as a network facilitator for one of our 11 AD Executive Network groups. They continue to grow their business and posted another double-digit increase in 2024 over a successful 2023-taking advantage of many AD programs to grow their business, including AD Exclusive Sales Promotions, AD Service Providers, and the AD Power Buy program, to name a few. They are a true leader in AD and in the PVF industry as a whole. They are all in with AD!"Bill McGivern, President of The Macomb Group, expressed appreciation for the recognition and emphasized the company's commitment to its customers, partners, and employees:"We are deeply honored to be recognized as AD PVF 2025 Member of the Year. Our long-standing partnership with Affiliated Distributors remains a cornerstone of our success-driving collaboration, innovation, and growth across our entire organization. This award reflects the dedication of every Macomb team member and our shared commitment to delivering excellence to our customers and partners." The Macomb Group extends its gratitude to AD, its suppliers, and industry peers for their ongoing support, as well as to the entire Macomb team for their dedication and excellence.About The Macomb Group The Macomb Group is a leading wholesale distributor of pipe, valves and fittings. Founded in 1977, the company now has 31 service branches and over 800 employees in 11 states including Michigan, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The Macomb Group serves a diverse mix of end markets, including automotive, power generation, utilities, pharmaceutical, technology, food and beverage, general manufacturing, healthcare, schools, and more.For more information, please call (888) 756-4110 or visit us at www.macombgroup.com Media Contact: James McMasterMarketing ManagerThe Macomb Group215.256.1715 jmcmaster@ macombgroup.com SOURCE: The Macomb Group
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-09 18:17:07

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Visage Imaging, Inc. ("Visage Imaging") 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 Visage Imaging.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?Visage Imaging recently became aware of a security incident involving unauthorized access to certain personal information within its systems. An unauthorized party accessed personal information, including data elements classified as personally identifiable information ("PII"). The impacted data may include names and Social Security numbers.On November 26, 2025, Visage Imaging filed a public notice with the office of the Attorney General of Massachusetts and began sending notice letters to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive 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 Visage Imaging, Inc., 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
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) granted final operating licences to 82 Bureaux de Change (BDCs) with effect from 27 November, as the regulator continued its overhaul of the retail foreign-exchange market.

In a public notice issued on Monday and signed by its spokesperson Hakama Ali, the bank said only the BDCs listed on its website were authorised to buy and sell foreign currency.

The CBN said the licences were issued under BOFIA and the Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureaux de Change Operations released in 2024. Those guidelines formed part of a wider tightening of FX rules, including higher capital thresholds, stricter documentation requirements and closer monitoring of transactions.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in exercise of its powers conferred under the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, and the Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureaux De Change Operations in Nigeria 2024 (the Guidelines), has granted Final Licenses to 82 Bureaux De Change (BDCs) to operate with effect from November 27, 2025.

By this notice, only Bureaux De Change listed on the Banks website are authorised to operate from the effective date, it said.

The bank advised the public to avoid unlicensed operators and reminded them that running a BDC business without approval was an offence under Section 57(1) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

The BDC sub-sector had undergone a major clean-up over the past two years, after the central bank revoked the licences of thousands of operators for non-compliance with reporting standards and anti-money-laundering obligations. The regulator said at the time that the proliferation of unregulated dealers contributed to market distortions and reduced transparency.

The new licensing regime is part of efforts to draw more FX activity into formal channels and reduce pressure on the parallel market, where currency trading often occurs outside official oversight.

In May 2024, the CBN issued new guidelines for Bureaux de Change and requested that all operators reapply for licences under stricter rules. The framework introduced a two-tier system, with Tier-1 BDCs required to hold a minimum capital base of N2 billion, while Tier-2 operators must maintain a capital base of N500 million. Application fees were set at N1 million for Tier 1 and N250,000 for Tier 2, with licensing fees of N5 million and N2 million, respectively.

The guidelines gave Tier-1 BDCs permission to operate nationwide and open franchises subject to CBN approval.

They also barred all BDCs from activities such as derivatives trading, outward international transfers, receiving remittances and any dealings involving crypto assets.
A CCTV clip from a Bali clothing shop in Indonesia has gone viral after four Japanese tourists were caught on camera discreetly stuffing shirts into their bags.

The shop owner, who later realized 11 items were missing, reviewed his security footage and found the men browsing casually before glancing around and slipping pieces of clothing into their backpacks, according to a video footage on social media platform X on Dec. 6.

A fourth man eventually joined them and pocketed an item as well, with the group heard speaking Japanese in the background, Mothership reported.

A shop owner in Bali, Indonesia discovered after the daily inventory that 11 clothing sets were missing. After checking the cameras, he noticed that a group of tourists from Japan were the ones who stole them, in a rare incident that may be the first of its kind.



The video... pic.twitter.com/u3L4o5NLhO  News 24 (@News_2028) December 5, 2025

The footage has since spread among Japanese users on X, where many accused the men of embarrassing their country, calling their behavior a "permanent disgrace." Local media described the case as a rare incident involving Japanese tourists, but it comes amid growing concern about rising crime linked to foreigners in Bali.

According to a report from July 2025 by The Guardian, offenses involving foreigners jumped 16% in a year, from 194 cases in 2023 to 226 in 2024. A Balinese official warned that lower-quality tourism and a surge in illegal homestays are allowing poorly screened visitors to stay longer, contributing to problems ranging from petty theft to fraud and narcotics cases.
A lack of competence does not hold back women in technology, but rather a persistent visibility gap, according to Abiola Laseinde, founder of the CIO and C-Suite Awards.

She remarked at a press briefing on Monday, while discussing the gender imbalance that continues to shape recognition and leadership opportunities in Africas technology ecosystem.

Ms Laseinde said the Nigerian-hosted awards were created to spotlight professionals who drive innovation across industries, especially those whose contributions became indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that, although the awards have received entries from at least 15 African countries over the past five years, women remain significantly underrepresented among nominees and recipients.

According to her, the disparity is not a reflection of womens ability but their reluctance to make themselves visible, network strategically, or nominate themselves for recognition, habits that place them at a disadvantage compared to their male counterparts.

Networking Clubs

To address this, she launched networking clubs specifically for women in tech, providing them with platforms and opportunities comparable to those enjoyed by their male counterparts in the awards ecosystem.

Ms Laseinde noted that women need to increase their visibility to match their excellence in careers and leadership positions.

By year two, when we were doing the second year, I noticed that 90% were men. I became restless, and I started asking questions: if these women are doing so well, why are they not putting themselves up? In 2022, I conceived the idea for the Ladies in Tech and Leadership Network.

We started it like a dinner club where we invited them to relax, drink wine, eat dinner, and talk freely about why they werent nominating themselves. By 2023, we introduced Agents in Tech and Leadership, a no-holds-barred conversation.

Last year, we even took the ladies to Kenya to meet their African counterparts. They really shook the table because women dont like to put themselves out there, while men walk into a club and start closing deals. We are changing that mindset gradually, she said.

CIO and C-Suite Awards

The founder of the CIO and C-Suite Awards also shared the inspiration behind the awards, explaining that they were created to recognise the outstanding contributions of technology professionals across industries.

Reflecting on the COVID-19 era, Ms Laseinde emphasised that the technology experts who enabled companies to transition smoothly to remote work deserve recognition, likening them to medical heroes, describing them as unsung contributors often overlooked in celebrations of corporate achievements.

Early in the days of the pandemic, when there were a lot of casualties, and people were dying, it struck me that while we celebrated medical heroes during Ebola, from the gate men to the professionals who died on duty, nobody was celebrating the tech leaders who kept us safe and connected.

READ ALSO: Womenovate to host 4th Edition of Women in Technology and Engineering summit and awards

We were sitting in the comfort of our homes, but these guys were grinding, some losing their lives silently because COVID-19 had no respect for anyone. There were tech leaders who literally moved into their companys security operations centres because cybersecurity was at its highest. You would be on Zoom and see all sorts of pornographic things popping up.

These people were the ones making sure we could function, and even as a company secretary then, I saw how my board struggled because everything had to go digital. It was a burden on my heart, and I kept screaming that it was not fair and that we had to appreciate these people, she added.

Award growth

Additionally, the convener expressed satisfaction with the growing popularity of the awards, noting that the 2025 edition attracted entries from and recognised technology experts in 15 African countries, citing the past impact and the hospitality showcased during previous ceremonies.

Ms Laseinde added that the awards are increasingly gaining global recognition and revealed plans to host grand ceremonies in other African countries, including South Africa, in the future.

She, however, called on the Nigerian government to invest more in technology infrastructure to enable the countrys technology sector to achieve its full potential.

Abuja is ripe for a smart city. We have everything: AI, cybersecurity, innovation, but we need public-private partnerships to pivot and amplify it. Why cant we plug in and experience it live, like creating with AI in real time? Everything is here; we just need to use it.

Nigeria needs to up its game in technological infrastructure, and our government and Ministry of Digital Economy can do better if we really want to maximise our presence in Africa and the globe, Ms Laseinde concluded.
Olufemi Olaleye, a former medical director at the Optimal Cancer Care Foundation in Lagos, has been detained in the United Kingdom, facing three charges of voyeurism.

Voyeurism is the act of deriving pleasure from secretly observing individuals who are nude or engaged in sexual activity.

It is a criminal offence in the UK, primarily under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019, and penalties can include imprisonment for a term of up to two years for non-consensual voyeurism.

The suspect was brought before the Medway Magistrates Court on 5 December, which ordered his remand till 2 January 2026, having pleaded not guilty, according to the Punch newspaper.

Mr Olaleye, who is also a British citizen, was arrested at Gatwick Airport, London, on 27 November upon arriving in the UK from Nigeria. He was immediately taken into custody by the North Kent Police Station for questioning.

Backstory

PREMIUM TIMES reports that Mr Olaleye, the medical director of Optimal Cancer Care, was arraigned in 2022 by the Lagos State government at the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, Lagos.

He was accused of defilement and sexual assault by penetration of his wifes 16-year-old niece.

After he was sentenced to life imprisonment in August 2023, his lawyer, Kemi Pihinero, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), filed an appeal in November 2023, arguing that there was no direct evidence to confirm the alleged victims age.

The appellant claimed that the prosecution failed to provide documentation proving she was 16 years old at the time of the offence.

In its judgement delivered on 29 November, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him.

Jimi Bada, who read the lead judgment, which was consented to by the two other justices, held that the trial court erred in convicting Mr Olaleye based on tainted and unreliable evidence of his estranged wife, Oluremi, and the alleged survivor (name withheld).

The appellate court stated that there were material contradictions in the evidence gathered by the prosecution, which the lower court should not have relied on.

Lawsuit

The alleged sexual incidents involving several women happened when Mr Olaleye worked in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Darent Valley Hospital under the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust from January 2005 to September 2008.

Kent Police, who confirmed his arrest and detention via email to the Punch newspaper, said three charges of voyeurism were filed against the suspect.

Kent Police was made aware of a man suspected of offences returning to the UK from Nigeria via Gatwick airport on Thursday, 27 November 2025, the Police Press Officer, Charles Harman, wrote in the email.

Officers attended the terminal, and a man was arrested. Francis Olaleye, 57, from Plumstead Common Road, Plumstead, London, was later charged with three counts of voyeurism. He denied all charges at Medway Magistrates Court on Saturday, 29 November, and has been remanded in custody until his next hearing on Friday, 5 December.

The charges state, Between 01/05/2004 and 31/07/2007 at Dartford in the county of Kent, recorded another person doing a private act with the intention that you would, for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, look at an image of that other person doing the act, knowing that the other person did not consent to your recording the act with that intention.

PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify at what point Olufemi Olaleye or Femi Olaleye became Francis Olaleye. However, findings showed that the suspect may have changed his name a few times.

For instance, he registered as Frank Olaleye when he became a director at Wish for Africa, a charity organisation he established in October 2007 and dissolved in 2010. However, his name remained the same on his Instagram handle. His last update was on 27 November about his five-day tour to Dubai.

Meanwhile, activists, in a press release issued on Saturday and jointly signed by the Executive Director of the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV), Gbenga Soloki, and the Executive Director of Tonia Bruised But Not Broken Foundation, Anthonia Ojenagbon, commended Justice Rahmon Oshodi for his initial judgment, despite it being overturned by the Court of Appeal.

They said the judge sent Mr Olaleye to jail based on evidence presented by the survivor and the painstaking prosecution by the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Truly, with the likes of Justice Oshodi on the bench, the judiciary is the last hope of the common man, and a man of such pedigree deserves commendation, the statement reads.
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have extended their indefinite nationwide strike, accusing the federal government of deliberately stalling the implementation of the long-awaited adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

In a statement signed by the National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, and the National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, the union said the decision followed an expanded emergency virtual meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC), which reviewed compliance levels, challenges and stalled negotiations with government officials.

On 4 November, PREMIUM TIMES reported that JOHESU had issued a 15-day strike ultimatum to the federal government over its failure to implement the long-delayed adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

The union accused the government of insensitivity and discrimination in handling the welfare concerns of health workers despite multiple agreements and presidential assurances.

JOHESU, which comprises the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), said the ultimatum took effect on 31 October.

The union explained that the dispute centres on the governments failure to adjust CONHESS in the same manner as the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors, which has been revised three times since 2014.

According to JOHESU, the issue has featured in several negotiation rounds, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 29 October 2024 and commitments following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on 5 June 2023.

Following the expiration of the ultimatum without a positive government response, JOHESU and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) declared an indefinite nationwide strike, which began Saturday, 15 November 2025.

Compliance reports, challenges and stalled dialogue

The statement noted that the NEC received detailed reports from its organs on the level of compliance with the strike directive and the challenges encountered since the action began on 14 November, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the government.

It added that the council also reviewed updates on the two conciliation meetings held with government officials on 19 November and 4 December.

According to JOHESU, despite the meetings, the federal government had yet to issue the enabling circular and salary table required to activate the adjusted CONHESS. The NEC said this failure formed a key reason why the strike, now in its 24th day, must continue.

Victimisation and use of interns

The statement also warned the federal government against victimising health workers for participating in the industrial action, stressing that such actions would violate established labour norms.

In addition, the NEC directed State Health Institutions with pending strike notices to join the national action once their ultimatums lapse and their respective state governments fail to respond positively.

The statement condemned the deployment of locum staff and interns in some Federal and State Health Institutions to undermine the strike.

It emphasised that interns are not legally permitted to work independently and that any attempt to use them compromises patient safety.

JOHESU vowed to resist what it described as quackery, casualisation and unprofessional practices in the health sector.

According to the NEC, members across the country must remain united and sustain the momentum of the strike, which it said is necessary to protect both professional integrity and the public interest.

Appeal to Nigerians and call for intervention

The statement expressed sympathy to Nigerians affected by the ongoing disruption in health services, describing the situation as avoidable and unfortunate.

It commended the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress for their support and urged them, alongside Civil Society Organisations, traditional rulers, elder statesmen and other stakeholders, to prevail upon the federal government to urgently implement the salary adjustment and restore stability in the health sector.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on Monday said over $185 million and N14.9 billion have been released to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) from the Frontier Exploration Fund (FEF).

The commission, in a statement on Monday night, made this known in reaction to the reports alleging that the commission has withheld FEF from the NNPC Ltd.

The NUPRC said 185, 123, 333 had been approved along with N14.9 billion.

The Frontier Exploration Fund, established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, was designed to support new oil exploration efforts in Nigerias frontier basins.

According to the PIA, the fund shall be 30 per cent of the NNPCs profit oil and profit gas as in the production sharing, profit sharing and risk service contracts, which shall be remitted in an escrow account dedicated to the development of frontier acreages.

The statement explained that the fund was not domiciled in the commission but in an account controlled by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The commission added that its role was simply to evaluate the work programme submitted by NNPC Ltd, after which an approval would be given for the release of the fund.

We approve funds based on certified activities and contracts awarded. So, if a contract has not been awarded, we cannot approve payments, the statement read.

The NUPRC said in a bid to promote transparency, it had contracted PriceWaterCooper (PwC) to evaluate NNPC Ltds claims before the final approval of the fund.

So far, there is no outstanding sum. The NUPRC approved the final release on November 27, 2025, to the tune of $140,000,000. We have documents to back this up. Earlier, N14.9 billion and $45 million were released.

Anyone interested can also reach out to the NNPCL rather than rely on faceless individuals seeking to tarnish the image of the Commission, the statement said.

The commission noted that the frontier fund was solely for the use of the NNPC, and it would be absurd for any operator to make spurious claims.

The NUPRC added that the Minister of State for Petroleum (oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, had earlier issued a statement denying that the NUPRC was investigating the handling of the fund.

The honourable minister had issued a rebuttal on the so-called investigation on 17 November 2025. It amounts to mischief for anyone to reference a statement which has been denied by the purported author, Mr Akinkuotu said.

PREMIUM TIMES contacted Andy Odeh, the NNPC spokesperson, but he was unavailable for comment as of press time on Monday night.
The Alliance for Sahel States (AES) has accused Nigeria of violating its airspace after a Nigerian military transport aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso.

In a statement issued on Monday, the confederation constituted by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic, said the aircraft carried two crew members and nine passengers, all of whom were military personnel.

According to the statement, the aircraft, identified as a C130 belonging to the Nigerian Air Force, touched down in Bobo Dioulasso, a major city in the south-west of the country, during an in-flight emergency while transiting Burkinabe airspace.

It also stated that, upon identifying the aircraft, the Burkinabe authorities opened an investigation, and its findings showed that the Nigerian aircraft did not have authorisation to fly over Burkina Faso.

The body noted that this constituted an infringement of national sovereignty and a breach of international aviation norms.

This recent development could revive the rift between the AES and Nigeria, particularly amid the growing political tension in West Africa.

It also follows the Nigerian armys intervention in the Republic of Benin to foil the recent coup attempt.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the intervention came at the request of Benins President Patrice Talon, who sought immediate military backing to stop the forceful takeover of power in his country.

However, the confederation has described the incident as an unfriendly act and a disregard of international law and international rules governing civil and or military aviation.

Measures have been taken to ensure the security of the Confederations airspace, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states, and the safety of the populations of the AES Confederation, the statement read in part.

The three also officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January 2025, after a year-long attempt by the regional bloc to persuade the countries to reconsider their departure.

The junta in all three nations had accused ECOWAS of failing to support them in their fight against terrorism and of imposing sanctions that they claimed harmed their populations.

ECOWAS had imposed the sanctions following the successful coups in the three countries, but later withdrew them.

Following their official exit, ECOWAS issued guidelines on its relationship with the three countries and transitional measures to minimise disruptions for citizens and businesses.

These guidelines include duty-free trade, visa-free movement, and residence.

However, in April, the AES imposed a 0.5 per cent import duty on goods from member nations of the bloc.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stated that its aircraft that landed in Burkina Faso Monday night did so for safety reasons and in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

In a Tuesday statement, its spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, said the crew of the NAF C-130 aircraft observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the Alliance for Sahel States (AES) had accused Nigeria of violating its airspace after the Nigerian military transport aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso.

The aircraft touched down in Bobo Dioulasso, a major city in the south-west of Burkina Faso, during an in-flight emergency while transiting Burkinabe airspace.

The AES stated that the aircraft was carrying two crew members and nine military passengers, noting that the Nigerian aircraft lacked authorisation to fly over Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, who make up the AES, are three of the West African nations where the military has successfully taken power in recent years.

The states had exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after the regional bloc condemned the coups and imposed sanctions on the three countries.

Although the sanctions were later withdrawn, the junta leaders accused the bloc of imposing sanctions that they claimed harmed their populations. They also accused ECOWAS of failing to support them in their fight against terrorism.

The three countries officially withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025, after a year-long attempt by the regional bloc to persuade them to reconsider their departure.

Their accusation of airspace violation, thus, occurs amidst their rift with ECOWAS, where Nigeria plays a leading role as the most populous country and the largest economy.

The AES characterised the aircraft landing as an infringement of national sovereignty and a breach of international aviation norms.

However, the Nigerian Air Force responded that the emergency landing is in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

It explained that the aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal when the crew observed an unspecified technical issue that required a diversion to the nearest suitable airfield.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025.

Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols, it said.

It further explained that plans are underway to resume the mission once the aircraft is cleared, adding that Nigeria remains committed to strict operational and safety standards.

In his reaction, a senior special assistant to the President Bola Tinubu, Temitope Ajayi, wrote on X, that Burkina Faso only acted on its typical silly propaganda playbook.

Nigerian Air Force military transport planes only made an emergency landing due to technical concerns, he said. It is a standard military and civil aviation practice.
President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to authorise the deployment of Nigerian troops to Benin Republic to help restore peace and protect democratic institutions threatened by an attempted military takeover in the neighbouring West African country.

President Tinubus request was contained in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during the plenary on Tuesday.

Mr Tinubu explained that his action was in line with Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires him to consult the Senate before deploying the armed forces on combat missions outside Nigeria.

Pursuant to Section 5 (5) Part 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I seek further to consultation with the National Defence Council, the consent of the Senate for the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin, he said.

NAF already intervened

Although the request only just reached the Senate, Nigerian Air Force personnel had already been deployed to assist Benin in quelling the coup attempt. The deployment was in response to a request by Benin authorities, the presidency said earlier. The intervention is believed to have succeeded, and the leader of the coup, Tigri Pascal, has been declared wanted.

Benin government sought Nigerias help

In his letter to the Senate, Mr Tinubu noted that the request followed an urgent appeal from President Patrice Talon of Benin for military support from Nigeria.

This request is made further to a request received from the Government of Benin Republic for the exceptional and immediate provision of air support by the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The distinguished Senate may wish to note that the Government of the Republic of Benin is currently faced with an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power and disruption and destabilisation of democratic institutions, he added.

The president urged lawmakers to act swiftly, referencing the close ties between both countries and the collective security principles of ECOWAS.

The situation as reported by the Government of Benin requires urgent external intervention. The distinguished Senate considers the close ties of brotherhood and friendship which exist between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, as well as the principles of collective security upheld within ECOWAS.

It is our duty to provide the support as requested by the Government of the Republic of Benin. While it is my hope that the Senate will consider and approve this request expeditiously, please accept, distinguished Senate President, distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards, he said.

After reading the letter, Mr Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for immediate consideration.

The attempted coup

The coup attempt unfolded on Sunday when a group of soldiers identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation appeared on state television to announce that they had removed President Talon from office. The group was led by Tigri Pascal, who declared himself head of the military committee.

The French Embassy in the country reported gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the presidents official residence.

However, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou later confirmed that loyalist forces had successfully repelled the coup.

The incident comes barely two weeks after a coup in Guinea-Bissau and adds to the wave of military takeovers that has swept across West Africa in recent years, including in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau.

Although Benin is widely regarded as a relatively stable democracy, President Talons administration has faced criticism for stifling dissent. In a televised address, however, Mr Talon assured citizens that security forces had fully contained the attempted takeover.
Ekerete Udoh, the spokesperson for Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, has stated that the administration is battle-ready to confront Mr Enos critics.

Let me sound it loud and clear here that we are battle-tested media veterans, Mr Udoh said at a media briefing on 1 December in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital, apparently referring to himself and other media aidesover 30 of themto the governor.

The political season may have started too early in Akwa Ibom, and let me say this, we will vigorously, decisively, and in the spirit of take no prisoners. I emphasise again, (well) take no prisoners. We will defend the honour of the governor, his integrity, his good works against the merchants and purveyors of blackmail and mischief, he added.

Mr Udoh said Governor Eno has come under coordinated attack on social media lately, and that those attacking the governor are not motivated by the principles of common good.

Be careful of what you are doing, he said of Mr Enos critics. We are watching you.

The press briefing was held at the Ministry of Information and chaired by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, who endorsed the outrageous remarks by Governor Enos spokesperson.

You all know what is in the air. Just like he (Udoh) said, we are ready, Mr Umanah said to the journalists present at the briefing, after Mr Udoh handed the microphone to him.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to take no prisoners is an idiomatic phrase which means to be aggressively harsh, tough, or relentless.

Criticisms against Eno

After his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in June, Governor Eno has faced criticism for his outrageous remarks and broken promise to run a cross-party administration, as well as his outright attacks on the PDP and its leaders and members in the state.

For instance, Mr Eno said recently that being a member of the APC is a prerequisite for appointments and contract awards in the oil-rich state.

In May, shortly before his defection, Mr Eno had vowed before his cabinet members that he would not relinquish the PDP structure in the state, even as he became a member of the APC.

Contrary to insinuations that I want to run both parties, far from it. And what is wrong with being interested? We would not leave the PDP for thieves to come and hijack it and use it to fight against us.

We will lead the structure of the party so that they can work together and stay so that people dont come from outside and think Umo Eno has moved, let me come and hijack the party. No, let the structure of the party remain. Theyve done their congresses, let them run and let it be that they are there, Mr Eno said.

The members of the Government House Uyo Press Corps, which included the Channels Television crew, were present when Mr Eno made the remarks.

After the meeting and sensing that Mr Enos remarks would definitely attract criticism, the governors spokesperson, Mr Udoh, quickly ordered all the correspondents at the press corps to suppress the story and not to publish the video clip of the governors remarks. However, Channels Television published the video clip, prompting the governor to ban the stations reporter, Christopher Moffat, and the cameraman, Kufre Ikpe, from the press corps.

Because of Mr Enos repressive actions against the Channels Television crew, the International Press Institute Nigeria blacklisted the governor on 2 December for serious violations of press freedom and democratic norms.

NUJ refuses to comment

Nsibiet John, the chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, was present at the briefing where Governor Enos spokesperson made the Well take no prisoners comment.

When contacted on Monday, Mr John told our reporter that he did not stay till the end of the briefing, and that he was not present when Mr Udoh made the comment.

The NUJ chairperson insisted he would not react to the remarks unless he saw a video clip of the spokespersons comment.

Mr John acknowledged receipt of the clip forwarded to him by our reporter, but afterwards declined to take the reporters calls seeking his reaction.

Like Mr John, Sunday Antai, a former NUJ chairperson in Akwa Ibom, declined to speak on the matter when contacted by PREMIUM TIMES on Monday.

Mr Antai, a publisher of a local newspaper in the state, suggested that the remarks could be viewed from different perspectives and that anyone could choose to like it or dislike it.

Our reporter asked him if he was comfortable with the spokespersons comments. Well, I wont say I was comfortable or not comfortable, he responded.

The former NUJ chairperson declined to speak when asked to confirm if newspapers were doing enough to hold Governor Eno and his administration accountable.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Fubara announced his defection to the APC at a meeting with some government officials at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The governors defection came hours after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja.

Why I defected to the APC

Mr Fubara, at the meeting, explained that his decision to defect to the APC was to enable him to offer full support to President Tinubu, who is a member of the APC.

The governor noted that he visited Mr Tinubu on Monday to brief him on the situation of things in Rivers State, and that the most interesting part of the meeting was their discussion about his planned defection to the APC.

But the most interesting part of the meeting is what you all have been waiting for. What you have been asking me. The signal has finally arrived, he said, apparently referring to the defection to the APC.

Mr Fubara continued: Everyone here who has followed me, who has suffered with me, my decision today, this evening is: We are moving to the APC.

We cant support Mr President if we dont fully identify with him, not backyard support.

The officials in attendance immediately began to sing in expression of solidarity and appreciation to the president.

Like Fubara, like Rivers lawmakers

Mr Fubaras defection happened days after 16 members of the Rivers House of Assembly, including the speaker, defected to the APC from the PDP.

Before now, there had been political crises in Rivers State, which were triggered by the feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Messrs. Fubara and Wikes face-off stemmed from their struggle for control of the political structures in Rivers.

The Fubara-Wike feud initially split the state assembly into two factions. While 27 lawmakers led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, were loyal to Mr Wike, a four-member faction of the assembly was loyal to Governor Fubara.

The political crises later resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by President Tinubu, who suspended Mr Fubara, his deputy and all elected officials in the state for six months.

In June, President Tinubu brokered a peace deal between the suspended governor and the FCT minister, which paved the way for the termination of the emergency rule and the lifting of the suspension on the elected officials.

Mr Fubara and the states assembly members resumed duties after 18 September 2025, following the presidents declaration of an end to the emergency rule in the south-southern state.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth recently hosted Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles. The Secretaries and Ministers committed to a range of new initiatives to advance the safety, security, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.



Australia and the United States are innovating how they deliver assistance and are enhancing coordination on strategic critical infrastructure investments in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. In particular, Australia committed to working with the United States, the Philippines, and Japan to advance the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor  a plan that is intended to spur economic partnerships among these countries and offer an alternative to Chinas predatory Belt and Road initiative. Indeed, the Luzon Corridor will accelerate coordinated investments in high-impact infrastructure projects such as rail, telecommunications, and port modernization.



President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at their meeting in October agreed to move full steam ahead on AUKUS, a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. AUKUS is intended to "promote a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable. In support of this, Secretary Hegseth noted the work underway to develop an enhanced trilateral submarine industrial base. He applauded Australias upcoming delivering of an additional one billion dollars to help expand U.S. submarine production capacity. This brings Australias contribution to this effort to $2 billion so far.



With regard to defense posture, said Secretary Hegseth, were upgrading the infrastructure on airbases in Queensland and the Northern Territory. That allows for additional U.S. bomber rotations. Were upgrading logistics and infrastructure in Darwin so more U.S. Marines can do rotational deployments and pre-positioning MV-22 Ospreys. This establishes new and resilient logistics networks across Australia.



The U.S. and Australia are also deepening their cooperation on guided weapons production and lethal capabilities.



In October, President Trump and Prime Minister Albanese signed a critical minerals agreement. Critical minerals and rare earths are a huge part of ensuring both countries can operate the way we need to in that region and around the world, stressed Secretary Hegseth.



These are practical ways that the U.S. and Australia can come together to ensure peace through strength for both nations, said Secretary Hegseth. The stronger we are together the more we can deter the kinds of conflicts neither of us want to see.
Nigeria and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening defence and military cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement comes as Nigeria confronts multiple security threats and seeks stronger international support to rebuild its defence capabilities.

The MoU was signed in Abuja by Nigerias Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and Saudi Arabias Assistant Minister of Defence for Executive Affairs, Khaled Al-Biyari.

According to a statement seen by PREMIUM TIMES as issued by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, of the Ministry of Defence, Enderline Chukwu, the pact represents a major step toward enhancing Nigerias defence architecture and expanding the operational reach of its armed forces.

According to the statement, Mr Matawalle hailed the MoU as a significant milestone, noting that it will facilitate cooperation in training, joint exercises, intelligence sharing, technical support, logistics and other mutually agreed defence engagements.

The agreement will run for an initial five-year period, with an option for renewal. Either party may terminate it with a three-month diplomatic notice.

He added that the partnership is expected to yield concrete benefits for Nigeria, including enhanced counter-terrorism efforts, improved professional military education and strengthened operational readiness through joint drills.

Background: NigeriaSaudi Arabia relations

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia share longstanding diplomatic, cultural and economic ties, heavily influenced by religious connections through the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Both nations also cooperate within multilateral bodies such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

In recent years, relations have expanded beyond religious and economic engagement to include investment discussions, energy cooperation and now direct defence collaboration  signalling a deepening strategic partnership between Abuja and Riyadh.

Nigerias security challenges

Nigeria faces an array of security challenges stretching across multiple regions. In the North-east, Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents remain active. Armed banditry and mass abductions plague the North-west, while communal clashes and farmerherder conflicts persist in the North-central.

The South-east grapples with violent separatist agitation, and oil theft and maritime crime continue in parts of the South-south.

These layered threats have placed significant strain on Nigerias military and security institutions, making international defence alliances  such as the newly signed pact with Saudi Arabia  critical to strengthening national security capacity.
The Federal Government has honoured the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, with the prestigious Outstanding Public Service Award, recognising his leadership reforms and the Corps growing national impact.

The award was conferred at a high-profile ceremony on Sunday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, commended Mr Mohammed for what he described as transformative and disciplined leadership.

He highlighted the Corps Marshals role in modernising FRSC operations, strengthening digital systems and repositioning the institution as a model for efficient public service delivery.

According to Mr Akume, the award reflects the administrations appreciation of institutions that demonstrate innovation, accountability and commitment to protecting Nigerian lives.

He lauded the FRSCs sustained campaigns on road discipline, enhanced patrol efficiency, and data-driven safety interventions under Mr Mohammeds stewardship.

The ceremony drew an impressive gathering of political leaders, senior government officials and heads of key federal agencies.

Among those in attendance were the governors of Adamawa, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Enugu states; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (represented); the Minister of Finance; and the Comptroller-Generals of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Correctional Service. Several of the attendees were also recipients of government honours for exemplary service.

In his acceptance speech, the Corps Marshal described the award as a collective achievement for the entire FRSC workforce.

He said it would inspire the Corps to deepen its efforts in reducing road crashes, promoting responsible driving culture and aligning road safety operations with the Federal Governments strategic priorities.

Mr Mohammed reaffirmed his commitment to sustained reforms and further deployment of technology to enhance national road safety systems.

This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue protecting lives and improving mobility across the country, he said.

Organisers said the award further elevates the FRSCs profile as one of Nigerias frontline public institutions and reinforces Mr Mohammeds reputation as a reform-driven leader whose initiatives continue to yield measurable improvements in road safety administration.
Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Joel Ikenya, has officially left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rejoin the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State.

In a statement he made available to journalists in Jalingo, Mr Ikenya said his decision followed careful deliberation and consultations, which he described as being in the best interest of the people of Taraba.

He expressed gratitude to the PDP for its role in his political journey, noting that the party provided the platform that allowed him to hold key positions in government.

I am pleased to announce that I have formally defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the interest of my people, Tarabans, Mr Ikenya wrote.

You are all aware that the PDP remains the party that has given me the platform to attain all the positions I have ever held in politics, and this is where I believe I am valued and appreciated.

He also took the opportunity to thank his supporters for their loyalty throughout his decades-long political career, assuring them that his move was guided by a commitment to serve his constituents effectively.

Mr Ikenya began his political career in the early 1990s and was elected to the Taraba State House of Assembly under the defunct Social Democratic Party. He later returned to the Assembly as a member of the PDP after Nigerias return to democracy, serving from 1999 to 2003, and subsequently in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.

In 2007, Mr Ikenya was elected to the Senate, representing Taraba South on the PDP platform. During his tenure in the Senate, he chaired the Senate Committee on Commerce and was a member of the Committee on Appropriations.

In March 2015, he was appointed Minister of Labour and Productivity by former President Goodluck Jonathan, a position he held until May of the same year.

Over the years, he has also pursued the governorship of Taraba State on multiple occasions, contesting under different party banners, including the Labour Party and the APC.

His political activities have earned him a reputation as a grassroots politician with deep influence, particularly in his home local government area of Wukari.
A member of the House of Representatives from Kebbi State, Mansur Jega, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Jega represents Aliero/Gwandu/Jega Constituency of the state.

His defection was announced on Tuesday by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during plenary, after reading a letter addressed to him (speaker) by the lawmaker.

In the letter, Mr Jega said he was compelled to leave the PDP due to what he described as deepening internal fractures and unresolved leadership disputes that had crippled the party in recent months.

He stressed that the crises had eroded cohesion within the party, weakened discipline and stalled its ability to provide effective political direction both at the national and state levels.

In recent months, the PDP has been faced with internal fractures, conflicts and unresolved crises that eroded unity and weakened organisational discipline, making it impossible for the party to provide greater leadership, he said.

Before the announcement, the House suspended its rules to admit several visitors into the chamber. Those in attendance included the APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, the APC National Legal Adviser, Murtala Kankia and other senior party officials who accompanied Mr Jega to witness the formal declaration.

The defection generated excitement among APC members seated in the chamber, some of whom hailed the announcement as soon as the speaker concluded reading the letter.

In his remarks, Speaker Tajudeen welcomed the lawmaker to the ruling party, describing the APC as the party of today and the party of tomorrow.

Mr Jegas move further strengthens the APCs numerical advantage in the House, coming at a time when the PDP continues to grapple with widening internal divisions across several states.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday decorated the acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, with the rank of colonel, reaffirming the place of public trust as a strategic enabler for successful military operations.

Mr Shaibu, a lieutenant general, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Bamidele Alabi, a major general, commended Ms Aneles professionalism and dedication, saying her elevation reflected the armys appreciation of hard work and excellence.

This is contained in a statement by Akinola Ajibola, a major and acting Staff Officer 1, Information/Publicity, Directorate of Army Public Relations, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He charged the directorate of army public relations to deepen transparent, accountable and timely communication that promotes credible public engagement.

The COAS said effective strategic communication remained critical to strengthening national confidence in the Armed Forces.

He further urged the newly decorated colonel to uphold the highest standards of discipline and loyalty while mentoring younger officers to enhance the directorates overall capacity.

In her remarks, Ms Anele thanked God and the leadership of the armed forces, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and the COAS, for what she described as visionary guidance that shaped her career.

The event was attended by senior officers, former Directors of Army Public Relations, family members and well-wishers.

(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu on Monday met with six governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. The meeting was held at the State House, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the closed-door meeting was held at the presidents office.

Governors Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Usman Ododo of Kogi, Aliyu Sokoto of Sokoto and Nasir Idris of Kebbi were in attendance.

The governors declined to speak with State House correspondents after the meeting.

Although details were not made public, discussions were believed to have focused on insecurity, kidnapping and banditry affecting several states.

President inubu had on 26 November declared a nationwide security emergency, directing security agencies to prioritise school safety while governors strengthen local early-warning mechanisms.

(NAN)
Some human rights advocates on Monday urged the Nigerian government to desist from abandoning its responsibilities of ensuring the social and economic wellbeing of its people under the guise of implementing market-centric policies.

The speakers, who shared their thoughts at the civil society and human rights defenders forum organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja, said such policies leave the people at the mercy of the private investors whose primary interest is making profits.

They cited the proliferation of private schools and hospitals, which render services at costs far beyond the reach of many Nigerians, while the government-owned institutions remain in poor state.

The Country Director of Care Nigeria, Hussaini Abdu, who set the tone of the deliberation on the issues, spoke of how the neoliberal policies championed by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Trade Organisation (WTO), have rather impoverished citizens.

Mr Abdu, who described the global bodies as the holy trinity of the neoliberal world, said their model of economic development, which hinges on austerity measures, does not work

They advance austerity measures. They ask you to remove the subsidy. They tell you the government has no business in providing for you and that the market will take care of it. And therefore, when your economy grows, then it will begin to percolate down to the poor. And have turned everybody, 73 per cent of Nigerians, into sadaka yala (beggars), Mr Abdu said.

The NHRCs event was designed to be part of the build-up to the 10 December International Human Rights Day and the commissions 30 years anniversary commemoration.

Mr Abdu, who spoke during a plenary session on Freedom from Fear and Want: Securing the Dignity in Nigeria, noted that Nigeria often adopted external prescriptions for economic growth to secure legitimacy and validation from foreign nations.

He said his call was not to criticise the polices of the world bodies but to charge the government to be responsible to its people, by providing, including, a support system and protection of right to basic income of its citizens.

He criticised the governments dependence on the private sector to provide welfare.

The philosophy that drives governance is different from the philosophy of business. Governance is about service. Business is about profits. And therefore, when you say the private sector should come and participate, you are actually saying the private sector should come and extract, he said.

He drew the attention of the participants to the invasion of the private sector in education and health care. He lamented the state of the government-owned health and education sector.

Poor funding of public institutions

Responding to the issues Mr Abdu raised, Aisha Abubakar, a representative of Kemi Okonyedo, Executive Director, Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), suggested funding of institutions.

Drawing from her experiences in dealing with marginalised groups, she said, The issue of funding has actually aggravated these issues in our system. In the sense that an average policeman cannot be able to visit the site of crime and give his own assistance based on the fact that he doesnt have the money to transport himself there. Or rather, as money has been given, but it has not cascaded down to him.

Similarly, the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Joseph Ochogwu, advised that the government invest in soft components, invest on the soft side, issues around peace, issues around human rights, the well-being of society, they are properly important areas.

Economic marginalisation, driver of fear

He noted that a lot of Nigerians are afraid because they are economically marginalised.

Speaking of freedom from fear, Mr Ochogwu suggested that for the economically marginalised, fear is directly linked to structural failures in society, whether economic expressions such as the inability to assess risk in marriage or in public health (high mortality rates in childbirth). These dictate life choices.

So, when society does not address some of those very basic things that people are scared of achieving their dreams, then of course society will be on the decline.

Similarly, Mr Abdu said the fundamental concepts of freedom from want are far more significant than just constitutional provisions; they are the foundation of the nations participation in the international scene.

When asked about Nigerias performance, Senior Human Rights Adviser UNOHCHR, Adwoa Kuffour, said, Nigeria is doing just as well as all the other members of the United Nations family.

Ms Kuffour noted that while Nigeria has made progress, there are certainly challenges.

There are challenges in terms of reporting, certainly, to the treaty bodies. But again, as I said, this is not a challenge peculiar to Nigeria itself. There are other countries that face similar challenges.

She stated that with the implementation of agreements and treaties that Nigeria has willingly signed, most of the issues would be solved.

A quick fix not the solution: Women education is key

Mr Abdu warned against a quick fix by the government. He stressed that the government needed to balance population and productivity.

He also noted that the level of centralisation in the federal system is inhibitory.

Speaking of the issues surrounding poverty in Northern Nigeria, he hammered home significance of the education of women.

He said, And we cannot transform the socio-economic condition of the northern part of the country without transforming the condition of women.

It actually means that we must expand womens access to education. When we expand womens access to education, we have fundamentally reduced the challenges of illiteracy and the challenges of health and health services, and maternal mortality.

Evidence around the world tells us that if you educate a woman up to secondary school level, you can reduce maternal mortality by 60 per cent. And its such a cheap thing to do.

He concluded by advising Nigerians to change their philosophy of governance. He called for the improvement of social amenities rather than physical structures.

Overhead bridges, bypasses, underpasses, massive secretariats, huge government houses. It is irresponsible for a state that has been struggling with a humanitarian crisis for 15 years to have resources to build overhead bridges. It does not make sense.

He noted that the funds spent on building legacy projects could be used to provide better health services, education, and connect villages. Mr Abdu stressed that connecting villages could open up markets and increase economic growth.

He stated that for the country to change, the values also needed to change.

Poverty rate in Nigeria

Poverty remains a persistent problem in Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 63 per cent of Nigerians (133 million people) are multidimensionally poor.

Out of this figure, 65 per cent of the poor (86 million people) live in the North, while 35 per cent (nearly 47 million) live in the South.

The poverty levels are projected to hit 61 percent in 2025 as 139 million people slipped below $3 per person per day.
The N4.6 billion arms procurement fraud trial of former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki and his co-defendants stalled on Tuesday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja due to the absence of a prosecution witness.

Mr Dasuki is standing trial in the 10-year-old case alongside former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, his son Sagir Bafarawa, former Minister of State for Finance Bashir Yuguda, and Dalhatu Investment Limited.

Prosecution lawyer Rotimi Jacobs, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), told the judge that the second prosecution witness, Kazeem Yusuf, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigator, was unavailable due to bereavement.

Reflecting on the prolonged time the case has taken in court, the trial judge, Halilu Yusuf, said, This is one case that we all agree has to be disposed of.

Mr Jacobs, who regretted the further delay caused by the absence of the witness, said he was recently informed of the witness bereavement by his boss.

He said he had made efforts to contact the witness directly to no avail.

The prosecutor then applied for an adjournment of the case following the absence of the witness.

The defence lawyers did not object to the application for adjournment.

Mr Yugudas lawyer, A. O. Ayodele, told the court that they were intimated about the circumstances surrounding the witness unavailability.

The judge then adjourned the case until 28 January 2026 for the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness.

Mr Dasuki and his co-defendants are facing 25 counts of misappropriation, criminal breach of trust and receiving stolen property.

The charges accused them of diverting N4.6 billion from the NSA offices account. The money was said to be meant for procurement of arms to firm up the offensive against Boko Haram terrorists during former President Goodluck Jonathan administration, between 2014 and 2015.

They all pleaded not guilty.

What the prosecution has said so far

The first prosecution witness, Hamza Abdullahi, who served as the second-in-command of the EFCCs Special Task Force that investigated the alleged arms procurement fraud in the NSA office, had testified that N4.633 billion was traced to Dalhatu Investment Limited. He said Mr Sagir, the son of the former Sokoto governor, is the companys sole account signatory.

The second prosecution witness, Mr Yusuf, had also testified that funds were released from the NSA office for supply of security equipment but that the contracts were not executed.

He said, during investigation, Mr Sagir brought a list showing how the funds were used.

The witness said the funds were used to sponsor pilgrimage to Mecca and partly used for the 2015 political campaigns of the then-ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He listed the recipients of the funds to include Sheikh AbdurRahman Al-Sudais Foundation (N500 million), belonging to former Governor Bafarawa, and 2015 Sokoto PDP governorship candidate, Abdallah Wali, who allegedly received N580 million through a company.

The case is one of the twin arms procurement fraud matters filed against Mr Dasuki and his co-defendants over the streams of funds he released from NSA offices accounts between 2014 and 2015.

In the trial, EFCC prosecution Mr Dasuki, a retired colonel, alongside a former General Manager at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa; Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited on 32 counts of fraud involving diversion of 33.2 billion arms funds entrusted to the NSA office.

In March, the EFCC re-arraigned the defendants on criminal breach of trust, among other charges, following the reassignment of the case that started in 2015 to a new judge, Charles Agbaza.

The defendants denied all charges as they did when they were first arraigned in 2015.

These trials suffered multiple adjournments in their early years, largely due to the State Security Services (SSS) refusing to release Mr Dasuki on bail despite multiple court orders.

The cases are part of Nigerias longest-running high-profile corruption trials, reflecting systemic delays in the countrys judicial system.

Mr Dasuki served as NSA between 2012 and 2015, at the height of Boko Haram attacks in Nigerias North-east, during the administration of then-President Goodluck Jonathan.

An audit panel set up by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, who came to office after defeating Mr Jonathan in the 2015 presidential election, revealed that about $2 billion entrusted in the office of the NSA, then led by Mr Dasuki, for procurement of arms could not be accounted for.

The EFCC, which instituted multiple charges against diverse persons who received funds from the NSA office, alleged that the arms funds were doled out to friends, relatives, political allies, particularly members of the PDP for purposes unrelated to the purchase of arms.
The Senate on Tuesday approved President Bola Tinubus request to deploy Nigerian troops to Benin Republic to help restore peace and defend democratic institutions threatened by an attempted military takeover in the neighbouring West African country.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the approval after the lawmakers adopted the request through a voice vote at the committee of the whole.

The request was however, not subjected to debate. Mr Akpabio simply put it to a vote, and the majority supported it before the Senate reverted to plenary.

The approval followed a letter from President Tinubu seeking legislative consent, in line with constitutional requirements. The president is mandated to obtain National Assembly approval within 14 days of deploying troops, according to Section 5(5) of the Nigerian Constitution.

Despite the request arriving only moments before the vote, Nigerian Air Force personnel had already been deployed to Benin to support efforts to quell the coup attempt, an intervention the presidency said was made at the request of Beninese authorities. The operation is believed to have succeeded, and the coup leader, Tigri Pascal, has since been declared wanted.

Saving Nigeria from refugee spillover

After the vote, Mr Akpabio said the Senates decision would help prevent a potential influx of refugees into Nigeria and protect the countrys borders.

Deploy of the Air Force and Troops to Benin Republic to ensure peace mission and restore order and sanity in that country, thereby saving Nigerians from thousands and thousands of refugees and also saving the Nigerian border from unnecessarily criminality and disruption of peace and stability, he said.

He also commended President Tinubu for adhering to constitutional provisions by seeking legislative approval and said a letter of consent will be sent to the president immediately.

Let me thank the president for complying with the constitutional requirements, requesting the Senate to give him the approval and consent to deploy troops and deploy all necessary elements as requested by the Republic of Benin to ensure peace, stability and to save democracy in that country.

We believe that the president has taken the right direction. The letter of consent will be sent to the President immediately and we thank him for rising to the occasion because injury to one is injury to all and moreover, the impact this would have had on Nigeria in terms of security of our borders could have been terrible, he added.
The Nigerian Army has denied media reports of the killing of seven women protesters on Monday by soldiers in the convoy of a brigade commander in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

According to a report by Daily Trust, the women were protesting an alleged delayed response by the military to a conflict between the Bachama and Chobo communities in the area when the incident occurred.

The women were said to have blocked the movement of troops into the area after accusing security agencies of biased interventions in favour of the Chobo community.

However, during the confrontation, sources said the military allegedly fired shots into the crowd and four of the women died on the spot, while three others died in the hospital. It was further learnt that 11 others, who were injured, are currently receiving treatment, the newspaper reported.

They came out peacefully, carrying leaves, begging for security; instead, they were met with live gunfire, the newspaper further stated, quoting Agoso Bamaiyi, the district head of Gyawana, a community in Lamurde LGA.

The wounded were rushed to Numan General Hospital, where medical officials say some remain in critical condition, Mr Bamaiyi reportedly added.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, Olusegun Abidoye, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai / 23 Brigade, described the reported killing of the women protesters by soldiers as baseless.

Mr Abidoye, a captain, said the troops had a confrontation with members of a militia group fighting for one of the warring communities, while some women tried to block the troops passage to secure the local government secretariat.

During the confrontation, he said the troops neutralised eight militia members and later saw the bodies of two women, whose deaths he attributed to the militia group.

Mr Abidoye denied the presence of the brigade commander or his escorts at the scene of the reported encounter.

He said: It is necessary to inform the general public that neither the Brigade Commander nor his escorts was at the scene of the communal clash as the Brigade Commander was participating virtually in the Chief of Army Staffs weekly operational brief at the time of the purported shooting by his escorts.

Headquarters 23 Brigade wishes to set the record straight that combined troops of 23 Brigade Garrison, Nigerian Police Force, NSCDC and DSS received information about the communal clashes between Bachama and Chobo tribes of Lamurde LGA of Adamawa State at about 0135 hours ( 1:30 AM) of Monday, 8 December 2025.

The communal clash was as a result of the unresolved land disputes and ethnic acrimony between Chobo and Bachama tribes. Troops moved swiftly to the affected communities to return normalcy to the affected areas of Tingno, Rigange, Tito, Waduku and Lamurde.

In the course of its operations, a militia armed group suspected of fighting for one of the warring communities- Chobo attacked the troops. The troops, being a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force, decisively engaged the militia-armed men in the firefight. During the exchange of fire, troops neutralised 3 of the gunmen and forced other members of the militia group to flee the general area. The troops were able to put the clashes under control.

The troops and other security agencies later exploited the withdrawal route of the militia group, where an additional 5 neutralised members of the armed men were discovered with a motorcycle. Furthermore, the troops received a distress call that a warring community had mobilised to attack the Lamurde Local Governments Secretariat.

While moving to secure the Secretariat, some women blocked the road to deny troops passage to the Secretariat while armed men suspected to be fighting for Bachama extraction fired indiscriminately within the community. Troops then created a passage and proceeded to the Local Government Secretariat ( LGS) to secure the area. At this point, no woman was shot or injured. Otherwise, troops would not have been allowed to find any passage through the crowd.

The troops were able to secure the Secretariat from the assailant. While stationed at the Local Government Lodge (LGL), 2 corpses of women were brought to the Lodge by the people of the community and alleged that they were killed by own troops.

Without equivocation, the casualties were caused by the unprofessional handling of automatic weapons by the local militias who are not proficiently trained to handle such automatic weapons.

Notwithstanding, the Brigade deeply sympathises with the family of the slain woman and urges the warring communities to embrace peace to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and destruction of properties.

The Brigade remains resolute and committed to the discharge of its constitutional duties in aid of civil authorities and will continue to apply due diligence as it conducts its operational engagements to ensure peace and stability in its Area of Responsibility.

Headquarters 23 Brigade urges the general public to kindly disregard the malicious report, the statement stated.

Curfew

The incident, which prompted the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew on the area, is the latest flashpoint in a cycle of violence that has repeatedly tested the credibility of peacebuilding efforts in the Numan Federation.

The police have deployed tactical units across Rugange, Wadugo and other hotspots, while security forces continue to patrol key locations. Yet residents worry that the curfew merely pauses the violence without addressing structural grievances.

Adamawa has seen several rounds of curfews in recent years, each coinciding with violent outbreaks in the Numan Federation.

The latest clashes reportedly began after a dispute involving a missing motorcycle escalated into threats and retaliation. But analysts note that deeper issues, land disputes, boundary disagreements, competition over farmlands, and weakened traditional conflict-resolution systems continue to fuel the violence.

The conflicting narratives over the current incident have further eroded confidence in the local peace process, which has struggled to contain recurring hostility between the two ethnic groups.

In recent years, some civil society organisations, such as Search for Common Ground (SFCG), established early-warning mechanisms and dialogue platforms. However, local actors say these structures lack sufficient government backing.

The structures exist, but without strong follow-up, they cannot prevent attacks when tensions flare, said community leader Zati Bawa. People are losing trust in promises that remain on paper.

What next?

For Lamurde, where tensions remain high and years of unresolved disputes continue to shape local dynamics, the coming days will be crucial. Whether the state government can restore confidence and prevent another round of violence may determine if the region edges toward stability or deeper fragmentation.
This photo taken on Dec. 5, 2025 shows theropod footprints on a rock wall in Dujiangyan City, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua)

CHENGDU, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Paleontologists have identified more than 20 dinosaur and other vertebrate footprints on a rock wall in southwest China's Sichuan Province, a discovery they say sheds new light on early dinosaur evolution around 200 million years ago.

The tracks were found in the city of Dujiangyan by a hiker last month, and their authenticity was later confirmed by a research team led by Xing Lida, an associate professor at China University of Geosciences (Beijing). It is the first time dinosaur footprints have been reported in Dujiangyan.

Xing said these prints include theropod footprints of different sizes, left by meat-eating dinosaurs, as well as chirotherian-type tracks, which resemble a human hand and are attributed to early archosaur reptiles.

"What makes this site particularly valuable is that at least four layers preserve footprints, suggesting dinosaurs lived here for a long period," Xing explained.

Researchers also found pieces of petrified wood near these tracks, including fallen logs and upright stumps preserved in place, providing additional information about the nature of the local ecosystem more than 200 million years ago.

Jiang Shan, a researcher at the Zigong Dinosaur Museum in Sichuan, said this newly identified material can help scientists better understand the early evolutionary history of dinosaurs in China.

This photo taken on Dec. 5, 2025 shows dinosaur footprints on a rock wall in Dujiangyan City, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua)

Editor: ZAD
Bandits who abducted 16 people from villages in the Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State have released only two of the captives after collecting the ransom they negotiated for the release of all the captives.

The village head of Yan Kamaye, Sunusi Abubakar, told PREMIUM TIMES on Monday that the bandits agreed to accept a N5 million ransom after days of negotiation with the locals.

However, they reneged on the deal after the ransom was delivered to them, releasing only two of their 16 captives, Mr Abubakar said.

We provided the ransom, but the criminals released only two people without offering any reason for holding the 14 others.

In my territory, which consists of over nine villages, the bandits killed a woman and abducted 16 residents. Only two people were released after the payment of N5 million, which was meant for their release, the traditional leader stated.

The police spokesperson in the state, Haruna Kiyawa, did not respond to the phone calls from our reporter requesting comment on the kidnappings.

Unlike other states in the Nigerian North-west region, kidnapping for ransom and armed banditry are rare in Kano.

Residents are attributing the recent incursion of the malaise in the area to terrorists moving from Katsina State after negotiating unofficial deals with rural communities to spare them from attacks.

The attacks, primarily occurring in remote Kano North communities bordering Katsina State, are causing mayhem and displacing people from their ancestral homes.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday held a two-hour closed-door meeting with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, to address suspected concerns surrounding the non-payment of indigenous contractors.

The meeting, which lasted from 11:48 a.m. to 1:24 p.m., was presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

Before the House went into executive session, proceedings began with the usual opening formalities, the recitation of the National Anthem and subsequently, Mr Tajudeen directed the Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, to move the motion for the House to dissolve into a closed session.

The motion was adopted without objection.

Although the leadership did not disclose the issues discussed or any resolutions reached, there are indications that the conversation touched on the delayed implementation of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act, a delay believed to be stalling federal projects and straining contractors who rely on timely disbursements to meet obligations.

For months, the plight of indigenous contractors has remained a sore point for the National Assembly.

Recall that weeks earlier, contractors barricaded the National Assembly gate in a sustained protest, vowing to occupy the premises and disrupt legislative activities if their outstanding payments were not settled. Their agitation paralysed access to the premises and drew national attention to the scale of unpaid debts.

In response, the House in November moved to suspend its plenary sessions for one week after the contractors protest intensified at the National Assembly complex.

During that period, the chamber issued a seven-day ultimatum to Mr Edun, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamsudeen Ogunjimi.

They were directed to immediately clear all outstanding debts owed to indigenous contractors and guarantee the effective implementation of the 2025 budget.

However, they made a U-turn hours later and reconvened for plenary the following day, claiming that there were positive developments arising from engagements and interventions across various levels of government concerning issues that informed the earlier adjournment, particularly matters relating to contractors agitations and the non-release of funds under the 2024/2025 budget.
The Kano State High Court has scheduled 14 January, 2026, for the appearance of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to face criminal charges filed against him by the Kano State Government over the ownership dispute on the Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.

Mr Ganduje, who served as governor between 2015 and 2023, was charged alongside Abubakar Bawuro, his lawyer, Adamu Aliyu-Sanda, and the former Managing Director of the Nigeria Shippers Council, Hassan Bello, on 10 counts of criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, and conflict of interest.

The judge, Yusuf Muhammad, after hearing the counsel for the state government, Muhuyi Magajis application on 26 November, ordered that the complainant serve the charge and notice of hearing on the defendants by substituted means through the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) head office, Ikeja; Lagos, the annex office in Abuja and his residential address at No. 8 Hale Selassie Street, Abuja. Mr Ganduje is now the chairman of FAAN, a federal agency.

Background

PREMIUM TIMES exposed how Mr Ganduje secretly transferred the state governments 20 per cent stake in the facility to private hands, making his children co-owners of the company before awarding a contract worth more than N4 billion to provide infrastructure for the project.

The transfer ended Kano States shareholding in the project, while Mr Gandujes children and aide, Abubakar Bawuro, became directors and shareholders.

Others charged by the state government include former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Hassan Bello, and Mr Gandujes family lawyer, Adamu Aliyu-Sanda.

The state government accused the defendants of conspiring to fraudulently transfer 80 per cent of the shares of Dala Inland Dry Port, including the states 20 per cent equity, to private ownership under the fictitious name City Green Enterprise.

The prosecution also alleged that the defendants diverted over 4.49 billion of Kano State funds to execute infrastructure projects, including a double carriageway, electricity, and perimeter fencing at the dry port, for their personal and family benefit.

The defendants also faced charges of abuse of office and conflict of interest, as it was alleged that they leveraged their official roles to redirect public resources for personal benefit, thereby violating financial and constitutional regulations.

The prosecution has assembled several key witnesses, including government officials who were allegedly manipulated into signing documents that facilitated fraudulent transactions from the state government to the Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.

What Premium Times investigation exposed

When Dala Inland Dry Port Limited was incorporated on 8 December 2003, its only directors were the founder, Ahmad Rabiu, and his son, Rabiu Ahmad Rabiu.

Two years later, at an extraordinary general meeting on 19 January 2005, the board was expanded with the appointment of four new directors: Abdulaziz Haladu, Anwar Isyaku-Rabiu, Diepreye George, and Abdullahi Kwaru.

Records obtained by this newspaper show that on 5 March 2020, Mr Gandujes three children and his longtime associate, Abubakar Bawuro, replaced Mr Rabius son and all other directors elected in 2005 as board members of the company.

Minutes of the companys Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on 5 March 2020, at its Zaria Road office in Kano, confirmed the appointment of Abdulaziz Abdullahi Umar, Umar Abdullahi Umar, and Muhammad Abdullahi Umarall children of Mr Ganduje alongside Mr Bawuro as new directors of Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.

It was also at the meeting that the state government was removed as a co-owner of the dry port and the Ganduje children were appointed, not just as directors, but also as shareholders with five million shares each.

According to its ordinary resolution, the meeting was attended by all the shareholders, and it was unanimously resolved that Abdulaziz Abdullah Umar, Umar Abdullahi Umar, and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar the three children of Mr Ganduje be allotted five million shares each, each being 20 per cent of the total 25 million shares of the company.

Mr Rabiu and Mr Bawuro were also each allotted 20 per cent, creating a new ownership structure of five equal shareholders, each with 20 per cent of the companys shares.

This structure edged out the Kano State Government from the ownership of the company.

The state government said due process was not followed in the divestment process, accusing Mr Ganduje of using his office to undermine the state.
At the just-concluded West African Energy Cooperation Summit in Accra, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, highlighted the key factors behind the success of the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).

He stated that supportive regulations and strong partnerships with the private sector were crucial to the agencys achievements.

Mr Aliyu noted that REA is now regarded as one of the continents leading rural electrification agencies, particularly in off-grid deployment driven by private sector participation. According to him, the results recorded under NEP provided policymakers with the confidence to approve what has grown into the largest publicly funded renewable energy project globally.

He attributed the success to three pillars: regulation, private-sector engagement, and availability of reliable data.

Firstly, the mini-grid regulation in Nigeria is among the best, and this feedback comes directly from the private sector, he said. The flexibility of the regulation, clarity regarding grid arrival, tariff setting, and community engagement were all very clear. Regulation has been a major contributing factor.

He added that result-based financing, performance-based grants, minimum subsidy tenders, and a simplified investment framework have encouraged developers and financiers to scale deployment across communities.

Secondly, partnerships with the private sector, the result-based financing framework, performance-based grants, and the minimum subsidy tender framework are simple and efficient ways to encourage private sector investment and deployment of mini-grids.

The third success factor, he explained, is access to data, which he said enables investors and funders to plan effectively.

The availability of data has been crucial. Data helps the private sector make both long-term and short-term financing plans and enables financiers to structure funding effectively.

He said the same principles are now driving the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project, a $750 million World Bank-funded programme that aims to provide new or improved electricity supply to 17.5 million Nigerians.

Our target with DARES is to electrify 17.5 million Nigerians. DARES may be the Nigerian World Bank project completed even before the planned five-year timeline.

According to him, nearly $2 billion is expected to be mobilised over the next three years through private sector participation, prompting the search for additional funding.

Based on current progress and private sector commitment, we anticipate that in three years, nearly $2 billion will be mobilised. That is why we have started sourcing additional financing. Essentially, this success is the result of extensive discussions with funders over almost 12 months before they access the grant.

He noted that the agencys design approach ensured access to multiple financing pools, giving developers better leverage in sourcing equipment.

During project design, we ensured that we catalyse a funding pool for the private sector. Currently, we have about four different international and local financing options available. Not only did we design financing agreements, but we also developed financial solutions.

Mr Aliyu cited an example where engagement with a financier backed by a Chinese bank enabled Nigerian developers to access Tier 1 PV manufacturers directly, at no extra cost.

For example, one financier we engaged, backed by a Chinese bank, provided Tier 1 manufactured PV panels at no additional cost. We structured the agreement so that a local developer in Nigeria, once signed with this financier, can directly access Tier 1 manufacturers in China. The same approach was applied to logistics companies, reducing the time lag for developers to access financing. This has been one of the key innovations we achieved, he said.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that REA previously focused on grid extension, but its mandate now prioritises off-grid interventions such as mini-grids and solar home systems.

In Accra, top government officials, innovators, policymakers, industry leaders and partners attended the Energy Summit, organised by Energy Net and hosted in collaboration with Ghanas Ministry of Energy and Green Transition. The African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) participated as Lead Sponsor alongside Endeavour Energy and Denham Capital, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable energy growth across the region.

The gathering convened leaders committed to shaping a resilient and sustainable energy future for West Africa and the continent.

Top government officials called for deeper regional cooperation to address electricity shortages, secure long-term energy supply, and unlock the economic potential of the sub-region.

Energy experts called for deeper collaboration between government institutions and private sector players to upgrade national grid systems and accelerate regional power integration across West Africa.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a slight decrease in new Lassa fever infections in epidemiological week 47, even as fatalities from the disease continue to surpass last years figures.

In its latest situation report for 1723 November 2025, the agency said 17 new confirmed cases were recorded across Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Taraba states, a drop from the 19 cases reported the previous week.

Cumulatively, Nigeria has confirmed 1,012 Lassa fever cases and 185 deaths as of week 47.

This represents a case fatality rate of 18.3 per cent, which is higher than the 16.4 per cent recorded within the same period in 2024.

The report shows that 21 states have recorded at least one confirmed case this year, with infections spread across 102 local government areas.

The burden remains concentrated, as 87 per cent of all confirmed cases originated from Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Taraba states.

Ondo accounted for the highest proportion with 37 per cent, followed by Bauchi with 21 per cent, Edo with 17 per cent and Taraba with 12 per cent.

The report shows that the disease continues to affect young adults the most. The predominant age group is 2130 years, with a median age of 30. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases is 1:0.8.

The NCDC also reported that no healthcare worker was infected in week 47.

Case numbers remain lower than last year

The agency noted that both suspected and confirmed cases are fewer than those reported at the same time in 2024.

However, it warned that delays in seeking care remain a major driver of the high fatality rate.

Poor health-seeking behaviour, coupled with the high cost of treatment, continues to push many patients to present late at health facilities, reducing their chances of survival.

National and state response activities

The situation report detailed a wide range of response activities implemented during the week.

These include behavioural assessments in high-burden states, ongoing infection prevention and control work, a series of After Action Reviews for the 2024/2025 outbreak season and continued training of Lassa fever clinical management fellows.

National Rapid Response Teams were also deployed to multiple states to support surveillance and treatment, while essential supplies such as personal protective equipment, ribavirin, body bags and thermometers were distributed to treatment centres.

The NCDC also highlighted ongoing collaboration with partners on clinical trials, environmental response campaigns, updated risk communication strategies and digital learning platforms for infection control.

Several states, including Ondo, Edo, Ebonyi and Lagos, continued state-level interventions ranging from clinician sensitisation to temperature monitoring of contacts.

Persistent challenges

Despite these efforts, the NCDC acknowledged persistent challenges affecting the national response.

It said late presentation remains one of the most significant barriers to reducing fatalities.

It also noted that conditions in many high-burden communities remain poor, with inadequate sanitation and limited awareness contributing to sustained transmission.

The high cost of treatment, according to the agency, continues to discourage timely care-seeking.

Sustained vigilance

The agency urged state governments to intensify community engagement and sustain prevention campaigns throughout the year.

It also encouraged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever and ensure timely referral and treatment of suspected cases.

The NCDC and its partners said they would continue to strengthen state-level capacity to prevent, detect and respond to outbreaks more efficiently.

Lassa fever

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted to humans primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rats.

It can also spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids.

The disease often begins with fever, weakness, and headache, and may progress to more severe symptoms such as bleeding, difficulty breathing, swelling, and organ failure.

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with Ribavirin are critical for improving survival.
Facts have emerged on how Adamu Talba, a former senator who passed away on July 14, was nominated for ambassadorial appointment by President Bola Tinubu last week.

The discovery of his death attracted widespread criticism to the presidency, with outspoken political commentator and activist, Mahdi Shehu, describing the blunder as worthy of inclusion in the Guinness Book of Records.

PREMIUM TIMES findings revealed that the deceased senator was nominated by the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, many months ago.

President Tinubu delayed the appointment of ambassadors for nearly two years until he released the list of nominees after his administration came in the cross hairs of American President Donald Trump and some Republican lawmakers over alleged persecution and killings of Christians in Nigeria.

Some critics have described the nomination of the ambassadors as a panicky reaction to the American pressures.

Our reporter gathered that the children of the late lawmaker sent an appreciation letter to Mr Geidam, who is a former governor and political godfather of Yobe State, for recommending their father for the appointment.

The list released by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga also contains spelling errors, as the late senators surname, Garba, was rendered as Tarba, and his local government area was stated as Na-gari, instead of Nangere.

Mr Shehu, in a post shared on X on Friday, described the mistake as a sad, scandalous and avoidable blunder.

This clearly shows everything is being done in a panicky, haphazard and fire brigade approach out of FEAR and in a hurry to please local and foreign influencers so that the lion can have some sleep, he wrote.

In the opinion of the Katsina-born outspoken businessman and medical practitioner, the appearance of a deceased person on an official list reveals deep institutional failures.

He questioned why agencies tasked with verifying the names and backgrounds of nominees did not carry out even the most basic checks.

It shows how agencies responsible for vetting nominees are clearly not doing their job, he wrote.

Regimes that will continue to fail are those that have no blueprint, no action plan, panicky, full of injustice and unfairness, with open bias and hate against those they perceive or are made to perceive them as enemies that must be eliminated at all cost.

Currently, its unclear whether Yobe has a new nominee, as state officials have remained silent on the matter.

However, there are rumours that the immediate past Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, may replace the late senator as the nominee from the state. He comes from the same senatorial district as the late Mr Talba.

When contacted, Mr Aliyu denied knowledge of the rumours.

This is political time, and there are too many speculations on peoples minds and on their lips. The truth is that our ways are different from those of Allah, and whatever people speculate, Allahs will still prevail, and for me, my absolute belief is in Him and Him alone, Mr Aliyu said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, has called for collaborative and diversified funding models for the Nigerian education sector, which would involve the private sector, alumni, and local communities.

Mr Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Aliyu Modibo, made the call in his remarks at opening of a two-day 2025 Nigeria Education Forum in Abuja on Tuesday.

The event was organised by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), the Federal Ministry of Education, the Committee of States Commissioners of Education in Nigeria, and partner organisations.

Describing education as the ultimate foundation of national stability and progress, Mr Shettima said that its financing burden could no longer rest on the government alone.

He said the country can no longer depend exclusively on traditional models of government-only funding.

He said there is no doubt that the country must transition towards a system that is collaborative, innovative, and resilient.

The theme of this years forum, Pathways to Sustainable Education Financing: Developing a Synergy Between Town and Gown, compels us to rethink the very foundation of our educational ecosystem, he said.

Our needs have grown from classrooms to laboratories, from basic literacy to digital competence, from theoretical instruction to industry-aligned skills.

He said these needs demand a diversified and sustainable financing model, one robust enough to carry the aspirations of a new generation.

Mr Shettima highlighted President Bola Tinubu-led administrations clear commitment to increasing education financing over the past three years.

He noted that the administrations allocation for Education rose significantly under the Renewed Hope plan from N1.54 trillion in year 2023 to N2.18 trillion in 2024 and N3.52 trillion in 2025.

He added that the government also strengthened this investment through key agencies, adding that Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) budget grew from N320.3 billion in 2023 to N683.4 billion in 2024, and now to N1.6 trillion in 2025.

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has expanded its reach. 25 states and the FCT have accessed N92.4 billion in matching grants, he said.

Another N19 billion has supported teacher development in 32 states and the FCT.

A further N1.5 billion has reached more than 1,147 communities. UBE grants also increased from about N1.3 billion to over N3.3 billion per state, allowing each state to access more than N6.6 billion through counterpart funding.

Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has opened new doors of opportunity. Created under the Student Loans Act of 2024, it has disbursed N86.3 billion to over 450,000 students in 218 tertiary institutions.

He said this Fund signals a new era where no Nigerian is denied tertiary education for lack of money.

He called on all stakeholders including the private sector actors, industry leaders, alumni networks, philanthropists, and communities to co-invest in laboratories, research centres, vocational hubs, innovation clusters, and endowment funds.

Mr Shettima said that since education begins in the community, local governments and traditional institutions must take responsibility for infrastructure development, school maintenance, security, and teacher welfare.

He also called on industries to work closely with tertiary and vocational institutions to shape curricula that reflected real labour-market needs.

Our universities, in turn, must cultivate a sustainable endowment culture, mobilise alumni support, and establish professorial chairs that strengthen academic excellence and global competitiveness, he added.

The vice president said that the millions of out-of-school children represented a national emergency that required unified action from the federal, states, and local governments, as well as community stakeholders.

Mr Shettima added that teachers must enjoy adequate training, welfare, and professional recognition if they are to deliver the outcomes Nigerian children deserved.

Technical and vocational training must be scaled up to equip our young people with marketable skills and reduce socioeconomic vulnerability.

All these interventions require financing that is predictable, diversified, and sustained, he said. (NAN)
A prosecution witness on Monday told the FCT High Court in Abuja how he allegedly received money multiple times from some local governments of Taraba State and other sources on behalf of Bello Yero, who is Governor Darius Ishakus co-defendant in a N27 billion fraud trial.

Prince Onwuzunike, who is the second prosecution witness, told the court that he received the money ranging from N20 million to N100 million, through his bank accounts from some local governments, including Ardo Kola, Gasol, and Yorro.

According to the witness, who described a purely personal relationship with Mr Yero, said he handed the money, which received on numerous occasions between 2019 and 2020, to the then governor Mr Ishakus personal assistant, Ismail Lawal, who earlier testified as the first prosecution witness.

Mr Lawal, the first prosecution witness, in his testimony which began in January and ran for months, shared details of how he received millions of naira from various state government officials and other persons on the instruction of Mr Ishaku and distributed the funds also according to the direction of the then- governor.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the ex-governor alongside Mr Yero on 15 counts of criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and fraudulent conversion of N27 billion belonging to Taraba State.

The anti-graft agency said the two defendants diverted the money from the contingency funds belonging to the states Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and certain local governments of the states into their private uses.

Mr Yero was Permanent Secretary, Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during Mr Ishakus reign as governor. Mr Ishaku was the governor of the north-eastern state from 2015 to 2023.

They both pleaded not guilty to the charges, setting off a full-blown trial that took off with the testimony of the first prosecution witness this year.

Second prosecution witness shares money transfer details

The second prosecution witness, who identified himself as a businessman selling phones and accessories, spoke on his ties to Mr Yero.

Led in evidence by EFCCs prosecution lawyer Rotimi Jacobs, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the witness said their relationship was like that of a father and son. He noted that he had known Mr Yero prior to his appointment as a permanent secretary in the Taraba State civil service.

Mr Onwuzunike said he started receiving money on behalf of Mr Yero after receiving a call from him asking him to expect a money transfer alert from one Taiwo Jones.

The transactions started the day the permanent secretary (Mr Yero) called me (to tell me) that someone would send money into my account by the name Taiwo Jones. In a short while, I received an alert of the money, and I called and told him that I had received the money.

He said he would give the phone number and name of the person I would go and give the money to at Taraba State Government Lodge at Asokoro by the name Mr Lawal Dare, the witness said.

Apart from Mr Jones, the witness said, others who sent money to his Zenith and Access bank accounts included P3 Cornerstone and some local governments in Taraba State.

It was regular. Sometimes, I received from Taiwo Jones and P3 Cornerstone, a few from Ardo Kola Local Government (LG), Gasol LG and Yorro LG. I always withdrew and gave it to Mr Lawal, he said.

He said the transactions, which ranged between N20 and N100 million, were made between 2019 and 2020, adding that he later realised that P3 Cornerstone was owned by Mr Jones.

The witness said he didnt know where the senders got the money from but maintained that the transactions were regular.

Earlier prosecution witness detailed money received, shared on behalf of ex-governor

Mr Onwuzunike urged the EFCCs lawyer to go through his account statement earlier tendered in as an exhibit to confirm some transactions.

Thereafter, the judge, Sylvanus Oriji, adjourned the case until 14 January 2026 for continuation of the hearing.

The first prosecution witness, Mr Lawal, during his time in the witness box, similarly shared details of the funds he allegedly received from and distributed to people on behalf of Mr Ishaku.

Mr Lawal, who previously worked for the former governors private business and later served as his personal assistant during his governorship, said he received N10 million on behalf of Mr Ishaku on 13 December 2020, in Abuja and N15 million on 12 January 2021.

Mr Lawal also admitted collecting money on behalf of the then-governor from Mr Yero, the second defendant. He disclosed that he collected N50 million from the official on 20 December 2020, N30 million on 12 January 2021, and N20 million on 27 January 2021.

He also admitted taking money from Emmanuel Ifun, a recurring name in his testimony. According to Mr Lawal, Mr Ifun was a Director of Finance, Government House.

Mr Lawal said he received N7 million from Mr Ifun on 11 December 2020.

According to him, he subsequently received from Mr Ifun, N4 million on 30 January 2021, N20 million on 3 February 2021, N6.5 million on 5 February 2021, N20 million on 6 February 2021, and N14 million on 10 February 2021.

According to the prosecution witness, he also took N10 million and N13 million on 1 January 2022. He also received N30 million through Zenith Bank on 10 February 2021.

During a cross-examination session in November by Mr Ishakus lawyer, Eko Ejembi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the witness testified on the purposes of the transfers recorded in his notebook.

Some are for security, while some are also for other people, he said.

When referred to some pages of the notebook, which was earlier admitted as an exhibit, he said there were details of transfers to the State Security Service (SSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Permanent Secretary, the Inspector General of Police, NASA, and SA Security Southern Zone.

He confirmed that his bank statement and personal record showing the funds receipts from Taraba State Government officials and distribution to various beneficiaries did not feature former Governor Ishakus name. Instead, the witness said, the name of the former governors company, Worthy Construction Limited, appeared on the document
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been accused of carrying out an unlawful operation at the Abuja residence of a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Monday, Mr Sylvas spokesperson, Julius Boroku, said operatives of the anti-graft agency stormed the residence at Maitama and spray-painted the inscription EFCC  KEEP OFF in red on the walls of the property.

Mr Boroku described the action as nothing short of an affront to decency, alleging that the operation was carried out without a warrant, subpoena, official notification, or any form of lawful authorisation.

The aide stressed that the Maitama property is a family home currently occupied by Mr Sylvas children, relatives, and staff, whom he said have been subjected to weeks of mounting fear and restriction.

Raising concerns about abuse of state power, the statement warned that such actions reflect a troubling drift from the rule of law towards something far more arbitrary and vindictive.

He, however, distanced President Bola Tinubu from the incident, insisting that the development did not reflect presidential authorisation or character.

We remain firmly convinced that President Tinubu is not involved in these excesses, Mr Bokoru said, attributing the incident instead to local political rivalry being misinterpretedor mischievously presentedas federal instruction.

He also drew attention to the continued detention of four individuals  Paganengigha Anagha, Friday Lusa Paul, Musa Mohammed, and a police officer, Reuben Ayuba  whom he said have been held for weeks on vague, insubstantial, and nearly non-existent allegations.

Their prolonged detention is unjust. Their suffering is needless, the statement added, describing their situation as emblematic of a wider erosion of civil liberties.

Background

The EFCC declared Mr Sylva wanted last month over an alleged $14.85 million fraud.

According to the commission, Mr Sylva is implicated in a case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds provided by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for the construction of Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited.

There have been reports suggesting that the former minister is accused of funding a foiled military plot to remove President Tinubu from office.

Mr Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State and prominent figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress, had written to the EFCC, stating that he would appear before it after his current medical trip outside the country.

Action not outside the law  EFCC

Responding to allegations of an illegal raid, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday dismissed the claims, insisting that the commission did not carry out any raid at Mr Sylvas Maitama home.

As a matter of operational principle, EFCC does not conduct raids, Mr Oyewale said, explaining that operatives only visited the premises to place official markings on a property already identified for further investigation.

He maintained that EFCC officers neither removed nor harassed anyone during the visit. We didnt eject or molest anybody. We did our marking and left, he said.

Addressing concerns about the absence of prior notice, Mr Oyewale argued that Mr Sylva was already aware of the investigation, noting that he had been declared wanted by the commission. According to him, placing markings on assets under investigation falls within the agencys established procedures.

Were not operating outside the law, he added.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State says he would have lost his position as governor if not for President Bola Tinubus intervention.

Mr Fubara disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting on Tuesday while announcing his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

He explained that his defection to the APC was to fully support APCs Mr Tinubu, who he said has been instrumental to his continued stay as Rivers governor.

Mr Fubara suggested that he received no protection except from Mr Tinubu during political crises in Rivers State triggered by the feud between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

We have the (Tinubus) full support; the positive nod to leave (PDP) where we are and go to (the APC), because we didnt get any protection (during the political crises).

The reason why we are still standing is because of that place (APC), he said.

Continuing, the governor said: The truth is, without Mr President, there wouldnt be any His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara. It would have been former (Governor Siminalayi Fubara).

Although Mr Fubara did not mention names, political observers say the governor appeared to be referring to the PDPs inability to protect him during the political crises in Rivers.

Background

Before now, there had been political crises in Rivers State, which were triggered by the feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Mr Wike.

Messrs Fubara and Wikes face-off stemmed from their struggle for control of the political structures in Rivers.

The Fubara-Wike feud initially split the state assembly into two factions. While 27 lawmakers led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, were loyal to Mr Wike, a four-member faction of the assembly was loyal to Governor Fubara.

The political crisis, on 18 March, resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by President Tinubu, who suspended Mr Fubara, his deputy and all elected officials in the state for six months.

In June, President Tinubu brokered a peace deal between the suspended governor and the FCT minister, which paved the way for the termination of the emergency rule and the lifting of the suspension on the elected officials.

Mr Fubara and the states assembly members resumed duties after 18 September, following the presidents declaration of an end to the emergency rule in the South-southern state.
Ukraine's State Budget for 2026 provides UAH 16.1 billion in funding for the Ministry of Culture.

"The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted the law 'On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2026.' Members of parliament supported the document at second reading. Next year, Ukraine's cultural sector will receive UAH 16,145.1 million The ministry is demonstrating positive dynamics across all budget programs. Compared with 2025, planned expenditures are increasing by UAH 4,820.2 million, or 45%," the Ministry of Culture said in a statement.

A separate budget line allocates UAH 1.995 billion for salaries for employees in the cultural and education sectors, which is UAH 191.5 million more than in 2025.

"On average, spending on salaries will grow by 10.6%. Employees of pre-tertiary and higher education institutions will see the largest increase, with spending on their remuneration rising 1.4 times (+UAH 278.8 million)," the ministry added.

The Ministry of Culture said that in 2026 spending for cultural and educational institutions will increase as follows: pre-tertiary and higher education institutions will receive UAH 345.6 million (+31.8%); national theaters UAH 106.5 million (+8.5%); national artistic ensembles, concert and circus organizations UAH 67.5 million (+8.5%); general secondary and extracurricular education institutions UAH 32.9 million (+10%); national museums, libraries, and cultural and educational centers UAH 83.3 million (+7.2%); national and state reserves UAH 52.1 million (+6.8%).

"In 2026, the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation will receive UAH 338.2 million for grants and UAH 5 million for scholarships. The amount allocated for grants will increase 1.8 times (+UAH 154.9 million). An additional UAH 6.3 million is earmarked for the Ukrainian Book Institute to support publishing and promote Ukrainian literature worldwide. The Ukrainian Institute of National Memory will receive an additional UAH 26.0 million, 13.4 times more than in 2025," the statement said.

In addition, UAH 4 billion has been allocated for the Ukrainian president's program "1,000 Hours of Ukrainian Content."

"This is a strategic national security initiative designed to increase the amount of Ukrainian content, strengthen Ukrainian identity, enhance protection against hostile narratives, and create a Ukrainian alternative to Russian cultural influence, as well as support the development of the Ukrainian film industry. The technical aspects of implementing the project are still being worked out, and details will be presented later," the ministry said.

As reported, the 2024 state budget provided UAH 10.3 billion to finance the cultural and information policy sector, while the 2025 state budget allocates UAH 11.2 billion for culture.
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 1st Commercial Credit, LLC announced the expansion of its International Factoring Program, giving U.S.-based exporters a practical way to extend terms to foreign buyers and increase international sales. While most banks decline to finance foreign receivables or do not recognize EXIM Bank credit insurance, 1st Commercial Credit has built a program that allows exporters to confidently expand global customer relationships while maintaining steady working capital at home.

1st Commercial Credit is a nationwide leader in invoice factoring and trade financing, serving industries including manufacturing, wholesale distribution, transportation, staffing, and import/export. Our program allows U.S. companies to offer competitive terms globally and take on larger orders, without compromising cash flow

"Exporters are losing opportunities simply because they can't offer payment terms," said Raul Esqueda, President of 1st Commercial Credit. "Our program allows U.S. companies to offer competitive terms globally and take on larger orders, without compromising cash flow."

Who Qualifies for International Factoring

1st Commercial Credit applies the same underwriting parameters used for U.S. domestic factoring, ensuring a smooth and consistent approval process. To qualify:

The business must have at least 50% of its sales within the United States. This ensures the company has an established domestic revenue base and operational stability.

This ensures the company has an established domestic revenue base and operational stability. The company must have recurring business with its international customers. This program supports ongoing trading relationships, not isolated or one-time export shipments.

This program supports ongoing trading relationships, not isolated or one-time export shipments. International buyers must be credit-insurable. Credit decisions are supported by EXIM Bank programs and private trade credit insurance partners.

Credit decisions are supported by EXIM Bank programs and private trade credit insurance partners. Eligible industries include manufacturing, wholesale distribution, industrial products, and other recurring shipment models. No startup exporters, no one-off orders, and no produce or commodities are accepted under the program.

A Program Designed to Expand Global Sales

The expanded international factoring solution provides:

Financing for export receivables that banks typically decline





Acceptance of EXIM Bank and private insurer coverage





Predictable cash flow is provided immediately after the foreign buyer accepts the invoice.





Ability for U.S. companies to offer open-account terms and grow overseas sales





Streamlined onboarding with the same documentation and credit review used for domestic factoring

"This initiative isn't about riskit's about growth," Esqueda added. "If a U.S. exporter is turning away larger purchase orders because of payment terms, we want to give them the ability to say yes."

About 1st Commercial Credit, LLC

1st Commercial Credit is a nationwide leader in invoice factoring and trade financing, serving industries including manufacturing, wholesale distribution, transportation, staffing, and import/export. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company provides fast, flexible receivable-based financing solutions that help U.S. businesses scale domestically and internationally.

SOURCE 1st Commercial Credit, LLC
From Superman and Polar Bears to Japandi Style and Grandma's Favorite Prints, these trends are setting the stage for a whimsical 2026

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The baby industry is already unveiling new products for 2026, and according to ABC Kids Expo , North America's premier event for juvenile products, the year ahead will be all about nostalgic patterns, cozy creatures, next-gen gear, and the return of an iconic cape.

Bringing together hundreds of leading brands, hot products, and new innovators around the world each year, the ABC Kids Expo team gets a front-row seat to what really gets parents and retailers buzzing.

"As the marketplace evolves, ABC Kids Expo remains the epicenter of where the future of the baby industry debuts," said Aaron Pederson, All Baby & Child, ABC Kids Expo. "Each year, we see the newest color trends, rising aesthetics, and the hottest gear that parents don't even know exists yet, and 2026 will be no different."

Here are the trends that are shaping up 2026 to be a bright year:

Japandi is taking over nursery mood boards! This aesthetic blends the clean lines of Japanese minimalism with the warmth of Scandinavian design. From cribs to swaddles, parents are gravitating toward natural woods, soft neutrals, and handcrafted textures that make the nursery feel like a calm oasis. Arctic animals aren't just for winter anymore. Move over leopard print and zebra print It's polar bears and puffins time to shine! Arctic-inspired designs are trending hard across apparel, plush, and toys, bringing a cozy, storybook charm to homes year-round. Convertible feeding systems that actually grow with your child. Parents are officially over buying new bottles and sippy cups every few months. Feeding gear is shifting toward modular, convertible systems that grow with baby through every stage. Parents can finally save money and space with one product that goes from bottle to sippy cup to open cup... win-win! Cottagecore for spring (and beyond)? Groundbreaking! Last year was all about Granny Chic, and it's here to stay. In 2026, expect more nostalgic florals, softer pastels, and countryside-inspired prints. Think grandma's quilt, but make it modern. Superman returns! The iconic hero is back for a new generation, and brands are embracing him with open arms. From wagons and apparel to room decor and swaddles, this year is all about leaning into bold colors, iconic symbols, and nostalgic hero energy. Car seats keep getting smarter. Just when you thought there were no upgrades left, car seat features and functionality are being taken to another level. These next-gen smart motion car seats offer smoother transitions for parents, plus a safer, comfier ride for kids.

The 2026 ABC Kids Expo is being held May 13-15 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center in Las Vegas, and is only open to the trade. For more details about this year's show, visit ABC Kids Expo at theabcshow.com and follow ABC on Instagram.

About All Baby & Child

ABC Kids Expo (All Baby & Child), founded in March 2003, is a non-profit organization dedicated to producing events on behalf of the juvenile products industry. The corporation's main objective and purpose are to act as a business league that helps organize and manage trade shows to benefit juvenile product manufacturers, specialty store retailers, distributors, and manufacturers' representatives.

Media contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE ABC Kids Expo
Cristal Balis to lead brand strategy and audience engagement for national MS research nonprofit and its iConquerMS initiative

WALTHAM, Mass., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis (ACP), a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating research and improving the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), today announced the appointment of Cristal Balis as its first director of marketing and communications.

The newly created position reflects ACP's strategic commitment to expanding its reach and impact as it enters its 25th year. Balis will lead marketing strategy, brand development, digital communications, and stakeholder engagement for both ACP and iConquerMS, the only people-powered MS research network. Her work will elevate the organization's visibility among patients, researchers, funders, and industry partners while advancing mission-driven storytelling that reflects ACP's commitment to inclusive, community-centered research.

Balis brings extensive experience at the intersection of mission-driven storytelling and strategic communications. Most recently, she served on the senior leadership team at The Emancipator, a nonprofit newsroom focused on racial equity launched by The Boston Globe and Boston University. Her career spans nonprofit organizations including Howard Brown Health Center and the AIDS Rides, global brand agencies Leo Burnett and Starcom, and The Walt Disney Company, where she began her career nearly 30 years ago.

"Cristal brings a rare combination of strategic vision, creative excellence, and deep mission alignment," said Sara Loud, CEO of Accelerated Cure Project. "Her leadership will help us reach new audiences, deepen relationships with existing stakeholders, and ensure the MS community understands the transformative potential of ACP and iConquerMS."

"ACP has spent nearly 25 years doing extraordinary workmuch of it behind the scenesto accelerate MS research and improve outcomes for everyone affected by this disease," said Balis. "I'm honored to help amplify that impact and shine a brighter light on ACP's leadership in patient-centered research and its commitment to ensuring research reflects the full diversity of the MS community."

Her appointment comes as ACP expands its research initiatives, strengthens partnerships across the MS ecosystem, and deepens engagement with the more than one million Americans living with MS.

About Accelerated Cure Project

ACP ( www.acceleratedcure.org ) is a patient-founded non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating research efforts to improve the health, healthcare and quality of life of people affected by MS. The organization promotes scientific collaboration and accelerates research by rapidly and cost-effectively providing researchers worldwide with people, data and biosample resources they need to explore novel research ideas that can lead to cures and better care for people living with MS. The major programs of Accelerated Cure Project are the ACP Repository, the iConquerMS People-Powered Research Network and the MS Minority Research Engagement Partnership Network.

Contact:

Lindsey Santiago

[email protected]

SOURCE Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis
According to DelveInsight's analysis, the acute on chronic liver failure market is anticipated to increase during the forecast period (20252034), owing to the launch of emerging therapies such as Genfit's VS-01, G1090N (reformulation of NTZ), SRT-015, CLM-022, VS-02-HE, Yaqrit's YAQ005, Grifols Therapeutics' ALBUTINE (Albumin 5%), and others, and healthcare spending in the 7MM.

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, acute on chronic liver failure emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented into leading markets (the US, EU4, UK, and Japan).

Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Summary

The market size for acute on chronic liver failure in the leading markets is expected to grow significantly by 2034.

The United States accounted for the highest acute on chronic liver failure treatment market size in 7MM in 2024, in comparison to the other major markets, i.e., EU4 countries, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

In the US, infection-associated ACLF with more than two organ failures accounts for approximately 24% of cases.

of cases. Leading acute on chronic liver failure companies developing emerging therapies, such as Genfit, Yaqrit, Grifols Therapeutics, and others, are developing new therapy for acute on chronic liver failure that can be available in the acute on chronic liver failure market in the coming years.

and others, are developing new therapy for acute on chronic liver failure that can be available in the acute on chronic liver failure market in the coming years. The promising acute on chronic liver failure therapies in clinical trials include VS-01, G1090N (reformulation of NTZ), SRT-015, CLM-022, VS-02-HE, YAQ005, ALBUTINE (Albumin 5%), and others.

Discover the acute on chronic liver failure new treatment @ New Treatments for Acute on Chronic Liver Failure

Key Factors Driving the Growth of the Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market

Rising Chronic Liver Disease Prevalence

The increasing prevalence of chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis (B and C), and MAFLD is leading to a larger pool of patients at risk for ACLF. This rise significantly contributes to the growing incidence of ACLF globally, which is a serious complication with high short-term mortality.

Advances in Medical Treatments

Recent progress in medical treatments, spanning innovative diagnostic tools, targeted drug therapies, and novel combination approaches, has led to improved outcomes for patients with ACLF. These advances include the introduction of new drug classes such as antivirals and immunosuppressants, along with ongoing developments in gene and cell-based therapies that aim to address unmet needs beyond traditional supportive care and organ transplantation.

Rising ACLF Clinical Trial Activities

The ACLF drug development landscape remains limited, with only a handful of companies actively advancing therapies. Genfit leads the field with four assets in its R&D pipeline, including programs currently in Phase 2. Its candidatesVS-01, G1090N (a reformulation of NTZ), SRT-015, CLM-022, and VS-02-HEtarget distinct mechanisms and utilize complementary biological pathways. Beyond these, other notable ACLF candidates in clinical trials include YAQ005 (Yaqrit) and ALBUTEINE (albumin 5%) from Grifols Therapeutics, among others.

Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Analysis

ACLF remains a significant unmet medical need, with no approved therapies and minimal benefits from existing lifestyle-focused interventions. This multifactorial syndrome often develops in patients with underlying liver disorders such as alcohol-associated liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, or viral hepatitis. The absence of targeted pharmacological options underscores a substantial therapeutic void.

This unmet need presents a compelling opportunity for pharmaceutical innovation. Developers of the first approved therapies for ACLF stand to gain early-mover advantages, including regulatory incentives, enhanced physician adoption, and favorable market positioning. Given the condition's progressive nature and high morbidity, there is strong justification for expedited drug development and regulatory acceleration to bring effective, targeted treatments to patients sooner.

An increasing number of biopharmaceutical companies are investing in ACLF research programs, reflecting the growing recognition of the disease as a distinct and pressing clinical challenge. Focused investment in this area not only offers commercial potential but also promises to redefine patient outcomes by improving survival and quality of life. As understanding of ACLF's underlying mechanisms advances, the need for innovative, mechanism-based therapies tailored to its complex pathophysiology becomes ever more evident.

To know more about acute on chronic liver failure treatment options, visit @ Approved Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Drugs

Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Competitive Landscape

The ACLF pipeline remains narrow, with only a few companies pursuing drug development. Genfit is leading with 4 assets in research and development, including those currently in Phase 2. VS-01, G1090N (reformulation of NTZ), SRT-015, CLM-022, and VS-02-HE are all based on differentiated mechanisms of actions leveraging complementary pathways. Apart from these, the other candidates in ACLF clinical trials include YAQ005 (Yaqrit) and ALBUTEINE (albumin 5%) (Grifols Therapeutics), among others.

Genfit's VS-01 is an innovative liposomal intraperitoneal solution developed to facilitate the removal of various toxic metabolites, most notably ammonia, that accumulate in patients suffering from decompensated liver cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. By promoting metabolic waste clearance, the therapy seeks to mitigate complications linked to liver impairment. The company is advancing its clinical program with the Phase IIa UNVEIL-IT study, which is evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of VS-01 in adults with ACLF.

Grifols Therapeutics' Albumin 5% is a sterile intravenous preparation derived from pooled human plasma, containing primarily albumin. It acts as a plasma volume expander, aiding in the restoration and maintenance of blood volume and serum albumin levels. By replenishing circulating albumin, it helps sustain oncotic pressure and fluid equilibrium, making it an essential therapy for patients with hypovolemia or hypoalbuminemia.

Currently, the product is being investigated in the Phase III APACHE clinical trial, which is evaluating the effect of plasma exchange with 5% human serum albumin on short-term survival in high-risk ACLF patients, with a focus on its potential to reduce in-hospital mortality.

The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies are poised to transform the acute on chronic liver failure market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the acute on chronic liver failure market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth.

Discover more about therapy for acute on chronic liver failure @ Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Clinical Trials

What is Acute on Chronic Liver Failure?

Acute on chronic liver failure represents a rapid and severe worsening in individuals with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, marked by acute hepatic decompensation and failure of one or more extrahepatic organs, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. However, its diagnosis remains difficult due to the lack of universally accepted criteria and validated biomarkers. Variations in definitions across EASL and other regional guidelines further hinder early detection and clinical decision-making. Therefore, standardized diagnostic frameworks and reliable predictive tools are urgently needed to improve timely intervention and patient outcomes.

Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Epidemiology Segmentation

The acute on chronic liver failure epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current acute on chronic liver failure patient pool and forecasted trends for the leading markets. Our secondary analysis reveals that female sex is associated with an increased risk of developing ACLF compared to males. This finding underscores the importance of considering sex-based differences in risk assessment and highlights the need for tailored approaches to manage ACLF.

The acute on chronic liver failure market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 20202034 in the leading markets, segmented into:

Total Prevalent Cases of ACLF

Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of ACLF

Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of ACLF by Grade

Gender-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of ACLF

Total Treated Cases of ACLF

Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Report Metrics Details Study Period 20202034 Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Report Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Epidemiology Segmentation Total Prevalent Cases of ACLF, Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of ACLF, Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of ACLF by Grade, Gender-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of ACLF, and Total Treated Cases of ACLF Key Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Companies Genfit, Yaqrit, Grifols Therapeutics, and others Key Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Therapies VS-01, G1090N (reformulation of NTZ), SRT-015, CLM-022, VS-02-HE, YAQ005, ALBUTINE (Albumin 5%), and others

Scope of the Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Report

Therapeutic Assessment: Acute on Chronic Liver Failure current marketed and emerging therapies

Acute on Chronic Liver Failure current marketed and emerging therapies Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Dynamics: Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Drugs and Market Outlook

Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Drugs and Market Outlook Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies

SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Access and Reimbursement

Download the report to understand which factors are driving acute on chronic liver failure therapeutics market trends @ Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Trends

Table of Contents

1 Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Key Insights 2 Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Report Introduction 3 Executive Summary 4 Key Events 5 Epidemiology and Market Segmentation Methodology 6 Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) Market Overview at a Glance in the 7MM 6.1 Emerging Therapies Analysis (By Phase, RoA, and Molecule Type) 6.2 Market Share (%) Distribution of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) by Therapies in 2024 6.3 Market Share (%) Distribution of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) by Therapies in 2034 7 Disease Background and Overview 7.1 Introduction 7.2 ACLF Causes 7.3 ACLF Pathophysiology 7.4 ACLF Symptoms 7.5 ACLF Diagnosis 8 ACLF Treatment and Management 9 Epidemiology and Patient Population 9.1 Key Findings 9.2 Assumptions and Rationale 9.3 The United States 9.3.1 Total Prevalent Cases of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) in the United States 9.3.2 Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) in the United States 9.3.3 Gender-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) in the United States 9.3.4 Severity-specific (Grade 13) Cases of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) in the United States 9.3.5 Age-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) in the United States 9.3.6 Cause-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) in the United States 9.3.7 Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) by Liver Transplant Eligibility in the United States 9.3.7.1 Patients Eligible for Transplantation in the United States 9.3.7.2 Patients Ineligible or Awaiting Transplant in the United States 9.4 EU4 and the UK 9.5 Japan 10 Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Patient Journey 11 Emerging ACLF Therapies 11.1 Key Competitors 11.2 G1090N: Genfit 11.2.1 Product Description 11.2.2 Other Developmental Activities 11.2.3 Clinical Development 11.2.3.1 Clinical Trials Information 11.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 11.2.5 Analyst Views 11.3 YAQ005: Yaqrit List to be continued in the report 12 Acute On Chronic Liver Failure Market: Seven Major Market Analysis 12.1 Key Findings 12.2 Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Outlook 12.3 Conjoint Analysis 12.4 Key Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Forecast Assumptions 12.5 Total Market Size of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) in the 7MM 12.6 Market Size of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) by Therapies in the 7MM 12.7 The United States ACLF Market Size 12.7.1 Total Market Size of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) in the United States 12.7.2 Market Size of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) by Therapies in the United States 12.8 EU4 and the UK ACLF Market Size 12.9 Japan ACLF Market Size 13 Key Opinion Leaders' Views on ACLF 14 Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market SWOT Analysis 15 Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Unmet Needs 16 Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Access and Reimbursement 16.1 The United States 16.2 In EU4 and the UK 16.3 Japan 16.4 Summary and Comparison of Market Access and Pricing Policy Developments in 2025 16.5 Market Access and Reimbursement of Acute On Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) 17 Acronyms and Abbreviations 18 Bibliography 19 Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Market Report Methodology

Related Reports

Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Clinical Trial Analysis

Acute on Chronic Liver Failure Pipeline Insight  2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key ACLF companies, including Genfit, Yaqrit, Grifols Therapeutics, among others.

Liver Failure Market

Liver Failure Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast  2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key liver failure companies, including Akaza Bioscience, Cellaion, VERSANTIS AG, Ocera Therapeutics, Steminent Biotherapeutics, GoLiver Therapeutics, Egetis Therapeutics, Genfit, Beijing Continent Pharmaceutical, LyGenesis, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, among others.

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Acute Kidney Injury Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast  2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key AKI companies, including Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Alloksys Life Sciences, Am-pharma, Aptabio Therapeutics, Arch Biopartners, Guard Therapeutics, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Ocelot Bio, Rediscovery Life Sciences, Renibus Therapeutics, River 2 Renal, among others.

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Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis Market Insight, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast  2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key MASH companies, including Inventiva Pharma, Novo Nordisk A/S, Cirius Therapeutics, Akero Therapeutics, 89bio, Boehringer Ingelheim, Zealand Pharma, Galectin Therapeutics, Lipocine, Viking Therapeutics, Eli Lilly and Company, Boston Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, HighTide Biopharma, CytoDyn, Merck & Co., Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Hepagene (Shanghai), Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Enyo Pharmaceuticals, Gilead Sciences, Poxel SA, Zydus Therapeutics, Sagimet Biosciences, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Corcept Therapeutics, among others.

About DelveInsight

DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve.

Contact Us

Shruti Thakur

[email protected]

+14699457679

www.delveinsight.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg

SOURCE DelveInsight Business Research, LLP
SEATTLE, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- adoro Pet Insurance Services LLC, a new pet insurance company founded by industry experts, has officially launched in 28 states across the country. adoro is currently live in AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, OH, OR, PA, TX, TN, UT, VA, and WI, with more coming soon. adoro plans to offer policies across the country.

Co-founded by industry veterans and pet owners themselves, Gavin Friedman (CEO) and Tricia Plouf (President & COO), adoro delivers what pet owners want: clear coverage of things that matter most (including exam fees and rehabilitation), more stable premiums, and fast claims with payment options via Venmo or direct bank transfer.

"Pet owners deserve insurance that covers what matters most without needing to buy confusing add-ons" said Gavin Friedman. "We believe pet insurance should fit each customer's budget and priorities."

adoro is majority-owned by Griffin Highline Capital LLC and Badger Equity US LLC. Its underwriting capacity will be provided by Crum & Forster (C&F), a market-leading company with significant experience underwriting pet insurance programs.

About adoro

adoro is a new pet insurance company co-founded by industry leaders Gavin Friedman (CEO) and Tricia Plouf (President & COO). The company provides accident and illness coverage for cats and dogs with optional wellness plans. adoro's policies are administered by adoro Pet Insurance Services LLC and underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company. For more information or to get a quote, visit adoropet.com or www.linkedin.com/company/adoropetinsurance .

SOURCE adoro
SAN MATEO, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AI infrastructure company EverMind has announced a major milestone in long-term memory research with its newly released EverMemOS achieving 92.3% accuracy on LoCoMo and 82% on LongMemEval-Stwo of the field's most authoritative benchmarks. The results significantly surpass prior methods and establish a new State-of-the-Art for durable, coherent machine memory. Developed with the mission of building the memory layer for future intelligence, EverMemOS now powers Tanka and is designed to equip more AI agents with stable identities that evolve through time, enabling them to develop durable, coherent, continuously growing "souls."

EverMind Website

A Paradigm Shift Inspired by Human Cognition

EverMemOS's core design stems from an insight shared by entrepreneur and philanthropist Chen Tianqiao at the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute's Symposium for AI Accelerated Science (AIAS 2025) in San Francisco this October. Chen contrasted current AI's "spatial structure" paradigm, which is instantaneous, static, and reliant on massive spatial parameters, with the human brain's "temporal structure" paradigm: continuous, dynamic, and built to manage time-based information. Long-term memory, he argued, is the linchpin connecting time and true intelligence. EverMemOS was born from this idea: a system engineered to give AI temporal continuitythe ability to remember, adapt, and grow over time.

Three Innovations Redefining AI Memory

EverMemOS stands out through three industry-first innovations that solve longstanding memory limitations.

Its first innovation is a shift from treating memory as static storage to enabling it as an active, applied capability. Conventional methods retrieve information but do not integrate it into reasoning. EverMemOS, by contrast, uses unique fusion and decision mechanisms that allow memory to continuously influence a model's thinking and outputs. Each interaction draws on contextual history, enabling consistent, stable, and personalized experiences across time.

The second innovation is its hierarchical memory extraction and dynamic organization engine. Rather than storing memories as unstructured text fragments, EverMemOS converts them into semantic MemCells and organizes them within evolving memory graphs. This strategy links related ideas, overcomes the limitations of similarity-based retrieval, and provides a structured foundation for complex downstream applications such as reasoning-driven agents, professional assistants, and emotionally aware companion models.

A third innovation lies in EverMemOS's extensible modular memory framework, the first of its kind designed to meet diverse real-world needs. Memory requirements differ across scenarios: professional tasks demand precise, structured information; companionship models require empathetic, emotionally aware context; and agentic workflows rely on continuity and task-specific recall. EverMemOS adapts to each case, selecting the optimal memory organization and application strategy. This flexibility helps address the long-standing challenge posed by rigid, single-form memory systems and enables AI to operate effectively across varied environments.

Flexible Service Models for Every User

EverMind will offer EverMemOS in multiple service formats to fit different levels of technical capability. At present, an open-source version allows experienced developers to deploy and maintain the system independently. Later this year, a cloud-service version will be released to offer free trials and subscription-based access, with no operational overhead. A custom deployment version will support strategic partners seeking tailored integrations. A personal version, built for hardware-integrated and MCP-enabled contexts, will extend long-term memory capabilities to individual use cases.

EverMind is working to advance the foundation of artificial intelligence by addressing one of its most fundamental limitations: the lack of long-term memory. Through EverMemOS, the company introduces a scalable, customizable memory architecture that enables AI to operate with extended context, maintain behavioral consistency, and improve through continuous interaction. As AI systems move toward greater persistence, adaptability, and identity formation, EverMemOS is designed to serve as a reliable memory layer supporting the next generation of intelligent agents.

About EverMind

EverMind is redefining the future of AI by solving one of its most fundamental limitations: long-term memory. Its flagship platform, EverMemOS, introduces a breakthrough architecture for scalable and customizable memory systems, enabling AI to operate with extended context, maintain behavioral consistency, and improve through continuous interaction.

To learn more about EverMind and EverMemOS, please visit:

Website: https://evermind.ai/

GitHub: https://github.com/EverMind-AI/EverMemOS

X: https://x.com/EverMindAI

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/EverMindAI/

SOURCE EverMind
Estimated range of more than 300 miles on a single charge

Uncharted Sport and GT offer 338 horsepower from powerful dual-motor drivetrain with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE Dual-Mode System

Charge time from 10-80% in approximately 28 minutes with charging speeds up to 150 kW and standard NACS charging port

Available at retailers nationwide early next year, starting at $34,995 MSRP, lowest entry price across Subaru's EV lineup

CAMDEN, N.J., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing on the all-new 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV arriving at retailers early next year. The all-new, all-electric compact crossover offers agile performance, standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on most models, and an available manufacturer-estimated range of more than 300 miles on a single charge. The 2026 Subaru Uncharted starts at $34,995 MSRP, the lowest entry price across Subaru's EV lineup.

2026 Subaru Uncharted 2026 Subaru Uncharted 2026 Subaru Uncharted

Every 2026 Subaru Uncharted is equipped with 8.2 inches of ground clearance, a 14-inch Subaru Multimedia System featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and distraction mitigation system. The 2026 Subaru Uncharted also comes standard with a suite of Subaru EyeSight driver-assistance technologies, a power rear gate, and an all-weather package.

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is available in three trim levels: Premium FWD, Sport, and GT. The entry-level Uncharted Premium FWD model will be offered in limited numbers. It is front-wheel-drive only with an estimated range of more than 300 miles and 221 horsepower. Uncharted Sport and GT models are equipped with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-MODE, an estimated range of more than 285 miles and 338 horsepower, which is more than the Hyundai Kona EV and Kia Niro EV.

All trim levels of the 2026 Subaru Uncharted feature a high-capacity 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery. Its battery preconditioning system  shared with the all-new 2026 Solterra and 2026 Trailseeker  can prepare the battery for optimal charging in cold-weather climates at speeds up to 150 kW. An 11-kW onboard charger offers quick charging at home.

All 2026 Uncharted models feature a North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging port, which unlocks access to more than 25,000 charging stations across the U.S.

Tailored Capability

Subaru's first all-electric CUV emphasizes spirited yet efficient performance, boasting up to 338 horsepower from dual electric motors located on the front and rear axles on Sport and GT trim levels, and responsive handling, all balanced by a Subaru-tuned suspension. Compared to the Solterra EV, the all-new Subaru Uncharted is nearly 7 inches shorter but offers more than 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. In the city, the Subaru Uncharted is highly maneuverable due to its Crosstrek-like turning radius.

Subaru engineers developed the impressive straight-line stability, handling, and grip on loose surfaces such as gravel, dirt, or snow through extensive chassis development for the Uncharted. Built with lightweight and rigid high-strength steel, structural support from its underfloor batteries, aerodynamic enhancements, and specifically tuned suspension components, the Subaru Uncharted offers confident handling on various terrains.

2026 Subaru Uncharted Premium FWD

Starting at $34,995 MSRP, the 2026 Subaru Uncharted Premium FWD offers a wide array of standard equipment and safety features. Those include EyeSight driver-assist technologies, such as available Pre-Collision Braking, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitors, Lane Departure Alert, Emergency Stop Assist, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, and distraction mitigation system.

Its front-wheel drive powertrain delivers an estimated range of more than 300 miles and 221 horsepower. It rides on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with gloss black covers, and a standard power rear liftgate simplifies loading and unloading cargo. Eco and Snow drive modes are standard, as well as an All-Weather Package that includes heated front seats, heated power exterior mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer. LED headlights with headlight washers illuminate the road ahead.

Other creature comforts include a digital key, customizable ambient interior lighting, dual wireless cell phone chargers, dual front and rear USB-C charging ports, 120-volt AC power outlet, cloth interior upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch LCD gauge cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more.

2026 Subaru Uncharted Sport

The 2026 Uncharted Sport builds on the impressive features found in the Uncharted Premium FWD and adds an uprated powertrain and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-MODE Dual-Mode System for $39,795 MSRP. The Subaru Uncharted Sport offers 338 horsepower from dual electric motors located on the front and rear axles and more than 285 miles of manufacturer-estimated range.

Low-profile roof rails, a 360-degree heated leather steering wheel, a power rear gate, and StarTex upholstery enhance functionality, while a 360-degree surround-view monitor, Traffic Jam Assist, and Lane Change Assist add to the suite of advanced safety features found in the Subaru Uncharted. Driver seat memory with voice-activated adjustment and an 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat add to the list of convenience features included in Uncharted Sport.

2026 Subaru Uncharted GT

At the top of the lineup, the Uncharted GT adds unique styling features and upgraded interior amenities for $43,795 MSRP. It features a panoramic glass roof with a motorized sunshade, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon speaker system, optional two-tone paint (available on select colors), 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels with gunmetal finish, heated rear outboard seats, and a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink. The GT trim level offers 338 horsepower from dual electric motors located on the front and rear axles and more than 270 miles of manufacturer-estimated range.

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is available in five exterior colors: Coastal Wolf Gray Metallic, Habanero Orange Metallic, Cosmic White Pearl, Astro Black Mica, and Metropolis Gray. Coastal Wolf Gray Metallic, Habanero Orange Metallic, Cosmic White Pearl, and Metropolis Gray exterior colors are available with a two-tone roof on Uncharted GT models.

The 2026 Subaru Uncharted is assembled in Japan.

2026 Subaru Uncharted Model/Trim Transmission MSRP Uncharted Premium FWD SST $34,995 Uncharted Sport SST $39,795 Uncharted GT SST $43,795 Uncharted Paint Options Premium Paint $475 Premium + Two-Tone Paint $970

Destination & Delivery is $1,450 for Uncharted and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT. D&D is $1,600 for retailers in Alaska.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

Aaron Cole

Product Communications Manager

856.488.3697

[email protected]

Miranda Jimenez

Product Communications Specialist

856.438.2820

[email protected]

Karley Dowdy

Product Communications Specialist

856.488.8527

[email protected]

SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.
Alley Cat Rescue's African wildcat conservation program operates in South Africa to protect the unique species. Post this

Alley Cat Rescue (ACR')s program reached and exceeded a total of 15,000 domestic cats and hybrids spayed and neutered. Small teams consisting of experienced cat trappers and veterinarians have travelled significant distances in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Limpopo provinces to reach locations where African wildcats and domestic cats live in close proximity with each other.

Cat overpopulation is a problem in South Africa, and many citizens do not have the resources to spay and neuter their cats. ACR is asking the animal welfare community in South Africa to help people sterilize their cats - it will improve life for domestic cats and will help the African wildcat population as well.

ACR Founder and President, Louise Holton, created the African Wildcat Conservation out of love for both Felis lyica and Felis catus. She explains, "African wildcats are the ancestors of our beloved domestic cats and an irreplaceable species. Only one percent of donations for wild felines goes to small wild cats, and of course only a tiny portion of that one percent goes toward saving African wildcats. This beautiful cat deserves and needs more resources dedicated to its survival."

More information about the program and African wildcats can be found on the Alley Cat Rescue website at saveacat.org/awc-conservation-projects.html .

Alley Cat Rescue is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the welfare of all cats: domestic, stray, abandoned, feral, and small wildcat species. ACR advocates for humane nonlethal control of feral cats. For more information about ACR, visit their website http://www.saveacat.org.

SOURCE Alley Cat Rescue, Inc.
LONDON, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Appdome today announced at Black Hat Europe the release of the industry's first Agentic AI SecOps Agent designed to autonomously monitor, evaluate, reason, and report on mobile threats and interact with multiple enterprise stakeholders in real time. SecOps Agent brings Agentic AI's intelligence and open-ended discovery to cyber, fraud, and risk teams by combining Appdome's vast, rich, threat data streams with Agentic AI's autonomous reasoning and conversational interface, empowering all teams to explore, understand, and resolve mobile attacks quickly.

"Appdome already has the biggest data set in mobile fraud and cyberthreats," said Tom Tovar, CEO and co-creator at Appdome. "SecOps Agent brings Agentic AI learning inside billions of threat signals, allowing it to slice and dice the threat data in seconds, answer questions from any stakeholder, and independently prompt stakeholders with new discoveries and insights in real time."

SecOps Agent comes at a time when the global digital economy and its attack surface are increasingly mobile and when the volume, diversity, and sophistication of the mobile attack surface is overwhelming cyber and fraud teams. SecOps Agent uses its continuous learning models to understand all threats mobile applications, users, and businesses face. Then, it enriches its understanding with trillions of monthly threat events generated by Appdome installations and uses the combined data set to evaluate and interpret the severity and impact of a mobile brand's specific attack surface, including probabilities, benchmarks, trends, and other insights. The SecOps agent is also aware of the defense posture for each mobile app, build-by-build and release-by-release, including which threats are being monitored, mitigated, or blocked outright, whether in the app or via the application backend. This allows SecOps Agent to provide on-point and relevant analysis that mobile teams can act on immediately.

"Cyber and fraud team are replacing manual work with digital workflows to stay ahead of the mobile attack surface," said Gil Hartman, Field CTO at Appdome. "SecOps Agent gives mobile brands the power of AI to overcome knowledge and skill gaps, simultaneously learn from and evaluate the threat data from the mobile business, and use that knowledge to stop fraud, ATOs, API threats, and more in real time."

Making Sense of the Mobile Threat Surface

Mobile teams struggle to understand the dizzying array of techniques used to introduce fraud, malware, deepfake-driven identity attacks, social engineering, device tampering, API abuse and more into the mobile experience. Attacks often leverage multiple tools, trojan apps, malware and more and can span multiple apps, regions, OS versions, and device models, producing patterns and scenarios that are impossible to interpret with traditional SecOps tools or manually. Most SecOps tools don't have access to mobile threat data and, just as likely, those that do only track limited signals in isolation, leaving mobile teams with no way to assess severity, correlate attacks, or calculate business impact on their own.

SecOps Agent plugs Agentic AI's autonomous learning into Appdome's mobile app build data and the continuous data feed of mobile threats, attacks and fraud signals generated by each mobile brand's Appdome-protected app(s). Through this combination, SecOps Agent analyzes the running attack surface for each brand's mobile apps, correlates attack patterns, and builds a unified understanding of the risk and defense posture of a business. SecOps Agent reports on what it finds in via aggregated reports and instant alerts across, organizing threat data and providing the necessary qualitative backdrop for all stakeholders. In this way, mobile teams can quickly understand the risk and impact to the brand's installed base, users, and transactions. Through a natural language interface, mobile teams can ask SecOps Agent about any aspect of the brand's threat data such as how an attack is evolving, where it originated, what exploit methods are being used, as well as how the brand's attack surface compares to patterns seen across the industry. The Agent also identifies emerging attack trends without being promptedbringing a dynamic, always-on intelligence to mobile teams everywhere.

"Generic agentic AI models don't have purpose and don't reason like an experienced SecOps agent would," said Tamir Daniel, lead engineer for SecOps Agent. "To get to that level, we built dynamic context into SecOps Agent via other agents who ingest and analyze the defense posture of an app, the nature of each threat, what the threat targets, where the threat appears, its severity, frequency, velocity and other dynamics. SecOps Agent uses this to pre-emptively and collaboratively provide mobile stakeholders with a clear picture of how each threat impacts the business."

A New Model for Managing Risk in the Mobile Business

At the heart of SecOps Agent is its ability to understand risk and use each mobile business's attack surface, geographic distribution, industry and other factors to calculate risk. Operationally, SecOps Agent generates reports and alerts that synthesize threat data from the brand's mobile installed base periodically, as discovered and on-demand. It interprets threat signals across app releases, device types, OS versions, geographies, defenses, and threat categories. Substantively, SecOps Agent provides context and a business relevant narrative of what occurred during a given period to reveal larger, more important stories of risk that teams could not see before. SecOps Agent also uses its own analysis over time to grade the brand's Mobile Risk Index, a benchmark value for organizational and transaction-based risk for mobile brands.

"SecOps Agent is an industry leading multi-agent architecture for analyzing threat data in real time. It features a significant autonomous reasoning engine that analyzes threat data at scale," said Eric Newcomer, Principal Analyst at Intellyx. "It learns quickly, removes human bias, identifies patterns that other systems may miss, and understand business risk, which altogether provides a major productivity accelerant to how cyber and fraud teams understand and respond to mobile threats."

Unlike traditional tools that focus only on events, SecOps Agent evaluates every attack through the lens of business impact. It understands the makeup of each brand's installed basedevice types, OS distributions, regions, and app usageand uses this context to calculate cost per incident, risk exposure, threat severity, and the Mobile Risk Index. As a result, cyber, fraud, and risk teams can quantify the real impact of each attack and prioritize defensive actions based on their effect on the mobile business.

SecOps Collaboration in the Enterprise

SecOps Agent helps organizations that want to replace manual work with digital workflows by operating inside the Appdome platform, the product that uses AI to code and build defenses into the brand's mobile app, and inside a social enterprise framework that allows mobile business stakeholders to collaborate around AI-generated insights, reports, alerts, and discoveries. All of SecOps Agent's findings can be liked, commented, tagged, or shared instantly across the organization. Analysts can debate findings, compare interpretations, or ask SecOps Agent to clarify or expand on conclusionscreating a highly interactive, collective defense workflow.

Teams can also challenge findings, explore alternate scenarios, or ask hypothetical questions. SecOps Agent responds with objective answers grounded in threat telemetry and the brand's specific contextmaking threat analysis faster, more transparent, and dramatically more actionable.

"Increasingly, SecOps sits at the intersection of the cyber, fraud and API attack surface," said Gil Hartman, Field CTO and founding engineer at Appdome. "Organizations are already hard at work to unify their threat data, eliminate data siloes, and provide for universal response to all threats in the business. SecOps agent addresses this need by combining Agentic AI with all cyber, fraud and API attack data and allowing stakeholder to demonstrate and challenge threat findings to ensure every response is relevant to the business."

Enterprise Guardrails and Safe AI Reasoning

As with all Appdome AI Agents, SecOps Agent runs entirely within Appdome's enterprise-grade environment, ensuring that no data goes to public AI models. All threat signals, device attributes, analysis, user interactions, and defense data remain fully contained inside the platform, protected by tenant-scoped isolation that prevents any cross-brand data exposure. Enterprises retain full governance over audit trails, access controls, and data-management policiesensuring that AI-driven SecOps workflows remain safe, compliant, and aligned with global security and privacy requirements. In addition, Appdome enforces strict No-Learning and No-Retention policies on any external reasoning components, preventing data persistence or model training, and uses its Context Engineering model so every SecOps insight is derived exclusively from verified, Appdome-governed threat telemetry and defense context. These guardrails guarantee deterministic, explainable, and fully governed AI outcomes at enterprise scale.

Visitors at Black Hat Europe can see a demo and try Appdome SecOps Agent at Stand 104 on Dec. 10 and 11. For more information about SecOps Agent, go to https://www.appdome.com/threat-scope-mobile-xtm/.

About Appdome

Appdome's mission is to protect every mobile business and user in the world from scams, fraud, bots, and attacks. Appdome's patented AI-Native XTM Platform is designed to protect every aspect of mobile business now and in the future. From mobile DevOps to mobile applications, networks, APIs, and Customer Identity, Appdome uses AI to generate Android & iOS defense plugins for 400+ mobile app security, anti-fraud, bot defense, anti-malware, geo compliance, social engineering, deepfake and Customer Identity defenses on demand. Appdome also uses AI inside its ThreatScope Mobile XTM, to continuously calculate a Mobile Risk Index for businesses and applications as well as rank and preempt attacks in real-time. Agentic AI Agents provide security operations teams threat assessment reports and analysis and customer support and care teams a quick and easy way to provide end-user threat resolution and remediation. Appdome's Threat-Events framework gathers threat and attack metadata, and can be used to inform the application, application SDKs and back-end network components when threats are present or to create customized threat responses inside Android & iOS apps. As a platform, Appdome functions as a continuous compliance center, tracking all builds, changes, teams, users, defense configurations, events, and more for quick and easy audit of the mobile defense lifecycle. Appdome holds several patents including U.S. Patents 9,934,017 B2, 10,310,870 B2, 10,606,582 B2, 11,243,748 B2 and 11,294,663 B2. Additional patents pending.

SOURCE Appdome
JVR Energy Park will help power 57,000 homes in San Diego County with 125 MW of solar and 70 MW of battery storage.

CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BayWa r.e. has closed financing for the Jacumba Valley Ranch (JVR) Energy Park, which includes 90 MWac/127 MWdc of solar and 70 MWac/280 MWh of battery storage in Southeastern San Diego County. Once operational in 2026, the facility will supply reliable electricity to approximately 57,000 homes through San Diego Community Power (SDCP).

Construction is now underway following the project's recent groundbreaking, marking the issuance of full notice to proceed under the construction agreement for one of the region's most significant renewable energy infrastructure investments. Over its lifetime, JVR is expected to avoid approximately 500,000 metric tons of CO, while its battery system enhances grid stability with dispatchable capacity.

"Today, BayWa r.e. Americas celebrates the result of years of collaboration with our partners and stakeholders. Our team, local officials, permitting and financing partners, and our EPC and construction teams shared a clear goal: deliver a reliable, cost-efficient energy project that adds new capacity to the grid and creates lasting value for San Diego County," said Geoff Fallon, Interim CEO and COO of BayWa r.e. Americas. "Breaking ground on JVR Energy Park reflects that shared effort, and we're deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it possible."

To fund construction and long-term operations, JVR secured a construction-to-term loan facility, led by Societe Generale, as well as a preferred equity investment from funds managed by Wafra Inc. ("Wafra"), a New York-based global alternative investment manager. Acadia Infrastructure Capital, L.P. ("Acadia"), a North American power infrastructure investment manager, invested preferred equity in JVR alongside Wafra. Overall funding commitments total around USD 416 million, underscoring investor confidence in the project's fundamentals and BayWa r.e.'s track record of execution.

"Our investment in JVR Energy Park demonstrates Wafra's ability to deliver creative capital solutions that advance large-scale power solutions," said Anthony Peek, Managing Director at Wafra. "We're proud to partner with BayWa r.e. Americas on a structure that advances both financial and community outcomes in the San Diego area," added Ben Droz, Director at Acadia.

The project signed a tax credit transfer agreement with a large corporate buyer.

The JVR Energy Park will create over 350 union construction jobs through project labor agreements, with long-term operational roles to follow. The project will generate labor and supply chain activity while boosting demand for local services such as lodging, fuel, and dining. Over its lifetime, JVR will contribute significant property tax revenue to support local schools, roads, and essential public services.

BayWa r.e. has also committed $4 million in direct investment to Jacumba Valley, which is being directed by input from the Jacumba Community Sponsorship Group, the County of San Diego, and a local resident survey. A fire protection agreement with the San Diego County Fire Authority designates five acres of project land for a new Jacumba fire station. The project also includes a 435-acre biological open space easement and avoids sensitive habitats, wetlands, and jurisdictional waters.

About BayWa r.e. Americas

BayWa r.e. Americas is a utility-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage developer and service provider. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, we are fully integrated and manage all aspects of development, from site origination through long-term operations. We currently have 12.8 GW in our development pipeline, manage over 1.5 GW of operational assets across the U.S. and Mexico, and have brought over 2 GW online since 2014. For more information, visit https://us.baywa-re.com

About Wafra

Wafra is a global alternative investment manager with approximately $28 billion of assets under management across a range of alternative assets, including real assets & infrastructure, real estate, and strategic partnerships. By providing flexible and accretive capital solutions and focusing on long-term partnerships, Wafra aligns and partners with high quality asset owners, companies, and management teams. Headquartered in New York, Wafra has additional offices in London and Bermuda.

About Acadia

Acadia Infrastructure Capital, founded in 2023, is a middle-market infrastructure investment firm focused on North American power markets and adjacent opportunities. Headquartered in New York, the team leverages decades of power sector experience to create lasting value across generation, storage, and related infrastructure. Acadia's strategy centers on a long-term, partnership-based approach to value creation within the energy sector.

Contact:

Diana Carranza

[email protected]

SOURCE BayWa r.e. USA LLC
PrivatBank provides Naftogaz with another UAH 5 bln loan for gas imports

Photo: https://privatbank.ua

PrivatBank has provided Naftogaz Group with a new loan of UAH 5 billion for the purchase of imported gas in order to ensure a stable heating season, the bank's website reported on Tuesday.

"Supporting the energy sector is one of the bank's priorities and part of our social responsibility. We continue to provide reliable financial support to the country," said Yevhen Zaihrayev, a member of the bank's board for corporate and SME affairs, in a press release.

Naftogaz explained that additional financing is necessary due to the loss of Ukrainian gas production resulting from Russian attacks. According to the company's estimates, 4.4 billion cubic meters of gas, worth approximately EUR 1.9 billion, must be imported to make it through the winter.

"These funds will help us purchase imported gas in a timely manner and strengthen the country's energy sustainability," commented Serhiy Koretsky, Naftogaz's chairman of the board.

In July of this year, PrivatBank provided Naftogaz with a UAH 4.7 billion loan to build up reserves in underground gas storage facilities.

Additionally, Naftogaz has attracted financing from other state-owned Ukrainian banks this year: UAH 3 billion from Oschadbank, UAH 2.45 billion from Ukreximbank, and UAH 4.7 billion from Ukrgasbank.
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Borr Drilling Limited (NYSE: BORR) ("Borr Drilling" or the "Company") has entered into an agreement to acquire five premium jack-up rigs from Noble Corporation, consisting of three Friede & Goldman JU-3000N design rigs and two Gusto MSC CJ50 design rigs, for a total purchase price of $360 million.

These rigs have complementary specifications and geographic footprint to Borr Drilling's existing fleet, enabling the Company to leverage its best-in-class platform to maximize the value of these assets while offering our customers a larger and versatile fleet. Upon completion of the acquisition, the Company's fleet size will increase from 24 to 29 rigs, further strengthening its position as the owner of the youngest premium jack-up fleet globally.

Two of the rigs will be chartered back to the seller on a bareboat basis for a period of 12 months allowing the seller to complete the current drilling contracts for these rigs. The bareboat contracts earnings are net of operating costs, providing the Company with earnings and cashflow certainty in the period. The rigs are expected to generate total earnings of $29 million before debt service.

The acquisition is planned to be financed by (i) an offering of an additional $150 million of the Company's existing 10.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2030; (ii) a $150 million seller's credit due in 2032; and (iii) an $85 million equity raise. The two rigs under bareboat charters will be placed into the Senior Secured Notes' restricted group which secures the Company's existing bond, while the remaining three rigs will be financed on a non-recourse basis by the seller's credit facility outside the bond group.

Bruno Morand, Chief Executive Officer, said: "This acquisition represents a compelling strategic and financial opportunity for Borr Drilling. We are acquiring these rigs at an attractive price and at a point in the jack-up rig cycle where demand is showing signs of strengthening. We expect the transaction to be immediately accretive to Adjusted EBITDA and reduce our debt per rig. The Borr Drilling's platform - built on operational excellence, customer centricity, and our premium jack-up fleet - remains our defining competitive advantage. We believe this expanded platform will deepen customer relationships and drive attractive long-term value for shareholders."

The acquisition is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to customary closing conditions including completion of the Senior Secured Notes financing described above.

We also announce that the Company has started the process to list its shares on the Euronext Growth Oslo, as a first step towards re-listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange ("OSE"). While this follows a recent decision to consolidate listings on the NYSE, the decision to reinstate a dual listing was driven by strong investor interest and constructive engagement with our financial partners. The Board has therefore weighed the costs and complexities of a dual listing against the benefits and opportunities of a dual-market presence.

A presentation has been prepared with further details about the acquisition which is available on the Company's website, www.borrdrilling.com.

Forward looking statements

This press release and related discussions include forward looking statements made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward looking statements do not reflect historical facts and may be identified by words such as "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "intends", "may", "should", "will", "ensure", "likely", "aim", "plan", "guidance" and similar expressions and include statements regarding the acquisition of rigs as described above, the expected benefits of the acquisition, the contract value of the bareboat charter for two of the rigs, the financing of the acquisition and other statements relating to the acquisition, statements with respect to the Company starting the process to list its common shares at the Euronext Growth Oslo, as a first step towards relisting on the OSE and the expected benefits of such listings and other non-historical statements. Such forward looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements included herein, including risks relating to acquisition, including risks relating to completion of the acquisition, the financing of the acquisition, the risk that the expected benefits discussed herein are not realized and other risks relating to the acquisition, risks relating to the process to list the Company's shares on Euronext Growth Oslo and relisting on the OSE and the risks that the expected benefits of such listings, if obtained, are not realized, and other risks and uncertainties described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied by the forward -looking statements included herein. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release. We do not undertake to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT:

Questions should be directed to: Magnus Vaaler, CFO, +44 1224 289208

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/borr-drilling-limited/r/borr-drilling-announces-agreement-to-acquire-five-premium-jack-up-rigs,c4278808

SOURCE Borr Drilling Limited
The ranch's appeal lies in its sophisticated infrastructure and natural resources, which enable true self-sufficiency. Post this

This landmark transaction underscores a significant trend among affluent tech leaders: a shift toward acquiring large-scale, self-reliant estates designed for privacy, long-term sustainability, and secure family retreats. Buck Quarter Ranch is recognized as one of the Pacific Northwest's premier properties to meet this specific demand.

The buyer specifically sought a highly private, self-sustaining estate, a category that has gained increased attention in tech circles following Mark Zuckerberg's well known Hawaiian compound and the broader interest in long-term, resilient properties. Interest in ultra-defensible, high-autonomy estates have surged among tech leaders. With billionaires increasingly hedging against geopolitical instability, AI disruptions, and climate risk, the idea of a self-sustained luxury sanctuary has become the new status symbol.

"Buyers in the tech community are increasingly focused on properties with serious defensibility, independent water resources, and robust off-grid capabilities," said Cody Abbott, owner of Pend Oreille Realty. "Buck Quarter Ranch stands out as one of the best examples of that anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, offering unmatched resilience and autonomy."

The ranch's appeal lies in its sophisticated infrastructure and natural resources, which enable true self-sufficiency. The property features include multiple natural water sources, advanced infrastructure, and extensive agricultural potential, all designed to support autonomous operation for prolonged periods. These features, combined with its massive, nearly 900-acre footprint that offers ultimate seclusion and security, were key drivers of this acquisition.

The new owner reportedly intends to further invest in and enhance the ranch's sustainability systems, committing to the long-term environmental preservation and resilience of the property.

About Pend Oreille Realty

Pend Oreille Realty, a division of Best Choice Realty, is a leading real estate team serving Northeast Washington and North Idaho. Led by Cody Abbott, the real estate team specializes in transactions involving large acreage, waterfront properties, and private estates, providing the highest level of expert service to clients seeking exclusive acquisitions across the Inland Northwest.

SOURCE Pend Oreille Realty
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the BIG Series  Bybit Institutional Gala, Bybit Co-founder and CEO Ben Zhou delivered a landmark address outlining Bybit's strategic path into a fully regulated institutional era. Speaking before global regulators, banks, and market leaders, Zhou detailed how Bybit's full UAE Virtual Asset Platform Operator (VAPO) license is reshaping the exchange's global positioning and setting new standards for governance, infrastructure resilience, and institutional-grade market access.

Bybit CEO Ben Zhou Signals a New Era of Regulated Institutional Finance Following Full VAPO and MiCAR Approvals

This new license places Bybit under one of the world's most robust regulatory regimes, enabling the exchange to offer a complete institutional product stack from a rigorously supervised UAE hub.

Vision Rooted in Trust, Scale, and Regulatory Alignment

Zhou opened by emphasizing that institutional adoption is accelerating toward firms that can demonstrate both operational scale and regulatory certainty  and Bybit is now positioned to lead that shift.

"Bybit's growth this year reflects a market seeking reliability," Zhou stated.

"Asset inflows rose from USD 1.3 billion in Q3 to USD 2.88 billion in Q4, while our wealth management AUM expanded fivefold from USD 40 million to USD 200 million. Institutions want partners who can scale with discipline, transparency, and governance  and Bybit is delivering exactly that."

Zhou noted that Bybit's strengthened regulatory status marks an inflection point for the industry.

"The UAE's VAPO license gives institutions what they have been waiting for  a regulatory environment where innovation is supported by rigorous oversight," he added. "It anchors our compliance-first strategy and sets a model for how global digital finance will mature."

From Retail Strength to Institutional Certainty

Zhou highlighted that Bybit's institutional advantage is built on the strength of its global retail ecosystem  now spanning card, Pay, and fiat integration across 13 regions. This scale enables one of the deepest liquidity pools in the industry, providing measurable execution benefits to institutional desks.

He also pointed to accelerated collaboration with major financial institutions in Europe and the Middle East, reinforcing Bybit's role as a high-reliability execution venue for professional market participants.

TradFi and Crypto: A Single Market Within Five Years

Looking ahead, Zhou outlined his long-term view of the industry. Rather than parallel financial systems, he predicts a unified capital market driven by shared infrastructure standards, integrated workflows, and interoperable liquidity.

"In the next five years, TradFi and crypto will not be two separate worlds," Zhou said. "We are moving toward a single, globally connected ecosystem built on institutional-grade liquidity, custody, and infrastructure  and Bybit is building the operational backbone for that future."

Commitment to a Safer, High-Performance Institutional Market

Zhou closed his keynote by underscoring Bybit's commitment to create the market's most trusted institutional trading ecosystem  anchored in transparency, execution speed, and clear regulatory standards.

With its expanded regulatory footprint, deepening institutional partnerships, and rapidly scaling liquidity, Bybit is well positioned as a foundational pillar of the global digital asset market heading into an era of rapid institutional adoption in 2026.

#Bybit / #CryptoArk

About Bybit

Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com .

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media

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SOURCE Bybit
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- California Divorce Mediation Center (CDMC), a leading provider of divorce mediation services in Orange County and California, proudly announces the launch of its redesigned website, cadivorcemediationcenter.com. The new site reflects owner Todd Coulston's commitment to making the divorcemediation process easier to understand and more accessible for couples seeking a peaceful alternative to litigation.

A New Look That Puts Families First

The refreshed website provides a streamlined user experience with clear navigation, simplified contact forms and a mobileresponsive design. Visitors will notice an inviting layout that speaks to the firm's mission of saving couples time, money and emotional stress. The site now features an expanded "Why Choose Us" section, explaining how the Center provides couples with a clear roadmap of the divorce process and keeps them informed every step of the way. This transparency has earned the center a reputation for guiding clients toward fair divorces without war, a message echoed throughout the new pages.

Enhanced Online Consultation Capabilities

One of the highlights of the redesign is the fully integrated onlineconsultation platform. Couples can now schedule a free initial consultation directly through the website. CDMC conducts its entire mediation process via secure video conferencing, ensuring convenience and privacy. The first session provides an opportunity for mediators to learn about each client's unique circumstances, discuss goals and outline financial disclosures. If a tentative agreement is reached, a draft Stipulated Judgment is prepared for the parties' review.

Serving the Orange County Community and Beyond

Todd Coulston founded the center after more than two decades of practicing family law in California. He built his career handling complex childcustody cases, highasset marital estates and even appellate matters. After closing his litigation practice, he decided to devote his full attention to mediation so that families could resolve disputes confidentially and costeffectively. Having successfully mediated hundreds of cases, Coulston now focuses on delivering personalized mediation services. The new website underscores this mission by highlighting how the center saves couples time and money and reduces stress by keeping them out of court.

While headquartered in Orange County, CDMC provides divorce mediation services across California. The redesigned site emphasizes that the firm can serve clients throughout the state and even internationally through video conferencing. This flexibility makes it easy for couples in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and beyond to work with an experienced divorce mediator, regardless of location.

Comprehensive Resources for Couples

Beyond improved usability, the new site offers a variety of educational resources. Visitors will find detailed explanations of the mediation process, including how financial documents and settlement discussions are handled. An expanded FAQ section clarifies the role of a neutral mediator and explains that mediation is a voluntary process where the mediator facilitates discussions but does not make decisions. Blog posts cover topics such as coparenting, asset division and the benefits of resolving familylaw matters without litigation.

Statement from Todd Coulston

"After years of helping families navigate the court system, I saw firsthand the toll that litigation takes on both finances and relationships," said Coulston. "Our new website reflects our goal of providing divorce mediation in Orange County and all of California that empowers couples to take control of their own settlements, avoid unnecessary conflict and focus on healing. We designed the site to be a welcoming, informative space where people can learn about mediation and decide if it's right for them."

About California Divorce Mediation Center

California Divorce Mediation Center is a fullservice mediation firm dedicated to helping couples resolve familylaw disputes without going to court. Founded by mediator Todd Coulston, the center draws on decades of experience and hundreds of successfully mediated cases. CDMC provides divorce mediation offering flexible videoconference sessions and free initial consultations. The firm serves clients throughout California and beyond, with a particular focus on divorce mediation services in Orange County and throughout California.

SOURCE California Divorce Mediation Center
Timeless Gifting, Couture Design, and Exclusive Seasonal Savings

NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the holiday season approaches, Christian Siriano and Rare Carat are spotlighting the designer's exclusive fine jewelry collaborationan elevated collection that merges Siriano's couture aesthetic with Rare Carat's expertise in diamond sourcing and meticulous craftsmanship. With savings up to 40% and offers extending throughout the holidays, the collection stands out as one of the year's most compelling luxury-gifting moments.

Model: Daphne Velghe | Photo by Shane LaVancher

Introduced in September as Siriano's first foray into bridal jewelry, the collection has continued to gain momentum across both fashion and fine-jewelry circles. The standout pieces are the engagement ringsmodern, architectural, and crafted to be cherished for a lifetimesupported by a selection of wedding bands and refined fine-jewelry essentials, each customizable with natural or lab-grown diamonds through Rare Carat's industry-leading digital platform.

Siriano's design languagedefined by sculptural silhouettes, architectural lines, and bold femininitytranslates seamlessly into the jewelry. The pieces balance modern minimalism with statement-driven elegance, appealing to consumers seeking designs that feel both directional and timeless.

"Jewelry is deeply emotionalit reflects who we are and what we value," said Christian Siriano. "Designing this collection with Rare Carat allowed me to create pieces that feel personal, expressive, and accessible without compromising beauty or craftsmanship."

"Our mission has always been to make the diamond-buying experience transparent, trustworthy, and design-driven," added Ajay Anand, Founder & CEO of Rare Carat. "Partnering with Christian brought a fresh creative lens to our platformone that speaks to today's fashion-forward consumer while staying rooted in fine-jewelry integrity."

This holiday season, the Christian Siriano x Rare Carat collection stands out as a rare fusion between high fashion and meticulous craftsmanship, combining Siriano's sculptural aesthetic with Rare Carat's diamond expertise. With meaningful seasonal savings and fully customizable natural and lab-grown diamond options, the collaboration emerges as one of 2025's most compelling luxury-gifting highlights.

About Christian Siriano

Christian Siriano is an award-winning CFDA designer who launched his label in 2008 after training under Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, and has since become a defining force in American fashion. Celebrated for championing beauty and diversity, his designs have been worn by leading figures from Dr. Jill Biden and Michelle Obama to Zendaya, Lady Gaga, and Billy Porter, and his work has been featured in major museum exhibitions worldwide. Beyond the runway, Siriano is a best-selling author, television host, and interior designer with a growing lifestyle brand.

About Rare Carat

Founded in 2016, Rare Carat is one of America's leading online diamond jewelers, bringing transparency, trust, and expert guidance to engagement ring and fine jewelry shopping. With over 100,000 engagement rings sold in the USA to date, Rare Carat helps customers compare options across a wide selection of natural and lab-grown diamonds, each vetted with trusted certifications (GIA & IGI). Every piece of jewelry is handcrafted and fully insured, making diamond buying simple, fair, and stress-free. Learn more at www.rarecarat.com .

SOURCE Rare Carat
Seasoned financial advisor Waheed Siddiqui moves from Citigroup Global Markets Inc., seeking the independence and resources to enhance the client experience and offer tax-intelligent advice

DALLAS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cetera welcomes financial advisor Waheed Siddiqui and his firm, Prestige Global Private Wealth, to Avantax, a community of tax-focused financial professionals within Cetera. Driven by a desire to embrace his entrepreneurial spirit, expand his firm, and serve clients more holistically, Siddiqui found the ideal partner in Avantax.

Based in Rockville, Maryland, Siddiqui joins Avantax from Citigroup Global Markets Inc., where he served as Vice President, Wealth Management and Senior Wealth Advisor, overseeing approximately $216 million in assets under administration*. He brings over 20 years of industry experience and a deep commitment to building lasting client relationships. Siddiqui takes a comprehensive and hands-on approach to financial planning, connecting clients with the strategies necessary to meet their unique and evolving goals. His experience and commitment to personalized service ensure clients receive guidance and support for even the most complex financial matters.

"I've always had a strong desire to be an entrepreneur and build my own practice. I considered going independent for nearly a decade, and now felt that the timing was right," said Siddiqui. "Managing wealth today can be complex, and it's essential to bring wealth and tax planning together in a truly integrated way. With a dedicated support team, advanced tax technology, and a commitment to partner growth, I'm looking forward to embracing entrepreneurship and independence with Cetera and Avantax."

With Avantax, Prestige Global Private Wealth will have access to industry-leading resources, research, and technology that will allow them to provide clients with high-quality, tax-integrated strategies.

Avantax Community Leader Clint Brookshire welcomed Siddiqui, saying: "Waheed's journey to independence was years in the making. He took the time to thoughtfully assess his options and what is ultimately best for clients, and we are honored that he found a home in Cetera and Avantax. We look forward to offering Waheed the resources, independence and tax-focused expertise needed for him to offer clients fully integrated wealth management solutions and helping him to grow his business."

Explore how Cetera's flexible affiliation models empower you to grow your business your way. Tax and Financial Professionals can learn more about Avantax and Cetera at the following links: https://www.avantax.com or https://cetera.com/find-your-fit .

About Avantax

Avantax, a unique community within Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, delivers tax-intelligent wealth management solutions for financial professionals, tax professionals and CPA firms, supporting its goal of minimizing clients' tax burdens through comprehensive tax-intelligent financial planning. For additional information, please visit www.avantax.com .

About Cetera

Cetera Financial Group (Cetera) is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions, Cetera's multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms.

Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice  blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera's five-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth.

As of Sept. 30, 2025, Cetera firms manage approximately $625 billion in assets under administration and $284 billion in assets under management. Its award-winning Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 40,000 advisor reviews, with over 35,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.8 out of 5 satisfaction score.

Learn more at www.cetera.com and follow Cetera on LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook , YouTube , and X .

Cetera is a network of independent retail firms, including those that are members of FINRA/SIPC: Cetera Advisors LLC; Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (formerly known as Cetera Advisor Networks); Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors); and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. Entities registered as investment advisers with the Securities and Exchange Commission include Cetera Investment Management LLC and Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera's principal office is located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101.

Cetera exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside business. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice.

*Value approximated based on information provided to Cetera for asset holdings as of Aug. 30, 2025.

SOURCE Avantax
BEIJING, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CGTN published an article on the post-disaster rescue and reconstruction efforts following a devastating fire in Tai Po in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), highlighting the collective efforts by the central government and the HKSAR government, Hong Kong residents, volunteers from the mainland, and different sectors of society.

At Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, residents have quietly returned to homes they'll never be able to live in again  some for the first time since the devastating fire on November 26. Many came only to retrieve what little they could carry. But they were not alone.

Clusters of volunteers stood ready to help them pack up belongings and guide families to the waiting vans. Nearby, an unattended truck sat with its back doors open, stocked with bottled drinks, cardboard boxes and plastic bags  free for anyone who needed them.

Among those offering help was Wong Chi-chuen, 58-year-old taxi driver. For five straight days, Wong and several fellow drivers had been shuttling residents for free. "We start at eight and don't stop until late," he said. "Yes, it hurts our incomes, but helping people matters more."

From long lines of volunteers to steady donations from across society, Hong Kong has mobilized on a remarkable scale, coming together to support families hit by the tragedy.

Government steps up support

In the wake of the fire, Chinese President Xi Jinping immediately urged all-out efforts to extinguish the blaze and minimize casualties and losses. He also extended his deep condolences, as well as his sympathies to the victims' families and all those affected by the fire.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, within hours of the disaster, launched a citywide rescue and resettlement operation. Temporary shelters opened across Tai Po the same night, and emergency payments were issued immediately.

As of December 5, 1,369 residents had been placed in youth hostels, camps and hotel rooms. Another 2,499 people had moved into transitional housing. Chief Executive John Lee pledged that "no affected family will be left behind" and said the accommodation will be free throughout the reconstruction period.

One day after the fire, each affected household was given an emergency payment of HK$10,000. The government later announced HK$200,000 in condolence payments to the families of victims. It also provided HK$50,000 in living allowances for affected households  an amount later increased to HK$100,000.

The Social Welfare Department has reached out to over 4,900 residents from over 1,900 households as part of its "one social worker per household" support scheme, providing counseling, coordinating supplies and offering day-to-day help. Each household is also paired with two civil servants to assist with medical visits, packing, transport and other practical needs.

Lion Rock spirit

The tragedy has prompted a strong wave of compassion from across Hong Kong and beyond.

On the day of the fire, residents brought clothing, food and water to shelters, while long queues formed at blood donation centers. A shipment of urgently needed blankets was transported overnight from the mainland's Dongguan to Tai Po.

Volunteers have been working around the clock at shelters and transitional housing sites to ensure residents can get help whenever they need. Once a request is made, volunteers coordinate and deliver supplies quickly.

"Hong Kong people have the Lion Rock spirit. When one suffers, everyone supports," said Mei Siu-fung, head of the Tai Po District Care Team, adding about 400 local volunteers responded within hours after the fire. The Lion Rock spirit, often described as the spirit of Hong Kong, reflects the city's collective resilience and determination to overcome hardship and strive for a better life.

Support has also flowed in from the mainland and Macao. Shenzhen residents organized supply trucks. Children and elder villagers from Guizhou donated what they could. Mainland organizationslarge and small mobilized medical gear, relief materials and millions in funding. The Macao Foundation sent HK$30 million.

Public donations to the support fund for Wang Fuk Court have now reached around HK$3 billion. Together with HK$300 million in seed funding from the HKSAR government, the fund totals roughly HK$3.3 billion and will support rebuilding and long-term assistance.

"Disasters are merciless, but people have love," Lee said. "The care and donations from Guangdong, Macao and many others reflect compassion, solidarity and hope. The government will ensure every dollar goes toward helping residents rebuild their lives."

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-12-08/In-the-wake-of-tragedy-Hong-Kong-comes-together-to-rebuild-1IWyRq86a6k/p.html

SOURCE CGTN
KINGSTOWN, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating the holiday season together with its millions of users, Changelly is bringing festive surprises and exclusive crypto rewards to the community. Inside its mobile app, Changelly is launching the Holiday Wheel of Fortune an entertaining experience where users have the chance to win a MacBook Pro, Tangem hardware Rings and Cards, OneKey crypto cold wallets, and a variety of special bonuses and discounts.

Changelly (PRNewsfoto/Changelly)

Teaming up with industry leaders Tangem and OneKey, Changelly blends convenience, security, and accessibilityeven for newcomers to Web3. This Christmas, no one walks away empty-handed: together, the partners present an impressive prize pool featuring a brand-new Apple laptop, premium hardware devices, exclusive promo codes, VIP statuses on the Changelly platform, crypto guides, and more.

A veteran in the crypto market, Changelly is recognized as one of the most secure and user-friendly instant exchange platforms, trusted for its transparent rates, intuitive experience, and consistent focus on user safety. Users can experience it all firsthand and take part in the prize campaign in the Changelly app from December 8 to December 22.

Changelly and Partners Put User Security First

In its Christmas 2025 campaign, Changelly focuses on user safety and a seamless exchange experience for its mobile users. With support from trusted partners Tangem and OneKey, the company aims to focus on the security of users' funds.

Tangem , founded in 2017, is known for its simple and highly durable hardware wallets designed for everyday use. With its app-connected wallet cards and innovative form factors, Tangem focuses on making self-custody accessible, even to newcomers. Every Tangem wallet is powered by secure chip technology that keeps private keys offline and protected, ensuring users can manage their assets without fear of hacks or unauthorized access. Among the prizes in this year's campaign is the Tangem Ringthe world's first ring-shaped hardware walletalongside Tangem's classic wallet cards engineered for robust offline security.

"At Tangem, our mission is to redefine what it means to truly own digital assets. Self-custody should feel natural, intuitive, and accessible to everyone. With our wallet cards and the Tangem Ring, we're creating products that bring security and confidence into everyday life. Partnering with Changelly's Christmas campaign helps us share this vision during a season built on discovery and meaningful connection." says Andrey Lazutkin, CTO Tangem.OneKey's COO Cavin Gong shares this sentiment: "At OneKey, we believe self-custody should be both secure and simple. That's why everything we build is open-source, independently verifiable, and designed to give people full control over their digital assets. Our mission is to make advanced security feel effortless, pairing certified hardware with an app anyone can use. Partnering with Changelly for this Christmas campaign helps us share that mission and remind users that strong security doesn't have to be scary, it can even be part of the holiday fun."

Since entering the market in 2019, OneKey has become known for hardware wallets that balance strong security with straightforward, approachable design. The team's open-source approach and certified components reflect their commitment to transparent digital ownership. Several OneKey hardware wallets are featured in this year's Christmas prize lineup, giving users a chance to explore secure self-custody tools first-hand.

With Tangem and OneKey contributing to this year's prize pool, the Christmas Wheel of Fortune lets users explore these self-custody tools through a festive in-app experience where every spin brings a reward.

Changelly's Wheel of Fortune

From December 8 to December 22, users can spin the Christmas Wheel of Fortune inside the Stories section of the Changelly app. Each spin unlocks a prize, with rewards that include:

10 Tangem hardware wallet -cards

-cards 5 Tangem Ring wallets

7 OneKey hardware wallets

A brand-new MacBook Pro

Special Changelly discounts

"Christmas is the perfect moment to give something back to our community. For 10 years, millions of users have trusted Changelly for fast and simple crypto access, and this campaign is our way of saying thank you. Together with Tangem and OneKey, we're bringing users both festive rewards and tools that help them stay safe in Web3." Zifa Mae, Head of Product at Changelly

Information on Accessing and Using the Holiday Wheel of Fortune in the Changelly App

Availability of the Changelly App

Participation in the Holiday Wheel of Fortune event occurs within the Changelly mobile application. Access to the event requires installation of the app and registration within an existing or new account. Only registered users are eligible.

Location of the Holiday Wheel of Fortune Feature

Between December 8 and December 22, 2025, the Holiday Wheel of Fortune feature is presented in the Stories section of the application. Through this feature, users may receive items such as hardware wallets, VIP status, promo codes, or a MacBook Pro.

Provision of Weekly Free Spins

Eligible participants receive one free spin per week, with a maximum of three free spins available during the event period. Spins issued for each weekly cycle do not accumulate and expire at the end of the relevant week.

Availability of Additional Spins

Additional spins are issued when a transaction is completed in the Changelly app on the same day. These spins are valid only on the day of issuance and cannot be carried over.

Delivery of Prizes

Digital items, including VIP status, promo codes, and guides, are provided within the application or by email. For physical items, Changelly contacts recipients within seven business days to arrange shipment.

Participant Eligibility Requirements

Participation is subject to regional restrictions and compliance with local laws. Verification may be required for the delivery of certain prizes.

Full rules and terms are provided on the Christmas Campaign page, which includes the conditions governing the Holiday Wheel of Fortune event supported by Changelly, Tangem, and OneKey.

About Changelly

Changelly is an instant cryptocurrency exchange trusted by more than 10 million users around the world. Since 2015, it has focused on making crypto simple and fast, offering both crypto-to-crypto and fiat-to-crypto swaps across 1,000+ assets and 185 blockchains. Users get quick transactions, transparent rates, and 24/7 live customer support whenever they need help.

Users can use Changelly on desktop ( website ) or through its mobile apps on iOS ( App Store ) and Android ( Google Play ).

Contact

Head of Marketing & PR

Ashley Vancouver

Changelly

[email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2841837/Changelly.jpg

SOURCE Changelly
An Education Constellation Forms: Four Catholic Universities Forge Innovative, New Alliance to Create Greater Student Opportunities

SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent Apostolic Letter titled Drawing New Maps of Hope, Pope Leo writes that we live in a complex, fragmented, digitized educational environment. But that, since its origins, the Gospel has generated "educational constellations." Pope Leo observes, "In stormy weather, they have been a lifeline; in calm weather, they have been a sail unfurled. A beacon in the night to guide navigation."

(L-R) Susan R. Burns, PhD, President, University of Mount Saint Vincent; Glena G. Temple, PhD, President, Dominican University; Thomas M. Evans, PhD, President, University of the Incarnate Word; Gilberto J. Marxuach Torros, JD, President, Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

It is in this spirit that four international Catholic universities have come together to form CHARISM: Catholic Higher Education Alliance of Rising Institutions in Service and Mission, a bold new partnership that will create exciting new opportunities and experiences for their students and their institutions. University of the Incarnate Word, Dominican University, University of Mount Saint Vincent and Universidad del Sagrado Corazon share much in common. They are all Catholic, Hispanic-Serving and Minority-Serving Institutions located in major metropolitan areas and were founded by women religious. Perhaps most significantly, they are all Mission-driven institutions with unique spiritual heritages and charisms that shape their education offerings.

This new coalition leverages each university's broad academic portfolios, programmatic distinctions, faculty expertise and regional impacts to develop high-impact student experiences, new education pathways, faculty collaboration, joint research opportunities and more.

THE INSTITUTIONS:

University of the Incarnate Word

A leader in health professions preparation and humanities education, the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio encompasses schools, colleges and institutions in the U.S., Mexico and Europe. Since its founding in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the University of the Incarnate Word has paved ways for students to experience transformational Catholic education. Today, the student population across the system tops 10,000 and includes learners at nearly every stage in their education journeys.

"The establishment of CHARISM represents a strategic alignment of Catholic mission and higher education innovation," says Thomas M. Evans, PhD, UIW president. "In his recent Apostolic letter, Pope Leo XIV delivered a new mandate for Catholic education to work together to meet the needs of our world. We are deeply proud to embark on such a bold alliance with Dominican University, University of Mount Saint Vincent and Universidad del Sagrado Corazon to create what Pope Leo defined as an 'educational constellation,' Together, we will leverage our unique strengths to emerge as leaders in providing illuminating experiences, faith formation and professional preparation, readying our learners to share their lights with the world."

Dominican University

Founded in 1901, Dominican University is a comprehensive, coeducational Catholic institution with campuses in River Forest and Chicago, Illinois. As Chicago's premier Catholic Hispanic-Serving Institution, Dominican is consistently recognized as a leader in academic excellence and value. U.S. News & World Report ranks Dominican University in the top 25 of Midwest regional master's level universities, and #1 in Illinois for Best Value and ensuring the social mobility of its graduates.

"This strategic partnership represents a bold, mission-driven step forward for Catholic higher education. Across Chicago, San Antonio, New York, and San Juan, our faculty will lead the development of new academic pathways that respond to the dynamic needs of today's learners and connect students across regions and around the world," said Glena G. Temple, PhD, President of Dominican University. "By drawing on the unique strengths of each Catholic, Hispanic-Serving institution, CHARISM showcases the power of mission-driven collaboration to advance student success and social mobility."

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Founded in 1935 by the women religious of Society of the Sacred Heart, the Universidad del Sagrado Corazon ("Sagrado") is part of Puerto Rico's oldest continuous educational mission. It is Puerto Rico's first liberal arts college. Sagrado's mission is to educate persons willing to participate in the construction of a more authentically Christian society, a community of solidarity, justice and peace. Sagrado is a leader in the fields of communications, journalism, media and the creative industries, and the only university in Puerto Rico Carnegie-certified for Community Engagement. As part of its 2030 Strategic Plan, Sagrado aims to offer a fully bilingual Spanish and English university education. Sagrado is located in a 34-acre green campus in the capital city of San Juan and serves over 5,300 students.

"We want to thank Dr. Thomas M. Evans, President of the University of the Incarnate Word, for his vision and generous leadership of this historic initiative, and Dr. Glena G. Temple, President of Dominican University, and Dr. Susan R. Burns, President of the University of Mount Saint Vincent, for sharing this vision and advancing this initiative through their own gracious leadership. We are grateful to all of them for inviting the Universidad del Sagrado Corazon to participate and bring our own history and experience to enrich this collective effort," said Gilberto J. Marxuach Torros, President of Universidad del Sagrado Corazon. "CHARISM is what its name reflects, an unexpected grace that seeks to open new paths of collaboration in Catholic higher education, to offer new and better opportunities for growth to the students, the faculty, and the communities of all four universities. We are excited to be a part of this great effort."

University of Mount Saint Vincent

Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers a nationally recognized liberal arts education and an array of professional fields of study. Committed to educating the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational, and career opportunities of NYC, UMSV equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, accomplishment, and leadership in the 21st century.

"This strategic partnership demonstrates the extraordinary power of mission-driven institutions working together," said Susan R. Burns, PhD, President of the University of Mount Saint Vincent. "As Catholic, HSI universities founded by women religious that serve diverse communities, we share a deep commitment to meeting learners when, where, and how they need us. By joining our strengths, we are opening new pathways, programs, and extending our reach across the country and the world. This alliance is creating high-impact learning experiences that honor our shared heritage and respond to the evolving needs of today's learnersyet another example of how our students, and all students, can move forward with purpose."

THE OPPORTUNITIES:

This agreement establishes new key pathways and opportunities but also opens the door to more significant collaboration beginning with, but not limited to:

--Joint Degree Programs: Coordinated programs where students can earn a degree or certificate from more than one institution.

--Academic Pathways: Students conduct part of their program at one institution and transfer/transition to another for completion.

--Faculty and Staff Development: Faculty and staff are provided opportunities for professional development, faculty exchange and central collaboration for discussion and sharing ideas to remain at the top of innovation and student success.

THE COMMEMORATION:

The CHARISM was officially agreed to during a special ceremony featuring the Presidents from all four universities that was held in the Joeris Ballroom in the Student Engagement Center on the Broadway campus of the University of the Incarnate Word on Monday, December 8 at 10 a.m.

UIW Media Contact: Michael Valdes, Assistant Director/Media and Public Relations, Office of Communications & Brand Marketing, (210) 829-6001, (210) 422-4052 or [email protected]

Dominican University Media Contact: Stephane Kubas, Assistant Vice President University Marketing and Brand Integration, Phone: (708) 524-6376, Email: [email protected]

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon Media Contact: Sandra I. Pomales Castro, Chief Institutional Communications Officer, Phone: (787) 728-1515, ext. 5389, Email: [email protected]

University of Mount Saint Vincent Media Contact: Nicole Quaranto, Director for Communications, Phone: (718) 405-3746, Email: [email protected]

SOURCE University of the Incarnate Word
PHOENIX, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Colossal , an industry leader in professional fundraising and the pioneer of purpose-driven online competitions, announces that funds through the 2025 Baby of the Year competition resulted in a $17.7 million grant supporting Baby2Baby through Colossal's charity grantmaking partner, DTCare. Combined with last year's record-breaking $24.3 million grant, the Baby of the Year initiative has now delivered an extraordinary two-year total of over $42 million in support of families and children in need.

Presented by actress, entrepreneur, and longtime Baby2Baby Board Member Jessica Alba, Baby of the Year is a nationwide online competition that unites parents, communities, and supporters across the country to champion their favorite baby. This nationwide philanthropic movement supported by global icons Kelly Rowland and Paris Hilton benefits Baby2Baby , a national nonprofit that provides over one million children in need across the country each year with the critical items they deserve.

This year's competition culminated in the announcement of the 2025 Baby of the Year winner, Luca, a little cutie who thrives on adventure, homemade meals, and charming everyone he meets. His bold spirit and big smiles make him unstoppable. Luca's family represents just one of thousands of families who participated in this joyful, purpose-driven national movement.

As this year's competition comes to a close, several powerful themes emerged from the millions of votes cast and the thousands of families who took part. Here are the five biggest insights that defined Baby of the Year 2025:

Baby2Baby's Impact Continues to Grow and the Need Remains Critical



At the center of the competition is Baby2Baby, the nonprofit that, in the last 14 years, has distributed more than half a billion essential items to children in need across all 50 states, including diapers, formula, clothing, food and hygiene products. The organization's tireless commitment continues to transform families' lives nationwide, and this competition once again illuminated the depth, scale, and urgency of their impact.



"We are truly ecstatic to be the beneficiary of the Baby of the Year competition for the second year in a row and receive an extraordinary $17.7 million grant. Last year's unprecedented success enabled us to go into 2025 ready to respond to the needs of children impacted by disasters nationwide including the devastating Los Angeles fires," shared Baby2Baby Co-CEOs Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein. "Today we are celebrating another monumental gift and the generosity of millions of voters that will allow us to deliver critical items including diapers, formula, clothing, and food to children and families across the country for many years to come."



America Shows Up  Especially for Its Babies



Baby of the Year proves that parents and everyday supporters can drive significant social impact. Through free votes, votes by donation, and community engagement, families across the country collectively powered one of the largest philanthropic efforts of its kind.



A Powerful Parent Community Emerged Nationwide



Beyond the leaderboard, Baby of the Year sparked a thriving parent community. Through parent-centric social channels, families shared milestones, swapped tips, and celebrated one another.



Workshops from Little Sleepies , Safe in the Seat , and Big Little Feelings added meaningful parent support that extended well beyond the competition helping with sleep routines, car seat confidence, and toddlerhood in all its big-feeling glory.



Partnerships Drive Transformational Change



The alignment between Colossal and Baby2Baby continues to demonstrate how value-based partnerships can accelerate social impact. By blending philanthropic innovation with a mission grounded in human need, the collaboration delivers tangible national results year after year.



Joy Is a Powerful Catalyst for Giving



Baby of the Year blends joy with purpose, showing that philanthropy doesn't have to be solemn to be meaningful. When people celebrate something universally loved (babies), they show up with enthusiasm and that enthusiasm translates into real-world change.



The 2025 champion, baby Luca, will receive $25,000 and a spotlight in a Variety magazine advertorial, following the momentum of last year's winner, Sloane Maya , whose story resonated across the country.



Families can continue the experience by visiting the Baby of the Year blog for resources and updates, and by watching our collection of playful baby commercials and moments on Colossal's YouTube channel and on our Verified Instagram handle @thebabyoftheyear .



Visit baby2baby.org to learn more about how to get involved.

About Colossal:

Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Baby of the Year, participants have the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact. Colossal competitions serve as fundraising campaigns for DTCare , a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization, which then grants donation funds to specified charities at the completion of the competitions. Learn more at colossal.org . Who's Next?

About Baby2Baby:

Baby2Baby is a non-profit organization that provides children in need with diapers, formula, clothing, and the basic necessities that every child deserves, serving more than one million children across all 50 states. Led by Co-CEOs Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein, the organization has distributed over half a billion items in the past 14 years to children in homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, foster care, hospitals and school districts as well as children who have lost everything in the wake of disaster. The organization's success has been propelled forward by its industry-leading model that is redefining what it means to operate a non-profit with a seamless integration of impact, innovation, and influence, which earned them praise from TIME Magazine as one of 2023's most influential companies and recognition as the #1 non-profit on Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies List. To learn more about Baby2Baby please visit www.baby2baby.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anne-Marie Pritchett, Colossal, (602) 633-4163, [email protected], colossal.org

Correction: The last sentence of the first paragraph now reads "two-year total of over $42 million" rather than "two-year total of over $44 million."

SOURCE COLOSSAL
Photo: https://x.com/vonderleyen

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's "unwavering" support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as peace talks continue.

As peace talks are ongoing, the EU remains ironclad in its support for Ukraine. Our financing proposals are on the table. The goal is a strong Ukraine, on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. We reaffirmed to President Zelenskyy that the EU remains steadfast and committed to its principles. Ukraines sovereignty must be respected, the leaders said on their X pages.

They noted that Ukraine's security must be guaranteed in the long term as the first line of defense of the common Union.

These priorities were are the center of our discussions with NATO Secretary General. Europe will keep contributing to all efforts for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, the leaders emphasized.

As reported, Zelenskyy briefed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Presidents of the European Council Antonio Costa and the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on the negotiations with the United States.
COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Corcapa 1031 Advisors, a financial advisory firm specializing in tax-deferred exchange strategies, announced today the successful completion of a complex 1033 exchange on behalf of an investor nearing the end of the identification period.

The investor initially considered single-family homes structured in a net lease wrapper, which met the tight identification timeline but did not align with his long-term investment goals. After engaging Corcapa 1031 Advisors, he reviewed a range of replacement property options better suited to those objectives. He selected a Delaware statutory trust (DST) offering of a Class A, 300-unit multifamily property in Florida, which could provide diversification, institutional-level management, and the potential for a stable income stream.

"1033 exchanges can be uniquely complex and time-sensitive," said Christina Nielson, chief executive officer and founder of Corcapa 1031 Advisors and its affiliated firm, 1031 DST Solution. "Our team was able to help this investor navigate those challenges and position his capital into a strong asset that is expected to deliver both stability and diversification. This case underscores the importance of experienced guidance when deadlines are tight."

"This investor had multiple paths to consider, including sole ownership of single-family rentals," added Rob Babcock, vice president of internet strategy and financial advisor outreach at Corcapa 1031 Advisors. "Ultimately, by selecting a Class A multifamily DST, he gained access to a large, well-managed community with hundreds of units generating income across a diverse tenant mix. That diversification provided peace of mind and the potential for long-term stability, which was the right fit given his circumstances and goals."

The transaction highlights Corcapa's experience with DSTs, tenant-in-common (TIC) structures, sole-ownership options, and 721 UPREIT programs. By aligning strategies with each client's needs, the firm helps investors preserve capital, defer taxes, and pursue long-term income solutions.

About Corcapa 1031 Advisors and 1031 DST Solution

Founded in 2011, Corcapa 1031 Advisors and 1031 DST Solution is a boutique financial advisory firm specializing exclusively in 1031 and 1033 exchanges and tax mitigation strategies. A recognized leader in alternative real estate investments, the firm focuses on Delaware statutory trusts, tenant-in-common programs, sole-ownership transactions, and 721 UPREIT structures. Corcapa has successfully guided hundreds of clients through thousands of investments, facilitating over $1 billion in completed exchanges. With a dedicated focus on real estate solutions, Corcapa is a trusted partner for registered investment advisors and financial advisors nationwide who frequently refer clients seeking expert guidance on tax-deferred exchange strategies.

Securities offered through DAI Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SiPC

Contact:

Julie Leber

Spotlight Marketing Communications

949.427.1391

[email protected]

SOURCE Corcapa 1031 Advisors
LONDON, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest report by Credence Research, the Global Decentralized Microgrid Solutions Market demonstrates an exceptional upward trajectory expanding from USD 2,774.44 million in 2018 to USD 5,710.29 million in 2024, and projected to reach USD 17,162.89 million by 2032, advancing at a CAGR of 13.74% during the forecast period. These systems, which enable localized generation, distribution, storage, and management of power, are gaining prominence as global energy systems transition from centralized grid dependence to flexible, autonomous, digitally managed architectures.

Microgrids have evolved from early-stage pilot deployments to strategic energy assets that support industrial decarbonization goals, enable energy independence, strengthen grid reliability, and facilitate large-scale renewable energy adoption. Governments worldwide are integrating microgrids into national energy transition plans as extreme weather events, rising energy demand, geopolitical instability, and the rapid scaling of distributed energy resources (DERs) intensify the urgency for resilient alternatives. Commercial and industrial users including manufacturing plants, data centers, EV charging networks, healthcare campuses, logistics hubs, and remote communities are increasingly adopting microgrids to secure uninterrupted operations, reduce energy costs, and ensure sustainability compliance.

Browse 180 market data Tables and 123 Figures spread through 345 Pages and in-depth TOC on " Decentralized Microgrid Solutions Market Forecast 2032"

Market Overview

The Global Decentralized Microgrid Solutions Market is experiencing rapid expansion as energy systems worldwide shift from centralized, utility-dominated models to flexible, localized, digitally managed power networks.

This growth is supported by surging investments in renewable energy integration, electrification of remote and underserved regions, energy security concerns, and the proliferation of digital power management systems such as advanced microgrid controllers, IoT-enabled sensors, and real-time grid analytics platforms. Businesses, government agencies, and critical service providers increasingly rely on microgrids to overcome the limitations of aging grid infrastructure and protect operations from outages, grid instability, and rising energy prices. Growing adoption of energy storage technologies including lithium-ion, LFP, flow batteries, and hydrogen-powered systems further enables the smooth functioning of decentralized networks.

Advanced microgrid architectures now support multi-node connectivity, peer-to-peer energy sharing, real-time demand-response management, and seamless islanding capability. These developments solidify microgrids as an essential pillar of global energy transition strategies. As industries decarbonize, distributed clean power generation is becoming a strategic priority, helping organizations meet net-zero commitments while ensuring operational continuity. The market's long-term outlook reflects a decisive pivot toward flexible, modular, and intelligent distributed energy ecosystems.

Regional Analysis

North America

North America remains the dominant and most technologically advanced market for decentralized microgrid solutions, supported by high investments in clean energy transition, stringent energy resiliency mandates, and widespread modernization of aging grid infrastructure. The regional market expanded from USD 1,238.05 million in 2018 to USD 2,522.23 million in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 7,601.43 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 13.8%. Increased frequency of blackouts, wildfires, and extreme weather events has pushed utilities, municipalities, and critical infrastructure operators to deploy microgrids as a resilience-enhancing solution. The United States leads regional adoption, driven by federal funding for grid modernization and strong uptake across military installations, universities, EV charging corridors, and remote communities. Canada demonstrates rising demand for hybrid microgrids in remote mining, indigenous communities, and industrial operations, powered by advances in renewables and storage deployment.

Europe

Europe's decentralized microgrid solutions market demonstrates strong progress, fueled by ambitious decarbonization goals, renewable integration mandates, and rapid deployment of distributed energy systems. Valued at USD 520.09 million in 2018, the market grew to USD 1,012.03 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2,767.15 million by 2032, progressing at a CAGR of 12.4%. European countries are prioritizing microgrids to achieve energy autonomy, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and fortify energy systems against geopolitical risks and high electricity prices. The region's regulatory framework emphasizes carbon-neutral energy systems, driving microgrid installation across commercial buildings, industrial zones, public utilities, and rural electrification initiatives. Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and the Nordics lead adoption through large-scale renewable integration, smart grid development, and extensive investments in energy storage technologies.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific stands out as the fastest-growing market for decentralized microgrid solutions, driven by rapid economic expansion, urbanization, and significant electricity demand growth across emerging economies. The market increased from USD 758.69 million in 2018 to USD 1,653.65 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 5,444.60 million by 2032, the highest regional CAGR at 15.0%. Countries such as China, India, Japan, Indonesia, and Australia are intensifying deployments to expand rural electrification, integrate large-scale renewables, and bolster energy resilience for industrial clusters. The region's ongoing clean energy transition, supported by government incentives, private-sector investments, and the expansion of smart metering and advanced distribution management systems, is accelerating microgrid adoption. Asia Pacific also benefits from the presence of leading energy storage manufacturers, making hybrid microgrids increasingly cost-effective and scalable.

Top Companies Covered into the report 

ABB Ltd.

Siemens AG

Schneider Electric SE

General Electric (GE)

Eaton Corporation

Hitachi ABB Power Grids

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Honeywell International Inc.

Tesla, Inc.

Toshiba Corporation

Cummins Inc.

Key Market Dynamics

Rising Demand for Energy Resilience and Grid Independence

One of the central forces driving the Decentralized Microgrid Solutions Market is the global need for reliable, uninterrupted power supply in the face of escalating grid instability, natural disasters, cyber vulnerabilities, and climate-induced disruptions. Microgrids provide autonomous operational capability, allowing sites to detach from the main grid and maintain critical power functions through advanced islanding mechanisms. Industrial facilities, healthcare centers, military bases, and data-intensive operations are increasingly investing in microgrids to prevent downtime and financial losses. As traditional grid systems age and strain under rising electricity demand, decentralized microgrids offer enhanced reliability, energy security, and operational continuity.

Accelerated Adoption of Renewables and Energy Storage Technologies

The rapid expansion of renewable energy especially solar photovoltaics, wind systems, and clean hydrogen acts as a major catalyst for the decentralized microgrid market. As countries intensify net-zero targets, microgrids offer an efficient framework to integrate renewable resources with advanced energy storage systems that optimize supply-demand balance. Battery advancements, including higher energy density, extended cycle life, and cost reductions, make hybrid microgrids increasingly viable for commercial and industrial users. These systems reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance energy efficiency, and support grid decarbonization. Their ability to generate clean power locally while lowering operational expenses further strengthens industry adoption.

Segmentation:

By Grid Type

Grid-Connected

Remote

Hybrid

By Offering

Hardware

Software

Services

By Power Source

Natural Gas

Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

Diesel

Fuel Cell

Others

By End User Industry

Educational Institutes

Military/Defense

Utilities

Industrial

Healthcare

Others

By Region

North America U.S. Canada Mexico

Europe Germany France U.K. Italy Spain Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea South-east Asia Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa GCC Countries South Africa Rest of the Middle East and Africa



Credence Research's Competitive Landscape Analysis

Credence Research's Competitive Landscape Analysis reveals a market characterized by rapid innovation, strategic partnerships, and expansion in system integration capabilities. Leading players are investing heavily in advanced microgrid controllers, AI-driven energy management systems, modular microgrid architectures, and seamless renewable-storage integration platforms. Companies are moving beyond hardware-focused models to deliver end-to-end digital microgrid ecosystems encompassing design, installation, analytics, and long-term optimization services. Strategic alliances between utilities, technology OEMs, and renewable project developers are accelerating project pipelines and reducing deployment timelines.

Manufacturers are enhancing product portfolios with interoperable solutions that support real-time grid coordination, multi-resource orchestration, and load forecasting. Meanwhile, energy service companies (ESCOs) and independent power producers (IPPs) are increasingly offering microgrids under long-term energy-as-a-service (EaaS) contracts, enabling users to adopt systems without upfront capital expenditure. Competitive differentiation is emerging through innovations such as self-learning microgrid controllers, blockchain-enabled peer-to-peer energy trading, and advanced cybersecurity frameworks. As market competition intensifies, Credence Research notes that players demonstrating strong integration, digitalization, and sustainability credentials will lead the next decade of microgrid evolution.

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Recently recognized with a CES 2026 Innovation Award, the solution combines video decoding, AI inference, and encoding on a single chip, offering 80% hardware cost savings compared to GPU architectures.

LAS VEGAS and SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of CES 2026, DEEPX, a pioneer in ultra-low-power on-device AI semiconductors, today announced the official launch of the DX-H1 vision neural processing unit (V-NPU), a dedicated video intelligence chipset capable of processing hundreds of AI video channels at just 30W.

Redefining Video AI Infrastructure

DEEPX Launches DX-H1 V-NPU: The 30W Single-Card Solution That Challenges GPU Dominance

The DX-H1 V-NPU is an all-in-one video intelligence solution combining a multi-channel engine capable of decoding, encoding and transcoding with dedicated NPU architecture. Unlike traditional setups that require parallel configurations of GPU servers and hardware codecs, the DX-H1 V-NPU handles the entire pipeline on a single chip  from stream input to preprocessing, AI inference, and re-encoding.

The chip's launch represents a paradigm shift in data center architecture. By integrating video input, compression, and AI inference  processes typically requiring multiple GPU servers and separate codec hardware  onto a single card, the DX-H1 V-NPU is transforming video AI infrastructure's fundamental unit from the GPU into the V-NPU.

Unmatched Efficiency and Sustainability

According to DEEPX testing data, integrating these processes achieves approximately 80% savings in hardware costs and 85% savings in power consumption compared to GPU-based solutions for the same channel density, all while maintaining 24/7 real-time inference performance.

This efficiency offers a critical structural alternative for smart cities and industrial surveillance, addressing growing challenges such as data center power constraints, stringent ESG requirements, and GPU supply chain uncertainties.

"Large-scale video AI can no longer be a secondary task borrowing spare resources from general-purpose GPUs; it must evolve into a dedicated industry running on specialized chipsets," said Lokwon Kim, CEO of DEEPX. "The DX-H1 V-NPU is not merely a low-cost alternative but a fundamental redesign of video intelligence infrastructure, optimizing memory hierarchy and computation scheduling for environments where video streams pour in by the second."

From Add-on to Foundation

As the DX-H1 series has added AI capabilities to existing legacy systems such as CCTV and NVR, the new V-NPU variant builds on the series' success and is designed as a foundational platform. It targets new deployments in smart cities, traffic control centers, and large industrial complexes, centering the server architecture around the V-NPU rather than the GPU.

Global Recognition at CES 2026

The DX-H1 V-NPU has been honored with a CES 2026 Innovation Award, reinforcing the value of DEEPX's vision of "Edge AI as the new sustainable infrastructure" on the global stage. DEEPX will officially unveil the DX-H1 V-NPU at CES 2026 in Las Vegas (January 6-9, Booth #8745, North Hall ).

The company will also host the CTA's newly established 'CES Foundry' session to present its roadmap for the Physical AI era. At the event, DEEPX plans to reveal its expanded partner ecosystem strategy, spanning video intelligence, smart cities, mobility, and robotics.

"Our ultimate goal is for DEEPX to become the default option at the Edge, where intelligence is most needed," added Kim. "The launch of the DX-H1 V-NPU marks the starting point for our full-scale expansion into the global market."

SOURCE DEEPX
BOSTON, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Every time you request a rideshare, you trust that your driver will get you home safely. Most rides go as planned, but for some, what begins as an ordinary trip ends in trauma. Sexual assault and harassment in Uber and Lyft vehicles continue to be a serious problem. Knowing how to protect yourself and what to do if something goes wrong is an important part of staying safe.

This rideshare sexual assault safety guide incorporates statistics from a survey of regular users of the platforms. It is designed to help you feel informed and empowered when using rideshare services. It offers practical safety steps before, during, and after your ride, explains how Uber and Lyft have addressed safety challenges, and outlines ongoing legal claims involving rider harm. You'll also learn how negligence and breaches of duty are evaluated when survivors seek accountability.

Both Uber and Lyft have publicly acknowledged the need for stronger safety measures and introduced updates to protect riders and drivers. These include enhanced driver screening, expanded in-app emergency options, and partnerships with safety organizations to better support survivors. While these improvements are important, riders should still take precautions and understand their rights before, during, and after a trip.

7 Safety Tips for Using Uber and Lyft

Rideshare safety starts before the car even arrives. These safety tips for using Uber or Lyft can help you recognize potential dangers early and feel more secure throughout your ride.

1. Check the car and driver before getting in

Before opening the door, confirm that the license plate, make, and model match the details in your app. Ask the driver who they are picking up instead of offering your name first. These small steps make it harder for someone to pose as your driver.

2. Share your trip with someone you trust

Use the app's "Share Trip" feature to let a friend or family member follow your route in real time. This adds an extra layer of safety and ensures someone knows where you are.

3. Sit in the back seat when possible

Riding in the back gives you two exits instead of one and allows more distance between you and the driver. It also makes it easier to observe the route and your surroundings.

4. Stay alert and trust your instincts

Follow your route on the app and remain aware of your surroundings. If something feels off, speak up, end the ride, or contact help through the app. Trust your instincts, because your safety always comes first.

5. Limit personal conversation

Light conversation is fine, but avoid sharing personal details such as your home address, workplace, or daily routine. Keeping that information private reduces the risk of unwanted contact later.

6. Report unsafe behavior immediately

Both Uber and Lyft allow riders to report concerning behavior directly through the app. If you experience or witness misconduct, contact local law enforcement or reach out to confidential support services such as RAINN .

7. Remember, it is never your fault

No matter how careful you are, sexual assault and harassment are never the rider's fault. Responsibility always lies with the person who caused harm.

Is Uber or Lyft the Safer Rideshare Option for Passengers?

Choosing between Uber and Lyft often comes down to convenience, but safety features can also shape your decision. Both companies have faced scrutiny for how they protect passengers, especially regarding reports of sexual assault and harassment.

According to Uber's Safety Report, there were 2,717 reports of the five most serious categories of sexual assault between 2021 and 2022, representing a 22 percent decrease from the previous reporting period. The company credits this progress to enhanced background checks, stronger identity verification, and new Safety Risk Assessed Dispatch (S-RAD) technology that helps match riders and drivers more safely. Uber has also expanded in-app emergency options and increased partnerships with safety organizations.

Lyft's Safety Transparency Report recorded 2,651 incidents in the five most serious sexual assault categories from 2020 to 2022, marking a 21 percent decline in the frequency rate compared to its previous report. The company has introduced updated driver screenings and created a Safety Team of credentialed victim advocates trained in trauma-informed care and crisis response. Lyft also partners with ADT to connect riders and drivers with trained safety agents or emergency services when needed.

While both companies have improved safety reporting and accountability, national data on rideshare assaults remains limited. The U.S. Government Accountability Office has noted that there is currently no federal system for tracking these incidents, making it difficult to assess their full scope.

Ultimately, Uber and Lyft have each taken steps to strengthen passenger safety. The best option for you may depend on which features provide greater peace of mind, such as trip sharing, live GPS tracking, or 24-hour safety response access.

Real World Survey Results & Consumer Data - Do Riders Truly Feel Safe?

We conducted an independent study to investigate how safe people perceive rideshares, such as Uber and Lyft, to be. Participants were all 18 years or older and were asked fifteen questions regarding their experience with rideshare use. The good news is that the results indicated riders more often than not take proactive measures to protect themselves. The following data reveals interesting information about how consumers perceive the safety of rideshare services.

Approximately 61% of rideshare users almost always ride alone; however, female respondents were more likely to ride with at least one other person.

A shocking 78% of riders feel some level of uncertainty about their safety in rideshares.

When asked "What do you feel is the biggest risk when using rideshare services?", 71% responded: Being in a vulnerable or isolated location where help may not be easily accessible

64% of respondents claim to use safety features like live tracking, emergency button, share ride status frequently, while 36% do not.

44% of riders also revealed that they had been followed by a driver after a ride, or felt that the driver tried to contact them inappropriately after the trip.

Over half of the respondents have requested a drop off at a fake location (near their actual destination) to protect their privacy and safety.

The survey respondents also provided feedback about safety features they would like to see in rideshare apps. The most requested safety features were:

Real-time video monitoring during rides, with footage accessible only by authorized personnel in case of incidents

A customizable profile where users can set safety preferences, such as preferred driver gender or vehicle type, and receive alerts if these preferences are not met.

A feature allowing riders to review the exact route taken during a trip, including timestamps and deviations from the planned path.

Automatic notification to a designated emergency contact if a ride is significantly delayed or if unusual activity is detected.

A feature that can detect and alert on unsafe driving behaviors, such as erratic lane changes or sudden braking.

Clear information on the driver's profile showing their background check results.

Ongoing Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Uber is facing more than 2,300 lawsuits from riders alleging sexual assault by drivers. In July 2025 , a federal judge dismissed fraud-based claims related to Uber's "safe ride" advertisements but allowed other claims to proceed. A set of bellwether trials is scheduled to begin in December 2025.

In March 2025 , the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that more than 1,600 sexual assault cases could be consolidated and heard before one judge in San Francisco, rejecting Uber's attempt to block that process under its user agreement.

In September 2025 , a California jury in a bellwether case rejected a plaintiff's argument that Uber was legally responsible for her assault. The jury found the company negligent but concluded that negligence was not a direct cause of the attack. That case is one of more than 500 similar lawsuits pending in state court, alongside more than 2,500 federal claims.

Uber has also requested that the court review over 100 plaintiff claims involving missing or altered ride receipts. The company claims that these discrepancies make verification difficult, while plaintiffs' lawyers argue that many survivors lack receipts because someone else ordered their rides on their behalf.

These developments go beyond legal procedure. They could define what safety obligations rideshare companies owe passengers and how strictly courts hold them accountable when harm occurs.

When To Seek Legal Help After a Rideshare Assault

Experiencing harm during a rideshare trip can leave lasting emotional and physical effects. If you or someone you love was assaulted or placed in danger, know that you are not alone and that legal help is available. You may have a case if a company failed to protect its passengers through proper screening, ignored warning signs about a driver, or neglected to act when safety concerns were raised. Such failures can amount to gross negligence or a breach of duty of care.

DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers represents survivors across Massachusetts and New Hampshire seeking accountability and healing. Our attorneys understand how painful it can be to revisit these experiences, and we approach every case with compassion, privacy, and respect.

We offer free case evaluations and a no-fee-unless-we-win promise, so you can focus on recovery without worrying about costs. Whether you choose to meet in person or online, our team will take the time to listen, explain your options, and pursue justice on your behalf.

At DiBella Law, we are here to stand with you, help you rebuild, and hold negligent companies accountable for the harm they caused. You can reach our team through our online contact form or by calling for a free, confidential consultation.

SOURCE DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers
FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EECU is proud to announce that applications for its 2026 scholarship program are now open. Each year, EECU awards scholarships to outstanding high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community service.

In 2026, EECU will be awarding up to $65,000 in scholarships to 13 graduating seniors across North Texas, helping them pursue higher education at institutions across the country. Each student will receive a $5,000 scholarship, reinforcing EECU's commitment to supporting the educational goals of its members and their families.

"EECU has always been passionate about supporting education," said Lonnie Nicholson, President and CEO of EECU. "Our scholarship program helps make higher education more accessible to the students in our community, and it's a privilege to offer financial support to another class of graduates."

Since the program's inception more than 35 years ago, EECU has awarded more than $780,000 in scholarship money to Texas students.

EECU encourages all eligible graduating seniors to apply. High school educators and administrators are encouraged to share the application and eligibility criteria with their students as well.

The application deadline for the EECU scholarship program is January 31, 2026. High school seniors who are EECU Members or whose parents/guardians are Members are eligible to apply. Applicants will be evaluated based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, leadership experience, and a personal essay. Finalists will be notified in the spring of 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit https://eecu.org/scholarship.

About EECU

With more than $4.5 billion in assets and over 292,000 Members, EECU is one of North Texas's largest locally-owned financial institutions. EECU is a not-for-profit credit union and has been serving North Texas for more than 90 years. Today, EECU offers a full range of financial products and nationwide convenience through a network of 5,000 Service Centers, 85,000 free ATMs, and 24/7 online and mobile banking. For more information, visit EECU.org or connect with EECU on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Equal Housing Opportunity. Federally Insured by NCUA.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Adam Hernandez

Director, Digital & Corporate Communications

(817) 805-1246

[email protected]

SOURCE EECU
Many women face a higher risk of preterm birth and complications during pregnancy. In fact, one out of every 2,000 Black women die during childbirth, a rate roughly 2.7 times higher than the national average. By partnering with community-based organizations, the BBI program improves access to reproductive health care, addresses social drivers of health, and strengthens support systems for expectant mothers.

Proven Impact on Maternal Health

Since launching in 2022, BBI has delivered measurable improvements in maternal health outcomes:

Program participants carried pregnancies to full term at a rate of 91.2% , compared to 85.3% nationally for the program's target population  an improvement of approximately six percentage points.

, compared to 85.3% nationally for the program's target population  an improvement of approximately six percentage points. The average delivery occurred at 38.5 weeks , with nearly all preterm births occurring in the moderate-to-late preterm range.

, with nearly all preterm births occurring in the moderate-to-late preterm range. Participants experienced a 70% reduction in anxiety symptoms from intake to program completion.

The program has connected more than 360 mothers with trained doulas and comprehensive prenatal support.

"For nearly 70 years, CHC has partnered with thousands of organizations to improve health and well-being in communities across the country," said Demetrius Geiger, Program Manager, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities. "We are grateful to Elevance Health Foundation for their continued commitment to this work and the leadership of our partners. We are strengthening a maternal health ecosystem that delivers meaningful, lasting results for families and sets a new standard for coordinated care."

Expanding Community-Based Maternal Care in Atlanta

Building on this success, CHC will expand BBI services to reach up to 300 more pregnant women in Atlanta through an integrated doula and community health worker coordinated care model, providing both birth-related and social support services. CHC will also expand its core evaluation measures to include elective and emergent delivery outcomes, hospital readmissions, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, vital measures that reveal risks, highlight opportunities, and drive life-saving improvements in maternal care. Expanded eligibility requirements will ensure that more expectant mothers receive timely, comprehensive care.

Scaling Innovative Solutions in Indianapolis

In Indianapolis, CHC's Community Leadership Action Board (CoLAB) has united cross-sector partners, doulas, and community voices to identify urgent gaps in maternal care. With renewed backing from the Elevance Health Foundation, this collaboration has produced actionable solutions, including strengthening referral systems, building workforce capacity, and now driving the next phase of maternal health innovation in the city.

Through the CoLAB, CHC is advancing a systems-level maternal health model. Partnerships will strengthen and align referral systems, embed social determinants of health into maternal supports, and expand the capacity of local community-based organizations. This collaborative approach ensures that 180 pregnant women receive seamless access to essential services spanning from housing, food, transportation, and behavioral health, and childcare, while creating a foundation for lasting improvements in maternal outcomes, helping ensure women and their babies achieve optimal health and well-being.

"Elevance Health Foundation is committed to addressing the root causes of maternal health disparities," said Shantanu Agrawal, MD, Chief Health Officer of Elevance Health. "Our continued partnership with CHC reflects our belief in community-led innovation, solutions that elevate doulas, strengthen referral networks, and set a new benchmark for maternal health nationwide."

Since 2015, the Elevance Foundation has invested in maternal health programs ranging from prenatal care to mental health support. By funding programs like CHC's Better Births Initiative, Elevance Health Foundation drives meaningful, measurable change in communities, supporting innovative solutions and empowering organizations to tackle critical health challenges.

About CHC: Creating Healthier Communities

For nearly 70 years, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities has united nonprofits, businesses, and communities to drive scalable impact that improves lives and strengthens communities. With a network of 5,000+ partners nationwide, CHC addresses the barriers to health so every person, no matter their zip code, can live their healthiest life. Join us at chcimpact.org or follow us on social media @chcimpact

About Elevance Health Foundation

Elevance Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Elevance Health Inc. The Foundation works to improve the health of the socially vulnerable through partnerships and programs in our communities with an emphasis on maternal-infant health; behavioral health; and food as medicine. Through its key areas of focus, the Foundation also strategically aligns with Elevance Health's focus on community health and becoming a lifetime, trusted health partner that is fueled by its purpose to improve the health of humanity. To learn more about Elevance Health Foundation, please visit or follow us @ElevanceFND on X and Elevance Health Foundation on Facebook.

SOURCE Creating Healthier Communities
Combining deep software engineering expertise with the power of Gemini Enterprise, these AI agents deliver production-ready solutions across industries, including finance, healthcare, retail and more

NEWTOWN, Pa., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE: EPAM), a leading digital and AI transformation company, today announced the availability of several new, high-impact AI agents on Google Cloud Marketplace. Utilizing an advanced engineering-driven approach, the solutions are production-ready, secure and compliant with enterprise standards  enabling clients to quickly utilize trusted technology while maximizing their cloud spend.

EPAM Launches 7 AI Agents on Google Cloud Marketplace

This milestone demonstrates EPAM's commitment to shaping the future of Gemini Enterprise and marks a significant advancement in its 360-degree collaboration with Google Cloud, spanning engineering, solutions and go-to-market strategies. Building upon its expanded strategic collaboration, the new AI agents deliver on their promise to deliver innovative industry solutions for clients.

The initial offering includes seven powerful AI Agents designed to address critical challenges across various industries:

"We're thrilled to be building some of the best AI agent solutions on Google Cloud Marketplace and to see our efforts pay off as we expand our collaboration to deliver scalable AI solutions to market," said Elaina Shekhter, SVP, Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer at EPAM. "As an advanced engineering partner, EPAM delivers innovation and impactfrom accelerating drug discovery to optimizing cloud spend and enhancing customer experiences."

Support for Gemini Enterprise has ensured EPAM's agents are built on the most robust and interoperable foundations. EPAM has contributed deep expertise, helping to adopt Gemini Enterprise and bringing its enterprise AI workflows to customers. EPAM has also collaborated with Google in support of the Agent-to-Agent (A2A) protocol and Agent Developer Kit (ADK), ensuring scalability across diverse enterprise environments.

"Bringing EPAM's AI agents to Google Cloud Marketplace will help customers quickly deploy, manage and grow the advanced AI agents on Google Cloud's trusted, global infrastructure," said Dai Vu, Managing Director, Marketplace & ISV GTM Programs at Google Cloud. "EPAM can now securely scale and support customers on their digital transformation journeys."

To explore EPAM's AI Agent solutions, visit Google Cloud Marketplace at: https://console.cloud.google.com/marketplace/browse?q=epam.

Learn more about EPAM and Google Cloud's collaboration by visiting https://www.epam.com/services/partners/google-cloud.

About EPAM Systems

Since 1993, EPAM Systems, Inc. has used its software engineering expertise to become a leading global provider of digital engineering, cloud and AI-enabled transformation services, and a leading business and experience consulting partner for global enterprises and ambitious startups. We address our clients' transformation challenges by focusing EPAM Continuum's integrated strategy, experience and technology consulting with our 30+ years of engineering execution to speed our clients' time to market and drive greater value from their innovations and digital investments.

We leverage AI and GenAI to deliver transformative solutions that accelerate our clients' digital innovation and enhance their competitive edge. Through platforms like EPAM AI/RUN and initiatives like DIALX Lab, we integrate advanced AI technologies into tailored business strategies, driving significant industry impact and fostering continuous innovation.

We deliver globally but engage locally with our expert teams of consultants, architects, designers and engineers, making the future real for our clients, our partners, and our people around the world. We believe the right solutions are the ones that improve people's lives and fuel competitive advantage for our clients across diverse industries. Our thinking comes to life in the experiences, products and platforms we design and bring to market.

Added to the S&P 500 and the Forbes Global 2000 in 2021 and recognized by Glassdoor and Newsweek as Most Loved Workplace, our multidisciplinary teams serve customers across six continents. We are proud to be among the top 15 companies in Information Technology Services in the Fortune 1000 and to be recognized as a leader in the IDC MarketScapes for Worldwide Experience Build Services, Worldwide Experience Design Services and Worldwide Software Engineering Services.

Learn more at www.epam.com and follow us on LinkedIn .

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes estimates and statements which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Our estimates and forward-looking statements are mainly based on our current expectations and estimates of future events and trends, which affect or may affect our business and operations. These statements may include words such as "may," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate" or similar expressions. Those future events and trends may relate to, among other things, developments relating to the war in Ukraine and escalation of the war in the surrounding region, political and civil unrest or military action in the geographies where we conduct business and operate, difficult conditions in global capital markets, foreign exchange markets, global trade, and the broader economy, the adoption and implementation of artificial intelligence technologies by EPAM and its clients, and the effect that these events may have on client demand and our revenues, operations, access to capital, and profitability. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include general economic conditions, the risk factors discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the factors discussed in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, particularly under the headings "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe that these estimates and forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, they are subject to several risks and uncertainties and are made based on information currently available to us. EPAM undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2840827/EPAM_Launches_7_AI_Agents_on_Google_Cloud_Marketplace.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2223594/EPAM_Logo.jpg
Single-asset acquisition of a 1 million square foot Class A logistics facility strategically located in Northeast Pennsylvania's industrial corridor

Facility is a newly-built cross-dock distribution center featuring modern specifications designed to meet the needs of today's blue-chip tenants

Investment aligns with EQT Real Estate's strategy to acquire high-quality logistics assets located near key transport infrastructure and supply-constrained growth corridors

RADNOR, Pa., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT is pleased to announce that the EQT Real Estate Industrial Core-Plus Fund IV ("EQT Real Estate") has acquired Scranton North Logistics Center, a recently constructed logistics facility located in Olyphant, Pennsylvania.

Delivered in 2023, the property spans 1 million square feet and features modern specifications including 40-foot clear heights, a 600-foot building depth, 185-foot truck court, 233 trailer stalls, and 163 dock-high doors with 4 additional drive-in doors. Designed for cross-dock operations, the facility also includes minimal office buildout and full truck circulation. It is fully leased to an investment-grade tenant and serves as an inbound cross-dock node for inventory distribution to regional fulfillment centers.

The property is strategically located at 1300 Corporate Way in Olyphant, approximately one mile from US Route 6 and five miles from the confluence of Interstates 81 and 84. This corridor represents one of the most competitive big-box industrial markets in the country, with less than 4 percent vacancy and limited availability.

Matthew Brodnik, Global Chief Investment Officer at EQT Real Estate, said: "We're excited to add Scranton North Logistics Center to our growing portfolio of core, institutional-quality logistics assets. The property's strategic location and modern specifications reflect the long-term strength of the Northeast corridor, and reflects our commitment to acquiring high-performing assets in key regional distribution centers."

EQT Real Estate would like to thank John Plower of JLL, along with Ryan Cottone and Zach Maguire, who represented the seller in the transaction.

Contact

EQT Press Office, [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com.

https://news.cision.com/eqt/r/eqt-real-estate-acquires-scranton-north-logistics-center-in-northeast-pennsylvania,c4278927

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/87/4278927/3832116.pdf Press Release, EQT RE Core Plus IV, Corporate Way, 09122025 https://news.cision.com/eqt/i/36771-1300-corporate-way-olyphant-pa-05,c3494448 36771---1300-Corporate-Way-Olyphant-PA 05

SOURCE EQT
Bringing together the best in print and digital for an enhanced reading and learning experience.

MCHENRY, Ill., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Follett Content, a leading children's and young adult book provider, and Sora, the award-winning student reading app by OverDrive, today announced a sales collaboration that unites two trusted leaders in PreK-12 reading and learning. The partnership will provide an improved experience for readers by delivering digital content to students via the Sora app.

Librarians have long relied on Follett Content for trusted, on-hand inventory to help them find and access the content their communities need. Increasingly, schools are providing digital content as an important component of the reading and learning experience, and Sora has continued to support student literacy anytime, anywhere through the world's largest catalog of digital books. Together, the organizations support the essential goal of connecting every student with engaging, accessible reading materials in the format that works best for them.

As an avid audiobook listener, Britten Follett, CEO of Follett Content, knows first-hand the benefits this will bring to educators, librarians, and readers. "I have to be a top audiobook listener for my #BritReads reading journey and now I'm thrilled to be a partner to further support readers everywhere! This collaboration will bring seamless digital content discovery, enabling librarians to focus more on reader engagement."

"Sora and Follett Content share a deep commitment to empowering students with equitable access to high-quality reading materials," said Renee Davenport, VP Education for Sora. "By bringing together Follett Content's respected resources with the digital reading experience in Sora, we're giving educators and librarians more ways to meet readers where they are. This partnership streamlines their workflow, strengthens their collections, and ultimately supports the goal we care about most  helping every student discover a love of reading."

Follett Content and Sora share a commitment to improving student outcomes through multimodal learning. By bringing together print, ebooks, audiobooks, and readalongs, the partnership gives educators the flexibility to build collections that meet diverse learner needs and inspire a lifelong love of reading. Long term, this collaboration will enable discovery of select digital titles from Sora to be available in Titlewave  Follett's online collection development, ordering, and analysis tool  helping educators and librarians more easily identify high-quality content for their schools.

About Follett Content

Follett Content Solutions is the largest provider of children's and youth print materials and solutions to PreK-12 libraries, classrooms, learning centers and school districts in the United States and educational institutions worldwide, and a major supplier to public libraries. Follett Content provides books, Makerspace and hands-on learning materials through Titlewave, the most powerful collection management tool for educators, school librarians, and public librarians. They offer trusted services backed by more than 150 years of expertise. Follow @FollettContent on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. follettcontent.com

About OverDrive

OverDrive is a mission-based company that supports libraries and schools. Named a Certified B Corp in 2017, OverDrive serves more than 87,000 libraries and schools in 115 countries with the industry's largest digital catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, video and other content. Award-winning apps and services include the Libby library reading app, the Sora student reading app, the Kanopy video streaming app, and TeachingBooks. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA. www.overdrive.com

SOURCE Follett Content
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FedLearn, an online adaptive learning solutions providerpowered by artificial intelligencedelivering content contextualized to federal government mission areas, particularly in the U.S. Department of Defense and Intelligence Community, announces the addition of the Mr. Victor Minella, who formerly performed the duties of Under Secretary of the Navy, to its board of advisors.

As Under Secretary, Minella held the second highest civilian position in the U.S. Department of the Navy with responsibility for more than 800,000 sailors, Marines and civilian personnel and with an annual budget of more than $250 billion. Prior to this appointment, he served as the first Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy for Intelligence and Security.

As an officer and civilian, Mr. Minella led through numerous crises, including 9/11 and the ensuing wars and conflicts, built coalitions across government and industry and championed innovation in national security and counter terrorism as a Civilian Program Executive. He possesses extensive knowledge in special operations, clandestine and covert intelligence activities, counterintelligence, information operations, security, insider threat and strategic risk management.

Minella was publicly recognized for exceptional service by the President of the United States, Secretary of the Navy, Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. He is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, the Harvard Kennedy School, Senior Executives in National and International Security Program and the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Defense Executive Leadership Program. Minella currently is the chief executive officer of Minella Global Strategies LLC.

"FedLearn is delighted to welcome Victor Minella to our board of advisors.," said Dr. J. Keith Dunbar, FedLearn founder and CEO. "Mr. Minella's distinguished service in the Navy, paired with deep experience across intelligence and security, brings exactly the kind of mission-grounded perspective that FedLearn values. As we expand our footprint in the Navy, he will provide unique insight to build the training solutions that fit how sailors serve, learn and leadsecurely, effectively and at the pace the mission demands."

Review short bios of all the FedLearn board members at fedlearn.com/board-of-advisors

To learn more about FedLearn, visit fedlearn.com

High-resolution headshots of the members of the FedLearn board of advisors are available to the media upon request.

About FedLearn

FedLearn (fedlearn.com) is transforming learning for federal government and government contractor organizations. We offer an online adaptive learning platformenabled by artificial intelligencewith contextualized course content that directly supports government mission areas. Our solutions advance warfighter and workforce readiness and deliver a dynamic and personalized learning experience with quantifiable outcomes. FedLearn is a certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business.

Contact

Michelle R. Snyder

Chief Marketing and Experience Officer

[email protected]

703.253.6229

SOURCE FedLearn
On the night of December 9 (from 18:00 on December 8), the enemy attacked with 110 attack UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera and other types from the directions of Bryansk, Orel, Kursk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Millerovo of the Russian Federation, Donetsk, Hvardeyske - TOT Autonomous Republic of Crimea, about 70 of them were Shaheds.

"According to preliminary data, as of 9:00 a.m., air defense forces have shot down or suppressed 84 enemy Shaheds, Gerberas, and other types of UAVs in the north, south, and east of the country. Twenty-four attack UAVs were recorded hitting nine locations," the Ukrainian Air Force reported on Telegram.

"The attack continues, with several enemy UAVs in the airspace," the message reads.
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A rare bipartisan group of former U.S. Attorneys will convene on December 15 to warn about what they call an unprecedented threat to the independence of America's justice system.

The virtual Speak Up for Justice forum will feature some of the nation's leading former U.S. attorneys, including Governor Chris Christie, Preet Bharara, Stephen McAllister, and Elizabeth G. Oyer  DOJ veterans who made decisions that shaped national policy and safeguarded federal prosecutions. Together, they'll outline why they believe recent political attacks on judges and demands for "loyal" prosecutors represent the most serious challenge to the rule of law in decades.

The forum responds to recent remarks by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who described a "war" with judges, urged hiring prosecutors who are "with us," and called for lawyers who will "fight these activist judges."

"These remarks reflect a dangerous shift in rhetoric, signaling a growing disregard for the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, and highlighting the urgent need for legal professionals to stand up for the integrity of our justice system," said Paul Kiesel, founder of Speak Up for Justice. "The independence of our judiciary is not a political convenience; it is the bedrock of our democracy. When we allow partisan attacks to compromise our courts, we set a dangerous precedent that puts all Americans at risk."

Forum Speakers Include:

Chris Christie  Former New Jersey Governor and Former U.S. Attorney for New Jersey

 Former New Jersey Governor and Former U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Preet Bharara  Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York

 Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Elizabeth G. Oyer  Former U.S. Pardon Attorney

 Former U.S. Pardon Attorney Stephen McAllister  Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas

 Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Moderator: Paul R. Kiesel  Partner at Kiesel Law and Founder of Speak Up for Justice

The Former U.S. Attorneys Will Examine:

Pressure on career prosecutors and the warnings from those resigning.

The push to install political loyalists, including an unprecedented expectation of "loyalty-first" prosecutors.

Breaks from decades of pardon and clemency norms.

What selective prosecution looks like in 2025.

How everyday Americans lose protection when justice becomes political.

The escalating campaign to intimidate judges and the growing risks to their safety.

Legal professionals, media, and concerned citizens are encouraged to register and attend at www.SpeakUpForJustice.law. The forum starts at 12pm noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Monday, December 15.

About Speak Up for Justice

Founded by attorney Paul Kiesel, Speak Up for Justice is a nonpartisan movement of legal professionals, judges, and advocates dedicated to defending the independence of the judiciary, promoting accountability, and protecting democracy from political interference in the courts. The Speak Up for Justice Executive Committee includes the following distinguished members: Judge Beth Bloom, Judge Esther Salas, Judge Karoline Mehalchick, Judge Leo Gordon, Karl J. Sandstrom, and Paul Kiesel.

Media Contacts:



Kathy Fowler

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 410-963-2345

Marc Silverstein

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 202-716-9123

SOURCE Kiesel Law
Globally renowned team adds to Latham's market-leading capabilities, bringing decades of advisory experience on cutting-edge transactions.





Significant milestone in the growth of the firm's top-ranked private equity and M&A practice, reinforcing the firm's leadership in Germany, across Europe, and globally.





Arrival of team of dealmakers strengthens client offering with unparalleled buyout and M&A reputation, deep market insight, and integrated global capabilities.

FRANKFURT, Germany, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Latham & Watkins is pleased to announce that four prominent private equity and M&A partnersMarkus Paul, Wessel Heukamp, Verena Nosch, and Carsten Haakwill join the firm in Germany. The partners join from Freshfields, bringing decades of advisory experience on cutting-edge transactions.

Widely recognized among Europe's most experienced private equity lawyers, they bring extensive expertise advising a broad range of private equity and other financial sponsors, as well as corporates, including in the financial institutions sector, on a variety of transactions, with a particular focus on leveraged buyouts and complex domestic and cross-border M&A.

Rich Trobman, Chair and Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins, said: "Markus, Wessel, Verena, and Carsten are highly accomplished lawyers with outstanding reputations in the market. They bring deep relationships, top-notch skills and an exceptional track record in sophisticated transactions, further enhancing our ability to deliver the highest level of service to clients. Their arrival represents an important milestone in the continued growth of our private equity and M&A practices in Germany and Europe and further enhances our position as one of the elite M&A law firms globally."

Strengthening Leadership in Germany and Europe

The addition of the team builds on Latham's strong momentum in the private equity and M&A market. In the first three quarters of 2025, the firm achieved #1 global rankings for M&A by both deal value and deal count, as well as #1 for global private equity M&A by deal count (Bloomberg). In Europe, Latham also ranked #1 for M&A, private equity M&A, and mid-market private equity M&A by deal count. (Bloomberg)

Oliver Felsenstein, private equity partner in Germany, commented: "We have built one of the preeminent private equity and M&A practices in Germany, across Europe, and globally. The firm is already operating at the very top of the German market, and the addition of these exceptional lawyers raises the bar even higher. Their stellar market reputation and extensive industry networks are a perfect fit for our practice and further enhance our ability to deliver on our clients' most consequential matters. As we approach our 25th anniversary in Germany in 2026, their arrival marks another major step in the continued growth and success of our practice in Europe and globally."

Global Platform, Local Expertise

Paul and Haak will join the Frankfurt office, while Heukamp and Nosch will join in Munich, strengthening Latham's presence in Germany's key financial and private equity centers. Working seamlessly with colleagues across the firm's European and global platform, they will provide clients with integrated, cross-border advice across all major markets. Their arrival further strengthens Latham & Watkins' ability to connect European clients to opportunities and expertise across the continent and beyond.

"We are thrilled to welcome Markus, Wessel, Verena, and Carsten to the firm," added Burc Hesse, Managing Partner of Latham's German Offices. "Their arrival is a testament to the exceptional growth we have achieved in recent years and our preeminent position in the market. The team not only strengthens our practice in Germany but also reinforces our commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients, both in Europe and worldwide."

Charles Ruck, Global Chair of Latham's Corporate Department, added: "Private equity has long been a core pillar of our global strategy and the arrival of this fantastic team of dealmakers further strengthens our practice in every major market globally. As the only premier top-ranked firm globally across capital markets, private equity, M&A, banking, private credit, high yield, restructuring, and more, we have a unique offering for our client base and are well-positioned to meet their evolving needs, leveraging the breadth of our practice to move quickly and deliver excellence at scale."

About Latham & Watkins (lw.com)

Latham & Watkins is a leading global law firm that brings together exceptional legal talent in financial centers around the world to advise on complex transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters. The firm's deep market and product knowledge, industry experience, vast scale, and commitment to innovation and excellence help clients navigate their most critical challenges and achieve their goals.

Notes to Editors

Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in Israel through a limited liability company, in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office, and in Saudi Arabia through a limited liability company.

SOURCE Latham & Watkins LLP
Premier Global Gathering of Biopharma, Healthcare and IT Leaders Set for May 19-21, 2026 in Boston, With "Super Early Bird" Rates Available Until December 19, 2025

BOSTON, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bio-IT World Conference & Expo, the premier global event uniting more than 2,900 biopharma, biomedical research, healthcare, informatics and technology leaders, returns to Boston May 19-21, 2026 to celebrate its 25th annual program with a direct impact on the future of precision medicine.

Presenters and participants from Novo Nordisk, MSD Czech Republic, Mayo Clinic, Polish Academy of Sciences, NVIDIA, Takeda, Vinkaya Mission's Research Foundation, India and more will gather to exchange ideas, showcase solutions and accelerate progress across biomedical research, drug discovery, and clinical care.

The agenda for the 25th annual Bio-IT World Conference & Expo highlights the latest advancements in agentic AI, generative AI, federated learning, foundation models, robotics, multimodal data strategies, quantum computing, knowledge graphs, and other emerging technologies driving measurable improvements in scientific and clinical outcomes.

"The idea for the Bio-IT World Conference & Expo emerged just as the first human-genome sequencing draft was announced. Scientists and IT leaders eager to translate discoveries from millions of genes into medical breakthroughs needed a dedicated gathering place where they could advance their work. Bio-IT World became that event and community, and its original purpose still drives us today," said Cindy Crowninshield, Executive Event Director. "It is the global hub where one conversation can change a career, forge industry-defining collaborations, or spark advances in treating diseases like ALS, Alzheimer's, and cancer. In 2026, we are building on that legacy with our most ambitious program yet."

This year, the conference's outsized impact will come from a strengthened set of programs designed to move organizations from experimentation to validated, scalable, and outcomes-driven innovation, including:

Educational programs that chronicle the roadmap from computational research to measurable patient outcomes, with presentations demonstrating value realization across diagnostics, drug development pipelines and clinical workflows. Sample topics include The Personalization of Hypertension for Diagnosis and Treatment in Preeclampsia, Quantum-AI Graphs for Precision Oncology Workflows, A Scalable Knowledge Graph for Mapping Microbiome-Disease Associations, and Nurses Driving Real Documentation Innovation. More than 200 presentations will be delivered across 11 technology tracks.

Deep-Dive Symposia that will explore advanced technologies including agentic AI, knowledge graphs, and quantum computing, and practical workshops offering applied, step-by-step experience with emerging tools.

The concurrent Bio-IT World Venture, Innovation & Partnering Conference, an exclusive gathering of senior investors, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and start-up leaders, shaped in collaboration with strategic advisors from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Breyer Capital, and Science Capital.

Rich networking opportunities, from speed networking and breakfast roundtables to exhibitor-floor engagements and evening receptions, will give attendees multiple opportunities to connect, collaborate, and exchange insights.

The 7 th annual Bio-IT World FAIR Data Hackathon where participants work together to solve real-world problems.

annual Bio-IT World FAIR Data Hackathon where participants work together to solve real-world problems. An infusion of new talent and ideas, including an Innovation Showcase featuring early-stage companies in the GenAI track, Poster Sessions and presentations from student researchers, including high school participants, and announcements of the Emerging Innovator (new this year), Innovative Practices and Best of Show Award winners.

Cutting-edge solutions from Bio-IT World's 150+ exhibitors and sponsors, developed in direct response to scientific leaders' needs in the lab, clinic, and enterprise.

The full conference agenda will be released early in the new year.

Participants can take advantage of "super early bird" registration rates until December 19, 2025. For more information on rates for in-person and virtual attendance, visit www.bio-itworldexpo.com. To become a sponsor or exhibitor, contact Aimee Croke, Business Development Manager, (+1) 781-292-0777, [email protected].

About Bio-IT World Conference & Expo

Cambridge Healthtech Institute's Bio-IT World Conference & Expo is the world's premier event showcasing technologies and analytic approaches that solve problems, accelerate science, and drive the future of precision medicine. Bio-IT World unites a global community of experts in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, clinical research, healthcare, informatics, and IT, all dedicated to advancing biomedical research, drug discovery and development, and healthcare innovations.

SOURCE Cambridge Healthtech Institute
ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), the flagship event hosted by ADGM, continued for a second day with Asset Abu Dhabi, bringing together some of the world's biggest capital allocators and asset managers to explore emerging investment opportunities and shape the future of asset allocation in an evolving financial landscape.

Opening the event, Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of ADGM's Financial Services Regulatory Authority, highlighted how Abu Dhabi continues to redefine the global asset management sector by combining robust regulation, strategic innovation, and its unique position as a nexus for global capital. His remarks set the tone for the day's discussions around how financial centres can lead the transition towards sustainable and opportunity-driven growth.

Givanakis said: "Asset Abu Dhabi reflects the growing convergence of global capital and innovation, convening the world's most sophisticated asset managers at a time of profound change in finance. It stands as a symbol of Abu Dhabi's emergence as a trusted hub in the reengineering of global capital networks and the future of asset management."

Through various sessions, the event explored the future of asset management, hedge funds, and private markets, as well as the evolving dynamics of liquidity, leverage, and institutional allocation, and the growing interplay between innovation, technology, and sustainability in driving economic transformation.

Some of the world's foremost investment minds discussed the forces shaping tomorrow's financial landscape. Todd Boehly, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Eldridge Industries; Robert Smith, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners; and Sir Christopher Hohn, Founder and Managing Director of TCI Fund Management Limited and DAMAC founder Hussain Sajwani discussed how shifting macroeconomic cycles, emerging technologies, and geopolitical realignments will define the next phase of opportunity and risk.

With a focus on the Evolving Art of Hedge Funds, Aron Landy, CEO of Brevan Howard; Shiv Srinivasan, CIO of Hedge Funds at the Abu Dhabi Investment Council; and Robyn Grew, CEO of Man Group, examined how data, AI, and precision analytics are transforming risk management and redefining performance in a world where volatility represents opportunities.

Meanwhile, a session covering The Physics of the Great Wealth Transfer brought together Stefan Bollinger, CEO of Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd., and Chi Man Kwan, Group CEO and Co-Founder of Raffles Family Office, discussing how an estimated $84 trillion in intergenerational wealth will reshape economies and values worldwide.

Inaugural FCCI Report

In a separate session, Bruno Lanvin, President of the Descartes Institute for the Future and Robert Salomon, Dean of Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi, unveiled the inaugural NYU Global Financial Centre Competitiveness Index (FCCI), which evaluates international financial centres worldwide.

The index ranks New York, London, and Singapore as the top three, and highlights the GCC's growing influence, placing Abu Dhabi No. 1 in MENA and 12th globally, ahead of Dubai, Riyadh and Doha. Lanvin highlighted that Abu Dhabi's position is the result of sustained institutional strength, regulatory innovation and deliberate economic strategy. The Index ranked Abu Dhabi 1st globally for Regulatory Innovation, 5th for Institutional Environment and 3rd for Business Support Incentives, noting that the emirate is demonstrating exceptional progress and an increasing role in global finance.

International Family Office Congress

Bringing together global family office leaders, this event discussed wealth preservation and the future of private capital while also exploring the shifting dynamics of global investment, the great wealth transfer, impact investing, and Abu Dhabi's emergence as a leading hub for family offices and generational wealth creation.

The event featured Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Associates; Bhanu Baweja, Chief Strategist at UBS Investment Bank; Daniel Pinto, Co-Founder and CEO of Stanhope Capital Group; Arjun Raghavan, CEO of Partners Capital; Henry Lawson-Johnston, Managing Partner at Guggenheim Brothers Media; Benjamin Cavalli, Head of Strategic Clients at UBS Global Wealth Management; Adrian Cheng, CEO of New World Development and Founder of K11 Group; and Jim Mellon, Executive Chairman of Agronomics.

Newcomers and Major Collaborations

The second day of ADFW also saw announcements from a number of firms opening offices in ADGM. Circle Internet Group, Inc., one of the world's leading internet financial platform companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange, strengthened its strategic presence in the region by securing a Financial Services Permission (FSP) license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM to operate as a Money Services Provider. BBVA has received an In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the FSRA, which will help them expand their range of corporate and investment banking service activities and strengthen their position as a strategic partner for corporate and institutional clients in the region.

ADFW continues for two more days with key events taking place under the umbrella of Fintech Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF).

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2550581/5010772/ADGM_Logo.jpg

SOURCE ADGM
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the alarming carbon monoxide incident in Upper Darby that left three people, including two children, unconscious and forced ten residents from their home, Fulginiti Law is urging families and property owners across the region to take immediate steps to prevent similar tragedies.

According to NBC10 , first responders found carbon monoxide levels inside the Kingston Street home at 1,400 parts per million, roughly 156 times higher than what is considered safe. Fire officials described the level as "insane," noting that an average person could lose consciousness within seconds. The home was condemned shortly afterward. Officials also reported that the property lacked a carbon monoxide alarm, and the landlord was operating without a rental license.

Residents told NBC10 that someone had attempted to fix the heater earlier that day. Later, a 10-year-old boy became dizzy and was found unconscious in the shower. A two-year-old child and her mother also suffered a seizure, prompting the emergency response. Fire officials stated that a deteriorating chimney flue cap was the source of the carbon monoxide leak. All three victims were hospitalized and treated.

"These are terrifying conditions for any family to face," said Ken Fulginiti , founder of Fulginiti Law. "Carbon monoxide poisoning is fast, silent, and entirely preventable and the facts reported so far raise serious concerns about safety compliance and oversight."

Carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas, is responsible for an estimated 40,000 poisoning cases and roughly 500 deaths each year in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health . Failures in heating systems, ventilation, and chimney structures are common causes of exposure, particularly in the winter months.

Fulginiti Law has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of families harmed by carbon monoxide poisoning, including cases involving catastrophic neurological injury and wrongful death. The firm's investigations often uncover critical lapses such as missing CO alarms, unlicensed rentals, inadequate maintenance, and unsafe or defective heating systems.

"When multiple children lose consciousness inside a home and emergency crews find CO levels over a thousand parts per million, the public deserves clear answers," Fulginiti said. "Early investigation is crucial, because carbon monoxide cases often involve structural defects or maintenance failures that need to be examined immediately."

Five Key Fulginiti Law Safety Reminders for Households This Winter

Ensure carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of the home and test them regularly. Each year, you should evaluate your needs for carbon monoxide detectors in your homes and apartments.



Never block vents, flues, or heating-system exhausts.



Have furnaces, boilers, and fuel-burning appliances professionally serviced each season.



Never run generators, grills, or gas-powered tools indoors or in enclosed spaces.



If a CO alarm sounds, evacuate immediately and call 911.

As the Upper Darby community mourns and more details emerge, Fulginiti Law emphasizes that early legal and forensic evaluation can be critical in CO cases, where evidence may be altered or lost quickly.

About Fulginiti Law

Fulginiti Law is a premier Philadelphia-based firm dedicated to representing victims of catastrophic injury. With over 35 years of experience, the firm's founder has built a remarkable track record in complex cases in many areas of practice , including product defects, premises liability, construction accidents, and trucking collisions.

Media Contact:

Bridget Mercuri

Public Relations and Earned Media Director

AMPLIFY

Phone: (908) 612-3515

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Fulginiti Law
WILMINGTON, Ohio, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GA Telesis Engine Services, GATES USA SPAH, a joint venture between GA Telesis and Air Transport Services Group, Inc., located in Wilmington, OH, has once again expanded its capabilities by welcoming its first GEnx Engine to the facility.

Strategically located in Wilmington, Ohio, the USA SPAH facility leverages its relevant proximity to deliver industry-leading turnaround times and customer-centric solutions to aerospace hubs and OEMs in the area and throughout the Americas. With this milestone, GATES USA SPAH officially broadens its offerings into the GEnx market. This additional expansion now positions GATES USA SPAH to offer further enhanced solutions across a wider range of engine models.

"With the continued growth of our Wilmington facility's repair capabilities, our capacity to meet our customers' evolving needs is greater than ever before," said Jason Reed, President of GATES USA SPAH. "Our team remains focused on providing locally integrated engine solutions and is ready to support our new widebody GEnx operators across the region with exceptional service."

This new chapter for GATES USA SPAH highlights its dedication to innovation and operational excellence. These advancements ensure that the exponential demand for engine maintenance is met as the MRO market continues to grow. SPAH customers will now benefit from additional high-quality engine solutions, backed by GA Telesis, while continuing to provide local, scalable, and technology-driven capabilities within the Americas.

About GATES USA SPAH

Located in Wilmington, Ohio, GATES USA SPAH is a state-of-the-art MRO facility specializing in engine services. As a joint venture between GA Telesis and ATSG, the facility combines industry-leading expertise with advanced technology to deliver unparalleled quality and reliability in aircraft maintenance solutions.

About Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG)

Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) is a premier provider of aircraft leasing and cargo and passenger air transportation solutions for both domestic and international air carriers as well as companies seeking outsourced airlift services. ATSG is the global leader in freighter leasing with a fleet that includes Boeing 767, Airbus A321, and Airbus A330 converted freighters.

ATSG's unique Lease+Plus aircraft leasing opportunity draws upon a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries including three airlines holding separate and distinct U.S. FAA Part 121 Air Carrier certificates to provide air cargo lift, and passenger ACMI and charter services. Complementary services from ATSG's other subsidiaries allow the integration of aircraft maintenance, airport ground services, and material handling equipment engineering and service. ATSG subsidiaries include ABX Air, Inc.; Airborne Global Solutions, Inc.; Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services, Inc., including its subsidiary, Pemco World Air Services, Inc.; Air Transport International, Inc.; Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc.; LGSTX Services, Inc.; and Omni Air International, LLC. For further details, please visit www.atsginc.com.







Contacts:



Rylan France, Marketing Director, GA Telesis

[email protected]

Kym Parks, Director of Marketing, ATSG

[email protected]











SOURCE GA Telesis, LLC
YONGIN, South Korea, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GC Genome, a leading clinical genomics and liquid biopsy company, announced that its study analyzing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentation patterns in 1,154 healthy individuals has been published in Clinical Chemistry (Impact Factor 6.3, 2025). The findings reveal key physiological factors that can interfere with cancer-associated cfDNA signals, offering a foundation for improving the accuracy of liquid biopsy tests.

The study, conducted in collaboration with Professor Min-Jung Kwon and her team at Kangbuk Samsung Medical Center, examined correlations between cfDNA fragmentomic profiles and 65 clinical variables, including age and liver function markers. The goal was to identify potential confounders that could influence cfDNA-based cancer detection in individuals without cancer.

Study Overview

Healthy cohort: 1,154 noncancerous individuals who underwent routine health checkups

Clinical variables included: 65 demographic, hematologic, and biochemical parameters

Three fragmentomic features were derived: cfDNA concentration, short-fragment ratio (SFR), and frequency of cancer-enriched motifs(CEMs)

Key Findings

Liver enzymes(including AST, ALP, -GTP) and age were identified as major factors altering cfDNA fragmentation patterns.

Elevated AST or age closely resembled cancer-like fragmentomic signatures, blurring the distinction between noncancer and cancer profiles.

AST showed high similarity to fragmentation size patterns seen in lung cancer patients (cosine similarity = 0.98).

Age showed the highest similarity to cancer-like profiles among clinical variables (cosine similarity = 0.52).

Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis confirmed that these physiological variables can act as confounders by reducing the specificity of cfDNA-based detection, potentially leading to false-positive results.

These findings demonstrate that non-cancer physiological factors can influence cfDNA signals, underscoring the need for confounder-aware modeling approaches in liquid biopsy development.

A GC Genome spokesperson stated:

"This study is significant because it uses large-scale data from healthy individuals to identify key confounders that influence cfDNA fragmentation patterns. These insights will play an important role in refining our Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test, ai-CANCERCH, particularly in reducing false-positive rates and improving test specificity."

About ai-CANCERCH

Launched in September 2023, ai-CANCERCH is an AI-based multi-cancer early detection(MCED) test powered by Lc-WGS. Using just 10 mL of blood, the test detects signals associated with multiple cancers. A major upgradeexpanding from 6 detectable cancers to 10 cancers (colorectal, lung, esophageal, liver, ovarian, pancreatic, biliary, breast, gastric, and head-and-neck)is planned for January 2026.

About GC Genome

GC Genome is a leading diagnostics company that aims to connect the care and cure to the world by offering genetic diagnosis services for Oncology, Pre&Neonatal, Rare Diseases, and Health Check-ups and suggesting personalized treatment for longer and healthier lives. Established in 2013 as a GC company, GC Genome operates a CAP-accredited laboratory and places the utmost emphasis on R&D. With steadfast partnerships established worldwide, GC Genome has shown impressive growth momentum, continually expanding our testing capacities.

GC Biopharma Contacts (Media)

Sohee Kim

[email protected]

Yelin Jun

[email protected]

Yoonjae Na

[email protected]

SOURCE GC Genome
The DMV-Founded, Fast Casual Brand Will Offer a Nutritious Menu Made from Premium Ingredients

GREAT FALLS, Va., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Toastique , the vibrant gourmet toast, juice and coffee bar conceptualized in Washington D.C., is continuing its expansion through the region with a new location headed to Great Falls, Virginia. The fast-casual restaurant is set to open its doors this winter and will be nestled in the bustling city center at 9891 Georgetown Pike. Customers can look forward to an expansive selection of health-focused items, all made in-house, using premium, local ingredients.

Toastique, the vibrant gourmet toast, juice and coffee bar conceptualized in Washington D.C., is continuing its expansion through the region with a new location headed to Great Falls, Virginia this winter.

Open from 7am to 5pm daily, Toastique's modern cafe setting is ideal for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, whether solo or meeting with friends. Customers at Toastique Great Falls can look forward to the brand's line of artistic toasts like Avocado Smash, Smoked Salmon and PB Crunch. Also not to be missed are colorful smoothie bowls, piled high with fruit and superfoods and served in flavors including Blue Mystique, Cocolada and Matcha. For handhelds, handcrafted smoothies, cold-pressed juices and wellness shots offer a nutritious burst in every sip. The store will also feature extensive coffee and espresso selections along with grab-and-go items, necessary for the daily pick-me-up.

Founded in 2018 by former D1 collegiate cheerleader Brianna Keefe, Toastique has now grown to over 50 locations across the nation. The Great Falls store will be managed by husband-and-wife team, Sagar and Sonia Khurmi. The pair decided to embark on their franchising adventure after recognizing the need for healthier meal options utilizing fresh ingredients in the community. They look forward to getting to know their customers and having them experience Toastique's menu, which effortlessly merges nutrition with great taste.

"We both aspire to live healthy lifestyles and believe that starts with the food you're eating, which is something we want to bring to Great Falls through Toastique," said Sonia Khurmi. "We believe the community will resonate with the store's mission and offerings, and are excited to get to know our neighbors and have them experience our menu."

Toastique Great Falls will be open daily from 7am-5pm and feature an all-day menu. For more information, visit https://toastique.com/pages/great-falls . Follow along for store updates on social media at @toastique on Instagram and Facebook at www.facebook.com/toastique .

About Toastique

Toastique, a health-focused restaurant franchise founded in 2018 by former D1 collegiate cheerleader Brianna Keefe, believes healthy food should be approachable, accessible, and enjoyable for all. With a unique menu that includes toast-focused creations, all-natural smoothies, cold-pressed juices and acai bowls, Toastique is truly unlike any other health-focused franchise on earth. After the flagship Toastique location in Washington, D.C., the brand generated over $1 million in sales during its first year of operation. Keefe franchised the concept and has expanded with locations in D.C., California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Nevada, New York, and Virginia, with more franchise units signed and in development across the country. Keefe was recently featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 Food & Drink (2022) and Franchise Dictionary Magazine's 50 Women of Wonder (2024). Toastique was also selected as Nation's Restaurant News' 2024 Hot Concepts Award winner. More information on Toastique can be found at www.toastique.com and Instagram @toastique .

Media Contact:

Kristen Skladd

586-222-2423

[email protected]

SOURCE Toastique
DALLAS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Greyhound, North America's leading intercity bus service provider, has been recognized for excellence in customer service in USA TODAY's "America's Best Customer Service 2026" list. The ranking highlights companies across 45 categories that consistently deliver exceptional experiences to their customers.

Greyhound earned a 4.5-star rating in the Service Provider category under Transit and Airline Services. The 2026 ranking, developed by USA TODAY in partnership with research firm Plant-A Insights Group, evaluated 7,100 companies in depth and surveyed more than 32,000 consumers between September and October 2025. Only companies with customer interactions in the past three years were eligible, ensuring the results reflect real, recent customer experiences.

Consumers rated companies across seven core service categories: friendliness, professional competence, customer service, availability, solution orientation, solution speed, and transparency and reliability.

"This recognition speaks directly to what matters most: earning the trust of our passengers," said Rodney Surber, Chief Operating Officer of Greyhound Lines. "Every day, team members across our operations bring their professionalism, passion, and care to ensure every passenger enjoys a safe, dependable, comfortable, and on-time journey. It's incredibly rewarding to see these efforts resonate with customers. As we celebrate this accolade, we also recognize that demand for bus travel is rising, and we remain committed to making Greyhound the top choice for long-distance trips by delivering an experience that puts our passengers first and continuously raising the bar for customer service in our industry."

Earlier this year, Greyhound was also named among the top ten Best Bus Services in the country in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, reflecting continued recognition for its quality and customer-focused service.

Greyhound is part of Flix North America, the continent's largest intercity bus network, serving more than 1,600 destinations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, together with its sister brand FlixBus.

Further information about Greyhound is available at greyhound.com . Additionally, press information and media library can be found at www.news.greyhound.com/corporate-newsroom. For up-to-the-minute information and real-time updates, as well as company news and announcements, find Greyhound on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Flix North America Inc.

Flix North America Inc., the parent company of FlixBus Inc. and Greyhound Lines, Inc., is a leading provider of long-distance bus transportation in North America. We're a subsidiary of Germany-based Flix SE, a global travel technology company operating bus and train services in more than 40 countries across four continents. Greyhound and FlixBus, together with their trusted partners, offer the most extensive coast-to-coast network of intercity bus routes, providing travelers with affordable and sustainable transportation options to over 1,600 destinations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. More than 12 million passengers ride with us each year. Our mission is to keep communities connected and help drive affordable and sustainable travel for everyone. For more information, please visit our website and press room.

SOURCE Greyhound Lines, Inc.
VICTORIA, Seychelles, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MEXC , the fastest-growing global cryptocurrency exchange, redefining a user-first approach to digital assets through true zero-fee trading, has published its latest independent Proof of Reserves (PoR) report conducted by blockchain security and audit firm Hacken. MEXC continues to safeguard core assets while providing a fully auditable view of user balances, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to 100% fully backed user fund safety. The report , completed on November 26, 2025, confirms that MEXC holds sufficient on-chain assets to fully cover all user liabilities, with coverage ratios for major assets  including BTC, ETH, USDT, and USDC  consistently exceeding 100%.

Hacken Releases MEXCs Audit, Confirms Full Asset Backing and Strengthened Transparency Standards Proof of Reserves Scope & Findings Collateral ratios

According to the audit, Hacken conducted a comprehensive evaluation of MEXC's reserves using industry-standard methodologies, including Proof of Liabilities, Proof of Ownership, reserve sufficiency calculations, and Merkle-tree verification. MEXC's Proof of Reserves framework aggregates anonymized user balances and maps them to publicly verifiable on-chain holdings, enabling independent validation of solvency without compromising personal information. The auditor verified that MEXC maintains operational control over all wallets included in the assessment and confirmed that user balances are fully backed based on the assets reviewed.

The examination covered a broad range of networks, with reserve wallets identified across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, TON, Tron, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, Optimism, Avalanche-C, Base, Polygon, Aptos and Sui. The report also provides detailed breakdowns of wallet addresses, balances, and asset distribution. The final reserve ratio table confirms that each major asset class is supported by reserves exceeding its liabilities.

Hacken reviewed outbound transactions from selected addresses as part of its Proof of Ownership procedures and validated the integrity of the Merkle-tree structure used to compute user liabilities. These transparency efforts are underpinned by MEXC's continuously refreshed Proof of Reserves framework and an independently maintained protection system, giving users and counterparties verified confirmation of reserve coverage, strict asset segregation, and real-time fund accessibility.

"At MEXC, we are fully committed to transparency and security, and this report once again demonstrates our unwavering dedication to 100% user fund safety," said Vugar Usi, COO of MEXC. "Independent Proof of Reserves audits are now a continuous, core standard practice within our operational framework. We will continue working with established auditing firms such as Hacken to ensure our users have verifiable assurance that their assets are fully backed."

Hacken concludes that MEXC's reserve structure demonstrates full solvency, including the accounting of off-exchange obligations. The report highlights the proper implementation of the PoR methodology, the quality of the supplied data, diversified asset holdings, and the exchange's high level of responsibility toward its users.

"We've seen increased transparency demand in the crypto industry over the past year, and the results of MEXC's audit reflect this shift", noted a spokesperson for Hacken. "Our audit confirmed that the exchange has sufficient asset reserves and a clear reserve management structure. In an environment where trust is built only through verifiable data, MEXC demonstrates its willingness to operate transparently and back up its commitments with facts, not words".

Hacken also emphasizes that the results serve as a "testament to the responsible financial management practices employed by MEXC, as well as the company's dedication to transparency and accountability".

Regular Proof of Reserves audits remain central to MEXC's long-term strategy to strengthen trust and elevate industry standards. As global demand for accountability and compliance in cryptocurrency trading grows, verified reserve transparency has become essential to build user confidence and demonstrate real financial resilience. The release of the latest independent audit by Hacken powerfully reinforces MEXC's standing as a global benchmark for trust, transparency, and resiliencesetting a gold standard for accountability in the worldwide crypto ecosystem.

About MEXC



Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being "Your Easiest Way to Crypto." Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

MEXC Official Website  X  Telegram  How to Sign Up on MEXC

About Hacken

Hacken is a trusted blockchain security auditor on a mission to make Web3 a safer place. With a team of 60+ certified engineers, it provides solutions covering all aspects of blockchain security, such as smart contract & protocol audits, bug bounties, and security assessments. Hacken has been raising the bar for blockchain security, working with more than 1,500 Web3 projects since its inception in 2017.

For more information, visit: Hacken Website  X  LinkedIn

SOURCE MEXC
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Presidents of the European Council Antonio Costa and the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on the negotiations with the United States.

A good and productive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, he said on X Tuesday night.

The President briefed the leaders on the diplomatic situation. He said they discussed in detail their work with their American partners on steps to promote peace, guarantee security, and strengthen our resilience.

Zelenskyy also wrote that the PURL initiative and the reparations loan were touched upon. Our positions have been aligned on all issues. We are acting in a coordinated and constructive manner. Thank you for the meeting and for your support! he noted.

Rutte, in turn, positively approved of this meeting.

Good discussions today with Zelenskyy and with EU leaders von der Leyen and the President of the European Council in support of further progress on the path to just and lasting peace for Ukraine, he said on X.
NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde with Monteverde & Associates PC (the "M&A Class Action Firm"), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. The firm is headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and is investigating Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. (NYSE: ALEX) related to its sale to MW Group and funds affiliated with Blackrock Real Estate and DivcoWest. Under the terms of the proposed transaction, Alexander & Baldwin shareholders are expected to receive $21.20 per share in cash. Is it a fair deal?

Click here for more info https://monteverdelaw.com/case/alexander-baldwin-inc/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE EQUAL. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

Do you file class actions and go to Court? When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders? What cases did you recover money in and how much?

About Monteverde & Associates PC

Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholdersand we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

No one is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:

Juan Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740

New York, NY 10118

United States of America

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC
New index tracks 100 companies listed in Hong Kong across six major technology-focused themes

HKEX's first Hong Kong equity index, marking a significant milestone in Group's index and data business development

HKEX enters licensing agreement with E Fund Management to issue an ETF in Chinese Mainland market

HONG KONG, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is pleased to announce a major expansion of its index portfolio with the launch of the HKEX Tech 100 Index (HKEX Tech 100), the Group's first Hong Kong equity index that underscores its ongoing investment in building the vibrancy of the region's capital market ecosystem.

HKEX Tech 100 is a broad-based benchmark that tracks the performance of 100 of the largest Hong Kong-listed companies across six innovative themes: Artificial Intelligence, Biotech & Pharmaceutical, Electric Vehicles & Smart Driving, Information Technology, Internet, and Robotics. All constituents are eligible for Stock Connect Southbound trading, ensuring broad accessibility for global and Chinese Mainland investors.

HKEX is also pleased to announce it has entered into a licensing agreement with E Fund Management Company Limited (E Fund Management), a leading Chinese Mainland asset management company, for the introduction of an exchange traded fund (ETF) based on HKEX Tech 100 in the Chinese Mainland.

HKEX Chief Executive Officer, Bonnie Y Chan, said: "We are delighted to announce the launch of the HKEX Tech 100 Index, a significant milestone in HKEX's journey to build its index and data business. This new broad-based index covers the leading innovative sectors in our listed issuer universe that have transformed the DNA of Hong Kong's markets, and its launch underscores the critical role our markets play in nurturing these emerging industries. This new benchmark provides investors with an effective and comprehensive tool to capture opportunities in some of the most exciting and transformative sectors in our market."

The index incorporates a fast-entry mechanism, enabling newly-listed companies that meet specific criteria to join the index outside of the regular review cycle after they become eligible for Stock Connect Southbound trading.

Ms Chan added: "Our licensing arrangement with E Fund Management will help support the further development of a product suite linked to Hong Kong equities in the Chinese Mainland, meeting the strong market demand in the region for opportunities in Hong Kong's vibrant tech sector. We look forward to working closely with E Fund Management and other industry partners, as we develop innovative indices and products that meet evolving investor needs and support the creation of new investment tools."

Dr Liu Xiaoyan, Chairwoman of E Fund Management, stated: "We are pleased to work with HKEX to develop an ETF for the Chinese Mainland market that tracks the HKEX Tech 100 Index. This index brings together a comprehensive group of 100 leading technology companies listed in Hong Kong, reflecting the vibrancy and innovation of the city's tech sector. We look forward to the launch of this ETF, which will aim to provide investors with an efficient way to tap into the growth opportunities of Hong Kong-listed tech companies while also supporting the real economy and fostering the ongoing development of emerging industries."

With the licensing agreement, E Fund Management plans to launch an ETF in the Chinese Mainland based on HKEX Tech 100, subject to regulatory approval and the issuer's further announcements. Going forward, HKEX will explore other index opportunities and work with industry partners in product development around its indices.

Index methodology and additional information about HKEX Tech 100 are available on the HKEX website.

SOURCE Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX)
SINGAPORE, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Immortal Dragons , the $40 million longevity-focused innovation fund, today announced its strategic investment in Etheros, a research-driven technology company developing proprietary water-soluble fullerene-based catalytic antioxidant materials. These advanced carbon nanostructure derivatives are designed for use in aging-related scientific research, particularly in the study of oxidative stress and its impact on biological systems.

Growing Global Interest in Aging Science Fuels Investment in Advanced Antioxidant Technologies

Immortal Dragons Backs Etheros Pharmaceuticals: Targeting Aging-Related Disease with Breakthrough Catalytic Antioxidants (PRNewsfoto/Immortal Dragons) Immortal Dragons Backs Etheros Pharmaceuticals: Targeting Aging-Related Disease with Breakthrough Catalytic Antioxidants (PRNewsfoto/Immortal Dragons)

As aging research expands worldwide, the scientific community continues to explore how reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress influence biological aging processes. Etheros develops specialized fullerene derivatives intended to support researchers investigating these mechanisms.

ROSnatural by-products of metabolic and inflammatory processescan damage biomolecules, and oxidative stress is widely studied as a contributor to age-associated biological changes. Etheros' materials are designed to help scientists explore these processes more effectively by addressing past limitations in fullerene solubility and performance.

A New Class of Catalytic Antioxidant Materials for Research Use

Etheros' work builds on decades of fullerene science, following the 1985 discovery of the C60 carbon sphere, a landmark achievement recognized with the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. While traditional C60 is insoluble in water, Etheros has created proprietary water-soluble fullerene derivatives for laboratory and research applications.

These specialized materials are engineered to function as catalytic antioxidants, meaning they can continuously convert ROS into more stable molecules without being consumed in the process. This mechanism, known as catalytic dismutation, enables a single molecule to neutralize large numbers of ROS at high reaction rates.

Etheros' lead fullerene derivative has demonstrated catalytic activity for superoxide conversion within ranges observed in other superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic materials currently being studied across the scientific community.

Foundational Research Demonstrates Potential for Scientific Exploration

Over several years, Etheros' scientific team has published and contributed to work exploring how fullerene derivatives behave in various laboratory settings and animal research models. Early studies in diverse research contexts have reported observations including:

Oxidative stress modulation

Neurobiological pathway exploration

Behavioral and cognitive performance changes in aging research models

Supportive findings in models of neuroinflammation

These findings are research-based and not associated with any medical, therapeutic, or clinical use.

Etheros' materials are intended solely for scientific investigation and are not marketed as pharmaceuticals, treatments, or consumer products.

Strategic Alignment with Immortal Dragons' Mission

Immortal Dragons invests in foundational technologies that expand global understanding of aging mechanisms. By supporting Etheros, the fund aims to strengthen research into oxidative stress, advanced materials chemistry, and catalytic antioxidant systems.

"Immortal Dragons are both bold and thoughtfultheir support has been invaluable as we advance our scientific platform," said Dr. Jack Scannell, CEO of Etheros.Founder of Immortal Dragons, Boyang Wang, added: "Etheros represents a distinctive approach to aging science, grounded in catalytic antioxidant materials that enrich global research efforts. Their platform aligns strongly with our mission to support pioneering technologies in the longevity field."

Looking Forward: Advancing Material Science for Aging Research

With new funding, Etheros plans to expand:

Material optimization for research environments

Analytical studies on catalytic performance

Scaling of research-grade manufacturing

Development of biomarkers and analytical tools for laboratory models

The company will also advance preparatory work for regulatory discussions related to future potential research pathways, without pursuing any pharmaceutical development or clinical applications at this stage.

About Immortal Dragons

Immortal Dragons is a purpose-driven longevity innovation fund headquartered in Singapore. The fund supports high-impact scientific and technological advances across aging research, with a portfolio of more than 15 companies. Immortal Dragons also promotes longevity education through book translations, a leading Chinese-language longevity podcast, public talks, and support for global scientific conferences.

Contact

Boyang Wang

Founder Immortal Dragons

[email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2842136/Immortal_Dragons_1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2842137/Immortal_Dragons_2.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2842135/Immortal_Dragons_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Immortal Dragons
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative PR, the beauty and lifestyle public relations agency founded by veteran publicist Jennifer Betts, today announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Nadia Suttle as EVP, who will be overseeing all Strategic Initiatives, and Katie Lynn as EVP of Media Relations, uniting high-impact brand innovation and modern PR execution under one roof.

Katie Lynn (PRNewsfoto/Innovative PR) Jennifer Betts and Nadia Suttle (PRNewsfoto/Innovative PR)

Innovative PR has spent the past decade quietly driving some of the beauty industry's most significant media moments, generating substantial cultural impact across editorial, celebrity, influencer, and experiential marketing sectors, all while intentionally staying under the radar.

This success is largely due to Jennifer Betts' role in pioneering experiential beauty marketing. Under her visionary leadership, Innovative PR has become known for bringing immersive brand activations into the mainstream, helping them become an industry standard.

Now, Innovative PR is entering its next phase, embracing cutting-edge innovation, AI-driven strategy, and next-generation PR execution. This future-forward approach is why Jennifer Betts and her growing leadership team continue to be a trusted partner for both legacy beauty powerhouses and breakout disruptor brands. The agency represents leading names across prestige beauty, wellness, and K-beauty sectors, consistently spearheading many of the U.S. market's most viral launches.

Suttle brings over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry to her new role at Innovative PR. She has helped build beauty partnership divisions for the world's largest media platforms. She has also developed new media-focused roadmaps for brand success. Suttle will lead the agency's experiential strategy and key client programs, propelling growth by intersecting culture, commerce, and innovation.

Lynn, who is based in New York, brings 12 years of PR expertise to Innovative PR and will continue to lead East Coast operations, overseeing media strategy and cultivating top-tier editorial relationships. Known for her strong instincts for developing effective media strategies and brand positioning, her leadership has contributed to numerous industry awards for the agencies she has helped elevate.

"Innovative PR has always been at the forefront of how beauty brands show up in culture. By expanding our leadership, we're accelerating the evolution of what modern PR can be. This is the start of a transformative next phase for Innovative PR. This is the beginning of our strongest chapter yet," said Jennifer Betts, Founder & CEO.

With its expanded leadership team, Innovative PR enters its next phase of growth with a sharp focus on next-generation PR.

About Innovative PR

Innovative PR is a boutique lifestyle communications agency with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Taipei, specializing in beauty, wellness, and culture-driven brands. We offer over 15 years of refined expertise and close collaboration with leading industry brands, influencers, and organizations.

Contact:

Jennifer Betts

310-490-7278

[email protected]

SOURCE Innovative PR
Huntsville site will focus on domestic production of small molecule synthetic and peptide medicines, including Lilly's oral GLP-1, orforglipron

Company plans to create 3,450 manufacturing and construction jobs at Lilly's ninth U.S. manufacturing site announced since 2020

INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced plans to invest more than $6 billion in a new manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. This next-generation synthetic medicine active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) facility, the third of four new U.S. sites Lilly plans to announce, will produce small molecule synthetic and peptide medicines.

Source: Eli Lilly and Company

Importantly, the site will be among those that will manufacture orforglipron, Lilly's first oral, small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, which the company expects to submit to global regulatory agencies for obesity by the end of this year.

Lilly will bring 450 high-value jobs to the area, including engineers, scientists, operations personnel and lab technicians. Construction, expected to begin in 2026, is anticipated to generate 3,000 construction jobs as the state-of-the-art facility is built. Completion is expected in 2032.

"Huntsville's track record of science and innovation, supported by advanced manufacturing expertise and a skilled workforce, makes Alabama an ideal location for Lilly to expand domestic manufacturing capacity for nextgeneration medicines," said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO. "Today's investment continues the onshoring of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, strengthening supply chain resilience and reliable access to medicines for patients in the U.S."

Expanding Lilly's U.S. manufacturing presence in Alabama will boost the Huntsville economy. For every dollar Lilly invests there, it estimates up to four dollars in additional local economic activity. Also, for each manufacturing job created, several more will be generated in related sectors like supply chain, logistics and retail.

"Huntsville and our entire state have a proven legacy of innovation, and there is no better home for Lilly than right here in Alabama. Our roots in the biosciences industry run deep, and Alabama's contributions to this burgeoning sector continue," said Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama. "We are proud to welcome Lilly's new U.S. manufacturing facility, which we are thrilled is the largest initial investment in our state's history. No doubt, Alabamians will help Lilly do things that have never been done before, and we will ensure this great company achieves their mission of improving the health and well-being of people all around the country and globe."

The Greenbrier South, Huntsville, Alabama site was selected from more than 300 applications, partly based on its proximity to the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, an established bioscience campus that supports workforce training and research. In addition to its workforce potential, the region offers ready access to utilities, transportation and favorable zoning and incentives.

Lilly plans to use state-of-the-art technologies, including machine learning, AI, digitally integrated monitoring systems and advanced data analytics to drive right-first-time execution. Digital automation will be embedded throughout the site to streamline operations and ensure a reliable supply of safe, high-quality medicines.

"By establishing this new facility, Lilly is deepening America's expertise in advanced chemical synthesis and setting new standards for sustainable manufacturing," said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. "Our investment not only expands our technical capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship, leveraging innovative processes to minimize waste and achieve carbon neutrality. Each step forward strengthens our U.S. operations and supports healthier communities for the future."

Earlier this year, Lilly announced plans to bolster its domestic medicine production across therapeutic areas. The company recently revealed plans to build sites in Texas and Virginia and to expand an existing manufacturing site in Puerto Rico. Another U.S. location will be announced in the coming weeks.

About Lilly

Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help tens of millions of people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges: redefining diabetes care; treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects; advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease; providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders; and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. To learn more, visit Lilly.com and Lilly.com/news, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. C-LLY

Trademarks and Trade Names

All trademarks or trade names referred to in this press release are the property of the company, or, to the extent trademarks or trade names belonging to other companies are references in this press release, the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, the trademarks and trade names in this press release are referred to without the  and  symbols, but such references should not be construed as any indicator that the company or, to the extent applicable, their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, the company's or their rights thereto. We do not intend the use or display of other companies' trademarks and trade names to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), including about planned capital investments in new manufacturing capacity, production and delivery of medicines, hiring and related initiatives and reflects Lilly's current beliefs and expectations. However, as with any such undertaking, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the manufacturing process, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products any of which could impact the overall commercial success of our products, and as related to cost, completion timing, expected capacity, personnel, and other factors which could impact expected benefits of the capacity expansion and related initiatives. For further discussion of risks and uncertainties relevant to Lilly's business that could cause actual results to differ from Lilly's expectations, see Lilly's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release.

Additional Quote Options for Media Use

Alabama Senator, Katie Britt: "Today's announcement is tremendous news for Huntsville and for our state. Lilly's $6 billion investment and the creation of thousands of good-paying jobs will strengthen domestic production of lifesaving medicines. This commitment further cements 'Made in Alabama' manufacturing as the gold standard and will help usher in a new golden age of American manufacturing, right here in Sweet Home Alabama. This project also underscores President Trump's leadership in driving major domestic investments to revitalize and unleash American manufacturing dominance and biomedical innovation. I'm proud to be a federal partner as we continue working to provide life-changing opportunities for Alabamians so our world-class workforce can continue to power America's future."

Mayor of Huntsville, Alabama, Tommy Battle: "Lilly's decision to invest $6 billion in a next-generation pharmaceutical manufacturing facility here in Huntsville is a tremendous vote of confidence in our people and our future. Huntsville has long been a place where innovation thrives and hard, 'impossible' things get done. We're proud to welcome Lilly to our community and excited to help shape the next era of breakthrough medicine."

Refer to:

Carla Cox; [email protected]; 317-750-3923 (Media)

Michael Czapar; [email protected]; 317-617-0983 (Investors)

SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company
The risk reduction observed in BRUIN CLL-313 is among the most compelling observed for a single agent BTK inhibitor in a front-line CLL study

These data will be simultaneously published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and highlighted in a late-breaking oral presentation at the 2025 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition, and were featured as part of the meeting's press program

INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced results from the Phase 3 BRUIN CLL-313 clinical trial of Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib), a non-covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, versus bendamustine plus rituximab (BR), in treatment-naive patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) without 17p deletions. Pirtobrutinib met its primary endpoint demonstrating a reduction in the risk of disease progression or death by 80% (HR=0.20 [95% CI, 0.11-0.37]; p<0.0001).

These data will be highlighted in a late-breaking oral presentation at the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition taking place in Orlando, Florida and simultaneously published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

"The results from BRUIN CLL-313 show a significant effect size, among the most pronounced ever observed for a single agent BTK inhibitor in a front-line CLL study," said Wojciech Jurczak, MD, PhD, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Krakow, Poland. "The magnitude of the progression-free survival benefit, early overall survival trend and safety profile observed in BRUIN CLL-313 offer highly compelling evidence for the potential role of pirtobrutinib in treatment-naive CLL."

BRUIN CLL-313 is the first prospective, randomized Phase 3 study examining the efficacy and safety of a non-covalent BTK inhibitor, pirtobrutinib, exclusively in patients with treatment-naive CLL/SLL. BRUIN CLL-313 enrolled 282 patients with previously untreated CLL/SLL without del(17p), who were randomized 1:1 to receive continuous pirtobrutinib monotherapy (n=141) or BR (n=141). Crossover to the pirtobrutinib arm was allowed after independent review committee (IRC)-confirmed disease progression. The efficacy results are based on a July 11, 2025, data cutoff.

At a median follow-up of 28.1 months, the primary endpoint of IRC-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly improved with pirtobrutinib compared to BR (HR=0.20 [95% CI, 0.110.37]; p<0.0001). PFS results favored pirtobrutinib across all prespecified subgroups, including those with high-risk molecular features such as TP53 mutations, complex karyotype, and unmutated IGHV, and was consistently observed among investigator assessments.

Overall survival (OS), a key secondary endpoint, remains immature, but a trend favoring pirtobrutinib was observed (HR=0.257 [95% CI, 0.0700.934]; p=0.0261) despite over half (52.9%) of patients treated with BR crossing over to receive pirtobrutinib after IRC-confirmed disease progression. Final testing of OS superiority is planned at a future date.

The overall safety profile of patients treated with pirtobrutinib in BRUIN CLL-313 was similar to previously reported trials. Grade 3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 40.0% of patients who received pirtobrutinib versus 67.4% with BR. Fewer adverse event-related dose reductions (3.6% versus 31.1%) and TEAE-related discontinuations (4.3% versus 15.2%) were seen with pirtobrutinib versus BR. The incidence of all-grade and high-grade atrial fibrillation/flutter were similar between pirtobrutinib and BR, a notable finding as BR is not a regimen associated with increased risk of this side effect (1.4% versus 1.5% and 0.7% versus 0.8%, respectively).

"These findings support the potential use of pirtobrutinib in certain treatment-naive patients and underscore its unique position as the only BTK inhibitor to show promise in treating both newly diagnosed patients with CLL or SLL and those who have progressed on a covalent BTK inhibitor," said Jacob Van Naarden, executive vice president and president, Lilly Oncology. "Alongside the recently presented BRUIN-CLL 314 results, we are excited about how collectively these data may advance the therapeutic landscape in treatment-naive CLL and are hopeful we will receive regulatory approvals for pirtobrutinib in earlier disease settings sometime next year, further expanding treatment options for patients."

Lilly has begun submitting results from BRUIN CLL-313 and BRUIN CLL-314 studies to regulatory authorities with the goal of further expanding Jaypirca's label into earlier lines of therapy.

Lilly is studying Jaypirca in CLL/SLL in multiple Phase 3 studies. Details on the trials can be found by visiting clinicaltrials.gov.

About BRUIN CLL-313

BRUIN CLL-313 is a Phase 3, global, randomized, open-label study of pirtobrutinib versus chemoimmunotherapy (bendamustine plus rituximab) in people with CLL/SLL without 17p deletions who have not been previously treated. The trial enrolled 282 patients who were randomized 1:1 to receive pirtobrutinib (200 mg orally, once daily) or bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) per labeled doses. BR is a chemoimmunotherapy regimen used in the treatment of CLL. The primary endpoint is PFS as assessed by blinded IRC. Secondary endpoints include investigator and IRC assessed overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DoR), and PFS, OS, time to next treatment (TTNT), safety and tolerability and patient-reported outcomes (PRO).

About Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib)

Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib, formerly known as LOXO-305) (pronounced jay-pihr-kaa) is a highly selective (300 times more selective for BTK versus 98% of other kinases tested in preclinical studies), non-covalent (reversible) inhibitor of the enzyme BTK.1 BTK is a validated molecular target found across numerous B-cell leukemias and lymphomas including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).2,3 Jaypirca is a U.S. FDA-approved oral prescription medicine, 100 mg or 50 mg tablets taken as a once-daily 200 mg dose with or without food until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are forms of slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develop from white blood cells known as lymphocytes.4 CLL is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults.4 In the U.S., CLL accounts for about one-quarter of the new cases of leukemia and there will be approximately 23,690 new cases of CLL diagnosed this year.4,5 SLL is identical to CLL from a pathologic and immunophenotypic standpoint, with the main difference between them being the location of the cancer cells.4 In CLL, the cancer cells are present in the blood, and in SLL, the cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes.4

INDICATIONS FOR JAYPIRCA (pirtobrutinib)

Jaypirca is indicated for the treatment of

Adult patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who have previously been treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor.

Adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after at least two lines of systemic therapy, including a BTK inhibitor. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical trial benefit in a confirmatory trial.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR JAYPIRCA (pirtobrutinib)

Infections: Fatal and serious infections (including bacterial, viral, fungal) and opportunistic infections occurred in Jaypirca-treated patients. Across clinical trials, Grade 3 infections occurred (25%), most commonly pneumonia (20%); fatal infections (5%), sepsis (6%), and febrile neutropenia (3.8%) occurred. In patients with CLL/SLL, Grade 3 infections occurred (32%), with fatal infections occurring in 8%. Opportunistic infections included Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and fungal infection. Consider prophylaxis, including vaccinations and antimicrobial prophylaxis, in patients at increased risk for infection, including opportunistic infections. Monitor for signs and symptoms, evaluate, and treat. Based on severity, reduce dose, temporarily withhold, or permanently discontinue Jaypirca.

Hemorrhage: Fatal and serious hemorrhage has occurred with Jaypirca. Across clinical trials, major hemorrhage (Grade 3 bleeding or any central nervous system bleeding) occurred (2.6%), including gastrointestinal hemorrhage; fatal hemorrhage occurred (0.3%). Bleeding of any grade, excluding bruising and petechiae, occurred (16%). Major hemorrhage occurred when taking Jaypirca with (2.0%) and without (0.6%) antithrombotic agents. Consider risks/benefits of co-administering antithrombotic agents with Jaypirca. Monitor for signs of bleeding. Based on severity, reduce dose, temporarily withhold, or permanently discontinue Jaypirca. Consider withholding Jaypirca 3-7 days pre- and post-surgery based on surgery type and bleeding risk.

Cytopenias: Jaypirca can cause cytopenias, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Across clinical trials, Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias, including decreased neutrophils (27%), decreased platelets (13%), and decreased hemoglobin (11%), developed. Grade 4 decreased neutrophils (15%) and Grade 4 decreased platelets (6%) developed. Monitor complete blood counts regularly. Based on severity, reduce dose, temporarily withhold, or permanently discontinue Jaypirca.

Cardiac Arrhythmias: Cardiac arrhythmias occurred in patients taking Jaypirca. Across clinical trials, atrial fibrillation or flutter were reported in 3.4% of Jaypirca treated patients, with Grade 3 or 4 atrial fibrillation or flutter in 1.6%. Other serious cardiac arrhythmias such as supraventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest occurred (0.4%). Cardiac risk factors such as hypertension or previous arrhythmias may increase risk. Monitor and manage signs and symptoms of arrhythmias (e.g., palpitations, dizziness, syncope, dyspnea). Based on severity, reduce dose, temporarily withhold, or permanently discontinue Jaypirca.

Second Primary Malignancies: Across clinical trials, second primary malignancies, including non-skin carcinomas, developed in 9% of Jaypirca-treated patients, most frequently non-melanoma skin cancer (4.4%). Other second primary malignancies included solid tumors (including genitourinary and breast cancers) and melanoma. Advise patients to use sun protection and monitor for development of second primary malignancies.

Hepatotoxicity, Including Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI): Hepatotoxicity, including severe, life-threatening, and potentially fatal cases of DILI, has occurred in patients treated with BTK inhibitors, including Jaypirca. Evaluate bilirubin and transaminases at baseline and throughout Jaypirca treatment. For patients who develop abnormal liver tests after Jaypirca, monitor more frequently for liver test abnormalities and clinical signs and symptoms of hepatic toxicity. If DILI is suspected, withhold Jaypirca. If DILI is confirmed, discontinue Jaypirca.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Jaypirca can cause fetal harm. Administration of pirtobrutinib to pregnant rats caused embryo-fetal toxicity, including embryo-fetal mortality and malformations at maternal exposures (AUC) approximately 3-times the recommended 200 mg/day dose. Advise pregnant women of fetal risk and females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for one week after last dose.

Adverse Reactions (ARs) in Patients Who Received Jaypirca

The most common (30%) ARs in the pooled safety population of patients with hematologic malignancies (n=704) were decreased neutrophil count (54%), decreased hemoglobin (43%), decreased leukocytes (32%), fatigue (31%), decreased platelets (31%), decreased lymphocyte count (31%), calcium decreased (30%).

Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Serious ARs occurred in 38% of patients, with pneumonia (14%), COVID-19 (4.7%), musculoskeletal pain (3.9%), hemorrhage (2.3%), pleural effusion (2.3%), and sepsis (2.3%) occurring in 2% of patients. Fatal ARs within 28 days of last dose occurred in 7% of patients, most commonly due to infections (4.7%), including COVID-19 (3.1% of all patients).

Dose Modifications and Discontinuations Due to ARs: Dose reductions in 4.7%, treatment interruption in 32%, and permanent discontinuation of Jaypirca in 9% of patients. Permanent discontinuation in >1% of patients included pneumonia.

Most common ARs (15%) and Select Laboratory Abnormalities (10%) (all Grades %; Grade 3-4 %): hemoglobin decreased (42; 9), platelet count decreased (39; 14), neutrophil count decreased (36; 16), lymphocyte count decreased (32; 15), creatinine increased (30; 1.6), fatigue (29; 1.6), musculoskeletal pain (27; 3.9), calcium decreased (19; 1.6), diarrhea (19; -), edema (18; 0.8), dyspnea (17; 2.3), AST increased (17; 1.6), pneumonia (16; 14), bruising (16; -), potassium decreased (13; 1.6), sodium decreased (13; -), lipase increased (12; 4.4), ALT increased (11; 1.6), potassium increased (11; 0.8), alkaline phosphatase increased (11; -). Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities in >5% of patients included neutrophils decreased (10), platelets decreased (7), lymphocytes decreased (6).

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma from Single-Arm and Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

Serious ARs occurred in 47-56% of patients across clinical trials. Serious ARs in 5% of patients in the single-arm trial were pneumonia (18%), COVID-19 (9%), sepsis (7%), febrile neutropenia (7%). Serious ARs in 3% of patients in the randomized controlled trial were pneumonia (21%), COVID-19 (5%), sepsis (3.4%). Fatal ARs within 28-30 days of last Jaypirca dose occurred in 8-11% of patients, most commonly due to infections (7-10%), including sepsis (5%), COVID-19 (2.7-5%), and pneumonia (3.4%).

Dose Modifications and Discontinuations Due to ARs: Dose reductions in 3.6-10%, treatment interruption in 42-51%, and permanent discontinuation of Jaypirca in 9-17% of patients. Permanent discontinuation in >1% of patients included second primary malignancy, pneumonia, COVID-19, neutropenia, sepsis, anemia, and cardiac arrythmias.

Most common ARs and Select Laboratory Abnormalities (20%) (all Grades %, Grade 3-4 %)--in a randomized controlled trial: neutrophil count decreased (54; 26), hemoglobin decreased (45; 10), platelet count decreased (37; 17), pneumonia (28; 16), ALT increased (25; 1.8), creatinine increased (25; -), calcium decreased (23; 0.9), sodium decreased (22; 0.9), bilirubin increased (21; 0.9), upper respiratory tract infections (21; 0.9); in a single-arm trial: neutrophil count decreased (63; 45), hemoglobin decreased (48; 19), calcium decreased (40; 2.8), fatigue (36; 2.7), bruising (36; -), cough (33; -), musculoskeletal pain (32; 0.9), platelet count decreased (30; 15), sodium decreased (30; -), COVID-19 (28; 7), pneumonia (27; 16), diarrhea (26; -), abdominal pain (25; 2.7), lymphocyte count decreased (23; 8), ALT increased (23; 2.8), AST increased (23; 1.9), creatinine increased (23; -), dyspnea (22; 2.7), hemorrhage (22; 2.7), lipase increased (21; 7), alkaline phosphatase increased (21; -), edema (21; -), nausea (21; -), pyrexia (20; 2.7), headache (20; 0.9). Grade 4 laboratory abnormalities in >5% of patients included neutrophils decreased (23).

Drug Interactions

Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Concomitant use increased pirtobrutinib systemic exposure, which may increase risk of Jaypirca ARs. Avoid using strong CYP3A inhibitors with Jaypirca. If concomitant use is unavoidable, reduce Jaypirca dose according to approved labeling.

Strong or Moderate CYP3A Inducers: Concomitant use decreased pirtobrutinib systemic exposure, which may reduce Jaypirca efficacy. Avoid using Jaypirca with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. If concomitant use with moderate CYP3A inducers is unavoidable, increase Jaypirca dose according to approved labeling.

Sensitive CYP2C8, CYP2C19, CYP3A, P-gp, or BCRP Substrates: Use with Jaypirca increased their plasma concentrations, which may increase risk of ARs related to these substrates for drugs sensitive to minimal concentration changes. Follow recommendations for these sensitive substrates in their approved labeling.

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy and Lactation: Due to potential for Jaypirca to cause fetal harm, verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to starting Jaypirca. Presence of pirtobrutinib in human milk is unknown. Advise women to use effective contraception and to not breastfeed while taking Jaypirca and for one week after last dose.

Geriatric Use: In the pooled safety population of patients with hematologic malignancies, patients aged 65 years experienced higher rates of Grade 3 ARs and serious ARs compared to patients <65 years of age.

Renal Impairment: Because severe renal impairment increases pirtobrutinib exposure, reduce Jaypirca dose in these patients according to approved labeling.

PT HCP ISI MCL_CLL Q42025

Please see Prescribing Information and Patient Information for Jaypirca.

About Lilly

Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help tens of millions of people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges: redefining diabetes care; treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects; advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease; providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders; and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. To learn more, visit Lilly.com and Lilly.com/news, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. P-LLY

 Lilly USA, LLC 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Trademarks and Trade Names

All trademarks or trade names referred to in this press release are the property of the company, or, to the extent trademarks or trade names belonging to other companies are referenced in this press release, the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, the trademarks and trade names in this press release are referred to without the  and  symbols, but such references should not be construed as any indicator that the company or, to the extent applicable, their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, the company's or their rights thereto. We do not intend the use or display of other companies' trademarks and trade names to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about Jaypirca as a treatment for adults with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who have been previously treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor and as a treatment for adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after at least two lines of systemic therapy, including a BTK inhibitor, and reflects Lilly's current beliefs and expectations. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of drug research, development, and commercialization. Among other things, there is no guarantee that planned or ongoing studies will be completed as planned, that future study results will be consistent with study results to date, or that Jaypirca will receive additional regulatory approvals. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from Lilly's expectations, see Lilly's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release.

Endnotes & References

Mato AR, Shah NN, Jurczak W, et al. Pirtobrutinib in relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies (BRUIN): a phase 1/2 study. Lancet. 2021;397(10277):892-901. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00224-5 Hanel W, Epperla N. Emerging therapies in mantle cell lymphoma. J Hematol Oncol. 2020;13(1):79. Published 2020 Jun 17. doi:10.1186/s13045-020-00914-1 Gu D, Tang H, Wu J, Li J, Miao Y. Targeting Bruton tyrosine kinase using non-covalent inhibitors in B cell malignancies. J Hematol Oncol. 2021;14(1):40. Published 2021 Mar 6. doi:10.1186/s13045-021-01049-7 Mukkamalla SKR, Taneja A, Malipeddi D, et al. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. [Updated Feb 18, 2023]. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470433/ NCI SEER Program [NIH]. Cancer Stat Facts: LeukemiaChronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Accessed on September 3, 2025. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/clyl.html

SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company
LAS VEGAS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MassMedia Marketing, Advertising, PR, a Las Vegasbased integrated marketing, advertising and public relations agency, announced today the hiring of Kristen Carter as its Media Director. Carter's appointment marks a significant investment in the continued expansion of MassMedia's paid media practice and its commitment to delivering measurable, scalable growth for clients nationwide.

Kristen Carter joins MassMedia as the agencys new head of paid media

With more than 18 years of experience guiding sophisticated paid media programs across both digital and traditional channels, Carter will oversee the agency's full media portfolio, leading a team of regional and national buyers and strategists. Her mandate: strengthen MassMedia's performance infrastructure and elevate the agency's ability to design media systems that unlock meaningful business outcomes.

Carter has architected and executed high-impact campaigns for some of the nation's most recognizable brands, including Marriott, Allegiant Air, Wynn Las Vegas, The Borgata and Gila River Resorts & Casinos. Her leadership will further advance MassMedia's commitment to precision audience targeting, breakthrough channel strategies, and performance-driven investment models.

At MassMedia, the media discipline extends far beyond impressions. The agency's philosophy centers on identifying the audiences that matter most, deploying innovative media solutions, and remaining fully channel and partner agnostic, always buying what is best for the client's business. Carter's approach is deeply aligned with this belief and brings even greater sophistication to the agency's strategic framework.

"Kristen is a perfect fit for MassMedia because she truly lives our philosophy of buying what's best for the client's business," said Paula Yakubik, CEO of MassMedia. "She understands that great media isn't about exposure for exposure's sake, it's about identifying the right audiences, choosing the right channels, and driving measurable growth. Her expertise strengthens our ability to remain fully channel-agnostic while delivering breakthrough solutions that move our clients' businesses forward."

MassMedia's investment in Carter also aligns with the agency's accelerated growth in Phoenix, Arizona where it has built deep expertise supporting high-growth companies across real estate, hospitality, home services, and consumer categories. With a full-service office in Phoenix, MassMedia is positioned as one of the region's leading integrated marketing partners. Carter's leadership will further strengthen the agency's ability to deploy sophisticated, performance-driven media systems for clients scaling throughout Arizona and the Southwest.

Before joining MassMedia, Carter served as Media Director at OH Partners, where she managed a high-performing media team, mentored emerging talent, and played a significant role in agency growth. She helped secure new business wins, refined internal processes, and contributed to a collaborative, results-driven culture.

"I'm thrilled to join MassMedia at such an exciting time for the agency," said Kristen Carter, media director at MassMedia. "I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and helping our clients navigate an evolving media landscape with strategies that are both innovative and measurable."

About MassMedia Marketing, Advertising, PR

Founded in 1997, MassMedia is a women-owned, digital-first integrated marketing, advertising and public relations agency with offices in Las Vegas and Phoenix. Serving high-growth companies across the country, MassMedia specializes in lead-generation marketing, brand strategy, paid media, social media and public relations. The agency partners with organizations to build resilient brands and accelerate measurable performance. Known for its innovative, data-driven approach, MassMedia delivers strategies that create lasting impact across a wide range of industries and markets.

To learn more, visit www.MassMediaCC.com and follow MassMedia on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SOURCE MassMedia
DALLAS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans is proud to announce the promotion of Stephanie M. Almeter to Managing Partner of the firm's Dallas headquarters, marking a significant milestone in the firm's continued growth and commitment to operational excellence.

In her new role, Almeter will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Dallas office, support the continued expansion of its legal teams, and promote a unified, high-performing culture across the firm's flagship location. She will also collaborate closely with the Managing Partners in Frisco, Houston, and Los Angeles to ensure firmwide consistency, strategic alignment, and seamless operational delivery across all markets.

Almeter, who joined McCathern in 2011, is a seasoned trial attorney and leader whose practice spans business and commercial litigation, labor and employment, and more. She is widely recognized for her exceptional advocacy, creative problem-solving approach, and dedication to client service. As Managing Partner, she brings more than a decade of experience and a deep understanding of the firm's mission of Improving People's Lives to this pivotal leadership position.

"Stephanie is an incredible leader whose professionalism, legal skill, and commitment to our team made her the clear choice for Managing Partner of our Dallas office," said Arnold Shokouhi, Equity Partner and CEO of the firm. "Her ability to balance exceptional client results with strong interpersonal leadership will help guide the next phase of growth in our largest market. I have full confidence in her vision and in the culture she will continue to build."

As part of Almeter's promotion, Shokouhi will transition into the role of Chief Executive Officer, where he will continue overseeing the firm's strategic direction and operational development. McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans has experienced significant expansion since Shokouhi was named Managing Partner in 2013, growing its workforce by over 415% and increasing revenue by approximately 275%, alongside multiple successful mergers and a strengthened statewide and national presence.

"I am deeply honored to step into the role of Managing Partner for our Dallas headquarters," said Stephanie Almeter. "McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans is a firm built on integrity, collaboration, and the belief that exceptional legal work can improve people's lives. I look forward to supporting our incredible team, fostering continued growth, and ensuring that our Dallas office remains a model of excellence within the firm and across the legal community."

The firm extends its congratulations to Almeter as she assumes this important leadership position, and to Shokouhi as he steps into his expanded role as CEO.

For media inquiries, please contact: Garrett McGrew, Vice President of Marketing, McCathern Law, at (214) 741-2662 or at [email protected] .

ABOUT MCCATHERN, SHOKOUHI, EVANS

Founded in 1998, McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans has earned a reputation for excellence in delivering exceptional legal services to clients nationwide. Our firm's proven success has garnered a diverse and prestigious client base, including small businesses, high-net-worth individuals, Fortune 500 companies, and prominent organizations.

With offices in Dallas, Frisco, Houston, and Los Angeles, our leaders bring a tailored, agile approach to serving clients with efficiency and precision. At McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans, we are committed to our core philosophy of "Improving People's Lives," which is reflected in our daily practice of treating clients as partners. We collaborate to resolve disputes and facilitate transactions in a strategic, cost-effective manner.

SOURCE McCathern Law
Government funded constellation to support Canada and North America defence and security with significantly enhanced ability to conduct sovereignty operations in the Arctic

BRAMPTON, ON, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a trusted mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Government of Canada and Telesat Corporation to develop and deliver military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) capabilities. This partnership is part of the Enhanced Satellite Communication Project  Polar (ESCP-P), one of the key procurements being led by Canada's newly formed Defence Investment Agency (DIA).

"MDA Space has a long history as a trusted mission partner to the Canadian Armed Forces, delivering the advanced technologies and mission outcomes they need to accomplish their critical mandate," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. "We understand the significance of the missions they execute and the challenges inherent in their operations. With this partnership, and in close collaboration with the Department of National Defence and Telesat, we are ready to deliver essential Arctic military satellite communications capabilities at the speed of innovation and operational relevance."

A longstanding program of record, ESCP-P will significantly enhance the ability of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the broader Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to conduct sovereignty operations in the Arctic, supporting the defence of Canada and North America. The project will deliver secure wideband and narrowband satellite communications capabilities that are essential to fulfilling the CAF's continental defence mandate. It is also leveraging Canadian industry to create high-quality jobs across the country while unlocking a multi-billion dollar investment in Canada's defence sector.

The Government of Canada selected MDA Space and Telesat as strategic partners because of their combined expertise in secure satellite communications and space-based infrastructure. This strategic partnership leverages the global technology and operational strengths of the domestic space sector while reinforcing the government's commitment to Arctic security and Canadian sovereignty.

Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy will apply to ESCP-P, ensuring the project will generate high-value jobs in Canada, foster innovation, and strengthen Canada's domestic space and defence sectors. As a result of the application of the ITB Policy, this strategic partnership will engage Canada's space ecosystem, including small and medium-sized businesses, to maximize economic opportunities and advance national capabilities.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the company's current expectations regarding future events, including the potential investment by the Government of Canada in the ESCP-P project.

Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the company's Annual Information Form available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. MDA Space does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

ABOUT MDA SPACE

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,800 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission  bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that's been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we'll take you there. For more information, visit www.mda.space.

SOCIAL MEDIA

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/mdaspace

X: twitter.com/MDA_space

Facebook: facebook.com/MDAspace

YouTube: youtube.com/c/mdaspace

Instagram: instagram.com/MDA_space

SOURCE MDA Space
New solution delivers verified, patient-specific evidence and keeps clinicians in control of high-stakes medical decisions

TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MedINT today announced the commercial launch of the first human-in-the-loop medical AI platform designed to return full control of evidence review and treatment decisions to clinicians managing complex patients. The system maintains clinician control at every step by delivering patient-specific evidence summaries that support clinical judgment without replacing it.

Two clinicians review patient-specific evidence on a tablet, illustrating how MedINT's human-in-the-loop AI enhances clinical judgment

Medical knowledge is expanding faster than practitioners can absorb. More than 2.5 million biomedical papers are published each year (National Institutes of Health, 2025), and a 2024 Doximity survey found that 70% of physicians feel overwhelmed by the reading required to stay current. MedINT was created to address this widening gap. Tested with leading clinicians across multiple specialties, the platform is a secure, cloud-based clinical decision support system designed for multidisciplinary settings, including tumor boards.

The platform integrates advanced AI capabilities with transparent, human-centered validation tools that help clinicians verify sources, evaluate study quality, and weigh patient-specific factors in real time. This structure ensures that AI-generated insights support, rather than shortcut, expert clinical reasoning.

Complex cases often involve overlapping conditions, rare clinical profiles, and conflicting research, which complicates clinical interpretation. With more than 50% of U.S. adults reporting multiple chronic conditions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025), clinicians need tools that reinforce medical expertise.

Medical decisions carry high stakes, yet clinical research varies widely in quality, and many complex patients are excluded from trials. Without safeguards, automated systems can misapply weak evidence or offer overconfident recommendations, eroding clinical reliability and placing patients at risk.

"As a hematologist, much of my work involves caring for patients who do not fit neatly into standard guidelines. They have multiple comorbidities, prior therapies, or rare presentations that turn each treatment plan into a high-stakes judgment call. Even when you follow the literature closely, translating heterogeneous data into clear options for a specific patient remains a major challenge. A platform like MedINT, which provides verified, patient-specific evidence without replacing my clinical judgment, is exactly the kind of support physicians need to make safer, more confident decisions for complex patients," said Dr. Yotam Bronstein, hematologist, Tel Aviv Medical Center.

Real-world incidents underscore the need for safeguards. In documented cases, automated systems relying on incomplete or mismatched data recommended inappropriate treatments, including unsafe adult dosing for pediatric patients with organ failure. MedINT is engineered to prevent such errors by grounding every insight in each patient's precise clinical context.

Tanya Attias, CEO of MedINT, founded the company after experiencing firsthand how fragmented medical information can delay proper care. "Watching my husband's treatment stall due to missing or disconnected clinical insights made the problem painfully real. Over the past decade, we worked to capture and structure complex clinical questions through meticulous manual analysis, building a unique database of physician dilemmas that no one else had. Today, MedINT brings that human wisdom into an AI-powered platform that learns from clinicians, preserves their judgment, and scales their expertise. Our vision is simple and bold: to ensure that no patient's care is limited by incomplete evidence ever again."

MedINT's human-in-the-loop AI platform is now commercially available to health systems, hospitals, and clinical partners. The company offers two service levels: a self-guided AI tool for clinicians and an MD-guided comprehensive literature review service for tumor boards and complex treatment decisions.

About MedINT

MedINT helps clinicians manage complex, multidisciplinary cases by embedding transparent, human-centered AI into clinical workflows. The company created the first human-in-the-loop platform for complex clinical decision support, delivering verified, evidence-based intelligence that keeps clinicians informed, in control, and fully supported throughout each patient's care journey.

Media Contact:

Hadas Sasson-Zitomer

1-866-568-4040

[email protected]

www.medint.ai



SOURCE Medint
Head of National Sports Committee for the Disabled of Ukraine sees no intensive work by Ukrainian authorities to make all shelters inclusive, accessible

Photo: Interfax-Ukraine / Oleksandr Zubko

Chairman of the National Sports Committee for the Disabled of Ukraine, Valeriy Sushkevych, says he does not see intensive efforts by government institutions to ensure that all shelters are inclusive and accessible.

"Neither the state nor society was prepared for this invasion by a killer country. When we talk about war and people with disabilities, there are two aspects. The first is that during wartime the most vulnerable category includes people with hearing and visual impairments, limited mobility, or mental and intellectual disabilities. They face enormous challenges related to how to protect themselves, how to escape when bombs, missiles, and drones are flying, when an enemy army is advancing on populated areas," Sushkevych said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

He also noted that the war is globalizing the problems faced by people with disabilities, whose numbers are steadily increasing.

Answering a question about how effectively the issue of shelter accessibility is being addressed, Sushkevych said there have been some shifts in this direction, but, in his observation, they are not systemic.

"Will a person with a disability get into a shelter, into a bomb shelter? No, they won't! Shelters were absolutely unprepared for war, and today, unfortunately, I do not see intensive work by government institutions to make all shelters inclusive and accessible. So that you and I could both get there in the same way, so that you and I could meet our physiological needs there. I know cases where people in wheelchairs were lowered into bomb shelters and fell on the steps, sustaining additional injuries. I saw photos of a blind person lying 15 meters from the entrance to a bomb shelter because they simply could not get inside during an air attack," he added.

The head of the National Assembly noted that there is no clear information system that would help such people in a specific district.

"And is there any accounting of these people at all? Or is anyone focused on finding solutions for escorting them to shelters? These problems are practically not being addressed," Sushkevych stated.

He also drew attention to the fact that today, out of all Kyiv metro stations, which also serve as shelters, only twelve are accessible.

"Today, what is needed is not just political will. There must be an imperative provision that implements the idea of so-called barrier-free access and inclusivity not only in legislation," he emphasized.

As reported, in December 2024 the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development published statistics on the implementation of the 20232024 Action Plan for the National Strategy on Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine through 2030, according to which fewer than 8% of shelters were barrier-free.
A Modern Tool for Today's Independent Business Leaders

BURBANK, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mission Valley Bank today announced the launch of its new Mastercard Business Debit Card, a major enhancement to the Bank's suite of business banking solutions. Designed with sleek, bold, contactless functionality and built for entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and business professionals who demand speed, security, and control, the new debit card reinforces Mission Valley Bank's commitment to delivering high-touch, high-performance financial tools that move at the pace of modern business.

Mission Valley Bank MasterCard Business Contactless Debit Card

Engineered with the latest dual interface technology, the Mastercard Business Debit Card allows cardholders to instantly switch between contact, chip, and contactless transactions, providing a seamless payment experience wherever business happens. Whether managing day-to-day operations, traveling, purchasing supplies, or paying vendors, clients can now transact quickly and securely anywhere Mastercard is acceptedonline, in-store, or on the go.

A Modern Tool for Businesses That Refuse to Slow Down.

Mission Valley Bank's new debit card eliminates friction and old banking frustrations, helping business owners operate with confidence:

Sleek. Bold. Contactless.

Designed for the modern entrepreneur who values simplicity, speed, and security.

Designed for the modern entrepreneur who values simplicity, speed, and security. Dual Interface Technology

Advanced chip + contactless capability for streamlined transactions.

Advanced chip + contactless capability for streamlined transactions. Use Anywhere Mastercard  Is Accepted

Trusted global access for local businesses with big ambitions.

Is Accepted Trusted global access for local businesses with big ambitions. Avoid Check-Writing Hassles

Make purchases easily, pay vendors faster, and reduce administrative time.

Make purchases easily, pay vendors faster, and reduce administrative time. Access ATMs Nationwide through the ALLPOINT Network

Convenient, surcharge-free withdrawals at over 55,000 ATMs.

Convenient, surcharge-free withdrawals at over 55,000 ATMs. Real-Time Transaction Visibility

Greater control over business finances with instant monitoring through online and mobile banking.

Mission Valley Bank business clients will enjoy banking with the benefits of seamless money movement, enhanced financial oversight, and tools built to support growth, agility, and operational efficiency.

Tamara Gurney, President & CEO, Mission Valley Bank

"At Mission Valley Bank, we are continuously evolving to meet the needs of our business community. This new Mastercard Business Debit Card reflects our commitment to blending innovative technology with the high-touch service our clients rely on. For 25 years, we have believed that business owners deserve tools that work as hard as they doand this card is another way we're helping them move faster, operate smarter, and manage their finances with confidence."

Justin Stewart, SVP Community Banking

"Our business clients want banking that stays out of their way and supports their momentum. With contactless payments, dual interface capability, and access to the Allpoint Network, this card delivers convenience without compromise. It is one more example of Mission Valley Bank investing in solutions that support entrepreneurs, professionals, and nonprofits as they grow and succeed."

The launch of the Mastercard Business Debit Card advances Mission Valley Bank's strategy to provide best-in-class digital tools backed by trusted guidance, empowering business owners to focus on what matters: growth, innovation, and community impact.

As the Bank celebrates nearly 25 years, the introduction of this new business debit card represents Mission Valley Bank's ongoing commitment to serving independent thinkers, builders, and leaders with financial solutions designed around their needs, not the other way around.

About Mission Valley Bank

Mission Valley Bank is a full-service, independent commercial bank headquartered in Burbank, California. Since 2001, the Bank has remained dedicated to providing relationship-driven, high-touch banking solutions for local businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, and nonprofit organizations. Mission Valley Bank offers a comprehensive suite of services including Business Checking & Savings, Treasury Management, Merchant Services, SBA Lending, and Accounts Receivable Financing.

Learn more at www.missionvalleybank.com.

SOURCE Mission Valley Bank
RESTON, Va., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is officially confirmed for NCMA Nexus Mission Days, bringing direct insight from the agency driving some of the most ambitious missions in modern history. From supersonic travel to lunar exploration, NASA's programs require unprecedented speed, flexibility, and innovation. At Nexus, attendees will engage in open conversations with the acquisition leaders advancing this work.

NASA

Mission Days are only the start of the Nexus experience. The event will also feature forecasting sessions and dedicated matchmaking between buyers and suppliers, offering structured opportunities to align with upcoming requirements and build partnerships that accelerate mission success.

Representing NASA across Mission Days are procurement and mission leaders from multiple centers, including Eric Newman, Acting Deputy Procurement Officer at Goddard Space Flight Center; Rich Burns, OSIRIS-REx Project Manager; Steve Shiplett, Acting Director, Enterprise Service and Analysis Division; Josh Koger, Enterprise Procurement Data Architect; Suzan Thomas, Procurement Team Lead and Contracting Officer; Brian Scheffman, Contracting Officer Representative; Jenni Schnarr, Contracting Officer; and Catherine (Cathy) Bahm, Project Manager for the Low Boom Flight Demonstrator Project. These experts will lead sessions on procurement modernization, supersonic flight, lunar exploration, and the OSIRIS-REx mission, offering firsthand insight into NASA's evolving acquisition and mission priorities.

Confirmed NASA mission sessions include:

Driving Procurement Modernization: Transforming Acquisition Through Innovation and Data

From Boom to Thump: How X-59 is Revolutionizing Supersonic Travel

From Earth to Bennu and Back: Technical and Procurement Insights from the OSIRIS-REx Mission

Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) and the Emerging Lunar Economy

"These conversations are critical for shaping the future of acquisition," said Kraig Conrad, CEO of NCMA. "Nexus brings together the entire acquisition teamfrom business development to pricing and technical leadersto hear the mission signal collectively. NASA's participation underscores the importance of collaboration in meeting modern mission needs."

As the largest buyer in the world, the United States government is reshaping its acquisition approachaccelerating requirement development, streamlining processes, and prioritizing collaboration across teams. Understanding these shifts is essential for organizations seeking to operate effectively in this evolving environment, and Nexus serves as a key platform for gaining that perspective.

Additional agencies will be announced in the coming weeks. Early preparation is encouraged as the acquisition landscape continues to evolve rapidly.

Learn More About Mission Sessions: Program | NCMA Nexus 2026

Register: Home | NCMA Nexus 2026



About NCMA

National Contract Management Association (NCMA)www.ncmahq.orgis a thriving community of over 100,000 contract management professionals globally. Dedicated to fostering a globally recognized contract management profession and strengthening its connections with related acquisition communities, NCMA serves a diverse membership spanning both the public and private sectors. Through its steadfast commitment to facilitating the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners, NCMA provides a platform for the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums, driving innovation and excellence in contract management.

Contact:

Holly DeHesa

281-865-3296

[email protected]

SOURCE National Contract Management Association
CALGARY, AB, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Northstar Clean Technologies Inc. (TSXV: ROOF) (OTCQB: ROOOF) ("Northstar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a number of initiatives that will enhance working capital reserves heading into 2026. In total, the Company received $1.74 million.

Northstar successfully closed a first tranche non-brokered unit financing (the "Financing") on the following terms:

Unit composition: $5,000 face value debenture with 1,250 detachable non-transferable whole warrants per unit. Coupon: 9.0%, paid semi-annually in cash or shares (as described below) Total proceeds: $1,000,000 (200 units) Warrant exercise price: $0.395 per warrant Warrant term: 36 months from Closing Security: Unsecured

The Financing was entirely subscribed for by an arm's length third party, 1010770 B.C. Ltd. Use of proceeds will be directed to ramp-up operations at the Company's Empower Environmental Solutions Calgary Facility ("Empower Calgary") and for general corporate purposes.

Interest payable on the debenture may be satisfied by the issuance of common shares in the capital of the Company at a deemed price equal to the ten-day VWAP of the common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date.

All securities issued in connection with the Financing are subject to a four month and a day statutory hold period expiring April 6, 2026, in accordance with applicable securities legislation. While the Company has received conditional approval of the Financing from the TSXV, closing remains subject to final acceptance by the TSXV.

Secondly, the Company is also pleased to announce the receipt of Emission Reduction Alberta's ("ERA") Milestone 3 payment of $735,000. These funds will be directed exclusively to Empower Calgary operations. The payment follows the operational achievement of 80 tonnes per day from Empower Calgary. The Company is now focused on the final Milestone of the $7.1 million ERA grant, which totals approximately $1.2 million, inclusive of holdbacks from prior milestone achievements.

"The combination of these various initiatives greatly assists with effectively conducting operations at Calgary Empower and at the corporate level," stated Greg Phaneuf, VP Corporate Development & CFO. "We plan to continue to secure capital on this basis in the short term to bridge the Company to the point where production, revenues and the associated cash flows at Empower Calgary reach operational break even. Aside from the warrants issued in the Financing, non-dilutive bridge vehicles are preferred at this juncture of the Company's growth capital formulation strategy as we ruthlessly focus on operations at Empower Calgary."

About Northstar

Northstar is a Canadian waste to value technology company focused on the sustainable recovery and reprocessing of asphalt shingles. Northstar developed and owns a proprietary design process for taking discarded asphalt shingles, otherwise destined for already over-crowded landfills, and extracts the liquid asphalt for use in new hot mix asphalt shingle manufacturing and asphalt flat roof systems while also extracting aggregate and fiber for use in construction products and other industrial applications. Focused on the circular economy, Northstar plans to reprocess used or defective asphalt shingle waste back into its three primary components for reuse/resale with its first commercial scale up facility in Calgary, Alberta. As an emerging innovator in sustainable processing, Northstar's mission aims at leading the recovery and reprocessing of asphalt shingles in North America that would otherwise be sent to landfill addressing numerous stakeholder objectives.

U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on https://www.otcmarkets.com/.

For further information about Northstar, please visit www.northstarcleantech.com .

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Aidan Mills

President & CEO, Director

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

This press release may contain forwardlooking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which forwardlooking information reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "aim" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements concerning: (i) Northstar's plans to reprocess used shingles into their component parts in the inaugural commercial facility in Calgary; (ii) the enhancement of the Company's working capital reserves; (iii) the intended use of proceeds of the Financing and of the ERA Milestone 3 payment; (iv) the expected timing of, and the Company's ability to meet, the requirements for the ERA Milestone 4 payment; (v) the Company's plans to raise capital in the future; and (vi) Northstar's ability to become a leader in the recovery and reprocessing of asphalt shingles in North America. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including: risks related to factors beyond the control of the Company; inability of the Company to execute on its business plans; the Company may require additional financing which may not be obtainable or on favourable terms; economic uncertainty; and the risks and uncertainties which are more fully described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and other filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's profile on SEDAR+. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forwardlooking information whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

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, expected or aimed. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended and such changes could be material. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.

SOURCE Northstar Clean Technologies Inc.
Enhanced Sanding, Painting, Level 4 Finish Robot Reaches 24 Feet

ENGLEWOOD, N.J., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Okibo, the leader in construction robotics innovation bringing value-add safety and efficiency to skilled teams, announces today the national launch of the EG7+ robot. The company's fully autonomous, AI-guided painting and drywall finishing robot debuted last month at Federal and AEC Innovation Day in Phoenix, AZ hosted by Hensel Phelps, receiving enthusiastic feedback from AEC industry attendees.

The EG7+ can be used for high wall projects, reaching 24 feet for sanding, painting and level 4 finishing.

Okibo Announces National Launch of EG7+ Robot Following Successful Premiere at Hensel Phelps Innovation Day

"We were thrilled to invite Okibo to participate in our event last month, focused on creative innovations addressing the industry's need for safer and more efficient building practices. The EG7+ demonstrated a remarkable level of autonomy and precision for high walls that caught the attention of everyone present. This robot isn't just a tool; it's a major step forward in protecting our skilled workforce while achieving exceptional quality. We are excited about the potential of the EG7+," says Thai Nguyen, Hensel Phelps.

The EG7+ is battery-powered and requires zero site preparation, external references, or technical expertise to operate. Unlike systems that depend on external markers or BIM tools, the EG7+ uses a patented AI-driven 3D scanning and real-time modeling algorithm for navigation and execution. It can finish an average of 1,000 square feet per hour, operating completely independentlyno cords, pumps, or Wi-Fi required. Weighing just 800 pounds and at only 27 inches wide with omnidirectional serve drive, the robot has high maneuverability in confined spaces.

"With the EG7+ workers are experiencing a significant reduction in physical burnout and fatigue among finish crews by eliminating the need for repetitive overhead work. Additionally, customers have noted up to a 5x increase in productivity for Level 4 and Level 5 sanding jobs, while consistently meeting quality standards," says Nadav Shuruk, COO and co-founder of Okibo.

For more information about the EG7+ or to schedule a demo, reach out to Nadav Shuruk, [email protected], or Michael Dorman, [email protected].

About Okibo

Headquartered in Englewood, NJ and Tel Aviv, Israel, Okibo is the world's leading innovator of robotic tools that bring value-add safety and efficiency to skilled teams. Founded in 2018, Okibo's robots are designed to enhance a skilled construction team's efficiency, increase safety, and help address the labor shortage problem in construction. Backed by industry leaders with vast experience in Robotics, Computer Vision, 3D Modeling, Motion Control, AI, and Construction, Okibo is revolutionizing the largest labor-intensive market in the world.

For more information please visit www.okibo.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Kira Perdue, Carabiner Communications

404-556-0062

[email protected]

SOURCE Okibo
Strategic global partnership integrates over 2,000 ferry routes and 150 carriers

BERLIN, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Omio, the leading global travel booking platform for multimodal transport, today announced a new strategic partnership with Direct Ferries, the premier international ferry service. The collaboration involves integrating Direct Ferries' extensive network, which comprises over 2,000 routes from 150 additional carriers.

The partnership, signed in July 2025 and set to go live this December, represents a major step forward in Omio's mission to unify all modes of transport worldwide. It will expand ferry options in key regions such as Northern Europe (Sweden, Norway, Finland, UK, Ireland) and introduce new multimodal travel opportunities in Southeast Asia, where Omio already connects flights and buses, as well as across North America, where Omio unifies trains, flights and buses. In addition, the collaboration opens entirely new geographical markets for Omio's global audience, such as Australasia, Central America and the Caribbean.

Ferries are an increasingly popular choice among Omio users thanks to their flexibility and diverse travel experiences. Beyond scenic coastal journeys, ferries offer a wide range of travel options, from long-distance overnight routes with private cabins to fast connections between islands. They provide a convenient and practical way to travel, often allowing passengers to bring vehicles, bicycles, or extra luggage. Thanks to the partnership with Direct Ferries, Omio travellers can now explore Southeast Asia's peak season routes: Phuket  Koh Phi Phi, Phuket  Koh Lanta or Koh Samui  Koh Tao, now available directly via Omio.

Veronica Diquattro, President, B2C and Supply at Omio, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Direct Ferries, instantly elevating our ferry booking options across multiple regions. This collaboration represents a major leap towards our vision of seamless global multimodal travel, empowering travellers with greater choice, convenience, and flexibility than ever before."

Niall Walsh, CEO at Direct Ferries, said: "At Direct Ferries, we are proud to support Omio's expansion, one of the world's leading travel brands. The ferry sector has traditionally been complex and fragmented, but the Direct Ferries Connect API, acting as a global ferry GDS, now simplifies this through a single agreement and one unified technical integration. It gives Omio instant access to our full worldwide ferry inventory. We're excited to support Omio as it brings even greater choice to travellers worldwide."

About Omio

Since its foundation in 2013, the Omio Group has helped customers discover new ways of travelling. Thanks to its two interconnected platforms, Omio and Rome2Rio, Omio is the world's leading multimodal travel platform for searching, comparing, and booking. Omio B2B Partnership services OTAs and mobility providers with bespoke business solutions. Omio supports its customers in their desire to explore Europe, the US, Canada, Southeast Asia and Brazil via train, bus, flight, and ferry. Omio sells more than 80,000 tickets daily, employs over 430 staff from more than 50 countries and maintains offices in Berlin, Prague, Melbourne, Bangalore and Singapore. The Omio Group offers its customers journeys that move them. omio.com

About Direct Ferries

Founded in 1999, Direct Ferries is the world's leading ferry ticketing platform, offering travellers seamless access to the largest selection of ferry routes and operators worldwide. With over 4,000 routes and 300+ ferry companies in its network, Direct Ferries delivers unmatched reach and convenience for both customers and travel industry partners. By consolidating schedules, prices, and ticket availability into a single, user-friendly interface, it simplifies ferry bookings for millions of travellers each year. Through Direct Ferries Connect, the company continues to innovate in ferry distribution via its ferry GDS, providing travel businesses with scalable, efficient access to high-quality ferry inventory. directferries.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2482408/5663072/OMIO_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Omio
SCARBOROUGH, Maine, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A growing number of online pharmacies and telehealth practices that use the popular, well-regarded OptiMantra practice management software are turning to alternative payment gateways as they search for stable, reliable credit card processing. Many providers offering GLP-1 weight-loss prescriptions, virtual care, and online therapy services report that account freezes from some mainstream processors have created disruptions that affect patient billing and ongoing treatment plans. Organic Payment Gateways, a credit card processing provider specializing in regulated healthcare payments, now offers a natively integrated payment gateway and merchant account solution designed specifically for clinics and pharmacies using OptiMantra.

Organic Payment Gateways provides high-risk-friendly merchant accounts for regulated businesses, including online pharmacies, telemedicine practices, and weight-loss clinics. The company's OptiMantra-focused solution gives healthcare practices a way to accept credit cards and HSA cards within their existing workflow, without the risk of sudden account suspension or termination for noncompliance with service terms of providers such as Stripe, Square, or PayPal. A detailed overview of this OptiMantra-centered option is available through the company's page on OptiMantra payment gateway integrations at https://organicpaymentgateways.com/optimantra-payment-gateways-online-pharmacies-telehealth/.

Industry observers note that many online clinics experience challenges when mainstream processors pause payouts or place limits on accounts due to the regulatory nature of prescription products and telemedicine services. These interruptions can create billing gaps for refill programs or monthly weight-loss subscriptions, which can impact both patient expectations and business continuity. As a result, many providers are seeking processing options that are specifically underwritten for healthcare.

According to Organic Payment Gateways, the company's service matches OptiMantra-based practices with merchant accounts that support recurring billing, card-on-file features, HSA cards, and integrations built for medical workflows. The gateway setup is designed to operate smoothly within OptiMantra, so clinics can keep their billing consistent without modifying their website or software.

Alex Roy, owner of Organic Payment Gateways, offered a candid perspective on the challenges healthcare businesses face. "Honestly, most of the people who call me sound exhausted. They'll say something like, 'Alex, we were running smoothly yesterday, and today we can't take a single payment.' And I get it, that kind of thing throws the whole clinic off. You've got patients waiting on prescriptions or unable to make online payments, and suddenly everything stops. So a big part of my job is talking them through what went wrong and letting them know they don't have to rebuild their entire system just to keep processing credit cards."

Alex added a second observation based on his day-to-day interactions with clinic owners. "A lot of folks tell me they just want a real person to guide them. They're busy, they're dealing with patients, and they don't have time to figure out a complicated setup. So, our team walks them through it step by step. It's just being available and making sure the payment side doesn't get in the way of their work."

Healthcare professionals seeking a broader context on regulated payment acceptance can review the company's overview of healthcare, pharmacy, and telemedicine payment processing at https://organicpaymentgateways.com/payment-processing-healthcare-pharmacies-telemedicine/. The page explains how medical businesses reestablish dependable billing after declines from mainstream processors.

Clinic owners who want independent feedback about Organic Payment Gateways can also reference the company's A+ BBB accreditation at https://www.bbb.org/us/me/scarborough/profile/credit-card-processing-services/organic-payment-gateways-0021-281165 and their verified Trustpilot reviews at https://www.trustpilot.com/review/ecommerce4im.com.

OptiMantra-based online pharmacies, GLP-1 weight-loss clinics, and telehealth practices seeking stable credit card processing can request an evaluation through the Organic Payment Gateways website.

Media Contact:

Alex Roy

800-570-1347

[email protected]

SOURCE Organic Payment Gateways
PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PERIOD. , the global youth-powered organization working to end period poverty and stigma, is proud to announce Jennifer Herrera as its new Executive Director. Herrera brings a wealth of experience in advocacy, strategic communications, and leadership, having most recently served as Vice President of External Affairs at the National Women's History Museum (NWHM). There, she led public affairs, marketing, partnerships, and media relations, spearheading initiatives such as Women Vote, Women Win and collaborating with the U.S. Mint on the American Women Quarters program to honor trailblazing women in American history.

Herrera also has deep roots in grassroots organizing, building successful advocacy networks as the Virginia Chapter Lead for Moms Demand Action and developing a career-long commitment to advancing women's rights, equity, and civic engagement.

"It is an incredible honor to join PERIOD. at this pivotal moment in its history. I've long admired the organization's inspiring commitment to ending period poverty and stigma, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to help strengthen and expand that critical work," says Herrera. "PERIOD. has built a powerful youth-led movement that serves as a national model for what youth-centered, community-driven advocacy can achieve. I'm excited to partner with this remarkable team of staff, volunteers, and advocates to deepen our impact and drive lasting change in the fight for menstrual equity."

PERIOD.'s outgoing Executive Director, Michela Bedard has served the organization since 2020. "After six inspiring years at PERIOD, I'm filled with gratitude for this global movement. Watching our PERIOD. chapters grow throughout the world, building powerful coalitions, and partnering with donors and allies who make our work joyful has been the honor of my career," shares Bedard.

Over the last decade, PERIOD. has donated period products to support over 7 million menstrual cycles, authored landmark research and educational curriculum to tackle stigma, and equipped the next generation of youth leaders with organizing skills to draft, pass, and implement policies that make period products more affordable and accessible.

The Board of Directors added, "Today's menstrual movement looks far different than it did just a few years ago. It's stronger than ever and we can attribute that to the young activists and the power behind taking action. Those steps forward were facilitated with the guidance of Executive Director Michela Bedard. Her enthusiasm, relentless support and dedication to a youth-driven movement buoyed the organization and helped write the next chapter for this cause. We wish her well and know she will continue to make a positive impact on all that she endeavors."

With Herrera at the helm, PERIOD. is poised to continue building on its decade-long impact. "I am beyond excited to pass the baton to PERIOD's next executive director, who will guide the organization into a bold future where women's health and gender equality are championed with even greater power and imagination," adds Bedard.

About PERIOD.

PERIOD is a global, youth-powered organization working to end period poverty and stigma through advocacy, education, and service. PERIOD. helps promote laws and policies that make period products affordable and accessible, authors original menstrual health curriculum and resources, and distributes millions of period products annually. Learn more at period.org .

Media Contact:

Emily Fox, Strategic Communications Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE PERIOD.
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phanes Therapeutics, Inc. (Phanes), a clinical stage biotech company focused on innovative drug discovery and development in oncology, announced that they will present their Phase 1/2 study results of spevatamig (PT886) in combination with chemotherapy in frontline (1L) treatment of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium held on Jan 8-10, 2026 in San Francisco, CA. This marks the first public release of Phanes' clinical trial data from their ongoing U.S. multi-center study with spevatamig. Details of the presentation are below:

Title: Phase 1/2 study of spevatamig (PT886) in combination with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP) in frontline (1L) treatment of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC)

Abstract #: 709

Session: Cancers of the Pancreas, Small Bowel and Hepatobiliary Tract

Date/Time: January 9th, 2026, at 11:30am-1pm (PST)

First Author: Anwaar Saeed, MD, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

ABOUT SPEVATAMIG

Spevatamig is a first-in-class native IgG-like bispecific antibody (bsAb) targeting claudin 18.2 and CD47. It was granted orphan drug designation (ODD) for the treatment of pancreatic cancer by the FDA in 2022 and was granted Fast Track designation for the treatment of patients with metastatic claudin 18.2-positive pancreatic adenocarcinoma in 2024. In 2023, Phanes entered into a clinical collaboration agreement with Merck (known as MSD outside the US and Canada) to study spevatamig in combination with Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, pembrolizumab.

The multi-center Phase 1/2 clinical trial of spevatamig (NCT05482893), known as the TWINPEAK study, is currently evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of spevatamig in patients with advanced gastric, gastroesophageal junction, pancreatic ductal or biliary tract adenocarcinomas. The Phase 2 study of spevatamig has begun in China.

ABOUT PHANES THERAPEUTICS

Phanes Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical stage biotech company focused on innovative drug discovery and development in oncology. Currently, it is conducting three Phase 1/2 clinical trials, including the MORNINGSTAR study with its best-in-class monoclonal antibody (mAb) program, mavrostobart, the TWINPEAK study with spevatamig and the SKYBRIDGE study with peluntamig. Both spevatamig and peluntamig are first-in-class bispecific antibodies and have been granted orphan drug designations as well as Fast Track designations by the FDA.

The company has built a strong pipeline by leveraging its proprietary technology platforms: PACbody, SPECpair and ATACCbody to develop novel bispecific antibodies with increased stability and manufacturability, and reversible modulation of immune activity, respectively.

SOURCE Phanes Therapeutics, Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is investigating a data breach that led to unauthorized access to the sensitive information of 788,000 customers of banks and credit unions that contract with Marquis Software Solutions ("Marquis"). Marquis is a Texas-based financial services provider that provides data analytics, CRM tools, compliance reporting, and digital marketing services to mortgage lenders, banks, and credit unions.

On August 14, 2025, Marquis experienced a ransomware attack. An unauthorized third party gained access to Marquis' network through its SonicWall firewall. This data breach impacted the following 74 banks and credit unions, which are current and former customers of Marquis:

1st Northern California Credit Union

Abbott Laboratories Employees Credit Union

Advantage Federal Credit Union

Agriculture Federal Credit Union

Alltrust Credit Union

BayFirst National Bank

Bellwether Community Credit Union

C&N Bank

Cape Cod Five

Capital City Bank Group

Central Virginia Federal Credit Union

Clark County Credit Union

Community 1st Credit Union

Community Bancshares of Mississippi, Inc.

Cornerstone Community Financial Credit Union

CPM Federal Credit Union

CSE Federal Credit Union

CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union d/b/a Community Bank

Discovery Federal Credit Union

Earthmover Credit Union

Educators Credit Union

Energy Capital Credit Union

Fidelity Cooperative Bank

First Community Credit Union

First Northern Bank of Dixon

Florida Credit Union

Fort Community Credit Union

Founders Federal Credit Union

Freedom of Maryland Federal Credit Union

Gateway First Bank

Generations Federal Credit Union

Gesa Credit Union

Glendale Federal Credit Union

Hope Federal Credit Union

IBERIABANK n/k/a First Horizon Bank

Industrial Federal Credit Union

Interior Federal Credit Union

Interra Credit Union

Jonestown Bank & Trust Co.

Kemba Financial Credit Union

Liberty First Credit Union

Maine State Credit Union

Market USA FCU

MemberSource Credit Union

Michigan First Credit Union

MIT Federal Credit Union

New Orleans Firemen's Federal Credit Union

New Peoples Bank

Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank

NIH Federal Credit Union

Pasadena Federal Credit Union

Pathways Financial Credit Union

Peake Federal Credit Union

Pelican Credit Union

Pentucket Bank

PFCU Credit Union

QNB Bank

Security Credit Union

Seneca Savings

ServU Credit Union

StonehamBank Cooperative

Suncoast Credit Union

Texoma Community Credit Union

Thomaston Savings Bank

Time Bank

TowneBank

Ulster Savings Bank

University Credit Union

Valley Strong Credit Union

Westerra Credit Union

Whitefish Credit Union

Zing Credit Union

Although the breach occurred in August 2025, Marquis did not notify impacted individuals until on or around December 3, 2025, which may have violated state and federal laws. The following information may have been compromised in the breach: names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, Taxpayer Identification Numbers, financial account information without security or access codes, and dates of birth.

If your personal information was impacted by this incident, you may be at risk of identity theft and other serious violations of your privacy. As a result, you may be entitled to money damages and an injunction requiring changes to Marquis's cybersecurity practices.

If you received notification of this data breach or are affiliated with Marquis or the above-listed credit unions and wish to obtain additional information about your legal rights, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.classactionlawyers.com/marquissoftwaresolutions

About Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe represents shareholders, employees, and consumers in class actions against corporate defendants, as well as shareholders in derivative actions against their officers and directors. The firm is based in San Francisco, and with the help of co-counsel, litigates cases nationwide.

Contact

Sonum Dixit

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP

[email protected]

Tel: 415-299-8207

SOURCE Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is investigating a data breach that led to unauthorized access to the sensitive information of 319,177 patients of VITAS Hospice Services, LLC ("VITAS"), the largest for-profit hospice chain in the United States. VITAS is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

On October 24, 2025, an unauthorized individual compromised the account of one of VITAS's vendors. VITAS later determined that the breach occurred from September 21, 2025, to October 27, 2025.

DATA BREACH ALERT: VITAS Hospice Services, LLC. If your data was impacted, you may be entitled to money damages. Post this

Although the breach began in September 2025, VITAS did not begin notifying affected individuals until on or around November 26, 2025, which may have violated state and federal laws. The following information may have been compromised in the breach: names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, next of kin contact information including names, phone numbers and email addresses, diagnoses, medications, lab results, conditions, treatment information, health insurance information, and other personal information.

If your personal information was impacted by this incident, you may be at risk of identity theft and other serious violations of your privacy. As a result, you may be entitled to money damages and an injunction requiring changes to VITAS's cybersecurity practices.

If you received notification of this data breach or are a patient of VITAS and wish to obtain additional information about your legal rights, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.classactionlawyers.com/vitashospiceservices.

About Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe represents shareholders, employees, and consumers in class actions against corporate defendants, as well as shareholders in derivative actions against their officers and directors. The firm is based in San Francisco, and with the help of co-counsel, litigates cases nationwide.

Contact

Sonum Dixit

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP

[email protected]

Tel: 415-299-8207

SOURCE Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP
The Dutch government has decided to provide Ukraine with an additional EUR 700 million in support, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.

I am grateful to Dick Schoof and the entire Government of the Netherlands for todays decision to allocate an additional EUR 700 million in support of Ukraine, he said on X Monday night.

The President noted that each such decision, each such step, strengthens Ukraine and its position on the path to establishing a dignified peace. It is important that our partners understand that support for our country and our warriors must not only continue, but also increase. We are working to ensure that these agreements are implemented swiftly, in line with our defense needs, he stressed.

According to the Ukrainian head of state, strengthening Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia are key to ending this war and guaranteeing security throughout Europe. I am grateful to the people of the Netherlands, the Parliament, and the Government for their support, he added.
Rasa is on a mission to clear as many eligible records as possible, helping people pass background checks and open doors to new opportunities

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasa Legal announced today that its affordable, technology-driven criminal record sealing services are now available in Pennsylvania. Through Rasa's online platform, Pennsylvanians can check their criminal record and determine eligibility for sealing in just 3 minutes.

"Bringing our services to Pennsylvania means tens of thousands more people will have an affordable path to clearing their records," said Noella Sudbury, founder and CEO of Rasa Legal. "We're removing barriers to housing, employment, and economic stability for people who deserve a second chance."

Once a record is sealed, it is removed from public viewand should no longer appear on background checks run by employers and landlords, however it will remain accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.

Importantly, research shows that people with older criminal records eligible for sealing or expungement are no more likely to commit future offenses than those with no record at all.

The Need in Pennsylvania

One in three Pennsylvanians has a criminal record. In low-income, high-arrest, and heavily minority communities, the rate approaches 60%. Most first offenses occur before age 23, yet the record can follow someone for life. Despite Ban the Box initiatives, criminal records follow people everywhere94% of employers, 90% of landlords, and 72% of colleges conduct background checks on applicants.

"A criminal record can hold someone back for their entire life and is a major barrier to freedom that disproportionately impacts low-income people and communities of color," Sudbury said. "Criminal records trap families in cycles of poverty that can last for generations."

Affordable Legal Help

Right now, Pennsylvania residents can visit Rasa-Legal.com to check their record sealing eligibility for free. The process takes 3 minutes, and if an individual has eligible records, Rasa can represent them in sealing their criminal record for a flat fee of $500 per case, which includes all required criminal history reports and government filing fees. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify.

Rasa's technology makes this affordability possible by automating much of the traditionally labor-intensive legal work. The platform uses generative AI and other automation software to accelerate the process, allowing attorneys to focus on the complex legal decisions while technology handles the rest.

"We're trying to automate everything that doesn't require creativity or judgment," said Sudbury. "For expungement, that's about 90% of the work."

Supporting Employers and Communities

For employers, people with criminal records represent an often-overlooked pool of skilled and loyal workers. Rasa partners with businesses to provide access to its app and low-cost legal services as part of workforce retention and second-chance hiring initiatives.

Research shows 12% higher retention rates among employees with records, and 85% of HR professionals report that workers with criminal histories perform as well or better than other employees.

About Rasa Legal

One in three Americans has a criminal record, yet more than 90% of people eligible to clear their records never complete the process. Most need legal assistance but cannot afford traditional attorney fees. The lack of employment among people with records costs the U.S. economy an estimated $87 billion annually.

Rasa Legal is a mission-driven legal technology company dedicated to making criminal record clearance simple and affordable. Through innovative tools and a streamlined legal process, Rasa's lawyers provide expungement, sealing, and rights-restoration services in Pennsylvania, Utah, and Arizona. Since launching in September 2022, more than 24,000 people have used Rasa's tools, and 5,000 have successfully cleared their records.

Learn more at Rasa-Legal.com.

SOURCE Rasa Legal
The #1 Skincare Brand for Neck and Decollete is Expanding its Award-Winning Portfolio1

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Revance is proud to introduce a new product addition to its StriVectin prestige premium skincare brand - TL Advanced Sculpting Neck & Jawline Mask . StriVectin is the #1 Skincare Brand for Neck and Decollete.1

StriVectin TL Advanced Sculpting Neck & Jawline Mask

The TL Advanced Sculpting Neck & Jawline Mask is formulated with StriVectin's proprietary Alpha-3 Peptide and is clinically proven to tighten, tone, and depuff the neck and jawline area,2 with results that improve over time with consistent use.3 In just 20 minutes, 88% agreed that skin immediately felt firmer2 and after two weeks of use, subjects reported that facial contours appeared sharpened, and the jawline appeared sharper and more lifted.3

Engineered with a form-fitting hydrogel design, the innovative mask hugs the natural contours of the neck and jawline to optimize ingredient absorption and provide visible results to areas most prone to the effects of gravity. Perfect as a self-care ritual, it's the ultimate secret for those 'chin-up' moments before any special event.

"We are thrilled to bring this latest neck innovation to market. As the leading skincare brand for neck and decollete, we've set a high bar for what meaningful innovation should look like," said Giovanna Wilk, Vice President, Marketing. "With the TL Advanced Sculpting Neck & Jawline Mask, we focused on every detail, including engineering a custom shape and fit, and pairing it with our cutting-edge ingredients to deliver a clinically proven product we believe consumers will love. It's a perfect addition for our loyal neck cream users looking to expand their regimen and an ideal entry point for those new to dedicated neck care."

Formulated with NIA-114, Alpha-3 Peptide, and caffeine, the mask helps cool, de-puff, and firm skin while supporting the moisture barrier for a more sculpted, contoured appearance.

"StriVectin's unwavering commitment to innovation and science-backed ingredients continues to set the brand apart," said Dr. Mara Weinstein Velez, Board-Certified Dermatologist. "Their advanced, proprietary formulations make StriVectin one of my top recommendations for patients looking to visibly improve the appearance of the neck and jawline."

The StriVectin TL Advanced Sculpting Neck & Jawline Mask ($18, 1 count) is currently available at Ulta and on Strivectin.com . It will be available at all retailers, including Amazon and Sephora, starting January 2026.

For more information, visit www.StriVectin.com .

1Circana, LLC, US Prestige Beauty Total Department/Specialty, Skincare by Brand, Body Part: Neck/Decollete, Dollar & Unit Sales, January  December 2024.

2Based on consumer perception questionnaire on 34 subjects immediately after use as directed.

3Based on consumer perception questionnaire on 34 subjects after 2 weeks of use as directed.

About StriVectin

StriVectin is an award-winning prestige clinical skincare brand backed by over 35 years of clinical research in skin longevity. Fueled by its mission to empower women at every stage of their skincare journey, StriVectin delivers advanced, targeted formulas to solve for aging skin's most challenging concerns. As innovators in skin science, all formulas feature StriVectin's proprietary NIA-114 technology. This powerhouse molecule, even more effective than Niacinamide, has been clinically proven to strengthen the skin's barrier, enhance the performance of other ingredients, and help skin act younger and appear more youthful. StriVectin's results are real, visible, and validated by independent clinical studies on every product - it's how we built a winning portfolio. Cruelty-free, paraben-free, and suitable for all skin types.

StriVectin products are available through top department stores and specialty retailers across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Our corporate headquarters are in Nashville, TN. For more details, visit strivectin.com .

About Revance

Revance is a fast-growing, highly acquisitive, global aesthetics and skincare company committed to delivering innovative aesthetics and market-leading skincare solutions across every stage of life. With a differentiated portfolio and market position, Revance meets the evolving needs of patients and consumers worldwide through continued innovation and the commercialization of new products and treatments. Focused on skin science for life, Revance continues to expand its global footprint, with distribution spanning 60 countries and a significant opportunity to enter new markets.

Revance's balanced portfolio includes innovative products in the aesthetics space such as DAXXIFY (DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) for injection, the RHA Collection of dermal fillers by Teoxane SA, and SkinPen, an industry-leading microneedling device. RHA technology is proprietary to and manufactured in Switzerland by Teoxane SA, and Revance is an independent distributor of Teoxane SA to supply the RHA Collection of dermal fillers to the U.S. market. In addition, its consumer skincare portfolio includes leading brands such as PanOxyl, Blue Lizard, StriVectin and BIOJUVE.

SOURCE Revance
BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RPM Freight Systems, LLC, ("RPM"), an international non-asset-based logistics and supply chain solutions company, is excited to announce its acquisition of Professional Automotive Relocation Services ("PARS").

This strategic acquisition combines two industry leaders with highly complementary strengths. RPM's leadership in finished vehicle logistics, paired with PARS' deep expertise in lifecycle management, creates a dynamic partnership and service platform for their respective customers. This move expands RPM's service portfolio to include high-value corporate fleet services such as driveaway, vehicle storage, and titling & registration. Furthermore, PARS customers now gain access to RPM's expansive carrier network and OE relationships, offering robust new solutions to address capacity and efficiency challenges across their supply chains.

For over two decades, PARS has been the leader in managing the safe, efficient, and cost-effective fleet management of vehicles across North America. The integration of its specialized services with RPM's logistics expertise, expansive carrier network, and technology platform will deliver greater operational efficiency, transparency, and expand haul away capabilities to all customers.

The integration of PARS and RPM will now benefit their respective customers with seamless access to an expanded portfolio of services through a single, trusted partner and end-to-end solutions that meet all their fleet & transport needs. During this time, PARS will continue to operate as a stand-alone business under the PARS name, maintaining its brand identity and leadership.

Andrew Frank, Partner at Trive Capital, commented, "The acquisition of PARS creates an unmatched, full-service logistics platform for the entire vehicle lifecycle. Trive is excited to continue supporting RPM as they continue to accelerate their leadership in the vehicle logistics industry."

"We are thrilled to have the support of Trive Capital and BlueJay Capital in welcoming PARS to the RPM team," said John Perkovich, President of RPM North America. "This is a pivotal moment in our growth. Our vision to revolutionize the automotive industry requires complementary services. The combined experience and capabilities of our two great companies will allow us to provide unparalleled service and a truly comprehensive solution to our customers. We are united in our commitment to solving the most complex logistics challenges."

"Joining RPM is a fantastic opportunity for our team and our customers. Our dedication to service quality and metrics-driven solutions aligns perfectly with RPM's values. Together, we will be able to offer an even more powerful set of tools and a broader network to the fleet industry." Lori Rasmussen, President/CEO of PARS.

The acquisition is effective immediately. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About RPM RPM provides the automotive ecosystem with flexible logistics for the transportation of finished vehicles and other specialty freight. To support the exact requirements of our clients, RPM's custom-engineered technology automates, optimizes, and digitizes the shipping process throughout a vehicle's life cycle. Our asset-light model is agile and flexible, bridging transportation modes regardless of scope and complexity to drive an operational advantage for our clients.

Backed by Trive Capital and Bluejay Capital, RPM strives to be the premier service aggregator for finished vehicle logistics and value-add interconnected services. By offering our clients a sophisticated network covering over-the-road, rail, port, and sea, we are transforming the future of mobility.

About PARS PARS, or Professional Automotive Relocation Services, is the fleet industry's leading relocation provider, bringing a unique combination of proven experience, service quality, and technologies to any relocation project. PARS works with each customer to develop metrics-driven solutions that include vehicle driveaway, auto carrier service, storage management, titling & registration, and a full range of make-ready services.

About Bluejay Capital Bluejay Capital ("Bluejay") is an operationally focused private equity firm investing in transportation and logistics businesses. The team has more than 120 years of combined operating experience in the sector and is comprised of industry experts with a strong track record of growth and value creation.

About Trive Trive Capital is a Dallas, Texas based private equity firm with more than $8 billion of regulatory assets under management. Trive focuses on investing equity and debt in what it sees as strategically viable middle-market companies with the potential for transformational upside through operational improvement.

The Trive team is comprised of seasoned investment professionals who have been involved in over 250 middle-market transactions representing in excess of $10 billion in revenue across Trive's targeted industry sectors and situations.

SOURCE RPM Freight Systems LLC
CHICAGO, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MAPS Centers for Pain Control (MAPS), one of the Midwest's leading interventional pain networks, today announced that Timothy R. Lubenow, M.D., former Chair of Pain Medicine at Rush University Medical Center, has joined its Chicago practice.

For Chicago residents living with chronic or complex pain, Dr. Lubenow's arrival means faster access to advanced procedures, shorter wait times, and specialized care previously available primarily in academic hospitals.

With more than 40 years of clinical leadership, Dr. Lubenow is regarded as one of the nation's foremost experts in interventional pain medicine. He helped establish the Budapest Criteria, now the global standard for diagnosing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and was among the first U.S. physicians to perform Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation, a minimally invasive breakthrough for nerve-related pain.

At Rush, he trained hundreds of pain specialists and helped build one of the country's most respected fellowship programs.

"Every patient deserves access to world-class care without waiting months to be seen," said Dr. Lubenow. "Joining MAPS allows me to bring advanced treatments directly into the community, where we can deliver relief, improved function, and hope much more quickly."

His transition reflects a broader movement of top academic physicians bringing specialized procedures into community-based outpatient settingsmaking high-level pain care more accessible, affordable, and personalized for patients across Chicagoland.

"Dr. Lubenow is a visionary in pain medicine," said Darrel Saldanha, M.D., Co-Founder of MAPS. "His expertise strengthens our ability to deliver the most advanced procedures available today and meet the growing need for responsible, high-quality pain care in Chicago."

Thomas Pontinen, M.D., Co-Founder of MAPS, added: "Patients in our city deserve access to the very best. Dr. Lubenow brings the rare combination of deep clinical experience and a genuine commitment to patient outcomes."

Dr. Lubenow will treat patients at MAPS' Chicago location, offering advanced diagnostics and treatments for CRPS, spine pain, neuropathic pain, arthritis, and other chronic pain conditions.

About MAPS Centers for Pain Control

Founded by board-certified interventional pain specialists Dr. Darrel Saldanha and Dr. Thomas Pontinen, MAPS Centers for Pain Control is one of the Midwest's premier practices for advanced pain management.

Learn more at www.mwpain.com

About Dr. Timothy R. Lubenow

Dr. Timothy Lubenow is a nationally recognized leader in pain medicine, former Chair of Pain Medicine at Rush University Medical Center, and co-author of the Budapest Criteria for CRPS diagnosis. He has received Lifetime Achievement Awards from Rush and the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN).

Media Contact:

M.R. Salkin

Public Relations & Communications Lead (on behalf of BrandMinded)

E: [email protected]

Ph: (813)407-6152

SOURCE MAPS Centers for Pain Control
The survey, conducted by the Sandals Institute of Romance, polled over 1,000 consumers who are or have been in a relationship over the holidays  uncovering the truth behind the bow-wrapped present:

72% of respondents admit they've been disappointed by a holiday gift from their partner

Nearly half (46%) don't clearly remember the gifts they received from their partner on previous holidays

Nearly 60% have returned  or considered returning  a holiday gift from their partner

One in six admit that their partner's gift giving misses the mark

When it comes to holiday wishlists, 35% of respondents admit to feeling uncomfortable telling their partner what they actually want, and nearly half (49%) try to drop hints that usually fall flat. Notably, 42% say their favorite relationship memory came from a shared experience over a material gift.

Introducing "Hint the Caribbean:" The Foolproof Way To Drop A Hint

With Sandals Resorts' new DIY toolkit , partners can download the free kit with easy-to-use tools to hint at the perfect gift  the Caribbean vacation they've been dreaming of  featuring Sandals' signature jerk chicken and favorite rum cocktail recipes, a Caribbean playlist, a postcard from paradise, and other nudges that make the hint impossible to miss. Plus, every download is an entry for a chance to win a four-night stay at any Sandals resort.

Take the Hint to Reality with Sandals' "Gift the Caribbean" Sale

Partners can make the holiday wish come true with Sandals' "Gift the Caribbean" sale, offering travelers up to $1,000 in savings, a $200 resort credit, one free night, and a $100 web booking bonus on select stays. Available to book December 9, 2025 through January 2, 2026, for travel through December 25, 2027, the offer is valid on bookings at 11 of Sandals' adults-only, all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Curacao, and St. Lucia  including Jamaica's newest resort, Sandals Dunn's River, and Sandals Regency La Toc in St. Lucia, which recently debuted fresh new accommodations and the brand's second Buccan, a locally-inspired dining concept. For more information, visit www.sandals.com/sale .

For Families, Beaches Resorts Makes Hinting Easy Too

Those wishing for a family-friendly escape can tap into Beaches' "Gift the Caribbean" sale, with up to $500 in savings, a $200 resort credit, and a $100 web booking bonus. Available to book December 9, 2025 through January 2, 2026, for travel through December 17, 2026, the offer applies to stays at all Beaches resorts  including Beaches Turks & Caicos, debuting the brand-new Treasure Beach Village in March, and Beaches Negril on Jamaica's famed Seven Mile Beach. Plus, Beaches is the Official Caribbean Vacation of The Elf on the Shelf , continuing the holiday magic for the 2026 festive season. For more information, visit www.beaches.com/sale .

To learn more about Sandals' "Hint the Caribbean" campaign and begin holiday hinting, visit www.sandals.com/hintthecaribbean .

About Sandals Resorts:

Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation experience in the region, Sandals has 17 beachfront all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, Curacao, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, each reflecting the genuine vibe of its island home. From local food favorites and global flavors to butler service and signature suites, including the Caribbean's first Overwater Villas, Sandals makes it easy for guests to go all in on vacation mode. Beyond the resort gates, immersive destination experiences, like a newly piloted Island Inclusive dining program and MINI Coopers for island exploration, raise the bar on the all-inclusive vacation. Championing the region it calls home, Sandals demonstrates the transformative power of tourism and its impact on lives through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation. For more information, visit www.sandals.com .

Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Sandals Resorts International

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FDA grants a Type A meeting on December 18th to review new and expanded datasets submitted by Saol to help identify a feasible path forward without the need for an additional clinical trial

ROSWELL, Ga. and DUBLIN and HAMILTON, Bermuda, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Saol Therapeutics, a privately held clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, today announced that the company has been granted a Type A meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss new data and a potential path forward for its New Drug Application (NDA) for SL1009, Sodium Dichloroacetate Oral Solution (DCA) for use with a proprietary genetic test, for the treatment of an orphan pediatric mitochondrial disease, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency (PDCD). SL1009 has been granted Orphan Drug, Priority Review, and Rare Pediatric Disease Designations by the FDA.

In the two months since receiving an unexpected Complete Response Letter (CRL), Saol has collected additional data and performed new analyses to help address the clinical deficiencies raised by the FDA. Saol's objective is to collaborate with the FDA on a pathway to approval without the need for a new clinical trial, which is not feasible.

"The FDA's recent commitments to clearer, more efficient pathways for rare disease drug development and to ensuring science and efficacy-driven decision-making are encouraging," said Dave Penake, chief executive officer of Saol Therapeutics. "For an ultra-rare condition like PDCD, the challenge is navigating a regulatory process not built for such small patient populations. We remain optimistic given the strength of the data to date, the years of clinical observation supporting DCA, and the Agency's renewed focus on modernizing rare disease approval processes through programs like the Rare Disease Evidence Principles (RDEP) so that families aren't forced to endure unnecessary delays."

At the upcoming Type A meeting, Saol will present new and expanded analyses not previously reviewed by the Agency, including:

Functional Benefit: Additional analyses of functional benefit data, including longer treatment duration.

Survival Benefit: Saol obtained additional data on the comparability of the natural history cohort and the treatment cohort, with new analyses of survival benefit.

Mechanistic Support: Further supporting evidence that SL1009 directly acts to correct the underlying enzymatic abnormality caused by PDCD.

Safety: Over one hundred patient-years of exposure and many patients with over four years of therapy continue to support the well-established safety profile of SL-1009.

Saol believes these data reinforce the risk/benefit of SL1009 and demonstrate how the totality of evidence satisfies the FDA's proposed Rare Disease Evidence Principles.

Penake added, "We're approaching this next step with optimism and a spirit of collaboration. With the new analyses we've compiled, we are seeking a path forward without conducting an additional clinical trial. Our goal is to align on a science-driven solution that supports families facing this devastating disease, which currently has no approved treatment options."

About SL1009, Sodium Dichloroacetate (DCA)

SL1009 is an investigational product that, if approved, will be used with a proprietary dose-determining genetic test to treat an orphan pediatric-onset mitochondrial disease, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency (PDCD). PDCD is a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder that can cause chronic energy deficit leading to lactic acidosis, profound developmental problems, and early childhood death. There are currently no FDA-approved therapies for PDCD.

SL1009 has received Priority Review, Orphan Drug Designation, and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation.

About Saol Therapeutics

Saol Therapeutics (pronounced "Sail") is a privately held, clinical-stage, pharmaceutical company with operations in Roswell, GA, Dublin, Ireland, and Hamilton, Bermuda. Saol is focused on development activity in CNS disorders such as spasticity and pain management, and orphan diseases. Saol is committed to providing and advancing therapeutic options for patients and the physicians treating these populations. For more information, visit www.saolrx.com .

Media Contact:

Anna Stallmann

[email protected]

SOURCE Saol Therapeutics
SODERTALJE, Sweden, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Scania and LKAB deepen their collaboration to further electrify mining transport. A new, fully electric 8x4 heavy tipper with two steerable front axles  the first of its kind from Scania worldwide  has entered operations at LKAB's mine in Malmberget, northern Sweden.

Nicknamed 'Sleipner', after Odin's legendary eight-legged horse, the vehicle symbolises strength, innovation and reliability. It is also the first Scania electric truck equipped with two steerable front axles, developed on the company's modular electric platform to deliver greater ability to carry heavy loads, and stability on challenging mine roads. A sturdy answer to a complex challenge.

"If it performs as expected, we will have a fully fossil-free solution for transporting waste rock in truly demanding mining operations," says Peter Gustavsson, Project Manager for Electrification of Mobile Machines at LKAB.

Given that LKAB transports more than 5 million tonnes of waste rock annually, the CO-savings will be significant, an example of what kind of impact Scania's practical solution has for a customer with high ambitions.

"Partnerships like this are essential for learning and accelerating progress," says Tony Sandberg, Head of Scania Pilot Partner.

A new generation of electric mining trucks

Sleipner is designed for the utility and mining segment, transporting waste rock from a chute loading station to a backfilling site at Tingvallskulle  a route of approximately 5 kilometres with an elevation gain of 250 metres. Fully loaded, the truck weighs 60 tonnes, of which 38 tonnes is payload.

Powered by two MP20 battery packs with a total installed capacity of 416 kWh, and a 400 kW EM C 1-4 electric motor, the vehicle replaces its internal-combustion equivalent entirely. It demonstrates how Scania's proven electric technology can now meet the extreme demands of heavy mining applications.

Continuous development through partnership

The new vehicle builds on the experience from the fully electric Scania 6x4 heavy tipper, which has been operating successfully at Malmberget since 2022. Together, the vehicles and customers willing to try innovative solutions, such as LKAB, collaborate closely with Scania to test and refine new electrified solutions in real-world conditions.

"Each new truck we put into operation helps us and our customers understand how to scale electrification across the toughest environments. This vehicle is just the start of many more mining solutions to come," Sandberg concludes.

For more on Scania's progress in electrification, visit our dedicated page here.

For further information, please contact:

Tony Sandberg

Head of Scania Pilot Partner

Phone: +46 70 668 03 28

E-mail: [email protected]



Alexandra Osterplan

Marketing & Communication eMobility Stream Leader

Phone: +46 73 566 71 21

E-mail: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com.

https://news.cision.com/scania/r/scania-and-lkab-level-up-electric-trucks-in-mining-operations,c4275260

The following files are available for download:

SOURCE Scania
AMC Officially Unveils the New State-of-the-Art Hospital and Ushers in a New Era of World-Class Pet Care

NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC)the world's largest veterinary teaching hospital and NYC's only Level 1 veterinary trauma centerannounces the completion of the hospital's 83,000 square-foot, $125 million expansion and renovation. The just completed final phase of construction includes a new Emergency Room and new facilities for Cardiology, Radiology, Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Internal Medical services. This marks the first renovation of this scale in 60 years.

Left to right: Robert "Bobby" Liberman, AMC's Co-Chair and Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Nicole Seligman, AMC's Co-Chair of Board of Trustees; Stephen and Christine Schwarzman with their dogs, Domino and Honey; Helen Irving, RN, MBA, AMC's President & Chief Executive Officer. Credit Diane Bondareff

"Today is a landmark moment and a historic new chapter in AMC's history," said Helen Irving, RN, MBA, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. "For over 115 years, AMC has been dedicated to providing unparalleled care to animals and their families and to leading the advancement of veterinary medicine through innovative clinical research and education. The new state-of-the-art facility will now match our brilliant medical team and enhances our ability to provide leading medical care to pet families 24/7bringing us into the next 115 years."

"We are proud to see this transformative project come to life for the benefit of New Yorkers and the wider veterinary community," said Stephen and Christine Schwarzman. "AMC has been a center of excellence for over a century, and this new facility will ensure its impact continues to grow for generations to come."

"As a longtime client and supporter, I've seen AMC's relentless determination to deliver the very best in veterinary medicinecombining extraordinary expertise with compassion," said Nicole Seligman, Co-Chair of AMC's Board of Trustees. "This new hospital embodies that spirit of excellence and will allow AMC to set an even higher standard of care for pets and families across New York."

"For over a century, the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center has been a trailblazer in veterinary medicine," said Robert Liberman, Co-Chair, Board of Trustees at AMC. "As we look towards the future and the next chapter of AMC's history, we are deeply appreciative and thankful to our generous benefactors who had the vision and understood the need to build a new hospital in order to continue leading the way, making room for new and expanded services, technologies, and spaces andultimatelyproviding the highest level of care to our pet patients and families."

AMC initially broke ground on this landmark project back in 2021. In January 2024, AMC completed Phase I of the expansion, opening the Denise and Michael Kellen Institute for Surgical Care, tripling surgical capacity with more than 7,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space including five brand-new operating rooms, a minor procedure room, a recovery room separating dogs and cats, and a new Central Sterile Center.

In April 2025, AMC completed Phase II which included a brand new commercial tower with nine floors, doubling patient capacity and opening a new, state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit, Medical-Surgical Unit, Avian & Exotic Pet Medicine service, and Education and Conference Center.

In December 2025, AMC completed Phase III with a new Emergency Room alongside clinical spaces for Cardiology, Radiology, Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Internal Medical services.

Throughout the four years of construction and various phased openings, AMC remained open and operational 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Turner Construction and architecture firm Perkins&Will partnered with AMC on the transformation.

Click here to download hospital-wide before-and-after photos and videos of the transformation, including the recently opened Emergency Room and new spaces for Cardiology, Radiology, Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Internal Medicine.

AMC was originally founded in 1910 by Ellin Prince Speyer as the New York Women's League for Animals. Today, AMC features a team of 140+ veterinarians who work across 20+ specialties and services to provide advanced medical care, including one of NYC's only board-certified veterinary behaviorists. The hospital offers free pet loss support groups with veterinary social workers, educational lectures for pet owners, and more. In the past year, AMC accommodated nearly 57,000 patient visits including 21,000 ER visits. In addition, fulfilling one of the hospital's founding principles, AMC's charitable care continues to benefit rescue animals, seeing-eye guide dogs, and law enforcement K9s, among other community fund recipients.

For more information, visit www.amcny.org and follow AMC on Instagram @amcny, on X @amcny, Facebook at The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, LinkedIn, and YouTube @TheAnimalMedicalCenter.

About the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center Hospital of New York City

We are the world's largest veterinary teaching hospital with NYC's only level 1 trauma center. Our team of 140+ veterinarians work across over 20 specialties to provide world-class medical care, and we are here for pets and their families 24/7. We are proud to have served the people and pets of New York, and beyond, for 115 years. More at: www.amcny.org. Follow on Instagram @amcny, on X @amcny, Facebook at The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, LinkedIn, and YouTube @TheAnimalMedicalCenter.

SOURCE Schwarzman Animal Medical Center
Birmingham families who participate will receive the gift of a full table to make this holiday season a little brighter

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shipt and the City of Birmingham will be distributing free groceries to 1,000 families on Saturday, December 13, 2025. With the holidays upon us, Shipt aims to make life a little bit easier for the families of Birmingham by giving them the gift of a full table. Each household that participates will receive a selection of grocery items to stock their fridge, including one turkey or ham, fresh produce such as sweet potatoes, greens, or onions, and shelf-stable favorites like cornbread mix, cranberry sauce, and macaroni noodles.

Shipt Holiday Giveaway

"Shipt is proud to call Birmingham home: for us, that means more than just a street address, it means investing in the well-being of our community," said Shipt VP of Culture and Community, Khadijah Abdullah. "Keeping people at the center of what we do is core to our DNA as a company, and we're proud to partner with the City of Birmingham to ensure that families have access to fresh, nourishing food for the holiday season."

For far too many families experiencing food insecurity, they have to make the difficult choice between presents under the tree and a warm meal for the holidays. Shipt is partnering with the City of Birmingham to step in and ease that burden.

"Birmingham is a city known for its heart, and that's even more apparent during this season of giving," said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. "We're so proud to partner with Shipt to support families who need help the most this holiday season, and we're equally grateful to every resident who will contribute to this great cause."

Here's what Birmingham residents need to know to attend Shipt's Holiday Grocery Giveaway:

Saturday, December 13th, 2025

From 12pm - 3pm

Kelly Ingram Park 500 17th St N Birmingham, AL 35203

500 17th St N Birmingham, AL 35203 This is a drive-through giveaway. Cars will pick up food on 16th Street between 5th and 6th avenues. One box per car. Traffic details will be posted on the City of Birmingham Government Facebook page.

We will continue serving while supplies last!

During the holiday grocery giveaway, Shipt will also be partnering with Food For Our Journey, a local nonprofit that delivers food to those who are hungry, to serve packaged lunches to the unhoused community members in the Birmingham area.

About Shipt

Shipt is a retail tech company that connects people to reliable, high-quality delivery with a personal touch. Through the power of technology, Shipt connects customers to the things they want from the stores they love, workers to new earning opportunities, and retail businesses to more satisfied customers. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Shipt brings people the flexible solutions they need with the above-and-beyond service they expect. Shipt is an independently operated subsidiary of Target Corp. and is available to 80% of the U.S. population. For more information, please visit Shipt's Newsroom.

SOURCE Shipt
NEWINGTON, N.H., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SIG SAUER is proud to announce the P320 was selected by the Swiss Armed Forces to serve as their new standard issued sidearm. The selection is a critical component of the Swiss Armed Forces New Generation Project, demonstrating Switzerland's commitment to soldier focused modernization.

The P320 was selected by the Swiss Armed Forces to serve as their new standard-issued sidearm.

The Armasuisse competitive selection process required extensive technical testing and field trials centered on user feedback with a comprehensive focus on safe, reliable operation. SIG SAUER is truly honored by Armasuisse's selection and validation that the P320 meets the stringent quality and precision demands of the Swiss Armed Forces.

Armasuisse's highly competitive process sought a pistol with modern ergonomics, modularity, and the ability to reliably meet a 30-year service life and operational support demands. The P320 is one of the most adaptable pistols on the market; it is customizable to meet the ergonomic preferences of a variety of soldiers and accepts a wide range of compatible enhancements and accessories. The P320's precision and reliability make the platform extremely well suited for the dynamic and unique needs of the Swiss Armed Forces and their traditional citizen-soldiers.

The P320 consistently meets and exceeds the stringent expectations of armed forces around the world, including the militaries of the United States, Australia, Denmark and Canada. We are proud of SIG SAUER AG for this incredible achievement and honored for the opportunity to expand our manufacturing footprint in Switzerland and meet the incredible demands of the Swiss Armed Forces.

To learn more about SIG SAUER, please visit sigsauer.com.

About SIG SAUER, Inc.:

SIG SAUER, Inc. is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, airguns, suppressors, remote controlled weapons stations, and training. For over 250 years SIG SAUER, Inc. has evolved, and thrived, by blending American ingenuity, German engineering, and Swiss precision. Today, SIG SAUER is synonymous with industry-leading quality and innovation which has made it the brand of choice amongst the U.S. Military, the global defense community, law enforcement, competitive shooters, hunters, and responsible citizens. Additionally, SIG SAUER is the premier provider of elite firearms instruction and tactical training at the SIG SAUER Academy. SIG SAUER is certified a Great Place to Work. For more information about the company and product line visit: sigsauer.com.

Media Contact:

Phil Strader

Vice President, Consumer Affairs

[email protected]

SOURCE SIG SAUER, Inc.
A Christmas Parade with stars will take place in many cities across Ukraine - Gnat Korobko shared details of the project

A large-scale event will take place in many cities across Ukraine on Christmas Day  a Christmas parade with caroling stars. Next week, residents of different regions will be able to take part in a webinar on how to organise this holiday in their city. Gnat Korobko, one of the co-authors and patrons of the project, told Interfax-Ukraine about this.

"The Christmas procession with caroling stars is one of the most amazing modern Ukrainian Christmas traditions, which is a continuation of the ancient traditions of caroling and nativity scenes that come to life every year during the Christmas holidays. The tradition was established in Lviv in 2006 and has been implemented in Kyiv since 2013. We want this procession to unite communities throughout Ukraine. Therefore, we will first hold a webinar for anyone interested in creating a traditional holiday in their city. Then we will present communities in 11 cities of Ukraine with large Christmas stars created by craftsmen, which are the main symbol of the procession," - said Gnat Korobko.

He noted that the large caroling star has been one of the key attributes of Christmas celebrations in Ukraine since ancient times.

"The caroling star is one of the key symbols of the folk ritual of caroling, which takes place on Christmas Eve or on the first day of Christmas. The ritual is a special theatrical performance during which people went from house to house with songs and greeted the hosts. I am confident that the stars will help recreate the special atmosphere of a traditional Ukrainian Christmas and bring many people together, as it was in the past," - said Gnat Korobko.

The webinar "Christmas Procession with Caroling Stars" will take place on December 10 at 6:30 p.m. The registration form is available at the link.

The event is organized by the Ivan Honchar Museum, the KOLO Charitable Foundation, the Oberegi NGO, the Know Your Ukraine educational project, and Ukrainian patron Gnat Korobko.

As previously reported on the Facebook page of the project Know Your Ukraine, teachers from all over Ukraine recently gathered in Kyiv to learn about Ukrainian Christmas traditions. After that, each teacher will organise a Christmas celebration at their school.
Former Palantir Security Leader to Drive Next Phase of Cybersecurity and Digital Resilience Growth

ATLANTA , Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TekStream, a digital resilience company that helps organizations modernize, secure and optimize their digital environments, announced today that Taylor Morgan has joined the company as the Chief Solutions Officer. In this role, Morgan will help lead the next stage of the company's cybersecurity and technology strategy, expand managed security capabilities, and drive long-term growth and innovation.

Morgan comes from Palantir Technologies, where he spent 11 years leading global security strategy across cyber, intelligence, physical security, and AI governance. His role focused on protecting the systems that governments and Fortune 500 enterprises rely on to function, bringing together security, intelligence, and strategic foresight to outpace threats in an AI-driven world. He helped secure Palantir's platforms, infrastructure, and data ecosystems while advising founders, private equity leaders, and national-security innovators on scaling advanced cybersecurity and resilience technologies. Prior to Palantir, Morgan worked at NCR Corporation as a Product Manager, leading the design and rollout of next-generation hospitality software. There he directed strategy for NCR Mobile Pay (deployed across more than 2,700 locations) and scaled NCR's BLE Beacon platform to over 6,000 sites. He also chaired NCR's Patent Review Board and contributed multiple U.S. patents. Morgan earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science and Government from Emory University.

"We are committed to building a platform of services that anticipate where the market is going, not just where it stands today. Our investment in technical leadership and emerging capabilities reflects our belief that organizations deserve proactive, resilient solutions. Taylor's strategic vision will help guide TekStream as we continue shaping the future of digital resilience," said Rob Jansen, CEO, TekStream.

"TekStream is uniquely positioned at the intersection of cloud, data, and security, and customers increasingly need partners who can bring coherence to this complexity. By applying automation and AI in thoughtful, practical ways, we can help organizations secure and operate their environments with greater clarity and speed. I am excited to help TekStream accelerate this next chapter and drive meaningful outcomes for our customers," shared Morgan.

TekStream continues to differentiate itself through the integration of human expertise, automation, and trust, demonstrated by a 98% renewal rate and a Net Promoter Score above 95. Customers consistently describe TekStream as a true partner, valuing the company's flexibility, responsiveness, and ability to tailor solutions to complex environments. This focus on digital resilience reflects TekStream's commitment to helping organizations adapt, recover, and thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world by unifying the technology, operations, and people needed for long-term security and performance.

About TekStream

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, TekStream is a digital resilience company that helps organizations modernize, secure, and optimize their technology environments. Named a Representative Vendor in the 2025 Gartner Market Guide for Co-Managed Security Monitoring Services, TekStream delivers cloud migration, managed detection and response (MDR), Security Operations Center (SOC), and workforce consulting services for commercial and government clients. TekStream is known for its world-class satisfaction by its approximately 200 active customers. The company's services include cloud migration, managed detection and response (MDR), Security Operations Center (SOC), and workforce consulting capabilities for their commercial and government customer base. Focused on collaboration, shared intelligence and workforce development, TekStream's unique Whole-of-State cybersecurity approach addresses public sector vulnerabilities. Built on TekStream's Splunk-powered MDR services, the model combines workforce development with a cost-deferment strategy that empowers organizations to maintain long-term ownership of their programs. With hundreds of successful deployments, TekStream guarantees on-time and on-budget project delivery and proudly maintains a 98% customer retention rate.

SOURCE TekStream
New CARDIOVERSE project combines AI, stem cells, and genetic variation to predict drug safety before human trials

BAR HARBOR, Maine, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Developing new drugs is one of the riskiest and most expensive endeavors in science. Today, The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) announced a bold initiative to improve that trajectory, powered by an up to $30 million contract from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Computational ADME-Tox and Physiology Analysis for Safer Therapeutics (CATALYST) program. CATALYST is led by ARPA-H Health Science Futures Mission Office Acting Deputy Director Andy Kilianski, Ph.D.

Induced pluripotent stem cells in the shape of a heart. Credit: Valentina Fossati, NYSCF.

The initiative, called CARDIOVERSE, will leverage mice and human stem cells that model the range of genetic backgrounds found in people, combined with advanced artificial intelligence to create computational "digital twins" of the human heart. By building virtual, beating hearts, JAX scientists aim to dramatically reduce the need for large-animal studies, streamline FDA approval, and ensure safer, faster delivery of new therapies to patients.

"This is a moonshot vision," said Matt Mahoney, JAX computational biologist and project lead. "Imagine a future where computational models predict drug safety so reliably that it becomes ethical to move forward on computational evidence alone. That would revolutionize drug development, making it far more affordable and accessible."

Beating heart toxicity at its core

Despite passing early safety standards, more than 90 percent of drugs fail  often due to unforeseen toxicities that emerge late in clinical trials. CARDIOVERSE tackles one of the most persistent and consequential challenges in drug development: cardiotoxicity, when potential drugs can interfere with heart function. It's a leading cause of clinical trial failure and responsible for up to 15 percent of withdrawals of new drugs after FDA approval. Individuals may experience different adverse effects, which further complicates the approval process.

To address this, Mahoney's team will train AI algorithms using data from mice and human cells that replicate human heart function in a dish and capture the genetic variability present across patient populations. JAX is a world leader in mouse studies and the use of human stem cells, and with its recent acquisition of the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF), the team will profile these cellular models at an unprecedented scale using cutting-edge robotic automation.

This data will power AI models that go beyond safety predictions. They will uncover how genetic differences control individual responses to treatment, offering a more complete picture of cardiotoxicity across patient populations. The result: advanced AI models capable of predicting drug safety across a broad spectrum of human genetic makeups.

"Too many promising medicines never reach patients because we can't predict early enough who they will help and who they might harm," said Lon Cardon, JAX president and CEO. "With CARDIOVERSE, we're building virtual hearts that more accurately reflect the broad genetic backgrounds of real people. This means we can identify which drugs are safe and effective for certain patients, and which may not be, so every person has a better chance of receiving the treatment that's right for them."

Working with partners from the University of Michigan, InSilicoTrials Technologies, and the University of Connecticut Health Center, Mahoney's team will also investigate the molecular mechanisms inside the heart. They will study gene activity and metabolic changes following drug exposureinsights that could reveal biomarkers and genetic risk factors that make certain populations more vulnerable to toxicity.

Building on this foundation, the CARDIOVERSE team will assemble one of the largest data resources of its kind. Using mice and human cells that represent a broad range of genetic profiles, they will generate the critical data needed to train AI models, creating a powerful tool to make cardiotoxicity predictions more accurate than ever before.

"Our AI model will show a population of virtual hearts, each one beating and responding differently to the same drug," Mahoney said. "That range of responses lets us capture cardiotoxicity outcomes across wide patient groups, identifying what fraction of the population may be at risk and uncovering potential biomarkers for that risk."

This knowledge could improve patient stratification in clinical trials and give companies greater confidence in advancing drugs to later stages, enabling safer, more precise decisions about which therapies should move forward.

Capturing rare but dangerous reactions

For heart drugs, rare toxicities are a leading reason for failure. Even if only one in a thousand patients experiences a severe reaction during clinical trials or after a drug has been approved, regulators must take that risk seriously.

Current computational models estimate the overall chance a drug will be deemed unsafe, but not who might be affected or how severe the response could be. "It's like a weather forecast that predicts a 50 percent chance of rain but doesn't say whether it will be a drizzle or a hurricane," Mahoney explained.

By simulating hundreds or thousands of virtual hearts across different genetic backgrounds, CARDIOVERSE will identify those rare but serious reactions before human trials begin.

"It will be a big win if we can surrogate large-animal studies with a state-of-the-art computational platform," Mahoney said. "That would take an expensive experiment off the table and allow more drug candidates from lean startups that are not well capitalized to get to human trials. CARDIOVERSE could help make that happen."

Project co-leads include JAX scientists Nadia Rosenthal, recognized for her expertise in high-resolution imaging of tiny mouse hearts; Paul Robson, a stem cell biology expert and a lead developer of the genetically varied human iPSC panel; and Travis Hinson, a cardiologist whose lab investigates inherited conditions leading to heart failure. They are joined by Daniel Paull of NYSCF, a pioneer in high-throughput automation for generating iPSCs at scale and overseer of the Global Stem Cell Array.

About The Jackson Laboratory

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center. JAX leverages a unique combination of research, education, and resources to achieve its bold mission: to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. Established in Bar Harbor, Maine in 1929, JAX is a global organization with nearly 3,000 employees worldwide and campuses and facilities in Maine, Connecticut, California, Florida, New York, and Japan. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.

SOURCE The Jackson Laboratory
Four African-led organizations selected to advance joyful, transformative foundational learning across sub-Saharan Africa.

BOSTON, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Luminos Fund, an international nonprofit helping the world's most vulnerable children to catch up and thrive in school, is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of the Luminos Method Learning Lab, welcoming four outstanding African-led organizations in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania, as part of the 202526 cycle.

Through training, an immersive Luminos classroom learning experience, and a seed grant of up to $35,000 USD, these partner organizations will bring the Luminos Method to life in their communitiesadvancing joyful, transformative foundational learning for the most marginalized children.

Luminos launches first Learning Lab cohort: four African NGOs advancing joyful, foundational learning across the region. Post this

At Luminos, we believe every child deserves the chance to learn, and sustainable change requires collaboration with locally and nationally rooted organizations. The Luminos Method Learning Lab translates this belief into action, creating a structured space for partners to learn from and build upon the Luminos Methodour evidence-based approach to joyful, foundational learning that accelerates education outcomes for the most vulnerable children.

The inaugural Learning Lab cohort includes:

Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi), Nigeria

AREAi is a grassroots, purpose-driven organization that works with under-resourced schools and marginalized communities to improve access to quality education. Through the use of technology, innovation, and community collaboration, AREAi addresses learning gaps, digital inequity, and skills development for children and youth from low-income families.

AREAi is a grassroots, purpose-driven organization that works with under-resourced schools and marginalized communities to improve access to quality education. Through the use of technology, innovation, and community collaboration, AREAi addresses learning gaps, digital inequity, and skills development for children and youth from low-income families. Education Empowerment for Rural and Urban Slums Initiative (EERUi), Kenya

EERUi is a community-based nonprofit organization committed to improving education outcomes in low-income communities. The organization works with caregivers, educators, and local leaders to strengthen early childhood education, improve foundational literacy and numeracy, and promote sustainable, community-led learning models.

EERUi is a community-based nonprofit organization committed to improving education outcomes in low-income communities. The organization works with caregivers, educators, and local leaders to strengthen early childhood education, improve foundational literacy and numeracy, and promote sustainable, community-led learning models. Literacy and Development through Partnership (LDP), Ghana

LDP supports children and adults in northern Ghana to learn to read and apply literacy skills to improve their lives. The organization partners with local Dagomba trainers and public schools to strengthen the quality of basic education through teacher training, development of reading materials, and advocacy for mother tongue-based multilingual education.

LDP supports children and adults in northern Ghana to learn to read and apply literacy skills to improve their lives. The organization partners with local Dagomba trainers and public schools to strengthen the quality of basic education through teacher training, development of reading materials, and advocacy for mother tongue-based multilingual education. Uwezo Tanzania, Tanzania

Uwezo Tanzania works to improve education quality for children and youth through nationwide assessments, public awareness, and strong community engagement. It designs and scales evidence-based interventions in literacy, numeracy, early childhood development, mental health, life skills, digital literacy, climate change education, and gender equity. Committed to inclusivity, Uwezo empowers communities to advocate for better learning outcomes and strengthens systems to ensure every child thrives and reaches their full potential.

Through the Luminos Method Learning Lab, partner organizations will:

Participate in hands-on training to apply key elements of the Luminos Method in their own programs and classrooms.

Immerse in the Luminos classroom experience, engaging directly with Luminos staff, partners, teachers and students to observe best practices in action and deepen their practical understanding of program delivery.

Receive seed grants to adapt, test, and refine these practices within their own communities and education systems.

Together, Luminos and its partners are cultivating a growing network of organizations committed to unlocking the light of learning for every child.

Strong Demand for Education Across the Region

The inaugural Learning Lab cycle received more than 70 applications from organizations across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, reflecting strong demand for evidence-based approaches to foundational learning. Applications represented a range of countriesincluding Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabweunderscoring the broad momentum behind the movement for joyful, effective foundational education.

About the Luminos Fund

The Luminos Fund runs a catch-up education program for some of the most vulnerable and hardest-to-reach children in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. In just one school year, children learn how to read, write, and do math through a joyful, activity-based curriculum that helps them catch up and thrive in school. Luminos' mission is to ensure all children have equal access to joyful, foundational learningespecially those shut out of education by crisis, poverty, or discrimination. To date, Luminos has helped hundreds of thousands of children secure a second chance to learn.

For more information about the Luminos Method Learning Lab, visit www.luminosfund.org or contact Michael Stulman at [email protected].

SOURCE Luminos Fund
PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Industrial AI pioneer ThroughPut.A I announces it has been awarded its second SBIR Phase III contract focused on " ThroughPut.AI Implementation for Aircraft Availability Optimization" to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution.

SBIR Phase III is the stage of bringing an SBIR-funded technology or innovation from the lab into the commercial market, utilizing non-SBIR federal funding for commercialization. Key aspects include sole-source contracts , which allow the government to award contracts directly to the originating small business without formal competition, and a 20-year SBIR Data Rights protection period.

"The ThroughPut team is proud to assist logistics and aircraft maintenance Airmen at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in achieving improved fleet health and aircraft availability for increased mission readiness of their aircraft and equipment by preventing Downtime for Parts", said Seth Page, COO of ThroughPut.ai, "This Phase III SBIR award leverages our patented AI software platform to enable predictive replenishment of parts with realistic lead-times, identification of supply chain bottlenecks, and recommendations for optimal operations solutions. Furthermore, it standardizes unit level demand signals and creates a real feedback loop between Enterprise Supply and Local Base Operations".

"The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government."

PR Contact

Tina Jacobs

[email protected]

About ThroughPut.ai

ThroughPut.ai is a Silicon Valley-based supply chain optimization & predictive replenishment company. The company's software AI platform has the ability to identify location-, product-, and customer-based demand changes sooner in order to adjust order frequencies, vendor sources, and parts buffer levels at a global and local scale. ThroughPut's platform was designed by Fortune 500 & technology executives with real-world experience managing demand & supply chain disruptions and war-zone logistics across the Middle East.

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.

About AFWERX

As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. Headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, AFWERX employs military, civilian and contractor personnel executing an annual $1.4 billion annual budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: afwerx.com.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of War, or the U.S. government.

SOURCE ThroughPut Inc.
HERNDON, Va., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HawkEye 360, the global leader in signals intelligence data and analytics, today announced that the US Navy has renewed its contract with the company for a fourth consecutive year under the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative. The $98.8 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract extends the U.S. Navy's access to HawkEye 360's commercial radio frequency (RF) data and analytics for vessel detection and monitoring over key areas of interest throughout the Pacific.

"This renewal represents a vote of confidence in the partnership between the U.S. Navy and HawkEye 360 and an investment in future innovative solutions," affirms Andy Charles, General Manager for the Department of War, HawkEye 360. "With the pace at which commercial companies can move, especially one so mission-focused as HawkEye 360, this action welcomes a host of technological advancements through IPMDA to drive information sharing and Coalition command and control to the speed of modern warfare."

HawkEye 360's RF signals intelligence supports the Department of Defense's efforts to identify and characterize vessel behavior, detect illicit maritime activity, and share insights with allied partners to promote regional stability. The company's data is integrated into operational tools that help users gain a more complete picture of vessel movement and maritime dynamics over vast ocean areas.

"Our ongoing partnership with the US Navy represents a shared commitment to advancing maritime domain awareness and supporting the missions of our partners across the Indo-Pacific," said Jamie McAden, General Manager, Asia Pacific, HawkEye 360. "We're proud to be entering our fourth year of collaboration, delivering advanced RF data and analytics that strengthen situational awareness and decision-making for maritime security operations."

HawkEye 360's constellation detects, characterizes, and geolocates RF signals from ships and other emitters worldwide, creating a powerful data layer that complements existing maritime information sources. When combined with other data streams, HawkEye 360's signals intelligence helps defense and intel users identify potential "dark vessels," uncover patterns of activity, and build a consistent, shared operating picture across the region.

About HawkEye 360

HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision-making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early warning indicators to the US Government and allied partners. Our space-based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI-powered analytics transform knowledge of RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.

SOURCE HawkEye 360 Inc.
Cementing its position as the only certified secure legislative intelligence platform in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- USLege, the AI-powered platform transforming how professionals track and engage with legislation, has officially completed its SOC 2 Type II audit. We are thrilled to announce that we received the highest level of compliance with a clean report and achieved TX-RAMP Level 2 certification, making it the only legislative intelligence platform in Texas to meet these gold-standard security benchmarks.

SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls) is the industry standard for third-party audits of cloud-based software, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Combined with Texas's own TX-RAMP certification, required for technology vendors working with state agencies, these certifications validate USLege's enterprise-grade approach to security, data integrity, and compliance.

"We are big data privacy nerds over here. We built USLege to be the fastest and most secure legislative platform on the market," said Laura Carr, co-founder of USLege. "This certification affirms that security is not just a feature, it's foundational. Our users from law firms to government agencies trust us with sensitive data, and we take that responsibility incredibly seriously."

"SOC 2 compliance is about trust," added Ben Brewer, USLege's co-founding CTO. "Our customers rely on us to be always-on, always-secure, and never compromise the confidentiality of their data. Maintaining compliance through our SOC 2 Type II audit confirms our commitment to building systems that deliver exactly that."

"Security has always been our standard," said Eric Davis, CEO of USLege. "We're not reacting to pressure - we're building for longevity in a zero-fail industry. And now, as the only legislative platform in Texas meeting both SOC2 and TX-RAMP Level 2 compliance standards, that trust is backed by independent validation.

Why Certification Matters in Government Work

In government affairs, where reputations, regulations, and billions in policy decisions are on the line, trusting software that hasn't been independently audited is a risk no serious team should take. If your platform isn't SOC 2 compliant or TX-RAMP certified, it hasn't proven it takes protecting your data seriously. For legal teams, public agencies, and government relations professionals working in high-stakes, high-compliance environments, anything less than verified security is a liability.

USLege is proud to be the only legislative intelligence platform in Texas to meet both SOC 2 and TX-RAMP standards, because in this industry, security isn't optional. It's mission-critical.

Learn more about USLege Data Security in our convenient Trust Center.

About USLege

USLege is an AI-powered legislative tracking platform transforming how government affairs professionals track, analyze, and act on policy at the local, state, and federal levels across the U.S. Built for the fragmented and fast-moving world of government relations, USLege unifies legislative CRM, live government video, and real-time bill tracking, powered by a customizable AI agent that delivers instant alerts, stakeholder-specific insights, and tailored content that matters. For more information, visit www.uslege.ai.

Media Contact

Jess McDonald

Head of Marketing, USLege

[email protected]

SOURCE USLege
From playlists to concerts, the music-driven dating app explores how music shapes culture, emotion, and connection in dating.

PHOENIX, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vinylly , the music-driven dating app founded by Rachel Van Nortwick, released new data today showing how music influences modern dating behavior, revealing clear differences in how men and women connect through the songs, artists and concerts they love.

The analysis, which examined 5,000 user interactions over the past 12 months, found that women tend to use Vinylly more intentionally, engaging more deeply with playlists and pressing play on songs nearly 17,000 times. Men viewed twice as many profiles and sent nearly six times as many messages, behavior the company says reflects broader exploratory patterns. The findings suggest that women use music to assess emotional alignment, while men use it to signal identity and cultural taste.

Genre and artist preferences reflected this divide. Women showed a strong affinity for emotionally driven artists such as David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles and Billie Eilish, while men favored artists including Drake, Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar and Deftones, using music as a marker of personality or aesthetic. Taylor Swift, Radiohead and Sleep Token appeared as shared favorites across genders, creating what Vinylly identifies as "compatibility bridges.

Concert histories further reinforced these differences. Women most recently attended shows by artists such as Taylor Swift, Usher and Pink, leaning toward nostalgic or narrative-driven performances. Men reported recent concerts from high-energy or legacy acts including Iron Maiden, Metallica and Green Day. Vinylly's analysis found that early concert experiences also influenced long-term dating patterns, with women recalling pop and boy-band shows and men recalling metal and rock acts.

Users on Vinylly were most concentrated in Seattle, London, New York and Los Angeles, all cities with strong live music cultures and large dating communities. According to Van Nortwick, the data reflects a broader trend in which music functions as a powerful emotional and cultural signal in dating.

"Music is more than a soundtrack  it's a language people use to reveal who they are," Van Nortwick said. "Our data shows that what people listen to, and how they interact with music, shapes how they connect long before they meet in person."

The full report and expanded insights are available here.

About Vinylly:

At Vinylly, we believe (and science has proven) that the music we love and the way we listen to it is a powerful window into who we are  connecting us on a deeper level and providing us with a solid foundation to develop and maintain lasting relationships. Vinylly is an inclusive dating app that matches users through a proprietary music profile generator or if a user chooses, an analysis of their streaming history. These combined with a few questions about the role music plays in their lives, enables Vinylly's algorithm to provide "high volume" matches. Users have the ability to create and edit their playlists and to browse matches and press "play" when they want to connect, as well as chat and get concert tickets for first dates all without having to leave the app. Available on the U.S., U.K. and Canadian app stores, Vinylly was recently recognized by Mashable as one of the "8 dating apps that are bucking against Tinder's model." To learn more, visit www.vinyllyapp.com .

Media Contact:

Cassidy Clark

Pitch PR

[email protected]

SOURCE Vinylly
New initiative invites food lovers and cultural explorers to help build the world's first platform dedicated to culinary culture, food heritage, and local producers.

PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Food Travel Association (WFTA) today announced the official launch of its Taste of Place Movement, a worldwide initiative designed to safeguard culinary culture, elevate local food producers, and connect people and providers everywhere with meaningful, place-based food experiences.

Taste of Place Movement

Taste of Place launches at a pivotal moment for the food, hospitality, and tourism sectors. Around the world, traditional foodways are under threat from economic pressures, rural decline, climate change, and the rapid loss of intergenerational knowledge. Many culinary artisans, small producers, and cultural guardians lack the visibility and digital infrastructure needed to reach new audiences. Taste of Place aims to change this.

"Food connects us all, yet the people who protect culinary traditions often remain unseen," said Erik Wolf, founder of the modern food tourism industry and Executive Director of the WFTA. "We're building Taste of Place, which is different from mainstream food and travel platforms because our focus is authenticity, cultural integrity, and a genuine social mission. There is really nothing that exists yet that meets the needs of today's lovers of food and culinary heritage."

Your Support Matters

To build the platform, the WFTA is inviting individuals, food lovers, organizations, and cultural advocates to support the initiative's development. Your support will help fund:

A global directory of food experiences, producers, culinary artisans, and locally owned food businesses.

of food experiences, producers, culinary artisans, and locally owned food businesses. A digital encyclopedia of culinary culture , documenting dishes, ingredients, traditions, and stories from every region.

, documenting dishes, ingredients, traditions, and stories from every region. A global magazine showcasing overlooked communities and the people who safeguard food traditions.

showcasing overlooked communities and the people who safeguard food traditions. A community hub where you can contribute directly to the content on Taste of Place.

Supporters enjoy privileges not available to the public, including the ability to nominate culinary heritage guardians, and later, to feature their own content once the platform launches.

For supporters in the United States, contributions may be tax-deductible, as the WFTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

A Global Invitation

"Taste of Place is more than a platform," Wolf added. "It is a movement to honor the flavors, skills, and stories that make every place unique. And it is something you can help build from the ground up."

Learn more or offer your support this holiday season at www.jointasteofplace.org.

About the World Food Travel Association

Founded in 2001, the World Food Travel Association (WFTA) is the world's leading authority on food and beverage tourism. The organization provides education, research, tools, and strategic guidance to destinations, businesses, and professionals seeking to develop and showcase their unique culinary cultures. The WFTA's mission is to work with destination marketers and stakeholders to develop and celebrate the culinary traditions that make each place special. Learn more at www.worldfoodtravel.org

Press Contact: Erik Wolf at (503) 213-3700 or [email protected]

SOURCE World Food Travel Association
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) has opened a new space for children in Lviv region.

A new space designed to support the youngest during these challenging times  the Little Geniuses Club  has opened within the Yavoriv district branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross, URCS said on Facebook.

Here, children aged 2 to 6 can attend English classes, speech and language therapy, mental arithmetic sessions, early learning activities and short physical exercise sessions. In addition to these educational opportunities, they can take part in free first aid workshops, psychosocial and creative activities, as well as information sessions on mine risk awareness and the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross.

The Club was made possible through the REDpreneurUA Programme, which helped transform the idea into a sustainable social initiative while keeping its core aim  supporting the community.

The REDpreneurUA Programme is implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross in partnership with the Austrian Red Cross, with support from the NACHBAR IN NOT foundation (Austria) and the Canadian Red Cross. It forms part of a global initiative aimed at promoting socially responsible entrepreneurship and strengthening the economic resilience of vulnerable communities.
FMs of Ukraine and Belgium discuss military aid to Ukraine, in particular planned transfer of F-16s

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha discussed current military aid to Belgium, including the planned delivery of F-16 fighter jets, with Belgian Defense and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken, the Foreign Ministry's press service reported.

I informed him about the battlefield situation, recent developments in peace efforts and contacts with American and European partners. We discussed Belgiums ongoing military assistance, including the planned delivery of F-16 fighter jets, as well as Belgiums contribution in multinational initiatives such as NATOs PURL aimed at enhancing Ukraines defense capabilities, the message reads.

The parties also reportedly focused on energy security, Belgium's role in strengthening Ukraine's resilience, and support for Ukrainian defense companies.

I emphasized the need to further tighten sanctions against Russia and make full use of its immobilized assets. Resolute collective decisions are crucial to force Russia to stop its war and achieve a just peace, the minister emphasized, expressing gratitude to the Belgian Minister of Trade for his personal efforts and comprehensive support for Ukraine.
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Trump: Impotent Europeans can only fume as Trump rightly sidelines them from Ukraine deal

"Impotent Europeans" can only be angry as they are rightly excluded from the Ukraine deal, US President Donald Trump said.

Impotent Europeans can only fume as Trump rightly sidelines them from Ukraine deal   Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social, reposting a column in the New York Post.

The column noted that when it comes to the war in Ukraine, Europeans have upended the way governments are usually conducted. It also noted that the war is a dead end and reminded that in February it will be four years since the full-scale invasion, and if it continues, Russia could allegedly win.

The firm of Witkoff, Rubio & Kushner proposed a 28-point peace plan that could secure American interests, stabilize relations with Russia and strike a new balance of power. Under the deal, Ukraine retains its sovereignty and can join the European Union, the message reads.

At the same time, Russia retains Ukraine's eastern borders, which were Russian-speaking before the war, as well as Crimea, which Russia has held since 2014, and its important Black Sea ports.

The column notes that neither Ukraine will join NATO nor will NATO send troops to Ukraine, but Ukraine will have NATO security guarantees, and its regular army will be more than twice the size of its pre-war size, making it an advantageous buffer state.

It also notes that Russia has a larger population than Ukraine, and as long as Ukraine relies on foreign aid, Russia will remain in a state of war.

No peace deal means more war  a war the Europeans cannot support alone, and that Ukraine cannot win. Europes obstruction of Trumps deal is a gift to Putin, the ezine said.
Italy will provide Ukraine with a zero-interest loan of EUR 30 million for the construction of a new medical building at the regional children's hospital in Odesa region, Odesa Regional Military Administration head Oleh Kiper reported.

"Almost two years ago, during one of our working meetings with the Italian side, we first discussed the idea of building a new wing of the regional children's hospital. December 4 in Kyiv. Ukraine and Italy sign an agreement to provide a zero-interest loan of EUR 30 million for the construction of a new, modern medical facility," he wrote on Telegram.

According to him, this was preceded by numerous meetings at various levels, negotiations with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic to Ukraine, Carlo Formosa, technical visits by Italian experts to the medical institution, and preparation of the project application.

"Our partners thoroughly studied the existing conditions and saw the needs and scale of the future project. Many months of joint work, coordination, and consultations. Step-by-step preparation for decision-making. A path that began with dialogue and ended with a decision that will change the future of pediatric medicine in Odesa region," Kiper concluded.
Photo: https://x.com/antoniocostapm

European Council President Antonio Costa has convened the heads of state and government of the European Union member states for a meeting on December 18 and December 19, with aid to Ukraine as the first topic. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected to speak.

At next week's European Council, we will hold crucial discussions, with a priority focus on two issues: Ukraine and security on our continent; and the European Unions multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034, Costa said on X Tuesday.

His letter of invitation to EU leaders noted that the European Council meeting would begin with a discussion of Ukraine. Recent developments highlight the need for urgent EU action. At the October European Council we committed to addressing Ukraines pressing financial needs for 2026-2027, including for its military and defence efforts. At our next meeting we have to decide, based on the ongoing preparatory work, how to implement that commitment. As I write this letter, diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine are ongoing. In this context, we will discuss how best to continue defending Europes interests and how to strengthen Ukraines negotiating position. An important part of that equation needs to be increased pressure on Russia, Costa said in his letter.

The second issue he mentioned was the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Intense work will be necessary to reach an agreement, by the end of 2026, on the next MFF and its financing. Keeping to this timetable is important. It will allow the Union to have the new funding programmes in place right from the start of 2028. It will also demonstrate that, in a world marked by unpredictability, the European Union is able to decide in a timely and prudent way when defining the budgetary foundations for its action, the President of the European Council stressed.

Costa said the meeting would also review the implementation of previous decisions on European defence and security, aimed at strengthening Europe's defence readiness by 2030. Recent events show that Russia and Belarus have intensified their hybrid campaign in Europe. This reminds us that we need to accelerate efforts on all strands towards our defence readiness, he stressed.

The President of the European Council noted that the current geopolitical context underlines the importance of enhancing the EU's investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity.

Given the progress some candidate countries have made in their accession paths, some may meet the necessary conditions to join the European Union in the not-too-distant future. The December European Council meeting will be a timely occasion for us to hold a discussion on the way forward, he added.

Costa also expressed his desire to exchange views on the geo-economic situation and its implications for the EU's competitiveness. It is important that we discuss the pressures, but also the opportunities, that arise in a world marked by rising geoeconomic competition and in which rules-based economic relations and traditional partnerships can no longer be taken for granted. How can the EU best defend itself from external economic and political pressures? How do we accelerate our agenda of trade diversification? How does the EU acquire the necessary degree of strategic autonomy for our economies to remain competitive? These are some of the questions that I would like to address at our December meeting, in the context of our ongoing discussions about the EUs competitiveness agenda, the President of the European Council wrote in his invitation.

According to him, the situation in the Middle East also requires the constant attention of member countries. The adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 offers an opportunity to advance towards peace. The European Union has a role to play in contributing to the full implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza, and in ensuring that this process remains on a path to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, the EU council President said.

He stated that the meeting will start at 10:00 on Thursday 18 December with a traditional exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament. After that, they will hear from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We will then continue our work at 27. The participants will then continue their work in the 27-member state format.

At the same time, Costa noted that he would like to meet with the leadership of member states the day before, on Wednesday, December 17, at the EU-Western Balkans summit, which will begin at 18:00.

"But my main priority is to deliver on the important decisions that must be taken, namely on Ukraine financing. I look forward to seeing you in Brussels," he wrote.

As reported, the European Commission is preparing a legislative initiative that would allow frozen Russian assets to be used as a guarantee for a reparation loan to Ukraine. The issue is scheduled to be considered at the EU summit on December 18-19.
Trump believes it's time to hold elections in Ukraine

Photo: https://edition.cnn.com

US President Donald Trump stated the need to hold presidential elections in Ukraine.

They havent had an election in a long time, the American leader said in an interview with Politico.

Asked whether Kyiv needed to organize elections, Trump replied: Yes, I think its time.

According to him, the people of Ukraine must have a choice. "And maybe Zelenskyy would win the election. I don't know who would win," he noted.

You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where its not a democracy anymore, Trump added.
Orban agrees with Erdogan on extension of Russian gas supplies to Hungary  media

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban agreed during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday that Turkiye would continue facilitating supplies of Russian gas to Hungary, Hungarian news agency MTI reported.

At a press conference following talks with Erdogan in Istanbul, Orban said the sides discussed cooperation in the energy sector.

He recalled that Hungary had recently reached an agreement with the United States under which U.S. sanctions on Russian gas and oil would not apply to Hungary, after which Russia guaranteed continued supplies.

"Today, an agreement was also reached with President Erdogan that the Turks will ensure the route for this," Orban said.

The Hungarian prime minister added that this guarantee is a "serious matter" and may be necessary, given that 7.5 billion cubic meters of gas have already flowed to Hungary via Turkiye this year alone.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

During an audience with Pope Leo XIV, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed him on his diplomatic work and invited him to visit Ukraine.

During todays audience with His Holiness, I thanked him for his constant prayers for Ukraine and for the Ukrainian people, as well as for his calls for a just peace. I informed the Pope about diplomatic efforts with the United States to achieve peace, Zelenskyy said on X.

The parties discussed further efforts and the Vatican's mediation to return Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia.

Thank you for this conversation and for all the attention given to our people. I invited the Pope to visit Ukraine. This would be a powerful signal of support for our people, the President stressed.
Photo: Facebook @taras.kachka

Ukraine has officially been invited to become an associate member of the Working Group on Bribery of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in International Business Transactions, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka has said.

"Ukraine has been officially invited to become an associate member of the OECD Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions and to join the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions and International Commercial Transactions," Kachka wrote on X.

According to the deputy prime minister, this represents recognition of Ukraine's significant progress in anti-corruption policy.

"Membership in the OECD Working Group and accession to the Convention open up a new level of cooperation and responsibility for us, which will strengthen trust in Ukraine as a reliable partner," he added.

As reported, in OctoberNovember, Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers approved draft letters to the OECD seeking accession to the Recommendations on electronic authentication, competition assessment, water resources and data governance in the fields of health care, the social and solidarity economy and social innovation, as well as to the guidelines on investment policies of recipient countries in the context of national security. The government also approved applications to join the Regional Development Policy Committee, the Digital Policy Committee, and the Regulatory Policy Committee.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?

Russia is spreading violence, chaos, destabilization, looting, and cruelty in every corner it sets foot in, noted Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, commenting on media reports of Russian atrocities in Mali. He called for international legal action against war criminals and for African governments to refrain from any cooperation with Russia.

Rape, torture, looting, extrajudicial killings, and inhuman violence against ordinary people. All of the awful atrocities that the Russians are committing in Ukraine, they are also committing in Mali and other African states. The label may be differentWagner, Africa Corps, or just Russian Armybut the essence is the same, Sybiha said on X Tuesday.

In connection with these disclosures, Ukraine calls on the international community to respond most decisively, he said.

These beasts are not acting on their own. They are officially part of the Russian Ministry of Defense. Both these criminals and the Russian state as such must be held accountable. We are demanding international legal action, including arrest warrants and sanctions. We also insist on an international fact-finding missions and independent investigation, possibly under UN auspices, to establish the facts and the full scale of atrocities, which might be far larger, the foreign minister said.

He also warned all African governments against any cooperation with the Russians. Modern Russia has nothing to do with the Soviet Unions legacy in Africa  it brings not liberation, but lawlessness, atrocities, and plundering. Do not undermine your security. We also call for greater international support for those African states that face unacceptable security risks because of the Russian military presence in their regions, Sybiha added.
On the night of December 8, Special Operations Forces (SOF) fighters launched a strike on a drone storage area in Donetsk and a fuel and lubricants warehouse in the temporarily occupied Luhansk region.

"In the town of Donetsk, Special Operations Forces drones struck a UAV depot belonging to the 9th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade (51st Army). The depot contained a significant number of tactical-level reconnaissance and attack UAVs, as well as their combat parts. In Luhansk region, in the town of Semeykyne, an enemy Yug fuel and lubricants depot was struck. As a result of the strike, tanks containing approximately 6,000 cubic meters of fuel were destroyed," the Special Operations Forces Telegram channel reported.

It is noted that Special Operations Forces continue to take asymmetric actions to undermine the offensive capabilities of the Russian army.
Ukrainian Defense Forces are holding back the enemy's onslaught and have repelled 68 Russian assaults over the past 24 hours, stopping 43 attacks on the Pokrovsk axis, the East Group of Forces said on Tuesday. .

"On the Pokrovsk axis, our defenders stopped 43 attacks by the aggressor. The enemy is trying to infiltrate the northern part of the city, using fog. These attempts are being blocked, the enemy is being destroyed," the message on Telegram said.

According to information, the situation in the Myrnohrad area remains difficult, Ukrainian units continue to fulfill assigned tasks and hold their lines.

"The enemy is actively shelling Myrnohrad with the help of aerial-guided bombs (KABs). The enemy is conducting intensive assault operations, trying to penetrate and gain a foothold in the southeastern outskirts of the city. The defense forces are destroying the enemy's assault groups using all available means," the report says.

On Monday, in the Pokrovsk direction, according to preliminary data, 84 occupiers were neutralized, of which 48 were irretrievably killed. "In addition, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed six units of automotive equipment, 12 unmanned aerial vehicles, two artillery systems and 15 shelters for enemy personnel were also hit," the East Group said.

According to the military, additional logistical routes are being organized to Pokrovsk and Myrnograd for the uninterrupted provision of our units with everything necessary and for timely evacuation.

"Overall, the enemy continues to suffer the greatest losses during the day - 324 occupiers over the past day. 1,193 UAVs of various types and 47 units of other weapons and equipment were also destroyed. The defense forces are focusing not only on eliminating enemy infantry, but also drone operators. 28 Russian UAV crews were hit during the day. Units of the missile forces and artillery completed 913 fire missions," the report said.
G7 declares its readiness to use full value of Russia's frozen assets to support Ukraine

The Group of Seven (G7) countries have announced their intention to explore a wide range of financial instruments to support Ukraine, including the potential use of the full value of Russian state assets frozen in their jurisdictions until Moscow pays reparations.

The joint statement released on Tuesday night noted that such decisions will be made in compliance with the national legal systems of the participating countries.

The meeting was held via videoconference with the participation of G7 finance ministers and the heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank Group, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Financial Stability Board. The meeting was also joined by Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, as well as finance ministers and their representatives from Australia, Chile, India, Mexico, and South Korea.

The G7 also welcomed the IMF's update on the macroeconomic situation in Ukraine and the achievement of a preliminary Staff Level Agreement between the Fund and the Ukrainian authorities. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to jointly support a new IMF program for Ukraine.

We will continue to support the Ukrainian authorities commitment to implement reforms, notably addressing informality, tackling corruption, and improving governance including in the state-owned enterprise sector, a joint statement by the participants following their virtual meeting on December 8 reads.

The statement's authors also noted their readiness to increase pressure on Russia if peace talks fail, and emphasized the importance of maintaining the Ukrainian issue among the priorities of France's future G7 presidency.

At the same time, the meeting participants discussed other global issues, but specifically reaffirmed their "unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and right to exist."

As reported, the European Commission is preparing a legislative initiative that would allow frozen Russian assets to be used as a guarantee for a reparation loan to Ukraine. The issue is scheduled for consideration at the EU summit on December 18-19.
The U.S. Supreme Court has denied requests to consider Leila Green Little et al. v. Llano County, a closely-watched Texas book removal case that jeopardizes First Amendment rights in public libraries.

In May, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the defendants, overturning a district courts preliminary injunction and its own June 2024 three-judge panel decision. Because the Fifth Circuits jurisdiction includes Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, the decision applies across all three U.S. states. Publishers, librarians, and literary organizations had petitioned SCOTUS for a writ of certiorari, the process by which SCOTUS decides whether to take a case, but to no avail.

This morning, the Supreme Court of the United States denied our petition for certiorari, plaintiff Leila Green Little wrote in an email on December 8. They will not hear our case. No explanation is given.

Little continued, This means that the en banc ruling of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will remain in effect for Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This means that public library patrons have no First Amendment rights to access information. This means we now live in a censorship state.

Free speech proponents and library advocates expressed profound dismay. We are devastated, Texas Freedom to Read Project cofounder Laney Hawes told PW. She worried that conservative library boards and schools across the Fifth Circuit would see the Supreme Courts inaction as their free pass, giving them permission to have books pulled. Are we to the point where a library gets to write a policy that reads this library will now have no books that have gay characters? This could open the door to what we call acquisitions censorship.

Hawes observed that the books in Llano County were removed because of the ideas on their pages, not because the library needed to make curatorial decisions. As a Texas parent, Hawes said, This affects my children, my family, my community, the entire state. Its a really hard hit for all of America and for libraries as the bastion of free speech we believe them to be.

American Library Association president Sam Helmick echoed Hawes. By declining to review the Fifth Circuits decision, the Supreme Court has empowered state and local governments to limit which books and materials the people can access in their libraries, Helmick said. The ruling threatens to transform [public] libraries into centers for indoctrination instead of protecting them as centers of open inquiry, undermining the First Amendment right to read unfettered by viewpoint-based censorship.

Helmick also noted that the ethical principles of librarianship require that curation be nonpartisan and inclusive. Public libraries have historically served as open institutions committed to offering a broad range of ideas and perspectives, they said. Efforts to bypass established review processes or remove books based on ideological objections erode these principles and violate the constitutional rights of all community members.

Down but not out

Little v. Llano County would have been the first case on book banning to come before the Supreme Court since 1982. More than 40 years ago, the Court decided Board of Education, Island Trees School District v. Pico, in a 54 plurality opinion. A plurality does not establish binding precedent, but Picowhich halted the suppression of library books after a school district deemed books by Richard Wright, Kurt Vonnegut, and others ideologically offensiveis a go-to example for plaintiffs seeking to uphold First Amendment rights and prevent censorship.

Now, the Fifth Circuits decision in Little v. Llano County threatens intellectual freedom in public libraries, andin its own plurality opinionargues that library curation is a form of government speech, although the Supreme Court has not weighed in on the matter. The Llano decision has already been used to uphold the devastating wave of book bans across the country, Elly Brinkley, staff attorney for U.S. Free Expression Programs, said in a press statement. Leaving the Fifth Circuits ruling in place erodes the most elemental principles of free speech and allows state and local governments to exert ideological control over the people with impunity. The government has no place telling people what they can and cannot read.

Dan Novack, VP and associate general counsel at Penguin Random House, expressed profound concern and resolve. The Supreme Courts decision not to review Little v. Llano is a setback in timing, but not in justice, Novack stated. We are undeterred and remain committed to defending the freedom to read in courtrooms across the country, including our ongoing challenges in the Eighth, Ninth, and 11th Circuits. This issue will return to the Supreme Court in the near future, and we are working to establish strong, constitutional precedents that counter the Fifth Circuits ruling.

Other pending lawsuits on book bansin Florida, Iowa, and elsewherehave the potential to advance to the highest court in the land, Novack said. Our publisher-led coalition has three state-level challenges that will be decided by the circuit courts in the coming months, he told PW. A circuit split may inspire the Supreme Court to take up the issue, because if two circuit courts reach different conclusions, the Supreme Court is more likely to step in. While that strategy plays out, we are increasing our engagement with state legislatures. We have helped pass several library laws that respect free speech principles and are expanding those efforts across the country.

John Chrastka, executive director of advocacy organization EveryLibrary, agreed that immediate and tangible harm is being done to residents of the Fifth Circuit and beyond. Having the Supreme Court let the Fifth Circuit decision stand is another plank in a rapidly evolving and pernicious platform of government speech doctrine, Chrastka warned. The idea that the First Amendment doesnt apply in libraries is both an existential and tactical issue for anyone concerned with free expression.

Hawes of TFTRP asked a rhetorical questionDoes the First Amendment apply anymore?and speculated that in three out of 50 states, it's in big trouble. The only good news is that the Supreme Court leaves the door open for a future First Amendment case, she said. Theres value in that for us, because they didnt see it as a slam dunk.
Winiks 1996 memoir, First Comes Love, about her first marriage and widowhood in her mid-30s, is being reissued by Vintage with a new introduction and accompanied by an audiobook recorded by the author. When the book was first published, Daphne Merkin wrote in a review for the New York Times that the author perfected an unblinking narrative tone that is frequently very funny, in spite of the fact that much of what she has to impart is painfully sad.

Thirty years ago, when I was writing a memoir of my marriage and my husbands death in 1994 from complications of AIDS, there were not a lot of models I could look to. This is because 30 years ago, there simply were not a lot of memoirs. The early to mid 1990s was the start of the memoir boom, with Tobias Wolff, Mary Karr, Lucy Grealy, Elizabeth Wurtzel and Caroline Knapp among the authors who reinvented the genre, with novelistic treatments of sensitive portions of their autobiographies giving open access to their inner lives. C.S. Lewiss much earlier work, which kicks off the list below, was considered so raw that it was originally published under a pseudonym.

In the years since my own memoir, First Comes Love, joined the boom, a whole subgenre of widow memoirs has grown around it. You can bet I snatched up each one of them and read it with the eagle eye of sibling rivalry. I loved some and was bemused by others, but Ive included all of them in the chronological list below because as a group they mark the limits of what this type of book offers its readers.

Buy this book Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Bookshop A Grief Observed C.S.Lewis. HarperOne, $17.99 ISBN 978-0-06-065238-8 This is a gorgeous, elegiac, and very short real-time chronicle of Lewiss experience of agonizing grief after the death of his wife from cancer. Its a great choice for a recently bereaved person to read for comfort, particularly a person of religious faith, since the role of God in the situation was a major aspect of Lewiss struggle. But even an atheist like me was deeply moved by the clarity and simplicity of his observations. It truly did make me feel less alone.

Buy this book Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Bookshop A Widow's Walk Marian Fontana, Author . Simon & Schuster $24 (422p) ISBN 978-0-7432-4624-8 September 11, 2001 was Marian Fontana and her firefighter husband Daves eighth wedding anniversary, and also their two-year-old sons second day of kindergarten, but Dave never made it home that day, one of 12 in his squad who died at Ground Zero. She got through the months ahead with grit and grace, her sense of humor never completely deserting her. She also channeled the force of her grief into activism, founding the September 11th Families Association. Her strength is inspiring.

Buy this book Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Bookshop The Year of Magical Thinking Joan Didion, Author . Knopf $23.95 (227p) ISBN 978-1-4000-4314-9 This National Book Award-winning memoir is the queen of the genre, and many consider it the best thing Didion ever wrote. The circumstances it documents are terrifyingly harsh. Just before Christmas 2003, Didions only child, Quintana, fell extremely ill and was hospitalized on life support. A few days later, her husband John Gregory Dunne had a massive, fatal heart attack at the dinner table. You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends. One by one, her sentences sear themselves into your brain.

Buy this book Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Bookshop American Widow Alissa Torres, Author, Sungyoon Choi, Illustrator . Villard $22 (209p) ISBN 978-0-345-50069-4 I loved the Marian Fontana book so much that I was a little dubious when this one came out, but the charm of the graphic novel treatment moved me past it. Torres was seven and a half months pregnant when her husband started a new job at Cantor Fitzgerald on September 10, 2001, before losing his life in the attack. Theres a lot of outrage in this book, as Torres faced the moronic bureaucracy of the aid organizations, the media circus, and the fervency of public opinion and judgment. Those lazy, opportunistic 9/11 widows!

Buy this book Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Bookshop A Widow's Story: A Memoir Joyce Carol Oates, Ecco, $25.99 (432p) ISBN 978-0-06-201553-2 This book has its moments, but its about 200 pages too long. At first it is intriguing to read Oatess emails to Gloria Vanderbilt and Edmund White, chilling to watch her agonize overdoses of Ambien and Lunesta, harrowing to share her obsessive thoughts of suicide, and blackly funny to watch her pitch out the baskets from Harry and David. But when you read, on page 324, Somehow it has come to be Aprilnearly two months since Ray died, you will be crestfallen. Surely it has been two years.

Buy this book Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Bookshop The Light of the World: A Memoir Elizabeth Alexander. Grand Central, $26 (200p) ISBN 978-1-4555-9987-5 While many of us widow-memoirists have to navigate the complexities of documenting a relationship with serious ups and downs, poet Elizabeth Alexander and her Eritrean-born husband Ficre Ghebreyesus had a beautiful marriage, a life filled with love and art and food and friends, two sons and a cozy home in New Haven. The curtain dropped with cruel abruptness on this glowing scene when Ficre suffered a heart attack just days before his 50th birthday. This luminous, lyrical elegy was a Pulitzer Prize finalist.

Buy this book Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Bookshop The Iceberg Marion Coutts. Grove/Black Cat, $16 trade paper (288p) ISBN 978-0-8021-2460-9 Like me, Coutts had plenty of warning that widowhood was in her future, and a rough journey to get there. Her husband, British art critic Tom Lubbock, was diagnosed with brain cancer and spent the next three years in slow and then more rapid decline. In the early period, he wrote his own memoir of illness. In the latter days, as Coutts puts it in her unflinching prose, there was destruction: the obliteration of a person, his intellect, his experience and his agency. I am to watch it. That is my part. Tell it, sister.

Buy this book Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Bookshop Molly Blake Butler. Archway, $16.99 trade paper (320p) ISBN 978-1-64823-037-0 Butler begins his story with a gripping account of the day he came home and found a suicide note taped to the door. Soon after, through journals and phone records, Butler learned of his wifes infidelity with many partners, including her college students and a long-term liaison. For some readers, it will be TMI, but God knows these things happen. I myself learned of my late husbands extracurricular activities through a producer on the Oprah Winfrey show and would have included it in the book if it werent too late.

Buy this book Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Bookshop The Widows Guide to Dead Bastards: A Memoir Jessica Waite. Atria, $29.99 (320p) ISBN 978-1-6680-4485-8 This title is hard to resist, but what about that dead bastards son, who was nine at the time of his beloved fathers death? I worried about that the whole time I was reading this book, having faced similar dilemmas in writing about my own late husbands lapses. This woman faced an avalanche of nasty secrets about a husband she had mostly adored, though his undiagnosed bipolar disease had begun to cause trouble in their relationship toward the end of his life, before he died from heart attack at 47. Her appealing voice keeps the reader on board through the big messy reveal and the New Age/paranormal experimentation that follows.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine proposes to the Verkhovna Rada to improve the conditions for concluding a contract for military service.

The relevant draft law No. 14283 on amendments to certain laws on improving the conditions for concluding a contract for military service and providing a deferral from conscription for military service during mobilization was registered in the Verkhovna Rada on December 8, the parliament's website reports.

As noted in the explanatory note, the draft law provides for amendments to the law "On Military Duty and Military Service". The changes propose to provide the opportunity to conclude or renegotiate contracts with increased motivational factors for servicemen who are undergoing military service by conscription during mobilization, for a special period, by conscription from among reservists, as well as for those who are already in military service under a contract. The draft law provides for the possibility of accepting military service under a contract with increased motivational factors for servicemen from other types of service and those subject to military service. In addition, the draft law proposes to establish the terms of contracts during a special period within the range of one to five years, with the possibility of re-signing the next contract for a period of 1 to 10 years. The amendments to the law also provide for the possibility of re-signing contracts with increased motivational factors with graduates of institutions of professional pre-higher and higher military education.

The draft also provides for amendments to the law "On Mobilization Training and Mobilization," which provide citizens of Ukraine who have served in military service under a contract with increased motivational factors and were discharged after the expiration of its term, the right to a deferral from conscription for twelve months from the date of discharge from military service under the contract.

The government proposes to expand the range of entities that verify the grounds for granting conscripts a deferral from conscription during mobilization and its registration. According to the draft law, such a check should be carried out not only by territorial recruitment and social support centers, but also by the Central Directorate and regional bodies of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the relevant unit of the intelligence agencies of Ukraine.
Redomiciliation stalls: How sanctions are shaping new practices for Russian companies

The mechanism for redomiciliating foreign companies to Russian jurisdiction, in effect since 2018, has recently encountered serious obstacles. Taking into account the background of sanctions-related restrictions introduced in 2022 through 2025, it has become extremely difficult to achieve the goal. The situation gave rise to the phenomenon of dual domicile and led to a rise in the number of new litigations, both in Russia and abroad.

Since the onset of sanctions-related pressure, Western regulators have begun blocking transactions involving Russian financial assets. It is effectively impossible to delist companies, registered in the Great Britain or EU jurisdictions, from local registries.

Yet another complication is the refusal to act on the part of auditors, since without an auditor's report, the registration process cannot be completed; however, most foreign audit firms avoid engaging in cooperation due to concerns that they could violate sanctions.

As a result, a "dual domicile" is forming: a company is at the same time listed in both the Russian and foreign registries. This leads to problems relating to taxation, accounting, and the legal status of assets, as the two legal systems interpret differently the status of such a company.

Accelerated redomiciliation as an exceptional mechanism

In order to minimize risks, a simplified, accelerated procedure has been introduced in Russia, implemented by a decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to this procedure, a company can be considered removed from a foreign register under Russian law. This mechanism has already been used, in particular, against such companies as Polyus and PhosAgro.

Nevertheless, the effect of this mechanism is only limited: foreign jurisdictions do not recognize the exception, so the problem of dual domicile is resolved only within the framework of the Russian legislation.

The situation as to redomiciliation has also worsened as precedents of forced redomiciliation emerged in Russia.

In the context of sanctions and restrictions, redomiciliation is increasingly becoming the subject of separate judicial analysis. The key question is whether relocating a company to Russian jurisdiction could violate injunctions in force in foreign cases.

Thus, in 2018, an English court injunction barred Oleg Deripaska from taking any actions that could impede the sale of his stake in EN+ Group. In 2020, his opponents, Navigator Equities and Vladimir Chernukhin, claimed that initiating EN+'s redomiciliation from Jersey to Russia violated the injunction.

The court considered the dispute for three years and in 2023 arrived to the conclusion that redomiciliation did not result in the stripping of assets and did not violate the court order, since it did not change the essence of corporate control, but only transferred the company to another jurisdiction.

A similar situation arose in Cyprus in the framework of the dispute about Togliattiazot. In 2019, Cypriot companies connected to Dmitry Mazepin pledged not to reduce the value of their assets below $ 1.75 billion. In 2021, two of these entitiesUralchem Holding PLC and CI-Chemical Invest Limitedbegan redomiciliation to Russia while remaining registered in Cyprus.

The party of Sergey Makhlai viewed this as a breach of contract and filed a complaint, stating the contempt of court. Nevertheless, the Cypriot court adopted the same position as the English court: redomiciliation itself does not constitute a violation, as the assets remain under the court's control.

Contempt of court as a tool of pressure in corporate conflicts

Contempt of court is traditionally viewed as a serious charge, which carry even the risk of imprisonment and significant legal costs. In the cases of Deripaska v. Chernukhin and Mazepin v. Makhlai, such claims were dismissed, and the plaintiffs were forced to pay legal costs.

However, the practice demonstrates that even despite the high costs, a party to a dispute may resort to claims of contempt of court in hope to exert pressure on the opponent, influence the court as it considers the case on its merits, or initiate a negative media coverage of the opponent.
China doesnt need Americans to trust artificial intelligence. Its government can mandate adoption. The United States cannot. Yet some in Washington now argue that the only way to beat China is to weaken the very protections that allow Americans to trust, and therefore, use AI in the first place.

This past summer, the Senate overwhelmingly rejected an attempt to bar states from regulating AI in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, voting 991 against national preemption without federal standards. Senators recognized exactly what such a move would mean: letting some of the biggest technology companies run wild. Now, Washington is debating whether to revive this idea.

A national AI preemption without federal standards gives us the worst of both worlds. It allows AI companies to escape accountability for the harms that they have caused while actively hurting U.S. AI competitiveness. Weve already seen what this kind of hands-off policy looks like. Section 230 effectively left social media companies unaccountable for the damage their platforms inflicted. Now, some want to repeat this mistake with AI, just as public concern about AI risks is starting to reach new heights.

If America wants to win the AI race, we need to understand what victory actually looks like. It's not just about who develops the technology first, but who gets people to use it. In China, 83% of people view AI products and services as more beneficial than harmful. In the United States, only 39% share that view. This stark contrast should concern anyone who is serious about American technological dominance. The difference is simple: China can compel adoption; America must persuade. This makes public trust a strategic necessity.

The data is clear on what drives AI adoption. Trust is one of the most fundamental prerequisites for people to adopt AI systems. When employees and consumers don't trust AI, they simply don't use it. So, how can Washington help Americans build trust in these systems? According to KPMG research, three in four peoplewould be more willing to trust AI systems if assurance mechanisms such as adequate regulations were in place. A more recent survey shows 72% believe AI regulation is needed, with 81% saying they'd be more willing to trust AI if laws or regulations governed its responsible use.

It's clear, then, that AI preemption will not increase trust in AI and in turn, will not increase adoption of it either. This barrier to AI adoption not only threatens our ability to beat China, but it also threatens Americas economic future. Supporters of preemption argue that companies need freedom from oversight to scale fast enough to beat China. But scale without trust fails to scale at all.

The productivity gains from AI adoption are one of the main reasons AI is such a promising technology. Research shows that generative AI has increased worker productivity by 66% which is the equivalent of 47 years of natural productivity growth in the U.S. AI has also been estimated to increase GDP by 1.5% by 2035 which translates to an additional $438 billion using the current U.S. GDP figures. These figures would only increase with broader adoption of AI. However, the reality is were not there yet. Census data shows that only about 10% of businesses have adopted AI. This means we're capturing only a fraction of AI's economic potential. Every day that trust erodes is a day we fall further behind in realizing these gains, and AI preemption without any federal standards would accelerate that erosion, not reverse it.

There's a reasonable path forward here, but it requires doing things in the proper sequence. If policymakers genuinely believe that a patchwork of AI laws would hinder innovation, then they need to pass federal standards first, and then preempt conflicting state laws. This approach, similar to what the RISE Act does, makes logical and political sense. What makes no sense is preempting state action without comparable federal standards. This is not leadership. Its an abdication of governing responsibility leaving Americans exposed to AI harms.

States are already responding to documented harms, like AI chatbots that encourage self-harm, generate sexual content for minors, and impersonate real people to manipulate emotions. Preempting those laws without federal replacements would leave families dangerously vulnerable.

AI is becoming a salient issue for voters, and most Americans want sensible safeguards for AI systems. A recent poll found that Americans oppose adding AI preemption to the NDAA by a 3-to-1 margin, with 57% opposing and only 19% supporting such a measure. Opposition to AI preemption spans all income levels and every age group, with younger Americans opposing preemption at 61%. When asked what Congress should prioritize, 90% of those surveyed chose protecting kids from AI chatbot harms over advancing and subsidizing the AI industry.

The optics of championing preemption are perilous. Telling voters that beating China requires stripping away state guardrails that affect electricity prices, job security, and child welfare without offering federal alternatives is not a winning message, and it plays directly into concerns that Washington is captured by corporate interests.

This is not a false binary between regulation and innovation. The U.S. can do both. China isn't going to beat us because they have less AI oversight, but they will beat us if no one uses U.S. technology. Preemption without standards would hollow out America's technological future in a misguided attempt to accelerate it.

If we want Americans to adopt AI, unlock massive productivity gains, and truly win the AI race, then we need to give people a reason to trust and use these systems. This means passing common-sense federal standards before considering the preemption of state laws. It's time to stop reviving a losing argument and start building the policy framework that will secure American leadership in AI.

Autumn Dorsey is a Visiting Research Associate in the Center for Technology and the Human Person at The Heritage Foundation.
Simu Liu learns unknown perpetrators have hacked his brain to spy on the intelligence agency he works for in the first trailer for The Copenhagen Test, released Monday by Peacock.

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The streaming service's new spy thriller debuts Dec. 27 and also stars Melissa Barrera, Adina Porter and Brian d'Arcy James

The trailer opens with Marlowe (Porter) and John Moira (James) bringing Alexander Hale (Liu), in for questioning after learning the intelligence organization has been compromised.

"How long have you willingly been committing treason against the United States government?" Marlowe asks a befuddled Hale.

"You're the mole, Alexander," she continues. "Someone's been watching and listening through you. ... You were hacked."

Instead of punishing Hale for being a threat to the organization, the team decides to use his hacked brain to learn who's behind the infiltration and prove his loyalty to the government.

"We can either attempt to remove what's in your brain ...," Moira suggests.

"Or we keep the hack open," Hale responds.

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The eight-episode series also features Sinclair Daniel, Mark O'Brien, Kathleen Chalfant, Sara Amina, Saul Rubinek and Hannah Cruz. Creator Thomas Brandon also serves as showrunner alongside Jennifer Yale, both of whom as executive producing. Other executive producers include Liu and James Wan.
Instagram / Cassie Randolph

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 12/08/2025



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

alum Cassie Randolph and fiance Brighton Reinhardt have tied the knot and gotten married."The wedding I have always dreamed of [heart] romantic, magical, and absolutely perfect," Cassie, 30, captioned photos of the wedding ceremony via Instagram on Sunday, December 7."Here is a little sneak peek! get ready for so many more."Hours later, Cassie posted additional photos of her wedding and wrote, "Husband & wife."Cassie and the musician exchanged traditional and personal wedding vows in an "intimate" wedding at The Point Luxury Villa in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, on Friday, December 5, People reported Cassie and Brighton wed in front of 70 family and friends -- their "favorite people," according to the couple -- and their brothers officiated the ceremony."It feels so rare to get everyone to pause their lives, travel somewhere beautiful, and just be together," Cassie gushed to the magazine of her destination wedding."I couldn't wait to look around and see our closest friends and family all in Costa Rica, celebrating with us and making memories we'll talk about forever."The bride walked down the aisle to Kenny G's "Stranger on the Shore" wearing a Pronovias satin gown with a low back, draped cowl neck, delicate straps, and a long train.Cassie and Brighton chose The Point Luxury Villa as their venue because they had vacationed there before and "completely fell in love with it." A wedding planner apparently helped bring their vision to life.Cassie told People, "Pura Vida means 'pure life' or 'simple life,' and it's more than a phrase -- it's a whole Costa Rican philosophy. It's such a positive and contagious way of approaching life, and it just felt right for our wedding."The wedding featured twinkle lights, white and pastel-colored flowers, and even a coconut cart to embrace the Costa Rican culture.Cassie gushed about how the wedding felt "like us," adding, "Nothing over-the-top, nothing distracting or taking away from the actual moment. We wanted it to feel personal and full of memories we'll cherish forever."Cassie turned into a second look, a strapless mini dress, for the reception, during which beef tenderloin, shrimp cocktail in a coconut, and sea bass was served.The pair also had a small wedding cake "for a fun photo moment" and a full band that "turned things up" for the wedding guests.The newlyweds performed their first dance to "At Last" by Etta James "It's classic and romantic and we both love it," Cassie shared, adding that Brighton also surprised her by performing an original song called "Wherever We Are."Cassie's sister and Landman [Paramount+] actress, Michelle Randolph, also attended the wedding amid her romance with actor Glen Powell . Michelle and Glen reportedly began dating in October.As they begin this new chapter in life, Cassie told People that she's looking forward to having her "best friend" by her side."I can't wait to start a family, create traditions of our own, and grow into the next versions of ourselves together," Cassie said.And Brighton boasted about how his wife "leads with so much kindness and gentleness, but also this unexpected little spark of feistiness."He shared, "She's stubborn in all the right ways, especially about the things and people she cares about. I love how deeply she loves, how loyal she is, and how she makes everyone around her feel seen. Being loved by her is one of the best feelings in the world."Cassie, in turn, called Brighton "incredibly loyal, kind and passionate."Not only are they "so alike in some ways yet completely different in others," she continued, "I love how artistic and bold Brighton is. He inspires me every single day. He's my best friend and my rock, and I already know he's going to be the best father to our kids."Cassie concluded, "I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together."alum and Brighton got engaged in November 2024 at Crystal Cove Cottages in Newport Beach, CA.Cassie said at the time she was caught "off guard" by the marriage proposal and had "no idea" it was coming.Brighton had popped the question with a 5-carat elongated cushion cut engagement ring he had helped to design. Brighton engraved a "C" on the band along with Cassie's birthstone, which is also a diamond.Cassie noted that despite having a bad hair day, it was the most "perfect" and "special" evening.Cassie and Brighton were friends for several years before they officially began dating in Summer 2020.Prior to getting romantically involved with Brighton, Cassie was dating 's Season 23 star Colton Underwood Colton had picked Cassie as his winner on the show's 2019 season, but they broke up in May 2020 after 18 months of dating and had a nasty falling out.Cassie, at that point, took some time out of the public eye to focus on herself and heal from the split Colton, meanwhile, publicly announced that he's gay on Good Morning America in April 2021."I'm very happy that he is, you know, at peace with himself and is not carrying that burden anymore, of course," Cassie said during an October 2024 appearance on "The Ben & Ashley I: Almost Famous" podcast.But Cassie continued, "It was a very just overall hard time for me, so I feel like there was just one thing after another and I was just extremely overwhelmed with everything going on. So, yeah, it was really hard."Cassie -- who said she was "completely caught off-guard" by Colton's announcement -- also expressed how Brighton was "very, very supportive" during challenging times, which included Colton allegedly putting a tracking device on her car For Colton's part, he is now a married man. He wed political strategist Jordan C. Brown in May 2023.Colton previously admitted that he thought being the Bachelor and dating Cassie could make him straight but he was ultimately lying to himself and he feels badly for having hurt so many women on his season.Interested in more news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Palmetto State Armory (PSA) has firmly established itself as one of the great American firearm manufacturers of all time. Not only from the original products it has developed, but also the stunning volume of firearms it has put in the hands of Americans.

With that comes a number of different lines and variations of what is more or less the same thing. Be it AKs or ARs, PSA has a model for everyone. The latest major release from PSA is a middle-of-the-ground tier between its budget Freedom line and its premium SABRE line. This new offering is the Palmetto State Armory Guardsman-15.

SPECS & FEATURES

PSA Guardsman-15 has several nice-to-have upgrades over the Freedom line, improving durability, reliability and comfort. What exactly is better than the Freedom line or not as premium as the SABRE line depends on the exact rifles youre looking at, but generally, you can count on the Guardsman to have at least a few things over the Freedom rifles.

Upgrades on the Guardsman line include:

Chrome-lined, Phosphate barrel, with a tapered profile

Pinned gas block

Mid-Length gas

Free-float handguard

Full-auto profile BCG that has been individually HPT and MP inspected, Sprinco gas rings, OCKS screws, Carpenter 158 steel bolt, and chrome-lined

Ambi-safety

Guardsman flat bow single-stage trigger

Magpul MOE grip

Magpul PR stock

A chrome-lined barrel dramatically increases its corrosion resistance and improves its life over high-round counts. It also helps protect the barrel during rapid fire, something more of us are thinking about with the rise of FRTs and Super Safetys. A tapered profile helps move mass where it is more useful, instead of the awkward Government profile.

Its pinned gas block means even less chance for it to move and leak gas. PSA using a mid-length system results in softer recoil and less wear on parts. Also, the carbine's free-float handguard is great for precision at longer ranges.

The bolt carrier group (BCG) is a major upgrade featuring superior parts, made from better material and individually inspected for exceptional quality control. These features typically add a good chunk of cost to a BCG, so getting this from PSA directly helps a lot in controlling costs.

The ambi safety is decent but not great. I found it small and on fire it sits a few degrees past 90. That just kind of annoys me. I cant tell any difference between the Guardsman trigger and PSAs standard Enhanced Polished Fire Control Group (EPT), other than the former is a flatbow and the latter is curved. The EPT is a great mil-spec trigger, but making the Gaurdsman a flatbow doesnt really add much to the experience.

Magpul furniture is a nice upgrade, and the PR stock is definitely a solid improvement.

Here's the kicker: You get all of this for about $100-150 more than the Freedom line, depending on the exact model you want to compare. In my book, this is a pretty good deal.

Palmetto State Armory $599

ON THE RANGE

Hitting the range for some drills and fun with 55gr Magtech ammo provided by AmmunitionToGo.com is always a good day, and the Guardsman was no exception. Out of the box, the Guardsman got a quick inspection and some extra lube before spent cases went flying.

Start to finish, across a few range sessions, the Guardsman-15 had zero problems. Thats expected these days, since the AR-15 isnt a new platform, and PSA knows how to manufacture them in volume.

The ambi safety is nice to have and a decent improvement over the standard configuration. The mid-length gas is decently tuned for a factory rifle. And there were no signs of trouble in any other area of the gun.

To really see the differences between the Freedom line parts and the Guardsman line parts would take thousands and thousands of rounds to prove. But we know from experience and from loads of other testing that a chrome-lined BCG and individually inspected makes a significant difference in durability, as does a barrel with a chrome lining.

The balance of the Guardsman feels good with the taper barrel profile. This is probably the most noticeable improvement on the rifle, other than the new Magpul PR stock.

Overall, this review isnt very exciting because everything just worked. While not great for reader retention and SEO, it is exactly what you should expect from something like the Guardsman line. It just works. It doesnt have flashy improvements, but the improvements it does have are substantive gains that actually matter in the long run.

LOOSE ROUNDS

What is right for you, the Freedom, Guardsman or SABRE line? If you can afford it, the SABRE line gets my vote hands down. But if you dont want to spend that much on a rifle, you can save almost half your money by getting the Guardsman and still come out with a solid rifle.

The price difference between the Freedom and the Guardsman really isnt much, but the gains in durability and reliability are pretty major. Adding chrome to the barrel and BCG and inspecting every BCG by itself might not sound fancy, but it is important. A rifle built for hard use should have a pinned gas block. A better stock improves durability, comfort and practical accuracy.

If you want a blaster rifle or are absolutely strapped for cash, the Freedom line is a better-than-nothing option. But if you want to bet your life on it, the Guardsman offers a much better value for a relatively small increase in cost.
US President Donald Trump believes that the Russian war against Ukraine could have escalated into World War III, but it was avoided.

"It started, and it could have escalated into World War III. Frankly, I think it probably won't happen now. I think if I wasn't president, we could have World War III," Trump said in an interview with Politico published on Tuesday.

"I think you would have a much bigger problem than you have now. But it's a big problem now. It's a big problem for Europe, and they're not doing a good job of it," the US president added.

When asked about the general consensus in Europe that they want to continue supporting Ukraine until they win the war, Trump said: "Until they fall, yes."

He added that "they (European countries - IF-U) should support it (Ukraine - IF-U)."

According to Trump, he is friends with all the leaders of the countries of Europe and he likes them all, but among them there are both good and bad leaders, both smart and not.

"But they are doing a bad job, Europe is doing a bad job in many aspects. They talk too much, but they do nothing. We talk about Ukraine. They talk, but they do nothing. And the war just goes on and on, it has been going on for four years," the US president said.

Trump believes that Europe is "collapsing" and "falling into decline," mentioning, in particular, the issue of immigration, but praising Hungary and Poland for the fact that they "do not let anyone into their countries."
'India, being and remaining a sovereign nation, carries out foreign trade operations and purchases energy resources where it is beneficial for itself,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in the context of last Friday's summit between Putin and Modi in New Delhi.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Sergei Karpukhin/Reuters

Two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his visit to India, during which he assured that Moscow would remain a reliable energy supplier, the Kremlin on Monday said that India, as a sovereign nation, is free to buy oil from sources it deems beneficial. It expressed confidence that New Delhi will continue to prioritise its economic interests.

Putin's assurances to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, along with the Kremlin's comments on Monday, come amid expectations in both New Delhi and Moscow that a peace deal over Ukraine could be imminent. Such a development could pave the way for the White House to revoke the 25 per cent tariff it has imposed on India for its purchase of Russian oil.

"India, being and remaining a sovereign nation, carries out foreign trade operations and purchases energy resources where it is beneficial for itself," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in the context of last Friday's summit between Putin and Modi in New Delhi.

"As far as we understand, our Indian partners will continue this line to safeguard their economic interests," Peskov added when asked whether New Delhi will continue buying fuel from Moscow.

India has scaled down its share of Russian crude in its imports in recent weeks. In New Delhi, at his weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked whether India would reduce its purchases of Russian crude.

"Our energy sourcing depends on global market dynamics as well as the imperative to provide energy at affordable rates to our 1.4 billion people," Jaiswal said. "As for oil purchases by private companies, that is for them to decide based on commercial considerations, which, in turn, depend on global market dynamics," he added.

The Kremlin's economic aide Maxim Oreshkin told Russia's national broadcaster Channel 1 that Moscow "has long experience in evading sanctions, and if India is willing, we will find ways to supply crude".

During Putin's visit, India and Russia announced a road map for economic partnership to achieve $100 billion in bilateral trade over the next five years, addressing trade imbalances through reduced non-tariff barriers and other measures to facilitate Indian exports. Both countries are hopeful of resuming oil trade soon, with the Trump administration reportedly pushing for a peace deal.

In a related development, US President Donald Trump on Sunday said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "isn't ready" to sign off on a US-authored peace proposal aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

Trump was critical of Zelenskyy after US and Ukrainian negotiators completed three days of talks on Saturday to narrow differences over the proposal.

"I'm a little disappointed that President Zelenskyy hasn't yet read the proposal, as of a few hours ago. His people love it, but he hasn't," Trump told reporters Sunday night. "Russia, I believe, is fine with it, but I'm not sure Zelenskyy is. His people love it, but he isn't ready."

In Beijing, China on Monday reacted positively to Putin's visit to India, framing the three countries as key players in the Global South. China said sound trilateral ties are conducive to both regional and global peace and stability, alongside the national interests of the countries involved.

"China, Russia, and India are emerging economies and important members of the Global South," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing. Guo added that maintaining sound relations among the three countries line up with their national interests and contribute to regional and global peace, security, stability, and prosperity.

Ahead of his visit, Putin had said, "India and China are our closest friends -- we treasure that relationship deeply." He expressed confidence that the leaderships of India and China are committed to resolving their issues and stressed that Russia has "no right" to interfere in their bilateral affairs.
Belgium's supreme court -- the Court of Cassation -- on Tuesday rejected the appeal of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi challenging the extradition request of India in connection with the Rs 13000-crore alleged bank fraud in Punjab National Bank, authorities in that country said.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Choksi, who escaped to Antigua and Barbuda in January 2018, days before the scam was detected, was spotted in Belgium, where he had purportedly sought treatment. India had sent an extradition request to Belgium on August 27, 2024, based on arrest warrants issued by a special court in Mumbai.

Responding to PTI, Spokesperson for Court of Cassation, Advocaat-generaal Henri Vanderlinden, said, "The Court of Cassation rejected the appeal. So, the decision of the Court of Appeal stands."

The process of his extradition will begin now, officials said.

The Antwerp Court of Appeal had upheld India's request for Choksi's extradition while terming it "enforceable".

A four-member indictment chamber at the Court of Appeals in Antwerp did not find any infirmity in the orders issued by the pre-trial chamber of the district court on November 29, 2024, terming the arrest warrants issued by the Mumbai special court in May 2018 and June 2021 as "enforceable", allowing Choksi's extradition.

The Court of Appeals had ruled that Choksi, the main accused in a Rs-13,000 crore PNB scam, faces "no risk" of being denied a fair trial or subjected to ill-treatment if he is extradited to India.

The Court of Cassation only checks the decision of the court of appeal "on legal aspects" such as whether the court of appeal correctly applied the legal dispositions, and whether they follow the right procedure, Vanderlinden had said in response to PTI questions last month.

"So, new facts or evidence cannot be placed," he had said.

"The proceedings are, in essence, a written one.

"As a rule, all cases are heard. If the court refuses to admit the appeal, it will be on legal grounds, for example, the person who filed the complaint did not have the legal competence to do so," Vanderlinden had explained.

Of the total scam amount, Choksi alone has siphoned off Rs 6,400 crore, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged in its chargesheet.

The public prosecutor at the Court of First Instance in Antwerp, Division Turnhout, initiated an action on November 25, 2024, seeking the enforcement of arrest warrants issued by the Mumbai court.

The pre-trial chamber of the Antwerp District Court, Turnhout Division, in its order dated November 29, 2024, held that the arrest warrants against Choksi issued by the Mumbai court were enforceable, except for the order related to "causing the disappearance of evidence of the crime".

When Choksi appealed against this verdict in the Antwerp Court of Appeals, it rejected his claims that he personally faces a real, present and serious risk of being subjected to flagrant denial of justice, torture or inhuman and degrading treatment in India.

India has given a number of assurances to Belgium about Choksi's safety, the charges that he would face during trial in India, prison arrangements, human rights and medical needs.

The Court of Appeals had ruled that 66-year-old Choksi faces "no risk" of being denied a fair trial or subjected to ill-treatment if he is extradited to India.

Dismissing the appeal filed by Choksi against the district court, the Court of Appeals held that the businessman failed to provide "concretely plausible" evidence of a "genuine risk" of torture or denial of justice.

It held that the documents Choksi submitted do not substantiate his claims that he is the subject of a political trial.

The order was a strong validation of India's case seeking his extradition.
Investment proposals for around Rs 1.88 trillion through 35 major agreements, spread across deep tech, green energy, and aerospace, were the hallmark moment of the first day of the two-day Telangana Rising Global Summit, which started on Monday.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

These include a commitment of Rs 75,000 crore from the Brookfield/Axis Ventures consortium to develop Bharat Future City, a net-zero urban ecosystem for global research & development, deep technology, and high-value services.

The Vin group formalised its Rs 27,000 crore pledge to integrated projects, covering next-generation renewable-energy generation, advanced electric-vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and smart urban planning.

The SIDBI Startup Fund of Funds confirmed a Rs 1,000 crore injection of critical seed capital for local ventures.

In renewables and mobility, the single-largest energy deal came from Evren /Axis Energy with a commitment of Rs 31,500 crore.

The MEIL group committed Rs 8,000 crore to a diversified portfolio including solar-power plants, vital pumped storage systems for grid stability, and advanced EV projects.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said on Monday the states target was to contribute 10 per cent to Indias gross domestic product (GDP) by 2047, up from 5 per cent now.

The state is expected to sign deals worth over Rs 3 trillion in the summit, which started on Monday.

Karan Adani, managing director, Adani Ports & SEZ, said his group would invest around Rs 2,500 crore in the state to set up a 48-megawatt green data centre based on artificial intelligence.

We want to become a $1 trillion economy by 2034, and a $3 trillion economy by 2047.

"We comprise around 2.9 per cent of Indias population but contribute around 5 per cent to the countrys gross domestic product (GDP).

"By 2047, I want to contribute 10 per cent of Indias GDP, said Reddy while addressing the summit.

The state governments target of becoming a $3 trillion economy focuses on three pillars  human capital, productivity, and investment.

Our strategy is to make Telangana Indias first and only state to be divided into three clear zones for services, manufacturing, and agriculture.

"We call it the Cure, Pure and Rare model: Core Urban Region Economy (Cure), Peri Urban Region Economy (Pure), Rural Agriculture Region Economy (Rare), he said.

Guangdongs economy is the largest for any province in China. In more than 20 years, they (the province) have achieved the highest investment and growth in the world.

"We want to replicate the same model in Telangana, Reddy added.

After 10 years, we are now trying to become Indias most developed state, and one of the best in the world.

"We asked experts to tell us what we can achieve by 2047.

"This is how the dream of Telangana Rising 2047 was born, he said.

Earlier, Adani said his group had invested around Rs 10,000 crore in the city over the past three years in building state infrastructure and manufacturing facilities, and had contributed to creating more than 7,000 jobs.

The summit is an opportunity for Telangana to express its growth journey, marking a moment where future partnerships can take shape.

The state government is throwing open the Telangana Rising vision for the next 22 years, branding it with the caption: Come, Join the Rise.

According to officials, the event was seen as an opportunity to showcase Bharat Future City to the outside world.
The announcement comes a day after the state government proposed renaming a prominent stretch of road, running alongside the US consulate general, in Hyderabad as Donald Trump Avenue.

IMAGE: Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, left, Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy and Eric Swider, director, Trump Media & Technology Group, at the Telangana Rising summit at Bharat Future City near Hyderabad. Photograph: Kind courtesy telanganacmo/Instagram

The Trump group, the business empire helmed by American President Donald Trump's family, is set to invest around Rs 1 trillion in Telangana over the next decade, a senior executive announced on Monday.

If realised, it would rank among the family's largest ventures outside the United States.

The announcement comes a day after the state government proposed renaming a prominent stretch of road, running alongside the US consulate general, in Hyderabad as Donald Trump Avenue.

The investment is slated to cover a range of real estate and infrastructure projects across Telangana, with a significant share to be directed towards Bharat Future City, a mega urban centre planned near Meerkhanpet.

Conceived by the Revanth Reddy government, the project spans 765 sq km and incorporates 56 villages between the Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar highways.

The project, located roughly two hours from Hyderabad, will be overseen by the Future City Development Authority (FCDA).

Eric Swider, director at the Trump Media & Technology Group, made the announcement at the Telangana Rising summit at Bharat Future City.

"I would like the honourable chief minister to know that over the next 10 years, it is my intention to deploy through our organisations up to Rs 1 trillion into the future city and into the areas of development here,' Swider said.

"India will continue to be on the rise and will lead the world in technology," Swider said.

"I think it is important that we find ways to work together and invest together. We have seen technologies here that I am very excited to invest in," he added.

The Trump brand is already a familiar presence in India through its Trump Towers developments, a series of luxury real estate projects built on a brand-licensing model rather than direct capital infusion.

There are currently four such properties in Mumbai, Pune, Gurugram and Kolkata.

"Capital will flow like water to the easiest place it can find a flow to," Swider said.

"When you are looking to make other investments, the chief minister made it absolutely clear that our capital will be welcomed here. This is a place on the rise."

Reflecting on India's rapid transformation in the global technology industry, Swider said: "If you go back 20 years, India from the technology space was about call centres.

"Now, you start looking at who is working in technology companies around the world, you understand that the talent is coming from India.

"Now, forward to today, you would be blind not to see that the technology capitals around the world are coming from India. India is on the rise."

Among the projects expected to take shape within Bharat Future City is a proposed 'world-class film city' backed by Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn.

Reports have also suggested the Reliance Foundation's conservation initiative, Vantara, is considering an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in the vicinity.

Several hotel projects, together worth an estimated Rs 3,000 crore, are also understood to be planned for the emerging urban hub.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/oleksandr.merezhko.2025/

In the negotiations on achieving peace, it is necessary to return to the proposal for an unconditional ceasefire along the front line, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation Oleksandr Merezhko (Servant of the People) has said.

"In essence, nothing has changed. The Kremlin dictator has not abandoned his ultimatum demands and has no intention of seriously and in good faith conducting negotiations. In general, it is very naive to count on the fact that even if any agreement is reached, Putin will adhere to it. There is only one more or less realistic option - to return to the proposal of US President Donald Trump for an unconditional ceasefire along the front line. And only after that to start negotiations," Merezhko told the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Tuesday, commenting on the progress of the negotiations.

According to the MP, the negotiations must be held under strong sanctions pressure on Russia and its allies, which fuel the Russian military machine.

"Negotiations alone can bring peace closer, but pressure on Putin and the provision of adequate military assistance to Ukraine.

In addition, security guarantees for Ukraine are important in the event of a ceasefire. Today, the only reliable security guarantee for Ukraine is its membership in NATO," the MP emphasized.
The Deepa Thoon controversy, if not allowed to die a natural death, could take the election focus away from the anti-incumbency impacting the DMK and into the secular space.

Stalin would love to have it that way, all over again, after the three past elections, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

IMAGE: Members of the Hindu Munnani stage a protest demanding the Karthigai Deepam be lit atop the Thirupparakunram hill in Madurai, December 7, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

By not following the Madras high court directive to allow a private petitioner to light a lamp atop a stone pillar on the Thirupparakundram hills in Madurai district, did the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-ruled government in Tamil Nadu actually thwart possible attempts to politicise what essentially was a religious issue, if at all -- and which blew up into a full-fledged communal incident the likes of which Tamil Nadu has not seen?

Or, did officials of Chief Minister M K Stalin's government commit contempt of court?

If allowed, it is now argued, the situation could have led to the possibility of Hindu protestors damaging a Muslim dargah that was on their way to what the protestors called a Deepa Thoon, or sacred pillar for lighting the traditional lamp.

It is also claimed that the only pathway to the pillar passes through the dargah property, and encroaching upon it, to reach the Deepa Thoon, without adequate permission, even under a valid court order, was not on.

Together, they conjure up a repeat of the Ayodhya demolition of December 6, 1992. The Karthigai Deepam controversy has the potential to polarise the Tamil community, that too ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections in the first half of next year.

Slowly but surely, the controversy has transcended the question of lighting a lamp, an auspicious event in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December) that is also unique to Tamil Nadu.

Hence, critics of the demand for lighting the lamp at the Deepa Thoon also argue that like the annual Jallikattu bullfight, it is a Tamil festival and not just a Hindu festival.

They may have a broad point as they cite instances across the state wherein Hindus and Muslims especially have been participating in each other's social and local community functions and have a traditional role to play in many of them.

Despite the polarising political space over the past years, these social customs have prevailed. Communal instances have been fewer and far between in the state.

Critics of the Deepa Thoon demand claim that it is a reflection on the social harmony that continues to prevail in the state.

They attribute this communal harmony also to the way Islam entered Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

It was not through the sword and battles, but through trade -- that too, with the patronage of local rulers, starting with the legendary Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas and Pallavas. And it began happening almost after the religion was born in the seventh century, as Arab traders took to the new religion and carried it aboard their trading vessels.

But these critics have no convincing response to the why of targeted killing of Hindutva activists by militant Islamic groups over the past decades.

It peaked with the Coimbatore serial blasts on February 14, 1998, from which then Union home minister L K Advani, escaped, as if by divine blessing.

Today, the Deepa Thoon controversy is caught in procedural matters involving the higher judiciary and higher politics.

It goes beyond the belief-based overnight eruption of religious enthusiasm. Instead, it is seen as an opportunity for kickstarting a controversy, where none otherwise may have existed.

IMAGE: The Deepa Thoon. Photograph: Kind courtesy Booradleyp1/Wikimedia Commons

They number a legion, yes, but Hindu believers in the state have all along kept their religious and socio-political behaviour far apart.

It has miffed the Hindutva strategists, be it in distant Delhi, or in the confines of their organisational offices in the state, as to how the all-believing Hindus in Tamil Nadu could offer prayers to their gods in their local temples in the morning hours, and then go straight to the polling booths and vote for the 'anti-god, anti-Hindu' DMK.

This owes to the fact that the early Hindutva groups in Dravidian Tamil Nadu had over-simplified their premise and hence conclusion, on the way to reach the heart of the local population.

They thought big, they thought as the larger Hindu groups.

But in rural Tamil Nadu all along, the family deity and community deity have taken precedence over more identifiable Hindu gods.

It remains so to date. This no-nonsense, innocent people do not connect to religious politics, and will be happy if they are left alone and peacefully.

They are Hindus because the Census and the Constitution say so. And disputes like the Deepa Thoon controversy has the hidden possibility of things going out of control, in the larger Hindu scheme of things, as against the pro-activism of the Hindutva brigade.

But over the decades, none of them has said that they are not Hindus. Yet, you peel the skin, immediately their customised caste identities erupt.

Some social scientists attribute the suppression of their real identity as the cause for continuing caste violence and honour killings in Tamil Nadu.

It is thus that the early Hindutva groups got it wrong when they used up the Mandaikad riots (1982) in Kanyakumari district and the Meenakshipuram conversions (1981) in neighbouring Tirunelveli district as their launch pads for 'disruptive politics'.

That was after the Vivekananda Rock mid-sea controversy with the local Christian community, again in Kanyakumari district, in the 1960s.

Today, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a huge tourist attraction, yet none of these issues, along with the later-day importation of the annual Ganesh Chathurthi festival, connected with the local masses.

That way, this one is Season Three of Thirupparakundram controversy. Only months ago, the Hindutva forces in the state had kickstarted a dispute over the existence of a dargah alongside a Hindu temple.

When it was pointed out that temples, mosques and churches have been co-existing in the same locality/street for generations and centuries, the issue simply fizzled out.

Later came a further controversy over animal sacrifice in the dargah near one of Hinduism's holy places in the state, whose numbers are countless.

The political identity stood out when Union Home Minister Amit A Shah attended a conference on the issue in Madurai.

The Deepa Thoon issue is the third in a row -- and in quick succession.

Interestingly, the Hindutva groups had begun realising the need to redirect their energies away from 'north Indian' temples and gods, if they have to succeed on a political plank deriving from a religious controversy.

Unacknowledged, it also owed possibly to the secularisation of the state BJP leadership, if only over the past couple of decades.

It was thus that present-day Union Minister of State L Murugan as the state BJP president at the height of the Covid lockdown, undertook a Vel Yatra to the six famed abodes of Lord Murugan, including Thirupparakundram, at times defying a police ban, to condemn cheap criticism of the famed Tamil hymn, Kanda Sashti Kavasam, by an unknown peripheral anti-god group.

Other than giving free publicity to the group, whose musical performance had died a natural death without anyone noticing when launched on YouTube months earlier, the Vel Yatra achieved precious nothing. The succeeding 2021 assembly election was evidence thereof.

Before the Vel Yatra, Murugan and the state BJP had tried their luck with the Aandal controversy involving Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu, who then used to identify with the DMK.

It related to Vairamuthu sort of questioning Sri Aandal's birth, citing a western scholar, at a function organised by the famed Vaishnavite temple in Srirangam, where the only Vaishnavite woman poet-saint among the 12 Alvars, belonged.

The protest, while being loud in the media, did not shake the earth. Evening participants, both aged men and middle-aged women, in the daily protests across the state, came mostly from the Vaishnavite-Brahmin community while the non-Brahmin Vaishnavites, numerous in number, looked the other way.

The protests died a sudden death after an anti-Hindutva group threatened a counter-protest, for the other side belittling Aandal's birth, only because she was supposedly born to a Dalit woman, with another Alvar, Periyalvar, a Brahmin, becoming her foster father.

IMAGE: Devotees gather at the Arulmigu Subramanya Swami temple in Thirupparakundram, Tamil Nadu, for darshan ahead of the total lunar eclipse. Photograph: ANI/X

The situation is different today. The Hindutva organisations, starting with the ruling BJP at the Centre, are well-entrenched in most parts of the state, especially in the south and the west. The BJP may have only small units in parts of the state, yet they are there, and the party's flag flutters everywhere.

Though fronted by Rama Ramagopalan, the Deepa Thoon controversy derives its strength and purpose from the BJP's politico-electoral strategy.

Whether it would stir the 'Hindu conscience' more than already, or would consolidate 'peace-loving 'secular voters' (as different from political parties) will remain a moot question.

What still remained in the socio-political sphere on the Thirupparakundram sphere attracted national limelight after Justice G R Swaminathan at the Madurai bench of the Madras high court passed an order for the petitioner to lit a lamp atop the Deepa Thoon at the evening hour, when the very same customary rituals would be performed in the Murugan temple at the foothills and the Uchchi Pillayar temple for Lord Ganesha atop.

Incidentally, the Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated with the lighting of traditional lamps, some of them huge, only in the temples of Lord Shiva, Lord Murugan and Lord Ganesha, the latter two being the progeny of the former.

The most famous of them is in the Lord Arunachaleswar temple for Lord Shiva in northern Tiruvannamalai, where all lakhs of devotees gather on the auspicious day.

A pro-active judge known for his sharp verdicts against the state government in particular, Justice Swaminathan cited his personal inspection of the place, and ruled that he too believed that the Deepa Thoon used to be functional, and should be put to the purpose for which it was supposedly erected in the first place.

A judge's calendar is generally full, and Justice Swaminathan still understood the urgency of the matter. He posted the case and heard it five times in a single month, November, before passing his order.

IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. Photograph: ANI Photo

In the course of it all, he also hauled up the Madurai district collector and the police commissioner, for contempt of court, for not carrying out the court's order.

The Thirupparakundram temple and all Hindu edifices on site come under the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR& CE) edpartment, and hence the state government became a party to the issue.

Backed by the temple priests' association, the government argued that it is they who had the last word in the matter.

It was submitted that even if it had to be done atop the Deepa Thoon, the traditional right to light the holy lamp, both at the foothills and the Uchchipillayar temple, belonged to the temple priests.

What's more, the petitioner had not argued that the Deepa Thoon did not stand on government-owned property, and hence a private citizen had no right in the matter.

However, a counter-argument, citing a purported publication of the state archaeological department in 1981, submitted that there were Naicker dynasty (1529-1815) inscriptions on the Deepa Thoon, to prove their claim that it was always a place to light lamps.

However, there does not seem to have any credence to the argument that the privy council in London had ruled on the subject over a century ago.

It was a tripartite issue when the British district collector claimed that the Madras Presidency government owned the land on which the temple and the dargah atop stood.

The privy council ruled out any ownership of the government. It upheld the temple board's (devasthanam) ownership of the temple and the hill and that of the local committee, over the dargah.

The temple came under the government after the Justice Party administration in the mid-1920s created the Hindu Religious Endowments Department, rechristened as Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, in the 1950s, post-Independence.

But there was not even a mention of the Deepa Thoon in the privy council ruling.

The question thus arises if a judicial officer, even if a high court judge, was qualified enough to adjudicate on a matter that is in the realm of archaeological expertise.

Citing the Supreme Court's handling of the Ayodhya case, the other side thus argues that the high court too should have relied on veterans from the state archaeological department to get at the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

There is a further question of the desirability, if not legality, of Justice Swaminathan ordering 50 CISF personnel to accompany the petitioner and his team, whose names were seemingly left to his choice.

The question is raised as to who was responsible for law and order -- whether the CISF or the state police -- if the compliance of the court order had led to mob violence in a place of worship.

Though delayed, the district collector promulgated Section 144 ban against crowding in the area, which also becomes a part of the contempt proceedings.

For all that matters, after losing the case before Justice Swaminathan, the HR&CE department moved an appeal before a division bench, which again upheld the single judge's order.

The state authorities are also faced with suo motu contempt proceedings, initiated by Justice Swaminathan, for not carrying out the court's order, as the temple authorities stuck to tradition, and did not light a lamp atop the Deepa Thoon.

Justice Swaminathan ordered the contempt proceedings a few hours before the lighting of the lamp was scheduled to take place.

It was then left to the government lawyers to point out that the so-called cause for contempt had not occurred.

They waited until after the 6 pm marker for the lamp to be lit when Justice Swaminathan initiated the contempt proceedings.

As it turned out, a day after the court controversy, Justice Swaminathan, appearing at a public function, remarked, as if in jest, that the lamp could not be lit (at the Deepa Thoon) earlier, but he could do so to mark the inauguration of the year's music season in one of Chennai's famed sabhas, as the chief guest.

IMAGE: The Madurai bench of the Madras high court. Photograph: ANI Photo

The state government has since moved the Supreme Court, appealing against the division bench of the high court upholding the single judge's order.

If this made national headlines, it was accompanied by the DMK and alliance MPs taking up the matter in both Houses of Parliament.

The government, especially through Minister of State L Murugan from Tamil Nadu, responded -- but the debate, if it was one, led to nowhere, as was only to be expected under the circumstances.

On the ground, all sides are making a political cause and effect analysis, before they could move forward -- or, backward.

Even while accusing the ruling DMK of politicising the matter to retain its minority vote-bank, state BJP leader Nainar Nagendran and the ever-controversial H Raja courted arrest after trying to break the police cordon in the foothills.

That was even before the petitioner, Rama Ramagopalan, not a BJP man but leading a Sangh affiliate, had reached the site from the high court. That is a story by itself.

On the domestic front, the battle lines are drawn. The BJP and also its AIADMK ally have hailed the court order while the DMK and its secular allies are finding many ways to question it.

Eyebrows were once again raised in and on AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami backing the Hindutva brigade on this issue, after having split with the BJP ahead of last year's Lok Sabha polls, precisely for such posturing by the ruling party at the Centre through the past ten-plus years.

The AIADMK lost its traditional share of secular votes one more time, after the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 assembly elections.

Caught in his traditional silence is the TVK's actor-politician founder Vijay, who is yet to give his response one way or the other.

This is after his long ago declaring that the BJP was his 'ideological enemy' but was focussing all criticism only on the 'political enemy', namely, the DMK.

Truth be told, Vijay's silence along with periodic rumours of the Congress ally either pressuring or wanting to part company with the DMK leader, to join hands with the TVK, may have (only) strengthened the ruling party's minority vote-bank, better than they might have feared, especially after the arrival of Joseph Vijay, a Christian with his new-brand politics and new promises against political corruption, et al.

That by itself is saying a lot, as the Deepa Thoon controversy, if not allowed to die a natural death, could take the election focus away from the anti-incumbency impacting the ruling party, and back to the 'secular space'.

Stalin would love to have it that way, all over again, after the three past elections.

Of course, Stalin has also moderated his position further on controversial issues -- even while being firm on ideology -- by asking the voters if they wanted development and peace, or want to lose both, if the Hindutva forces are allowed to have their way.

In the midst of all this, a whisper campaign has revived over the district administration and the police force's alleged failure to keep the chief minister updated as much and as early as should have been.

Names are being mentioned and memories are being drawn about their past failures.

All of it has led to the old controversy that Stalin is being run by a few officers he trusts, and that they are misleading him, if only to cover their tracks -- and that of their favourites, many of whom they had placed in key positions across the state.

The idea is to paint Stalin as an 'inefficient' chief minister unlike predecessors Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi. The AIADMK's EPS used to regale over it in his election rallies that he had launched a year earlier, but had moved away from it, in between.

N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
'IndiGo is fooling the country and the government has succumbed to it.'

IMAGE: Luggage piled up at Terminal 1, Indira Gandhi international airport, New Delhi, following mass IndiGo flight cancellations, December 7, 2025. Photograph: Naveen Sharma/ANI Photo

Chaos at airports, serpentine queues, and thousands of passengers stranded for days -- India's largest airline IndiGo is in the middle of its worst operational meltdown.

Flights have been delayed, cancelled, or abruptly rescheduled, throwing holiday plans, business trips and medical travel into disarray.

What has shocked the country even more is this: IndiGo, the airline that reported a record profit of over 8,000 crore (Rs 80 billion) in March 2024, is now struggling to keep its network functioning.

With aircraft parked on the tarmac, crew stuck in the wrong bases, and a planning system that appears to have collapsed from within, one question is echoing across the aviation sector: How did a profit-making market leader with 67 percent domestic share land in such a fiasco? What exactly went wrong?

For passengers, the experience has been nothing short of a nightmare -- hours spent waiting for updates that never come, last-minute cancellations, and refunds that remain uncertain given the scale of the disruption.

The chaos is so widespread that days later, operations are yet to stabilise, raising concerns about whether the airline underestimated the crisis or simply failed to plan for it.

To understand more about the IndiGo crisis, Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff spoke to Captain C S Randhawa, president, Federation of Indian Pilots, on what went wrong with India's numero uno airline.

Why do you think IndiGo is unable to sort out the mess yet?

From day one I have been telling the government and everyone in the media that IndiGo started this bogey that because of weather condition, Air Traffic Control (ATC) congestion, Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) and CR (crew rostering), their operations are affected. I have been negating them point by point.

There is no bad weather condition for IndiGo flights not to fly in any part of the country as winter has not set in yet.

ATC congestion is also not true because it is not there.

As far as FDTL and CR is concerned, IndiGo is trying to circumvent these by getting some exemptions.

Fourth point is that they are saying there is a shortage of captains, but then, shortage of 65 captains cannot tantamount to cancellation of 5,000 flights.

Now see the fun, the aircraft are parked on the ground, the crew is available but the flights are not operating.

So what was the problem?

There was a software issue in IndiGo which the CEO had admitted in a press statement.

The software of network planning and integration for optimisation of the crew resources into the planning system was undergoing a change and it was pre-planned.

So, why has the government given a waiver to IndiGo and compromised flight safety when other airlines are adhering to norms?

IndiGo has got the manpower and by giving a waiver to IndiGo, the government has set a wrong precedent.

IndiGo is blackmailing the government because they hold 67 percent share of domestic air traffic.

IMAGE: Stranded passengers and IndiGo Airline staff at the Indira Gandhi international airport in New Delhi, December 8, 2025. Photograph: Naveen Sharma/ANI Photo

So is pilot shortage the real problem with IndiGo or did a software issue lead to the chaos?

Some 65 captains and 80-odd first officers were short. But then this figure will tantamount to a delay of, say, 15 to 20-odd flights.

And here, in this scenario, IndiGo increased the winter schedule by 150 flights per day.

When the aircraft utilisation has to increase, they have got a different basis for pilots where they have to integrate the crew rostering system into the network planning and that was pre-planned, that they will do during these days.

IndiGo was aware, so where is the question of giving a waiver of CR to the airline?

This is what is bad from IndiGo, that they do not want to take inputs from experts in the aviation industry like us. They want to jump to conclusions and take the help of DGCA which is jumping to help the airlines.

Now they have formed a high level committee to investigate the matter, when this nationwide chaos is happening in front of our eyes.

The high level committee should have comprised some senior judge of the high court or Supreme Court of India or a very senior bureaucrat. Not a DGCA person whom you call as high level when one of them in this high level committee has given 150 extra flying slots to IndiGo airlines without checking crew availability. This is the truth.

Passengers are still suffering.

The aircraft are still on the ground. They have crew available but IndiGo's rostering is unable to pick up. Some crew is sitting in Pune and he is supposed to operate a flight from Kolkata. Now, IndiGo is telling that crew go and operate the flight from Kolkata without knowing that the crew is based in Pune.

Just see the mess IndiGo has created.

How could IndiGo have not known about the mess?

They knew when they were carrying out integration and software update. They knew very well when they are going to run it and this is what their CEO said.

IndiGo says it will normalise operations by February. Do you think that is achievable?

We are talking about 5,000 flights. Now are we considering that all those passengers on the 5,000 flights will take refunds? There will be a lot of passengers who will do re-booking.

Now if you take 200 passengers per flight and multiply it by 5,000, it is 10 lakh (1 million) passengers. Till yesterday 10 lakh IndiGo passengers were affected. Suppose 20 percent of these 10 lakh passengers are re-booking, that means 200,000 passengers.

I don't think they will be able to adjust till February 2026. I am considering that one-fifth of passengers will re-book tickets.

IMAGE: Passengers look at the information display board as many IndiGo flights stand cancelled at the Indira Gandhi international airport, December 8, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Had the Delhi high court not passed the order on pilots flying time last year, would this crisis have happened?

The Delhi high court intervened because IndiGo was not allowing DGCA to implement the CR which is a scientific requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

We have been fighting for the last six years to give relief to the pilots. Ultimately, we requested the high court to intervene and we are grateful to the honourable high court that they gave a deadline and got the implementation done after taking consultations from all the airlines. After which it was done in two phases.

What were these two phases?

In phase one, 15 clauses were changed on July 1, 2025, after which not a single cancellation of flights was reported by IndiGo. There was no delay in flights too.

The second phase, in which seven clauses were implemented on November 1, and in spite of that there was not much cancellation.

(The problem arose when) they asked for 150 extra flights a day and on that basis there was cancellation.

So IndiGo is fooling the country and the government has succumbed to it.

And what action has been taken against IndiGo by the Government of India? Only a show cause notice.

I pity the passengers of IndiGo who have gone through this horrific ordeal with no government support.

How come other airlines did not report any cancellation?

Because you've got to understand that more than two years were given to all airlines to sort out their problems. So shouldn't IndiGo be penalised?

IndiGo has become too big. IndiGo needs to break up into three or four airlines and the government must do it.

Like in the USA where they don't allow a monopoly?

Yes, and the government has to break the monopoly of IndiGo.

Air India too needs to be broken up into two companies.

You've got to stop this monopoly. If you don't do it now the citizens of India will pay a very heavy penalty for it.

in future these airlines will take passengers for granted every day.

Last April it was Air India because they got new software system and this year it is IndiGo.

What is the long term reform needed for the airline industry?

I had suggested to the minister (of civil aviation) that they have to break this duopoly of airlines.

You've got to make certification friendly. You've got to give taxation rebates. Industry has to feel comfortable. You've got to see aviation fuel prices are reduced and government subsidies need to be given.

The government needs to encourage the aviation sector and only then will you get more airlines.

But right now as we say in Hindi, passengers majboori mein aagaye hain.

Abhi toh kuch nahi ho sakta. At present the only answer is that as it stabilises we are telling the government to withdraw the permission given to IndiGo to fly additional 150 flights a day.

It is not a joke. Why have they not withdrawn it if there is a pilot shortage? A simple statistic says by not recruiting those many pilots IndiGo has saved around Rs 1,200 crores in a year.

You've got to see the bigger game. An airline that is making a profit of Rs 8,172 crore (as of March 2024) is doing all these things.

IndiGo needs to be criminally prosecuted.
One person was arrested on Tuesday on the charge of beheading a tribal woman, following which a group clash erupted, leading to damage of around 200 houses in a village in Odisha's Malkangiri district, officials said.

IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

The Odisha government on Tuesday extended internet service suspension across Malkangiri district till 12 PM of December 10 as tension prevailed in Korkunda police station area. The clash that took place on Sunday afternoon between residents of two villages following the recovery of a headless body of a tribal woman on December 4.

The prohibitory orders clamped in the two villages continued to remain in force, officials said.

Meanwhile, the torso of the deceased, a 51-year-old widow Laka Podiami, was buried by the family members after the post-mortem examination was conducted, they said, adding that the head is yet to be found.

However, as per tradition of Koya tribals, an artificial head made of clay was fitted on the body before it was laid to rest.

Even an earring was craved on the clay as the deceased woman was wearing it during her death, said Mukunda Padiami, a tribal leader.

Malkangiri SDPO Divya Ranjan Dalai said, "The family members who were initially reluctant to receive body and demanding immediate arrest of the culprits involved in the killing, finally agreed after counselling."

District collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay and SP Vinodh Patil monitored the burial.

Korkunda Police Station Inspector-in-Charge Himanhu Sekhar Barik said, "One Subha Ranjan Mandal (42) was arrested on charge of killing the tribal woman."

He confessed to have thrown the torso and the severed head in river Poteru. While the body was recovered on December 4, the head is still missing, he said.

As per the request of collector & district magistrate, Malkangiri, the home department hereby extends prohibition of the use and access of social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X and any other through internet and other medium of data services for another 18 hours up to 12 PM of 10.12.2025 in Malkangiri district, according to a notification.

This order shall not be applicable to government internet and intranet based services, besides banking and railways, the notification said.

According to deceased woman's son Ravi Podiai, his mother went missing on December 1 and they lodged a complaint at the police station on December 3. Her headless body was recovered on December 4.

He said that the accused was the share cropper in their field.

He has killed my mother when we asked him not to cultivate our land anymore, the son claimed.

Speaking to PTI, revenue divisional commissioner, southern division, Sangram Keshari Mohapatra said, "The situation is normal here. The administration has already held three rounds of discussion with the agitating tribals and affected Bengali settlers. Both the parties have agreed to shun violence and maintain peace."

In the peace committee meeting, Bengali settlers' leader Gourang Karmakar claimed that at least 200 houses have been affected in Sunday's clash of which 150 dwelling units have been set on fire.

He said the residents are presently living in houses of other Bengali settlers in nearby areas.

"We urged the administration to provide compensation as most of the affected persons were innocent poor people," Karmakar said.

The SDPO said the deceased's family was provided with financial assistance of Rs 30,000 for funeral.

"The family will be given Rs 4 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The situation was under control, and there was no fresh violence in either of the two villages under Korkunda police station area," Upadhyay told reporters.

A clash took place on Sunday afternoon when tribals of Rakhalguda village allegedly attacked MV-26 village, a Bengali settler's area, under Korkunda Sadar police station area.

The issue was raised in the Assembly by senior BJD member Ranendra Pratap Swain. He demanded a statement from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the Malkangiri situation which he described as burning.

It appears a Manipur like situation in Malkangiri, and people have fled from their house. The Assembly should be informed what exactly is happening in Malkangiri as it indicates an ethnic clash, Swain said.

Odisha DGP Y B Khurania and other top officials visited the affected MV-26 village on Tuesday and held discussions with the tribal residents of Rakhalguda village.

Around 2,000 personnel of Odisha Police and BSF were deployed in the area as the situation remained tense.

Both the Bengali settlers and tribals have submitted petitions to the district collector demanding arrest of the culprits.

The Bengali settlers are staying in Malkangiri district for about 60 years since the government of India in 1964 had settled migrated Bengali families in 215 villages in the district. The Bengalis came from East Pakistan, now Bangladesh.
In another breakthrough in the deadly Delhi car blast case, the National Investigation Agency on Tuesday arrested the eighth accused, who harboured the deceased bomber by providing him logistical support, the agency said.

IMAGE: Delhi cops and Rapid Action Force at the blast site near Gate no 1 of the Red Fort Metro station, in New Delhi on November 12, 2025. Photograph: Naveen Sharma/ANI Photo

The accused, identified as Dr Bilal Naseer Malla, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla, was nabbed by an NIA team from Delhi.

As per the anti-terror agency, the Malla is "the 8th accused to be arrested in the case RC-21/2025/NIA/DLI and he is found to be involved in the conspiracy behind the terrorist attack that killed 15 people and injured several others in the terror attack that took place in a moving Hyundai i20 car on November 10 near the Red Fort area.

"Bilal had knowingly harboured the deceased accused Umar Un Nabi by providing him logistical support. He is also accused of destruction of evidence related to the terrorist attack," said the NIA in a statement.

In the case (RC-21/2025/NIA/DLI), the NIA has so far arrested seven accused who facilitated the suicide bomber Umar Un Nabi, who blew himself up in the moving Hyundai i20 car he was driving around 7 pm on November 10.

The NIA arrested the seventh accused, Soyab of Dhauj, Faridabad (Haryana), in connection with the case on November 25 on charges of allegedly sheltering Umar Un Nabi shortly before the terror act. Soyab told the NIA during his interrogation that he "not only harboured Umar but also extended logistical support to facilitate the terrorist's movements ahead of the attack."

On November 20, the agency arrested Shaheen Saeed along with Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai of Pulwama (Jammu and Kashmir), Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather of Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir), and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay of Shopian (Jammu and Kashmir). They were taken into custody by the NIA in Srinagar on production orders issued by the district sessions judge at Patiala House Court.

Earlier, the NIA arrested two other accused-- Amir Rashid Ali, in whose name the car used in the blast was registered, and Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, who had provided technical aid to the terrorist involved in the deadly attack.

Last month, Shaheen was taken to Faridabad to recreate the plot of tthe error plan as a massive cache of explosives (nearly 2,900 kg) was seized in Faridabad shortly before the blast, and the Hyundai i20 car used in the explosion was traced to a local dealer in the same area.

During the course of the investigation in the case of the arrested accused so far, the NIA said the inputs yet received have strengthened the agency's understanding of the operational network behind the bombing.

The NIA said it continues to track multiple leads and conduct searches across multiple states, in collaboration with local police forces, to identify additional suspects connected to the conspiracy.

Officials said efforts remain underway to fully expose and dismantle the network involved in planning and executing the deadly attack.

The agency has so far confronted all seven accused.

The anti-terror agency, which was handed over the investigation by the Union Home Ministry soon after the attack, is working closely with various state police forces to track and arrest every member of the terrorist module involved in the carnage.

The NIA conducted a search operation on December 1 at eight locations in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in Uttar Pradesh and claimed to have recovered various digital devices and other incriminating materials during the searches conducted at the premises of several accused and suspects in the two states.

The NIA had earlier, on November 26 and 27, conducted extensive searches at the premises of the prime accused, Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganie and Dr Shaheen Saeed, in the Al Falah University complex and other places in Faridabad (Haryana). 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.

So far, the NIA has learned that one of the accused, Amir, had come to Delhi to facilitate the purchase of the car, which was eventually used as a vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device to trigger the blast.

NIA has forensically established the identity of the deceased driver of the vehicle-borne IED as Umar, a resident of Pulwama district and Assistant Professor in the General Medicine Department at Al Falah University at Faridabad.

Besides, the anti-terror agency has also seized another vehicle belonging to Nabi. The vehicle is being examined for evidence in the case, in which NIA has so far questioned 73 witnesses, including those injured in the blast that rocked the national capital.

Working in close coordination with the Delhi police, Jammu and Kashmir police, Haryana police, Uttar Pradesh police and various sister agencies, the NIA is continuing its investigation across states.
China on Tuesday executed a former top official of a state-owned financial firm for accepting bribes totalling CNY 1.108 billion (about $157 million).

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Bai Tianhui, former general manager of China Huarong International Holdings Limited, was executed after he was convicted for illegally accepting bribes, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The execution was carried out by a court in north China's Tianjin Municipality, following the approval of the Supreme People's Court.

The execution was rare as the death sentences were carried out in criminal cases, while officials involved in corruption cases were given reprieve.

Bai was sentenced to death, with political rights deprived for life, all of his personal property confiscated, and all his illegal gains recovered and turned over to the state treasury, according to the verdict of the No. 2 Intermediate People's Court of Tianjin in May 2024.

Bai appealed the sentences, but his appeal was rejected by the Higher People's Court of Tianjin in February 2025.

Reviewing the case, the SPC found that Bai had taken advantage of his various positions between 2014 and 2018 to assist others in matters such as project acquisitions and corporate financing, illegally accepting bribes totalling CNY 1.108 billion (about $157 million), Xinhua reported.

The SPC held that the crimes committed by Bai were extremely serious in that the total amount of bribes was particularly huge and the circumstances especially severe, while these crimes have had an extremely adverse social impact and caused great damage to the interests of the state and the people.

The SPC approved the ruling of the Higher People's Court of Tianjin to uphold Bai's death penalty during the first instance. Bai was allowed to meet his next of kin before the execution, the report said.

Since he came to power in 2012, Chinese President Xi Jinping has made the anti-corruption campaign the main plank of his governance.

Official media accounts say over a million party officials, including two defence ministers and dozens of military officials, were punished and prosecuted in the campaign.

State media has previously reported that Xi told anti-corruption officials at the meeting last year that China's fight against corruption is severe and complex and that no mercy should be shown in eradicating the problem.
Kazakh national Kristina, who was dancing at the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub when a massive blaze erupted and claimed 25 lives, didn't have the business visa to perform in India, police said on Tuesday.

IMAGE: Kazakh national Kristina. Photograph: Courtesy Kristina Sheikh on Instagram

A video was earlier circulated on social media showing the bursting of electric firecrackers and the blaze appearing from the roof of the nightclub. It shows Kristina, who was performing belly dance, and band members, rushing out in panic as the fire spread rapidly.

A senior police officer at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) told PTI that Kristina, originally from Kazakhstan, had applied for a business visa, but it is not sanctioned yet.

"She had applied for the business visa, but she had yet to get the approval," the officer said, adding that in the absence of such permission, she cannot perform professionally in India.

When contacted, Superintendent of Police (FRRO) Arshi Adil told PTI that they are "still inquiring into whether she had a business visa.

Kristina, who goes by her Instagram name Kristina Sheikh, is a professional dancer with 272,000 followers.

Videos posted on her profile indicate that she had been performing regularly at the nightclub.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered authorities to demolish the illegal 'Romeo Lane' beach shack at Vagator, owned by the fugitive owners of the fire-ravaged nightclub, after completing all formalities on Tuesday.

This shack is the third property owned by Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra. They flew to Thailand just hours after a major fire killed 25 people at the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub in Arpora around midnight on Saturday.

Interpol has issued a Blue Corner notice against Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, according to the Goa Chief Minister's Office.

A senior CMO official stated that CM Sawant has directed the North Goa district administration to complete all the formalities and demolish the beach shack at Vagator.

"This shack is illegally built on government land. It would be demolished on Tuesday. District administration has kept all the machinery ready," the official said.

After the Saturday night fire tragedy, the district administration sealed this beach shack, and another facility at Assagao in North Goa on Monday
Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu on Monday said the government will curtail IndiGo's winter flight schedule and allocate them to other operators following the airline's recent large-scale operational disruptions.

IMAGE: An IndiGo flight takes off from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Photograph: Priyanshu Singh/Reuters

"We will curtail IndiGo's routes. They are currently operating 2,200 flights. We will definitely curtail them," Naidu told Doordarshan news channel.

The minister also said that refunds worth Rs 745 crore have been given for 7,30,655 cancelled PNRs from December 1 to 8 (as of 5 pm).

Besides this, he said that 6,000 of the 9,000 passenger bags have already been delivered, and the remaining ones are scheduled to be delivered by either Monday night or Tuesday.

Earlier, the Union Aviation Minister said in the Rajya Sabha that the government has initiated an inquiry into Indigo's mass flight cancellations and will take strict action against the operator to set an example for other airlines.

Blaming the airlines for its failure to manage the crew and duty roster through its day-to-day operations, Naidu said, "We are not taking this situation easily. We are doing an inquiry. We will take very, very strict action not only for this situation but also as an example."

To the questions raised by Congress MP Pramod Tiwari, who wanted to know whether the Indigo crisis was caused by a fault in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), a technical issue that disrupted flight services in early November 2025.

The minister said the Indigo crisis was not related to AMSS but was due to anomalies and mismanagement in Indigo's internal crew roster system.

Elaborating on the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) guideline, which was framed after the high court order in April 2025, Naidu said that there were 22 FDTL guidelines, out of which 15 were implemented from July 1, 2025 and the remaining seven from November 1, 2025.

According to Naidu, multiple stakeholder consultations were done, including Indigo, regarding the implementation of FDTL, and the government had made it very clear that all airlines will have to follow the rules without any compromise on safety.

The minister added that since November 1, 2025, the day the FDTL fully came into operation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has been in continuous consultation with all airlines, as they have requested certain exemptions due to variations in their operations.

"After thorough consultation and safety risk assessment, necessary variations and exemptions have been given beforehand, Naidu said, adding that the crisis took place almost one whole month of operation in the new FDTL.

Blaming Indigo entirely for the crisis, Naidu said that even on December 1, 2025, when the Ministry met with Indigo on FDTL, as it required some clarification, the company didn't flag the issue that caused the crisis.

"This is a day-to-day operation -- something that Indigo should have maintained. Indigo was supposed to manage the crew, roaster through its day-to-day operations," Naidu said.

"If there is any mis-compliance, non-compliance, non-adherence for any single person, entity and organisation, or any operator functioning in this civil aviation, we will take very, very strict action so that we set an example in the industry," he added.
IndiGo cancelled 422 flights from six metro airports on Tuesday, as the disruption in the crisis-hit airline prolonged for the eighth consecutive day, according to sources.

IMAGE: Passengers look at updates on flights, as they stand next to a screen displaying details of cancelled IndiGo airlines flights, at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, in New Delhi. Photograph: Naveen Sharma/ANI Photo

Of the 422 flights cancelled, Delhi Airport witnessed 152 flight cancellations and 121 at Bengaluru Airport, they said.

The number of IndiGo flight cancellations at Hyderabad stood at 58 and 41 in Mumbai, sources said.

IndiGo also cancelled over 50 flights from the Chennai Airport, they noted.

Meanwhile, the government has announced a 5 per cent reduction in the number of IndiGo flights during the ongoing winter schedule and decided to give them to other airports following the airline's failure to operate the approved schedule.

The Gurugram-based carrier, which commands over 65 per cent of India's total domestic traffic, had cancelled over 560 flights from six metro airports alone on Monday.

"IndiGo has increased its departures by 9.66 per cent in comparison to Winter Schedule 24 (WS 24) and by 6.05 per cent in relation to Summer Schedule 25(SS 25). However, the airline has not demonstrated an ability to operate these schedules efficiently.

"Therefore, it is directed to reduce the schedule by 5 per cent across sectors, especially on high-demand, high-frequency flights, and to avoid single-flight operations on a sector by IndiGo," the DGCA said in its order.

IndiGo has been operating over 2,200 daily flights under the airline's Winter Schedule for 2025-26, which commenced from the last week of October and will last up to late March 2026.
'IndiGo abruptly cancelled our Kolkata-Purnea flight citing bad weather, despite clear conditions and another airline operating the same route, causing severe inconvenience.'

Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Passengers look at the information display board as many IndiGo flight services stand cancelled.

I had to travel from Bangalore (4.30 am) to Purnea via Kolkata on November 25.

On reaching Kolkata and waiting for 3 hours we were waiting at the boarding gate as the status was still showing Security check. But suddenly 20 mins before ETD, which was 10.05 am, we were told that flight was cancelled due to bad weather conditions.

Though it was completely FALSE since it was sunny in Purnea. We were in complete panic as we had important works and places to go. Ladies were travelling alone.

Pathetic management by Indigo since they didnt show transparency and strangely after 1.5 hours another flight of Star Airlines went to that same destination without any issue.

Further, IndiGo is not offering full refund because my booking of 8th Dec had to be cancelled due to the ongoing situation and they deducted INR 498 as convenience fee.

Jayabrata Mukherjee was booked to travel from Bengaluru to Purnea via Kolkata on November 25.

Dr Neeraj Suri details the ordeal his family had to go through and the reply received from Indigo Airlines.

Dear IndiGo Customer Relations Team,

My name is Dr Neeraj Suri, travelling under PNR XXXXXX, along with the other passengers under PNR XXXXX.

I am writing to you personally because, despite multiple attempts by my travel agent to explain the situation in detail, IndiGo has continued to provide rigid, policy-driven responses that do not reflect the actual circumstances of what we experienced.

My agent has already presented the complete sequence of events multiple times.

Unfortunately, every attempt has been met with a standard template reply without any genuine consideration of the extraordinary situation created entirely by IndiGos back-to-back flight cancellations.

At this stage, I feel compelled to write directly because--very frankly--we feel cheated, misled, and financially wronged by the manner in which the refund has been calculated.

Because IndiGo cancelled our original Ahmedabad-Delhi flight, and refused to shift us to the earlier 05:45 am flight (despite visible availability), we were forced to purchase a new ticket for all three passengers on PNR XXXXXX, at a significantly higher fare.

Under PNR XXXXXX:

We travelled the Ahmedabad  Delhi sector.

The connecting Delhi  Pantnagar flight on the same PNR was cancelled by IndiGo after the scheduled departure time, while we were already waiting at Delhi Airport.

This forced us to take an unplanned, last-minute road journey to Pantnagar, despite having paid four times the original flight cost solely because of the initial cancellation.

Yet, surprisingly, your refund calculation assigns an inflated cost of INR 12,500 per passenger to the AMDDEL sector, even though the original fare for the same sector was only INR 4,500.

I want to clarify that I am not asking for compensation for the inconvenience caused due to flight cancellations.

However, the following realities cannot be ignored when evaluating a fair refund:

We were informed of the DEL-Pantnagar cancellation only after the scheduled departure time , while waiting inside the airport.

We wasted several hours at Delhi Airport with our child, expecting to fly.

We were then forced to arrange a last-minute taxi at a high cost , solely because the cancellation happened so late.

We had to undertake a treacherous road journey , something we explicitly wanted to avoid--especially while travelling with a child.

We reached Pantnagar in the evening instead of the planned afternoon , leaving us rushing through important commitments.

Had we simply booked only AhmedabadDelhi (costing 4,500), we would have reached Pantnagar by noon by road-- instead, we paid four times more and still ended up travelling by road.

After all this hardship, and after paying an inflated fare only because your flights were cancelled, it is extremely disappointing and unfair that IndiGo is still charging us three times the original AMD-DEL fare in the refund calculation.

Your team continues to insist on applying the "kilometres travelled" policy.

But this is not a normal partial-travel situation, and applying that policy blindly results in an unfair outcome because:

Both cancellations were by IndiGo, not initiated by us. Denial of rebooking despite visible seats forced us to buy a new, high-fare ticket. The inflated fare was due entirely to the expensive DEL-Pantnagar sector--not the AMD-DEL sector. That very high-fare sector was cancelled, and yet its inflated cost is being allocated to the first leg. We suffered financial loss, delays, stress, and a difficult road journey. The refund logic punishes passengers for disruptions caused by the airline.

This cannot possibly be called a fair or customer-centric approach.

In an ideal customer-service scenario, the airline should be processing a full refund and offering compensation for the hardship, stress, delays, and last-minute expenses we were forced to bear.

Instead, you continue to send us the same policy template. To be very honest and blunt, this is absolutely pathetic on IndiGo's part, especially given the extraordinary circumstances.

Because of IndiGos cancellations, we:

Paid four times the original fare,

Got stranded twice,

Travelled by road despite wanting to avoid it,

Arrived late and exhausted,

Suffered unnecessary stress with a child, and

Are now being denied a fair refund.

I request immediate reconsideration with seriousness and fairness.

I sincerely hope IndiGo will not treat this as yet another routine case and will uphold its responsibility to its passengers.

Warm regards,

Dr. Neeraj Suri

Below is the shameless reply received from Indigo

Dear Mr Suri,

Greetings from IndiGo!

Thank you for reaching out to us and sharing the detailed account of your recent travel experience. We truly regret the inconvenience and stress caused to you and your family due to the flight cancellations and subsequent disruptions.

Please allow us to clarify that both cancellations occurred due to unforeseen operational reasons, which were beyond our immediate control.

We completely understand how challenging this situation must have been, especially while traveling with a child. Your feedback is extremely valuable, and we assure you that it has been reviewed with utmost seriousness.

As per DGCA guidelines and IndiGo policy, refunds are processed based on the distance-based fare calculation. We understand your concerns regarding the allocation of fare components; however, these calculations are system-driven and aligned with regulatory requirements.

While we empathise with the inconvenience caused, we are unable to offer additional monetary compensation beyond the applicable refund as per policy.

We truly value your trust and hope to have the opportunity to serve you better in the future.

If you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact our 24*7 call center at 01246173838 or visit our website www.goIndiGo.in

Thank you for choosing IndiGo.

Best regards,

Suraj Singh

Customer Experience Expert

Stranded at an airport because of flight delays/cancellations? Do tell us your travel story; mail us at newsdesk@rediff.co.in with your name, where you were traveling to, and what happened to your flight.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
The division of 'Vande Mataram' song for "politics of appeasement" led to partition of India, Home Minister Amit Shah said in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, as he slammed Opposition for linking the debate on 150 years of the national song with the upcoming West Bengal elections.

IMAGE: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Home Minister Amit Shah participate in a debate on on 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' in Rajya Sabha. Photograph: Sansad TV/ ANI Photo

Initiating the debate in the House, Shah said Vande Mataram was the "mantra" that awakened India's cultural nationalism, and remains as relevant today as it was during the freedom struggle.

He stressed that the song will remain relevant in the days to come as well, in taking the country towards Viksit Bharat.

Shah also attacked Congress for questioning the need for a debate on Vande Mataram, and accused first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru of "dividing" the poem and limiting it to two stanzas.

"Yesterday some MPs in the Lok Sabha questioned what is the need to discuss Vande Mataram. The need for discussion...was as relevant when the song was written, during the freedom movement, today, and will be as relevant in 2047 when the Viksit Bharat would be achieved," Shah said.

"Some people are saying Vande Mataram is being discussed because elections are coming in West Bengal... They are trying to reduce the importance of Vande Mataram by linking it with Bengal elections," he said.

The home minister urged members to take the spirit of the message of Vande Mataram to the youth of the nation.

He said the song was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in Bengal, but it spread across the nation, and became the chant for India's freedom struggle.

The home minister said the song was written years after India tolerated "Islamic attacks", and the British tried to impose a new culture on the country.

"The song reestablished the culture of witnessing nation as a mother. Even though the (British) government tried to ban it, and people were beaten and jailed for chanting Vande Mataram, it touched people's hearts and spread from Kashmir to Kanyakumari," he said.

That is why Maharshi Aurobindo said Vande Mataram is the mantra of India's awakening.

"India is the only nation whose boundaries have not been decided by any act, its borders have been decided by our culture, and culture has united it. That is why the idea of cultural nationalism, this cultural nationalism was awakened by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay," Shah added.

He also accused the Congress and Nehru of 'dividing' the song.

"Many members of Congress questioned why the discussion on Vande Mataram was required, calling it a diversionary tactic. We are not scared of taking up any debate. We do not stall Parliament, we have nothing to hide, we are ready to discuss any issue," Shah said.

"On the 50th anniversary of Vande Mataram in 1937, Jawaharlal Nehru divided it into two and limited it to two stanzas. This was the way Congress honoured Vande Mataram," he said, leading to protests from Opposition MPs.

Shah called it the beginning of appeasement politics, and said it led to partition of India.

"If they had not divided the song into two for appeasement politics, India would also not have been partitioned," he said, leading to more uproars from Opposition benches.

Shah added that in the 100th year of Vande Mataram, the country was under Emergency.

Hitting back at Shah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of insulting Jawaharlal Nehru, as he said the decision to use only the first two stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' as the national song was collectively taken by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore.

The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Kharge countered the ruling party, saying that Congress leaders have always been chanting 'Vande Mataram'.

Speaking just after Home Minister Amit Shah attacked Congress, alleging that the politics of appeasement was behind the decision to use only two stanzas of the poem as the national song, Kharge started his address, raising the slogan 'Vande Mataram'.

"We have always been singing Vande Mataram. But those who did not sing Vande Mataram have also started singing it now. It is the power of Vande Mataram. It is a national festival, not a debate.

"When the non-cooperation movement was started in 1921, Congress members were going to jail chanting Vande Mataram... What were you doing? You were working for the British," Kharge said.

"You are teaching patriotism to us? You were scared of patriotism and were serving the British. PM Modi leaves no opportunity to insult Jawaharlal Nehru, nor does the Home Minister... I heard the Prime Minister blamed Nehru for stanzas being removed..."

Kharge said the resolution to sing only two stanzas of the poem, which was passed by the Congress working committee, was not done by Nehru alone, and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Madan Mohan Malaviya, and Acharya JB Kripalani were present.

The Congress president also quoted Tagore, who said he found "no difficulty" in dissociating the first two stanzas of the poem with the rest of the song.

"You are insulting all these tall leaders. It was their combined decision. Why do you target Nehruji alone?" he said.
Photo: https://www.dw.com

The new US national security strategy is making it clear to Europe that it is time to pursue a more independent policy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday.

"This document confirmed my assessment that we in Europe, in Germany too, must become more independent of the US in the field of security. This is not a surprise, but it has been confirmed again. This is now documented," the Associated Press quoted Merz as saying.

In addition, Merz also rejected the idea that European democracy needs a "rescue."

"I see no need for the Americans to save democracy in Europe now. If it needed to be saved, we would cope with it ourselves," the German Chancellor stressed.

Earlier, the US administration unveiled the country's new national security strategy. It stated, in particular, that "one of the priorities of European policy should be to ensure the independence of Europe, acting as an organized group of sovereign states, which, in particular, assume primary responsibility for their own defense capabilities and are not dominated by any adversary." The document also called the goal of US policy in Europe encouraging resistance in European countries to their current development trajectory.
A lawyer who almost hurled a shoe at former Chief Justice of India B R Gavai was allegedly attacked inside Karkardooma district court premises on Tuesday, sources said.

IMAGE: Lawyer Rakesh Kishore. Photograph: ANI video grab

A video of the attack, purported to have been launched over an auto fare, made the rounds on social media.

The video showed a group attacking 71-year-old Rakesh Kishore with a slipper, while the lawyer defended himself.

The clip also showed the lawyer asking the attacker why he was beating him and then shouting several times, "Sanatan Dharm ki jai ho."

More than one advocate confirmed that the attack happened inside the district court premises.

"There was a huge ruckus. We rushed to the spot on hearing the commotion," an advocate said on the condition of anonymity.

Another advocate said the identity of the assailants and the motive for the incident were not known.

On October 6, Rakesh Kishore approached the dais when a bench led by the ex-CJI was hearing the mentioning of cases by lawyers, removed his shoe, and tried to throw it at the judge.

Alert security personnel present inside the courtroom intervened and prevented the attack. The lawyer was swiftly escorted out of the court.

Later, the SC refused to initiate contempt action against him.
A man from Tamil Nadu created a flutter when he attempted to gain entry to actor Vijay-led TVK rally in Puducherry on Tuesday carrying a handgun.

IMAGE: Security check being carried out at actor Vijay's rally in Puducherry, December 9, 2025. Photograph: ANI video grab

He was, however, detained by the alert police who meticulously frisked all those entering the venue at the restricted rally at the Expo Ground (New Port) in Uppalam.

A police official said the man claimed to hail from Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga district and that he was a personal security officer who could not join his team on time.

He claimed that he had a licensed revolver. When reporters sought to know his identity and asked him who he was providing security to, the man declined to answer but insisted that he possessed a licence for the firearm.

The police official said the man was detained for further enquiry. He had holstered the handgun to his left waist and the police at the venue entrance detected the firearm when they checked him.

Entry to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally was restricted to only 5,000 people in the wake of the tragic death of 41 persons during the stampede in Karur on September 27 when party founder Vijay had addressed a rally.

Only those possessing QR code were permitted to enter. Despite the conditions imposed by the police and thorough frisking, TVK supporters and Vijay's fans turned up in large numbers and some of them climbed nearby trees to have a glimpse of the actor.

The rally being held on Tuesday was the first public outreach programme after the Karur incident. The Tamil Nadu government had declined to grant permission for Vijay to take out rallies due to the stampede.

TVK senior functionaries objected to the stringent crowd control measures and entered into an argument with the police on duty asking them to allow even those not having QR code. Enraged at this senior woman police officer shot back, "You are telling me what to do? 41 people died," in an apparent reference to the Karur episode.

She warned the TVK members not to overcrowd and cause trouble to others.

An official said the police had deployed about 1,500 personnel including officers to regulate the TVK members.

For its part, the TVK had roped in scores of yellow T-Shirt clad volunteers who also included women, to control the party members.
Several opposition MPs, led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhgam, on Tuesday submitted a notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to move a motion for the removal of Madras high court Judge GR Swaminathan whose order directing Subramaniya Swamy temple authorities to ensure that a lamp is lit at the deepathoon (pillar) in Madurai district sparked a row.

IMAGE: A view of the Arulmigu Subramanya Swami Temple in Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu. Photograph: ANI on X

On December 1, a single-judge bench of Justice Swaminathan had held that the Arulmighu Subramania Swamy temple was duty-bound to light the lamp at the deepathoon. The stone lamp pillar is located on the Thiruparankundram hillock near a dargah.

The bench said that doing so would not encroach upon the rights of the adjacent dargah or the Muslim community. When the order remained unimplemented, the single judge passed another order on December 3 permitting devotees themselves to light the lamp and directed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to ensure their protection. This led the DMK-led state government to move to the top court.

DMK parliamentary party leader Kanimozhi, party's leader in the Lok Sabha MP T R Baalu, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, among others, handed the notice with over 100 signatures of parliamentarians for moving a motion for the removal of the judge.

The notice alleged that the conduct of Justice Swaminathan raises serious questions regarding impartiality, transparency, and the secular functioning of the judiciary.

It also alleged that Justice Swaminathan showed "undue favoritism" to Senior Advocate M Sricharan Ranganathan and favoured advocates from a particular community while deciding the cases.

Deciding cases on the basis of particular political ideology is against the secular principles of the Indian Constitution, it added.

The issue of lighting of the traditional lamp at the hilltop temple near Madurai rocked the Lok Sabha last Friday, with Baalu accusing the BJP of trying to "ignite" communal tensions in Tamil Nadu and Union minister L Murugan hitting back at the Tamil Nadu government for "denying the right to worship".

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to consider hearing a plea of the Tamil Nadu government challenging the Madras High Court order.

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court last Thursday dismissed an intra-court appeal filed by the Madurai district collector and the city police commissioner, upholding a single-judge order that allowed devotees to light the lamp.

A notice for the removal of a judge has to be signed by not less than 100 members in the Lok Sabha and 50 in the Rajya Sabha. The motion can either be accepted or rejected by the Speaker or the Chairman.

According to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, when notice of a motion is submitted and accepted, a committee to examine the charges levelled against the judge will be constituted by the Lok Sabha Speaker.

The inquiry report will be tabled in Parliament, followed by a discussion in both Houses, after which there will be voting on the motion for the removal of the judge.
The Indian Navy's Western Naval Command hosted a vibrant Beating Retreat and Tattoo Ceremony at the Gateway of India as part of Navy Week celebrations.

Featuring a helicopter flypast, precision drills and musical performances, the event highlighted the Navy's discipline and heritage.

This year's ceremony marked the 54th anniversary of the Indian Navy's pivotal victories in the 1971 War, honouring the bravery and operational excellence of its personnel.

The crowd enjoyed a stunning helicopter flypast by the Chetak and MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters from INS Shikra, impressive precision drills, the classic Sailor's Hornpipe dance by sea cadets, and powerful performances by the Indian Naval Central Band.

IMAGE: A fly-past by naval helicopters during the Beating Retreat and Tattoo Ceremony. Photograph: ANI Photo

IMAGE: The Beating Retreat and Tattoo ceremony at the Gateway of India in Mumbai. All photographs: Sahil Salvi for Rediff

IMAGE: A major highlight of the evening was a live demonstration by Chetak and Seahawk helicopters from INS Shikra.

IMAGE: Naval cadets perform during the Beating Retreat and Tattoo Ceremony, here and below.

IMAGE: Flag hoisting at the Gateway during the Beating Retreat and Tattoo Ceremony. Photograph: ANI Photo

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
Actor-politician Vijay held his first public meeting in the Union territory of Puducherry on Tuesday and termed the regime led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy as "impartial" and said the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam dispensation in neighbouring Tamil Nadu must "learn" from the UT government.

IMAGE: TVK addresses a public rally in Puducherry, December 9, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo/X

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief targeted the Centre for not paying attention to Puducherry's long time demand for statehood and slammed it over allocation of funds.

Addressing the rally from his custom-made campaign vehicle, Vijay said the Puducherry government led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy was definitely not like Tamil Nadu's DMK regime.

Over 5,000 people, including party workers and fans took part in the rally held at Uppalam grounds in Puducherry. After the September 27 Karur stampede, Vijay had addressed an indoor meeting at Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu recently.

Showering praise on the Puducherry regime, the TVK chief said the UT government is impartial; it has given security to the rally of an outfit that is a rival to the party in power and therefore, the DMK must learn from it.

"It will be good if TN's DMK regime learns from the impartial Puducherry government. They will, however, not learn now," he said. "The DMK regime will 100 per cent learn their lesson from the 2026 TN assembly election; our people will ensure it," he added.

Vijay thanked the territorial government and the chief minister.

Despite the BJP sharing power in the AINRC-led government, he said the party in power at the Centre has neglected the Union territory.

"People know well, the Union government has not paid any attention towards Puducherry."

Underscoring the longtime statehood demand of Puducherry, he said this year, on March 27, the assembly had adopted a resolution for the 16th time seeking the status of a full-fledged state. However, the Centre failed to pay heed to the demand. Also, the Centre has not supported Puducherry to develop.

Only for the Centre, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are separate. "We the people are together," Vijay said, and added that the people shared a deep bond though they live in separate regions.

"Nothing has been done to reopen five mills and industries shut down in Puducherry and Karaikal.

"Nothing was done to create job opportunities for thousands of young people, there is not even a thought of setting up an IT company here."

Without mentioning names, the TVK leader said a minister resigned over corruption allegations and an MLA, from the minority community, was appointed in his place. "It is 200 days since he was appointed, he has not been given a portfolio and the people from the minority community consider this as an affront to them."

It may be recalled that after BJP Minister Sai Saravanakumar resigned, A Johnkumar was appointed in his place but he is yet to be allocated a portfolio.

Flagging "not developing" regions including Karaikkal and Mahe and "lack of amenities" including parking and toilets in Puducherry and the demand for the Puducherry-Cuddalore train link, he urged that such issues be addressed. The Centre, which sidelines Tamil Nadu, must not ignore Puducherry.

"I have only one thing to tell the people of Puducherry; do not trust the DMK; their job is to gain your trust and deceive you."

IMAGE: A large crowd turned up at Vijay's rally in Puducherry, December 9, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo/X

Emphasising that Puducherry with a population of about 20 lakh, is not included in the Central Finance Commission, he said, therefore, funds are not allocated to the UT based on the formula for fund sharing for states or norms for Union territories.

Instead, the central government releases funds to Puducherry only on an "approximate basis" every year.

Since these funds are mostly spent for salaries of government employees, pension and scheme related expenditure, Puducherry borrows from the open market and through bonds to meet the remaining needs.

Due to inadequate financial resources, Puducherry is forced to borrow externally. Granting statehood, a long-standing demand of the people of Puducherry, is the only way to change such a plight, he said.

Plans should be formulated to reduce Puducherry's debt and develop a self-reliant economy.

"Achieving statehood alone is not enough, correct? Industrial development is also necessary. All efforts must be made to transform Puducherry into a leading industrial hub in south India."

The system of supplying all essential commodities -- rice, sugar, pulses, wheat, and cooking oil -- through ration shops must be streamlined in Puducherry.

The Sri Lankan Navy frequently arrests Karaikal fishermen and confiscates their boats. Although they are released after long struggles, they are pushed into a terrible situation because their boats are not returned.

"This situation must change. I repeat, I will always stand in support of the people of Puducherry," Vijay assured.

He expressed confidence over victory in the 2026 assembly election in Puducherry.

Invoking AIADMK founder, the legendary MGR'S (M G Ramachandran) legacy, he praised the people for supporting him during the past 30 years.

"Do not think that I will voice support only for Tamil Nadu, my voice will be in support of Puducherry as well." It was his duty to support and work for Puducherry as well, he added.

Hailing MGR as "Puratchi Thalaivar" (Revolutionary leader), Vijay said the AIADMK for the first time formed a government in Puducherry in 1974. Only later, the party won polls and assumed office in 1977 in Tamil Nadu.

"It was the Puducherry people who told us that Tamil Nadu must not miss MGR, how can we forget Puducherry," he said.
United States President Donald Trump has said that India should not be "dumping" rice into the US market and he will "take care" of it, while stressing that tariffs will solve the "problem" easily.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion on the day he announced an aid package for farmers, at the White House in Washington, DC on December 8, 2025. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Trump held a roundtable in the White House on Monday with representatives of the farming and agriculture sector as well as key members of his cabinet, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

He announced USD 12 billion in federal aid for farmers.

Meryl Kennedy, who runs her family's agribusiness Kennedy Rice Mill in Louisiana, told Trump that rice producers in the southern part of the country are "really struggling' and that other nations are "dumping" rice into the US.

When asked by Trump which countries are dumping rice into America, Kennedy, sitting next to the President, replied, "India, and Thailand; even China into Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico used to be one of the largest markets for US rice. We haven't shipped rice into Puerto Rico in years."

Kennedy said that this has been happening for years and did not start during the Trump administration. "But unfortunately, we're seeing it in a much bigger way now," she said.

She said that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are working, "but we need to double down", to which Trump said, "You want more, I understand".

Trump then turned to Bessent and said, "India, tell me about India. Why is India allowed to do that? They have to pay tariffs. Do they have an exemption on rice?"

"No sir, we're still working on their trade deal," Bessent replied.

Trump then said, "But they shouldn't be dumping. I mean, I heard that. I heard that from others. They can't do that."

Kennedy then told Trump there's a World Trade Organisation case against India.

Trump asked Kennedy to give him the names of the countries dumping rice into the US and instructed Bessent to note down the names. "India. Who else?" Trump said.

"India, Thailand, China into Puerto Rico, not into the continental US, but into Puerto Rico. Those are the main culprits," Kennedy said, adding that American farmers can feed the US as well as nations around the world, but "we need fair trade, not free trade".

Trump said this will be "so easy to settle".

"It's solved so quickly with tariffs to these countries that are illegally shipping. It's solved. Your problem is solved in one day. That's why we have to win the Supreme Court case," he said, adding that this problem will be solved in "one day".

Lower courts in the US have ruled that Trump's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs on nations around the world is illegal, and the case will now be decided by the Supreme Court.

"It's so unfair. They go out of business. They put everyone out of business," Trump said.

Trump said that America lost half of its car industry and chip industry because these products were being manufactured in other countries, and previous administrations did not impose tariffs on these imports into the US.

"It's the same thing with rice. It'll be good, will get it solved very quickly. We just need the countries. Just give us the names of the countries. Tariffs, again. It solves the problem in two minutes," the president said.

Kennedy then said that they have "bought" the largest brands at retail, too, so they have an incentive to subsidise their products. When Trump asked, "Who did that?" she said, "Indians".

"We'll take care of it. It's so easy," Trump said.

India is the largest producer of rice -- 150 million tonnes -- and has a 28 per cent share of the global market. It is also the top exporter, with a 30.3 per cent share of global exports in 20242025, Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) data shows.

According to information on the website of the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India exported about 2.34 lakh tonnes of rice to the US in the 2024 fiscal, less than 5 per cent of its total global basmati rice exports of 52.4 lakh tonnes.

West Asia remains the dominant destination for Indian rice, it said.

Among the rice varieties that India exports globally, 'Sona Masoori' is preferred in markets such as the US and Australia.

Trump has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India, the highest in the world, including 25 per cent for Delhi's purchases of Russian oil.

Indian Rice Exporters Federation National President Prem Garg had termed the 25 per cent reciprocal tariff as a temporary "hurdle" for rice shipments and had stated that India still retains a pricing advantage over competitors like Vietnam and Pakistan.

"This tariff is a temporary hurdle, not a long-term roadblock. With strategic planning, diversification, and flexibility, Indian rice exporters can protect and even expand their presence in the US market," Garg had said earlier this year.
I learn that success isn't measured in metres gained but in how we handle the moment when plans dissolve.

The mountain doesn't grade on completion -- only on presence and effort, discovers Manoj Mohanka.

IMAGE: A view of the hills during the trek. All photographs: Manoj Mohanka

The mountains, ever the patient teachers, rewrite every itinerary. I had imagined the Everest trail as a straightforward ascent -- Phakding to Namche, Namche to the next halt, and onward finally to EBC, the lap of the world's roof.

Instead, I learned that the path can meander, loop, and fold back on itself. In the Himalayas, no progress is linear or straightforward.

IMAGE: A view of the Lukla air strip in the fog.

From Phakding at 2,610 metres to Namche Bazaar at 3,450 metres, the trail gains nearly 850 vertical metres -- but with all the descents and climbs along the Dudh Kosi, it felt like twice that and more.

My own body issued the first correction: A headache and nausea pulsing with each heartbeat, lungs rebelling at altitude, a coughing spasm every minute -- making every step painful.

A mild case of High Altitude Mountain Sickness hit me. Somehow, I made it to Namche Bazaar -- that amphitheatre of stone and prayer flags -- which became my involuntary summit.

IMAGE: The Himalayas in the rare glow of sunlight.

I came into the Khumbu not just with boots and a rucksack -- but also with the memory of a yatra to Mount Kailash, where the spiritual and the physical blend into one.

That journey taught me that altitude is more than metres above sea level -- it is measured in patience, presence, and quiet attention to the now.

IMAGE: A night view of the stars from Lukla.

While my companions moved early the next morning into the mist toward higher levels, I surrendered to a day spent mostly horizontal -- letting my exhausted body negotiate with thin air.

A Tibetan lady worked her hands across my shoulders with oil that smelled of juniper and forgotten monasteries -- coincidentally the same oil we use at home, courtesy of the Tibetan Centre in Kolkata.

"Breathe slow," she said in her mix of Nepali and English. "Mountain no hurry."

IMAGE: A view of the fogged Lukla airstrip.

I obeyed, watching clouds devour Ama Dablam through the massage room window -- each peak appearing and vanishing like thoughts during meditation.

Locals call it 'Mother's Necklace' -- Ama meaning mother, Dablam referring to the sacred pendant worn close to the heart.

Its ridges are her outstretched arms protecting the Khumbu; the hanging glacier, her sacred ornament. A mountain of elegance and warning -- a silent deity keeping watch over Namche.

IMAGE: Signage of the Sagarmatha National Park (start of the vertical climb to Namche Bazar).

The following day, Thursday, dawned with the same theatrical gloom. The helipad -- a circular concrete patch perched high above the village -- hosted a micro-mini waiting room overflowing with trekkers enjoined by circumstance.

We were a United Nations of postponement: Sherpas, Japanese photographers with fogged lens caps, a Franco-German group, Italians who had traversed the Alps and now sought the Himalayas, some Americans, and five from Bangladesh -- with whom I happily conversed in Bengali, a language akin to mine in Kolkata.

IMAGE: A view of the hills during the trek.

Among us stood a Gujarati man in his forties from Dallas clutching his medical evacuation papers like a losing lottery ticket.

His lips were the colour of glacier ice. He looked frighteningly unwell.

I pressed a handful of cashews and nuts into his palm. "Protein," I said -- then made him sip water. He managed a smile that caused him visible effort.

It reminded me -- as Kailash had -- that even the smallest gestures can change the shape of a day. Or a life.

IMAGE: Views of the hills during the trek, here and below.

When the cloud ceiling lifted just enough for rotors to slice through, we moved like startled yaks -- instinct over planning.

The helicopter rose above Namche's terraced bowl and, for thirty seconds, the entire Khumbu revealed itself -- a geography of impossible angles, prayer flags stitching earth to sky.

Lukla's runway -- that infamous 12% gradient where planes flirt dangerously with physics -- greeted us with its usual nonchalance.

The Tenzing Norgay airport terminal, a structure seemingly assembled from spare parts and optimism, remained closed.

"Weather in Kathmandu also bad," airport personnel announced with the finality of a judicial order.

IMAGE: A view of the Namche Bazar helipad.

We retreated to the Everest Summit Lodge, where the owner served steamed pork momos with a spicy chutney that tasted of woodsmoke and resilience.

In the common room that evening, stories circulated like chang in a cup. A European woman recalled turning back at Dingboche after her partner's cerebral edema.

An American couple from Washington celebrated their successful ascent -- photos of themselves dwarfed by the Khumbu icefall lighting up their screens.

I listened -- realising every trek contains its invisible base camp -- the place where ambition or goal meets its limit and transforms into something else entirely.

IMAGE: A view from Namche Bazar.

I learn that success isn't measured in metres gained but in how we handle the moment when plans dissolve. The mountain doesn't grade on completion -- only on presence and effort.

My own certificate of achievement is the memory of making it to Namche, a therapeutic massage resurrecting me, the taste of honey-lemon-ginger tea at dawn, and a stranger's grateful nod as the helicopter doors closed.

IMAGE: Namche Bazaar, Nepal. Photograph: Kind courtesy Vyacheslav Argenberg/Wikimedia commons

Much like the Kailash Yatra, I learned again that we carry more than gear uphill -- we carry patience, humility, and the quiet awareness that mountains teach in their own time.

Tomorrow, perhaps, the choppers will roar toward Kathmandu. Or perhaps not. Maybe the day after.

Who can predict the imponderable uncertainties of Himalayan weather? Irrespective, I've already reached a different altitude -- one where failure and success share the same breath and bow to the will of the mountains.

Manoj Mohanka serves on several corporate boards and follows geopolitics closely.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
Zelenskyy on results of work in London: We to be ready to send finalized documents to USA soon

Ukraine and European countries have made progress in working on the components of the draft agreement to end the war and are ready to present them to U.S. representatives, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said following his work in London, where he has been since Monday.

"We are working very actively on all components of possible steps to end the war. The Ukrainian and European components have already been worked out more, and we are ready to present them to our partners in America. Together with the American side, we expect to make the possible steps as workable as possible as soon as possible," Zelenskyy said on Telegram on Tuesday evening.

According to him, "we are interested in real peace and are constantly in touch with America," but "it all depends on whether Russia is ready to take effective steps to stop the bloodshed and prevent the outbreak of war again."

"We will be ready to send the finalized documents to the United States in the near future," the President of Ukraine said.

According to Zelenskyy, the results of the work in London on Monday at the level of national security advisors of European partners were discussed with the Ukrainian negotiating team on Tuesday, which was agreed upon the day before at the level of the country's leaders.

As reported, during his visit to London, Zelenskyy briefed Western leaders about the negotiations with the United States and stressed the importance of joint work on all documents. "We are coordinating so that the voice of Europe is taken into account in all issues concerning Europe. I informed about contacts with America and work on all the proposals that we have on the table. It is important that we work together on all documents, and this applies to the general framework for peace, and security guarantees, and the restoration of Ukraine after the end of the war," he said in Telegram on Monday evening.

Zelenskyy said in these days and weeks he has been in virtually round-the-clock communication with partners. In particular, on Monday in London, together with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer he held a joint conversation with partners.
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The European Union is finally moving closer to sanctioning Belarus for the release of weather balloons over Lithuania in recent months.

These airspace violations have caused the EU member state to shut its largest airports several times, and in November it moved to temporarily seal its border with its southeastern neighbor.

According to Lithuanian officials who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity, a total of 315 unauthorized balloons have entered the country from Belarus since June, peaking in October with 71 airspace incursions.

Able to easily reach high altitudes and thereby making it harder for them to be spotted by radar, most of the balloons are used for smuggling knockoff Belarusian-made cigarettes. The balloons can also "double" as sabotage tools by forcing the closure of airports for safety reasons.

Between October and December, the two biggest Lithuanian airports -- in the capital, Vilnius and in the central city of Kaunas -- had to temporarily shut down 15 times, affecting over 320 flights and more than 45,000 passengers.

An incident involving one balloon resulted in Vilnius airport being shut down for nearly 12 hours in early December.

Lithuania brought the issue to the attention of Brussels in late October, and the European Unions foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, issued a statement condemning Belarus's "persistent and provocative actions against the EU and its member states."

But no Brussels sanctions were issued immediately, notably as Vilnius didn't press the EU to go down that route at first.

Border Closure

Instead, Lithuania attempted another move: shutting the 700-kilometer border with its neighbor.

On October 29, all crossings to Belarus were essentially closed for regular traffic, with exemptions only for transit to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad as well as for diplomats, European Union and NATO citizens, and European haulers returning from Belarus to the EU.

When the number of balloons decreased somewhat in November, Lithuania decided to re-open the border again on November 19.

Lithuanian diplomats told RFE/RL off the record that this move was a "sign of goodwill" to see if Minsk would stop the balloons.

It didn't really work as Vilnius airport has once again been forced to shut down twice a week on average since then. According to Lithuanian diplomats, the balloons now appear to be specifically targeting the country's main international airport and connection to the outside world.

On top of that, roughly 1,000 Lithuanian-registered trucks have been stranded on the Belarusian side of the border since its closure. Vilnius says the trucks have been ordered to move to dedicated parking lots, with a daily charge of 120 euros ($140) per truck and any failure to pay resulting in their being confiscated.

At the end of November, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys sent a letter to Kallas, seen by RFE/RL, asking the EU for help in getting these trucks back. The EU's power is rather limited as diplomatic relations with Minsk have been cut to a minimum since the crackdown that ensued following the Belarusian presidential election in 2020, which was widely condemned as being rigged.

Expanding Sanctions

But Brussels has at least one tool and that will be used imminently: an expansion of the EU's sanctions regime on Belarus to include the possibility of targeting those who send balloons into Lithuania.

The EU has long had sanctions in place against strongman Aleksandr Lukashensko's regime. However, these affect people and companies involved in human rights violations such as repression of the opposition and civil society, officials in Minsk who have backed Russia's war on Ukraine, or those involved in the "instrumentalization of migrants," whereby Belarus has been accused of moving African and Asian migrants to the EU's borders to destabilize neighboring countries.

Photo Gallery: On Poland's Border, A Continued Pushback Against Migrants 'Weaponized' By Belarus Migrants who have trekked to former Soviet countries from as far away as the Middle East and Africa have become pawns in an effort by Russia and Belarus to destabilize Europe, claims Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.









The proposal, seen by RFE/RL, would allow the EU to sanction people and organizations that threaten "the sovereignty or independence of one or several of its Member States." It does so by covering anyone involved in "planning, directing, engaging in, directly or indirectly, supporting, or otherwise facilitating any actions targeted at the functioning of democratic institutions, economic activities or services of public interest."

According to the draft text, such actions include "unauthorized entry into the territory of a Member State, including its airspace," as well as "the disruption of the functioning of critical infrastructure."

Expected to be approved by all EU member states before Christmas, this measure would allow Lithuania (and others) to start blacklisting more Belarusians.

Speaking at Belarus's State Security Council in Minsk on December 9, Lukashenko called on Lithuania to "stop kicking up a fuss" and to engage in direct talks with Minsk instead.



"There is no need to involve Americans, Russians, or Ukrainians. That trick wont work. This issue is solely a subject for our bilateral talks and relations, he said.

Vilnius has also shared other proposed restrictive measures with Brussels that it wants to impose on Minsk going forward.

These include a full transaction ban on 10 Belarusian banks, targeting nitrogen fertilizers on top of already sanctioned Belarusian potash, and slapping an EU import ban on Belarusian rapeseed oil and salt.
Prominent Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh has called for a UN fact-finding committee to investigate the death of Khosrow Alikordi, an attorney known for representing political prisoners and activists.

Alikordi, a former political prisoner and outspoken critic of Irans clerical establishment, was found dead on December 5 in his office in the northeastern city of Mashhad. He was 46.

The official cause of death was given as a heart attack, with local officials ruling out unnatural causes. But some lawyers and activists have described his death as "suspicious" and others called it outright "murder," although they have not provided any proof to back their claims.

Rights groups, including the Norway-based Iran Human Rights and the International Organization to Preserve Human Rights, have called for an independent inquiry into Alikordi's death.

Sotoudeh, speaking to RFE/RLs Radio Farda from Iran, said Alikordi was an honorable lawyer who was under extreme legal and security pressure for nearly two decades.

Sotoudeh said the authorities "had done to him everything you could do to a critic" -- from imprisonment to blocking him from practicing law. She added that Alikordi was acutely aware of the threats against him, which is why he had installed 16 cameras in his office. Those cameras have since been confiscated, she added.

"There are ample grounds to doubt the coroner's report," said Sotoudeh. "A UN fact-finding mission has the legal authority to press Iran for answers."

Alikordis funeral in his home city of Sabzevar in northeastern Iran took place under tight security.

Human rights lawyers are often targeted by the authorities. Some of them have been jailed for their activism and taking up politically sensitive legal cases, including Sotoudeh and Alikordi.

The Islamic republic has long shown little tolerance for dissent, and some critics have suffered suspicious deaths.

Last month, the death of an Iranian man who burned a poster of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in an online video, sparked protests in the country. Omid Sarlak's death was called a suicide by the authorities, but his father thinks he was murdered. Sarlak's funeral drew an angry crowd, chanting "death to Khamenei!"

Alikordis death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow lawyers.

Reza Shafakhah, an attorney, wrote on social media that Alikordi defended his clients to the very end.

"Injustice only stops when the oppressed refuse to tolerate it anymore, he added. Alikordi had long since stopped tolerating injustice; he threw caution aside and went all the way, even at the cost of his life.

Another lawyer Babak Paknia shared a screenshot of a conversation with Alikordi, noting that even after his release from prison, he "never stopped fighting for people's rights."

Nobel Peace Prize laureates Narges Mohammadi and Shirin Ebadi also paid tribute to Alikordi.

Mohammadi said Alikordi "dreamed of peace and human rights. Ebadi praised Alikordi for standing alongside families of political prisoners and civil activists, calling him "the voice of forgotten and silenced prisoners whose names were never mentioned in the media."

Nasrin Afshar of RFE/RL's Radio Farda contributed to this report.
Amid a fast-paced flurry of diplomacy over a US push for a peace deal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on December 8 that Kyiv has no legal or moral right to cede any of its land.

"Of course, Russia insists that we give up territory. We certainly do not want to give anything up. That is what we are fighting for," said Zelenskyy, whose country has battled Russian military aggression since 2014 and a full-scale invasion by Moscows forces since February 2022.

Sounds straightforward. But in the same online chat with journalists, he said that negotiations with Washington involve complex issues concerning territory and that no compromise has been found there yet.

Heres a look at territorial control in Ukraine, one of the highest hurdles on the path to peace.

The Donbas

The objectives and obsessions that drove Russian President Vladimir Putin to launch the invasion go far beyond a land grab, encompassing a desire to subjugate Ukraine, weaken the West, and roll back some of the results of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet empire. But control over the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which make up the Donbas, is clearly a core aim. And along with dominion over Crimea and parts of the Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions, it may be the least Putin believes he can accept, for the time being, without being seen at home as failing in a war he initially hoped would bring Ukraine to its knees within weeks.

The problem, for Putin, is that his forces have been unable to seize the entirety of the Donbas. All but a few patches of land in the Luhansk region are Russian-occupied, part of the nearly one-fifth of Ukraine that Moscow controls. But Donetsk has proved harder: Russian troops control about 77 percent of the region after inching forward in a long and grueling offensive, but they have failed to definitively take the ruined city of Pokrovsk, and several other population centers remain under Kyivs control.

The massive cost in terms of Russian soldiers killed may have reinforced Putins determination to complete the capture of the region, lest the bloodshed be seen as having taking place in vain. In any case, he has made full control over the Donbas a fundamental demand in any peace deal, saying last week that Russia would seize the remaining part by force if diplomatic efforts do not result in a Ukrainian withdrawal.

For Ukraine, the portion of the Donbas that it still controls is just as crucial, if not more so. Any peace deal that cedes territory to Russia or solidifies Kremlin control over land it occupies would be seen widely in Kyiv and the West as rewarding Moscow for its aggression -- but a pact obliging Ukraine to retreat from land its forces have managed to defend, also at a huge human cost, would be even harder to swallow. It could have major political consequences for Ukraine and Zelenskyy, which is one reason why Putin wants it to happen.

As Zelenskyy pointed out on December 8, there is also a firm legal hurdle to handing land over to another country: the Ukrainian Constitution, which states that any territorial alterations are resolved exclusively though a nationwide referendum.

De Facto, De Jure

Another complication, if only because Putin insists on making it one, is Moscows claim -- unfounded in reality but enshrined in Russian law for over three years -- that the Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson regions are part of Russia, not Ukraine. Putin seeks to drive this rhetorical point home by stating that Russia will liberate the remainder of the Donbas rather than saying it will seize or occupy Ukrainian territory.

The seemingly irreconcilable conundrum of the Donbas was reflected in the 28-point US peace proposal that set off a whirlwind of diplomacy when it emerged last month.

The draft was widely seen as highly favorable to Russia, and Ukraine has pushed back in talks with US officials as well as European leaders who have rallied to support Kyivs efforts to avoid a lopsided deal.

But the wording on the Donbas, which clearly caused ire in Ukraine, also seemed unlikely to please Russia. Along with Crimea, which Russia occupied in 2014, the draft proposal said the Donetsk and Luhansk regions would be recognized as de facto Russian -- not de jure, which is what Moscow wants. It also said that Ukraine would withdraw its forces from the part of the Donetsk region that it holds, and that this land would become a neutral demilitarized buffer zone that would be internationally recognized as belonging to Russia but that Russian forces would be barred from entering.

Among other potential pitfalls, such as the question of who would monitor compliance in the Donbas, some analysts said that de facto recognition is a contradiction in terms: Recognition, particularly set out in a peace pact, suggests formal acknowledgement, while de facto implies informal acknowledgement of the facts on the ground.

Zelenskyy said on December 8 that the US draft had been whittled down from 28 points to 20, with some of the sections least favorable to Ukraine removed. But it has not been released publicly, and how it deals with territory is unclear -- though from Zelenskyys comments, it was clear that Kyiv was not satisfied on that score at that point. On December 9, Zelenskyy said Ukraine and European backers would be ready to send a "refined" proposal to the United States soon.

Kherson And Zaporizhzhya

Beyond Crimea and the Donbas, the Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions also pose a challenge for would-be peacemakers. Russia holds part of each region, giving it a land corridor from the Russian border to the isthmus that links Russian-occupied Crimea to mainland Ukraine, as well as control over the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant -- which is the largest in Europe and another thorny issue in peace talks.

But after Ukraine recaptured the city of Kherson in a major counteroffensive in the fall of 2022, Russia does not hold the capital of either region. Amid the US push for peace that began when Trump took office in January of this year, Moscow has at times seemed open to an agreement that would leave Ukraine in control of the land it holds, as the 28-point proposal stipulated.

But Putin cast doubt on that notion in his bellicose comments last week, asserting that Russia would take not only the Donbas but Novorossia by force if Ukraine does not withdraw its troops, using a highly contentious term that harks back to imperial Russias dominion over swaths of eastern and southern Ukraine.

In addition to Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson, Russia controls much smaller amounts of territory in the Kharkiv, Sumy, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. The 28-point plan said that Russia will relinquish other agreed territories it controls outside the five regions, but it gave no details.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Rome met with the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni and discussed with her steps to end the war.

"We had a wonderful conversation, very meaningful on all aspects of the diplomatic situation. We appreciate that Italy is active in the process of searching for effective ideas and determining steps to bring peace closer. I informed about the work of our negotiation team, we are coordinating diplomacy. We are very much counting on Italian support in the future: this is important for Ukraine," Zelenskyy said on Telegram on Tuesday evening following the conversation.

He thanked Italy for the package of energy support and necessary equipment.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kyiv had "no moral right" to give up territory to Russia, while Washington is seeking compromises.

"We have no legal right under Ukrainian law, our constitution, or international law. And we have no moral right, either," Zelenskyy said during an online briefing on December 8 when asked whether Kyiv was considering giving up territory.

"Of course, Russia insists that we give up territory. We certainly do not want to give anything up. That is what we are fighting for," he added.

Commenting on the US draft peace proposal, Zelenskyy said it was narrowed down to 20 points and the openly anti-Ukrainian points had been removed.

"There were 28 points; now there are 20. The openly anti-Ukrainian points have been removed. The Americans are, in principle, in favor of finding a compromise. Of course, there are complex issues concerning territory. No compromise has been found there yet," said Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy wrote on X after his December 8 meeting in London with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that he had "briefed them on our contacts with the United States and the work on all the proposals currently on the table."

"It is important that we work together on all documents, including the overall peace framework, security guarantees, and Ukraine's postwar recovery," he added.

"Ukraine's fate is Europe's fate," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wrote on social media. "No one should have any doubt: Our support will not falter."

During his next stop in Brussels, Zelenskyy met with NATO chief Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa.

"We discussed in detail our work with US partners on steps toward peace, security guarantees, and strengthening our resilience. We also touched on the PURL initiative and the reparations loan," Zelenskyy said in a post following the meeting in Brussels.

The Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) is a NATO initiative under which European and other nations pay for US-sourced weapons to be supplied to Ukraine. Separately, European countries are debating a proposal to use tens of billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets for a reparations loan to Ukraine.

"As peace talks are ongoing, the EU remains ironclad in its support for Ukraine. Our financing proposals are on the table," von der Leyen stated after the meeting with the Ukrainian president.

"The goal is a strong Ukraine, on the battlefield and at the negotiating table," she wrote on X.

"Ukraine's sovereignty must be respected. Ukraine's security must be guaranteed, in the long term, as a first line of defense for our Union," she said. "Europe will keep contributing to all efforts for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine."

As part of his European tour, Zelenskyy arrived in Rome on December 9 for meetings with Pope Leo XIV and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, his press service said, giving no further details.

Drone Strike Hits Okhtyrka: 7 Injured by RFE/RL No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:34 0:00

Meanwhile, Russian drones attacked the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy late on December 8, marking the second major attack there in 24 hours and causing a widespread power outage, the regional governor said.

"In the space of half an hour, the Russians launched more than 10 drone strikes on the city," Governor Oleh Hryhorov wrote on Telegram.

"There is no electricity in Sumy. Some critical infrastructure is operating on reserve power sources."

With reporting from RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Reuters
Two key documents released in Washington in recent days present differing foreign policy paths, giving US allies and adversaries alike plenty to chew over as they consider major strategic issues.

The White House's 33-page National Security Strategy (NSS), released last week, grabbed headlines with an "America First" approach in which "the days of the United States propping up the entire world order are over."

It criticized the European Union and spoke of restoring "strategic stability" with Russia - drawing praise from Moscow.

Meanwhile, a 3,086-page defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), seeks to lock in spending on Washington's military commitments to Europe and focus intelligence on Russia's military cooperation with China and North Korea.

"There are differing visions," Olivia Enos, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, told RFE/RL, adding that the US Congress was pushing back on the NSS strategy.

"But I think it's a long road to figure out whether or not appropriations actually fully get funded," she said.

Trump's Priority: The Americas And China

The NSS section on regional priorities starts with the Western Hemisphere before moving on through Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

"Trump's NSS is a much-needed corrective to decades of 'strategies' that...commit the United States to an overstretched conception of national strategy," wrote Alexander Gray, who served on the National Security Council (NSC) in the first Trump administration.

In commentary for the Atlantic Council, he said the focus on the Western Hemisphere was "refreshingly frank about the essential objectives of the United States: securing the homeland."

Other observers have also suggested the order of the list is a direct reflection of White House priorities.

"The decision to place a high premium on foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere was no doubt going toward one of their primary domestic priorities, which is to counter immigration," said Enos.

Enos said the NSS approach to China was also informed by domestic policy concerns. "It's all about reindustrialization. It's all about economic security," she said, noting a lack of comment on human rights abuses, for example.

The NSS is unapologetic on this issue, stating, "We seek good relations and peaceful commercial relations with the nations of the world without imposing on them democratic or other social change."

While the NSS aims to "rebalance" the economic relationship with China, the paper also makes no mention of Beijing's alliance with Moscow.

By contrast, the NDAA calls for US spy agencies to provide "an assessment of the military cooperation between Russia and the People's Republic of China, including defense trade, joint military exercises, and the sharing of military intelligence."

Both the NSS and the NDAA feature strong support for Taiwan.

Europe

The NSS has provoked controversy in Europe, which it says is threatened by "civilizational erasure."

The paper refers to policies in Europe that "undermine political liberty and sovereignty, migration policies that are transforming the continent and creating strife, censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition, cratering birthrates, and loss of national identities and self-confidence."

That language recalls a speech made by Vice President JD Vance in Munich in February, when he blasted Romania for canceling the results of its presidential election and appears to underline US allegations that right-wing parties are not afforded democratic freedoms.

The paper also condemns Europe for "censorship of free speech," possibly also a reference to EU moves against US social media companies.

US officials have repeatedly raised these issues.

Ahead of a NATO summit last week, Christopher Landau, US deputy secretary of state, issued an angry response to an EU fine levied against the social media network X.

"The nations of Europe cannot look to the US for their own security at the same time they affirmatively undermine the security of the US itself through the (unelected, undemocratic, and unrepresentative) EU. This fine is just the tip of the iceberg," he wrote on X.

"When these countries wear their NATO hats, they insist that Transatlantic cooperation is the cornerstone of our mutual security. But when these countries wear their EU hats, they pursue all sorts of agendas that are often utterly averse to US interests," he wrote later.

The NSS paper continues to provoke strong reactions in Europe. On December 8, European Council President Antonio Costa accused Washington of an unacceptable "threat to interfere in European politics."

"This strategy continues to talk about Europe as an ally. That's fine, but if we are allies, we must act as allies," he added.

Sam Greene, a Russia analyst at Kings College London, told RFE/RL "this strategy marks the beginning of the end of the transatlantic alliance. Europe cannot accept a relationship on the terms the US is offering: one in which the US determines both the contours of European security and the content of European domestic politics, all while demanding burden-sharing."

Burden-sharing is a key element of the NSS, reflecting longstanding pressure from the Trump administration for European nations to hike their defense spending.

US troop reductions in Europe have been expected for several months since it was announced the Pentagon would conduct a Global Force Posture Review, and in October it was announced that hundreds of US troops rotated out of Romania would not be replaced.

The NDAA offers hope for anxious Europeans, demanding US troops remain at 76,000 and barring the withdrawal of equipment worth $500,000 or more.

Russia, Ukraine

The NDAA also foresees US support continuing to shore up the militaries of the Baltic States -- Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia -- to deter "aggression by the Russian Federation."

Along with other elements, it adds to a clear sense of countering a Russian military threat in the bill, which has bipartisan support and also the backing of House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican.

The NSS does not refer to Russia as a threat or adversary, unlike in previous versions of the strategy -- which has raised eyebrows.

"If you need to have private conversations between Russia and the US about things in order to assuage (Russian President Vladimir) Putin or to stroke his ego, fine," Enos said.

"But to publicly message what I would perceive as a softeningis very concerning. To me China, Russia, Iran, North Korea should all be kind of in the same bucket of adversaries."

David Cattler, who held a series of senior roles at both NATO and US intelligence agencies, noted in an analysis that the White House strategy "suggests that Russia's behavior, while dangerous, is ultimately malleable through engagement."

The NSS does note that Europe perceives Russia as a threat -- and emphasizes efforts to seek peace in Ukraine both as a means to "reestablish strategic stability with Russia" and enable Ukraine's "survival as a viable state."

This echoes many positions taken during talks on ending Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Recent proposals envisaged lifting sanctions on Russia, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared the aim of a deal was Ukraine's "long-term prosperity."

"The NSS brings several trends to convergence," wrote Cattler.

"A softer US characterization of Russia, a preference for rapid stabilization in Ukraine, and unprecedented expectations of European self-reliance. None are entirely new, but together they accelerate a transition into a more fragmented international order."
Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods.

I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I am drilling down on two issues: hitting Belarus's balloons and EU views on Montenegro and other accession hopefuls.

Briefing #1: Brussels Preparing Belarus Sanctions Over Balloon Incursions

What You Need To Know: The European Union is finally moving closer to sanctioning Belarus for the release of weather balloons over Lithuania in recent months.

These airspace violations have caused the EU member state to shut its largest airports several times, and in November it moved to temporarily seal its border with its southeastern neighbor.

According to Lithuanian officials who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity, a total of 315 unauthorized balloons have entered the country from Belarus since June, peaking in October with 71 airspace incursions.

Able to easily reach high altitudes, thereby making it harder for them to be spotted by radar, most of the balloons are used for smuggling knockoff Belarusian-made cigarettes. The balloons can also "double" as sabotage tools by forcing the closure of airports for safety reasons.

Between October and December, the two biggest Lithuanian airports -- in the capital, Vilnius, and in the central city of Kaunas -- had to halt operations 15 times, affecting over 320 flights and more than 45,000 passengers.

An incident involving one balloon resulted in Vilnius airport being shut down for nearly 12 hours in early December.

Lithuania brought the issue to the attention of Brussels in late October, and the European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, issued a statement condemning Belarus's "persistent and provocative actions against the EU and its member states"

Deep Background: No Brussels sanctions were issued immediately, notably as Vilnius didn't press the EU to go down that route at first.

Instead, Lithuania attempted another move: shutting the 700-kilometer border with its neighbor.

On October 29, all crossings to Belarus were essentially closed for regular traffic, with exemptions only for transit to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad as well as for diplomats, European Union and NATO citizens, and European haulers returning from Belarus to the EU.

When the number of balloons decreased somewhat in November, Lithuania decided to re-open the border again on November 19.

Lithuanian diplomats told RFE/RL off the record that this move was a "sign of goodwill" to see if Minsk would stop the balloons.

It didn't really work as Vilnius airport has once again been forced to shut down twice a week on average since then. According to Lithuanian diplomats, the balloons now appear to be specifically targeting the country's main international airport and connection to the outside world.

Drilling Down:

On top of that, roughly 1,000 Lithuanian-registered trucks have been stranded on the Belarusian side of the border since its closure. Vilnius says that the trucks have been ordered to move to dedicated parking lots, with a daily charge of 120 euros ($140) per truck and any failure to pay resulting in their being confiscated.

At the end of November, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys sent a letter to Kallas, seen by RFE/RL, asking the EU for help in getting these trucks back. The EU's power is rather limited as diplomatic relations with Minsk have been cut to a minimum since the crackdown that ensued following the Belarusian presidential election in 2020, which was widely condemned as being rigged.

But Brussels has at least one tool and that will be used imminently: an expansion of the EU's sanctions regime on Belarus to include the possibility of targeting those who send balloons into Lithuania.

The EU has long had sanctions in place against strongman Aleksandr Lukashensko's regime. However, these affect people and companies involved in human rights violations such as repression of the opposition and civil society, officials in Minsk who have backed Russia's war on Ukraine, or those involved in the "instrumentalization of migrants," whereby Belarus has been accused of moving African and Asian migrants to the European Union's borders to destabilize neighboring EU countries.

The proposal, seen by RFE/RL, would allow the EU to sanction people and organizations that threaten "the sovereignty or independence of one or several of its Member States." It does so by covering anyone involved in "planning, directing, engaging in, directly or indirectly, supporting, or otherwise facilitating any actions targeted at the functioning of democratic institutions, economic activities or services of public interest." According to the draft text, such actions include "unauthorized entry into the territory of a Member State, including its airspace," as well as "the disruption of the functioning of critical infrastructure."

Expected to be approved by all EU member states before Christmas, this measure would allow Lithuania (and others) to start blacklisting more Belarusians.

But it is not the only response that the Baltic country has in mind. Vilnius has also shared other proposed restrictive measures with Brussels that it wants to impose on Minsk going forward. These include a full transaction ban on 10 Belarusian banks, targeting nitrogen fertilizers on top of already sanctioned Belarusian potash, and slapping an EU import ban on Belarusian rapeseed oil and salt.





Briefing #2: EU Member States Have Their Say On Enlargement

What You Need To Know: After the European Commission published its annual enlargement report on November 4, giving thorough assessments of EU hopefuls Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine, it is now up to the 27 EU member states to have their say by adopting so-called EU enlargement conclusions on December 16.

As this document needs to be adopted unanimously, it is often less critical than the commission equivalent -- and much shorter.

An advanced draft, seen by RFE/RL, appears to follow the logic of the commission's conclusions: Albania, Moldova, Montenegro, and Ukraine are considered the current frontrunners, and the EU is looking to add at least one to its ranks before the end of the decade.

Deep Background: The most obvious hint in the document relates to Montenegro and its progress toward membership.

Not surprisingly two key points are in brackets, meaning EU member states haven't agreed on them yet.

One states that the country "has advanced further in its accession negotiations and that 12 negotiating chapters now have been provisionally closed." The number 12 is still in brackets. This is because Podgorica has so far only managed to close seven of the 33 policy chapters needed to join the bloc. There is still hope in Brussels, however, that up to five more can be concluded before the Christmas holidays even though diplomats whom RFE/RL spoke to suggest the final number may be lower.

The other hint in the document is that the small Western Balkan country is inching closer to becoming member state No. 28 rather soon.

Another bracketed sentence states that "the Council decides that the Ad hoc Working Party on Drafting the Accession Treaty with Montenegro will be established in 2025."

The council, where EU member states meet in Brussels, is full of various working groups in which diplomats deal with all sorts of policy matters from an early stage.

The fact that a group tasked with drafting the accession treaty with Montenegro is about to be set up is a sign that things are getting serious. Drawing up such treaties follows immediately after the closure of all negotiation chapters and represents the final political act before actual membership.

But it isn't all encouragement for the Balkan country. Some clear "homework" on what is needed to complete the "final stretch" to Brussels is also spelled out.

The text states that Montenegro must improve its administrative capacity and electoral legislation, particularly insofar as it concerns adhering to EU standards on the financing of political parties and electoral campaigns.

The big issue, however, is corruption, with the document cautioning that "the number of final convictions in high-level corruption cases remains low." It also "stresses the need for Montenegro to improve its track record with respect to investigations and prosecutions in high-level corruption and organized crime cases, ensuring final convictions, dissuasive penalties, asset seizures and confiscations."

Drilling Down:

Not surprisingly, fighting corruption is the leitmotif for all of the front-runners. There is no direct mention of the recent Ukrainian scandal that forced President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's right-hand man and chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, to step down in late November . However, the work of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, which helped bring down Yermak, is applauded: The council positively notes the results delivered by the agencies in 2025, including a significant number of investigations, notably in high-level corruption cases. It strongly encourages Ukraine to pursue efforts to "further improve its track record and capacities in this domain."

. However, the work of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, which helped bring down Yermak, is applauded: The council positively notes the results delivered by the agencies in 2025, including a significant number of investigations, notably in high-level corruption cases. It strongly encourages Ukraine to pursue efforts to "further improve its track record and capacities in this domain." The enlargement report also warns Ukrainian politicians not to try to undermine the two institutions, something Zelenskyy attempted over the summer before making a swift U-turn amid a public outcry. The document states Brussels "will remain vigilant on this matter and stresses the need to ensure that, in the future, no legal or political interference should impact the work of these institutions."

amid a public outcry. The document states Brussels "will remain vigilant on this matter and stresses the need to ensure that, in the future, no legal or political interference should impact the work of these institutions." For Moldova, the text is complimentary about its fight against money-laundering and the push for what is known as "de-oligarchization." Neither Moldova nor Ukraine, however, will move forward on their EU membership path this year. Hungary has made it clear it won't green-light any opening of chapters with Kyiv, and Moldova is still not pushing to be separated from Ukraine.

Instead, most EU capitals have resigned themselves to waiting until the Hungarian parliamentary elections in April for any change of stance from Budapest. The text offers very little in terms of what will happen next to both Kyiv and Chisinau, with the text simply stating that that the council looks forward to the opening of the fundamentals cluster with both candidates, "as soon as the conditions are met."

For Albania, which recently managed to open all 33 chapters in 13 months (a record time for an EU candidate country), there is no indication as to when it can actually can start closing files, which is harder.

While fighting corruption is also a key condition for Albania, the document also highlights the need to improve the media landscape in the country by increasing the transparency of media ownership, ensuring the decriminalization of defamation, and strengthening civil society in general.

For the other EU hopefuls, the text is largely a mixed bag apart from Georgia, which has been thoroughly criticized for its "democratic backsliding" in recent years. While not calling the country "a candidate in name only" as the European Commission did in its report, the council says "the actions taken by the Georgian authorities fall short of the EU's expectations of a candidate country," and "Georgia's EU accession process has effectively come to a standstill until the authorities demonstrate resolute commitment to reverse course and return to the EU accession path."





Looking Ahead

European Affairs ministers from most EU member states are expected to convene in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv on December 10-11 for an informal general affairs council.

The idea is to show support for Ukraine and encourage the country to continue the reforms needed to one day become an EU member.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka will give a presentation on how Kyiv has been faring so far, notably in rule of law. But he is also expected to push his EU counterparts to be ready to begin proper accession talks in earnest next year.

That's all for this week!

Feel free to reach out to me on any of these issues on X @RikardJozwiak, or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org.

Until next time,

Rikard Jozwiak

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition subscribe here.
The European Union continues to insist on the need for Russia to be fully held accountable for crimes against Ukraine and, in particular, on the earliest possible completion of the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This was stated by European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath, European Pravda publication reported.

"First of all, the position of the European Union will continue to be that there should be full accountability for Russian crimes in Ukraine. This is our position, and it will remain our position," McGrath said.

He called the establishment "vital" so that "the rights of those who are victims of the crime of aggression perpetrated by Russia are restored and that they receive justice."

"That is why we will proceed with our international partners as quickly as possible with the formal establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine," he said.

McGrath said "next week will be a very significant milestone" in this process: the European Union plans to join the creation of a "tribunal for Putin."

"The European Commission is preparing a proposal on the signing of the enlarged partial agreement of the Special Tribunal with a view to becoming one of its founding members. Today, I encouraged member states to do the same," he said.

He also said the European Commission has already pledged EUR 10 million to support the rapid establishment of the Special Tribunal.
Copies of the fifteenth bi-annual County Roscommon Historical and Archaeological Society (CRHAS) Journal are available for sale throughout the county in the lead-up to Christmas.

The journal is renowned as one of the most critically acclaimed local history journals of its kind, well-known for the breath and range of its subject matter and the high quality of its scholarly content.

The journal is eagerly sought by Roscommon residents and diaspora alike and is an ideal Christmas gift, said a spokesperson for the committee.

It features 36 articles spanning over 200 pages and also features an extensive 32-page colour section. The publication is available in shops across the county, priced 20. Copies of the publication are also available from officers of the CRHAS.

Among the articles that feature in this years journal are profiles of Alleen Isobel Cust, Irelands first female vet to work in Ireland or Britain; The De Freyne Rent Strike and a reflection on the life of Fr Jack O'Brien and Knockcroghery during the War of Independence and Civil War.

There are also extensive features on the Mid and North Roscommon Pits and Pitfields; a look at the traditional country shops; Sir William Wilde and his 1854 survey on deaf people and an article on the hard-won GAA grounds of County Roscommon.

Other articles include a reflection on the life of the Rev. John Keogh, Antiquarian, Scholar and Anglican Priest, a history of Strokestown houses and a look at symbols of Promised Lands and Salvation, including medieval sculptures of the Spies from Boyle and Galway.

The publication reflects the rich history and heritage of the county as well as the diversity of the local landscape featuring all the countys unique events which have formed the county as a people and proud location in the heart of Ireland, added the spokesperson.

The current journal is co-edited by James Hoban and Jim Ganly, both former presidents and members of the executive committee of the CRHAS. Both have edited previous journals and have worked to ensure another high quality and informative publication.

It features an extensive cross-section of articles on local history, archaeology, sport, and music. The publication, features articles on Kiltoom, Knockcroghery, Roscommon, Strokestown, Mount Talbot, Castlerea, Frenchpark and all points in between.

Already plans are at an advanced stage for the next journal, the sixteenth, which is expected to be published in the second quarter of 2026. Those interested in contributing to the journal can do so by contacting co-editors Jim Ganly or James Hoban, or any committee member of the CRHAS.

The society meets on the second Tuesday of each month, with the exceptions of January, July, August and September. Meetings are held in the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre Tulsk at 8 p.m.. Some of the subject matter of this years lectures included The Jacobean Revolution in Ireland, Justices of the Peace in Roscommon in the sixteenth century and the life of Charles OConor Don.

The societys AGM will be held on Tuesday, February 9th  annual membership is 25. New members are warmly welcomed ahead of what is sure to be yet another eventful year for the society and its members.

Copies of the County Roscommon Historical and Archaeological Society Journal are currently on sale in the following outlets: Sammons Ballinasloe; Mulligans, Roscommon Road, Athlone; The County Museum; Caseys Filling Station, Walshs Filling Station and Cormicans Abbey Street, all in Roscommon town. Other outlets where the journal is available include: Strokestown Park House; King House, Boyle; Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk; Keanes Supermarket, Athleague; Mary Morris Giftware, Elphin; Joe OBriens, Lanesboro; Mulvihills Newsagents, Castlerea; Creatons Loughglynn; Dawn Til Dusk, Strokestown; Scahills Castlerea; Toweys Ballaghaderreen and The Reading Room, Carrick-on-Shannon.
A local councillor has slammed a report by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) which has not classified Scramogue Cross as a high collision location.

In a notice of motion tabled at the November plenary meeting of Roscommon County Council, Independent councillor Tom Crosby proposed that the local authority make an urgent submission to TII seeking immediate and comprehensive safety measures at Scramogue Crossroads.

Cllr Crosby said this dangerous junction, where the R371 crosses the N5, was widely recognised as a major accident blackspot with fatalities, serious injuries and collisions over the years. He said there was inadequate signage, road markings, and no public lighting at this location, making it especially dangerous at night.

With the new N5 bypass due to open within 12 months and traffic expected to increase significantly, urgent action is required to prevent further loss of life, his notice of motion stated.

A formal council response stated that TIIs analysis of the available collision data (2014 to 2024 inclusive) did not indicate a frequency of collisions to warrant the crossroads classification as a high collision location. The response also noted that the provision of public lighting at this location was also not warranted given that the improved junction geometry at this location will comply with all relevant TII standards.

Independent councillor Tom Crosby said he didnt accept the TIIs response.

The report here is the most disappointing report for such a serious issue in my 35 years as a county councillor. I know its coming off the back of the TII survey. Clearly, its a juvenile that did the survey, he said, adding that Scramogue Cross is not even mentioned by name in the TII report.

Cllr Crosby noted that only in the last three months, a serious accident at the crossroads led to the fatality of an elderly woman while another elderly person sustained life changing injuries. He said there was another accident at the crossroads only a number of weeks ago where a driver was hospitalised.

Are we going to sit back and allow the TII to dictate, send down some juvenile and put a report like that together, said the Tarmonbarry based councillor. Well as I a public representative will certainly not accept that. I think it is an absolute disgrace  no public lighting at this junction or proper signage.

Cllr Crosby proposed that a senior TII executive would carry out a proper study and proper funding be allocated for lighting and signage at the location.

Independent councillor Valerie Byrne said this issue had been raised many times over the years. We need work done there immediately. A life has been lost and no money covers that. There will be more traffic when the N5 opens and we need this junction sorted, he said.

Fianna Fail councillor Sean Moylan described the situation as a scandal." He said the necessary safety measures had to be put in place, whether it was a roundabout, a solid island or a better stagger.

I think its a disgrace that the TII didnt give us more or a serious and more respectful answer to this question, said Cllr Moylan.

Independent councillor Micheal Frain said in his role in the fire service, he had unfortunately been in the position of being at a lot of incidents over the years and its never easy.

There are a number of junctions that really jump out at you and the one at Scramogue has become notorious over the last few years. I would like to ask why this area hasnt been graded as a high risk area within TIIs own internal documentation because that will dictate where funding goes. The number of fatalities in this county. I think its the second highest per capita for road fatalities. It is our duty as elected representatives to protect our citizens, particularly the vulnerable and the aged, said Cllr Frain.

Sinn Fein councillor Leah Cull described the TII report as very robotic on an issue that was very sensitive. Its deeply upsetting to be honest. Youd swear that we were asking to reinvent the wheel. Were looking for very basic safety measures here which at the end of the day is going to help save lives and the TII should do better, she said.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr Liam Callaghan said that with the new N5 and the connection into it, there was one chance to get this junction right and one chance to make sure it was done properly and safely. Its up to the TII and the road builders to come up with a solution to make this junction safe once and for all, he said.

Director of Services Mark Keaveney said the local authority and all the engineers in the road section were fully behind improving all junctions and roads in the county and advocated for that on an ongoing basis.

Cllr Crosby agreed with Fianna Fail councillor Marty McDermott to send down the CEO or a senior figure from TII to address the meeting to explain the report to elected members.
Fiona Magennis

Three men jailed for the gang rape of a 17-year-old Leaving Cert student involving degradation of the most extreme nature have launched appeals to have their sentences reduced, arguing that the prison terms imposed were excessive.

The three were unanimously convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury on a number of charges from sexual assault to rape following a trial that ran for six weeks.

They were part of a group of five men who took part in the gang rape and who were jailed for a combined total of 66 years.

Imposing sentence in June 2022, Ms Justice Tara Burns said that the men, who were aged 17 to 19 at the time, behaved like animals on the night of December 27th, 2016. She said there was not a shred of humanity or respect in their actions.

She said that the rapes and sexual assaults committed by the men involved degradation of the most extreme nature. Ms Justice Burns said that in this case, the gang rape was accompanied by filming where a gang of men stood around outside a car in which a young woman was being violated.

This depravity is absolutely shocking, she said.

At the Court of Appeal on Tuesday, Counsel for Marcos Vinicius De Silva Umbelino argued his sentence should have been significantly reduced because he was a child at the time.

Lawyers for Gabriel Gomes Da Rocha and Eduardo Dias Ferreira Filho, meanwhile, contended the judge was wrong to place the offending in the highest category, attracting a headline sentence of between 15 years and life.

The men's sentencing hearing was told that after picking up the Leaving Cert student on a street in a midlands town in the early hours of December 27th, 2016 she was driven to a remote dry dock in Co Westmeath.

Da Rocha (28) of Mount Armstrong, Rahan, Tullamore, Umbelino (26) of Riverview, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath and another man took turns raping the girl, one after another. A fourth man sexually assaulted her.

At one point, the girl saw flashing through the windows of the parked car and realised that some of the men were recording the rapes on mobile phone cameras. They then travelled back to Tullamore while the girl was visibly upset and sobbing.

After dropping two men off, Umbelino drove the car to a car park. The girl pleaded to be let out, but she was held in the car by Da Rocha and Ferreira Filho (28) of Riverview, Kilbeggan.

They repeatedly asked her for a threesome and she repeatedly said no. Ferreira Filho then orally raped her at the same time as Da Rocha raped her in what was his second rape of the night.

After this, they let the girl out of the car.

In her victim impact statement, which she read aloud in court, the woman told the men: You have made me feel like I wasnt even a human being. What you did has stripped me of all that I am, and has rot me to the core. How could you take pleasure in doing something so horrific to another person?

Ms Justice Burns imposed a sentence of 15 years on Umbelino. She sentenced Ferreira Filho to an 18-year prison term while Da Rocha, who had raped the girl twice, was given a 20-year jail term.

The judge suspended the final year of all these sentences and also imposed sentences to run concurrent to the other sentences, for a number of sexual assaults committed during the car journey from Tullamore to Kilbeggan.

The woman had described how the men groped and molested her and hands were coming everywhere as she tried to push them away.

Bringing an appeal against the severity of the sentence imposed on Da Rocha at the Court of Appeal on Tuesday Giollaiosa O Lideadha SC, argued that the headline sentence of 22 years set by the trial judge was too high.

He contended the headline sentence set for Da Rocha should have been placed in the 10-to-15-year band.

Mr O Lideadha argued the sentence should have been further reduced to reflect Da Rochas age. He told the court that, because his client was only 19 at the time, his level of culpability was diminished.

He said Da Rocha had no previous convictions and although he had fought the case, he had approached the sentencing hearing on the basis that he accepted the jury verdict.

Mr O Lideadha referenced other cases which involved weapons and extreme depravity and maintained that those factors push the needle higher but do not apply in this case.

In Ferreira Filhos case, Mr O Lideadha said that while the offending was very serious the headline sentence of 20 years was out of the appropriate range.

Counsel argued the appropriate headline for Ferreira Filho would have been the lower end of the 10-to-15-year bracket. He said Filho had accepted the jury verdict at sentencing, has no previous convictions and is a married man with children. The fact he was just 19 at the time should also have been taken into consideration, Mr O Lideadha said.

Dominic McGinn SC, for Umbelino, said his client was a child at the time the offending occurred and that this had ramifications in the way in which a sentence has to be imposed.

He said a sentencing judge must adjust the headline sentence to reflect the fact that the defendant was a child at the time of the offence. Counsel argued that the proper approach is to reduce the headline sentence first, before applying any mitigation.

He said the Court of Appeal had previously said that a significant reduction was necessary in such cases. Mr McGinn noted that in the UK, that reduction is between a third and a half.

He argued the judge had made an error in giving a deduction of only a sixth, which was half what it should have been. He contended the headline sentence imposed should have been no higher than 12 years.

Counsel also submitted the amount deducted for the mitigating factors in the case, including his clients significant medical issues and lack of significant previous offending, was insufficient.

In response, Lorcan Staines SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said in relation to Da Rochas sentence, the trial judge had considered the relevant case law and authorities and had determined that a gang rape of this nature fell into the category of 15 years to life. He said she conducted her own analysis and rejected the submission made by the defence that it fell into the 10-to-15-year category.

Regarding the issue of age, Mr Staines said there was no particular evidence before the court in terms of Da Rocha and Ferreira Filhos level of maturity or otherwise.

Regarding the reduction given to Umbelino who was under the age of 18 when the offences occurred, Mr Staines said the Court of Appeal, while acknowledging the existence of guidelines for reductions in the UK, found that each case must be decided on its own.

There was nothing in this case that smacks of an error of youth, said Mr Staines.

He said the relevant authorities suggest that the reduction should be applied to the headline sentence. He noted that the trial judge approached it slightly differently, but repeatedly referred - when reducing the headline by three years - to the fact that the defendants youth was the only significant mitigating factor she identified.

Umbelino did not accept the jurys verdict and had lost any available credit for this, counsel noted. He said the court had taken mitigating factors into account.

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said the court would reserve judgment.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help.
Ellen O'Donoghue

A firebomb attack that killed a four-year-old boy and his grand-aunt in Co Offaly at the weekend feature heavily on Irish front pages on Tuesday morning.

The Irish Times lead with only the top 20 per cent of earners being able to afford to rent an average apartment built in Ireland in 2025, drones having come within 500 metres of an Irish naval vessel during Zelenskiy's visit, and an ex-teacher being jailed for 10 years for sexual abuse.

The Irish Examiner lead with the government injecting 300 million into defence equipment and infrastructure next year, a drugs protest being planned after a young boy and his grand-aunt died in a firebomb attack in Edenderry, Co Offaly, and complaints that Irish flags are being used as a method of intimidation.

The Echo lead with Cork City Council announcing a fund to revitalise Patrick Street, and Fota Wildlife Park reopening.

The Herald lead with double murderer Ruth Lawrence being jailed for two life sentences.

The Irish Independent, Irish Daily Mirror and Irish Daily Star all lead with the firebomb attack in Co Offaly that killed a four-year-old boy and his 60-year-old grand-aunt.

The Irish Daily Mail lead with the resignation of a number of senior medics from University Hospital Limerick, the country's most crowded hospital.

The Belfast Telegraph lead with residents of a north Belfast street being forced to evacuate their homes twice yesterday after a dissident republican was targeted.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) have signed an agreement worth $10 million to support rural communities affected by potential contamination of agricultural land with mines and explosive remnants of war in Ukraine, the FAO press service reported.

"The programme aims to restore safe use of agricultural land, revitalize livelihoods and strengthen the resilience of farming communities across some of the most severely affected oblasts in southern and eastern Ukraine. The initiative will also contribute to shaping a scalable model that can inform similar recovery efforts in other crisis-affected contexts," the report notes.

The project forms part of a joint initiative between FAO and the World Food Programme (WFP) that links mine action with agricultural recovery. Under this partnership, FAO will lead prioritization of needs based on geospatial analysis, soil assessments, land rehabilitation and the restoration of agricultural production, while WFP will oversee non-technical and technical surveying as well as clearance operations. Together, the two agencies provide an integrated pathway from making land safe to enabling farming communities restart cultivation.

"For many rural families in Ukraine, the ability to safely return to their land is the first step toward rebuilding their livelihoods. This partnership with Qatar Fund for Development brings much-needed support to communities living with the daily consequences of landmines and unexploded ordnance contamination," said Maxwell Sibhensana, Deputy Director of the Office of Emergencies and Resilience at FAO. "By combining agricultural technical expertise with mine action assistance, we are helping farming communities regain safe access to their land and rebuild the foundations of a resilient rural economy  an essential contribution not only to Ukraines recovery, but also to wider regional and global food security."

Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD stated, "Our partnership with FAO represents a shared commitment to supporting farming communities in Ukraine whose livelihoods have been disrupted by landmine contamination. Through this programme, we aim to restore safe access to agricultural land and enable thousands of families to resume cultivation, contributing to food security and economic recovery."

The programme targets some of the most severely affected oblasts in southern and eastern Ukraine and focuses on identifying priority agricultural areas, assessing soil health and supporting farmers in safely resuming cultivation. Activities will include advanced satellite and geospatial analysis to map damage and contamination, along with comprehensive soil testing to evaluate safety, contamination risks and restoration needs. The initiative will build upon national expertise by training young scientists and strengthening local institutions, while promoting good agricultural practices for land rehabilitation.

Alongside these technical efforts, livelihood assistance will be provided through provision of agricultural inputs, equipment and construction materials through vouchers, enabling more than 3 500 rural families and 100 small-scale farmers to restart production on safe land. Once functioning at full scale, the intervention is expected to contribute meaningfully to food security, strengthen livelihoods and income generation as well as long-term recovery for rural communities whose farmland remains inaccessible or unsafe due to mines and unexploded ordnance.

This new partnership builds on FAOs broader support to Ukraines agricultural sector since 2022, including emergency assistance, mine action coordination, land rehabilitation, production recovery and the restoration of critical rural infrastructure. By addressing both the humanitarian and economic consequences of mine contamination, the programme strengthens the foundations for recovery and lays the groundwork for sustainable development in the affected regions.

Ukraine remains one of the most mine-affected countries in the world, with up to 138 500 sq km affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war. The area is equivalent to the size of Greece  a scale that illustrates the magnitude of the challenge for farmers whose fields remain unsafe or inaccessible. Mine contamination continues to restrict access to farmland, reduce production capacity and slow the recovery of rural economies, underscoring the need for sustained international support to restore safe cultivation and safeguard national food production as well as economic recovery.
If a full-time counsellor is needed, the system must move in that direction, he said, warning that continued dependency on part-time appointments risks treating crises as occasional incidents rather than structural failures. File Photo.

A second part-time appointment is reportedly expected soon.

Suicide Attempt at Punjab University Renews Demands for Dedicated Mental Health Counsellor

A suicide attempt by a third-year chemical engineering student residing in boys hostel-3 of Panjab University (PU) has put major concern about the serious shortcomings in the universitys mental-health infrastructure. The student suffered a self-inflicted wrist injury, reportedly caused by academic pressure, fear of poor placement prospects and social isolation, concerns shared by many of the students living on campus.

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Currently, PU has only a single part-time counsellor to serve all its student population. A second part-time appointment is reportedly expected soon. But both students and faculty say these incremental measures are insufficient to address recurring issues such as academic stress, placement anxiety and adjustment issues, particularly acute among hostel residents. Prof. Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor of PU, acknowledged the requirement of a full-time counsellor but explained about the requirements, such as procedural compliance and external approvals, to formalise this post. She said the university could explore reallocation of an existing sanctioned vacancy (possibly in the health centre) or send a fresh proposal to the Ministry of Education.

Registrar YP Verma further gave clarification that PUs unique governance structure, which is governed by both state and central regulations, restricts its ability to unilaterally create permanent posts. Any expansion or creation of posts must be approved by the Centre since 2017.

PUCSC President Gaurav Veer Sohal said that mental health support cannot be treated as a token gesture. If a full-time counsellor is needed, the system must move in that direction, he said, warning that continued dependency on part-time appointments risks treating crises as occasional incidents rather than structural failures. The recent attempt and previous tragedies like the suicide of student Aditya Thakur in April have reignited demands for permanent mental-health staff, proper wellness infrastructure and proactive support frameworks across hostels and departments.

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As the number of students approaching the counselling centre for help increases, the urgency for sustainable institutional commitment becomes important. Without decisive action, critics fear that PUs mental-health void may deepen.

Source: Times of India




He cautioned that the continued withholding of legitimate GST and VAT refunds has blocked working capital, disrupted business operations, and created undue stress for thousands of taxpayers across the state." File Photo.

The demand highlights the importance of timely tax-refund disbursement not as a discretionary gesture but as a statutory right.

Punjab Taxpayers to Stage Statewide Protest Over Withheld GST and VAT Refunds

Businesses and tax professionals in Punjab are set for a statewide protest on December 12, 2025, to press the government to release long-pending refunds of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Value Added Tax (VAT). The Punjab Tax Bar Association (PTBA), with multiple trade and industry bodies across the state, is protesting for these demands.

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According to Anil Sarin, PTBA President At a state-level meeting representatives resolved unanimously to hold coordinated demonstrations at all district headquarters of Punjab to highlight continued indifference by the government. The delayed refunds reportedly date back to May, and the prolonged blockage has severely disrupted working capital for many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), traders, and industrial units, many of which are already contending with an economic slowdown.

Anil Sarin highlighted that despite repeated formal requests, reminders and representations submitted over months, no effective steps were taken by authorities to expedite the refund process. He cautioned that the continued withholding of legitimate GST and VAT refunds has blocked working capital, disrupted business operations, and created undue stress for thousands of taxpayers across the state."

The PTBA and allied trade bodies have demanded the immediate release of all pending refunds and urged the government to restore confidence by clearing the backlog without further delay. The protest on December 12 is aimed towards conveying strong deep concern and strong resentment over the persistent delays, and the associations have warned that the agitation will intensify if there is no swift action.

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The demand highlights the importance of timely tax-refund disbursement not as a discretionary gesture but as a statutory right. According to advocates, withholding refunds undermines trust between the business community and the administration and jeopardises the financial stability and viability of SMEs  a cornerstone of Punjabs trade and industrial ecosystem.

The pressure mounts on the state government to respond as the December 12 date approaches. For thousands of traders and tax-paying businesses, the pending refunds are not just numbers on a ledger; they are the lifeline for continuing operations, paying wages, and sustaining their livelihoods. The outcome of this protest could majorly impact business confidence across Punjabs commercial landscape, the newspaper concluded.

Source: Times of India

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He used the crisis as an opportunity to highlight the government's commitment towards a more competitive aviation sector.File Photo.

Naidu also affirmed that the government had taken steps to intervene.

IndiGo Meltdown Raises Alarms: Aviation Minister Calls for More Airlines to Protect Passengers

On December 9, 2025, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, in a statement to the Lok Sabha, said that airport operations are now returning to normalcy following a massive disruption in the flight network.

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The minister said the disruption was caused by an internal rostering issue at the airline IndiGo and highlighted that irrespective of an airline's size, no airline  can cause hardship to passengers.

He used the crisis as an opportunity to highlight the governments commitment towards a more competitive aviation sector. He said that more airlines should enter the Indian market, adding that more airlines mean more choice, more affordability and more resilience for the passengers. This would secure fair access to airport capacity and prevent any risk of a duopoly controlling connectivity and airfares.

He explained that encouraging new airlines to start and operate was required to ensure better connectivity and more stable airfares for travellers.

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Naidu also affirmed that the government had taken steps to intervene: travellers affected by cancellations have been supported, and efforts to restore normal operations are underway.

According to the minister, reforming the structure of Indias airline industry to avoid over-reliance on a few major carriers, thereby building a more robust, resilient and passenger-friendly aviation ecosystem.

In response to the recent disruption at IndiGo, the government, through Minister Naidu, is emphasising structural reforms to open up the aviation sector to more competition. The aim is to ensure that no single airline, however dominant, can jeopardise air connectivity or passenger convenience in the future.

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Source: Hindustan Times




Sonia Gandhi served as Congress president from 1998 to 2017; it made her the longest-serving president in the party's history. File Photo.

The Congress party also publicly praised Sonia Gandhi's leadership.

PM Modi Greets Sonia Gandhi on 79th Birthday as Congress Hails Her Visionary Leadership

On December 9, 2025, Narendra Modi penned a note for Sonia Gandhi, the former president of the Indian National Congress (INC), on the occasion of her 79th birthday. He posted on a social media platform, X: Birthday greetings to Smt Sonia Gandhi Ji. May she be blessed with a long life and good health.

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The Congress party also publicly praised Sonia Gandhis leadership. The party described her as a visionary leader, highlighting her influence on Indian politics and governance. Congress particularly credited her tenure as chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) for several landmark rights-based laws, including MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) and the Right to Information Act. These measures, according to Congress, brought many changes, such as employment generation, education, transparency, and dignity, to millions across India.

Additionally, Congress highlighted Gandhis lifelong commitment to social justice, womens empowerment, and inclusive growth. The party statement said that her vision continues to uplift millions all across the country and attributed it to her enduring dedication, grit, and service-orientated politics.

Sonia Gandhi served as Congress president from 1998 to 2017; it made her the longest-serving president in the partys history. She also held the position of interim president from 2019 to 2022. In June 2024, she was re-elected as chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Her family remains prominent in the party: her son Rahul Gandhi is the current Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is a general secretary of Congress and is a Member of Parliament.

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the birthday greeting from Modi, who is a leader of the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as a "moment of political civility" and a display of cross-party courtesy. Meanwhile, Congresss tribute highlights the partys fond regard for Sonia Gandhis legacy, the presentation of her leaderships social impact and her lasting influence on Indias political and social landscape, and her importance in shaping the partys modern identity.

Source: Times of India
He added that, even though he is part of the panel as the Leader of the Opposition, he effectively has no voice, as the panel is outnumbered by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. File Photo.

His second question was also about the same 2023 legislation.



Rahul Gandhis Parliament Alert: 3 Tough Questions, 4 Key Demands on Election Reforms

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Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said in a speech during the Parliament debate on the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He asked three probing questions of the government and put four key demands focused on reforming the electoral process.

First, he asked about the removal of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection panel that appoints the head and other members of the Election Commission of India (EC). He referred to the 2023 law that replaced the CJI with a cabinet minister on this three-member panel and asked, Why was the CJI removed  what intent could there be to remove the CJI? He added that, even though he is part of the panel as the Leader of the Opposition, he effectively has no voice, as the panel is outnumbered by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.

His second question was also about the same 2023 legislation. This time he focused on a clause that grants immunity to election commissioners from any legal challenge for acts committed in office. He asked in the debate, Why would the Prime Minister and Home Minister give this gift of immunity  what is the need for such protection? According to Rahul Gandhi, this is unprecedented and raises serious concerns about accountability reasons within the EC.

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Thirdly, he raised the matter of election CCTV and video recordings. He asked, Why was the law changed so that CCTV footage and other recordings could be destroyed 45 days after the elections? What is the requirement for such a law? Why should the evidence vanish so soon? He added that this is not a mere technical change but a question of stealing the elections.

After asking the three questions, Rahul Gandhi pressed four key demands. He asked that the government provide all parties with a machine-readable voter list at least one month before elections; revoke the law that permits swift destruction of CCTV/video footage; allow political parties experts to inspect the internal architecture of the EVMs; and roll back the immunity granted to election commissioners so that they are accountable for actions taken while in office.

According to Rahul Gandhis remarks, these measures are important to ensure transparency and restore public confidence. He warned that without such measures, democratic institutions risk being manipulated.

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Source: Hindustan Times




After Parkash Singh Badal, the seat passed to Manpreet Badal, who is another member of the family who held it until 2007. File Photo.

The past few election cycles have been disappointing for SAD in Gidderbaha.

Sukhbir Singh Badal Announces Plan to Contest 2027 Punjab Elections from Gidderbaha

On Monday, President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sukhbir Singh Badal, announced that he will contest the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections from the Gidderbaha assembly constituency. The announcement came during the inauguration of a new party office in Gidderbaha, a facility that will serve as his campaign base for the upcoming polls.

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Gidderbaha was a stronghold of SAD in the past. Sukhbirs father, Parkash Singh Badal, a former Chief Minister of Punjab, had won the seat five times (in 1969, 1972, 1977, 1980 and 1985). After Parkash Singh Badal, the seat passed to Manpreet Badal, who is another member of the family who held it until 2007.

The past few election cycles have been disappointing for SAD in Gidderbaha. Since 2007, the party has failed to win the general elections three times and also lost the by-election. The last incumbent MLA from Gidderbaha was Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who won the bypoll in November 2024 after the previous seat-holder, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring of the Indian National Congress, vacated it following his Lok Sabha election win from Ludhiana.

Sukhbir Singh Badal said during the inauguration while addressing party workers, I will contest from here (Gidderbaha). He also did not rule out contesting from a second seat, and according to party insiders, the additional seat might be either Lambi or Jalalabad.

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Badal appears to be banking on the historic association of the constituency with his family. By choosing Gidderbaha, hoping to revive SADs fortunes there after recent electoral losses. Political observers note that though challenging the seat is a favourable choice for the SAD chief.

Source: Times of India
Voter support for the incumbent President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in November 2025 decreased compared to October 2025. This is stated in the report on the results of the monthly electoral study by the U electoral data project, presented on Tuesday.

According to the published data, in response to the question "Who would you vote for in the upcoming presidential elections?" in November 2025, Zelenskyy was named by 20.3% of respondents. For comparison, in October, the incumbent president was supported by 24.3%.

At the same time, the rating of former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny increased  from 16.4% in October to 19.1% in November.

The same dynamics are observed in the responses regarding the parliamentary elections. The number of respondents ready to support Zelenskyy's party decreased from 16.0% to 11.5%, while support for Valeriy Zaluzhny's party increased from 18.5% to 21.8%.

The U electoral data project is a joint research initiative to publish an objective electoral assessment of public sentiment within the framework of the Omnibus of the Info Sapiens company and the Public policy development office. The mission of the U electoral data project is to provide society, scientists, experts and journalists with access to reliable data on electoral sentiment in Ukraine.

To this end, within the framework of this project, the Public Policy Development Office publishes part of the results of the monthly Omnibus, which is regularly carried out by the Info Sapiens company.

"It is worth understanding that the polls are conducted in wartime, so electoral sentiment should be regarded as the potential of individual individuals and their teams, and not the results that they will receive when hostilities are stopped and the security situation allows for elections. It is also worth noting that the participation of some and the refusal of political expression by others will also change the results," co-founder of the Public Policy Development Office, head of the Development of Democratic Practices program Ruslan Rokhov said presenting the U electoral data project.

It is noted that in the future a website will be launched where this data will be publicly available. Access to it will be free.
December 9, 2025

A roundup of local and world news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 09.12.2025, 13:55

VISIT Romanian President Nicusor Dan is today received in Paris by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. Talks are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the field of defence, on carrying on support for Ukraine, the fight against misinformation and strengthening democracy in Europe. According to a communique by the French presidency, this first official visit to France by the Romanian president after his election in May, underlines the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries within a common European agenda. Radio Romania correspondent in Paris is noting that besides the bilateral issues high on the agenda, the two presidents are going to prepare together the European Council proceedings due in Brussels next week mainly focusing on issues related to competitiveness and economy. Also on Tuesday President Dan met representatives of the French companies and the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo. Nicusor Dan also participated in the inauguration ceremony of the Nicolae Titulescu Alley in Monceau Park in Paris. Born in 1882 Nicolae Titulescu was a remarkable political figure, jurist and professor and also the most important diplomat in Romanias history. He served as Romanias Foreign Minister for several mandates and was the only president of the Nations League to have served for two consecutive mandates. The Romanian president also met representatives of the Romanian community in France at the Romanian Embassy in Paris on Monday. He pledged that the presidential administration will be an interface between the Romanians abroad and those at home, so that this cooperation may be successful on long term.

DECISION An increasing number of Romanian physicians are willing to come back to Romania encouraged by the improved medical infrastructure and raised sponsorship. However, their return is being hindered by bureaucratic procedures, which in some cases lasted one year. The Health Ministry is presently working on a decision aimed at simplifying the procedures for the repatriation of the Romanian physicians who worked abroad and at reducing the time for having their certificates and professional competences recognized. The project is to be put up for decisional transparency in the following period.

SURVEY Almost eight out of ten Romanian companies are investing and most of them are planning to expand their capabilities, but the general feeling is more pessimistic than in the European Union, says the latest survey on investment released by the European Investment Bank on Tuesday. According to this survey, 78% of the Romanian companies reported increased investment in the past year as compared to the previous years, but investment is still under the EU average of 86%. However, 44% of the Romanian companies have announced their intention to focus on increasing output in the following three years, a significantly higher value than the EU average of 26%. The survey also says the Romanian enterprises are open to change although they are facing a wide variety of pressures, from the geo-political ones and disruptions in the supply lines to climate risks and stricter regulations.

VOTE A no-confidence vote initiated by the populist opposition against the pro-European coalition government headed by the Liberal Ilie Bolojan has today been presented to Parliament in Bucharest. In the document titled Romania is not for sale, no more progressists ruling the country, the signatories are criticizing the government, which they said was unable to properly handle finances, healthcare, education, social protection, justice and public administration. The ruling parties, PSD, PNL, USR, UDMR, said they would not support the censure motion, which is to be debated upon and voted on Monday.

TALKS The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will today go to Rome after the talks he held in London and Brussels with key European allies over the peace agreement proposed by the USA. The Europeans message is that the sovereignty of Ukraine must be respected and its security must get long-term guarantees as a first defence line for the European Union. Zelensky said it was vital that Ukraine, Europe and America remain united. After the talks he held in London with European leaders, Zelensky underlined that he had no moral and legal rights to cede any Ukrainian territories to Moscow. The territorial issue is a central point of the US-brokered peace talks underway, AFP reports. Zelensky has said the Ukrainian and European officials will work together over a version of the plan proposed by the US negotiators.

WEATHER Romania is presently enjoying warmer weather than the periods average with an overcast sky in the north-west, center and some regions in the south. Insignificant showers are expected in the north and north-east and mixed precipitations in the mountains. The highs of the day range between 5 and 14 degrees Celsius with a noon reading in Bucharest of 7 degrees.

(bill)
December 9, 2025 UPDATE

A roundup of local and world news

December 9, 2025 UPDATE

Newsroom, 09.12.2025, 20:00

VISIT The president of Romania Nicusor Dan was received in Paris on Tuesday by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. The two officials discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the field of defence, carrying on support for Ukraine, fighting disinformation and the strengthening of democracy in Europe. According to a news release by the French Presidency, this first official visit to France by the Romanian president after his election in May highlights the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries in the service of a common European agenda. Also on Tuesday, president Nicusor Dan had talks with officers of French businesses, organised by the Movement of Enterprises in France (Medef). He also met with the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, and attended the opening of the Nicolae Titulescu alley in the famous park Monceau in Paris. On Monday, president Nicusor Dan had meetings at the Romanian Embassy in Paris with members of the Romanian community in France.

ECONOMY Nearly 8 out of 10 Romanian companies are investing, many of them with plans to expand their capacity, but the general sentiment remains more pessimistic than in the European Union, according to the latest investment survey made public on Tuesday by the European Investment Bank (EIB). According to the report, 78% of Romanian companies have invested in the last year, an increase compared to previous years, but still below the EU average of 86%. Looking ahead, however, 44% of Romanian companies intend to focus their investments on expanding production capacity in the next 3 years, a number significantly higher than the EU average of 26%. The survey also indicates that Romanian companies are open to change and manage multiple pressures, from geopolitical and supply chain disruptions to climate risks and stricter regulations.

PHYSICIANS A growing number of Romanian doctors who work abroad are willing to return to the country, encouraged by the improved medical infrastructure and increased funding. Their return is hampered, however, by bureaucratic procedures that in some cases lasted as long as a year. The healthcare ministry is currently working on an order that will streamline repatriation procedures for the Romanian physicians having worked abroad and the recognition of professional certificates and skills. The draft regulation will be posted for public review in the following period.

GAZA A C-130 Hercules aircraft of the Romanian Air Forces carried out a medevac mission on Monday, involving 8 Palestinian patients from Gaza severely affected by the lack of access to adequate medical treatment, along with 29 relatives. With the support of a Slovak aircraft, 2 patients and their relatives were flown to Norway, and 4 patients and their relatives to Belgium. The other 2 patients will receive medical care in Romania. The mission was carried out following requests received from the European Commissions Emergency Response Coordination Centre. It is the 8th support mission carried out this year for the civilian population in Gaza, reconfirming Romanias role as a trusted partner involved in humanitarian assistance, the transport of patients in serious condition and the provision of specialised medical treatments. Last year, 3 other missions of this type were carried out.

POLITICS The Social Democratic Party started an in-house assessment on Tuesday, after 6 months of participation in the 4-party ruling coalition in Romania led by the Liberal Ilie Bolojan. At the end of this review, the Social Democrats will decide whether or not to move into opposition, the party leader Sorin Grindeanu announced. A decision is expected after the budget for next year has been completed, most likely in early February. Until then, the Social Democrats have decided not to back a new no-confidence motion on December 15. The document, read on Monday in a joint plenary session of Parliaments two Chambers, criticises the Government for its management of the countrys finances, healthcare, education, social protection, justice and public administration.

UKRAINE Pope Leo called for continued dialogue to reach a just and lasting peace in Ukraine during a meeting with the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday, the Vatican said. His comments echoed Zelenskyys frequent calls for a just peace as the Ukrainian leader seeks to ensure that any deal to end the war started by Russia is not partial to Moscow. Also in Rome on Tuesday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Italys PM Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of the U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been pressuring Ukraine to give up territory in exchange for peace with Russia. The Ukrainian president arrived in Rome after talks in London and Brussels with key European allies on the U.S.-proposed peace deal. The Europeans message is that Ukraines sovereignty must be respected and its security must be guaranteed in the long term as a first line of defence for the EU. Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a revised peace plan would be finalised and sent to the US, in an attempt to avoid territorial concessions. (AMP)
How can Romanian doctors return to the country?

More and more Romanian doctors who have gone abroad want to return home

foto: Facebook.com/rogobete.alex (Ministrul sanatatii, Alexandru Rogobete)

Corina Cristea, 09.12.2025, 13:50

The exodus of Romanian doctors, which has been particularly pronounced over the last two decades, with certain peak periods, was mainly due to economic and professional conditions in the country, manifested in low salaries, poorly equipped hospitals, bureaucracy, and a lack of clear career prospects. It is estimated that in the 4-5 years immediately following the countrys accession to the European Union in 2007, when freedom of movement within Europe facilitated departures, over 10,000 doctors from Romania chose to practice abroad. This was followed by an intensification of the phenomenon between 2010 and 2016, when over 14,500 doctors applied for the professional certificates required to work outside the country, with the historical peak being registered in 2011.

For Romania, this situation has resulted in staff shortages, undersized wards, overworked doctors, and a lack of access to specialists in some areas, especially rural ones. Patients have ended up traveling tens or hundreds of kilometers for simple consultations or operations that should be accessible locally. Last but not least, there is also the issue of costs, with the state investing considerable sums in training doctors, while the benefits are reaped by other countries. For several years now, however, more and more Romanian doctors who have gone abroad want to return to their country, motivated by higher salaries, the modernization of some hospitals, and the creation of high-performance medical centers.

However, the return of specialists is hampered by bureaucratic procedures that have lasted up to a year in some cases. For this reason, the Ministry of Health is currently working on an order to simplify the procedures required for doctors who have worked abroad to return to the country and to reduce the time needed to recognize their certificates and professional skills.

Health Minister Alexandru Rogobete: I find it unacceptable that in 2025 it will take a year for a group of bureaucrats from the Ministry of Health or the University or even the healthcare facility to approve or confirm the experience of a doctor who has worked for 15 years in a hospital in Paris and has performed thrombectomies and the most complex procedures. So, the project we are talking about reduces bureaucracy and facilitates the transfer of medical personnel from abroad to Romania in less than 30 days.

De-bureaucratization is beneficial to patients, and the project will be made transparent in terms of decision-making in the near future, Minister Alexandru Rogobete said. (MI)
No-confidence motion against Ilie Bolojans cabinet

The opposition files new no-confidence motion.

Photo: The Chamber of Deputies

Leyla Cheamil, 09.12.2025, 14:00

MPs from the populist opposition on Monday filed a no-confidence motion against the pro-European coalition government formed by the Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party, the Save Romania Union and the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania and led by the Liberal Ilie Bolojan. The motion was initiated by a parliamentary group called PEACE  Romania First and also supported by MPs from the Alliance for the Union of Romanians. Entitled Romania is not for sale, no progressives in the government, the motion criticises the government, saying it has been unable to manage the countrys finance, healthcare, education, social protection, judiciary and public administration. The move is seen as an attempt to remove the Save Romania Union from government. The signatories of the motion also say that the government has specialised, with a tenacity worth of a better cause, in working against its own people. They note that the Bolojan government has continued the tradition of previous governments, namely overindebtedness, with public debt going up to almost 1,085 billion lei in August, which accounts for 59.7% of GDP, 90 billion lei more than at the beginning of the year. Senator Ninel Peia:

With each new government measure, Romanians are paying more for less. This is not just a mere failure in government, but an administration that, based on its repeated actions, has clearly chosen to be on a wrong side, against the fundamental interests of the citizens it claims to represent.

The representatives of the ruling coalition said they would not vote for the no-confidence motion and that the oppositions move would be unsuccessful. Senate speaker Mircea Abrudean said it did not look well for Romania for any of the parties in the coalition to withdraw. He added that Romania needs stability and sees no reason why any of the MPs in the ruling parties would vote in favour of the motion against the government. Mircea Abrudean:

I believe Romania needs stability. I think this is precisely what the message of the people was, including the people of Bucharest who cast their votes in the byelections; they want people who do things, not merely talk about them. At the end of the day, I think this is what matters. A government supported by this strong coalition that does good things for Romania. I believe this coalition must continue to exist. The stronger the coalition, the more will the government be able to get Romania back on the right track.

A debate and vote on the no-confidence motion are scheduled for next week, on 15th December.
Ford Motor Co. (F), on Monday, announced it outlined the next phase of its European strategy, focusing on agility, cost efficiency, and a stronger product lineup for both retail and commercial customers. The company also announced a strategic collaboration with Renault SA (RNO.PA) to accelerate its product plan.

The plan is built on three pillars such as strengthening Ford Pro, expanding the passenger car range with new models, and optimizing manufacturing for scale and efficiency.

The company said that a new product wave will begin in 2028, including multi-energy and affordable vehicles designed to support customer choice during the transition to electrification.

The partnership with Renault includes joint development of two Ford-branded EVs on Renault's Ampere platform for 2028, and a Letter of Intent to explore jointly developed light commercial vehicles.

Ford Pro remains the core of its European , supported by its software and services ecosystem. The Ford Liive Uptime system delivered 820,000 days of additional vehicle uptime in 2024.

The company continues to leverage partnerships with Koc Holding through Ford Otosan and with Volkswagen to strengthen its commercial and electric vehicle operations.

The company also called for better alignment of European carbon dioxide regulations with market conditions. EV share in Europe remains at 16.1%, well below the 25% required by 2025 targets.

The company urged policymakers to adjust carbon dioxide targets, maintain incentives for electrification, and support small businesses that depend on commercial vehicles.

On Monday, Ford closed trading 0.84% higher at $13.14 on the New York Stock Exchange.

On Monday, Renault closed trading 1.18% lesser at EUR 36.76 on the Paris Stock Exchange.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
British American Tobacco PLC(BTI,BATS.L,BMT.DE,BTI.JO), a British tobacco and nicotine products company, said on Tuesday that it expects its annual revenue and adjusted profit from operations to grow around 2 percent.

Earlier, the company had projected for 1.5 percent to 2.5 percent adjusted profit from operations growth, with a revenue growth at the top end of 1 percent to 2 percent.

In addition, the company has revised up its share repurchase program to GBP 1.3 billion for 2026.

For fiscal 2026, British American Tobacco anticipates around a 2% growth in adjusted profit from operations and revenue.

Further, for fiscal 2026, the company projects global tobacco industry volume to drop by around 2%.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
European stocks struggled for direction on Tuesday as caution prevailed ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest-rate decision, due on Wednesday.

The U.S. central bank is widely expected to deliver a 25-basis-point rate cut but prospects for 2026 look uncertain.

In economic releases, Germany's foreign trade surplus increased in October as exports rose amid a fall in imports, official data showed.

Exports posted a monthly increase of 0.1 percent in October, though slower than the 1.5 percent recovery in September. Meanwhile, imports declined 1.2 percent after rising 5.1 percent a month ago.

As a result, the trade surplus climbed to EUR 16.9 billion from EUR 15.3 billion in September.

A report on U.S. job openings for October, due later in the day may provide important clues on the of the U.S. labor market.

The pan European Stoxx 600 edged up by 0.1 percent to 579.03 after ending flat with a negative bias on Monday.

The German DAX rose 0.4 percent and France's CAC 40 was marginally higher while the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was down 0.1 percent.

Defense contractor Chemring Group fell over 1 percent in London after reporting higher-than-expected costs for its Norwegian expansion project.

British American Tobacco slumped 4 percent. The cigarette maker said it expects 2026 trading to come in at the lower end of its mid-term targets.

German wind turbine maker Nordex rallied 2.3 percent after winning new contracts in France and Belgium.

ThyssenKrupp plunged 7 percent after the industrial conglomerate warned of challenging conditions, expecting to swing to a net loss of up to 800 million euros ($931 million) in 2026.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out ceding Ukraine's land to Russia, as proposed by his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump.

"Do we envision ceding territories? We have no legal right to do so, under Ukrainian law, our constitution and international law. And we don't have any moral right either," Zelensky said at a press conference after talks with leaders of the U.K., France and Germany in London.

"Russia is insisting that we give up territories, but we don't want to cede anything. We are fighting for that, as you well know," Zelensky told reporters.

"There are difficult problems concerning the territories and so far there has been no compromise."

"The key is to know what our partners will be ready to do in the event of new aggression by Russia. At the moment, we have not received any answer to this question," Zelensky added.

Territorial concessions by Ukraine is one of the most sticking points in the 20-point peace plan put forward by the Trump administration, which European leaders view as favoring Russia.

From London, the Ukrainian leader proceeded to Brussels to hold talks with NATO Secretary General and the European Commission President.

Zelensky said that he will travel to Italy from there.

Meanwhile, Russia is intensifying attacks across Ukraine, with the UN warning of an "alarming pattern" of surging hostilities and mounting damage to essential services as temperatures continue to drop.

Speaking to media in New York on Monday, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the UN humanitarian office, OCHA, was deeply concerned by the scale and spread of the latest attacks.

"These strikes are resulting in more power outages and disruptions to vital services nationwide," he told reporters.

Between Friday and Monday, authorities reported more than 100 civilian casualties, including nearly 20 deaths.

The worst-hit regions were Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia.

Ukraine's Energy Ministry confirmed new attacks on critical facilities in at least eight regions across the north, east, and south.

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Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha, during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Italy, had a telephone conversation with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

"I informed my colleague about peace efforts and the difficult battlefield and energy situation in the wake of intensified Russian attacks. We discussed the important role of Italy and other European partners in advancing peace efforts and supporting Ukraine on this path. We also spoke about urgent decisions to strengthen our country and increase pressure on the aggressor," Sybiha said on the X social network.

He said it is important to finally ensure the possibility of full use of frozen Russian assets, strengthen Ukraine within the framework of the SAFE program, and further increase contributions to the PURL initiative.

"We value our partnership with Italy and thank our Italian friends, all the Italian people, for their strong support, including the latest military assistance package. Together, we are defending our shared values and the security and peace in Europe," Sybiha said.
Teleflex Inc. (TFX), a medical technologies provider, Tuesday announced that it has agreed to sell its Acute Care, Interventional Urology to Intersurgical Ltd and OEM businesses to Montagu and Kohlberg for a total of $2.03 billion in cash.

Today's announcement is a result of this work and establishes Teleflex as a more focused medical technologies leader, with highly complementary businesses in Vascular Access, Interventional, and Surgical, and a simplified global operating model and manufacturing footprint.", commented Liam Kelly, Teleflex's Chief Executive Officer.

The transaction is set to be completed in the second half of 2026 and the company will receive around $1.5 billion for its OEM and $530 million for its Acute Care and Interventional Urology businesses. The net proceeds will be around $1.58 billion post tax.

The company plans to use the proceeds from the sale to pay down its debt and repurchase up to $1 billion of its common stock.

In pre-market activity, TFX shares were trading at $130, up 8.47% on the New York Stock Exchange.

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A new study from Oregon Health & Science University suggests that not getting enough sleep could shorten your life.

The research, published in the journal SLEEP Advances, used a large national database to compare average sleep habits with average life expectancy across U.S. counties. The data came from a CDC survey conducted between 2019 and 2025, where people were asked a basic question: "On average, how many hours do you sleep in a day?"

Researchers then compared sleep patterns with other known risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, lack of exercise, food insecurity, unemployment, low education levels, and lack of health insurance.

They found that sleep was one of the strongest predictors of how long people live. Smoking had the biggest effect on shortening life expectancy, but lack of sleep ranked second, which was ahead of obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity. Even when obesity and diabetes were included in a second analysis, not getting enough sleep still remained a meaningful risk factor.

The data also showed big differences between nearby counties. For example, one county might have 40 percent of residents who don't get enough sleep, while the neighboring county has only 25 percent. These gaps were reflected with several years' difference in life expectancy.

"I didn't expect it to be so strongly correlated to life expectancy," commented senior author Andrew McHill, an associate professor at Oregon Health & Science University. "We've always thought sleep is important, but this research really drives that point home: People really should strive to get seven to nine hours of sleep if at all possible."

"Getting a good night's sleep will improve how you feel but also how long you live," he concluded.

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Stellantis on Tuesday announced plans to bring the tiny, all-electric Fiat Topolino to the U.S., which is a pretty unusual move toward micro-mobility in a market that's typically focused on big SUVs and trucks.

The company didn't give a specific launch date, but Fiat's CEO Olivier Francois, confirmed the news, mentioning that more information would come out next year.

This news follows shortly after President Donald Trump praised Japan's small "Kei" cars during a White House meeting with Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa and other leaders in the auto industry.

Trump mentioned he had asked Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to make it easier for similar micro-vehicles to hit the U.S. market, although these vehicles can already be sold if they meet safety and speed regulations.

A spokesperson for Stellantis indicated that the decision to launch the Topolino isn't directly related to Trump's remarks and that the company has been testing American interest at auto shows for several months.

The Topolino is an electric quadricycle produced in Morocco, capable of reaching speeds up to about 28 miles per hour and has a range of around 75 kilometers, which is just under 50 miles.

If it does make it to the market, it will be interesting to see if U.S. consumers are ready to embrace such compact cars after years of low demand.

The last time Fiat made a major attempt to appeal to the American market was after the 2009 recession with the small 500 city car, which saw sales peak at 43,772 in 2012 but dropped to about 1,500 last year.

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In a rather interesting turn of events, Ford Motor and Renault Group today announced a strategic partnership to launch an offensive against the increasing influx of Chinese electric cars and vans in Europe. The outcome of this strategic partnership will yield Ford with two new small electric cars and then a few vans (CVs). Lets take a closer look at these developments.

Ford and Renault Team Up

The iconic Blue Oval (Ford Motor) and the Diamond (Renault Group) have just signed a partnership agreement to co-develop two new EVs. This partnership will be extended to incorporate vans and other CVs in the future. The partnership is kicking things off with two Ford branded electric cars.

Both these electric cars will be based on Renaults Ampere (or AmpR) platform on which Renault 5, Renault 4, Twingo, Scenic, Megane E-Tech and other vehicles are positioned. These two Ford branded electric cars co-developed with Renault are aimed primarily for European market where Ford has lost almost half of its market share from 6.1% in 2019 to 3.3% in 2025 period.

With Trump administration cutting down on electric car development support, Ford has witnessed a surge in development costs to invest in both ICE and electric powertrains. The partnership with Renault Group will bring down investments in EV powertrain development and platform sharing.

What to expect?

Renault will be able to increase production and make better use of its manufacturing capacity and lower costs for both Renault and Ford. The first of these two Ford EVs for European market will reach showrooms by early 2028. These models are expected to be small and affordable and be cost effective to design, develop and produce.

Currently, Ford has two EVs on sale in Europe, co-developed with Volkswagen Group and positioned on MEB platform. The partnership with Renault will give them two more electric vehicles to better counter the increasing Chinese influx of electric cars from brands like BYD, Changan, Xpeng and others.

Statements from Renault Group and Ford Motor

Francois Provost, CEO Renault Group said: Renault Group is proud to announce a new strategic cooperation with Ford, an iconic car manufacturer. This partnership shows the strength of our partnership know-how and competitiveness in Europe. In the long term, combining our strengths with Ford will make us more innovative and more responsive in a fast-changing European automotive market.

Jim Farley, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company said: The strategic partnership with Renault Group marks an important step for Ford and supports our strategy to build a highly efficient and fit-for-the future business in Europe. We will combine Renault Groups industrial scale and EV assets with Fords iconic design and driving dynamics to create vehicles that are fun, capable, and distinctly Ford in spirit.
Photo: https://www.pap.pl

Peace for Ukraine is closer now than at any time since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in early 2022, Finnish President Alexander Stubb has said, Bloomberg reported

"We're quite close to an agreement," Stubb said at an event in Helsinki on Tuesday. The negotiations involve three separate documents, he said.

The first is a framework document, which "as of yesterday's conversation" between European leaders "stands as a 20-point plan."

"The original 28-point plan included elements of a future European security structure which in my mind were completely unacceptable," Stubb said.

After weeks of intense negotiations, Ukraine has managed to soften a 28-point peace plan proposed by the United States, which appeared to be advantageous to Russia because it sought to bar Kyiv from joining NATO and limit the size of its army.

A new 20-point framework document has emerged, but it remains unclear how it will deter Moscow from another attack in the future. Several European leaders discussed the latest peace efforts in a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after his talks in London on Monday.

"We are reaching a point' where the terms of a potential deal are becoming more palatable." "I feel quite comfortable where we are right now," Stubb said.

The second document being discussed between the Trump administration, Ukrainian officials and security agencies in Europe concerns security guarantees in Ukraine, Stubb said, distinguishing between hard security guarantees and security arrangements. The latter involve a coalition of the willing, he said.

The third document concerns Ukraine's post-war reconstruction.

Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg, a former secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, said the path to peace lies in changing Russian President Vladimir Putin's calculations.

"If the price he has to pay is too high he may accept something. I don't think we can change Putin's mind," Stoltenberg said at the same event in Helsinki.
Trump gives Zelenskyy days to respond to peace plan, wants deal 'before Christmas'  Financial Times

U.S. President Donald Trump hopes to reach a peace deal on Ukraine by Christmas  Trump's envoys "have given Volodymyr Zelenskyy days" to respond to Washington's proposed peace plan, the Financial Times reports, citing unnamed officials.

According to the publication's interlocutors familiar with the negotiations, last Saturday during a call, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and the U.S. President's son-in-law Jared Kushner insisted that Zelenskyy quickly make a decision on the peace plan. A journalist's source said that Trump hopes to conclude a deal "before Christmas."

Zelenskyy has asked for time to consult with European allies as Kyiv fears Washington's proposal could undermine Western unity, the sources said.
Road closures due to filmmaking Downtown closures

Parking will be limited through Friday on West Marcy Street, on Lincoln Avenue from Federal Place to West Palace Avenue, and on West Palace Avenue from Sheridan Avenue to Lincoln Avenue.

Lincoln and West Palace avenues will see road closures from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday on the following stretches:

Lincoln Avenue from West Marcy Street to West Palace Avenue.

West Palace Avenue from Lincoln Avenue to Sheridan Avenue.

Sandoval Street and Grant Avenue will have intermittent, five-minute traffic holds during filming Wednesday.

Sheridan Avenue will be one-way only, northbound, during filming Wednesday.

Westbound Paseo de Peralta at Bishops Lodge Road will have a lane closure from 5 a.m. Thursday to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Hillside Avenue and East Marcy Street will have closures and parking will be off-limits from 8 a.m. Dec. 14 to noon Dec. 15.

Parking will be off-limit on West Marcy Street, from Paseo de Peralta to Otero Street, from 9 p.m. Dec. 14 to 6 a.m. Dec. 15.

Paseo de Peralta, from Otero Street to East Marcy Street, will be closed from 8 p.m. Dec. 14 to 6 a.m. Dec. 15. Detours will be available at Otero Street, East Palace Avenue and Martinez Street.

Prince Park will be closed to the public from 8 a.m. Dec. 14 to noon Dec. 15

Hyde Park, N.M. 599

Hyde Park Road at Avenida Primera Loop will have a rolling roadblock from 13 p.m. Wednesday.

N.M. 599 to U.S. 285 will see a rolling roadblock from 35 p.m. Wednesday.

Southeastern Santa Fe

Calle Espejo and Calle Cacique will be affected from Monday through Dec. 16.

Parking will be off-limits for prep work from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Intermittent traffic control will be conducted from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Parking will be off-limits for wrap work from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 1416.
As the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine approaches, civilians face almost daily attacks and growing hardship, according to a report released on Tuesday, December 9, by the UN Human Rights Office.

"Our findings establish several worrying trends: rising civilian casualties in both frontline and urban areas, sustained attacks on energy infrastructure, and continued patterns of systematic and widespread torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees," Danielle Bell, who heads the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), said.

Thus, it is noted that between June and November 2025, the number of civilian casualties increased significantly in both frontline and urban areas. July became the month with the highest number of civilian deaths and injuries since April 2022. On November 19, a massive combined drone and missile strike killed at least 36 civilians in Ternopil, the deadliest attack in western Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Living conditions in frontline regions have deteriorated sharply. Close-range drones, aerial bombs, and other types of munitions have caused widespread destruction of residential buildings and other vital civilian infrastructure. This has effectively rendered some of these areas uninhabitable and triggered new waves of population displacement. In a number of frontline cities, many hospitals and clinics have been destroyed or closed, leaving residents without access to basic medical care. Water, heating, and electricity outages have further limited the ability of civilians, especially the elderly and disabled, to remain in their homes. In October and November 2025, Russia carried out eight large-scale coordinated attacks using missiles and drones targeting Ukraine's energy system. These strikes caused emergency power outages and daily power cuts in many regions, with planned outages lasting up to 18 hours a day. Some areas experienced prolonged water and heating outages, lasting from several hours to several days.

Between May and August 2025, Ukraine and the Russian Federation conducted the largest prisoner exchanges since 2022, but the HRMMU did not record any improvement in the treatment of internees.

"Systematic and widespread torture and ill-treatment of POWs is one of the most shocking and pervasive features of this war. Of the 187 Ukrainian POWs recently freed by the Russian Federation, 185 provided accounts of severe beatings, stress positions, electric shocks, suffocation and dog attacks. 141 (75 percent) disclosed having been subjected to sexual violence. Interviewees also described harsh conditions of detention, limited medical care, and violence occurring during capture, transfer, admission to new facilities, and throughout internment," Belle said.

The HRMMU interviewed 137 prisoners of war in Ukrainian captivity, including ten third-country nationals. More than half of them, including 37 prisoners of war captured this year, reported torture and ill-treatment during interrogation or transport before arriving at official internment sites. The HRMMU continues to have unhindered access to places of detention and continues to document internment conditions that are generally in line with international standards.

The report also highlights the increasing number of extrajudicial executions of prisoners of war. At least four cases of the killing of ten Ukrainian servicemen after capture by Russian forces were found to be credible. There were also four executions of Russian prisoners of war by Ukrainian soldiers, as well as credible accounts of three additional incidents that are currently being investigated.

In the territory of Ukraine occupied by Russia, the occupying authorities continued to implement measures that violate international humanitarian law. The report describes increasing restrictions on freedom of movement, expression, religion and access to independent information. Civilians faced increasing pressure to obtain Russian citizenship, while daily life without a Russian passport became almost impossible. The report describes arbitrary arrests, persecution for criticizing the "special military operation," the use of forced confessions and the application of retroactive criminal legislation.

Private property rights were also severely violated. The occupation authorities continued to apply legislation allowing the expropriation of Ukrainian residential property deemed "abandoned." As of November 2025, at least 5,557 houses in Donetsk and Luhansk regions had been registered as such and transferred to municipal ownership. Ukrainians who had moved to government-controlled territory reported being unable to participate in legal proceedings necessary to confirm their status and retain ownership of their property.

Access to water deteriorated further in some areas of the occupied Donetsk region, where declining water levels in reservoirs and dilapidated or damaged infrastructure necessitated the introduction of water rationing. In some settlements, water was supplied only once every few days. Many families reported poor water quality and high costs associated with purchasing drinking water.

The report also notes the efforts of the Ukrainian authorities and humanitarian organizations to support civilians affected by the fighting, including large-scale evacuations, the establishment of transit centers, and the provision of medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance, despite extremely difficult and increasingly dangerous conditions, including attacks on humanitarian workers and UN convoys.
A research group led by an evolutionary biologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that giant reptiles living as far back as 220 million years ago may have developed the ability to fly at the very start of their evolutionary history. This contrasts with the ancestors of modern birds, which are thought to have reached powered flight more slowly and with larger, more complex brains.

Details of the investigation, which relied on advanced imaging methods to examine the internal brain cavities of pterosaur fossils and received partial support from the National Science Foundation, appeared Nov. 26 in Current Biology.

According to Matteo Fabbri, Ph.D., assistant professor of functional anatomy and evolution at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the results strengthen the idea that the enlarged brains seen in birds and likely in their ancestors were not responsible for allowing pterosaurs to take to the air.

"Our study shows that pterosaurs evolved flight early on in their existence and that they did so with a smaller brain similar to true non-flying dinosaurs," Fabbri says.

Giant Fliers With Surprising Brain Structure

Fabbri describes pterosaurs as powerful airborne predators of the dinosaur era, capable of reaching 500 pounds in some species and stretching up to 30 feet across the wings. Pterosaurs are recognized as the earliest of the three major vertebrate lineages (in addition to birds and bats) that eventually achieved powered flight on their own.

To investigate how pterosaurs gained this ability and whether their path differed from that of birds and bats, the team examined the reptile's evolutionary history. They looked closely at shifts in the shape and size of the brain over time and focused on the optic lobe, the region involved in vision that has been linked to flight capabilities.

CT Scans Reveal Clues From Early Relatives

Using CT imaging and specialized software that allowed them to digitally model fossilized nervous system structures, the researchers concentrated on the closest known relative of the pterosaur. This animal, the flightless and tree-climbing lagerpetid, was first identified by scientists in 2016 and lived during the Triassic period between 242 and 212 million years ago. In 2020, another team confirmed the lagerpetid's close evolutionary connection to pterosaurs.

"The lagerpetid's brain already showed features linked to improved vision, including an enlarged optic lobe, an adaptation that may have later helped their pterosaur relatives take to the skies," says corresponding author Mario Bronzati, a researcher at University of Tubingen, Germany.

Fabbri notes that pterosaurs also had enlarged optic lobes. Outside of this trait, however, he explains that their brain shape and size differed considerably from those of the lagerpetid.

"The few similarities suggest that flying pterosaurs, which appeared very soon after the lagerpetid, likely acquired flight in a burst at their origin," Fabbri says. "Essentially, pterosaur brains quickly transformed acquiring all they needed to take flight from the beginning."

Comparing Pterosaur and Bird Flight

In contrast, modern birds are thought to have evolved flight through a more gradual process. They appear to have inherited several key traits, including expansion of the cerebrum, cerebellum and optic lobes, from earlier relatives before further adapting these regions for flight, Fabbri says. Support for this gradual model comes from 2024 research from the laboratory of Amy Balanoff, Ph.D., assistant professor of functional anatomy and evolution at Johns Hopkins Medicine, which highlights the importance of cerebellum expansion in the origins of bird flight. The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain and helps regulate muscle coordination and other functions.

"Any information that can fill in the gaps of what we don't know about dinosaur and bird brains is important in understanding flight and neurosensory evolution within pterosaur and bird lineages," Balanoff says.

Insights From Fossilized Brains Across Species

The team also examined brain cavities from crococdylians (crocodile ancestors) and early, extinct birds, comparing these structures with those of pterosaurs.

Their analysis showed that pterosaurs had moderately enlarged brain hemispheres, a feature comparable to other dinosaur groups. These include two-legged, bird-like troodontids that lived between the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous periods from 163 to 66 million years ago, as well as Archaeopteryx lithographica, the oldest-known bird that lived between 150.8 and 125.45 million years ago. These prehistoric species differ strongly from modern birds, which have significantly larger brain cavities.

Looking Ahead to Future Research

Fabbri says that future progress will depend on understanding how the brain's internal structure, not just its size and shape, enabled pterosaurs to achieve flight. He explains that this will be essential for uncovering the broader biological principles that govern the evolution of flight.

Funding support for this research was provided by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Brazilian Federal Government, The Paleontological Society, Agencia Nacional de Promocion Cientifica y Tecnica, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico, the European Union NextGeneration EU/PRTR, the National Science Foundation ( NSF DEB 1754596, NSF IOB-0517257, IOS-1050154, IOS-1456503), and the Swedish Research Council

In addition to Fabbri and Bronzati, other scientists who contributed to this research are Akinobu Watanabe from New York Institute of Technology, Roger Benson from the American Museum of Natural History, Rodrigo Muller from Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil, Lawrence Witmer from the University of Ohio, Martin Ezcurra and M. Belen von Baczko from Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of Natural Science, Felipe Montefeltro from Sao Paulo State University; Bhart-Anjan Bhullar from Yale University; Julia Desojo from Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina; Fabien Knoll from Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spain; Max Langer from Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil; Stephan Lautenschlager from University of Birmingham; Michelle Stocker and Sterling Nesbitt from from Virginia Tech; Alan Turner from Stony Brook University; and Ingmar Werneburg from Eberhard Karls University of Tubingen.
Dan Pasko, managing partner of Diligent Capital Partners, has once again joined the supervisory board of Ukraine's largest telecommunications operator, Kyivstar, as a representative of its majority shareholder, VEON. He replaces Gennady Gazin, who held the position from April 28, 2023, to December 4, 2025.

According to a Kyivstar disclosure filed with the National Securities and Stock Market Commission (NSSMC), Pasko, who previously served on the supervisory board from December 2020 to July 2022, has this time been appointed through April 28, 2026.

Over the past five years, Pasko has also served as a director and board member of Allseeds S.A. (Luxembourg) and as a member of the supervisory board of Bank Pivdenny (Ukraine).

In addition, from April 2021 to September 2025, he was development director at Tandem-2002 LLC (Ukraine), and since April 2022 to the present he has served as chairman of the supervisory board of the charitable organization Children of Heroes Charitable Foundation.

His LinkedIn profile notes that from June 2015 to August 2017, Pasko also served as chairman of the supervisory board and a corporate governance consultant at Nova Poshta.

As reported, from June 2020 to June 2022, Gazin chaired the board of directors of Kyivstar's parent company, VEON, and was subsequently elected chairman of Kyivstar's supervisory board.

In April 2023, Kyivstar extended the terms of all seven members of its supervisory board by three years, with Gazin remaining on the board at that time.

Gazin was born in Zhytomyr and is a U.S. citizen. He has professional experience at Bell Communications Research and General Dynamics and spent more than 14 years at McKinsey & Company, including as a senior partner, where he was one of the leaders of the telecommunications, media, and new technologies practice.

Additionally, from 2007 to 2012, he served as CEO of EastOne Group, which consolidates the assets of Ukrainian businessman Victor Pinchuk, and sits on the boards of several U.S. and Ukrainian AI and IT companies, including Zibra AI, PAWA, and Greenscreens.

In the third quarter of 2025, Kyivstar posted EBITDA profit of UAH 7.1 billion, up 21.5% year-on-year from the third quarter of 2024. In dollar terms, EBITDA increased by 20.4% to $171 million.

The majority shareholder of Kyivstar Group is telecommunications holding VEON, which owns 89.6%. Prior to Kyivstar's public listing, VEON was its 100% owner.
At the Final Paleolithic site of Muhlheim-Dietesheim in Germany, researchers from Aarhus University identified faint blue traces on a stone artifact that dates to roughly 13,000 years ago. After applying a variety of advanced scientific techniques, the team determined that the residue came from azurite, a bright blue mineral pigment that has not previously been documented in Paleolithic art in Europe.

"This challenges what we thought we knew about Paleolithic pigment use," said Dr. Izzy Wisher, the lead author of the study.

Rethinking Color in Paleolithic Art

For many years, experts assumed that Ice Age artists relied almost entirely on red and black pigments, since nearly all surviving artwork from this time uses those colors. The limited palette was often attributed to a scarcity of blue minerals or to the belief that blue held little appeal. Because blue pigments rarely appear in the known artistic record, the new evidence hints that early people may have used them for personal decoration or for coloring textiles - practices that typically leave only subtle archaeological traces.

"The presence of azurite shows that Paleolithic people had a deep knowledge of mineral pigments and could access a much broader color palette than we previously thought - and they may have been selective in the way they used certain colors," Izzy Wisher says.

A New Interpretation of an Ancient Tool

The stone containing the azurite residue was initially classified as an oil lamp. Current analysis suggests it functioned instead as a surface for preparing pigments, possibly serving as a palette for grinding or mixing blue materials. This interpretation points to artistic or cosmetic traditions that seldom survive in the archaeological record.

Broader Implications for Early Human Culture

The discovery encourages a fresh evaluation of how color shaped Paleolithic expression. It raises new questions about how early humans conveyed identity, status, and cultural beliefs through materials that were likely more diverse and visually striking than previously assumed.

The research involved collaboration with Rasmus Andreasen, James Scott and Christof Pearce from the Department of Geoscience at Aarhus University, along with Thomas Birch, who is affiliated with both the Department of Geoscience, AU, and the National Museum of Denmark. Additional partners from Germany, Sweden and France also contributed to the work.

The full study is published in Antiquity.
Chinese FM calls on China, Germany to shoulder responsibilities as major countries for more stable bilateral policy framework

Xinhua) 08:35, December 09, 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang)

BEIJING, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- China and Germany, as major countries, should shoulder their responsibilities, uphold mutual respect, transcend differences in social systems, historical backgrounds and cultures, and build a more mature model of positive interaction and a more stable bilateral policy framework, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday in Beijing.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, told German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul that it is hoped that Germany will view China's development as an opportunity for deeper cooperation and a driving force for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and work together to promote the steady and healthy development of the China-Germany all-round strategic partnership.

Noting that this is the first visit to China by a German foreign minister since the formation of Germany's new government -- though the visit has encountered twists and turns -- Wang quoted a Chinese saying: "Good things come to those who wait." He emphasized that "the timing is not the key; what truly matters is the purpose. The visit should be for cooperation, not confrontation; for enhancing mutual understanding and trust, not widening differences."

Wang further urged Germany to encourage the EU to return to a rational and pragmatic China policy, adhere to the correct direction of mutually beneficial cooperation, resolve differences through dialogue, and avoid politicizing economic issues, instrumentalizing trade issues, or securitizing normal cooperation.

Wang emphasized that the one-China principle serves as an important political foundation for China-Germany relations, and there is no room for ambiguity. He further noted that unlike Germany, Japan has yet to conduct a thorough reflection on its history of aggression in the eight decades since the end of WWII.

Wadephul said that in the face of a turbulent global landscape, Germany and China need to shoulder special responsibilities, strengthen communication and coordination, and become reliable and predictable partners for each other.

He said that Germany remains firmly committed to the one-China policy, and this position is unwavering.

German enterprises in China have full confidence in the Chinese market and are willing to further deepen their presence in the country, Wadephul said, adding that Germany supports the EU and China in seeking mutual benefit and win-win outcomes through dialogue and stands ready to play a constructive role in this regard.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Wadephul elaborated on Germany's position and expressed hope that China would leverage its influence to help bring about an early end to the crisis.

Wang reaffirmed China's consistent stance, emphasizing that all parties should cherish the current momentum for a political settlement, work towards the same goal, and ultimately reach a fair, durable and binding peace agreement through dialogue and negotiations.

China supports all efforts conducive to peace and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard, Wang added.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Morgan Library in New York pays tribute to its first director, who navigated a racist society and went on to lead the cultural institution for over two decades

One of New Yorks most legendary institutions, the Morgan Library, celebrated its centennial in 2024, providing an opportunity to remember its first director and librarian: Belle da Costa Greene (1883-1950), a figure whose legacy only grows with time. Her father, Richard Theodore Greene, was the first African-American graduate of Harvard University and a renowned civil rights activist. Encouraged by her mother (but never by her father, with whom she severed all ties), she gradually integrated into the citys elite thanks to her fair complexion. She chose to conceal her racial background and adopted the surnames Da Costa and Greene, which suggested a Portuguese, Latin, exotic background. She stood out for her beauty and elegant style of dress, and she moved in circles inaccessible to most Black people.

The Morgan Library was originally conceived as the private library of financier John Pierpont Morgan. Between 1902 and 1906, he commissioned architect Charles Follen McKim to design a Renaissance Revival-style building adjacent to his Madison Avenue residence. After J.P. Morgans death in 1913, his son, J.P. Morgan Jr., took over. The 2006 expansion was designed by Renzo Piano. It is visited by scholars and tourists who appreciate its architecture and its unique collection of over 350,000 manuscripts.

Belle da Costa Greene was the driving force behind this treasure from 1905, when she became J. P. Morgans personal librarian. He appointed her director when the institution opened to the public in 1924, a position she held until 1948. Morgan disregarded malicious rumors about her ethnic background. Greene responded with tireless dedication to ensuring the library achieved international renown. For two decades, she oversaw every detail of this intellectual universe and managed the acquisition of rare books, manuscripts, and drawings (some by Rembrandt). Her greatest pride as a medievalist was acquiring the only surviving copy of the complete first edition of Sir Thomas Malorys Le Morte dArthur, printed by William Caxton in 1485.

Hers was not an easy path. As an anecdote, Celia McGee recounts in The New York Times that the collector Isabella Stewart Gardner, Morgans rival, distilled her malice in a letter addressed to the influential art critic Bernard Berenson in 1909, referring offensively to Greene as a half-breed who couldnt help lying.

In 2021, the historical novel based on her life, The Personal Librarian, written by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, became a bestseller. Until last May, the library hosted the exhibition Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarians Legacy, which highlighted her brilliant career and the personal struggles she endured due to racism. Philip Palmer, head of the literary and historical manuscripts department, and Erica Ciallela, curator of the exhibitions project, explain: Belle da Costa Greene thrived in a world that tried to limit her because of her race and gender. Her story inspires future generations of women. Greenes legacy is evident in the collections she helped develop, the reading room services, and the exhibition programs she established. Her ideas about access to books and manuscripts were groundbreaking. She believed that collections should be open to researchers and enjoyed by the public in major exhibitions  both guiding principles of the Morgan Library & Museum today.

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A short walk through the most central neighborhoods of Sao Paulo is enough to witness the enormous inequality that divides Brazil. While barefoot men with gray blankets over their shoulders rummage through the garbage for food or empty cans to scrape together a few coins, helicopters fly over the skyscrapers, following air corridors. On board are executives on their way to work or families with children and nannies heading to their weekend getaways. This disparity is also reflected in the civil service. More than 53,000 public employees, mostly judges, receive salaries above the limit imposed by the Constitution thanks to various loopholes. There are 12 such cases in Colombia and three in Portugal. A recent study comparing the salary cap for civil servants in 11 countries clearly demonstrates the extraordinary nature of the Brazilian case. The country will never be a decent democracy as long as it allows itself to be plundered by a predatory civil service elite, declared an editorial in the newspaper Estadao.

Congress is debating a civil service reform to eliminate these privileges. Although inequality is decreasing in Brazil, the country remains high in the ranking of countries with extremely privileged elites. The drop in unemployment and the implementation of social programs, such as the well-known Bolsa Familia, have brought the Gini coefficient to its lowest level in a decade (to 0.504, where 0 represents absolute equality and 1 the maximum inequality). Yet, although the gap has narrowed somewhat, in very few countries is income so unevenly distributed: the wealthiest 10% earn three times more than the poorest 40%.

If anyone wants to see the faces of the wealthiest 1% of Brazilians, the best place to start is a courthouse, where they should look for the judges. Judges make up the bulk of the 53,000 officials who earn salaries above the constitutional ceiling, which is the salary of a Supreme Court justice (or the president of the Republic). In numbers, thats $8,700 gross per month.

The salaries of those 53,000 employees of the elite of the elite of the administration cost the public coffers $3.7 billion in 2024 and, thanks to that huge amount of money, a good part of them also make up the richest 1% of Brazilians.

And, since this is a country more accustomed to focusing on regional differences than to comparing itself to the rest of the world, two civil society organizations, Movimento Pessoas a Frente and republica.org, decided to conduct an analysis to understand where Brazil stands in an international comparison. So they studied the situation in 11 countries, including its neighbors and others historically considered international benchmarks. The idea is that this information will help lawmakers in the debate on public service reform.

Given the results, the Brazilian anomaly  the magnitude of the privilege  becomes even more evident. Brazils highest-paid judges earn up to six times more than the highest authorities in the Portuguese judiciary and four times more than the justices of the constitutional courts of Germany, France, Argentina and the United States, says the 89-page report.

Brazil, world champion of super-salaries; I feel ashamed, reacted center-left congresswoman Tabata Amaral in a video on social media. Brazil, with 53,000 public officials earning more than the constitutional limit, is followed by Argentina (with 27,000), the United States (with around 4,000), the United Kingdom (almost 2,000), Mexico (around 1,600), Chile (around 750), and, far behind, France (77), Italy (46), Colombia (12), Portugal (3), and Germany, which has no public servants earning more than the constitutional limit. There, the report explains, top political leaders always earn more than the highest-paid bureaucrats.

So Brazil stands out in two areas: the amount and the number of beneficiaries. Eighty percent of judges earn more than the official salary limit. How is this possible? Thanks to what Brazilians ironically call penduricalhos, meaning trinkets.

These are bonuses the workers receive, for example, for not taking all of their 60 annual vacation days or other legally authorized time off, for covering for absent colleagues, or for things like housing allowances, food subsidies, or health insurance. And these amounts not only arent considered part of their salary, but sometimes they arent even taxed as income. This leads to the situation that wealthy businessman Warren Buffett warned about many years ago: they pay less tax than their secretaries.

The ongoing administrative reform is an opportunity to address this problem and put an end to exorbitant salaries in the public sector, Jessika Moreira, executive director of Movimento Pessoas a Frente, explained to the newspaper Estadao. The relevant minister, Esther Dweck, emphasized the need for dialogue and consensus-building because without consensus, this agenda will not move forward.

And although more than 80% of Brazilians support ending these excesses paid for with their taxes, the civil service elite is an extremely powerful lobbying group. When one of its members obtains a benefit, others emulate it, warns the activist Moreira. Now we see that incomes above the constitutional limit, which were once concentrated in the Judiciary and the Public Prosecutors Office, are migrating to state lawyers. In other words, there is a shift; it is beginning to influence career paths within the Executive Branch.

Congresswoman Amaral emphasizes that the issue of exorbitant salaries concerns the top 1% of civil servants who operate the state apparatus. Its a tiny elite that has seized control of the budget and invented rules for themselves. Some judges have received as much as $1.3 million in a single year  it makes no sense, she asserts. And the harm, in her opinion, is twofold: This not only wastes money but also demoralizes those who work well and earn little, referring to the majority, the day-to-day workers who keep the administration running: teachers, nurses, health workers who serve in underserved areas, and police officers.

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Nearly a mile beneath the surface of western South Dakota, one of the world's most sensitive physics experiments is quietly listening for signals from the unseen universe with researchers from South Dakota Mines helping guide every pulse it records, including the newest record-breaking results.

The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment at the Sanford Underground Research Facility has analyzed the largest dataset ever collected by a dark matter detector, delivering the most sensitive search yet for low-mass dark particles and revealing new signals from neutrinos produced in the suns core.

LZ, led by the Department of Energys Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), hunts for dark matter from a cavern nearly one mile underground at SURF.

The international collaboration, made up of 250 scientists and engineers from 37 institutions, announced this week world-leading results that significantly narrow the possible properties of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), a leading candidate for dark matter. At the same time, the experiment achieved a major milestone by detecting boron-8 solar neutrinos, providing the detectors first glimpse at the neutrino fog  signals from neutrinos that mimic those thought to be produced by dark matter.

LZ uses 10 metric tonnes, or 10,000 kilograms, of ultra-pure liquid xenon to search for the faint interactions expected from dark matter. The newly released analysis is based on 417 live days of data collected between March 2023 and April 2025, the largest dataset ever used in dark matter research. The results found no sign of WIMPs with a mass between 3 GeV/c2, roughly the mass of three protons, and 9 GeV/c2.

We have been able to further increase the incredible sensitivity of the LUX-ZEPLIN detector with this new run and extended analysis, said Rick Gaitskell, a professor at Brown University and the spokesperson for LZ. While we dont see any direct evidence of dark matter events at this time, our detector continues to perform well, and we will continue to push its sensitivity to explore new models of dark matter. As with so much of science, it can take many deliberate steps before you reach a discovery, and its remarkable to realize how far weve come. Our latest detector is over 3 million times more sensitive than the ones I used when I started working in this field.

Researchers from Mines, one of the 37 collaborative institutions, made key contributions to the experiments success.

Juergen Reichenbacher, Ph.D., associate professor in the Mines physics department, started working with the LZ experiment in 2012. Reichenbacher and his team focused on calibration source characterization and deployment, correcting signal losses and implementing remote control capabilities to operate the LZ detector deep underground.

"Without regularly calibrating the detector, we would basically fly blindly and could not possibly interpret the data that LZ recorded up to now in a meaningful way, Reichenbacher said.

Reichenbacher's research scientist Gleb Sinev, Ph.D., leads the team responsible for LZs remote system control of the detector. "One could reasonably argue that comprehensive remote-control capabilities to operate and monitor the LZ detector underground 24/7 have been mission-critical to record enough quality data in time to be able to come out now with our new world-leading result, he said.

Richard Schnee, Ph.D., head of the physics department at Mines, is among the leading researchers in the world on radon reduction for ultra-sensitive physics experiments like LZ. Schnee led the design and build team for a critical system that removed radon from the LZ cavern.

People in the general public might have heard about the health hazards of radon levels in their basements, but for dark matter searchers underground, this background could ruin the results if not mitigated, Schnee said.

Sagar Sharma Poudel, a postdoctoral researcher with Schnee, contributed to detector calibration, data analysis and low-energy pulse analysis.

I find it exciting that the LZ experiment is publishing world-leading limits in WIMPs dark matter detection, Poudel said. I am happy to have contributed to some aspects of the experiment, both in operations and on the analysis side.

Beyond dark matter, LZs extreme sensitivity allowed scientists to observe boron-8 solar neutrinos, providing a window into how neutrinos interact and the nuclear reactions produced by fusion in the suns core through a rare process known as coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEvNS). The observation reached the 4.5-sigma confidence level  the strongest evidence to date for this interaction in xenon and an important validation of detector performance.

While neutrinos present a background challenge for future low-mass dark matter searches, their detection also opens new opportunities for studying neutrino physics and processes occurring in the suns core.

Seeing these neutrino interactions is a pivotal milestone, said Dan Kodroff, a Chamberlain Fellow at Berkley Lab and co-lead of the analysis. It simultaneously showcases LZs ability to detect signals of cosmic origin while also giving us new avenues for probing solar and neutrino physics to test the Standard Model (of Particle Physics).

LZ will continue collecting data through at least 2028, more than doubling its exposure and further expanding its reach into uncharted physics territory. The collaboration is also helping design a next-generation detector that will build on LZs success to probe dark matter, neutrinos and other rare phenomena with even greater sensitivity.

LZ is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of High Energy Physics and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, a DOE Office of Science user facility. LZ is also supported by the Science & Technology Facilities Council of the United Kingdom; the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology; the Swiss National Science Foundation, and the Institute for Basic Science, Korea. Over 38 institutions of higher education and advanced research provided support to LZ. The LZ collaboration acknowledges the assistance of the Sanford Underground Research Facility.

This release was first published by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the original can be found on their website here.
Alphabet subsidiary Google is facing a formal European Union antitrust investigation into whether it had unfairly used web publishers content and YouTube videos to develop artificial intelligence products, escalating regulatory pressure on the US tech sector.

The European Commission said on Tuesday it was examining whether Google breached EU competition rules by imposing unfair terms on publishers and creators, granting itself privileged access to their material and disadvantaging rival AI developers, according to CNBC and Investing.com.

The probe was centred on Googles AI Overviews - automated summaries displayed above search results - and its AI Mode features, which the Commission alleged may rely on third-party content without adequate compensation or a meaningful ability for publishers to refuse participation.

Reuters reported that regulators were also scrutinising Googles use of YouTube videos to train its AI models under similar conditions, raising concerns the company could be abusing its dominant position in search to fuel its own AI services.

EU competition commissioner Teresa Ribera said the investigation aimed to ensure innovation cannot come at the expense of the principles at the heart of our societies, insisting Brussels must protect content creators and guarantee fair competition in emerging AI markets.

She described the case as a strong signal of the blocs commitment to safeguarding online press and other rights holders.

If found guilty, Google could face a fine of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.

The action followed a wider regulatory offensive against US tech firms.

Last week, Brussels opened a separate investigation into Metas plans to allow AI providers access to WhatsApp, while Elon Musks X was fined 120m for breaching transparency rules.

Google was fined nearly 3bn in September for competition violations in ad tech, a decision it was appealing.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
US president Donald Trump has cleared Nvidia to resume exports of its advanced H200 artificial intelligence chips to approved customers in China, marking a sharp reversal of recent efforts to curb Beijings access to cutting-edge semiconductor technology.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said late on Monday that he had informed Chinese president Xi Jinping that exports would be allowed under conditions that allow for continued strong National Security, adding that 25% will be paid to the United States of America, though he did not clarify how the fee would be collected, according to the Financial Times.

The decision extended to other US chipmakers, including AMD and Intel, and followed lobbying by Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang, who argued that restricting sales would erode US leadership in AI and damage domestic manufacturing.

Nvidia, the worlds most valuable chipmaker, welcomed the move, saying it strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America, the BBC reported.

The H200 is significantly more powerful than Nvidias H20 chip, which was designed to comply with earlier export rules, and offers capabilities close to those of its newest Blackwell semiconductors.

Analysts told CNBC the shift could provide China with a meaningful advantage in the race to deploy advanced AI systems, particularly given Beijings existing lead in areas such as power infrastructure and engineering talent.

The decision triggered a backlash in Washington.

Senior Democratic senators, including Jeanne Shaheen and Jack Reed, described the move as a colossal economic and national security failure that handed China access to AI chips vastly more capable than anything China can make, the FT said.

Critics argued the technology could accelerate Chinese military AI development, echoing concerns raised by researchers at Georgetown University cited by the BBC that the Peoples Liberation Army is already using advanced US-designed chips.

The pivot underscored a dramatic shift from the Biden administrations export-control regime, which sought to slow Chinas technological advance by limiting access to high-performance chips.

Trump had accused his predecessor of forcing US companies to create degraded products that nobody wanted, a policy he declared OVER! in his post.

US lawmakers had meanwhile proposed legislation that would block exports of high-end chips, including the H200, for 30 months, while Chinese authorities previously discouraged domestic firms from buying downgraded US semiconductors.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Online greeting card and gifts retailer Moonpig backed its full-year expectations on Tuesday as it posted a rise in first-half profit and revenue, pointing to continued momentum at the Moonpig brand and a return to growth at Greetz.

In the six months to the end of October, adjusted pre-tax profit increased 11.4% to 30.5m, on revenue of 168.6m, up 6.7% on the same period a year earlier.

Adjusted earnings per share rose 13.1% to 6.9p.

Revenue at the Moonpig brand grew 9.4%, while Greetz - the Dutch business it bought in 2018 - returned to growth at 1.3% in constant currency and 3% on a reported basis.

Revenue at the Experiences segment fell 8.9% in a "challenging" trading environment, but Moonpig said recent trading has been encouraging, with an improved performance in the second half to date.

Moonpig said it remains the clear market leader in online cards in both the UK and the Netherlands, holding a 70% share of the UK online single cards market and around 65% in the Netherlands.

"These are structurally attractive, underpenetrated markets, with online card penetration still only 6% by volume and 15% by value in the UK," it noted.

Chief executive Nickyl Raithatha said: "We have delivered a strong first half, with continued momentum at the Moonpig brand complemented by a return to growth at Greetz. Customers are engaging more deeply than ever - more than 50% of customers are now using our innovative creative features to make their cards ever more personal - and our Plus subscriber base continues to grow.

"Experiences has also shown encouraging recent trading, with improved performance in the second half to date, including across Black Friday. This strong momentum across the group, together with our sustained investment in innovation, data, and AI, has underpinned our strong EPS growth."

The company also said on Tuesday that Raithatha, whose departure was announced on 26 June, is stepping down as CEO and will leave Moonpig on 31 December.

Catherine Faiers will take up her role as CEO on 2 March 2026.
Cubas former deputy prime minister and ex-economy minister Alejandro Gil Fernandez, who just two years ago was considered the right-hand man of President Miguel Diaz-Canel, has been sentenced in two separate trials to life imprisonment and 20 years in prison for a dozen crimes considered treason. Gils sentences  which the Cuban people had been eagerly awaiting  were announced on Monday by the Cuban Supreme Peoples Court (TSP).

The decisions put an end to the political and judicial maneuvering by the regime that began with the officials sudden dismissal in February 2024. However, it does not end the opacity surrounding the case. Although Cubans have demanded transparency, the government has limited itself to providing details about an individual who, in the opinion of many, is simply the latest scapegoat of Castroism, which is undergoing one of the greatest crises in its history.

In a statement, the court concluded that the former official deceived the countrys leadership and the people he represented, thereby causing damage to the economy. Gil, who on more than one occasion asked the people to trust his reforms and his promises, was the mastermind behind the failed Tarea Ordenamiento (Reorganization Task), which in 2021 promised to pull the country out of economic stagnation by ending the dual currency system and reforming prices. Although four years later Cuba is a more impoverished territory, the debacle did not begin with Gils measures, but is rather a cumulative process that has been decades in the making.

The former government official, who had two court hearings, one between November 11 and 13 and another between November 26 and 29, breached work processes with classified official information that he handled, stole, damaged, and finally made available to enemy services, according to official information. This highly damaging behavior demonstrated an ethical, moral, and political degradation in the accused that makes him deserving of a severe criminal response, as required by Article 4 of the Constitution of the Republic, which establishes that treason against the homeland is the most serious of crimes and that those who commit it are subject to the most severe penalties, the statement added.

Without going into further detail or clearing up the many questions that have surrounded the case over the past few months, the Cuban government also stated that, through his corrupt and deceitful actions, Gil took advantage of his authority for personal gain, received money from foreign sources, and bribed other public officials to legalize the acquisition of assets. The former Cuban minister  accused of crimes such as espionage, acts that were detrimental to economic activity, as well as bribery, theft and damage to documents or other objects in official custody, violation of official seals and infringement of classified document-protection regulations  will have his assets confiscated and he will be prohibited from holding any public position.

On October 31, an official statement from the Attorney Generals Office announced that in the investigations by the Ministry of the Interior, where due process was guaranteed, the former economy minister was found accountable for crimes that, according to independent specialists, he could not have committed on his own all these years. It is a very highly shared responsibility. All relevant measures in this area are approved at the highest level and were reviewed and implemented with the endorsement of the Council of Ministers or the Political Bureau, Ricardo Torres, a former researcher at the Center for the Study of the Cuban Economy and a professor at American University in Washington, previously told EL PAIS. Both the dismissal of the former minister, who served between 2018 and 2024, and the charges against him reveal the tensions within the government apparatus in Havana.

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Telangana unveils Indias first CUREPURERARE three-zone economic model, outlining a roadmap to become a $1 trillion economy by 2034 and $3 trillion by 2047 at the Telangana Rising Global Summit.

CM A. Revanth Reddy positions the framework as the states structural backbone, targeting urban-led services growth, peri-urban manufacturing expansion, and rural agri-driven development to help Telangana raise its share of Indias GDP from 5% to 10% by 2047.

Vision draws on global benchmarks from China, Japan, Germany, South Korea, and Singapore, with the government emphasizing wide public consultations and inviting global partners to help make Telangana one of the worlds most competitive economies.

Telangana is aiming at a bold and transformative future, as the Chief Minister of the state, A. Revanth Reddy, said that it would be the first state in India to adopt a three-zone model for economic development. Presenting the road map for a long-term strategy to make Telangana a $1 trillion economy by 2034 and a $3 trillion economy by 2047, the Chief Minister addressed the inaugural session of the Telangana Rising Global Summit at the upcoming Bharat Future City.



Central to this vision is the introduction of the new CURE-PURE-RARE model that seeks to redefine the state's approach toward services, manufacturing, and agriculture. CURE or the Core Urban Region Economy will be for services and high-value urban-led growth; PURE or the Peri-Urban Region Economy will be reserved for manufacturing and industrial expansion around the urban cores, while RARE or the Rural and Agri Region Economy will ensure robust agri-led growth, integrating rural regions into the state's wider economic vision.

Revanth Reddy explained that this pioneering, three-zone model will constitute the structural backbone of Telangana's journey towards one of the world's most competitive economies.



Welcoming business, policy, academia, diplomacy, and industry leaders from around the world, the Chief Minister spoke to the state's strong economic fundamentals. Despite accounting for only 2.9 percent of India's population, he said, Telangana accounts for almost 5 percent of the countrys GDP a number he feels can be scaled up manifold. He said his ambition was that by 2047, Telangana should account for 10% of India's total GDP.

Also Read: Telangana and Deakin University to Launch AI Innovation Hub



He drew global parallels to cite the example of quick economic transformation of China's Guangdong province, which grew into a leading economic hub of the country within just a little more than two decades. Telangana was ready to benchmark itself with such global success stories, he said. While drawing inspiration from the economic models in China, Japan, Germany, South Korea, and Singapore, the state intends not only to compete with them but also invite these nations to collaborate and participate in Telangana's rise.



Revanth Reddy pointed out that the road map for the future of the state had been chalked out with mass consultations, much like when the Indian Constitution was written in a joint effort. Taking a lesson from the decades-long struggle for a separate state, Revanth Reddy credited Sonia Gandhi and then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for making Telangana a reality in 2014.

The next phase, he said, was to make India's youngest state its most developed and most respected one in the world. The Telangana Rising 2047 vision has been articulated with large consultations from the citizens, administrative leadership, experts from the Central Government, NITI Aayog, and the Indian School of Business.

The Chief Minister highlighted that this two-day summit will be one of keen listening by the government to use insights and feedback for further refinement of the roadmap. He looked with confidence at the state's collective capacity and declared that no goal is too ambitious if approached with unity and determination. He invited partners from across sectors and geographies to join hands and said Telangana's rise is unstoppable and that it is ready to lead India into a new era of economic excellence.
James Rizzo Jr., 45, was arraigned Wednesday in Manhattan Criminal Court on charges he assaulted an NYU student on the morning of Dec. 1 in Greenwich Village. (Google Maps)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A 45-year-old unhoused man accused of assaulting a New York University student in Manhattan has a history of disturbing behavior, including a 2018 arrest on Staten Island.

Prosecutors said the defendant, James Rizzo Jr., slapped the 20-year-old woman on the buttocks, grabbed her hair and threw her to the ground in the Dec. 1 incident, which was captured in surveillance footage.

The woman, originally from Texas, posted a video on TikTok directly following the ordeal, expressing shock and anger about what happened.

Rizzo Jr. was arrested the next day on charges that included persistent sexual abuse and misdemeanor assault, court records indicate.

At his Dec. 3 arraignment hearing, he pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Jeffrey A. Gershuny ordered he be remanded without bail, before adjourning the case to Tuesday in Manhattan Criminal Court.

The defendant has multiple prior convictions, including persistent sexual abuse and criminal mischief as a hate crime. He also has multiple ongoing cases in Manhattan, separate from the sidewalk slapping incident, for charges that include assault and burglary.

Attorneys with the Legal Aid Society representing Rizzo Jr. in his latest case declined to comment Monday.

Squatting in NYU building

Police said they caught up with Rizzo Jr. the day after the attack in a vacant 17th floor penthouse inside a university-owned building, where he had been squatting. Inside the apartment, investigators found items he allegedly had stolen from neighbors, the New York Daily News reported.

The building housed NYU staff, graduate students and some residents unaffiliated with the university. There is a doorman but they do not check ID because of the mix of residents, according to the outlet.

John Beckman, the senior vice president for public affairs and strategic communications at NYU, told ABC News that he was happy the suspect has been arrested.

The university is pleased that a suspect has been apprehended in the attack on one of its students that took place Monday morning on a Broadway sidewalk, said Beckman. We take this incident very seriously. We are continuing to offer support to the student, and our Campus Safety Department assisted the victim and worked with the police investigating the incident.

Lengthy rap sheet includes S.I. hate crime

In 2018, a Staten Island judge sentenced Rizzo Jr. to jail time and probation for a hate crime perpetrated against a neighbor in Rossville, where he was living at the time.

He scrawled anti-Semitic graffiti on a Jewish neighbors garage door, according to local law enforcement

Following his arrest, Rizzo Jr. stated to investigators that he knew the victims were Jewish because of the way they spoke, according to a criminal complaint.

In 2024, a Manhattan judge sentenced Rizzo Jr. to two-years in prison on a sexual abuse conviction. He was paroled in that case in September.
A 38-year-old man was killed after suffering a gunshot wound to the head in a stairwell at the Sotomayor Houses in the Soundview section of the Bronx on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. The shooting ended an historic 12-day streak without a homicide having been reported throughout the city. (Google Maps)

New York City went 12 consecutive days without a homicide, matching the longest stretch without a murder in the citys recorded history, NYPD statistics show. But the streak ended Sunday night when a 38-year-old man was shot and killed in the Bronx.

The streak, from Nov. 25 through Dec. 7, equaled a previous record set in 2015. It came during a year that saw significant decreases in violent crime across the city.

November marked a particularly low point for murders, with 16 homicides recorded during the month, tying the record low previously set in 2018. Queens and Staten Island reported zero murders in November, and overall murders dropped 46.6% compared to November 2024.

Through the first 11 months of the year, the city recorded its lowest number of shooting incidents and victims in recorded history, according to statistics through Dec. 1.

The citys Fall Zones initiative showed that shootings decreased 40% in designated neighborhoods when officers were deployed since the program began.

Right strategy. Great execution. Thats how you set record after record, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Thank you to the members of the NYPD who have sacrificed so much this year to drive down violent crime to record lows.

According to police, Sundays shooting occurred just after 9 p.m. inside the Sotomayor Houses in the Soundview section of the Bronx.

The victim, Gregory Stewart, was discovered in a stairwell with a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported by EMS to NYC Health+Hospitals/Jacobi, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Police took a person of interest into custody and were working to determine a motive.

The investigation remains ongoing, police said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Port Richmond man acquitted of murder more than two decades ago has since spent a majority of his adult life behind bars  but for other crimes.

And now, 46-year-old Allah Sears, of Heberton Avenue, is headed back to prison.

Sears was arrested Feb. 27 after police found him with a loaded firearm near a neighborhood park, the latest in a string of arrests over the years.

After multiple stints in prison over the past 25 years, now 46-year-old Allah Sears is headed back upstate after pleading guilty last week to a gun charge in state Supreme Court, St. George. (Advance/SILive.com)

In October, Sears pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the arrest in February.

In exchange for his plea, he is being sentenced by Justice Mario F. Mattei to four years in prison and five years post release supervision. Mattei adjourned the case to Jan. 22 for a sentencing hearing.

A struggle with NYPD ensued, police alleged

On the afternoon of Feb. 27, NYPD officers observed Sears seated in the drivers seat of a black Mercedes near Heberton Avenue and Bennett Street, in the vicinity of a small park, according to prosecutors.

(Sears) was alerted to law enforcements presence, quickly exited the vehicle and attempted to flee, said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon in a statement Friday.

An officer who gave chase apprehended the suspect and frisked his pockets, feeling what appeared to be a firearm, according to prosecutors.

The defendant struggled with officers before they pulled a loaded .380 Ruger Semi-Automatic handgun from his pocket, police alleged.

In February, police arrested a man with near Heberton Avenue and Street in Port Richmond on a gun charge. The defendant, who had prior convictions, was seated in a Black Mercedes and attempted to flee, prosecutors alleged in court. (Google Maps)

Court records, meanwhile, show Sears had been arrested twice in December 2024, just weeks before the car stop. Those cases, which include charges of drug possession and petit larceny, remained ongoing as of Monday.

In his statement Friday, the boroughs top prosecutors said illegal firearms have no place in our community.

Those who choose to carry, brandish, or utilize these deadly weapons will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, said McMahon.

We commend our partners in the NYPD for their expert police work and continued commitment to removing dangerous defendants and weapons from our community, and thank Assistant District Attorney Alva Prenga for securing a multi-year prison sentence for this repeat offender.

Acquitted of murder, then busted in wiretap probe

In 2018, Sears was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a yearlong wiretap-driven narcotics investigation on Staten Island dubbed Final Kut, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported.

Many of the defendants were alleged gang members who ran a distribution network that peddled heroin, fentanyl, suboxone and cocaine on the North Shore. At least some of the narcotics were being trafficked from Mexico to Staten Island, prosecutors noted at the time.

Before that, Sears was acquitted of a murder charge.

Charged in the 2000 shooting death of a man in New Brighton, he was acquitted of murder but convicted on a gun charge. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison, state records show.

Prosecutors alleged Sears, then 21 years old, killed the victim, Damon Henderson, 28, in retaliation for a failed attempt on the life of Sears older brother. The shooting unfolded in a parking lot on Jersey Street. Henderson died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Defense attorney Mark Fonte described the incident as an ambush, as his client was called over to a parked car occupied by Henderson and other men.

Jurors told an Advance/SILive.com reporter afterward that they could not determine whether Sears or Henderson was the aggressor.
While the Mall Chipotle closed temporarily, the New Dorp and Charleston operations are open as usual.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Chipotle at Staten Island Mall abruptly closed Monday evening, sparking concern among customers and chatter on social media. Readers contacted the Advance/SILive.com food department for answers.

The company did not respond to comment by deadline, but its website lists the Mall location, at 2655 Richmond Ave., as temporarily closed. A recorded message at the restaurant says it will reopen at 10:45 a.m. The site currently holds an A grade from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Earlier this year, rumors circulated online claiming Chipotle was shutting down nationwide. Those reports were false. According to USA Today, the confusion began when a Spanish outlet published a story about a Chipotle spinoff, Farmesa Fresh Eatery, closing  mistakenly using Chipotles logo.

Chipotles third-quarter report highlights strong growth: 84 new restaurants opened, including 64 with Chipotlane drive-thrus and two international partner locations. One of those openings was right here on Staten Island: the Bricktown Way spot in Charleston, which debuted in early June. That addition brought the boroughs total to three Chipotle outlets, joining the Mall and the Hylan Boulevard location in New Dorp.
Officials cut a ribbon at the NYC Ferry stop in St. George to celebrate the launch of the new fast ferry connection from Staten Island to Brooklyn on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Mike Matteo)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  As of 6:05 a.m. today, the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn are again connected by boat  the first time since the opening of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

On Monday, the NYC Ferrys completely overhauled schedule went into effect. Among a number of other changes, with new routes being created and others being condensed, the new schedule established ferry service between Bay Ridge and St. George.

The first boat that left the fast ferry dock near Wall Street in St. George on Monday morning represented an end to a four-year campaign to link the two boroughs by water and the beginning of new connectivity between the communities.

After completing the first trip from Staten Island to Brooklyn, the NYC Ferry Starlight waits at Wall Street/Pier 11 in Manhattan to pick up passengers for a return trip. (Advance/SILive.com | Mike Matteo)

It was a long time coming, said John Kilcullen of Tompkinsville.

Its connecting us to the rest of the city, and this is my first trip from Staten Island to Brooklyn not via car, he continued. You can hop over now and go to Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx via a boat. Its almost seamless.

There were six passengers on the inaugural ferry from Staten Island to Brooklyn at 6:05 a.m.

As the vessel bobbed and the metal pier was heard creaking in the choppy waters, the crew of the Starlight ferryboat deftly navigated the predawn harbor waters and crossed the Narrows.

During the trip, some on board reflected on what the new ferry made possible.

Im definitely excited about the connection to Brooklyn, thats for sure, said John Gilling of Stapleton, one of the first passengers on the new ferry.

Passengers board the NYC Ferry Owls Head at the St. George stop, on route to Midtown West, on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Mike Matteo)

My wife and I just moved from Brooklyn to Staten Island in February, so we were starting to feel a little... I wont say estranged from our Brooklyn friends, but it was a pain to get there without driving, Gilling continued, adding that he was on his way to get breakfast with his sister. So this is great.

After stopping in Bay Ridge, the ferry continued to the two remaining stops on the line Brooklyn Bridge Park and Wall Street/Pier 11.

The boat landed at the Wall Street pier in the East River just before 6:40 a.m., an approximately 35 minute journey from start to finish.

On a later return trip to Staten Island, one Bay Ridge resident said the new route would completely revamp his morning commute.

I would take the S79 over the bridge and then transfer to Old Town, and take the Staten Island Railroad to St. George, said Ben D., who works at the courts on Staten Island and asked that his last name not be used. It wasnt intuitive.

I dont know anybody who put [the new route] together, but they must have known that this would be better for me, he joked.

After making the initial ride to Bay Ridge on Monday morning, the NYC Ferry Starlight departs St. George for another trip to Brooklyn. (Advance/SILive.com | Mike Matteo)

Later in the morning, the New York City Economic Development Corporation  which oversees the NYC Ferry  hosted a ribbon cutting, celebrating the inaugural ride of the Staten Island to Brooklyn route.

Over 70 elected officials, agency representatives, transit advocates and community members made the trip across the water, with many celebrating the culmination of years of work to bring this to fruition.

Staten Island politicians including (from left) District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, brave the cold in St. George before cutting a ribbon to celebrate the new ferry to Brooklyn. (Advance/SILive.com | Mike Matteo)

This is an incredible, incredible accomplishment for the North Shore and Brooklyn, bringing these two boroughs back together by our blue subway said Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, a longterm supporter of the route.

North Shore development is now going to be catapulted into the stratosphere, the Democrat representing the Islands North Shore continued.

This has been the dream since they built the bridge and killed the ferry, this has been the dream to bring this back. The infrastructure was there, thats the hardest part. said Councilmember Justin Brannan, a Democrat representing Bay Ridge. Everything was there, and it just took the political will.

A NYC Ferry boat travels up the East River after leaving Wall Street/Pier 11 in Manhattan on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Mike Matteo)

The new route was also celebrated by several other of the boroughs incumbent politicians, especially those whose districts span both Staten Island and Brooklyn.

This is one of the things I talked about when I ran for mayor in 2017. Thats how long this idea has been floating out there, said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican representing Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn.

Im really proud to have delivered billions of dollars in federal infrastructure funding to support the DOT and EDC, she continued. This particular ferry is important to me, being somebody who represents both Staten Island and Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and being able to connect the two.

In addition, Borough President Vito Fossella, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, and representatives for Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams and State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton were in attendance.

Residents have been calling for a faster, more reliable way to reach Brooklyn, said Assemblymember Charles Fall, a Democrat representing the North Shore, a small portion of Brooklyn, and lower Manhattan.

The new fast ferry delivers on that shared effort. It cuts commute times and finally gives Staten Islanders the direct link theyve waited years to see, he continued.

An NYC Ferry captain navigates the boat between the Bay Ridge and Brooklyn Bridge park stops on the St. George route. (Advance/SILive.com | Mike Matteo)

The St. George fast ferrys expansion to Bay Ridge is an absolute game changer for our borough, its commuters and Staten Islands quality of life as a whole, said McMahon.

As the boat progressed along the route, the mood onboard stayed jovial all the way to Wall Street. As each stop was announced over the ships PA system, a cheer erupted from the passengers, with others lining up to briefly disembark and tour the fast ferry stops.

After more than three years of advocacy, its finally time to celebrate! said Rose Uscianowski, the Staten Island and South Brooklyn Organizer for Transportation Alternatives. The expansion of fast ferry service is an enormous win for all of Staten Island.

The enthusiasm for this ferry connection is one that EDC officials say was shared during the public comment period on the changes, after the new route was first proposed by the agency.

When we announced in July our original plan, we put out an engagement form to ask our riders what they thought and we got 15,00 responses to that survey, explained James Wong, executive director of NYC Ferry.

Those numbers really gave us the foundation to say that people were going to love this, and, yes, Staten Island to Brooklyn was consistently one of the things that people were asking for the entire time. We were really excited to deliver on them.
Working for the state government allows the opportunity to provide valuable services to millions of fellow New Yorkers. (Getty Images/Fly View Productions)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The state of New York has posted several new Staten Island job listings for the month of December and many previously posted positions that remain open.

Working for the state government allows the opportunity to provide valuable services to millions of fellow New Yorkers.

New York state hires individuals who are afforded opportunities that touch every part of public life  including education, environmental conservation, and even health care. The state employs people of all ages, backgrounds, and education levels  from first responders to engineers, nurses, research scientists, and plow drivers.

State employees receive comprehensive compensation packages, including health and retirement benefits and work-life balance options, such as flexible work hours and alternative work schedules.

The newest postings for December 2025 include:

Addictions Counselor 1 for the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, South Beach. The application is due by Dec. 18.

Licensed Master Social Worker for the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, South Beach. The application is due by Dec. 17.

Positions still open

Positions posted in previous months but still remaining open include:

Habilitation Specialist 1 for the office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Willowbrook. The application is due by Dec. 10, 2025.

Research Scientist 1 for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. The application is due by Dec. 10, 2025.

Junior Field Representative for the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York in St. George. The application is due by Dec. 15, 2025.

Psychiatrist 1 and/or 2 (NY HELPS), South Beach Psychiatric Center, OceanView Lodge Clinic, Ocean Breeze. Application deadline is Dec. 31, 2025.

Currently, 23 New York state positions remain open on Staten Island. To learn about new job postings in New York state, visit StateJobsNY.
A Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit alleges nine NYPD supervisors are using department vehicles for personal commutes, avoiding tolls and congestion pricing fees while commuting on the clock, according to the New York Post.

Lt. Joseph Abdelmessih, of Staten Island, filed the whistleblower lawsuit naming fellow officers in the Community Affairs Bureau, who he claims leave their personal cars at police facilities near their homes and use department vehicles to commute after signing in for their shifts, the report said.

Abdelmessih was featured in a February Post expose detailing how he parked his Mercedes at his Staten Island home and commuted to Manhattan in a department vehicle on job time, avoiding roughly $20,000 in tolls.

Following that report, he was questioned by the Internal Affairs Bureau, charged with improper use of a department vehicle and misuse of time, and transferred to Brooklyn.

The lawsuit filed by lawyer John Scola claims Deputy Chief Richie Taylor gave Abdelmessih permission to use the NYPD car to perform his duties overseeing clergy.

According to the Post, the officers named in the suit include Capt. Jackeline Bodden, who allegedly commuted 18 miles from Harlem to the NYPD Community Center in East New York as a lieutenant before her promotion to captain.

Lt. Anthony Miolan reportedly used a city vehicle to commute about 30 miles each way between Merrick, Long Island, and his duty station. Lt. Duran Mclean allegedly commuted about five miles from his Flatlands home to a Brooklyn community center.

Other officers named are Lt. Sharisse Sanders, Lt. Gesner Charles and Lt. Daniel Schmelter; Sgt. Sesame James; Det. Tanya Duhaney and Det. Tanesha Facey.

According to the suit, the officers receive taxpayer-paid gas and parking benefits and can use police lights and sirens to navigate traffic.

These are bosses, and theyve been getting away with murder for the longest time, a police source told the Post. The source added that officers commute while on the clock, even if trips take hours.

What work are you doing while youre commuting? the source said. Taxpayers are paying you to do this. Its a scam.

The officers named do not have vehicles that are part of the 2,857 city vehicles officially assigned to city employees for take-home use as of 2022, according to city records.

The NYPD has 754 vehicles assigned to top officers and select personnel who are legally permitted to avoid paying for gas and tolls. A police source said the majority of officers use their own cars to commute to work, the Post report said.

The suit seeks punitive damages for discrimination and names the city, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Dawit Fikru, an inspector at the Internal Affairs Bureau, as defendants.
The whereabouts of Maria Corina Machado have been one of the great enigmas of Venezuelan politics since August 2024. Most people have always assumed she was hiding within the country, engaged in her strategy to weaken Chavista hegemony. Her enormous popular support turned the topic into a taboo, and the authorities fueled the confusion: Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello even claimed on several occasions that she had fled Venezuela. It was in this context that the first major surprise emerged. When many imagined she had been placed under close surveillance, Machado announced that she would travel to Oslo to personally receive the Nobel Peace Prize, accompanied by her family and supporters.

Machado went underground after last summers presidential elections. Without leaving Venezuela, she continued to work behind the scenes to force a democratic transition. She claimed victory for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, called on citizens to organize and protest, and urged the Armed Forces to respect the popular will in the face of orders from Chavismo.

Juan Manuel Santos and Maria Corina Machado, appearing via videolink, at the WIP Conference in Barcelona on October 20. Kike Rincon

The furious popular protests that swept across Venezuela after the results of the July 28, 2024 elections were announced surprised both Chavismo and the opposition. Amid the chaos, nine statues of Hugo Chavez were toppled in different parts of the country. On July 30, with tension at its peak, Machado and Gonzalez Urrutia addressed their supporters in Caracas. There, they revealed that their teams had scanned 80% of the tally sheets that the National Electoral Council refused to release and published them on a website accessible to all citizens. According to these records, Gonzalez Urrutia had won by a wide margin.

The publication of the election results and the desecration of Chavista symbols unleashed a fierce response from the regime, the likes of which had not been seen in the last 60 years. Attorney General Tarek William Saab reported that 1,062 people were arrested in just two days, and subjected to particularly harsh prison conditions. Maduro announced the refurbishment of several prisons to house terrorists and denounced a conspiracy, orchestrated from overseas, to ignore the election results and foment chaos. He placed Machado at the center of his accusations.

Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez at a protest against Maduro, in Caracas, on July 30, 2024. Matias Delacroix (AP)

Chavismo called its supporters to the streets and gradually suppressed popular outrage through the use of force and the work of the political police. In August, Gonzalez Urrutia sought political asylum in Spain, and from September onward, opposition demonstrations began to lose momentum. With each call to action, the police randomly arrested new protesters. Machado insisted on maintaining the mobilization, and the Venezuelan diaspora organized massive demonstrations overseas between October and December.

The situation became even more critical in January 2025, when Nicolas Maduro was sworn in again after a wave of repression. Gonzalez Urrutia, who had promised to return to the country to assume the presidency, was unable to do so. Machado justified her absence by saying that her return would occur when political conditions dictate. From then on, the opposition leader began reporting on her efforts with the United States, focused on convincing the Donald Trump administration to take decisive measures to address the Venezuelan crisis.

In February 2025, Machado introduced a new strategic ally: Donald Trump Jr., 47, a business magnate and son of the U.S. president. At a time when the White House was taking hostile measures toward the Venezuelan diaspora, Machado reiterated her message of confidence: We have in Washington the best ally of our freedom.

Trump has declared that the United States must take care of Venezuela and has anticipated that ground operations against drug cartels will begin very soon, the central argument with which Washington is pressuring the Chavista regime. Along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he has become one of the key figures in sustaining Machados narrative and pushing Washington toward a more aggressive stance against Maduro.

Maria Corina Machado on a virtual call at the America Business Forum in Miami on November 5. Eva Marie Uzcategui (Bloomberg)

By mid-2025, while Machado insisted that the regime was weakened and close to fracturing, reality showed Chavismo firmly in control of both politics and the military, despite the economic crisis and its lack of popular support. Up to that point, Trump had shown little interest in altering the Venezuelan political landscape.

However, Machados efforts ultimately paid off. In the second week of August, the U.S. president began publicly referring to the Maduro regime as a structure linked to the Tren de Aragua criminal network and the Cartel of the Suns, an alleged drug trafficking organization with supposed links to the upper echelons of the Chavista regime. The rhetoric quickly escalated: U.S. forces launched operations against vessels that, according to Washington, were trafficking drugs from the Venezuelan coast. The Maduro government responded by deploying its entire political and military apparatus, including the high command of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB).

From hiding, Machado has released two new proclamations inviting Venezuelans to envision a democratic transition. In each message, the opposition leader makes it clear that she assumes political responsibility for the offensive launched from Washington against the Maduro government. Her narrative, now bolstered by the international recognition that comes with the Nobel Peace Prize, seeks to establish the idea that Venezuela faces a historic opportunity to break with Chavismo.

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons is calling for the removal of a nativity scene at a Catholic church in Dedham, Mass., that protests U.S. immigration policies.

The sign reads, ICE was here, and is in the spot where Jesus, Mary and Joseph usually are in the middle of the manger scene, implying the family was taken by immigration agents, according to WBUR. Below the message is a smaller sign that reads The Holy Family is safe in our Church ... If you see ICE please call LUCE at 617-370-5023.

The Rev. Stephen Josoma, St. Susannas Parishs pastor, told WBUR the displays purpose was to focus the Christmas story on the plight of immigrants. It comes after he recently spoke with refugee families with which the church has worked.

These are folks who carry a lot of scars with them. Some of them are physical scars, but most are emotional, he told the outlet. Theyve seen their folks killed in front of them.

Lyons told Fox News Digital in a statement: The actions of the activist reverend, Stephen Josoma, are absolutely abhorrent and add to a dangerous narrative responsible for a more than 1,150% increase in assaults on ICE officers.

The Archdiocese of Boston also pushed back against the display. Terry Donilon, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese, said in a statement to MassLive Saturday that the display should be removed, calling it divisive political messaging.

The Archdiocese also noted that St. Susanna neither requested nor received permission for the display.

The churchs norms prohibit the use of sacred objects for any purpose other than the devotion of Gods people, Donilon told MassLive. This includes images of the Christ Child in the manger, which are to be used solely to foster faith and devotion.

The Archdiocese spokesperson also noted that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has long-standing statements on immigration calling for the humane treatment of migrants, especially those in detention.

We bishops advocate for a meaningful reform of our nations immigration laws and procedures, the USCCB said. Human dignity and national security are not in conflict.

Josoma did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday from MassLive.

Lyons told Fox News that Josoma has become infamous for using his pulpit to advance his activist agenda and has now caught the attention of the Archdiocese of Boston, which has publicly condemned his most recent political stunt. On behalf of ICE and our many law enforcement professionals in Massachusetts  many of whom are practicing Catholics and first-generation Americans  I applaud the Catholic Church and the Archdiocese for taking a stand against such a dangerous and extremist narrative.

The nativity scene also drew sharp attention from the Department of Homeland Security.

Not only is this nativity scene offensive to Christians, but it is also depicting something that  despite what Rev. Josoma says  NEVER happens. ICE does not separate families, Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, said in a statement on Sunday to MassLive. Get a grip and seek help.

According to a Nov. 24 ProPublica report, some 600 immigrant children have been placed in government shelters since the beginning of the year, the highest number since such placements were first tracked a decade ago.

This includes a 13-year-old Everett boy, a Brazilian immigrant, who was taken into ICE custody and sent to a facility in Virginia, because the agency said he had a knife and a gun at school.

During an October press conference after the boy was sent to Virginia, Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria confirmed the boy had a knife but said he did not have a gun.

Everett Police were going to release the boy to his mother, who had arrived at the station. However, ICE, tipped off by the fingerprint database, took the boy into custody and whisked him off to the ICE facility in Burlington.

The boy will return to Brazil with an aunt and uncle while his parents continue pursuing asylum in the United States, attorney Andrew Lattarulo told MassLive on Oct. 30.
The Yankees' off-season plans are still centered around the goal of re-signing Cody Bellinger. AP

ORLANDO  It was this time last year when Juan Soto took the Yankees to the 1-yard line before falling in love with Mets owner Steve Cohens bank account. Its not a pleasant anniversary for Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner, but it stands in stark contrast to the current pursuit of You Know Who.

Not a day goes by without Cody Bellingers name floating throughout the industry. Plenty of general managers are in the mix, but all eyes are on the Yankees.

GM Brian Cashman spoke to super-agent Scott Boras over the weekend, just as the Winter Meetings were kicking off on Sunday.

But hold on, thats not necessarily good news.

Unlike the red-hot negotiations for Soto, the Yankees are moving more slowly with Bellinger. And unlike the post-Soto pivot, the Yankees dont seem to have a blockbuster Plan B if Bellinger moves on.

Remember, Steinbrenner took the $750 million hed earmarked for Soto and spun it to pay Bellinger, Max Fried, Paul Goldschmidt and Devin Williams.

The Yankees were actually better off without Soto. Steinbrenner was on fire. He proved he wasnt afraid to spend.

But here the Yankees are, 12 months later, and Steinbrenner is thinking out loud about cutting payroll. Theres even talk of the Yankees doing the limbo to get the payroll under $300 million.

Its not a good look for a franchise worth an estimated $10 billion. Nor does it inspire confidence among the ticket buyers who want to know how Steinbrenner intends to keep up with the Dodgers and Blue Jays.

Its one thing to say no one has the Dodgers cash. Thats true. But the Jays are heavily recruiting right fielder Kyle Tucker, inviting him to visit their spring training site in Dunedin, Florida, last week.

Once upon a time, the Yankees response wouldve been automatic: Theyd one-up the Jays by having Aaron Judge take Tucker on a glitzy tour of the Big Apple.

But it appears theyve put Tucker on the back-burner, convinced a) hed cost too much (probably true) and b) they have a better shot with Bellinger, anyway.

Give Steinbrenner credit for this much (so far). Hes all-in. He has no reservations about chasing Bellinger.

But thats not to say the Yankees are guaranteed to be the highest bidder. The likelihood is they wont be.

And if not? There are two ways the negotiations go from there.

Bellinger could impose his will on Boras and insist on signing with the Yankees. He does, after all, love the pinstripes.

Id give that scenario a 40 percent chance of happening.

The second possibility is that Bellinger follows the money right out of the Bronx. If so, Steinbrenner will opt out of another bidding war, determined not to be burned by Boras for a second year in a row.

I give that a 60 percent chance of happening because Boras never negotiates downward. Hes made a career out of winning record-setting contracts. Theres no sentimental card for the Yankees to play.

None of this would be catastrophic for the Yankees, especially if you think Bellingers 2025 numbers were an outlier. In that case, 6-7 years at $30 million per is nuts.

Look, no one is irreplaceable, assuming you have a comparable option warming up in the bullpen. Trouble is, all the warning signs point to the Yankees running it back in 2026 with no significant upgrades.

No Bellinger could very well mean Trent Grisham in center field with Jasson Dominguez and Amed Rosario in left. Spencer Jones would start the year at Class-AAA and wait for someone to get hurt  or else arrive in 2027 after Grishams one-year deal expires.

I would call that a brutal off-season, but dont blame Cashman. The final call on payroll is Steinbrenners. All Cashman does is present a menu with as many choices as possible.

Itll be a tough sell if Steinbrenner decides he can still flourish under $300 million  especially if Bellinger walks and Tucker ends up in Toronto.

It wont be enough for the Yankees to say ace Cole Gerrit Cole is the upgrade  not as a 35-year-old coming off Tommy John surgery. And remember, Cole wont be back before June, anyway.

Cashman may already be preparing for the outrage. When I asked how the Yankees are supposed to improve by spending less, Cashman insisted, Theres more than one way to skin a cat.

My advice to the Yankees hierarchy is to stop suggesting everything will be fine if Bellinger bolts. Dont let that happen. Steinbrenner should be obsessed with neutralizing the Blue Jays surge.

Its not a lot to ask from someone with that last name.

It bears repeating (again) that the Yankees have to do better than putting a pleasing product on the field. Steinbrenner should be thinking not just of the Jays, but of his own fans.

I wonder if George Steinbrenners son realizes what a 16-year World Series drought has done to the morale of the folks who buy tickets and watch on YES.

Its like waking up in an alternate universe.

Winning by saving?

Please. Get serious.
The starting bell has been rung for the battle between entertainment industry corporate titans on which the future of Hollywood rests. And the worlds greatest showman, Donald Trump, is playing referee.

The former producer and host of reality television blockbuster The Apprentice has already staked his claim.

Donald Trump and Larry Ellison, the father of Paramount head David Ellison. Credit: AP

Netflix and Paramount Skydance are both in the hunt to take over Warner Bros Discovery  the owner of valuable franchises including Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. The outcome of this tussle will redraw the Hollywood corporate map.

Trump is almost certainly going to have the final say on who wins and who gets fired in this $160 billion contest. Should Trump get to decide the fate of the deal? Probably not. But thats unlikely to stop him.
I want people to feel more comfortable with being ugly and being disgusting and being grotesque, and not having to constantly try to keep our faces so very still and nice and perfect and pretty, says 20-year-old musician Sofia Isella. Thats something I talk about in my shows a lot, and that I crave a lot from myself and from the crowd.

Isella  born and based in Los Angeles, having spent a couple of years aged 15 to 17 on Queenslands Gold Coast  is a fiercely independent artist whose profile has risen exponentially over the past couple of years thanks in large part to the image-obsessed internet. On Instagram, she has 2.4 million followers; on TikTok, 1.4 million. On Spotify, shes racking up 1.2 million listeners a month.

Sofia Isella on stage in France in August. Credit: Getty Images

Her videos are low-fi affairs, in which the decidedly photogenic Isella does her best to simultaneously draw and reject the eye. She pulls down the waistband of her pants, covers herself in mud and wades into a crowd of teenage girls, asking if theyre comfortable with touching and being touched. She rages against the fetishistic male gaze, and sings about the ill effects of porn culture, the beauty myth and the internet in general.

Turns out all of human knowledge at our fingertips made us dumb, she sings in one song. Lost my connection to reality stepping into a virtual one.
A civil court found that Roberts-Smith was, on the balance of probabilities, responsible for the murder of four civilians in Afghanistan, but more than seven years after his referral to the AFP he still has not been charged with a criminal offence. The leak investigation cost Jabbour his career and a possible tilt at the top job of AFP commissioner. It also led to a further investigation that saw him facing charges over two unrelated incidents, which were both thrown out by a magistrate in 2021. A subsequent report by anti-corruption body the Australian Commission of Law Enforcement Integrity also found those charges could not be sustained. The documents include Cheesemans final report and statements from the three key police officers involved: then commissioner Andrew Colvin, then deputy Neil Gaughan, and then professional standards chief Nigel Ryan. Between them, these three had referred their suspicions about Jabbours actions to the police anti-corruption commission. The documents were released to this masthead after an FOI application initially lodged in 2021. In a shifting series of objections over the years, the AFP claimed they were too sensitive to be released, would unreasonably affect peoples personal privacy, would interrupt police operations and would deter officers from reporting corruption against their peers.

Administrative Review Tribunal president Emilios Kyrou finally ruled that a large portion of the documents were in the public interest, and ordered the AFP to release them. Keelty, who also lost his job and relinquished his Order of Australia in 2020 after his conversations with Roberts-Smith were revealed, welcomed the documents release, saying the police had been involved in a cover-up by trying to keep them secret, using arguments that were lies. Cheesemans findings vindicated him and Jabbour, he said. How much has this cost, defending the embarrassment of a flawed investigation and an egregious abuse of power? Keelty asked. The investigation itself went on for years ... and then theyve tried to keep it from the public. Its beyond comprehension.

In a statement, the AFP said it welcomed the tribunals decision to uphold the majority of the AFPs exemption claims over the documents, saying the tribunals reasons supported the approach the force had taken. The AFP acted appropriately in seeking to maintain the confidentiality of these processes, it said. It did not answer questions about whether the Jabbour investigation was misconceived. Jabbour became the prime suspect in the leak because of a 22-minute phone call he had with Keelty, who was on his way to his first meeting with Roberts-Smith in June 2018. Keelty and Jabbour both deny any information about the war crimes referral was passed on in that call. A second report, by the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity and obtained by this masthead outside the FOI system, found there was no evidence that Mr Jabbour was briefed on the referral at that time.

However, after Keelty met Roberts-Smith, the war criminal rang a confidant saying he believed he was likely to be investigated by the AFP. Keelty had earlier spoken to commissioner Andrew Colvin, and later spoke to another deputy AFP commissioner, Neil Gaughan. Gaughan had Ryan, the head of the professional standards unit, take notes of the call. Loading Colvins statement, released in the FOI documents, said he knew of the war crime referral from June 1, two weeks before Keeltys meeting with Roberts-Smith. He also confirmed he spoke to Keelty regularly on various topics. I do not have any recollection of discussing the [war crimes] inquiry or Mr Roberts-Smith with [Keelty] and I cannot imagine why I would have. It would not be unusual for us to discuss matters that are on the public record. However, they would be contained to only what is publicly known.

At the time, this masthead had begun reporting about war crimes allegations in Afghanistan being probed in a military inquiry, but had not yet named Roberts-Smith. Gaughans statement, also released in the FOI documents, said Jabbour had informed him that Keelty had met with Roberts-Smith. When Keelty called Gaughan, he arranged to have Ryan take notes. The Cheeseman report makes clear that Gaughan, Ryan and Colvin made the referral to the police anti-corruption agency. Ryans notes, also partially released, show Keelty expressing support for Roberts-Smith but insisting Jabbour had told him nothing. Mr Keelty further stated that he had the intention to speak to Mr Roberts-Smith and tell him if the AFP approached him he would need to be presenting himself as a co-operative individual. DC Gaughan told Mr Keelty that he had no knowledge of the matters apart from three letters relating to the investigation that were already [publicly] known.
NSW does not have enough hospital beds to deal with an increasing number of elderly and seriously unwell patients, doctors have warned, after a record number of people left the states emergency departments before they could be properly treated.

Doctor groups pleaded with the federal government to strike a fair funding deal with the states and territories after the NSW government released data on Wednesday showing a 50 per cent increase in disability and aged care recipients stranded in public hospital beds.

The median time from arrival to leaving NSW emergency departments was 3 hours and 54 minutes, the highest since 2010. Credit: Getty Images

There is a mismatch between the number of beds we have in NSW and what the community needs, said Dr Rachael Gill, the NSW branch chair for the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine.

Gill said the bottleneck caused by patients not being discharged from hospital beds was leading to more pressure on emergency staff and worse outcomes for patients.
A newspaper man from regional NSW allegedly livestreamed explicit child abuse material from the Philippines and exchanged messages talking about abducting and raping children.

The case was labelled alarming by a magistrate who noted it was not the first time the 69-year-old man had been accused of child abuse.

Alan David Smith, from Tamworth, allegedly live-streamed child abuse material from the Philippines and sent messages about abducting and abusing children, police claim. Credit: LinkedIn

Strike Force Trawler, the NSW Polices anti-online child abuse investigation, arrested Alan David Smith in Tamworth on Monday morning.

Smith lives alone across from a community pool and near multiple schools. He works at Australian Community Media in sales, provided news stories for a local FM radio station, and formerly worked in television for decades, according to online profiles.
An alarming number of Australian women have been killed in recent years. Find out more about their lives. Some of the cases are still before the courts.

A former nurse must serve a 25-year non-parole period for fatally stabbing Toyah Cordingley, seven years after her body was discovered on an isolated Queensland beach.

Rajwinder Singh, 41, was on Tuesday given a life sentence a day after being found guilty of murder in the Cairns Supreme Court following a four-week retrial.

Singh repeatedly stabbed the 24-year-old and slashed her throat on the far north Queensland beach in October 2018 before fleeing to India and spending years in hiding.

Toyah Cordingley was found dead on Wangetti Beach in north Queensland the day after she was reported missing.

Cordingleys body was discovered by her father half-buried in dunes at Wangetti Beach, north of Cairns, a day after she failed to return from walking her dog.
A mix of immense anticipation, excitement, and a touch of disbelief has gripped icy Oslo in recent hours. Isabel seeks refuge from the cold as she proudly walks through the streets of the Norwegian capital, carrying the Venezuelan flag. She has just arrived from Stockholm to witness what she considers will be a historic moment for her country: the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

I feel as if I won it myself, says the 54-year-old, who asks that her last name be omitted for fear of reprisals against her family members who remain in Venezuela. This prize has given me back the hope that the situation can improve, that we will be free again, adds Josefina, 46, who traveled with her from Sweden, as they both count down the minutes until the official ceremony on Wednesday.

The possibility that Machado might also travel to Norway to receive the prize in person has generated enormous anticipation both inside and outside Venezuela. The mystery lingered throughout Tuesday, when the 58-year-old opposition leader was scheduled to hold a press conference at the Nobel Institute, which was first postponed and then ultimately canceled by the organizers.

We therefore cant give any more information about when and how she will come for her Nobel Peace Prize, Erik Aasheim, spokesperson for the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize Institute, told the media accredited to cover the event. It was set to be the first official activity in a long list of ceremonial events, and was supposed to mark Machados first public appearance since she decided to continue her political struggle from hiding in August of last year. Were waiting to see what happens; nobody knows anything, says Isabel, with an air of mystery and the undimmed hope of seeing the opposition leader in person.

The Nobel Prize has turned the worlds attention to Machado and Venezuelas political crisis. The Norwegian Nobel Committees decision to award her the recognition came as a surprise, even to her and her most loyal supporters. After months of pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who actively campaigned to claim the prize since his return to the White House in January, and after receiving 338 different nominations, the organizers chose this year the figure most uncomfortable for Nicolas Maduros government and the most visible face of a persecuted, fragmented opposition forced into exile.

The announcement was made on October 10, at a moment of heightened tension between the United States and Venezuela, fueled by an unprecedented military deployment off the Venezuelan coast. It also came nearly a year after the last presidential elections, in which Maduro declared himself the winner despite international condemnation, allegations of fraud, and evidence gathered by the opposition that Edmundo Gonzalez  the candidate Machado had supported after the regime prevented her from running  had won by a wide margin.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee could have avoided controversy, but it chose Machado for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. This years Nobel Prize recognizes more than two decades of struggle against repression, awarded to a political leader who has had to live in hiding for speaking out in a country where doing so has become a crime.

It is also an acknowledgment of the collective suffering of the Venezuelan opposition: for those who have been silenced, for hundreds of political prisoners, and for more than eight million people forced to leave the country due to hunger, necessity, or persecution. The Nobel Prize is ours. The slogan championed by the opposition leader in recent weeks is also the battle cry of those gathered in Oslo. Its a sign that the world sees us, that they are finally listening to us, says Sonia Zapata, a Venezuelan who has lived in Norway for 20 years.

Machado divides opinion. For Chavismo, which has faced open confrontation with the opposition leader for more than two decades, she embodies the plots of the far right, capitalist hypocrisy, and servility toward the United States. For her supporters, she is a symbol that another Venezuela is possible, proof that resistance is worthwhile, and a leader willing to make every sacrifice to move the country forward. There is no middle ground in the Venezuelan political context.

Outside of South America, some of Machados political convictions and alliances have also drawn criticism. I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause, she wrote on her X account upon learning she would receive the award.

The Venezuelan leader has also publicly supported the possibility of international intervention to end Maduros regime, and has backed the hardline measures and sanctions promoted by the United States to deepen the diplomatic isolation of the Chavista government. Critics have questioned whether her positions align with the peace values promoted by the Nobel Prize. Supporters argue that ending a dictatorship requires exceptional measures and that Trumps support has been crucial at times when international pressure was weak. The threat of a potential U.S. military operation is another uncertainty looming over this years Nobel Prize ceremony.

Freedom must be fought for, and facing a tyranny of this kind requires moral, spiritual, and physical strength, she said in an interview with EL PAIS a few hours after being announced as the winner. Maduro decides whether to take it or leave it, but he will go, with or without a negotiation, she added.

Every decision Machado has made has been subject to scrutiny, especially since the prize was announced two months ago. Criticism has included, for example, the invitation of far-right leaders as guests of honor, such as Argentinas ultraconservative President Javier Milei and other right-wing Latin American leaders like Ecuadors Daniel Noboa or Paraguays Santiago Pena. Milei arrived in Oslo on Tuesday, while Panamas Jose Raul Mulino arrived on Monday.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has defended its decision by arguing that it recognizes the fight for democracy, regardless of ideological differences. The Nobel Peace Center, another key organization in the preparations, summed it up this way: The global political divide of our time is not left versus right, but democracy versus dictatorship. In some Scandinavian media, where the situation in Venezuelan is perceived as a distant reality, the award has been framed as a response to the so-called spirit of the times  a reaffirmation of democracy in an era of wars, personalist leadership, constant threats, and ever-growing signs of democratic erosion in the West.

Above all, the recognition bolsters a Venezuelan opposition that has long suffered systematic repression under Chavismo and still struggles with internal divisions. And in the face of the uncertain outcome of Trumps escalation in the Caribbean, all defenders of the Venezuelan democratic cause received a renewed boost this Wednesday from Oslo.

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It was a busy night for police in the northern region, with one officer writing in her handover notes that staff got smashed between 6pm and 10pm. This strain was an ongoing issue, with officers telling the commission that staffing levels had been consistently reduced, with part-time staff often replacing full-time roles. Lindy Lucena died less than 600 metres from the Ballina police station. Policing as a whole  is starting to be dealt with as a business, as opposed to an emergency service, the responding senior communications officer said. We need to be at full strength, and were not. We rarely are.

7.55pm  Initial police response It took police 52 minutes to arrive at the Salvation Army building. Officers were responding to a mental health incident and a road accident where a car had smashed into a tree on the highway. But both jobs were priority three. Lucenas assault was the only high-urgency incident in Ballina between 6.38pm and 7.41pm. One officer told the commission he prioritised the crash, saying he was concerned about road fatalities as the crash was on a blind corner on a highway with speeds of 110 kilometres per hour. The commission also heard that an assault required two officers to attend for their safety. The officer was unaware that priority two jobs should be responded to before lower-priority jobs. When the two officers finally arrived, nearly an hour after the initial call, they drove their separate vehicles without lights and sirens, as so much time had already passed without further calls. Police body camera footage of Robert Huber on the night he was arrested. Credit: Coffs Harbour Supreme Court

They patrolled slowly around the site, never leaving their cars. Lucenas body, located closer to the building and behind a metal fence, couldnt be seen from the road. Within three minutes, they determined there was nothing to respond to and left the scene. [With] the benefit of hindsight  I wish Id looked over that fence. But I didnt, one officer told the commission. Its not known if Lucena was still alive as police drove past her body. 7.20-9.30pm  Time of death Two experts gave two different opinions as to Lucenas time of death at Hubers manslaughter trial. One said she probably died at 7.20pm, and the other around 9.30pm.

The court found the cause of death was the beating, which, combined with her coronary heart disease and possibly the effect of a small amount of methadone in her system, caused her heart to stop. The time and cause of her death will be analysed at a future coronial inquest. 12.30am  Police return to the scene Huber arrived barefoot at Ballina police station around 12.30am and told the same officer who had driven past Lucenas body that his missus is dead. The officer took Huber back to the Salvation Army building in a police car. Bodycam footage showed Huber leading police to the charity donation bins behind a white metal gate. Counsel assisting the commission Emma Sullivan described Lucenas body as being found amongst items of clothing, baggage and other bric-a-brac strewn around.

I just woke up and I seen her there and I tried to wake her up. She wouldnt wake up, Huber was heard saying on the police bodycam footage shown to the court during his manslaughter trial. She doesnt look good, does she? Loading He had blood on his hands and shirt. Police noted Lucena had bruising to her face. Huber was arrested at 1.21am on January 4 for suspected murder. 1am  Top brass informed Shortly after Huber presented to the police, Superintendent Scott Tanners phone rang, waking him, and he was told about Lucenas death. He arrived at the scene within 20 minutes and texted Acting Assistant Commissioner Tracy Chapman.

Tanner and Chapman agreed the death and response delays did not meet the criteria for a critical incident, which would have triggered an independent police investigation. Declaring a critical incident also places a lot of stress and pressure on the police that are involved  [theres] the assertion that theyve done something wrong, Tanner told the commission. The pair also believed subsequent coronial and criminal investigations, as well as a State Crime Command domestic violence homicide review, would provide sufficient oversight. The lesson is we need more staff. We need more people to join our organisation. You know, Ballina is a community of over 35,000 people. It still has the same first response it had in 1985, Tanner said. The police watchdog was contacted by Greens MP Sue Higginson in July this year, prompting the public examination.
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 Over lunch at Marmelo, Lord Mayor Nick Reece weighs in on Zohran Mamdanis historic win to become mayor of New York. I think it was very exciting, Reece says. I think he ran an incredible campaign, certainly in terms of his social media campaign, I think its the best campaign Ive ever seen. I feel like Reece is missing the point. I want to know whether Mamdanis policies on universal childcare, rent freezes and free buses have resonated with Reece, a Labor Party member who is proud of his progressive background but who ran as an independent with a Liberal deputy in his election to Town Hall last year. Lord Mayor Nick Reece weighs up his first year in office over lunch at Marmelo. Credit: Justin McManus What about his agenda? I ask. I will be watching with great interest, Reece says, moving on to his own agenda. I went to the people of Melbourne with a very big and inspiring agenda. Im in the reform game. Im not here for the title and the chains. Im here because I want to make a difference, and Im a mayor on a mission.

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Its one year since Reece was elected as lord mayor and to mark the occasion we are having lunch at Marmelo, a hatted restaurant in this years Good Food Guide and one of the finalists for best new restaurant. Loading The restaurant is located in the ground floor of luxury hotel Hyde Melbourne Place and the dining room with its large glass windows looks out onto a graffiti-covered laneway filled with wheelie bins. You couldnt get much more Melbourne. Reece has been to Marmelo before and is enthusiastic about the menu. We start with the anchovies, two single salty slivers doused in oil and laid across the plate, which are delicious in their simplicity. Those anchovies are next level, Reece says. Its the first of many superlatives he uses to describe our meal, that include delicious, absolutely sublime and a culinary revelation.

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Its typical of Reece, at times he is so enthusiastic its almost infectious. His enthusiasm is a quality he brings to his work as lord mayor, a role he describes as the greatest honour of my life and one where he deploys his expertise in networking and lobbying. We both order a glass of chardonnay and Reece tells me about moving to Australia as a child from the United Kingdom and growing up in a churchy family with a strong emphasis on community service. His dad still volunteers at St Vincent de Paul and regularly calls him to take his son to task on various policies. The next level anchovies at Marmelo. Credit: Justin McManus Reece is married to Felicity Pantelidis, the deputy chief executive of Labor law firm Maurice Blackburn, and started his career there as a lawyer before becoming an adviser to then-prime minister Julia Gillard and more recently a public policy fellow at the University of Melbourne. I ask Reece what his major achievements have been in his first year as mayor and he nominates cracking down on crime and safety in the city.

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There still are people who are surprised I went so hard on that, he says. I also have a very strong view that a great city begins with being a safe city, and theres no getting around what the crime data was telling us and what I was hearing out there in the community as well. Its not only about being a safe city, its that people feel safe as well. Reece points to the 11 council security guards who now patrol Melbournes streets and his push to double the number of CCTV cameras in the city. Crime and safety have dominated the agenda at the City of Melbournes council meetings and at a recent meeting, the council heard from dozens of people experiencing homelessness along with community legal services about how vulnerable people are targeted by the security guards and moved on. Celeriac Portuguese tarts topped with spanner crab. Credit: Justin McManus Reece has personal experience of homelessness and addiction in his own family after his brother-in-law, Evan, was badly injured in a bike accident, and through the pain management became a heroin addict. We were all close and lived through the downward spiral, Reece says. It caused a lot of heartache and a lot of pain in our family. Reece says the experience has stayed with him and shapes how he approaches issues like safe-injecting rooms, homelessness and street support services.

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He voted against the majority of his fellow councillors recently in backing a safe-injecting room in the CBD. I am a strong supporter of active outreach, of saying, Im sorry you cant stay there, thats not good for you, its not good for the city, you need support, he says. Reece approves of the Allan governments move to try children as young as 14 as adults if they are accused of violent crime. Skewers of garfish at Marmelo are doused in vinho verde vinegar. Credit: Justin McManus I certainly welcome the direction that they have taken, and I do think the underlying principle that there needs to be consequences for violent and illegal behaviour is a very important one. I point to my own children and Reeces three teenagers and ask whether he thinks a 14-year-olds brain is fully developed and they should cop the adult consequences of jail. Well if your kid was pulling out a machete and walking through a shopping centre threatening people, then yes, Reece says.

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Students were mistakenly told they were eligible for a scholarship for Australias most prestigious university due to an administrative error at the states tertiary admissions centre.

Young people applying for equity scholarships at the University of Melbourne were told last week that they were eligible for the scheme to study at the institution next year.

The University of Melbourne. Credit: Penny Stephens

But the university has had to write again to applicants, many of whom are finishing year 12 this year, to tell them they were not eligible, after they were misclassified by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

News of the bureaucratic error comes as tens of thousands of students across the state wait to receive their VCE results and university admission scores (ATAR) on Thursday.
A woman has been killed on the Hume Highway after a pole that had been struck by a rolled truck landed on the car she was driving.

Detectives from the major collision unit are investigating the fatal incident, which occurred after the northbound truck was involved in a minor crash with a red sedan on the highway about 7.45am on Tuesday, in Somerton, in Melbournes outer north.

Police said as a result of that crash, the truck rolled and crashed into a pole, which in turn landed on a silver Honda heading in the other direction, close to the intersection of the Hume Highway and Somerton Road.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, the female driver of the Honda died at the scene. She is yet to be formally identified.
A Perth court has been told a social media fight is believed to have been the reason a group of boys sent a high school in the citys north-east into lockdown on Monday after they allegedly stabbed a student.

Three of six boys charged over the attack appeared in Perth Childrens Court on Tuesday, accused of being among a group of boys who walked onto the campus of Ellenbrook Secondary College and sent hundreds of students into lockdown just minutes after the final bell rang.

Ellenbrook Secondary College was sent into lockdown on Monday Credit: 9 News Perth

Prosecutors allege the incident stemmed from an online fight between warring gangs representing the north and south of the river, which spilled onto the school grounds when boys from Perths southern suburbs allegedly travelled to Ellenbrook to confront their rivals.

The court was told the boys took a train to Ellenbrook and then went to the local high school, where the confrontation occurred on a nearby footpath.
Australian taxpayers have spent more than $4 million on travel for politicians families and spouses since the election of the Albanese government, with four MPs charging over $100,000 each during that time, while others claimed less than $1000.

North-west Queensland Nationals MP Andrew Willcox charged the most of all MPs, with a bill of $123,769 for family travel, followed by West Australian independent senator Fatima Payman, who charged $118,790. South Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell was third, at $116,306, and West Australian Assistant Minister Pat Gorman charged $112,866.

Farrells expenses  which included flying a family member to Uluru for a complimentary dinner and to Sydney when he was offered free tickets to La Boheme at the Sydney Opera House  came under the microscope on Tuesday as scrutiny over Sports and Communications Minister Anika Wells spending extended to other government ministers.

The furore over Wells spending, which began last week when it emerged the Commonwealth spent $95,000 to fly her, a staffer and a senior public servant to the United Nations in New York, has opened a public debate over MPs use of taxpayer-funded entitlements and whether they meet community expectations.
Their immigration policy is a disaster. Trump did not name specific leaders whose migration policies he considered weak, but he named London and Paris as two cities he loved that had declined, and he pointed to crime in Sweden as a problem linked to migration. Trump suggested Ukraine would have to cede land to Russia, an outcome Zelensky is trying to halt. Credit: Bloomberg Theyre coming in from all parts of the world, not just the Middle East, he said of the migrants. Theyre coming in from the Congo, tremendous numbers of people coming from the Congo. And even worse, theyre coming from prisons of the Congo and many other countries.

European leaders, he said, should copy his own policy and turn migrants away: They want to be politically correct, and they dont want to send them back to where they came from. The comments follow the release of a White House national security statement last week that criticised western leaders in general terms for allowing mass migration. Trump was specific in saying migrants from the Middle East and Africa were part of the problem. The comments tap into public anxiety in Europe about social change, with politicians such as Nigel Farage in the UK, Alice Wiedel in Germany and Marine le Pen in France gaining popular support with policies to cut the migrant intake. Wiedel, from the Alternative fur Deutschland, or AfD, wants a remigration policy to send migrants away. Theyre destroying their countries, Trump said of the European leaders, describing their nations as decaying.

I get along with them, you know that, but they cant let this happen. And it gets to a point where you cant really correct it, therell be a point, and its very close to that point. It will mean that theyre no longer going to be strong nations. US President Donald Trump said European countries will be destroyed by rising immigration. Credit: AP Theyll change their ideology, obviously, because the people coming in have a totally different ideology, but its going to make them much weaker. About 21 per cent of people in Sweden were foreign-born, the countrys statistics agency said last year, compared with 12.4 per cent in 2005.

One in six residents of England and Wales were born outside the UK, its statistics agency said. As a proportion of the population, they increased from 13.4 per cent in 2011 to 16.8 per cent in 2021. In France, immigrants made up 10.3 per cent of the population in 2021, its statistics agency said. That compared to 6.5 per cent in 1968. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and Pope Leo XIV wave to journalists during their meeting in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on Tuesday. Credit: AP US Vice President JD Vance stung European leaders earlier this year with a speech to a security conference in Munich that predicted long-term decline from a threat from within and a shift away from conservative social policies. The national security strategy amplified this by predicting a rift between America and its European allies if they did not turn away from social policies that he regarded as too left-wing.

Trumps interview with Politico spelled out his concern about population change, and multicultural societies with fewer white people, at a time when this view is often implicit in White House policies. Loading Asked if he would get involved in European policies by endorsing particular parties, he said he backed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who faced an election last year. Vance lent support to Wiedel and the AfD before Germanys election this year, when it increased its vote. On Ukraine, the US President criticised Zelensky and said Russia was in a stronger position to win the war  a remark that continued his shift from his claim in September that Ukraine could win. Trumps son, Donald Jnr, said last week that his father could walk away from Ukraine if the peace talks did not progress. Asked about that, the US President said: Its not correct, but its not exactly wrong.

Zelensky has pushed back at demands to cede territory and appeared to shore up support for this position in recent days, including visits to London and Brussels to see national leaders before a dash to Rome for an audience with Pope Leo. Loading Each of the Ukrainian leaders meetings has been publicised with photographs and videos showing personal support from leaders ranging from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the Pope. Trump likened Zelensky to circus promoter PT Barnum for his ability to sell a product, but he chided him for not reading a draft agreement prepared by the US and he noted that Ukraine had lost territory to Russia. Its not easy with Russia, because Russia has the upper hand, and they always did, he said.

Theyre much bigger. Theyre much stronger, in that sense. I give the people of Ukraine and the military of Ukraine tremendous credit for the, you know, bravery and fighting  all of that. But you know, at some point, size will win generally. Last weeks White House security statement triggered concerns from national leaders including an exhortation from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk about the need for the transatlantic alliance. Dear American friends, Europe is your closest ally, not your problem, Tusk posted on X on December 6. And we have common enemies. At least thats how it has been in the last 80 years. We need to stick to this, this is the only reasonable strategy of our common security. Unless something has changed.
The New York Times said Zelensky made the remarks in an online chat with journalists. The Washington Post reported the remarks as an unequivocal declaration that Ukraine would not surrender land. Under our laws, under international law  and under moral law  we have no right to give anything away, Zelensky said, according to the Post. Zelensky has often argued that he could not cede land under the Constitution and has said many times that giving up the territory would reward aggression by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sent forces into Donbas in 2014 and launched a full-scale invasion in 2022. Ukraine has made no headway in its military attempts to reclaim the territory, however, and is in danger of losing control of towns such as Pokrovsk, where Russian forces have moved through the streets.

Further Russian gains would put Ukrainian forces under severe pressure in the fortress belt cities of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, heightening the danger for large swaths of eastern Ukraine. Loading Trumps personal envoy in the peace negotiations, Steve Witkoff, included the transfer of the Donbas, Crimea and other regions to Russia as part of a 28-point peace plan discussed with Russian counterparts last month. Zelensky and the European leaders rejected the draft plan but have not released an agreed alternative, leading to weeks of conjecture about whether the Russian territorial demands might be part of the ultimate agreement. Ukrainians fear that a ceasefire that gives Russia the Donbas would set the scene for a subsequent war in which Putin would seek to conquer most of Ukraine, including its capital, Kyiv.

The peace talks have dragged on with no sign of an agreement on the key issue of territory since the 28-point plan was leaked last month and published by news site Axios on November 20. Loading The leak galvanised Zelensky and European leaders to urge Trump to modify the plan, and he appeared to accept some of their arguments. The rocky path to a deal included another leak, this time revealing Witkoff praising Putin in a phone call with a Russian negotiator, and a declaration by the Russian leader that he was willing to continue the war against Ukraine and go to war with Europe. While Trump has often shifted his position on core issues  sometimes praising Ukraines ability to win the war and sometimes declaring it has no cards and cannot win  his latest comments suggest that he believes the European leaders were in a weak position.

The US president posted on X a New York Post headline that said: Impotent Europeans can only fume as Trump rightly sidelines them from Ukraine deal. Loading He issued the post at 7am on Tuesday, AEDT  as Zelensky shuttled between talks with European leaders. Trump holds significant leverage over Zelensky, given the importance of US arms supplies to Ukraine, but the cost of the weapons is now covered by European nations. While Trump could seek to ban their export, this might be resisted by the US arms manufacturers. Zelensky gained symbolic support from European leaders on Monday with his visit to Starmers office at Number 10 Downing Street, which included photographs of the four leaders, but no press conference.

Later, the Ukrainian leader landed in Brussels to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and he released a social media video showing close and friendly talks. Our positions have been aligned on all issues, Zelensky said on X after their talks. We are acting in a coordinated and constructive manner. As usual, however, none of the leaders made any statement on the specific terms of a common position in the peace talks, continuing the doubts about whether a deal might ever be agreed. Ukraines sovereignty must be respected, von der Leyen said on X. Ukraines security must be guaranteed, in the long term, as a first line of defence for our Union. Key factors in doubt include the territorial claims, the nature of the security guarantee Trump would be prepared to offer Ukraine, the size of the Ukrainian army after a peace deal, the removal of sanctions on Russia and whether Western troops would move into Ukraine as peacekeepers.

Loading The European Union is also trying to overcome objections from Belgium on a loan to Ukraine that would be backed by frozen Russian assets, releasing 185 billion ($325 billion) to help Ukraine buy weapons and air-defence systems. Zelensky is said to be preparing an alternative peace plan backed by the European leaders and to be put to the White House over the next 24 hours. Trump and his aides have often spoken about a land swap as a way to settle the war, even though Zelensky rejects this. Putin has insisted on Russian claims to the Donbas, highlighting the obstacles to peace terms with Zelensky.
BONAIRE:--- The Human Rights Workshop held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, drew a full-to-capacity audience, with strong participation from Bonaireans and its inhabitants of all ages. The event featured a keynote address by James Finies, Founder of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO). His remarks set the tone for a powerful and historic gathering focused on strengthening human rights awareness on the island.

In a major milestone for the movement, Muhernan Fuerte PPP leaders Joseline Thielman and Phenice Frans-Piar officially joined as co-founders of bringing human rights information and education to Bonaire citizens and a renewed strength, experience, and representation to the mission of advancing human rights on Bonaire.

For the first time in Bonaires history, the Bonaire Human Rights Organization hosted this landmark Human Rights Lecture and Workshop under the campaign We Also Have Rights, in collaboration with United for Human Rights International. Local partners included We Dare To Care Foundation, Rinkon Edifikando Hobennan na Madures Foundation, Muhernan Fuerte, Movementu Pa Kambio, and Nos Ta Futuro di Boneiru.

An important highlight of the program was an impressive presentation delivered by President Davika Bissessar Shaw, who spoke on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. During her address, she officially launched the Ambassadorship Program of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization, opening the door for community members to become certified Human Rights Ambassadors.

Participants engaged in a dynamic program that included a human rights lecture, group workshops, campaign planning, a cultural presentation, and a short test leading to certification as Human Rights Advocates. The event concluded with a certificate ceremony celebrating newly empowered participants equipped with the knowledge and tools to promote and protect human rights on Bonaire.

This workshop also marked the launch of BHROs five-year campaign to advance the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, with particular emphasis on Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which BHRO previously presented at the margins of the 80th UN General Assembly.

For more information and to register for the next workshop on January 18th, or to become a Human Rights Ambassador, please contact BHRO.

Cell/Whatsapp: +599 786 4576  email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bonaire Human Rights Organization
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) hereby informs the public that a comprehensive round of pothole repairs is currently underway across the main road network. This maintenance effort started last evening, December 8th and will continue through to December 11th, during the evening work hours of 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

In preparation for this weeks work, potholes around all main roads have already been identified and clearly marked, allowing repair teams to move efficiently and systematically from one location to the next. To ensure durable and timely repairs, the Ministry is utilizing hot asphalt, a method known for its fast-setting properties and ability to address potholes effectively with minimal traffic disruption.

These evening repairs are scheduled specifically to reduce inconvenience to road users, limit daytime congestion, and maximize safety for both workers and motorists.

Key Information Recap:

 Scope of Works: Pothole repairs on main roads using hot asphalt.

 Preparation: All potholes across main roads have been identified and marked.

 Work Period: December 8th11th, during evening hours.

 Work Hours: 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

 Contractor: Washington Construction.

 Motorist Advisory: Reduce speed, stay alert, and follow on-site guidance.

The Ministry urges the public to exercise caution when traveling during these hours, as workers from Washington Construction will be actively operating along the roadway. Motorists are kindly asked to slow down, remain alert for signage, and follow any directions provided by personnel on-site.

The Ministry of VROMI appreciates the publics continued patience and cooperation as we work to enhance the quality, safety, and reliability of our national road network. For more information please e-mail the Department of Infrastructure at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The activist who heads the Ukrainian organization Center for Civil Liberties, which won the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, warns that ending the invasion will only be possible if the Kremlin feels that the price of continuing the war is higher than the price of stopping it

When Oleksandra Matviichuk, 42, accepted the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize as president of the award-winning Center for Civil Liberties, she said something very significant in her acceptance speech: faced with brutal aggression and the absence of justice, many human rights and peace activists were forced to defend their ideals with weapons in hand. Through her life, her work, and her words, as well as the award for the organization she leads, she sheds light on the defense of peace and human rights in a time of unbridled imperialism and growing impunity

Matviichuk gave this interview on Thursday in the Italian town of Saint-Vincent, on the sidelines of the Grand Continent Summit, a conference organized by the magazine of the same name to reflect on the future of Europe. During the conversation, the Ukrainian lawyer expressed her conviction that Putin doesnt want peace. He wants to achieve his goal. [] He wants to forcefully restore the Russian Empire.

After the interview, she was preparing to travel to Syria, another country where Russias actions, through its support for Bashar al-Assads dictatorship, should be subject to judicial scrutiny.

Question. We are seeing intense diplomatic negotiations to stop the conflict in Ukraine. What do you think is necessary to achieve peace?

Answer. I work directly with people affected by this war. So let me assure you that people in Ukraine dream of peace. Because war is horrible. Unfortunately, Putin doesnt want peace. Putin wants to achieve his goal. And when we look at the current situation, we see how Putin is trying to imitate peace negotiations to, first, gain time, and second, to decrease the level of support of Ukraine, to make his goal to occupy the whole country easier. And the main question in all these peace talks is whether we can make Putin stop. I dont mean just an operational pause, withdrawing and resuming the act of aggression, but to getting a lasting peace.

Q. And how can that be achieved?

A. It means that we must begin discussing, first, real security guarantees for Ukraine, to make Putin understand that it is impossible for him to achieve his goal of occupying the entire country and advancing further, attacking the next one. And second, that the United States and the European Union must take decisive action to make the price for Putin of continuing the war higher than the price of stopping it.

Q. What is Putins ultimate goal in deciding to attack Ukraine? Is it just about Ukraine, or is it something more?

A. Its not just about Ukraine. Russia is an empire. An empire has a center, but it has no borders. An empire is always trying to expand. These arent my words. They are Vladimir Putins, who claimed that the borders of the Russian Federation never end. And Ive seen it even in my human rights work. When I interviewed people who survived Russian captivity, they told me that Russians see their future like this: first we will occupy Ukraine, and then, together with you, we will go on to conquer other countries. Putin sees Ukraine as a bridge to attack the next European country. His logic is historical. He dreams about his legacy. He wants to forcibly restore the Russian Empire because the collapse of the Soviet Union was, to quote him, the biggest geopolitical catastrophe of the past century. So he wants revenge. And this means that people in the European Union are safe only because the Ukrainians are still resisting and not allowing the Russian army to advance and attack the next country.

Q. The organization you lead was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. President Donald Trump is very keen to win one, but he doesnt seem to care much about human rights and democracy. And the 28-point plan we saw recently completely ignored the justice aspect of the future of this conflict. What do you think about Trumps initiatives?

Oleksandra Matviichuk. MARIO CRUZ

A. I think its a good attempt to stop the war. President Trump said he wants to end this war because he cares about the people who are dying. But that also means he needs to care about the people who are dying in Russian prisons. And the human dimension needs to be included in the peace plan. And in those 28 points, there isnt a word about the millions of people living under Russian occupation. This is not right. Were talking about millions of Ukrainians living in terror without the tools to protect their rights, their freedom, their property, their lives, their children, their loved ones. Russian occupation isnt just changing from one government to another. Russian occupation means enforced disappearances, torture, rape, denial of your identity, forced adoption of your own children, infiltration camps, and mass graves. We need to talk about what will happen to the more than 20,000 Ukrainian children who were illegally deported and separated from their families. There are many urgent humanitarian issues, and I think its wrong for politicians to only talk about geopolitical interests and not about the people.

Q. What do you think of the Europeans? They have been supporting Ukraine financially, militarily, diplomatically. Is it enough?

A. I recently heard a top Swedish government official report on how much money theyve allocated to support Ukraine [shows an image of a presentation on her phone]. Its 170 billion [$197 billion]. And how much money theyve spent buying products from Russia. And you can see its 311 billion [$362 billion], much more. This is the answer. Weve heard a lot of decisive words from the European Union. Very correct words. We need correct actions. There are words, there are actions, and theres a gap. And the European Union leadership is behaving as if they have time. As if they have several years before Russia starts attacking. But Putin isnt stupid. Why do they think hell give them several years to prepare and not attack now?

Q. What should Europe do?

A. I think that to regain the initiative, the European Union must take decisive action. Such as creating a special tribunal on aggression, using frozen Russian assets for self-defense and the reconstruction of Ukraine. And also helping Ukraine close its airspace. I literally dont understand what the problem is with shooting down a piece of metal that costs 1,000 [$1,160]. Im referring to a Russian drone. Its not an airplane with a pilot, just a piece of metal. Russia sends hundreds and hundreds of drones every day to destroy Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. And they succeed, because now we have lost the vast majority of the energy infrastructure in Ukraine, which poses a real threat to millions of people who could face winter without heating, without water, without energy, without electricity. Its a vital problem because you cant even warm milk for a newborn.

Oleksandra Matviichuk, in Saint-Vincent, within the framework of the Grand Continent Summit, on December 4. MARIO CRUZ

Q. In Ukraine, an anti-corruption investigation has forced the resignation of the presidents chief of staff. This is a sign that Ukrainian democratic institutions are working, but at the same time, it is a major blow to a government in wartime. What is your opinion on this matter?

A. Ill start with my emotion. I was furious. Furious, like millions of people in Ukraine, for an obvious reason: we all donate a lot. We donate to the Ukrainian army, to the wounded, to people who lost everything in this war, to the victims of Russian war crimes. Ukrainian pensioners give the last of their pensions as donations.

But when we look at the situation from a pragmatic point of view, first, this corruption scandal has happened not because of a journalistic investigation, but because of an official investigation by state anti-corruption agencies, which shows that these official anti-corruption agencies are working effectively. Just 12 years ago, this was unthinkable, because before the Revolution of Dignity [also known as Euromaidan], these people were untouchable. Its a sign that were on the right track and making progress.

And secondly, and this is very important: this official investigation by the anti-corruption agencies was possible because this summer a huge number of people took to the streets in Kyiv and other cities to peacefully protest against an attempt by the Ukrainian Parliament to limit the independence of the anti-corruption agencies. And we succeeded. We preserved that independence. And this is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of the strength of Ukrainian society. Because, once again, we are very different from Russia. Our source of survival is not top-down resilience. It is not a centralized hierarchy. It lies in local democracy, in freedom of speech, in the agency of ordinary people, in grassroots initiatives, in self-organization, and in peoples belief that their efforts matter. So yes, we are not perfect. We have a lot of problems that we take seriously. It is our responsibility. But we are still a democracy. A democracy in transition, and we are on the right track.

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 Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina held a constructive meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof to address Sint Maartens priorities for the Trust Fund and Country Packages. The dialogue focused on practical solutions, mutual responsibility, and ensuring that the people of Sint Maarten can look forward to tangible results of the ongoing projects.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Mercelina reiterated Sint Maartens continued commitment to the Country Package reforms but expressed the need for realistic timelines to effectively carry them out.

Our commitment is genuine, Prime Minister Mercelina said. But commitment alone cannot override the practical challenges we face every day. I emphasized that extending the timelines is not about delaying progress  its about ensuring that the reforms are sustainable and serve our people in the long run. They deserve reforms that work, not reforms that are rushed simply to meet deadlines. I have therefore asked Prime Minister Schoof to explore the possibility of an extension of the current end date for the country packages. April 2027 simply comes too early for Sint Maarten.

A major point of discussion was the future of the World Bankmanaged Trust Fund, particularly the landfill and Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP). With Sint Maarten and the Netherlands having agreed that the landfill must be closed by 2032, continuity in financial support and technical assistance for the Ministry of VROMI is essential. Sint Maarten cannot do this alone. The Trust Fund is currently scheduled to close in 2028, and urgent decisions are needed to confirm the pathway towards 2032 and beyond.

Prime Minister Mercelina shared how critical this issue is to the islands well-being and highlighted the full commitment of the Government of Sint Maarten to sustainable waste management.

For us, the landfill is not just a projectit affects daily life, public health, and the future of our children, he noted. Sint Maarten is doing its part. We are committed to the 2032 closure and the Ministry of VROMI is making progress with agreed upon sector reforms. But we cannot proceed with this project if we are caught between institutions with differing expectations and timelines. What our people need is alignment, support, and the certainty that the closing of the landfill will really take place in 2032. Only then can we deliver the long-term waste management solution our nation deserves.

Prime Minister Mercelina stressed that open communication and shared commitment are essential as Sint Maarten continues to navigate these complex challenges.

Todays meeting was productive because it allowed for honest conversation, he said. Sint Maarten wants to move forward, and we seek to do so with clarity and genuine partnership. Our people need stability and steady progress. Today was an important step in that direction.
GOURBEYRE: --- The Regional Health Agency (ARS) and the Rectorate, in collaboration with health professionals, have announced the renewal of a major health initiative for the 2025-2026 school year. The campaign offers free vaccinations to adolescents in public and private establishments across the Northern Islands, aiming to bolster protection against serious preventable diseases.

This year's campaign features a significant expansion in scope. For the first time, the initiative includes medical-social establishments and services (ESMS). Young people aged 11 to 14 cared for in these structures will now benefit from the same free vaccination access as middle school students.

The 2025-2026 drive focuses on two critical immunizations: the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Health officials emphasize that both injections can be administered on the same dayone in each armstreamlining the process for families. Parents only need to sign a single authorization form to consent to both measures.

Tackling Preventable Cancers and Severe Infections

The campaign targets two distinct but serious health threats facing adolescents.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV):

HPV is an incredibly common infection, with approximately 8 out of 10 people exposed to it during their lifetime. While the virus often clears up on its own, persistent infections can lead to precancerous lesions and various forms of cancer, including cervical, anal, and throat cancers. In France, HPV is linked to more than 7,000 cancer cases annually.

Medical experts stress that vaccination is most effective when administered between the ages of 11 and 14, as the immune response is strongest in younger adolescents.

Meningococcal ACWY:

The second focus of the campaign is the meningococcus bacterium. Transmitted orally through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or speaking, this bacterium can lead to meningitis or septicemia (blood poisoning) if it enters the bloodstream or reaches the brain.

These infections are rapid and dangerous, potentially becoming fatal within 24 hours or leaving survivors with severe, lifelong sequelae such as deafness, epilepsy, or amputations. Adolescents in the 11 to 14 age group are particularly vulnerable due to social behaviors and community living environments that facilitate the germ's circulation.

By combining these vaccinations into a single, accessible campaign within schools and medical-social centers, health authorities aim to significantly increase coverage rates and ensure the long-term health of the region's youth.
Pointe Pitre/ Saint Martin:--- Air Antilles has halted all flights following a decision by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) to suspend its operating license. The suspension, which took effect at midnight on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 (Pointe-Pitre time), stems from significant safety concerns raised during a recent regulatory audit.

This sudden grounding has left planes on the tarmac and disrupted travel across the French Caribbean, affecting routes between Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin, and Saint-Barthelemy.

Serious Audit Findings

The decision to ground the fleet follows an audit conducted between December 2 and December 4, 2025. The DGAC identified "very significant failures" regarding the airline's safety processes. Regulators specifically pointed out dysfunctions in the carrier's safety management system, concluding that current conditions did not allow the airline to guarantee the security of its passengers and staff.

As a result of these findings, the authority suspended the airline's Air Carrier Certificate (CTA). Under aviation regulations, losing this certificate automatically triggers the suspension of the operating license, meaning the airline is strictly prohibited from conducting flights or selling tickets.

Impact on Passengers

The operational freeze was immediate. The Air Antilles website is currently unable to process reservations, and the airline has confirmed that the suspension is for an undetermined period. While airport sources initially suggested the grounding might last until December 16, the timeline depends entirely on regulatory compliance.

Air Antilles is currently working to manage the fallout for its customers. The airline announced it is taking all necessary steps to assist passengers, primarily by rebooking them on competitor airlines. Travelers are expected to be transferred to Air Caraibes where possible to maintain connectivity between the islands.

A Turbulent Recovery

This suspension represents a major setback for a carrier that only recently finding its footing. Air Antilles was relaunched in June 2024 following the liquidation of its former parent company, Caire, in August 2023. The revival was made possible through substantial support from the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, which invested approximately 20 million to ensure territorial continuity for the region.

Prior to this grounding, the airline was operating under a temporary license extension granted in October, which was valid until January 31, 2026. The company is still in the process of seeking a new investor to secure its long-term financial stability.

The Path Forward

The future of Air Antilles now rests on its ability to address the regulator's concerns swiftly. The DGAC has granted the airline a one-month deadline to implement corrective actions. If the carrier can demonstrate that it has resolved the organizational and documentary deficiencies highlighted by the audit, its certificate could be reinstated.

In a press statement, Air Antilles management acknowledged the need to finalize these verifications quickly. They expressed hope for a "rapid and durable" resumption of flights once safety standards are fully met.
Trump says US will allow sale of Nvidia AI chips to China



Washington, United States, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



President Donald Trump said Monday he had reached an agreement with President Xi Jinping to allow US chip giant Nvidia to export advanced artificial intelligence chips to China.

The announcement marked a significant shift in US export policy for advanced AI chips, which Joe Biden's administration had heavily restricted over national security concerns about Chinese military applications.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had informed Xi that Washington would permit Nvidia to ship its H200 products to "approved customers in China, and other countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong National Security."

"President Xi responded positively! $25% will be paid to the United States of America," Trump wrote, without providing details on how the payment mechanism would work.

Trump criticized his predecessor's approach, saying it "forced our Great Companies to spend BILLIONS OF DOLLARS building 'degraded' products that nobody wanted, a terrible idea that slowed Innovation, and hurt the American Worker."

This referred to the Biden administration's requirement for chip companies to create modified, less powerful versions specifically for the Chinese market.

These chips had reduced capabilities -- lower processing speeds, for example -- to comply with export control regulations.

Under Biden-era restrictions, the H200 and similar advanced chips were blocked from export to China.

"We applaud President Trump's decision to allow America's chip industry to compete to support high paying jobs and manufacturing in America," an Nvidia spokesperson told AFP.

"Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America."



- Not Blackwell -



The president said his decision aims to "support American Jobs, strengthen U.S. Manufacturing, and benefit American Taxpayers."

Trump emphasized that Nvidia's most advanced chips -- the Blackwell series and forthcoming Rubin processors -- are not included in the agreement and remain available only to US customers.

The H200s are roughly 18 months behind the company's state-of-the-art offerings.

The chips -- graphic processing units or GPUs -- are used to train the AI models that are the bedrock of the generative AI revolution launched with the release of ChatGPT in 2022.

The Commerce Department is finalizing implementation details, with Trump saying "the same approach will apply to AMD, Intel, and other GREAT American Companies."

The announcement comes amid trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, as the two compete for dominance in artificial intelligence technology.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang lobbied the White House intensely to reverse the Biden-era policy despite considerable opposition in Washington to giving Chinese companies access to powerful chips.

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, attributed the deal to a "backroom meeting" with Trump and Huang's company's donation to build the East Wing ballroom at the White House.

She said this would "turbocharge China's military and undercut American technological leadership."

Alex Stapp, of the Washington-based Institute for Progress, called the policy a "massive own goal," with the H200 "6x more powerful than the H20, which was previously the most powerful chip approved for export."

arp-gc/dw







NVIDIA

AMD - ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES
Trump says US will allow sale of Nvidia AI chips to China



Washington, United States, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



President Donald Trump said Monday he had reached an agreement with President Xi Jinping to allow US chip giant Nvidia to export advanced artificial intelligence chips to China.

The announcement marked a significant shift in US export policy for advanced AI chips, which Joe Biden's administration had heavily restricted over national security concerns about Chinese military applications.

Democrats in Congress quickly dismissed the shift as a huge mistake that will help the Chinese military and economy.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had informed Xi that Washington would permit Nvidia to ship its H200 products to "approved customers in China, and other countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong National Security."

"President Xi responded positively! $25% will be paid to the United States of America," Trump wrote, without providing details on how the payment mechanism would work.

Trump criticized his predecessor's approach, saying it "forced our Great Companies to spend BILLIONS OF DOLLARS building 'degraded' products that nobody wanted, a terrible idea that slowed Innovation, and hurt the American Worker."

This referred to the Biden administration's requirement for chip companies to create modified, less powerful versions specifically for the Chinese market.

These chips had reduced capabilities -- lower processing speeds, for example -- to comply with export control regulations.

Under Biden-era restrictions, the H200 and similar advanced chips were blocked from export to China.

"We applaud President Trump's decision to allow America's chip industry to compete to support high paying jobs and manufacturing in America," an Nvidia spokesperson told AFP.

"Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America."



- Not Blackwell -



The president said his decision aims to "support American Jobs, strengthen U.S. Manufacturing, and benefit American Taxpayers."

Trump emphasized that Nvidia's most advanced chips -- the Blackwell series and forthcoming Rubin processors -- are not included in the agreement and remain available only to US customers.

The H200s are roughly 18 months behind the company's state-of-the-art offerings.

The chips -- graphic processing units or GPUs -- are used to train the AI models that are the bedrock of the generative AI revolution launched with the release of ChatGPT in 2022.

The Commerce Department is finalizing implementation details, with Trump saying "the same approach will apply to AMD, Intel, and other GREAT American Companies."

The announcement comes amid trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, as the two compete for dominance in artificial intelligence technology.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang lobbied the White House intensely to reverse the Biden-era policy despite considerable opposition in Washington to giving Chinese companies access to powerful chips.

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, attributed the deal to a "backroom meeting" with Trump and Huang's company's donation to build the East Wing ballroom at the White House.

She said this would "turbocharge China's military and undercut American technological leadership."

She and other senior Democrats in the Senate issued a separate statement calling Trump's decision is "a colossal economic and national security failure."

"Access to these chips would give China's military transformational technology to make its weapons more lethal, carry out more effective cyberattacks against American businesses and critical infrastructure and strengthen their economic and manufacturing sector," these lawmakers said.

Alex Stapp, of the Washington-based Institute for Progress, called the policy a "massive own goal," with the H200 "6x more powerful than the H20, which was previously the most powerful chip approved for export."

arp-gc/dw/sla

NVIDIA

AMD - ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES
Maria Corina Machado has made U.S. foreign policy the central platform of her strategy to bring about a transition in Venezuela. Since July 28, 2024, when the opposition presented the official records declaring Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, Machados chosen representative, the winner of the presidential election, the most troublesome opposition figure for Chavismo has received a new boost: renewed attention from Washington. But even there, it is unclear what this support will lead to; a military intervention, a surgical coup, or will it be limited to air maneuvers and targeted attacks in the Caribbean? In this gray area between diplomatic support, displays of force, and ambiguous messages, Machado has built her narrative. Venezuelas freedom is near, she said in October, upon learning that she had won the Nobel Peace Prize, an award she is expected to receive in person this Wednesday in Oslo, Norway.

The Venezuelan opposition leader has aligned her rhetoric with every move made by the Donald Trump administration. She has supported Washingtons most frontal offensive against the Nicolas Maduro government and integrated it into her strategy of psychological pressure on Chavismo. The demonstration of electoral fraud  insufficient thus far to break the ruling party  has become a starting point for Machado: with the regional shift to the right and the U.S. military deployment, Machado is once again raising the issue of a credible threat, a scenario in which the Chavista elites must choose between negotiating or risking their own survival.

That concept, which the opposition leader has championed for years, has now taken on a military dimension. The presence of 20% of the United States naval force off the Venezuelan coast has been hailed by Machado as a necessary step in cornering Chavismo. Her narrative insists that each additional pressure  from air maneuvers that have emptied Venezuelan airspace to the destruction of vessels linked to drug trafficking  brings the regimes downfall closer. We are on the threshold of a new era, she has repeatedly stated.

The U.S. Navy's 'Gerald R. Ford' Carrier Strike Group, in the Atlantic Ocean on November 13, 2025. US Navy (via REUTERS)

In the oppositions narrative, Maduros loss of legitimacy following the 2024 electoral fraud justifies these forceful measures. Machado maintains that the aim is not to pressure an authoritarian government, but to confront a criminal structure  supported by drug trafficking networks, smuggling, and armed groups  that controls Venezuela. For this reason, she has echoed the framework of the fight against drug cartels that the United States has used to justify its military offensive in the Caribbean.

The evidence for the accusations is elusive, but during the Maduro regime, criminal groups involved in gold smuggling in the south of the country, Colombian guerrillas linked to drug trafficking, and extortion networks have gained power and seized territory in Venezuela. Chavismo has also been accused of supporting groups considered terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah, which explains why Machado backed Israel in the war in Gaza, taking a firm stance in favor of Trumps policies.

Machado insists that Venezuelans cannot stand alone against a state that, she alleges, operates as a violent and repressive apparatus. This is not a new stance.

In 2019, when more than 60 countries refused to recognize Maduros reelection, the opposition leader unsuccessfully promoted the activation of the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance, a coordinated regional response that would act as a superior force to topple the regime. This was interpreted then  as it is now  as a call for military intervention in the country. It is clear that he will not relinquish power except in the face of a real threat from a force superior to the one they are using to kill and destroy Venezuela, Machado said in 2019.

Demonstration against Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, in January 2019. Yuri Cortez (AFP)

This is what the opposition calls the credible threat. Then, the pressure came in the form of economic and individual sanctions. Today, it is military operations, attacks on drug-running boats, financial strangulation, the closure of airspace How far the pressure can go is anyones guess. Trump has hinted at the imminence of ground operations inside Venezuela, a blurry line that has not yet been crossed.

The United States has further escalated the situation by offering bounties on high-ranking Chavista officials and linking them to the Tren de Aragua criminal network and the Cartel of the Suns, an alleged drug trafficking organization with supposed links to the upper echelons of the Chavista regime. Several governments in the region have supported designating these groups as terrorist organizations, while Colombia and Brazil  whose mediation efforts after the last elections failed  are urging people to avoid open warfare. This unprecedented scenario involves the possibility of combating drug trafficking militarily.

Machado, however, insists that the transition can still be peaceful and orderly and that it is necessary to cut off the regimes illicit sources of financing. When those flows start to dry up, the structures begin to crack, she said recently. That is, in essence, her interpretation of Washingtons offensive: a siege that, if sustained, could force the change that neither voting nor dialogue has achieved.

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Press Release from Business Wire: Alipay+



(AFP) Dec 09, 2025



SEOUL, Dec 9, 2025 (BSW) - Alipay+, Ant International's global wallet gateway services, revealed an 18% increase in Alipay+-supported QR code payment transactions, with total payment volume (TPV) growing 16% year-on-year in South Korea, as more tourists use Alipay+ partner wallets and bank apps to make digital payments for a range of services, from beauty clinic treatments and transportation to night market food stalls.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251208351936/en/

Weixiao Jiang, General Manager North Asia and North America, Alipay+, Ant International



South Korea is among the top destinations for tourists from regions such as Southeast Asia and the Chinese mainland, with the greatest number of tourists making transactions supported by Alipay+ in cities like Seoul, Jeju Island and Busan. In 2025, Alipay+ transactions for beauty clinic treatments, transportation and F&B were among the fastest-growing categories for tourists.

Apart from Chinese mainland tourists, the biggest spenders by the total number of Alipay+-supported transactions in South Korea were tourists from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Macao and the Philippines, growing rapidly in terms of both transactions and total payment volume.

As of November 2025, Alipay+ has connected 21 international digital wallets and bank apps to over 2 million merchants in South Korea, enabling tourists to pay with the apps they use at home. In September, Alipay+ brought Japan's leading cashless payment service PayPay to the country, allowing Japanese travellers to make payments easily at South Korea's stores and merchants wherever the Alipay+ logo is displayed.

Alipay+ trends in South Korea1

From Jan-Nov 2025:

-- The number of inbound Alipay+-supported QR code transactions grew 18% year-on-year

-- Total payment volume (TPV) rose 16% year-on-year

Top inbound Alipay+-supported transactions by region:

1) Chinese mainland - Alipay2) Hong Kong - AlipayHK3) Malaysia - Touch 'n Go e-Wallet4) Japan - PayPay5) Macao - Mpay6) The Philippines - GCash

South Korean cities with the most spending via Alipay+:

1) Seoul2) Jeju Island3) Incheon4) Gyeonggido5) Busan

-- The fastest-growing categories are transportation, beauty clinic, and F&B transactions.- Total number of transportation transactions saw a 120% increase year-on-year while TPV grew 23%.- Beauty clinic transactions rose 90% year-on-year, with a 123% increase in TPV.- F&B transactions grew 47% year-on-year, with a 54% increase in TPV.

Empowering Local Businesses

Alipay+ covers 2 million merchants in South Korea, most of which are small and medium enterprises. Tourists are able to make payments seamlessly in a broad range of scenarios - from the moment they arrive and ride the airport limousine bus at Incheon International Airport, to paying for food and beverages in convenience stores and at cafes like Mega Coffee, or while shopping at retail stores for cosmetics and skincare products across the country.

Merchants in South Korea are also able to use various Alipay+ solutions to help them in their businesses, such as joining the A+ Rewards, a digital marketing and user growth platform, which allows them to offer tailored promotions powered by privacy-preserving computing and AI technologies.

Travellers can also discover services offered by global travel partners directly within Alipay+ Voyager, an AI-powered, built-in travel agent that is integrated directly into partner mobile wallets like Alipay, AlipayHK, Touch 'n Go eWallet and GCash. This AI agent will assist travellers in itinerary planning, booking, and purchasing in-merchant offerings, allowing merchants to expand their customer base and engage mobile-savvy global consumers in a more direct and efficient manner.

"Alipay+ is committed to driving sustainable travel, by empowering local businesses while enhancing travellers' experiences, helping them to travel to more places and ensuring that they can pay easily with their home wallets abroad," said Weixiao Jiang, General Manager North Asia and North America, Alipay+, Ant International. "Our AI-driven solutions ensure that merchants, big or small, can expand their business by tapping on international tourists to expand their customer base."

Alipay+ users can pay easily on popular South Korea transport networks

Alipay+ has also partnered with local bus and taxi networks to accept digital fare payments for Alipay+ partner wallet and app users. In Seoul, tourists can use Alipay+ partner wallets for payments in over 70,000 taxis and more than 100 airport limousine buses from Incheon Airport. On Jeju Island, over 1,200 buses accept Alipay+ payments, while over 15,000 eZL taxis in Daegu also accept digital payments via Alipay+.

Chinese tourists can also use a mini-program on Alipay, an Alipay+ partner wallet, to buy tickets from Korea's railway operator Korail Networks, and NAMANE x Alipay+ transportation pass, and book beauty clinic visits at popular clinics like PPEUM, Toxnfill, GU and over 1,500 others via a dedicated K-beauty mini-program.

Helping South Korean travellers pay seamlessly abroad

Alipay+ has brought South Korea's three leading wallets - Kakao Pay, Naver Pay and Toss Pay to over 100 markets, allowing South Korean travellers to make payments when travelling with their digital wallets.

Kakao Pay users are also able to make contactless payments enabled by near-field communication (NFC) technology at more than 150 million Mastercard merchants worldwide, supported by Alipay+'s NFC payment solution.

As the global wallet gateway of Ant International, Alipay+ connects 40 mobile payment partners including e-wallets and bank apps with over 1.8 billion user accounts, to over 150 million merchants across more than 100 markets. Alipay+ also partners with 11 national payment networks.

About Alipay+

Ant International's Alipay+ is a global wallet gateway with cross-border payment and digitisation services that help connect global merchants to consumers. Consumers enjoy seamless payments a broad choice of deals and the convenience of digital services using their preferred payment app/e-wallet while travelling abroad. Many small and medium-sized businesses already use Alipay+ digital tools to enhance efficiency and achieve omni-channel growth.

Case Study: Alipay+ Local Partnerships with i-Aurora, Shinsegae Group

As South Korea becomes increasingly popular as a tourist destination, Alipay+ has linked up with local companies such as i-Aurora to allow foreign visitors to make seamless payments by using their existing mobile payment wallets.

Tourists who already use Alipay+'s partner wallets in their home countries are able to make cashless payments at various merchants in South Korea, such as street vendors at Myeongdong Night Market by scanning i-Aurora's NAMANE payment QR code.

"Our partnership with Alipay+ helps to connect street vendors and local merchants to global travellers in South Korea by enabling them to accept QR code payments, be it at tourist attractions or traditional markets," said Youngsu Chang, CEO of i-Aurora. "We strive to ensure that customers are able to make digital payments conveniently and securely."

Both companies have also joined hands to launch an Alipay+ transportation card that lets Chinese tourists use Alipay to pay for subway and bus rides.

Alipay+ and i-Aurora have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop STAN, a tech-culture platform that integrates K-POP concerts, experiences, exhibitions, and merchandise in one ecosystem that enables users to easily enjoy cultural content both online and offline.

Separately, Alipay+ also has a long-standing partnership with Shinsegae Group, where Alipay+ is accepted as a payment method in Shinsegae department stores and duty-free stores and other major affiliates, with Shinsegae often running promotional campaigns and offers for customers who opt to pay with Alipay+ partner e-wallets.

"Through our collaboration with Alipay+, we have been able to expand our international customer base and provide them with Shinsegae's exclusive benefits as well as a convenient shopping and payment experience that helps solidify Shinsegae's position as a leading duty-free and retail brand," said the Jongwoo Kwak,Senior Vice President of the Marketing Division at Shinsegae Duty Free.

1All Alipay+ data included are year-to-year comparison between Jan-Nov 2025 and Jan-Nov 2024







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Press Release from Business Wire: VeritasChain Standards Organization



(AFP) Dec 09, 2025



TOKYO, Dec 9, 2025 (BSW) - The VeritasChain Standards Organization (VSO) announced today that it has submitted the VeritasChain Protocol (VCP) v1.0 to nineteen regulatory authorities across thirteen jurisdictions, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Singapore, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates (DIFC), Australia, India, South Korea, Switzerland, Brazil, Liechtenstein, and Saudi Arabia.

The submissions present VCP v1.0 as a cryptographic audit framework designed to address emerging supervisory requirements under the EU AI Act Article 12 for logging and traceability, and MiFID II / RTS 25 for timestamp integrity and event ordering in AI-driven and algorithmic trading systems.

VSO also confirmed the first completed integration of VCP v1.0 within a controlled, production-like evaluation environment operating under its Early Access Program.

The environment successfully generated cryptographically linked event chains, immutable hashing, and verifiable proofs using RFC-aligned structures, demonstrating that VCP v1.0 is operational and ready for deployment in real-world trading and supervisory systems.

VCP v1.0 replaces mutable log files with tamper-evident cryptographic records, standardized event structures, and verifiable lifecycle reconstruction. This enables regulators, exchanges, brokers, and audit firms to independently validate how algorithmic and AI-driven systems behave - not by trust or interpretation, but by mathematical verification.

The submissions and successful integration come at a time when global supervisors are intensifying scrutiny of automated systems, tightening governance expectations, and preparing for new AI oversight regimes. VCP provides a regulation-aligned foundation layer that supports multiple operational environments, from trading venues to risk engines and market surveillance systems.

"AI-driven markets can no longer rely on trust-based oversight," said Tokachi Kamimura, founder of VSO. "This first integration demonstrates that cryptographically verifiable auditability is no longer theoretical - it is deployable today, and ready to serve as a trust layer for global markets."

To accelerate institutional adoption, VSO has opened an Early Access Program for organizations evaluating VCP for exchange-grade, broker-grade, and audit-grade environments, inviting collaboration with regulated market participants and supervisory bodies.

ResourcesVCP Specification: https://github.com/veritaschain/vcp-spec VCP Explorer Demo: https://veritaschain.org/explorer/app/ Early Access Program: [email protected] Press Kit: https://veritaschain.org/press/ 2-4-8 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0021, JP

About VSOVeritasChain Standards Organization (VSO) develops open cryptographic audit standards for AI-driven and algorithmic markets. Certification under VSO confirms technical conformance only and does not imply financial, business, or regulatory endorsement.







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Press Release from Business Wire: NIQ Global Intelligence plc



(AFP) Dec 09, 2025



NUREMBERG, Dec 9, 2025 (BSW) - NIQ (NYSE: NIQ), a leading consumer intelligence company combined with GfK in 2023, has been selected by EURONICS, a leading global shopping cooperative in the Technical Consumer Goods (TCG) sector, to provide comprehensive Online Price Monitoring.

NIQ's Online Price Monitoring provides insights into pricing dynamics by tracking item-level pricing across a defined data set. The system captures product information, matches items accurately, and ensures quality through advanced automated processes combined with human oversight and detailed checks. NIQ offers a range of retail pricing solutions, including pricing intelligence tools and the Consumer Price Lab, empowering businesses to make informed decisions and optimize their pricing strategies.

This collaboration focuses on providing EURONICS with comprehensive pricing insights to support informed decision-making. NIQ delivers accurate and transparent data to help EURONICS understand market dynamics and plan effectively.

"Through our collaboration with NIQ we receive high quality data driven insights from retail and the end consumer market. The tool provides us with early indications of market shifts, enabling us to inform our members quickly and allowing them to tailor their online offering precisely to the needs of their customers," explains Thorsten Hennig, Head of Digital Customer Journey at EURONICS Deutschland eG.

By leveraging NIQ advanced Online Price Monitoring capabilities, EURONICS gains real-time insights into market and price trends across the digital shelf. This information empowers its cooperative members to make informed decisions and strengthen their competitiveness in a dynamic environment.

"We're thrilled to expand our collaboration with EURONICS during this critical seasonal period, when pricing strategies are more essential than ever for business success," said Oliver Schmitz, Head of Retail DACH NIQ. "Pricing intelligence is now central to retail success, and our collaboration ensures EURONICS has the insights needed to lead their cooperating members with confidence, agility, and precision towards business growth."

Turning Retail Pricing as a Strategic Differentiator

In today's fast-paced retail environment, pricing is no longer just a tactical lever, it's a strategic differentiator. NIQ's solution combines automated data capture with human-led quality assurance to deliver accurate and transparent solutions.

This empowers EURONICS to:

-- Analyze the competition precisely

-- Respond swiftly to market shifts

-- Execute pricing strategies with full visibility of the market

This collaboration highlights the growing importance of pricing intelligence in retail, reaffirming NIQ's commitment to delivering actionable data and insights that drive business impact.

About NIQ

NIQ is a leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. Our global reach spans over 90 countries covering approximately 85% of the world's population and more than $7.2 trillion in global consumer spend. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights-delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms-NIQ delivers the Full View?.

For more information, please visit www.niq.com.

About EURONICS:

Always close to the customer: with personal advice and excellent service at more than 1,200 locations and through over 1,000 member companies across Germany. This is what EURONICS Deutschland eG stands for - with its brand promise "Genau richtig."

Thanks to its extensive store network, EURONICS offers not only a wide-ranging portfolio of consumer electronics and home appliances but also premium services - in-store, at customers' homes, and online at www.euronics.de.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the collaboration between NIQ and EURONICS. These statements reflect current expectations and projections based on available data, historical patterns, and various assumptions. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "believes," "forecasts," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

These statements are not guarantees of future outcomes and are subject to inherent uncertainties, including changes in consumer preferences, economic conditions, technological advancements, and competitive dynamics. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements.

While we strive to base our insights on reliable data and sound methodologies, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, except to the extent required by applicable law.

 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved.







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Trump says US will allow sale of Nvidia AI chips to China



Washington, United States, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



President Donald Trump said Monday he had reached an agreement with President Xi Jinping to allow US chip giant Nvidia to export advanced artificial intelligence chips to China.

The announcement marked a significant shift in US export policy for advanced AI chips, which Joe Biden's administration had heavily restricted over national security concerns about Chinese military applications.

Democrats in Congress quickly dismissed the shift as a huge mistake that will help the Chinese military and economy.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had informed Xi that Washington would permit Nvidia to ship its H200 products to "approved customers in China, and other countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong National Security."

"President Xi responded positively! $25% will be paid to the United States of America," Trump wrote, without providing details on how the payment mechanism would work.

Trump criticized his predecessor's approach, saying it "forced our Great Companies to spend BILLIONS OF DOLLARS building 'degraded' products that nobody wanted, a terrible idea that slowed Innovation, and hurt the American Worker."

This referred to the Biden administration's requirement for chip companies to create modified, less powerful versions specifically for the Chinese market.

These chips had reduced capabilities -- lower processing speeds, for example -- to comply with export control regulations.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun did not directly confirm the agreement when asked, but said that "China has always advocated for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes through cooperation between China and the United States."



- Not Blackwell -



Under Biden-era restrictions, the H200 and similar advanced chips were blocked from export to China.

"We applaud President Trump's decision to allow America's chip industry to compete to support high paying jobs and manufacturing in America," an Nvidia spokesperson told AFP.

"Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America."

Trump emphasized that Nvidia's most advanced chips -- the Blackwell series and forthcoming Rubin processors -- are not included in the agreement and remain available only to US customers.

The H200s are roughly 18 months behind the company's state-of-the-art offerings.

The chips -- graphic processing units or GPUs -- are used to train the AI models that are the bedrock of the generative AI revolution launched with the release of ChatGPT in 2022.

The Commerce Department is finalizing implementation details, with Trump saying "the same approach will apply to AMD, Intel, and other GREAT American Companies."



- AI race -



The announcement comes as Washington and Beijing compete for dominance in artificial intelligence technology.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang lobbied the White House intensely to reverse the Biden-era policy despite considerable opposition in Washington to giving Chinese companies access to powerful chips.

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, attributed the deal to a "backroom meeting" with Trump and Huang's company's donation to build the East Wing ballroom at the White House.

She and other senior Democrats in the Senate issued a separate statement calling Trump's decision "a colossal economic and national security failure."

"Access to these chips would give China's military transformational technology to make its weapons more lethal, carry out more effective cyberattacks against American businesses and critical infrastructure and strengthen their economic and manufacturing sector," the lawmakers said.

Trump's post came the same day the US Justice Department announced the arrests of two Chinese businessmen in connection to an alleged scheme to smuggle Nvidia H100 and H200 chips from the US to China. It is unclear whether the agreement will impact the case.

Alex Stapp, of the Washington-based Institute for Progress, called the policy a "massive own goal," with the H200 "6x more powerful than the H20, which was previously the most powerful chip approved for export."

Zhang Yi, founder of Chinese tech research firm iiMedia, said that having Nvidia AI GPUs on the market was unlikely to reverse Beijing's push to develop its own advanced chips.

"Instead, it will actually force its acceleration," with a 25-percent US charge increasing costs for Chinese companies, which already hold concerns over supply chain security, he told AFP.

arp-gc/dw/sla/ll-kaf/lga/ceg

NVIDIA

AMD - ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES
Press Release from Business Wire: NTT DATA



(AFP) Dec 09, 2025



TOKYO, Dec 9, 2025 (BSW) - NTT DATA , a global leader in AI, digital business and technology services, today announced the appointment of Dr. Bratin Saha as CEO of the newly established AI Company, NTT DATA AIVista, Inc., effective Dec 1, 2025.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209189202/en/

Dr. Bratin Saha, newly appointed CEO of NTT DATA AIVista, Inc.



Saha brings deep expertise in AI, infrastructure, platforms and solutions; scaling new businesses and significant ecosystem relationships.

Prior to joining NTT DATA, he held executive positions at NVIDIA, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and most recently DigitalOcean.

At NVIDIA, Saha served as Vice President of Software Infrastructure and contributed to the advancement of high-performance computing and AI platform capabilities.

At AWS, he served as Vice President & General Manager for AI, Machine Learning and Data Infrastructure. He led the creation of one of the fastest growing businesses in AWS history and helped to build the multi-billion-dollar AI business through groundbreaking products like Amazon SageMaker, Amazon Q and Amazon Bedrock.

At DigitalOcean, he served as Chief Product and Technology Officer overseeing product strategy and execution, platform development and security. He launched multiple AI products, including agentic cloud operations and web hosting, which significantly improved product velocity and quality and contributed to an increase in market capitalization during his tenure.

NTT DATA AIVista, Inc., 100% owned by NTT DATA and headquartered in Silicon Valley, has been established to help NTT DATA and NTT group companies accelerate the launch and scaling of AI native businesses. By combining NTT DATA's consulting and engineering capabilities with cutting-edge AI technologies and top-tier Silicon Valley talent, it will accelerate the creation of AI-native businesses and the development of optimal AI-related services for clients.

Yutaka Sasaki, President & CEO of NTT DATA Group said, "In Bratin, we have found an inspirational and fantastically well-qualified leader to help us drive the transformation of NTT DATA's growth model for the AI era. Against the backdrop of a global acceleration in the shift to AI-driven business models, the commercialization of advanced AI technologies is a strategic imperative for NTT DATA."

"I am deeply honored and excited to join the NTT DATA family. The next era of enterprise transformation is being powered by AI - yet true impact will be realized only when AI is paired with deep expertise in reliable, scalable technology deployment," said Saha. "Few organizations are as well prepared to lead this next wave of AI-powered reinvention as NTT DATA, an industry leader and innovator with decades of experience in reliably delivering mission-critical, scalable systems and earning the trust of the world's most complex enterprises."

"I look forward to working with Bratin to position NTT DATA as the leading global AI-native services provider in the industry," said Abhijit Dubey, President and CEO of NTT DATA, Inc.

Saha is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and holds a PhD in Computer Science from Yale University. Past accolades include being awarded the Distinguished Alumnus award from the Indian Institute of Technology.

Notes

All product names, company names and organization names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

About NTT DATA

NTT DATA is a $30+ billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world's leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services. Our consulting and industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 70 countries. We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and start-up partners. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in R&D.

Visit us at nttdata.com







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Corporate Strategy OfficeNTT DATA Group Corporation[email protected]

Global Marketing & Communications HeadquartersNTT DATA Group Corporation[email protected]







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What's my age again? The tech behind Australia's social media ban



Sydney, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



Tech giants will apply multiple layers of security to weed out young users under Australia's world-first ban on social media for under-16s.

If they fail to take "reasonable steps" to block young teens, the firms behind platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube face hefty fines.

Here are the main methods they're turning to as the law takes effect Wednesday:



- ID please -

It sounds simple: scan your passport, driver's licence or other official ID to prove you are aged 16 or over.

But beyond the potential for teens to use a parent or older sibling's ID, this raises privacy concerns that could scare off people legally allowed to hold an account.

So Australia has told social media platforms they cannot require users to show a government ID -- even if a dispute arises over someone's age.

Some platforms are employing third-party services to make the process smoother for users who choose to certify their date of birth this way.

For example, Snapchat account holders can prove their age through an Australian bank account, or by providing ID to the Singapore-based age verification service k-ID.

"The documents you submit will only be used to verify your age," Snapchat's parent company Snap says.

"Snap will only collect a 'yes/no' result on whether someone is above the minimum age threshold," it explains.



- Selfie time -

Snapchat users can also take a selfie that k-ID will use to estimate their age -- another verification technology now in the spotlight.

Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, has tasked a different company, the London startup Yoti, to handle its ID and selfie age checks.

Over time, "the algorithm got very good at looking at patterns and working out, 'this face with these patterns looks like a 17-year-old or a 28-year-old'", Yoti CEO Robin Tombs told AFP.

Yoti's AI can estimate someone's age within a minute.

The firm, which TikTok also uses for age checks, says its tool should know if the person behind the camera is real, and not a photo or video.

Yoti removes all data after digitally analysing a face, Tombs said.

But there are concerns over false results if the selfie-taker is very close to 16 years old, or finds new ways to fool the system.



- Behaviour patterns -

Not every Australian user will have to prove their age -- only those suspected of holding an underage account.

Meta has already started deactivating accounts based on information such as the age given when they were created.

With so much data at their fingertips, social media platforms have several other ways of estimating a user's age.

These range from the content consumed -- a teen is more likely to search for gaming tips than how to descale a showerhead, for instance -- to a quieter period during the school day.

Birthday greetings from friends that include someone's age could also be a giveaway, or if a user's email address has been used in the past for typically grown-up tasks.

Such signals are already used by social media companies to target their online advertising.

But here, too, there are privacy and accuracy concerns.



- 'Waterfall' -

Australia's eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has said that using "a waterfall of effective techniques and tools" can help avoid errors and mitigate privacy worries.

The country expects rebellious teens will do their best to skirt the laws, with platforms expected to devise their own means to stop this.

"Of course, no solution is likely to be 100 percent effective all of the time," the internet safety watchdog has said.

Andy Lulham of the age-check tech company Verifymy said there would be challenges.

"Age estimation methods may not always successfully pass every user, especially those who have just turned 16 but don't have -- or want to use -- identification," he said.

"In those cases, a responsible adult may be required to vouch for a child's eligibility."

burs-kaf/djw/tc
Press Release from Business Wire: Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy for the Republic of Guinea -



(AFP) Dec 09, 2025



CONAKRY, Dec 9, 2025 (BSW) - The Republic of Guinea has reached a decisive turning point as a regional digital power. By hosting the Transform Africa Summit 2025, becoming the first francophone nation to receive this major continental event since its creation in 2013, Guinea confirmed the emergence of Conakry as a new digital innovation hub in West Africa.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209780892/en/

Rose Pola Pricemou, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy of the Republic of Guinea (Photo: AETOSWire)



The numbers break all records: over 7,000 participants from 79 countries, including 47 ministers, 1,552 government representatives, 584 business leaders, over 590 start-ups, and 14 MoUs signed. Never before in the history of the Transform Africa Summit has such mobilisation been accomplished. This unprecedented turnout demonstrates international confidence in Guinea's ability to lead Africa's digital transformation challenges.

"Guinea's digital progress results from choices made with clarity and conviction under President Mamadi Doumbouya's leadership," stated Rose Pola Pricemou, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Republic of Guinea. "Our advances in infrastructure, data governance, and digital public services reflect a consistent national direction aligned with Africa's technological future. The recognition Guinea received shows our country is ready to contribute at scale to the continent's digital transformation."

This recognition builds on concrete achievements reshaping West Africa's digital landscape. Guinea has deployed a 12,000-kilometre national fibre-optic network, quadrupling its backbone capacity from 50 to 200 gigabits, with interconnections to Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, and Sierra Leone, and ongoing projects toward Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau.

Beyond infrastructure, Guinea is developing a comprehensive innovation ecosystem, including a Tier III national data centre and an expanding network of digital hubs, six of which are already operational, with 20 more planned by 2026. These initiatives are supported by platforms like TELEMO, the national digital platform for public procurement and administrative services, which improve governance transparency and efficiency and align with the Simandou 2040 vision that emphasises technology's role in economic diversification and skills development.

The country has bolstered its regulatory framework with a new data protection law under adoption and key institutions (ANSSI and ANDE) to ensure secure digital transformation. Youth initiatives like the ANSUTEN Grand Prize, RCUN3, and Hackathon show significant investment in digital human capital.

Lacina Kone, CEO of Smart Africa, praised Guinea's "exemplary organisation." "Conakry truly embodied the vision of Smart Africa: a connected, innovative, and sovereign Africa," he declared.

*Source:AETOSWire







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Press Release from Business Wire: CoMotion



(AFP) Dec 09, 2025



RIYADH, Dec 9, 2025 (BSW) - CoMotion GLOBAL 2025 concluded today after three transformative days that brought together global decision-makers, industry leaders, city executives, innovators, and investors to chart the future of mobility in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. Hosted for the first time in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh, the event showcased the Kingdom's accelerating role as a global hub for next-generation transportation, sustainability leadership, and urban innovation.

With more than 100 sessions spanning three days, CoMotion GLOBAL showcased forward-looking mobility strategies, multimodal transport breakthroughs, urban digital transformation, AI applications, and the dramatic rethinking of the movement of people and goods across global cities.

Key moments from the events included:

-- Launch of the MIT x Kearney report, Envisioning the Future of Mobility Powered by AI, which called for unprecedented public-private collaboration, shared data ecosystems, and integrated national strategies to fully unlock AI's mobility potential.

-- Debut of Mayors in Motion Coalition, a global initiative uniting more than 100 mayors and city leaders to accelerate sustainable mobility, climate action, and urban innovation through year-round collaboration and best-practice exchange.

-- Signing of the inDrive x AI Driver MOU, supervised by the Transport General Authority (TGA), marking a major step toward autonomous ride-hailing services in Riyadh and later Jeddah, launching pilot operations in H1 2026.

-- Signing of the GACA x Archer MOU, announcing a landmark partnership to deploy electric air taxis across the Kingdom, with proof-of-concept operations planned as early as next year in Riyadh, Jeddah, NEOM, and Red Sea Global.

-- Presentation of the Urban Visionary Distinction to Valerie Labi, CEO & Co-Founder, Wahu Mobility; Claudio Orrego, Governor of the Santiago Metropolitan Region; and Eng. Hassan Al Mousa, Chief of Infrastructure and Development, The Riyadh Commission for the City (RCRC), for their groundbreaking work in bringing sustainable urban mobility to fruition, presented by CoMotion Founder John Rossant and Mauricio Rodas Espinel, Former Mayor of Quito, Ecuador.

-- Private Tour of Riyadh Metro, led by Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), showcasing the world's longest driverless metro network and its strategic role as the centerpiece of Riyadh's urban planning and a key driver of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

-- The second convening of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Investment Task Force (SUMIT), where mayors and city leaders examined scalable and innovative financial mechanisms for cities to turn bold mobility ambitions into actions on the ground.

-- Launch of the CoMotion GLOBAL Top Innovators of 2025 Award Edition, recognizing 13 founders and CEOs who have made a significant global impact in shaping the future of mobility, including Tiya Gordon, CEO & Founder, Its Electric; Thibault Castagne, CEO, Vianova; Michael Spencer, CEO, Zeno; Eyal Cohen, Founder, Humble Robotics; Todd Graetz, Co-Founder and CEO, Aerolane; Rich Pleeth, Co-Founder & CEO, Finmile; Valerie Labi, CEO & Co-Founder, Wahu Mobility; Dr. Martin Durr, Managing Director, CTO, and Co-Founder, Dromos; Nezha Saidi Jamjoom, Co-Founder & CCO, HopOn; Bouba Casse, Founder & CEO, GreenRide Africa; Faouzi Annajah, CEO & Founder, Namx; Agustin Guilisasti, Founder & CEO, HumanForest; and Abdulkader Almkinzy, CEO, Telgani.

Among program highlights, the event welcomed keynote addresses from H.E. Fahd bin Abdulmohsan Al Rasheed, Chairman ofSCEGA and Head of the Saudi Delegation to theUrban 20, and H.E. Dr. Rumaih Al Rumaih,Vice Minister of Transport & Logistic Services and Acting President of TGA, alongside global private-sector leaders including Mate Rimac, CEO and Founder of Rimac Automobili and Verne; Bill Russo, Founder & CEO of Automobility Ltd.; Dr. James Yu, Chairman and CEO of QCraft; Chris Li, Co-Founder and CFO of Neolix; Jinjun Tian, CEO of Geely Auto Middle East; and Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone and Chair of C40.

"This week in Riyadh proved that the future of mobility cannot be achieved by any one sector acting alone. What unfolded at CoMotion GLOBAL 2025-new research, new partnerships, and new commitments-showed the power of collaboration at a global scale," said John Rossant, CEO and Founder of CoMotion GLOBAL. "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has emerged as a remarkable catalyst for innovation, and the conversations and agreements formed here will accelerate real-world deployments that change lives in cities everywhere."

CoMotion GLOBAL 2025 was hosted by the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) in collaboration with a broad coalition of national organizations shaping the Kingdom's mobility future. These included the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), Riyadh Municipality, the Ministry of Transport & Logistic Services (MoTLS), Riyadh Public Transport, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MoMH), the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the Digital Government Authority (DGA), and the Transport General Authority (TGA). Together, these partners underscored Saudi Arabia's strategic commitment to developing one of the world's most advanced, sustainable, and interconnected mobility ecosystems.

About CoMotion

CoMotion is the world's leading platform where the most influential leaders, companies, startups, and policymakers meet to shape the future of mobility. With flagship events in Riyadh, Los Angeles, and Miami, CoMotion fosters meaningful dialogue and catalyzes investments that advance sustainable and equitable transportation worldwide.

For more information, visit www.comotionglobal.com.







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Kyivs troops hold 10% of the city of Pokrovsk, are losing ground in other sectors of the Donetsk and Kharkiv provinces, and are retreating alarmingly in Zaporizhzhia

Russias conditions for ending the Ukraine war became clear this November with Donald Trumps 28-point peace plan. The U.S. presidents special envoy to Russia, Steve Witkoff, drafted a document with close associates of Russian leader Vladimir Putin that amounted to a list of concessions for Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his European allies made it clear to Trump that this was an unacceptable humiliation and that the proposal had to be reformulated. Putin responded as always, with force, escalating pressure on multiple fronts. The result is the most significant Russian advance in recent months.

On December 1, Putin announced that his troops had completed the capture of three key locations: Vovchansk and Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, and Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Putins claim is false because his army has not fully taken these towns; fighting continues street by street. According to sources in the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, these messages from the Russian leader are intended to convince Trump  in the ongoing negotiations to revise his peace plan  that major concessions are unavoidable because Ukraine has no option but to surrender.

That plan stipulates that all of Donbas (comprising the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces) must be under Russian sovereignty. The Ukrainian army must withdraw from the 20% of Donetsk still under its control. Putins logic is that for Kyiv, it is worse to postpone what will eventually happen: that Russia will conquer these territories. Zelenskiy confirmed Monday that Russia continues to demand at the negotiating table that all of Donbas be handed over.

The announcement by Putin and the head of the Russian army, Varely Gerasimov, of the capture of Kupiansk and Vovchansk was intended to connect with another point in the peace plan, the one in which Moscow agrees to return the occupied territories in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Pressure in the latter has been increasing, and not only for military reasons, but also political ones: gaining ground in Kharkiv would allow the Kremlin to underscore the idea that it, too, is making significant concessions. Russia, I guess, would rather have the whole country, But Russia is, I believe, fine with it [the terms of the peace plan], Trump said on Sunday in a press conference in Washington, where he urged Zelenskiy to reach an agreement.

The 28-point plan and the Ukrainian proposal agreed at least on the point that a peace agreement must freeze the line of contact in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia provinces. The Kherson front has remained unchanged for three years because it is demarcated by the Dnipro River, and an offensive would require enormous resources for a landing. But the most rapid changes on the frontlines are taking place in Zaporizhzhia.

Russia captured 505 square kilometers (195 square miles) in November, the same amount as in September and October combined, according to the Ukrainian war analysts Deep State. Most of these gains are in the south, on the Zaporizhzhia front. Russian troops have managed to advance as far as Stepnohirsk, just 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the provincial capital, in a single month. The region is flat and agricultural. Without sufficient defenses or terrain that could halt the attack, an advance by a better-equipped adversary seems inevitable.

The Russian advance has stalled in Huliaipole, a town that just a month ago was still 10 kilometers (six miles) from the front lines. Urban fighting to capture this town will slow the Russian pace, but it began earlier than expected, according to the Ukrainian General Staff, due to negligence in the rotation and the withdrawal of a brigade that had defended the town for three years.

Mick Ryan, a retired Australian general and expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), warned this November that Russia has perfected its ability to persist in thousands of small, bite-like assaults across the entire front until it finds a weak point in the defenses: When this vulnerable point is detected, the Russians overwhelm it with infantry and drones, especially looking [in the rear] to hit command bases and operational centers.

Threat in Kharkiv

In Vovchansk, in the northeastern Kharkiv region, the situation has also deteriorated suddenly. The Khartia Brigade, one of the best in the Ukrainian army, has been holding back the Russians in this border city since 2024, but this autumn the invaders managed to break the deadlock and seize most of the municipality.

Russia controls most of Kupiansk, also in the Kharkiv region, a strategic city for Ukraine to maintain logistical routes to Donetsk and for a possible future recapture of Luhansk. Following the advance achieved by Gerasimovs troops last summer, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have managed to contain the invaders over the past two months. In other words, Kupiansk is still far from being fully captured, as Putin proclaimed.

Pokrovsk, on the brink

Beyond Zaporizhzhia, Russian progress is steady but very slow. Pokrovsk, a key city in Donetsk province, has been under siege for over a year, and Russia has yet to capture it. While no one believes Ukraine can regain control in this war, starting with NATO, sources within the Atlantic Alliance declared it lost, as well as the neighboring city of Mirnograd, in a meeting with the media on December 2. NATO estimated that the Ukrainian army controls less than 10% of Pokrovsk.

The cost in casualties for the Russian army is extraordinary, the highest since the capture of Bakhmut in 2023, according to statistics provided by the General Staff of Ukraine. Russian infantry assault tactics have evolved since then, from the suicidal frontal attacks carried out by Wagner mercenaries in Bakhmut. But Russian platoons continue to receive orders to seize a position at all costs, and the result is videos like the one posted on social media on November 29 by Zelenskiys former spokesperson, Iuliia Mendel: it shows two Russian soldiers surrounded by corpses in Pokrovsk, trying to advance and refusing cover despite knowing that Ukrainian drones are about to kill them.

Russia has suffered tens of thousands of casualties, both wounded and dead, in the siege of Pokrovsk. According to Zelenskiy, 25,000 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded on the front lines in October alone. The Russian Armed Forces estimate that since 2024, its troops have suffered 100,000 casualties in Pokrovsk. This figure is difficult to verify without official Russian data, but independent observers in Europe assume it is indeed in the tens of thousands.

Essential infantry

These statistics not only speak to the carnage this war represents for Russia, but also demonstrate that infantry, despite the dominance of drones, remains fundamental to achieving objectives on the ground. Ryan concluded in the CSIS report: Infantry remains essential in Russian operations to conquer territory, operating in small teams of two to four soldiers, highlighting Russias shift away from the suicide charges with entire platoons that were commonplace until 2024.

Russia will control all the ruins of Pokrovsk this December thanks to these sacrifices, according to a November 21 report by the Estonian Ministry of Defense. This will be the most significant Russian conquest since the capture of neighboring Avdiivka in the summer of 2024, and would further tighten the noose around the rest of Donetsk held by free Ukraine. The three urban centers that are currently the heart of the Ukrainian resistance in Donbas (Luhansk is already under Russian control) form a triangle: Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk.

The Russians have already entered the eastern districts of Kostiantynivka. The threat Gerasimov declared on December 1 is looming over Sloviansk: the invading troops may have breached the defenses in the municipality of Liman, 15 kilometers (nine miles) from Sloviansk. The Ukrainian 3rd Army Corps denies this, but according to Deep State, the Russians have captured 35 square kilometers (13.5 square miles) in the eastern and southern perimeter of Liman over the past two months.

Russias fortification of Pokrovsk is not only bad news for Ukraines attempt to retain control of Donetsk, but also for its defenses against the invaders further advance into the neighboring Dnipropetrovsk region, where they have already gained a foothold. This would also be one of the territories Russia would be willing to return if Kyiv relinquishes sovereignty over Donbas and the Crimean Peninsula. In other words, the Kremlin will have more leverage at the negotiating table to make it clear to Ukraine that it must either cede sovereignty over Donbas and Crimea or face further losses.

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Cambodian death toll in Thai border clashes rises to 6: defence ministry



Phnom Penh, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



Thai forces shelled Cambodian positions overnight into Tuesday, killing two more civilians, Phnom Penh's defence ministry said, bringing Cambodia's civilian death toll in the reignited border conflict to six.

The Thai military fired into the border province of Banteay Meanchey after midnight, "resulting in the deaths of two civilians who were travelling on National Road 56 by shelling", the Cambodian defence ministry said in a Facebook post.

Information minister Neth Pheaktra told AFP that at least four Cambodian civilians were killed by Thai shelling on Monday in the provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey which also border Thailand.

Around 10 other civilians were wounded, he said on Monday.

The Thai army has said one soldier was killed and 18 others were wounded since the fresh fighting began Sunday.

Both sides have blamed the other for instigating the renewed fighting, which saw Thailand launch air strikes and use tanks against its neighbour on Monday.

The conflict centres on a century-old disagreement over borders mapped during France's colonial rule in the region, with both countries claiming a smattering of boundary temples.
CORRECTED: 'Several' deaths in thwarted Benin coup: government



Cotonou, Benin, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



Several people died in Benin during a thwarted coup attempt on the weekend, the west African country's government announced Monday after an emergency cabinet meeting.

Early Sunday, "violent clashes" erupted between the coup plotters and the Republican Guard at the Cotonou residence of President Patrice Talon, resulting in "casualties on both sides", according to the government.

Among the dead was the wife of the president's military chief-of-staff General Bertin Bada.

Some coup plotters remained at large late Monday with as many as a dozen arrested.

"The small group of soldiers who organised the mutiny planned to remove the president of the republic from office, to subjugate the Republic's institutions and to challenge the established order," said the government's secretary general, Edouard Ouin-Ouro, according to cabinet meeting minutes.

"They initially attempted to neutralise or kidnap certain generals and senior army officers," he added.

The plotters, who staged their mutiny at the Togbin base in the capital, according to the government, abducted Sunday night the chief of staff of the National Guard, Faizou Gomina, and also General Abou Issa, army chief of staff.

Both men were eventually released in Tchaourou, a central city located more than 350 km (215 miles) from Cotonou.

The army "surrounded the Togbin base" on Sunday, where "targeted, surgical airstrikes were then carried out, without exposing surrounding neighbourhoods" to danger, the government said.

Benin says it received military assistance for the strikes from the Nigerian army and from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which announced the deployment of soldiers from four countries in the region.

Those troops are "currently housed" at the Togbin base, which "has been retaken," according to Ouin-Ouro.

"This operation was carried out successfully, without loss of life," and "the last attackers ... fled," the government stated.
It is one of the most symbolic rituals in the Nobel Peace Prize celebrations. Following the award ceremony at Oslo City Hall, hundreds of people have taken to the streets of the Norwegian capital since 1954 to participate in the traditional torchlight procession, honoring each years winners and demonstrating that light always prevails in the darkness. This years event, however, was nearly canceled after the Norwegian Peace Council, a coalition of 17 civil society organizations, announced on October 24 that it would not be organizing the event, as it had in recent years, in protest against the decision to award the prize to Maria Corina Machado. The Council argued that the Venezuelan opposition leaders profile was not in line with the values they represent. Amid the controversy, The Norwegian Venezuelan Justice Alliance, a small and little-known organization of Venezuelans residing in the Nordic country, stepped forward so that Machado could receive the same honor as her predecessors.

We decided as soon as we found out, explains Sonia Zapata, the founder and president of the association, which has a core leadership of no more than six members and about 15 volunteers who support them. They kept telling us there was nothing else to be done, that we had to accept it, until finally they asked us if we wanted to do it, and we said yes, says the 60-year-old Venezuelan lawyer, in an interview given this Monday in a cafe in downtown Oslo, just a few meters from the Norwegian Nobel Institute, the main organizer of the celebrations.

It was the day that changed all of our lives, she says, laughing, about October 24, exactly two weeks after Machado was announced as the Nobel Peace Prize winner. Thats how the name of the alliance, founded in 2018, landed on the official program of this years celebrations, which seek to strictly adhere to the wishes expressed in the will of Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite who died in 1896, and who conceived the prize to redeem himself and promote fraternity, the reduction of armies, and pacifist ideals.

Ideology has played a significant role, Zapata concedes regarding the controversy surrounding Machados award. When she won the prize, she dedicated it to the Venezuelan people and thanked Donald Trump, and thats all anyone has talked about in Norway since then, at least among opposition groups, she notes. The lawyer, who has lived in the Scandinavian country for over two decades, acknowledges that raising awareness of the Venezuelan oppositions cause has been anything but easy, partly because Norway maintained a degree of neutrality by participating for years as a mediator in the dialogues between Nicolas Maduros government and opposition groups, but also due to cultural differences, a lack of empathy, and prevailing prejudices against the Venezuelan diaspora.

Some see us as the elites complaining because power was taken from them, but thats a myth, says Ramon Barreto, the organizations political advisor. We are nine million people who have had to leave the country, most of us on foot, with only the clothes on our backs, says the 33-year-old political scientist, who has lived in Oslo for the past five years. The profile of those of us here is very diverse, adds the founder. It is, however, a small community compared to other countries. The number of Venezuelans who have applied for asylum in Norway in the last five years does not exceed 300, according to official figures.

Ramon Barreto and Sonia Zapata, members of the Norwegian Venezuelan Justice Alliance, this Monday in Oslo. E. C.

The torchlight procession is not the only official event that has addressed the controversy surrounding Machados selection as this years peace laureate. The global political divide of our time is not left versus right, but democracy versus dictatorship, stated Kjersti Flogsta, director of the Nobel Peace Center, in a press release announcing a photographic exhibition of the opposition leader, opening to the public this Thursday, titled Democracy on the Brink. The exhibition should be called Lives on the Brink, counters Barreto. It is essential to recognize the political context in which we find ourselves.

Its difficult to defend certain things that are happening and certain attitudes that seem illegal to us or to be human rights violations, Zapata says about the timing of the award, amid tensions between the Maduro regime and the White House over the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean. But we understand the dilemma Maria Corina faces, he responds regarding the opposition leaders relationship with the Republican. We are in a life-or-death situation, and when we asked for help, no one helped us. The international response was minimal. So, thanking the only person who has helped you is something that comes naturally.

The prize allows us to call things by their name: in Venezuela there is a dictatorship that lost the elections last year and a struggle for democracy that has been internationally recognized, Barreto states. And it is also a recognition of an entire movement; as Maria Corina says, the Nobel Prize is ours because each of us can identify with this struggle.

The award has not gone unnoticed by Chavismo either. The Venezuelan government closed its embassy in Oslo three days after Machados prize was announced  despite the fact that the Nobel committee is independent of the Norwegian government  citing a restructuring of its foreign service.

Members of the Norwegian Venezuelan Justice Alliance assert that they operate solely on donations and reject the myth that they have ties to economic or political powers. Weve been at it for 12 or 15 years, writing letters to members of parliament, organizing protests, and Id like to think weve had some impact, Zapata remarks, reflecting on the diasporas journey in Norway and the struggle theyve faced against skepticism. I know some members of the [Nobel] committee have been here and listened to the talks Ive given, but obviously its not a victory I can claim as my own, she adds regarding the prize. Honestly, we werent expecting it.

The torchlight procession is scheduled to depart this Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. (local time, 12:45 p.m. in Caracas) from the Nobel Peace Center and conclude in front of the balcony of the suite at the Grand Hotel in Oslo, where Machado is expected to stay should she attend in person to receive the prize. An estimated 800 people are expected to participate, including several groups of Venezuelans who have traveled thousands of miles in some cases to be there, according to the organizers. Finally, the eyes of the world will be on us, says Zapata, overwhelmed by the preparations but aware that it is a unique opportunity. We have been waiting for this moment for years.

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Russian military cargo plane crashes east of Moscow



Moscow, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



A Russian military plane crashed on Tuesday during a test flight after repair work, the defence ministry said.

TASS state news agency reported seven people were on board at the time of the crash and it was unknown whether they survived.

"Today in the Ivanovo region, during a test flight following repairs, an AN-22 military transport aircraft crashed," state media quoted the defence ministry as saying in a statement.

"The plane went down in an uninhabited area," it added.

Search crews had been deployed and an investigation opened into the accident, the defence ministry said.

The Ivanovo region is located around 200 kilometres (125 miles) east of Moscow.

There was no suggestion that the incident was connected to Russia's offensive on Ukraine or accusations of involvement by Kyiv.
South Korea scrambles jets after Russian, Chinese planes approach



Seoul, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



South Korea said it had sent up fighter jets on Tuesday after seven Russian and two Chinese military aircraft entered its air defence zone.

The Russian and Chinese aircraft entered the Korea Air Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ) around 10 am local time (0100 GMT), Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

None of the planes violated South Korean airspace, they said.

Seoul said it deployed "fighter jets to take tactical measures in preparation for any contingencies" in response.

The planes flew in and out of the zone for an hour before leaving, the military said, according to Yonhap.

The planes were spotted before they entered the air defence identification zone, defined as a broader area in which countries police aircraft for security reasons but which does not constitute their airspace.

China's defence ministry later said it had organised drills with Russia's military according to "annual cooperation plans".

The drills took place Tuesday above the East China Sea and western Pacific Ocean, the ministry said, calling the exercises their "10th joint strategic air patrol".

Since 2019, China and Russia have regularly flown military aircraft into South Korea's air defence zone without prior notice, citing joint exercises.

In November last year, Seoul scrambled jets as five Chinese and six Russian military planes flew through its air defence zone.

Similar incidents occurred in June and December 2023, and in May and November 2022.

China and Russia have expanded military and defence ties since Moscow ordered troops into Ukraine nearly four years ago.

Both are also traditional allies of North Korea, Seoul's arch-foe.
HRW urges US allies to condemn strikes on alleged drug boats



Washington, United States, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



Human Rights Watch called on allies of the United States on Tuesday to speak out against a series of "unlawful" strikes on what Washington says were drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean.

More than 80 people have been killed in the Trump administration's months-long campaign against alleged drug traffickers.

US authorities have not provided specific evidence that the targeted boats were ferrying drugs.

Governments that partner with the United States on counternarcotics efforts should assess whether intelligence sharing "risks making them complicit in the strikes," the advocacy group said in a statement, labeling the attacks "unlawful extrajudicial killings."

"The rules-based international order depends on countries speaking out against violations, even when they're committed by powerful friends," said Sarah Yager, Human Rights Watch's Washington director.

The group listed Canada, Britain, France and the Netherlands among countries it said should be more vocal in condemning the campaign, which has divided lawmakers on Capitol Hill and put pressure on top officials.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has distanced himself from an operation in which a second strike hit survivors of an initial attack on an alleged drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean.

The White House said a US admiral acting under Hegseth ordered the follow-up attack.

Human Rights Watch said that France, Britain and the Netherlands "have significant influence in the Caribbean" and should "perform due diligence and evaluate their maritime cooperation" with Washington's military campaign.

"Under both US and international law, those accused of crimes should be arrested and tried, not summarily executed," the rights organization said.
France provided 'logistical' support to help Benin thwart coup: Macron aide



Paris, France, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



France provided logistical support and surveillance assistance to help the west African state of Benin thwart a coup attempt that was foiled at the weekend, an aide to President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday.

Macron led a "coordination effort" by speaking with key regional leaders, while France -- at the request of the Beninese authorities -- provided assistance "in terms of surveillance, observation and logistical support" to the Benin armed forces, the aide, asking not to be named, told reporters.

Further details on the nature of the assistance were not immediately available.

A group of soldiers on Sunday took over the national television station and announced that President Patrice Talon had been deposed.

But loyalist army forces ultimately defeated the attempted putsch with the help of neighbouring Nigeria, which carried out military strikes on Cotonou and deployed troops.

West Africa has endured a sequence of coups in the last years that have severely eroded French influence and presence in what were French colonies up until independence.

Mali saw coups in 2020 and 2021, followed by Burkina Faso in 2022 and then Niger in 2023. French forces that had been deployed in these countries for an anti-jihadist operation consequently pulled out.

A successful putsch in Benin, also a former French colony, would have been seen as a new blow to the standing of Paris and Macron in the region.

On Sunday, Macron spoke with Talon as well as the leaders of top regional power Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, which holds the presidency of West African regional bloc ECOWAS, the aide said.

The situation in Benin "caused serious concern for the president (Macron), who unequivocally condemned this attempt at destabilisation, which fortunately failed", said the aide.

ECOWAS has said troops from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Sierra Leone were being deployed to Benin to help the government "preserve constitutional order".

The bloc had threatened intervention during Niger's 2023 coup that deposed president Mohamed Bazoum -- an ally of Macron -- but ultimately did not act.

France also did not carry out any intervention against the Niger coup.

"France has offered its full political support to ECOWAS, which made a very significant effort this weekend," said the aide.
Why west African troops overturned Benin's coup but watched others pass by



Abidjan, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



When Benin's government over the weekend fought back a coup attempt, they had unlikely help: troops and air strikes from neighbouring countries.

West Africa has seen a series of coups over the past five years, leaving critics to cast the regional political bloc ECOWAS as having little more than stern communiques at its disposal to stop them.

But in Benin, Nigerian jets and troops were quickly dispatched to help their smaller neighbour foil the putsch attempt, while the Economic Community of West African States promised more were on their way, from Ghana, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone.

Multiple factors were at play, analysts, diplomats and government officials told AFP, from the critical period where President Patrice Talon remained in partial control of his country and loyal army forces to the high economic and political stakes -- especially for regional power Nigeria -- of a country like Benin falling under a junta.

Perhaps most important was the fact that Talon was not taken prisoner as the soldiers declared their takeover, and was able to call on Nigeria -- and presumably ECOWAS directly -- for assistance.

The Nigerian presidency said that Benin's foreign ministry requested air support.

A source within ECOWAS told AFP meanwhile that regional leaders, including the presidents of Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Sierra Leone decided "to stand firm and not repeat their error in Niger".

The toppling of the civilian government in Niamey in 2023 sparked sanctions and threats of military intervention.

The isolation -- and empty threats -- potentially exacerbated the situation: the junta not only remains in place but left ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States with fellow breakaway nations Burkina Faso and Mali, also under military control.



- Nigerian security, economic links -



While pushing back on the coup offered an opening for Nigeria to regain a bit of its lost diplomatic shine of decades past, when it was a regional and continental heavyweight, there were also tangible economic and security reasons to intervene, analysts said.

"Unrest in Benin poses a direct risk to Nigeria's economic and security priorities," motivating a "fast Nigerian-fronted ECOWAS reaction," Usman Ibrahim, a Nigerian security analyst at SARI Global, told AFP.

A former west African government minister said that the ECOWAS intervention heavily "depended on Nigeria's willingness."

Benin, like Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, is battling jihadist insurgents in its north.

In October, jihadists from the Al-Qaeda affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) claimed their first attack in Nigeria last month, appearing to have crossed from the Beninese border.

"If the military takes over and mismanages the security situation... it's a front in western Nigeria that the Tinubu administration has to address at a time when the international spotlight is obviously on Nigeria's national security predicament," said Ryan Cummings, director of Signal Risk, referencing a recent US diplomatic offensive against Nigeria over the handling of its own myriad conflicts.

Analysts also pointed out that Nigeria's apparent lead in shoring up the pro-western civilian government of Benin, a former French colony, comes at a time when Abuja and Paris are increasing security ties.

"Troops were mobilised rapidly and Paris decided to support the operation," the ECOWAS source said.

At the request of the Beninese authorities, France provided "in terms of surveillance, observation and logistical" assistance to the Benin armed force, an aide to President Emmanuel Macron told reporters Tuesday.



- Breakaway juntas -



Another likely worry was whether the putschists in Benin would join the AES, who maintain uneasy relations with their neighbours, said Nnamdi Obasi, senior Nigeria adviser at International Crisis Group.

But while some within and outside ECOWAS have painted the response to the coup in Benin as a turning point for ECOWAS, others aren't convinced.

Critics often point out that ECOWAS does little when civilian presidents cement their rule without military means -- extending term limits, altering the constitution to stay in power or cracking down on dissent.

Just last month, a coup in Guinea Bissau attracted the typical diplomatic-only playbook of harsh statements and communiques.

Guinea Bissau has fallen under military rule five times, and the latest putsch is suspected to have been ordered by the president himself -- a "tough situation to handle", noted Confidence MacHarry of SBM Intelligence.

Benin also commands a certain "prestige" as a "stable democracy in West Africa", said analyst Ibrahim.

"The reaction to events in Benin does not firmly establish a novel or uniform protocol for ECOWAS," Ibrahim said. "Rather, it underscores the continued selective and politically calculated nature of its engagements."
France helped Benin to thwart new west Africa coup



Paris, France, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



France helped the authorities in Benin thwart a coup attempt at the weekend, an aide to President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday, revealing a French role in a regional effort that foiled the latest bid to stage a putsch in west Africa.

Macron led a "coordination effort" by speaking with key regional leaders, the aide, asking not to be named, told reporters, two days after Sunday's failed coup bid.

France -- at the request of the Beninese authorities -- provided assistance "in terms of surveillance, observation and logistical support" to the Benin armed forces, the aide added.

Further details on the nature of the assistance were not immediately available.

A group of soldiers on Sunday took over Benin's national television station and announced that President Patrice Talon had been deposed.

But loyalist army forces ultimately defeated the attempted putsch with the help of neighbouring Nigeria, which carried out military strikes on Cotonou and deployed troops.

West Africa has endured a sequence of coups in recent years that have severely eroded French influence and presence in what were French colonies until independence.

Mali saw coups in 2020 and 2021, followed by Burkina Faso in 2022 and then Niger in 2023. French forces that had been deployed in these countries for an anti-jihadist operation were consequently forced to withdraw.

A successful putsch in Benin, also a former French colony, would have been seen as a new blow to the standing of Paris and Macron in the region.

Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony, was meanwhile rocked by a coup in November after elections which led to military authorities taking over.



- 'Caused serious concern' -



On Sunday, Macron spoke with Talon as well as the leaders of top regional power Nigeria and Sierra Leone, which holds the presidency of West African regional bloc ECOWAS, the Elysee aide said.

The situation in Benin "caused serious concern for the president (Macron), who unequivocally condemned this attempt at destabilisation, which fortunately failed", said the aide.

ECOWAS has said troops from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Sierra Leone were being deployed to Benin to help the government "preserve constitutional order".

"Our community is in a state of emergency," Omar Alieu Touray, president of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said on Tuesday, highlighting the jihadist threat in the region as well as coups.

The bloc had threatened intervention during Niger's 2023 coup that deposed president Mohamed Bazoum -- an ally of Macron -- but ultimately did not act.

France also did not carry out any intervention against the Niger coup.

"France has offered its full political support to ECOWAS, which made a very significant effort this weekend," said the aide.

At least a dozen plotters had been arrested and all hostages, including high-ranking officers, had been released by Monday, according to loyalist military sources.

Talon made his own television appearance late Sunday, assuring the country that the situation was "completely under control".

Talon, 67, is due to hand over the reins of power in April after the maximum-allowed two terms leading Benin, which in recent years has been hit by jihadist violence in the north.

On Tuesday, former Beninese president Thomas Boni Yayi, whose opposition Democrats party has been excluded from next year's presidential elections, condemned the failed coup.

"I condemn most vigorously and strongly condemn this bloody and shameful attack on our country," said Boni Yayi, a former chairman of the African Union who served as Benin's president from 2006 to 2016.

The transfer of state power "responds to a single cardinal and unconditional principle: that of the ballot box, that of the people, that of free and transparent elections", Boni Yayi added in a video posted on Facebook.
G.Bissau junta says coup leader barred from running for president



Bissau, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



Guinea-Bissau's ruling junta, which seized power last month, has said that its leading general will not be allowed to run for president after handing power back to civilians.

After ousting outgoing leader Umaro Sissoco Embalo on November 26 in the wake of the presidential vote, the army suspended the electoral process and announced it was taking control of the coup-prone west African country for a period of one year.

The junta then raised suspicions that Embalo had orchestrated the coup to keep himself in power by appointing his ally General Horta N'Tam as interim president.

In a "charter of the transition" published by the presidency late on Monday, which is intended to provide a legal framework for the period under military rule, both N'Tam and the junta's prime minister "are not eligible to stand as candidates in the presidential and legislative elections at the end of the transition period".

Under the framework, neither will also be able to head a political party.

The charter does, however, provide for the adoption of a law offering amnesty to those who committed "acts of subversion of the constitutional order on November 26, 2025".

It is set to be approved at a later date by a legislative body appointed by the junta.

The reasons for the coup have remained unclear, with observers and the opposition raising the possibility that Embalo engineered the takeover to halt the electoral process as he was losing at the ballot box.

After first pointing to the threat of a plot by the cocaine-trafficking hotspot's powerful drug barons to destabilise the country, the junta last week argued that the threat of ethnic civil war justified its intervention.

"There is room for doubt about the length of the transitional period because, when it comes to the military, caution is needed when interpreting their statements," Paulino Quade, a lawyer and professor at the Amilcar Cabral University law school, told AFP on Tuesday.

Before November's coup, Guinea-Bissau had already undergone four military takeovers and a litany of attempted insurrections since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.
UK armed forces member killed in Ukraine in 'tragic accident'



London, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



A UK armed forces member was killed in a "tragic accident" in Ukraine while observing a weapons test away from the frontline, the first death of a serving British soldier in the nearly four-year war, the defence ministry said on Tuesday.

"It is with deep regret that we must announce that a member of the UK Armed Forces died in Ukraine this morning," the Ministry of Defence said.

It marked the first time a member of the UK military had been killed in Ukraine since Russia's February 2022 invasion, it said.

"He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines," it added.

"My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the member of our Armed Forces who sadly lost their life today," UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.

"Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten."

The UK has previously said there are a "small number" of UK troops in the country supporting Ukrainian forces.

An ex-British soldier who was volunteering with the Ukrainian army was killed far from the frontline in 2023. A UK coroner's inquest last year found that he was killed by a "comrade" also volunteering with the Ukrainian forces.
After Rosalias nun mania, fascination with sexy men of the cloth is back. From real spiritual leaders on TikTok to actors like Josh OConnor, the clergy have become an unhealthy obsession on social media

The film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the third installment in the saga, released on November 28 in theaters and on Netflix on December 12, holds a mystery far greater than the usual murders: where does the current fascination with priests come from? Since its announcement, social media has been ablaze with the news that British actor Josh OConnor would be playing a charismatic priest suspected of murder.

This archetype has become known as the hot priest, thanks to Andrew Scott: six years ago, he played a priest who was the love interest in Fleabag. Since then, the internet has been obsessed with hot priests. And not just in fiction.

Daniel Craig and Josh O'Connor in the new 'Knives Out' film.

Before the nun mania unleashed by Rosalia in Lux, there was already a craze for priests. Priest mania? For years, the social media accounts of young, attractive priests have garnered thousands of followers. The most recent case is that of Father Jordan, a British priest who had to disable comments on his videos due to the millions of messages he received this summer praising his hot priest physique.

During the meeting of Catholic influencers convened last July by Pope Leo XIV, the term hot priest was also trending on social media. But the craze dates back even further. At least 21 years now, which is how long Piero Patzis Roman Calendar, more popularly known as the calendar of handsome priests, has been in print.

The 2026 edition has just been released with almost the same photos as always, and although most of the priests werent real, it has become an emblem of the city. The key is fantasy  which is why it matters little that they are models  and the best place to study fantasy is in film.

Andrew Scott, who became known as the "hot priest" through his role in 'Fleabag.' solovyov (Amazon/Courtesy Everett Collection / Everett Collection / Cordon Press)

As early as 1944, the conflict of a man torn between romance and vocation was explored with the iconic Gregory Peck in the movie The Keys of the Kingdom. Alfred Hitchcock, true to his recurring theme of religious trauma, also took up the same conflict and raised the stakes with the slicked-back Montgomery Clift in one of his thrillers, I Confess (1953).

Since then, the secrecy of confession and celibacy, combined with the undeniable magnetism of the actors playing the roles, have become a recurring narrative drive across all kinds of genres. Some characters as charismatic figures within a police investigation: Christopher Reeve in Monsignor (1982), Antonio Banderas in The Body (2001), Ewan McGregor in Angels & Demons (2009) or even Ralph Fiennes in the recent Conclave (2025).

But its the priests who end up immersed in a game of seduction who make the biggest impression. The most emblematic case is that of Richard Chamberlain in The Thorn Birds (1983), but similar characters also appeared in Sex and the City (1998-2004) and Derry Girls (2018-2022).

With the exception of Fleabag (2016-2019), which represented a true cultural reset, the most emblematic recent case would be that of Jude Law in The Young Pope (2016), who played the epitome of the hot priest: the hot pope. A pope who was more like a megalomaniacal rock star, always with a cigarette in his hand, and who was even shown wearing white Speedos on the beach. But why do these figures generate so much attraction?

The fascination comes from the forbidden, from what is out of reach. It is a complete subversion of the norm, explains Virginia Yague, writer, screenwriter, and current president of DAMA, an audiovisual rights management organization.

For her, the obsession with priests follows the same principles as the earlier cases of women who ended up establishing epistolary relationships with prisoners because of that feeling of getting closer, even if only from a distance, to the taboo. Yague knows what shes talking about: she wrote one of the most memorable cases of the hot priest in Spain: Rodolfo Sancho in La Senora (2008-2010).

Montgomery Clift in 'I Confess' (1953). John Springer Collection (Corbis via Getty Images)

In the series, a marchioness from the early 20th century finds herself in a love triangle between her husband and her childhood sweetheart, Father Angel. Rodolfo kept asking us how long it was sustainable for his character to remain a priest, and we told him, until the very end. That impossible love, the tension between desire and duty, was the basis of his conflict, and if he left the priesthood, it would all be over, Yague explains. In the writers meetings, they debated how far they could take the love story, and the answer was, to the very end, to the bedroom.

Yague cited The Thorn Birds as one of her influences, and precisely for that reason, she thought the theme had already been explored. She was wrong. Although the ratings were excellent, it also generated some controversy: It makes me laugh a little, but I think I have an explicit veto from the Episcopal Conference. One day, they stopped answering the writers questions about historical accuracy.

She argues that in her case, she took refuge in the fact that it was a period piece, but acknowledges that representing hot priests in the context of 2025 raises many more doubts.

The famous calendar featuring handsome priests has become one of Rome's most popular souvenirs. picture alliance (dpa/picture alliance via Getty I)

Yague brought this debate to her fellow screenwriters, and two clear positions emerged. On one hand, there were those who thought it was a mechanism to question the power of priests. Nothing challenges their authority more than showing them in their entirety, she explains. Turning a figure with such status into an object of desire is, in part, a way to dismantle the power they have historically wielded. This same mechanism explains the LGBTQ+ communitys fascination with hot priests as a response to the homophobic discourse that part of the Church continues to perpetuate (its almost a subgenre within gay pornography, and it made headlines more than a decade ago when Pope Benedict XVI unknowingly blessed two adult film actors who were posing as seminarians).

On the other hand, there are those who believe that glorifying the figure of the priest  even if only aesthetically  is a way of whitewashing the Church at a time when it is still mired in controversy, such as the countless cases of abuse. In other words, giving it a fresh, attractive face ends up reaffirming its relevance and status. So, what does the current fascination of audiences and fiction with priests reveal? A resurgence of religious interest  or quite the opposite?

Jude Law promoting 'The Young Pope' in Madrid in 2016. Pablo Cuadra (FilmMagic)

Victor Albert Blanco, a PhD specializing in the sociology of religion and a researcher at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, prefers to put this supposed religious moment into perspective. All these cultural products can emerge at the same time as secularization advances. Believers now practice their faith more intensely, with a lot of activity on social media, and many religious organizations try to link this cultural moment to the rise of Catholicism, but the data indicates the opposite. For Blanco, this entire debate falls within what sociology calls the paradigm of secularization: It was previously thought that religion would disappear from public life, but in reality, it has transformed and moved into different spheres.

Blanco argues that the hot priest phenomenon or Rosalias nun-mania are not necessarily linked to a rise in interest in religion. In fact, they demonstrate quite the opposite: they reaffirm the concept of banal Catholicism, that is, the process by which Catholicism loses its hegemonic and institutional position to survive only in esthetics or in small gestures rooted in culture. This shift allows, for example, for frivolous fantasies about clerical collars and cassocks. However, Blanco laments that, especially in Spain, the rise of far-right and ultra-religious associations could, through legal challenges, stifle all these cultural expressions that question the role of religion. Perhaps that is why a hot priest is now more necessary than ever.

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So, while the east London bubble has not necessarily burst, the price gap between the two has narrowed, explains Dominic Agace, boss of Winkworth. Those areas historically more established as higher value areas are finding their feet again as they represent comparative value after years of no growth, with all the benefits for good schools and an enviable lifestyle," he says.
Among the Democrats, the primaries will pit James Talarico against Jasmine Crockett, while on the Republican side there are several contenders seeking to unseat John Cornyn, who has held the position since 2002

There are 11 months still to go before the midterm elections, but in Texas the campaign is already heating up. Monday was the deadline to file candidacies, and the battle among Democrats to represent the state in the U.S. Senate was thrown into turmoil on a day full of surprises. In the morning, Colin Allred  the best-known Democratic hopeful, who lost last year in his attempt to unseat Ted Cruz  dropped out of the race. And in the afternoon, Dallas congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, well-known for her rapid-fire viral clashes with Republicans in recent years, announced that she would run. At the last possible moment, the outlook for one of the few seemingly competitive Senate seats shifted in a way as unexpected as it was unpredictable.

To start, candidates from both parties will have to compete in primaries scheduled for March 3 to determine who will advance to the November 2026 midterms. On the Democratic side, the popular and increasingly nationally recognized state representative James Talarico will face Crockett. Both represent a new generation of Democrats and market themselves as heterodox politicians adept at modern, social-media-driven communication. But while Talarico attempts to build ideological bridges toward the center-right, Crockett takes a more combative approach and instead focuses on rallying grassroots supporters.

Republicans, meanwhile, are heading toward a primary campaign that is shaping up to be long and brutal. Two names stand out in particular. Veteran Senator John Cornyn, who is seeking to secure a fourth term  Senate terms last six years in the United States  and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, an ultraconservative who faced an impeachment effort over corruption but has come out of it politically stronger. If that head-to-head werent enough, a third name, Representative Wesley Hunt, is also polling well. The current landscape, in which none appears to be near the 50% needed to lock down the nomination outright, points to a possible runoff in May.

Ken Paxton in Houston, Texas, on September 20th. Raquel Natalicchio (Getty Images)

This situation  where same-party candidates are likely to spend millions of dollars attacking each other, effectively handing the Republicans ready-made lines of attack  is precisely what Democrats have been trying to avoid for months. And its the reason Allred gave for stepping out of the race. In the past few days, Ive come to believe that a bruising Senate Democratic primary and runoff would prevent the Democratic Party from going into this critical election unified against the danger posed to our communities and our Constitution by Donald Trump and one of his Republican bootlickers Paxton, Cornyn, or Hunt, he said in a statement.

Allred also announced that instead of seeking a Senate seat, he will try to return to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Texass 32nd District located in his native Dallas from 2019 to 2025. This time, however, after the states controversial redistricting process, Allred will aim for District 33, currently represented by Jasmine Crockett and now the only competitive Democratic seat in the area.

Crocketts move had been rumored in recent weeks. According to several outlets, the congresswoman had phoned her would-be primary rivals, Allred and Talarico, to inform them of her desire to run for the Senate, citing an internal poll showing her beating both of them. Her proposal was that they give up their Senate ambitions and instead run for one of the statewide offices also on the ballot, such as governor or attorney general  though a Democratic win in those races is far less likely. The proposal didnt stick, as the more realistic chance of becoming the first Democratic senator from Texas in over three decades won out.

Crockett, 44, has gained fame thanks to her viral confrontations with Republicans and her frequent appearances in the Democratic media ecosystem. That prominence has earned her legions of social-media followers and donors, making her one of the partys most prolific fundraisers. She has also become one of U.S. President Donald Trumps preferred targets, mentioned by him constantly.

For all these reasons, despite joining the race on the last possible day after months of slow buildup, Crockett poses a clear threat to Talarico. The 36-year-old former teacher and current Presbyterian seminarian has served as a state representative since 2018 and has earned a reputation as a defender of public education and a relentless  yet notably calm  opponent of Trumpism and the far right, often grounding his messaging in his Christian values. His ability to cultivate and mobilize a large online following has drawn national attention and earned him comparisons to New Yorks mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani. His rise has even landed him on the list of potential presidential candidates for 2028.

James Talarico with his parents Mark and Tamara Talarico, on the first day of the 89th Texas Legislature at the Capitol, January 14. Jay Janner (The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images)

Between Talarico and Crockett, Republicans in Texas and Washington have not hidden their preference for Crockett, convinced she would be a weaker general-election candidate because of her more polarizing profile. Among Democrats, theres a similar view regarding Attorney General Paxton. And many in the party believe the time may finally have come for a Democratic Texas senator, given that Trumps popularity  even in Texas, a far more diverse state than is often assumed is starting to wane. The closest Democrats have come was in 2018, during Trumps first term, when El Paso congressman Beto ORourke nearly unseated Ted Cruz.

While the battle for the House of Representatives  which is entirely up for reelection  will dominate the parties midterm agendas, the race for Texass Senate seat will draw some national attention as well. Not only because of the high profile of the candidates on both sides, but also because even though Democrats face an uphill climb in regaining control of the Senate in 2026, they need to start racking up early wins if they hope to do so in 2028. The moves made in Texas on Monday could end up having far-reaching consequences.

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Steve Valdez-Symonds, Amnesty International UKs refugee and migrant rights programme director, said: There is a dreadful irony in our Justice Secretary working with his counterparts to remove or reduce rights on the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It shows how far we have drifted from the moral resolve of the last century, when our grandparents determined that the fact we are all born free and equal must be protected in law.
In her letter to the Electoral Commission, Ms Turley said: If expenditure that ought to have been declared in Mr Farages return in Clacton has been included in Reforms national spending return, or elements of national party expenditure have not been declared at all, there is a real risk that Reforms party spending return is inaccurate or incomplete, which is a matter for the Electoral Commission.
They added: Similar indicators of child criminal exploitation are alleged to have also been present in the unrest during 2024/25. It is concerning that so many children have come into contact with the criminal justice system as a result of their involvement, and many do not appear to understand the potential life-long consequences of their actions.
Tesla Inc. corporate headquarters in Austin is seen in this aerial image from January 2023. A visitor to Teslas plant outside Austin said she was injured by falling debris after two forklifts collided in front of her. Now shes suing the Elon Musk-led auto maker. Brandon Bell/Getty Images Vehicles pass Tesla Inc.'s Gigafactory Texas in June. In a suit filed last week, lawyers for Maricela Colmenero allege Tesla Inc. and its workers were negligent in operating heavy equipment while she was visiting the factory on Jan. 24. Eric Gay/Associated Press

Tesla Inc. is being sued by a woman who said she was injured by falling debris when two forklifts collided while she was visiting the companys Gigafactory Texas near Austin.

In a suit filed in state District Court in Travis County, lawyers for Maricela Colmenero allege the Elon Musk-led company and its workers were negligent in operating heavy equipment while she was visiting the electric vehicle factory Jan. 24. She's seeking more than $1 million.

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According to the suit, Colmenero left the cafeteria and was walking toward an exit when she noticed two forklifts being operated in the walkway in a reckless manner.

The forklifts collided, which caused the forklift up front with heavy equipment to jolt and dislodge the items on it, the suit alleges. A heavy object fell onto Ms. Colmenero while she was walking by. This incident resulted in serious bodily injuries.

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The suit said the incident was the result of a premises defect, a known hazardous condition that the Austin-based company had not addressed.

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It alleges that Tesla failed to create a safe environment, properly train its employees or warn invitees of dangerous conditions. Tesla has not responded to the suit.

There is not yet an Occupational Safety and Health Administration report about such an accident at the plant but it is one on a growing list of safety-related incidents at Musks companies in Texas, which include SpaceX and the Boring Co.

At least two workers have died while the factory was under construction.

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Victor J. Gomez was electrocuted at the site in August 2024 and Antelmo Ramirez died of hyperthermia there in September 2021.

OSHA fined Tesla $49,650 over Gomezs death.

The agency also fined Belcan Services Group LP, a Tesla subcontractor, $14,502 in Ramirezs death. Tesla was not fined in that case.

Gomezs family has filed several lawsuits over his death, most recently naming Tesla Inc.; Colorado River Project LLC, its shell company for the Gigafactory project; Triad Electric & Controls Inc.; Vertiv Corp. and Belcan Services Group LP. in cases filed in state district courts in Harris and Travis counties.

OSHAs online database shows that since 2021, Teslas operations across the country have undergone 43 inspections that resulted in at least 89 workplace safety violations and associated fines.

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Only two of those were for its sites in Texas  Gomezs death and a July 2024 citation over workers being exposed to hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen, on the Cybertruck production line, also at Giga Texas.

Tesla is headquartered at the 10 million-square-foot factory where it produces the Model Y and Cybertruck and is developing new battery technology.
A world premiere bilingual opera, "Ofrenda," will inaugurate the theater at Butler Performance Center in October 2026.. Rendering by 3DW/Opera

Hot off celebrating Austin Operas 40th anniversary with a gala concert at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, the company made a landmark announcement  its first-ever commissioned world premiere.

In October 2026, Austin Opera will open Ofrenda, performed in Spanish and English, at the new Butler Performance Center in southeast Austin.

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Since it was founded in 1986, the company has co-commissioned stagings of several new works in tandem with other intrepid American troupes.

This is new. Developed from scratch as part of the groups Spanish-language initiative, thanks to a founding gift from super-backers Sarah and Ernest Butler, the bilingual opera was written by composer Jorge Sosa and librettist John de los Santos. Both artists have worked extensively within networks of top opera companies and training programs.

A 90-minute chamber opera, Ofrenda will inaugurate the flexible 185-seat theater that joins rehearsal, storage and office spaces at 5811 Trade Center Drive. The theater will be made available to other arts groups in the city.

I cannot think of a more ideal work to help us open the Butler Performance Center than Ofrenda, which has grown right here in Austin over the past three years through Jorge and Johns work in the Residency for Latinx Creatives, says Annie Burridge, the operas general director and CEO. Presenting this world premiere is both a celebration of artistic innovation and an act of community representation, highlighting the power of opera to honor heritage, inspire empathy and bring people together across cultures.

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Composer Jorge Sosa worked on "Ofrenda" with Austin Opera over the past three years. Manon Haliburton/Austin Opera

Among the public stagings that have already grown out of the Spanish-language initiative are a concert, "Bella Noche de Musica,"at the Moody Amphitheater in Waterloo Park in 2023, and a full staging of the world's first mariachi opera, "Cruzar la Cara de la Luna," at the Long Center in 2024.

A story of love, death and healing

The idea for Ofrenda came to Sosa, a Mexican-born composer who currently resides in New York City, during the pandemic.

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I wanted to write a work that centered around healing and celebrated essential workers. I was thinking about the curanderas  traditional healers  in Mexico and the mysticism that surrounds them, Sosa says. John de los Santos has been an incredible creative partner in developing the idiosyncrasies of the characters and the bilingual libretto.

Librettist John de los Santos collaborated with composer Jorge Sosa on "Ofrenda," which will receive its world premiere at the Butler Performance Center. Daniel Welch/Austin Opera

The opera resembles a hospital procedural show, mixed with a healthy dose of magical realism and high drama, Sosa says. The main character is Macaria, a custodian at a hospital who has an encounter with death  named Senora. Moved by Macarias kindness, Senora sheds a tear of life into Macarias water bottle, giving her the power to heal anyone. But the price for such power will eventually catch up with her.

Claudia Chapa, who holds several positions at Austin Opera, emphasizes the themes of remembrance, love and healing woven through a narrative that honors lifes enduring connections.

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The work resonates deeply in Austin, where more than one-third of residents identify as Hispanic or Latinx, Chapa says, and where Austin Opera has cultivated long-term relationships with the community through programs such as Concerts at the Consulate and the Residency for Latinx Creatives.
The Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center.. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

A Travis County jury convicted Randi Gudiel Matul-Barrios, 39, on Wednesday of multiple child sexual abuse charges, including continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14.

Jurors deliberated for about two hours before returning guilty verdicts on that charge, two counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact and three counts of sexual assault of a child, Travis County District Attorney's Office said. The same jury sentenced Matul-Barrios to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the continuous abuse charge. He also received 20-year sentences on each of the indecency and sexual assault counts.

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According to an arrest affidavit, Matul-Barrios sexually assaulted a minor multiple times over a two-year period, when the victim was between 12 and 14 years old. At least one of the incidents happened out of state, the affidavit says. The document also states Matul-Barrios physically assaulted the victim if she did not let him touch or sexually assault her, including one incident in which Matul-Barrios grabbed the victim by the hair and threw her against a wall. Matul-Barrios also would slap the victim across the face, police say.

All of Matul-Barrios' sentences will run concurrently, according to the DA's office.

Our office is grateful to our dedicated staff and law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to hold the defendant accountable and seek justice for the victim, DA Jose Garza said in a statement. We hope this verdict continues to help the victim with their healing journey.

Matul-Barrios was arrested by Austin police in August of last year and was later indicted on a broader slate of allegations, including six counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, three counts of indecency with a child and three counts of sexual assault of a child.
The representative describes the governments decision to pause all immigration processes for citizens of 19 countries as unfair and un-American

Florida Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar has broken ranks with Cuban-American Republican lawmakers in Miami, calling the Trump administrations decision to pause all immigration processes for citizens of 19 countries, including Cubans, Venezuelans and Haitians, unfair and un-American. The U.S. president announced the measure after two National Guard members were shot by an Afghan migrant in Washington D.C. before Thanksgiving.

The United States doesnt believe in collective punishment. We dont punish the innocent for the sins of the guilty. Freezing asylum, green card, and citizenship processes is not the answer. It punishes hardworking, law-abiding immigrants who followed every step of the legal process. That is unfair, un-American, and it goes against everything this country stands for, Salazar said in a statement sent to EL PAIS.

Background checks already exist to stop terrorists, and they should. In South Florida, thousands fleeing socialist tyrannies did it the right way: applied legally, passed background checks, waited their turn. Many of them ready to vote for democracy and freedom! the congresswoman added.

Her statements contrast with those made by her fellow Cuban-American Republican congressmembers from Miami, Carlos Gimenez and Mario Diaz-Balart, who held a separate press conference last Wednesday and said that the measure announced by the Trump administration was a consequence of the reckless abandonment of border security by the administration of former Democratic president Joe Biden.

For years, the three Cuban-American lawmakers have presented themselves as a cohesive political bloc, demanding a hard line against totalitarian regimes, applauding sanctions, and defending controversial measures in the public eye. In recent months, they have displayed almost monolithic unity in support of Trump and his agenda, to the point of being dubbed the three crazy Cubans by the presidents allies.

Their nickname encapsulates their position as an inflexible and strident trio, whose collaboration illustrates the presidents influence on South Florida politics. Last year, they joined forces to lobby the administration over an agreement that would have allowed Chevron to operate in Venezuela, a license that was subsequently not renewed. They have also publicly endorsed the presidents immigration policy, blaming the Biden administration for the migration crisis and portraying Trumps measures as necessary for security, in line with the national Republican narrative.

A strategic shift

Salazars change of heart comes amid growing unrest in South Florida over the presidents immigration offensive, which has hit communities that supported him and helped turn Miami-Dade County  a Democratic stronghold for decades  Republican in the last presidential election.

The Trump administration has canceled humanitarian programs that allowed hundreds of thousands of Cubans, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans and Haitians, many of them residents of Miami-Dade, to live and work legally in the country. It has also intensified operations to arrest migrants at workplaces, on highways, and in immigration courts, separating thousands of families and creating a climate of fear in these communities.

This climate has been politically exploited. The three legislators have been criticized by Democrats in advertising campaigns with billboards that have appeared on major Miami freeways, calling them traitors for their support of Trumps immigration policies.

According to analysts, Salazar is adjusting her political strategy ahead of next years elections, aware that her district  Miami-Dades 27th, with 70% Hispanic voters and 20% immigrants  is particularly volatile and sensitive to the effects of Trumps immigration policies. Experts believe this shift could strategically position her as a voice of reason within an increasingly polarized party, while also sending a clear message that immigration is a deeply personal reality in South Florida.

Salazar is very vulnerable in her district, which is neither homogeneous nor historically Republican, but rather has a very particular and diverse demographic, with African-Americans, Haitians and Hispanics. Even a small shift among Hispanics could cause her to lose that district, notes Eduardo Gamarra, a professor of Political Science at Florida International University (FIU). The congresswoman is seeing in the polls that there is a negative reaction among Hispanics, he adds.

Gamarra led a study in May on the sentiment among Venezuelans after the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and the humanitarian parole program, where 43% of those surveyed said that Miami-Dades representatives in Congress  Diaz-Balart, Salazar and Gimenez  had not adequately defended the Venezuelan diaspora on immigration matters.

She wont be able to win reelection with Trump and the Republicans policies, especially with this new hardening that has basically frozen all applications, from marriages to naturalization ceremonies. She has to move away from that hardline position, Gamarra says. She knows, given the demographics of her district, that she has to react, because otherwise theyre going to elect a Democrat.

Dr. Andrew Seele, president of the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington-based think tank, said that the more indiscriminate the policies are on immigration enforcement, the more likely they are to touch on people who are American voters.

According to Guillermo Grenier, a sociology professor at FIU, Salazars decision is more personal. Salazar has been uncomfortable with the immigration situation for some time, and this time she said, Enough is enough. Shes reading the same polls as everyone else, which indicate that Trump is overstepping his bounds, and on a personal level, she saw that her position had to change, he says.

Salazar has nothing to lose because in her district she has no one against her, even if Trump reacts and decides to push a Republican opposition candidate. Her position in the party as one of the three Crazy Cubans  now the least crazy of the three  is firmly established, and shes saying something that most people  Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, whoever  are thinking: that Trump has been overstepping his bounds legally, that is, hes gone beyond what the law allows. What shes said is, in fact, what the polls show and what people are talking about: that whats happening is dangerous, he adds.

Grenier believes the congresswoman has made a very politically sensible decision, because she is distancing herself from Trumps arguments that have a negative impact on Miami-Dade, without directly pointing the finger at anyone.

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Austin police cruiser. Austin American-Statesman

Austin police have arrested a fifth suspect in the January shooting that killed 19-year-old Victor Ekozeme and left another victim injured in what investigators say was a targeted ambush stemming from a planned gun robbery outside the Wildhorse Flats apartments near Manor.

Ekozeme was found fatally wounded Jan. 24 after crashing a white sedan into a fence and ditch on Wildhorse Ranch Trail. A second man, 18-year-old Bill Nyanway, survived a gunshot wound to his hand and ran to a nearby school for help, according to a police news release from the time. Detectives said early on that the two men appeared to have been targeted by a group who opened fire into their car as it attempted to flee.

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Investigators tied 17-year-old Samuel Ray Johnson III to the shooting, a newly filed arrest affidavit shows. He was charged with murder early last week, with bail set at $100,000, according to court documents.

Police say surveillance footage, deleted texts, phone records and later statements from one of the teens inside the suspect vehicle show Johnson was part of a coordinated plan to rob Nyanway during a gun exchange shortly before the shooting. Messages recovered from a co-defendant's phone show the group discussing ammunition, money and who would carry out the crime, investigators said.

Ekozeme and Nyanway arrived at the complex in a white sedan for the gun exchange, according to police. The suspects, riding in a grey Buick Enclave, followed them into the property. Surveillance footage shows the Enclave circling the dumpsters and pulling up beside the victims sedan moments before shots were fired.

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Recovered ballistic evidence showed at least three firearms were used. An autopsy found Ekozeme died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

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Police have already arrested multiple teens and adults tied to the case, including Robert Johnson, Tidis "Blue" Collier, and alleged shooter Jose Rojas Jr., whom a witness placed on the drivers side of the victims car as shots were fired. The affidavit says Johnson later told his mother what happened, prompting her to force him to cut his hair to avoid detection.

Nyanway was also arrested, and faces one count of attempted aggravated robbery and one count of tampering with evidence.

Detectives ultimately linked Samuel Johnson to the crime after his mother reported he had information about the homicide. In interviews, investigators say he admitted to being inside the Enclave during the attack and identified all participants, placing Collier at the wheel and Rojas in the front passenger seat. Still, investigators say he did not come forward on his own and willingly participated in the robbery setup that led directly to Ekozemes death.
George Gaitan, 37, was found slain in a Williamson County field in 1987. His killer remains unidentified. Williamson County Sheriff's Office

It's been 38 years since a San Antonio man was found dead in a Brushy Creek field. Now, Williamson County officials are again asking the public for any information that might help solve the decades-old cold case.

The body of George Javier Gaitan, 37, was discovered Dec. 8, 1987, in a field near FM 620 and Cornerwood Drive. Gaitan, originally from San Antonio, had reportedly traveled to the area on business.

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George Gaitan, 37, was found slain in a Williamson County field in 1987. His killer remains unidentified. Williamson County Sheriff's Office

While his death was ruled a homicide, no suspects have been identified.

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office asks anyone with relevant information about the crime to call 512-943-1300.

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George Gaitan, 37, was found slain in a Williamson County field in 1987. His killer remains unidentified. Williamson County Sheriff's Office

A cold case is a homicide or missing-person investigation in which all leads have been exhausted.

Gaitain's case is one of 12 cold cases currently listed on the Williamson County cold cases website, with the most recent unsolved crime dating to 2002.
Martiza Carbajal hugs her family Friday after entering the Cattle Baron Suite, where they will be spending the night, at the Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

On the night the Carbajal children lit the Christmas tree at the Driskill, the family arrived in black coats, soft green T-shirts given to them by the nonprofit Communities In Schools, dark jeans, muted sneakers. Only one spot of color moved among them: 9-year-old Ximena, wrapped in a leopard print pink cardigan. Their mother, Maritza, stood behind her children the way she always has, quietly, her hands clasped, her breath shallow from nerves and the lingering cough her youngest, 6-year-old Alejandro, had been passing around.

They had positioned themselves behind the Driskills immense Christmas tree, just off the main staircase, where holiday visitors drifted past in shiny dresses and wool coats, sipping cocktails and admiring the cattle-baron grandeur of the hotels lobby. The Carbajals watched from the edges as though they werent sure whether stepping forward would break some unspoken rule.

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Ximena Valles-Carbajal, 9, explores the Cattle Baron Suite, where the family will be spending the night, at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Martiza Carbajal and her family light the Christmas tree at the Driskill Hotel. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Braulio Valles-Carbajal, 11, and Alejandro Carbajal, 6, explore the Cattle Baron Suite, where the family will be spending the night, at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Braulio Valles-Carbajal, 11, hugs Ximena Valles-Carbajal, 9, as the family attends the Christmas tree lighting at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Ximena Valles-Carbajal, 9, and Alejandro Carbajal, 6, enter the Cattle Baron Suite, where they will be spending the night, at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Ximena Valles-Carbajal, 9, explores the Cattle Baron Suite, where the family will be spending the night, at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Javi Carbajal, 18, explores the Cattle Baron Suite, where the family will be spending the night, at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Alejandro Carbajal, 6, and Javi Carbajal, 18, explore the Cattle Baron Suite, where the family will be spending the night, at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Ximena Valles-Carbajal, 9, explores the Cattle Baron Suite, where the family will be spending the night, at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Martiza Carbajal and her family attend the Christmas tree lighting at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Martiza Carbajal and her family attend the Christmas tree lighting at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Martiza Carbajal and her family light the Christmas tree at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Braulio Valles-Carbajal, 11, smiles after lighting the Christmas tree at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Martiza Carbajal hugs Sarah Franey-Geller after her family lit the Christmas tree at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Martiza Carbajal and her family smile after lighting the Christmas tree at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Maritza Carbajal and her children, left to right, Javier, Ximena, Braulio, Alejandro and Joel at their apartment in North Austin. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Maritza Carbajal and her children, left to right, Javier, Alejandro, Joel, Ximena and Braulio. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Maritza Carbajal, a single mother of five children, cries as she talks about her struggles at her North Austin apartment. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Over and over again, the staff of the Driskill assured them, they were the hotel's special guests. The family had been selected to light the Christmas trees and spend the night at the hotel in its Cattle Baron Suite. The staff wanted to do whatever they could to make the family's stay enjoyable: room service, fluffy robes, sodas and movies.

The family is part of the Statesmans Season for Caring program, which helps hundreds of families each year through local nonprofit agencies. The Carbajals were nominated by Communities In Schools of Central Texas.

Since 2015, the Driskill has partnered with Season for Caring and invited one of the featured families as its special guest to light the tree.

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Martiza Carbajal and her family smile after lighting the Christmas tree at the Driskill Hotel. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

It had been only a week since the original story about their housing struggles was published, and Maritza was still carrying the aftershocks of that exposure. Her phone screen filled with comments  some warm, many not. Many of them filled with racial slurs or questioning the legality of her residency.

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See all the comments No, no," she said, trying to explain the way they cut into her. At points the words tangled, Spanish and English colliding under the weight of her embarrassment. Me estan saltando las tripas, she said  my insides are jumping  a phrase that means the kind of nerves that take hold in the stomach, leave you sleepless, make you feel watched.

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Her anxiety had grown in the moments between work shifts. She worried someone at the school cafeteria had read the article. She worried about judgment, about being seen as a problem, not a mother doing her best in a collapsing apartment with rats in the oven, walls that buckle. Entiendo, she said. I understand. Pero no no.

Still, she brought her children to the Driskill because she wanted them to remember something else  that joy can exist alongside fear, that they deserved one night untouched by the slow grind of daily survival.

Its the first time my kids have stayed at a place like this," she said. "They deserve this.

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A night in a different world

Martiza Carbajal kisses Ximena Valles-Carbajal, 9, as they explore the Cattle Baron Suite, where the family was spending the night, at the Driskill Hotel. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

When Ximena and Alejandro opened the door to the Cattle Baron Suite, the children ran in, excitedly. High ceilings. Heavy drapes pooled on the floor. The air smelled faintly of wood polish and winter spices. Cookies and Hershey kisses on the table.

It was nothing like the cramped North Austin apartment where they sleep in sagging beds and listen for the scrape of rats through cracked drywall. The Driskills suite felt like another universe entirely  gleaming surfaces and impossible space.

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They were given a menu for room service. It was the first time any of them had held one. To some, ordering dinner in a hotel room is a small indulgence. To the Carbajal family, it was a luxury they had never imagined. A doorway, if only for one night, into how other people move through the world.

Ximena asked first if they could watch a movie. Lilo and Stitch, she repeated, as though saying it might make it appear on the television faster.

Maritza exhaled Ay Diosito, she said once, almost to herself, the way someone does when they are both grateful and overwhelmed. But even inside the warmth of the Driskill, reality trailed behind them like a shadow.

They still have no car large enough to fit the family. They still live in an apartment where mold creeps along the ceiling and the walls feel thinner each month. They still share beds that sag, still budget grocery money with a precision that leaves little room for error.

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Their biggest need is help relocating to a safer apartment and furniture, as well as gift cards to H-E-B. To find out more about the Carbajal family or to given an item on their wish list, contact Communities In Schools of Central Texas, 512-462-1771.

Statesman Season for Caring logo American-Statesman

About Season for Caring

The Statesman is sharing the stories of all 12 Season for Caring families through Jan. 31. Donations will be matched up to $500,000 by Brian Sheth. On Saturday, P. Terry's will donate 100% of its profits at Central Texas locations to Season for Caring. Find more stories at statesman.com/seasonforcaring.

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You can donate online or use the coupon on Page 2B and mail it to Austin Community Foundation, c/o Statesman Season for Caring, 4315 Guadalupe St., Suite 300, Austin, TX 78751. Make checks payable to Statesman Season for Caring.

Use the form below or click here:https://statesmansfc.kimbia.com/statesmanseasonforcaring
Since birth doses of the vaccine were implemented in the U.S., according to a 2019 review, hepatitis B cases among children and teens dropped by 99%. (Sherry Young/Dreamstime/TNS) Sherry Young/TNS

On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices issued new recommendations on when to give infants the hepatitis B vaccine, if at all.

Instead of all infants being given the vaccine at birth the committee recommended that doctors can wait to give a dose until two months based on decision making between the doctors and the parents, and even that second dose is based on that same shared decision making. Subsequent doses also could be given based on doctor consultation, and parents and doctors could choose to only give the vaccine if the child had blood work that indicated exposure to the virus.

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However, infants whose mothers test positive for hepatitis B, would continue to be given the vaccine at birth.

This is a vaccine that has been given to some infants since 1981 and to all infants at birth since 1991 as a standard practice.

The most common way for infants to become exposed to hepatitis is through their mothers during pregnancy, but babies and children could become infected later by parents or any caregivers with whom they have close contact.

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Many local doctors will continue to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations.

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Austin Regional Clinic, which is one of the area's largest primary care providers, said it in a statement it is aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continued recommendation for routine hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns."

Texas Children's leaned into the shared decision-making concept, but Dr. Lara Shekerdemian, the pediatrician in chief at Texas Children's Hospital, said, "Decades of scientific research and ongoing safety monitoring continue to show that vaccines are safe, effective and provide strong protection for children and communities. As a parent or caregiver, we want to support you in keeping your child healthy and protected. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to do that, helping prevent serious  sometimes deadly  diseases like hepatitis, polio, pertussis, measles and more. We encourage every patient family to talk with their clinician to understand the facts and make an informed decision to protect your child and the safety and health of our broader communities."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

All infants receive a hepatitis B vaccine, regardless of the mother's hepatitis B status, within 24 hours of birth.

A second dose should be given at two months.

A third dose should be given at six months.

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"The pacing of these doses has been rigorously tested and proven to be safe and effective over several decades," the academy wrote in its statement.

Insurance companies are not expected to deny any claims for following the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations. That has been the case in other vaccine schedule changes made by the CDC committee that was restructured under the new presidential administration.

Vaccinating all newborns at birth against hepatitis B prevents them from becoming infected during birth, builds immunity during childhood and provides protection during adulthood.

The most common danger of hepatitis B in adulthood is liver disease and liver cancer. In babies and children, they can have jaundice, difficulty gaining weight or low birth weight, a swollen abdomen and chronic liver disease.

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"Delaying the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine has no clear benefits and leaves children vulnerable to infection," the academy wrote in its statement after the CDC committee's decision.

In the 10-year-period from 1981 to 1991, when the vaccine was given just to babies whose mothers tested positive for the virus, children still became infected with the virus. Once all newborns were given the vaccine, there was a 99% reduction in infant hepatitis B infections, according to a joint paper this month from the Vaccine Integrity Project and the Center for Infectious Disease and Public Policy at the University of Minnesota.

That paper sited numerous studies about the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. The vaccine comes with the same risk of other vaccines: tenderness, redness or swelling at the injection site, a short-term low-grade fever and fussiness.
Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, listens Aug. 20 to the debate of over the congressional redistricting plan at the Texas Capitol. The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing the new maps for the 2026 election invites lawmakers everywhere to game the system, confident that courts will look away when an election is looming, the Statesman Editorial Board writes. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Much more than a map was at stake.

In restoring Texas ruthlessly gerrymandered 2025 maps to be used in next years elections, a divided U.S. Supreme Court last week asserted an alarming standard: Lawmakers are free to interfere with voters, by imposing deeply skewed maps or unfair rules, as long as they do so close enough to an election.

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After all, the 6-3 majority wrote in an unsigned opinion, if an election is coming up, the courts cant step in without improperly inserting themselves into an active primary campaign.

What a system: Lawmakers can meddle, and judges must sit on their hands.

We recognize the importance of judicial restraint, especially in the context of elections, when the will of the voters, not the opinions of judges, should carry the day. When lawmakers pass last-minute maps or other measures to short-circuit voters, however, the courts have an obligation to stand for fairness and ensure the rules honor voters voices, not undercut them.

The late hour of legislative action  which, to be clear, was set in motion by Texas lawmakers  should not sideline judicial review. Sadly, if not surprisingly, the Supreme Court sidelined itself. Texans are worse for it.

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As this board has argued, the stakes are significant: Under Texas new maps, Republicans hope to gain five more seats in Congress, potentially enough to decide which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives, and with it, the fate of President Donald Trump's agenda. To engineer that outcome, lawmakers carved up communities and diluted the clout of voters of color. If the new districts perform as expected, Republicans would win nearly 80% of Texas congressional seats next year, even as only 56% of Texans backed last years GOP presidential nominee.

That is not representation. That is distortion. Nearly half of the voters in Travis County will be reshuffled into new districts, with seats created to protect a political party from the verdict that voters would otherwise render.

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Writing for the minority, Justice Elena Kagan noted the lower district court had conducted a detailed nine-day hearing and amassed a 3,000-page record in finding Texas had unlawfully used racial gerrymandering. That careful fact-finding process deserved deference. Instead, Kagan wrote, the Supreme Court reverses that judgment based on its perusal, over a holiday weekend, of a cold paper record.

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Worse, the Supreme Court majority cited the imminent 2026 election as reason not to intervene in a court dispute over the maps. Kagan argues that logic gives every State the opportunity to hold an unlawful election by simply running out the clock and relying on the courts reluctance to act. Legislatures could pass a blatantly unconstitutional map as long as they did so on a timeline like Texas.

That cannot be the law  except of course that today it is, Kagan wrote.

The Supreme Courts ruling reverberates far beyond Texas maps. It invites lawmakers everywhere to game the system, confident that courts will look away when an election is looming. It turns the consent of the governed into an empty motto while politicians devise new maps to entrench their power.

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The court may look away when an election is near. Voters cannot afford to.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Tuesday laid out a plan to further drive down property taxes by increasing homestead exemptions and lowering the age for senior exemptions  setting up a possible clash with Gov. Greg Abbott, who is running for reelection on a bid to eliminate all school taxes.

Patricks plan calls for adding $40,000 to the current exemption of $140,000. And it would lower the age to receive a senior exemption to 55, which he said would cover about 3.5 million of the states roughly 6 million homeowners.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces a "Double Nickel" tax proposal to reduce the age on freezing property taxes from its current 65 to 55 years of age on December 9, 2025. Bob Daemmrich/Bob Daemmrch Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces a "Double Nickel" tax proposal to reduce the age on freezing property taxes from its current 65 to 55 years of age on December 9, 2025. Bob Daemmrich/Bob Daemmrch Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces a "Double Nickel" tax proposal to reduce the age on freezing property taxes from its current 65 to 55 years of age on December 9, 2025. Bob Daemmrich/Bob Daemmrch Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces a "Double Nickel" tax proposal to reduce the age on freezing property taxes from its current 65 to 55 years of age on December 9, 2025. Bob Daemmrich/Bob Daemmrch Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announces a "Double Nickel" tax proposal to reduce the age on freezing property taxes from its current 65 to 55 years of age on December 9, 2025. Bob Daemmrich/Bob Daemmrch

READ MORE: Here are the ways Greg Abbott is proposing to cut property taxes in Texas

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Patrick said he had not discussed his plan with the governor, who is campaigning for a record fourth term in office on an aggressive property tax overhaul that also calls for lowering the cap on appraisals for all properties.

But to do away with school property taxes outright, the lieutenant governor said, the state would have to nearly double sales taxes, from 8.25% to at least 14%. And he said an appraisal cap discourages people from moving and selling properties and only drives up taxes in the long run.

I'm not throwing any cold water, I'm just telling you what it costs, Patrick said at a press conference announcing his proposal, which he deemed Operation Double Nickel.

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Anyone who wants to cut property taxes, I'm all in. Just tell me how we pay for it, Patrick said. I just want to put a cost on it, because the responsible thing to do is have an answer  Well, how do we do that? How do we pay for it? Look, the governor's plan, I know he's kind of working through it. We'll work through this as well.

Patrick said his proposal would cost about $4 billion biannually, on top of the tens of billions the state is currently spending to lower property taxes.

A spokesman said Abbott would work with Patrick, but stressed the governor wants to slash appraisal increases and eliminate school property taxes for homeowners.

"Governor Abbott will fight for taxpayers and his comprehensive plan throughout 2026, and he looks forward to working with lawmakers to deliver lasting property tax cuts, the statement said.

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The Texas Legislature has already made slashing property taxes a priority. In the current budget, lawmakers allocated $51 billion to property tax relief, a quarter of the states total spending.

The states top two Republicans have butted heads before on the best route to property tax relief. They publicly feuded over a tax relief plan in 2023, with Abbott going so far as to threaten to veto legislation. Patrick called the threat crazy. Now they are pitching dueling plans on the campaign trail, a sign those disagreements are set to resurface when lawmakers return to Austin in 2027.

Patrick, who is also running for a fourth term, stressed that the two will work together on a plan and said he was not trying to be critical of the governors proposal, which he said he had not read closely.

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This week will have Central Texans reaching deep into their closets as the weather serves up a mix of seasons.

A cold front pushed through the region on Sunday, and the high pressure settling in behind it has ushered in cooler air, leaving the first few days of the workweek feeling chilly. On Monday, highs ran about 5 to 10 degrees below normal despite a full day of sunshine.

The ridge of high pressure will slide east on Tuesday, and even though south winds will return, the morning will still start off quite cold thanks to strong radiational cooling.

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Radiational cooling is the process in which heat stored in the Earths surface escapes into the atmosphere and, without clouds to act as a blanket, much of that heat is lost to space, allowing temperatures to drop quickly. With this in play Tuesday morning, some areas, especially in the Hill Country, may flirt with the freezing mark, while most locations will bottom out in the mid to upper 30s.

Tuesday morning could bring freezing temperatures to portions of the Hill Country and communities beyond the city limits. Pivotal

While the clear skies will bring brisk morning temperatures, theyll also help the afternoon warm up more quickly. Tuesdays highs are expected to reach near Austins average high of 65 degrees.

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Wednesday will be even warmer, with afternoon highs in the mid-70s and morning lows in the mid-40s. This is the kind of weather Austinites live for in winter, and the kind that makes visitors consider moving to the Capital City. Youll want a heavy jacket in the morning, but by lunchtime you can shed it and enjoy comfortable short-sleeved weather.

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Later this week, a couple of cold fronts will move into the Lone Star State, but temperatures will only drop a few degrees with each one. Winds will remain light and shift to the north after each frontal passage, but dont expect any rain or an increase in cloud cover until the weekend.

Despite a few cold fronts this week, Austin will generally see a steady warming trend with mostly sunny skies throughout the workweek. National Weather Service

By Saturday, another cold front will arrive with a small, 20% rain chance across the region.

Model guidance is not confident on the timing or placement of this front, meteorologists at the National Weather Service bureau in Austin/San Antonio wrote in their daily weather briefing. In any matter, expect mild and dry weather through the entire forecast period.

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Weekly outlook: With rainfall chances near or below normal for most of WGRFC's area river flood chances should remain low. Light rainfall late this week along the Coast and in South Texas also should not cause any significant river flooding. #TX #MN #flooding #River pic.twitter.com/6QZEvYD8dl  NWSWGRFC (@NWSWGRFC) December 8, 2025

Too early Christmas forecast

Were a little more than two weeks out from Christmas Day, and while its still too early to dial in a detailed forecast, a look at climatology can give us a general idea of what to expect.

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Climatologically, Christmas Day in Austin typically brings mild, dry weather, with average temperatures around 62 degrees for the high and 42 for the low. The wettest Christmas on record was in 2000, when more than 1.5 inches of rain fell, and the only recorded snowfall was a trace in 1939.

So, what about this year? The Climate Prediction Centers three- to four-week outlook, covering Dec. 20 through Jan. 2, shows Texas leaning warmer than normal. It also points to drier-than-usual conditions for the Hill Country and areas farther west, while Austin and South Texas are favored to see near-normal precipitation.
Leaders of a Catholic Church in Massachusetts have decided to keep a controversial Nativity scene that includes a message against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, despite criticism and an order from the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston to remove it. The Nativity scene at St. Susanna Parish in Dedham replaces the traditional figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph with a sign that reads, ICE was here, suggesting that the Holy Family has been detained by immigration officials.

A smaller message indicates that the three figures are safe in the Sanctuary of our Church, and another includes contact information for an immigrant advocacy group that tracks ICE activity in Massachusetts. Traditional elements such as shepherds, sheep, and the Three Wise Men remain in place around the manger.

Church leaders set up the Nativity scene shortly after Thanksgiving as part of a recurring tradition of non-traditional Nativity scenes organized by the parishs peace and justice group. The Rev. Stephen Josoma, of the congregation, said in a statement that the intention was not to provoke controversy, but to encourage reflection and dialogue.

Our hope was to [...] evoke dialogue around an issue that is at the heart of contemporary life, he said, explaining that the Nativity scene invites reflection on what the birth of Christ would be like in the modern world. He described the Nativity as religious art intended to evoke emotions and introspection. The pastor acknowledged that many people disagree with the message, but pointed out that this does not mean the exhibition is sacrilegious.

However, the Archdiocese of Boston disagrees. Church leaders ordered the parish to remove the sign, arguing that it violates ecclesiastical rules governing the use of sacred objects. In a statement, they said that the faithful have a right to expect spaces dedicated to prayer and devotion, not divisive political messaging, and called for the Nativity scene to be restored to its traditional and sacred purpose. They also pointed out that the parish had not requested or received permission to deviate from those rules.

Mixed reactions

ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons also condemned the Nativity scene. He called it absolutely abhorrent and accused it of contributing to a dangerous narrative. Lyons told Fox News in a statement that such messages fuel hostility toward law enforcement and cited what he described as a dramatic increase in attacks on ICE agents. The official made a similar statement about apps where users report Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity. On the other hand, he applauded the Archdiocese of Boston for publicly opposing the exhibit and said that many ICE agents in Massachusetts are devout Catholics and first-generation Americans.

Similarly, local press reports indicate that the Nativity scene has divided Dedham residents. Some locals and parishioners praised it for addressing what they consider humanitarian issues related to the enforcement of immigration laws. Others, however, criticized the scene as inappropriate or risky, saying that a church is not the right place to convey a message that singles out a federal law enforcement agency.

Overall, the Nativity scene has sparked both political and religious debate. Online reactions have also been divided, ranging from gratitude to the parish to accusations that the display mocks the meaning of Christmas. Even some who applauded the churchs intentions expressed concern that the message could fuel tensions at an already polarized time.

This is not the first time that St. Susanna Parish has attracted national attention for its Christmas decorations. In 2018, the church depicted baby Jesus in a cage to criticize family separation policies during Donald Trumps first administration. Previous decorations have addressed issues such as gun violence and climate change. All have sparked debate and reinforced the parishs reputation for using religious imagery to address contemporary social issues.

The St. Susanna Parish is not the only church to have taken this kind of action. Two churches in the Chicago area used non-traditional Nativity scenes to refer to the enforcement of immigration laws. In Evanston, Lake Street Church depicted baby Jesus with his hands tied and Mary and Joseph wearing gas masks to draw a parallel between the Holy Familys story as refugees and the detention of immigrants today. Another nearby church removed the Holy Family entirely and placed a sign indicating that they were in hiding due to ICE activity.

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Cambodian civilians flee their homes near border with Thailand for a safe shelter in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Dec. 8, 2025. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said on Monday that four Cambodian civilians have been killed in a Cambodia-Thailand border conflict and nine others were wounded, as tens of thousands of people have fled their homes near the border for safe shelters.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on his official social media platform on Monday that the royal government's current top priority is to protect the people and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Cambodia.

Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said on Monday afternoon that following the shelling on the Cambodian forces and innocent civilians in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey Provinces early on Monday, the Thai military continued to expand its attack to Banteay Meanchey Province. 

Cambodian evacuees are pictured at a shelter in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Dec. 8, 2025. Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said on Monday that four Cambodian civilians have been killed in a Cambodia-Thailand border conflict and nine others were wounded, as tens of thousands of people have fled their homes near the border for safe shelters. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)

Cambodian civilians flee their homes near border with Thailand for a safe shelter in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Dec. 8, 2025. Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said on Monday that four Cambodian civilians have been killed in a Cambodia-Thailand border conflict and nine others were wounded, as tens of thousands of people have fled their homes near the border for safe shelters. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)

Cambodian civilians flee their homes near border with Thailand for a safe shelter in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Dec. 8, 2025. Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said on Monday that four Cambodian civilians have been killed in a Cambodia-Thailand border conflict and nine others were wounded, as tens of thousands of people have fled their homes near the border for safe shelters. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)

Cambodian evacuees stay at a shelter in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Dec. 8, 2025. Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said on Monday that four Cambodian civilians have been killed in a Cambodia-Thailand border conflict and nine others were wounded, as tens of thousands of people have fled their homes near the border for safe shelters. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)

Cambodian evacuees are pictured at a shelter in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Dec. 8, 2025. Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said on Monday that four Cambodian civilians have been killed in a Cambodia-Thailand border conflict and nine others were wounded, as tens of thousands of people have fled their homes near the border for safe shelters. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)

Cambodian civilians flee their homes near border with Thailand for a safe shelter in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Dec. 8, 2025. Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said on Monday that four Cambodian civilians have been killed in a Cambodia-Thailand border conflict and nine others were wounded, as tens of thousands of people have fled their homes near the border for safe shelters. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)

Cambodian civilians flee their homes near border with Thailand for a safe shelter in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Dec. 8, 2025. Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said on Monday that four Cambodian civilians have been killed in a Cambodia-Thailand border conflict and nine others were wounded, as tens of thousands of people have fled their homes near the border for safe shelters. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)
TAIPEI, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese character "shi," which can mean both "trend" and "momentum," has been voted the 2025 word of the year across the Taiwan Strait, organizers announced Tuesday in Taipei.

The word received 1.28 million votes in an online poll that drew 15.82 million votes, according to the organizers, Taiwan-based Want Want China Times Media Group and Fujian-based Xiamen Daily.

The poll, which ran from Nov. 24 to Dec. 7, featured 36 candidate characters recommended by celebrities and netizens across the Strait.

Xie Qingguo, a professor at the School of Journalism and Communication at Xiamen University who recommended the character, said "shi" represents a formless yet irresistible force. "Promoting peaceful cross-Strait development is an unstoppable trend and the prevailing momentum," Xie said in a video message at the ceremony.

Huang Kuang-nan, a professor at the Taiwan University of Arts, noted that "shi" also carries significance for cross-Strait cultural exchanges. "It reflects an emotional bond between people on both sides of the Strait, and we hope to further cultivate the shared momentum and vitality of our nation," he said.

The cross-Strait word-of-the-year event has been held annually since 2008. Last year's selected character was "zheng," meaning "conflict" and "competition." 
A pararescueman prepares to land on the drop zone during routine free-fall parachute training at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 25, 2025. (Arnet Tamayo/U.S. Air Force)



Japanese officials protested Tuesday that part of a U.S. military parachute was found at a childrens activity center in western Tokyo, days after a paratrooper in a separate incident made an unplanned landing in a nearby city.

The pilot chute was recovered on Dec. 1 from the centers roof in the Kumagawa section of Fussa city adjacent to Yokota Air Base, said a spokesman for the North Kanto Defense Bureau, an arm of Japans Ministry of Defense.

A pilot chute is a small canopy that extracts the main canopy from its bag.

A center staff member found the pilot chute and notified the city, which informed the defense bureau, the spokesman said by phone Tuesday. The bureau collected the item on Dec. 2.

Some Japanese government officials must speak to the media only on condition of anonymity.

While conducting realistic airdrop training on Nov. 20, a paratrooper employed his secondary parachute, Capt. Emma Quirk, spokeswoman for Yokotas 374th Airlift Wing, said by email Tuesday.

The winds dragged the primary parachute off course and our members recovered it in Fussa City that evening, she wrote.

The paratrooper landed safely inside the base due to additional safety precautions put into place following a Nov. 18 incident in which a paratrooper landed outside Yokota, Quirk said.

Maintaining aircrew and partner readiness through jump training is essential, Quirk added.

We strive to minimize community impact while maintaining operational readiness for the defense of Japan, she said.

No injuries or damage were reported, the defense bureau spokesman said.

The bureau complained to U.S. forces at Yokota on Monday and asked for information about the incident. It asked U.S. officials to maintain safety and take measures to prevent another incident, the spokesman said.

The bureau also expressed regret that it was not immediately notified of the incident, he said.

Fussa city, along with Tokyo Metropolitan Government and other municipalities surrounding the base, filed complaints with the Japanese government, U.S. Forces Japan and the wing, a city official responsible for base affairs said by phone Tuesday.

The city protested the incident Tuesday morning, saying it is extremely regrettable that it was not publicized right after the incident occurred on the 20th, that the item landed on the childrens center where children gather and that personnel entered the property without permission, the official said.

A letter to 374th Airlift Wing commander Col. Richard McElhaney and USFJ commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and cities and towns surrounding Yokota was posted on Fussa citys website Tuesday.

The incident occurred despite requests after the Nov. 18 incident to avoid a repeat of objects falling outside the base, according to the letter. It also states that local officials were not provided with information about the Nov. 20 incident until they asked for it.

Falling objects during parachute training could lead to a serious accident, which, if one step is wrong, could result in loss of life, the letter said.
Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the United States Coast Guard, speaks during a ceremony at Austal USA on Dec. 8, 2025. Seated far right is Meghan Pickering Seymour, the sponsor of the future USCG Pickering, and Michelle Kruger, president of Austal USA. (Lawrence Specker/TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  Shipbuilder Austal USA and the U.S. Coast Guard came together Monday to celebrate work on a ship that represents a critical future for both parties  if they can overcome problems so severe that they caused another shipyard to drop out.

The future USCG Pickering is the first of a series of 360-foot Offshore Patrol Cutters that Austal will build in Mobile, Ala. It and its sister ships will replace smaller cutters that are 30 to 50 years old; like them, the new ships will serve a wide range of missions.

Today not only marks a significant milestone in the life of this ship, its a critical step forward on our journey to build a stronger, more agile, capable and responsive Coast Guard and fighting force, said Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard. The Heritage class of offshore patrol cutters will be the workhorse of our oceangoing fleet, providing critical advanced capabilities that will strengthen the services ability to protect our homeland and deter our adversaries.

The Heritage-class OPCs will fill a critical gap in the Coast Guards ability to secure our maritime borders, interdict drugs, combat illegal fishing, respond to disasters, and to carry out missions that most Americans will never see or ever hear about, said Mississippi congressman Mike Ezell, chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. But Americans depend on them. These cutters will serve on the front lines for decades to come. And the men and women who will sail them deserve the very best that we can give them.

When the Coast Guard selected Austal USA in 2022 to build up to 11 of the cutters, it was a huge deal for a shipyard just beginning to diversify into steel construction. At the time, officials said the contract was worth up to $3.3 billion.

But Austal USA is the second shipyard to take a swing at the cutter program, and the results from the first have not been encouraging. In 2016, the Coast Guard chose Eastern Shipbuilding in Panama City, Fla., to build the first four cutters, and in 2018 the yard was authorized to begin construction of the first one, to be named the Argus. But the same year, Eastern Shipbuilding suffered heavy damage from Hurricane Michael.

Eastern continued work despite the setbacks. It sued over the decision to award ships to Austal, but lost the case in 2023.

In mid-November, the U.S. Naval Institute News reported that Eastern had stopped work on all four ships in progress, citing significant financial strain caused by the programs structure and conditions. The yard had previously stopped work on hulls three and four, USNI News said, and the Department of Homeland Security had taken the extraordinary step of issuing a request for information on towing two of the hulls to a new yard to be completed.

Then at the end of November, the Government Accountability Office issued a report on the cutters. The document included a stark warning that the programs problems may still be with it.

Contrary to shipbuilding leading practices and our prior recommendations, it said, the Coast Guard authorized construction of stage 1 ships [at Eastern Shipbuilding] before the design was stable ... This has resulted in years of rework with limited construction progress on all ships, which we highlighted as a risk in 2020. The Coast Guard once again authorized construction to start on the stage 2 lead ship [at Austal USA] before the design was stable ... This increases the risk that stage 2 will encounter the same challenges, rework, and schedule delays as stage 1.

Austal announced in September that in addition to contracts for the first two ships, the Coast Guard had authorized $314 million to pay for long-lead-time materials for three more.

The GAO report also charged that the program is unable to set realistic schedule goals, that the Coast Guard does not know how much the OPC program will cost because its estimate is outdated, and that the Coast Guard is flying blind by ordering more ships before theres been any operational testing to identify shortcomings in the first ones.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Coast Guard, partially disputed four recommendations in the report. It said the Coast Guard had changed its procedure related to design maturity in 2023 so that it better aligns with shipbuilding leading practices. It also said it did not see a need for a more formal oversight arrangement of the program, because the existing coordination  is sufficient and presents a united front to the contractor.

DHS agreed that cost goals should be set for each stage of the program and estimated it would be done by September 2026.

It said the entire program was being assessed in light of developments such as accelerated funding made available in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act; the termination for default of cutters 3 and 4 at Eastern; and ongoing negotiations on the fate of cutters 1 and 2.

DHS said it would work to ensure that operational testing and engineering results from Offshore Patrol Cutter Stages 1 and 2, as well as leading practices for ship design, are appropriately incorporated into the overall program plan for Stage 3 Offshore Patrol Cutters. It has yet to be determined who will build the stage 3 ships, but there could be more than a dozen of them: The Coast Guards plans call for 25 of them.

Austal USA is in the process of building a giant new assembly hall where future cutters, and other ships, will be built. The company has said it expects that facility, due to come online next year, will add about 1,000 new jobs.

Company officials stressed on Monday that theyve already taken a running start on the cutter program.

Sixteen of the 20 modules that will make up Pickering are under construction, said Larry Ryder, Austal USAs vice president of business development and external affairs. Shes 25% complete and the pace is picking up. Shell be in the water late next year and be delivered in 2027. Weve made a lot of progress since the contract awarded to us in October 2022. In addition to OPC 5 which were celebrating today, we also have started construction on OPC 6.

We are deeply committed to the United States Coast Guard and the Offshore Patrol Cutter Program as a core priority of our shipbuilding efforts, said Austal USA President Michelle Kruger. This program represents more than just a contract. It is a partnership built on trust. shared values and a mutual dedication to delivering ships that will serve our nation with excellence and reliability.  From the engineers and designers to the shipbuilders on the floor, every member of our team is focused on delivering the Offshore Patrol Cutter program, starting with the Pickering.

After Mondays ceremony, Lunday and Ezell told reporters they were confident that Austal has what it takes for the program to shake off its problems and steam ahead.

This is going to be a tremendous program, said Adm. Lunday. We have significant design maturity as the production is really accelerating here at Austal. Austal has proven itself and its ability with its modular shipbuilding approach. So we know the shipyard very well and theyre off to a very strong start. And so we have high confidence in the production.

And we have this great support in the budget reconciliation of $24.6 billion that is funding this recapitalization that gives stable, predictable funding to shipbuilders like Austal so that they can do the production at speed and scale, he said.

I have full confidence, said Rep. Ezell. Ive been out here a number of times. You know, this is just the beginning of whats going to be happening in the years to come ahead. Weve toured and weve talked to so many of these men and women that are building these ships. And I feel very confident  were going to get this job done.

The ceremony held Monday was called a keel authentication. The ships sponsor, Meghan Pickering Seymour, is a descendant of its namesake, Timothy Pickering. He was an officer in the colonial army during the revolutionary war who later served as secretary of state under presidents George Washington and John Adams, among other accomplishments.

Seymour, a Florida veterinarian, is the wife of an active-duty Coast Guard officer. She said other members of her family had been or were in the service.

Being part of the Coast Guard family, I have witnessed firsthand the professionalism, the resilience and the deep sense of purpose that define this service, she said. I have seen the long nights, the unexpected calls and the trust placed in those who safeguard our waters, protect our shores and render aid when hope seems slim.

Those values are the foundation upon which the cutter Pickering is being built and they will guide her future crew as they carry out the mission with honor, she said. Having met and communicated with the team here at Austal, I have complete confidence that the cutter Pickering, the fifth offshore patrol cutter to be commissioned by the United States Coast Guard, will be crafted with the highest level of expertise, precision and pride.

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Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, III Marine Expeditionary Force commander, speaks during a media roundtable discussion at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Dec. 9, 2025. (Kindsey Calvert/U.S. Marine Corps)



CAMP COURTNEY, Okinawa  The Marine Corps is integrating new weapons and refining its island defense strategy alongside Japan to counter any military crisis in the Indo-Pacific region, the Marines top general on Okinawa said Tuesday.

The last thing we want is a confrontation or conflict with China, Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commander of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, said at the start of a media roundtable at his headquarters on Courtney. But we will not be deterred from continuing work alongside our allies and partners in support of our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Japan reported Sunday that a Chinese J-15 fighter jet launched the previous day from the aircraft carrier Liaoning locked military radar on two Japanese F-15s that scrambled in response to potential airspace violations near Okinawa. A radar lock on a potential target can be the precursor to a missile attack.

The incident is a good example of the kinds of activity that we see day-to-day across the region, Turner told the reporters.

This particular act was more provocative than we have seen recently, he said. Over the last few years, weve seen these sorts of activities increase exponentially across the region.

Turner took command of the expeditionary force in January 2024 and oversaw the integration of the 12th Marine Littoral Regiments three subordinate units, including logistics, anti-air and combat team elements.

The regiments stand-in force operations are a key tenet of the island-fighting doctrine found in the Marines Force Design plan. Littoral regiments are designed as smaller, mobile units inserted within enemy missile range to seize and hold key islands and deny enemy vessels access to surrounding areas.

The regiment helps the force to not only be able to project power from the sea to the land, but our ability to project power from the land to the sea, in the air, and into space  in cyberspace, Turner said.

I think what we have learned is that we do have the ability to do that now, he said. That capability is not only resident in the [Marine littoral regiment]. Thats kind of the core capabilities for the broader Marine expeditionary force.

During the Resolute Dragon exercise in September, the regiment deployed the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, or NMESIS, and the Marine Air Defense Integrated System, or MADIS, to Ishigaki island for the first time.

MADIS  armed with Stinger missiles, a 30 mm cannon and 7.62 mm machine gun  is designed to counter low-flying aircraft and armed drones. NMESIS mounts Naval Strike Missiles on joint light tactical vehicles to target ships at sea.

Turner stressed both systems ability to work in conjunction with Japanese weaponry, such as the Type 88 and Type 12 surface-to-ship missile systems.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi reaffirmed his countrys commitment to increasing cooperation with the U.S. in the Nansei islands during a meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, he said in Tokyo during an Oct. 31 news conference. The islands, including Okinawa, stretch from southwest Kyushu to Taiwan.

Turner said the Marines have worked with Japanese forces to improve their communications, command and control and ability to bring firepower to bear.

That really has been the intense learning that we have done over the last two, three, four years, he said. But Im happy to report that I think were making really good progress on all of those fronts.

Stars and Stripes reporter Keishi Koja contributed to this report.
An F/A-18E Super Hornet makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in the South China Sea, June 5, 2025. The Navy said it has recovered the two aircraft that fell off the USS Nimitz into the South China Sea in October. (Matthew Wolf/U.S. Navy)



The U.S. Navy has successfully recovered the two aircraft that crashed into the South China Sea earlier this year while operating off the USS Nimitz, the service said Monday.

A Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Battle Cats of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 went down in Oct. 26 while conducting routine operations. A half hour later, an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Fighting Redcocks of Strike Fighter Squadron 22 also went down.

All five crew members from the two separate crashes survived.

Recovery crews were able to locate and retrieve both aircraft from a depth of approximately 400 feet in the South China Sea last week, the Navy said in a statement.

The recovery effort was led by Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Andersen of the Navys Task Force 73, with the help of Task Force 75, the Naval Sea Systems Commands Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, and CTG 73.6s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

Everyone involved brought critical expertise ensuring we could safely and successfully bring these aircraft back under U.S. custody, Andersen said in the statement. This operation highlights the importance of naval integration, readiness, and the unmatched capability of our salvage and diving teams.

The Nimitz, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, is scheduled to pull into its homeport at Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Wash., this month after a nine-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific region and the Arabian Sea.

First deployed in 1976, the Nimitz is the Navys oldest aircraft carrier and is scheduled to be decommissioned starting next year. The carrier is expected to arrive at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia by May to begin the process of decommissioning and deactivating the ship, with completion planned for 2027.

All of the recovered aircraft components are being transported to a designated U.S. military installation in the Indo-Pacific region for detailed analysis, the Navy said. The incidents remain under investigation.
Marines and sailors man the rails of the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli as it arrives in Da Nang, Vietnam, Dec. 8, 2025. (Raul Sotovilla/U.S. Marine Corps)



Two U.S. Navy warships pulled into Da Nang, Vietnam, on Monday for the first Navy visit to the city in two years, according to the service.

The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli  lead vessel of the Navys only amphibious ready group outside the United States  arrived for the port call alongside the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls, the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam said in a Tuesday news release. The vessels carry a combined complement of approximately 2,300 sailors and Marines.

Our visit highlights the strengthening relationship between our two nations and militaries, enables us to build operational understanding and trust, and reinforces our relationship on a personal level while advancing our shared goals of peace, prosperity, and economic security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, Rear Adm. Tom Shultz, commander of Task Force 76, said in the release.

The last Navy vessels to visit Da Nang  the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, the Robert Smalls and the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam  arrived there in 2023. It was the third U.S. carrier visit to the country since the Vietnam War ended in 1975.

The amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche stopped at Cam Ranh, Vietnam, together in July 2024.

The Tripoli is expected to stay four days in Da Nang, during which its crew is scheduled to take part in a language exchange with Vietnamese students and help restore the Village of Hope Orphanage, among other activities, the Vietnam News website reported Monday.

The visit by USS Tripoli and USS Robert Smalls coming as we close out celebrations to mark 30 years of bilateral relations is proof that the U.S.-Vietnam partnership has never been better, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper said in the news release.

The U.S. has provided $1.75 million in disaster relief following recent typhoons, Knapper said in the release. The growth of the U.S.-Vietnam relationship has helped enhance Vietnams response capacity in disaster prone areas and strengthened people-to-people ties, he added.

The Tripoli arrived in June at Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, where it relieved the amphibious assault ship USS America as the flagship of Amphibious Squadron 11s amphibious ready group.

The group regularly deploys with the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Elements of the 31st MEU, including F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, MV-22B Osprey tiltrotors and rotary-wing support aircraft, embarked on the Tripoli in October, ahead of the ships deployment, according to an Oct. 27 unit news release.

U.S. 7th Fleet referred all questions to Task Force 76, which did not immediately respond to phone and email requests for comment Tuesday.
Papers are scattered on the floor at an office in Hakodate, Hokkaido, northern Japan on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, following a powerful earthquake on late Monday. (Kyodo News/AP)



TOKYO  A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off northern Japan late Monday, injuring 23 people and triggering a tsunami in Pacific coast communities, officials said. Authorities warned of possible aftershocks and an increased risk of a megaquake.

The Japanese government was still assessing damages from the tsunami and late-evening quake, which struck at about 11:15 p.m. in the Pacific Ocean, around 50 miles off the coast of Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japans main Honshu island.

Ive never experienced such a big shaking, convenience store owner Nobuo Yamada told the public broadcaster NHK in the Aomori prefecture town of Hachinohe, adding that luckily power lines were still operating in his area.

A tsunami of up to 2 feet, 4 inches, was measured in Kuji port in Iwate prefecture, just south of Aomori, and tsunami levels of up to 50 centimeters struck other coastal communities in the region, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said 23 people were injured, including one seriously. Most of them were hit by falling objects, NHK reported, adding that several people were injured in a hotel in Hachinohe and a man in Tohoku was slightly hurt when his car fell into a hole.

The meteorological agency reported the quakes magnitude as 7.5, down from its earlier estimate of 7.6. It issued an alert for potential tsunami surges of up to 10 feet in some areas and later downgraded to an advisory.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara urged residents to go to higher ground or seek shelter until advisories were lifted. He said about 800 homes were without electricity, and that the Shinkansen bullet trains and some local lines were suspended in parts of the region.

Nuclear power plants in the region were conducting safety checks, Kihara said. The Nuclear Regulation Authority said about 118 gallons of water spilled from a spent fuel cooling area at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori, but that its water level remained within the normal range and there was no safety concern.

About 480 residents were taking shelter at the Hachinohe Air Base, and 18 defense helicopters were mobilized for a damage assessment, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said.

About 200 passengers were stranded for the night at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, NHK reported.

The meteorological agency issued a caution about possible aftershocks in the coming days. It said there is a slight increase in risk of a magnitude 8-level quake and possible tsunami occurring along Japans northeastern coast from Chiba, just east of Tokyo, to Hokkaido. The agency urged residents in 182 municipalities in the area to monitor their emergency preparedness in the coming week.

Satoshi Kato, a vice principal of a public high school in Hachinohe, told NHK that he was at home when the quake struck, and that glasses and bowls fell and smashed into shards on the floor.

Kato said he drove to the school because it was designated an evacuation center, and on the way he encountered traffic jams and car accidents as panicked people tried to flee. Nobody had yet come to the school to take shelter, he said.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in brief comments to reporters that the government set up an emergency task force to urgently assess the extent of damage. We are putting peoples lives first and doing everything we can, she said.

Later, she urged residents in the region to pay attention to the latest information from local municipalities. Please be prepared so you can immediately evacuate as soon as you feel a tremor.

The quake struck about 50 miles northeast of Hachinohe, and about 30 miles below the sea surface, the meteorological agency said.

It was just north of the Japanese coast that suffered the magnitude 9.0 quake and tsunami in 2011 that killed nearly 20,000 people and destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

You need to prepare, assuming that a disaster like that could happen again, the meteorological agencys earthquake and volcano division official Satoshi Harada said.

At 6:20 a.m. on Tuesday morning, authorities lifted all tsunami advisories for the Pacific coastline in northern Japan, NHK said.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported another earthquake, with a magnitude 5.1, early on Tuesday, about 76 miles south of Honcho, at a depth of about 21 miles. No other details were immediately available.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Pope Leo XIV wave to journalists during their meeting in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Andrew Medichini/AP)



ROME  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed his strong refusal to cede any territory, resisting U.S. pressure for painful concessions to Russia as he moved ahead Tuesday to rally more European support for his country.

Undoubtedly, Russia insists for us to give up territories. We, clearly, dont want to give up anything. Thats what we are fighting for, Zelenskyy told reporters in a WhatsApp chat late Monday.

Do we consider ceding any territories? According to the law we dont have such right, he said. According to Ukraines law, our constitution, international law, and to be frank, we dont have a moral right either.

In an interview with Politico released Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump pressed Zelenskyy to accept the U.S. proposal that Ukraine cede territory to Russia, arguing Moscow has the upper hand in its nearly four-year-old invasion, and that Zelenskyys government must play ball.

Zelenskyy met in Rome with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, discussing the progress of the peace process, her office said. They emphasized the importance of U.S. and European unity and of solutions that will have repercussions on the continents security, the statement said.

They also discussed developing robust security guarantees to prevent future aggression and maintaining pressure on Russia to join the negotiating table in good faith, it said.

Earlier, Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo, a papal residence outside Rome. The Vatican said Leo reiterated the need for continuing dialogue and expressed his urgent desire that the current diplomatic initiatives bring about a just and lasting peace.

The Holy See has tried to stay neutral in the war while offering solidarity and assistance to what it calls the martyred people of Ukraine. Leo has met three times with Zelenskyy and has spoken by telephone at least once with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for a ceasefire and urging Moscow to make gestures promoting peace.

On Monday, Zelenskyy held talks in London with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to strengthen Ukraines hand amid mounting impatience from Trump.

Ukraine faces US pressure

U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators completed three days of talks Saturday aimed at trying to narrow differences on the Trump administrations peace proposal.

A major sticking point is the suggestion that Kyiv must give up control of the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine to Russia, which occupies most but not all of the territory. Ukraine and its European allies firmly resist the idea of handing over land.

You know, a lot of people are dying, Trump told Politico on Monday, claiming that other Ukrainian officials that he identified only as Zelenskyys lieutenants, his top people agree with the U.S. administration.

Other than Zelenskyys comments Monday, Ukrainian negotiators have said little in public about the content of the U.S. proposal or their attitude toward it.

Speaking to reporters again Tuesday on WhatsApp, Zelenskyy said three documents were being discussed with American and European partners  a 20-point framework document that is constantly changing, a document on security guarantees and a document about Ukraines recovery.

Zelenskyy told reporters that Ukraines updated version of the proposal would be given to the U.S. on Wednesday.

Russia, Trump said, is too powerful for Ukraine to continue fighting.

I give the people of Ukraine and the military of Ukraine tremendous credit for the, you know, bravery and for the fighting and all of that, he said. But you know, at some point, size will win, generally.

Trump also repeated his call for Ukraine to hold a presidential election even though martial law doesnt allow it and Zelenskyy, elected in 2019, had his five-year term extended because of the war. Trumps position on Ukraines failure to hold an election mirrors frequent statements on the subject by Putin.

Responding to Trumps remarks, Zelenskyy asked for help from the U.S. and possibly Europe to ensure security for the elections and suggested that Ukraine could be ready to hold balloting in 60 to 90 days.

In past comments, Zelenskyy has declined to hold elections until a ceasefire is declared and martial law lifted, and Ukrainians have largely supported that decision.

European leaders repeat support for Kyiv

Starmer, Macron and Merz strongly backed Kyiv, with the U.K. leader saying Monday that the push for peace was at a critical stage and stressing the need for a just and lasting ceasefire.

Merz, meanwhile, said he was skeptical about some details in documents released by the U.S. We have to talk about it. Thats why we are here, he said. The coming days  could be a decisive time for all of us.

European leaders are working to ensure that any ceasefire is backed by solid security guarantees both from Europe and the U.S. to deter Russia from attacking again. Trump has not given explicit guarantees in public.

Zelenskyy and his European allies have repeatedly accused Putin of slow-walking the talks to press ahead with the invasion.

Both sides exchange aerial strikes

Ukraines air force said Russia fired 110 drones across the country overnight. While air defenses neutralized 84 drones, 24 more struck their targets.

Several regions of Ukraine faced emergency blackouts Tuesday due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, according to Ukraines national energy operator, Ukrenergo.

U.N. deputy humanitarian chief Joyce Msuya said Tuesday only 65% of the $278 million required to fund a winter response plan in Ukraine has been received, forcing cuts to services like cash assistance, heating support, mental health care and protection for women and girls.

This means families are facing freezing temperatures without heating, women and girls are losing access to safe spaces and older people in front-line areas are left without the means to evacuate, she told the U.N. Security Council.

The U.K. Defense Ministry said a member of the British military died Tuesday of his injuries from an accident while observing Ukrainian troops test a defensive system away from the front lines  the first U.K. servicemember to die in Ukraine in the war. It was not immediately clear what role he was serving or where the accident occurred.

The U.K. military has said a small of number of personnel are in Ukraine to protect British diplomats and support Ukrainian troops.

Ukraine also continued its drone attacks on Russia.

Russia said it destroyed 121 drones in various regions and in the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014. In Chuvashia, a region about 560 miles northeast of the Ukrainian border, an attack damaged residential buildings and injured nine people, Gov. Oleg Nikolayev said.

Ukraines Security Service carried out a drone attack on a liquefied gas terminal at the port of Temryuk in Russias Krasnodar region on Dec. 5, according to an official with knowledge of the operation who spoke to the Associated Press.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly, said the strike sparked a fire at the facility, with more than 20 storage tanks set ablaze for over three days.

Novikov reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Atlanta, Brian Melley in London and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.
A Shields of Strength dog tag featuring the U.S. Marine Corps logo on one side and a Bible verse on the other side. A years-long dispute over the use of licensed military logos on religious-themed replica dog tags has resulted in a federal lawsuit against the Defense Department. (Image from lawsuit)



AUSTIN, Texas  A Christian jewelry company has reached a multimillion-dollar settlement with the Defense Department and regained legal use of military logos after a more than five-year battle over its religious-themed dog tag replicas.

Shields of Strength, a Christian jewelry company based in Beaumont, Texas, filed a lawsuit in 2021 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Tyler, about two years after the Pentagon revoked agreements that allowed the company to put trademarked logos of the military services alongside Christian symbols and Bible verses.

First Liberty Institute, the law firm representing Shields of Strength, announced the settlement Monday but said it could not share the exact amount the Pentagon agreed to pay the company under the agreement. However, the firm stated the settlement returned a license to the company, and production of jewelry can resume.

The Defense Department will correct its licensing policy to allow products like Shields of Strength, work to provide notice to military leaders and exchanges that Shields now has a license for its products, and ensure a process is in place to renew the licenses in the future, First Liberty said in a statement.

Defense officials referred all questions about the settlement to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment.

Shields of Strength has been a source of strength and encouragement for our military heroes for over 25 years, said Kenny Vaughan, owner of Shields of Strength. Every dog tag we ever made was at the request of the troops and their families, and it was our honor to do so. We are blessed that we can once again meet the needs of our fighting men and women.

Vaughan began making the tags in 1998 and received a trademark license in 2011 from the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, which is when the military began requiring the licenses, according to the lawsuit. At that time the Navy did not grant the license because of the religious nature of the products.

The company lost its agreements in 2019 after a group that advocates for the separation of religion from the military, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, submitted complaints to Defense Department trademark offices, according to the lawsuit.
President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable on farm subsidies in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP)



WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump on Monday justified the U.S. militarys decision to fire a second missile in a heavily scrutinized attack on a boat in the Caribbean Sea by claiming that two suspected drug smugglers were trying to right the vessel after it had capsized in the initial strike.

Trump also backtracked on whether he was open to releasing the video footage of the second strike. Last week, Trump told reporters he saw no problem in releasing the footage, but on Monday he said he would leave the decision to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The Republican administration is facing calls from Democratic lawmakers to release footage of the Sept. 2 operation in the Caribbean Sea, which killed nine people aboard the boat in an initial strike and then two more who managed to survive.

They were trying to return the boat back to where it could float, and we didnt want to see that because that boat was loaded up with drugs, Trump said on Monday.

When asked by a reporter about his comments last week suggesting he was open to releasing footage of the second strike, Trump denied that was his position and bitterly attacked the reporter as obnoxious and terrible.

Whatever Pete Hegseth wants to do is OK with me, Trump said.

Trump, however, last Wednesday in an exchange with reporters about the strike footage said: Whatever they have wed certainly release.

The Sept. 2 operation was the first in what has become a monthslong series of American strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean that the administration says are targeting drug smugglers working on behalf of cartels, including some controlled by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. At least 87 people have been killed in 22 known strikes.

Trump has broadly justified the campaign as necessary for his administration to stem the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the United States. He claims the U.S. is in armed conflict with narco-terrorists.

Hegseth said in a Fox News interview Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California that officials were reviewing the video, but he did not commit to releasing it. Whatever we were to decide to release, wed have to be very responsible about it, Hegseth said.

The Pentagon on Monday did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the status of Hegseths review or confirm Trumps assertion that the suspects appeared to be trying to turn over the vessel before the second strike was fired.

On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are demanding that the Pentagon hand over unedited video of strikes against drug cartels to Congress, threatening to withhold a quarter of Hegseths travel budget if it doesnt. The provision is included in the $900 billion defense bill the House is expected to vote on later this week.

Over the weekend, Sen. Tom Cotton, the Republican who leads the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he would not oppose public release of the footage.

But Cotton, among the top lawmakers on national security committees who were briefed by the Navy admiral commanding those strikes, is splitting with Democrats over whether military personnel acted lawfully in carrying out the second strike to kill the two survivors.

Its not gruesome. I didnt find it distressing or disturbing, he said, explaining why he does not have a problem with releasing all the footage. It looks like any number of dozens of strikes weve seen on jeeps and pickup trucks in the Middle East over the years.

Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said the video was profoundly shaking. And Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said it did not appear that these two survivors were in any position to continue the fight. Both Himes and Smith, who spoke separately on Sunday talk shows, have viewed the video.

The classified sessions on Capitol Hill came after a report that Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley had ordered the follow-on attack to comply with Hegseths demands.

Bradley told lawmakers there was no kill them all order from Hegseth, but a video of the entire series of attacks left some lawmakers with serious questions. Legal experts have said killing survivors of a strike at sea could be a violation of the laws of military warfare.

AP writers Konstantin Toropin, Ben Finley and Bill Barrow contributed to this report.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrives at the U.S. Capitol for a briefing with lawmakers on Dec. 9, 2025. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)



WASHINGTON  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told congressional leaders Tuesday that he was still weighing whether to release the full video of an attack on an alleged drug boat that killed two survivors, even as he faced intensifying demands from Congress for disclosure.

Hegseth provided a classified briefing for congressional leaders alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe at the Capitol. Inside the secure room, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer asked the defense secretary whether he would allow every member of Congress to view the video of the attack from September.

Schumer said Hegseths response was: We have to study it.

Lawmakers are demanding a full accounting from the Department of Defense on the military campaign and the particular attack that killed two people who were clinging to the wreckage of an initial strike. Legal experts say that action may have violated the laws governing the use of deadly military force. The situation has awakened the Republican-controlled Congress to its oversight role after months of frustration about the trickle of information from the Pentagon.

Schumer described the briefing as very unsatisfying and added that Democrats and Republicans had a right to see it, wanted to see it, and should see it.

Separately Tuesday, the U.S. Navy admiral who is retiring early from command of the campaign to destroy vessels allegedly carrying drugs near Venezuela spoke to key lawmakers overseeing the U.S. military. The classified video call between Adm. Alvin Holsey, who will be retiring from U.S. Southern Command in the coming days, and the GOP chair and ranking Democrat of the Senate Armed Services Committee represented another determined step by lawmakers to get answers about the operation.

Sen. Roger Wicker, the Republican chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, declined to discuss the specifics of the call, but described Holsey as a great public servant. He also said that the Pentagon is weighing whether releasing the video would disclose classified information.

In its annual defense authorization bill, which was crafted by both Republicans and Democrats, Congress is demanding that the Pentagon turn over unedited video of the strikes, as well as the orders authorizing the attacks. The legislation threatens to withhold a quarter of Hegseths travel budget if he refuses.

There is a growing demand that everyone get a right in the Senate to see it, said Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

He added that Holsey answered the senators questions but also said that there are still many questions to be answered. Reed later added that Holsey did not give a reason for his retirement other than saying it was a personal decision.

Congress presses for more information

Lawmakers are trying to understand the purpose and parameters of President Donald Trumps campaign, which has struck 22 boats and killed at least 87 people since it started in September. Trump has also been making threats against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, sending a fleet of warships near the South American country, including the largest U.S. aircraft carrier.

On Tuesday, the U.S. military flew a pair of fighter jets over the Gulf of Venezuela in what appears to be the closest American warplanes have come to the countrys airspace since the start of the Trump administrations pressure campaign.

Holsey became the leader of U.S. Southern Command just over one year ago, but in October, Hegseth announced that Holsey would be retiring early from his post. As commander of U.S. forces in the region, Holsey oversaw a command structure that has in recent years been mostly focused on building stability and cooperation across much of the region.

Trumps drug boat campaign, however, has added a new, deadly dynamic to its mission. Rather than trying to interdict drug-carrying vessels, as forces like the U.S. Coast Guard have traditionally done, the Trump administration asserts that the drugs and drug-smugglers are posing a direct threat to American lives. Officials say they are applying the same rules as the global war on terror to kill drug smugglers.

Trump this week justified the Sept. 2 strike that killed two survivors by claiming that the two suspected drug smugglers were trying to right the part of the boat after it had capsized in the initial attack. However, Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley, the special operations commander who ordered the second strike, told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing last week that he ordered the follow-up strike to ensure that the cocaine in the boat could not be picked up later by cartel members.

The entire House Armed Services Committee will also hear from Bradley next week, said Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the panel.

We need an all-member briefing for the House of Representatives, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told The Associated Press.

Lawmakers want access to boat strike video

For the last several months, the Trump administration has brandished videos of the strikes  black and white footage of boats exploding into flames  on social media. But access to the full, unedited videos has now become a point of contention between the Pentagon and Congress.

Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, called it a little strange for officials to now claim that full, unedited video of the strike is classified and cannot be released even to members of Congress.

We got a little pushback, said Rep. Jim Himes the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, who acknowledged potential concerns over disclosing sources and methods used in the strikes. But we said, Look, youre posting  every time we take a strike you post it.

The Democrats also say that the logic underpinning the entire operation is deeply problematic.

They are using expensive, exquisite American military capabilities to kill people who are the equivalent of corner dealers, said Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat.

Lawmakers are also questioning what intelligence the military is using to determine whether the boats cargo is headed for the U.S. As they have looked closer at the Sept. 2 strike, lawmakers learned that the destroyed boat was heading south at the time of the attack and that military intelligence showed it was headed toward another vessel that was bound for Suriname.

Still, it remains to be seen whether the Republican-controlled Congress will push back on the Trump administrations campaign. Many have so far stood behind it, but worry is also growing about the prospect of war.

House Speaker Mike Johnson missed the classified briefing  the only leader to do so, according to two people familiar with the private session who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Johnsons absence was notable from the speaker, who is second in line of succession to the president, especially as Congress is expected to have the final say on the militarys use of the nations war powers.

War powers resolution vote

A group of senators  three Democrats and one Republican  is also preparing to force a vote on legislation as soon as next week that would halt Trumps ability to use military force against Venezuela directly without congressional approval.

The senators have already tried unsuccessfully to pass a similar resolution, but almost all Republicans voted against it. However, the senators say there is now renewed interest from GOP lawmakers.

These follow-on strikes of people who are wounded in the ocean is really against our code of military justice, said Sen. Rand Paul, the Kentucky Republican who is sponsoring the legislation. They are illegal.

Associated Press reporter Ben Finley contributed to this report.
DAMASCUS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Syria has signed nearly 50 agreements and memorandums of understanding with international and regional partners over the past year, the state news agency SANA reported Tuesday.

The agreements, covering infrastructure, energy, health, investment and humanitarian cooperation, were concluded after the establishment of the transitional government in late 2024, SANA reported.

Notable deals include an 800-million-U.S.-dollar partnership with Dubai Ports World to expand the port of Tartous, energy cooperation with Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, and aviation agreements with Qatar, Oman and Turkiye, it reported.

Syria also signed accords with humanitarian organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Food Program, to support health services and food supplies, it reported.

According to SANA, the agreements are expected to improve public services, create jobs, and attract foreign investment, marking Syria's efforts to accelerate economic recovery and reintegrate into regional and international cooperation frameworks after years of conflict. 
Luz Gomez, educational technician for the 42nd Force Support Squadron, reads to kids at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., on June 6, 2025. (Darius Hutton/U.S. Air Force)



Child care centers on U.S. military bases continue to grapple with an employee turnover rate as high as 50% after one year, a factor that likely contributes to the long waiting lists for care, according to Rand Corp. research.

The nonprofit think tank released its initial findings last week from a project aimed at helping the Pentagon boost staffing levels for preschool-age care at more than 220 military installations worldwide.

The Pentagons Military Community and Family Policy office asked Rand to analyze and identify staffing issues that appear to influence the long wait list for child care, said the report. The goal is to help the Pentagon improve the ways it recruits, trains, develops, compensates and retains qualified child care staff, Rand said.

Researchers examined attrition patterns and found that 20% of newly hired providers leave their jobs within three months, while 50% leave after the first year.

Personnel with higher levels of education are more likely to leave, consistent with them having better opportunities in either the civilian early childhood education workforce or in other employment sectors, Rand researchers said.

In contrast, attrition is lower for better-compensated staff, suggesting that higher pay and better benefits can be used as a retention tool, the report said. Having a military spouse raises the likelihood of attrition at the 12-month mark, consistent with an annual cycle of permanent change of station moves, according to the report.

Many child care facilities have been unable to fill the staff positions necessary to operate at full capacity, according to Rand, an issue exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In December 2019, there were 12,400 children on the global military child care wait list. By December 2022, nearly 16,000 children across all priority groups were waiting for care at base facilities worldwide, the report said.

In interviews with staff and military officials, Rand researchers found the biggest takeaway about pay and benefits  was that pay was insufficient, given the demands and stresses of the work.

Some cited the availability of making just as much money, if not more, at other entry-level jobs.

We compete with places because you can come in with a high school diploma, you could also work for Amazon or Target with a lot less rigor and training requirements and oversight and make as much or more money, an Air Force leader told researchers, according to the report.

Average child development center pay at military installations in the U.S. was a little more than $19 per hour for direct care staff, the Rand report said. There was little variation in this average pay rate across the services, ranging from a low of $18.48 for the Air Force to a high of $19.71 for the Navy.

Overseas, some of those interviewed cited flex work as a source of inequity. Flexible employees have work schedules that depend on the needs of the activity to which they are assigned but typically dont come with benefits such as healthcare, retirement and annual leave.

Because were so understaffed, they work 40 hours and dont get benefits, a Marine Corps leader said in the report.

An Army leader told researchers that workers are more often younger and without kids than they were in the past.

At one time, when I entered the workforce, we went on annual family vacations, the person was quoted in the report. But now our staff want to go on vacation all of the time. They arent here ... they want to go on girl trips, vacation with friends, and have every holiday off. It is definitely different; the culture has changed.

Rand researchers suggested that the Pentagon augment its survey of active-duty spouses and also survey reserve components and the civilian workforce about their child care needs, among other suggestions.

More substantive recommendations will follow in a second report, which will feature results from a new survey of the child development program workforce and case studies from visits to several military installations, researchers said.
The proposed fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act released Sunday includes language that blocks the most recent attempt to gauge whether the grocery industry is interested and able to operate the Defense Departments stateside stores. (Defense Commissary Agency)



The Pentagons exploration of privatizing its commissaries may be thwarted by the annual defense policy bill now moving through Congress.

The proposed fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act released Sunday includes language that blocks the most recent attempt to gauge whether the grocery industry is interested and able to operate the Defense Departments stateside stores.

The move from Congress follows the Defense Commissary Agencys September request for information from commercial grocers to see possible plans to privatize 178 stores in the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Any private partner would need to preserve the 23.7% average savings that is mandated for commissary shoppers.

The request did not include any overseas stores.

Though interest in privatizing base grocery stores has come and gone over the years, it most recently came up in an April memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that called on the militarys retail and recreation functions to be prioritized for privatization.

Congress appropriates about $1.4 billion annually to cover commissary operating costs, according to the Military Officers Association of America, a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of the military and its officers.

A private company taking over commissary operations would need to recoup those costs, most likely through higher prices and diluting the very benefit the system is meant to provide, MOAA officials wrote in a September article.

The legislation must now move for a vote in both chambers before it can head to President Donald Trump to be signed into law.
Air Force Senior Airman Izaiah Ortiz of the 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron opens a panel of a C-17 Globemaster III as part of an inspection in October 2025. (Alexis Orozco/U.S. Air Force)



WASHINGTON  A defense policy bill expected to be voted on this week does not include provisions that would have ensured the militarys ability to purchase the technical data, parts and information needed to repair its own equipment.

The National Defense Authorization Act for 2026, finalized on Sunday, does not include the House and Senate versions of the Right to Repair Act that would require defense contractors to provide technical data necessary for military personnel to repair equipment in the field.

Both versions of the bill include language that would save taxpayers billions of dollars while enhancing military readiness, according to Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Warren and Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., introduced the bipartisan legislation in July.

For decades, the Pentagon has relied on a broken acquisition system that is routinely defended by career bureaucrats and corporate interests, Warren and Sheehy said in a joint statement. Military right-to-repair reforms are supported by the Trump White House, the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, entrepreneurs, small businesses and our brave service members. The only ones against this common-sense reform are those taking advantage of a broken status quo at the expense of our warfighters and taxpayers.

The NDAA is an annual bill that outlines defense priorities and spending, which includes a 3.8% pay raise for troops and $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last month unveiled changes to how the Pentagon purchases weapons, allowing the military to more rapidly acquire technology. Hegseth spoke to military leaders and defense contractors in Washington at the National War College, where he detailed the transformation of the Defense Acquisition System in accordance with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in April.

The Pentagon in April directed the Army to review existing contracts and ensure future agreements guarantee repair rights.

The military should be able to repair its own equipment, Charlie Schuyler, U.S. Public Interest Research Group legislative associate, said in a statement. Despite support from Republicans, Democrats, the White House and key military leaders, troops will keep waiting for repairs they could perform themselves. Taxpayers will keep paying inflated costs. And in some cases, soldiers might not get the equipment they need when they need it most.
A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher belonging to the U.S. Army's Task Force Voit fires a test rocket Jan. 27, 2025, at a training area near Tapa, Estonia. A provision in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act requires the Defense Department to put together a report that details how to ensure access to a wide range of critical munitions in different parts of the world. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)



STUTTGART, Germany  The Pentagon must develop a plan to fill munition stockpiles to levels needed for U.S. forces to fight multiple large-scale conflicts at once, according to a new defense spending bill expected to come up for a vote later this week.

Tucked into the National Defense Authorization Act for 2026 is a provision that requires Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to put together a report that details how to ensure access to a wide range of critical munitions in different parts of the world.

The assessment calls for a review of how many days U.S. forces could fight in multiple theaters of operation before current stockpiles are exhausted and an appraisal of how long it would take to replenish those munitions.

Other aspects of the review require the Pentagon to examine the capabilities of adversaries like China and Russia while accounting for what allies would be expected to provide in a conflict. Upon completion of that analysis, the Pentagon must craft a plan by the next budget cycle to implement munitions requirements for fighting more than one adversary at a time, the NDAA says.

The need to bolster supplies comes amid concerns that U.S. adversaries are increasingly coordinating with each other. U.S. European Commands Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, who also serves as NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, recently warned that allies must prepare for the possibility that Russia and China could launch wars in Europe and the Pacific simultaneously. He said 2027 was a potential flashpoint year.

Were going to need every bit of kit and equipment and munitions that we can in order to beat that, Grynkewich said during an Army conference in Wiesbaden, Germany, in July.

Grynkewich argued that if Chinese President Xi Jinping attacks Taiwan, he would probably coordinate such a move with Russian President Vladimir Putin, opening the possibility of a global conflict.

Last week, Grynkewich reinforced the notion of adversaries increasingly working together, saying the situation means more should be done to fortify the whole of the NATO alliance.

With the alignment of our adversaries around the globe, it is imperative we strengthen the Euro-Atlantic area as much as possible, and reinforce our posture in the High North, Grynkewich said in a statement related to a reorganization of NATOs command structure.

Besides adversaries aligning, the scale of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war also has been a driving factor in a NATO-wide push to ramp up ammunition production.

Secretary-General Mark Rutte in November said dozens of new production lines have opened across the alliance, with ammunition output now at its highest level in decades.

Until recently, Russia was producing more ammunition than all NATO allies put together, Rutte said. But not anymore.
Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Royce Williams received the Navy Cross for his actions during the Korean War, on Jan. 20, 2023. Legislation to allow Williams to be eligible to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor was included in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. ( T. Logan Keown/U.S. Navy)



A 100-year-old Korean War veteran involved in a secretive dogfight with seven Russian fighter planes more than 70 years ago would be eligible for the Medal of Honor upon the passage of a new defense spending bill expected to be voted on later this week.

The National Defense Authorization Act for 2026, finalized on Sunday, includes legislation that removes a five-year statute of limitations rule so that Royce Williams, whose exploits as a Navy pilot are now part of military lore, can be considered for the nations highest award for courage under fire.

On Nov. 18, 1952, Williams was piloting an F9F-5 Panther when he encountered seven Soviet MiG-15s. Williams, a lieutenant at the time, shot down four of the fighters and survived a 37-millimeter round to his fuselage. Though his plane was badly damaged, he managed to make a safe landing on the deck of the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier off the North Korean coast.

After the mission, he was directed to keep silent about the high stakes dogfight that pitted him against Soviet aviators at the peak of the Cold War.

In the moment I was a fighter pilot doing my job  I was only shooting what I had, Williams said in an earlier Navy account of the dogfight. They had me cold on maneuverability and acceleration  the MiG was vastly superior on those counts to the F9F. The only thing I could do was out-turn them.

Williams battled the Russian pilots for 35 minutes, making the encounter the longest dogfight in U.S. military history, according to the Navy.

For more than 50 years, Williams kept quiet about the mission, which was detailed in Soviet records in 1992 after the communist countrys collapse. Williams was initially awarded the Silver Star, and that was elevated to the Navy Cross in 2023. His supporters have continued to press for higher recognition.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., has been among the people spearheading the effort to award Williams the Medal of Honor.

The heroism and valor he demonstrated  in the skies over the North Pacific and the coast of North Korea saved the lives of his fellow pilots, shipmates, and crew, Issa said in a statement Monday. His story is one for the ages and it now has its rightful chapter as Royce receives the Medal of Honor.

Issa said the against-the-odds clash between Williams and the seven Soviet pilots is the the most unique U.S.-Soviet aerial combat dogfight in the history of the Cold War.

President Donald Trump has the final say on whether to award Williams the nations highest military honor.
BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Conniving at provocative words and deeds by Japan's right-wing forces in any form will only revive the specter of militarism and put the people of Asia in danger again, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks after neighboring countries including Russia vocally opposed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan. Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia and other countries openly reaffirmed their support to the one-China principle.

Media outlets and academics from regional countries also stated that the atrocities committed by the Japanese military during WWII inflicted untold sufferings on Asia and the world and that instead of deeply reflecting on Japan's war crimes, some political forces in Japan tried to deny, distort and even whitewash the history of aggression, and attempted to breach the pacifist constitution and "remilitarize" Japan.

Guo said that over the last century, under the pretext of "survival-threatening situation," Japanese militarists waged a war of aggression against China and other Asian countries, taking millions of lives and committing horrendous atrocities across the continent.

During WWII, among the three mass killings of civilians committed by the Japanese military, over 300,000 were murdered in the Nanjing massacre, an estimated 100,000 Filipino civilians were killed in just one month in the Manila massacre, and the death toll of the massacre in Singapore was tens of thousands.

"It's documented in the International Military Tribunal for the Far East Judgment that the Japanese military created over 100 large-scale massacres in Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and other places," said Guo.

Prisoners of war (POWs) from Allied nations were treated cruelly by the Japanese military, among whom 27 percent were killed after capture. In the Bataan Death March, about 15,000 U.S. and Philippine POWs died under maltreatment, Guo added.

Hundreds of thousands of Southeast Asian people and Allied POWs who had been forced into slave labor by the Japanese military perished in building the Burma-Thailand Railway, he said, adding that over four million Chinese workers forcibly recruited by the Japanese military died or injured because of overwork under brutal conditions.

He also mentioned that women and girls from China, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast Asia, the Netherlands and other countries and regions were brutally forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military as "comfort women."

"Japan's war crimes must not be erased and the verdict on its history of aggression must not be changed," Guo said, noting that any tolerance on the provocative words and deeds of Japanese right-wing forces will only revive the specter of militarism and once again put the Asian people in danger.

Countries have the responsibility and obligation to join hands in thwarting any attempt to revive militarism and Fascism, defending the outcomes of WWII victory, upholding the post-war international order and safeguarding world peace and stability, Guo said. 
MOSCOW, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Caribbean "hotspot" situation is based on a completely fabricated pretext, and Washington's allegations against the Venezuelan leadership are for the most part unfounded, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

"If we take a closer look at previously published documents on drug trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean, which were released by both the UN and the U.S. Department of State, it is easy to notice that the topic of Venezuela and the drug cartels, that the U.S. is now repeatedly referencing, is in fact either entirely absent or remains far in the background," Ryabkov said in comments published on the Foreign Ministry's website on Tuesday.

In other words, the current narrative is being artificially inflated to provide a plausible political "justification" for the buildup of military strike power in the region, he added.

Ryabkov said that Moscow maintains strong solidarity with Venezuela, citing the recently ratified strategic partnership and cooperation agreement between the two countries. "We cooperate with Venezuela across all fronts, including through security agencies," he said.

Russia condemns the escalation of tensions in this region and advocates for all of Latin America to remain a zone of peace, Ryabkov said.

"We urge the international community, first and foremost the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, to speak out strongly and decisively to restrain Washington from further escalating the situation and to push the U.S. to abandon its dangerous aggressive designs," he noted.

The United States has increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea. As of Thursday, the Pentagon has carried out at least 22 known strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean since Sept. 2, killing more than 87 people aboard. 
In the main picture, the spot where the body was found. On the right, the British woman who went missing in September.

Laura Velasco Granada Tuesday, 9 December 2025, 17:17 Share

The body of a woman which was found on Friday 5 December beside a ditch on the A-92 near Cullar in Granada province is believed to be that of a 74-year-old British woman who went missing from Almeria province in September. Geraldine was reported missing on 18 September having last been seen in the hamlet of Contador (Chirivel), about four kilometres from the point where the body was found.

Geraldine, who suffers from a cognitive disorder, was last seen in Contador on the night of 17 September when she left home with food to feed some cats. At least one call was made to the 112 emergency service number at around 10.20pm to say that she had not returned home. Her husband reported her disappearance at around 11am the following day.

Geraldine has lived in the hamlet with her husband for more than 20 years. She was wearing dark pyjamas and white flip-flops with holes in them at the time of her disappearance. For weeks, search teams scoured a radius of more than four kilometres around the town centre, with the intervention of helicopters, drones, specialised dogs and the Granada mountain rescue team. Chirivel town hall asked farmers and people doing sport to remain vigilant when in the area and to help in the search for any clues that could help to find Geraldine.

Autopsy

The newspaper Ideal has learned that in the next few days an autopsy will reveal the causes of death, which for the moment are unknown. The body was found on the left-hand side of the ditch, at kilometre 80 of the A-92, in the direction of Granada. The judicial protocol has been activated and the Guardia Civil has taken charge of the investigation.

Despite official confirmation, Chirivel town hall has communicated via its social media the "sad news of the death" of the British resident. "On behalf of the entire municipal corporation and our municipality, we express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones at this time of great sorrow," it said.

The town hall also thanked the Guardia Civil, Civil Protection, Emergency Service 112, GREA, environmental officer, firefighters, Local Police, Cullar and Oria town halls for their "work, coordination and dedication" provided during the last three months to try to find the missing woman. The message also highlighted the work of "all the local volunteers who have participated intensively in the search and support work since she was reported missing".

The town hall also asked for the "maximum respect for the family" and thanked "the understanding and support of all the citizens" who in recent weeks have been involved in the search for the woman by teams and in radiuses of more than four kilometres around the town centre. Helicopters, drones, specialised dogs and the Granada mountain rescue team have also been involved.
Chris McCann, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks Malaga Tuesday, 9 December 2025, 18:44 Share

Spain is a popular retirement destination, offering an enviable lifestyle and lower day-to-day living costs  and with the right approach, many UK nationals improve their tax position by relocating here.

Residence visa costs

The most suitable residence permit for British retirees is Spains Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV). To obtain it you must demonstrate an annual income of 28,800, plus 7,200 for each dependent. The application fee is currently 516 per applicant.

You cannot work with an NLV. If you plan to work online, the Digital Nomad Visa may be an option. You must evidence a stable income (around 2,500 per month) and meet the criteria.

Property prices

Property in Spain is considerably more affordable than in the UK. On average, the cost of buying an square metre in Spain can be 40%-50% cheaper.

If you sell UK property as part of your move to Spain, you can buy a similarly sized Spanish home with the proceeds and have capital left over to invest for income and long-term growth. The timing of the sale is crucial so the gains do not become taxable in Spain.

Cost of living

Spain offers a significantly lower cost of living than the UK, especially for day-to-day expenses such as housing, groceries, public transport and dining out. Your income can go considerably further in Spain, allowing retirees to enjoy a very comfortable lifestyle.

Healthcare

Spain offers a typically very affordable healthcare system. UK nationals of state pension age can apply for Form S1, which provides the same healthcare rights as those paying into Spains social security  you will be eligible for free healthcare in Spain.

Otherwise, you may be eligible for the Convenio Especial after one year in Spain. This voluntary scheme allows access to the Spanish public healthcare system for a monthly fee (typically 50150). Or private health insurance costs are typically 100250 per month.

Annual taxes

Tax regimes vary across Spains regions, making it imperative to understand and plan for the tax implications of your move. Its equally important to look beyond the headline rates of tax and explore the planning opportunities Spain offers.

While those on high salaries and/or holding significant assets may face a higher tax burden in Spain, if you are retired Spain offers legitimate tax planning opportunities. With suitable planning, you can enjoy a low tax environment in Spain, in many cases lower than the UKs.

Tax rates on savings income range from 19% to 30%. Rates for general income vary by region. Andalucia s lowest rate is 19% and the top rate 47%. Most UK pension income will only be taxed in Spain, but UK government pensions continue to be taxed only in UK.

Before moving to Spain, assessing your overall financial situation and income sources will allow you to restructure your assets and income streams to optimise your tax situation in Spain. For example, in the UK, you can withdraw up to 25% of your pension pot tax-free, but once you become a Spanish tax resident it is subject to Spanish tax. Income from a UK ISA is tax-exempt in the UK, but taxed as savings income in Spain.

While Spain imposes annual wealth taxes, in Andalucia only wealth over 4 million is affected.

These are just a few of the differences between UK and Spain's tax systems. With the right guidance and planning, you can optimise your finances to make the most of Spains favourable tax structures.

UK inheritance tax vs Spanish succession tax

Both Spain and the UK levy inheritance taxes but their approaches differ significantly. In the UK, recent changes have largely focused on increasing government revenue, thereby reducing the amount of wealth passed down through generations. In contrast, many Spanish regions have introduced reforms aimed at preserving family wealth. Andalucia now offers significant inheritance benefits, effectively eliminating succession tax between spouses, parents, children and grandchildren.

The UKs domicile-based inheritance tax system was replaced by an advantageous residence-based approach in 2025. Now, if you move from UK to Spain, after 10 years you'll cease being liable to UK inheritance tax on worldwide assets  only UK assets would be assessed for IHT.

So moving to Spain permanently and relocating your assets could protect your wealth from most or all inheritance taxes. The potential savings for your family are potentially vast.

The importance of tax planning when retiring in Spain

Early, strategic tax and wealth management is essential for anyone considering a move, and timing is everything. The point at which you become a Spanish tax resident can have a significant impact on how your income and assets are taxed. With the right advice, you can structure your affairs to optimise your tax position in both Spain and the UK and avoid unnecessary liabilities.

Another important factor is choosing the right investment structures. Tax-efficient solutions that comply with Spanish regulations can help reduce exposure not only to income tax, but also to inheritance taxes. When tailored to your personal circumstances, these structures can make a meaningful difference to your long-term financial wellbeing. Take highly personalised, cross-border advice.

The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual should take personalised advice. Blevins Franks Wealth Management Limited (BFWML) is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority, registered number C 92917. Authorised to conduct investment services under the Investment Services Act and authorised to carry out insurance intermediary activities under the Insurance Distribution Act. Where advice is provided outside of Malta via the Insurance Distribution Directive or the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II, the applicable regulatory system differs in some respects from that of Malta. BFWML also provides taxation advice; its tax advisers are fully qualified tax specialists. Blevins Franks Trustees Limited is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority for the administration of trusts, retirement schemes and companies. This promotion has been approved and issued by BFWML.
Ester Requena Tuesday, 9 December 2025, 10:29 Share

Lady Luck smiles again on Malaga province. The Once lottery draw on Friday, 5 December, created a new millionaire in Antequera. Number 39162 (series 008) won a local ticket-buyer a prize of six million euros. In addition to this, nine more tickets of the same number brought other lucky people 40,000 euros per ticket.

The coupons were sold by vendor Maria Dolores Pacheco's who sets up her stand next to the Antequera hospital. "I can't believe it, this is so big," the vendor, who has been working for Once for 15 years, said. "It's the first time this has happened to me, but it's an immense joy. It's very special to know that I have brought so much joy to my town, it's an incredible feeling," she said.

She almost considers herself a hospital staff member, as she sees people's worries every day and hopes with them that they will win something. "When bad things happen, you have to share them, so when there is good news, like now, you have to share it too. So I would like to be able to share my joy with all those who are there every day, helping," Pacheco said.

The tickets were sold at the point of sale next to the Antequera hospital

The Cuponazo draw on 5 December was magnanimous in Andalucia, leaving another 400,000 euros in the Almeria town of Roquetas del Mar, 80,000 euros with two tickets in the Seville and 40,000 euros in Algeciras. In addition to Andalucia, this Once draw has brought prizes to Galicia, Murcia and Valencia.

Prizes

In exchange for three euros, every Friday, the Once Cuponazo offers the possibility of winning six million euros. In addition, one can win 134 prizes of 40,000 euros to the five digits of the winning number. Once's model also offers a prize of 500 euros for the first four and last four digits; 50 euros for the first three and last three digits; six euros for the first two and last two digits; and three euros for the first digit (first draw) and the last digit (second draw).

This 9 December, the Eurojackpot sold in Spain by Once, with the participation of 18 other countries, will be drawn, offering a jackpot of ten million euros.
Eugenio Cabezas Tuesday, 9 December 2025, 17:37 Share

The village of Macharaviaya in Malaga province's Axarquia area has received a visit from president of Pensacola City Hall in Florida, Allison Patton. The institutional meeting highlighted the legacy of the American Revolutionary War hero Bernardo de Galvez, who was born in Macharaviaya and the historic relationship between the two places.

Patton travelled to the village to learn first-hand about its heritage and the ties that have united the two territories for two and a half centuries. The day began at Macharaviaya town hall, where Patton was officially welcomed by mayor Antonio Campos and deputy mayor, Soledad Montanez.

Campos highlighted in a statement that Patton's visit "underlines the importance of strengthening relations with cities with which we share such significant historical and cultural ties".

Patton said, "It is exciting to visit the birthplace of such an important figure in my country's history. Macharaviaya has an exceptional heritage and a welcoming spirit that I hope more Americans will come to know." She expressed her willingness to "continue strengthening the ties between Pensacola and this land with which we share a common history."

Macharaviaya town hall explained that possible avenues for cultural, educational and academic collaboration between Macharaviaya and Pensacola were explored during the meeting. Among them was the possibility of promoting exchanges linked to the Galvez museum, as well as strengthening the historical dissemination programmes and commemorative activities that both communities celebrate each year.

The visit concluded with a tour of the town's main heritage sites, in a meeting that the town hall considers "another step forward in the international projection of Macharaviaya" and "the consolidation of historical ties which more than two centuries later, continue to build bridges between both sides of the Atlantic".
Eugenio Cabezas Tuesday, 9 December 2025, 17:24 Share

Three small municipalities in Malaga province's Axarquia area: Iznate, El Borge and Totalan, have, in the last three weeks declared the water in their municipal networks unfit for human consumption due to the detection of chlorate levels which are above the limit set by the new state regulations. The new regulations establish a maximum of 0.7 milligrams per litre.

The tap water, which comes from La Vinuela reservoir, is therefore not contaminated, but the chlorates are a by-product of the chlorine disinfection process itself, which until this year was not specifically controlled in routine analyses.

The Axarquia health district issued successive unfavourable reports for the municipal networks of the three villages as the chlorate levels were higher than the new regulations allow for, forcing the respective town halls to temporarily declare the water unfit for drinking or food preparation, although it was suitable for other domestic uses such as showering and cleaning.

The situation, which has caused concern among local residents and town halls, has evolved differently in each village. Iznate, the first to declare its water unfit for consumption, has already returned to normal after receiving favourable analyses in all its network. However, in El Borge and Totalan, the recommendation remains in force while corrective measures are completed and new analyses take place.

The three episodes have the same common denominator: the entry into force of Royal Decree 3/2023, which updates the health criteria for drinking water in Spain and introduces for the first time the limit for chlorates.

No serious risk to health

Technical sources consulted by SUR explained that the new regulations have made it necessary to "toughen up routine analyses", which has detected higher levels that would previously have gone unnoticed. "We are not dealing with a contaminant introduced accidentally, but with a by-product of the usual disinfection process. The problem arises when, due to insufficient maintenance or prolonged use of hypochlorite, degradation occurs that increases the presence of chlorates," say public health officials.

"Residents can shower and use the washing machine normally, but we recommend that they do not drink the tap water or cook with it until further notice," said one of the councils, which has set up distribution points for bottled water. "We understand the unease, but we are obliged to comply with health regulations and be extremely cautious," added municipal sources, who insist on the preventive nature of the measure.

Experts consulted by SUR insist that the presence of chlorates at occasional high levels does not imply an immediate or serious risk, but it can pose a problem in cases of prolonged exposure, especially in babies, pregnant women or people with thyroid problems, since these compounds can interfere with the intake of iodine. For this reason, the health protocol establishes that any exceedance of the reference value should be declared "unfit" until a return to safe levels is confirmed.

The three municipalities agree that part of the problem lies in the municipal infrastructures, many of which have been in use for decades. Public water company Axaragua, which is responsible for the management of the Vinuela-Axarquia system, has highlighted that the levels at the reservoir outlet and at the delivery points are "within the legal parameters", so that the high levels are occurring in the municipal secondary networks, which are subject to highly variable maintenance and storage conditions.

The Axarquia has encountered further problems that highlight a recurring challenge: guaranteeing water quality in an subject to prolonged drought, regulatory changes and a supply network in urgent need of modernisation.
A 35-year-old man died on Sunday, 7 December, in a phone shop in Torremolinos after suffering a heart attack while the National Police were detaining him for reportedly committing a violent robbery.

The police received a call at around 7.45pm reporting a robbery attempt in the shop located on Calle Hoyos. The caller said that he had "locked" the perpetrator in the establishment so that he could not escape.

On arrival, the police found the suspect "in an advanced state of agitation", which explains why several patrols were sent to the scene for his arrest.

Unsuccessful resuscitation attempts

According to provincial police sources, the patrols also called an ambulance to the scene. The suspect reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest. Although both the police and the medical staff performed CPR, their attempts were unsuccessful and the person died.

The relevant protocol was activated and the judicial committee was sent to the scene to proceed with the removal of the body.

According to witnesses, the deceased initially entered a Turkish food establishment shouting and appearing to be intoxicated. The workers threw him out of the premises and it was then that he reportedly entered the phone shop.
Jose Rodriguez Camara Alhaurin de la Torre Tuesday, 9 December 2025, 11:55 Share

Veteran non-governmental organisation Cudeca has added Alhaurin de la Torre to its expansion plan. The Guadalhorce Valley municipality will open the cancer care foundation's 27th charity shop in the province of Malaga.

Cudeca's shops sell second-hand items, such as clothes, furniture, works of art and collector's items, usually provided through donations. In addition, the foundation has started the process of recruiting volunteers in the municipality. It has already received applications from 40 people interested in helping.

Cudeca, which also has a presence outside the province of Malaga, has attended to more than 1,600 people over the course of 2025. To discuss the Alhaurin de la Torre opportunity, mayor Joaquin Villanova and councillor for social affairs and equality Maria del Carmen Molina met with Cudeca representative Zuleima Ramirez.

Cudeca was founded in 1992 by British national Joan Hunt, a resident of the Costa del Sol

Fundacion Cudeca was founded in 1992 by Joan Hunt, originally from the UK but a resident of the Costa del Sol. The organisation offers specialised palliative care for cancer patients and those suffering from other advanced illnesses. It also provides support for their families completely free of charge. Cudeca has a day care unit and an admissions unit, as well as seven home care teams, in Benalmadena.

In addition, the traditional charity market of Asociacion Grupo Girasoles, which focuses on research against paediatric cancer, has already set up at its headquarters in Avenida de San Sebastian 10. Villanova opened the market together with president of the association Iluminada Regateiro, while the ceremony was hosted by the Pastoral San Juan.

The flea market will be open from 10.30am to 1.30pm in the mornings and from 5.30pm to 7.30pm in the afternoons for the next few weeks. As usual, as well as accessories and decorative items, one can also buy the association's well-known bald babies and donated clothes.

Iluminada Regateiro thanked people for their help and the mayor congratulated the Girasoles team for their tireless work on such a "delicate and painful" issue as childhood cancer.
Ignacio Lillo Malaga Tuesday, 9 December 2025, 17:22 Share

Kaos, Dragonfly, Yas, Tatoosh: these are the names of some of the largest private yachts in the world, which have recently called at the port of Malaga. IGY Malaga Marina (the marina on quay 1 (Muelle Uno) and part of 2) has been constantly occupied in recent months. As a committed reporter on yacht movements in Malaga, SUR has gained access to the facility's figures.

From the end of the summer to date, the port has reached "exceptional levels" of activity, according to data provided by the concessionary company. Occupancy has reached 100% practically throughout the autumn. "Due to this circumstance, mooring space has been made available on other commercial docks in the port," the report states.

Even then has it not been possible to satisfy all requests. "The demand has been such that, at certain times, we have had to divert boats, which were anchored waiting to access IGY Malaga Marina, to other ports due to the lack of available space," sources state. Despite the challenge, this situation is a symptom "of the operational strength and the strategic role" that the Malaga marina plays.

Bigger and bigger yachts

In addition to higher demand, the yachts so far this season have been increasingly larger in size. There has been an increase of 74% in average lengths, while the cumulative total length has also increased by 22%.

'Malaga is now a key port and is well positioned on the map for owners and captains, who previously always went to Palma and Barcelona'

Operational growth is even more evident in the high value segment (yachts of 50 metres or more), which is where the greatest progress is concentrated. Stays of yachts of more than 50 metres are up 156%. Those of more than 80 metres have increased four times more; and those of more than 100 metres have doubled. "This confirms much stronger attraction of large yachts, precisely the most strategic in terms of economic impact and positioning for the port of Malaga."

Commercial director of the Malaga megayacht marina Sasha Romashova said: "This autumn, we are experiencing an incredible level of activity, reaching 100% occupancy for several weeks and demand is so high that we have had to use the ADL dock (on the Levante) to accommodate boats. This facility is concessioned on an ad hoc basis whenever piers 1 and 2 fill up, which happens more and more frequently."

She cited other factors that illustrate this growth, such as the fact that some yachts have remained at anchor, waiting for space, while others have had to be redirected to other marinas, such as that of Gibraltar. "All this clearly reflects that Malaga is now a key port for traffic in Andalucia," Romashova stated, adding that more and more captains are now opting for Malaga when, in the past, they would usually choose Palma or Barcelona.

Much-needed expansion

Although Romashova did not mention a possible expansion of the marina, she did state that the lack of space is evident and the marina "has become too small, not only because of the increase in the number of vessels but also in the lengths of those coming in".

As for the forecasts for the winter, the representative of the concessionary company has said that occupancy is expected to drop in December and January, as that is when most vessels move to the Caribbean. However, even during this period, occupancy will also increase compared to previous years.
Juan Cano Malaga Tuesday, 9 December 2025, 19:50 Share

A 60-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually abusing three minors he lived with in Malaga province. One of the victims alerted school authorities after expressing suicidal thoughts in a WhatsApp group, triggering the investigation.

Despite the sentence being confirmed by the Andalusian High Court of Justice (TSJA) in May, the convicted man has failed to turn up to court to serve his sentence, prompting authorities to issue a search and arrest order. The convict, of Nigerian origin, has ignored all requests to appear in court and enter prison in order to serve his sentence. So far he has not been located.

The investigation into the case dates back to 2019, when one of the three victims posted the following question in a WhatsApp chat she shared with her classmates from a Malaga city school: "Who has ever thought of committing suicide?"

The message aroused concern among the school community and reached the teacher, who spoke to her. The girl told the teacher about the sexual abuse she was suffering at the hands of a man.

The touching had started much earlier, when she was only nine years old, and had always taken place in the flat that she and her mother shared with the man. He was the official tenant in the rental contract. He lived there with his partner, two children and step-daughter and he was also subletting rooms. According to the court, his step-daughter was his third victim.

The couple had rented one room to the mother of the minor who wrote the WhatsApp message. In the flat also lived another mother who, due to working in Lorca (Murcia), would often leave her daughter - the second victim - in the care of the suspect's partner.

The first court sentence, from May 2023, considers it proven that the man had, "on multiple occasions", touched the first victim, causing her vaginal lesions and asking her "not to tell anyone about it".

The court also found that, in the summer of 2016 or 2017, the defendant took the three girls to a room, ordered them to take off their clothes and touched them "successively", asking them not to reveal anything about what had happened.

The court concluded that, as established by case law, the testimony of two of the minors was sufficient evidence to overturn the presumption of innocence, as their testimonies were considered credible by the institute of legal medicine (IML) in Malaga.

During the hearing, the defendant, his partner and his step-daughter all stated that the accusations were false - an invention of the complainant and her mother because they had not paid rent for several months and had been asked to leave the house. According to the defence, this prompted them to seek "revenge".

Defence's version: revenge and non-payment of rent

The defendant added that the minor's mother "may have been interested in him". According to him, when his partner reproached her, the victim's mother stopped paying rent (520 euros).

The court did not believe this version and concluded that there is no objective evidence, but "mere contradictory verbal allegations" between the defendant, his partner and the step-daughter regarding the mother's alleged advances towards him.

The court sentenced the defendant to 18 years in prison, ten of them for the abuse of the first victim, four and a half years for the second and three and a half for his step-daughter, despite her denial.

To these sentences must be added a 20-year and 14-year restraining orders in relation to the first and the second victims. The ruling also establishes compensation for both of them - 30,000 and 5,000 euros, respectively.

The defence filed an appeal before the TSJA alleging contradictions and an error in the assessment of the evidence, which had led to a violation of the principle of presumption of innocence.

The TSJA rejected the appeal, stating that the procedure had not been initiated by the mother, but by her daughter. According to the High Court, the fact that the girl, then 12 years old, had posted such a message in a WhatsApp chat, is not consistent with seeking revenge. "On the contrary, it denotes the behaviour of a girl affected by unwanted experiences; in addition, she did not denounce directly to the police, for example," the court states.

The second victim never issued a complaint and she was summoned to court following the first girl's statement, which implies that she had no "motive (...) for joining the conspiracy" against the defendant.
Jose Antonio Guerrero Madrid Tuesday, 9 December 2025, 14:55 Share

"Ladies and gentlemen, the military service is over," former Spanish minister of defence Federico Trillo announced on 9 March 2001. This historic phrase allowed thousands of youngsters to breathe a sigh of relief like never before. The nightmare of running around under the African sun in Melilla or standing guard in Burgos in an unheated guardhouse at -10C was over.

Prime Minister Aznar's government approved the decree to end compulsory military service and transit to a fully professional army as it is now. Dying for one's country was no longer a matter for everyone; only those who wanted to wield a rifle.

However, Russia's threat to the territorial integrity of European countries after the invasion of Ukraine has set off alarm bells and the possibility of the return of compulsory or voluntary military service has reopened a debate that was thought to be buried... at least in Spain. In Europe, there are already 16 countries, ten of them members of the EU, with compulsory conscription for young adults at some point in their lives.

Others, such as Belgium and Germany, are looking for volunteers to join the ranks and receive military training for a year. The Belgians offer new recruits a net monthly salary of 2,000 euros and the Germans raise the stakes to a hefty 2,600 euros gross. France, where compulsory military service was abolished 25 years ago, has been the latest to join the party and Macron has just announced a 10-month voluntary service for 18-19-year-olds to strengthen its defence.

Faced with an increasingly insecure Europe in which Putin is flexing his muscles, there is an important question: should Spain follow suit? Is the country prepared to reconvert a new generation into soldiers either out of conviction or necessity?

Federico Trillo, who at 73 is enjoying his retirement but is still very active, remembers perfectly the seven words he uttered to put an end to compulsory military service, which had been in force in Spain since the early 18th century, after the dissolution of the fearsome Tercios (the elite infantry units of the Spanish Empire, considered among the most formidable professional armies in history).

"When I implemented that decision, nobody wanted to do military service. We had two and a half million young people on deferment or conscientious objectors," he said. Today, conscription is suspended - but not abolished - as stated in Article 30 of the Constitution, point 2 of which states that "the law shall establish military obligations and regulate conscientious objection to compulsory military service".

119,366 active soldiers as of 1 October, 2.4 per 1,000 inhabitants in Spain, far from the EU's 3.6 and Nato's 6 per 1,000.

The former minister does not see the need to recover the obligatory military service. On the contrary, he is a firm supporter of maintaining the professional model, but with more focus on the technological field. In his opinion, bringing back compulsory military service "would be useless and ineffective", because current weapons systems, war scenarios and threats, such as cyberattacks and drones, "require highly qualified personnel and not masses of recruits".

The battlefields of today

"In the past, the battlefield required what was brutally called cannon fodder; now there is no such conventional battlefield, but military targets that also reach the civilian population," the former defence minister said, advocating units that can be deployed rapidly on the ground and are capable of operating with advanced technology.

Zoom A recent display of Marine Corps trainees. L. V.

What about voluntary military service? "Perhaps as something complementary, but at the moment there is no need for it either, because in the event of a conflict, neither drones, nor cyberattacks, nor the handling of frigates, nor deployable forces, nor high readiness forces have anything to do with voluntary military service. I honestly don't know what we have to gain," he said, adding that the current system relies on volunteer reservists and civilian specialists (some 3,000 troops) who are already temporarily incorporated into the army - a model "that could be expanded with more places, without the need to return to compulsory or voluntary recruitment".

Trillo defends, however, that steps should continue to be taken to professionalise the armed forces (FAS). According to him, one of the most important is the retention of soldiers, preventing them from leaving the military to join other bodies with better salaries, such as the Guardia Civil or the National and the Local Police. "The military have to be well trained, well paid and well maintained," the former minister said.

Therein lies the crux of the matter. Miquel Penarroya, a 63-year-old Valencian lieutenant in the reserve, presides over Asfaspro, the professional association of non-commissioned officers, the largest military organisation in the country, with more than 6,000 members, among whom, in addition to non-commissioned officers (an intermediate category made up of sergeants, brigadiers, second lieutenants and senior non-commissioned officers), there are junior officers (ensigns and lieutenants).

Penarroya said that the army is going through an "unprecedented" personnel crisis and that if salary conditions are not improved to boost recruitment, Spain could be forced to consider a return to compulsory or voluntary military service, as other European countries are doing. "We prefer a professional army," he said, "but it must be paid as such".

Penarroya said that the armed forces "lose personnel day after day" and that the ratio of applicants per position is so low that "practically anyone is accepted", which compromises "the quality and the demands" required to handle increasingly complex weaponry.

Working conditions

The phenomenon affects the 26,249 non-commissioned officers - "the backbone of the army", as Penarroya described them - and even officers who leave the armed forces to join better-paid police forces. "It is scandalous that there are lieutenants who, after five years at the academy, give up their stars to become police officers."

He believes that the root of the problem lies in decades of stagnant salaries in a profession exposed to risk ("you get a recorder, we get a combat rifle") and in the lack of recognition of military training within the academic and employment system. He gave the example of a sergeant leaving the academy after three years of higher education and getting paid less than 2,000 euros. "The question is not why they leave, but how does anyone stay. The sad reality is that while billions are spent on the military industry, there is no investment in human resources. We can have 15 frigates, but only the personnel to sail one," he said.

One rung below the non-commissioned officers is the rank of troops and sailors, who are the first to deploy and enter combat in the event of armed conflict. In the army (land, navy and air), they make up 78,000 troops, the bulk of the armed forces. Atme is their main association and is chaired by Marco Antonio Gomez, 51, who has been denouncing for some time the "precarious" situation of the lowest-ranking soldiers and their salaries of "1,300 euros a month", little more than the minimum wage (1,184 euros). "More than a return to military service, which is a political decision, what we need is a professional army with decent salaries," he said.

In Gomez's view, there are neither the working conditions nor the pay to attract and retain personnel. "The army is not attractive to young people," he said, pointing out that the problem will get worse from 2027, when thousands of soldiers who joined after the abolition of compulsory service in 2001 will reach the age of 45 (the 'forced retirement' when they become special availability reservists), "far outnumbering" the new recruits. "Up to four thousand are going to leave a year and if only a thousand enter you have a serious problem, because a soldier is not trained in nine months, as in the military service, but acquires knowledge and handling of weapons with years of experience."

Lack of manpower

According to the latest report by the advisory military observatory, there is a shortfall of between 13,000 and 23,000 active-duty military personnel in the Spanish army. The 2007 military career law sets the maximum number of professional service members between 130,000 and 140,000, compared with the 116,739 cited in the report using 2024 data (as of 1 October, the Defence Ministry puts the figure at 119,366). In any case, this amounts to 2.4 service members per thousand inhabitant - well below the EU average of 3.6 per thousand and Natos 6 per thousand.

Zoom A moment of recruiting in 1975. EFE

In contrast to those who put these figures on the table to demand a return to conscription to strengthen the army against a possible Russian incursion, president of the observatory, jurist and military law expert Mariano Casado, 63, believes that before speculating about such matters, the priority must be to guarantee the quality of life of active-duty personnel. For him, that means better pay, a more attractive career path "and resolving issues related to housing, geographic mobility and work-life balance".

Casado points to a demographic landscape with fewer young people (due to declining birth rates) and more opportunities to access better-paid jobs, especially for those with a technological profile, than "the thousand-odd euros" earned by a soldier. "We need to inspire young people; if we don't, we won't have the capacity to recruit active-duty soldiers in a geostrategic, social and economic context that has nothing to do with the one that existed nearly 20 years ago, when the law was written. The debate is far deeper than just yes or no to conscription."

Along similar lines, Felix Arteaga, senior analyst for security and defence at the Elcano royal institute, said: "Spain has no difficulty recruiting non-specialised personnel, because the number of applications still exceeds the number of available positions (nine thousand this year for enlisted ranks). But it could run into problems if the economy performs well and the military has to compete with private-sector salaries." For this reason, Arteaga calls for incentives "to attract young people and retain specialised soldiers."

Falling birth rate

There will be fewer and fewer young people to draw on to reinforce the armed forces. As for doubts about whether compulsory service is on the horizon, the Ministry of Defence won't even consider it and refers back to the most recent statements from its minister, Margarita Robles, in October: "I respect what other countries do, but in Spain it is neither planned nor foreseen."

The truth is that today's youth have little interest in putting on a uniform, no matter what the government orders. Recent surveys confirm that six in ten reject the idea and only one in ten "strongly supports" the return of mandatory military service. In the latest CIS barometer survey, war ranked as the 37th concern for Spaniards. So the day when a defence minister stands up and declares, "Ladies and gentlemen, conscription is back," does not appear to be anywhere close.
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians said Monday that fighting continues to intensify in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly around the localities of Kamanyola, Luvungi and Katogota.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) previously said that fighting among armed groups and restrictions during the second and third quarters of 2025 have severely limited humanitarian access or made it impossible in some places, including the localities of Minembwe and Itombwe, as well as the Hauts Plateaux.

UN humanitarian partners said that more than 200,000 people have been displaced across the province since Dec. 2. More than 70 people have been killed, and more than 80 have been injured since the violence escalated.

"Civilians have also crossed into Burundi to escape the fighting. Shelling was reported in the town of Rugombo, in the province of Cibitoke in north-west Burundi, raising concerns about the conflict spilling over into Burundian territory," the office said.

OCHA said that the food security situation is also deteriorating rapidly. Road blockages have driven up the prices of basic staples. Sugar prices have increased sixfold, and the cost of cassava flour has more than tripled since January.

The National Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons in Burundi is calling for urgent action, particularly in the areas of food, health, and water, sanitation and hygiene.

OCHA urgently called on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, and to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Humanitarian access must be guaranteed so that life-saving assistance can reach those in need, the office said. 
A Grammy-nominated musician is dead after being hit by a car while walking his dog, according to multiple reports.

The Boston Globe reports Roderick MacLeod, 70, of Richmond, Rhode Island, was struck by an SUV on Saturday morning while he was with his pet on the shoulder of Route 138 in Hopkinton, R.I. Police said he was brought to Rhode Island Hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

The dog was not injured, police said.

The vehicles driver was identified as Shannon N. Godbout, 41, of Hopkinton. She allegedly veered onto the side of the road, hitting MacLeod and two telephone poles. Shes been charged with driving so as to endanger, resulting in death, and possession of narcotics, schedule I/II with intent to distribute, according to police.

NBC reports Godbout has a history of more than 100 arrests, 82 court warrants, and 40 traffic citations. She was being held without bail and is set to be arraigned Tuesday; police said shell be presented to the Rhode Island Attorney Generals Office as a criminal violator.

MacLeod was a well-known musician in Rhode Island who performed in the Grammy-nominated band, Roomful of Blues, in the 1980s. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2012 as a bass player in the blues/swing revival group.

MacLeod also taught guitar, banjo and upright bass; released a solo album in 1995; and performed in other music groups in the Providence area, including as an original bassist for J.B. and the Sliding Capos, Duke Robillard and Jack Smith & The Rockabilly Planet. According to Boston.com, MacLeod and his wife, fiddler Sandol Astrausky, also taught at Brown University and directed the Old-Time String Band.

He was just always upbeat and cheerful, local musician Doug James, who said he knew MacLeod for 40 years, told NBC. He was a good addition to anything he did. Few people play that well on everything, and he did.

Police said the investigation is ongoing. The Hopkinton Police Department said Godbout was still in custody at Rhode Island Hospital on Monday and could face additional charges.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. MacLeods family during this difficult time following this tragic incident, Hopkinton police said.
Auburn, N.Y.  The great-great-great grandniece of Harriet Tubman has died this week in Auburn, church officials said.

Pauline Copes Johnson was 98 years old when she died, the Harriet Tubman Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church announced Monday.

Johnson was the oldest member of the church and a longtime matriarch of the congregation, according to church officials. Church leaders said she served as a keeper of family history and a bridge to Tubmans legacy of faith, freedom and resilience.

In the 1850s, Tubman helped rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including her family and friends through the Underground Railroad. During the Civil War, she was a scout and spy for the Union Army.

After the war, she settled in Auburn and was an activist for womens suffrage. She died in 1913 and is buried in Auburn.

Johnson was born on Aug. 23, 1927, and raised in Auburn. She graduated from West High School in 1945 and became the first African American telephone operator in Cayuga County when she was hired by the New York Telephone Company. Her work there introduced her to the NAACP, where she became a member.

Johnson was deeply committed to sharing the history of her famous ancestor. She served as a docent at the Harriet Tubman Home and traveled across the country to speak at schools and community centers about Tubmans life and the importance of preserving history.

Johnson also advocated nationally for Tubmans legacy, including lobbying for the redesign of the $20 bill and supporting federal efforts to establish the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park.

Johnson was an active member of the church where she played piano each Sunday and served as choir director. She was also a member of the Harriet Tubman Booster Club.

In a statement, her church described her as a treasured matriarch and a living witness to the strength and dignity carried through generations of her family. The congregation asked the community to keep the Johnson family in their prayers during this time of grief.
Rome, N.Y. - A massive fire ripped through a Rome apartment complex Tuesday morning, killing one person and badly injuring another, according to a city official.

The person who died was found inside one of the apartments at the Countryside Apartments, 7108 Rome-Oriskany Road, according to Kenneth White, the Rome Commissioner of Public Safety.

The critically injured person was a woman who ran out of her burning apartment and collapsed into the snow, White said.

She was initially transferred to Wynn Hospital in Utica and listed in critical condition, White said. She has since been transported to the burn center at Upstate University Hospital.

At 12:30 p.m., firefighters were still on the scene battling hotspots and flare-ups, White said.

One Rome firefighter suffered an impact injury to their hand fighting the blaze, but no other first responders were hurt, White said.

The firefighters were first called to the fire at 4:32 a.m., White said.

First responders found heavy fire conditions on the west side of the structure when they arrived, according to a news release from the Rome Fire Department.

Oneida County Sheriffs Office deputies and State Police troopers worked together to evacuate the building, according to a news release from the sheriffs office.

Originally, two people were unaccounted for, White said. One was the victim found dead in an apartment, he said. The other was later found to be staying elsewhere, White said.

About 20 people were displaced by the fire, White said. He did not know exactly how many apartments were in the building.

Eleven fire departments responded to the fire.

The Red Cross is on the scene working to aid displaced residents. A warming center has been established at the All Saints Church at 801 Hickory St, Rome, according to the fire department.

The sheriffs office, Rome Fire Department and state Office of Fire Prevention and Control are working together to determine a cause of the fire.
Update: One person dies, one is in critical condition after Rome apartment complex fire

Original article

Rome, N.Y. - An apartment complex fire Tuesday morning in Rome has seriously injured one person and displaced multiple people, according to the Oneida County Sheriffs Office.

As of 11:20 a.m., firefighters are still on scene fighting the blaze, according to a dispatcher from the Rome Fire Department.

According to Oneida County Emergency Dispatch records, the fire was first reported around 4:30 a.m. at the Countryside Apartments at 7108 Rome Oriskany Road.

Deputies arrived to find a full-scale structure fire, they said. They worked with State Police to help people get out of the building.

In the search, a woman was found with severe burns, deputies said. She was transported to Wynn Hospital where she is in critical condition.

Deputies said they are still attempting to locate two residents.

Rome Oriskany Road is closed between Stanwix Avenue and Monument Road.

The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents. It is unknown exactly how many were displaced at this time.

The investigation into the fire is ongoing.
As they covered the war in Afghanistan, news reporters from the L.A. Times and NPR would ask interpreter Hashmat Baktash to arrange interviews with local people in hiding from the Taliban.

Afghans near the U.S.s Bagram Airfield spoke reluctantly and often asked to remain anonymous, he said.

Now, Baktash is in a similar situation  this time in America, where new Afghan immigrants are suddenly hiding their names and faces.

Baktash, now a U.S. citizen and business owner, spoke on behalf of the many Syracuse community members who were afraid to talk to a news reporter after a shooting in Washington tarnished the communitys name and upended the path to citizenship for thousands of Afghans.

More than 400 Afghan families have moved to Syracuse in the last five years. Hundreds came on special immigration visas granted by the U.S. as thanks for serving alongside U.S. troops in the war. Their siblings, cousins, uncles and friends followed.

The shooting and President Donald Trumps reaction have put tens of thousands of Afghan immigrants on notice: The U.S. government has frozen their visa and asylum applications and could even reopen their citizenship cases.

People with green cards, with asylum cases approved, with any status, they are so afraid and scared. As a leader of the community, people came crying in front of me, worrying about what might happen to them, Baktash said. They even avoid going outside, aside from very urgent needs. This is disastrous.

The day before Thanksgiving, an Afghan national who immigrated to the U.S. in 2021 after working with the U.S. military shot two West Virginia National Guard members in Washington, D.C. One died. One is in critical condition

Friends of the shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, said he was disturbed by the work he had done for a C.I.A.-supported military unit in the war.

Trump responded to the shooting by banning new travel visas for Afghans and others. New policies also interrupt applications for green cards and asylum for the thousands of Afghans already in the U.S. Trump hinted that he could even strip citizenship.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are already making arrests in Upstate New York, including Syracuse.

Last Monday, ICE agents arrested a 29-year-old Afghan man outside of his house on Park Street, in Syracuse. He was walking to the barber shop, community members said. The man had a work permit and a pending asylum case. He came recently, not on the special visa for military helpers, they said.

On Friday, ICE agents arrested another Afghan man outside his home in Camillus. He is a civil engineer who worked for a U.S. military subcontractor in Afghanistan, but he does not have a special immigration visa, Baktash said.

An immigration judge in July ordered the man removed from the country. He has a pending appeal, according to the immigration court website.

Both are being held in a Batavia detention center, records show.

In Albany, the federal government detained 10 Afghans in the days after the shooting. ICE agents stopped a father and son outside a mosque after early morning prayers, the Albany Times-Union reported.

Now, Afghans in Syracuse are reluctant to go to mosque, school or even buy groceries.

Baktash owns a store on the North Side  the Kabul Bazaar  where he and three employees sell dried fruits, nuts and rugs imported from Afghanistan. They bake more than 200 loaves of Afghan bread every day.

Afghans have been calling the store to request food deliveries  something the store normally does not offer.

Baktash is also president of a new group called the Onondaga County Afghan Community.

The group does not quite know how to respond in a way that allows them to pay respects to the National Guard members and, at the same time, avoid too much exposure. They tried to organize a gathering last weekend, but decided against it.

Four members of the community spoke to syracuse.com anonymously.

Afghans are so ashamed, they said, they cant look their co-workers in the eye.

The shooting is out of character for Afghans, who came to the U.S. to seek peace, they said.

Thats not us, Baktash said. Everyone is trying to have a peaceful life. I was born and raised in war and thats the only reason I wanted to apply for a special immigration visa and come to the U.S.

Trumps reaction is also not typical of the warm reception Americans have offered the Afghans who helped them - when they met and fought together and now as they build new lives in Syracuse, they said.

One thing is clear, they said: Returning to Afghanistan is not an option.

As part of the vetting process, Afghans gave the U.S. government blood and saliva samples and allowed them to take pictures of their eyes. These biometric records have surely fallen into the hands of the Taliban as the U.S. made its hasty evacuation, they said.

Afghanistan is no longer your home, Baktash said. I cannot even think about it because I know, if I go, I will be killed.

This is our home

In August of 2021, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country as the Taliban moved into Kabul. Afghans withdrew their lifes savings and rushed to the airport. News footage showed people clinging to aircraft as it departed Kabul.

In Syracuse, advocates and retired military veterans organized a kind of underground railroad to help their friends and colleagues out of the country.

Baktash was already here. At the time, about 70 Afghan families were living in Syracuse, he said.

Over the next four years, the number would grow to at least 400 families, he said.

Nonprofit resettlement groups and local advocates helped families find apartments, furniture and warm clothes.

Since then, many new Afghan immigrants have learned English.

Their children have enrolled in school. New U.S. citizen children have been born here.

One man who spoke to syracuse.com anonymously told this story:

He has three children under the age of 10. The two older children were born in Afghanistan. The youngest, 2, was born in Syracuse.

Two nights ago, my son told me, if they send us back to Afghanistan, what will happen to our sister? Will they take her away from us?  he said. This is not the age they should think of these things.

Afghans in Syracuse own homes and small businesses. They work at the Amazon warehouse, deliver auto parts and work in factories.

One man who handled the finances for a U.S. military subcontractor in Afghanistan said he plans to open an auto repair shop in Syracuse.

There are Afghan doctors and civil engineers.

Some members of the next generation are enrolled in medical school. At least one joined the U.S. Marines. They take on careers they see as giving back to the country that adopted them, advocates said.

We are part of this community. This is our home. This is our land, Baktash said. This is our society and we shouldnt live in fear, but unfortunately, we do. All of us have been impacted.

Many, like Baktash, have become citizens.

But that takes years.

Most people who came in 2021 have applied for asylum or have been approved for asylum and are still waiting for a green card.

A broken promise

In the days after the shooting, Trump raised questions about the swift evacuation and accused President Joe Bidens administration of inadequate vetting.

The four men interviewed by syracuse.com last week described the vetting process they went through as the U.S. military evacuated them. It was run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

It started at the airport in Afghanistan, they said.

The Taliban controlled the area outside the airport. Americans controlled the space inside.

Americans took blood and saliva samples for DNA. They took fingerprints and pictures of their eyes for biometric identification, they said.

Then, the refugees were sent to third countries  Qatar or Germany or Albania  where they answered more questions about their lives. They shared information about their birthplaces, their education and their workplaces.

It took months for some families to get to the U.S., they said.

Since then, they have filled out more applications for asylum and green cards.

The men said they do not mind going through it again if thats what it takes to put this to rest.

We are not against the vetting, as many times as they want to do it, Baktash said. I want that too if there is a bad guy in any community.

He said the threat of mass deportation over one bad apple is unfair to a community that helped the U.S. military for two decades.

It is especially shocking to Afghans that America would break a promise to people who risked their lives to side with the U.S. in a fight against their own countrymen.

Granting political asylum is a practice as old as war and one the U.S. formalized after Vietnam, when hundreds of thousands of U.S. sympathizers fled Saigon.

What will happen the next time Americans find themselves in need of interpreters, drivers and soldiers in a foreign land?, they asked.

Im sure that if this happens, no one will trust the presence of the U.S. in the future, one man said.
Scores on New Yorks statewide assessment tests improved in both math and English language arts during the 2024-2025 school year.

Statewide, 57% of students tested proficient in math last year, up 3 percentage points from the prior year. A total of 53% of students were proficient in ELA, up 7 percentage points.

The state Education Department released assessment test scores Thursday for the 2024-2025 school year. Students in grades three through eight take the tests every year.

The testing has been controversial at times. Parents and teachers have long questioned how effective the scores are and whether the problems they can cause for some districts are really worth it.

You can use the search tool below to search proficiency levels on assessment tests in school districts across New York in both math and ELA. The database includes scores for every year since 2017 for each grade level and for grades three through eight combined.

No tests were given in 2020 and testing in 2021 was optional due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For 2023, 2024 and 2025, the math data includes combined scores for grades 6 through 8 that reflect performance on both the standard state assessment tests and any Regents exams taken by students in those grades. Scores on the standard assessment tests only are also included.

The database only includes entries for which the state had data. The Education Department doesnt release numbers in categories with extremely small numbers of students.

If you cant see the search tool, click here to open it in a new window.
Another ally of President Donald Trump is running for New York governor, challenging U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik for the Republican nomination in 2026.

Nassau County Executive Blake Blakeman entered the gubernatorial race on Tuesday, a month after Stefanik officially announced her candidacy. According to the Associated Press, Trump told reporters he wont choose one over the other.

Hes great, and shes great. Theyre both great people, Trump said Monday of Blakeman and Stefanik.

Blakeman has been a rising figure in the GOP and MAGA with a ban on transgender athletes, work alongside federal authorities in Trumps immigration crackdown, and with the creation of a volunteer law enforcement unit on Long Island, which Democrats decried as an illegal, taxpayer-funded civilian militia. Blakeman has also refused to recognize Juneteenth, making Nassau County the only county in New York state that does not observe the federal holiday.

Our state is struggling under policies that have driven up taxes, utility bills, and crime. Its time for a proven leader who will Put New York First, Blakeman said Tuesday.

Stefanik, who represents all or part of 15 different counties in Upstate New York in the states 21st Congressional District, has similarly made a name for herself as a Trump ally. She was rumored as his potential vice presidential candidate last year and was nominated for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, until Trump pulled the nomination over concerns about the slim GOP majority in the House.

Stefanik officially announced her run for governor in November but did not name Trump in her campaign launch. A spokesperson for Stefanik criticized Blakemans bid, telling the AP it is unfortunate that he is putting his ego first to help prop up Kathy Hochul.

Public polling has repeatedly shown Elise Stefanik leads Blakeman by 70% in a primary, including beating him soundly on Long Island. Elise is the strongest candidate against Kathy Hochul by a long shot, Stefaniks campaign spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. Her record is in stark contrast to Bruce Blakeman who is anti-2A (the kiss of death Upstate), who has a record of donating to and supporting corrupt Far Left Democrats, and who has lost numerous statewide, federal, and local races in smashing fashion before finally being propped up by a strong county infrastructure. Bruce Blakeman is an early Christmas present to Kathy Hochul as he works to blow Republicans best chance to win.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, New Yorks first female governor, is running for re-election in 2026. Her former lieutenant governor Antonio Delgado is among the Democrats challenging her for the states top job.

Hochul said Stefanik puts Trump first and New York last and similarly called Blakeman a MAGA fanboy.

Bootlicker Bruce Blakeman has lost just about every race hes touched  county legislator, comptroller, Congress, even U.S. Senate. Theres a reason: just like Donald Trump, he takes money out of New Yorkers pockets and squeezes working families at every turn," a spokesperson for Hochuls campaign said Tuesday. Were not about to let him turn the governors mansion into Mar-a-Lago North.
MOSCOW, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Russian air defenses downed a guided bomb, 13 HIMARS rockets, and 280 Ukrainian drones, Russia's Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

The Russian aerospace forces shot down a Ukrainian air force Su-27 aircraft, the ministry added.

Since the start of the special military operation, Russia has destroyed 669 aircraft, 283 helicopters and 101,411 drones, according to the ministry.

In total, it said, 639 surface-to-air missile systems, 26,467 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,627 multiple rocket launchers, 31,815 field artillery pieces and mortars, and 48,692 special military vehicles have been destroyed. 
The developers behind the previously trending app ICEBlock have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for allegedly playing a hand in its takedown.

ICEBlock Sues Trump Administration After Apple Takedown

ICEBlock developers have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its alleged involvement in the app's takedown from the Apple App Store. The lawsuit from developer Josh Aaron focuses on free speech violations against the Trump administration.

Apple removed ICEBlock from the Apple App Store back in October, and this was also the same time when the app was taken down from the Google Play Store.

According to Aaron (via the New York Times), "A lesson we should all take from this is when we see our government is doing something wrong, it is our duty to stand up."

In the lawsuit filed, he claims that the ICEBlock app "neither enables nor encourages confrontation," claiming that the app is only delivering time-limited location information for users to stay vigilant.

The ICEBlock app was developed in response to the Trump administration's fight against illegal immigrants, allowing users to pin sightings of ICE agents on a map.

Since then, many users have joined together to provide real-time information on ICE agents they spot around the neighborhood, with the app also allowing users to pin their locations, describe what they are wearing, and/or reveal the vehicle used.

Read Also: Apple Removes ICE Agent Tracking Apps After FBI Safety Warning

Other Allegations in the Lawsuit

According to the lawsuit, Aaron claims that the Trump administration not only had a hand in coercing Apple into taking down the app from the App Store, but it also made "unlawful threats" for the app to be removed.

The developer regarded this as a threat to free speech and information for users, especially as the app only alerts users regarding sightings.

Since the early days of the app, US officials had already called for its takedown, citing that it is unsafe and further escalates the tension between the public and the government. This was during the time the app rose to the top charts of the Apple App Store and saw a volume of users taking part in reporting sightings of ICE officers, centered in areas like Los Angeles, California.

That said, the ICEBlock app still splits pubic opinion in the middle as others are thinking about the dangers brought by the app, particularly as there are some network anomalies found within the app.

It has been months since the ICEBlock app was rendered unavailable on smartphones, but users may still use it on the web to continue their reports and spot ICE agents within their vicinity.
Elon Musk is blasting the European Union after it ordered his social media platform, X, to pay a $140 million penalty for breaking the bloc's online safety rules.

The European Commission said X used a "deceptive" blue checkmark, failed to give clear information about ads, and blocked researchers from seeing important public data.

According to the NY Post, Musk immediately rejected the punishment, calling it "bullst," and later posted that the EU "should be abolished."

The penalty is the first issued under the EU's new Digital Services Act, a law meant to stop scams, false information, and other harmful content online. EU officials said the fine had nothing to do with politics.

"The fine reflects non-compliance with law  not ideology," spokesperson Paula Pinho said. She added that free speech still exists in the EU, even when people criticize the bloc.

X has not commented on the ruling, but Musk says the EU is unfairly targeting his company. He argued that the bloc wants to control speech and called the government group a "tyrannical, unelected bureaucracy."

His comments quickly stirred anger online, with some European officials firing back. One Polish leader told Musk he was welcome to "go to Mars" if he disliked Europe so much.

Elon Musk calls for abolition of European Union after it hit X with $140M bullst fine https://t.co/V0LxnP8L5S pic.twitter.com/Q7mhRlqn0i  New York Post (@nypost) December 8, 2025

US Officials Back Elon Musk

The United States also reacted, with several Trump administration officials siding with Musk.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed that the fine represented a broader assault on American technology companies, suggesting it targeted the entire sector rather than just one firm.

US Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder said the EU was pushing "regulatory overreach" that harms American companies. Both claimed the rules could limit free speech.

EU officials, however, insisted the case is simple: X must stop confusing users with its blue checkmark system and follow transparency rules.

The EU says anyone can now pay for a checkmark without being truly verified, which puts people at risk of scams.

The bloc also accused X of hiding key information about ads, such as who paid for them and what topics they promote. X must submit fixes within 60 to 90 days, or it could face more penalties, CyberNews reported.

Critics also noted Musk did not object when Russia banned X, pointing out that his free-speech arguments seem selective.

Originally published on vcpost.com
EU agrees to weaken and delay green business rules



Brussels, Belgium, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



European governments and lawmakers agreed to weaken and delay new environmental and human rights rules Tuesday, clearing a key hurdle in a push to unpick EU regulations seen as too burdensome for businesses.

The European Council representing member states said its negotiators reached an overnight deal with European Parliament representatives to "simplify" two pieces of legislation hailed by civil society groups but loathed by firms.

"We delivered on our promise to remove burdens and rules and boost EU's competitiveness," said Marie Bjerre, the Minister for European affairs of Denmark, which holds the European Union's rotating presidency.

"This is an important step towards our common goal to create a more favourable business environment to help our companies grow and innovate."

The deal comes as concerns about sluggish European growth have shifted the bloc's focus to competitiveness and away from the climate and environment goals of EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's first term -- to the alarm of green advocates.

This has resulted in a broader business-friendly drive to slash EU red tape, paring back a slew of laws on which the ink is barely dry.

The first text parliament and government representatives agreed to ease Tuesday is the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires large firms to give investors and other "stakeholders" information on their climate impacts and emissions, and steps taken to limit them.

The second is the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which demands that large companies fix the "adverse human rights and environmental impacts" of their supply chains worldwide.

The deal limits CSRD's scope to companies with more than 1,000 employees and a net turnover of at least 450 million euros ($524 million), while the CSDDD will apply only to firms with more than 5,000 employees and 1.5 billion euros in turnover.

It further pushes back an already delayed deadline for companies to comply with the CSDDD by one year to July 2029, and completely removes the obligation for companies to adopt a transition plan for climate change mitigation.

The agreement also does away with the European civil liability regime, which served to harmonise firms' obligations in the event of breaches, referring to national legislation instead.

German Green lawmaker Anna Cavazzini criticised the changes accusing conservatives in parliament and member states of having "hammered the final nail in the coffin" of the law seeking to clean up corporate supply chains.

The CSDDD was proposed by the commission in 2022 after a parliamentary push inspired by the 2013 collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory building in Bangladesh, which left at least 1,134 people dead.

Its approval in 2024 was hailed as historic and celebrated as a landmark in the fight to preserve the planet and better working conditions across the globe.

The deal reached on Tuesday is provisional and needs to be officially endorsed by the council and the parliament before it is formally adopted.
Anguished Sri Lankans queue for care after deadly cyclone



Chilaw, Sri Lanka, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



Long before dawn, people were already queueing for medical aid on Tuesday at an emergency camp in Sri Lanka's coastal town of Chilaw, hit hard by a deadly cyclone and floods.

Carpenter Prasantha Perera, 60, was waiting to have a shard of wood removed from his left foot, so that he can finally begin the arduous task of cleaning up.

The disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah -- the island's worst this century -- has affected more than two million people, or nearly 10 percent of the population.

At least 638 people were killed.

Perera was the first patient of the day to leave the disaster medical camp, run by Japanese aid workers to support Chilaw's flood-hit state hospital.

"I couldn't get into the camp yesterday, so I turned up today at 4:00 am to be first in line," he said, bowing to thank the Japanese medics.

Dozens of men, women and children were standing in the orderly queue, already so long some were told to return the next day.

"My house went under five feet (1.5 metres) of water," Perera told AFP, as he limped home clutching medicines to prevent infection.

"I couldn't start cleaning up because of this splinter, but now I can begin."

Aid workers were treating a long list of ailments, but could only see around 150 patients a day.

"I will come very early tomorrow to get medicine for eczema," Eva Kumari, 51, told AFP after being turned away when the facility hit its daily capacity.

The Sri Lankan government had asked Japan to send its outpatient disaster medical unit to Chilaw, about 70 kilometres (43 miles) north of the capital Colombo, after the town's main hospital was flooded.

The hospital's deputy director, Dinesh Koggalage, said it had only just resumed admitting patients -- nearly two weeks since the cyclone hit.



- Disease threat -



Demand for the Japanese team remains high, said Professor Taketo Kurozumi, head of disaster medical management at Tokyo's Teikyo University.

"Numbers are increasing," he told AFP between seeing patients, with common problems including skin issues, respiratory problems and mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and chikungunya.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said Cyclone Ditwah was the most challenging natural disaster in recent history and appealed for international aid for the daunting recovery effort.

The 31-member medical aid team, deployed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, arrived just days after the cyclone had left Sri Lanka.

They set up a clinic in white tents, equipped with their own medical kits and power generators, and with the support of a team of 16 translators.

All medics greet patients by bowing their heads and with hands clasped in a traditional Sri Lankan greeting.

Queue management is handled by a Japanese volunteer monk, who has been living on the island for 15 years, and speaks Sri Lanka's Sinhala language.

Kazuyuki Takahashi, also known by his Buddhist name Saranankara Himi, oversees the process.

The queue moves slowly as doctors listen to patient histories and spend more time on each one than Sri Lanka's overstretched health system can generally afford, even in the best of times.
BAKU, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijan is pushing ahead with plans to establish a military-industrial cluster to strengthen national defense and expand arms exports, Prime Minister Ali Asadov told parliament on Tuesday.

Under the draft 2026 budget, defense and national security spending will account for about 21 percent of total expenditures, or 8.7 billion manats (about 5.1 billion U.S. dollars), he said.

Asadov noted that the military industry has grown rapidly after years of investment and now exports to multiple countries. Azerbaijan has also expanded military-technical cooperation, including drone production with Turkiye's Baykar and potential collaboration with Slovakia. 
EU says to boost import controls as Mercosur deadline looms



Brussels, Belgium, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



The European Union said Tuesday it will step up checks on agricultural imports, in a move seemingly aimed at appeasing concerns over a trade deal with Latin American countries of Mercosur.

The European Commission said it will increase audits carried out on non-EU countries by 50 percent over the next two years, to ensure products entering the 27-nation bloc comply with its standards.

Checks at European border posts aimed at verifying that inspections are in line with EU requirements will also go up 33 percent, the commission said.

A task force would be set up to make import controls more efficient, it added.

"The EU must ensure that any animal, plant or food product arriving from other countries meets our strict health and safety standards," said EU health commissioner Oliver Varhelyi.

Varhelyi said the measures were unrelated to the Mercosur deal, but would help with its "enforcement and the implementation".

The commission is hoping to have the agreement approved by member states by December 20 despite opposition from France.

The agreement to form a 700-million-customer free-trade area, the world's biggest, is a key pillar in Brussels' push to open new markets in the face of US tariffs.

But farmers, particularly in France, have raised concerns that they would be undercut by a flow of cheaper goods from agricultural giant Brazil and its neighbours if it enters into force.
Press Release from Business Wire: Global Prize for Innovation in Water



(AFP) Dec 09, 2025



JEDDAH, Dec 9, 2025 (BSW) - The city of Jeddah today witnessed a landmark global event with the announcement of the winners of the Global Prize for Innovation in Water in its third edition, marking the conclusion of a highly competitive showcase that drew the attention of the international water community. The winners were revealed during the opening ceremony held as part of the fourth edition of the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS2025).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209514013/en/

Winners of the Global Prize for Innovation in Water Announced (Photo: AETOSWire)



During the ceremony, the names of 14 winners were announced. Their pioneering solutions succeeded in meeting the rigorous criteria set by the international jury panel. With total prizes amounting to 10 million dollars across all stages, the award recognizes exceptional efforts in transforming research ideas into practical, real-world water technologies.

The two Grand Prizes this year were awarded to HanQing Yu from China, who received the Grand Impact Award, and Guihua Yu from the United States, who received the Grand Discovery Prize.

In addition, 12 winners were honored across the various award tracks. The honorees included Charlie Norton, Premlal Balakrishna Pillai, Omar Daoud, and Felipe Torres from the United Kingdom; Jianan Gao from Hong Kong, China; John Gradek, Hamidreza Samouei, and Andrew Schevets from the United States; Elena Campos and Ines Larrea from Spain; Walid Soufi from Turkey; and Abrar Zafar from Saudi Arabia.

Today's awards ceremony marked the culmination of a competitive selection phase that included 36 finalists from 22 countries, representing distinguished universities, advanced research centers, and leading technology companies. The winning innovations spanned six key tracks vital to the future of the water sector: Advanced Water Production Technologies, Water Quality Improvement and Reuse, Circular Treatment and Zero Liquid Discharge Technologies, Digital Models, Process Optimization, and Automation, Sustainable Water Production and Environmental Conservation, and Cost-Effective Wastewater Treatment Technologies.

The international jury, comprising 28 experts from 12 countries, praised the high caliber of submissions, noting that the winning solutions demonstrated strong economic feasibility, positive environmental impact, and the ability to address global challenges related to water scarcity and climate change.

Source:AETOSWire







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Reuyuf Ahmed[email protected] 0966594911115







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Mexico president confident of deal with US on water dispute



Mexico City, Dec 9 (AFP) Dec 09, 2025



Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday she was confident of reaching an agreement with US President Donald Trump in a water-sharing dispute, after he threatened new sanctions.

"I am convinced that, as has happened other times, we are going to reach an agreement that benefits the United States and Mexico," Sheinbaum told a news conference a day after Trump's threat.

Trump on Monday accused Mexico of violating a 1944 treaty under which the United States shares water from the Colorado River in exchange for flows from the Rio Grande, which forms part of the border between the two countries.

Trump said Mexico owed 800,000 acre-feet of water to the United States and demanded it release a quarter of this amount by December 31 or be hit with a new five percent tariff.

Sheinbaum said Mexican officials would meet Tuesday with US counterparts to discuss the dispute.

Mexico has acknowledged it is behind in its water deliveries to the US over the past five years, citing drought conditions in 2022 and 2023.

Sheinbaum said it would be physically impossible to deliver the amount of water Trump wants so quickly because the pumping equipment could not handle it.

"We have the best will to deliver the amount of water that is owed from previous years," she said Tuesday.

The move to boost water supplies for Texas farmers came as the 79-year-old president announced a $12 billion aid package for the US agriculture industry, rocked by fallout from his trade and tariff policies.

Trump in April had previously threatened Mexico with economic repercussions over the water dispute, prompting Mexico at the time to immediately send water.

Mexican goods currently face a 25% tariff unless they fall under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a free trade deal struck during Trump's first term and which Washington is aiming to renegotiate in 2026.
Press Release from Business Wire: Suzano



(AFP) Dec 09, 2025



SAO PAULO, Dec 9, 2025 (BSW) - Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, has launched its Nature Strategy, reaffirming the company's commitment to biodiversity and how it guides decision-making within the business. Suzano's operations depend directly on nature, and the company recognizes that its longevity and ability to innovate are intrinsically linked to the health of ecosystems. Therefore, nature occupies a significant strategic role in the business' vision.

The science-led Nature Strategy, developed in collaboration with IUCN, is guided by the mitigation hierarchy: avoid, reduce, restore and transform. This approach enables the prevention of impacts, the minimization of risks, and the promotion of ecosystem regeneration.

With support from IUCN, Suzano has pioneered the use of the STAR metric - a tool that enables the company to map sensitive areas within the territories where it operates, identify endangered species, and set priority actions required to reduce their risk of extinction. Biodiversity monitoring conducted by the company over several decades has revealed the presence of 125 endangered species, of which 24 have been selected as priority for action based on technical criteria.

This model, developed in collaboration with IUCN, combined scientific rigor and innovative methodologies, and was published as a Suzano case study at the IUCN Congress in October. The learnings were fundamental to the consolidation of the RHINO methodology(Rapid High-Integrity Nature-positive Outcomes), which guides companies to take concrete and measurable actions for biodiversity conservation. The internal analyses undertaken for the development of Suzano's Nature Strategy covered the 2.9 million hectares of land owned by the company, a number that increases to about 10 million hectares when considering the scale of the watersheds analyzed. This model allows us to expand our view beyond the company's operational limits and reinforces Suzano's commitment to conservation at scale.

"We know that the global biodiversity picture is challenging: 75% of terrestrial ecosystems have already been altered by human activity, and approximately 25% of assessed species are endangered, according to the World Economic Forum. These figures represent tangible risks for society and for businesses. For Suzano, ensuring the integrity of nature means ensuring the resilience of our business and the communities we work with," says Giordano Automare, Executive Manager of Sustainability at Suzano.

Suzano's Nature Strategy is designed to align with the company's previously established long-term commitments, such as connecting 500,000 hectares of forest fragments through ecological corridors and increasing water availability in critical watersheds within the company's areas of operation. These objectives are also aligned to the global goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the development of a regenerative economy.

In addition to IUCN, the development of Suzano's Nature Strategy involved more than 25 stakeholders, including experts, representatives from government, academia, NGOs, and local communities, ensuring legitimacy and a diversity of perspectives for the proposed actions.

NOTES TO EDITOR

About Suzano

Suzano is the world's largest pulp supplier, a major paper and packaging producer in the Americas, and one of Brazil's biggest employers.

Driven by a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation, Suzano produces responsibly grown raw materials that are exported to more than 100 countries around the world, meeting the global demand for bio-based solutions. These are used to make everyday items that reach more than two billion people, including toilet paper and tissue, packaging, printing and writing paper, personal hygiene products, and textiles.

Founded in Brazil over 100 years ago, today Suzano operates across Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia. The company's shares are listed on the B3 in Sao Paulo (SUZB3) and the New York Stock Exchange (SUZ). Learn more at:suzano.com.br/en







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Media contactsFor Suzano:Hawthorn Advisors[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.
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A new conservation agreement has been announced to safeguard a significant expanse of New Mexico desert, renowned for its breathtaking vistas that captivated 20th-century painter Georgia O'Keeffe. The pact also ensures continued public access to an adjacent educational retreat, partners confirmed on Tuesday.

The initial phase establishes a conservation easement across approximately 26 square kilometres of land near Abiquiu, owned by a charitable arm of the Presbyterian Church.

This protected area, featuring reservoir waterfront and native grasslands, stretches towards a remote home once owned by O'Keeffe's estate, though her larger Abiquiu residence and studio, managed by the Georgia OKeeffe Museum, remain outside the conservation zone.

The landscape, with its distinctive desert washes, sandstone bluffs, and the distant silhouette of Cerro Pedernal, will be instantly recognisable to admirers of O'Keeffe's work.

open image in gallery Ghost Ranch landscape pictured in July 18, 2025 ( Jonathan Hayden via AP )

Jonathan Hayden, executive director of the New Mexico Land Conservancy, which helped broker the plan, emphasised the area's unique value. "The stark colourful geology, the verdant grasslands going right down to the Chama River and Abiquiu lake -- all that just makes it such a multifaceted place with tremendous conservation value," he stated.

Hayden added that the voluntary plan aims to prevent potential modern development that could subdivide and alter the property, despite no immediate proposals.

Beyond preserving natural beauty, the agreement guarantees continued access for film productions  the land famously served as a temporary set for a recreation of wartime Los Alamos in the 2024 film Oppenheimer.

It also protects traditional winter grazing routes for local farmers. The State of New Mexico is substantially underwriting the initiative through a trust established in 2023, with an approved $920,000 award allocated for easement surveys, transaction costs, and a financial endowment.

open image in gallery The breathtaking desert vistas in New Mexico near Abiquiu inspired the work of 20th century painter Georgia O'Keeffe ( Bill Stengel Photography via AP )

This fund will support programming at the adjacent Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Centre, which attracts around 10,000 overnight visitors annually for spiritual, artistic, and literary retreats, alongside twice as many day visitors.

These initial phases are part of a broader ambition to protect over 78 square kilometres of the region through further easements and public land transfers, potentially extending protections to the Chama River banks and additional wildlife habitats. The area also holds deep historical significance, with many Native American communities tracing their ancestry to this northern New Mexico landscape that O'Keeffe explored and immortalised in her art.
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Nnena Kalu has won the 2025 Turner Prize for her colourful cocoon-like sculptures made of VHS cassette tape and found fabric.

The 59-year-old artist, who is autistic with limited verbal communication, is the first learning-disabled artist to be nominated for the prestigious award.

She received the nod for the inclusion of Drawing 21 in the group exhibition Conservation at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, as well as her works Hanging Sculpture 1-10.

Kalus suspended sculptures are created by winding vibrant recycled materials, such as cloth, paper, and card, around lengths of flexible ducting tape. This creates a sense of joyous uplift, wrote The Independents art critic Mark Hudson in a review of the Turner Prize shortlisted artists this year.

The artist beat out her fellow nominees, including Mohammed Sami, whose large-scale paintings meditating on war and Iraq had made him the favourite to win.

open image in gallery Installation view of Nnena Kalus presentation at the Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford ( David Levene )

Magician Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo, presented the prize to Kalu at a ceremony held in Bradford on Tuesday evening (9 December). She will receive 25,000.

Chaired by the director of Tate Britain Alex Farquharson, the jury commended Kalus bold and compelling work, praising her lively translation of expressive gesture into sculpture and drawing. They also noted her finesse of scale, composition and colour.

Born in Glasgow to Nigerian parents, Kalu moved to London at a young age. She still lives in the city in supported care, according to a recent interview in The Guardian.

Kalu works closely with her longtime studio manager and artistic facilitator, Charlotte Hollinshead, who leads the team that has been helping to support and nurture her creative endeavours since 1999.

open image in gallery Kalu won the prize for her large-scale, cocoon-like sculptures ( Tate )

The nomination is phenomenal, Ms Hollinshead told The Guardian in May. Its seismic. Someone said to me the other day, Its like someones just thrown a bomb into the Turner prize  and it is like that. A good bomb.

Alongside her sculptural work, Kalu also creates large-scale abstract drawings made with similar vigorous and rhythmic lines.

Established in 1984, the Turner Prize is Britains best-known art prize. It is awarded annually to an artist born or working in the UK for work completed over the previous year.

open image in gallery Installation view of Kalus presentation at the Turner Prize 2025 ( Courtesy of the artist, ActionSpace, London and Arcadia Missa, London / David Levene )

This year, Kalu beat out Baghdad-born painter Sami, Korean-Canadian artist Zadie Xa, and photographer Rene Matic, who at 28 is the second-youngest artist ever to be shortlisted for the Turner. The other nominees will receive 10,000 each.

Sami was the favourite to win after receiving the nod for his exhibition After the Storm: Mohammed Sami at Blenheim Palace. It comprised 14 paintings that respond to Winston Churchills birthplace and contain hints and references to conflict in Iraq.

The work of Korean-Canadian artist Xa falls into a mystical trend in contemporary art. Merging land and seascape in hallucinatory compositions rooted in the shamanic traditions of her Korean heritage, wrote Mark Hudson.

Matic was the only photographer to be shortlisted for the prize. Their photographs of political demonstrations and queer subculture were influenced by their experience growing up queer and mixed-race in Peterborough.

In a video that accompanies their art, Matic  who has English, Irish and Saint Lucian heritage  describes Blackness and whiteness as being at war within their body.

open image in gallery Alongside her sculptures, Kalu also creates large drawings using similar rhythmic lines ( David Levene )

On the Turner Prize 2025 jury, alongside Farquharson were independent curator Andrew Bonacina, director of Liverpool Biennial Sam Lackey, associate curator of modern and contemporary projects at the National Gallery Priyesh Mistry, and Habda Rashid, who is the senior curator of modern and contemporary art at Fitzwilliam Museum.

Kalu joins a revered list of winners including sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor (1991), artist Damien Hirst (1995), filmmaker Sir Steve McQueen (1999), and Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur, whose doily-clad car helped to clinch her win last year.

A group show of the 2025 shortlisted artists work is running at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford until 22 February 2026.
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Judi Dench is facing public outrage for supportive comments she made about disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, whos currently serving out a 16-year prison sentence for rape and sexual assault convictions.

When accusations against Weinstein first emerged in 2017, Dench, 90, was quick to condemn his horrifying behavior. While at the time, she acknowledged that the former film producer had helped and championed my film career for the past 20 years, she admitted she was completely unaware of these offenses.

However, now that several years have passed, the British acting legend feels hes done his time.

I dont know, to me its personal  forgiveness, Dench told The Radio Times in a new interview. I saw a bit of film of Harvey walking with two sticks and you think, Well, she added. I knew Harvey and I knew him well and worked with him, and I had none of that experience  very fortunately for me.

Weinstein, 73, is currently in prison after being convicted in California of three counts of rape and sexual assault in 2022. Prior to that, in 2020, he was convicted of rape in New York and sentenced to 23 years in prison. However, the latter conviction was overturned, and he was retried in June. Weinstein was again found guilty of an assault, but acquitted on other sex charges.

open image in gallery Judi Dench (left) says she feels disgraced film tycoon Harvey Weinstein has 'done his time' ( Getty )

open image in gallery Weinstein enters the courtroom in New York City in 2020 ( Getty Images )

Denchs comments have ignited a social media firestorm, with several finding them to be out of touch.

Maam, I need you to speak to his victims before you say these things, one wrote on X.

Bummed to read this, a second said. Sure, she can do what she wants, its her opinion. Her influence is the problem. She knows damn well she is in a position of influence and this move, these words, reinforce the misogynistic reality we all live under and is a slap in the face of all abused.

Just an absolute and stunning lack of compassion for the suffering of Weinsteins other victims, a third decried.

Another, however, was more understanding of her remarks, calling them personal and nuanced. Shes basically saying shes processed her own experiences with Harvey Weinstein ... and frames it all around forgiveness rather than public judgment, they added. Classic Dench: measured, reflective, and unapologetically her own moral compass.

The Independent has contacted Denchs representative for comment.

In the same interview with The Radio Times, Dench revealed that she texts exiled Hollywood star Kevin Spacey.

Kevin has been exonerated and I hear from Kevin, we text, the Notes on a Scandal actor said.

open image in gallery Kevin Spacey has been exiled from Hollywood after multiple men accused him of sexual misconduct, which he has consistently denied ( Getty Images )

Spacey, 66, was acquitted of sexual assault charges in a 2023 criminal trial in the U.K., as well as dismissed of sexual assault allegations in 2022 by a New York court.

Previously speaking to The Radio Times in 2019, Dench celebrated both Weinsteins and Spaceys talents, arguing that their work should be separated from their alleged offenses.

Are we going to negate 10 years at the Old Vic and everything that he did, how wonderful hes been in all those films? she said of the House of Cards star.

Are we just not going to see all those films that Harvey produced? You cannot deny somebody a talent, Dench continued. You might as well never look at a Caravaggio painting. You might as well never have gone to see Noel Coward.
TOKYO, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. military parachute used during a training exercise at Yokota Air Base in November fell onto the grounds of a nearby children's community center in Fussa, western Tokyo, local media reported Tuesday.

The Fussa municipal government plans to protest to both the U.S. military and the Japanese government, Kyodo News reported, citing city officials, adding that no injuries to residents were reported.

Strong winds blew the main parachute and a pilot chute off course after the U.S. military personnel detached them during the training exercise on Nov. 20, the report said.

The main parachute landed on the playground of the children's center, about 100 meters from the base, and U.S. military personnel retrieved it that night without obtaining permission from the city.

On Dec. 1, a staff member at the children's center found the pilot chute on the facility's rooftop, which was then retrieved by city officials.

The parachute drop exercise had only just resumed on Nov. 20, after being temporarily suspended when a U.S. army paratrooper landed in Hamura City, also in western Tokyo, beyond the drop zone at the Yokota base on Nov. 18. 
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Busta Rhymes put a TikToker in their place after they thought it would be funny to intentionally mistake the legendary rapper for comedian Tracy Morgan.

The unidentified influencer met Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith Jr., at an Art Basel event in Miami over the weekend, according to a clip of the awkward encounter shared by TMZ.

The content creator posed for a picture with the I Know What You Want rapper and pointed at the star, saying, Its Tracy Morgan.

Rhymes was not amused. His smile dropped instantly, and his expression hardened as he realised the TikToker had called him by the comedians name instead.

Wait, what did you say? Rhymes asked repeatedly as he told the person filming to stop recording: Put your camera down.

open image in gallery Busta Rhymes put a TikTok influencer in his place when he mistakenly called him Tracy Morgan ( Getty Images for Redken )

Rhymes, 53, leaned into the kid as he directed questions at him, speaking quietly but at a volume where the crowd around them could still hear the telling off he gave the influencer. The video shows people in the group slamming the prankster as disrespectful as Rhymes went in on him.

Im asking you a question, I aint calling you out, the rapper said, insisting he wanted to understand the joke. The kid shrugged, unable to answer, and began to turn visibly red.

Im taking a picture to show love, and youre trying to be funny? the record producer said. The creator floundered and said he heard other people saying the 30 Rock stars name.

I didnt hear nobody say Tracy, Rhymes replied. You the only one who said it. Rhymes went on to cuss out the kid and told him, Dont play stupid.

He added: You dont play with a grown man, little boy. Thats how people get f***** up.

open image in gallery Busta Rhymes attended the premiere of Tracy Morgan's sitcom in 2018 ( Getty Images for TBS )

open image in gallery Tracy Morgan is best known for his performance on 30 Rock ( Invision )

As the video of the schooling began to circulate online, social media users quickly sided with Rhymes against the TikTok creators prank.

No lie, Busta Rhymes gave this young man a much needed sit down and lecture on respect that may alter the direction of this kids life for the better, one X user wrote. Probably the most effective parenting this kid has gotten to this point in this life.

Another agreed, I love that Busta Rhymes did this because yall content creators need to stop playing with our legends for content, thats not player and it was never funny.

Although Rhymes did not appreciate the comparison, he and Morgan appear to be supportive of each other in their respective industries. Rhymes was pictured hugging Morgan at the 2018 premiere of the actors sitcom, The Last O.G.
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Chad Spodicks cause of death has been confirmed days after his loved ones announced his death.

Best known for being a contestant on the 2016 Logo reality series Finding Prince Charming, Spodicks death was announced on a GoFundMe page, created to raise money to cover funeral expenses.

A spokesperson for the Boca Raton police department told People Spodick died by suicide. The investigation remains open, but no further details were provided.

The GoFundMe page, posted five days ago by Kate Werbowski, reads that the former reality stars loved ones are still struggling to comprehend a world without his light after Spodicks devastating loss.

Chad was the type of person who poured himself into others, the page read. He lifted up his friends, encouraged everyone around him to grow, to advocate for themselves, and to believe in their own worth. His love for animals was unmatched  he cared deeply for every creature, especially his four beloved dogs and his bird, Cosmo.

open image in gallery A GoFundMe page was created to help Spodicks mother raise money for funeral expenses ( Instagram )

open image in gallery Spodicks GoFundMe page has a $35,000 goal ( Instagram )

The world was brighter with Chad in it, and those who were lucky enough to know him felt the warmth of his heart every day, the pages description continued.

The fundraiser was originally set up for the benefit of Spodicks mother, Felice Harwood, who is dealing with the unexpected financial burden of funeral arrangements and ongoing living expenses.

We are coming together as a community to support her and Chads animals during this incredibly painful time. We are raising funds to help cover: funeral and memorial service costs, immediate living expenses for his mother, care needs for Chads pets during this transition, the GoFundMe page read.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the GoFundMe page has earned over $28,000 of its $35,000 goal.

Spodick was one of 13 men who appeared on Finding Prince Charming, a Bachelor-style reality show competing for the prince, Robert Sepelveda Jr.'s heart.

After being on the show for six weeks, Spodick quit and went on to accuse Sepelveda of trying to date other men on the show after it ended, JustJared reported.

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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Things are getting heated on The View.

Comedian Leslie Jones, 58, joined the ABC talk show co-hosts during Tuesdays episode to promote her new comedy special Leslie Jones: Part Two, but the interview descended into chaos when the TV personalities noticed Jones appeared to be getting hot.

Jones, dressed in a red off-shoulder sweater dress, confided in the women that she often faces hot flashes due to menopause, joking: The heat that comes off of me could light a small city in Guadalajara.

The panelists then began to fan Jones with the papers in front of them  but it was not enough for Whoopi Goldberg, who got up and walked over to Joness seat, where she dabbed the sweat off the Saturday Night Live alumnis face.

The co-hosts of The View began to laugh as Goldberg, 70, took it to the next level by fanning Jones with a towel before blowing on her face.

open image in gallery Whoopi Goldberg blew on Leslie Jones to cool her down during Tuesday's episode of 'The View' ( The View/ABC )

open image in gallery Leslie Jones worked on 'Saturday Night Live' for five seasons ( Getty Images )

In what appeared to be a concerned remark to Jones, Joy Behar told her that she should be too old to get menopausal symptoms because the normal age range is from 45 to 55 years old.

Do we got beef? Jones fired back at Behar, causing the women to break out into more laughter.

Fans of The View were delighted by all the sweat jokes and shared their reactions on social media, with one writing: I am LOVING this segment with Leslie Jones! The ladies really showed up for her in a hot flash. That's sisterhood!

Hot flashes aint no joke Leslie Jones.Whoopi is fanning her lol, another observed.

A third added, That whole building has menopausal people, someone get her an electric hand fan. Surely someone has one. I have one right next to me right now. She needs to trade the rag for one of those little fans. These work for that inferno of heat.

When the show returned from an ad break, Jones had been given a handheld fan. Before the end of her appearance, the comedian promised to return to the show soon on a less flustered note.

Jones was a cast member and writer for SNL from 2014 to 2019. In addition to her work on the comedy sketch show, the comedian is also known for the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot, as well as her hilarious Olympics coverage.

Her Olympics commentary recently won her a Sports Emmy, she announced last month. Her coverage started as live tweets that NBC initially banned before she joined the network for their coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics as their chief superfan commentator.
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Russell T Davies has lauded his upcoming Channel 4 thriller, Tip Toe, as showcasing some of the "finest acting" he has ever witnessed, featuring a stellar cast led by Alan Cumming and David Morrissey.

The five-part series, slated for release in 2026, centres on Leo (Cumming), the charismatic owner of a bar in Manchesters Gay Village, and his "unsmiling and troubled" next-door neighbour, Clive (Morrissey).

After nearly 15 years of living side-by-side, their relationship dramatically deteriorates, transforming them into "deadly enemies" as "words and radicalised opinions" drive a wedge between them.

Davies, currently in the "final days of filming", expressed his enthusiasm, stating: "This show has some of the finest acting Ive ever seen, from the most splendid cast, and I cant wait for it to hit Channel 4."

Cumming, known for Cabaret, previously described the series as "prescient and necessary", while Morrissey called it "a privilege" to collaborate on the "astonishing" production.

The 62-year-old showrunner, celebrated for revitalising the BBCs Doctor Who in 2005 and creating the acclaimed Its A Sin, brings his distinctive storytelling to this new project.

Alan Cumming and David Morrissey in 'Tip Toe' ( Channel 4/Ben Blackall/PA Wire )

The ensemble cast also includes Denise Welch, Pooky Quesnel, Iz Hesketh, Elizabeth Berrington, and Saltburn actor Paul Rhys.

Tip Toe is produced by Quay Street Productions, a division of ITV Studios.

It comes after Davies said that shows like Queer As Folk and Cucumber, rather than Doctor Who, will define his legacy in TV.

Davies revived the teatime favourite in 2005 and worked on the series until 2010, before rejoining in 2023. It became a global phenomenon under his leadership, drawing millions of viewers worldwide and contributing millions to the UK economy.

But the screenwriter and producer, who is passionate about sharing queer stories, has distanced himself from the show after ratings plummeted and lead star Ncuti Gatwa suddenly left the series.

I love Doctor Who, but I dont own it, he told Big Issue. Its not mine. So in the end, my heart will always be with the things that I own.

He explained: Tip Toe is Queer as Folk crossed with Years and Years. Thats exactly what it is. Im very proud of it. Its radical. Its savage. And its hilarious.
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Thirteen-year-old Ella from Sydney uses social media to stay in touch with her friends  and to help her sleep. Hitting play on an autonomous sensory meridian response video (ASMR) , which features soothing sounds like whispering or clinking to provoke relaxation and appease insomnia and anxiety, has become a ritual to help her drift off after a long day at school. I was listening to those videos nightly, she says of the habit. It was my routine. Now its gone.

From midnight on Tuesday 9 December Australia will become the first country in the world to ban children and teenagers under 16 from using social media after the law was successfully passed this summer. Apps including Metas Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat are included, as well as Amazon-owned live streaming service Twitch. Tech companies will face fines of up to A$49.5m (25m) for non-compliance, with Meta already beginning to shut down thousands of accounts belonging to children under 16 a week before the deadline.

Michael Wippa Wipfli, an Australian radio presenter, comedian and father of three under-16s, was among those who led the campaign to bring the history-making legislation into effect. [Social media] was the number one topic, not only keeping parents up at night but, coming up on the sidelines of every sporting field, he says. Very quickly, this became the largest petition ever signed on this topic globally I think a lot of people were shocked to know that the law previously said children could be online at 13. That was, really, made up by tech companies.

We spoke to a lot of professionals, paediatricians, developmental paediatricians, parents and educators to find out if were able to give these children another three years  36 months  to grow and develop in a healthy teenage way, he says, explaining the groundwork that was done ahead of the law. My kids, Ted is 10, Jack is nine, and Francesa is five What weve been saying a lot is, we need to give these kids a chance to get to know themselves before the world does, Wippa adds.

Clinical psychologist Dr Danielle Einstein, whose research helped inform and shape the under-16s social media ban, says evidence has shown that, despite use of videos like ASMR, excessive reliance on social media is linked to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, loneliness, sleep disruption and academic difficulties. Far from being a source of protection, these platforms amplify self-focus, insecurity and impair brain functioning in the early years of high school before teens have the hardware to restrain thinking thoughtfully about their use, she adds.

Ellas mum Sally, who works closely with an MP in her position in an Electoral Office on the outskirts of Sydney, was initially on board with the social media ban  until she heard more about the planned rollout. I thought it was a fabulous idea. I was concerned my own children were spending too much time on social media, and as a parent  when their phone is in their hand  its hard to police that Unfortunately, I began to realise the legislation seemed very rushed It didnt seem like the input of the under-16s was taken into account.

As well as her concerns over losing her nightly ASMR videos, Ella has been worrying about the increased social isolation that could come from the ban. I usually send my friends relatable videos and post some videos on a private account, she says. A lot of my friends are really worried about the ban. I have one whose childhood friend lives in a different country. She communicates with her a lot on TikTok and Snapchat. Nobody wants it to happen.

open image in gallery Many children are worried about how theyll communicate with their friends ( Getty )

Two nights before the ban was set to come into effect, Ella shared a TikTok video lamenting the fact that the 10 December launch date coincided with International Human Rights Day. At the time of writing, the post has over 44,000 likes, 1,300 comments, 5,300 shares and over 258,000 views. This country has turned into a dictatorship, one person commented. So, I only have a few more hours enjoying my favourite part of the day? another user mourned.

Like weaning oneself off of any addiction, Sally suggests going cold turkey may not have been the best idea. To just say, Lets take social media away is going to be highly anxiety-inducing, she says. Its what theyre used to. To just rip it away from children with no discussion, no suggestion of what to do instead, is totally the wrong way to go about it. You need proper planning. Proper counselling. That wouldve been wonderful and could have been introduced.

Additionally, Dr Einstein says one law is simply not enough to make effective change. History shows that single measures rarely shift deeply ingrained behaviours, she says. Just as tobacco control requires taxation, advertising restrictions, public education, and smoke-free environments, protecting children from social media harms will require a multi-layered strategy. Einstein nods to equipping parents and schools with knowledge, time and money to make changes as a critical additional step, as well as introducing a duty of care regulation on social media sites, so all Australians  not just children  can feel better about tech use. Lets be clear, this regulation signifies the start, not the end of our efforts to find balance.

Wipfli acknowledges that his blanket ban on all under-16s may not be perfect. Many parents and critics have already informed him that children are able to get around the ban using VPNs (virtual private networks) or even putting a photo of their parent or a celebrity in front of the age verification screening camera. Nobody expects it to be perfect, he claims. Theres always going to be a way around things, but we have to start somewhere. There is no silver bullet. We need to change behaviour. So, we need education. Thatll be the next step.

open image in gallery Some parents have criticised social media being ripped away from teens without any counselling or support ( Getty )

Could a social media ban be coming to the UK? Wipfli says there has been interest in his campaign among leaders from Britain, Europe, Japan and the Philippines. A petition was launched in the UK, which secured over 100,000 signatures, meaning it was debated in parliament this February. The government is not currently minded to support a ban for children under 16, came the response. Instead, the priority was said to be working with Ofcom to effectively implement the divisive Online Safety Act 2023 so all social media users can benefit from much-needed protections  and tech companies can be fined up to 18m or 10 per cent of their revenue worldwide (whichever amounts to more) for non-compliance.

Yet, for all of its addictiveness, there are stats to show that social media  in the age of AI slop posts and Keir Starmer having a TikTok account  might not be that cool any more, anyway. Although slop might give users an easy hit of dopamine, this endless brainrot content may ultimately be turning people away from screens in favour of more analogue pursuits.

Time spent on social media, in fact, peaked in 2022 and has since gone into steady decline, according to an analysis conducted for the Financial Times by digital audience insights company GWI. Usage among adults aged 16 and older now sits at around two hours and 20 minutes per day. Still high, but down almost 10 per cent compared to three years ago. Interestingly, the study found that usage is down most significantly among teenagers and twentysomething users.

In an essay for the New Yorker this summer, writer Kyle Chayka suggested that society is careering towards what he calls posting zero aka a point where people feel that its not even worth their time to share their lives online. Gen Z users are embracing this silence and spearheading the Posting Zero movement by either walking away from social media apps completely, sharing only to private accounts for their close friends, or opting to scroll in silence rather than share themselves.

Seemingly, for teenage and young adult users, we may have approached a stage with social media where the experience of being online is so debased thanks to AI-generated content that users have actually been snapped out of their doomscrolling stupor and encouraged to look out of the window and go touch grass instead. Yes, social media is dangerous, but what could really finish it off is when a generation calls it out for what it is: boring.

The ban is the start  but the banality will be the finish.
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Dick Van Dyke doesnt have any big plans for his 100th birthday  and thats exactly how he likes it.

The actors wife, Arlene Silver, spoke about his upcoming December 13 milestone birthday during an interview Sunday with People at the premiere of Dick Van Dyke's 100th Celebration in Malibu, California. According to Silver, Van Dyke wont be having a big party; instead, he plans to stay at home with her.

He doesn't want to do anything, the 54-year-old told the publication. He wants to be in his room watching Jeopardy! reruns with me.

She also acknowledged that shes so grateful that Van Dyke  to whom shes been married since 2012  is here, with both his birthday and the release of his documentary film about his career, Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration, coming up.

I'm so happy he's here to see what I know is going to be a global celebration of him. I'm so glad he's still with us, she added. I've always been celebrating him now, like since 2011 when I got him on social media. It's like a pinnacle of all that is  all these different people from different events we've done, [just] so cool.

open image in gallery Dick Van Dykes wife says he wants to watch Jeopardy! reruns to celebrate his 100th birthday ( Getty Images )

I'm so honored to have him in my life, take care of him, and nurture this community that we've built, that he's built over the years, she added about the Mary Poppins star.

The couple first met at the 2006 Screen Actors Guild Awards, where Silver was working, and Van Dyke was appearing during the ceremony. Although Van Dyke was 81 and she was 35 at the time, the two didnt strike up a romance until after Van Dykes longtime partner, Michelle Triola Marvin, died from lung cancer in 2009.

In 1984, Van Dyke finalized his split from his first wife, Margie Willett, who died in 2008. The pair welcomed four children  Christian, 75, Barry, 74, Stacy, 69, and Carrie, 63  together.

Leading up to his 100th birthday, Van Dyke has also shared his secrets to living a long life. He told People last month that he has successfully avoided anger and hate, which is one of the chief things that kept me going.

According to the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star, he was never really able to work up a feeling of hate and attributes reaching 99 to his brighter outlook.

open image in gallery Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver have been married since 2012 ( Getty Images )

Ive always thought that anger is one thing that eats up a persons insides  and hate, he explained. There were things I didnt like, people I dont like and disapprove of. But I never really was able to do a white heat kind of hate.

However, in a health diary for The Times, also published in November, he confessed that he feels diminished both physically and socially. He also revealed that every single one of my dearest lifelong friends is gone, which feels just as lonely as it sounds.

Still, he credited much of his survival to his wife. Without question, our ongoing romance is the most important reason I have not withered away into a hermetic grouch, he wrote in the diary.

Arlene is half my age, and she makes me feel somewhere between two-thirds and three-quarters my age, which is still saying a lot, he added.
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As we hurtle into the frantic final weeks before Christmas, theres much to be said for the appeal of convenience. If youre buying your dad the gift of a new dressing gown, its hard to resist the sweet, sweet ease of clicking a few buttons and waiting for a tracking link to arrive. But there are times when old-fashioned retail, the kind that involves you actually putting on shoes, simply cannot be bettered, however inconvenient it might seem.

Furnishing your Christmas cheeseboard is, I would argue, firmly in that category. If youre lucky enough to live within reach of a cheesemonger's  and particularly Borough Market, with the finest concentration of cheese sellers anywhere in the country  the effort involved in making that trip will be rewarded many times over, in both quality of food and richness of experience. Heres why.

Christmas demands good cheese

This is the fundamental point. Worry not what you jam into a mayo-filled sandwich or melt onto a toastie and douse in brown sauce. But at Christmas, when the opportunity arises to savour cheeses naked and unadorned (the cheese, that is, not you), quality really does tell.

The best cheese has been cared for, nurtured, right all along the process, by the farmers, the makers, the maturers, and finally the mongers, says Michael Finnerty, a cheesemonger at Borough Markets Mons stand and author of The Cheese Cure: How Comte and Camembert Fed My Soul. The experience youll have is completely different from eating an industrially produced, plastic-wrapped cheese that sits in a supermarket chiller for weeks on end.

Each cheese is unique

Peer into that supermarket chiller and youll see at least half a dozen cheddars. And yet despite the illusion of choice, any variance will be minimal. One of them might be milder, one a bit stronger, but thats about it.

Same with the Stilton, same with the Brie. Thats because the industrial methods used to manufacture cheese on a large scale are engineered to eradicate complexity. The emphasis is on speed and consistency  adding more starter cultures, flattening out the flavour, removing the rinds. Who wants to deal with a rind when you could have a completely perfect vac-packed cube? says Bronwen Percival, technical director at Neals Yard Dairy.

The small-scale makers and maturers who supply Neals Yard Dairy, Mons and Borough Markets other cheesemongers take a very different approach  slower, more hands-on, embracing natural processes rather than neutralising them. Each cheese is a singular reflection of the people and environment that shaped its creation.

There is nothing, says Bronwen, quite like a raw-milk cheese from a farm with lots of different plants and herbs woven into the pastures and a rare breed cow that gets all its energy from this highly biodiverse environment. When you taste that cheese, its transmitting this incredible raw material in its purest, magnified form.

Every batch is different

The uniqueness of good cheese extends to the level of individual batches. Because its slow development is informed by everything from the vagaries of the weather to the mood of the maker, a days batch might end up differing quite markedly from one produced the previous week. Occasionally, some special magic will coalesce. As a result, the best question you can ask at a cheese shop is: Whats good today? Therell always be something the cheesemaker tasted this morning that completely blew their mind. My advice: go for that.

Youll be buying it at its best

Its important that the cheese youre buying is at an optimal level of maturity. Hard cheeses are pretty stable, and a good cheesemonger will only sell them when theyre at their peak. But softer cheeses will continue to ripen and evolve. A monger can ensure that the ones you go home with are on track to reach your preferred state on the day you tuck in, whether thats a soft, pillowy texture or, in Michaels words, a full onslaught of creamy gooeyness.

Cheesemongers love to share

Getting your Christmas selection right will probably involve a bit of talking, but this very un-21st-century personal interaction is something to be cherished, not feared. No one becomes a cheesemonger unless they genuinely love cheese and want to share that love with everyone.

Some people are afraid to cross the threshold because they dont know what to say, says Michael. My message would be, just push yourself through and start a conversation. You dont need any deep knowledge or specialist vocabulary. Just start with something as basic as, I want five cheeses for eight people, and the cheesemonger will take it from there.

Theyll encourage you to taste

The process of choosing is aided by the fact that most cheesemongers will encourage you to taste the cheese. Theyll usually taste along with you and describe their impressions, giving you the chance to sound incredibly knowledgeable when you repeat their words to your guests. Try sampling a pack of cheese in a supermarket aisle and see what happens.

Theyll help you push the boundaries

Buying a selection of cheeses gives you the chance to throw in the odd flavour grenade  the kind of divisive cheese that impresses and appals in equal measure. Every good monger will have a few of those up their sleeve. Michael suggests Perail from the Aveyron region of France (like French-kissing a sheep) or a rind-washed Epoisses (notes of Marmite and bacon). No risk-averse supermarket would consider stocking anything quite so mad.

Good cheese frees up valuable fridge space

In the days before Christmas, fridges groan under the weight of birds and booze. When that capacity crisis starts to hit, good cheese is your friend. Artisan cheese doesnt just survive outside the fridge, it thrives. Chilling tightens up the texture and flattens out the flavour. It kills the entire experience  all the subtlety and complexity disappears, says Bronwen. If you have to choose one item to leave out thats going to be perfectly safe at a cool room temperature and will actually improve as a result, this is it.

Small-scale cheesemakers need our support

Visiting a cheesemonger provides a welcome boost to small-scale, specialist traders. It also supports the cheesemakers  just about the only people in the world more hopelessly passionate than those who sell their wares. For some makers, a good festive season can be the difference between surviving another year and throwing in the towel.

This is a tough time to be an artisan food producer, so our choices have real power, and when it comes to British cheese, our cultural heritage is at stake. Currently, theres only one cheesemaker in the UK still producing traditional raw-milk Cheshire and only a handful making Lancashire and Wensleydale using time-worn methods. Historic cheeses that were once ubiquitous are now, says Bronwen, like pandas, living on the edge of extinction. Their names will live on in the factory-made versions, but each of those is a sad simulacrum, like an AI take on a Bob Dylan song.

The last word goes to Michael. With a trip to a cheesemonger, youre supporting passion and craftsmanship, he says. And that has to be good.

Borough Markets annual cheese-themed shopping extravaganza, An Evening of Cheese, returns on Wednesday 10th December, 6-9pm, and is free to attend. Find out more here

The perfect Christmas cheese board

open image in gallery Ed Smiths Borough Market board, proving there is such a thing as too much choice (but only just) ( Kim Lightbody )

Recipe by: Ed Smith for Borough Market

When discussing cheeseboard strategy, I normally tend to argue (strongly and perhaps a little patronisingly) that the correct approach, actually, is to go big on just one or two things  personally, Im partial to a quarter of Stichelton and a significant wedge of aged Comte.

But lets be honest, its impossible to limit yourself to two types of cheese when you arrive at a good cheesemonger's, let alone Borough Market, where there are over 20 different traders from whom you can buy quality, artisan-produced cheese. Still, in pursuit of a balanced board, I do think its worth bearing in mind a few guidelines.

If two cheeses might be too few, then I think that any more than seven is just too many. Plumping for five, six or seven cheeses allows you to cover the steady crowd-pleasers, while also exploring a few more leftfield choices. If you lose all self-control, I wonder whether people will really appreciate the effort, or have the chance to appreciate all the cheeses at their peak.

You could, of course, theme your board by country, though I personally think its good to have an open-border policy. At the market, youll find world-class cheeses from Britain, Ireland, France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and beyond.

And so, for a varied and balanced selection, I would suggest that the absolute essentials are:

A characterful hard cheese, such as a farmhouse Cheddar, or an Alpine-style cheese akin to a Comte or Schlossberger

A mellow blue, such as a Stilton or Fourme dAmbert

A soft blooming rind, such as a Brie, Camembert or Tunworth

A sharp goats milk cheese  one of the little triangular, cylindrical or cuboid ones

And then add two or three from the following:

A stinky washed rind cheese, such as an Epoisses or St James

An unusual hard cheese that no one will have had before

A sharp blue, such as a Roquefort or Gorgonzola Piccante

A mellow, semi-hard cheese, such as a Morbier, Mayfield or Tomme de Savoie

A ewes milk cheese, such as Pecorino, Manchego or Berkswell

A novelty eye-opener, whether thats a drunk cheese from LUbriaco, Jumi Cheeses Blue Brain, a Brie layered with truffle, or something smoked. Personally, I think its best to ignore cheeses flecked with cranberries, even at Christmas, but each to their own.

And dont forget the condiments. For me, the trio comprising an oatcake-style biscuit, a plain cracker and then a wildcard of your choice provides the right balance of intrigue and dependability. The market isnt short of fresh grapes and figs, dried fruits, pickles, jellies and pastes such as damson cheese and membrillo. One or two of those will cut through nicely.

Here is my Borough Market cheese board for Christmas:

Pitchfork Cheddar from Trethowan Brothers

An unpasteurised farmhouse Cheddar from the Somerset-based makers of Gorwydd Caerphilly. Not overly mature or feisty (its aged for a touch over 11 months), but its characterful, grassy and earthy.

Ruyge Weyde Gouda from Borough Cheese Company

open image in gallery An 18-month Gouda with banoffee notes and umami crunch  the kind of surprise a cheesemonger lives to recommend ( Kim Lightbody )

An 18-month-aged Gouda with a really amazing range of flavours (from grassy meadow through to banoffee) and an umami crystal crunch redolent of a punchy Parmesan.

Bath Blue from Bath Soft Cheese Co

A mellow, creamy, blue-veined cheese, made at Park Farm from the organic milk of its own herd of cows. Powerful flavour without being gum-receding.

Young Pecorino from Bianca Mora

Pecorino comes in many guises, and Bianca Moras aged variety is exceptional, but I think this young, pale, salty, smooth version balances my board really nicely. The flavour of sheeps milk is really evident.

Saint-Felicien from Mons Cheesemongers

open image in gallery Saint-Felicien at peak ooze: soft-rind proof that Christmas cheese should never be shy ( Kim Lightbody )

This oozy-soft white rind cheese from the Rhone-Alpes region of France is as creamy and luscious as you would expect from something based on double cream. Theres a little tang to it, too. A beauty.

Dorstone from Neals Yard Dairy

A light and fluffy cylinder of goats cheese with a bright white paste, displaying citrus acidity. This will contrast nicely with the likes of Bath Blue and Pitchfork (and indeed the turkey, goose or beef from earlier on).

Basajo from LUbriaco Drunk Cheese

Heres my wild card: a sharp soft blue reminiscent of a Roquefort, but this time its had a swim in Passito di Pantelleria, an Italian dessert wine, so theres a sweet and slightly boozy edge too. You dont need much per biscuit, and yet its remarkably moreish!

Cauliflower cheese with Fessli and Gruyere

open image in gallery A Swiss-leaning cauliflower cheese where subtlety wins  ideal when the rest of the spread is doing the shouting ( Kim Lightbody )

Recipe by: Rachel Phipps for Borough Market

This simple cauliflower cheese recipe celebrates the beautiful flavour of two Swiss cheeses. Fessli, a hard goats cheese from Jumi Cheese, is paired with Gruyere. The latter provides that classic cheesiness without overpowering the earthy notes from the Fessli. As its subtler than the classic cheddar-and-English-mustard version, it works best as a side, part of a larger spread, such as with a Sunday roast or your Christmas dinner.

Severs: 4-6

Ingredients:

400ml whole milk

1 dried bay leaf

4 black peppercorns

1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets

30g butter

2 tbsp plain flour

2 tsp Dijon mustard

80g Gruyere, grated

40g Fessli, grated

Black pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Bring the milk to the boil in a small saucepan with the bay leaf and peppercorns, then set aside off the heat to infuse while you get on with the rest of the recipe.

2. Heat the oven to 190C. Bring a pan of well-salted water to the boil and cook the cauliflower florets for 8-10 mins (depending on their size), until just barely fork-tender. Drain them well, then allow them to steam dry to remove as much of their moisture as possible.

3. To make the white sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Once frothing, whisk in the flour and cook, stirring almost constantly for 2-3 mins.

4. Gradually pour in the milk, still whisking constantly, until you have a smooth sauce. Simmer for 4-5 mins until the sauce has thickened to a bechamel thickness and coats the back of a spoon well  dont worry if its a little thick, as moisture will come out of the cauliflower during baking.

5. Season to taste with salt, if needed.

6. Remove from the heat and whisk in the Dijon mustard, followed by half each of the Gruyere and the Fessli.

7. Stir the cauliflower into the white sauce so that its well coated, then transfer the whole lot to a medium baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese, and a good few grinds of black pepper.

8. Bake for 30 mins, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is golden on top. Leave to stand for 5 mins before serving.

Goats cheese, redcurrants and pistachio crumb

open image in gallery A build-your-own dessert that turns fresh goats cheese into something festive, floral and quietly fancy ( Kim Lightbody )

Recipe by: Ed Smith for Borough Market

Goats milk and goats cheese are well represented at Borough Market, with fresh and hard cheeses from all over Europe and Britain, goats milk via Ellies Dairy from Kent, and many flavours of ice cream courtesy of Greedy Goat.

This dessert is akin to a build-your-own cheesecake, where sharp and tangy fresh goats cheese is sweetened and rounded by floral honey, and joined by tart redcurrants and a calming, green pistachio crumb.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

100g shelled unsalted pistachios

40g plain flour

25g caster sugar

50g salted butter, melted

30g icing sugar

200g soft, fresh goats cheese (chevre)

230ml double cream

60g runny honey (something floral)

Seeds from 1 vanilla pod

1 punnet of fresh redcurrants

Method:

1. Start by making the pistachio crumb. Preheat the oven to 120C fan/140C/275F/gas mark 1. Put 80g of the pistachios, all the flour and caster sugar into a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Combine with the melted butter, then use a fork to spread the crumbs out in the baking tray  they should be about 50 per cent loose, 50 per cent packed into tight clusters. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until dry and firm. Remove from the oven and leave to cool, then mix the crumb with the remaining whole pistachios and store in an airtight container until required (these will keep well for a few days at least).

2. Put the icing sugar and goats cheese in a bowl and use a spatula to beat until smooth. Add half the cream and whip this into the mix, then the second half, together with 30g of the honey and the vanilla seeds. Beat until well combined and thick. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Encourage everyone to build their own cheesecake, beginning with a heavy spoon or two of the cream cheese mix, then drizzling with honey and scattering with redcurrants and a few spoons each of pistachio crumb.
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Independent readers say its no wonder young people are quietly quitting the UK  arguing that Britain now feels less like a place to build a future and more like somewhere to escape.

As new figures laid bare the scale of the youth exodus, many in our community said Gen Z are simply following a long tradition of Brits heading abroad in search of better opportunities. Emigration, they pointed out, is hardly new  generations of adventurers, graduates and workers have packed their bags before them.

Some emphasised the long history of Scots, Irish, Welsh and Cornish people making fresh starts overseas, while others noted that young Europeans are now leaving the UK in large numbers too, saying it no longer feels like a land of opportunity.

But many readers argued that something has changed: the UK today feels miserable, unwelcoming and increasingly unaffordable.

Several described a country divided and offering little to young people with an outward-looking mindset. Others pointed to political turmoil, rising living costs and what one reader called a toxic national mood as key drivers behind the accelerating escape.

Heres what you had to say:

Eire has become the go-to place

Eire has become the go-to place for EU students of the English language post-Brexit because of their EU membership. In comparison, England seems overpriced, overcrowded and divided.

In the 1970s, there was a lot of emigration to the USA as there was more freedom and better opportunity, as the Labour government taxed and floundered. I had my sights set on a PhD in Tucson, Arizona, but didnt quite make the grade. Instead, I worked in a variety of teaching/engineering capacities, but when things turned full circle after 16 years of Tory rule, I could see my life spiralling into ever smaller circles. There was always too much month at the end of the money.

Although I was no fan of Margaret Thatcher, she had at least provided us with an escape route to the continent in the event of Brexit. It was only the language barrier that had been holding me back, but IT has made that aspect so much easier. So at 57 I left for Qatar, and then Spain where, 10 years on, I have finished my working life. I could never have believed that the last few years of working life would be such an adventure.

I didnt make it first time at 22, but given the situation in the USA now, maybe that wasnt such a bad thing. Yet no politician will ever own you  you alone are in control of your life, your talent and your resources. With an open mind and an acceptance that things may be done differently from your home country, there is still a wealth of opportunity to be discovered out there.

FreeLife

Go where the work is

This shouldnt surprise anybody with an inkling of history. Large waves of our population have decamped when opportunities looked better elsewhere. The Irish, Scots, Welsh and Cornish all have large representation across the globe.

The younger generations are doing exactly what we would advise: go to where the work is. As one politician was quoted saying, get on your bike  they have, except in most cases it is an aircraft. Good for them.

Cousinjack

Britain these days is pretty miserable

It is not surprising that young people should decide to work abroad: they are young, mostly unattached, mortgage-free and wish to experience other cultures and climes. This is nothing new  I did this when I was young, fresh out of university 50 years ago.

But life in Britain these days is pretty miserable and I really dont blame them for wanting to do this.

arco iris

Living the dream

People want something else if they are unhappy where they are. Youngsters need to start to cobble their lives together, but they dont need to cast everything in stone unless that is their choice. Life is like a holiday: we want to have the right things with us and watch out for crooks. Thats kind of universal.

Really, most people have a much reduced chance of achieving the dream of living abroad with equal rights and obligations on paper. You can go if you are welcome and if the paperwork is in order, but the world is less welcoming generally these days and the paperwork is a lot more restrictive/hassle/expensive.

Still, if you are unhappy and want something other than Brexit UK, it is hard to see another way. My exodus was quite improbable, leaving the house in a 20-year-old Civic with a fiver on Halloween, but here I still am, living that dream every day. Closer than close!

Credo

UK has little to offer young people

We have advised both our kids to look abroad. One has already and I have never seen her happier. I could well imagine the other one will follow (still in sixth form). The UK has little to offer young people with an outward-looking and international mindset  it is turning increasingly geriatric and inward-looking by the day. With the politics turning the way it looks, I can only see that escalating.

SeanF

Its what a certain type of young person has always done

I havent seen figures for young emigration, but I was at school in the 1950s, university in the 60s, and was always aware of young people moving abroad to work. Its what a certain type of young person has always done. There were scholars and mercenaries in the Middle Ages setting off to see the world; young adventurers throughout the ages have had need for pastures new. I think we are perhaps more aware of it now because of our national obsession with immigration.

MH1111

If they want to keep what they earn

Good for those young people. If they want to keep what they earn and not be farmed for rent, emigrating is a sensible choice. Rampant inequality, including intergenerational inequality, continues to be ignored by politicians in the UK.

Thetis

Over half of my young adult relatives have fled

Over half of my young adult relatives have fled the UK and seem to be very happy with the decision.

Less tax, less onerous laws and far better prospects. Its a bit sad as I only get to see them for family funerals these days, but I do wish them all the best.

FinStabilised

A few years abroad will open their eyes

A few years abroad will open their eyes to what the UK has to offer: moderate climate, no major earthquakes, interesting architecture, a wide variety of residents from all over the world, widely spoken English, few mosquitos, no killer spiders or snakes, greenery, light in the sky on summer evenings, the worlds best sunsets, exhibitions and art galleries. Interesting history. When you actually consider things, its the centre of the world.

DuncanDonut

Why stay?

Of course young people are leaving. Their future was either destroyed or made more difficult nearly ten years ago.

Someone who was a teenager in 2016  what motivation do they have in 2026 if theyve finished their studies and gotten a good education? Why stay? Ive said it many times that I left with the family after the referendum and before Bozos majority because I didnt want to raise kids in Brexit England. And when the future might lead to Deform and fascism, what benefit is there for someone to stay?

Bobertson

Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity.

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The Duchess of Sussex flawlessly pulls together a picture-perfect Christmas in Montecito, California, where she lives with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, in her Netflix special, With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration.

Shes drunk on festive merriment and cant stop smiling, whether thats hosting a brunch with her friends in matchy-matchy red PJs before making festive wreaths as their activity, or making us all feel bad by creating homemade advent calendars with carefully placed notes (sample: I love you because you are so kind) for her children to open every day. No mad dash for a Cadburys chocvent for her, Meghan is far too busy wrapping presents with a wax seal, and telling us the things we need to do that feel really connective and sweet.

However, as Meghan very well knows, there is no such thing as the perfect family Christmas  and this year, the contrast with reality versus fantasy couldnt be starker.

Everything looks gorgeous from the super sweet crafts to the special baked biscuits, but however hard she tries to sugar-coat Christmas as a family dream-fest, the truth is, there is estrangement on both sides of her and her husbands family. And as her father lies in hospital in the Philippines, we discover that she hasnt even got his phone number to get in touch with him.

Small wonder then that Meghan is featured in a rogues' gallery of 'holiday hypocrites' as part of a Christmas window display at LAs boutique store Kitson. Their Holiday hypocrisy window display' has become famous and the Duchess is pictured in a specially made 'Montecito diva' santa hat.

open image in gallery Twos not a crowd: The Duke and Duchess of Sussexs 2024 Christmas card ( Courtesy of Archewell )

Meanwhile, on Harrys side, the couple havent spent a Christmas with the royal family since 2018, making this the seventh consecutive year they have been absent from the Sandringham celebrations. Family relations will likely be more strained since Harrys appearance last week on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in the US, where he auditioned as himself for a Christmas prince role in a Hallmark-style TV film.

Meghan and her father, Thomas Markle, 81, have been estranged since before her wedding to Prince Harry. As Meghan presents a show placing family and love at the heart of Christmas, her father was making pleas from his hospital bed following the amputation of his left leg below the knee, asking her to see him one more time before I die.

Rather than confronting reality head-on in a way that might actually help other people come to terms with tricky family dynamics at Christmas, Meghan is busy glue-gunning over the cracks.

I was triggered as soon as I saw Meghan skipping through a Christmas tree farm looking for a perfect 9ft tree to the twinkly music of The Beach Boys holiday song Little Saint Nick. It brought back strong memories.

My family used to listen to The Beach Boys when we headed to Cornwall every summer in our Peugeot estate  before we all dramatically fell out. That means like Meghan and Harry, I too am estranged from my entire family this Christmas, and its heart-crushingly painful, not joyous in any way.

open image in gallery The reason Meghans show jars so much is that fawning over baubles and crudite platters like a Stepford Wife feels like a distraction from a deeper truth ( Netflix/PA Wire )

Meghans father told The Mail on Sunday that he dreams of seeing son-in-law Prince Harry and grandchildren Archie and Lilibet before its too late. Although Meghan claims that she reached out to her sick father following his serious health scare, her dad says hes not heard from her.

The reality is that Meghan might have to invite the film crew back for Christmas Day to make up numbers because, apart from her mum, Doria Ragland, theres little family around.

I know how it feels. This year, I am setting off to the north of England to see my late partners family, whom I have adopted as my own, as my own family have cut ties. I am estranged from my three half-siblings and their families since we fell out completely over my late fathers will after he died in July 2024  and things had already gotten pretty difficult before his death, when I was his sole carer.

Watching Meghans Netflix show just rubs salt into the wound. In the same way that scrolling perfectly curated Instagram feeds can trigger compare and despair in others, so does her Christmas special. It fosters negative feelings of not measuring up and makes people feel isolated. It sets up unrealistic standards of perfect lives and unattainable ideals. It can fuel envy, self-doubt, anxiety and depression.

open image in gallery Kelly Zajfen, the Duchess of Sussex and Lindsay Jill Roth appear in the With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration ( Netflix/PA )

The harsh reality is that many people, like me and indeed her, are bracing themselves for a Christmas with few relatives in sight.

It is painful for my daughters, aged nine and seven, not to have relationships with their cousins, as Archie and Lilibet will also soon discover. To be torn apart by dysfunctional family dynamics  whether it be over money, sibling rivalry, or difficulties adapting to another familys way of being  is hard.

Its all very well being the hostess with the mostess, but its meaningless if its all an act  or at least acknowledge that many tables will be missing significant others this year.

The reason Meghans show jars so much is that fawning over baubles and crudite platters like a Stepford Wife feels like a distraction from a deeper truth.

I understand there may be caution in her relationship with her father; an understandable anxiety that whatever she does will be wrong or a twisted version of it will make its way to the front pages. But while she busies herself with her perfect handmade festivities, there is a crucial part of the Christmas story missing from her narrative. And it is this that leaves so many of us feeling like the odd ones out for struggling with our own torn-apart families.

Sorry, but I cant buy into Meghans Christmas. Real connection comes from truth, not hand-painted biscuits.
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Every winter, respiratory viruses, especially influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV, put huge pressure on healthcare systems throughout Europe. In a typical season, flu causes up to 50 million symptomatic cases, and anywhere from 15,000 to 70,000 deaths per year on the continent.

All age groups are affected, although children have the highest infection rates and are often the first to catch the disease and spread it in their homes. It is estimated that up to 20% of the population contracts flu each year.

The flu viruses that normally infect humans belong mainly to two types: influenza A (the most variable, responsible for most seasonal epidemics and all known flu pandemics) and influenza B (which circulates almost exclusively in humans).

There are many different subtypes of influenza A, depending on how their haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) proteins combine. The subtypes currently circulating in humans are H1N1 (including the 2009 pandemic variant, which is now seasonal) and H3N2. These subtypes can vary each season due to small mutations or antigenic drift.

Influenza B has two lineages: B/Victoria and B/Yamagata. B/Yamagata has hardly been detected since 2020.

The flu virus variability is why vaccines are prepared each year with a mix of three (or four) of the viruses that circulated the previous year.

Whats happening this autumn?

The flu season has started a few weeks earlier than in previous years. Japan, for instance, has been recording an unusually high number of cases since October.

In the European Union, flu is appearing unusually early. In Spain, for instance, the epidemic threshold has already been exceeded, a few weeks earlier than expected.

open image in gallery Subclade K of A/H3N2 (formerly known as J.2.4.1) has now been detected on all continents ( Getty )

Another new development is the clear predominance of the A/H3N2 virus, specifically the subclade K. Although the A/H1N1 virus predominated this year in the southern hemisphere and the subclade K of A/H3N2 only took off at the end, it ended up being predominant in the United Kingdom and Japan: nearly 90% of flu samples in these countries are now A/H3N2 K. The United States and Canada seem to be following a similar trend.

Subclade K of A/H3N2 (formerly known as J.2.4.1) has now been detected on all continents. It accounted for one-third of all A/H3N2 viruses analysed between May and November 2025 worldwide, and almost half in the EU.

Subclade K: different, but not necessarily more harmful

The genetic changes in subclade K of the A/H3N2 virus do not come from recombination or mixing of viruses, and do not represent a major change. It is actually the same H3N2 virus that has been circulating among humans since 1968, but with some mutations in its genes.

This is to be expected, as each season the flu virus evolves (through mutation) to escape our immune systems. Some years it is more successful than others.

About the author Ignacio Lopez-Goni, Catedratico de Microbiologia. Miembro de la Sociedad Espanola de Microbiologia (SEM), Universidad de Navarra. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

Mutations in this new subclade do not appear to affect the efficacy of antiviral drugs, nor are they associated with increased virulence or disease severity.

In fact, the East Asian countries now reporting a decline in subclade K cases have not experienced unusually high severity of illness. Furthermore, analyses suggest that the subclade K strains circulating in these countries do not differ from those currently present in the EU. The good news, therefore, is that subclade K does not seem to be more virulent or cause more severe disease.

Does this mean more cases?

A/H3N2 has not been the dominant influenza virus in recent seasons  it has usually been A/H1N1. This could lead to lower immunity in the population due to a lack of recent exposure to A/H3N2.

Symptoms of flu NHS Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include: a sudden high temperature

an aching body

feeling tired or exhausted

a dry cough

a sore throat

a headache

difficulty sleeping

loss of appetite

diarrhoea or tummy pain

feeling sick and being sick

In addition, seasons dominated by this pathogen tend to be more severe, with lower vaccine efficacy and more serious cases in older adults than in seasons dominated by A/H1N1.

Vaccine protection

To create flu vaccines, scientists use data from the previous year to predict which strains of the virus are likely to be most prevalent over the coming year. This seasons vaccine was designed to protect against two subtypes of A/H1N1, influenza B, and a type of A/H3N2 that predates the new subclade K.

Some analyses show a divergence of subclade K from the vaccine strain of H3N2, although data on vaccine effectiveness in the real world is currently limited. If vaccine efficacy is reduced, we can expect more cases of flu. Monitoring this season is crucial to determine how much protection vaccines are providing.

open image in gallery This seasons vaccine was designed to protect against two subtypes of A/H1N1, influenza B, and a type of A/H3N2 ( Getty )

However, even if a less vaccine-matched A/H3N2 virus becomes predominant this winter, immunisation is still expected to provide protection against severe illness and therefore remains an essential public health tool.

At present, the risk to the general population appears to be moderate, but higher for people who are more likely to develop severe disease (mainly those over 65, with other illnesses, pregnant women, or those who are immunocompromised).

Therefore, although subclade K of the A/H3N2 virus does not appear to be more virulent, the fact that the flu season has arrived a few weeks early and that the most prevalent strain is A/H3N2 suggests that this will be a more difficult season, with a higher number of hospitalisations and greater pressure on health services.

My recommendation: get vaccinated ASAP

Even in seasons when the vaccine is less effective, it still offers some protection, and it is the most effective weapon we have for reducing the risk of serious illness.

For all these reasons, the vaccine is recommended for everyone who is eligible. Furthermore, this years flu epidemic has arrived early, and it takes a few weeks after receiving the immunisation for defences against the virus to become fully active. This means you should get the vaccine without delay.

Lastly, it is important to emphasise the importance of hand washing and wearing a mask if you suspect you are infected. This will prevent the spread of infection to those who are most vulnerable.
The News in Brief Wednesday, December 10, 2025

has published an article detailing the goals and background of a customs terminal under construction at Enguri in occupied Abkhazia. According to the outlet, about 80 percent of the work is complete, and the facility could soon begin operating.Astamur Akhsalba, head of the so-called Transit and Logistics Company, discussed the project publicly for the first time. The terminal, positioned near the Enguri crossing point, was kept secret for years. "Construction work is almost finished, and Sokhumi is hypothetically ready to start cargo transit. Tbilisi remains silent," the publication wrote, noting that neither Sokhumi, Moscow nor Tbilisi had made official comments.Akhsalba said the secrecy was deliberate. "A war is underway nearby, and the entire West is confronting the Russian Federation. Because of this, we had to temporarily halt the project in order to protect Abkhazia itself and the project. We had to work quietly to launch it successfully," he explained.The idea of a transport hub, he said, dates back to agreements between Russian and Abkhaz customs services in 2010 and 2011. He argued that the plan stalled due to regional tensions and Georgian politics at the time. "After the war in Ukraine, the project gained vital significance for Russia," he added.Akhsalba claimed that Russia is now in talks with India, Iran, and Azerbaijan about using the route, and suggested that some European countries might eventually show interest. "There are European countries that want to trade with Russia, and it is interesting for them as well," he said.He emphasized that Georgians will not be permitted to use the terminal. "Not until good neighborly relations are established at the very least at the level of a non-use of force agreement," Akhsalba stated.Georgia's Parliament, functioning under disputed circumstances following the recent political crisis, approved former Georgian Dream lawmaker Goga Gulordava on December 9 as a new member of the Communications Commission, the state body that oversees broadcasting and electronic communications. His appointment comes as Chairman Kakhi Bekauri nears the end of his term, which expires on January 26, 2026. Once Bekauri steps down, the commission will elect a new chair from among its members.Gulordava secured 77 votes in favor and faced no opposition during the confirmation session. He was chosen from a shortlist of three nominees that also included Vladimer Tatishvili, the former head of Adjara Television and Radio Public Broadcaster, and Ilia Mikelaishvili, the founder and director of LLC Pirveli and MediaHub Saleshouse.A lawyer by training, Gulordava previously served as a Georgian Dream MP representing the Tsalenjikha constituency between 2016 and 2020. Before entering Parliament, he led the Tsalenjikha Municipality Administration from 2013 to 2016.The Communications Commission has drawn sustained criticism from civil society and media watchdogs, who argue that it operates under strong influence from the ruling party. Its powers over broadcasters have expanded in recent years as the government tightened regulatory standards. Kakhi Bekauri, the outgoing chair, has faced international scrutiny as well. He has been sanctioned by both Lithuania and Ukraine, measures that critics say highlight growing concerns about the commission's independence.
ASHGABAT, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has published a new book titled "Turkmenistan's Neutrality -- The Bright Path of Peace and Trust," Turkmen media Golden Age reported on Sunday.

The book underscores the importance of Turkmenistan's permanent neutral status and outlines the country's efforts to promote peace and trust worldwide. It also notes that Turkmenistan has signed around 30 cooperation documents with United Nations-related agencies operating in the country, covering areas such as maternal and child healthcare, education and social services for children.

The book-launch event was held at the Institute of International Relations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, according to the report.

Atendees agreed that Turkmenistan's neutral policy, upheld for 30 years, has yielded significant progress and achievements across various aspects of modern life. They said the policy has provided a reliable foundation for effective international cooperation and has become an important instrument for safeguarding regional and global stability.

On Dec. 12, 1995, the 50th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing and supporting Turkmenistan's status as a permanently neutral state.

Under its neutrality policy, Turkmenistan pledges to ensure domestic stability, uphold human rights, develop equal diplomatic relations with other countries, refrain from joining political, economic and military organizations or alliances, and renounce the possession and use of weapons of mass destruction. 
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Despite enduring months of near-constant darkness and biting cold, residents of Nordic nations and those above the Arctic Circle have developed remarkable strategies to navigate the annual onset of the 'winter blues'.

This seasonal challenge, which can grip communities from October right through to April, is particularly acute as the winter solstice on 21 December marks the Northern Hemisphere's shortest day and longest night.

While daylight hours will gradually lengthen thereafter, the depths of winter are far from over.

The Associated Press consulted specialists across Norway, Sweden, and Finland, who offered insights into how to find both literal and metaphorical light during the year's darkest period.

open image in gallery Getting outside in daylight and enjoying cold water can help keep the blues at bay ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Maintaining sleep and social habits are key

Dr. Timo Partonen, a research professor at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, said the dark winter affects our circadian rhythm.

With limited daylight, our internal body clocks cannot reset or synchronize properly and it throws off our sleep. We may sleep longer in the winter, he said, but we don't wake up refreshed and can remain tired the rest of the day.

Dr Partonen recommended trying a dawn simulator, sometimes known as a sunrise alarm clock, to gradually light up your bedroom and ease you awake.

In addition to being more tired, we're more likely to withdraw from others socially in the wintertime. We're more irritable, Dr Partonen said, and more prone to fights with friends.

It's important to maintain our relationships, he said, because symptoms rarely improve in isolation.

And since keeping up with exercise is also key to combating the winter blues, consider inviting a friend along for a workout.

It could also help keep off the wintertime weight gain  typically 2 to 5 kilograms (4 to 11 pounds) a year, Dr Partonen said  that's fed by cravings for carbohydrates, especially in the evenings.

Light therapy encouraged for a range of symptoms

Millions of people worldwide are estimated to suffer from seasonal depression. Also known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, patients typically have episodes of depression that begin in the fall and ease in the spring or summer. A milder form, subsyndromal SAD, is recognized by medical experts, and theres also a summer variety of seasonal depression, though less is known about it.

Scientists are learning how specialized cells in our eyes turn the blue wavelength part of the light spectrum into neural signals affecting mood and alertness. Sunlight is loaded with the blue light, so when the cells absorb it, our brains alertness centers are activated and we feel more awake and possibly even happier.

Researcher Kathryn Roecklein at the University of Pittsburgh tested people with and without SAD to see how their eyes reacted to blue light. As a group, people with SAD were less sensitive to blue light than others, especially during winter months. That suggests a cause for wintertime depression.

In severe cases, people need clinical support and antidepressant medications. Christian Benedict, a pharmacology professor at Uppsala University in Sweden, suggests light therapy for people with SAD as well as those who have a milder case of the winter blues.

Its not like its a fate, an annual or a seasonal fate, and you cannot do anything about it, Mr Benedict said. There are possibilities to affect it.

A routine of morning light therapy, using devices that emit light about 20 times brighter than regular indoor light, can be beneficial for both people with and without SAD.

The light therapy helps to kickstart your circadian rhythm and increases serotonin in your brain, Mr Benedict said.

open image in gallery Experts also encouraged those with the winter blues to continue socialising and maintaining their sleep routine ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Research supports using a light thats about 10,000 lux, a measure of brightness, for 30 minutes every morning. Special lights run from $70 to $400, though some products marketed for SAD are not bright enough to be useful. Your insurance company might cover at least part of the cost if youve been diagnosed with SAD.

Dr Partonen recommended using both a dawn simulator and a light therapy device each day before noon.

Yale has tested products and offers a list of recommendations, and the nonprofit Center for Environmental Therapeutics has a consumer guide to selecting a light.

Prioritising a positive outlook as a survival strategy

And don't forget to, well, look on the bright side. It's crucial to embrace winter instead of dreading it, according to Ida Solhaug, an associate professor in psychology at the University of Troms, also known as the Arctic University of Norway  the world's northernmost university.

Prioritize a positive outlook as a survival strategy and learn to appreciate the change in seasons. It's a typical Norwegian way of thinking, she said, that can make all the difference when there's very little daylight for months.

It's part of the culture, she said.

And don't forget to take advantage of both outdoor and indoor hobbies, she said. Inside, channel hygge  the Danish obsession with getting cozy  and snuggle up on the couch with blankets and a movie.

But don't hibernate all winter. After the film finishes, head outside with a thermos for fika, the traditional Swedish coffee break. Even during cloudy days, a quick walk in the fresh air will help, she said. And if you're brave enough, do a cold plunge like many people in the Nordics.

Ms Solhaug tries to jump into the frigid waters off the coast of Troms, an island 350 kilometers (217 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, at least once a week, adding that it makes her feel revitalized during the long winter.

Challenge yourself to look for light in the darkness, she said.

After all, as many Nordic people say, theres no such thing as bad weather  only bad clothing.

Finland's President Alexander Stubb, too, had some tips for how to tackle Nordic winters. When asked in an interview with The Associated Press last month how to survive the cold season, he had some very specific advice.

Take an ice bath and then followed up by a sauna and do one more ice bath, one more sauna, then a shower and go out there. Youll manage, Mr Stubb said.
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The Miss Universe and the Miss Universe Jamaica organizations have issued an update on Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henrys health after she fell off the Miss Universe stage weeks ago.

Both organizations issued statements Monday explaining that Henry is still recovering from injuries sustained when she fell off the stage November 19 during the international major beauty pageants preliminary rounds held in Thailand.

According to the Miss Universe press release, Henry's fall resulted in an intracranial hemorrhage with loss of consciousness, a fracture, facial lacerations and other significant injuries.

She was immediately admitted to intensive care in Bangkok, where she remained in critical condition under constant neurological monitoring, and continues to require 24-hour specialist supervision, the statement continued.

The release added that Henry will be relocated to Jamaica in the coming days with a full medical escort team and will continue to receive treatment at a hospital.

Henrys fall resulted in an intracranial hemorrhage with loss of consciousness, a fracture, facial lacerations and other significant injuries, according to a press release ( AFP/Getty )

In an additional statement made by the Miss Jamaica organization, Henry expressed her excitement to be going home, saying that she is eagerly looking forward to my return home and to seeing everyone in the near future.

As original 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.

In an update shared last month, the organization explained in an Instagram Story 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 specialized 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.
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A former Georgia beauty queen was sentenced to life in prison as jurors concluded she beat her boyfriends toddler son to death during the short time she was alone with him while he left to pick up pizza.

Trinity Poague, 20, broke down in tears Friday as she was acquitted of malice murder, but was found guilty of felony murder and aggravated battery in the 2024 death of 18-month-old Romeo J.D. Angeles.

Poague was then sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

I dont do a lot of speaking when Im passing the sentence, Judge W. James Sizemore Jr. of the Southwestern Circuit Court of Georgia told the court, according to Court TV. The bottom line is you're going to receive a sentence of life in prison, which is the appropriate sentence for the conduct that you have been convicted of.

At the time of the childs death, Poague was an 18-year-old freshman at Georgia Southwestern State University and in a relationship with the childs father, Julian Williams. On Jan. 14, 2024, the child was found unresponsive in a dorm room on the campus, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

open image in gallery Trinity Poague, 20, was found guilty Monday of felony murder and aggravated battery in the death of 18-month-old Romeo J.D. Angeles ( Court TV )

During the trial, prosecutors argued that Poague resented the toddler because she wanted children of her own with Williams.

J.D., also known as Jaxton Dru, was a healthy little boy when Williams left the dorm room shortly before noon that day to pick up a pizza, Prosecutor Lewis Lamb told jurors during closing arguments on Friday.

By 12:30 p.m., he was in a literal death countdown, Lamb said. It wasnt a question anymore as to whether or not he might live. It wasnt a question anymore as to whether he could be saved. Wasnt a question anymore as to whether he would ever be able to grow up. At 12:30 p.m. he was dying.

Students in the dorm building claimed they heard a child crying for a long time until everyone said that suddenly it just stopped, student Lilly Waterman told WRDW.

Williams returned to the dorm and rushed the child, who was vomiting and barely conscious, to the hospital, where he later died.

Videos viewed in court showed J.D. was fine when Williams left to go to Walmart and pick up pizza, prosecutors said. Poague was the only person with him during that time.

open image in gallery The child was vomiting and barely conscious when he was rushed to the hospital, where he later died ( Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home )

Poagues defense attorney, W.T. Gamble, argued the boy could have suffered his fatal injuries from a fall off a 40-inch-tall bed, at the hands of his intoxicated father the night before, or while Poague and Williams were showering together, Law&Crime reported.

Prosecutors, however, said medical evidence showed J.D. suffered catastrophic injuries, including bruises to the head, a fractured skull and a lacerated liver. Lamb told jurors the brain bleed indicated the child had been struck within an hour of being taken to the hospital.

Prosecutors emphasized Poagues alleged hostility toward the child, describing her relationship with Williams as unstable and strained by his role as a parent.

According to testimony heard at the trial, Poague texted her roommate that day, I cant stand being around J.D. anymore. He hates me and I hate him.

open image in gallery Poague was 18 years old when she was arrested in 2024. She has been sentenced to life in prison ( Sumter County Sheriffs Office )

Trinity Poague resented this child, Lamb told jurors, saying she was jealous of the attention Williams gave his son. She wanted to have a child or children with Julian Williams. But not that child.

Poague was crowned Miss Donalsonville, Georgia, in 2023 and later competed in the National Peanut Festival beauty pageant, though she did not place.

Win or lose, I have gained the world throughout my reign as Miss Donalsonville, she wrote on Instagram after the pageant. To me, that is the best thing Jesus could ever do for me. He blesses me in EVERY SINGLE WAY. The National Peanut Festival title wasn't the crown I was meant to wear. I walked away still being the lovely, comical, achiever miss city girl that I've always been. In this experience I learned, and won. Gratitude. That is all I have throughout this experience.

Poague has since been stripped of her title, The Early County News reported.
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A 20-year-old man who made finger guns outside of an elementary school as part of a TikTok challenge is facing up to ten years in prison following his arrest.

Joel Edwards, from St Clair Shores, Michigan, was already on probation for a separate crime when he was arrested.

FBI agents reported his social media accounts to state police on September 13, after videos linked to his account allegedly expressed a desire to carry out a mass shooting. St. Clair Shores Police carried out a welfare check of his home, where they allegedly discovered weapons, according to a public statement from Peter Lucido, the Macomb County Prosecutor.

However, Edwards mother, Rebekah, has branded the situation as a misunderstanding.

"I think that he was trying to be an actor and he was mimicking characters that were not good role models for him, like Patrick Bateman and Walter White, she told WXYZ. He goes through these episodes where he wants to be like these actors."

open image in gallery Joel Edwards has been accused of making finger guns at a school, prompting fears of an imminent school shooting ( Macomb County Police )

"It's just been really hard to deal with all of this because he needs help and he's not getting the help he needs from the place he's at," she added.

According to Fox 2, investigators allegedly said that Edwards recorded the video outside of Masonic Heights Elementary School in the district that is a suburb of Detroit.

Local residents told WXYZ that the incident has left them frightened for their own safety and that of their children.

So it being right here in our backyard, it put a sense of fear in me that I've never had in the community before," Jessica Frye said. "He lives way too close to the school, she continued. So if he does get out and he lives there, he's so close to it. He's close to our house."

Edwards is being held on a $5 million bond.

He has been charged with using a computer to commit a crime; intentional threat to commit an act of violence against a school with specific intent to carry out or overt act toward; and felony firearm charges, according to the prosecutors statement.

He is facing ten years behind bars if he is found guilty.

open image in gallery Weapons were allegedly found at Edwards' home after a welfare check by police ( Macomb County Prosecutor's Office )

If he successfully posts bail, he will be required to wear a GPS tether and will be subjected to home confinement. He will also be banned from having any contact with a school student or from contacting any school official.

In his statement, Lucido confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the public but branded the case as deeply disturbing.

Edwards is scheduled for a probable cause conference on December 16 and a preliminary exam on December 19.
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One of the police officers who arrested Luigi Mangione last year has described the moment she discovered a loaded gun magazine wrapped in wet underwear in his backpack.

At a pretrial hearing at the New York State Supreme Court on Monday, Pennsylvania police officer Christy Wasser testified that she pushed for Mangione's bag to be searched on the spot because she was worried he may have a bomb on him.

The loaded magazine, she said, was what convinced she and her fellow officers that Mangione was indeed the person who had killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan five days earlier.

"It's f***ing him, 100 percent," one officer could be heard saying on a bodycam video.

Officers said they would later find a 9mm handgun, a silencer, a passport, and handwritten notes including maps and details of transport routes, which prosecutors describe as a list of "possible escape routes."

But Mangione's defense lawyers contend that the bag search was illegal because the officers did not yet have a warrant, and want the gun and notebook excluded as evidence  which would be a major blow for the prosecution.

open image in gallery Luigi Mangione makes a fist as he appears in Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday ( Sarah Yenesel/Pool Photo via AP )

They also want to suppress some of Mangione's statements to police, such as his allegedly giving a false name, because officers started asking questions before telling him he had a right to remain silent.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to two separate state and federal murder charges. An earlier court date was delayed due to illness, but he seemed in good health on Monday's hearing, which applies only to the state charges.

At one point, he looked directly at a photojournalist's camera and made a fist with his right hand.

Wasser  a 19-year veteran of the Altona Police Department in Pennsylvania  described in court how officers debated whether they would need a warrant to continue their search of Mangione's backpack.

The search happened in a Pennsylvania McDonald's on December 9, 2024, about 230 miles west of where Thompson was killed. A patron at the restaurant had phoned 911 and described seeing someone who resembled the suspect inside.

open image in gallery Prosecutors have leaned heavily on the contents of Mangiones notebook ( Sarah Yenesel/Pool Photo via AP )

Officers said they initially arrested Mangione for showing them a fake ID, and asked him if there was anything in the bag they should be concerned about. Mangione, now informed of his rights, invoked the Fifth Amendment to remain silent.

That response, Wasser told the court, "heightened" her fear that there was something dangerous in the bag. One police corporal, Garrett Trent, suggested taking it back to the station to "check for bombs".

But Wasser wanted to check for bombs on the spot because she had once had a colleague who unknowingly brought a bomb back to the station.

Bodycam footage then showed her extracting from the bag a hoagie, a loaf of bread, a knife, and a cell phone, a wallet, and a passport wrapped in a Faraday bag  designed to block cell reception, GPS, and other electronic signals.

Then she said they found the gun magazine wrapped in a wet pair of grey underwear, reportedly smiling at the discovery. Satisfied that there was no bomb, she repacked the bag.

Corporal Trent then said that they would need a warrant to continue the search. But Stephen Fox, a K-9 officer, said: "We dont need one, its a search incident to an arrest." Others agreed.

Mangione's lawyers have argued that the supposed fear of a bomb was merely a ploy by officers, "designed to cover up an illegal warrantless search of the backpack."

Either way, Mangione's backpack was brought back to the station for a more thorough search, whereupon Wasser said she quickly discovered the gun and the silencer.

Wasser made a surprised noise and then exclaimed: "Wooh, hoo hoo hoo!" A senior colleague said: "It's him." "Oh my God," Wasser responded.

In court, Wasser testified that she also she found a hand-drawn map featuring Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Cleveland, and Columbus, Ohio, plus the note "check Pittsburgh red eye." Prosecutors called this a list of "possible escape routes".
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A Rhode Island driver struck and killed a Grammy-nominated musician who was walking his dogs over the weekend  as police reveal she had over 100 prior arrests.

Roderick MacLeod, a 70-year-old musician, was walking his dogs on Route 128 around 7:21 a.m. Saturday, when he was hit and killed by an SUV, police in Hopkinton, just on the border of Connecticut, said.

The driver, 41-year-old Shannon Godbout, hit multiple objects, including two telephone poles, before striking MacLeod as he walked on the shoulder of the road with his dogs.

MacLeod is well-known as a bassist in the nearby town of Richmond, according to the report. He received a Grammy nomination as a member of the jump-blues and swing band Roomful of Blues in the 1980s.

He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died from his injuries, police said.

open image in gallery A Rhode Island woman struck and killed a Grammy-nominated musician who was walking his dogs, police said ( Hopkinton Police Department )

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. MacLeods family during this difficult time following this tragic incident, police said in a Facebook post.

Godbout was found at the scene with numerous illegal drugs and packing materials commonly associated with drug distribution. She was arrested at the scene and taken to a hospital in police custody, where she remained as of Monday night, police said.

She is facing charges that include driving to endanger, resulting in death, and possession of drugs with intent to distribute. Police said she may face additional charges.

Godbout reportedly has a lengthy criminal history, with over 100 arrests, eight of which were from the Hopkinton Police Department. She has also received 40 traffic citations, seven of which came from the same department.

Court records reviewed by WJAR revealed that Godbout had been charged with crimes in a dozen Rhode Island cities and towns. The longest prison sentence she has served for the offenses was just over two years.

Most of her criminal cases ended with her pleading no contest and receiving suspended sentences  meaning she did not have to go to prison, according to the report.

She had also been ordered by the court to attend substance abuse counseling seven times, most recently in April.

open image in gallery Shannon Godbout has been arrested over 100 times, according to the Hopkinton Police Department ( Hopkinton Police Department )

In an update shared Monday on Facebook, the Hopkinton Police Department said it was working with the Rhode Island Attorney Generals Office to present Godbout in court as a probation violator, which could mean additional charges are filed against her.

Friends of MacLeod remembered him for his far-reaching talent and positivity.

He was just always upbeat and cheerful, fellow musician Doug James told WJAR. He was a good addition to anything he did. Few people play that well on everything, and he did.

MacLeod was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of Roomful of Blues. In the years since leaving the band, he has played in numerous groups, including J.B. and the Sliding Capos, according to the report.

He was always great to be around and he was always great to play with, James said. One hundred percent of the people that know him would say the exact same thing.
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A festive drone delivery of steak, cannabis, and crab legs has been intercepted at a South Carolina prison, sparking an investigation into the luxury attempted delivery.

The illicit package, also containing cigarettes and Old Bay seasoning, was discovered by a guard in the yard of Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville.

The South Carolina Department of Corrections confirmed the incident on social media platform X, using the hashtag #ContrabandChristmas. A photograph released by authorities showed the raw steak still in its supermarket packaging, alongside crab legs, Old Bay, plastic baggies of marijuana, and several cartons of cigarettes.

The drone responsible for the drop was also seized on Sunday morning. Prison officials have launched an investigation, though no arrests have yet been made.

open image in gallery Contraband Christmas Crab

Im guessing the inmates who were expecting the package are crabby, prisons spokeswoman Chrysti Shain said.

Keeping contraband out of state prisons is a constant battle. People would toss or use a catapult to get packages of cellphones, drugs or other illegal items over the perimeter fence until officials raised the fences and added netting at the top.

People trying to smuggle things behind bars moved on to drones, leaving corrections officials to constantly patrol the prison yard and just outside for the tiny aircraft trying to drop packages.

Just flying a drone near a prison in South Carolina is a misdemeanor crime that carries up to 30 days in jail. Dropping contraband into the prison is a felony that can land someone behind bars for 10 years.

open image in gallery Contraband Christmas Crab

Earlier this year it was reported that drones have been used to deliver a broad range of lifestyle products to UK prisons. These include weight-loss medication and hair-loss treatments.

The UKs chief prison inspector, Charlie Taylor, said the fleets of drones now routinely surpassing security systems and represent a new paradigm for the prison system, not least because the fact that prisoners are able to take delivery of items in this way could pose a major security threat.

Location technologies such as What3Words have improved delivery accuracy, while the drones themselves have become increasingly advanced and capable of delivering ever-larger packages  sometimes weighing as much as 10kg.
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Copilot, Microsofts AI assistant, has been hit by a major outage.

The system can be used in its own but is also integrated into the companys other apps.

It went down on Tuesday morning UK time, according to tracking website Down Detector.

More follows
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Reddit is launching new safety features for teens across the globe, as Australias social media ban for children under 16 goes into effect.

All Reddit users under 18, regardless of where they live, will encounter a new version of the social media platform featuring more safety features, including stricter chat settings, no sensitive or personalized ads, and no access to NSFW or mature content, Reddit said in a post on Monday.

On Wednesday, Australia is set to implement the worlds first social media ban for children under 16, barring impressionable kids from popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Reddit, among others.

Under the ban, prompted by growing concern over young peoples access to social media, 10 of the biggest social media platforms were ordered to block children or be fined up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32.9 million).

The social media platform, known as a host for online discussions on any topic under the sun, says Redditors in Australia will see new experiences and policies designed to confirm their age responsibly and securely.

open image in gallery Reddit is introducing stricter safety features for all users under the age of 18, regardless of where they live, as Australia implements a social media ban for children under 16 ( Getty Images )

We care deeply about the safety of our users, including any minors, and while some of these changes are required by law, others represent global measures we're voluntarily taking to improve safety and privacy for those under 18, Reddit said.

Reddit announced several changes impacting users in Australia, including that they will now be required to provide their birthdate during account signup to ensure they are over 16.

All Australian users will also be subject to an age prediction model, designed to help protect young users from accessing adult content before theyre old enough. Reddit notes that if users are predicted to be under 16, they will have an opportunity to appeal or verify their age.

Additionally, Reddit users determined to be over 13 but under 16 will have their accounts suspended. Reddit has a global ban on users under the age of 13.

The platform notes that while it disagrees about the scope, effectiveness, and privacy implications of the new Australian law, it is still making changes to meet the requirements.

open image in gallery A new law went into effect Wednesday in Australia banning children under 16 from popular social media platforms, including Reddit ( Getty Images )

Other social media platforms impacted, like Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, have also started to ban children from their apps.

Even though the ban may seem controversial to some, many other countries are likely looking on as they consider similar age-based measures to help protect children from the harms of social media.

While Australia is the first to adopt such restrictions, it is unlikely to be the last, Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University, told Reuters.

Governments around the world are watching how the power of Big Tech was successfully taken on. The social media ban in Australiais very much the canary in the coal mine.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds the "1+10" Dialogue with heads of major international economic organizations at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 9, 2025. The heads of major international economic organizations present at the dialogue were President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff, President of the World Bank Ajay Banga, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, Director-General of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan, Director-General of the International Labour Organization Gilbert F. Houngbo, General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements Pablo Hernandez de Cos, Chair of the Financial Stability Board Andrew Bailey, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Jin Liqun, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Frantisek Ruzicka. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- China will continue opening up its mega-market to the world, sharing development opportunities with other countries, and enhancing dialogue and communication to properly addressing economic and trade frictions and achieve win-win outcomes, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Beijing on Tuesday.

Li made the remarks during separate meetings with President of the World Bank Ajay Banga, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva, and Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan, all of whom are in China to attend the "1+10" Dialogue.

He said that global trade and investment trends have weakened in recent years due to intensified geopolitical turmoil and increasing international economic and trade restrictions, while the risks of fragmentation in industrial and supply chains have risen, dragging down global economic growth.

In this context, China's economy has remained steady, consistently contributing certainty and stability to the world economy, within its capacity, Li said. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China's economy is expected to continue improving, he added.

China will insist on expanding domestic demand, enhancing the internal momentum and reliability of the domestic economic cycle, and promoting the healthy interaction of consumption, investment, supply and demand, he said.

He noted that China will pursue intelligent, green, integrated development to advance the construction of a modern industrial system, strengthen industrial cooperation with more countries, and continuously improve the quality and efficiency of global industrial and supply chains.

The government will implement more proactive macroeconomic policies, address market concerns, and better leverage fiscal and monetary policies to keep economic growth within a reasonable range, he said.

Li noted that China is a firm supporter of the international system with the UN at its core, and backs the work of various international economic organizations. China is willing to work with all parties to implement the four major global initiatives, uphold true multilateralism, and promote an equal, orderly multipolar world, as well as a universally beneficial, inclusive economic globalization.

China seeks to maintain a strong cooperative relationship with the World Bank, and to enhance cooperation in areas such as knowledge-sharing, pension systems and renminbi-denominated loans, Li said. China will also continue providing robust support for the operations of the IMF Shanghai Center, actively promote the reform of IMF quotas, and deepen cooperation to assist low-income countries' development.

China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with the UN Conference on Trade and Development, focusing on expanding cooperation on green minerals, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and low-carbon transition, the premier said.

Banga, Georgieva and Grynspan said that China has achieved remarkable development in recent years and played a significant role in promoting global economic growth, and that China's 15th Five-Year Plan is expected to provide valuable certainty and strong momentum for the world economy.

They said that all parties have great appreciation for China's long-standing support of development in the Global South, expressing their willingness to strengthen policy communication with China, and to deepen cooperation on artificial intelligence, green development, and trade and investment. They also noted their willingness to uphold multilateralism, safeguard the authority of multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, reform and improve the global governance system, and unite in promoting the facilitation of trade, investment and open, inclusive development. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds the "1+10" Dialogue with heads of major international economic organizations at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 9, 2025. The heads of major international economic organizations present at the dialogue were President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff, President of the World Bank Ajay Banga, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, Director-General of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan, Director-General of the International Labour Organization Gilbert F. Houngbo, General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements Pablo Hernandez de Cos, Chair of the Financial Stability Board Andrew Bailey, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Jin Liqun, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Frantisek Ruzicka. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
The Louisiana Department of Health headquarters located at 628 N. 4th St. in Baton Rouge. A health department official says she sees the new report by the Centers of Disease Control as "encouraging" despite Louisiana ranking in the top ten states with the highest chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea rates.
Laura Canizzaro Rodrigue is a former Orleans Parish prosecutor and founder of the Bayou Mama Bears, an advocacy group.
Rio2 Limited is acquiring the Condestable copper-producing mine in Peru for a total of US$217 million (A$327M), instantly transforming the company from a single-asset Chilean gold developer into a diversified Latin American precious-and-base-metals producer, with immediate cash flow.

Under the deal signed with private owner Southern Peaks Mining, Rio2 will pay US$180 million (A$271M) at closing, expected in January 2026. The payment will be made through a combination of US$80 million (A$120M) in cash, US$65 million (A$98M) as a six-year vendor-take-back debt, and 21.9 million Rio2 common shares valued at US$35 million (A$53M).

Rio2 Limited is acquiring the Condestable copper-producing mine in Peru, transforming the company into a producer of precious and base metals.

A further US$37 million (A$56M) in deferred installations, payable between 2027 and 2030 for cash or shares at Rio2s election, brings the headline price to US$217 million (A$327M), valuing the total deal at US$241million (A$363M) after assuming US$24 million(A$36M) in net debt.

To fund the cash component and provide working capital, Rio2 has arranged a C$140 million (A$150M) capital raising at C$2.22 (A$2.41) per share, led by Raymond James, Stifel Nicolaus Canada and BMO Capital Markets.
NEW YORK, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States will allow Nvidia to ship its H200 artificial intelligence (AI) chips to "approved customers" in China and elsewhere, on the condition that 25 percent of the chip sales will be paid to the U.S. government.

"This policy will support American Jobs, strengthen U.S. Manufacturing, and benefit American Taxpayers," Trump said in a post on his social media Truth Social on Monday.

"The Department of Commerce is finalizing the details, and the same approach will apply to AMD, Intel, and other GREAT American Companies," Trump said.

"We applaud President Trump's decision to allow America's chip industry to compete to support high paying jobs and manufacturing in America," a spokesman for Nvidia said Monday in a statement, in response to Trump's announcement.

"Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America," the spokesman said.

The H200 is a higher-grade chip than the H20, but not the company's top-of-the-line product. Both Nvidia and chip rival AMD, namely Advanced Micro Device, agreed in August to share 15 percent of the revenue from chip sales to China with the U.S. government, local media reported on Monday. 
Chinas trade surplus with the rest of the world has surpassed $US1 trillion ($1.5 trillion) for the first time  and that in only 11 months. Thats a problem for China, and the world.

Chinas exports grew 5.9 per cent in November, and were up 5.4 per cent to $US3.4 trillion for the year to date. Imports, however, grew only 1.9 per cent in November and have actually fallen 0.6 per cent to $US2.3 trillion in the 11 months to the end of November, compared with the same period last year.

Therein lies the problem. The gulf between exports of $US3.4 trillion and imports of $US2.3 trillion  the $US1.08 trillion trade surplus China has produced so far this year  is generating increasing pushback from the rest of the world as other countries see their economies threatened by a Chinese-induced deindustrialisation.

Gantry cranes and shipping containers at the Yangshan Deepwater Port in Shanghai: Chinas exports to the rest of the world have swelled in the face of Trumps trade war. Credit: Bloomberg

In a state visit to China last week, French President Emmanuel Macron threatened China with European Union tariffs if no effort was made to reduce an expanding trade surplus with the EU. Chinas exports to the EU have grown by more than 8 per cent this year.
How Olafur Eliassons work looks to you depends on where you are standing. Move a little to the left and all you will see is a plain, clear diamond hanging in the air. Take a couple of steps and look through what at first looks like a sheet of plastic, however, and suddenly the diamond is a world of colours.

Perspective, putting yourself in the shoes of others, and challenging your own worldview are threads that run through the acclaimed artists new exhibition, Presence, in which the audience are just as important as the works they are looking at.

Artist Olafur Eliasson. Credit: DPA

The first thing you see is a sea of white Lego, laid out on a long table with benches positioned on either side. This is The Cubic Structural Evolution Project (2004) and it invites visitors to sit down and begin the exhibition by being part of it. All the ideas Eliasson has threaded through Presence  at Brisbanes Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art  are distilled into this deceptively simple installation; fragility, community, the power of the individual, of choice.

In between the loose blocks is the shape of a chaotic city, built by many hands. Some visitors have built replicas of existing structures  Stonehenge, a Roman aqueduct  others have created fantastical structures that could not exist in the real world. Then there are the things that arent buildings. Faces, monstrous figures, complex shapes. As a visitor, you can pick your poison: add to whats already there, look but keep walking, or destroy someone elses work. Just past the table, by the window of the gallery, is a blinking light with a twinkle of colour. Your lost lighthouse (2020) looks gentle and delicate, but underneath it is sending out one continuous message though Morse code: SOS.
A bankrupt and gambling-addicted accountant who relentlessly stole from clients, including a woman dying of brain cancer and a woman aged in her 90s, has been jailed for six years and five months.

Andrew Marshall, the former director and shareholder of Langley McKimmie Accountants in Woodend, north-west of Melbourne, previously pleaded guilty to five charges of theft after he stole more than $4 million from clients between 2017 and 2023 to fund an out-of-control and frenzied gambling addiction.

Andrew Marshall (left) is scanned by a security officer at the County Court of Victoria on November 25. Credit: Nine News

County Court Judge Gerard Mullaly on Tuesday described his actions as destructive and pathological, and said Marshalls crimes had tarnished the entire accounting industry.

You breached trust the community has in accountants who are expected to act with utter honesty, he said.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The worlds largest sex act unfolded in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night as the Great Barrier Reef undergoes its annual spawning event, with corals releasing billions of eggs and clouds of sperm into the sea off the coast of Queensland to seed the next generation of the reef. Its the one time of year the ecosystem under dire threat from climate change fights back with a soupy storm of fertility amid the fragility. And it reeks. Its a bit funky, University of Technology Sydney coral ecologist Dr Jen Matthews said. The sperm degrades quite quickly, and bacteria sets in. And so within a few hours, what you start to smell is decaying sperm. That has, as you can imagine, a very horrible smell. Underwater, however, its an awe-inspiring breeding binge as the dark reef grows so dense with flurries of eggs that divers cant see their hands in front of their faces. Youre diving underwater and everything is black, and looking at these corals, they look very calm. Then all of a sudden, within 15 minutes, the whole water is filled with these little pink balls, Matthews said. It looks like its snowing upside down. Its really quite spectacular.

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The synchronous spawning across the Japan-sized ecosystem occurs in a few big batches, always a few days after a full moon in November and December. Corals in warmer waters closer to shore spawned in November, while many of the corals that spawned on Tuesday night are further out to sea. The corals internal clock is so precise that even those taken from reefs and reared in labs for research and restoration spawn at the same time as their wild counterparts. Divers swim through the underwater snowstorm unleashed by the yearly spawning at Moore Reef. Credit: Calypso Productions/Tourism and Events Queensland Eggs and sperm float through coral with a one-in-a-million chance of fertilisation. Credit: Calypso Productions/Tourism and Events Queensland A marine biologist from tourism company Sunlover Reef Cruises monitors Tuesday nights spawning. Credit: Calypso Productions/Tourism and Events Queensland Its dictated by the lunar cycle, sunset times, day length, the rate of ocean warming that precedes the heat of the summer, plus tides, coral restoration scientist Dr Carly Randall from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) said. Those things coalesce, the coral sense them, and synchronise their spawning down to the minute on a given night.

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As the reef faces rapid coral decline and chronic bleaching due to ocean waters driven abnormally hot by the burning of fossil fuels, the spawning also triggers a frenzy of scientific activity. Coral researchers rush to help boost the chances of new corals seeding by capturing clouds of coral gametes in floating pools, which takes chances of fertilisation from one in a million to one in 10,000. Corals release billions of eggs and clouds of sperm in a spectacular synchronised spawning based on the lunar cycle. Credit: The Reef Co-Operative Others are focused on gathering and rearing the larvae from the few corals that lived through back-to-back bleaching events in places such as Lizard Island; the offspring of these hardy survivors may better withstand future heat. Matthews research focus was partly inspired when she was pregnant with her daughter, Cora (named for coral). I was thinking about how nutrition is so important for humans in that early life stage. What if we could feed coral babies? Coral larvae were long considered almost as inanimate seeds, but we know now they can move and eat.

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Matthews tested a range of fats that could work as coral baby foods, including Omega-3-rich fish oils and sterols. Turns out well-fed coral larvae swim faster and further, and are more resistant to heat. Dr Jen Matthews, coral scientist at the University of Technology Sydney, tests supplements on baby coral. Credit: Hadley England/UTS We found that we could double their survival, and thats under both normal and heat stress conditions. Matthews hopes nourishing larvae and young coral with food could one day make a large-scale difference in reef restoration. Meanwhile, Randall at AIMS and her team will begin work rearing the larvae that spawned from their coral brood stock on Tuesday night. It takes them about a week to develop before theyre ready to settle, when the tiny larvae swim down to the substrate, to begin growing as fixed coral, she said. The corals are then married up with the symbiotic algae that gives the animals their colour and energy before theyre dropped back out as babies onto the reef. Prominent coral scientists have debated whether restoration efforts are worth it given climate action is nowhere near fast enough to arrest the Great Barrier Reefs major threat, arguing money and attention should focus on slashing fossil fuels. The early life of a newly settled coral (bottom centre) is a battle for space with algae and other marine organisms. Credit: Janie Barrett

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Dozens of residents who fled their units have been allowed to return home after a neighbouring petrol station went up in flames in Sydneys south-west, sending plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky.

More than 50 firefighters worked to contain the blaze that broke out at the Metro Petroleum station on Hamilton Road in Fairfield about 12.40pm on Tuesday afternoon.

Aerial footage showed flames and smoke shooting from the roof as fire crews fought to contain the fierce blaze.

Richard Duque lost his car in the fire, which took hold as he went inside to pay.
Brisbane plans to ban Airbnb and other short-stay holiday homes in some suburbs, forcing operators to ask for council approval and implementing a three-strike complaint system.

Brisbane City Council will put the reforms for low and medium-density up for public consultation on Friday.

About 500 homeowners were expected to be told their properties could no longer be used as short-stay accommodation, with the new rules to come into effect in June next year.

Low and medium density suburbs could soon be Airbnb free. Credit: Dan Peled

High-density suburbs closer to the city will not be included in the ban.
A burst water main has forced the closure of Edward Street in Brisbanes CBD, causing significant delays for commuters for almost a full day.

The water main burst outside the old Peoples Palace building near the corner of Ann Street, sending water gushing down Edward Street, towards Adelaide Street.

At 7pm on Wednesday, Edward Street remained closed to all traffic between Ann and Queen streets.

Some bus services were delayed and others cancelled due to traffic congestion in the inner city as a result of the street closure.
A man accused of killing his wife, whose body was found with 25 injuries near a tractor slasher has had a second bid for freedom, based on DNA evidence on a brick in a nearby paddock, denied.

The body of Amarjit Kaur Sardar, 41, was found at a property on Undullah Road in Woodhill, south of Brisbane, in February last year.

Her accused killer  her husband Yadwinder Singh  had called Triple Zero and was performing CPR when emergency services arrived at the scene, according to his legal team.

Forensic officers and detectives at the scene. Credit: Nine News

Andrew Bale, representing Singh, told the Supreme Court there was a change in the case surrounding DNA found at the scene, following his clients committal hearing earlier this year. Singhs first application for bail was denied last year.
Bauxite miner Alcoas plans to drill more than 100,000 holes a year as it explores the Darling Ranges have raised the hackle of WAs mining department, with documents revealing concerns with issues including the impact on native black cockatoos and a lack of communication with stakeholders.

A Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration review  released under freedom of information laws and requested by independent news site Boiling Cold  revealed concerns raised during an assessment of environmental review documents for exploration spanning from 2023 to 2027.

Carnabys black cockatoos near a pine plantation in Perth. Credit: Miles Tweedie Photography

Those documents stated that there were significant concerns for black cockatoos nesting and feeding in the area.

Black cockatoos do use (Alcoas Mineral Lease 1SA areas) as demonstrated by hundreds of records including roosting and nesting trees identified in the environmental review documents, DMPE comments revealed.
Labors ambitious plans to ban young teenagers from social media will be put to the test on Wednesday, when the worlds biggest social media platforms are expected to kick more than half a million children off their apps, while thousands of families plot ways to get around the new rules.

Psychologists are telling parents to prepare for intense emotions as their teens grapple with the overnight change to their social habits, while jurisdictions from Canada to the European Union will be closely monitoring how the tech giants comply with Australias new laws.

Ariel De Souza-Bell, 13, is one of at least half a million teens who could find themselves kicked off social media on Wednesday. Credit: James Brickwood

The ban has met early resistance  two teens have launched a High Court challenge with the backing of the libertarian Digital Freedom Project  and teenagers online have been sharing tips for using masks, make-up, their parents details or VPNs to get around the age-assurance technologies.

But the Albanese government is maintaining its optimism while tempering community expectations for the next few months by conceding there will be people who get around the ban at first, and the ultimate goal is long-term behavioural change that will take years to properly evaluate.
This photo taken on Dec. 9, 2025 shows Chinese and Russian military aircraft taking part in a joint strategic air patrol. The Chinese and Russian militaries conducted a joint strategic air patrol in relevant airspace over the East China Sea and the western part of the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, in accordance with an annual cooperation plan between the two sides. This is the 10th joint strategic air patrol organized by the two militaries since 2019. (Photo by Du Yanpeng/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese and Russian militaries conducted a joint strategic air patrol in relevant airspace over the East China Sea and the western part of the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, in accordance with an annual cooperation plan between the two sides.

This is the 10th joint strategic air patrol organized by the two militaries since 2019. 
If you want to understand why Anika Wells will probably survive the frenzy of expenses excitement despite falling on her sword and inviting an audit of travel, dont waste energy interrogating the specifics of the drama swirling around her.

In Anthony Albaneses Canberra, facts are often background noise. Ministerial survival depends on a single, unwavering principle: the prime minister refuses to give ground to his enemies. Hed sooner sandpaper his own shins.

Albanese says Wells operated entirely within the rules. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Albanese has been in federal parliament long enough to know what ministerial bloodletting looks like. He arrived in 1996 and watched John Howards rookie ministry implode under the weight of travel rorts, shareholding breaches and expense misunderstandings. Intent on setting high standards of integrity, seven frontbenchers resigned following breaches of Howards ministerial code of conduct.

Then-assistant treasurer Jim Short and parliamentary secretary to the treasurer Brian Gibson were both forced to quit in October 1996 over undeclared conflicts of interest, and parliamentary secretary to the minister for health and family services Bob Woods followed in February 1997, after questions were raised about his expense claims.
Those languages, she said, held truths about our land that may now never be fully understood. To ensure that the wrongs of the past are never repeated, we say sorry, Allan told those who had come to bear witness to the moment. Premier Jacinta Allan (left) and Treaty Minister Natalie Hutchins embrace after the apology. Credit: Justin McManus We offer this apology with open minds, open eyes and open hearts. We know that words alone are not enough. If this apology is to carry more than words and the intention of members today, then we must certify through what we do next that treaty is not merely a gesture.

It is a pathway to healing and change. It is how we begin to right the wrongs that apology alone cannot mend. After Allan had spoken, she turned around to comfort Watt, who was placed in the seats behind her and wiping away tears. At one point, Treaty Minister Natalie Hutchins reached out to Watt to briefly hold her hand in a show of support. Watts shoots back at the opposition during the vote. Credit: Justin McManus Emotions were running high by the time Opposition Leader Jess Wilson rose to tell the parliament why the Coalition would not support the apology the premier had just read. She said the Coalition would work towards better outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians, but disagreed with treaty as the policy to achieve this change.

Treaty was integral to Allans speech and, for this reason, the opposition chose to vote against the apology. In the public gallery, attendees looked dispirited but refrained from calling out as Wilson put her case. Labor MPs felt no such restraint and yelled shame not long after as the Coalition forced each vote to be counted, rather than allowing the motion to pass without interruption. Attendees celebrate the passing of the apology motion in parliament. Credit: Justin McManus Frustrated, Watt pointed across the chamber and voiced her disapproval to Coalition MPs during the vote.

Words alone may not be enough, as Allan had said. But for those in the gallery who witnessed the apology, they meant a great deal. They were significant for Aunty Jill Gallagher, who said her 99-year-old mother was born into a country that didnt recognise her as a citizen and removed six of her 10 children from her custody. For her to hear the apology, thats what keeps me going, Gallagher said. For her to hear that the government had finally acknowledged what happened to her and her people. We can start healing.

Words escaped Travis Lovett, one of the commissioners of the states Yoorrook truth-telling inquiry, as he sought to describe the feeling that came with a premier acknowledging centuries of injustices. To recognise and legitimise our peoples lived experience, is just quite emotional, he said. First Peoples Assembly co-chair Rueben Berg said it felt like a weight had been lifted to hear the experiences of Aboriginal Victorians reflected in speeches in the halls of parliament. Allan (centre) at the smoking ceremony outside Parliament House before the apology. Credit: Justin McManus Members of the public and representatives from the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria wept as the premier chronicled the decisions made by governments past that had profoundly impacted their lives, apologising for the hurt they had caused.

Once the motion was passed, Labor, Green and independent MPs rose and applauded the First Peoples Assembly members in the crowd. Those members hugged, cried and cheered from the public gallery as they celebrated what they hope will be a reset for the relationship between Aboriginal Victorians and the institutions that have let them down in the past. Loading As he led a smoking ceremony on the front steps of parliament on Tuesday, Uncle Andrew Gardiner acknowledged how far Victoria had come.
The City of Perth has knocked back a request by mining billionaire Gina Rinehart to build a helicopter pad at her company Hancock Prospectings $270 million headquarters.

Despite two councillors backing the proposal, and Perths lord mayor describing Rinehart as an amazing Australian, the council sided with city officers recommendation and refused the application 6-2 during Tuesday nights meeting.

Gina Rinehart and an artists impression of Hancock Prospectings $270 million West Perth headquarters.

A Hancock Prospecting spokesman described the result as disappointing and said the company would consider further options.

Councillor Adam Pacan moved an alternate motion, telling the meeting he was a qualified pilot and could speak on several of the concerns raised.
The existing constitutional challenge, brought by two teenagers backed by the Digital Freedom Project, targets the legislation itself. Well see what happens, she says. If the court makes a decision, well abide by it. It may be that the Commonwealth wins. It may be that some changes need to be made to the policy. Who knows? Im just going to move forward, given there hasnt been any legal constraint placed on us. The Digital Freedom Project, a campaign group established to oppose the governments under-16 social media ban, filed a challenge to the nations highest court last month on behalf of two teenage plaintiffs, Macy Neyland, 16, and Noah Jones, 15. Credit: Still, the burden is starting to show. It isnt every week that you become a defendant in a High Court trial, she says. Youre asked to testify before the US Congress. You have this incredible pressure to roll out something thats never been done  that is actually totally dependent on the tech giants using all of their brilliance and technical capability to implement this well.

Loading And those tech giants? They have such an aversion to it because it does represent a little bit of the first domino. There are so many countries who have decided to do this, and theyd like nothing more [than] for this to be a failure. From Wednesday, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X, Reddit, Kick, Threads and Twitch must take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from holding accounts, or face fines up to $49.5 million. Meta has already begun deactivating accounts; other platforms are rolling out age verification through facial scans, ID checks and AI-powered behavioural analysis. Even reluctant platforms are falling into line. Reddit told Inman Grant that it disagrees with being designated an age-restricted social media platform but said it would comply, using identity verification service Persona. Elon Musks X is deploying its AI chatbot Grok for facial age estimation. Interesting to see how efficacious that is, Inman Grant says. And how spicy. Shes candid about what comes next. There are going to be teething issues. Some companies are going to do this better than others. Things arent going to be perfect. But she warns against expecting overnight transformation. There will be a story every day about this kid in Perth getting around it with a sock puppet account. Weve got to keep the longer game in mind.

Inman Grant is also candid about the law itself. She would have written it differently if it were up to her. No piece of legislation is perfect, but this one was deliberated fairly quickly, she says. She had asked government for a harm-based framework that would let her differentiate between lower-risk platforms such as Pinterest and high-risk sites. Instead, she was given a blunt sole and significant purpose test. Its an age bill, she says. Its not an omnibus safety bill. Politically, the ban is shaping as a potential win for the prime minister, who has recorded a message to all Australian school students to be played in classrooms across the country this week. Hes also written to all premiers and chief ministers, thanking them for their support. New polling shows 67 per cent of Australians support the ban, though only 35 per cent believe platforms will effectively enforce it. Just 29 per cent of parents plan to fully enforce it at home. One in three have told government researchers theyre likely to help their children circumvent it. What sustains her, Inman Grant says, is remembering why this fight matters. She cites internal Meta documents from US court discovery, documents showing the companys own researchers knew their platforms were harming children.

I was shocked to see one document from Meta where they referred to tweens as having a herd mentality, she says, her voice hardening. Go target them, get them on while theyre early, and then theyll become adults someday. Loading These arent just harmful and deceptive design features. There is a whole infrastructure and an ethos that is putting profits before child protections. Inman Grant spent 22 years in the technology industry before becoming a regulator. She took a job with Twitter in 2014, intoxicated by its Arab Spring promise to let ordinary people speak truth to power. Two years later, she quit, unable to defend the companys failure to protect vulnerable communities and women from targeted abuse. Now she watches AI companies repeating the same playbook. Theyre behaving exactly the same way social media companies did 20 years ago: moving fast and breaking things, asking for forgiveness rather than permission. Regulation of AI companions and chatbots is coming in March.

Loading Her worst fear? A child out there who may not have supportive scaffolding, who may be vulnerable, who does feel very cut off. The long game keeps her going. Generation Alpha  kids now aged five to seven  will grow up without expecting social media before 16, around the same time they learn to drive. The world is watching: Europe, Malaysia, New Zealand are all considering following Australias lead. On Wednesday, when the law takes effect, Inman Grant wont be celebrating. On Thursday, shell issue information notices to every major platform demanding baseline data: how many under-16 accounts existed, how many were deactivated, what technologies were deployed. But when asked what shes really looking for when December 10 arrives, her answer is honest.
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Reviews & adviceJapan Opinion Game-changer for tourists in Japan is here, but might ruin the experience Ben Groundwater Travel writer December 10, 2025  5:00am

December 10, 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 20 View all comments

Japan is the future in many ways. It might be a stylised version of the future, like a technicolour imagining from Blade Runner or Back to the Future with its giant video billboards and seas of neon  but feels like the future nonetheless. One day, our country might also have high-speed rail criss-crossing its mountains and valleys. One day, we too might have transport cards that seamlessly integrate with vending machines and taxis and the like. Being in Japan can feel like stepping into Bladerunners vision of the future. iStock But theres a flipside to Japan because this country might be the future, but its also the past. And not the distant past either, like the samurai traditions and feudal empires  this is a country that can seem stuck in the 80s and 90s, when you could smoke in bars and only pay with cash, where buying train tickets was an exercise in mind-numbing bureaucracy and if you wanted to make a restaurant booking, you would have to call up and actually talk to someone. Until recently, all those things were still true in Japan. You had to hold both realities in your head, the mind-boggling modernity of it all with the quirky, frustrating throwbacks.

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Gradually, though, Japan is changing. Its modernising. You cant smoke in Japanese bars and restaurants any more, save for a few relics that have been allowed to maintain their old-school, cancerous atmospheres. Cash is no longer king. Most shops, restaurants and bars now accept international credit cards; you can often make tap-and-go payments as you do at home, and just carry a small amount of yen in cash for emergencies. Buying shinkansen tickets is still confusing. iStock Long-distance train tickets are still bafflingly complex, though a few apps have been introduced to allow online bookings for certain shinkansen and express lines. How about restaurant reservations? This has long been a difficulty for foreign travellers in Japan, because this ultra-modern country has resisted the almost worldwide conversion to online platforms for reservations. Japanese concierges must be the hardest working in the world, with all the requests from foreign guests to book them somewhere good to eat.

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Many of those sought-after restaurants, however, only have 10 seats or fewer, and need to be booked weeks  if not months  in advance. By the time you arrive in Tokyo and speak to the concierge, its too late. But even this relic is changing now. Most Japanese restaurants still dont have online booking functionality of their own; however, numerous businesses have stepped in to act as middlemen. It will be easier to get a table at small local restaurants, but you might find yourself sitting next to other tourists. iStock Websites such as TableAll, Omakase.in and Pocket Concierge allow foreign visitors to book a selection of high-end Japanese restaurants online, with the websites charging a booking fee on top of the standard meal price. The Japanese review website Tabelog also offers this service for a vast range of restaurants across multiple price points, with a slightly lower fee for the service. This is a game-changer for food-loving visitors to arguably the worlds finest dining destination. Many previously untouchable restaurants are now bookable with a few clicks. You can look through lists and see who has reservations available on any given night. Decide how much you want to spend. Secure your place.

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Its almost like  everywhere else in the world. Only, theres a small problem. Because plenty of truly great restaurants in Japan dont participate in this new system. They dont work with Tabelog or Omakase or any of the others. They remain as opaque and difficult to book as ever. Related Article Tokyo I ate at four Michelin restaurants in Tokyo and spent just $100 Thats their prerogative. The issue now is that the restaurants that do participate with these new platforms  the high-end sushi joints, the Michelin-starred kaiseki, the omakase tempura places  tend to attract a lot of tourists, because Japan has a lot of tourists, many of whom are desperate for memorable dining experiences and attracted by the ease of booking and the new accessibility. Im not one of these people who thinks theyre better than any other foreign visitor  were all just out there doing the same thing. However, Ive written before about the experience of dining at a high-end sushi joint with a bunch of fellow tourists, and its not great.

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Very few of us travel to be surrounded solely by other travellers. We go to witness local rituals, to mix with people we wouldnt normally encounter, to learn something about a place through those who call it home. Related Article Savvy traveller A simple Google trick will find you Japans best local places to eat A visit to a restaurant in Japan is an intense, immersive cultural experience. Its not just the food, its the atmosphere, the etiquette, the reverence with which people treat the chef and the experience. You could get this at a ramen shop where meals cost about $15. You could experience it at a busy izakaya  in fact, you should. But you will find the experience even more intense and fascinating at a high-end restaurant, the sort that local people go to for special occasions to really treat themselves.

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And you can make reservations at those places now, online. Easily. But chances are, when you go, you will be surrounded by people just like you, people who know nothing about the food or the ritual and who are hoping to learn from others. Instead, they find you. And its just not the same. Japan has caught up in many ways. But that may not be a good thing.

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Given President Donald Trumps clear and emphatic commitment to the AUKUS agreement, now might be the time for an honest and open conversation about how each party believes the pact could be improved.

As observed by US congressman Joe Courtney, a long-time friend of Australia and strong AUKUS supporter, the deal struck under Joe Biden, Scott Morrison and Boris Johnson has survived changes of government in all three countries.

Defence Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US War Secretary Pete Hegseth ahead of their meeting. Credit: Bloomberg

It enjoys bipartisan support, and its full steam ahead, as Trump said. So, why is the Australian government so cagey about it?

Canberra is in possession of the Pentagons five-month review of AUKUS, and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed it with their US counterparts on Tuesday (AEDT) as they met for the 35th AUSMIN dialogue in Washington.
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Monday called for efforts to practice multilateralism and seek common security.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, made the appeal at a Security Council briefing by the chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

At present, the global security landscape continues to deteriorate, marked by worsening geopolitical conflicts, frequent flare-ups of hotspot issues, a significant rise in unilateralism and protectionism, and interlocking, compounding security threats, both traditional and non-traditional, said Fu.

In this context, it is crucial for the United Nations and regional organizations, including the OSCE, to further strengthen cooperation and make due contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security, he said.

"Under the current circumstances, it is important for the international community to champion a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security," Fu said. He called for the international community "to advance global security governance, and strive to achieve universal and common security."

The international community should practice true multilateralism, abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and stand resolutely behind the international system with the United Nations at its core, Fu said.

Fu also called for the international community to support dialogue and consultations, jointly reject the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, facilitate peace talks and engage in mediation based on the needs and will of the countries concerned, and encourage parties to conflict to build trust, address disputes, and promote security through dialogue.

Many Security Council members touched upon Ukraine. China's position on this issue has been consistent and crystal-clear, he said. "Dialogue and negotiations are the only viable pathway to resolve the Ukraine crisis." Fu said China encourages the involved parties to play their parts in developing a balanced, effective, and lasting European security framework. 
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The government of Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has approved a comprehensive expansion and modernization plan for the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) to enhance its operational capacity on Tuesday, said an official statement.

Chief Minister of the province Sohail Afridi chaired a high-level meeting in the provincial capital of Peshawar, gave final approval of the plan and allocated 12.07 billion rupees (around 43 million U.S. dollars) for the upgradation of the CTD, a subsidiary of the provincial police.

Under the plan, the CTD presence would be expanded across the province, including the construction of CTD offices in 21 districts and additionally, the establishment of a new CTD regional headquarters in Peshawar.

The chief minister also earmarked funds for the procurement of vehicles, weapons and modern equipment to improve mobility, firepower and technical capacity to enhance timely response and intelligence-led operations.

The chief minister said that the provincial government was committed to restoring law and order, adding that resource limitations would not be allowed to hinder efforts to ensure peace in the province.

According to the statement, the meeting approved the conversion and recruitment of 638 permanent field operators, who will be responsible for cyber patrolling, intelligence gathering, surveillance and field operations.

Afridi directed the CTD to adhere to strict safety protocols for all construction projects in the province and meet the deadlines set for new reforms.

The CTD expansion plan comes amid ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the province, which has witnessed a number of operations in recent months targeting militant groups operating in the region. 
China positive on Putins India visit; calls for stronger trilateral cooperation





By K J M Varma

BEIJING

China stands ready to work with Russia and India to continue promoting the devpt of bilateral relations, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

CHINA on Monday reacted positively to Russian President Vladimir Putins visit to India, framing the three countries as an important part of the Global South and said sound trilateral ties are conducive to regional and global peace and stability, besides their own national interests. China, Russia and India are emerging economies and important members of the Global South, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing here, reacting for the first time to Putins high-profile visit to New Delhi last week and his interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Guo said that the three countries maintaining sound relations are not only in line with their own interests but also conducive to regional and global peace, security, stability and prosperity. Putins visit was watched here closely, considering Beijings close and strong ties with Moscow.

Responding to a question about Putins comments about New Delhi and Beijing ahead of his visit, Guo said that China stands ready to work with Russia and India to continue promoting the development of bilateral relations. In an interview ahead of his visit, Putin had said, India and China are our closest friends - we treasure that relationship deeply. On India-China relations -- currently on a path of normalisation after the Eastern Ladakh confrontation which resulted in a freeze in ties from 2020 until last year -- Guo said China wants to promote sustained and strong ties with New Delhi with a long-term perspective. China stands ready to work with India to view and handle bilateral relations from a strategic height and a long-term perspective, promote sustained, strong and steady development of ties to benefit the two countries and their peoples, and make a due contribution to peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond, he said.

Besides terming New Delhi and Beijing as close friends of Moscow, Putin, in the interview with an Indian news channel, also expressed confidence that the leaderships of India and China are committed to finding solutions to their issues, and Russia has no right to interfere in their bilateral affairs. Chinese official media highlighted Putins comments on India-China relations. Xinhua carried his remarks refuting US accusations over Indias purchases of Russian oil. For its part, China tops the list of countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, and rejected US calls to halt the imports to penalise Moscow for continuing its war on Ukraine.
Chinese Push





UNITED States Secretary of War Mr. Pete Hegseth has issued what has been described as sharp warning about Chinas rapidly accelerating military build-up and has said the US would respond prudently but initiate action to strengthen Americas defence industrial base. Describing Beijings military build up as historic, Mr. Hegseth has said that the US proposes to respond with internal reforms. ... we ... look inward and increase our urgency of ensuring we build our defence industrial base in the arsenal of freedom, he added -- indicating the criticality of the Chinese military push in the overall American strategic perspective.

Watchers of the global strategic scenario appear to suggest that the Chinese build up also has implications for India -- in the light of Chinas expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region, its militarisation of South China Sea area, and its deepening military ties with Pakistan. India hasnt responded so far to the observation of the US Secretary of War -- but is known to be monitoring the Chinese military build up carefully. In tune with its policy of non-interference into other nations affairs, India has chosen to keep a watch on what the Chinese do and feel about their defence build up. Americas response is as per expectations. Being the worlds Number One superpower, the US has widespread interest in almost every nook and corner. For the past few years, China has been troubling the US because of its expansionism.

It might not have occupied territories of different countries, it has nevertheless as many as 22 known territorial and border disputes with different countries. The US -- and many other nations of the world -- looks at the Chinese diplomatic activity, supported by its strong military build up, as a potential threat to its hegemony. Seen from this point of view, the immediate American response makes much sense. Experts have often stated that the Chinese defence build-up is an activity whose pace is at least thrice faster than that of the United States. For example, when the Chinese ship-building industry produces as many as eight warships, the US is able to complete barely two within that time-frame. This capacity has made the Chinese Navy as the worlds largest maritime force -- which worries the United States most. It must be stated that even India is aware of the growing naval prowess of China, but looks at the issue from its own perspective, independent of the American view. India Navy, too, has been in a building-up mode for the past some time and now boasts of as many as two aircraft carriers. It has also initiated the process of building a massive naval base in the Nicobar Isles to lord over the oceanic choke point between the Bay of Bengal and eastern side of the Indian Ocean. American response to the Chinese build-up is understandable -- as Washington sees Beijing as a major international rival in many areas.

The repeated assertion of Mr. Hegseth that the US would be prudent in its approach to the Chinese challenge pints to the fact that Washington is taking the issue very, very seriously. It is clear that Washington treats the Chinese push as a complex issue that requires a complex response -- far beyond a hasty one in the playing-to-the-gallery mode. It is also understandable that the US has been watching the trajectory of Chinese defence build-up for quite some time, but has chosen to verbalise the concern now. There is reason to believe that the American response has been crystalised and action in that regard has already been kick-started. Behind the optics of diplomacy which the common people the world over enjoy but do not understand, there is a serious thought and action away from public view. When a senior secretary like Mr. Pete Hegseth chooses to verbalise his countrys view, he is doing so only after his country has a complete control over the response process.
Goa Govt steps up action; 2 properties sealed





PANAJI :

CLUB FIRE TRAGEDY

THE Goa Government has intensified its crackdown on the controversial Romeo Lane club chain after a deadly fire at one of its outlets claimed 25 lives, officials said on Monday. Two other properties of the hospitality company in Goa have been sealed, they said. A State police team also left for Delhi on Sunday to search for the property promoters -- Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra -- against whom a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, they said. Birch by Romeo Lane, a nightclub at Arpora in North Goa, caught fire late Saturday night, killing 25 persons, the majority of whom were their staffers, they said. The Anjuna police in Goa have arrested the clubs chief general manager, Rajiv Modak, general manager Vivek Singh, bar manager Rajiv Singhania, and gate manager Riyanshu Thakur.

The North Goa district administration has sealed a beach shack and another club, both part of the Romeo Lane chain, located at Vagator and Assagao, respectively, an official said. Action has been initiated against both properties as they were involved in disputes, the official said. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday said that a team of State police had left for Delhi in search of the Luthras. Both the promoters would be arrested as an FIR has been registered against them in connection with the blaze, he added. An employee of a Goa nightclub has been detained by the State police in Delhi, official sources said on Monday. The employee has been identified as Bharat Kohli, a resident of the Sabzi Mandi area here.

He was responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the nightclub and his name surfaced during the questioning of a club manager, the police sources said. Kohli will be taken to Goa for questioning, they said. Fireworks emerged as the likely cause of the blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, located 25 km from Panaji, officials said on Sunday, adding that the facility allegedly did not possess even a fire department NOC. The deceased included 20 employees of the nightclub and five tourists, including four from Delhi. Most of the deaths were caused by suffocation, as the victims got trapped on the ground floor and in the kitchen, said a fire brigade official. As per initial information, the nightclub had not adhered to fire safety norms, CM Sawant said on Sunday. A preliminary inquiry indicated that electric firecrackers were set off inside, which started the blaze at 11.45 pm on Saturday, Sawant said. The CM has directed Chief Secretary V Candavelou and DGP Alok Kumar to identify and act against the Government officials who allowed the club to operate even though it violated safety rules. Deeply shaken by tragic loss of lives: Absconding Goa nightclub owner's first statement: A DAY after the tragic fire at Goas Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa, one of the absconding clubs owners, Saurabh Luthra, issued his first public statement on Monday, saying he was deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives. One of the owners, Saurabh Luthra, in a statement on Instagram, expressed grief and said the management is deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives, as he condoled the deaths.

The management expresses profound grief and is deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate incident at Birch. In this hour of irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress, the management stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the deceased as well as those injured, and conveys its heartfelt condolences with utmost sincerity, he posted on Instagram. Luthra further added that the establishment would provide every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation to the bereaved and affected individuals, as they navigate through this period of immense anguish and adversity. The management further affirms that it shall extend every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation to the bereaved and affected individuals, as they navigate through this period of immense anguish and adversity, he wrote in the Insta story.

Club owners not at home as Goa Police team probing nightclub inferno visits their Delhi residence

NEW DELHI,

Dec 8 (PTI)

A GOA Police team on Monday reached the residence of Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, near Delhi University as part of its probe into the incident, an official said. However, the Luthra brothers, who are among the main accused in the case, were not at their residence in Hudson Lane when the police team went there, the official said. The team questioned members of the Luthra family to determine the current whereabouts of Gaurav and Saurabh, seeking details about their recent movements, possible hideouts and any contacts they may have reached out to, police sources said. According to the official, the Goa Police team arrived in Delhi to question the Luthra brothers in connection with alleged violations and lapses linked to the club. The team visited their house in Hudson Lane and made inquiries with the local police. The Delhi Police is conducting searches at multiple locations in the city to trace the accused and assist the Goa Police in its investigation, the official said.
Leopard sighting in Pardi, Shankarpur areas causes panic among residents





Staff Reporter :

THE man-animal conflict in Nagpur city has been increasing day-by-day as two separate incidents of leopard sighting raised panic among citizens in the past few days. On Monday, a team of Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) rushed to Pardi after a call was received from some locals who sighted a leopard near an under construction road close to Pardi area during day time. A video also went viral in social media in which some commuters suddenly spotted the leopard under a nullah and in no time, passersby gathered at the spot.Whereas after some time, the leopard ran away from the spot.

The incident raised panic among nearby residents as it is the second such incident of leopard sighting after a leopard was rescued by Forest Department from a residence of Bhandewadi area few days ago. We received a call of leopard sighting in Pardi area, but when our team reached the spot, we got no trace of any leopard in the locality, said Kundan Hate, In-charge, TTC, Seminary Hills. Our team conducted patrolling in the locality throughout the day and it will continue in the night time too. We have instructed nearby residents to avoid venturing along after dark to avoid any encounter with any wild animal, said Hate.

Another incident of leopard sighting took place in busy locality of Shankarpur area near Chinchbhuvan where residentsare continuously spotting a leopard for the last more than a week. According to a resident, the leopard was roaming close to Khapri Punarvasan Colony where it wasspotted multiple times. The residents informed the Forest Department about the leopard, but no action has been taken sofar by the department. According to a Forest officer, a Forest team is already conducting daily patrolling in thearea, but no trace of any leopard has been identified by theteam till date. The Forest Department alsoasked residents to take precaution while roaming outside. People should avoid roamingalone after dark to avoid anyencounter.
Nagpur, Chandrapur municipal corporations unlikely to go to polls





 By Vikas Vaidya :

 20 ZPs too may not go to polls; Crossing 50% reservation limit major headache  Municipal Council polls after Winter Session

ZP polls: Voting percentage may dip The municipal elections will be held on January 20 and the Zilla Parishad elections by the end of March. There are signs of a dip in voting in the Zilla Parishad elections if it is conducted in March. The class 12 and 10 exams are on February 9 a nd February 19, respectively. Parents and students slog for these examinations throughout the year. As a r esult, the entire family goes on a t rip or goes out of town after the examination. Sources explained that this may have an impact on voting percentage.

THERE is bad news for the aspirants in Nagpur and Chandrapur staking claims for Municipal Corporation elections 2026, as both these corporations are unlikely to go to polls, said a reliable source while talking to The Hitavada. The polls of municipal corporations barring Nagpur and Chandrapur may be conducted on January 20. Both these municipal corporations have exceeded the reservation limit of 50% mainly due to the reservations given to OBC. The local body polls were not held since 2022 as there was no clarity on OBC reservations.

After the clearance from Supreme Court, the Election Commission announced the polls. With the addition of OBCs under reservation category, the limit has exceeded 50%, violating the Supreme Court judgement. According to sources in the political circles, the municipal elections in the State will be announced as soon as the Winter Session of State Legislature ends. The Winter Session that began on Monday will conclude on Sunday, December 14. There is a strong possibility that the model code of conduct will be imposed anytime after December 15, sources added. According to sources, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wil be going to Davos next week. Similarly,the elections to 20 Zilla Parishads, which have crossed the limit of 50% reservations, too will not be held now.

While Nagpur Municipal Corporationhasreached54.33 per cent, the Chandrapur MunicipalCorporationtouches 53%. InNagpur,thereare151seats of which 82 are reserved. In Chandrapur, there are total 66 seats of which 35 came under reservation. In Nagpur district, the elections to 17 Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Councils have crossed the limit of 50% reservationforelection.Considering theSupremeCourtjudgement that has capped the limit to 50%, the results of these 17 local bodies were to be kept reservedanddeclaredafterthe verdict of Supreme Court. The issue came up after the declaration of the election schedule for Nagar Panchayats and Municipal Councils. Duringthesamejudgement, the Supreme Court observed that only two municipal corporations have exceeded the 50% reservation limit. Considering this, it asked the authorities to notify the elections of all municipal corporationsintheState.Duetothis, theGovernmenthadtochange the order of the election process. Otherwise, the State Government had planned to hold the Zilla Parishad electionsaftertheNagarPanchayat and Nagar Parishad elections.
Nehru echoed Jinnah, betrayed Vande Mataram: PM





Delhi Bureau and Agencies

NEW DELHI

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said first PM Jawaharlal Nehru betrayed Vande Mataram by echoing Muhammad Ali Jinnahs communal concerns and fragmenting the national song that put India on the path of politics of appeasement, leading to its Partition. Initiating a debate on the 150th anniversary of national song Vande Mataram, Modi highlighted how Vande Mataram inspired the nation, energised the freedom struggle and became a symbol of national resolve which prompted Mahatma Gandhi to liken it to the national anthem. Penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, Modi said Vande Mataram challenged the British Empire that was unsettled by the freedom struggle of 1857 and heaping injustices upon India and forcing its people into submission. Vande Mataram, which was a source of immense strength for every Indian both within the country and abroad, suffered grave injustice in the last century.

I wonder why Vande Mataram was betrayed and what forces overshadowed the sentiments expressed by Mahatma Gandhi and dragged the sacred inspiration into controversy, the Prime Minister said. Modi said Muslim League leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah first stepped up his opposition to Vande Mataram on October 15, 1937, from Lucknow. Nehru wrote to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose five days later, sharing Jinnahs sentiments and observing that Vande Matarams Anandmath background had the potential to irritate the Muslims, Modi said. Instead of firmly countering the baseless statements of the Muslim League and condemning them, Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Congress President, did not reaffirm his and the Congress partys commitment to Vande Mataram, but began questioning Vande Mataram itself, he said. Modi said it was ironic that Bankim Chandras Vande Mataram underwent a review of its worth in his home state of Bengal at the Kolkata session of

PM tried to rewrite history in Vande Mataram debate: Cong

NEW DELHI,

Dec 8 (PTI)

THE Congress on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to rewrite history and giving a political colour to the Vande Mataram debate, and asserted that no matter how much the BJP tries, it will not be able to put a single blot on the contribution of Jawaharlal Nehru. The Opposition party also said it was the Congress that gave Vande Mataram the importance it deserved and the status of national song. Speaking during the day-long discussion on the 150 years of Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha, Congress deputy leader in the House Gaurav Gogoi alleged that it is the Prime Ministers habit to keep referring to Indias first Prime Minister Nehru and the Congress whenever he speaks on any issue.

He took Nehru jis name 14 times and that of the Congress 50 times during the debate on Operation Sindoor. When there was a discussion on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, Nehrus name was taken 10 times and that of the Congress 26 times, he said. During the discussion on the Presidents Address in 2022, he (Modi) took Pandit Nehru jis name 15 times. The PM, during the discussion on the Presidents Address in 2020, took Pandit Nehru jis name 20 times. I want to say with utmost humility to Narendra Modi ji and his entire system, no matter how hard you try, you wont be able to put even a single blot on Pandit Nehru jis contributions, Gogoi said. Gogois attack came after Modi accused the Congress of breaking Vande Mataram into pieces under the guise of social harmony, and said it was still following the politics of appeasement.

The PM also targeted Nehru for agreeing with the suggestion that Vande Mataram could antagonise Muslims. In his remarks, Gogoi asserted that if any political party gave Vande Mataram the importance it deserved, it was the Congress. He said his party ensured that it is not just looked upon as a political slogan but was given the status of national song. It was in the 1896 Calcutta session of the Congress that Rabindranath Tagore first sang Vande Mataram, he said. Gogoi further said that in the 1905 Banaras session of the Congress, Sarala Devi sang Vande Mataram. An important amendment was made in this song which was that of population. The original song mentioned 7 crore, but during the Banaras session in 1905, Sarla Devi made it 30 crore and turned the focus of the entire country to Vande Mataram, Gogoi said. He said the PMs speech had two objectives -- to rewrite history and give a political colour to this debate. It seemed that your political ancestors participated in various movements against the British. So I saw the intention in the PMs speech to rewrite and revise history.

The second objective was to give a political colour to this debate, he added. The Prime Minister also referred to the Congress Working Committee and Nehru. Gogoi pointed out that it was the Muslim League that wanted to say that the whole Vande Mataram must be boycotted. Congress Maulana Abul Kalam Azad said, I have no problems with Vande Mataram. That was the difference between the Congress and Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Despite the League putting pressure, a decision was taken in the 1937 session of the Congress that the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram will be sung at national gatherings, he said. The Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha protested the Congress decision but the party did not act on their diktat but went by the sentiments of the people. The slogan of Vande Mataram was raised in opposition to the British Raj to instil fear in the heart of the British Raj, he said. I want to ask -- When did your political ancestors fulfil this intent of Vande Mataram? When did your political ancestors oppose the British Raj? Gogoi said.

I want to ask -- When the Quit India Movement was taking place, where were the political ancestors of the BJP? It is recorded in history that the political ancestors of the BJP had said that one should not participate in the Quit India Movement, he said. He alleged that the BJP has never even tried to understand the nation. There are many languages and States in India, but only one national scripture and that is the Constitution, the Congress leader said. We are still protecting this very Constitution today, Gogoi said. Gogoi alleged the Modi Government wants to strip away all the rights of the countrys citizens such as the right to vote, the right to independent thought, the right to love someone and the right to criticise the Government. Today, there is no British rule in the country, but political forces that follow their divide and rule policy still remain, he claimed. In a swipe at the BJP-RSS, Gogoi said that when the entire country accepted Jana Gana Mana as the national anthem, your political ancestors neither hoisted the tricolour nor sang the national anthem in their branches for 52 years. Today, the people of the country are raising many issues, but the Prime Ministers speech did not address those matters. A bomb explosion occurred in the countrys capital, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not mention it even once. We are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, but are we able to provide security to the present-day India? Have we provided security to the people of Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir? he said.
State urges Centre to shift leopard toSchedule II of Wildlife Protection Act





Staff Reporter :

IN THE wake of human-leopard conflicts in Maharashtra in recent times, the State Government has appealed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India to shift this elusive wild animal from the highly protected Schedule I category of the Wildlife Protection Act to the more flexible Schedule II category here on Monday.

The request was made recently amid increasing incidents of venturing of leopards close to villages and even in city limits in the state. Due to increasing cases of leopard-human encounters, the Forest Department is also struggling to respond swiftly on every call of leopard sighting. Forest Minister Ganesh Naik said, the mounting crisis has been the subject of intense deliberation within the Government, culminating in an appeal to New Delhi for immediate intervention. He acknowledged the backlash from conservationists over his earlier remarks on allowing officials to shoot leopards after a string of fatal attacks  particularly in bustling residential pockets  but insisted that the heart of the issue lies in the rigid protection the species currently enjoys.

Leopards fall under Schedule I, which binds our hands. Capturing or eliminating a maneater becomes a complex, timeconsuming affair.We have therefore sought a shift to Schedule II. The Centre has also granted permission for sterilisation, so identifying and sterilising maneaters must now be prioritised, Naik said. As leopard attacks intensify in Pune, Nashik, and Ahilyanagar, fear has seeped into villages and semi-urban lanes,promptingresidentsand local leaders to demand resolute action. Moving leopards to Schedule II, the minister said,wouldgivetheStatewider latitude to intervene swiftly in conflict zones. Naiks appeal comes close on the heels of a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who urged the administration toconsiderdeclaringtheescalating leopard attacks a state disaster. He also ordered cages to be installedatstrategiclocations, drones to be deployed to trace leopards wandering near human settlements, and new rescuecentrestobeestablished without delay.
Thailand launches air strikes along border with Cambodia

Thailand launches air strikes along border with Cambodia

An injured Thai soldier being transferred to a hospital after a clash between Thaiand Cambodian troops over the border dispute at Si Sa Ket province, Thailand.

THAILAND launched air strikes along the disputed border with Cambodia on Monday as both sides accused the other of breaking a ceasefire that halted fighting earlier this year. Long standing border disputes erupted into five days of combat inJuly that killed dozens of soldiers and civilians.US President Donald Trump pushed the South-east Asian neighbours to sign a truce agreement in October, but tensions have continued to simmer. TheThai Ministry of Defence said that more than 35,000 people have left are as near the border for shelter sand more are believed to have fled to stay with relatives else where, while Cambodias Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said that residents of several villages near the border have been evacuated. Fighting follows exchange of fire on Sunday The ceasefire was strained in early November after Thai troops were injured by landmines,leading Thailand to announce that it would indefinitely suspend implementation of the agree ment. Both sides continue to trade accusations over responsibility, even as the yares up posed to be cooperating in getting rid of the mines. Trump said in mid-November that hed intervened to preserve the ceasefire as tensions simmered between the two countries. But another brief episode of fighting took place along the border Sunday, after which both sides said the other fired first.The Thai army said Cambodian fire injured two Thai soldier sand Thai troops retaliated, resulting in an exchange of fire that lasted around 20 minutes. Cambodia said that theThai side fired first and that its own troops did not retaliate. On Monday, Thai Army spokes person Maj.Gen.Win thai Suvaree said the Cambodian troops fired first into Thai territory in multiple areas.He said one Thai soldier was killed and four other soldiers were wounded, and civilians were being evacuated from the affected areas.
GAZA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Hamas leader Hossam Badran said Tuesday that progress to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement depends on Israel ending its violations.

In a press statement, the Hamas political bureau member stressed that any discussion of the next phase must be preceded by clear international pressure on Israel to fully implement the commitments of the first phase.

Badran said that "various parties monitoring the Palestinian file" agree Israel has not fulfilled any of its obligations, noting that it continues to close the Rafah crossing in both directions, obstruct deliveries of tents and caravans for displaced families, sharply restrict humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip, and carry out killings in the enclave.

He also rejected remarks by Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir describing the "yellow line" demarcation as a "new borderline" inside Gaza, saying the comments expose Israel's "non-compliance with the ceasefire terms."

Badran added that the Israeli army's ongoing demolition of Palestinian homes within the "yellow line" amounts to a continuation of military operations that were supposed to halt on the first day of the agreement, saying such violations "remain ongoing without any real commitment."

On Sunday, Zamir said the "yellow line" serves as a "new borderline," functioning as a forward defensive line and an area of operational activity. The line marks the zone where Israeli troops have remained stationed in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10. 
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Craig Allen, Senior Counselor at the Cohen Group, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng emphasized on Tuesday that China and the United States should continuously lengthen the list of cooperation and shorten the list of problems between the two sides.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Craig Allen, Senior Counselor at the Cohen Group, in Beijing.

Since the beginning of this year, the heads of state of China and the United States have held multiple phone conversations and successfully met in Busan, Republic of Korea, reaching important common understandings, said He.

He emphasized that both sides should maintain the momentum of cooperation under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state.

As China is about to embark on its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), the country will keep expanding high-standard opening up. He welcomed more U.S. enterprises to invest and operate in China, to promote the stable, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations.

For his part, Allen conveyed his willingness to serve as a bridge for further enhancing U.S.-China economic and trade cooperation. 
Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) in the last few weeks:

11/28/2025  Best Buy was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a buy rating.

11/28/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at Daiwa Capital Markets from $76.00 to $80.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

11/26/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation from $79.00 to $84.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock.

11/26/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at UBS Group AG from $93.00 to $96.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

11/26/2025  Best Buy had its price target lowered by analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. from $95.00 to $93.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

11/26/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at Morgan Stanley from $75.00 to $82.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock.

11/26/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at Piper Sandler from $75.00 to $76.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

11/26/2025  Best Buy had its price target lowered by analysts at BNP Paribas Exane from $69.00 to $68.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

11/26/2025  Best Buy had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Guggenheim. They now have a $90.00 price target on the stock.

11/26/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at Evercore ISI from $80.00 to $85.00. They now have an in-line rating on the stock.

11/26/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at Telsey Advisory Group from $90.00 to $95.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

11/25/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at Barclays PLC from $74.00 to $81.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock.

11/25/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $97.00 to $99.00.

11/25/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at Loop Capital from $80.00 to $85.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

11/25/2025  Best Buy had its price target lowered by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc. from $95.00 to $94.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

11/20/2025  Best Buy had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at Wedbush. They now have a $75.00 price target on the stock.

11/18/2025  Best Buy had its price target lowered by analysts at Evercore ISI from $85.00 to $80.00.

11/18/2025  Best Buy had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Telsey Advisory Group. They now have a $90.00 price target on the stock.

11/14/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $89.00 to $97.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

11/9/2025  Best Buy was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating.

11/7/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $73.00 to $82.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

11/7/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation from $72.00 to $79.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock.

11/4/2025  Best Buy had its price target raised by analysts at Evercore ISI from $80.00 to $85.00.

11/1/2025  Best Buy was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a buy rating.

10/18/2025  Best Buy was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating.

Best Buy Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 16th will be paid a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 16th. Best Buys dividend payout ratio is 125.83%.

Insider Activity at Best Buy

In related news, Chairman Richard M. Schulze sold 500,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.83, for a total transaction of $40,415,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman directly owned 12,486,904 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,009,316,450.32. This trade represents a 3.85% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 1,534,993 shares of company stock valued at $126,626,855. Corporate insiders own 0.59% of the companys stock.

Best Buy Co, Inc engages in the retail of technology products in the United States, Canada, and international. Its stores provide computing and mobile phone products, such as desktops, notebooks, and peripherals; mobile phones comprising related mobile network carrier commissions; networking products; tablets covering e-readers; smartwatches; and consumer electronics consisting of digital imaging, health and fitness products, portable audio comprising headphones and portable speakers, and smart home products, as well as home theaters, which includes home theater accessories, soundbars, and televisions.

Further Reading

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Lionstone Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of QXO, Inc. (NYSE:QXO  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 2,121,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $45,691,000. QXO comprises about 11.0% of Lionstone Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest holding. Lionstone Capital Management LLC owned approximately 0.37% of QXO 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 added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Cherry Creek Investment Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of QXO by 48.5% during the 2nd quarter. Cherry Creek Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 69,780 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,503,000 after buying an additional 22,800 shares in the last quarter. Seven Grand Managers LLC bought a new stake in QXO during the 2nd quarter valued at $14,939,000. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of QXO by 91.0% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 47,192,412 shares of the companys stock worth $1,016,525,000 after acquiring an additional 22,484,977 shares in the last quarter. Amundi boosted its holdings in shares of QXO by 26.4% in the first quarter. Amundi now owns 715,087 shares of the companys stock worth $9,861,000 after acquiring an additional 149,504 shares during the period. Finally, Brown Miller Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of QXO in the second quarter worth $592,000. Institutional investors own 58.68% of the companys stock.

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QXO Stock Up 2.3%

QXO stock opened at $21.30 on Tuesday. QXO, Inc. has a 1-year low of $11.85 and a 1-year high of $24.69. The stock has a market cap of $14.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -48.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 2.42. The company has a current ratio of 3.06, a quick ratio of 2.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The companys 50 day moving average is $18.46 and its 200 day moving average is $19.73.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

QXO ( NYSE:QXO Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.14 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.02. QXO had a negative net margin of 3.81% and a positive return on equity of 3.70%. The firm had revenue of $2.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.78 billion. The companys revenue was up 20726.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that QXO, Inc. will post -0.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of analysts recently issued reports on QXO shares. Stephens started coverage on QXO in a research note on Wednesday, August 13th. They set an overweight rating and a $29.00 price objective on the stock. Benchmark upgraded QXO to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 25th. Truist Financial lowered their price target on shares of QXO from $30.00 to $28.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Zacks Research cut shares of QXO from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, September 12th. Finally, KeyCorp set a $28.00 target price on shares of QXO in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, QXO presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $32.85.

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QXO Profile

(Free Report)

QXO, Inc operates as a business application, technology, and consulting company in North America. The company provides solutions for accounting and business management, financial reporting, enterprise resource planning, human capital management, warehouse management systems, customer relationship management, and business intelligence.

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Hunting Hill Global Capital LLC bought a new position in Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM  Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 25,800 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $1,426,000. Brookfield Asset Management accounts for approximately 0.4% of Hunting Hill Global Capital LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest position.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 1.8% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 17,204,794 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $832,833,000 after purchasing an additional 302,852 shares during the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc boosted its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 15,589,384 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $861,101,000 after buying an additional 250,068 shares during the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 11,400,930 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $631,412,000 after buying an additional 282,853 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Brookfield Asset Management in the 2nd quarter valued at about $294,730,000. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 62.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,755,340 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $208,571,000 after acquiring an additional 1,443,441 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.41% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

BAM has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Scotiabank decreased their target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $67.25 to $65.75 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Bank of America lowered shares of Brookfield Asset Management from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $68.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price objective on Brookfield Asset Management from $62.00 to $59.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, National Bankshares reduced their target price on Brookfield Asset Management from $71.00 to $69.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 27th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $64.32.

Brookfield Asset Management Stock Down 0.2%

Shares of NYSE BAM opened at $53.15 on Tuesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $53.93 and a 200 day moving average price of $56.80. The company has a current ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. has a 12-month low of $41.78 and a 12-month high of $64.10. The company has a market cap of $87.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.22, a P/E/G ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 1.39.

Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM  Get Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) last issued its earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The financial services provider reported $0.41 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.39 by $0.02. Brookfield Asset Management had a return on equity of 33.77% and a net margin of 58.25%.The company had revenue of $1.27 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.34 billion. Research analysts anticipate that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. will post 1.7 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Brookfield Asset Management Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a $0.4375 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. This represents a $1.75 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.3%. Brookfield Asset Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 109.38%.

Brookfield Asset Management Profile

(Free Report)

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. is a real estate investment firm specializing in alternative asset management services. Its renewable power and transition business includes the operates in the hydroelectric, wind, solar, distributed generation, and sustainable solution sector. The company's infrastructure business engages in the utilities, transport, midstream, and data infrastructure sectors.

Further Reading

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Shares of Abercrombie & Fitch Company (NYSE:ANF  Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Hold from the eleven analysts that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $107.3333.

ANF has been the topic of several research reports. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price objective on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from $130.00 to $100.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 14th. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from $79.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. BTIG Research dropped their price target on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from $120.00 to $118.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, Raymond James Financial set a $105.00 price target on Abercrombie & Fitch and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 28th.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Abercrombie & Fitch Price Performance

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in ANF. SG Americas Securities LLC increased its holdings in Abercrombie & Fitch by 486.9% in the 2nd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 12,923 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $1,071,000 after acquiring an additional 10,721 shares during the last quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC purchased a new stake in Abercrombie & Fitch during the first quarter valued at about $1,462,000. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its position in Abercrombie & Fitch by 1,205.3% during the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 5,143 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $426,000 after purchasing an additional 4,749 shares during the period. Timelo Investment Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in the second quarter worth about $1,077,000. Finally, QRG Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in the second quarter worth about $782,000.

Shares of Abercrombie & Fitch stock opened at $95.98 on Friday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $77.42 and a 200 day simple moving average of $84.98. Abercrombie & Fitch has a one year low of $65.40 and a one year high of $164.80. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.20 and a beta of 1.17.

Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 26th. The apparel retailer reported $2.36 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.14 by $0.22. The firm had revenue of $1.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.28 billion. Abercrombie & Fitch had a return on equity of 38.01% and a net margin of 10.07%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.50 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Abercrombie & Fitch will post 10.62 EPS for the current year.

About Abercrombie & Fitch

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Abercrombie & Fitch Co engages in the retail of apparel, personal care products, and accessories. The firm operates through following geographical segments: Americas, EMEA and APAC. The Americas segment includes operations in North America and South America. The EMEA segment includes operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

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Shares of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE:AAP  Get Free Report) dropped 5.2% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $48.20 and last traded at $48.4480. Approximately 314,262 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 86% from the average daily volume of 2,325,475 shares. The stock had previously closed at $51.08.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

AAP has been the subject of a number of research reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Advance Auto Parts in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. DA Davidson decreased their target price on Advance Auto Parts from $63.00 to $55.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Roth Capital reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $55.00 price target (up from $50.00) on shares of Advance Auto Parts in a report on Monday, October 27th. BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating and set a $55.00 price target on shares of Advance Auto Parts in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on shares of Advance Auto Parts from $60.00 to $58.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a report on Tuesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, twenty have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average target price of $51.78.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AAP

Advance Auto Parts Trading Down 7.8%

The firm has a market cap of $2.83 billion, a P/E ratio of -7.51 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 1.73. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $52.72 and a 200-day moving average of $55.00.

Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $2.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.02 billion. Advance Auto Parts had a positive return on equity of 0.64% and a negative net margin of 4.37%.The firms revenue for the quarter was down 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned ($0.04) earnings per share. Advance Auto Parts has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.750-1.850 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Advance Auto Parts, Inc. will post -0.46 earnings per share for the current year.

Advance Auto Parts Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 23rd. Investors of record on Friday, January 9th will be given a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 9th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.1%. Advance Auto Partss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -15.90%.

Insider Transactions at Advance Auto Parts

In other Advance Auto Parts news, EVP Kristen L. Soler sold 7,662 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.00, for a total value of $390,762.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 23,165 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,181,415. This represents a 24.85% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.67% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Advance Auto Parts

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in AAP. Amalgamated Bank increased its position in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 1.1% in the third quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 17,270 shares of the companys stock worth $1,060,000 after purchasing an additional 185 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLC boosted its holdings in Advance Auto Parts by 3.1% in the second quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 6,306 shares of the companys stock valued at $293,000 after acquiring an additional 191 shares during the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System raised its position in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 17,733 shares of the companys stock worth $1,089,000 after acquiring an additional 272 shares in the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. grew its holdings in Advance Auto Parts by 2.0% in the second quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 14,535 shares of the companys stock worth $676,000 after purchasing an additional 283 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 0.6% during the third quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 54,237 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,330,000 after acquiring an additional 297 shares in the last quarter. 88.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Advance Auto Parts Company Profile

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Advance Auto Parts, Inc provides automotive replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, and light and heavy duty trucks. The company offers battery accessories; belts and hoses; brakes and brake pads; chassis and climate control parts; clutches and drive shafts; engines and engine parts; exhaust systems and parts; hub assemblies; ignition components and wires; radiators and cooling parts; starters and alternators; and steering and alignment parts.

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Barratt Redrow (OTCMKTS:BTDPY  Get Free Report) and Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI  Get Free Report) are both mid-cap construction companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, risk, institutional ownership and earnings.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Barratt Redrow and Armstrong World Industries, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Barratt Redrow 1 2 2 2 2.71 Armstrong World Industries 0 4 5 1 2.70

Armstrong World Industries has a consensus target price of $207.50, suggesting a potential upside of 12.71%. Given Armstrong World Industries higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Armstrong World Industries is more favorable than Barratt Redrow.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Barratt Redrow N/A N/A N/A Armstrong World Industries 19.08% 38.97% 17.14%

Risk and Volatility

This table compares Barratt Redrow and Armstrong World Industries net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Barratt Redrow has a beta of 1.24, meaning that its share price is 24% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Armstrong World Industries has a beta of 1.3, meaning that its share price is 30% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

0.1% of Barratt Redrow shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 98.9% of Armstrong World Industries shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.0% of Armstrong World Industries shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Barratt Redrow and Armstrong World Industriess gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Barratt Redrow $7.22 billion 0.97 $241.22 million N/A N/A Armstrong World Industries $1.45 billion 5.49 $264.90 million $6.99 26.34

Armstrong World Industries has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Barratt Redrow.

Dividends

Barratt Redrow pays an annual dividend of $0.51 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.2%. Armstrong World Industries pays an annual dividend of $1.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.7%. Armstrong World Industries pays out 19.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Armstrong World Industries has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years.

Summary

Armstrong World Industries beats Barratt Redrow on 11 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Barratt Redrow

(Get Free Report)

Barratt Redrow plc engages in the housebuilding business in the United Kingdom. The company acquires and develops land; plans, designs, and constructs homes, apartments, penthouses, and communities, as well as undertakes mixed-use regeneration schemes; and develops retail, leisure, office, industrial, and mixed-use properties. It is also involved in the commercial development business under the Wilson Bowden Developments brand name. The company offers its homes under the Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, and Barratt London brands. The company was formerly known as Barratt Developments plc and changed its name Barratt Redrow plc in October 2024. Barratt Redrow plc was incorporated in 1958 and is headquartered in Coalville, the United Kingdom.

About Armstrong World Industries

(Get Free Report)

Armstrong World Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of ceiling and wall solutions in the Americas. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers mineral fiber, fiberglass wool, metal, wood, felt, wood fiber, and glass-reinforced-gypsum; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings, walls, and facades for use in commercial settings; and manufactures ceiling suspension system (grid) products. It serves commercial and residential construction markets, as well as renovation of existing buildings sectors. The company sells its products to resale distributors, ceiling system contractors, wholesalers, and retailers comprising large home centers. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. was founded in 1860 and is headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

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Lido Advisors LLC decreased its holdings in shares of ATI Inc. (NYSE:ATI  Free Report) by 84.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,683 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 20,111 shares during the quarter. Lido Advisors LLCs holdings in ATI were worth $318,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its position in shares of ATI by 14.1% in the 2nd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 44,195 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $3,816,000 after purchasing an additional 5,466 shares during the last quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group increased its holdings in shares of ATI by 21.3% in the 2nd quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 532,837 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $46,005,000 after acquiring an additional 93,620 shares during the last quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of ATI by 104.3% in the 1st quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 58,458 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $3,042,000 after acquiring an additional 29,838 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its position in shares of ATI by 10.2% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 658,195 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $34,246,000 after acquiring an additional 61,021 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quarry LP lifted its stake in ATI by 216.6% during the first quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,770 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $92,000 after purchasing an additional 1,211 shares during the last quarter.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other ATI news, SVP Tina Killough Busch sold 2,598 shares of ATI stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.26, for a total transaction of $242,289.48. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 21,274 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,984,013.24. The trade was a 10.88% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Chairman Robert S. Wetherbee sold 60,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.34, for a total value of $5,900,400.00. Following the transaction, the chairman owned 246,538 shares of the companys stock, valued at $24,244,546.92. This trade represents a 19.57% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 167,387 shares of company stock valued at $15,431,377. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

ATI Stock Down 1.1%

ATI stock opened at $99.35 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $13.50 billion, a PE ratio of 32.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 1.08. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $92.68 and its 200 day simple moving average is $85.45. ATI Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $39.23 and a fifty-two week high of $103.64. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 2.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94.

ATI (NYSE:ATI  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The basic materials company reported $0.85 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.10. ATI had a net margin of 9.71% and a return on equity of 23.34%. The firm had revenue of $1.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.13 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.60 EPS. ATIs quarterly revenue was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. ATI has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.150-3.21 EPS and its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.840-0.90 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that ATI Inc. will post 2.89 EPS for the current year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have weighed in on ATI shares. Susquehanna boosted their target price on shares of ATI from $100.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of ATI in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research raised shares of ATI to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 12th. KeyCorp raised shares of ATI from a sector weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $120.00 target price on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, BTIG Research restated a buy rating and issued a $120.00 target price on shares of ATI in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $103.00.

Read Our Latest Analysis on ATI

ATI Company Profile

(Free Report)

ATI Inc produces and sells specialty materials and complex components worldwide. It operates in two segments: High Performance Materials & Components (HPMC) and Advanced Alloys & Solutions (AA&S). The HPMC segment produces various materials, including titanium and titanium-based alloys, nickel- and cobalt-based alloys and superalloys, metallic powder alloys, advanced powder alloys and other specialty materials, in long product forms, such as ingot, billet, bar, rod, wire, shapes and rectangles, and seamless tubes, as well as precision forgings, components, and machined parts.

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SYDNEY, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- A severe drought on the Indonesian island of Flores may have driven the extinction of the ancient "hobbits" species Homo floresiensis 61,000 years ago.

Australia's University of Wollongong (UOW) and Indonesian scientists have uncovered compelling new evidence that severe drought, caused by a changing climate, sparked one of the great mysteries in human evolution -- the vanishing of the "hobbits" of Flores, a UOW media release said Tuesday.

The study reveals the Homo floresiensis, and one of its main prey, the Stegodon florensis insularis, both of which once lived on the eastern Indonesian island of Flores, abandoned the Liang Bua cave during a prolonged period of aridity that lasted for thousands of years, it said.

Combining precise chemical records from cave stalagmites with isotopic data from fossil teeth of the Stegodon, a species of pygmy elephant, the scientists revealed an extensive drying trend beginning around 76,000 years ago.

The trend culminated in severe summer drought between 61,000 and 55,000 years ago, triggering a collapse in freshwater sources and food supply.

"Summer rainfall fell to about half of modern levels and river-bed water sources became seasonally dry, placing ecological stress on both hobbits and their prey," said Mike Gagan, honorary professor at UOW.

The remains of Homo floresiensis were first uncovered in 2003 in Liang Bua cave. The fossil type specimen, dubbed the "Hobbit" due to its tiny stature, radically challenged the prevailing theories of human evolution and dispersal across the globe, said the study published in Communications Earth & Environment.

"Competition for dwindling water and food probably forced the hobbits to abandon Liang Bua altogether," said Gert van den Berg, honorary fellow at UOW's School of Science.

The research clarifies the timeline of humans on Flores. While Homo floresiensis fossils pre-date the earliest evidence of modern humans on the island, Homo sapiens were traversing the Indonesian archipelago around the time the hobbits disappeared.

"It's possible that as the hobbits moved in search of water and prey, they encountered modern humans elsewhere on the island," Gagan said. "In that sense, climate change may have set the stage for their final disappearance." 
Shares of BitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:BMNR  Get Free Report) shot up 8% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $38.47 and last traded at $38.7060. 19,236,485 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 20% from the average session volume of 23,991,324 shares. The stock had previously closed at $35.84.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have commented on BMNR. B. Riley reduced their price objective on BitMine Immersion Technologies from $90.00 to $47.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Zacks Research upgraded BitMine Immersion Technologies to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $47.00.

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BitMine Immersion Technologies Trading Up 9.9%

The firm has a market capitalization of $15.13 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of -89.30. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $43.44.

BitMine Immersion Technologies (NYSEAMERICAN:BMNR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 21st. The company reported $15.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $1.32 million during the quarter. BitMine Immersion Technologies had a return on equity of 16.02% and a net margin of 5,719.06%.

BitMine Immersion Technologies Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed an annual dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 8th will be paid a $0.01 dividend. This represents a yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 8th.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On BitMine Immersion Technologies

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of BMNR. CNB Bank acquired a new position in BitMine Immersion Technologies in the 3rd quarter worth about $26,000. Strategic Advocates LLC bought a new stake in shares of BitMine Immersion Technologies in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Quintet Private Bank Europe S.A. bought a new stake in shares of BitMine Immersion Technologies in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Guerra Advisors Inc acquired a new position in BitMine Immersion Technologies in the third quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Wellington Shields Capital Management LLC bought a new position in BitMine Immersion Technologies during the third quarter valued at approximately $31,000.

BitMine Immersion Technologies Company Profile

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BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc focused on bitcoin mining using immersion technology. BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc is based in ATLANTA, GA.

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Boston Beer (NYSE:SAM  Get Free Report) and Spirits Capital (OTCMKTS:SSCC  Get Free Report) are both consumer staples companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, earnings, profitability, analyst recommendations, risk and institutional ownership.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

81.1% of Boston Beer shares are held by institutional investors. 26.1% of Boston Beer shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 29.8% of Spirits Capital shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

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Profitability

This table compares Boston Beer and Spirits Capitals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Boston Beer 4.38% 12.29% 8.93% Spirits Capital N/A N/A N/A

Risk & Volatility

Analyst Recommendations

Boston Beer has a beta of 1.06, meaning that its share price is 6% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Spirits Capital has a beta of 0.09, meaning that its share price is 91% less volatile than the S&P 500.

This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Boston Beer and Spirits Capital, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Boston Beer 2 10 1 0 1.92 Spirits Capital 0 0 0 0 0.00

Boston Beer currently has a consensus price target of $249.74, indicating a potential upside of 28.03%. Given Boston Beers stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Boston Beer is more favorable than Spirits Capital.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Boston Beer and Spirits Capitals gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Boston Beer $2.14 billion 0.97 $59.69 million $8.48 23.00 Spirits Capital N/A N/A -$5.59 million ($0.07) -31.71

Boston Beer has higher revenue and earnings than Spirits Capital. Spirits Capital is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Boston Beer, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Boston Beer beats Spirits Capital on 12 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Boston Beer

(Get Free Report)

The Boston Beer Company, Inc produces and sells alcohol beverages primarily in the United States. The company's flagship beer is Samuel Adams Boston Lager. It offers various beers, hard ciders, flavored malt beverages, and hard seltzers under the Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, Truly, Angry Orchard, Dogfish Head, Angel City, and Coney Island brand names. The company markets and sells its products to a network wholesaler in the United States, as well as wholesalers, importers, or other agencies that in turn sell to retailers, such as grocery stores, club stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, bars, restaurants, stadiums, and other e-commerce retail outlets. It sells its products in Canada, Europe, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, the Pacific Rim, Mexico, and Central and South America. The Boston Beer Company, Inc. was founded in 1984 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts.

About Spirits Capital

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Spirits Cap Corp. operates a financial technology platform. Its platform provides secured purchase of American whiskey while maturing. The company was incorporated in 1995 and is based in Newport Beach, California.

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Brunswick (NYSE:BC  Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Seaport Res Ptn to a strong-buy rating in a report issued on Monday,Zacks.com reports.

Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Brunswick from $74.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Brunswick from $51.00 to $72.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Roth Capital set a $79.00 price target on Brunswick and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Benchmark boosted their price target on Brunswick from $70.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of Brunswick from $65.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $73.54.

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Brunswick Stock Up 1.9%

Shares of Brunswick stock opened at $71.33 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $4.64 billion, a PE ratio of -19.60 and a beta of 1.37. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $65.37 and its 200 day simple moving average is $61.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 1.78. Brunswick has a 52-week low of $41.00 and a 52-week high of $78.78.

Brunswick (NYSE:BC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $0.97 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.84 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $1.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.26 billion. Brunswick had a negative net margin of 4.60% and a positive return on equity of 10.55%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.17 EPS. Brunswick has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.250-3.25 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Brunswick will post 4.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. First Horizon Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Brunswick during the third quarter worth $26,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp increased its position in Brunswick by 50.6% during the third quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 494 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 166 shares during the period. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. acquired a new stake in Brunswick in the 3rd quarter worth about $37,000. Quent Capital LLC bought a new stake in Brunswick in the 3rd quarter valued at about $38,000. Finally, Larson Financial Group LLC grew its position in shares of Brunswick by 705.4% during the 3rd quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 596 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 522 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 99.34% of the companys stock.

About Brunswick

(Get Free Report)

Brunswick Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets recreation products in the United States, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Propulsion, Engine P&A, Navico Group, and Boat. The Propulsion segment provides outboard, sterndrive, inboard engines, propulsion-related controls, rigging, and propellers for boat builders through marine retail dealers under the Mercury, Mercury MerCruiser, Mariner, Mercury Racing, Mercury Diesel, Avator, and Fliteboard brands.

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California Public Employees Retirement System raised its position in shares of Carvana Co. (NYSE:CVNA  Free Report) by 22.8% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 224,338 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 41,709 shares during the period. California Public Employees Retirement System owned approximately 0.10% of Carvana worth $75,593,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in shares of Carvana by 13.9% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 14,950,011 shares of the companys stock worth $3,125,749,000 after purchasing an additional 1,823,218 shares during the last quarter. Sands Capital Management LLC increased its position in Carvana by 1,374.3% in the 2nd quarter. Sands Capital Management LLC now owns 901,227 shares of the companys stock worth $303,677,000 after buying an additional 840,096 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Carvana during the second quarter worth approximately $259,468,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA acquired a new position in shares of Carvana during the second quarter worth approximately $193,091,000. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership bought a new stake in shares of Carvana in the second quarter valued at approximately $183,102,000. 56.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Carvana Price Performance

Carvana stock opened at $448.19 on Tuesday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $347.66 and a 200 day simple moving average of $347.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 4.05 and a quick ratio of 2.55. The company has a market capitalization of $97.50 billion, a PE ratio of 102.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 3.51. Carvana Co. has a one year low of $148.25 and a one year high of $456.97.

Insider Buying and Selling at Carvana

Carvana ( NYSE:CVNA Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $1.03 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.29 by ($0.26). The company had revenue of $5.65 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.04 billion. Carvana had a net margin of 3.44% and a return on equity of 30.62%. The businesss revenue was up 54.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.64 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Carvana Co. will post 2.85 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other Carvana news, insider Ryan S. Keeton sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $400.00, for a total value of $4,000,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 74,460 shares in the company, valued at $29,784,000. The trade was a 11.84% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Stephen R. Palmer sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $372.31, for a total transaction of $372,310.00. Following the sale, the vice president directly owned 40,224 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,975,797.44. The trade was a 2.43% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 407,380 shares of company stock worth $151,017,255 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 16.36% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on CVNA shares. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $450.00 target price on shares of Carvana in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Evercore ISI decreased their price target on shares of Carvana from $425.00 to $395.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Carvana in a research report on Monday, December 1st. They set a buy rating and a $450.00 price objective for the company. Morgan Stanley set a $450.00 target price on Carvana in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $500.00 price target on shares of Carvana in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Eighteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $425.43.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on CVNA

Carvana Company Profile

(Free Report)

Carvana Co, together with its subsidiaries, operates an e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars in the United States. Its platform allows customers to research and identify a vehicle; inspect it using company's 360-degree vehicle imaging technology; obtain financing and warranty coverage; purchase the vehicle; and schedule delivery or pick-up from their desktop or mobile devices.

Further Reading

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California Public Employees Retirement System trimmed its position in shares of Apollo Global Management Inc. (NYSE:APO  Free Report) by 11.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 752,182 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 101,042 shares during the quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System owned 0.13% of Apollo Global Management worth $106,712,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of APO. Boston Partners bought a new position in Apollo Global Management in the 1st quarter valued at $370,543,000. Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in Apollo Global Management in the 1st quarter valued at about $342,335,000. Alliancebernstein L.P. grew its stake in Apollo Global Management by 33.0% in the 1st quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 2,473,614 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $338,737,000 after acquiring an additional 613,124 shares in the last quarter. Amundi increased its position in shares of Apollo Global Management by 68.9% during the second quarter. Amundi now owns 1,311,102 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $187,199,000 after acquiring an additional 534,904 shares during the period. Finally, Alyeska Investment Group L.P. raised its stake in shares of Apollo Global Management by 1,091.1% during the first quarter. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. now owns 569,021 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $77,922,000 after acquiring an additional 521,249 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 77.06% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts recently issued reports on APO shares. Wall Street Zen upgraded Apollo Global Management from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Piper Sandler reissued an overweight rating on shares of Apollo Global Management in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and set a $155.00 price target on shares of Apollo Global Management in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Apollo Global Management in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Apollo Global Management from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the stock from $151.00 to $180.00 in a report on Thursday, November 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $162.85.

Apollo Global Management Price Performance

APO opened at $137.19 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $79.63 billion, a PE ratio of 20.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 1.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.49 and a quick ratio of 1.49. The businesss 50-day moving average is $128.15 and its two-hundred day moving average is $135.53. Apollo Global Management Inc. has a 1 year low of $102.58 and a 1 year high of $189.49.

Apollo Global Management Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were paid a dividend of $0.51 per share. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. Apollo Global Managements payout ratio is 29.82%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CFO Martin Kelly sold 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $131.41, for a total transaction of $788,460.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 325,604 shares of the companys stock, valued at $42,787,621.64. This represents a 1.81% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 8.50% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Apollo Global Management Profile

(Free Report)

Apollo Global Management, Inc is a private equity firm specializing in investments in credit, private equity, infrastructure, secondaries and real estate markets. The firm prefers to invest in private and public markets. The firms private equity investments include traditional buyouts, recapitalization, distressed buyouts and debt investments in real estate, corporate partner buyouts, distressed asset, corporate carve-outs, middle market, growth, venture capital, turnaround, bridge, corporate restructuring, special situation, acquisition, and industry consolidation transactions.

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Federated Hermes Inc. lowered its stake in shares of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CNP  Free Report) by 12.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,001,954 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 144,530 shares during the period. Federated Hermes Inc.s holdings in CenterPoint Energy were worth $36,812,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of CenterPoint Energy during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $313,456,000. Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in CenterPoint Energy during the first quarter worth $92,025,000. GQG Partners LLC acquired a new stake in CenterPoint Energy in the first quarter valued at $78,632,000. Jennison Associates LLC increased its position in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 31.6% in the second quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 7,859,693 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $288,765,000 after buying an additional 1,886,374 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Millennium Management LLC raised its stake in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 2,845.6% during the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,938,231 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $70,222,000 after buying an additional 1,872,429 shares during the last quarter. 91.77% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised shares of CenterPoint Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, October 25th. Scotiabank increased their price target on shares of CenterPoint Energy from $42.00 to $45.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on shares of CenterPoint Energy in a research note on Monday, October 27th. They set an overweight rating and a $44.00 price objective for the company. Evercore ISI started coverage on CenterPoint Energy in a research note on Monday, October 6th. They issued an in-line rating and a $42.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price target on CenterPoint Energy from $37.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, CenterPoint Energy has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $41.50.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Phillip R. Smith sold 6,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.83, for a total value of $240,746.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 65,577 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,546,354.91. The trade was a 8.64% 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. Corporate insiders own 0.14% of the companys stock.

CenterPoint Energy Trading Down 1.0%

Shares of CenterPoint Energy stock opened at $38.06 on Tuesday. CenterPoint Energy, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $30.59 and a fifty-two week high of $40.50. The businesss fifty day moving average is $39.30 and its two-hundred day moving average is $38.06. The company has a quick ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.76. The firm has a market cap of $24.85 billion, a PE ratio of 24.09, a P/E/G ratio of 2.46 and a beta of 0.56.

CenterPoint Energy (NYSE:CNP  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The utilities provider reported $0.50 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.46 by $0.04. CenterPoint Energy had a return on equity of 10.25% and a net margin of 11.37%.The firm had revenue of $1.99 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.04 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.31 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that CenterPoint Energy, Inc. will post 1.75 earnings per share for the current year.

CenterPoint Energy Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 11th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.22 per share. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 20th. CenterPoint Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 55.70%.

CenterPoint Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

CenterPoint Energy, Inc operates as a public utility holding company in the United States. The company operates through two segments, Electric and Natural Gas. The Electric segment includes electric transmission and distribution services to electric customers and electric generation assets, as well as optimizes assets in the wholesale power market.

Further Reading

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Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of CF Industries (NYSE:CF  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Saturday.

Other equities analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Rothschild & Co Redburn raised their price objective on CF Industries from $78.00 to $86.00 in a report on Monday, November 10th. HSBC dropped their target price on shares of CF Industries from $95.00 to $91.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Barclays upgraded shares of CF Industries from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their price target for the company from $95.00 to $100.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of CF Industries from $100.00 to $95.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded shares of CF Industries from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, CF Industries presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $93.88.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on CF

CF Industries Stock Performance

NYSE:CF opened at $77.27 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $12.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.31 and a beta of 0.68. The firms 50 day moving average is $83.65 and its two-hundred day moving average is $88.15. CF Industries has a fifty-two week low of $67.34 and a fifty-two week high of $104.45. The company has a quick ratio of 1.99, a current ratio of 2.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39.

CF Industries (NYSE:CF  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The basic materials company reported $2.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.06 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $1.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.59 billion. CF Industries had a net margin of 20.47% and a return on equity of 18.14%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 21.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.55 EPS. Analysts expect that CF Industries will post 5.83 EPS for the current year.

CF Industries Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. CF Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 24.10%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On CF Industries

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of CF Industries in the second quarter worth $129,574,000. Worldquant Millennium Advisors LLC acquired a new position in CF Industries during the 2nd quarter worth $96,560,000. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its holdings in CF Industries by 926.2% during the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 1,118,446 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $102,897,000 after acquiring an additional 1,009,455 shares in the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH increased its position in shares of CF Industries by 72.1% in the 2nd quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 1,728,927 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $159,061,000 after purchasing an additional 724,329 shares during the last quarter. Finally, VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al acquired a new stake in shares of CF Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at about $63,104,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.06% of the companys stock.

CF Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

CF Industries Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of hydrogen and nitrogen products for energy, fertilizer, emissions abatement, and other industrial activities in North America, Europe, and internationally. It operates through Ammonia, Granular Urea, UAN, AN, and Other segments.

Further Reading

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China Mengniu Dairy (OTCMKTS:CIADY  Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $19.00, but opened at $18.32. China Mengniu Dairy shares last traded at $18.25, with a volume of 1,839 shares traded.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Zacks Research raised shares of China Mengniu Dairy from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on CIADY

China Mengniu Dairy Stock Down 3.7%

About China Mengniu Dairy

The business has a fifty day moving average of $18.76 and a 200-day moving average of $20.10. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24.

(Get Free Report)

China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited, an investment holding company, engages in the manufacture and distribution of dairy products under the MENGNIU brand in the People's Republic of China and internationally. It operates through Liquid Milk Business, Ice Cream Business, Milk Formula Business, and Cheese Business, and Other segments.

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North European Oil Royality Trust (NYSE:NRT  Get Free Report) and Pacific Coast Oil Trust (OTCMKTS:ROYTL  Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, institutional ownership and earnings.

Volatility & Risk

North European Oil Royality Trust has a beta of 0.08, suggesting that its share price is 92% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Pacific Coast Oil Trust has a beta of 0.29, suggesting that its share price is 71% less volatile than the S&P 500.

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Insider & Institutional Ownership

7.0% of North European Oil Royality Trust shares are owned by institutional investors. 3.2% of North European Oil Royality Trust shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets North European Oil Royality Trust 88.33% 343.87% 197.34% Pacific Coast Oil Trust N/A N/A N/A

Analyst Recommendations

This table compares North European Oil Royality Trust and Pacific Coast Oil Trusts net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for North European Oil Royality Trust and Pacific Coast Oil Trust, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score North European Oil Royality Trust 0 1 0 0 2.00 Pacific Coast Oil Trust 0 0 0 0 0.00

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares North European Oil Royality Trust and Pacific Coast Oil Trusts top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio North European Oil Royality Trust $6.26 million 9.20 $5.06 million $0.56 11.20 Pacific Coast Oil Trust N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

North European Oil Royality Trust has higher revenue and earnings than Pacific Coast Oil Trust.

Summary

North European Oil Royality Trust beats Pacific Coast Oil Trust on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About North European Oil Royality Trust

(Get Free Report)

North European Oil Royalty Trust, a grantor trust, holds overriding royalty rights covering gas and oil production in various concessions or leases in the Federal Republic of Germany. The company also has rights under contracts with German exploration and development subsidiaries of ExxonMobil Corp. and the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies. In addition, it holds royalties for the sale of gas well gas, oil well gas, crude oil, condensate, and sulfur. North European Oil Royalty Trust was founded in 1975 and is based in Keene, New Hampshire.

About Pacific Coast Oil Trust

(Get Free Report)

Pacific Coast Oil Trust acquires and holds net profits and royalty interests in various oil and natural gas properties located in California. Its properties include Orcutt properties located in the Santa Maria Basin; and West Pico, East Coyote, and Sawtelle properties located in the Los Angeles Basin of California. Pacific Coast Oil Trust was founded in 2012 and is based in Houston, Texas.

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Daiwa Securities Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Free Report) by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,130,927 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 133,093 shares during the quarter. Digital Realty Trust accounts for approximately 2.7% of Daiwa Securities Group Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 8th largest holding. Daiwa Securities Group Inc.s holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $720,145,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Motley Fool Asset Management LLC boosted its position in Digital Realty Trust by 9.9% during the second quarter. Motley Fool Asset Management LLC now owns 17,208 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,000,000 after purchasing an additional 1,548 shares in the last quarter. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI lifted its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 17.1% during the 2nd quarter. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI now owns 17,818 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,106,000 after acquiring an additional 2,600 shares during the period. Ethic Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 9.1% in the 1st quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 34,520 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $5,042,000 after buying an additional 2,887 shares during the period. Simon Quick Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 1,417.7% in the 2nd quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 27,333 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $4,765,000 after purchasing an additional 25,532 shares during the period. Finally, Cbre Investment Management Listed Real Assets LLC grew its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 399.6% in the first quarter. Cbre Investment Management Listed Real Assets LLC now owns 966,936 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $138,552,000 after purchasing an additional 773,393 shares during the period. 99.71% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Citigroup raised their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $200.00 to $212.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $210.00 target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Moffett Nathanson upped their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $163.00 to $166.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. TD Cowen raised their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $163.00 to $179.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Digital Realty Trust from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $194.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $198.76.

Insider Activity

In other Digital Realty Trust news, Director Mary Hogan Preusse sold 4,166 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $157.42, for a total value of $655,811.72. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Andrew Power sold 53,269 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.16, for a total value of $9,330,598.04. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 62,166 shares of company stock valued at $10,814,808 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Digital Realty Trust Stock Performance

Shares of DLR stock opened at $163.79 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 2.02, a quick ratio of 2.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 12 month low of $129.95 and a 12 month high of $194.22. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $167.50 and a 200 day moving average price of $170.32. The company has a market cap of $56.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.32, a PEG ratio of 4.25 and a beta of 1.11.

Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $1.58 billion for the quarter. Digital Realty Trust had a return on equity of 6.41% and a net margin of 23.67%. Sell-side analysts predict that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 7.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Digital Realty Trust Announces Dividend

The business 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 $1.22 dividend. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 126.10%.

Digital Realty Trust Company Profile

(Free Report)

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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An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 8, 2025 shows domestically produced vehicles for export at Yantai Port in east China's Shandong Province. (Photo by Tang Ke/Xinhua)

A performer dressed as Ne Zha, a character from Chinese mythology, skis at Qiangrengu ski resort in Wenchuan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Dec. 8, 2025.

The 2025 Sichuan Winter Tourism Season kicked off here on Monday. Sichuan has launched four major tourism routes and more than 5,000 winter cultural and tourism activities to enrich visitors' winter travel experience. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates with his team after the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on Dec. 7, 2025. (Xinhua)

Civilians gather in an evacuation center in Buriram province, Thailand on Dec. 8, 2025.

As of 6:00 a.m. local time on Monday, approximately 70 percent of civilians in four provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border had already been evacuated, Thailand's Second Army Region said in a statement. (Xinhua)

This photo taken on Dec. 8, 2025 shows freight trucks at a container terminal of Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.

The cargo throughput of Qingdao Port in 2025 surpassed 700 million tonnes on Monday, reaching this milestone 15 days earlier compared to 2024.

Qingdao Port has continuously expanded its international logistics network, with nearly 240 routes connecting over 700 ports in over 180 countries and regions worldwide. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

Citizens enjoy themselves at a park in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 7, 2025. (Photo by Gong Xianming/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Dec. 8, 2025 shows flamingos flying over Tiaozini wetland in Dongtai of Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province.

Recently a flock of flamingos arrived at the wetland to overwinter. Flamingos have been wintering here for 11 consecutive years since 2015. (Photo by Sun Jialu/Xinhua)
Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Limited (ASX:DBI  Get Free Report) declared a interim dividend on Wednesday, November 26th, MarketIndexAU Dividends reports. Investors of record on Thursday, December 18th will be paid a dividend of 0.061 per share on Thursday, December 18th. This represents a yield of 135.0%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 11th. This is a 3.4% increase from Dalrymple Bay Infrastructures previous interim dividend of $0.06.

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Stock Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $1.79 billion, a PE ratio of 24.73, a PEG ratio of -2.98 and a beta of 0.32. The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 224.88.

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About Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure

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Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Limited owns the lease of and right to operate the Dalrymple Bay terminal, a coal export metallurgical coal facility in Bowen Basin in Queensland, Australia. The company provides terminal infrastructure and services for producers and consumers of Australian coal exports. Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Limited was incorporated in 2020 and is based in Brisbane, Australia.

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Shares of Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO  Get Free Report) (TSE:ELD) have earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the eight research firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $31.20.

Several brokerages have recently commented on EGO. CIBC increased their price target 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. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Eldorado Gold in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Scotiabank lifted their target price on Eldorado Gold from $25.50 to $33.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. National Bankshares reissued an outperform rating on shares of Eldorado Gold in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group upgraded Eldorado Gold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd.

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Eldorado Gold Stock Performance

Eldorado Gold stock opened at $30.87 on Tuesday. Eldorado Gold has a 52 week low of $13.29 and a 52 week high of $32.06. The company has a current ratio of 2.79, a quick ratio of 2.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The stock has a market cap of $6.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.39 and a beta of 0.57. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $28.20 and a 200-day moving average of $24.60.

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 (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.49 by ($0.08). The company had revenue of $436.44 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $422.25 million. Eldorado Gold had a net margin of 22.15% and a return on equity of 8.89%. On average, analysts expect that Eldorado Gold will post 1.5 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Eldorado Gold

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of EGO. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in Eldorado Gold during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in shares of Eldorado Gold during the second quarter valued at $32,000. Wexford Capital LP acquired a new position in shares of Eldorado Gold during the third quarter valued at $37,000. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. grew its position in shares of Eldorado Gold by 35.4% during the second quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 2,247 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $46,000 after acquiring an additional 587 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State of Wyoming acquired a new stake in shares of Eldorado Gold in the 2nd quarter worth about $58,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.58% of the companys stock.

Eldorado Gold Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

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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Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Monday, December 8th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of 1.73 per share on Tuesday, March 10th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. This is a 15.3% increase from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50.

Eli Lilly and Company has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.2%annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend every year for the last 11 years. Eli Lilly and Company has a payout ratio of 20.2% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Eli Lilly and Company to earn $31.12 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $6.00 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 19.3%.

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Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance

Shares of NYSE LLY opened at $995.63 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $941.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 48.71, a PEG ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 0.37. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12 month low of $623.78 and a 12 month high of $1,111.99. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $924.25 and its 200-day simple moving average is $812.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71, a current ratio of 1.55 and a quick ratio of 1.24.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Eli Lilly and Company

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.42 by $0.60. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 30.99% and a return on equity of 109.52%. The firm had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.09 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.18 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. Analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current year.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the second quarter valued at $27,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 84.2% during the third quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 35 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 16 shares during the period. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Steph & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 290.0% in the 3rd quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 39 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile

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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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Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its position in shares of Dynatrace, Inc. (NYSE:DT  Free Report) by 54.1% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 994,825 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 349,397 shares during the quarter. Federated Hermes Inc.s holdings in Dynatrace were worth $54,924,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of DT. MAI Capital Management lifted its holdings in shares of Dynatrace by 122.4% in the 2nd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 547 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 301 shares during the last quarter. VSM Wealth Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in Dynatrace in the 2nd quarter worth about $34,000. Eastern Bank bought a new stake in Dynatrace in the second quarter worth about $35,000. Brooklyn Investment Group boosted its position in shares of Dynatrace by 761.9% during the first quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 905 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,000 after buying an additional 800 shares during the period. Finally, CX Institutional grew its stake in shares of Dynatrace by 42.6% during the second quarter. CX Institutional now owns 1,221 shares of the companys stock valued at $67,000 after buying an additional 365 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 94.28% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Dynatrace

In other news, EVP Dan Zugelder sold 7,503 shares of Dynatrace stock in a transaction on Monday, October 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total value of $375,150.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 1,420 shares in the company, valued at approximately $71,000. This trade represents a 84.09% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Daniel S. Yates sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.69, for a total value of $93,380.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 23,380 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,091,612.20. The trade was a 7.88% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 39,756 shares of company stock valued at $1,878,023 over the last ninety days. 0.57% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Dynatrace Price Performance

DT stock opened at $44.79 on Tuesday. Dynatrace, Inc. has a 1-year low of $39.30 and a 1-year high of $63.00. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $47.31 and a 200 day moving average price of $50.24. The company has a market capitalization of $13.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.82, a PEG ratio of 3.53 and a beta of 0.87.

Dynatrace (NYSE:DT  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.44 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by $0.03. Dynatrace had a net margin of 27.33% and a return on equity of 9.24%. The business had revenue of $493.85 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $487.33 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.37 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 18.1% on a year-over-year basis. Dynatrace has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 0.400-0.420 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 1.620-1.640 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Dynatrace, Inc. will post 0.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Dynatrace in a report on Monday, November 17th. Truist Financial lowered their target price on shares of Dynatrace from $60.00 to $55.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Dynatrace in a report on Monday, December 1st. Scotiabank reduced their price target on shares of Dynatrace from $67.00 to $60.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, UBS Group set a $51.00 price objective on shares of Dynatrace in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $61.59.

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Dynatrace Profile

(Free Report)

Dynatrace, Inc provides a security platform for multicloud environments in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates Dynatrace, a security platform, which provides application and microservices monitoring, runtime application security, infrastructure monitoring, log management and analytics, digital experience monitoring, digital business analytics, and cloud automation.

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Federated Hermes Inc. lessened its position in BellRing Brands Inc. (NYSE:BRBR  Free Report) by 21.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 674,267 shares of the companys stock after selling 189,321 shares during the quarter. Federated Hermes Inc.s holdings in BellRing Brands were worth $39,060,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. TT International Asset Management LTD lifted its position in shares of BellRing Brands by 199.8% during the second quarter. TT International Asset Management LTD now owns 73,616 shares of the companys stock worth $4,265,000 after purchasing an additional 49,064 shares in the last quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky increased its stake in BellRing Brands by 91.5% during the 2nd quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 22,634 shares of the companys stock worth $1,311,000 after buying an additional 10,814 shares during the period. Vontobel Holding Ltd. increased its stake in BellRing Brands by 216.1% during the 2nd quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 18,006 shares of the companys stock worth $1,043,000 after buying an additional 12,310 shares during the period. MRA Advisory Group acquired a new stake in BellRing Brands during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $448,000. Finally, Redwood Wealth Management Group LLC acquired a new stake in BellRing Brands during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $852,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.97% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other BellRing Brands news, insider Douglas J. Cornille sold 3,970 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.93, for a total transaction of $122,792.10. Following the sale, the insider owned 54,812 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,695,335.16. This trade represents a 6.75% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 1.07% of the companys stock.

BellRing Brands Price Performance

BellRing Brands stock opened at $30.48 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $3.65 billion, a PE ratio of 18.14, a P/E/G ratio of 4.17 and a beta of 0.67. The stocks fifty day moving average is $31.45 and its two-hundred day moving average is $43.41. BellRing Brands Inc. has a 1-year low of $22.45 and a 1-year high of $80.67.

BellRing Brands (NYSE:BRBR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 18th. The company reported $0.51 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.54 by ($0.03). BellRing Brands had a net margin of 9.33% and a negative return on equity of 95.87%. The business had revenue of $648.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $633.21 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.51 EPS. The companys revenue was up 16.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that BellRing Brands Inc. will post 2.23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

BellRing Brands declared that its board has approved a share buyback plan on Tuesday, September 2nd that authorizes the company to repurchase $400.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the company to purchase up to 7.7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have commented on BRBR shares. Mizuho dropped their price target on shares of BellRing Brands from $45.00 to $40.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on BellRing Brands from $52.00 to $45.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Zacks Research downgraded BellRing Brands from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. TD Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $31.00 price target (down previously from $37.00) on shares of BellRing Brands in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, DA Davidson set a $38.00 price objective on BellRing Brands in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $42.53.

Read Our Latest Research Report on BellRing Brands

About BellRing Brands

(Free Report)

BellRing Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various nutrition products in the United States. The company offers ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, other RTD beverages, powders, nutrition bars, and other products primarily under the Premier Protein and Dymatize brands. It distributes its products through club, food, drug, mass, eCommerce, specialty, and convenience channels.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut its stake in shares of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (NYSE:FCF  Free Report) by 14.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 649,210 shares of the banks stock after selling 110,932 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s holdings in First Commonwealth Financial were worth $10,537,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Amalgamated Bank boosted its position in First Commonwealth Financial by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 29,654 shares of the banks stock valued at $481,000 after purchasing an additional 716 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in shares of First Commonwealth Financial by 3.4% during the second quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 22,304 shares of the banks stock valued at $362,000 after acquiring an additional 730 shares during the period. CWM LLC grew its position in shares of First Commonwealth Financial by 10.0% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 8,724 shares of the banks stock worth $142,000 after acquiring an additional 792 shares during the last quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D grew its position in shares of First Commonwealth Financial by 0.8% during the second quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 121,512 shares of the banks stock worth $1,972,000 after acquiring an additional 907 shares during the last quarter. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of First Commonwealth Financial by 5.8% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 16,715 shares of the banks stock worth $260,000 after acquiring an additional 918 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 72.58% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

FCF has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of First Commonwealth Financial in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research cut First Commonwealth Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, DA Davidson lowered First Commonwealth Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, First Commonwealth Financial presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $19.63.

Insider Buying and Selling at First Commonwealth Financial

In other First Commonwealth Financial news, CFO James R. Reske sold 1,965 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.52, for a total value of $32,461.80. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 82,383 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,360,967.16. This represents a 2.33% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Michael P. Mccuen acquired 3,090 shares of First Commonwealth Financial stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The shares were acquired at an average price of $16.19 per share, with a total value of $50,027.10. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 62,111 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,005,577.09. This represents a 5.24% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 5,673 shares of company stock valued at $93,275. Insiders own 2.17% of the companys stock.

First Commonwealth Financial Trading Up 0.8%

Shares of NYSE:FCF opened at $16.62 on Tuesday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $16.16 and a 200-day moving average of $16.50. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The firm has a market cap of $1.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.04 and a beta of 0.82. First Commonwealth Financial Corporation has a twelve month low of $13.54 and a twelve month high of $18.82.

First Commonwealth Financial (NYSE:FCF  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The bank reported $0.39 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $135.98 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $136.30 million. First Commonwealth Financial had a net margin of 20.00% and a return on equity of 10.12%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.31 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that First Commonwealth Financial Corporation will post 1.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

First Commonwealth Financial Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 21st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th were paid a $0.135 dividend. This represents a $0.54 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 7th. First Commonwealth Financials payout ratio is currently 39.13%.

First Commonwealth Financial announced that its board has approved a stock repurchase plan on Monday, December 1st that allows the company to buyback $25.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization allows the bank to purchase up to 1.5% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically an indication that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

About First Commonwealth Financial

(Free Report)

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation, a financial holding company, provides various consumer and commercial banking services in the United States. Its consumer services include personal checking accounts, interest-earning checking accounts, savings and health savings accounts, insured money market accounts, debit cards, investment certificates, fixed and variable rate certificates of deposit, mortgage loans, secured and unsecured installment loans, construction and real estate loans, safe deposit facilities, credit cards, credit lines with overdraft checking protection, IRA accounts, and automated teller machine (atm) services, as well as internet, mobile, and telephone banking services.

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FirstEnergy (NYSE:FE  Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 2.620-2.820 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 2.720. The company issued revenue guidance of -.

FirstEnergy Trading Up 0.9%

Shares of NYSE FE traded up $0.41 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $45.16. 164,188 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,734,621. FirstEnergy has a twelve month low of $37.58 and a twelve month high of $48.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.75, a PEG ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $46.39 and a 200 day simple moving average of $43.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 0.75.

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FirstEnergy (NYSE:FE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The utilities provider reported $0.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.76 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $4.15 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.94 billion. FirstEnergy had a net margin of 9.19% and a return on equity of 11.15%. The businesss revenue was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.85 EPS. FirstEnergy has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.500-2.560 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that FirstEnergy will post 2.66 earnings per share for the current year.

FirstEnergy Announces Dividend

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th were given a dividend of $0.445 per share. This represents a $1.78 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 7th. FirstEnergys dividend payout ratio is currently 77.73%.

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on FE shares. UBS Group increased their price objective on FirstEnergy from $47.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of FirstEnergy to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Scotiabank raised their price objective on shares of FirstEnergy from $49.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock a sector outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Mizuho upped their target price on shares of FirstEnergy from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Barclays raised shares of FirstEnergy from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the company from $43.00 to $49.00 in a research report on Monday, August 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $49.08.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On FirstEnergy

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. State of Wyoming purchased a new stake in shares of FirstEnergy in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new position in FirstEnergy during the second quarter worth $46,000. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in shares of FirstEnergy in the second quarter worth $55,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc purchased a new stake in shares of FirstEnergy in the second quarter valued at $61,000. Finally, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. increased its position in FirstEnergy by 134.1% during the 3rd quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 2,493 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $114,000 after purchasing an additional 1,428 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.41% of the companys stock.

About FirstEnergy

(Get Free Report)

FirstEnergy Corp., through its subsidiaries, generates, transmits, and distributes electricity in the United States. It operates through Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission segments. The company owns and operates coal-fired, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, and solar power generating facilities.

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General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Hold from the nineteen brokerages that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, thirteen have issued a hold recommendation and four have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $55.8235.

GIS has been the topic of several research analyst reports. UBS Group decreased their price objective on shares of General Mills from $49.00 to $47.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their target price on General Mills from $52.00 to $50.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 18th. Zacks Research upgraded General Mills from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 2nd. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on General Mills from $49.00 to $48.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, September 15th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on General Mills from $51.00 to $50.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Monday, September 8th.

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Insider Buying and Selling at General Mills

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In other news, insider Jacqueline Williams-Roll sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $50.04, for a total transaction of $200,160.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 66,593 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,332,313.72. This represents a 5.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . Corporate insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock.

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of General Mills by 434.8% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 19,041,194 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,138,473,000 after buying an additional 15,480,835 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new position in General Mills in the second quarter valued at about $417,508,000. Worldquant Millennium Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in General Mills in the second quarter worth about $84,862,000. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in General Mills during the 1st quarter worth about $92,717,000. Finally, Two Sigma Investments LP lifted its position in General Mills by 82.8% during the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 3,415,818 shares of the companys stock valued at $172,226,000 after purchasing an additional 1,546,993 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 75.71% of the companys stock.

General Mills Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:GIS opened at $45.94 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.40. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $47.77 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $49.94. General Mills has a fifty-two week low of $45.15 and a fifty-two week high of $67.35. The stock has a market capitalization of $24.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.86 and a beta of -0.07.

General Mills (NYSE:GIS  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, September 17th. The company reported $0.86 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.82 by $0.04. General Mills had a net margin of 15.24% and a return on equity of 23.46%. The company had revenue of $4.52 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.52 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.07 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that General Mills will post 4.36 EPS for the current fiscal year.

General Mills Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be given a $0.61 dividend. This represents a $2.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 9th. General Millss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 46.12%.

General Mills Company Profile

(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.

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Guggenheim Capital LLC decreased its position in shares of Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM  Free Report) by 22.9% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 43,456 shares of the companys stock after selling 12,897 shares during the quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLCs holdings in Archer Daniels Midland were worth $2,294,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in Archer Daniels Midland during the second quarter worth $340,247,000. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in shares of Archer Daniels Midland by 17.9% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 24,944,136 shares of the companys stock worth $1,197,568,000 after acquiring an additional 3,791,597 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in shares of Archer Daniels Midland in the 1st quarter valued at about $81,306,000. MEAG MUNICH ERGO Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbH bought a new stake in shares of Archer Daniels Midland during the 2nd quarter valued at about $39,094,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in Archer Daniels Midland by 3.6% during the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 18,076,118 shares of the companys stock worth $954,058,000 after purchasing an additional 620,794 shares during the period. 78.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have issued reports on ADM shares. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $70.00 price target (up from $60.00) on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a research note on Monday, August 11th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Archer Daniels Midland from $47.00 to $57.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 12th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an underweight rating and set a $59.00 price objective (down previously from $61.00) on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Zacks Research cut shares of Archer Daniels Midland from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Archer Daniels Midland presently has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $55.25.

Archer Daniels Midland Stock Performance

ADM opened at $57.87 on Tuesday. Archer Daniels Midland Company has a 1-year low of $40.98 and a 1-year high of $65.00. The company has a market cap of $27.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.62, a PEG ratio of 5.01 and a beta of 0.70. The companys fifty day moving average price is $60.20 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $57.55. The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29.

Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE:ADM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.89 by $0.03. Archer Daniels Midland had a net margin of 1.43% and a return on equity of 8.01%. The firm had revenue of $20.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.96 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.09 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. Archer Daniels Midland has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.250-3.500 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Archer Daniels Midland Company will post 4.31 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Archer Daniels Midland Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 11th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 19th will be issued a dividend of $0.51 per share. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 19th. Archer Daniels Midlands payout ratio is currently 83.27%.

Archer Daniels Midland Company Profile

(Free Report)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company engages in the procurement, transportation, storage, processing, and merchandising of agricultural commodities, ingredients, flavors, and solutions in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition.

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Zurich Insurance Group (OTCMKTS:ZURVY  Get Free Report) and Hamilton Insurance Group (NYSE:HG  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, profitability, earnings, institutional ownership and dividends.

Volatility and Risk

Zurich Insurance Group has a beta of 0.59, suggesting that its stock price is 41% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Hamilton Insurance Group has a beta of 0.69, suggesting that its stock price is 31% less volatile than the S&P 500.

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Profitability

This table compares Zurich Insurance Group and Hamilton Insurance Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Zurich Insurance Group N/A N/A N/A Hamilton Insurance Group 15.95% 15.07% 4.46%

Institutional & Insider Ownership

Analyst Ratings

0.0% of Zurich Insurance Group shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 29.2% of Hamilton Insurance Group shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.0% of Zurich Insurance Group shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 17.5% of Hamilton Insurance Group 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.

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Zurich Insurance Group and Hamilton Insurance Group, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Zurich Insurance Group 2 2 0 0 1.50 Hamilton Insurance Group 0 2 7 1 2.90

Hamilton Insurance Group has a consensus price target of $28.63, suggesting a potential upside of 8.24%. Given Hamilton Insurance Groups stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Hamilton Insurance Group is more favorable than Zurich Insurance Group.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Zurich Insurance Group and Hamilton Insurance Groups top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Zurich Insurance Group $59.51 billion 1.76 $5.81 billion N/A N/A Hamilton Insurance Group $2.33 billion 1.12 $400.43 million $4.20 6.30

Zurich Insurance Group has higher revenue and earnings than Hamilton Insurance Group.

Summary

Hamilton Insurance Group beats Zurich Insurance Group on 10 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Zurich Insurance Group

(Get Free Report)

Zurich Insurance Group AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance products and related services in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates through Property & Casualty Regions, Life Regions, Farmers, Group Functions and Operations, and Non-Core Businesses segments. It offers car and motor, home, travel, general liability, life and critical illness, and other insurance products; and saving and investment, and pension and retirement planning products. The company also provides property, casualty, energy and engineering lines, and marine; commercial management liability, financial institutions, and professional indemnity; and cyber, accident and health, and credit lines and surety insurance products, as well as and non-claims and ancillary services to the farmers exchanges. In addition, it offers employee benefit insurance products; and climate resilience, risk engineering, captive, and cyber resilience, as well as climate risk assessment and reinsurance services. The company serves individuals, small businesses, and mid-sized and large companies, as well as multinational corporations. It sells its products through agents, brokers, and bank distribution channels. Zurich Insurance Group AG was founded in 1872 and is based in Zurich, Switzerland.

About Hamilton Insurance Group

(Get Free Report)

Hamilton Insurance Group, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides underwriting specialty insurance and reinsurance risks in Bermuda and internationally. The company operates Hamilton Global Specialty, Hamilton Select, and Hamilton Re underwriting platforms. The company offers casualty reinsurance products, such as commercial motor, general liability, healthcare, multiline, personal motor, professional liability, umbrella and excess casualty, and worker's compensation and employer's liability reinsurance; property reinsurance and insurance; and specialty reinsurance solutions, including accident and health, aviation and space, crisis management, mortgage, financial lines, marine and energy, and multiline specialty. In addition, it offers accident and health, cyber, energy, environmental, financial lines, fine art and specie, kidnap and ransom, mergers and acquisitions, marine and energy liability, political risk and violence, professional liability, property binders, property direct and facultative, professional lines, space, upstream energy, excess casualty, war and terrorism, allied medical, management liability, medical professionals, general liability, products liability and contractors, and small business casualty insurance plans, as well as surety and treaty reinsurance products. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.

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Commentary: Successful legislature election heralds brighter future for Hong Kong

Xinhua) 08:09, December 09, 2025

HONG KONG, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's Legislative Council (LegCo) election concluded on Sunday, marking another successful implementation of the region's new electoral system and a significant milestone in advancing high-quality democracy tailored to Hong Kong's realities.

With all 90 members of the new-term LegCo of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) now officially announced, the city is poised to pool collective efforts in driving reforms and forging a brighter future.

It was the second LegCo election conducted under the improved electoral system, which fully aligns with the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong." The election took place against the backdrop of a major fire in a residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po.

It stood as a testament to Hong Kong's resilience and unity in overcoming adversity, as well as its unwavering resolve to forge ahead toward stability and prosperity.

The HKSAR government organized the polling in a comprehensive, thorough and law-based manner, while candidates and their teams were engaged in full-fledged and fair competition. A large number of voters turned out to cast ballots for candidates they trust, reflecting a vibrant democratic process.

In response to the fire disaster, candidates took the lead on the frontlines -- serving as volunteers, identifying fire hazards and mobilizing emergency supplies. These actions demonstrated to the public their unwavering commitment to serving Hong Kong, their problem-solving capabilities and their courage to act decisively in crises, offering a far more compelling testament than any campaign slogans.

The election outcome has underscored that with the continuous refinement of systems for implementing the "one country, two systems" policy and the robust safeguards provided by the Hong Kong national security law, the consensus among Hong Kong residents to prioritize stability and pursue development has been further solidified.

As the legislative body of the HKSAR, the LegCo plays a pivotal role in the region's governance. While the reform agenda remains formidable amid multifaceted challenges, it also presents significant development opportunities. Hong Kong now needs a high-caliber legislature more than ever.

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee emphasized that the newly-elected LegCo members shoulder an irreplaceable historic mission. Hailing from diverse backgrounds spanning science and technology, think tanks and grassroots community engagement, these new lawmakers are entrusted with the task of delivering on public expectations to further bolster economic growth and enhance local governance.

Having demonstrated their resilience through recent challenges, Hong Kong people place high expectations on their new legislators. Endowed with public trust, the new-term LegCo members are expected to collaborate closely with the HKSAR government to steer the region toward a brighter future.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
TAIPEI/BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan's recent ban on the popular mainland social media app "Rednote" has drawn widespread criticism across the island, as users race to find ways to circumvent the restrictions and stay active on the platform.

Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities announced last week that the app, also known as Xiaohongshu, will be blocked for one year, citing so-called security concerns and rising cases of online fraud.

A surge in downloads has propelled Rednote to the top of the chart among all social media apps in Taiwan over the weekend. The app boasts over 3 million users in Taiwan, a region with a population of 23 million. The majority of users use the app to seek tips on fashion, beauty, travel, and other parts of everyday life.

Critics slammed the ban as hypocritical, and argued that it is in fact driven by a political agenda.

"People in Taiwan lose an average of 400 million new Taiwan dollars to scams every day, and 70 percent of those losses come from Facebook. If the goal is to fight fraud, why not establish unified standards and apply them equally to all platforms?" said Chang Szu-kang, a Taipei lawmaker, on social media.

"The authorities selectively disclose data from one platform and then use that as the justification for a ban," he added.

Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, argued that the so-called crackdown on fraud is nothing more than a pretext. "They ignore the real scams. They are unable to tackle them anyway. In truth, this is driven by ideology," she said.

Founded in 2013, Rednote initially focused on shopping tips but has evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle platform, blending social media and e-commerce. Users can share content and purchase products directly through the app, creating a seamless shopping experience.

On Dcard, a social networking platform popular among college students in Taiwan, discussions about the Rednote ban quickly became a trending topic following the announcement.

Some users talked about how to find alternative platforms, but admitted that "Rednote's content is denser, its algorithm is extremely strong, and it's much easier to come across posts that match your interests," adding that "it's hard to find a perfect substitute in the short term."

Others noted that Rednote has a friendlier atmosphere for exchanges: "On Rednote, no one criticizes you for asking beginner questions."

"People on the other side of the Taiwan Strait are actually very friendly -- especially when they see you're using a Taiwan IP, they respond enthusiastically. They're genuinely curious and warm toward us, and even when you ask basic questions, they answer very patiently," said one user.

Many users also shared examples of how Rednote has helped them in various aspects of life: "I found the best photo spots at overseas attractions through Rednote -- many blogs don't have this info."

"All my lab tips for biology experiments were learned from Rednote," one user said.

The real motive behind the Rednote ban is that the DPP authorities fear Taiwan people -- especially the younger generation -- will see the mainland as it truly is, said Ren Dongmei, a research fellow of the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

"They worry that the carefully constructed 'information cocoon' will be broken, and that people across the Strait will grow closer through greater interaction," Ren said.

Rednote is also an important platform for many small businesses to expand their customer base. Banning it hinders normal people-to-people exchanges across the Strait and ultimately harms the interests of both Taiwanese consumers and merchants, she added.

Taiwan's United Daily News said in an editorial that warm cross-Strait interactions and scenes that show everyday life on the mainland are clearly unwelcome to the DPP authorities, which have deliberately sought to demonize and antagonize the mainland.

Such exposure could lessen anti-mainland sentiment among young people and undermine the DPP's "cognitive warfare" efforts, the newspaper said.

Many Taiwan users have come up with workarounds such as VPNs to access Rednote, publishing posts that criticize the ban.

"Are they afraid of unity between people on both sides of the Strait? But I actually think it's a good thing. I really like the atmosphere on Rednote," wrote one Taiwan user named "Qin".

"Who cares about the ban? I'm going to Chongqing next year, and I'm really looking forward to the trip," said another user named "Tracy". 
Hsbc Holdings PLC bought a new stake in shares of Acadian Asset Management Inc. (NYSE:AAMI  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund bought 30,261 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,074,000. Hsbc Holdings PLC owned 0.08% of Acadian Asset Management at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Signaturefd LLC bought a new stake in Acadian Asset Management during the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. GAMMA Investing LLC purchased a new position in shares of Acadian Asset Management during the second quarter worth approximately $37,000. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio purchased a new stake in shares of Acadian Asset Management in the second quarter valued at approximately $44,000. CWM LLC bought a new position in Acadian Asset Management in the second quarter worth approximately $55,000. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. purchased a new position in Acadian Asset Management during the 2nd quarter worth $57,000. 98.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Acadian Asset Management Stock Down 1.5%

Acadian Asset Management stock opened at $46.07 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $45.57 and its 200 day moving average price is $42.38. The firm has a market cap of $1.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.44 and a beta of 1.32. Acadian Asset Management Inc. has a 52 week low of $22.60 and a 52 week high of $54.99.

Acadian Asset Management Announces Dividend

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 24th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be issued a $0.01 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 12th. This represents a $0.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.1%. Acadian Asset Managements payout ratio is presently 1.69%.

Several brokerages have weighed in on AAMI. Morgan Stanley reiterated a positive rating on shares of Acadian Asset Management in a report on Monday, October 6th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Acadian Asset Management from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Acadian Asset Management from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Acadian Asset Management in a report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Evercore ISI set a $52.00 price target on shares of Acadian Asset Management in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Acadian Asset Management presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $45.67.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Acadian Asset Management

Acadian Asset Management Profile

(Free Report)

Acadian Asset Management Inc is a publically owned asset management holding company. The firm provides its services to individuals and institutions. It manages separate client focused portfolios through its subsidiaries. The firm also launches equity mutual funds for its clients. It invests in public equity, fixed income, and alternative investment markets through its subsidiaries.

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Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of International Seaways (NYSE:INSW  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report issued on Saturday morning.

A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on INSW. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of International Seaways in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Pareto Securities cut shares of International Seaways from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, International Seaways currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $52.67.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on International Seaways

International Seaways Price Performance

International Seaways stock opened at $51.52 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $49.74 and its two-hundred day moving average is $44.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 1.75 and a current ratio of 1.75. The firm has a market cap of $2.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.74 and a beta of -0.20. International Seaways has a 52 week low of $27.20 and a 52 week high of $55.18.

International Seaways (NYSE:INSW  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 23rd. The transportation company reported ($0.63) earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $84.82 million during the quarter. International Seaways had a net margin of 28.26% and a return on equity of 10.13%. Equities research analysts forecast that International Seaways will post 7.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

International Seaways Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.12 per share. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 9th. International Seawayss payout ratio is currently 10.93%.

Insider Buying and Selling at International Seaways

In related news, CFO Jeffrey Pribor sold 1,000 shares of International Seaways stock in a transaction on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.58, for a total transaction of $53,580.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 71,734 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,843,507.72. The trade was a 1.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CAO James D. Small III sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $53.60, for a total value of $1,072,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 49,292 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,642,051.20. This represents a 28.86% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 32,500 shares of company stock worth $1,699,875. 2.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of International Seaways

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. LPL Financial LLC raised its position in shares of International Seaways by 250.7% in the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 45,856 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,522,000 after acquiring an additional 32,781 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its holdings in International Seaways by 550.7% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,822 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $60,000 after purchasing an additional 1,542 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of International Seaways by 17.4% during the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 544,202 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $18,068,000 after purchasing an additional 80,591 shares in the last quarter. Swiss National Bank grew its holdings in shares of International Seaways by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 81,000 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $2,689,000 after buying an additional 2,900 shares during the period. Finally, Cynosure Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of International Seaways by 15.6% in the 1st quarter. Cynosure Group LLC now owns 9,932 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $330,000 after buying an additional 1,339 shares during the period. 67.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

International Seaways Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

International Seaways, Inc owns and operates a fleet of oceangoing vessels for the transportation of crude oil and petroleum products in the international flag trade. It operates in two segments: Crude Tankers and Product Carriers. As of December 31, 2023, the company owned a fleet of 73 vessels. It serves independent and state-owned oil companies, oil traders, refinery operators, and international government entities.

Further Reading

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Investment Management Corp of Ontario raised its position in Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET  Free Report) by 163.2% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 222,219 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 137,794 shares during the quarter. Investment Management Corp of Ontarios holdings in Arista Networks were worth $22,735,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of ANET. Bare Financial Services Inc raised its holdings in Arista Networks by 2,118.2% in the second quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 244 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 233 shares during the period. Saudi Central Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Arista Networks in the first quarter worth $33,000. REAP Financial Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Arista Networks by 108.0% in the 2nd quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 337 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 175 shares during the period. eCIO Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Arista Networks during the 1st quarter valued at $36,000. Finally, Solstein Capital LLC boosted its position in Arista Networks by 493.8% during 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 period. 82.47% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity at Arista Networks

In related news, insider Kenneth Duda sold 26,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $128.61, for a total value of $3,343,860.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 542,400 shares of the companys stock, valued at $69,758,064. The trade was a 4.57% 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, Director Kelly Bodnar Battles sold 422 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.15, for a total value of $49,437.30. Following the sale, the director owned 8,980 shares in the company, valued at $1,052,007. The trade was a 4.49% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold a total of 1,522,152 shares of company stock worth $223,569,587 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 3.54% of the companys stock.

Arista Networks Stock Up 0.3%

Shares of ANET opened at $129.00 on Tuesday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $140.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is $125.84. Arista Networks, Inc. has a 52-week low of $59.43 and a 52-week high of $164.94. The firm has a market cap of $162.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 49.05, a PEG ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 1.41.

Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The technology company reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $2.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.26 billion. Arista Networks had a net margin of 39.73% and a return on equity of 30.28%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 27.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.40 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Arista Networks, Inc. will post 2.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have commented on the company. Evercore ISI raised their price objective on Arista Networks from $150.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, September 12th. William Blair reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Arista Networks in a research note on Friday, September 12th. Needham & Company LLC boosted their price target on Arista Networks from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. Melius Research increased their price objective on shares of Arista Networks from $160.00 to $185.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 12th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Arista Networks from $150.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, September 12th. Eighteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $164.31.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on ANET

About Arista Networks

(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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Investment Management Corp of Ontario decreased its holdings in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 33.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 63,595 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 32,347 shares during the quarter. Investment Management Corp of Ontarios holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $8,650,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. IMG Wealth Management Inc. increased its position 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 purchasing an additional 167 shares during the period. Elequin Capital LP acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter valued at $30,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 81.3% during the second quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 232 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 104 shares during the last quarter. Curio Wealth LLC raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 15,250.0% during the second quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 307 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 305 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Pineridge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 34.6% during the 2nd quarter. Pineridge Advisors LLC now owns 315 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $43,000 after buying an additional 81 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ABT has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Benchmark initiated coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Friday, October 10th. They issued a buy rating and a $145.00 price objective for the company. Daiwa Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $134.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $142.00 to $146.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $147.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Raymond James Financial increased their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $141.00 to $146.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $147.00.

Abbott Laboratories Trading Down 2.6%

NYSE:ABT opened at $121.88 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 1.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The company has a fifty day moving average of $128.31 and a 200 day moving average of $130.72. The firm has a market capitalization of $211.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.27, a P/E/G ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.71. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $110.86 and a 52 week high of $141.23.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last 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. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.88% and a return on equity of 17.60%. The business had revenue of $11.37 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.40 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.21 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Abbott Laboratories has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.120-5.180 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 15th were issued a $0.59 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, October 15th. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.9%. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 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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Investors Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych Spolka Akcyjna purchased a new stake in McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund purchased 3,478 shares of the fast-food giants stock, valued at approximately $1,016,000.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of MCD. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. boosted its position in shares of McDonalds by 142.9% during the 2nd quarter. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. now owns 85 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in shares of McDonalds in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. HFM Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of McDonalds in the first quarter valued at about $26,000. Nova Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in McDonalds during the first quarter worth about $26,000. Finally, GFG Capital LLC acquired a new position in McDonalds during the second quarter worth about $29,000. 70.29% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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McDonalds Price Performance

McDonalds stock opened at $309.57 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $220.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.41, a P/E/G ratio of 3.46 and a beta of 0.52. McDonalds Corporation has a 12-month low of $276.53 and a 12-month high of $326.32. The firms 50-day moving average is $304.14 and its two-hundred day moving average is $303.70.

McDonalds Increases Dividend

McDonalds ( NYSE:MCD Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The fast-food giant reported $3.22 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.33 by ($0.11). The firm had revenue of $7.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.10 billion. McDonalds had a net margin of 32.04% and a negative return on equity of 280.89%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.23 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be paid a dividend of $1.86 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. This represents a $7.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. This is a boost from McDonaldss previous quarterly dividend of $1.77. McDonaldss dividend payout ratio is currently 63.48%.

Insider Transactions at McDonalds

In other McDonalds news, insider Joseph M. Erlinger sold 3,195 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $305.82, for a total value of $977,094.90. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 6,088 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,861,832.16. This trade represents a 34.42% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Manuel Jm Steijaert sold 6,567 shares of McDonalds stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $305.50, for a total value of $2,006,218.50. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 4,606 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,407,133. This trade represents a 58.78% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 40,030 shares of company stock worth $12,240,570 over the last quarter. 0.25% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on McDonalds from $300.00 to $315.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, August 22nd. Truist Financial lowered their target price on McDonalds from $360.00 to $350.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of McDonalds in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of McDonalds from $362.00 to $358.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, McDonalds presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $324.57.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on MCD

McDonalds Company Profile

(Free Report)

McDonalds Corp. engages in the operation and franchising of restaurants. It operates through the following segments: U.S., International Operated Markets, and International Developmental Licensed Markets and Corporate. The U.S. segment focuses its operations on the United States. The International Operated Markets segment consists of operations and the franchising of restaurants in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.K.

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Investors Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych Spolka Akcyjna acquired a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Free Report) (TSE:CP) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 21,650 shares of the transportation companys stock, valued at approximately $1,713,000.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of CP. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 38,223,823 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $3,036,558,000 after buying an additional 1,080,835 shares during the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc raised its position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 0.7% during the second quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 21,002,374 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,665,106,000 after acquiring an additional 136,970 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 15.1% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 19,543,455 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,549,210,000 after acquiring an additional 2,559,104 shares during the period. Causeway Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 11.5% in the first quarter. Causeway Capital Management LLC now owns 17,208,788 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,207,605,000 after acquiring an additional 1,778,984 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 0.9% in the second quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 16,498,767 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,311,512,000 after acquiring an additional 150,963 shares during the last quarter. 72.20% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on CP shares. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. National Bankshares reissued an outperform rating on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $90.00 price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Morgan Stanley upgraded Canadian Pacific Kansas City from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Monday. Finally, Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $88.00 to $87.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Canadian Pacific Kansas City presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $91.69.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Trading Up 0.4%

NYSE:CP opened at $74.08 on Tuesday. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a 12 month low of $66.49 and a 12 month high of $83.65. The company has a current ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The stock has a market capitalization of $66.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.59, a PEG ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 1.11. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $73.36 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $76.17.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP  Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The transportation company reported $0.80 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.81 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $2.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.71 billion. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 28.41% and a return on equity of 8.79%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.99 EPS. Analysts expect that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 3.42 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 26th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a $0.228 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. This is an increase from Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys previous quarterly dividend of $0.17. This represents a $0.91 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.2%. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio is currently 20.12%.

About Canadian Pacific Kansas City

(Free Report)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers.

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Investors Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych Spolka Akcyjna acquired a new position in shares of Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE:BROS  Free Report) during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund acquired 37,662 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,575,000. Dutch Bros accounts for approximately 1.0% of Investors Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych Spolka Akcyjnas portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest holding.

Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of BROS. Banque Transatlantique SA bought a new stake in shares of Dutch Bros during the first quarter worth about $38,000. Kiker Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Dutch Bros by 4,423.1% during the second quarter. Kiker Wealth Management LLC now owns 588 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 575 shares during the period. Stone House Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dutch Bros during the 1st quarter valued at $54,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc raised its stake in shares of Dutch Bros by 100.0% during the 2nd quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 1,000 shares of the companys stock worth $68,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares during the period. Finally, AlphaQuest LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Dutch Bros by 644.9% in the 1st quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 1,177 shares of the companys stock worth $73,000 after buying an additional 1,019 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.54% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have commented on the stock. Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Dutch Bros in a research report on Monday, December 1st. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $85.00 target price on shares of Dutch Bros in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of Dutch Bros from $80.00 to $70.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Zacks Research cut Dutch Bros from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 21st. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Dutch Bros in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $76.67.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Dutch Bros news, Chairman Travis Boersma sold 1,678,616 shares of Dutch Bros stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.44, for a total value of $93,062,471.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman directly owned 9,817 shares of the companys stock, valued at $544,254.48. This trade represents a 99.42% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, major shareholder Dm Individual Aggregator, Llc sold 648,089 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.44, for a total transaction of $35,930,054.16. Following the sale, the insider owned 9,817 shares in the company, valued at $544,254.48. This represents a 98.51% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 3,465,214 shares of company stock valued at $189,800,291 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 42.40% of the companys stock.

Dutch Bros Price Performance

Shares of Dutch Bros stock opened at $58.07 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $9.55 billion, a PE ratio of 116.14, a PEG ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 2.55. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $54.92 and a 200 day moving average of $61.79. The company has a current ratio of 1.52, a quick ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. Dutch Bros Inc. has a 12 month low of $47.16 and a 12 month high of $86.88.

Dutch Bros (NYSE:BROS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.17 by $0.02. Dutch Bros had a return on equity of 8.91% and a net margin of 4.04%.The business had revenue of $423.58 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $414.81 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.16 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 25.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Dutch Bros Inc. will post 0.57 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Dutch Bros Profile

(Free Report)

Dutch Bros Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates and franchises drive-thru shops in the United States. The company operates through Company-Operated Shops and Franchising and Other segments. It serves through company-operated shops and online channels under Dutch Bros; Dutch Bros Coffee; Dutch Bros Rebel; Dutch Bros; and Blue Rebel brands.

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John Hancock Income Securities Trust (NYSE:JHS  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Thursday, December 11th will be given a dividend of 0.1831 per share by the financial services provider on Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.3%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 11th. This is a 28.9% increase from John Hancock Income Securities Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.14.

John Hancock Income Securities Trust Stock Down 0.1%

NYSE JHS opened at $11.62 on Tuesday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $11.69 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $11.49. John Hancock Income Securities Trust has a 1 year low of $10.62 and a 1 year high of $12.09.

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About John Hancock Income Securities Trust

(Get Free Report)

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John Hancock Income Securities Trust is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. It is co-managed by John Hancock Asset Management. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of United States. It invests primarily in corporate and government bonds with average maturity of 7.57 years.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TFLO  Free Report) by 16.8% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 224,228 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 32,277 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s holdings in iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF were worth $11,357,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in TFLO. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF in the first quarter worth approximately $26,000. Robbins Farley bought a new position in iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF in the second quarter worth approximately $30,000. Independence Bank of Kentucky purchased a new position in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF by 250.2% during the 2nd quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 704 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 503 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group bought a new stake in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000.

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iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF Stock Performance

NYSEARCA:TFLO opened at $50.49 on Tuesday. iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF has a one year low of $50.36 and a one year high of $50.69. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $50.51 and a 200-day moving average price of $50.54.

iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF Profile

The iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF (TFLO) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. Treasury floating rate bonds. TFLO was launched on Feb 3, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Judges Scientific plc (LON:JDG  Get Free Report) insider David Cicurel acquired 2 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 5th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 5,985 per share, for a total transaction of 119.70.

David Cicurel also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, October 6th, David Cicurel bought 3 shares of Judges Scientific stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 6,285 per share, for a total transaction of 188.55.

Judges Scientific Stock Down 0.8%

Judges Scientific stock opened at GBX 5,716 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 70.79, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 1.97. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is GBX 5,605.41 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 6,657.21. The company has a market cap of 380.17 million, a PE ratio of 35.07, a PEG ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 0.83. Judges Scientific plc has a fifty-two week low of GBX 4,400 and a fifty-two week high of GBX 9,120.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Judges Scientific ( LON:JDG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, September 18th. The company reported GBX 141.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Judges Scientific had a return on equity of 17.56% and a net margin of 10.99%. Equities analysts anticipate that Judges Scientific plc will post 402.5824271 EPS for the current year.

Several equities research analysts have commented on JDG shares. Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a GBX 7,900 price target on shares of Judges Scientific in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Shore Capital reaffirmed a house stock rating on shares of Judges Scientific in a report on Thursday, September 18th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 7,380 price target on shares of Judges Scientific in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Judges Scientific has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of GBX 7,640.

Check Out Our Latest Report on JDG

About Judges Scientific

(Get Free Report)

Judges Scientific plc (AIM: JDG), is a group focused on acquiring and developing companies in the scientific instrument sector. The Group now consists of 23 businesses acquired since 2005.

The acquired companies are primarily UK-based with products sold worldwide to a diverse range of markets including: higher education institutions, scientific research facilities, manufacturers and regulatory authorities.

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SINGAPORE, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- About 67 percent of respondents in Singapore expressed a positive perception of consumer rights in 2025, marking a slight uptick from 2024, according to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE).

In a release on Monday, CASE said the survey gathered responses from 1,510 participants and was conducted between July and August this year.

Despite the improvement, challenges remain. Some 56.8 percent of respondents reported encountering problems such as fake reviews, delayed deliveries, and undisclosed sponsorships when shopping online.

Meanwhile, 64.9 percent felt that ticket scalping prevented genuine fans from attending events, and 76.9 percent expressed concern over issues faced by consumers in the car-sharing sector. 
Jump Financial LLC boosted its holdings in Crane (NYSE:CR  Free Report) by 87.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 51,673 shares of the conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 24,051 shares during the quarter. Jump Financial LLC owned approximately 0.09% of Crane worth $9,812,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of CR. Diametric Capital LP bought a new position in shares of Crane during the 2nd quarter valued at about $213,000. Cresset Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Crane by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 3,245 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $616,000 after acquiring an additional 76 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP grew its holdings in shares of Crane by 10.6% in the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 75,159 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $14,272,000 after purchasing an additional 7,227 shares in the last quarter. CW Advisors LLC increased its position in Crane by 0.6% in the second quarter. CW Advisors LLC now owns 80,512 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $15,289,000 after purchasing an additional 458 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Granite Investment Partners LLC lifted its position in Crane by 13.6% during the second quarter. Granite Investment Partners LLC now owns 100,421 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $19,069,000 after purchasing an additional 12,001 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.14% of the companys stock.

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Crane Stock Down 0.3%

NYSE:CR opened at $187.21 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 0.88. Crane has a 1-year low of $127.04 and a 1-year high of $203.89. The company has a 50-day moving average of $184.53 and a 200 day moving average of $185.48. The firm has a market cap of $10.78 billion, a PE ratio of 24.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.24.

Crane Dividend Announcement

Crane ( NYSE:CR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The conglomerate reported $1.64 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.46 by $0.18. Crane had a net margin of 13.10% and a return on equity of 24.45%. The business had revenue of $589.20 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $578.54 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.38 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up .8% compared to the same quarter last year. Crane has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.750-5.950 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Crane will post 7.87 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a dividend of $0.23 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. This represents a $0.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. Cranes dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 14.74%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. DA Davidson set a $235.00 target price on shares of Crane in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on Crane from $200.00 to $202.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Crane in a report on Monday, December 1st. Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of Crane from $220.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 21st. Finally, Wolfe Research set a $215.00 price target on Crane and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Crane currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $222.17.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Crane

Crane Profile

(Free Report)

Crane Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells engineered industrial products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Aerospace & Electronics, Process Flow Technologies, and Engineered Materials.

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Jump Financial LLC boosted its position in The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM  Free Report) by 20.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 44,656 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 7,620 shares during the quarter. Jump Financial LLC owned about 0.40% of Boston Beer worth $8,521,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of 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 buying an additional 15,563 shares in the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership increased its position in shares of Boston Beer by 34.2% during the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 239,109 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,624,000 after purchasing an additional 60,880 shares during the last quarter. Armistice Capital LLC increased its position in shares of Boston Beer by 72.7% during the 1st quarter. Armistice Capital LLC now owns 210,553 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,288,000 after purchasing an additional 88,624 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Boston Beer by 97.3% during the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 185,898 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,400,000 after buying an additional 91,667 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Global Alpha Capital Management Ltd. lifted its position in Boston Beer by 42.7% in the 2nd quarter. Global Alpha Capital Management Ltd. now owns 113,804 shares of the companys stock worth $21,715,000 after buying an additional 34,070 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.13% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, Director Michael Spillane sold 3,120 shares of Boston Beer stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $205.78, for a total transaction of $642,033.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 10,877 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,238,269.06. This trade represents a 22.29% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 26.10% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

SAM has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Citigroup lowered shares of Boston Beer from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $255.00 to $235.00 in a report on Monday, October 6th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price objective on Boston Beer from $230.00 to $225.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Boston Beer in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Piper Sandler decreased 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 raised their target price on Boston Beer from $230.00 to $246.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Boston Beer has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $249.74.

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Boston Beer Stock Performance

SAM stock opened at $195.06 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $2.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 1.06. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $208.53 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $211.26. The Boston Beer Company, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $185.34 and a fifty-two week high of $323.98.

Boston Beer (NYSE:SAM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $4.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.78 by $0.47. The business 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 firms quarterly revenue was down 11.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.86 earnings per share. Boston Beer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 7.800-9.800 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that The Boston Beer Company, Inc. will post 9.29 earnings per share for the current year.

Boston Beer Profile

(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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Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corp lifted its position in shares of Kirby Corporation (NYSE:KEX  Free Report) by 41.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 16,698 shares of the shipping companys stock after acquiring an additional 4,911 shares during the quarter. Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corps holdings in Kirby were worth $1,894,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. WINTON GROUP Ltd purchased a new position in Kirby during the second quarter worth approximately $789,000. Hood River Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Kirby during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $73,784,000. California Public Employees Retirement System lifted its position in shares of Kirby by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 96,565 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $10,951,000 after buying an additional 3,292 shares in the last quarter. Cerity Partners LLC increased its holdings in Kirby by 68.6% in the 2nd quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 20,096 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $2,279,000 after acquiring an additional 8,174 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Diametric Capital LP purchased a new stake in shares of Kirby during the second quarter worth about $232,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.15% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, VP Amy D. Husted sold 10,413 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.42, for a total value of $1,118,564.46. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 11,760 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,263,259.20. This represents a 46.96% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Kurt A. Niemietz sold 1,500 shares of Kirby stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.12, for a total transaction of $171,180.00. Following the sale, the vice president directly owned 958 shares in the company, valued at approximately $109,326.96. The trade was a 61.03% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 46,002 shares of company stock worth $4,959,871 over the last ninety days. 0.90% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Kirby Stock Down 0.8%

Shares of NYSE:KEX opened at $112.04 on Tuesday. Kirby Corporation has a 52-week low of $79.51 and a 52-week high of $122.50. The stock has a market cap of $6.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.79, a PEG ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.87. The business has a fifty day moving average of $98.51 and a two-hundred day moving average of $102.20. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31.

Kirby (NYSE:KEX  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The shipping company reported $1.65 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.60 by $0.05. Kirby had a net margin of 9.22% and a return on equity of 10.05%. The firm had revenue of $871.16 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $843.29 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.55 EPS. The companys revenue was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Kirby Corporation will post 6.57 earnings per share for the current year.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on KEX shares. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Kirby from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Kirby in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Evercore ISI raised their target price on Kirby from $109.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Citigroup upgraded Kirby from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $110.00 to $128.00 in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Bank of America reduced their price objective on Kirby from $110.00 to $107.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, September 3rd. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $123.40.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Kirby

About Kirby

(Free Report)

Kirby Corporation operates domestic tank barges in the United States. Its Marine Transportation segment provides marine transportation service and towing vessel transporting bulk liquid product, as well as operates tank barge throughout the Mississippi River System, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, coastwise along three United States coasts, and in Alaska and Hawaii.

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LiveWire Group, Inc. (NYSE:LVWR  Get Free Report)s share price rose 6.8% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $4.55 and last traded at $4.53. Approximately 23,810 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 98% from the average daily volume of 1,155,313 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.24.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (e+) rating on shares of LiveWire Group in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, LiveWire Group currently has a consensus rating of Sell.

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LiveWire Group Stock Up 7.1%

The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $4.83 and a 200-day simple moving average of $4.48. The stock has a market cap of $926.11 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -11.64 and a beta of 1.77.

LiveWire Group (NYSE:LVWR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported ($0.10) earnings per share for the quarter. LiveWire Group had a negative net margin of 320.10% and a negative return on equity of 90.76%. The firm had revenue of $5.70 million during the quarter.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Russell Investments Group Ltd. grew its position in LiveWire Group by 82.0% in the 3rd quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 6,751 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 3,042 shares in the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers boosted its holdings in shares of LiveWire Group by 21.9% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 17,655 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 3,167 shares in the last quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey acquired a new position in shares of LiveWire Group during the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in LiveWire Group in the first quarter worth approximately $43,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its position in shares of LiveWire Group by 117.6% during the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 9,363 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 5,060 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 0.88% of the companys stock.

About LiveWire Group

(Get Free Report)

LiveWire Group, Inc manufactures electric motorcycles in the United States and internationally. It operates in two segments Electric Motorcycles and STACYC. The company designs and sells electric motorcycles and parts, accessories, and apparel; and electric balance bikes for kids. It serves wholesalers, independent dealers, retailers, and through online.

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Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corp lifted its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Free Report) by 30.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 9,565 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 2,228 shares during the period. Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corps holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. were worth $3,062,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of AJG. J.Safra Asset Management Corp increased its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 209.1% in the 2nd quarter. J.Safra Asset Management Corp now owns 102 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares during the period. AlphaQuest LLC purchased a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the first quarter worth $33,000. Saudi Central Bank bought a new stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the 1st quarter valued at $34,000. SouthState Corp purchased a new stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the 1st quarter valued at $39,000. Finally, Steph & Co. bought a new stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the 2nd quarter worth $40,000. 85.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CAO Richard C. Cary sold 6,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $261.00, for a total transaction of $1,566,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 50,668 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,224,348. This trade represents a 10.59% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 8,000 shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. stock in a transaction on Monday, September 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $299.54, for a total value of $2,396,320.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 100,777 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,186,742.58. The trade was a 7.35% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 21,250 shares of company stock worth $6,071,365. 1.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have recently commented on AJG shares. Barclays downgraded shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $328.00 to $250.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $361.00 to $315.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a report on Monday, December 1st. Evercore ISI dropped their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $370.00 to $353.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research report on Friday, October 31st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $314.87.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AJG

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Stock Performance

Shares of AJG stock opened at $237.72 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $268.60 and its 200-day moving average price is $294.79. The stock has a market cap of $61.05 billion, a PE ratio of 35.53 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 12 month low of $236.70 and a 12 month high of $351.23.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $2.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.51 by ($0.19). Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a net margin of 13.58% and a return on equity of 11.98%. The business had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.34 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.26 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 20.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be given a $0.65 dividend. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 5th. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s payout ratio is currently 38.86%.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Profile

(Free Report)

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co engages in the provision of insurance brokerage, reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and third-party claims settlement and administration services. It operates through the following segments: Brokerage, Risk Management, and Corporate. The Brokerage segment consists of retail and wholesale insurance brokerage operations.

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Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corp purchased a new position in shares of NexGen Energy (NYSE:NXE  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 221,504 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,537,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. NewGen Equity Long Short Fund bought a new stake in NexGen Energy in the second quarter valued at $8,328,000. Confluence Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of NexGen Energy in the 2nd quarter worth about $483,000. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. lifted its position in NexGen Energy by 97.8% in the 2nd quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 1,728,160 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,013,000 after purchasing an additional 854,560 shares during the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in NexGen Energy during the 2nd quarter valued at about $4,038,000. Finally, PCJ Investment Counsel Ltd. grew its position in NexGen Energy by 131.7% in the 2nd quarter. PCJ Investment Counsel Ltd. now owns 746,400 shares of the companys stock worth $5,186,000 after purchasing an additional 424,260 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.43% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on NXE. Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating on shares of NexGen Energy in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Zacks Research upgraded NexGen Energy from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d) rating on shares of NexGen Energy in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy.

NexGen Energy Stock Down 0.7%

Shares of NexGen Energy stock opened at $9.35 on Tuesday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $8.76 and a 200-day simple moving average of $7.69. The firm has a market cap of $6.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -22.79 and a beta of 1.54. NexGen Energy has a fifty-two week low of $3.91 and a fifty-two week high of $9.99.

NexGen Energy (NYSE:NXE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported ($0.03) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.02) by ($0.01). Analysts anticipate that NexGen Energy will post -0.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

NexGen Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

NexGen Energy Ltd., an exploration and development stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation and development of uranium properties in Canada. It holds a 100% interest in the Rook I project that consists of 32 contiguous mineral claims totaling an area of 35,065 hectares located in the southwestern Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan.

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Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corp lifted its holdings in Watsco, Inc. (NYSE:WSO  Free Report) by 181.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 8,493 shares of the construction companys stock after purchasing an additional 5,476 shares during the period. Lombard Odier Asset Management USA Corps holdings in Watsco were worth $3,751,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Trust Co. of Vermont boosted its position in shares of Watsco by 10.2% in the second quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 238 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $105,000 after acquiring an additional 22 shares during the period. Freedom Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in Watsco by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. Freedom Investment Management Inc. now owns 504 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $256,000 after purchasing an additional 23 shares during the last quarter. Synovus Financial Corp raised its stake in Watsco by 5.9% during the 1st quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 522 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $265,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. KBC Group NV boosted its holdings in Watsco by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 4,700 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,076,000 after purchasing an additional 32 shares during the period. Finally, Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. grew its position in Watsco by 2.2% in the 2nd quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 1,638 shares of the construction companys stock worth $723,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.71% of the companys stock.

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Watsco Price Performance

Watsco stock opened at $340.64 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.61 and a beta of 1.01. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $361.03 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $406.50. Watsco, Inc. has a 52-week low of $323.05 and a 52-week high of $535.40.

Watsco Announces Dividend

Watsco ( NYSE:WSO Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The construction company reported $3.98 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $2.07 billion for the quarter. Watsco had a net margin of 7.04% and a return on equity of 16.48%. On average, equities research analysts predict that Watsco, Inc. will post 14.62 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 16th were issued a dividend of $3.00 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 16th. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.5%. Watscos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 93.75%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have recently commented on WSO. Mizuho cut their price objective on shares of Watsco from $525.00 to $400.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Watsco from $400.00 to $360.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. UBS Group lowered their price objective on Watsco from $425.00 to $390.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Watsco in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of Watsco from $505.00 to $460.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $422.71.

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Watsco Company Profile

(Free Report)

Watsco, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution of air conditioning, heating, refrigeration equipment, and related parts and supplies in the United States and internationally. The company distributes equipment, including residential ducted and ductless air conditioners, such as gas, electric, and oil furnaces; commercial air conditioning and heating equipment systems; and other specialized equipment.

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London & Capital Asset Management Ltd purchased a new position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XHLF  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 20,908 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,053,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. AE Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 787.7% in the 2nd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 24,342 shares of the companys stock worth $1,225,000 after buying an additional 21,600 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 1,215.1% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 347,553 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,496,000 after purchasing an additional 321,125 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers bought a new position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $730,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. purchased a new position in BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 1st quarter worth $413,000. Finally, Belpointe Asset Management LLC raised its position in BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 3.7% in the 2nd quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 6,441 shares of the companys stock worth $324,000 after purchasing an additional 227 shares during the period.

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BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF Stock Performance

NYSEARCA XHLF opened at $50.27 on Tuesday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $50.32 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $50.30. BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF has a 12-month low of $50.16 and a 12-month high of $50.42.

BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF Profile

The Bondbloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XHLF) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is passively managed to invest in a portfolio of US Treasury securities with a target duration of six months. XHLF was launched on Sep 13, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx.

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Marshall Wace LLP raised its stake in shares of Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG  Free Report) by 8,005.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,002,453 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 990,085 shares during the period. Marshall Wace LLP owned 0.21% of Conagra Brands worth $20,520,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in CAG. Quaker Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Conagra Brands by 202.3% during the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,227 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 2,427 shares in the last quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC increased its position in Conagra Brands by 522.1% in the second quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC now owns 1,636 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 1,373 shares during the last quarter. Summit Securities Group LLC purchased a new stake in Conagra Brands during the first quarter valued at $45,000. AlphaCore Capital LLC bought a new position in Conagra Brands during the second quarter valued at $37,000. Finally, ST Germain D J Co. Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Conagra Brands by 130.8% in the 2nd quarter. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. now owns 1,992 shares of the companys stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 1,129 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.75% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Conagra Brands

In other Conagra Brands news, SVP Melissa C. Napier sold 13,011 shares of Conagra Brands stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.19, for a total value of $223,659.09. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.57% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on CAG shares. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Conagra Brands from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $22.00 target price on shares of Conagra Brands in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Conagra Brands in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Conagra Brands from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, UBS Group decreased their price objective on shares of Conagra Brands from $20.00 to $19.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, September 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $21.50.

Get Our Latest Research Report on Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands Stock Up 0.4%

Shares of Conagra Brands stock opened at $17.11 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 0.44. The stock has a market cap of $8.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.72 and a beta of -0.01. The firms 50-day moving average is $17.87 and its two-hundred day moving average is $19.26. Conagra Brands has a 1 year low of $16.60 and a 1 year high of $28.51.

Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 1st. The company reported $0.39 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.33 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $2.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.62 billion. Conagra Brands had a net margin of 7.42% and a return on equity of 11.72%. The companys revenue was down 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.53 EPS. Conagra Brands has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.700-1.85 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Conagra Brands will post 2.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Conagra Brands Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Investors of record on Thursday, October 30th were paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 8.2%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 30th. Conagra Brandss dividend payout ratio is 79.55%.

Conagra Brands Company Profile

(Free Report)

Conagra Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a consumer packaged goods food company primarily in the United States. The company operates through Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, International, and Foodservice segments. The Grocery & Snacks segment primarily offers shelf stable food products through various retail channels.

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Equities research analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Mettler-Toledo International (NYSE:MTD  Get Free Report) in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage set a neutral rating and a $1,475.00 price target on the medical instruments suppliers stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups target price would suggest a potential upside of 6.69% from the stocks current price.

Several other research firms also recently commented on MTD. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,200.00 to $1,285.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Mettler-Toledo International from $1,600.00 to $1,700.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on Mettler-Toledo International in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. They issued an equal weight rating and a $1,550.00 price target on the stock. Bank of America increased their price objective on Mettler-Toledo International from $1,260.00 to $1,390.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Mettler-Toledo International in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $1,424.17.

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Mettler-Toledo International Stock Down 2.3%

MTD opened at $1,382.47 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $28.24 billion, a PE ratio of 34.48, a P/E/G ratio of 4.57 and a beta of 1.40. Mettler-Toledo International has a 52 week low of $946.69 and a 52 week high of $1,525.17. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $1,392.93 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1,286.59.

Mettler-Toledo International (NYSE:MTD  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The medical instruments supplier reported $11.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $10.62 by $0.53. The firm had revenue of $1.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $997.36 million. Mettler-Toledo International had a negative return on equity of 426.96% and a net margin of 21.20%.The companys revenue was up 7.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $10.21 earnings per share. Mettler-Toledo International has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 12.680-12.880 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 42.050-42.250 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Mettler-Toledo International will post 42.71 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity at Mettler-Toledo International

In related news, insider La Guerroniere Marc De sold 6,055 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,488.18, for a total value of $9,010,929.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 187 shares in the company, valued at $278,289.66. This trade represents a 97.00% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Shawn Vadala sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,511.00, for a total transaction of $1,511,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 5,288 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,990,168. This trade represents a 15.90% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 19,565 shares of company stock valued at $28,683,737 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.77% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Mettler-Toledo International

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MTD. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 2.4% in the third quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 294 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $361,000 after acquiring an additional 7 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP raised its position in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 6.1% in the 3rd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 121 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $149,000 after purchasing an additional 7 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in Mettler-Toledo International by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 510 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $626,000 after purchasing an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc increased its stake in Mettler-Toledo International by 42.1% during the 3rd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 27 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Valeo Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 4.0% in the third quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 207 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $254,000 after buying an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. 95.07% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Mettler-Toledo International Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Mettler-Toledo International Inc manufactures and supplies precision instruments and services in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through five segments: U.S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations, and Other. The companys laboratory instruments include laboratory balances, liquid pipetting solutions, automated laboratory reactors, real-time analytics, titrators, pH meters, process analytics sensors and analyzer technologies, physical value analyzers, density and refractometry, thermal analysis systems, and other analytical instruments; and LabX, a laboratory software platform to manage and analyze data generated from its instruments.

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DOHA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Senior officials and policy experts from Asia, the Middle East and Europe have called for enhanced strategic stability in China-U.S. relations, saying constructive engagement between the world's two largest economies is vital for global peace, development and shared prosperity.

The discussion took place at a Saturday session titled "U.S.-China Relations: Navigating the Risks and Opportunities of a Changing Global Order," jointly convened by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and the Doha Forum as part of the Doha Forum 2025.

Opening the session, Wang Huiyao, founder and president of CCG, said China-U.S. relations have become the world's most consequential bilateral relationship, with far-reaching global implications. He noted recent high-level exchanges between the two countries and said both sides bear great responsibility for global stability as major countries.

Wang stressed that dialogue and cooperation serve the fundamental interests of both countries and the international community.

He noted that China remains committed to supporting multilateralism, open cooperation and global development, warning that trade wars, unilateral sanctions and economic decoupling would undermine the world economy and global living standards.

Participants broadly agreed that the world is undergoing profound changes and that traditional power structures and governance mechanisms need to adapt to new realities.

Hina Rabbani Khar, chairperson of Pakistan's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and former foreign minister, said the international system is experiencing a shift driven by changes in economic power, technology and social structures, calling for greater flexibility in global governance institutions. She stressed that unilateral approaches and selective application of international rules risk eroding global trust.

Damjan Jovic, state secretary at Serbia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said from the perspective of smaller and medium-sized countries, confrontation between major countries would be detrimental to global development.

"We do not need a new Cold War," he said, calling for peaceful coexistence between different civilizations and development models.

Saeed Khatibzadeh, deputy foreign minister of Iran and president of the Institute for Political and International Studies, said the era of hegemonic dominance is gradually fading and that multipolarity is becoming an irreversible trend in international relations. He noted that China-U.S. relations will remain a defining global factor, with their interactions shaping the broader international environment.

He also highlighted China's growing diplomatic role in the Middle East, including its facilitation of rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Mohammed Baharoon, director general of the Dubai Public Policy Research Center, said traditional Cold War-style competition is outdated in a highly interconnected world. He emphasized that China's relevance today is rooted not only in its economic scale but also in its deep integration into global supply chains.

He added that security today encompasses not only military concerns but also health, energy and environmental security, all of which require international cooperation rather than confrontation.

Despite intensifying geopolitical competition, panelists agreed that economic cooperation and globalization remain essential stabilizing forces. A stable and constructive China-U.S. relationship, they concluded, would bring greater certainty for other nations and contribute to a more balanced and sustainable global order. 
Wall Street Zen cut shares of Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Saturday morning.

A number of other brokerages also recently issued reports on NBR. Susquehanna restated a neutral rating and set a $56.00 price objective on shares of Nabors Industries in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $66.00 price target on Nabors Industries and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Piper Sandler reiterated an underweight rating and set a $32.00 price objective (up previously from $30.00) on shares of Nabors Industries in a research report on Thursday, August 14th. Barclays reissued an underweight rating and issued a $45.00 target price (up previously from $36.00) on shares of Nabors Industries in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $55.00 price target on shares of Nabors Industries and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Nabors Industries presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average target price of $48.14.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on NBR

Nabors Industries Trading Down 5.7%

Shares of NBR opened at $55.12 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $802.50 million, a PE ratio of 5.71 and a beta of 0.97. The companys fifty day moving average is $47.08 and its 200 day moving average is $38.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.50, a quick ratio of 1.93 and a current ratio of 2.09. Nabors Industries has a fifty-two week low of $23.27 and a fifty-two week high of $70.14.

Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The oil and gas company reported ($3.67) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($2.37) by ($1.30). The business had revenue of $825.51 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $824.61 million. Nabors Industries had a negative return on equity of 30.85% and a net margin of 7.08%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned ($6.86) earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that Nabors Industries will post -6.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Nabors Industries news, major shareholder Varde Partners Inc sold 312,378 shares of Nabors Industries stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.04, for a total transaction of $12,819,993.12. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 1,406,052 shares of the companys stock, valued at $57,704,374.08. The trade was a 18.18% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 7.29% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nabors Industries

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio lifted its holdings in Nabors Industries by 23.0% during the third quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 1,545 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $63,000 after buying an additional 289 shares during the period. Nebula Research & Development LLC increased its holdings in shares of Nabors Industries by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Nebula Research & Development LLC now owns 17,697 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $496,000 after acquiring an additional 428 shares during the period. State of Wyoming raised its position in shares of Nabors Industries by 20.5% in the 1st quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 2,941 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $123,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Nabors Industries by 58.5% during the 2nd quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 1,444 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 533 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd lifted its stake in shares of Nabors Industries by 11.5% during the 1st quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd now owns 5,540 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $231,000 after purchasing an additional 570 shares during the last quarter. 81.92% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Nabors Industries

(Get Free Report)

Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: U.S. Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running services, including casing and tubing running, and torque monitoring; managed pressure drilling services; and drilling-bit steering systems and rig instrumentation software.

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Nekton Capital Ltd. bought a new stake in Meritage Homes Corporation (NYSE:MTH  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund bought 12,146 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $813,000. Meritage Homes comprises approximately 1.6% of Nekton Capital Ltd.s portfolio, making the stock its 13th biggest position.

Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Arkadios Wealth Advisors increased its stake in Meritage Homes by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 5,566 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $373,000 after purchasing an additional 186 shares in the last quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Meritage Homes by 2.5% during the second quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 8,658 shares of the construction companys stock worth $580,000 after purchasing an additional 208 shares in the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC grew its stake in Meritage Homes by 54.9% in the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 618 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 219 shares during the period. M&T Bank Corp increased its stake in shares of Meritage Homes by 5.6% during the second quarter. M&T Bank Corp now owns 4,806 shares of the construction companys stock worth $322,000 after purchasing an additional 256 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Yousif Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Meritage Homes by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 28,846 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,932,000 after buying an additional 348 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.44% of the companys stock.

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Meritage Homes Price Performance

Shares of NYSE MTH opened at $70.65 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.95, a quick ratio of 1.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The stock has a market cap of $4.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.18 and a beta of 1.44. Meritage Homes Corporation has a twelve month low of $59.27 and a twelve month high of $93.25. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $69.68 and a two-hundred day moving average of $70.90.

Meritage Homes Announces Dividend

Meritage Homes ( NYSE:MTH Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The construction company reported $1.39 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.71 by ($0.32). The business had revenue of $1.42 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.48 billion. Meritage Homes had a return on equity of 10.37% and a net margin of 8.96%.Meritage Homess quarterly revenue was down 11.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $5.34 EPS. Meritage Homes has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.510-1.700 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Meritage Homes Corporation will post 9.44 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 17th will be issued a $0.43 dividend. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 17th. Meritage Homess payout ratio is currently 17.48%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have recently commented on MTH. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Meritage Homes from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Meritage Homes from $85.00 to $80.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Meritage Homes from $60.00 to $69.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Evercore ISI set a $77.00 price target on Meritage Homes and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Thursday. Finally, UBS Group set a $101.00 price objective on shares of Meritage Homes and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Meritage Homes presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $84.57.

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Meritage Homes Company Profile

(Free Report)

Meritage Homes Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs and builds single-family attached and detached homes in the United States. The company operates through two segments, Homebuilding and Financial Services. It acquires and develops land; and constructs, markets, and sells homes for entry-level and first move-up buyers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

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New York State Common Retirement Fund acquired a new position in shares of National Grid Transco, PLC (NYSE:NGG  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 33,970 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $2,528,000.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of NGG. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH acquired a new position in National Grid Transco in the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. V Square Quantitative Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of National Grid Transco during the second quarter worth approximately $35,000. Huntington National Bank boosted its holdings in shares of National Grid Transco by 41.1% during the second quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 501 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 146 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its position in shares of National Grid Transco by 100.0% in the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 526 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 263 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Capital Analysts LLC increased its stake in shares of National Grid Transco by 33.6% during the first quarter. Capital Analysts LLC now owns 640 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 161 shares during the period. 4.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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National Grid Transco Stock Down 0.2%

Shares of National Grid Transco stock opened at $75.26 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14. National Grid Transco, PLC has a 12-month low of $55.82 and a 12-month high of $78.49. The firms 50-day moving average price is $75.59 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $72.93.

National Grid Transco Dividend Announcement

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 13th. Investors of record on Friday, November 21st will be paid a $1.0657 dividend. This represents a yield of 284.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 21st.

Several analysts recently issued reports on NGG shares. BNP Paribas Exane downgraded National Grid Transco from an outperform rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Zacks Research downgraded National Grid Transco from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, September 1st. BNP Paribas cut shares of National Grid Transco from a strong-buy rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of National Grid Transco in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, National Grid Transco has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $80.40.

View Our Latest Analysis on National Grid Transco

About National Grid Transco

(Free Report)

National Grid plc transmits and distributes electricity and gas. It operates through UK Electricity Transmission, UK Electricity Distribution, UK Electricity System Operator, New England, New York, National Grid Ventures, and Other segments. The UK Electricity Transmission segment provides electricity transmission and construction work services in England and Wales.

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Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares New York Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:NYF  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 9,451 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $493,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. owned 0.06% of iShares New York Muni Bond ETF at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in NYF. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its stake in iShares New York Muni Bond ETF by 5,711.8% in the second quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,976 shares of the companys stock valued at $103,000 after buying an additional 1,942 shares during the last quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC lifted its position in iShares New York Muni Bond ETF by 8.8% in the 1st quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC now owns 3,712 shares of the companys stock valued at $195,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Keystone Global Partners LLC bought a new stake in iShares New York Muni Bond ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $228,000. Dopkins Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in iShares New York Muni Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $233,000. Finally, Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC bought a new position in iShares New York Muni Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $233,000.

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iShares New York Muni Bond ETF Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:NYF opened at $53.47 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day moving average is $53.58 and its two-hundred day moving average is $52.69. iShares New York Muni Bond ETF has a 52 week low of $50.04 and a 52 week high of $54.25.

iShares New York Muni Bond ETF Profile

iShares New York AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF, formerly iShares S&P New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond 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 S&P AMT-Free Municipal Series 2016 IndexTM (the Index).

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Ossiam cut its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 12.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 64,496 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 8,964 shares during the quarter. Ossiams holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $8,772,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.8% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 172,800,851 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $23,502,644,000 after purchasing an additional 2,977,715 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 3.8% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 38,293,067 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $5,184,589,000 after acquiring an additional 1,390,554 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 12.8% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 29,763,415 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $3,948,117,000 after acquiring an additional 3,371,113 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the second quarter valued at approximately $3,026,180,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.5% during the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 13,177,029 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $1,792,209,000 after purchasing an additional 68,613 shares during the period. 75.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

NYSE:ABT opened at $121.88 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 1.70 and a quick ratio of 1.24. Abbott Laboratories has a 1-year low of $110.86 and a 1-year high of $141.23. The business has a 50 day moving average of $128.31 and a 200 day moving average of $130.72. The company has a market capitalization of $211.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.27, a PEG ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.71.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.30. The business had revenue of $11.37 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.40 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.88% and a return on equity of 17.60%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.21 earnings per share. Abbott Laboratories has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.120-5.180 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 15th were paid a dividend of $0.59 per share. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.57%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ABT has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Benchmark initiated coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Friday, October 10th. They set a buy rating and a $145.00 price target for the company. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $142.00 to $146.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Mizuho increased their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein increased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $147.00.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Abbott Laboratories

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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Ossiam grew its holdings in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) by 120.2% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 15,951 shares of the insurance providers stock after purchasing an additional 8,707 shares during the quarter. Ossiams holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $4,268,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in TRV. Missouri Trust & Investment Co boosted its stake in Travelers Companies by 122.2% in the 2nd quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 100 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares during the period. Quaker Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 200.0% in the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 104 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 208 shares in the last quarter. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Travelers Companies in the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Flaharty Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Travelers Companies during the first quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Finally, Nova Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in Travelers Companies during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. 82.45% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Travelers Companies

In related news, EVP Maria Olivo sold 8,920 shares of the stock in a transaction on 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 approximately $34,776,665.08. This trade represents a 7.05% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Daniel S. Frey sold 25,000 shares of Travelers Companies stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $278.25, for a total transaction of $6,956,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 26,932 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,493,829. The trade was a 48.14% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 46,295 shares of company stock worth $13,011,918 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 1.46% of the companys stock.

Travelers Companies Price Performance

Shares of Travelers Companies stock opened at $279.55 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $62.36 billion, a PE ratio of 10.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 0.53. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $279.17 and its 200-day moving average price is $271.83. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $230.23 and a 12 month high of $296.85.

Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The insurance provider reported $8.14 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.01 by $2.13. The company had revenue of $12.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate 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% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $5.24 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Travelers Companies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be issued a $1.10 dividend. This represents a $4.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 10th. Travelers Companiess payout ratio is presently 17.30%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Zacks Research raised shares of Travelers Companies from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Barclays set a $313.00 price objective on Travelers Companies in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed a positive rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on Travelers Companies from $304.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Travelers Companies presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $292.73.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on TRV

About Travelers Companies

(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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Oxford Industries (NYSE:OXM  Get Free Report) is expected to release its Q3 2026 results after the market closes on Wednesday, December 10th. Analysts expect Oxford Industries to post earnings of ($0.95) per share and revenue of $304.4240 million for the quarter. Oxford Industries has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.800-3.200 EPS and its Q3 2025 guidance at -1.0500.85 EPS. Parties can find conference call details on the companys upcoming Q3 2026 earning report page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 4:30 PM ET.

Oxford Industries (NYSE:OXM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, September 10th. The textile maker reported $1.26 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.21 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $403.10 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $406.14 million. Oxford Industries had a net margin of 3.80% and a return on equity of 10.99%. Oxford Industriess quarterly revenue was down 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.77 EPS. On average, analysts expect Oxford Industries to post $7 EPS for the current fiscal year and $7 EPS for the next fiscal year.

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Oxford Industries Stock Down 4.4%

Shares of Oxford Industries stock opened at $39.00 on Tuesday. Oxford Industries has a one year low of $31.47 and a one year high of $89.86. The company has a market cap of $579.93 million, a P/E ratio of 10.54 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 1.18. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $37.68 and a two-hundred day moving average of $42.12.

Oxford Industries Dividend Announcement

Analyst Ratings Changes

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Investors of record on Friday, October 17th were issued a dividend of $0.69 per share. This represents a $2.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 17th. Oxford Industriess dividend payout ratio is currently 74.59%.

A number of brokerages have weighed in on OXM. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on Oxford Industries from $47.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, September 11th. Telsey Advisory Group reissued a market perform rating and issued a $52.00 price target on shares of Oxford Industries in a report on Friday. UBS Group decreased their price target on Oxford Industries from $48.00 to $46.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, August 27th. Zacks Research raised shares of Oxford Industries from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Citigroup upgraded shares of Oxford Industries from a sell rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the company from $44.00 to $35.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $52.60.

View Our Latest Report on OXM

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of OXM. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in Oxford Industries during the 3rd quarter valued at $38,000. BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its position in shares of Oxford Industries by 44.8% in the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 1,507 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $61,000 after acquiring an additional 466 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its position in shares of Oxford Industries by 127.1% in the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,812 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $73,000 after acquiring an additional 1,014 shares in the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board boosted its stake in shares of Oxford Industries by 700.0% during the second quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 4,000 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $161,000 after acquiring an additional 3,500 shares during the last quarter. Finally, PharVision Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in Oxford Industries during the 3rd quarter worth about $216,000. 91.16% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Oxford Industries

(Get Free Report)

Oxford Industries, Inc, an apparel company, designs, sources, markets, and distributes products of lifestyle and other brands worldwide. The company offers men's and women's sportswear and related products under the Tommy Bahama brand; and women's and girl's dresses and sportswear, scarves, bags, jewelry, and belts, as well as children's apparel, swim, footwear, and licensed products under the Lilly Pulitzer brand.

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PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:PCQ  Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 11th will be paid a dividend of 0.036 per share by the investment management company on Friday, January 2nd. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.9%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 11th.

PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund Price Performance

PCQ stock opened at $8.74 on Tuesday. PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund has a 1-year low of $8.13 and a 1-year high of $9.90. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $8.83 and its 200 day simple moving average is $8.58.

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About PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund

(Get Free Report)

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PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC. It is co-managed by Pacific Investment Management Company LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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Prudential Financial Inc. reduced its position in Sonoco Products Company (NYSE:SON  Free Report) by 51.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 16,809 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 17,472 shares during the quarter. Prudential Financial Inc.s holdings in Sonoco Products were worth $732,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in SON. Raymond James Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in Sonoco Products by 11.0% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 136,553 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $6,451,000 after buying an additional 13,479 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC increased its position in shares of Sonoco Products by 739.7% during the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,152,506 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $54,444,000 after acquiring an additional 1,015,250 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management AB raised its stake in shares of Sonoco Products by 70.1% in the second quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 2,827,569 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $122,914,000 after acquiring an additional 1,164,849 shares in the last quarter. AGF Management Ltd. boosted its holdings in Sonoco Products by 12.9% in the second quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 65,248 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,842,000 after purchasing an additional 7,440 shares during the period. Finally, Creative Planning grew its stake in Sonoco Products by 72.0% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 24,636 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,073,000 after purchasing an additional 10,312 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.69% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Sonoco Products from $50.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Zacks Research downgraded Sonoco Products from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Bank of America reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $56.00 target price on shares of Sonoco Products in a report on Thursday, October 9th. UBS Group lowered their price target on shares of Sonoco Products from $50.00 to $46.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Truist Financial reduced their price objective on shares of Sonoco Products from $58.00 to $57.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 13th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $54.43.

Sonoco Products Stock Performance

NYSE SON opened at $40.93 on Tuesday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $40.94 and a two-hundred day moving average of $44.10. The company has a market capitalization of $4.04 billion, a PE ratio of 6.50, a P/E/G ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 0.55. Sonoco Products Company has a 1 year low of $38.65 and a 1 year high of $52.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 0.92 and a quick ratio of 0.58.

Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, June 22nd. The industrial products company reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $1.35 billion for the quarter. Sonoco Products had a return on equity of 20.49% and a net margin of 8.82%.Sonoco Products has set its Q2 2022 guidance at $1.60-$1.70 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Sonoco Products Company will post 6.1 earnings per share for the current year.

Sonoco Products Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Monday, November 10th will be given a $0.53 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 10th. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.2%. Sonoco Productss dividend payout ratio is 33.65%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Sonoco Products news, Director John R. Haley acquired 2,506 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 28th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $39.87 per share, with a total value of $99,914.22. Following the transaction, the director owned 23,310 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $929,369.70. This trade represents a 12.05% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CFO Paul Joachimczyk bought 20,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 29th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $39.50 per share, with a total value of $809,750.00. Following the purchase, the chief financial officer directly owned 20,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $809,750. This trade represents a  increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. 0.74% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Sonoco Products Profile

(Free Report)

Sonoco Products Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells various engineered and sustainable packaging products in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company operates Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging segments. The Consumer Packaging segment offers round and shaped rigid paper, steel, and plastic containers; metal and peelable membrane ends, closures, and components; thermoformed plastic trays and enclosures; and high-barrier flexible packaging products.

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Rio Tinto PLC (NYSE:RIO  Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the twelve research firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $73.00.

RIO has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Citigroup restated a hold rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Zacks Research cut Rio Tinto from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a report on Wednesday, October 8th.

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Institutional Trading of Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto Stock Down 0.1%

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of RIO. Pandora Wealth Inc. acquired a new stake in Rio Tinto during the 1st quarter worth about $30,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Rio Tinto by 62.2% during the third quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 472 shares of the mining companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 181 shares during the period. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Rio Tinto in the third quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Pinpoint Asset Management Singapore Pte. Ltd. purchased a new stake in Rio Tinto in the second quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Finally, Triumph Capital Management acquired a new position in Rio Tinto in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $38,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 19.33% of the companys stock.

RIO stock opened at $72.99 on Thursday. Rio Tinto has a one year low of $51.67 and a one year high of $74.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 1.53 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $69.85 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $64.01.

About Rio Tinto

(Get Free Report)

Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. The Iron Ore segment engages in the iron ore mining, and salt and gypsum production in Western Australia. The Aluminum segment is involved in bauxite mining; alumina refining; and aluminium smelting.

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BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- China has become the first country to amass over 5 million valid domestic invention patents, and its international patent applications submitted via the Patent Cooperation Treaty have led globally for six consecutive years, the country's top intellectual property (IP) regulator said on Tuesday.

By June 2025, the number of high-value invention patents per 10,000 people in China had reached 15.3, surpassing the goal of 12 set out in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) ahead of schedule, according to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).

The technology transfer rate among universities and research institutions has risen steadily. Notably, the industrialization rate of enterprise invention patents increased from 44.9 percent in 2020 to 53.3 percent in 2024.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China's IP landscape has undergone a strategic shift from emphasizing quantity accumulation to pursuing quality enhancement, according to the CNIPA.

This transition has accelerated the commercialization of high-value patents, illustrating the country's innovation-driven development and laying a solid foundation to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology over the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). 
Wall Street Zen cut shares of RLX Technology (NYSE:RLX  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report released on Saturday.

Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of RLX Technology in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, RLX Technology presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $2.25.

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RLX Technology Trading Down 1.0%

RLX Technology stock opened at $2.42 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $2.43 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $2.35. RLX Technology has a 12 month low of $1.66 and a 12 month high of $2.84. The company has a market capitalization of $3.79 billion, a PE ratio of 34.50 and a beta of 1.09.

RLX Technology (NYSE:RLX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The company reported $0.02 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.03 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $158.63 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $139.99 million. RLX Technology had a return on equity of 4.74% and a net margin of 21.05%.

RLX Technology Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed an annual dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 26th will be given a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 390.0%. This is a boost from RLX Technologys previous annual dividend of $0.01. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 26th. RLX Technologys dividend payout ratio is currently 14.29%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On RLX Technology

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of RLX Technology by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 27,935,598 shares of the companys stock worth $52,519,000 after acquiring an additional 156,350 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in RLX Technology by 10.5% during the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 866,827 shares of the companys stock worth $1,630,000 after purchasing an additional 82,413 shares during the period. Headlands Technologies LLC increased its holdings in RLX Technology by 411.8% in the first quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 25,766 shares of the companys stock worth $48,000 after purchasing an additional 20,732 shares in the last quarter. Hosking Partners LLP increased its holdings in RLX Technology by 113.3% in the first quarter. Hosking Partners LLP now owns 2,093,781 shares of the companys stock worth $3,936,000 after purchasing an additional 1,112,248 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. lifted its stake in RLX Technology by 73.6% in the first quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 1,390,852 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,615,000 after buying an additional 589,748 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 22.68% of the companys stock.

About RLX Technology

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RLX Technology Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of e-vapor products in the People's Republic of China and internationally. It serves partner distributors and retail outlets. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Beijing, China.

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Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its holdings in Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (NYSE:AMBP  Free Report) by 538.5% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 645,792 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 544,652 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. owned about 0.11% of Ardagh Metal Packaging worth $2,764,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of AMBP. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its position in shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging by 172.5% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 9,324,218 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,159,000 after purchasing an additional 5,902,246 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in Ardagh Metal Packaging by 84.7% in the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 745,986 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,253,000 after buying an additional 342,002 shares in the last quarter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging in the second quarter valued at approximately $43,000. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging in the first quarter valued at approximately $1,229,000. Finally, Anchorage Capital Advisors L.P. raised its holdings in shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging by 85.9% during the first quarter. Anchorage Capital Advisors L.P. now owns 3,601,083 shares of the companys stock worth $10,875,000 after acquiring an additional 1,664,083 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.93% of the companys stock.

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Ardagh Metal Packaging Trading Down 0.8%

Shares of AMBP stock opened at $3.88 on Tuesday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $3.71 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $3.90. Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. has a 1 year low of $2.50 and a 1 year high of $4.78. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.32 billion, a P/E ratio of -387.90, a PEG ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.57.

Ardagh Metal Packaging Announces Dividend

Ardagh Metal Packaging ( NYSE:AMBP Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $0.08 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.07 by $0.01. Ardagh Metal Packaging had a negative return on equity of 58.16% and a net margin of 0.30%.The company had revenue of $1.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.39 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.08 EPS. Ardagh Metal Packagings revenue for the quarter was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. will post 0.16 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 13th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 3rd were paid a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 3rd. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 10.3%. Ardagh Metal Packagings dividend payout ratio is currently -4,000.00%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on AMBP. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on Ardagh Metal Packaging from $4.50 to $4.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. UBS Group upped their price objective on Ardagh Metal Packaging from $3.75 to $4.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Raymond James Financial initiated coverage on Ardagh Metal Packaging in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Ardagh Metal Packaging presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $4.22.

View Our Latest Research Report on Ardagh Metal Packaging

Ardagh Metal Packaging Company Profile

(Free Report)

Ardagh Metal Packaging SA, together with its subsidiaries, supplies consumer metal beverage cans in Europe, the United States, and Brazil. Its products are used in various end-use categories, including beer, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, hard seltzers, juices, pre-mixed cocktails, teas, sparkling waters, and wine.

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Russell Investments Group Ltd. decreased its position in Taseko Mines Limited (NYSE:TGB  Free Report) by 22.7% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 924,200 shares of the companys stock after selling 271,123 shares during the quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. owned approximately 0.29% of Taseko Mines worth $2,911,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. L1 Capital Pty Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Taseko Mines during the 1st quarter worth about $28,243,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in Taseko Mines by 261.5% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,019,297 shares of the companys stock worth $12,661,000 after buying an additional 2,907,611 shares in the last quarter. Carrera Capital Advisors bought a new stake in Taseko Mines in the 2nd quarter valued at $2,207,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Taseko Mines by 198.9% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 988,072 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,213,000 after buying an additional 657,477 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Taseko Mines by 68.3% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,384,715 shares of the companys stock worth $3,098,000 after acquiring an additional 562,164 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 17.94% of the companys stock.

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Taseko Mines Stock Performance

NYSE TGB opened at $5.21 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $1.88 billion, a P/E ratio of -173.67 and a beta of 1.35. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $4.46 and its 200 day simple moving average is $3.64. Taseko Mines Limited has a twelve month low of $1.67 and a twelve month high of $5.49. The company has a quick ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.48.

Taseko Mines Company Profile

Taseko Mines Limited, a mining company, acquires, develops, and operates mineral properties. It explores for copper, molybdenum, gold, niobium, and silver deposits. The companys principal asset comprises 100% interest owned the Gibraltar mine located in British Columbia. It also holds interest in the Yellowhead copper project, the Aley niobium project, and the New Prosperity gold and copper project located in British Columbia; and the Florence copper project located in Arizona.

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Marshalls plc (LON:MSLH  Get Free Report) insider Simon Bourne purchased 40,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 8th. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 172 per share, with a total value of 68,800.

Marshalls Trading Down 0.0%

Shares of LON:MSLH traded down GBX 0.03 during trading on Tuesday, reaching GBX 172.17. 11,221,938 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,437,500. The firm has a market cap of 435.34 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.17 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 33.19, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a current ratio of 1.86. Marshalls plc has a 12-month low of GBX 159.20 and a 12-month high of GBX 321. The firms 50-day moving average price is GBX 172.18 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 207.45.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and set a GBX 360 target price on shares of Marshalls in a research note on Monday, September 8th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued 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 GBX 327.50.

About Marshalls

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Established in the late 1880s, Marshalls plc is a leading UK manufacturer of sustainable solutions for the built environment. It operates through three trading divisions: Landscape Products; Roofing Products; and Building Products. At a Group, divisional and brand level, Marshalls strategy centres around its customers who value its unique set of capabilities, namely leading brands, best in class technical and design support and carbon leadership.

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State Street Corp boosted its holdings in The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW  Free Report) by 0.2% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 15,410,956 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after acquiring an additional 30,665 shares during the period. State Street Corp owned approximately 0.06% of Sherwin-Williams worth $5,291,506,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in SHW. MTM Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams in the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. Valley National Advisers Inc. lifted its position in Sherwin-Williams by 68.0% during the second quarter. Valley National Advisers Inc. now owns 84 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the period. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 104.8% in the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 86 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 44 shares during the last quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC bought a new stake in Sherwin-Williams in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Saudi Central Bank bought a new stake in Sherwin-Williams in the 1st quarter worth approximately $33,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.67% of the companys stock.

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Sherwin-Williams Trading Down 1.8%

Shares of Sherwin-Williams stock opened at $327.23 on Tuesday. The Sherwin-Williams Company has a fifty-two week low of $308.84 and a fifty-two week high of $385.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a current ratio of 0.82. The company has a market capitalization of $81.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.93, a P/E/G ratio of 3.93 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a fifty day moving average of $337.73 and a 200 day moving average of $346.78.

Sherwin-Williams Dividend Announcement

Sherwin-Williams ( NYSE:SHW Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The specialty chemicals company reported $3.59 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.44 by $0.15. Sherwin-Williams had a return on equity of 66.75% and a net margin of 11.05%.The business had revenue of $6.36 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.21 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $3.37 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 3.2% on a year-over-year basis. Sherwin-Williams has set its FY 2025 guidance at 11.250-11.450 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Sherwin-Williams Company will post 12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a dividend of $0.79 per share. This represents a $3.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. Sherwin-Williamss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 30.83%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on SHW shares. Mizuho set a $400.00 price target on Sherwin-Williams in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $422.00 price objective (up previously from $400.00) on shares of Sherwin-Williams in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $405.00 target price on Sherwin-Williams and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Sherwin-Williams from $378.00 to $385.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their price target on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $380.00 to $400.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 26th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $390.87.

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Sherwin-Williams Profile

(Free Report)

The Sherwin-Williams Company engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coating, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It operates through three segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group.

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Finance of America Companies Inc. (NYSE:FOA  Get Free Report) major shareholder Tactical Opportunit Blackstone sold 1,596,142 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.00, for a total value of $15,961,420.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 2,161 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,610. The trade was a 99.86% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Major shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

Finance of America Companies Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE FOA traded up $0.21 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $22.72. 100,848 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 116,325. Finance of America Companies Inc. has a one year low of $16.58 and a one year high of $32.40. The companys 50 day moving average is $22.64 and its 200 day moving average is $23.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 51.28, a current ratio of 2.64 and a quick ratio of 2.64. The firm has a market capitalization of $179.22 million, a P/E ratio of -8.54 and a beta of 1.62.

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Finance of America Companies (NYSE:FOA  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, August 18th. The company reported $0.12 earnings per share for the quarter. On average, research analysts expect that Finance of America Companies Inc. will post 0.75 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd lifted its holdings in Finance of America Companies by 183.9% during the 3rd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 1,269 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 822 shares during the last quarter. Cooperman Leon G increased its holdings in shares of Finance of America Companies by 0.8% during the third quarter. Cooperman Leon G now owns 1,286,040 shares of the companys stock worth $28,846,000 after buying an additional 10,628 shares in the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP raised its stake in shares of Finance of America Companies by 239.3% in the third quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 88,888 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,994,000 after acquiring an additional 62,687 shares during the last quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC acquired a new position in shares of Finance of America Companies in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $475,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. bought a new stake in Finance of America Companies during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $3,147,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.20% of the companys stock.

Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. UBS Group set a $29.50 price target on shares of Finance of America Companies and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Finance of America Companies in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Finance of America Companies has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $29.75.

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About Finance of America Companies

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Finance of America Companies Inc a financial service holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of a retirement solutions platform in the United States. It operates through two segments: Retirement Solutions and Portfolio Management. The Retirement Solutions segment engages in the loan origination activities comprising home equity conversion, proprietary reverse, and hybrid mortgage loans for senior homeowners.

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TELUS Corporation (NYSE:TU  Get Free Report) (TSE:T) announced a quarterly dividend on Friday, November 7th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 11th will be given a dividend of 0.4184 per share by the Wireless communications provider on Friday, January 2nd. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 12.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 11th. This is a 38.6% increase from TELUSs previous quarterly dividend of $0.30.

TELUS has increased its dividend by an average of 0.1%per year over the last three years and has raised its dividend annually for the last 5 consecutive years. TELUS has a payout ratio of 148.8% indicating that the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Analysts expect TELUS to earn $0.78 per share next year, which means the company may not be able to cover its $1.19 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 152.6%.

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TELUS Trading Down 0.9%

TU opened at $13.39 on Tuesday. TELUS has a 52 week low of $12.80 and a 52 week high of $16.74. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $14.48 and a 200-day simple moving average of $15.60. The firm has a market cap of $20.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.34, a P/E/G ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 0.67.

Analyst Ratings Changes

TELUS ( NYSE:TU Get Free Report ) (TSE:T) last posted its earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.19 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $3.67 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.77 billion. TELUS had a return on equity of 8.76% and a net margin of 5.71%.TELUSs revenue was up .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.28 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that TELUS will post 0.71 earnings per share for the current year.

Several research firms have recently commented on TU. National Bankshares reissued an outperform rating on shares of TELUS in a research note on Thursday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of TELUS in a report on Monday, December 1st. Citigroup raised shares of TELUS to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. National Bank Financial raised TELUS from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, Barclays reduced their price objective on TELUS from $15.00 to $14.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, TELUS currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $18.17.

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TELUS Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

TELUS Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of telecommunications and information technology products and services in Canada. It operates through Technology Solutions and Digitally-Led Customer Experiences segments. The Technology Solutions segment offers a range of telecommunications products and services; network services; healthcare services; mobile technologies equipment; data services, such as internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology, and cloud-based services; software, data management, and data analytics-driven smart food-chain and consumer goods technologies; home and business security; healthcare software and technology solutions; and voice and other telecommunications services, as well as mobile and fixed voice and data telecommunications services and products.

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Invesco Ltd. trimmed its stake in shares of Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL  Free Report) by 6.3% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 3,215,699 shares of the companys stock after selling 215,214 shares during the quarter. Invesco Ltd.s holdings in Travel + Leisure were worth $165,962,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Hillsdale Investment Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Travel + Leisure during the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. Elequin Capital LP purchased a new position in Travel + Leisure in the 1st quarter valued at $30,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its stake in Travel + Leisure by 155.3% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 628 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 382 shares during the period. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. increased its stake in Travel + Leisure by 293.0% in the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 959 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after buying an additional 715 shares during the period. Finally, DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale purchased a new position in Travel + Leisure during the 2nd quarter worth $45,000. 87.54% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Travel + Leisure Trading Down 0.8%

Shares of Travel + Leisure stock opened at $68.01 on Tuesday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $63.60 and a two-hundred day moving average of $59.28. Travel + Leisure Co. has a 12-month low of $37.77 and a 12-month high of $70.43. The stock has a market cap of $4.37 billion, a PE ratio of 11.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 1.39.

Travel + Leisure Announces Dividend

Travel + Leisure ( NYSE:TNL Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $1.80 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.72 by $0.08. Travel + Leisure had a negative return on equity of 49.06% and a net margin of 10.36%.The business had revenue of $1.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.03 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.57 EPS. The companys revenue was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Travel + Leisure Co. will post 6.46 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be given a $0.56 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 12th. This represents a $2.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.3%. Travel + Leisures dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 36.84%.

Insider Transactions at Travel + Leisure

In other Travel + Leisure news, insider Geoffrey Richards sold 62,525 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.17, for a total transaction of $4,074,754.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 39,604 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,580,992.68. This trade represents a 61.22% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Amandine Robin-Caplan sold 1,538 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.08, for a total transaction of $100,093.04. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 3,904 shares in the company, valued at $254,072.32. This trade represents a 28.26% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders have sold 198,776 shares of company stock worth $13,080,628. Corporate insiders own 3.75% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

TNL has been the topic of several analyst reports. Mizuho set a $86.00 target price on shares of Travel + Leisure in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of Travel + Leisure in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. They issued an overweight rating and a $74.00 price objective for the company. Morgan Stanley set a $68.00 target price on Travel + Leisure in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Truist Financial increased their target price on Travel + Leisure from $70.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Citigroup restated an outperform rating on shares of Travel + Leisure in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $70.60.

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Travel + Leisure Profile

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Travel + Leisure Co, together with its subsidiaries, provides hospitality services and travel products in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Vacation Ownership; and Travel and Membership. The Vacation Ownership segment develops, markets, and sells vacation ownership interests (VOIs) to individual consumers, as well as provides consumer financing in connection with the sale of VOIs; and property management services at resorts.

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Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:TFPM  Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twelve analysts that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, six have assigned a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $30.00.

Several brokerages have weighed in on TFPM. Canaccord Genuity Group lowered shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Scotiabank cut their target price on Triple Flag Precious Metals from $35.00 to $34.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded Triple Flag Precious Metals from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on TFPM

Triple Flag Precious Metals Trading Down 1.1%

NYSE TFPM opened at $32.39 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $30.37 and its 200-day simple moving average is $27.00. The stock has a market cap of $6.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.07, a PEG ratio of 0.92 and a beta of -0.23. Triple Flag Precious Metals has a 52 week low of $14.51 and a 52 week high of $34.50.

Triple Flag Precious Metals (NYSE:TFPM  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.22 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $93.50 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $87.46 million. Triple Flag Precious Metals had a return on equity of 9.56% and a net margin of 59.43%. Equities research analysts predict that Triple Flag Precious Metals will post 0.71 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Triple Flag Precious Metals Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be given a $0.0575 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 1st. This represents a $0.23 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. Triple Flag Precious Metalss payout ratio is 22.77%.

Institutional Trading of Triple Flag Precious Metals

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Bessemer Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Triple Flag Precious Metals during the 3rd quarter valued at $27,000. Quarry LP bought a new position in shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals during the 3rd quarter valued at $33,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals by 100.6% in the third quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 1,408 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after buying an additional 706 shares during the last quarter. Employees Retirement System of Texas acquired a new stake in Triple Flag Precious Metals in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, SVB Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals in the first quarter worth $34,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.91% of the companys stock.

Triple Flag Precious Metals Company Profile

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Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp., a precious-metals-focused streaming and royalty company, engages in acquiring and managing precious metals, streams, royalties and other mineral interests in Australia, Canada, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Honduras, Mexico, Mongolia, Peru, South Africa, the United States, and internationally.

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Tripletail Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of JBT Marel Corporation (NYSE:JBTM  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 144,615 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,391,000. JBT Marel accounts for about 26.1% of Tripletail Wealth Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its largest position.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in JBTM. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in shares of JBT Marel during the second quarter worth $28,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in JBT Marel in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. JTC Employer Solutions Trustee Ltd acquired a new position in shares of JBT Marel during the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. acquired a new stake in JBT Marel during the second quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Allworth Financial LP bought a new position in shares of JBT Marel during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.92% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have commented on JBTM. Robert W. Baird set a $169.00 price objective on shares of JBT Marel in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of JBT Marel in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, JBT Marel currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $156.00.

JBT Marel Trading Down 1.3%

Shares of NYSE:JBTM opened at $139.21 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 0.93. JBT Marel Corporation has a 52-week low of $90.08 and a 52-week high of $148.76. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $137.14 and a 200 day simple moving average of $133.38. The company has a market capitalization of $7.23 billion, a P/E ratio of -62.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.00.

JBT Marel (NYSE:JBTM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $1.94 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.51 by $0.43. The company had revenue of $1 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $936.75 million. JBT Marel had a negative net margin of 3.39% and a positive return on equity of 7.88%. The firms revenue was up 120.6% compared to the same quarter last year. JBT Marel has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.100-6.400 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that JBT Marel Corporation will post 5.21 earnings per share for the current year.

JBT Marel Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.3%. JBT Marels dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -17.86%.

Insider Transactions at JBT Marel

In other JBT Marel news, Director Olafur S. Gudmundsson sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $141.79, for a total transaction of $2,835,800.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 19,980 shares in the company, valued at $2,832,964.20. This represents a 50.03% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

About JBT Marel

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JBT Marel Corporation provides technology solutions to food and beverage industry in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It offers value-added processing that includes chilling, mixing/grinding, injecting, blending, marinating, tumbling, flattening, forming, portioning, coating, cooking, frying, freezing, extracting, pasteurizing, sterilizing, concentrating, high pressure processing, weighing, inspecting, filling, closing, sealing, end of line material handling, and packaging solutions to the food, beverage, and health market.

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BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Public Security issued a wanted notice for 100 fugitives accused of bankrolling or directing telecom and online fraud operations, a list that includes prominent suspects tied to notorious crime syndicates in northern Myanmar.

The suspects, operating under the protection of foreign forces, recruited personnel and ran long-running telecom and online fraud schemes that targeted Chinese citizens, causing vast financial losses and inflicting extremely grave harm, the ministry said Tuesday.

According to the reward notice, local public security organs will offer a reward of 200,000 yuan (about 28,259 U.S. dollars) to anyone who provides valid information on a wanted suspect and assists the authorities in making an arrest. 
UiPath, Inc. (NYSE:PATH  Get Free Report) CEO Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.21, for a total transaction of $864,450.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 29,198,585 shares in the company, valued at approximately $560,904,817.85. This trade represents a 0.15% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink.

Daniel Dines also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, November 5th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.07, for a total value of $678,150.00.

On Monday, November 3rd, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.23, for a total value of $730,350.00.

On Friday, October 31st, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.72, for a total transaction of $707,400.00.

On Wednesday, October 29th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.29, for a total transaction of $733,050.00.

On Monday, October 27th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.73, for a total transaction of $752,850.00.

On Friday, October 24th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.46, for a total transaction of $695,700.00.

On Wednesday, October 22nd, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.53, for a total transaction of $698,850.00.

On Monday, October 20th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.71, for a total transaction of $706,950.00.

On Friday, October 17th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.62, for a total transaction of $702,900.00.

On Wednesday, October 15th, Daniel Dines sold 122,734 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.92, for a total value of $2,076,659.28.

UiPath Stock Up 3.2%

Shares of PATH traded up $0.60 on Monday, reaching $19.27. The stock had a trading volume of 31,991,911 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,446,572. UiPath, Inc. has a twelve month low of $9.38 and a twelve month high of $19.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.23 billion, a PE ratio of 45.87, a PEG ratio of 6.93 and a beta of 1.10. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $14.93 and a 200 day moving average of $13.08.

Analyst Ratings Changes

UiPath ( NYSE:PATH Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The company reported $0.16 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $411.11 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $392.46 million. UiPath had a return on equity of 3.83% and a net margin of 14.79%.UiPaths quarterly revenue was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.11 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that UiPath, Inc. will post -0.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Truist Financial set a $17.00 price objective on shares of UiPath in a research note on Thursday. Barclays increased their price target on shares of UiPath from $14.00 to $16.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of UiPath in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a hold rating on shares of UiPath in a report on Thursday. Finally, Mizuho raised their price target on UiPath from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $15.46.

Read Our Latest Research Report on UiPath

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of UiPath during the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc increased its stake in UiPath by 320.4% in the second quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 2,476 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 1,887 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in UiPath by 48.0% during the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,989 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 969 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its stake in UiPath by 508.0% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 3,283 shares of the companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 2,743 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bayforest Capital Ltd boosted its stake in UiPath by 852.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 4,143 shares of the companys stock worth $53,000 after buying an additional 3,708 shares during the last quarter. 62.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

UiPath Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

UiPath Inc provides an end-to-end automation platform that offers a range of robotic process automation (RPA) solutions primarily in the United States, Romania, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company offers a suite of interrelated software to build, manage, run, engage, measure, and govern automation within the organization.

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United Community Banks (NYSE:UCB  Get Free Report) announced that its board has approved a share buyback plan on Monday, December 8th, RTT News reports. The company plans to buyback $100.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization permits the company to reacquire up to 2.6% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are usually a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of United Community Banks in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $35.33.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on UCB

United Community Banks Price Performance

Shares of UCB stock traded up $0.07 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $31.18. 523,978 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 612,712. The firm has a market cap of $3.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.37 and a beta of 0.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.80. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $30.47. United Community Banks has a 1 year low of $22.93 and a 1 year high of $34.57.

United Community Banks (NYSE:UCB  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.70 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $276.85 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $270.85 million. United Community Banks had a net margin of 20.67% and a return on equity of 9.42%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 27.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.57 EPS.

United Community Banks Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 5th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.2%. United Community Bankss payout ratio is presently 39.68%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, EVP Richard Bradshaw sold 1,654 shares of United Community Banks stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.23, for a total value of $50,000.42. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 75,226 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,274,081.98. This trade represents a 2.15% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

About United Community Banks

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United Community Banks, Inc operates as the financial holding company for United Community Bank that provides financial products and services to commercial, retail, government, education, energy, health care, and real estate sectors. The company accepts various deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, and other deposit accounts.

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Lear (NYSE:LEA  Get Free Report) had its price target cut by Wells Fargo & Company from $112.00 to $107.00 in a report issued on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an equal weight rating on the auto parts companys stock. Wells Fargo & Companys target price would suggest a potential upside of 0.19% from the companys current price.

Several other equities research analysts have also commented on LEA. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Lear in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of Lear from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Lear from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Bank of America lowered shares of Lear from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the company from $135.00 to $123.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 10th. Finally, UBS Group cut their price objective on Lear from $109.00 to $106.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and eleven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Lear presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $118.80.

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Lear Price Performance

NYSE LEA traded up $1.36 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $106.79. The companys stock had a trading volume of 330,418 shares, compared to its average volume of 691,361. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.05, a P/E/G ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.33. The companys 50-day moving average is $104.04 and its two-hundred day moving average is $101.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 1.35 and a quick ratio of 1.05. Lear has a 1-year low of $73.85 and a 1-year high of $113.10.

Lear (NYSE:LEA  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The auto parts company reported $2.79 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.76 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $5.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.63 billion. Lear had a return on equity of 13.44% and a net margin of 1.92%.The businesss revenue was up 1.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.89 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Lear will post 12.89 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Lear

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Lear by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,657,389 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $587,315,000 after acquiring an additional 165,494 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in shares of Lear by 2.1% in the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,784,110 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $280,106,000 after purchasing an additional 57,443 shares during the period. Schroder Investment Management Group increased its position in Lear by 1.3% during the third quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 1,825,057 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $182,688,000 after purchasing an additional 23,773 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. raised its stake in Lear by 23.6% during the third quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,569,341 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $157,891,000 after purchasing an additional 299,841 shares during the period. Finally, Lyrical Asset Management LP boosted its holdings in Lear by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Lyrical Asset Management LP now owns 1,060,216 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $93,532,000 after purchasing an additional 3,522 shares during the last quarter. 97.04% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Lear Company Profile

(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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RAMALLAH, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Two Palestinians were injured on Tuesday during clashes with Israeli forces in the central West Bank city of Ramallah, while 40 others were detained across the region, according to Palestinian sources.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a statement that its crews treated a 13-year-old teenager and a young man, both shot in the thigh with live ammunition during an Israeli raid on the al-Amari refugee camp south of Ramallah.

Local sources said an Israeli special forces unit entered the camp early Tuesday, deployed in its alleyways, and raided several homes under army protection, sparking clashes.

Meanwhile, Palestinian security sources said Israeli forces stormed Birzeit University, north of Ramallah, and detained five security guards. The forces closed the university's three main gates, confiscated the guards' mobile phones, and deployed soldiers across several buildings.

Following the raid, the university announced in a press statement a temporary suspension of academic and administrative operations to ensure the safety of students and staff.

According to the sources, Israeli forces also entered Al-Quds University in Abu Dis, east of Jerusalem, deploying military vehicles between several faculties and causing disruptions.

In a press statement, the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education condemned the raids as violating international norms protecting educational institutions, and urged immediate actions from regional and international academic bodies.

Israeli authorities also demolished three inhabited homes in Khirbet Khallat al-Farra in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, the Palestinian Liberation Organization's Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission said in a press statement. The homes belonged to the Harb family, who had filed objections with Israeli courts but received no relief.

Israel often describes its raids in the West Bank as "counter-terrorism operations" targeting individuals associated with Palestinian armed groups.

The Palestinian Prisoners Club said in a press statement that Israeli forces detained at least 40 Palestinians across the West Bank early Tuesday.

The arrests were concentrated in Hebron, Nablus, and Bethlehem, with others reported in Ramallah, Jenin, Salfit, and Qalqilya. Field interrogations were also conducted in several towns, the club said.

Israeli arrest operations remain a daily policy affecting all segments of Palestinian society, it said, adding that about 21,000 Palestinians have been detained in the West Bank since Oct. 7, 2023.

Local sources also reported that Israeli settlers on Tuesday attacked the village of al-Marah, south of Bethlehem, setting fire to a house and two vehicles. Similar attacks were reported in the Masafer Yatta area, south of Hebron, where settlers torched a vehicle and a tractor and spray-painted racist slogans on homes.

There has been no official Israeli comments on the incidents.

The West Bank has witnessed a sharp escalation of violence since Oct. 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of some 1,000 Palestinians, hundreds of injuries, and the demolition of dozens of homes, according to Palestinian statistics.

Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East War. The settlements it has built there, and its military occupation, are considered illegal under international law. 
Access to financing is key to homeownership, yet many Bahamians face delays and other challenges.

You voted:
BEIJING, DEC. 9 (Xinhua) -- China will continue opening up its mega-market to the world, sharing development opportunities with other countries, and enhancing dialogue and communication to properly addressing economic and trade frictions and achieve win-win outcomes, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Beijing on Tuesday.

Li made the remarks during separate meetings with President of the World Bank Ajay Banga, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva, and Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan, all of whom are in China to attend the "1+10" Dialogue. 
Farmer award

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IMPHAL, Dec 9: Mayengbam Ranjita has been conferred the Millionaire Farmer of India Award 2025 by Krishi Jagran and Agriculture World.

A resident of Thoubal Khunou, Ranjita is not only a successful pineapple gro-wer but also an entrepreneur who turns leftover pineapple leaves into yarn and clothes.

Also known as Farmer Icon 40 under 40 Award 2025, Millionaire Farmer of India Award 2025 was handed over to Ranjita in New Delhi yesterday.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to impose additional 5 percent tariffs on Mexican goods if its southern neighbor does not supply water based on a bilateral treaty signed in 1944.

Mexico's continuous violation of the 1944 Water Treaty is seriously hurting Texas crops and livestock, said Trump in a post on social media.

"Mexico still owes the U.S. over 800,000 acre-feet (986.4 million cubic meters) of water for failing to comply with our Treaty over the past five years. The U.S. needs Mexico to release 200,000 acre-feet (246.6 million cubic meters) of water before December 31st, and the rest must come soon after," Trump said.

Trump said he has "authorized documentation to impose a 5 percent Tariff on Mexico if this water isn't released, IMMEDIATELY."

The United States needs to send 1.5 million acre-feet of water (1.85 billion cubic meters) annually from the Colorado River to Mexico, while Mexico is required to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet (2.2 billion cubic meters) to the United States from the Rio Grande in five-year cycles, according to the 1944 Water Treaty, also known as the Treaty on Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.

Trump threatened Mexico with sanctions and tariffs on the matter on April 10, and then both sides announced progress at the end of April. 
BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Wandering around the Forbidden City in Beijing, visitors can breathe in history and appreciate various structures that were built in accordance with traditional Chinese architectural hierarchy.

In order to study the construction and renovation history of this complex, a team of Chinese researchers has successfully pinpointed the growth years of three ancient timbers in the Forbidden City and traced their geographical origins via oxygen isotope analysis.

Xu Chenxi, a researcher at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has devoted himself to the study of paleoclimate change, specifically using stable isotopes in tree rings to investigate variations of the Asian monsoon over the past millennium.

Xu has long wanted to put this "signature skill" to practical use, such as in the study of archaeology. Traditionally, dating a historic building or reconstructing its construction history has relied almost exclusively on written records and stylistic analysis of its architectural form, methods which lack the precision of natural science.

"A wooden historic structure is an excellent dating archive, one that also preserves a record of past climate variability," Xu was quoted as saying by China Science Daily.

Dendrochronology, which focuses on growth rings in timber and tree trunks, has been applied to archaeology for a full century, according to the China Science Daily report. As one of the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden architectural complexes in the world, the Forbidden City boasts an immense collection of timber components.

"Oxygen isotopes act as the 'rainfall fingerprint' of a tree," Xu explained. "The isotopic makeup of precipitation differs distinctively across both regions and periods, and the tree records it in detail."

The principle is straightforward, with the wood's oxygen-isotope signature compared to the team's nationwide tree-ring oxygen isotope database, resulting in the region with the closest match being identified as the timber's origin.

When the oxygen-isotope profiles of the three timbers were extracted and checked against the database, results showed that all three curves overlapped almost perfectly, with the closest statistical match pointing to northeast China.

This finding was confirmed by historical documents. "The thrill of scientific discovery was simply indescribable when the isotopic signal locked perfectly into the historical record," Xu recalled.

Compared with traditional ring-width analysis, the oxygen-isotope method is far less sensitive to individual growth variability, said Xu. Even a handful of tree rings can yield both a secure date and provenance if they align tightly with a regional reference sequence.

Not only did this discovery pinpoint the timber's origin, it also exposed a pivotal shift in material strategies for the Forbidden City during both the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty, namely the switch from precious nanmu to pine.

The team's study has been published in the journal npj Heritage Science.

The team is now deploying the same method to trace the provenance of the nanmu beams in the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin dian) inside the Forbidden City.

The bedrock of their provenance study is the reference database this team has spent years assembling. To date, they have managed to build a tree-ring oxygen-isotope database for China and East Asia as well.

In the long run, these applications will also be useful for paleoclimate research, Xu said. "Every single ancient timber is a climate diary through which we can reconstruct the historical sequence of extreme droughts or cloudbursts in a region and uncover the rules governing climate change." 
TIANJIN, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- North China's Tianjin port received its largest-ever single shipment of Airbus aircraft components on Tuesday, marking a logistical milestone that will support the European planemaker's expanding production capacity in the region.

The shipment, comprising 12 large aircraft sections, arrived aboard the container vessel "OOCL Denmark." The vessel departed from Hamburg, Germany, and docked at the Pacific International Container Terminal of Tianjin Port on Tuesday morning.

This delivery will support Airbus's recently scaled-up production capabilities in Tianjin Municipality, a key global manufacturing hub for the company. In October this year, Airbus launched its second Final Assembly Line (FAL) for A320 family aircraft in Tianjin, which is also its second such facility in China and in Asia as a whole.

To ensure the efficient and secure handling of the record-breaking cargo, the Tianjin Dongjiang border inspection station has streamlined clearance protocols, including pre-arrival procedures that slashed the waiting time for the vessel.

Tianjin now hosts two of Airbus's 10 FALs for A320 family aircraft across the world. The combined assembly capacity of the Tianjin lines is set to contribute 20 percent of the company's global total. 
Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6)

Today

Cloudy with snow. High 29F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 90%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected..

Tonight

Snow this evening will give way to lingering snow showers late. Low 18F. NE winds shifting to WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 80%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.
Laman Ismayilova



On December 9, ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed Al Malik will visit the headquarters of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation in Baku, Azernews reports.

During the visit, a bilateral meeting will take place to discuss topics such as the preservation of cultural heritage, expanding scientific collaboration, and enhancing mutual institutional support.

At the meeting, a Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed to promote Turkic-Islamic cultural heritage globally and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two organizations.

The discussions will also cover the impact of modern global challenges on cultural heritage, improving international mechanisms for its protection, and the importance of preparing nomination dossiers.

Furthermore, both sides will share ideas on increasing cooperation between ICESCO and the Foundation, as well as jointly advancing cultural heritage on the global stage. The visit will also include an artistic segment.

The Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation began its activities following the decision made by Heads of States during the Astana Summit, held on September 11, 2015.

The Foundation's primary objectives are to protect, study, and promote Turkic culture and heritage through various support and funding activities, projects, and programs.

Several important international events, conferences, exhibitions and forums aimed at preserving and promoting the culture of Turkic speaking peoples and strengthening unity amongst its nations were organized since the establishment of the organisation with participation of high-level government officials.

As a result of the Foundation's growing number of partnerships in its member states and beyond, it already managed to sing Memorandum of Understandings with several international organisations and national institutions.
HEFEI, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- In the desert about 80 kilometers south of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, over 5,000 photovoltaic (PV) panel cleaning robots swept away dust accumulated throughout the day with specially designed roller brushes. In just 2.5 hours, they completed cleaning for this massive solar project spanning 53 square kilometers.

Equipped with intelligent algorithms and multiple sensors, these "robot cleaners" can autonomously plan routes, perceive their surroundings, and make independent decisions even amid high temperatures and strong sandstorms.

"Dust accumulation on panel surfaces blocks sunlight, causes hot spot effects, and brings serious risks along with power generation losses," said Zhan Xuetao, on-site procurement manager of this solar project, adding that these robots help reduce efficiency losses caused by dust, enhance power output, and improve the overall stability and safety of the power plant.

These cleaning robots were developed and manufactured by Sunpure Technology Co., Ltd., based in east China's Anhui Province. Besides cleaning robots, the company also launched a PV panel installation robot this year, which can accurately install over 650 PV panels daily and is currently deployed at a solar plant in Saudi Arabia.

"Our robots are widely used in 25 countries across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Latin America, covering more than 260 solar power plants. They provide smart solutions for the green transition in these countries," said Wang Peipei, head of the marketing department at Sunpure Technology.

Data from the 2025 World Robot Conference show that China is the world's largest robot producer, with industrial robot output growing from 33,000 units in 2015 to 556,000 in 2024 and service robot output reaching nearly 10.52 million units last year, up 34.3 percent year-on-year.

While domestic robot technology matures and application scenarios expand, Chinese-made robots are accelerating their global presence, empowering industrial innovation. In 2024, China became the world's second-largest exporter of industrial robots. The exports grew 61.5 percent year-on-year in the first half of this year.

EFORT Intelligent Robot Co., Ltd., a company long engaged in industrial robot R&D and manufacturing, sold over 16,000 industrial robots in 2024. Its products are used across a broad range of sectors, including electronics, photovoltaics, automotive parts and shipbuilding.

In addition to facilitating intelligent production in Chinese factories, this company has also partnered with Italian automakers such as Maserati and Fiat, as well as German automakers such as BMW and Volkswagen.

"We provide these automakers with integrated robotics solutions for smart production, covering painting, welding, precision assembly, and the handling of materials, among other tasks, helping them improve their production efficiency," said You Wei, EFORT's chairman and CEO, adding that the company began exporting its robots to Europe in 2019.

From industrial robots to service and humanoid robots, Chinese robots are demonstrating their capabilities in various scenarios abroad.

Keenon Robotics, a service robot company based in Shanghai, has deployed its service robots in restaurants, hotels and hospitals in more than 60 countries and regions, performing tasks such as food preparation and medical delivery.

Also, the underwater robots from Chasing Innovation Co., Ltd., a company headquartered in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, are exported to more than 100 countries and regions for underwater observation, emergency rescue, and scientific research.

Developed by Moga Technology Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of Chinese carmaker Chery, the humanoid robot named Mornine has been introduced to automotive 4S stores in over 30 countries and regions, including Malaysia, the UAE, South Africa, and Poland.

Powered by advanced devices such as 3D lidar, panoramic camera, and a large language model, Mornine can autonomously plan its walking routes and promptly respond to consumer inquiries.

"Its interaction with customers has been fantastic. The children always want to see how it works," said Richard Bisschoff, sales manager at a car 4S store in South Africa, adding that the world is becoming more technologically advanced, and using robots to receive clients in the showroom is a perfect solution.

According to Zhang Guibing, general manager of Moga Technology, the company plans to sell over 40,000 humanoid robots and more than 90,000 robotic dogs globally by 2030. These robots will primarily be used in 10 scenarios, including sales, guided tours, consulting and companionship. 


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A nations progress often rests on the shoulders of migrant workers, people who construct its skylines, power its industries, and keep its economy moving, even when their own presence stays largely unnoticed. They give more than they receive, enduring exhausting work, modest pay, cultural isolation, and the daily struggle to claim dignity in societies that rely on them but seldom recognise their worth.

Panama Canal's importance is uncontested: it cuts the New York-San Francisco route from 8,000 to 5,200 nautical miles, handles nearly 14,000 ships a year, and earns Panama $3-4 billion annually. It's 48 miles of locks and lakes, expanded in 2016 for colossal post-Panamax ships, and remains one of the world's crucial arteries of commerce

Talking about migrating to foreign countries for work, India often tops the charts today, but the phenomenon is hardly new. A century before Gulf visas and global IT corridors, the Panama Canal quietly absorbed a massive wave of migrant labour from around the world, including thousands from undivided India. Their contribution remained largely invisibleuntil one story resurfaced.

Among the roughly 1,50,000 Indians who braved perilous seas to reach Panama was Bhag Singh of Rumi, near Ludhiana. Born on August 13, 1881, he remains a ghost in the archives, his childhood undocumented, his journey unrecorded. What we do know: he owned farmland, had a wife and four children, and in 1903 he left it all behind to seek work on one of the most ambitious engineering projects of the age.

For over 50 years, his story lay buried in family memoryuntil August 2024, when his grandson, Darshan Singh Deol, began piecing it together from the scraps preserved by his mother, bringing one forgotten migrant back into the global narrative he helped build.

Darshan Singh Deol only has a patched-together map of his grandfather's odyssey from a small Punjabi village to the heart of one of the greatest engineering projects in modern history. How exactly Bhag Singh was recruited remains unknown, but the historical pattern is unmistakable: the British colonial government routinely funnelled Indian labour into overseas projects, and the Panama Canal was no exception.

What is known is the improbable route. Bhag Singh travelled from Jagraon to Kolkata, then onwards to Shanghai, and finally to Panamamost likely by train to Kolkata and then by steamship across unforgiving waters. Contemporary records of similar voyages reveal the brutality of the passage: of the nearly 1,50,000 Indians who attempted the journey, about 50,000 died before even reaching Panama. Their bodies were lowered into the seaquiet burials performed not for dignity but for sanitary necessity.

Bhag Singh's journey from Jagraon to Kolkata, from there to Shanghai, and finally to Panama places him squarely among the thousands of colonial-era labourers who were funnelled into the Canal workforce through British-linked recruitment networks (see Shipton 2014; Lal 2006 on Indian indenture routes). If he reached Panama during the final decades of Canal construction, he would have entered a world where immigrant labourers bore the harshest burdens: malaria and yellow fever still stalked work camps, though partly controlled after 1905 (McCullough, The Path Between the Seas, 1977); workers on the "silver roll"mostly West Indian, Black, and Asian migrantslived in overcrowded barracks, low pay, racial segregation, and dangerous shifts of dynamite blasting and landslide-prone excavation (Greene 2009; Conniff 2012).

The Canal Zone was a landscape of sweat, disease, and hierarchy, where survival often depended on luck as much as strength. Linking his route with these records, Bhag Singh was likely one of the many "invisible men" who crossed oceans for wages that barely covered their passage, yet whose labour carved the Culebra Cut and powered the greatest engineering feat of the century. His presence is not documented directly, but the migration pattern, the timing, and the colonial recruitment networks make his story fit the broader historical evidence of Asian labourers who helped build the Canal under brutal conditions.

When Bhag Singh left Rumi in 1903, he had a wife, four young children, and land that would later be redistributed for Rs 10a loss that symbolised how migration often empties not only households but entire histories. He arrived in Panama, a turban-clad Sikh among Hindus, Muslims, and Christians from Indialabourers absorbed into a system that categorised workers with industrial coldness: Gold Roll for skilled, Silver Roll for unskilled. The distinction governed pay, housing, sanitation, and even survival.

The conditions were appalling. Mosquitoes infested the camps; malaria and yellow fever ravaged the workforce. Only when Chief Sanitary Officer Col. William C. Gorgas forced through sanitation reformsagainst the stubborn scepticism of the Isthmian Canal Commissiondid the death toll begin to fall.

Through all this, Bhag Singh never managed to send a letter home. No telegraph, no note, not a line. His wife, when asked where he had gone, simply said she did not know whether he was alive or dead. A palm reader once told her she wasn't a widowthat he would return. It was the only thread she had.

When the Canal finally opened in August 1914, Bhag Singh stayed on as a watchman. The details of his work remain blurry, but an identity card from the 1950s offers a glimpse of him decades lateraged, dignified, still working the Canal he once helped build. Then tragedy struck: an accident crippled his legs, and the company declared him unfit for duty. They offered him three choicesrelocation to America for medical care, settlement in Britain as a Commonwealth citizen, or a passage back to India. After fifty years abroad, he chose home without hesitation.

A letter arrived in Rumi announcing his return. On July 7, 1951, Bhag Singh left Panama accompanied by two company agents; his Panama Canal-issued British passport is the only surviving proof of his journey. He reached Bombay on August 21, 1951, then travelled to Jagraon by train, where the agents left him.

He cut a striking figure when he arrivedpant-coat, turban, suitcasealmost gentlemanly in a village that had long declared him dead. A man named Golu recognised him instantly as "Bhagta", the legend who had vanished for half a century. He placed Bhag Singh's luggage onto a tonga, helped him aboard, and began the last stretch to Rumi. At one steep canal crossing, the horse couldn't pull the weight; the two men got down and pushed the tonga togethera symbolic return: the migrant and the villager hauling the past back home.

Back in the village, he met his four-year-old grandsonDarshan Singh Deol, who would one day become the keeper of his legacy. Among the few belongings Bhag brought from Panama was a Panj Granthi published in the 1930s, believed to have travelled from Punjab to Los Angeles and then to Panama, a testament to the quiet religious networks Sikhs built wherever they went.

As he resettled, Bhag Singh received a lifetime pension of USD 11 per month from the Panama Canal/Railroad Company, beginning October 1, 1950. He would ride a tonga with young Darshan to the Punjab National Bank in Jagraon to collect it; their mornings together remain Darshan's most vivid memories. He recalls, The bank manager would always joke that my grandfathers pension was more than his own salary. The land that had once slipped away for a mere Rs 10 found its way back the moment Bhag Singh walked home. He did not bargain or plead; he arrived with the gravity of someone who had dug through Panama's rock and malaria to survive. And when a man returns from that kind of life, even the land remembers who it belongs to.

Bhag Singh lived until 1968alive long enough to see his grandson marry, but too infirm to attend the wedding. Darshan remembers him as gentle, slow-spoken, and full of stories about Panama. He says about his grandfather, He was a very kind person; he used to read books very slowly. He used to buy clothes and sweets for me, as I was the only son left; my brother and sister were gone.

Today, Darshan Singh is in his seventies, living in Stockholm. He is the only surviving child from the family line that Bhag Singh returned to. As age dulls the memories his grandfather entrusted him with, Darshan has become determined to recover the history he inherited in fragments.

So, in August 2024, he began. Armed with the brittle documents his mother guarded all her life, he says, "I could only begin this work because my mother preserved my grandfather's passport, pension slip, and ID card in her sandook right up until her last day."

Darshan travelled to Panama. The Panama Canal and Railroad Company told him their archives held nothing. At the Panama Sikh Gurdwara, he learnt of the Indian workerstall, strong, resilientwho had toiled there. The Gurudwara directed him to the Central Library, where a librarian helped him uncover Bhag Singh's pay slips and the harsh realities workers faced: dense forests, deadly wildlife, brutal terrain.

Darshan met Panama's former Indian Ambassador and urged recognition for the thousands of Indian labourers, especially Sikh migrants, who built the Canal but went unmentioned in its official history.

Bhag Singhs grandson Darshan Singh Deol (left) met Dr Sumit Seth, the current Indian Ambassador to Panama

On his way back, he stayed briefly in Vancouver, where the Komagata Maru tragedy left another historical scar. At the Gurdwara there, he learnt about the ship's passengersSikhs, Hindus, Muslimsdenied entry under racially exclusionary laws, then fired upon by colonial police in India. On the Komagata Maru Martyr Memorial, Darshan found a name: Bhag Singh. No evidence yet proves it was the same man, but the ambiguity captures the essence of his story: a life lived across oceans but barely captured on paper.

Much of Panama's archival record vanished from public reach when the US handed the Canal to Panama in 1999 and moved key documents to Los Angeles, out of Darshan's financial reach. Alone I cannot do much; maybe I can do something at the village level, but with the help of the government, I can bring this story to the world. It is a part of our Sikh history too, says Darshan.

Despite the gaps, he continues his mission. He has formally requested the Panama government to honour Indian labourers with a statue and a postal stamp and to allow an Akhand Path at the Gurudwara Sahib in memory of the thousands buried at sea before ever touching Panama's shore. Darshan has also taken his quest to the diplomatic doorstep. He met Dr Sumit Seth, the current Indian Ambassador to Panama, and received an encouraging responseone of the first official acknowledgements that the story of Bhag Singh, and of thousands like him, deserves to return to the historical record rather than remain trapped in family memory.

He has also launched a website, The Indian Roots in Panama, to ensure that the names erased by time are finally written back into history. Darshan Singh is not pursuing this mission alone. Two of his school friendsSukhdev S. Gill and Desh Raj Malhotrahave become his anchors, helping him sift through documents, chase archives across continents, and piece together the story that history never bothered to record. With their support, Darshan has even published a concise booklet titled Construction and Development of the Panama Canal: A Story of Participation of Bhag Singh and Other Indians, his first attempt to give public shape to a narrative buried for more than a century.
The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the Indian Army and Nepal Army, on Tuesday, jointly witnessed and validated the battalion-level culmination joint wargame Exercise SURYAKIRANXIX at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh, marking the end of an intensive two-day high-tempo training cycle.

The validation exercise showcased coordinated counter-terrorism operations in line with Chapter VII of the UN Charter, with troops demonstrating joint tactics, techniques and procedures under realistic combat conditions. Cutting-edge technologies such as ISR and precision-targeting drones, advanced weapon sights for day and night operations, AI-enabled surveillance feeds, unmanned operational and logistics platforms, and secure battlefield communication systems were integrated into the drills.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

The exercise showcased seamless interoperability between the two armies through synchronised mission planning and execution across battalion, company and small-team levels. Forces rehearsed intelligence-driven surgical operations in complex terrain, including the use of aerial insertion to sharpen rapid-response capability.

Both DGMOs praised the exercise for strengthening operational synergy, deepening mutual trust and reinforcing the long-standing military partnership in the strategic Himalayan region.

As a mark of the enduring bond between the two forces, the DGMOs planted a Tree of Friendship, symbolising shared commitment and strategic cooperation.

Exercise SURYAKIRANXIX emerged as a strong statement of joint preparedness and partnership for regional stability and peace.
It would be fair to say that Russian President Vladimir Putins recent visit to India for a bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi achieved the immediate objectives of both the nations. The visit, clearly, was to underline shared assessment of Moscow and Delhi that the multipolar world is now a fait accompli and that intermediate powers have strategic options to exercise in a world being shaped by US-China competition.

It is, therefore, perhaps apposite to jog the memory of thinkers and practitioners in the Indian strategic and foreign policy community by reminding them of the lasting value of the net assessment exercise undertaken to define Indias strategic foreign policy by Rear Admiral Raja Menon (Retd) and Dr Rajiv Kumar 15 years ago. Published as The Long View from Delhi (2010), the volume followed the net assessment analytic framework of Andrew W. Marshall, the man who won US the Cold War as strategic folklore has it. In it, Menon and Kumar postulated alternate scenarios for the Russian Federations trajectory over the next decade.

The first scenario, titled The Idea of Russia, foresaw a rejuvenation of Russia premised on a synthesis of East and West in socio-cultural terms, which would include a return to traditional values, the emergence a stable Russia, the flourishing of its repository of poetry, literature and ballet, an emphasis on education, curbing rampant alcoholism and, critically, arresting the demographic decline which began in the 1990s, a period of economic hardship after the breakup of the Soviet Union that sent fertility plummeting.

This scenario also projected that Russias technological levels would be restored by the 2020s, job creation and adequate housing prioritised, and see agriculture and manufacturing contributing to the GDP in normal ratios. In Russias external environment, Moscow would settle into a more-or-less easy relationship with China and the West (including closer ties with the EU), while domestically the armed forces would be modernised and structured around a nationalist ethos sans great power pretentions and consequently limit Moscows power projection capability. Russias leadership would play its role in all the above.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

In the alternative Hard Outside, Soft Inside scenario, of which Russias war with Ukraine may now be seen as a trigger, none of the ills of the Russian state are seriously tackled, but the government survives by talking up the external threat, which is seen as a manifestation of the Wests desire to destabilise Russia. This scenario projected that Moscow would see the West as an adversary which wanted to convert Russia into a pliant and weak coalition of democratic parties with the objective of apportioning Central Asian energy resources for the West at lower prices. Therefore, it was assessed, the Russian state would present a hard exterior, but as societal problems would not have been solved and domestic structural issues not addressed, Russia would continue to hollow out from within. This being so, Russia would lose much of its geostrategic significance.

What has indeed come to pass in Russia 15 years after these alternate scenarios were presented is, in a manner of speaking, a bit of both. Ergo, for all the bonhomie and potentially substantive cooperation in critical areas between Russia and India which the Putin-Modi Summit generated, Delhi will surely be thinking through its strategic  as opposed to tactical  engagement with Moscow.

It is evident that Russia remains an ally for India on the global stage for the moment, especially in terms of vetoes exercised in our favour in the UNSC, but how long this state of affairs will last is the question. For, as the Sino-Russian alliance deepens with the latter as the clear junior partner, Russias attempts to retain its status as a relevant global actor will impact India significantly.

Whether on a bilateral (likely border) issue with India, or to counter the Indo-US strategic partnership, Beijing is likely at some point to turn the screws on Moscow vis-a-vis its ties with Delhi. Through the Cold War, the USSRs relationship with India rested on Soviet arms sales (and later energy supplies), aid, and the USSR-India versus the US-Pakistan-China geopolitical alignment. Of them, only Russias defence relationship with India, especially as an arms and weapons systems supplier despite the competition it now faces, is still robust. On energy supplies, the India-Russia relationship is more opportunistic, and Delhi is right to diversify its sources of energy procurement as Indias growth is non-negotiable.

The new areas of cooperation identified and agreements signed during the Putin-Modi Summit are, thus, excellent first steps in the long journey to define the contours of our strategic ties. On balance, the sheer geographical size of Russia, its role as an energy/arms supplier, the potential of the revival of its institutes of higher learning, and its albeit aging nuclear arsenal are persuasive arguments for furthering Indias strategic engagement with Russia.

But the risks for India associated with the deepening Russo-Chinese axis need to be parsed and would require a deep understanding of Russian political structures, economic imperatives, and societal changes as they unfold over the next decade.

Some of the questions which would need to be answered are:

* Will Russian power be degraded to an extent that is becomes a client-state of China and/or its primary energy supplier, and what would that imply for India?

* Will Russias already waning influence in the former Soviet Republics in Central Asia and the Caucuses become less consequential or even inconsequential?

* Will Moscow be able to exercise sovereignty on its eastern flank in a meaningful manner or will Chinese commercial interests in oil make them the de facto masters of the region?

* As Russias population sees a historic decline, will it become an existentialist issue for the country?

* What is the prognosis for a post-Vladimir Putin Russia?

How our strategic and foreign policy establishment approaches and designs a policy framework  and theres a lot of scenario writing to be done here  to deal with the pluriverse of trajectories Russia may take over the coming decade will determine both the relevance and resonance of Russia-India ties.

The author is Director (Partnerships & Programs) and Senior Fellow, Pahle India Foundation
Peacock has released the first trailer of the Simu Liu-fronted techno espionage thriller series The Copenhagen Test. The eight-episode show is set to premiere on December 27.

The Copenhagen Test has Liu playing an intelligence agent whose brain is "hacked" in the near future, leading to multiple complications.

According to the official logline, The Copenhagen Test follows first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst Alexander Hale, who realizes his brain has been hacked, giving the perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears. Caught between his shadowy agency and the unknown hackers, he must maintain a performance 24/7 to flush out whos responsible and prove where his allegiance lies.

Jet Wilkinson has been confirmed to direct the first two episodes, aside from serving as one of the executive producers. Wilkinson has previously directed episodes on the shows Ballard (Prime Video), Bosch: Legacy (Prime Video), Before (Apple TV), The Old Man (Hulu), and Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+), among others.

The series is created by Thomas Brandon, who also is involved as the executive producer, writer and co-showrunner alongside Jennifer Yale, who is handling the same duties. Brandon is known for his work on the TV series Legacies.

Liu, James Wan, Michael Clear, Rob Hackett, and Mark Winemaker are the other executive producers. Jet Wilkinson executive produces and directs the first two episodes. UCP is the studio.

Liu will be reprising his role as Marvel superhero Shang-Chi in the next entry in MCU's Avengers: Doomsday, directed by the Russo Brothers. He recently lent his voice on the superhero shows Invincible and Marvel Zombies.
Congress MP and UDF convener Adoor Prakash has backtracked the statement he made on actor Dileeps acquittal on Monday, after he received severe backlash.

Both Congress leaders and the ruling party, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, condemned the MPs statement, claiming Dileep got justice after he was acquitted in the 2017 actress abduction and sexual assault case.

The MP has now come out to say that his views were misinterpreted. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Prakash said What I said was not fully broadcast. I said that justice was not delivered to the survivor. It is difficult for me to criticise the court when a verdict comes from the judiciary of justice." He also said, "KPCC president and senior Congress leaders have clearly stated the stand of Congress and UDF supporting the victim. What I made was only my personal view based on my personal relations. The media only telecast a portion of my remarks,"

On Monday, while speaking to local media after voting in the Kerala local body polls, Prakash had said, "While the opposition was with the survivor woman, everyone should get justice, adding that Dileep, got justice.

"Not just because in the capacity he is an artist, but also as someone who had direct association with him," he said. "The court itself granted justice Dileep. Dileep has said that the case was framed by several police officers under the leadership of a senior woman police officer. Such matters need to be scrutinised.

When he was asked about the government's decision to file an appeal, he said, "The government has no other work, right? It is a government that looks at every case to see how it can harass someone. It is ready to fabricate cases in any manner.

The Chief Minister criticised his statement, saying that it went against the sentiments of the country.

Health Minister Veena George also said that the remark was objectionable.

In the backlash, Congress had to clarify that Prakash's views were his own and did not represent the party or the KPCC. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said that Prakash's statement was a 'personal view' and that Congress and the UDF should stand with the survivor. KPCC President Sunny Joseph said that the verdict was a failure for the governement and that an appeal should be filed.

Actor Dileep, who was one of the accused in the 2017 actress abduction case, was the only one to be acquitted. The Ernakulam Principal session court said that the prosecution failed to prove the actors involved in the alleged criminal conspiracy behind the abduction. The six others have been convicted on different charges.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday ordered that the Luthra brothers' Romeo Lane beach shack in Vagator be demolished, following a deadly fire overnight on Saturday at their Arpora nightclub that killed at least 25 people.

The demolition order on the third property owned by absconding nightclub owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra is a part of the state government's crackdown on the two fugitives, who fled to Thailand soon after the fire destroyed their nightclub, as per a PTI report.

"This shack is illegally built on government land. It would be demolished on Tuesday. District administration has kept all the machinery ready," Goa's Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said.

The Bureau of Immigration at Mumbai was contacted and it was found that both the accused had taken 6E 1073 flight (New Delhi to Phuket) at 5:30 AM on 7th December, the Goa Police said.

With the case gaining national attention, the Goa police has already reached out to the CBI's Interpol Division to issue a Blue Corner notice to apprehend the two, which the latter has agreed to.

Blue Corner notices are issued to collect detailed information about one or more persons of interest, their location, and activities.

Shocking revelations emerge about Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub

CM Sawant's demolition order comes after a shocking revelation from Pradeep Ghadi Amonkarthe original owner of the land that the nightclub is located onthat it was supposed to have been demolished long ago.

He became a whistleblower against the nightclub in a case spanning over two decades, the report added.

According to Amonkar, a man named Surinder Kumar Khosla built the nightclub on the land despite the landowner's withdrawal from the deal, because he claimed Khosla had not made any payment. The nightclub was then taken over by Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra.

Flagging serious irregularities in the nightclub's construction and the status of the land it was on, Amonkar and Sunil Divkar filed a case with the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat in December 2023. This led to a 2024 demolition order from Arpora's Sarpanch, Roshan Redkar, against Khosla.

However, Khosla challenged this, and managed to secure a stay order from the Directorate of Panchayat.

"The main accused is Khosla. I have been saying this for years, and I will continue to say it with the same clarity and conviction. He may flee the country," Amonkar wrote on social media.

State authorities, however, have blamed the panchayat for allowing the illegalities to continue. The CMO on Monday declared that Redkar had even signed NOCs for electricity connection, water connection, and house repairs for the nightclub, in addition to granting the owners a trade licence. This trade licence expired in 2024, but the nightclub has remained open till the December 7 fire.
Hours after a massive fire ripped through a nightclub in North Goa, killing 25 people, the owners of the club have left India for Thailand, police said on Monday.

Goa Police are now taking steps to coordinate with the Interpol Division of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to apprehend both Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, the main accused in the incident.

Earlier, a police team had gone to Delhi in search of the two brothers after a first information report was filed against them. Since they couldnt trace the duo, the probe team requested the Bureau of Immigration to issue a lookout circular, alerting all airports and ports across the country.

Following this, the Bureau of Immigration at Mumbai airport found out that the two accused flew out to Phuket on an IndiGo flight at 5.30 am on Sunday, officials said.

Meanwhile, police have arrested the third accused, Bharat Kohli, from Delhi and brought him to Goa for questioning.

At least 25 people, including four tourists, were killed in the devastating fire that struck the nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane, in North Goa on Saturday night. According to media reports, between 100 and 150 people were on the dance floor when the fire broke out between 11 pm and 12 am.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant alleged that the nightclub had not complied with fire safety norms. The popular party venue at Arpora village, around 25 km from the state capital Panaji, opened last year.
A man holds a sign showing support for Beninese President Patrice Talon at Place Bulgarie in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, Dec. 8, 2025.

Benin's government said on Sunday that an attempted military mutiny had been foiled in Cotonou, the country's economic capital and largest city, after armed soldiers briefly took over state television to declare President Patrice Talon was removed from office.

The Presidency said the president is safe and that government forces have regained control of the situation. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

People gather to express their support for Beninese President Patrice Talon at Place Bulgarie in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, Dec. 8, 2025.

Benin's government said on Sunday that an attempted military mutiny had been foiled in Cotonou, the country's economic capital and largest city, after armed soldiers briefly took over state television to declare President Patrice Talon was removed from office.

The Presidency said the president is safe and that government forces have regained control of the situation. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

People gather to express their support for Beninese President Patrice Talon at Place Bulgarie in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, Dec. 8, 2025.

Benin's government said on Sunday that an attempted military mutiny had been foiled in Cotonou, the country's economic capital and largest city, after armed soldiers briefly took over state television to declare President Patrice Talon was removed from office.

The Presidency said the president is safe and that government forces have regained control of the situation. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

People gather to express their support for Beninese President Patrice Talon at Place Bulgarie in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, Dec. 8, 2025.

Benin's government said on Sunday that an attempted military mutiny had been foiled in Cotonou, the country's economic capital and largest city, after armed soldiers briefly took over state television to declare that President Patrice Talon was removed from office.

The Presidency said the president is safe and that government forces have regained control of the situation. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

People gather to express their support for Beninese President Patrice Talon at Place Bulgarie in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, Dec. 8, 2025.

Benin's government said on Sunday that an attempted military mutiny had been foiled in Cotonou, the country's economic capital and largest city, after armed soldiers briefly took over state television to declare President Patrice Talon was removed from office.

The Presidency said the president is safe and that government forces have regained control of the situation. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

A man holds a sign showing support for Beninese President Patrice Talon at Place Bulgarie in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, Dec. 8, 2025.

Benin's government said on Sunday that an attempted military mutiny had been foiled in Cotonou, the country's economic capital and largest city, after armed soldiers briefly took over state television to declare President Patrice Talon was removed from office.

The Presidency said the president is safe and that government forces have regained control of the situation. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub where a fire broke out this week, are now wanted by the Goa police and have fled to Thailand.

According to police, the two were in Delhi when the fire occurred on Saturday night.

An officer who spoke to the Indian Express said When the Bureau of Immigration at Mumbai was contacted, it was found that both the accused had taken a flight to Phuket at 5.30 am on December 7, that is hours after the incident. Goa police has already reached out to the Interpol Division of the CBI to issue a Blue corner notice to apprehend the two. Blue corner notices are issued to collect additional information about a person, their location and activities.

Saurabh Luthra made a statement on Instagram saying, The management expresses profound grief and is deeply shaken by the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate incident at Birch. In this hour of irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress, the management stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the deceased as well as those injured The management further affirms that it shall extend every possible form of assistance, support and cooperation to the bereaved and affected individuals.

How the Luthra brothers started a nightclub that expanded to 30 cities

The Luthras started out in the industry only a decade ago and have had a meteoric rise in the past couple of years.

Saurabh Luthra, who is the chairman of Romeo Lane, holds a B.Tech degree in computer science and worked in the corporate sector for a decade before becoming an entrepreneur.

He started with the Cafe-lounge Mamas Boui and later started the bar DrameBaaz in Northeast Delhis Hudson Lane.

Their nightclub, Romeo Lane, was their breakthrough to widespread recognition. They began expanding the nightclub and launching premier restro bars and rooftop restaurants in about 30 cities, including Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Goa, Bhopal, Indore, Dehradun, Lucknow and Dubai.

The brand also expanded to have a boutique hotel in Goa.

According to Romeo Lanes website, he was named an 'iconic restaurateur' in 2023. He had also gained several awards and recognition, including being featured in media outlets for the 40 under 40 entrepreneurs.

Gaurauv Luthra is listed as the founder of Romeo Lane, Birch, Caha and Mamas Buoi.

The two live in North Delhis Outram Lane near the GTB Nagar metro station, which is located close to their first outlets.

In 2024, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi sent a show-cause notice to one of its clubs in north Delhi regarding seating arrangement limitations and poor hygiene in the kitchens. In December 2024, seven nightclubs in Goa, including the Birch by Romeo Lane, received a notice from the Goa state pollution control board for violating sound pollution regulations.

The brothers are now facing charges of culpable homicide. Goa police filed an FIR against the brother, the manager, who has now been arrested and the event organiser.

Delhi police crime branch, which is assisting the Goa police, said that the Luthras may have had a co-owner for the club in Goa and that he is currently in Delhi.
A 46-year-old woman allegedly slit the throat of her 35-year-old live-in partner, who was an engineer, in Lucknows Green City area.

According to police, Ratna and her two daughters had murdered Surya Pratap after a heated argument over his inappropriate intentions toward her elder daughter.

The daughters are aged 17 and 14.

Police said that the woman remained in the house for nearly 10 hours after the murder before calling the police and confessing.

The two minors were also in the house.

The police team found the man lying in a pool of blood after they rushed to the house.

During interrogation, the woman said that her partner was eyeing her elder daughter for several days and that he even tried to molest her. His behaviour led to frequent arguments between them.

On Sunday, the woman slit the mans throat using a kitchen knife with the help of her daughters.

The forensic team recovered the weapon from the crime scene.

The deceased man, who was from Deoria, worked as an engineer in a private firm. In 2012, he had tutored the womans daughters. After the womans husband died in 2014, the two began a relationship despite the opposition from both families.

An FIR was filed under charges of murder against the woman and the teens, based on a complaint by the engineers father, Narendra Singh. The father also said that the woman and his daughter were "financially exploiting" his son and misleading him.

DCP East Shashank Singh said that the woman was arrested and booked for murder, and her minor daughter was detained.

Police are probing the case from multiple angles. There are also speculations that the couple fought over property and money based on the father's allegations. Local residents however believe that the man had behaved inappropriately with Ratna's daughters and even engaged in physical assault according to the Daily Jagran. Police are yet to confirm the motivation for the killing.
A discussion on electoral reforms in Lok Sabha turned into a political flashpoint on Tuesday when Rahul Gandhi declared the Election Commission captured and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government of colluding in vote theft. The Opposition slammed the legality of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, flagged large-scale voter deletions, and demanded structural reforms, warning that democracy itself is at risk if the poll body continues functioning without independence.

Rahul Gandhi set the tone with a sweeping indictment of the government and the institutions he claimed had come under its influence. Wearing khadi, an intentional political symbol, Gandhi argued that India's democracy derives its moral force from its people, and no government has the right to tamper with their mandate. In a broadside against the RSS, he alleged that the organisation had captured educational institutions, investigative agencies, and now, the Election Commission. The Election Commission of India is also captured, he declared. The government is using the EC to destroy democracy.

Gandhis attack sharpened when he turned to the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel for Election Commissioners, a provision brought in through the new Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act. Why was the CJI removed from the panel? Why is the prime minister so keen on choosing the same people he wants as Election Commissioners? he asked, calling the decision a deliberate dilution of institutional independence.

The Congress leader also questioned the legality of destroying CCTV footage of strong rooms after 45 days and demanded unrestricted access to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the context of alleged irregularities in the Haryana elections. It is not just about data, he said. It is about stealing the data. 'Vote chori' is an anti-national act.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused the Congress and Samajwadi Party of misleading millions about mass voter deletions. If SIR is illegal, why did Congress governments conduct it for years? Why did states ruled by Congress and Trinamool Congress submit their SIR data this year without objection? he asked.

Other Congress leaders reinforced this narrative. MP Manish Tewari argued that the Election Commission was meant to work in an unbiased manner, but it doesnt look like these days, a paradoxical remark that he used to question the poll bodys neutrality. He insisted that the ECI had no legal backing to conduct the SIR under Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act. Calling the exercise a grey zone operation, he asserted that the country has a right to know how it is being conducted.

The Congress reiterated three core demands: reform of the EC selection process to include the Leader of Opposition and the CJI, an immediate halt to the SIR, and a bar on pre-poll direct benefit transfers, which Tewari described as against democracy.

Echoing the Congress, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav compared the SIR in Uttar Pradesh to National Register of Citizens (NRC)-style operation. They are doing NRC-like work, he alleged, warning that disenfranchisement through voter deletions would be the biggest blow to electoral trust. He advocated a return to paper ballots or, at a minimum, a stronger VVPAT-based verification regime.

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee sharpened the critique further, claiming that Booth Level Officers were under extreme pressure, leading to stress and even suicides. Questioning whether the Election Commission could take away voting rights through mass deletions, he warned that now the government decides who will be their voters.

From Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Supriya Sule pointed to selective inaction by the state election authorities. People are caught red-handed with cash, but no action is taken, she said, noting that 25 candidates had won unopposed in local polls without any scrutiny from the Commission.

The government has so far rejected the Oppositions allegations, insisting that the SIR is a routine annual exercise and that the EC functions independently. But the cumulative force of the Oppositions arguments, especially Gandhis framing of electoral integrity as a national-security issue, ensured that the debate resonated far beyond the Lok Sabha chamber.

Rahul Gandhis charge of vote chori may have been the headline, but the broader message from the Opposition was equally pointed: electoral reforms must begin with restoring the autonomy and credibility of the Election Commission itself.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi targeted the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during the discussion on electoral reforms on Tuesday and demanded amendments in the laws governing the Election Commission.

Launching a scathing attack during the debate on Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Gandhi charged that the RSS wants to capture institutions in the country. "After the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, the next step of the project was the wholesale capture of India's institutional framework," the Congress leader charged.

Gandhi alleged that the RSS has captured educational institutions of the country, by appointing vice-chancellors who support their ideology. "Second capture, which helps in destroying democracy, the capture of the intelligence agencies; the capture of the CBI, ED and Income Tax Departments, and the systematic placement of bureaucrats who favour their ideology and attack the opposition and anybody who chooses to oppose the RSS," Gandhi said.

"Our nation is a fabric of 1.5 billion people, and it is woven together by vote. But, idea that every person in India is equal disturbs my friends in RSS," he charged. Gandhi alleged RSS fundamentally does not believe in equality, and they believe in a hierarchy.

"I have given proof how the Election Commission is colluding with those in power to shape elections. Haryana elections were stolen and theft was ensured by EC," Gandhi alleged. He also claimed Bihar elections were stolen. "Vote chori is the biggest anti-national activity", he charged.

Reiterating vote theft charges, the Congress leader alleged a Brazilian woman's photo appears 22 times, and a woman's name appear 200 times in the electoral roll. "The Election Commission is yet to respond to allegations," Gandhi alleged.

Gandhi also suggested a few reforms to improve the electoral process. "Give machine-readable voter list to all parties a month before polls; take back the law allowing CCTV footage destruction; and provide access to the Electronic Voting Machine's architecture," he said. Gandhi also said laws providing immunity to election commissioners' actions must be changed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concern over the mass cancellation of IndiGo flights and the ensuing chaos at airports as he emphasised that the passengers should not be inconvenienced.

Addressing an NDA parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, Modi also stressed that the rules and laws should be used to improve the system, not to harass people.

"During the NDA parliamentary meeting, the PM told NDA MPs that people should not be troubled or inconvenienced. Rules and laws are good, but in order to correct the system, it is not right to harass people," Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Ministry Kiren Rijiju said.

Modis comments came as the turmoil in civil aviation sparked by the mass cancellation of flights by IndiGo, Indias largest airline, entered its eighth consecutive day on Tuesday.

IndiGo cancelled around 180 flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad on Tuesday, a day after it cancelled over 560 flights from six metro airports on Monday.

The Rahul Bhatia-controlled airline operates over 2,200 flights per day from 90-odd domestic destinations and 40-plus abroad destinations. It commands over 65 per cent of India's total domestic traffic.

Following the disruptions, the carrier is likely to lose some of its routes to other domestic airlines during the ongoing winter schedule after Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said the government will "definitely" reduce IndiGo slots.

"We will definitely reduce the number of routes, which are in IndiGo's (winter) schedule. The order to this effect will be issued. This will be a kind of penalty on the airline as they will not be able to fly on those (curtailed) routes," Naidu said on Monday.
Members of Parliament belonging to the INDIA bloc on Tuesday moved an impeachment motion against Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court under Article 217 read with 124 of the Constitution of India. The move demanding his removal comes after his judgment, saying that the Karthigai deepam should be lit atop the Thiruparankundram hill near the Dargah.

A total of 107 MPs from Tamil Nadu and also other states belonging to Congress, DMK and the Left parties who are part of the INDIA bloc signed the impeachment motion. The petition piloted by the DMK drew complete support from the INDIA bloc partners. The petition addressed to the Lok Sabha speaker says that the house passed the motion for the impeachment of Justice Swaminathan on the grounds of misconduct, which has raised serious questions regarding impartiality, transparency, and the secular functioning of the judiciary. It also alleged that the judge showed undue favouritism to senior lawyer M. Sricharan Ranganathan in deciding the cases and also favours advocates from a particular community. The petition also said that Swaminathan was deciding cases on the basis of particular political ideology and against the secular principles of Constitution.

#WATCH Madurai, Tamil Nadu: On the HC hearing over the Thiruparankundram Deepam, Karthikeyan, advocate for the petitioner, says, "... A notice has been issued to Madurai City Deputy Commissioner Inigo... The Chief Secretary and the ADGP Law Order have to appear before the court pic.twitter.com/x4ZrnySNXu  ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2025

Justice Swaminathan had on December 1 ordered that Karthigai deepam must be lit deepathoon (lamp pillar) atop the hills near the dargah instead of the deepa mandapam near the Uchipillaiyar temple as has been done for years. Though Swaminathan ordered that the lamp must be lit on the lamp pillar, the HR and CE department of the Tamil Nadu government chose to light the lamp near Uchipillaiyar temple as usual, by 6 pm on the festival day, as per tradition. This invited a court contempt.

In the meanwhile, as the Hindutva organisations were staging a protest against the administration, Swaminathan himself went to the spot and asked the CISF personnel guarding the high court premises to give protection to the petitioner and 10 others accompanying him to light the lamp on the deepathoon. But the CISF denied this.

The Madras High Court division bench, which heard an appeal filed by the government against Swaminathans ruling to light the lamp on the deepathoon, was apparently dismissed. Following this, the DMK has approached the Supreme Court in the row.

It may be recalled that Swaminathan and the ruling dispensation in Tamil Nadu have had several run-ins earlier. Swaminathan also came under criticism earlier for initiating contempt proceedings against YouTuber Savukku Shankar and advocate Vanchinathan of the Madurai bench of Madras High Court.

However, the impeachment motion will gain strength only if it is passed in both houses of the parliament and no judge has been impeached in the history of India.
Rakesh Kishore, a lawyer infamous for throwing a shoe at the then-Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai in the Supreme Court in October, was attacked with slippers outside Delhi's Karkardooma court.

In a video of the incident, which went viral on Tuesday, he can be seen defending himself against the attacker, a young advocate, who tries to hit him multiple times with slippers.

       !



 !      

 CJI        

       pic.twitter.com/XDFECWZK1p  Prabhakar Kumar Mishra (@PMishra_Journo) December 9, 2025

Kaun hai tu, s**le? Sanatan Dharam ki jai ho (Who are you, idiot? Long live the Sanatan Dharma)," the attacker could be heard saying in the video.

The attacker was a young advocate, who came at me with his slippers. I had gone to court in the morning with a friend to hand over a case. They hurt me. So, I left. They told me they were attacking me because I had previously hurt CJI. They also chanted religious slogans, Kishore told Hindustan Times, adding that he would not be pressing charges against the "opposition" member.

Kishore can also be seen retaliating verbally as he defended himself from the slipper hits. Though the infamous lawyer also tries hitting the attacker, he is soon stopped by a few other lawyers who gather around him. However, it is not clear whether the fight ended at that point.

The shoe-throwing incident in the Supreme Court

Back in October this year, Rakesh Kishore made headlines when he threw a shoe at the then-CJI B.R. Gavai, in the Supreme Court.

"Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge (Insulting the Sanatan Dharma won't be tolerated)", a furious Kishore was heard saying, as he was led away by security personnel.

However, Gavai did not press charges at the time.

It was later revealed that Gavai's earlier remarks during a plea hearing about the restoration of a seven-foot-tall dilapidated Lord Vishnu idol in the Khajuraho Temple complex in Madhya Pradesh might have been a reason for the bizarre attack.

Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now. Its an archaeological site and ASI needs to give permission," Gavai had reportedly said at the time, while dismissing the case.

"I respect all religions," the CJI said in open court two days after the shoe throwing incident, pointing out that he meant no disrespect, and that social media had blown the issue out of proportion.
After Goa police sought help from CBI and Interpol, a blue corner notice was issued against Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra who fled to Thailand after a blaze at their night club claimed 25 lives. Their illegal night club was demolished on Tuesday over multiple violations.

#WATCH | Goa: A portion of the Romeo Lane restaurant located in the Vagator area is being demolished. It is owned by Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who also own Birch by Romeo Lane, where a fire tragedy claimed 25 lives on December 7.



"We will demolish the encroachment on the pic.twitter.com/YoZHQgg6cy  ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2025

Brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra have fled to Phuket, Thailand, by 5.30 am on Sunday. Their immigrations records show they departed on IndiGo flight 6E 1073. They were also spotted at Phuket airport if photos circulating on social media are to be believed. Goa police have sought immediate cancellation of their passport.

Why blue corner notice instead of red corner

The Interpol blue corner notice is issued to collect information regarding the identity, whereabouts or activities of the wanted person in connection with a criminal probe.

#WATCH | On the Goa nightclub fire tragedy, Goa Police DIG Varsha Sharma (C&R) says, "LoC has been issued against them (Luthra brothers). They are not in India. We are taking the help of Interpol and CBI to bring them back." pic.twitter.com/mCHvW3VieP  ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2025

On the other hand, a red corner notice is issued only after a chargesheet and a non-bailable warrant is lodged against the fugitive.

The blaze at Birch by Romeo Lane in Vagator, Goa, occurred on December 6, killing several tourists and staffers dying of suffocation. Six others were injured. The night club was razed by authorities on Tuesday as it was illegally built on tourism department land. It also did not have fire safety amenities to tackle the blaze.

What is Saurabh Luthra's net worth?

Saurabh Luthra is estimated to have a net worth in the range of Rs 150 to 250 crore, according to Times Now. The Luthra brothers own another property at Assagao, which has also been sealed.

Both of them have been charged with BNS Section 105 for culpable homicide, not amounting to murder, Section 125(a)(b) for endangering lives and personal safety and Section 287 for negligent handling of fire.

Others arrested in the case so far include chief general manager Rajiv Modak, gate manager Priyanshu Thakur, bar manager Rajveer Singhania and general manager Vivek Singh.
The announcement by Israel army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir that the yellow line inside Gaza is the new border line has put the fragile truce under intense strain. The line, originally introduced as a staging marker for the first phase of a three-step plan to halt the war and move Israeli forces out of the Strip, was intended to serve as a temporary military reference point. Zamirs description of it as a permanent border, and as a forward defensive line for Israeli communities, has instead created a political and humanitarian flashpoint that now threatens to shape Gazas future far beyond the current truce.

Under the terms of the agreement drafted in Washington, Israeli troops were expected to withdraw behind the yellow line during the opening phase of the ceasefire. Their return to Israel was to follow in gradual stages as control of Gaza passed to an International Stabilisation Force. The line was never formally intended to signal a change in Gazas borders or to partition the territory. Yet Zamir has made it clear that his forces intend to hold these positions indefinitely. He said the army maintained operational control of extensive areas of Gaza and would remain on the defence lines to ensure Hamas could not reconstitute itself.

This interpretation grants Israel control over roughly 53 per cent of the Gaza Strip. The territory under Israeli control includes the northern city of Beit Hanoun, the southern city of Rafah, most of Gazas remaining agricultural land and the crucial Egyptian border crossing. For many diplomats and humanitarian officials who expected the yellow line to mark the beginning of a steady withdrawal, Zamirs insistence that it is now a border has come as a shock. It also appears to clash directly with the text of the ceasefire agreement signed in October, which states that Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza.

Israeli fortification of the line has already transformed life inside the enclave. Palestinians were driven from the eastern half of Gaza by bombardments and evacuation orders. As a result, more than two million people now live in a narrow zone of coastal land. Israeli forces have been constructing concrete outposts and reinforcing earthworks along the yellow line even while the ceasefire holds. Soldiers have shot repeatedly at Palestinians they accused of crossing the boundary, including children. Satellite images suggest that some markers have been placed several hundred metres beyond the line shown in ceasefire maps, creating what appears to be a creeping expansion of the military zone.

Washingtons proposals for Gaza envisage Israeli troops progressively handing over territory to an International Stabilisation Force until a full withdrawal is complete, apart from a small security perimeter on Israels own border. Officials in Washington, however, have begun to speak privately of the yellow line as a possible long-term partition. One American source described the idea of reunifying Gaza after the conflict as aspirational. Planning documents produced by the US military outline a Gaza divided into a green zone under Israeli and international control, where reconstruction would begin, and a red zone left in ruins until further notice.

Qatars prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, has warned that the truce could collapse without swift progress toward a permanent agreement. He said a meaningful ceasefire required a complete Israeli withdrawal, stability on the ground and freedom of movement for Palestinians who have endured almost a year of displacement and bombardment.

The argument over the yellow line has now become central to the impending second phase of the US plan, which American officials describe as no less difficult than the first. Phase Two is meant to begin once Hamas returns the final Israeli captive, a policeman killed on October 7, 2023. It focuses on disarmament and demilitarisation within Gaza and depends almost entirely on the deployment of an international force that is still not fully constituted.

Debate over the political stewardship of Gaza during this transition has brought further turmoil. Tony Blair, the former British prime minister, had been widely discussed as a possible senior figure in Gazas interim administration. He was mentioned by Donald Trump as a potential member of a board of peace which the US president intended to chair. Blairs institute contributed ideas to the 20-point peace plan and he was said to be seeking an influential role.

Yet reports suggest Blair has been dropped quietly after objections from Arab and Muslim governments. His association with the 2003 invasion of Iraq and his mixed reputation as the Quartets Middle East envoy made his appointment contentious. Trump acknowledged in October that he needed to determine whether Blair was acceptable to all sides. Although American and Israeli officials still view him favourably, an ally has confirmed that Blair will not sit on the board, which is expected to be composed of serving leaders. His withdrawal highlights the disorder in Washingtons attempts to secure commitments for the proposed peacekeeping force and adds another complication to a process already strained by disagreements over the yellow line.
US President Donald Trump has warned of new tariffs on agricultural imports, saying that countries like India should not be "dumping" rice into the United States market.

Trump made the announcement on Monday during a White House roundtable with representatives of the farming and agriculture sector as well as key members of his cabinet.

The President unveiled USD 12 billion in fresh support for American farmers.

During the meeting, one of the representatives told Trump that rice producers in the southern part of the country were "really struggling and that other nations, especially India and Thailand, were "dumping" rice into the US.

"They shouldn't be dumping," Trump said. "I mean, I heard that, I heard that from others. You can't do that."

#WATCH | US President Donald Trump asks the United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, "Why is India allowed to do that ("dumping rice into the US")? They have to pay tariffs. Do they have an exemption on rice?"



United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent pic.twitter.com/75tKFYt37G  ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2025

The President further noted that the issue is very easy to settle with tariffs.

Will get it solved very quickly. We just need the countries. Just give us the names of the countries. Tariffs, again. It solves the problem in two minutes," Trump said.

India exported about 2.34 lakh tonnes of rice to the US in the 2024 fiscal, less than 5 per cent of its total global basmati rice exports of 52.4 lakh tonnes.

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), West Asia remains the dominant destination for Indian rice.

Trumps new tariff threat comes months after the US administration imposed a 50 per cent duty on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent punitive tariff over Indias purchase of cheap Russian oil.

Meanwhile, the trade discussions between New Delhi and Washington are still going on, though no major breakthrough has been achieved yet. A US delegation is expected to visit India this week for the next round of negotiations.
Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang delivers a speech at a forum titled "China-Egypt Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Amid Global Changes: Toward Higher-Level Innovation and Development" held in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 8, 2025. Egypt and China held the high-level forum here Monday to discuss further cooperation in innovation and development within the framework of their comprehensive strategic partnership. (Xinhua/Xin Mengchen)

CAIRO, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Egypt and China held a high-level forum here Monday to discuss further cooperation in innovation and development within the framework of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The forum, titled "China-Egypt Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Amid Global Changes: Toward Higher-Level Innovation and Development" and co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Egypt and the Egyptian Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC), gathered officials, experts, scholars and business leaders from both countries.

The next five years will be crucial for China to consolidate the foundation for modernization goals, while Egypt enters the final stretch of implementing its Vision 2030 strategy, said Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang in a speech.

China is ready to work with Egypt to advance modernization together and push bilateral ties toward building a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era, he said.

For his part, IDSC Chairman Osama El-Gohary said that China's medium and long-term development plans, centered on high quality, innovation, green transformation and opening-up, strongly align with Egypt's national priorities under the country's Vision 2030.

This provides practical opportunities for deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, implementing joint development projects, and strengthening Egypt's economic power, said El-Gohary.

Ghada Labib, Egyptian deputy minister of communications and information technology, noted that joint ICT projects between Egypt and China have lasted and expanded to optical-fiber and mobile-phone manufacturing, data centers, cloud computing and artificial intelligence system development.

The forum provides an important platform for dialogue and exchanges of experience, and helps to explore new prospects for cooperation, she said. 
Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) declared that its board has authorized a share buyback plan on Monday, December 8th, RTT News reports. The company plans to repurchase $500.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the real estate investment trust to reacquire up to 6.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Down 1.1%

ARE stock traded down $0.52 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $44.96. 5,996,227 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,784,667. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.24 and a current ratio of 0.24. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a 1-year low of $44.10 and a 1-year high of $107.19. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $62.80 and its 200 day simple moving average is $72.37. The firm has a market cap of $7.77 billion, a P/E ratio of -18.20, a P/E/G ratio of 3.91 and a beta of 1.32.

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Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.22 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.31 by ($0.09). Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a negative net margin of 13.43% and a negative return on equity of 1.89%. The company had revenue of $751.94 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $752.90 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.37 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 5.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.980-9.040 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Alexandria Real Estate Equities will post 9.32 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Cuts Dividend

Analyst Ratings Changes

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.72 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.4%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -213.77%.

A number of brokerages recently commented on ARE. Citizens Jmp cut Alexandria Real Estate Equities from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. BMO Capital Markets set a $60.00 target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research report on Thursday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $95.00 to $65.00 in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Evercore ISI reduced their price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $72.00 to $64.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Robert W. Baird decreased their price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $73.00 to $67.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $72.43.

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About Alexandria Real Estate Equities

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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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Shares of Ceconomy AG (OTCMKTS:MTGGY  Get Free Report) shot up 1.3% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $6.00 and last traded at $6.00. 1,500 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 36% from the average session volume of 1,103 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.9201.

Ceconomy Stock Performance

The stocks 50-day moving average is $6.00 and its two-hundred day moving average is $6.00.

Ceconomy Company Profile

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Ceconomy AG engages in the consumer electronics retail business. The company operates approximately 850 stores in 14 countries under the MediaMarkt brand; and approximately 170 stores in 3 countries under the Saturn brand. It also operates Flip4New for selling used electronic articles online. In addition, the company offers professional assistance for the installation, connection, and troubleshooting of electronic devices at home under the Deutsche Technikberatung brand.

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Chow Tai Fook (OTCMKTS:CJEWY  Get Free Report) fell 5.3% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $18.00 and last traded at $18.00. 506 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 623% from the average session volume of 70 shares. The stock had previously closed at $19.00.

Chow Tai Fook Price Performance

The stock has a 50-day moving average of $18.94 and a 200 day moving average of $18.09.

Chow Tai Fook Company Profile

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Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited, an investment holding company, manufactures and sells jewelry products in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Cambodia, Canada, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. The company offers gem-set, platinum and k-gold jewelry, and gold jewelry and products under the CHOW TAI FOOK, HEARTS ON FIRE, ENZO, MONOLOGUE, and SOINLOVE brands.

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iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF (NYSEARCA:EPU  Get Free Report)s share price dropped 0.7% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $66.20 and last traded at $66.53. Approximately 43,665 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 4% from the average daily volume of 41,984 shares. The stock had previously closed at $67.03.

iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF Trading Down 0.7%

The stocks fifty day moving average price is $62.65 and its 200 day moving average price is $55.24. The stock has a market cap of $259.47 million, a P/E ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.76.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Innealta Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF during the third quarter valued at approximately $355,000. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF by 47.1% during the 3rd quarter. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. now owns 20,600 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,267,000 after buying an additional 6,600 shares in the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF during the second quarter valued at $857,000. Finally, Fifth Third Securities Inc. bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF in the second quarter worth $1,408,000.

iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF Company Profile

The iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI All Peru Capped index, a market-cap-weighted index of Peruvian firms. EPU was launched on Jun 19, 2009 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Shares of Singapore Airlines Limited (OTCMKTS:SINGY  Get Free Report) fell 1.5% on Monday . The company traded as low as $9.56 and last traded at $9.64. 46,500 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 35% from the average session volume of 34,324 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.79.

Singapore Airlines Price Performance

The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $10.05 and a 200-day simple moving average of $10.44.

Singapore Airlines Company Profile

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Singapore Airlines Limited, together with subsidiaries, provides passenger and cargo air transportation services under the Singapore Airlines and Scoot brands in East Asia, the Americas, Europe, Southwest Pacific, West Asia, and Africa. It operates through The Full-Service Carrier, The Low-Cost Carrier, and Engineering Services segments.

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iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:JPMV  Get Free Report) traded up 0% on Monday . The stock traded as high as $60.40 and last traded at $60.38. 28,200 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 145% from the average session volume of 11,523 shares. The stock had previously closed at $60.35.

iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Japan ETF Trading Up 0.0%

The firms fifty day moving average price is $60.38 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $60.38.

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Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE:GWRE  Free Report)  Zacks Research increased their FY2026 earnings per share estimates for Guidewire Software in a research note issued on Wednesday, December 3rd. Zacks Research analyst Team now expects that the technology company will post earnings per share of $1.14 for the year, up from their prior forecast of $1.13. Zacks Research has a Hold rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Guidewire Softwares current full-year earnings is $0.52 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Guidewire Softwares Q4 2026 earnings at $0.45 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $0.49 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $0.38 EPS and Q1 2028 earnings at $0.81 EPS.

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Guidewire Software (NYSE:GWRE  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The technology company reported $0.66 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.66. The firm had revenue of $332.64 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $316.62 million. Guidewire Software had a net margin of 7.23% and a return on equity of 10.15%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 26.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.43 EPS.

A number of other brokerages also recently issued reports on GWRE. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on Guidewire Software from $270.00 to $288.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, September 5th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on Guidewire Software from $290.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, September 5th. Oppenheimer raised their price target on shares of Guidewire Software from $275.00 to $300.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, September 5th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on shares of Guidewire Software from $270.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 5th. Finally, Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Guidewire Software from $242.00 to $245.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $272.25.

Get Our Latest Analysis on GWRE

Guidewire Software Stock Down 5.0%

NYSE:GWRE opened at $200.10 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 3.48 and a current ratio of 3.48. The firm has a market cap of $17.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 190.57, a P/E/G ratio of 12.94 and a beta of 1.08. Guidewire Software has a fifty-two week low of $165.08 and a fifty-two week high of $272.60. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $227.61 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $229.10.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Guidewire Software news, President John P. Mullen sold 3,000 shares of Guidewire Software stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $213.44, for a total value of $640,320.00. Following the sale, the president directly owned 149,958 shares in the company, valued at approximately $32,007,035.52. The trade was a 1.96% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Michael George Rosenbaum sold 1,400 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $210.87, for a total value of $295,218.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 248,158 shares in the company, valued at $52,329,077.46. This represents a 0.56% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last quarter, insiders sold 112,342 shares of company stock worth $27,043,386. Corporate insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in GWRE. Allworth Financial LP boosted its stake in shares of Guidewire Software by 56.0% during the 3rd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,137 shares of the technology companys stock worth $261,000 after purchasing an additional 408 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Inc lifted its stake in Guidewire Software by 4.6% in the third quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 1,104 shares of the technology companys stock worth $254,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd lifted its stake in Guidewire Software by 78.9% in the third quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd now owns 3,700 shares of the technology companys stock worth $850,000 after purchasing an additional 1,632 shares during the last quarter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. purchased a new position in shares of Guidewire Software during the third quarter valued at approximately $265,000. Finally, CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Guidewire Software by 5.4% during the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 189,033 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $43,451,000 after buying an additional 9,747 shares during the last quarter.

Guidewire Software Company Profile

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Guidewire Software, Inc provides a platform for property and casualty (P&C) insurers worldwide. The company offers Guidewire InsuranceSuite Cloud, such as PolicyCenter Cloud, BillingCenter Cloud, and ClaimCenter Cloud applications. It also provides Guidewire InsuranceNow, a cloud-based platform that offers policy, billing, and claims management functionality to insurers; and Guidewire InsuranceSuite for Self-Managed.

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Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Quaker Houghton (NYSE:KWR  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Saturday.

Several other brokerages have also commented on KWR. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Quaker Houghton from $149.00 to $171.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d) rating on shares of Quaker Houghton in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Quaker Houghton in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Quaker Houghton from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Quaker Houghton presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $152.33.

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Quaker Houghton Price Performance

NYSE:KWR opened at $132.58 on Friday. Quaker Houghton has a 52 week low of $95.91 and a 52 week high of $161.46. The stocks fifty day moving average is $133.16 and its two-hundred day moving average is $128.57. The company has a market capitalization of $2.30 billion, a P/E ratio of -270.56, a P/E/G ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a quick ratio of 1.77, a current ratio of 2.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61.

Quaker Houghton (NYSE:KWR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.94 by $0.14. Quaker Houghton had a positive return on equity of 8.64% and a negative net margin of 0.48%.The firm had revenue of $493.84 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $475.06 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.89 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Quaker Houghton will post 7.75 EPS for the current year.

Quaker Houghton Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Investors of record on Friday, January 16th will be given a $0.508 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 16th. This represents a $2.03 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.5%. Quaker Houghtons payout ratio is -414.29%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Quaker Houghton

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Advantage Alpha Capital Partners LP lifted its stake in Quaker Houghton by 21.3% in the second quarter. Advantage Alpha Capital Partners LP now owns 46,853 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $5,245,000 after buying an additional 8,215 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its holdings in shares of Quaker Houghton by 151.2% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 912 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $102,000 after acquiring an additional 549 shares during the period. Ceredex Value Advisors LLC raised its position in Quaker Houghton by 10.7% in the 2nd quarter. Ceredex Value Advisors LLC now owns 113,200 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $12,672,000 after purchasing an additional 10,950 shares during the last quarter. Nordwand Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Quaker Houghton in the 2nd quarter valued at $280,000. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP acquired a new stake in Quaker Houghton during the 1st quarter worth $23,190,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.46% of the companys stock.

Quaker Houghton Company Profile

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Quaker Chemical Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, produces, and markets various formulated specialty chemical products for a range of heavy industrial and manufacturing applications in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It offers metal removal fluids, cleaning fluids, corrosion inhibitors, metal drawing and forming fluids, die-cast mold releases, heat treatment and quenchants, metal forging fluids, hydraulic fluids, specialty greases, offshore sub-sea energy control fluids, rolling lubricants, rod and wire drawing fluids, and surface treatment chemicals.

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Wall Street Zen lowered shares of N-able (NYSE:NABL  Free Report) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report released on Saturday.

NABL has been the topic of several other research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price target on N-able from $9.00 to $10.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of N-able in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Scotiabank restated a sector perform rating and set a $8.75 price target (up previously from $8.30) on shares of N-able in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, N-able currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $9.31.

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N-able Stock Performance

Shares of N-able stock opened at $7.57 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $7.67 and its 200-day simple moving average is $7.88. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -252.20 and a beta of 0.62. N-able has a 12 month low of $6.07 and a 12 month high of $10.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 1.27 and a quick ratio of 1.27.

N-able (NYSE:NABL  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.09 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $131.71 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $127.48 million. N-able had a negative net margin of 1.31% and a positive return on equity of 4.17%. N-ables revenue for the quarter was up 13.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.13 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that N-able will post 0.27 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On N-able

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its position in N-able by 10.2% during the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 51,351 shares of the companys stock worth $364,000 after acquiring an additional 4,770 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of N-able by 241.4% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 4,162 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 2,943 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of N-able by 5.2% during the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 635,171 shares of the companys stock worth $4,503,000 after purchasing an additional 31,311 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of N-able by 9.9% during the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 531,722 shares of the companys stock worth $3,770,000 after purchasing an additional 48,059 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in shares of N-able in the first quarter valued at $1,508,000. 96.35% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About N-able

(Get Free Report)

N-able, Inc provides cloud-based software solutions for managed service providers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company's solutions enable MSPs to support digital transformation and growth within small and medium-sized enterprises. It provides software platform designed to be an integrated, enterprise-grade solution that serves as an operating system for its MSP partners and scales as their businesses grow.

Further Reading

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MANILA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Air Niugini Limited (Air Niugini) have signed a 35.8-million-U.S.-dollar financing package to help modernize Papua New Guinea's (PNG) national airline's fleet, improving its efficiency and further raising safety standards, the multilateral lender said on Tuesday.

According to the bank, this initiative will enhance PNG's domestic and international connectivity and contribute to the island nation's social and economic growth.

The package includes a 19-million-dollar loan from ADB's capital resources and a 16.8-million-dollar loan administered by ADB from the Leading Asia's Private Sector Infrastructure Fund 2.

The funds will finance the purchase of six Airbus A220-100 aircraft, replacing older models with more reliable, fuel-efficient planes.

Air travel is crucial to PNG's economy, as the country's challenging terrain limits land transport options, said the bank, adding Air Niugini plays a central role in connecting communities both domestically and internationally.

Founded in 1973, Air Niugini is PNG's national airline and a wholly state-owned enterprise, operating an extensive domestic network and international routes to Australia, Asia, and the Pacific. 
FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX  Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the twenty-eight brokerages that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eleven have given a hold recommendation, fifteen have assigned a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $280.2917.

Several research analysts have issued reports on FDX shares. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of FedEx from $275.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 19th. Bank of America increased their target price on shares of FedEx from $270.00 to $285.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their price target on FedEx from $247.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. HSBC upped their price objective on FedEx from $230.00 to $235.00 in a research note on Friday, September 19th. Finally, Evercore ISI lowered their target price on FedEx from $243.00 to $239.00 in a research note on Friday, September 19th.

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FedEx Stock Up 0.7%

Shares of NYSE FDX opened at $276.31 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $254.38 and a 200 day moving average price of $237.42. The stock has a market cap of $65.20 billion, a PE ratio of 16.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a quick ratio of 1.21, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. FedEx has a 52-week low of $194.29 and a 52-week high of $295.24.

FedEx (NYSE:FDX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, September 18th. The shipping service provider reported $3.83 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.71 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $22.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.74 billion. FedEx had a return on equity of 16.33% and a net margin of 4.65%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $3.60 earnings per share. FedEx has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.200-19.000 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that FedEx will post 19.14 earnings per share for the current year.

FedEx Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a $1.45 dividend. This represents a $5.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. FedExs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 33.86%.

Institutional Trading of FedEx

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in FedEx in the third quarter valued at about $27,000. NewSquare Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of FedEx by 121.8% during the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 122 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 67 shares in the last quarter. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of FedEx in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Wealth Watch Advisors INC purchased a new stake in shares of FedEx in the third quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Finally, Ameriflex Group Inc. grew its holdings in FedEx by 103.3% during the third quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 124 shares of the shipping service providers stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.47% of the companys stock.

About FedEx

(Get Free Report)

FedEx Corporation provides transportation, e-commerce, and business services in the United States and internationally. It operates through FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, and FedEx Services segments. The FedEx Express segment offers express transportation, small-package ground delivery, and freight transportation services; and time-critical transportation services.

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Gabelli Funds LLC trimmed its position in shares of Grupo Televisa S.A. (NYSE:TV  Free Report) by 6.8% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 6,610,600 shares of the companys stock after selling 480,000 shares during the quarter. Gabelli Funds LLCs holdings in Grupo Televisa were worth $14,477,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of TV. Assetmark Inc. purchased a new position in Grupo Televisa during the 2nd quarter valued at about $34,000. Vident Advisory LLC increased its stake in shares of Grupo Televisa by 114.8% during the first quarter. Vident Advisory LLC now owns 28,762 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after buying an additional 15,374 shares during the period. XTX Topco Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Grupo Televisa by 264.9% during the first quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 43,728 shares of the companys stock valued at $77,000 after acquiring an additional 31,746 shares in the last quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. lifted its stake in Grupo Televisa by 100.0% in the first quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 49,000 shares of the companys stock worth $86,000 after acquiring an additional 24,500 shares during the period. Finally, Invesco Ltd. bought a new stake in Grupo Televisa in the first quarter valued at $96,000. 55.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Grupo Televisa Stock Up 0.9%

Shares of NYSE:TV opened at $2.71 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 2.31, a quick ratio of 2.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $2.65 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2.49. Grupo Televisa S.A. has a 12-month low of $1.55 and a 12-month high of $3.10. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.68 and a beta of 1.96.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Grupo Televisa ( NYSE:TV Get Free Report ) last issued 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 the consensus estimate of $14.66 billion. Grupo Televisa had a negative net margin of 18.27% and a negative return on equity of 9.49%. On average, research analysts anticipate that Grupo Televisa S.A. will post -0.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

TV has been the subject of several research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Grupo Televisa from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 27th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Grupo Televisa from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. Benchmark lifted their price objective on Grupo Televisa from $9.00 to $10.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Grupo Televisa in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, UBS Group restated a buy rating on shares of Grupo Televisa in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $5.07.

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Grupo Televisa Profile

(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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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:RNR  Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Hold by the seventeen brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eleven have issued a hold recommendation and five have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $285.9231.

A number of analysts recently issued reports on RNR shares. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on RenaissanceRe from $278.00 to $285.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on RenaissanceRe in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. They set a sell rating and a $256.00 price target on the stock. Barclays set a $278.00 price objective on RenaissanceRe in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Cowen reissued a hold rating on shares of RenaissanceRe in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of RenaissanceRe from $280.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 17th.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On RenaissanceRe

RenaissanceRe Stock Performance

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Capital World Investors lifted its position in shares of RenaissanceRe by 0.3% in the third quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 2,649,518 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $672,792,000 after buying an additional 7,839 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its stake in RenaissanceRe by 37.2% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 2,496,035 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $599,049,000 after acquiring an additional 676,125 shares during the period. Boston Partners lifted its holdings in RenaissanceRe by 4.6% during the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 2,106,207 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $505,509,000 after purchasing an additional 92,825 shares during the last quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc lifted its holdings in RenaissanceRe by 11.2% during the 2nd quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 1,220,038 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $295,494,000 after purchasing an additional 122,732 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in RenaissanceRe by 4.8% during the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,001,410 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $254,273,000 after purchasing an additional 45,936 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 99.97% of the companys stock.

Shares of RNR opened at $263.87 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.33, a PEG ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.26. RenaissanceRe has a 12 month low of $219.00 and a 12 month high of $280.53. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $258.70 and a 200 day simple moving average of $248.38. The company has a current ratio of 1.40, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21.

RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The insurance provider reported $15.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $9.49 by $6.13. RenaissanceRe had a net margin of 14.23% and a return on equity of 16.83%. The firm had revenue of $3.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.97 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $10.23 EPS. The companys revenue was down 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts forecast that RenaissanceRe will post 26.04 EPS for the current fiscal year.

RenaissanceRe Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. RenaissanceRes payout ratio is currently 4.45%.

About RenaissanceRe

(Get Free Report)

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Property, and Casualty and Specialty segments. The Property segment writes property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance and excess of loss reinsurance to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made catastrophes, including hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, as well as winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, windstorms, tornadoes, explosions, and acts of terrorism; and other property class of products, such as proportional reinsurance, property per risk, property reinsurance, binding facilities, and regional U.S.

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Fayez Sarofim & Co increased its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 7.9% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 10,676,908 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 782,536 shares during the period. Philip Morris International makes up about 4.7% of Fayez Sarofim & Cos holdings, making the stock its 3rd biggest holding. Fayez Sarofim & Co owned approximately 0.69% of Philip Morris International worth $1,944,585,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC bought a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Traub Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Abound Wealth Management boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 566.7% during the 2nd quarter. Abound Wealth Management now owns 160 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 136 shares during the period. Kelly Lawrence W & Associates Inc. CA bought a new position in Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Finally, Briaud Financial Planning Inc increased its stake in Philip Morris International by 266.7% in the 2nd quarter. Briaud Financial Planning Inc now owns 165 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Philip Morris International Trading Up 0.4%

Shares of Philip Morris International stock opened at $148.46 on Tuesday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12-month low of $116.12 and a 12-month high of $186.69. The company has a market cap of $231.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.90, a PEG ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 0.42. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $154.21 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $165.94.

Philip Morris International Increases Dividend

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.33% and a negative return on equity of 122.14%. The firm had revenue of $8.12 billion during the quarter. Analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were issued a dividend of $1.47 per share. This is a positive change from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 3rd. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.0%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 106.52%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

PM has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Philip Morris International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $180.00 price target on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $177.00 to $166.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 5th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently 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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New York State Common Retirement Fund lowered its stake in shares of BILL Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BILL  Free Report) by 79.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 44,640 shares of the companys stock after selling 168,685 shares during the quarter. New York State Common Retirement Funds holdings in BILL were worth $2,065,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Quarry LP grew its holdings in shares of BILL by 85.9% during the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 766 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 354 shares during the period. Brooklyn Investment Group boosted its position in shares of BILL by 73.6% during the first quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 889 shares of the companys stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 377 shares in the last quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System grew its stake in BILL by 1.8% in the second quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 22,800 shares of the companys stock worth $1,055,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares during the period. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System raised its holdings in BILL by 0.5% in the second quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 101,302 shares of the companys stock worth $4,686,000 after purchasing an additional 470 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Asset Management One Co. Ltd. lifted its position in BILL by 22.1% during the second quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 2,690 shares of the companys stock valued at $124,000 after buying an additional 487 shares during the period. 97.99% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

BILL has been the topic of a number of research reports. Canaccord Genuity Group restated a buy rating and set a $75.00 target price on shares of BILL in a report on Thursday, August 28th. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on shares of BILL from $50.00 to $48.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 28th. UBS Group cut their price objective on shares of BILL from $65.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 7th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of BILL from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Susquehanna dropped their price target on BILL from $89.00 to $84.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, BILL has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $58.86.

BILL Stock Up 1.8%

BILL stock opened at $54.41 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.45 billion, a P/E ratio of -201.50, a P/E/G ratio of 7.54 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 1.67 and a quick ratio of 1.67. BILL Holdings, Inc. has a 1-year low of $36.55 and a 1-year high of $100.19. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $50.25 and a 200-day moving average price of $47.34.

BILL (NYSE:BILL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.61 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.51 by $0.10. BILL had a return on equity of 1.39% and a net margin of 0.79%.The company had revenue of $395.74 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $390.91 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.63 EPS. BILLs revenue for the quarter was up 10.4% on a year-over-year basis. BILL has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.110-2.250 EPS and its Q2 2026 guidance at 0.540-0.570 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that BILL Holdings, Inc. will post 0.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

BILL announced that its board has approved a share repurchase program on Wednesday, August 27th that authorizes the company to repurchase $300.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the company to buy up to 7.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are generally an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Insider Activity at BILL

In other news, SVP Germaine Cota sold 1,104 shares of BILL stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.23, for a total value of $56,557.92. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 10,812 shares in the company, valued at $553,898.76. The trade was a 9.26% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 13.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

BILL Profile

(Free Report)

BILL Holdings, Inc provides financial automation software for small and midsize businesses worldwide. The company provides software-as-a-service, cloud-based payments, and spend management products, which allow users to automate accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions, as well as enable users to connect with their suppliers and/or customers to do business, eliminate expense reports, manage cash flows, and improve office efficiency.

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John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE:BTO  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 11th will be paid a dividend of 0.65 per share by the financial services provider on Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.4%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 11th.

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Trading Down 0.2%

Shares of NYSE BTO opened at $35.23 on Tuesday. John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund has a fifty-two week low of $27.73 and a fifty-two week high of $39.35. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $34.25 and its 200-day moving average price is $35.09.

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About John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund

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John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. It is co-managed by John Hancock Asset Management. The fund invests in the public equity markets across the globe. It seeks to invest in the stocks of companies operating across the financial services sector.

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Gamco Investors INC. ET AL lowered its position in shares of Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA  Free Report) by 78.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 82,700 shares of the energy companys stock after selling 300,300 shares during the period. Gamco Investors INC. ET ALs holdings in Ormat Technologies were worth $6,927,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in Ormat Technologies by 9.8% during the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,609 shares of the energy companys stock worth $135,000 after acquiring an additional 144 shares during the period. Creative Planning boosted its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 13,526 shares of the energy companys stock worth $1,133,000 after purchasing an additional 159 shares during the period. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 20.3% in the 2nd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,059 shares of the energy companys stock worth $89,000 after acquiring an additional 179 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Ormat Technologies by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 25,166 shares of the energy companys stock worth $2,108,000 after acquiring an additional 193 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its stake in Ormat Technologies by 30.7% in the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 1,072 shares of the energy companys stock worth $76,000 after buying an additional 252 shares during the period. 95.49% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Ormat Technologies Trading Down 2.2%

Shares of Ormat Technologies stock opened at $110.14 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day moving average is $108.29 and its two-hundred day moving average is $94.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 0.77. The company has a market capitalization of $6.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 50.52, a PEG ratio of 5.09 and a beta of 0.74. Ormat Technologies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $61.58 and a 1 year high of $115.72.

Ormat Technologies Announces Dividend

Ormat Technologies ( NYSE:ORA Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The energy company reported $0.41 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.37 by $0.04. Ormat Technologies had a net margin of 14.12% and a return on equity of 5.35%. The business had revenue of $249.73 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $235.03 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.36 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 17.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts forecast that Ormat Technologies, Inc. will post 1.94 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th were issued a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.4%. Ormat Technologiess payout ratio is 22.02%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Piper Sandler upgraded Ormat Technologies from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price target for the company from $90.00 to $102.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 17th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $125.00 target price on shares of Ormat Technologies in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Oppenheimer reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $125.00 target price on shares of Ormat Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Ormat Technologies in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Ormat Technologies from $99.00 to $111.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $116.00.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Ormat Technologies news, CEO Doron Blachar sold 14,994 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.71, for a total transaction of $1,420,081.74. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 35,419 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,354,533.49. The trade was a 29.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Ravit Barniv sold 1,753 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.54, for a total transaction of $197,282.62. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 72,418 shares of company stock worth $7,580,300 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 0.56% of the companys stock.

About Ormat Technologies

(Free Report)

Ormat Technologies, Inc engages in the geothermal and recovered energy power business in the United States, Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey, Chile, Guatemala, Guadeloupe, New Zealand, Honduras, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Electricity, Product, and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment develops, builds, owns, and operates geothermal, solar photovoltaic, and recovered energy-based power plants; and sells electricity.

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PIMCO Strategic Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE:RCS  Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 11th will be paid a dividend of 0.04 per share by the investment management company on Friday, January 2nd. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.1%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 11th.

PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Trading Up 1.8%

Shares of RCS opened at $6.76 on Tuesday. PIMCO Strategic Income Fund has a 52-week low of $5.25 and a 52-week high of $8.06. The businesss fifty day moving average is $7.11 and its 200-day moving average is $7.07.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Comerica Bank grew its holdings in shares of PIMCO Strategic Income Fund by 959.0% during the 1st quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 5,295 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 4,795 shares during the last quarter. Ieq Capital LLC acquired a new stake in PIMCO Strategic Income Fund in the first quarter valued at approximately $63,000. StoneX Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of PIMCO Strategic Income Fund during the second quarter worth $72,000. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC bought a new stake in shares of PIMCO Strategic Income Fund during the second quarter worth $80,000. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP acquired a new position in shares of PIMCO Strategic Income Fund during the second quarter worth $85,000. Institutional investors own 13.48% of the companys stock.

PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Company Profile

PIMCO Strategic Global Government Fund, Inc is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC. The fund is co-managed by Pacific Investment Management Company LLC. It invests in fixed income markets across the globe. The fund primarily invests in government securities, including bonds issued or guaranteed by the United States or foreign governments, by their agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, or by supranational entities.

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State Street Corp grew its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 0.9% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 78,354,270 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after buying an additional 689,517 shares during the quarter. State Street Corp owned 4.50% of Abbott Laboratories worth $10,656,964,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. IMG Wealth Management Inc. grew its holdings 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 valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. Elequin Capital LP purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC grew its stake 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 worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. Curio Wealth LLC increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 15,250.0% during the second quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 307 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $42,000 after acquiring an additional 305 shares during the period. Finally, Pineridge Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 34.6% in the second quarter. Pineridge Advisors LLC now owns 315 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 81 shares during the period. 75.18% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on ABT shares. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $153.00 to $157.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $159.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $142.00 to $146.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $147.00.

Abbott Laboratories Trading Down 2.6%

Shares of Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $121.88 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $128.31 and a 200-day simple moving average of $130.72. The stock has a market cap of $211.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.27, a PEG ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.71. Abbott Laboratories has a 12-month low of $110.86 and a 12-month high of $141.23.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.30. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.88% and a return on equity of 17.60%. The firm had revenue of $11.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.40 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.21 earnings per share. Abbott Laboratoriess quarterly revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Abbott Laboratories has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.120-5.180 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, October 15th were given a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 15th. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.9%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.57%.

Abbott Laboratories Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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State Street Corp reduced its holdings in Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL  Free Report) by 0.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 48,581,731 shares of the companys stock after selling 114,500 shares during the quarter. State Street Corp owned 6.01% of Colgate-Palmolive worth $4,416,079,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 8.1% in the second quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 164,288 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,934,000 after buying an additional 12,345 shares during the period. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 149,630 shares of the companys stock worth $13,601,000 after purchasing an additional 1,991 shares in the last quarter. SVB Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Colgate-Palmolive in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,781,000. L2 Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in Colgate-Palmolive by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. L2 Asset Management LLC now owns 3,641 shares of the companys stock valued at $331,000 after acquiring an additional 137 shares during the period. Finally, WINTON GROUP Ltd boosted its position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 7.7% in the second quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd now owns 49,185 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,471,000 after acquiring an additional 3,505 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.41% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada raised Colgate-Palmolive from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $88.00 target price on the stock in a report on Tuesday. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Colgate-Palmolive in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $82.00 to $80.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $86.00 price objective on Colgate-Palmolive in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Bank of America decreased their price target on Colgate-Palmolive from $98.00 to $88.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $89.00.

Colgate-Palmolive Price Performance

NYSE CL opened at $76.11 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.90. The company has a market cap of $61.35 billion, a PE ratio of 21.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.56 and a beta of 0.30. Colgate-Palmolive Company has a 52 week low of $74.54 and a 52 week high of $100.18. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $78.34 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $83.89.

Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.91 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.89 by $0.02. Colgate-Palmolive had a net margin of 14.47% and a return on equity of 333.39%. The company had revenue of $5.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.17 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.91 EPS. Colgate-Palmolives revenue was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Colgate-Palmolive Company will post 3.75 earnings per share for the current year.

Colgate-Palmolive Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 17th were given a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 17th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.7%. Colgate-Palmolives payout ratio is 58.26%.

Colgate-Palmolive Profile

(Free Report)

Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells consumer products in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment offers toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, and other related items.

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BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Argentine Defense Minister Luis Petri submitted his resignation on Monday, effective Dec. 9, before taking his seat in Congress as a national deputy.

The official made his resignation public with an open letter addressed to Argentine President Javier Milei, in which he expressed his gratitude for the honor of serving in his cabinet and the mission of rebuilding the operational capacity of the defense system and modernizing the army forces.

Petri had served as head of the Defense Ministry since Dec. 10, 2023, when Milei assumed the presidency of the South American country.

The outgoing official will be succeeded by the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Lieutenant General Carlos Presti. 
State Street Corp lessened its stake in Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH  Free Report) by 1.1% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,594,879 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 106,465 shares during the quarter. State Street Corp owned about 7.51% of Parker-Hannifin worth $6,701,735,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Parker-Hannifin in the first quarter valued at $27,000. Saudi Central Bank purchased a new position in shares of Parker-Hannifin in the 1st quarter worth about $31,000. Interchange Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Parker-Hannifin in the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd grew its holdings in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 421.4% during the 1st quarter. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd now owns 73 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 59 shares during the period. Finally, Princeton Global Asset Management LLC increased its position in Parker-Hannifin by 56.1% during the 2nd quarter. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC now owns 64 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $45,000 after purchasing an additional 23 shares in the last quarter. 82.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Parker-Hannifin Stock Down 0.1%

Shares of NYSE PH opened at $879.17 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a current ratio of 1.07. Parker-Hannifin Corporation has a 1 year low of $488.45 and a 1 year high of $888.82. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $797.90 and its 200-day simple moving average is $745.49. The firm has a market cap of $110.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.32, a PEG ratio of 3.06 and a beta of 1.25.

Parker-Hannifin Announces Dividend

Parker-Hannifin ( NYSE:PH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $7.22 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.62 by $0.60. Parker-Hannifin had a return on equity of 27.23% and a net margin of 18.17%.The firm had revenue of $5.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.94 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $6.20 EPS. Parker-Hannifins quarterly revenue was up 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. Parker-Hannifin has set its FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Parker-Hannifin Corporation will post 26.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Investors of record on Friday, November 7th were paid a $1.80 dividend. This represents a $7.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. Parker-Hannifins payout ratio is 25.65%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Parker-Hannifin

In other Parker-Hannifin news, VP Berend Bracht sold 3,507 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $864.58, for a total transaction of $3,032,082.06. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 2,580 shares in the company, valued at $2,230,616.40. This represents a 57.61% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, VP Rachid Bendali sold 1,437 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $852.99, for a total transaction of $1,225,746.63. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 2,714 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,315,014.86. This represents a 34.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Corporate insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have weighed in on PH shares. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Parker-Hannifin from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and set a $977.00 target price (up previously from $910.00) on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a report on Friday, November 7th. KeyCorp increased their price target on Parker-Hannifin from $825.00 to $935.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Argus reissued a buy rating and issued a $900.00 price objective on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Robert W. Baird boosted their price objective on Parker-Hannifin from $930.00 to $960.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $883.41.

Read Our Latest Research Report on PH

Parker-Hannifin Company Profile

(Free Report)

Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to ensure purity and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors used in fluid and gas handling; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment.

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Goldentree Asset Management LP purchased a new position in Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:THC  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 179,183 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $31,471,000. Tenet Healthcare makes up about 3.0% of Goldentree Asset Management LPs portfolio, making the stock its 13th biggest holding. Goldentree Asset Management LP owned approximately 0.20% of Tenet Healthcare as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of THC. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in shares of Tenet Healthcare by 6.5% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 7,596,544 shares of the companys stock worth $1,021,736,000 after buying an additional 463,552 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners grew its holdings in Tenet Healthcare by 95.0% during the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 2,267,142 shares of the companys stock worth $398,949,000 after acquiring an additional 1,104,500 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its position in shares of Tenet Healthcare by 348.4% in the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,962,314 shares of the companys stock worth $263,905,000 after purchasing an additional 1,524,642 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of Tenet Healthcare by 12.2% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,675,199 shares of the companys stock worth $225,297,000 after purchasing an additional 181,667 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in Tenet Healthcare in the first quarter valued at about $218,549,000. 95.44% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Barclays lifted their target price on Tenet Healthcare from $229.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Tenet Healthcare from $238.00 to $252.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, November 13th. KeyCorp increased their target price on shares of Tenet Healthcare from $205.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Tenet Healthcare from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Bank of America raised their target price on shares of Tenet Healthcare from $205.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 10th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $230.88.

Insider Activity at Tenet Healthcare

In other news, insider R. Scott Ramsey sold 13,322 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $205.11, for a total value of $2,732,475.42. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Saumya Sutaria sold 78,762 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $190.78, for a total value of $15,026,214.36. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 368,683 shares in the company, valued at approximately $70,337,342.74. The trade was a 17.60% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 122,084 shares of company stock valued at $23,843,196 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.81% of the companys stock.

Tenet Healthcare Stock Performance

Shares of THC stock opened at $206.10 on Tuesday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $203.48 and a 200 day simple moving average of $184.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27, a current ratio of 1.71 and a quick ratio of 1.64. The firm has a market capitalization of $18.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.44. Tenet Healthcare Corporation has a 12-month low of $109.82 and a 12-month high of $222.82.

Tenet Healthcare (NYSE:THC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $3.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.33 by $0.37. Tenet Healthcare had a return on equity of 25.11% and a net margin of 6.49%.The company had revenue of $5.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.26 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.93 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.2% on a year-over-year basis. Tenet Healthcare has set its FY 2025 guidance at 15.930-16.26 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Tenet Healthcare Corporation will post 12.24 EPS for the current year.

About Tenet Healthcare

(Free Report)

Tenet Healthcare Corporation operates as a diversified healthcare services company in the United States. The company operates through two segments: Hospital Operations and Services, and Ambulatory Care. Its general hospitals offer acute care services, operating and recovery rooms, radiology and respiratory therapy services, clinical laboratories, and pharmacies.

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State Street Corp raised its position in Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:COF) by 63.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 27,780,128 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 10,776,843 shares during the quarter. State Street Corps holdings in Capital One Financial were worth $5,910,500,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC grew its holdings in shares of Capital One Financial by 588,668.3% in the second quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 117,447,497 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $24,988,129,000 after purchasing an additional 117,427,549 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Capital One Financial by 74.8% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 56,380,913 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $11,995,603,000 after acquiring an additional 24,129,990 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Capital One Financial in the second quarter worth $1,701,511,000. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Capital One Financial by 64.1% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 14,008,841 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,970,628,000 after acquiring an additional 5,474,328 shares during the period. Finally, Boston Partners acquired a new stake in shares of Capital One Financial in the second quarter valued at $534,777,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.84% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Capital One Financial

In other Capital One Financial news, General Counsel Matthew W. Cooper sold 2,000 shares of Capital One Financial stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $221.54, for a total value of $443,080.00. Following the transaction, the general counsel directly owned 94,486 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,932,428.44. This trade represents a 2.07% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Celia Karam sold 2,936 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $218.15, for a total value of $640,488.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 63,433 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,837,908.95. The trade was a 4.42% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 280,218 shares of company stock worth $62,395,804 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 1.26% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

COF has been the subject of several analyst reports. BTIG Research reissued a buy rating and set a $264.00 target price on shares of Capital One Financial in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Robert W. Baird upped their target price on shares of Capital One Financial from $245.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. TD Cowen raised their target price on shares of Capital One Financial from $258.00 to $261.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Capital One Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, September 26th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on Capital One Financial from $266.00 to $276.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $262.05.

View Our Latest Analysis on COF

Capital One Financial Price Performance

COF stock opened at $230.32 on Tuesday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $215.96 and a 200-day simple moving average of $213.90. Capital One Financial Corporation has a twelve month low of $143.22 and a twelve month high of $233.04. The company has a market capitalization of $146.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 97.18, a PEG ratio of 0.55 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45.

Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The financial services provider reported $5.95 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $15.46 billion during the quarter. Capital One Financial had a net margin of 2.24% and a return on equity of 10.94%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Capital One Financial Corporation will post 15.65 EPS for the current year.

Capital One Financial Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were given a $0.80 dividend. This is a boost from Capital One Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.60. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.4%. Capital One Financials payout ratio is presently 135.02%.

Capital One Financial Profile

(Free Report)

Capital One Financial Corporation operates as the financial services holding company for the Capital One, National Association, which engages in the provision of various financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Credit Card, Consumer Banking, and Commercial Banking.

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iSAM Funds UK Ltd increased its stake in nVent Electric PLC (NYSE:NVT  Free Report) by 105.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 22,799 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 11,697 shares during the quarter. iSAM Funds UK Ltds holdings in nVent Electric were worth $1,670,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in NVT. Trust Co. of Vermont increased its holdings in nVent Electric by 57.8% in the second quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 434 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 159 shares in the last quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of nVent Electric by 222.2% in the 2nd quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 435 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the period. True Wealth Design LLC grew its holdings in shares of nVent Electric by 1,202.9% in the 2nd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 443 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 409 shares during the period. SVB Wealth LLC purchased a new position in nVent Electric in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Finally, American National Bank & Trust acquired a new position in nVent Electric during the second quarter worth $46,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.05% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In related news, Director Greg Scheu sold 5,591 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $104.04, for a total transaction of $581,687.64. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 14,348 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,492,765.92. This represents a 28.04% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Sara E. Zawoyski sold 115,557 shares of nVent Electric stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.78, for a total value of $13,032,518.46. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 66,680 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,520,170.40. This trade represents a 63.41% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 163,228 shares of company stock valued at $18,345,001 in the last three months. Company insiders own 2.50% of the companys stock.

nVent Electric Price Performance

nVent Electric stock opened at $107.12 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $17.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.51, a P/E/G ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 1.32. nVent Electric PLC has a 12-month low of $41.71 and a 12-month high of $117.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 1.57 and a quick ratio of 1.11. The firms 50-day moving average is $104.02 and its two-hundred day moving average is $89.31.

nVent Electric (NYSE:NVT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.88 by $0.03. nVent Electric had a net margin of 16.83% and a return on equity of 14.29%. The business had revenue of $1.05 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.01 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.63 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 34.8% compared to the same quarter last year. nVent Electric has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.870-0.890 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 3.310-3.330 EPS. Equities analysts predict that nVent Electric PLC will post 3.04 earnings per share for the current year.

nVent Electric Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 7th. Investors of record on Friday, October 17th were paid a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 17th. nVent Electrics dividend payout ratio is presently 22.04%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have commented on NVT. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on nVent Electric from $117.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of nVent Electric from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. Roth Capital restated a buy rating and set a $130.00 target price (up previously from $115.00) on shares of nVent Electric in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. UBS Group began coverage on shares of nVent Electric in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. They issued a buy rating and a $128.00 price target on the stock. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised 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. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and nine have issued a Buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, nVent Electric currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $123.25.

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About nVent Electric

(Free Report)

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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State Street Corp trimmed its holdings in Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC  Free Report) by 0.2% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 21,441,578 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 48,901 shares during the period. State Street Corp owned 4.36% of Marsh & McLennan Companies worth $4,687,987,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. London & Capital Asset Management Ltd raised its stake in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 390.6% during the 2nd quarter. London & Capital Asset Management Ltd now owns 148,069 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,375,000 after acquiring an additional 117,886 shares during the last quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 5.6% in the second quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 74,523 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $16,294,000 after purchasing an additional 3,951 shares during the period. SVB Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies during the second quarter worth $6,853,000. L2 Asset Management LLC grew its position in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 6.2% in the 2nd quarter. L2 Asset Management LLC now owns 2,207 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $483,000 after buying an additional 128 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Temasek Holdings Private Ltd purchased a new position in Marsh & McLennan Companies during the 2nd quarter worth $31,343,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.99% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from a sell rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the stock from $200.00 to $195.00 in a report on Monday, October 20th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies in a report on Friday, October 31st. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised Marsh & McLennan Companies from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $209.00 to $191.00 in a report on Friday, October 17th. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $220.00 to $215.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Evercore ISI lowered their price target on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $243.00 to $237.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $223.00.

Insider Activity at Marsh & McLennan Companies

In related news, CEO John Q. Doyle sold 21,079 shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $182.22, for a total transaction of $3,841,015.38. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 87,681 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,977,231.82. This trade represents a 19.38% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.35% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Price Performance

Marsh & McLennan Companies stock opened at $181.38 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $187.54 and its 200 day simple moving average is $202.64. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $174.18 and a 52 week high of $248.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $88.86 billion, a PE ratio of 21.75, a P/E/G ratio of 3.12 and a beta of 0.75.

Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE:MMC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.78 by $0.07. Marsh & McLennan Companies had a net margin of 15.60% and a return on equity of 31.79%. The company had revenue of $6.35 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.34 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.63 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 11.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts predict that Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. will post 9.61 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 2nd were issued a dividend of $0.90 per share. This represents a $3.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 2nd. Marsh & McLennan Companiess dividend payout ratio is 43.17%.

Marsh & McLennan Companies Profile

(Free Report)

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc is a professional services firm, which engages in offering clients advice and solutions in risk, strategy, and people. It operates through the Risk and Insurance Services, and Consulting segments. The Risk and Insurance Services segment is involved in risk management activities, as well as insurance and reinsurance broking and services.

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Investors Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych Spolka Akcyjna purchased a new position in shares of Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE:VMC  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 9,305 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $2,427,000. Vulcan Materials makes up 1.0% of Investors Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych Spolka Akcyjnas portfolio, making the stock its 28th biggest position.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in VMC. Brighton Jones LLC acquired a new position in shares of Vulcan Materials during the 4th quarter worth about $497,000. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. grew its stake in Vulcan Materials by 7.8% in the first quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 3,870 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $903,000 after purchasing an additional 281 shares in the last quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC grew its stake in Vulcan Materials by 48.8% in the first quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 1,540 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $359,000 after purchasing an additional 505 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. raised its stake in shares of Vulcan Materials by 64.0% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 144,372 shares of the construction companys stock worth $33,682,000 after purchasing an additional 56,354 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Zions Bancorporation National Association UT acquired a new stake in shares of Vulcan Materials in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $115,000. Institutional investors own 90.39% of the companys stock.

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Vulcan Materials Stock Performance

Shares of VMC stock opened at $295.76 on Tuesday. Vulcan Materials Company has a 52 week low of $215.08 and a 52 week high of $311.74. The company has a market capitalization of $39.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.13, a PEG ratio of 2.41 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $294.07 and a 200 day simple moving average of $283.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 1.56 and a current ratio of 2.23.

Vulcan Materials Announces Dividend

Vulcan Materials ( NYSE:VMC Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The construction company reported $2.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.72 by $0.12. Vulcan Materials had a net margin of 14.19% and a return on equity of 13.47%. The firm had revenue of $2.29 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.28 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.22 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 14.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Vulcan Materials Company will post 8.69 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 25th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 10th were issued a $0.49 dividend. This represents a $1.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 10th. Vulcan Materialss dividend payout ratio is currently 23.28%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, SVP David P. Clement sold 2,000 shares of Vulcan Materials stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $288.55, for a total transaction of $577,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 832 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $240,073.60. This trade represents a 70.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, President Thompson S. Baker II sold 4,853 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $295.63, for a total transaction of $1,434,692.39. Following the completion of the transaction, the president owned 41,485 shares in the company, valued at $12,264,210.55. This trade represents a 10.47% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 13,369 shares of company stock valued at $3,920,556 in the last three months. Insiders own 0.61% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on VMC. Raymond James Financial boosted their target price on shares of Vulcan Materials from $295.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Vulcan Materials from $330.00 to $340.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Stifel Nicolaus set a $327.00 target price on shares of Vulcan Materials in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price target on Vulcan Materials from $279.00 to $278.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, DA Davidson upped their price objective on Vulcan Materials from $315.00 to $330.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $317.58.

Read Our Latest Research Report on VMC

Vulcan Materials Profile

(Free Report)

Vulcan Materials Company, together with its subsidiaries, produces and supplies construction aggregates primarily in the United States. It operates through four segments: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete, and Calcium. The company provides crushed stones, sand and gravel, sand, and other aggregates; and related products and services that are applied in construction and maintenance of highways, streets, and other public works, as well as in the construction of housing and commercial, industrial, and other nonresidential facilities.

Further Reading

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MOGU (NYSE:MOGU  Get Free Report) and Capri (NYSE:CPRI  Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, earnings and dividends.

Profitability

This table compares MOGU and Capris net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets MOGU N/A N/A N/A Capri -29.55% -138.53% -8.48%

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares MOGU and Capris top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio MOGU $19.46 million 0.96 -$8.62 million N/A N/A Capri $4.44 billion 0.70 -$1.18 billion ($9.83) -2.67

MOGU has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Capri.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for MOGU and Capri, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score MOGU 1 0 0 0 1.00 Capri 1 6 8 0 2.47

Capri has a consensus target price of $26.08, indicating a potential downside of 0.71%. Given Capris stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Capri is more favorable than MOGU.

Volatility & Risk

MOGU has a beta of 0.4, suggesting that its stock price is 60% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Capri has a beta of 1.47, suggesting that its stock price is 47% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

19.1% of MOGU shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 84.3% of Capri shares are owned by institutional investors. 19.8% of MOGU shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 2.3% of Capri shares are owned by 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.

About MOGU

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MOGU Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the online fashion and lifestyle business in the People's Republic of China. The company operates an online platform that primarily offers a range of fashion apparel and other products, including beauty products and accessories provided by third party merchants, as well as personal care, food, and medical beauty products. It also provides online marketing, commission, financing, technology, and other related services to merchants, brand partners/owners, and users; and technology services to insurance companies. The company offers its products through mobile apps, including flagship Mogujie app, mini programs on Weixin, and Weixin pay; websites comprising Mogu.com, Mogujie.com and Meilishuo.com. The company was formerly known as Meili Inc. and changed its name to MOGU Inc. in November 2018. The company was incorporated in 2011 and is headquartered in Hangzhou, the People's Republic of China.

About Capri

(Get Free Report)

Capri Holdings Limited designs, markets, distributes, and retails branded women's and men's apparel, footwear, and accessories in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It operates through three segments: Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors. The company offers ready-to-wear, accessories, footwear, handbags, scarves and belts, small leather goods, eyewear, watches, jewelry, fragrances, and home furnishings through a distribution network, including boutiques, department, and specialty stores, as well as through e-commerce sites. It also engages in licensing agreements to the manufacture and sale of watches, jewelry, eyewear, and fragrances. The company was formerly known as Michael Kors Holdings Limited and changed its name to Capri Holdings Limited in December 2018. Capri Holdings Limited was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Koppers (NYSE:KOP  Get Free Report) and Enlightify (NYSE:ENFY  Get Free Report) are both small-cap basic materials companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their risk, dividends, profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, earnings and analyst recommendations.

Profitability

This table compares Koppers and Enlightifys net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Koppers 0.84% 16.48% 4.46% Enlightify -22.98% -18.78% -11.03%

Institutional and Insider Ownership

92.8% of Koppers shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.1% of Enlightify shares are owned by institutional investors. 6.9% of Koppers shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 14.2% of Enlightify shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Volatility & Risk

Analyst Ratings

Koppers has a beta of 1.4, suggesting that its share price is 40% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Enlightify has a beta of 1.03, suggesting that its share price is 3% more volatile than the S&P 500.

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Koppers and Enlightify, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Koppers 0 2 2 0 2.50 Enlightify 1 0 0 0 1.00

Koppers presently has a consensus price target of $52.50, indicating a potential upside of 87.01%. Given Koppers stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Koppers is more favorable than Enlightify.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Koppers and Enlightifys gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Koppers $2.09 billion 0.26 $52.40 million $0.80 35.09 Enlightify $79.21 million 0.02 -$28.41 million ($0.86) -0.11

Koppers has higher revenue and earnings than Enlightify. Enlightify is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Koppers, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Koppers beats Enlightify on 13 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Koppers

(Get Free Report)

Koppers Holdings Inc. provides treated wood products, wood preservation chemicals, and carbon compounds in the United States, Australasia, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Railroad and Utility Products and Services (RUPS), Performance Chemicals (PC), and Carbon Materials and Chemicals (CMC) segments. The RUPS segment procures and treats crossties, switch ties, and various types of lumber used for railroad bridges and crossings. It also provides rail joint bars to join rails together for railroads; transmission and distribution poles for electric and telephone utilities; and pilings. This segment provides railroad services, such as engineering, design, repair, and inspection services for railroad bridges. The PC segment develops, manufactures, and markets copper-based wood preservatives, including micronized copper azole, micronized pigments, alkaline copper quaternary, amine copper azole, and chromated copper arsenate for decking, fencing, utility poles, construction lumber and timbers, and various agricultural uses; and supplies fire-retardant chemicals for pressure treatment of wood primarily in commercial construction. The CMC segment manufactures creosote for the treatment of wood or as a feedstock in the production of carbon black; carbon pitch, a raw material used in the production of aluminum and steel; naphthalene for use as a feedstock in the production of phthalic anhydride and as a surfactant in the production of concrete; phthalic anhydride for the production of plasticizers, polyester resins, and alkyd paints; and carbon black feedstock for use in the production of carbon black. It serves the railroad, specialty chemical, utility, residential lumber, agriculture, aluminum, steel, rubber, and construction sectors. Koppers Holdings Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

About Enlightify

(Get Free Report)

Enlightify, Inc. engages in the research, development, production, and sale of various types of fertilizers and agricultural products. It operates through the following segments: Jinong, Gufeng, and Yuxing. The Jinong segment includes fertilizer products, with focus on humic acid-based compound fertilizer. The Gufeng segment refers to the compound fertilizer, blended fertilizer, organic compound fertilizer, slow-release fertilizers, highly concentrated water-soluble fertilizers, and mixed organic-inorganic compound fertilizer. The Yuxing segment develops and produces agricultural products, such as top-grade fruits, vegetables, flowers, and colored seedlings. The company was founded by Tao Li on February 6, 1987 and is headquartered in Xian, China.

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Ecolab (NYSE:ECL  Get Free Report) and Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW  Get Free Report) are both large-cap basic materials companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, dividends, risk, institutional ownership and valuation.

Dividends

Ecolab pays an annual dividend of $2.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.0%. Sherwin-Williams pays an annual dividend of $3.16 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.0%. Ecolab pays out 37.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Sherwin-Williams pays out 30.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Ecolab has increased its dividend for 33 consecutive years and Sherwin-Williams has increased its dividend for 48 consecutive years.

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Risk & Volatility

Ecolab has a beta of 0.98, meaning that its share price is 2% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Sherwin-Williams has a beta of 1.24, meaning that its share price is 24% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Ecolab 12.49% 22.55% 8.98% Sherwin-Williams 11.05% 66.75% 11.37%

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Ecolab and Sherwin-Williams net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This table compares Ecolab and Sherwin-Williamss top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Ecolab $15.74 billion 4.62 $2.11 billion $6.96 36.92 Sherwin-Williams $23.10 billion 3.51 $2.68 billion $10.25 31.93

Sherwin-Williams has higher revenue and earnings than Ecolab. Sherwin-Williams is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Ecolab, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

74.9% of Ecolab shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 77.7% of Sherwin-Williams shares are held by institutional investors. 0.5% of Ecolab shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.6% of Sherwin-Williams shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Ecolab and Sherwin-Williams, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Ecolab 0 5 13 3 2.90 Sherwin-Williams 0 5 10 1 2.75

Ecolab currently has a consensus price target of $295.14, suggesting a potential upside of 14.85%. Sherwin-Williams has a consensus price target of $390.87, suggesting a potential upside of 19.45%. Given Sherwin-Williams higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Sherwin-Williams is more favorable than Ecolab.

Summary

Sherwin-Williams beats Ecolab on 11 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Ecolab

(Get Free Report)

Ecolab Inc. provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Global Industrial; Global Institutional & Specialty; and Global Healthcare & Life Sciences. The Global Industrial segment offers water treatment and process applications, and cleaning and sanitizing solutions to manufacturing, food and beverage processing, transportation, chemical, metals and mining, power generation, pulp and paper, commercial laundry, petroleum, refining, and petrochemical industries. Its Global Institutional & Specialty segment provides specialized cleaning and sanitizing products to the foodservice, hospitality, lodging, government and education, and retail industries. The Global Healthcare & Life Sciences segment offers specialized cleaning and sanitizing products to the healthcare, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries, such as infection prevention and surgical solutions, and end-to-end cleaning and contamination control solutions under the Ecolab, Microtek, and Anios brand names. In addition, the company provides pest elimination services to detect, eliminate, and prevent pests, such as rodents and insects in restaurants, food and beverage processors, hotels, grocery operations, and other commercial segments including education, life sciences, and healthcare customers. Further, it offers colloidal silica for binding and polishing applications in semiconductor, catalyst, and aerospace component manufacturing, as well as chemical industries; and products and services that manage wash process through custom designed programs, premium products, dispensing equipment, water and energy management, and reduction, as well as real time data management. It sells its products through field sales and corporate account personnel, distributors, and dealers. Ecolab Inc. was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

About Sherwin-Williams

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The Sherwin-Williams Company engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coating, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It operates through three segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group. The Paint Stores Group segment offers architectural paints and coatings, and protective and marine products, as well as OEM product finishes and related products for architectural and industrial paint contractors, and do-it-yourself homeowners. The Consumer Brands Group segment supplies a portfolio of branded and private-label architectural paints, stains, varnishes, industrial products, wood finishes products, wood preservatives, applicators, corrosion inhibitors, aerosols, caulks, and adhesives to retailers, including home centers and hardware stores, and dedicated dealers and distributors. The Performance Coatings Group segment develops and sells industrial coatings for wood finishing and general industrial applications, automotive refinish products, protective and marine coatings, coil coatings, packaging coatings, and performance-based resins and colorants. It serves retailers, dealers, jobbers, licensees, and other third-party distributors through its branches and direct sales staff, as well as through outside sales representatives. The company has operations primarily in the North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The Sherwin-Williams Company was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

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London & Capital Asset Management Ltd increased its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 23.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 154,199 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after purchasing an additional 29,606 shares during the period. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing makes up 2.6% of London & Capital Asset Management Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest holding. London & Capital Asset Management Ltds holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $34,922,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 19.1% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 12,350,239 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $2,050,141,000 after buying an additional 1,984,835 shares during the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC boosted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 26.7% during the 2nd quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 12,046,792 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $2,728,478,000 after purchasing an additional 2,537,760 shares during the last quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 10,058,659 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $2,299,108,000 after purchasing an additional 324,615 shares in the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. increased its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 31.5% during the 1st quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 8,864,014 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,471,426,000 after purchasing an additional 2,121,758 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sands Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 6.5% in the second quarter. Sands Capital Management LLC now owns 8,552,278 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,937,005,000 after purchasing an additional 524,960 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 16.51% of the companys stock.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:TSM opened at $301.48 on Tuesday. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a fifty-two week low of $134.25 and a fifty-two week high of $311.37. The companys 50-day moving average is $292.40 and its 200 day moving average is $254.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 2.47 and a current ratio of 2.69. The company has a market capitalization of $1.56 trillion, a P/E ratio of 30.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 1.31.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 16th. The semiconductor company reported $2.92 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.59 by $0.33. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 43.72% and a return on equity of 34.34%. The business had revenue of $32.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $951.89 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.94 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 40.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a $0.9678 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 17th. This is a positive change from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. This represents a $3.87 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 26.67%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages recently issued reports on TSM. Barclays lifted their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $330.00 to $355.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Susquehanna lifted their price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $300.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday. Itau BBA Securities initiated coverage on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Finally, Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $355.00.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on TSM

About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others.

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PYONGYANG, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Monday sent a message of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the death of Russian Ambassador to the DPRK Alexandr Matsegora, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Tuesday.

In the message, Kim expressed deep condolences to Putin, the leadership of the Russian Federation and the bereaved family on behalf of the DPRK government and on his own behalf "over the sudden demise" of Matsegora, who passed away on Saturday, said the report.

"The sudden demise of the ambassador at the present time when the development of relations between the DPRK and Russia has entered a crucial historic phase is indeed a heartrending event and a great loss not only to the Russian government and people but also to me and the DPRK people," Kim was quoted as saying.

Kim expressed deep sympathy to the Russian embassy over the death of Matsegora, the report said.

Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the DPRK, on Monday sent a message of condolence to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over the death of Matsegora, the KCNA said in another report on Tuesday. 
iSAM Funds UK Ltd acquired a new stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 11,473 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $3,673,000. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. makes up 0.8% of iSAM Funds UK Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th biggest position.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 2.3% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 31,096,542 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $9,954,625,000 after buying an additional 685,278 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 10,743,493 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,439,207,000 after acquiring an additional 117,646 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the second quarter worth approximately $1,536,230,000. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 4.9% in the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,959,673 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,021,798,000 after purchasing an additional 137,354 shares in the last quarter. Finally, WCM Investment Management LLC increased its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 5.5% in the second quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 2,464,662 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $783,097,000 after purchasing an additional 128,071 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.53% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 8,000 shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $299.54, for a total value of $2,396,320.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 100,777 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,186,742.58. The trade was a 7.35% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, VP Michael Robert Pesch purchased 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 3rd. The shares were purchased at an average price of $247.12 per share, for a total transaction of $988,480.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the vice president owned 41,849 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,341,724.88. This trade represents a 10.57% increase in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 21,250 shares of company stock valued at $6,071,365. Corporate insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently commented on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $362.00 to $344.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. Wall Street Zen lowered Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, November 1st. Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $340.00 to $295.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Barclays downgraded Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $328.00 to $250.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $314.87.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on AJG

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Price Performance

Shares of AJG opened at $237.72 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a current ratio of 1.06. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a fifty-two week low of $236.70 and a fifty-two week high of $351.23. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $268.60 and a 200-day simple moving average of $294.79. The company has a market capitalization of $61.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.53 and a beta of 0.69.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $2.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.51 by ($0.19). Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a net margin of 13.58% and a return on equity of 11.98%. The company had revenue of $3.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.34 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.26 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 20.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 earnings per share for the current year.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Investors of record on Friday, December 5th will be issued a dividend of $0.65 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 5th. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 38.86%.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Profile

(Free Report)

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co engages in the provision of insurance brokerage, reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and third-party claims settlement and administration services. It operates through the following segments: Brokerage, Risk Management, and Corporate. The Brokerage segment consists of retail and wholesale insurance brokerage operations.

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Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating restated by equities researchers at Royal Bank Of Canada in a report released on Tuesday,MarketScreener reports.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on the company. UBS Group restated a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research report on Friday, October 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Barclays reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $72.00.

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Read Our Latest Report on BUD

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Price Performance

Shares of BUD stock traded down $0.24 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $60.27. 382,747 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,302,195. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a fifty-two week low of $45.94 and a fifty-two week high of $72.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 0.64 and a quick ratio of 0.48. The stocks fifty day moving average is $61.43 and its two-hundred day moving average is $63.89. The company has a market cap of $117.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.72, a P/E/G ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 0.58.

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 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.97 by $0.02. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a net margin of 10.40% and a return on equity of 16.20%. The business had revenue of $15.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.28 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.98 earnings per share. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NVs revenue for the quarter was up .6% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 3.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 88.6% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 79,511 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $4,895,000 after buying an additional 37,356 shares during the period. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. acquired a new position in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the first quarter valued at about $1,182,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. grew its stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 165.9% in the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 6,826 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $420,000 after acquiring an additional 4,259 shares during the period. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 102.2% in the first quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. now owns 42,758 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $2,632,000 after acquiring an additional 21,609 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sei Investments Co. raised its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 7.0% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 344,516 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $21,208,000 after purchasing an additional 22,579 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 5.53% of the companys stock.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Company Profile

(Get 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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Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Gold Fields (NYSE: GFI) in the last few weeks:

12/3/2025  Gold Fields had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $62.00 to $64.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

11/28/2025  Gold Fields was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating.

11/26/2025  Gold Fields had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $50.00 to $57.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

11/24/2025  Gold Fields had its price target lowered by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada to $45.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

11/8/2025  Gold Fields was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating.

11/4/2025  Gold Fields was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Research from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating.

10/28/2025  Gold Fields is now covered by analysts at Citigroup Inc.. They set a buy rating and a $50.00 price target on the stock.

10/23/2025  Gold Fields is now covered by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co.. They set an overweight rating and a $62.00 price target on the stock.

10/23/2025  Gold Fields had its price target raised by analysts at Scotiabank from $30.00 to $47.00. They now have a sector perform rating on the stock.

10/18/2025  Gold Fields was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating.

10/13/2025  Gold Fields was downgraded by analysts at Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. from a buy rating to a hold rating. They now have a $39.00 price target on the stock.

10/10/2025  Gold Fields was downgraded by analysts at Investec from a buy rating to a hold rating.

Gold Fields Limited operates as a gold producer with reserves and resources in Chile, South Africa, Ghana, Canada, Australia, and Peru. It also explores for copper and silver deposits. The company was founded in 1887 and is based in Sandton, South Africa.

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Booking, Expedia Group, Travelers Companies, Trip.com Group, MakeMyTrip, Thor Industries, and Frontier Group are the seven Travel stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Travel stocks are shares of companies whose primary business depends on people traveling for leisure or business, such as airlines, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, online travel agencies, car rental firms, and other travel-related services. These stocks tend to be cyclical and sensitive to factors like economic conditions, seasonal demand, fuel and labor costs, health or geopolitical events, and consumer discretionary spending. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Travel 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.

Expedia Group (EXPE)

Expedia Group, Inc. operates as an online travel company in the United States and internationally. The company operates through B2C, B2B, and trivago segments. Its B2C segment includes Brand Expedia, a full-service online travel brand offers various travel products and services; Hotels.com for lodging accommodations; Vrbo, an online marketplace for the alternative accommodations; Orbitz, Travelocity, Wotif Group, ebookers, CheapTickets, Hotwire.com and CarRentals.com.

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Travelers Companies (TRV)

The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

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Trip.com Group (TCOM)

Trip.com Group Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates as a travel service provider for accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and in-destination, corporate travel management, and other travel-related services in China and internationally. The company acts as an agent for hotel-related transactions and selling air tickets, as well as provides train, long-distance bus, and ferry tickets; travel insurance products, such as flight delay, air accident, and baggage loss coverage; and air-ticket delivery, online check-in and seat selection, express security screening, real-time flight status tracker, and airport VIP lounge services.

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MakeMyTrip (MMYT)

MakeMyTrip Limited, an online travel company, sells travel products and solutions in India, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Peru, Colombia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The company operates through three segments: Air Ticketing, Hotels and Packages, and Bus Ticketing.

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Thor Industries (THO)

THOR Industries, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells recreational vehicles (RVs), and related parts and accessories in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company offers travel trailers; gasoline and diesel Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes; conventional travel trailers and fifth wheels; luxury fifth wheels; and motorcaravans, caravans, campervans, and urban vehicles.

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Frontier Group (ULCC)

Frontier Group Holdings, Inc., provides low-fare passenger airline services to leisure travelers in the United States and Latin America. The company sells its products through direct distribution channels, including its website, mobile app, and contact centers. As of December 31, 2023, it had a fleet of 136 Airbus single-aisle aircrafts.

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Further Reading
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:HEWJ  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $54.41 and last traded at $54.3910, with a volume of 4133 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $53.87.

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF Price Performance

The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $52.50 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $48.38. The company has a market capitalization of $503.48 million, a P/E ratio of 13.45 and a beta of 0.49.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HEWJ. Partners Capital Investment Group LLP raised its position in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF by 48.4% in the first quarter. Partners Capital Investment Group LLP now owns 1,353,974 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,786,000 after purchasing an additional 441,577 shares during the period. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd grew its stake in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd now owns 89,530 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,010,000 after buying an additional 228 shares during the last quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors acquired a new position in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $201,000. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp raised its holdings in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF by 43.6% in the 3rd quarter. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp now owns 1,179 shares of the companys stock worth $61,000 after acquiring an additional 358 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF by 7,286.6% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 155,119 shares of the companys stock worth $7,642,000 after acquiring an additional 153,019 shares during the period.

About iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF

The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap Japanese stocks, while fully hedging out its exposure to the yen relative to the US dollar. HEWJ was launched on Jan 31, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Shares of Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $63.75 and last traded at $63.2670, with a volume of 231933 shares. The stock had previously closed at $62.63.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on WBS shares. TD Cowen started coverage on Webster Financial in a research note on Thursday, September 25th. They set a buy rating and a $78.00 price target for the company. Truist Financial dropped their price objective on Webster Financial from $69.00 to $67.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 20th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Webster Financial from $64.00 to $77.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on shares of Webster Financial in a research report on Wednesday, September 10th. They issued an overweight rating and a $70.00 target price for the company. Finally, Cowen started coverage on shares of Webster Financial in a report on Wednesday, September 24th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Webster Financial has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $69.85.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Webster Financial

Webster Financial Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.85 and a quick ratio of 0.85. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $57.88 and its 200-day simple moving average is $57.67. The company has a market capitalization of $10.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.81, a PEG ratio of 0.55 and a beta of 1.07.

Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $1.54 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.52 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $756.06 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $725.22 million. Webster Financial had a return on equity of 11.07% and a net margin of 21.32%.During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.34 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Webster Financial Corporation will post 5.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Webster Financial Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 20th. Investors of record on Monday, November 10th were paid a $0.40 dividend. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. Webster Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.80%.

Insider Transactions at Webster Financial

In related news, CEO John R. Ciulla sold 8,000 shares of Webster Financial stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.45, for a total transaction of $443,600.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 231,872 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,857,302.40. This trade represents a 3.34% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Elzbieta Cieslik sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.58, for a total value of $123,160.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 14,894 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $917,172.52. This trade represents a 11.84% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 11,000 shares of company stock worth $628,380. 0.54% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Webster Financial

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of WBS. BOKF NA acquired a new stake in shares of Webster Financial during the 3rd quarter valued at about $26,000. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in Webster Financial during the third quarter worth about $29,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new position in Webster Financial during the third quarter worth about $29,000. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB acquired a new stake in Webster Financial during the third quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Webster Financial by 327.2% in the 1st quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 739 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 566 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.58% of the companys stock.

Webster Financial Company Profile

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Webster Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Webster Bank, National Association that provides a range of financial products and services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Commercial Banking, HSA Bank, and Consumer Banking.

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Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited (ASX:BEN  Get Free Report) insider Vicki Carter purchased 4,933 shares of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 4th. The shares were bought at an average cost of A$10.13 per share, for a total transaction of A$49,971.29.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of $7.52 billion, a PE ratio of 13.78, a P/E/G ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.14.

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About Bendigo and Adelaide Bank

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Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited provides banking and financial products and services to retail customers and small to medium sized businesses in Australia. The company operates through Consumer, Business and Agribusiness, and Corporate segments. It offers a range of products and services, including personal and business banking, financial planning, commercial mortgages and unsecured loans, investment products, insurance, and superannuation.

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China Minsheng (OTCMKTS:CMAKY  Get Free Report) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (OTCMKTS:CMWAY  Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings, risk, profitability, valuation and dividends.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares China Minsheng and Commonwealth Bank of Australias revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio China Minsheng $37.47 billion 0.64 $4.49 billion $0.88 6.23 Commonwealth Bank of Australia $61.51 billion 2.79 $6.55 billion N/A N/A

Insider & Institutional Ownership

Commonwealth Bank of Australia has higher revenue and earnings than China Minsheng.

0.0% of Commonwealth Bank of Australia shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares China Minsheng and Commonwealth Bank of Australias net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets China Minsheng 11.27% 4.49% 0.39% Commonwealth Bank of Australia N/A N/A N/A

Volatility & Risk

China Minsheng has a beta of 0.25, indicating that its stock price is 75% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Commonwealth Bank of Australia has a beta of 1.32, indicating that its stock price is 32% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for China Minsheng and Commonwealth Bank of Australia, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score China Minsheng 0 1 0 0 2.00 Commonwealth Bank of Australia 1 1 0 0 1.50

Commonwealth Bank of Australia has a consensus target price of $130.18, suggesting a potential upside of 26.84%. Given Commonwealth Bank of Australias higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Commonwealth Bank of Australia is more favorable than China Minsheng.

Dividends

China Minsheng pays an annual dividend of $0.27 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.9%. Commonwealth Bank of Australia pays an annual dividend of $3.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.3%. China Minsheng pays out 30.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend.

Summary

Commonwealth Bank of Australia beats China Minsheng on 7 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About China Minsheng

(Get Free Report)

China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd. provides banking products and services for individuals, small and micro-enterprises, corporate customers, government agencies, and financial institutions in the People's Republic of China. The company operates through Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, and Others segments. Its deposit products include saving accounts, deposit books and certificates, contracted deposits, agreement deposits, call deposits, corporate term deposits, and corporate current deposits. The company also offers personal housing mortgage, individual automobile purchase, household composite consumption, micro-credit products for individuals, medium and long term, and short-term working capital loans; and debit and credit cards. In addition, it provides appointed and domestic remittance, payment and collection agent, clearing, safe deposit boxes, VIP, and salary and welfare agent card services, as well as internet, mobile, telephone, and self-serve banking services. Further, the company offers gross settlement; wages distribution agency and letter of guarantee; cash management; trade finance; industrial chain finance; individual forex settlement, forex remittance, travelers promissory notes, collection, individual deposit certificate, and guarantee letter products; and comprehensive credit granting, forex settlement and sale, financial product investment, asset management, and trust financing services. Additionally, it provides convenient finance and investment banking services, as well as non-financial services in the education, business travel, traveler, art, luxury life, health, club, and isports areas. The company operates through branch-level institutions, business outlets, community sub-branches, and small business sub-branches. China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd. was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.

About Commonwealth Bank of Australia

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Commonwealth Bank of Australia provides financial services in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. It operates through Retail Banking Services, Business Banking, Institutional Banking and Markets, and New Zealand segments. The company offers transaction, savings, and foreign currency accounts; term deposits; personal and business loans; overdrafts; equipment finance; credit cards; international payment and trade; and private banking services, as well as home and car loans. It also provides institutional banking services; funds management, superannuation, and share broking products and services; home, car, health, life, income protection, and travel insurance products, as well as retail, premium, business, offshore services. In addition, the company offers advisory services for high-net-worth individuals; equities trading and margin lending services; debt capital, transaction banking, working capital, and risk management services; and international and foreign exchange services. Commonwealth Bank of Australia was founded in 1911 and is based in Sydney, Australia.

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TransAlta Corporation (NYSE:TAC  Get Free Report) (TSE:TA) traded up 7.1% on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $15.24 and last traded at $15.1060. 486,622 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 70% from the average session volume of 1,633,106 shares. The stock had previously closed at $14.11.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on TAC. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of TransAlta in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Zacks Research raised TransAlta from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday. Natl Bk Canada downgraded TransAlta from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. CIBC reissued an outperform rating on shares of TransAlta in a report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of TransAlta in a research report on Monday, October 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, TransAlta has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $19.88.

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TransAlta Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.22, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 0.79. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $15.44 and a 200-day simple moving average of $13.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.38 billion, a P/E ratio of -30.76 and a beta of 0.75.

TransAlta (NYSE:TAC  Get Free Report) (TSE:TA) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The utilities provider reported ($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.06 by ($0.07). The company had revenue of $441.57 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $558.84 million. TransAlta had a negative net margin of 7.39% and a positive return on equity of 3.00%. Sell-side analysts expect that TransAlta Corporation will post 0.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

TransAlta Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.065 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 1st. This represents a $0.26 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. TransAltas payout ratio is currently -39.58%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On TransAlta

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in TAC. Millennium Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of TransAlta by 199.1% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 16,462,892 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $153,813,000 after buying an additional 10,957,858 shares in the last quarter. Rubric Capital Management LP increased its holdings in TransAlta by 32.9% during the 2nd quarter. Rubric Capital Management LP now owns 15,948,451 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $172,084,000 after acquiring an additional 3,948,451 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in TransAlta by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,949,384 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $149,569,000 after purchasing an additional 248,027 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in TransAlta by 15.1% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 10,425,309 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $142,373,000 after purchasing an additional 1,369,830 shares during the period. Finally, Oaktree Capital Management LP grew its position in shares of TransAlta by 5.4% during the 3rd quarter. Oaktree Capital Management LP now owns 6,415,253 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $87,648,000 after purchasing an additional 330,000 shares in the last quarter. 59.00% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About TransAlta

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TransAlta Corporation engages in the development, production, and sale of electric energy. It operates through Hydro, Wind and Solar, Gas, Energy Transition, and Energy Marketing segments. The Hydro segment holds interest of approximately 922 megawatts (MW) of owned hydroelectric generating capacity located in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.

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Kavango Resources Plc (LON:KAV  Get Free Report)s share price dropped 11.1% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 0.60 and last traded at GBX 0.60. Approximately 1,754,062 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 21% from the average daily volume of 2,212,804 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.68.

Kavango Resources Price Performance

The company has a market capitalization of 22.71 million, a PE ratio of -0.92 and a beta of 0.69. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is GBX 0.86 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 0.97.

Kavango Resources Company Profile

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Kavango Resources Plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration of base and precious metals in Botswana and Zimbabwe. It explores for nickel, copper, silver, platinum, iron, gold, uranium, and rare earth deposits. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.

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KABUL, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan has exported over 22 tons of saffron worth 30 million U.S. dollars over the past nine months, the official media Bakhtar news agency reported on Tuesday.

The premium spice, affectionately known locally as "red gold," was shipped primarily to Europe, the United States, Arab nations, and markets across East and South Asia, according to the report.

Approximately 95 percent of the country's saffron is cultivated in western Herat province, renowned worldwide for its exceptional aroma, vibrant color, and superior quality that commands strong demand in global markets.

Afghanistan harvested more than 40 tons of saffron in 2024 and expects a similar yield this season, consolidating its position as one of the world's top producers of the luxury crop. 
Abercrombie & Fitch Company (NYSE:ANF  Get Free Report)s share price rose 5.5% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $101.18 and last traded at $101.2250. 361,376 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 84% from the average daily volume of 2,325,642 shares. The stock had previously closed at $95.99.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ANF has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Telsey Advisory Group reissued an outperform rating and set a $125.00 target price on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on Abercrombie & Fitch from $130.00 to $100.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Abercrombie & Fitch from $78.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, BTIG Research decreased their price target on Abercrombie & Fitch from $120.00 to $118.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $107.33.

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Abercrombie & Fitch Trading Up 4.3%

The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $77.42 and a 200 day simple moving average of $84.98. The company has a market cap of $4.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.60 and a beta of 1.17.

Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 26th. The apparel retailer reported $2.36 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.14 by $0.22. The business had revenue of $1.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.28 billion. Abercrombie & Fitch had a return on equity of 38.01% and a net margin of 10.07%.The companys revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.50 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Abercrombie & Fitch Company will post 10.62 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Abercrombie & Fitch

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Abercrombie & Fitch by 198.2% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,955,927 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $144,582,000 after acquiring an additional 1,300,070 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its holdings in Abercrombie & Fitch by 5,749.6% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,194,013 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $102,148,000 after acquiring an additional 1,173,601 shares during the period. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC boosted its position in Abercrombie & Fitch by 10,469.4% in the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 993,101 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $82,278,000 after purchasing an additional 983,705 shares in the last quarter. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $61,643,000. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $61,584,000.

Abercrombie & Fitch Company Profile

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Abercrombie & Fitch Co engages in the retail of apparel, personal care products, and accessories. The firm operates through following geographical segments: Americas, EMEA and APAC. The Americas segment includes operations in North America and South America. The EMEA segment includes operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

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Taylor Wimpey plc (LON:TW  Get Free Report) insider Chris Carney purchased 147 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 8th. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 102 per share, with a total value of 149.94.

Chris Carney also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, November 10th, Chris Carney acquired 142 shares of Taylor Wimpey stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 105 per share, for a total transaction of 149.10.

On Wednesday, October 8th, Chris Carney acquired 142 shares of Taylor Wimpey stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 105 per share, with a total value of 149.10.

Taylor Wimpey Trading Down 2.5%

Shares of LON:TW traded down GBX 2.60 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting GBX 100.40. The stock had a trading volume of 17,453,341 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,409,451. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 5.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.79. The companys 50-day moving average price is GBX 103.80 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 106.45. The stock has a market cap of 3.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.65, a PEG ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.81.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 135 target price on shares of Taylor Wimpey in a research report on Monday, November 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Taylor Wimpey from GBX 140 to GBX 120 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Taylor Wimpey in a research report on Monday, November 24th. They issued a neutral rating and a GBX 109 price objective for the company. Peel Hunt restated a hold rating and issued a GBX 110 price target on shares of Taylor Wimpey in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Citigroup raised their price objective on Taylor Wimpey from GBX 140 to GBX 145 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Taylor Wimpey currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 129.13.

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Taylor Wimpey Company Profile

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Taylor Wimpey plc operates as a homebuilder in the United Kingdom and Spain. It builds and delivers various homes and communities. Taylor Wimpey plc was incorporated in 1935 and is based in High Wycombe, the United Kingdom.

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Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta, S.A.B. de C.V. Sponsored ADR (NYSE:VTMX  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $31.96 and last traded at $31.98, with a volume of 4295 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $31.32.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

VTMX has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, October 26th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays upped their price objective on Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. UBS Group cut their target price on shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta from $36.00 to $35.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, September 15th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $32.00.

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Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Trading Up 2.1%

The company has a current ratio of 2.97, a quick ratio of 2.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,598.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.04 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $29.19 and a 200 day moving average price of $28.18.

Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta (NYSE:VTMX  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.50 by ($0.21). The company had revenue of $72.43 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.30 billion. Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta had a return on equity of 0.19% and a net margin of 1.83%. On average, research analysts forecast that Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta, S.A.B. de C.V. Sponsored ADR will post 2.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed an annual dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 22nd. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 14th were paid a $0.2025 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, October 14th. This represents a yield of 78.0%. This is an increase from Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vestas previous annual dividend of $0.20. Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vestas dividend payout ratio is currently 850.00%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its position in Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta by 38.1% during the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 37,116 shares of the companys stock worth $1,017,000 after acquiring an additional 10,236 shares during the last quarter. Anson Funds Management LP acquired a new position in shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,251,000. ABC Arbitrage SA grew its position in shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta by 252.0% in the second quarter. ABC Arbitrage SA now owns 199,263 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,458,000 after purchasing an additional 142,660 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta by 6.6% in the second quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 321,442 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,803,000 after purchasing an additional 19,967 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Centersquare Investment Management LLC lifted its position in Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta by 4.9% during the third quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 366,102 shares of the companys stock worth $10,357,000 after buying an additional 17,110 shares in the last quarter. 6.61% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Company Profile

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Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta, SAB. de C.V., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, develops, manages, operates, and leases industrial buildings and distribution facilities in Mexico. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico.

Further Reading

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Rogers Communications (TSE:RCI.B  Get Free Report) (NYSE:RCI) had its price target upped by investment analysts at CIBC from C$58.00 to C$60.00 in a note issued to investors on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the stock. CIBCs target price would suggest a potential upside of 18.62% from the companys previous close.

RCI.B has been the subject of several other research reports. Desjardins increased their target price on Rogers Communications from C$53.00 to C$56.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. TD Securities upped their price target on Rogers Communications from C$62.00 to C$64.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Scotiabank increased their price objective on Rogers Communications from C$55.75 to C$57.75 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Sunday, October 26th. National Bankshares boosted their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$59.00 to C$60.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Barclays upped their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$46.00 to C$50.00 in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$57.56.

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Rogers Communications Stock Performance

About Rogers Communications

RCI.B stock traded down C$0.05 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching C$50.58. 254,164 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,945,930. The firm has a market capitalization of C$27.32 billion, a PE ratio of 4.06, a P/E/G ratio of 0.32 and a beta of 0.88. The business has a 50-day moving average of C$52.71 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$47.41. Rogers Communications has a 52 week low of C$32.42 and a 52 week high of C$56.15. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 436.50.

(Get Free Report)

Rogers is the largest wireless service provider in Canada, with its more than 10 million subscribers equating to one third of the total Canadian market. Rogers wireless business accounted for 60% of the companys total sales in 2021 and has increasingly provided a bigger portion of total company sales over the last several years.

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Agnico Eagle Mines (TSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:AEM) had its price target boosted by equities researchers at National Bankshares from C$285.00 to C$300.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the stock. National Bankshares price objective suggests a potential upside of 30.00% from the stocks previous close.

Separately, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from C$195.00 to C$300.00 in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Agnico Eagle Mines presently has an average rating of Strong Buy and an average target price of C$235.00.

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Agnico Eagle Mines Price Performance

Shares of Agnico Eagle Mines stock traded up C$2.44 during trading on Tuesday, reaching C$230.77. The companys stock had a trading volume of 256,084 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,012,482. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$233.60 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$199.80. The stock has a market capitalization of C$115.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 22.97 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a current ratio of 1.75, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.88. Agnico Eagle Mines has a one year low of C$110.70 and a one year high of C$263.23.

Agnico Eagle Mines (TSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:AEM) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported C$2.16 earnings per share for the quarter. Agnico Eagle Mines had a net margin of 12.86% and a return on equity of 5.05%. The firm had revenue of C$4.26 billion during the quarter. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Agnico Eagle Mines will post 5.4966052 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Agnico Eagle Mines news, insider Jean Robitaille sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$235.00, for a total value of C$705,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 1,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately C$235,000. This represents a 75.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

About Agnico Eagle Mines

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Agnico Eagle Mines is a gold miner operating mines in Canada, Mexico, and Finland. It also owns 50% of the Canadian Malartic mine. Agnico operated just one mine, LaRonde, as recently as 2008 before bringing its other mines on line in rapid succession in the following years. The company produced more than 1.7 million gold ounces in 2020.

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West Fraser Timber (TSE:WFG  Get Free Report) had its price objective cut by CIBC from C$113.00 to C$96.00 in a note issued to investors on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. CIBCs price target indicates a potential upside of 16.43% from the companys current price.

West Fraser Timber Price Performance

TSE WFG traded down C$2.71 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching C$82.45. The companys stock had a trading volume of 105,026 shares, compared to its average volume of 216,207. The firm has a market capitalization of C$6.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -24.98 and a beta of 1.75. The companys 50-day moving average is C$88.62 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$96.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.39, a current ratio of 1.82 and a quick ratio of 2.10. West Fraser Timber has a 1-year low of C$80.82 and a 1-year high of C$133.59.

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West Fraser Timber (TSE:WFG  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported C($2.63) EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$1.82 billion during the quarter. West Fraser Timber had a negative net margin of 1.53% and a negative return on equity of 1.33%. On average, equities analysts predict that West Fraser Timber will post 8.1184776 EPS for the current year.

West Fraser Timber Company Profile

West Fraser Timber CoLtd is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. The Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, other residuals, and renewable energy.

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Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CWAN  Get Free Report) CTO Souvik Das sold 10,000 shares of Clearwater Analytics stock in a transaction on Monday, December 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.59, for a total transaction of $215,900.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief technology officer directly owned 96,186 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,076,655.74. The trade was a 9.42% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

Souvik Das also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, September 30th, Souvik Das sold 5,327 shares of Clearwater Analytics stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.68, for a total transaction of $94,181.36.

Clearwater Analytics Price Performance

Shares of NYSE CWAN traded down $0.83 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $20.93. The stock had a trading volume of 7,244,782 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,012,309. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $19.17 and a 200-day simple moving average of $20.35. The company has a quick ratio of 1.97, a current ratio of 1.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The company has a market capitalization of $6.12 billion, a PE ratio of 13.68, a P/E/G ratio of 5.71 and a beta of 0.67. Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. has a 1 year low of $15.73 and a 1 year high of $32.00.

Clearwater Analytics ( NYSE:CWAN Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.14 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.16 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $205.11 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $203.66 million. Clearwater Analytics had a net margin of 61.28% and a return on equity of 2.77%. The firms revenue was up 77.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.14 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. will post 0.18 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Clearwater Analytics announced that its board has authorized a stock repurchase plan on Wednesday, September 3rd that permits the company to repurchase $100.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to reacquire up to 1.7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Clearwater Analytics

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in CWAN. Versant Capital Management Inc grew its position in shares of Clearwater Analytics by 189.3% in the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 1,565 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 1,024 shares during the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in Clearwater Analytics by 278.9% in the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,523 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 1,121 shares in the last quarter. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC lifted its stake in Clearwater Analytics by 54.9% in the 3rd quarter. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC now owns 1,806 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 640 shares in the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. grew its holdings in Clearwater Analytics by 84.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 1,545 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 708 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Danske Bank A S purchased a new position in Clearwater Analytics during the third quarter worth $36,000. 50.10% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

CWAN has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Clearwater Analytics from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $27.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Monday, August 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Clearwater Analytics from $28.00 to $26.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. UBS Group decreased their price target on shares of Clearwater Analytics from $35.00 to $30.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $36.00 target price on shares of Clearwater Analytics in a research note on Wednesday, September 17th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of Clearwater Analytics from $32.00 to $27.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Clearwater Analytics has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $29.56.

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Clearwater Analytics Company Profile

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Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc develops and provides a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution for automated investment data aggregation, reconciliation, accounting, and reporting services to insurers, investment managers, corporations, institutional investors, and government entities in the United States and internationally.

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PHNOM PENH, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia said on Tuesday that a total of 514 schools in border provinces have been shut down due to ongoing border clashes with Thailand.

"As of Dec. 9, 2025, 514 schools have closed, affecting approximately 130,000 students and 4,650 teachers," the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport said in a press release.

The main affected provinces are Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Banteay Meanchey, the press release said.

The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has reignited since Sunday afternoon.

Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said on Tuesday that seven Cambodian civilians were killed in this conflict.

Cambodian Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra said at least 16,568 Cambodian families with 54,550 people have fled their homes near the border for safe shelters. 
Members of the Cashel unit of the Order of Malta gathered at the Nagle Centre on Friday, November 28, to honour Dick Hennessy as he stepped down after two decades as Officer in Charge of the local unit.

The informal celebration drew many friends and colleagues Dick had worked with during his distinguished tenure with the Order of Malta, with attendees traveling from across the region to pay tribute.

READ MORE: Tipperarys largest town fights drug problems with enforcement and prevention

Dick joined the Order of Malta in 1991 and served three years as Duty Officer before assuming the role of Officer in Charge. His twenty-year leadership of the Cashel unit represents a remarkable achievement in community service.

The high regard in which Dick is held was evident throughout the evening. He was presented with a weekend getaway for himself and his wife Jane, along with a beautiful piece of glassware to commemorate his service. These gifts were made possible through the generosity of the local unit and his many friends.

Throughout his tenure, Dick's expertise and enthusiasm have been the hallmarks of his leadership. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, always leading from the front and being present whenever required.

Dick acknowledged that his service would not have been possible without the unwavering support of his wife Jane and family, as well as members of the Cashel unitpast and presentand assistance from other Order of Malta units throughout the country.

As one attendee noted, Dick embodies the spirit of community service: Don't ask what your community can do for you, but what you can do for the community. Dick assured attendees he will remain active in the unit.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Brew and Renew Tipperary Towns bold new blend of coffee and contrast therapy
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has dismissed reports that the Russian embassy has denied responsibility for drones which were spotted in the vicinity of Dublin Airport during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week.

In a statement to the TG4 television station on Tuesday morning, the Russian embassy said the media speculation around the incident was rumours and innuendo.

It went on: We categorically reject any attempt to portray this incident in the terms of a so-called possible Russian involvement  there is absolutely no basis to that.

Speaking during a press conference with President of the European Council Antonio Costa on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Martin said: It is a matter for the Russian ambassador to express views and behalf of his own government.

I simply dont share his views.

This is the same ambassador who assured us in 2022 that Russia had no plans to invade Ukraine and we saw how that worked out.

He described the incident as part of an established pattern of similar events.

Mr Martin said: Accidents happen on an individual basis, patterns can be discerned over a period of time and that is what were witnessing here, and indeed witnessing across other EU member states in different forms.

Police are investigating the presence of drones over Ireland during Mr Zelenskys brief visit to Dublin last week.

The National Security Council is to provide the Taoiseach with a comprehensive report on the matter within the next week.

Asked if he had concerns about security in Ireland ahead of a European Council meeting in Dublin next year, when Ireland holds the councils presidency, Mr Costa said: We have full confidence in Ireland to ensure the security of the country and the security of the European Council meeting.

What happened last week here in Dublin is another example of the hybrid attacks from Russia and the hybrid threats from Russia in European territory. 

Mr Zelensky and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Dublin late on Monday.

On Tuesday, he met Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Mr Martin before an address to the Irish Parliament where he said Ireland understands the price of freedom.

The Journal first reported that unidentified drones were spotted flying in the north-east of Dublin around the time Mr Zelenskys plane landed at Dublin Airport, shortly before 11pm last Monday.

Gardai said the special detective unit will be liaising with the Defence Forces and international partners to investigate the incident.
A preview of election politics that will ultimately be decided by a judge . . . Reality check . . . Even if it was powered by dark money, the mobilization was impressive and speaks to voters rejecting this effort.

Again . . .

What most Missouri GOP politicos didn't count on was that rural areas surrounding KC DID NOT support MAGA redistricting and the prospect of getting thrown into a congressional district with Kansas City Proper.

Here is the damage . . .

People Not Politicians, the citizen-led campaign seeking to overturn Missouris newly passed congressional map, must submit signatures to the Secretary of State this week. If accepted, the gerrymandered map will be blocked from taking effect before the 2026 election.



The campaign to repeal Missouris newly redrawn congressional map says it will submit 300,000 signatures this week to put the issue up for a statewide vote  nearly three times as many as law requires.



If enough signatures are found valid, the map will be blocked from going into effect until voters weigh in at the ballot box. To call a statewide referendum, a petition must collect 106,000 or more signatures among at least six of Missouris eight congressional districts. The deadline to submit signatures to the Missouri Secretary of State is Thursday, Dec. 11.

Related . . .

"A federal judge Monday refused to back Missouris Republican leaders efforts to block a statewide vote on a gerrymandered congressional district map, dismissing a case filed by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway.



"U.S. District Judge Zachary Bluestone ruled he had no jurisdiction over the lawsuit brought on behalf of Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and the General Assembly claiming the U.S. Constitution bars state referendums on Congressional district plans.



"The decision came just a few hours after Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh conducted a three-hour trial over when a referendum petition drive can begin and which signatures should be counted when petitions are submitted. "

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Developing . . .
A peek at the rallying cry . . .

"Historic Kansas City strongly supports the Valentine Neighborhood Associations effort to establish the Norman School Local Historic District, encompassing 60 contributing resources built between 1902 and 1929. The district includes Kansas City Shirtwaist houses, Prairie Style residences, and significant multi-family buildingsall anchored by the landmark Norman School. Local designation would put temporary demolition protections in place now and recognize the architectural and cultural value of this historic streetcar neighborhood. The Valentine Neighborhood has also begun steps toward National Register listing, which could open the door to state and federal rehabilitation incentives for property owners.

Tomorrow's hearing marks a pivotal moment for Kansas City.



"The Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee will again consider the district at its December 9, 1:30 PM hearingthe final step before the nomination moves to the full City Council."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Historic KC: "Kansas City has already lost far too much in this neighborhood. Tomorrows hearing is our opportunity to protect what remains and ensure that the future of Valentine is not decided by demolition alone."
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Two senior police officers were injured and three robbers killed during an operation in Pakistan's southern Sindh province on Tuesday morning, police sources said.

The encounter occurred at about 7:15 a.m. local time in Shikarpur district where police launched an operation against armed criminals, the sources told Xinhua.

The operation triggered an exchange of fire, resulting in casualties on both sides. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. The Azerbaijani delegation is participating in the world's largest media and content industry summit, Bridge, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the Media Development Agency (MEDIA) told Trend.

The summit will host events in the areas of media, digital content production, copyright, materials created with artificial intelligence, generative tools, mixed reality, the future of data, marketing, original streaming content, and multi-platform storytelling, as well as exhibitions.

The summit, which will last until December 10, is expected to attract more than 60,000 guests, including creative individuals, media and content producers, investors, and representatives of universities and research centers. In addition, more than 400 international experts, including politicians, innovation leaders, and influencers, are expected to speak at the events.

One of the main goals of the summit is to bring together leaders, politicians, and visionaries to facilitate dialogue, exchange experiences, and launch joint initiatives, contributing to the expansion of the intangible creative sector, supporting individual talents, establishing new businesses, ensuring sustainability, and directing strategic investments to future areas.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Azerbaijans Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Rzayev has paid a visit to Qatar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Trend.

He took part in the 23rd International Doha Forum, held with the support of the State of Qatar, and delivered a speech at a panel session dedicated to climate diplomacy.

Rzayev spoke about Azerbaijans policy on transitioning to green energy and the use of alternative energy sources, as well as the work carried out and achievements made during its COP29 presidency.

He also discussed Azerbaijans contributions to the COP30 event held in Brazil this November and the countrys ongoing activities within the framework of the COP Troika international climate diplomacy.

During the visit, Rzayev held meetings with the leadership and faculty of Qatars Lusail University, as well as with the leadership of the International Center for Political Studies.

During the meetings, the deputy minister spoke about Azerbaijans active foreign policy course since the restoration of its independence, its bilateral relations and initiatives within international organizations, as well as the restoration of the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity, the steps taken toward normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and both bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Qatar.

The 23rd iteration of the Doha Forum transpired on December 6-7, encapsulating the thematic focus of Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress. This year's Forum assembled at a critical juncture characterized by escalating geopolitical dynamics, increasing humanitarian exigencies, and rapid technological upheaval, highlighting the imperative for accountable, synergistic strategies to address collective global dilemmas.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. On December 9, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, met with the delegation led by Deputy Chief of Staff for the Partnerships Directorate at NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Rear Admiral Yusuf Karagulle, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan within the 16th NATO Days, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense.

Welcoming the guests, the minister stated that the relations of special significance between Azerbaijan and NATO contribute positively to the development of professional military personnel for both sides.

Colonel General Hasanov highly appreciated NATOs role in ensuring peace and security worldwide, emphasized that Azerbaijan consistently attaches importance to mutual cooperation with the Alliance, and highlighted the declaration of additional forces to the Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) Pool of Forces.

Karagulle positively assessed the further expansion of Azerbaijan-NATO relations, Azerbaijans participation in the Alliances efforts to promote security and stability and in crisis-response operations, and particularly emphasized the effectiveness of mutual visits and meetings held in various formats.

The exemplary proficiency demonstrated by over 40 personnel from the Azerbaijan Army operating within the NATO framework, specifically under the auspices of the Partnership Staff Element Concept, received commendation.

During the meeting, the sides engaged in a comprehensive dialogue regarding the prevailing dynamics and future trajectories of AzerbaijanNATO collaboration within the defense and military education sectors, while also delineating prospective.

It was mentioned that as part of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, up to 250 representatives of the Azerbaijan Army participated in 146 international events abroad, while 395 personnel took part in 33 NATO events organized in Azerbaijan.

To note, during the 16th iteration of NATO Days, which will extend until December 12, attendees will engage with various military installations and specialized educational entities affiliated with the National Defense University.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. The prioritization of several issues in the document titled Strategic Agenda for EU-Armenia Partnership, signed following the 6th meeting of the EU-Armenia Partnership Council held on 2 December 2025 in Brussels, is a matter of serious concern, as they distort the realities of the post-conflict period and run counter to the overall peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a statement, Trend reports.

Commenting on the recent document, the ministry noted that the bilateral document sets strategic priorities between the EU and Armenia for the next seven years, and its inclusion of issues targeting Azerbaijan is unacceptable. The ministry warned that this approach could negatively affect Azerbaijan-EU relations.

"The wording in the introductory part of the document and several other sections such as 'Karabakh Armenians displaced following Azerbaijans military operations,' in reference to Armenian residents who voluntarily migrated from Azerbaijan to Armenia following their refusal of reintegration plans proposed by Azerbaijan, as a partnership priority between the EU and Armenia, and the classification of those people as 'refugees' is a vivid example of bias against Azerbaijan.

Moreover, the support for full, immediate, and effective implementation of all relevant rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) expressed within the section on possible EU contributions to the regional normalisation processes clearly refers to the well-known claims brought by Armenia against Azerbaijan.

While it is entirely irrational to bring an issue of purely bilateral nature that directly concerns Azerbaijan and Armenia into an agenda with another party, such an approach also disregards the fact that Azerbaijan likewise has its own legitimate court proceedings against Armenia.

This provision in the EU-Armenia document directly contradicts the peace process, considering an article regarding the elimination of these claims in the peace agreement initialed with the participation of the leaders of Azerbaijan, the U.S., and Armenia in Washington, and raises serious questions about the proclaimed intention of the Armenian side.

Identification of Armenians, who are accused of and sentenced for crimes against humanity and military crimes, as 'prisoners of war,' and prioritisation of their release is a serious distortion of realities, and is unacceptable.

While the EU-Armenia document enshrines multiple provisions that support Armenias lacking regional consensus 'crossroads of peace' initiative, it is concerning that not a single reference was made to the 'Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity' (TRIPP) project, a crucially important arrangement in the normalization process, reached during the 8 August Washington D.C. Summit. This raises questions with regard to the seriousness of Armenia to implement its commitments within the agreement on TRIPP, co-signed by the Prime Minister of Armenia in Washington D.C., and about the proclaimed support of the EU to this project.

Given that Article 7 of the initialed draft agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia obliges not to allow the deployment of any third partys forces along their shared border, another serious concern is the decision to preserve and fully operationalise the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA), which has been used as a propaganda tool against Azerbaijan, instead of bringing its activities to an end.

Among the listed priorities, the emphasis on military and defense issues also serves to promote Armenias militarization.

The issues outlined above, which revive the elements of the former conflict despite the positive progress achieved in the post-conflict normalization since 8 August, cast serious doubt on Armenias intentions. Our expectation is that Armenia and the EU will take concrete steps to remove these harmful provisions, which do not reflect the current realities. For our part, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and draw the necessary conclusions," the statement reads.
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, December 9. During the official visit of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the Slovak Republic, a number of documents were signed between the two countries on December 9, Trend's special correspondent reports.

The signed documents are as follows:

- Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Consular Affairs between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic;

- Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Animal Health and Food Safety between the Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Veterinary and Food Administration of the Slovak Republic;

- Protocol of Intent on Cooperation between the Ministry of Defense Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic;

- Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic;

- Memorandum of Understanding between the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Slovak Republic.

Will be updated
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, December 9. The smart village, which is now in the process of construction, will be a symbol of Slovakian success in the liberated areas, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in an official banquet hosted on behalf of President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini in Bratislava, Trend's special correspondent reports.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- Dear Mr. President, dear friends,

First of all, Mr. President, once again, thank you for the invitation to pay an official visit to Slovakia. Thank you for your hospitality. Thank you for your friendship. We have known each other for a long time. We have met many times, but this is an official visit, which has a special status. And this is a visit to a very friendly country, a country that deserves great respect and appreciation. You mentioned the similarity between our nations, though we are situated quite far away from each other. I fully share this analysis.

We have a lot of things in common. We were parts of big empires for centuries. We were together part of countries that were considered states of the socialist bloc. We were not independent. Our independence had very limited boundaries. And we became truly independent countries more or less at the same time, in the beginning of the 1990s. We had to build our independence, all the institutions, and our future ourselves from scratch. And now, when we look at the progress that Slovakia has achieved in a little more than 30 years, we see that this progress is generated by the strong will of your people, by your history, by your culture, and by your national identity. Today, when we visited the ancient castle together, which was very impressive, I once again realized the source of your energy, the source of your resilience, and the source of your ability to conduct an independent policy.

You preserved your national identity throughout the centuries, though it was not easy. Many nations throughout history have been assimilated. Many nations lost the ability to build a state and to preserve their statehood. You managed to do it. And today Slovakia is one of the leading countries with respect to GDP per capita, industrial development, human capital, and living standards. This could be a model for all countries that want to achieve success, preserve their national identity, protect their dignity, and generate friendship. This is how we in Azerbaijan see Slovakia  a very peaceful country, a country that offers friendship, that offers opportunity, and that values friendship. And this is the case between us.

We, Mr. President, together in fact created this framework for cooperation, which today has evolved into institutional development.

You mentioned the Strategic Partnership Declaration signed last year. This is truly a relationship that we elevated to the highest possible level. And today, during our meetings and discussions, visiting historical sites, once again we see achievements and we see huge potential. This synergy, which has already been achieved, will allow us to build even stronger bridges, not only to work and continue working on our bilateral agenda, but also to provide opportunities for the neighborhood. We will be connected by very sustainable connectivity lines. We are already connected by energy infrastructure.

We work actively in different areas of our partnership, and I am sure that my official visit will give an additional boost to our cooperation. In Slovakia, we see friends, we see friendship, we see respect, and we have the same feelings toward your people, your government, and the state of Slovakia. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for all your contributions to our bilateral partnership. I would like to invite you to pay an official visit as President. You visited us as Prime Minister and also as Speaker of Parliament, but an official visit of the President, of course, has a special status. I hope to see you next year in Azerbaijan.

I am also grateful to you and our friends in Slovakia for the support in the reconstruction of Garabagh. The smart village, which is now in the process of construction, will be a symbol of Slovakian success in the liberated areas. The village, which consists of 851 houses and 10 apartment buildings, as well as a school, a kindergarten, and a medical center, will be a reflection of your achievements and a symbol of our friendship forever. Today the restoration of the territories liberated from occupation is Azerbaijans number one priority. Slovakia not only helps us in doing that but also helps us in demining.

And the special equipment that we received from Slovakia helps to save lives and protect health. Unfortunately, since the Second Karabakh War ended in 2020, we have had more than 400 people killed or severely injured because of landmines, and the equipment we received from you truly saves lives.

Once again, thank you for your hospitality.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. A delegation from Azerbaijan, led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Elnur Mammadov, visited the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (Laos) on December 8-9, 2025, to discuss ways to strengthen political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani MFA.

During the visit, the first political consultations were conducted between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and Laos, co-chaired by Deputy Minister Elnur Mammadov and Deputy Foreign Minister Maythong Thammavongsa of Laos.

The discussions centered on the current state of bilateral relations and examined prospects for expanding cooperation in various domains, including political, economic, humanitarian, and other fields. Deputy Minister Mammadov briefed the Lao delegation on regional developments, providing an update on the ongoing demining efforts in Azerbaijans liberated territories as well as the broader restoration and reconstruction initiatives.

The consultations also covered potential areas of collaboration within international organizations, notably the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Laos is a member.

In addition, during his visit, Deputy Minister Mammadov held meetings with Sounthone Xayachack, Vice President of the National Assembly of Laos, and Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane. He also granted interviews to prominent Lao media outlets, discussing the current state of Azerbaijan-Laos relations and outlining the prospects for future bilateral cooperation.

In connection with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Laos, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Vietnam, also accredited to Laos, hosted an official reception in the capital Vientiane on December 9. Deputy Minister Mammadov, together with Laos Foreign Minister Fomvihon as an honorary guest, greeted attendees and delivered a speech highlighting bilateral cooperation.

Members of the Azerbaijan-Laos Friendship Association, including Laotians who previously studied in Baku, also attended the event.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. The Coordination Council on combating the legalization of criminally obtained property, the financing of terrorism, and the proliferation and financing of weapons of mass destruction has approved the Work Plan for the upcoming 32nd plenary meeting of the Egmont Group, the global association of Financial Intelligence Units (FIU), which is set to take place in Baku in 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers told Trend.

The Coordination Council held its latest meeting on December 9. Deputy Prime Minister and Chair of the Coordination Council Samir Sharifov stated that the decision to hold the plenary meeting is a clear indication of our countrys growing international standing.

The Coordination Council has been tasked with ensuring the coordinated work of relevant state institutions to organize and prepare for the event at a high level.

Members of the Coordination Council, along with representatives of several state bodies invited to the meeting, held extensive discussions on the upcoming Egmont Group plenary. Following the discussions, the Work Plan for the event was approved.

During the meeting, Chair of the Board of the Financial Monitoring Service Zaur Fatizade briefed participants on the progress report submitted to the MONEYVAL Committee of the Council of Europe. He stated that significant progress has been achieved in aligning Azerbaijans system for combating the legalization of criminal proceeds and the financing of terrorism with the standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Within this framework, he noted that the countrys rating is expected to be raised on seven FATF recommendations.

In addition, the meeting addressed other issues related to preventing the legalization of criminally obtained property, combating terrorist financing, and countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The Egmont Group, established in 1995, supports the work and information exchange of national financial intelligence units in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. Azerbaijan joined the group as a full member in 2011.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Today we held a warm and productive meeting with Boris Tadic, former President of Serbia and member of the Board of Trustees of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), the Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Development and Architecture, Anar Guliyev wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

''We discussed preparations for the 13th session of WUF13 Azerbaijan to be taking place in Baku in 2026, and emphasized the importance of participation of NGIC in the Forum.

We also exchanged views on the upcoming Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) annual meeting in Geneva on 1516 January 2026, possible joint initiatives, and closer cooperation within its framework," the publication reads.
Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Footage of President Ilham Aliyevs visit to Slovakia has been published on his social media accounts.

Trend presents the post:

"Official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to the Slovak Republic (08-09.12.2025)".
This photo taken on Dec. 8, 2025 shows a handover ceremony of emergency humanitarian flood relief supplies provided by the Chinese government in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Xinhua/Xu Han)

COLOMBO, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The emergency humanitarian flood relief supplies provided by the Chinese government arrived in Colombo on Monday morning and were handed over to the Sri Lankan side.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, Sri Lanka's Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilake, and Deputy Minister of Defense Aruna Jayasekera attended the handover ceremony.

Karunathilake expressed sincere gratitude for China's timely and generous assistance, noting that the supplies delivered on Monday are exactly what Sri Lanka urgently needs.

He stressed that China has always extended a helping hand to Sri Lanka at every difficult moment over the years. In the face of the current disaster, the Chinese government, Chinese enterprises and Chinese people in Sri Lanka have provided significant support, he added.

He thanked the Chinese government and people for their selfless assistance and reaffirmed his hope that the friendship between Sri Lanka and China will endure.

Qi said that, in the face of this severe natural disaster, all relevant Chinese departments acted swiftly to extend a helping hand to Sri Lankan friends. The supplies, which included tents, bed sheets, life jackets, and blankets, were part of the Chinese government's humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka.

Chinese companies and overseas Chinese in Sri Lanka have also taken active steps to contribute to local disaster relief efforts, he noted, stressing that China's all-round support once again demonstrates that China is a trustworthy and reliable good friend and true friend of Sri Lanka.

China will, as always, continue to assist Sri Lanka within its capacity, work together to overcome the difficulties, and jointly build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, he added.

According to Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Center, the country recently suffered severe damage due to the extreme weather triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, which left more than 600 people dead, affected more than 2 million people, destroyed more than 4,000 houses and partially damaged more than 60,000 houses nationwide. 

This photo taken on Dec. 8, 2025 shows emergency humanitarian flood relief supplies provided by the Chinese government in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The emergency humanitarian flood relief supplies provided by the Chinese government arrived in Colombo on Monday morning and were handed over to the Sri Lankan side.

According to Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Center, the country recently suffered severe damage due to the extreme weather triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, which left more than 600 people dead, affected more than 2 million people, destroyed more than 4,000 houses and partially damaged more than 60,000 houses nationwide. (Xinhua/Xu Han)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. The Oriental Fashion Show took place at the Baku Convention Center as part of the OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week 2025, Trend reports.

The fashion show included designers Gulnara Khalilova (Azerbaijan), Uventa (Azerbaijan), Yoland Fashion House (Oman), Hany Elbehairy Couture (Egypt), Naseem Alandalos (Bahrain), Wafa Idrissi and Maison Fatim (Morocco), Malique (Kazakhstan), Gowher Gouvernet (Turkmenistan), Art by Sofia (Uzbekistan), and Umed Kuchkaliyev (Tajikistan). They presented couture collections inspired by the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the East.

Every designer pulled out all the stops, strutting their stuff on the catwalk with collections that turned the old adage on its head, breathing new life into age-old traditions through the vibrant lens of modern art and fashion. Together, they revealed the inimitable beauty of Eastern haute couture and its growing role on the global stage. This evening once again reminded us of the power of cultural collaboration and the enduring elegance of the Eastern world.

From December 5 through 11, Baku Creativity Week is rolling out the red carpet for more than 5,000 participants hailing from over 50 countriesrepresentatives of government agencies, international organizations, and creative industry leadersgathered with one goal: to strengthen cultural cooperation and honor the shared heritage of OIC member countries. Azerbaijan is once again demonstrating its growing role in the international cultural arena and its contribution to the development of multiculturalism, dialogue, and cooperation in the region.

The festival will feature a high-level meeting of OIC Ministers of Culture, various forums and exhibitions, panel discussions, screenings, and other events dedicated to film, theater, fashion, design, music, dance, gaming technology, animation, digital creativity, and startups, all of which will contribute to the advancement of Azerbaijan's creative industries ecosystem globally.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. We invite innovators, researchers, and government agencies from Azerbaijan to use our resources and collaborate with us, the Director of the Intellectual Property and Advanced Technologies Department of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Ulrike Till said, Trend reports.

She made the remark at the international conference "Artificial Intelligence and Patents" conference in Baku, organized by the Intellectual Property Agency and the World Intellectual Property Organization.

''Intellectual property is not a cost, but a strategic asset. Artificial intelligence will continue to develop, and our common task is not to lose our humanity amid algorithms,'' she added.

According to her, artificial intelligence has already become a reality in Azerbaijan in the areas of public services, healthcare, science, and education:

"Artificial intelligence has already entered the daily activities of research laboratories and numerous start-ups in Azerbaijan. The possibilities for using artificial intelligence in the field of intellectual property should be expanded. Artificial intelligence raises a number of questions for intellectual property. We will discuss these issues at the conference. Our main goal is to organize a global intellectual property system that keeps pace with technology. Innovators and authors should benefit from this," she concluded.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Next year, the minimum living wage in Azerbaijan will see a bump of 15 manat ($8), which shakes out to about 5.26% more in the pot, Trend reports.

For the fiscal year 2026, the baseline subsistence threshold for the primary socio-demographic cohorts of the populace has been delineated.

This issue is reflected in the draft law On the minimum living wage in Azerbaijan for 2026, discussed at todays plenary session of the parliament.

Under the draft, the minimum subsistence level for 2026 will be set at 300 manat ($173) nationwide, 317 manat ($183) for the working-age population, 245 manat ($142) for pensioners, and 260 manat ($150) for children.

The 2025 minimum subsistence levels were 285 manat ($165) nationwide, 305 manat ($176) for the working-age population, 232 manat ($134) for pensioners, and 246 manat ($142) for children.

The draft law was put to a vote and adopted in its third reading.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. The presentation ceremony of the innovative book project Revival of Karabakh: The Story of Azerbaijans Renaissance was held on December 8, 2025, Trend reports.

Commissioned by the Karabakh Revival Fund, the event brought together government officials, MPs, families of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland, participants of the Karabakh war, donors and partners of the Fund, and media representatives. The ceremony began with the national anthem of Azerbaijan, followed by a moment of silence in honor of martyrs who defended the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Rahman Hajiyev, Chairperson of the Board of the Karabakh Revival Fund, gave the opening speech, detailing the significance and preparation process of the book. The book extensively documents Karabakhs history, the occupation period, liberation, reconstruction, and future perspectives. It includes texts, photographs, and interviews with officials, state representatives, and experts, as well as recollections from people displaced from their homeland.

"Spanning nearly 500 pages, 'Revival of Karabakh: The Story of Azerbaijans Renaissance is not just a book. Enriched with text, photographs, and interactive digital content, it brings the story of Karabakhs revival to life in all its colors," Hajiyev noted.

The book is part of a specially created digital ecosystem. Through hundreds of embedded QR codes, readers can access supplementary materials on the projects website, www.book.revival.az, including expanded photo galleries, full video and text versions of exclusive interviews, historical literature, and other resources. The book is also available for purchase through the online store, allowing readers to obtain it in various editions, including Classic, Prestige, and Signature Collection, while supporting the Fund through donations.

An AI guide named Zafar (Victory) AI, designed in the form of a phoenix, provides readers with detailed information about the history, occupation, and current revival of Karabakh and East Zangezur, transforming the publication into a dynamic, interactive, and modern reading experience.

Hajiyev emphasized that the book aims to communicate the truths about Karabakh and highlight the large-scale reconstruction and development efforts in liberated territories under the leadership of the Victorious Supreme Commander, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, as well as Azerbaijans contributions to ensuring sustainable regional peace.

The presentation included a video showcase of the book and a clip titled From Tragedy to Victory, depicting the reconstruction and revival of liberated areas. https://youtu.be/82MP0UgCiZw

A Q&A session followed, moderated by Gultakin Garadaghli, featuring British author Graham Wilson.

Speakers, including MP Tural Ganjaliyev, MP Rizvan Nabiyev, Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center Revan Hasanov, and founder and CEO of the Veyseloglu Group Aydin Talibov, praised the book for preserving historical truths, documenting reconstruction efforts, and promoting Azerbaijans commitment to sustainable peace on the international stage.

At the conclusion of the event, to support the restoration efforts in Karabakh, Iteca Caspian and Caspian Event Organisers, which donated 28,500 manat to the Karabakh Revival Fund and acquired the book Karabakh Revival: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance, as well as PASHA Capital Investment Company, which donated 10,000 manat, were presented with "Donation Certificates" on behalf of the Fund.

All event participants received the books "Ilham Aliyev: A Portrait of a President," a biography of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, authored by him; "The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijan"; and "Azerbaijan Democratic Republic: A Dream That Never Dies," presented on behalf of the Karabakh Revival Fund and Graham Wilson.

Those wishing to own Karabakh Revival: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance can purchase it by visiting the online store https://book.revival.az/estore/, selecting their preferred edition, and making a donation to the Karabakh Revival Fund.

The book will be translated into Azerbaijani and several foreign languages soon.

Additionally, the event featured a photo exhibition, "The Revival of Karabakh: The Story of the Azerbaijani Renaissance," organized based on the photographs from the book. The exhibition highlights the restoration and construction efforts in the liberated territories, as well as the rich natural landscapes and rare flora and fauna of Karabakh.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. The successful presentation of the Azerbaijani delegation on the "Mara'ee 2025" stage made another contribution to the high-level promotion of our country's culture, professional teams, and national values in the international arena, the Press Center of the State Border Service told Trend.

The Maraee 2025 festival, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain, stands out as a remarkable event that brings together the countrys ancient traditions, historic agricultural culture, and modern vision. The word Maraee means pasture and spacious living areas, symbolizing the rhythm of life, labor culture, and community unity that have shaped Bahraini society for centuries. Beyond preserving national values and showcasing rich traditions, the festival also plays a significant role in strengthening intercultural dialogue in the region and attracting international attention.

At this esteemed venue, the program put forth by the Azerbaijani delegation truly stole the show, shining like a diamond in the rough among the festival's brightest highlights.

The performance was a real feather in the cap, showcasing horsemen who were as skilled as they come, an orchestra that played with grace and finesse, and dance groups that painted the town with every nuance of national flair. All elements were prepared within a unified concept, forming an aesthetic and dynamic composition that generated great interest. These performances were a testament to the top-notch professionalism of the special creative ensembles of the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, showcasing their mission to put their best foot forward and represent the country with pride on the international stage.

The complementary stage performances, packed with content, energy, and emotional punch, were hailed as one of the longest and most unforgettable shows of the event.

The King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, also attended this years festival. He conveyed his appreciation to the Azerbaijani delegation and articulated his favorable assessments of the performance.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. As part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Cultural Festival, Baku Creative Week  2025, the Womens Creativity Forum was held at the Baku Congress Center, featuring panel sessions focused on the role of women leaders in the creative industries, Trend reports.

The sessions, titled "Womens Creativity Forum: Women Paving the Way in the Creative Industries" and "Womens Creativity Forum: Women, Innovation, and the Future of the Creative Industries," became some of the most inspiring and insightful events of the festival. They brought together women leaders and entrepreneurs from creative sectors to discuss key trends, challenges, and new opportunities for female professional growth.

Speakers emphasized that the role of women in creative industries has significantly increased in recent years, with their contributions shaping new cultural and technological directions. Participants from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan shared their experiences and the results of years of work in their respective fields.

Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including:

- The development of female entrepreneurship in design, cinema, and digital media;

- The use of new technologies and innovative methods in creative work;

- Supporting young women aspiring to enter the industry;

- Promoting equality and creating inclusive professional environments;

- Women-led teams often initiating social and cultural transformations;

- The need for innovation, technology, and investment to advance female-led creative enterprises.

Speakers also shared examples of successfully implemented projects, described challenges they faced, and explained the strategies that helped them achieve leadership positions. It was noted that women-led teams frequently drive social and cultural change, introducing new forms of creative thinking to the industry.

The panel sessions concluded with a live Q&A segment, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers, share observations, and highlight topics to be developed in the future. The forum underscored that growing female leadership is a key driver of contemporary cultural and creative development.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. A panel discussion on "Prospects for state-level cooperation in the film industry" has taken place as part of the Baku Cinema Breeze international program at the Baku Convention Center during the OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week  2025," Trend reports.

During the panel, representatives of state film institutions from various countries discussed strategic directions for development and opportunities for international partnerships, reports Trend.

The opening speech was delivered by Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Culture Saadat Yusifova, who briefed on the state support for the national film industry.

Advisor to the Chairman of the Board of Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), Zaur Gardashov, emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation between countries for the sustainable growth of the film industry.

The discussion, moderated by Kamran Gasimov, included participants from the film industry of various countries, including the Director-General of the Turkish Directorate of Cinematography, Birol Guven, the Director-General of the Azerbaijan Film Agency, Rashad Azizov; the Director of the Electronic Media and Publications Directorate of Pakistan, Saira Raza, the representative of the Georgian National Film Center, Mamuka Bliadze, the Advisor to the Director of the Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan, Sayfullo Rajabov, and others.

During the discussions, the speakers focused on a number of issues related to the development of the film industry and international cooperation. The participants discussed the formation of state film policy, shared experiences in creating national strategies for the development of the film industry, including legislative initiatives, reforms, and management models aimed at strengthening the industry.

The discussion placed particular emphasis on the role of film diplomacy and international cultural cooperation. Speakers highlighted cinema as a powerful tool for enhancing cultural bonds, fostering mutual understanding, and promoting broader international dialogue between nations.

One key topic addressed was the mechanisms of co-production and co-financing. Participants explored various forms of government support, joint producer funds, collaborative partnership programs, and strategies to create favorable conditions for international film projects.

Another central issue was the digital transformation of the film industry. The panelists delved into the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, the digitalization of production processes, advancements in the VFX sector, and the expansion of cooperation on OTT platforms and distribution channels.

In closing, the speakers emphasized the growing synergy among Turkic-speaking countries and their international partners. Special focus was given to strengthening collaboration between the film institutions of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Georgia, and Italy. This includes initiatives such as the development of joint educational programs, co-productions, and platforms for sharing experiences.

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Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), a part of AZCON Holding, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking the launch of the ESG Operationalization Technical Assistance Project and deepening cooperation in the field of sustainability.

The project aims to ensure the systematic integration of sustainable development principles into the airlines environmental, corporate governance, and operational processes, enhance business value, and expand sustainable investment opportunities.

The MoU was signed by Samir Rzayev, President of AZAL CJSC, and Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, ADB Country Director for Azerbaijan. The ceremony was attended by Enrico Pinali, ADB Regional Director, along with representatives of AZAL and ADB.

The launch of the ADB-financed Technical Assistance Project and the signing of the MoU are dedicated to International Civil Aviation Day, celebrated on 7 December. Within the one-year of ESG Operationalization Project, ESG principles will be integrated into the airlines key management and operational processes.

The project will support ESG integration, sustainable financing tools, green aviation initiatives, biodiversity-focused projects, capacity-building, and the development of an enhanced reporting framework.

This cooperation with ADB marks an important milestone in implementing our sustainable development strategy. AZAL places particular emphasis on adopting ESG practices, expanding investment opportunities, and strengthening partnerships with financial institutions. By aligning our operations with Azerbaijans national development goals and global challenges, we are committed to contributing to the sustainable transformation of the aviation sector. We are confident that this joint project will further advance financial initiatives and provide new momentum for the development of sustainable aviation in Azerbaijan and the wider region, said Samir Rzayev, President of AZAL CJSC.

The Asian Development Bank is delighted to expand its partnership with Azerbaijan Airlines by providing technical assistance to advance sustainability in the aviation sector through. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to integrating environment, social and governance- principles into core business operations, to foster resilient growth of AZAL. Together, we aim to drive meaningful progress in green and smart aviation for sustainable development of Azerbaijan, said Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, ADB Country Director for Azerbaijan.

Additionally, ADB and AZAL are exploring further areas of cooperation, including low-carbon initiatives, emission offset programs, green financing instruments, and biodiversity projects.

This new partnership offers long-term prospects for implementing AZALs ESG strategy and its Net/Near Zero Emissions Plan. The airline also aims to strengthen its position by enhancing regional connectivity, developing new partnerships, analysing ESG-related data, integrating climate risks into investment projects, advancing the application of international standards, and improving transparency and accountability.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. In accordance with the 2025 bilateral military cooperation plan between the air forces of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, a working meeting focused on current and prospective cooperation areas was held in Baku with the Turkish delegation, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense said in a statement, Trend reports.

At the meeting, the sides discussed further development of interaction in the Air Force sphere, as well as opportunities to expand cooperation in joint exercises and exchange of experience, as well as technical and operational spheres.

The attendees were provided with a comprehensive overview regarding the establishment of the contemporary Azerbaijan Armed Forces, the current reformative initiatives, and the operational dynamics of the Air Force.



The assembly encompassed a comprehensive dialogue on various pivotal matters of reciprocal significance.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. The Baku communique on creative industries has been adopted as part of the "OIC Cultural Festival - Baku Creative Week 2025", Trend reports.

The document issued by the Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, noted that the festival, which took place in Baku on December 5-11, made a significant contribution to the development of intercultural dialogue, strengthening tolerance, peace and respect for cultural diversity. The communique also emphasized the growing role of Azerbaijan in the development of creative industries and the expansion of international cultural cooperation.

The document stated that over 300 international guests from more than 40 countries participated in the festival. More than 5,000 individuals engaged in the events, which were attended by representatives from state institutions, international organizations, and academic and cultural institutions. The program featured a wide range of sessions focused on cinema, theater, fashion, design, music, the gaming industry, and digital startups.

Among the festival's key events, the communique highlighted MYFORUM, a forum dedicated to cultural and creative industries, the MYEXPO  Creative Village, the Baku Cinema Breeze 2025 international film program, the Eastern Fashion Show, and the G HUB International Summit of Gaming Technologies. The document emphasized that these platforms provide vital opportunities for knowledge exchange, the formation of partnerships, and the expansion of creative collaboration among countries.

The communique further noted that festival participants recognized the creative industry as a crucial tool for economic diversification and sustainable development. In this regard, it called for enhanced cooperation among OIC member states in areas such as digital innovation, entrepreneurship, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the responsible use of new technologies. The document also underscored the need to broaden innovative financial mechanisms, including joint programs, institutional partnerships, and public-private collaborations.

The communique expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Azerbaijan for organizing the festival. Special attention was paid to the leadership of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in the development of cooperation with the OIC, the strengthening of Islamic solidarity and the promotion of intercultural dialogue.

In conclusion, the document expressed confidence that the "OIC Cultural Festival - Baku Creative Week 2025" has opened a new page of cooperation in the field of creative industries between OIC member countries.

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The priorities in relations between Armenia and the European Union, signed and announced last week, continue to be discussed in the Azerbaijani media space. But not because of envy or jealousy, as some Armenian analysts believe. Not at all.





Azerbaijan has a special relationship with the EU. At Baku's insistence, they became such from the very beginning of the launch of the EU partnership program. Azerbaijan refused to sign the association agreement within the framework of the Eastern Partnership, rightly believing that it deserves a bilateral document with the European Union and more specific relations based on equality, mutual benefit and mutual interests. After all, unlike other Eastern Partnership member countries, in particular Armenia, Azerbaijan is an independent and independent player that helps Europe ensure its energy security and provides a transport and logistics alternative.

The partnership agreement with the EU has been discussed by the parties for many years. In December 2021, speaking at the Eastern Partnership Summit, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced that the work on the document was 90 percent completed.

In 2018, a document entitled "Partnership Priorities" was initialed. Azerbaijan has established strategic relations with many EU member states. However, there have been problems working on the document for a long time. One of them is the problem with the wording regarding the territorial integrity of our country, created by the Armenian side, which tried, and not unsuccessfully, to interfere in the text of the document. Today, when there is no more conflict and Azerbaijan has changed the geopolitical realities of the region, trade and economic issues remain, to which the parties have their own approach. Azerbaijan, unlike other Eastern Partnership countries, does not depend on the European Union. Of course, the EU has been and remains the country's largest economic partner, but it should be borne in mind that Azerbaijan is self-sufficient and cannot be ranked on a par with other EAP partners.





The partnership agreement is still not finalized for the reason that every now and then officials appear in the EU who begin to complicate this process. Moreover, even to the detriment of European interests. In 2022, an agreement was signed to double the supply of Azerbaijani gas to the EU, but the organization has not yet done anything to implement it, referring to the decarbonization policy. At the same time, requests for expanded supplies continue. This is not respectable for such a giant as the European Union. It should be understood that Azerbaijan will not do anything at its own expense, without even having long-term contracts. And relations will definitely not get better if the documents signed with Armenia contain formulations that contradict our interests.

There are many such moments in the priorities announced last week. We have already talked about this and will not go into details. Let's just briefly note that we are talking about the EU's promises to assist Armenia in the release of prisoners and in ensuring the implementation of resolutions of international judicial instances adopted on Armenia's claims against Azerbaijan. The EU has no right to interfere in such matters unless it is a member state of the European Union. Azerbaijan is not a member of the EU and has no plans in this regard. It turns out that the EU promises Armenia to put pressure on Baku to fulfill its promises. This is a very unfriendly approach, and Brussels should not be surprised that the announcement of priorities has caused a negative reaction in Azerbaijan.

And it's not just about the latest news. Unfortunately, in Europe, work against Azerbaijani interests has always found supporters. Yes, the lobby, the money of the diaspora, it's all clear. But this cannot be an excuse, because the interests of the Armenian Diaspora cannot be above the interests of the European Union.

Recently, the fake "Committee for the Protection of the Fundamental Rights of the People of Karabakh", created by the separatists entrenched in Armenia, reported on the work done in two years. In this report, full of all sorts of nonsense. The section "International legal confirmation" attracted our attention. Here, the separatists gathered information about gross interference in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan, which took place in the parliaments and other structures of individual EU countries and the European Union itself. The separatists are very proud of this support and are building their opposition to the geopolitical realities based on the promises made to them by the Europeans.

A lot has happened since Azerbaijan fully restored its sovereignty over all internationally recognized Azerbaijani territories. In November 2023, the International Court of Justice granted the Armenian claim and ordered Azerbaijan to "ensure the conditions for the safe return of Armenians", having done a great service to the separatists, who, after such support, spread their feathers and began to muddy the waters again. The European Parliament made a particularly significant contribution to these processes by adopting hysterical resolutions of the relevant content in March and October 2024 and March 2025. Resolutions demanding the "return of the Armenians" were adopted in the parliaments of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. And the Swiss parliamentarians unanimously voted for resolution No. 24.4259, which provides for the holding of a so-called "Peace Forum" in this country on the "safe return of Armenians under international control." To the credit of the Swiss government, the pro-Armenian initiative was rejected. The Armenians hoped that they would be able to gather without Azerbaijan, as they had previously gathered at the "Peace Forum on Ukraine" without the participation of Russia. But it didn't work out. This was the case when the Armenians finally heard the phrase "this is different."

The separatists forgot to mention PACE, which turned into a platform for anti-Azerbaijani games after the pressure of the lobby paid by the Diaspora imposed impossible conditions on our country and it left the Assembly.

To complete the picture, pro-Armenian documents with an anti-Azerbaijani sound appeared in the US Congress and in the Canadian parliament. At the same time, we note that there are no countries in Asia, the East, or even Russia in the separatist report, although the revanchists constantly demonstrate that they have "everything under control" in Moscow. This cannot but raise questions for the West and the European Union in particular. And there are especially many questions about the latter, precisely because Azerbaijan and the EU are long-standing and good partners, the parties maintain close economic ties, and Europe is interested in continuing to do so. At the same time, the toxic steps continue. And not only at the level of the meaningless European Parliament or PACE. The priorities announced at the last meeting of the Armenia-EU Partnership Council were approved at the highest level.

At the same time, the European Union continues to declare its support for the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. This was once again stated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, at a meeting of the 32nd annual OSCE Ministerial Conference in Vienna on December 4.

"We welcome the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan for their initiative to sign a bilateral peace treaty in August this year. The EU will continue to support this process by all means available to it," she said.

Wonderful words, but how does Brussels see support for the peace process, while promising Armenia to support its lawsuits against Baku and seek the release of Armenian war criminals? I would like to remind you that Europe needs Azerbaijan not only as a reliable supplier of oil and gas. Today, its importance for the EU has increased significantly, because the Europeans are targeting the critical raw materials of Central Asia, and also want to supply green electricity from there. All this will reach Europe only through Azerbaijan. Even with the end of the war in Ukraine, Russian transit will not become a priority for the EU as before. The most reliable, safe and stable logistics routes are those where Azerbaijan plays a key role. It is simply impossible to circumvent it, which makes it more difficult for unhealthy forces to work against our country.

The priorities of the partnership between Armenia and the EU as a whole look like a custody document in which the guardian lists what he undertakes to do for the person being taken into custody. It would be more correct to talk about the priorities of guardianship rather than partnership, because partnership is a process that develops between two parties capable of offering something to each other. Armenia probably also has something to offer the European Union, besides subordination, but it seems that the EU does not need anything more from this country. The EU is intercepting Armenia from Russia, preparing to conclude a corresponding document that will indicate how well it will be and how all its aspirations will begin to be realized. For God's sake, let it be so, if the realization of aspirations does not affect the interests of Armenia's neighbors.

That's the problem, not envy and jealousy. None of the Eastern Partnership countries is capable of concluding an agreement with the EU that will be concluded sooner or later with Azerbaijan. Of the EAP countries, it is the only one capable of being an equal partner of Europe, and not a supplicant. Baku absolutely does not need the European Union to choose between it and Yerevan. Azerbaijan does not need guardianship or help, it only needs an honest partnership that will not be marred by attempts to interfere in its internal affairs. These processes cannot develop in parallel. This is not a whim, but fair expectations, which, hopefully, will be fulfilled until the final document between Brussels and Yerevan is signed.
JERUSALEM, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army confirmed it carried out a series of overnight strikes in southern Lebanon between Monday and Tuesday, targeting what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure.

In a statement, the Israeli military said the strikes hit a compound used by Hezbollah's Radwan Force for training activities. Additional military structures and a launch site belonging to Hezbollah were also targeted.

Video circulating on social networks showed large flames rising above buildings, while Lebanon's Al-Mayadeen TV reported that violent air raids targeted the Iqlim al-Tuffah area and Mount Safi.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The attack was the latest of recent intensified Israeli strikes in Lebanon, despite a ceasefire that came into effect in November 2024. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. The online platform KinoBox was officially presented, as part of the OIC Cultural Festival  Baku Creative Week 2025, Trend reports.

The platform was introduced as an innovative tool designed to consolidate Azerbaijani films spanning various eras, thus creating a cohesive online space for viewing. The event brought together prominent actors, directors, and key figures from the national cinema community.

During the presentation, Elvin Abdulla, the project's author, director, and producer, explained that KinoBox was conceived to make Azerbaijani cinema easily accessible to a wide audience, both domestically and internationally. Attendees were given a comprehensive demonstration of the platforms interface, key sections, and distinctive features.

KinoBox boasts a diverse array of films, ranging from the timeless classics of Azerbaijani cinema to contemporary releases and independent works. The project team emphasized that the platform is not only a streaming service but also an essential cultural archive, safeguarding the heritage of national cinema.

Speakers highlighted several notable advantages of the platform: a user-friendly search system, high-definition streaming capabilities, a flexible content-access model, and the potential for integration with global digital platforms. It was also noted that the project was made possible through the support of various institutions dedicated to advancing the countrys creative industries.

Throughout the event, select excerpts from films already available on KinoBox were showcased, offering attendees a practical demonstration of how the platform operates. The audience responded enthusiastically, particularly appreciating the platforms potential in elevating Azerbaijani cinema on the global stage.

Those who played a pivotal role in the implementation of the project, as well as distinguished figures from the national cinema community, were honored with honorary diplomas. The event was gracefully hosted by actor Azer Aydemir.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. A Womens Creativity Forum was held in Baku as part of the ongoing OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week-2025, organized by the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in partnership with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Trend reports.

The forum was co-organized by the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, the Women Development Organization (WDO) of the OIC, the Womens Entrepreneurship Development Association in Azerbaijan (AQSIA), and the Creative Azerbaijan platform.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, KADEM Chair of the Board of Trustees; Afnan Al-Shuaiby, Executive Director of the WDO; as well as female innovators and entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan, Bahrain, and Uzbekistan attended the forum.

In her opening address, Afnan Al-Shuaiby expressed her gratitude to the organizers. She emphasized the crucial role of women in shaping a knowledge-based society and reaffirmed the commitment to supporting their empowerment and contributions. Our main mission is to enable women to realize all of their potential as entrepreneurs and cultural innovators. We are ready to mobilize all our resources to help women advance, promote their work, and implement their creative projects, she said.

Highlighting womens central role in creativity, Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar stressed that women are key to passing down values across generations as primary carriers of cultural heritage. The art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan stands as one of the most beautiful examples of this. Similarly, Iznik and Kutahya ceramics and other art schools were shaped by the creative spirit, craftsmanship, and aesthetic taste of women. Turkish motifs and their embodiment in art clearly demonstrate womens role throughout history, she noted.

In her remarks, AQSIA Chairwoman Sakina Babayeva described the forum as an ideal platform for exploring opportunities and future prospects for women in the creative field, also highlighting strong state support in Azerbaijan.

A conceptual visual composition inspired by Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumis quote Come out of the circle of time and step into the circle of love, was showcased following the official opening of the forum.

The illustrative part of the project was presented based on the works of artist Leyla Aliyeva. The author of the visual concept is Honored Artist Sabina Shikhlinskaya, and the music composer is Orkhan Aghayev (DJ Pancho).

The Womens Creativity Forum also featured discussions on the topics Enhancing global trade for women in creative industries and The role of innovation, technology and investment in womens empowerment. Speakers highlighted support for women entrepreneurs, strengthening global ties, and leveraging innovation for economic growth, reaffirming a shared commitment to womens leadership in creative fields and fostering international cooperation to drive transformation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under multiple 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 grave offenses, continued on December 9, Trend reports.

The open court session at the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and composed of judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge: Gunel Samadova), provided the accused with a Russian-language interpreter and a state-appointed defense lawyer.

Presiding Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the panel of judges, the prosecutors representing the state, the interpreters, and other participants to the victims and their legal successors attending the proceedings for the first time. He also explained their rights and obligations under the law.

Subsequently, the court heard statements from the victims.

Representative of a victim, Azer Manafov, stated that he suffered as a result of Armenias mine terrorism. Responding to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, he said that several people at the scene were injured due to the mine explosion, while Javid Ismayilov was killed.

Victim Yadulla Abushov, answering questions from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, noted that in the Kalbajar district, several people were killed and he, along with others, was injured as a result of mortar and other fire opened by the enemy.

Victim Sahil Salahov stated that he was injured by the explosion of a shell fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in Khojavend district. Answering questions from Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for Defense of State Accusation at the Prosecutor Generals Office, he noted that several people were killed in the incident.

The court then announced statements from other victims. Some individuals recognized as victims had previously sent petitions stating they could not attend the sessions for valid reasons and confirmed their statements given during the preliminary investigation. In previous sessions, the parties did not object to the announcement of these statements in court.

During the session, expert opinions, protocols, and other evidentiary documents contained in the criminal case materials were also presented.

The presiding judge stated that the examination of statements given by the victims and legal successors during the preliminary investigation has been completed.

The accused, Ruben Vardanyan, filed a motion requesting to review certain documents related to the criminal case and asked for some documents to be excluded. Presiding Judge Zeynal Aghayev stated that appropriate conditions would be created for the accused after specifying which documents he wishes to review.

Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev proposed the examination of other necessary documents in the criminal case.

The next court session is scheduled for December 12.

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 (violations 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).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under multiple 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 grave offenses, continued on December 9, Trend reports.

The open court session at the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and composed of judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge: Gunel Samadova), provided the accused with a Russian-language interpreter and a state-appointed defense lawyer.

Presiding Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the panel of judges, the prosecutors representing the state, the interpreters, and other participants to the victims and their legal successors attending the proceedings for the first time. He also explained their rights and obligations under the law.

Subsequently, the court heard statements from the victims.

The next court session is scheduled for December 12.

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 (violations 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).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. During her visit to Turkmenistan, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the performance of the Galkynysh National Equestrian Games Group in Turkmenbashi on December 9 and visited an exhibition dedicated to Turkmen national cuisine, Trend reports.

The Galkynysh National Equestrian Games Group, which preserves Turkmenistans ancient equestrian traditions, national culture, and folklore, showcased a rich cultural heritage to the guests.

Vice-President Leyla Aliyeva then toured the exhibition on Turkmen national cuisine, where detailed information about its traditions was presented.

The event was accompanied by musical performances and dance group numbers.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Tajikistans position within the evolving Middle Corridor networks is gaining strategic weight, supported by new transport and digital initiatives from the European Investment Bank, EIB Vice President Marek Mora told Trend.

"Transport and digital connectivity are central pillars of the EIBs mandate in Central Asia and of the EU Global Gateway strategy. Tajikistan plays an increasingly important role within this regional network," Mora stated.

Mora underscored that the EIB is pulling its weight in Team Europe's bid to bolster the Middle Corridor.

"The Banks strategy focuses on sustainable, cross-border connectivity, ensuring that investments support interoperability, regulatory harmonization, and low-carbon transport solutions," he said.

As he noted, digital access also stands out as a key part of the EIBs regional agenda.

"On digital connectivity, the EIB supports the Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity through its 60 million euro financing for the SES satellite broadband project, which covers rural areas of Tajikistan as well as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. This investment will provide high-speed broadband to remote communities, improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities," Mora added.

He emphasized that both modalities of collaboration are strategically formulated to facilitate the deeper integration of Tajikistan into regional economic frameworks.

"Together, these strategies aim to ensure that Tajikistan benefits fully from regional corridor initiatives while expanding inclusive access to digital services," he concluded.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 9. Kazakhstan plans to increase the share of its manufacturing sector to 15 percent of GDP by 2030 and to 1820 percent by 2035, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced at a government meeting, Trend reports.

He noted that achieving this target is realistic, as the country possesses all the necessary resources, including raw materials, energy, advantageous geographic positioning, and a young, well-educated workforce.

According to Bektenov, manufacturing output has grown by almost one-third over the past five years. During this period, dozens of new enterprises have been launched, including projects involving major global companies such as Kia, Sinopec, John Deere, and Claas.

Meanwhile, Bektenov underlined that exports of processed goods exceeded $23 billion last year, comprising not only metals but also machinery, chemicals, and food products.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Iran's northwest Ardabil Province achieved 98% of its planned revenues in the first eight months of the current Iranian year (from March 21 through November 21, 2025), the head of the Ardabil Provincial Office of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, Yaqub Nejad Mohammad, told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, total revenues reached 38.4 trillion rials (about $59.4 million) over this period. He noted that 36.6 trillion rials (about $56.7 million) came from taxes, while 1.74 trillion rials (about $2.7 million) were generated from other income sources.

Nejad Mohammad added that provincial revenues rose by 25%, increasing by 7.77 trillion rials (about $12 million) compared to the same period of the previous year.

The country's nationwide tax revenues for the same eight-month period stood at 10.3 quadrillion rials (about $16 billion), representing a 45% year-on-year increase.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. An international event dedicated to the safety and operational reliability of facilities that are important for the oil and gas industry was held in Baku, Trend reports.

The conference, entitled Asset Integrity & Corrosion and Coatings Conference, brought together leading experts in the field, company executives, and technology suppliers.

The event was devoted to discussing the current state and innovations in the field of asset integrity protection, corrosion control, and protective coating technologies. The conference presented the risks, technical solutions, and international experience faced by the industry.

The conference included two main areas: a conference on asset integrity and a conference on corrosion and coatings. The program included technical sessions, panel discussions, and business meetings. This format is aimed at exchanging views and expanding cooperation between specialists.

The event was attended by more than 500 delegates from over 20 countries. More than 50 speakers took part in the conference, and more than 25 companies presented their technological solutions. In total, more than 50 technical sessions, several panel discussions, and various networking events were planned.

The main goal of the conference was to promote the sustainable development of the energy sector in the Caspian region and to facilitate the introduction of best practices in environmental protection and reliable infrastructure operation. The event was recognized as an important discussion platform for oil and gas industry professionals.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Iran, along with many other areas, is a place of significant investment opportunities in the oil and gas sector, Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said during a meeting with Belarusian Industry Minister Andrey Kuznetsov in Tehran, Trend reports.

According to him, Iran has prepared a package of agreements for cooperation with friendly countries for this purpose. These packages will help them play ball with the interests of both parties.

Paknejad pointed out that Iran and Belarus have a goldmine of opportunities for collaboration across the board, particularly when it comes to the energy sector.

At the meeting, Kuznetsov noted that Belarus is ready to develop cooperation in all areas, especially in the petrochemical sector and in the import of products and catalysts to the country.

The aggregate hydrocarbon stockpile of Iran is quantified at 1.2 trillion barrels. The current technological infrastructure has the capacity to yield 340 billion barrels, with an operational efficiency of approximately 30%, leaving a substantial 70% of the resource in a dormant state beneath the surface.

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BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- China calls on Pakistan and Afghanistan to continue handling their differences through dialogue and consultation, promote the deescalation of the situation, and work together to maintain regional peace and stability, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a daily news briefing in response to reports that Afghan and Pakistani forces exchanged fire on Dec. 5, resulting in a number of civilian casualties.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are both long-standing friendly neighbors of China, they are also neighbors that cannot move away from each other, he said.

China is willing to work with the international community to continue playing a constructive role in improving and developing relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Guo said. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. The implementation of free trade agreements and the creation of a joint free trade zone is considered a turning point in the history of trade and economic relations between Iran and Belarus, Iran's Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade, Mohammad Atabak, said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the 18th meeting of the Iran-Belarus Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation in Tehran on December 8.

According to him, the development of relations between the two countries will create new opportunities for constructive interaction and a sustainable economy in the region.

Atabek stated that the main focus is on increasing trade turnover between Iran and Belarus in parallel with the development of relations.

The Iranian minister noted that there are currently a number of unresolved issues between the two countries.

''These issues, including banking issues, credit documentation, the issuance of visas to businesspeople, and the resolution of problems faced by truck drivers, will contribute to the further development of relations,'' he added.

The official noted that the chambers of commerce of the two countries, having familiarized themselves with the situation of business people and industrial entrepreneurs, could expand contacts by holding exhibitions and creating advisory councils.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Belarus is ready to establish a joint venture with Iran to produce pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, Belarusian Minister of Industry Andrei Kuznetsov said at the 18th meeting of the Iran-Belarus Joint Economic Commission in Tehran on December 8, Trend reports.

According to him, Belarus is also interested in cooperating with Iran to create investment opportunities.

Kuznetsov noted that the implementation of bilateral projects within the framework of technological cooperation with Iran is a priority.

Noting the importance of strengthening trade relations between the two countries, the minister added that Belarus is ready to supply Iran with mining products and trucks. In return, Belarus can purchase agricultural products from Iran.

Meanwhile, at the 18th meeting of the Iran-Belarus Joint Economic Commission, held on December 8 in Tehran, special attention was paid to the development of trade and economic relations between the two countries.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. The non-oil sector will exceed 80 percent in Azerbaijan's GDP in 2029, Prime Minister Ali Asadov said during the discussion of draft laws within the 2026 state budget envelope at today's plenary session of the parliament, Trend reports.

In the medium term, the driving force of our economy will be the non-oil sector. If at the beginning of the strategyin 2022the non-oil sector accounted for 52 percent of GDP (72 percent in 2025), this ratio will exceed 80 percent in 2029, he explained.

The prime minister noted that the Azerbaijani economy has dived headfirst into a whirlwind of technological modernization and digital transformation in recent years.

"The qualitative indicators of economic growth have increased, modernization of economic infrastructure, innovation, and digitalization have become the main priorities," he added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Iran is ready to increase freight transport and transit with Belarus within the framework of the International NorthSouth Transport Corridor (INSTC), Irans Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, said at a meeting in Tehran on December 8 with Belarus Minister of Industry, Andrei Kuznetsov, Trend reports.

Sadegh noted that Iran can provide opportunities for Belarus at its national ports to support this initiative.

She also stated that a comprehensive freight transport agreement is being prepared between Irans Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) and the Belarusian Ministry of Road Transport. The document is expected to be signed during the Belarusian ministers visit to Iran.

The Iranian minister emphasized that, over the past eleven months, 1,059 trucks have passed through Belarusian territory, while 123 trucks have transited through Iran. Iran is prepared to establish the necessary conditions to facilitate a significant increase in the number of Belarusian trucks using its territory.

Minister Sadegh also announced that an agreement has been reached to operate four weekly flights between the two nations. Iran is eager to expand the frequency of these direct flights to further bolster trade and economic exchange.

Regarding railway cooperation, Sadegh highlighted the potential to enhance the transport of goods from China, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan through Irans rail network, thus facilitating regional trade.

During the meeting, Belarusian Minister Andrei Kuznetsov expressed his agreement with the proposals presented by Iran, affirming the shared goal of enhancing freight activities between the two countries and addressing the obstacles that currently impede smoother transport operations.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 9. The Shakhimardan Irrigation System modernization project will officially begin with a time capsule ceremony on December 11, hosted at the headwater intake of the Mukhtar Nurgaziyev Canal in Kyrgyzstan's Kadamjay District, Trend reports via the Ministry of Agriculture.

The event will be attended by Bakyt Torobaev, Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Agriculture, and Hugh Riddell, the World Banks Country Manager for Kyrgyzstan, underscoring the project's pivotal role in enhancing regional water management.

The Kyrgyz government has allocated 425.5 million soms (approximately $4.8 million) for the upgrade, which will span across two rural municipalities and one urban area in Kadamjay District. Of the canals total length of 35.2 kilometers, 25.67 kilometers are slated for complete reconstruction.

Agriculture remains a fundamental pillar of Kyrgyzstans economy, contributing over 10% to the national GDP and employing a significant portion of the rural population. Notably, around 90% of the countrys total water consumption is allocated for irrigated agriculture, emphasizing the critical need for efficient water management systems.

The urgency of reconstructing the 25.67 kilometers of the Mukhtar Nurgaziyev Canal is amplified by the current systems marked inefficiency. According to the Water Resources Service, irrigation water losses in Kyrgyzstans canals commonly range from 30% to 50% due to filtration issues and inadequate infrastructure. Modernizing the canal system is expected to substantially reduce these losses, thereby increasing the availability of water for agricultural production.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, has met with the Associate Director for Technology at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Ethan Klein, during his visit to the U.S., the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport told Trend

The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, as well as aligning personnel training with international standards. Discussions also covered potential joint initiatives and opportunities for collaboration in the areas of energy and cybersecurity.

Additionally, the sides exchanged perspectives on strengthening the partnership between U.S. companies and Azerbaijan, identifying the necessary steps for advancing bilateral cooperation.

The importance of expanding the regulatory and legal framework between the two countries was underscored, with particular emphasis on the pivotal role of ICT and AI in this context.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Azerbaijan and Serbia, possessing strategic energy resources and located along key transport corridors, play an important role amid growing global instability member of the Board of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and former President of Serbia, Boris Tadic, told Trend in an exclusive interview.

"Serbia possesses significant lithium reserves, a resource poised to underpin future energy systems. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan holds substantial oil and gas reserves, which already constitute a key pillar of global energy potential," he remarked.

He further highlighted the strategic location of both nations, situated on critical transit corridors between Southern and Southeastern Europe, which enhances their geopolitical significance.

"Any nation situated along such vital routes inevitably faces heightened risks. To disregard this reality is to risk failure. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a cautious and balanced approach, navigating the complexities of major power rivalries with a well-considered policy," Tadic emphasized.

Regarding global dynamics, Boris Tadic pointed out that the erosion of respect for international law has emerged as a primary driver of contemporary global instability. He argued that the fragmentation of the international system began in the Balkans, notably with the Kosovo issue.

"We are now witnessing the war in Ukraine, efforts to justify military interventions, and a series of armed conflicts unfolding in various parts of the globe," he noted.

Tadic emphasized that the international community must find a way out of the current crisis, resolving both the Kosovo issue and the task of preventing new conflicts in the future.

He also recalled that when the Global Baku Forum was being established, the world was different: at that time, the war in Ukraine was not even being discussed, and even settlement in the Middle East seemed closer than todays crises.

Speaking about forms of international engagement, Tadic said that the development of multilateral cooperation is especially important today.

Multilateralism remains one of the key models of international interaction. It is not the only format, but without this philosophy, it is impossible to develop comprehensive solutions to the challenges the world is facing, he said.

Tadic also paid special attention to the impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence on global processes. According to him, many politicians still underestimate the importance of these technologies and the neuroscientific research underlying them.

Artificial intelligence is a reflection of the human mind. The digital world makes it possible to transmit data much faster and in a more complex form, ensuring a high level of connectivity, he noted.

At the same time, he stressed that technological progress also carries serious risks.

Everything depends on regulation, data control, data center security, and addressing their enormous energy consumption. In the future, we will need much more regulation, Tadic stated.

According to him, if the world finds the right solutions in these areas, humanity will be able to live in a safer and more sustainable environment.

Otherwise, another scenario is possible. Today, we are at a crossroads both in terms of military conflicts and technological development, Tadic concluded.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Technological solutions can extend the operational life of oil and gas platforms, Director of Caspian Technical Solution (CTS) Karim Shakouri told Trend on the sidelines of the event "Asset Integrity & Corrosion and Coatings Conference" in Baku.

According to him, the conference creates opportunities for new collaborations in the oil and gas sector.

He pointed out that the conference is set to be a melting pot of meetings and a sharing of experiences between local and international players in the oil and gas game.

"The event envisages participation of representatives of a number of internationally recognized companies and individual meetings with SOCAR's partners. Although it's too early to say whether specific contracts will be signed in the short term, the conference is an important platform for conducting initial negotiations. These negotiations can result in holding relevant tenders, assessments, and cooperation agreements," Shakouri explained.

The company's head also mentioned that one of the hot topics on the table at the event is how to stretch the operational life of existing oil and gas platforms by leveraging new technological solutions.

He added that this goal can be achieved using modern technological tools.

The Asset Integrity Corrosion and Coatings Conference and Showcase (AICC CASPIAN 2025), put on by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), kicked off today at the Fairmont Baku  Flame Towers. This three-day premier industry event will pull together global experts, technology leaders, and senior executives to dive into the latest advancements, tackle challenges, and share best practices in asset integrity, corrosion control, and protective coatings, ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of critical oil and gas assets.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Azerbaijan's Intellectual Property Agency and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) held an international conference on "Artificial Intelligence and Patents", Trend reports.

Addressing the event, Kamran Imanov, Chairman of the Board of the Intellectual Property Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, noted that the creation of artificial intelligence has been a long-standing dream of humanity. Artificial intelligence is the main driving force behind digital sovereignty.

The Strategy for the Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026, approved by order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, provides for the introduction of innovations and increased use of digital technologies in the fields of economics, management, education, information, and healthcare, including the widespread use of artificial intelligence. The adoption of the Law On Artificial Intelligence and the establishment of the Azerbaijan Academy in this field bring to the agenda issues of improving legislation in this area and institutional changes in our country.

The principle of the future is based on the joint activity of humans and artificial intelligence. In the field of culture, artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the concept of creativity. Thanks to artificial intelligence, a phase of hybrid creativity is beginning. Artificial intelligence is becoming one of the tools of soft power for governments in cultural diplomacy. The history of artificial intelligence is not just the path AI has taken from mythological ideas about purely mechanical intelligence to transformers and generative models.

The history of artificial intelligence is not only an evolution from mythological ideas about mechanical intelligence to transformers and generative models, but also the story of its transformation into one of the main pillars of the global economy and a leading factor in socio-cultural transformation," he noted.

Kamran Imanov also spoke about the legal basis of artificial intelligence and its important role in the field of intellectual property. He noted that artificial intelligence affects information and communication tools, media formats, journalism, social networks, education, and other areas.

In his speech, Grigory Ivliev, President of the Eurasian Patent Office, noted that the basic principles of patent regulation remain unchanged.

According to him, there is no need to be wary of artificial intelligence:

"Although intellectual property regulation began at the end of the 19th century, the basic principles of patent regulation remain unchanged. We must be able to apply new approaches and technological developments in the patent field.

The World Intellectual Property Organization uses artificial intelligence to modernize the process of patenting technical solutions, and a number of patents have been successfully applied.

We are implementing important IT projects aimed at developing modern technologies in cooperation with the Azerbaijan Intellectual Property Agency.

Ulrike Till, Director of the Intellectual Property and Advanced Technologies Department at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), noted that intellectual property is not a cost but a strategic asset. Artificial intelligence will continue to develop, and our common call is not to lose our humanity amid algorithms.

Till also noted that artificial intelligence has already become a reality in Azerbaijan in the areas of public services, healthcare, science, and education:

"Artificial intelligence has already entered the daily activities of research laboratories and numerous start-ups in Azerbaijan. We invite innovators, researchers, and government agencies from Azerbaijan to use our resources and collaborate with us.

The possibilities for using artificial intelligence in the field of intellectual property should be expanded. Artificial intelligence raises a number of questions for intellectual property. We will discuss these issues at the conference. Our main goal is to organize a global intellectual property system that keeps pace with technology. Innovators and authors should benefit from this.

The conference continued with panel discussions.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds the "1+10" Dialogue with heads of major international economic organizations at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 9, 2025. The heads of major international economic organizations present at the dialogue were President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff, President of the World Bank Ajay Banga, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, Director-General of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan, Director-General of the International Labour Organization Gilbert F. Houngbo, General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements Pablo Hernandez de Cos, Chair of the Financial Stability Board Andrew Bailey, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Jin Liqun, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Frantisek Ruzicka. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for greater mutual opening up among markets, and avoiding politicizing and overstretching the concept of security in economic and trade issues.

Li made the remarks Tuesday when holding the "1+10" Dialogue with heads of major international economic organizations in Beijing.

He also called on countries to bolster international innovation cooperation, and jointly nurture and expand new growth drivers.

The heads of major international economic organizations present at the dialogue were President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff, President of the World Bank Ajay Banga, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, Director-General of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan, Director-General of the International Labour Organization Gilbert F. Houngbo, General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements Pablo Hernandez de Cos, Chair of the Financial Stability Board Andrew Bailey, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Jin Liqun, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Frantisek Ruzicka.

In September, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative, offering Chinese wisdom and a Chinese solution for the international community to jointly tackle global changes and address urgent challenges, Li said.

With the theme of "Working Together on Global Governance for Shared Development," the dialogue aimed to further build consensus and encourage all parties to take coordinated and robust actions in order to establish a more just and equitable global governance system and promote common development, the premier said.

Li said that the global economy has had a turbulent and bumpy journey in 2025, advancing with difficulty against the headwinds. With the emergence of new situations and developments, there is an urgent need to reform and improve global economic governance, and to safeguard the international economic and trade order, he said.

Openness and cooperation is key to solving these problems and an important way to implement the Global Governance Initiative, Li said. He noted that only through open cooperation can countries create a larger space for growth, maintain the stability and smooth flows of industrial and supply chains, and accelerate technological and industrial upgrading.

He stressed that China has always practiced and promoted openness and cooperation. China's economy has forged ahead amid pressures and made new achievements this year, Li said, adding that China is confident and capable of accomplishing the whole year's economic and social development goals and tasks.

The fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China deliberated and adopted the recommendations for the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan, outlining a blueprint for China's development over the next five years, he said.

China's economy will maintain its robust and positive momentum, with its overall economic volume reaching new heights, its industrial upgrading creating new space for development, and its mega-market releasing demand in an accelerating manner, the premier said.

China will continue to open its door wider to the outside world, and welcomes more foreign companies to explore the Chinese market, he added.

China is willing to work with all parties to solidify a win-win international economic and trade landscape, promote the in-depth development of economic globalization, enhance the authority and effectiveness of multilateral mechanisms, and gather greater collective strength to foster common development, Li said.

He said China will continue actively undertaking international obligations commensurate with its capabilities, participate constructively in international exchange and cooperation, provide more public goods, and contribute more to promoting the stable, healthy development of the global economy.

The heads of major international economic organizations said that China's economy has maintained steady, solid growth over the year, making significant contributions to global economic growth.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan is well-aligned with the growth of the international economy and international trade, and will inject confidence and new impetus into global development, they said.

China has been firmly supporting multilateralism and the development of the Global South, and been committed to promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, setting an exemplary model for the world, they said.

The heads of international organizations said they are ready to strengthen communication and collaboration with China in areas such as trade and investment, green development, artificial intelligence, livelihood and employment, financial stability, and sustainable development, and work with China to uphold multilateralism and the free trade system to promote global economic growth. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds the "1+10" Dialogue with heads of major international economic organizations at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 9, 2025. The heads of major international economic organizations present at the dialogue were President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff, President of the World Bank Ajay Banga, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, Director-General of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan, Director-General of the International Labour Organization Gilbert F. Houngbo, General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements Pablo Hernandez de Cos, Chair of the Financial Stability Board Andrew Bailey, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Jin Liqun, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Frantisek Ruzicka. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
Photo: Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev met with Dominic Delmolino, Vice President of Global Public Sector Technology at Amazon Web Services (AWS), during his visit to the United States, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport told Trend.

During the meeting, the parties discussed cooperation in the development of cloud infrastructure, digital transformation in the field of public services, strengthening cybersecurity capabilities, and expanding the innovation ecosystem.
Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 9. A shortage of irrigation water of up to 1 billion cubic meters is expected in Kazakhstans southern regions during the upcoming vegetation period, Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev said at a government meeting, Trend reports via the government.

According to him, the south continues to experience a low-water cycle. Inflow to the Shardar Reservoir has dropped by 43%, while water reserves in major reservoirs of the NarynSyrdarya cascade stand 3.8 billion cubic meters below last years levels. To ensure a stable irrigation season, Bozumbayev said, the government is tightening the reins on water resources regulation.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Water Resources will soon establish clear water-use limits. Farmers will be advised to adjust their crop structure and prioritize less water-intensive varieties. In addition, each region will allocate pilot plots to test innovative moisture-retaining products.

The projected water inflow for the 2026 vegetation period is estimated at only 11.5 billion cubic meters, creating a risk of a deficit of up to 1 billion cubic meters. Several regions failed to meet their 2025 targets for reducing water-intensive crops. Regional administrations must conduct outreach among farmers before the irrigation season to explain the need to switch to less water-demanding crops, Bozumbayev said.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 9. Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has appointed several new ambassadors, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh president.

By presidential decree, Kairat Abdirakhmanov has been appointed Ambassador to the Czech Republic, stepping down from his previous roles as Ambassador to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Akan Rakhmetullin will now serve as Ambassador to the Netherlands while also acting as Permanent Representative to the OPCW.

In parallel, Roman Vasilenko, currently Ambassador to Belgium and Head of the Mission to the EU and NATO, has been assigned an additional role as Ambassador to Luxembourg.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 9. Kazakhstan is expanding and modernizing its toll road network, which now covers 4,900 kilometers, Chairman of Kazakhstans National Company KazAvtoZhol, Darkhan Imanashev, said at a government meeting, Trend reports via the Kazakh government.

According to him, nine new toll road sections totaling 1,700 km were opened this year. In total, the network now consists of 26 sections. Toll collections over the first eleven months of 2025 amounted to 79 billion tenge ($154 million).

Imanashev noted that these funds are put to good use for keeping the wheels turning and patching up the 26 toll sections, upkeep of toll collection infrastructure, and investments in road-operating machinery.

In recent years, approximately 1,000 units of road maintenance equipment have been procured, along with reimbursement of investor costs and other administrative expenses.

There are 5 international railway and 8 road transport corridors in Kazakhstan. As of the end of 2024, transit transportation reached 34.6 million tons, which is a 7.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This figure is expected to reach 67 million tons by 2029 and 100 million tons by 2035.

Conversions from KZT to USD are based on the National Bank of Kazakhstans official exchange rate of 1 USD = 508.3 KZT as of December 9, 2025.

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Photo: Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 9. Kazakhstan plans to launch its first pilot projects involving autonomous freight trucks in 2027, Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev announced during a press conference, Trend reports.

He added that the project is currently under discussion with neighboring countries, and they aim to launch it within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) at border crossing points.

"The objective is to mitigate the challenges associated with protracted wait times at border checkpoints, frequently linked to the verification processes of individual travelers' documentation," he explained

The minister also mentioned that a draft document for a pilot project on autonomous taxis and air taxis is in the works and will be submitted to Parliament next year.

"The document is currently undergoing finalization, with an objective to present it to Parliament in the forthcoming year," he said.

Sauranbayev further articulated that in the execution of new roadway projects, the infrastructure will be engineered to integrate requisite sensor technology, facilitating the operational capabilities of autonomous vehicles throughout Kazakhstan.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 9. Kazakhstan highlights the possibility of launching new domestic flights, including a route between Astana and the Borovoe resort, Deputy Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev said during a press conference, Trend reports.

According to Lastayev, the development of the domestic market is closely tied to the renewal and expansion of the country's aircraft fleet.

"We aim to significantly increase this number. Recently, Air Astana signed a memorandum for 25 "firm" contracts for Airbus A320 family aircraft, along with 25 optional contracts," he stated.

Lastayev also mentioned that smaller aircraft, capable of operating between Astana and Borovoe, could provide comfortable and fast travel.

"There is definitely a possibility for this, and there are no institutional barriers. The fleet is expanding, and I believe such routes will develop," he added.

He further noted plans to bring in long-haul Dreamliner aircraft, with the first deliveries lined up for the middle of next year.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev emphasized that ensuring connectivity between all regions and the cities of Almaty and Astana is a priority, a goal that has already been fully achieved. He observed that the initiation of new domestic air routes necessitates not merely the acquisition of additional airframes but also the allocation of a financial plan.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 9. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) and its contractors are currently working at the Marine Terminal (MT) to replace the hoses on the offshore mooring facility VPU-3, Nikolay Gorban, CEO of CPC, said in a meeting with Askhat Khassenov, Chairman of the Board of KazMunayGas (KMG), Trend reports via the CPC.

On November 29, at 06:06 Astana time, the marine infrastructure facilities of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) near the port of Novorossiysk were targeted in an attack involving an unmanned watercraft. The assault caused significant damage to the offshore mooring facility VPU-2, rendering it inoperable until comprehensive repair and restoration efforts are completed.

The CPC plays a pivotal role in the global oil market, accounting for approximately 80% of crude oil exports from Kazakhstan, a key OPEC+ member. The consortium is responsible for transporting oil from three of Kazakhstans largest and most productive fields: Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 9. Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a special order granting permission to the joint venture Rosneft-Shell Caspian Ventures to carry out transactions with its shares in the joint-stock company Caspian Pipeline Consortium-R (CPC-R), Trend reports, citing the document.

The order authorizes the Rosneft-Shell joint venture to engage in transactions involving the shares it holds in the prominent oil pipeline consortium. The Rosneft-Shell Caspian Ventures holds a 7.5% stake in the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) project.

The CPC is responsible for approximately 80% of Kazakhstan's crude oil exports, a key OPEC+ member. It facilitates the transportation of oil from three major Kazakhstani fields: Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak.

CPCs shareholders include: Russia (via Transneft) with a 24% stake, KazMunayGas with 19%, Chevron with 15%, Lukoil with 12.5%, Mobil Caspian Pipeline Consortium with 7.5%, Rosneft-Shell Caspian Ventures Limited with 7.5%, along with other participants.

In October, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Russian companies Lukoil and Rosneft, along with 34 subsidiaries of these entities, as part of a new sanctions package. However, in November, the U.S. government decided to exclude the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, Tengizchevroil, and the Karachaganak development project from its sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil.

On November 29, at 06:06 Astana time, the marine infrastructure facilities of the CPC near the port of Novorossiysk were targeted in an attack by an unmanned watercraft. As a result, the offshore mooring facility VPU-2 sustained significant damage and is now out of operation until comprehensive repair and restoration efforts are completed.
Photo: Press-service of Kazakh Senate (the upper house of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan)

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 9. On December 10, 2025, Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, will embark on a working visit to the Vatican, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.

Key events during Ashimbayev's visit include an audience with Pope Leo XIV, participation in a roundtable discussion on interfaith dialogue, and a meeting with Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. Additionally, Ashimbayev will pay his respects at the tomb of Pope Francis.

The visit will also feature a historic first-ever meeting between Ashimbayev and Fra' John Dunlap, the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.

Following the visit, several agreements are anticipated to be signed, with the aim of further strengthening humanitarian cooperation between the Vatican and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
SANAA, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Two members of al-Qaeda were killed Monday evening in a U.S. drone strike in Yemen's Marib province, about 170 km east of Sanaa.

A security source told Xinhua that a U.S. unmanned aerial vehicle targeted a house in the Wadi Obeida area in Marib province, killing two al-Qaeda members and wounding others.

In late November, a U.S. drone strike targeted a motorcycle in the Al-Husoon area of Al-Wadi district, east of central Yemen's Marib province, killing two alleged al-Qaeda operatives.

Neither the United States nor the internationally recognized Yemeni government has issued an official statement regarding the incident.

Marib, a strategic and oil-rich province, is under the control of the Yemeni government. Both al-Qaeda and the Houthis have sought to expand their activities in the province since the civil war began in late 2014.

The province has recently seen heightened security measures amid reports of militia movements aimed at inciting chaos. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 9. Iran won't be able to produce nuclear fuel without enriching uranium, Irans Vice President and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization Mohammad Eslami said during a meeting with university students in Tehran, Trend reports.

According to him, as a result, Iran would also lose the capability to produce radioisotopes.

Eslami also said that during Israels airstrikes on Iran in June, the first targets were the fuel plant for radioisotope production and the facility producing Oxygen-18, used in PET scan equipment.

He noted that Iran keeps the nuclear industry on its agenda to positively impact peoples well-being, and this matter is considered the countrys main strategic priority.

The vice president added that today Irans radioisotope production company has become one of the leading companies in the world. He also noted that Irans heavy water has a high level of purity, and many countries are customers of Iran.

Iran continues its path of development in its nuclear program. At the same time, its activities in this field have remained within international frameworks to prevent accusations of violating regulations. Despite this, and despite external pressures, Iran continues on its course, he added.

On the morning of June 13, Israel carried out military air strikes against Iran, leading to the deaths of numerous high-ranking military officials, generals, nuclear scientists, and other senior personnel.

Meanwhile, on the same evening, Iran responded to Israel with Operation True Promise III: hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones were launched at several targets, including Tel Aviv, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

On June 22, the U.S. launched military airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. It was reported that the airstrikes destroyed Iranian nuclear facilities.

In addition, on the evening of June 23, Iran launched airstrikes on a U.S. military base in Qatar.

On June 24, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that the Israeli government had agreed to a ceasefire with Iran, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council also issued a statement noting the cessation of attacks.

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Research offers defense against energized space electrons

Research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute is advancing the ability to quickly clean up Earths radiation belts from a flood of energetic electrons created by an extraordinary solar blast or a nuclear explosion in space.

Many of these incoming electrons become trapped in the Earths outer radiation belt and can damage or destroy satellites and other spacecraft by penetrating their electronics.

Photo courtesy of Los Alamos National Laboratory

In this photo taken from an aircraft, the atmosphere glows after the United States detonated a nuclear device 250 miles above the Pacific Ocean on July 9, 1962. The Starfish Prime explosion intensified Earths radiation belts and generated an electromagnetic pulse that darkened streetlights on the island of Oahu, 800 miles away.

Natural loss of those killer electrons, as they are sometimes called, can take weeks or months.

Geophysical Institute research professor Paul Bernhardt has devised and tested a method that could lead to a way to clean up the radiation belt in just a few minutes, depending on the electrons energy level.

Bernhardt and UAF graduate student researcher Sam McKay have been presenting the method at science conferences. Bernhardt will present it again at the American Geophysical Unions annual meeting later this month. That meeting attracts about 20,000 people annually.

It is important to have a reliable way of removing unwanted electrons from the radiation belt to keep satellites working longer after a sudden increase in radiation belt particles, Bernhardt said.

Bernhardts idea is to knock the electrons out of the radiation belt through a space-based amplification of a special type of electromagnetic wave originating at a ground station.

The wave amplification would occur in a remarkable way: by use of a passing rockets engine exhaust.

Why it matters

Navigation satellites in medium Earth orbit and communication or weather satellites in geostationary orbit operate in the outer radiation belt, as do scientific spacecraft. About 12,000 active satellites are in orbit.

The outer radiation belt is also where these energized electrons reside. They can circle Earth in a few minutes to about an hour, depending on their energy level.

Satellites and spacecraft are designed with shielding and electronics to tolerate levels that have become known to scientists.

A surge of electrons from strong solar activity, however, creates even more of these energized particles. So would a nuclear detonation in space.

A July 1962 nuclear test by the United States about 250 miles above the Pacific Ocean intensified Earths radiation belts, created a vivid aurora, knocked out several satellites and generated an electromagnetic pulse that disrupted power and communications as far away as Hawaii.

The explosion was one of several high-altitude nuclear blasts by the U.S. and the Soviet Union from 1958-1962. Those detonations spawned research into cleaning up the aftermath.

Attention eventually turned to ground-based transmission of very low frequency waves, which became and remains the dominant area of research.

In the U.S., radiation belt cleanup research is underway through the Air Force Research Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory and universities. A 2023 rocket launch at Poker Flat Research Range north of Fairbanks carried a Los Alamos radiation belt cleanup experiment using a method different from Bernhardts.

Bernhardts work was funded by the National Science Foundation. Co-authors received funding from NASA and other sources.

The science

Bernhardts continuing work is called rocket exhaust-driven amplification.

The process starts with the ground transmission of very low frequency waves into the ionosphere. The ionosphere, which begins at about 30 miles altitude, is a plasma shell where solar radiation strips electrons from atoms and fills the upper atmosphere with charged particles.

Photo courtesy of NASA

This U.S. Cygnus uncrewed cargo craft was about 12 meters from the International Space Station station when the robotic arm captured it in February 2020. The cargo spacecraft provided the engine burn used in Paul Bernhardts experiment.

The waves stretch and change shape when they reach the ionosphere. The result is a wave called a whistler. (Listen to a whistler wave.)

That wave isnt strong enough at that point to knock out the energized electrons, so Bernhardts method gives it a boost with the help of rocket exhaust from a passing satellite or other spacecraft.

The interaction of rocket exhaust molecules and the ionospheres oxygen ions creates a localized corridor through the Earths magnetic field. The corridor, composed of enhanced plasma, guides the whistlers in and out of the radiation belt.

Think of it as an invisible net of waves in the magnetic field at a fixed longitude, running hemisphere to hemisphere. High-energy electrons rapidly circling the planet pass through the net several times, getting a slight nudge each time until they fall into the atmosphere or are scattered further into space.

More work ahead

A first test of Bernhardts rocket-exhaust idea involved transmission of very low frequency waves from a Navy submarine communications site in North Dakota.

That test was only of the exhaust-driven amplification. How it affected the radiation belt was left to modeling because the test didnt occur during an electron influx.

Bernhardt said he is trying to schedule more experiments using both current and dedicated rocket burns.

Our world has become so reliant on electronics for social interaction, commerce and national security that its important we have the ability to quickly respond to radiation belt disruptions, he said.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Paul Bernhardt, pabernhardt@alaska.edu

NOTE TO EDITORS: Results of the test of Bernhardt's method are available in a paper published in JGR Space Physics.

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High speed railway connecting Saudi Arabia, Qatar soon

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a significant deal to connect Saudi capital Riyadh and Doha Qatar via a high speed railway network

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia and Qatar have signed a significant deal to connect Saudi capital Riyadh and Doha Qatar via a high speed railway network.

The deal was signed during Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thanis day long visit to Saudi Arabia when Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman was also present.

The upcoming railway line will connect the two capitals Riyadh and Doha via Saudi cities Dammam and Al Ahsa.

The two oil-rich countries described the project as a major strategic initiative aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, aimed at facilitating tourism and trade and strengthening ties between the two nations, according to Saudi Gazette.

Doha-Riyadh Railway Route

The 785-kilometer railway will connect Riyadh and Doha through major stops in Al-Hofuf and Dammam, and will also link King Salman International Airport and Hamad International Airport.

Designed to operate at speeds exceeding 300 km/h, the train will reduce travel time between the two capitals to approximately two hours, enhancing mobility, facilitating trade and tourism, and supporting economic growth and quality of life.

The rail line is expected to serve more than 10 million passengers annually, enabling travelers to explore destinations in both countries with ease. The project will also create more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The rail link will have five main stations along the route, designed with modern amenities, smart technologies, and seamless integration for comfort and efficiency. The project completion time is six years (by late 2031).

This project is part of the ongoing GCC-wide rail connectivity, including the larger 2,117 km GCC Railway Project approved in 2009, targeted for 2030 operation). It aims to link all six GCC member states - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

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Israel leads as 2025 ends as deadliest year for Journalists: RSF

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in its latest report said the year 2025 is ending as the deadliest year for journalists with majority of them killed by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IDF) in Gaza

Paris: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in its latest report said the year 2025 is ending as the deadliest year for journalists with majority of them killed by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IDF) in Gaza.

In its annual report, the Paris-based media freedom group said the total number of journalists killed reached 67 globally this year, slightly up from the 66 killed in 2024.

Nearly half (43%) of the journalists slain in the past 12 months were killed in Gaza by Israeli armed forces, the Reporters Without Borders said in the report released Tuesday.

In total, since October 2023, the Israeli army has killed nearly 220 journalists, at least 65 of whom were slain either due to their work or while they were working, the RSF said.

The other countries listed by Reporters Without Borders, where hate and impunity lead, are Ukraine, Sudan, Mexico, China, Russia, Burkina Faso, Syria and others.

Over 500 journalists detained worldwide

According to Reporters Without Borders, as many as 503 journalists were detained in 47 countries across the globe as of December 01, 2025.

The worlds largest prison for journalists is still China (121), now followed by Russia (48) and then Myanmar (47). Russia imprisons more foreign journalists than any other state (26), followed by Israel (20), the RSF said.

The RSF annual report said that the situation in countries such as Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Belarus illustrates the serious threats facing press freedom across the former Soviet bloc.

In Georgia, the governments relentless authoritarian tactics led to the January arrest of Georgian journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli. In Azerbaijan, 25 journalists are currently behind bars.

Russia now occupies the second place on the grim podium of the worlds largest prisons for journalists, with 48 news professionals behind bars as of 1 December 2025, 26 of whom are Ukrainian, the RSF said.

After Russia, Israel is the second country to imprison the largest number of foreign journalists. As of 1 December 2025, 20 Palestinian journalists are behind Israeli bars, 16 of whom were arrested over the past two years in Gaza and the West Bank, the RSF said.

Currently, 135 journalists are missing in 37 countries. Some have been missing for more than 30 years. Although news professionals go missing all over the globe, the trend spikes sharply in Mexico (28) and Syria (37), the RSF said.

Among the Asian countries where freedom of press is in danger are Afghanistan, North Korea, Sri Lanka, China, Nepal, Cambodia, India, Bangladesh, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Hong Kong as per the RSF.

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PHNOM PENH, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Two more Cambodian civilians were killed early Tuesday in the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, lifting the civilian death toll to at least six in the renewed conflict, according to Cambodia's Defense Ministry.

The ministry said in a press release that the Thai army continued to fire at Cambodian forces and civilians throughout the night of Monday and early Tuesday, leaving two Cambodian civilians travelling on the national road dead.

It added that since 04:45 a.m. on Tuesday, the Thai army continued to attack Cambodia's Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Pursat provinces.

Less than two months after Thailand and Cambodia signed a joint peace declaration, violent border clashes broke out again, with artillery fire reported in several areas and residents in multiple provinces rushing to evacuate. Both sides accused the other of initiating the attack and confirmed casualties. 
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. As Shenzhen's industrial and innovation powerhouse, Nanshan District has created an industrial ecosystem driving continuous breakthroughs in hardware innovation.
The University of Oklahoma has removed two instructors from their classrooms in what has become a cascading scandal involving religious discrimination, viewpoint bias, and campus protest double standards that conservative advocates say exemplifies the hostile environment facing right-leaning students at American universities.

The controversy began when teaching assistant William "Mel" Curth, who uses she/they pronouns, gave Christian student Samantha Fulnecky a zero out of 25 on an essay assignment where she cited the Bible and called modern gender ideology "demonic and severely harmful to American youth."

But the situation escalated dramatically when a second instructor, assistant teaching professor Kelli Alvarez, allegedly offered excused absences to students who wished to protest in support of Curth's reinstatement while initially denying the same accommodation to students planning to counter-protesta double standard the university characterized as unacceptable viewpoint discrimination.

Both instructors are now on administrative leave pending investigations, with the University of Oklahoma issuing statements emphasizing that classrooms "exist to teach students how to think, not what to think" and that viewpoint-based preferential treatment violates fundamental principles of academic freedom.

The Original Essay: 'Demonic and Severely Harmful'

The initial incident occurred in late November in a lifespan development class at OU. Fulnecky, a junior, was assigned to read a scholarly paper summarizing research on gender norms among middle schoolers and write a response essay.

The assignment, worth 25 points, provided a grading rubric with three criteria:

Does the paper show a clear tie-in to the assigned article? (10 points)

Does the paper present a thoughtful reaction or response to the article, rather than a summary? (10 points)

Is the paper clearly written? (5 points)

Notably, the rubric did not require empirical evidence, scholarly citations, or any particular viewpointonly that students engage thoughtfully with the article and clearly express their reactions.

Fulnecky responded by supporting traditional gender norms and citing her Christian faith. Her essay stated that God created men and women as distinct, that gender norms should not be dismissed as mere stereotypes, and that contemporary efforts to promote multiple genders and fluid identities are harmful to children.

"Society [is] pushing the lie that there are multiple genders and everyone should be whatever they want to be is demonic and severely harms American youth," Fulnecky wrote. "I do not want kids to be teased or bullied in school. However, pushing the lie that everyone has their own truth and everyone can do whatever they want and be whoever they want is not biblical whatsoever."

The Zero Grade and Scathing Response

Curth gave Fulnecky a zeronot a C or D for disagreement with the argument, but complete failure despite the essay meeting the rubric's stated requirements.

The teaching assistant's written response was lengthy and pointed:

"Please note that I am not deducting points because you have certain beliefs, but instead I am deducting point [sic] for you posting a reaction paper that does not answer the questions for this assignment, contradicts itself, heavily uses personal ideology over empirical evidence in a scientific class, and is at times offensive," Curth wrote.

The TA then lectured Fulnecky on gender ideology: "You may personally disagree with this, but that doesn't change the fact that every major psychological, medical, pediatric, and psychiatric association in the United States acknowledges that, biologically and psychologically, sex and gender is neither binary nor fixed."

Critics immediately noted several problems with Curth's grading:

Rubric Violation: The grading criteria never mentioned empirical evidence as a requirement. Fulnecky was asked for her reaction and opinion, which she provided.

Viewpoint Discrimination: Curth's statement that the essay was "at times offensive" suggested the zero grade stemmed from disagreement with Fulnecky's Christian perspective rather than academic deficiencies.

Contradiction: Curth claimed not to be deducting points for Fulnecky's beliefs while simultaneously criticizing those beliefs as the basis for the failing grade.

Academic Overreach: A teaching assistant was essentially telling a student that her religious views were factually wrong and that she must adopt the TA's preferred ideology on gender to pass the assignment.

"I was asked to read an article and give my opinion on the article," Fulnecky told Fox News Digital. "So I did this assignment the same as I would any other in that class, gave my opinion on gender binary and gender stereotypes and that, naturally my views are from the Bible and my Christian kind of worldview. And so that's what I wrote about and I didn't think anything of it."

She said she was "shocked" by the zero grade and believed it was "punitive."

University Response: TA Removed

As Fulnecky's story spread through conservative media and campus advocacy groups, the University of Oklahoma faced mounting pressure to address the apparent religious discrimination.

Last week, the university confirmed that Curth had been removed from the classroom, though it initially provided few details about the decision or whether further disciplinary action would follow.

The removal of a teaching assistant for grading decisions is relatively rare in higher education, suggesting university administrators concluded Curth's actions represented serious violations of academic freedom and student rights.

Conservative groups celebrated the decision as vindication that the zero grade was indeed discriminatory, though some questioned why it took media attention and external pressure for the university to act rather than addressing the issue immediately when Fulnecky complained.

The Protest and the Double Standard

The controversy might have ended there, but a second incident involving another instructor transformed a single grading dispute into a broader case study of viewpoint discrimination at OU.

Following Curth's removal from the classroom, some students organized a protest advocating for the teaching assistant's reinstatement. The demonstration was scheduled during class time, and some students wanted to attend rather than go to their classes.

This is where assistant teaching professor Kelli Alvarez allegedly created a double standard that the university would ultimately characterize as unacceptable viewpoint discrimination.

According to Turning Point USA's Oklahoma chapter president Kalib Magana and Republican State Senator Shane David Jett, Alvarezwho taught Magana's English Composition II classoffered excused absences to students who wished to attend the pro-Curth protest.

However, when Magana requested an excused absence to attend a counter-protest opposing Curth's reinstatement, Alvarez allegedly denied his request unless he could organize a "documented group" of counter-protesters and provide confirmation that others would attend.

"Kalib should not be marked absent for showing up as a counter-protester while those in favor are excused," Turning Point USA posted on social media. "That is discriminatory."

The group elaborated: "The professor expected Kalib to organize an entire counter-protest with people confirming they would attend, instead of allowing him to show up on his own like everyone else. His freedom of speech and his ability to receive an excused absence were made dependent on others agreeing to participate in his counter-protest and share his beliefs. This is incredibly anti-free speech and discriminatory toward an opposing viewpoint."

The allegation suggested Alvarez was willing to facilitate student participation in protests supporting progressive causes (reinstating a TA who penalized Christian views) while imposing additional burdens on students wishing to express conservative viewpoints (opposing that reinstatement).

Swift Second Removal

The University of Oklahoma responded swiftly and definitively once the second allegation emerged.

On Friday evening, the university posted a statement on social media confirming the viewpoint discrimination claim and announcing immediate action:

"On Wednesday, a lecturer allegedly demonstrated viewpoint discrimination by excusing students who intended to miss class to attend a protest on campus, but not extending the same benefit to students who intended to miss class to express a counter-viewpoint," the statement read.

A director "immediately responded" and told students in class and by email that "the lecturer's actions were inappropriate and wrong, and that the university classroom exists to teach students how to think, not what to think."

The director announced that "any student, regardless of viewpoint, would be excused if absent from class today to attend the protest without penalty, and that the lecturer had been replaced, effective immediately, for the remainder of the semester."

The university emphasized it "unequivocally supports" the director's decision to remove Alvarez from teaching.

Alvarez was also placed on administrative leave pending further investigationthe second instructor removed in connection with what began as a single essay grading dispute.

The Broader Statement on Academic Freedom

The university's statements about both removals emphasized core principles of academic freedom and viewpoint neutrality:

"Classroom instructors have a special obligation to ensure that the classroom is never used to grant preferential treatment based on personal political beliefs, nor to pressure students to adopt particular political or ideological views," the school stated.

The language was significant. Universities often defend faculty members' right to express controversial views or make controversial grading decisions under academic freedom principles. But OU's statement emphasized that academic freedom also includes obligationsparticularly the obligation not to use classroom authority to discriminate based on students' political or religious viewpoints.

The university declined to provide additional details about the investigations, citing personnel matters. Alvarez did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.

Conservative Reaction: Vindication and Warning

Conservative student groups and media figures portrayed the dual removals as vindication that campus discrimination against right-leaning students is real and systemic, though they noted it typically takes external pressure to force accountability.

"This shows what many conservative students experience every day," one Turning Point USA representative said. "You get penalized for your beliefs, and then when you try to speak out, you face additional discrimination. We're glad OU ultimately did the right thing, but students shouldn't have to go viral on social media to get fair treatment."

Republican State Senator Shane Jett, who publicly identified Alvarez and called for accountability, framed the incident as part of a broader pattern in higher education.

The Oklahoma College Republicans praised the university's decisive action while noting the incident revealed deeper problems: "Two instructors had to be removed in the same scandal. How many more are out there discriminating against conservative students without getting caught?"

The Academic Freedom Debate

The OU incidents have reignited debates about academic freedom, viewpoint diversity, and the boundaries of acceptable instructor behavior in politically charged times.

From the Conservative Perspective: The incidents exemplify systemic bias in higher education, where progressive ideology is promoted and enforced while conservative and religious perspectives face penalties. Students with traditional Christian beliefs face hostility from instructors who use grading power to punish dissent. Curth's zero grade for a biblical essay and Alvarez's protest double standard represent the tip of an icebergmost discrimination goes unreported because students fear retaliation.

From the Progressive Perspective: (Though neither removed instructor provided public statements, progressive faculty members at other institutions have argued similar cases differently.) Academic standards require evidence-based reasoning. Personal religious beliefs shouldn't override scientific consensus in academic settings. Gender identity is medically recognized; students can't simply dismiss established science with religious assertions. However, even progressive defenders of academic rigor generally acknowledge that if the rubric didn't require empirical evidence, Fulnecky shouldn't have been penalized for not providing it.

The Institutional Balance: Universities face an impossible balancing act. They must protect academic freedom for faculty to teach according to their expertise and conscience. But they also must protect students from viewpoint discrimination and ensure fair, rubric-based grading. When instructors use classroom authority to penalize students for political or religious viewsas OU concluded both Curth and Alvarez didthey've crossed from academic freedom into abuse of power.

Looking Ahead: Investigations and Implications

Both Curth and Alvarez remain on administrative leave while investigations continue. Possible outcomes range from formal reprimands to termination, depending on what investigators determine about intent, previous conduct, and policy violations.

For Fulnecky, the university reportedly changed her zero grade after reviewing the situation, though she told media the experience left her questioning whether conservative students can succeed at OU without hiding their beliefs.

"I would just really encourage everyone to stand up for your beliefs and push back when they're being questioned and push back when you feel that your voice is trying to be silenced," Fulnecky said, encouraging other students facing similar situations to speak up.

The broader question is whether OU's decisive action represents an outlier or a trend. Will other universities take similar stands against viewpoint discrimination, or was OU's response driven primarily by the incidents' high media profile and political pressure from conservative state legislators?

For now, the University of Oklahoma has sent a clear message: instructors who use classroom authority to discriminate based on students' political or religious viewpoints will face consequences. Whether that message resonates beyond Norman, Oklahoma, remains to be seen.

As one student affairs administrator at another institution noted: "OU did what they had to do when the evidence was clear. The challenge is addressing the thousands of smaller instances of viewpoint bias that never make headlines but create hostile environments for students every day."
SYDNEY, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s came into effect on Wednesday, with 10 major platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and X, required to prevent them from holding accounts.

In a video message to students around Australia on Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the government has made the change to support children who have grown up with algorithms, endless social media feeds and the pressure they bring.

He also encouraged students to make the most of the upcoming school holidays rather than spending all their time scrolling on their phones.

"Start a new sport, learn a new instrument, or read that book that has been sitting there on your shelf for some time," Albanese said. "And importantly, spend quality time with your friends and your family. Face to face."

The Australian federal parliament passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 in November last year, requiring certain social media platforms to take "reasonable steps" to prevent children under 16 from having accounts.

Platforms that fail to comply face fines worth up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (about 32.8 million U.S. dollars). There are no penalties for under-16s who access an age-restricted social media platform, or for their parents or carers.

So far, 10 social media platforms have been instructed to enforce the ban -- Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit. Authorities may update the list as needed.

A recent poll shows broad public backing for a social media ban, with 73 percent of Australians supportive. Yet, only 26 percent express confidence that the measure will work, and 68 percent believe children will get around it.

Support is highest among teachers (84 percent) and parents (75 percent), but drops to 62 percent among those aged 16 to 24, according to the poll released in early December by Pureprofile, an Australia-based global data, insights and digital media company.

Despite agreeing to comply, most of the social media platforms oppose the measure, arguing that the ban is difficult to implement and could drive young people into dark corners of the internet.

Global online forum Reddit said on Tuesday that it would comply with the law, but disagrees about its "scope, effectiveness, and privacy implications."

Australia's teen social media ban has drawn international interest, with countries including Denmark, Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia and New Zealand reportedly considering similar measures. 
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
TOKYO, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister and ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Sanae Takaichi apologized Tuesday for a LDP chapter led by her accepting a political donation that exceeded the legal maximum, the Nikkei reported.

At a meeting of the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives on the day, Takaichi expressed her deep regret as the chapter representative for accepting donations in violation of the political funds control law, adding that her chapter had already returned the exceeded amount, the report said.

On Dec. 4, Kobe Gakuin University Professor Hiroshi Kamiwaki filed a complaint against Takaichi with prosecutors, saying the local chapter of the LDP in Nara Prefecture, represented by Takaichi, received a donation of 10 million yen (about 64,400 U.S. dollars) from a Tokyo company on Aug. 26 last year, surpassing the 7.5 million yen limit allowed by law for that particular type of donor.

The cases add to the ruling LDP's slush fund scandal, first revealed in 2023, in which some party factions of the LDP allegedly instructed member lawmakers to sell political fundraising party tickets beyond their assigned quotas without recording the amount as revenue in its political fund reports, and then funneled the surplus back to lawmakers as kickbacks, creating off-the-books funds.

Among the senior officials Takaichi appointed after taking office in October, seven have been linked to the LDP's slush fund scandal. Critics said her ambiguous stance on the scandal suggests limited willingness to push for fundamental reform. 
Gordon Deegan

Shareholders at the company, which owns and operates the Breaffy House Resort in Co Mayo, last year shared dividends of 10.5 million, recently filed accounts show.

The dividend payout by Tirawley Ltd follows the company recording bumper profits in recent years on the back of State contracts to accommodate Ukrainians and International Protection (IP) applicants at the resort property.

Last year, pre-tax profits at Tirawley Ltd increased by 31 per cent to 8.46 million and the jump in profits at the Castlebar based firm followed revenues rising by 13 per cent from 19.04 million to 21.49 million.

The 13 per cent increase in revenues followed revenues surging by 40 per cent from 13.59 million to 19.04 million in 2023.

The 8.46 million in pre-tax profits for 2024 follow pre-tax profits of 6.42 million for 2023.

Quarterly Purchase Order figures by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality show that Tirawley Ltd received cumulative State payments of 14.68 million (including 23 per cent VAT) in 2024 from it providing emergency accommodation for international refugees for the State's International Protection Procurement Services (IPPS).

The State payments last year included 5.6 million alone for the final quarter of 2024.

The principal activity of the company is the operation of a hotel and leisure centre at Breaffy House Hotel and Breaffy Woods Hotel at Breaffy, Castlebar.

The company also provides emergency accommodation for International refugees to International Protection Procurement Services, an arm of the Department of Children.

The company last year paid dividends of 10.5 million.

In an annual return made up to September of this year, they show that Cyril Duffy with a Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia address owned 75 per cent of the share capital of the company while Owen Kelly of Naas, Co Kildare owned the remaining 25 per cent.

The return shows that on October 30th, 2024, Deirdre Murphy and Niamh Murphy each transferred their 4.15 per cent share, a cumulative 8.30 per cent of the companys share capital, to Cyril Duffy.

The accounts show that dividends of 9 million were paid between January 2nd, 2024, and October 7th, 2024, with the final dividend tranche of 1.5 million paid on December 19th last.

In a reference to the firm opting for the State contract work, the directors state that the companys exposure to adverse market risk is limited due to the diversity of its current business model and its income stream.

The directors believe they "offer services that operate effectively in an uncertain market".

The company last year recorded post tax profits of 7.4 million after incurring a corporation tax charge of 1.04 million.

The profits last year take account of non-cash depreciation charges of 328,684.

Numbers employed reduced from 160 to 155 as staff costs increased from 4.49 million to 4.94 million. The firm generated 12.2 million in revenues from rooms, while 7.3 million was generated from food.

The post-tax profits offset by the 10.5 million dividend payout resulted in the companys accumulated profits reducing to 6.27 million.

The companys cash funds decreased from 4.6 million to 1.96 million.
By Rebecca Black, Press Association

The sister of a man secretly killed and buried by the agent Stakeknifes IRA unit has queried how many people knew about him, and asked if it went as high as former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

Eugene Simons was disappeared in 1981. His body was found by chance in a shallow grave in Co Louth.

His sister Moira Todd recalled her family walking the streets of Dublin and Dundalk for years trying to find him, all while she said the state authorities knew what had happened to him.

She said the word was put out that he was a tout (informer), and it had been an internal IRA murder, adding her family was spat at.

They took him on January 1, they murdered him on January 11, so he had 11 days of probably unspeakable horror that the authorities knew about, and totally ignored it, she said, speaking at a press conference organised by Belfast solicitor Kevin Winter of KRW Law in Belfast following the publication of the Kenova Report.

They know he was dead. They didnt tell us. My father hunted high and low, my brother walked the streets of Dundalk, of Dublin, hoping to bump into him, and all the while, the authorities knew that he wasnt coming back, he was gone.

She said there was only interest in his murder after the Operation Kenova investigation started, and he was connected with British armys top agent in the IRA, Stakeknife.

The final Kenova Report has been published, covering Operations Kenova, Denton, Turma and Mizzenmast. It sets out stark findings, including evidence of serious collusion involving the Glennane Gang and further detail on murders carried out by the Provisional IRA. pic.twitter.com/8Gee1hv2Lc  Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) December 9, 2025

I just want someone to take me into a room and tell me the truth. If they want a non-disclosure agreement, Ill sign it. I just want to know the truth, she said.

Its 45 years ago, almost to the day since my brother was taken and tortured by Stakeknife. He was murdered after. The authorities had all the details.

Forty-five years on, Im sitting here, really none the wiser, and hearing about the truth being suppressed, and the government avoiding accountability, and its just totally frustrating.

She added: Its what he did (we want to know), how he was allowed to do it, and how high up did it go?

How far up the British Government? Did it go to Margaret Thatcher, did she approve anything? Those are the things we need to know.

Claire Dignam, whose husband John was killed by the IRA in 1992, said she also believes the authorities knew he was dead.

Claire Dignam, whose husband, Johnny, was killed in 1992. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

I hid for years because I believed my husband was an informer, she said.

I had a baby in my belly while he was lying in a grave. The shame, the guilt, the trying to fit in. Now I feel alive and I am not going to hide again.

My husband was Johnny Dignam, and I dont care what anyone said about him in the past. My husband was innocent.

Paul Wilson, whose father Thomas Emmanuel Wilson was also killed by the IRAs internal security unit in 1987, questioned the lack of the key detail of naming Stakeknife.

Paul Wilson, the son of Thomas Emmanuel Wilson. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

You cant investigate the agent known as Stakeknife, spend all the money, and then not find out who he is  that seems like a gaping own goal, he said.

Kenova are doing the investigation, but it never feels like theyre in complete control of the investigation. It always feels like when they get so far, its no more, stop.

However, he said his family have learned most of what they know about their fathers murder from Kenova, and paid tribute to the first ever police who took us seriously.

That was great, but 90% just isnt enough. Its the last piece that we need for this to be settled and put to bed so we can finally move forward, he said.

They were asked about comments by Britiain's MI5 director general Sir Ken McCallum offering sympathies to the victims and families of those who were tortured or killed by the Provisional IRAs internal security unit during the Troubles.

Ms Todd said: The ISU (IRAs internal security unit) was run by one of their agents. Theyre still covering up  wheres the truth?

Mr Wilson said if they were really sorry, they would have helped Operation Kenova from the start.

It was only meant to last a few years. It went to near 10, and thats because of MI5, he said.

Mr Winters said the apology would have so much more substance if there was a departure from this ridiculous NCND  the apology is completely hollow and irrelevant, in my view.
JERUSALEM, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Israel will reopen the main crossing between the occupied West Bank and Jordan for goods, starting Wednesday, an Israeli security official said Tuesday.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said that goods and aid from Jordan will be allowed to enter the West Bank and Gaza "in line with government instructions and understandings."

All aid trucks destined for Gaza "will be transferred under escort and security protection after stringent security checks," the official added.

The crossing, known in Israel as the Allenby Bridge and in Jordan as the King Hussein Bridge, is jointly managed by the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) and Jordan's Public Security Directorate. It is the sole designated exit and entry point for West Bank Palestinians travelling abroad by land. It is also a key trade route for trucks transporting goods between Jordan and the West Bank.

On Sept. 18, a gunman, driving a humanitarian aid truck from Jordan, opened fire at the crossing and killed two Israelis before being shot dead. A day later, Israeli authorities closed the crossing. It was then briefly reopened, until Israeli authorities announced later that it would be closed indefinitely.

On Sept. 25, the IAA said that it would partially reopen the crossing for passenger traffic only, and that trucks carrying aid to Gaza would not be able to pass under the directive. 
Ann O'Loughlin

A Co Limerick family living on the side of a busy road in a caravan without running water or a toilet has brought their case to the High Court.

A judge on Monday gave leave to the family to challenge a decision by Limerick County Council which allegedly found that as they have a "roof over their heads", they are not homeless.

The court also heard that the family couldn't take up a previous offer of temporary accommodation because of alleged criminal threats made against the father by people in the proposed area.

The young family of five, who live in the caravan on the Dock Road area of Limerick, seek the quashing of the council's decision of September 3rd, 2025, that they were not homeless for the purposes of Section 2 of the Housing Act and are seeking a court declaration that they are in need of emergency accommodation.

At the High Court Michael Kinsley BL, for the family, told Mr Justice Garrett Simons that his clients were also seeking an order forcing the council to reconsider their emergency homeless accommodation need and an order to have their appeal against the September decision determined by the council.

They also seek damages for alleged breach of their constitutional rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr Kinsley told Mr Justice Simons that the family were members of the Traveller Community, had three young children and had a history of housing applications. He said there was no running water, no toilet at the caravan and that his clients used a generator for electricity that was only active for one-to-two hours a day.

Counsel said the family were told in person they were deemed not to be homeless by a council official as they had "a roof over your head".

The family appealed the decision but have received no response.

Mr Kinsley said the family used to live in the caravan in a nearby field but were moved on by gardai in October and now lived on the side of a national road which presented an ongoing danger to the three small children.

Counsel said that solicitors' letters written to the council by the Free Legal Advice Centre, who represent the family, had gone unanswered

It is submitted that the family first applied for housing support in 2017 and were in hotel emergency accommodation until June 2018 after which they returned to the caravan.

Between November 2018 to July 2019, when housed in rental accommodation they were victims of discriminatory anti-social behaviour and the tenancy was terminated, it is submitted.

In April 2020, following the outbreak of Covid, the family were offered temporary accommodation but were not able to take up the offer because of safety fears concerning criminal threats made against the father by people in the proposed area.

In February 2024, they refused an offer of a Co Limerick house as they had concerns about it being "impossible" to get their children to school and to creche from the location and were worried about anti-social behaviour in that area.

The refusals of offers led to the family being told by the council's homeless action team that they were therefore not entitled to service it is claimed.

Mr Kinsley in his submission states the caravan is now "located on the side of a busy road in a wholly unsafe and unsuitable location. The applicants are likely to be moved from this location also".

"The applicants continue to live in an entirely unsuitable structure without the most basic of amenities in a location which is a threat to their safety," submitted Mr Kinsley.

Mr Justice Simons granted the ex parte application - where only one side is represented - and adjourned the matter to January.
Tramore Eco Group Ecologist Katriina Bent took home the Leadership Award at the 2025 Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Awards.

The An Taisce-hosted awards were held at the Gibson Hotel, Dublin, on Friday and recognise groups and volunteers across the country who work to protect Ireland's coastal environment.

Katriina was shortlisted for her work in safeguarding Tramores famous sand dunes and promoting pollinator-friendly areas in her community.

The nomination notes said: Katriina is a true guardian of nature. Tramore Eco Group was nominated for three awards at this years event.

Tramore Eco Group at the An Taisce Clean Coasts Ocean Hero Awards 2025.

In addition to the Leadership win, the group was also nominated for the Nature Guardian award and the Campaign Ambassador Award.

The groups award-worthy work includes the replanting of marram grass on the sand dunes, the construction of chestnut fencing, and a weekly beach clean-up.

On that note, Mollys Cafe was also shortlisted for the Community Champion (Business) Award for Mollys support of local community groups, including the beach cleaners and the use of her meeting room for education seminars, training and events for locals.

Waterford Eco Group were up for two awards while their ecologist Katriina won in Leadership. Mollys Cafe was nominated for the business award.

Molly is kind, helpful and community-oriented oriented and her business is a trailblazer in championing for the community, the nomination notes said.
The Manor Street Youth and Community Centre in Waterford City held a very successful open night event recently and Waterford News & Star photographer, Joe Evans was there to capture images of those in attendance.

Photos are also contained in the current print edition of the newspaper and photos of other events are also available to view here on the website under the 'Archive' section.

Collections of nostalgic photos from our archive, titled 'Colourful Memories of Waterford' - volumes one and two, are also currently available as fantastic photobooks on sale at The Book Centre or through or office on Gladstone Street.

Erin, who read her poem "The Farewell, Rose & Rain", at the Manor Street Youth & Community Centre open night.

Ashuu and Kayce, at the Manor Street Youth & Community Centre open night.

Will and Fina, who spoke about the Discovery Europe programme at the Manor Street Youth & Community Centre open night.

Colin and Noah, at the Manor Street Youth & Community Centre open night.

Patrick and Jake, at the screening of their Stop Go Animation film, Search for Gary's Keys, at the Manor Street Youth & Community Centre open night.

Rehearsing for their play "The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals" at the Manor Street Youth & Community Centre open night.
The issue of motorised scooters was raised at a recent Metropolitan Council meeting, with one councillor describing his close call with an e-scooter.

Cllr John Hearne (Sinn Fein) spoke about teenagers driving e-scooters unsafely across the city. He said: "At the cross of Ballybeg, there is the junction there. It happened so quickly I couldn't see it, one of the young fellas came through the lights on a scooter and I was about to walk out onto the scooter."

Cllr Hearne asked if the Council could write to the Department of Transport over the lack of lighting on e-scooters. He said: "They should have it lit up like a Christmas tree."

Metropolitan Mayor Cllr Adam Wyse (Fianna Fail) told Cllr Hearne: "I'm happy to write on the behalf of the Council to the Department regarding e-scooters, obviously under-16's shouldn't be on them at all."

E-scooters have exploded in popularity especially among young people. Teenagers under 16 are not permitted to ride e-scooters. A 20km/h speed limit also applies. The RSA (Road Safety Authority) and CHI Crumlin have urged parents not to buy an e-scooter for Christmas.

Last week, the Royal College of Physicians Ireland (RCPI) published a report outlining the catastrophic effects of e-scooter-related accidents. They stated that the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in children admitted to CHI is due to e-scooter-related incidents. As reported in the Irish Examiner: "In addition, 40% of neurosurgical and ICU admissions had new issues with movement, and 80% had new difficulties with cognition noted during their inpatient admissions.

"The average length of time spent in hospital was 18.7 days, similar to the length of hospital stay after being struck by a moving car, but five times the length of stay associated with falling from a bike."

Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme
A Waterford garda sergeant who saved a young man's life has been awarded a bronze medal and a certificate of bravery at the National Bravery Awards.

In a post on social media, Waterford gardai commended their colleague, Sgt Fergal OConnor, whose swift action and courage saved a life.

In their post, An Garda Siochana Waterford said that around 3:13am on October 28, 2019, Sgt OConnor responded to a report of a young man entering the River Barrow near Graiguecullen Bridge in Carlow Town.

Despite several lifebuoys being thrown towards him, the man made no attempt to reach them and was being swept dangerously close to a weir as the river surged in heavy flood.

Recognising the immediate danger, Garda OConnor removed his shoes and stab vest and, without hesitation, entered the freezing, fast-flowing water - with temperatures hovering around 2C.

Navigating the darkness and powerful current, he reached the man, took hold of him by the collar, and began swimming away from the weir.

"With support from Garda colleagues on the riverbank pulling the lifebuoy rope, both were brought safely back to shore, said An Garda Siochana Waterford.

The man later made a full recovery at Portlaoise Hospital.
A Ferrybank man has been given a suspended sentence at Waterford District Court for an unprovoked attack on another man who was talking to his ex-girlfriend.

Shane Egan (20), of 5 Barkley Drive, The Beeches, Ferrybank, Waterford, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on November 15, 2024, at Irish's Bar, Ballykeoghan, Kilmacow.

Sergeant Michael Hickey told the court that at around 11pm on the night of the incident, the injured party was sitting on a wall outside the bar, talking to the defendants ex-girlfriend.

The defendant approached him and punched him in the face, knocking him off the four-and-a-half-foot wall onto rocks along the railway line.

The injured party sustained a black eye, a chipped tooth and a concussion.

Sgt Hickey told the court that the defendant had no previous convictions.

LOSING CONTROL

Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham said that his client had drunk too much alcohol, starting out in the afternoon and decided to take out his anguish on the injured party.

He said Mr Egan had no recollection of the incident but accepts responsibility.

Mr Cunningham said his client has no issue with the injured party, who he knows and described as sound as a pound.

The defendant wrote an apology letter in which he said that he wished to extend his deepest apologies and that he regretted losing control and letting his anger take over.

The solicitor said that his client now works in construction and always comes to court with the support of friends and family.

The cost of the injured partys dental costs was 1,700, and the compensation brought to court by the defendant should cover all costs.

TYPICAL CASE

Judge Cephas Power said that this was a typical case that was arising all too often in the courts.

The judge called the attack unprovoked and vicious, and the defendant was very lucky that the injured party was not very seriously injured.

Nevertheless, the mans victim impact statement detailed resulting issues with his well-being and mental health, in addition to the concussion and dental damage.

However, the judge said he was impressed with the defendant's insight into the offence, the remorse he had shown and called the incident simply a drunken episode.

The judge also noted that the defendant cooperated fully with the gardai.

He directed the compensation to be paid to the injured party and said that while it was not sufficient, he acknowledged the defendant had to work hard to raise it.

The judge said the offence was in the mid to upper range for the district court and imposed a three-month prison sentence.

However, considering the mitigating factors, the judge suspended it for 12 months.

Im sure we wont see him here again. It has been a very valuable lesson, and I wish him well, said Judge Power.

Funded under the Court Reporting Scheme
By Bairbre Holmes and Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has dismissed reports that the Russian embassy has denied responsibility for drones which were spotted in the vicinity of Dublin Airport during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week.

In a statement to the TG4 television station on Tuesday morning, the Russian embassy said the media speculation around the incident was rumours and innuendo.

It went on: We categorically reject any attempt to portray this incident in the terms of a so-called possible Russian involvement  there is absolutely no basis to that.

Speaking during a press conference with President of the European Council Antonio Costa on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Martin said: It is a matter for the Russian ambassador to express views and behalf of his own government.

I simply dont share his views.

This is the same ambassador who assured us in 2022 that Russia had no plans to invade Ukraine and we saw how that worked out.

He described the incident as part of an established pattern of similar events.

Mr Martin said: Accidents happen on an individual basis, patterns can be discerned over a period of time and that is what were witnessing here, and indeed witnessing across other EU member states in different forms.

Gardai are investigating the presence of drones over Ireland during Mr Zelenskys brief visit to Dublin last week.

The National Security Council is to provide the Taoiseach with a comprehensive report on the matter within the next week.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inspects the guard of honour at the Government Buildings in Dublin during his visit to Ireland (Liam McBurney/PA)

Asked if he had concerns about security in Ireland ahead of a European Council meeting in Dublin next year, when Ireland holds the councils presidency, Mr Costa said: We have full confidence in Ireland to ensure the security of the country and the security of the European Council meeting.

What happened last week here in Dublin is another example of the hybrid attacks from Russia and the hybrid threats from Russia in European territory. 

Mr Zelensky and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Dublin late on Monday.

On Tuesday, he met President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Mr Martin before an address to the Dail where he said Ireland understands the price of freedom.

The Journal first reported that unidentified drones were spotted flying in the north-east of Dublin around the time Mr Zelenskys plane landed at Dublin Airport, shortly before 11pm last Monday.

Gardai said the special detective unit will be liaising with the Defence Forces and international partners to investigate the incident.
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BusinessMarketsTrade Opinion Theyre killing their own customers: Beijing, we have a $1.5 trillion problem Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist December 9, 2025  8:57am

December 9, 2025  8:57am 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 147 View all comments

Chinas trade surplus with the rest of the world has surpassed $US1 trillion ($1.5 trillion) for the first time  and that in only 11 months. Thats a problem for China, and the world. Chinas exports grew 5.9 per cent in November, and were up 5.4 per cent to $US3.4 trillion for the year to date. Imports, however, grew only 1.9 per cent in November and have actually fallen 0.6 per cent to $US2.3 trillion in the 11 months to the end of November, compared with the same period last year. Therein lies the problem. The gulf between exports of $US3.4 trillion and imports of $US2.3 trillion  the $US1.08 trillion trade surplus China has produced so far this year  is generating increasing pushback from the rest of the world as other countries see their economies threatened by a Chinese-induced deindustrialisation. Gantry cranes and shipping containers at the Yangshan Deepwater Port in Shanghai: Chinas exports to the rest of the world have swelled in the face of Trumps trade war. Bloomberg In a state visit to China last week, French President Emmanuel Macron threatened China with European Union tariffs if no effort was made to reduce an expanding trade surplus with the EU. Chinas exports to the EU have grown by more than 8 per cent this year.

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I tried to explain to the Chinese that their trade surplus is unsustainable because they are killing their own customers, particularly by no longer importing much from us, he said in an interview at the weekend. I told them that if they do not react, we Europeans would be forced in the coming months to take strong measures, following the example of the United States, such as imposing tariffs on Chinese products, he said. China has doubled down on an export-driven economic strategy, despite Trumps tariffs. Like much of the world, Europe is being battered by Donald Trumps protectionism and Chinas mercantilism. Today, we are caught between the two, and its a matter of life or death for the European industry. We have become the adjustment market and this is the worst-case scenario, Macron said.

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Europe isnt the only economic bloc pondering a response to the tide of Chinese exports. From Africa to Latin America and South-East Asia, alarm bells are ringing and protectionist sentiment is rising. Related Article Opinion

Currencies China is moving in as Trump hurts the US dollar Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist Chinas exports to Africa have risen 26 per cent this year, while exports to South-East Asia are up 14 per cent and those to Latin America 7.1 per cent. The remarkably rapid shift in the flows of Chinas exports stems from Trumps tariffs and their impact on the trade between China and the US, where Chinas exports were 29 per cent lower last month than in November last year, and 19 per cent lower over the 11 months. Some of the exports flowing to South-East Asia  as a bloc, imports from China are up about 24 per cent this year  may represent re-routing and then transshipment of goods to the US to take advantage of the discrepancy between the rates of US tariffs on China and those on exports from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.

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The average effective rate of tariffs on US imports from China is variously estimated at between about 32 per cent and 37 per cent, whereas the average rate on South-East Asian exports to the US is around 19 per cent. Theres an arbitrage opportunity in the differentiated rates. The impact of Chinas aggressive trade policies is magnified by the deficiencies within its domestic economy, which is plagued by weak demand, the continuing implosion in its property sector and industrial over-capacity. Thats reflected in the flat-lining of its imports. Xi Jinping has steadfastly refused to do what most economists outside China, and some within, have been advocating for years  which is to attempt to significantly boost domestic consumption. Frances President Emmanuel Macron with President Xi Jinping at his state visit to China last week. Getty Images Despite the years of the property-crisis-induced domestic economic weakness, Beijing has only tinkered with measures to stimulate demand, instead maintaining its centrally directed and subsidised quest for global industrial dominance.

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Chinas exports are equivalent to about 0.9 per cent of global GDP and, in a world where global trade is growing at or just above 2 per cent, it is tearing market share in traded goods away from the rest of the world, while offering little in return as it pursues Xis strategy of growth via exports while achieving self-sufficiency in its home markets. Xi argues against protectionism abroad while effectively practising it at home. By pursuing such a narrow and aggressive beggar thy neighbour policy, swamping other markets while closing its own, China is inviting a response from the trading partners it increasingly relies on for growth. Xi Jinping has steadfastly refused to do what most economists outside China, and some within, have been advocating for years  which is to significantly boost domestic consumption. Trump missed an opportunity by discarding the Biden administrations targeted tariffs on China and igniting a trade war with almost the entire non-US world. Had he enlisted the EU and others whose economies were being threatened by Chinas exports, it would have forced China to confront the imbalances in its own economy instead of, together with the US, exacerbating those within the global economy.

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Trump also misdiagnosed Americas problem, which isnt the trade deficits it has run for the past 50 years but a lack of savings relative to its investment and consumption. He should have focused on Americas domestic economic settings  where he expanded those imbalances during his first term and is doing it again in his second  rather than looking elsewhere for someone to blame. In any event, Trumps tariffs have up-ended and are re-making global trade routes and Chinas centrally planned and heavily subsidised strategic manufacturing sectors are pouring exports increasingly above domestic demand into international markets. Related Article Opinion

Trade wars Trump may have started this global trade war, but Xis winning it Lisa Visentin North Asia Correspondent The effect of those settings is being amplified by a managed currency that is loosely pegged to a US dollar whose value has slumped almost 10 per cent since Trump regained office in January. In effect, that has produced a 13 per cent devaluation of the yuan against the euro, making Chinas exports to Europe even more competitive. No wonder the Europeans are anxious and talking about trying to stem the tide through their own protectionist measures. Theyre talking about tariffs, quotas and minimum local content levels for their industries, and exchanging technology transfers and investment from China for access to their markets.

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Xi has been advocating efforts to reduce over-capacity and endless price wars within Chinas markets, but the objective seems to be about making Chinese industry and its exporters more efficient, less wasteful of national capital and to try to head off incipient deflation than to produce a more balanced economy. Effectively, China has doubled down on an export-driven economic strategy, despite Trumps tariffs. Should the rest of the world decide that in a global trade environment fragmented by this combination of US protectionism and Chinese mercantilism, it will have fewer imports and higher domestic prices to protect jobs and a manufacturing future  Xis policies could backfire on China. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon.
A snapshot of the most-searched terms West Australian house-hunters used in 2025 has revealed a significant jump in searches related to housing affordability.

According to Domain, pool continues to be the most-searched term for people looking to buy properties in WA, followed by view, granny flat and waterfront.

Want a new house with a pool? Youre not alone. Credit: Stock

Interestingly, granny flat has now overtaken shed as the most searched property addition, suggesting a shift towards flexible living requirements. Shed has now slipped to fifth place on the list.

Following an increase in interest in affordable or alternative living arrangements, the word dual rose from 11th place in 2024 into the seventh place over the past 12 months, highlighting a growing interest in multipurpose layouts for changing household needs.
BANGKOK, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Two Thai soldiers were killed in renewed clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border on Tuesday, bringing the total number of Thai military fatalities to three in the latest round of hostilities, the Royal Thai Army confirmed.

Speaking at a press briefing on the border situation, Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson for Thailand's Ministry of Defense, accused Cambodia of continuing to target Thai civilian areas with high-lethality weapons on Tuesday, including BM-21 rocket launchers. The attacks have forced local residents to flee their homes.

Due to the escalating conflicts, Thailand has closed 990 schools along the border, said Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat on Tuesday, adding that unaffected schools have been converted into temporary shelters to accommodate displaced residents. 
Today, the WCO joins the United Nations in marking International Anti-Corruption Day under the theme: Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrows Integrity. As the voice of the Customs community, the WCO reaffirms that strengthening integrity and the fight against corruption is critical for Customs administrations worldwide, requiring sustained efforts, commitment and vigilance.

Customs administrations play a central role in safeguarding borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and ensuring the fair collection of revenue. However, high volumes of transactions, relative autonomy in decision-making, close interaction with economic operators, and the growing threat of organized crime make Customs officers vulnerable to corruption risks. These vulnerabilities, if left unaddressed, can undermine economic development, weaken public trust and give criminal networks an entry point into border operations.

International Anti-Corruption Day is an occasion to highlight that the efforts of Customs administrations to bolster institutional integrity are critical in shaping success and building public trust. It is also an opportunity to recognize the important role that the next generation of Customs officers can play by shaping transparent, accountable and modern border management systems.

Supporting integrity in Customs through practical tools and technical assistance

For decades, the WCO has supported its Members in strengthening integrity frameworks and building modern, accountable institutions. This includes the development of guidance material, diagnostic tools, capacity-building programmes and peer learning opportunities that help administrations move from commitments to tangible action.

The WCOs work is rooted in the Revised Arusha Declaration, the global blueprint for integrity in Customs. Through this framework, Members are encouraged to adopt comprehensive strategies encompassing leadership, transparency, internal controls, automation, human resource management, and partnership with the private sector.

Uniting with Youth Against Corruption

This years International Anti-Corruption Day theme, Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity, emphasizes the need to listen to young peoples voices, support their leadership and ensure they are given a meaningful seat at the table.

Developing and sustaining integrity in Customs requires more than robust procedures and systems. It also calls for the building of institutions that promote staff engagement and consultation, and that foster a culture that inspires, educates and empowers the next generation.

Young professionals bring fresh perspectives, strong digital skills and a deep understanding of the societal expectations surrounding transparency and accountability. Consulting them and allowing them to participate in an administrations governance strengthens organizational resilience.

WCO Members have shown themselves to be committed to these objectives. Practical measures adopted by Customs administrations include enabling young people to gain initial work experience through internships, supporting newly recruited officers professional growth through mentoring, and creating opportunities for staff across departments and generations to discuss specific issues with a view to creating and sharing knowledge.

Many Customs administrations have also established next-generation networks (NGNs), which are dynamic platforms designed by and for young Customs officers. These networks bring together motivated and innovative staff from a wide range of units, functions and regions within their administrations. Their purpose is to encourage innovation, strengthen leadership capacities and provide a structured framework to engage younger staff in shaping institutional development.

NGNs serve as catalysts for a culture of integrity. They create spaces where young Customs professionals can exchange ideas, discuss challenges and collaborate on initiatives that promote transparency and ethical behaviour. Activities coordinated through NGNs often include mentoring programmes, leadership development workshops, technical exchanges, and forums that connect emerging professionals with senior management.

A-CIP Programme Phase I Review (2019-2025)

To mark International Anti-Corruption Day 2025, today the WCO is also releasing a report which highlights the achievements of the WCO Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme since its inception in 2019.

With initial financing from Norway and additional funding from Canada, as well as in-kind support in the form of expertise and advice from more than 40 WCO Member administrations, the A-CIP Programme team has developed specific project plans with 25 Customs administrations, as well as guidance material, training courses and tools which are available to all WCO Members.

The achievements highlighted in the 2019-2025 review reflect measurable progress: stronger institutional capacities, positive shifts in the perceptions and behaviour of Customs officials and private sector stakeholders, and the development of sustainable mechanisms to monitor and promote integrity. They are a testament to the dedication of participating administrations and the value of collaborative, evidence-based approaches to reform.

Cooperation with partner administrations and donors over the past seven years has also enabled the WCO A-CIP Programme team to draw some important conclusions. Among these is the fact that the work areas highlighted in the WCO Revised Arusha Declaration are still very relevant, along with the benefits of data and performance measurement, collective action, and mainstreaming integrity within the day-to-day operations of Customs administrations. In addition, the Programme has provided clear evidence that promoting and sustaining integrity demands ongoing innovation and adaptability, and has demonstrated the value of Customs administrations sharing their best practice with each other through the WCOs forums and communication tools.

Supporting sustained efforts

Creating a culture of integrity requires sustained efforts, and the WCO remains committed to supporting Customs administrations aspirations of upholding and enhancing their code of ethics.

The WCO A-CIP Programme will enter a second phase in 2026, thanks to renewed funding from Norway. This will enable the WCO to continue developing tools and providing technical assistance to combat corruption and promote integrity, with the focus being placed on weaving integrity into the very fabric of Customs, as well as on the use of data and performance measurement.
The Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia has announced that Nikol Pashinyan will be paying an official visit to Germany today and tomorrow. The program includes meetings with representatives of the business community as well as official negotiations with the Chancellor and the President of Germany.

It is noteworthy that this previously unannounced visit comes only a few days after the phone conversation between Chancellor Merz and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The mention of upcoming meetings with German businesses provides additional context. It appears likely that Yerevan will seek economic projects and investment opportunities, possibly including funding for the Armenian section of the TRIPP corridor  a project that Armenia has long needed to begin but has struggled to finance on its own.

A natural question arises: why were such efforts not undertaken earlier? The answer seems clear. Until Azerbaijan initiated significant regional developments and economic opportunities, Armenia had limited realistic prospects in this area. The changing geopolitical landscape  largely influenced by steps taken by President Ilham Aliyev  has opened new economic avenues for Yerevan.

In this light, it would not be surprising if, during the meetings in Berlin, both Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Pashinyan acknowledge Azerbaijans constructive role in shaping new regional economic realities.
NEW DELHI, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in the western Indian state of Goa on Tuesday began demolishing a property, which they claim has been illegally encroached upon by the owners of a nightclub where 25 people were killed in a deadly fire, officials said.

Early Sunday, a fire tore through a popular nightclub in Arpora village of North Goa district, about 16 km northwest of Panaji, the capital city of Goa.

The owners of the nightclub Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, charged with culpable homicide, have reportedly escaped from India hours after the fire, boarding a flight bound for Thailand's Phuket.

Authorities have already arrested four people and suspended three government officials in connection with the deadly fire.

According to police, the fire killed 25 people, mostly staff and some tourists, and injured six others. 
Joseph Newton watches in a Jefferson County courtroom, as his former wife, Debra Newton, is charged with abducting their daughter, Michelle Newton, in 1983 when the girl was three-year-old. The now 40-year-old was found living in another state and has been reunited with her biological family. (Images courtesy of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in Louisville, Ky.) Dec. 9, 2025
The new owner of the Fund for the Arts building on West Main Street in downtown Louisville plans to convert the top three levels of the building into short-term rentals, our partners at Louisville Business First reported on Dec. 5, 2025. (WDRB photo)
Workers bind up steel bars at a construction site of Shijiazhuang Metro Line 5 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 9, 2025. The construction of Shijiazhuang Metro Line 5 has achieved steady progress with several sections bored through in two directions. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 9, 2025 shows a construction site of Shijiazhuang Metro Line 5 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province. The construction of Shijiazhuang Metro Line 5 has achieved steady progress with several sections bored through in two directions. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Workers are pictured at a construction site of Shijiazhuang Metro Line 5 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 9, 2025. The construction of Shijiazhuang Metro Line 5 has achieved steady progress with several sections bored through in two directions. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Workers bind up steel bars at a construction site of Shijiazhuang Metro Line 5 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 9, 2025. The construction of Shijiazhuang Metro Line 5 has achieved steady progress with several sections bored through in two directions. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 9, 2025 shows a construction site of Shijiazhuang Metro Line 5 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province. The construction of Shijiazhuang Metro Line 5 has achieved steady progress with several sections bored through in two directions. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Workers are pictured at a construction site of Shijiazhuang Metro Line 5 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 9, 2025. The construction of Shijiazhuang Metro Line 5 has achieved steady progress with several sections bored through in two directions. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)
Conservative Supreme Court justices appeared to back a Republican-led drive, supported by President Donald Trumps administration, to overturn a quarter-century-old decision and erase limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with candidates for Congress and president
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Six security personnel were killed and six others were injured after militants attacked security forces in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday, security sources said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. local time on Monday (GMT 0830 Monday), when militants opened fire on army personnel in Kurram district, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Security forces returned fire, and the exchange continued until 7:50 p.m. (GMT 1450 Monday), the sources added.

The bodies of the slain personnel had not yet been recovered from the site due to the intensity of the clash and darkness.

Six injured personnel were safely evacuated and shifted to a nearby hospital.

The sources added that two Frontier Corps parties were dispatched to support the deployed troops, while artillery shells were fired at suspected militant positions.

Preliminary reports indicated that two militants were killed and two others injured, though no bodies or wounded militants had been recovered so far, the sources said.

The sources added that local elders had moved toward the incident site to help retrieve the soldiers' bodies. 
by Hummam Sheikh Ali

DAMASCUS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- In the 12 months marked by upheaval and constant surprises since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government, an idea I have kept revisiting is my eight-year-old niece's birthday wish.

Living in Europe, her impression of Syria comes from brief visits, family lore and video calls.

On her birthday, after we sent our recorded wishes, she replied with a short clip of her own: "I hope one day we can all be together in one country."

Her words were simple and sincere. Yet they framed the question hanging over every Syrian household this year: Can Syria ever become a place safe enough for everyone to return?

When the old order collapsed on Dec. 8, 2024, Syrians began waking up each morning unsure what new threat might emerge. Sporadic violence along the coast and later in Sweida in the south exposed deep fault lines, showing how quickly local tensions can ignite broader security crises.

For me, as a journalist witnessing this critical moment, much of the year unfolded not through headlines but inside homes.

One morning before dawn, I found my father making coffee in the dark. Only a faint bulb lit the kitchen. Electricity prices had surged, and now a quarter of his modest pension went toward keeping the lights on.

He did not complain. Like many Syrians of his age, he adjusted, quietly, stubbornly, in the face of new economic realities.

There are rare signs that Syria might be reconnecting with the world. My friend Tareq told me that he is saving up for his first car. "Yes, things are fragile. But look at the signs: international visits, diplomatic activity ... Car prices are dropping. It's slow, but it's movement."

But for Monzer, a journalist friend from Sweida, things were different. After the political shift, he stayed in his hometown with his wife and two sons. For a while, it felt safe. Then in mid-July, tensions erupted between local Druze factions and Bedouin tribes. Checkpoints multiplied. Gunfire echoed at night. Families fled in waves.

Monzer sent his wife and children toward the Jordanian border while he stayed behind, torn between his duty as a journalist and his instinct to protect the family. Eventually, he had to leave, moving between villages and temporary shelters, not sure if they could ever return home.

Their story is far from unique. Countless Syrians still live between suitcases and thresholds, rebuilding one week and retreating the next.

Much of my work this year focused on Syrians returning home. By late 2025, more than 3 million people had returned -- roughly 1 million refugees from abroad and over 2 million internally displaced. Many returned to shattered homes and broken infrastructure. Some pitched tents atop the rubble of what had been their living rooms. The war may be over, but its aftershocks continue.

My life looks the same from the outside: same house, same streets. But the air feels different. People are adjusting, recalibrating expectations, gently testing the idea that stability might be real.

What changed most for me this year is my appreciation for the people around me -- family, friends, colleagues, the small circle that keeps me anchored. After everything the Syrians have endured, it is the human connection that keeps us steady.

Despite the fragility, hope is what millions of Syrians still carry. It is not naive; it is directional. It points toward the only Syria worth rebuilding -- one safe enough, and whole enough, for its children to come home. 
MINSK, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has approved the country's defense plan for 2026-2030, Chief of the General Staff and First Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Muraveiko said Tuesday.

After a session of the security council, Muraveiko said the Belarusian president had reviewed and endorsed all documents outlining the nation's course of action to ensure its military security and defense. The preparation of a presidential decree to formally approve the overarching five-year plan is now underway, he added.

The meeting focused heavily on the ongoing militarization of Western nations, particularly those bordering Belarus.

State Secretary of the Security Council Alexander Volfovich said all prepared measures are solely aimed at protecting national interests, sovereignty and territorial integrity. 
MINDEN, La.  Nearly 30 years after his murder, the cold case of J.B. Robinson may finally see a breakthrough.

New DNA technology is being used to examine evidence long bagged, sealed and stored on a Minden Police Department shelf, offering fresh hope in a case that has haunted authorities since 1996.

Robinson, 66, who was known for carrying large amounts of cash, was attacked and shot outside his Gum Street home in December 1996. Authorities believe he had recently won money at a local gambling hall.

He had just gotten out of his pickup truck and was rounding the corner of his house when he was shot in the neck, collapsing a few feet from his front door. He died later that day during surgery after being transported to the then-LSU Medical Center in Shreveport.

The key to reopening the case is the M-Vac, a specialized wet-vacuum system used to collect DNA from surfaces where traditional methods fall short. The system sprays a sterile solution onto an item and vacuums up trapped cells, yielding more material for analysis. Samples can then be processed and entered into the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, potentially linking evidence to suspects already in the national database.

Minden police Det. Shane Griffith said the St. Tammany Parish Coroners Office has the only M-Vac system in Louisiana. Griffith, who serves as vice president of the Louisiana Homicide Investigators Association, learned about the technology a few months ago in Lake Charles while attending the associations annual conference.

According to authorities, during Robinsons initial interview at Minden Medical Center, former Police Chief T.C. Bloxom Jr. said Robinson reported struggling with his attacker(s).

That indicates the attacker(s) came into contact with his clothing, Griffith said. If were able to collect any trace evidence, well submit it to the crime database to check for a match.

Evidence from Robinsons case  along with DNA samples collected Monday from his daughter and one other individual  is now en route to St.. Tammany Parish for testing using the M-Vac. On Tuesday, Griffith and former detective Dan Weaver, now the Ward 1 marshal, will deliver multiple items, including the clothing Robinson was wearing when he was attacked.

Only one article of evidence will be tested initially. If it does not produce results that move the case forward, police say they will prepare to test additional items. Each item run through the M-Vac system costs $3,750.

So, if we strike out on this piece of clothing, we have others well try, Weaver said.

I have worked probably 50 homicides in my career and around 600 shootings and stabbings  and this is the only case I havent solved out of all those, Weaver said Monday.

Griffith said he and Weaver discussed the case with Police Chief Jared McIver, who secured city funds to cover the first test. If additional tests are needed, money is expected to be secured via another source.

Danny and I went back and forth on which case to use the M-Vac on, Griffith said. Although I would very much like to revisit Kendrick Tyrone Sumlins unsolved homicide, Robinsons case was the most viable option. Hopefully well have success here  and Sumlins will be next.

Over the past 27 years, Danny and I have had many conversations about the J.B. Robinson case, bouncing ideas and theories about what may or may not have happened, Griffith said. I know this unsolved case has weighed heavily on his mind. I would like nothing more than to close this case for the victims family  and for Danny.

To report information about this case, contact Griffith at the Minden Police Department at 318-377-1212 or by using the agencys report a tip line  https://mindenpolice.org/anonymous-tip-line/  where there is an option to remain anonymous.
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SHREVEPORT, La.  SLB announced Tuesday it will invest $30 million to expand its operations in Caddo Parish, building on its transformation of the former GM assembly plant into a modern, climate-controlled advanced manufacturing hub.

In addition to its 660 current employees, the company is expected to create 600 direct new jobs. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 744 indirect new jobs, for a total of 1,344 potential new job opportunities in the northwest region.

Across the country, companies are searching for places that can deliver the industrial capacity and skilled workforce needed to compete in todays economy, and Louisiana is answering that call, Governor Jeff Landry said in a prepared statement. SLBs continued investment in Northwest Louisiana reinforces that Louisiana is a place where global companies grow, succeed, and choose to compete at the highest level.

The expansion will add new manufacturing space at SLBs technology center at 7600 Antoine Blvd. in Shreveport, supporting increased production of digital infrastructure and datacenter equipment. The additional capacity will support higher production volumes as demand grows and strengthen long-term operations at the facility, the company said.

Shreveport has become a strategic hub for our expanding role in the hyperscaler ecosystem, SLB Data Centers Director Andrew Johnston said. Expanding our footprint here is a natural next step. Louisiana offers the workforce, infrastructure and partnership we need to grow, and were proud to deepen our investment in a region that continues to deliver for our business and our customers.

SLB has invested more than $18 million in its Shreveport operations to date, and the new project will build on that foundation by doubling the facilitys footprint. Work on the expansion will begin in January, with staffing increases planned through 2027 as new areas of the site become operational.

SLBs expansion demonstrates how growth in one part of Louisianas economy continues to fuel new opportunities in others, LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said in a statement. As investments increase in data infrastructure and manufacturing, projects like this strengthen our states economic ecosystem and create opportunities for our workers across the state in high-demand fields. cost. Expanding this network across every region ensures companies can move faster from concept to construction and keeps Louisiana at the forefront of business-ready development.

To secure the project in Shreveport, the state of Louisiana offered SLB an incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and a $6 million performance-based grant for utility and infrastructure improvements. The company is also expected to participate in the states Quality Jobs program.

SLB is a great corporate citizen of Caddo Parish, and its efforts benefit the people and the City of Shreveport, Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. We welcome the news of this expansion, which will create more jobs and more prosperity for Shreveport. Hooray for SLB.

SLBs decision to double down in Shreveport/Caddo Parish is a powerful vote of confidence in Northwest Louisianas workforce and industrial capacity, North Louisiana Economic Partnership President/CEO Justyn Dixon said. This expansion not only brings over 600 new job opportunities to our region, but it also reinforces our position as a competitive player in the global digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing economy.

"The expansion of SLB in Caddo Parish is more than an investment in infrastructure  its an investment in people, progress, and the promise of economic growth. We are proud to welcome this expansion as a sign of confidence in our workforce, our resources, and our future. Together, were building a stronger, more prosperous Caddo Parish for generations to come," says Caddo Commission President Stormy Gage-Watts.
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 there as a pet.

The brown bear has gone 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 on 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 to 3,100 before present (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.

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.
There was great excitement in Claremorris recently with the opening of Dailys XL Shop on Main Street. The new convenience store, operated by Mark and Caroline Cosgrove, occupies the building that, until recently, housed Smyths  the landmark business where the Smyths Toys dynasty began.

For many in the town, the reopening of this well-known premises represents more than just a new shop. It marks a welcome moment of investment right in the heart of Claremorris, at a time when much of the commercial focus has shifted to the outskirts.

Mark Cosgrove, who already runs Dailys in the Silverbridge Shopping Centre with his wife Caroline (nee Moran from Brize), said opening on Main Street was both a business decision and a vote of confidence in the centre of town.

This was Smyths shop. Everyone knew it, everyone went into it, and everyone still calls it Smyths, Mark told The Western People on opening day. We all miss Liam Smyth  he was a huge part of Claremorris life  and people told us they missed having a shop here. When the building became available, we thought it was a chance to bring life back into Main Street. If it works, well have secured a good business and helped the town at the same time.

The new Dailys XL is a modern convenience store with a deli counter, a seating area, and an off-licence set to open shortly. The shop also stocks groceries, cards, gifts, books, balloons, stationery and party supplies and of course a small selection of toys a nod to the Smyths tradition of variety. It opens seven days a week from 7.00 am to 10.00pm and employs 20 staff, full and part-time.

Ollie Deehan, Loreta Flanagan, George Samuel, Mary Cribbbin, Caroline and Mark Cosgrove and Shauna Waldron at the opening of Dailys XL.

Mark explained that the expansion reflects how shopping habits have changed in recent years.

People want convenience now, he said. Theyre working, theyre busy, and they dont want to queue in the big stores. They just want to grab what they need  a few bits of shopping, something from the deli, maybe a bottle of wine  and be on their way. Thats what this shop is about: ultra-convenience, local service, and easy access. We have plenty of parking spaces at the back of the shop people can park there and shop in the middle of the town.

He also hopes to restore something of the community character long associated with Main Street shops.

People say theres a resurgence in books, and they like browsing again, he said. Well be bringing in Irish authors and hope to host local book signings. Theres still something special about walking into a shop, seeing whats on the shelves, and talking to people.

Claremorris native John Grant, a businessman who grew up across the road, remembers the Smyths building as one of the busiest shops in town.

My first memories of it are of Babs behind the counter, he said. At Christmas, it was the place to come for toys. During the school year, everyone came in for their school books and pens. They used to sell the silver nibs for fountain pens  they were the ones everyone wanted.

John recalled the shops atmosphere as lively and friendly, where customers often came as much for conversation as for shopping. Youd come in, meet people, have a chat, he said. It was a real hub of the town. Smyths was famous for its range  papers, magazines, toys, books. There werent many newsagents in those days. It was the place you came for the paper every day. He also reflected on the wider significance of the reopening.

Its great to see life coming back into the centre, he said. Too many businesses have moved to the outskirts, but this is a real investment in Main Street. Between this and the regeneration work on Mount Street, you can feel the town lifting again. Mark and Caroline have done a marvellous job here. Its bright, its friendly, and its local  thats what towns like Claremorris need.

The Cosgrove familys connection to Main Street goes back generations. Mark was born just two doors away from his new shop, where Flynns is now based. His uncle, Robert Cosgrove, said the family has always been rooted in local business. Marks grandfather, Matt Cosgrove, bought Begleys drapery shop on Main Street in 1958, he said. Mark was born there in after, and the family lived over the shop before moving to the Knock Road. Its fitting that another generation of the family is now back trading on Main Street.

For the Cosgroves, the new venture is both a return and a new beginning. All businesses take time to build, Mark said. The first year is always the hardest, but weve a good team and great support from local people already. You have to rely on people  good staff make a good business. And if we can make this work, itll be good for us and good for Claremorris.

As customers passed through the doors during opening week  some still referring to the shop as Smyths  there was a sense that the buildings long story had gained a new chapter. What began decades ago as a small local shop that sparked an international toy empire has now returned to its roots, serving the people of Claremorris once again from the same address.

We have 20 parking spaces at the rear of the building and you can park up and shop in Claremorris.

And in a time when many rural towns are struggling to hold on to their centres, the message from Dailys XL is a welcome one: that Main Street still matters.
BANGKOK, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Sino-Thai Symposium on Quantum Science and Technology was held in Bangkok on Monday, witnessing the official inauguration of a joint laboratory for quantum science and technology.

About 100 experts and scholars from over a dozen Chinese and ASEAN universities attended the event, including the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Thailand's Chulalongkorn University and Mahidol University.

Organized jointly by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the symposium was co-hosted by USTC, Chulalongkorn University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Innovation Cooperation Center (Bangkok).

On the same day, the Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Networks (USTC) and the Faculty of Science of Chulalongkorn University signed an agreement to formally establish the USTC-Chula Joint Laboratory for Quantum Science and Technology. USTC and Chulalongkorn University also inked a memorandum of understanding, reaching a consensus on advancing cooperation in quantum science and technology and other fields.

Zhang Jianwei, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, said that strengthening Sino-Thai cooperation in quantum science and technology is an important measure to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and enrich the connotation of their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

He noted that China is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Thailand under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly promote the development of quantum science, technology and industry, and better benefit the people of both countries.

Supachai Pathumnakul, permanent secretary of Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, said in his speech that Thailand-China quantum cooperation is a key step in boosting the development of deep technology capabilities of both countries, which is in line with Thailand's economic development strategy centered on innovation-driven growth.

In an interview with Xinhua at the event, Professor Prabhas Chongstitvatana from the Department of Computer Engineering at Chulalongkorn University said China is a global leader in quantum science and technology and that Thai scholars are eager to engage in more discussions and learn from Chinese scholars in this field.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. Scholars from both countries emphasized that the friendship characterized as "China and Thailand are as close as one family" serves as an emotional link for scientific and technological cooperation between the two nations. 
A visually impaired north Mayo man has received national recognition for his fundraising efforts for Irish Guide Dogs for the blind.

Kieran Davidsons life was forever changed after a traumatic accident 11 years ago left him with serious injuries and lasting implications for his eyesight. However, meeting his guide dog Caffie has given Kieran some quality of life back.

He told the Western People about meeting and getting to know Caffie, and how this inspired him to give back to the Irish Guide Dogs.

I went down to Cork for assessments. The first dog walked too fast for me and it was the same with the second dog. Then I met Caffie, and she was still too fast but slowed down for me when I would say, steady, he said.

I trained with her for three weeks because they have to teach the dog about my needs, to do what I needed to do.

Once every quarter every year since, Kieran has placed money boxes in shops around Crossmolina for the Irish Guide Dogs and people have given generously.

At the organisations annual get together in August, Kieran received a recognition certificate from Irish Guide Dogs for his incredible work giving back to them.

I felt so lucky to be alive at all after all that had happened and thought if I could raise a bit of money for the Guide Dogs, after all they had done for us, I would.

Castlebar woman Rosaleen Heverin was also recognised on this day for her work with the group. Rosaleen is a passionate volunteer who has worked with the group for many decades and has also taken in and owned retired guide dogs as an Irish Guide Dogs ambassador.
An inbound flight towards Ireland West Airport Knock made a safe landing during Storm Bram earlier this evening.

The Ryanair flight, which was arriving in the West from London Luton, was the last service of the day.

Earlier on Tuesday at Ireland West Airport, an Aer Lingus flight scheduled to depart for LONDON LHR (EI91) at 1pm was cancelled due to the arrival of Storm Bram.

Meanwhile, a Status Yellow Wind warning is currently in place for Mayo.

Met Eireann has stated that Storm Bram will continue to bring very strong to gale force west to southwest winds, with severe gusts.

The weather warning is valid until midnight.

A Status Orange Wind warning was in place for Mayo earlier today, but it has now expired.
In the heart of Ballina, just steps from the bustle of the town centre, sits Baker51, the bright, stylish cafe opened by the family behind the renowned OHaras of Foxford, which has now completed its first year in businesstwelve months marked by early mornings, sourdough batches, hand-finished pastries, takeaway coffees at the hatch, and a loyal and growing local following.

The OHara name has been synonymous with bread in Mayo since 1951. What began as a humble family bakery in Foxford has grown into one of the regions most recognised producers. Despite expansion, exports, and contracts with major retailers, the ethos remains unchanged. Every bake is prepared using time-honoured techniques, the family says, passed down through the generations. Its a philosophy that underpins Baker51.

The cafes name itself is a nod to that heritage1951, the year the bakery was founded by the great-grandfather of todays younger OHara generation. Lovingly baked from our family bakery to your familys table, the OHara motto declares, and Baker51 embodies that promise in every plate and pastry.

When manager Susan Walsh, a Ballina native, arrives each morning, the bakery in Foxford has already been busy for hours.

Im the manager of the cafe, Susan explains, and that involves getting up very early in the morning to get all the fresh bakes into the cafe and setting up for the day.

From 8.00am, customers arrive at the takeaway hatch; at 9.00am, the sit-in service begins.

So we have a lot of prep work to get done first thing.

Though the breads and pastries are baked in Foxford, the finishing touchesespecially anything involving fresh creamhappen on site.

Any of the pastries that have cream fillings we do on site here, Susan says. We have our own baker here that comes in in the morning she is here at 7.00am to get everything ready.

Its a finely tuned system, one that blends large-scale production with hands-on, small-batch craftsmanship. The result: food that feels artisan because it is. Food that feels homemade because it is.

And with 22 staff working between full- and part-time roles in the cafesupported by over 200 employees back in Foxfordit is very much a community effort.

Baker51 is a cafe with choices for everyone. The shelves and counters display an array of baked goods: sourdough loaves, pastries, traybakes, seasonal treats, local-ingredient lunches, and a famously rich selection of breakfast options. The sourdough range, which first appeared in shops under the Baker51 label, remains central to the menu and identity.

Whether youre here for specialty coffee, something sweet, or a proper lunch, the team likes to say, everythings made fresh.

One of the stars of the pastry counter is the cruffina croissant shaped like a muffin, with flavours and fillings that change monthly.

They are very popular, says Nia OHara, The pastries arrive fresh each morning and are then decorated on site by Krystyna, whose work Nia praises warmly.

Beyond pastries, theres substance. We do breakfasts, Nia explains, A full Irish, brunch stacks and lots of other options. Lunch features sourdough toasties, pizzas, salads and hot dishes paired with coffees or pastries for those who want a complete meal.

The kitchen team, Fergus McDermott Quinn, Keith Garry, and Kevin Gallagher, are working on exciting new menus that will be launched in January. They are dedicated to preparing and presenting excellent dishes made with fresh and local ingredients for our Baker 51 customers to enjoy.

Baker51s takeaway hatch is one of the cafes distinctive features. It blends convenience with artisanal quality, offering the full menu for people on the go.

The hatch is great, Nia says. People come up and get coffee, pastries or their takeaway lunch from the hatch. They can also preorder and collect from there.

The hatch has proved very successful and locals have embraced it, especially workers looking for fast but high-quality food.

Nia, granddaughter of the late Pat and Philomena OHara is part of the familys fourth generation, she speaks proudlybut modestlyabout the lineage she comes from. She explains how her Great Grandparents founded the Bakery in 1951, her Grandparents moved it to the Ballina road where their children, Sharon, Shelly and Michael, together with Cyril and Julie now run the business.

Today myself, my brothers and my cousins are part of the 4th generation to be involved. Baker51 itself emerged from conversations in 2022. We kind of started coming up with it then, she says.

The name Baker51 had first been attached to their sourdough range, sold from a food truck at fairs and shows. We were selling the sourdoughs and tray bakes initially, she recalls. From there, the decision to open a permanent cafe felt like a natural evolution.

Nia and her cousin Ellie were part of the original team that opened the cafe last December. A busy time of year to open, Nia admits, but it was great. Its gone very well so far.

Despite its deep roots in Foxford and Ballina, the OHara name travels far. Some of our bread goes to America. You can get it in New York. My grandad Moyles lives in New York and he can just walk down the street from his house and get an OHara soda bread. Even with that reach, the focus remains strongly localemphasising quality ingredients, careful techniques, and community connection.

As Baker51 approaches its first birthday, Susan reflects on what it means to reach this milestone. Its been a wonderful first year she says. Susan hopes for continued growthonwards and upwardswith plans for new products, more breads, and a refreshed menu in the new year.

Nia shares the enthusiasm. She says the family would love to expand, opening more locations someday. It would be great, she says. Nice to expand the brand a bit more. What makes Baker51 special is not just the food, though the quality is undeniable. Its the combination of heritage and innovation, of family tradition and youthful ideas. Its the hard work of bakers arriving in the dark early hours, of decorators placing the final swirl of cream on a cruffin, of baristas at the hatch greeting morning customers by name.

It is, fundamentally, a place where craft matters. As Susan puts it simply: The future is bright. And for Ballinaand for all who savour the breads and cakes born from nearly three-quarters of a century of OHara expertisethat brightness tastes a lot like warm sourdough, fresh cream, flaky pastry, and a hot coffee from the hatch on a Mayo morning.
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.
Reading, PA (19601)

Today

A mix of rain and wet snow ending this evening, then partial clearing and drier overnight; turning breezy. Watch for icy spots and slick travel. .

Tonight

A mix of rain and wet snow ending this evening, then partial clearing and drier overnight; turning breezy. Watch for icy spots and slick travel.
Reading, PA (19601)

Today

Cloudy, chilly, and brisk with a little snow in the Poconos with a coating to an inch or two possible, a light mix of rain and snow along the I-78 corridor with little to no accumulation, and a little light rain south of I-78. .

Tonight

A few rain and snow showers lingering early, then some clearing late.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

A mix of rain and wet snow ending this evening, then partial clearing and drier overnight; turning breezy. Watch for icy spots and slick travel. .

Tonight

A mix of rain and wet snow ending this evening, then partial clearing and drier overnight; turning breezy. Watch for icy spots and slick travel.
ABU DHABI, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates has issued a Federal Decree-Law updating its commercial companies law, introducing non-profit companies and more flexible capital structures, the government's media office announced Tuesday.

Under the amendment, non-profit companies can reinvest all net profits into their stated objectives instead of distributing them to shareholders, providing a clearer legal framework for social and development sectors.

The law also allows multiple categories of shares with differentiated rights, including voting, profit distribution, redemption priority, and liquidation, strengthening corporate governance and encouraging private investment.

Private joint-stock companies may now offer securities for private subscription on UAE financial markets without converting to public firms, creating a new financing channel.

The decree also sets rules for relocating companies between emirates and free zones while preserving legal identity, and recognizes mechanisms such as tag-along and drag-along rights.

The official WAM news agency described the law as a major step in modernizing UAE business legislation, fostering a flexible, innovation-friendly legal environment, and boosting national economic competitiveness. 
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Cloudy, chilly, and brisk with a little snow in the Poconos with a coating to an inch or two possible, a light mix of rain and snow along the I-78 corridor with little to no accumulation, and a little light rain south of I-78. .

Tonight

A few rain and snow showers lingering early, then some clearing late.
Cambodian villagers flee their homes near the Cambodia-Thailand border for a safe shelter in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, on Dec. 9, 2025. Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Tuesday that Cambodian soldiers have launched counterattacks against Thai soldiers after more than 24 hours of non-retaliation. Meanwhile, two more Thai soldiers were killed Tuesday in the border dispute, lifting the soldier death toll to three in the renewed conflict, according to the Thai army. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Tuesday that Cambodian soldiers have launched counterattacks against Thai soldiers after more than 24 hours of non-retaliation.

Meanwhile, two more Thai soldiers were killed Tuesday in the border dispute, lifting the soldier death toll to three in the renewed conflict, according to the Thai army.

"After more than 24 hours of patience to respect the ceasefire and to evacuate people to safe areas, yesterday evening, last night and this morning, we have retaliated," Hun Sen said in a post on his official social media platform.

Thailand's Second Army Region said on a social media post that Cambodian forces had fired BM-21 multiple-launch rockets into Thailand's borders since 6 a.m. on Tuesday, forcing Thailand to respond.

Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said the Thai army has used heavy and destructive weapons, F-16 fighter jets, and toxic gas to attack Cambodian military positions and civilians since Sunday afternoon until Tuesday morning.

Seven Cambodian civilians were killed and 20 others wounded in the border conflict, she said.

According to Thai media, fresh border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have forced over 800 schools and many hospitals to temporarily close in Thailand's border provinces.

The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has reignited since Sunday afternoon. Both sides accused the other of initiating the attack and confirmed casualties. 

Cambodian villagers flee their homes near the Cambodia-Thailand border for a safe shelter in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, on Dec. 9, 2025. Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Tuesday that Cambodian soldiers have launched counterattacks against Thai soldiers after more than 24 hours of non-retaliation.

Meanwhile, two more Thai soldiers were killed Tuesday in the border dispute, lifting the soldier death toll to three in the renewed conflict, according to the Thai army. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)

Cambodian villagers flee their homes near the Cambodia-Thailand border for a safe shelter in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, on Dec. 9, 2025. Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Tuesday that Cambodian soldiers have launched counterattacks against Thai soldiers after more than 24 hours of non-retaliation.

Meanwhile, two more Thai soldiers were killed Tuesday in the border dispute, lifting the soldier death toll to three in the renewed conflict, according to the Thai army. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)

Cambodian villagers flee their homes near the Cambodia-Thailand border for a safe shelter in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, on Dec. 9, 2025. Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Tuesday that Cambodian soldiers have launched counterattacks against Thai soldiers after more than 24 hours of non-retaliation.

Meanwhile, two more Thai soldiers were killed Tuesday in the border dispute, lifting the soldier death toll to three in the renewed conflict, according to the Thai army. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)

Cambodian villagers flee their homes near the Cambodia-Thailand border for a safe shelter in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, on Dec. 9, 2025. Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Tuesday that Cambodian soldiers have launched counterattacks against Thai soldiers after more than 24 hours of non-retaliation.

Meanwhile, two more Thai soldiers were killed Tuesday in the border dispute, lifting the soldier death toll to three in the renewed conflict, according to the Thai army. (Agence Kampuchea Presse/Handout via Xinhua)
TBILISI, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday called on the United Kingdom to apologize for what he described as a false report broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), adding that Tbilisi plans to appeal to the UK media regulator and, if necessary, to the courts, TV Imedi reported.

Kobakhidze said his government would use "every legal avenue" to ensure accountability, stressing that the broadcaster had attempted to "artificially create a scandal" based on incorrect information.

"The UK should apologize for the false report aired by its public broadcaster," he said.

The prime minister noted that the investigation into the events referenced by the BBC had been completed, and the government was prepared to provide full documentation to any international body.

"We have publicly stated that any international organisation may request details of this investigation, and we will provide full information," he said, adding that the substances used during the crowd-control operations had been explained in detail, and that materials employed corresponded to those used alongside water cannons.

He reiterated that Georgia intends to continue its legal efforts. "We plan to appeal to Ofcom, the British regulatory commission, and then to the courts if needed. We will use every legal means to ensure that the BBC is forced to apologize for the lie it spread," he added.

The dispute follows a BBC investigation published on Dec. 1, in which the broadcaster claimed evidence suggesting Georgian authorities used a World War I-era chemical agent (camite) during a crowd dispersal at anti-government protests last year, an allegation the Georgian government has firmly rejected. 
Natures 10 names Witsie for role in global pandemic treaty

Wits Precious Matsoso is one of Natures 10, a list of people who shaped science in 2025.

The Director of the Health Regulatory Science Platform (HRSP) in the Wits Health Consortium (WHC) and an Honorary Lecturer in the Wits Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Ms Precious Matsoso is one of the 10 individuals named for her contribution to science in 2025, notably for her leadership in brokering the first global pandemic treaty.

Compiled by Natures editors, the list highlights an array of people who had a role in some of 2025s most significant moments in science.

Natures 10 is a list published annually in Nature, the prestigious and high-impact journal published by Springer Nature. Nature published the 2025 list on December 8.

The list is not an award or a top 10 ranking. Rather, it highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to science during the year.

Modern science is conducted by teams, often large ones, but the world of research is filled with human stories of individuals at work. Precious Matsoso is one of these individuals.

Matsoso says, The historic adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, which I led, is a testament of how we can collectively reshape global health architecture and strengthen pandemic, prevention preparedness and response.

The first global pandemic treaty  and the woman who made it happen

A visionary leader in public health, a pioneer in regulatory science, and a dedicated advocate for global health equity, Matsosos career has focused on strengthening health systems, shaping transformative policies, and ensuring access to essential medicines for all.

According to Natures 10, Matsoso, an experienced figure in global health, was well placed to navigate the sometimes fractious negotiations [of the first global pandemic treaty]. At several points in her career, she had helped to expand access to HIV medications, including as director-general of South Africas health department from 2010 to 2019.

As Co-Chair of the World Health Organization (WHOs) Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Treaty, Matsoso played a critical role in steering global discussions to protect future generations from health crises.

Presidentially pioneering regulatory science

In February this year, Matsoso received the South African Medical Research Council Presidents Lifetime Achievement Award for work that embodies the highest ideals of scientific merit and public service.

Professor Hellen Myezwa, Head of the School of Therapeutic Sciences at Wits, where Matsosos HRSP is located, says, We are proud to celebrate Ms Precious Matsosos inclusion in Natures 10. Her leadership in advancing the first global pandemic treaty reflects the same depth of expertise and principled commitment she brings to our programmes and collaborations at Wits. Through her direct involvement in the Dossier Assessment for Clinical Assessors in Africa short course, and her sustained engagement in regulatory science teaching and postgraduate research, she has helped to anchor several of our key capacity-building initiatives.

Leadership training empowers Africas health regulators

Matsosos HRSP, along with Wits RHI and Supporting Health Initiatives (all WHC divisions), in March this year collaborated with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to establish the first African Regulatory Leadership Programme (ARLP), inspired by the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Programme.

The ARLP was a step towards regional harmonising and establishing the African Medicines Agency. Matsoso said then that the ARLP aims to ensure health equity and access in Africa. For this to happen, robust systems need to be in place that will then assist the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to respond swiftly to public health processes.

Commenting on Matsosos inclusion in Natures 10, Professor Helen Rees, Executive Director of Wits RHI, says, "As a long-standing friend, Ive had the privilege of witnessing Preciouss remarkable career journey - first as a dedicated medicines regulator and now as an exceptional global negotiator. She is profoundly deserving of this Nature listing, which rightly recognises her vital contributions to global diplomacy and to strengthening pandemic preparedness worldwide.

Rees is recognised as a global leader in global health security and a steering committee member of the Coalition for Clinical Research for Pandemics in low- and middle-income countries. She is a member of the Lancet Commission on evidence-based implementation.

Professor Lyn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Wits, says, We are extremely proud that Precious Matsoso has been honoured among Natures 10 as having made a significant contribution to science in 2025 through brokering the global pandemic treaty. This recognition speaks to her enormous impact on global health and exemplifies the calibre of leadership and excellence within the Wits academic community.
AMMAN, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Jordanian Armed Forces on Tuesday sent a convoy of food aid to Yemen amid rising tensions in the country's south.

The convoy, consisting of 13 trucks carrying a total of 54,600 food parcels, aims to meet urgent needs and provide relief to citizens in Yemen, the Jordanian military said in a statement.

The statement emphasized that the shipment reflects Jordan's ongoing commitment to support regional neighbors in times of crisis and promote Arab solidarity.

Tensions in Yemen have escalated, with Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad Al-Alimi warning on Monday that recent military movements by the Southern Transitional Council in southern Yemen challenge the authority of the internationally recognized government. 
TEHRAN, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- A senior Iranian official has said the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA's) current safeguards agreement is not designed for wartime conditions and needs revision, Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported Tuesday.

As a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran has signed a safeguards agreement with the IAEA, "which has been prepared in a way to govern normal circumstances, not the ones pertaining to wartime," the report quoted Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, as saying.

Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA in late June under a parliamentary law, citing the agency's failure to condemn the Israeli and U.S. attacks earlier that month on its nuclear sites and concerns about the safety of its facilities and scientists. Despite the suspension, Iran previously said it remained committed to the NPT and abided by its safeguards agreement.

The IAEA has repeatedly requested access to the bombed sites, which Iran has refused. Kamalvandi said that allowing inspections of the attacked sites could provide data to Iran's "enemies," according to the report.

He stressed the need for new, legally-binding guarantees from the IAEA to prevent data "abuse" before cooperation can resume.

Meanwhile, inspections at facilities not targeted by the attacks remain possible, he added.

On June 13, Israel launched major surprise airstrikes on several areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. On June 22, U.S. forces bombed the three Iranian nuclear facilities of Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. 
Weather Alert

...Gusty Winds Expected Today... Southwest winds will increase this morning, with sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts of 25 to 35 mph expected. As a cold front passes, the winds will gradually shift to the west, then northwest by early afternoon. The strongest winds are expected late this morning and early this afternoon just behind the cold front, and some gusts over 40 mph are possible. Unsecured outdoor decorations and items may become displaced by the gusty winds.
Zelensky says Ukraine will refuse to concede territory to Russia as peace talks press on
HELSINKI, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg, a former secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), on Tuesday called on Europe to maintain communication with Russia to help end the war in Ukraine.

Speaking alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb during a panel discussion hosted by the Atlantic Council of Finland, Stoltenberg said, "Russia remains a neighbor."

Stressing that dialogue is necessary to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine, he said arms control would be another key topic requiring talks with Russia at a later stage.

Stoltenberg urged Europe to engage with Russia now so that it can help shape global developments.

Stubb said that the prospect of peace in Ukraine is now "closer than ever" since the beginning of the conflict. He noted that possible territorial concessions would be among the most difficult issues in any future negotiations, along with security guarantees for Ukraine after a peace agreement.

Stubb noted that Finland, along with many other countries supporting Ukraine, has pledged to take part in post-war security arrangements, but will not provide formal security guarantees. He added that the Ukrainian peace plan has been shortened from an earlier 28-point proposal to a 20-point plan.

After the event, Stubb told Finnish public broadcaster Yle in an interview, "We are not finished yet, and the most difficult questions are still open."

The Atlantic Council of Finland is an independent, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that promotes debate, research, and education on transatlantic foreign and security policy in Finland. 
The health of pro-Palestine activist prisoners who began an open-ended hunger strike last month is deteriorating rapidly.

The hunger strikers are demanding an end to censorship of their communications, with letters and phone calls blocked; immediate bail, with most held on remand well over the usual six-month limit; the right to a fair trial; an end to their demonisation by the Labour government, including dropping the terrorist connection claim made of their case; and the shutting down of Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems UK sites.

A protest outside Elbit Bristol HQ, January 18, 2023 [Photo: Palestine Action]

Six of the seven involved began their protest between 27 and 36 days ago. A seventh joined the hunger strike last week.

The seven are Qesser Zuhrah (His Majestys Prison (HMP) Bronzefield); Amu Gib (HMP Bronzefield); Jon Cink (HMP Bronzefield); Heba Muraisi (HMP New Hall); Teuta T Hoxha (HMP Peterborough); Kamran Ahmed (HMP Pentonville) and Muhammad Umer Khalid (HMP Wormwood Scrubs).

Five of the seven have only recently returned to prison from hospital, where they said they were handcuffed to officers throughout their stays.

Four hunger strikersQesser Zuhrah, Heba Muraisi, Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmedare facing trial as part of the Filton 24 case for involvement in an August 2024 action against Elbit in Filton, near Bristol. The other three are accused of involvement in a June 2025 protest at the Brize Norton Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire, in which two military supply planes were daubed with red paint.

The first six of the Filton 24 are currently being tried at Woolwich Crown Court for aggravated burglary, criminal damage, and violent disorder. The trial began on November 17 and is expected to last 10 weeks. The remainder of the Filton 24s cases will be heard in two further trials beginning in April and then June 2026. Most of the 24 will have been imprisoned for almost two years before going to trial.

The Filton 6 [Photo: Free the Filton 24]

On December 4, PA co-founder Huda Ammoriwho is challenging the lawfulness of Labours order banning Palestine Action as a terrorist organisationposted on X: Six prisoners for Palestine are on their 32nd day of hunger strike. Their health is severely deteriorating, with one described as skeletal. Each face up to two years on remand before trial and face harsher treatment as they are labelled as terrorists. This is an emergency.

On Sunday, the Observer reported the comments of Dr. James Smith, a National Health Service emergency doctor who has been in regular contact with the families of the prisoners. He warned, As a healthcare worker, Im extremely concerned. He had not seen the prisoners but explained, For someone who was previously well, with no other underlying medical issues, [at] around six to eight weeks [on hunger strike], theres a very, very high risk of death.

Im most concerned about the substandard treatment in the prison system From the information Im receiving from the families, it doesnt appear to me that there has been, for most of them, a single day in which they have had a full set of their observations taken: heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, proper weights.

The Free the Filton 24 group, formed by family and friends of those being tried, has provided harrowing details of their treatment. It noted that fourLottie, Ellie, Fatema Zainab and Zoeare being held in HMP Bronzefield, Surrey. They are woken at 5 a.m. and driven in a Serco prison van to court, taking 2.5 hours, often leaving and arriving latemeaning that the defendants are denied time with their lawyers before court.

The journey back to Bronzefield can take as long as 5 hours, with the van stopping to collect other prisoners. The defendants can only have their evening meal when they get back to Bronzefield, often as late as 9 p.m., too late to be allowed to shower.

The two others, Sam and Jordan are held at the infamous HMP Belmarsh next door to Woolwich Crown Court and are taken to court each morning via an underground tunnel. Despite being only 200 yards away, both are also woken at 5am. Belmarsh is vile. They have been repeatedly strip-searched, X-rayed more than once a day, and denied vegetarian food, showers and phone calls to loved ones on the outside.

Following the PA protests against Elbit and at RAF Brize Norton, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper moved to proscribe the organisation. These actions were used as a pretext for long-planned police-state measures, implemented in collaboration with the dictatorial agenda of the US Trump administration.

The proscription came into operation July 5, rubber-stamped by both houses of parliament in a right-wing stampede. Membership of PA, or support for it, is now a crime under the Terrorism Act (2000).

Since the ban on Palestine Action, thousands of people have been arrestedthe vast majority simply for holding a placard reading: I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Actionat peaceful protests organised by civil liberties group Defend Our Juries. As of the start of December, more than 2,700 people had been arrested under sections 12 or 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Those convicted under Section 12, for inviting support or arranging meetings to encourage support for a proscribed organisation, can face up to 14 years imprisonment, a fine, or both. A summary convictiontried by a magistrate without a jury in the Magistrates Courtcan result in six months imprisonment.

Those convicted under Section 13, for wearing clothing or displaying articles in public in support of a proscribed organisation, face up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to 5,000, or both.

So far, more than 300 individuals have been charged under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Following mass arrests of protesters in Londons Parliament Square in the summer, 66 people were arrested in Liverpool on September 28 during a rally outside the Labour Party conference.

Defend Our Juries held a further wave of Lift the Ban protests from November 18-29, with police forces continuing mass arrests. Among these were around 50 people arrested November 20 outside the Ministry of Justice in London, at least 90 arrested November 22 in Londons Tavistock Square, and around 60 at a vigil on November 25 outside the Home Office in the capital.

More arrests took place nationwide on November 29, including 32 in Manchester; 31 in Bristol; 25 in Birmingham; 17 in Sheffield and 15 in Cambridge. Between November 20 and December 1, across 10 towns and cities, at least 641 were arrested for supporting Palestine Action.

Repression was stepped up on November 26 at a judicial review in the High Court challenging the lawfulness of branding Palestine Action a terrorist organisation. The Metropolitan Police made 143 arrests outside the Royal Courts of Justice over the course of six hoursthe vast majority of the approximately 150 protesters holding signs with the words I oppose genocideI support Palestine Action.

Labours police-state operations carried on inside the court. Prior to the hearing, Justice Martin Chamberlain, described by Defend Our Juries as widely respected for his fairness and independence, was replaced by Dame Victoria Sharp, Justices Karen Steyn and Sir Jonathan Swift.

The World Socialist Web Site noted of the three, Swift is most known for his 2023 rejection of Julian Assanges appeal against extradition, and his 2022 ruling in favour of the then Tory governments brutal plan to deport failed asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Steyn ruled in June in favour of government exports of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel amid the ongoing genocide. Sharps twin brother is a former banker, adviser to Boris Johnson and a multi-millionaire Tory donor.

A section of the proceedings included a secret hearing under the closed material procedure (CMP), justified on national security grounds. Palestine Action founder Ammori and her legal team were required to leave the room.

In an affront to every democratic norm, as described by Guardian legal correspondent Haroon Siddique: When Huda Ammori returns to the room, the special advocatea security-cleared barristerwho represented her interests in her absence will not be allowed to tell her or her legal team what evidence was presented against Palestine Action even though that means she will have no chance to rebut them.
Body camera footage released this week exposes how El Centro police gunned down 14-year-old Mikey Jimenez. Jimenez was killed on October 5, yet the edited video was withheld for more than six weeks before being made public on November 19.

Footage from October 5, 2025 police killing of 14-year-old Mikey Jimenez.

The footage leaves no ambiguity. Police opened fire almost immediately, unleashing a barrage of bullets at a terrified child who posed no threat. The video confirms Jimenez was executed in a storm of gunfire.

Police claim they were responding to an automated license plate reader alert that flagged a white Hyundai sedan as stolen. Officers located the car in the parking lot of a local restaurant, then moved in with multiple vehicles to box in 14-year-old Mikey Jimenez, setting the stage for the killing that followed.

The released footage shows Jimenez driving from behind the restaurant toward the exit as officers rush in. Before any officer opens fire, Jimenez turns the wheel to the right, appearing to steer away from police and their vehicles. Despite this clear attempt to avoid them, officers begin shooting almost immediately.

Jimenez was struck multiple times by police who fired at least 29 rounds into the vehicle.

Jimenez was unarmed. Police nevertheless fired 29 rounds into the driver side of the car. Footage from two officers shows one drawing his weapon on the child the moment he steps out of his cruiser. A third officer, whose video has not been released, fires the first shots while standing directly in front of the moving vehicle. As the barrage continues, the car rolls to a stop. Officers scream get out of the fucking car and get on the ground at the dying 14-year-old. Jimenez was pronounced dead in the parking lot.

Two other juveniles were inside the car during the shooting. Somewhat miraculously, neither was injured. Police detained both of them after the killing but filed no charges.

The El Centro Police Department claims it released all available body camera footage. This raises only two possibilities: the officer who fired first either was not wearing a camera in violation of department policy that requires every officer to carry a portable recording device, or the department is withholding the footage.

So far, the El Centro police have provided no proof that Jimenez stole the vehicle. Even if he had, the maximum penalty for a first offense is three years in jail. It is not summary execution by a police firing squad.

All available evidence shows that the police made no effort to avoid deadly force. As was the case in the killing of TaKiya Young in 2023, police purposefully positioned themselves in front of the moving vehicle so they could later claim self defense. A report by the New York Times found 400 killings by police of people in cars between 2016 and 2021. In many of those cases officers stepped into the vehicles path before opening fire and then claimed they were defending themselves.

Firing at a moving vehicle is widely recognized as reckless and ineffective. It rarely stops a car and often increases the risk of killing bystanders. For these reasons several major cities prohibit officers from shooting at moving vehicles and instruct them to move out of the vehicles path rather than open fire.

The El Centro police manual itself warns that Shots fired at or from a moving vehicle are rarely effective and instructs officers to take reasonable steps to move out of the path of an approaching vehicle instead of discharging their firearm at the vehicle or any of its occupants. The officers who killed Jimenez ignored these directives entirely.

In the footage that has been released, it is clear that the third officer, whose own video remains withheld, made no reasonable effort to step out of the vehicles path. His actions directly contradict the departments stated policy and helped create the pretext for the fatal shooting.

Police claims that Jimenez was trying to ram them are contradicted by the video. The car halts the moment the shooting begins, which indicates Jimenez had his foot on or near the brake, not the accelerator. After officers fire multiple rounds and the vehicle has come to a complete stop, it begins to roll forward only because the wounded child can no longer hold the brake. This sequence strongly suggests he was trying to stop, not attack the officers.

This is the second police killing in El Centro this year. In May, officers shot and killed Ezequiel Obed Espinoza after a resident reported a man in her backyard with a gun. When police confronted him, Espinoza raised a bicycle seat, which officers later claimed resembled a shooting stance. They opened fire within seconds and declared him dead at the scene. The department released only limited, audio-less footage and brief excerpts of the 911 call and witness interviews. Nothing in the available material shows the officer attempting to determine whether Espinoza was actually armed or making any effort to deescalate before shooting him just 14 seconds after initial contact.

On November 22, family and friends of Jimenez held a press conference in El Centro demanding Justice for Moso. At the press conference, his mother, Alam Urena, said her son was bipolar and that he had ADHD and depression. But that doesnt mean he had to die over this, she said.

Jimenezs family has called for an outside investigation by the California Attorney General, pointing to the close ties between the El Centro Police Department and the county prosecutors who would normally review the case.

Even if the Attorney General takes up the case, there is no guarantee the police will face any consequences. Just last month, more than a year after a grand jury indicted Ohio officer Connor Grubb for the murder of TaKiya Young, a jury acquitted him of all charges, including murder, felonious assault, and manslaughter. Young was 21 and pregnant when Grubb shot her. Her unborn daughter, 25 weeks into the pregnancy, also died.

The United States justice system functions to shield police and the wealthy from accountability, while workers and the poor bear the brunt of police violence and prosecutorial power. It is a system structured to protect the state and capital, not the lives of those it routinely targets. It cannot be reformed or re-imagined to serve the class interests of workers.

Imperial County law enforcement has a long record of corruption. In 2014, the nearby Calexico Police Department was raided by the FBI during an investigation into extortion, drug use, drug smuggling, missing guns, theft of city funds, and the misuse of money by the local police union.

Family attorney Marcus Bourassa underscored this history during the November 22 press conference. Its the same district attorneys office that they work with, day-in and day-out, he said. The fear is that if this is an in-house, inside investigation, were going to get the expected results that theres no prosecution and therefore there will be no criminal justice.

Imperial County is among the most impoverished regions in California, with unemployment reaching 20 percent. The area depends heavily on its two state prisons and a large Border Patrol facility, making law enforcement and corrections some of the only stable, better-paying jobs available and a major conduit for state and federal funding. This economic dependence creates strong political pressures on local officials to defend police involved in incidents like this, further undermining the already slim prospects for an impartial investigation.

Jimenez is one of at least 1,079 people who have been killed by the police in the US in 2025. For more than a decade, increasingly militarized police in the US have killed over 1,000 people every year.

The execution of a 14-year-old is an indictment of a decaying and discredited economic, social, and political order that now relies on naked violence to sustain itself. It unfolds as the US military murders fishermen and boaters in the Caribbean and as US-backed Israeli occupation forces execute Palestinians in the West Bank and carry out genocide in Gaza. A system that commits atrocities abroad is fully capable of committing them at home, reflected in the destruction of due process and the transformation of the police into judge, jury and executioner.
Ronald Adams Sr., his wife Shamenia Stewart-Adams, and Ronald Jr. [Photo by Adams family]

December 7 marked eight months since the death of 63yearold machine repairman Ronald Adams Sr. at the Stellantis Dundee Engine Complex in Michigan. His death on the shop floorcrushed while performing maintenance when a gantry hoist suddenly activatedcontinues to be shrouded in silence.

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has still not issued the results of its probe into the April 7 fatality, with MIOSHA spokesman Mike Krafcik informing the WSWS by email Monday that the investigation remains open. He did not provide any explanation for the long delay, stating only that fatality investigations can take significant time due to their complexity, including the availability of witness interviews, technical and engineering review, records examination and required legal due process.

Far from holding the company accountable, the United Auto Workers union has been complicit in suppressing the facts. UAW President Shawn Fain and UAW-Stellantis Department head Kevin Gotinsky assisted management in bringing the plant back to full production, and Stellantis is churning out engines for new Stellantis models as if nothing happened.

This cold bureaucratic choreographymanagements coverup, the unions whitewash and the state agencies delaysis the logic of a system that treats workers lives as expendable.

The holidays are especially difficult for our family Ronalds widow, Shamenia Stewart-Adams, told the WSWS. We miss him in a way that is beyond words. We had no time to prepare. There was no illness. One day, he was just gone.

Addressing the silence of company, UAW and state safety officials, she said, We have not gotten any answers from OSHA and the closure we need. Our family wants answers. We want answers that we havent gotten, and thats really, really unsettling.

Shamenia Stewart-Adams and family members at the IWA-RFC investigation into the death of Ronald Adams, Sr., July 27, 2025

On July 27 the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) held a public hearing in Detroit, where it presented the initial findings of its independent investigation into the death of Ronald Adams Sr. During the hearing, Adams widow made an impassioned appeal for his co-workers to come forward and provide information to uncover the truth and hold accountable all those responsible.

Now, Shamenia has spoken out in support of the families and co-workers of two United States Postal Service (USPS) workers, who were killed in the space of a week last month. On November 8, 36-year-old maintenance mechanic Nick Acker was crushed to death by a mail sorting machine at the Detroit Network Distribution Center in Allen Park, Michigan. One week later, on November 15, mail handler assistant Russell Scruggs, Jr., 44, fell and hit his head at a mail processing center in Palmetto, Georgia.

Shamenia said:

Find the strength and dont stop fighting for workers to be treated not just as an employee ID number but a human being who was just trying to make a living for their family. These are not just numbers being sacrificed but are our loved ones, our husbands, fathers, brothers, uncles and grandfathers who deserve to be valued. A lot of these companies have the mindset their workers are just numbers, who have no value. Thats where we are at now. My husband went to work. He did his job. He did it well. He saved lives on that job, multiple times, and I feel like his life was devalued and that hurts. In a nutshell, our family just wants answers.

Following the lead of the Ronald Adams investigation, the Postal Workers RankandFile Committee (PWRFC) issued an open letter calling on postal workers to come forward with information as part of an independent, workerled inquiry into the deaths of the two workers.

Postal workers have reported that grievances over safety violationsincluding complaints about the very mail sorting machine that killed Ackerwere filed with the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) and ignored. They also said that safety features had been disabled, maintenance staffing was inadequate, and management kept machines idling rather than shutting them down for proper repairs. As for Russell Scruggs, Jr., workers said there were significant delays in potentially lifesaving medical treatment due to the lack of cell phone service and emergency protocols.

The same pattern of corporate indifference and union collusion has been present at the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex, just north of the Dundee Engine plant, where there has been a spike in injuries due to exhausting work schedules imposed with the blessing of the UAW bureaucracy.

Citing lost production due to supply chain interruptions, management has kept the factory on emergency status for months. Workers are on shifts lasting between 9 and 12 hours, 6 to 7 days a week, with many not seeing a day off for more than three weeks. According to an internal safety memo posted inside the plant, the factory accounted for 30 percent of the injuries at all 75 Stellantis factories and parts distribution centers in North America since September 1.

Eight months before Adams death, Antonio Gaston, a 53-year-old father of four, was crushed to death at the Toledo factory. Attorneys who are filing a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Gastons family alleged that although he was a material handler, Gaston was put on the assembly line because of manpower shortages due to a previous mass layoff. In addition, they say that safety guards may have been removed on the machine that killed him to prevent any delays in production. OSHA cited the company for the lack of safety guards but only fined the company $16,000 for the safety violation that led to Gastons death. Stellantis has challenged the fine.

Although Stellantis own internal records show a spike in injuries, the Toledo Blade reported that the Occupational Health & Safety Administration has not recorded any accidents at the Jeep plant since Aug. 21, 2024, when Antonio Gaston was killed while working on the Gladiator line. This is despite the fact, as the Blade notes, that OSHA requires employers to report work-related fatalities within eight hours and accidents that lead to inpatient hospitalizations, amputations, or loss of an eye within 24 hours.

To avoid reporting lost time injuries and paying workers compensation, employers routinely force injured workers back to work when they are assigned menial chores. A former Dundee worker described this inhuman practice during his testimony to the July 27 IWA-RFC hearing.

Additional evidence was presented during the hearing showing how management in Dundee routinely cut corners on safety to finish retooling the plant whose reopening was more than a year behind schedule. This included pressure to hurry repairs and bypass lockout/tagout proceduresthe basic safeguards that stop machines being energized when they are being repaired or maintained.

After Adams death, workers reported being assembled in an auditorium and ordered not to speak publicly; emails were sent telling employees to return cheater keys used to defeat lockout/tagout systems; those who tried to speak to Adams family or expose conditions were threatened with dismissal, and one former worker says he was verbally menaced after speaking out. Far from the authorities carrying out a thorough investigation, the contractors who programmed the Cinetic washer and the very overhead gantry that killed Adams were never interviewed by OSHA, the company and the UAW.

Will Lehman speaking at the IWA-RFC investigation into the death of Ronald Adams, Sr., July 27, 2025

In his report to the public hearing, Will Lehman, a leader of the IWA-RFC, called Adams a martyr in the class war against the working class, explaining that at least 15 workers are killed on the job every day in the US, or roughly 450 workers each month, or over 5,200 every year. Globally, nearly 3 million workers lost their lives from workplace injuries and occupational diseases, an average of 8,000 deaths each day.

Lehman pointed to the broader political context pointing to the Trump administrations drive to gut whatever is left of OSHA and lift any restriction on the exploitation of the working class to further enrich the oligarchy of mega-billionaires.

Workers cannot look to the Democrats or the union bureaucracies to defend their lives, Lehman said, but had to build rank-and-file committees in every workplace to fight for the principle that no job should be carried out unless and until it is made safe. In consultation with trusted safety experts of our own choosing, workers must have full authority to set safety standards and shut down unsafe operations through collective action.

Lehman concluded:

Our goal is to place control over workplace safety into the hands of the working class itself, as part of the broader struggle for workers control over production. As long as production is driven by profit and controlled by corporate owners, workers lives will remain expendable. Ronald Adams tragic death must not be in vain. He symbolizes a global crisis, representing all workers who have lost their lives, suffered injuries, or endured exploitation and abuse under capitalism. This hearing will review what we have uncovered so far, but this is just the beginning of a movement, an international movement to end industrial slaughter once and for all. We call on everyone here to join us in that fight.
New Zealands military head, Air Marshal Tony Davies, told a parliamentary committee on December 2 that the NZ Defence Force (NZDF) was dusting off the history books and looking at what New Zealand had to do to survive and grow its military back in 1938. The NZDF must make drastic changes, Davies declared, to raise recruitment numbers significantly higher, just as our forebears did around each world war or each major conflict.

New Zealand's Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies, right, speaks to the media on the eve of 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore,Thursday, May 29, 2025. [AP Photo/Anupam Nath]

Davies referencing of two world wars is a stark warning of the rapidly advancing political and military crisis. NZs ruling elite is complicit in US-led imperialist wars around the globefrom supporting the Gaza genocide and the NATO war against Russia over Ukraine to warmongering against China. These are fronts in a developing third world war, which threatens a catastrophe far greater than the wars of the last century.

In May, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared that China posed an imminent threat and demanded that US allies in Asia prepare for war over Taiwan by 2027.

New Zealand, a minor imperialist power allied to the US, is in the process of doubling military spending from 1 to 2 percent of GDP. Invoking the Australia and NZ Army Corps (Anzac) alliance of World War I, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated earlier this year: We want to be a force multiplier, we want to be one essential Anzac force operating within our region.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Winston Peters recently announced another $NZ15 million to supply Ukraine with weapons and equipment. This brings NZs total support for the war against Russia, including during the previous Labour-Greens government, to over $NZ168 million.

Underscoring the urgency with which the NZDF is mobilising, on December 5 Chief of Army Rose King launched a new Motorised Infantry Battle Group, declaring that in todays uncertain strategic environment we need to be ready to fight tonight. The unit, she promised, would provide a more agile, adaptable and lethal combat force.

Davies told MPs that the military preparations require the assistance of New Zealand society and government like weve never had before. The NZDF is immediately aiming to double its recruiting capacity to 1,500 a year. Last year the forces recruited 700 personnel, falling short of a target of 800. We need to be able to raise that two-fold, five-fold, 10-fold in a very short space of time, he declared.

Such a rapid and sharp increase will only be possible with conscription, as happened in World Wars I and II, in which tens of thousands of young New Zealanders were sent to fight and die in the service of imperialism. Sections of the media are already agitating for the introduction of compulsory military training.

Davies said the NZDF was addressing hollowness and gaps left by mass departures in the first years of the COVID pandemic and that attrition had now stabilised. The more volatile international environment was helping keep people in the military because it gave them a sense of purpose, he claimed. A more likely explanation is that rising unemploymentnow 15.2 percent for under-25-year-oldsis pressuring young people to join or remain in the military.

Secretary of Defence Brook Barrington told MPs the range of new technology and its speed of development posed pressures that would force Defence to change its appetite for risk. It might buy an off-the-shelf drone for $5,000 and find it was not fit for the military, but it was worth spending the $5,000 upfront to find out, he said.

Barrington highlighted the scale and urgency of having to virtually replace the entire ageing naval fleet by 2035, as well as transform how the navy operated.

He described the space arena as the number one priority in the burgeoning defence industry. New Zealand is involved in three international space programs: a satellite monitoring system and two multinational space forums or alliances, one called Operation Olympic Defender, all led by the US.

Barrington noted that in some parts of the New Zealand public [the militarisation of space is] a matter of concern. However, the stable door was open and the horses were already bolting.

NZ had joined the space groups to try and work with others and not just Five Eyes but France, Germany, Norway, to reinforce good behaviour in space and to call out bad behaviour. This is a particularly specious claim: international good behaviour is defined by the US and its imperialist allies. The Five Eyes is a top-level, US-led intelligence sharing network including NZ, UK, Australia and Canada.

A new Defence Industry Strategy, launched in October by Defence and Space Minister Judith Collins, puts the development of space related technology front and centre at the same time that US space weapons are in record demand. The strategy emphasises strengthening local companies to take advantage of growing export potential, including the production of drones and other hardware.

The NZDF has already begun playing a regular part in kill chain multinational exercises, joining with allied command-and-control centres across a mega-network of sensors, which is among the US Pentagons top priorities. The US-NZ company Rocket Lab, with a capacity to launch satellites from NZ soil, has recently expanded its ability to supply space-based missile warning systems.

Opposition Labour and Green Party MPs at the parliamentary committee hearing endorsed the vast military build-up. The Greens Teanau Tuiono said I hear what youre saying around being combat ready, merely adding that other roles such as humanitarian aid and disaster relief should not be overshadowed. Davies retorted that all those functions are subordinate to our core combat role.

Labours Peeni Henare, a former defence minister, fulsomely praised the exciting development of 62 Squadron, the NZDFs new dedicated space unit, while seeking assurances that taxpayers are getting bang for buck and can be guaranteed its a great investment for our protection and our security interests. His question allowed Davies to expand on the squadrons role deterring irresponsible behaviour by other unnamed nations in space.

Among those endorsing the new developments is the Labour/Greens aligned Daily Blog. Editor Martyn Bradbury posted on December 4: War is coming We must use our UN voice for independence and the rule of law while leaning into our space advantages, 5 Eyes and start a drone industry. Bradbury is a nationalist, a supporter of the war against Russia and a fanatical anti-China warmonger, who also backs demands for compulsory military service.

The expanding drive to war abroad means war against the working class at home. The $12 billion allocated over four years for the military will only be found at the expense of the social programs and living standards of workers, who have already undertaken significant strikes against the government attacks on wages and conditions.

There is mass public opposition to war, as seen in ongoing protests against the genocide in Gaza. In every country, the movement against war must be expanded and linked with the fight against austerity, in opposition to all capitalist parties including Labour and the Greens. The working class must be mobilised to put an end to the capitalist system that produces war, and replace it with socialism.
According to material released at the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan, a UK special forces unit had a deliberate policy to kill fighting-aged males... even when they did not pose a threat during the US-led imperialist occupation (2001-2021). Evidence proves there was a conscious decision made by the chain of command to cover it up.

The Inquiry, now in its third year, was established by the then Conservative government to investigate allegations of 80 unlawful killings by UK Special Forces in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013. This was forced by a July 2022 broadcast of an episode of the BBC Panorama documentary series, SAS Death Squads Exposed: A British War Crime?

British soldiers storm a building in Afghanistan, 2007 [Photo by Defence Imagery / Flickr / CC BY-NC 4.0

Chaired by Judge Charles Haddon-Cave, the inquirys hearing began in October 2023. It is specifically investigating alleged extra-judicial killings by the Special Air Service (SAS), the main special forces unit of the British Army. The inquiry opened after years of allegations of unlawful killings, and was pre-empted by a legal challenge made by bereaved family members and media outlets into the conduct of UK special forces (UKSF).

Documents were released by the inquiry last month after evidence was given in closed hearings by members of the UK special forces. These include a note from April 2011 in which a senior officer (codenamed N1466) warned the director of UK special forces about the deliberate policy, apparently sharing concerns from the units commanding officer. N1466 said a conscious decision was made to cover up potential war crimes by the unit, which has been dubbed UKSF1 to conceal its identity.

It was not just one director that has known about this, N1466 said in his evidence, adding that the 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 allegations on to the Royal Military Police (RMP) despite protocol requiring them to do so. The inquirys reporting restrictions mean these former directors cannot be named.

In the note, N1466who was assistant chief of staff for operations in UKSF headquartersdescribed what hed heard from the units commanding officer: He felt that this was... possibly a deliberate policy among the current (sub-unit) to engage and kill fighting-aged males on target even when they did not pose a threat.

He had been approached by some of his men who recounted separate conversations with (trained) members of UKSF1 in which such suggestions had been made.

The note explained that the units commanding officer is sure that they are accurately reporting what they are hearing from colleagues.

To the suggestion that the allegations were simply a rumour or a wind up, N1466 said the context would not support either assertion.

He added Clearly, if there is anything more than rumour behind it then elements of UKSF have strayed into indefensible ethical and legal behaviour  My instinct is that this merits deeper investigation.

N1466 claimed that the director, known to the inquiry as N1802, made a conscious decision to cover up potential war crimes. He further accused N1802 of controlling information about alleged killings in a way that I think indicated a desire to keep it low profile.

The director apparently shared his view about the allegations, N1466 believed, stating that he [the director] chose to handle the information in a way which limited the spread of the damage outside the headquarters.

N1802 initiated a review of the tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) used by the sub-unit in question in April 2011. But in his witness statement, N1466 recalled feeling that the TTP review was intended simply as a warning shot across the bows of the unit, and that it was obvious that it was a charade.

Testimony from N1466 continued, I was sure at the time and I remain sure that N1802 knew what was happening on the ground. The speed of N1802s response and the absence of any further mention or investigation of unlawful activity only fortified my belief that he was aware of what was going on.

Among the documents released by the inquiry was a summary of an interview between N1466 and the Royal Military Police (RMP) in October 2018.

During the exchange, the officer described an incident where members of UKSF1 went to clear a compound and found a room where some Afghans were hiding under a mosquito net.

N1466 stated, 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.

I will be clear, we are talking about war crimes, he said.

Testimony by N1466 also referred to an alleged August 2012 SAS night-raid killing of Afghan couple Hussain Uzbakzai and Ruqquia Haleem, and the severe injuries caused to their two children Imran and Bilalwhile they slept in the village of Shesh Aba, in Nimruz province.

He added, Even if you subscribe to some sort of idea that most of the people who were killed were Taliban fighters, which I do not... Imran and Bilal, at one-and-a-half and three, certainly were not.

N1466 said his suspicions began with a night raid in which nine Afghan men were killed and just three weapons were claimed to have been discovered. BBC Panorama visited the scene of that raid and found bullet holes inside the room where the men died clustered close to the ground.

Weapons experts told the BBC 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 of the men said they were civilians and had no weapons.

N1466 is the highest-ranking former special forces officer to provide evidence of war crimes. He was the assistant chief of staff for operations in UKSF headquarters.

In 2023, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the RMP, which is accused of failing to investigate the allegations of unlawful killings, sought sweeping restrictions over material submitted to the inquiry, citing national security and privacy.

The application for restrictive orders was challenged by Sky News and a number of other media outlets, as well as the victims families. Commenting December 1 on the evidence provided by N1466, the broadcaster stated,  So, we almost didnt get to see the files released today.

It noted, Even though there are few details and much of it is redacted, N1466s testimony adds to growing allegations that British soldiers committed war crimes in Afghanistan and that officers and personnel at the MoD failed to adequately investigate the claims.

In 2021, Boris Johnsons Tory government enacted the Overseas Operations Act (OOA) which provides the Armed Forces with increased protection against legal scrutiny on overseas activities. The legislation also introduced a presumption against prosecution for criminal offences five years after an alleged incident and a time limit on civil claims for torture and murder. Sir Keir Starmers Labour Party refused to oppose the bill, penalising MPs who voted against. Now in government, Labour has kept the legislation on the books.

While providing more evidence for what is already widely knownthat UK forces were involved in a brutal military occupation which saw the murder of many civiliansthe current and previous inquiries provide no justice for these crimes.

Operation Northmoor was opened in 2014 to examine allegations of over 600 offences by British forces in Afghanistan, as well as executions by special forces, including of children. The investigation was terminated in 2019, and resulted in no prosecutions.

An investigation by the RMP, Operation Cestro, resulted in just three soldiers being referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority. None were prosecuted.
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns the Houthis' referral of UN staff to their special criminal court, his spokesperson said Tuesday.

"The Secretary-General is gravely concerned about the continued arbitrary detention of 59 United Nations personnel, in addition to dozens of NGO (non-governmental organization), civil society, and diplomatic mission personnel," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

The UN personnel have been held incommunicado, some for years, without any due process, in violation of international law, the statement said.

"United Nations personnel, including those who are nationals of Yemen, are immune from legal process in respect of all acts performed by them in their official capacity," it said.

The United Nations calls on the Houthis to rescind the referral and work in good faith toward the immediate release of all detained personnel of the United Nations, NGOs and diplomatic community, it said.

"The United Nations remains committed to supporting the people of Yemen and delivering principled humanitarian assistance," it added. 
The first word in almost a month from government safety authorities about the October 28 explosion at Endeavor mine in Cobar, outback New South Wales (NSW), which killed two miners and injured another, provides more questions than answers. The NSW Resources Regulators Investigation information release neither explains what caused the tragedy nor makes any recommendation for how to stop more workers being killed.

Endeavor mine, north of Cobar

The mining safety authority published the document on November 25, exactly 28 days after the incident, in line with the agencys statutory responsibilities. The regulator is not required to provide any further updates until the investigation is complete, likely years from now.

The entire process is opaque. The report gives no explanation of what investigators have examined so far, what they have found, who has been spoken to, what steps are next, or how long the whole operation is expected to take.

While the agency has taken four weeks to prepare this perfunctory document, mine owner Polymetals has not wasted a moment. With the agencys approval, the company began reopening the mine just eight days after Ambrose McMullen and Holly Clarke were killed, and fully resumed operations on November 15.

The report does not mention that the mine has been reopened, let alone explain why this was allowed when, at least according to what has been publicly stated, neither the regulator nor the Polymetals know what caused the tragedy.

Much of the report, which barely stretches to four pages, restates basic facts of the incident in little more detail than was included in the regulators October 31 preliminary findings.

At around 3:30 a.m. on October 28, McMullen, Clarke and Mackenzie Stirlingwho was injured in the blastwere setting up a ballistic disc explosive to clear a blockage in the stope, when the device unintentionally detonated.

While the regulators October 31 preliminary report mentioned only the ballistic discs, the latest release reveals that investigators are also looking into the detonators used at Endeavor as a possible cause of the unintended blast.

The report explains that several different components are involved in preparing these explosives. The ballistic discs detonating cord is connected to a detonator assembly, which is then hooked up to the mains firing line with connecting wire. At the end of the shift, after all workers have exited the mine, the firing line is triggered from the surface, setting off all the charges placed.

The regulator does not explicitly say that the detonator assembly had been connected to the ballistic disc, but specifies that it had not been hooked up to the firing line and that the connecting wire was still in the workers vehicle.

The document confirms that Endeavor mine was using older-style electric detonators, which several Cobar mining workers have raised with the World Socialist Web Site as a possible cause of the tragedy. These devices lack many of the failsafe features of more modern electronic detonators, which have been in common use for more than two decades.

It is known, for example, that the electric models can be set off by extraneous electricity, including from radio frequencies generated by commonly used communications devices. By contrast, electronic detonators are designed to tolerate radio frequencies and other sources of extraneous electricity at levels well above what is safe for humans.

The release suggests that such electrical interference may have been a factor in the Endeavor incident. The regulator notes that one line of inquiry it is pursuing is the effects of hazards associated with radio frequency (RF) from communication equipment including two-way radios, mobile phones (smart watches) and amplifiers/repeaters in proximity to explosives.

The release also indicates that the regulator is keeping the door open to a possible finding of human error, that is, shifting blame away from Polymetals and the mining industry as a whole to the victims. The regulator states that its investigation will examine the instructions, training, experience and supervision provided to workers who use, handle and prepare ballistic discs and electric instantaneous detonator assemblies.

In fact, 59-year-old shift supervisor McMullen was a highly experienced and expert worker, with extensive knowledge of explosives and a reputation for being meticulous and extremely safety conscious. He held Clarke and Stirling in high regard and had told friends they were fantastic at their job.

The release also refers to a fact sheet on the Safe use and handling of electric detonators, which outlines the many factors that can cause these devices to go off unexpectedly, including friction, impact, static electricity, heat, electrostatic current and electrical storms, as well as extraneous electricity from devices such as mobile phones, electronic watches, two-way radios, Wi-Fi/mesh nodes, vehicle hotspots and Bluetooth equipment.

The document instructs users that their safety relies on their awareness and successful mitigation of all of these factors, most of which are invisible and imperceptible.

As a Cobar mining worker observed, the fact sheet is ostensibly telling workers how to safely use an unsafe product. He was critical of such attempts, whether by the regulator or the mining companies, to put the onus back on us as workers, when it is the company that decides what detonators, explosives and other equipment will be used.

The worker warned that the danger of continuing to use electric detonators is only growing with time: As technology increases and everything else is upgraded, the electric detonator doesnt get any better with age, but is still being used in an era when smart watches and numerous other novel RF-emitting devices are in common use.

The fact sheet was quietly published to the library section of the regulators website on November 7, not as a press release, and includes no reference to the Endeavor explosion. Both these factors seem designed to ensure that the document, and the fact that the regulator was investigating the role of electric detonators in the Cobar tragedy, were not widely reported.

The publication of the fact sheet was also partly aimed at covering the regulators own responsibility if a similar incident occurs again. This was also true of the agencys October 31 warning that it may ban the ballistic disc explosives used at Endeavor and the recommendation that mines consider an alternative.

The November 25 release neither repeats nor rescinds the ballistic disc warning, suggesting that the regulator still has concerns over their safety. But while the electric detonators have clearly become a focus of the investigation the Resources Regulator has not raised the possibility of their being banned.

In other words, neither the fact sheet nor the latest release orders, or even suggests, that mining companies change anything whatsoever about their operations, even if they are using exactly the same devices being investigated as possible causes of the death of two workers.

The absence of such a call, and the overall limited character of the November 25 document should be a warning to workers that the Resources Regulators investigation will be yet another whitewash, that holds no-one accountable and does nothing to improve unsafe conditions in the mining industry. This is underscored by the agencys endorsement of Polymetals rapid reopening of the mine, although the investigation is ostensibly nowhere near reaching any conclusions.

The Mining and Energy Union and the Australian Workers Union have not said a word in response to the regulators release, just as they have maintained a complicit silence as the company has herded workers back in to the Endeavor mine. This is revealing of the union bureaucracys attitude to workers, not just in Cobar but throughout the mining industry. The unions silence is a deliberate act to suppress discussion of, and opposition to, the continued use of electric detonators and ballistic disc explosives, potentially risking the lives of countless mining workers elsewhere.

Mining workers, their families and the Cobar community can place no faith in the government safety regulator or the trade unions. The truth will only be exposed through an investigation led by Endeavor workers themselves, overseen by a rank-and-file committee. In the first instance, this committee should oppose and fight to reverse the reopening of the mine and insist that workers are paid in full for the duration of the investigation.

The World Socialist Web Site and the Socialist Equality Party pledge to provide every political assistance in this fight for truth. We urge workers at Endeavor and others in Cobar and throughout the mining industry to contact us with whatever information you have about the October 28 incident and safety in the mines. We will protect your anonymity from the companies, unions and government authorities.
Demonstration against conscription in Berlin, 5 December 2025

From Berlin, Munich and Dresden to Dortmund, Essen and Stuttgart, tens of thousands of young people took to the streets on December 5 in more than 90 cities to protest against the reintroduction of conscription. The demonstrations were a powerful expression of the enormous opposition to German militarism and the danger of a third world war.

The nationwide school strike was directed against the Military Service Modernisation Act, which was passed the same day in the federal parliament (Bundestag) with the votes of the governing parties, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU). From the start of 2026, all 18-year-old men will be subject to compulsory registration and medical examination, and as soon as the number of volunteers is insufficient, they will also face compulsory call-up to the military.

In Saxony alone, around 2,000 pupils took part in the demonstrations. Up with education, down with armaments, they chanted in Dresden. We are not cannon fodder! and Send [chancellor] Merz to the front appeared on hand-made placards in Essen. One slogan recalled the xenophobic agitation of the chancellor aimed at migrants: Too bad for the urban environment, but good enough for the front.

Most participants linked the fight against conscription with the broader struggle against militarism and war, and some also addressed the underlying cause of this development in capitalism, even if there was often uncertainty in assessing current military conflicts and the active role of the German government as a warmonger.

But many of the organisers involved have done everything they can to restrict the protests to a rejection of forced service and to exclude the central issue: the governments preparations for war. This is hardly surprising. Among the organisers are the youth wings of the same parties that support rearmament and voted for the trillion-euro war credits: the Green Youth, the Young Socialists (Jusos) of the SPD, and the Left Partys Linksjugend. The trade unions Verdi (service sector) and GEW (education and science), which verbally expressed support for the school strike, have also come out in favour of rearmament.

At the protests, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), by contrast, emphasised that the reintroduction of conscription was directly bound up with the return of German militarism. Their leaflet, distributed across Germany, stated:

The return of conscription is part of the militarisation of society as a whole. Eighty years after the end of the Second World War, the German government is once again preparing to march an entire generation into the barracks and the trenches to sacrifice young lives for the economic interests of the ruling class. The CDU/SPD coalition is driving the rearmament of the Bundeswehr forward at breakneck speed.

Capitalism, the leaflet continued, was once again leading to barbarism and war, as it did in the twentieth century. Therefore, the only realistic perspective for stopping conscription and war is the international mobilisation of the working class based on a socialist programme. Such a movement must orient itself against all capitalist parties, which are all driving militarism forward.

Representatives of the IYSSE discussed this perspective with striking pupils in Berlin, Essen, Nuremberg, Stuttgart and Munich.

Berlin

In Berlin, the state government of the SPD and CDU sent a letter to all school heads instructing them to inform pupils that participation in the protests would count as unauthorised absence and could cause problems with health insurance. Despite this threat, 3,000 pupils gathered at Hallesches Tor and Oranienplatz.

Laurenz (left) and his classmate Hugo in Berlin, 5 December 2025

Many pupils agreed that the working class must be mobilised against militarisation. As Laurenz said: Workers are the ones affected, but also the ones who have to stand up against it and cannot simply let it happen. Three other pupils agreed: We should definitely strike more, including the workers. Also on other issues, such as for Palestine.

Others spoke out against the massive rearmament programme. If all countries keep arming internationally, it leads only to an endless spiral. In reality there needs to be disarmament everywhere in order finally to create peace.

Claims by the ruling class that rearmament served solely defensive purposes were met with scepticism. Lene said: It is all just a cover to conceal the real reasons. In the end it will not be the politicians and the rich standing on the front but the poor and low-income workers, while the others sit warm at home.

Essen

Around 400 pupils demonstrated in Essen against the introduction of conscription.

Elisa (18) said: I am against war. I think conflicts can be solved differently. It is a terrible idea that my brother or relatives could be sent to war. Her classmate Johann, aged 15, considered the danger of a major war real. He criticised the diversion of funds from climate protection into the military.

Placard at the demonstration in Essen, 5 December 2025

Bilal, a 15-year-old class rep at a comprehensive school, said: Now we are seeing them throw a huge amount of money into the military instead of education, for example. That absolutely has to change. Pupils in his class have been protesting for years that they have to clean their own toilets. The mood in his class is overwhelmingly against conscription, but most did not dare to come today because the head teacher forbade it.

Nati, 16, is horrified that children are once again to be forced to fight with weapons. She is also worried about the turn to the right in Germany. Not even 100 years had passed since the Nazi era, she said, and yet this history is not being confronted so that it will not be repeated. Instead, they say again that we need conscription, we need people at the front, instead of looking at the world and seeing that we already have enough wars and should not force anyone into such a situation again.

She agreed that war arises from capitalism. She supports fighting for an international movement of the working class and youth, as advocated by the IYSSE. She rejected nationalist thinking, especially in view of the history of National Socialism. She also opposed German involvement in the war against Russia: Then young people would die on the battlefield in a war they should not be fighting.

She considered the social injustice of our society a major problem: The rich enrich themselves more and more, while the poorer part of society suffers, homelessness grows, and the problem of hunger and housing becomes greater. And we are still discussing whether we should not tax this tiny percentage of super-rich more.

Blagovest and Leon at the demonstration in Essen, 5 December 2025

Blagovest and Leon attend a vocational college in Gladbeck and travelled specifically to attend the demonstration. Blagovest, 20, believes the reason for reintroducing conscription lies largely in the fact that politicians and banks want to profit more from war. Leon, 18, said the establishment parties offered no alternative: The same people are always at the top. No matter which party it is, they always do the same thing. Something worse always happens that goes against humanity. And that makes you very afraid. Leon stressed: It is about our future as humanity. If there were a major war, everyone would dieno matter your skin colour or whom you married.

Stuttgart

In Stuttgart, around 1,500 pupils took part in the protest against conscription. Many highlighted the link between war and capitalism. One placard read: Do not let yourselves be bought; you are not politicians, and another: Conscription? Muster yourselves instead. A banner at the front of the march read: Red Front, not Eastern Front.

Demonstration against conscription in Stuttgart, 5 December 2025

Several young people spoke not only against conscription but also against the horrendous rearmament programme and Germanys role in the war in Ukraine and in Gaza. Valentin, a 17-year-old student, emphasised the connection between war and capitalism: I do not want to die for the capitalist interests of a few. On the perspective of building an international anti-war movement of the working class, he said: Yes, I think that is good, that would be important.

Leo and Julius in Stuttgart

Leo and Julius, both aged 17, pointed out that rearmament was financed by cuts in social spending. We are here today to demonstrate against conscription, but also so that the voice of youth is heard. There is a lack of money everywhere in schools, a driving licence now costs 4,000 euros; money has to be invested in people, not in war, they said.

Munich

In Munich, more than 1,000 pupils gathered at Giesing station. Many carried hand-made signs expressing opposition to conscription or denouncing the government. Many agreed broadly that the government could not be trusted and acted against their interests. The IYSSEs perspective met with strong interest. Many pupils raised the fact that cuts in education and social services were being implemented to finance rearmament.

Demonstration in Munich, 5 December 2025

Nuremberg

In Nuremberg, more than 400 pupils protested against the planned reintroduction of conscription. Hand-made placards read: We want to live in peace, not die in war! and We are supposed to die for your capitalist interests? Resist. The protest was also supported by many concerned parents who held signs reading: You will not take my children.

Demonstration in Nuremberg, 5 December 2025

Fabien, a pupil from Nuremberg, summed up the opposition of many young people. He said he was striking because we want to demonstrate together against the impending conscription laws, and emphasised that these attacks could only be understood in the context of a deepening capitalist crisis. The ruling powers could defend their global interests only with authority and violence, he said, which is why militarism, rearmament and war are escalating. He sharply condemned the hypocrisy of the Left Party (Die Linke), which publicly opposes conscription while supporting the 100 billion special military fund for the Bundeswehr. Such organisations, he said, pose with hypocrisy and are not part of any real anti-war movement.

Moritz in Nuremberg (left), 5 December 2025

Moritz, a student at the University of Erlangen, also strongly criticised the hypocrisy of the Left Party and the Greens. He described their appearance at anti-conscription protests as dishonest, since they simultaneously vote for the special military fund and thereby support rearmament. Anyone who publicly opposes conscription and at the same time supports war credits shows that they lack the backbone to change anything.

He criticised such parties for trying to persuade the population into left-wing thinking that was limited to a few social demands within the existing system, and which inevitably ran up against limits. These were empty demands that may seem to make sense within this parliamentary context but offered no real alternative. Their politics were not socialist, he argued, but designed to lead young people and workers into the dead end of parliamentary illusions. At the same time, however, Moritz stressed that young people who joined the Left Party or the Greens out of sincere concern should not be excluded.

Both young people made clear that the fight against conscription can only be won if it is not restricted to youth alone but becomes a conscious, international movement of the working class. Fabien emphasised that all oppressed layers of the population must be mobilised to counter militarism and repression and to overcome the capitalist system that produces these attacks. Moritz added that the current school strikes represent only the first step of political awakening and that the decisive task is to develop this into a workers protest.
Trump wearing a MAGA cap. March 19, 2016 [AP Photo/Matt York]

The new US National Security Strategy shows that the transatlantic alliance is not just superficially damaged, but deeply divided. What President Donald Trump has announced in individual tweets and Vice President JD Vance in a speech at the Munich Security Conference is now official US foreign policy.

The strategy document, which is usually revised once during each presidency, translates Trumps slogan Make America Great Again into the language of foreign policy. Since President Woodrow Wilson published his 14 Points at the end of World War I, the US had always veiled its quest for world domination with phrases about freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. This was still the case in Trumps first National Security Strategy in 2017. That is no longer true today.

The new strategy openly states its predatory goals. The purpose of foreign policy is the protection of core national interests; that is the sole focus of this strategy, the document states. The strategy aims to ensure that America remains the worlds strongest, richest, most powerful, and most successful country for decades to come.

To this end, the US wants to recruit, train, equip, and field the worlds most powerful, lethal, and technologically advanced military, build the worlds most robust, credible, and modern nuclear deterrent, and have the worlds strongest, most dynamic, most innovative, and most advanced economy.

All relations with all other countries will be subordinated to these goals.

Latin America is to become the backyard of the US again through a Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine of 1823:

After years of neglect, the United States will reassert and enforce the Monroe Doctrine to restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere, and to protect our homeland and our access to key geographies throughout the region. We will deny non-Hemispheric competitors the ability to position forces or other threatening capabilities, or to own or control strategically vital assets, in our Hemisphere.

The Indo-Pacific is already and will continue to be among the next centurys key economic and geopolitical battlegrounds.

The most dramatic change in policy is toward Europe. The US intends to interfere in the internal affairs of its NATO partners, break up the European Union, strengthen fascist parties, and help enforce racist remigration policies. Otherwise, it is more than plausible that within a few decades at the latest, certain NATO members will become majority non-European, according to the bluntly racist language used.

Russia is no longer referred to as an adversary; instead, Europe is to be helped to achieve strategic stability with Russia. The Trump Administration finds itself at odds with European officials who hold unrealistic expectations for the war, it continues.

Europes economic decline is surpassed by the real and more stark prospect of civilizational erasure, the document states. It accuses the European Union of undermining political freedom and sovereignty. European migration policy is dividing the continent and causing discord, freedom of speech is being censored and political opposition suppressed, national identity and self-confidence are being lost. Should present trends continue, the continent will be unrecognizable in 20 years or less, it declares.

The strategy document promises to cultivate resistance to Europes current trajectory within European nations and describes the growing influence of patriotic European parties as cause for great optimism. This refers to far-right and fascist parties such as Germanys AfD, Spains Vox, and Italys Fratelli dItalia.

It goes on to say that the aim is to enable Europe to stand on its own feet and operate as a group of aligned sovereign nations. Europe of Sovereign Nations is the name of the far-right faction in the EU Parliament to which the AfD belongs. Furthermore, the healthy nations of Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe through commercial ties, weapons sales, political collaboration, and cultural and educational exchanges are to be strengthened. This refers to countries such as Hungary with far-right governments.

The expansion of NATO should be halted, European markets opened up to US goods and services, and fair treatment of US workers and companies ensured, the document asserts.

The strategy document has caused a storm of indignation in the European press. The French newspaper Le Monde wrote:

The split is final, pending the division of assets. That is how the publication of the national security strategy by the White House on Friday, December 5, appears from a transatlantic perspective. ... [It] marks a historic rupture. Never before had an official document of this nature demonstrated such indifference toward Americas adversaries and such disregard toward its traditional allies, especially those in Europe.

The German weekly Die Zeit described the document as an anti-Europe doctrine and a brutal wake-up call for all transatlanticists who wanted to hold on to the idea of a value-bound West, while the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung called it a paper in which the US settles scores with Europe.

Representatives of European governments and the European Union reacted more cautiously because they do not want to further provoke Trump in view of the tense negotiations on Ukraine. They left the response to second-tier politicians who do not have direct government responsibility, such as Norbert Rottgen, deputy chairman of the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) faction in the Bundestag (German parliament).

He described the US strategy document as a second new epoch for Europe, a reference to then Chancellor Olaf Scholzs invocation of a new epoch following Russias invasion of Ukraine to justify German rearmament. It represents a fundamentally new geopolitical positioning of the United States in relation to Europe, China, and Russia, Rottgen added. He also criticised the targeted cooperation with far-right parties.

The CDU politician, who has justified every US war crime in the past and unconditionally supports the genocide in Gaza, accused Washington of seeking comprehensive dominance in the Western Hemisphere. He urged that frozen Russian state funds be used to support Ukraine in the war against Russia, even against the will of the US. If this fails, the consequences will be devastating, Rottgen said.

The European powers have no answer to the growing conflict with the US other than war and class war. The US enabled discredited Western European capitalism to survive after World War II, and the Cold War against the Soviet Union welded the imperialist powers together. This formed the basis for the economic upswing and social compromises of the postwar period.

But now, as we wrote in an earlier article, The global crisis of capitalism and the accompanying bitter struggle for raw materials, markets, and profits are destroying the alliance between the two largest imperialist power blocs, which together account for 45 percent of global economic output. Trump is not the cause, but merely the subjective expression of this development.

Germany and the other European powers have been striving for years to free themselves from US hegemony and once again play an independent role as a major power. Now they are accelerating these efforts, investing hundreds of billions in rearmament, continuing the war against Russia, and compensating for the enormous costs through social cuts and mass layoffs. Like Trump, they are building a police state and have long since adopted the brutal migration policies of the far right.

The working class must not support either side in the escalating transatlantic conflict. It must unite internationally and fight on both sides of the Atlantic for the overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of a socialist society.
Elisabeth Zimmermann-Modler devoted her entire adult life to building a better, socialist society. In 1975, at the age of 19, she joined the German section of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) and remained an active and leading member for the rest of her life. On November 28 she died from the consequences of a tragic accident in her flat in Duisburg.

Elisabeth Zimmermann-Modler 2023

Her German and international comrades will remember Elli, as everyone called her, for the tireless energy with which she championed Marxism among workers and party members, for her firmness of principle and for her human warmth. Dozens of messages of condolence received by the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) from all over the world express this.

For Elli, the struggle to build the International Committee of the Fourth International as the world party of socialist revolution was her alpha and omega. She defined comradeship and embodied socialist internationalism in everything that she did, writes Chris Marsden, national secretary of the British Socialist Equality Party.

Other letters say: She showed enormous energy and seriousness as she dedicated her life to building the revolutionary party, our international party, which will lead the working class to power and overthrow the capitalist system. She was profoundly concerned about the living conditions of the working class, which was reflected in many of her articles. And: She was always ready to engage in extensive discussions with members, worked intensively to clarify fundamental questions of programme and perspective and to exchange experiences. She belonged to that generation who never saw themselves as part of a national section, but as part of a world party.

Elli was not only a fighter for socialism in a difficult period; her life was also a reflection of that period. Many of those who once journeyed alongside her were not equal to the political pressures they faced. Elli stood firm because, basing herself on the history of the ICFI, she repeatedly strove for a Marxist understanding of the objective crisis of capitalism, which lay behind the political changes of the last 50 years.

19561974  Childhood and youth

Elli did not grow up on the sunny side of life. Her childhood and youth were marked by the unhealed wounds and scars that the crimes and wars of the Nazis had left deep in German society and within families, and by the dull, backward culture of the Adenauer era.

When Elli was born on November 10, 1956, her mother, Gerda Schmidt, was only 17 years of age. She came from Reichenberg (today in the Czech Republic), had experienced the flight to the West in 1945 at the age of six and then grown up in Nuremberg. Gerdas father had been at war from 1939 to 1945 and, as Elli later reported, never spoke about his, without doubt, traumatic experiences during this timeneither about what he had done to others nor about what he himself had suffered.

Elli only met her biological father, a Catholic priest and religion teacher of her much younger mother, when she was 16. She never developed a relationship with him. He had refused to acknowledge his child and had tried to press Gerda into having an abortion, completely illegal at that time. Gerda refused but had to leave Nuremberg so as not to bring shame on the family. She continued her training as a teacher in Bad Reichenhall and Wurzburg and placed baby Elli with a foster family in Salzburg, where the child spent her first four years together with three other adopted children. Her mother visited her every weekend.

Elli spent a further three years with her grandparents in Nuremberg in a small two-room flat. Only in 1964, after her mother had married another man and given birth to her half-brother Peter that same year, did the small family finally also take Elli in. Because her father was repeatedly changing jobs to improve his position, the family moved often. During the Stuttgart period (around 1968-69), Elli underwent spinal surgery because of scoliosis. This illness caused the 12-year-old great pain and hardshipplaster beds, a hospital stay surrounding the operation and six months in which she had to lie flat. Despite extensive absences from school, the inquisitive and intelligent child did not have to repeat a year.

In 1971 the family moved to Frankfurt, where Elli, alongside attending school, worked as a nursing assistant in a hospital. She began to feel at home in the city and to make friends. But the family then moved again, this time to the countryside, to the tiny village of Michelbach (only 200 inhabitants) in the Hintertaunus region, which had hardly any contact with the outside worldat that time, there was neither internet nor social mediaand did not even have a public transport connection. For Elli this was a catastrophe.

In spite of this, she began to take an interest in political questions. She read Rolf Hochhuths play The Deputy about the collaboration of the Vatican with the Nazis and left the church. Together with her mother, she watched films by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, which raised the painful issues of the postwar period.

1975  Joining the Bund Sozialistischer Arbeiter

At the age of 18, Elli, at her own request, moved to Frankfurt to do her Abitur (university entrance qualification) there. In the same year, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) government under Willy Brandt had lowered the age of majority from 21 to 18. Elli was overjoyed to escape the loneliness and isolation of the Hintertaunus.

She moved to a city in which politics was simmering. Alongside Berlin, Frankfurt had been a centre of the student revolt that brought hundreds of thousands onto the streets in 1967-68. But when Elli moved to Frankfurt, the student movement was already in an advanced stage of disintegration. The huge wave of workers struggles that had erupted from 1968 onwards, beginning in France and spreading to Germany, Britain and large parts of Europe, had blown apart the petty-bourgeois protest movement.

One part oriented towards the SPD and climbed the career ladder right up into top government posts. Others turned towards the Stalinist German Communist Party (DKP) or Maoism and joined the so-called K-groups. A small minority embarked on the path of individual terror, murdered leading politicians and business leaders and gave the ruling class a pretext for frenzied state rearmament.

At the universities, anti-Marxist theories of postmodernism made inroads. Environmental and gender issues displaced the lip service previously paid to socialism and proletarian class struggle. In the same year that Elli moved to Frankfurt, the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) was founded. Five years later came the founding of the Green Party. In 1985, the former street fighter and later German foreign minister Joschka Fischer entered a state government in Hesse as the first Green minister.

Elli was one of the few of her generation who did not allow herself to be swept along by this inward turn, by the rejection of class struggle in favour of allegedly cross-class questions of humanity and by the renunciation of the working class in favour of ones own career. In 1975 she encountered the Bund Sozialistischer Arbeiter (BSA, League of Socialist Workers), as the German section of the ICFI was then called, and after a short time became a member.

This was the most important step in her life. In the face of numerous Stalinist, left-reformist and petty-bourgeois protest and environmental groups active in Frankfurt at the time, Elli made a conscious decision in favor of the building of a Marxist party in the working class. She never deviated from this decision for the rest of her life and never regretted it.

The BSA was the only party that stood for orthodox Marxism, for the position defended by Leon Trotsky against Stalin, namely that the inner contradictions of world capitalism inevitably lead to revolutionary crises that pose humanity with the alternative of socialism or barbarism, and that solving humanitys crisis depends on building a revolutionary leadership in the working class.

Pages from Der Funke, 1 May 1975

Elli first encountered the BSA on May 1, 1975, when Helmut Arens, a founding member of the party, sold her a copy of the party newspaper Der Funke (The Spark). Only a week later, she travelled to Essen and took part in a national demonstration and meeting of the BSA against unemployment and for the building of the Trotskyist party, which was attended by several hundred workers and young people.

Elli now regularly attended meetings and Marxist study circles at the Frankfurt-Mitte youth centre, and took part in selling and building up the party newspaper.

A look at the first issue of Der Funke, which Elli bought and read on May 1, 1975, provides an exemplar of the political perspective she chose. The BSAs internationalism, its orientation to the working class, its hostility to Pabloism and Stalinism and its striving to build a revolutionary party in the working class and youth find clear expression on its 12 pages.

The issue contains a major report headlined VW workers want to fight!; articles on the class struggle in Portugal, Indochina, Lebanon and Italy; an appeal We demand the right to work and training! for the BSA demonstration on May 8; a speech by Leon Trotsky from 1924 for the 35th anniversary of May Day; the first part of a series The pseudo-socialism of the DKP [postwar German Communist Party]; the fifth part of a discussion of the book series Trotskyism versus Revisionism under the heading Pablos self-reform of the bureaucracy; a polemic against the Pabloite GIM [International Marxist Group] and the Spartacist League; and an advertisement for the weekly meetings and Marxist study circles of the Socialist Youth League in 21 different towns and districts.

19761985: Taking on leadership responsibilities in the BSA

Elli threw herself wholeheartedly into political activity. She sold Der Funke and, from September 1976, its successor Neue Arbeiterpresse (New Workers Press) at factory gates, at schools and universities, in the city centre and door to door in working class districts, and discussed with hundreds, indeed thousands of workers and young people.

On the side, she worked to earn a living, completed her Abitur at the Musterschule in Frankfurt and began training at a commercial college. In 1976 she married Wolfgang Zimmermann, who had been a member of the BSA for some time. The marriage did not last long; by 1977 their paths had parted.

Elli now worked almost full-time for the BSA and was soon elected to the partys leadership. She took part in almost all the Euromarches organised by the ICFI between 1977 and 1983. She even sacrificed her vocational training for these exhausting campaigns.

Elli on the 1978 Euromarch

The marches, which were initiated by the British Workers Revolutionary Party (WRP), were based on an opportunist concept. They appealed to the reformist and Stalinist apparatuses and were meant to impress the nationalist regimes in the Middle East, with which the WRP was building close relations behind the back of the ICFI. Most of the participants, however, were not aware of this. Like Elli, they welcomed the opportunity to discuss with workers in other European countries and to establish contacts and friendships with international comrades. Some comrades who have now sent condolence messages have known Elli since that time.

In Germany, Elli played an important role in the work among steelworkers. When they went on strike for six weeks in the winter of 1978-79 for the 35-hour week, Elli was at the picket lines from morning until night despite the freezing cold, selling the Neue Arbeiterpresse, quickly gaining the trust of the steelworkers and discussing with them for hours. Once, workers took her into the steelworks to show it to her with pride.

During this period, Elli was also entrusted with difficult tasks. In Paris, she took part in events and campaigns around the film From Tsar to Lenin. She was tasked with building a local branch in the Saarland, where she had to find both work and accommodation.

The steel and coal industries, the industrial backbone of the Saarland, were being systematically dismantled at that time, provoking fierce resistance from the workers. The then-leader of the state SPD and mayor of Saarbrucken, Oskar Lafontaine, followed the reporting of Neue Arbeiterpresse closely. Lafontaine played a key role in neutralising workers resistance to the destruction of jobs. In 1985 he became Minister-President of the Saarland and, thanks to his good relations with the IG Metall union, oversaw the seamless closure of the steel industry. The steelworks in Volklingen, founded in 1873 and in front of which Elli sold many issues of Neue Arbeiterpresse, is today an industrial monument. Lafontaine later became national chairman of the SPD, federal finance minister and co-founder of the Left Party (Die Linke) and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW).

Elli also took part in several international schools at the WRPs Marxist centre in Parwich (Derbyshire, UK). Here too she built many friendships with comrades from around the world.

She regularly spoke at the BSAs annual meetings held on the anniversary of Leon Trotskys assassination. There she reported on the investigation Security and the Fourth International and condemned the treacherous murder of Tom Henehan, a young leading member of the Workers League, who was shot dead by hired killers in New York in 1977. The murder was intended to intimidate the predecessor of todays Socialist Equality Party and to halt further investigations. But, as Elli said, no attempt at intimidation could stop the campaign for Security and the Fourth International.

In the early 1980s, NATOs dual-track decision on nuclear rearmament provoked mass protests throughout West Germany. On October 10, 1981, 300,000 people demonstrated in Bonn, the capital of West Germany, against the danger of war. The Easter marches drew large crowds. The BSA opposed bankrupt bourgeois pacifism and explained: Those who want disarmament must fight for the overthrow of capitalism, because the cause of war is the capitalist profit system.

But the foot soldiers of the trade unions, the Stalinist DKP and its youth organisation SDAJ did everything in their power, together with the Social Democrats and church groups, to silence the BSA. They did not succeed. In this hostile environment, Elli proved to be, as an eyewitness from that time writes, solid as a rock.

In February 1984, Elli chaired a BSA meeting in defence of foreign workers against the Mannesmann corporation. In Duisburg-Huttenheim, the company was offering foreign workers redundancy payments if they voluntarily gave up their jobs and left the country. We are not conducting this campaign on humanitarian grounds, Elli said at the meeting, but as a call to fight against the mass destruction of jobs and against the deportation measures of the employers and their reactionary Kohl government.

She also directed her fire explicitly against the works councils and trade union leaders in IG Metall, who refused to warn and support the Turkish workers in the struggle over jobs. Elli described this behaviour as a huge blow to the working class as a whole because it enables division and therefore is weakening. The basis for this betrayal is the opportunist attitude of these leaders, who adapt themselves to capitalism and what is possible within this system. These words have not lost any of their relevance to this day.

On June 18, 1983, during a sales campaign for the Neue Arbeiterpresse, Elli met her future husband, Peter Modler, a steelworker and shop steward at Thyssen. He became Ellis love and refuge and thereafter always offered her a trusted place of retreat in difficult situations.

19851986  The political and theoretical rearmament of the ICFI

The opportunist degeneration of the Workers Revolutionary Party (WRP) increasingly put the BSA under pressure in the 1970s and 1980s. The Euromarches were only one form through which the WRP tried to push the German section in an opportunist direction. This led to intense political and organisational crises and almost destroyed the section.

The British section and its leader, Gerry Healy, enjoyed enormous political authority in the BSA. This rested on the struggle Healy had waged against Pabloite revisionism in the 1960s and on the role he had played in the founding of the BSA in 1971. But over the course of the 1970s, Healy shifted onto the Pabloite course he had earlier opposed. He built opportunist relations with Labour politicians, Stalinists, trade union leaders and bourgeois-nationalist rulers in the Middle East and put pressure on the BSA to follow suit.

The BSA resisted, but it was politically too inexperienced to grasp the extent of Healys opportunism and to fight it politically and theoretically. This task was taken on by the Workers League in the US, which in 1982 and 1984, under the leadership of David North, produced a comprehensive critique of Healys theoretical positions and of the WRPs opportunist degeneration. Healy suppressed discussion of this, threatened the Workers League with expulsion and sought to isolate it.

This isolation was broken when, under the pressure of its own crisis, the WRP imploded in 1985 and the critique of the Workers League could be discussed openly throughout the ICFI. The BSA aligned itself unanimously with the critique, defended the ICFI against the attacks of the WRP renegades and began systematically to educate its membership in the history of the ICFI and in the lessons of the split.

The years of the break with the WRP were a period of intense historical study and international discussion for the entire ICFI, on the basis of which the world party was politically and theoretically rearmed and took a major step forward.

Despite her great respect for Gerry Healy, Elli did not hesitate to take the side of internationalism and the ICFI. She studied the documents of the split and assimilated its lessons. Whenever she could, Elli participated in campaigns, schools and congresses in Germany, Britain, the US and even Australia, and helped with political education. She patiently introduced younger members in particular to the complex issues. At international conferences she also often helped as a translator.

Elisabeth Zimmermann with Wolfgang Weber and Ulrich Rippert at a meeting marking the 50th anniversary of the Fourth International in 1988

The fact that the Fourth International has survived, that it exists and is fighting, is proof of the correctness of its programme and the political strength of its principles, was how Elli summed up the lessons of the split on October 16, 1988 at a meeting marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Fourth International.

She established especially close contacts with the British comrades who, during the split with the WRP, had supported the ICFI and founded todays Socialist Equality Party in the UK. The BSA and the new British section held joint summer schools and European election campaigns. She was a constant presence as we collectively worked through its lessons and renewed and developed the unified historical and internationalist political perspective of Trotskyism that the WRP had broken from and sought to eradicate, writes Chris Marsden in his message of condolence.

198788  The struggle at Krupp-Rheinhausen steelworks and as a shop steward at Siemens

The break with the WRP removed the political pressure to adapt to the trade union bureaucracy. In its 1988 perspectives resolution, The World Capitalist Crisis and the Tasks of the Fourth International, the ICFI analysed the changes in the world economy which underlay the WRPs crisis. The extensive resolution demonstrated that globalisationthe unprecedented integration of the world market and the internationalisation of productionhad undermined all national programmes.

This applied both to the perspective of socialism in one country, put forward by the Stalinists, who in the following years liquidated public ownership in Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union and China, and to the social reformism of the trade unions and Social Democracy. It was no longer possible to negotiate social compromises at a national level when global corporations could relocate production to other countries without difficulty.

The trade unions responded by transforming themselves into the co-managers and factory police of the corporations. They ensured the competitiveness of the companies by drawing up cost-cutting plans themselves and enforcing them against the workforce. For this they were richly rewarded.

In the winter of 198788, the last major industrial struggle before German unification erupted in Duisburg, where Elli lived. The Krupp corporation announced the closure of the steelworks in the Rheinhausen district, where 6,300 of formerly 16,000 workers remained and met fierce resistance. The struggle lasted 164 days and ended in a bitter defeat.

The BSA systematically exposed the treacherous role of IG Metall. While the local officials spouted radical phrases, supported by the Stalinist DKP, the Maoist MLPD and other pseudo-lefts, the IG Metall executive in Frankfurt agreed to the destruction of 35,000 jobs in the German steel industry. The BSA published the secret agreement. Under the mediation of the Hesse Social Democratic Minister-President and later Federal President Johannes Rau, the struggle in Rheinhausen was ultimately strangled.

Although she had to work during the day, Elli threw herself into the effort to warn the steelworkers against this sell-out. She sold the Neue Arbeiterpresse at the plant gate, on the streets and in residential areas and intervened at meetings. From the first to the last minute of any assignment she was politically focused and discussed the political issues at stake in the struggle over jobs, the treacherous role of IG Metall, Social Democracy, Stalinism and the MLPD at the highest political level, writes a comrade who worked closely with her at the time.

After the split with the WRP, Elli took a job as a clerk at Siemens in Dusseldorf, which she carried out for 35 years until retirement, despite continuing back problems. There she was soon elected as a shop steward and, in that capacity, intervened in IG Metall in support of the BSAs perspective. At IG Metall delegates meetings, she consistently opposed the lies and evasions of the trade union functionaries.

Thus, in June 1989 she warned against the European Single Market project supported by the bureaucracy. She described the Single Market as an instrument of the most powerful European corporations for trade war against their American and Japanese rivals on the world market, and for class war against the working class in each individual country. It must not be allowed that workforces of the same company in different countries, plants or departments are played off against one another.

In September 1990, she attempted to introduce an emergency motion at an IG Metall meeting in Dusseldorf in defence of Iraq against the war of the United States, which sent the bureaucrats into a rage.

In March 1992, Elli spoke out in Dusseldorf against the wage restraint agreed by IG Metall as part of the restoration of capitalism into the former German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany). In a courageous speech, she held the entire IG Metall executive responsible and attacked its support for mass sackings in eastern Germany. In particular the close collaboration between trade union leaders, the Treuhand privatisation agency and the Kohl government in closing factories and organising mass redundancies in eastern Germany must be rejected, she said.

19892019  Founding the SGP and building the WSWS

When mass protests broke out in the GDR against the Honecker regime in the autumn of 1989, the BSA intervened energetically and smuggled leaflets across the inner-German border for the first time. It supported the opposition to the Stalinist regime but resolutely opposed the introduction of capitalism and re-unification on a capitalist basis. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the BSA sold tens of thousands of copies of Neue Arbeiterpresse and of Trotskys books, and stood its own candidates in the last Volkskammer (Peoples Chamber) election in the GDR in March 1990.

Elli could only take part in this intervention to a limited extent because of her work at Siemens. In 1991, she supported Hanne Levien, an East German worker who, as a single mother with two children, one of them severely disabled, had been summarily dismissed for political reasons. In September 1991, Elli reported on the case at an IG Metall delegates meeting in Dusseldorf, distributed leaflets and collected signatures in support.

Social Democrats, Stalinists and trade unions reacted to the collapse of the GDR and the dissolution of the Soviet Union with a further shift to the right. They backed bourgeois propaganda that socialism had failed. Pseudo-Trotskyist groups such as the Pabloite GIM dissolved themselves into the PDS, the successor to the Stalinist party of state the SED, and later into the Left Party (Die Linke), which itself declared capitalism to be the only alternative and supported capitalist restoration.

The ICFI was the only political force that opposed this renunciationism and drew the political conclusion that a new revolutionary party would not emerge from the ruins of the old, politically bankrupt organisations but only through rallying politically advanced workers around the programme of the Fourth International. The task was no longer to use tactical initiatives to expose reformist leaders but to found a new, international party with which the working class could intervene as an independent force in political life.

In the second half of the 1990s, the sections of the ICFI, which had previously called themselves leagues, transformed themselves into parties. In 1998, they discontinued their national printed newspapers, and the ICFI began the daily publication of the World Socialist Web Site.

Elli speaking in August 2017 at an election meeting in Duisburg

Elli played an important role in this work. In 1997, she was elected to the leadership body of the new party, on which she served until 2024. She stood several times as a party candidate in European, federal and state elections in North Rhine-Westphalia. In this capacity, she appeared on television election programmes and public panel discussions. She also played an energetic role in collecting the many thousands of signatures needed to place the partys candidates on the ballot.

Freed from the physically demanding burden of newspaper selling, Elli wrote more than 300 articles for the WSWS. She dealt with the social conditions of the working class, low wages, unemployment, poverty and homelessness, and with the attacks on refugees and migrants. Another of her topics was the problems facing steel and metalworkers in the Ruhr region. Elli took personal risks when it came to exposing the scandals of her own company, Siemens, and the collaboration of IG Metall with management. Here her steadfastness and courage were particularly evident.

In 2004 she condemned the drastic wage cuts which Siemens enforced with the threat of moving thousands of jobs to Eastern Europe. She wrote: The role of the trade union functionaries is to pass on and enforce the managements blackmail downwards. At no point were they prepared to organise a joint struggle together with workers in Hungary and other Eastern European countries.

And in October 2015, when Siemens embarked on job cuts and a new austerity programme to eliminate more than a thousand posts, impose wage cutting and introduce sweeping flexibilisation of working hours, she wrote: What is now becoming clear are the consequences of the so-called conciliation of interests that the Siemens central works council signed.

She unsparingly denounced the collaboration of the apparatus: IG Metall and the works council claim that, through long and tough negotiations, they have almost halved the planned destruction of jobs, and that this is a great success. But that is the usual eyewash that follows a pre-arranged ritual. First, the corporation announces high numbers of redundancies in consultation with the works council; then, a few completely harmless trade union protests follow; and finally, the works council agrees to a reduced level of job cuts and celebrates the reduction as a great success.

Again and again she drew the conclusion: All the more urgent is an international socialist perspective for the defence of jobs, whether at Siemens, VW or Bombardier, to name only some of the international companies that have recently announced massive job cuts.

Elli in 2004

Elli knew the role played by Siemens and other German corporations, such as Krupp, Thyssen, IG Farben, VW, Daimler-Benz, the Quandt group and Deutsche Bank, in the rise and crimes of Hitler fascism. Again and again, she wrote about the refusal of the German judiciary to settle accounts with the crimes of National Socialism (Nazism).

In January 2010, on the trial of John Demjanjuk, a former SS guard at the Sobibor concentration camp, she wrote: Many of those most responsible for the Nazi crimes, and most of their accomplices, have never been brought to trial and held to account in the Federal Republic. She continued:

Historians estimate that around 170,000 people were involved in the murders carried out by Nazi Germany. Only 6,500 culprits were sentenced in postwar Germany and often given very low fines. Not only were many of those responsible who had worked in the judiciary, the intelligence services and police in Nazi Germany never held accountable, but they seamlessly continued their activities in leading positions in postwar Germany.

Elli repeatedly returned to the failure of the Federal Republic to come clean on this question and also shed light on the case of the former SS Obergruppenfuhrer Hartmann Lauterbacher, whom the foreign intelligence service (BND) employed as an agent for 13 years after the war.

She also wrote about the war crimes of the Waffen SS and Hitlers army, the Wehrmacht, in Greece (Distomo, Cephalonia) and Italy (Marzabotto). She warned against the illusion that under present social conditions the survivors of these crimes will be granted genuine justice (insofar as this is possible at all), and that they will truly receive compensation for the wrongdoing and suffering inflicted upon them. She added:

A real reckoning with the crimes of German Nazi rule and a genuine reconciliation with the victims of those crimes is only possible through a joint international struggle by the working class to overcome capitalism. At the end of the Second World War, the German and European working class was prevented from settling accounts by the Allies and the Stalinists, who did everything in their power to save the totally discredited bourgeois order.

With equal determination, she named the new crimes and their social consequences. Time and again she wrote about the catastrophic floods in the Ahr valley, in which many lives could have been saved. What is left is anger and bitterness in the face of a policy that has failed so disastrously and yet, to this day, provocatively denies it, she wrote.

Her defence of refugees and migrants and rejection of deportations and right-wing extremism read prophetically today. She repeatedly returned to this topic, which was especially close to her heart. She wrote about far-right attacks and arson, about racist police violence and about new asylum and immigration laws.

In March 2002, she drafted, together with Ulrich Rippert, the appeal Xenophobes in government, aimed against the new immigration law of the Schroder-Fischer government. It stated: The character of a government is always revealed most clearly in its treatment of the socially weakest members of society. The passing of the law was a serious warning: The sharpness and aggressiveness with which the social and political rights of foreigners are being attacked is also directed against social benefit claimants, the unemployed and the vast majority of working people.

Even in this period, Elli took part in numerous conferences, schools and congresses of other sections, including the 2016 party congress of the British SEP in Sheffield and the 2018 congress of the US SEP in Michigan. For the younger generation, as one message of condolence puts it, she was one of the faces of the movement.

The last years

In the autumn of 2020, Elisabeth Zimmermann retired, but she was not able to enjoy retirement for long. Only two years later she suffered a serious stroke. From then on, she struggled with high blood pressure, acute sleep disturbances and heart problems and had to constantly take strong medication. It was also during this period that her mother died, for whom Elli wrote a long obituary.

Nevertheless, Elli continued to visit comrades, even over long distances, and to attend party demonstrations and meetings. She was last in Berlin on November 19 to hear David Norths lecture Where Is America Going? at Humboldt University.

After Ellis death, children in the neighbourhood placed candles in front of her house

Ellis tragic and far too early death has robbed the SGP, the ICFI and the working class of a precious member. Elisabeth Zimmermann-Modler was one of very few of her generation who, despite great political and ideological pressures, consciously decided to devote her entire life to the service of the working class. She had understood that this required the building of the international Trotskyist party, and she remained loyal to this path for more than 50 years.

Ellis life represented the best of the workers movement and is a part of the history of our own movement. It is remarkable what strength, endurance and unshakeable loyalty she brought to the building of the International Committee of the Fourth International. For this she will go down in history as a fighter for the liberation of the international working class.
TUNIS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The sixth African High-Level Forum on Women, Peace and Security opened here on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for multilateral coordination to tackle shared challenges.

According to a statement from the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two-day forum provides a key platform to advance the agenda on women's rights, peace, and security.

In his opening remarks, Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti welcomed the African Union's (AU) decision to hold the forum in Tunisia for the first time outside AU headquarters, noting that it reflects Tunisia's commitment to strengthening cooperation with African partners at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

He emphasized that the current global context calls for greater solidarity and coordinated action to tackle shared challenges, particularly in peace and security.

Nafti also stressed that lasting peace requires preventive, comprehensive approaches that address structural causes such as inequality and poverty, which fuel marginalization and exclusion.

The opening session brought together representatives of AU member states, regional and international organizations, and civil society groups. 
Controversial adult content creator Bonnie Blue has been detained in Indonesia for allegedly producing pornographic content, in violation of the Muslim-majority countrys morality laws.

The 26-year-old British woman, who was banned from OnlyFans and whocreated moral outrage earlier this year with the documentary 1000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story, was arrested during a police raid on a rental studio in Bali on Thursday.

She is known for organising sex challenges involving large groups of young men and had announced her Bali visit on social media, writing: Hey boys, those thatre going to Schoolies and to those who are barely legal, cannot wait to meet you  and Im in Bali, so you know exactly what that means.

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Blue had hired a bus - dubbed the Bangbus - for schoolies week, and her group included at least 17 male tourists of British and Australian nationalities.

Police said Blues group were allegedly creating content containing pornographic or immoral elements.

Indonesia has strict laws banning the production, distribution and public display of pornographic material.

Bonnie Blue - Screenshot - Instagram/@bonnie_blue_xox

Blue was released but her passport remained seized, before she was transferred to immigration authorities.

If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail and a fine of 6 billion rupiah (approximately 309,000).

Bonnie Blue's Bangbus - Screenshot - Instagram/@bonnie_blue_xox / X

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Blue made headlines earlier this year when she claimed to have had sex with 1,057 men in a single day (12 hours, to be precise), in an attempt to set the world record for the most number of sexual partners in one day.

In our review of 1000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story, we wrote: "While it would have been interesting to examine the possible dichotomy of Billinger / Blue being either an empowered sex-positive entrepreneur  as she has become one of the highest earning content creators to have appeared on OnlyFans and earned a million pounds from her '1,000 men' stunt - or dangerously pandering to toxic male fantasies (or both), the doc doesnt delve all that deep into what lies behind her story."

We added: "1000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story may or may not get you upset, uncomfortable or feeling dirty. But one things for sure  you wont emerge particularly enriched from the experience."
David Spade had a field day recently when the beloved comic realized that a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at a local shopping mall "consciously" avoided mentioning the holiday.

In the Sunday episode of the Fly on the Wall podcast, in which Spade appears alongside fellow legendary comic and Saturday Night Live alum Dana Carvey, Spade, 61, who went on to star in comedy mainstays like PCU, Tommy Boy, Black Sheep, and Joe Dirt, recalled seeing the holiday-free celebration at a local shopping center.

I will say that Christmas is taking a little bit of a beating lately. It is December and I saw the other day there was a tree-lighting ceremony for the Christmas tree in some dopey mall but it said tree-lighting ceremony, and they were careful not to say the word Christmas during the whole ceremony, Spade said.

Photo by NBC on Getty Images

No, Carvey replied.

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Why? Spade asked. So its just a tree? And you go, I would understand if you said, Theyre doing the tree lighting at The Grove or whatever. You go, OK. But to consciously avoid that, then what is the tree for? A December to Remember? Is it a Lexus dealership? Why do we have  for the whole month? Isnt it for Christmas?

Carvey shared that he knows people of many different religions, and that Ive never met someone from another religious faith that was upset about a Christmas tree.

"I'd say stop that bull----," said Spade.

Yeah, because everyone loves Santa and the tree and all the trappings, Carvey said. If youre of faith, its about Christianity. But I think at this point in America, its just Christmas. Its a fun holiday. I dont like the thought police. I dont like to have words I cant use.



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I dont like the anti-Christian feel because Christmas to me wasnt really about that because I am Christian, Spade said.

Speaking Out For Oppressed Christians

While Spade's statements were humorous, he also touched on a more serious issue.

Were taking a beating down in Africa, he continued, referring to the rise in Christian violence and persecution in countries like Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique. Its like this is not the year to be Christian. I will tell you that.

While some attacks in Africa have specifically targeted Christians, experts say the widespread violence in Africa is affecting all religions. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data, which uses local news reports for its data, told PBS that 52,915 civilians have been killed in Nigeria through targeted political violence since 2009, with both Christian and Muslim victims.

Related: 'Saturday Night Live' Legend Almost Lost His Eye During 'SNL50'

This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
NEED TO KNOW

Family Matters star Darius McCrary has been released from custody in Michigan

The actor was initially arrested on Oct. 5 while crossing the border from Mexico into the United States due to an out-of-state felony warrant that stemmed from a missed court appearance

McCrary was previously extradited from California back to Michigan on Oct. 29

Darius McCrary has been released from custody in Michigan.

The Family Matters alum, 49, entered a no-contest plea to felony charges and was released on Monday, Dec. 8, a representative for the actor confirmed to PEOPLE. Jail records from Oakland County in Michigan confirm he was released Monday shortly before 6 p.m. This follows his October "fugitive arrest" at the U.S.-Mexico border on an out-of-state felony warrant.

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TMZ was the first to share the news.

The actor was arrested on Oct. 5 by the United States Border Patrol for the out-of-state felony warrant. Prosecutors later argued he was a flight risk, with a judge agreeing, per ABC10 News. The warrant was issued after he missed a court appearance for alleged unpaid child support. His public defender said he was in Tijuana to work with a charity building houses.



Robin L Marshall/Getty Darius McCrary attends the 5th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards on June 20, 2025 Darius McCrary attends the 5th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards on June 20, 2025

McCrary's lawyer, Paulette Loftin, also confirmed the news of his release to TMZ, adding that his "fight for justice and truth has been painted as an attempt to shirk his responsibilities to his child."

"The resolution reached today makes it clear that family does matter and that it always has," she said. "This resolution allows Mr. McCrary to correct the misleading narrative and put this matter behind him."

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McCrary's representative, Ann Barlow, confirmed the report that he pleaded no contest to five felony charges and is set to return to court for sentencing in February 2026.

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.

He previously appeared in court on Oct. 15, when Barlow told PEOPLE at the time that McCrary had no ties to Tijuana, accidentally crossed into Mexico due to "a mix-up" while volunteering to build homes and that he planned to continue to fight the case in Michigan.

After being held in a San Diego jail for several weeks as he waited for Michigan authorities to take him into custody after a judge denied him bail, McCrary was extradited from California on Oct. 29.

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McCrary is best known for his role as Eddie Winslow on the hit '90s sitcom Family Matters, which he starred in from 1989 to 1998 alongside on-screen parents Reginald VelJohnson and Jo Marie Payton.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Daris McCrary on 'Family Matters' in 1996 Daris McCrary on 'Family Matters' in 1996

He was previously involved in a divorce battle with ex-wife Tammy Brawner regarding their 2017 filing, which was later finalized in 2019. Brawner, 39, was granted full legal and physical custody of the former couples then-3-year-old daughter, Zoey, at the time. McCrary was also ordered to attend alcohol/drug abuse and batterers intervention classes within 12 months.

Later in 2018, PEOPLE reported that Brawner alleged that McCrary partially dislocated their daughter's arm, per court documents obtained by The Blast. Brawner reportedly told doctors that the incident occurred when McCrary grabbed her arm," while he rportedly denied the account and claimed he grabbed one hand to lift her up and immediately grabbed the other.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.



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Actor Darius McCrary, best known for his role as Eddie Winslow on Family Matters, has been released from jail after his arrest in October near Tijuana. According to his public defender, he hopes to correct the misleading narrative surrounding the details of his arrest on five felony charges.

Per TMZ, McCrary, 49, was arrested near the border and held on a no-bail order in San Diego before being extradited to Michigan, where he faced five felony charges, including failing to pay child support and absconding. His rep, Ann Barlow, told the outlet that he entered a no-contest plea to all the charges and is set to return to court for sentencing in February 2026.

His public defender, Paulette Loftin, stated to TMZ that they hope this deal will allow him to set the record straight regarding the charges.

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Over the last four years, Mr. McCrarys fight for justice and truth has been painted as an attempt to shirk his responsibilities to his child. The resolution reached today makes it clear that family does matter and that it always has, she said, adding a slight nod to the hit sitcom.

This resolution allows Mr. McCrary to correct the misleading narrative and put this matter behind him, she added.

McCrarys rep previously told Page Six that the arrest stemmed from a warrant out of Michigan after he failed to appear in court regarding his alleged failure to pay child support. However, McCrary and his reps argued it was an improper serve because the order to appear was sent to his PO box with just three days notice.

At the time, he was sick with COVID-19 and reportedly did not check his PO box until the day after he was supposed to appear.

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Page Six also notes that the father of three has had run-ins with the law regarding his children in the past. In 2017, he was accused of dangling his youngest over a pot of boiling water. A year later, his third ex-wife, Tammy Brawner, accused him of dislocating their then-2-year-old daughters arm.

McCrary has denied the allegations.

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- "Weak" people are leading a "decaying" group of nations in Europe, U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview published by Politico on Tuesday.

"I think they're weak ... But I also think that they want to be so politically correct," Trump said in the interview with Politico at the White House on Monday.

"I think they don't know what to do," the president claimed. "Europe doesn't know what to do."

Without a change in border policy, some European states "will not be viable countries any longer," said Trump, describing cities like London and Paris as creaking under the burden of migration from the Middle East and Africa.

The president said he put little stock in the role of European leaders in seeking to end the Ukraine crisis. "They talk, but they don't produce, and the war just keeps going on and on."

Russia was obviously in a stronger position than Ukraine, Trump told the media outlet, while renewing his call for Ukraine to hold new elections.

In the National Security Strategy released last Thursday, the Trump administration vowed to "cultivate resistance" to the European status quo on immigration and other politically volatile issues.

"Allies do not threaten to interfere in the democratic life or the domestic political choices of these allies," European Council President Antonio Costa responded to the U.S. national security document on Monday. 
California Governor Gavin Newsoms attempt to shut down trolls about his awkward testicle-crushing sitting pose has spectacularly backfired. The governors press offices AI-generated response to the memes of his uncomfortable sitting position backfired, sparking another fresh wave of memes. The bizarre response, meant to do some damage control, instead fueled a wave of jokes and mockery on social media.

Gavin Newsoms response to his sitting pose meme backfires

Gavin Newsoms attempt to deflect New York Posts coverage of his testicle-crushing sitting pose at the New York Times DealBook Summit royally backfired. The containment attempt unleashed a meme tsunami of netizens roasting the awkward pose.

In a backfire strategy, the governors press office posted an AI-generated image of Newsom in an exaggerated, contorted yoga pose with the caption, Democracy requires flexibility. Gavin Newsoms weird AI stunt blew up in his face with X-users trolling him for the posts tone-deaf humor. Additionally, journalists and opposition parties also questioned his latest social media antics.

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Gavin is really going to look back and regret this one, the Monterey County Republican Party wrote in response to Newsoms AI-generated post on X. The hilarious post shows Newsom striking a yoga pose similar to Dwi Pada Sirsasana.

In the viral AI-generated video, Gavin Newsom is rocking pink spandex. Newsoms AI doppelganger awkwardly guides Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Tim Walz during a wild yoga pose. Adding to the hilarity of the post, Newsom exclaims, Wow, I think my toes are talking back to me!

Another trending parody video shows Newsom rocketing off the Dealbook Summit stage, plummeting into the ocean.

Another roast had the viral crazy plane lady pointing at Newsom while shouting, that motherfker back there is not real!

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Besides the meme reactions, Newsoms X( formerly Twitter) post also garnered side-splitting roasts. Sen. Ted Cruz quipped, Apparently, being elected in California has different responsibilities than in Texas.

Sweet mangina, bro, one X user wrote. Everyone screenshot this for when he runs for president, another chimed in. No way you embarrassed your boss like this, intern. Theres just no way, one user tweeted.

Originally reported by Sibanee Gogoi on Mandatory

The post Gavin Newsoms AI Response to Memes Blows Up in His Face appeared first on Reality Tea.
NEED TO KNOW

Millions of eyes are on a group of influencer moms known as the "Wolfpack" after one member, Rachel Graham, stated that she is no longer friends with the others

In a viral TikTok shared on Dec. 3, Graham said that she was no longer friends with fellow creators Meaghan Mattei, Mandi (also known as @whatmandi) and Gina (@hotgina1)

After Graham recounted her side of the story, viewers have taken sides, and both Mandi and Gina have followed up with response videos of their own

Drama between a group of influencers has gone viral after one of the women detailed why she hasn't been spending time with her former friends.

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, content creator Rachel Graham posted a lengthy tell-all to TikTok to explain why she is no longer friends with fellow influencers Meaghan Mattei, Mandi (@whatmandi) and Gina (@hotgina1). The four moms are known to be members of what they call the "Wolfpack" on social media.

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However, recent events led to Graham's departure from the group, per her initial video, which has 1.7 million views. "It's just as big of a shock to me as it is to you. I was truly, truly blindsided by this," said the Kentucky creator, who posts on TikTok under the username @kaleighs_mom.

Hot Gina Official/tikto @HotGina1 on TikTok. @HotGina1 on TikTok.

As Graham recounted in her initial video, the drama allegedly began when she commented on a Facebook post shared by someone that Mattei stopped being friends with. Graham said she was personally friends with the unnamed Facebook user, but she distanced herself from them after the rift with Mattei.

Mattei allegedly then texted Mandi and Gina to say she was upset by Graham's Facebook activity. Gina then took matters to their group text with Graham to ask why she left the comment.

"I felt like Gina was really f------ rude, if we're honest. I just felt like she was being really aggressive, really harsh and rude," she recalled. Graham said she proceeded to defend herself, "I'm like, 'It's social media, it's Facebook. It's not that deep.' "

whatmandi/Tiktok @WhatMandi on TikTok. @WhatMandi on TikTok.

She claims Mandi chimed in on the matter, causing Graham to feel as though the two were "ganging up" on her and questioning her loyalty. The three of them went on to argue back and forth, Graham said.

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"I'm embarrassed even saying this out loud. It is as childish as it sounds, and I'm so f------ embarrassed by it," she reflected in the video. "I still to this day stand 10 toes down, I did nothing wrong. I didn't try to hurt Meaghan. This person that I commented on the Facebook post has never been malicious towards Meaghan. She's never done anything to hurt Meaghan."

The Kentucky-based mom admitted that in hindsight, she "probably should have texted Meaghan on the side" to ask why Mandi and Gina were upset. Instead, the group allegedly followed the fight with a couple of days without speaking. Graham said she reopened the conversation by trying to make a joke in the chat, and Gina asked her if they could "have a serious conversation," which Graham agreed to do.

"I thought that conversation ended fine. I had no idea otherwise," she claims. However, the group text went [silent] again, and when Graham next checked, she saw that Mattei had left the chat. When Graham reached out to her to ask what was happening, Mattei allegedly said she "had to take a step back."

Meanwhile, Graham started "hashing it out" in the other chat. "Me and Mandi were pretty harsh towards each other," she admitted. "It just kept blowing up from there. I don't know. They wanted me to fall in line. I didn't. It blew up."

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Later, after the argument, Graham says her husband "had one too many beers" and sent "an ugly text" in a group message with Mattei and her husband. "He was pissed and he's hurt," Graham explained.

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"All I can say is, I thought these people were my family. We would spend 4-5 days together at a time," Mandi said in a statement to PEOPLE. "Our families all knew each other. Knowing now that they didnt actually care for me, and only wanted me around so that Gina would come around is heartbreaking, to me. I had a feeling for a while Rachel didnt like me, but she would say that she loved me, our friendship we talked every single day in the group chat, so I put that discernment aside."

"I tell my kids ALL the time 'if something doesnt feel right, it isnt right,'" Mandi continued. "And I should have taken my own advice. I told my daughter just today if someone is talking so poorly about someone else and then embracing them and calling them a best friend to their face- RUN.

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Graham, Mattei and Gina did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

The video went viral in the days that followed, with Mandi and Gina posting responses. Mattei has yet to respond to the conflict. However, many TikTok viewers have taken sides, with some flocking to comments sections to state their allegiances. In one of her own posts, Gina disputed Graham's video as "completely misleading and unfair."

"Me and Mandi were lied to our whole friendship by grown women might I add. I don't need anyone to feel sorry for us, we don't need a pity party, we're not victims," Gina wrote. "I do not care what people think of me on social media because I know exactly who I am."

In one of her responses, Mandi refuted the claim that their friendship fell apart over a Facebook comment, though she did admit that Gina confronted Graham over it. "That's not why our friendship ended," said Mandi. "Our friendship ended because Rachel got caught up."



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Key Takeaways

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As a member of the Clinton 12, Jo Ann Allen Boyce helped integrate Clinton High School in Tennessee in 1956.

She later became a nurse and author, sharing her story in an award-winning memoir.

Her grandson, actor Cameron Boyce, often cited her as a major influence in his life and activism.

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Jo Ann Boyce, a member of the barrier-breaking Clinton 12 and grandmother of the late actor Cameron Boyce, has died. She was 84. Her daughter, Kamlyn Young, confirmed to ABC News that Jo Ann passed away on Wednesday (Dec. 4) at her Los Angeles home after living with pancreatic cancer for a decade.

At just 14, Jo Ann became one of twelve Black students who integrated Clinton High School in Clinton, Tenn., in 1956  making it the first public high school in the South to desegregate after Brown v. Board of Education. She stood on the front lines of the fight for equal education. What began as excitement about new clothes, new friends, and a shorter commute quickly turned into a national flashpoint. Segregationists and Ku Klux Klan members flooded the small town with violent protests, prompting the National Guard to intervene and restore order. She was thinking about, What clothes was I going to wear? How would I do my hair? Who were going to be my friends? her daughter-in-law, Libby Boyce, told ABC News.

As the outlet reported, the first few days of school swung from calm to chaotic in a matter of hours. Monday brought only a handful of curious onlookers. By Tuesday, more people gathered. Then came Wednesday  the first day she truly felt unsafe. On Wednesday morning, I almost cried to go back home because there were so many people, and they looked so mean, Jo Ann recalled in a television interview at the time. They looked like they just wanted to grab us and throw us out. They didnt want us at all. I could just see the hate in their hearts. Some students inside the building offered kindness or kept to themselves, but others called her names, left hostile signs on lockers, and threw things. Even then, Jo Ann kept going and was later elected vice president of her homeroom.

The Los Angeles Times reported that violence in the city grew so severe that Jo Anns family ultimately left Tennessee for Los Angeles in 1957. Still, she never lost her optimism, a trait her children and grandchildren say guided her for the rest of her life. She went on to become a pediatric nurse, perform in a family music group called The Debs, and co-author the award-winning book This Promise of Change.

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Tributes poured in from the Green McAdoo Cultural Center, where life-size statues of the Clinton 12 now stand. Weve lost such a caring and humble soul, the museum wrote on its Facebook page, adding that Jo Ann inspired everyone she met.

Why Cameron Boyce called his grandmother Jo Ann Boyce one of his biggest inspirations

Jo Anns legacy deeply shaped her grandson Cameron, who spoke about her impact before his own death. My Nana stuck up for what she believed in and did something amazing, the Disney Channel star told PEOPLE. Things are going to happen in your life, and youre going to face adversity, but if you grow from that and learn from that, you're a better person because of it.

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NEED TO KNOW

Countess Karen Spencer and Dr. Cat Jarman have settled an ongoing lawsuit involving an alleged misuse of private information

A spokesperson for Karen said, "Countess Spencer considers her position to have been fully vindicated"

Jarman said in her own statement that she was "relieved to be able to move forward"

Countess Karen Spencer and Dr. Cat Jarman have settled a lawsuit that Jarman brought against the Countess, alleging misuse of private information for disclosing her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Norwegian archaeologist Jarman, who is dating Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer, sued his third wife in October 2024, for allegedly revealing her diagnosis to Charles, Althorp staff and others.

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On Dec. 8, a spokesperson for Karen, 53, confirmed the settlement news in a statement shared with PEOPLE after the High Court judgment was publicized on Monday morning. She accepted an offer to bring the litigation to an end "without admission of unlawful conduct."

"Countess Spencer confirms that the legal proceedings brought against her by Cat Jarman have been resolved in an agreed settlement. Countess Spencer considers her position to have been fully vindicated," the statement said.

"There was no admission of liability or wrongdoing, and Earl Spencer has been ordered to pay the legal costs, which are expected to be in excess of 2m [$2.6 million] together with 4,500 [$5,997] in damages to be paid to his girlfriend Cat Jarman," it continued. "Countess Spencer sincerely hopes this will mark the end of the matter."

Chris Jackson/Getty Charles Spencer and Karen Spencer arrive at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018. Charles Spencer and Karen Spencer arrive at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018.

Jarman, 43, said in a statement provided to PEOPLE that she was "relieved to be able to move forward."

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"I brought my privacy claim after my private medical information was shared without my consent," she said. "As someone living with Multiple Sclerosis, I have the unquestionable right to decide when and how to share such sensitive details. Pursuing the claim was a necessary and principled step to protect that right, as well as my career and livelihood."

For her part, Karen denied liability and said any reference to Jarmans condition had been entirely legitimate and justified," The Times reported.

The Times added that David Sherborne represented Karen, the same lawyer Prince Harry tapped for his high-profile litigation against the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday.

Charles, 61, is the 9th Earl Spencer and younger brother of the late Princess Diana. In June 2024, the author and historian announced that he and Karen, a Canadian philanthropist, were divorcing after 13 years of marriage. The former couple share a daughter, 13-year-old Charlotte Diana.

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It later emerged that Charles hired Fiona Shackleton as his lawyer, retaining the same representation that King Charles did when he divorced Diana in 1996.

Charles met Jarman when she came to Althorp House, the Spencer family's ancestral home in Northamptonshire, England, for an archeological dig in 2021. They later teamed up to create The Rabbit Hole Detectives history podcast with Rev. Richard Coles in 2023, collaborating professionally.

In early October 2024, Charles confirmed his romance with Jarman, telling The Times, "We are close."

Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Charles Spencer and Dr. Cat Jarman attend the opening of "The Gilded Mischief" on Nov. 25, 2025 in London. Charles Spencer and Dr. Cat Jarman attend the opening of "The Gilded Mischief" on Nov. 25, 2025 in London.

Days later, The Telegraph reported that Jarman filed a lawsuit against Karen, alleging private misuse of information, but no further details were available then.

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In conversation with the Daily Mail, Jarman said that she was diagnosed with MS in 2016 while finishing her PhD and described the news as "utterly devastating."

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She decided to keep the news private and claimed that Karen later learned she had MS "from someone close to me" during a conversation about whether Jarman and Charles were having an affair, which the archaeologist "categorically" denied.



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Right-wing podcaster Tim Pool savaged his fellow conservatives in an expletive-filled rant as the latest MAGA civil war turns toxic.

Pool reserved much of his venom for conservative broadcaster Candace Owens, branding her a c--- in an unhinged verbal assault. But the 39-year-old didnt stop there.

During the live-streamed Timcast IRL on Monday, Pool, who came to prominence during the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011, called out conservatives, claiming he is f---ing done with these people.

Podcaster Tim Pool on Timcast. / YouTube

The livestream became intense when Pool claimed Turning Point USA was being gutted by people pushing wild and unproven conspiracy theories that they had some involvement in the assassination of co-founder Charlie Kirk.

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The organization that helped get Donald Trump elected... is being gutted by f---ing psychopaths telling people to pull their donations, Pool claimed.

Their leader and founder is murdered and prominent pieces of human trash are trying to destroy it. Its f---ing evil.

Charlie Kirk speaking to students at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, just before he was fatally shot. / The Salt Lake Tribune / Getty Images

Pool then unleashed on Owens, calling her a f---ing evil scumbag.

Owens has repeatedly questioned the official story behind Kirks murder and the involvement of suspect Tyler Robinson and has hinted at internal drama at Turning Point USA.

She told CNN last month, I first and foremost do not believe Tyler Robinson killed Charlie Kirk Whether he was involved, I think the answer was yes."

The far-right provocateur Candace Owens has questioned what really led to Kirks murder. / JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP via Getty Images

Gesticulating wildly, Pool said of Owens, She is a degenerate c---. She is burning everything down and shes gloating and smiling while she does it.

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Pool said Owens is making everyone else suffer before claiming that conservatives were now contacting him to show their support for him calling Owens out.

All of these f---ing conservatives out there that send me these f---ing messages have no f---ing balls to call her out, Pool said.

More and more people have started doing it, they send me these f---ing messages, Good for you Tim, Good for you Tim, I wasnt the first person to do it, Im not going to take credit for it.

Tim Pool joins a White House press briefing. / The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Im

Pool then ranted, Dont f---ing DM me like I did something for you, as you cower, as you f---ing cower, scared that shell put you on her thumbnail and claim you benefited from Charlie Kirks assassination, which shes doing to me right now. Im f---ing done with these people.

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Owens responded to Pools outburst, sharing the video of his rant. He is genuinely not well right now.

I wouldnt turn this into a cheap internet moment, Owens wrote on X. There is just so clearly something personal going on in his life. Its hard to run a business and hes under pressure. Pray he comes through it.
The self-proclaimed stage invader who rushed Ariana Grande on the red carpet at the Wicked: For Good premiere in Singapore in November was removed from a Lady Gaga concert in Brisbane, Australia.

Fan-captured videos shared on social media show Johnson Wen, 26, being escorted out of SunCorp Stadium Tuesday, Dec. 9. He attempted to wear a disguise to the event, donning dark sunglasses and a mustache, but was caught before Gaga took the stage for the Mayhem Ball.

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In the circulating videos, security on the floor level of the venue can be seen stripping Wen of his glasses, a lanyard, and multiple wristbands. Meanwhile, nearby fans cheered for his removal and booed his presence. Wen turned to face them all with a smile.

Representatives for Lady Gaga and SunCorp Stadium did not immediately respond to Rolling Stones request for comment.

Wen, who calls himself Pyjama Man, posted on Instagram after, Got kicked out of Lady Gaga concert. The show doesnt start till 8pm. The early fans were booing me.

A fan who witnessed the encounter wrote on X, Many finger snaps to the girl in EE [early entry] who got security and gave them a description of that fuckin weirdo so they could legit just wait for his stupid disguise to try to get in. Actual mental help is needed for that man.

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Wen previously rushed onto the stage during performances from Katy Perry, the Weeknd, and the Chainsmokers. After grabbing Grande in Singapore, he was charged with being a public nuisance, detained in prison for nine days, and subsequently deported from Singapore back to Australia, where he lives.

Wens social media posts often attempt to reframe these incidents as normal fan encounters. I feel like Im in a dream, thats my best friend Ariana Grande, Wen said in an Instagram Story uploaded prior to the red carpet attack. Im going to meet her, yes, Ive been dreaming about that.

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Lady Gaga performs during the kickoff of The MAYHEM Ball tour at T-Mobile Arena on July 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)

The same man who was arrested in Singapore Nov. 13 for grabbing Ariana Grande at the premiere of Wicked: For Good was ejected from Lady Gaga's concert in Brisbane, Australia, on Tuesday.

According to fan-shot videos and X posts, Johnson Wen attempted to enter the concert in disguise, but security made him remove his disguise and escorted him out while fans booed him.

Wen, who goes by the name Pyjamamann, posted a photo of himself on his Instagram Story with the caption, "Got kicked out of Lady Gaga Concert! The Show doesn't start till 8 pm! The early Fans were booing me."

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Wen has made a habit of crashing concerts and sporting events, including shows by Katy Perry and The Weeknd. As previously reported, in Singapore he sprinted onto the red carpet at the Wicked: For Good movie premiere and grabbed Ariana, only for Cynthia Erivo to physically pull him off her before security took him away.

After pleading guilty to public nuisance, the 26-year-old was sentenced to nine days in jail and was then deported back to Australia, where he lives. He's also been barred from reentering Singapore.

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NEED TO KNOW

Meghan Markle is hoping to send a handwritten note to her father, Thomas Markle, in the hospital following his emergency leg amputation surgery

The Duchess of Sussex had previously reached out to her dad following the procedure, despite a report from Thomas that claimed he had not heard from his daughter, PEOPLE understands

A source has now told U.K. newspaper The Times that its "hoped and expected" Meghan is able to get a note to the hospital where her father is recovering in the Philippines

Meghan Markle is hoping to be able to get a handwritten note to her father, Thomas Markle, following his emergency surgery to amputate his left leg.

A spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex, 44  who has been estranged from Thomas, 81, since 2018  told PEOPLE on Friday, Dec. 5, that Meghan had "reached out to her father" after the procedure on Dec. 3.

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PEOPLE understands that Meghan emailed Thomas late Friday morning after learning he had undergone the procedure in the Philippines. The outreach was not initially disclosed publicly in an effort to keep the matter private.

This came after The Mail on Sunday reported on Dec. 6 that Thomas was confused by the statement suggesting Meghan had tried to get in touch and claimed he had not heard from his daughter.

A source then told U.K. newspaper The Times on Dec. 8 that Meghan was now intending to have a handwritten note delivered to her father in the next 24 hours at his hospital in Cebu, where he's expected to spend the next week.

Craig Barritt/Getty Meghan Markle Meghan Markle

A source close to Meghan told the outlet, Theres been progress, but she hasnt made contact [yet]  Its hoped and expected that there will be some form of communication in the next 24 hours."

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A spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.

PEOPLE previously reported that it's understood Meghan had personally called several hospitals in an effort to locate her father, but was having difficulty confirming where he was being treated.

Identifying the hospital would allow for a hand-delivered note to be delivered, given that Thomas is not currently in possession of his phone, according to the journalist in contact with him, and the Duchess of Sussex does not have a working phone number for him.

Dsanchez/CPR / BACKGRID Thomas Markle is pictured in March 2024 Thomas Markle is pictured in March 2024

PEOPLE understands that Meghans team has sought clarification from those close to Thomas regarding the best way of contacting him as he recovers.

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As previously reported by PEOPLE, it's thought that the email Meghan previously sent did not generate an error or bounce-back notification, and efforts to obtain updated contact information for Thomas are ongoing.

Jemal Countess/Getty Meghan Markle Meghan Markle

Thomas son, Thomas Markle Jr., revealed last week that his father had undergone surgery to have his leg amputated below the knee in the Philippines  where the pair have been living since earlier this year  after a blood clot reportedly cut off circulation, per the Daily Mail.

In an interview with the outlet, Thomas Markle Jr. described the emergency procedure as life or death, saying his father's foot had turned blue then black before doctors determined amputation was necessary

Thomas operation follows several years of reported medical challenges, including a stroke in 2022.

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Meghan has been estranged from her father since shortly before her May 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. The rift began after Thomas admitted to staging paparazzi photos and, according to Meghan, was not truthful with her about his communications with the press.

LionsShareNews / BACKGRID Thomas Markle is pictured in March 2023 Thomas Markle is pictured in March 2023

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The Duchess of Sussex discussed her relationship with her estranged father during her and Harry's much-talked-about 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Insisting she felt the relationship had been irrevocably damaged, Meghan said at the time, "Ive lost my father."

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In the couples Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries the following year, Harry said he shouldered some of the blame for the fallout. She had a father before this and now she doesnt have a father, he said, adding, If Meg wasnt with me, then her dad would still be her dad."



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Meghan Markle was seemingly on the hunt to make contact with her estranged father, Thomas Markle, after he was rushed to the hospital in the Philippines.

In an article published on Tuesday, December 9 by Us Weekly, the outlet reported that the Duchess of Sussex, 44, called hospitals in the Philippines after she found out Thomas, 81, had been hospitalized and underwent an emergency leg amputation last week.

The outlet also reported that the With Love, Meghan star  who has been estranged from Thomas since tying the knot with Prince Harry in 2018  penned a letter to her dad and is hopeful the message will arrive to Thomas in the next 24 hours.

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As Star previously reported, on Friday, December 5, a spokesperson for the mother of two  who shares Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4, with Harry, 41  told People: I can confirm she has reached out to her father.

However, Meghans half-sister, Samantha Markle, called out the Suits alum via a series of X posts that day, insinuating she has not been in contact with Thomas.

Youre also [sic] gullible. Believe it if hes put on a private jet and put into one of the best hospitals in the United States for care, Samantha wrote in one post. Until then dont hold your breath. Its likely a PR stunt because of public scrutiny.

On Monday, December 8, Samantha also reposted a series of photoshopped pictures of Meghan holding up a banana and a toy phone to her ear, mocking the idea that the As Ever founder is phoning hospitals in the Philippines.

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Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry suffered extensive injuries after falling from the Miss Universe 2025 stage last month.

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) shared a press release Monday with an update on Henrys health, as well as further context into the scary incident that involved the 28-year-old.

Dr. Henry suffered a serious fall through an opening on the stage while performing her walk during the preliminary competition on November 19, 2025, resulting in an intracranial hemorrhage with loss of consciousness, a fracture, facial lacerations and other significant injuries, the statement read.

Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry during the 74th Miss Universe Preliminary competition in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 19. Getty Images

The organization said Henry was immediately admitted to intensive care in Bangkok, where she remained in critical condition under constant neurological monitoring, and continues to require 24-hour specialist supervision.

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She will return to Jamaica in the coming days accompanied by a full medical team and will be transferred directly to hospital for continued treatment and recovery, the statement added of Henry.

Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry in an Instagram photo. officialgabriellehenry/Instagram

Miss Universe Organization gives an update on Miss Jamaica. Instagram/Raul Rocha

The MUO also insisted that theyve stood beside Henry and her family since the fall by covering her hospital, medical, and rehabilitation expenses and Henrys mom and sisters accommodation and living costs when the beauty pageant contestant was recovering in Thailand.

In addition, the Miss Universe Organization is funding the medically escorted repatriation flight arranged by the hospital and is committed to covering all future medical expenses arising from the incident, the update stated.

The message continued, The Henry family is deeply grateful to the Miss Universe Organization for their unwavering compassion, presence, and love shown. Their response so far has gone beyond professional responsibility and reflected devotion and protection of the family.

Gabrielle Henry of Jamaica competes in the National Costume show during the 74th Miss Universe pageant on Nov. 19. REUTERS

At the end of the statement, the MUO noted that certain media reports that are suggesting Henry contributed in any way to the incident are entirely inaccurate.

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The Miss Universe Organization has never attributed blame to Dr. Henry and confirms that those suggestions are unfounded and do not reflect the facts, the statement added.

Miss Jamaica falls off the stage during Miss Universe 2025. Meekiimodez/Instagram

Miss Universe co-owner Raul Rocha shared the press release on his Instagram page with his own words about Henrys recovery.

Thank God our Miss Universe Jamaica is preparing to return home. To all those who were concerned about her health, thank you so much for supporting us with your prayer chains, said Rocha. From our silence, we prayed for the health and speedy recovery of Dr. Gabrielle.

President of Miss Universe Raul Rocha speaks at the Miss Universe Show in November 2024. Getty Images

During the preliminary evening gown round at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand on Nov. 19, Henry fell off the runway and face-planted into the crowd.

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After Henry was rushed to the Thailand hospital, officials said she miraculously escaped with no life-threatening injuries and didnt break a single bone.

During an interview with People, Miss Haiti Melissa Sapini claimed that the Miss Universe Organization leadership blamed Henry for the fall.

I dont know that they handled that correctly, Sapini, 22, said. The first thing [the pageant staff member] said was its because she wasnt paying attention.

Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry walks onstage during the 2025 Miss Universe costume presentation. AFP via Getty Images

Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry. officialgabriellehenry/Instagram

After he said that, then he was like, Of course, safety is our number one priority, this, that, Sapini added. But its like, Are you serious? That was really scary.

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Henry is an ophthalmologist and the founder of the See Me Foundation, which is a charity helping the visually impaired people in Jamaica.

Her fall took her out of the running in the 47th annual Miss Universe pageant, which was won by Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch Fernandez.
LONDON, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- A member of the British armed forces died in Ukraine on Tuesday morning while observing the testing of a new defensive capability, Britain's Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

"He was injured in a tragic accident whilst observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability, away from the front lines," the statement said, adding that the individual's family has been notified.

This marks the first publicly announced British military death since February 2022, according to local media.

Britain has previously acknowledged the presence of "a small number of" British military personnel in Ukraine to support Ukraine's armed forces and provide security to the British embassy, reported local media. 
On November 19, Miss Jamaica Dr. Gabrielle Henry fell off the stage during the Miss Universe competition and was rushed to the hospital.

Henry ended up in the ICU because of her injuries and was unfortunately unable to return to the competition. Henry has remained in the hospital under ongoing medical care ever since the incident.

Now, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has released a new update on her condition.

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In the joint statement from the MUO and the Henry family, it has been revealed that Henrys fall resulted in "an intracranial hemorrhage with loss of consciousness, a fracture, facial lacerations and other significant injuries."

She was immediately admitted to intensive care in Bangkok, where she remained in critical condition under constant neurological monitoring, and continues to require 24-hour specialist supervision, the statement continued. "She will return to Jamaica in the coming days accompanied by a full medical escort team and will be transferred directly to hospital for continued treatment and recovery."

They then revealed that the MUO has been covering all of Henrys medical expenses as well as her familys accommodations to stay nearby the hospital in Bangkok to remain updated on her condition and speak with the doctors there.

Miss Universe co-owner Raul Rocha also shared a copy of the press release on Instagram.

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In the caption, Rocha wrote, "Thank God our Miss Universe Jamaica is preparing to return home. To all those who were concerned about her health, thank you so much for supporting us with your prayer chains. From our silence, we prayed for the health and speedy recovery of Dr. Gabrielle."

The incident has also stirred up controversy in the media about the MUOs handling of the situation.

In a November 28 PEOPLE exclusive, Miss Haiti Melissa Sapini made claims that a staff member for the pageant blamed Henry for the incident when speaking to the rest of the contestants.

"The first thing he said was it's because she wasn't paying attention," Sapini said in the interview. "After he said that, then he was like, 'Of course, safety is our number one priority,' this, that. But it's like, 'Are you serious?' That was really scary."

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In the same article, a representative from the host pageant organization, Miss Grand International (MGI), told PEOPLE in a statement, that "the incident occurred primarily because she missed her blocking and may not have been looking at the runway while walking. However, no one from MGI blamed her."

The MUO also pushed back on the notion that they thought Henry was in any way responsible for the tragic accident in their December 8 press release.

"Certain media reports suggesting that Dr. Henry contributed in any way to the incident are entirely inaccurate," the release stated. "The Miss Universe Organization has never attributed blame to Dr Henry and confirms that those suggestions are unfounded and do not reflect the facts."

The statement then ended by thanking everyone for their kind words and wishes for a speedy recovery, saying, "Dr. Henry and her family extend their heartfelt thanks to the people of Jamaica, the Miss Universe community, and supporters worldwide for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and encouragement."
Marciano Brunette's latest tell-all featured revelations about currently being in contact with Jessi Ngatikauras husband, accusations that he had a second affair with her and a confession about The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives that he almost had cut from the interview.

During the Tuesday, December 9, episode of Harry Jowsey's "Boyfriend Material" podcast, Marciano sat down to address burning questions about the real timeline of his affair with Jessi, the conversations that took place between him and Demi Engemann and how the scandals affected his personal and professional life.

"This has f***ing changed me as a person," he revealed. "In my mind, people think I've sexually assaulted someone. You think that's not going to f*** with my head and mentally traumatize me where I am so overly cautious of every word and everything I do with anyone?"

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Marciano was initially introduced to Us as a cast member on Vanderpump Villa, which premiered in April 2024. He became a crossover presence when season 2, which aired one year later, featured appearances from stars of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives  specifically Jessi and Demi.

Vanderpump Villa Star Marcianos Alleged Affairs With Mormon Wives Demi and Jessi Explained

In the months after filming, Marciano alleged that he maintained contact with Demi, which turned into an emotional connection despite her marriage to Bret Engemann. Demi, for her part, has denied the romantic entanglement and accused Marciano of sexual misconduct.

"Nothing happened with Marciano. At the expense of sounding rude, there wasn't even a remote attraction to him. It sucks that women can't be kind and friendly and even playful with men in this world without it being taken as like you're open. I had a rock on my finger the entire time I was there," she exclusively told Us Weekly in May. "I brought up my marriage multiple times and they were told that we were married women  so it sucks that we couldn't just go and have a good time and that he couldn't respect that."

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Marciano has maintained his innocence and has since filed a lawsuit against Demi for defamation. His attempts to clear his name with Demi on season 3 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives led to him coming clean about his emotional affair with Jessi, who is married to Jordan Ngatikaura.

Before Marciano's sit-down on the "Boyfriend Material" podcast, it was revealed that he would be returning for season 3 of Vanderpump Villa. The upcoming installment is expected to feature an appearance from DadTok  including Jordan.

Keep scrolling for Marciano's biggest revelations about the scandals:

Why Marciano Thinks He Will Be Back on Mormon Wives

Christopher Willard/Hulu/Disney/Everett Collection

In past podcast appearances, Marciano claimed he was meant to be featured in more of the third season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives before Demi's allegations caused Hulu to press pause on working with him.

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Marciano is now hoping he will get to address the drama on a future season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, telling Harry, They literally just stopped talking to me. Which is kind of funny, because recently the production company followed me on Instagram and has been looking at all my stuff. I don't know why."

He continued: "I'm assuming because I think I've been getting word that they want to bring me back. I don't know to what extent, because I don't really know where it would go from there."

Marciano said he would "definitely go back" if asked, adding, "If there was a good story line for me, the hardest part is I don't know where that lies. There's no single women, so that would be tough.

Where Does Marciano Stand With Jordan After the Affair Scandal?

"He definitely hates me for sure. But I think we're at an understanding now that we are cordial. We can speak to each other," Marciano explained about his current dynamic with Jordan after they filmed for season 3 of Vanderpump Villa. "We're on texting terms at least. But he has also repetitively told me, 'Hey, we're never gonna be friends.' We can be in the same scene together and we can be in the same room together and be cordial.

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Marciano recalled feeling conflicted about how much he liked Jordan after Jessi confided in him about her husband's emotional abuse.

"I know I've heard what has happened in their relationship. I try not to judge people on those certain things because those are different circumstances. I judge people off of how they treat me. And he treated me very well," he explained. "He was a very nice guy to me. He was fun to hang out with."

Marciano felt Jordan has been treating him "with respect."

"We've had some tough conversations since, and I think you'll end up seeing some of it. But he's been great," he continued. "It makes me have that regret where I'm like, 'I wish I never did this.' Because he really is a good dude and cares about his family.

Marciano Reveals When He Last Spoke to Jessi

Getty Images (2)

According to Marciano, the last time he was in contact with Jessi was in May, right before season 2 of Mormon Wives premiered.

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"I've been trying to be respectful and leave her out of all these things and go to Jordan instead," he noted. "Because before I would go right to Jessi. But now I feel like I'm compelled to talk to Jordan and do the right thing."

Which Moment Did Marciano Nearly Ask Harry to Cut From the Podcast?

Marciano broke down in timeline form the last time he spoke with Jessi, saying, "We were texting each other, like, two days before the show comes out. She's in New York and we're FaceTiming. We're texting each other."

Marciano subsequently stopped himself from speaking any further.

"Jordan was going through her phone. Damn it. Oh, I didn't want to say that," he said before Harry offered to "cut it" out if Marciano didn't want it included in the final version of the podcast episode. "I gotta think about this."

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Marciano continued: "Either way, whatever. Jordan was going through her phone back in Utah and ends up calling production and is like, 'I think Marciano and Jessi are still having an affair.' I was like, 'No, what?' So production ends up calling Jessi and ends up calling me. We're like, 'No, we're just we're just talking.' That was the last time I heard from her.

Who Has Supported Marciano Amid Demi's Accusations?

Marciano publicly thanked Lisa Vanderpump for remaining on his side amid the allegations against him.

"I love Lisa to death. She was amazing for [speaking out]. When all this was happening, she had called me right away and she was like, 'Don't worry, we're gonna take care of this,'" he recalled. "I got caught up speaking for her, but now that she's already actually come out and saying that, this is huge for me because she knows the truth. All the right people that are supposed to know the truth, know the truth.

Lisa, for her part, recently sided with Marciano when she revealed she saw all the Vanderpump Villa footage, which she claimed didn't show anything nonconsensual between Marciano and Demi.

Why Did Marciano Stop Speaking to Demi?

Getty Images (2)

While breaking down his relationship with Demi, Marciano recalled getting back in contact with her after his affair with Jessi ended.

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"We didn't start sharing our location until January, February because Demi cut me off with the whole Jessi thing," he claimed. "Once we reconnected, that's when we started sharing locations and doing all those things together. Once my show is about to air and we're filming our reunion, I showed her episodes of season 2 of Vanderpump Villa that she was on. That show was supposed to be way different than it is right now."

He continued: "That's all I'm gonna say. She was not happy about how it originally looked. That being said, when I'm filming the reunion in March, is the last time I talked to her, because she did some things that I had to step away from. I was being advised to never talk to her again because I was also filming Mormon Wives. She was not filming and I was being advised to not talk to her because she is not filming.

Breaking Down the Drama Between Mormon Wives Demi Engemann and Vanderpump Villas Marciano Brunette

Marciano Was Almost on Another Show Before Demi Claims

I was supposed to do The Perfect Match," he claimed. "Were talking and a couple of weeks  a month before this comes out  I signed the contract already. ... Less than a week before we start filming they're like, 'We're going to we're going to go in a different direction.'"

Marciano Reveals How the Scandal Affected His Mental Health

As Marciano continues to work in Las Vegas, he recalled some run-ins with viewers that left him "so uncomfortable," including an encounter with a married woman who started to verbally berate him.

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"I'm massively anxious and paranoid about anything I do or say because I don't know what anyone will go out and say about me now," he said. "I haven't been on a date in years, let alone now. I'm so afraid. I'm enjoying myself but from a serious standpoint, I'm too scared."

He concluded: "I'm way too scared because I don't know how vulnerable I can get about all of these things because it's so hurtful.
The Splendour, the yacht where Natalie Wood spent her final moments, was a mess.

The main salon was in disarray and showed evidence of broken glass on the floor, reads the official police report about the Hollywood stars tragic drowning at age 43 on November 29, 1981, which has been newly obtained by the National Enquirer.

Police photos, also recently obtained by the Enquirer, depict the chaotic scene aboard the vessel, including a messy table strewn with mysterious white powder, candle wax and empty glasses. Other photos show trash on the floor and a cluttered countertop.

The late actress husband, Robert Wagner, now 95, was questioned by police about the state of the cabin four days after her mysterious death.

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When asked about the broken glass aboard the Splendour, he stated it was probably from the rough seas, that quite often bottles were broken when they were traveling, the police report reads.

Wagner also acknowledged that he had complained to his wife that she was spending too much time away from home working.

Woods Brainstorm costar, Christopher Walken, was also aboard the yacht and confirmed the topic of discussion.

Walken, now 82, stated he also got involved in this discussion, supporting the victims views, the police report reads. He suddenly realized he was violating his own view about getting involved in an argument between a man and wife. He stepped outside for some air. Both men claimed Wood went to bed soon after.

But one witness tells a different version of the story. The boats captain, Dennis Davern, previously told the Enquirer in January that Wagner accused the West Side Story actress of having an affair with Walken.

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Davern claimed that the Hart to Hart actor was so angry, he broke a bottle of wine on a table and screamed, Get off my f**king boat! he told the Enquirer at the time.

At 1:30 a.m., Wagner reported his wifes disappearance  and her body was found seven hours later.

The death was initially ruled an accidental drowning, but the case was reopened in 2011 when Davern came forward with his version of events.

A year later, the cause of Woods death was changed to drowning and other undetermined factors.

Wagner, who has always denied any wrongdoing, was cleared by investigators in 2022. The case remains open.

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For more on the mystery, pick up this weeks issue of the National Enquirer, on stands Wednesday, December 10.

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This story Newly Uncovered Photos Show Chaotic Scene of Natalie Woods Death Amid Continued Investigation first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Prince Harrys long-running push to revisit his United Kingdom security arrangements appears to have gained new traction. After years of legal challenges and public discussion surrounding his protection level in Britain, a new review is reportedly underway. That said, one royal commentator believes it could mark a turning point in the Duke of Sussexs complicated relationship with his home country.

Prince Harrys security review could open door for familys UK return  expert

According to multiple reports, the U.K.s Home Office has agreed to reassess Prince Harrys security needs, marking the first major review since 2020. The decision reportedly comes after Harry privately wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood requesting a full reevaluation of the risks he and his family may face while visiting the country. The Guardian reported that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) will now revisit his case.

Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich told Fox News that the updated review could signal more than just a security adjustment. She suggested it may also create an opening for Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children to spend more time in Britain  or even return more permanently. Fordwich noted that while no decision has been finalized, the trajectory of the request appears to be in Harrys favor.

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Harrys security situation has been a point of tension since he and Meghan stepped back as working royals in 2020 and later moved to California. Court documents from earlier hearings show his legal team argued the couples departure was partly driven by concerns over safety and what they described as a lack of protection from the institution.

Despite those arguments, Harry lost his legal challenge in May when the Court of Appeal ruled that the committee handling his case had acted appropriately. Under current arrangements, his access to official protection in the U.K. is determined on a visit-by-visit basis.

Whether the reassessment leads to new security terms, and possibly a renewed presence in the U.K., remains uncertain. But for the first time in years, royal analysts say the possibility feels less hypothetical and more closer to reality.

The post Prince Harrys UK Security Review Now Closer to Reality  Expert appeared first on Reality Tea.
Prince Harrys long-running push to revisit his United Kingdom security arrangements appears to have gained new traction. After years of legal challenges and public discussion surrounding his protection level in Britain, a new review is reportedly underway. That said, one royal commentator believes it could mark a turning point in the Duke of Sussexs complicated relationship with his home country.

Prince Harrys security review could open door for familys UK return  expert

According to multiple reports, the U.K.s Home Office has agreed to reassess Prince Harrys security needs, marking the first major review since 2020. The decision reportedly comes after Harry privately wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood requesting a full reevaluation of the risks he and his family may face while visiting the country. The Guardian reported that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) will now revisit his case.

Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich told Fox News that the updated review could signal more than just a security adjustment. She suggested it may also create an opening for Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children to spend more time in Britain  or even return more permanently. Fordwich noted that while no decision has been finalized, the trajectory of the request appears to be in Harrys favor.

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Harrys security situation has been a point of tension since he and Meghan stepped back as working royals in 2020 and later moved to California. Court documents from earlier hearings show his legal team argued the couples departure was partly driven by concerns over safety and what they described as a lack of protection from the institution.

Despite those arguments, Harry lost his legal challenge in May when the Court of Appeal ruled that the committee handling his case had acted appropriately. Under current arrangements, his access to official protection in the U.K. is determined on a visit-by-visit basis.

Whether the reassessment leads to new security terms, and possibly a renewed presence in the U.K., remains uncertain. But for the first time in years, royal analysts say the possibility feels less hypothetical and more closer to reality.

Originally reported by Zahrah Patel on RealityTea.

The post Prince Harrys UK Security Review Case Working in His Favor  Expert appeared first on Mandatory.
The Gist

The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara was a wedding gift to Queen Mary in 1893.

The headpiece later became a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II's, who inherited it in 1947.

The topper was most recently worn by Queen Camilla in December 2025.

Though Queen Elizabeth II's jewelry collection contained dozens of envy-worthy pieces, only one earned the distinction of being her (rumored) favorite: the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. Gifted to her by her grandmother Queen Mary on her wedding day in 1947, the topper thus became affectionately known as "Granny's tiara," and was seen on the late monarch countless times over the course of her 70-year reign.



Getty Images Nancy Reagan and Queen Elizabeth ll aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1983. Nancy Reagan and Queen Elizabeth ll aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1983.

Design-wise, the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara looks slightly different than it did back in 1893. Most notably, the topper was originally created with 14 fine drop pearls that were later removed by Queen Mary in 1914. The pearls were subsequently attached to her new Lover's Knot tiara, which is one of only five tiaras ever worn by Kate Middleton.

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Most recently, the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara came out of the archive thanks to Queen Camilla, who selected it for a banquet during German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's state visit in December 2025. The headpiece dazzled alongside the Oriental Circlet tiara, which was selected by the Princess of Wales on account of its connection to the royal family's German heritage.

Getty Images King Charles III and Queen Camilla with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender at a state banquet in 2025. King Charles III and Queen Camilla with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender at a state banquet in 2025.

According to Crisscut Magazine, the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara is worth approximately $10 million today. From its late 19th century origins to its appearance on the 5 note, here's everything you should know about Queen Elizabeth II's favorite tiara.

It was a wedding gift to Queen Mary.

In 1893, then-Princess Mary and her fiance, then-Prince George, said "I do" at St. James's Palace in London, England. Among their dazzling array of wedding gifts was the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. The diamond and pearl headpiece had been funded by the women's committee of the same name, led by Lady Eva Greville and created by the iconic crown jeweler Garrard.

Garrard later noted that the topper was described in the Royal Ledger as "a diamond band and scroll pattern tiara surmounted by fine drop pearls," adding that it could be worn as either necklace or a coronet.

The original version included pearls that now feature in one of Kate Middleton's tiaras.

Getty Images Queen Mary wearing the the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara circa 1926. Queen Mary wearing the the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara circa 1926.

Though the headpiece is now made entirely of diamonds, the original design included 14 of the aforementioned fine drop pearls along the top of the tiara. The update came in 1914 when Queen Mary asked Garrard to remove the pearls and replace them with diamonds. The pearls were then repurposed into the Lover's Knot tiara, which was created that same year and has since become a go-to piece for Catherine, Princess of Wales. Most recently, she wore it in the summer of 2025 to a state banquet honoring French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte.

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In the 1920s, meanwhile, the base of the tiara was detached from the rest of the topper so that it could be worn separately as a bandeau (a type of headband or tiara that is narrow and worn across the forehead).

Queen Mary gave it to then-Princess Elizabeth on her wedding day.

Though then-Princess Mary did not wear the tiara on her wedding day, it soon became one of her favorites. The future monarch wore it to the coronation of her father, King Edward VII, in 1902, and again for an official portrait in 1912, shortly after her own coronation in 1910.

Queen Mary continued to wear the tiara for another four decades before gifting it to her granddaughter Princess Elizabeth on her wedding day in 1947. The royal, who would become Queen Elizabeth II just five years later, in 1952, took an immediate liking to the headpiece.

Queen Elizabeth II really made the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara her own, Claire Scott, Design and Development Director at Garrard, once said. Instantly recognizable from her official portraits, the fleur-de-lis is a classic motif that features prominently in the British Crown Jewels.



It was one of Queen Elizabeth II's favorite tiaras.

Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visiting Sierra Leone in 1961. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visiting Sierra Leone in 1961.

In February 1952, Queen Elizabeth II wore her beloved tiara for her first official portrait as Great Britain's new sovereign. According to The Court Jeweler, the resulting photos were repurposed for everything from stamps to bank notes, and the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara thus became "closely associated with the young monarch's image."

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The late queen went on to wear the tiara countless times, including on royal visits to countries such as Canada, Sierra Leone, Luxembourg, Singapore, Ireland, Germany, and the United States. She also reattached the bandeau to the topper in the late 1960s, thus reuniting the two pieces that had been separated some 40 years prior for an even more dazzling headpiece.



It was featured on the 5 note.

Aside from its prominent role in the jewelry collections of several monarchs, the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara is also iconic for another reason: its appearance on the 5 note. From 2016 until the late monarch's death in 2022, the paper note featured a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the tiara on one side, with Winston Churchill on the reverse. In 2024, her image was replaced with that of her successor (and son), King Charles III.

Queen Camilla debuted the tiara in 2023.

Getty Images Queen Camilla wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara in 2023. Queen Camilla wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara in 2023.

Following Queen Elizabeth II's passing in 2022, King Charles III ascended the throne. His wife Queen Camilla subsequently debuted the late monarch's favorite topper at a special reception celebrating the couple's coronation the following year. In 2025, she reached for it a second time during the German state visit that December.

Read the original article on InStyle
There may be a new twist in the Oscar mystery surrounding Richard Gere. For years, its been speculated that the Golden Globe Award winner had been banned from that event by the Academy.

Its believed this ban was imposed in 1993 when the Chicago actor went off script to speak out about Chinas policies in Tibet. While his speech garnered applause from the audience, the Oscars producer, the late Gil Cates, reportedly didnt like this move. Itd been alleged for years that Richard wouldnt get invited back for this reason. However, a new report questions whether any of this was true.

Richard Gere was never banned from the Oscars, claim multiple sources

Photo Credit: Medios y Media/Getty Images

Gil may not have approved of Richards presence, but it seems like he was in the minority on that front. Richard was never banned from the Oscars, an insider close to the actor revealed to Page Six. This was confirmed by a source connected to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

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This news comes after Richard said in an interview last week that he didnt take his alleged ban personally. He added that hes never intended to harm anyone with his words. Gil apparently wasnt a fan of actors using the Oscars to speak up about world causes. Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins previously gave speeches at the event criticizing the American government for holding HIV positive Haitian refugees at Guantanamo Bay.

Richard, who is reportedly banned from China, attended the 2003 Oscar ceremony when Chicago won Best Picture. He returned in 2013 for a reunion with the cast. In 2012, he was a special guest at a screening of An Officer and a Gentleman.

In April, the Pretty Woman actor said he was enjoying the new chapter of his life in Spain, his wife Alejandra Silvas home country. Richard is currently promoting his new movie, Wisdom of Happiness, about his longtime close friend, the Dalai Lama. It is eligible for an Oscar nomination in the Best Documentary category.

TELL US  DO YOU THINK WELL EVER SEE RICHARD GERE ON STAGE PRESENTING AN AWARD AT THE OSCARS?

The post Richard Gere Accused of Lying Over Supposed Oscars Ban appeared first on Reality Tea.
Kandi Burruss estranged husband Todd Tucker might have a fighting chance at winning his prenuptial argument in their ongoing divorce  but itll be tricky, legal experts warn.

Any time a person signs a prenuptial agreement days or hours before their wedding, they are creating an argument to be made later that they were under duress or undue pressure to sign the document, Holly Davis, founding partner of Kirker Davis LLP, who is not connected to the former couples divorce case, exclusively tells Us Weekly.

She noted that this legal argument only holds weight if Tucker can prove his argument meets certain factors.

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While she believes Tucker, 52, had ample time and opportunity to call his attorney before signing the prenup ahead of their 2014 wedding, Davis said, In the rare chance that Kandis lawyer fraudulently asserted that Todds attorney had signed off on the terms of the prenup when they had not, it might have a chance to win.

RHOAs Kandi Burruss Details Being Emotionally Broken Amid Todd Tucker Divorce: I Internalize

However, in her opinion, The fact that Todd had an attorney on retainer and had been discussing the prenuptial agreement with him for months preceding the wedding makes his argument a losing one.

Atty K. Bruggemann, partner at Gallet Dreyer & Berkey LLP, who has not worked with the estranged couple, agrees, telling Us it could come down to the unaired Bravo footage that Burruss, 49, is using in their divorce battle.

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Because Georgia requires full financial disclosure, voluntariness, and the absence of coercion, Todd would need to show that one of these elements was missing when he signed, she says. This is where the wedding-related footage becomes significant: if the footage depicts Kandi or her family exerting undue pressure, setting last-minute deadlines, or presenting the prenup under emotionally charged circumstances Todds argument could be persuasive.

The attorney also says that footage from The Real Housewives of Atlanta and five-part reality television wedding documentary, Kandis Wedding, could help Tucker.

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Similarly, if the footage or other evidence suggests he did not fully understand the financial terms, did not have a realistic opportunity to consult independent counsel, or was rushed into signing without negotiation, Georgia courts may view those factors as weakening the agreements enforceability, she adds. The #1 issue Todd would have to prove to challenge the prenup is involuntariness  that he was pressured, threatened, or coerced into signing coupled with the lack of time to negotiate, consult with counsel and understand the draft he ultimately signed.

She continues, The particularly interesting part of this issue is what the raw footage captured, what producers can testify to, and if there was any dramatic effect put into the edited footage that can be contradicted by witnesses to show that any panic, coercion, or intensity in that moment was inserted for dramatic effect and that all was settled prior to Todds signing.

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Yonatan S. Levoritz, a New Yorkbased divorce attorney who specializes in high-conflict, high-asset custody disputes and prenup litigation, tells Us that Tuckers prenup claim may have some validity as the lack of counsel is but one factor for the court to consider.

While having counsel is an important right it is not the be all and end all of the argument. The agreement would have to be one-sided in favor Kandi in terms of the rights or deprivation of rights under the agreement. Therefore, if the agreement was lopsided and deprived Todd of significant marital wealth and he was unaware of the terms and Kandi had counsel present that could be enough to increase his odds at overturning the agreement, Levortiz, who is not involved in their divorce case, says.

RHOA Alum Kandi Burruss Ex Todd Tucker Demands Primary Custody, Questions Prenupital Agreement

Burruss filed for divorce from Tucker on November 21.

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As Us first reported, while Tucker acknowledged he was given the prenup before their April 2014 wedding, he claims his lawyer was not present when he was given with the final draft.

The former RHOA star brushed off those claims, alleging that Tucker audibly announced that he was good to sign the prenup during a private encounter with her and after talking to his lawyer on and off camera.

Besides the prenup, Burruss and Tucker are also fighting over custody of their two children: son Ace, 9, and daughter Blaze, 6. (Burrus is also mom to daughter Riley, 23, from a previous relationship.)

He is demanding primary custody of Ace and Blaze, claiming his exs work schedule will require her to be away from the kids for several months.

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Burruss, who had initially asked for joint custody, later changed her request to sole custody.

She argued that each of their careers have required them to travel away from the home for extended period of times, independently and jointly, prior to and after the births of both of the minor children.

Burruss also noted they have a nanny and their kids have a diverse and concentrated family support network, which includes maternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins within a five to 20-mile radius of the family residence.

After ending their 11-year marriage, the exes put their differences aside and celebrated Thanksgiving together.
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Wagner Moura is suavely undeterrable in The Secret Agent. | Credit: Neon / Everett

The Secret Agent

Directed by Kleber Mendonca Filho (R)





This is one of the years best films, and one of the most distinctive, said Matt Zoller Seitz in RogerEbert.com. An award winner at Cannes, the sixth feature from Brazilian writer-director Kleber Mendonca Filho is a drama, a satire, an intriguingly laid-back espionage film, and a re-creation of a time and place, yet thats not all. Wagner Moura stars as a young widower on the run who returns to his home city to check on his young son in 1977, during Brazils brutal dictatorship. Murder is everywhere, a constant threat. But Mendonca is less focused on the violence than how people learn to adapt to it, and if youre willing to bend with the story, The Secret Agent will take you places movies rarely go. Moura, whose

character goes by the alias Marcelo, carries the film with a star turn of suave determination, said Richard Brody in The New Yorker.

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But Mendonca has made a political thriller thats overflowing with sharply drawn characters, including the elderly den mother of the safe house Marcelo moves into, a female neighbor who takes an interest in Marcelo, and a corrupt police chief. Mendoncas wandering focus brings history to life with bracing immediacy, a feat all the more impressive because of his films audacious twists of cinematic form, including a hallucinatory sequence in which a severed human leg itself turns murderous. The filmmakers refusal to present a traditional thriller payoff may frustrate some viewers, said Nick Schager in The Daily Beast. Though its a surprising choice, its in keeping with The Secret Agents depiction of the way in which dictatorships torment and destroy via denial.

Zootopia 2

Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard (PG)





Sometimes more of the same isnt a bad thing, said Amelia Emberwing in The Wrap. The original Zootopia, after all, was a 2016 megahit that won

the Oscar for an animated feature while delivering a powerful message about the dangers of discrimination. And while the long-awaited sequel doesnt break new ground, theres a lot to love in Zootopia 2. The movie returns us to a colorful city populated by anthropomorphized animals. Its

animation is bright and pop-y. And it didnt have to back off its core message to haul in $560 million in its first five days, the largest-ever launch for an animated film. Unfortunately, the sweetness of the original is absent in the sequel, said Soren Andersen in The Seattle Times.

Sure, it still features Judy the lovable bunny cop, and shes paired again

with Nick, a fox whos learning to be less cynical, but this movie sags when the pair pause the action to analyze the state of their partnership. The rest of the time, the film seeks to bowl the audience over with

noise, velocity, and an insistent tone that winds up being kind of irritating. But Zootopia 2 has the kind of heart that has too long seemed to be missing from other Disney animated offerings, said Kate Erbland in IndieWire. Not only is there real care put into developing Judy and Nicks relationship, but this time the duo are also digging into a secret history that explains why there are no reptiles in their city, giving real weight

to the films messaging. Thats not to imply that Zootopia 2 isnt funny, zippy, and highly enjoyable. To me, it most certainly is.
Actor Norman Reedus rode through Las Cruces in March, caught lunch at Sparky's Burgers in Hatch, toured Spaceport America and took in Riverbend Hot Springs while filming "Ride with Norman Reedus."

It's just one of the appearances Las Cruces made on the small screen, with plenty more cameos planned for the big screen.

Norman Reedus with Zahn McClarnon at Spaceport America filming a new episode of Ride with Norman Reedus in La Cruces, New Mexico on (I believe) March 1st.

 Spaceport America | Facebook#normanreedus #ridewithnormanreedus #zahnmcclarnon pic.twitter.com/1YUSmsbmDU  Norman Reedus Network | Fansite (@reedusnetwork) March 10, 2025

Film Las Cruces officials said Las Cruces was the shooting locations for an AARP commercial and several films this year.

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New Mexico's film and television industry generated nearly 8,000 jobs since state tax credits became available and attracted new film opportunities to the area, according to an economic impact report by the New Mexico Film Office. Nearly $6 billion in production spending was reported in New Mexico between 2021 and 2025.

In Las Cruces, 828 Productions planned to invest $75 million to build a studio over the next six years, a move that would generate about 100 jobs in the city. There were 76 productions in the state in 2025, according to the report with an average total budget of $4.25 million. Feature films account for about 46% of projects filmed in the state.

Here's what was filmed in Las Cruces in 2025.

'Protector'

Actress Mila Jovovich in "Protector." The film was partially shot in New Mexico.

Mila Jovovich plays a war hero and mom in "Protector" filmed in Las Cruces in February. In the film Jovovich's character Nikki has 72 hours to rescue her daughter from human traffickers.

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The release date for the film hasn't yet been announced but a first look promo video reveals the familiar desert landscape of Dona Ana County.

'A Better Place'

Over 100 New Mexicans took part in the filming of "A Better Place." The "dark comedy thriller" stars Theo Rossi, Billy Campbell and Rosaline Elbay. It is directed by Anton Sigurdsson.

This isn't Rossi's first time in Las Cruces; In 2022 he starred in "Squealer," a horror movie filmed in the region.

No release date for "A Better Place" has been announced.

More: Here's what to know about 'Squealer' and 'Bad Hombres,' the movies filming in Las Cruces

'Night Driver'

Alyssa Milano, Josh Lucas and David Arquette star in "Night Driver," a psychological thriller directed by Jeremy Weiss.

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The film wrapped its shooting in Las Cruces in September 2025. No release date has been announced.

More: What's filming in Las Cruces? Two films being shot locally

'Dead Letters'

Actress Margo Martindale in "Dead Letters" a film shot in New Mexico in 2025.

Filmed in locations across New Mexico "Dead Letters" tells the story of a long-haul truck driver who contemplates the parole of the man who killed her daughter years before.

The film that employed hundreds of New Mexicans stars Margo Martindale, Stephen Root, Cole Sprouse, Yalitza Aparicio, Jefferson White and Wes Studi.

The film is directed by David Drake.

'Dead Letters' is a powerful example of the kind of impactful storytelling that New Mexico attracts. We are proud that our states talented film professionals and stunning locations draw productions that entertain and illuminate human experiences," said Steve Graham, director of the New Mexico Film Office.

'Don't Forget Me Tomorrow'

Adapted from the novel "Don't Forget Me Tomorrow" by A.L. Jackson, the film of the same name stars Charlotte Kirk and Jesse Kove. It is directed by Travis Mills.

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Filming in New Mexico began in August, according to a post by Mills.

"This is an adaptation that is loosely based on the book with more of a thriller angle than the romance you know," said Jackson in a July 2025 Facebook post.

No release date for the film has been announced.

'Followed'

Director Andrew Jara wrapped the filming of "Followed" in Las Cruces in May.

Bianca Dumais stars alongside Nicolas Check in the short film that tells the story of a streamer whose stalker hijacks a live broadcast.

Over 20 New Mexicans were employed on the shoot, and the acting and directing talent is homegrown.

More: Filming wraps on thriller 'Followed,' made by New Mexico talent in Las Cruces

'Generational Difficulties'

The film directed by David J. Murphy generated about 40 local jobs.

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The cast includes Dylan Scanlon, Philipp Karner, Julie Stevens and Sofia Prieto.

The film was shot between July and August and was billed as a "heartfelt sci-fi dramedy." Murphy told KRQE that the film was really about "what it's like to grow up and deal with the various difficulties and traumas and adventures that can happen as you grow up."

"The film focuses on three men and a boy as they strive to repair their fractured relationships," an announcement from the New Mexico Film Office stated.

https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/2025/09/04/followed-short-film-wraps-las-cruces-production/85868631007/

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Some of the information in this article was provided by Film Las Cruces. To learn more about Film Las Cruces visit https://filmlascruces.com/.

Jessica Onsurez is editor of the Las Cruces Sun-News. Follow her on X at @jussGREAT.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: What was filmed in Las Cruces in 2025? Here's seven productions.
DAMASCUS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Three unidentified projectiles landed near the Mezzeh Military Airport west of the Syrian capital Damascus Tuesday evening, without causing casualties or material damage, the state-run news agency SANA reported.

Specialized security units have been deployed in the area and opened an investigation to determine the origin of the projectiles, SANA quoted a source as saying.

Separately, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, reported that explosions were heard after shells fell near the airport, but said there was no immediate confirmation of casualties or the nature of the attack.

Authorities have cordoned off the area as investigations continue. No group has claimed responsibility for the shelling. 
Forget dogs  in The Tale of Silyan, mans new best friend is the stork. The lyrical documentary from Oscar nominee Tamara Kotevska (Honeyland) returns to her North Macedonia home in crafting the portrait of 60-year-old Nikola Conev, a hardworking farmer struggling to keep his family afloat amid harsh environmental conditions and government intervention. The film potently speaks to universal concerns around the impact of climate change and the brutal economic realities being faced by rural communities, but its most distinctive aspect  the bond that develops between Nikola, after his family leaves for better opportunities abroad, and the films titular wounded stork  is anything but a downer.

Kotevska and her frequent collaborator, cinematographer Jean Dakar, started out by simply following storks around to study their shifting migration patterns and their increased feeding from landfills. The storks brought us to the human world, Kotevska says, because the species typically lives off of farms but has suffered in parallel to humans because of their diminishment.

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The official environmental organization of North Macedonia gave the filmmakers a map of the stork nests in the country, and they spent years tracking packs.

The movie feels as much like a nature documentary as it does a character study. Silyan is characterized by lingering, intimate shots of the storks in action, their timeless beauty bumping up against modernity. Its hard to believe theyre as unmoved as they seem by the cameras in their faces and the drones flying overhead.

We were filming three generations of storks, because storks tend to come back to the same nests, Dakar says. We took advantage of this because they familiarized themselves with us, with our way of work, with our equipment. Thats how we ended up getting closer and closer. One generation of storks actually grew up with us. They were completely unfazed.

The entire filming process took about three years. For most of that time, the project was unfunded  with Kotevska and Dakar reliant only on each others continued interest. Wed sleep in the van. We just went for months, lost in the wilderness, because it did require a lot of commitment, Kotevska says. You have to be ready to go outside the system, to the point of self-funding it for one or two years, until some producer or distributor comes on board.

Gradually, the process formalized and led the filmmakers to Nikola, whose daughter and son-in-law leave for Germany early on in the film to pursue a better life. Then, Nikolas wife decides to join them and help with childcare. Its a subtly devastating scene, since the filmmakers are inside the family home when this news breaks. We ended up spending a great deal of time with Nikola and his wife, so much so that we managed to break the barrier and ended up getting physically close when we were shooting, Dakar says. The more time youre spending with them, the more natural and organic the collaboration becomes.

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Its quite similar to the way Dakar describes building a rapport with the storks. For these storytellers, it was one and the same.

We were accepted as part of their family, Kotevska adds. They didnt have issues showing all of this. They wanted to show their struggles, including the falling apart of the family, [which happened] because of these government issues.

In gorgeous close-ups, we see a solitary Nikola lovingly nurse Silyan the stork back to health, rediscovering his own sense of purpose along that journey. Kotevska remembers one day of shooting as a kind of miracle, when Dakar captured a flock of storks flying off a landfill and onto Nikolas land in real time after spotting Silyan. The hopeful image calls back to when Nikola first found Silyan injured in a landfill.

There were surely others, but theres a whole lot that we dont get to witness  and thats where Dakars fondest memories lie. What you see here is just the tip of the iceberg, he says. Ninety percent of it is just research and observing and studying the animals  their behavior, feeding times, blah, blah, blah. Which I guess can seem boring. But I really loved it.

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This story first appeared in a December stand-alone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

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Writer-director Tarik Salehs Cairo Conspiracy, also known Boy From Heaven, put his Cairo trilogy on the world stage when it became Egypts submission for the 2022 international feature Oscar and advanced to the shortlist. This year, the Swedish Film Institutes Oscar committee selected the trilogys final chapter, Eagles of the Republic, as Swedens 2026 Oscar contender.

The political thriller dives into the heart of the Egyptian film industry and follows Egypts biggest movie star, played by Fares Fares, as hes pulled into a labyrinth of corruption and state-driven propaganda after being pushed to lead a government-commissioned film. His descent becomes even more dangerous when he begins an affair with the enigmatic wife of the general controlling the production. The cast includes Lyna Khoudri, Amr Waked, Zineb Triki, Cherien Dabis and Sherwan Haji.

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Shot in Istanbul and completed in Gothenburg, Eagles of the Republic premiered in competition at Cannes before heading to festivals including Toronto. The score is by two-time Academy Award winner Alexandre Desplat, and Playtime is handling international sales.

Saleh, born in Stockholm to a Swedish mother and Egyptian father, spoke with THR about confronting power, life in exile, the strange resonance of recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the role filmmakers must play in a post-truth era.

I find it interesting that you made a film about a film star and the making of a film, so theres all sorts of meta stuff. And you are currently in Hollywood to screen it. Can you talk a little bit about that experience?



Yes, I am actually one of the rare filmmakers, even here in America, who has actually worked here a lot. Its very rare that people have shot in Hollywood. I did when I directed Westworld, and then when I did reshoots for The Contractor during COVID. I was staying in the same hotel that I am in right now, the Roosevelt, which is this Hollywood hotel that has all these rumors of being haunted.

But the screenings I have had here have been magical, because in so many ways, this film is almost an homage to something like Sunset Boulevard. I am obsessed with Billy Wilder and with the way he was playing with fiction and truth. He had this tension between the two, and people dont realize it now. When you revisit Sunset Boulevard now, you realize how authentic that film is, what a dark portrait of this city it is. Cecil B. DeMille plays himself in the film, and he was trying to get Greta Garbo to play Norma Desmond. It was all that playing with reality in a way.

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What Im trying to do is tell fictional stories in the real world. So, it was really moving to show the film here, because people feel so much love for cinema in this city. This is the mecca of film. And, at the same time, we feel the threats. Because when truth is under attack, in the news, in politics, then all of a sudden the question is: What is our role in telling fictional stories? If what is being told by politicians is fiction, what are we going to do? Are we going to start to do reality? It is a complicated relationship, and of course, thats partly what the film is about. Its about when youre forced, as an artist, to do propaganda.

Watching Eagles of the Republic and looking around the world nearly felt like you timed the film to the post-truth age

Unfortunately. I wasnt very happy about that. When I wrote the script and when I directed it, I did not know where the world was going to head. I knew what was happening in Egypt. I knew that there was always this tension there, because the film industry in Egypt is one of the biggest film industries in the world. It serves one billion people with cinema and television. Of course, these mega stars in Egypt become iconic in a way that can only be compared to Hollywoods Golden Age. People project their dreams onto them. And the Egyptian army is huge. It is one of the 10 biggest armies in the world.

When [Abdel Fattah] El-Sisi took power through a military coup [in 2013], the first thing he did was to decide that the army was going to take control of the film industry. And the Army has an [affiliated] company that is called United, which accounts for 30 percent of the countrys economy. Its a huge problem. When they took over the film industry, it was like mobsters took over the big studios and production companies. The first thing they decided to do was a propaganda television series of El-Sisis rise to power.

And your film mirrors a lot of what happened with that project?

El-Sisi is a short man, 166 [centimeters, about 5 4]. And he looks like me  bald. And so, of course, they decided to cast this tall, handsome actor with a lot of hair on his head whos one of Egypts biggest movie stars.

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The absurdity is that, just a month ago, he was elected into parliament, as a sort of sign of appreciation for his patriotic services. Some of my colleagues in Egypt were working on that television series, and I knew that they hated the president, but they had been forced to do this. When I started writing the script, I realized, Oh, my God, this is about all of us, in a way. Because we are living in this time now, and we have a privilege. The question is not about the people who dont have a choice. Thats not an interesting, dramatic proposal.

The interesting proposal is for us who have a choice is: will we speak up? Will we stand up? Because it can have consequences if you have a leader who is willing to go after people who criticize him, and we see that every day now. Unfortunately, we see it in the West too, and I was surprised to see how fast it went. I thought people were going to be more resilient, but the film industry has always had that complication. Because its so expensive to make films, that is part of the negotiation we have: how much can we bite the hand that feeds us? Its an interesting conflict.

You live in Sweden and arent allowed in Egypt, right? Can you explain your situation for those who are not familiar with what happened?

I was thrown out of Egypt in 2015 [before The Nile Hilton Incident, the first film in the Cairo trilogy, came out]. So, its 10 years now that I havent been able to go back. Of course, its heartbreaking because I love Egypt, and I love the people of Egypt. Its a big part of me, and I want to show it to my daughters, their second country. People ask me: Was it worth it? Was it worth it making these three films and not being able to return? And I always tell them: No, it wasnt worth it. But sometimes you have to do it anyway.

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You have to do it because as artists we have only one obligation, and its to our audience. Thats it. Because art is an intimate conversation with a stranger. It has to be absolutely honest. And if youre not willing to pay the price, [you] should be working on something else.

Hannah Arendt, when she wrote about trying to understand how Nazism and fascism could become so big, she said the perfect subject for tyranny is not a committed Nazi or committed Communist. The perfect subject is someone who has stopped making a distinction between truth and fiction, because once that happens, you can be told myths about the others and that they are your enemy, and that you have to extinguish them.

This is so dangerous, and thats why, if we as artists are not willing to say The Emperor is naked. The Emperor is not who he says he is, then who will? Just the other day, I saw that journalist ask this question in the Oval Office of [Saudi Crown Prince] Mohammed bin Salman. What a brave woman! She knew she was going to get attacked. I think thats real bravery.

Im a filmmaker, and I love cinema. So for me, this film is also so much an homage to cinema itself and the power of cinema. It is also playing with the concept of a movie star and the relationship between an actor and a director.

Are you really done with the Cairo trilogy, or is there a chance that we will get to see a fourth movie in the series?

I am done with the trilogy. Ive always dreamt of going to Alexandria, because that is really my favorite city in Egypt  the city of Broken Dreams. Thats also a very good place for noir. What Im writing now is about protagonists who actually have plans. In these three films, in a way, things happen to the characters. The films in the trilogy are about men who bend until they break. Cairos Arabic name al-Qahirah means the defeater. So, its about how when you come to Cairo, you get defeated. Have you been to Cairo?

No, I havent. But my father, who grew up in Communist Hungary, says it has been his favorite city to visit abroad.

All of Central Europe, especially Romania, not so much Hungary, had a big relationship with Egypt during the socialist era. So, if you go to Egypt, you will probably recognize some things that you probably find in Hungary too. You have this country with an amazing history. Then comes the plan economy of communism, with these block buildings and control and all that stuff, and then raw capitalism after that, the most vulgar version of capitalism. I think thats part of why the West has been so nice to El-Sisi, because you can go and have a Frappuccino at Starbucks and go to the Imax theater in the big shopping malls. But if you criticize the president, you get picked up in the middle of the night. So, its sort of the new version of tyranny.

You shot Eagles of the Republic in Turkey?

Yes, its shot in Istanbul, and it was amazing. The whole military parade is shot at Ataturk Airport. I am a military parade fanatic. Im a connoisseur when it comes to military parades.

Wait, what?! Tell me more about that, please.

Its horrible with military parades  they show and project power to your own people. Its not about showing other countries [strength]. Its about putting your own people in place. The idea is a display of power to silence people.

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China does the best military parades in the world. Its great staging. I mean, as a director, they are extremely impressive. And the second best in the world are the Russians. Of course, they are exceptional at it. And then the North Koreans are in third place, and Egypt I would place number four. France is five.

But America is very far down that list, because America actually uses its army to invade countries rather than do parades. Its the best military in the world, but they dont parade.

Is there anything else youd like to mention or highlight, before we wrap up?

Im a cinema activist. I would say that a country without cinemas is a country without a soul. And there [are] companies that want us to isolate ourselves with our phones. Because [when] we get lonely, we get angry. Whereas when we go into a cinema together with strangers, we travel to a different place. We are someone else for two hours. That is an act of empathy. I think it expanded my horizon in a way that Im eternally thankful for.

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Now, when I make films, the idea that if you can be an Egyptian movie star for two hours, even if he takes the wrong decisions, you can go out from the cinema wherever you are  whether you are in London, Los Angeles or Zimbabwe  and think about How does this relate to my life and to the decisions Im taking? That is whats unique with cinema, and thats why I believe that we have to fight for cinema in cinemas.

Check out more international Oscar contenders:

Italys Oscar Contender Familia Takes a Genre-Bending Deep Dive Into Trauma and Abuse

Croatias Oscar Contender Fiume o morte! Dives Into History for a Timely Study of Populist Autocracy

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Egypts Oscar Hopeful Happy Birthday Follows an 8-Year-Old Maid Who Is a Class Act in a World of Classism

In Estonias Oscar Submission Rolling Papers, Young People Face Existential Questions

Why Lithuanian Oscar Contender The Southern Chronicles Looks Like a Film From the 1990s

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They said it couldnt be done, but this weekend, Billy McFarland did the impossible: He threw a music festival that, by all accounts, went off more or less as advertised. Granted, it wasnt advertised for that long before it actually happened and it wasnt particularly well attended. And granted, plenty of music festivals have happened without descending into disaster or being the subject of multiple documentaries about how they went so wrong, but not for Billy McFarland. The Fyre Festival founder and fraudster pulled off his PHNX Festival in Honduras on Saturday night, complete with food and bathrooms.

Whether the PHNX Festival was a success or not, however, depends on whether youre judging by McFarland standards or those by which youd judge any other event. Attendees seem to have numbered in the tens or dozens, depending on whos counting. (In more seriousness, Consequence estimates that there were a few hundred people on site.) French Montana, Bobby Shmurda, and Slim Jxmmi (of Rae Sremmurd fame) all performed. The concert was livestreamed for $7, with Consequence also estimating that there were around 100 active viewers at the streams peak. There was also a smattering of technical issues and power outages, but none so bad as to cause hundreds of people rushing back to a Bahamian airport, so we suppose we can call this an overall win for McFarland. As of July, the Fyre founder owed about $20 million in restitution; hopefully PHNX provides at least a few drops into that bucket.
The white package that arrived at Mattias Krantzs home in Sweden after a five-hour flight contained an octopus that Krantz saved from becoming someones meal.

The white package that arrived at Mattias Krantzs home in Sweden after a five-hour flight contained an octopus that Krantz saved from becoming someones meal.

Krantzs hopes for the octopus, which he named Takoyaki, were high  maybe unreasonably so. Within about six months, Krantz wanted Takoyaki to play the piano so well that the animal could perform Under the Sea and the theme from the movie Jaws.

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Krantzs hopes for the octopus, which he named Takoyaki, were high  maybe unreasonably so. Within about six months, Krantz wanted Takoyaki to play the piano so well that the animal could perform Under the Sea and the theme from the movie Jaws.

Krantz, who typically makes YouTube videos playing instruments he modifies, had long wanted to teach piano to an animal. Krantz said octopuses, whose eight arms can each act somewhat independently because of the neurons inside them, had the most potential.

Krantz, who typically makes YouTube videos playing instruments he modifies, had long wanted to teach piano to an animal. Krantz said octopuses, whose eight arms can each act somewhat independently because of the neurons inside them, had the most potential.

But the task proved more difficult  and fulfilling  than Krantz imagined, requiring hundreds of hours and a wealth of patience. His YouTube video detailing the teaching process has more than 6 million views.

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But the task proved more difficult  and fulfilling  than Krantz imagined, requiring hundreds of hours and a wealth of patience. His YouTube video detailing the teaching process has more than 6 million views.

It was probably the worst thing Ive ever done, and maybe the coolest thing, but also the worst ever, Krantz, 28, told The Washington Post. I never pushed myself to such limits.

It was probably the worst thing Ive ever done, and maybe the coolest thing, but also the worst ever, Krantz, 28, told The Washington Post. I never pushed myself to such limits.

Krantz purchased Takoyaki from a Portuguese fishery in March; he did not buy the octopus from a Korean market as is depicted in his YouTube video. Once Krantz got the octopus into his home, he dumped the creature into a roughly 110-gallon tank containing rocks, sand and dog toys. The tank was connected to machines that filtered water and removed octopus waste.

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Krantz purchased Takoyaki from a Portuguese fishery in March; he did not buy the octopus from a Korean market as is depicted in his YouTube video. Once Krantz got the octopus into his home, he dumped the creature into a roughly 110-gallon tank containing rocks, sand and dog toys. The tank was connected to machines that filtered water and removed octopus waste.

Youre going to be the greatest pianist the sea has ever known, Krantz told Takoyaki, which he nicknamed Tako.

Youre going to be the greatest pianist the sea has ever known, Krantz told Takoyaki, which he nicknamed Tako.

But first, Krantz had to earn Takos trust.

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But first, Krantz had to earn Takos trust.

On the first day in its tank, Tako hid behind rocks and didnt eat the small crabs and mussels Krantz had fished off Swedens southern coast. Tako began eating on the second day, and soon Krantz gave Tako a simple task to judge whether the octopus was up for the piano challenge: Take a plastic lid off a glass jar containing crab and shrimp. Tako passed the test after about three days.

On the first day in its tank, Tako hid behind rocks and didnt eat the small crabs and mussels Krantz had fished off Swedens southern coast. Tako began eating on the second day, and soon Krantz gave Tako a simple task to judge whether the octopus was up for the piano challenge: Take a plastic lid off a glass jar containing crab and shrimp. Tako passed the test after about three days.

Krantz then designed a piano key on his computer, 3D-printed it and set it down in the tank. When Tako touched the key on the second day, Krantz gave the octopus a treat. But Krantz wanted Tako to push the key to play a note, so he added a white lever that Tako wrapped its arms around and pulled to make a sound (Tako also broke the key off its mount a few times and hid it under rocks).

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Krantz then designed a piano key on his computer, 3D-printed it and set it down in the tank. When Tako touched the key on the second day, Krantz gave the octopus a treat. But Krantz wanted Tako to push the key to play a note, so he added a white lever that Tako wrapped its arms around and pulled to make a sound (Tako also broke the key off its mount a few times and hid it under rocks).

After that first success, Krantz built Tako a 15-key piano  a process Tako seemed to watch closely by pressing its body against the glass. But when Krantz placed the piano in the tank, Tako sat on it instead of playing it.

After that first success, Krantz built Tako a 15-key piano  a process Tako seemed to watch closely by pressing its body against the glass. But when Krantz placed the piano in the tank, Tako sat on it instead of playing it.

So Krantz tried different approaches.

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So Krantz tried different approaches.

First, he added a blue underwater speaker that allowed Tako  whose species has poor hearing  to feel a vibration when the octopus played a key. Tako began playing random notes, Krantz said, but he wanted Tako to play particular keys to form a melody.

First, he added a blue underwater speaker that allowed Tako  whose species has poor hearing  to feel a vibration when the octopus played a key. Tako began playing random notes, Krantz said, but he wanted Tako to play particular keys to form a melody.

Krantz added symbols to the keys he wanted Tako to play  circles, crosses and stripes  which Tako didnt respond to. Krantz even added pictures of an orange crab to the keys. The octopus was interested in the pictures but not in playing the keys.

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Krantz added symbols to the keys he wanted Tako to play  circles, crosses and stripes  which Tako didnt respond to. Krantz even added pictures of an orange crab to the keys. The octopus was interested in the pictures but not in playing the keys.

But one thing seemed to grab Takos attention: movement. When a bubble formed in the tank, Tako chased it.

But one thing seemed to grab Takos attention: movement. When a bubble formed in the tank, Tako chased it.

So, with fishing wire, Krantz wiggled the lever on the keys he wanted Tako to play. It worked  despite Tako also spending time playing the wires like a harp. (Marine scientist Jenny Hofmeister said octopuses are attracted to movement because it might signal prey.)

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So, with fishing wire, Krantz wiggled the lever on the keys he wanted Tako to play. It worked  despite Tako also spending time playing the wires like a harp. (Marine scientist Jenny Hofmeister said octopuses are attracted to movement because it might signal prey.)

After a week, Tako played two notes in a row. After two weeks, Tako played a pair of notes simultaneously.

After a week, Tako played two notes in a row. After two weeks, Tako played a pair of notes simultaneously.

But in the following weeks  after about four months of training  Tako plateaued.

But in the following weeks  after about four months of training  Tako plateaued.

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Plus  as expected from an octopus  Tako wasnt focused on learning the instrument. Tako wrapped its arms around the GoPro camera in its tank, squirted water at Krantz, and, once, escaped the tank and hid in a cupboard.

Plus  as expected from an octopus  Tako wasnt focused on learning the instrument. Tako wrapped its arms around the GoPro camera in its tank, squirted water at Krantz, and, once, escaped the tank and hid in a cupboard.

Krantz lost hope that Tako could learn to play.

Krantz lost hope that Tako could learn to play.

But Tako stared at the piano, which sat on the ground beside the tank, throughout the day, appearing to want to play at the usual 6 p.m. training time, Krantz said. So Krantz experimented with a new strategy.

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But Tako stared at the piano, which sat on the ground beside the tank, throughout the day, appearing to want to play at the usual 6 p.m. training time, Krantz said. So Krantz experimented with a new strategy.

The one thing Im really good at is insane stubbornness, Krantz said.

The one thing Im really good at is insane stubbornness, Krantz said.

In early August, he placed an acrylic tube inside the tank and inserted a crab  Takos favorite treat  at the top. When Tako played a key, Krantz lowered the crab closer to the bottom of the tube. Krantz called his device the crab elevator.

In early August, he placed an acrylic tube inside the tank and inserted a crab  Takos favorite treat  at the top. When Tako played a key, Krantz lowered the crab closer to the bottom of the tube. Krantz called his device the crab elevator.

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Tako initially tried to retrieve the crab by swimming into the tube and attempting to pull the crab down. But once Tako saw the crab inch closer after playing a note, the octopus became more motivated to play. After a few weeks, Krantz gave Tako the crab once the octopus played seven or eight keys.

Tako initially tried to retrieve the crab by swimming into the tube and attempting to pull the crab down. But once Tako saw the crab inch closer after playing a note, the octopus became more motivated to play. After a few weeks, Krantz gave Tako the crab once the octopus played seven or eight keys.

In mid-August, Krantz began playing chord progressions on his acoustic guitar and simultaneously wiggled keys for Tako to play so they could perform together. Krantz fed Tako after each recital.

In mid-August, Krantz began playing chord progressions on his acoustic guitar and simultaneously wiggled keys for Tako to play so they could perform together. Krantz fed Tako after each recital.

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Krantz never taught Tako to consistently play the right keys at the right times. Sometimes the piano sounded good; other times, not so much. Tako played the keys to Baby Shark  even if it was off tempo, Krantz said.

Krantz never taught Tako to consistently play the right keys at the right times. Sometimes the piano sounded good; other times, not so much. Tako played the keys to Baby Shark  even if it was off tempo, Krantz said.

But the fact that Tako could play keys at all was like a fever dream, Krantz said.

But the fact that Tako could play keys at all was like a fever dream, Krantz said.

Hofmeister, the marine scientist, said Tako probably didnt know he was playing the piano; he was motivated by food.

Hofmeister, the marine scientist, said Tako probably didnt know he was playing the piano; he was motivated by food.

Octopuses are smart in their own ways: They change colors based on their surroundings, build dens with stones, use makeshift weapons, throw objects at targets and eject ink clouds when theyre in danger.

Octopuses are smart in their own ways: They change colors based on their surroundings, build dens with stones, use makeshift weapons, throw objects at targets and eject ink clouds when theyre in danger.

The octopus is not perceiving rhythm, Hofmeister said. Its not perceiving, you know, tempo. It wants to do the steps it has to do to get the crab.

The octopus is not perceiving rhythm, Hofmeister said. Its not perceiving, you know, tempo. It wants to do the steps it has to do to get the crab.

She said teaching an octopus to play the piano perfectly is nearly impossible.

She said teaching an octopus to play the piano perfectly is nearly impossible.

But in addition to creating music, Krantz received another benefit from the process: a friend. He has kept Takoyaki  the name means grilled octopus  as a pet.

But in addition to creating music, Krantz received another benefit from the process: a friend. He has kept Takoyaki  the name means grilled octopus  as a pet.

Octopuses typically live for a year or two, and Krantz said Tako, which he estimated to be about 14 months old, now sleeps most of the day. But that hasnt stopped Tako from continuing to practice its unique skill; the octopus plays piano about every other day.

Octopuses typically live for a year or two, and Krantz said Tako, which he estimated to be about 14 months old, now sleeps most of the day. But that hasnt stopped Tako from continuing to practice its unique skill; the octopus plays piano about every other day.

The recitals still leave Krantz in awe.

The recitals still leave Krantz in awe.

I cant believe I sit here, Krantz said last week, and play with an octopus.

I cant believe I sit here, Krantz said last week, and play with an octopus.
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Tetsu Yamauchi, the former bass player of Free and the Faces, has died at the age of 79. The news was confirmed via a social media post written by his family.

To everyone who always supports us, reads the statement. On December 4, Reiwa 7 [The year 2025 in the Japanese calendar], Tetsu Yamauchi passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.

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We sincerely thank everyone who enjoyed Tetsu's music and offered kind words until now. Those were fun times. It's a long time, but a short time.

Free co-founder Simon Kirke publicly paid his respects to Yamauchi, writing on social media, Just heard that Tetsu passed away. He was a good friend and a great bass player. My condolences to his family and close friends. May he rest in peace.

Born Yamauchi Tetsuo in Fukuoka, Japan, on October 21, 1946, the bassist started his professional career with Japanese progressive rockers Micky Curtis & The Samurais and toured Europe  a gig which led him to work as a session musician in both Tokyo and London, eventually befriending Ginger Baker and Alan Merrill.

In 1972, Yamauchi joined forces with Free guitarist Paul Kossoff and drummer Simon Kirke, alongside renowned keyboard player John Rabbit Bundrick, to craft the collaborative studio album, Kossoff Kirke Tetsu Rabbit. He ended up joining Free and participated in their sixth and final studio album, 1973's acclaimed Heartbreaker, in place of Andy Fraser.

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A year later, Yamauchi would replace Ronnie Lane as the Faces bassist. However, according to keyboardist Ian McLagan, Yamauchi's recruitment was somewhat of a mistake, as he was not the right fit for the band.

We made a mistake really with Tetsu, said McLagan in an interview with Classic Rock. It wasnt his fault, but he was a party boy and thought he was in for lots of drinks and a little bit of playing, while we were looking for more creation and a lot less boozing."

Despite the apparent mismatch, Yamauchi remained a fully contributing member for over two years, appearing on two single releases, the 1974 live album Coast to Coast: Overture and Beginners, as well as several tours, till the band disbanded at the end of 1975.

After his time with Faces, Yamauchi recorded a solo album and spent years working as a session musician, before returning to Japan in the late 70s to continue his career there. He eventually retired from the industry in the late 90s in favor of a quieter life.

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Over the past two years, however, Yamauchi did make his final return to the stage as Meets Duo, alongside drummer Yoshitaka Shimada, who was one of the original members of his Good Times Roll Band.

In a 2011 interview with Alan Merrill  one of the few Americans to reach pop-star status in Japan in the 70s  he spoke about catching up with Yamauchi a year earlier  offering a rare insight into the bassist's life since his years in the spotlight.

When we got together last November, we sang Free's Travelling In Style together, with Tetsu singing the high harmony, and he was spot on, he recalled.

He co-wrote that song, and its been covered a lot. We sounded great together, and it was just like old times. In London, we used to jam together at his flat for hours in the mid-70s.

In order to understand Tetsu, I'm afraid you'd have to have been born Japanese, or at least lived there for many years as I did. He really is only interested in things spiritual, and has no interest in stardom or the big stages.
The second both Laura and General Hospital viewers heard that voice, everyone knew they were in for a treat. As Lauras conscience confronted her in a nightmare, Esme tore into her ex-boyfriends grandmother for ruining her life. Now, Avery Kristen Pohl is dishing on her short but spicy return to Port Charles.

Key Takeaways

Avery Kristen Pohl stepped back into Esmes shoes for just a day.

Pohl dished on her reaction to learning shed be working alongside Genie Francis again.

The actress admits she doesnt believe Esme is dead.

Returning to Port Charles

During a recent interview with Soap Opera Digest, Pohl recalled stepping back on the GH set the week following the Daytime Emmys, where she was nominated for Outstanding Guest Performer, alongside her on-screen mom Alley Mills (Heather), who ultimately took home the title.

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I got to catch up with everybody and then go see them at work a week later, which was really fun, Pohl shared, noting her reunion with Genie Francis (Laura). I was really happy to hear that it was in her dream because I was like, Yay, I get to work with Genie again!' she said, referring to Francis as such a kind spirit.

As for her other screen partner, Jeff Kober (Cyrus), Pohl had nothing but good things to say about the actor behind one of Port Charles most nefarious villains. He is wonderful, by the way! What a talented, talented individual.

A Special Place In Pohls Heart For Esme

Pohl also admitted how much she had missed Esme, having not played the character since Esmes death in early 2024. Shes just the most fun Ive ever had in terms of a specific character to play, she revealed.

Thr actress also compared coming back to a show you spent years on to returning to high school. It felt like a homecoming in some ways and in other ways it was like, Life is different now,' she said, reflecting on her formative years spent on the soap between 19-22 years old.

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Pohl concluded with her theory that Esme isnt as dead as she seems. Maybe she stuck around France, maybe shes, like, in Morocco on a camel somewhere, she joked.

Of course, Esme was last seen in France, where she and Spencer (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) tumbled off a boat into the ocean, only Spencers beloved turtle dove washing up on shore. Pohl noted that Esmes body was never found, which could easily indicate the character isnt dead after all.

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This story was originally reported on Soap Hub on December 9, 2025. Add Soap Hub as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Those familiar with adult entertainer/low-key professional troll, Bonnie Blue, are used to her staging shocking events for clout, be it her infamous 'I slept with 1,000 men in a day' stunt or falsely claiming to have been or arrested. This time, Blue has been detained by police for real  and could face up to 15 years in jail and a 270,000 fine if her case progresses and she's found guilty in court.

It's reported that Blue was arrested last week after hiring a 'Bang Bus' and touring around Bali, inviting "barely legal" men to join her to create explicit content.

She is now accused of breaking Indonesian laws around producing, distributing, or publicly displaying pornographic material.

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It's believed that at least 17 men (who are either British or Australian, and aged between 19 and 40) were also arrested alongside Blue  three have been held for questioning, according to The Independent.

"It is suspected that the place was used by the alleged perpetrator to produce pornographic videos," Badung police chief M Arif Batubara told reporters when commenting on Blue's arrest in the predominantly Muslin country, which has stricter modesty rules than other sites she has toured in the past.



The Sun first reported hat Blue and her team were seen inside a police station in Bali on 5 December.

When initially announcing her visit to Bali, Blue wrote on social media, "Hey boys, those that are going to Schoolies [the Australian week-long celebration after finishing high school] and to those who are barely legal, cannot wait to meet you and Im in Bali, so you know exactly what that means."

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Blue first began making a name for herself by posting videos of her having sexual encounters with schoolies in Australia on OnlyFans (a platform she has since been banned from).

"I was bored of living in the 9 to 5, so [thought] Im gonna give this a go," Blue explained on the Dream On podcast in 2024 hosted by Lottie Moss.

"Ive done Cancun in March, Ive done schoolies which is in Australia and then freshers in the UK. I share my location online. I was like This is where Im gonna be, let me pleasure you and there was a massive queue. People were waiting for over eight hours."

Blue also added that she "loves taking virginities".

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On another podcast, Saving Grace, hosted by influencer and internet personality, GK Barry, Blue added, "I loved it, they loved it and it made me rich."

She also described how some young men would arrive looking visibly nervous, "Theyre holding their IDs up, theyre shaking [...] I can understand why theyd be nervous, they dont know me, theyve just queued up for eight hours on end. All they know is that Im videoing it and they dont know what to expect."

Cosmopolitan UK has reached out to Bonnie Blue for comment.





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Key Takeaway

Located near San Francisco, Humboldt Redwoods State Park has been ranked the best state park in the U.S. on Tripadvisor due to its old-growth forest, towering redwoods, and cool attractions like a drive-thru tree and nearby rafting.

There are thousands of state parks across the U.S., each serving an important purpose. They preserve the lands natural beauty or historic interest and provide people with a place to recreatebe it camping, hiking, picnicking, or hanging out on the beach.

But certain state parks offer much more. And, according to tour guide company Niagara Falls Tickets&Tours, one state park stands out for its consistently high visitor rating.

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Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which stretches along Californias Route 101 north of San Francisco, was recognized for its extremely high visitor ranking on Tripadvisor, hovering around 4.9 (out of a possible five stars). The study found that over 90 percent of the park's Tripadvisor reviews give it five stars. Not an easy feat.

While most state parks across the U.S. have high ratings, these very top ones are so frequently rated as five stars that they can certainly be considered special, Magdalena Petrusic, a travel expert from Niagara Falls Tickets&Tours, said in a release shared with Travel + Leisure.

One of California's best state parks, Humboldt Redwoods State Park charms with its old-growth redwood forest, which covers about one-third of the park. You can even experience the wonder of these towering trees without ever getting out of your car. Youll pass below some of the parks most impressive trees on the famed Avenue of the Giants, a scenic highway running parallel to Route 101.

But, if you have the time to get out of your car and explore, it is highly recommended, as all those five-star reviews can attest. Humboldt Redwoods is home to The Giant Tree, which is set in the Rockefeller Forest and measures over 350 feet tall with a circumference of more than 50 feet. The park also has one of the last remaining drive-thru redwood trees, as the Shrine Drive Thru Tree just off the Avenue of the Giants can literally be driven through.

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According to the data, certain activities in or near the park are stand-out experiences like the Redwoods Railbike tour and a half-day whitewater rafting trip.

Following Humboldt Redwoods State Park on the ranking was Alaskas Kachemak Bay State Park in Homer, which is loved for its wildlife and stunning scenery. Here's the full list of the highest-rated U.S. state parks:



1. Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California

2. Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska

3. Shore Acres State Park, Oregon

4. Smith Rock State Park, Oregon

5. Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia

6. Waimea Canyon State Park, Hawaii

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7. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California

8. Moro Bay State Park, Arkansas

9. (tie) Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Oregon

9. (tie) Ludington State Park, Michigan

10. Beartown State Park, West Virginia



Related: The Best State Park in Every U.S. State

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Slovenia is one of Europe's best kept secrets  a charming, beautiful country that combines the best of Mediterranean and Eastern European vibes, while somehow remaining relatively uncrowded and off the beaten track. It is sandwiched between Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary, and combines the best aspects of each. The perfect blend of elegant old-world charm, stunning mountainous landscapes, vibrant and exciting towns, and a rich history makes this lesser-visited gem one of the best nations to visit on a trip to Europe.

Most first-time travelers to Slovenia head to the romantic city of Ljubljana, often described as Venice without the crowds, or to the fairytale beauty of Lake Bled and the Slovenian Alps. But one of Slovenia's most delightful treasures is actually found at the other end of the country, tucked away in the eastern corner near Croatia. Ptuj is Slovenia's oldest town, a stunningly cultural destination with history and tradition etched into every corner, and it is one of the loveliest spots in the country to visit.

Ptuj is located in the traditional region of Styria in the east of Slovenia, on the banks of the River Drava and overlooking Lake Ptuj. It is 20 miles from Maribor, the nearest major city, and about 80 miles from the capital, Ljubljana. Maribor has a small international airport serving routes across Europe, and is just 20 minutes drive away, while Ljubljana International Airport offers a larger variety of destinations, and can be reached by car in about 1 hour 45 minutes.

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Read more: 50 Of The Most Mesmerizing Places On Earth

Ptuj is a town filled with history

Catholic church tower in the center of the medieval city of Ptuj - Jose Miguel Sanchez/Shutterstock

Ptuj has an extraordinarily long history. There is evidence of there being a settlement here as far back as the Stone Age, and the town has been an important settlement since before the Romans arrived in 1 BCE. The city developed as a fortified town under the Romans, and while it was conquered by a variety of invaders, including Huns, Avars, and Franks throughout the Middle Ages, it was an important and vibrant town by the 13th century. The medieval architecture of the Old Town is extremely well-preserved and one of the main attractions of Ptuj.

The highlights are the mid-12th-century castle, looming from its hillside location overlooking the town and the river, and the beautiful parish church of St. George, originally from the same period and rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 15th century. The picturesque Minorite monastery is well worth exploring, thanks to its astonishing historic library containing over 5,000 ancient tomes, while the beautiful Dominican monastery has now been restored and renovated as a museum and cultural center.

Most of the evidence of Roman Ptuj (Poetovio) has long since vanished, but fans of classical antiquity can enjoy the Orpheus Monument which stands in the town's Central Square, in front of the imposing town tower. The monument was originally a grave marker, built to remember Marcus Valerius Verus, a Roman mayor of the town. It is the largest remaining Roman monument in Slovenia, designed with bas-reliefs of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, and was used as a pillory for punishing criminals during the Middle Ages.

Springtime hedonism, wine, and natural spa treatments

People in traditional Kurent costume - Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty Images

Ptuj's charm isn't just about ancient history, and this culturally exciting diamond of a town boasts plenty to entertain and delight in the here and now. Ptuj's cultural life hinges around the Kurent Carnival, a decadent 10-day-long spring celebration based on an ancient Slavic pagan festival for the god of hedonism. The city comes alive with parades, events, and traditional costumes, as townfolk don masks, feathers, horns, and sheepskins, and march from door to door, shaking bells and hitting sticks to drive away winter and welcome the spring. If you aren't able to visit in the springtime, Ptuj Castle has a collection of Kurent masks, or take a Kurent workshop in nearby Spuhlja.

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Slovenia has an underrated and extremely exciting wine scene, and Ptuj is the home of the oldest wine cellar in the country. Ptuj Wine Cellar has been storing wine from vineyards in the Haloze and Slovenske Gorice hills for over 700 years, and is a great place to visit to get a sense of the history of winemaking in Slovenia. The cellar offers a guided tour, which includes tastings and a journey through their wine archive, including century-old wines, ancient vines, and enormous wooden barrels. Ptuj also boasts natural thermal waters and has been a spa town since Roman times. A visit to Terme Ptuj is a must for all travelers, with its charming combination of contemporary wellness offerings and Imperial Roman decor.

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Pamela Anderson is hoping to change her famous name for the sake of her family history.

The 58-year-old actor said she wanted to change her last name to Hyytiainen, in honor of her Finnish family, during a recent interview with Vogue Scandinavia.

Sometimes I don't want to be Pamela Anderson. I want to be Pamela Hyytiainen, she told the publication. I would like to change my name, but they wont let me.

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Hyytiainen was her grandfather Hermans surname before it was changed to Anderson when his family arrived in Canada from Finland. Andersons late grandfather was a logger and poet, with the actor noting that he helped her expand her imagination as a child.

She also credited Hermans kindness and personality for helping her find the joy in her life as an actor, model, and writer.

Pamela Anderson wants to change her last name to Hyytiainen in honor of her late grandfather (Getty Images)

My imagination has run wild with me over the years. Ive been trying different people on for size, she explained. You have to peel it all back, many times, and start over and over again.

It was Andersons family legacy that encouraged her to take a trip to Finland in 2007, alongside her father and their relatives. She also wanted to see the land that belonged to her grandfather; a place she hopes to return to with her two children, Brandon, 29, and Dylan, 27, shared with her ex, Tommy Lee.

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Id love to go back to Finland, maybe with my sons. To find out more about myself, to explore that side of me. Maybe we will change my name and go back, to answer to my roots, the Baywatch alum explained. It feels distant, but its a part of me. Ive always been proud to tell people Im Finnish, even before I knew what that really meant.

I keep seeing the image of myself there in the corner of my screen, I dont recognize myself with that red hair, she added, referring to how she dyed her signature blonde hair red in September. Who is that? Maybe its Pamela Hyytiainen.

When she was growing up, Andersons grandfather also taught her Finnish, and she would often carry a dictionary around with her. However, after her grandfather, whom she called the closest person to me in my life, died when she was 11, she didnt continue to learn the language.

It kind of left with him, she said.

The actor previously spoke about how important her familys Finnish name is to her. During a 2015 interview with Esquire, she discussed her familys move from the northern European nation to Canada, calling her grandfather a healer from Finland who changed his name when he moved.
RIYADH, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg on Tuesday called on all parties to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue, as the Southern Transitional Council's (STC) control of southern and eastern Yemeni provinces escalates tensions with the internationally recognized government.

Grundberg made the remarks during a meeting in Riyadh with Yemeni Foreign Minister Shaya Zindani, Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber, UAE Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Zaabi, representatives of the UN Security Council's five permanent members, and other diplomats, the envoy's office said in a statement.

According to the statement, the meetings focused on the situation in the provinces of Hadramout and Al-Mahrah in eastern Yemen.

Grundberg stressed the importance of maintaining space for Yemeni parties to engage in dialogue to support stability and serve the interests of the Yemeni people, the statement added.

The meeting took place as STC forces seized control of Hadramout and Al-Mahrah -- two provinces long considered relatively stable during Yemen's civil war between the government and the Houthis, who control much of the northern provinces -- further escalating political tensions with the government.

A Yemeni military official told Xinhua that with the takeover of Hadramout and Al-Mahrah, the STC has strengthened its military control over eight southern provinces, including Aden and the island of Socotra.

Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) chief Rashad Al-Alimi on Monday warned that the STC's actions undermine state authority and obstruct unified decision-making in security and military institutions.

Tensions escalated on Monday as members of Yemen's cabinet traveled to Saudi Arabia "in protest against the STC's continued military expansion," a government source in Aden said.

Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since 2014, when Houthi forces seized Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene the following year in support of the government. Formed in 2017, the STC advocates self-rule for southern Yemen and has remained at odds with government institutions, despite joining the PLC in 2022. 
Imagine stepping into a Burger King that feels like it was plucked straight from the 1950s, with neon lights buzzing softly above chrome-trimmed booths, checkerboard floors that seem to stretch forever, and walls decked out in popart murals of classic cars and rock n roll icons. Every detail from the jukebox in the corner to the retro signage above the counter whispers nostalgia, transporting visitors to an era when diners were social hubs and milkshakes were the ultimate indulgence.

The Burger King in Myersville, Maryland, serves up all the classic menu favorites youd expect, including flame-grilled Whoppers, crispy chicken sandwiches, and golden fries, but with a retro-inspired interior that transports diners back in time. Walking inside, youre greeted by a cheerful pastel color scheme, a gleaming vintage jukebox in the corner, and booths styled like classic 50s cars complete with chrome accents and shiny vinyl seating.

The checkerboard floors and period-inspired wall decor evoke the golden age of American diners, making each meal feel like more than just fast food. Its an immersive, nostalgic experience. Whether youre stopping by for a quick bite or exploring the quirky roadside Americana of Maryland, this Burger King offers a rare combination of familiar flavors and playful design, perfect for families, nostalgia lovers, and travelers with an eye for retro charm. This 1950sthemed Burger King offers a rare chance to dine inside a living time capsule.

Where to find retro-style Burger Kings around the globe

Burger King hasnt officially turned into a nostalgia chain, but regional franchises and refurbs have flirted with Americana and diner aesthetics for years. A few notable examples travelers have photographed and written about:

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Paceville, Malta - The Paceville BK underwent a total refurbishment to classic 1950sAmericandiner style, complete with themed decor and nostalgic seating. The renovation wasnt just cosmetic because at launch the restaurant hosted rock n rollthemed events and promotions to lean fully into its retrodiner branding. For travelers out for nightlife or latenight eats in Maltas clubandbar district, it presents a fun and kitschy alternative to typical latenight food, equal parts burger joint and themed diner.

Helsinki, Finland - This BK branch is located in the main hall of the historic Helsinki Central Railway Station, a building originally opened in 1919, celebrated for its Art Nouveau/early 20th-century architecture. Many travelers and media outlets praised the restaurant as possibly the most beautiful Burger King in the world, thanks to its grand glassarch entrance and chandelier-lit hall, which felt more like a heritage space than a fastfood outlet.

Danvers, Massachusetts - This location in Danvers, Massachusetts has been spotlighted by vintageculture and roadsidetravel bloggers for its heritage-inspired redesign, reportedly one of the few in the U.S. that leaned consciously into nostalgia. Visitors note the classic sign outside (featuring BKs older burgerstyle logo), a wall decorated with vintage photos, a large ceiling fixture resembling a stylized burger, and even the older Have It Your Way slogan in a midcentury style.

If youre a traveler with an eye for design, these spots reward slow wandering. Look for corkscrew neon, chrome finishes, and car-shaped booths, the telltale signs the franchise leaned into the diner fantasy.

Related: Here's where the only U.S. restaurant to make the World's 50 Best Restaurant list is located

Other quirky fast-food stops worth the detour

If your travel style includes roadside archaeology, there are plenty of other fast-food oddities to bookmark. These arent always about the retro look, but they deliver the same sense of narrative and place.

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World's largest KFC in Azerbaijan - This gigantic fastfood outlet is actually set inside a former railway station built in 1926. The buildings historic architecture, with stone construction, domed towers, arched entrances and ornate ceilings, was restored rather than erased when it became a modern KFC. At 1,600 square meters (17,000 square feet), it claims to be the largest KFC in the world, seating up to 300 guests, a huge departure from the typical compact drive-thru outlets. ts a place where you can order familiar fried chicken while sitting under cathedrallike ceilings originally meant for railway travelers.

McDonald's Taupo - This McDonalds in Taupo (NZ) integrates a decommissioned WWII-era DC3 aircraft into its dining experience. The plane is parked beside the restaurant and used as seating/dining space, cockpit included. Its frequently listed among the worlds most unusual and coolest fastfood restaurants, a mix of aviation history and fast-food culture that makes it a must-see for travelers looking for something out of the ordinary.

Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia - Opened to visitors in 2018, the 46,000-square-foot center offers immersive tours that trace coffees journey from nursery and greenhouse to fields, wet mill, drying patios, and finally a cafe where you can taste beans roasted on-site. Designed with open-air architecture, local materials, and panoramic views of volcanic hills, the site blends sustainable design with Costa Rican coffee culture. This location offers a rare chance to experience coffee in its birthplace, connect with the process behind each cup, and enjoy a thoughtful, scenic, and uniquely educational destination.

Taco Bell Watford, United Kingdom - This Taco Bell occupies what used to be the historic pub One Bell, long praised as the oldest continuously licensed premises in Watford. Rather than erase the past, Taco Bell has embraced the buildings heritage: the blackandwhite, timberframed facade remains a striking contrast to the sleek, modern fastfood interior, offering a peculiar but fascinating fusion of British pubtown history and American fastcasual dining. It's quite the experience to be ordering a burrito while standing under the beams of a building with deep local roots, where generations once gathered for ale rather than tacos.

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How to visit, photograph and appreciate these stunning fast-food spots

The most travel-worthy stories are the ones with small, human details, like the handwriting on an old poster, a sticker on a jukebox, the way a booth has worn smooth. Pair the photos with context. Post the neon shot, but add a quick line about the places backstory. Fellow travelers love a good origin story, and youll give your followers something more interesting than look at my burger.

Related: A conveyor belt cheese restaurant is about to go global

Retro-themed Burger Kings and quirky fast-food landmarks let travelers taste nostalgia as much as food. Whether its a hidden BK behind a mall wall in Delaware or a neon-rimmed outlet in Valletta, these spots are little waypoints on a larger map of roadside culture, which are perfect for the kind of trip thats more about curiosity than speed. Bookmark them, respect them, and enjoy how a simple burger joint can turn into the most travelable kind of time capsule.

This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the Dining section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ahh, Portugal. A country teeming with steep streets lined with decorative tiles, screeching street cars, stunning beaches, and of course, delicious food. While Portugal is known for tasty dishes, like pasteis de nata, bacalhau, and you certainly can't skip out on Francesinha, travel guru Rick Steves warns tourists not to fall for a money trap that will leave a bad taste in your mouth while dining out in Portugal.

Imagine this: You and your friends have finally managed to take the trip outside of the group chat. You've landed in Lisbon, checked into your hotel, and are about to hit up a restaurant to get the most out of your food tourism. As you perch yourselves at a table along a narrow steep street, the waiter starts bringing tiny little hors d'oeuvres to your table to tempt your jet-lagged hunger. Olives, cheese, and bread are laid out without you having to ask, you pick at a few olives, a slice of bread, then the bill comes and you've been charged for what you thought was free.

When it comes to saving money in Europe, Steves knows a thing or two. In his blog post titled The Dirty 30  More Cheap Tricks, he says to send back any extras to avoid an unexpected charge. "In Portugal, restaurants decorate your table with hard-to-resist hors d'oeuvres. While these seem like friendly freebies, they're carefully tallied. If you eat one, you've purchased the lot."

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Read more: Rick Steves Recommends Cinque Terre's Only Resort Town For A Vibrant Italian Getaway

How to handle unwanted charges on your dinner bill

Plates of olives, bread, and cheese - Joao Manita/Getty Images

We all want to avoid dining at tourist trap restaurants in Europe, however with a little extra knowledge before heading to Portugal, you'll be able confidently navigate the extra plates placed on your table before they become an extra cost on your bill. With so many delicious dishes placed in front of your hungry eyes (cue Eric Carmen's hit song) while dining out in Portugal, it's hard to fight the temptation to sneak a little taste of Portuguese delicacies. Even Steves says his sentimental favorite food can be found in Portugal.

Unsuspecting tourists might not be aware of the unwanted appetizers placed on their tables prior to the main course being served. These little entradas, or couvert, as they're commonly known, can easily be taken away just by saying a quick and polite nao obrigado/obrigada (no thank you) when the waiter comes to the table, or as Steves simply puts it in his blog post, "Ask to have these removed ... or pay the price."

Tourists should note that this practice isn't only found in Portugal. Unlike in North America, where you may receive complimentary bread, butter, and a glass of water at your table before the main course arrives, in European countries such as Spain, Croatia, Greece, and Germany it's all at an additional cost, so while you may arrive hungry, think twice before reaching for that bread slice.

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Read the original article on Explore.
Greece greets you like a gilded daydreama sun-splashed symphony of flavors, folklore, and foam-kissed shores.

It's a place where meals are not merely eaten but experienced, from the sizzle of fried feta drizzled with warm honey to moussaka that melts in your mouth. It's a place where a glittering galaxy of islands scatter across the cerulean sea, from Santorinis chalk-white cliffs to Crete's rugged, rolling hills. And it's a place where history comes alive in the present day, from Doric columns and myth-laden paths to sun-warmed stones that have witnessed empires rise and fall.

Greece is not just a place you visit; its a place that envelops you until you feel, even for a moment, like part of its timeless tale. And, as it turns out, it's a rather welcoming place, too.

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International Living recently released its Annual Global Retirement Index, and it selected Greece as the No. 1 best place to retire in 2026, based on a variety of categories including cost of living, access to healthcare, climate, visas, and more.

The index is a culmination of more than 40 years of on-the-ground experience and in-depth reporting from International Living's network of expats and correspondents. The 35th annual report has rounded up 24 countries, comparing, contrasting, ranking, and rating them each.

"[In Corfu], my mornings begin with coffee enjoyed on the terrace, and more frequently than not, they conclude in the presence of friends or with the soothing sound of waves drifting through the evening breeze," writes Leena Horner for International Living. "The pace of life here is relaxed, yet it is far from dull. It is consistent, communal, balanced, and unexpectedly rich."

Horner adds that Greece offers more than just a change of scenery for those who hear the coast calling.

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"Youll find that not only can you live at a lower cost, but you can also embrace a rich and fulfilling lifestyle," she writes.

U.S. citizens travel visa-free to Greece for up to 90 days under Schengen rules. But if youre an American thinking about moving to Greece, there are several visa options and residence permits depending on how you plan to live there.

Most retirees look into the Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa, which is sometimes called the Passive Income / Retiree Visa). This visa is for individuals or retirees with stable passive income or savings who dont plan to work in Greece.

If you're not quite ready to retire but want to scope out Greece as a potential future base, heres a breakdown of some of the other main pathways for U.S. citizens to move to Greece:

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Long-Stay / National Visa (Type D) + Residence Permit : This is for those who plan to stay more than 90 days (for work, study, relocation, etc.).

Digital Nomad Visa / Residence Permit : This is for remote workers, freelancers, or self-employed people earning abroad who want to live in Greece.

Golden Visa Program (Investment / Real-Estate Route) : This is for people who are willing and able to make a significant investmentoften a real-estate purchaseto get residency. (Base cases start at around 250,000, but in high-demand areas like large cities and certain islands, thresholds are much higher.)

Student Visa / Permit: The Student Visa is for students admitted to Greek universities or educational programs.

You can find more information on visa eligibility and requirements by visiting the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Greece.

This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Key Takeaways

A lower cost of living can be appealing, but retirees need to weigh visa rules, healthcare access, banking restrictions, and cultural fit.

U.S. citizens retiring abroad are still taxed on global income and may face double taxation without careful planning.

Testing the move with a trial stay and joining expat communities can help prevent costly mistakes.



Retiring abroad isnt just a dreamits becoming a plan. In fact, more than one in three Americans (34%) say theyre open to moving to another country for a lower cost of living, according to a recent Western & Southern Financial Group survey.

The allure makes sense: Many international destinations offer greater affordability, cheaper healthcare, and the promise of a slower, more peaceful lifestyle.

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But the move isnt as simple as packing a suitcase and finding a beachfront condo.

Jane Mepham, the founder of Elgon Financial Advisors, splits clients interested in retiring abroad into three camps: those who visited once and fell in love, those who lived abroad during international work assignments, and immigrants who now want to return home.

The last two groups have a more realistic view, Mepham said. The first group can still make it, but they need to do more research." Here's what you should consider.

Retirement Abroad Can Be CheaperBut Not Always Easier

Healthcare and housing costs are often two of the biggest motivators for people deciding whether to retire abroad, but moving comes with caveats.

Visa Requirements for Insurance and Income

A visa is a document granting someone permission to enter and live in a country for a specific period of time. Retirement visas allow retirees to live in a country for their retirement years.

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Visas are almost always required for foreign retirees, and the rules vary significantly by country.

While destinations like Panama and Argentina offer dedicated retirement visa programs, othersincluding popular spots like Spain and Greecedont have official retirement visas. However, they offer alternatives such as non-lucrative or long-stay visas.

Always verify eligibility and documentation requirements through a countrys immigration authority.

This is important because many countries offering retirement visas require proof of private insurance, minimum monthly income, and sometimes even demonstration that your presence will benefit the country, notes Mepham.

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For example, Panama requires $1,000 in monthly income for its popular pensionado visa, while Argentina asks for private insurance and proof of retirement income.

It takes a while to get some of these visas, so thats another thing to keep in mind, Mepham says.

Social Security While Abroad

You can usually continue receiving Social Security benefits if you're a U.S. citizen and plan to live in a country where payments can be sent. Payments are prohibited in certain countries, including Cuba and North Korea. You generally dont need a U.S. bank account to receive benefits; direct deposit is available in many countries through international payment partnerships but availability varies.

Use the Social Security Administrations Payments Abroad Screening Tool to confirm whether or not you can receive your benefits if you retire abroad.



Then There's the IRS

The United States taxes its citizens on their worldwide income, such as wages, pensions, and capital gains, no matter their residency, notes Amy Jucoski, head of family office services at Callan Family Office.

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Jucoski adds that other foreign disclosures and reports for foreign financial accounts may also be required.

Even if you break residency ties to your home state, you may still be expected to file state taxes too unless youve relocated to a no-income-tax state like Florida or Texas before moving abroad, she further notes.

To help you avoid double taxation on foreign income, Jucoski recommends researching credits and exclusions available for you and seeing which countries have tax treaties in place with the U.S. that clarify taxing rights.

Legal Complexity Can Derail Your Plans

Jucoski warns that cross-border estate planning is where things can get messyfast. U.S. citizens are also subject to estate and gift tax on worldwide assets regardless of residency.

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And while the lifetime exemption is high ($13.99 million in 2025), the rules can get complicated if your estate spans countries that dont recognize U.S. trusts.

Some countries do not recognize your U.S. trust as an entityparticularly civil law countries, Jucoski explained. Forced heirship rules may override foreign and U.S. wills and trusts if assets are located in that country.

One workaround? Consider parallel willsone for the U.S. and another drafted to be valid in the country where your assets or property reside.

Life insurance can also help provide liquidity to heirs who may be disadvantaged under local inheritance laws.

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Mepham also flags FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) as an unexpected burden: Because of FATCA rules, a lot of countries will refuse to open bank accounts for U.S. expatsthis can become a huge challenge.

Try Before You Leap

Before making a permanent move, Mepham encourages clients to run the numbers conservativelythen run the lifestyle experiment.

I encourage them to go live in that country for a couple months, Mepham says, noting that it should generally be easy with a tourist visa. Avoid hotels and tourist zones, and rent a local apartment.

For an even more intimate understanding of what life may look like, join expat Facebook groups to get real advice from people whove done it.



The Bottom Line

Retiring abroad might stretch your dollars, but it also increases the rules. Taxes, healthcare access, legal status, and estate complexity all can become harder to manage when crossing borders.

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That doesnt mean its not worth doing, thoughjust that its not worth doing unprepared.

If you're serious about making it work, be strategic: Consult advisors with international experience, spend time living abroad before making it permanent, and keep a financial and legal safety net rooted in the U.S.

As Mepham puts it, Everything is not always greener on the other side. But with good prep work, you may just find the right fit.



Read the original article on Investopedia
China has gone from 1950s technology in the 1980s to the stealthy combat aircraft of today.

No other nation has made such rapid progress in the field of aviation technology in the last forty years as the People's Republic of China (PRC). The majority of new military aircraft types flown in the last 20 years have been Chinese, and today, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force and People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force operate a fascinating inventory of diverse aircraft. Here are 10 of Chinas best:

10: Shenyang J-8 Finback

Shenyang J-8 Finback

The J-8 combat aircraft series began life as what was essentially a scaled-up MiG-21 (the Soviets had also explored this concept with the Ye-150 series) with the location of air intake, as with the MiG-21, in the nose. The Cultural Revolution massively delayed its development, and despite first flying in 1969, it didnt enter service until 1980.

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The design was obsolete, but many of its shortcomings were rectified in the radically modified J-8II, which replaced the nose air intake with conventional side air intakes to create room for a larger, more modern radar. This aircraft, given the NATO designation Finback-B was so different as to be almost a new aircraft.

10: Shenyang J-8 Finback

Shenyang J-8 Finback

On 1 April 2001, a J-8 collided with a United States Navy Lockheed EP-3E Aries II aircraft 70 miles (112 km) southeast of Hainan Island. The US aircraft was likely on a Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) mission collecting Chinese electronic emissions. One of the two J-8s struck the EP-3 during a series of aggressive passes.

The J-8B crashed and despite escaping the aircraft, its pilot, Wang Wei, was killed after a parachute malfunction. The EP-3E made an emergency landing on Hainan; all 24 crew members survived, and the aircraft was impounded. It is believed the Chinese retrieved something of an intelligence windfall from the EP-3.

9: Xi'an Y-20

Xi'an Y-20

This large four-engine strategic airlifter is 47 metres (154 ft 2 in) long and has a maximum take-off weight of around 220,000 kg (485,017 lb). The aircraft has the standard modern configuration for a transport aircraft with a shoulder-mounted wing and a broad T-tail, broader in chord at the top than the bottom (an inverse taper as pioneered on the YC-15).

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The Y-20 has an impressive ability to move heavy equipment. It is claimed that the Y-20 can fly 7,800 km (4,800 miles) carrying two Type 15 light tanks (which weigh over 33 tons a piece) or one Type 99A Main Battle Tank weighing over 50 tons 7800 km.

9: Xi'an Y-20

Xi'an Y-20

Xi'an used Model-Based Definition (MBD) during its development. This is the practice of using 3D Computer Aided Design software to its fullest extent, speeding up development. Espionage probably also aided the programme; in 2016, a Chinese hacker pleaded guilty in Los Angeles for accessing documents relating to the American Boeing C-17 transport plane.

Advanced engines have proven the most demanding technology for China to master in its rapid leap forward in aerospace, but there have been signs of progress in recent years. The Y-20 initially used an obsolete Soviet engine type, but in 2023, it was fitted with the indigenous high-bypass Shenyang WS-20 turbofan. There are tanker and AEW&C variants of the Y-20.

8: Xi'an JH-7 Flounder

Xi'an JH-7 Flounder

The Xi'an JH-7 is a large twin-engine fighter bomber broadly in the weight class of the European Panavia Tornado. It is powered by two Xian WS-9 Qinling turbofans, which are essentially licence-produced Rolls-Royce Speys; the Spey also powered several other aircraft types, including some British F-4s.

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The Xi'an JH-7 first flew in 1988 and entered service in the 1990s. It has the NATO reporting name Flounder. It is of conventional configuration and features a high-set wing; it has been likened to the Anglo-French Sepecat Jaguar in overall layout, though there are significant differences.

8: Xi'an JH-7 Flounder

Xi'an JH-7 Flounder

It has proved a versatile aircraft. Its compatible with various weapons for different mission sets, including unguided rocket pods, air-to-air guided missiles, guided anti-ship missiles and anti-radiation missiles to attack radars. It has a Soviet-designed 23mm twin-barrel GSh-23L autocannon with 300 rounds.

The improved JH-7A was designed to meet a more advanced precision-strike aircraft requirement. The JH-7A uses more modern materials for a lighter and stronger airframe and has a significantly improved maximum weapons payload of around 9000 kg (20,000 lb). It is likely it can deploy nuclear weapons.

7: Chengdu J-7 Fishcan

Chengdu J-7 Fishcan

In May 2013, production of the Chengdu J-7 (NATO code-name Fishcan) ended. This was the end of a very successful programme that had been running for almost half a century and had created well over 2000 aircraft that had been widely exported.

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The Chengdu was a licence-produced variant of the Soviet MiG-21. Its development followed the huge success of the J-6, a similarly Chinese-manufactured MiG-19. Initially, the sometimes tricky relationship between the USSR and China hampered development.

7: Chengdu J-7 Fishcan

Chengdu J-7 Fishcan

The J-7 (and MiG-21) were fast, agile and relatively inexpensive to manufacture, thanks to the Communist military belief in using superior numbers over superior technology. It was an impressive dogfighter for its generation, and its small size made it difficult for radars or human eyes to detect.

Implementation of advances in weapons, sensors and Human Machine Interface meant the J-7 stayed relevant. It spawned various training aircraft, and even an uncrewed concept has been explored. The aircraft serves or served with the air forces of Albania, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Myanmar, Namibia, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

6: Shaanxi KJ-500

Shaanxi KJ-500

Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft are flying radar stations. They can detect aircraft, waterborne vessels, ground vehicles, missiles, and even artillery rounds; they also perform command and control of the battlespace, coordinating military actions.

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The KJ-500 is based on the airframe of the Shaanxi Y-9 transport, which is a modernised development of the Shaanxi Y-8F, a Chinese version of the Soviet (later Ukrainian) Antonov An-12. The relationship between the Y-9 and Y-8 is comparable to that of the US C-130 legacy series and the C-130J Super Hercules.

6: Shaanxi KJ-500

Shaanxi KJ-500

The key feature of the KJ-500 is a fixed dorsal radome; this is a large disc fairing on top of the fuselage that does not rotate like the rotodomes of older AEW aircraft (most modern radars are steered electronically rather than mechanically). The radome contains three Active Electronic Scanning Array (AESA) radars mounted in a triangle, offering 360-degree coverage.

The KJ-500 is highly regarded by some Western defence analysts, who believe it will significantly increase Chinese defensive and offensive capabilities. A variant, the KJ-500H, capable of being air-refuelled for longer-range endurance missions, was displayed at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2022.

5: Xi'an H-6

Xi'an H-6

Though the 1950s concept of a Sino-Soviet nuclear force was abandoned, it led to the establishment of a Chinese assembly line for the Soviet Tupolev Tu-16 design, along with all supporting design information. The aircraft is a twin-engine long-range bomber that first flew as the Tu-16 in 1952.

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The Chinese version is known as the H-6, and it first flew in 1959. It has a maximum weapon payload of around 9000 kg (20,000 lb). It can carry free-fall bombs, anti-shipping missiles, cruise missiles and (probably) nuclear weapons, as well as a six defensive 23 mm automatic cannon (an additional one may also be carried).

5: Xi'an H-6

Xi'an H-6

In 2014, the Yellow River froze in Inner Mongolia. The ice was blocking the flow of water and risking mass floods. Though bombing a river may sound like a metaphor for a futile act, in this case, it was an actual successful solution. At least three Xian H-6 took part, dropping 24 unguided bombs. They all hit the target and broke the ice.

The most advanced variant is the H-6K, with superior systems and engines. This is designed for attacks with modern long-range missiles. A daunting prospect for any naval force is the prospect of a salvo of 100 supersonic missiles (likely YJ-12) with a range of up to 310 miles (500km), that a regiment of 18 H-6Ks could launch. It can also fire YJ-21 Air-Launched Ballistic Missiles.

4: Shenyang J-16

Shenyang J-16

The most feared Soviet fighter for the final years of the Cold War was the Su-27 Flanker. It boasted everything in spades: spectacular turn rate, astonishing high alpha performance, world record-setting climb rate, weapons persistence (it could carry more air-to-air missiles than any other Cold War fighter) and, importantly, long range.

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Though similar to the MiG-29 in configuration, the Su-27 is far larger. The Su-27 is around 22 metres long (over 72 feet), while the MiG-29 is about 17 metres (over 55 feet). The Flanker series proved highly adaptable, but the story of these derivatives lies after the Cold War.

4: Shenyang J-16

Shenyang J-16

The Flanker combines a clever aerodynamic configuration with a large amount of the aircrafts fuselage contributing to lift, with a high power-to-weight ratio (at lighter fuel loads). Shortly after the Cold War, the Flankers draw-dropping air displays astonished Western audiences with extremely high alpha and wild controlled manoeuvres at extremely low speeds.

China has a bewildering array of officially and unofficially developed Flanker variants (and derivatives). The Shenyang J-16 (pictured) is the most radically Chinese Flanker derivative and is available in large numbers. The J-16D is an electronic warfare (EW) variant equipped with wingtip EW pods and other specialised mission equipment.

3: Chengdu J-10

Chengdu J-10

The J-10 is a medium-weight multirole single-engine combat aircraft, that first flew in 1998. It is of the tailless delta canard configuration (a form most favoured in Europe and shared with the larger Chinese J-20). Its the backbone of the People's Liberation Army Air Force, with an estimated 580 in service.

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The J-10 is based on CACs experiences with the cancelled J-9 project, which underwent many iterations during its protracted development. The cancelled Israeli Lavi project of the 1980s likely influenced the project regarding flight control system (FCS) development and integration, avionics and overall programme management.

3: Chengdu J-10

Chengdu J-10

It appears to be an excellent all-rounder, well-equipped with modern sensors and weapons. It boasts an impressively small turn radius, excellent low-speed performance and modest runway-length requirements (meaning it takes off and lands at shorter distances than many other fighters).

The J-10C arsenal of modern weapons includes the long-range PL-15 missile, and it is an aircraft to be respected. The J-10B variant introduced refinements that made the aircraft more stealthy, notably a new divert-less supersonic intake. The J-10ss weaknesses are likely to include high fuel consumption and relatively low range.

2: CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder

CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder

The CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder is a joint Chinese/Pakistani fighter aircraft. According to the JF-17 pilot we spoke to it is, Underrated, reliable and effective. The JF-17 is a light fighter operated by Pakistan, Myanmar and Nigeria (with others coming soon). While the Gripen utilises one Hornet engine to great effect, the JF-17 gets by with one MiG-29 engine.

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What the JF-17 lacks in all-out performance is offset by a major advantage: its unaffected by US foreign policy decisions, as its fitted with modern Chinese weapons and avionics. This is not the case with the Pakistan Air Forces United-States-supplied F-16s.

2: CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder

CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder

A generally conventional design, the most noteworthy feature of the aircraft is its diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI), which uses a bump and forward-swept inlet to avoid the complexity of a variable-geometry intake. This serves to slow and smooth the air that reaches the jet engine.

According to the pilot the best thing about the JF-17 is the Continuous upgrades of indigenous (Pakistani) and Chinese weapons and electronic counter-measure suites he also noted the impressive long range or stand off capabilities of exceptional range certain weapons including the REK/IREK, CM-400 and C-802AK cruise missiles.

1: Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon

Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon

China was the second nation in the world to put an indigenous stealth fighter into operational service. With its extremely long-range anti-air weapons, this relatively stealthy platform could prove formidable. It is the first stealth aircraft to adopt the tailless canard delta configuration.

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Unlike the other fighters with the canard-delta arrangement, the canard is not closely coupled to the wing, the main benefit from this arrangement being the carriage of significantly more fuel, coupled with the scope for a long internal weapons bay, providing sufficient volume for a wide range of weapons.

1: Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon

Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon

Its Stealth, supercruise ability (achieving and maintaining supersonic speed without recourse to afterburner), and modern weapons mean the J-20 is likely a capable aircraft, unique in role and configuration. Achieving its full potential depends on the degree to which China can overcome its historical problems with engine development and stealth technology.

The J-20 is likely less stealthy than the F-22 and F-35, and at least one F-35 pilot has stated that he doesnt believe the J-20 is low-observable in a meaningful sense. In reality, its stealth credentials (like that of any modern serving aircraft) are not available in the public domain.

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The 1980s was the last decade to witness air-to-air combat on a large scale, and the fighters of this age were impressively capable machines.

Advances in radar, missile and human-machine interface technology produced extremely potent machines that were far easier to fly and fight in than their 1960s forebears. In the past, enemy aircraft had been safe hiding in the clutter of ground returns (flying low could hide you from earlier radars) but by the mid-80s many fighters had a look-down/shoot down capability (the ability to detect and shoot down an air target moving below the horizon) making the sky a far more dangerous place. Here are 10 of the most potent air-to-air fighters of 1985:

10: BAe Sea Harrier FRS. Mk 1

BAe Sea Harrier FRS. Mk 1

The Sea Harrier is the oddest aircraft on this list: its top speed was half that of the other aircraft, it could only carry half the number of missiles and its radar had half the detection range. Yet, it managed to perform extremely well in the air-to-air role in the Falklands War of 1982.

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Its virtues were its high thrust-to-weight ratio and that it was small and smokeless, but the main reasons for its success were its highly-trained pilots and the excellent AIM-9L heat-seeking missile that the Americans supplied to the British at the last moment in time for the Falkands, thanks to the influence of Anglophile US Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger. The Sea Harrier could also operate in weather conditions that would have kept any other carrier fighters on or under the deck.

10: BAe Sea Harrier FRS. Mk 1

BAe Sea Harrier FRS. Mk 1

The Harrier was the first operational vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter aircraft, earning it the nickname of the Jump Jet. The Harrier family pioneered the use of vectored thrust for abrupt decelerations and unexpected manoeuvres in the dogfight, though these have not been used in actual air combat.

The Sea Harrier was a modified variant of the Harrier for use on Britains relatively small aircraft carriers. A small fighter that could carry two powerful 30-mm cannon and four of the best short range air-to-air missiles of the time, only a fool would underestimate the plucky Sea Harrier. The Sea Harriers shot down 20 Argentinian aircraft in the Falklands versus no air-to-air losses of their own.

9: Dassault Mirage F1

Dassault Mirage F1

Frances resurrection after World War II saw the creation of a world-class jet fighter industry. Of this military production renaissance, the most significant contribution was the Mirage series of combat aircraft from the Dassault company. Not only excellent aircraft, they proved a success on the export market, especially for nations wishing to avoid (or refused the opportunity of) buying aircraft from the US or Soviet Union.

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The F1 dropped the iconic delta (triangular) wing of earlier Mirages in favour of a clever conventional swept wing that rectified some of the failings of the delta. The improvements included reducing the runway length required and the weight and drag of the wing.

9: Dassault Mirage F1

Dassault Mirage F1

The French Dassault Mirage F1 proved itself a formidable fighter in the Iran-Iraq War destroying 35 Iranian aircraft in air-to-air combat: one jet alone claimed a dozen on its own. In this long bloody war, the F1 also downed several F-14s, making it the first type to bring down the mighty Tomcat.

In service with the South African Air Force it was fitted with a helmet-cueing system (the missile could fire where the pilot was looking to save time in a fight) and the Kukri short range air-to-air missile. These South African Mirages were one of the very first aircraft to use helmet cueing, making it a particularly nasty dogfight opponent.

8: Saab JA37 Viggen

Saab JA37 Viggen

Swedens neutral status during the Cold War led this Scandinavian-European nation to produce a slew of innovative and extremely potent warplanes. Among them was the Viggen, the first operational fighter aircraft with the canard delta (a triangular wing with the tail control surfaces in front) configuration.

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Intended to operate away from large airbases in times of war, the Viggen was designed for short take-offs and landings from dispersed bases with small rough airstrips or even reinforced sections of motorway. The initial bomber attack version, the AJ 37 was followed by a fighter interceptor variant, the JA 37.

8: Saab JA37 Viggen

Saab JA37 Viggen

Though not the highest performance airframe in terms of climb or agility, the Swedish JA37 was one of the worlds best-equipped fighters in 1985. At this time the Viggen had just received a secure datalink allowing the sharing of encrypted information. This innovation, years ahead of other nations gave the fighter an enormous edge in situational awareness. Its electronic warfare equipment was also world-class.

The Sky Flash, that armed the JA37, was the arguably the best medium range missile in the world and its cannon, the 30mm Oerlikon, was extremely powerful. The Viggens agility was however inferior to the new generation of Soviet, US and French fighters.

7: Dassault-Breguet Mirage 2000C

Dassault-Breguet Mirage 2000C

Described by many that have flown it as a perfect machine, the ultimate Mirage was an absolute thoroughbred. Fast, agile and easy to fly, it is a well-balanced design and formidable warplane. The fly-by-wire system (a system that takes the pilot's desired directional control and lets a computer decide the best control surfaces to use to achieve the result) had cured most of the worst vices associated with the delta wing.

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In 1985 the Mirage was fitted with the unimpressive Thomson-CSF RDM (Radar Doppler Multifunction) which had a limited look down/shoot capability and the Matra Super 530F semi-active radar guided missile.

7: Dassault-Breguet Mirage 2000C

Dassault-Breguet Mirage 2000C

The instantaneous turn rate of the Mirage 2000 was described by an Indian Air Force pilot as the Best in the class, I dont think there is any fighter comes any close, this needs to be measured with roll and rate of onset of the turn (called tau). In a common language, it means when I spot a bogey how fast can I bank to the required degree, initiate a turn and point towards him. In this regard Mirage 2000 is the best. Though a capable fighter- the design was not close to the formidable machine it would become later in its life.

6: General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

Whereas earlier fighters like the F-4 Phantom II were large and cumbersome, the US General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon was a small nimble fighter, designed to excel in the within-visual- range dogfight. This required a massive thrust-to-weight ratio to give the aircraft outstanding acceleration and manoeuvrability, and also the ability to keep its energy level high in a dogfight. The pilot has the least obstructed view of any fighter thanks to a big bubble canopy with no obstructions.

6: General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

The F-16 did not have a beyond-visual-range (a weapon that can hit a target beyond the distance a pilot can see) weapon until the Sparrow-capable Block 25 of mid-1984; but in 1985, it was still an immature model riddled with software problems. Despite this, the F-16C was an extremely agile, long-ranged aircraft and a daunting opponent for any fighter in the world in the close-range dogfight. Like the F-15, the F-16s first saw combat with the Israeli air force; a Syrian Mi-8 and MiG-21 were shot down in 1981.

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In the 1982 Lebanon War, Israel claimed to shoot down 44 enemy aircraft for the F-16 for no losses; a large number of the aircraft destroyed were Syrian MiG-21 and 23s. And the F-16 was not just an air-to-air specialist; in June 1981 eight Israeli F-16s bombed and destroyed an unfinished nuclear reactor at Osirak in Iraq; the task took two minutes and the planes escaped with no losses.

5: Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum

Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum

The Soviet Union fielded two new tactical fighter types in the 1980s that caused NATO much alarm. The larger of these was the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker and the smaller the MiG-29. Both types shared a similar overall configuration with underslung intakes and twin-tails, and demonstrated exceptional manoeuvrability.

The MiG-29 was tough and cheap, lacking the refinement of American fighters but compensating in extreme performance and the ability to operate from rougher airbases and tolerate worse treatment. It lacked a sophisticated cockpit but featured innovative systems including auxiliary air intakes above the wing roots to protect the engine from debris, and an infra search and track sensor combined with a laser range finder.

5: Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum

Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum

The MiG-29 of 1985 would have been able to destroy most F-16s at arms length, armed as it was with medium range R-27 missiles: most F-16s had nothing more potent than short-ranged Sidewinders. Opponents that got closer to the MiG-29 would face an almost unbeatable fighter armed with the worlds best short range air-to-air missile, with an unprecedented off-boreshot (the ability to engage targets in a wide arc rather than just directly in front of the aircraft) capability cued by a helmet look, shoot system (something the West would not have until the 1990s).

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Its manoeuvrability was breath-taking due to extremely powerful and tolerant engines, and advanced aerodynamics. Its weaknesses were a short-range, poor man-machine interface and smoky engines. Remarkably, early MiG-29s did not include a fly-by-wire system.

4: McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet

The Hornet is an American a relatively lightweight fighter able to operate from aircraft carriers. We spoke to a former Hornet pilot who noted, The Hornets instantaneous turn was as good or better than any jet that I flew against. He also opined that, The Hornet was excellent at high alpha flying.

High alpha flying refers to flying in a nose up position, which can enable a gun or missile shot in a dogfight.

4: McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet

In 1985 the F/A-18 had the most user-friendly cockpit in the world, the best multi-mode radar and the best low-speed manoeuvrability of any western fighter. Unlike the F-16, it had a mature Sparrow medium range missile capability, an extremely significant capability. The F/A-18 set new standards for a multirole fighter that Europe and Russia could only follow.

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Its weaknesses lay in its disappointing range and its relatively mediocre performance at high speed and high altitude compared to aircraft like the US McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle or Soviet Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker.

3: Grumman F-14A Tomcat

Grumman F-14A Tomcat

Americas Grumman F-14 Tomcat flew with both the US Navy from the decks of its aircraft carriers, and with the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) from land bases (which it continues to do today), a legacy of the 1970s when America and Iran were friends. The F-14s most notable weapon was the ultra-long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missile, capable of destroying hostile aircraft 100 miles away (at least in theory).

For the air-to-air role it also carried AIM-9M short range missiles and AIM-7M Sparrow medium-range missiles and the M61 gun. The main problem with the F-14A was its unreliable Pratt & Whitney TF30 engines, which were prone to stalling, and were insufficiently powerful to get the most out the airframe. The F-14, was also not as agile as the F-15 or Su-27.

3: Grumman F-14A Tomcat

Grumman F-14A Tomcat

However, the F-14 proved very effective in the Iran/Iraq War. By 1985, the most successful F-14 pilot, Jalil Zandi of the IRIAF, had downed seven Iraqi aircraft including Mirage F1s, Su-22s, MiG-21s and MiG-23s.

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The F-14 was the elite fighter of the IRIAF and it is claimed that it destroyed 160 Iraqi aircraft including 58 MiG-23s, 23 MiG-21s, nine MiG-25s, 33 Dassault Mirage F1s, 23 Su-17s and five Tu-22s making it arguably the greatest fighter aircraft of the 1980s.

2: Sukhoi Su-27

Sukhoi Su-27

After a slow development period, the Su-27 began entering service with the Soviet air force in 1985. In terms of agility and manoeuvrability, the Su-27 was the best fighter of 1985, and even superior to the F-15, especially at lower speeds.

Its manoeuvrability was virtually unbeatable, and combined as it was with the same helmet/R-73 missile combination as the MiG-29, it would have proved almost invincible in the close-range dogfight. It had an impressive range, though at maximum weight it was not a particularly agile aircraft.

2: Sukhoi Su-27

Sukhoi Su-27

It also had a large weapon load, normally consisting of six R-27 medium-ranged missiles and two R-73s short range missiles, backed up by an extremely accurate 30-mm cannon. Another system it shared with the MiG-29 was a combined infra-red search and track (IRST) and laser range finder sensor.

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At this time IRSTs were out of vogue with western air forces and offered Soviet fighters an advantage in silent passive detection enabling the Su-27 to sneak up on an enemy aircraft. In 1985 the Su-27 was just bedding into frontline service and just misses the top spot through a lack of maturity.

1: McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle

McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle

The earlier F-15A, though excellent in many ways, suffered from an immature radar and disappointing endurance. The F-15C, which entered service in 1979 rectified these problems and demonstrated McDonnell Douglas mastery of fighter design. The Eagles air superiority was achieved through a mixture of unprecedented manoeuvrability and acceleration, and advanced avionics, making it the benchmark of 1980s fighters.

The F-15 was an uncompromised air superiority fighter, designed to excel in both within- and beyond visual range engagements. For the first time, USAF had a fighter with a thrust-to-weight ratio that exceeded unity at combat weight.

1: McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle

McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle

The brute force of the F-15s large APG-63 radar gave it excellent detection range and a hearty resilience to electronic countermeasures. The aircraft was fast, and armed with up to eight air-to-air missiles and a M61 rotary cannon with 940 rounds. The first production Multistage Improvement Program (MSIP) F-15C was produced in 1985, which carried an upgraded central computer, the Programmable Armament Control Set, allowing for advanced versions of the AIM-7, AIM-9, as well as provision for the forthcoming AIM-120A missiles.

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In 1985 the Su-27 was still finding its legs, but the F-15 was combat proven; Israeli F-15s had scored multiple kills with no reported losses.

1: McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle

McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle

In producing a top ten, I dont hesitate to add all the normal disclaimers: each aircraft has strengths and weaknesses at different heights, speeds and in different situations; as always, pilot quality and tactics are more important than hardware. The ordering one to ten has involved consideration but is ultimately arbitrary. Aircraft considered that failed to make the grade included Israel's Kfir C2, which deserves an honourable mention, but was pipped to the number ten slot by the Sea Harrier.

Several F-4 Phantom variants (3 pictured along with an F-15)could have been included, despite the airframe being passed its prime. The RAFs Tornado F.Mk 2/3 were flying in late 1985 but were immature - lacking as they were a functional radar or even the provision for chaff and flares.

Though at a push the Tornado ADV and F-14 interceptors can be described as fighters, the MiG-31 seems a trifle too specialised to be featured but was certainly an impressive machine that is worth a mention. Upgraded MiG-21s would have given half the aircraft on this list a run for their money in the merge, but were too poorly equipped to make selection.

Follow Joe Coles on Substack, Twitter X or Blue Sky. His superb Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes is available here.

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Photo Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en

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While Costco tends to keep its customers happy with its low prices and cheap rotisserie chicken, it's had its fair share of controversies over the years. With so many employees, customers, and suppliers, you'd expect a few things to crop up every now and then. However, some of Costco's biggest controversies may shock you as much as they did us. For the most part, the company has either responded favorably to the issues as they've arisen or been forced to do so through lawsuits.

Costco controversies fall into several categories. Several relate to the mistreatment of animals and workers involved in food production. Unfortunately, low prices sometimes come at a cost to the well-being of others. In most cases, Costco has been quick to act when its products were found to be violating human and animal rights, but in other instances, the general perception is that the controversies were dismissed. So, if you're curious about the biggest controversies surrounding Costco over the years, you'll want to keep reading.

Read more: 22 Best Trader Joe's Frozen Foods Under $5

Being sued for gender bias related to employment practices

Costco female employee checking out groceries - Elliott Cowand Jr/Shutterstock

Costco faced a major controversy in August 2024, and it was in relation to gender discrimination against its female employees. While women's rights in the workplace have come a long way, gender-based employment bias still exists, especially when it comes to their ability to break into upper management positions in certain companies.

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In this class-action lawsuit, around 700 women who currently or formerly worked for the company claimed that women couldn't move into upper management jobs as easily and often as men. Previously, internal promotions seemed to often take place without the positions being advertised, allegedly making it harder for women to apply. With about half of Costco's employees being women, you'd expect about half of the chain's store managers to be female, rather than just 12%. The excuse that some Costco executives purportedly gave that women weren't interested in these jobs because of familial obligations simply didn't fly. Women did want these jobs; they just weren't given the opportunity to apply for them when they were available.

In the end, the gender bias lawsuit cost Costco $8 million in settlement money. The judge also declared that, going forward, Costco would be required to post its assistant general manager job openings, listing actual criteria for the position. Plus, it would have to accept applications for the position for at least 10 days.

Selling racially-offensive dolls

Cuddle Me Lil' Monkey black doll in package with banana and monkey - Derrick Jaxn / Facebook

In 2009, Costco found itself under scrutiny for something you'd expect to never occur in the 2000s: Selling racially offensive dolls. The fact that this doll passed through the order process shows just how out of touch some people can still be in an era when companies like Aunt Jemima are actively removing racial stereotyping.

There was both a Black and white version of the Cuddle Me doll, and both came with pets. The white doll had a pet panda, and the doll was called Pretty Panda. Meanwhile, the Black doll had a pet monkey, and the doll was called Lil' Monkey, with that title stitched across her hat. After John Taylor, a Black customer in Greensboro, North Carolina, noticed it, he started a viral email campaign to get rid of it. Plenty of people agreed with Taylor's sentiments and were reportedly ready to boycott Costco over the issue.

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According to the manager of the Greensboro store, there were purportedly both white and Black dolls with monkey pets, but none were located by the time the story blew up. Regardless of whether that was true or not, Costco was quick to offer an apology and pull the racist dolls from its shelves. The company that sold the dolls to Costco was a company called BrassKey Keepsakes, and Mary Gustaff, the CEO of that company, indicated that she had no idea she'd sold racially offensive dolls.

Getting sued for selling fake Tiffany engagement rings

Tiffany-style diamond engagement ring in a Tiffany & Co. box - KyleFung91/Shutterstock

The next Costco scandal involved the company being sued in 2013 for selling fake Tiffany diamond engagement rings. You certainly expect that when you buy items like jewelry and perfume from Costco, you're getting the real thing, and being misled into thinking that you are can be disappointing, to say the least. In this instance, the Costco display case signs for its engagement rings used the word "Tiffany" as a generic way to describe the ring setting when it wasn't actually selling rings created by Tiffany & Co. The lawsuit that followed claimed trademark infringement.

Costco argued that the usage of the name "Tiffany" was only in reference to the ring's features resembling those of the iconic brand, and that what it did was 'consistent with decades of dictionary definitions." However, the problem was that, over the seven years that Costco had the display, some customers likely thought they were getting actual Tiffany & Co. engagement rings for their fiancees at rock bottom prices instead of just rings with Tiffany-style settings.

Ultimately, judges did see Costco's displays as being misleading and required the company to pay $19.4 million in 2017. The amount was three times the amount of Costco's profits plus punitive damages. After all, how many people would have bought their engagement rings there if they thought they were buying generic Costco rings instead of prestigious Tiffany & Co. ones?

Canadian Costco pharmacies receiving illegal advertising money from drug companies

Pharmacist shaking hands with a man in a tie - Caiaimage/agnieszka Wozniak/Getty Images

One of Costco's many membership perks is having great pharmacy discounts, but the way it obtained those discounts was purportedly on the sketchy side. In 2019, Costco was found guilty of taking illegal advertising money as a kickback from a generic drug maker called Ranbaxy Pharmaceutical. Two of Costco's pharmacy executives pleaded guilty to the charge of demanding over $7.2 million in advertising payments from the drug company.

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Allegedly, the executives in question requested a "rebate" in order to carry this particular brand of generic medicine. This affects customers, as medicine prices typically increase when pharmaceutical companies offer kickbacks. While this rebate kickback system has been an industry-wide practice, Ontario, Canada, outlawed it in 2013 to try to make generic drugs more affordable for its citizens. Confused about why Costco was still demanding kickbacks long after Ontario banned the practice, it was a salesman from Ranbaxy who finally filed a complaint with the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2018.

While one of the pharmacy executives who had demanded the rebates swore that they thought they weren't doing anything illegal, ignorance of the law didn't save them. In the end, Costco was fined $7.2 million, which was fair since that was the amount that the Ministry found that Costco had received in kickbacks in the first place. Additionally, the pharmacists involved in the fraudulent scheme had to pay $50,000 each in fines and other costs.

Possibly selling shrimp connected to enslavement

Thai commercial fishing boat in the water with workers - Tuayai/Getty Images

A California lawsuit back in 2015 sought to force Costco to label its shrimp as being sourced through Thai slave labor. During the previous year, the United Nations and various organizations had uncovered the fact that the Thai fishing industry was rife with slave labor. The investigations revealed people enduring 20-hour shifts and not being allowed off the ship for years after brokers trafficked people who used them to find work, selling people into slavery instead. Punishments on the boats included not only beatings but sometimes even torture and executions. The lawsuit claimed that Costco was buying farmed shrimp that had been fed with fishmeal from suppliers who enslaved their workers

When the initial investigation occurred in 2014, Costco promised to make sure its shrimp supplier, Charoen Pokphand (CP) Foods, didn't continue to use feed that came from such sources. However, CP wanted to put the onus of responsibility upon the Thai government to crack down on slave labor in the fishing industry and said it would try to phase out using Thai fishmeal by 2021 if it was still being produced through forced labor by then.

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The lawsuit against Costco came about as a result of ethical concerns regarding CP and its suppliers. However, since CP itself wasn't enslaving its workers and the shrimp couldn't be directly traced to the unethical suppliers, the judge dismissed the lawsuit. However, FishWise can help you find ethically- and sustainably caught fish brands.

Selling eggs from a farm that mistreated hens

Brown laying hens and eggs - TANX/Shutterstock

The Humane Society conducted an undercover investigation in 2015 that revealed how Hillandale Farms, one of the main companies Costco was getting its eggs from, was housing its laying hens in tiny cages in horrendous conditions. The videos the Humane Society took showed hens crowded into cages, sometimes with dead and even mummified birds inside. So, while the packages the eggs came in depicted hens roaming free, their reality was far from that image.

If Hillandale sounds familiar, it's because it was one of the companies responsible for the biggest egg recall in U.S. history five years earlier, in 2010, due to a Salmonella outbreak. With that inspection finding unsanitary production conditions, including rodent and maggot infestations, among other things, it's not terribly surprising that the company was also housing its laying hens in squalor.

Previously, in 2007, Costco had made a plan to switch to cage-free eggs. However, it took this hen debacle for the company to make a more concerted effort to follow through on its promise. Lots of people got involved in a "free the chickens" campaign after the Humane Society investigation, imploring Costco to stop selling eggs from caged hens. Some of the more famous people speaking out included actors Brad Pitt and Ryan Gosling, along with comedian Bill Maher. This campaign seemed to work, as these days, all of the eggs you'll see available in the store are from cage-free and free-range hens.

Being guilty of lax prescription-filling practices and recordkeeping

Open bottle of Oxycodone with pills spilling out - Johnrob/Getty Images

While it's nice to have pharmacists willing to go the extra mile to help their customers, Costco was accused in 2017 of filling prescriptions in ways that fell outside of the law. Los Angeles-area Costco pharmacies had lax policies that allowed pharmacists to fill prescriptions regardless of whether the prescription was complete or if the practitioner had a valid DEA number or not. Some of the prescriptions Costco pharmacists were letting slide through were even ones that weren't related to the doctor's area of expertise, and the pharmacies weren't keeping proper records of controlled substances either. All these prescription-filling and recordkeeping problems added together to allow prescription drugs (especially opioids) to make it to black markets out on the streets more easily. And not needing a membership to use a Costco pharmacy meant its lax policies could extend to the whole community.

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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated these issues between 2012 and 2015. Over that time, it found that Costco had sold a lot of prescriptions it shouldn't have if tighter policies had been in place. Ultimately, it ended up having to pay $11.75 million in settlement claims for violating the Controlled Substances Act, as well as buying a new $127 million pharmacy management system. Plus, the DEA planned to drop in unannounced for the next three years to ensure that the Costco pharmacies were continuing to operate within regulatory guidelines. Plus, there would be both internal and external audits.

Having a longtime employee embezzle $290,000

Woman's hands reaching for a bunch of coins - Super8/Shutterstock

Costco employee Robin G. Cline pleaded guilty in 2018 to embezzling nearly $290,000 from the company over five years. As an accounts receivable clerk who had been employed there for 20 years, she uncovered multiple ways to manipulate accounting information to steal money from both the company and customers.

Cline created a variety of fake credits and refunds on over 100 people's accounts and then sent the money back to various bank accounts, including hers and her son's. One option was to pretend someone had returned an item to credit their account. Another was to pretend someone had contacted Costco with a disputed charge. She also purportedly double-billed customers for items and processed refunds. In each case, she'd funnel the money from the credit to herself. She made over 290 of these fake transactions between 2011 and 2016, often hiding her actions by blaming her underlings for not being familiar with the accounting system. Her deceptions came to light when she was on an extended leave.

The FBI got involved once the wire fraud was uncovered, and a U.S. District Court in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately sentenced Cline to a year in prison for it. Plus, she was required to repay the money she embezzled. To try to undo the damage Cline had done to the company's reputation, Costco went on to refund each customer the amount stolen from them plus 10%.

Chaokoh coconut milk sales being stopped because of supposed monkey labor and abuse

Monkey in palm tree picking a coconut - Thexfilephoto/Getty Images

You might not have suspected that the Chaokoh coconut milk sold on Costco shelves was produced with the help of trained monkeys. However, that's exactly what People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) alleged when it looked into Chaokoh's production process in Thailand in 2020.

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Of course, animals are used in the production of all sorts of food products, from honey to eggs. However, in this instance, the monkeys that were picking the coconuts for the company were also being abused. PETA indicated that the monkeys picked 400 to 1,000 coconuts a day and were chained during the process. The organization also claimed that the animals were forced to entertain tourists with "circus-style shows," and that they were under such stress that one monkey chewed off a limb to try to free itself. We don't want to imagine the conditions it must have faced to be that desperate.

After Costco learned of the monkey labor and abuse involved in the production of Chaokoh coconut milk, it stopped purchasing from the company. It insisted that any coconuts in the supply chain should come from human rather than monkey labor. If you look at Costco's website today, you won't find any Chaokoh coconut milk available anymore.

Being investigated for its rotisserie chickens living in poor conditions

Man taking chicken from Costco's rotisserie chicken display - Tada Images/Shutterstock

Many people think the $4.99 rotisserie chickens are worth the cost of a Costco Membership, but we're guessing few assume the chickens are being treated poorly. In 2019, Costco opened up a huge poultry complex in Nebraska to control production from the egg onward. Three years later, in 2022, two Costco shareholders filed a lawsuit alleging the birds were being mistreated at the poultry complex, breaking various animal welfare laws. Various animal rights groups like Mercy for Animals have gotten involved as well with undercover investigations that may have you rethinking your next rotisserie chicken purchase.

The conditions a worker revealed in a secret video included a dark and crowded facility covered in chicken excrement. Added to these conditions was how the process of selective breeding to produce ever larger chickens was resulting in deformed birds living abysmal lives. For many, their breasts were so large that their legs couldn't hold up the weight. Then, they'd be trampled to death or develop ammonia burns from being left on the ground in their own filth, ultimately dying from not being able to get up to feed themselves or having heart attacks.

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When the lawsuit went to court, the judge dismissed the case. Costco's board went on to create a committee to look into the alleged problems, but ultimately rejected the shareholders' simple demands to ensure every bird had access to food and water.

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Read the original article on Tasting Table.
As a history lover, I always enjoy learning the small, unknown facts and commonly-believed myths of history. So, when I saw a post on the popular WW2 subreddit from user Historical_Zone_6379 asking, "What are some commonly held myths about WW2?" I had to see what people had to say. It was pretty interesting, and I learned a few things I hadn't known before! So, here are some of the top answers:

1. "That the Battle of Britain was won by a hair's breadth."

Daily Herald Archive / Getty Images

u/LeftLiner

"Germany invading Britain is always the funniest one to me. They could have smashed the RAF into oblivion and still not been able to invade. They quite literally did not have the boats to make a contested large-scale landing. They were gonna try and use river barges to do it. Good luck with that."

u/Glader_Gaming

2. "In my country, the Philippines, some of my fellow countrymen who lack knowledge about WWII love to spread common myths. One of these is that Imperial Japan invaded my country solely because we were an American colony. Another is the myth that Koreans conscripted into the Imperial Japanese Military were more brutal than the Japanese themselves. In fact, they claim that it was the Koreans who committed atrocities, not the Japanese."

Keystone / Getty Images

"Some of my countrymen even suggest that it would have been better if we were fully colonized by the Japanese, believing it would have made the people more disciplined. Others still hold on to the Japanese propaganda of the 'Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere' or 'Asia for the Asians.'"

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u/James_Deglado

Related: 27 Cultural Things I Miss So, So, So Badly As A 36-Year-Old Millennial

3. "The myth that the Waffen-SS was an 'elite' army during the whole of WWII."

Universal History Archive / Getty Images

u/djenkers1

4. "It's a myth that Britain stood alone in 1940 and 1941."

Keystone / Getty Images

u/TheMoonUnitExp

"The really interesting thing about this idea is that it's come in since the war. In the war, with people from the political cartoonists to even Churchill himself in his most famous speech, brought up the fact that we, the British, were supported massively by the Empire."

u/pirateofmemes

5. "U-boats being the most successful submarine campaign in the war is a myth."

Keystone-france / Getty Images

u/ga_vindiesel

"The American submarine campaign completely crippled, then outright suffocated Japan, dropping their shipping tonnage to only a fraction of what it once was by the end of the war, whereas U-boat crews were annihilated with a casualty rate of around 75%, atrocious and irreplaceable losses which led to the Kriegsmarine being a complete nonfactor in the war by 1944."

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u/ga_vindiesel

6. Clean Wehrmacht ." This is the myth that regular German troops weren't involved in the war crimes of WWII. "And motorized Wehrmacht, when we are at it."

Hulton Deutsch / Getty Images

u/marcvsHR

"The Germans invaded the USSR with more horses than trucks."

u/Negative_Fox_5305

7. There is a myth that most Germans were unaware of the crimes of their state . There was plenty of evidence, and word of mouth spread quickly about what was going on with the Jewish people. Most just turned a blind eye or completely bought into the propaganda."

Hulton Archive / Getty Images, Bettmann / Getty Images

u/Carl_The_Llama69

Related: Adults Are Sharing The Everyday, Common Experiences From The '70s That Would Have Younger Generations Completely Shocked

8. The British and their superior carrot vision . I've heard people still believe that carrots help with seeing in the dark to this day."

Bettmann / Getty Images

"For those who don't know, the British claimed carrots were one of the reasons German planes got shot down at night. It was, in reality, the invention and use of radar."

u/Big-Bit-3439

9. "The Sherman had the best crew survival rate of any tank. It was not a deathtrap!"

Galerie Bilderwelt / Getty Images

u/Clone95

"The Sherman tank had one of the highest crew survival rates at the time as well. For example, American tanks had spring-loaded hatches, whereas German tanks didn't, meaning you had to open the hatch using brute force and sheer strength alone, something you don't want to do if you're wounded and trying to escape a burning tank."

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u/ga_vindiesel

10. "In Czechoslovakia, there is a prevalent myth that we were liberated by the USSR and the US. In reality, the USSR part was comprised of Soviet, Polish, Romanian, and Czechoslovak armies fighting together with the Soviets."

Fpg / Getty Images

u/spitfire-haga

Related: Answer These '80s, '90s, And 2000s Trivia Questions And We'll Guess Your Exact (And I Mean EXACT) Age

11. "The myth that 'America won WWII.'"

Photo 12 / Getty Images, Keystone / Getty Images

u/StuTaylor

"I was going to add that one. But I will say, the Soviets highly depended on American lend-lease early on, and I'm not convinced they beat back the Germans without that help."

u/Prestigious_Wall5866

"Fundamentally, this is true, though. American aid is essentially what won the war. Britain would never have been defeated, but Britain wouldn't have ever gone on any meaningful offensive without American aid and support. The USSR needed American aid to survive. Whilst the USSR did the heavy lifting in terms of casualties, it was the Western Allies who destroyed the means of German production. Wars are usually won by economics, not numbers of soldiers killed in battles."

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u/Eddie666ak

12. "The myth that the Soviets won the war through human waves and produced everything they needed. Lend-lease provided them with so much stuff. Even Stalin himself said they would have lost had it not been for the logistical support ."

Hulton Deutsch / Getty Images

u/MrM1Garand25

13. "It's a myth that D-Day in Normandy was the largest and toughest logistical landing of the war. The invasion of Leyte involved more troops and a much wider body of water that had to be crossed."

Galerie Bilderwelt / Getty Images

u/Quibblicous

14. "'Never invade Russia in the winter,' while Germany did it in June and it was delayed from May 15."

Hulton Archive / Getty Images

u/unvobr

15. "It's a myth that the Allies didn't commit any war crimes ."

u/LauMei27

Related: 10 Of The Biggest History Lies Most People Still Believe, Despite The Fact That They've Been Proven VERY Wrong

Bettmann / Getty Images

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u/InThePast8080

17. "It's a myth that all German equipment was the pinnacle of innovation and quality. Some of it was good, and some of it really wasn't. The reverse is the belief that Allied equipment was bad or years behind German designs. It wasn't. Most allied equipment was very good and reliable."

u/RainyDay000

Bettmann / Getty Images

u/deleted

What do you think of these? Let me know your thoughts down below. Or, if you have any history facts or myths of your own you'd like to share, feel free to do so either in the comments or via the below anonymous form. Who knows  your fact could be included in a future BuzzFeed article!

Please note: some comments have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Also in Rewind: People Are Discussing The Historical Facts That Are So Heartbreaking They've Stuck With Them Forever, And I Think I Could Cry

Also in Rewind: 24 Absolutely Bizarre Historical Events I Can Hardly Believe Actually Took Place

Also in Rewind: If You Can Pass This '80s Slang Test, There's Absolutely No Way You're Under The Age Of 35

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
An investigation is underway after an apparent shootout left two people dead Tuesday evening in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.

The gunfire erupted around 5 p.m. on the 500 block of Queen Lane.

According to Chief Inspector Scott Small, officers found two males - a 16-year-old and a 30-year-old - both shot multiple times.

They were taken to Temple University Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

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Chopper 6 video showed officers cordoning off a gray vehicle at the scene. Small said two guns were used to fire 11 shots near the car.

A witness told police they arrived with the 30-year-old victim, who reportedly owned the car. At some point, shots were fired.

"We believe that these two decedents met here at this location because they were going to be involved in some sort of transaction, and this escalated into a shootout between these two individuals," Small said of the shooting victims.

One gun was recovered from the 30-year-old who died. Police sources say it appears he had a permit to carry.

According to investigators, someone who was with the 16-year-old fled south on Laurens Street after the shooting.

No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call 215-686-TIPS.
Two buses transporting tourists around the Disney World Resort collided on a busy street last week, and the damage was caught on video.

Ember Donley, a guest visiting the Orlando, Fla. parks, was riding one of the resorts complementary buses to the Animal Kingdom on Friday, Dec. 5. When the bus turned onto Buena Vista Drive  a main roadway connecting many of Disney Worlds parks and hotels  she began to notice a little more traffic.

We noticed that there was something going on in front of us, which is when I got my camera out, Donley tells PEOPLE over email. That was when we saw the Mickey Mouse bus smashed into the Minnie Mouse bus.

Donley adds that she saw a white car in front of the two buses that seemed to be hit from the impact the Minnie Mouse bus took.

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In Donleys video, which she shared with PEOPLE, her bus slowly passes the scene of the crash. A Disney World transportation services vehicle is seen parked behind the buses responding to the incident. When Donley's bus drove closer and she got a view of the real damage.

The windshield of the Mickey Mouse bus was completely smashed in, and there was a lot of dust of some sort on the ground that looked like it was from the back of the Minnie Mouse bus, Donley says.

Google Maps Google Maps view of where the crash occurred Google Maps view of where the crash occurred

As Donleys bus passed the scene of the crash, authorities wearing neon green vests were seen inside the Mickey Mouse bus seemingly assessing the damage. A police car was also present, but a department name could not be made out in the video.

According to Donley, it appeared the crash occurred when the Mickey Mouse bus was trying to switch lanes and rear ended the Minnie Mouse bus pretty hard.

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The witness, who initially shared her video on TikTok, said she received "multiple comments saying that the Minnie Mouse bus was totaled.

Joe Raedle/Getty A Mickey Mouse Disney World bus A Mickey Mouse Disney World bus

One commenter claims her family member was driving the white sedan that was rear ended..

Thats my dad in the blue shirt! a TikTok user named Haley said. The one bus hit the other one (must have been going pretty fast) and pushed that bus into our car! Everyone was okay, just really shaken up. It was scary!

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.

PEOPLE has reached out to a Disney World representative for comment.

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The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which provides fire and EMS services to the Disney World Resort, did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.



Read the original article on People
BERLIN, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday that parts of the newly published U.S. national security strategy are "unacceptable" from a European perspective, stressing that Germany and Europe must be more independent from the United States in terms of security policy.

Merz made the remarks during a press conference in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.

He said he was "not surprised" by the document and acknowledged some aspects as comprehensible, given that U.S. Vice President JD Vance has accused Europe of straying from "fundamental values" shared with the United States at the Munich Security Conference in February.

However, Merz also voiced his disagreement with part of the U.S. strategy. "I see no necessity for the Americans now wanting to save democracy in Europe," Merz said. "If it were to be saved, we would manage that on our own."

He noted that the "America First" principle is particularly evident in the strategy. While expressing acceptance of "America first," Merz stressed that "'America alone' cannot be in your (the U.S.) interest. You need partners in the world."

Several U.S. and European news outlets have pointed out that in the 30-page U.S. National Security Strategy, barely two and a half pages are devoted to Europe. The Financial Times reported that the document "highlights the ideological gulf that has opened up between Washington and its traditional allies." 
The Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate says it will release its report and findings on Wednesday into the death of a four-year-old Worcester girl.

Azella Ortiz was found dead in her Worcester apartment more than one year ago. Her father, Francisco Ortiz, has been charged with her murder and is awaiting trial.

As 25 Investigates Kerry Kavanaugh first reported last October, the Department of Children and Families had a history with the little girls family.

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Young Azella Ortiz died in October 2024. According to sources, DCF had, at some point prior to the childs death, created a safety plan for the family. What remains unclear is what steps were taken to ensure Azella and her siblings were being properly cared for, attending school, and regularly seeing doctors. Family members said the case never went to the courts.

Worcester investigators say when they responded to a 911 call in October 2024, they found Azella lying on the floor, cold to the touch, with feces covering parts of her body inside the Sever Street apartment. Francisco Ortiz allegedly told police Azella fell from a table, but investigators say her injuries were consistent with a two-story fall.

Officers say they also found Azellas siblings in the home. They say a two-year-old sibling had a skull fracture. A six-year-old sibling tested positive for fentanyl. Investigators say the older child was non-verbal and had never been to school.

DCF would not confirm or deny any prior involvement with the family, citing privacy laws.

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A review of critical incidents involving children in Massachusetts falls to the Office of the Child Advocate. 25 Investigates has been asking for the results of that review of Azellas case since late last year. Those answers are now expected on Wednesday.

A motion hearing in Francisco Ortizs criminal case is scheduled for Dec. 17. He has pleaded not guilty to murder.

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New Zealand's largest naval vessel was followed by seven Chinese warships in a deployment to East Asia last month, including a rare transit through the Taiwan Strait, according to the Pacific nation's military.

HMNZS Aotearoa, a Polar-class replenishment vessel, was deployed to the East China and Yellow seas with allies, the New Zealand Defence Force said in a statement on Monday.

"During the operation, the ship was shadowed by seven different People's Liberation Army (Navy) warships, which maintained a safe and professional distance throughout," it said, without elaborating on the time and location.

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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.

Reuters reported that the Aotearoa sailed from the South China Sea to the North Asian region via the Taiwan Strait on November 5 and was followed by Chinese vessels.

Wellington said on Monday the ship was to carry out surveillance and deterrence activities to bolster United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea because of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Alongside the flagship vessel, Wellington also deployed a P-8A Poseidon, an advanced multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft, for anti-submarine and search-and-rescue activities in the mission.

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The South China Morning Post has reached out to China's defence ministry for comment.

Reuters also reported that the flagship vessel had encountered the Taiwanese frigate Cheng Kung during the transit.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US and its ally New Zealand, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state. But Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-ruled island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.

As a member of Five Eyes - an intelligence alliance led by the US, comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Britain - New Zealand is increasing its defence and intelligence capability amid rivalry between China and the US.

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The US Federal Bureau of Investigation opened its first New Zealand office earlier this year as a way to push intelligence cooperation. And Judith Collins, the country's defence minister, visited Washington in October to enhance cooperation between the allies.

But compared with other allies, such as Australia and Canada, New Zealand's recorded oceanic operations remain limited. Before the operation last month, Wellington's last operation in the Taiwan Strait - and its first since 2017 - dated back to September last year.

As maritime tensions flared in recent years, especially worsening security relations between Beijing and Canberra, the Chinese navy's operations in Oceania have increased.

In February, three Chinese warships conducted closely monitored drills in the Tasman Sea near Australia and New Zealand. Flights between the two Oceania countries were forced to divert.

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China's deepening cooperation with Pacific Island countries has also raised concerns in Wellington, particularly its engagement with the Cook Islands, a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, over which Wellington still holds key powers.

But amid escalating tensions in the Pacific, Wellington is one of the Western partners with close ties to Beijing.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited Beijing and met Chinese President Xi Jinping in June while Foreign Minister Winston Peters visited China in February and November this year.

Zhao Leji, China's No 3 official and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), concluded a high-profile four-day trip to New Zealand last month, marking the first visit in two decades by the head of China's top legislative body.

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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.
The accused Oak Fire arsonist, 73-year-old Edward Wackerman, was released with an electronic ankle monitor on Monday night due to a court order, the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office confirms.

Wackerman was arrested on June 16, 2023, for allegedly starting the Oak Fire on July 22, 2022. Sheriff Jeremy Briese said it was the most devastating event in Mariposa County history, destroying 127 homes.

He pleaded not guilty to several felony charges, including aggravated arson.

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In a court hearing, the sheriff said representatives for the California Department of Justice and Wackerman's defense agreed that he should be released from jail.

During a "Inside the Office" Facebook live video on Monday evening, Sheriff Briese assured the public that the sheriff's office will continue to keep a close eye on Wackerman.

"The sheriff's office will do everything we can to be of assistance. We will do everything we can to work with probation to make sure monitoring is going successfully, and we hope things like this can be reversed," Sheriff Briese says. "I don't know if that's in the legislature or the assembly or case law or what we got to do, but it's not right."

Wackerman is set to return to court for a pre-trial hearing in January 2026.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Frustrated by the citys slow progress in painting crosswalks at intersections they believe are unsafe, activists in Los Angeles have been picking up paint rollers and doing it themselves. Now one of them has been arrested on a vandalism charge.

In a video posted online, Jonathan Hale wears a bright yellow safety vest as he's handcuffed by a police officer Sunday. His group, People's Vision Zero, had organized a guerrilla paint party at a four-way crossing in a leafy residential neighborhood of west LA.

Youre vandalizing city property without a permit," the officer says.

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A woman out of frame can be heard saying, Leave him alone. Hes not doing anything wrong."

Hale and his allies have organized stealth painting operations across the city at intersections they deem dangerous to pedestrians. They set up barricades and yellow tape and swiftly use rollers to paint the street with bright white markers that they say are code compliant. The group is expanding on work done for years by a similar advocacy organization, the Crosswalk Collective.

Now, the city will have to spend taxpayer dollars removing our half-finished crosswalk when this whole situation could have been avoided if the mayors office didnt choose to ignore an issue where peoples lives are at stake, Hale said in a statement following his arrest.

He said he's been in touch with the office of Mayor Karen Bass and the city's Department of Transportation, or LADOT, but there has been little response.

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Since then Ive made it clear to them that we wont stop unless they publicly condemn us, or take tangible steps to make our streets safer, Hale said.

The mayor's office said in a statement on Tuesday that it has offered to collaborate with Hale and any Angeleno who wants to make our streets safer to develop solutions to expedite the installation of crosswalks.

Despite communication about City, State, and Federal laws and parameters, Jonathan has chosen to continue to pursue his own course of action, the statement said. Mayor Bass is determined to ensure the safety and accessibility of streets and sidewalks for Angelenos, no matter how they bike, roll, walk or ride.

Messages were sent to LADOT seeking comment on Hale's actions.

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The name of Hales group is a take on the citys Vision Zero plan to reduce traffic-related pedestrian deaths, which was instituted a decade ago under Bass predecessor.

Alex Ramirez, executive director of the pro-pedestrian nonprofit Los Angeles Walks, said LA needs a formal program  similar to one in Oakland, California  that provides resources for residents to help make streets safer.

Her group is not connected with Hale's, but Ramirez said Tuesday that she understands his frustration. "When communities flag dangerous intersections and see no response, people take action out of necessity," Ramirez said.

Hale was cited for misdemeanor vandalism. He has a court date scheduled for Jan. 5.
Domestic perception of China in the Philippines has worsened due to heightened tensions over the South China Sea dispute, but a widely shared social media image showing protesters calling for a boycott on Chinese products is fake. It was taken from a video posted on a social media page that shares AI-generated content, and contains inconsistencies often seen in fabricated visuals.

The image appeared in a November 26, 2025 Facebook post from Sass Rogando Sasot, a blogger and supporter of former president Rodrigo Duterte (archived link).

It shows a group of people holding placards that say "NO TO CHINESE PRODUCTS" and "PROTECT FILIPINO BUSINESSES".

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"Meme Vice Ganda, your cosmetics could get in trouble here," reads her post, addressing a highly popular Philippine comedian who co-founded a makeup brand.

Vice Ganda, whose real name is Jose Marie Viceral, has been a target of criticism from Duterte supporters for being outspoken against the former leader (archived link).

Duterte, who is detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague over a crimes against humanity charge linked to his deadly drug war, notably pivoted Philippine foreign policy closer to China during his term in a bid to boost trade and investment (archived link).

Screenshot of the false Facebook post captured on December 4, 2025, with a red X added by AFP

The image has spread across social media, with comments from misled users believing it showed a genuine protest in the Philippines.

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"If these are the future of the Philippines, the country is doomed," read a user's comment.

Another said: "These protesters are stupid hypocrites."

Surveys have shown the majority of Filipinos think China is the Philippines' greatest threat due to tensions over disputed reefs in the South China Sea (archived link).

Beijing claims most of the strategic waterway despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that went against it, and there have been frequent clashes or tense standoffs between Philippine and Chinese vessels (archived link).

But the image in the posts does not depict an actual protest.

AI-generated

A reverse image search on Google found the image corresponds to a six-second clip posted on November 22 by a Facebook page called "Boycott Made in China", which has regularly featured AI-generated, anti-China content (archived link).

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The image in the false posts appears to be a screenshot from the video, which contains several visual inconsistencies characteristic of AI-generated content.

Many of the alleged protesters do not blink, and their mouths move in a manner that is unusually stiff and slow for chanting protesters.

In several frames, the hands of the supposed protesters are distorted and abnormally thin.

A woman in a red top also has a distorted right arm that appears to unnaturally hold a placard to her right.

Screenshot of the fabricated video taken December 8, 2025, with visual defects highlighted by AFP

AFP also ran the video through the Hive Moderation AI detection tool, which found that it is highly likely to contain AI-generated or deepfake content, with a 99.9 percent confidence level (archived link).

Screenshot taken December 8, 2025 showing the results of analysis using Hive Moderation

AFP has previously debunked misinformation around Philippine-China relations.
By Joanna Plucinska and Olivia Le Poidevin

GENEVA, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The global airline industry is likely to miss its targets for green jet fuel use in the coming years, the International Air Transport Association said on Tuesday, blaming fuel producers and regulators for the "disappointing" progress.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), made largely from waste or used cooking oil, can cut emissions significantly compared with traditional jet fuel. However, it remains two to five times more expensive than conventional fuel.

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IATA expects 2.4 million metric tons of SAF to be available in 2026, covering just 0.8% of total fuel consumption. That means the growth of the SAF sector has slowed - production growth doubled between 2024 and 2025, but will likely only grew by 0.5 million metric tons between 2025 and 2026, IATA said.

The wider aviation sector committed in 2021 to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, relying heavily on a gradual switch to SAF.

"We're not seeing SAF produced in the volumes we had hoped for and had expected. That is disappointing," the trade group's director general Willie Walsh told journalists. He had previously warned that the 2050 net zero goal could be at risk.

Sustainable aviation fuel accounts for about 0.3% of the world's jet fuel use and was projected to reach only 0.7% by 2025, according to IATA data. Experts say production needs to grow quickly for the sector to meet its emissions goals.

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Airlines have long said that they are willing to buy all of the SAF available, but accuse jet fuel producers of artificially inflating prices and failing to produce enough of the greener fuel.

"It's not an issue of price, it's an issue of availability, and they're just not able to get their hands on the SAF that they require to fulfil the ambition that they expressed," Walsh said.

IATA's Chief Economist Marie Owens Thomsen added that regulatory mandates introduced by the European Union and Britain have encouraged fuel producers to raise prices on SAF even further, with Walsh adding that the practice is synonymous with price gouging.

(Reporting by Joanna Plucinska and Olivia Le Poidevin in Geneva; Editing by Louise Heavens)
Presidential pardons were designed by the founders for at least three purposes, according to U.S. scholars: 1) to provide another executive check on legislative or judicial power when a president saw an excess or injustice; 2) to offer a way for a president to grant mercy when an acknowledged wrong had occurred; and 3) to unilaterally seek to lower the temperature on an issue roiling and threatening to dominate the nation.

Alexander Hamilton in Federalist 74 calls clemency a deliberately broad power to dispense exceptions in favour of unfortunate guilt and to restore tranquility after crises.

That latter motive explains why George Washington sought to pardon those behind the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794 to help citizens come back into the fold. This is also how historians now see Gerald Fords unpopular pardon of Richard Nixon and why former Sen. Mitt Romney had encouraged former President Joe Biden to pardon then-candidate Donald Trump.

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In addition to interceding if someone had unfairly been punished by the justice system, scholar Stewart Ulrich emphasizes this motivation of early presidents to use pardons to help keep political peace, as a way to grant this amnesty, lower the temperature and unite the nation  in order to avoid a big, drawn out division.

But in recent years, presidential pardons have become their own source of division and friction.

Somewhere along the way, Ulrich notes, such earlier, more noble intentions behind the broad pardon power have given way to something less about the well-being of the nation as a whole or the higher pursuit of justice or mercy.

According to two scholars who spoke to the Deseret News, theres been a change in how frequently more personal and political motives are driving the constitutionally ordained process.

Stewart Ulrich, Sam Houston State University

Many presidents throughout history used the pardon power in ways that people have questioned the legitimacy of, Ulrich acknowledges, a researcher with a special focus on presidential power.

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Especially our modern president, he tells the Deseret News, has engaged in a pardon that is controversial.

But when asked, wouldnt any president be inclined to show mercy to those closer to their way of thinking? Ulrich pushes back, noting that influential political parties hadnt yet grown in dominance, helping early founders to not really see pardons as a way to help personal or political allies.

They didnt see it that way, he says again.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk to the Oval Office from the Rose Garden of the White House, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, in Washington. | Julia Demaree Nikhinson

President Donald Trump is not unique in the fact that most modern presidents have given pardons for personal or political reasons, Ulrich reiterated. Its not unheard of that they do give a pardon to someone whos personally connected to them or politically connected to them, allies and such.

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Scholar Bradley Hays likewise documents in The Politics of Clemency in the Early American Presidency how deeply entangled with ideology and party-building many early pardons were, including Thomas Jeffersons pardoning of those convicted under the Alien and Sedition Acts, who were overwhelmingly his political allies.

So that is not unusual, Ulrich admits, before noting that especially in this second term, Trump is doing more pardons that seem personal or political, and earlier in his term than normal.

Most of our modern presidents have waited until kind of the end of their time in office, to really dole out these controversial pardons, and thats because they want to isolate themselves from criticism, and, you know, not risk any hit to their public standing and reputation.

By comparison, he said, Trump not only pardoned individuals charged for acts on Jan. 6, 2021, on his first day of office, he openly promised this during his campaign. I dont think weve seen a modern president using pardons as a campaign promise before, Ulrich said. That was unique to him.

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Alongside the timing, the scope of pardons is also unique. Compared to Franklin D. Roosevelts all-time high of 3,687 acts of clemency, most presidents havent even reached 1,000 in their term of office (Bill Clinton was 459 and Ronald Reagan, 406). While Trumps granting of clemency was far less during his first term (234), his 1,700 acts of clemency in the first year of his second term stand out.

Previous presidents pardoned or commuted high numbers of low-level, nonviolent drug offenders in their final year in office (Obama, 1,715 in 2016, and Biden around 1,700 in 2024), due to a perceived excess in the law.

Ulrich suggests a heightened focus on political or personal pardons may be a function of a unique, angry age in which most recent presidents have felt the need to protect family members, close personal allies, political allies, because they feel, in our era of partisanship and polarization, that they are worried that they might be unjustly targeted and prosecuted.

Bernadette Meyler, Stanford University

Our suspicions about pardoning are not new, says Bernadette Meyler, associate dean for research and intellectual life at Stanford University. Meyler is also the author of the 2019 text Theaters of Pardoning, tracing our modern understanding of clemency to 17th-century English politics and culture.

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While early English monarchs most often extended mercy based on exercising godlike power over life and death in the way that no one else can, Meyler tells the Deseret News there was still another strand of thinking apparent about mercy for the good of the people.

This same idea showed up in the New York ratifying convention for the Constitution, Meyler noted, which listed pardons among the documents that ought to be in the name of the people of the United States.

Meyler has written about how to reinvigorate the pardon as a democratic practice and regain as a country a democratic version of pardoning and mercy that could revitalize our polity today.

This wouldnt take pardoning power from the president, she says, but would rather clarify that its not just the president kind of exercising this power, but that its representing the people  reflecting a core assumption in many early American leaders that what would be good for the people should be present in any exercise of the pardon power.

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Theres so many other issues of political import that then get eclipsed if a sort of retribution mindset takes over, she adds.

The president has more recently doubled down on the use of pardon as a kind of amnesty power more generally. How do Trumps sweeping Jan. 6 pardons compare with George Washingtons Whiskey Rebellion pardoning? Meyler says the main difference is these early American pardons were used as a bargaining chip to establish peace amid an active conflict.

These scholars described how clemency historically has been mostly a bureaucratic review of many quiet, small-bore cases, filtered case by case to a subset submitted to the president. In the Trump presidencies, Meyler describes a pattern of pardons to make a political statement (about immigration restrictions, in pardoning Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, or about corruption, in pardoning former Illinois Gov. Rob Blagojevich).

All of this speaks to the new suspicions many feel about how presidential pardoning power is being exercised. It was early statesman George Mason who expressed fear at the Virginia ratifying convention that these clemency powers granted to the president could frequently pardon crimes which were advised by himself to stop inquiry and prevent detection in a way that threatened the Republic as a whole.
The flames broke out at the Embarcadero Apartments on Sullivan Road just after 10:30 a.m. Monday and burned well into the evening hours.

Breaking news coverage of this fire was featured during Channel 2 Action News at 4,5 and 6 p.m.

Channel 2s Audrey Washington is live in College Park, where she spoke with a man who first saw the flames.

That man is concerned about his neighbors as they work to figure out what to do next.

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The fire burned for hours, leaving charred remains behind.

The fire raged for more than eight hours.

Anthony Sanders says he first spotted the flames here at the Embarcadero Apartments on Sullivan Road at around 11 a.m.

I just heard a knock on the door, multiple doors, so I put two and two together that it might have been a fire, Sanders said. I grabbed my turtle. I grabbed my clothes.

The fire had gotten into the attic space, and because this building is very old with multiple makeshift roofs on it, the fire was able to get into void spaces, said Randall Slaughter, chief of College Park Fire Department.

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College Park, Clayton County, Atlanta and City of South Fulton firefighters continuously doused water onto the roof of this building and knocked down flames.

But firefighters say the windy conditions only fueled the flames.

Washington saw the orange glow of the fire reigniting throughout the evening.

Relatively high winds, so it was one of those fires that was stubborn and challenging, Slaughter said.

Firefighters say no one was hurt.

Investigators believe a candle left burning near combustibles could have started the fire.

Now at least eight people are displaced and the building badly damaged.

I just have empathy for these people. My apartment wasnt really damaged, but theres smoke and water damage, so were all in the same boat, Sanders said.

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The American Red Cross is helping those displaced with temporary housing.

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Archaeologists have found compelling evidence that the early humans who inhabited the Indonesian island of Flores were wiped out by climate change.

Homo floresiensis, dubbed the hobbits for their short stature, were first discovered in 2003 at the Liang Bua cave site on Flores.

The small-brained, small-statured species, just about 3.5ft tall, likely lived on the island as recently as 50,000 years ago, but then mysteriously vanished.

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Previous research suggested their disappearance coincided with the arrival of modern humans in southeast Asia and Australia.

Now, an international team of archaeologists has uncovered key evidence challenging this theory, finding that the hobbits were likely wiped out by a severe drought on their island.

Artists impression of Homo floresiensis, dubbed the hobbits for their short stature (Australian National University)

Their study reveals the hobbits abandoned the Liang Bua cave, which they had occupied for around 140,000 years, during a mega drought that lasted for thousands of years.

Researchers analysed cave mineral formations called stalagmites as well as fossil teeth from a pygmy elephant species that the hobbits hunted. The analysis showed an extensive drying trend beginning about 76,000 years ago, leading to a severe drought affecting the island between 61,000 and 55,000 years ago.

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This was around the time the hobbits disappeared, researchers noted.

Researchers concluded that this long drought and competition for resources forced their departure from Liang Bua and, ultimately, their extinction.

The ecosystem around Liang Bua became dramatically drier around the time Homo floresiensis vanished, said Mike Gagan, the lead author of the study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.

Summer rainfall fell and riverbeds became seasonally dry, placing stress on both hobbits and their prey, said Dr Gagan, an honorary professor at the University of Queensland.

Liang Bua limestone cave on the Indonesian island of Flores, which was inhabited by Homo floresiensis (University of Wollongong)

The analysis of the pygmy elephant teeth revealed the species relied on river water, which became increasingly scarce on the island as the drought took hold.

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As a result, the elephant population fell steeply around 61,000 years ago, meaning a vital food source for the hobbits started disappearing.

Competition for dwindling water and food probably forced the hobbits to abandon Liang Bua, said Gert van den Berg, another author of the study.

Surface freshwater, Stegodon and Homo floresiensis all decline at the same time, showing the compounding effects of ecological stress, Dr Van den Berg, honorary professor at the University of Wollongong, said.

The findings highlight how environmental conditions can dictate the course of species survival.

Its possible that as the hobbits moved in search of water and prey, they encountered modern humans, Dr Gagan said. In that sense, climate change may have set the stage for their final disappearance.
An area woman has pleaded guilty to federal charges connected to a deadly overdose.

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Kaylee Back, 29, of Franklin, entered a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Southern District of Ohio.

The plea agreement for Back recommends a sentence of up to 186 months in prison.

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According to court records, Back provided fentanyl to a person in Middletown in May 2023. That person was found dead about two and a half hours later.

The Butler County coroners office determined that the persons cause of death was fentanyl intoxication.

Sentencing for Back will be determined by the Court at a future hearing, based on advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

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BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Shenzhou-21 astronauts Zhang Lu and Wu Fei completed the first series of extravehicular activities (EVAs) of their mission on Tuesday, donning newly delivered extravehicular spacesuits for their inaugural use in space.

The mission marked the debut of the space station's D and E extravehicular spacesuits, which were delivered by the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft on July 15 as part of the second-generation Feitian spacesuit series. While maintaining white as the primary color, one suit features a red trim and the other a blue trim.

"The EVAs fully demonstrated the critical role of human capabilities in extravehicular operations, with the suits providing robust safety assurance for astronauts," said Zhai Zhihong from the China Astronaut Research and Training Center.

The operational lifespan of the suits has been upgraded from the previous standard of 15 EVAs over three years to 20 EVAs within four years, according to the center.

The second-generation Feitian extravehicular spacesuits have reliably supported all EVAs conducted during both the construction and operational phases of China's space station. 
Action News Jax is uncovering serious new questions surrounding a Jacksonville City Council bill that is set for a vote on Tuesday and whether its sponsor, Councilman Raul Arias, may be entangled in a conflict of interest involving his past business ties.

For two months, Action News Jaxs Ben Becker has investigated Councilman Arias and his private business dealings.

Now, a new internal city email discovered through our reporting shows a connection involving tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars and a company repeatedly appearing in our investigation: Bold City Media.

Bold City Media: A constant in the investigation

Action News Jax has previously revealed concerns about whether Arias has used his public office to steer funds toward Bold City Media -- a company tied to his past and registered to the same address as his familys restaurant, Mambos on Beach Boulevard.

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Past reporting found:

Arias encouraged a nonprofit to hire Bold City Media after directing a $100,000 city grant to that organization.

Public records showed Bold City Media received at least $5,000 in payments to work at City Council President Kevin Carricos installation ceremony .

The recurring presence of Bold City Media in city financial dealings linked to Arias preceded Arias stepping down as Finance Chair and triggered calls from the Together Eastside Coalition for him to step aside as Chair of the Community Benefits Agreement Committee.

Now, a newly uncovered email is raising additional concerns.

The Bill: $80,000 for three chambers of commerce

During last Tuesdays City Council Finance Committee meeting, Arias championed legislation to allocate a total of $80,000 to three chambers of commerce:

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Asian Chamber of Commerce of North Florida

Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commerce

First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Each group would receive approximately $26,666. The money would come from the Municipal Dues & Affiliation Contingency Account, which Arias stated was already included in the citys budget.

Not all council members were supportive. Councilman Rory Diamond opposed the measure, saying:

Im a no on this. I was a no on this during budget.

The committee ultimately passed the bill in a 71 vote.

2025-842 Original Bill by ActionNewsJax

The Email: I have been asked to make the connection to Bold City Media

Five months before the committee vote, an internal city email from July Action News Jax uncovered, shows Arias Chief of Staff contacting Tina Pham, CEO of the Asian Chamber of Commerce.

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The email discussed funding and explicitly referenced Bold City Media.

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It reads in part:

As we prepare for budget I wanted to start getting the ball rolling on funding. I have been asked to make the connection to Bold City Medias President and CEO

The email also showed a response from Bold City Media expressing its openness to working together.

Email sent to Asian Chamber of Commerce

This raises critical questions:

Why was Arias city council office connecting the chamber to Bold City Media before Arias moved to direct taxpayer money to that same chamber?

Why was this potential connection not disclosed during council discussions?

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Action News Jax emailed Councilman Arias with these questions. He did not respond.

Asian Chamber responds

Pham told Action News Jax in an email:

Currently the Asian Chamber is getting quotes from various vendors/contractors and is not working with Bold City  Councilman Arias didnt insist we use anyone.

Other Chambers questioned about Bold City Media

Action News Jax also reached out to the other chambers slated to receive funding.

A spokesperson with the Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commerce said it has not worked with Bold City Media.

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CEO Shannon Denson has never been introduced to anyone with Bold City Media by Councilman Arias or his assistant. Neither she nor the Chamber are currently working with Bold City Media, nor have they worked with the company in the past. Their only awareness of Bold City Media and its connection to Raul Arias comes from local news coverage, including your reporting. At no point have Councilman Arias or his assistant suggested, recommended, or insisted that the Chamber use Bold City Media.

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The First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce did not respond to a request for comment, nor did Bold City Media.

Council vote set for Tuesday

The full City Council is scheduled to vote on the funding bill on Tuesday. Action News Jax will continue to follow the story and bring you updates as they develop.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
(The Center Square)  The Arizona State Board of Education on Monday approved removing diversity, equity and inclusion teaching standards to comply with a federal executive order and avoid the potential loss of $866 million in federal education funding.

During the meeting, board members heard testimony from parents, educators and members of the public who raised concerns about removing the standards. Yet the board approved to start the process of reviewing statewide teaching standards related to DEI.

In a Nov. 25 letter to the board, eight state lawmakers joined Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne in calling for immediate revisions to the Structured English Immersion framework.

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The letter argues that the current standards contain DEI language that violates state law, undermines classroom neutrality and jeopardizes federal funds.

Horne warned that Arizona could lose the funding in 2026 if the state does not comply with Executive Order 14151, issued in January by the Trump administration to cut DEI requirements in education.

All people should be judged based on their character and ability, not their race or ethnicity. DEI language and programs promote the exact opposite, and they have no place in the classroom. These terms do not belong in teaching standards, Horne said in a statement.

The process will begin in early 2026 to provide draft material for the board's consideration in September 2026.

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A working group will define DEI-related terms and determine which language should be removed. The board also approved language requiring that any changes maintain high pedagogical standards.

Opponents urged the board to reject the proposed changes.

During the meeting, Beth Lewis, an Arizona parent and educator of 12 years, said removing DEI teaching standards constitutes a broad overreach that would go well beyond what would be reasonably required by the order.

Eliminating standards on cultural competency and celebrating cultural diversity would amount to educational malpractice and would erase what makes our students unique  their talents and context, Lewis added.

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Board member Jason Catanese said the states priority should be student outcomes, not administrative costs or federal funding.

Arizona has lost more than 1,000 teachers since July, he said, noting the changes could create additional challenges.

I value the diversity that we bring to our classrooms, and I want to make sure that every single decision truly helps our students to learn and thrive, Catanese said.

The Arizona State Board of Education and Arizona Department of Education told The Center Square that they don't have a response beyond comments made during the meeting.
AMSTERDAM, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Customers of chip equipment maker ASML include at least one firm with links to the Chinese military, Dutch television program Nieuwsuur reported on Tuesday.

The company said in a response that it could not confirm the report, but that it abides by all export laws, and so any equipment it has sold was either granted an export license or does not fall under restrictions.

Nieuwsuur reported that ASML had sold parts to a subsidiary of state-owned China Electronics Technology Group, an important supplier to the Chinese army.

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The report was based at least in part on Chinese import and export data. It said ASML has also sold equipment to Shenzhen International Quantum Academy, as well as chipmakers SiEn (Qingdao) and SMBC, a subsidiary of SMIC .

ASML, the biggest maker of equipment used to manufacture chips, does not disclose information about its customers.

Chipmakers around the world are known to use its tools, including SMIC, China's biggest chipmaking firm. China was ASML's largest market in 2024, representing 36% of sales or around 10 billion euros ($11.6 billion) worth.

(Reporting by Toby Sterling, editing by Bart Meijer)
The Greek government said on Tuesday it has secured an agreement with Germany and other EU states under which it will not be required to take back asylum seekers until a reformed European asylum system enters into force.

Under the arrangement, asylum seekers who entered Greece irregularly and then travelled on to a country like Germany before June 12, 2026 will not be returned to Greece, the Greek Ministry of Migration said.

Around 515,000 so-called Dublin cases  more than 100,000 of them from the past four years  will not be transferred from Germany to Greece retroactively, it said.

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However, transfers under the EUs Dublin system are subject to a six-month deadline, starting from the date the receiving country agrees to take responsibility for an individual that has moved on. As a result, many of the asylum seekers cited by Greece have already become Germanys responsibility and can no longer be returned anyway.

After Monday's meeting in Brussels, the German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt spoke of an agreement with Greece and Italy, but did not directly address the concessions now mentioned by the Greek side.

"We have agreed with Greece and Italy that they will take back migrants who entered the European Union via their countries," he told the Bild newspaper.

The Greek side said the country would enter the new European asylum system "with zero return obligations"

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The so-called Dublin procedure is part of the common European asylum system.

One of its provisions states that, as a rule, the country in which the refugee first entered EU territory is responsible for processing the asylum application.

This system often failed due to the prescribed deadline and the unwillingness of some EU countries to take back asylum seekers.
By Byron Kaye and Renju Jose

SYDNEY, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Australia on Wednesday became the first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking access in a move welcomed by many parents and child advocates but criticised by major technology companies and free-speech advocates.

Starting at midnight (1300 GMT on Tuesday), 10 of the largest platforms including TikTok, Alphabet's YouTube and Meta's Instagram and Facebook were ordered to block children or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) under the new law, which is being closely watched by regulators worldwide.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it "a proud day" for families and cast the law as proof that policymakers can curb online harms that have outpaced traditional safeguards.

"This will make an enormous difference. It is one of the biggest social and cultural changes that our nation has faced," Albanese told a news conference on Wednesday.

"It's a profound reform which will continue to reverberate around the world."

READ A BOOK INSTEAD, PM TELLS YOUNGSTERS

In a video message, Albanese urged children to "start a new sport, new instrument, or read that book that has been sitting there for some time on your shelf," ahead of Australia's summer school break starting later this month.

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Some of those below the cut-off age of 16 were anxious about adjusting to life without social media, but others were less concerned.

"I'm not really that emotional about it," said 14-year-old Claire Ni. "I'm kind of just, like, neutral."

Luna Dizon, 15, said she still had access to her TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat accounts, but worried about "culture shock" once the ban took full effect.

"I think eventually, without (social media), we'll learn how to adapt to it," she added.

TEENAGER SIGNS OFF WITH 'SEE YOU WHEN I'M 16'

While the government has said the ban would not be perfect in its operation, about 200,000 accounts were deactivated by Wednesday on TikTok alone, with "hundreds of thousands" more to be blocked in the next few days.

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Many of the estimated 1 million children affected by the legislation also posted goodbye messages on social media.

"No more social media ... no more contact with the rest of the world," one teen wrote on TikTok.

"#seeyouwhenim16," said another.

Others said they would learn how to get round the ban.

"It's just kind of pointless, we're just going to create new ways to get on these platforms, so what's the point," said 14-year-old Claire Ni.

BAN HAS GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS

The rollout caps a year of debate over whether any country could practically stop children from using platforms embedded in daily life, and begins a live test for governments frustrated that social media firms have been slow to implement harm-reduction measures.

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"I'm happy that they want to protect kids, and I'm happy that we have a chance to see how they do it and see if we can learn from them," said European Union lawmaker Christel Schaldemose, who wants to see greater protection for the bloc's children.

Albanese's centre-left government proposed the landmark law citing research showing harms to mental health from the overuse of social media among young teens, including misinformation, bullying and harmful depictions of body image.

Several countries from Denmark to New Zealand to Malaysia have signalled they may study or emulate Australia's model.

At a school in the German city of Bonn, students spoke favourably of a ban.

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"Social media is highly addictive and doesn't really have any real advantages. I mean, there are advantages, such as being able to spread your opinion, but I think the disadvantages, especially the addiction, are much worse," said 15-year-old pupil Arian Klaar.

Julie Inman Grant, the U.S.-born eSafety Commissioner who is overseeing the ban, told Reuters on Wednesday a groundswell of American parents wanted similar measures.

"I hear from the parents and the activists and everyday people in America, 'we wish we had an eSafety commissioner like you in America, we wish we had a government that was going to put tween and teen safety before technology profits,'" she said in an interview at her office in Sydney.

'NOT OUR CHOICE': X SAYS WILL COMPLY

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Elon Musk's X became the last of the 10 major platforms to take measures to cut off access to underage teens after publicly acknowledging on Wednesday that it would comply.

"It's not our choice - it's what the Australian law requires," X said on its website.

Australia has said the initial list of covered platforms would change as new products emerge and young users migrate.

Companies have told Canberra they will deploy a mix of age inference - estimating a user's age from their behaviour - and age estimation based on a selfie, alongside checks that could include uploaded identification documents.

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For social media businesses, the implementation marks a new era of structural stagnation as user numbers flatline and time spent on platforms shrinks, studies show.

Platforms say they earn little from advertising to under-16s, but warn the ban disrupts a pipeline of future users. Just before the ban took effect, 86% of Australians aged eight to 15 used social media, the government said.

($1 = 1.5097 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Byron Kaye and Renju Jose; Additional reporting by James Redmayne and Cordelia Hsu; Writing by Alasdair Pal, Alexandra Hudson and Christine Chen; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Mark Potter, Lincoln Feast and Deepa Babington)
Tourists visiting the Amazon in Brazil experienced a harrowing incident while enjoying the waters of Miriti Beach. People Magazine reported that piranhas attacked a group of swimmers, including a 7-month-old baby.

What's happened?

Numerous people were attacked and injured by piranhas while swimming at a resort beach in Manacapuru, Brazil. Tourists rushed out of the water as victims suffered severe cuts from bites.

A 7-month-old baby lost part of their toe after being bitten in the water. The baby was taken to a local hospital for further treatment while firefighters tended to bite wounds on the beach.

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According to People, the piranha attacks occurred throughout the day. Due to the attacks, the Manacapuru city council has advised all swimmers to avoid going into the water "until the fish disperse."

Why are piranha attacks important?

The piranha attacks along the resort beach in Manacapuru underscore a larger problem of overdevelopment and habitat encroachment. Piranhas are native to the Amazon basin; however, when resorts are built in remote areas near wildlife habitats, they disrupt local ecosystems and can lead to dangerous human-wildlife interactions.

Experts viewed this particular incident of piranha attacks as a warning from a species that views tourists as a danger to their nests.

"The fish act defensively and usually deliver a single warning bite to drive away intruders rather than launching sustained attacks," biologist and aquatic ecology expert Edinbergh Caldas Oliveira told Brazilian news outlet G1, per the Associated Press. "Such incidents are accidents caused by human interference with natural habitats."

What's being done about the piranha attacks in Manacapuru?

In response to the numerous bites, officials told visitors to avoid swimming in remote areas of the beach. Local fishermen noted the piranha attacks could be related to the species' breeding season, advising swimmers to exercise precautions.

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From an environmental perspective, cities can prevent these types of human-wildlife interactions from occurring by establishing clear nature preserves to prevent resorts from encroaching on wildlife habitats. By vacationing responsibly and researching eco-tourism options, you can explore the world while respecting nature.

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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Scotland's Nnena Kalu took home the Turner Prize on Tuesday, with the autistic artist beating four competitors including an Iraqi painter to the prestigious contemporary art award.

Glasgow-born Kalu, 59, was nominated for her hanging sculptures using wrapped material, including fabric, rope and tape, with the British disability charity Sense hailing her shortlisting as "incredibly significant".

The jury of the prize, established in 1984 to celebrate contemporary British art, hailed Kalu's art as "bold and compelling" as well as "the powerful presence these works have".

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"This amazing lady has worked so hard for such a long time," said Charlotte Hollinshead, Kalu's helper, hailing the artist's perseverance in the face of stigma.

"Nnena has faced an incredible amount of discrimination, which continues to this day, so hopefully this award smashes that prejudice away," Hollinshead added.

"It's seismic. It's broken a very stubborn glass ceiling."

The Turner Prize is awarded each year to an artist born or based in Britain for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work.

Named after English painter J.M.W. Turner and his legacy of artistic experimentation, the prize, organised by the Tate institution, is one of the world's leading visual arts awards.

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The four shortlisted artists were announced on April 23, 250 years to the day since Turner's birth.

British-born Kalu and Rene Matic were joined by Iraqi painter Mohammed Sami and Canadian-Korean artist Zadie Xa. All four now live and work in London, according to the prize organisers.

Their work has been on display since September at the Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford, in northern England.

- Seashells, war, race -

Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain and chair of the Turner Prize 2025 jury, denied that Kalu's neurodivergence was a factor in the choice to award her the prize.

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"It was interest in, and a real belief in, the quality and uniqueness of her practice, which is inseparable from who she is... whatever the artist's identity is," Farquharson added.

Sami, 40, who had been seen by some commentators as the favourite, explores memory and conflict in his war-torn home country in his paintings.

Matic, 27, an artist from central England, presents work that blends intimate photography with sound and objects, addressing themes of race, care and vulnerability.

Xa, 41, is a finalist for her installation of bells, seashell soundscapes and painted walls drawing on Korean shamanism and ocean folklore.

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Every other year, the Turner Prize exhibition ventures out of the Tate Britain gallery in London.

The prize-winner receives 25,000 ($33,300), while the remaining shortlisted artists will be awarded 10,000 each.

- 'Launching pad' -

Christopher Turner, head of the architecture and design department at London's V&A museum, said the prize has "struggled to connect with the public... as it used to".

"That said, it is an important launching pad for emerging and mid-career artists," he told AFP.

Previous winners include now-household names such as duo Gilbert & George, Anish Kapoor, Rachel Whiteread, Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin, Steve McQueen and Damien Hirst.

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The annual award seeks to encourage debate around new advances in contemporary art, which has often spilled over into controversy.

Chris Ofili, for example, won in 1998 for incorporating elephant dung into his paintings.

Hirst in 1995 exhibited pieces including a rotting cow's head, while Emin's 1999 entry "My Bed" -- an unmade double bed with stained sheets surrounded by soiled underwear, condoms, slippers and empty drink bottles -- attracted huge attention.

Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur won last year's prize with a solo exhibition, which included an installation of a Ford Escort car with a giant doily on it, as the award celebrated its 40th anniversary.

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A Beaver Falls resident has been sentenced in federal court for taking over $200,000 in Social Security retirement benefits from the federal government.

Nicholas T. Grimes, 31, was sentenced Dec. 8 to serve three years of probation plus seven days intermittent confinement by U.S. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan, according to a statement from the Department of Justice, Western District of Pennsylvania.

Grimes was convicted of taking about $216,779 in Social Security retirement benefits after the death of the eligible recipient by withdrawing funds from the deceased person's account through ATM transactions, according to the statement.

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The thefts began as early as 2014, the Department of Justice said.

In addition to his sentence, Grimes must repay the full amount of $216,779 to the Social Security Administration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted the case on behalf of the federal government.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti commended the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their investigation that led to Grimes's prosecution.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Beaver Falls man sentenced, stole $216,779 in Social Security benefits
BEIJING (AP)  A Beijing court has ruled Malaysia Airlines must pay 2.9 million yuan ($410,000) each to the families of eight passengers who went missing in the disappearance of Flight 370 more than a decade ago.

The court ordered the airline to pay each family compensation for the death of their loved one, funeral expenses, and damages stemming from emotional distress, it said in a statement Monday. Although it is not known what happened to the passengers, they have been declared legally dead.

There were 239 passengers and crew members on the flight that disappeared after departing Kuala Lumpur for Beijing in 2014. Despite years of searches, it's unknown why the plane went down or what happened to the people on board. Most of the passengers were Chinese, and their families in China have continued to seek answers.

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The court said that another 23 cases remain pending. In 47 other cases, families have reached agreements with the airlines and withdrawn their suits.

Last Wednesday, the Malaysian government said a search for the plane would resume Dec. 30.
(This story has been updated with new information.)

One person is dead and another is critically injured after a shooting at Kentucky State University Dec. 9, Frankfort Police Assistant Chief Scott Tracy said during an evening news conference.

According to a news release from the university, two students were shot near the Whitney M. Young Jr. Residence Hall on KSU's campus. Frankfort Dispatch received a call reporting the shooting at 3:10 p.m., Tracy said.

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"Within minutes, by 3:14 p.m., Frankfort police officers arrived on scene," he said. "By that time, Kentucky State University campus police had already taken swift action, bringing a suspect into custody."

The two students were taken to an area hospital for treatment, where one died, Tracy said. The other student remains in critical condition.

Tracy confirmed three individuals were involved in the isolated shooting and said while the suspect is not a KSU student, both people shot are currently enrolled at the university. In the release, KSU officials said the university is "in close contact" with the students' families and are currently providing support.

Frankfort Police later identified the suspect as Jacob Lee Bard of Evansville, Indiana. He is facing murder and assault charges and is currently being held at the Franklin County Regional Jail.

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"As a parent, I cannot imagine receiving the call I placed today to the families," KSU President Koffi Akakpo said during the news briefing. "I cannot thank our law enforcement enough, our community enough and our leader right here with me now."

In a video posted to X Dec. 9, Gov. Andy Beshear asked for Kentucky families to pray for the victims' families as well as the Frankfort community.

"Pray for a world where these things don't happen, and I'll keep trying to build the Kentucky that we don't see arguments ended in violence," he said.

Frankfort Police will continue to work with KSU and release more information as it becomes available, Tracy said.

Tell us what you think. Submit your letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky State University shooting leaves one dead, one critical
ABUJA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed on Monday that at least 100 schoolchildren have been rescued from suspected terrorists who attacked a school in Niger State last month, kidnapping hundreds of students and teachers.

A statement issued by the president said Tinubu has instructed local security agencies to continue efforts to rescue other victims still in captivity following the Nov. 21 attack in the state's Papiri area.

Earlier, security forces had rescued at least 51 out of the 315 students and teachers who were kidnapped in the attack, a few days after the incident.

"I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident," Tinubu said.

The president reassured parents that the government will continue efforts to reunite all the kidnapped students with their families. He also stated that he has directed security forces to rescue all remaining abducted students and other Nigerians across the country and bring them home safely.

He said all victims must be accounted for, and the Nigerian government will continue to work to secure schools and create a safer and more conducive learning environment for young people.

Tinubu further instructed that from now on, security agencies, in collaboration with governors across all 36 states, must take preventive measures to stop future kidnappings. "Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists' intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma," he added. 
By Simon Jessop

LONDON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The world's biggest climate philanthropy has given $24.5 million to protect coastal ecosystems as part of a plan to create the planet's first cross-border marine biosphere reserve, its head of nature told Reuters.

The four grants from the Bezos Earth Fund are intended to help local communities and organisations protect key marine areas in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador.

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The grants form part of a plan to give $1 billion towards the world's goal of protecting 30% of the planet's land and oceans by 2030. As part of the 'Protecting Our Planet Challenge' with 10 other philanthropies, the group of donors is aiming to provide $5 billion over the same period.

To date, the Bezos Earth Fund has deployed nearly $700 million -- and the broader coalition more than $3 billion -- of the total $5 billion.

The biggest of the newly announced grants - $13.85 million - would go to an organisation called Re:wild to help partners create and strengthen coastal reserves and nursery zones for hammerhead sharks, turtles and other marine life.

"It's an incredibly important area for migration of species," the Bezos Earth Fund's head of nature, Cristian Samper, said. "The only way you can protect this place is doing it in a transboundary way."

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In two years the four countries had tripled the size of the protected seas to more than 600,000 square kilometres (231,660 square miles) across 10 separate areas, and the aim now was to create a single biosphere reserve, he said.

"That will be the first in the world," Samper said, adding the Fund was also discussing a similar reserve in the Pacific five times the size of the continental United States.

The fund has agreed to spend $100 million helping the Pacific region implement the global biodiversity goal and would announce a second set of grants in 2026.

"In terms of moving the needle towards 30 by 30, this is exactly the sort of work you need to do."

(Reporting by Simon Jessop, Editing by William Maclean)
Andrej Babis, a billionaire supporter of US President Donald Trump, returned to power as Czech prime minister on Tuesday, signalling a possible end to Ukraine aid and potentially rockier ties with the European Union.

Babis's ANO movement, which won October parliamentary elections, teamed up with two eurosceptic parties to form a coalition government.

In its policy statement, the coalition said the EU had "its limits" and no right to impose decisions infringing on the sovereignty of member states.

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In his campaign, Babis has also vowed to curb aid to Ukraine, battling a Russian invasion since 2022. The outgoing centre-right government gave humanitarian and military aid.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky wished Babis success and said in a post on X that he wanted to strengthen cooperation. "We must be strong together for the sake of lasting peace, resilience, and Europes security. I look forward to meeting with the head of the Czech government in the near future," Zelensky said.

President Petr Pavel appointed the 71-year-old Babis, who governed the EU and NATO member of 10.9 million people from 2017 to 2021.

"I promise all citizens of the Czech Republic to fight for their interests at home and abroad," said Babis, who has described himself as "Trumpist" in the past.

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Pavel, a former general, stressed that Prague would need to commit to "our ties within both the EU and NATO" with the Ukraine war raging nearby. He called on Babis to show "vision but also courage".

- Fraud trial -

Throughout his political career, Babis has battled conflict of interest allegations over his roles in business and politics, drawing mass protests during his earlier term.

Thousands rallied against Babis last month on the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution that toppled communism in the former Czechoslovakia.

Slovak-born, Babis is the seventh wealthiest Czech according to Forbes magazine. He made his fortune as the owner of the sprawling food and chemicals holding Agrofert and other companies.

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Pavel urged Babis to resolve the conflict of interest before he is appointed, and the new premier last week vowed to put Agrofert in the hands of an independent administrator.

He did not disclose details, but Pavel said he was happy with the explanation and promised to appoint him.

Babis is to stand trial over a two-million-euro ($2.3 million) fraud. He is accused of taking a farm out of Agrofert in 2007 to make it eligible for an EU subsidy for small companies.

Babis, a former Communist Party member, has also battled allegations of being a communist secret police agent in the 1980s.

He has denied any wrongdoing, calling all the allegations a "smear campaign".

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Babis, who holds an economics degree, entered politics with his ANO party in 2011.

He was finance minister from 2014 to 2017 but was ousted after leaked recordings showed he had influenced reporters working for his newspapers, which he has since sold.

In 2023, he lost a presidential run-off vote to Pavel.

- Controversial candidate dropped -

In the European Parliament, ANO and its coalition partner, the Motorists, are part of the far-right Patriots for Europe bloc, which Babis co-founded with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Together with the far-right SPD, the three parties hold 108 seats in the 200-member Czech parliament.

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On Tuesday, Babis submitted a list of candidates for ministers to Pavel, who is to name the rest of the cabinet.

Babis told reporters the list did not include Filip Turek, the Motorists' candidate for the environment minister, who is under police investigation for alleged rape and domestic violence following a complaint by a former girlfriend.

Pavel had suggested he would not appoint Turek.

Police had also probed Turek for allegedly giving Nazi salutes in public, but they shelved the case.

Czech media have published racist and homophobic posts on social media attributed to Turek.

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Investing.com -- Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro declared on Tuesday that his decision to run for president in 2026 is "irreversible," confirming he will challenge President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the upcoming election.

The announcement comes after Bolsonaro had suggested over the weekend that he might step aside. The senator made the statement to reporters following a visit to his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup after his 2022 election loss to Lula.

"I told him this candidacy is irreversible," the younger Bolsonaro said. "And in his own words, we will not turn back. Now it is time to talk to people so we can have the right people on our side."

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The senator first revealed on Friday that his father supported his presidential bid, a move that unsettled markets. Investors had previously anticipated a more experienced, market-friendly candidate like Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas would consolidate support from the right.

Despite market concerns, Freitas announced on Monday that he would back Flavio Bolsonaros candidacy.

The senator acknowledged the market reaction, attributing it to "concerns" about Lula potentially remaining in office for another four years. He added that his campaign would now gain momentum to challenge the leftist leader in the 2026 election.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi has accused federal judges of waging an unconscionable campaign of bias and hostility against the former beauty queen Donald Trump handpicked to prosecute his enemies.

Weeks after the courts ruled that Lindsey Halligan was unlawfully serving as interim U.S. attorneydismissing her indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia JamesBondi lashed out at rogue judges who have questioned her continued involvement in court matters.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, accompanied by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche (R), speaks during a news conference at the Justice Department. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

Certain district court and magistrate judges in the Eastern District of Virginia are engaging in an unconscionable campaign of bias and hostility against U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan and her line AUSAs (assistant US attorneys), Bondi and her deputy attorney general, Todd Blanche, said in a statement.

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Lindsey and our attorneys are simply doing their jobs: advocating for the Department of Justices positions while following guidance from the Office of Legal Counsel.

They do not deserve to have their reputations questioned in court for ethically advocating on behalf of their client. This Department of Justice has no tolerance for undemocratic judicial activism.

Bondi and Halligan (pictured at the US Open this year) were both former personal attorneys to Trump. / XNY/Star Max / GC Images

The angry rebuke, posted on Monday by the DOJ, did not name the certain judges Bondi had complained about.

However, in the last few days, a number of judges in the region have told prosecutors in open court that they did not believe Halligans name should be on new criminal case filings, such as guilty plea documents and indictments.

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Among them was Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick and U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff, both of whom have objected to Halligans ongoing work after federal judge Cameron McGowan Currie found last month that she was appointed illegally.

Therefore, according to Curries ruling, all actions taken after her appointment were unlawful.

Halligan is a former beauty pageant contestant. who Trump installed to prosecute Comey after pushing out her predecessor, Erik Siebert, in Virginias Eastern District.

The former FBI director is a longtime adversary of the president, who Trump blames for helping to trigger special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

James Comey was fired as FBI director by Donald Trump in 2017. / Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Comey pleaded not guilty in October to charges related to claims that he lied to Congress during testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September 2020.

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James, the New York Attorney General who successfully sued Trump for civil fraud, was also indicted by Halligan on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.

However, she has vehemently denied wrongdoing, labeling the charges as baseless and nothing more than a continuation of the presidents desperate weaponization of our justice system.

James said the charges against her are baseless, and that the indictment is nothing more than a continuation of the presidents desperate weaponization of our justice system. / Pacific Press / Pacific Press/LightRocket via Ge

But the cases brought forward by Halligan were botched from the start. Last month, for instance, Fitzpatrick slammed the DOJ for what he said was a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps in its bid to prosecute Comey.

He also said Halligan, who had never prosecuted a case prior to Comeys, seemed to make fundamental misstatements of law to the grand jury that could jeopardize the indictment altogether.

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Bondi has vowed to appeal the ruling that found Halligan had been unlawfully appointed as her department considers how to pursue Trumps revenge plot against Comey and James.

A statement from @AGPamBondi and @DAGToddBlanche:



Certain district court and magistrate judges in the Eastern District of Virginia are engaging in an unconscionable campaign of bias and hostility against U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan and her line AUSAs.



Lindsey and our  U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) December 8, 2025

In her joint statement on Monday, she wrote: We will continue fighting for public safety in courtrooms across the country, and we will not be deterred by rogue judges who fail to live up to their obligations of impartiality because of their own political views.

The American people, and the people of the Eastern District of Virginia, deserve nothing less.
PARIS (AP)  Brigitte Macron was facing criticism on Tuesday after video emerged of her using a slur to denounce feminist protesters.

The scene filmed Sunday showed Frances first lady in discussion backstage at the Folies Bergere theatre in Paris with Ary Abittan, a French actor and humorist previously accused of rape, before a performance he was about to give. The previous night, feminist campaigners had disrupted his show with shouts of Abittan, rapist!"

Before Sunday's performance, Brigitte Macron asked him how he was feeling. When he said he was feeling scared, she made a derogatory and sexist reference to the women, adding: Well toss them out.

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Her office said in a statement that she'd been trying to calm his nerves: As the video shows, Mrs. Macrons only intention was to reassure an artist who, in his dressing room before going on stage, had just told her, Im scared, because his show had been disrupted the previous evening."

"In no way is she attacking a cause. She does, however, disapprove of the radical methods used to prevent an artist from performing on stage, as was the case on Saturday night.

The feminist campaign group Nous Toutes (All of Us) said its activists disrupted Abittans show to protest what it described as the culture of impunity around sexual violence in France.

Magistrates terminated the investigation of the 2021 rape allegation against Abittan for lack of evidence in 2024, a decision then confirmed on appeal in January this year, according to French media.

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In a statement on Instagram, Nous Toutes said: We denounce venues that roll out a red carpet for men accused of rape, normalizing sexist and sexual violence. It is a public insult to the victims. Victims, we believe you. Rapists, we do not forgive you!

Opponents of President Emmanuel Macron on the left-wing of French politics criticized his wife's use of a sexist slur and some said she should apologize.

The critics included former French President Francois Hollande. Speaking to broadcaster RTL, Hollande said: There's a problem of vulgarity."

But on the French far-right, National Rally lawmaker Jean-Philippe Tanguy said Brigitte Macron's comments were delivered in private and stolen."

If each of us were filmed backstage saying things with friends, I think there would be plenty to comment on," he told broadcaster BFMTV. All of this is very hypocritical."
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Iain Douglas-Hamilton, a British-born zoologist and conservationist who dedicated much of his life to protecting elephants, has died, his Save the Elephants group said Tuesday. He was 83.

Douglas-Hamilton was known for decades of conservation work, which included pioneering trackers and collaring to protect elephants against poaching and the illegal ivory trade. He died on Monday in Kenya, the statement said.

Save the Elephants said he was instrumental in exposing the ivory poaching crisis" and documenting the destruction of over half of Africas elephants in a single decade, "leading up to a crucial intergovernmental decision to ban the international trade in ivory in 1989.

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Whether sitting quietly among elephants, poring over maps of their movements, or circling above a herd in his beloved aircraft, that glint in his eye was there," the groups CEO Frank Pope said.

"He never lost his lifelong curiosity about what was happening inside the minds of one of our planets most intriguing creatures, Pope added.

Elephants use their ivory tusks  the elongated teeth on either side of an elephants mouth  for gathering food, digging and self-defense. But people have used ivory throughout history, including for weapons, jewelry, ornamentation and traditional medicinal purposes.

The Uganda Conservation Foundation eulogized Douglas-Hamilton as someone who generously shared his knowledge and expertise with the conservation community, inspiring action and collaboration."

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"We honor a life that didnt just protect elephants, but empowered the people protecting them," the foundation said.

Douglas-Hamiltons research was considered by many to be essential in the push to ban the international trade of ivory. But despite being outlawed in 1989 by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, ivory demand continued driving African elephants towards extinction, and Douglas-Hamiltons advocacy played a role in shuttering domestic markets in an array of countries in the 2010s.

During the 2010s, the Chinese government also took steps to halt ivory trade, including shutting down factories and retail outlets.

With the end of the legal ivory trade in China, the survival chances for elephants have distinctly improved," Douglas-Hamilton said in an interview with The Associated Press in 2017. We must give credit to China for having done the right thing by closing the ivory trade.

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"There is still a long way to go to end the excessive killing of elephants for ivory, but there is now greater hope for the species, Douglas-Hamilton said at the time.

Wildlife Conservation Network, which has Save the Elephants as a founding partner, said in a statement Tuesday that Douglas-Hamilton was a giant in the field of conservation and worked tirelessly to protect elephants.

"Iain was a pioneer and an icon. He was deeply respected, loved, and admired, and will be missed beyond words, the network said.

Douglas-Hamilton was born in Dorset, England and received his bachelors degree and doctorate from the University of Oxford, according to the Save the Elephants website.

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With his wife, Oria, he coauthored two books and his work has been featured in a number of films, including a documentary titled A Life Among Elephants, released in 2024.

He earned numerous awards, including the Commander of the British Empire in 2015 and the Esmond B. Martin Royal Geographical Society Prize earlier this year.

Protecting all aspects of elephants' life remained his focus. In 2009, Kenya experienced its worst drought in 12 years  drought-related hunger can also cause elephant fatalities  that created hazardous conditions and led to more than 100 elephant deaths.

When (elephants) do not have enough food they also seem to be vulnerable to disease, their immune system weakens and they catch all sorts of diseases, Douglas-Hamilton told the AP in 2009.

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He was also a close and longtime friend of famed primatologist Jane Goodall, who died in October at the age of 91.

Douglas-Hamilton is survived by his wife, their two daughters and six grandchildren.

___

OMalley reported from Philadelphia.

___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced on "Fox & Friends" that he would run for the Republican nomination for New York governor.

"We want to put New York first, we want to make it more affordable, we want to make New York safer, and we want to make people in New York happy again," Blakeman told Fox News' Brian Kilmeade.

Democrat New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's campaign did not hold back in its response to Blakeman entering the race, calling him a "MAGA fanboy."

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Potential Gop Challenger Warns Hochul That A Corporate Tax Hike Would Be A 'Disaster' For New York's Economy

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman celebrates reelection at the Nassau Republican GOP headquarters on election night at the Coral House in Baldwin, Nov. 4, 2025.

"Bootlicker Bruce Blakeman has lost just about every race hes touched  county legislator, comptroller, Congress, even U.S. Senate. Theres a reason: just like Donald Trump, he takes money out of New Yorkers pockets and squeezes working families at every turn," Hochul campaign communications director Sarafina Chitika said in a statement.

"Blakeman raised costs on New Yorkers and cheered on Trumps tariffs like the MAGA fanboy he is  flying all the way to D.C. to applaud higher prices," Chitika added. "He gushed that Trump is doing an amazing job by gutting Medicaid and jacking up costs. Were not about to let him turn the governors mansion into Mar-a-Lago North."

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When asked about Hochul's statement, Blakeman called the New York governor a "failure."

"I made Nassau County the safest county in America. We're one of the most prosperous counties in America. I cut taxes, I haven't raised taxes a penny in four years. We've created economic prosperity. Our poverty rate is one-third of the poverty rate of the state of New York. She's the one that's been a failure. I'm running for office to make people more prosperous, to make them safer and to make New Yorkers happy again," the Nassau County executive said.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signs an executive order showing the county's support for federal, state and local law enforcement officials by allowing masks for specific investigations on July 11, 2025, in Mineola, N.Y.

Gop Bright Star Who Beat Democrats In Blue County Shares Key To Success

Blakeman has garnered praise from President Donald Trump, who also commended Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., when she announced her intention to run for governor.

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"He's great and she's great. They're both great people," Trump said when asked about two of his allies facing off against each other.

Stefanik's campaign responded to Blakeman's announcement, saying, "Public polling has repeatedly shown Elise Stefanik leads Blakeman by 70% in a primary, including beating him soundly on Long Island. Elise is the strongest candidate against Kathy Hochul by a long shot."

"Elise has outrun President Trump on the ballot by more than any Republican in New York State, including Bruce [Stefanik's] record is in stark contrast to Bruce Blakeman who is anti-2A (the kiss of death Upstate), who has a record of donating to and supporting corrupt Far Left Democrats, and who has lost numerous statewide, federal, and local races in smashing fashion before finally being propped up by a strong county infrastructure. Bruce Blakeman is an early Christmas present to Kathy Hochul as he works to blow Republicans' best chance to win," Stefanik's campaign added.

The Nassau County executive said that he does not think that the president needs to choose between himself and Stefanik just yet.

President Donald Trump is greeted by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman after arriving at the Republic Airport on Air Force One on Sept. 26, 2025, in Farmingdale, New York.

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"I don't think the president has to make a decision now. Let's see how it plays out," Blakeman said on "Fox & Friends" before going on to praise Trump.

"He's done more for America in the last 11 months than any president in my lifetime. He's done a great job with the economy. He's going out now, he's going to be in Pennsylvania today talking about economic development, creating prosperity. Those are the same things that I want to do in New York State. So, I cherish his friendship and I and I appreciate his leadership," Blakeman said.





Original article source: Bruce Blakeman announces his run for New York governor, setting up GOP primary clash with Elise Stefanik
Eleven Nigerian military officers were briefly detained in Burkina Faso after their aircraft made an emergency landing in the country, Burkinabe security sources told the BBC.

The Air Force C-130 aircraft entered Burkina Faso's airspace on Monday without authorisation, according to the country's Territorial Administration Minister Emile Zerbo.

In a joint statement, the military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger said their prompt investigation confirmed the "violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states".

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But the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said a technical problem meant the plane, which was en route to Portugal, had to land in accordance with safety procedures.

The statement added that the crew was "safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities". It did not mention whether they had been detained.

The aircraft landed in Bobo-Dioulasso, in the west of Burkina Faso and its second-largest city. The NAF said it was the site of the nearest airfield when the plane had to make an emergency stop.

But the Nigerian account of the incident contradicts the position of the trio of Sahel countries, formally known as Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which said that the aircraft entered Burkinabe airspace without prior authorisation and was forced to land.

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"An investigation was immediately opened by the competent Burkinabe services and highlighted the lack of authorisation to fly over Burkinabe territory for this military apparatus," the AES said in a joint statement.

It called the landing an "unfriendly act" and said the countries' respective air forces had been put on maximum alert and authorised to "neutralise any aircraft" found to violate the confederation's airspace.

On board were two crew members and nine passengers, all military officers, according to the AES.

The Burkinabe authorities told BBC that the soldiers were released and given permission to fly back to Nigeria.

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In its statement, the NAF said that plans were under way to resume the mission to Portugal as scheduled, assuring the public that the air force remained committed to operational aviation procedures and safety standards.

Political analysts have linked the incident to the deployment of troops from West Africa's regional bloc, Ecowas, to Benin following an attempted coup on Sunday.

Nigeria led the regional mission with the deployment of jets and troops to suppress the mutiny in Benin.

Earlier this year, all the three military-led countries - Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger - withdrew from Ecowas, citing a mix of political and security grievances.

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They had rejected Ecowas' demands for them to restore democratic rule.

The three Sahel countries have also distanced themselves from Western countries, notably from former colonial ruler France, while drawing closer to Russia.

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A former U.S. Postal Service letter carrier who worked in Southern California and posted pictures on Instagram holding large stacks of cash was sentenced to five years and three months in federal prison for stealing and selling debit and credit cards, as well as checks from the mail.

Mary Ann Magdamit, 31, of Carson, pleaded guilty Aug. 11 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud for crimes committed between at least 2022 and July 2025 while she worked at the Torrance Main Post Office, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Officials say Magdamit, who has been in federal custody since July 1, stole mail containing checks, personal information, and debit and credit cards that she activated online and used to make purchases. Investigators learned Magdamit sold some of the stolen cards to her accomplices, using the money to take international trips and buy luxury goods.

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She also arranged to have her co-conspirators cash the stolen checks, usually by people using counterfeit identity documents in the name of the checks payee, according to the DOJ.

A December 2024 search of Magdamits apartment turned up 133 stolen credit and debit cards, 16 U.S. Department of Treasury checks, and a loaded, unserialized Glock-clone, with an extended 27-round magazine, commonly referred to as a ghost gun.

Mary Ann Magdamit is seen in an image provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. Evidence is seen from the case against former U.S. Postal worker Mary Ann Magdamit. (U.S. Department of Justice) Evidence is seen from the case against former U.S. Postal worker Mary Ann Magdamit. (U.S. Department of Justice)

She also used stolen cards on international trips she took to Turks and Caicos and Aruba, the DOJ said. In one Instagram post, Magdamit was seen flaunting stacks of $100 bills.

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Magdamit was arrested on July 1 after agents learned she was continuing to make purchases with victims credit cards, which were found during a second search of her apartment that day.

She was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John F. Walter, who also ordered her to pay $660,200 in restitution. Magdamit will also need to forfeit a Rolex watch and other luxury goods, according to the DOJ.

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The chief of the CERN physics laboratory says China's decision to pause its major particle accelerator project presents an "opportunity" to ensure Europe's rival plan goes ahead.

Ten years ago, China announced its intention to build the Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC), which at 100 kilometres (62 miles) long would be the world's largest particle accelerator.

But Beijing recently put the project on ice, CERN's director-general Fabiola Gianotti told a small group of journalists at a recent briefing.

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China's CEPC would be way bigger than CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) -- currently the world's largest, whizzing particles into each other at phenomenal speeds.

The 27-kilometre proton-smashing ring running about 100 metres (330 feet) below the border between France and Switzerland, has, among other things, been used to prove the existence of the Higgs boson.

Dubbed the God particle, its discovery in 2012 broadened science's understanding of how particles acquire mass.

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research whose main offices also straddle the border near Geneva, seeks to unravel what the universe is made of and how it works.

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The LHC is expected to have fully run its course by around 2040, and CERN is considering building a far larger collider to allow scientists to keep pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

- Search for dark matter -

The planned Future Circular Collider (FCC) would be a ring with a circumference of 91 km and an average depth of 200 metres.

Scientists believe that ordinary matter -- such as stars, gases, dust, planets and everything on them -- accounts for just five percent of the universe.

The FCC will try to reveal what makes up the other 95 percent of the energy and matter in the universe -- so-called dark matter and dark energy, which scientists have yet to observe directly.

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The gigantic project, costing around $17 billion, has not yet received the green light from CERN's 25 member states.

But the CERN Council, its decision-making body, "issued a very positive opinion on November 7" regarding the feasibility study, which includes geological, territorial, technological, scientific, and financial aspects, announced Gianotti.

"If all goes well, the project could be approved in 2028," she added.

The FCC, which could become operational by the end of the 2040s, is considered excessive by its opponents, especially if China was doing similar research in a similar-sized ring at a cheaper price.

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But China's halt gives CERN a clear run.

- Window of opportunity -

"The Chinese Academy of Sciences, which filters projects, has decided to give the green light to a smaller, lower-energy collider, rather than the larger CEPC, which is in direct competition with CERN," said Gianotti.

In China, Wang Yifang, head of the Institute of High Energy Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, confirmed to AFP that the CEPC was not included in the next five-year plan.

"We plan to submit CEPC for consideration again in 2030, unless FCC is officially approved before then, in which case we will seek to join FCC, and give up CEPC," he said.

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For Gianotti, "this is an opportunity: firstly, because if the Chinese project had been approved, it would likely have started much sooner than the FCC."

"It's also interesting to know that, if the FCC is approved, the Chinese would abandon their project to come and work with us," added the Italian, whose five-year term finishes at the end of December.

Gianotti will be succeeded by British physicist Mark Thomson.

But China's decision has provided an argument for the Co-cernes collective, which brings together local opponents of the FCC who fear the effects of the massive digging project.

If a super collider was of "real scientific interest, China would undoubtedly not have abandoned it," it says.

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MOGADISHU, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- China has donated 1 million U.S. dollars to help drought-hit people in Somalia, where at least 4.4 million people are projected to face acute food insecurity through December.

Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Wang Yu, who handed over the donation on Monday, pledged support to the Somali government's drought response efforts.

Wang said the contribution, which was channeled through the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), is rooted in the philosophical framework of Chinese foreign policy.

"The drought has caused large-scale displacement and suffering in the country," he said.

SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Moallim Abdulle said the funds will be used to support drought response efforts across the country.

"The support will boost emergency services, including food, clean water, and essential aid for the most vulnerable communities. SODMA will strengthen cooperation with China and other partners to ensure timely and effective delivery of aid to affected families," Moallim said.

At least 4.4 million Somalis are projected to face acute food insecurity through December, while 1.85 million children under five are expected to suffer acute malnutrition through mid-2026, according to the United Nations. 
Authorities have upgraded a charge against a driver accused of causing a crash in Gloucester Township that killed a Vietnam veteran earlier this year.

Marcus A. Young, 23, is charged with aggravated manslaughter in the death of Louis Bontya III, Gloucester Township police said.

The crash took place just before 10:15 p.m. on Oct. 11 at the corner of Berlin Cross Keys Road and Johnson Road when Youngs car collided with an SUV driven by Bontya.

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Bontya, 76, of Williamstown, died of his injuries at an area hospital, and his 75-year-old wife was seriously injured.

Young had been free on pre-trial monitoring before surrendering this morning, according to his attorney Mark Bernstein. Young is being held at the Camden County jail.

Bernstein declined to comment further on Tuesday.

A U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, Bontya is survived by his wife, two children, three step-children, seven grandchildren and three brothers, according to an online obituary

Bontya worked as an architect and code official and is the author of two books on military history, the obituary said.

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Young, of Sicklerville, was charged with death by auto and assault by auto weeks after the crash.

Young was issued motor vehicle summonses for reckless driving, failure to obey a traffic control device, speeding, failure to wear a seatbelt, and driving while intoxicated.

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Swirling questions over the undisclosed location of Charlie Kirks body are intensifying nearly three months after his assassination, with prominent figures and online communities demanding answers.

Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. A sprawling public memorial followed on September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, drawing President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several members of Trumps cabinet. But since then, Turning Point has not disclosed where Kirk was laid to rest, fueling speculation, confusion, and, increasingly, public frustration.

TPUSA did not respond to multiple requests for comment from The Dallas Express seeking clarity on Kirks burial location.

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That void has been filled by competing narratives online and, in recent days, amplified dramatically by public figures once close to the organization. During a December 5 appearance on Tim Pools show, commentator and former Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos claimed he had direct knowledge that Kirk had not yet been buried.

But first of all, I believe that she is motivated by a sincere desire to find out what happened to Charlie Kirk, Yiannopoulos said, referring to Candace Owens recent probing of the circumstances surrounding Kirks death and his funeral arrangements. Second, we dont know [about the location of Kirks body]. We still dont know because they are telling untruths about it I know for a fact for an absolute fact that Charlie has not been buried yet.

I swear on Jesus Christ. I know for an incontrovertible fact that Charlie has not been buried yet. Theres no good reason for that. None whatsoever. Unless some trickery is afoot he continued. No, I know for a fact. He has not been buried.

Online, uncertainty surrounding Kirks burial intensified after Owens claimed on a recent podcast that she had been told Kirk had a Catholic funeral mass and was buried in a Catholic cemetery, an assertion at odds with his long-professed Protestant identity.

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Other rumours have swept the press. The swirl has grown so intense that a Phoenix church had to issue a clarification in late September. First United Methodist Church received calls from people mistakenly believing Kirk would be buried there, its pastor said.

About two days ago, the church started to receive some telephone calls, really folks wanting to pay their condolences and send flowers, Pastor David Rennick told AzCentral. We contacted our denominational resources, and they put the word out that it was not legitimate.

Even the widely used website Find a Grave lists Kirks burial site as Burial Details Unknown, stating that the exact location has not been disclosed by the family. The notation has remained unchanged since at least October 10.

TYLER ROBINSON

Kirks killing set off one of the highest-profile murder cases in recent American political memory. Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah man, has been charged with aggravated murder and other felonies.

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Prosecutors alleged Robinson shot Kirk from a rooftop overlooking the Utah Valley University venue and later fled, triggering a statewide manhunt. Robinson ultimately turned himself in after relatives recognized him from images authorities released, according to an indictment reported by The Dallas Express.

Robinson faces the potential of the death penalty. His first in-person public hearings are scheduled for January 16 and January 30, according to Fox Baltimore.

Meanwhile, questions about Kirks burial site remain unaddressed.

As of early December, neither TPUSA nor Kirks family has released any information explaining the continued lack of disclosure.
A six-year-old child was stabbed multiple times in a Creek Road residence, according to a statement from police.

The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department responded to the Creek Road residence on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5:57 p.m.

When police arrived, officers found two citizens providing aid to the child, who had multiple stab wounds, and the officers began performing lifesaving measures, as well as securing the home, until EMS arrived, police said.

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The child is in stable condition and is expected to recover.

Karen Rendon, 30, of Poughkeepsie, was arrested and charged in connection to the stabbing. Rendon allegedly stabbed the child and fled the home, according to authorities.

The police's investigation has revealed another child in the home witnessed the stabbing, and went to the Creek Road, beckoning passing vehicles.

The motorists who stopped immediately called 911 and were the ones assisting the injured child until EMS arrived at the scene.

The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department "extends gratitude" to the individuals who "acted swiftly and courageously" to help the injured 6-year-old.

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Later into the night, at 2:11 a.m., a Town of Poughkeepsie officer found Rendon, near Parker Avenue in the City of Poughkeepsie, and Rendon was taken into custody.

Rendon has been charged with first-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

On Dec. 7, Rendon was brought before the Town of Poughkeepsie Court Judge and sent to the Dutchess County Jail.

Rendon's bail was set at $500,000 cash, $1 million insurance bond or $1.5 million partially secured bond.

However, the stabbing remains under investigation.

Town of Poughkeepsie Police implores anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the event, to contact the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Detective Division at 845-485-3670.

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Contact reporter Nickie Hayes: NHayes@poughkee.gannett.com, 845-863-3518 and @nickieehayess on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Karen Rendon was arrested, charged in stabbing of a 6-year-old child
Childrens Minnesota and Washburn Center for Children in the US have announced their collaboration to tackle the rising challenge of emergency department boarding solutions for children experiencing mental health crises.

The initiative aims to decrease the time young patients spend in hospital emergency departments and ensure they receive timely access to necessary treatment.

Over the past ten years, hospital emergency departments across the US have reported a sharp increase in visits from youth with mental health issues. Childrens Minnesota alone recorded over 1,200 visits of this kind during 2024.

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Emergency department boarding occurs when children in crisis wait, sometimes for days, for either an appropriate care placement or a safe plan to return home.

As part of the new collaboration, Washburn Center for Children has appointed an acute response therapist to work within Childrens Minnesota emergency department. This role focuses on connecting families in crisis with essential mental health services more efficiently.

The service begins with staff working closely with caregivers during the childs emergency department stay.

This includes building a safety and stabilisation plan tailored for each family and preparing them for a transition home or to community-based care. The approach aims to decrease the time spent in hospital environments and equip caregivers confidence and direction.

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The partnership targets access to intensive in-home or community-based support within 72 hours of referral.

Key programme elements include facilitating follow-up therapy and community resources, developing family stabilisation plans prior to discharge, creating safety plans to sustain progress after hospitalisation, and assisting with care coordination.

The model is designed to optimise hospital resources, reduce boarding time, enhance outcomes for underinsured or uninsured families, and improve care continuity.

Childrens Minnesota president and CEO Emily Chapman said: When a child arrives in our emergency room in the midst of a mental health crisis, they are at their most vulnerable. In these critical moments, it is our responsibility to offer not just care, but a lifeline. This partnership is one more step towards supporting families with the tools they need to navigate this difficult journey.

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In February 2025, CLTech entered an agreement with Childrens Minnesota to use AI to enhance operational efficiency.

"Childrens Minnesota and Washburn Center to address children mental health crises" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.




By Eduardo Baptista

BEIJING, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Chinese astronauts have installed protection against "space junk" aboard the permanently inhabited station Tiangong, according to China's manned spaceflight authorities, a month after a docked vessel was damaged for the first time.

Early last month, a tiny piece of debris travelling at high velocity cracked the window of the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft's return capsule, right before the vessel was set to leave Tiangong carrying a trio of Chinese astronauts back to Earth.

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The damage was deemed severe enough that China's space authorities made the unprecedented decision to delay the return and then send the crew back on the only other available vessel, the Shenzhou-21, which triggered the country's first emergency launch mission as the Shenzhou-21 crew was left without a flightworthy vessel for 11 days.

The entire saga, unprecedented for China's rapidly advancing space programme, highlighted the risks posed by space junk to countries aiming to explore, and eventually colonise, the reaches beyond Earth.

The disintegration of old, defunct satellites, mishaps with active ones and anti-satellite weapon tests can create vast fields of space debris that remain in orbit for years.

To prevent a repeat of last month's emergency, two members of the Shenzhou-21's three-person crew went on a spacewalk on Tuesday, installing the debris protection using Tiangong's robotic arm, according to a statement from the China Manned Space Engineering Office.

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The astronauts also inspected and photographed the damaged window of the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, which is still docked at Tiangong, waiting to be sent back uncrewed to a landing site in China after which it will be further examined.

The vessel's cracked window could be reinforced by the Shenzhou-21 crew on future spacewalks, according to CMSEO.

(Reporting by Eduardo Baptista;Editing by Alison Williams)
Police are searching for a suspect accused of shooting at Christmas inflatables early Tuesday morning in Bow, New Hampshire.

The incident was reported around 1 a.m. on Risingwood Drive, police said.

Several inflatable holiday displays were allegedly hit by gunfire from the roadway, leading investigators to believe the shooter may have been inside a vehicle at the time.

The suspect could face charges including criminal mischief and reckless conduct with a firearm, according to police.

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Residents on Risingwood Drive are being asked to review home surveillance footage from 1 to 2 a.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Matt Pratte at 603-223-3950 or submit an anonymous tip through the local crime tip line.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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A Cinnabon employee in Wisconsin has been fired, according to the company, after video showed her making racist comments to customers.

Sabrina Osman, the person who posted the video to TikTok on Dec. 5, said in a GoFundMe campaign that her cousin, Farhia Ahmed, and her brother-in-law were shopping at the Bay Park Mall in Ashwaubenon, just south of Green Bay, when they decided to stop at the cinnamon roll stand.

"As soon as they approached the counter, they could tell the atmosphere was not welcoming at all because of the workers facial expression and attitude," Osman wrote.

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When the pair asked for more caramel on a cinnamon pecan roll, the employee allegedly made an insulting remark at Ahmed's hijab, after which Ahmed began filming, Osman said on the GoFundMe page. She noted that the couple are Black Somali Muslim.

The video, reviewed by USA TODAY, shows the woman saying, "I am a racist," using the N-word and showing the camera two middle fingers. "I am racist and I'll say that to the whole entire world," the employee is heard saying.

Osman said Ahmed "has been traumatized, anxious, and scared to go outside since this happened."

Cinnabon responds to video, fundraiser created for employee

Cinnabon commented on the video, calling it "disturbing," and said the employee had been "immediately terminated" by the franchise owner.

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"Their actions and statements are completely unacceptable and in no way reflect the values of Cinnabon, our franchisees, or the welcoming environment we expect for every guest and team member," Cinnabon said in a statement sent to USA TODAY on Dec. 8.

A fundraising page set up on GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding site, defended the employee, claiming the couple intimidated her.

"No White person should lose their job for refusing to be harassed by Somalians," it reads.

GiveSendGo confirmed to USA TODAY that the intended beneficiary of the fundraiser is Crystal Wilsey, however, it does not appear that the page was set up by the former Cinnabon employee.

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USA TODAY reached out to Wilsey through social media but did not receive a response as of Dec. 8.

More news: Crowdfunding campaigns created for customers, former employee in Cinnabon incident

Incident comes as Trump bashes Somali immigrants

The incident comes amid a wave of anti-Somali rhetoric emanating from Washington.

During a Dec. 2 cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump called Somali immigrants in Minnesota garbage," saying he doesn't want them in the country.

The comments came after reports that dozens of Somali immigrants had been charged with fraud for allegedly stealing $1 billion from Minnesota programs, such as COVID-19 pandemic relief.

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Ask HR: Can a worker be fired without a reason?

"Somalians ripped off that state for billions of dollars," Trump said of Somali immigrants. "They contribute nothing."

The Islamic Society of Milwaukee issued a statement on Dec. 6 saying, "The recent remarks targeting the Somali people and the nation of Somalia are dangerous and dehumanizing."

The Council on American-Islamic Relations issued a news release Dec. 8 that welcomed the firing of the Cinnabon employee.

"The fact that this employee felt comfortable calling a Black couple the n-word on camera is a sign of how acceptable anti-Black and anti-Somali racism has become," the statement reads. "Our political leaders, including President Trump, must stop fomenting hatred against Americans of Somali descent.

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Trump has threatened to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Somali refugees in Minnesota, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has halted all immigration applications from Somalia and 18 other countries in the wake of an attack on two National Guard members in Washington, DC. The shooting suspect is an Afghan national.

Contributing: Bart Jansen, N'dea Yancey-Bragg, Chris Kenning, Corey Schmidt  USA TODAY; Francesca Pica  Green Bay Press Gazette

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cinnabon fires employee after video shows racist comments to customers
Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Congress is planning to vote on a new defense spending bill with a provision to persuade Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth into releasing unedited video of U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean.

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on the annual Pentagon spending and policy bill this week, with a request that the Defense Department turn over "video of strikes conducted against designated terrorist organizations in the area of responsibility of the United States Southern Command." The Senate is expected to take it up by the end of the month.

Inside the National Defense Authorization Act, Hegseth could face a 25% cut to his travel budget if his department fails to hand over unedited, classified video to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.

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Lawmakers have differing opinions about what happened during a Sept. 2 military strike on an alleged drug boat, where a second strike killed two survivors on board. Hegseth and Adm. Frank "Mitch" Bradley, who ordered the strike, have faced scrutiny over the attack. The first hit killed all but two people aboard the boat, before a second strike was ordered, killing the survivors and sinking the vessel.

"I was told, 'Hey, there had to be a reattack, because there were a couple of folks who could still be in the fight with access to radios.' There was a link-up point of another potential boat, drugs were still there ... I said, 'Roger, sounds good,'" Hegseth has said regarding the attack.

Democratic Rep. Adam Smith, of the House Armed Services Committee, called Hegseth's description "ridiculous."

"They ought to release the video," Smith said. "If they release the video, then everything that the Republicans are saying will clearly be portrayed to be completely false and people will get a look at it and they will see."

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Lawmakers have only seen portions of the video, with Democrats calling the survivors helpless, saying they should have been rescued to comply with international law, as Republicans claimed the survivors were trying to "flip" the boat "so they could stay in the fight."

There have been 22 attacks on vessels in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, killing more than 86 people. The Trump administration started attacking what it called boats operated by a designated terrorist organization on Sept. 2.

Last week, President Donald Trump told reporters he would consider releasing the video.

"I don't know what they have, but whatever they have, we'd certainly release, no problem," Trump said.

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Hegseth countered over the weekend, saying he was more concerned about exposing the U.S. military and its "bespoke capabilities, techniques, procedures" in the video.

"I'm way more interested in protecting that than anything else," he said at the Reagan National Defense Forum. "So, we're viewing the process, and we'll see."
CONNECTICUT  The Connecticut Department of Public Health is urging residents to get vaccinated against seasonal respiratory viruses as flu and RSV activity increases in neighboring New York and is expected to rise in Connecticut in the coming weeks.

New York's increased flu and RSV activity is an early warning for Connecticut, DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani said in a statement. As we approach the holidays, get your seasonal shots if you haven't already. It's not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness.

State health officials said vaccinations remain the most effective tool to reduce severe illness and limit the spread of respiratory viruses, particularly among vulnerable groups such as young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions.

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DPH recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive an annual flu shot and the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Adults 60 and older and pregnant women are eligible for the RSV vaccine Abrysvo, while infants younger than 8 months may receive the protective monoclonal antibody nirsevimab during RSV season.

COVID-19 remains the most common respiratory virus circulating in Connecticut, though cases have steadied following a rise earlier this fall. Flu and RSV activity is currently low but increasing, a trend officials expect to continue through the holidays.

Vaccines are available through primary care providers, pharmacies and online.

DPH also encouraged residents to help limit transmission by staying home when sick, washing hands frequently, cleaning surfaces and wearing a mask when experiencing respiratory symptoms.

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More information on statewide case trends, hospitalizations and deaths is available on the departments website.

Connecticut Health Officials Urge Vaccinations As Respiratory Illnesses Rise Ahead Of Holidays originally appeared on the Across Connecticut Patch
Monday night's workshop was one of three being put on by the Cook County Assessor's Office this week in some of the neighborhoods hardest hit by property tax increases.

But even with some one-on-one guidance, for many, this year's bill is simply unaffordable.

"I've made no changes in my place. And yet, I'm caught with a 400% increase," said West Garfield Park resident Michael Strode.

Holding onto their second installment property tax bills, dozens of people packed the basement of West Garfield Park's New Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church on Monday evening, looking for answers and anything that might explain their skyrocketing bills.

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"They gave me a bill for $2,500," said Selestine Washington, another West Garfield Park resident. "Then, I'm going to turn around and get a bill in a couple more months."

SEE ALSO | Cook County Board of Review reopening tax appeals for 24 townships after dramatic bill increases

Monday night's event was, in equal parts, an informational session hosted by the Cook County Assessor's Office and a community rally.

On the one hand, county employees worked with residents to see if they might be missing out on any qualifying property tax exemptions. On the other, religious leaders and city council members representing the neighborhoods hardest hit by the latest reassessment rallied the crowd of angry homeowners.

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"We need the same treatment that they have up north here on the West Side of Chicago," said 28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin. "This is an error that has been perpetrated on us by the assessor's office."

The Cook County Treasurer's Office estimates the average residential bill in the city of Chicago increased by more than 16% this year. A slump in commercial real estate downtown is being blamed for the increases. But three of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods are seeing spikes that are hard to imagine.

In West Garfield Park, bills soared 133%. North Lawndale saw a 99% spike. And in Englewood, taxes climbed more than 80%.

"We're here to help people fight back. We've got to make noise," said Rev. Marshall Hatch with New Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. "We need, really, those taxes to be frozen in last year's rate until we can figure out how to make this system fair and make this system make sense."

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READ MORE | Chicago residents worry over Cook County property tax increases as payment due soon

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi faced many angry questions even as he tried to pass the blame onto others for the current predicament.

"There is a system of appeals, where reductions are being made and pushed onto us," Kaegi said.

Michael Strode said, in response, "I'm in the hood. I don't have the money to purchase a tax attorney to keep on retainer to get my property lower."

Cook County property tax bills are due Dec. 15. Those unable to pay on time will be able to sign up for a payment plan with the Cook County Treasurer's Office starting on Dec. 16.
KINSHASA, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- All parties to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) must respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians, including distinguishing between civilians and combatants during military operations, urged Bruno Lemarquis, the UN humanitarian coordinator in the country on Monday.

"The use of explosive weapons in populated areas and attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as schools, are causing unacceptable loss of life and must stop immediately. Civilians and civilian infrastructure are not targets," Lemarquis said.

In a national address delivered Monday in Kinshasa, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi said that rebels of the March 23 Movement (M23) had launched an offensive against the Armed Forces of the DRC in the country's South Kivu Province.

According to a statement issued on Monday, several territories across South Kivu, including Uvira, Walungu, Mwenga, Shabunda, Kabare, Fizi and Kalehe, have witnessed clashes involving heavy weaponry and shelling in densely populated areas in recent days.

Escalating fighting in South Kivu province has left at least 74 people dead and displaced more than 200,000 others since Dec. 2, according to UN statistics. The crisis adds to an already dire situation, with South Kivu hosting 1.2 million internally displaced people before the latest escalation.

Since January, the security situation in eastern DRC has sharply deteriorated. The M23 has intensified attacks in both North Kivu and South Kivu, causing numerous civilian casualties and widespread displacement. 
The News

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, isnt masking his excitement that Rep. Jasmine Crockett is in the race for Texas Democratic Senate nomination and former Rep. Colin Allred is out.

Am I hiding my glee? Ill try to wipe the smile off my face, I would say its a gift, Cornyn told Semafor of the switcheroo. Colin  obviously, he wasnt successful before, but he was what I would call closer to a normal Democrat than Jasmine. [She] is something else.

The veteran GOP senator  who must win his own tough primary  is preparing for Crockett to be the nominee over state Rep. James Talarico.

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But Democrats say not so fast: This race has a long way to go. Still bullish on Democrats, said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., a former party campaign chair. I dont think Republicans should be popping their champagne bottles yet.

Know More

Van Hollen said he did not yet have a preference in the primary but will be watching it very closely. Indeed, the Texas primary sits alongside states like Michigan and Maine in importance in terms of picking up the majority. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., the current Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair, said she isnt commenting on the last-minute primary movements.

Some Democrats wouldnt have minded seeing Allred give it another go with the wind at his back, though.

He was a really strong candidate for us last time, it was just a really tough year that he was running in. I think this is going to be a good year, said Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., a former party chair who recruited Allred last cycle.

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Peters said he feels good about Talarico, hes really been catching on. Hes got a lot of support as well. So we would have had two good candidates  had [Allred] run, he would have been incredibly competitive in the primary and would have a shot at winning if he won the primary.

Peters said he wasnt quite familiar with Crocketts campaign but that shell obviously be competitive in the primary. Cornyn and other Republicans  even his opponents  think Crockett will easily win the primary and be easier to beat in a general election.

But Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Republicans should be careful about rooting too hard for Crockett.

They also thought the new mayor of New York was good for them, too, because he was going to be a communist. The next thing you know, Donald Trump is at his desk with the mayor standing next to him, Durbin said.
Montgomery County Commissioner Mary McDonald is calling for a deeper investigation into recent deaths at the county jail following the discovery of 29-year-old inmate Quintin Forest, who was found not breathing on November 28th.

The incident has raised concerns among community members, prompting McDonald to amplify their calls for transparency and accountability within the jails operations.

There are people in the community who have stopped, and theyve asked me, whats going on, said McDonald.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

News Center 7s Amber Jenkins spent the morning talking with Commissioner McDonald about what she would like to see as deeper insight into jail operations on News Center 7 at 5:00.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Investigators are currently working to determine the cause of Quintin Forests death, with an inmate admitting to providing Forest with prescription pain medication before he stopped breathing.

The investigation is pending the coroners toxicology results, which will inform any potential charges with the prosecutors office.

McDonald expressed her appreciation for the difficult work done by the sheriffs office, but emphasized her concern about the communitys questions regarding the jails operations.

I very much appreciate all the work thats being done in the jail. Its a very difficult job. The job of the sheriff is a very, very difficult position. But my concern is when citizens come to me, and they ask me, What happened? How could this happen? McDonald stated.

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Although county commissioners do not oversee jail operations, McDonald highlighted their role in overseeing the countys budget, which includes funding for lawsuits against the sheriffs office.Thats where we come in as Montgomery County Commissioners; taxpayers dollars have to pay off the settlements and things like that. I can think of how many positive things we could actually do in the community, McDonald said.

The sheriffs office responded with a statement emphasizing their commitment to cooperation and transparency in the ongoing review of jail operations.

Commissioner McDonald expressed her willingness to engage with Sheriff Rob Streck, stating, What I would like is to have a relationship enough with him that what we say matters and that when things happen over in the jail, that hes willing to come over and discuss those things with us.

News Center 7 reached out to the sheriffs office for a statement, and Sheriff Rob Streck said:

I want to be clear: the agencies referenced provide established oversight of jail operations through regular inspections and reviews as we have previously stated. The Sheriffs Office continues to provide full cooperation with each agency in their review of jail operations. Transparency, accountability, and compliance remain central to how we operate. We welcome these inspections and remain committed to meeting the expectations and standards of the community we serve. Rob Streck, Montgomery County Sheriff

As the investigation continues, Commissioner McDonald remains open to dialogue with the sheriffs office to address community concerns and ensure accountability in jail operations.

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Had last week's coup attempt in Benin been successful, it would have become the ninth to take hold in the region in the last five years alone.

Just a few days after soldiers took power in Guinea-Bissau while a presidential election vote count was still under way, leaders of the West African grouping Ecowas rapidly concluded that Sunday's attempted overthrow of Benin's President Patrice Talon was one destabilising step too far.

In support of his government, Nigerian warplanes bombarded mutinous soldiers at the national TV and radio station and a military base near the airport in Cotonou, the largest city.

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Ecowas also announced the deployment of ground troops from Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone to reinforce the defence of constitutional order.

This is a region that has been shaken by repeated coups since 2020, and which little more than 10 months ago saw the putschist regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger completely withdraw their countries from Ecowas - the Economic Community of West African States - of which they had all been founding participants 50 years ago.

So, faced with the prospect that yet another civilian government might be overturned by discontented soldiers, the presidents of the remaining Ecowas member states rapidly reached the conclusion that the attempted coup in Cotonou could not be allowed to succeed.

Learning from past mistakes

Having fought off early morning putschist attacks on Talon's home and the presidency offices, loyalist forces had already reaffirmed government control across the city, locking down the main central administrative district.

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But it was proving hard to break down the last-ditch resistance of rebel troops who had shown they were ready to use lethal force without regard for civilians.

In response, Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, Benin's eastern neighbour and much the largest military power in the region, authorised air strikes, while Ecowas leaders decided to despatch ground troops the same day.

Among those sending forces is Ghana's President John Mahama, who leads a resilient democracy but has made friendly diplomatic overtures to the Sahelian military regimes.

In acting so quickly, Ecowas has perhaps learned a lesson from its misjudged response to the 2023 coup in Niger.

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On that occasion it was not practically organised to intervene militarily in the hours after the elected head of state, Mohamed Bazoum, had been detained by coup leaders  the only moment, perhaps, when a rapid commando raid to rescue him and secure key buildings might have had any chance of success.

By the time the bloc had threatened intervention and begun to plan it, the chance had gone: the new junta had consolidated control over the Nigerien army and mobilised popular opinion in its support.

Faced with the prospect of intervention becoming full-scale war, and under strong domestic popular pressure to avoid any such bloodbath, Ecowas leaders backed off - opting to rely on sanctions. And when those also proved counter-productive, they settled for the diplomatic path alone.

This time around, in Benin, the situation was quite different: Talon was still in full control, even if some would-be putschists were still resisting. So he, as the internationally recognised president, could legitimately request support from fellow member countries in the regional bloc.

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And this seems to have had popular support in Cotonou.

Many Beninois citizens do have grievances against the current government, notably over the exclusion of Les Democrates, the main opposition party, from the forthcoming presidential election.

But there is a strong culture in Benin of trying to achieve change through political and civil society action, rather than force.

Beninois are rightly proud of their country's role as the pioneering instigator of the wave of peaceful mass protest and democratisation that swept across francophone Africa in the early 1990s.

Most of the soldiers who appeared on state TV early on Sunday morning are on the run [BTV]

While the complaints against Talon aired by the would-be putschists during their brief appearance on national television are widely shared, there has been absolutely no sign of any popular support for their attempt to get rid of the government by force.

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So Benin represented a particularly favourable context for a forceful Ecowas intervention in defence of constitutional civilian rule.

Indeed, if anything, the coup plotters are likely to become the target of growing public anger as news of casualties circulates. At least one civilian  the wife of Talon's key military adviser  was killed.

In recent days two top military officials abducted during Sunday's failed coup attempt have been rescued, but security forces are still searching for the coup leader Lt Col Pascal Tigri and other plotters.

Simmering grievances

This was just the latest in a string of coup attempts across the region, though most of the others have succeeded.

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They have all occurred in a context of fragility and pressure in West Africa at a time of Islamist violence across the Sahel, now spreading into the northern regions of many coastal countries.

There is disenchantment with traditional political elites. Even where economies are growing, there is a desperate shortage of jobs and viable livelihoods for the region's rapidly growing young population.

However, while the regional context is widely shared, the driving factors for the coups are often local - specific to each country.

The lack of popular support for the Cotonou putschists stands in stark contrast to the mood on the streets of Conakry, the capital of Guinea, in September 2021, when the special forces commander, Col Mamady Doumbouya led the overthrow of then-President Alpha Conde.

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Like Talon, Conde had first been democratically elected but later secured re-election in questionable conditions, and presided over a significant erosion of political freedoms. Yet in Guinea, Conde had presided over violent abuse on a far greater scale than in Benin.

In addition, Conde had then strong-armed his way to a third term aged 83. In contrast the 67-year-old Talon has promised to step down next April, albeit having adjusted the electoral rules to almost guarantee an easy victory for his chosen successor, Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni.

Another key difference is Conde's deeply disappointing economic track record, whereas Talon has presided over strong growth and improving services.

Further north, the wave of coups in the Sahelian countries in recent years were also driven by local conditions.

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In Mali and Burkina Faso, military commanders had grown frustrated with the weak leadership elected presidents were providing in the campaign against Islamist insurgents. In both countries, troops had repeatedly suffered brutal losses while their civilian governments appeared incapable of mobilising the extra weapons or sometimes even food that the troops needed.

There was also deep resentment at France's inability to bring the jihadists to heel, despite the high-tech weaponry at the disposal of its forces then deployed across the Sahel.

Also in Mali, some nationalist sections of political and military opinion were frustrated with the functioning of a 2015 peace agreement with former Tuareg separatists in the far north, overseen by UN troops. Hardliners even accused French forces of actively preventing Bamako from deploying national army units to the north.

In Niger, the circumstances surrounding the 2023 putsch were equally distinctive.

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President Bazoum's political support had been eroded by his very publicly close partnership with France, and particularly his request that Paris provide troops to defend the north-western border from incursions by Mali-based jihadists.

However, his vocal support for judges probing a corruption scandal in defence procurement also risked alienating powerful elements of the military.

The coup that followed soon afterwards in Gabon, in August 2023, was similarly the product of local frustrations. In this case the opaque management of election results that saw an implausible victory awarded to President Ali Bongo, in frail health after a slow recovery from a stroke.

So, circumstances vary widely. And recent events confirm the trend.

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The region certainly does face a real crisis of security and, in many countries, politics or development too.

But national conditions are often the major driver for each upheaval or coup attempt.

Many suspect the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau aimed to forestall a possible opposition election victory.

Whereas the Benin rebels seem to have been motivated by a mix of army grievances, and broader political and economic complaints.

But they strikingly misjudged the popular appetite in Cotonou for any violent or radical system change.

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Authorities found a surprise package containing key ingredients for a 5-star holiday spread behind bars at a South Carolina prison over the weekend.

According to a Dec. 8 X post from the State Department of Corrections, the contraband was recently "dropped by a drone" at Lee Correctional Institution, a male maximum security prison in Bishopville, South Carolina.

The DOC's social media post included a photo of a black netted bag, raw packaged meat, seafood, and two large bags of weed. The food was wrapped in a Piggly Wiggly shopping bag, the post shows.

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"Seems some folks were planning an early holiday Old Bay crab boil and steak dinner along with their marijuana and cigarettes," the DOC stated. "#ContrabandChristmas."

Investigation: What happens when inmates are denied medical care

No arrests made in drone smuggling attempt, DOC says

SC Department of Corrections says a drone dropped contraband at a state prison.

The South Carolina Department of Corrections said the agency combats drone smuggling attempts regularly.

"To be sure, contraband is a real threat to prisons across the country, and we fight nightly attacks from drones dropping dangerous drugs (often fentanyl and meth) onto prison yards," Director of Communications Chrysti Shain told USA TODAY.

Shain continued, "We often see odd items included in contraband packages, but this was a bit unusual, even for us. Im guessing the inmates who were expecting this package are a bit crabby."

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No arrests have been made in connection with the recent incident, the DOC said.

Using drones as a delivery system to transport drugs and other contraband, including cellphones and explicit materials, has occurred in the past in states such as Georgia and West Virginia, USA TODAY previously reported.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Drone delivers crab legs, other contraband to South Carolina prison
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu narrowly survived a crucial test on Tuesday as the country's divided parliament voted in favour of a 2026 budget bill.

If Lecornu had failed to win a majority in the National Assembly for his social security budget, it would have gravely weakened his hand ahead of the main budget vote, which is due by the end of the year.

But in the end, the bill passed by 247 votes to 234. It will now go back to the upper house or Senate before returning for a final reading in the Assembly.

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"It's a good sign that a majority has been found. The immense likelihood now is that the (social security budget) will be adopted definitively," said Assembly speaker Yael Braun-Pivet.

Appointed in September by President Emmanuel Macron, Lecornu has devoted himself exclusively to the uphill task of guiding 2026 budget legislation through the two chambers of parliament.

Since snap elections called by Macron in June 2024, the more powerful chamber, the National Assembly, has been split into three roughly equal blocs - centre, left, and far-right - none of which is capable of commanding a majority.

Lecornu is Macron's fourth prime minister since then  the two previous incumbents Michel Barnier and Francois Bayrou were both forced to resign after trying to rein in France's burgeoning debt. Barnier stepped down exactly a year ago after failing to push through his 2025 social security budget.

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In the French system, there are two budgetary laws  one that raises and allocates money in the social security system, including hospitals and pensions; and the principal one that covers everything else, from defence to education. For years both have run on massive deficits.

Widely acknowledged for his discretion and diligence, Lecornu had to convince enough deputies from 11 different parliamentary groups that failure to vote for the budgets would plunge the country into even deeper financial gloom.

His main target was the Socialist Party (PS) with around 70 MPs, many of whom are uncomfortable in their erstwhile electoral alliance with the far-left France Unbowed party (LFI).

In major concessions to the PS, Lecornu promised to suspend Macron's key second-term reform increasing to 64 the statutory age of retirement, and also to refrain from using a government power (known as 49-3) to force through the budget laws without a vote.

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Socialist leaders Olivier Faure and Boris Vallaud praised Lecornu's sense of compromise and led their MPs in voting for the budget.

But by giving ground to the centre-left, Lecornu lost support in his own camp on the centre-right, where important figures such as former prime minister Edouard Philippe said the bill would do little to redress the country's fast deteriorating public accounts.

Bruno Retailleau, who leads the conservative Republican party with 40 or so seats, described Tuesday's bill as a "fiscal hold-up" because of the concessions made in it to the left.

"This is a budget which will allow Macron to stay in power a little longer, but which leads France into a wall," he said after the vote.

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Mathilde Panot of the far-left LFI accused the Socialists of betraying their principles. "At least they have made a clear choice in voting for the budget. We know now that they're now no longer in opposition."

Also voting against the bill was Marine Le Pen's hard-right National Rally, the biggest party in parliament with around 120 seats.

Attention now shifts to the main budget vote which must take place before the end of the year. Analysts had given Lecornu little chance of winning it if he first failed to get the social security budget passed, and even now it is far from certain he will succeed.

If he fails to get the main budget through, he will be obliged to introduce a special law to allow the state administration to continue functioning from January 1 using 2025 allocations. The same procedure was used at the start of this year.

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But Tuesday's vote was widely interpreted as a victory for the Lecornu method, consisting of a dogged behind-the-scenes hunt for votes from across the political spectrum.

More on this story
Paramount CEO David Ellison desperately wants all of Warner Bros. Discovery  and hes reportedly willing to upend CNN if it means securing the Trump administrations approval.

Ellison told multiple Trump administration officials he would demand changes to CNN if he acquired WBDs assets, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The move is meant to appease CNNs most vocal critic, President Donald Trump, who has told people he wants new owners for the cable news network and changes to its programming schedule.

The report follows multiple indications that CNN would face a revamp if it falls into the Ellisons hands. Oracle co-founder and top Paramount investor Larry Ellison, David Ellisons father, spoke to a White House official about axing hosts Erin Burnett and Brianna Keilar should Paramount purchase WBD, according to the Guardian.

The White House and Paramount did not respond to immediate requests for comment. CNN declined to comment.

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Ellison on Monday laid out some of his vision for the network if Paramount succeeds in its hostile takeover bid of WBD. He told CNBCs David Faber that he sought to build a scaled news service that is basically, fundamentally, in the trust business, mirroring his vision for the Bari Weiss-led CBS News.

When Faber asked if Ellison thought Trump embraced the idea of him owning CNN, Ellison demurred.

Weve had great conversations with the president about this, Ellison said. I dont want to speak for him in any way, shape or form.

Trump seemed skeptical of the Ellisons on Monday, telling reporters that none of WBDs bidders were particularly great friends of mine and, in a Truth Social posts, lashing out at Paramount for airing a 60 Minutes interview with enemy Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).

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THEY ARE NO BETTER THAN THE OLD OWNERSHIP, who just paid me millions of Dollars for FAKE REPORTING about your favorite President, ME! he wrote, referencing the $16 million settlement Paramount paid him in July in a lawsuit over a 60 Minutes episode.

The post David Ellison Promised White House Sweeping Changes at CNN | Report appeared first on TheWrap.
By Stephen Nellis

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 8 (Reuters) - The final text of a U.S. military spending bill released on Monday would require the Pentagon to end its reliance on China and other countries for electronic display technology by 2030.

The U.S. National Defense Authorization Act, a law passed each year to fund the U.S. military, could come up for a vote by U.S. lawmakers as soon as this week, after a group of members of both chambers of Congress on Monday released a final version from a joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives.

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Among the amendments is a measure that would require the Pentagon to map out its need for electronic displays, which go into everything from handheld electronics to fighter jets, until the year 2040. The measure would require the U.S. military to come up with a strategy to end any reliance on China, Russia and other countries for display technology and report its progress to lawmakers in March 2027.

If passed, the bill still needs a signature from U.S. President Donald Trump to become law.

It comes as national security experts warn that China's rapid rise in the display industry, with firms such as BOE winning business from iPhone maker Apple and the resulting loss of market share from longstanding U.S. allies such as Japan and South Korea, could make it difficult for the U.S. military to secure displays in the event of a conflict.

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Chris Reese)
By Steve Gorman

Dec 9 (Reuters) - Democrats, flush from a flurry of election victories last month, are favored to win the mayor's race in Miami for the first time in nearly 30 years, with Tuesday's runoff vote closely watched as a test of voter mood in President Donald Trump's stronghold of Florida.

Eileen Higgins, 61, a former Miami-Dade County commissioner, easily led a crowded field of candidates in last month's race with 36% of the vote.

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That was short of the majority needed to win outright but well ahead of Republican Emilio Gonzalez, a former Miami city manager and retired U.S. Army colonel, who garnered 20%. Another Democrat, Ken Russell, a former city commissioner, finished in third place with 18%.

A victory for Higgins would be the first Democratic win since 1997, when Xavier Suarez, father of the outgoing incumbent mayor, Francis Suarez, a Republican, was last elected.

It would also make her the first woman and first non-Hispanic candidate elected mayor of Hispanic-majority Miami, a city of roughly 487,000 people that is part of the larger Miami-Dade metropolitan area.

Miami results in November suggested that support for Trump has softened in Miami-Dade County, where many historically left-leaning Hispanic voters moved to Trump's camp last year - as they did nationally - helping him amass 55% of Miami-Dade's vote in the 2024 presidential race, according to the Miami Herald.

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Neither Higgins nor Gonzalez started out running an overtly partisan campaign, but the result is likely to serve as a year-end barometer of voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 congressional midterm elections.

Their contest took on greater national overtones in the aftermath of Democrats' decisive triumphs in a slew of off-year elections last month, including the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races, New York City's mayoral election and a redistricting referendum in California.

Then Trump weighed in on November 17 to publicly endorse Gonzalez on Truth Social, urging Miami voters: "GET OUT AND VOTE FOR EMILIO - HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!"

"He's nationalized it, he's essentially made it a referendum on him in his own backyard, with his own party, with a constituency that he was laying claim to as the new part of the MAGA coalition," political consultant Mike Madrid told the Herald following Trump's endorsement of Gonzalez.

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Madrid tracks Latino voting trends and also co-founded the Republican anti-Trump Lincoln Project.

The Democratic National Committee has since thrown its support behind Higgins, as have former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona.

(Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, is running for Tarrant County judge, according to a source with knowledge of his plans, marking a surprise last-minute pivot for the seven-term congressman who was expected to run for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

Instead, shortly before Mondays 6 p.m. filing deadline, Veasey decided to seek the Democratic nomination for Tarrant Countys top elected office, bringing an end to his tenure in Congress that began in 2013.

This decision is about where I can best serve the people of Tarrant County, Veasey said in a statement. Its about strengthening our party, opening the door for new leadership and ensuring that our community continues to thrive.

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The Fort Worth Democrat has represented Texas 33rd Congressional District since its creation by court order, becoming the first Black member of Congress from Texas third-largest county. But the district, anchored in Veaseys hometown of Fort Worth, was redrawn by Republicans this summer to cut out all of Tarrant County. The new 33rd District was drawn entirely in Dallas County and contains only about a third of Veaseys current constituents.

Rep. Julie Johnson, a Democrat from Farmers Branch who represents a neighboring district, is now running for the 33rd District, as is Johnsons predecessor in Congress, Colin Allred. Veasey had previously signalled he would run in Crocketts 30th Congressional District, which includes a piece of Tarrant County, as Crockett geared up to run for U.S. Senate and vacate her seat.

Instead, Veasey will take on Republican Judge Tim OHare, who narrowly won his first campaign in 2022 with 53% of the vote and has taken the swing county on a more right-wing path, inserting it into the forefront of various culture wars.

Tarrant County is at a crossroads, Veasey said. Ive seen firsthand how racially gerrymandered maps were designed to weaken the power of Black and Latino voters in North Texas  communities I have spent my entire career fighting for. The people here deserve leadership grounded in truth, service and respect  not division, extremism and political stunts.

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I refuse to sit on the sidelines while Tim OHare drags this community backward, Veasey continued. Im not running away from a fight  Im running toward the next battle.

OHare, a former Farmers Branch mayor and Tarrant County GOP chair, is closely tied to prominent evangelical church leaders in the region and has forged a high profile through battles with schools to end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, as well as cracking down on nonprofits that he says are pushing radical ideologies around race and gender.

In a statement, OHare campaign spokesperson Nick Maddux said Veasey has been soft on crime, weak on border security and supportive of higher taxes and that his record does not stand up to OHares.

Tarrant County deserves results, not partisan politics, Maddux said. Thats why we welcome a clear contrast between Judge OHares record of delivering lower taxes, safer communities and keeping his promises, and not Congressman Veaseys 20-year radical Washington record.

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Tarrant County, once among the largest solidly GOP counties in the nation, has shifted between the two political parties in recent elections as it has become larger and more diverse. In 2020, Joe Biden narrowly became the first Democrat to win it in a presidential election in nearly 50 years. The county then shifted back to the Republican column in 2024, with Trump winning by less than 5 percentage points. In the Senate race that year, Allred, then a Dallas congressman, edged out Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, underscoring the countys swingy nature.

Veasey has represented parts of Fort Worth since 2005, when he first took office as a member of the Texas House. Upon his election to the U.S. House in 2012  in a majority-minority district that combines heavily Hispanic areas of Dallas with majority-Black and majority-Hispanic precincts of Tarrant County  Veasey became the newly created districts first-ever representative.

The congressman said serving in the House has been a profound honor, but that he wants to bring his fight back to his home county.

Democratic Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons, whose precinct was dismantled in a rare mid-decade redistricting of the county commissioners court in April, is also running for county judge. Simmons has clashed frequently with OHare since filling the Precinct 2 seat in 2022.

Meanwhile, Frederick Haynes III, the senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, filed to run for Crocketts 30th Congressional District on Monday. Haynes is Crocketts pastor and introduced her at her Senate announcement event Monday.
The complaint further criticized Israel Police, noting that officers were present at the scene, but did not intervene when the display was presented.

Likud filed an official police complaint on Tuesday, alleging incitement to murder the prime minister after a display resembling a severed head of Benjamin Netanyahu was placed outside the Tel Aviv District Court during his testimony on Tuesday.

Attorney Tamar Arbel submitted the complaint on behalf of the party.

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According to the filing, the display was set up at the court entrance while Netanyahu appeared in court.

The display featured a sculpture depicting his severed head placed on a platform, with 7/10 written on the forehead. Likud argued the installation constituted a classic violent image of an execution and sends an inciting message intended to encourage physically harming the prime minister.

The party noted that protests outside the courthouse in recent months have included masks of Netanyahu, orange jumpsuits, and imprisonment-themed displays, but described the depiction of the prime minister's decapitation as crossing a clear, criminal red line.

Protesters outside the Tel Aviv District Court chant, 'Bibi and Sinwar, money from Qatar.' December 9, 2025. (credit: SARAH BEN-NUN)

The complaint stated that such imagery normalizes the possibility of assassination as a legitimate political act in the public consciousness.

Complaint also criticizes A-G Baharav-Miara, Israel Police over inaction

Likud also claimed that despite repeated complaints in recent years, Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara refuses to approve the opening of investigations, resulting in alleged incitement cases being closed without action. This situation, the filing argues, creates a safe space for offenders.

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The complaint further criticized Israel Police, noting that officers were present at the scene but did not intervene when the display was presented. It states that the police are expected to act without delay to identify those responsible, investigate them, and pursue criminal proceedings.

Copies of the complaint were sent to Police Commissioner Daniel Levi, Baharav-Miara, and senior Likud officials.
Trainees attend the launching event of the Global Female Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program Workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Dec. 8, 2025.(Xinhua/Liu Fangqiang)

ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Global Female Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program Workshop (GFEEP) kicked off on Monday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the aim to equip Ethiopian women entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and skills to manage their businesses.

The two-week workshop, the first of its kind in Ethiopia, has brought together 66 businesswomen who run private companies in various fields.

Speaking at the launching event, Liu Xiaoguang, minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, said the training program is part of the consensus reached between China and Africa and their commitment to advancing women's development and addressing gender inequality.

"It provides Ethiopian women entrepreneurs with a structured learning platform, helping them strengthen business thinking, enhance innovation capacity, and improve cross-cultural communication skills through high-quality training and experience sharing," Liu said.

He said that the workshop also creates a bridge for mutual learning between Chinese and Ethiopian women entrepreneurs, promoting deeper understanding and broader cooperation and injecting new vitality into practical China-Ethiopia cooperation.

The GFEEP is a capacity-building initiative led by Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) that targets female entrepreneurs from developing countries. The workshop in Ethiopia is organized by the BFSU in collaboration with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Ethiopia.

"Women should participate in and benefit from the global modernization. We should focus on addressing the issues of inequality and inadequacy in women's development, enabling them to share the fruits of economic globalization," Jia Wenjian, president of the BFSU, said in a video message sent to the launching ceremony.

Emphasizing the significance of the training workshop to empower Ethiopian women entrepreneurs, Li Qingyong, chief executive officer of CCECC Ethiopia, said he hopes the trainers would help equip the participants with essential skills to drive their businesses sustainably.

"To all participants, you are here because you are leaders, innovators, and change makers in your field. We encourage you to actively engage in the sessions, share your experience, and absorb the knowledge to be offered," Li said.

Representing the trainees, Nardos Moges, who runs a consultancy business in Ethiopia, said an investment on women means an investment on children's health, education, and nutrition, thereby reducing poverty and improving long-term human capital.

"We would like to extend our sincere appreciation for supporting this meaningful initiative as we are contributing to a journey that empowers brave women who are striving to change their lives, their families, and their communities," Moges said.

According to the organizers, the program aims to enhance women's business leadership, innovation awareness, and enterprise management capabilities through systematic knowledge sharing, critical thinking training, and resource linkage, thereby promoting women's economic empowerment and sustainable development. 

Liu Xiaoguang, minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, speaks at the launching event of the Global Female Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program Workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Dec. 8, 2025.(Xinhua/Liu Fangqiang)

People attend the launching event of the Global Female Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program Workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Dec. 8, 2025.(Xinhua/Li
Prosecutors announced on Monday that they will not seek the death penalty for the alleged gunman charged in the killing of former "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor, who was shot after encountering a group trying to steal the catalytic converter from his parked car in downtown Los Angeles last year.

Robert Isaiah Barceleau, now 19, could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if he is convicted of the May 25, 2024, attack on the 37-year-old actor.

Barceleau is charged with one count each of murder and attempted second-degree robbery stemming from the crime involving Wactor, along with one count of grand theft involving the alleged removal of a catalytic converter from another vehicle within two miles and less than a half-hour before Wactor's killing.

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He is also facing a special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission of a robbery, along with allegations that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm causing great bodily injury and death to Wactor.

Barceleau's co-defendant, Sergio Estrada, also 19, is charged with the same counts, but is not facing the special circumstance allegation or the allegation of personal discharge of a firearm.

SEE ALSO: 'General Hospital' actor's final film to premiere Tuesday at festival, 1 year after his murder

Just over one year after his murder in downtown L.A., Johnny Wactor's final film is set to premiere Tuesday at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

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The two men are also facing allegations that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang, while Estrada is facing an allegation that someone involved in the crime personally and intentionally discharged a firearm causing great bodily injury and death.

Barceleau and Estrada -- who have each pleaded not guilty -- are due back in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom on Jan. 14 for a pretrial hearing.

During a hearing in January, Los Angeles Police Department Detective Justin Howarth testified that Barceleau said during a conversation with an undercover jailhouse operative shortly after his August 2024 arrest that he had "shot Wactor once."

Barceleau told the undercover operative he had fired because Wactor was "going after the homie," referring to an alleged accomplice, the detective said.

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In a separate jailhouse sting, Estrada told an undercover jailhouse operative that he yelled "No" when he saw Barceleau pull out a gun, Howarth testified.

Estrada described Barceleau as being "hot-headed" and said he didn't want to go with him that night, according to the detective. Estrada also told the undercover operative that Wactor had "rushed" him, and that he wasn't concerned about a female witness being able to identify him because they were wearing masks, the detective testified.

Both men were photographed -- with Barceleau holding a semi-automatic weapon and Estrada holding a stack of cash -- about five hours after the killing, Howarth said.

RELATED: Blood drive honors former 'General Hospital' actor killed in downtown LA shooting

Community members gathered Saturday for a special blood drive to honor the life of Johnny Wactor, the former "General Hospital" actor who was gunned down last year.

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Two men charged with lesser crimes in connection with Wactor's killing were sentenced in January to state prison.

Frank Olano, now 23, was sentenced to the maximum term of five years and eight months behind bars as a result of his no-contest plea to one count each of being an accessory after the fact and receiving stolen property, and three counts of possession of a firearm by a felon.

Leonel Gutierrez, 19, was sentenced to four years in prison -- eight months less than the maximum term -- for his guilty plea to one count each of attempted robbery and grand theft.

According to testimony from Howarth, Olano said during a separate jailhouse investigation in August 2024 that he had obtained six catalytic converters from the suspects on the day Wactor was killed.

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A forensic print specialist from the LAPD testified during the hearing that fingerprints found on a floor jack that had been used in the effort to steal Wactor's catalytic converter and left at the scene were matched to Barceleau, Estrada and Gutierrez.

Under cross-examination by Estrada's attorney, another forensic print specialist said that it couldn't be determined when the fingerprints were left on the jack. She acknowledged that they could be on an item for a year.

Another LAPD homicide detective, Keith Gonzales, testified that investigators found the floor jack next to the driver's side door of Wactor's black 2013 Toyota Prius near Hope Street and Pico Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles.

Wactor was shot shortly before 3:30 a.m. May 25, 2024, while walking with a co-worker toward his parked car after finishing his bartending shift at the Level 8 bar/restaurant.

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One of Wactor's co-workers told police that they spotted his vehicle and believed it was being towed, but that she then saw someone crouched down next to the jack and unsuccessfully tried to surreptitiously take a photo of the vehicle double-parked next to Wactor's Prius, Gonzales testified.

She said Wactor took two to three steps toward the suspects and told them it was his car and asked what they were doing, according to the detective.

"She said she heard a loud snap," Gonzales testified, noting that the woman said Wactor fell back toward her and told her, "I've been shot."

Wactor was taken to California Hospital and pronounced dead at 3:39 a.m. that day from a gunshot wound to the chest.

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The actor had appeared in nearly 200 episodes of "General Hospital" from 2020-22. His other credits included "Westworld," "The OA," "NCIS," "Station 19," "Criminal Minds" and "Hollywood Girl."

Barceleau, Estrada, Gutierrez and Olano were arrested in August 2024 in a series of raids carried out by Los Angeles police.
Its no secret that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., along with much of the Trump administration and the Make America Healthy Again movement, does not value infectious disease experts like me. Were going to give infectious disease a break for about eight years, Kennedy told a group of anti-vaxxers in 2023 when he was a presidential candidate.

In their world, no one in the United States needs to think twice about the consequences of infections. Go ahead and forget the recent COVID-19 pandemic that killed more than 1 million Americans.

Kennedys stance is doubly ironic. First, of course, it is precisely because science has overcome so many historic infectious threats (thanks, vaccines and antibiotics!) that people here can be so cavalier now.

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Second, and more troubling, these attacks are coming at a time when the health care community is facing a huge infectious disease physician shortage  and one that is rapidly accelerating in the current political climate.

Kennedy is about to face the consequences of his rhetoric, and members of the general public will be casualties.

Infectious disease doctors get to the bottom of complex cases

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends President Donald Trump's Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, on Dec. 2, 2025.

Where I work, as in most top hospitals, infectious disease doctors are among the most consulted specialists. We specialize in tackling complex medical problems, piecing together medical clues to diagnose infections and devise treatment plans.

We are known for getting to the bottom of the cases, and studies on outpatient care show infectious disease doctors spend more time in patient records than doctors of any other specialty.

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Opinion: RFK Jr. attacked kids as he lied about autism. Republicans voted for this.

Infectious disease doctors help ensure that antibiotics arent misused so they can keep protecting us. We help prevent and eliminate infections, safeguarding patients and families from exposure.

We are there when patients undergo transplants, chemotherapy or complex surgeries (all of which are frequently complicated by infection risk), and many of us work globally, combating ongoing scourges such as tuberculosis, malaria and HIV.

Yet in states like Montana, where I am from, there are only a handful of infectious disease specialists for the entire state. More than 80% of U.S. counties have no practicing infectious disease specialists.

Anti-vaccine rhetoric, visa restrictions lead to fewer doctors

A sign advertises free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations in New York City on Sept. 5, 2025.

And there is little relief coming. Data from recent years  a period that has coincided with drastic policy cuts in research funding, anti-vaccine rhetoric and politicization of public health  show that half of the spots in infectious disease training programs remain unfilled.

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Match results were recently released for internal medicine fellowships, placing graduating residents in specialty training programs. In recent cycles, while applicant numbers have more or less remained stable, the number of hospitals seeking to train infectious disease specialists has increased, reflecting a growing and unmet need.

Alarmingly, this year, the total number of applicants matched for infectious disease training plummeted by nearly 25%. Also worrisome, half of infectious disease applicants are international medical graduates, whose future in the U.S. medical system is suddenly very uncertain given the administrations costly new visa policies.

Opinion: Trump would have doctors like me leave undocumented patients to die. We won't.

Of course, not all of this is related to Kennedy. Our fields comparatively low compensation has long been a deterrent, but discourse matters. A positive focus on infectious disease doctors early in the pandemic preceded a bump in applications, a trend that was rapidly reversed as we went from being lauded to being lambasted.

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Were human. It wears you down.

Demonizing doctors is taking its toll

So its no coincidence to see a major shift in federal infectious disease health policy the same year our application rates dropped precipitously. Post-pandemic anger toward public health infectious disease experts has led to former chief medical adviser Tony Fauci requiring bodyguards and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees being shot at.

Our expertise is regularly attacked by political leaders. Patients increasingly believe their 20 minutes of online research over our years of training. We are accused of trying to harm those we have dedicated our lives to protecting.

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.

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Absolutely, infectious disease doctors must continue to have respectful conversations about patients concerns and help the public understand why our work is important. But drastic declines in the infectious disease training pipeline are going to have a devastating impact on our workforce, not to mention the patients and public whom we serve.

Humans have short memories and are notoriously bad at planning and changing their behavior, even for complications we clearly know are coming. This is especially true when money or power are at stake.

Pretending infectious diseases dont carry any real risk may be part of the rights political playbook, but it is not part of Mother Natures rule book. Take your pick of ever-evolving infectious threats, be it the rise of antimicrobial resistance, identification of tropical arboviruses locally acquired in the Northeast or resurgent bird flu pandemic looming over the farming industry.

These health crises dont stop at the U.S. border. Without infectious disease experts, who will be left standing to help us navigate them?

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Somehow, even after the pandemic and in the face of countless local and global microbial threats, many people remain convinced there is no need for infectious disease experts. Until there is.

Morgan Goheen, MD, PhD, works at Yale School of Medicine as a research scientist and board-certified infectious diseases physician, and she is a Public Voices Fellow of The OpEd Project, in partnership with Yale University.

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: Deny science? Well, don't expect it to save you when needed | Opinion
Elementary school students take a standardized test in this file photo. (Photo by Will and Deni McIntyre/Getty Stock Photo)

Every time Marylands budget woes make headlines, the same tired scapegoat gets dragged out: the Blueprint for Marylands Future, which is Marylands plan and funding system for public education. State spokespeople and some media outlets keep repeating that our fiscal challenges stem from too much spending on education. Its an easy line. Its also wrongand it ignores what cuts would mean for kids, families, and entire school communities.

When someone says we should cut the Blueprint, they arent talking about trimming a line on a spreadsheet. The Blueprint is not a separate program. It is the states commitment to public schools. They are talking about eliminating legally required services for children: fewer reading specialists, counselors, tutors, college and career pathways, and fewer supports for the students who need them most. Stripping money from the Blueprint means taking resources out of public schools, classrooms, and communities. Its not abstract. Its kids who pay.

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Yes, the Blueprint is ambitious. Yes, it invests more money than the state was spending before. But that investment was necessary because Maryland allowed its education system to slide from first in the nation to the middle of the pack. The Blueprint was born of a crisis lawmakers could no longer ignore. Maryland voters overwhelmingly support education and want this kind of long-term, systemic improvement.

Now were finally seeing progress on early literacy, college- and career-readiness pathways, staffing, and student supports. More kindergartners are entering school ready to learn, attendance is improving, and test scores are moving in the right direction. Cutting or stalling now would mean walking away just as the work is beginning to pay off.

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More importantly, funding education isnt optional. Its the lawand its the only constitutional requirement our state has around budgeting. The legislature passed the Blueprint, overrode a governors veto, and has had four years to shore up the Blueprint fund. They have known about the structural gaps. They have seen the fiscal forecasts. And year after year, theyve chosen not to act with the urgency required.

Instead, every session follows the same pattern: the Fair Share Maryland coalition brings forward a sensible package of revenue solutions that dont put more responsibility on working familiesclosing loopholes, modernizing outdated tax structures, and asking ultra-wealthy corporations and individuals to pay their fair share. And every year, lawmakers nibble at the edges, doing just enough to keep the ship afloat for another year. That isnt leadership. Its procrastination.

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And lets be clear: the Blueprint isnt the only pressure point in the budget. The Transportation Trust Fund has been structurally out of balance for years. Child care scholarships are frozen. Much-needed environmental investments have been cut. The developmental disabilities community must annually fight just to maintain underfunded services.

Delaying hard revenue decisions affects every corner of state government  yet education keeps taking the blame even when it isnt the only driver. The truth is, Maryland doesnt have a spending problem; it has a courage problem. We can support schools, transportation, and everything else in the budget  if we choose to.

If the governor and legislature want to meet their legal and moral obligations, its time to get serious about revenue. There are real, workable proposals on the table: Closing loopholes that let massive multistate corporations pay less than local small businesses, and strengthening enforcement to ensure the state actually collects money already owed. And we dont have to guess whether these strategies work. Look at Massachusetts: its millionaires tax has generated more than $5 billion in just three years, funding state-supported health care and universal free school meals. Its public schools continue to rank #1 or #2 nationallyand far from driving wealthy residents away, the number of millionaires in Massachusetts actually grew.

Education is an investment, not a liability. A fully funded Blueprint strengthens Marylands workforce, attracts families and employers, and grows our tax base. Shortchanging schools today guarantees a weaker economy tomorrow.

We are only five years away from full Blueprint phase-in. Marylands children, families, and educators have held up their end of the bargain. Now its time for the Governor and legislature to hold up theirsand finish what they started.
President Donald Trump snapped that Politicos White House chief Dasha Burns was being dramatic as she warned American households were budgeting for holiday presents and 2026 around a looming healthcare subsidies cliff edge.

During a sitdown at the White House with the president, Burns pressed Trump on whether he would act to prevent a premium spike if the Affordable Care Act tax subsidies expire, set to lapse at the end of December.

Asked directly if he would urge Congress to keep the subsidies alive while he negotiates a broader overhaul, Trump said: I dont know. Im gonna have to see.

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He attacked former President Barack Obama for setting up the ACA, lambasting his original predecessor as someone who knew nothing about health care.

The White House had planned to unveil a temporary extension proposal in late November before abruptly delaying the announcement, deepening uncertainty around an issue that has eluded Trump for years. Despite repeatedly promising to release a comprehensive alternative to the ACA, no such plan has emerged.

When Burns noted that families are planning their holiday budgets with the view that an imminent expiration threatens to push insurance premiums sharply higher in 2026, Trump cut her off:

Look, dont be dramatic, he said. Dont be dramatic.

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He added: Heres what I want to I know. And what I want to do is help them.

So will their premiums go up? Burns pressed.

Trump returned to familiar attacks, arguing: Im giving them money. I want to give the money to the people to buy their own health care. Thats a good thing, not a bad thing. The Democrats dont want to do that. They want the insurance companies to continue to make a fortune. The Democrats are owned by the insurance companies. They want the insurance companies to get these trillions of dollars.

He continued: Trillions of dollars goes to the insurance companies. I want that money to go to the people and let the people go out and buy their own health care. It works like magic. But you know who doesnt want it? The Democrats, because theyre corrupt people because theyre totally owned and bought by the insurance companies.

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Burns returned: So at this point, most likely premiums will go up and you will find another 

Your premiums could go down if you did what I want to do. I want to give the money, he replied.

Thats going to take time, sir, the journalist said.

Ready? I want to give the people better health insurance for less money. The people will get the money and theyre gonna buy the health insurance that they want, he concluded.

Watch above via YouTube.

The post Dont Be Dramatic! Trump Snaps at Reporters Warning That Voters Are in Holiday Budget Squeeze Due to ACA Uncertainty first appeared on Mediaite.
While central Ohioans dream of an upcoming white Christmas, April (Johnson) Groff already had her Christmas dreams come true.

Groff, a 2011 graduate of Zanesville High School and Mid-East Career and Technology Centers who now lives in Pickerington, was one of 145 volunteers selected to help decorate the White House for the holiday theme, "Home Is Where The Heart Is."

"It's my favorite time of the year. It's my fondest memories as a child," she said. "I love all the little details and the traditions. I love to make it magical for my kids."

April Groff, of Pickerington, traveled to Washington, D.C. to help decorate the White House for Christmas.

Equipped with event planning experience, a hefty resume of volunteer roles and a deep sentimentality for Christmas traditions, she applied in August to join the volunteer team.

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"I just thought I'd give it a shot, and I didn't know what my chances were," Groff said.

Her "shot" worked out, and she spent the three days before Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C., decorating the White House's Entrance Hall, or Grand Foyer, with 20 real Christmas trees.

'Childlike' wonder

Groff, who was part of the administrative office professional program at Mid-East, said the most impactful part of the experience was walking into the White House for the first time in her life and being immersed in the history.

"It's very hard to describe ... Almost a childlike experience," she said. "You don't really get to experience too many 'firsts' as an adult, so it was definitely very surreal."

April Groff, of Pickerington, traveled to Washington, D.C., to help decorate the White House for Christmas.

What's behind the White House Christmas theme?

"Home Is Where The Heart Is" represents First Lady Melania Trump's belief that home is not just a physical space, but it is also warmth and comfort carried within, regardless of surroundings, according to a news release from the Office of the First Lady.

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The volunteer decorating team helped adorn the White House with more than 50 Christmas trees, 700 feet of garland, 25,000 feet of ribbon and 75 wreaths.

When they weren't hard at work wrangling these ribbons and wreaths, the volunteers spent time bonding with one another and exploring the nation's capital.

For Groff, this provided another highlight of the overall experience.

"Politics aside, it was a great experience. There were a lot of us from all different backgrounds. It's definitely an honor and once-in-a-lifetime type of experience," Groff said.

Home is where the heart is

While she made it home to central Ohio in time to spend Thanksgiving with her family, Groff immediately journeyed back to D.C. for one day to attend a holiday reception at the White House on Dec. 1.

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There, Groff and the other volunteers got to admire their work as First Lady Melania Trump shared "Home Is Where The Heart Is" with the public.

Groff shared a photo of some White House holiday decorations surrounding a portrait of President Lincoln.

Seeing the decorations in D.C.

As another holiday classic describes, Groff will be home for Christmas.

She will awake on Christmas morning in her own home surrounded by her husband, Jarhett, and their three kids.

April Groff will visit the White House one last time to share the holiday magic with her family.

But before that, she'll make one last trip to "Home Is Where The Heart Is" in Washington, D.C., to share what she helped create with her kids.

"It's going to be a surprise for them. We're going to go to the White House and let them see the decorations," she said.

Reporter Sophia Veneziano may be reached at sveneziano@dispatch.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: White House Christmas decorations aided by Zanesville/Mid-East grad
BISHOPVILLE, S.C. (AP)  Twas three weeks before Christmas, and in the prison yard, a drone-dropped package was found by a guard.

With steak, weed and crab legs, and cigarettes for days. And to season it all, a tin of Old Bay.

The illicit meal was dropped into the Lee Correctional Institution prison yard by a drone, the South Carolina Department of Corrections said on the social platform X with the hashtag #ContrabandChristmas.

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A photo from the Bishopville prison showed a raw steak still in the grocery store packing, crab legs and Old Bay with side plastic baggies of marijuana and a couple of cartons of cigarettes. The drone was also seized Sunday morning, authorities said.

Prison officials said they are investigating and no arrests have been made.

Im guessing the inmates who were expecting the package are crabby, prisons spokeswoman Chrysti Shain said.

Keeping contraband out of state prisons is a constant battle. People would toss or use a catapult to get packages of cellphones, drugs or other illegal items over the perimeter fence until officials raised the fences and added netting at the top.

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People trying to smuggle things behind bars moved on to drones, leaving corrections officials to constantly patrol the prison yard and just outside for the tiny aircraft trying to drop packages.

Just flying a drone near a prison in South Carolina is a misdemeanor crime that carries up to 30 days in jail. Dropping contraband into the prison is a felony that can land someone behind bars for 10 years.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Environmental Protection Agency has removed any mention of fossil fuels  the main driver of global warming  from its popular online page explaining the causes of climate change. Now it only mentions natural phenomena, even though scientists calculate that nearly all of the warming is due to human activity.

Sometime in the past few days or weeks, EPA altered some but not all of its climate change webpages, de-emphasizing and even deleting references to the burning of coal, oil and natural gas, which scientists say is the overwhelming cause of climate change. The website's causes of climate page mentions changes in Earths orbit, solar activity, Earth's reflectivity, volcanoes and natural carbon dioxide changes, but not the burning of fossil fuels. Seven scientists and three former EPA officials tell The Associated Press that this is misleading and harmful.

Now it is completely wrong, said University of California climate scientist Daniel Swain, who also noted that impacts, risks and indicators of climate change on the EPA site are now broken links. This was a tool that I know for a fact that a lot of educators used and a lot of people. It was actually one of the best designed easy access climate change information websites for the U.S.

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Earlier this year, the Trump Administration removed the national climate assessment from government websites.

It is outrageous that our government is hiding information and lying, said former Obama National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief and Oregon State oceanographer Jane Lubchenco. People have a right to know the truth about the things that affect their health and safety, and the government has a responsibility to tell the truth.

An October version of the same EPA page, saved by the internet Wayback Machine, said: Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which has changed the earths climate. Natural processes, such as changes in the suns energy and volcanic eruptions, also affect the Earths climate. However, they do not explain the warming that we have observed over the last century.

That now reads: Natural processes are always influencing the earths climate and can explain climate changes prior to the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s. However, recent climate changes cannot be explained by natural causes alone.

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Unlike the previous administration, the Trump EPA is focused on protecting human health and the environment while Powering the Great American Comeback, not left-wing political agendas, said Brigit Hirsch, EPA spokesperson, in an email. As such, this agency no longer takes marching orders from the climate cult. Plus, for all the pearl-clutchers out there, the website is archived and available to the public.

Clicking on explore climate change resources on the EPA archived website leads to an error message that says: This XML file does not appear to have any style information associated with it.

Former Republican Governor Christie Todd Whitman, who was EPA administrator under George W. Bush, said, You can refuse to talk about it, but it doesn't make it go away. And we're seeing it. Everybody's seeing it.

We look ridiculous, quite frankly, Whitman told The Associated Press in an interview. The rest of the world understands this is happening and they're taking steps... And we're just going backwards. We're knocking ourselves back into the Stone Age.

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Democratic EPA chief Gina McCarthy blasted current EPA chief Lee Zeldin, calling him a wolf in sheep's clothing, actively spiking any attempt to protect our health, well-being and precious natural resources.

Nearly 100% of the warming the world is now experiencing is from human activity, and without that, the Earth would be cooling and dropping in temperatures until the Industrial Revolution, Swain and other scientists said. The EPA listed natural causes might be causing a very tiny amount of warming or cooling at the moment, he said.

Marcia McNutt, a geophysicist and president of the National Academy of Sciences, said that there is consensus among experts from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, or NASEM, on the causes of climate change.

Numerous NASEM reports from the nations leading scientists confirm that the climate is changing as a result of human activities, McNutt said. Even the EPA acknowledges that natural causes cannot explain the current changes in climate. It is important that the public be presented with all of the facts.

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Former EPA climate advisor Jeremy Symons, now a senior advisor for Environmental Protection Network of former EPA officials, said: Ignoring fossil fuel pollution as the driving force behind the climate changes we have seen in our lifetime is like pretending cigarettes dont cause lung cancer.

___

Michael Phillis contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
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The structure called Ua Ohia Lani, which means the Heavenly Ohia Rains, echoes the legendary 'Pillars of Creation'. | Credit: International Gemini Observatory/ NOIRLab /NSF /AURA

Quick facts

What it is: Emission nebula NGC 6820 and open star cluster NGC 6823

Where it is: 6,000 light-years away in the constellation Vulpecula

When it was shared: Nov. 19, 2025

This spectacular image of an emission nebula  a cloud of gas and dust lit up by nearby stars  and a nearby star cluster has been published by the Gemini Observatory to mark its 25th anniversary.

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Reminiscent of the iconic "Pillars of Creation" image of the Eagle Nebula taken in 1995 by the Hubble Space Telescope and more recently by the James Webb Space Telescope , the anniversary image shows the emission nebula, NGC 6820, as well as the star cluster NGC 6823.

The image, which is available as a zoomable version online, captures the hot, massive stars in NGC 6823  shown as specks of blue-white light  illuminating the veil of red gas that comprises NGC 6820. The pillars in the image are gas and dust sculpted by the stars' intense radiation.

NGC 6820 and NGC 6823 lie in the middle of the Summer Triangle , the famous asterism created by the bright stars Deneb, Vega and Altair. Theyre visible low in the west immediately after dark, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere.

In Hawaii  home to the Gemini North telescope, which began operations in June 1999  the Summer Triangle is known as Manaiakalani, the Great Fishhook of Maui. As part of the images release, its been named Ua 'Ohi'a Lani, which means the Heavenly 'Ohi'a Rains, by four local high school students participating in the University of Hawaii's Project Hokulani summer internship.

The image was taken using the Gemini North telescope on the summit of Maunakea, a shield volcano on Hawaii that hosts 13 large telescope observatories. However, the International Gemini Observatory comprises twin 8-meter telescopes, with the other  Gemini South  located on Cerro Pachon in the Chilean Andes. It achieved first light in November 2000. Together, the two scopes give astronomers access to nearly the entire night sky.

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"This image is crimson and red like lava because of the abundance of hydrogen gas present in the nebula," Hope Arthur, one of the Gemini interns, said in a statement . The name comes from a story about Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire in Hawaiian religion and the creator of the Hawaiian Islands.

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First Vera Rubin Observatory image reveals hidden structure as long as the Milky Way trailing behind a nearby galaxy

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"One of Pele's most well-known stories is that of 'Ohi'a and Lehua. Their story is about regrowth after tragedy and the act of new beginnings, which we felt was evocative of the cycle of stellar life, death, and rebirth," Arthur said.

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"The baby blue stars in the image reminded us of rain and how, in the story of 'Ohi'a and Lehua, when you pick the lehua blossoms, it rains," added Iolani Sanches, an intern at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
The European Commission has launched an antitrust investigation into Google's use of online content for search results generated with artificial intelligence (AI), as well as videos uploaded on YouTube and used to train AI.

The probe will assess whether Google is breaching EU competition rules by not appropriately compensating publishers or offering them the possibility of refusing the use of their content for AI-generated summaries without losing access to Google Search, the commission said.

"Indeed, many publishers depend on Google Search for user traffic, and they do not want to risk losing access to it," a press release published on Tuesday said.

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AI-generated search results have been criticized by publishers because Google first displays a summary of their content rather than a direct link to their pages online. This reduces traffic to their websites and thereby causes revenue losses from ads placed on their sites.

In addition, the commission will investigate Google's use of videos uploaded on its own platform YouTube to train generative AI models without offering content creators appropriate compensation or the possibility to opt out.

The commission, which acts as the EU's competition watchdog, also aims to investigate practices that bar rival AI developers from using YouTube content to train their models.

If the investigation concludes that Google has breached EU law, the commission may impose a fine.

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"A free and democratic society depends on diverse media, open access to information, and a vibrant creative landscape," said EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera.

"These values are central to who we are as Europeans. AI is bringing remarkable innovation and many benefits for people and businesses across Europe, but this progress cannot come at the expense of the principles at the heart of our societies," the EU Commission Vice President said.

"This is why we are investigating whether Google may have imposed unfair terms and conditions on publishers and content creators, while placing rival AI models developers at a disadvantage, in breach of EU competition rules."

Launching an investigation to assess whether Google may violate EU law by abusing a dominant market position does not prejudge the outcome of the probe, the commission stressed.

The commission has already launched several antitrust investigations against Google for alleged abuses of its dominant market position in breach of EU competition rules. Some proceedings have resulted in hefty fines.
By Foo Yun Chee and Louise Rasmussen

BRUSSELS, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Alphabet's Google faces an EU antitrust investigation into its use of publishers' online content and YouTube videos to train its artificial intelligence models.

The European Commission's second investigation into Google in less than a month underscores growing unease over Big Tech's dominance in new technologies that could shut out rivals, but could escalate tensions with the United States as EU laws adopted in the last few years have become a sore point in relations with Washington.

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The EU competition enforcer said it was concerned that Google may be using publishers' online content for its AI-generated summaries known as AI Overviews without compensating them adequately and without giving them the option to refuse.

It expressed the same concerns regarding Google's use of YouTube videos uploaded by its users.

"Google may be abusing its dominant position as a search engine to impose unfair trading conditions on publishers by using their online content to provide its own AI-powered services," EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera said on Tuesday.

"A healthy information ecosystem depends on publishers having the resources to produce quality content. We will not allow gatekeepers to dictate those choices," she added.

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Google rejected the complaint by independent publishers in July which triggered the EU investigation.

"This complaint risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever," a Google spokesperson said.

"Europeans deserve to benefit from the latest technologies and we will continue to work closely with the news and creative industries as they transition to the AI era."

The Independent Publishers Alliance, Movement for an Open Web, whose members include digital advertisers and publishers, and British non-profit Foxglove criticised Google.

"Google has broken the bargain that underpins the internet. The deal was that websites would be indexed, retrieved and shown when relevant to a query. Everyone had a chance," said lawyer Tim Cowen who advises the groups.

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"Now it puts its AiO, Gemini, first and adds insult to injury by exploiting website content to train Gemini. Gemini is Search's evil twin," Cowen added.

AI Overviews are AI-generated summaries that appear above traditional hyperlinks to relevant webpages and are shown to users in more than 100 countries. It began adding advertisements to AI Overviews last May.

Google's spam policy is also in the EU crosshairs after an investigation prompted by publishers. The company risks a fine of as much as 10% of its global annual revenue if found guilty of breaching EU antitrust rules.

Last week, the European Commission launched an investigation into Meta's plans to block AI rivals from its WhatsApp messaging system, underscoring increasing regulatory scrutiny.

(Reporting by Louise Breusch Rasmussen; Editing by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Sharon Singleton and Alexander Smith)
DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday called on citizens to uphold the nation's core values of peace, unity, and solidarity as the country celebrated 64 years of independence.

In a message posted on her social media platforms, Hassan congratulated Tanzanians on the milestone, emphasizing that the fruits of freedom remain visible in the country's progress and that every citizen bears responsibility for protecting them.

"As we commemorate this important day, let us remind one another of the need to continue protecting our national values of peace, unity, and solidarity. These values are the foundation of our successful journey, which stands as a unique example in Africa and the world," she wrote.

Hassan highlighted that independence has enabled Tanzanians to make sovereign decisions, plan, and implement development initiatives that safeguard national interests and improve livelihoods.

She stressed that these goals reflect the vision of the nation's founders and must continue to guide future generations.

Tanzania gained independence on Dec. 9, 1961. 
BRUSSELS (AP)  Almost four years into Russias full-scale war on Ukraine, European Union leaders have committed to funding Kyivs economic and military needs for the next two years, one way or another. Ukraine is desperate and needs the money by early 2026.

At a summit next week, the 27 EU leaders will weigh whether to use tens of billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets held in Europe to help meet Ukraines requirements, which the International Monetary Fund puts at 135 billion euros ($157 billion).

Such a move has never been done before, and it comes with risks. The European Central Bank has warned that if Europeans appear willing to grab other countries' money, it could undermine confidence in the euro currency. Some member nations are also concerned about inviting retaliation from Russia.

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Belgium, where most of the assets are held, is the main opponent of the plan. Its fearful that Russia will strike back, either through the courts or in more nefarious ways. A series of drone incidents near airports and military bases last month suggested that the Kremlin was already doing so, but those responsible were never publicly identified.

European Council President Antonio Costa, who will chair the Dec. 18 summit, has insisted that the leaders should not leave EU headquarters in Brussels until they have reached a decision.

Two options await debate

EU leaders froze the money, most of it in Russian Central Bank assets, over the war that Putin launched in February 2022. Moscow has described the scheme as theft.

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Two plans have emerged. The first would be a reparations loan that would use the Russian assets until Moscow agrees to pay for the damage inflicted on Ukraine. Few think Russian President Vladimir Putin will ever agree to pay reparations.

Plan B would be for the EU to borrow the money on financial markets, much as the bloc did to fund a massive loan plan to revive European economies after the coronavirus pandemic.

Many of Europes major economies are cash strapped and mired in debt. But Russias war on Ukraine poses an existential threat to the bloc. Intelligence assessments suggest that Putin could launch a war elsewhere in three to five years should he defeat Ukraine.

The assets make up a substantial pot of potentially ready-to-use cash.

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The European Commission, the EUs executive branch, estimates that 210 billion ($244 billion) euros worth of frozen assets are currently held in Europe. The vast majority  around 193 billion euros ($225 billion) at the end of September  are held in the Belgian financial clearinghouse known as Euroclear.

There are political advantages too. Should the EU choose to use the assets, only a qualified majority of countries  around a two-thirds majority  would be required for a green light. Borrowing on financial markets would have to be endorsed by all, meaning that even a single no vote would sink the idea.

Over the last year, Hungary has blocked EU support for Ukraine at almost every turn. The government in Slovakia is starting to dig in its heels as well. A new and stridently nationalist leader in the Czech Republic could further complicate the decision.

Avoiding a veto is in the interest of the vast majority of member countries.

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Details of the reparations loan

Unveiling her plan on Dec. 4, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would cover two-thirds of Ukraines needs for 2026 and 2027, for a total of 90 billion euros ($105 billion). International partners would fill the gap.

Due to EU sanctions on Russias assets, cash balances have accumulated at Euroclear. Theyve generated interest  some 3.9 billion euros ($4.5 billion) this year, Euroclear says  which is already being used to fund a Group of Seven loan plan for Ukraine.

Under the new plan, some of the cash would be transferred to an EU debt instrument. Ukraine would owe the EU the money but would repay only after the blocs sanctions are lifted and after Russia agrees to pay war reparations.

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The commission insists that there is no theft, as Russia has claimed, because the right of the Russian Central Bank to make a claim on its money and Euroclears duty to repay will remain intact.

Once Putin pays war reparations, Ukraine would repay the EU, the EU would repay Euroclear, and Euroclear would repay the Russian Central Bank.

Opposition from Belgium

Importantly for Belgium, the plan contains safeguards to ensure that the risks would be shared by its partners. Other EU countries would offer to guarantee the loan if something went wrong. Germany has already signaled that it would do so.

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But the Belgian government has not been assuaged. Even before the commission's reparations loan plan was made public, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said that it entails consequential economic, financial and legal risks.

Prevot said Belgium  a strong backer of Ukraine that has provided military and financial support  feels that its concerns are not being heard by its EU partners.

We are not seeking to antagonize our partners or Ukraine. We are simply seeking to avoid potential disastrous consequences for a member state that is being asked to show solidarity without being offered the same solidarity in return, he said.

In an interview with Belgian public broadcaster RTBF last week, Euroclear CEO Valerie Urbain also said that court action could not be ruled out should the EU oblige the clearinghouse to transfer its Russian assets.
Submarines are quite possibly some of the scariest vessels any navy could operate. No, they're not as large as an aircraft carrier or as armed to the teeth as a destroyer, but their ability to submerge and remain hidden for weeks  sometimes months  at a time is terrifying. That wasn't always the case, though. Submarines used to only have the ability to submerge for a couple of hours at most, and they definitely couldn't stay out at sea for months. Meanwhile, modern-day submarines, as long as they're nuclear-powered, can stay deployed virtually indefinitely, with replenishing food being the only reason to return to port.

These vessels weren't always vital to military operations. It took decades of upgrades and evolution to get them to be as crucial as they are today. Now they're a critical component of America's nuclear triad, where a submarine with a nuclear-armed ballistic missile is always out at sea. With SAAB's announcement that it's developing the world's first fifth-generation military submarine, it gets one to wonder: What were previous generations like?

Read more: 10 Of The Largest Navies In The World, Ranked By Self-Reported Total Naval Assets

1st Generation (WWI and before)

Black & white photo of L-series submarine surfaced on open ocean - Library of Congress

While they were nothing like the vessels the general public has come to recognize today, World War I saw submarines used throughout the conflict. Submarines used prior to the 1900s were quite different, as diesel-electric propulsion systems weren't yet in use. However, this new system allowed submariners to use the diesel engine while surfaced and electric motors when submerged. These submarines were primarily used for coastal defense, as they didn't have anywhere near the range that modern vessels have.

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Germany blazed the trails in submarine technology, with its first submarine entering service in 1906. These submarines, or U-boats, had between one and two deck guns and no more than four torpedo tubes. They weren't nearly as big as modern submarines that carry vertical-launching cruise missiles, measuring only 210 feet in length versus today's 377-foot Virginia-class attack boat. That's still significantly larger than the Royal Navy's E-class submarine, which was the British answer to the U-boat; the E-class, which went into service in 1911, was only 181 feet long and 15 feet wide.

These early submarines could only dive 200 feet below the surface. They weren't typically speedy, either; while submerged, the E-class couldn't go more than 9.5 knots, while their surface speed was 14 knots. This is nothing compared to the 25+ knots that modern submarines can travel while submerged. Submarines from this period were powered by diesel engines and couldn't go much farther than 3,000 miles on the surface before they needed to refuel, typically while sustaining a speed of around 10 knots (range while submerged was much shorter at just 65 miles at 5 knots). Periscopes were used to spot targets visually while submerged, and WWI-era subs relied on basic listening devices like hydrophones to pinpoint targets by sound.

2nd Generation (WWII to the 1950s)

Black & white photo of Gato-class submarine moored at a dock with people working on the hull - U.S. Navy

World War II saw a new wave (no pun intended) of submarine technology. Improved diesel-electric systems emerged that gave second-generation subs the ability to stray farther from shore than their World War I predecessors. Easily the biggest breakthrough for submarines came in the form of the snorkel, an invention from the Germans (Schnorcel in their native tongue) that gave U-boats a huge advantage over Allied submarines. Diesel engines require oxygen to function, so the snorkel gave U-boats the ability to run their diesel engines while submerged. This meant that they didn't have to resurface as frequently. Unlike WWI, newer submarines were equipped with better sensors like radar, which they used to track surface ships.

Subs of this era not only carried more torpedoes, but they also used the newly invented homing torpedoes. On the American front, the Gato-class subs were the first built specifically for WWII. These submarines had some luxuries practically unheard of and by no means define the generation as a whole, but are worth mentioning. Since Gato subs typically operated in the warm tropical waters of the Pacific, they had air conditioning. This was more than just to provide comfort to the crew, though  as air conditioners remove humidity from the air, having them present on Gato subs was ideal for keeping their sensitive electrical equipment protected from excess moisture. Beyond air conditioning, these submarines also had washing machines for clothes, refrigerators, freshwater distilling units, and bunks for the entire crew.

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The technical improvements to submarines during the WWII era proved how valuable a sub could be on the battlefield. In the postwar era, major powers and other nations quickly realized how their naval fleets would come to depend on the submarine's capabilities. The snorkel became standard issue on every diesel-electric sub thereafter, but upcoming technology would render it obsolete as a new type of propulsion system was underway.

3rd Generation (1950s to the 1970s)

Black & white photo of USS Nautlius surfaced and sailing - U.S. Navy

After World War II, nuclear energy became an obsession for the world, so naturally, the military worked to integrate the technology with its vessels. The USS Nautilus would signal the start of the third generation of military submarines when it was launched in 1954. Goodbye diesel-electric engines, hello nuclear-powered subs. Nuclear vessels utilize a thermal reactor that heats high-pressure water that goes into a steam generator, which sends steam into a turbine where it produces electricity, thus powering the entire vessel. Since the system is a closed loop, there's no exhaust and fuel isn't lost, so there's no need for a nuclear submarine to refuel  at least not until it's time for a Refueling and Overhaul (ROH). With this new technology, submarines could submerge and remain at sea indefinitely. The new type of powerplant also improved the submarine's speed, easily reaching between 20 and 25 knots while submerged.

This new generation gave the submarine's appearance a slight overhaul, which also contributed to its better speed. Third-gen subs started using a tear-drop hull shape that was notably seen on the USS Albacore. This design reduced the amount of drag that subs experienced in the water. This time period also saw the formation of America's nuclear triad because third-gen boats became capable of launching ballistic missiles (SLBM), and while submerged no less. This led to the creation of ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), a type of sub whose job is to remain hidden while carrying nuclear-armed SLBMs. This would be the generation with the biggest leap in submarine technology, especially when new long-range sensors and guided missiles were added into the mix.

4th Generation (1980s to the new millenium)

Seawolf-class submarine sailing along ocean's surface - General Dynamics Electric Boat

Fourth-generation submarines are the ones that are currently in operation. That's America's three Seawolf-class attack subs and its nearly two dozen Virginia-class submarines, Russia's Yasen-class boats, and more. The ones that would appear in any modern-day military movie. What set these boats apart from their predecessors was their ability to be quieter and more versatile. This is when stealth became a top priority for navies around the world, so they started implementing instruments that would reduce the acoustics that emanated from the ship, since the slightest sound could give away their position to sonar. American subs specifically used rubber tiles on the hull, raft-mounted machinery, and pump-jet propellers to improve a submarine's stealth.

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While some submarines were classified as "attack subs," they handled much more than attacking other vessels. Subs like the Seawolf-class were designed to aid in special operations and were built with swimmer lock-out chambers that could deploy a team of commandos. Some Seawolf subs, like the USS Jimmy Carter, were also kitted out with highly advanced sensors that gave the ships the ability to tap into underwater cables and gather intelligence. Naturally, as time got closer to the early 2000s, technology improved even more, giving these subs even more upgrades, like network computing and enhanced periscopes.

Weaponry improved as well. Submarines got the ability to attack land-based targets by the '80s with Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles (TLAM). Before long, submarines were deploying a variety of weapons, including torpedoes, mines, and missiles, making them quite the nuisance. It's difficult to fathom where submarines could even go from here.

5th Generation (2010s to the present)

SAAB A26 submarine surfacing from a birds-eye view - Copyright SAAB AB

Since America is a ways off before the general public learns what its fifth-generation submarines will bring to the table, SAAB is setting the standard as the only manufacturer announcing the kind of technologies going into this next-gen platform. The newest generation of military submarines is poised to take existing technology to the next level. SAAB's A26 promises to be extra stealthy, giving it the ability to gather intelligence without being detected, whether it's in the shallows or the deep blue. Beyond quieter acoustics, though, SAAB is building the submarine with radar-absorbing coating, much like what's found on the F-22 and F-35 fighter jets.

These advanced submarines will also utilize unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), launching them from modular payload bays for a number of tasks, including securing and monitoring communication cables. Unlike previous generations, the A26 will be able to engage in information warfare and intercept adversarial signals passively. Its electronic surveillance suite will enable it to even prevent those signals from reaching their intended destination, which would be a new means for submarines to engage in combat.

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However, perhaps most surprising is that the A26 isn't a nuclear-powered vessel like America's more advanced subs. Instead, it uses air-independent propulsion, which utilizes diesel engines as well as a Stirling-type engine that burns liquid oxygen and diesel to power electrical generators. Going with this form of power plant is what most likely is helping the sub be as stealthy as SAAB is claiming, as one of the benefits of diesel-electric is reduced acoustics at lower speeds.

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Read the original article on SlashGear.
The FAA is investigating two separate crashes after planes landed on Central Florida roads Monday, leading to traffic and detours in Brevard and Volusia Counties.

Florida Highway Patrol says a 27-year-old pilot made an emergency landing on I-95 and crashed into a Toyota Camry. Troopers say the 57-year-old woman was driving in the center lane when the plane collided. The woman was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Both the pilot and his passenger on the aircraft are okay.

Troopers say the plane had double-engine failure.

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The Beechcraft 55 Baron twin piston aircraft is registered to Tailwinds Flying LLC in Merritt Island.

Flight data shows the plane taking off from Merritt Island just after 4:30 p.m., flying in circles around Brevard and Volusia counties for a little over an hour up until the last couple minutes of the flight. Track logs show the altitude of the plane and its speed slowly dropping up until 5:40 p.m. when the plane made a turn and landed on I-95.

Channel 9 spoke to the owner of the plane, but he declined to comment.

Earlier Monday, a single-engine Cessna Skyhawk crashed on Jacobs Road near Plymouth Avenue in Deland.

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According to FlightAware, the plane took off from Massey Ranch Airpark (X50) in Edgewater around 1:43 a.m. but after about 17 minutes in the air, crashed at 2 pm.

The crash happened roughly a mile away from Deland High School right before school let out. Deland Police told families to take alternate routes to pick up their students.

The scene was two miles away from the Deland Municipal Airport. We dont know if the plane was scheduled to land at the Deland Municipal Airport or if there may have been an emergency. From flight data, we can tell the plane has had at least five other recent trips that are all very short. All recent flight data shows the plane took off and landed at Massey Ranch Airpark.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
President Donald Trump on Monday falsely denied making a comment he had made on camera just five days prior. Then he launched a personal attack against the reporter who had accurately repeated his previous remark.

Trump has a long history of falsely denying he ever said things he had said in public.

The subject of his latest false denial was the video footage of the September 2 US military strikes against a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean. The military conducted a follow-up strike to kill the people who had survived the first strike.

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The Trump administration publicly released the video of the initial strike but not the video of the follow-up strike, which has been shown to members of Congress behind closed doors. On December 3, Trump said he has no problem releasing this video to the American people.

Heres the December 3 exchange he had with ABC News reporter Selina Wang at the White House:

Wang: Mr. President, you released video of that first boat strike on September 2nd, but not the second video. Will you release video of that strike so that the American people can see for themselves what happened?

Trump: I dont know what they have, but whatever they have wed certainly release, no problem.

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On Monday, another ABC News reporter, Rachel Scott, repeated Trumps comment back to him while trying to ask a question about the potential release of the additional video. But the president denied he had said what he said:

Scott: Mr. President, you said you would have no problem with releasing the full video of that strike on September 2nd off the coast of Venezuela. Secretary Hegseth now says 

Trump: I didnt say that. Thats  you said that, I didnt say that. This is ABC fake news.

Scott correctly noted, You said that you would have no problem releasing the full vi(deo). She then pivoted back to her question. She noted that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the question of whether to release the video is being reviewed, and she asked Trump if he is ordering Hegseth to release it.

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Whatever he decides is okay with me, Trump said.

Trump then offered a defense of the strikes, repeating his frequent false claim that each boat destroyed saves 25,000 American lives and claiming the survivors were trying to turn the boat back to where it could float, and we didnt want to see that, because that boat was loaded up with drugs. When Scott eventually interjected to try to return to the issue of releasing the video, he called her the most obnoxious reporter in the whole place and actually a terrible reporter.

CNN has reached out to an ABC News spokesperson about the presidents remarks about Scott. Another ABC News journalist, Jonathan Karl, wrote on the social media platform X that Scott quoted President Trump accurately.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A Falmouth police officer is now on administrative leave after an alleged domestic dispute in Wareham back in October, but Boston 25 News has learned Officer Kevin Frye is now facing new charges for a separate incident involving that same alleged victim.

Cape Cod police officer on paid leave after alleged domestic assault at local bar

The new report states that Officer Frye now faces harassment and intimidation of a witness charges.

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Frye pleaded not guilty at Barnstable District Court on Tuesday and avoided Boston 25 cameras.

Back in October, the same alleged victim was granted an emergency restraining order against Frye, but a new Sandwich police report states that since that order expired, shes received missed calls from officer Frye almost every day.

The report states that Frye has repeatedly texted and called the alleged victim in an effort to see her again since a domestic dispute between the two back in October.

The woman says phone calls have increased over the past week and showed officers texts where she says Stop texting me. Again, in which Frye continued to reply with messages like you know I am obsessed with you.

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A new restraining order was granted to the woman and served to Frye during his booking process.

The woman says Officer Frye has also alluded that she did not need to show up to her court date this week regarding charges against him for the domestic dispute reported at Stephens Lounge in Wareham back on Oct.13.

She says Fryes father has also attempted to reach her recently, which she detailed as unusual.

Fryes previous charges included domestic assault and battery and threatening to commit a crime.

In this separate incident, he is facing charges that include harassment and intimidation of a witness.

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Falmouth Police told Boston 25 theyre aware of Officer Fryes recent arrest on Monday and say he remains on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of their internal affairs investigation.

Boston 25 has reached out to Officer Frye various times for a response to these allegations.

The new report states Fryes LTC has been suspended.

Frye is scheduled for a bench trial Wednesday morning at Wareham District Court for the October incident. As for this new case, a pretrial hearing is set for Jan. 21.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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During the meeting, Ambassador Waltz affirmed the USs obligation to ensure the completion of the return of all hostages taken during Hamass brutal October 7 massacre.

United States ambassador to the United Nations, Michael Walz, met with the parents of slain Gaza hostage Ran Gvili, to discuss the ongoing efforts to retrieve his remains on Monday, according to a statement released by the Government Press Office.

Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch and Israels UN ambassador, Danny Danon, were also present at the meeting.

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Gvili is the last remaining October 7 hostage still held by Hamas in Gaza.

According to the statement, Ambassador Waltz affirmed the USs obligation to ensure the completion of the return of all hostages taken during Hamass brutal October 7 massacre.

Walz also expressed a personal feeling of obligation to return Ran Gvili to Israel for a proper Jewish burial.

A woman holds a picture of dead hostage Ran Gvili, whose body hasn't been returned yet, as Israelis attend a rally calling for the immediate return of the remains of all hostages held in Gaza, more than two years after the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, at Hostages Square. (credit: REUTERS/NIR ELIAS)

Gvilis parents, Talik and Itzik Gvili, have been extremely outspoken in their calls to bring their son home.

Itzik Gvili, during a November 30 rally held in Tel Avivs Hostages Square, appealed to mediators to clarify that there is no next stage and no 'day after' in Gaza before Ran is home."

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"We're at the last stretch, and we have to be strong, for Rani, for us, and for Israel. Without Rani, our country can't heal," Talik Gvili said in a Monday interview with Reuters.

Ongoing efforts to bring Ran Gvili home

Hamas reportedly began renewed searches for Gvili's remains on Sunday.

An earlier N12 News report on Friday alleged that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad had knowledge regarding the whereabouts of his remains, which are suspected to be in the Gaza City area.

An October US-proposed Israel-Gaza ceasefire deal mandated the return of all hostages, living and deceased, held by terrorist organizations in Gaza. A 72-hour deadline for the return was originally set, but that condition was not met.

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The delay in return led to the postponement of rebuilding efforts in the Gaza Stip, which are suspected to begin after the final hostage remains are finally returned.

Reuters contributed to this report.
The parents of a student who painted a pro-Charlie Kirk message on a schools spirit rock are suing Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for its handling of the incident.

The parents of a student at Ardrey Kell High School, supported by conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, filed a federal lawsuit Monday accusing the school district of violating their daughters constitutional and due process rights.

The lawsuit alleges their daughter got permission from a staff member to paint a message on the schools spirit rock supporting for Charlie Kirk after his assassination, including a Bible verse.

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But after the painting was completed, the school district allegedly called it vandalism and said law enforcement had been contacted for a criminal investigation. The painting on the rock was also removed.

The parents said the school did not inform the daughter of her rights after pulling her out of class and forcing her to write a statement explaining her efforts in painting the rock.

The lawsuit said the parents contacted the school to correct their statement for weeks before the school publicly announced there was never an issue or investigation.

The suit also accuses the school of making new guidelines in the aftermath of this incident, despite previous messages such as Black Lives Matter being allowed on rock. It also says the board was clear about its dislike for Kirk during the process.

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The Hill has reached out to the school board for comment.

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Joey Kristopher Jansen is facing charges of endangerment and criminal damage after his 13-year-old allegedly daughter drove his Sedan into a Mesa, Ariz. law office

Jansen was allegedly riding in the vehicle's passenger seat at the time of the crash

Neither Jansen or his daughter were injured

A father of a teenage girl is now facing criminal charges after she police say she drove his car into a building while he was sitting in the passenger seat.

Joey Kristopher Jansen was arrested on suspicion of endangerment and criminal damage after his 13-year-old daughter, who has not been publicly identified, allegedly drove his car into a law office in Mesa, Ariz., local outlets Fox 10 and ABC 15 report.

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Police confirmed to the outlets that neither Jansen nor his daughter were injured in the crash.

"It looked like an explosion. The car, it was a sedan, just kind of came right through and collided," Alison Briggs, a partner in My Arizona Lawyers, the firm whose office was hit, told Fox 10. "You can see the tire tracks right here. The car came through and then went right through those panels, which is part of our lobby and then our main conference room."

A car crash into a building caused significant interior damage

"I practice a lot of family law. My first thought was: I hope Mom has a good lawyer because that parent is incredibly irresponsible, and it made me just incredibly sad for the child," Briggs added. "Thank God our receptionist wasn't in there. Thank God there was no one in there meeting with clients."



Interior of a room with severe damage debris and broken furniture visible likely caused by a car accident furniture visible likely caused by a car accident

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PEOPLE has reached out to the Mesa Police Department and My Arizona Lawyers for comment.

Read the original article on People
Catherine Hanaway talks to reporters on Aug. 19 after being announced as the state's next attorney general (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent).

A federal judge Monday refused to back Missouris Republican leaders efforts to block a statewide vote on a gerrymandered congressional district map, dismissing a case filed by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway.

U.S. District Judge Zachary Bluestone ruled he had no jurisdiction over the lawsuit brought on behalf of Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and the General Assembly claiming the U.S. Constitution bars state referendums on Congressional district plans.

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The decision came just a few hours after Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh conducted a three-hour trial over when a referendum petition drive can begin and which signatures should be counted when petitions are submitted.

Limbaugh did not issue a ruling Monday and gave attorneys until Wednesday afternoon to file proposed judgments.

The redistricting bill forced through in September by Republicans at the insistence of President Donald Trump is scheduled to take effect Thursday for use in the 2026 elections.

Republicans hope to win seven of the states eight congressional seats by adding enough GOP votes to flip the 5th District, currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City.

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If referendum petitions with sufficient signatures are submitted, the map will take effect only if it is upheld in a statewide vote in November.

The issues in the now-dismissed federal case can all be decided in state court, wrote Bluestone, a recent Trump appointee. All Hoskins has to do, he said, is reject the petitions gathered by People Not Politicians, the campaign committee seeking the referendum.

The deadline for submitting signatures is Thursday.

Fortunately for the state, Secretary Hoskins has a tool at his disposal that almost no other litigant could boast  the power to declare the petition unconstitutional himself, Bluestone wrote.

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That would trigger litigation over the main question, he wrote.

A decision that the Missouri Constitution does not permit a redistricting referendum would moot the states federal constitutional claims, while a decision that it does clearly permit them would significantly narrow the issues, Bluestone wrote. Further, abstaining here would avoid federal interference in a referendum process created entirely by the Missouri Constitution and state law.

State lawsuit over signatures

The main question in the lawsuit heard Monday afternoon by Limbaugh is when a referendum petition drive can begin.

Attorney Chuck Hatfield, representing People Not Politicians, said the Missouri Constitutions clause giving the people the power to approve or reject by referendum any act of the general assembly means signature gathering can begin as soon as lawmakers hold the final vote on a bill.

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We dont need the governors signature on something to seek a referendum on it, Hatfield said. Nor do we need the secretary of states approval to gather signatures.

Deputy Solicitor General William Seidleck, arguing for the state, said a referendum can only be held on a law. No bill, he said, even if passed by lawmakers, is a law until it is signed by the governor. And a law giving the secretary of state authority to approve or reject the form of a referendum petition, he said, means no signatures can be gathered until the approval is received.

You can only have a referendum on an enacted law, Seidleck said. We submit that theres no law without the governors signature.

Marc Ellinger, who represents a campaign committee set up to defend the map, Put Missouri First, asked Limbaugh to throw the whole case out as premature. No signatures have been submitted, he said, so theres no true controversy over which are being counted.

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Theyre trying to get an answer on the validity of signatures before the statutory process is completed, Ellinger said.

To force a referendum on a new law, petitioners must get signatures from 5% of voters in six of the states eight congressional districts. That is about 110,000 signatures.

People Not Politicians has enlisted more than 2,000 volunteers and gathered more than 300,000 signatures, including 12,000 last week, campaign Director Richard von Glahn said during a Monday morning conference call with the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition.

We are going to continue to fight to make sure every Missourians voice is heard, von Glahn said to coalition members.

In the afternoon, von Glahn was in a Cole County courtroom while Chrissy Peters, state elections director since 2017, testified that unless a court order says otherwise, no signatures collected before Oct. 14 will be checked against voter registration rolls.

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That is a key date because its the day Hoskins approved the form of the petition. In the lawsuit, People Not Politicians is arguing that signatures gathered after Sept. 15, when the petition form was submitted, should be checked.

Of the 300,000 signatures the campaign says it has collected, the outcome of Mondays hearing would only impact an estimated 92,000 that were pre-emptively rejected by Hoskins.

Limbaugh has another decision pending that will impact whether or not the referendum occurs. He heard arguments Nov. 12 in a lawsuit brought by opponents of redistricting over the state Constitutions directive on when and how to draw congressional district maps.

If Limbaugh rules lawmakers did not have power to redraw the districts between census reports, the law would not take effect.

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The Missouri redistricting fight is part of a national debate over when states can redraw congressional district boundaries for partisan advantage.

Republicans hold a 220-213 edge in the U.S. House, with two vacant seats previously held by Democrats. Six states, including Missouri, have enacted new congressional maps this year in response to the push initiated when Texas redrew its district lines to flip five Democratic seats. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the new Texas map last week.

California countered and revised its maps to move five seats to the Democratic Party,

North Carolinas new map is intended to net one seat for Republicans, Ohio has passed a new map to add two GOP seats and a nonpartisan redistricting commission in Utah revised that states four districts in a way likely to favor a Democratic candidate in one.

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Other redistricting efforts are underway. In Indiana, the legislature is meeting in special session to help the GOP gain two seats. Democrats who took supermajorities in the Virginia legislature this year are considering whether to revise lines in that state, where Democrats currently hold a 6-5 edge in the delegation.

As the date for delivering signatures in Missouri approaches, attacks on the petitioners and von Glahn have intensified. Hanaway is demanding personnel records from Advanced Micro Targeting of Dallas, Texas, which is being paid to help with the signature campaign. And Advanced Micro Targeting is suing other political consulting firms, accusing them of paying large sums to sabotage the petition drive.

Donald Trump Jr. led the attacks on von Glahn on social media, calling him a leftist nut job who is trying to STEAL a GOP house seat in Missouri through an unlawful referendum.

Trump Jr. included a link to a website that called von Glahn a communist.

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Denise Lieberman, executive director of the Missouri Voter Protection coalition, called the attacks absolutely disgusting and inexcusable during the conference call.

Von Glahn said the insults are generating a counter-reaction.

These are meant to be sort of psychological warfare, to make me and my family feel isolated and feel threatened, he said. It has been a complete backfire. I have gotten more messages of love and support across this state and across the country this week that I could have possibly imagined.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A federal judge on Monday struck down President Donald Trumps executive order blocking wind energy projects, saying the effort to halt virtually all leasing of wind farms on federal lands and waters was arbitrary and capricious and violates U.S. law.

Judge Patti Saris of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts vacated Trumps Jan. 20 executive order blocking wind energy projects and declared it unlawful.

Saris ruled in favor of a coalition of state attorneys general from 17 states and Washington, D.C., led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, that challenged Trumps Day One order that paused leasing and permitting for wind energy projects.

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Trump has been hostile to renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, and prioritizes fossil fuels to produce electricity.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell hailed the ruling as a victory for green jobs and renewable energy.

Massachusetts has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into offshore wind, and today, we successfully protected those important investments from the Trump administrations unlawful order, Campbell said in a statement.

James said she was grateful the court stepped in to block the administrations reckless and unlawful crusade against clean energy.

As New Yorkers face rising energy costs, we need more energy sources, not fewer," James said. Wind energy is good for our environment, our economy, and our communities."

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White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said Monday night that offshore wind projects were given unfair, preferential treatment during the Biden administration while the rest of the energy industry was hindered by burdensome regulations.

President Trump has ended Joe Bidens war on American energy and unleashed Americas energy dominance to protect our economic and national security, Rogers said in a statement to The Associated Press.

The coalition that opposed Trump's order argued that Trump doesnt have the authority to halt project permitting, and that doing so jeopardizes the states economies, energy mix, public health and climate goals.

The coalition includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington state and Washington, D.C. They say theyve invested hundreds of millions of dollars collectively to develop wind energy and even more on upgrading transmission lines to bring wind energy to the electrical grid.

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The government argued that the states claims amount to nothing more than a policy disagreement over preferences for wind versus fossil fuel energy development that is outside the federal courts jurisdiction. Justice Department lawyer Michael Robertson said in court that the wind order paused permitting, but didnt halt it, while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum reviews the environmental impact of wind projects.

The executive order said there were alleged legal deficiencies underlying the federal governments leasing and permitting of wind projects under the Biden administration.

A previous judge in the case allowed it to proceed against Burgum, but dismissed an action against Trump and other Cabinet secretaries. Judge William Young allowed the states to proceed with claims that blocking permits for wind energy projects violates the Administrative Procedure Act, which outlines a detailed process for enacting regulations, but not the Constitution.

Wind is the United States' largest source of renewable energy, providing about 10% of the electricity generated in the nation, according to the American Clean Power Association.

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Marguerite Wells, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, said wind energy is a key component of powering the nation's electric grid.

Wind is currently one of the most cost-effective ways to generate power and is being used successfully not only in the United States, but across the world,'' she said. With this ruling behind us, projects can now be judged on their merits. We thank the attorneys general who helped us get this case over the finish line.

Kit Kennedy of the Natural Resources Defense Council called the decision a win for consumers, union workers, U.S. businesses, clean air and the climate.

From the beginning of its time in office, the Trump administration put a halt to the wind energy projects that are needed to keep utility bills in check and the grid reliable,'' Kennedy said.

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The wind order has been a devastating blow to workers, electricity customers, and the reliability of the power grid,'' she said, adding that the Trump administration "should use this (ruling) as a wake-up call, stop its illegal actions and get out of the way of the expansion of renewable energy.''

___ The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
WINDHOEK, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's water utility NamWater announced on Tuesday that it has finalized a joint venture agreement with Swakop Uranium, a subsidiary of China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), to construct Namibia's largest seawater desalination plant in the Erongo Region.

Valued at 3 billion Namibian dollars (about 176 million U.S. dollars), the modern desalination plant will be financed by Swakop Uranium to meet both the company's and the region's current and future water needs, according to a press release.

Swakop Uranium, which will provide the capital and technical expertise, will hold a 70 percent share in the joint venture, while NamWater will retain the remaining 30 percent.

Meanwhile, NamWater will ensure public-sector oversight, regulatory compliance, and integration with the national water infrastructure.

NamWater said the initiative represents a crucial strategic investment aimed at enhancing Namibia's long-term water security and promoting industrial development.

The Erongo Region is one of Namibia's most economically active areas, hosting several uranium mining operations, growing industries, and expanding communities.

"With limited freshwater resources and climate variability placing pressure on traditional sources, desalination has become a reliable and sustainable option for securing long-term water supply," the statement said.

The joint venture guarantees a long-term, cost-stable water supply for Swakop Uranium, it added. 
The Trump administration issued  and then rescinded  a funding notice advocates warn will spike homelessness. Uncertainty persists. (Stock photo byPaul Bradbury/Getty Images)

Federal housing officials backpedaled Monday on a recent policy change that advocates warned would drive more than 170,000 people into homelessness.

U.S. Housing and Urban Development officials sent advocates into a panic last month after announcing they would overhaul how federal funding gets distributed under the agencys Continuum of Care program, a key federal program that historically has supported permanent housing for people at imminent risk of homelessness.

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The change, which would have shifted funding to transitional housing and conditioned aid on work and other requirements, prompted several lawsuits, including one filed by New Jersey and 19 other states.

Just an hour before a court hearing Monday in Rhode Island on the lawsuits, HUD officials rescinded the funding notice that sparked the uproar, citing a need for unspecified revisions.

Taiisa Kelly, CEO of Cranford-based Monarch Housing Associates, welcomed the reversal, saying it will give local housing advocates time to plan and develop both short- and long-term solutions to HUD cuts that they still expect despite Mondays turnaround.

As we wait to see what comes of the litigation against HUD, we continue to push for bridge funding for programs set to expire starting January 1 to ensure no person loses their housing, Kelly said. HUD continues to indicate that they will move forward with their proposed policy changes even with the pull back of this (funding notice) so we continue efforts to find long-term funding for programs that are at risk.

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New Jersey gets $66 million a year from the Continuum of Care program, 81% of which pays for permanent housing, according to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. The state would lose at least half of that under the notice HUD withdrew Monday. Such a loss could drive 2,439 New Jersey residents into homelessness, the National Alliance to End Homelessness warned.

New Jersey officials, though, had predicted worse harm, saying the change put more than 3,000 people at risk of immediate homelessness and would cost the state $173 million over two years in lost program funds and related repercussions. That would mark a 22% jump in homelessness from the almost 14,000 people counted as homeless during last Januarys HUD-mandated annual enumeration of homelessness.

Despite applauding HUDs backtracking, local advocates say they still dont know exactly what changes HUD will settle on, and that uncertainty creates more stress for struggling families.

Already this process has thrown people  who were formerly homeless and are now terrified of losing their housing after finally getting stabilized, as well as homeless service providers who are trying to figure out how to respond  all into chaos, said Raisa Rubin-Stankiewicz, a policy associate with the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness.

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The HUD hubbub came after President Donald Trump announced in a July executive order that his administration would take a different approach to reducing homelessness. He rejected housing-first policies, which get a person into permanent housing before addressing their addiction, unemployment, or other troubles.

HUD had promoted that approach for over a decade, but Trump administration officials complained it encourages dependence on endless government handouts while not addressing the root causes of homelessness.

Trump has threatened to withhold funding from applicants who persist with housing-first policies. He also ordered mandatory treatment for people whose mental illness or addiction contributed to their homelessness and directed law enforcement to crack down on homeless encampments, loitering, squatting, and open drug use.

Its unclear when HUD will issue a revised funding notice; the rescinded notice had set a Jan. 14 deadline for funding applications. HUD officials havent released a new timeline or explained what further revisions they have in mind.

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That leaves providers with a rapidly closing window in which to apply for funding, and that could create a gap in services, Rubin-Stankiewicz said. Officials should postpone funding changes a year, rather than risk a funding gap, further confusion and chaos, and a spike in homelessness, she added.

You cant play with peoples lives like this, Rubin-Stankiewicz said.

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A construction site dating back nearly 2,000 years to the putative demise of Pompeii in 79 CE has revealed new evidence for the secret behind Ancient Rome's ultra-durable concrete.

Last year, from under the volcanic ash that buried Pompeii, archaeologists uncovered a fully intact construction site  a rare snapshot of Roman building work frozen in time.

That site includes neatly organized piles of materials, including the ingredients used to mix the famously durable concrete behind monuments such as the Pantheon, whose vast unreinforced dome has stood for millennia.

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Related: You Won't Believe What Scientists Found in an Ancient Roman Ruin

A brand new analysis reveals that the secret is a technique that materials scientist Admir Masic of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) calls "hot-mixing".

It involves directly blending the concrete's ingredients: a volcanic ash mix called pozzolan, together with quicklime, which reacts with water to generate intense heat inside the mixture.

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"The benefits of hot mixing are twofold," Masic said back in 2023 when he first discovered the technique through experimentation.

"First, when the overall concrete is heated to high temperatures, it allows chemistries that are not possible if you only used slaked lime, producing high-temperature-associated compounds that would not otherwise form. Second, this increased temperature significantly reduces curing and setting times since all the reactions are accelerated, allowing for much faster construction."

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A third, and crucial, benefit is that the surviving chunks, or clasts, of lime give the concrete a remarkable self-healing ability. This could be a major reason ancient Roman monuments still stand while other civilizations have crumbled.

When cracks form in the concrete, they preferentially propagate toward the lime clasts, which have a higher surface area than other matrix particles. When water enters the crack, it reacts with the lime to form a calcium-rich solution that dries and hardens as calcium carbonate, gluing the crack back together and preventing it from spreading further.

Some of the neatly organized building materials found at the site. (Archaeological Park of Pompeii)

"There is the historic importance of this material, and then there is the scientific and technological importance of understanding it," Masic says.

"This material can heal itself over thousands of years, it is reactive, and it is highly dynamic. It has survived earthquakes and volcanoes. It has endured under the sea and survived degradation from the elements."

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Although the hot-mixing technique offered solutions to the puzzles posed by Roman concrete, it raised a new one: The recipe did not match the description of how to make the building material in the 1 BCE treatise De architectura by architect Vitruvius.

The Vitruvian method involved first mixing the lime with water in a process known as slaking, before mixing the slaked lime with the pozzolan. However, this process does not produce the lime clasts observed in real Roman concrete samples.

Related: Scientists Developed a Kind of 'Living Concrete' That Heals Its Own Cracks

This mismatch has long puzzled scientists. Vitruvius' writings represent the most complete surviving documents on Roman architecture and construction. He describes a technique called opus caementicium for building walls, but physical samples from ancient buildings contradicted his instructions.

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The Pompeii materials put the mystery to bed. Masic and his team used isotope analysis on five of the dry piles of materials, identifying pozzolan made of pumice and lithic ash, quicklime, and even lime clasts.

A wall at the site in Pompeii with the compositional analysis overlaid on the right. ( Archaeological Park of Pompeii

Most tellingly, these dry ingredients were premixed  an archaeological smoking gun.

Under the microscope, the mortar samples from the walls revealed unmistakable signatures of hot mixing: fractured lime clasts, calcium-rich reaction rims that grew into volcanic ash particles, and tiny crystals of calcite and aragonite forming within pumice vesicles.

Raman spectroscopy confirmed the mineral transformations, while isotope analysis showed the chemical pathways of carbonation over time.

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"Through these stable isotope studies, we could follow these critical carbonation reactions over time, allowing us to distinguish hot-mixed lime from the slaked lime originally described by Vitruvius," Masic says.

"These results revealed that the Romans prepared their binding material by taking calcined limestone (quicklime), grinding [it] to a certain size, mixing it dry with volcanic ash, and then eventually adding water to create a cementing matrix."

This doesn't necessarily mean Vitruvius was wrong  he may have described an alternative method for making concrete, or his work may have been misinterpreted  but it does indicate that the most durable form of the material had to emerge from the hot-mixing technique.

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This, the researchers believe, is information that can be incorporated into the way we make concrete, many centuries after the Roman Empire fell, leaving its monuments standing as a reminder not just of its grandeur but also of the ingenuity of its people.

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Modern concrete is one of the world's most widely used building materials. It's also remarkably lacking in durability, often crumbling in decades under environmental stress. Producing it is terrible for the environment, too, requiring a huge resource cost and contributing to greenhouse emissions.

Simply improving the durability of concrete has the potential to make it significantly more sustainable.

Related: Scientists Discovered an Amazing Practical Use For Coffee Ground Waste

"We don't want to completely copy Roman concrete today. We just want to translate a few sentences from this book of knowledge into our modern construction practices," says Masic, who has started a company called DMAT to do just that.

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"The way these pores in volcanic ingredients can be filled through recrystallization is a dream process we want to translate into our modern materials. We want materials that regenerate themselves."

The research has been published in Nature Communications.

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It will be cold Tuesday night with a light freeze for Southeast Georgia, where temperatures will dip into the low 30s.

WATCH THE FORECAST | DOWNLOAD THE APPS

Heres what the First Alert Weather Team said you can expect for the First Alert Weather forecast:

Patch light frost for Northeast Florida west of Interstate 95 with lows in the 30s, upper 30s to low 40s for the Beaches.

Milder Wednesday, but more wind in the afternoon as highs top out 65-70.

A chilly Thursday with highs in the low 60s, then another warming trend Friday through the weekend with highs in the 60s Friday, warming to the low 70s for the weekend.

Cooler again early next week. No significant rain in sight.

First Alert 7-Day Forecast

TONIGHT: Clearing, cold. Low: 36  patchy inland frost NE Fl light freeze SE Ga.

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WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny, milder. High: 66

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Clear. Low: 42

THURSDAY: Sunny. High: 62

FRIDAY: Sunny. 35/66

SATURDAY: Mostly sunny. 44/71

SUNDAY: Partly sunny. 49/71

MONDAY: Partly cloudy/windy/colder. 49/60

TUESDAY: Partly cloudy/breezy/cool. 40/63

Follow Action News Jax Meteorologists on Twitter for updates:

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Monday night issued an executive order designating the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations.

Florida agencies are hereby directed to undertake all lawful measures to prevent unlawful activities by these organizations, including denying privileges or resources to anyone providing material support, DeSantis said in a social media post.

The move by DeSantis echoes a similar one made last month by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R).

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A local leader had leadership roles with CAIR in the past. City of Jacksonville Chief of Analytics and former Chief of DEI Parvez Ahmed was elected CAIR national chairman in 2005-2008 and was the Florida Chair for the organization from 2002-2005.

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DeSantis executive order on CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood by ActionNewsJax

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A federal lawsuit filed on behalf of a man scheduled to be put to death next week alleges that Florida prison officials used expired drugs in at least four recent executions.

Prison drug supply logs indicate that executioners in two other recent cases may have used lower doses than is required by the states lethal injection protocol, the lawsuit claims.

Those and other allegations form the basis of a request to stay the execution of Frank Walls, who is scheduled to be put to death Dec. 18. The lawsuit accuses the prison system of negligence in how it administers lethal injection, asserting that Walls will likely suffer severe pain akin to torture.

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Such an outcome would be constitutionally repugnant, wrote Assistant Federal Defender Sean Gunn, arguing that Walls execution would violate the Eighth Amendments prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.

Mr. Walls is at heightened risk of a disastrous execution in light of (the prison systems) documented negligence in adhering to their own protocol, Gunn wrote.

Lawyers for the state countered that Walls arguments were a last-ditch attempt to delay his well-deserved execution.

He has been in poor health for years, but waited until the eve of his execution to file suit long after the time to do so had passed, wrote Assistant Attorney General Jason Rodriguez.

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The states written request to dismiss the case did not directly refute the claim about expired drugs but called the related arguments that he could suffer needless pain speculative and tenuous.

On Tuesday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued an order denying the request to stop Walls execution. While acknowledging evidence that Walls may suffer a cruel death, the judge found that he could have raised those claims well before his execution was imminent.

Walls attorneys quickly filed an appeal of the ruling.

Drug logs raise questions

Walls, 58, was sentenced to death for the 1987 murders of Edward Alger and Ann Peterson in Okaloosa County. He accosted the couple after breaking into their home, according to court records, then bound and gagged them. He slashed Algers throat before shooting him in his head, then shot Peterson twice in her head.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Walls death warrant last month. His execution is slated to be the 19th in Florida this year, the highest number of executions in any single year since the state reinstituted the death penalty in the 1970s. DeSantis, who previously went years without signing any death warrants, said in a recent news conference in Jacksonville that the surge in executions is driven by a need to help families of murder victims.

Floridas execution protocol calls for the systematic injection of three drugs.

The first, etomidate, is a short-acting sedative that is supposed to render the condemned person unconscious. The second and third, rocuronium bromide and potassium acetate, are meant to paralyze the person and stop their heart.

The state has used whats known as the etomidate protocol in executions for nearly a decade. Courts have previously upheld its constitutionality.

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While information about the source from which the state purchases its execution drugs is shielded from state public records laws, the Florida Department of Corrections maintains handwritten logs detailing the amounts of each substance in its drug supply.

It is from those logs that Walls attorneys gleaned that the state used an expired supply of etomidate in four recent executions.

The log sheets, according to the complaint, indicate that a supply of etomidate with an expiration date of Jan. 31, 2025, was used on dates corresponding with the August and September executions of Kayle Bates, Curtis Windom, David Pittman and Victor Jones.

The logs also show that the state noted the removal of seven vials of potassium acetate  the heart-stopping drug  from its supply on June 12, two days after the execution of Anthony Wainwright. This suggests that the executioners used about 41% less than the dosage required by the lethal injection protocol, according to the lawsuit, which asserted that the state is straying from its own protocol and raising the likelihood that an execution might not go as intended.

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The logs also show that the state recorded the removal of 10 vials of rocuronium bromide from its supply on June 25, a day after the execution of Thomas Gudinas. Those 10 vials total 1,000 milligrams, which is half the amount of the paralytic required by the lethal injection protocol, the lawsuit states.

The complaint noted several instances in which the log shows execution drugs being removed a day or two after an execution. This, the complaint alleged, indicates the records are inaccurate and are being filled out afterward.

In one example  the July 15 execution of Michael Bell  the logs show no entry indicating that etomidate was removed, according to the lawsuit. Yet toxicology testing that accompanied Bells autopsy showed etomidate in his blood. It is unclear whether the etomidate used in his execution came from the states supply or somewhere else.

Other peculiarities noted in the complaint include the use of lidocaine during the executions of Edward James and Michael Tanzi, who were executed in March and April, respectively.

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Lidocaine, a numbing agent, is not part of the states lethal injection protocol. Its use, the complaint states, indicates a level of improvisation and unpredictability about the execution process that should require an explanation.

Walls attorneys unsuccessfully sought a hearing to elicit more details about the execution process.

The Department of Corrections did not respond to two emails and a phone call seeking comment for this story.

A dignified death versus needlessly cruel

Ricky Dixon, the secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections, was named as a defendant in the lawsuit, along with Randall Polk, the warden of Florida State Prison. Dixon is in charge of regularly reviewing and updating the states lethal injection protocol.

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In February, before the surge in executions, Dixon sent a routine letter to DeSantis, certifying that he had reviewed the lethal injection procedure. He wrote that he found it compatible with evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society, the concepts of the dignity of man, and advances in science, research, pharmacology, and technology.

The process will not involve unnecessary lingering or the unnecessary or wanton infliction of pain and suffering, Dixon wrote. The foremost objective of the lethal injection process is a humane and dignified death.

Four months before the governor ordered Walls to die, the lawsuit states that he began to suffer a rapid health decline marked by dizzy spells and shortness of breath.

The court records include an affidavit from Dr. Joel Zivot, an anesthesiologist and professor at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. He conducted an evaluation of Walls at the request of defense attorneys.

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Zivot noted Walls has numerous medical problems, including heart disease, high cholesterol, a thyroid disorder, obstructive lung disease and chronic back pain. He is also morbidly obese, weighing more than350 pounds.

The doctor opined that Walls poor health increases the risk of complications during an attempt to execute him. In particular, Zivot said Floridas lethal injection protocol is likely to induce pulmonary edema  essentially a buildup of fluid in the lungs.

The drugs may cause his lungs to fill with blood, Zivot wrote. He compared the feeling to that of drowning or being asphyxiated, writing that prisoners who go through this choke on their own blood.

Mr. Walls will die a needlessly cruel death if Florida insists on trying to kill him with Floridas version of lethal injection, Zivot wrote.

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Walls attorneys cited several cases of men who were executed in other states and by the federal government who were later found to have developed pulmonary edema as they died. Some were described as having bloody froth in their throats.

One case cited is that of Byron Black, who was executed in Tennessee using the drug pentobarbital. Media reports of his execution state that he raised his head during the process, looked at his spiritual adviser and said, It hurts so bad.

Witnesses to several Florida cases cited in the records described the condemned prisoners heaving and twitching as they died. Autopsies showed several had heavy, congested lungs.

The state countered that the massive initial dose of etomidate will render Walls unconscious in less than a minute, making any pain from pulmonary edema irrelevant.

Correction: A pulmonary edema is a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Due to a reporting error, an earlier version of this story inaccurately described the condition.
New Jersey officials have arrested a fourth-grade teacher for allegedly sexually assaulting one of his young students and claim the crime was committed inside his own classroom  with a second student present.

Paul Yang, 32, who lives in Leonia, was arrested by officers on Wednesday, December 3, following an investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutors Office's Special Victims Unit.

According to a statement from Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, detectives first received a tip about a possible child assault in Paterson back on October 22.

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Tipsters claimed that a 9-year-old female student at Paterson Public School No. 25 opened up about an incident of abuse that unfolded inside a classroom  right in the middle of the school day.

The investigation led to Yang being charged with single counts of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

If convicted, Yang faces up to 20 years in prison, Valdes explained in a statement on the arrest.

It was unclear Monday if Yang was still in police custody but during his initial court appearance on Thursday, December 4, prosecutors requested pretrial detention.

Also unclear was whether a judge signed off on that request. Jail records accessed by Us Weekly fail to list Yang among their detainees.

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Yang had been a fourth-grade teacher for the Paterson School District starting in 2021. He was fired the same day he was arrested.

The Bergen Record reports a second child was in the classroom during the alleged sexual assault but kept behind test blinders Yang had set up in his classroom.

Citing court records, the Bergen Record reported Yang had the other student take their test at the front of the classroom but brought the 9-year-old to the back of the room, where he claimed he had a treasure box with two lollipops left, a lemon one and a grape one, and referred to them as Korean candy."

Gymnastics Coach at Acclaimed Facility Arrested on Child Pornography Charge, Accused of Sexual Abuse

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The court filing alleged Yang then removed a piece of silk fabric from his pocket and blindfolded the girl. He then allegedly asked her to guess what flavor lollipop he had. But the blindfold slipped, and the girl could see through the bottom, allegedly seeing the teacher pull his pants down before rubbing the grape lollipop against his genitals, according to the Bergen Record.

He then offered the child the lollipop, but she refused, the Record reports from an arrest affidavit. The student tried to act normal but was nervous, the charging documents claim. Yang allegedly then pardoned both children from the classroom.

Another teacher told investigators that one of the children became inconsolable when they returned to their regular class, the charges said.

Us Weekly was unable to determine if Yang has hired an attorney.

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Calls to numbers listed for Yang were either disconnected or incorrect.

The Paterson Board of Education did not return a call seeking comment on the arrest.

Anyone who may have any information pertinent to this case is urged to contact Passaic County Senior Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Petrella at jpetrella@passaiccountynj.org or (973) 247-3330.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Fox News chief political analyst Brit Hume on Monday said President Donald Trump might say hes helping embattled American farmers with his proposed $12 billion aid package, but suggested theyre only in dire need because of his own disastrous policies.

Trump praised his steep international tariffs on social media Monday as a boon to the U.S. and reportedly credited his trade war during a roundtable later that day for bringing in the money to fund the crop farmer bailout he triumphantly announced during the event.

Politics: Trump's Speech On Combating Inflation Turns To Grievances About Immigrants From 'Filthy' Countries

No doubt the tariffs are a factor in this, Bret, Hume told Special Report host Bret Baier.

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Baier had launched the discussion by summarizing the package, which will include $11 billion in one-time payments to crop farmers under the Agriculture Departments new Farmer Bridge Assistance Program and $1 billion for other crops the program doesnt cover.

The conservative pundit noted that this relief is set to be paid out by February. He then acknowledged that crop prices have taken a hit under Trump, whose trade war led China  the largest buyer of U.S. soybeans  to entirely halt and then drastically curb purchases.

Theres no getting around that, Hume said Monday about the impact of Trumps tariffs. And its put the president now in a position where hes got to try to help the farmers. Theyre calling it a bridge, but its not a bridge loan; this is a subsidy.

Politics: Trump's 'Absolutely Crazed' Threat To Those Who Question His Health Sparks Outrage

He added that this $12 billion in aid will simply be paid out to the farmers, who are hurting.

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Hume continued, I dont dispute that for a second. But it is a president who is otherwise mostly conservative on economic policies engaging in a government program to try to bail out farmers who are hurt by his other program  that, of course, being the tariffs.

Trump announced a sweeping 10% baseline tariff in April on all imports to the U.S., with levies on China eventually set at 30%. He has repeatedly maintained that foreign countries, rather than American consumers themselves, will foot those increased costs.

Trump has previously dismissed affordability as a non-issue. Baier noted Monday that he seems to be taking it more seriously now as the 2026 midterms approach, but said talking about costs is something different than actually doing something about them.

Hume called it a thorny issue, arguing that Trump would only be further pilloried for ignoring the problem, one Hume himself had noted earlier was at least partially caused by Trumps tariffs.

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He has got to try to talk about it, and obviously there is a considerable hope that his program, as it kicks in next year, produces a new boom and that peoples fortunes will be up across the board and prices wont worry people so much, Hume said, before adding, But thats what hes got to hope for, because getting them down is probably mission impossible.

Related...

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France's social security bill was to go to a vote in parliament Tuesday, in a key hurdle for Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu after he pledged to deliver a 2026 budget by year-end.

Lawmakers failing to back the plan, which includes the suspension of an unpopular retirement reform, could plunge the country into further political crisis and call into question Lecornu's ability to lead.

The outcome of the vote is uncertain. Socialists are expected to back it, but the right and some centrists could vote against the bill as they believe it includes too many concessions to the left.

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"This social security budget bill is not perfect, but it is the best possible," Lecornu wrote on X on Saturday.

"Not having a budget would be dangerous for our social protection, our public accounts, and the role of parliament."

The eurozone's second-largest economy is under pressure to cut its budget deficit, but efforts have been hamstrung by political instability since President Emmanuel Macron called snap elections last year, leading to a fragmented parliament.

Lecornu has promised to secure approval for a spending plan by the end of December.

But in a bid to avoid the fate of his two predecessors, who were toppled over cost-cutting measures, he has pledged to abandon a controversial constitutional power used in the past to slam the spending plan through parliament without a vote.

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This had led to protracted debates on the two main parts of the budget -- the state budget bill and draft law for the social security budget.

The premier has also pledged to suspend a 2023 pensions reform to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 to secure the support of the Socialists, a swing group in parliament.

On Tuesday afternoon, the lower house of parliament was to vote on the social security bill, which includes postponing the pensions reform until 2028, after the end of Macron's term in office.

If not enough lawmakers approve the legislation, it could lead to calls for Lecornu to resign -- although government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said this weekend that his stepping down "would make no sense".

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If the lower-house National Assembly does however approve the social security budget, it will head back to the Senate -- which is opposed to suspending the retirement reform -- and then return to the lower house.

The Senate is to vote on the other part -- the state budget -- on December 15.

burs-ah/as/cc
The lower house of French parliament on Tuesday narrowly approved a social security budget, clearing a major hurdle for Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu as he seeks to finalise a 2026 spending plan by year-end.

The National Assembly backed the measure, which includes the suspension of an unpopular pension reform, by 247 votes to 234, and it will now head back to the Senate before returning to the lower chamber.

Lecornu hailed the outcome of Tuesday's vote, thanking what he called a "responsible majority".

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France, the eurozone's second-largest economy, is under pressure to cut its budget deficit but efforts have been hamstrung by a fragmented parliament, the result of snap elections President Emmanuel Macron called last year.

The premier has promised to secure approval for a spending plan by the end of December.

But in a bid to avoid the fate of his two predecessors, who were toppled over cost-cutting measures, he has pledged to abandon a controversial constitutional power used in the past to ram the spending plan through parliament without a vote.

This had led to protracted debates on the two main parts of the budget: the state budget bill and draft law for the social security budget.

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Leading up to the vote, the premier had warned politicians against torpedoing the budget plan.

"This social security budget bill is not perfect, but it is the best possible," Lecornu wrote on X on Saturday.

"Not having a budget would be dangerous for our social protection, our public accounts, and the role of parliament."

The version of the bill lawmakers approved includes the suspension of a 2023 pensions reform to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. That was needed to secure the support of the Socialists, a swing group in parliament.

There were concerns ahead of the vote that, if lawmakers failed to approve the legislation, it could prompt calls for Lecornu to resign.

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But government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said this weekend that his stepping down "would make no sense".

The Senate is to vote on the other part -- the state budget -- on December 15.

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The federal government is directing the city to address safety concerns on the CTA or risk losing federal funding, ABC7 learned on Monday.

The Federal Transit Administration sent a letter to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, issuing a "Special Directive" to the transit agency to implement a plan to cut down on crime.

The FTA specifically cites the fiery attack on a woman on a CTA Blue Line train last month. That woman is still recovering after suffering severe burns.

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The federal government is directing the CTA to implement security enhancements, including update its public transportation agency safety plan and maintain a safe environment for workers and passengers.

The FTA is giving the CTA until next Friday to implement those security enhancements.

Crime on the CTA is up, but so is CTA ridership.

Violent crimes on buses, platforms, stations and trains is up 6.6% from the yearly average over the prior three years. Overall crime is also up 7.7%.

The CTA responded late Monday night, saying it got the special directive, reviewed it, and will respond within the "requested timeline."

ABC7 also reached out to the offices of the mayor and the governor but did not immediately hear back.
DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian police on Tuesday evening reaffirmed that the country's security situation remains stable, hours after an earlier update issued at midday.

Police spokesperson David Misime said the defense and security apparatus continues to safeguard citizens, property, and critical infrastructure, ensuring calm across the nation.

He noted that police, in coordination with other security and defense agencies, will intensify patrols and preventive measures overnight to deter any activities that could threaten public safety.

Misime urged the public to comply with safety guidelines and uphold the law, stressing that collective responsibility is vital to maintaining national security.

Authorities have reinforced security in major cities to counter planned demonstrations, largely organized by young Tanzanians demanding the release of bodies of those killed during protests following the Oct. 29 general election.

On Monday, Minister of Home Affairs George Simbachawene warned citizens against joining demonstrations scheduled for Dec. 9, declaring them unlawful and cautioning that participation would be treated as a criminal offense. 
By Timothy Gardner

WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Fusion energy industry leaders met with U.S. Department of Energy officials on Monday to urge them to facilitate billions of dollars for projects seeking to generate electricity by the process that powers the sun.

The department in November created an Office of Fusion in a reorganization that focused on fossil fuel and nuclear energy while eliminating renewable energy offices.

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The Trump administration has rescinded billions of dollars that former President Joe Biden authorized to subsidize hydrogen and renewable energy projects.

Andrew Holland, CEO of the Fusion Industry Association, said the leaders urged the officials to steer some of that money to fusion so companies can compete in the race with China.

"Now is the time for the U.S. to make a significant investment, and that means over a billion dollars per year in annual appropriations and a one-time infrastructure investment," Holland said. "If they ask for it, we are confident Congress would pass it."

Companies and physicists at national laboratories have been trying for decades to use lasers or large magnets to foster fusion reactions, in which light atoms are forced together to release huge amounts of energy.

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In 2022, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California briefly achieved net energy gain in a fusion experiment using lasers. But generating more energy from of a fusion reaction than required to spark it has been a tall hurdle.

The fusion leaders also spoke to the officials about Trump's plan to launch an integrated artificial intelligence platform called Genesis Mission to harness federal scientific datasets to train next-generation technologies they said could benefit fusion.

"The Energy Department and the Genesis Mission can ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront, bridging the gap between research and commercialization," said Marvi Matos Rodriguez, senior vice president of technology at fusion company Zap Energy.

(Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
An investigation is underway following a gas leak at an Eversource facility in Hopkinton, officials say.

Hopkinton Police and Fire crews responded to the Eversource Liquified Natural Gas facility on Wilson Street, shortly after 9 :30 a.m., Monday, for a reporter gas leak.

Once on scene an Eversource staff member led fire crews to a crack in a section of piping, according to officials.

Crews immediately began to monitor the area and deployed water streams for vapor control. Police units responded and closed the roadway as a precaution, a joint release from Hopkinton Police and Fire reads.

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Air monitoring stations were used throughout nearby neighborhoods, according to officials.

Those neighborhoods were not evacuated as officials say there was not a threat to the public.

The Department of Public Utilities along with Eversource are investigating this incident, according to officials.

When reached for comment, Eversource sent the following statement:

Earlier today, crews at our Hopkinton LNG Facility identified a leak on a pipe within the facility. The leak has been isolated and the pipe is being safely drained so it can be inspected and repaired. The Hopkinton Fire Department was on site, temporarily shut down the street in front of the plant as a precaution and worked closely with our plant team. The situation is under control, and there is no danger to the public. There is no impact to natural gas service for heating customers. Eversource spokesperson

Boston 25 News has reached out to both DPU for comment.

Crews responded to a gas leak on Wilson Street in Hopkinton, Monday. Photo Credit: Hopkinton Police Department.

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Hamas says it won't disarm while the IDF is in Gaza and suggests a long-term truce or 'storing' its arms. Meanwhile, the IDF likely won't leave half of Gaza until Hamas disarms.

Hamas is trying to slow-play the Gaza ceasefire deal so that it can eke out as much wiggle room as possible and remain in charge of the Gaza Strip. We accept the deployment of UN forces as a separation force, tasked with monitoring the borders and ensuring compliance with the ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya said recently.

The goal of Hamas now is to perpetuate a Catch-22 in the Strip, whereby it says it will only disarm if the IDF withdraws, knowing full well that the IDF wont withdraw until the terror group disarms. As such, Hamas creates a situation in which it always has an excuse to do nothing. It assumes time is on its side. Hamas knows that Israel doesnt want to return to fighting.

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There is one hostage that must be returned. There is no major pressure in Israel or any incentive to go back to war.

Hamas also knows that Israeli officials dont want the Palestinian Authority to run Gaza. As such, Hamas knows that the power vacuum in the Strip will also lead to de facto Hamas control.

For almost two decades, Hamas has relied on the assumption that Israeli officials prefer to have Hamas in Gaza in place of the PA, in order to divide the Strip from the West Bank. It thus benefits from this situation. Disarmament is also an amorphous term. Hamas assumes it can quietly find a way out of this obligation.

What is the regional media saying? Arab News noted last week that Hamas said Saturday it was ready to hand over its weapons in the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian authority governing the territory on the condition that the Israeli armys occupation ends.

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As noted above, Hayya said, Our weapons are linked to the existence of the occupation and the aggression If the occupation ends, these weapons will be placed under the authority of the state.

Hamas also said: We accept the deployment of UN forces as a separation force, tasked with monitoring the borders and ensuring compliance with the ceasefire in Gaza.

What are the regional media saying?

Another Hamas official Bassem Naim was quoted by Al Ain media as saying that Hamas was open to freezing or storing its weapons. This also came in a comment to the Associated Press. Al Ain noted that this presents a possible formula for resolving one of the most contentious issues in the US-brokered deal.

The report noted that since the ceasefire took effect in October, Hamas and Israel have carried out a series of prisoner exchanges, releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. With the remains of only one hostage still held in Gaza  an Israeli policeman killed in an attack on October 7  both sides are preparing to enter the second phase.

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The new phase aims to chart the future of war-torn Gaza and is more difficult, as it addresses issues such as the deployment of an international security force, the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee in the Strip, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the disarmament of Hamas, Al Ain reported.

Furthermore, Israels demand that Hamas lay down its arms is expected to be extremely difficult, with Israeli officials saying this is a key demand that could hinder progress in other areas.

Naim said that Hamas retains its right to resist, but added that the movement is prepared to lay down its arms as part of a process aimed at establishing a Palestinian state, the report noted.

Naim offered few details on how this would be achieved, but suggested a long-term truce of five or 10 years to conduct the discussions. Regarding the weapons, he continued, We can talk about freezing them, storing them, or throwing them away, with Palestinian guarantees that they will not be used at all during the current ceasefire or truce.

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Now the ceasefire plan is facing a hurdle to get to phase two. While most countries want progress, most of them arent willing to do much, such as commit forces to Gaza.

Most countries wont define or press for disarmament. Israel is committed to staying in Gaza, and Israeli leaders believe this will keep Hamas in check. Israel also retains its freedom of operations in Gaza.

One of the most urgent issues is the deployment of the international force. Several countries  including Indonesia  have expressed their willingness to contribute, but its composition and mandate remain unclear, the Al Ain report added.

Meanwhile, the Hamas official said, We welcome a UN force to monitor violations and prevent escalation, but we do not accept that it should have any powers inside the Gaza Strip.

Al Ain is still hopeful. In a sign of progress, Naim revealed that Hamas and the Palestinian Authority have agreed on the head of the new technocratic committee, a Palestinian minister from Gaza who lives in the West Bank, believed to be Health Minister Majid Abu Ramadan.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Tuesday he sees opportunities for constructive cooperation with China, following a period of significant tensions between both countries, and ahead of a planned visit by Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

"Overall, I had the impression during my trip that China, just like us, is very interested in a serious and concrete exchange," Wadephul said during a visit to the southern high-tech metropolis of Guangzhou. He added: "We will therefore continue this dialogue."

When asked what message he would give Merz ahead of the chancellor's trip in the first three months of next year, Wadephul said: "I believe the chancellor is well aware of how important the political and economic relationship with China is."

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There has been friction between the two sides over issues including trade and the Ukraine war.

Wadephul said that his trip, like that of Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, was a good preparation for the chancellor's visit to China.

There were key areas, Wadephul said, in which the German government could work jointly with China and where the bilateral economic relationship could be placed on a new footing. "There is a lot to be done."
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Tuesday warned that Europe needed to increase its speed of technological innovation if it wants to catch up with China, on the last leg of his visit to the country.

On a tour of the industrial metropolis of Guangzhou, Wadephul said that Germany and Europe risked losing out in the technology race.

"When it comes to future technologies, China is a pioneer and, it must be clearly stated, also our biggest competitor," he said.

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Germany does not always manage to develop practical solutions from cutting-edge research, he said, and needed to be more open to innovation. "Here, too, we have a real need to catch up," he said.

Guangzhou was the last stop on Wadephul's China visit, following political talks in Beijing.

He toured a factory belonging to German tunnelling company Herrenknecht, where the firm assembles and maintains its machinery.

He also visited the start-up WeRide, which was founded in Guangzhou in 2017, and rode in a driverless minibus.

"If we don't want to fall behind, we have to improve significantly in Germany and Europe," he said.

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He said earlier on Tuesday that he still saw opportunities for constructive cooperation with China following a period of significant tensions.

"Overall, I had the impression during my trip that China, just like us, is very interested in a serious and concrete exchange," Wadephul said. "We will therefore continue this dialogue."

When asked what message he would give Chancellor Friedrich Merz ahead of the his trip to China in the first three months of next year, Wadephul said: "I believe the chancellor is well aware of how important the political and economic relationship with China is."

There has been friction between the two sides over issues including trade and the Ukraine war.

Wadephul said that his trip, like that of Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, was a good preparation for the chancellor's visit.
Giant snowmen have taken over a street in Essex County, New Jersey for a charitable cause during the holiday season.

The inflatable snowmen drawing crowds and support from the community can be seen on Warren Place in Montclair. It's a tradition that started two years ago.

"I had no idea that when I started it that it was going to become a snowman spectacle," resident Ann McCarthy said.

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McCarthy said the tradition started as something to cheer her up.

"I was feeling a little low, and I needed a little pick me up. I reached out to my neighbor and I said, how about we get these ridiculous 20-foot colossal snowmen, and she said OK, who would do that," McCarthy said.

First, it was just a circle of friends, all next door neighbors, but then it became something bigger.

"And then somebody drove by and said, what are you guys doing? It was like we were leaving them out, and I said, all right, I'll send a link to the whole block," McCarthy recalled. "This is an amazing town and this is an amazing street."

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The display is arguably even more amazing when one drives down Warren Place at night.

This year, the neighbors got together again and decided the tradition could mean something even more special, and they did it.

"We're raising money for Toni's Kitchen, which is a really important facility for people with food insecurity," McCarthy said.

Down the street and around the corner is the Toni's Kitchen Food Pantry at St. Luke's Church. It's been helping families since 1982, and times right now are tough for so many.

"A lot of people who are using our pantry are people who are working full-time, working multiple jobs and just can't quite make ends meet," said Ann Mernin of Toni's Kitchen Food Pantry.

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Starting Wednesday, those who visit the snowman homes will also see QR code signs in the yards.

"So people can just point their phones at the QR code and make a donation right on the spot," McCarthy said.

It's the magic of the holidays spreading cheer and giving back to those in need in Montclair.

"This idea of connecting with such a wonderful part of our community and having it be a fundraiser is fantastic," Mernin said.

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A Gilbert teenager went viral on social media after a dirt bike stunt in Morrison Ranch landed him in handcuffs.

A video of Samuel Campbell soaring in the air on his dirt bike garnered 1.7 million likes on the EndlessAdrenaline Instagram account. He jumped over two lanes of traffic and a median before landing in the grass. The clip ended with Campbell in a squad car and his pink dirt bike on the back of a tow truck.

Campbell, 18, was charged with reckless driving, Gilbert Police Department spokesperson Brenda Carrasco said in an email.

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The incident, near Bloomfield Parkway and Recker Road, happened in October but went viral this month.

The Gilbert Police Department stresses the dangers posed by unsafe riding, especially in residential neighborhoods and on our roadways, Carrasco said.

Campbell was arraigned in October and had a pre-trial conference Dec. 1. His next pre-trial conference is set for Jan. 7, according to Gilbert Municipal Court records.

Charges are merely allegations, Carrasco said, and all defendants are presumed innocent until pleading guilty or being found guilty.

Campbells father, Nick Campbell, said he believes Gilbert police are making an example out of his son, who he described as a low-key young man who doesnt chase the limelight.

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Samuel Campbell did not post the viral video, according to his father, who manages his Instagram account. He asked the page that posted it to take it down.

Nick Campbell has been surprised by the scrutiny and attention his son has faced, he said in a telephone interview.

Back in my day, we did this kind of stuff all the time, and it was just kids being kids. He was out, you know, being a kid. He was arrested. He was booked. He had to spend the night in jail, and they actually put him in leg irons too, Nick Campbell said. It seems very, very over the top.

Samuel Campbell sold his Japanese Kei truck to cover his legal fees, Nick Campbell said. Police impounded his dirt bike, and it's being held as evidence, so he missed two recent dirt bike races, he added.

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He's missed races, he's had to sell his vehicles. I mean, the consequences are numerous, and our feeling right now is this is just a lot more than what this should be, Nick Campbell said.

Samuel Campbell started riding dirt bikes at age 3 and has been racing competitively for 11 years.

He turned 18 at the end of May, but his age ends in teen. He's a kid, Nick Campbell said. He just started college.

Samuel Campbell is studying to be a nuclear engineer at Chandler Gilbert Community College, with plans to transfer to Arizona State University or a school with a nuclear program in Colorado. His legal troubles could hamper his ability to get a security clearance in the future, his father said.

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This could have some significant negative consequences as he, you know, as he starts his life, Nick Campbell said.

The general public response to his son's viral arrest has been ridiculously awesome, Nick Campbell noted.

That includes donors who rushed to Samuel Campbells aid this week. The Help Sam Campbell Retrieve His Impounded Bike fundraiser on GoFundMe raised $4,355 as of 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 8, close to the fundraisers $5,000 goal.

Fundraiser organizer Ryder Myers said Gilbert Police have no mercy on the fundraising page.

Help Sam Campbell get his bike out of the impound!!! We were just trying to have some fun but bro got arrested!! The cops are relentless out here and have no mercy absolutely anything helps! Myers said. He did not respond to a request for comment.

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Gilbert police said it was not their goal to make an example of anyone.

"The Gilbert Police Department takes community safety seriously. We regularly use our social media channels to educate riders and we enforce laws against dangerous riding behavior on motorized devices. In fact, just two days before this arrest, we shared safety messaging about a nearly identical incident involving another rider. Our goal is not to make an example of anyone, but to prevent injuries and keep our community safe," Carrasco said.

Morrison Ranch long history of e-bike nuisances

Campbells stunt was on a gas-powered bike, but Gilbert has long struggled with teenagers on electric bikes.

The October arrest was just one of the enforcement actions Gilbert police have dealt with. For years now, Morrison Ranch neighbors have pleaded with the town and police for a remedy. Teenagers on electric bikes have caused thousands of dollars of damage to the landscape, residents had told The Arizona Republic.

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Various groups of teenagers used the e-bikes to evade police, ride around the Morrison Ranch Town Center, threw firecrackers and egged neighbors homes.

Police knew about a group of teens that called themselves the Morrison Ranch Marauders dating back to 2022, according to records.

The e-bikes were used as the getaway vehicles in a near-fatal arson case in July 2024 that burned down a barn full of teenagers.

Gilbert police said in 2024 they were aware of the problem, pointing out they had run seven operations and held two well-attended public meetings between July 2020 and June 2024.

Police staff brought forward options to the Town Council new ordinances to further address the issue. In a decision-only meeting in August, the council considered imposing a bike helmet and exploring options of imposing speed limits on electric bike riders on city property, including sidewalks or trails.

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Carrasco said in an email that "these ordinances will be brought back for council consideration in early 2026."

Stephanie Murray covers national politics and the Trump administration for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Reach her via email at stephanie.murray@gannett.com and on social media @stephanie_murr.

Reporter Maritza Dominguez covers Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek and can be reached at maritza.dominguez@arizonarepublic.com or 480-271-0646. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @maritzacdom.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Samuel Campbell arrested after AZ dirt bike stunt goes viral
LONDON (AP)  Google faces fresh antitrust scrutiny from European Union regulators, who opened an investigation Tuesday into the company's use of online content for its artificial intelligence models and services.

The latest regulatory flexing by Brussels risks antagonizing President Donald Trump's administration, though EU officials denied they were singling out American Big Tech companies.

The European Commission, which is the 27-nation bloc's top antitrust enforcer, said it's examining whether Google has breached competition rules through its use of content from web publishers and material uploaded to YouTube for AI purposes.

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Regulators are concerned that Google has given itself an unfair advantage by using content for two search services, AI Overviews and AI Mode, without paying publishers and content creators or letting them opt out. AI Overviews are automatically generated summaries that appear at the top of its traditional search results, while AI Mode provides chatbot-style answers to search queries.

They're also examining whether Google uses videos uploaded to YouTube under similar conditions to train its generative AI models, while shutting out rival AI model developers.

Officials said they're seeking to determine whether Google gained an edge over AI rivals by imposing unfair terms and conditions, or giving itself privileged access to content.

This complaint risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever," Google said in statement. Europeans deserve to benefit from the latest technologies and we will continue to work closely with the news and creative industries as they transition to the AI era.

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The Commission, which is the bloc's executive arm, is carrying out the investigation under the EU's longstanding competition regulations, rather than its newer Digital Markets Act that was drawn up to prevent Big Tech companies from monopolizing online markets.

"AI is bringing remarkable innovation and many benefits for people and businesses across Europe, but this progress cannot come at the expense of the principles at the heart of our societies," Teresa Ribera, the commissions vice president overseeing competition affairs, said in a statement.

Last week the Commission opened an antitrust investigation into WhatsApp's AI policy. It also fined Elon Musk's social media platform X 120 million euros ($140 million) for breaching digital regulations, which drew complaints from Trump officials that American companies were being targeted.

The Commission is agnostic about the nationality of companies it is investigating, spokeswoman Arianna Podesta said.

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Of course, the sole focus of our antitrust investigations is a possible illegal behavior and the harm that this could bring to competition and consumers within the European Union, she told reporters at a regular briefing in Brussels.

Google will have the chance to reply to the concerns and the Commission has also informed U.S. authorities about the investigation, she said.

Brussels has no deadline to wrap up the case, which could result in sanctions including a fine worth up to 10% of the companys annual global revenue.

___

Associated Press writer Sam McNeil in Brussels contributed to this report.
CHICAGO  Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed into law a ban on federal agents making certain arrests near courthouses and easing a path for individuals to sue if they think their rights were violated during civil immigration arrests, capping off months of resistance to the Trump administrations sometimes-violent enforcement crackdown in Chicago and the suburbs.

We know that this new set of laws cant mitigate all of the harm, Pritzker said at a bill signing ceremony in La Villita Community Church in Little Village, but it gives us new protective tools and is a symbol of our shared action against those terrorizing our communities and our state.

Lawmakers passed the package of immigration tweaks in October, shortly after President Donald Trump administrations immigration enforcement hit a fever pitch in the Chicago area.

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Under the new law, individuals will be better able to sue federal officers for knowingly violating the Illinois or U.S. constitutions during civil immigration enforcement actions. It also codifies a zone around courthouses where people involved in court proceedings are exempt from civil arrest.

The legislation came together in collaboration with House lawmakers, the state attorney generals office and the governors office, Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park, who was a key sponsor of the bill, said in October.

While Pritzker and lawmakers have used their bully pulpits to push back against the Trump administrations deportation efforts  and some legislators at times took an activist role themselves this fall  the statehouse has little formal role in setting immigration policy.

As a sign of lawmakers frustration with federal agents tactics, damages under the lawsuit provision could increase for several reasons. They include whether the defendant wore a mask, used crowd control equipment like tear gas, failed to identify themselves as a law enforcement officer, used a vehicle without an Illinois license plate, or did not turn on a necessary body camera  all behaviors advocates and Democratic lawmakers have accused immigration agents of doing since the start of Operation Midway Blitz under the Trump administration.

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This law sends the message that if you abuse the law, there are consequences, Harmon said Tuesday.

When lawmakers discussed the legislation at General Assembly hearings, representatives from local law enforcement pushed back on the provision for a private right of action for constitutional violations, citing concerns that local officers could be swept up.

In October, Harmon said the bill was imperfect and acknowledged it could be challenged in court, but he said state and local lawmakers felt compelled to act.

In addition to the provisions on courts and private actions, the bill also asks hospitals, day care centers and higher education institutions to put policies on the books about how they would respond to the presence of federal immigration agents, following incidents of ICE activity at or near some of those locations across the Chicago area.

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The package signed this week doesnt include a ban on masks for federal officers, as California enacted, or any expansion of Illinois existing law, the TRUST Act, that generally bans local law enforcement from cooperating on civil immigration actions.

The governor, who is considered a potential Democratic candidate for president in 2028, still has not yet signed several high-profile bills that the General Assembly passed during its short fall session, including legislation that would permit doctors to help terminally ill people end their lives.

Pritzker last week told reporters that he still hadnt made a decision on the so-called right-to-die legislation, though he said it had come up briefly in his recent meeting with Pope Leo XIV.

Its actually something that I brought up, and we didnt have a conversation about it, Pritzker said. The issue arose as Pritzker and the Chicago-born pope were acknowledging that there may be things that we disagree about, the governor added.

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South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden delivers his annual budget address to lawmakers at the Capitol in Pierre on Dec. 2, 2025. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden, who has his own idea to reduce property taxes, does not sound impressed with 19 recommendations from a legislative task force.

Ive realized that theres not much Ive seen that I could support, Rhoden told South Dakota Searchlight during a visit to Rapid City last week.

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The governors own proposal, which he announced in March, would authorize an optional sales tax for counties. The revenue would be used to reduce property taxes for homeowners.

And Ill say this, too: Im not done yet, Rhoden added. Were still looking at some other ideas.

Proposals from the governor and lawmakers will be debated during the annual legislative session at the Capitol in Pierre, which begins Jan. 13 and continues until March.

The legislative task force compiled its 19 recommendations throughout the summer. They include tweaks to existing practices, like creating an online system for property tax relief applications from elderly and disabled people, instead of requiring paper forms. Other recommendations would require major policy changes, such as cutting state spending and using the savings to provide property tax relief, capturing proceeds from a higher state sales tax rate to fund property tax reductions, and taking money from the states reserve accounts and a housing infrastructure fund to provide property tax credits for homeowners.

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The speaker of the state House of Representatives, Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids, was the vice chairman of the Legislatures Comprehensive Property Tax Task Force. Hes also one of the candidates challenging Rhoden for the Republican nomination for governor next year.

When the task force announced its 19 recommendations in October, Hansen framed high property taxes as a government spending problem. He authored two of the recommendations, including a request for the governors cooperation in cutting 5% of the spending from the states general fund.

Real tax relief begins with right-sizing government, Hansen said in a news release at the time.

Rhoden challenged that framing last week during his annual budget address to the Legislature, saying theres little room for cuts in his lean budget proposal.

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I share the desire to cut property taxes, Rhoden said in the speech. But slashing health care, education and public safety is not the way to do it.

Pressure to address rising taxes is coming from South Dakota homeowners, whose property tax payments increased nearly 40% during the past four years.

State government does not receive any property tax revenue. It relies mostly on sales taxes.

Property tax revenue goes primarily to schools and counties, with lesser amounts to cities and other local taxing entities. Cities can also impose sales taxes.

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Rhodens proposal would give counties the option to impose a half-percent sales tax. Revenue would be used to reduce the county portion of property taxes on owner-occupied homes. Any excess revenue would be used to reduce commercial and agricultural property taxes.

Because sales taxes apply to anyone spending money in the state, Rhoden has said his plan would shift a portion of the county tax burden to out-of-state visitors.

County commissioners could impose the sales tax, and citizens could gather petition signatures to send the decision to local voters.

Its the second property tax relief idea from Rhoden since he was elevated from lieutenant governor in January, after Gov. Kristi Noems departure to run the federal Department of Homeland Security.

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Lawmakers approved the first idea in March, and it took effect on July 1. The multifaceted law is intended to slow property tax increases. It places tighter limits on the growth of property assessments and local government budgets for five years, exempts some home improvements from affecting assessments, and makes more elderly and disabled people eligible for property tax assessment freezes by raising limits on their income and home values.

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The 19 recommendations from the Legislatures Comprehensive Property Tax Task Force.
ABUJA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in the region, citing multiple incidents as evidence of a rapidly deteriorating security environment.

ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray made the announcement during the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.

He said that recent developments underline the "imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community."

Assessing West Africa's political climate, Touray noted that ECOWAS member states currently face an average rating of "high risk," based on country-by-country analyses, thereby demanding immediate and concerted action.

"The risk factors are the persistence of military interventions (Guinea-Bissau and the Republic of Benin just days ago); non-compliance with transition norms in Guinea, where we face a military leader turning civilian; growing erosion of electoral inclusivity across multiple states; expanding influence of terrorists, armed groups, and criminal networks; and increasing geopolitical pressures affecting member states' diplomacy and cohesion," he explained.

"Elections have become a major trigger of instability in our community," he said, while noting the troubling trends within the ECOWAS region.

Urging the need for a coordinated regional response to terrorism and cross-border crime, Touray confirmed an ongoing discussion with the Alliance of Sahel States to confront the challenge. 
A Grammy-nominated musician was struck and killed by a driver with more than 100 arrests and dozens of traffic violations in Rhode Island, police said.

Roderick Macleod, 70, was a member of the band Roomful of Blues in the 1980s and received a Grammy nomination for his work with them. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2014, according to local media reports.

Macleod was walking his dogs when he was hit by a car on Saturday, the Hopkinton Police Department said in a news release. The alleged driver was identified by police as as Shannon Godbout. She is 41, CBS Boston reported, and was driving recklessly.

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Godbout was allegedly traveling eastbound when she left her lane and struck several objects, including two telephone poles, police said, and Macleod was walking his dogs on the shoulder of the road when he was hit. Photos from the scene show a black vehicle with a destroyed pole.

The scene of a crash that left Grammy-nominated musician Roderick MacLeod dead. / Credit: Hopkinton Police Department

After Macleod was struck, he was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he died from his injuries, police said. Macleod's dog survived the crash and ran home, according to local media.

Godbout was allegedly "in possession of numerous illegal narcotics and packaging materials commonly associated with drug distribution," police said. She was arrested at the scene and taken to an area hospital. She has been charged with driving as to endanger, resulting in death, and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute. She may face additional charges, police said, and remained in custody at the hospital of Monday.

Police did not detail Godbout's previous arrests, but said eight were from the Hopkinton Police Department. Eighty-two court warrants have been issued for her, police said, and she has received 40 traffic citations. She may face more charges as the investigation into the crash continues, police said.

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Republican and Democratic strategists react to Marjorie Taylor Greene's comments on Trump

Man who died on cruise ship served 33 alcoholic drinks "in a matter of hours," lawsuit alleges

Eileen Higgins wins Miami mayoral race, first Democrat in more than 30 years
Nearly five years after a deadly attack on an 84-year-old man in San Francisco started a national movement, his accused killer is finally facing a jury.

Opening statements happened Monday in the trial over Vicha Ratanapakdee's death.

The killing in January 2021 sparked outrage and made headlines around the world.

The elderly immigrant from Thailand, known by neighbors as "Grandpa Vicha," became a face of the pandemic's "Stop Asian Hate" movement.

RELATED: 'Grandpa Vicha' case: Fatal attack on 84-year-old San Francisco man finally headed to trial

Though his accused killer is not facing hate crime charges, legal experts tell ABC7 News the question of motive will have a big impact on this trial.

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Ratanapakdee was a father, a husband, and a grandfather.

"He loved to walk on the street -- his routine morning walk," said Monthanus Ratanapakdee.

In January 2021, surveillance video captured the brutal attack - a man shoving Ratanapakdee to the ground in the Anza Vista neighborhood.

RELATED: 84-year-old killed after horrific daytime attack caught on video in San Francisco

(WARNING: This video may be disturbing to some.) An 84-year old man is dead after a horrific daytime attack in San Francisco's Anza Vista neighborhood. Police say their suspect Antoine Watson, 19, attacked the senior along Anza Vista and Fortuna avenues Thursday morning.

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He died from his injuries a few days later.

His daughter Monthanus has become a strong voice against anti-Asian violence.

"After five years, it's still painful. We miss him a lot. My son and my mom miss him every day," said Monthanus.

After a series of delays, the suspect's murder trial finally got underway.

Antoine Watson - who was 19 at the time of the incident - faces several charges, including murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and elder abuse.

ABC7 News talked to legal analyst Steven Clark about what to expect in this case.

RELATED: 610 days after 84-year-old Thai grandfather was murdered, SF street renamed in his honor

"The defense is claiming this was somewhat of an impulsive act -- that it was not premeditated or planned. And for the prosecution, they're saying hitting an 84-year-old man is implied malice and you're guilty of murder," said Clark.

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Ratanapakdee's daughter and others believe the violence was racially motivated.

"The big factor was what was the motive. Why was Grandpa Vicha targeted in this case?" said Clark.

Public Defender Anita Nabha, said in June that Watson was going through "mental health issues" when he pushed Ratanapakdee.

"Certainly, the community is outraged by his conduct. But it does not necessarily make it a hate crime unless Grandpa Vicha was targeted because he was Asian. Then, that is going to be a key factor," said Clark.

Ratanapakdee's family say it's been a long and difficult process to get to this point.

"We respect the process. Hopefully the jurors can see the facts," said Monthanus.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
Yemens main southern separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), claims it has consolidated control across the countrys south.

The announcement on Monday, which marks a major power shift, comes following a military operation launched last week.

Eight southern governorates are under the protection of the Southern Armed Forces, including the port city of Aden, STC representative Amr al-Bidh told Reuters news agency.

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We are concentrating on unifying the operational theatre of our armed forces to enhance coordination and readiness to reinforce stability and security in the south, as well as combating the Houthis should there be a willingness to head in this direction.





Yemens internationally recognised government, known as the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), criticised the separatists, calling their unilateral actions a blatant violation of the transitional phases framework.

The government controls the provinces of Marib and Taiz.

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2015 between the Iranian-backed Houthis and the central government in Sanaa.

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While the STC opposes the Houthis, and is part of the PLC, the group has previously called for the separation of the southern region from Yemen.

Yemen remains fragile and fragmented, with three main entities controlling most of the country and smaller groups maintaining influence in select regions.

Here is what you need to know about the different groups ruling Yemen.

Southern Transitional Council

The STC is a southern Yemeni separatist movement formed on May 11, 2017.

It emerged after mass protests in Aden against the dismissal of its leader, Aidarus alZoubaidi, who became head of the 26-member council and sits on the PLC.

The councils declared aim is to reinstate the Southern State  a reference to the independent state that existed in the south before unification with the north, between 1967 and 1990.

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With backing from a regional power, the STC exerts control over a number of paramilitary forces originally known as the Security Belt, now often referred to broadly as the Southern Armed Forces.

(Al Jazeera)

Over time, the STC has gained significant territorial and political influence in southern Yemen  most notably capturing the port city of Aden.

It has repeatedly declared self-rule in areas under its control, citing government corruption and misgovernance.

Although the STC has sometimes entered into power-sharing arrangements with Yemens internationally recognised government, its underlying demand remains southern autonomy or independence.

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Last week, the STC stormed large parts of the oil-rich Hadramout governorate, including the presidential palace of Seiyun. It claims it wanted to restore stability and bring an end to the state of security breakdown, and halt the exploitation of the region by forces alien to the valley [of Hadramout] and the governorate.

Presidential Leadership Council

The PLC was established in 2022 when former Yemen President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi formally transferred his powers to the new eight-member body.

Its mandate is to manage Yemens political, security, and military affairs during a transitional period and to steer negotiations towards a permanent ceasefire.

It is chaired by Rashad al-Alimi, an adviser to Hadi and former interior minister with the government of late President Ali Abdullah Saleh.





Its membership is drawn from a mix of northern and southern politicians and military-linked leaders  including the STC  in a bid to unite major anti-Houthi forces under one roof.

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At the PLCs inception, al-Alimi pledged to end the civil war, provide economic stability, and alleviate the humanitarian crises in the country as its top priorities.

However, since 2022, internal divisions among the PLCs members  who represent differing political and regional interests  have deepened, making it largely ineffective.

Houthis

Ansar Allah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, is a group armed and trained by Iran and now exerting control of at least five provinces in the north and northwestern parts of the country, including the capital city, Sanaa. It also controls several regions bordering Saudi Arabia.

Originating in the 1990s, the Houthis had at least six wars with Yemens government forces during the era of ousted leader Ali Abdullah Saleh. Saleh had to abandon his presidency in the wake of mass protests against his rule during the Arab Spring, which broke out in 2011.

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The Houthis grew stronger and became eager to consolidate their grip on power. The group drew global attention in 2014 when they launched an armed uprising against Yemens government, forcing former president Hadi to flee the capital and subsequently step down from office.

Houthi fighters join protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, as they demonstrate to show support to Palestinians in Gaza at Sabeen Square in Sanaa, Yemen [File: Reuters]

This takeover led to the governments collapse and triggered a major political crisis and military collapse. It also worsened the severe humanitarian conditions in the country, which is considered one of the poorest in the world. In the years that followed, the Houthis withstood a wide Saudi-led Arab military coalition.

Since 2022, the fighting has largely frozen, though occasional clashes and shifts in military positions have continued.

In November 2023, the Houthis began targeting civilian and military vessels suspected of having Israeli ties, a campaign aimed at pressuring Israel to halt its genocidal war in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023.

They also launched multiple missile and drone assaults against Israel, with several strikes reportedly hitting their intended targets.
Investigators are searching for the gunman who shot and killed a man in West Philadelphia.

Chopper 6 was over the scene in the 200 block of North 62nd Street.

Police say the shooting happened just after 10 a.m. Tuesday.

The victim, a 34-year-old man, was shot a number of times and later pronounced dead at the hospital.

So far, no arrests have been made.
WASHINGTON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine are expected to brief the "Gang of Eight" lawmakers on Tuesday, according to a source familiar with the plan.

The "Gang of Eight" - intelligence committee and Senate and House of Representatives leaders from both parties - are traditionally briefed on major national security actions.

The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the plan is not public, did not discuss the nature of the potential briefing.

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A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Hegseth would brief the group but did not comment on Caine's participation.

The disclosure about the briefing comes amid mounting tensions between the United States and Venezuela, as President Donald Trump threatens land strikes against suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers after a more than three-month military campaign against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific.

The U.S. military has also staged a dramatic buildup of warships in Caribbean.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart; Writing by Ismail Shakil; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Leslie Adler)
With plans to establish a new headquarters for its fire department, the Town of Hilton Head Island is seeking to purchase land from a disgraced local lawyer whos nearing the end of his federal prison sentence.

The town plans to purchase two properties totaling 3.16 acres at 9 and 10 Park Lane, located off U.S. 278 near the entrance to Long Cove Club.

Town spokesperson Heather Woolwine said a deal was anticipated later this month for 10 Park Lane for around $5,950,000. Officials hoped to close on 9 Park Lane in January for an estimated $1,750,000.

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10 Park Lane is owned by a company belonging to Peter J. Strauss, founder of the Strauss Law Firm and several other businesses that were housed in the 33,216-square-foot building on southeast Hilton Head. His law firm specialized in estate and tax planning, asset protection and captive insurance solutions.

The space would be repurposed into a new headquarters building for Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue, housing its administrative offices, emergency operations center and dispatch services into a single location. Across the street, the restaurant building at 9 Park Lane  currently Nicks Steak and Seafood  would be demolished for open space and parking to support Fire Rescue operations, according to an October news release from the town.

The Town of Hilton Head government offices on 1 Town Center Ct.

Strauss was sentenced in February for hiding millions of dollars for his Californian clients, Jeff and Paulette Carpoff, who were convicted of running a grand money laundering scheme through a solar energy company. The lawyer pleaded guilty to knowingly receiving the Carpoffs funds in order to impair the governments investigation of the couple.

He was sentenced in February to nine months in federal prison, which was later reduced to eight months. A judge ordered him to pay a $40,000 fine and $2.7 million in restitution.

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Inmate records show Strauss is set to be released Dec. 15 from federal custody. He is currently at a residential reentry center, or halfway house, in Atlanta.

After 21 years of operation, Nicks Steak and Seafood announced it would close its doors starting Dec. 13. Its owners confirmed the town is planning to purchase the property.

Woolwine said the building at 10 Park Lane meets the needs of Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue and would improve visibility for the agency with a more accessible location. Its current headquarters lies off Dillon Road, east of the Hilton Head Island Airport.

Cost estimates are still in progress for renovations to the two properties. 10 Park Lane requires the installation of a generator and minor modifications to accommodate a dispatch center, according to Woolwine.

At 9 Park Lane, crews will need to demolish the building and a portion of the parking area. The remaining parking space will be improved to support the new headquarters building.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has warned that Europe must be "extremely cautious" about slapping tariffs on China, as it could prompt Beijing to take countermeasures that could turn into a "spiral".

The remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron said he had told Beijing during his visit to China last week that Europe would be forced to take "strong measures" against Chinese goods if the trade imbalance was not addressed.

"I told them that if they do not react, we Europeans will be forced, in the next several months, to take strong measures and to de-cooperate, following the example of the United States - for instance, by imposing tariffs on Chinese products," Macron said, according to a report in business newspaper Les Echos on Sunday.

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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.

Wadephul, who is on a two-day visit to China, on Monday said Berlin had similar concerns to Paris about Chinese overcapacity - especially in the automotive sector - and that Beijing needed to recognise them and "take action".

But he added that he remained "sceptical that more tariffs will help us". "Germany fundamentally does not pursue a policy of protectionism," Wadephul said.

"I would say that such measures should only be considered as a last resort and we should be extremely cautious.

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"Because once you get into such a cycle, there is usually a ping-pong effect or a spiral with further counter-reactions and this only harms free trade," he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) during talks with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, in Beijing on Monday. Photo: Xinhua alt=Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) during talks with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, in Beijing on Monday. Photo: Xinhua>

Wadephul was speaking to reporters in Beijing after meeting Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and top diplomat Wang Yi.

His trip, on the heels of Macron's three-day visit to China last week, comes as concerns have increased in Europe over Beijing's stance on the Ukraine war, its control of critical mineral supplies, and manufacturing overcapacity.

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Wadephul said his discussions with Chinese officials had been "open" and "constructive" and that it was necessary for Berlin to have dialogue with Beijing even during politically challenging times.

"We Europeans want economic cooperation with China. We are not afraid of competition either but this competition must be based on rules," he said.

The German diplomat also hinted that he had made some progress on rare earths with the Chinese officials - an issue that has contributed to heightened tensions between Europe and China.

Beijing in October announced an expansion of its rare earth export curbs, which Europe said had forced some of its firms to halt production. The restrictions were eventually suspended for a year after the summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump on October 30.

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But Berlin has sought greater assurances from Beijing, which has a tight grip on the globe's rare earth supplies. German Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil was promised a "reliable" flow of rare earth mineral exports when she visited China last month.

Wadephul on Monday described Beijing's export curbs as a huge concern for German businesses, adding that China had said it would give "priority" to addressing minerals supply shortages among European firms.

He said Beijing had also given an assurance that it would take a "constructive" approach to granting rare earth export licences to German firms.

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang said during his sit-down with Wadephul that Beijing "attaches importance to Germany's concerns regarding export controls", state media reported.

During their meeting, Wang Yi urged Johann Wadephul to adopt a "rational and pragmatic" China policy, according to Beijing's readout. Photo: Xinhua alt=During their meeting, Wang Yi urged Johann Wadephul to adopt a "rational and pragmatic" China policy, according to Beijing's readout. Photo: Xinhua>

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According to the official readout from Beijing, Foreign Minister Wang told Wadephul during their talks that Beijing was willing to work with Germany to deepen strategic communication and advance cooperation while urging Berlin to adopt a "rational and pragmatic" China policy.

"The world is currently experiencing a period of turmoil and instability. Sino-German cooperation is beneficial to the development of both countries and to jointly addressing global challenges," Wang said.

The statement said Wang also discussed Taiwan and Beijing's souring ties with Tokyo, with Wadephul saying that "unlike Germany, Japan has not thoroughly reflected on its history of aggression".

Chinese state media reported that Wadephul also met Liu Haixing, head of the Communist Party's International Department, on Monday, when they traded views on developing ties between China and Germany as well as China and the European Union.

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Wadephul also told reporters on Monday that he had urged Beijing to use its sway over Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. He said he had made clear to Chinese officials that the war had continued because Russia had the support of some countries including China.

"If there is one country in the world that has a strong influence on Russia, it is China," he said.

It was Wadephul's first visit to China since taking office. He cancelled a planned visit to China in October after securing only one meeting with Wang Yi.

The cancellation came after Wadephul in August accused Beijing of making repeated threats to "unilaterally change the status quo and shift borders in its favour" in the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea and South China Sea.

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According to the Chinese statement, Wang Yi told Wadephul that it was not the timing of the visit that mattered but rather the purpose of the visit.

"As the Chinese saying goes, 'good things come to those who wait'," he said. "[The visit] should be for cooperation not for arguments, for enhancing understanding and trust, not for widening differences."

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.
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP)  Honduras Attorney General Johel Zelaya said Monday that he had ordered Honduran authorities and asked Interpol to execute a 2023 arrest order for ex-President Juan Orlando Hernandez, pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Hernandez was released from federal prison in the United States last week after Trump pardoned him. Hernandez had been sentenced in U.S. federal court last year to 45 years in prison for helping move tons of cocaine to the United States.

Hernandez went from supposed U.S. ally in the war on drugs to the subject of a U.S. extradition request shortly after he left office in 2022. He was detained and sent to the U.S. by current President Xiomara Castro of the social democrat LIBRE party.

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Zelaya included a photo of the two-year-old order signed by a Supreme Court magistrate for alleged fraud and money laundering charges. The order says that it must be executed in the case that the accused is freed by United States authorities.

Dozens of Honduran officials and politicians were implicated in the so-called Pandora case in which Honduran prosecutors alleged government funds were diverted through a network on nongovernmental organizations to political parties, including Hernandez's 2013 presidential campaign.

A lawyer for Hernandez, Renato Stabile, said in an email that, This is obviously a strictly political move on behalf of the defeated Libre party to try to intimidate President Hernandez as they are being kicked out of power in Honduras. It is shameful and a desperate piece of political theatre and these charges are completely baseless.

Zelaya had said after Trump announced his intention to pardon Hernandez that his office would have to take action to end impunity.

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Hernandezs wife said after his release that the former president was in an undisclosed location for his safety.

The drama comes while Honduras is still waiting to find out who its next president will be.

Trump endorsed Nasry Asfura, a former Tegucigalpa mayor from Hernandez's conservative National Party. Asfura was leading Salvador Nasralla, also a conservative from the Liberal Party, by barely a percentage point as the vote count slowly advanced.

An Asfura victory could potentially smooth the way for Hernandez's eventual return to Honduras. Nasralla has made fighting corruption the centerpiece of his campaign and has said Hernandez stole the 2017 election from him in a vote that was full of irregularities.

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Hernandez always denied any wrongdoing while in office and insisted he was among the strongest antidrug allies of the United States.

Trump had announced his intention to pardon Hernandez just days before Honduras' national elections, throwing a new element into a close contest. While some Hondurans remain nostalgic for Hernandez's two terms in office, many were shocked that a man convicted of drug trafficking in a closely watched trial could suddenly be released early in his sentence.

Trump said Hondurans had requested the pardon for Hernandez and that after looking at his case he decided Hernandez had been unfairly treated by prosecutors.
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras  Honduras Attorney General Johel Zelaya said Monday that he had ordered Honduran authorities and asked Interpol to execute a 2023 arrest order for ex-President Juan Orlando Hernandez, pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Hernandez was released from federal prison in the United States last week after Trump pardoned him. Hernandez had been sentenced in U.S. federal court last year to 45 years in prison for helping move tons of cocaine to the United States.

Hernandez went from supposed U.S. ally in the war on drugs to the subject of a U.S. extradition request shortly after he left office in 2022. He was detained and sent to the U.S. by current President Xiomara Castro of the social democrat LIBRE party.

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Zelaya included a photo of the two-year-old order signed by a Supreme Court magistrate for alleged fraud and money laundering charges. The order says that it must be executed in the case that the accused is freed by United States authorities.

Dozens of Honduran officials and politicians were implicated in the so-called Pandora case in which Honduran prosecutors alleged government funds were diverted through a network on nongovernmental organizations to political parties, including Hernandezs 2013 presidential campaign.

A lawyer for Hernandez, Renato C. Stabile, said in an email: This is obviously a strictly political move on behalf of the defeated Libre party to try to intimidate President Hernandez as they are being kicked out of power in Honduras. It is shameful and a desperate piece of political theatre and these charges are completely baseless.

Zelaya had said after Trump announced his intention to pardon Hernandez that his office would have to take action to end impunity.

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Hernandezs wife said after his release that the former president was in an undisclosed location for his safety.

Hernandez always denied any wrongdoing and insisted he was among the strongest antidrug allies of the United States.

Trump had announced his intention to pardon Hernandez just days before Honduras national elections, throwing a new element into a close contest. While some Hondurans remain nostalgic for Hernandezs two terms in office, many were shocked that a man convicted of drug trafficking in a closely watched trial could suddenly be released early in his sentence.

Trump said Hondurans had requested the pardon for Hernandez and that after looking at his case he decided Hernandez had been unfairly treated by prosecutors.




The Honduran attorney general on Monday announced an international arrest warrant against Juan Orlando Hernandez, the countrys former president who was recently pardoned by President Trump and released from prison.

Johel Antonio Zelaya Alvarez, attorney general of Honduras, wrote in a post on X that he had instructed the national security offices and international security agencies (INTERPOL) to execute an arrest warrant against Hernandez, who is accused of money laundering and fraud.

The charges stem from the Pandora II investigation, Alvarez said, referring to a case surrounding a network of corrupt lawmakers and others diverting public funds through private foundations and then into political campaigns, including Hernandezs 2013 campaign, The New York Times reported.

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We have been lacerated by the tentacles of corruption and by the criminal networks that have deeply marked the life of our country, Alvarez said in a post on X that was translated from Spanish.

Our commitment is to the truth and to justice, as I promised on my first day at the helm of this institution.

Renato Stabile, Hernandezs lawyer, told the Times that the warrant announcement was obviously a strictly political move by the governing Libre Party, whose candidate is trailing as ballots are being counted in the recent presidential election. Zelaya was nominated to his post by the Libre Party, which is opposed to Hernandez.

Trump had endorsed Nasry Asfura, who is part of Hernandezs conservative National Party and is slightly leading the Libre Party candidate, Salvador Nasralla, as Honduras continues to count ballots one week after the presidential contest.

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Trump first mentioned pardoning Hernandez on Nov. 28 and then issued the formal pardon on Dec. 1. Hernandez left a West Virginia prison that day and his current whereabouts are unknown, the Times noted.

In his post, Alvarez included a photo of a document dated November 28 that showed a Honduran Supreme Court justice asking Interpol to carry out an arrest against Hernandez if he was released from the U.S.

Hernandez was arrested in the U.S. in 2018 on drug trafficking charges and was convicted last and sentenced to 45 years in prison for cocaine importation and related weapons offenses.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A firefighter works at the site of a fire that hits Terra Drone office building in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Dec. 9, 2025. A total of 22 people were confirmed dead after a fire broke out at the Terra Drone office building in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, local authorities said. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)

JAKARTA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- A total of 22 people were confirmed dead after a fire broke out at the Terra Drone office building in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, local authorities said.

Dwi Septianto, a senior official with the information department of the Central Jakarta Fire Department Office, told Xinhua that 29 fire trucks and 101 firefighters were deployed to extinguish the blaze.

"We immediately rushed to the scene after receiving information about the fire at 12:43 p.m.," he said, adding that the fire was suspected to have originated from a battery on the building's first floor.

"In that building, lithium batteries for drones are produced. The victims may have inhaled fumes from the burning battery materials," Septianto said. He noted that the fire was brought under control at 5:05 p.m. local time and all floors had been checked.

Isnawa Adji, head of the Jakarta Disaster Management and Mitigation Agency, said the casualties included seven males and 15 females.

"Twenty-two people are confirmed dead, and 54 others survived the incident. The number of victims may still change," he told Xinhua by telephone, adding that 18 personnel from the agency were involved in the evacuation effort.

All the victims have been taken to the Kramat Jati Police Hospital in East Jakarta. 

A firefighter checks the site of a fire that hits the Terra Drone office building in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Dec. 9, 2025. A total of 22 people were confirmed dead after a fire broke out at the Terra Drone office building in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, local authorities said. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)

A police line is installed at the site of a fire that hits the Terra Drone office building in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Dec. 9, 2025. A total of 22 people were confirmed dead after a fire broke out at the Terra Drone office building in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, local authorities said. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)

Firefighters work at the site of a fire that hits the Terra Drone office building in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Dec. 9, 2025. A total of 22 people were confirmed dead after a fire broke out at the Terra Drone office building in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, local authorities said. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)

Rescuers transfer a body pack of victim at the site of a fire that hits the Terra Drone office building in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Dec. 9, 2025. A total of 22 people were confirmed dead after a fire broke out at the Terra Drone office building in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, local authorities said. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)
The IDF recently attacked, under the leadership of the Northern Command and through the Air Force, infrastructures of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in several areas in southern Lebanon.

Israel struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon on Monday night, according to an IDF statement released on Tuesday.

The statement read The IDF recently attacked, under the leadership of the Northern Command and through the Air Force, infrastructures of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in several areas in southern Lebanon.

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As part of the attacks, the IDF attacked a training complex that was used by the 'Radwan Force' unit of the Hezbollah terrorist organization to conduct training and training of the organization's terrorists, for the planning and execution of terrorist plots against IDF forces and citizens of the State of Israel.

The IDF reported that the training complex was used for shooting exercises and additional training in the use of various types of weapons.

Other military structures and a missile launch site were also reportedly targeted in the attack.

People inspect a damaged site after Israel's military said it struck targets in two southern Lebanese towns on Thursday, in Jbaa southern Lebanon, December 4, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/ALI HANKIR)

Ongoing anti-Hezbollah efforts

The strikes were a part of larger, ongoing IDF attempts at combating and destroying Hezbollah's rearmament capabilities following failed attempts at disarming the Iran-backed Lebanese terror organization.

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On Sunday, the IDF destroyed an abandoned Hezbollah terror tunnel shaft containing mortar rounds intended to be used against Israel, as well as a warehouse previously used by Hezbollah to store weapons.

On Friday, the IDF struck several Hezbollah targets embedded in civilian areas around the villages of Jibaa and Mahrouna. Residents were advised to evacuate to a distance of at least 300 meters from target areas prior to the strike.

The strike successfully targeted several Hezbollah weapons stores.

The IDF's Arabic-language spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee stated that the purpose of the strikes was "to address the prohibited attempts by Hezbollah to rebuild its activities in the region."

TPS contributed to this report.
By Jasper Ward

WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Illinois residents can sue federal immigration agents if they believe their civil rights have been violated after Governor JB Pritzker enacted a new law on Tuesday in response to the Trump administration's expansion of immigration enforcement nationwide.

The bill, which was sent to Pritzker's desk by the state legislature last month, restricts immigration enforcement efforts outside of state courthouses and allows plaintiffs to sue for damages.

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It also prohibits schools from threatening to disclose actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status of an employee, student or a person associated with a student or employee to an external party.

"With my signature today, we are protecting people and institutions that belong here in Illinois. Dropping your kid off at day care, going to the doctor, or attending your classes should not be a life-altering task," said Governor Pritzker, a Democrat, who some consider a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The law went into immediate effect and is in response to an aggressive immigration agenda launched by the Republican President Donald Trump targeting U.S. cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City.

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Trump has also sought to deploy National Guard members to Chicago to enforce what he calls anti-crime efforts. Trump for years has criticized crime in Chicago, even as city figures show most categories of violent crime have dropped this year.

Illinois has pushed back against the Trump administration's attempts to deploy the National Guard and ramp up immigration arrests in the state.

"Illinois  in the face of cruelty and intimidation  has chosen solidarity and support," Pritzker said.

"Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, and Gregory Bovino have tried to appeal to our lesser instincts. But the best of us are standing up to the worst of them," he added, referring to the president and heads of Homeland Security and U.S. Border Patrol.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward; editing by Susan Heavey and Aurora Ellis)
Indiana Rep. Andrew Ireland filed a measure to impeach "rogue" prosecutors and judges. He is pictured at a rally at the Indiana Statehouse on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Indiana prosecutors hope to fend off a proposed constitutional amendment they say could politicize prosecutorial decision-making  and, on Tuesday, released their own suggested legislative fixes.

When were in a big room together, to be honest, Im not sure who Im sitting next to, a Republican or Democratic prosecutor, Wabash County Prosecutor Bill Hartley said.

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Candidly, we dont care, because at the end of the day, we all have the same goal, and thats public safety, said Hartley, who is the president of the Association of Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys, which advocates for the states 91 elected prosecuting attorneys.

The group is mobilizing against a disciplinary proposal filed last week by freshman Rep. Andrew Ireland, R-Indianapolis.

I just filed my Constitutional amendment to let Indiana IMPEACH rogue judges and prosecutors who refuse to hold violent criminals accountable, Ireland posted to X.

Prosecutors from around the state host a press conference in Indianapolis on Dec. 9, 2025. (Courtesy photo)

Association leaders stand in complete agreement that were opposed to the measure, according to Hartley.

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Leaders believe Irelands rhetoric is oversimplifying the complex criminal justice system, Hartley said. These are systematic issues that mislead the public.

We dont have a rogue prosecutor issue in Indiana, he added. We feel like this is something that Andrew Ireland is using that term for political points and to get hits on his social media sites.

Ireland accused prosecutors of trying to sidestep accountability in a Tuesday statement on X.

Its telling that the Association of Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys top priority today isnt violent crime or public safety  its protecting their own from accountability, he said.

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The Association believe their members should continue to enjoy a special carve-out from accountability. I dont buy that for a second, and I dont think Hoosiers do either, the statement read. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have celebrated this proposal online, and Elon Musk put it plainly: This (h)as to be done nationwide. When people across the country are saying the same thing, maybe the problem isnt my amendment, maybe its the culture of zero accountability.

Constitutional changes coming?

Prosecutors pointed to an existing provision in the state Constitution that allows prosecutors and circuit court judges convicted of corruption or other high crime to be removed from office. The document says the Indiana Supreme Court can force them out, or it can be done in such other manner as may be prescribed by law.

Its unclear how often officeholders are removed under that provision.

Elkhart County Prosecutor Vicki Becker said ethics rules add another layer of accountability for prosecutors and judges.

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What weve seen recently is that when a prosecutor has done something where they have violated the oath of office, they step down from an ethical perspective, rather than having to be forced out by an impeachment, said Becker, the associations secretary and treasurer.

All are also up for election next year.

Wabash County Prosecutor William C. Hartley, Jr. (Courtesy photo)

Irelands House Joint Resolution 1, however, would add prosecutors and circuit court judges to impeachment provisions.

One of those sections currently deals with state officers. Under his proposal, they could be removed from office for crime, incapacity, or negligence  through impeachment in the Indiana House, a trial in the Senate, or a joint resolution approved by both chambers.

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They would also be added to a subsequent section specifying that state and local officers can be impeached, or removed from office, as prescribed by law.

Right now, the Indiana Constitution holds the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, and Treasurer to an impeachment standard from crime, incapacity or negligence, Ireland said. My proposed amendment (H.J.R. 1) simply says that state-funded Circuit Judges and Prosecuting Attorneys should be held to that exact same standard.

Association leaders argued the proposal undermines prosecutors freedom to make their own decisions.

When you have words like negligence floating around out there, it opens up so many opportunities for people who just politically disagree, or who have malice or they have some other agenda, Becker said. That then gives them a basis to distract prosecutors from doing their work and instead make it political.

Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings (Courtesy photo)

Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings, an association member, said Irelands proposed changes are not in the best interest of justice.

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How is a prosecutor going to feel that he has the discretion to make a decision in an individual case when hes looking over his shoulder ? Cummings said.  We have to have the freedom to make decisions that are in the best interest of the victims, the state and criminal defendants.

Rogue prosecutor proposals have repeatedly been filed in recent years, but havent gone very far. Often cited as pretext is Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears.

Im not here to defend the Marion County prosecutor, Cummings said. We have very different political philosophies, but the reality is, he takes a lot of criticism for things he has no control over.

Police, prosecutors and judges must work in concert  using the statutes lawmakers write  to maintain an effective criminal justice system, the association leaders said.

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Cummings gave an example of two drivers  one in Marion County and the other in Madison County  who each killed multiple people in police chase crashes weeks apart in 2023. Both were sentenced this year.

In the Indianapolis case, Mears asked for 25 years in prison, but a judge sentenced the driver to two years behind bars and seven of home detention. In the Anderson case, the driver was sentenced to 35 years.

Agency readies own fixes

Prosecutors on Tuesday released an alternative legislative agenda to address violent crime and frequent felons.

The platform includes mandatory minimum executed sentences for certain violent offenses or repeat offenders.

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Becker noted Indiana Code contains a very small list of offenses with non-suspendable sentences and said it should be expanded.

Elkhart County Prosecutor Vicki Becker. (Courtesy photo)

Judges can actually impose even a home detention  to satisfy that non-suspendable part, she added. Thats why this statutory framework is so important, because judges can find ways to, I suppose, find those loopholes. And thats not what our communities want.

Cummings also argued good time credits for prison sentences have gone too far, with offenders getting massive time cuts for things that have nothing to do with rehabilitation.

Another goal is the expansion of preventative detention, when people accused of crimes are incarcerated before trial in an effort to avert future criminal acts.

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Its almost like the criminal justice system has to be reactive because we havent been given the tools to be proactive, Becker said.

Money is additionally a top priority.

About 83% of prosecutors offices are understaffed, according to Hartley, even as the number of criminal case filings trends higher. Association leaders said poorer and more rural counties particularly struggle to pay wages competitive enough to draw in prosecutorial staff.

Lawmakers put an appropriation into a prosecutor bill last session, but nixed it later after a dismal revenue forecast.

Is it going to cost money? Yes, it is. The question is  Whats it worth to you? Becker said.   This is what our taxpayer dollars are supposed to go for, is public safety.

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Its symbolism over substance all day long, and its just not getting the job done, she added.

Correction: This article was corrected to reflect the involvement of the Association of Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys.

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Dec. 8 (UPI) -- An Indiana Senate panel on Monday approved legislation to redraw congressional district maps that are expected to give Republicans two additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Republicans in the heavily GOP-majority state introduced House Bill 1032 early this month amid accusations of a gerrymandering arms race kicked off by Texas this summer at the urging of President Donald Trump. Republicans are seeking to maintain control of Congress in next year's midterm elections, as several Democratic-led states work to redraw their congressional district maps.

Indiana has nine seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, seven of which are currently filled by Republicans. The redraw map is expected to favor the GOP in all nine seats.

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The Indiana Senate's Elections Committee on Monday approved the H.B. 1032 by a 6-3 vote, sending it to the full Senate for consideration.

The Indiana State House passed the bill Friday in a 57-41 vote.

America First Works, a nonprofit organization founded to promote the America First Policy Institute think tank, celebrated the Elections Committee for passing the congressional map.

"THANK YOU to the six patriot Senators who put Indiana first tonight!" it said on X.

"Let's get this fully passed and onto @GovBraun's desk!"

The vote on Monday came nearly a month after Indiana Republican senators were initially against putting forward this bill.

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While acknowledging that they wanted to see a Republican-held House in 2026, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray said they didn't want to see it through redistricting.

"We would rather support efforts to elect a Republican in the existing 1st Congressional District, which has been trending Republican for the last several years and would give President Trump another Republican in Congress," he said in a statement.

Gov. Mike Braun, a Republican who had called for a special session to pass the maps after speaking with Trump, called on Indiana State senators "to do the right thing and show up to vote for fair maps."

"I called for our legislators to convene to ensure Hoosiers' voices in Washington, D.C., are not diluted by the Democrats' gerrymandering," he said on X.

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"Hoosiers deserve to know where their elected officials stand on important issues."

Trump, on Truth Social, said he would "strongly endorse" anyone who runs against an Indiana state politician who stands in the way of redrawing the maps.

"Democrats are trying to steal our seats everywhere, and we're not going to let this happen!" the president said in the statement.

The gerrymandering arms race comes ahead of next year's midterm elections, which historically have disfavored the president's party. Republicans currently hold the presidency, House and Senate.

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Republicans maintain a 220-213 majority of the House, with two vacancies.

At Trump's urging, Texas Republicans moved this summer to redraw their maps, mid-decade, to gain advantage in five districts. California responded, seeking to do the same to gain five additional Democrat seats to neutralize Republicans in Texas.

Since then, several states have sought to redraw their maps. Litigation, in many cases, has followed.

On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Texas may use its maps.
Indianapolis fast-growing charter schools could soon have a chance to share buildings with the citys school district and offer more students busing  but with a possible grand bargain of giving up some autonomy.

A panel ordered by the state legislature is hurrying to recommend by the end of December how the Indianapolis Public Schools and charter schools could work together to make busing and unused school space open to charters.

Its the latest battleground in the decades-long fight between charter schools and school districts nationally over who has control of schools and the tax money that supports them. In Indiana, where state leaders strongly support school choice, power has shifted more and more to charters, which now educate more than half of Indianapolis students.

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The panel wont make its final recommendations until Dec. 17, but is leaning toward creating a new governing body to oversee sharing of schools and buses. Last week the panel narrowed its debate to two approaches, both of which give more power to charters and take it from the districts elected school board.

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The first would create a collaborative compact advisory board of appointees from the district, mayor and charter schools. The second would create an Indianapolis Education Authority with a mayor-appointed board and new city secretary of education.

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Push for Indiana Schools to Share Buses and Buildings Ramps Up

The panels vote to focus on these two options, rather than letting the district take the lead, drew boos from residents who want an elected board to make decisions, not an appointed one.

Despite the boos, theres strong support for expanded busing for charter school students in the city, where charters are not required to pay for buses, and usually dont, to save money for teachers and books. The panel, however, has already rejected offering buses to every student to attend any school, anywhere in the district they want, as too expensive, so there will be limits.

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How many students will be affected also depends on another key issue to be resolved  whether all Indianapolis charters would have to opt into the new collective plan. Some of the proposals require participation and others dont, which looms as a potential fight as the plan is finalized. The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance will make final recommendations Dec. 17.

Any new plan will likely need approval from a heavily Republican and pro-charter state legislature, whose leanings are a backdrop to the debate.

But though some shift of assets to charters is now all but certain, gains for those schools wont come without strings. District schools and charter schools will have to give up some autonomy in return for a piece of the collective pie.

Scott Bess, founder of the successful Purdue Polytechnic charter high schools and of the Charter Innovation Center advocacy group, called that tradeoff a grand bargain.

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Youre going to have to have some standardization, said Bess, whos watching the panel closely. Thats the bargain.

Charter schools will likely have to adjust their daily schedules and yearly calendars to fit a broader busing plan that aligns vacation days and school opening and closing times so buses can take more than one load of students to school each day.

And charters that have built their own schools or leased them for years may have to turn those buildings and leases over to the new body, which could then decide to close a school and give the building to another operator.

Theres also debate whether charter schools in the city should even have a choice to be part of a collective plan. Early indications are that the state legislature would not back requiring charter schools to join.

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Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Aleesia Johnson told the panel last month that if the goal is to make sure all students have transportation, then schools shouldnt be allowed to opt out.

If schools are given the option not to participate, and enough schools dont, then you dont have a system anymore, she said.

Angela Smith-Jones, Indiana Universitys associate vice president for state relations and a member of the panel, also called for mandatory participation for all charter schools.

Then its really solving the problem, Smith-Jones said at the same meeting. All schools are actually getting the exact same thing. Seems fair and equitable.

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Bess,whos also a member of the Indiana state school board and of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers, wants the panel and state to give schools a choice. He said school leaders are weighing, even as the plans are being developed, whether giving up control for more resources makes sense for them.

The devil is clearly in the details, said Bess. With school buildings, Bess said, schools have to weigh their own budgets, building debt and repair needs against giving an asset to an outside authority that could delay building upgrades or even shut a school down.

Local property taxes (could pay) for all those improvements and maintenance and all the things that go with it, Bess said. But with that comes this grand bargain that we have to perform academically to a standard that is accepted across the city.

As I talk to a lot of charter school leaders, theyre looking at this saying, Man, I dont know that. I want to give up my full autonomy,' he said.

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Schools are also weighing whether a central, but more standardized busing schedule for all schools might mean giving up early dismissal days or other schedule differences.

Some schools that Ive talked to said Thats not worth it to me, like Ill walk away from the money, because my schedule and my autonomy on how I operate is really important to me, Bess said. Other schools said, Oh, wow, you mean I could actually provide more transportation for more kids, and all Ive got to do is give up a little bit of my quirky schedule.

Tommy Reddicks, CEO of the successful Paramount charter school chain, has opposed any changes to charter school autonomy, including demands from some residents that the state block new charters. He told the panel last week he also opposes forcing charters to be part of a transportation authority.

Requiring districts or agents to control charter transportation in any mandated form, strips operational independence, said Reddicks, whose schools do not provide buses to save money. Mandates that limit charter autonomy violate the very reason the (panel) was created.

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But theres a big financial incentive to join  a share of tax dollars the state legislature has already voted to give charters. The legislature voted this spring to give charter schools a share of local property taxes that have traditionally gone to districts starting in 2028, but some state officials have slated that money to go to the new collective busing and building effort  not to individual schools in addition to it.

That legislation, Senate Bill 1, would give charter schools $2,050 per student in local property taxes in 2028, rising to $3,750 per student by 2031.

In Indianapolis, instead of having (property tax) transfers from IPS (the district) to the charters, that transfer is going to happen through the authority, said Indiana House Education Committee Chairman Robert Behning.

(If) you want to have access to that funding, then you need to participate in the authority, he added.

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Behning said one limit the school district and some other advocacy groups have sought  limiting the number of authorizers that can approve new charter schools in the city  is unlikely to win support from the legislature.

Behning said he would never want only the city mayors office to authorize new schools because that would make the ability of new schools to open dependent on who wins the latest mayoral election.

Whatever happens, we have to make sure that it cant be changed by the next election, he said.
India's biggest airline IndiGo said Tuesday its operations had stabilise after it cancelled thousands of flights, triggering days of airport chaos last week.

"Our on-time performance is... back to normal levels," an IndiGo statement said, adding the airline was operating more than 1,800 flights on Tuesday, and planned to "fly nearly 1,900 flights" on Wednesday.

But India's civil aviation regulator told the company to cut its planned flights by 10 percent as it had "not demonstrated an ability to operate these schedules efficiently".

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A previous order called for a five-percent reduction.

Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said it was "necessary to curtail the overall IndiGo routes, which will help in stabilising the airline's operations and lead to reduced cancellations".

Airports across India were thrown into disarray last week, with the private carrier admitting "misjudgement and planning gaps" in adapting to a new pilot rest policy which has since been suspended.

The operational meltdown came even though IndiGo had two years to prepare for the the new rules, which came into effect last month with the aim of giving pilots more rest periods to enhance passenger safety.

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Naidu last week said the flight duty time limitations rules had "been placed in abeyance".

The minister told parliament on Tuesday that a "detailed enforcement investigation" into the disruption had begun.

"No airline, however large, will be permitted to cause such hardship to passengers through planning failures, non-compliance or non-adherence to statutory provisions," Naidu said.

"Safety in civil aviation is completely non-negotiable."

The crisis is one of the biggest challenges faced by IndiGo, a no-frills airline which has built its reputation on punctuality.

India is one of the world's fastest growing aviation markets, hitting 500,000 daily flyers last month for the first time.

ash/ami
Inside the movement to professionalize election administration

As a 19-year-old election worker in Hennepin County, Minnesota, Lydia McComas discovered how meaningful it was to help voters navigate the process. Less than a decade later, shes the city clerk in Madison, Wisconsin, overseeing one of the most scrutinized election offices in the state and working to rebuild trust after last years ballot mishandling scandal.

Between those two points, McComas followed an unusually direct path: a college internship supporting elections planning, then a full-time job in a county elections office along with a graduate program in election administration.

Shes part of an emerging generation of officials who set out early and very intentionally, through internships and university training, to make a career out of election work. Driving this movement toward professionalized election administration are veterans of the field who recognize the need to replace retiring clerks and have spent years creating a stronger, more sustainable pipeline.

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Together, they are transforming a profession once dominated by civic-minded volunteers and on-the-job learners.

Id love for more young people to get involved with election administration and explore it as a future career, McComas told Votebeat in an interview.

For now, McComas is an outlier in Wisconsin: At 28, shes among the youngest to hold a municipal clerk position  and one of the few who pursued the election profession, on purpose, from the outset. Nearly 80% of the states chief election officials are over 50, and fewer than half have a college degree or higher, according to the Elections & Voting Information Center.

Her rise comes amid historic turnover that highlights the urgency of developing the pipeline of election officials: Between 2020 and 2024, more than 700 of Wisconsins municipal clerks left their posts, the highest churn in the nation.

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The new generation is fully aware that the job has changed since many of those veteran clerks started, said EVIC research director Paul Manson, with their work under closer public examination and intense political pressure.

McComas expertise will be tested

McComas new role is about more than elections  shell take meeting minutes, process licenses, and handle business registrations, among other duties. But her expertise is connecting with voters, the media, and community partners, and explaining complex election procedures in laymans terms.

That expertise will be tested immediately in Madison, where trust in the citys election office is still mending after last years controversy over 193 missing ballots. The fallout  investigations, a civil lawsuit, and the suspension and resignation of longtime clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl  left voters demanding transparency.

Theres pressure to make sure that everything works well, that the public trusts us, McComas said. She knows the climb will be steep. Most of the staff who weathered that turbulent year remain, seasoned administrators now adapting to greater public scrutiny.

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The glare of attention on Madison, she said, mirrors the national reality for election administrators everywhere  their jobs are increasingly under the spotlight of polarization and doubt.

Last year was really tough, and next year is tough, McComas said, noting the four statewide elections ahead in 2026.

An early start in the workings of elections

People take different paths into election administration. Milwaukees chief election official, Paulina Gutierrez, came from public safety and legislative work, while Green Bay Clerk Celestine Jeffreys was the mayors chief of staff. Others arrive from outside government  teachers, bankers, or longtime poll workers who worked their way up.

McComas journey into this world started early. As a kid in Minneapolis, she tagged along with her parents to the polls, filling out mock ballots and proudly wearing an I will vote sticker. She also joined them to knock on doors for get-out-the-vote drives. Those formative experiences led her to study political science at the University of Minnesota, volunteer on campaigns and intern for U.S. Sen. Al Franken.

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Her time on campaigns confirmed that the partisan side of politics wasnt for her. I was used to talking to people regardless of their party, McComas said. Working for candidates and not doing that just felt wrong.

Her first job in elections was a college internship with Hennepin County in 2017, supporting the election department on planning, updating training manuals and legislative priorities. McComas was struck by the precision required in running elections and wanted to devote her career to it, she said.

After graduating, she joined Hennepin County Elections full-time, first as a general election administrator and then specializing in voter engagement for a jurisdiction of 700,000 voters in and around Minneapolis. She helped voters get registered, and answered questions about voting during a pandemic.

She also oversaw compliance with election laws and developed training for poll workers.

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Meanwhile, she pursued a graduate certificate in election administration from the University of Minnesotas Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

She was hired in Madison in August.

A new era for training for election officials

Academic programs like the one McComas followed, focusing on elections as a career path, are more common today, but still rare at most universities, where public affairs education focuses more on city management, emergency planning, and public health, said Tammy Patrick, chief program officer at the National Association of Election Officials and a longtime election administration educator.

The ones that exist are growing: The University of Minnesotas election program had just over 50 enrollees in 2017. In 2025, there were over 200. In addition to the Humphrey School, Auburn University offers a graduate certificate in election administration, and Northern Arizona University now provides an undergraduate program.

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Meanwhile, 43 states, including Wisconsin, have other types of programs to train local election officials, a Bipartisan Policy Center analysis found. Wisconsin is also among the 22 states offering training specific to new election officials. The Arizona Secretary of States Arizona Fellows program places students in county election offices, boosting interest in election work and helping offices engage younger, more diverse voters.

Patrick, who has taught at the Humphrey School since 2016, sees an urgent need to formalize the field and promote it to youth, because so many older clerks are retiring.

Its just not on anyones radar as an option, Patrick said, and I think that thats part of the work we need to do as a profession, which is particularly challenging in this environment, because now people are aware of election administration for all the wrong reasons.

Formalizing the pipeline might be even harder for Wisconsin, where most municipal clerks work part-time, and most who work full-time spend much of the year working on things besides elections.

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McComas said that both Madison and Hennepin County try to do local outreach to universities and have interns to promote election administration as a career path.

Still, she finds herself explaining to many people that running elections is a full-time job, not just a poll-working gig for several days a year.

McComas says shes prepared for challenges in Madison

In Madison, McComas said her first goal is to rebuild trust.

She plans to draw on her voter engagement background to make that happen. Under interim clerk Mike Haas, the city overhauled many of the systems that failed in the 2024 election, but those improvements, she said, went largely unnoticed because there wasnt a strong communications plan.

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Next year, she said, we will be able to show the public that we are transparent and that we are answering any questions.

Although her career doesnt go back decades, McComas said her experience has prepared her for this moment. Her graduate certificate program gave her a broader perspective, she said, and helped reaffirm her commitment to the role.

Beyond school, McComas said the work  and the people she met in Hennepin County  sparked a lasting passion for election administration. Surrounded by colleagues who shared her dedication and curiosity, she found a community she wanted to be part of for the long haul.

I knew I wanted to devote my career to that work, she said.

This story was produced by Votebeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban is once again calling out the U.S. healthcare system, taking particular aim at insurance companies and high-deductible health plans.

In a series of posts on X, Cuban said what many Americans have felt firsthand: that health insurance often doesn't work for the people who need it most. Insurance companies love high deductible plans, he wrote recently. When you can't afford your deductible, you don't get care. Which means no money from the carrier.

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Cuban Calls For System-Wide Change

Cuban warned that while catastrophic plans with $10,000 deductibles may offer lower premiums, they ultimately benefit insurers more than patients. The deductible is so high, you are just telling the insurance carriers that your premiums are free money, he wrote. They won't have to pay out.

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Back in February, Cuban called deductibles the biggest problem in healthcare, criticizing a system that leaves hospitals and doctors chasing payments. Often we choose higher deductibles because we are healthy or because we can only afford the lowest premium plan, he wrote. The result, he said, is that providers are forced to act as bill collectors, even though they had no role in designing the plans patients choose.

That is one f****d up system that needs to be redesigned, Cuban added.

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Additionally, in another recent post, Cuban called the Affordable Care Act garbage today, blaming politicians for allowing corporations to manipulate a 15-year-old law. He argued the ACA has been exploited by big insurance companies that now dominate the system and make life harder for small, independent providers.

Talking to independent physicians, it's obvious that the big insurance carriers are doing to them, what their PBMs are doing to independent pharmacies.



They deny, underpay, slow pay, clawback, and create administrative mazes, knowing their victims don't have the time or  Mark Cuban (@mcuban) December 4, 2025

Talking to independent physicians, its obvious that the big insurance carriers are doing to them what their [pharmacy benefit managers] are doing to independent pharmacies, Cuban wrote. They deny, underpay, slow pay, clawback, and create administrative mazes, knowing their victims dont have the time or resources to push back.

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Cuban emphasized that this isn't just a case of inefficiency, but a power imbalance. He has also described the current setup as a scam that punishes those who cant afford to meet their deductibles. This is not an efficient market, he said. This is the big guy abusing the little guy. It needs to change to better the care we get in this country.

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He said while extending ACA premium subsidies for another year might help in the short term, it's time for bigger reforms. Now is the time to replace it and redo healthcare.

Read Next: From Moxy Hotels to $12B in Real Estate  The Firm Behind NYC's Trendiest Properties Is Letting Individual Investors In.

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This article 'Insurance Companies Love High Deductible Plans,' Says Mark Cuban. 'When You Can't Afford Your Deductible, You Don't Get Care' originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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A mysterious interstellar comet has been taking a tour of our solar system in recent months, garnering intense interest from astronomers and space enthusiasts alike.

Comet 3I/ATLAS is only the third object ever confirmed to have entered our cosmic neighborhood from elsewhere in the galaxy, and the rare visit has been documented by a host of satellites, space telescopes, orbiters and even rovers.

The most recent photos of 3I/ATLAS, released last week, come from a Jupiter-bound spacecraft operated by the European Space Agency and from NASAs Hubble Space Telescope. The new images add to a growing collection that has fostered intrigue around the interstellar object (though there is no evidence that the object is alien technology, as some have wondered).

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The comet reached its closest point to the sun at the end of October and will fly by Earth on Dec. 19, staying at a safe distance of about 170 million miles away.

Here are some of the best and most interesting photos of the comet captured so far.

This animation shows the observations of comet 3I/ATLAS when it was discovered on July 1. (ATLAS / University of Hawaii / NASA)

Comet 3I/ATLAS was first detected in July by the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Rio Hurtado, Chile. The NASA-funded survey telescope (made up of two telescopes in Hawaii, one in Chile and a fourth in South Africa) is designed to scan for asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth.

When it was first spotted, the comet was about 420 million miles away.

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. (David Rankin / Saguaro Observatory)

Until now, the only other two objects confirmed to have entered our solar system from elsewhere in the galaxy were the cigar-shaped Oumuamua in 2017 and comet 2I/Borisov in 2019.

NASAs SPHEREx observed 3I/ATLAS from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15. (NASA / SPHEREx)

NASAs SPHEREx observatory (short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) trained its eyes on Comet 3I/ATLAS from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15, providing scientists with new details about the objects size, physical properties and chemical composition.

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At the time, the comet was about 290 million miles away from the sun. The SPHEREx observations revealed the comets coma, a hazy cloud of gas and dust akin to an atmosphere that surrounds its nucleus. Researchers determined that the coma contained an abundance of ice water and carbon dioxide, similar to the chemistry of comets formed in our solar system.

A comet streaking across a star field above the International Gemini Observatory near La Serena, Chile. (NoirLab via AP file)

In late August, the Gemini South telescope in Chile captured what were the most detailed images of the comet at the time. The photos, released in September, showed an extended coma of dust and gas around the icy nucleus.

Astronomers suggested that 3I/ATLAS was becoming more active as it approached the sun, judging by the objects lengthy tail, which appeared more elongated in the telescopes images compared to previous sightings.

The European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter image of 3I/ATLAS as it passed close to Mars. (The European Space Agency)

The European Space Agency released new images of the comet in October, which were taken by a spacecraft in orbit around Mars. The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, jointly operated by ESA and Russias Federal Space Agency, observed the comet for about a week beginning on Oct. 1.

3I/ATLAS as it moves. (The European Space Agency)

The photos show a fuzzy white dot  the center of the comet  moving against a dark and starry expanse. When the images were taken, 3I/ATLAS was roughly 18.6 million miles from the orbiter.

3I/ATLAS, circled in the center, as seen by NASAs Lucy spacecraft. This image was made by stacking a series of images taken Sept. 16 as the comet was zooming toward Mars. (NASA / Goddard / SwRI / JHU-APL)

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After weeks of delays because of the government shutdown, NASA released a trove of 3I/ATLAS photos taken by various spacecraft from late September through mid-October.

The comet mostly appeared as an illuminated dot, but some images were detailed enough to pick up its tail as a faint, elongated smudge.

Observations of 3I/ATLAS from Sept. 28 to Oct. 10 from the PUNCH satellites in low-Earth orbit, when the comet was 231 million to 235 million miles away. (NASA / Southwest Research Institute)

Among the NASA missions that observed the comet relatively up-close were the sun-watching PUNCH satellites, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, the Lucy space probe, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission and the Perseverance Rover on the surface of Mars.

NASAs Hubble Space Telescope reobserved 3I/ATLAS on Nov. 30 with its Wide Field Camera 3 instrument. (NASA, ESA, STScI, D. Jewitt (UCLA) / M.-T. Hui (SAO) / J. DePasquale (STScI))

Late last month, NASAs Hubble Space Telescope tracked 3I/ATLAS when it was approximately 178 million miles away from Earth. Hubbles instruments recorded the moving comet as a luminous point while the background stars appeared as streaks of light. NASA released the images on Thursday and said it intends to gather more data on 3I/ATLAS in the coming months as the comet moves out of the solar system.

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The European Space Agency released new photos of 3I/ATLAS the same day, adding to our understanding of the interstellar objects appearance, composition and behavior. The agencys Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or Juice  a spacecraft en route to Jupiter to study the planet and three of its large moons  gathered the data shortly before the spacecrafts closest approach to the comet on Nov. 4, when it flew within about 41 million miles.

The photos from Juice showed the glowing halo of the comets coma and revealed the possibility that it has two tails. The first, the comets plasma tail, is made up of ionized or electrically charged gas and can be seen extending toward the top of the frame. The second, the comets dust tail, is made up of gas, dust and other tiny solid particles; it stretches to the lower left of the frame.

The European Space Agency expects to retrieve additional data from Juices science instruments in February.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The universe has no shortage of mysteries, many of which have puzzled us for ages. One of the biggest is the existence of something called dark matter. First theorized in 1933 by Fritz Zwicky, dark matter is a theoretical type of matter that can't be seen because it doesn't interact with light or any other form of electromagnetic radiation.

After nearly 100 years, and with help from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, researchers may have finally "seen" dark matter for the first time.

If this proves to be true, it'll be a significant development for science. Dark matter's ability to hide in plain sight is legendary. It can't be seen by any tool humans have ever made because dark matter can't emit, absorb or reflect light of any kind, which is how humans and all of our tools see things. That makes dark matter impressively difficult to find.

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Tomonori Totani, an astronomy professor at the University of Tokyo, believes he may have succeeded where so many before him have failed. In a study published Nov. 25 in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, Totani says he may have found dark matter by observing the byproduct of two particles of dark matter colliding with one another.

Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

The key to this discovery is the theoretical existence of something called weakly interacting massive particles, or WIMPs for short. WIMPs are pieces of dark matter that are larger than protons and don't interact with any other types of particles. When two WIMPs collide with each other, scientific theory suggests that they annihilate one another, and the resulting reaction produces gamma rays.

Totani used data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope to find what he believes are the gamma-ray emissions from these annihilation events, which, if accurate, would prove that dark matter exists -- or at least put scientists on the right track to confirming its existence.

NASA

Why is dark matter so difficult to find?

NASA describes dark matter as "the invisible glue that holds the universe together." Dark matter is everywhere. Theories suggest that only 5% of matter is the ordinary stuff that you and I can see, whereas dark matter makes up 27% of the pie. The rest is dark energy, which is yet another mystery that science has yet to solve.

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If there's more than five times as much dark matter as there is regular matter, then why is it so hard to see? The short answer is that dark matter doesn't interact with matter in a way that humans can detect with our current technology.

This isn't entirely unnatural. Science also has a tough time detecting black holes. Light cannot escape a black hole, so it is impossible to observe one directly. Instead, scientists have developed several methods to detect the presence of a black hole based on its impact on the surrounding environment.

Theories suggest that only 5% of matter is the ordinary stuff that you and I can see, whereas dark matter makes up 27% of the pie.

Cygnus X-1 -- the first black hole ever detected -- was found thanks to something called an accretion disk. Accretion disks are swirling clouds of gas, dust, plasma, and other particles that form around black holes and tend to emit vast amounts of X-ray radiation. Researchers found those intense X-rays and concluded that they came from a black hole. In the first photo of a black hole taken in 2019, the visible part is the black hole's accretion disk, not the black hole itself.

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English philosopher and clergyman John Michell first theorized the existence of black holes in 1783. That means it took humankind 236 years to take a picture of a black hole, and even then, we can't see the black hole in the picture. We just know it's there because we can see its accretion disk.

Dark matter is much more challenging to detect. It doesn't interact with the electromagnetic spectrum at all, including visible light. Much like black holes, science has used its impact on its environment to try and prove its existence.

This phenomenon began in 1933, when astronomer Fritz Zwicky observed that galaxies in the Coma Cluster were moving too quickly for the amount of ordinary matter contained within it. Zwicky concluded that there must be a second type of unseen matter that was adding more gravitational force, acting as a sort of glue that held the cluster together.

This theory has been refined over time, with additional evidence emerging. One example is gravitational lensing, which is a bending of light caused by gravity. The Bullet Cluster is the best example of this being potentially caused by dark matter, but it has not yet been definitively proven.

NASA

Study author explains what he found

Over the decades, scientists have proposed various potential candidates for what dark matter particles actually are. One such theory is the WIMP. These theoretical particles are much larger than photons and have a distinctive characteristic. When they collide, science predicts that they will destroy one another, resulting in a burst of gamma rays.

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NASA has a short video here that shows how this would work in theory. These gamma-ray emissions are what Totani believes he has found.

"We detected gamma rays with a photon energy of 20 gigaelectronvolts (or 20 billion electronvolts, a huge amount of energy, extending in a halolike structure toward the center of the Milky Way galaxy," Totani told Phys.org. "The gamma-ray emission component closely matches the shape expected from the dark matter halo."

There's a little to unpack here, so I asked Totani for more information. He told me that stars in our galaxy are "distributed in a disk, while the dark matter halo is thought to surround it spherically." The radiation generated from the theoretical dark matter would reach into the disk from its spherical location, giving Totani an idea of what to look for and where to look in general.

Once he looked there, he was able to find radiation that he says is "consistent with dark matter predictions."

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To put it another way, the gamma rays were where they were supposed to be, at the photon energy level that science predicted they would be, and the emissions were in the shape expected for dark matter.

NASA

Changing science forever

Totani found gamma rays where they were supposed to be and at the strength predicted, so it must be dark matter, right?

Not exactly.

While these findings are promising, they do not necessarily prove the existence of dark matter. The first step will be to have independent researchers verify Totani's conclusions.

Totani is aware of this and wants independent researchers to examine the data in an attempt to replicate his findings. This includes measuring gamma-ray emissions from other sources, such as dwarf galaxies, in the universe to see if something else can explain his findings.

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"If correct, the true nature of dark matter, long the greatest mystery in cosmology, has been revealed." Tomonori Totani, professor of astronomy at the University of Tokyo

Currently, his findings can't be easily explained by any known sources of gamma ray emissions, but that doesn't mean that none exist. The data will need to be tested and retested, and researchers will need to bring in more information to verify that his findings are indeed related to dark matter.

Science will take its time with this, because if Totani actually did find dark matter, the ramifications would be massive. He notes that the discovery of a new elementary particle not included in the current Standard Model of particle physics will have a significant impact on fundamental physics theory. And the discovery of dark matter would help piece together other cosmological mysteries, such as the nature of dark energy, the invisible force that causes the universe to expand at an accelerated rate.

"If correct, the true nature of dark matter, long the greatest mystery in cosmology, has been revealed," Totani said.
TOKYO, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- A demonstration was held recently in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, to protest against the deployment of the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the area, local media reported.

Sunday's rally, organized by civic groups, drew approximately 1,000 people. They called for upholding Article 9 of Japan's pacifist constitution and against war, the Japanese newspaper Shimbun Akahata reported.

House of Representatives lawmaker Seiken Akamine of the Japanese Communist Party at the rally called on people to say no to politics that incite war threats and promote military expansion, the report said.

Yokosuka is the home port of the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet, where the U.S. military has deployed a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. 
Iowa Lakes Community College is hoping to make the transfer process for its students easier through a partnership with the Western Iowa Regents Resource Center. (Photo courtesy of Iowa Lakes Community College)

Iowa Lakes Community College is working to smooth the transfer process for its students looking to further their education in the state by joining an Iowa Board of Regents initiative.

The Estherville-based community college announced in a news release it has joined the Western Iowa Regents Resource Center network, which will give students access to help and resources when planning their transfer to the University of Iowa, Iowa State University or University of Northern Iowa.

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This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to removing barriers and creating clear, affordable pathways for students who want to continue their education at Iowas public universities, said Scott Stokes, president of Iowa Lakes Community College, in the release. By working together, we are expanding opportunities for students to achieve their academic and career goals.

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According to the release, transfer specialists with the resource center will serve as direct resources to help Iowa Lakes students explore transfer options, navigate admission processes, and connect with programs at state universities.

The goal of the resource center is to connect western Iowans with access to online undergraduate and graduate degree programs and help students transfer from community colleges to Iowas public universities, according to its website. There are 14 undergraduate certificates, 22 undergraduate degree programs and 70 graduate degrees offered online by state universities, the website stated.

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A one-time, $1,000 scholarship is available for western Iowa students who have enrolled in their online program, according to its website. The center has partnered with Iowa Western Community College, Northwest Iowa Community College, Southwestern Community College and Western Iowa Tech Community College as well.

We are thrilled that the WIRRC has added ILCC to the list of partnerships with community colleges in Western Iowa, said Regent Greta Rouse in the release. By providing personal resources and local points of contact, this will continue the expansion of opportunities for students to achieve their higher education goals.

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Iredell County has been ranked a Tier Three county by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, which is the least economically distressed tier.

ALSO READ: Iredell County sees crime drop nearly 60% as population grows

The county has been ranked Tier Three for at least 15 years, and the designations play a role in several programs that assist in economic development.

There are 40 Tier One counties, 40 Tier Two counties, and 20 Tier Three counties in the state.

Read more here.

WATCH: Testimony begins for driver accused of deadly golf cart crash in Iredell County
It has been one year since a lightning offensive by allied rebel groups led to the fall of Damascus, ending the al-Assad dynastys 54-year reign.

Yet, as the regime collapsed, Israel seized on the instability by significantly escalating its military campaign in Syria, targeting much of its neighbours military infrastructure, including major airports, air defence systems, fighter jets, and other strategic facilities.

Over the past year, Israel has launched more than 600 air, drone or artillery attacks across Syria, averaging nearly two attacks a day, according to a tally by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED).

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The map below shows the ACLED-recorded Israeli attacks between December 8, 2024 and November 28, 2025.

The bulk of the Israeli attacks have been concentrated in the southern Syrian governorates of Quneitra, Deraa, and Damascus, which account for nearly 80 percent of all recorded Israeli attacks.

Quneitra , adjacent to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, was attacked at least 232 times.

Deraa was the second most targeted governorate, with 167 recorded attacks focusing on former regime military sites and suspected arms convoys.

Damascus governorate, which hosts key military highways and logistics hubs, was attacked at least 77 times. Damascus city, the capital, was attacked at least 20 times.

Why is Israel attacking Syria?

While Israels air attacks have escalated this past year, it has been attacking Syria for years, justifying its actions by claiming to eliminate Iranian military installations.

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Since the fall of the al-Assad government, Israel claims it is trying to prevent weapons from landing in the hands of extremists  a term it has applied to a rotating list of actors, most recently including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the primary Syrian opposition group that led the operation to overthrow al-Assad.

Just four days after the fall of al-Assad, Israel announced it had achieved total air superiority by destroying more than 80 percent of Syrias air defence systems, in order to prevent the new Syrian state from posing any military threat.

Since taking power following the overthrow of al-Assad, President Ahmed al-Sharaa has consistently stated that his government seeks no conflict with Israel and will not permit Syria to be used by foreign actors to launch attacks.

Members of Syrias Civil Defence amid the aftermath of an Israeli strike on Syrias Defence Ministry headquarters on July 16, 2025, in Damascus, Syria [Ali Haj Suleiman/Getty Images]

Israel grabs more Syrian land

In the days following the fall of al-Assad, Israeli troops crossed into the Syrian side of the Golan Heights, which Israel has occupied since 1967, violating the 1974 UN-brokered ceasefire agreement with Syria.

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The Israeli military has established several military outposts, including at Jabal al-Sheikh, in nearby villages, and within other areas of the United Nations-monitored demilitarised zone, where it has carried out frequent air raids and ground incursions.

(Al Jazeera)

Israels invasion of Syrian land has drawn widespread international criticism. The UN, along with several Arab nations, condemned Israels actions as breaches of international law and violations of Syrias sovereignty.

Despite these condemnations, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in February that Israeli forces would remain in the area indefinitely to protect Israeli citizens and prevent hostile entities from gaining a foothold near the border.

To visualise the scale, the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights spans 1,200sq km (463sq miles), an area roughly the size of New York City or Greater Manchester. The UN buffer zone covers another 235sq km (91sq miles), comparable to the size of the city of Baltimore. Additionally, Israel has seized an estimated 420sq km (162sq miles) of Syrian land beyond the buffer zone, a territory roughly the size of Denver.

The slider below details the areas Israel has occupied over the past year.
Israel killed more journalists in 2025 than any other country, according to a report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Israeli forces carrying out the genocidal war in Gaza were responsible for the deaths of 29 Palestinian reporters, RSF said in its annual report published on Tuesday. It was the third year running that Israel was named the top killer of journalists by the NGO.

Overall, 67 journalists were killed around the world this year, one more than in 2024.

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This is where the hatred of journalists leads! said Thibaut Bruttin, RSFs director general, in a statement. It led to the death of 67 journalists this year  not by accident, and they werent collateral victims. They were killed, targeted for their work.

Bruttin blamed the failure of international organisations to protect journalists in armed conflicts for the rise, a consequence, he said, of a global decline in the courage of governments.

Journalists do not just die  they are killed, he said.





Mexico was the second most dangerous country in the world for journalists, with nine killed in the past year.

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War-ravaged Ukraine, where three journalists were killed in 2025, and Sudan, where four journalists were killed this year, are other highly dangerous countries for reporters, according to RSF.

RSF also records the number of journalists jailed for their work. China is the leading offender with 121 reporters behind bars. Russia (48) and Myanmar (47) are the next most repressive countries.

As of December 1, 2025, 503 journalists were being detained in 47 countries.

The report also found that 135 journalists are missing in 37 countries, and that 20 others are currently being held hostage.





The killing of 43 percent of the 67 journalists that died in the past 12 months was carried out by the Israeli military in the besieged Gaza Strip, according to the press freedom group.

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The deadliest single attack in the enclave was a double-tap strike on a hospital in the south of Gaza on August 25, in which five journalists were killed, including Al Jazeera photographer Mohammad Salama, as well as contributors to Reuters and The Associated Press news agencies.

Nearly 300 journalists and media workers have been killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza in 26 months of genocidal war  or about 12 journalists every month  according to a tally by Shireen.ps, a monitoring website named after Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot dead by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank in 2022.

Israel has maintained its ban on foreign reporters in Gaza  unless they arrive in tightly controlled tours organised by the Israeli military  despite calls from media groups and press freedom organisations for access.
Their hopes, and even their right to dream, were taken away along with their lives and freedom, the Thailands ambassador to Israel said.

Officials and civilians gathered at Ben-Gurion Airport on Tuesday morning to bid farewell to slain Thai farm worker Sudthisak Rinthalak as his body was sent back to his native country for burial.

The grey sky seemed to underscore the pain of Israels Thai community with the emotional return of a dedicated Thai citizen who had come to Israel to further provide for his family back home.

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Thailands Ambassador Boonyarit Vichienpuntu told The Jerusalem Post that he felt Thai hostages were treated with the same urgency as Israeli hostages and that he was thankful for the relationship between the two countries.

Today is another moment of common sorrow, he told the Post. We are thankful to the Israeli government, which never stopped trying to find the bodies of our hostages.

In a speech addressed to attendees, the ambassador called Rinthalak a humble and hardworking man who bravely crossed the ocean with devotion and determination to build a better life for himself and for his loved ones.

Gal Hirsch, the Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing at the Prime Ministers Office apologized to the slain hostage and his family for his untimely death. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)

Vichienpuntu noted the mass of other Thai workers slain on that day, and the opportunities taken away from them prematurely. Their hopes  and even their right to dream  were taken away along with their lives and freedom.

The circle closes

This moment also allows us to renew our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Thai workers here, who serve as living bridges between our two countries, he stated. To secure lasting peace and stability in the region, Thailand, alongside the international community, remains firmly committed to supporting the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

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Gal Hirsch, the coordinator for the hostages and the missing at the Prime Ministers Office, apologized to the slain hostage and his family for his untimely death. Im so sorry. This should not have ended this way, Hirsch told the crowd. On October 7, 2023, there was a terrible invasion of Israel  a huge terror attack. We failed to protect you.

Hirsch praised what he called the continual, strong relationship between Israel and Thailand even in the darkest of hours, and stated that the Israeli government did everything possible to bring the hostages home.

For us, foreign hostages and Israeli hostages were the same, he added, vowing that Israel would continue to fight terrorism. We are responsible for everyone.

Israels Ambassador to Thailand, Dr. Alona Fisher-Kamm, talked about Rinthalaks promise to his family just days before his death that he would return home soon.

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For six years, Israel was not only his workplace; it became his home, she said, noting the 39 other Thai workers murdered onOctober 7. He wove his life into the life of the kibbutz and ultimately shared its fate.

In their work, their lives, and their suffering, the Thai people bound their fate with ours. We became, in the profound sense, brothers.

Fisher-Kamm noted that even post-October 7, more than 40,000 Thai nationals reside in Israel. They are an integral part of our society  part of us. This is how we honor them, both in life and in death. The people of Israel accompany you on your final journey and will carry your memory.

Mazor Matzevich, 53, a resident of Shoham and an activist in the fight to return all hostages, attended the ceremony with other activists from the Israeli public. Every week, we stood at six oclock in the central square, holding pictures of the hostages, reminding everyone that this was the most important mission, Matzevich told the Post, emphasizing that many activists like herself took time off from work to advocate for the return of the hostages.

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Matzevich also said that the minimal attendance of Israeli government officials at these rallies in general and at this final farewell to a returned hostage was upsetting.

It is embarrassing that the Israeli government did not find it appropriate to send even one minister to this ceremony, she said. The public came because they cared, even though the event was not published in advance.

This is not the first time that ceremonies for returning murdered hostages home were not attended by senior government representatives.

According to Matzevich, Despite the speeches we hear, the government did not act in time to bring the hostages back. That delay ultimately allowed the killing of hostages who could have returned alive.
RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  One by one, the soldiers squeezed through a narrow entrance to a tunnel in southern Gaza. Inside a dark hallway, some bowed their heads to avoid hitting the low ceiling, while watching their step as they walked over or around jagged concrete, crushed plastic bottles and tattered mattresses.

On Monday, Israel's military took journalists into Rafah  the city at Gaza's southernmost point that troops seized last year and largely flattened  as the 2-month-old Israel-Hamas ceasefire reaches a critical point. Israel has banned international journalists from entering Gaza since the war began more than two years ago, except for rare, brief visits supervised by the military, such as this one.

Soldiers escorted journalists inside a tunnel, which they said was one of Hamas' most significant and complex underground routes, connecting cities in the embattled territory and used by top Hamas commanders. Israel said Hamas had kept the body of a hostage in the underground passage: Hadar Goldin, a 23-year-old soldier who was killed in Gaza more than a decade ago and whose remains had been held there.

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Hamas returned Goldin's body last month as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in the war triggered by the militants' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and hundreds taken hostage. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which operates under the Hamas-run government. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but says roughly half the dead have been women and children.

Israel and Hamas are on the cusp of finishing the first phase of the truce, which mandated the return of all hostages, living and dead, in exchange for Palestinians held by Israel. The body of just one more hostage remains to be returned.

Mediators warn the second phase will be far more challenging since it includes thornier issues, such as disarming Hamas and Israels withdrawal from the strip. Israel currently controls more than half of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to travel to Washington this month to discuss those next steps with U.S. President Donald Trump.

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Piles of rubble line Rafah's roads

Last year, Israel launched a major operation in Rafah, where many Palestinians had sought refuge from offensives elsewhere. Heavy fighting left much of the city in ruins and displaced nearly one million Palestinians. This year, when the military largely had control of the city, it systematically demolished most of the buildings that remained standing, according to satellite photos.

Troops also took control of and shut the vital Rafah crossing, Gazas only gateway to the outside world that was not controlled by Israel.

Israel said Rafah was Hamas last major stronghold and key to dismantling the groups military capabilities, a major war aim.

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On the drive around Rafah on Monday, towers of mangled concrete, wires and twisted metal lined the roads, with few buildings still standing and none unscathed. Remnants of people's lives were scattered the ground: a foam mattress, towels and a book explaining the Quran.

Last week, Israel said it was ready to reopen the Rafah crossing but only for people to leave the strip. Egypt and many Palestinians fear that once people leave, they won't be allowed to return. They say Israel is obligated to open the crossing in both directions.

Israel has said that entry into Gaza would not be permitted until Israel receives all hostages remaining in the strip.

Inside the tunnel

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The tunnel that journalists were escorted through runs beneath what was once a densely populated residential neighborhood, under a United Nations compound and mosques. Today, Rafah is a ghost town. Underground, journalists picked their way around dangling cables and uneven concrete slabs covered in sand.

The army says the tunnel is more than 7 kilometers (4 miles) long and up to 25 meters (82 feet) deep and was used for storing weapons as well as long-term stays. It said top Hamas commanders were there during the war, including Mohammed Sinwar  who was believed to have run Hamas armed wing and was the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader who helped mastermind the Oct. 7 attack. Israel has said it has killed both of them.

What we see right here is a perfect example of what Hamas did with all the money and the equipment that was brought into Gaza throughout the years," said Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani. "Hamas took it and built an incredible city underground for the purposes of terror and holding bodies of hostages.

Israel has long accused Hamas of siphoning off money for military purposes. While Hamas says the Palestinians are an occupied people and have a right to resist, the group also has a civilian arm and ran a government that provided services such as health care, a police force and education.

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The army hasnt decided what to do with the tunnel. It could seal it with concrete, explode it or hold it for intelligence purposes among other options.

Since the ceasefire began, three soldiers have been killed in clashes with about 200 Hamas militants that Israeli and Egyptian officials say remain underground in Israeli-held territory.

Hamas has said communication with its remaining units in Rafah has been cut off for months and that it was not responsible for any incidents occurring in those areas.

Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of repeated violations of the deal during the first phase. Israel has accused Hamas of dragging out the hostage returns, while Palestinian health officials say over 370 Palestinians have been killed in continued Israeli strikes since the ceasefire took effect.

___

Editor's Note: This article was submitted for review by Israels military censor, which made no changes.
Tehran hacked into parking and other road cameras to "track the movements of Israeli VIPs, with the aim of building operations to target and harm them," Karadi said.

Iran used cyber weapons to try to attack every citizen in Israel multiple times during the 12-day June war, Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD) Yossi Karadi said in his first public speech since taking office in March.

Speaking at the Cyber Week conference at Tel Aviv University, Karadi explained that there were 1,200 social engineering hacking operations with each separately targeting thousands and thousands of Israelis.

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The INCD chief revealed that during the June war, Tehran hacked into parking and other road cameras to "track the movements of Israeli VIPs, with the aim of building operations to target and harm them."

Iran hacked camera before missile hit Israeli university

Further, Karadi said that when the Islamic Republic struck Weitzmann University with a ballistic missile during the June war, that it had taken control of a street camera watching the building just before the missile struck.

In addition, to augment the psychological impact of the missile attack, Iran sent threatening emails to workers at the targeted university departments prior to the attack.

Moreover, Tehran "published leaked data to deepen fear."

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In addition, Karadi announced that Israel is about to sign a new strategic agreement with Germany to "develop the next generation of national cyber defense."

Friederike Dahns, National Director for Cyber and Information Security of the German Federal Ministry of the Interior announced that there will soon even be a special Israeli attache for cyber issues based in Germany to increase dialogue between the countries.

The Jerusalem Post has learned that the individual who will fill the role has not yet been selected.

Karadi replaced former INCD chief Gabi Portnoy, who had served since February 2022.

Also speaking at the conference, Nick Andersen, Executive Assistant Director for the Cybersecurity Division (CSD) of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said on Tuesday that China is trying to use cyber weapons to preposition the US and the West for "societal havoc and chaos in civilian infrastructure" in the event of a conflict.

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Andersen stated that in terms of hacking threats, "the most significant and comprehensive threat in the long term is absolutely from the People's Republic of China."

They have a "long-term cyber campaign, not just to gather intelligence, but to shape the battle space  infrastructureusing persistent reconnaissance and low-key intrusions," said the American CISA cyber official.

He accused China of "embedding in water, the energy grid, the cloud, telecommunications, and identity systems" in order to "weaken national resolve during a time of crisis."

Andersen suggested that, "US and Israeli efforts align in this regard" to block Beijing from putting civilian infrastructure at risk, while masking its actions as routine network activity.

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According to the CISA official, the US and its allies must "continue to shift to disrupt the Chinese prepositioning" ambushes within their civilian infrastructure.

"Operational cooperation with Israel is essential not just to our success, but as part of global cyber defense efforts."

He advocated improving toward "higher identity protocols, improved login [defenses], improved telemetry at time of conflict."

Andersen acknowledged that Russia, Iran, and North Korea are also major cyber threats, but said China is the greatest.

This is a shift over the last decade or so, given that Moscow was once considered the number one cyber threat.

The issue is sensitive for Israel which, while suspicious of the Chinese in certain areas, including their support of Iran, and wanting to support the US, has also tried to maintain positive relations with Beijing wherever possible.
The discovery follows a lengthy investigation that revealed the involvement of several individuals in recent assaults, including attacks on military vehicles that injured soldiers.

Israeli security forces uncovered a Palestinian terrorist network in the Tulkarm area, seizing rockets, explosives, and materials intended for attacks against military targets, the Israel Defense Forces and Israel Security Agency announced on Tuesday.

The discovery follows a lengthy investigation that revealed the involvement of several individuals in recent assaults, including attacks on military vehicles that injured soldiers. Interrogations exposed plans for additional attacks and the provision of explosive components.

The rockets and the weapons that were uncovered by the IDF near Tulkarm on December 9th, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

'Major arms dealer' arrested near Tulkarm

Recently, also in the Tulkarm area, soldiers from the IDF's Duvdevan commando unit arrested a terrorist who served as a "major" arms dealer, the military stated.

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Duvdevan, the unit responsible for undercover counterterrorism operations in the West Bank, conducted the arrest following intelligence from Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).

The terrorist, who was detained in Irtah, was identified as Ahmed Nasrallah. He was subsequently transferred to Shin Bet for further questioning.

James Genn contributed to this report.
UPDATE, 8:13 p.m. 12/8/25: The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said Annie Ruth Jackson has been found safe.

Original story below:

The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help in finding a missing woman who has been diagnosed with dementia.

Annie Ruth Jackson, 75, was last seen in the area of Yulee Street, JSO said. She was reported missing around 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Jackson is described as 53 tall, weighs 180 pounds, has brown eyes and gray braids.

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She was last seen wearing a white shirt, gray sweatpants, and no shoes

Anyone who has any information on Jacksons whereabouts is asked to contact JSO at 904-630-0500.

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A fire at an office building in Jakarta has killed at least 22 people as authorities continue to search for casualties.

The blaze at the seven-storey site in the Indonesian capital started on Tuesday afternoon, according to city police chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro, who said some workers were having lunch at the time.

Police believe the fire began after a battery exploded on the first floor before the flames spread upwards. A company which makes drones is based in the building.

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Susatyo said most of the victims who perished were women, one of whom was pregnant, and it was likely that they had died of asphyxiation from smoke rather than burns.

Thick smoke poured from the upper floors as firefighters deployed 28 engines and about 100 personnel, with dramatic footage showing trapped employees being rescued by aerial ladders.

The fire has been extinguished and rescue teams are focusing on the upper levels of the building after conducting a sweep of the lower floors.

Susatyo said that access to the sixth floor was "particularly challenging, according to the firefighters on site", the Jakarta Globe newspaper reports.

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"We are still collecting data," he told the Associated Press news agency. "But for now, we are focusing on identifying the victims who have been found."

The company provides drone services for industrial clients, from aerial surveying and mapping to inspection and agriculture.
HANOI, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's southern hub Ho Chi Minh City aims to complete three metro routes that will connect Tan Son Nhat International Airport and the city center with Long Thanh International Airport by 2030, Vietnam News Agency reported Tuesday.

The plan aims to meet rising transport connectivity needs with Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh airports when the latter begins commercial operations in 2026, the report said.

Long Thanh International Airport is scheduled to welcome its first flight on Dec. 19, local daily Tien Phong reported. Covering an area of 5,000 hectares in Dong Nai province, the airport broke ground in early 2021. 
US Rep. Jasmine Crockett filed Monday to run for US Senate from Texas in 2026, leaning into the criticisms of President Donald Trump that have built her national profile while also worrying Democrats hoping for a long-shot upset.

Trump, I know youre watching, so let me tell you directly, Crockett said Monday night at her announcement event in Dallas. Youre not entitled to a damn thing in Texas. You better get to work because Im coming for you.

Crockett, a 44-year-old congresswoman and former civil rights attorney, posted a video before her speech in which she says nothing. Instead, she looks off-screen as Trumps voice can be heard insulting her and calling her a very low IQ person. She then turns to the camera, crosses her arms and smiles before the video cuts off with the message Crockett for US Senate.

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The video and her speech were clear signs that Crockett will lean into her pugnacious reputation and her opposition to Trump even in deep-red Texas, where national Democrats are hoping they can spring an upset due in part to Republican turmoil. Some are privately critical of Crockett for entering the race and argue shes made what was already a difficult task even harder.

Crockett rejected arguments that she was out of step in the nations largest conservative state, saying she would turn out voters who were otherwise staying home and noting examples of other Democrats, including Barack Obama, who ignored naysayers.

Turning Texas blue is what I want to talk to yall about today, she told the crowd in Dallas. Now, there are those who say, Aint no way, we done tried this 50 kinds of ways. Let me be clear: Yall aint never tried it the JC way.

Earlier Monday, Democratic former US Rep. Colin Allred announced he was ending his Senate campaign and would instead run to once again represent the Lone Star State in the House. CNN previously reported that Crockett asked Allred to drop out of the race, and she has cited a poll in some conversations that shows her in strong shape.

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Allred launched his Senate campaign in July after running unsuccessfully in 2024 against the states other Republican senator, Ted Cruz. Allred will now run for Texas redrawn 33rd Congressional District.

Allred acknowledged that he had spoken with Crockett, whom he called a friend, about the race, saying it was a professional, friendly conversation.

The shake-up follows several developments that have changed the political calculus heading into next years midterm elections. State Republicans unprecedented mid-decade redistricting this summer upended the House map, while a contentious GOP Senate primary has emboldened Democrats in the 2026 race for Republican Sen. John Cornyns seat.

I think she wins the Democratic primary, and she is the worst possible candidate they could have in Texas, Cornyn told reporters Monday. Shes not electable.

Colin Allred speaks at a campaign event on October 3, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. - Brandon Bell/Getty Images North America/Getty Images

Texas state Rep. James Talarico, who elevated his profile during clashes over the Republican redistricting effort this summer, will also run in the Democratic Senate primary. He joined the race in September and has quickly topped Allreds fundraising numbers.

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Were building a movement in Texas  fueled by record-breaking grassroots fundraising and 10,000 volunteers who are putting in the work to defeat the billionaire mega-donors and puppet politicians who have taken over our state, Talarico said in a statement. Our movement is rooted in unity over division  so we welcome Congresswoman Crockett into this race.

Crockett has spent weeks floating a potential Senate bid, making calls and sounding out potential supporters, as Democrats game out a reshuffled slate for 2026 and hope to take advantage of an already contentious GOP primary. Democrats need to net four Senate seats in next years midterms to gain control of the chamber, which would require them to make gains in states Trump won.

Crockett and Rep. Marc Veasey, a fellow Dallas Democrat dealing with the gerrymandered breakup of his current seat, discussed sequencing on Monday for him to file in her district shortly after she submitted her Senate paperwork. However, Veasey ultimately decided not to run for House reelection and instead will run for Tarrant County judge, he told CNN.

Cornyn, a two-decade Republican veteran of the Senate who has held office in Texas since the 1990s, is facing multiple primary challengers, including the states controversial attorney general, Ken Paxton, and US Rep. Wesley Hunt from the 38th District.

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Trump has refrained from endorsing in the race, prompting a fierce fight over his supporters among the GOP contenders.

If Allred stayed in the Senate race after Crockett joined, that would have left three viable contenders in the Democratic primary, increasing the likelihood that no candidate would win a majority in March, requiring a May runoff.

To me, going through a bruising primary, and in Texas, we have a runoff  and we would certainly have a runoff in this case  was not in the best interest of the state or the party, Allred told CNN on Monday.

Allred will now run for Texas redrawn 33rd Congressional District, setting up a competitive primary against Rep. Julie Johnson, who plans to move from the 32nd District.

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This new district deserves representation that has been present in the tough moments, including throughout the redistricting fight, instead of parachuting back when another campaign doesnt work out, Johnson said in a statement. Families here are dealing with rising costs, housing pressures, and real economic strain. They deserve someone with a strong record in Democratic collaboration and support.

US Rep. Joaquin Castro, who was involved in discussions about running for Texas attorney general but chose to seek reelection for his House seat, said Crockett should run for Senate if thats where her heart is and thats where her mind is.

Jasmine is a fighter; shes an incredibly dynamic person, Castro told CNNs The Situation Room. Shes got a message thats resonating, not only with the Democratic base, but I think with Americans across the country.

CNNs Manu Raju contributed to this report.

Correction: An earlier version of this story referred to James Talarico as a state senator. He is a Texas state representative.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A 40-year-old missing persons case and custodial kidnapping investigation has been solved, according to a Dec. 8 news release from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

Michelle Newton was found in another state after she disappeared with her mother, Debra Leigh Curry Newton, when she was 3, spokesperson Stephan Johnson said.

Curry Newton was charged with custodial interference, which carries no statute of limitations. She pleaded not guilty during her first appearance hearing Dec. 8.

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Chief Deputy Col. Steve Healey said the resolution was extraordinary.

This is the kind of case you see once in a law-enforcement career, Healey said. Detectives refused to let the trail go cold. Their work  and the courage of a Crime Stoppers tipster  brought a daughter home to her family after four decades.

The investigation began April 2, 1983, when Newton disappeared with Curry Newton, who said she was relocating to Georgia for a new job. Both disappeared after a final phone call with Michelles father, Joseph Newton, sometime in 1985, according to the release.

Curry Newton was indicted for custodial interference, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation filed a warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, but the case was dismissed in 2000 after the commonwealth could not reach Joseph Newton. Michelle Newton was removed from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children databases in 2005.

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After a family member requested help from JCSO, the department began investigating again in 2015, and the case was revived in 2016.

A 2025 Crime Stoppers tip in Marion County, Florida, identified a possible match for a 66-year-old woman using a different name. Investigators were able to confirm Curry Newton's identity through photographs and DNA testing.

After they were notified of the warrant, a family member came to Kentucky and posted Curry Newton's bond. JCSO officials said Curry Newton later voluntarily appeared in Louisville court.

Newton, who was living under a different identity in another state, contacted the Sheriff's Office, which arranged a reunification with her father and extended relatives.

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People think calling in tips is 'snitching.' It isnt, Healey said. Youre helping victims. Youre helping families. This case proves that one phone call can change a life.

Curry Newton is next scheduled to appear in court Jan. 23, 2026.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: JCSO: 40-year-old Jefferson Co. case solved after woman found alive
NEW YORK (AP)  A federal judge on Tuesday granted the Justice Departments request to publicly release grand jury transcripts and other material from Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking case, citing a new law that requires the government to open its files on Jeffrey Epstein and his longtime confidant, but he cautioned that people shouldnt expect to learn much new information from them.

Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who along with other judges had previously rejected Justice Department unsealing requests before the transparency law was passed, said the materials "do not identify any person other than Epstein and Maxwell as having had sexual contact with a minor.

They do not discuss or identify any client of Epsteins or Maxwells," Engelmayer wrote. They do not reveal any heretofore unknown means or methods of Epsteins or Maxwell's crimes.

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Engelmayer, in Manhattan, ruled Tuesday after the Justice Department had asked judges in the wake of the laws passage last month to lift secrecy orders in Maxwell's and Epsteins cases that had kept some records under wraps. A request to unseal records from Epsteins 2019 sex trafficking case is pending.

Engelmayer is the second judge to act after the Epstein Files Transparency Act created a narrow exception to rules that normally keep grand jury proceedings secret. Last week, a Florida federal judge ordered the release of transcripts from an abandoned Epstein federal grand jury investigation in the 2000s.

The law, signed by President Donald Trump after months of public and political pressure, requires the Justice Department to provide the public with Epstein-related records by Dec. 19.

The fate of the governments Epstein files has dominated the first year of Trumps second term in office. The Republican campaigned for reelection last year on a promise to release the files, and his administration did disclose some records earlier this year  almost all of them already public  but suddenly stopped in July after promising a truckload more.

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Forced to act by the new transparency law, the Justice Department says it plans to release 18 categories of investigative materials gathered in the massive sex trafficking probe, including search warrants, financial records, notes from interviews with victims, and data from electronic devices.

Epstein, a millionaire financier, was arrested in July 2019 on sex trafficking charges and killed himself in jail a month later. Maxwell, a British socialite, was convicted of sex trafficking in December 2021. She is serving a 20-year prison sentence. After giving an interview to the Justice Departments second-in-command in July, she was moved from a federal prison in Florida to a prison camp in Texas.

The Justice Department said it was conferring with victims and their lawyers and planned to redact or black out portions of records to protect victims identities and prevent dissemination of sexualized images. Engelmayer said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton must personally certify that records have been "rigorously reviewed" to avoid an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

Maxwells lawyer told Engelmayer last week that unsealing records from her case could spoil her plans to file a habeas petition, a legal filing seeking to overturn her conviction. The release would create undue prejudice so severe that it would foreclose the possibility of a fair retrial," Maxwell lawyer David Markus wrote. The Supreme Court in October declined to hear Maxwells appeal.

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Annie Farmer, a vocal Epstein and Maxwell accuser, fought for the transparency acts passage and supports the release of court records. She said through her lawyer, Sigrid S. McCawley, that she is wary of the possibility that any denial of the motions may be used by others as a pretext or excuse for continuing to withhold crucial information concerning Epsteins crimes.

In August, Engelmayer and Judge Richard M. Berman denied the departments requests to unseal grand jury transcripts and other material from Maxwell's and Epsteins cases, ruling that such disclosures are rarely, if ever, allowed.

Tens of thousands of pages of records pertaining to Epstein and Maxwell have already been released through lawsuits, public disclosures and Freedom of Information Act requests.

Many of the materials the Justice Department plans to release stem from reports, photographs, videos and other materials gathered by police in Palm Beach, Florida, and the U.S. attorneys office there, both of which investigated Epstein in the mid-2000s.

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Last year, a Florida judge ordered the release of about 150 pages of transcripts from a state grand jury that investigated Epstein in 2006. On Dec. 5, at the Justice Departments request, a Florida judge ordered the unsealing of transcripts from a federal grand jury there that also investigated Epstein.

That investigation ended in 2008 with a then-secret arrangement that allowed Epstein to avoid federal charges by pleading guilty to a state prostitution charge. He served 13 months in a jail work-release program.

___

Follow the AP's coverage of Ghislaine Maxwell at https://apnews.com/hub/ghislaine-maxwell.
Dec. 8Kalispell Police officers turned a Spanish-speaking motorist involved in a crash over to U.S. Border Patrol on Monday after they were unable to identify the individual.

The two-car crash occurred near the intersection of East Oregon Street and Seventh Avenue East North on Monday morning. One of the motorists involved told authorities that other driver requested they "not contact law enforcement," according to Police Chief Jordan Venezio.

Because the other driver did not speak English, a Spanish-speaking officer arrived to translate. That driver was unable to provide identification and stated they had no means of confirming their identity, according to Venezio.

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Their vehicle was registered to an unknown man and in another state. The registration had also expired, authorities said.

After an unsuccessful attempt to identify the driver using local records, the police contacted federal authorities. Federal agents asked the officers to detain the driver until Border Patrol arrived, according to Venezio.

Border Patrol agents later took the driver into custody.

The Police Department's actions were consistent with department policy, Montana law and standard law enforcement practices, according to Venezio.

"Kalispell Police Department has a responsibility to properly identify individuals involved in investigations, particularly when criminal or civil liability may be involved," he said.

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and [email protected].
Kenya deployed hundreds of additional police officers to relieve law enforcement ending their mission in Haiti on Monday, aiming to maintain pressure on the island's gangs as the country's ongoing political and security crisis continues unabated.

Criminal gangs have long ravaged Haiti, causing strife and instability that has only worsened since early 2024 when they forced then-prime minister Ariel Henry to resign.

The United Nations estimates the armed groups now control 90 percent of the capital Port-au-Prince, where murders, rapes, looting and kidnappings are rampant amid chronic political instability.

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To aid overwhelmed Haitian police, the UN Security Council in 2023 approved sending a multinational security mission to the country led by Kenya.

However, the under-equipped, underfunded team -- which has only about 1,000 of the 2,500 officers it expected -- has fallen short of addressing the colossal challenge.

On Monday, 230 Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti while 100 others ended their mission, a Haitian government source told AFP under condition of anonymity.

At the end of September, the UN Security Council approved development of a more robust anti-gang force in Haiti.

The poorest country in the Americas, Haiti has not held elections in nine years and is currently under a transitional government.

Legislative and presidential elections have been slated for summer 2026.

str-aem/ube/sla/jgc
Kristi Noem squirmed when confronted with reports that her alleged boyfriendand top advisermay cost her her job.

The Homeland Security Secretary nervously laughed off rumors that Donald Trump is considering firing her over her extramarital affair with Corey Lewandowski, which has been dubbed as D.C.s worst-kept secret.

I dont have any indication of that, Noem, 54, said during an event at Tampa International Airport in Florida on Monday.

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The president is fantastic, and Im proud every single day to be able to work for him.

Noem presented over a dozen TSA agents with $10,000 bonus checks on Monday for working without pay during the government shutdown. / Anadolu / Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images

The former South Dakota governor, dubbed ICE Barbie in the administration for her theatrical costumes, swerved follow-up questions about whether she would remain in Trumps cabinet through his entire term. I will serve at the presidents pleasure, which Im very grateful to get to do, she said.

A White House official on Monday told MS Now that Noem is on very thin ice and will likely be replaced early next year. The outlet included testimonies from the White House, a current federal official, and two former Homeland Security officials.

Top Trump adviser Stephen Miller is reportedly spearheading the efforts to oust Noem and Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign manager who was ousted in 2016 after being accused of assaulting a reporter. The 52-year-old political operative is also known as Noems gatekeeper, serving as a special government employee who travels with her, weighs in on personnel matters, and shapes enforcement.

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The officials said Trump may ax Noem in January, when Democrat Abigail Spanberger succeeds Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, whom advisers are now quietly floating as a potential replacement.

Corey Lewandowski and Kristi Noem, who are both married, deny reports they are having an affair with each other. / Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

The new developments came after three former DHS officials told The Bulwark over the weekend that the presidents top advisers are increasingly frustrated with Noems problematicand marriedpartner, and that for that reason alone, she may soon be shown the door.

Things are f--ed, one former official said of the pair. Its horrible, theyre going to destroy this place. Im just hoping the new secretary gets here in time.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson denied such rumors, writing in a statement to the Daily Beast: Everything about this is total Fake News. Secretary Noem is doing a great job implementing the Presidents agenda and making America safe again. MS Now and the Daily Beast continue to beclown themselves by inventing narratives that simply are not true.

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Still, senior administration and DHS officials have previously told the Daily Beast that Noem may indeed be not long for this world, due to her reliance on Lewandowski, who has vexed immigration architects like Miller.

At the same time, the lovebirds have also been under fire for mismanaging funds. In November, it was reported that they ordered 10 Spirit Airlines jets before realizing the planes had no engines.

There have been rumors that Corey Lewandowski and Kristi Noems relationship goes beyond the office. / Andrew Cabello-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Rumors about Lewandowski and Noems alleged affair date back to her time as South Dakota governor. In Axios journalist Alex Isenstadts book Revenge, which chronicled Trumps 2024 campaign, he suggested the alleged affair may have cost Noem a chance at being selected as Trumps running mate. Advisers said they had seen Lewandowski slap Noem on the butt, while Trump himself would refer to her as Lewandowskis girlfriend.

Noem isnt the only one on the chopping block. Trump is under mounting pressure to oust Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after a damning report on the Signalgate scandal reportedly pinned the blame on him for compromising sensitive war plansthe same week Democrats called for war crime charges over a U.S. strike on a Caribbean vessel that left two survivors, only for a second missile to kill them.

Meanwhile, the embattled FBI Director Kash Patel is scrambling to save his career after reports surfaced that he instructed agents to give his girlfriends drunk friend a ride home.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP)  The Forsyth County community is reeling after a stabbing left one student dead and another injured at North Forsyth High School on Tuesday morning.

At 11:04 a.m., a school resource officer called in a request for all hands on deck, Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough said during a Tuesday afternoon news conference. A student had been stabbed and killed during a fight.

The sheriff confirmed that the families of those involved have been notified and that there is no ongoing danger to the community.

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Investigators have not released the name of the student who was killed or the student who was injured.

Photo shows law enforcement on scene at North Forsyth High School on Tuesday morning. (WGHP)

Many parents say the hours following the incident were scary and nerve-wracking.

After the stabbing, one student called her mother and said she was scared when she heard people screaming in the school, said Hilda Foster, the students grandparent.

Thats not something that you want to hear from your child at school, Foster said.

Photos from scene of North Forsyth High School submitted to FOX8. (Courtesy of FOX8 viewer) Photos from scene of North Forsyth High School submitted to FOX8. (Courtesy of FOX8 viewer) Photos from scene of North Forsyth High School submitted to FOX8. (Courtesy of FOX8 viewer) Photos from scene of North Forsyth High School submitted to FOX8. (Courtesy of FOX8 viewer) Photos from scene of North Forsyth High School submitted to FOX8. (Courtesy of FOX8 viewer)

Ebony Berry, a parent, said she also heard from her daughter during the lockdown.

It was scary, Berry said. One thing she did was she reassured me that she was safe. I think the most horrendous part is that the kids are sending around the video of what happened and what occurred, and the trauma that they would continue to feel seeing that video here, and people talk of the incident is just a very, very traumatic situation.

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Winston-Salem Police Chief William Penn asked students and the public not to share videos of the stabbing online.

Please think about the insensitive nature of what youre doing, Penn said. This is not the time to clout chase.

Crystal Hopper says her son, a student at the school, and her husband, who works at the school, were both inside when the stabbing happened. She says her husband called her earlier that morning asking her to pray. She described the fear and uncertainty of waiting for updates, saying it was hard not knowing what was happening or when she would hear from either her son or her husband.

I absolutely think that some therapy sessions are going to need  to be had. More than just a counselor coming in. Theyre all going to need some therapy and some counseling, Hopper said.

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Once the lockdown lifted, school buses brought students from campus to the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum to safely reunite with their parents. As students waited inside the coliseum, parents waited outside in a line that wrapped around the building. Parents were handed reunification forms to complete and had to show photo identification to be reunited with their children.

Families line up at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem to pick up their children after the deadly stabbing at North Forsyth High School on Tuesday. (WGHP)

The hardest part was standing there waiting on him, Hopper said. I just needed to put my eyes on him to make sure that he was OK, because, as kids, they dont process things the same way that we do.  Putting my arms around him made all the difference.

Newly sworn-in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Don Phipps said that NFHS will be closed for students on Wednesday as a result of the deadly altercation. A crisis team will be on the premises.

Today is the worst nightmare of any educator, Phipps said. We hurt when our students hurt, and this is the ultimate hurt that we can possibly feel.

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Many parents also voiced concern about the heartache students are now left with.

Im so sad right now because my son knows who they are, said Tracy Russell, a parent.  Im hurt right now. Im hurt. All I know is that I hope they have  grief counselors there for the rest of the school year for these students.  School  had just started this morning, and these students are going to need a lot of support right now.

Foster urged parents to talk to their children and listen to them, calling for the community to come together.

It was just devastating to have something like this  happen today, Foster said. Its sad that were coming to this. I just hate that this world is this way. I really do. I hope that  well all come together in unity and great faith.

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On Tuesday evening, Kimbrough shared a statement on social media, urging parents to talk to their children and love them. He also asked again for prayers for the community.

All of us are hurting, Kimbrough said. I need your prayers. The school system needs your prayers. The students at  North Forsyth need your prayers. Theres a family whose child would be getting on the bus about now on the way home, but hes not. He lost his life in a stabbing incident at the school.

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines said, On behalf of the City of Winston-Salem, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the North Forsyth High School community during this time of immeasurable loss.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein called the stabbing shocking and horrible and said he is praying for the students and their loved ones.

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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 FOX8 WGHP.
Lawmakers have moved to prevent the Defense Department from privatizing military commissaries as part of Congress proposed compromise defense policy bill.

In the proposed fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act released Sunday night, lawmakers reinforced previous restrictions on privatizing commissaries under law. The proposed legislation includes language stating that DOD may not take any action that conflicts with an existing provision that restricts private companies from managing the commissary system or a commissary store.

Lawmakers actions come in response to an April 7 DOD memorandum that directed all functions that are not inherently governmental to be prioritized for privatization. It specifically cited recreation and retail sales as examples, which would include the Defense Commissary Agencys grocery stores on military installations.

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Its not clear whether the term may not instead of shall not could give DOD leeway to potentially proceed with privatizing commissaries. Both the reinforced current language and the previous provision in law use the term may not.

On Sept. 19, the Defense Commissary Agency issued a request for information, seeking input from the commercial grocery industry on whether they could take over the operation of 178 commissaries across the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. It was not a request for proposals.

The purpose of the RFI, commissary officials stated at the time, was to determine whether commercial grocery operators and investment firms are both interested in and capable of assuming commissary operations, with no government subsidy or with a materially reduced subsidy, while preserving the critical military benefit of a 23.7% average savings for authorized patrons.

The deadline for the RFI was extended to Nov. 5, and the listing is now inactive on the government contracting site.

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Neither Defense Commissary Agency officials nor Defense Department officials would provide any information about the number of companies that responded.

Congress has consistently rejected efforts to privatize commissary operations, out of concern that no private entity can both profitably operate these facilities and deliver the statutory 23.7 % savings required by law, wrote Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., also a member of the HASC, in an Oct. 10 letter to Anthony Tata, under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness. They asked how DOD planned to avoid privatization failures such as those seen with the household goods contract and some companies involved in the privatization of military housing.

Lawmakers have been supportive of commissaries over the last several years, and proposed fully funding DODs request for commissary operations at $1.53 billion for fiscal 2026.

The House is expected to vote on the negotiated version of the defense policy bill this week, and the Senate is expected to vote on it the week of Dec. 15.
This April, the International Diabetes Foundation formally recognised a new category of diabetes  type 5.

An estimated 25 million people are thought to suffer from this little-known condition  a tiny slice of the 830 million people who suffer from more common types of diabetes worldwide  but Im probably one of them.

The condition is uniquely linked to chronic undernutrition and the first clues of its existence came from poverty-stricken Jamaica during the 1960s, but it was only earlier this year that scientists reached international consensus on its classification.

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Type 5 diabetes mostly affects teenagers and young adults who are underweight or experienced severe food insecurity as children. The stress of malnutrition in early life appears to prevent the pancreas from producing enough insulin when they are adults.

Years of undernutrition stunt the growth of the pancreas  the organ responsible for producing insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar  leaving the body unable to produce enough of it, Dr Allan Vaag, Professor of Endocrinology at Lund University in Sweden and an expert on Type 5 told the Telegraph in November. These individuals are often amongst the poorest in the world.

My story could not be more different. I grew up in the UK, with abounding access to food and quality nutrition.

But I was born in the 0.2 weight percentile, meaning I weighed less than 99.8 per cent of other babies, and my weight stayed abnormally low throughout childhood, not to due to food insecurity but a difficult relationship with eating.

There are no hard and fast guidelines for managing atypical diabetes - Simon Townsley

Only at university did my relationship with food start to improve. But as my weight started to climb, I started feeling weak and dizzy whenever I got hungry. My energy levels were zero.

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Aged 23, I was diagnosed with non-specific diabetes. At 68kg, I displayed telling signs of insulin resistance  which is what causes type 2, the kind of diabetes linked to obesity. But I weighed much the same as most of my friends.

I started using finger-prick blood tests to check my blood sugar levels and taking oral medication to even them out. I was told that the main thing I could do to improve my condition was to lose weight  but for me thats a slippery slope that runs the risk of obsession.

What I lacked in those first few months were answers. My endocrinologist  a woman of Indian heritage like me  explained that South Asians are predisposed towards insulin resistance, something which might hail back to periods of feast and famine under colonial rule. She said that my body simply couldnt tolerate the few extra pounds Id put on in adulthood, even if the same weight would cause no problems for other people.

For lack of a better alternative, she referred me to a Type 2 diabetes clinic. But people with Type 2 dont usually get dizzy and faint when hungry. The fact is there are no hard and fast guidelines for managing atypical diabetes.

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Walking into the type 2 clinic for the first time, I was surprised by my own sense of shame. Diabetes bears great stigma, especially the kind that is associated with obesity.

I dont usually bother explaining to friends that I dont have type 2 in any normal sense, nor that my story shows telltale signs of type 5. Most people have never even heard of type 5, including the GP who last conducted my diabetic review.

Early trials suggest that type 5 can be managed by nutritional support, oral medication and low-dose insulin where needed - Simon Townsley

According to Professor Vaag, diabetes is not always as categorical as many clinicians like to think.

Its clear that early childhood malnutrition has profound effects on pancreatic function, he said. But theres not always a simple explanation. We still need to work out how to distinguish type 5 from type 2  or whether it makes more sense to think that some people, perhaps like you, have a mix of the two.

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Theres still no guidance on how people with type 5 diabetes should be treated or any pathway for diagnosis.

Thankfully, the International Diabetes Foundation has recently launched a Working Group to develop a formal diagnostic criteria and therapeutic guidelines for type 5. Early trials suggest that type 5 can be managed by nutritional support, oral medication and low-dose insulin where needed.

I look forward to seeing what the Working Group discovers because managing my own diabetes has largely been a matter of learning from trial and error. Many people with type 5 are currently misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2 patients and put on the wrong support.

In the developing world, preventing type 5 diabetes largely involves addressing the root causes of food poverty. But even in the West, it might be worth flagging to parents of underweight children that their childs risk of developing Type 5 is elevated. If Id known this, perhaps Id have saved myself lots of time wondering why my body was unable to function properly.

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Lebanon police are warning motorists to stay alert with the potential for heavy traffic in the first few days of In-N-Out Burger's anticipated opening of Dec. 10.

In-N-Out has a comprehensive traffic plan that has seen success at other grand openings once vehicles arrive on the property, Lebanon Police Department spokesperson Zach Patton said.

In-N-Out Burger under construction in Lebanon.

Police will have additional resources on standby to assist with areas of congestion that could occur along South Hartmann Drive, according to Patton.

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No parking will be allowed along the shoulders of South Hartmann, Patton said. Motorists who normally travel on South Hartmann to get home should consider an alternate route in case of traffic buildup.

While we hope to see little to no impact on South Hartmann Drive, we understand that an event of this nature will likely result in increased traffic, Patton said. Our main concern is keeping traffic flowing safely on South Hartmann Drive and Franklin Road as well as keeping standstill traffic off I-40."

Lebanon police will have officers on-site at the restaurant at 915 S. Hartmann Drive, just north of Interstate 40, for the opening, mainly for security. Those on-site officers are being funded by In-N-Out, Patton said.

In-N-Out is also planning to open a second restaurant on Dec. 10 in Antioch, at 4130 William Turner Parkway off I-24 in the Century Farms development.

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A Murfreesboro In-N-Out location is planned to open Dec. 12, at 2508 Medical Center Parkway.

More In-N-Out restaurants in Middle Tennessee are in different stages of development.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: In-N-Out Burger to open in Lebanon. What will traffic be llke?
KABUL, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Afghan counter-narcotics police have arrested three individuals on charges of drug smuggling and seized 4 kilograms of hashish in northern Badakhshan province, provincial police spokesman Ehsanullah Kamgar said Tuesday.

The arrests were made during a series of separate operations conducted in the Shuhada district. According to the official, the suspects were found in possession of the contraband and were taken into custody for further investigation.

The latest arrests highlight continued counter-narcotics operations aimed at disrupting trafficking networks and reducing the flow of illegal substances in the region. 
A Greene County educator has been named Pennsylvanias Teacher of the Year.

Madeline Loring is a fourth-grade teacher at Jefferson-Morgan Elementary School in the Jefferson-Morgan School District. She has 13 years of teaching experience, including fourth-grade mathematics, kindergarten, high school learning support and life skills support.

Educators  whether a teacher, a principal, or an administrator  do critical work each and every day to prepare our kids for the future, said Governor Joshn Shapiro. A lot of the time, our teachers dont get the credit or support you deserve despite having our students back every single day. I want Pennsylvanias teachers to know that I have their backs, and will continue to build on the progress weve made together. Im grateful for moments like today where we get to celebrate the work that teachers do every day.

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Loring said she always tries to make sure her students know they are loved and supported.

Education is not a one-size-fits-all, so the needs of our children are very diverse, and I want to make sure that I honor everyones needs, no matter if its an academic need or a personal need. I want them to know that they are loved and supported, Loring said.

As Pennsylvanias Teacher of the Year, Loring will travel the state, meet and collaborate with other educators and represent the Commonwealth in the 2027 National Teacher of the Year competition.

Three other finalists are also from our area: Katherine Blandino-Nienhuis from Pittsburgh Public Schools, Jennifer Nesser from Laurel Highlands and Rebecca Showalter from Mount Lebanon.

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LONE OAK  Lone Oak Middle School has been named a Texas School to Watch, earning a national distinction that recognizes campuses for academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and strong organizational practices.

Principal Tamara Ragsdale said the honor reflects the commitment of the schools staff.

This recognition is a reflection of the incredible dedication, consistency and hard work each staff member puts in every single day, Ragsdale said. We will keep pushing forward and celebrating this success together.

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The designation, announced by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform and the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, places the Lone Oak ISD campus among about 70 middle schools in Texas to receive the honor.

The school will be formally recognized March 1 in Austin during the Making Middle School Matter Symposium hosted by TASSP. A national recognition ceremony will follow June 2527 in Washington at the National Forum Schools to Watch Conference.

State evaluators cited Lone Oak Middle Schools leadership, collaborative teaching staff and commitment to continuous improvement as key factors in its selection. Dr. Joe Coleman, state director for Schools to Watch in Texas, praised the campus for its focus on serving all students.

We congratulate Principal Tamara Ragsdale, her staff, students and parents for being a campus that does great things for all their students, Coleman said. Lone Oak MS is a place that recognizes the importance of meeting the needs of all students and ensures that every child has access to a challenging, high-quality education.

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Schools to Watch designees are selected through a written application and on-site visits that include classroom observations, interviews and reviews of achievement data, suspension rates and student work. Schools retain the designation for three years and must show progress to be re-designated.

The program, launched in 1999, identifies schools nationwide that meet or exceed 37 research-based criteria for middle-grades success. More than 480 schools in 20 states have earned the designation.

Cathy Perry, executive director of the National Forum, said Schools to Watch campuses demonstrate that high academic expectations and equitable student support can coexist.

These schools have proven that it is possible to overcome barriers in achieving excellence, Perry said. We are pleased that our Schools to Watch program has shown that schools can meet high academic expectations while preserving a commitment to healthy development and equity for all students.
Russia's ambassador to North Korea, who spent decades working in the reclusive state and recently oversaw a boom in ties between the two countries, died over the weekend, Moscow said Monday.

North Korea has become one of Russia's closest allies during Moscow's Ukraine offensive, with Pyongyang sending troops and weapons to help fight Kyiv.

Russia's foreign ministry said Alexander Matsegora, who dedicated much of his life to boosting ties between the Kremlin and Pyongyang, died aged 70 on December 6.

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In a statement, it called Matsegora a "brilliant, talented man" who "devoted his entire life to selfless service to his homeland".

Matsegora became ambassador to Pyongyang in 2014, having previously served as advisor at the embassy and as deputy head of the Russian foreign ministry's Asia department.

Under his tenure, relations between the neighbours warmed to levels unseen since the Soviet era. Last year, President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang for the first time in more than two decades.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent condolences to Putin over the ambassador's "sudden demise", state news agency KCNA reported Tuesday.

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Kim said it was a "heartrending event and a great loss" -- especially because it came as bilateral relations were entering a "crucial historic phase", according to the news agency.

North Korea's foreign minister Choe Son Hui also described Matsegora as a "precious comrade" and a "veteran diplomat of versatile talents and close friend of the DPRK people".

During the Soviet period, Matsegora worked on trade ties between the USSR and North Korea.

Moscow did not say who will replace Matsegora.

Since last year's Putin visit, Russian ministers have made regular trips to one of the world's most secretive countries.

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"The unprecedented level of relations between the Russian Federation and the DPRK (North Korea) achieved today is the result of many years of hard work," the Russian ministry said, adding that Matsegora enjoyed "deep respect" in both North Korea and Russia.

Kim Jong Un has been emboldened by Russia's war in Ukraine, securing critical support from Moscow after sending thousands of troops to fight alongside Russian forces.

Analysts say North Korea is receiving financial aid, military technology, food and energy supplies from Russia in return for sending troops.

That has allowed it to sidestep tough international sanctions imposed over its nuclear and missile programmes that were once a crucial bargaining chip for the United States.

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From left, Shelby Somervell, of Greater Louisville Inc., moderates a panel of Republican lawmakers, House Majority Whip Jason Nemes, Sen. Julie Raque Adams, House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy and Senate President Robert Stivers. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)

LOUISVILLE  Republican leaders in the Kentucky legislature say that Medicaid, the state income tax and housing are on their minds as they prepare to gavel in the 2026 session on Jan. 6 and debate the next state budget.

The lawmakers  Senate President Robert Stivers, Sen. Julie Raque Adams, House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy and House Majority Whip Jason Nemes  spoke to a crowd that included many of their legislative colleagues and Louisville business leaders during a Monday panel hosted by Greater Louisville Inc., the local chamber of commerce.

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In the months since the last regular session, lawmakers serving on interim committees and task forces have examined issues and made recommendations. Next month, the Kentucky General Assembly will convene again in regular session in Frankfort.

I think you will see something, if not a lot, from virtually every task force we have had, because thats the purpose, Stivers, of Manchester, said at the beginning of the panel. He added that some interim task forces might be extended to keep working on their issues.

Adams, co-chair of the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board, said it has been reviewing changes required of states by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump earlier this year. The measure is expected to cut federal Medicaid spending by $900 billion over 10 years.

Our objective here is to make sure that the Medicaid program in the state of Kentucky is not only sustainable, but is going to take care of those people who truly need it because it is our moral obligation to make sure that we care for those most vulnerable, said Adams, of Louisville.

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With clear supermajorities in the House and Senate, Kentucky Republicans passed a law at the end of the 2025 legislative session that makes several changes to Medicaid, including a mandated work requirement for Kentuckians between the ages of 18 and 60 who dont have dependents and are physically and mentally able to work. The new federal law also mandates a Medicaid work requirement.

Meanwhile, some lawmakers have been pushing for continuing to lower the state income tax despite not meeting some fiscal benchmarks in the most recent fiscal year. A 2022 Republican-backed law that reduced the individual income tax rate by a half-percentage point also created triggers based on state revenues and the size of the rainy day fund to determine when the state can afford another half-percentage point cut. Republicans goal is to eventually end the states individual income tax altogether.

Adams said Senate Republicans discussed the issue during a recent caucus retreat and said Kentucky didnt miss it by a lot, but it still technically didnt hit the formula.

Our objective is to get to zero, but in the most responsible way possible, she added. And I think that that behooves everybody in this room, every business in this room, that we continue to maintain that responsible course.

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Stivers later said that lawmakers will have more information within the next couple of days once receipts come in for taxes paid in November. Earlier this year, the Beshear administration delayed the filing deadline for 2024 taxes to November following floods and severe storms in the winter and spring.

Nemes, of Louisville, has argued that the delays in tax filing have delayed revenue that the state typically would have collected by now and that the state has met the legislatures requirements for another tax cut.

Im going to advocate to reduce it every chance I possibly can see an opening, but if we dont do that, I do think that being very disciplined in our budgeting is the way forward, Nemes said, who has been one of the most vocal supporters of continuing to lower the income tax.

As for housing needs, Adams said that a one-size-fits-all approach may not work statewide, as Louisville, the states largest city, has different needs than smaller towns. She praised some strategies underway in Louisville, such as a program introduced by Mayor Craig Greenberg for developers to turn vacant downtown office buildings into residential and mixed-use properties.

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Rudy, of Paducah, said that lawmakers will likely look at pushing back against local ordinances they believe inhibit growth, but city and county officials who dont have dumb policies wont have to worry about that.

We typically believe in home rule and dont want to get involved, but sometimes some municipalities in this state kind of cant get out of their own way, so we might get out of their own way, Rudy said, vaguely referring to a city 60 or so miles east of here, seemingly Lexington.

In addition to hosting the Monday panel, Greater Louisville Inc. presented Most Valuable Policymakers to several lawmakers, all of whom were Republicans.

The 2026 Kentucky legislature convenes on Tuesday, Jan. 6. An earlier version of the story had the wrong date.
ZURICH, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The lowering of U.S. tariffs on Switzerland from 39% to 15% will take effect retroactively from November 14, the Swiss government said in a statement on Tuesday.

The United States and Switzerland sealed a preliminary agreement on November 14 under which Washington would cut the tariffs on Swiss goods, while Swiss companies pledged to invest $200 billion in the U.S. by the end of 2028.

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed the duties on Switzerland in August, saying they were justified by the U.S. trade deficit with the Alpine country.

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The tariffs were the highest the Trump administration put on any European country, and stunned the Swiss business community.

"The regulation on import duties for goods from the United States will come into force retroactively on November 14, 2025," the Swiss government said in a statement.

"This provides for the reduction of import duties on goods originating in the United States within the scope of Annexes 1 and 2 of the Regulation," it added.

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger in BerlinWriting by Madeline Chambers and Dave Graham Editing by Kirsti Knolle and Ludwig Burger)
Moments after Luigi Mangione was handcuffed at a Pennsylvania McDonalds, a police officer searching his backpack found a loaded gun magazine wrapped in a pair of underwear.

The discovery, recounted in court Monday as Mangione fights to keep evidence out of his New York murder case, convinced police in Altoona, Pennsylvania, that he was the man wanted in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan five days earlier.

Its him, dude. Its him, 100%, an officer was heard saying on body-worn camera video from Mangiones Dec. 9, 2024 arrest, punctuating the remark with expletives as the officer combing the bag, Christy Wasser, held up the magazine.

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Wasser, a 19-year Altoona police veteran, testified on the fourth day of a pretrial hearing as Mangione sought to bar prosecutors from using the magazine and other evidence against him, including a 9 mm handgun and a notebook found during a subsequent bag search.

The testimony shed light on the critical minutes after Mangione was spotted at the McDonalds and the sometimes unusual steps police officers took in collecting evidence critical to tying him to the crime.

Why the defense says the evidence shouldnt be used at trial

Mangiones lawyers argue the items should be excluded because police didnt have a search warrant and lacked the grounds to justify a warrantless search. Prosecutors contend the search was legal and that police eventually obtained a warrant.

Wasser, testifying in full uniform, said Altoona police protocols require promptly searching a suspects property at the time of an arrest, in part for dangerous items.

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On body-worn camera video played in court, Wasser was heard saying she wanted to check the bag for bombs before removing it from the McDonalds. Despite that concern, she acknowledged in her testimony Monday that police never cleared the restaurant of customers or employees.

Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to state and federal murder charges. He appeared in good health on Monday, pumping his fist for photographers and chatting with his lawyers as testimony resumed.

The hearing, which was postponed Friday because of Mangiones apparent illness, applies only to the state case. His lawyers are making a similar push to exclude the evidence from his federal case, where prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Why prosecutors say jurors should be able to see the evidence

Prosecutors have said the handgun found in the backpack matches the firearm used in the killing and that writings in the notebook showed Mangiones disdain for health insurers and ideas about killing a CEO at an investor conference.

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Thompson, 50, was killed as he walked to a Manhattan hotel for his companys investor conference on Dec. 4, 2024. Surveillance video showed a masked gunman shooting him from behind. Police have said delay, deny and depose were written on the ammunition, mimicking a phrase used to describe how insurers avoid paying claims.

Mangione was arrested in Altoona, about 230 miles (370 kilometers) west of Manhattan, after police there received a 911 call about a McDonalds customer resembling the suspect.

Wasser testified that she went to the McDonalds on her own to assist another officer, Joseph Detwiler. Before that, she said, she had seen some coverage of Thompsons killing on Fox News, including the surveillance video of the shooting and images of the suspected shooter.

Wasser began searching Mangiones bag as officers took him into custody on initial charges of forgery and false identification, after he acknowledged giving them a bogus driving license, police said. The same fake name was used by the alleged gunman used at a Manhattan hostel days before the shooting.

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By then, a handcuffed Mangione had been informed of his right to remain silent  and invoked it  when asked if there was anything in the bag that officers should be concerned about.

Wasser told another officer she wanted to check the bag for a bomb before leaving the McDonalds because she didnt want to repeat an incident in which another Altoona officer had inadvertently brought a bomb to the police station.

What did police find in Mangiones bag?

Did you call the bomb squad? Mangione lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo asked.

No. I didnt find a bomb yet, Wasser responded.

According to body-worn camera video, the first few items Wasser found were innocuous: a hoagie, a loaf of bread and a smaller bag containing a passport, cellphone and computer chip.

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Then she pulled out a gray pair of underwear, unwrapping them to reveal the magazine.

Satisfied there was no bomb, she suspended her search and placed some of the items back in the bag. Some evidence, including Mangiones laptop computer, was transported to the police station in a brown paper McDonalds takeout bag, body-worn camera video showed.

Wasser resumed her search after an 11-minute drive to the police station and almost immediately found the gun and silencer  the latter discovery prompting her to laugh and exclaim nice, according to body-worn camera footage. Wasser said the gun was in a side pocket that she hadnt searched at McDonalds.

Later, while cataloging everything in the bag in whats known as an inventory search, she found the notebook and other notes, including what appeared to to-do lists and possible getaway plans.

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Isnt it awesome? Wasser said at one point during the search, according to the body-worn camera video.

Asked to explain, she told Friedman Agnifilo on Monday that she was proud of her police departments work in helping to capture Thompsons suspected killer.

A Blair County, Pennsylvania, prosecutor testified that a judge later signed off on a search warrant for the bag, a few hours after the searches were completed. The warrant, she said, provided a legal mechanism for Altoona police to turn the evidence over to New York City detectives investigating Thompsons killing.

As he has throughout the case, Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann described Thompsons killing as an execution and referred to his notebook as a manifesto  terms that Mangiones lawyers said were prejudicial and inappropriate.

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Judge Gregory Carro said the wording had no bearing on him, but warned Seidemann that hes certainly not going to do that at trial when jurors are present.

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After decades of political maneuvering through Congress and government agencies, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina may finally achieve federal recognition through the National Defense Authorization Act the House plans to vote on this week.

If the legislation passes, the Senate could vote on final passage as soon as next week.

The Lumbees efforts to gain federal recognition  which would come with federal funding, access to resources like the Indian Health Service and the ability to take land into trust  have been controversial for many years both in Indian Country and in Washington. But their cause has been championed by President Donald Trump, who promised on the campaign trail last year to acknowledge the Lumbee as a tribal nation.

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The issue of federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe has been batted around Congress for more than thirty years. But the political opportunity it represented in the last election could be what pushed it over the finish line, said Kevin Washburn, former assistant secretary of Indian Affairs at the Interior Department and a professor at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

It comes up every four years because North Carolina is a battleground state and the Lumbee represent tens of thousands of people, Washburn said.

The Lumbee Tribe has nearly 60,000 members, and both Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris promised the Lumbee federal recognition during the 2024 campaign. Trump won North Carolina by more than 3 points. Shortly after taking office, Trump issued an executive order directing the Interior Department to create a plan for federal recognition for the Lumbee.

It's the first time either the White House or the candidates for president have been so engaged in a federal recognition case, Washburn said.

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Interior's plan was sent to the White House in April. The administration has denied requests for its release but has said it advised the Lumbee to continue trying to gain federal recognition through Congress.

The Lumbee were recognized by Congress in 1956, but that legislation denied them access to the same federal resources as tribal nations. As a result, their application for recognition was denied for consideration in the 1980s, and the Lumbee Tribe has tried to get Congress to acknowledge them in the decades since. The Office of Federal Acknowledgement is the federal agency that vets applications, although dozens of tribes have also gained recognition through legislation.

Only Congress can for all time and for all purposes resolve this uncertainty, Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery testified last month before the Senate Committee for Indian Affairs. It is long past time to rectify the injustice it has inflicted on our tribe and our people.

But others, including several tribal leaders, argue that the Lumbee's historic claims have shifted many times over the last century and that they have never been able to prove they descend from a tribal nation.

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A national defense bill is not the appropriate place to consider federal recognition, particularly for a group that has not met the historical and legal standards required of sovereign tribal nations, said Michell Hicks, chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The National Defense Authorization Act is usually a bipartisan bill that lays out the nations defense policies. But this year the vote has taken on a new political dynamic as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces mounting scrutiny over military strikes on boats off Venezuelas coast.

__

The story corrects the name of the Eastern Band chief to Michell Hicks, not Michelle.
Maricopa County authorities say they arrested and booked a man for making a terrorist threat against a government facility, a class three felony under Arizona law.

The county is giving few details about "threatening communication" sent to Arizona@Work.

Officials with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Department say that at approximately 9 p.m. on Dec. 5, they arrested a 49-year-old man named Daniel White at a residence in Phoenix. He admitted to sending "threatening communication" to Arizona@Work, which is a facility operated by Maricopa County Human Services.

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White's arrest occurred following a report of a potential threat to an Arizona@Work office, sheriff's officials said in a Dec. 6 news release. Sheriff's department officials on Dec. 8 did not immediately respond to follow-up questions about White, nor about the nature of the threats to Arizona@Work.

A spokesperson for Maricopa County emailed a statement that revealed nothing about the nature of the threat.

"Maricopa County will always prioritize the safety of our employees. We appreciate the swift and professional response from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and our Security Services staff," the statement from Jason Berry said.

Berry directed The Arizona Republic to the sheriff's department for more details about the investigation.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man arrested after terrorist threat against Arizona@Work
Saint Cloud Police are looking for the publics help to solve a hit-and-run that killed a 48-year-old e-scooter rider.

Police said Angel Sanchez, was riding his e-scooter on Old Canoe Creek Road north of Clay Whaley Road around 6 p.m. Saturday night, when multiple cars hit Sanchez without stopping.

According to the family Go-fund-me, Sanchez was travelling from his mothers home to his house just 15-minutes away when he was struck.

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Police said, an off-duty Orange County deputy attempted to render aid at the scene, but Sanchez died from his injuries.

We do have a grieving family thats looking for answers, said St. Cloud Police Chief Doug Goerke,We really just want to try to fill in the pieces and explain what happened here.

Police are still investigating whether Sanchez was in the road, sidewalk, or bike lane when he was killed, which is why they are asking anyone who might have seen Sanchez riding his e-scooter that day to contact them.

Sanchez son told Channel 9 his father was loved by many and prided himself on being the best possible father to his children.

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A friend of Sanchez described him as a proud new grandpa who loved showing off photos of his grandson, writing, He will never be forgotten. We will remember him for his kindness and sensibilities. Hope we can find the one responsible for this tragedy.

Saint Cloud Police urge anyone with information about the crash to contact them at 407-891-6700 or remain anonymous by calling Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

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A man who says he's making dangerous crosswalks safer by painting them was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department and cited for vandalism in Westwood Sunday afternoon.

"We want to make a change! I am so sick of walking around with my dog and having close calls, feeling like you enter the street, you enter the void."

Jonathan Hale said he's been painting code-compliant, but unpermitted crosswalks along with his team of volunteers with @PeoplesVisionZero to protest for safer streets and a better government.

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The city says the paint is vandalism.

"We had painted these two legs when the police cruiser arrived, made us stop working," Hale said.

The officer in a video of the arrest posted to Hale's Instagram can be heard saying that painting the crosswalks was considered "vandalizing city property without a permit."

Freshly painted, bright white zebra crosswalks that abruptly stop with a filled outline at the fairly steady, residential intersection of Kelton and Wilkins avenues in Westwood.

"When you see that.. definitely when driving. On a bike, as a pedestrian, it just feels like a safe place to cross," said Brigid Bell.

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"It is the state of the rolling stop, and you see that at this crosswalk quite a bit," said Abby, a Westwood pedestrian.

Which is why Hale and the People's Vision Zero picked it from a long list of targets on their to-do list.

He said they've "been working off areas where pedestrians have been hit or injured or killed in the past 10 years," since 2015, the year L.A. committed to zero traffic deaths by 2025.

Instead, they've nearly doubled.

Hale, an avid city cyclist, has personally painted 14 crosswalks since May, including one at the intersection of South New Hampshire Avenue and 4th Street where a 9-year-old boy was hit and killed.

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"I think we want a city that responds to the needs of its people in that sense and prioritizes these things as the way forward," said Hale. "I don't feel L.A. is doing that effectively."

Mayor Bass' office rescinded with a statement that said in part, "Despite communication about City, State, and Federal laws and parameters, Jonathan has chosen to continue to pursue his own course of action. Our office called him again today to offer to work together."

Now with a $250 citation, Hale is prepared to try again to work with the city, and keep up the paint protest/

"That's civil disobedience. You do the thing, you protest the laws you want to change and then you accept the consequences."

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Hale said he plans to show up to his Jan. 5 court date for the vandalism citation. He also confirmed he received a call from the mayor's office and talked to her team.

He added that he is hopeful they can continue to expedite some of the crosswalk projects together across the city.


ISLAMABAD, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan received 3.2 billion U.S. dollars in workers' remittances in November, up nearly 9.4 percent year-on-year, the State Bank of Pakistan said on Tuesday.

According to the central bank, the inflows were higher than the 2.9 billion dollars recorded in November last year. On a monthly basis, remittances declined 7 percent from October's 3.4 billion dollars.

During the first five months of the current fiscal year, remittance inflows totaled 16.1 billion dollars, marking a 9.3 percent increase compared to 14.8 billion dollars in the same period of FY25.

Saudi Arabia remained the largest source of remittances in November with 753 million dollars, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 675 million dollars and Britain with 481 million dollars. Inflows from European Union countries rose 29 percent year-on-year to 417 million dollars, while the United States contributed 277 million dollars.

Remittances remain an important source of external financing for Pakistan, helping support the country's balance of payments. 
Mayor Brandon Johnson offered a significant change to his controversial corporate head tax on Monday to try and secure the additional votes that would be needed to pass his budget plan.

But it may backfire on him as Chicago City Council opponents dig in and prepare to present their alternative budget as soon as Wednesday.

The mayor's new proposal would tax Chicago companies with more than 500 employees at $33 per employee per month. The original plan impacted companies with more than 100 employees, charging $21 per employee per month.

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The mayor says his community safety surcharge would only impact about 175 of the largest corporations in the city.

"The community safety surcharge would account for roughly .0008% of their annual revenue. That's less than 1,000th of a percent," Johnson said.

And while the new plan might protect small to mid-size companies from the pain, opponents say, philosophically, it is bad for business, and it will not change their minds.

Ald. Pat Dowell, the influential chair of the finance committee, remains staunchly opposed.

"I think this the current proposal is making a bad policy even worse," Dowell said.

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SEE ALSO | Chicago budget discussions reach stalemate, raising possibility of 1st-ever city government shutdown

Ald. Brendan Reilly represents the city's 42nd Ward.

"All these small inputs, like a head tax determine whether or not a big employer moves to a city like Chicago, and this is simply another symbol of why you shouldn't come here. And I think it's a big, big mistake," Reilly said.

But the mayor is counting on big companies being willing to pay the price and stay in Chicago even if they oppose the head tax.

"These huge corporations are not going to make a financial decision based upon what essentially could be a rounding error," Johnson said.

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But it is the decisions of a majority of council members that the mayor needs to focus on first, with 27 now supporting an alternative budget.

"If it's prepared and ready to go tomorrow, we'll introduce it tomorrow, and if not, we'll introduce it later," said 39th Ward Ald. Samantha Nugent.

The mayor seems confident that his plan will get passed.

"Now, in terms of when we actually put it up on the board, we'll talk with our IGA team. I'm ready to go now, right? I mean that I believe that the budget that I presented was ready to go," Johnson said.

So, it is possible that the alderpersons or even the mayor could introduce a budget plan Wednesday, though that seems unlikely at this point. What it will come down to is which side believes they have the 26 votes needed to pass the budget, which has to be done by the end of the year.
US based Medical Solutions has become a corporate associate member of the Hospital Council  Northern & Central California and the Hospital Association of San Diego & Imperial Counties (HASD&IC), aiming to advance California hospital workforce.

Through these memberships, Medical Solutions will collaborate with hospitals to support team development and address workforce needs.

The Hospital Council brings together 197 hospitals and health systems across 50 counties, from the Oregon border to Kern County, supporting joint efforts to strengthen community health and enhance patient care access.

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HASD&IC includes 38 hospitals and health systems in San Diego and Imperial counties. It claims to advocate for delivery of timely, and suitable healthcare and helps shape policy and systems to benefit community health.

With more than 20 years of experience and a network of around one million clinicians, Medical Solutions works with hospitals across the country to tackle employee shortages using data-driven strategies and adaptive technology.

These partnerships assist healthcare systems in maintaining care standards for their communities, managing expenses, and filling workforce gaps, stated Medical Solutions.

Medical Solutions channel partner Jon Borton said: Were proud to be members of the Hospital Council and HASD&IC. Hospitals have been navigating some of the most challenging labour conditions in decades. Our services can offer relief from some of that pressure and provide workforce solutions that make care delivery more sustainable for the long term.

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Through these new memberships, we hope to work side by side with hospital teams to share ideas, build stronger workforces, and keep their focus on what matters most  caring for patients.

Medical Solutions provides advisory services, workforce solutions, recruiting, staffing, and technology for healthcare systems.

Its expertise includes internal resource pools, managed services, domestic and international direct hire, and contingent staffing. It helps healthcare systems to prepare for future workforce needs, optimise labour costs, and improve patient care.

"Medical Solutions announces partnerships to advance California hospital workforce" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.








A familiar face on ABC 13 Houston's weather team is signing off. After seven years at the station, meteorologist Rachel Briers announced Monday that she's leaving TV news to become a stay-at-home mom.

"I've made lifelong friends here, and I'm endlessly thankful," Briers wrote on social media, adding that Houston has given her "an incredible community." She thanked viewers for welcoming her so warmly and trusting her to bring them the weather every day.

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Briers made clear she's not stepping away from weather entirely. "Don't worry-my weather journey isn't ending!" she said. And, she teased, "You might even see me out storm chasing before long!"

"Thank you all so much for inviting me into your homes," she wrote. She hopes to continue being a source of reliable weather information-"and maybe a smile"-while she enjoys "much needed hugs and time" with her two daughters. She encouraged Houstonians to stop and say hello if they see her out and about.

Briers' last day at ABC 13 is Tuesday, according to local media blogger Mike McGuff. She joined the station in December 2018 and leaves as a three-time Emmy Award winner. During her years forecasting Houston weather, she also welcomed her two daughters.

Before ABC 13, Briers worked for NewsWest 9 KWES in Midland-Odessa and KLBK in Lubbock. The Plano native graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in atmospheric sciences and interned at WFAA in DallasFort Worth and KBTX in Bryan-College Station.

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Her departure comes during a period of transition for ABC 13. Longtime anchor Melanie Lawson will retire in January after 43 years on the air, and reporter Shannon Ryan left the station last month after 2.5 years to become a Washington, D.C.-based correspondent for Spectrum News.

More News

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This article originally published at Meteorologist Rachel Briers announces departure from ABC 13 Houston.
Children across Australia woke up on Wednesday with no access to their social media accounts under a world-first ban designed to shelter those under 16 from addictive algorithms, online predators, and digital bullies.

No other nation has taken such sweeping measures, and the rollout of the tough new law is being closely watched by legislators around the globe.

The 10 banned platforms  Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Kick, Reddit, Twitch and X  say theyll comply with the ban, using age verification technology to identify under-16s and suspend their accounts, but they dont believe itll make children safer.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was a proud day for Australia.

This is the day when Australian families are taking back power from these big tech companies. They are asserting the right of kids to be kids and for parents to have greater peace of mind, Albanese told the public broadcaster ABC Wednesday. But he conceded it wont be simple.

Under the law, platforms need to show theyve taken reasonable steps to deactivate accounts used by under-16s, and to prevent new accounts being opened, to avoid fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32 million).

Some children  and their parents  are expected to flout the ban, but there are no consequences for either.

What the platforms are doing

Snapchat users will have their accounts suspended for three years or until they turn 16.

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YouTube account holders will be automatically signed out on December 10. Their channels will no longer be visible; however, their data will be saved so they can reactivate their accounts when they turn 16. Children will still be able to watch YouTube without logging in.

TikTok says all accounts used by under-16s will be deactivated on December 10. It says it doesnt matter which email is used or whose name is on the account  its age verification technology will determine whos using it. Content previously posted by young users will no longer be viewable. The platforms also encouraging parents who believe their children may have lied about their age when opening accounts to report them.

Twitch says no under-16s in Australia will be allowed to create new accounts on the live streaming site popular with gamers from December 10, but current accounts held by under-16s will not be deactivated until January 9. The company did not respond to a request to explain the delay.

Meta started removing accounts belonging to teens under 16 on Instagram, Facebook and Threads on December 4. Users were invited to download their content, and itll be there should they want to reactivate their account when they turn 16.

Facebook and Instagram alerts are displayed on a mobile phone as Meta prepares for a new law banning social media for users under 16 in Australia, on December 6, 2025. - Hollie Adams/Reuters

Reddit said it would suspend the accounts of users under 16, and prevent any new ones being opened.

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X has not replied to queries about how itll comply with the ban but fiercely objects to the legislation as an infringement of free speech.

Kick, a live streaming service similar to Twitch, has not responded to a request for comment.

Which platforms arent included?

Along with the list of banned sites is a list of platforms that arent considered part of the ban  yet. They are Discord, GitHub, Google Classroom, LEGO Play, Messenger, Pinterest, Roblox, Steam and Steam Chat, WhatsApp and YouTube Kids.

The decision to omit Roblox was seen by many Australians as a puzzling choice, given recent reports alleging children have been targeted by adult predators inside its games.

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eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has said that talks with Roblox began in June and it agreed to introduce new controls which are being rolled out this month in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, and elsewhere in January.

Users will need to verify their age to enable chat functions, and theyll only be able to chat with someone of a similar age.

How are platforms identifying under-16 accounts?

Banned platforms already had a good idea who was using their service from the date of birth users entered when they opened an account, but the new law requires them to actively verify their ages.

Thats raised objections from some adult users who are concerned that theyll be asked to verify their age. The Age Assurance Technology Trial carried out early this year convinced the government that age checks could be done without compromising privacy.

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Platforms are checking ages via live video selfies, email addresses or official documents. According to Yoti, an age verification company whose clients include Meta, most users choose a video selfie which uses facial data points to estimate age.

How are kids responding?

Some are looking for alternative platforms that offer similar services that arent banned.

Yope, a photo-sharing platform, said it had attracted 100,000 new Australian users by word of mouth as the impending ban loomed. Lemon8, a TikTok-like platform also owned by ByteDance, has also been promoted among teens as a back-up.

Both platforms were put on notice by the eSafety Commissioner. Lemon8 says itll comply with Australias new laws, while Yope told CNN the ban doesnt apply to it because it doesnt allow messaging with strangers.

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The eSafety commissioner says the list of banned sites is evolving, and new sites could be added as they gain popularity or offer new services.

The fluid nature of the list, and the incentive for other operators to cater to millions of teens looking for alternatives, has prompted criticism that the government has created a game of whack-a-mole that it will arguably never win.

Youth counsellors and support groups are worried that children who rely on social media for inclusion will end up in unregulated digital spaces, where there are even fewer safeguards, and are watching to see where they go.

What happens next?

Part of the motivation for the ban was to get children offline and more engaged with the real world, and that is something officials plan to measure.

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Well be looking at everything from are kids sleeping more, are they interacting more? Are they taking fewer antidepressants? Are they reading more books? Are they going outside doing sports? eSafety Commissioner Inman Grant told the Sydney Dialogue last week.

But she said theyll also be monitoring the unintended consequences.

Are they going to darker areas of the web, and what is the outcome?

Six experts from Stanford Universitys Social Media Lab will work with the eSafety Commissioner to gather the data, and the whole process will be reviewed by an independent Academic Advisory Group of 11 academics from the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

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Stanford University said its approach, methods and findings will be published for scrutiny by researchers, the public and policymakers worldwide.

We are hopeful that the evidence generated can directly support and inform decision-making by other countries as they seek to promote the online safety of children in their jurisdictions, the university said in a statement.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Milwaukee County and its food pantry partners have allocated $150,000 in contingency funds toward emergency food assistance after a surge of demand in recent months.

The County Board of Supervisors approved those contingency funds on Nov. 6 to fill some of the gaps left by the lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments, known as FoodShare in Wisconsin, during the federal government shutdown.

Since then, the county contingency funds have been allocated to 13 local food pantries, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said at a Dec. 9 press event held at the Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Building.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowleyl, (center) helps bag meals with volunteers on Dec. 9, 2025, in Milwaukee, at the Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Building.

Since the federal government has reopened and federal food assistance has been restored, the contingency funds have been supplementing and stretching federal FoodShare dollars further.

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But even as local officials have stepped up to address the problem, hunger remains a major issue across the county, Crowley and representatives of the 13 food assistance groups said at the event.

Even before federal emergency food assistance was delayed in November, the vast majority of food pantries in the county were reporting a spike in demand and were running low on food, said Matt Stienstra, of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.

Just within the county, 1 in 4 children experience hunger, and 230,000 residents rely on FoodShare, according to Milwaukee County data.

Here's how local agencies and food pantries are utilizing food assistance funding to support county residents in need.

When the shutdown took place, city and county leaders faced a food assistance crisis, Crowley said. The average monthly amount spent on FoodShare in Milwaukee County is about $45 million.

Volunteers bag meals on Dec. 9, 2025, in Milwaukee, at the Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Building.

The two local government entities partnered to lead a food drive that gathered more than $93,000 in monetary donations and more than 9,000 pounds of food, Crowley said. These contributions equated to more than 273,000 meals

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Simultaneously, the County Board of Supervisors' $150,000 in contingency funds also helped support 13 food pantries, as allocated by the Department of Health and Human Services: Nourish MKE, Feeding America, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, Inpower, Dawah Center, St. Vincent De Paul, Bayview Community Center, Kinship, Dream Team, Jewish Community Center, Hunger Task Force, Kozy Community Center and the King Center.

On Dec. 10, some of those funds will be leveraged at a Nourish MKE distribution event, where visitors may receive pre-packed bags with food for two recipes to make at home, said Valerie MacMillian, executive director of Nourish MKE.

County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell, who authored the contingency funds resolution, said this issue is deeply personal for her and her community.

County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell, center, helps bag meals with Delores Omole, left, and Crystal West, who were among the volunteers on Dec. 9, 2025, in Milwaukee, at the Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Building. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley also give an update on the $150,000 appropriation transfer from the countys contingency fund to the Department of Health and Human Services that is providing supplemental food assistance for residents affected by the recent government shutdown and ongoing food insecurity challenges.

"I know what it means when a neighborhood loses a grocery store," she said. "I know the stress families feel when they have to travel across town for basic necessities, and I know that when we uplift the communities most impacted, we uplift the county as a whole."

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More: The People's Pantry opens in Metcalfe Park, offering critical food relief

During her comments, she also noted the Board of Supervisors' approval of a resolution declaring food apartheid a public health emergency in the county on Nov. 6. That action demonstrates that food insecurity issue is much broader than just a lack of food, she said.

"It's about inequity. It's about decades of disinvestment policy decisions and systemic barriers that restrict access to fresh and healthy food."

In March of 2026, the Board of Supervisors will receive a report outlining strategies to address food insecurity across the entire county.

Food pantries have been seeing a surge of people seeking emergency food assistance, even before the federal SNAP delay

Representatives of organizations present at the Dec. 9 event all said they've seen the number of people seeking food assistance surge in recent weeks.

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Matt King, chief executive cirector of the Hunger Task Force, said that during the SNAP delay, the organization's numbers doubled, and requests for emergency orders from its 70 local partners also increased significantly.

As a result, the task force invested $700,000 in community donations to ensure those partners were stocked with enough food.

Stienstra said Feeding America has connected pantries with more food than ever before lately, but it's still not enough to meet the demand it has seen. Before SNAP benefits were delayed, 80% of the 134 food pantries the organization serves were already experiencing increased demand.

On the morning of Dec. 9, one of those food pantries said their numbers had doubled again, as more people from new ZIP codes are seeking food assistance within the county

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Peggy West, of the St. Vincent de Paul Meal Program, said volunteers and staff have been working tirelessly every day to make sure their neighbors have food.

And the fight isn't over. The high cost of living continues to strain local families, King said.

Stienstra said, "It's ridiculous to think that, even despite everything that we've done, that we've solved hunger right now."

The federal shutdown was a pivotal moment for Crowley, he said.

"Critical programs like SNAP are extremely vulnerable to the actions and inactions of leaders in Washington, D.C. So we have to ask ourselves, will SNAP run out again if the government shuts down? Will families and children miss a meal because of decisions made in our nation's capital? Will hunger once again be used as a political weapon?"

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Local officials shouldn't wait to see what happens. Instead, they should work together to strengthen the safety net that supports working families, he said.

He and other speakers reminded residents there is still a significant need for monetary donations, non-perishable food donations and volunteers at local food organizations.

MacMillian said, "Every box you move, every donation you make, every small action that you take, has a ripple effect."

Contact Claudia Levens at clevens@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @levensc13.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee County allocates $150K to meet surging food pantry demand
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has questioned whether businesses can afford the current minimum wage and suggested that it should not increase further.

In an interview with the BBC, Badenoch said she had increased the minimum wage when she was in government, but "a lot of businesses" had then told her that, as a result, they had had to lose staff.

She added: "I don't think we should be raising it any more for example, we've seen that too many businesses can't pay for it."

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the minimum wage would rise 4.1% to 12.71 an hour for workers aged over 21 from April in her Budget last month.

The National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds will also increase by 8.5% to 10.85 per hour, and the rate for 16 and 17-year-olds as well as those on apprenticeships, will increase by 6% to 8 per hour.

Asked if she believed the rates were now too high, Badenoch said: "When I was business secretary I raised the minimum wage and a lot of businesses told me that yes, you've raised it but we can't afford it and we've got to let go of staff."

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Questioned whether that meant businesses had been right and she had been wrong, Badenoch replied: "We need to listen to what businesses are saying. It's not government ministers that create jobs, it's business that creates jobs.

"We need to make sure that we set the minimum wage at a good level but we also need to make sure that their other burdens, their business rates, their corporation taxes, all of the things they do - the endless regulation, the employment rights bill: they're just sick and tired of so much happening.

"Let's lighten that burden."

Pressed on whether the minimum wage is currently at the right level, Badenoch said that the government had set it at the rate the Low Pay Commission had said, but businesses needed to be consulted.

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"I don't think that we should be raising it any more for example, we've seen that too many businesses can't pay for it.

"You can make the minimum wage 1,000 per hour, if businesses can't pay it none of us are going to have a job."

Asked if she therefore believed that there should be no further increases in the minimum wage, Badenoch said: "Stop government intervention. The government mandating minimum wage increases is not creating jobs. The jobs are disappearing. So that's clearly not the problem."

In a speech titled Getting Britain Working, Badenoch said Labour had got the balance between welfare and business wrong, and had tipped things too far against workers.

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Badenoch talked about visiting a cafe owner called Ruth, who burst into tears over how hard it was to run her business when costs for staff and taxes kept going up.

"What last month's budget shows us is that Labour has given up on working people like Ruth," she said.

"While she was struggling millions of people who refuse to work are going to be rewarded.

"We're paying more than the entire population of Norway to sit at home...this is economic suicide."

[BBC]

The Tory leader said the party would carry out a "full review" of which conditions qualify a person for welfare support, saying the system was currently not designed to handle "the age of diagnosis which we now live in", where she said "one in four people class themselves as disabled".

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Badenoch claimed there were "a lot of people not taking jobs because they think those jobs are beneath them" and questioned whether "mild" conditions, which she specified as including anxiety and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) should be counted as disabilities at all.

"Being diagnosed with anxiety can be worth more than 20,000 to some families," she said, adding that "sick-fluencers" were teaching people how to "game the system" on social media platforms.

Sir Keir Starmer was forced to abandon welfare cuts planned earlier this year in the face of a major backbench rebellion, though the government is carrying out its own review and has insisted it will press on with reforms to the system.

Responding to Badenoch, Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden said Labour was firmly "on the side of working people" by boosting workers' rights, increasing pay for the lowest earners, and cutting energy bills.

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"The Tories have declared war on workers," she said.

"Kemi Badenoch already described maternity pay as 'excessive' and her cruel plans to slash employment rights would mean a return of fire-and-rehire and quashed wages for workers."

Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, who is the chair of the health and care select committee, said there was "a mental health epidemic" and people were being turned away from mental health services too often.

"I really worry about this rhetoric that people with mental illness are somehow making it up or in some way need pushing to get better," she said.

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"They know full well that if they got a job they would feel better about life - it's quite often the lack of a job that is causing the anxiety and depression - but the answer to that is not to pull out the rug from under them."

[BBC]

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In July 2019, Minnesota state officials spotted early signs of fraud that would eventually siphon away more than $1 billion in taxpayer money, but they quickly faced pressure from leaders of the charitable group Feeding Our Future to stop asking questions, according to multiple former employees at the Minnesota Department of Education.

The scandal, which has already led to 61 convictions, has widely been viewed as a byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic. At one point, then-Attorney General Merrick Garland called it "the largest pandemic relief fraud scheme" in the United States.

Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick said those convicted "took advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to carry out a massive fraud scheme that stole money meant to feed children."

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But state officials say the schemes aimed at diverting federal dollars meant for people who are poor, food insecure or disabled, actually started far sooner, months after Minnesota's Democratic Gov. Tim Walz took office in 2019. In its early stages, members of the charitable group Feeding Our Future billed the state for some $3.4 million.

By 2021, however, that number ballooned. Before it was finally halted, Feeding Our Future had falsely claimed to have served 91 million meals, for which the group received nearly $250 million in federal funds, according to federal prosecutors. That money did not go to feed kids, federal officials said. Instead it was used to fund lavish lifestyles.

Investigators say the money came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with oversight from state governments. In Minnesota, those funds were administered by the state Department of Education, with meals historically provided to kids through schools and day care centers.

In recent weeks, renewed attention to the scandal has focused on the state's failure to identify and halt the theft before it spun out of control. Conservative politicians and bloggers have alleged the state's liberal establishment was cowed into inaction by intimidation from Feeding Our Future, which contracted within the state's large Somali community  because the food charity sought to paint early scrutiny of the nonprofit as racism.

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Well before the pandemic, state officials told CBS News that they began experiencing tension with the woman later convicted of masterminding the fraud, Aimee Bock. They began documenting her "concerning behavior." One former employee told CBS News that Bock almost immediately began pressuring state workers who might have had follow up questions or concerns before processing reimbursements.

Within weeks of Feeding Our Future's first submissions to the state, Minnesota workers also recognized that the charity was claiming to serve meals in numbers that were "not consistent" and "not realistic," one official told CBS News.

Then the pandemic took hold. The officials told CBS News the scheme rapidly accelerated. Safeguards fell away  removed intentionally to insure residents in need did not go hungry.

But as state workers asked more questions  and even stopped payment on some receipts  Feeding Our Future ratcheted up pressure in response. In 2020, the charitable group filed a lawsuit alleging the state had "harmed Feeding Our Future by subjecting it to additional procedural hurdles in violation of federal regulations."

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The state "intentionally and wrongfully refuse[d] to do business with Feeding Our Future and the community it serves by discriminating  because of Feeding Our Future's race, national origin, color, and religion."

A judge dismissed the civil case after the FBI executed search warrants on Feeding Our Future and made public its investigation in January 2022.

The entire episode played out in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, as racial tensions ran high.

Seven months later, federal prosecutors first announced criminal charges against 47 people in the Feeding Our Future scandal. The number charged grew to 78 in total, and 59 have since been convicted, including Bock, who is awaiting sentencing.

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Reached by phone on Thursday, Bock's attorney Kenneth Udoibok said his client plans to appeal her conviction. He denied Bock exerted pressure on state officials so they would not properly scrutinize meal claims.

"That doesn't meet the smell test," Udoibok said. "A government agency with all its resources, and its reputation is afraid of Amy? That is just rich. It's a lie."

Udoibok said the state Department of Education employees leveling the accusation weren't acknowledging their own role in the massive fraud.

"No one in the state of Minnesota, no one in the Department of Education has taken any responsibility for this fraud that they allowed to go through," he said

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While Bock, who is White, was described by investigators as the mastermind, most of the other defendants and alleged co-conspirators are Somalis, provoking fresh attacks from the Trump administration against the state's large Somali community.

In recent days, President Trump has claimed Somali migrants "ripped off" Minnesota and has referred to the state as a "hellhole." He has called people from Somalia "garbage" who "contribute nothing" and said: "I don't want them in our country, I'll be honest with you." This week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement began enhanced operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, home to a large population of Somalis.

Walz on Thursday said Mr. Trump's comments are "unprecedented for a United States president," and he denounced Trump's barrage of anti-Somali statements as "vile, racist lies and slander towards our fellow Minnesotans."

Walz said on "Meet the Press" last weekend that the fraud cases are "totally disconnected" from the broader Somali community. "To demonize an entire community on the actions of a few, it's lazy," he said.

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House Republicans on Wednesday launched an investigation into the governor's handling of the fraud cases. Walz has long been criticized for being slow to act, but he has said his administration caught the fraud early and reported it first to the USDA, and then to the FBI.

Prosecutors have charged nearly a dozen others in cases involving other alleged COVID-related fraud in Minnesota. The schemes are alleged to have operated similarly to the original one focused on nutrition funds, but these involve housing assistance and behavioral health services.

Prosecutors in all those cases have charged an additional eight people, most of whom are Somali, bringing the total number charged to 87, with 61 convictions. Sources at the U.S. attorneys office tell CBS News the investigations are ongoing in all of the fraud cases, including Feeding Our Future, with the total amount of stolen money reaching more than $1 billion.

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The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death for former U.S. Sen Mitt Romney's late sister-in-law, Carrie Elizabeth Romney

Carrie died on Oct. 10 after she fell from a parking garage in California

Mitt said in a statement at the time that his family was "heartbroken" by her death

A cause of death has been determined for Carrie Elizabeth Romney, the sister-in-law of former U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner (DME) said on Tuesday, Dec. 9, that they determined Carrie had died as a result of blunt traumatic injuries. She was injured after falling from the roof of a parking garage in Valencia, Calif., on Oct. 10. The DME also noted that Carrie's death was a suicide. She was 64 years old.

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A rep for Mitt, 78, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

A Los Angeles County Sheriffs representative previously told PEOPLE that law enforcement responded to a call at about 8:30 p.m. PT on the night of Carrie's death and arrived at a Valencia parking garage located at the 24500 block of Town Center Drive, where they identified her body.

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs representative told PEOPLE that a woman had jumped or fallen from the parking garage, which is five stories and near a Hyatt Regency hotel, as reported by NBC Los Angeles.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE shortly after Carrie's death, Mitt said, "Our family is heartbroken by the loss of Carrie, who brought warmth and love to all our lives. We ask for privacy during this difficult time."



Bill Pugliano/Getty Images Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign stop at Lansing Community College May 8, 2012 in Lansing, Michigan Mitt Romney speaks during a campaign stop at Lansing Community College May 8, 2012 in Lansing, Michigan

Months before Carrie's death, her husband George "Scott" Romney  Mitt's older brother  filed for divorce, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

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The filing showed that Scott, 84, filed on June 10 to divorce Carrie, who was his third wife. The filing cited May 25 as the couple's date of separation and named "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their split.

In his filing, Scott asked the judge to eliminate potential spousal support for both himself and Carrie during divorce proceedings or at any point in the future. He noted, "most of the assets and debts of the parties are separate property and were accumulated before marriage.

Carrie indicated to the court that she would no longer use the Romney surname after the divorce. Paulina Markey, Carrie's attorney, confirmed to PEOPLE that the divorce was not finalized at the time of Carrie's death.

She said in a statement, "This is an immensely difficult time for Ms. Romneys loved ones, and the family has requested privacy as they grieve. We extend our deepest condolences to them during this time."

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Scott's attorney, Karen L. Goldman, previously told PEOPLE when reached for comment, "My client has not authorized me to make any comments to media during this difficult and tragic time."

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Scott and Carrie wed on Nov. 16, 2016, and had no children together. Scott was married to his first wife, Ronna Romney, from 1967 to 1992, and was with his second wife, Sheri Jelalian, from 2011 to 2016.

Scott is a father to seven children from his previous marriages. One of his children is former Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

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More parents are refusing a shot typically given at birth to reduce the risk of infant bleeding, a study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found.

An injection of vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting, within six hours of birth has been a standard practice in the U.S. since 1961.

Since babies are born with low levels of the vitamin, they are more prone to serious bleeding, especially in the brain and gastrointestinal tract, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

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Since implementing widespread use of the shot, the U.S. has seen a significant decrease in infant bleeds caused by vitamin K deficiency, according to the CDC. Increased hesitancy around vaccination, however, has led to an increasing number of parents opting out, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased public skepticism of pediatric preventive care that followed.

The latest study, "Trends in Vitamin K Administration Among Infants," was published in JAMA on Dec. 8. Using electronic medical record data, the study's authors reviewed more than 5 million births at over 40 hospitals across all 50 states between 2017 and 2024. The number of infants who did not receive the shot at birth rose from 2.92% in 2017 to 5.18% in 2024, according to the report. The largest acceleration occurred after 2020.

Parents refusing the shot often expressed concerns about injection pain, potential adverse effects and doubts that it's necessary, said the study. However, changes to acceptance rates began in 2019, the study noted, meaning COVID-19-related medical skepticism has not been the sole source of changing attitudes.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) questions Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, as he testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) (R) and Ranking Member Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) preside over a hearing with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on September 4, 2025 in Washington, DC. The committee met to hear testimony on President Trump's 2026 health care agenda. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) questions Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. during a Senate Finance Committee at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on September 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. The committee met to hear testimony on President Trump's 2026 health care agenda. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Sen. Bill Cassidy, (R - LA), questions Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, as he testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Sen. Chuck Grassley, (R - IA) speaks as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C.Y Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) questions Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. during a Senate Finance Committee at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on September 4, 2025 in Washington, DC. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025. See Senators grill HHS Secretary RFK Jr. over vaccine rulings, CDC turmoil 1 of 13 Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies about the health care agenda for the Trump administration in front of the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025.

Why is vitamin K given to infants?

Since 1961, the AAP has recommended that a single shot of vitamin K be given at birth to protect against bleeding. All babies are born deficient in vitamin K, which is vital to blood clotting, and cannot form what are called clotting factors, or substances in the body that help stop bleeding naturally.

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Vitamin K deficiency can cause serious, life-threatening bleeding in infants up to six months of age, according to the CDC. Normal sources of nutrition for newborns, including breast milk, do not contain enough vitamin K to make up for this deficiency in the early months of life.

A single shot given within hours of birth ensures babies have enough of the vital nutrient to handle any potential bleeding in the immediate future. According to the CDC, newborns who do not get a vitamin K shot are 81 times more likely to develop severe bleeding than those who do get the shot.

"Waiting to see if your baby needs a vitamin K shot may be too late," the CDC webpage says. "Babies can bleed into their intestines or brain, where parents can't see the bleeding to know that something is wrong. This can delay medical care and lead to serious and life-threatening consequences."

Why are more parents refusing?

Vaccine hesitancy and misconceptions as to the level of risk associated with vitamin K deficiency bleeding are the likely culprits behind refusal rates, said Dr. Ivan Hand, director of neonatology at NYC Health + Hospitals Kings County.

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"I think it's sort of a general mistrust in our country that's grown in the last 10 years or so," he told USA TODAY. "I think it's a combination of things. There's been more of an emphasis on 'natural' birth and some parents think, 'it's not natural for my baby to get a shot of vitamin K at birth.' As well as trying to de-medicalize the birthing process and I think just a general mistrust."

A 2022 policy statement by the AAP, co-authored by Hand, found that parental refusal of the shot was associated with a lack of understanding of the need for vitamin K, belief that it was unnecessary, concern about the injection pain and concern related to the preservative in the formulation.

More parents are refusing the vitamin K shot typically given at birth to reduce the risk of infant bleeding.

Some hesitant parents point to misinformation that has proliferated from a since-debunked 1990 study linking vitamin K to childhood cancer, while others believe that a "natural" birth with minimal or no interventions was healthiest for their babies, according to the policy statement. Some incorrectly believe the shot to be a vaccine and express concerns consistent with vaccine hesitation.

Births outside of hospital settings and without physicians were also associated with higher rates of refusal, the report said. "Outside influences include friends, celebrities, and even some health professionals," were also a factor.

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"In some ways, we're victims of our own success, that people don't see this kind of bleeding anymore because almost all babies have gotten that shot," said Hand. "But if we fail to do that, we're going to see more and more cases of babies having bleeding, and those bleedings can be very significant, about half of them can relate to brain haemorrhage. So it's a very concerning thing that is easily prevented by babies just getting the shot."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is the vitamin K shot for and why are parents refusing it?
NEED TO KNOW

A 2-year-old girl was spotted wandering alone in the woods around 3:00 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, through a property owner's camera

The homeowner observed footage showing the little girl "wearing only a dress and no shoes."

Haley Peoples, her mother, was arrested for allegedly Abandoning/Endangering a Child  Imminent Danger of Bodily Injury, and Rebecca Kelly, her grandmother, was arrested on suspicion of Interference with Investigation of Abuse/Neglect

A 2-year-old girl in Texas was found wandering alone in the woods on a game camera, leading to the arrests of her mother and grandmother.

The young child was spotted wandering alone in the woods around 3:00 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, through a property owner's game camera, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.

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Deputies responded to the "deeply concerning call" around 6:00 a.m., when the homeowner observed footage showing the little girl "wearing only but a dress and no shoes."

"With temperatures in the 40s, this little girl faced potential life-threatening danger at that hour," the sheriff's office said.

Bexar County Sheriff's Office/Facebook 2 year old found wandering alone in woods on game camera footage 2 year old found wandering alone in woods on game camera footage

A search for the child immediately began. Meanwhile, a woman identified as Haley Peoples reported at 7:20 a.m. that her 2-year-old daughter had left their home earlier that morning.

The sheriff's office alleged that Peoples found the 2-year-old outside at 4:15 a.m. but did not contact law enforcement for several hours despite an active search.

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Upon their arrival at the home, deputies allege that they found "unsafe living conditions  including trash, soiled clothing, rotting food, rat droppings, and a heavy odor of urine."

The 2-year-old was found "soiled," prompting an EMS worker to request a medical evaluation. Police said that Peoples declined care and refused to change the 2-year-old's clothing.

Bexar County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Haley Peoples Haley Peoples

"Due to the hazardous conditions, refusal of medical care, and the severe risk posed to the child, deputies detained Peoples," the sheriff's office said.

The child's grandmother, Rebecca Kelly, returned to the scene but left after being asked to wait for a supervisor, according to police.

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According to the press release, deputies learned shortly afterward that Kelly had gone to an elementary school and attempted to remove the child's three other siblings from class shortly before 9:00 a.m.

"School staff reported she claimed CPS was arriving and told the children not to talk about the early-morning incident, calling it a 'private family matter,' " police said. "This attempt to interfere with a child-safety investigation further endangered the siblings and obstructed lawful efforts to ensure their well-being."

Kelly was detained at the school while the four children  who are all under the age of eight  were transported to the hospital for an evaluation.

Bexar County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Rebecca Kelly Rebecca Kelly

Peoples was arrested for allegedly Abandoning/Endangering a Child  Imminent Danger of Bodily Injury, and Kelly was arrested on suspicion of Interference with Investigation of Abuse/Neglect. Both were booked into the Bexar County Jail.

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Peoples was released from jail after posting a $50,000 bond, while Kelly was released from jail after posting a $7,500 bond, court records reviewed by PEOPLE show.

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PEOPLE reached out to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office for comment.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



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SEOUL, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Two workers were injured on Tuesday in South Korea's thermal power plant fire accident, according to Yonhap news agency.

It was reported to the fire authorities at around 2:43 p.m. local time (0543 GMT) that a fire broke out with explosion near the back gate of a thermal power plant in Taean, about 150 km southwest of the capital Seoul.

The fire authorities dispatched firefighters and equipment to extinguish the blaze.

It was presumed that a gas explosion occurred on the first floor of the thermal power plant building.

Two workers were transferred to the hospital after sustaining non-life-threatening burns.

The fire authorities and police were checking for any additional casualties at the scene while workers evacuated the area. 
How much money can you inherit before paying taxes?

Inherited assets from your loved one, whether in the form of cash, stocks or real estate, can be subject to inheritance taxes, depending on your relationship and inheritance value. While most states dont charge such taxes, those that do have their own rules for the rates and exemptions.

Additionally, reducing inheritance taxes is possible, provided the owner of the assets is still alive to make the arrangements. As a taxpayer, you may also take advantage of certain state discounts. In this article, Inheritance Funding discusses when you need to pay inheritance taxes and how you can avoid or reduce them.

What Is the Maximum Amount You Can Inherit Without Paying Taxes?

The maximum tax-free amount you can inherit depends on state rules  there is currently no federal inheritance tax. Spouses, children and other persons considered Class A or Class 1 beneficiaries or heirs are usually exempt from such taxes. Beneficiaries are those named in a persons will inheriting the assets, while heirs are persons receiving such assets if there is no will.

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The more distant your relationship is, the higher your potential tax rates. Inheritance taxes may also apply if the inherited property is located in a state that charges them, even if you or your loved one does not reside in this state.

Estate Taxes vs. Inheritance Taxes

The estate refers to the totality of your loved ones assets. It can be subject to estate taxes, depending on its total value, where payments will come from the assets within the estate. In contrast, you, as a beneficiary, will pay for the inheritance taxes. These payments are usually managed by an executor of a will  the person responsible for distributing the assets  or a court-appointed personal representative.

The federal estate tax exemption for 2025 is $13.99 million per person. Because this limit is such a huge amount, only a small percentage of estates are often subject to estate taxes. The amount that exceeds the limit can be charged at up to 40%.

An infographic of the US map on estate taxes vs. inheritance taxes: the 12 states and DC charge estate taxes while five states impose inheritance taxes. - Inheritance Funding



Twelve states and the District of Columbia charge estate taxes, while five states impose inheritance taxes. States with estate taxes include:

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Connecticut Hawaii Illinois Maine Maryland Massachusetts Minnesota New York Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington

What States Have Inheritance Taxes?

States with inheritance taxes include:

Kentucky Maryland Nebraska New Jersey Pennsylvania

Iowa repealed its state inheritance tax for deaths in 2025. For deaths that occurred in 2024, an inheritance tax is due if the estates value is $25,000 or more. Heres what the other states require.

1. Kentucky

Kentucky categorizes three classes of beneficiaries.

Class A:

Surviving spouse

Parent

Child

Grandchild

Sibling and half-sibling

Class B:

Niece and half-niece

Nephew and half-nephew

Son- and daughter-in-law

Aunt and uncle

Great grandchild

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Class C:

Niece by marriage

Nephew by marriage

Great-nieces and nephews

Cousins

All other persons not in Class A or B

Class A beneficiaries are exempt from inheritance tax, while those in Class B get a tax rate of 4% to 16% and a $1,000 exemption. Class C beneficiaries have a tax rate of 6% to 16% with a $500 exemption. If you pay the inheritance tax within nine months of your loved ones passing, you can get a 5% discount. If the amount due is more than $5,000, filed timely, you can pay the amount in 10 equal yearly installments.

All properties in Kentucky are subject to inheritance tax, even if your loved one is not a Kentucky resident.

2. Maryland

In Maryland, if the property you will inherit has a value of up to $1,000, you may not be subject to inheritance tax. You are also tax-exempt if you are your loved ones:

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Spouse or registered domestic partner

Child or stepchild

Grandchild

Great-grandchild

Parent

Grandparent

Sibling

Collateral heirs, which include nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, must pay a 10% inheritance tax. The same rate applies to other individuals not related by blood.

Maryland charges inheritance taxes for all properties your loved one owned, controlled and benefited from upon their passing. This includes properties they co-owned and those included in the will. Exemptions include:

Life insurance policy named to you.

Properties included in a small estate as defined by the state.

Personal properties of a nonresident.

Estate income or income from the assets after the owners passing.

Real properties subject to perpetual conservation easement.

Grave maintenance payments of up to $500 included in a will.

3. Nebraska

Nebraska also categorizes beneficiaries into three classes:

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Class 1:

Parent or individual who stood as a parent for over 10 years

Grandparent

Sibling

Child

Lineal descendant

Class 2:

Spouse

Aunt

Uncle

Niece

Nephew

Class 3:

All other beneficiaries

Lineal descendants are direct descendants of a person, such as children and grandchildren. States typically consider adopted children as lineal descendants, while many states dont consider biological children the same if they have been adopted by other adults.

Class 1 beneficiaries get a 1% tax rate on amounts they receive over $100,000. Class 2 beneficiaries get 11% for amounts over $40,000. Those in Class 3 get 15% on amounts over $25,000. All beneficiaries under 22 years old are fully exempted.

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The inheritance tax is based on the fair market value of the assets. The taxes apply to all gifts made at death, directly or through a trust, and certain rights, like annuities and life estates.

4. New Jersey

New Jersey has a graduated inheritance tax for real and personal properties with an aggregate value of $500 or more. Life insurance proceeds are exempt from this tax. Like other states, New Jersey categorizes beneficiaries into three classes, excluding Class B, which was eliminated on July 1, 1963.

Class A:

Spouse, civil union partner or domestic partner

Child, stepchild and mutually acknowledged child

Grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Parents and grandparents

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Class C:

Siblings

Son-in-law

Daughter-in-law

Civil union partner of a child

Class D:

Beneficiaries not classified in other classes

Class A beneficiaries are exempt from inheritance tax, while Class C beneficiaries have the following rates.

First $25,000: No tax

Next $1,075,000: 11%

Next $300,000: 13%

Next $300,000: 14%

Over $1,700,000: 16%

Class D beneficiaries get the following rates.

First $700,000: 15%

Over $700,000: 16%

Properties in New Jersey, whether your loved one is a resident or not, can be taxed.

5. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania doesnt charge inheritance taxes on the spouse and parents of children 21 years old or younger. However, the following rates apply to other beneficiaries:

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4.5% for direct or lineal descendants.

12% for siblings.

15% for other heirs, except exempt institutions.

Inheritance tax exemptions include:

Joint properties with the spouse.

Certain farmland and agricultural properties.

Personal property from a military member.

Paying the required amount within three months of your loved ones passing can get you a 5% discount. Payments become delinquent after nine months.

Who Is Exempt From Inheritance Tax?

Each state with inheritance taxes has its own exemption rules. Usually, the surviving spouse, children and other Class A or Class 1 beneficiaries are exempt from the tax. Some entities, such as charitable and religious institutions, may also be exempt, depending on the state.

How to Reduce Inheritance Taxes

Reducing inheritance taxes is possible through estate planning, where the asset owner is still alive. The goal is to reduce the number of assets your loved one passes on upon their death. Some strategies to consider include the following.

An infographic on how to reduce inheritance taxes. - Inheritance Funding

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Gifting: Gifting can reduce the number of assets to be passed down. In 2025, you can gift up to $19,000 per recipient without owing federal gift taxes. This can also reduce the size of the taxable estate. Charitable giving, such as donations to qualified charities, can also reduce the estate size while offering inheritance tax exemptions in certain states.

Irrevocable trusts: An irrevocable trust removes assets from a persons estate by handing over control to the beneficiary. The original owner also gives up their right to withdraw assets from the trust. They would need a court order to update the trusts terms.

Life insurance policies: A life insurance policy is not subject to inheritance taxes. Proceeds can also help cover estate taxes and bill payments.

Some states set periods during which assets gifted a few years before the owners passing can still be subject to an inheritance tax, as they may have been transferred in contemplation of death. For instance, in Nebraska, gifts made within three years prior to the owners death can be subject to an inheritance tax. When planning to distribute assets to reduce taxes, consider the relevant states statutory lookback.

How to Pay Inheritance Taxes

Payment instructions vary per state, including the filing authorities responsible and deadlines. Heres how the five states differ.

Kentucky: The personal representative must file the inheritance tax return, unless all beneficiaries are exempted. Otherwise, the court would only need an affidavit of exemption. You can pay through check or money order, addressed to the Department of Revenue. The return is due within 18 months after your loved ones passing. If taxes arent paid past 18 months, you may incur interest or penalties. Maryland: The local Register of Wills collects the inheritance tax payments in Maryland. The Register assesses the amount due, while the personal representative or executor will collect the tax payment from you. Nebraska: The county court where your loved one resided, or where the property is located, determines the inheritance tax. Youll need to pay the amount to the county treasurer. You and the personal representative are liable for the unpaid tax. New Jersey: The personal representative needs to file the inheritance tax return with the states Division of Taxation. Together with the tax due, the return is due eight months after the date of your loved ones passing. Past these eight months, the amount garners a 10% interest annually. The personal representative can mail your check payment, together with the return, to the Division. Pennsylvania: The personal representative can file the inheritance tax return with the Register of Wills in the county where your loved one resided. The tax amount is due at your loved ones death and becomes delinquent after nine months. The representative can submit your payment together with the return, or you can pay through the Department of Revenues payment portal. Other payment options are available if you are unable to pay the full amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

To further understand inheritance taxes and how you can work around them, consider these questions and answers.

Do I need to report inheritance money to the IRS?

An inheritance is not considered taxable income, so you dont need to report what you receive to the IRS. The executor or personal representative is responsible for filing the inheritance tax return. However, you may need to report earnings you receive from the inheritance.

What is the loophole of the inheritance tax?

The loophole for inheritance taxes refers to the step-up basis rule. Once you inherit the assets, their value is stepped up to the fair market value at the time of your loved ones passing. This can reduce the inheritance tax you owe and the capital gains tax if you sell the assets later on, provided the asset has appreciated in value from its initial purchase.

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States use the assets fair market value in determining the inheritance tax. Because the adjusted value reflects a smaller profit, youll also owe less in capital gains tax.

Can I gift money to avoid inheritance tax?

Yes, you can gift money or other assets to reduce or avoid inheritance tax. You only need to remember your states statutory lookback, as gifts given a few years before the owners passing can still be charged.

Tax-Free Inheritance Money Varies Per State

Most states dont charge inheritance taxes. However, for those who do, the amount of money you can inherit before owing taxes depends on each state. States with inheritance taxes include:

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Kentucky Maryland Nebraska New Jersey Pennsylvania

Beneficiaries closely related to the person who passed, usually called Class A or Class 1 beneficiaries, are often exempt from the taxes. Distant relatives and persons not related by blood may be charged higher rates. Reducing or avoiding inheritance taxes is possible, but only if the original owner is still living to distribute the assets before their death. Otherwise, consider paying the taxes early to potentially qualify for a discount. Some states may also permit installment payments for larger tax amounts.

This story was produced by Inheritance Funding and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
In his own address on Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the need for an unaffiliated committee of inquiry to investigate the failings of October 7.

It is Israels responsibility to reveal the full truth about the intelligence failures of October 7, former Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) director Ronen Bar said at Tel Aviv Universitys 2025 Cyber Week conference on Tuesday.

When we thwart an attack, we can only imagine who was saved, Bar said.When we fail to prevent a massacre, we see with our own eyes who was murdered.

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This happened on our watch. Therefore, it is our responsibility. Let us stop fighting and enter this process together, to learn and to be better, he said.

Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet security services, seen at Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, October 27, 2024 (credit: FLASH90/CHAIM GOLDBERG)

Bar also praised what he called the Shin Bets courage and core values, noting that the agency had conducted a broad review of its failures on October 7 and established plans to improve going forward.

This is our Munich, Bar said. We will settle accounts with everyone  in Lebanon, Gaza, and worldwide. Two architects remain, and we still need to bring Ran home.

St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili is the last remaining deceased hostage still being held in the Gaza Strip.

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In his address, Bar talked about St.-Sgt. Ofir Shoshani, a 20-year-old commander who was killed in her Kfar Aza home during Hamass October 7 massacre, and murdered former American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

I know this is what Ofir and Hersh would have wanted. I know this is what their families want, and what our children expect of us, he said. If we do not investigate the entire system, we are condemning ourselves to the next October 7.

Netanyhu calls for 'unaffiliated' investigation committee into Oct. 7 failures

In his own address on Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the need for an unbiased, unaffiliated committee of inquiry to investigate the failings of October 7.

"This failure must be thoroughly investigated; it must examine the political echelon, the military echelon, the security echelon, everyone," Netanyahu said. "And this is only possible if we do this with a broad national examination commission that is not tailored to one side or the other."

"That is what will happen here too; there will be no immunity from criticism here, there will be no closure of one side against another," he concluded. "Everyone will be brought in, and everyone will be questioned, and only in this way will we reach the truth. This is what must be done, and this is what will be done."
A police investigation has found that Nancy Mace, the South Carolina Republican congresswoman, turned a minor miscommunication by police into a spectacle when she involved herself in a heated confrontation with staff at Charlestons airport in late October.

According to an internal investigation by the Charleston airport police department and obtained by the Washington Post, Mace berated officers and Transportation Security Administration ( TSA) personnel on 30 October with profanity and insults, leaving facility employees visibly upset.

The investigative report, dated 12 November, said there had been some confusion over whether the congresswoman would arrive at the airport in a white BMW when she in fact arrived in a silver model. That led to a delay in meeting up with an escort to take her through the security line at the airport.

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The airport police chief, James Woods, wrote in the report that the Charleston airport holds a certain level of responsibility for a minor miscommunication about the color of the vehicle that Mace came in, as the Post noted. But the congresswomans continued failure to follow established procedures at the checkpoint escalated the situation into a spectacle.

The investigation found Mace told officers Im sick of your shit. She also reportedly said that officers were fucking idiots and fucking incompetent  and yelled that she was a fucking representative in the US House.

An airport employee described Maces tone as very nasty, very rude and very unbecoming if shes representing us as a member of Congress. One described feeling downtrodden.

However, Maces office told the Post that the report was a full exoneration of the congresswoman  who is running for governor of South Carolina in 2026.

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The report indicates that Mace and Charleston airport employees had clashed previously. She reportedly arrived at the airport earlier in the year with a relative only to be delayed while an agent sought approval for the relatives smooth passage through TSA security.

That also triggered an outburst of profanity and complaints of mistreatment, the report said. Two police officers said Mace was rarely on time  and that this is often exacerbated by the fact that their communication is often relayed through multiple staffers. They noted that Mace appears to have high personnel turnover.

The Guardian reported in November that Mace cited the 10 September killing of the conservative activist Charlie Kirk as well as two attempted assassinations of Donald Trump as he successfully ran for a second presidency for her concern for her personal safety.

She has also threatened to sue American Airlines and Charleston airport over the October airport confrontation. At a subsequent news conference, she accused airport staff of manufacturing false and misleading incident reports about her conduct.

Im not going to be the next person shot and killed in cold blood, Mace said. I absolutely, 100% confronted the airport employees who put my safety at risk. Did I drop an F-bomb? I hope I did. Did I call them incompetent? If I didnt, they absolutely earned it.




New observations of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, an object that originated around another star, are revealing just how unusual it really is.

As the comet heads toward its closest pass by Earth, a team led by NASA astrochemist Martin Cordiner used the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile to study the gases streaming off its surface. They found extremely high amounts of methanol and hydrogen cyanide, two molecules tied to the chemistry that helps form the building blocks of life.

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"Molecules like hydrogen cyanide and methanol are at trace abundances and not the dominant constituents of our own comets," Cordiner told New Scientist. "Here we see that, actually, in this alien comet they're very abundant."

ALMA's data showed that both chemicals are coming from the comet's solid core, but methanol is also being released from icy grains floating in the cloud of dust and gas surrounding it. About eight percent of all the vapor coming off 3I/ATLAS is methanol-roughly four times the amount typically found in comets from our solar system. The team described the production of both chemicals as "among the most enriched values measured in any comet."

Cordiner noted that this strong chemical activity hints at even more complex reactions happening inside or around the comet. "It seems really chemically implausible that you could go on a path to very high chemical complexity without producing methanol," he said.

Because interstellar comets are leftovers from other planetary systems, these findings offer a rare glimpse into the chemistry of worlds that formed around other stars. Some scientists have even suggested that objects like 3I/ATLAS could have carried life's ingredients to Earth long ago.

In November, ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) used five of its science instruments to observe 3I/ATLAS. (ESA/Juice/NavCam)





Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb, who has long argued-controversially-that 3I/ATLAS might be alien technology, responded to the new data in a characteristically bold way. "The anomalously large ratio of methanol to hydrogen-cyanide production by 3I/ATLAS suggests a friendly nature for this interstellar visitor," he wrote in one of his latest blog posts.

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While scientists examine the comet's chemistry, telescopes across the solar system are capturing dramatic new images. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope photographed 3I/ATLAS on Nov. 30 from about 178 million miles away, its second look since the comet's discovery in July.

The European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft also observed the comet between Nov. 2 and Nov. 25, catching it in what the agency described as a "very active state" after its closest approach to the Sun on October 30. An image taken on Nov. 2-two days before JUICE passed within roughly 41 million miles-shows the comet glowing with a bright coma and sporting two distinct tails, one made of electrically charged gas and the other of drifting dust.

These new views follow NASA's Nov. 19 release of never-before-seen images of 3I/ATLAS. The comet poses no threat to Earth and will make its closest pass-about 170 million miles away-on Dec. 19.

More Space

Wonder | NASA publishes long-awaited photos of interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS

History | Earth has an unexpected new moon-and it's been here for decades

Extraterrestrial | Harvard scientist tells Joe Rogan: 3I/ATLAS might be alien tech

Close Encounter | Startling close call as undetected asteroid flies close to Earth



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This article originally published at New NASA data reveals 3I/ATLAS is one of the most mysterious comets ever found.
The Nassau County Sheriffs Office is investigating a case of child abuse after a 6-month-old baby was admitted to a hospital with a broken femur.

Jasper Griffin Shick, 34, has been charged with aggravated child abuse and making false statements to investigators, while Sarah Anne Rediker, 36, faces charges of child neglect, according to a Tuesday news release from NCSO.

Its heartbreaking to see this kind of abuse inflicted on a defenseless baby. Protecting children, especially at this most vulnerable age, is my top priority, Sheriff Bill Leeper said in the release.

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The incident happened in Fernandina Beach, where investigators were alerted by medical staff about the babys injuries on Monday night.

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Detectives spoke with the victims grandmother, who allowed them to enter her house, where the victim and suspects live, NCSO said.

Inside the house, investigators found a babys crib in a closet, empty alcohol cans, and items consistent with marijuana within reach of the child. NCSO said small torches, camping propane tanks, bongs, and containers with loose marijuana were also accessible to the victim.

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Investigators found that the suspects were attempting to change the babys diaper around 7 p.m. when the child became fussy due to teething. Shick allegedly squeezed the child tightly, knowing he had caused harm. The suspects did not seek medical help until the babys grandmother returned home after 10 p.m.

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Detectives learned that the father had consumed alcohol and smoked marijuana before the incident, NCSO said.

Both Shick and Rediker were arrested and are being held at the Nassau County Jail & Detention Center, with bonds set at over $75,000 and $50,000, respectively.

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A Mexican National Guardsmen shot and killed three fellow service members at a barracks over the weekend in the western Mexican state of Michoacan, where the government has surged security forces in the wake of recent high-profile killings.

A federal official confirmed the shooting Monday to The Associated Press, requesting anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. The shooting, which wounded a fourth service member, was under investigation, the official said.

The suspect was in custody in Michoacan.

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The shooting occurred Saturday hours after a car bomb exploded in Coahuayana, Michoacan, killing five people outside a local police station. According to Hector Zepeda, commander of the community police, the explosion was so powerful that human remains were scattered throughout the area.

President Claudia Sheinbaum declined to give more details Monday.

The explosion and National Guard shooting came as the federal government has stepped up security activities in the state, sending in additional troops after two recent high-profile assassinations.

Last month, Sheinbaum sent 2,000 troops - on top of the 4,300 permanent ones and 4,000 in neighboring states  to Michoacan following the killings of an outspoken representative of the lime growers and a popular mayor standing up to the cartels. The killing of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo sparked two days of youth-led demonstrations in November, with protesters setting fire to public buildings and clashing with police, resulting in over 100 injuries.

National Guards stand watch as Michoacan state prosecutor officers detain a suspect in the killing of Mayor Carlos Manzo Rodriguez in Uruapan, Mexico, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. / Credit: Eduardo Verdugo / AP

At least three of the six drug cartels that the Trump administration designated as terrorist organizations - Jalisco New Generation, United Cartels and The New Michoacan Family - operate in Michoacan, in addition to a slew of homegrown armed splinter groups, some supported by the Sinaloa Cartel.

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For two decades, various organized crime groups have fought for control of the territory because Michoacan is a gateway for chemical precursors used in the manufacture of synthetic drugs.

Republican and Democratic strategists react to Marjorie Taylor Greene's comments on Trump

Marjorie Taylor Greene: The 2025 60 Minutes Interview

Man who died on cruise ship served 33 alcoholic drinks "in a matter of hours," lawsuit alleges
One year after Donald Trumps return to the White House demoralized California Democrats, Gavin Newsom and allies are riding anti-Trump sentiment to a polling rebound.

A new survey from the Public Policy Institute of California finds that both the governor, a likely presidential candidate, and the heavily Democratic Legislature surged to majority support in the final months of this year. The approval jump comes after Newsom and fellow Democrats championed a gerrymandered new House map explicitly to counter Trump in next years midterm elections.

Folks are in a post-Proposition 50 state of mind, said Mark Baldassare, the institutes polling director. The public feels that the governor and Legislatures interests are aligned more with theirs than the president and Congress and the Supreme Court, for that matter.

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Newsoms favorability rating jumped 10 percentage points over the course of the year, from 46 percent in June to 56 percent this month. The Legislatures standing improved by 8 points in the same time period, reaching a 53 percent majority.

And for the first time since 2021, a slim majority of voters  51 percent  said, in consecutive months, that California is on the right track. Behind that reversal was more optimism among independent voters and a double-digit confidence boost among Democratic voters, who also reported far higher enthusiasm than their Republican counterparts to vote in the upcoming midterms. That likely reflects the reality of new maps boosting Democrats and shrinking the GOPs competitiveness.

The results paint a picture of a Democratic electorate emerging from the doldrums as its leaders adopt a more aggressive stance toward Trump, culminating in the landslide victory last month of their Proposition 50 redistricting ballot initiative.

California Democrats also enjoy support from the independent voters who compose a quarter of the states electorate, the poll found. Nearly two-thirds said voter approval of gerrymandered congressional districts was "mostly a good thing, and a majority said the November special election was worth its $251 million price tag.

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At the start of the year, legislative Democrats vowed a focus on affordability and Newsom sought a more diplomatic approach toward the White House as the party reeled from crushing election defeats. But that shifted as Trump pursued policies that are anathema to many Californians, from sweeping immigration raids to deep spending cuts.

Now Newsom is touting the partys Prop 50 win, along with Democratic victories across the country last month, as evidence the party is in its ascendancy.

The governor and other California Democrats are still grappling with stubborn political liabilities. Voters of every affiliation overwhelmingly called the state too expensive  housing in particular.

But a plurality of voters and a majority of Democrats said the most important issue facing the country is political extremism or threats to democracy, themes Newsom has emphasized as he warns the country is sliding into authoritarianism.
A retired Hamilton Township teacher who also worked as a Santa-for-hire is facing multiple charges for the possession and distribution of child sex abuse materials, the Mercer County Prosecutors Office announced Monday.

The prosecutors office is seeking a petition to detain Mark Paulino, 64, pending trial where he faces one count of second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), one count of second-degree possession with the intent to distribute CSAM, one count of third-degree possession of CSAM, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a news release from Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbreys office says.

Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine up to $150,000.

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The Mercer County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit began investigating Paulino on Dec. 4, after the New Jersey State Police ICAC Unit notified the county that an individual residing in Hamilton Township had allegedly upload child pornography materials to the internet, the release adds.

Investigators identified Paulino as a subject and found that he also worked as Santa Mark, with a website advertising availability for booking for photographs and private, corporate, and organizational events.

Members of the prosecutors ICAC Unit, with assistance from the prosecutors Economic Crime, Cyber Crimes and Domestic Violence units, and Hamilton Police SWAT executed a search warrant at Paulinos Hamilton Township residence on Dec. 5, where Marbreys office said detectives seized multiple items of evidentiary value. Paulino was taken into custody without incident.

Paulinos Santa Mark website, which was still active online Tuesday morning, includes over a dozen positive reviews from customers dating back to 2022, including two events in New Jersey and one nearby in Pennsylvania.

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Those appearances include one at the Stuart Day School in Princeton, Mercer County; a Chic-Fil-A in Delran, Burlington County; and at the Peddlers Village shopping center in Lahaska, Bucks County.

Paulinos website says he retired from teaching in 2021, but has been working with children since 1984 as a substitute teacher, lifeguard and swimming instructor and as a contracted special education teacher at elementary, middle and high schools.

Paulino lived in Hamilton Township most of his life, except for five years living in the Langhorne area of Bucks County.

The investigation is still ongoing and the prosecutors office is asking anyone with information to contact the ICAC unit at 609-989-6568 or submit tips anonymously online at www.mercercountyprosecutor.com.

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Anyone with information about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children to contact the countys ICAC unit or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at 1-888-648-6007.

Chris Ullery can be reached at cullery@couriertimes.com

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: NJ Santa, with Bucks County ties, charged with child pornography
Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen speaks before the New Mexico GOP-led Public Safety Legislative Task Force on Dec. 1, 2025. (Courtesy of Public Safety Legislative Task Force)

Republicans in the New Mexico Legislature on Monday sent a letter to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham asking her to include public safety matters on the upcoming legislative sessions agenda.

The 30-day session scheduled for January is for lawmakers to propose and vote on fiscal matters. If lawmakers want to file bills unrelated to the budget, the matter must be on the governors legislative agenda, known as a call, for the session.

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Over the past several years, your administration has taken steps to support law enforcement, strengthen behavioral-health resources, and address some of the complex drivers of crime. Unfortunately, the progressive-controlled Legislature has failed to advance substantial, commonsense solutions to New Mexicos crime epidemic, the letter, signed by Rep. Andrea Reeb (R-Clovis) and Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte), said.

Jodi McGinnis Porter, a spokesperson for the governor, told Source NM that Lujan Grisham is out of town and has not yet reviewed the letter. But, public safety will be on the call for the 2026 legislative session, she said.

The governor has consistently prioritized this issue, as demonstrated by her recent declarations of emergencies in Albuquerque and Espanola and her previous declarations addressing gun violence and the drug crisis, she wrote in an email to Source. She welcomes collaboration with legislators from both parties who share her commitment to keeping New Mexicans safe.

The Republicans request comes one week after the governors senior public safety adviser attended an event for the New Mexico GOP-led Public Safety Legislative Task Force, at which he told lawmakers that a New Mexican child or teenager is arrested while possessing a firearm three out of four days.

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The task force subsequently issued on Monday a 35-page report titled A State in Crisis: Confronting New Mexicos Crime Epidemic and Restoring Public Safety, which lays out several legislative priorities Republicans hope to pursue in the upcoming session.

The report contains proposals to:

Expand the definition of fentanyl in state law to include fentanyl-related substances

Establish a clear and convincing burden of proof for a judge to decrease a criminal sentence

Create a minimum period of incarceration for people facing a second, or subsequent, felony conviction

Create a minimum period of incarceration for drug trafficking that results in death

Allow prosecuting attorneys to seek enhancements to criminal sentences for prior felony convictions beyond the current 10-year window allowed under state law

Increase penalties for distributing Schedule 1 or 2 narcotics or methamphetamine to children

Increase penalties for a felon in possession of a firearm

Create statutory requirements for the New Mexico All Source Intelligence Center, including requirements to provide threat management and community engagement resources across the state

Shift burden to the defendant, rather than prosecutors, on issues of bail reform and release from jail

Create a constitution provision to return property taxes paid by someone whose property was damaged by a county or municipalitys failure to enforce their nuisance ordinances

Likewise, two Democrat lawmakers recently said theyd ask the governor to include public safety matters on the upcoming sessions agenda. Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe) and Sen. Heather Berghmans (D-Albuquerque) last week announced their plans to propose legislation that would require intensive training for firearms dealers across the state.

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Lujan Grisham has focused intensely on public safety in recent years. In 2023, she called on lawmakers to pass a ban on assault rifles and in 2024 she called firearm legislation the most important work before New Mexicos elected leaders.

She called a special legislative session last year to address urgent public safety issues. At the time, she requested legislative proposals on criminal competency, crime reporting, gun violence, drug overdoses and more. The special session adjourned after a matter of hours without any such bills.
North Dakota Supreme Court justices hear oral arguments March 15, 2025. The North Dakota Constitution requires at least four of five justices to find a state law unconstitutional. (Pool photo by Tanner Ecker/Bismarck Tribune)

An unusual clause in the North Dakota Constitution that limits the power of the courts kept the states near-total abortion ban from being struck down last month.

Most state Supreme Courts require a majority vote to declare a law unconstitutional. But in North Dakota, it takes a supermajority  a vote of at least four justices  for the Supreme Court to strike down a law. Thats why the states 2023 abortion law remains on the books even though three of five justices on the high court found it unconstitutionally vague under the North Dakota Constitution.

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The only other state that requires a judicial supermajority to find a state law unconstitutional is Nebraska.

North Dakota voters adopted the rule into the state constitution in 1918 as a way to temper the power of the courts. It was established through a constitutional amendment put on the ballot by lawmakers affiliated with the nascent North Dakota Nonpartisan League.

The party pushed for the supermajority amendment out of fear that the Supreme Court would undermine its legal reforms, according to a 2015 academic article published in the University of Toledo Law Review. The Nonpartisan League spearheaded several Progressive Era changes to state government, including the creation of the Bank of North Dakota and the North Dakota Mill and Elevator.

North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Jon Jensen in a January dissenting opinion called the four-justice rule an important part of the courts duty to be deferential to decisions made by the legislative branch.

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Douglas Keith, a legal expert at the Brennan Center for Justice, said while courts in some other countries also have supermajority requirements, its practically unheard of in the United States.

Likely, it stems from how odd it looks to the public, said Keith, who researches state courts.

The rule enables minority views to decide the outcome of cases, which some could view as undemocratic, Keith said.

It creates this strange imbalance where you need a much smaller number of justices to uphold a law, he said.

On the other hand, some have criticized simple majority requirements as vulnerable to political polarization.

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Judicial decisions should take into account the full range of considerations, not just one side or the other, said David Orentlicher, a professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Law and a Democratic member of the Nevada Legislature.

Orentlicher authored a 2022 academic article arguing for the U.S. Supreme Court to decide all of its cases unanimously. He said that this would force it to make fairer decisions that balance the viewpoints of all justices.

North Dakotas supermajority rule doesnt impact most of the courts business. It only applies when it reviews a constitutional challenge to a state law.

Until this particular ruling, I hadnt even heard of it, said Bradley Myers, interim dean of the University of North Dakota School of Law.

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The North Dakota Supreme Court handed down another split decision on another state abortion policy about a decade ago.

The lawsuit challenged part of the law that regulates medication abortion. It survived a constitutional challenge in 2014 despite three justices voting that it violated the federal Constitution. The three justices concluded that the law places an undue burden on womens ability to obtain an abortion before the point of fetal viability, which at the time was a federally recognized right.

In that case, two justices declared that the law violates the North Dakota Constitution, two found it does not and the fifth justice found that the law should only be analyzed under the federal Constitution and declined to take a position.

When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, control over abortion access was handed back to state governments.

The North Dakota Supreme Court also handed down a split ruling on the states K-12 funding formula in 1994. Three of five justices found the formula violated the state constitution by funding school districts unequally.

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If North Dakotans wanted to change the supermajority rule, voters could circulate a petition to put a constitutional amendment on the election ballot.

The Legislature could also vote to refer the matter to the ballot.

North Dakotas abortion law makes abortion illegal in all cases except rape or incest if the mother has been pregnant less than six weeks, or when the pregnancy presents a serious physical health threat. The law was passed by overwhelming support by both chambers of the Legislature. A North Dakota News Cooperative poll from late 2024 found that 55% of North Dakotans surveyed opposed the ban.

North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer can be reached at msteurer@northdakotamonitor.com.
SYDNEY, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A world-first Australian law, which bars children under 16 from having social media accounts and takes effect on Wednesday, has triggered debate over whether the restrictions can be effectively implemented.

The Australian federal parliament passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 in November last year, requiring certain social media platforms to take "reasonable steps" to prevent children under 16 from having accounts.

Platforms that fail to comply face fines worth up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (about 32.8 million U.S. dollars). There are no penalties for under-16s who access an age-restricted social media platform, or for their parents or carers.

10 PLATFORMS ORDERED TO COMPLY

So far, 10 social media platforms have been instructed to enforce the ban -- Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit. Authorities may update the list as needed.

The government argues the restrictions aim to protect young Australians from pressures and risks of social media's design features, which encourage excessive screen time and serve up content that harms their health and wellbeing.

"It's not a ban; it's a delay to having accounts," Australia's online safety regulator eSafety insisted, saying that delaying account access until 16 will give young people more time to develop important skills and maturity.

"It's breathing space to build digital literacy, critical reasoning, impulse control and greater resilience," it said.

Research by eSafety shows 96 percent of Australian children aged 10 to 15 have used at least one social media platform. Among them, 7 in 10 reported encountering harmful content online, such as violent, misogynistic or hateful material, and content promoting suicide.

More than half of children in this age group reported they had experienced cyberbullying, while some one in seven reported experiencing online grooming-type behavior from adults or other children at least four years older, according to the research.

UNCERTAIN ENFORCEMENT AND POTENTIAL WORKAROUNDS

Most platforms have pledged compliance and could allow under-16s to deactivate their accounts, enabling them to reactivate with all existing data once they turn 16. Authorities, however, advise users to download any data they wish to save before Wednesday.

It is up to the platforms to take "reasonable steps" to ensure account-holders are at least 16 years old. The law specifically prohibits platforms from compelling Australians to provide a government-issued ID or use a government-accredited digital ID service to prove their age.

Platforms may offer it as an option but must also offer a reasonable alternative, such as facial or voice recognition, or "age inference," which estimates a user's age through analysis of online behavior and interactions.

Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook and Threads, began shutting down accounts belonging to underage users on Dec. 4 and said incorrectly affected users may appeal by providing a video selfie or government ID.

The government cautions that enforcement will not be perfect on day one and that platforms won't be penalized immediately for non-compliance.

"We do not anticipate that all the under-16 accounts will automatically or magically disappear on Dec. 10 overnight," eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant was quoted by the Guardian Australia news site as saying.

Young people can still access publicly available posts or videos without logging in. Local reports also indicate some under-16s plan to maintain accounts using false credentials or VPNs that obscure their location.

At the same time, many underage users are reportedly migrating to platforms currently outside the ban, including Lemon8 and Yope.

But there is no guarantee these services will remain exempt forever. Grant recently wrote to both companies, recommending they self-assess to determine if they fall under the age restrictions.

PUBLIC STRONGLY SUPPORTIVE BUT DOUBTFUL ABOUT EFFECTIVENESS

A recent poll shows broad public backing for a social media ban, with 73 percent of Australians supportive. Yet only 26 percent express confidence that the measure will work, and 68 percent believe children will get around it.

Support is highest among teachers (84 percent) and parents (75 percent), but drops to 62 percent among those aged 16-24, according to the poll released in early December by Pureprofile, an Australia-based global data, insights and digital media company.

Many experts believe the under-16 social media ban has a potentially positive impact on youth mental health and wellbeing.

"Young people face enormous pressures to show up online through socializing with peers, seeking and providing validation, and expressing oneself," said Ellese Ferdinands, lecturer at the University of Sydney Business School.

"Social media is a breeding ground for comparison and subsequent mental health struggles regardless of age, so reducing this wherever possible can assist in delaying the age these pressures are placed on young people," she said.

However, other experts expressed significant concerns about whether the ban can actually be enforced effectively through age verification technology and compliance mechanisms. They also warn that the ban could drive youth activity into less visible online spaces.

Social media platforms, despite agreeing to comply, mostly oppose the measure. Beyond increased operating costs and a decline in user numbers, they argue that the ban is difficult to implement and could drive young people into dark corners of the internet.

Concerns have also emerged over the data collection required for age verification, given Australia's high-profile data breaches recently. The government insists the legislation includes strong protections, requiring collected data to be used solely for age checks and deleted afterward.

Some argue that penalties for non-compliance remain insufficient as tech giants won't bat an eyelid at the fines unless other nations follow suit.

"It takes Meta about an hour and 52 minutes to make 50 million (Australian) dollars in revenue," Stephen Scheeler, who led Facebook's Australian office from 2013 to 2017, told local news agency AAP.

Australia's teen social media ban has drawn international interest, with countries including Denmark, Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia and New Zealand reportedly considering similar measures. 
The owner of a giant Roman gladiator statue nicknamed "Golden Balls" has said he has no intention of moving it from outside his shop, despite a council warning.

Grant Adamson, 60, was told to remove the 30ft (9m) golden statue from outside Grant's Bulldog Forge in Ince, Wigan, in 2022 - but reinstated it two weeks ago to spread "Christmas cheer".

The antiques shop owner received a letter from Wigan Council on Friday asking him to remove it, as it is an advertisement displayed without planning permission.

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This time Mr Adamson is not planning on budging, and said: "It's go to court or remove it - so I think I'll be going to court."

He added: "They've said I can apply for planning permission but I won't get it."

Mr Adamson said customers think it is "brilliant", with some even campaigning for its return.

"It's a laugh," he told BBC Radio Manchester. "I wanted to put him back at this time of year when people may be getting a bit fed up because it just puts smiles on faces."

Mr Adamson said he would not "squirm" in the face of monetary fines [BBC]

The figure was originally used to advertise the 2000 blockbuster film Gladiator starring Russell Crowe.

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More recently it has become a landmark feature outside Mr Adamson's shop, but not everyone is happy about it.

Mr Adamson said there had been some comments on social media about the appropriateness of the statue, but he offered to cover certain parts up if required.

After receiving the letter from the council however, he said he feels at a loss.

He said: "It was never brought back to upset anyone.

"If they had come to me to talk, I'm sure we could've come to some agreement.

"But now they're threatening me with a fine of up to 2,500 - 250 per day until it's moved."

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He added: "If they think that's going to make me squirm, or push me to get rid of it - it's not"

'Pointless applying'

Advertisement permission is required for most outdoor signs and displays in the UK, and covers things like illuminated signs, hoardings, and large fascia signs.

Consent needs to be granted from the local authority - but in this case, he has been told it is unlikely to be granted.

Mr Adamson said he was told by the council's planning enforcement that "the council does not consider it could support such a retrospective application for the advertisement in question".

He said: "I'm losing whatever I do - I could pay for a planning application but they're not going to grant permission, so it would be pointless".

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A Wigan Council spokesperson said: "We have contacted the owner to explain the requirements for permission and will reach out again if necessary to better understand his intentions for the statue going forward."

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) leads among young Democratic voters in a hypothetical 2028 presidential primary, according to a new survey.

The Yale Youth Poll, released on Monday, shows Ocasio-Cortez with a double-digit lead over former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other potential contenders when Democrats under 35 are asked which hypothetical candidate they would support if the 2028 primary were held today.

Among registered Democrats ages 18-22, 30 percent would back Ocasio-Cortez, 20 percent would support Harris and 12 percent would vote for Newsom.

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Among Democrats ages 23-29, a whopping 35 percent would back Ocasio-Cortez, while 15 percent would support Harris and 14 percent would go for Newsom.

And among 30-34-year-old Democratic voters, 29 percent would support Ocasio-Cortez, while 15 percent would back Newsom and 14 percent would go for Harris.

The New York congresswomans support begins to wane among older Democrats, with middle-aged voters favoring Harris and seniors favoring Newsom. Among older age groups, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttifieg finds more support than Ocasio-Cortez.

Thirty percent of Democrats ages 35-44 favor Harris, while 25 percent like Ocasio-Cortez, 16 percent would vote for Newsom and 8 percent would back Buttigieg. Buttigiegs support from Democrats ages 35 and below ranges from 8 percent to 12 percent.

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Democrats ages 45-64 are more divided: 23 percent favor Harris, 22 percent support Newsom, 15 percent go for Buttigieg, and 11 percent would back Ocasio-Cortez.

Democrats 65 and over, however, go for Newsom, with 38 percent saying they would back the governor in a primary if it were held today. Another 18 percent would back Buttigieg, 11 percent like Harris, 6 percent would support Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), and 5 percent would support Ocasio-Cortez.

Across all demographics, seniors propel Newsom to the top of Democrats preferred list of candidate, with 25 percent of Democratic voters overall backing the California governor, 18 percent supporting Harris, 16 percent backing Ocasio-Cortez, 14 percent supporting Buttigieg and 4 percent supporting Shapiro.

The latest poll comes amid speculation among Democrats, who lack an obvious leader to put forward as a candidate to lead the party in the next presidential election.

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With the election still years away, no candidate has formally launched a campaign. But several have fueled speculation of a possible bid. Newsom said in late October that hed be lying if he said he wasnt thinking about running for president in 2028.

Harris, who lost her 2024 White House bid to President Trump, similarly hinted at a comeback bid in 2028, telling the BBC, I am not done, and that she could possibly still be president one day.

The survey was conducted from Oct. 29 to Nov. 11 and included 3,426 registered voters, including 1,706 under 35 years old. The margin of error is 1.7 percentage points overall and 2.4 percentage points for younger Americans.

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.
Bonnie Blue was recently released from jail in Bali following her arrest by authorities for allegedly violating Indonesias strict anti-pornography law. Following her arrest, it was reported that she could face a lengthy prison sentence and a hefty fine. However, an immigration lawyer has said that the OnlyFans star could instead be deported and banned from future visits to Indonesia.

Bonnie Blue released from jail, could face sentence if found guilty

Bonnie Blue and 17 male tourists were taken into custody last week for allegedly violating Indonesias anti-pornography law. The arrest took place after authorities raided a rental studio in Bali following a tip-off from concerned citizens.

Blue was later released but had her passport confiscated after she was transferred to immigration authorities for further investigation.

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News.com.au reported that the OnlyFans star could face a 15-year prison sentence in Indonesia and a fine of up to six billion rupiah (approximately $541,000) if prosecuted and found guilty. However, Philo Dellano, a managing partner at PNB Immigration, a Jakarta-based law firm assisting foreigners with immigration and legal issues, suggested that she could instead be deported and banned from entering Indonesia again.

She is being detained by the police, which means they can proceed to prosecute her, Dellano shared. He added, But in my opinion, if there is an invisible hand that requests that she be deported, she can be transferred to the nearest immigration office, from where she will be deported from Indonesia.

Dellano explained that prosecuting Blue wasnt a straightforward process since the pornography industry she is a part of was controlled by a person or organization aiming to make a profit.

Dellano theorised that the industrys aim to make a profit brought Blue to Bali in the first place. Because if something bad happened, as it has, she could be deported easily, he added. But now that its all over the media, the authorities might decide to first let the situation calm down and release her in January or February next year.

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Dellano said that Blues case wasnt the first time foreigners were accused by Bali authorities of creating pornographic content. He further stated, The outcome in each case has depended on the strength of the invisible hand behind the foreigners.

The post OnlyFans Bonnie Blue Could Face 15 Years in Bali Jail  Report appeared first on Mandatory.
In an open letter, 250 organizations are calling on the German government to accept vulnerable people from Afghanistan ahead of International Human Rights Day on Wednesday.

"Do everything in your power now to bring the Afghans with admission promises to Germany by the end of the year," read the letter addressed by name to Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul seen by dpa on Tuesday.

The German coalition government had initially halted admission programmes for people from Afghanistan at the beginning of May.

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However, in recent weeks, several flights have brought Afghans with admission promises from Pakistan to Germany. In total, nearly 1,900 Afghans from various admission programmes are still hoping for admission to Germany.

Among them are former local staff with their relatives who had worked for German institutions before the Taliban retook power more than four years ago.

'Litmus test for reliability, credibility and humanity'

Among the signatories of the open letter are Pro Asyl (Pro Asylum), Brot fur die Welt (Bread for the World), Amnesty International Germany and Human Rights Watch.

Helen Rezene, co-managing director of Pro Asyl, called the acceptance of all people with admission promises the "litmus test for the reliability, credibility and humanity of this federal government."

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The organizations specifically are demanding the immediate, unbureaucratic departure before the end of the year and the completion of security checks and visa procedures as quickly as possible for all admission programmes.

Furthermore, the German government should use all possibilities in discussions with the Pakistani government to prevent further deportations of those affected to Afghanistan and to ensure safe accommodation until the procedures are completed, they said.

Karlsruhe: Rapid decision on visas demanded

The judiciary is also dealing with the admission of Afghans: Just last week, the Federal Constitutional Court ruled in the case of a former judge at the Supreme Court of Afghanistan.

He, his wife, and their four children have been waiting for years to enter Germany. The court obliged Germany to decide on the visa applications immediately.
Some of the video in this piece may be difficult to watch.

The man who Chicago police shot at a downtown Chicago CTA station several year ago took the stand in a civil trial Tuesday.

Officers shot Ariel Roman, who was unarmed, during a struggle at the Grand CTA Red Line station in 2020.

Opening statements started the day Tuesday, after a jury was selected Monday in the case.

Roman took the stand later in the day Tuesday to testify.

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Roman claims his civil rights were violated, and that police did not need to shoot him.

He admitted he had been drinking and had drugs on him that February day when he was shot twice by Chicago police officers. He says it was because of that he resisted their attempts to detain him, after he illegally crossed between cars on a moving Red Line train.

Cell phone video shows the moments just before Roman was first shot, as he struggled with officers in the vestibule of the CTA's Red Line platform.

The encounter took place shortly after then-Officer Melvina Bogard and her partner, Bernard Butler, witnessed Roman crossing between moving train cars.

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"When I heard the shot, I thought she had done a warning shot," Roman said, admitting he did not realize what had happened at first.

Both CTA and witness video shows Roman was shot twice by Bogard following a five-minute struggle, during which Roman resisted officers' attempts to detain him, first using handcuffs, then pepper spray.

Cell phone video played in court clearly shows Butler yelling "shoot him," not once, but multiple times.

Butler's attorneys said his client meant for Bogard to shoot him with pepper spray.

"I didn't want to be handcuffed. I didn't want them to search the bag," Roman said.

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The officer who shot Roman was found not guilty of battery and misconduct in a 2022 trial.

The officer's attorneys argued she fired in self-defense.

She has since resigned from the department.

RELATED: Videos of police shooting at CTA Red Line station released by COPA

New videos that show a Chicago police officer shooting an unarmed man at a CTA Red Line station have been released.

Roman did face charges, including resisting arrest, but they were later dropped.

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability recommended both officers be fired.

RELATED: Man shot by Chicago police at CTA Red Line station sues city, officers

Butler was suspended for a year without pay.

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According to Roman's lawyers, the city has already spent more than a million dollars defending this case.

It's unusual that they did not reach a pre-trial settlement, as is common with police-involved shootings.

The civil lawsuit aims to prove that both Bogard and Butler violated Roman's constitutional rights: she, by using excessive force against him, he, by failing to intervene and ordering the shooting.

Bogard's attorney Tuesday said she did not mean to shoot Roman the second time.

Because this is a civil case and not a criminal one, the jury only has to decide if the allegations against the officers are more likely true than not.

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Testimony continues Wednesday at the Dirksen Federal Building.

The trial is expected to last up to two weeks.

The city of Chicago did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the trial beginning.
US-based pizza chain Papa Johns has entered a franchise agreement with Rana Group that will see 20 outlets launched across Northern Ireland by 2034.

The first branch under the agreement began trading in early December 2025 at 82 Broughshane Street in Ballymena.

A second will be confirmed by March 2026, with further sites to follow over the remainder of the 2020s.

Each outlet is expected to employ between 15 and 20 staff, creating up to 400 jobs across Northern Ireland once all stores are operational.

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Papa Johns currently has around 450 locations in the UK and is continuing to deploy capital into new store rollouts as well as making updates to its menu and digital channels.

The new agreement is led by franchisee Rana Abhol, who has more than 25 years experience in the pizza trade.

He began his career handling telephone orders and later became regional operations director for a competing brand in Northern Ireland, before joining Papa Johns in 2017.

Abhol now runs more than 25 Papa Johns sites across the UK.

Papa Johns UK & Europe managing director Chris Phylactou stated: "This new agreement is an exciting milestone for Papa Johns, reinforcing our momentum and long-term vision for sustainably growing in the UK.

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"We are proud to bring our Better Ingredients, Better Pizza ethos to more communities in Northern Ireland and the UK, offering our customers even more opportunities to enjoy the Papa Johns experience.

In November 2025, the brand transferred ownership of 85 US outlets in the Washington DC and Baltimore markets to Pie Investments under a refranchising deal.

Pie Investments, led by franchisee operator Chris Patel, has taken over the outlets previously held by Colonels Limited.

"Papa Johns enters 20store Northern Ireland franchise deal" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.




A man was sentenced for his role in the abduction and rape of a young girl.

On Monday, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and his team gave the horrifying details of what happened to the victim last February.

The DA says Horace Battle, 47, of Philadelphia, pulled up to the 11-year-old girl and her 11-year-old sister while they were walking down the street. He then reportedly convinced them to get in his vehicle to give them a ride to their uncle's home.

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Authorities say he drove them to his home on the 1600 block of West Lehigh Ave and got one of the girls to come inside.

After a while, the sister who stayed in the vehicle got out and ran for help.

Detectives say they found the child inside Battle's home in complete distress.

He was convicted of rape, kidnapping and unlawful contact of a minor.

Battle was previously convicted of raping a child in 2013.

In this recent case, he was sentenced to 15-34 years in prison, plus three years of probation.
Half a million evacuees in Cambodia and Thailand were sheltering in pagodas, schools and other safe havens on Wednesday after fleeing renewed fighting in a century-old border dispute in which US President Donald Trump has vowed to again intercede.At least 11 people, including Thai soldiers and Cambodian civilians, have been killed in the latest spate of fighting, officials said, while more than 500,000 have fled border regions near where jets, tanks and drones were waging battle.The Southeast Asian neighbours dispute the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre (500-mile) frontier, where competing claims to historic temples have spilled over into armed conflict.This week's clashes are the deadliest since five days of fighting in July that killed dozens and displaced around 300,000 before a shaky truce was agreed, following intervention by Trump.Both sides blame each other for instigating the reignited conflict, which on Tuesday expanded to five provinces of both Thailand and Cambodia, according to an AFP tally of official accounts.AFP journalists in northwestern Cambodia's Samraong town on Wednesday morning heard the blasts of incoming artillery from the direction of centuries-old temples in disputed border areas."Civilians have had to evacuate in large numbers due to what we assessed as an imminent threat to their safety. More than 400,000 people have been moved to safe shelters" across seven provinces, Thai defence ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri told reporters at a news conference."We want to prevent a recurrence of the attacks on civilians we suffered in July 2025."- 'Will it hit us?' -In Cambodia, "101,229 people have been evacuated to safe shelters and relatives' homes in five provinces," as of Tuesday evening, defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata told reporters.Cambodian Lay Non, 55, fled northern O'Smach town where he works as a security guard at a casino on Tuesday, and was staying at a temple with his family."This time the fighting is more intense, the Thais drop bombs from jets," he told AFP."I feel warm" staying near a large Buddha statue inside the temple, he added.For Pratuan Chuawong, a Thai farmer living barely 500 metres (yards) from the Cambodian border, the return of fighting has revived the same fears that gripped her in July.After those earlier clashes, she and her neighbours decided to build a bunker on their temple grounds, with hopes of shielding them from shelling.Her village, in Sa Kaeo province, lies among the closest to the front line."This time, it feels more severe than the July fighting," Pratuan told AFP."The sound of shells gets louder and louder each night. I kept wondering, 'Will it hit us?'"Cambodia withdrew Wednesday from the Southeast Asian Games, hosted by Thailand, with its Olympic committee "citing serious concerns and requests from the families of our athletes to have their relatives return home immediately".The United States, China and Malaysia, as chair of the regional bloc ASEAN, brokered the cessation of fighting in July.In October, Trump backed a follow-on joint declaration, touting new trade deals with Thailand and Cambodia after they agreed to prolong their ceasefire.But Thailand suspended the agreement the following month.The US president said he was planning to "make a phone call" on Wednesday about the renewed clashes.During a rally speech to supporters in the northeastern US state of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Trump listed various conflicts he has become involved with diplomatically, concluding with: "And I hate to say this, one named Cambodia-Thailand, that it started up today.""Tomorrow, I have to make a phone call, and I think they'll get it," he continued."Who else could say, 'I'm going to make a phone call and stop a war of two very powerful countries'?"suy-tak/sco/mtp
A routine traffic stop in Southern Idaho in October 2023 led to one of the largest wildlife crime investigations in the state in recent history.

Idaho Fish and Game reported that after a two-year investigation, 17 of the alleged 19 participants in an illegal hunting ring have been brought to justice. In all, 35 animals were illegally slain by the group, most were mule deer, but there was also a bull moose, a swan, and a bobcat taken since 2016.

The crimes occurred in Game Management Unit 54 in Twin Falls County. For legitimate hunters, gaining a license for a mature buck is highly sought after, as only 300 tags are permitted each year.

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The poachers indicted chose to circumvent the legal route and compounded their offense by discarding the meat from the kills. Wasting game meat is an offense that carries civil penalties and can lead to jail time. Seven of the worst offenders received prison sentences, hunting bans, and the remaining 10 were handed probation and fines totaling $48,631.

The story serves as a strong reminder of how important adequate enforcement of conservation laws is. Clint Rogers, Idaho Fish and Game regional conservation officer, said: "This outcome reinforces our commitment to holding violators accountable and protecting Idaho's wildlife heritage."

When done ethically and responsibly, hunting can help control animal populations, preventing overpopulation and overgrazing. The revenue from licenses is an important source of funding for the agencies that manage and protect habitats.

However, the actions of irresponsible individuals undermine those efforts. Unfortunately, it's all too common for selfish individuals to ruin others' enjoyment of the outdoors, and illegal hunting is highly disruptive to wildlife management.

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In a social media post about the story by hunting channel Venatic Media, viewers expressed their disgust at the nature of the crime.

One thought the sentence was too lenient: "How do these guys not get legit prison time. Not saying 20 years but like 2-5."

Another was sickened by the waste: "I wish the punishment was greater. Meat should always be #1 priority for hunters."

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.
(WIVT/WBGH)  New York State Police are currently investigating a Fayetteville man, who they believe sexually assaulted multiple underage victims.

Troopers arrested Logan Boliver, 22, on December 5 following an investigation. Boliver was charged with Rape in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Misdemeanor.

The investigation began in November, and a subsequent investigation determined that Boliver had sexual contact with a child under the age of 15.

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After his arrest, Boliver was transported to the Cortland County Jail for arraignment.

Investigators believe that Boliver may have had inappropriate sexual contact with additional underage victims.

Anyone who has information relevant to this investigation, or who believes they or someone they know may have been victimized, is urged to call the New York State Police at (607)561-7400 and reference case NY2501121756.

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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 WIVT - News 34.
CANBERRA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s will ensure that children have a childhood, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Albanese on Tuesday wrote to the leaders of Australia's states and territories to thank them for their support on the social media ban, which comes into effect on Wednesday, acknowledging that the reform will require some adjustment in the short term.

"This is the cultural change Australia needs to deliver greater peace of mind for parents and ensure Australian children have a childhood," he wrote.

Under laws that passed the federal parliament in November 2024, certain social media platforms must take "reasonable steps" to prevent children under 16 from having accounts.

So far 10 social media platforms have been instructed to enforce the ban -- Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X, YouTube, Kick and Reddit. Authorities may update the list as needed.

In a video message that will be played to students in schools around Australia, Albanese said that the government has made the change to support children who have grown up with algorithms, endless social media feeds and the pressure they bring.

Neither children nor their parents will be punished for breaching the ban under the laws, with the onus for enforcing it placed entirely on social media platforms.

Platforms that commit serious or repeated breaches will face fines worth up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (about 32.8 million U.S. dollars), though the government has accepted it will take some time for age assurance technology to identify all underage accounts. 
During an October encounter at the Charleston airport, Rep. Nancy Mace reportedly turned a minor miscommunication with security into an expletive-filled spectacle that left staff visibly upset, according to an airport police investigation report obtained by The Washington Post.

On October 30, the airport security team was expecting to meet Mace after she arrived in a white BMW to escort her, when she instead came in a silver BMW, the report found. Because of the snafu, Mace was briefly left unattended, then was found later angrily criticizing staff at a TSA checkpoint over the incident.

The report found airport staff had a certain level of responsibility for what happened, but said Maces continued failure to follow established procedures at the checkpoint escalated the situation.

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The South Carolina rep, who is now running for governor, allegedly berated officers and TSA staff, telling them she was sick of your s***, calling them f***ing idiots, and accusing them of being f***ing incompetent, according to the investigation report. Many airport staff were working without pay at the time, during the government shutdown.

The Republican complained she was not getting special treatment even though she was a f***ing representative, the report allegedly found.

Mace clashed with staff at the Charleston airport in October during the government shutdown (AFP via Getty Images)

The report also faulted alleged past issues with Mace at airports, describing the Republican as being rarely on time and that this is often exacerbated by the fact that their communication is often relayed through multiple staffers, as the Congresswoman appears to have high personnel turnover.

The Independent has contacted Mace for comment.

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Her office told The Washington Post the details of the report were a full exoneration.

Mace has insisted police and media outlets have spread an incomplete and incorrect version of what happened at the airport.

Nancy Mace has claimed the media and police have shared inaccurate versions of what happened at the airport, and said she feared for her safety because of the security mix-up at the airport (Getty Images)

She also threatened to sue American Airlines, the Charleston Airport, and others over the October incident.

As an Independent analysis found, Mace posted more than 100 times on social media about the incident.

Describing the incident last month, which took place not long after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed, Mace said she was concerned for safety.

I am not going to be the next person shot and killed in cold blood, she told reporters. I take my safety of myself, of my children, of my family, of my employees, very seriously.

I absolutely 100% confronted the airport employees who put my safety at risk, she added. Did I drop an F bomb? I hope I did. Did I call them incompetent? If I didn't, they absolutely earned it.
A crash in Elkhart Saturday injured several people.

According to Elkhart County deputies, at 11:22 a.m. Saturday, Justin Miller, 40, of Elkhart, was facing southeast on U.S. 33 west of the Lewis Street intersection in a 2009 Ford Fusion. Stephanie Fisher, 35, of Elkhart, was north on Lewis Street in the left-turn lane south of the U.S. 33 intersection in a 2001 Toyota Camry. Police say Fisher had the green light at the intersection beginning to turn left onto U.S. 33 but Miller continued through the intersection, disregarding the lighted signal and failing to yield the Camrys right of way.

Before impact, Fisher attempted an avoidance maneuver but the vehicles collided anyway.

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Miller and his passenger, Kirk McCale, 35, of Elkhart, were both transported to the Elkhart General Hospital by on-scene medics. Miller was cited for disregarding an official traffic control device and failure to yield at a sign involving collision.

HIT-AND-RUN

 A 71-year-old Goshen man reported to Goshen police at 11:57 a.m. Saturday that his vehicle was struck by another while at Northern Pride Car Wash, 1125 N. Main St.

 A 20-year-old Goshen man reported to Goshen police at 5:56 p.m. Friday that he was involved in a vehicle crash where the other driver left the scene prior to police arrival.

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 A 38-year-old woman reported to Elkhart County deputies that between 4:25 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday someone damaged her Chevrolet Impala in the 27000 block of Sentry Way Drive in Elkhart and left the scene of the crash.

ARRESTS

 A 43-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Elkhart County deputies at 3:45 p.m. Sunday on charges of driving while intoxicated and possession of marijuana after he was stopped for a traffic violation near Nappanee Street and C.R. 20.

 A 42-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Elkhart County deputies at 3:24 a.m. Sunday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance and cocaine.

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 A 30-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Elkhart County deputies at 12:12 p.m. Saturday on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with priors, possession of cocaine and of marijuana after he reportedly backed into another vehicle and fled the scene.

 A 47-year-old woman was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 11:55 p.m. Saturday on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment after she was stopped for a moving violation at Elkhart Road and Bashor Road.

 A 39-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 11:08 p.m. Friday on a charge of unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle after police were called to Interra Credit Union, 300 Lincoln Ave., Goshen, for items in a vehicle that did not belong in it.

 A 46-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 12:01 a.m. Saturday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment and without a license after he was stopped for a moving violation East Wilden Avenue and North Main Street.

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 A 32-year-old woman was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 12:50 a.m. Saturday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with priors and never obtaining a license after he was stopped for multiple traffic infractions at East Lincoln Avenue Olive Street.

 A 43-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 2:58 a.m. Saturday on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment with priors after he was stopped for a traffic interaction at South Eighth Street and Madison Street.

 A 23-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 3 a.m. Saturday on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment after he was stopped for multiple moving violations in the 300 block of Third Street.

 Elkhart County deputies observed a man convicted as a serious violent sex offender at Concord High School, 59117 Minuteman Way, Elkhart. He was arrested on a charge of unlawful entry of school property by a serious violent sex offender.

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SEX CRIME

 Elkhart County deputies received a report at 1:30 p.m. Friday of a child in need of services, for a child molestation.

 Elkhart County deputies began an investigation for dissemination of harmful material to minors at 6 p.m. Saturday after someone sent nude photos to a teen from the 24000 block of U.S. 6.

OFFICERS REPORT

A 45-year-old man reported to Elkhart County deputies at 1:21 p.m. shooting a stray dog that charged at him and his wife at their home in the 29000 block of Dawn Jo Lene Avenue.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

 A 71-year-old woman reported to Goshen police at 2:14 p.m. Sunday, someone put graffiti on her shed in the 1000 block of South 12th Street.

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 A 55-year-old man reported to Goshen police at 8:04 p.m. Friday that his 17-year-old granddaughter destroyed multiple TVs at his home and struck her in the head with a fire poker.

 A 58-year-old woman reported to Elkhart County deputies that between 10:30 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Saturday someone dispersed ketchup all over the front of her house in the 29000 block of C.R. 22 in Elkhart.

THEFT

 A 68-year-old woman reported to Goshen police at 3:12 p.m. Sunday a stolen temporary license plate was taken off her vehicle in the 2800 block of County Home Road.

 A 58-year-old woman reported to Goshen police at 11:26 a.m. Friday a theft in the 200 block of West Washington Street.

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 A 39-year-old man reported to Elkhart County deputies that between 10 p.m. Nov. 28 and 9 a.m. Nov. 29 someone stole items from the 27000 block of Willard Road.

 A 36-year-old man reported to Elkhart County deputies that between 3:29 and 7:12 a.m. Dec. 3 two people rented U-Haul trucks from 22013 Ind. 120, in Elkhart, and never returned them.
Burns: So how far would you go to  to take Maduro out of office?

Trump: I dont want to say that. But, uh 

Burns: But you want to see him out?

Trump: His days are numbered.

Burns: Can you rule out an American ground invasion 

Trump: I dont want to 

Burns:  in Venezuela?

Trump:  rule in or out. I dont talk about it. Why would I talk to you, an extremely unfriendly publication, if you want to call it POLITICO, that got $8 million from Obama to keep it afloat, why would I do that? Why would I talk about that to POLITICO? I mean, Im doing this because you picked me as the man for Europe 

Burns: Well, Im  Im  Im asking for 

Trump:  and I thought it was  I thought it was 

Burns:  for  for transparency for the 

Trump:  an appropriate thing to do.

Burns:  American people because a of folks are 

Trump: Transparency?

Burns: Well, people are wondering what is 

Trump: Ill tell you, I am the most transparent politician maybe in the world, OK?

Burns: A lot of folks are wondering what our goals are in Venezuela.

Trump: Sure, but I dont want to  I dont want to talk to you about military strategy.
Construction crews will soon begin work on a $62 million project to expand the Donna Port of Entry near the Mexico border.

The City of Donna executed an agreement with CBP and the General Services Administration, allowing construction teams to begin expanding the port of entry for commercial traffic, officials announced.

According to Donna Mayor David Moreno, this will bring $62 million in infrastructure improvements at the Donna International Bridge  the largest investment of its kind in our citys history.

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Today marks a historic milestone for the City of Donna, Moreno said in a press release. This is more than just infrastructure; its a bold investment in our people, our progress, and Donnas future as a key player in international trade.

CBP, GSA, and Donna are partnering to build the model port of the future, according to the release. The improvements will add nonintrusive inspection technology, with northbound and southbound inspection facilities for commercial vehicles.

These improvements will not only elevate border security and expand trade capacity but will also open new economic opportunities for Donna, the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and our global partners, Moreno said. We are setting the stage for a prosperous future, and Donna is leading the way.

CBP and GSA first accepted the project proposal in April 2017, according to the release. Since then, the project team has developed a state-of-the-art port of entry that will increase processing efficiency.

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The donation acceptance agreement, announced December 8, will allow the project team to begin construction. The agreement authorizes CBP and GSA to accept real property, personal property, and non-personal services as donations from public and private sources.

Accepted donations may be used for port of entry construction, alterations, operations and maintenance activities, the release reads.

CBP Field Operations Exec. Asst. Commissioner Diana Sabatino said in the release that this agreement marks a significant milestone, after years of planning and coordination between CBP, Donna, and GSA.

As we advance with the construction of the port of the future, I am confident that our strong partnership with federal colleagues and the City of Donna will lead to its successful completion, Sabatino said.

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GSA Acting Administrator Michael Rigas said the agency is proud to partner with CBP and Donna to advance President Donald Trumps border security goals.

Through this innovative project, we are delivering significant savings to American taxpayers, ensuring secure infrastructure, and supporting American workers, Rigas said.

The city, with a population of roughly 16,800, sits along the Mexican border just east of McAllen.

When CBP officers flagged a Mexican womans vehicle on July 22 at the Donna Port of Entry, they found almost 80 pounds  or $803,000  worth of methamphetamine, as The Dallas Express reported. Earlier that month, Border Patrol and Hidalgo County Constables captured a wanted human smuggler and member of the violent prison gang Paisas in the city.

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Just across the border from Donna in Mexico, surveillance footage of a cartel gunfight went viral in 2024, according to Fox News. At the time, Texas DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez identified the factions as the scorpions and metros.

Moreno thanked CBP and GSA for their help in improving the port of entry.

The Donna International Bridge is more than a crossing; it is a global gateway and a corridor that connects communities, drives commerce, and fuels prosperity, he said. This project cements Donnas role as the Heart of the Valley and elevates our region onto the world stage as a hub for international connection and cooperation.
After the I-Team first reported in October on lines of postal trucks blocking stop signs, bike lanes, and obscuring vision for pedestrians and drivers in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the postal vehicles were moved into a nearby parking garage. Now, they are back on the street again, creating the exact same safety hazard.

Since July of this year, the I-Team has been documenting postal vehicles illegally parked near the Lincoln Park Annex. Trucks blocked bike lanes, stop signs and reduced visibility for drivers and pedestrians near two area schools.

When we asked federal lawmakers about the issue, we were told the U.S. Postal Service signed a parking lease with a nearby garage. After our reporting, Lincoln Park Alderman Timmy Knudsen says many of the vehicles were moved.

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"I think after that big push in July there was a real improvement," said 43rd Ward Ald. Knudsen. "But it's cautious improvement, because within the last week, we have heard that there has been an uptick in postal vehicles parking on Clark, just like they were in the past."

The vehicles are back. The I-Team found truck after truck illegally parked on snowy streets on Monday, and on two separate days in the past week, even after securing a lease at a nearby parking garage and transitioning to smaller vehicles that can fit in it.

"My guess, from what we've seen and from walking the area, is that with the weather and the snow we've had, some drivers are parking closer to the building because it is much more convenient," Knudsen said.

Knudsen told the I-Team his office has gone straight to the Postal Service in Washington, D.C. to try to tackle the problem but has not heard back in a week.

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The issue is causing compounding aggravation for commuters.

We spoke to Congressman Mike Quigley, who represents Lincoln Park, about the issue in September. He told the I-Team Chicago police are legally powerless to ticket postal vehicles.

"Strangely enough, frustratingly enough, only the post office police force could do this right. And obviously, that wasn't going to happen," Quigley said. "Talk about frustration, the inability of the federal government to coordinate... There was almost nothing we could do besides embarrass them."

Knudsen says he is hopeful with additional attention this will be resolved quickly. We reached out the U.S. Postal Service for comment. The I-Team has not heard back.
Gregory Samorajski, right, chief executive officer of the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, gave a presentation to members of the Public Retirement Systems Committee at a Dec. 9, 2025 meeting. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Leaders on a public retirement system oversight panel said Tuesday that lawmakers were largely not motivated to make any major changes to Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, or IPERS, in the coming 2026 legislative session, but said studies on the system and potential changes may be requested.

The Tuesday meeting of the Public Retirement Systems Committee comes following months of concerns about changes to IPERS. The concerns were largely spurred by suggestions discussed by the Iowa DOGE task force, the group of private industry leaders convened in February with the goal of finding ways to make Iowa state and local government more efficient. The task force was modeled on the federal Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk.

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One of the proposals included in the task forces final report, submitted to Gov. Kim Reynolds and legislators, was a recommendation that state leaders conduct a study on public employee benefits. The report also said, where feasible, offer employees a choice among benefit plans.

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This suggestion is a scaled-back recommendation from an earlier DOGE task force suggestion to move the IPERS system from a defined benefits program to a defined contribution program, in which both employees and employers would contribute to retirement benefit plans. This proposal was met with significant backlash from labor organizations and advocates who said the plan would endanger the system and retirement benefits for current IPERS members.

As the meeting began, Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, R-Fort Dodge, who co-chairs the committee, emphasized DOGEs suggested changes to IPERS are not concrete. He referred to the task force report suggestions as ideas from nonelected officials, and said there is not any written legislation waiting to be passed.

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However, Kraayenbrink said lawmakers are willing to consider proposed changes to IPERS and move forward proposals if they would potentially improve the system.

There are some positive things out there that I think myself as an IPERS contributor and many others in the room here today  want to maybe take a look at some of those things  that are not currently whats happening, but things that could possibly be part of IPERS, Kraayenbrink said.

Speaking with reporters, Kraayenbrink said there is not an appetite to make large changes to IPERS among Republican lawmakers immediately. However, he said if employees on the retirement system advocate for a change, lawmakers would consider it. He pointed, for example, to the cost of living adjustments recently added to the calculations of Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs retirement benefits.

He said a study on some of the proposed changes, such as the viability of a move to a defined contribution program for future employees, may be conducted, and said he would support getting more information on the impact of these proposals.

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Why wouldnt you want a study done that would either verify that, yeah, we need to stay where were at, and its too costly  its not worth it. If it comes back and says, by gosh, this would be great, and everybody agrees its great, then why wouldnt you want to know that? Kraayenbrink said. I dont think theres any harm in knowing something, being educated on something.

Kraayenbrink said having a study doesnt mean that were going to go down the hole and change things drastically.

I think everybodys just so close-minded at certain times  that they dont want to look at anything else  because they think everythings going to just be destroyed, he said. And thats not the intent. The intent is just to know what it is, so that we can make Iowa more competitive.

The DOGE report suggests IPERS would not change for existing public employees, but that if financially viable, future workers could choose to move to a defined contribution plan instead of a pension. However, organizers said this proposal would still compromise IPERS solvency in the future.

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Tammy Gertsen, an organizer with the nonprofit group Indivisible Iowa, said the money coming into IPERS through current and new employees is needed to support those who are retired and ensure the system continues to work in the future. IPERS needs the money coming in at the top to flow all the way through, for those that are going to earn it, she said.

Gertsen also said she was skeptical of lawmakers who said they do not plan to make changes to IPERS under the DOGE task force recommendations.

That plan could change in a heartbeat, Gertsen said.   What they say today may not be whats in the plan, because once it reaches Reynolds desk, they may have another discussion. She may want it a different way, so to say what they are laying out is in concrete  I dont trust that. Whereas IPERS cant change what theyve done, thats set, even the Legislature have set how they can do things.

Some officials with IPERS also spoke about their support for keeping the system as-is during the meeting. Matt Carver, chair of the IPERS Benefits Advisory Committee, said his committee voted unanimously to approve a resolution during their Oct. 28 meeting encouraging IPERS to remain under its current legal framework.

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Im not here to shoot arrows at the DOGE commission, Carver said. I think they were just trying to do their best to come up with different ideas, say well, where can we save some money, that happened to be one of them. But that is very concerning, as you can imagine.

He thanked the lawmakers who had responded to the DOGE task forces suggestions saying the Legislature was likely uninterested in moving forward on IPERS changes, saying their public statements helped settle things down somewhat.

Gregory Samorajski, chief executive officer of the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, and other officials with public employee benefits systems for Iowa, all said the funds did better than projected in 2025 and were in good condition heading into the upcoming year. Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, who serves the committee said the Tuesday meeting made it clear that IPERS is one of the strongest retirement systems in the country.

The proposed changes from the Governors D.O.G.E. committee are dangerous, unnecessary, and would put the retirement of hundreds of thousands of Iowans at risk, Zabner said in a statement. I urge my Republican colleagues to join me and commit to keeping IPERS strong and untouched. I will always fight to protect the earned retirement security of Iowans.

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Missouri State Board of Education President Mary Schrag and Education Commissioner Karla Eslinger lead a board meeting Sept. 17 at the Missouri Special Olympics building in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

The Missouri State Board of Education approved legislative priorities Tuesday that signal support for legislation on voluntary public school open enrollment.

What this means, though, is unclear.

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Board members during a Tuesday morning meeting expressed differing opinions on open enrollment, a policy that broadly speaking would allow students to enroll in neighboring school districts. After debating the issue, the board initially seemed poised to remove it from its priorities for the upcoming legislative session but ultimately agreed to wave it through and make edits at a later date.

Board President Mary Schrag said the intention is to give the board and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education a seat at the table as lawmakers consider provisions that alter how open enrollment would be administered.

We dont have to take a stance on (open enrollment), she said. I do think we need to make sure that we stay as a player and are at the table.

State lawmakers have filed open enrollment bills for the past five years, passing out of the House each time but coming to a standstill in the Senate. The proposal has evolved over the years, with changes like a cap on the number of students that may leave a district and who is responsible for the cost of transportation.

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Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger said if lawmakers move forward with open enrollment, shed like the board to have a say in some of the details.

(State lawmakers) continue to have conversations in the legislature about what is the best fit for Missouri and how do you create this opportunity for choice within the public system, she said. So, by having this board have an opinion that open enrollment is something we want to have a conversation about, it makes us relevant.

She told state senators in a hearing about an unrelated issue last week that she did not have a problem with open enrollment as a concept.

As a superintendent of schools, I can tell you that if a parent didnt feel like that I met their needs, I want them to be able to go someplace, she told the Senate Education Committee last Thursday.

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Board member Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, of Pasadena Hills, said Tuesday that she had concerns that she would like to enumerate in a clearer policy position.

I want to be supportive of our board, but I am concerned about harming small communities, and that isnt reflected in this language, she said.

Board member Mike Matousek, of Kansas City, indicated that he supported the idea of open enrollment but he felt like approving the legislative priorities was premature.

There are key issues that we just need to talk about first to understand what it is were actually supporting here, and what are our priorities, he said.

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He was the lone vote in opposition to approving the document.

Schrag said many of the priorities, like a focus on early childhood literacy, have come up in numerous board conversations.

As board members, we are learning and absorbing and digging in all the time through all of our conversations, she said. It doesnt require a specific agenda item, in some cases, to come to an understanding of a position.

The board has approved legislative priorities for four years, focusing on improving the programs offered by the states education department.

Other priorities approved Tuesday include a recommendation to fully fund the formula that determines state aid for public schools and the creation of a program to improve math instruction statewide.
The Trump administration suddenly withdrew its federal policy change reducing funding for permanent supportive housing on Friday, Dec. 8, 2025. (Photo by Nadia Engenheiro, Half Street Group)

An hour before a scheduled court hearing on two federal lawsuits over recent changes to a key federal homelessness and housing funding program, the Trump administration withdrew the funding notice that prompted the litigation.

The move came as a surprise to the attorneys for plaintiffs who were initially scheduled to make their case for a temporary restraining order before Rhode Island Judge Mary S. McElroy.

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It feels like intentional chaos, McElroy said.

In a message to Continuum of Care networks, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Monday afternoon that officials rescinded its Nov. 13 Notice of Funding Opportunity for federal fiscal 2025 grants to make appropriate revisions. The notice had set Jan. 14 as the deadline for applications for Continuum of Care funds, which address homelessness.

Rhode Islands Continuum of Care gave the states homeless care a deadline of Dec. 12 to get their applications done to give to HUD, according to one of the lawsuits.

We received notice first through our providers and [electronic filing], not through opposing counsel, Zane Muller, assistant attorney general for the state of Washington, said during the 25-minute virtual hearing that began at 3:30 p.m.

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HUDs policy rescission too was news for McElroy, who called it a haphazard approach to administrative law.

Theres a process and procedure thats laid out, said McElroy, a first-term Trump appointee. Its not by tweets or by last-minute orders or last-minute withdrawals.

Pardis Gheibi, a U.S. Department of Justice attorney representing HUD, told McElroy the notice was filed with the court as soon as it was published. She did not have the answer when McElroy wanted to know who at HUD made the decision to rescind the funding notice and when.

We didnt have the chance to confer with plaintiffs counsel  but the rescission happened this afternoon, Gheibi said.

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The Trump administration had planned to slash the amount of grant funds that can be spent on permanent housing  subsidized units that provide a stable residence for formerly homeless people, often those who have experienced mental illness or spent years on the streets  and instead focus on transitional housing.

Theres a process and procedure thats laid out. Its not by tweets or by last-minute orders or last-minute withdrawals.

 Rhode Island U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy

Grant rules also would have eliminated funding for diversity and inclusion efforts, support of transgender clients and use of harm reduction strategies that seek to reduce overdose deaths by helping people in active addiction use drugs more safely.

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HUD wrote in its update that it still intends to make changes to the policy for awarding funds for addressing homelessness.

A coalition of states co-led by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha filed suit over HUDs latest Notice of Funding Opportunity on Nov. 25. On Dec. 1, a group of cities and nonprofits led by the National Alliance to End Homelessness and the National Low Income Housing Coalition filed a separate 85-page lawsuit.

Both complaints had similar requests for the court to declare the new conditions unlawful and reinstate language from prior funding notices, which is why McElroy opted to combine them into one hearing.

But with the funding notice now withdrawn, Gheibi argued there was no need for immediate relief.

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Kristin Bateman, an attorney representing local communities and nonprofits and a senior counsel with Democracy Forward, argued court action is still needed. She said HUDs rescission still leaves a critical funding gap for homeless services starting early next year since most federal fiscal 2024 grants start to expire in January.

Those gaps in funding mean that they will not have the money to continue supporting the permanent housing that they fund for people to live in, Bateman said. People are going to be displaced, put back into homelessness in the middle of winter and face all the harms that come with that.

McElroy scheduled the next hearing for 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19. She also tasked HUD with producing the administrative record on the grant funding policy, ideally within a week  though Gheibi had asked if it could wait until after the holidays.

McElroy said if the administration could work quickly to rescind the funding notice, they can work quickly to give the court the documents she requested.

People can work overtime if they need to, McElroy said. I do, they do, Im sure you do.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Following money laundering investigations by federal and Nevada authorities, Resorts World Las Vegas is the target of a new lawsuit filed by a professional gambler and a business investor.

Resorts World isnt the only target. The lawsuit lists high-profile criminal defense attorney David Chesnoff, Genting Berhad CEO KT Lim, former Resorts World CEO Scott Sibella and six others as defendants.

The lawsuit, filed on Dec. 3 in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas, alleges violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). It also alleges retaliation and witness intimidation, as well as false arrest/unreasonable seizure violations under federal and Nevada laws.

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The gambler, Robert R.J. Cipriani, also uses the moniker Robin Hood 702 and describes himself on social media as Philanthropist/Activist/Gambler. He claims he was barred by the Resorts World casino and others followed their lead. As a professional gambler, he was deprived of his livelihood for over four years, according to the lawsuit. He is known as a high-stakes blackjack player from Los Angeles.

The investor, James Russell, claims Resorts World allowed a man who cheated him and his partners out of about $10 million to freely gamble the money away in the casino, despite knowing it came from fraud.

Money laundering investigations in recent years have exposed violations at MGM Grand, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Wynn Las Vegas, Resorts World Las Vegas/ and Caesars Palace, resulting in fines totaling more than $30 million. Those investigations have focused on improper relationships with illegal bookmakers.

And if Nevada gaming regulators were harsh in describing a culture of money laundering at Resorts World, the new lawsuit is just as frank.

FILE  Resorts World Las Vegas is shown under construction, April 19, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ken Ritter, File)

After the Resorts World casino first opened in June 2021, Plaintiff Cipriani regularly gambled at the casino and observed on numerous occasions known criminals, fraudsters, money launderers and convicted felons were gambling at Resorts World, including Defendant Sattler, Edward Ting, Robert Alexander, Joseph Angelo Bravo, Damien LeForbes and others, according to the lawsuit.

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The lawsuit alleges the illegal activity was at the core of Resorts Worlds business strategy: welcome the criminals, many of whom Defendant Sibella had established relationships, and let them launder their illicit funds at the casino and invest in Resorts World businesses, all to the benefit of the Resorts Worlds bottom line.

Casting themselves as whistleblowers on Resorts Worlds misdeeds, Cipriani and Russell allege in the lawsuit widespread activity involving known criminals gambling in the casino. They are seeking to recover damages that could be eligible for treble damages under federal law.

By the late 2010s, Plaintiff Ciprianis role as an informant was well known in the gaming industry, according to the lawsuit.

8 News Now reached out to Resorts World on Monday for comment.

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We typically do not comment on pending litigation, but this lawsuit repackages old matters and is yet another attempt to bring negative attention to Resorts World Las Vegas and seek some form of compensation. We will vigorously defend ourselves against this meritless action, a Resorts World spokesman said.

Cipriani has a separate lawsuit against Resorts World, which was reinstated on appeal after it had been dismissed.

DOC-20251203-WA0001.Download

A request for comment from Chesnoff was referred to his personal attorney, James J. Pisanelli, who was not in the office on Monday. This story will be updated if we receive a comment.

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Chesnoff has represented clients ranging from Michael Jacksons family to former Raider Henry Ruggs, and recently Alexander Smirnov, the man who was at the center of allegations against Hunter Biden.

The lawsuit describes Chesnoff and Sibella as friends. In addition to representing various illegal gamblers, fraudsters, drug traffickers and other criminals, Defendant Chesnoff invested in, participated in and owned business interests at Resorts World, which were used to facilitate money laundering, and other illegal activities, according to the lawsuit.

FILE  People at the opening night of the Resorts World Las Vegas hotel-casino, Thursday, June 24, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Other defendants named in the lawsuit were MGM Grand employees Matthew Forbes, Doni Taube, Joseph Tatonetti, Tonya Henderson, Elie Samarani and Resorts Worlds Brandon Sattler. The allegations from Russell involving losses to fraud were related to dealings with Sattler. Most of the MGM employees worked in security and surveillance roles, and followed Sibella to Resorts World.

Narrative in the 95-page lawsuit refers to statements Sibella made to Nevada gaming regulators as he was stripped of his gaming license. Before Resorts World, he was president and CEO at MGM Grand.

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Henderson attorney Kathleen Bliss and the Washington, D.C., firm The Volkov Law Group PC are representing Cipriani and Russell.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Rahm Emanuel, who is mulling a presidential run, is pushing for the United States to follow Australia's lead in banning children under 16 from most social media.

Alarmed by the addictive nature of social media apps and the attendant health and safety risks for young users, Emanuel wants to amp up public pressure on American lawmakers to restrict access to some of the worlds most popular platforms.

In a bit of irony, the potential 2028 White House hopeful plans to issue his call to action Tuesday, as Australias ban takes effect, in a video hell post on his social media accounts, according to plans the Democrat shared first with POLITICO.

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Weve got to make a choice when it comes to our adolescents: Whos going to be a kind of moral guiding light? I put my thumb on the scale for adults over algorithms, Emanuel said in an interview, accusing Big Tech of prioritizing profits over protecting our adolescents.

Its the latest in a series of policy stances Emanuel is sharpening as the former ambassador, who worked for three Democratic presidents and was mayor of Chicago, calls out his partys messaging from education to public safety ahead of a critical midterm election.

It also comes as Democrats are embracing social media influencers and encouraging political leaders and candidates to spend more time online to promote their messaging and reach younger voters.

But Emanuel sees those as separate issues  an electoral strategy targeted toward adults over 18 versus a public health problem affecting adolescents. He likened solving it to steps he took to curb youth smoking as mayor by raising the minimum age to buy tobacco products. And he suggested lawmakers should start with targeting three of the most popular apps among U.S. teens  TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat.

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We cant lose another generation because of inaction or political gridlock, he said.

Emanuel appears to be taking a tougher stance on youth access to social media than some of his would-be rivals for the Democratic nomination  and positioning himself against the Big Tech lobby that has fiercely opposed efforts to regulate who accesses their platforms by arguing it infringes upon free speech. As a candidate, he too received donations from tech giants, including Eric Schmidt and Sheryl Sandberg.

Asked about those contributions, he said his stance now shows his independence from those firms.

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed bills this fall that require social media platforms to display health warning labels to minors and require apps to check kids' ages. Both Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, have spoken out about social media's impact on kids' mental health.

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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed a Kids Code last year that aims to limit data tech companies can collect from children, but is mired in a legal battle. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law in 2023 that works to ensure children are compensated for appearing in online content.

Emanuel, asked if his proposed social-media ban would be key to his platform should he run for president, said anything that allows us to keep focus on improving academic standards and protecting our children on a public-health basis is going to be a priority.

Australias world-first social media ban is designed to restrict access to major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube for children under 16. And it threatens to slap their parent companies with tens of millions of dollars in fines if they dont take reasonable steps to prevent youngsters access. Tech firms had protested the measure as rushed and short-sighted and argued it will not fulfill its promise to make kids safer online. But they have already begun deactivating accounts.

Theres some support for a similar ban in the U.S. Nearly six in 10 voters in a Quinnipiac University poll conducted in late 2024 said they would like to see similar age restrictions, though support was lower among those ages 18 to 34. An August POLITICO-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab poll of registered California voters showed 45 percent support for banning social media for kids under 16.

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A bipartisan group of senators  including Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who political insiders think is positioning himself for another White House run in 2028 and who has made kids online safety a centerpiece of his stint chairing the panel that oversees social media  introduced a bill earlier this year that would ban children under age 13 from social media. Emanuel said that legislation has the right thrust.

Another bipartisan group of senators has reintroduced a bill that would require social media firms to remove features that could have negative effects on youth mental health. The bill sailed through the Senate 91-3 last year but stalled in the House, and the two chambers remain at odds over the details.

Amid congressional gridlock, a patchwork of primarily red states have passed laws attempting to limit kids access to social media by requiring parental consent and imposing digital curfews. But those efforts have drawn resistance from industry groups representing tech giants like Meta, Alphabet and Snapchat and have been largely blocked by courts.

Still, a divided panel of appeals judges last month gave Florida the go-ahead to begin enforcing a law signed by one-time presidential aspirant, GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis, that bars children under age 14 from using many social media platforms and requires parental approval for those ages 14 and 15. DeSantis, who might mount another White House bid in 2028, has hailed the law as a way of keeping children safe from online predators.

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Emanuel acknowledged the stiff legal challenges a sweeping social media ban could face. But he said theres a potentially winning argument in casting the crackdowns as combating a public health issue associated with technology rather than the technology itself.

Tyler Katzenberger, Andrew Atterbury and Shia Kapos contributed to this report.
SYDNEY, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape said here on Tuesday that the South Pacific nation wanted to identify with a green economy, and its characteristics in the next 10 to 20 years must evolve into an economy powered by green energy sources.

Marape said at the fireside chat section of the PNG Investment Leaders Summit that PNG's potential advantage for investors is a greener economy.

He said that PNG's forests and oceans present opportunities in terms of carbon footprint offset, making the country a nation with a negative carbon footprint. He added that PNG's heavy investment in the law and justice sector could further boost investor confidence.

The PNG Investment Leaders Summit is the flagship forum of the PNG Investment Week, which is being held in Sydney from Dec. 8 to 11. Hosted by the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy, the PNG Investment Week this year, under the theme of "Strong Together -- Investing for the Future," expanded focus on infrastructure, agriculture, finance, digital innovation and renewable energy.

While delivering his keynote speech at the summit, Marape said that the PNG government has shifted focus. Whilst maintaining focus on mining and petroleum, it has shifted its focus to the non-mining and non-petroleum sector, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, manufacturing, construction and tourism.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in his keynote speech at the summit that Australia is committed to remaining a proud and reciprocal economic partner of PNG.

"PNG's exports to Australia continue to flourish. And while raw materials are an important feature of our trade relationship, they are by no means the whole of it," he said, adding that Australia invests in projects that support local jobs, construction and supply chains within PNG. 
Earlier in the afternoon, Israel Police opened an investigation into the incident and the possibility of ruling it a murder.

The remains discovered by Israel's Fire and Rescue Authority in a cistern outside of Kfar Zoharim near Beit Guvrin on Tuesday afternoon belong to missing person Moshe Tzabari, Israeli media confirmed later that evening.

Earlier in the afternoon, Israel Police opened an investigation into the incident and the possibility of ruling it a murder.

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"Police have begun collecting evidence and looking into the incident," the police's original statement said.

The remains were transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir for identification.

Israel Fire and Rescue Authority attempt to recover remains found in cistern near Kfar Zoharim, December 9, 2025. (CREDIT: Israel Fire and Rescue Authority)

Israel Police looking into whether or not remains belong to missing Jerusalemite

Israel's public broadcaster KAN News reported on Tuesday afternoon that Israel Police were also looking into whether or not the remains belonged to a Jerusalem resident who was reported missing earlier this week.

The missing resident's burnt-out vehicle was discovered in a forest outside of Kiryat Gat last night, KAN added.
Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat and fierce Trump critic, announced Monday she was launching a high-stakes U.S. Senate campaign in Texas, the same day Democratic primary opponent Colin Allred dropped out.

Crockett, who filed just hours before the deadline, will face Democratic Rep. James Talarico of Austin in the March 3rd primary, as she tries to turn incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn's seat from red to blue.

"For too long, Texas has elected senators who have defended politics as usual and protected the status quo, while Texans have paid the price," Crockett said on her website. "We've had senators who have pushed the American Dream further and further out of reach."

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"I'm running for the U.S. Senate because I believe Texas deserves a senator who will be an independent voice for all 30 million Texans -- not a rubber stamp or party line vote for Donald Trump."

Crockett's primary opponent Talarico on Monday welcomed her to the race after Allred dropped out.

"We're building a movement in Texas -- fueled by record-breaking grassroots fundraising and 10,000 volunteers who are putting in the work to defeat the billionaire mega-donors and puppet politicians who have taken over our state," Talarico said. "Our movement is rooted in unity over division -- so we welcome Congresswoman Crockett into this race."

Rep. Allred of Dallas decided Monday not to run in the U.S. Senate primary and opted instead to run for the newly-drawn 33rd Congressional District in Dallas County after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that the redrawn map, which favors Republicans, could be used in the 2026 election.

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In a statement, Allred admitted Crockett played a part in his decision to drop out.

"In the past few days, I've come to believe that a bruising Senate Democratic primary and runoff would prevent the Democratic party from going into this critical election unified against the danger posed to our communities and our Constitution by Donald Trump and one of his Republican bootlickers Paxton, Cornyn or Hunt," Allred said earlier Monday.

The winner of the Democratic Senate primary will face one of three Republican primary opponents in the midterm elections, Republican incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton or U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt.

On Monday, Paxton commented in a post on X saying, "everyone knows Crockett will be soundly defeated," as he also focused on Cornyn's campaign spending and lower standing in the polls.

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Paxton has been vocal about Texas' redrawn district map and the order's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Last month, he predicted the Supreme Court would "uphold Texas's sovereign right to engage in partisan redistricting," after he criticized partisan gerrymandering in Democratic-led states, including California, Illinois and New York.

Texas Republicans have not lost a statewide office in more than three decades. Crockett's decision to run for the Senate also opens up the 30th Congressional District seat she has held since 2023.
Lawlers letter, now circulating again, asked Israel to safeguard the mobility of US-Israel dual citizens impacted by attorney-general directives linked to haredi draft evasion.

A letter sent by US Representative Mike Lawler (R-New York) to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in September, requesting that dual citizens be exempt from the attorney-general's order to sanction yeshiva students who attempted to evade the IDF draft process, resurfaced on Tuesday.

Lawler was concerned that "these measures include travel restrictions preventing individuals who are dual citizens of the US and Israel from leaving the country."

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In the letter, Lawler asked Netanyahu to "ensure that these American citizens are allowed to leave Israel freely and have the ability to visit and return to the US if they choose."

US citizens, "like all citizens, deserve the full protection afforded by their nationality, particularly those who maintain deep familial, professional, and personal ties in the US through their dual citizenship," he affirmed.

US Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) sends a letter to PM Netanyahu asking him to exempt dual US-Israeli nationals from draft dodging sanctions, September 19, 2025. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X/VIA SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT)

It remains unclear why the letter was re-circulating on social media over recent days.

Lawler's constituency, New York's 17th District, comprises Rockland County and parts of Duchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties, just north of New York City, and has a notable percentage of Jewish residents.

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He was elected to Congress in 2022, entering office in January 2023.

Lawler also serves as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, including chairing the Middle East and North Africa subcommittee.

Lawler hosts Herzog, discuss bilateral relations, antisemitism

Lawler met with President Isaac Herzog during the latter's visit to New York City, saying it was his honor to "discuss US-Israel relations" with the president, including the "importance of standing together against the rising tide of antisemitism."

"We are committed to strengthening the US-Israel partnership and ensuring that Jewish communities here in the United States feel safe, supported, and protected," Lawler affirmed in his post on X/Twitter after the meeting.
Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, asks University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel about the universitys diversity, equity and inclusion program during a meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Education, Sept. 17, 2024. (LRC Public Information)

An Oldham County Republican will renew her push to end diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Kentuckys public schools in the legislative session that begins next month.

Met with support from her party and opposition from Democrats, Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, presented a draft of a bill to end DEI in K-12 schools to the Interim Joint Committee on Education Tuesday. She called it a measure to eliminate the wasteful, ineffective and divisive DEI initiatives that have become interwoven in K-12 institutions.



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Tichenor was critical of investments by school districts and the Biden administration for financially supporting DEI programs in public schools and argued they did not close achievement gaps among students who are in minority groups or are economically disadvantaged.

She also pointed to the states two largest school districts  Fayette and Jefferson counties  for not signing a form from the U.S. Department of Education to certify their compliance with the Trump administrations interpretations of civil rights law earlier this year.

DEI reinforces division rather than unity, and encourages students, teachers and staff to see each other through the lens of identity and creating group think instead of creating independent thinkers, Tichenor said.

When committee members were able to question the proposal, a few Democrats voiced opposition. Rep. Sarah Stalker, D-Louisville, said that by ending DEI in education, the General Assembly would be missing an incredible opportunity. As a white woman, shes had moments to reflect on her own privilege that many of her colleagues, friends, family and more do not have.

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I think were missing an opportunity when kids have a moment to reflect about how the color of their skin does and does not allow them to move through the world, Stalker said. Running to them and trying to stifle that and trying to say, You shouldnt feel bad, so we dont want to ever expose you to something that is going to make you have to pause and have maybe some internal feelings. Its a missed opportunity for some really good dialog.

Stalker added: Its not about making people feel bad about being white. I think its about acknowledging the historical privilege that white people have always had in this country.

Tichenor filed a similar bill during the 2025 legislative session, but it did not get a committee hearing. However, Republicans, who hold a supermajority in both the House and Senate, easily passed a law to end DEI in Kentuckys public universities and colleges.

The senator was joined by Michael Frazier, the executive director of the Kentucky Student Rights Coalition, who backed the law to end DEI in higher education. He said that while DEI began with good intentions it has changed.

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The primary sponsor of the higher education law, Rep. Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy, said the committee already heard today the start of what will be countless hours  countless hours  of advocacy against this bill that will bear no relationship to the bill. Deckers proposal was hotly debated this year, with college students traveling to Frankfort to oppose the bill in committee meetings and Democrats in the House and Senate speaking against the bill during hour-long floor debates in both chambers.

There will be discussions of violations of inclusion, for example, that as if the bill stops all inclusionary methodology. You will hear things that are specifically excluded being spoken of as a problem with the bill, Decker said. The bill does one thing, as I understand it, and that is stop unconstitutional practices that cannot be defended in the United States of America that are based on exclusionary preferences that will stop such things as methodologies that weve heard about that have been harmful to one minority community.

Tichenor said that her bill, which will be called the Kentucky Education Equality Protection Act, will not affect instruction on the historical oppression of a particular group of people. She also said that it will not impact freedom of speech or association of students, mental and physical health services, single gender schools, bona fide occupational qualifications and accommodations based on sex, or the ability of a school district or public school to comply with a federal mandate, provided compliance is narrowly tailored to the express and enforceable provision.

Republicans nationwide have moved to end DEI initiatives following the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned affirmative action policies in universities.

Shortly after returning to the White House in January, Republican President Donald Trump took several steps to eliminate DEI policies, including signing an executive order that directed his administration to identify potential civil compliance investigations of corporations, nonprofit organizations, some higher education institutions and more.
Reporters Without Borders said on Tuesday that Israel was responsible for nearly half of all journalists killed this year worldwide, with 29 Palestinian reporters slain by its forces in Gaza.

In its annual report, the Paris-based media freedom group said the total number of journalists killed reached 67 globally this year, up from 66 killed in 2024.

Israeli forces accounted for 43 percent of the total, making them "the worst enemy of journalists", RSF said in its report, which documented deaths over 12 months from December 2024.

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The most deadly single attack was a so-called "double-tap" strike on a hospital in south Gaza on August 25, which killed five journalists, including two contributors to international news agencies Reuters and the Associated Press.

In total, since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, after the Hamas attack on Israel, nearly 220 journalists have died, making Israel the biggest killer of journalists worldwide for three years running, RSF data shows.

In response to the accusation, the Israeli military told AFP that it "does not deliberately target journalists" and noted that "being in an active combat zone carries inherent risks."

It also said that there have been "dozens of examples of journalists who are active in terrorist organisations in the Gaza Strip."

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- 'Not stray bullets' -

Foreign reporters are still unable to enter Gaza -- unless they are in tightly controlled tours organised by the Israeli military -- despite calls from media groups and press freedom organisations for access.

The RSF annual report also said that 2025 was the deadliest year in Mexico in at least three years, with nine journalists killed, despite pledges from left-wing President Claudia Sheinbaum to protect them.

War-wracked Ukraine (three journalists killed) and Sudan (four journalists killed) are the other most dangerous countries for reporters, according to RSF.

The overall number of deaths last year is down from the peak of 142 journalists killed in 2012, linked largely to the Syrian civil war. It is also below the average since 2003 of around 80 killed per year.

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RSF editorial director Anne Bocande noted a growing tendency to "smear" journalists as a way to "justify" the crime of targeting them.

"These are not stray bullets. This is a deliberate targeting of journalists because they inform the world about what's happening on the ground," she told AFP.

The RSF annual report also counts the number of journalists imprisoned for their work, with China (121), Russia (48) and Myanmar (47) the most repressive countries, RSF figures showed.

As of December 1, 2025, 503 journalists were detained in 47 countries, the report said.

Other organisations use different qualifiers to calculate journalist deaths. According to UNESCO, 91 journalists were killed in 2025.

arb-adp/cc/tw/yad
By Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday ordered diplomats to return to using Times New Roman font in official communications, calling his predecessor Antony Blinken's decision to adopt Calibri a "wasteful" diversity move, according to an internal department cable seen by Reuters.

The department under Blinken in early January 2023 had switched to Calibri, a modern sans-serif font, saying this was a more accessible font for people with disabilities because it did not have the decorative angular features and was the default in Microsoft products.

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A cable dated December 9 sent to all U.S. diplomatic posts said that typography shapes the professionalism of an official document and Calibri is informal compared to serif typefaces.

"To restore decorum and professionalism to the Departments written work products and abolish yet another wasteful DEIA program, the Department is returning to Times New Roman as its standard typeface," the cable said.

"This formatting standard aligns with the Presidents One Voice for Americas Foreign Relations directive, underscoring the Departments responsibility to present a unified, professional voice in all communications," it added.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Some studies suggest that sans-serif fonts, such as Calibri, are easier to read for those with certain visual disabilities.

Trump, a Republican, moved quickly after taking office in January to eradicate federal DEI programs and discourage them in the private sector and education, including by directing the firing of diversity officers at federal agencies and pulling grant funding for a wide range of programs.

DEI policies became more widespread after nationwide protests in 2020 against police killings of unarmed Black people, spurring a conservative backlash. Trump and other critics of diversity initiatives say they are discriminatory against white people and men and have eroded merit-based decision making.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Don Durfee and Lisa Shumaker)
Aftershocks have been felt across Japan after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the country on Monday.

The quake has left at least 51 people injured, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warning that powerful tremors could continue.

On Tuesday, the weather agency issued its highest-level alert, covering approximately 800 miles from Japans northeastern coast from Chiba, just east of Tokyo, to Hokkaido.

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After the earthquake, train services were temporarily suspended, traffic jams were reported, and flights were cancelled at New Chitose Airport.

Here is the latest travel advice and what you need to know following the large earthquake in Japan.

Where in Japan has been affected?

A 7.5 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the Pacific Ocean 50 miles off the coast of Aomori on Monday, 8 December at about 11.15pm local time.

The prefecture of Aomori is found at the northern tip of Honshu, Japans main island, known for its heavy snowfall in the winter months.

(Japan Meterological Agency/USGS/The Independent)

East Japan Railway suspended some services following the quake, while two Shinkansen Expressway trains made emergency stops.

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Traffic jams and car accidents also occurred after panicked people tried to flee the city of Hanchinohe in Aomori.

A series of aftershocks have followed every day since the earthquake struck, including near the coast of Honshu and in the Hokkaido region, all with smaller magnitudes than the initial tremor, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre.

Japanese authorities have said that there has been no significant damage to major infrastructure and that nuclear power plant facilities were also unscathed after Mondays earthquake.

Where in Japan is still under alert?

"There is a possibility that further powerful and stronger earthquakes could occur over the next several days," a JMA official said at a briefing shortly after Mondays quake.

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When a 7-magnitude earthquake or higher is recorded in Japan or the Chishima Trench, the possibility of another earthquake is considered to be relatively higher than normal, JMA said.

In such cases, JMA issues a megaquake advisory as a precaution, rather than a prediction, officially called the Off the Coast of Hokkaido and Sanriku Subsequent Earthquake Advisory, even though the probability of one happening is only around one per cent.

These alerts were created after Japan suffered one of its deadliest earthquakes in 2011, which led to a tsunami and subsequent natural disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

The alert covers the coastal areas from Hokkaido down to the Chiba Prefecture. Authorities in the country have urged residents to remind themselves of evacuation routes, secure furniture, and prepare emergency supplies, including food, water and portable toilets.

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The weather agency added on Tuesday, 9 December, that the areas that have already experienced tremors need to be aware of the increased risk of house collapses and landslides.

It added that in the areas where shaking was strong, people should stay prepared for at least a week after the earthquake.

Even though the megaquake advisory remains in place and citizens have been urged to stay vigilant, there is currently no need for citizens to evacuate.

What is the UK government's advice?

The UKs Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has released an earthquake and tsunami advisory.

All tsunami advisories have been lifted following a 7.5 magnitude earthquake off Aomori prefecture on 8 December, the FCDO wrote. However, the Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of the possibility of another follow-up large-scale earthquake over the next 7 days.

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Follow the advice of local authorities. For further information, read the NHK website. NHK is a Japanese public media organisation.

Are flights cancelled?

The earthquake caused 200 passengers to be stranded overnight at New Chitose Airport, one of Japans largest airports, in Hokkaido, after flights were disrupted after the quake.

Passengers were stranded due to flight cancellations, delays, and safety inspections.

A few flights continued to be delayed or cancelled at the airport on Tuesday, however, operations seem to be largely back to normal, according to FlightRadar.

Will my holiday be cancelled?

As the FCDO has not warned against non-essential travel to Japan, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund.

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The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so its best to contact them if youre looking to postpone.

There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance due to safety concerns unless government advice changes.

If you do have travel insurance, some policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination. Check your insurance policies and speak to your insurer to see where you stand.

Read more: Is it safe to travel to Thailand and Cambodia?
SAN FRANCISCO  A city supervisor will unveil legislation today that would prohibit the Trump administration from commandeering San Francisco property to stage federal immigration raids  the first proposal of its kind in the nation and one likely to prompt a legal showdown.

The proposal from Bilal Mahmood, a moderate Democrat, comes weeks after President Donald Trump called off a surge of federal agents in the famously liberal city following a late-night call with Mayor Daniel Lurie and pleas from wealthy tech CEOs.

Mahmoods plan would prohibit ICE  or any outside government entity  from seizing city property for a purpose other than delivering city services. If the plan is adopted by the Board of Supervisors and signed by Lurie, it would block federal agents from using city parking lots, parks and hundreds of public buildings to stage their operations. The board is expected to vote in January.

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The idea for the legislation, he told Playbook, came after the Trump administration took over city parking lots and other government property in Chicago and elsewhere for immigration enforcement sweeps and troop deployments.

It was clear we needed something with teeth, Mahmood said. "A city purpose is not civil immigration enforcement. This is a declaration of our local rights.

He said his plan would not prevent ICE or other Homeland Security agents from entering city property to conduct targeted arrests  rather, they couldnt stage operations or have an ongoing presence there. Still, the limitations would apply to large swaths of city-owned property including Golden Gate Park, the City Hall plaza and public transit stations.

Theres little doubt the proposal will draw backlash from the Trump administration, which could reignite tensions that had subsided this fall after Lurie and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, along with other prominent tech powerbrokers, implored Trump to stand down .

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Mahmood seems to anticipate the legislation, written by City Attorney David Chiu and co-sponsored by Supervisor Chyanne Chen, will be challenged in court.

Luries office did not respond to a request for comment, though the mayor was briefed on the plan. Lurie has deliberately avoided provoking Trump , a strategy that appears to have contributed to the presidents decision not to target San Francisco as he has Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., New Orleans or Portland.

But San Franciscos powerful labor unions are lining up in support of Mahmoods plan, arguing Luries strategy might not work for much longer.

"Anyone who somehow thinks we can fly under the radar with this administration is living in a fantasy world, said Rudy Gonzalez, head of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents thousands of city workers. That, to me, is not a sustainable model. This is a very specific thing the city can do that is not performative  is not going to poke the bear, necessarily."

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Mahmood said he believes the plan is legally defensible because it applies to any outside government entity, including the state, that attempts to seize city property without permission. The Trump administration has challenged ICE bans in other places by asserting those policies discriminate against the federal government.

"We are saying this is about defending city property from anyone, Mahmood said, noting it will assert the city has a constitutional property right to protect its property and a fearful workforce.

This reporting first appeared in California Playbook. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every weekday.
Federal prosecutors will not seek the death penalty in the case against Matthew Farwell, a former Stoughton police officer charged in connection with the deaths of Sandra Birchmore and her unborn baby, the U.S. Attorneys Office for Massachusetts announced on Tuesday.

According to a notice filed in federal court in Boston, United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi directed federal prosecutors in Massachusetts to remove capital punishment as a sentencing option for Farwell.

The United States of America, by Leah B. Foley, United States Attorney, and Elizabeth C. Riley, Brian A. Fogerty, and Torey B. Cummings, Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of Massachusetts, advises the Court that the Attorney General of the United States has directed the government not to seek the death penalty in this case, a court filing obtainbed by Boston 25 News stated.

Read the full ruling:

Matt Farwell -No Death Penalty by Boston 25 Desk

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Farwell was arrested and indicted on a federal charge of killing a witness or victim in August 2024 in the 2021 death of Birchmore when she was 23. A superseding indictment filed in October revealed that Farwell has additionally been charged with violation of the protection of an unborn child.

Court documents obtained by Boston 25 News on Oct. 28, 2025, alleged Farwell caused the death of a child in utero on or around Feb. 1, 2021, in Canton.

Prosecutors have accused Farwell of murdering Birchmore after she informed him he was the father of her unborn child. He was also a married father of three at the time.

Farwell was one of three Stoughton officers who had an inappropriate relationship with Birchmore when she was a young teen in the Stoughton Police Departments Explorers Program, according to investigators. Its alleged that Farwell had engaged in sexual intercourse with Birchmore before she was 16 years of age.

Birchmores death was originally ruled a suicide when she was found hanging in her Canton apartment in February 2021. But last year, police announced there was evidence Sandra was killed.

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Farwell is accused of staging Birchmores death to make it look like she had hung herself.

Boston 25 legal analyst Peter Elikann spoke Tuesday hours after the announcement.

I think everyone is scratching their heads now about how this decision was made one way or another, he explained. Every time the federal government wants to seek the death penalty, it has to be made by the Attorney General of the United States.

He continued, The battle lines have been drawn, whether its a suicide or whether its actually a murder itself.

Elikann told Boston 25 Tuesday that the Trump administration has sought the death penalty far more than any other in the last 50 years.

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He finished, There doesnt seem to be quite a pattern. We cant seem to figure out why they ask for it in certain cases and not others... It could be an aggravating factor that a police officer would kill someone in order to silence them so they couldnt testify against them... Perhaps there is some leeway being given to him because hes a police officer.

Farwell has pleaded not guilty to both deaths.

The judge presiding over the case has scheduled the start of Farwells trial for Oct. 5, 2026.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
New allegations have surfaced against a Houston funeral home operator, who is already under scrutiny for running multiple businesses without a proper license.

Weeks after ABC13 first reported on the practices of Unique Green, investigators have now filed a new search warrant outlining further concerns, including possible fraud and tampering with a corpse.

The latest warrant identifies a second funeral home, Wingate on White Heather, and centers on the estate of Lawrence Edward Gammon, adding to ongoing questions surrounding Green's funeral business operations.

RELATED: Funeral home raided by police was awarded contract with county in 2019

According to the 16-page document obtained by ABC13, authorities are looking into whether Green misrepresented herself after handling Gammon's cremation in order to steal from his estate.

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In June, the warrant says, Gammon's out-of-state relatives called Houston police after not hearing from him for a month. Officers went to his home on Tottenham Drive and found his badly decomposed body in a bedroom. The home was so cluttered, firefighters had to break a window, records say, to remove him. His manner of death was ruled natural, according to an autopsy.

Later that month, the man's relatives contacted Wingate and spoke to Green, they told police. The warrant shows they paid her thousands of dollars and shared Gammon's financial information with her. With that information, police believe she forged a will and stole cars, property, and cash worth nearly $2 million from Gammon's estate.

ABC13 found a last will and testament filed in Harris County in August, months after Gammon's death, that left "my entire estate to my long-term partner and common law spouse, Unique M. Green, in recognition of her unwavering love, devotion and support." The will lists checking and investment accounts, three vehicles, and other personal property as part of the estate.

The warrant says investigators detected factual errors and determined the will was forged. Additionally, Gammon's family had never heard of Green.

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The warrant also connects Green to Wingate Funeral Home through recorded phone calls. One investigator wrote:

"I recorded my conversation with the person who answered the phone call and recognized the distinct voice to be Unique Mica Battle-Green. The suspect answered the phone, stating 'Wingate Funeral Home.'"

The new allegations come just weeks after law enforcement raided A Community Funeral Home on Wheeler in Houston's Third Ward. That business, which authorities say Green has operated for years without a license, was previously the subject of 13 Investigates reporting.

SEE ALSO: 'Appalling': County cut ties in 2020 with funeral home raided by HPD

Green already faces a criminal charge in connection with the Third Ward property, where she is accused of forging a lien. She has not been charged in connection with the Gammon case or Wingate, which is now shuttered.

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Green has also appeared publicly before the Harris County Commissioners Court, urging officials to award her a contract for indigent burials despite the alleged licensing issues.

On Tuesday, ABC13 called a number associated with Green. A woman who identified herself as Green's sister answered, but hung up once questions about the investigation began. Later, in a separate call, a person said Green was in Dallas, but then texted to say she would meet ABC13 at the funeral home on Wheeler. Green never showed.

Authorities say their probe remains active as they examine both funeral homes and Green's involvement with each.


NEW DELHI, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- India's federal civil aviation minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu Tuesday delivered a stern message to the airlines operating in the country and said no airline, regardless of its size, will be allowed to create hardship for passengers.

Kinjarapu made the statement on the ongoing crisis at the country's largest airline IndiGo in the lower house of the Indian parliament that is currently in session.

IndiGo's countrywide operational crisis and wave of flight cancellations triggered chaos and panic across India from Dec. 2. Hundreds of passengers were stranded at airports and thousands of others were badly affected, with many still waiting for refunds and baggage.

"No airline, however large, will be permitted to cause such hardship to passengers through planning failures, non-compliance or non-adherence to statutory provisions. Safety in civil aviation is completely non-negotiable," Kinjarapu told parliament, adding that India is firmly committed to the highest global standards of safety.

The minister stated that the disruption caused by IndiGo's recent operational failures was rapidly stabilizing.

"IndiGo's daily flights, which had fallen drastically to 706 on the 5th of December, have recovered to 1,800 flights yesterday and are expected to rise further today," he said.

Meanwhile, IndiGo has decided to cut 400-500 flights to achieve "full stabilization of schedule" to ensure passengers can fly with certainty.

The airline will now operate 1,800-1,900 flights instead of the 2,300 flights it used to operate daily.

The operational crisis at IndiGo was caused due to a shortage of pilots and flight crew in view of the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules that mandated longer rest periods for the staff. IndiGo has admitted to misjudging the number of pilots it needed under new FDTL rules.

As per the new pilot duty rules, the amount of mandatory rest per week for pilots has been increased by 12 hours to 48 hours. 
"Most families can't access this, and that's why we're still seeing high rates of malnutrition," UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram said.

Thousands of children have been admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition in Gaza since an October ceasefire, the UN children's agency said on Tuesday.

UNICEF, the biggest provider of malnutrition treatment in Gaza, said that 9,300 children were treated for severe acute malnutrition in October, when the first phase of an agreement to end the two-year Israel-Hamas war came into effect.

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While this is down from a peak of over 14,000 in August, it is still significantly higher than during the brief February-March ceasefire. It indicates that aid flows remain insufficient, UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram said at a Geneva press briefing via video link from Gaza.

"It's still a shockingly high number," she said.

"The number of children admitted is five times higher than in February, so we need to see the numbers come down further." Ingram described meeting underweight babies weighing less than 1 kilogram born in hospitals, "their tiny chests heaving with the effort of staying alive."

Palestinian children react near the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip earlier this year.. (credit: MOHAMMED SALEM/REUTERS)

UNICEF can import considerably more aid into the enclave than before the October 10 agreement. Still, obstacles remain, she said, citing delays and denials of cargo at crossings, route closures, and ongoing security challenges.

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"We have seen some improvement, but we continue to call for all of the available crossings into the Gaza Strip to be open," she added. There are not enough commercial supplies entering Gaza, she added, noting that meat remains prohibitively expensive at around $20 per kilogram.

"Most families can't access this, and that's why we're still seeing high rates of malnutrition," she said.

In August, a UN-backed hunger monitor determined that famine conditions were affecting about half a million people - or a quarter of Gaza's population.

Children were severely affected by hunger as the war progressed, with experts warning that the effects could cause lasting damage.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints asked the Utah Supreme Court on Monday to lift the injunction that halted construction of the Heber Valley Utah Temple while four men appeal the dismissal of their lawsuit seeking to stop it permanently.

If the court refuses to lift the injunction during the appeal, the attorney representing the church asked the justices to increase the bond the men posted to protect the church during the appeal from $10,000 to at least $7.5 million.

That would cover the likely increase in the cost of construction supplies if work was halted for 12 months, said David Jordan, the attorney who represented the church.

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Jordan told the court during oral arguments Monday afternoon that an 18-month delay is estimated to cost the church $11.4 million. He asked for a ruling instituting a bond for that amount if the appeal runs that long and the church prevails.

The church began construction in late August, a month after a district judge gutted a lawsuit by four men seeking to overturn the approval of the temples location by the Wasatch County Council.

The men appealed their case to the Utah Supreme Court in September. Days later, the same district court judge who had ruled against them last summer granted the men an injunction to stop the temples construction while the Supreme Court considers the appeal.

That could take a year or more. The appeal is still in its earliest stages. Neither side has filed briefs, and it is expected that oral arguments wont be scheduled for months.

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Its some months down the road before all the briefing is done, Jordan said. We anticipate a decision from this court on the ruling regarding the injunction much sooner.

Jordan told the Supreme Court justices that the church is confident it will win the appeal. He said the church is willing to assume all risks that might happen if it continues construction and the court eventually rules for the four men  Bruce Van Dusen, Bruce Quade, Shawn Savarinos and Dominic Savarinos.

That includes the possibility the church would have to demolish the temple if the Supreme Court eventually ruled against it, Jordan told the justices.

Of course, if it lost, the church first would seek to correct whatever flaws the Supreme Court might find in Wasatch Countys process or the churchs proposal to the council to build the temple, Jordan said.

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An attorney representing Wasatch County sat with the churchs attorneys at their table during Mondays hearing.

Chief Justice Matthew Durrant and Justice Jill Pohlman have recused themselves from the case. They were replaced by Utah Court of Appeals Judge David Mortensen and Second District Judge Camille Neider.

Justice Paige Petersen acted as chief justice. She was joined by Justice Diana Hagen and new Justice John Nielsen on his first day of oral arguments.

All five each asked questions of both Jordan and Robert Mansfield, who represented the four petitioners.

A map of the Heber Valley Utah Temple site. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Many of the questions were technical, about whether the Supreme Court should use Rule 8 or Rule 62 of the states rules of civil procedure to determine whether Third District Court Judge Jennifer Mabey correctly issued the injunction against construction.

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Many of the justices wanted to know if they needed to remand the case back to Mabey if they ruled in the churchs favor on the injunction or if they could rule on their own.

The court wanted to consider what would be the appropriate standard of review in this case and what elements should be used in order to determine whether the trial courts decision was or was not correct, Mansfield told the Deseret News.

Mansfield asked the justices to uphold Mabeys injunction and reject the request for a larger bond.

He said after the hearing that the case includes a number of novel legal questions the Supreme Court has not considered or decided.

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These are issues that have not been presented to the Supreme Court previously, and so these are factors that theyre going to have to weigh in on and let us know what those standards are, Mansfield said.

Theres a lot of issues of first impression in this whole case, he added, and I think thats primarily the reason why the Utah Supreme Court retained jurisdiction of this case. They want to opine on those factors.

One justice asked if the four petitioners would meet the larger bond if it were imposed. Mansfield said he would have to confer with his clients if that happened.

He called it a significant and impractical amount during the hearing, then went farther outside the court chambers.

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Candidly, Mansfield said, that would likely be an overly restrictive number that, from a practical point of view, just may not be feasible, but well have to wait and see what the court says and what they do.

Fewer than 25 people attended the hearing, including the petitioners and church representatives. The justices sat in tall leather chairs in front of the 19-foot-tall mural Capitol Reef.

Mansfield and Jordan separately made their arguments at a podium between the attorneys tables.

Mansfield said allowing construction to continue jeopardized the water table. He said the site is a flood plain and that the church would redirect 1 million gallons of water a day during construction. Construction would permanently redirect 750,000 gallons a day once the temple is complete.

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Jordan said Wasatch County considered the environmental impact and approved the plan. Mabey found in her July ruling that the county councils decision was legal.

President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Sister Wendy W. Nelson, and Elder Kevin R. Duncan and his wife, Nancy, are joined by residents in turning over the soil at the groundbreaking of the Heber Valley Utah Temple ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to build the temple during the October 2021 general conference. The First Presidency announced the temples location in September 2022.

Protesters picketed across the street when President Nelson dedicated the site at a groundbreaking ceremony in October 2022.

We pray that the construction of this temple may be completed to accommodate thy divine purposes, he said.

The county council determined the churchs proposal for the temple met its land-use rules and enacted an ordinance for construction in November 2023.

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The four men sued Wasatch County, alleging that the county council broke Utah and federal law when it allowed the temples construction.

The church said it voluntarily postponed construction at that stage to allow a judge to review the lawsuit.

Save Wasatch Back Dark Skies attempted to reverse the Wasatch County Councils unanimous approval of the temple by adding a referendum to the 2024 general election ballot. The effort required 3,235 signatures but fell 25% short of that number.

In a hearing on June 2 this year, Wasatch County argued the men didnt have standing to sue, but Mabey ruled the following month that they did.

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It was the only argument the men won. Mabey ruled for the county on every other issue, clearing the way for construction, pending appeals.

The temple project combines two lots for a total of 18.17 acres. Plans call for a footprint of 26,089 square feet. The proposed temple would have three floors, for a total of 87,626 square feet.
Christmas is still over two weeks away, so meteorologists can't yet predict for certain where folks will see snow on the big day. However, with predictions of a cold month of December likely, including a potential Arctic blast coming up, the odds may be better than the historical average in many areas.

For now, the best we can go on is where snow has been reported on past Christmas Days.

If you're yearning for a snowy holiday, there are many regions of the United States where weather history suggests you'll want to be if you're looking for the best chance of seeing a white Christmas. For more, read on.

Here's what you need to know

It need not snow Dec. 25 to fit the weather service's definition of a white Christmas: There just needs to be at least 1 inch of snow on the ground. A trace amount of snow does not count. However, any snow that falls during the day certainly adds to the Yuletide mood.

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On average, about 38% of the contiguous 48 states has an inch of snow on the ground on Christmas Day, according to 21 years of data compiled by NOAA.

Since 2003, those percentages have varied widely from year to year, from only 17.6% in 2023 to a whopping 63% of the contiguous U.S. in 2009, according to Weather.com.

The historical probability of a white Christmas across the U.S. and Canada, based on snow depth from an international data set known as ERA5-Land from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

Blame Bing?

The USA's fascination with a white Christmas dates to 1942, when Bing Crosby first crooned the wistful song in the film "Holiday Inn." Written by Irving Berlin, the song's lyrics bring out a romanticized image of Christmases past, "just like the ones I used to know." A second movie  White Christmas, also with Crosby  came out in 1954.

A fresh blanket of snow fell a few days before Christmas in 2022 in Holland, Michigan.

Where is a white Christmas most likely?

Alaska. Minnesota. Maine. Upstate New York. The Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Practically anywhere in Idaho. And of course, the Rockies or the Sierra Nevada Mountains. These are the parts of the United States where weather history suggests you want to be if you're looking for the best chance of a white Christmas, NOAA says.

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Looking for a near-surefire city to visit to see a white Christmas? Head to Fairbanks, Alaska, which has seen snow on the ground practically every Christmas since weather record keeping began, according to data from NOAA.

As of early December, Fairbanks was already reporting a snow depth of 11 inches.

Some of the other big cities with the best probability for a white Christmas, based on historical averages, include Minneapolis, Green Bay, Buffalo, and Burlington, Vermont, according to AccuWeather.

The historical probability of seeing a white Christmas.

All of those cities were reporting snow-covered ground as of Dec. 8, so that's a good sign as we approach the holiday.

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Historically, much of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, most of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and a large portion of the Western mountain areas have a 90% or better chance of a white Christmas.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Snow on Christmas? White Christmas forecast, chances update.
Snow continued falling across Central Virginia Dec. 8 as day turned to night, and with that also came falling temperatures that are expected to bottom out in the teens before dawn.

A Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service was set to expire at 6 p.m. but was extended an additional four hours to 10 p.m. The NWS office in Wakefield projected about an additional inch of snow to fall during the evening before clearing.

As much as four inches of snow was expected with higher accumulations in isolated spots.

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Emergency personnel in Prince George County blame the snowy weather for multiple crashes,including one on Old Stage Road that sent one person to the hospital.

In a Facebook post, the Prince George Fire & EMS Department said the crash happened around 2 p.m. in the 10000 block of Old Stage Road. While not many details were disclosed, we do know that it involved a sedan and a pick-up truck, and was a height-on collision.

One person was hurt in this crash Dec. 8, 2025, on Old Stage Road in Prince George County.

One person was hurt in the crash and taken to a local hospital. The extent of the victims injuries was not disclosed.

More: Petersburg snowfall accompanied by plummeting temps, overnight freeze

Roads under watch as temps drop

As of 8 p.m. Dec. 8, Virginia State Police responded to 290 crashes across the commonwealth, resulting in 20 injuries, but none were fatal. Sixty-eight of the crashes were in the Richmond-Petersburg area with six injuries.

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Virginia State Police will continue to monitor conditions and respond to incidents as the weather event continues, a State Police email read.

VSP was asking motorists to monitor road conditions before venturing outside and to limit travel to absolutely necessary trips. Real-time traffic conditions can be followed on the Virginia 511 app.

Area school systems cancelled classes for Tuesday, and some local governments were also shutting down. Fort Lee also closed Tuesday with only key and essential military and civilian personnel reporting on time, according to the posts Facebook page.

More: Northern lights could be visible in a dozen states. See where.

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Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Snow ends across Petersburg area as temperatures plummet
9:15 P.M. UPDATE:

SpaceX successfully launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the NROL-77 payload from Florida on Tuesday afternoon.

This launch marks SpaceXs 11th National Security Space Launch of the year, providing assured access to space for national security purposes.

Falcon 9 launches NROL-77 from Florida, completing our 11th National Security Space Launch this year and delivering assured access to space pic.twitter.com/QCn36pcO3z  SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 10, 2025

ORIGINAL STORY:

People in Central Florida could hear a distant boom Tuesday afternoon.

SpaceX crews are preparing to launch a Falcon 9 rocket for the NROL-77 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

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The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 40, and if necessary, a backup opportunity is available on Wednesday, Dec. 10, starting at 2:02 p.m.

Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9s first stage is expected to land at SpaceXs Landing Zone 2 at Cape Canaveral.

Residents in several Florida counties, including Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Indian River, Seminole, Volusia, Polk, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee, may hear sonic booms during the landing.

The experience of these sonic booms will vary depending on weather and other conditions.

Channel 9 will continue to monitor the planned rocket launch 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.
The man who murdered Ellen Bowles in 2022 apologized in court Monday to her family and friends as he pleaded guilty to the crime.

Antonio Brown, 26, accepted responsibility for the murder of Bowles, a mother and grandmother, in her Buckhead townhome. Prosecutors revealed that Brown stabbed Bowles to death and stole her Lexus SUV before being arrested and charged.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Im not able to talk about it and tell you what happened, but I just want to apologize, Brown said in court.

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The trial was set to begin on Monday, but Browns guilty plea came just minutes before jury selection.

The judge sentenced him to two consecutive life sentences with the possibility of parole.

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Before the sentencing, Bowles sons, Michael Bowles and David McBride, spoke about the lasting impact of their mothers murder.

She was in her favorite pajamas. That image will be with me forever. Ive never seen so much blood in my entire life, said Michael Bowles.

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The manner in which my mother was taken is something that is just indescribable. Its something I wake up with every day, McBride said.

Brown was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences with the possibility of parole. He wont be eligible until hes 86 years old.

For the friends and family of Ellen Bowles, Browns plea brings a measure of peace, but they say nothing will ever erase the pain of losing their loved one.

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SEOUL, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- South Korea's air force scrambled fighter jets as nine Chinese and Russian military aircraft briefly entered its air defense zone on Tuesday morning, military officials said.

Seven Russian and two Chinese military aircraft entered the Korea Air Defense Identification Zone, or KADIZ, above waters east and south of the country at around 10 a.m. before departing, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a text message to reporters.

"Our military identified the Chinese and Russian military aircraft before they entered the KADIZ and deployed air force fighter jets to take tactical measures in preparation for any contingency," the JCS said.

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There was no airspace violation, it added.

An air defense zone is not territorial airspace but a broader region in which countries request foreign aircraft to identify themselves for security reasons.

China and Russia have entered the KADIZ without notification on numerous occasions since 2019 while conducting joint aerial training. In the most recent incident, 11 military planes from Russia and China flew into the KADIZ in November 2024.

The Russian and Chinese planes spent about an hour in the air defense zone on Tuesday, a military official told news agency Yonhap.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has sentenced a Sudanese militia leader to 20 years in prison for atrocities committed during a civil war more than two decades ago.

Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman had been convicted in October on 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Darfur region.

Known as Ali Kushayb, he was one of the leaders of the Janjaweed, a government-backed group that terrorised Darfur, killing hundreds of thousands of people.

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Kushayb, aged 76, is the first person to be tried by the ICC for atrocities committed during the civil war. He had argued the charges were a case of mistaken identity.

Dressed in a light blue suit and tie, Kushayb stood quietly as presiding judge Joanna Korner delivered his sentence on Tuesday.

"Abdal Raman not only gave the orders which led directly to the crimes but... also personally perpetrated some of them," Judge Korner told the court.

The conflict in question lasted from 2003 to 2020 and was one of the world's gravest humanitarian disasters, with allegations of ethnic cleansing and genocide against the region's non-Arabic population.

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Five years after the end of that crisis, Darfur is a key battleground in another civil war, this time between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), whose origins lie in the Janjaweed.

During Kushayb's trial, survivors described how their villages were burned down, men and boys slaughtered and women forced into sex slavery.

Judge Korner said Kushayb had given orders to "wipe out and sweep away" non-Arab tribes and told soldiers "don't leave anyone behind. Bring no one alive."

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The charges against Kushayb centred on attacks committed between 2003 and 2004.

The Darfur war began after the Arab-dominated government at the time armed the Janjaweed, in an attempt to suppress an uprising by rebels from black African ethnic groups.

The Janjaweed systematically attacked non-Arab villagers accused of supporting the rebels, leading to accusations of genocide.

That same systematic violence is still happening in Darfur as part of Sudan's current civil war.

Many of the Janjaweed fighters went on to join the RSF.

The UK, US and rights groups have accused the RSF of carrying out ethnic cleansing against non-Arab communities in Darfur since the conflict began in 2023. The RSF has denied the accusations.

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When passing Kushayb's sentence, Judge Korner said the ICC wanted to ensure both "retribution and deterrence".

"Deterrence is particularly apposite in this case given the current state of affairs in Sudan," she said.

Throughout the two conflicts, there has been a "long hiring out of militias, suppressing of rebellion, and sexual violence used as a tool of war", Dr Matthew Benson-Strohmayer, Sudan Research Director at the London School of Economics, told the BBC.

"I think the way that the war is being fought in Darfur in particular is really a war of terror," he told the BBC.

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At the time of the verdict, Dr Benson-Strohmayer said he hoped the conviction would impact the current conflict, but "sincerely" doubted it will.

Most victims of the first Darfur crisis remain displaced, and although the ICC has managed to prosecute Kushayb, there are still outstanding arrest warrants against Sudanese officials, including one accusing former President Omar al-Bashir of genocide, which he denies.

Bashir is reportedly in military custody in north Sudan after he was ousted in a coup in 2019.

More BBC stories about Sudan:

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Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

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The Supreme Court's conservatives signaled Tuesday they are likely to rule for Republicans and President Trump by throwing out a Watergate-era limit on campaign funding by political parties.

The court has repeatedly said campaign money is protected as free speech, and the new ruling could allow parties to support their candidate's campaigns with help from wealthy donors.

For the second day in a row, Trump administration lawyers urged the justices to strike down a law passed by Congress. And they appeared to have the support of most of the conservatives.

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The only doubt arose over the question of whether the case was flawed because no current candidate was challenging the limits.

"The parties are very much weakened," said Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh. "This court's decisions over the years have together reduced the power of political parties, as compared to outside groups, with negative effects on our constitutional democracy."

He was referring to rulings that upheld unlimited campaign spending by wealthy donors and so-called super PACs.

Read more: Supreme Court sounds ready to give Trump power to oust officials of independent agencies

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In the Citizens United case of 2010, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and four other conservatives struck down the long-standing limits on campaign spending, including by corporations and unions. They did so on the theory that such spending was "independent" of candidates and was protected as free speech under the 1st Amendment.

They said the limits on contributions to candidates were not affected. Those limits could be justified because the danger of corruption where money bought political favors. This triggered a new era of ever-larger political spending but most of it was separate from the candidates and the parties.

Last year, billionaire Elon Musk spent more than $250 million to support Donald Trump's campaign for reelection. He did so with money spent through political action committees, not directly to Trump or his campaign.

Meanwhile the campaign funding laws limit contributions to candidates to $3,500.

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Lawyers for the National Republican Senatorial Committee pointed out this trend and told the Supreme Court its decisions had "eroded" the basis for some of the remaining the 1970s limits on campaign funding.

At issue Tuesday were the limits on "coordinated party spending." In the wake of the Watergate scandal, Congress added limits on campaign money that could be given to parties and used to fund their candidates. The current donation limit is $44,000, the lawyers said.

Read more: Tariffs and birthright citizenship will test whether Trump's power has limits

Washington attorney Noel Francisco, Trump's solicitor general during his first term, urged the court strike down these limits on grounds they are outdated and violate the freedom of speech.

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"The theory is that they're needed to prevent an individual donor from laundering a $44,000 donation through the party to a particular candidate in exchange for official action," he said.

If a big-money donor hopes to win a favor from a congressional candidate, the "would-be briber would be better off just giving a massive donation to the candidate's favorite super PAC," Francisco said.

The suit heard Tuesday was launched by then-Sen. JD Vance of Ohio and other Republican candidates, and it has continued in his role as vice president and possibly a presidential candidate in 2028.

Usually, the Justice Department defends federal laws, but in this instance, the Trump administration switched sides and joined the Republicans calling for the party spending limits to be struck down.

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Precedents might have stood in the way.

In 2001, the Supreme Court had narrowly upheld these limits on the grounds that the party's direct support was like a contribution, not independent spending. But the deputy solicitor general, Sarah Harris, told the justices Tuesday that the court's recent decisions have "demolished" that precedent.

"Parties can't corrupt candidates, and no evidence suggests donors launder bribes by co-opting parties' coordinated spending with candidates," she said.

Read more: Here are 5 major Supreme Court cases to be argued this fall

Marc Elias, a Democratic attorney, joined the case in the support of the court limits. He said the outcome would have little to do with speech or campaign messages.

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"I think we're underselling the actual corruption" that could arise, he said. If an individual were to give $1 million to political party while that person has business matter before the House or Senate, he said, it's plausible that could influence "a deciding or swing vote."

The only apparent difficulty for the conservative justices arose over questions of procedure.

Washington attorney Roman Martinez was asked to defend the law, and he argued that neither Vance nor any other Republicans had legal standing to challenge the limits. Vance was not a current candidate, and he said the case should be dismissed for that reason.

Some legal observers noted that the limits on parties arose in response to evidence that huge campaign contributions to President Nixon's reelection came from industry donors seeking government favors.

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Read more: Supreme Court rules for Texas Republicans, allowing new election map to go into effect

Coordinated spending limits are one of the few remaining checks to curb the influence of wealthy special interests in our elections," said Omar Noureldin, senior vice president for litigation at Common Cause. "If the Supreme Court dismantles them, party leaders and wealthy donors will be free to pour nearly unlimited money directly into federal campaigns, exactly the kind of corruption these rules were created to stop."

Daniel I. Weiner, an elections law expert at the Brennan Center, said the justices were well aware of how striking down these limits could set the stage for further challenges.

"I was struck by how both sides had to acknowledge that this case has to be weighed not in isolation but as part of a decades-long push to strike down campaign finance rules," he said. "Those other decisions have had many consequences the court itself failed to anticipate."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Washington  The Supreme Court on Tuesday grappled with the legality of federal limits on the amount of money a political committee can spend in coordination with a federal candidate, hearing a case that could join a line of recent fights that have led the high court to dismantle campaign finance restrictions.

The dispute, known as NRSC v. FEC, involves caps imposed by Congress on what are called coordinated party expenditures through the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, which was passed to regulate the financing of federal campaigns.

For the 2023 to 2024 election cycle, party committees could spend between $61,800 to $123,000 for House seats and between $123,600 to $3.7 million for Senate seats, according to the FEC. Congress amended the law in 2014 to allow unlimited coordinated spending on certain activities, such as election-recount lawsuits and other legal proceedings.

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The legal battle before the high court was brought in 2022 by then-Senate candidate JD Vance, then-Rep. Steve Chabot of Ohio and two GOP committees, the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee.

The Republicans sued the FEC and argued that the coordinated spending limits violate the First Amendment's Free Speech Clause. A federal appeals court upheld the caps, citing a 2001 Supreme Court ruling that had left them in place.

The Republicans appealed to the Supreme Court. The FEC under President Trump agrees that the spending limits burden the rights of political parties and candidates and should be struck down. The high court appointed a lawyer, Roman Martinez, to argue in defense of the restrictions, and allowed a trio of Democratic Party committees to intervene.

Oral arguments

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Over the course of the arguments on Tuesday, three of the court's conservative justices, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh, appeared likely to strike down the spending caps as a violation of the First Amendment.

Kavanaugh repeatedly expressed concern about the power of political parties and whether they have been weakened relative to outside groups like super PACs because of campaign finance laws and the Supreme Court's decisions. That weakening has "negative effects on our constitutional democracy," he said.

"The parties have been weakened overall, and this case is at least  starts to restore the strength of parties, although obviously it doesn't get them all the way there in competing with outside groups," Kavanaugh said.

Justice Neil Gorsuch did not ask any questions, and Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett probed lawyers only sparingly.

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In one early exchange, Roberts pressed Noel Francisco, who argued on behalf of the Republicans, on whether there is a distinction between spending by parties and candidates, and contributions to their campaigns. He called it a "fiction" that coordinated expenditures are not direct contributions to candidates, which are subject to limitations under federal law.

The three liberal justices, meanwhile, warned that lifting these restrictions could open the door to corruption and allow donors to funnel bribes to candidates through the political party committees in circumvention of limits on direct contributions.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor took aim at the Supreme Court's string of recent rulings that have rolled back campaign finance laws, beginning with its 2010 ruling in the case Citizens United v. FEC, which struck down prohibitions on political spending by corporations.

"Every time we interfere with the congressional design, we make matters worse," she said, adding that the court's "tinkering causes more harm than good."

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"Once we take off this coordinated expenditure limit, then what's left?" she asked Francisco. "What's left is nothing, no control whatsoever."

But Sarah Harris, the principal deputy solicitor general, rejected the suggestion that Congress imposed the caps solely to prevent corruption in the campaign-finance system.

"We think the design of that scheme completely refutes any quid pro quo interest and reveals  that the real interest is in trying to have Congress and its incumbents prescribe how much money is appropriate in particular contexts, how much money should be spent in particular election contexts," Harris said.

Martinez, the court-appointed lawyer defending the restrictions, said that the Republicans and the Trump administration are asking the Supreme Court to overturn 50 years of campaign finance law and said the justices should dismiss the case on the grounds that it is moot. The FEC doesn't believe the coordinated spending caps are constitutional, and an executive order from Mr. Trump effectively bars it from enforcing the rules, he said.

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"No one thinks President Trump is going to enforce this law and target his own vice president," he told the Supreme Court.

Martinez also noted that Vance is not a candidate for federal office and has declined to definitively say whether he will run for president in 2028, so he is not harmed by the limits.

Alito, however, wasn't convinced.

"Isn't that what [all] potential candidates always say until the day when they make the announcement?" he said.

Martinez also warned that while the Republicans are asking only to strike down the limits on coordinated party spending, it's likely they will be back before the Supreme Court urging it to dismantle a host of other campaign finance rules, like restrictions on how much donors can give to parties.

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"You're going to be deluged with petitions, the dominos are going to fall and you're going to have to reconstruct campaign finance law from the ground up," he said.

The Supreme Court is likely to issue a decision by the end of June or early day, just months before the 2026 midterm elections.

Republican and Democratic strategists react to Marjorie Taylor Greene's comments on Trump

Marjorie Taylor Greene: The 2025 60 Minutes Interview

Man who died on cruise ship served 33 alcoholic drinks "in a matter of hours," lawsuit alleges
ALMATY, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan is preparing to introduce autonomous freight trucks in 2027 to boost its transit potential, the Kazinform news agency reported Tuesday, citing Kazakh Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev.

Road construction in the country is planned with a long-term horizon of 40 to 50 years, and the new infrastructure will be equipped with the necessary sensors to support the operation of autonomous vehicles across Kazakhstan, Sauranbayev said at a government briefing.

The Transport Ministry is currently discussing the launch of a pilot project together with neighboring countries within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. Sauranbayev noted that the use of autonomous vehicles would significantly speed up border crossings at checkpoints.

According to Sauranbayev, driverless trucks are expected to reduce transportation costs, primarily by eliminating driver-related expenses. In addition, autonomous vehicles will be able to operate 24 hours a day, tripling delivery speeds and improving environmental performance, the minister said. 
The Supreme Court was dragged into the 2028 presidential election Tuesday as it weighed striking down federal restrictions on coordinated spending between political parties and their candidates in a challenge backed by Vice President Vance.

Though the justices often endeavor to steer clear of politics, the arguments Tuesday put the tug-of-war between Republicans and Democrats squarely before the court as they weighed the major campaign finance battle pitting the political parties against each other.

But before they can reach that campaign finance issue, they must first grapple with Vances hedging about his 2028 presidential prospects  and whether it makes the case moot because hes not currently a candidate.

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With respect to the vice president, what does he mean when he says, in effect, that it was way too early to decide whether or not to run? Justice Clarence Thomas pressed.

Noel Francisco, a lawyer for the Republican challengers, said Vance is waiting until after the midterms like virtually every candidate for the presidency. He noted nearly every vice president  especially younger ones, like the 41-year-old Vance  go on to seek the White House.

This Court doesnt have to blind itself to the reality thats obvious to everybody else, Francisco said.

Thats not good enough, argued Roman Martinez, a lawyer appointed to defend the Federal Election Commission (FEC)s enforcement of the rules after the Trump administration flipped to back Vances case.

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He noted a recent NBC News interview in which Vance said he may or may not run, suggesting the Republicans lawyers are asking to ignore his public comments because wink wink, nod nod  dont be naive  we all know hes really running.

Are you serious? Justice Alito interjected.

I am serious, Martinez said. Im serious that the same rules have to apply to all plaintiffs, and the fact that someone is a politician who has an interest in perhaps dissembling to the public about their plans is not a reason to relax your normal Article Three standards.

At the heart of Tuesdays case is whether federal limits on coordinated spending between political parties and their candidates violates the First Amendments free speech protections, as Vance and the other Republican challengers contend.

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When he was a senator, Vance filed suit alongside former Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) and Republicans campaign committees in both chambers against the FEC.

But defenders of the limits say they help prevent corruption. Federal law allows larger donations to a political party than a candidate, and the defenders argue ending the limits would enable donors to effectively create a quid pro quo with candidates by sending money through their party.

The practical effect of petitioners case would be to convert the political parties into mere paymasters to settle invoices from campaign vendors, Marc Elias, a prominent Democratic election attorney who represented the Democratic National Committee, said Tuesday.

The Supreme Court previously upheld coordinated party expenditure limits more than two decades ago. They were first passed in the 1970s as part of broader campaign finance reforms targeting wrongdoing

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It has also invalidated limits on committees spending made independent from campaigns under the First Amendment  still, declining to do so for coordinated expenses. Vance and Chabot lost in the lower courts, staking their odds on the Supreme Court taking their side.

They are supported by the Trump administration, which argued the case alongside Francisco on Tuesday.

The politically charged case created a delicate landscape for the justices to navigate.

As Justice Sonia Sotomayor explained that 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and former President Biden raised billions of dollars in concert with the Democratic National Committee, she noted President Trump is aware of those amounts because of the transparency of the FEC disclosures.

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Then, she interjected, Im not picking on Donald Trump.

Alito at one point pressed Francisco, the Republicans lawyer, about why the political parties were not aligned on the campaign finance issue, which would give the parties more power.

Francisco gave a political answer, that his sense is that the Republican Party raises more money relative to candidates whereas Democratic candidates raise more money relative to the party.

If that is true, you could understand why one party might favor more robust party structures than the other party, less so, Francisco said. But I am absolutely not relying on that  Im relying on the same free speech principles that in the past, we and my friends on the Democratic side have been locked in arms on in defense.

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Justice Amy Coney Barrett posed the same question to Elias, the Democrats lawyer, who refuted such an alignment ever existed.

He said the DNC spends an enormous amount of money and energy on party-building and registering voters with a forward-looking lens, but if the rules change, it would create a collective action problem driving the parties to become bill-payers alone.

They will not be able to support activity that is long term in nature, because there will be an arms race that right now doesnt exist, Elias said.

Updated at 12:50 p.m. EST

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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NEED TO KNOW

Ohio surgeon, Hassan-James Abbas, was indicted by a Lucas County Grand Jury on six felony charges, including abduction, tampering with evidence and unlawful distribution of an abortion-inducing drug, on Wednesday, Dec. 3

The indictment comes nearly one month after the State Medical Board of Ohio issued a summary suspension on Abbas medical license on Nov. 5

The state medical board claimed in a notice that the surgeon illegally obtained abortion pills and attempted to give them to his pregnant girlfriend while she was asleep

An Ohio doctor had his medical license suspended ahead of his hearing before the State Medical Board of Ohio, and was indicted on felony charges after allegedly attempting to administer his pregnant girlfriend abortion pills while she was asleep.

Dr. Hassan-James Abbas, 32, was indicted on Wednesday, Dec. 3, by a Lucas County Grand Jury on six felony charges, including abduction, tampering with evidence, unlawful distribution of an abortion-inducing drug, disrupting public services, identity fraud, and deception to obtain a dangerous drug, according to WTOL, WTVG and The Toledo Blade.

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Abbas attorney Kelle Saull told WTOL in a statement that their office was aware of the grand jury indictments. She added, We are relieved that the criminal process has finally begun. We are not closing the door on future indictments as this case unfolds."

The Lucas County Prosecutor's Office and Abbas attorney did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

In a statement to PEOPLE, the state Medical Board of Ohio said that they issued Hassan-James Abbas, MD a Notice of Opportunity for Hearing and Summary Suspension on November 5, 2025.

"A summary suspension suspends a license to practice prior to a hearing," the statement continued. "The suspension must be based on clear and convincing evidence that continued practice by the licensee poses a danger of immediate and serious harm to the public."

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"Dr. Abbas hearing is scheduled for May 14 and May 15, 2026. After the hearing, the Hearing Examiner will prepare a Report & Recommendation (R&R) that includes the basis for the hearing, the findings of fact, conclusion of law and a proposed disciplinary sanction for consideration by the Board members."

Icon Sportswire via AP A photo of the University of Toledo Medical Center A photo of the University of Toledo Medical Center

The statement concluded, "The full board will then make a final decision at an upcoming board meeting."

A Notice of Opportunity for Hearing and Summary Suspension from the medical board obtained by PEOPLE claimed that the surgeon began a relationship with a woman, who had been one of his patients, in late 2024 after separating from his estranged wife. The woman told Abbas in December 2024 that she was pregnant, and he told her to get an abortion, but she refused, per reports.

The medical board claimed that after Abbas learned about the pregnancy, he ordered prescription abortion medication with his credit card from an out-of-state provider, and used his estranged wifes information, without her knowledge or consent.

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After the medication arrived at his home, he allegedly attempted to administer it to his girlfriend when she stayed over one night, the medical board said in its notice. Abbas girlfriend alleged that when she woke up, she found the doctor on top of her as he held her down and "forced a crushed powder inside her bottom lip."

She claimed that she fought to get free and ran to the kitchen to call 911, but Abbas hung up the call. Shortly afterward, she checked into an emergency room and reported she had been attacked, the medical board said.

Icon Sportswire via AP Signage for the University of Toledo Medical Center Signage for the University of Toledo Medical Center

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Abbas allegedly admitted in a July 2025 interview with board investigators to ordering the drugs using his estranged wifes information and administering the crushed pills to his girlfriend, but claimed that she had agreed to take them. He also claimed that he threw the remainder of the crushed pills out of the window on his way to work after the incident, according to the medical board's notice.

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The medical board said in its notice that it determined from the incident that there was clear and convincing evidence that Abass continued practice poses an immediate and serious danger to the public.

He is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, Dec. 19, according to WTOL.



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White House chief of staff Susie Wiles said President Trump will be a constant presence on the campaign trail ahead of next years midterm elections, saying in an interview on Monday that he will campaign like its 2024.

Typically in the midterms its not about whos sitting at the White House. You localize the election, and you keep the federal officials out of it. Were actually going to turn that on its head and put him on the ballot because so many of those low propensity voters are Trump voters, Wiles said in an interview with The Mom View.

We saw a week ago Tuesday what happens when hes not on the ballot and not active, she continued. I havent quite broken it to him yet, but hes going to campaign like its 2024 again.

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Republicans have raised concerns following off-year election losses in states like Virginia and New Jersey, as well as an underperformance in last weeks special election in Tennessees 7th Congressional District.

Unlike in past elections, Trump has largely stayed off of the campaign trail. Instead, the presidents travel schedule has largely been taken up by major foreign trips. However, that could change on Tuesday as he prepares to head to the battleground state of Pennsylvania to tout his efforts to lower costs.

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.
Security was tightened across Tanzania on Tuesday with police and military seen patrolling major cities ahead of anticipated anti-government protests called to coincide with independence day.

By sunset, however, no major demonstrations had taken place.

Residents in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza and several other urban centres reported an unusually slow start to the day, with many people choosing to remain indoors amid uncertainty over whether protests would happen.

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The demonstrations were called to demand political reforms in the wake of October's post-election unrest which left an unknown number of people dead.

The authorities have admitted using force against protesters, claiming that some groups were attempting to overthrow the regime.

On Tuesday, BBC reporters observed nearly empty streets in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. This was a stark contrast to the city's usual weekday bustle.

Although quiet, the atmosphere remained tense.

In a statement, police spokesperson David Misime assured the public of their safety and the protection of their property, saying the situation remained calm nationwide.

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He also urged citizens to dismiss old photos and video clips circulating on social media that falsely suggest protests are taking place.

Security vehicles were seen driving along major roads and intersections, while officers took up positions at strategic locations, including around key public infrastructure.

Public transport stopped operating entirely, the AFP news agency reported.

On social media, activists and campaigners urged supporters to stay alert, suggesting any demonstrations were unlikely to begin until the afternoon. The messaging echoed previous protest calls in Tanzania, when turnout increased later in the day.

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"We will move out, it is our right to protest... I know police are everywhere in the town and even in the street where I live... we have plans so wait, you will see what will happen," a resident of Arusha told the BBC earlier on Tuesday.

"I am scared for my children, if these protests happen, it will create a bad atmosphere. Like now my husband is hospitalised, how am I going to attend to him? I feel protesters should call off plans to move to the streets, we need to live in peace," said a resident of Mwanza in northern Tanzania.

Motorists who ventured out reported frequent checks at roadblocks, where officers questioned drivers about their destinations.

The government has not issued detailed comments on the heightened security measures or on the planned protests.

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Tanzanian authorities have banned the planned protests and cancelled independence day celebrations, urging citizens to stay indoors.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Kenya several activists were arrested on Tuesday as they were holding a solidarity protest outside the Tanzanian high commission in the capital, Nairobi.

More about Tanzania:

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Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

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A Milwaukee County jury found a teenager guilty of several felonies in connection with a deadly 2023 shooting that killed 15-year-old Davion Patterson and injured five others.

Jurors rendered their verdict on Dec. 5, the fifth day of Romello Littlejohn's trial.

Prosecutors argued that Littlejohn was 16 when he opened fire on a group that had gathered near 15th Street and Concordia Avenue on March 20, 2023, as a street fight between two girls got underway.

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In a criminal complaint, they alleged Littlejohn, now 18, threatened to "pop" anyone who harmed his sister, who was involved in the fight.

Davion Patterson

Littlejohn was charged with first-degree reckless homicide as a party to a crime, first-degree recklessly endangering safety and five counts of first-degree reckless injury as a party to a crime. The jury found him guilty of all seven charges.

Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 23 before Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge John Franke.

What evidence was presented at trial against Romello Littlejohn?

Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Cruzan called several of the surviving victims, all women, to the stand to testify during Littlejohn's trial, which began Dec. 1.

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Several of those who showed up to watch the fight captured video on their cell phones. Among them was a 25-year-old woman, who was shot twice while recording as she egged on the fistfight.

In her footage, the woman is heard repeatedly encouraging the gunman to "go ahead" moments before a gunshot is heard, then the camera appears to fall to the ground.

Defense: Patterson stepped in to protect someone else

Wisconsin law allows for a person to use deadly force to defend another person if they reasonably believe it's necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or someone else.

Defense attorney William Sulton attempted to illustrate for jurors that his client was acting to defend one of the combatants, who had become outnumbered during the fight.

Why is Romello Littlejohn being prosecuted in adult court?

Having the case heard in Franke's courtroom took some effort.

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Lawyers for Littlejohn argued he'd get better treatment within the juvenile system. A judge in October 2023 rejected an appeal to have his case waived into juvenile court.

Since then, the court received a half dozen letters of support for Littlejohn, many of them from juvenile justice personnel.

This story was updated to correct the number of charges.

Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Teenager found guilty of shooting that killed Davion Patterson in 2023
Everything about 25-year-old Cynthia Gonzalez's murder in Texas in 1991 pointed to a male killer.

Gonzalez was an exotic dancer who worked private events, sometimes for solo customers. The night Gonzalez was last seen alive, she was meeting with one such male client. And when her body was found dumped in a ditch along a remote, country road, she had been stripped naked.

So when the 34-year-old cold case landed on Detective Anthony Stafford's desk at the Arlington Police Department last year, he was focused on finding the man who did it.

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That is, until recently, thanks to some surprising sleuths: a group of college students.

Cynthia Gonzalez, 25, is pictured before her murder in September 1991. Her case went unsolved for decades before police recently made an arrest.

As part of a new and remarkable partnership, detectives gave the case file to students in a criminology class at the University of Texas at Arlington earlier this year. By the end of the semester, the students were struck by a woman mentioned several times in the case file. So they asked Stafford about her.

"We felt deep down, we had this intuition, that it needed to be checked out," one of the students, Jacey Concannon, told USA TODAY. "We just asked, 'Can you check into this again?'"

Stafford told USA TODAY that he hadn't even considered a woman when the students brought up the possibility and was intrigued. "I immediately dropped everything I was doing," he said.

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Now that woman, 63-year-old Janie Perkins, is facing a capital murder charge in Gonzalez's death  an accusation she refutes. Her lawyers are confident of her innocence and "when all the facts are presented, the truth will emerge," they told USA TODAY.

Here's what you need to know about the case, including why the students suspected Perkins and what Stafford believes the motive was:

What happened to Cynthia Gonzalez?

On Sept. 16, 1991, Gonzalez dropped her 6-year-old daughter off at her ex-husband's home before she went to meet with a client for a private strip show, according to police. Her ex reported her missing the next day.

Police found her abandoned car not far from where she was supposed to meet her client. But there was no sign of Gonzalez.

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Five days later, her family's worst fears came true. A property owner found her body dumped in a ditch in a rural area roughly 30 minutes away from where her car had been found. She had been shot at least twice in the chest, stripped naked, and her body was badly decomposed because of the Texas heat and a couple of rainstorms.

Stafford said the state of Gonzalez's body made the case an immediate challenge because it was too difficult to tell if sexual assault was involved, and there was no way to collect the potential DNA evidence of a suspect.

The lead detective at the time, Jim Ford, immediately zeroed in on the client Gonzalez had planned to meet the night she was last seen alive. He would come to scrutinize many men in her life.

"He spent almost two decades of his career investigating this case and identified every possible male person involved with her," Stafford said. "He determined that none of them were involved or had a motive, and that they had an alibi. He eliminated them all as suspects."

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Ford died in 2013 without having made an arrest in the case.

An unlikely partnership

Patricia Eddings, a criminology professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, got an idea last year after an Arlington homicide detective spoke to her students about cold cases. He told the class that his department doesn't have a cold case unit and has to rely on six overworked homicide detectives to fit them in when they can.

In 2024, for instance, the detectives had to investigate 17 murders  including a triple murder and a double murder  seven officer-involved shootings, roughly one infant death a month, and far too many suicides. Some weeks, they have no time to spend on cold cases.

So Eddings, herself a longtime former forensic analyst who worked in police crime labs and coroners' offices, proposed a new class with a limited number of carefully selected students to take on the department's cold cases. The department loved the idea, and the class began in September with 15 students.

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While some police officers can be territorial about their cases, Stafford said he fully embraced the idea. He gave the students five boxes worth of case files containing over 1,000 documents, including handwritten notes, lab reports, crime scene photos, and taped interviews.

Arlington, Texas police personnel, including Detective Anthony Stafford (second from left in the back), are pictured with a criminology class at the University of Texas at Arlington. Police credit students in the class with pointing them in the right direction in the 1991 cold case murder of Cynthia Gonzalez.

"I thought it was a great opportunity to get some fresh eyes on it to do a deep dive," Stafford said. "I knew if anyone was going to find anything in this case, they would need to have uninterrupted time to do it."

After months of poring over the case, the students were intrigued by a woman who came up several times in Ford's notes. They asked Stafford about her.

"They asked if she had been interviewed, whether her husband had been interviewed, and if we ever compared her prints and DNA to the crime scene," he said.

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The questions prompted Stafford to shift gears from hunting for a male killer to looking at Perkins. What he found left him gobsmacked.

Detective Anthony Stafford of the Arlington Police Department in Texas speaks to a criminology class at the University of Texas at Arlington. With help from the students, Stafford made an arrest in the 1991 cold case murder of 25-year-old Cynthia Gonzalez.

Who is Janie Perkins?

After the students' questions steered Stafford in a new direction, he said that he and his partner immediately went to the police archive, cleared out a conference room and spent the next six hours "going line by line in every single document and pulling out everything we had" about Perkins, who they say was in a love triangle with Gonzalez.

Stafford found that Ford had interviewed Perkins in 1991 and then again in 1993 after two separate men came forward and told police in sworn statements that she had confessed to the crime.

"In those statements, she told them specific details about the murder that only a person involved would have known," Stafford said. "The two men didn't know each other and they were providing almost mirror statements."

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One of those men had been dating Perkins when he met Gonzalez and fell in love with her. He broke it off with Perkins to be with Gonzalez, and that infuriated Perkins, Stafford said. "She made it very clear that she wanted Cynthia killed so she could be with that individual."

Perkins did not have an alibi the night of the killing, and Stafford said she failed two separate polygraph tests to the highest degree possible. "Detective Ford was stunned," Stafford said, adding that Perkins maintained her innocence throughout her interactions with police.

A woman undergoes a polygraph test.

Stafford said he believes that Ford didn't arrest Perkins because polygraphs are inadmissible in court, and he couldn't link her forensically to the crime. Back in the 1990s, he said, a lot of prosecutors "wanted that smoking gun or definitive piece of evidence before charging someone with murder."

"I know Jim Ford wanted to pursue it, but you can only operate in the confines given to you as an investigator in the jurisdiction in which you work," Stafford said. "Today in 2025, our district attorneys are far more willing to prove cases based on the evidence we do have."

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Perkins was arrested on one count of capital murder at her home in Azle, Texas, on Nov. 6. She has since been released on bond as Stafford continues to gather evidence and prosecutors put together an indictment.

"There are some DNA and forensic links we're now working on, which I believe will yield us that positive result Jim Ford needed back in '93 and '91," Stafford said. "We believe we can prove in a court of law Janie's involvement in the murder."

Perkins did not return USA TODAY's request for comment made through her husband. Her attorneys, the Law Offices of Gill & Brissette, said in a statement that Perkins "is innocent of the allegations and looks forward to the opportunity to clear her name in a court of law."

"We are confident that when all the facts are presented, the truth will emerge," they said. "The presumption of innocence is not just a legal principle  it is a fundamental right that must be upheld."

Arrest in Cynthia Gonzalez's murder sparks emotions

Stafford personally delivered news of Perkins' arrest to the college students who worked on the case. Some of them broke down in tears.

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"I was just emotional because I was very shocked and very excited that the family was going to get some answers," 29-year-old student Concannon told USA TODAY. "Wow, we actually did this."

Concannon remembers being excited to work on the case earlier this year, but had no idea just how much it would consume her and her fellow students. They were only required to work on the case during their two classes a week, or about three hours. But the group regularly arrived two or three hours early and often stayed late.

In all, Concannon estimates that they spent 100 hours on it over the course of the semester.

Criminology student Jacey Concannon, who wants to be a crime scene investigator, speaks to a member of the news media about her work on the 1991 cold case murder of Cynthia Gonzalez.

"Once we got into the case, it was so hard to do anything else," she said. "We were very focused on it, and we were doing everything we could to provide the police department with some new leads."

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Jessica Roberts, who was 6 when her mother was murdered and is now 40, didn't know the students were working on her mom's case and only found out after Perkins had been arrested.

"I was just beside myself," she said at a news conference announcing the arrest. "I'm still processing this."

She got to thank the students and detectives who worked on the case in person and said she hopes other departments form similar partnerships with universities to tackle cold cases. "This is going to give so many families so much hope," she said.

Jessica Roberts (far left), the daughter of murder victim Cynthia Gonzalez, smiles alongside students in a criminology class at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Eddings, the professor, said she's being inundated with student applicants for next semester's cold case class and has gotten dozens of requests from across the country from other professors who want to start their own. She heard that the Fort Worth Police Department is actively looking for a school to partner with.

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The experience has been both gratifying and emotional, she said.

"You work so hard on something thats so meaningful ... You cannot talk about the horrors when you get inside these cases," she said. "To think youve had a small part in bringing justice to that family, closure to that family, it's amazing."

Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter who covers cold case investigations and the death penalty for USA TODAY. Follow her on X at @amandaleeusat.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A Texas murder case went cold. Then college students found a suspect
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) openly celebrated the news on Monday that Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) had joined the Democratic Partys primary for his Senate seat. Crockett pushed out former Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX), who is the more moderate of the two, when she joined the race, which pits her against progressive state Rep. James Talarico (D).

Am I hiding my glee? Ill try to wipe the smile off my face, I would say its a gift, Cornyn told Semafor, adding, Colin  obviously, he wasnt successful before, but he was what I would call closer to a normal Democrat than Jasmine. [She] is something else.

Cornyn joined Fox News on Tuesday and was again asked about Crockett as a potential general election opponent. Anchor John Roberts began, Youve got a new challenger, Jasmine Crockett, whos already looking past the Democratic primary and toward the general election. Here is what she is saying about you. Listen here.

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We all know that Senator John Cornyn does not have the guts to stand up to Trump. But I can tell yall who does. I do. He used to speak out against Trump the candidate and denounce the border wall. What happened, Big John? Because now all youre doing is bending the knee, kissing the ring, and running ads about how you vote 99% of the time with Trump, Crockett says in a clip.

You are running ads saying that you vote with President Trump a lot of the time, maybe ninety-nine percent, but you see that as being a plus. What do you say about Jasmine Crockett entering the fray yesterday? asked Roberts.

Well, Kamala Harris got about forty-two percent of the vote in 2024, and I bet Jasmine Crockett will not exceed that. Shell be lucky if she does. Shes simply the Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or AOC, of Texas. And that may work in New York, but it wont work in Texas, Cornyn replied.

Roberts then asked Cornyn about his own primary, So, President Trump is a good friend of yours. He is, for the moment, withholding any endorsement of you. Ken Paxton, the attorney general of Texas, is also in this race. Heres what the president said yesterday: I like both guys. Theyre both friends of mine, and theyre both good and very different. So hes withholding right now. What are you going to do to get his endorsement? Because obviously you believe that standing hand in hand with President Trump is good for your re-election, but hes not there yet. What do you say?

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Well, Ive talked to President Trump on a frequent basis, most recently on Sunday, and Ive enjoyed working with him and trying to help him. I want him to be successful. But, you know, hes gonna have his own timetable. In the meantime, we cant wait, and we are working as hard as we can toward that March third primary date, and I expect well be successful. But it would be very helpful if he decided to weigh in on my behalf, but thats up to him, replied the senior Texas senator.

Watch the clip above via Fox News.

The post Texas Republican Celebrates Jasmine Crockett Running for His Senate Seat: Its a Gift first appeared on Mediaite.
Let me be frank: The President of the United States is out of his mind, and nobodys doing a goddamned thing about it. What do I mean? Any number of red flags, really, but in particular right now its the latest five hundred words of blithering lunacy he shared on his bitcoin mining operation social media site Tuesday night. They are not the words of a man elected to lead the worlds most powerful nation. They are, instead, those of a malevolent Don Quixote tilting at a cancer-causing, bird-kill
Three men have gone on trial in Germany charged with carrying out espionage on behalf of the Russian secret service.

The defendants are accused of spying on a war-wounded former Ukrainian officer in Germany. The trial began on Tuesday before the State Security Senate of the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court.

Prosecutors said the intelligence-gathering operation was carried out as preparation for the mans murder.

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An Armenian national was allegedly assigned the operation in early May 2024 and subsequently recruited two accomplices, a Ukrainian and a Russian.

The target is said to have been lured to a meeting in a cafe in downtown Frankfurt in June 2024, while the defendants were on standby to identify the man and collect further information.

However, he had already contacted the German police, so the meeting did not take place. The three defendants were arrested in Frankfurt on June 19, 2024 and have been in custody ever since.

They are accused of working for a foreign intelligence service in a particularly serious case. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office brought charges in May 2025.

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The Armenian national's defence lawyers rejected the allegations in court. After the charges were read out, they stated that the prosecution's evidence was incomplete and that possible alternative scenarios had not been investigated.

One of the three defendants, Armenian Vardges I. (L), is led into the courtroom on the opening day of the trial against three men for spying for Russia. Three men allegedly had a man in their sights for a Russian secret service. A crucial meeting is said to have been planned in a cafe in Frankfurt. Now the trial begins. -/POOL/AFP/dpa
Three men went on trial in Germany charged with carrying out espionage on behalf of Russian intelligence.

The trial began on Tuesday before the state security chamber of the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court.

The defendants are accused of spying on a war-wounded former Ukrainian officer in Germany in preparation for the man's assassination, the spokeswoman for the Federal Prosecutor's Office said during the reading of the indictment.

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An Armenian national was allegedly assigned the operation in May 2024 and subsequently recruited two accomplices, a Ukrainian and a Russian.

The target is said to have been lured to a meeting in a cafe in central Frankfurt in June 2024, while the defendants were on standby to identify the man and collect further information.

Arrests after failed meeting

However, he had already contacted the German police, so the meeting did not take place.

The three defendants were arrested in Frankfurt on June 19, 2024, and have been in custody ever since.

They are accused of working for a foreign intelligence service in a particularly serious case.

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The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office brought charges in May 2025.

The accused were brought to the courthouse under significant police protection.

In the courtroom, two of them greeted each other with a firm handshake. According to their statements, all three are married, and two lived in the city of Offenbach across the river Main from Frankfurt before their arrest.

Two accused reject allegations

The defence team of the Armenian man rejected the allegations in court. They argued that the prosecution's evidence was incomplete and that possible alternative scenarios had not been investigated.

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The identity of the alleged client was also unclear, as were any connections to a Russian intelligence service, the defence said.

The 43-year-old is also said to have gone to smoke a shisha pipe in a rooftop bar during the alleged surveillance and engaged in extensive chatting. This did not correspond to the professional conduct of intelligence services, one of the defence lawyers said.

The Federal Prosecutor's Office accuses the man of having observed and photographed the scene from the roof.

Defence calls allegations defamatory

The lawyer for the Ukrainian defendant also rejected the accusation on behalf of his client. He finds it defamatory to be accused of working for "the aggressor" Russia, the lawyer said.

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The alleged target person is said to have worked for the military intelligence service in Ukraine.

The man moved to Germany in 2023, according to a ruling by the Federal Court of Justice published in September 2024.

In Russian media, he was accused of committing war crimes by participating in the killing of captured Russian soldiers, which is the reason for the intelligence operation against him, according to the Federal Prosecutor's Office. In Germany, the man is also under investigation.

Numerous further court dates are scheduled until the end of May 2026.

Armenian defendant Vardges I. (C), waits next to his lawyer Tobias Groscurth (L) in the courtroom on the opening day of the trial against three men for spying for Russia. Three men are said to have had a man in their sights for a Russian secret service. A crucial meeting is said to have been planned in a cafe in Frankfurt. Now the trial begins. -/POOL/AFP/dpa
BANGKOK, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Four Thai soldiers were killed and 68 others wounded on Tuesday in an escalation of clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border, the Thai Army said.

According to a statement released by Thailand's Second Army Area, the fighting widely expanded and intensified, with Cambodian forces launching "heavy attacks" against the Thai side.

The Cambodian attacks involved approximately 125 times of BM-21 multiple-rocket launcher strikes with around 5,000 rockets and 33 suicide drones targeting Thai bases and defensive positions across several fronts, the Thai military said.

The Thai Army said it responded with "direct-fire weapons, indirect-fire weapons, tanks and attack aircraft continuously striking designated targets."

The Second Army Area also noted that it will continue to implement all necessary measures to maintain security and safeguard Thailand's sovereignty to the fullest extent. 
President Donald Trump was apparently up late on Monday evening, posting a series of middle-of-the-night messages on his Truth Social platform focused on his signature trade policy.

The biggest threat in history to United States National Security would be a negative decision on Tariffs by the U.S. Supreme Court, Trump wrote on Truth Social at 2:37 a.m. Tuesday. We would be financially defenseless.

Politics: Marjorie Taylor Greene Says She Feels Sorry For Trump

The pending decision is clearly looming heavy on Trumps mind. The Supreme Court will soon rule on whether Trump has the authority to impose sweeping tariffs by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act  without congressional approval. Justices appeared skeptical of Trumps power to do so during arguments, perhaps explaining the presidents anxiety about the upcoming ruling.

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In a follow-up post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the import taxes have only benefited the U.S.

Because of Tariffs, easily and quickly applied, our National Security has been greatly enhanced, and we have become the financially strongest Country, by far, anywhere in the World. Only dark and sinister forces would want to see that end!!! he wrote at 2:45 a.m.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Trump announced a major aid package to help farmers who have struggled under his trade war. Trump claimed making the payments would not be possible without the revenue brought in by his tariffs, even though his trade war has exacerbated the farmers financial troubles and has made distributing the aid necessary.

While Trump has repeatedly dismissed Americans concerns about the high cost of living as pure fiction, the White House and GOP leaders have sought to address and relieve those worries, including by having Trump host a rally in northeastern Pennsylvania to promote his economic record.

Politics: While You Were Sleeping: Here Are The 239 Words Trump Posted After Midnight

Some Republicans are already sounding the alarm on how the issue could come back to haunt the GOP in the 2026 midterms, as recent Democratic wins have demonstrated.

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Affordability is a real issue, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a onetime Trump ally who has since fallen out with the president, told CBSs 60 Minutes. Its one of the top issues. Not only in my district. Its across the country.

Political Updates

Read the original on HuffPost
President Donald Trump has likened Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to P.T. Barnum  the fabled American showman and huckster, who popularized the three-ring circus  arguing hes received billions in American aid and has little to show for it.

In a wide-ranging interview with Politico published Tuesday, Trump telegraphed both admiration for and frustration with Zelensky, saying that he should accept a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.

Hes a great salesman, the president said. I call him P.T. Barnum. You know who P.T. Barnum was, right?

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One of the greatest on Earth, Trump continued. He could sell any product at any time. That was his expression, I can sell any product at any time. It was true. He said, doesnt matter whether it works or not...But hes P.T. Barnum, you know. He he got, uh, crooked Joe Biden to give him $350 billion. And look what it got ... got him. About 25 percent of his country is missing.

Trump, whose career has centered on personal branding, has been compared to P.T. Barnum in the past and embraced it.

In a new interview, President Donald Trump described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "P.T. Barnum" and "a great salesman." (Getty Images)

Look, people call you names, he told Meet the Press in 2016. We need P.T. Barnum, a little bit, because we have to build up the image of our country.

Trumps latest remarks come as his administration is working to resolve the Ukraine-Russia war, which has raged for nearly four years. Despite months of diplomatic negotiations and high-profile summits, efforts to achieve peace have been unsuccessful.

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In late November, the United States 28-point peace proposal leaked, triggering alarm among Ukrainian and European leaders, who claimed it ceded to many of Russia's demands, including by forcing Ukraine to give up some of its territory in the east.

Last week, Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to try to narrow the differences. On Monday, Zelensky met with European leaders to discuss the latest U.S.-backed peace plan.

Hes gotta read the proposal, Trump said of Zelensky. He hasnt read it yetIt would be nice if he would read it. You know, a lot of people are dying.

Trump added that Zelensky needs to start accepting things because hes losing.

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We don't want to cede anything," Zelensky said during an online press conference on Monday. We have no legal right to do so, under Ukrainian law, our constitution and international law. And we don't have any moral right either. He added he would send a revised peace plan to Trump.

Russia currently occupies about one-fifth of Ukraine, and its military has made incremental but steady gains in recent months. The conflict has been extremely costly, resulting in around 1.4 million casualties, according to a June analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Trump hosted Zelensky for lunch at the White House on October 17 to discuss a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. (Getty Images)

Trump was also asked about a recent interview by his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who claimed the president may walk away from Ukraine.

Its not correct, Trump clarified. But its not exactly wrongThey have to play ball. If they, uh ... if they dont read agreements, potential agreements, you know, its, uh, not easy with Russia cause Russia has the upper ... upper hand. And they always did. Theyre much bigger.

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He added: I give the people of Ukraine and the military of Ukraine tremendous credit for the, you know, bravery and for the fighting and all of that. But you know, at some point, size will win, generally.

This is not a war that shouldve happened. What a sad thing for humanity.

Most Ukrainians appear ready to bring the war, the deadliest in Europe since World War II, to an end. An August Gallup poll found that 69 percent of Ukrainians support a negotiated settlement, marking a massive reversal from 2022, when just 22 percent said the same.

Politico also asked the president whether or not he believes Ukraine should hold elections, which have been suspended during the war.

Putin met with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, at the Kremlin on December 2 (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Yeah, I think its time, Trump said. I would think the Ukrainian people would ... should have that choice. And maybe Zelenskyy would win. I dont know who would win. But they havent had an election in a long time. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where its not a democracy anymore.

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Elsewhere in the interview, Trump accused former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, his Democratic predecessors, of laying the groundwork for the war in Ukraine.

He also heaped scorn on European leaders, describing them as weak and politically correct on immigration.

"Their immigration policy is a disaster. What theyre doing with immigration is a disaster, Trump said.

The conversation later shifted to domestic politics, with Trump facing questions about his economic policies, a topic that has raised concerns among many of his own supporters.

Asked what grade he would give his economy, Trump replied: A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus.
Republicans  and President Donald Trump  are facing another test.

The fight to fill Miamis mayor office comes to a head on Tuesday evening during a special runoff election as Democrat Eileen Higgins and Republican Emilio Gonzalez are locked in a tight race, with the Democrat holding a slight lead in early voting.

Democrats have secured several wins in off-year elections this year, including the governor races in Virginia and New Jersey, as well as the mayoral race in New York City. And in districts where President Donald Trump previously scored double digit wins, like Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, Democrats have seemingly made inroads.

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In Miami, the trend seems to remain in the area that Trump flipped in the 2024 presidential election.

Higgins, who has gotten the endorsement from key national Democratic figures like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, came in first during Miamis mayoral race on Nov. 4. She garnered roughly 35% of the vote. Gonzalez, who secured Trumps endorsement, came in second with 19%.

Democratic Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, votes at The Frank Sinatra School of the Arts on Nov. 4, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. Voters in NYC are voting for who will be replacing Mayor Eric Adams between the front runner New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani and New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa. More than 735,000 people have voted early, according to the Board of Elections, more than four times as many as in the 2021 contest. This election also has other city offices on the ballot, as well as six proposals. Independent mayoral candidate and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo departs after voting at a polling location at the High School of Art and Design in the Manhattan borough of New York City on Nov. 4, 2025. Election workers transport ballots on a cart during a special election on redistricting at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center in City of Industry, California, November 4, 2025. A display shows an advertisement for betting on the New York City mayoral election, featuring Democratic candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani and Independent candidate for New York City mayor and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, in Times Square, in New York City, November 4, 2025. A poll worker poses for a photo during Pennsylvania Municipal Election in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 4, 2025. Mary Wellington, from left, with Ventura County Elections Division, helps first-time voter Makailee Lindbergh, 18, cast her provisional ballot on Proposition 50 at the Best Western Plus Thousand Oaks Inn in Thousand Oaks, California on Nov. 4, 2025. New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), (L) is cheered by supporters as she exits the polling center after casting her vote on Nov. 4, 2025 in Montclair, New Jersey. Sherrill faces off against Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, in a tightly contested race for New Jersey governor. A person exits a polling center after casting her vote on Nov. 4, 2025 in Montclair, New Jersey. Virginia voters cast their ballots at Robius Elementary School Nov. 4, 2025 in Midlothian, Virginia. Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger faces off against Republican candidate Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the Commonwealth of Virginias off-year election for governor and other statewide offices on November 4, a race that will lead to the first female governor in the commonwealths history. Bob Elsea, poll clerk at Ward 6 Precinct 1 at Trinity United Methodist Church, shouts out "polls are open" at 7 a.m. during election day in Anderson, South Carolina., Nov. 4, 2025. Shunmuga Sankaran displays the sticker he recieved while voting at Cherry Hill East High School in Cherry Hill, New Jersey on Nov. 4, 2025. Michael Powers, 63, of Pontiac, votes at precinct nine in the gymnasium at the Kennedy School in Pontiac, Michigan on Nov. 4, 2025. The Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. smiles as he waits to turn in his ballot alongside his wife Robin Kinloch early on Election Day inside Chrysler Elementary School in Detroit on Nov. 4, 2025. People vote at the Old Portage Masonic Temple on Nov. 4, 2025, in Akron, Ohio. Eight people are vying for four seats on the Akron Public School District board. Election officials check in mail-in votes at the Buttonwood Warming House polling station in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Election workers process mail-in ballots at the Lebanon County Courthouse in Pennsylvania on Nov. 4, 2025. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 4: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (C) submits his ballot with his daughter Freida Frey as he holds his child Estelle Frey at a polling place on Election Day on November 4, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey is seeking reelection to his third term in office as he is opposed by three other local Democrats. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Voters cast their ballots in the municipal election on Nov. 4, 2025, at Holly Tree Elementary in Wilmington, North Carolina. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins talks with election worker Rhonda Lewis Warren before voting at the Runyon Heights Community House in Yonkers Nov. 4, 2025. Jenkins is running for his first full four-year term for County Executive after winning a special election earlier this year to replace former County Executive George Latimer who had been elected to the U.S. Congress. Mayor Mitch Colvin hugs a voter at a polling site at Cliffdale Recreation Center in Fayetteville on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Hope Mills Commissioner Bryan Marley, left to right, Hope Mills Mayor Jessie Bellflowers and Chilleko Hurst talk outside a polling site at Hope Mills Recreation Center in Hope Mills on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Shortly before 6 a..m., a voter arrives to cast their ballot at Cherry Hill East High School in Cherry Hill, NJ, on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2025. New Yorkers vote to pick their new mayor at an election site in a church in Manhattan on November 4, 2025 in New York City. The latest polls show the front-runner continues to be Zohran Mamdani, holding a clear lead over independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Hope Mills Commissioners candidate Ronald Starling talks to a voter outside a polling site at Hope Mills Recreation Center in Hope Mills, North Carolina on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. People register to vote at the Lakewood Municipal Building Tuesday morning, November 4, 2025. New Jersey voters decide on who will be the next governor of New Jersey, in addition to the Assembly, and county and local elections. Keith Sjostrand holds his granddaughter, Ila Barrett, 2, while poll worker, Kathleen Forman hands her a voting sticking. Behind them Ila's great-grandfather, Donald Sjostrand, watches with a smile.The family voted at Licking County Church of God in Newark, Ohio, Nov 4, 2025. Two days before election day, Lakewood, NJ, voters and their families wait to cast their early ballots late Sunday afternoon, November 2, 2025, at the Municipal Building on 3rd Street. First time poll worker, Benita Neely, dances with her arms in the air to call people over to drop their ballots in the ballot box at Cherry Valley Elementary in Newark, Ohio, Nov 4, 2025. A volunteer for the Working Families Party speaks to a voter during the Pennsylvania Municipal Election in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 4, 2025. Michael Lopez, 13, takes a selfie with his mother, Olga, after she voted at Burncot High School on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The photo was for Michael, an 8th grader at Burncoat Middle School, to receive extra credit in Steven Mendard's social studies class which was learning about the election process. Bruce Williams fills out a ballot during Election Day at China Grove AME Church in Madison, Miss., on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Election workers extract ballots as part of ballot processing during a special election on redistricting at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center in City of Industry, California, November 4, 2025. See candidates and constituents cast their ballots on Election Day 2025 1 of 32 Democratic Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, votes at The Frank Sinatra School of the Arts on Nov. 4, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. Voters in NYC are voting for who will be replacing Mayor Eric Adams between the front runner New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani and New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa. More than 735,000 people have voted early, according to the Board of Elections, more than four times as many as in the 2021 contest. This election also has other city offices on the ballot, as well as six proposals.

Since no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote, the two top candidates from the two major parties went into a runoff election.

Miami has not elected a Democratic mayor in roughly 25 years.

Heres what to know about the race:

Who is Eileen Higgins?

Higgins, 61, is a former Miami-Dade County commissioner who wears the label La Gringa. She served on the commission board, which represented a district that included the Cuban enclave of Little Havana, until this year. She was first elected in 2018.

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Higgins resigned from the commission due to Floridas resign-to-run law, which requires an elected official to resign from office before they run for a different elected position. She was the commissions longest-serving member.

This isnt the first time Higgins has tried to run for another office.

In May 2022, Higgins announced her candidacy for Florida's 27th congressional district before ending her campaign days later. At the time, she said she wanted to avoid a Democratic primary against the partys eventual nominee, Annette Taddeo.

Throughout her campaign for mayor, Higgins has focused on housing affordability. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Miami saw New Yorkers and Californians flock to the city. That caused living and housing costs to explode for residents  and was a key factor as to why Trump won by double digits in Miami-Dade County.

City of Miami Mayoral candidate Eileen Higgins, and former Chicago Mayor and Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, and Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried speak to supporters before she canvasses a neighborhood for votes on Dec. 08, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

Throughout her campaign, Higgins has focused on local issues and her previous record as a commissioner who helped expand affordable housing and secure funding for expansions of two rapid transit lines.

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But even as she could make history as the first Democrat  and first non-Hispanic  mayor in almost three decades, Higgins said in an interview with USA TODAY that she has relied on support from members of all parties and would govern with that in mind.

I lead with my democratic values, but I serve everybody, she said. I never asked you what political party you are, and I never asked you if you voted for me.

Who is Emilio Gonzalez?

Gonzalez, 68, is a retired Air Force colonel and served as a city manager under Mayor Francis Suarez.

He had a military career that spanned 26 years, including Army Attache to Mexico and El Salvador and a key post at the Defense Intelligence Agency. He is also a former director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, serving under Republican President George W. Bush.

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Throughout the campaign, Gonzalez has focused on fighting back against corruption and cronyism in the city.

Emilio T. Gonzalez, Director of Miami-Dade Aviation Dept., speaks during a panel discussion at the 2015 International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in Miami Beach, Florida, June 9, 2015.

Gonzalez has been endorsed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Rick Scott and Trump.

After the race was announced it was going to a runoff, Trump in a Truth Social post on Nov. 17 said Gonzalez will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Advance MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.

Is this a sign of a blue wave in the 2026 midterms?

Democrats secured overwhelming wins in both New Jersey and Virginia governor races this year. In Tennessees comfortably Republican district that Trump won by 22-percentage points, Democrat Aftyn Behn lost by only 9 points to Trump-endorsed Matt Van Epps.

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Thats the trend Democrats want to continue in Miamis mayoral race.

The Democratic National Committee has poured resources, including a bilingual organizing blitz ahead of the runoff, in support of Higgins. Shes also gotten support of national politicians like Buttigieg and Arizona Sen. Reuben Gallego.

I believe deeply in the importance of local leadership, especially right now. And Eileen has spent years showing up for this community, Buttigieg, former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, said in a video endorsement posted on Dec. 5. She listens. She works hard. And she delivers. And thats exactly what Miami needs right now.

Trump in 2024 flipped Miami-Dade County, getting roughly 55% of the vote over Democrat Kamala Harris almost 44%. Both Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton won that country in 2020 and 2016, respectively. If Gonzalez loses, it will be seen nationally as a setback for Trump and the Republican Party.

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But locally, a longtime politician said to not look too deeply if Higgins seals a win.

Xaiver Suarez, who previously served as mayor in the 1980s and in the 1990s and who is father of the current Miami mayor Francis Suarez, downplayed a possible Democratic win in the mayoral race.

This is an odd year, nonpartisan, and the parties realize that money makes a big difference, Suarez said, pointing to the DNCs campaign behind Higgins.

But Suarez said Democrats will still try to use a win to gain momentum.

Mommy didn't raise no fools, he said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump, GOP face test in Miami mayor runoff: Meet the candidates
Donald Trump signed mortgage documents in the 1990s claiming two separate Florida properties would each serve as his principal residence  the same thing his administration is calling mortgage fraud when done by political rivals, records show.

ProPublica unearthed documents demonstrating that within seven weeks of each other in late 1993 and early 1994, the president obtained loans for neighboring Palm Beach homes, pledging each would be his primary dwelling. Instead of living in them, though, he rented both out as investment properties.

There is no suggestion that the activity is or was illegal, and proving intent is key in fraud cases. Yet Trump has called the same behavior  having two primary dwelling mortgages  deceitful and potentially criminal in relation to mortgage fraud charges against the Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook. The Trump administration is bringing several similar cases against the New York attorney general, Letitia James, the senator Adam Schiff and the congressman Eric Swalwell.

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James was charged in October over a Virginia property she designated as a second home before renting out. Cook was fired after signing two primary residence mortgages weeks apart  just as Trump did.

But Trump wrote to Cook in a letter that he posted on TruthSocial announcing he had fired her that such conduct demonstrated incompetence, untrustworthiness and gross negligence in financial transactions.

It is inconceivable that you were unaware of your first commitment when making the second, he wrote, adding he had determined there was sufficient cause to fire her.

In 1993, the presidents real estate agent told the Miami Herald the properties would be leased annually. Shirley Wyner, who later served as rental agent for both homes, confirmed to ProPublica this week that Trump never lived in them. They were rentals from the beginning, she said.

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Kathleen Engel, a Suffolk University law professor specializing in mortgage finance, told the outlet that the presidents own loans exceed the threshold his administration has established for fraudulent conduct.

The White House defended the transactions, noting both mortgages came from the same lender, Merrill Lynch. A spokesperson called ProPublicas story a politically motivated attack and said Trump has never broken the law.

Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency leading the administrations mortgage fraud investigations, said earlier this year that claiming two primary residences would be referred for criminal investigation. His agency has pursued several high-profile Democrats on similar grounds.

Pulte has insisted his investigations are not politically motivated, claiming equal scrutiny for Republicans and Democrats. However, he has yet to make any publicly known criminal referrals against Republican officials, despite similar mortgage patterns emerging among three Trump cabinet members.

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The Trump loans in question in 1993 and 1994 financed two Woodbridge Road properties adjacent to Mar-a-Lago, for $525,000 and $1.2m. Each mortgage contained standard occupancy requirements mandating Trump make the property his principal residence within 60 days and live there at least one year.

Records place Trump at his Manhattan residence, Trump Tower, throughout the period. He would not officially change his permanent residence to Florida until 2019. Newspaper advertisements from the mid-1990s seen by ProPublica confirm both homes were marketed as rentals, with the larger seven-bedroom property listed at $3,000 a day in 1997.

Both mortgages have since been paid off, the outlet said, and any potential violations fall well outside the statute of limitations for mortgage fraud.

ProPublica said Trump hung up when a reporter asked whether his Florida mortgages resembled those he has accused others of fraud over.
President Donald Trump announced today that his administration will go forward with a $12 billion relief initiative for struggling farmers nationwide, many of whom are suffering under Trumps second-term trade war.

On Monday, Trump said that the funds for the deal would come from a small portion of the hundreds of billions of dollars we receive in tariffs. The money will not actually come from tariffs, as Trump claims, but from a separate fund within the United States Department of Agriculture.

This money would not be possible without tariffs  because of tariffs, this is possible, Trump said.

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During the meeting, Trump blamed his farm woes on the Biden administration and touted his own accomplishments in the agriculture industry, including lowering beef prices, which have actually continued to rise.

We inherited a mess. Affordability, but you can call it affordability or anything you want, but the Democrats caused the affordability problem and were the ones that are fixing it. Trump previously called the affordability crisis a hoax.

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Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins clarified that the relief package would be a bridge payment to farmers, with $1 billion held back for specialty crops, such as fruits and vegetables. Rollins said the funds will move by February 28, 2026.

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This country and our farm economy is facing a crisis that we inherited that most of these farmers have not seen in their lifetime, Rollins claimed.

Its not clear if government aid will actually bring sort of relief for farmers and consumers Trump says it will. A report from the Ag Economists Monthly Monitor found that experts are split on if the payments are necessary.

The post Trump proposes $12 billion bailout package for farmers affected by his tariffs appeared first on Salon.com.
Washington  President Trump lambasted former ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on Truth Social Monday morning, after the Georgia Republican told CBS News' "60 Minutes" the president has forsaken his base.

Once one of Mr. Trump's staunchest allies in Congress, Greene has become one of the few Republicans willing to speak out against him in public. As she prepares to resign from Congress before her term ends, Greene told "60 Minutes" correspondent Lesley Stahl the president isn't living up to his "America First" motto, and she connected death threats she says she has received with the president's comments about her.

The president said the only reason Greene "went BAD is that she was JILTED by the president of the United States."

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"Marjorie is not AMERICA FIRST or MAGA, because nobody could have changed her views so fast, and her new views are those of a very dumb person," the president wrote on Truth Social, calling Greene "washed up" and a "low IQ traitor."

The president also blasted Stahl, "60 Minutes" and the new ownership of Paramount, CBS's parent company, decrying the company's decision to "allow a show like this to air." He added, "Since they bought it, 60 Minutes has actually gotten WORSE!"

Greene, who voted with Mr. Trump 98% of the time before their relationship began to deteriorate, has said she thinks the president failed to put domestic issues at the top of his agenda. In her video announcing her resignation, she also criticized his support of both the crypto and pharmaceutical industries.

Her relationship with Mr. Trump began to sour over records related to Jeffrey Epstein, who was facing federal sex trafficking charges when he died by suicide in 2019.

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Greene told "60 Minutes" that after the president called her a traitor, she received a bomb threat on her house  and then, "several direct death threats on my son."

Asked about her claim that the president was to blame for the threats to her and her son, Greene replied, "The subject line for the direct death threats on my son was his words: "Marjorie Traitor Greene."

Greene told "60 Minutes" the threats were "directly fueled by President Trump. And I told him. I told JD Vance. I told them all. Sent those directly to them."

"JD Vance replied back to me, 'We'll look into it,'" Greene added. "I got [a] response from President Trump that I will keep private, but it wasn't very nice."

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But when Stahl asked if the president ran her out of Congress, she said no.

"I will be no one's battered wife," she said.

Stahl also asked about the solid support Mr. Trump nonetheless still enjoys among Republicans in Congress.

"I think they're terrified to step outta line and get a nasty Truth Social post on them," Greene said. Stahl asked, "And they're watching what happened to you?"

"Yes," Greene replied.

Last month, Greene apologized on CNN for what she said had been her role in contributing to America's often venomous political environment with her language. But she also sparred with Stahl over the issue on "60 Minutes."

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Stahl asked Greene "to respond to what you have done in terms of insulting people, yelling at people." Greene countered that Stahl was being "accusatory." After Stahl responded, "I don't insult people," Green told her, "[Y]ou do in the way you question. And you are, you're accusing me right now."

Watch Majorie Taylor Green's "60 Minutes" interview here.

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United States President Donald Trump has raised tariffs by 5 percent on imports from Mexico, accusing the country of failing to uphold a cross-border water treaty.

The tariff hike was revealed in a social media message late on Monday, as tensions simmer between the two North American neighbours.

Mexico continues to violate our comprehensive Water Treaty, and this violation is seriously hurting our BEAUTIFUL TEXAS CROPS AND LIVESTOCK, Trump wrote on his platform, Truth Social.

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Mexico still owes the U.S over 800,000 acre-feet [986.8 million cubic metres] of water for failing to comply with our Treaty over the past five years.

The US presidents message set a demand and a deadline. He called on Mexico to release 200,000 acre-feet of water  equivalent to 246 million cubic metres  by December 31.

But the punitive tariffs, Trump added, are set to begin right away.

As of now, Mexico is not responding, and it is very unfair to our U.S. Farmers who deserve this much needed water, Trump said.

That is why I have authorized documentation to impose a 5% Tariff on Mexico if this water isnt released, IMMEDIATELY. The longer Mexico takes to release the water, the more our Farmers are hurt.

A long-running drought left parts of the Rio Grande cracked and dry in August 2025 [File: Susan Montoya Bryan/AP Photo]

Drought-stricken Mexico struggles

Trumps demands are part of a long-running dispute over the 1944 Water Treaty, which governs the output of the waterways that spider across the border region  namely the Rio Grande, the Colorado River and their tributaries.

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Under the terms of the treaty, each year, the US must allow Mexico to receive 1.5 million acre-feet of water, or 1.85 billion cubic metres, from waterways streaming south.

In return, Mexico lets at least 350,000 acre-feet, or 431 million cubic metres, flow northward to the US.

But years of drought have left Mexico in crisis. According to a 2024 report from the North American Drought Monitor, an intergovernmental agency, more than 75 percent of Mexico is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought levels.

That is the highest recorded level since 2011. As a result, Mexico officials have warned they cannot meet the standards inked in the eight-decade-old treaty.

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But agricultural interests in the border state of Texas are pressuring US lawmakers to act, saying the decreased water supply has withered their businesses.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, is among those who have pledged to champion the farmers cause.

Mexico must be held accountable for their continued breaches of our long-standing water agreement, Abbott said in a news release last month.

Because of their pattern of neglect, Texas farmers are enduring preventable hardship and an erosion of the agricultural viability of the Rio Grande Valley.

A family takes a walk in the Rio Grandes dry riverbed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on August 21 [Susan Montoya Bryan/AP Photo]

A water debt?

The issue has been an ongoing source of cross-border strife. In 2020, desperate farmers in Mexico went so far as to take over a dam in the border state of Chihuahua to prevent the water payments from flowing to the US, while their crops shrivelled.

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Mexicos deficit under the 1944 Water Treaty has continued to grow since then, leading to what the US considers a water debt.

The US claims it is owed hundreds of millions of cubic metres of water from the treatys last five-year cycle.

Monday, however, was not the first time Trump has wielded economy-buckling tariffs as a means of enforcing compliance. In April, he made a similar threat.

We will keep escalating consequences, including TARIFFS and, maybe even SANCTIONS, until Mexico honors the Treaty, and GIVES TEXAS THE WATER THEY ARE OWED, he wrote on Truth Social.

One month earlier, in March, the Trump administration also denied Mexicos request for a special delivery of Colorado River water to the drought-stricken border city of Tijuana.

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It was the first time since the water treaty was signed that the US had taken such an action.

Mexicos continued shortfalls in its water deliveries under the 1944 water-sharing treaty are decimating American agriculture  particularly farmers in the Rio Grande valley, the US State Department said in a statement.

As a result, today for the first time, the U.S. will deny Mexicos non-treaty request for a special delivery channel for Colorado River water to be delivered to Tijuana.

In response, the Mexican government denied violating the 1944 treaty. Instead, it said it supplied what it could in the face of extreme water shortages.

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We have experienced three years of drought, and to the extent that water has been available, Mexico has been fulfilling its obligations, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said.

Farmers protest against a proposed water law outside the Chamber of Deputies in Mexico City on December 3 [Claudia Rosel/AP Photo]

A new deal, a new dilemma

Ultimately, the two countries ended the impasse on April 28, with a new deal to regulate cross-border water flow.

According to the US, the agreement required Mexico to immediately release water from international reservoirs.

It also stipulated that Mexico would boost the amount of water flowing from the Rio Grande northwards through the end of the last five-year cycle, which expired in late October.

Mexico has claimed it fulfilled those requirements. But Texas lawmakers said the country fell far short, and some want the deficit to roll over into the next five-year cycle.

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Because of a 43-day-long government shutdown in the US, it is unclear how much water passed across the border during the end of that five-year period. Only preliminary data is available.

Still, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), a state agency, has petitioned the Trump administration to take action.

Economic losses from delayed water deliveries cannot be recovered, TCEQ Commissioner Tonya Miller said in a November statement.

Meanwhile, in Mexico, the Sheinbaum administration faced domestic pressure to loosen water restrictions on local farmers.

Just this month, farmers poured in from the countryside to form a blockade with their tractors in front of Mexicos Congress, as a protest against a new bill that would tighten the tap on their water.

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River flows are not the only point of tension between the two countries: Trump has pushed for a crackdown on cross-border drug trafficking and migration, while Sheinbaum has warned against US threats to Mexicos sovereignty.

But while Sheinbaum has largely managed to keep relations steady with Trump, there are signals that their bond may be fraying.

 Let me just put it this way, Trump said last month. I am not happy with Mexico.
President Donald Trump and allied groups are turning up the heat on Indiana Republican state senators who are resisting the president's push for the red state to pass congressional redistricting.

The Indiana Senate reconvened on Monday, three days after the state House approved a new map championed by Trump that would create two more right-leaning congressional districts in the solidly red Midwestern state, where the GOP currently controls seven of Indiana's nine U.S. House seats.

The action in Indiana comes after the Supreme Court last week cleared the way for GOP-dominated Texas to use its newly redrawn map, which creates five more right-leaning House seats.

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And it marks the latest front in Trumps aggressive national campaign to reshape congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterms, when Republicans will likely face traditional political headwinds as they defend their razor-thin House majority.

Big Win For Trump As Supreme Court Greenlights Texas' New Congressional Map

The GOP-controlled Indiana House, meeting in the Statehouse  seen in a file photo from 2017  on Friday passed along party lines a congressional redistricting plan pushed by President Donald Trump.

While the super majority in the Indiana House passed redistricting 57-41, with a dozen GOP lawmakers voting against the measure, the stakes are much higher this week, as the Republican-dominated state Senate, which has resisted Trump's efforts to draw new congressional maps, meets to vote later in the week on the redistricting bill passed by the state House.

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Indiana Senate Republican leader Rodric Bray has repeatedly said there wasn't enough support in the chamber to move forward with redistricting. The state Senate split 19-19 last month in a proxy vote.

Red State Moves Forward On Trump Championed Congressional Maps

"A RINO State Senator, Rodric Bray, who doesnt care about keeping the Majority in the House in D.C., is the primary problem. Soon, he will have a Primary Problem, as will any other politician who supports him in this stupidity," Trump warned in a recent social media post.

Bray, in announcing that the state Senate would reconvene to take action on redistricting, said "the issue of redrawing Indiana's congressional maps mid-cycle has received a lot of attention and is causing strife here in our state."

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A final vote by the state Senate is likely on Thursday.

President Donald Trump, seen pointing at the White House on Oct. 10, 2025, is targeting Indiana Republican lawmakers who are not supportive of his congressional redistricting push.

Trump has been twisting elbows in his attempt to make Indiana the latest Republican-controlled state to change their congressional maps. The president has called state lawmakers and Vice President JD Vance visited the state twice earlier this autumn to discuss redistricting.

Trump this weekend took to social media twice to keep up the pressure.

Trump Targets Red State Republican Lawmakers In Push For Congressional Redistricting

"Why would a REAL Republican vote against this when the Dems have been doing it for years??? If they stupidly say no, vote them out of office  They are not worthy  And I will be there to help! Thank you Indiana!" he warned.

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And in a separate post, Trump highlighted nine state Senate Republicans who have yet to announce their position on the new map, saying they "need encouragement to make the right decision." The president added, "The Indiana Senate must now pass this Map, AS IS, and get it to Governor Mike Braun's desk, ASAP, to deliver a gigantic Victory for Republicans in the "Hoosier State," and across the Country."

Trump has also taken some jabs at Braun, arguing that the governor "perhaps, is not working the way he should to get the necessary Votes."

House Gop Campaign Chair Wants Trump 'Out There On The Trail' In Midterm Battle For Majority

While Trump recently called Braun "a good man," he has warned he "must produce on this, or he will be the only Governor, Republican or Democrat, who didnt."

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But Braun, pointing to the president, has touted that he is "committed to standing with him on the critical issue of passing fair maps in Indiana to ensure the MAGA agenda is successful in Congress."

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, seen speaking during a press conference on Oct. 30, 2025, supports President Donald Trump's push for congressional redistricting.

Meanwhile, the Trump-aligned conservative outside political group the Club for Growth Action and other groups have dished out big bucks to run ads in Indiana supporting redistricting, and along with Turning Point Action, will target Republican state lawmakers opposed to the new map.

Club for Growth President David McIntosh sent out a "FINAL WARNING" to Bray, warning that "failure to get this done means you and any other opposition will be defeated and removed from office in your next election."

And Turning Point Action on Friday held a rally at the state Capitol, where Braun spoke, to put pressure on Indiana Senate Republicans to support redistricting.

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"This is a super high priority, and were going to be working with the local, grassroots to make sure their voices heard, and their priorities are not steamrolled by an out-of-touch elected class," Turning Point spokesman Andrew Kolvet told Fox News Digital.

The push by the president in Indiana is part of a broad effort by Trump's political team and the GOP to pad the party's razor-thin House majority ahead of the midterms, when the party in power traditionally loses seats.

Trump-backed North Carolina House Map Approved By Lawmakers As Republicans Aim To Pick Up Seat

"We must keep the Majority at all costs," the president wrote recently.

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Trump, by championing rare but not unheard of mid-decade redistricting, is aiming to prevent what happened during his first term in the White House when Democrats reclaimed the House majority in the 2018 midterm elections.

Texas, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio have drawn new maps as part of the president's push. State lawmakers in GOP-dominated Florida this week took the first steps towards passing a redistricting measure, and right-leaning Kansas is also mulling redrawing its map.

Two federal judges in Texas last month delivered a blow to Trump and Republicans, by ruling that the state couldn't use the newly drawn map in next year's elections. But the Supreme Court on Thursday gave a big thumbs up to the Lone Star State's new congressional map.

Democrats are fighting back.

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California voters a month ago overwhelmingly passed Proposition 50, a ballot initiative which will temporarily sidetrack the left-leaning state's nonpartisan redistricting commission and return the power to draw the congressional maps to the Democrat-dominated legislature.

That is expected to result in five more Democratic-leaning congressional districts in California, which would counter the passage earlier this year in Texas of a new map that aims to create up to five right-leaning House seats.

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during an election night press conference at a California Democratic Party office Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Sacramento.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is considered a likely 2028 Democratic presidential contender, steered his state's push for redistricting.

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Illinois and Maryland, two blue states, and Virginia, where Democrats control the legislature, are also taking steps or seriously considering redistricting.

And in a blow to Republicans, a Utah district judge last month rejected a congressional district map drawn up by the state's GOP-dominated legislature and instead approved an alternate that will create a Democratic-leaning district ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.





Original article source: Trump turns up the heat on red-state Republicans blocking new congressional maps
MADISON - A former Wisconsin judge who faces felony forgery charges over his alleged role in President Donald Trump's scheme to overturn the 2020 election result is calling on a county judge to be sidelined from the case.

Jim Troupis, who represented Trump's 2020 campaign in Wisconsin, is accusing Dane County Circuit Judge John Hyland of judicial misconduct and asking that Hyland step down from the case a week before the next hearing in the matter, according to court records.

Former Dane County Judge Jim Troupis, right, makes an initial appearance Thursday, December 12, 2024 in Dane County Court in Madison, Wisconsin. He is facing on felony forgery charges stemming from the alleged scheme to forward fake electors in an effort to overturn the 2020 elections. At left is his attorney Joseph Bugni.

Troupis' attorney Joe Bugni said he could not provide more context for why Troupis believes Hyland is guilty of misconduct.

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In 2024, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul filed felony charges against Troupis, Kenneth Chesebro, a Wisconsin native and lead architect of the 2020 elector scheme, and former Trump aide Mike Roman, who allegedly delivered Wisconsin's slate of false elector paperwork to a Pennsylvania congressman's staffer to get them to Vice President Mike Pence on Jan. 6, 2021.

The three face 11 charges relating to felony forgery and forgery meant to defraud the Republican electors who cast their ballots for Trump, even though Joe Biden, a Democrat, won the state's presidential election. Each of the 11 charges against the men carries the same maximum penalty of six years in prison, in addition to a $10,000 fine.

More: 'They're coming after me': Jim Troupis, lawyer charged in fake elector case, rails against prosecution

According to the complaint against Troupis, Chesebro and Roman, most of the Trump electors said they did not consent to having their signatures presented as if Trump had won the state without a court ruling saying so. The complaint also describes how Chesebro, Troupis and Roman allegedly created a fake document that said Trump won Wisconsin's 10 Electoral College votes and then attempted to deliver it to Pence for certification.

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Federal prosecutors have said the fake electors plot originated in Wisconsin.

More: Trump pardons Wisconsin Republicans named in efforts to overturn 2020, but state prosecutions aren't affected

Biden beat Trump by about 21,000 votes in Wisconsin. Trump sought recounts in Dane and Milwaukee counties, which confirmed Biden's win. Trump sued and the state Supreme Court upheld the results on a 4-3 vote on Dec. 14, 2020. Troupis represented the Trump campaign in the case.

Less than an hour later, Democrats met in the state Capitol to cast the state's 10 electoral votes for Biden.

At the same time, the Republican fake electors gathered in another part of the Capitol to fill out paperwork claiming Trump had won.

Ten Wisconsin Republicans signed paperwork on Dec. 14, 2020 claiming to be electors for Donald Trump despite his election loss.

They submitted their filings to Congress, the National Archives, a federal judge and then-Wisconsin Secretary of State Doug La Follette. Chesebro was in the room during the meeting.

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At the time, the fake electors said they held the meeting only to ensure the state's electoral votes were cast for Trump if a court later determined he was the true winner of the state.

In efforts to have the case dismissed, Troupis claimed the electors met and cast their ballot only to preserve their legal options, in case the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Trump the winner of Wisconsin, arguing no crime was committed.

The 10 electors have not been charged criminally related to the fake documents. The group settled a lawsuit in 2023 filed by the real Biden electors against them over their role in the scheme. As a part of the settlement, the false electors acknowledged their actions were used in an attempt to overturn an election.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ex-Trump Wisconsin lawyer seeks removal of judge in fake elector case
Dec. 8 (UPI) -- A 7.5 -magnitude earthquake struck the northernmost prefecture of Japan's main Honshu island on Monday night, and tsunami warnings were lifted several hours later.

The quake hit northeastern Japan off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture, about 50 miles northeast of Hachinohe, at 1:15 p.m. Monday local time at a depth of 0.9 miles, Japan Meteorological Agency said.

More than 20 people reportedly were injured.

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The U.S. Geological Survey listed it as 7.6 with an aftershock of 6.6 reported 7 1/2 hours later, about 78 miles south of Honcho. Several other aftershocks were reported.

The quake triggered tsunamic warnings for coastal areas of Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 7.6 magnitude earthquake at 11:15 p.m. Monday local time in northern Japan. Map by USGS

Three hours later, the warnings were downgraded to an advisory early Tuesday, after waves of up to 2.3 feet in height were detected in some areas, according to NHK.

Japan Meteorological Agency warned of future earthquakes in the area.

A television screen shows a news report from July by the Japanese Meteorological Agency in Tokyo, Japan. On Monday, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit northeast Japan in the evening hours. File Photo by Franck Robichon/EPA

"To everyone in the central Hokkaido Pacific coastal area, the Aomori Prefecture Pacific coastal area, and Iwate Prefecture where a tsunami warning has been issued, please evacuate immediately to safe locations such as high ground or evacuation buildings," Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted Monday morning on X.

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The earthquake initially was recorded as 7.2 magnitude and felt as far south as Tokyo. It then was listed as 7.6 but downgraded to 7.5.

"I've never experienced such a big shaking," shop owner Nobuo Yamada told The Independent.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said 23 people were injured, including one seriously.

About 800 residences in the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions were without power, but utilities said that electricity was restored as of 5 a.m. Tuesday.

About 200 passengers were stranded overnight at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, NHK reported.

No significant infrastructure damage was reported.

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East Japan Railway Company said outbound trains on the Tohoku Shinkansen were suspended between Fukushima and Shin-Aomori stations due to the earthquake.

Nuclear power plants in Hokkaido, Aomori, Miyagi and Fukushima reported no functional abnormalities while bullet train service was halted between Fukushima and Shin-Aomori.

Earlier, the discharge of treated radioactive water at the Fukushima plant was temporarily suspended as a precaution.

"Based on the instruction from the prime minister, we are mobilizing all resources for assessing the damage, conducting search-and-rescue operations and implementing emergency disaster relief measures under the policy of prioritizing human life," the top government spokesperson said during a news conference.

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It's the latest earth-shattering quake in the Japanese islands, most recently over the summer, following a Russia-based quake that impacted Japanese shores.

Multiple people were killed and dozens others injured after a powerful 7.5 magnitude was recorded in western Japan on New Years Day 2024.
BRUSSELS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Tuesday opened an antitrust investigation into whether U.S. tech giant Google has breached European Union (EU) anticompetitive rules, despite opposition from Washington.

The probe focuses on whether Google has used content from web publishers and from its video-sharing platform YouTube for artificial intelligence (AI) purposes on unfair terms, the commission said in a press release.

The case will look into Google's use of web publishers' content to provide its generative AI-powered services without appropriate compensation and without giving publishers a genuine possibility to refuse such use without risking a loss of traffic from Google Search.

It will also examine whether Google has used videos and other content uploaded to YouTube to train its generative AI models without compensating creators or allowing them to refuse such use, while rival AI developers are prevented from using YouTube content to train their own models.

The commission said it will now carry out its in-depth investigation as a priority.

In September, the EU fined Google 2.95 billion euros (about 3.34 billion U.S. dollars) for antitrust violations in the online advertising sector. In November, it launched an investigation into a potential breach of the Digital Markets Act by Google over the demotion of media publishers' content in search results.

The tech giant is among the U.S. tech companies under heavy scrutiny from the European Commission in recent times. The commission last week opened a formal antitrust investigation into Meta and imposed fines totaling 120 million euros (139.8 million dollars) on Elon Musk's social media platform X in its first non-compliance decision under the Digital Services Act.

The United States has repeatedly criticized the EU's regulatory measures as being targeted at American companies. Musk blasted the EU on Saturday for the fine slapped on X, warning that his response would aim at the officials responsible for the penalty. 
WASHINGTON (AP)  At least two of several agreements aimed at ending global conflicts that President Donald Trump has hailed as evidence of his negotiating prowess are in trouble and at risk of collapsing.

Less than a week after Congo and Rwanda signed a deal in Trumps presence in Washington that was meant to halt fighting in eastern Congo, and less than two months after he witnessed Cambodia and Thailand sign a ceasefire pact in Malaysia to end their border conflict, fighting has surged in both places.

The developments have caused international alarm, which on Tuesday resulted in urgent calls to halt the renewed violence from countries involved in the African Great Lakes region and from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

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In each case, the statements urged the combatants to live up to their commitments in the deals that Trump has touted in part as the rationale for casting himself as the president of peace.

Trump late Tuesday expressed confidence that once again he could end the fighting between Cambodia and Thailand.

Tomorrow Ill have to make a phone call, Trump said at a rally in Pennsylvania. Who else could say, Im going to make a phone call and stop a war of two very powerful countries, Thailand and Cambodia?

Several countries express concern about violence flaring in Congo

A joint statement released by the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes expressed profound concern over the situation in Congos South Kivu region, where new deadly violence blamed on the Rwandan-backed M23 militia group has exploded in recent days.

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The ICG urges the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to immediately halt their offensive operations in eastern DRC, in particular in South Kivu, and calls on the RDF to withdraw from eastern DRC and on M23 to return to its positions as stipulated in multiple agreements that culminated in the signing of a deal in Washington on Thursday with Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

The White House had touted it as a historic agreement brokered by Trump following monthslong peace efforts by the U.S. and its partners, including the African Union and Qatar, finalizing an earlier deal signed in June.

Its a great day for Africa, a great day for the world, Trump said then. He added, Today, were succeeding where so many others have failed.

The Great Lakes contact group  which includes Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States and the European Union  urged all sides to uphold their commitments under the deal signed last week and immediately de-escalate the situation.

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The State Department, using an acronym for the Democratic Republic of Congo, said the U.S. is deeply concerned by the ongoing violence in eastern DRC, driving displacement and inflicting suffering on countless families.

The Trump administration continues to advance its diplomatic engagement on this important issue, working to ensure the full implementation of the recently signed agreements and restore stability on the ground, it said. We are working closely with regional partners to uphold the commitments made and reinforce the ceasefire.

Trump administration calls for halt to violence on Thai-Cambodian border

In a separate statement, Rubio said the U.S. is concerned by an uptick in fighting between Cambodia and Thailand along their contested border, just over a month after the two countries signed an agreement in Malaysia that was pushed for by Trump.

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We strongly urge the immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and for both sides to return to the deescalatory measures outlined in the Oct. 26 Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, Rubio said in a statement.

The Cambodia-Thailand deal has been faltering for weeks, but it took a big hit when fighting broke out following a weekend skirmish in which two Thai soldiers were injured. Five days of fighting since has left dozens dead on both sides and forced the evacuation of over 100,000 civilians.

A senior Trump administration official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the president expected Thailand and Cambodia, as well as Rwanda and Congo, to honor their commitments to halt the violence. The official says the administration is monitoring the situation in Congo closely and that Trump has told both sides he is expecting immediate results.

Trump has repeatedly cited seven or eight agreements, including these two, as proof of his success in ending conflicts, although another one  an internationally endorsed plan to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza  is still not finalized and in limbo, with sporadic fighting continuing while a critical second phase remains a work in progress.

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His efforts to halt the fighting between Russia and Ukraine have so far proven unsuccessful. Other deals Trump has been involved with and claimed as successes include those between India and Pakistan, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Israel and Iran, Kosovo and Serbia, and Egypt and Ethiopia.

___

Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani contributed to this report.
An amendment to restore a government department's funding back to current levels has been accepted.

Jersey's government had initially rejected calls from the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel for the environment department to have 11.7m of funding next year rather than the 11.1m proposed in the 2026-2029 budget.

Environment Minister Steve Luce admitted the cut would "severely undermine service delivery across the board" but accepted the decision because health and other departments needed more funding.

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But after changes were made, Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said the government would accept the amendment, which States Assembly members voted 44-1 in favour of.

The government will bring a budget amendment explaining how it plans to maintain the department's funding.

Deputy Hilary Jeune, the scrutiny panel's chairperson, suggested lowering the budget could weaken the department along with the "wellbeing of this island".

"Let me be absolutely clear - this amendment does not create new growth, nor does it expand the public sector," Jeune said.

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"It is simply about ensuring the environment department can meet the statutory duties that this assembly has already placed upon it."

Jeune's amendment initially suggested getting money from the Strategic Reserve to avoid cutting the department's funding, but this idea was dropped.

Following the removal of using the Strategic Reserve to boost the department's budget, the chief minister said the government would support the amendment.

Farnham explained the government would consider savings in other departments to avoid cutting the environment budget.

He added: "We have asked treasury officials to come back with an amendment that looks at growth bids and spreading the difference across the departments.

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"In the scheme of things, I don't think it's a great burden and we will be pleased to support it."

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

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A "major" clean-up operation was ongoing in southern England on Tuesday after eight containers of bananas went overboard a cargo ship, with hundreds of rotting fruits washing up along the shoreline.

Some 16 containers were lost to sea by a cargo ship on Saturday, including eight containing bananas, two with plantains and one carrying avocados, the UK coastguard said.

Since then, hundreds of bunched-up bananas destined for Tesco supermarkets had washed ashore on pebbled beaches in West Sussex, with the coastguard urging the public to avoid areas littered with banana debris.

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Damaged shipping containers also washed up in the seaside town of Selsey, where volunteers gathered the scattered bananas in garbage bags to be cleared away, an AFP photographer saw.

"A major clean-up operation is underway following several shipping containers washing up on the West Sussex shoreline," the local council said in a statement Tuesday.

The coastguard on Monday deployed a helicopter and aircraft to search for five containers that had not yet washed ashore.

Authorities also warned the public against helping themselves to the fruit.

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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had no time to hold a traditional news conference during a whirlwind, 36-hour trip across Europe this week, so he improvised.

For the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of his country, Zelenskyy  who usually takes reporters questions in person while trotting the globe  communicated with the news media via group chat. While flying between London and Brussels, he answered a long list of questions from Ukrainian and international reporters, relaying audio clips on WhatsApp.

His chosen mode of communication was, if not unprecedented, at the very least extremely rare for a world leader.

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The low drone of the aircraft blended with his hoarse, tired-sounding voice, yet his message cut through clearly: Amid uncertain negotiations to end the war, Ukraine, he said, cannot surrender land.

Undoubtedly, Russia insists for us to give up territories, he said in a crackling message late Monday. According to the law, we dont have such a right  and to be frank, we dont have a moral right either.

Shifting diplomatic terrain

With the outlook for negotiations changing by the day, Zelenskyys team set out on a jam-packed schedule to shore up support in Europe.

Zelenskyy met the leaders of Britain, Germany and France in London, and the heads of NATO and the European Union in Brussels, before traveling on to Rome for talks with the Italian prime minister and Pope Leo XIV.

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A key issue being discussed is whether Ukraine should cede Russianoccupied territory in return for security guarantees, but the talks have been complicated by uncertainty about the Trump administrations commitment to European security.

The stakes of staying seen

Since the start of the war, Zelenskyy has shown a desire to communicate in real-time in whatever way is necessary.

When Kyiv came under siege shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Zelenskyy tried to reassure the public through what appeared to be a cellphone video with three top officials  perhaps his best-known address.

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We are all here, he said at the time. Our soldiers are here, the citizens of our country are all here protecting our independence, and we are going to continue to do so.

Since then, Zelenskyy has made frequent communication a strategic priority in a sleep-defying cycle of video messages, remote speeches to Western parliaments and conferences, late-night posts and high-security public appearances.

Monday nights WhatsApp exchange wound down as his plane landed in Brussels, just before he was whisked into his next round of meetings.

He asked reporters: How did you like this format? If it works for you, then when we have the opportunity, well share our thoughts and decisions this way again.

It didn't take long. By Tuesday evening, Zelenskyy had sent reporters more audio messages on WhatsApp to explain how talks to end the war were proceeding with its Western allies.
A key UN report on the state of the global environment has been "hijacked" by the United States and other countries who were unwilling to go along with the scientific findings, the co-chair has told the BBC.

The Global Environment Outlook, the result of six years' work, connects climate change, nature loss and pollution to unsustainable consumption by people living in wealthy and emerging economies.

It warns of a "dire future" for millions unless there's a rapid move away from coal, oil and gas and fossil fuel subsidies.

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But at a meeting with government representatives to agree the findings, the US and allies said they could not go along with a summary of the report's conclusions.

As the scientists were unwilling to water down or change their findings, the report has now been published without the summary and without the support of governments, weakening its impact.

Researchers say the objections to this new report reflect similar concerns expressed by countries at the recent COP30 talks.

The BBC has approached the relevant US government departments for comment.

Issued every six or seven years, the Global Environment Outlook is a significant scientific analysis of the major threats to the planet.

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Developed under the auspices of the UN, the normal practice for studies like this is to have the key conclusions and recommendations agreed word by word with governments and published as a "summary for policymakers".

These summaries are seen as critical because they show that governments agree with the science and are prepared to put the findings into action.

But this new version of the Global Environment Outlook does not have this type of summary, as the authors and the political representatives of around 70 countries could not agree one at a "stormy" meeting in Nairobi in October.

Compiled by nearly 300 scientists worldwide, the report argues that the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the energy we consume all involve the extraction of resources in a highly unsustainable manner.

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To solve the connected issues of climate change, pollution, nature and biodiversity loss, the report has many recommendations including a rapid move away from coal, oil and gas and a massive reduction in subsidies for farming and fossil fuels.

The authors acknowledge this type of action will drive-up prices for consumers.

But that short term pain will bring long term economic benefits for the whole world, the report says.

These strong measures, especially on fossil fuels and plastics, were too much for the United States, Saudi Arabia and Russia among others at the approval meeting, which usually work by consensus.

Sir Robert Watson is co-chair of the report [Getty Images]

"A small number of countries basically just hijacked the process, to be quite honest," Prof Sir Robert Watson told BBC News.

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"The US decided not to attend the meeting at all. At the very end they joined by teleconference and basically made a statement that they could not agree with most of the report, which means they didn't agree with anything we said on climate change, biodiversity, fossil fuels, plastics and subsidies."

Sir Robert is one of the world's most respected scientific voices. He's a former chief scientist for the UK's department of the environment and has also been chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), as well as working for the World Bank and Nasa.

However he has had rows with the US in the past, criticising their decision to leave an earlier climate treaty, the Kyoto Protocol, when he was head of the IPCC.

He was ousted from that role in 2002 after lobbying by the administration of President George W. Bush.

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Others present at the meeting agreed that the actions of the US and other countries "derailed" the process.

"I thought we had gone beyond the point of recognizing that when you burn oil, this big, thick black stuff comes up, and it probably isn't good, especially when you try and breathe it in," said Dr David Broadstock, with the Lantau Group, and one of the report's lead authors.

"It's kind of pretty obvious, and yet we're still seeing parties wanting to pursue the increasing scale of production of such things," he told BBC News.

Since taking office President Trump has sought to boost fossil fuel production and roll back US commitments to fight climate change, calling for the country to be a global energy superpower with cheap and reliable resources.

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He has also sought to get the US courts to overturn the idea that carbon dioxide is a danger to public health. His government has also followed up with efforts to restrict or limit the efforts of international bodies that set out to tackle warming.

This year has seen efforts at international plastics negotiations, at the international maritime organisation and during COP30 to strike out language that states that climate change is a major issue requiring the world to move away rapidly from fossil fuels.

The disagreement over the Global Environment Outlook report will raise concerns about future negotiations for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports as these studies are seen as the bedrock of global efforts to limit global warming.
The most comprehensive global environment assessment ever undertaken calls for a new approach to jointly tackle the most pressing environmental issues including climate change and biodiversity loss that threaten over 1 million plant and animal species with extinction.

The U.N. Environment Assembly  which the U.S. government didn't attend  produced the new report this week by almost 300 scientists from 83 countries.

The issues, which also include land degradation and pollution, are inextricably linked and require solutions that include increased spending and financial incentives to transition away from fossil fuels, encourage sustainable agricultural practices, curb pollution and limit waste, the authors of the U.N. Environment Programme's Global Environment Outlook said.

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You cant think of climate change without thinking of biodiversity, land degradation and pollution, said Bob Watson, one of the lead authors and a former top NASA and British climate scientist. "You cant think of biodiversity loss without thinking about the implications of climate change and pollution."

Theyre all undermining our economy," worsening health and poverty and threatening food and water security and even national security, Watson said.

Experts have warned that the world is nearing a tipping point on climate change, species and land loss and other harms. But efforts to address those problems largely have been pursued through individual agreements that haven't made nearly enough progress, they said.

Instead, they advocate an approach that involves every area of government, the financial sector, industry and citizens and a circular economy that recognizes that natural resources are limited.

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What were saying is we can become much more sustainable, but it will take unprecedented change to transform these systems, Watson said. It has to be done rapidly now because were running out of time.

Global tipping point

The report lays out a dire future if the world continues on its current path.

Emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases  primarily from burning fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil  reached a new high in 2024, despite decades of negotiations between countries to curb emissions.

Ten years ago, almost 200 nations signed the Paris Agreement with the goal of limiting future warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since preindustrial times to avoid or lessen the most catastrophic effects of climate change. But on the current trajectory, the climate could warm by 2.4 degrees Celsius (4 degrees Fahrenheit) by 2100, Watson said.

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Scientists say climate change is contributing to wilder weather extremes, including more intense storms, drought, heat and wildfires.

What's more, climate change is a threat multiplier, meaning that it makes things like land degradation, deforestation and biodiversity loss worse, said Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech University and chief scientist at the Nature Conservancy, who wasn't involved in the report.

If we dont fix climate change, were not going to be able to fix these other issues too, Hayhoe said.

Among other challenges: Up to 40% of land area globally is degraded, and pollution contributes to an estimated 9 million deaths a year.

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Adopting a comprehensive approach would be expensive, scientists acknowledge, but cost far less than the harms that otherwise could result.

The report says that to achieve a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 and restore biodiversity, about $8 trillion in global investment is needed every year. But starting in 2050, economic benefits will surpass spending, growing to $20 trillion a year by 2070 and $100 trillion a year thereafter.

Nations also must look beyond gross domestic product as a barometer for economic health, because it doesn't measure whether growth is sustainable or recognize its potential harms, Watson said.

Environmental issues aren't the only things interlinked, Watson said. He also said governments, nonprofits, industry and the financial sector also must ensure that there are incentives and funding for renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices, for example.

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University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann, who wasn't involved in the report, welcomed its emphasis on tackling issues across governments and society.

We must do what is right, rather than what seems politically expedient, Mann said. The stakes are simply too great."

International cooperation falters

Despite the report's urgent call for action, international cooperation is anything but guaranteed, scientists say  especially as U.S. President Donald Trump has refused to participate in many of the discussions.

Trump, who withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement, has called climate change a hoax. He's promoted fossil fuel use, canceled permits for renewable energy and is abandoning automobile fuel-efficiency standards.

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International action and agreements are becoming harder and harder, Watson said, noting that this year's U.N. climate conference in Brazil failed to move in the direction we needed it to move with stronger commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other issues.

Talks this summer on a treaty to address plastic pollution in Geneva ended without an agreement, though a U.N. conference earlier in the year garnered commitments for funding to protect global biodiversity.

Watson said that the U.S. didn't attend the intergovernmental meeting in Nairobi, but joined discussions on the last day and "said they didnt agree with anything in the report.

Some countries might say if the U.S. is not willing to act, why should we act? Watson said.

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Still, he believes that some countries will move forward, while others, including the U.S., could fall behind.

Hayhoe, the Texas Tech scientist, said that she's confident changes will happen, because the stakes are becoming too great.

It is not about saving the planet. The planet will be orbiting the sun long after were gone, Hayhoe said. The question is, will there be a healthy, thriving human society on that planet? And the answer to that question is very much up for grabs at this point.

___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
After being summoned by Iranian security bodies, the countrys Jewish MP Najafabadi called on Jewish Iranians to delete Israel-linked posts and unfollow IDF and other hostile channels.

Homayoun Sameyah Najafabadi, the Jewish representative in Irans parliament, was summoned by Irans security agencies over Jewish Iranians liking and commenting on Zionist and Israeli content on social media, he confirmed in an open letter published on his personal Telegram that was addressed to Irans Jewish community.

"Unfortunately, in the past two weeks, I was summoned to these agencies because some fellow Jews posted comments and liked false content, causing misunderstandings among the countrys intelligence agencies," he wrote.

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He then called on members of Irans Jewish community to refrain from leaving any comments or social media activity, such as likes, that would "cause suspicion."

"You are requested, if you have published any unusual, sensitive, or misconstruable comments or likes in cyberspace, to delete them as soon as possible," he said in the letter.

Iranian Jewish MP Homayoun Sameyah Najafabadi's open letter to Iran's Jewish community calling on them to not publicly like Zionist or Israeli social media content, December 7, 2025. (credit: SCREENSHOT/TELEGRAM/@dr_semeyah)

Najafabadi: Iranian Jews should 'unfollow the IDF'

"If you are a member of channels associated with the Zionist regime, including Israel in Persian or the IDF and other hostile pages and channels, you must unfollow them immediately," Najafabadi warned.

"If you do not delete comments or likes or continue to subscribe to the aforementioned channels, then legal activity may arise, and it will become more difficult to resolve the issue in the future," he added.

Najafabadi affirms Jewish-Iranian's support for regime amid Israel-Iran war

In June, amid the height of Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian ballistic missile launches toward Israel as part of the Israel-Iran war, Najafabadi affirmed that the countrys roughly 8,000 Jews back the Islamic Republics leadership.

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"We stand ready to defend the homeland under the supreme leaders command" should the fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire collapse, Najafabadi said, echoing hard-line talking points.

Speaking at the time to the military-linked Defapress, Najafabadi praised what he called Irans "decisive response" during the 12 days of missile and cyberattack exchanges between Israel and Iran.

Similarly, Irans Jewish leadership publicly pledged full allegiance to the Islamic Republic, with Chief Rabbi Yehuda Gerami declaring that the countrys Jews "stand in a single front in defense of our homeland," according to reports in the state-aligned news agencies ISNA and Tabnak.

Speaking at a gathering of Tehrans Jewish community on June 26, convened after Israels recent strikes on Iranian territory, Gerami said Jews in Iran "have shared the joys and sorrows of this nation for centuries" and view the country as "indivisible from our own identity."

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Any shedding of innocent blood, he added, was "an unforgivable sin in our scripture," and he condemned "ideologies that falsely claim to represent Judaism while promoting racism and expansionism."

Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.
By Nate Raymond and Nichola Groom

BOSTON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Monday struck down an order by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to halt all federal approvals for new wind energy projects, saying that agencies' efforts to implement his directive were unlawful and arbitrary.

Agencies including the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Commerce and the Environmental Protection Agency have been implementing a directive to halt all new approvals needed for both onshore and offshore wind projects pending a review of leasing and permitting practices.

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Siding with a group of 17 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia, U.S. District Judge Patti Saris in Boston said those agencies had failed to provide reasoned explanations for the actions they took to carry out the directive Trump issued on his first day back in office on January 20.

They could not lawfully under the Administrative Procedure Act indefinitely decline to review applications for permits, added Saris, who was appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat whose state led the legal challenge, called the ruling "a big victory in our fight to keep tackling the climate crisis" in a social media post.

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said in a statement that Trump through his order had "unleashed Americas energy dominance to protect our economic and national security." Trump has sought to boost government support for fossil fuels and maximize output in the United States, the world's top oil and gas producer, after campaigning for the presidency on the refrain of "drill, baby, drill." The states, led by New York, sued in May, after the Interior Department ordered Norway's Equinor to halt construction on its Empire Wind offshore wind project off the coast of New York. While the administration allowed work on Empire Wind to resume, the states say the broader pause on permitting and leasing continues to have harmful economic effects.

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The states said the agencies implementing Trump's order never said why they were abruptly changing longstanding policy supporting wind energy development.

Saris agreed, saying the policy "constitutes a change of course from decades of agencies issuing (or denying) permits related to wind energy projects."

The defendants "candidly concede that the sole factor they considered in deciding to stop issuing permits was the Presidents direction to do so," Saris wrote.

An offshore wind energy trade group welcomed the ruling.

"Overturning the unlawful blanket halt to offshore wind permitting activities is needed to achieve our nation's energy and economic priorities of bringing more power online quickly, improving grid reliability, and driving billions of new American steel manufacturing and shipbuilding investments," Oceantic Network CEO Liz Burdock said in a statement.

(Reporting by Nichola Groom in Los Angeles and Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Leslie Adler, Michael Perry and Edwina Gibbs)
By John Kruzel

WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court is set on Tuesday to hear arguments in a Republican-led challenge on free speech grounds to federal limits on spending by political parties in coordination with electoral candidates in a case involving Vice President JD Vance.

President Donald Trump's administration has thrown its support behind the challenge, brought by plaintiffs including two Republican committees and Vance, who was running for the U.S. Senate in Ohio when the case began. The case centers on whether federal limits on coordinated campaign spending violate the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protection against government abridgment of freedom of speech.

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The challengers have appealed a lower court's ruling that upheld restrictions on the amount of money parties can spend on campaigns with input from candidates they support, formally known as coordinated party expenditure limits.

Because the Federal Election Commission under Trump has declined to defend the provision of federal law at issue, the court appointed lawyer Roman Martinez to do so. The justices also permitted three Democratic groups to intervene to defend the lower court's decision.

The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 regulates fundraising and spending in U.S. elections by limiting the amount that can be spent on a candidate, with the aim of preventing corruption.

Under that law, spending by a political party to advocate for or against a candidate that is not coordinated with a candidate's campaign is considered an "independent expenditure" - and not subject to amount limits. Contributions that are coordinated between a party and a campaign, however, are restricted.

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Lawyers for the challengers argued that the curbs amount to an unlawful form of "speech rationing."

"By rationing the amount of political speech available to a party in consultation with its candidates, the limits have a stifling effect on the ability of the party to do what it exists to do," they wrote.

Martinez argued in court papers that without these curbs, "common sense and history show that donors will often use political parties as conduits" to evade limits on individual contributions, increasing the risk of quid pro quo corruption.

"The strategy is simple: A donor maxes out his contributions to a candidate, then routes additional money to the candidate by giving to the party, which uses that money to pay the candidate's expenses," he wrote.

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Martinez also argued that the case should be thrown out as moot because the Trump administration's alignment with the legal position of the challengers means "there is no longer the actual and imminent threat of enforcement."

The spending limits at issue vary based on the population of the state where the candidate is running for office, lower in states with smaller populations and higher in those with larger populations. In 2024, restrictions ranged from around $123,000 to $3.7 million for Senate candidates and from around $62,000 to $123,000 for House of Representatives candidates, according to court papers.

In their 2022 lawsuit, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee, Vance and Republican former congressman Steve Chabot of Ohio sought a court order blocking the Federal Election Commission from enforcing the restrictions at issue.

The Cincinnati-based U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in 2024 upheld the limits, concluding that they comported with the Constitution. The 6th Circuit said it was required to follow a 2001 Supreme Court ruling arising from Colorado that addressed the very same issue.

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On appeal, the plaintiffs said that developments in campaign finance over the intervening decades, including shifts in the Supreme Court's jurisprudence, have eroded the rationale underlying that 2001 ruling and urged the justices to consider overruling it.

The justices granted a request by the Democratic National Committee, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to intervene to defend the spending limits. Lawyer Marc Elias will represent them.

The Supreme Court in several rulings since 2010 has chipped away at campaign finance laws. In a landmark decision called Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the court in 2010 struck down federal limits on independent expenditures as a First Amendment violation, enabling corporations and other outside groups to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections.

(Reporting by John Kruzel; Editing by Will Dunham)
OSLO, Norway (AP)  A planned news conference on Tuesday by Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado was canceled after a several-hour delay, a day before the award ceremony in Oslo.

Machado, who last appeared in public 11 months ago, had been due to hold a traditional news conference the day before the formal award ceremony. But the lunchtime event was delayed without explanation, until the Norwegian Nobel Institute said three hours after the scheduled time that it will not take place today.

Maria Corina Machado has herself stated in interviews how challenging the journey to Oslo, Norway, will be, the institute said in an email. "We therefore cannot at this point provide any further information about when and how she will arrive for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony."

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The institute did not specify whether the news conference would take place at a later point.

Machados spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about the opposition leaders location and planned attendance at Wednesdays ceremony.

The 58-year-olds win for her struggle to achieve a democratic transition in her South American nation was announced on Oct. 10, and she was described as a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.

Machado won the oppositions primary election and intended to run against President Nicolas Maduro in last years presidential election, but the government barred her from running for office. Retired diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez took her place.

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The lead-up to the July 28, 2024, election saw widespread repression, including disqualifications, arrests and human rights violations. That increased after the countrys National Electoral Council, which is stacked with Maduro loyalists, declared the incumbent the winner despite credible evidence to the contrary.

Gonzalez sought asylum in Spain last year after a Venezuelan court issued a warrant for his arrest.

Meanwhile, Machado went into hiding and has not been seen in public since Jan. 9, when she was briefly detained after joining supporters in a protest in Caracas, Venezuelas capital. The following day, Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term.
PARIS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Eric Alauzet, former president of the France-China Friendship Group of the French National Assembly, said in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Chinese philosophical thought deeply resonate with him, helping him better understand concepts such as the relationship between humanity and nature.

In April 2023, Alauzet accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron on his state visit to China in his capacity as president of the France-China Friendship Group. Beyond his former parliamentary role, he is also an acupuncturist specializing in TCM and has long been drawn to Taoist philosophy.

His path toward acupuncture began with his early medical training. After completing his studies in Nancy in eastern France, he grew skeptical of certain conventional Western medical approaches. It was then that he found inspiration in TCM principles such as the "unity of heaven and man" and the importance of adapting treatments to time, place and individual constitution.

Alauzet recalled that French diplomat George Soulie de Morant introduced acupuncture to France in the 1960s, opening the door for initial explorations of this Eastern medical practice. However, its acceptance in the West was slow.

Until the 1980s, French health authorities remained broadly doubtful about acupuncture. Later, when many patients, who had not found sufficient relief from conventional treatments, turned to acupuncture and saw improvements, its effectiveness gradually gained recognition.

Sensing an opportunity, Alauzet enrolled in a newly established acupuncture program at a Paris university after seven years of studying Western medicine, completing three years of training before opening his own practice. Even during his years in parliament, he continued to dedicate several hours a week to acupuncture until his retirement.

In 2024, during an international conference on TCM, Chinese representatives proposed a collaboration project to him. Then he was invited to Beijing as a special advisor for an acupuncture training program, accompanied by about 30 French doctors. As this Sino-French clinical exchange mechanism developed, his connection with China further deepened.

Through acupuncture, Alauzet also immersed himself in Taoist philosophy. He said that reading traditional Chinese philosophical works such as "Tao Te Ching" resonated profoundly with him. The Taoist worldview -- which stresses the interconnectedness and the perpetual motion of all things -- offered him a valuable framework for understanding nature and life.

Alauzet said he believes both France and China wield decisive influence on the international stage, noting that China boasts its large population and growing diplomatic influence while France plays a leading role in Europe.

"These two countries ... have their own culture and particularities," Alauzet said, adding that it is "necessary" for both to play an even more important role in world peace and stability. 
Venezuela's "joropo" -- a genre blending music, song and fast-paced partner dancing -- was named Tuesday as a UNESCO intangible cultural treasure.

It has Indigenous, African and European roots and originated in plains along the border between Venezuela and Colombia.

Joropo is performed to the sound of instruments including a harp, maracas and violin as lady dancers swirl and male partners stomp their feet in rapid succession to the rhythm of the music.

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The women wear colorful dresses and men don suits and wide brim hats.

The designation was announced by UNESCO at a meeting in New Delhi in which the UN cultural organization is examining dozens of candidates to be declared world intangible cultural assets.

Venezuelans welcomed what they called good news as they endure a tense military standoff with the United States.

American warships are stationed off the coast and regularly attacking what Washington says are boats smuggling drugs from Venezuela.

President Nicolas Maduro says the real goal of the US operation, which has raised fears of an outright US attack on Venezuela, is to oust him and his leftist regime.

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"We deserve this happiness, given the madness we are living," said Caracas resident Cesar Marcano.

"I am happy that our culture is being recognized and I hope the Venezuelan people give it the importance that it deserves."

Joropo was declared a Venezuelan national cultural asset in 2014.

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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul travels to the high-tech centre of Guangzhou on Tuesday to meet company leaders at the end of his visit to China.

Wadephul pans to hold discussions with German tunnelling company Herrenknecht on conditions for doing business in China.

He also plans to visit WeRide, which provides technology for autonomous driving, to hear about the status of developments.

Herrenknecht maintains its largest plant in China in the city of Guangzhou, assisting in constructing its metro network. The company employs a staff of 900 at nine locations in the country.

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Herrenknecht is involved in major European projects, such as the Brenner Base Tunnel under the Alps and the Stuttgart 21 rail project.

WeRide is a pioneer in robotaxis, focusing on developing software for use in various vehicles, including buses, delivery vehicles and road-sweepers.

The company has licences in China, the United States, France, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.
An undated aerial view of TransAlta's coal-fired power plant in Centralia, Washington. (Photo courtesy of Washington Department of Ecology)

TransAlta Corporation has signed an agreement with Puget Sound Energy to switch the last coal-fired power station in Washington state to natural gas.

The deal, which TransAlta announced Tuesday, comes as the Centralia plant is set to fall silent at the end of the month.

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Its closure is part of a deal the Washington Legislature approved in 2011. The winding down of the last coal-fired unit represents a long-sought goal for Democratic state politicians: the move toward cleaner energy to reduce fossil-fuel emissions and combat climate change.

But it also comes amid rising concerns that the state could face a power crunch as it makes that transition.

In a statement, John Kousinioris, president and chief executive officer of the Canadian-owned company, said the switch to natural gas will lower the emission intensity profile of the facility by approximately 50 percent.

This project demonstrates the valuable role that legacy assets can play in supporting the States clean energy laws and system reliability in a cost effective and timely fashion, added Kousinioris.

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Under the agreement, the conversion will deliver 700 megawatts of power under a 16-year contract that runs through Dec. 31, 2044.

With California experiencing power disruptions as it switches to cleaner energy, some key Washington state officials have said they support adding natural gas to the facility.

In an interview conducted before the announcement, former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire said she supported the company burning natural gas there as a backup while planned renewable energy projects around the state, like solar and wind power, get built.

During her tenure as governor, Gregoire, a Democrat, helped negotiate the agreement between TransAlta and the state that led to the winding down of the coal plant.

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Natural gas today is under the gun, but it is the backup for us  to avoid the brownouts, blackouts, Gregoire said. We do want to move to a clean energy future, but we have to do it in a way that we dont deprive people and businesses and communities of the energy they so desperately need.

She isnt alone with that perspective. State House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon  a key architect of Democrats clean-energy blueprint under Gregoires successor, former Gov. Jay Inslee  said he supports TransAlta putting a natural-gas facility there for the short-term.

Gov. Bob Fergusons office did not respond to emails seeking comment.

State Senate Minority Leader John Braun, a Republican from Centralia, said generating power through natural gas would help avoid California-style energy disruptions seen in recent years.

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We have to make the transition without hurting anybody, Braun said.

Risk of power shortfalls

The Centralia site had once included a neighboring coal mine, the largest such mine in Washington. By 2009, when Gregoire signed an executive order on climate change that declared an intent to strike a deal with the company, that mine had already shut down.

They were having to bring coal in, there were all kinds of pressures, Gregoire said. Whether that was a safety issue, a health issue, whether that was a good economic future for the people of Lewis County.

Subsequent negotiations led to the 2011 agreement being passed by the Legislature. The agreement spelled out the coal plants decommissioning by the end of 2025 and secured the company an expedited consideration for a gas-powered facility.

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The deal also secured $55 million from TransAlta to be spent on several things, including energy efficiency and economic development projects for the Centralia-area community.

You can shut it down, and walk away, but what you leave behind is untenable, Gregoire said. So it was really about trying to find the right way in which to leave the opportunity to help those people who would be out of a job, to retrain. And a new vision for Lewis County.

A recent study commissioned by Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, Avista, Tacoma Power and others contends that Washington is already on the cusp of an electricity crisis.

The shift toward wind and solar has prompted the region to retire fossil fuel power faster than it has been replaced, according to the report released in September.

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Adding weather-dependent resources without balancing them with reliable backup has left the grid more exposed to extreme conditions, it stated.

The region is going to have to add natural gas peaking plants as a critical backstop for reliability when the sun isnt shining or the wind isnt blowing, Matt Steuerwalt, a senior vice president with Puget Sound Energy, said in a statement.

A key finding is the region is at risk of power shortfalls, which could lead to rolling blackouts during extreme conditions, such as a winter cold snap during a very low [hydropower] year, Steuerwalt said, citing that study. This is a problem now  not 2030 or 2045, though it will get worse as demand continues to grow and more legacy power plants shut down.

In an email, state Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, said officials continue to work on speeding the transition to clean energy by increasing solar and wind generation; making our grid more efficient; and exploring technological solutions such as demand management to reduce peak period electricity demand.

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I suspect that we will also be extremely cautious about approving major new drains on the grid, such as data centers, that do not bring along dedicated generation facilities, Pedersen added.

In an interview, Fitzgibbon, the state House majority leader, said hes not opposed to TransAltas shift to natural gas. Fitzgibbon previously chaired the Houses energy and environment committee and sponsored the low-carbon fuel bill that passed in 2021. That was a key part of Democrats ambitious plans to reduce carbon emissions that passed under Gregoires successor, former Gov. Jay Inslee.

The envisioned TransAlta natural-gas facility, Fitzgibbon said, wouldnt be expected to operate decades into the future like brand-new construction. The lawmaker added that he isnt aware of any law that the Legislature would need to change to allow the project.

Having coal out of Washington power is a huge milestone, Fitzgibbon added.

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Braun, the Republican state Senate minority leader, also called the TransAlta property the second-best place in the state for the next generation of nuclear energy, behind the Hanford nuclear site in central Washington.

Under federal oversight, nuclear projects take many years and potentially decades to come to fruition. Braun urged Washington to pursue that option in Centralia, as well: Id like to see us get into that sooner and not later.
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP)  Coups and attempted coups in West Africa, along with escalating security challenges, have left the region in a state of emergency, a leader of the regional bloc said Tuesday.

Omar Touray, president of the Economic Community of West African States Commission, spoke to the blocs mediation and security council two days after a failed coup attempt in Benin, the latest in a string of military takeovers and attempted takeovers. Last month, a military coup in Guinea-Bissau removed former President Umaro Embalo.

Also on Tuesday, Nigerias Senate approved a request from President Bola Tinubu to deploy troops in Benin at its government's request. Nigeria had carried out airstrikes on armored vehicles during the attempted takeover there, also at the government's request.

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Events of the last few weeks have shown the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community, Touray said. Faced with this situation, Excellencies, it is safe to declare that our community is in a state of emergency.

It was not immediately clear whether his declaration was a formal one and what it might entail.

The bloc has faced criticism over its uneven response to the coups in recent years.

Touray's declaration may be an attempt to restore credibility for the bloc following a threatened but never acted-on intervention following a coup in Niger in 2023, said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

ECOWAS is concerned that coups will become the new mainstream in West Africa, Laessing said. Now they try to show they mean business."
Senate Republicans have no shortage of health care plans. The challenge is getting all 53 of them to rally behind one.

Three days before a high-profile vote on a Democratic proposal to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies, GOP senators are nowhere near coalescing behind any single alternative that could be put up alongside it. Instead, Republican leaders appear happy allowing their members to freelance, even as Democrats and some in their own ranks fume at the lack of clear direction.

For Republicans, the risk of proceeding Thursday with a side-by-side vote is clear. While Democrats say they will have their entire 47-member caucus behind the three-year extension, any GOP plan right now is likely to fall well short of complete unity  and highlight the divisions in their party.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune called the upcoming vote on Democrats plan a political messaging exercise, one he agreed to last month as part of a deal to end the 47-day government shutdown. He didnt commit to putting up a GOP counteroffer for a vote.

I dont think theyre serious about wanting to do a deal yet, so I think that may be what this week is about, Thune told reporters Monday. But well see from there if there is a genuine interest in trying to do something.

GOP senators are expected to further discuss their options at a closed-door lunch Tuesday and make a final decision about their posture. But, according to three Republican aides granted anonymity to comment on internal conference dynamics, leaders are not currently expected to offer an alternative for a vote Thursday.

One of the aides said Republicans will be prepared to make the case they have plenty of ideas and are ready to talk with Democrats once they move off a proposal that wont get the 60 votes needed to advance.

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But some Republicans want their leaders to put some concrete alternatives forward as more than 20 million Americans face the loss of enhanced Obamacare tax credits that were implemented as a Covid relief measure under President Joe Biden in 2021 and later extended through 2025. Without them, many families could see premiums rise by $1,000 a year or more.

What signal would that send if Republicans say, Yeah, were going to say no to the Democrats plan, but were not going to offer anything? Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said. The message that will send is, good luck to the American people, and we dont really care.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said in an interview that simply standing aside while Democrats vote to extend the subsidies would be a big mistake.

A lot of my colleagues, I think, will be very upset if we don't put something up, he said.

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But there are multiple competing proposals that are favored by subsets of the Senate GOP. Some of them include shorter extensions of the expiring subsidies. Others seek to replace them with new frameworks, generally involving giving Americans cash in the form of health savings accounts to help underwrite premiums and other costs.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) is among those pushing for a clean break from the Affordable Care Act subsidy framework that reflects what we believe in as free-market-oriented Republicans. I always think it's good to have an alternative, he said in an interview.

But Thune praised another proposal being circulated by Sens. Mike Crapo of Idaho and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who chair the health-oriented Finance and HELP committees, respectively.

Their proposal, released Monday, would expand the use of health savings accounts and direct funding toward them without extending the enhanced Obamacare subsidies.

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Cassidy said Monday that it is a leadership decision if his proposal gets a vote Thursday. Thune took steps Monday night to make the bill available for a vote later this week, as Republicans try to keep options on the table ahead of Tuesdays lunch.

But Thune also acknowledged some of his members have other ideas centered on extending the enhanced subsidies with a new income cap and other eligibility restrictions. Republican Sens. Bernie Moreno of Ohio and Susan Collins of Maine, for instance, propose to extend the expiring subsidies for two years with income cap restrictions and minimum premium payments.

That proposal won some Democratic interest Monday from Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the No. 2 party leader, who called it encouraging and in the ballpark of a workable solution  though he cautioned he hadnt seen the details.

It's not crazy, Durbin said. Lets have a conversation.

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The Senate GOP is straining to formulate a path forward as House Republicans race to come up with their own plan in hopes of putting some health care legislation up for a vote next week before lawmakers break for the holidays  and the enhanced subsidies expire, returning them to the original levels as passed in the 2010 Affordable Care Act.

House GOP leaders still need to make key decisions, including if they try to assemble one bill or put up a suite of bills for members to pick and choose from. But they, too, are under pressure from a slice of members to embrace an extension of the subsidies  even as most in the party are happy to see them expire.

President Donald Trump hasn't put forward his own framework, which could have helped rally the disparate factions of his party on Capitol Hill. And Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer hammered Republicans Monday, saying that they have no plan.

The question Republicans face this week is very simple: Will they support our bill and lower peoples premiums or will they block our bill and send premiums through the roof? Schumer said from the Senate floor Monday.

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While the Democratic proposal is expected to fall well short of the necessary 60 votes, a handful of Republicans havent said yet how they will vote. Hawley, for instance, said Monday everything is on the table.

What Im not going to do is do nothing, he said.

It's likely Thursdays vote won't be the last word on health care this Congress. Thune left the door open to further bipartisan negotiations, and theres some hope on both sides of the aisle that a failed vote  or votes  could in fact lend new momentum to the talks. Lawmakers are increasingly eyeing Jan. 30, the next government funding deadline, as the real cutoff to land a health care deal.

But getting to that point will require Democrats to compromise and Republicans to get together behind a plan of some kind. Asked Monday if his ranks were united or divided on health care, Thune acknowledged reality for a party that has struggled on the issue for decades.

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I think we have people in different camps, as you would expect, he said.

Calen Razor and Benjamin Guggenheim contributed to this report.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misstated the average premium increase for households losing enhanced subsidies. It is about $1,000 a year.
Meteorologists expect heavy and accumulating snow in western Wisconsin beginning Tuesday, Dec. 9.

A winter storm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Duluth, Minnesota, at 2:18 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8. This warning applies to Burnett County, Wisconsin.

Snow is expected to start in central Minnesota early Tuesday afternoon and spread southeast into western Wisconsin by Tuesday evening. The most likely place for heaviest snow is along and north of Interstate 94 where a narrow band of 4 to 7 inches of snow is possible. Winds will also become strong with gusts of 30 to 40 mph possible. Snow will end from west to east during the morning hours of Wednesday, Dec. 10.

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The NWS warns: "If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 511 or visit www.511wi.gov for Wisconsin road information."

See weather radar for Burnett County

What are NWS meteorologists saying?

At 3:23 p.m., the NWS issued a statement including the following information:

WHAT: Heavy snow possible. A narrow band of 4 to 7 inches of snow is possible. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

WHERE: Polk County.

WHEN: From 3 p.m. Tuesday to 9 a.m. CST Wednesday.

IMPACTS: Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes.

At 2:18 p.m., the NWS issued a statement including the following information:

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WHAT: Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 6 inches. Locally higher amounts, up to 8 inches, are possible.

WHERE: Burnett County. This includes the Tribal Lands of the St. Croix Band in Burnett County.

WHEN: From 3 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. CST Wednesday.

IMPACTS: Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening commute."

What to do in a winter storm

During a winter storm, NWS advises staying inside, stocking up on food and water, and charging essential devices in case of power outages.

If you are without shelter, you can visit the 211 Wisconsin website or call 211 to locate nearby warming services.

Wisconsin road conditions

NWS advises against driving during a storm, as snow, sleet or ice can create dangerous driving conditions. For live updates on winter road conditions and accidents in Wisconsin, check out the 511 Wisconsin map.

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If you must drive, here are some guidelines for navigating icy roads, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation:

Keep safe distances between snow plows and large trucks. Stay at least 200 feet behind any working plow to make sure your visibility isn't obscured. Also keep a safe distance behind trucks on the highway, since pieces of snow or ice can fly off the top of commercial vehicles driving fast.

Clear snow and ice from your vehicle's windows, roof, hood and front and rear lights. You can do this by warming up the car and then using a snow brush and ice scraper to clear the snow and ice.

Drive slowly, allowing extra travel time and leaving extra distance between vehicles.

Turn on your low-beam headlights. State law requires drivers to turn on their vehicle's low-beam headlights any time weather or other conditions make it difficult to see objects 500 feet ahead, WisDOT says.

Use brakes early and carefully. With anti-lock-brakes, use firm, steady pressure and gently steer. Never use cruise control in winter weather.

Watch out for bridge decks and overpasses. These areas can be especially slippery when the roads ice over.

What is a winter storm warning?

There are many NWS offices across the country and they'll determine whether to issue warnings based on local concerns.

"For example, the amount of snow that triggers a 'Winter Storm Warning' in the Northern Plains is typically much higher than the amount needed to trigger a 'Winter Storm Warning' in the Southeast," the NWS says on its site.

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A winter storm warning means snow, sleet or ice is expected, so take action.

A winter storm watch means those conditions are possible, so be prepared.

A winter weather advisory means wintery weather is expected, so be careful.

This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.

See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Winter storm warning issued for Burnett, Polk counties in Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A Wisconsin judge on Tuesday refused to step aside as requested by President Donald Trump's former attorney who faces felony forgery case related to the 2020 election in the battleground state.

The judge also refused to cancel a Monday preliminary hearing for Trump's former attorney, who also previously worked as a judge in the same county where he is being prosecuted, and two other former Trump associates.

The three former Trump aides face 11 felony charges each in relation to their roles in the 2020 fake elector scheme. They are: Jim Troupis, who was Trumps attorney in Wisconsin in the 2020 election; Kenneth Chesebro, an attorney who advised Trump's campaign; and Mike Roman, Trumps director of Election Day operations in 2020.

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Troupis, joined by the other two defendants, argued in a motion filed Monday that all of the judges in Dane County were biased against him. Troupis was a judge in the county for one year from 2015 to 2016.

He also alleged that the judge hearing his case, Dane County Circuit Judge John Hyland, had solicited help from a retired judge in writing an August order refusing to dismiss the case against him.

Troupis argued in the motion that the retired judge who carries personal animus toward Troupis from their time together on the bench actually wrote the order. Troupis asked for an evidentiary hearing in another county.

He included an expert analysis of the writing style that compares the order to the writing style of retired Dane County Judge Frank Remington. Troupis' attorney also attached a Nov. 25 letter he wrote to Hyland claiming that other attorneys told him that Remington actually wrote the August order because the writing style matched Remingtons in a civil case they litigated before him.

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Hyland rejected those arguments and Troupis' call for moving the case to another county.

The Court is satisfied that no person other the assigned staff attorney and I had a hand in drafting or editing the decision which this Court signed and entered, Hyland wrote.

Hyland also wrote that he had no personal animus or prejudice toward any of the litigants and was satisfied that he could fairly hear the case. He declined to step aside as requested.

Hyland also said that Troupis presented no evidence to support his claim that every other judge in the country was prejudiced against him and therefore cant fairly hear the case.

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Troupis attorney, Joe Bugni, did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Troupis, Chesebro and Roman each face 11 felony charges for allegedly using forgery in an attempt to defraud each of the 10 Republican electors who cast their ballots for Trump in 2020 as part of a plan to submit paperwork falsely claiming that the Republican had won the battleground state that year.

Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020 but fought to have the defeat overturned. He won the state in both 2016 and 2024.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice, which is prosecuting the case, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

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The state charges against the Trump attorneys and aide are the only ones in Wisconsin. None of the electors have been charged. The 10 Wisconsin electors, Chesebro and Troupis all settled a lawsuit that was brought against them in 2023.

Federal prosecutors who investigated Trumps conduct related to the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, said the fake electors scheme originated in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin complaint details how Troupis, Chesebro and Roman created a document that falsely said Trump had won Wisconsins 10 Electoral College votes and then attempted to deliver the document to then-Vice President Mike Pence.

The Trump associates have argued that no crime took place. But the judge in August rejected their arguments in allowing the case to proceed.

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A judge threw out a similar case in Michigan in September. And last year, a special prosecutor dropped a federal case alleging Trump conspired to overturn the 2020 election. A Georgia election interference case was dropped by prosecutors earlier last month, and another similar case remains in Nevada.

__

Associated Press writer Todd Richmond contributed to this report.
Workers handcuffed by ICE agents at the Allston Car Wash last month relived their detainments during an emotional roundtable discussion.

The conversation, organized by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, was held at the Josephine A. Fiorentino Community Center at the Charlesview Residences.

Congresswoman Pressley, community leaders, and advocacy organizations listened to each of their accounts and blasted the actions of ICE agents.

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Seven of the nine workers have been released on bail, including a woman freed from a detention facility in Texas just days ago.

Two men, identified at the event as Pablo and Hector, remain in custody.

This is stoking bigotry, racism, hate, terrorizing our communities, and were all being made less safe by this terror campaign, said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.

Boston 25 News spoke exclusively with four of the workers several weeks ago.

One said he had work authorization card in his backpack and is waiting to become a green card holder.

Another is the mother of a 7-year-old U.S. citizen.

These are nine hardworking God-fearing people stripped from their communities under the guise of mass deportation now, said attorney Todd Pomerleau. This is not the America that we pledged allegiance to as children.

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Congresswoman Pressleys office got involved in efforts to free the workers immediately after learning about the raid.

She believes the coordinated response involving advocacy organizations and volunteers is something to be proud of.

The only way to beat a dictator, and thats what we have in the oval office, is with defiance, said Rep. Pressley.

She had few words for the Boston University student who took credit for calling ICE about the Allston Car Wash.

I think hes clout chasing off of terror. Hes someone who just wants attention and oxygen, and Im not going to give him that, she said.

The daughter of one of the two men who remain in custody said shes losing hope that her father will be freed.

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A community fundraiser to help pay for legal expenses and assist families of the nine workers has raised more than $70,000.

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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Sen. Vince Deeds, R-Greenbrier, discusses upcoming foster care legislation in the Senate Chamber on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Charleston, West Virginia.. (Photo by Will Price/West Virginia Legislative Photography)

State lawmakers are entering the upcoming legislative session hoping to make improvements to West Virginias overwhelmed foster care system, announcing 16 bills so far to fix long-standing problems. One measure would put body cameras on Child Protective Services workers, and another bill would require some counties to use artificial intelligence to help CPS with high case loads.

Republican lawmakers also want to increase in-state facilities for foster children with the goal of bringing 543 foster children who are in out-of-state group homes back to West Virginia.

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West Virginia spent nearly $70 million last fiscal year to house foster children in out-of-state facilities, and some children kept in-state end up living in hotels. The state could funnel that money to in-state facilities.

When it comes to foster care, time is always of the essence. Were talking about kids that are not getting younger, and so every day of a childs life means something, said Del. Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, a foster parent who is spearheading child welfare legislation. I am an impatient person that wants results now, but I understand government doesnt move as fast as I would like, but Im still going to push that we get results as soon as possible.

A map shared by the Department of Human Services shows where West Virginia foster children are placed out of state. (Courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Human Services)

Foster care reform was a major theme for lawmakers December interim meetings this week at the state Capitol. The part-time Legislature is grappling with how to make improvements to the struggling foster care system run by the executive branch.

Many of lawmakers proposed foster care bills will take state funds and buy-in from the Department of Human Services, both of which could be an uphill battle.

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Were trying to build a collaborative approach, because it does truly take all three branches of government to make the child welfare system function well, said Burkhammer, adding that there are federal dollars the state hasnt utilized to help pay for the initiatives.

Sen. Vince Deeds, who is also sponsoring child welfare legislation, said the bills have followed conversations with constituents about problems in the child welfare system.

We dont want [the Department of] Human Services to think that were Big Brother, and were really going to beat them down all the time, said Deeds, R-Greenbrier. We want to support them and lift them up and try to help them in any way we possibly can.

Tiffany Wilson, a foster parent in Parkersburg, hopes lawmakers will consider changes to help families caring for children who often need behavioral support and medical help.

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She has four foster children ages 1 to 7 and has adopted a 12 year old. One child needs out-of-state medical testing; another child attends a doctors appointment hours away from her home.

We need more support with that stuff and more understanding, Wilson said. We need to meet kids where they are and not causing more trauma.

The stipend for foster families doesnt go far with soaring grocery prices, she added.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey has announced his own plans to reform the long-troubled foster care system, saying he would end years of bureaucratic stonewalling that the system saw under Gov. Jim Justice and improve outcomes for kids.

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Earlier this year, Morrisey vetoed child welfare-related legislation, including a bill that would have provided pay raises for attorneys representing foster children. He also slashed lawmakers funding for a nonprofit that helps foster children.

Del. Elliott Pritt, R-Fayette, said that he will vote no on tax cut legislation, spending bills and the state budget until lawmakers put forth a funding plan to address inadequacies in the child welfare system.

His announcement came after the Barboursville School, an in-patient childrens psychiatric facility, announced it will close.

I think this just has to be our biggest priority, said Pritt, who is a public school teacher. Our funds are healthy, our [Rainy Day Fund] is healthy  Lets do what we need to do for kids.

Del. Adam Burkhammer, R-Lewis, is a foster parent who is spearheading foster care reform legislation. (Photo by Will Price/West Virginia Legislative Photography)

Republicans unveil 16 foster care bills for 2026 legislative session

Last November, a trio of Republican lawmakers, including Burkhamer and Deeds, stood before their colleagues in the Senate Chamber and provided a grim look at the foster care system. There werent enough in-state homes, workers or programs to help 6,000 vulnerable children in state care.

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I think were exactly where we were last year, and the numbers would show that were still hovering around that 6,000 kids in care, so were not improving on that, Burkhammer said.

A report from a $348,000 foster care listening tour, spearheaded by DoHS, showed there was more focus on blame than solving problems in the states child welfare system.

At the Capitol this week, Republican lawmakers unveiled 16 bills after a child welfare work group spent the last year crafting ideas to improve foster care.

[The kids] are victims of sometimes terrible circumstances, Deeds said. I think with some of the initiatives we have this year, theyll be passed and become effective legislation.

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One bill would require CPS workers to wear a body camera while investigating reports of child abuse and neglect. The legislation, as written, would require CPS workers to obtain consent from the person being investigated in certain circumstances. The video footage could not be obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.

We believe in building trust back in a system that has lost trust throughout our state, and we believe that this will be very transparent in what we do, Burkhammer said. We can see the success that law enforcement has and wearing their body cameras and the trust that was rebuilt in all the communities.

Wilson, a former CPS worker, said a social worker hadnt been to her home since four boys were placed there in September.

First of all, a CPS worker has to come into the home, she said.

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Lawmakers also want to create a pilot program in two counties that would require the use of mobile devices, including tablets, to assist CPS workers in conducting child abuse and neglect investigations in most cases. The technology price isnt known at this time.

High caseloads continue to be a problem for CPS workers, lawmakers said.

Deeds, a former police officer, said AI has assisted law enforcement by reducing paperwork.

The technology is there, and its proven, he said.

Other bills would: create a pay raise for public defenders working on child abuse and neglect cases; require that Bureau of Social Services rules about child welfare go through legislative review for approval; shorten the timeline that courts can consider terminating parental rights to prevent cases from lingering in the system.

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Another measure would require DoHS to develop a statewide prevention plan and implement it with lawmaker oversight.

Bills will be more thoroughly discussed during the session, which begins Jan. 14, 2026.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom quelled a rebellion among Pacific Palisades homeowners over the summer when he blocked the building of duplexes in the wildfire-scarred community.

Now, hes facing the squeeze from pro-development forces.

YIMBY Law, a San Francisco-based organization that sues public agencies to clear the way for more housing, is threatening to take Newsom to court over an executive order he signed in July essentially banning duplex construction in the Palisades and other Los Angeles neighborhoods affected by Januarys fires.

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In last-minute talks with high-level staffers in Newsoms office Friday, the group agreed to not file its lawsuit if the governors office issues a new order restoring property owners ability to build duplexes a year from now, said Sonja Trauss, YIMBY Laws executive director.

We asked for this and were waiting for them to respond, Trauss said.

Tara Gallegos, a spokesperson for the governor, said she was unable to confirm whether Newsom was considering changes to his duplex order.

No matter what the governor does, the potential lawsuit, a draft of which POLITICO reviewed, has reinvigorated a battle over the shape of rebuilding in Los Angeles where 13,000 homes were lost in this years blazes. Traci Park, the city councilmember who represents the Palisades, said the neighborhood will continue to resist the developments.

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After what this community just lived through, the idea of forcing more density into a high-fire-severity zone demonstrates this isnt about sound housing policy, but ideological extremism, Park said in a statement to POLITICO. Threats of lawsuits are absolutely tone-deaf to the reality on the ground.

At issue is Senate Bill 9, a high-profile 2021 state law that effectively ended prohibitions against building multiple units on land zoned only for single-family homes, which is most of the residential property in California. Under SB 9, property owners can build duplexes on single-family parcels and divide their lots and build on both.

When applications for SB 9 projects in the Palisades began trickling in over the summer, residents quickly sounded the alarm. They worried both that a proliferation of duplexes would undermine the character of the community, which was dominated by single-family homes before the fires, and that the additional density would make the Palisades more dangerous. On Jan. 7, chaos amid the flames led fleeing residents to abandon their cars along the main evacuation route and escape on foot, forcing bulldozers to clear the road for emergency responders.

Park pleaded with Newsom to act.

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When SB 9 was adopted into state law, it was never intended to capitalize on a horrific disaster, Park wrote in a letter to the governor.

Newsom agreed that widespread use of SB 9 could make evacuations harder in future disasters. He issued the executive order to allow local governments to suspend the law in areas at highest risk of fire. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass immediately seized on the newly granted authority, issuing an order of her own to stop future SB 9 projects throughout Pacific Palisades. Leaders in Malibu and Pasadena followed suit, as did L.A. County officials in the limited areas where the order applied in Altadena since most of the community is not officially designated as a very high fire severity zone.

Newsoms decision to side with homeowners ran counter to other efforts hes made during his gubernatorial tenure to expedite housing construction and promote denser development. Weeks before signing the order, the governor muscled historic changes to Californias landmark environmental law through the Legislature to spur more construction in cities.

In this instance, YIMBY Law plans to allege if it goes ahead with its lawsuit, Newsom capitulated to communities with deepest pockets and loudest voices. The group contends the executive order exceeded emergency powers granted to the governor and encroached on the authority of the state Legislature, which as part of SB 9 allowed duplexes in fire zones subject to additional safety standards, according to a draft of the complaint reviewed by POLITICO.

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Banning SB 9 development has nothing to do with mitigating the effects of an existing emergency, but instead represents a policy choice regarding where SB 9 projects should be permitted due to potential for future fires, the draft complaint reads. The Legislature has already decided that question.

The group argues that some victims of the January wildfires may need the flexibility SB 9 offers to return to their communities. Andrew Post, a 36-year-old attorney and software developer, is managing the rebuilding of the home his parents lost to the Eaton fire in Altadena. Post said that with limited income in retirement and a modest insurance payout, his parents are designing their new home to fit on half their lot to be able to sell off the other half if they need the money to afford the rebuild or for long-term medical care as their health declines.

Theres a great many scenarios where my parents would never set foot again in Altadena if not for SB 9, Post said.

Though SB 9 is still in effect in their part of Altadena, Post said Newsoms order created uncertainty about the laws future there and his familys experience shows that its beneficial to fire survivors.

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Sue Kohl, president of the Pacific Palisades Community Council said the Palisades context is different. She said lots are too small and roads are too narrow and windy to accommodate more housing, as shown by the grim evacuation in January. Kohl said developers, not wildfire survivors, were the ones pushing for duplex construction in the community.

Over the past 11 months, Ive been to endless meetings, Kohl said. Im not saying theres not anyone out there who wouldnt want to do that. But Ive never heard of one.

She urged the governor to reject anything that would allow SB 9 projects for the foreseeable future.

Anyone coming to the Palisades with the idea of increasing density whether its low-income housing, high-income housing, whatever it is, we will be vehemently opposed without question, Kohl said.

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Trauss said her group plans to file its suit on Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court if the governor doesnt act first.

Since its founding in 2019, YIMBY Law has frequently targeted Los Angeles in its housing litigation. The group emerged victorious last year in cases against the city for its denial of low-income housing in single-family-home neighborhoods.
MOSCOW, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- A Russian military transport aircraft crashed roughly 250 km northeast of Moscow on Tuesday during a test flight after undergoing maintenance, said the Russian Defense Ministry.

"Today, in Ivanovo region, the military transport aircraft An-22 crashed during a test flight after undergoing maintenance. The aircraft fell in an uninhabited area," the ministry said in a statement.

Local emergency services told TASS that the An-22 was carrying seven people on board when it crashed.

According to the ministry, rescuers are already en route to the crash site, and a commission from the Russian Aerospace Forces is heading to the scene to establish the full circumstances of the crash. 
By Daniel Trotta

Dec 8 (Reuters) - The Roman Catholic Church in New York and more than 1,300 accusers on Monday announced they have agreed to mediation to settle sexual abuse claims that could result in one of the largest payouts ever by the church in the United States.

Similar cases against the Catholic Church in the United States have resulted in billions of dollars in payouts, as priests and church lay workers were found to have sexually preyed on children for decades while being protected by the church hierarchy.

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With civil litigation against the Archdiocese of New York due to come to trial next year, the archdiocese agreed to negotiate settlements over the next two months, said attorney Jeff Anderson, who represents some 300 of the 1,311 accusers whose claims date from 1952 to 2020.

Settlements would have to be accompanied by full disclosure of wrongdoing and measures to prevent future abuse, Anderson said.

In announcing the negotiations, the Archdiocese of New York acknowledged a "darkness" in its past and said it hoped to achieve a global settlement that would provide victim-survivors with "the most financial compensation possible." The archdiocese said it has laid off staff, cut costs and put real estate assets up for sale in hopes of raising $300 million for victims.

"As we have repeatedly acknowledged, the sexual abuse of minors long ago has brought shame upon our Church. I once again ask forgiveness for the failing of those who betrayed the trust placed in them by failing to provide for the safety of our young people," Cardinal Timothy Dolan said in an open letter.

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A payout of $300 million would rank as one of the largest ever by a U.S. archdiocese. Anderson said the total payout could surpass the record $880 million paid to a similar number of accusers by the Los Angeles archdiocese in 2024. That settlement was mediated by retired Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Daniel Buckley, who will also mediate the New York case.

"The time for reckoning is now, and it's long past due," Anderson said.

The church said its effort to compensate victims was "complicated" by its ongoing legal struggles with Chubb Insurance Companies, which it said has refused to pay sexual misconduct claims for policies that the church had taken out for decades before 2000.

Chubb in turn accused the archdiocese of tolerating and covering up child sexual abuse for decades and called for more transparency, saying the archdiocese has refused to share "what they knew and when."

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"The insurance that the Archdiocese bought covers accidents, it does not provide compensation for knowingly allowing a pattern of abuse to persist for many years," Chubb said in a statement. "Theres a reason insurance doesnt cover this kind of behavior as it would reward those who facilitate criminal conduct rather than those who take vigilant steps to mitigate risk and protect children from abuse.

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta in Carlsbad, California; Editing by Leslie Adler)
The Trump administrations aggressive deportation policies have heightened stress among the countrys approximately 14 million immigrants who are living in the U.S. without legal authorization.

The sharp rise in dramatic arrests and deportations of immigrants over the past year has received widespread media attention.

A less publicized issue is that many young, undocumented immigrants are also finding it harder to apply to and stay in college.

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As someone who researches teacher training and was a high school teacher in South Carolina, I have researched how restrictive education policies make it harder for immigrant students, particularly undocumented students, to receive a college degree.

CC BY The University of South Carolina is the largest public university in the state. Wikimedia

Bumpy path to higher education for undocumented students

In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled that students could not be discriminated against based on their immigration status.

This ruling ensured that immigrant students could not be denied entrance to public K-12 schools.

The caveat is that the ruling did not extend to higher education.

In 1996, Congress approved the Illegal Immigration Reform and Responsibility Act, which made it harder for undocumented immigrants who are deported to reenter the U.S., among other changes to increase border security.

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This law also said that states could not provide in-state tuition to undocumented students at public universities, unless they gave the same benefits to out-of-state American citizens.

Then, in the early 2000s, a bipartisan group of Texas representatives helped pass a bill that opened up in-state tuition to undocumented students. The bill based tuition and scholarships on specific residency requirements, such as graduating from high school in the state, allowing the bill to circumvent the 1996 federal law.

Also in the early 2000s, California, Illinois, Washington and New York also passed similar legislation that allows undocumented immigrants to receive in-state tuition  and in some cases, state scholarships  at state universities.

Even some conservative states, such as Utah, Oklahoma and Kansas, passed such legislation during the early 2000s that let undocumented immigrants pay in-state tuition at public universities and colleges.

The tide turns

But just a few years later, things began to shift.

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In 2008, South Carolina became the first state to ban undocumented students from studying at public colleges and universities altogether.

Georgia and Alabama quickly followed suit with similar bans.

In 2012, after Congress created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to allow immigrants who came to the U.S. as children to temporarily work, study and stay in the U.S., some schools in South Carolina briefly banned DACA students from attending public universities  despite the new federal law.

The schools reversed course the next year following a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina, but still required DACA students to pay out-of-state tuition.

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Until 2015, South Carolina even denied in-state tuition for some American citizens with undocumented parents. The state reversed the policy following a lawsuit.

The trend toward more restrictive policies toward undocumented students has continued during the Trump administration.

In February 2025, Florida passed a law that revoked in-state tuition for undocumented students. Florida still allows undocumented immigrants to enroll at public colleges and universities, as long as they pay full tuition.

And over the summer, the Department of Justice challenged Oklahomas and Texas in-state tuition policies, which had allowed all undocumented students to pay in-state tuition.

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Both states quickly ended their policies.

Texas and Oklahoma still allow DACA recipients to attend public universities and pay in-state tuition rates.

As of 2025, 22 states and Washington D.C. allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. The remaining states, meanwhile, either do not have a state policy, require undocumented immigrants to pay out-of-state tuition, or bar them entirely from attending public universities.

A challenging environment

Overall, these shifts make it harder for many undocumented students to go to and stay in college.

The price of in-state tuition at public universities varies, but it typically offers in-state residents a much lower tuition rate than students coming from out of state. While the average in-state tuition at public colleges costs about US$11,610 for the 2024-25 school year, out-of-state students paid $30,780, on average, during this same time frame.

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Undocumented students do not qualify for federal financial aid, so paying out-of-state tuition at a public university usually prevents immigrants from pursuing a college degree.

Some research shows that in-state tuition policies help reduce undocumented college students dropout rates by about 8%.

In-state tuition policies also increase college enrollment of noncitizen Latino students by 54%.

A blockade for students

I began teaching social studies at a high school in South Carolina in 2012, soon after many of these restrictions on immigrant students were enacted. I found that many educators and students were not aware of these restrictions until students applied to colleges or sought state licenses.

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My students included DACA recipients who completed a two-year program in areas like cosmetology, only then to be told they would not be allowed to practice in the state.

My later research focused on DACA students who aspired to become educators but had to either stop pursuing that goal or go out of state to teach. Other immigrant students I surveyed in my research said they lost motivation in the high school classroom due to the restrictions to pursue higher education.

Students stage a walkout at a high school in Charlotte, N.C., on Nov. 18, 2025, protesting Border Patrol operations targeting undocumented immigrants. John Moore/Getty Images

Carryover effects

Policies that make it easier for undocumented immigrants to attend college dont just affect individual students and their families  they also have a positive effect on local economies.

Research from 2025 shows that when undocumented students can pay in-state tuition, they become more likely to have a job after graduation.

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Another study from Clemson University and the nonprofit group Hispanic Alliance found that South Carolina could be losing up to $68 million a year in revenue due to the license policy for DACA recipients.

I have known undocumented people who are aspiring doctors and teachers and moved to other states since they could not study or receive professional licenses in South Carolina.

Restrictive education policies could mean that some of the most talented immigrant students will leave their respective states. However, the average undocumented immigrant student will not usually pursue or delay higher education if the tuition is not affordable.

I believe these policies will ultimately mean a less educated and productive society.

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This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: William McCorkle, College of Charleston

Read more:



William McCorkle does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Young voters are more likely to identify as liberal and are increasingly critical of President Trumps job performance, new polling conducted by the Yale Youth Poll found.

Forty-six percent of voters younger than age 30 self-identified as liberal, the Monday poll shows. This marks an increase from spring polling, which found that 39.3 percent of voters younger than age 30 called themselves liberal.

Only 13 percent of those surveyed between the ages of 18 and 22 years described themselves as moderates, the smallest of all surveyed groups. Eighteen percent aged 23-29 years said the same.

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Still, the amount of respondents who identify as conservative is substantial among the same age groups, the poll found. Forty percent of those aged 18 to 22 years old and 38 percent of those 23 to 29 year olds identified as conservative, beating out those in the 30-34 and 35-44 age range.

Youth voters, however, overwhelmingly disapproved of Trumps performance in Mondays poll  a shift from earlier this year.

This spring, voters in the 18-21 age range slightly backed Trumps performance, while those in the 22-29 age group narrowly disapproved of his job.

Mondays poll found that 64 percent of voters aged 18-22 disapproved of Trump, while 66 percent of those aged 23-29 also cast doubt on his performance.

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Looking to 2028, voters younger than age 34 forecast that Vice President Vance and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D.) would stand a chance in the 2028 presidential election.

Voters younger than age 30, however, were more likely to back New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary than Newsom and other possible candidates.

All age groups preferred Vance to win the Republican presidential primary. But a majority of Republicans would back Trump if he were able to run for a third term.

The top three issues for those polled under age 34 were the cost of living, democracy, and corruption.

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Younger voters were also more likely to hold antisemitic views than older voters, the poll found.

The Yale Youth Poll was conducted from Oct. 29 to Nov. 11 and sampled 3,426 registered voters, including 1,706 voters from ages 18 to 34. The survey was conducted in English and had a margin of error of 1.7 percentage points for the full sample and 2.4 percentage points for the youth sample.

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.
ROME (AP)  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed his strong refusal to cede any territory, resisting U.S. pressure for painful concessions to Russia as he moved ahead Tuesday to rally more European support for his country.

Undoubtedly, Russia insists for us to give up territories. We, clearly, dont want to give up anything. Thats what we are fighting for," Zelenskyy told reporters in a WhatsApp chat late Monday.

Do we consider ceding any territories? According to the law we dont have such right," he said. "According to Ukraines law, our constitution, international law, and to be frank, we dont have a moral right either."

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In an interview with Politico released Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump pressed Zelenskyy to accept the U.S. proposal that Ukraine cede territory to Russia, arguing Moscow has the upper hand in its nearly 4-year-old invasion, and that Zelenskyys government must play ball.

Zelenskyy met in Rome with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, discussing the progress of the peace process, her office said. They emphasized the importance of U.S. and European unity and of solutions "that will have repercussions on the continents security, the statement said.

They also discussed "developing robust security guarantees to prevent future aggression and maintaining pressure on Russia to join the negotiating table in good faith, it said.

Earlier, Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo, a papal residence outside Rome. The Vatican said Leo reiterated the need for continuing dialogue and "expressed his urgent desire that the current diplomatic initiatives bring about a just and lasting peace.

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The Holy See has tried to stay neutral in the war while offering solidarity and assistance to what it calls the martyred people of Ukraine. Leo has met three times with Zelenskyy and has spoken by telephone at least once with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for a ceasefire and urging Moscow to make gestures promoting peace.

On Monday, Zelenskyy held talks in London with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to strengthen Ukraines hand amid mounting impatience from Trump.

Ukraine faces US pressure

U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators completed three days of talks Saturday aimed at trying to narrow differences on the Trump administrations peace proposal.

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A major sticking point is the suggestion that Kyiv must give up control of the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine to Russia, which occupies most but not all of the territory. Ukraine and its European allies firmly resist the idea of handing over land.

You know, a lot of people are dying, Trump told Politico on Monday, claiming that other Ukrainian officials that he identified only as Zelenskyy's lieutenants, his top people agree with the U.S. administration.

Other than Zelenskyys comments Monday, Ukrainian negotiators have said little in public about the content of the U.S. proposal or their attitude toward it.

Speaking to reporters again Tuesday on WhatsApp, Zelenskyy said three documents were being discussed with American and European partners  a 20-point framework document that is constantly changing, a document on security guarantees and a document about Ukraine's recovery.

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Zelenskyy told reporters that Ukraines updated version of the proposal would be given to the U.S. on Wednesday.

Russia, Trump said, is too powerful for Ukraine to continue fighting.

I give the people of Ukraine and the military of Ukraine tremendous credit for the, you know, bravery and for the fighting and all of that, he said. But you know, at some point, size will win, generally.

Trump also repeated his call for Ukraine to hold a presidential election even though martial law doesn't allow it and Zelenskyy, elected in 2019, had his five-year term extended because of the war. Trump's position on Ukraine's failure to hold an election mirrors frequent statements on the subject by Putin.

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Responding to Trump's remarks, Zelenskyy asked for help from the U.S. and possibly Europe to ensure security for the elections" and suggested that Ukraine could be ready to hold balloting in 60 to 90 days.

In past comments, Zelenskyy has declined to hold elections until a ceasefire is declared and martial law lifted, and Ukrainians have largely supported that decision.

European leaders repeat support for Kyiv

Starmer, Macron and Merz strongly backed Kyiv, with the U.K. leader saying Monday that the push for peace was at a critical stage and stressing the need for a just and lasting ceasefire.

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Merz, meanwhile, said he was skeptical about some details in documents released by the U.S. We have to talk about it. Thats why we are here, he said. The coming days  could be a decisive time for all of us.

European leaders are working to ensure that any ceasefire is backed by solid security guarantees both from Europe and the U.S. to deter Russia from attacking again. Trump has not given explicit guarantees in public.

Zelenskyy and his European allies have repeatedly accused Putin of slow-walking the talks to press ahead with the invasion.

Both sides exchange aerial strikes

Ukraines air force said Russia fired 110 drones across the country overnight. While air defenses neutralized 84 drones, 24 more struck their targets.

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Several regions of Ukraine faced emergency blackouts Tuesday due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, according to Ukraines national energy operator, Ukrenergo.

U.N. deputy humanitarian chief Joyce Msuya said Tuesday only 65% of the $278 million required to fund a winter response plan in Ukraine has been received, forcing cuts to services like cash assistance, heating support, mental health care and protection for women and girls.

This means families are facing freezing temperatures without heating, women and girls are losing access to safe spaces and older people in front-line areas are left without the means to evacuate, she told the U.N. Security Council.

The U.K. Defense Ministry said a member of the British military died Tuesday of his injuries from an accident while observing Ukrainian troops test a defensive system away from the front lines  the first U.K. servicemember to die in Ukraine in the war. It was not immediately clear what role he was serving or where the accident occurred.

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The U.K. military has said a small of number of personnel are in Ukraine to protect British diplomats and support Ukrainian troops.

Ukraine also continued its drone attacks on Russia.

Russia said it destroyed 121 drones in various regions and in the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014. In Chuvashia, a region about 900 kilometers (about 560 miles) northeast of the Ukrainian border, an attack damaged residential buildings and injured nine people, Gov. Oleg Nikolayev said.

Ukraines Security Service carried out a drone attack on a liquefied gas terminal at the port of Temryuk in Russias Krasnodar region on Dec. 5, according to an official with knowledge of the operation who spoke to The Associated Press.

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The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly, said the strike sparked a fire at the facility, with more than 20 storage tanks set ablaze for over three days.

___

Novikov reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Atlanta, Brian Melley in London and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.
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SOFIA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Inadequate human resources and low investment in research and development (R&D) continue to impede innovation in Bulgaria, according to the annual Innovation.bg report released on Tuesday.

The report, published by the Applied Research and Communications Fund (ARC Fund), provides an up-to-date assessment of the country's innovation system. It revealed that only 25,400 people are currently engaged in R&D in Bulgaria. Meanwhile, R&D investment amounts to just 0.8 percent of GDP, well below both national and European targets.

"Today, supply chains are shortening, investments are seeking secure jurisdictions, and critical technologies are being developed within a circle of trusted partners," said Ognian Shentov, chairman of ARC Fund, at the presentation event. "In this new reality, the ability to innovate is not only an engine for growth, but also a condition for national survival and sovereignty."

The report highlighted that Bulgaria's R&D spending has grown significantly over the past two decades, from 88.8 million euros (103 million U.S. dollars) in 2003 to 750.3 million euros (872 million dollars) in 2023. However, despite this impressive growth, the report warns that the current level of investment is still far too low to drive a qualitative leap in innovation or achieve the critical concentration of resources needed for sustainable innovation capacity.

On a per capita basis, Bulgaria invested 116.4 euros per person in 2023, the second lowest in the European Union. The gap with leading countries remains substantial, with Denmark, Sweden, and Austria each investing between 14 and 17 times more per inhabitant, the report noted. (1 euro = 1.16 U.S. dollar) 
ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev warned on Tuesday that the security environment in the Arctic is deteriorating, accusing the United States and NATO allies of stepping up their military activity and undermining regional stability.

Speaking at the 15th International Forum Arctic: Today and the Future in St. Petersburg, Moiseyev said the Arctic is increasingly being treated by Western countries as a region of possible future conflict, rather than an area for cooperation. He linked this shift to intensified competition for access to Arctic natural resources and control over strategic maritime and air routes.

Moiseyev said Russia is recording a steady increase in foreign military presence, along with intensified Western efforts to restrict Russia's economic activity.

He noted that NATO's enlargement through the accession of Finland and Sweden has enabled the United States to extend its military presence on the Scandinavian Peninsula and move closer to Russia's borders.

Western countries are developing military infrastructure in northern latitudes, Moiseyev said, adding that this expansion indicates the formation of "military instruments aimed at deterring Russia in the Arctic."

Rejecting Western allegations of Russian militarization, Moiseyev said, "It is not we who are approaching their borders. They are approaching ours." 
The government's aid loan programme is a "safety belt" for Budapest to ensure that the city remains functional, its employees get paid, and "nobody pockets the money owed to them", Alexandra Szentkiralyi, the group leader of the ruling parties in the city assembly, said on Facebook on Monday.

The government bill is aimed at ensuring the city receives an instant loan if it cannot pay the salaries of municipal employees or if it cannot finance public services, she said.



The loan is to pay for basic services such as public transport, waste collection and public works.



Even if the metropolitan leadership does not request the loan, it may be extended anyway, "so nobody is left unpaid", she said.



In return for the loan the government would expect the city to make its accounts transparent and present regular financial reports, the Fidesz representative said, adding that the scheme would make it impossible for municipal leaders to "steal" or "be secretive" about the city's finances.



Klara Dobrev, head of the opposition Democratic Coalition (DK), expressed her party's "full rejection" of the "Budapest slave law". She added that DK would not even discuss the bill now before parliament.



Dobrev insisted that the government had been keeping Budapest "under siege" for the past six years for "Budapest's preference of freedom over Fidesz rule". She said the government had first stripped the city of "tens of billions of forints" then "graciously offered a loan ... to be taken out from the oligarchs of Viktor Orban".



Accepting the government's conditions would terminate Budapest's independence and subject the city to government guardianship, she added.



Official: Budapest on verge of bankruptcy due to mistakes of left-wing city administration



Budapest is in a difficult financial situation and on the verge of bankruptcy "due to the mistakes of the left-wing city administration", an official of the Prime Minister's Office told parliament on Wednesday during the general debate on the government's bill on granting a loan to prevent the bankruptcy of the capital's municipality.



State secretary Miklos Panyi said that the left-wing city administration was managing the city's finances "in a reckless and irresponsible manner", having used up the capital's previous reserves of 200 billion forints (EUR 530m) and leaving Budapest in debt.



He added that the bill addressed this situation with a loan scheme that would ensure the smooth functioning of the city and the payment of all salaries of those working in the capital, without undermining the authority of the local government.



Budapest official: Capital could end year with HUF 33 bn deficit



The Budapest municipal council's account could be as much as 33 billion forints (EUR 85.9m) in the red on Dec 31, the city administration's director told a press event.



Based on the latest liquidity table, Budapest's account will have a 33 billion forint deficit on Dec 31 if "three more things happen" in addition to the most recent withdrawal of a solidarity contribution from the city's account, Ambrus Kiss said.



He said this was "a problem" because Budapest's current account loan expires at the end of the year, and if the capital does not pay it back, the next credit line cannot be opened. Also, the city would be in violation of the stability law, according to which a local council cannot carry over an operating loan to the following year, he explained.



Kiss said the 33 billion forint deficit would be made up of the sum withdrawn from the city's account last month, a sum that could be withdrawn by Dec 19 as well as the 8.8 billion forints owed by the government for the city's procurement of trolley buses, and 12 billion forints for public transport funding the city was entitled to under its agreement with the government.



He said the city may not receive the latter two sums this year, noting, however, that according to the government's announcement on Wednesday, Budapest will receive the money for the trolley bus procurement.



Kiss said that at the end of the year, Budapest's account balance would be "between 0 and a 33 billion forint deficit", adding it was "terrible not knowing how we'll end the year, but these factors are outside our control".



Karacsony: Govt's Budapest bill 'a political cudgel, not a solution'



The government's proposed law on Budapest's finances is a "political cudgel" that fails to address any real issues, Gergely Karacsony, the city's mayor, told a press briefing after a Hungarian Municipalities Association (MOSZ) meeting on Tuesday.



"The bill claims to enable city borrowing, but this is something we can do already, transparently, from commercial banks," he said. "The only 'innovation' is threatening the mayor with prison for resisting the city's financial gouging."



The mayor called for such "hostile proposals to be abandoned for good" in favour of constructive dialogue.



Asked what happens if parliament passed the bill, Karacsony said: "They'll open a door we won't walk through."

Meanwhile, Gyorgy Gemesi, the mayor of Godollo and MOSZ's co-chairman, warned that nearly 30 towns now faced a budgetary emergency, proving the crisis extended far beyond Budapest.



Karacsony, who is the association's other co-chairman, said MOSZ will draft comprehensive reform proposals for the next government, "regardless of the election results". The package to be sent to Tibor Navracsics, the regional development minister, will demand clear, transparent funding tied to defined municipal responsibilities and sustainable, inflation-proof wages for public employees, he added.



Tamas Wittinghoff, the mayor of Budaors and a MOSZ board member, said the entire system "must be rebuilt to restore local governance", and he stressed the need to safeguard municipalities' operations.

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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KIEV, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on Tuesday welcomed the Group of Seven (G7) countries' statement on the intention to support Ukraine, including through the possible use of frozen Russian assets.

"Grateful to our G7 partners -- we remain firmly committed to close cooperation with our international partners and financial institutions to safeguard Ukraine's resilience and stability," Svyrydenko wrote on X.

The G7 countries issued the statement on Monday, saying that they will continue to develop, in line with their respective legal frameworks, a wide range of financing options to support Ukraine, including the potential use of the full value of the immobilized Russian assets.

According to the European Parliament, the total value of Russian sovereign assets immobilized by the European Union and the other G7 countries was estimated at around 260 billion euros (about 302 billion U.S. dollars). 
The University of Pecs (PTE) has once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental responsibility, securing an impressive position in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. This international assessment evaluates universities based on comprehensive sustainability criteria.

According to the 2025 results, PTE ranked 29th globally out of 1,745 institutions spanning 105 countries. This distinction makes it the highest-ranked Hungarian university on the list.



A Focus on Long-Term Environmental Strategy



PTE stated that this achievement validates its sustained efforts to integrate environmental responsibility across all operations, reinforcing its leading role among Hungarian institutions focused on sustainability.



Katalin Szili, a board member of the Universitas Quinqueecclesiensis Foundation (which oversees PTE), pointed out that in recent years, the university developed a clear strategy to embed sustainability into every facet of its functioning.



This significant shift  integrating it into education, research, and institutional development  has led to tangible quality improvements. The establishment of the Sustainable Development Coordination Council has also been key, fostering cross-disciplinary cooperation that has driven numerous initiatives to enhance both operational efficiency and environmental care.



Extending Impact to Economic Partners



Chancellor Istvan Decsi emphasized that the university's goal is to ensure its sustainability accomplishments provide practical examples that extend beyond the campus and benefit economic partners. The university is focused on developing collaborations that yield concrete and measurable progress.



From an academic perspective, Deputy Rector for Education Tamas Fedeles highlighted the necessity of a systems-level approach that addresses global expectations to maintain the competitiveness of Hungarian higher education. Consequently, PTE is increasingly incorporating sustainability into its academic programmes, particularly across engineering, economics, and social sciences.



Global and National Context



Internationally, the 2025 GreenMetric ranking was topped by Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands), which held onto its leading position. It was followed by University College Cork (Ireland) and Nottingham Trent University (UK).



Within Hungary, two other institutions also secured spots in the global top 100: the University of Szeged (41st) and the University of Sopron (99th).



MTI Stock Photo - for illustrative purposes only



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In the next four years around HUF 300bn will be spent on renovating the HEV suburban line that runs towards Szentendre, north of Budapest, Zsolt Hegyi, the CEO of the state-owned transportation company MAV Group said.

The Hungarian government will provide HUF 125bn of funding and the European Union HUF 175bn, he added.



Hegyi said the line would be completely renovated by 2029, including the tracks, power supply, safety equipment, overhead lines, stations, passenger information system, lighting and ticket machines, and new trains are arriving.



These trains will be single-space, low-floor, air-conditioned ones, he added.



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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Pakistans long-discussed plan to redraw its internal map has returned to the centre of political debate. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan says creating smaller provinces is now unavoidable, but specialists from within Pakistans bureaucracy and policy circles believe the plan could intensify the challenges it aims to solve.
In what can be seen as a horrendous incident, on Saturday, the body of an 18-year-old girls body was found on a beach in Puri in Odisha on Saturday. As per the reports, her body was lying face down in her undergarments. It has been alleged by the family of the girl that she was raped. Her brother said, Her face was burnt with acid and her fingers were mutilated.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The lack of clarity surrounding the U.S. military buildup off the coast of Venezuela has thrown into doubt the real motives behind the move, with some observers warning of possible pitfalls ahead.

For the past few months, the U.S. military has deployed warships, bombers, troops and drones off the coast of the South American nation, and has destroyed over 20 boats from Venezuela.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump said the buildup is aimed at curtailing the flow of drugs into the United States, but no specific evidence of drug smuggling is available.

LACK OF CLARITY

Many question why the United States is targeting Venezuela instead of other countries in the region for alleged drug trafficking, leading some to believe that the White House's argument is shaky.

"The drug trafficking argument seems exceptionally flimsy," Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College in the northeastern state of New Hampshire, told Xinhua.

According to a CBS poll published on Nov. 23, a whopping 76 percent of Americans believe that the administration has not clearly explained the U.S. position on military action in Venezuela.

This lack of clarity has led some analysts, observers and media to the belief that the U.S. goal is to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

If the United States succeeds in ousting Maduro, the strategy around that goal -- and how to handle the aftermath -- remains unclear.

The White House has not given many details, while Trump has only provided the press with bits and pieces, often in the form of off-the-cuff remarks at press briefings.

Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab told the BBC in late October that there is "no doubt" that Trump is trying to overthrow the Venezuelan government.

Saab, a close ally of Maduro, said that Trump wants to turn his country into a U.S. "colony."

POSSIBLE PITFALLS

Some analysts believe that ousting Venezuela's current leadership would lead to unforeseen challenges and pitfalls.

"If it changes Venezuela's regime, the White House risks recreating the endless wars and quagmires of the Middle East, but this time in our own neighborhood," argued an article on libertarian think tank Cato Institute's website on Oct. 29.

"The size of the strike package suggests a campaign on the scale of President Barack Obama's Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya," the article said, referring to the operation in 2011.

"The outcome there was chaos, civil war and open-air slave markets," it added.

Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Michael O'Hanlon told Xinhua, "I fear it could indeed resemble Libya -- less bad but not good -- or Iraq -- very bad -- given the likely difficulty of stabilizing the place."

The U.S. invasion of Iraq led to hundreds of thousands of deaths, regional destabilization and the rise of terror groups such as the Islamic State.

A recent article published on the website of the Atlantic Council, a think tank, said that U.S. strikes could push Venezuela to retaliate.

Venezuela, a major oil producer, boasts some of the world's largest proven oil reserves. U.S. imports of Venezuelan crude have declined sharply over the past decade due to sanctions and political tensions.

Last month, Trump said all nations that harbor drug cartels are subject to attack, including neighboring Mexico and Colombia.

That statement raises another question: Is this now an official U.S. doctrine?

PUBLIC BACKLASH

There is good evidence that the U.S. public is against a war against Venezuela.

Only 13 percent of Americans believe Venezuela is a major threat to the United States, according to the CBS poll. Seventy percent of respondents said they were against a war with Venezuela.

However, among Trump's core supporters, or MAGA Republicans, 66 percent said they would favor military action in Venezuela.

A poll from Reuters and Ipsos released in mid-November also found that a majority of Americans believe the risks of U.S. military action in Venezuela outweigh the benefits, though Republicans were more supportive.

"If hostilities began and were two-sided -- and no one can know yet on either point -- this war would be very unpopular very early," Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua. 
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration is pushing hard for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept the new edition of a U.S.-brokered peace deal, which may lead to major territorial losses for Ukraine, according to U.S. online media outlet Axios.

Citing two Ukrainian officials, Axios said Monday that U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner discussed the plan with Zelensky in a two-hour call on Saturday, requiring a clear "yes" from the Ukrainian leader.

Asked in a Politico interview released Tuesday whether he had set a timeline for Zelensky to decide on the deal, Trump said Monday: "Well, he's gonna have to get on the ball and start, uh, accepting things ... 'cause he's losing."

The Financial Times reported Tuesday that Trump was hoping for a deal agreed "by Christmas," and Zelensky told the U.S. mediators that he needed time to consult with European allies.

Witkoff and Kushner concluded three-day talks with Ukraine's top negotiators on Saturday in Miami, the U.S. state of Florida, after a roughly five-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the deal in Moscow earlier last week.

During negotiations, Russia demanded that Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, including lands under Kiev's control.

"It felt like the U.S. was trying to sell us in different ways the Russian desire to take the whole of Donbas and that the Americans wanted Zelensky to accept all of it in the phone call," a Ukrainian official told Axios.

Trump said at an event Sunday that he was "a little bit disappointed" to hear Zelensky had not read the proposal, hours after Zelensky depicted the peace talks with the U.S. as "constructive" but "not easy."

Zelensky met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss Ukraine peace in London on Monday.

According to a British government release after the meeting, the leaders underscored the need for a "just and lasting peace in Ukraine." 
Representatives from nearly 40 founding member states attend a meeting to launch the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the UN headquarters in New York, on Dec. 9, 2025. The Group of Friends of Global Governance was officially established at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Group of Friends of Global Governance was officially established at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

Representatives from nearly 40 founding member states of the group attended the launch meeting, which was chaired by Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations. 

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks at a meeting to launch the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the UN headquarters in New York, on Dec. 9, 2025. The Group of Friends of Global Governance was officially established at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

Representatives from nearly 40 founding member states attend a meeting to launch the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the UN headquarters in New York, on Dec. 9, 2025. The Group of Friends of Global Governance was officially established at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

Representatives from nearly 40 founding member states attend a meeting to launch the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the UN headquarters in New York, on Dec. 9, 2025. The Group of Friends of Global Governance was officially established at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)
Two camouflage-clad goats at the entrance to U.S. Army Garrison Poland headquarters at Camp Kosciuszko (Mike Trusz)



So, you just stepped off the plane at awica Airport and are ready to begin your overseas tour in Polands fifth largest city? (Or, perhaps you are just here for a visit). Welcome to Poznan! Explore its incredibly rich history and discover why Poznan might just be the GOAT of Polish cities!

Poznan is one of the oldest cities in Poland. It was a major fortified settlement of the Polans  the Slavic tribe that eventually unified the country and gave Poland its name. The story of Poznan starts in Ostrow Tumski, or Cathedral Island. Its also here that well begin our journey through the city. Its on Cathedral Island that Mieszko I, Polands first historical ruler, held court.

After Poland became Christian in 966 CE, the gothic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, which gave the island its name, was erected here. Mieszko I and his son Bolesaw I Chrobry, Polands first king, are buried in the spectacular neo-Byzantine Golden Chapel at the apse of Poznans cathedral. When visiting, make sure to carry a 5 zoty coin, as the chapels lighting system is operated by a coin machine.

Interior of the Golden Chapel (Mike Trusz)



Poznan flourished during Polands golden age in the high renaissance, when the country was Europes largest and stretched from the Baltic to the Black Sea. We can witness this first-hand as we make our way to the citys Old Town Market Square. Here we are immediately met by the citys spectacular Old City Hall. This majestic edifice, immediately recognizable by its intricate frescos and tall clock tower, was designed by Italian renaissance architect Giovanni Battista di Quadro and constructed in 1560.

Youll want to plan your visit to the market square at noon, when two mechanical goats emerge from the clock tower and butt heads 12 times. Legend has it that a young chef burned a roast deer meant for a celebratory feast marking the installation of the towers clock. He left his meal cooking while he ventured to see the object his dinner was celebrating. Upon his return, the meal was already ruined. In a panic, he stole two goats from a nearby pasture to replace the main course. The goats escaped in the town hall and climbed to the tower, where they began headbutting in front of the governor, mayor, and guests gathered for the clocks unveiling. This caprine spectacle drew laughs from the spectators below and, instead of punishment, the chef was pardoned  and the goats became part of Poznans identity. Today, youll spot goat imagery all around town. Youll even be greeted by two camouflage-clad goats at the entrance to U.S. Army Garrison Poland headquarters at Camp Kosciuszko.

Poznan was part of Prussia, and later Germany between 1793 and 1918. You can notice this history as we make our way from the old to the new town. Walking through the new towns main thoroughfare, Saint Martin Street, we arrive at the imposing Imperial Castle.

People walking around Poznan Square on a sunny day (Mike Trusz)



The castle was constructed between 1905 and 1910 as the local residence for German Emperor Wilhelm II. Due to its purpose as the Kaisers residence, its striking Germanic neo-Romanesque character differs significantly from the Polish renaissance and baroque style of the old town. Wilhelm visited the castle on only two occasions, as eight years after its construction, Poznan became part of a renascent Poland, and the Kaiser was forced to abdicate the German throne at the conclusion of the First World War. Today, the magnificent structure serves as the citys culture center and is open daily to tourists. The highlight of the tour is Wilhelms oversized eccentric imperial throne, which rests on two marble elephants and is etched with quirky Viking runes. It is also wide enough to fit four people!

While on Saint Martin Street, be sure to try the citys signature Saint Martins Croissants (Rogale Swietomarcinskie). These iconic desserts are large croissants filled with a rich white poppy filling. While the croissants are available all around town and the region, they certainly taste best on their namesake street! Even better, try one during the Feast of Saint Martin, which falls on Nov. 11, the same day as both Polands Independence Day and Veterans Day in the U.S., and enjoy the annual Saint Martins Day Parade marching down the patrons street while munching on this local delicacy.

Saint Martins Croissants (Rogale Swietomarcinskie) in a display case (Mike Trusz)



Editors Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
Finance personality Jaspreet Singh shared a YouTube video about his thoughts on potentially wise investments based on President Donald Trumps stated government spending plans in 2026 and beyond.

For You: I Got Rich Investing  These Lessons for Beginners Could Lead To $1 Million Net Worth

See Next: 6 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

With the Trump administration drastically altering about $7 trillion in government spending flows versus those established by the previous Biden administration, Singh zeroed in on a few asset classes to consider holding in your portfolio as a result.

AI Investments: A Good Buy or a Bubble Waiting To Burst?

Calling the artificial intelligence (AI) category of investment the most obvious, Singh noted that the U.S. government had recently published a document titled Winning the Race: Americas AI Action Plan and signaled they were willing to spend limitless capital to win that race against global competitors.

Trending Now: How To Get a 10% Return on Investment (ROI): 10 Proven Ways

Based on three key AI-connected categories  data centers, semiconductors and related infrastructure  Singh highlighted the First Trust Cloud Computing ETF (SKYY) as a way of gaining exposure to the infrastructure column, Global Xs Data Center and Digital Infrastructure ETF (DTCR) for those interested in backing the U.S. data center play and the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) for broad access to investment in the semiconductor realm.

Also mentioned as broad AI application ETFs: Global Xs Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ) and Roundhills Generative AI and Technology ETF (CHAT).

Rare Earths and Rare Investment Opportunities

The U.S. government is also signaling serious interest in rare earths  elements, minerals and metals  with China restricting exports of these materials to the United States.

Singh called for investors to pay particular attention to the VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metal ETF (REMX) and the iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK).

For those seeking more speculative, more risky plays in this segment, Singh singled out a pair of specific companies the government was investing in: Lynas Rare Earths Limited (LYSDY) and MP Materials Corp. (MP).

American Industry, U.S. Defense and Energy Investment Picks

And while Singh spent a little less time outlining the latter three categories on his list  American industry, U.S. defense and domestic energy  he nonetheless provided an abundance of investment picks, including:
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Airbus (EADSY) is confronting a supply-chain story that investors may want to monitor closely. A Spanish labor union, UGT FICA, accused key supplier Sofitec Aero SL of wider manufacturing irregularities tied to the A320 program, according to a Dec. 5 memo reviewed by Bloomberg. Workers alleged that Sofitec forged dates on several production steps so parts would meet Airbus specifications, and they cited 10 deviations at Seville facilities, including the use of expired paints and sealants and unauthorized repairs on carbon-fiber components. Airbus said it maintains open dialogue with supply partners and acted as soon as its internal quality system identified an issue, while Sofitec did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

The timing could be sensitive for Airbus, given that Sofitec-related panel issues already forced the planemaker to reduce its 2025 delivery target due to the added volume of inspections. Airbus reported that some panels on the frontal part of the A320 were either too thick or too thin and require further checks, affecting more than 600 aircraft, including jets already in service. The company expects most inspected parts to meet manufacturing standards, though the extra workload could be a headwind for production cadence and could influence how investors think about delivery visibility and working-capital timing into next year.

The union also pointed to ongoing health-and-safety concerns at Sofitec, citing a government inspection report dated December 2024 that highlighted excessive room temperatures and improper handling of carcinogenic agents. Bloomberg was unable to independently verify the inspection's conclusions, though the union said numerous formal complaints have been filed and several legal proceedings are in motion. For long-term shareholders, the episode could be a reminder that execution risk inside the supply chain remains a material variable for Airbus as the industry leans into travel demand, fleet modernization, and elevated production targets.
Mohammeds view

Its not quite the final work week of the year, but in the Gulf, it feels like theyre throwing the kitchen sink at 2025. In Abu Dhabi, the worlds top asset managers are convening as the government commits tens of billions of dollars to accelerate its ascent as a global financial hub. Meanwhile, Qatar  fresh off its annual diplomacy confab where the bizarre highlight was provocateur Tucker Carlsons decision to buy a home in Doha  is launching a $20 billion digital infrastructure venture to invest in, among other things, data centers.

And sovereign funds from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE emerged as backers of Paramounts bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, collectively offering $24 billion. A club deal among the three is rare, maybe unprecedented, and the fact they appeared together in one of the years largest transactions underscores how central Gulf capital has become to global markets.

That new centrality is the message Abu Dhabi Finance Week wants to project. The gathering has shed its origins as a citywide fintech conference and is now a coming-out party for the emirate. The luxurious financial center ADGM, home to the event, is getting a $16.3 billion expansion  funded by Mubadala and Aldar. The city is planning a new fintech, insurance, digital, and alternative-asset cluster expected to create 8,000 jobs. Hedge fund Brevan Howard is one that committed this week to boost its local headcount.

As with most events in the region, there were MOUs, of which we will spare you the details. And there was more than just coffee and talks: The weekend saw a dramatic Formula 1 finale and a Sothebys auction that pulled $133 million, including nearly $3 million for an empty handbag. Ok, a Birkin.

The takeaway? As Carlyle Group co-founder (and Semafor investor) David Rubenstein put it: Ive seen the future of capitalism, and its name is Abu Dhabi.

Notable
Dec 9 (Reuters) - Accenture and Anthropic on Tuesday announced an expansion of their partnership through a new business group where around 30,000 of the consulting giant's employees will be trained on the AI startup's Claude model.

The tie-up reflects enterprise efforts across industries to upskill their workforce on artificial intelligence technologies, as companies look to boost productivity and streamline operations.

The move mirrors Accenture's deal with OpenAI, announced last week, where it would train hundreds of thousands of its IT workers on ChatGPT Enterprise and work to integrate the technology into workflows.

"Our new partnership means that tens of thousands of Accenture developers will be using Claude Code, making this our largest ever deployment," said Anthropic co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei.

Consulting firms are racing to strengthen AI capabilities as clients expand the technology's use beyond chatbots to overhaul core operations and drive demand for packaged services like coding assistants, automated workflows, and multi-step task systems.

Accenture and Anthropic will also launch new joint offerings for regulated sectors such as financial services, health and life sciences, and the public sector - areas where AI adoption has lagged due to compliance and data-handling rules.

The consulting firm in September had unveiled a six-month $865 million restructuring to realign its workforce and operations as demand shifts toward digital and AI services.

(Reporting by Arnav Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)
Insurance company Ageas has reached an agreement to purchase the remaining 25% stake in Belgian subsidiary AG Insurance from BNP Paribas Fortis for 1.9bn ($2.3bn).

The acquisition is intended to support Ageas Elevate27 strategy by prioritising its expansion in consolidated and cash-producing areas.

With this transaction, Ageas will hold all shares of AG Insurance, giving it complete ownership.

This development allows Ageas to operate as a fully integrated insurer in Belgium, active in both life and non-life sectors.

The arrangement also includes a renewed bancassurance partnership between Ageas and BNP Paribas, confirming BNP Paribas as the main shareholder and partner of Ageas.

Ageas CEO Hans De Cuyper said: "I am pleased to announce this new important milestone for Ageas and another significant step in implementing our Elevate27 strategy.

Taking full ownership of AG Insurance enables us to further advance our Belgian operations, building on the re-confirmed bancassurance partnership with our long-standing partner, BNP Paribas Fortis."

Under the new agreement, BNP Paribas Groups holding in Ageas is capped at just under 25%, with the option to extend the agreement automatically after five years.

BNP Paribas will have the right to nominate one member to the Board of Directors of both Ageas and AG Insurance, linked to the bancassurance partnership.

The board representation is subject to the terms of their ongoing cooperative agreements.

For financing, Ageas plans to use a mix of sources: an equity placement involving 18.5 million shares at 60 per share issued to BNP Paribas Cardif, along with existing cash, current credit facilities and debt market options.

BNP Paribas Cardifs capital contribution through this equity placement amounts to 1.1bn.

Upon completion, BNP Paribas Cardifs shareholding in Ageas is expected to increase from 14.9% to 22.5%.

This follows Ageas acquisition of the Esure Group earlier this year.

AG Insurance and BNP Paribas Fortis have extended their bancassurance cooperation for another 15 years, starting in 2027.

In addition, AG Insurance and BNP Paribas Asset Management are set to enhance their relationship in investment management across specified asset classes, following recent changes at AXA IM.

Completion of this transaction is subject to regulatory approval and set for the second quarter of 2026.

BNP Paribas CEO Jean-Laurent Bonnafe said: We see significant potential in the growth prospects of BNP Paribas Fortis bancassurance business through the partnership with AG Insurance, as well as the deployment of our new asset management platforms expertise created through the combination of BNP Paribas AM and AXA-IM.
By Faith Hung and Roger Tung

TAIPEI, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Taiwan's exports grew more than expected and logged their fastest growth in 15-1/2 years in November, as worldwide demand for the island's chips and artificial intelligence (AI) technology remained robust heading into the end of the year.

Taiwan's exports have had uninterrupted gains for over two years, jumping 56% in November from a year earlier to $64.05 billion for a 25th consecutive monthly gain, the finance ministry said on Tuesday, topping a 41.1% increase forecast by economists in a Reuters poll.

In November, exports hit a record amount in dollar terms and recorded their fastest growth since May 2010.

The strong showing came even though Taiwan's exports to the U.S. are subject to a 20% tariff, which Taipei is in talks to reduce, though semiconductors are at present excluded.

Taiwan's export momentum is expected to be buoyed both by the continued acceleration of AI and high-performance computing applications and the peak season of year-end shopping in Western markets, the ministry said in a statement.

Last month, the ministry said it expected 2025 exports to grow 30% year-on-year to $600 billion.

However, the global economic outlook remains highly uncertain, as U.S. tariff policies take shape and geopolitical risks linger, so there is a need for careful monitoring, the statement added.

Taiwanese companies like TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, are major suppliers to Nvidia, Apple and other major tech firms.

For December, the ministry expects exports to rise between 40% and 45% from a year earlier.

In November, Taiwan's exports to the U.S. soared 182.3% from a year earlier to a record $24.418 billion, while exports to China climbed 16.5%.

Exports of electronic components rose 29.3% to $21.632 billion.

Imports rose 45% to $47.97 billion, besting economists' forecasts for an increase of 17.45%.

(Reporting by Faith Hung and Roger Tung; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Thomas Derpinghaus)
By Tim Hepher and Sophie Yu

PARIS, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Airbus has secured Chinese agreement to go ahead with the delivery of 120 previously ordered jets, the company said, but the deal signed in Beijing leaves the European planemaker still waiting for progress on a new order for hundreds of jets.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited China last week for talks that covered geopolitics and trade but excluded any mention of 500 plane orders that Airbus has been discussing for over a year - a type of package often tied to state visits.

French media reported on Monday that Airbus had won a deal that could lead to 120 new orders in future. Airbus, however, said the so-called general terms of agreement (GTA) deal was merely a step towards completing orders already on its books.

"This GTA agreement authorises the delivery of aircraft already counted in our order book, which is standard procedure with Chinese customers," an Airbus spokesperson said.

China's state buying agency did not respond to a request for comment.

Both Airbus and Boeing are waiting for progress on large anticipated aircraft orders from China, which has held off placing major politically sensitive orders for several years.

Airbus has been in on-off negotiations since at least 2024 to try to secure an order for 500 jets, though China typically moves cautiously on big purchases during periods of geopolitical uncertainty, industry sources said in April.

Airbus has been banking on a breakthrough to catch up with its U.S. rival in this year's order race and meet an internal order target of about 1,200 aircraft, industry sources have said.

However, barring a surprise shift, industry sources say there are few signs that either of the world's big planemakers will clinch major set-piece orders from Beijing this year.

Airbus posted 700 net orders after cancellations in the first 11 months of the year, compared with 782 for Boeing by end-October, the latest period for which Boeing data is available.

Airbus is expected to outpace Boeing on deliveries for a seventh straight year even after lowering forecasts last week due to an industrial snag affecting some fuselage panels.

Earlier on Tuesday, the head of the global airlines body IATA said in Geneva that there was less confidence in Airbus meeting aircraft delivery targets, while Boeing's performance had improved, amid ongoing supply-chain issues.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher. Editing by Mark Potter)
Binance and Robinhood hit major milestone in Asia. Source: Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images.

Key Takeaways

Robinhood is entering Indonesia through the acquisition of a fully regulated local brokerage and digital asset firm.

Binance has become the first crypto exchange to secure the full suite of licenses under Abu Dhabis FSRA.

APAC has emerged as the most competitive battleground for global exchanges over the past three years.

For years, the Asia-Pacific region has been the most sought-after and fiercely contested market for global cryptocurrency firms.

This week, that competition escalated dramatically.

Robinhood announced plans to acquire two regulated Indonesian financial companies, marking its first major push into Southeast Asia.

Hours later, Binance revealed it had secured a full set of operational licenses from Abu Dhabis Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), becoming the first exchange to operate under end-to-end regulatory supervision in the emirate.

Together, the two moves signal a pivotal moment in the APAC crypto race, as global giants position themselves to capture some of the fastest-growing digital asset markets in the world.

Robinhood Makes Its Move in Indonesia

Robinhood has entered into agreements to acquire PT Buana Capital Sekuritas, a licensed brokerage, and PT Pedagang Aset Kripto, an officially regulated digital asset trader in Indonesia.

The dual acquisition gives Robinhood immediate access to one of the regions most dynamic retail trading markets, while providing a regulatory foothold in a country where crypto adoption continues to outpace traditional equities.

Patrick Chan, Robinhoods Head of Asia, called Indonesia a rapidly growing market for trading and said the company plans to bring the same user-friendly experience that helped it scale in the U.S.

Following the deal, Robinhood will continue servicing existing Buana Capital customers while expanding product offerings to include access to U.S. equities, crypto trading, and potentially other asset classes.

The acquisition marks one of Robinhoods biggest steps toward global expansion and signals the companys intention to compete directly with regional exchanges such as Tokocrypto and Indodax.

Binance Secures Historic Full Licensing in Abu Dhabi

While Robinhood looks to Southeast Asia, Binance has achieved a regulatory breakthrough in the Middle East.

The FSRA of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) granted Binance the full suite of licenses required to operate a complete digital asset ecosystem, including:

a regulated exchange,

a clearing and custody entity, and

a broker-dealer platform.

This makes Binance the first global exchange to receive end-to-end operational authorization from the FSRAan achievement that could position Abu Dhabi as a new hub for tightly supervised crypto activity.
Image Credit: Aptera.

On November 11, 2025, Aptera Motors Corp., a solar mobility company focused on ultra-efficient transportation, announced it has begun building its validation vehicle assembly line, an important step toward establishing a low-volume production line at its Southern California facility. The new line marks Apteras shift from one-off prototypes to a structured, repeatable assembly process, with engineers and technicians refining the systems, tools, and workflows needed for scalable manufacturing.

Precision Assembly: The Core of the New Line

A key element of the setup is a large precision assembly fixture that allows the Body in Carbon to be built with high dimensional accuracy, improving throughput, ensuring consistency, and creating the foundation for future low-volume assembly.

This marks an important moment in Apteras journey, said Chris Anthony, Co-CEO of Aptera. For the first time, our technicians will be assembling vehicles along a defined sequence of stations, using processes developed hand-in-hand with the engineers who designed them.

(Image: Globe Newswire)

Operational Expansion and Funding Requirements

Aptera has expanded its operations team and continues hiring engineers and assembly technicians as components and chassis assemblies arrive from supply chain partners. Using the new fixture and processes, the company has begun assembling validation vehicles, allowing it to fine-tune each stage of low-volume vehicle production, from materials handling through final fit and finish. To complete this phase and begin low-volume manufacturing, Aptera estimates it will need $65 million in additional funding, in line with previous disclosures.

Seeing this line come to life signals the next phase for Aptera, added Steve Fambro, Co-CEO. Its the bridge between our prototype builds and the preproduction and series production systems that we aim to one day use to deliver solar mobility at scale.

(Image: Aptera)

The Aptera Vision: Efficiency and Ultra-Light Performance

The Aptera Motors Corp. prototype demonstrates the companys vision for ultra-efficient solar electric transportation, delivering up to 40 miles of free solar-powered driving per day and 400 miles of range on a full charge. Built around Apteras lightweight Body in Carbon architecture, the three-wheeled prototype pairs advanced aerodynamics with integrated solar cells, low rolling resistance, and a highly efficient electric powertrain. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds, highlighting the performance potential of its ultra-light design. As Aptera moves from early prototypes into its validation vehicle program, the company is refining manufacturing processes, testing structural durability, and validating real-world efficiency in preparation for low-volume production.

This article originally appeared on EVInfo.net and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights.
We feel now is a pretty good time to analyse Articore Group Limited's (ASX:ATG) business as it appears the company may be on the cusp of a considerable accomplishment. Articore Group Limited owns and operates online platforms that facilitates design and sale of products printed with the artwork in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. On 30 June 2025, the AU$74m market-cap company posted a loss of AU$11m for its most recent financial year. Many investors are wondering about the rate at which Articore Group will turn a profit, with the big question being when will the company breakeven? We've put together a brief outline of industry analyst expectations for the company, its year of breakeven and its implied growth rate.

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Articore Group is bordering on breakeven, according to the 2 Australian Multiline Retail analysts. They expect the company to post a final loss in 2025, before turning a profit of AU$2.9m in 2026. The company is therefore projected to breakeven around a year from now or less! We calculated the rate at which the company must grow to meet the consensus forecasts predicting breakeven within 12 months. It turns out an average annual growth rate of 86% is expected, which is extremely buoyant. If this rate turns out to be too aggressive, the company may become profitable much later than analysts predict.

ASX:ATG Earnings Per Share Growth December 9th 2025

We're not going to go through company-specific developments for Articore Group given that this is a high-level summary, but, keep in mind that typically a high growth rate is not out of the ordinary, particularly when a company is in a period of investment.

Check out our latest analysis for Articore Group

Before we wrap up, theres one aspect worth mentioning. Articore Group currently has no debt on its balance sheet, which is rare for a loss-making growth company, which usually has a high level of debt relative to its equity. The company currently operates purely off its shareholder funding and has no debt obligation, reducing concerns around repayments and making it a less risky investment.

Next Steps:

This article is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis on Articore Group, so if you are interested in understanding the company at a deeper level, take a look at Articore Group's company page on Simply Wall St. We've also put together a list of relevant aspects you should look at:

Valuation: What is Articore Group worth today? Has the future growth potential already been factored into the price? The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether Articore Group is currently mispriced by the market. Management Team: An experienced management team on the helm increases our confidence in the business  take a look at who sits on Articore Groups board and the CEOs background. Other High-Performing Stocks: Are there other stocks that provide better prospects with proven track records? Explore our free list of these great stocks 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.
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield (behind) handing out free ice cream to encourage people to vote in Philadelphia [Getty Images]

Ben & Jerry's will be destroyed as a brand if it remains with parent company Magnum, the company's co-founder Ben Cohen has told the BBC.

His remarks are the latest in a long-running spat between the ice cream brand and its parent company over its ability to express its social activism and the continued independence of its board.

On Monday the Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC) started trading on the European stock market - spinning off from owner Unilever.

A spokesperson for Magnum said the firm wanted to build and strengthen Ben & Jerry's "powerful, non-partisan values-based position in the world".

Ben & Jerry's was sold to Unilever in 2000 in a deal which allowed it to retain an independent board and the right to make decisions about its social mission.

Since the sale there have been deepening clashes between the Vermont-based brand and Unilever, with this conflict now inherited by Magnum.

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in its Israeli operation being sold by Unilever to a local licensee, and in October, Ben Cohen said it was prevented from launching an ice cream which expressed "solidarity with Palestine".

Last month, ahead of its spin off from Unilever, Magnum said the chair of Ben & Jerry's board Anuradha Mittal, who has held the position since 2018, "no longer meets the criteria to serve" - saying this was the result of an internal audit.

A spokesperson for Magnum said it had found "a series of material deficiencies in financial controls, governance and other compliance policies, including conflicts of interest".

"So far, the trustees have not fully addressed the deficiencies identified," they said.

In a statement to Reuters, Ms Mittal said: "The so-called audit of the foundation was a manufactured inquiry - engineered to attempt to discredit me.

"It is important to understand that this is not simply an attack on me as chair. It is Unilever's attempt to undermine the authority of the Board itself."

The BBC has contacted Ben & Jerry's to request this statement.

Mr Cohen said Magnum "has no standing to determine who the chair of the independent board should be".

"Therefore, by trying to [change the chair of the board], I would say that Magnum is not fit to own Ben & Jerry's," he added.

Mr Cohen called for either the business to be "owned by a group of investors that support the brand and want to encourage the values" or for Magnum to make a "180 degree turn around and say they support the chairman of the independent board".
This story was originally published on CFO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Berkshire Hathaway announced longtime CFO Marc Hamburg will retire after a 40-year career at the business as part of a number of high-profile leadership changes, according to a Monday press release. The shifts span across Berkshires corporate team, non-insurance and insurance operations, and come as the business prepares for longtime CEO and Chairman Warren Buffett to leave his role as CEO at the end of the year.

Hamburg will retire in 2027 after serving more than three decades as finance chief, while Charles Chang, currently finance chief of subsidiary Berkshire Energy, will step into the role of corporate CFO effective June 1, 2026, the company, said in the release. Berkshire owns and operates a fleet of brands in multiple industries, including Geico Auto Insurance, battery company Duracell and Dairy Queen.

Hamburg, also a senior vice president, first joined the Omaha, Nebraska-based company in 1987 and took the CFO seat in 1992. He has been indispensable to Berkshire and to me, Buffet said in a statement. His integrity and judgment are priceless. He has done more for this company than many of our shareholders will ever know. His impact has been extraordinary.

Dive Insight:

Buffett took the roles of CEO and chairman for Berkshire in 1970, transforming the then-textile company into his main investment vehicle. He announced he would be stepping down from the CEO seat at years end in May during Berkshires annual shareholder meeting, marking what one shareholder referred to as the end of an era, The Wall Street Journal reported at the time. Greg Abel  the chairperson of Berkshire Energy  was tapped as incoming CEO in a move coming several years after Buffett first named him as his successor in 2021, according to the WSJ.

Greg Abel has more than met the high expectations I had for him when I first thought he should be Berkshires next CEO, Buffett, who will remain in his role as chairman, wrote in his annual Thanksgiving message to shareholders  a tradition he plans to continue, he said in the Nov. 10 letter. He understands many of our businesses and personnel far better than I now do, and he is a very fast learner about matters many CEOs dont even consider.

Abel will step in as CEO alongside several new members of Berkshires corporate leadership team. Hamburg, another longtime company alum, will work closely with Chang to help ensure a seamless transition before retiring on Jan. 1, 2027, according to the Monday announcement. Chang took the role of CFO for Berkshire Hathaway Energy in October 2024 after a 35-year career at Big Four firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he served as a partner in its energy practice, according to a Berkshire biography page.
Back when Mark Cuban was broke and sleeping on a beer-stained floor with five roommates, he probably didn't seem like the guy who'd one day own the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, sell his startup to Yahoo for $5.7 billion, and become a household name for telling people to stop drinking lattes. But in his eyes, that scrappy version of himself was already on the right track.

Cuban rolled into Dallas three weeks before his 24th birthday in a busted-up Fiat X1/9 leaking oil, rocking a hole in the floorboard, and carrying little more than a sleeping bag and a dream.

That was 1982. And while he wasn't rich, he wasn't afraid of starting from nothing. In fact, he said it helped. "I had nothing to lose," he told the Dallas Morning News in 2011. "It was all about going for it."

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So how'd he get rich? According to Cuban, it wasn't magic. It was sacrifice, discipline, and a whole lot of Mac & Cheese.

On his Blog Maverick site back in 2008, Cuban laid out exactly what he believed it takes to get rich. First: cut out the shortcuts. "There are no shortcuts. NONE," he wrote. He warned that if someone is offering you a "guaranteed" return, they're likely getting rich off you, not with you. "If a deal is a great deal, they aren't going to share it with you."

His advice? Start with the basics: "Save your money. Save as much money as you possibly can. Every penny you can."

Skip the coffee. Drink water. Skip the McDonald's. Eat Mac & Cheese. Cut up your credit cards, because if you're swiping to buy things you can't afford, he says you're not serious about wealth.

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"The first step to getting rich requires discipline," he wrote. "If you really want to be rich, you need to find the discipline, can you?" That's where most people fail, according to Cuban. But for those who find that discipline, he said the payoff starts immediately.

"The greatest rate of return you will earn is on your own personal spending." Cuban considers being a smart shopper the true "first step" to building wealth. And for those who stick with it? He recommends stacking cash in short-term savings  not stocks. "Buy and hold is a sucker's game for you," he wrote at the time, pointing out how those with no cash can't take advantage of opportunities when the market tanks.
Now, given Bitcoin's size at a market capitalization that's nearing $2 trillion, absolute floods of capital are going to need to continuously pour into this ecosystem in order for investors today to see upside. Indeed, a 10x from here would require Bitcoin to achieve a market capitalization of roughly $18 trillion, which would make this digital asset (which doesn't generate cash flows and can't be seen or held) worth more than any other entire stock market index of any country outside the United States (China currently has the second-largest equity market capitalization of around $12 trillion).

There's really not much that needs to be said about Bitcoin. It's the biggest, largely considered to be the most stable, well-known, and liquid cryptocurrency out there. For traders, speculators and long-term investors alike, Bitcoin is often the only choice when it comes to playing momentum-driven moves in this space. And notably, the early introduction of spot ETFs and other exchange traded products which offered traditional investors an avenue to gain exposure to Bitcoin has propelled massive amounts of investor capital into this network.

So, which top-tier digital asset is the better long-term bet right now? Let's dive in.

That said, there are other base layer networks such as XRP (CRYPTO:XRP) which are quickly becoming their own unique asset classes investors want to own. Plenty of XRP investors, who have held through Ripple's long and arduous legal battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), may now view this token as truly battle-tested. XRP's network, at least in terms of transaction activity, is a dominant force in the crypto landscape.

Of course, there's the first (and still the largest) cryptocurrency out there which is most often viewed as such a monetary system hedge - Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC). Bitcoin's historical performance, its sheer size at a market capitalization of more than $1.8 trillion, and its ardent investor base makes this top token one investors have to consider up front.

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Choosing between two top-tier dominant forces in any particular sector can be a difficult task. In the world of crypto, investors looking to put long-term capital to work in tokens they view as long-term stores of value outside the monetary system do have a few choices to choose from.

Story Continues

That's an incredible statistic.

Of course, Bitcoin's dominant position in terms of network value, liquidity, usage and as a perceived store of value will remain. This is among the most integral pieces of infrastructure in this sector, with a n important role for corporate treasuries and the balance sheets of financial institutions. As such, there are now many vested interests in seeing Bitcoin's price continue to rise.

Over the long-term, most investors would say Bitcoin will be the more stable bet. But will it outperform XRP?

XRP's Bull Case

bitz100 / Shutterstock.com

XRP visual

XRP is certainly a more compelling opportunity for investors looking more for outright growth right now. As far as a utility-focused network is concerned, XRP's key XRP Ledger technology, which allows individuals, companies and large financial entities to transfer vast amounts of capital around the world at lightning fast speeds and ultra-low costs (compared to other networks such as SWIFT which can take days to close, and take percentage points off each transaction), is very valuable.

In the world of cross-border finance, XRP is clearly a long-term winner. I'm bullish on this area of the crypto market myself, and I think that this is ultimately what Bitcoin's founders intended (at least in part) when creating the Bitcoin network to begin with.

To a certain extent, XRP has capitalized on this initial mission, and perhaps done a better job than Bitcoin of creating the sort of integrated rails many coming out of the GFC hoped would exist. Being able to transfer money outsize of the system, while retaining key remittance data that ensures one will reliably receive these funds same-day, can provide immense value to an immeasurable number of counterparties.

24/7 Wall St.

Who's the Winner?

In my view, Bitcoin's bull case is more conducive to long-term investors who may be more concerned around capital preservation over long periods of time. Indeed, the reality for the digital assets sector is that there are a number of high-profile blowups which have effectively pulled the rug out from underneath some pretty savvy investors. There are simply plenty of investors out there who won't want to fall prey to such a situation, and given Bitcoin's aforementioned status as a key treasury holding on many balance sheets within the U.S. economy (and even the U.S. government), there's a broad vested interest in seeing this token continue to appreciate over time.

Despite XRP's enhanced utility and status as a key network to "get things done," that's the way things stand right now in my view. As such, and being an investor who is inherently more conservative than many out there, I'm going to stick with Bitcoin as my top crypto pick for right now.

Of course, every investor's risk tolerance preferences and investing style will differ. There are plenty of investors out there would would pick XRP over Bitcoin any day of the week (and by way of each network's sheer size, it's mathematically easier for XRP to 10x in value from here).

But for those looking to steer clear of as much unnecessary volatility as possible, while generating market-beating returns over time, Bitcoin still stands as my preferential pick (particularly during selloffs).

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Boeing ended its 85-year history in Wichita in 2014, wrapping up a sale to Spirit Aerosystems. On Monday, the company bought Spirit, returning to Kansas. Show here is 737 fuselage production in Wichita.

Boeing ended its 85-year history in Wichita in 2014, wrapping up a sale to Spirit AeroSystems. On Monday, the company bought Spirit, returning to Kansas. Show here is 737 fuselage production in Wichita. (Submitted)

TOPEKA  Boeing on Monday completed its acquisition of Wichita-based Spirit AeroSystems, a $4.7 billion transaction.

Boeing reports the total transaction value at $8.3 billion, which includes acquiring Spirits net debt.

This is a pivotal moment in Boeings history and future success as we begin to integrate Spirit AeroSystems commercial and aftermarket operations and establish Spirit Defense, said Kelly Ortberg, president and CEO of the Boeing Co., in a news release.

The transaction moved forward after the Federal Trade Commission approved the merger with stipulations that Boeing divest itself of some key Spirit businesses, a move designed to ensure Boeing doesnt have a monopoly.

In an FTC docket, the agency said the market for commercial aircraft is highly concentrated, with Boeing and Airbus SE accounting for 95% of large commercial aircraft delivered on an annual basis.

The divestitures resolve FTC allegations that Boeings acquisition of Spirit would give Boeing the ability and incentive to raise the cost or degrade Airbus access to inputs for its competing aircraft, an FTC news release said.

The acquisition includes all of Spirits Boeing-related commercial operations, which includes fuselages for the 737 program and major structures for the 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner, the news release said.

Spirit Defense will continue as an independent supplier to the defense industry and will align to Boeing Defense, Space & Security for financial reporting and select enterprise functional and site support, but maintain independent governance and operations, Boeing announced.

Signs already were being replaced on Spirit AeroSystems buildings in Wichita, KWCH-TV reported.

Boeings acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems will help build bridges between Seattle and Wichita and bring new opportunities to the Air Capital of the World, said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran in a news release.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall said the merger recognizes the world-class talent in Wichita.

Our workers and the unions that represent them have kept America as the gold standard in aerospace, and they deserve to be at the center of any future investment, he said in a news release. Im grateful that this agreement further solidifies Wichitas prestige in the industry.

The transportation industry accounted for a significant portion  $3.4 billion  of Kansas $12.6 billion in exported manufactured products in 2024, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
Major fresh-produce supplier Camposol is to invest in areas including productivity, water use and genetics after striking a $400m financing deal.

The Peru-based company has secured the backing of a group including the International Finance Corporation and Rabobank.

In a statement, Camposol said the investment will mean the company can scale its genetic improvement programme, which had achieved superior yields.

The group is also planning to invest in the varietal renewal of blueberry crops and at its avocado plantations, where it sees opportunities to improve productivity.

Camposol expects its exports will jump by more than 30% by 2030 and is targeting greater water-use efficiency.

Last December, Camposol named its then interim CEO Ricardo Naranjo as the permanent head of the company. Naranjo had been interim chief executive since June last year when former CEO Jose Antonio Gomez resigned.

In the first nine months of this year, sales grew 21% compared to the corresponding period of 2024, reaching $367m. Blueberry sales volumes leapt almost 63% while avocado volumes were 14% higher.

EBITDA dipped 1% to $101.2m, although net profit fell 41% to $19.2m.

Camposol is engaged in fruit production across the supply chain from growing, processing, harvesting and marketing. Its range consists of blueberries, avocados, mandarins, grapes and mangoes.

The company operates facilities in Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile and Mexico. It also has distribution centres in North America, Europe and Asia.

During the third quarter, Camposol opened a biofactory in northern Peru that has an annual capacity for up to five million blueberry plants.

The third quarter demonstrated the continued strength of our strategy and disciplined execution, CEO Naranjo said when the company announced the results two weeks ago. We delivered another solid financial performance, maintaining our net debt-to-EBITDA ratio well below the 3.5 times threshold for the fifth consecutive quarter, reinforcing the progress of our deleveraging trajectory and the resilience of our financial profile.

"Camposol eyes production gains with new financing deal" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




A San Jose widow who believed she had found a new romantic partner online instead lost nearly $1 million in a crypto pig-butchering scam, and only realized it after asking ChatGPT if the investment offer made sense.

The scheme drained her retirement accounts and left her at risk of losing her home, according to a report by San Jose-based ABC7 News.

The woman, Margaret Loke, met a man who called himself Ed on Facebook last May. The relationship moved quickly to WhatsApp, where the man, claiming to be a wealthy businessman, sent affectionate messages each day and encouraged her to confide in him.

As the online relationship deepened, the daily check-ins never stopped.

"He was really nice to me, greeted me every morning, Loke told ABC7 News. He sends me every day the message good morning. He says he likes me.

The conversations soon turned to crypto investing. Loke said she had no trading experience, but Ed guided her through wiring funds into an online account that he controlled.

According to Loke, Ed showed her an app screenshot that showed her making a big profit in seconds, a tactic common in pig-butchering schemes that use fabricated results to convince victims their money is growing.

Pig-butchering scams are long-form cons in which fraudsters build a relationship with a victim over weeks or months before steering them into fake investment platforms and draining their savings.

Meta Removes 6.8 Million WhatsApp Accounts Linked to Pig Butchering Scam Rings

In August, Meta said it removed over 6.8 million WhatsApp accounts linked to pig butchering scams.

As the scam progressed, Loke said she sent a series of escalating transfers, starting with $15,000, which grew to over $490,000 from her IRA.

She eventually took out a $300,000 second mortgage and wired those funds as well. Altogether, she sent close to $1 million to accounts controlled by the scammers.

A scam exposed by an unlikely ally

When her supposed crypto account suddenly froze, Ed demanded an additional $1 million to release the funds. Panicked, Loke described the situation to ChatGPT.

"ChatGPT told me: No, this is a scam, you'd better go to the police station, she told ABC7.

The AI responded that the setup matched known scam patterns, prompting her to confront the man she believed she was dating and then contact the police.

Investigators later confirmed she had been routing money to a bank in Malaysia, where it was withdrawn by scammers.

"Why am I so stupid. I let him scam me!" Loke said. "I was really, really depressed."
China's securities regulator has called on the country's 160 mutual fund houses to establish a performance-based salary mechanism, as part of efforts to uproot elitism from the industry.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has drawn up guidelines governing asset managers' pay perks, suggesting that the performance of the funds they run should factor up to 80 per cent in determining their annual salaries, according to a report on Monday by the official Securities Times.

The Shenzhen-based newspaper said the regulator was soliciting opinions from industry officials, without elaborating on the timetable for enforcing the new rules. The CSRC could not be reached for comment on Monday.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Beijing decided to cap the annual salaries of financial services industry workers at 3 million yuan (US$424,322) last year, as it sought to narrow the wealth gap among professionals in various sectors.

"Linking managers' salaries with their funds' performances is fair," said Ding Haifeng, a consultant at the Shanghai-based financial advisory firm Integrity. "Technically, some of the managers, though overseeing multi-billion-yuan mutual funds, will not be able to get a high salary if they cannot generate good returns for investors."

The proposed guidelines underscore China's crackdown on industry executives.

Senior managers in mainland China's top fund-management firms previously received annual salaries as much as 6 million yuan, ranking among the highest paid professionals in the world's second largest economy. Part of their pay package was based on the size of the mutual funds that they managed.

When China's mutual funds experienced impressive growth between 2006 and 2010, as the regulator encouraged retail investors to buy into these funds, asset managers became the top beneficiaries of that growth and saw their remunerations jump.

Asset managers in China have benefited the most from the rapid growth of the country's mutual funds industry. Photo: Shutterstock alt=Asset managers in China have benefited the most from the rapid growth of the country's mutual funds industry. Photo: Shutterstock>

According to a 2008 Galaxy Securities report, the performance of domestic funds had almost nothing to do with those who managed them.
BANGKOK (AP)  Higher tariffs have dealt a severe blow to the world economy, China's premier said Tuesday, even as Chinas own trade surplus has surged past $1 trillion.

Premier Li Qiang made the remarks at a forum of top international organizations held in Beijing while top Chinese leaders are attending an annual economic planning meeting.

Starting from the beginning of this year, weve seen the stick of tariffs being wielded around the world with growing restrictive measures on the economy and trade, which have dealt a severe blow to the global economy," Li said, without mentioning U.S. President Donald Trump and his tariff hikes specifically.

"As the situation has unfolded, the damaging consequences of tariffs hurting both others and oneself have become increasingly evident, and calls from all sides to uphold free trade have grown ever stronger, Li told the gathering of top representatives from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Trade Organization.

Trumps sharply higher tariffs on imports from China and other countries have dented Chinese exports to the U.S. but that has been offset by higher shipments to other global markets. Chinese customs figures reported Monday showed exports to the United States plunged 29% in November from a year earlier in the eighth straight months of declines.

Meanwhile, China's trade surplus in dollar terms for 2025 had already exceeded $1 trillion as of November, while exports rose 5.9% from a year earlier.

Trade friction between Beijing and Washington has eased somewhat after Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in late October during a regional economic summit in South Korea. The two sides agreed to dial back earlier steps and extend a truce in retaliatory measures for a year.

With investments in technology rising, outpacing overall investments, Li called for collaborative innovation, saying "we need to embrace an open mind and work hand in hand to pursue openness and cooperation.

The Central Economic Work Conference, the annual planning meeting held this week, follows a top level meeting in October to draft China's plan for 2026-2030. It focused on China's aim to remain a global manufacturing power and build a stronger domestic economy that is more reliant on consumer spending and technological advances.

China's economy grew at a 4.8% annual pace in the last quarter, the slowest pace in a year. However, economists expect growth to hit the official 2025 target of about 5%, thanks partly to strong exports.

___

AP cameraman Borg Wong in Beijing contributed.
Feature: How one exchange program enables American youth to see the real China

Xinhua) 08:33, December 09, 2025

A student from the United States learns Chinese calligraphy during a study tour in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, April 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Yuzhang)

Back from his trip to China, Cole Loos, a junior at Muscatine High School, has become aware of how significant the "50,000 in 5 Years" Initiative is to the future of U.S.-China relations. "Through this experience, I've become even more eager to explore China and learn more about this country."

NEW YORK, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Laughter, music and notes from the traditional Chinese music instrument erhu welcomed a snowy early December night at the compound of China's Consulate-General in Chicago.

The festive vibe created by performances by American middle school students overwhelmed the gathering a week earlier of over 50 people, including teachers and parents, when students also shared experiences of learning Chinese or visiting China. Some of the stories form a part of "West Meets East: 100 American Secondary School Students' Tales about China," a book officially released at the Dec. 1 event.

The recounted Chinese trips were enabled by the "50,000 in 5 Years" Initiative, announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his 2023 visit to San Francisco. The initiative seeks to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs over five years. Some early participants in the program are sharing their thoughts and feelings about China.

THE REAL CHINA

Emmanuel Garcia-Gomez Jr. of Muscatine High School was in the first group visiting China in January 2024 under the program. He saw a giant panda, tasted Beijing duck cuisine and walked the Great Wall, memories Garcia-Gomez Jr. said he'd "cherish forever."

China is "both old and new. That was cool, the way they collided with each other."

"I think to get to know China is one thing through school or a class, but to actually get to know China by being in it and knowing the people is a whole different thing," Garcia-Gomez told Xinhua. "The taste, the feel, the smell, the sights of China really set into picture how good of a place it can be."

A wealth of Chinese culture, high-speed trains and hospitable Chinese peers were among the highlights the students mentioned.

Eighteen-year-old Lily Rabb is a student of Chicago Intercultural Montessori Language School. "I didn't have as much access as I would have liked to really fully understand China, even though I was learning Chinese," she said. "It was only when I got to go to China and actually touch Chinese soil where we got to eat Chinese food could I really understand" the country.

ENSURING FRIENDSHIP

The experiences of these American teenagers in China "told us that friendship is built through exchange," Gu Licheng, chief editor of the book on the students' travels to China and a professor at Northwestern University in the U.S., told Xinhua.

This point of view is echoed in the accounts of the participants both inside and outside the book.

"Getting to experience how warm and inviting and friendly the (Chinese) people are was really, really amazing," Ava Moore of the Montessori Language School told Xinhua. "I definitely have a better understanding of the Chinese language and Chinese people" through the program.

"And why I want to learn the language at all -- because I want to build these connections with people in China," she added.

Penelope Roewe of Niles North High School in the U.S. state of Illinois interviewed Sarah Lande of Muscatine, Iowa, and highlighted the 40-year friendship between President Xi and his Iowan friends, including Lande.

The friendship produced a profound "impact" over the years, inspiring American teens to visit China and make Chinese friends, she said.

During her two-week stay in China in 2024, Roewe made new friends in every city she visited. "We had many differences, but through this interaction, we realized all our similarities," she wrote.

The relations between China and the United States "should be a friendship where not only innovation is shared, but each culture is appreciated," she noted.

Luca Berrone, a board member of Iowa Sister States, is an old friend of President Xi. He has been actively pushing the "50,000 in 5 Years" Initiative statewide.

"It really warms my heart to look at the students and feel their enthusiasm about their trip and what they discover," he told Xinhua.

"One of the most meaningful things that the kids we have exposed to this initiative come back with is the ability to relate to friends, young friends, same-age friends, and their family in China," he said. "That moment that they come together and exchange ideas, passions, and interests has become kind of the culmination of their trip."

A SHARED FUTURE

Young people are energetic and full of dreams, and the future of China-U.S. relations lies with them, President Xi said in a message to a China-U.S. youth festival held in eastern China in June 2024.

He also expressed hope that Chinese and U.S. youth will have in-depth exchanges, enhance friendship, know each other well and work hand in hand to carry forward China-U.S. friendship, contribute to the sound and steady growth of China-U.S. relations, and work with people around the world to build peace, promote progress and create prosperity.

During the Dec. 1 event in Chicago, principals from 18 elementary and middle schools in both China and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding to expand inter-school cooperation and long-term exchange mechanisms.

The Montessori Language School inked a partnership with a Shanghai middle school. Head of the school Roderick Shaw said: "We have sister schools, so that we could exchange information, we could collaborate together, we could learn how to work together by understanding each other's tradition, each other's culture, and each other's strength."

China and the U.S. are both major countries, "so why not educate the young students, so that they together could understand their strength, and build upon that to have a better world," he said.

Regarding the "50,000 in 5 Years" Initiative, he said the vision opens a window for American teenagers to see China.

Back from his trip to China, Cole Loos, a junior at Muscatine High School, has become aware of how significant the initiative is to the future of U.S.-China relations. "Through this experience, I've become even more eager to explore China and learn more about this country."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) is one of the Good Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On December 2, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) announced that it will release its fiscal Q4 2025 results on February 3. The stock has plunged more than 14.5% since its last earnings release.

Regardless, Wall Street maintains a positive outlook on the stock. Analysts 12-month price target reflects more than 31.4% upside from the current level, driven by a brighter outlook for consumer stocks. On December 3, Bernstein analyst Alexia Howard released a research note highlighting that while Consumer stocks have underperformed the broader market, the forward earnings valuation looks attractive. The firm believes that further volatility in the tech sector can lead investors to find a safe haven in the Consumer Staples sector, and companies with international exposure within the sector are expected to benefit the most.

Earlier on November 21, Bernstein SocGen Group reiterated a Buy rating on Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) with a $40 price target. The firm highlighted that they reassessed their total addressable market analysis and found that the companys store potential remains intact. Bernstein added that the recent challenges that have led the stock performance down are more cyclical rather than structural. The firm believes that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) has untapped levers, which will help the company grow traffic.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) owns and operates a chain of fast-casual restaurants specializing in customizable Mexican-inspired dishes like burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads made with fresh ingredients.

While we acknowledge the potential of CMG 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.
The Scoop

Seeking a compromise over controlling exports to China, the White House plans to direct the US Department of Commerce to allow the export of powerful Nvidia GPUs that are roughly 18 months behind its most advanced offerings, according to a person with knowledge of the plan.

The move, which would send Nvidia H200s to China, seeks to find a middle ground between those who oppose exports of any advanced AI chips and those who worry that restrictions will merely hand the market to Chinese competitors. It also aims to satisfy the Chinese government, which has blocked imports of less powerful chips, such as Nvidias H20.

The move comes after comments from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that the decision is in the hands of President Trump. According to a person familiar with the matter, Lutnick is supportive of the strategy. A spokesman from Commerce declined to comment. The H200 exports could bolster Nvidias revenue by opening up a huge market for its chips while ensuring US technology remains the standard worldwide.

The US enacted strict export restrictions under the Biden Administration in an effort to prevent China from catching up on AI. But some in the White House believe those restrictions have more or less failed, according to people familiar with their thinking.

Despite the restrictions, Chinese companies like DeepSeek and Alibaba have produced world class AI models and companies like Huawei have made rapid progress in producing hardware to fill the void left by the export restrictions.

Proponents of the restrictions argue that they served to slow China and give US companies a head start on gaining global market share during a critical period.

In the meantime, the US has struggled to revamp its domestic chip manufacturing supply to counter overreliance on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, and China has exerted leverage over the US with its stranglehold on rare earth minerals needed for batteries and other critical technologies.

Spokespeople for Nvidia and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Know More

The US initially sought a compromise by allowing Nvidia to export a less powerful version of the H200, known as the H20.

China balked, instructing companies to stop purchasing H20s due to security concerns. The ban gave breathing room to companies like Huawei, which would have had to compete against the H20.

Some in the White House saw the failure of the H20 exports as a win for the Chinese competitors of US chip makers, and went back to the drawing board.
Real-estate developer DarGlobal and Art District Real Estate Development have partnered to develop Marine, Art & Digital District (MAD) in Muscat, Oman.

The project will cover more than 1.5 million square metres along Omans coastline with an estimated gross development value of OR1.6bn ($4.2bn).

Construction and development are scheduled across multiple phases during the next 12 years.

The district aims to combine residential properties, hospitality facilities, cultural spaces, retail outlets, business parks, marinas, and hotels within one integrated location.

DarGlobal CEO Ziad El Chaar said: MAD represents a defining step in how Omans coastline will be experienced and how its future economy will emerge.

Together with Art District Real Estate development, we are building a destination that goes beyond real estate to empower enterprise, attract global talent, support cultural production and unlock new economic value. MAD is a new gateway for Oman, one inspired by the sea and shaped by innovation.

MAD is set to support Omans ongoing economic diversification strategy by focusing on expanding the domestic culture, tourism, technology, finance, and investment sectors.

Planned features of the coastal destination include areas for international art exhibitions, digital business incubators, a financial centre, and a programme of cultural events throughout the year.

The developers have stated that MAD will provide infrastructure to support property transactions and business operations through digital licensing and asset exchanges.

These measures are intended to attract foreign investors and entrepreneurs while enabling new business models linked with property ownership and digital enterprise, said DarGlobal.

MAD is an ecosystem where creators, innovators and investors meet; not only to live or visit, but to participate. That participation defines the future of real estate, and we are proud to shape it in Oman, added El Chaar.

DarGlobals portfolio spans 14 cities from London to Dubai and nine countries. The company revealed last month that its total international development pipeline surpassed $19bn across several markets.

In September, it purchased 28,800m of land for a mixed-use project in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

"DarGlobal launches $4.2bn coastal destination project in Muscat" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




The European Union (EU) is preparing to introduce a new category for compact electric cars, with lighter technical standards than existing batterypowered models, according to a Nikkei Asia report.

The move comes as part of an effort to reduce manufacturing costs and sharpen price competition with Chinese brands.

The European Commission is expected to publish a draft framework shortly for the E car category.

The new class would come into force in the next few years once it has been approved by key institutions.

Under the emerging proposal, the category would be defined using criteria such as vehicle dimensions, weight and motor displacement.

Member states are also due to discuss how national vehicle tax exemptions might apply to these models.

Current EU regulations require electric cars to be fitted with features including driver drowsiness monitoring, lanekeeping systems and emergency stop signalling.

These rules were designed around longerrange vehicles and have added to production costs for smaller EVs.

Industry price expectations cited in the report suggest that models falling under the new compact EV class could sell for 10-20% less than comparable current offerings, bringing list prices into the region of 15,000-20,000 ($17,500 to $23,200).

The EU has already moved to raise tariffs on Chinesebuilt electric cars, with duties now reaching as high as 45.3%.

The new classification is intended to help European manufacturers to better compete on price.

The framework is viewed as particularly relevant for European groups developing compact battery cars, including Volkswagen, Stellantis and Renault.

The report says incentives tied to the E car class - such as development support and tax incentives - are expected to depend on vehicles being built within the EU.

On that basis, BYD, which has a manufacturing facility in Hungary, would be the only Chinese carmaker currently positioned to qualify for such support.

In Japan, Kei models are defined by limits on factors such as size and emissions, and accounted for 35% of new light vehicle registrations in Japan in 2024.

The EU has previously criticised Japans kei regulations, describing them as a form of nontariff barrier.

The blocs own compact EV classification is now poised to affect the strategies of Japanese manufacturers that specialise in kei cars.

Some of their models could be sold in Europe without needing any changes to their specifications.

"EU prepares new compact EV class in push to cut costs" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.
Belgium-based Euroclear holds the vast bulk of Russian central bank assets frozen in the EU (Nicolas TUCAT)

EU reassurances over its plan to use frozen Russian assets to help fund Ukraine have failed to quell worries about the untested scheme, the organisation holding most of the funds told AFP.

"We've made very, very clear that we still have concerns," Guillaume Eliet, chief risk officer at Brussels-based clearing house Euroclear, told AFP in an interview.

The European Commission is pushing to tap some 200 billion euros ($232 billion) of Russian central bank assets immobilised in the bloc to provide a desperately needed loan for Kyiv.

Officials are desperate to get agreement on an initial 90 billion euros to prop up Ukraine's finances at an EU leaders' summit on December 18.

But the complex plan -- under which Euroclear loans the money to the European Union, which in turn loans it to Kyiv -- faces resistance from Belgium over fears of potential financial and legal reprisals from Moscow.

The EU's executive has insisted it would put a "three-tier defence" in place that would mean there is "no scenario" under which Euroclear would not be able to get the money to repay Russia if needed.

Under that system the EU says member states can provide guarantees that they will help cover any liabilities.

But Eliet said Euroclear -- a key cog in Europe's financial machinery processing equities, bonds, derivative and investment fund transfers -- still needs convincing that those promises mean it could get the funds immediately if required.

"We need to make sure that in a very short timeframe we can access the liquidity," he said in the interview Monday.

"How can we be reassured that if we need the money on Monday morning we can call out these guarantees?"

Euroclear still holds some 16 billion euros of client assets in Russia that it worries Moscow could seize in retribution -- and it would have to compensate.

While guarantees from EU states were a positive step, Eliet insisted it was unclear how binding they would be if there were political changes in those countries.

"Are we sure that in 10 years down the road we would still be protected?" he said.

- 'Doable' -

A further concern is that the move could be seen as confiscating Russian assets, something the commission insists is not the case.

The company -- which has over 40 trillion euros under custody -- also frets that it would knock confidence in the broader eurozone economy.

"The setup as it's presented today may still be considered, especially by international investors, a signal that maybe Europe is not a safe place to invest in," Eliet said.
U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas have been on a record-breaking streak this year, on track to book a 40% annual surge in November, thanks to strong European demand. There is just one problem: this strong demand is fueling higher prices; higher prices are eating into LNG exporters profits.

When European energy supermajors went after Venture Global, they accused the company of making billions on the spot market while violating its contracts with the supermajors. Venture Global did indeed make billionsand it wasnt the only one. Europe suddenly found itself with 30% less pipeline gas imports and had to switch to LNG, whatever the price. This last part is important, because, since 2022, a lot has changed, and not for the better when it comes to the biggest market for U.S. liquefied gas.

The collective EU economy has not been doing very well in the past three years. Part of the reason, ironic as it is, is higher energy costs, made higher by transition-related taxing and the switch from pipeline gas to LNG. LNG cannot be on par with piped gas on price simply because its production is more complicated, adding to costs, similar to the cost difference between so-called grey hydrogen and green hydrogen; different production processes result in different prices.

Related: US Oil Rig Count Stages A Comeback After Last Weeks Losses

Now, a new aspect is emerging in the price dynamics of LNG: higher demand at home due to seasonal variations, and Big Techs rush to secure energy supply for future data centers is adding to record demand from LNG exporters. As a result, Henry Hub topped $5 per million British thermal units this week. This is certainly lower than the over $8 per mmBtu price the market witnessed in 2022, but it is also notably higher than the November average of $3.79 per mmBtu, not to mention the $2.12 per mmBtu that was the average for November 2024.

Higher prices could certainly be passed on to customers. Europe, for one, has little alternative to U.S. liquefied gas. First, because European buyers are still sceptical of long-term contracts, on which Qatarthe other big LNG supplier to Europeinsists, and second, because it has committed via the European Commission to buy $750 billion worth of U.S. energy commodities.

Yet there is a problem with passing the whole additional cost to customers: they might go broke and stop being customers. Thats just the crudest scenario, however. In the case of Europe and U.S. LNG, the problem right now is that while U.S. gas prices go up, Europes gas prices are actually coming down because there is no shortage of supplyeven if the price is climbing higher.
Generally, when a single insider buys stock, it is usually not a big deal. However, when several insiders are buying, like in the case of Essentra plc (LON:ESNT), it sends a favourable message to the company's shareholders.

Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

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.

Essentra Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Independent Non-Executive Chairman Steve Good bought UK38k worth of shares at a price of UK1.09 per share. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being UK0.96). It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock if insiders have bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price.

Essentra insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

See our latest analysis for Essentra

LSE:ESNT Insider Trading Volume December 9th 2025

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of undervalued small cap companies that insiders are buying.

Insider Ownership

I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. It appears that Essentra insiders own 5.2% of the company, worth about UK14m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.

So What Do The Essentra Insider Transactions Indicate?

It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded Essentra shares in the last quarter. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Overall we don't see anything to make us think Essentra insiders are doubting the company, and they do own shares. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Essentra. In terms of investment risks, we've identified 2 warning signs with Essentra and understanding them should be part of your investment process.
Fraud represents more than 40% of all recorded crime in the UK, prompting finance professionals to call on technology companies to take a more active role in combating online-enabled scams in the UK.

At the 2025 Economic Crime Congress, UK Finance urged international technology companies to grasp the scale of the crisis and work in closer partnership with regulators, law enforcement, and civil society organisations.

Criminals obtained 629.3m ($838.5m) during the first half of 2025, a 3% rise over the same timeframe in 2024, highlighting an urgent need for better preventive measures.

While losses continue to climb, with more than two million cases reported so far in 2025, most fraudulent activities originate from social media and telecommunications services rather than banks.

This trend places attention on technology firms as significant players in efforts against economic crime.

Financial institutions now spend around 38bn annually on compliance requirements, much of which is related to antimoney laundering laws instead of directly addressing fraud.

This has resulted in banks shouldering a larger share of both costs and obligations, while technology companies face fewer rules or financial consequences related to online scam prevention.

Industry representatives, lawmakers and enforcement bodies have raised concerns that this situation cannot continue indefinitely.

The current system places a disproportionate burden on banks, even though many scams start on digital platforms operated by technology firms that are subject to relatively limited regulation and accountability.

Discussions at the event included proposals for live data-sharing arrangements, improved identity checks and regulatory changes intended to close gaps in digital platform oversight, user onboarding procedures and automated financial transaction systems that are exploited by offenders.

The nature of fraud is changing rapidly as new tactics emerge, including those using artificial intelligence, impersonation tools and automated methods.

Addressing these evolving risks requires joint responsibility across different sectors.

The overall effectiveness of efforts to reduce fraud will depend increasingly on how well technology companies cooperate with other financial sector participants.

Basware chief product and technology officer Perttu Nihti said: The warnings from UK Finance underline a hard truth highlights how fraud is no longer a problem that can be tackled by banks alone. At the same time, generative AI is accelerating invoice and payment fraud at an alarming pace.
The good news for those interested in giving away their business? There are now more governance models available than ever before.

As the baby boomer generation looks to the legacy they want to leave behind, Millennials and Gen Z look ahead to the legacies they want to build, with some founding successful companies where giving 100% of their profits away is baked in from the beginning. Entrepreneurs like John and Hank Green of The Good Store, and Adam McCurdie and Joshua Ross of Humanitix, are challenging the critics of the business for good model by showing that you can grow a successful business while simultaneously giving away all profits.

Why give away your business? A generosity exit allows you to maximize your giving through an engine that will keep generating profits every year, creating a philanthropic annuity, while preserving the company, its employees, and the culture built over decades. Besides, conventional exit options may not be a great fit for your values if youve spent decades investing in your employees and your community. Selling to private equity or another business could mean layoffs and a decimated culture. Not all owners have family heirs who want or can take over. Going public is only available to the biggest businesses and subjects your lifes work to quarterly earnings pressures and the short-term thinking that comes along with it. Purpose and legacy can be more important than a big check at the end of your life, especially if you already made good money throughout your lifes work.

An estimated 2.9 million private U.S. businesses are owned by those over 55. Over the next 20 years, the Great Wealth Transfer and  The Great Boomer Fire Sale  is a unique opportunity to reimagine business exits as an act of generosity.

While some business leaders are focused on how to make their fortunes in AI or crypto, others are choosing to walk away with nothing except what matters most: a philanthropic annuity to cement their legacy. As the President and CEO of one of the most famous brands that gives 100% of its profits away, I am hearing from more and more CEOs and business owners who want to follow in Paul Newman or Yvon Chouinards footsteps. These leaders spent decades building profitable enterprises and are now working to transfer ownership of their companies, not to the highest bidder, but to foundations, nonprofits, purpose-driven trusts, or to their employees.

The most radical act in capitalism today isnt launching a unicorn startup or orchestrating a multi-billion-dollar IPO  its giving your company away in service of good.

Story Continues

Choosing the Right Structure for Your Exit

Through the passage of the Philanthropic Enterprise Act in 2018, foundations can now own 100% for-profit companies in the US. Newmans Own Foundation is an example of this. As a result, one hundred percent of profits and royalties from sales of Newmans Own products go to the Foundation in service of its mission: to nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity.

Patagonia uses a perpetual purpose trust, a type of steward-owned ownership which is more common in Europe. Since 2022, the trust holds 100% of the companys voting stock to ensure its environmental mission and values are preserved indefinitely, while profits are funnelled to a 501c(4), Holdfast Collective to give away to climate causes. These models create what economists call lock-in effects allowing owners to keep mission front and center, even when theyre gone.

Over 6,500 U.S. companies are now fully or part-owned by their workers, using Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), including Bobs Red Mill and King Arthur Baking Company. These models support business continuity and create thousands of employee-owners who are invested in the companys long-term success. While in many cases, these exits are financed through loans, theres nothing stopping an owner from giving the business to their workers.

You can also look at hybrid models. For example, Organic Grown Company uses a perpetual purpose trust to ensure profits are split between equity investors, employees, growers, and nonprofits.

And while a business owner may decide to establish their own foundation, why reinvent the wheel? There are plenty of existing foundations and non-profits who could be worthy recipients if you want to give your company away. Back in 2011, Amar Bose gave the majority of the stock of the sound system company Bose corporation to his alma mater, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the form of non-voting shares.

Whats Next?

This holiday season is upon us, and whether you own a business or not, its a good time to reflect on what matters most: What are your values? How much money is enough for yourself and your family? What does legacy mean to you?

For CEOs and owners considering a generosity exit, the first step is to assemble the right team: attorneys experienced in foundation-ownership, purpose trusts, or ESOPs, financial advisors who understand tax implications of these unique paths, independent directors or trustees who share your vision. Organizations like 100% for Purpose, Purpose Trust Ownership Network, and Purpose Foundation can provide resources and case studies.

Start mapping out your plan, and be patient as a transition could take years, not months. Yvon Chouinard spent two years structuring Patagonias transition. While Paul Newman decided from the beginning to give all of the food companys profits away back when it began in 1982, the first few years were just him writing checks at the end of the year. A foundation was initially established in 1998, and became Newmans Own Foundation before Pauls death, at which point the food company was gifted to the Foundation. The complexity isnt just legalits emotional, relational, and cultural, but ideally, the transition can happen while youre still actively involved, can steward the shift, and can see the rewards of your hard labor pay dividends for good.

In this day and age of robots and artificial intelligence, its good to remember Paul Newmans wise words: Corporations are not inhuman money machines. They must accept that they exist inside a community. They have a moral responsibility to be involved. They cant just sit there without acknowledging that theres stuff going on around them.

Building a profitable company is hard but whats truly meaningful is to let them go in service of good. In doing so, we allow our work to live on in ways that matter far beyond the balance sheet.

The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
U.S.-based automobile original equipment manufacturers have been quite vocal on the European auto industry in recent weeks as the European Commission is set to release its new climate and green energy proposal on Wednesday, December 10.

Last week, Stellantis chairman John Elkann spoke publicly about the legislation. He said the auto industry has shared its own package of proposals to help shape the legislation, as concerns persist that the EU will strengthen its emissions targets and mandates to phase out the sale of internal combustion engines.

November Ford sales by brand

Ford F-150 Lightning : 1,006 (-72%)

Ford Mustang Mach-E : 3,014 (-49%)

Ford SUVs : 55,888 (-3.7%)

Ford Bronco: 11,045 (+7%)

Source: Ford

There is another way to cut emissions in Europe in a constructive and agreed way, restoring the growth we have lost and peoples needs, Elkann said. If it doesnt, he says, the European auto industry risks an irreversible decline.

Ford CEO Jim Farley also spoke about the legislation recently, but his angle had more to do with Chinese competition and how the European auto industry is losing ground.

Ford wants to bring a new style of EV to Europe by 2028.Photo by INA FASSBENDER on Getty Images

Ford CEO Jim Farley warns Europe about Chinese competition

On Dec. 8, Ford CEO Jim Farley penned an op-Ed in the Financial Times entitled "Europe is risking the future of its auto industry."

In the letter, Farley said the auto industry was looking at Europe with concern  again as it awaits the latest update to emissions rules. The central thesis of his argument is that the EU cannot mandate EV demand.

Related: Ford CEO Jim Farley has a stark warning for Europe

The elephant in the room is that European customers  both individuals and businesses  simply are not buying EVs in big numbers, Farley said.

But some of the op-Ed was also directed at foreign EV competition from China.

According to Farley, Europes rules are opening the door for increased competition from state-subsidized EVs from China to dominate the market. Chinese brands have doubled their market share in the region in just 12 months, reaching a record 5.5% in August.

This is having a ripple effect on Europes automotive production, as the region lost 90,000 auto-industry jobs in 2024 alone, according to Farley, and EU vehicle production remains 3 million units below pre-Covid levels.

On Dec. 9, Ford unveiled a new European partnership to offer an alternative to a Chinese takeover.

Ford teams up with Renault to build EVs in Europe

"We face a flood of state-subsidized EV imports from China, structurally designed to undercut European labor and manufacturing," Farley said. "China has more than enough manufacturing overcapacity to sell to every new vehicle customer in Europe."
Renault Group and Ford have formed a strategic partnership for passenger and commercial vehicles, starting with two affordable electric cars in Europe.

The two companies have signed a partnership agreement to develop two Ford-branded passenger electric vehicles based on Renault Group's Ampere platform. The cars will be manufactured by Renault Group in France (northern France, at the ElectriCity facility).

The planned new vehicles are expected to arrive in showrooms in 2028.

Additionally, the companies will explore the opportunity to collaborate in the commercial vehicle segment in Europe, to jointly develop and manufacture Renault- and Ford-branded selected light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

GlobalData analyst Justin Cox told Just Auto: "This partnership reflects heightened competition in the European light vehicle marketplace and the entry of Chinese OEMs with low price BEVs. This is a way for both OEMs to reduce costs on future electric vehicles - both cars and potentially, light commercial vehicles, where Ampere has already invested heavily in software engineering and platform development."

The companies said the partnership will combine the expertise and industrial scale of Renault Group and Ford in Europe and will enhance the competitiveness of both parties.

Jim Farley (left) and Francois Provost

Francois Provost, CEO Renault Group said: "Renault Group is proud to announce a new strategic cooperation with Ford, an iconic car manufacturer. This partnership shows the strength of our partnership know-how and competitiveness in Europe. In the long term, combining our strengths with Ford will make us more innovative and more responsive in a fast-changing European automotive market."

Jim Farley, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company said: "The strategic partnership with Renault Group marks an important step for Ford and supports our strategy to build a highly efficient and fit-for-the future business in Europe. We will combine Renault Group's industrial scale and EV assets with Ford's iconic design and driving dynamics to create vehicles that are fun, capable, and distinctly Ford in spirit."

"Ford and Renault form strategic partnership for BEVS" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




Traditional retail stores are disappearing rapidly, leaving behind empty mall storefronts and shuttered stand-alone locations across the globe. Rising operating costs, combined with the continued growth of e-commerce, have changed consumer expectations and made it increasingly difficult for many brick-and-mortar shops to remain profitable.

According to CoreSight Research, retailers across multiple sectors announced 67% more closures in 2025 than in the previous year.

But consumers haven't stopped shopping their favorite brands; they're simply changing how they shop. These shifting habits have created a significant discrepancy between the number of closures and new store openings in the industry.

Now, several major labels are reducing their global footprints for a surprising reason, and they all belong to the same parent company.

Inditex (Industria de Diseno Textil, S.A.), the Spanish retail giant behind some of the most popular fast-fashion brands worldwide, including Zara, Zara Home, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, and Lefties, operates thousands of physical stores across 97 markets as well as 214 online platforms.

Inditex closes 132 stores across multiple brands

Inditex (IDEXY) has closed 132 stores year-to-date as of October 31, 2025, ending the quarter with 5,527 locations, according to its nine-month fiscal 2025 earnings report. The closures are part of the company's strategy to streamline operations and improve long-term profitability.

Over the past two years, Inditex has been executing a large-scale expansion and modernization plan, investing 900 million ($1.05 billion) annually to upgrade logistics capabilities, renovate existing units, and relocate or open stores in more strategic, high-traffic areas.

"The end result of our unique approach is the integration of the physical with the online experience in a seamless manner that permits us, across multiple formats, to rapidly react to changing fashion trends and offer the latest collections," Inditex CEO Oscar Garcia Maceiras said in an earning call.

Inditex store closures by brand

Zara: 60

Zara Home: 27

Pull&Bear: 12

Massimo Dutti: 23

Stradivarius: 6

Oysho: 18

Bershka and Lefties were the only brands to increase their footprint, opening four and 10 new stores, respectively. However, some of Inditex's other brands also opened new locations along with the closures, yet the company's store count didn't grow.

Inditex closes 132 stores across multiple brands.Shutterstock

Inditex boosts in-store sales despite shutdowns

Despite the closures, Inditex's strategy appears to be paying off. Total sales increased 2.7% to 28.2 billion ($32.82 billion), primarily driven by strong customer satisfaction with both its in-store and online experiences.

"Store sales have been strong, online sales have been great, so all-around an excellent performance," said Inditex Director of Investor Relations Groka Garcia-Tapia.

More Store Closures:

The company has also seen growing adoption of its self-checkout technology, with some flagship stores reaching nearly 90% of transactions through automated kiosks, a significant jump from 30% at Zara in the first quarter of 2025.

Early fourth-quarter results show continued momentum, with Autumn/Winter collections delivering a 10.6% rise in sales from November 1 through December 1.

The rise of online shopping and store closures worldwide

Global online shopping revenue surpassed $6 trillion in 2024 and is projected to reach $10 trillion by 2033, according to Capital One Shopping. Still, most consumers prefer in-person shopping, as worldwide e-commerce sales accounted for only 19.9% of total sales in 2024.

For that reason, companies like Inditex continue to invest in their physical stores by renovating, optimizing, and integrating digital tools to boost growth and keep customers engaged.

"Stores are valuable assets," said EY Global Consumer Senior Analyst Jon Copestake to CX Dive. "If you were to consider cutting or eliminating store footprints because of the rise of online and the rise of AI buying, etc., then you may be missing a significant trick."

Forbes Consumer Expert Contributor Kate Hardcastle also noted that, "One of Inditex's major strengths is its omnichannel integration, blending physical stores with a strong online presence. This seamless shopping experience has been critical in keeping Inditex at the forefront of fashion retail, particularly as consumers increasingly demand flexibility in how they shop."

Retail closures pose broader economic challenges

Despite Inditex's resilience, the impacts of widespread closures are still significant. The retail industry is the largest private-sector employer in the U.S., contributing $5.3 trillion to the annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs, which totals 55 million workers, according to the National Retail Federation.

"Vacant storefronts are becoming an increasingly common sight, and declining commercial property values are the norm," said Approved Funding President and Chief Lending Officer Shmuel Shayowitz. "For consumers, the fallout means fewer choices, diminished access to in-person shopping, and, in some cases, higher prices due to reduced competition."

Other major retail closures:

Related: Why your favorite retail store is going out of business

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Dec 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Its a good day to be a buffer.

Last week, Goldman Sachs announced plans to acquire defined-outcome ETF provider Innovator Capital Management in a deal worth $2 billion. The move will catapult Goldman from an early-stage defined-outcome issuer, having launched its first buffer products in 2023, to the second-largest player. As new product providers continue to spring up  some 50 ETF brands could launch this year, according to VettaFi investment strategist Cinthia Murphy  issuer consolidation is expected to become a mainstay in the industry in the years to come.

This pace of expansion will likely lead to consolidation and M&A activity because competition in this industry is only getting fiercer, Murphy said. While some ETF providers may look for scale and distribution muscle through M&A, others may look to grow their footprint by acquiring unique expertise and product innovation. The Goldman Sachs-Innovator Capital deal is a great example of that.

SUBSCRIBE: Receive more of our free ETF Upside newsletter. READ ALSO: What Netflixs Deal With Warner Bros. Highlights About Leveraged ETFs and BlackRock to Launch Staked Ethereum ETF

Stealing the Spotlight

Up until recently, much of the attention has been directed at M&A in the independent advice space, as RIA dealmaking activity continues to break records. But ETF consolidation is set to take off, particularly as wealth managers bring more niche strategies to their clients, said Greg Stumm, CEO of American Beacon Partners. I think [there will be demand for] defined outcome [and] buffered ETFs  fixed income ETFs, as well as more truly active ETFs, Stumm said. Push will come to shove, he added, when firms are faced with the choice of whether to build or buy. [The Goldman deal] shows the importance of scale and breadth of product, Stumm said. When youre seeing consolidation here, youve got specialist firms that have very unique, interesting products now partnering with bigger platforms that have broader product offerings to offer a more complete set, especially to the financial intermediary world.

The Goldman deal will also:

Place the bank second in terms of its defined outcome assets behind First Trust, which has $33 billion in the category.

Bring Innovators more than 150 defined-outcome products and their $28 billion in assets under the Goldman Sachs name.

Get With the Times. Goldman currently has three buffer ETFs with about $36 million in assets under management. Buying up another companys products can bring a providers own offerings in line with whats popular, Murphy said. The timing also seems opportune, she added. Weve seen demand for defined-outcome ETFs grow as investors get more comfortable with the mechanics of these funds and look for downside protection in an uncertain market.

This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive exclusive news and analysis of the rapidly evolving ETF landscape, built for advisors and capital allocators, subscribe to our free ETF Upside newsletter.
Google has been hit by a European Union probe over suspicions the US tech giant is abusing its market power in its rollout of artificial intelligence, days after Meta Platforms Inc. was targeted by a similar probe.

In another move likely to stoke White House criticism, EU watchdogs said they will examine whether the Alphabet Inc. unit imposed unfair terms on content creators and giving its own AI model an advantage over its rivals.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Brussels-based European Commission will also examine to what extent the generation of AI Overviews and AI Mode by Google is based on web publishers content and if they are paid appropriately for that.

Photographer: Ksenia Kuleshova/Bloomberg

This case is once again a strong signal of our commitment to protecting the online press and other content creators, and to ensuring fair competition in emerging AI markets, Teresa Ribera, the EUs antitrust commissioner said in a Brussels speech on Tuesday.

Google said the EU case risks stifling innovation in a market that is more competitive than ever. Europeans deserve to benefit from the latest technologies and we will continue to work closely with the news and creative industries as they transition to the AI era.

The fresh probe follows Septembers fine of almost 3 billion ($3.5 billion) against Google for allegedly favoring its own advertising technology services over rivals, which provoked the ire of US President Donald Trump, who slammed the fine as discriminatory.

Last week, the Trump administration lashed out at a fine for Elon Musks X for its violations of rules governing online content. The commission also raised eyebrows across the Atlantic by signing off on a probe into how tools on Metas WhatsApp may unfairly thwart rival AI providers.

Trump officials have particularly focused on a series of costly EU penalties against Big Tech firms, including more than 9.5 billion in fines against Google and a separate order for Apple to pay Ireland back taxes of 13 billion.

Trump has threatened to impose fresh tariffs and export restrictions on advanced technology over the issue. And US officials say they wont ease 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum products until the EU loosens its tech rules.

The tech giant has also faced billions of other fines from the EU in the shape of a 4.13 billion Android penalty and a 2.42 billion fine for crushing shopping search rivals. A 1.49 billion AdSense levy was annulled last year.
This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Google Play store consumers may finally be getting a payout from a $700 million settlement the tech giant agreed to pay two years ago. It resolved antitrust complaints filed in 2021 by consumers and 53 states and U.S. territories.

Plaintiffs are notifying potential claimants this month about their potential recovery from the 2023 settlement covering a seven-year period, with the first notices sent last week, the attorneys general of New York and California said Wednesday and Thursday in respective statements about the claims process.

People who want to object to the settlement, or to be excluded from it, have until Feb. 19, 2026 to file notice, according to the California AGs press release. A federal judge is scheduled to consider final approval of the settlement on April 30.

Dive Insight:

The settlement includes $630 million Google has paid into a fund for consumers and $70 million to be shared by the states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

It covers people who made purchases at Googles Play store between August 2016 and September 2023, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in the press release. That group numbers more than 100 million people, although its unclear how many will apply for funds, a spokesman for the New York attorney general said Friday.

The consumer and states lawsuits alleged that Google stifled competition and inflated prices in its Android apps store.

Among other terms, the settlement requires the company to adjust its applications store business practices, including allowing app developers to let customers purchase via non-Google payment systems for at least five years. Sellers will also be able to offer lower prices within their apps to entice users to use alternative payment and billing methods for five years.

Alphabet-owned Google did not admit wrongdoing, fault, liability, or damage of any kind as part of the settlement.

Two law firms that represented consumer plaintiffs requested fees of $85 million, Reuters reported in September. The $630 million settlement fund accrues interest and is subject to federal taxes, according to the pact.

U.S. District Judge James Donato in San Francisco offered tentative approval of the settlement last month after expressing skepticism about its terms early last year at a hearing, Bloomberg News reported.

Most of the claims payments will be made automatically via PayPal Holdings or Venmo through the associated email address or mobile telephone number associated with their Google Play account, New York Attorney General Letitia James said Wednesday in a consumer alert.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Revenue: Increased by 40.3% to $363 million.

Comparable Store Sales Growth: Increased by 31.6%.

Online Revenue: Increased by 43.3% to $63.2 million.

Gross Margin: Expanded by 310 basis points to 66.1%.

Adjusted EBITDA Margin: Reached a record 40.2%, up 650 basis points year over year.

Net Earnings: Increased to $81.5 million from $40.4 million in Q3 2024.

Free Cash Flow: Increased by $77.3 million to $119.5 million.

Store Openings: 8 new Garage stores opened in the US; 3 new remodels in Canada.

Cash and Credit Facilities: Ended Q3 with $254 million in cash and $312 million available under credit facilities.

Share Repurchase: 123,800 shares repurchased at an average price of $63.11.

Special Dividend: Announced a $2.30 per share one-time special dividend.

Release Date: December 09, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

Groupe Dynamite Inc (GRGDF) reported a record adjusted EBITDA margin of 40.2%, up 650 basis points year over year.

Comparable store sales increased by 31.6%, showing significant improvement from the previous quarter.

The company achieved a gross margin of 66.1%, the highest in more than three years.

Strong growth in online revenue, which increased by 43.3% to $63.2 million.

The company raised its fiscal 2025 guidance for both comparable sales and adjusted EBITDA margin.

Negative Points

Adjusted SG&A expenses increased by 24% due to the company's growing scale and activities.

The company faces challenges in securing high-quality real estate locations due to competitive market conditions.

Despite strong performance, the company acknowledges that the air is getting thin at current margin levels, indicating potential limits to further expansion.

The company is still working on improving its digital platform, with some personalization efforts still in progress.

There is uncertainty about replicating the current year's strong performance in the next fiscal year, as noted by analysts.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide more color on the contribution from traffic versus price in the Q3 comps and what you've seen on a Q4 to date basis? A: The vast majority of the growth is driven by traffic and transactions, followed by Average Unit Retail (AUR) increases. This trend has been consistent over the past few quarters and continues into Q4.

Q: How has the store base evolved in terms of tier locations since the IPO, and what is the outlook for store upgrades? A: At the time of the IPO, Tier 4 and Tier 5 locations were the majority. Now, the majority of our stores are in Tier 1, 2, and 3 locations, which we qualify as investment grade. We expect this trend to continue, with future openings in these higher-tier locations.
Hamelin Gold has commenced on-ground exploration at its Venus gold project in the Murchison gold district of Western Australia (WA) following the award of a second exploration licence.

With 300km of granted tenure, the Venus gold project exploration positions Hamelin Gold among the largest tenement holders in the Cue region.

The project is located approximately 15km south-east of Cue and 10km east of Caprice Resources Island Gold discovery.

It lies south-west of the Comet and Tuckabianna gold corridors, each of which hosts deposits exceeding one million ounces (moz) of gold.

The majority of the tenements are concealed beneath lake sediments and have experienced limited historical exploration.

Hamelin Gold managing director Peter Bewick said: It is an exciting time with the commencement of on-ground exploration activities and the grant of our second exploration licence at our Venus gold project. The project now consists of 300km of granted tenure, making Hamelin one of the largest tenement holders in the Cue region.

Tenure covers the southern extensions of the Tuckabianna and Comet gold corridors and significant areas of unexplored greenstone stratigraphy. Hamelins Venus gold project sits in the heart of the +15moz Murchison goldfield. Our initial exploration programme involved surface soil sampling across the western and southern extensions of the +1moz Comet gold deposit.

A surface soil sampling programme, which was recently completed at the project, targeted the interpreted western margin and southern extension of the Comet mine sequence.

On 3 December 2025, exploration licence E58/644 was granted, covering the interpreted southern extension of the Tuckabianna shear zone.

The company said it is finalising plans for a heritage survey across multiple targets within the project area to prepare for its inaugural drilling programme at Venus.

The heritage survey is scheduled for completion in February 2026, with drilling expected to commence shortly thereafter.

Bewick added: A detailed aeromagnetic survey over the recently granted southern tenement is planned for January 2026. We are also preparing for a heritage survey in early 2026 with drilling of lake targets to commence shortly thereafter. The Venus gold project is an exciting new addition to Hamelin Golds exploration portfolio and the commencement of exploration activities at the project is an important milestone for the company.

Hamelin Gold has a compelling opportunity to explore for gold beneath Lake Austin, where strong conceptual structural geology is present and the area lacks previous exploration.
With a market cap of $36.1 billion, The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (HIG) is a long-established provider of insurance and financial services operating across the United States, the U.K., and internationally. The company serves both individuals and businesses through segments that include Business Insurance, Personal Insurance, Employee Benefits, Property & Casualty Other Operations, and Hartford Funds.

Companies worth more than $10 billion are generally labeled as large-cap stocks and Hartford fits this criterion perfectly. Its offerings range from property, casualty, and employee benefits coverage to investment management and mutual fund products.

More News from Barchart

The Hartford, Connecticut-based company's stock has dipped 6.6% from its 52-week high of $138.64. Shares of Hartford Insurance have fallen 1.7% over the past three months, lagging behind the Invesco KBW Property & Casualty Insurance ETFs (KBWP) marginal drop over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

In the longer term, HIG stock is up 18.3% on a YTD basis, outperforming KBWPs 4.4% gain. Moreover, shares of the property and casualty insurance firm have increased 6.8% over the past 52 weeks, compared to KBWPs 2.9% decrease over the same time frame.

HIG stock has been trading above its 200-day moving average since last year. In addition, it has moved above its 50-day moving average since mid-February.

www.barchart.com

The Hartford reported a 41% jump in Q3 2025 profit on Oct. 27, with net income climbing to $1.07 billion ($3.77 per share) from $761 million ($2.56 per share) a year earlier. Investors also reacted positively to strong underwriting results, including a combined ratio of 88.8% in the business insurance segment, an improvement from 92.2% last year. Additionally, property and casualty written premiums grew 7%, driven by a 9% surge to $3.57 billion in business insurance premiums, aided by a quiet catastrophe season. However, the stock fell 1.8% the next day.

In comparison, rival The Allstate Corporation (ALL) has lagged behind HIG stock. Shares of Allstate have gained 4.9% on a YTD basis and declined marginally over the past 52 weeks.
Harvard University expanded its Bitcoin ETF holdings by 257% in the third quarter, making the iShares Bitcoin Trust its largest disclosed position with $442.8 million as of September 30.

According to Matt Hougan, Bitwise CIO, Harvard simultaneously increased its gold ETF holdings by 99% to $235 million, allocating to Bitcoin at a 2-to-1 ratio relative to gold.

The $443 million position represents approximately 0.75% of Harvards $57 billion endowment, ranking the institution among the top 20 largest holders of the BlackRock-managed fund.

Timing Proves Problematic as Bitcoin Tumbles

Harvards aggressive Bitcoin accumulation came right before a sharp market correction that has erased substantial value from its cryptocurrency holdings.

Bitcoin has dropped more than 20% since the third quarter ended, falling from $114,000 to around $92,000.

Source: TradingView

The timing suggests Harvard could face a 14% loss on its third-quarter purchases in the best-case scenario, assuming shares were bought at Julys low point, which represents an $89 million paper loss on the recent position alone.

While the losses remain a fraction of Harvards massive endowment, the universitys annualized returns have lagged behind some Ivy League peers over the past decade, according to WSJ.

Harvard posted an 8.2% return ranking ninth out of 10 elite schools in a Markov Processes International comparison. For the year ending June 30, Harvard reported an 11.9% gain but trailed MITs 14.8% and Stanfords 14.3%.

Stanford finance professor Joshua Rauh explained in an interview with The Harvard Crimson that investors often seem to view both bitcoin and gold as hedges against a collapse of the international monetary system in general, and against a loss of the US dollar in particular.

However, he cautioned that the extent to which either actually protects investors from these forces is uncertain and scenario-dependent.

Academic Skepticism Meets Institutional Validation

Harvards substantial Bitcoin allocation stands in stark contrast to earlier predictions from its own economics faculty.

Kenneth Rogoff, a Harvard professor and former IMF chief economist, stated in 2018 that Bitcoin would more likely trade at $100 than $100,000 within a decade.

I think bitcoin will be worth a tiny fraction of what it is now if were headed out 10 years from now, Rogoff told CNBC, arguing that removing money laundering and tax evasion would leave Bitcoin with very small transaction uses.
Hildene Capital Management has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SILAC Insurance Companys parent operation, SILAC, marking a step forward in the growth of Hildene's insurance solutions platform.

The acquisition will see Hildene purchase all outstanding common equity of SILAC for approximately $550m in cash, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

It is expected to strengthen Hildenes ability to deliver investment and risk management strategies that benefit SILACs policyholders.

SILAC, based in Indiana, US, operates in 48 states and the District of Columbia.

The transaction follows the 2022 strategic minority investment by Hildene in SILAC and a current reinsurance arrangement between SILAC and reinsurer Hildene Re SPC.

Hildene has managed a part of the investment portfolio of SILAC since 2023.

After the transaction is completed, Hildene is expected to widen its investment management relationship with SILAC to include all of its investment assets.

As of 30 September 2025, SILAC reported capital and surplus of around $505m and total admitted assets of apprximately $10bn.

Last year, SILAC originated around $2.5bn of annuities, primarily fixed indexed annuities.

Upon closing of the acquisition, SILAC's current chief marketing officer and president, G Daniel Acker, will become CEO.

Stephen Hilbert will step down from his current CEO position.

The closure of the transaction is anticipated in mid-2026, pending regulatory approvals. Jefferies is acting as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis as legal advisor to Hildene.

Piper Sandler & Co and Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo are serving as SILACs financial and legal advisors, respectively.

Hildene co-chief investment officer and president Brett Jefferson said: The acquisition of SILAC will strengthen their ability to serve the long-term interests of its policyholders while broadening Hildene's product offerings and enhancing our platform and origination capabilities.

Since its inception, Hildene has been a pioneer in credit investing, consistently maintaining a disciplined approach to asset management.

"Hildene to scale insurance business solutions with acquisition of SILAC" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.




The Hong Kong government has opened a public consultation on adopting the OECDs Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) and updating the long-standing Common Reporting Standard (CRS). This comes as the city aims to integrate cryptocurrencies into global tax-transparency systems and cross-border financial reporting.

Officials say the initiative would introduce automatic exchange of crypto-related tax data between Hong Kong and eligible partner jurisdictions from 2028. The full implementation is expected the following year.

The plan is under a broader effort to strengthen the citys reputation as a compliant, well-regulated international finance hub. The consultation period remains open until February 6, 2026.

Strengthening Compliance and Information Sharing

Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, said the proposed update reinforces Hong Kongs commitment to international tax cooperation.

Under the proposal, financial institutions will face stricter reporting obligations, mandatory registration requirements, and stronger enforcement mechanisms. The authorities are also considering higher penalties for violations.

These changes follow an ongoing OECD peer review of Hong Kongs CRS framework. Notably, The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is an intergovernmental economic forum with 38 member countries.

It promotes policies for economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable development through data, analysis, and best practices in public policy.

Crypto Market Growth in Hong Kong

The push for updated regulations comes as Hong Kongs crypto market gains renewed momentum. HashKey Holdings, one of the citys leading licensed crypto platforms, has filed for an IPO.

The listing date is set for Dec. 17. If listed successfully, HashKey will become Hong Kongs first publicly traded crypto exchange.

The city is also drawing interest from regional players. In November, a Bloomberg report claimed that Bitkub, a major Thai exchange, was exploring a $200 million funding round with plans for an IPO in Hong Kong by 2026.

It reportedly chose the city over Thailand due to its stronger regulatory outlook.

Meanwhile, Hong Kongs securities regulator recently signaled plans to relax certain restrictions for crypto trading platforms. The regulator is preparing to allow regulated platforms to share global order books with overseas affiliates.

This could improve liquidity and align local markets with international trading flows.

Read original story Hong Kong Opens Public Consultation on Crypto Tax Rules by Parth Dubey at Coinspeaker.com
Huntington National Bank has launched its first full-service branches in Charleston and Greenville of South Carolina.

These new locations are part of Huntingtons strategy to launch around 55 branches across North and South Carolina, expanding the banks presence in the region.

The Charleston branch is located at 677 King Street, and the Greenville branch is at 606 South Main Street.

Both branches provide teller services, personal banking, and ATM access, along with local advice and guidance to customers.

Huntington National Bank Charleston market president Jennifer Schuchart said: We are thrilled to open our first full-service branch in Charleston and enhance how we serve our customers and the community.

It is with great pride that we mark this milestone and look ahead to continued investment in this market.

Huntington's Greater Greenville market community president Gary Daniels said: Our first full-service branch in Greenville is the latest demonstration of our commitment to serving the Upstate.

With the opening of this branch, we are creating more opportunities to deliver Huntington's people-first, customer-centred approach to this community.

In May this year, Huntington opened its first South Carolina branch in Spartanburg and its first North Carolina branch in Charlottes SouthPark district.

In October, the bank agreed to acquire Cadence Bank, which has over 390 locations in Texas and the southern US, for $7.4bn.

This acquisition is expected to provide Huntington with immediate operational scale in Texas and Mississippi, US.

In the same month, Huntington completed its merger with Veritex Holdings, expanding its footprint in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas.

Upon completion of both transactions, Huntington projects to join the top 10 banks in the US by size, with pro forma assets of $276bn and deposits totalling $220bn.

Meanwhile,

Huntington CEO Stephen Steinour in an interview with Reuters told that there would be job cuts at Cadence Bank following the acquisition, which is complete in the first quarter of 2026.

The number of positions to be cut at Cadence was not revealed. Houston, Texas-based Cadence employs about 5,800 people.

"Huntington National Bank expands presence in South Carolina with new branches " was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Incore Invest has signed an agreement to buy CoreOrchestration, a Swedish software firm behind the PaymentIQ payment orchestration platform, from Worldline in a carve-out transaction.

The closure of the acquisition is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026, after which CoreOrchestration will operate independently under the ownership of Incore.

Following the transactions completion, Incore will assume complete ownership, supporting CoreOrchestration as an active and long-term stakeholder with a focus on advancing the development of products and boosting commercial activities.

The PaymentIQ platform is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) payment orchestration platform designed to assist merchants in centrally managing, optimising, and scaling the flows of payment across various providers and markets.

Via a single integration, the platform is said to connect merchants to over 260 payment service providers, simplifying the process of new provider addition, aiding expansion into additional markets.

Worldline has announced in a release the sale of PaymentIQ to Incore, with estimated cash proceeds of approximately 160m ($186.28m) expected at closing.

The decision to divest aligns with Worldlines strategy to concentrate on segments and solutions that create synergies and fit within the groups strategic and risk frameworks.

Incore Invest CEO and founder Nicolai Chamizo said: This acquisition marks an exciting step for Incore Invest as we take full ownership of a business with high growth potential in a space we know intimately and where we see the opportunity to create long term value as active and committed owners.

Their product, PaymentIQ, is a proven and highly scalable platform with an exceptional breadth of integrations. As a standalone company, we believe CoreOrchestration can increase speed and agility, and we look forward to supporting the team as they build the next phase of growth.

The sale of PaymentIQ represents a step forward in Worldlines ongoing strategy to concentrate on its core European payment operations.

Regarding the impact on Worldlines financials for the year 2026, the deconsolidation of CoreOrchestration is estimated to affect revenue by about 50m, adjusted earnings before interest taxes depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) by 40m, and free cash flow by 30m on a full-year basis.

Perella Weinberg served as the sole financial advisor, while Gernandt & Danielsson provided legal advice to Worldline for this transaction.

In November, Worldline disclosed a plan to secure 500m (around $576m) from a consortium of French banks to support its business transformation efforts.
By Giuseppe Fonte

ROME, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Italy has set tough terms on personal data protection to clear Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com's takeover of German electronics retailer Ceconomy, a government decree seen by Reuters showed on Tuesday.

Using its so-called "golden power" legislation, Italy reserves the right to block or impose conditions on domestic and foreign deals affecting the country's strategic assets.

As part of the $2.5 billion German-Chinese deal, 144 retail stores in Italy, mainly part of the MediaWorld chain, have changed hands. Ceconomy's Mediamarket, MediaMarktSaturn Platform Services Italia and Imtron Italia are part of the transaction.

The Rome government ruled that the Italian target companies should keep consumers' personal data separate from JD.com and its subsidiaries, the decree, still unpublished, showed. It had given conditional approval to the deal last month.

"Access to the critical mass of personal data held by Ceconomy poses a significant and concrete threat to the security of the country and, potentially, to other [European] member states as well," it said.

Austria also asked for clarification about the implications of the deal in exchanges with the Italian government, the document added.

To support its decision to impose tough conditions, the government added that Ceconomy held personal data on around 21.62 million Italian customers.

JD.com has however pledged to protect personal data of Italian consumers and store it exclusively in European data warehouses, the document added.

JD.com, which competes with Alibaba and Amazon, has accelerated its global expansion in recent years.

The Italian move comes amid growing alarm in European capitals that China is progressively diverting goods at lower prices to EU markets as a way of making up for lost U.S. trade, following the tariff policies adopted by President Donald Trump.

Italy also asked the companies involved to avoid sharing personal data on a massive scale with entities outside the EU or to do so while ensuring the compliance with the government-set terms.

(Reporting by Giuseppe FonteEditing by Keith Weir)
JPMorgan Chase chief executive Jamie Dimon has enlisted tech billionaires, former top generals, and cabinet officials  including Jeff Bezos and Condoleezza Rice  to advise a sweeping national security spending push.

The group will help the bank decide where to put $1.5 trillion in investment over the next decade, announced in October and designed to reduce Americas reliance on foreign countries over the next decade.

Chaired by Dimon, the panel will also include Michael Dell, founder of Dell Technologies, Robert Gates, a former defense secretary in the Bush and Obama administrations, and Jim Farley, CEO of Ford.

Dimon told Fox News: National security is critical, not just for us, but for a lot of countries If you had any illusion the world would be peaceful in our livesit was shattered.

JPMorgan also said Todd Combs, a longtime portfolio manager at Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway, will join to run a new $10 billion investment fund backing companies working on sensitive technologies, from advanced chips and AI to critical minerals.

Dimon has been sounding the alarm for months about American reliance on foreign suppliers, pointing to Chinas dominance in minerals, batteries, and pharmaceuticals. He has said the country could be caught short in a crisis, and that business leaders need to think less about quarterly results and more about national resilience.

His security drive already has one deal on the books. In October, JPMorgan bought a small stake in Perpetua Resources, a mining firm developing a site in Idaho that could eventually produce antimony, a metal used in ammunition. Most of the worlds supply currently comes from China and Russia.

The $1.5 trillion will include loans, underwriting and investments the bank expects to make over the next 10 years, the bank said in October.

It is not the first time Dimon has set grand targets. A $2.5 trillion climate-finance pledge launched four years ago has gone quiet, while a healthcare joint venture with Bezos and Buffett was quietly wound down in 2021.

The new advisory group has no formal authority but is expected to meet periodically and offer views on where the bank should spend its money. It also provides access to some of the best connected names in business and government.

The panel includes Bezos, Rice, Dell, Gates, Farley, and Combs, along with retired generals Chris Cavoli and Ann Dunwoody, former Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky, former NSA director Paul Nakasone, former House speaker Paul Ryan, and General Dynamics CEO Phebe Novakovic.
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:WLY) is one of the best dividend stocks to buy. On November 25, WLY disclosed that it has entered a partnership with IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:IQV) to provide a trusted solution to enforce the Clinical Outcome Assessment (COA) execution.

Through this partnership, COA instruments are easily available to pharmaceutical and research organizations. This one-stop solution makes the COA process easier, easing vendor-related workflows, providing quality assurance, and guaranteeing that the COA implementation aligns with scientific guidance.

Is John Wiley & Sons (WLY) One of the Best Small-Cap Dividend Stocks To Buy?

Photo by Viacheslav Bublyk on Unsplash

Normally, COA licensing involves multiple vendors, including publishers for instrument licenses, language translation services, and implementation consultants. This is a lengthy process, taking months in some cases, which halts trial timelines and can potentially cause issues in quality assurance or compliance. This partnership between Wiley and IQVIA simplifies the process by providing a combined COA licensing and implementation solution in one contract. It is overseen by a rightsholder that endorses scientific accuracy and protects copyrights.

Phase one has five Wiley-managed COA tools offered as complete solutions, and the plan is to expand this to Wileys broader lineup of more than 100 COAs, along with full lifecycle services, by the end of 2026. These instruments assist in clinical research for specialized fields, including anxiety and depression, pediatric cancer functional status, lupus-related organ damage, and physical sexual maturity review.

In collaboration with IQVIA, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:WLY) provides qualified instruments with in-built support for translation, digital migration, and implementation within a singular integrated solution. This collaboration indicates Wileys expertise in integrating dependable research resources into clinical platforms that serve pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:WLY) is a New Jersey-based publisher that offers reliable content, data insights, and learning services across the United States and internationally.

While we acknowledge the potential of WLY 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: Dow 20 Stocks List: Ranked By Hedge Fund Bullishness Index and 10 Unstoppable Dividend Stocks to Buy Now.

Disclosure. None.
Kistos has signed a binding agreement to acquire a 5% working interest in Block 9 and a 20% working interest in Blocks 3 and 4, onshore in Oman, from Mitsui E&P Middle East.

Block 9 is operated by Occidental Petroleum and comprises two producing areas.

Blocks 3 and 4, operated by CCED, comprise seven producing fields and cover around 29,000km in eastern Oman.

These assets operate under Omans exploration and production sharing agreements (EPSAs), which outline concession terms, payment mechanisms and operational conditions.

The transaction, with an effective date of 1 January 2025, is valued at $148m, subject to customary closing adjustments.

It is expected to be immediately cash-generative for Kistos.

Through this acquisition, Kistos aims to enter the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) upstream energy sector. The company intends to fund the transaction consideration from existing cash.

Kistos executive chairman Andrew Austin said: This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Kistos as we expand our footprint into a new and strategically important region, acquiring interests which align with our strategy of acquiring high-quality value-accretive assets, in both the near and long term.

While we continue to consider the North Sea for further acquisitions, we view this foundational step into the MENA region as a way to diversify our portfolio, allowing us to broaden the opportunities we look at, potentially unlocking future synergies through further expansion in the region.

On behalf of the board, I would like to thank our shareholders for their continued support and look forward to sharing further updates as we continue to grow and evolve.

The acquisition would add an estimated 25.6 million barrels of oil equivalent in proved and probable reserves net to Kistos.

It would add nearly 9,00010,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day net to Kistos this year, with around 91% being liquids and the remainder gas.

Last year, Kistos announced the acquisition of EDF Energy (Gas Storage), which includes two onshore gas storage facilities in the UK, for a total of 25m.

"Kistos acquires interests in Omans onshore blocks from Mitsui " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Story Continues

Q & A Highlights

Q: It seems like the Executive Search business continues to perform well. Could you talk about where you're seeing the sources of strength within North America and how you think about the business in light of slower job market velocity, but you're still posting pretty good results? A: Gary Burnison, CEO: We view the company as one business, not five segments, which is central to our We Are Korn Ferry strategy. Executive Search is experiencing significant growth globally due to factors like the need for different leadership skills, the retirement of baby boomers, and changes in work-life balance preferences. Our strategy is working, as evidenced by high business referrals within the firm, reaching an all-time high of almost 28%.

Q: Could you give us a sense of where business referrals have been historically and where you think they could go as you focus more on this strategy? A: Gary Burnison, CEO: Historically, referrals have been around 25-26%, and we aim to increase this to 35%. We recently engaged with 1,800 partners and principals, and it's clear we are only using 10% of our potential. We are moving from a segmented approach to one unified business with five solutions, and we plan to lean more heavily into this strategy in 2026.

Q: Are you seeing any changes in client willingness to hire more or spend more, or is the improvement mostly driven by cross-sell efforts? A: Gary Burnison, CEO: The strategy is clearly working, as evidenced by our performance in a challenging labor market. We have seen sequential growth in Professional Search and Interim Solutions, and our RPO solution had a strong quarter. The market hasn't changed significantly since we last spoke, but our strategy is driving results.

Q: Consulting bill rates are strong, but margins were flat. How much runway is left in the mix shift towards higher value engagements? A: Gary Burnison, CEO: There is substantial opportunity in consulting. We've moved from small transactions to larger, more impactful engagements. The bill rate has increased significantly over the years, and we see further potential, especially in North America. We are focusing on delivering larger, transformational engagements.

Q: Could you describe any efficiencies gained from AI tools in the Search business? Is it shortening the time to fulfill a search? A: Gary Burnison, CEO: The process is more efficient today, partly due to technology and changes in work practices post-COVID. AI has had a significant impact on our RPO business, and while there is potential in Executive Search, it remains a high-touch solution. AI is primarily used in candidate identification and sourcing.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Kosmos Energy Ltd. (NYSE:KOS) is one of the cheap oil stocks under $10 to buy now. On December 5, Bank of America Securities analyst Matthew Smith cut his rating on Kosmos Energy Ltd. (NYSE:KOS) to Sell and set a price target of $1.

Kosmos Energy (KOS) Misses Q3 Estimates as Benchmark, Goldman Maintains Hold

He said the move reflected a weaker outlook for Brent crude, which he expects to average $60 a barrel by 2026, along with lower production forecasts and doubts about the companys ability to maintain steady cash flow. Smith also noted ongoing operational uncertainties and a heavy debt load of $2.9 billion compared with only about $500 million in equity, stressing that the company still lacks a clear plan to bring its debt down and faces serious challenges ahead.

Earlier on November 12, Benchmarks Subash Chandra kept a Hold rating on Kosmos Energy Ltd. Just six days ago, on November 6, Goldman Sachss Neil Mehta had reiterated a similar rating on the stock and set the price target on the shares at $1.75.

Separately, Kosmos released its Q3 2025 earnings report on November 3, in which revenues totaled $311.23 million. This meant that the companys performance missed analyst estimates, who were expecting at least $345.25 million. Management explained that they could not match the projection because of a net underlift position, which is to say that the actual oil lifted was below entitlement levels. This happened despite higher production volumes, as management explained during the earnings call.

Kosmos Energy Ltd. (NYSE:KOS) is a deepwater exploration and production company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It focuses on the acquisition, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas, with its primary assets located offshore in Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal, and the Gulf of Mexico.

While we acknowledge the potential of KOS 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: 9 Best EV Charging Stocks to Buy Now and 11 Best Falling Stocks to Buy According to Wall Street Analysts.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
US District Judge Paul Engelmayer has asked prosecutors and defense lawyers for detailed clarification on a series of unresolved issues ahead of Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwons sentencing.

This includes the possibility of the crypto entrepreneur facing an additional 40-year prison term in South Korea after serving time in the United States.

The judge issued the order on December 8, laying out multiple questions that he wants answered before the December 11 hearing.

Source: Court Document

The filing shows that the court is weighing how Kwons foreign legal exposure, previous detention, and the mechanics of international prisoner transfer programs may affect the punishment imposed in New York.

Court Seeks Clarity on Kwons Potential 40-Year Korean Prison Term

The judges first set of questions focuses on South Koreas ongoing criminal case against Kwon.

He asked both parties whether they have any reliable information about the likely outcome of the charges he faces there, whether any agreements have been made with Korean authorities, and what sentencing ranges apply if he is convicted.

South Korean prosecutors previously said they would seek up to 40 years in prison for the same conduct that forms the basis of the US case.

The court also asked whether a Korean sentence could run concurrently or consecutively with a US sentence, a detail that could influence the final terms.

The order also seeks clarification on how to treat the nearly two years Kwon spent in custody in Montenegro. He was arrested in March 2023 while traveling under a false passport and remained detained until extradition.

The judge wants to know whether the Bureau of Prisons will credit any portion of that 21-month period toward his US term and whether the governments recommendation of a 12-year sentence was based on the assumption that none of that time will count.

Federal prosecutors have already urged the court to impose the full 12 years permitted under Kwons plea agreement.

Defense Pushes Back as Prosecutors Call TerraUSD Collapse Colossal

They described the TerraUSD collapse as colossal in scope, citing the broader market chain reaction that contributed to the downfall of major firms, including Sam Bankman-Frieds FTX.

Kwon pleaded guilty in August to conspiracy and wire fraud, admitting that he made false statements about TerraUSDs stability mechanisms and concealed Jump Tradings role in supporting the stablecoin during a 2021 depeg event.

Kwons lawyers have asked for a five-year term instead, arguing that the time he spent in Montenegro was served in brutal conditions and should weigh heavily in the courts decision.
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Abbott Laboratories (ABT) grew revenue 6.9% with medical devices up 14.8% to $5.45B. Abbott reaffirmed guidance for 7.5-8.0% organic growth.

Eli Lilly (LLY) posted 54% revenue growth driven by Mounjaro ($6.52B) and Zepbound ($3.57B). Lilly raised guidance to $63.0-63.5B revenue.

Lillys operating margin reached 48.3% versus Abbotts 19.4%. Lilly trades at 49.5x P/E while Abbott trades at 15.71x.

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Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) and Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) just reported Q3 earnings that highlight two fundamentally different healthcare bets. Abbott delivered steady 6.9% revenue growth anchored by medical devices. Lilly posted explosive 54% revenue growth powered by its GLP-1 obesity and diabetes drugs.

Medical Devices Carry Abbott. GLP-1s Carry Lilly.

Abbott's medical device segment grew 14.8% to $5.45 billion. The cardiovascular portfolio drove results, with TriClip for tricuspid valve repair gaining Japan approval and Navitor TAVI expanding its CE Mark in Europe. Diabetes Care also contributed meaningfully. Abbott met EPS estimates at $1.30. Diagnostics fell 6.6% as COVID testing revenue disappeared. Operating income rose 13.1% to $2.06 billion, though net income stayed flat year over year.

Lilly's revenue hit $17.60 billion, beating estimates by 9.5%, with Mounjaro generating $6.52 billion (up 109%) and Zepbound adding $3.57 billion (up 184%). Volume across the incretin portfolio surged 62%. Net income jumped 475% to $5.58 billion. Operating margin reached 48.3%, nearly double Abbott's. CEO David Ricks highlighted progress on orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 candidate that completed four Phase 3 trials and could enable global obesity submissions by year end. Lilly raised full-year guidance to $63.0-63.5 billion in revenue and $23.00-23.70 in non-GAAP EPS. Abbott reaffirmed its outlook for 7.5-8.0% organic growth excluding COVID testing.

Metric Abbott Lilly Revenue Growth 6.9% YoY 54% YoY Net Income Growth Flat (0%) 475% YoY Operating Margin 19.4% 48.3% Guidance Reaffirmed Raised

Diversification vs. Concentration

Abbott spreads risk across medical devices, diagnostics, nutrition, and branded generics. No single product dominates. The company operates in 160 countries with exposure to cardiovascular, diabetes, and structural heart markets. This structure limits upside but cushions downside.

Lilly has placed an enormous bet on incretin-based therapies. Mounjaro and Zepbound now account for over $10 billion in quarterly revenue combined. The company is expanding manufacturing capacity in Virginia, Texas, and Puerto Rico to meet demand. Return on equity sits at 96.5%. But concentration creates vulnerability. If GLP-1 demand softens or competition intensifies, Lilly's growth trajectory changes immediately.
President Trump on Monday 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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Ben Powell, the chief investment strategist for the Asia-Pacific region at BlackRock Inc., predicts that the current wave of capital investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure is far from its peak.

AI Capex Boom Favors Chipmakers, Suppliers

Powell, on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Finance Week, highlighted that the suppliers of AI picks and shovels such as chipmakers, energy producers, and copper-wire manufacturers are the primary beneficiaries of the ongoing capital influx, reported CNBC.

He noted that AI-driven capital spending is accelerating with no signs of easing, as major tech firms race fiercely for dominance in what they view as a winner-takes-all battle.

Dont Miss: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it?



Powell added that major tech companies are only beginning to tap credit markets to finance the next wave of AI growth, signaling that even more capital is on the horizon.



He said "the money is very, very clear," adding that BlackRock expects the broader capex boom to continue.

Powell said the hyperscalers are acting as though anything short of first place would push them out of the market, prompting an aggressive ramp-up in spending, even if it risks overshooting.

Powell said much of this capital will likely move toward the companies enabling the AI build-out rather than the model makers themselves, echoing a rising belief among global investors that the most durable gains from the AI boom may come from the hardware, energy, and infrastructure supporting it.

See Also: The ChatGPT of Marketing' Just Opened a $0.85/Share Round  10,000+ Investors Are Already In

AI Growth Shifts From Spending To Execution

In its new global outlook, earlier this month, BlackRock argued that the U.S. economy is entering a capital-intensive regime driven by massive AI investment, one that keeps growth resilient even as traditional business-cycle signals cool. The firm estimates that global AI capex could reach $5 trillion to $8 trillion by 2030, with the U.S. leading the buildout.

However, concerns about a potential AI bubble have long centered on whether demand would justify the sectors explosive valuations.

Jordi Visser of 22V Research says the next phase of AI investing won't hinge on who spends the most, but on who can execute under constraints. As the industry shifts from capital limits to delivery limits, he argues that success will depend on execution, infrastructure readiness, and project management. By 2026, the winners will be the companies that can turn contracts into real capacity while protecting margins despite rising costs and tighter deadlines.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Release Date: December 09, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

Moonpig Group PLC (FRA:769) achieved a 9.4% revenue growth, outperforming a challenging consumer backdrop.

The company maintained a strong EBITDA margin of 27%, translating to adjusted EPS growth of 13%.

Moonpig Group PLC (FRA:769) completed the first half of a GBP 60 million share buyback and increased its interim dividend by 25%.

The company saw a 36% growth in Plus subscribers, reaching 1 million members, and an 11% increase in reminders to 107 million.

New markets delivered impressive self-funded revenue growth of 32% year on year, with Ireland now sustainably profitable.

Negative Points

Moonpig's gross margin rate decreased by 1.7% points to 55.8%, affected by higher gift attachment and increased shipping costs.

The experiences segment saw a revenue decline of 8.9% year on year, despite operational improvements.

Net finance costs rose to GBP5.7 million, impacted by foreign exchange differences on EUR denominated debt.

H1 free cash flow was slightly lower at GBP8.6 million compared to GBP10.1 million last year, due to higher CapEx.

The US market remains in the experimentation phase, indicating slower progress in scaling operations there.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide more details on the strategic progress and future growth plans for Moonpig Group? A: Nickyl Raithatha, CEO, explained that Moonpig Group is the online leader in a category still transitioning to digital. The strategy focuses on cards and attached gifts to maximize customer loyalty and profitability. The company aims to capture more card buyers, increase the number of cards sent per customer, and drive more gifts with each purchase. These efforts are expected to sustain strong top-line growth. The company is also expanding into new markets, with Ireland now profitable and Australia approaching profitable growth.

Q: How did Moonpig Group perform financially in the first half of the year? A: Andy MacKinnon, CFO, reported a strong financial performance with a 6.7% increase in revenue to GBP 168.6 million. Adjusted EBITDA grew to GBP 45 million with a margin of 26.7%. The company also saw a 13.1% increase in adjusted basic EPS to 6.9p. Free cash flow reached GBP 64.5 million over the last 12 months, supporting a 25% increase in the interim dividend and a GBP 60 million share buyback plan.
Tesla stock fell on Monday after shares were downgraded by Morgan Stanley.

Analyst Andrew Percoco moved it from a "buy" to a "hold" rating.

It is the first downgrade Tesla has received from Morgan Stanley since June 2023.

Tesla stock got a downgrade on Monday, sending it tumbling as much as 4% as Morgan Stanley lowered its recommendation for the first time since 2023.

Morgan Stanley's Andrew Percoco downgraded Tesla from an "Overweight/Buy" to an "Equal Weight/Hold" rating. While he increased his price target to $425 per share, up from the previous $410, his new target still implies about 3% downside from levels late in the day on Monday.

The analyst noted that he believes Tesla will continue making progress on key initiatives, particularly its advancements in full self-driving and robotic technology. However, he thinks investors should wait for a better entry point, as share prices remain highly valued and the company could encounter further challenges amid lower demand for electric cars. Percoco said the bank had lowered its outlook specifically for Tesla's auto business.

"This is a reflection of lower volume expectations, with a 10.5% reduction in 2026 volumes and 18.5% reduction in cumulative deliveries through 2040 due to our more cautious view on the pace of EV adoption in the US coupled with growing competition in global markets."

It's been a volatile year for Tesla. After being down as much as 45%, it's up about 12% year-to-date, staging a big turnaround since CEO Elon Musk returned to the carmaker full time after spending several months leading the Department of Government Efficiency.

Percoco said that investors should be ready for trading to be volatile in the coming 12 months.

"While it is well understood that Tesla is more than an auto manufacturer, we expect a choppy trading environment for the TSLA shares over the next 12 months, as we see downside to estimates, while the catalysts for its non-auto businesses appear priced at current levels, driving our EW rating," he said.

Percoco's team recalibrated its sum-of-the-parts thesis that has informed the bank's Tesla valuation, accounting for Tesla's progress in developing humanoid robotics and robotaxi technology.

It cited both robotaxi public launches and FSD advancements as likely investment drivers, but also flagged execution risk around the rollout of its robotaxi, FSD, and humanoid robots.

One risk lies in Tesla's approach to FSD technology, an area that has sparked safety concerns from regulators and lawmakers. Most of its competitors rely on LiDAR technology to power their self-driving vehicles, a technology that Musk has criticized. Morgan Stanley analysts see this as a concern.
Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI) is one of the Good Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On December 1, Keith Housum from Northcoast Research upgraded the stock from Hold to Buy with a $450 price target. Earlier on November 26, Tomer Zilberman from Bank of America Securities reiterated a Buy rating on Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI) with a $520 price target. Overall, analysts 12-month price target reflecting 37.27% upside from the current level. Wall Street maintains this bullish sentiment despite a 13% decline in share price since the companys Q3 2025 earnings release on October 30.

The company grew its quarterly revenue by 7.85% year-over-year to reach $3.01 billion, surpassing estimates by $20.2 million. Moreover, the EPS of $4.06 also topped the consensus by $0.21. Management attributed sales growth to a 6% increase in Products and Systems Integration and 11% increase in Software and Services sales. Notably, the company ended the third quarter with record order backlog of $14.6 billion, up $467 million versus a year ago.

Tomer Zilberman of BofA noted that despite the recent underperformance of the stock, the company remains in a solid position driven by emerging demand opportunities. He added that the Land Mobile Radio segment of the company is expected to bounce back from its recent growth deceleration as the demand remains strong, with a 10% increase in order levels. Moreover, Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI) is also expected to benefit from government funding and a priority shift towards defense.

Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI) provides mission-critical communications and public safety technology by offering products including land mobile radios, command center software, and video security solutions for government organizations and commercial customers. 

While we acknowledge the potential of MSI 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.
In the final months of 2025, a number of European airlines have been forced to shut down operations after running out of funds.

Regional British carriers Eastern Airways and Blue Islands both canceled all their flights within a few weeks of each other in a situation that left many travelers stranded and local competitors having to offer rescue fares.

A similar situation played out when Reykjavik-based low-cost airline Play Airlines canceled all flights and shut down in bankruptcy at the end of September. Based out of Sweden's Malmo and often booked by Scandinavian tourists for flights to popular vacation destinations, Braathens Aviation suffered a similar fate in the same month.

In each case, airlines ran into similar problems around staying competitive enough to make up for the high costs of aviation.

Air Albania has not operated flights since December 7

In the small Balkan nation of Albania, the future of its flag carrier is now also looking increasingly uncertain, as local media Alfapress reports that Air Albania has not operated any flights since Dec. 7.

FlightAware data also shows that routes that were scheduled for Milan and Istanbul out of Tirana International Airport (TIA) have not run this week.

"Travel agencies told Monitor that the airline has not operated any flights since Saturday," according to Alfapress. "Passengers who had intercontinental transit trips via Istanbul were directed via Pristina or Podgorica Airports."

Related: Another airline set to shut down and cancel all flights over the next day

Founded in 2018 after the Albanian government revoked the license from Albanian Airlines, Air Albania has been the Balkan country's flag carrier for the last seven years.

Financed partially by Turkish Airlines, Air Albania was left suddenly struggling to find a new investor after the latter airline giant announced plans to sell its 49% stake in the carrier last November, AeroTime reports.

While Turkiye's flag carrier did not elaborate on the reasons for the Air Albania sale, it finalized plans to spend 300 million on a minority stake in the more widely known Spanish low-cost airline Air Europa a few weeks earlier.

Air Albania is the flag carrier of the Balkan nation.Shutterstock

Play, Braathens, other European airlines that shut down in 2025

Air Albania could not be reached for comment on the situation or the status of its flights in the coming days. The airline has not formally filed for bankruptcy, but some travelers with booked flights reported receiving messages about canceled flights and being unable to reach the airline for information.

"Unfortunately, the worst happened and the flight was canceled," one local traveler wrote on social media platform Reddit.
US healthcare packaging solutions provider Nelipak has completed the acquisition of Merrills Packaging, expanding its position in key healthcare manufacturing hubs.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Merrills Packaging focuses on custom thermoformed packaging for medical device, pharmaceutical, life science and other technically demanding sectors.

Its portfolio also includes related offerings such as die-cut pouches and mounting cards, alongside design, development and tooling services.

The business runs ISO 13485-certified manufacturing facilities in Burlingame, California, and Alajuela, Costa Rica.

Merrills Packaging CEO Rick Schulz stated: This is an incredible growth opportunity for Merrills employees and customers.

With access to Nelipaks global capabilities and broad suite of rigid and flexible product solutions, we look forward to exploring new ways to deliver value to our customers.

Established in 1961, Merrills Packaging has evolved into a specialist in custom thermoforming.

Notable developments in its growth include its move into the Costa Rican market in 2010 and the launch of a larger facility in the country in 2024.

Nelipak CEO Pat Chambliss added: We are excited to welcome the Merrills Packaging team to the Nelipak family.

We have tremendous respect for their history of growth, innovation, and customer focus. Nelipak will benefit from Merrills dedicated and talented team, custom thermoforming capabilities, strong customer relationships, and well-located production sites in California and Costa Rica.

Nelipak supplies rigid and flexible sterile-barrier packaging for healthcare applications, serving medical device, diagnostic and pharmaceutical drug delivery markets as well as other demanding use cases.

The company has a workforce of more than 1,600 and operates 14 facilities globally: eight in the Americas, five in Europe and one in Asia.

"Nelipak takes over Merrills Packaging " was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand.




Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The Fed kicks off a two-day meeting today. It's largely expected to cut rates on Wednesday.

Investors are currently pricing in an 87% chance of a 25-basis-point cut.

One chart shows how the direction of stocks since late October has been largely dictated by rate-cut expectations.

If you had to pick a defining driver of the stock market over the first several months of 2025, it would probably be President Donald Trump's tariffs.

Then the middle section of the year was overtaken by the red-hot AI trade, which pushed the S&P 500 more than 20% higher from May through October.

Since late October, however, there's been one indisputable driver of stock returns in the US: the Federal Reserve. With the central bank set to start its two-day policy meeting today  and with its next interest-rate decision due tomorrow  it's rightfully commanding the majority of investor attention.

Since the Oct. 29 FOMC meeting, the equity-market playbook has been simple: signals of future rate cuts have been stocks-positive, while any hawkishness has been greeted with selling.

The chart below shows the dynamic in action, with a hawkish Fed decision marking the recent market top and sparking a prolonged sell-off, only for dovish comments to right the ship and push the index back near record highs.

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With all of this activity around the Fed, the AI trade remains formidable. The stock prices of mega-cap tech titans have, however, been increasingly dictated by the shifting sands of monetary policy. These companies have a lot riding on their ability to borrow at favorable rates, so they can keep spending tens of billions on AI. This informs the V shape in the chart above.

With odds of a 25-basis-point cut currently set at 87%, it seems all but certain that a December cut is coming. That's probably not what's going to move the market on Wednesday, or serve as another inflection point for stocks.

What investors will be focused on is signals of further rate cuts to come. There's only a 23% chance of another cut in January being implied right now. The odds for a second cut by the March Fed meeting are only slightly higher, at 37%.

Based on those percentages, investors aren't asking for much. Maybe a few dovish breadcrumbs will hold them over.

But will the Fed play ball? The expectation is that they'll take a largely data-dependent stance, and kick the can down the road until more economic figures are available. How investors digest that will likely dictate the stock market's direction over the next few weeks.

Read the original article on Business Insider
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Nvidia (NVDA, Financials) received a boost after the United States said it will allow the company to export its H200 artificial intelligence processors to China while imposing a 25% fee on each shipment. President Donald Trump announced the change, ending months of internal debate over how to restrict advanced chip exports without harming U.S. industry.

Shares of Nvidia rose 2% in after-hours trading following the news. The H200 is the company's second-most powerful AI chip and remains a key product as global demand for training and inference hardware expands. Nvidia's more advanced Blackwell chips will continue to be barred from shipment to China.

Trump said the Commerce Department is finalizing terms, and similar rules will apply to AMD and Intel. The fee will be collected when Taiwan-made chips enter the United States for security review before re-export.

Lawmakers voiced concerns that access to higher-performance chips could aid China's military development, while analysts noted Chinese firms may still pursue the H200 due to its performance advantage.

Investors now look ahead to Nvidia's next earnings report for any signs of revenue impact.
SL Green Realty Corp. (NYSE:SLG) is included among the 11 Worst Performing Dividend Stocks Year-to-Date.

NYC Office Market Outlook Positive, Evercore Notes After SL Green (SLG) Investor Day

Image by Alexsander-777 from Pixabay

On December 8, Evercore ISI trimmed the firms price target on SL Green Realty Corp. (NYSE:SLG) to $54 from $56 and maintained an Outperform rating on the shares, following the companys investor day. The firm said that the company painted a positive picture of NYCs office market, despite some setbacks.

SL Green Realty Corp. (NYSE:SLG) announced on December 5 the acquisition of its joint venture partners combined 39.48% stake in 800 Third Avenue for $5.1 million. The property is a 41-story glass and steel tower situated between 49th and 50th Streets on Midtown Manhattans east side. With this deal, SL Green now owns the building outright.

This deal could be one of SL Green Realty Corp. (NYSE:SLG)s notable successes in the post-COVID world. The onset of the pandemic and the introduction of work-from-home weighed on the company. However, the company adapted to the new normal by leasing its vacant properties at profitable and competitive rates. In the third quarter of 2025, SL Green reported a 92.4% growth in same-store office occupancy in Manhattan. The company expects to increase the percentage by 93.2% by December 31, 2025.

In October, SL Green Realty Corp. (NYSE:SLG) inked a $730 million contract to purchase Park Avenue Tower, located at 65 East 55th Street. This acquisition will help the company deliver stable cash flows and enhance shareholder return. SLG currently offers monthly dividends to shareholders.

SL Green Realty Corp. (NYSE:SLG) is a real estate investment trust company that primarily invests in office buildings and shopping centers in New York City.

While we acknowledge the potential of SLG 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: 15 Dividend Stocks Paying 4%+ Yield in 2025 and 14 Best US Stocks to Buy for Long Term

Disclosure: None.
Warner Bros. Discovery said Monday that its board would "carefully review and consider Paramount Skydance's offer in accordance with the terms of Warner Bros. Discovery's agreement with Netflix."

Historically, hostile takeover bids are difficult to pull off, but there have been some notable exceptions, including Elon Musk's $44-billion acquisition of the company formerly known as Twitter in 2022. Two decades ago, Comcast failed in a hostile takeover bid for Walt Disney Co.

Despite the decision by Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery to pursue a deal, Paramount is directly appealing to shareholders to vote on their offer in what is commonly known as a hostile takeover.

"We never heard back," Paramount Chairman and Chief Executive David Ellison told CNBC on Monday morning. "We're really here to finish what we started."

Paramount confirmed Monday that it submitted its $30-per-share offer just a few hours before Netflix was announced as the winner.

Paramount, backed by billionaire Larry Ellison's family, had entered the final week of the auction with a $25 a share, all-cash offer for all of Warner Bros. Discovery, according to people involved in the auction who were not authorized to comment. In the final hours, Paramount upped its offer to $30 per share  but still came away empty-handed.

Last week, Netflix had offered $72 billion  or $27.75 a share  for a big chunk of the company: Warner Bros. film and television studios, which hold the rights to Batman, Bugs Bunny and Harry Potter, the expansive lot in Burbank and HBO and HBO Max. Additionally, Netflix would take on more than $10 billion in Warner Bros. debt for a total deal value of $82.7 billion.

The presence of a member of the president's family in a proposed corporate takeover, which includes news channel CNN and the historic Warner Bros. properties, immediately complicates an already fraught regulatory picture.

Paramount has beefed up its offer with backing from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, including Saudi Arabia, a Chinese firm and President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner's investment firm Affinity Partners, according to a Monday regulatory filing.

The move comes four days after Warner's board unanimously selected Netflix as the winner.

Paramount is refusing to accept defeat in the Warner Bros. Discovery auction, launching a $78-billion hostile takeover of its rival on Monday after being spurned last week in the bidding.

Story Continues

Warner's board remains supportive of Netflix's bid, the company said. Shareholders will receive recommendations from the Warner board within 10 business days. The company has long wanted the auction to be wrapped up by Christmas.

"Warner Bros. Discovery stockholders are advised not to take any action at this time with respect to Paramount Skydance's proposal," the company said in a statement.

Paramount began its pursuit of Warner in mid-September. It is now bypassing Warner's board, management and bankers and appealing directly to shareholders in a hostile takeover effort. In a statement, Paramount said its bid was a "superior alternative" to Netflix's, which will face a rigorous and lengthy antitrust review.

Netflix co-Chief Executive Ted Sarandos said Paramount's move was "entirely expected."

"We have a deal done and we are incredibly happy with the deal," Sarandos said at a UBS conference, adding that he believes Netflix's takeover of the historic company would be great for shareholders, consumers and Hollywood workers. "Were superconfident were going to get it across the line and finish."

Already, the biggest weakness in Netflixs deal was concern that the tech company may not be able to win regulatory approval. The company has more than 300 million streaming subscribers worldwide, and adding HBO Max would more than double the number of subscribers for competing video-on-demand subscription services.

In a statement, Paramount called Netflix's offer "inferior," one that would expose Warner shareholders "to a protracted multi-jurisdictional regulatory clearance process with an uncertain outcome." Paramount has long counted on its warm relationship with President Trump to smooth the regulatory process, at least in the U.S.

Warner Bros. Discovery continues to believe that Netflix submitted the best offer.

Netflix is not buying Warner's basic cable channels, including CNN, TBS, Food Network and TLC, and Warner figures it can spin off those assets into a separate company, Discovery Global, that would be worth about $3 to $4 a share.

When adding the Discovery Global value with Netflix's price of $27.75 a share, Warner believes that its shareholders will come away with more than $31 a share for the company  more than what Paramount has offered.

Netflix offered a cash and stock deal. On Friday, the company said it would take a year to 18 months to gain the necessary regulatory approvals. Paramount is banking on investors being concerned about a possible regulatory fallout with the Netflix deal.

"Look, we're sitting on Wall Street, where cash is still king," Ellison told CNBC. "We are offering shareholders $17.6 billion more cash than the deal that they currently have signed up on Netflix. We believe when [Warner shareholders] see what is currently in our offer, that that's what they'll vote for."

Read more: Netflix agrees to buy Warner Bros. in an $82.7-billion deal that will transform Hollywood

Since mid-September, Paramount has submitted six bids for all of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Trump said Sunday that Netflix's deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery could be a problem because of the size of the streaming service's combined market share. Trump said he "would be involved" in his administration's decision whether to approve any deal.

Paramount said its $30 per share, all-cash offer represents a 139% premium to Warner's $12.54 stock price on Sept. 10, the day before Paramount's pursuit was leaked in the media. With the absorption of Warner's cable channels and its heavy debt load, the Paramount deal would have an enterprise value of $108.4 billion.

That's roughly what AT&T paid to buy the company, then called Time Warner Inc., in 2018 after spending nearly two years fighting in court with the first Trump administration.

A federal judge finally cleared the way for AT&T's takeover, but after three years the phone company wanted to flee Hollywood and made a deal with Discovery's David Zaslav, allowing his smaller company to take over in 2022.

"The Trump card is the best card Paramount-Skydance has but it could backfire in multiple directions," New Street Research media analyst Blair Levin said Monday in a note to investors. "As they say in Hollywood, 'stay tuned.'

Warner and Netflix could claim that Trump's Justice Department, if it seeks to intervene, was trying to squash their deal simply because of politics. The inclusion of Kushner in the deal also could open the door to conflict-of-interest arguments.

"Courts, and the public, in the past, have regarded Presidential involvement in antitrust challenges as problematic," Levin wrote in his note.

Paramount's 11th-hour offer for Warner contained "opaque" details about its financing, a person involved in the auction who was not authorized to speak publicly told The Times over the weekend. The fuzzy nature of Paramount's backers gave the Warner board pause in contrast to the Netflix offer, which spelled out its financing, the person said.

In a Securities & Exchange Commission filing Monday, Paramount disclosed that Larry Ellison's family has provided an $11.8-billion commitment. An additional $24 billion would come from three sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

The controversial Chinese tech firm Tencent would provide an additional $1 billion, Paramount said. It said RedBird Capital Partners, an investor in Paramount, and Kushner's Affinity Partners would also provide an undisclosed level of debt financing.

When asked about his son-in-law's involvement in the Paramount bid, Trump told reporters at the White House: "I don't know. I've never spoken with him about that. He's really trying to work on Gaza."

Should Paramount prevail, it would confront a heavy debt load that would bring more layoffs in an industry already reeling from downsizing. "As with Netflix, Paramount's expected hostile bid for WBD raises significant concerns for our members and the industry," a spokesperson for the Directors Guild of America said in a statement.

Just like with the AT&T deal for Time Warner, the Trump administration may not have the final say. If the U.S. Justice Department sues to block the Netflix deal, the matter will go before a federal judge.

However, Paramount hired Trump's former antitrust regulator  Makan Delrahim  in the hope of steering a successful regulatory review. Delrahim joined Paramount in October as its chief legal officer.

We believe our offer will create a stronger Hollywood. It is in the best interests of the creative community, consumers and the movie theater industry," David Ellison said in a statement. "We believe they will benefit from the enhanced competition, higher content spend and theatrical release output, and a greater number of movies in theaters as a result of our proposed transaction.

Read more: How Ted Sarandos became the ultimate Hollywood gate-crasher

Paramount's tender offer is set to expire Jan. 8, 2026, unless it's extended.

Shares of Warner Bros. jumped 4.4% on Monday to $27.23. Paramount gained 9% to $14.57 a share while Netflix lost 3.4% to $96.79.

Times staff writers Wendy Lee and Stephen Battaglio contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Harshita Mary Varghese, Aditya Soni and Dawn Chmielewski

Dec 8 (Reuters) - Paramount Skydance on Monday launched a hostile bid worth $108.4 billion for Warner Bros Discovery, in a last-ditch effort to outbid Netflix and create a media powerhouse that would challenge the dominance of the streaming giant.

Netflix had emerged victorious on Friday from a weeks-long bidding war with Paramount and Comcast, securing a $72 billion equity deal for Warner Bros Discovery's TV, film studios and streaming assets. But Paramount's latest attempt means the jockeying for Warner Bros and its prized HBO and DC Comics assets will not come to a conclusion swiftly.

The Warner Bros Discovery board of directors on Monday afternoon said it would review Paramount's offer, but was not modifying its recommendation with respect to Netflix. It advised the company to "take no action at this time" in regard to the Paramount Skydance proposal.

Paramount's $30-per-share cash offer includes financing from Affinity Partners, the investment firm run by Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, and several Middle Eastern government-run investment funds, and is backstopped by the Ellison family. Larry Ellison, the world's second-richest person, is the father of Paramount head David Ellison and has close ties to the White House.

Larry Ellison called Trump after the Netflix deal was announced and told him the transaction would hurt competition, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing a White House official and a person familiar with the matter.

The studio argues its bid for the entirety of Warner Bros Discovery is superior to Netflix, giving shareholders $18 billion more in cash and an easier path to regulatory approval. It said a Paramount-Warner Bros combination, which would be among the largest media deals in history, would be in the best interest of the creative community, movie theaters and consumers, who would benefit from enhanced competition.

"We believe our offer will create a stronger Hollywood," Paramount CEO David Ellison said in a statement. Separately, he said Paramount's proposal offered "higher headline value, increased certainty in that value, greater regulatory certainty, and a pro-Hollywood, pro-consumer and pro-competition future."

Paramount's bid includes Warner Bros Discovery's cable television properties; Netflix's bid is limited to the Warner Bros film and television studios, HBO and the HBO Max streaming service.

Analysts noted that Paramount's offer comes with its own antitrust scrutiny as a consolidation of two major television operators. Last month, Democratic senators warned that such a transaction would result in "one company controlling almost everything Americans watch on TV." The combined studio would also have a greater market share than current leader Disney, and add to fears of consolidation that have hit the industry in recent years.
In July 2025, the Congressional Republican budget reconciliation bill became law, resulting in substantial cuts to various programs, including Medicaid.

The reconciliation package would reduce federal Medicaid spending over a decade by $911 billion and increase the number of uninsured people by 10 million, according to the Congressional Budget Offices (CBO) cost estimates as reported by KFF.

As of January 2025, around 71.4 million people in the U.S. were enrolled in Medicaid, and the program accounted for around 18.8 cents of every dollar spent on health-care services in the nation, according to data from Pew Research Center.

A 2025 national survey by KFF found that 71% of U.S. adults believe Medicaid cuts would harm hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care providers, and 54% are concerned that funding reductions would impact their own or their familys ability to access and pay for health care.

Planned Parenthood, a nonprofit health care organization and the largest provider of sexual and reproductive health services in the U.S., warned that the bill would have catastrophic consequences, arguing that its health centers serve more than 1 million patients annually through Medicaid.

The nonprofit organization also sued President Donald Trump in July over funding cuts, reported The Guardian.

Several months later, Planned Parenthood was forced to close another location.

Planned Parenthood closes a clinic in Franklinton, Ohio, along West Broad Street.William A. Morgan/Shutterstock.com

Planned Parenthood closes clinic in Columbus, Ohio, area

A major provision in the bill bars Medicaid funding for nonprofit clinics that provide abortion services, if those clinics received more than $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements in 2023, reported CBS News.

Some clinics are now asking Medicaid patients to pay out of their pockets, and others are closing. About 50 Planned Parenthood clinics have closed since the start of Trumps second term, reported The Associated Press.

The latest to close is a Columbus-area clinic in Franklinton, Ohio, along West Broad Street, a spokesperson told The Columbus Dispatch. The closure affects 17 employees.

The clinic shut its doors on Nov. 28, explaining that the closure was a direct result of the loss of Medicaid funding severely impacting patient volume, according to an emailed statement from spokesperson Hannah Gavin to The Columbus Dispatch.

The organizations health center in north Columbus remains open for patients.

In an August statement, Erica Wilson-Domer, president and chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, said the organization did everything it could to avoid layoffs, but the reality is, were facing serious financial challenges.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Meta (META, Financials) is seeing rising consumer interest in its Ray-Ban smart glasses, a collaboration with EssilorLuxottica that analysts say marks the first meaningful commercial breakthrough for AI-powered eyewear. The frames contain built-in cameras that let people capture pictures and movies, broadcast to Meta applications, and talk to an AI assistant. These capabilities have caused a lot of privacy issues in Europe.

Before, regulators in Italy and Ireland were unsure whether the gadget did a good job of letting onlookers know, but Meta and EssilorLuxottica made the recording indication light bigger. The EU's AI Act and GDPR apply to the glasses, which makes it harder for people to use them.

EssilorLuxottica said that smart glasses added more than four percentage points to its sales increase during the last nine months, although they still only make up a modest part of its total income. Analysts claim that its 18,000-store network and strong brand portfolio provide it advantages that early smart-wearable products like Google Glass didn't have.

The race is getting faster. In China, Alibaba released a model of AI glasses, and Google plans to release its own version in 2026. Next year, Apple is expected to come out with a model, while Xiaomi has already released a comparable one.

As privacy scrutiny grows and new companies enter the market, Meta and EssilorLuxottica will have to keep up their progress.
By Elisa Anzolin and Gianluca Lo Nostro

MILAN, Dec 9 (Reuters) - EssilorLuxottica is betting big on smart eyewear and the gamble is about to be tested. Its Ray-Ban Meta glasses, powered by artificial intelligence, have delivered their first meaningful revenue boost this year, but analysts warn that privacy concerns and a wave of new rivals could limit their growth.

The frames, launched in 2021, promise to upend the smartphone era by letting wearers take photos and videos through tiny cameras in the lenses, stream content to Meta apps and talk to an AI assistant.

Yet the same features that promise to make the AI-powered frames - born from the collaboration between Mark Zuckerberg's Meta and French-Italian eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica - into a must-have device are sparking concerns, as bystanders have little control over being recorded or how their data is handled.

"AI smart glasses raise significant privacy concerns," said Kleanthi Sardeli, a lawyer at European digital rights advocacy group NOYB. "The main issues are linked to the use of people's personal data to train AI models and transparency for bystanders."

Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp and generates the bulk of its revenue from advertising, is leveraging user data to power artificial intelligence tools, a move that brought the company to face scrutiny over data practices.

REGULATORY SCRUTINY IN EUROPE

European regulators have flagged risks since 2021, when Italy and Ireland asked Meta to clarify how it complied with local privacy laws.

Ireland's Data Protection Commission questioned whether a tiny LED indicator was enough to alert people they were being filmed, prompting Meta and EssilorLuxottica to enlarge the light and add a blinking pattern.

Privacy concerns are particularly strong in the European Union, where stricter regulations have slowed adoption of some AI features.

AI-enabled wearables are regulated by the EU's AI Act and the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR.

"Any recording of individuals must be clearly communicated and must have a legal basis to record individuals," unless the data was processed for purely personal or household reasons, a European Commission spokesperson said.

But enforcing those rights is difficult when the device owner is unknown, says NOYB.

A 2024 Monash University survey of more than 1,000 Australians found owners see smart glasses as boosting their self-image and social ties, while non-users fear privacy breaches and social disruption.

EssilorLuxottica said it partners "with competent authorities to drive innovation, safeguard privacy and set new industry standards."
Q : With the gross margin up by 90 basis points despite currency headwinds, can we expect further expansion as these headwinds turn into tailwinds? A : Goran Westerberg, CEO: Yes, it is certainly possible. We are in a strong competitive position, and as currency effects become favorable, we anticipate further gross margin expansion.

Q : Can you provide examples of the change in consumer behavior towards higher ticket items? A : Goran Westerberg, CEO: We are observing a shift where consumers, who were previously hesitant to spend on higher-priced items, are now opting for more expensive alternatives. This includes items like nicer Christmas trees or bed sets, indicating increased consumer confidence.

Purchasing prices in Europe have been negatively impacting the gross margin, offsetting some gains from Asian markets.

The net effect of currency fluctuations for the full financial year is expected to remain negative.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript .

Story Continues

Q: What are the components affecting the gross margin this quarter? A: Sofie Malmunger, CFO: The positive effects include campaign efficiency and a favorable product mix, while currency effects were negative. Freight costs and the bonded warehouse in Norway contributed positively.

Q: How is the store rollout progressing, and is there an update on the guidance for new store openings? A: Goran Westerberg, CEO: We are comfortable with the upper range of our guidance, targeting 65 to 80 new stores. The influx of new store opportunities supports this outlook.

Q: Can you discuss the impact of purchasing prices from Asia and Europe on your margins? A: Sofie Malmunger, CFO: While European purchasing prices have been negative, we see a positive trend from Asia. The net effect is challenging to predict, but we expect continued benefits from Asian sourcing.

Q: How is the competitive environment affecting Rusta, and have there been any changes in markdown activity or store openings by competitors? A: Goran Westerberg, CEO: We are in a strong position with positive momentum. Volume growth gives us an advantage, and regulatory changes affecting online competitors are expected to be beneficial.

Q: What is the current share of online sales in Sweden and Finland, and how does it compare to physical stores? A: Goran Westerberg, CEO: Online sales are in the low single-digits of total sales, but profitability is on par or higher than physical stores. Online serves as a complementary channel.

Q: Has there been an increase in private label sales, and how does this vary between markets? A: Goran Westerberg, CEO: Yes, private label sales have increased, particularly in home decor. The acceptance of private labels is growing across all markets, including Germany, where it has traditionally been higher.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
A 31-year-old single mom from Vermont is facing a mountain of student debt after becoming a pharmacist. When she recently called into The Ramsey Show for advice, personal finance expert Dave Ramsey gave her his famous unfiltered response.

Pharmacist Earning $150K, But Trapped By Debt

Hillary told Ramsey that she owes $326,000 in federal student loans across 21 separate loans. She said she graduated in 2020 and had already paid off $70,000 in private loans. However, the federal loans had been in forbearance, allowing interest to balloon.

I tried to pay off as much as I could before the interest started, Hillary said. But now the interest is starting, and I cant seem to figure paying [them] off.

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Ramsey responded directly. You got completely screwed on your education, he said. You paid like five times more than you should have to become a pharmacist.

Hillary admitted she doesnt fully understand why it ended up costing so much. It shouldnt have been anywhere near $400-and-something-thousand to become a freaking pharmacist. No, no, no, Ramsey said.

Retirement Contributions On Hold

To Ramsey, its clear: she couldnt continue splitting focus between debt payoff and retirement investing. Hillary had been trying to do both. Co-host George Kamel called that a competing goal. You either want to get out of debt or invest. You cant do both at once and make progress, he said.

Ramsey urged her to pause all retirement contributions and throw every available dollar at her student loans. Youre broke. You have got to do something different. Youve got to attack these student loans to get rid of them. Theyre not a pet, theyre an ugly zoo animal, Ramsey said.

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A Four-Year Battle Plan

When asked how much she could realistically put toward her loans each year, Hillary estimated between $40,000 and $50,000, considering her childcare expenses. Ramsey pushed her to reach $75,000 a year.

He then walked her through his debt snowball method: list the loans from smallest to largest, pay minimums on all but the smallest, and throw everything at that one until its gone. Then move to the next.

The goal here is to make more payments than the interest is accruing, so the balance goes down, Kamel said.
Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) is included among the 11 Worst Performing Dividend Stocks Year-to-Date.

Soft Retail Volumes Prompt Mizuho to Trim Primo Brands (PRMB) Target

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

On November 26, Miuho trimmed its price target on Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) to $28 from $35 and kept an Outperform rating on the shares. The update came as Nielsen scanner data pointed toward soft retail volumes and larger discounts through November 15.

On November 10, Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) announced that it has authorized an increase of $50 million to the companys existing share repurchase program. This brought the total amount under the program to $300 million. The company has already repurchased approximately 4.4 million shares of its Class A common stock for approximately $97.7 million.

In the third quarter of 2025, Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) reported revenue of $1.76 billion, which showed a significant growth of 35% from the same period last year. The growth was mainly driven by net sales from Primo Water following the merger, along with higher volumes contributed by BlueTriton. The companys gross margin was 29.9%, compared with 31.9% in the prior year period.

Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) also declared a rebound in its delivery service rate (DSR), which is back to approximately 95% and is consistent with historical levels. The companys synergy plan is expected to achieve $200 million and $300 million run rate targets by 2025 and 2026, respectively.

Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) is a Florida-based branded beverage company that has an extensive portfolio of packaged branded water and beverages.

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 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: 15 Dividend Stocks Paying 4%+ Yield in 2025 and 14 Best US Stocks to Buy for Long Term

Disclosure: None.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  South Carolinas stalled nuclear power project could finally finish construction as a private company has offered to pay $2.7 billion to the state-owned utility and a small share of the power if they can reach an agreement to get the two reactors up and running.

The half-built reactors ended up so far behind schedule that the project was abandoned in 2017. However, the potential deal is a long way from complete. There will be up to two years of negotiations between utility Santee Cooper and Brookfield Asset Management on the thousands and thousands of details.

The deal would also let Brookfield keep at least 75% of the power generated by the new plant that they could mostly sell to whom they want, such as energy-gobbling data centers. The exact amount of the rest that Santee Cooper receives would be determined on how much the private company has to spend to get the reactors running.

Either side can pull out of the deal, although Brookfield did agree to pay Santee Cooper's costs both for sorting through the more than 70 bids for the project and the talks as both sides hammer out the final agreement.

Santee Cooper was a minority partner in the doomed plan to build two new nuclear reactors at the V.C. Summer site. The state-owned utility along with privately-owned South Carolina Electric & Gas spent more than $9 billion trying to build the reactors.

The unfinished, weathered concrete and metal tower of at least one plant sits not far from the working reactor that has been running 1984 at the rural site about 20 miles (32 kilometers) up the Broad River from Columbia.

Four executives ended up in prison or home confinement for lying to regulators, shareholders, ratepayers and investigators and left millions of people paying for decades for a project that never produced electricity. Taxpayers and ratepayers ended up on the hook because of a state law that allowed the utilities to charge for costs before any power was generated.

If the $2.7 billion payment goes through, most of Santee Cooper's debt from the nuclear debacle would be erased, utility CEO Jimmy Staton said at Monday's board meeting where the proposal was unanimously approved.

Our customers have been paying for these assets since 2017. Its time they get some value out of that, Staton said.

Interest in the project has grown as power demand in the U.S. surges with the increase in data centers as artificial intelligence technology develops.

President Donald Trump's administration wants the U.S. to quadruple the amount of power generated by nuclear plants over the next 25 years.
Sugarloaf TGIF Management, which manages the global TGI Fridays brand, has entered a master franchise agreement with Brew and Feast Holdings to launch the restaurant chain in the Republic of Maldives.

Brew and Feast Holdings will first open outlets in the capital city, Male, with plans to later assess potential locations within hotel properties on resort islands across the archipelago.

The casual dining brand's foray into the Maldives forms part of its international expansion strategy, which prioritises franchise-led growth in markets it identifies as having strong potential.

The brand is pursuing flexible formats to suit local conditions and travel hubs.

Brew and Feast Holdings chairman Mohamed Anwar stated: "This agreement marks an exciting new chapter for hospitality in the Maldives. Bringing TGI Fridays here feels like the perfect match of spirit and setting.

We host people who come to celebrate life's biggest moments, and that's exactly what Fridays does best. With support from the TGI Fridays global team, we are committed to building a long-term presence that elevates dining, drives tourism value and becomes a favourite destination for both locals and visitors."

Brew and Feast Holdings will collaborate with TGI Fridays global team on development activities, including choosing sites, design, staff training, supply chain arrangements and marketing.

The work will be supported by the brands global hubs in the US state of Dallas and Dubai.

TGI Fridays International Franchising president Phil Broad stated: Our entry into the Maldives comes at a time of strong international momentum, following the opening of our first restaurant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan  our debut market in Central Asia and a significant milestone as we expand into new regions.

We're also building on recent successes in Japan and Peru, alongside extended development plans for more than 100 new restaurants across Mexico and India."

In October 2025, Sugarloaf TGIF Management reached two master franchise deals to grow the TGI Fridays footprint in India and Mexico.

"TGI Fridays seals master franchise deal for Maldives debut" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.




Sales are more weighted to developed markets at 65% of total revenue versus 35% for emerging markets but TMICC also plans to put more leverage into advertising and promotional spending.

For the time being, Unilever will retain a 19.9% stake in the demerged TMICC but that interest will be wound down gradually over five years, the parent company previously disclosed.

In Amsterdam trading, Reuters put the valuation at $9.2bn as of a filing at 11:04am GMT today.

With our iconic brands, world-class capabilities, expert people and the trust of millions of ice-cream lovers globally, we aim to lead the frozen snacking revolution, shaping new occasions, innovating new products and fresh ways to delight people around the world, improving the service to our customers and creating value for our shareholders and wider stakeholders.

We have a clear strategy to deliver growth, improve productivity and reinvest in TMICC in line with the medium-term targets we set out at our recent capital markets day.

We will be more agile, more focused, and more ambitious than ever, ter Kulve said in a statement today to mark the stock-market debut.

The top-end of the range is also superior to the global market average growth for ice cream as a category of 3-4%.

Under the tutelage of CEO Peter ter Kulve and finance chief Abhijit Bhattacharya, a medium-term organic sales growth target of 3-5% annually was set out at a capital markets day (CMD) in September, above the historical average of 3% generated under the auspices of Unilever.

Unlike UK-headquartered branded and private-label focused Froneri, in which Nestle holds a 50% interest in a partnership with PAI Partners dating back to 2016, TMICC is solely focused on branded ice cream with well known names such as Walls, Cornetto and Ben & Jerrys.

TMICC becomes the worlds largest standalone ice-cream manufacturer and by its own submission commands a 21% global market share, almost double the 11% of its nearest rival, the investor-backed Froneri.

Shares headed higher in the two European cities today (8 December), gains that were extended into the US open in a tripartite listing thats been in the pipeline since March 2024 and is now celebrated in the long-awaited, and at times delayed demerger, from CPG giant Unilever.

Management at The Magnum Ice Cream Company can now begin the real work of building toward its organic growth target as TMICCs debut on exchanges in London, Amsterdam and New York got off to a positive start.

Story Continues

A&P outlays are targeted at 13% as a percentage of group revenues from 2026 onwards, compared to relatively flat investment of 12.4% last year and 12.3% in 2023.

Ben & Jerry's

As the demerger and stock listings came to fruition, Unilever and TMICCs wrangling with Ben & Jerrys extended to the Ben & Jerrys Foundation, a separate and independent entity from the ice-cream business carrying the brands name

Just Food reported last week that TMICC is in talks with the Foundation to fix what the parent ice-cream maker deems are governance issues identified in a recent audit.

That assessment came almost three months after Ben & Jerrys founders, Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen, called for independence for the ice-cream company ahead of todays spin-off, a proposition Unilever rejected.

In an audit conducted by a reputable independent concern, a spokesperson for TMICC said in a statement last week that a series of material deficiencies in financial controls had been identified, along with conflict-of-interest issues.

The Foundation did not respond to Just Foods request for comment last week.

Greenfield had already resigned from Ben & Jerrys in September, as revealed by his business partner Cohen on the social media platform X. Greenfield was disenchanted over a lack of independence from Unilever, particularly around expressing social values.

Meanwhile, doubts had also surfaced in November over the future of the chair of Ben & Jerrys corporate board, Anuradha Mittal. She joined the branded ice-cream business in 2007 and became chairperson in 2018.

Following investigations commissioned by the group and conducted by external advisers, in the opinion of the group the current chair of the Ben & Jerrys board no longer meets the criteria to serve as a member of the Ben & Jerrys board, a registration document filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on 4 November read.

Reuters reported Mittal as saying on Sunday (7 December) that she does not plan to resign.

"The so-called audit of the Foundation was a manufactured inquiry - engineered to attempt to discredit me," Mittal informed the publication in a statement. "It is important to understand that this is not simply an attack on me as chair. It is Unilevers attempt to undermine the authority of the board itself."

Bond issue

TMICC also has 3bn in its coffers from a bond sale in November, part of a newly set up 8bn medium-term note programme under Magnum ICC Finance. Rated BBB by S&P and Baa2 by Moodys, the cash raised from the initial tranche will be used for general corporate purposes and to finance the demerger.

Bhattacharya said last month the debt sale was seven times oversubscribed, which, he added, clearly indicates that our strategy and story as the worlds leading ice-cream company resonates with investors.

Barclays team of analysts led by Warren Ackermann outlined last month how feedback from investors had pointed to a more prudent organic sales growth target of around 3% and above so as to set expectations realistically and give Magnum a better chance of both meeting and beating expectations on a consistent basis.

However, Barclays' bull case scenario is an estimate of 4.5% from 2026.

As a standalone entity, TMICC will no longer be constrained by the broader priorities of Unilevers portfolio, allowing it to allocate capital with greater precision and tailor its innovation cadence to the unique dynamics of the ice-cream category, the analysts wrote.

Room for improvement



Ter Kulve suggested at the September CMD that ice cream under the Unilever umbrella had room for improvement. The business is not doing well, was an excerpt from his comments.

The CEO emphasised that e-commerce is the big growth driving channel to complement retail and out-of-home sales  the latter represents about 40% of total turnover.

Our portfolio is well-balanced, with strong brands, leading capabilities, good channel positions, good geographic positions, and it sets us up for superior growth, ter Kulve explained.

We have a clear strategy to unlock this growth but especially a real detailed plan to unlock productivity.

China and India will no doubt be areas to develop as ter Kulve said TMICC lags behind leader Yili as the number two in the former market and the Amul dairy cooperative in the latter as the top ice-cream manufacturer.

CFO Bhattacharya said at the same CMD event that Unilever had been losing global ice-cream volumes for the past decade but those volumes started to return last year.

You see the same in terms of market share, losing steadily, not by big chunks but now we've turned the corner, he explained.

Most importantly, you see that, as you lose top line and volume, you lose margins. That's the problem with our business but that's also the opportunity because if we drive volume growth, we will get margin expansion.

TMICC has also put in place a 500m productivity plan until 2028, 70m of which was delivered last year. It will focus on the supply chain, overheads and tech-enabled productivity in manufacturing.

Team players



Geographical operations have been divided up into three divisions: the Americas; Europe, Australia and New Zealand; and thirdly, Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Based on last years performance, the Americas and Europe/ANZ both generated revenue of 3bn each but with respective market positions of 19% and 31%. AMEA commanded 11% valued at 2bn.

Gerardo Rozanski heads up the Americas as president while Mustafa Seckin holds the same role for Europe/ANZ. AMEA is divided between Wai-Fung Loh overseeing Asia and Toloy Tanridagli for the Middle East, Turkey, and South Asia business units.

In terms of the board, Jean-Francois van Boxmeer is chairman who has held senior executive and non-executive roles at Vodafone, Heineken and Henkel.

There are also seven non-executive directors: Stacey Cartwright; Rene Hooft Graafland; Melissa Bethell; Stefan Bomhard; Anja Mutsaers; Reginaldo Ecclissato; and Josh Frank.

TMICC has got off to a good start in terms of financial performance. Organic sales growth in 2024 was 2% and the same rate was held in the first half of the 2025 fiscal year, according to figures from the CMD presentation.

Volume growth, however, slowed to 1% in the opening six months of this year from 2% in the full-year 2024. The adjusted EBITDA margin has also improved, rising 134 basis points last year and another 100 points in H1 2025.

Revenue last year was reported as 7.95bn, up from 7.62bn from the prior period.

Adjusted operating profit climbed to 964m from 854m, while the margin rose to 12.1% versus 11.2%.

Adjusted EBITDA increased to 1.34bn from 1.21bn and the EBITDA margin climbed to 16.9% from 15.9%.

As TMICC evolved into a standalone entity, questions have once again emerged over the future of other food assets in the Unilever portfolio. It has long been speculated that like ice cream, the CPG major would either spin-off or sell other parts of its consumables brands to focus on beauty and wellbeing, personal care, and home care.

Reuters reported last month, quoting unnamed sources, that Unilever was considering selling the food brands Marmite, Colmans and Bovril. Last week, the company offloaded UK snacks business Graze to German group Katjes International.

We think Magnum's fortunes will be much improved as a pure play company rather than stuck inside Unilever, which has other priorities. In our view, the ice cream separation should be seen in the context of Unilever becoming a higher-growth, higher-margin business that is becoming more laser focused on where it wants to allocate its finite resources," Ackermanns Barclays team wrote in November.

Unilever's future is clearly moving away from mass market food and HPC to become a more premium beauty player with a strong health and wellness consumer offering.

"TMICC begins new life as global ice-cream leader in positive stock market debut" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




Key Points

Competitive pressure in e-commerce remains intense and structural.

Quick commerce continues to weigh heavily on profitability.

Investor sentiment toward Chinese tech remains volatile and unpredictable.

10 stocks we like better than Alibaba Group 

Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA) continues to remake itself. Its September 2025 quarter delivered a familiar mix of progress and pressure: Revenue rose 5% year over year to RMB 247.8 billion ($34.8 billion), cloud revenue jumped 34%, and artificial intelligence (AI) demand remained a powerful tailwind.

Yet profitability sank, with non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) net income falling roughly 72%, and free cash flow turned negative as the company invested heavily in data centers, logistics, and quick commerce.

That combination captures Alibaba's current reality. The company's long-term repositioning looks increasingly credible, but investors must navigate real risks that could slow or complicate the recovery. Among many uncertainties, three stand out as the most important for investors to watch.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. E-commerce competition remains structurally intense

Alibaba's e-commerce business stabilized this year, with its core customer management revenue increasing by 10% year over year in the latest quarter. Still, it's too early for celebration.

The competitive pressure it faces today is very different from that of a decade ago. Platforms like Pinduoduo continue to win value-seeking shoppers with aggressive pricing and an unmatched reputation for bargains. Meanwhile, Douyin has permanently reshaped online shopping behavior by merging short-form content with product discovery. JD.com, on the other hand, remains strong in categories that rely on consumer trust, such as electronics and high-value household goods.

This competitive trifecta makes sustaining growth and protecting margins far more challenging than in the past. For Alibaba, defending its core commerce engine now requires continuous product innovation, better buyer retention strategies, and more precise personalization tools.

The risk for investors is not that Alibaba will lose relevance -- its ecosystem remains vast -- but that the company may never regain the margin profile it once enjoyed. That's important since the younger growth engines like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing still require plenty of investment, which has to come from the profits of its mature e-commerce business.

In other words, if the commerce business fails to deliver steady growth while maintaining its margin, Alibaba's broader transformation becomes harder to finance and justify.
TotalEnergies and Galp have agreed to swap their stakes across three offshore oil licences in Namibia, positioning TotalEnergies as the operator of the Mopane and Venus discoveries.

Under the terms, TotalEnergies will acquire from Galp a 40% operated interest in petroleum exploration license 83 (PEL 83), which includes the Mopane oil discovery in Namibia's Orange Basin.

Galp will obtain a 10% participating interest in PEL 56, which holds the Venus discovery, and a 9.39% participating interest in PEL 91 from TotalEnergies.

TotalEnergies will also carry 50% of Galps capital expenditures for undertaking exploration and appraisal work on the Mopane discovery as well as the initial development phase on PEL 83.

This carried amount will be reimbursed to TotalEnergies through 50% of Galps future cash flows generated by the project.

The transaction is expected to be completed in 2026, subject to approvals from Namibian authorities and joint venture partners.

Upon closing, TotalEnergies will hold a 40% operated interest in PEL 83, a 35.25% operated interest in PEL 56 and a 33.085% operated interest in PEL 91.

Galp will have a 40% interest in PEL 83, a 10% interest in PEL 56 and a 9.39% interest in PEL 91.

Other partners in PEL 83 include Namcor and Custos with a 10% interest each.

In PEL 56, the partners include QatarEnergy with a 35.25% stake, Namcor with a 10% interest and Impact with a 9.5% interest.

Besides TotalEnergy and Galp, the other companies holding an interest in PEL 91 are QatarEnergy (33.025%), Namcor (15%) and Impact (9.5%).

TotalEnergies chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanne said: TotalEnergies will leverage its recognised operatorship track record to progress towards profitable and sustainable developments of both Venus and Mopane discoveries.

By enabling the creation of a producing hub in Namibia, we aim to achieve synergies that will create long-term value for both Namibia and the stakeholders.

We are eager to keep building on our collaboration with the Namibian authorities in order to deliver both developments.

TotalEnergies and Galp will launch an exploration and appraisal campaign over the next two years. The campaign includes three wells, with the first planned for 2026, targeting further de-risking of resources and progress toward Mopanes development.

TotalEnergies, as the operator of PEL 56, will develop the Venus discovery and is working to secure all conditions for a potential final investment decision in 2026.

The development concept for Venus includes a 160,000 barrels per day floating production, storage and offloading unit.
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) is one of the Most Undervalued Stocks to Buy Right Now. On November 27, Reuters, while quoting Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM), highlighted that the companys global production increased for the 5th consecutive month in October, thanks to the robust US demand for hybrid vehicles, mitigating the weaker sales in Japan and China. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM)s global output increased by 4% YoY to 926,987 cars, with worldwide sales increasing by 2% to 922,087 vehicles.

Toyota Motor (TM): Global Production Increases for 5th Consecutive Month

In the US, which is the top market, production went up by 26% for October 2025, showcasing its 5th straight double-digit rise, added Reuters. This was aided by strong hybrid demand and recovery of output from the previous years production stoppage of 2 models. In China, production fell by 6%, with sales dropping 7%. This was because of the end of subsidy programmes in some regions. Notably, output in Japan increased by 7%, but sales declined 4%.

In a different development, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) announced an additional investment of up to US$10 billion in the US over the upcoming 5 years, bringing the companys total US investment to ~US$60 billion since it began operations in the US. Additionally, the company held an opening ceremony for Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC). This is the companys 11th manufacturing facility in the US, reflecting an investment of ~$14 billion.

While we acknowledge the potential of TM 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.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Its been a bit of a roller coaster in terms of not just uncertainty over our global markets and our prices, but also whether or not we were going to see any relief on the input side, Kyle Jore, an economist, northwest Minnesotabased farmer, and secretary of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, told Fortune.

Since Trump introduced expansive import taxesespecially on China, provoking a wave of retaliatory tariffsfarmers have seen input costs increase while export demand and crop prices plummet.

At the end of the day, the farmers, they just want to conduct business, not necessarily have to get these packages to help them out during these times, Loy said.

The one-time payment program will send $11 billion to major row-crop producers growing corn, soybeans, and rice, and the remaining $1 billion will be reserved for specialty-crop growers, such as sugar. Trump said additional aid programs will depend on whether trade improves with China and other countries. While the money is welcome, farmers say theyd rather have the government secure stable markets and trade relations.

Were talking $12 billion, and while it is a lot of money, in the grand scheme of things, its still going to be a Band-Aid on a bigger wound, Ryan Loy, assistant professor and extension economist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, told Fortune. How can we triage this situation right now, work on that longer-term solution? Thats really, I think, the overall attitude toward it.

While farmers and agricultural economists see the package as a way to move forward after a disappointing harvest season, they fear the precedent of cash bailouts does not provide systemic solutions to a beleaguered industry, and they dont believe the $12 billion gesture is enough to solve agricultures deeper challenges.

Now were once again in a position where a president is able to put farmers first, Trump said at a Monday roundtable of farmers and lawmakers. But unfortunately, Im the only president that does that.

On Monday, Trump, alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett, announced a $12 billion farm aid program , which outlined much-needed relief for farmers who sounded the alarms about increasing input costs and fewer export opportunities amid ongoing trade tensions. Farmers will begin receiving funds by the end of February, Rollins said.

President Donald Trump has delivered on his promise to provide aid to U.S. farmers hit by his sweeping tariff policy, but that hasnt freed the agriculture industry from worries of tight margins and volatile markets.

Story Continues

Tariffs on farming-related machinery as well as products like seeds and fertilizer sit at 9%, costing U.S. farmers about $33 billion more, according to North Dakota State Universitys Agricultural Trade Monitor. That includes a more than 15% tax on tractors and herbicides.

Soybean farmers, responsible for the U.S.s biggest agricultural exportwhich accounts for about 14% of the countrys total crops sent overseashave been hit particularly hard by tariffs. Trade disputes with Beijing have disincentivized China from buying American soybeans, and the country has instead turned to South American countries like Argentina and especially Brazil, which makes up about 71% of Chinas soybean imports, according to the American Soybean Association.

To be sure, thawing relations between the U.S. and China has enlivened soybean trade. China committed in October to resume orders of U.S. soybeans after halting all purchases in May, promising to import 12 million tons of soybeans by the end of the year, as well as at least 25 million tons in each of the next three years. However, soybean prices have still lagged because of stifled demand, and farmers saw their third straight year of losses, in large part due to tariff turmoil.

According to agricultural economists, Trumps farm aid program doesnt hurt, but its benefits are limited: The bailout announcement arrived late in the harvest season, with farmers already booking orders at lower prices, nearly guaranteeing losses for the year. The package also doesnt address input costs, which Jore sees as critical in improving tight margins.

A lot of farmers are making purchasing decisions on the 26 year crop right now, he said. And the hope was that by now, wed start to see some of the fertilizers and stuff come down, and its just not happening to the extent that we were hoping for.

Changing systems

Joe Maxwell, a Missouri farmer and cofounder and chief strategy officer of agriculture watchdog group Farm Action, said many of the issues plaguing the U.S. agriculture industryincluding input costsgo beyond the trade disputes created by the Trump administration. His celebration of the bailout package was tempered by his belief the administration should be addressing policies that for years have been hurting the industry.

The message were wanting to get to Washington, D.C., is that the system is broke, Maxwell told Fortune. We need the financial support that the president has announced. But we need Congress to take a serious look at the structure of these programs, because its just failed.

While input costs have risen substantially from tariffs, Maxwell said the reason behind rising fertilizer and seed prices have more to do with corporate consolidations and monopolies dominating the input industry. According to Farm Actions Agriculture Consolidation Data Hub, three fertilizer companies (CF Industries, Nutrien, and Koch) control 93% of North American nitrogen fertilizer sales in North America. Four seed companies (Bayer, Corteva, ChemChina, and BASF) similarly dominated 60% of the global seed market.

On Saturday, Trump signed an executive order creating a task force to investigate alleged antitrust practices impacting the cost of farming.

There is a disconnect from the fundamentals in the market, basic supply, demand, Maxwell said. One of the fundamentals is competition, and that does not exist in Americas agriculture.

Maxwell also noted Congress provides subsidies for export crops, which he argued has created an oversupply problem. That exposes U.S. farmers, such as soybean producers, in instances like trade disputes when export demand plummets, he added. These subsidies also discourage American farmers from planting fruits and vegetables that would make the U.S. less reliant on exports and encourage crop diversification, which lends itself better to regenerative farming practices like crop rotation, which can decrease input costs and ultimately widen profits, Maxwell argued.

The USDA directed Fortune to its press release about the bailout program when asked for comment.

Until the government addresses the purported anticompetitive input industry and how subsidies may be exposing the agriculture industry in times of trade volatility, bailout packages will only go so far, Maxwell said.

If we dont go after the antitrust violations that are there, and we dont change the structure of our farm programs, we will not solve the financial crisis farmers are facing today, he concluded.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
President Trump on Monday announced that he will greenlight the sale of Nvidia's (NVDA) more powerful H200 chips to China.

Trump previously lifted restrictions on the sale of Nvidia's China-specific H20 AI chips, which have less processing capacity than the H200, to the country, but China halted imports of the reduced units.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping responded "positively" to the move.

Trump also said that Nvidia would pay the US 25% of the sale revenue of chips sent to China, up from an initial 15%.

Shares, which had risen on reports of the move, continued rising in premarket trading on Tuesday, up roughly 2%.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, along with other proponents of shipping chips to China, has said that selling high-powered chips to China will give the US an advantage in the AI race by ensuring that Chinese developers are dependent on technologies built by a US company.

Without Nvidia's chips, China's own tech companies have stepped in to develop their own AI processors and software.

Huang has said it's imperative for the US to have a hand in the Chinese AI market, which is home to roughly half of the world's AI programmers.

Read more about Nvidia's stock moves and today's market action.

Nvidia products at the Computex 2025 conference in Taipei. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying, Archive)  ASSOCIATED PRESS

But security hawks say providing high-end chips to China will allow Chinese companies and the country's military to develop more powerful AI models.

The Biden administration initially banned the sale of AI chips to China, but Trump lifted the ban on the degraded chips.

The H200 chip is a generation behind Nvidia's current cutting-edge Blackwell line of AI processors, which include the B200 and B300. The company plans to launch its Rubin AI chips in 2026.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) issued a statement following the report criticizing the move and claiming that Huang's donation to help fund the construction of the White House's new East Wing helped the company secure the sale of the chips.

"This risks turbocharging China's bid for technological and military dominance and undermining U.S. economic and national security," Warren added. "Congress must act swiftly. It should pass bipartisan legislation that reins in this Administration, and it should require Mr. Huang to testify publicly and under oath."

Multiple tech companies have donated to the East Wing project, including Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), Google (GOOG, GOOGL), Meta (META), and Microsoft (MSFT).

Nvidia stopped counting China revenue in its quarterly earnings reports and no longer uses it as part of its forward-looking guidance calculations.
President Donald Trump announced his approval for Nvidia to sell H200 chips to China.

Trump said the US would get a cut of the sales.

Nvidia's stock was up following the announcement.

Nvidia just scored a win from President Donald Trump.

In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump said he told Chinese leader Xi Jinping that the US would allow Nvidia to sell its H200 chips to "approved customers" in China.

"This policy will support American Jobs, strengthen US Manufacturing, and benefit American Taxpayers," Trump said in the post.

Trump said, "$25% will be paid to the United States of America." He has previously proposed having the US take a cut of chip sales to China.

Nvidia's stock was up in after-hours trading following Trump's announcement.

"We applaud President Trump's decision to allow America's chip industry to compete to support high paying jobs and manufacturing in America," a spokesperson for Nvidia said in a statement to Business Insider. "Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America."

Nvidia's powerful H200 chips have been in high demand as AI models become more powerful.

While Nvidia was already able to sell some of its other chips to China, the US government has limited its ability to sell some powerful chips due to national security concerns. Sales of its H20 chips to China during Q3 were "insignificant," CFO Colette Kress said on its latest earnings call.

"While we were disappointed in the current state that prevents us from shipping more competitive data center compute products to China, we are committed to continued engagement with the US and China governments and will continue to advocate for America's ability to compete around the world," Kress said during the Q3 earnings call.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang met with Trump last week to discuss export controls on chips.

"I've said repeatedly that we support export control, that we should ensure that American companies have the best and the most and first," Huang told reporters last week.

Nvidia stock was up roughly 2% after hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
President Trump and Nvidia boss Jensen Huang at a White House event this year [Getty Images]

US President Donald Trump has announced that he will allow AI chip giant Nvidia to sell its advanced H200 chips to "approved customers" in China.

"We will protect National Security, create American Jobs, and keep America's lead in AI," Trump said on social media on Monday.

The decision will apply to other US chip companies like AMD and comes after extensive lobbying by Nvidia boss Jensen Huang, who visited Washington last week to drum up support.

Nvidia - both the world's leading chip firm and most valuable company - has found itself at the centre of a geopolitical tug-of-war between the US and China in recent months, and had been banned from selling its most advanced chips to Beijing.

Trump reversed the chip-selling ban in July, but demanded that Nvidia pay 15% of its Chinese revenues to the US government.

Beijing then reportedly ordered its tech companies to stop buying Nvidia chips manufactured for use in the Chinese market.

"We applaud President Trump's decision to allow America's chip industry to compete to support high paying jobs and manufacturing in America," Nvidia said in a statement provided to BBC News.

Nvidia's H200 is a generation behind its Blackwell chip, which is considered to be the world's most advanced AI semiconductor.

Mr Huang told the BBC in September that the US needed "to make sure that people can access this technology from all over the world, including China."

He has also repeatedly warned that China, which has cultivated a chip production ecosystem of its own, was close behind the US in chip development.

Nvidia hailed Trump's announcement on Monday.

"Offering H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America," Nvidia said in its statement.

The companies shares rose slightly on the news.

Trump said "$25% [sic] will be paid to the United States of America" in his post.

The BBC has reached out to the White House for clarification on the arrangement, which will likely face opposition from national security hawks in Congress.

The sale of H200 chips to some Chinese customers "buys time" for the US to negotiate a deal with Beijing over rare earths and prevent major disruptions to global supply chains, Alex Capri from the National University of Singapore said.

China holds a near-monopoly on the processing of rare earth minerals, which are essential for the production of most electronics.

Although access to H200 chips is likely to benefit China's technology sector, Beijing is still expected to work towards reducing dependence on the US, Mr Capri said.
Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) is included among the 11 Worst Performing Dividend Stocks Year-to-Date.

UBS Downgrades Diageo (DEO), Flags Risks in U.S. Spirits Market

On December 3, UBS downgraded Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) to Neutral from Buy and also trimmed the stocks price target to 1,850 GBp from 2,250 GBp. The analyst noted the stocks share price decline this year and sees continued downside risks in the US spirits market. UBS also questions the likelihood of outperformance in the first half, highlighting weakness in Tequila and Diageos ongoing market share losses.

Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) reported declines this year because of sluggish sales in Latin America, under-pressure consumers in the UK and US, declining alcohol consumption among Gen Z, and the growing market of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. However, the companys premium brands, including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Smirnoff, Baileys, and Captain Morgan, are giving a glimmer of hope as things are not completely bleak.

In fiscal Q1 2026, Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) organic net sales were flat, and its organic volume grew by 2.9%. The company also experienced growth in Europe, Latin America and Caribbean (LAC), and Africa; however, weakness was seen in Chinese white spirits and a softer US consumer environment.

Despite these setbacks, Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) remains upbeat on its performance in the coming year and has raised its guidance for organic sales and operating profit. The company also expects to deliver approximately $3 billion in free cash flow in 2026.

Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO) is a British multinational alcoholic beverage company that has operations in nearly 180 countries.

While we acknowledge the potential of DEO 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: 15 Dividend Stocks Paying 4%+ Yield in 2025 and 14 Best US Stocks to Buy for Long Term

Disclosure: None.
SunCoke Energy, Inc. (NYSE:SXC) is one of the best dividend stocks to buy. As of December 5, the average price target for SXC suggests an upside of 47%, which is similar to the Street high.

Previously, The Fly reported on November 11 that B. Riley maintained a Neutral rating on SunCoke Energy, Inc. (NYSE:SXC), and trimmed the price target from $11 to $10. The firm observed that SunCokes adjusted EBITDA, coming in at $59.1 million, topped market expectations. The EBITDA was a result of robust performance in Industrial Services and from Phoenix Global allocating $10 million to SXC.

Wall Street Sees a 47% Upside to SunCoke Energy (SXC)

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

The company lifted its Industrial Services EBITDA guidance for 2025 to a range of $63 million to $67 million, and the adjusted EBITDA guidance to between $220 million and $224 million. Even though the logistics and Domestic Coke volumes did not meet expectations, the higher guidance was driven by the contributions from Phoenix and anticipated synergies, which were balanced out by initial integration costs, B. Riley told investors.

In a separate press release dated November 18, SunCoke Energy, Inc. (NYSE:SXC) announced that it has extended its cokemaking deal with Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:CLF) for 3 years. The contract stipulates that SXC will offer 500,000 tons of metallurgical coke per year to CLF from its Ohio-based Haverhill cokemaking plant. The new agreement begins on January 1, 2026, with similar terms as the current Haverhill contracts.

SunCoke Energy, Inc. (NYSE:SXC) is an Illinois-based producer of coke in the United States and Brazil, operating through Domestic Coke, Brazil Coke, and Logistics segments.

While we acknowledge the potential of SXC 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: Dow 20 Stocks List: Ranked By Hedge Fund Bullishness Index and 10 Unstoppable Dividend Stocks to Buy Now.

Disclosure. None.
HNI Corporation (NYSE:HNI) is one of the best dividend stocks to buy. As of December 5, the average price target for HNI suggests an upside of 65%, however, the Street high indicates an upside of 78%.

On December 5, HNI and Steelcase Inc. (NYSE:SCS) disclosed that the shareholders of the former have agreed to vote for the issuance of HNI common shares to Steelcase common stockholders under the Merger Agreement. Meanwhile, Steelcase shareholders have voted for the adoption of the Merger Agreement and signed off on the first merger that was decided upon. The companies agreed to merge on August 3, 2025.

Wall Street Sees a 78% Upside to HNI Corporation (HNI)

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

An overwhelming majority of HNI Corps and Steelcases shareholders backed the merger proposals by each company. A complete report will be provided, mentioning the details of the voting results, on Form 8-K submitted to the US SEC by HNI and SCS. The deal is set to conclude on December 10, 2025.

Previously, on November 5, HNI Corporation declared a dividend per share of $0.34 on its common units. The dividend was distributed on December 1 to shareholders listed as of November 17. The company pays dividends on a quarterly basis.

HNI Corporation (NYSE:HNI) designs, manufactures, and sells office furniture and residential building products in the United States and Canada.

While we acknowledge the potential of HNI 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: Dow 20 Stocks List: Ranked By Hedge Fund Bullishness Index and 10 Unstoppable Dividend Stocks to Buy Now.

Disclosure. None.
ReposiTrak, Inc. (NYSE:TRAK) is one of the best logistics-tech stocks to buy now.

On December 4, the companys board of directors approved a $2 million share repurchase through a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, under its broader $21 million stock buyback program. These structured trading plans allow companies to repurchase shares based on pre-determined instructions, even during periods when insiders are restricted from trading, provided the plan was adopted in compliance with applicable securities laws.

Why ReposiTraks $2M 10b5-1 Buyback Signals Strategic Shareholder Support

gualtiero boffi/Shutterstock.com

According to the press release, the companys broker will conduct repurchases and will depend on market conditions, legal requirements, and other relevant factors. No target share count or expiration period was disclosed. As of December 1, ReposiTrak had approximately $7.6 million remaining under its total repurchase authorization. The company did not comment further on the strategic intent or timing of the new tranche, stating only that the program will proceed under the terms of Securities and Exchange Commission Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18.

ReposiTrak, Inc. (NYSE:TRAK) builds compliance, safety, and supply chain automation platforms used across the food, retail, and healthcare sectors. Its customer network spans retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers throughout North America. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, ReposiTrak offers solutions that support regulatory compliance, inventory tracking, risk management, and product traceability.

While we acknowledge the potential of TRAK 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: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None.
Zain Group has launched Zain Insure, a digital motor insurance solution designed specifically for the Kuwait market, marking the countrys inaugural fully digital start-to-end motor insurance app.

The launch was announced at NEXUS 2025, a technology and innovation event held in the country.

It has been developed in collaboration with Boubyan Groups Boubyan Takaful Insurance company.

According to Zain Group, users can obtain instant quotes, buy motor insurance online, manage and renew their policies at any time and from any location, digitally file and monitor claims, and securely access all insurance documents through the Zain Insure app.

Zain Group noted that the digital insurance services will be gradually rolled out in Iraq, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

The expansion will include motor device and additional insurance services, tailored to each markets conditions.

The launch of Zain Insure in Kuwait is said to be aligned with Kuwait's Vision 2035 development plan aimed at accelerating digital transformation and customer-centric innovation.

Zain Group has previously contributed to the evolution of mobile financial services across different markets, with a focus on widening financial inclusion and technological advancement in Kuwait and the wider region.

At NEXUS 2025, Zain Groups chief digital investment officer, Malek Hammoud, and Boubyan Takaful CEO Ebrahim Al-Khuzam took part in a panel discussion on the changing insurance landscape.

The panel discussed topics such as compliance and trust in digital onboarding and goals to widen digital insurance offerings into new markets.

Commenting on the launch, Al-Khuzam said: We are proud to partner with Zain on the launch of Kuwaits first fully digital motor insurance platform  a milestone that reinforces Boubyan Takafuls position as a market leader in digital insurance solutions.

This strategic partnership reflects our shared commitment to introduce state or art technology-driven experiences that simplifies and enhance access to insurance services.

Hammoud said: The financial services industry remains a core area of development and investment at Zain, and the launch of Zain Insure underpins our competencies in technology innovation, customer centricity and convenient delivery of financial services.

Zain Insure is a clear reflection of our 4WARD-Progress with Purpose corporate strategy and we believe this launch in Kuwait is just the beginning for this highly in-demand and fast-growing area of activity.

"Zain Group introduces fully digital motor insurance app in Kuwait" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.
A 401(k) is designed for retirement savings, so youll often face IRS penalties if you withdraw funds before age 59 1/2. In addition to a potentially hefty tax bill, your money will miss out on the potential to grow since its no longer invested.

Well take a deep dive into 401(k) withdrawals and 401(k) loans in this article. Youll learn the rules and the differences between withdrawals and loans, as well as how a 401(k) loan or withdrawal can affect your retirement planning.

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Learn more: What is a 401(k)? A guide to the rules and how it works.

Understanding 401(k) withdrawals

A 401(k) withdrawal is when you permanently remove money from your workplace retirement account.

Once you reach age 59 , youre generally allowed to make penalty-free withdrawals from many retirement accounts, like 401(k)s and 403(b)s. But if you withdraw money early, youll often get hit with a 10% penalty in addition to taxes.

The rules for withdrawing money from a 401(k) vary, depending on whether you have a traditional 401(k), which is funded with pre-tax dollars, or a Roth 401(k), which you fund with after-tax dollars.

Learn more: How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?

Traditional 401(k) withdrawals

A traditional 401(k) is funded with pre-tax money, which means that your contributions lower your taxable income for the year. However, any withdrawals you make are taxable as ordinary income, regardless of your age. A 10% early withdrawal penalty will also apply in most circumstances if you havent reached age 59 .

Though you can technically withdraw all your 401(k) funds at once without penalty once youve celebrated that milestone half-birthday, doing so is typically ill-advised, particularly if you have a traditional 401(k). Since your withdrawals are treated as ordinary income, youd likely incur a large tax bill. For example, if you withdrew $200,000 from your 401(k) to pay off your mortgage, youd have an additional $200,000 in taxable income.

Traditional 401(k)s are also subject to mandatory withdrawals called required minimum distributions (RMDs) once you reach age 73, though the RMD age will increase to 75 in 2033 under Secure Act 2.0 rules.

Roth 401(k) withdrawals

A Roth 401(k) is funded with money youve already paid taxes on, but it offers the potential for tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Youll generally need to be at least 59  AND hold the account for at least five years before you can make tax- and penalty-free withdrawals.

If you withdraw money early from a Roth 401(k), youll owe taxes and penalties on the earnings portion of the balance. Lets say you have a $50,000 balance and that 60%, or $30,000, is attributed to contributions, while the other 40%, or $20,000, is earnings. The IRS assumes early Roth 401(k) withdrawals have the same composition as the account. So, if you took a $5,000 early withdrawal, youd owe taxes and a penalty on 40% of the withdrawal ($2,000) thats attributed to earnings.

Unlike traditional 401(k)s, Roth 401(k)s are no longer subject to RMDs. You can let the money grow indefinitely without taking a withdrawal during your lifetime.

How early 401(k) withdrawals work

An early 401(k) withdrawal is generally defined as a distribution you take before age 59 . In addition to regular income taxes on the distribution, youll often owe a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

If you withdraw money early from your 401(k) or cash it out altogether, your plan administrator is required to automatically withhold 20% for taxes. But the mandatory withholding may not be sufficient to pay the entire tax bill, which means you could owe more money when you file your return.

How to avoid the 10% penalty

There are a few instances where you may be able to avoid the 10% penalty, including:

Hardship withdrawals: If you have what the IRS calls an immediate and heavy financial need, you may be able to take a hardship distribution. Some examples of expenses that may qualify include medical bills, funeral costs, tuition and related expenses, and losses stemming from a natural disaster.

Rule of 55: Under the rule of 55, you can take 401(k) distributions without paying a 10% penalty if you leave your job in the calendar year you turn 55 or later. If youre a public safety worker, you get an extra five years, so you can take penalty-free withdrawals if you leave your job the year you turn 50 or later. However, the rule of 55 only applies to the 401(k) plan you were contributing to at the time you left your job.

Substantially equal periodic payments (SEPP) : If youre younger than 59 , you can avoid the 10% penalty if you set up a series of substantially equal periodic payments, which are regular withdrawals from a retirement account over at least five years. Calculating distributions and complying with IRS requirements can get complicated, so consult with a tax advisor.

Other exceptions: There are a few other circumstances where you may be able to avoid the 10% penalty. For example, the Secure Act 2.0 allows for penalty-free emergency withdrawals of up to $1,000 per year for those dealing with what the IRS calls an emergency personal expense. You may also have the penalty waived on early distributions of up to $10,000 if youre a domestic violence survivor or youve been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Beginning in 2026, youll also be allowed penalty-free withdrawals up to $2,500 to pay for long-term care insurance.

Understanding 401(k) loans

A 401(k) loan is when you borrow money from your retirement account and then repay the full amount, plus interest. Employers rules vary, but you can often withdraw up to 50% of your vested balance or $50,000  whichever is less. But if your vested balance is $10,000 or less, you may be allowed to borrow up to the full balance.

One big advantage of a 401(k) loan is that, unlike with an early withdrawal, you can avoid taxes and penalties. Also, unlike most loans, a 401(k) loan doesnt require a credit check.

Youll need to repay the principal plus interest for most 401(k) loans within five years, assuming you continue working for your employer. Your payments are usually taken out automatically from each paycheck, which makes things convenient.

Learn more: How a 401(k) match works and why you should seek it out

401(k) loan drawbacks

One of the big risks of a 401(k) loan is that if you leave your job for any reason, the repayment timeline is expedited.

There are a few more drawbacks to consider before taking a 401(k) loan.

Apart from the immediate effect of taking a loan or withdrawal, consider that some plans may not allow you to contribute while you have an outstanding loan, said Brandon Renfro, CFP and owner of Belonging Wealth Management in Longview, Texas. Not only will you miss out on additional savings, but youll forgo the match those contributions would have received as well.

Alternatives to withdrawing or borrowing from your 401(k)

Because of the potential penalties and lost earnings, taking money out of your 401(k) should be reserved as a last resort. Before you turn to your 401(k) for money, consider these alternatives:

Savings account: If you have money set aside in a savings account, this is typically your first option for a major expense. A high-yield savings account is a good place to keep money for emergencies and short-term goals.

Roth IRA: You can withdraw your Roth IRA contributions at any time without owing taxes or a penalty. However, if your withdrawal includes any earnings, that portion will be subject to taxes and penalties if youre younger than 59  or the account is less than five years old. Suppose you have a Roth IRA with a $20,000 balance. Of that, $12,000 is money you contributed, while the other $8,000 is earnings. If you withdrew $15,000 from your Roth IRA, the $12,000 of contributions would be tax- and penalty-free. But if youre younger than 59  or you opened the account less than five years ago, youd likely owe taxes and a 10% penalty on the $3,000 worth of earnings. Unlike early Roth 401(k) withdrawals, early Roth IRA withdrawals assume that contributions are taken first, then funds converted from a traditional IRA, and then earnings.

Health savings account (HSA): If youre facing large medical bills for yourself, your spouse, or a dependent, consider tapping your HSA. Withdrawals are tax- and penalty-free as long as theyre used for qualifying medical expenses.

Tap your home equity: If you own your home, consider whether you could borrow against your equity through a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home equity loan. Many lenders will require at least 15% to 20% equity and good credit.

Personal loan: A personal loan allows you to borrow money in a lump sum and repay it in fixed monthly installments. Typical loan terms range from one to seven years.

Credit card: Though credit cards typically come with high APRs, you can avoid paying interest with a 0% APR credit card if you charge an expense and pay off the balance before the promotional period ends.

Learn more: HSA contribution limits: Heres how much you can save

401(k) withdrawals vs. 401(k) loans: Which should you choose?

Lets assume youve explored the alternatives and concluded that taking money from your 401(k) is your only option. In that case, is it better to go with a 401(k) withdrawal or 401(k) loan?

If you intend to pay it back, a loan may be a better option, Renfro said. However, make sure you think about the effect that the payments will have on your budget going forward. If you cant comfortably cover them, you may find yourself in an even tighter position.

Stacy Miller, CFP and founder of BayView Financial Planning in Tampa, Florida, also suggested choosing a 401(k) loan over a withdrawal in most situations. The interest you pay on the loan usually amounts to much less than youd pay in taxes and penalties, and the interest ultimately goes back into your account.

Learn more: 401(k) vs. IRA: The differences and how to choose which is right for you

One of the most important things to consider is the stability of your job, Miller said. The ability to pay back the loan within the allotted time hinges on continuous employment. If you lose your job, you could be required to pay back the loan very quickly, and if you cannot pay it back, you will get hit with taxes and penalties.

If you do take a 401(k) withdrawal or loan, Miller suggests starting to invest again as soon as possible  and as much as possible. People aged 50 and above qualify for higher 401(k) contribution limits. In 2025, you can contribute an extra $7,500 if youre between the ages of 50 and 59, or youre 64 or older. If youre between the ages of 60 and 63, you can contribute an additional $11,250. In 2026, you can contribute an extra $8,000 in your 50s and after your 64th birthday. The additional $11,250 contribution for savers aged 60 to 63 remains the same in 2026.

Learn more: Find my 401(k): How to recover and roll over forgotten funds

Withdrawing from a 401(k) FAQs

Does a 401(k) loan affect your credit score?

No, 401(k) loans arent reported to the credit bureaus, so they have no effect on your credit score. If the loan goes into default, you could wind up with a significant tax bill, but the default still isnt reported to the credit bureaus.

How much will I get if I cash out my 401(k)?

If you cash out your 401(k) before age 59 1/2, your plan administrator is usually required to withhold 20% for taxes, so if you had a $50,000 balance, youd receive $40,000. Depending on your tax rate and whether the 10% early withdrawal penalty applies, you could owe additional taxes.

Can I withdraw from my 401(k) to pay off debt?

Yes, you can withdraw money from your 401(k) to pay off debt, but doing so usually isnt recommended. Youll typically owe taxes and a penalty if youre younger than 59 , plus youll have reduced earnings due to lost time in the market.

Tim Manni edited this article.
When older Americans contemplate retirement, they might not consider moving to another state where senior care costs are lower.

Yet, the costs of senior care vary dramatically from one state to another. Assisted living costs $52,200 a year in South Dakota, on average, but $107,460 in Connecticut. A private nursing-home room costs $85,045 in Texas, and $205,130 in Oregon.

More than 80% of Americans will need long-term care at some point, according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Long-term care delivers help with everyday activities, like dressing and eating.

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A recent report from Caring.com, the senior care platform, ranks and rates the states on affordability of assisted living, nursing homes and other metrics of long-term care.

Long-term care costs can be staggering

Wherever you retire, long-term care costs can be staggering. Assisted living cost $5,900 a month in 2024, on average, according to CareScout, a long-term care network. A private room in a nursing home averaged $10,646 a month.

Many Americans dont know those costs, and many assume they wont have to pay them. Most Americans wrongly believe Medicare covers long-term care, according to research by Nationwide.

"I think the first thing theyre surprised about is that Medicare doesnt pay for it," said Doug Robertson, senior director of government affairs at Right at Home, an in-home care provider. "The sticker shock is something they dont plan for, and its sudden." Robertson spoke to USA TODAY in September.

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Much of the data in the Caring.com report comes from CareScout, which publishes median prices by state for long-term care. Here are a few standouts:

The least expensive state for assisted living is South Dakota, with annual costs of $52,200. Mississippi and Alabama rank second and third.

Texas has the lowest costs for a private room in a nursing home, $85,045 a year. Missouri and Oklahoma rank second and third.

Mississippi is the most affordable state for senior care

The Caring.com analysis identifies Mississippi as the most affordable state overall for senior care, followed by Texas and Arkansas.

The least affordable states: Hawaii, followed by Connecticut and Rhode Island.

"Different states definitely have different cost levels," said Susann Crawford, senior vice president of sales at Caring.com, in a September interview. "I dont think anybody back in the 50s thought they would be spending $13,000 a month for assisted living, or how to prepare for that."

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Of course, when it comes to senior care, cost isnt the only quality to consider.

AARP published a State Scorecard on long-term care in 2023, rating states not just on affordability but also on access, consumer choice, safety and quality, among other factors.

The AARP Scorecard identified the top-tier states as Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Washington state, along with the District of Columbia. None of them rank near the top in the Caring.com report, which considers only affordability.

I think quality is a huge aspect here," said Lindsay Theodore, a certified financial planner at T. Rowe Price and coauthor of another recent report on long-term care.

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"Moving to a lower-cost state or a lower-tax state, you have to think about, for the affordability, what are you giving up?" she said in a September interview.

The 10 most affordable states for senior care

Here are profiles of the 10 most affordable states for senior care, according to Caring.com:

Mississippi. Caring.com awards Mississippi a score of 8.98 out of 10 for affordability. The state has the second-lowest annual cost for assisted living, $55,343, behind South Dakota. Mississippi also ranks second (in a tie with Alabama) for the costs of a full-time home health aide, at $57,200 a year. Texas. Texas earns a score of 8.41 out of 10. The state offers the lowest median cost for a private room in a nursing home, $85,045 a year, half the annual cost of New York or California. Texas also spends generously on Medicaid, $9,637 a year per enrollee. Arkansas. With a score of 8.21, Arkansas offers assisted living at an annual cost of $56,688, and home health aides at $59,488, both relatively affordable. Louisiana. This state earns a score of 8.16. Louisiana has the most affordable home health aides of any state, with a median annual cost of $50,336. And those costs declined in 2024. Alabama. Score: 7.59. Alabama ranks high among states for affordable home health aides, with a median annual cost of $57,200. Assisted living costs average $54,870 a year. Missouri. Score: 7.58. This state ranks second-lowest for the annual cost of a private room in a nursing home, $85,775. Assisted living costs $61,800 a year. Kansas. Score: 7.42. Medicaid spending per enrollee is relatively generous at $10,089 per enrollee. Assisted living costs $71,400 a year. Oklahoma. Score: 6.89. Assisted living costs only $57,870 a year, one of the lowest rates in the nation. A private room in a nursing home averages $91,250, also relatively low. Wyoming. Score: 6.82. Assisted living costs a mere $56,400 a year. Home health aides average $74,360 a year. Georgia. Score: 6.81. Assisted living costs $59,280 a year, and home health aides cost $66,352.

The 10 least affordable states for senior care

And here are the 10 least affordable states for senior care:

Hawaii. A private room in a Hawaii nursing home will run you $196,370. Connecticut. Assisted living in Connecticut costs a median $107,460 a year. Rhode Island. Home health aides in Rhode Island average $96,096 a year. Maine. Assisted living in Maine costs $95,850 a year. Massachusetts. Assisted living costs average $108,696 a year. Oregon. A private nursing-home room in Oregon costs $205,130 a year. California. Assisted living in California costs a median $88,200 a year. Washington. Home health aides in Washington average $96,096 annually. New Hampshire. A private room in a nursing home in this state costs $157,680 a year. Colorado. Home health aides in Colorado average $96,096 a year.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Assisted living and nursing homes are most affordable in these states
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has paid penalties totalling $792,000 after the ACCC issued it with four infringement notices for alleged breaches of the Consumer Data Right (CDR) Rules.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission alleges that CBA did not comply with the rules by failing to enable data sharing for certain accounts for business consumers and partnerships.

This meant affected consumers were unable to share their data to access CDR-enabled products and services, such as those used for business accounting. The ACCC received complaints from consumers reporting difficulties accessing CDR and impacted customers had to either perform manual workarounds or revert to less secure methods of data sharing.

CDR is an economy-wide data sharing reform that empowers Australians to use the data businesses hold about them for their own benefit. Since November 2021, the four major banks, including CBA, have been required to enable consumer data sharing of in-scope products for non-individual CDR consumers.

This is the highest total penalty to date for an alleged breach of the CDR Rules, ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

We will continue to focus our compliance and enforcement efforts to enable the benefits the CDR system delivers for consumers including more choice and greater access to better deals on products and services.

Insufficient data quality and failure to meet compliance dates are enforcement priorities for the ACCC.

CDR delivers many benefits to business owners, such as enabling them to use products and services, such as accounting services, to manage their finances more efficiently and securely. It also allows them to easily compare products, leading to savings and potentially reduced operational costs.

In the first half of 2025, the number of CDR participants increased by 55 per cent from the previous six months, and we expect this number to continue to grow as the CDR expands to the non-bank lending sector from mid-2026, Lowe said.

Earlier this year, National Australia Bank Limited paid penalties totalling $751,200 for alleged contraventions of the CDR Rules relating to data quality issues.

Banks have now had a few years to understand and implement their CDR obligations, Lowe said.

This penalty against CBA should serve as a reminder to all CDR participants that failing to comply with the Rules may result in the ACCC taking enforcement action.

CBA to provide redress to consumers and accredited providers

CBA cooperated with the investigation and has made several commitments as part of an administrative resolution with the ACCC, including enabling consumer data sharing for remaining Trading Entity Business Name (TEBN) accounts by 19 December 2025 and providing remediation to customers and accredited data recipients affected by the conduct.

The remediation includes a goodwill payment to affected business customers who meet the relevant eligibility criteria, and additional payments to business customers who can substantiate further financial and non-financial loss.

The remediation program will begin in the week commencing 19 January 2026 and CBA will email affected customers and publish a notice on its website outlining how affected customers can submit remediation claims. For further information on the remediation program, consumers and accredited data recipients should refer to the Open Banking section of CBAs website.

The ACCC notes:

The payment of a penalty specified in an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the CDR Rules. The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain provisions of the CDR Rules.

More information on the obligations of data holders can be found in the Compliance guide for data holders.

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Penalty amounts for infringement notices are calculated by reference to the value of a penalty unit set in the Crimes Act 1914. This value is regularly indexed. It was most recently increased on 7 November 2024.

By way of background the ACCC alleges that CBA failed to provide an Accredited Person Request Service that enabled consumer data sharing for non-individuals whose customer profile was set up with a TEBN in the account holder field to allow accredited data recipients to request data on behalf of these consumers.

This prevented affected consumers from utilising the CDR to share their data, limiting the ability of accredited data recipients to deliver products and services to consumers using CDR data and restraining the potential growth of the CDR.

The infringement notices relate to CBAs alleged failure to enable consumer data sharing for four separate consumers whose customer profiles were set up with a TEBN.

The CDR gives consumers the right to safely transfer data about themselves from data holders to accredited persons, potentially to access new products and services, including better deals on everyday products and services.

The CDR is an economy-wide reform that is being rolled out sector by sector. The CDR has been rolled out to banking (from July 2020) and energy (from November 2022), with the non-bank lending sector to follow from mid-2026.

The transfer of consumer data occurs between data holders and accredited persons, or accredited providers. The Australian Government has designed and oversees the system to ensure it is safe and secure for consumers. Accredited providers must go through a rigorous process to become accredited by the Data Recipient Accreditor to provide services to consumers using CDR data. A list of current providers, along with further information about the CDR, is available on the CDR website.



The ACCC, together with its co-regulator, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, is responsible for ensuring CDR participants, including accredited providers and data holders, comply with their CDR obligations.

The Treasury leads CDR policy, including development of rules and advice to government on which sectors the CDR should apply to in the future. Within Treasury, the Data Standards Body develops the standards that prescribe how data is shared under the CDR.
NiCE has announced the release of its 2024 Governance (ESG) Report, reaffirming the companys commitment to sustainable growth, responsible innovation, and world-class governance. Developed in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2021 Standards, the report highlights NiCEs continued progress in environmental stewardship, social impact, and corporate responsibility across its global operations. Access the full 2024 ESG Report here.

Scott Russell, CEO, NiCE, said, Our 2024 ESG achievements show how we are creating a NiCE world where technology enhances human potential, supports sustainable progress, and benefits communities. By putting people first in everything we do, from improving experiences to empowering employees and reducing our environmental impact, were proving that AI can create meaningful, measurable change for both business and society.

In 2024, NiCE achieved an 8-point increase in its EcoVadis rating, earning a Bronze Medal that recognises its continued progress in sustainability practices. The company also achieved an 11 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 (location-based) greenhouse gas intensity and began transitioning its Israeli data centre to the cloud, a key milestone in its decarbonisation and energy efficiency efforts.

Governance and ethics remain central to NiCEs ESG framework. The company reported 100 per cent compliance in employee ethics training and, during 2025, strengthened board-level ESG oversight.

NiCE also advanced its long-standing commitment to innovation and talent development. In 2024, the company reinvested 14 per cent of total revenue into research and development (R&D), supported by a global team of more than 3,300 professionals. Through flagship programs such as the NiCE Leadership Academy, the 4D Program, and the Accelerated Leadership Program (ALP) in partnership with Harvard Business School, NiCE continued developing the next generation of leaders across all regions.

NiCE employees continued to make a measurable difference in the communities where they live and work. During the companys annual Global Community Month, employees contributed more than 40,000 volunteer hours and supported nonprofits worldwide with over US$900,000 in donations.

The 2024 Governance (ESG) Report underscores NiCEs belief that technology and responsible business practices can together shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and ethical future.

About NiCE

NiCE (NASDAQ: NICE) is transforming the world with AI that puts people first. Our purpose-built AI-powered platforms automate engagements into proactive, safe, intelligent actions, empowering individuals and organisations to innovate and act, from interaction to resolution. Trusted by organisations throughout 150+ countries worldwide, NiCEs platforms are widely adopted across industries connecting people, systems, and workflows to work smarter at scale, elevating performance across the organisation, delivering proven measurable outcomes.
GUEST OPINION: Online privacy, automation, and data intelligence are no longer niche needs; they are the backbone of how businesses and power users operate in 2026. Whether you manage hundreds of online accounts, run large-scale web data collection, or simply want cleaner, more stable connections, choosing the top rated proxy sites in 2026 is one of the most important technical decisions you can make.

The gap between average and premium proxy providers has become huge. Reliable sites deliver high uptime, clean IP pools, predictable speeds, and transparent pricing. Weak platforms, on the other hand, bring constant connection drops, blocked sessions, or even hidden usage limits. In other words, the provider you choose determines whether your workflows feel like a smooth highway or a traffic jam full of roadblocks.

Thats why its worth taking the time to understand what separates the best proxy platforms from the rest, how to compare them, and which signs indicate a provider you can trust for the long haul.

Key Criteria for Evaluating the Best Proxy Platforms

When people search for the top rated proxy sites in 2026, they often start with brand names or flashy homepages. But the real quality of a provider hides in a few key technical and business parameters. Think of it like choosing a car: design matters, but engine, safety, and lifetime maintenance are what truly count.

First, consider IP diversity and quality. Top providers offer large pools of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, residential, mobile, and datacenter options, and a wide geographic spread. The IPs should be clean (not overused, not flagged everywhere) so your connections look natural. Second, check speed and uptime. For automation, scraping, performance monitoring, or multi-account work, unstable proxies can literally break your business processes. Consistent uptime above 99% and low latency are strong signals that the platform invests in infrastructure.

Third, look at protocol support and integration options. A modern service should give you flexible configuration via dashboards, APIs, and clear documentation. Fourth, analyse pricing transparency. You want a clear modelper GB, per port, per IP, or a hybridwithout hidden clauses that penalise normal usage. Finally, never underestimate support and compliance. Responsive support, clear acceptable use policies, and a serious attitude to legal and ethical standards separate serious long-term partners from quick-cash resellers.

Overview of the 2026 Proxy Market Landscape

The proxy market in 2026 is more mature, competitive, and segmented than ever. You can roughly split providers into three groups: budget resellers, mid-market specialists, and enterprise-grade platforms. Budget resellers usually focus on low prices and generic IP pools. They may be tempting for experiments, but not ideal if you need stability and accountability.

Mid-market specialists are where many of the top rated proxy sites in 2026 sit. They balance quality and price, offer multiple proxy types (residential, datacenter, ISP, mobile), and provide enough tools for both technical and non-technical users. These providers often become the sweet spot for agencies, SaaS companies, e-commerce businesses, and serious individual users.

Enterprise-grade platforms target large corporations with very specific compliance and scaling needs. They come with dedicated account managers, custom SLAs, and ultra-large pools designed for massive data collection and complex automation scenarios. However, their pricing and setup requirements can be overkill for smaller teams.

Within this landscape, youll also see specialisation by use case: some providers are known for social media automation, others for SEO monitoring, ad verification, e-commerce intelligence, or market research. The top rated site for you depends on which of these scenarios you care about most.

Spotlight on Proxys.io: Flexible Solutions for Modern Users

Among the leading platforms, Proxys.io stands out as a flexible provider with a clear focus on usability, IP quality, and a range of solutions. If you are looking for a service that can grow with your needsfrom small tests to serious, ongoing projectsthis kind of platform deserves attention.

On the Proxys.io official website, you can explore a broad catalogue that typically includes residential, datacenter, mobile, and country-focused options, plus tailored packages for different scales and budgets. Instead of locking you into one rigid plan, this style of provider generally lets you experiment with smaller volumes first, then upgrade as your workflows become more demanding.

A major strength of a platform like Proxys.io is the balance between configurability and simplicity. Intuitive dashboards, clear setup guides, and an API-centric approach help both developers and less technical users. For example, an SEO specialist can quickly configure rotating proxies for SERP tracking, while a developer integrates the same service into a scraping pipeline with minimal friction. This blend of user-friendliness and technical depth is part of what pushes such platforms into the top rated proxy sites in 2026 category.

USA-Focused Services: When You Need Stable American IPs

For many use casestesting US websites, running localised campaigns, price comparison, market research on American platformshaving a strong pool of US addresses is non-negotiable. Its not enough that a provider has US proxies. You want volume, diversity, and reliability.

This is where specialised pages like proxys.io/en/p/usa-proxy come into play. A dedicated US offering usually means the provider has invested in building and maintaining a significant pool of American IPs, with options to choose between static and rotating connections, different states or cities, and flexible pricing models.

USA-focused services are particularly useful for:

Brands that want to see exactly what their American customers seeprices, promotions, and search resultswithout relying on guesswork.

With top rated proxy sites in 2026, you can typically fine-tune your US routing strategy, deciding how often IPs rotate, what types of networks you prefer, and how traffic usage is measured. For serious analytics, market research, and advertising validation, that level of control is worth its weight in gold.

Comparison Table: What Sets Top Rated Proxy Sites Apart

To make the landscape a bit clearer, lets distill the main differentiators of the best providers into a simple overview. While specific offers vary by company, the pattern below captures the typical differences youll notice when comparing top rated proxy sites in 2026.

Feature / Aspect Average Proxy Site Top Rated Proxy Site in 2026 IP Pool Size & Diversity Limited, few countries, mostly datacenter Large, multi-continent, mix of residential, ISP etc. Uptime & Stability Occasional drops, inconsistent performance 99%+ uptime, stable connections under load Speed & Latency Variable, spikes at peak times Optimized routes, predictable speeds Configuration & Tools Basic dashboard, few automation features API, rotation rules, statistics, team management Transparency of Pricing Hidden limits, confusing tiers Clear packages, documented limits and policies Support & Documentation Slow replies, limited docs Fast, multi-channel support and detailed guides Compliance & Ethics Vague terms, unclear sourcing of IPs Clear AUP, transparent IP sourcing and restrictions

When you evaluate a provider, try to map your impression of their service to each row of this table. The more they look like the Top Rated column, the safer they are as a long-term partner.

How to Choose the Right Proxy Site for Your Needs

Even with all this information, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Every website claims to be the best, every brand promises unlimited performance, and technical terms blend together. A simple, structured approach helps you cut through the noise and find a provider that fits your real-world needs.

Define your main use cases as clearly as possible: for example, SEO monitoring, e-commerce research, or social media management.



Decide which locations and IP types are critical: do you need US-only IPs, a mix of global residential addresses, or high-speed datacenter connections?



Set your budget and preferred billing model: do you feel more comfortable with per-GB pricing, monthly ports, or dedicated IPs?



Shortlist 35 providers and test them with real tasks: monitor uptime, speed, and block rates during a realistic trial.



Compare support quality, documentation, and dashboards: if you get lost during setup, future scaling will be painful.

Choosing among the top rated proxy sites in 2026 is a bit like picking a business partner. Youre not just buying access to IP addresses; youre investing in an infrastructure layer that must stay reliable, predictable, and transparent. A slower but honest provider often beats a flashy one that oversells and underdelivers.

Practical Scenarios Where Top Rated Proxy Sites Shine

To make this more concrete, imagine a few everyday scenarios. An SEO agency managing dozens of clients needs to track keyword positions in multiple countries, validate local ads, and monitor competitors. Without reliable proxies, their tools fail to fetch correct results or get blocked mid-task. A top rated provider gives them stable rotations, accurate geotargeting, and enough capacity to run requests concurrently.

Consider a price comparison platform gathering data from hundreds of e-commerce sites. It must collect fresh information at scale without constant interruptions. Low-quality IPs or oversold pools lead to throttling and blocks that distort the dataset. Meanwhile, a premium provider with clean IPs and smart rotation keeps the data flow smooth and trustworthy.

Even smaller teams benefit. A freelancer managing multiple online accounts, a brand checking localised content, or a researcher studying regional trends all depend on connections that behave like real users from specific regions. The higher the quality of the proxy site, the more natural and sustainable those workflows become.

Future Trends: What Comes After the Top Rated Proxy Sites of 2026

Looking forward, the proxy market is unlikely to shrink. If anything, it will become even more integrated with other technologies: automation platforms, data intelligence tools, and marketing stacks will treat proxies as a fundamental infrastructure layer. That means the definition of top rated proxy sites in 2026 will keep evolving.

We can expect more emphasis on automation-first design. Providers will build dashboards and APIs that assume customers are orchestrating thousands of connections programmatically. Well also see a stronger focus on compliance and ethical sourcing, as regulators and platforms pay closer attention to how traffic is generated and where IP addresses originate from.

Another predictable shift is performance optimisation and smart routing. Providers will compete not just on pool size but on how intelligently traffic is routed, how quickly they can adapt to blocks, and how efficiently they handle large, spiky workloads. For users, this will translate into better stability with less manual tuning.

Ultimately, the real winners will be platforms that combine three ingredients: technical excellence, honest communication, and user-centric design. If you put those criteria at the centre of your evaluation, youll be well-positioned to pick from the very best proxy siteswhether in 2026 or beyond.

By focusing on your real tasks, matching them to the right proxy types and locations, and testing a shortlist of reputable providers, you give yourself a serious advantage. Instead of fighting with unstable connections and inconsistent results, you build your work on a foundation you can trustone stable, well-chosen proxy site at a time.
INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS: What does 2026 have in store and how should industry leaders prepare for it? These industry leaders give their advice.

Andrew Amos, Vice President APAC, Diligent

Andrew Amos.

In 2026, CPS 230 will fundamentally reshape board governance by placing operational risk, resilience and incident management directly in directors hands mirroring the direction already set by the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act. Both frameworks now demand clear, defensible visibility across critical assets, technology environments, cyber posture, supply chains and third-party dependencies. Under SOCI, entities must actively manage hazards, maintain a CIRMP, uplift cyber resilience and report incidents rapidly, closely aligning with CPS 230s requirements for robust risk frameworks, scenario testing, service-provider management and director-level accountability. Together, these regulatory regimes signal a governance era where active, ongoing oversight becomes the expectation rather than periodic updates.

To meet these rising standards, organisations will need to shift from traditional reporting to real-time risk intelligence through live risk registers, automated incident alerts, integrated operational and cyber dashboards and systems that clearly link risks, controls, owners and evidence. While CPS 230 applies to APRA-regulated entities and SOCI applies to critical infrastructure operators, both are increasingly shaping governance norms across all sectors. In the coming year, proactive risk management, uplifted cyber resilience, disciplined incident response and stronger board oversight will become common governance themes. Organisations that embrace this shift early and treat CPS 230 and SOCI as strategic catalysts not minimum obligations will be best positioned to withstand regulatory scrutiny and build true operational resilience in an unpredictable environment.

Ai is increasingly reshaping the software industry in ways that are both profound and familiar. As we look to 2026, this evolution will feel like a natural extension of the automation engineers have been refining for years. The best engineers have always been highly adaptable, driven by curiosity, discipline in their craft and committed to continual learning. Ai simply amplifies these strengths, offering new opportunities to remove friction, accelerate delivery and elevate the quality of the products they build.

Tom Varsavsky.

But while Ai can significantly boost productivity, it cannot replicate the understanding that experienced engineering teams bring. The hardest problems in software engineering aren't solved by typing code faster. They're solved by understanding customer problems, creating the right solutions and measuring impact accurately. Building the right thing will always trump building the wrong thing quickly. And developers who have spent years refining and truly understanding a product and its customers bring historical knowledge and pattern recognition that no model can replicate.

Counter-intuitively, lowering the cost of software production will create even more demand for software and software engineers. The low level tasks will be automated, but there will be much more software in the world to build and maintain by Ai enabled engineers.

As such, Ai will not be replacing engineers in 2026. Instead Ai will propel high-performing teams to achieve more than ever before. When Ai is placed in the hands of experienced engineers who already collaborate well and think critically, it becomes a force multiplier, sharpening decision-making, speeding up experimentation and unlocking innovation at a scale traditional methods cant match.

In this next phase of software development, human expertise remains the anchor, and the soft skills that stem from it - customer empathy, collaboration, communication and creativity - will hold even greater value. Ai is simply the accelerator.

Nick Martin, APAC GTM Lead, Remote

Ai is reshaping hiring in Australia and according to Remotes latest Global Workforce Report, almost a third of Australian organisations introduced new Ai tools into their hiring processes this year. Yet the same proportion are questioning those decisions after encountering fairness issues, compliance risks and a wave of Ai-generated resumes slipping through screening. The report shows that adopting Ai without guardrails creates new friction instead of speeding processes up.

Nick Martin.

We are increasingly seeing a shift in the market where HR teams are going from experimenting with Ai to embedding it meaningfully by integrating Ai into the backbone of their HR systems including global payroll, cross-border compliance and onboarding rather than just at the front end of hiring. Organisations will continue to use Ai to eliminate manual work, create consistency and give HR teams more bandwidth to focus on performance, development and strategic workforce planning.

In 2026, we will also see global hiring continue to rise, with two-thirds of Australian businesses having employed talent overseas in 2025. However the infrastructure to support this growing trend is lacking. Fragmented systems, costly entity setups and compliance uncertainty are still slowing growth for global hiring.

Stuart Low, Chief Executive Officer And Founder, Biza.io

As we head into 2026, the Consumer Data Right is poised to become one of the defining forces shaping how Australian businesses compete. In a cost-of-living environment that shows no sign of easing, consumers will be more intentional about where and how they spend and far more vocal about wanting more choice and control over their spending. With more sectors joining the CDR ecosystem, the businesses that use data to bring clarity, fairness and transparency to customers will be the ones that earn their trust.

Stuart Low.

Businesses are also facing increasing pressure to strengthen their data security posture. As organisations collect and manage more sensitive information than ever, the margin for error continues to shrink. Its clear that customers are no longer just choosing products or services anymore - they are choosing which companies they trust to safeguard their data, and that trust is becoming a decisive competitive advantage.

This is why 2026 must be the year businesses stop treating compliance as a box-ticking exercise and start seeing it for what it is: an opportunity. CDR compliance strengthens products, accelerates innovation and builds lasting customer confidence. Organisations need to invest early, get the foundations right and recognise that in the CDR era, trust is the most valuable competitive edge they have.

James Greenwood, Vice President Customer Success And Solutions Engineering APAC, Tanium

This year we saw businesses shift from a reactive to proactive approach to business resilience. In 2026, we'll see more businesses move beyond this, towards preventative and autonomous systems and processes that leverage Ai and agentic Ai to meet bad actors' level of scale and sophistication.

James Greenwood.

To date, Ai hasn't delivered on the astronomical operational and financial impacts that it's been hyped up to deliver for most businesses. This is because most business strategies around Ai so far have been piecemeal. As businesses start to embed Ai into their ways of working, underpinning it with strict governance measures, we'll see businesses moving faster, smarter and in ways that allow them to tackle issues like cyber security and business risk with an always-on, offensive stance.

To make the most of Ai, we'll also see more businesses address their data accuracy, integrity and accessibility. We'll see more businesses invest in the power of real-time data so they can make better decisions as needed to prevent risks and threats rather than fix problems after they've happened. Businesses are increasingly recognising that Ai and predictive analytics are almost useless without reliable data to leverage, and gaining a real-time, genuine understanding of "what" data is "where" and for "how long" will become a business imperative to capitalise on the Ai wave.
Contract signing: Professor Catherine Itsiopolous, Deputy Vice Chancellor STEM College and Vice-President, Guy Scott, NBN Co Chief Technology Officer and Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation and Vice-President

A new three-year agreement between NBN Co and RMIT University will bring together academics and telco industry experts with the aim of developing enhanced broadband outcomes for the nation.

The agreement known as ASTRID  Advancing STEM, Technology, Research, Innovation and Deployment  will see the establishment of the R-NEX Lab, an Exploratory Laboratory that will provide NBN Co with access to academic staff, students and postdoctoral researchers.

NBNCo says the new research team will explore opportunities for collaboration on key projects including development of a digital twin capacity to model the nbn network for detailed scenario planning and options analysis as well as supporting NBN Cos AI and robotics programs.

The agreement will also foster career pathways for university graduates and postgraduate candidates, including key female STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) graduates for NBN Co.

Guy Scott, Chief Technology Officer, at NBN Co said:

NBN Co and RMIT are close collaborative partners, and weve achieved some great research outcomes so far.

Through this exciting new ASTRID agreement, we expect to take things to a whole new level.

Our focus will be the development of innovative technological advancement, with a common aim of advancing broadband technologies for households, businesses and communities across Australia.

The Digital Twin will be a powerful tool for modelling the nbn network and our services over the next decade and beyond, using large, real-world datasets for all our access technologies in different locations.

It will better enable us to verify forward forecasts on the physical network, cost design and lifecycle decisions.

This is crucially important for NBN Co as we continue to optimise and maximise the performance and resilience of the nbn network to mitigate against network congestion, planned and unplanned outages and extreme weather events.

The Digital Twin will also help build advanced knowledge of service outages, devise predictive measures and tools for forecasting network availability and performance, predict trends and scenarios, which enable proactive network management, improve resilience of the network and support the delivery of improved customer experience.

Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation and Vice President, at RMIT said:

RMIT is proud to be the first university in Victoria, and only the second in Australia, to partner with NBN Co through the ASTRID program. This partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing research and development within critical fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital twins.

This landmark three-year collaboration builds on our existing strong relationship with NBN Co, enabling RMIT researchers, staff and students to drive advancements in network intelligence and telecommunications innovation.

By combining RMITs strengths across research and skills development, this partnership enhances our ability to deliver world-class learning experiences, deepens our relationships with industry, and informs national priorities.

Together we are working to make Australias digital infrastructure smarter, more accessible, and more resilient, while preparing our researchers and graduates to lead the next phase of transformation in the telecommunications sector.

NBNCo says the ASTRID agreement with RMIT will give NBN Co access to new research expertise - and the approach will also give Australian students an opportunity to launch future careers working on critical digital infrastructure for the nation, nurturing a pipeline of talent for the future.

The ASTRID project scope includes high impact research projects in nbn relevant technologies, creation of a strategic technology advisor role to advance broadband technologies through a recognised scientific voice, creation of co-funding opportunities with other national agencies and the development of international partnerships and exchange programs, concludes NBNCo.
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President Donald Trump has always been just insider-enough to placate the Republican establishment and just outsider-enough to excite conservative populists. But keeping that political coalition together will be difficult for his successor in 2028.

Indeed, less than a year into Trump's second presidency, the electoral consortium that made him only the second president to serve non-consecutive terms is showing signs of strain. That's the best way to understand Republican infighting over Trump's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein affair, as well as fresh fighting on the right over whether the GOP should tolerate antisemites and racists for the (presumed) sake of electoral expediency.

That's also the prism through which to view the Republicans' intraparty debate over extending Obamacare health insurance subsidies  and the fact that congressional Republicans are beginning to demand more information from the Trump administration about U.S. military strikes on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean .

"Trump has truly been a one-of-a-kind political figure," Jeffrey Brauer , a political science professor at Keystone College , near Scranton, Pennsylvania , told me. "Cracks are beginning to emerge in the MAGA coalition."

The "MAGA coalition," aptly named for Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan, is often associated with the populist conservatives who have flocked to him. A significant percentage are low-propensity voters, or as Brad Todd and Salena Zito called them in their 2018 book, The Great Revolt: Inside the Populist Coalition Reshaping American Politics, "Perot-istas." Why?

Prior to 2016, many might not have pulled the lever for a presidential candidate since Ross Perot , another billionaire populist businessman and political outsider, was on the ballot. They might go dormant again after Trump, 79, fades from the scene.

But an often-disregarded ingredient in the president's success and staying power has been consistent buy-in from establishment GOP figures and regular Republican voters.

While populists have seen Trump as the common-sense, street-fighting political outsider who would finally turn Washington on its head, rank-and-file Republicans influenced by the Reagan era have seen in Trump a boardroom businessman who would roll back government regulations, cut taxes and shrink government.

The big unknown for the Republicans : Can they find a standard-bearer in 2028 with Trump's knack for attracting support from the two disparate wings of their party?

"Anytime a party loses a dominant figure as its leader there's always anxiety whether the winning coalition will hold. It happened after Kennedy, Reagan, and Obama," Republican media strategist Alfredo Rodriguez , who is based in Texas , told me, referring to Presidents John F. Kennedy , Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama .

"Whether the (MAGA) coalition holds together or fractures some is a legitimate question to ask," Rodriguez conceded. But he added: "The idea the Republican Party is certain for doom without Trump on the ballot is way overblown."

For now, most Republican insiders I talk to expect Vice President JD Vance, 41, to be the GOP's 2028 nominee. That's not rocket science. Vance will likely have the backing of Trump and key members of the president's family  Donald Trump Jr . in particular  not to mention a growing political machine of his own.

Some party stalwarts speculate that Secretary of State Marco Rubio , 54, is positioned to be selected as Vance's running mate. (Rubio sought the White House in 2016 and was on Trump's short list for vice president in 2024.)

Vance leading the GOP ticket would also suit a number of Republican operatives in the president's political orbit. That fits; Vance has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the Republican Party . However, he can at times ring more populist than Trump and has yet to demonstrate the president's canny ability to also appease the Reaganite establishment. Still, the vice president's boosters see a politician with the right political skill set  once he grabs the baton from his boss.

"To me, the bridge between the populists and the establishment  it can be done with humor. I really like what JD Vance did at Halloween , for example," said Jack Kingston , a former Republican congressman from Georgia . Kingston was referring to Vance showing some self-deprecating humor by dressing up as an Internet meme of himself.

I'm more interested in the answer to two questions: First, will any substantial, viable Republican dare challenge a Trump-backed Vance after watching what happened to the president's GOP opponents in 2024? And if so, will any Republican on that list include a Reaganite politician who attempts to push the GOP away from big-government populism and back toward traditional, constitutional conservatism? Senator Ted Cruz of Texas , the runner-up for the nomination in 2016 and known to be interested in trying again, belongs on this watch list.

How Republicans fare in next year's midterm elections could determine whether there's a market for that  or at least, whether some enterprising Republican is willing to explore if such a market exists.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

David M. Drucker is columnist covering politics and policy. He is also a senior writer for The Dispatch and the author of "In Trump's Shadow: The Battle for 2024 and the Future of the GOP ."
Vanguard announced last week that next year it plans to offer target-date mutual funds that allow customers to buy annuities. This may address one of the failings of the US retirement system, which is that it does not offer any good answers for what people should do with their money once they retire.

Spending in retirement is not an afterthought: Knowing how much to spend each year - when you don't know what will happen in markets, how long you'll live or what your medical expenses will be - has been called the nastiest problem in finance. The question is whether people will like a solution that involves annuities.

To be clear, I think the old system of defined-benefit plans was overrated, and the switch to defined-contribution plans has been a net positive. More people have retirement savings, and more wealth in retirement, than ever before. But it is remarkable that the transition occurred without any plan to address the spending question.

The easy answer, at least to retirement economists (and now Vanguard), is to turn defined-contribution pensions into defined-benefit plans by having savers buy an annuity when they retire. An annuity is like reverse life insurance - in exchange for giving an insurance company your wealth, it pays you every year for the rest of your life.

It's a great idea - in theory. People were happy with their defined-benefit pensions, and an annuity can offer the same kind of security in retirement.

But the annuity market never took off. Annuities are expensive. Many annuity products are overly complicated. The low-interest-rate environment offered meager income. And Americans were just reluctant to turn over their lifetime savings to an insurance company.

Part of the problem is that people have been conditioned to view the assets in their defined-contribution plans as wealth. They open their accounts and watch their balances grow. Handing over their hard-earned savings to an insurance company is not nearly as gratifying.(1)

Yet annuities have the potential to increase income because they pool together purchasers to reduce the risk of outliving your money. People who die early subsidize those who live a long life. This means more income than if you bore the risk yourself - but it's a bad deal for you and your heirs if you die young. It also means giving up flexibility; once people put in their money, it's hard to get it out.

But the shortcomings of the alternative - relying on market returns - are starting to be realized. Baby Boomers are the first generation to retire with significant assets in defined-contribution plans. The most common strategies people use now, spending a fixed percentage of their savings or spending their "required minimum drawdown" (the amount the government requires people to withdraw from, and pay tax on, their tax-deferred accounts), expose retirees to huge swings in what they can spend each year.

Big asset managers have developed retirement income strategies over the years that attempt to offer flexibility and stability, but they have never caught on. This is partly because offering the predictability of an annuity and the benefits of a non-annuity usually means extremely complex and expensive products.

Vanguard's solution is to offer a new target-date fund that, starting at age 55, allocates some money to a secure income fund. This fund offers a guaranteed return, about the same as a bank CD, but with the option for people to convert about 25% of their portfolio into an annuity when they retire. Depending on the rate at conversion, this could be a good deal for retirees.

People may feel more comfortable annuitizing their savings if it is only 25% of their portfolio, but it won't meaningfully reduce the risk of running out of money in retirement or add much to their retirement income. The median retirement account balance among Americans aged 65 to 69 is about $165,000; annuitizing 25% of it will produce only about $300 more of income a month. A better alternative would be longevity insurance - an annuity that kicks in once people reach their 80s.

Still, offering annuities could help change how people see their retirement assets. Retirement plans are supposed to show how much income a client's assets could finance. But that estimate is sometimes hard to find, and even when it isn't, it is often unclear how the calculation is made. This new fund, which Vanguard is calling "Target Retirement Lifetime Income Trusts" and is offering in partnership with TIAA, will be able to show participants how much income they can count on in retirement if they consider an annuity.

People hate annuities for some good reasons. But they could help usher in a fundamental and necessary shift in how Americans perceive their retirement accounts. Your account is not merely a nest egg to be admired as it is being built. It is a practical way to provide you and your family with income in your old age.

--- (1) One of the few countries that has had a good experience with annuities is Chile, where savers are conditioned early to plan on buying one.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Allison Schrager, a Bloomberg columnist, is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal.
A cesarean section, or C-section, is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. In 2023, 32.3 percent of live births were cesarean deliveries, while 67.7 percent were vaginal deliveries, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Pain during cesarean delivery under neuraxial anesthesia (regional anesthesia including spinal and epidural anesthesia) is a recognized clinical challenge and one that has received growing national attention. Recent media coverage, including the second season of The Retrievals podcast and a feature in The New York Times, has highlighted cases in which patients experienced intraoperative pain and felt their concerns were not adequately addressed. The Retrievals podcast series on C-sections is an intimate investigation into what it takes to solve one of medicines most persistent problems: Listening to birthing patients and adequately treating their pain.

The Doctors Company, the nations largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer, examined its data from 308 closed malpractice claims involving C-sections from 2010 to 2024. Six cases alleged maternal pain during the surgery. Consider the following scenario.

Case example

The G1P0 patient with a full-term gestation was admitted in active labor with pain 10/10. An epidural was placed with good pain relief. The patient was ultimately scheduled for a non-emergent C-section for failure to progress. The anesthesia clinician re-dosed the epidural with lidocaine and bupivacaine for surgery. When the incision was made, the patient yelled, stating she could feel it. The obstetrician stopped, and the patient was given intravenous ketamine. The obstetrician continued with the C-section. The patient began actively hallucinating and continued to feel pain. The baby and placenta were delivered, and the patient was given general anesthesia and intubated.

Postpartum, the patient had difficulty bonding with her baby due to the traumatic events related to the delivery. She suffered from depression and anxiety about future pregnancy and childbirth.

While individual stories are compelling, as clinicians, the focus must remain on clinical excellence, patient safety, and systems that support effective anesthesia care. In this article, we share emerging data, national guidance, and actionable strategies that anesthesiology teams can adopt to mitigate issues and improve outcomes.

Understanding the scope

A prospective study by Kinsella (2008) evaluating over 5,000 cesarean deliveries found that up to 24 percent of patients reported inadequate anesthesia, particularly when conversion occurred from an epidural placed for labor analgesia. While many cases are minor and managed effectively, even rare instances of unaddressed pain can have clinical and reputational implications. Pain-free surgery was not guaranteed: Spinal anesthesia failed in about 6 percent of cases, while women whose epidurals were topped up during labor also reported pain nearly a quarter of the time. For decades, patients who spoke up were often dismissed, told their pain was normal or that nothing more could be done.

In parallel, the CDC released its report Pregnancy-Related Deaths: Data from Maternal Mortality Review Committees for 2017 to 2021, studying deaths that occur any time from established pregnancy through the first year postpartum. The data revealed that mental health conditions, including PTSD, suicide, and substance abuse disorder, have become the leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the U.S. Though cesarean pain is not listed as a direct contributor, the findings underscore the importance of optimizing patient experience and minimizing distress when possible. It is well established that a patients perceived birth experience influences their likelihood of developing childbirth-related PTSD.

Prevention strategies and resources

Most anesthesia clinicians already practice with vigilance and empathy, but there are multiple organizations that can assist with practice improvement. The Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) provides a forum for discussion of problems unique to the peripartum period. The SOAP website has a provider section with resources, including learning modules, videos, and information for patients to answer questions about managing pain before, during, and after delivery.

North American Partners in Anesthesia provides an Obstetric Resource Center with educational videos about anesthesia during labor and delivery and C-section procedures. The center provides information for patients on what to expect before, during, and after labor and delivery. Given the high visibility of recent cases, institutions and practitioners can benefit from structured protocols and early interventions to reduce the likelihood of intraoperative pain and ensure a coordinated response if it does occur.

Where clinical teams can focus

Optimize epidural function early: Marginal labor epidurals are a known risk factor for inadequate surgical anesthesia. Frequent top-ups, unilateral coverage, or sacral sparing should prompt consideration of catheter replacement before the decision for cesarean arises. Early counseling can help patients understand this recommendation as a proactive measure, not a complication. When labor epidurals are not providing optimal pain relief, consider early replacement as a preemptive strategy to prevent a poorly functioning epidural during C-section.

Marginal labor epidurals are a known risk factor for inadequate surgical anesthesia. Frequent top-ups, unilateral coverage, or sacral sparing should prompt consideration of catheter replacement before the decision for cesarean arises. Early counseling can help patients understand this recommendation as a proactive measure, not a complication. When labor epidurals are not providing optimal pain relief, consider early replacement as a preemptive strategy to prevent a poorly functioning epidural during C-section. Standardize readiness for intraoperative pain: If a woman says she feels pain during a C-section, it is time to pause, assess, and act. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Statement on the Use of Adjuvant Medications and Management of Intraoperative Pain During Cesarean Delivery provides valuable guidance. Each labor and delivery unit should review local medication availability and ensure familiarity with dosing protocols. Stocking agents such as clonidine, dexmedetomidine, and low-dose ketamineand training teams on their usecan facilitate timely, effective responses.

If a woman says she feels pain during a C-section, it is time to pause, assess, and act. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Statement on the Use of Adjuvant Medications and Management of Intraoperative Pain During Cesarean Delivery provides valuable guidance. Each labor and delivery unit should review local medication availability and ensure familiarity with dosing protocols. Stocking agents such as clonidine, dexmedetomidine, and low-dose ketamineand training teams on their usecan facilitate timely, effective responses. Improve informed consent and communication: Informed consent is more robust when it includes discussion of common and significant possibilities. While practitioners need not dwell on rare outcomes, setting realistic expectations for neuraxial success rates can build trust. Language should be clear and professional, for example, In some cases, additional medications or adjustments for pain relief may be needed during the procedure. Acknowledging the potential for pain during C-section in the preoperative consent emphasizes the importance of the patients experience to the anesthesia care team, with the goal of encouraging open communication.

Informed consent is more robust when it includes discussion of common and significant possibilities. While practitioners need not dwell on rare outcomes, setting realistic expectations for neuraxial success rates can build trust. Language should be clear and professional, for example, In some cases, additional medications or adjustments for pain relief may be needed during the procedure. Acknowledging the potential for pain during C-section in the preoperative consent emphasizes the importance of the patients experience to the anesthesia care team, with the goal of encouraging open communication. Use structured documentation tools: It is difficult to record a patients intrapartum pain scale without first having a unique build-out. Several institutions have implemented EHR prompts to assess intraoperative pain at set intervals during C-section. Sites such as the University of Illinois Chicago have incorporated 15-minute intraoperative pain checks into their workflow, enabling better recognition and documentation. This approach supports both clinical care and quality improvement review.

It is difficult to record a patients intrapartum pain scale without first having a unique build-out. Several institutions have implemented EHR prompts to assess intraoperative pain at set intervals during C-section. Sites such as the University of Illinois Chicago have incorporated 15-minute intraoperative pain checks into their workflow, enabling better recognition and documentation. This approach supports both clinical care and quality improvement review. Establish criteria for conversion to general anesthesia: While general anesthesia carries its own risks, particularly in the obstetric population, clear internal guidelines can support anesthesia clinicians when escalation to general anesthesia is clinically indicated.

While general anesthesia carries its own risks, particularly in the obstetric population, clear internal guidelines can support anesthesia clinicians when escalation to general anesthesia is clinically indicated. Support families and focus on mental health: Partners or support people also need to understand what is happening during a C-section. Their reactions can influence a patients stress and recovery. Even when the birth is over, it is important to check on the patients emotional well-being. Conversations that validate emotions can make the difference between a patient viewing their childbirth as a difficult but rewarding experience versus a traumatic one.

Resources for clinical teams

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Led by Grace Lim, MD, MSc, and Mark Neuman, MD, MSc, the Elevating Anesthesia Choices for Caesarean Delivery: A Roadmap to Patient-Centered Research (ELEVATE) project engages stakeholders to create a patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research agenda to enhance anesthesia choices during caesarean deliveries. ELEVATE is a unique opportunity to listen and learn from patients and engage in conversation with practitioners about areas where future research can help improve anesthesia choices during a cesarean delivery.

Several professional societies have developed resources that can support anesthesiology teams:

Managing intraoperative pain during cesarean delivery is a multifactorial challenge, spanning patient physiology, neuraxial technique, communication, and systems preparedness. By focusing on proactive management, team training, and clear documentation, anesthesia clinicians can continue to provide high-quality care while minimizing the risk of unanticipated pain or distress in the operating room. As national attention continues to grow, its more important than ever that anesthesia teams lead this conversation, not in response to litigation or media scrutiny, but as part of our commitment to clinical excellence and maternal safety.

The guidelines suggested here are not rules, do not constitute legal advice, and do not ensure a successful outcome. The ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of any treatment must be made by each health care provider considering the circumstances of the individual situation and in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the care is rendered.

The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of The Doctors Company. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and health care information, and the opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Megan Rosenstein is an anesthesiologist with North American Partners in Anesthesia and serves as a board member of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology.

Founded and led by physicians, The Doctors Company is relentlessly committed to advancing, protecting, and rewarding the practice of good medicine. The Doctors Company helps hospitals and practices of all sizes manage the complexities of todays healthcare environmentwith expert guidance, resources, and coverageand is the only medical malpractice insurer with an advocacy program covering all 50 states and the federal level. The Doctors Company is part of TDC Group, the nations largest physician-owned provider of insurance and risk management solutions. TDC Group serves the full continuum of care.
Starting my training as an MD/PhD student at Yale, I expected long nights of memorizing biochemical pathways and drug mechanisms. I predicted challenging times learning how to care for patients in tough situations. But what I didnt expect was just how difficult the current federal landscape would make this journey.

I felt this directly in early 2025. I came to Yale to study the health of LGBTQ+ populations. But when my PhD advisor was defunded by this administrations initial attempt to cut funding for LGBTQ+ health research, I had to pivot. My previous advisor could no longer support me as a trainee. At the same time, a diversity supplement grant application I submitted to the NIH has been all but been forgotten by the funding agency. Access to funds for attending conferences, collecting and analyzing data, professional development opportunities (all gone).

But I have learned something potentially even more important than the research skills I would have gained: that advocacy is not only required if we want to truly help our patients but also required to keep our profession alive and well. Yet, advocacy training within medical school curricula is often treated as extracurricular endeavors or volunteer experiences.

The urgency of training physicians in advocacy couldnt be greater. Donald Trumps return to the White House has marked the greatest threat to not only the foundations of our health systems that serve patients but also the ability of the scientific community to generate evidence-based clinical practices. Only nine months into Trumps second term, federal health research funding has become destabilized. According to one database, Grant Watch, 5,462 grants in total have been impacted in 2025 and over $2 billion in grant funds have been lost. As a result, the pipeline for trainees to become early-career physician-scientists, like myself, who rely on these training and development grants for resources and support has been greatly diminished.

If medical schools want to prepare trainees for the future we are walking into, they cannot remain neutral. Training future physicians to navigate (and challenge) the political landscape dictating health is not partisan; its pragmatic. Our advocacy is useless if we dont have the skills to win support for evidence-based, equity-focused policies and practices. Right now, we are losing, and embracing advocacy as both a clinical competency and a vital lifeline for our profession and our patients is the path forward.

Medical education has taken some steps to evolve. The LCME, the body that accredits medical schools in the U.S., has taken a step in the right direction in requiring curricula addressing health disparities and equity. At Yale, where Im part of the Health Equity Thread for our schools curriculum, a new clinical elective focused squarely on health advocacy was recently approved for students to learn how legislative processes shape conditions that produce illness (and to participate in them). The American Medical Associations Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship is another example of redefining what it means to practice medicine. Unfortunately, these are all exceptions, not norms.

Training institutions must do more. First, competency in health advocacy must be incorporated into medical education training, and accreditation entities (like the LCME) have a role in holding institutions to this standard. This could include simulated advocacy activities, such as writing policy briefs and engaging with legislative bodies. Related, creating pathways or certificates rooted in advocacy could also allow students with a particular interest to have more dedicated time and that can appear on their record and be valuable for post-graduation plans. Third, medical schools must provide protected time and resources for students, including but not limited to mentorship programs with physicians already doing this work, connections to local community organizations or larger organizations such as Physicians for Human Rights, and potential changes in curriculum that allow for trainees to engage in this work fully (not on the weekends or late-nights following other educational obligations).

As attacks on scientific integrity and health equity grow, medical education systems face a choice: either allow trainees to be passive technicians in a politicized system or equip them to be credible advocates for science and justice. Physicians and trainees must realize that any amount of trust they have earned means very little if they are silent on politics that harm our patients and undermine the profession. Its time for medical schools to recognize advocacy as a core clinical skill (neither a hobby nor a volunteer extracurricular but an obligation). The health of our democracy, of patients, and our profession depends on it.

Tyler D. Harvey is a medical student.
Hangzhou's one-stop hub helps intl entrepreneurs find their footing

People's Daily Online) 09:35, December 09, 2025

: Photo shows the Reception Hall of Cangqian International Block in Cangqian subdistrict, Yuhang district, Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Photo courtesy of Cangqian subdistrict)

: Chinese and foreign young participants take part in a study and exchange program at the Reception Hall of Cangqian International Block in Cangqian subdistrict, Yuhang district, Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Photo courtesy of Cangqian subdistrict)

: British internet influencers experience AI-generated cartoon portrait creation at the Reception Hall of Cangqian International Block in Cangqian subdistrict, Yuhang district, Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Photo courtesy of Cangqian subdistrict)

: A dialogue and exchange activity themed on sister cities is held at the Reception Hall of Cangqian International Block in Cangqian subdistrict, Yuhang district, Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Photo courtesy of Cangqian subdistrict)

: International students participate in a study tour program at the Reception Hall of Cangqian International Block in Cangqian subdistrict, Yuhang district, Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Photo courtesy of Cangqian subdistrict)

The Reception Hall of Cangqian International Block in Cangqian subdistrict, Yuhang district of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, welcomes people of different nationalities and backgrounds.

Cangqian subdistrict is known for its thriving office-based economy. Its foreign residents hail from 31 countries and regions, including Austria, Argentina and Russia. To better serve international residents and overseas entrepreneurs, the subdistrict established the international block in its core commercial area.

"When I first moved to Hangzhou, I was worried about where to handle administrative procedures, and I was also concerned about the language barrier," said Linda, an entrepreneur from Australia who recently chose Hangzhou as the base for her new venture.

With a mixture of curiosity and hesitation, she stepped into the reception hall. To her relief, staff members greeted her in fluent English. After learning she needed to complete her residence registration, they not only explained the required documents and procedures in detail, but also pre-checked her paperwork and scheduled an appointment for the next morning.

"I expected the process to be complicated and time-consuming, but their professionalism and initiative immediately put me at ease," Linda said.

The next day, Linda completed her residence registration as scheduled. As the process neared completion, a staff member noticed her listed occupation was "entrepreneur" and asked if she would like to learn about support policies for international startups offered by Hangzhou and the Yuhang district, including an "entrepreneurship policy package" and resource-matching services.

The suggestion went far beyond her expectations, Linda said. The staff not only helped resolve her most urgent concern but also anticipated potential challenges she might face in launching a business in China.

Covering about 2,000 square meters, the reception hall has become the first stop for many international professionals starting a new life in Hangzhou, as well as an ongoing support hub for their integration into the city's innovation-driven development.

"Positioned as a 'small hall with big services, a micro window with wide connections,' we aim to build a new landmark that links international talent with innovation and development," said Wu Zhan, a member of the Party working committee of Cangqian subdistrict.

The reception hall integrates a wide range of functions, including services for foreigners, talent policy consulting, enterprise services, roadshows, flexible office spaces, cultural activities, leisure and reading, Wu said.

Backed by digital tools such as a database of foreign professionals, the reception hall can accurately identify the needs of international talent. Linda has felt the benefits firsthand; she has since established her technology startup in Hangzhou and plans to recruit more international partners through the facility.

In recent years, the Cangqian subdistrict has rolled out seven themed service initiatives designed to better meet the diverse needs of international residents. Linda's startup is located just across the street from the reception hall, where she has found business partners, gained access to key resources and found support for her daily needs.

"With so much convenience, I really don't want to move anywhere else," she said.

Since its launch, the reception hall has hosted more than 100 events, nearly half involving foreign participants, helping facilitate numerous international collaborations.

The facility has also played a key role in empowering tech startups and cultivating an international innovation hub. It was at the reception hall that Linda met her first business partner.

Not long ago, she attended a small seminar on cross-border applications of artificial intelligence in health care, an event recommended to her through the center. To her surprise, it became a turning point for her company's development.

During the discussion, Linda shared the technological concepts she had developed in Australia and the challenges she was encountering in the Chinese market. A French engineer named Pierre, who had long specialized in related algorithms and was seeking like-minded partners, responded immediately. A partnership soon followed.

As Linda's company has entered a phase of rapid growth, new challenges have emerged. A major round of cross-border financing is currently underway, involving complex issues of international tax planning and local policy compliance.

After learning of her situation, staff at the reception hall promptly provided a tailored policy package for cross-border tech enterprises, detailing applicable tax incentives, foreign exchange guidelines and compliance procedures. That same day, they also arranged a meeting with a government official well-versed in local scientific and technological innovation policies, helping her clarify key issues.

"They seemed to know exactly where I might run into difficulties and offered answers before I even asked," Linda said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
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Four weeks before the sale of live animals is set to be banned by a judges order, the aisles of Sonora Market remain packed with overcrowded cages, from which barks, meows, bleats, and squawks spill out. The strong smell of excrement and urine mixes with the chemical trace of cleaning agents used by vendors to keep the stench at bay. Its Tuesday, and the market is bustling.

Between stacks of cages, a worker grabs a cardboard box, pokes holes in it with a knife so air can circulate, pulls a pigeon from its enclosure, and slips it inside with swift movements. He ties the box with raffia and writes a name on the lid: Alejandro. He places it next to several others lined up on the floor. None of these last more than two days here, he says as he reaches for another box.

La Silla Rota toured the area and confirmed that, despite the countdown ending on December 31, 2025, Mexico Citys largest live-animal market continues operating as if it had no expiration date.

Most aisles offer chickens, roosters, pigeons, cats, dogs, sheep, and goats; in some stalls, rodents, reptiles, hedgehogs, and porcupines can be found under the same conditions that have prompted years of mistreatment complaints.

But customers keep coming. Families ask about prices, children tug at their parents clothes, and vendors navigate the aisles calling out quick offers to visitors.

These are necessary products

In one of those aisles, at the stall El Buen Pollo, amid constant rooster crows and bird chirping, sits Jaime Olea Mendez, a vendor who has worked there for four decades. He speaks unhurriedly, seated in front of a row of cages filled with young birds. This is a family business. It belonged to my father since the market was founded 68 years ago, he says in an interview.

Jaime explains that his father brought him to the market as a child after school.

Thats where he learned the business. We fulfill a role of selling products that are necessarywhether for breeding or as pets. Theyre necessary products, and the proof is that this market has been here for 68 years and this is still being sold because theres demand, he says.

And although he insists that no protected species are sold in the market anymore and that the animals are well fed and in good conditions, his words, for activists, represent the core of the conflict.

A market operating under an active ban

Animals are not objects. They are sentient beings, not things. Theyve already been de-objectified, and he cant call them products or pets anymore, says Susana Ramirez, leader of the animal-rights organization Va por sus Derechos.

The activist explains that the sale of live animals in public markets has been prohibited in Mexico City since October 2023, following an amendment to the Animal Protection and Welfare Law.

The rule turned into litigation when the association led by attorney Susana Ramirez filed an injunction against the sale of animals in the market on September 23, 2023.

The injunction led to a judicial inspection in November of that year. The inspection confirmed poor conditions, overcrowding, the absence of a full-time veterinarian, and the use of expired commercial permits.

The clerk from the Fourth District Court witnessed the mistreatment and suffering of the animals, Ramirez says. Never before had an authority formally documented the illegality of how those animals live there.

Although a district judge initially dismissed the case, a Superior Court overturned that decision, and in August 2025, a full and immediate ban on the sale of animals at Sonora Market was ordered.

The ruling requires the Venustiano Carranza borough to either close the area or provide economic alternatives to vendors before the year ends.

Vendors dig in with legal appeals

However, Jaime Olea says that despite the court order, he and dozens of vendors do not plan to leave without exhausting all legal avenues. This business has existed for many years. Were fulfilling a need for people. If this area were closed, theyd force people to meet that need by going to a black market.

By his estimate, of the 88 stalls originally dedicated to selling animals, between 50 and 55 are still operating with permits that he claims remain valid. There are entire families that depend on this. Its not fifty peopleits hundreds, maybe thousands if you count suppliers, loaders, transporters, and people from the towns who raise the animals. Whats going to happen to them? he asks.

Jaime says that a group of vendors has already sought help from private attorneys and several have filed individual injunctions. I know at least three have been accepted, he says.

His hope is that if the final ruling favors them, they will be allowed to continue operating beyond the deadline.

My whole life has been here

Among the stalls, Isabel, 22, stacks boxes, sweeps, and tends to customers. Her more-than-10-hour shift unfolds among crowing roosters and chirping chicks. Ive worked here for six, seven years, she says. My dad was a supplier; he brought chicks from Puebla. My whole life has been around animals.

Its really sad. It doesnt seem fair that they take away our livelihood. Our entire lives have depended on this.

Isabel is one of the few workers willing to speak. She studied three semesters of law until her father died, forcing her to work full time. We do comply with the laws, she insists. We have regulations, veterinarians come by, we have paperwork. Sometimes they shut us down because the wall isnt painted the right color. They look for anything to blackmail us.

When asked what she will do if the stall closes, she says no other job would pay her as much. Ill end up selling gum, she says with a laugh, adding that no one from the borough has offered concrete options. They say well have alternatives, but they wont tell us what they are.

There are alternatives, but selling animals is no longer one of them

Attorney Susana Ramirez firmly rejects the vendors narrative. Its not true that theyre being left defenseless. Their right to work is not being taken away. The ruling is clear: the stall is not taken from themonly the sale of live beings is prohibited. They can change their line of business. They can sell any lawful product, she explains.

Its like if someone said, How will we survive if weve spent generations in human trafficking? The grandfather, the uncle, the brother, the grandson. Do you see what I mean?

Ramirez also explains that the Venustiano Carranza borough is legally required to provide economic-transition and training programs. Theyve been offered options, but they insist on exploiting, objectifying, and breaking the law by mistreating animals. Theyre comfortable within illegality.

La Silla Rota contacted the borough for information about these transition programs, but as of publication, there was no response.

Nevertheless, in October 2025, Mayor Evelyn Parra Alvarez publicly stated that she would enforce the Administrative Justice Tribunals ruling and warned vendors that they must change their business before the year ends. If they dont comply, they will be shut down and lose all their rights, she said.

Hopefully they regulate them. Theyre very aggressive.

At the markets exit, a father, mother, and daughter quickly climb the pedestrian bridge that crosses Frey Servando Avenue. The man carries a small puppy in his arms. They refuse to talk; however, when asked about the possible closure of the animal section, the woman responds: The vendors threatened us.

Without giving her name, she explains that after her daughter insisted, they asked for the price of a puppy. A thousand pesos, they were told. They asked about vaccines and paperwork, and were assured everything was included. But when the seller handed over the puppy, he demanded two thousand pesos. We protested, and they got aggressive, she says.

Under tension, the wife paid. It was all the money we had. They ran through the central aisle, out the door, and into the street vendors before climbing the bridge.

Hopefully they regulate them. Theyre very aggressive, the woman says before hurrying away.

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A health evaluation performed on 7,653,000 primary school students nationwide  roughly 60% of the 11 million enrolled at that level  found that half have nutritional issues that may lead to overweight or obesity, while 4.5 million have cavities and three million need eyeglasses, according to data from the SEP.

Mario Delgado, Secretary of Education, reported that nearly 60 percent of the countrys 11 million public primary school children have been evaluated so far. The assessment, part of the Healthy Life program, is expected to be completed before the end of the 20252026 school year.

According to the SEPs own figures, the percentage of children who have actually received care is low: of the 3,826,000 students identified with overweight or obesity, only 275,000 have received attention at a clinic or health center; and of the three million who need glasses, only 100,000 have been given a pair.

The results show that six out of ten primary school students have oral health problems. Delgado noted that among the children evaluated, only seven percent (275,000) have received treatment.

During the school visit they receive fluoride and an oral exam, but its important that follow-up care is provided and that children are taken in for treatment () Weve found that the vast majority of children have never been to a dentist, the SEP secretary said.

Follow-up: the biggest challenge for Healthy Life

Following publication of the assessment, La Silla Rota spoke with Jose Noe Rizo Amezquita, a Public Health and Social Security researcher, who said that ensuring follow-up for each child evaluated in the program will be one of the biggest challenges.

The expert noted that the strategy will help reduce the strain on the national health system by treating the population at early ages.

Its important that we provide care as soon as these nutritional, oral, or vision issues are diagnosed, and that we are able to develop the necessary treatment.

Cuartoscuro

He added that it must be evaluated whether each state has the required health personnel to provide care to every patient or, if not, implement a follow-up strategy.

Rizo Amezquita explained that the lack of attention to oral health often stems from parents or guardians perception that certain health issues are not urgent.

Factors such as parents work obligations make it difficult for them to take children to appointments to get eyeglasses or have cavities checked.

Context: Nurses from IMSS, IMSS Bienestar, the federal Health Ministry, state DIF systems, and staff from the SEP and state Education Departments have participated in visits to primary schools. During these visits, children are weighed and measured, their oral cavities are examined, and a visual acuity test is performed. Each student receives a digital health file that parents or guardians can download.

The goal is to screen 11.2 million students in these three areas.

States still pending evaluation

So far, 60 percent of students nationwide have been assessed, and authorities expect to complete the diagnostic process this year in Chiapas, Morelos, Puebla, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz. In Aguascalientes, Mexico City, Coahuila, State of Mexico, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Queretaro, and San Luis Potosi, progress exceeds 80%.

The states with the lowest progress  under 60%  are Michoacan, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Quintana Roo.

The researcher explained that the lag is due to the significant challenges these states face.

Reaching these remaining three and a half million children is the hardest part. These are communities with large Indigenous populations that face deep inequality and social gaps, he emphasized.

Due to this situation, he said, it is necessary to prioritize and focus the efforts of field teams to address these high-risk diagnostic findings.

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A mass shooting at an unlicensed bar in Saulsville, near Pretoria, over the week-end left 12 people dead, including children aged 3, 12, and 16. Another 13 people were injured. Police say at least three gunmen entered the bar and opened fire. The motive remains unknown, and the suspects are still at large.

The attack underscores South Africas ongoing battle with gun violence, with over 26,000 homicides recorded in 2024. Authorities have reported an increase in shootings at unlicensed bars, having shut down more than 11,000 illegal taverns between April and September this year. Other recent mass killings include the September 2024 shootings in Eastern Cape that left 18 people dead, most of them women.
Eric Dane will open up about his ALS battle and his career in a new memoir.

Eric Dane is to tell all about ALS battle in new memoir

The 53-year-old actor went public with his diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) - a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and causes loss of muscle control - earlier this year, and he is keen to "capture the moments that shaped" him in new autobiography Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments.

The Grey's Anatomy star said in a statement: "I wake up every morning, and I'm immediately reminded that this is real - this illness, this challenge and that's exactly why I'm writing this book.

"I want to capture the moments that shaped me - the beautiful days, the hard ones, the ones I never took for granted - so that if nothing else, people who read it will remember what it means to live with heart."

Eric - who has two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13 - hopes that some will "find meaning in their own days" thanks to his upcoming tome.

He added: "If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling."

Eric's memoir will be available in 2026, but a specific date is yet to be revealed.

It will be published by Maria Shriver's The Open Field, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Shriver said in a statement: "Eric wants to give his daughters and family something to be proud of, and this book will not only make them proud, but it will also help people understand what ALS is and isnt, what happens to someone when they get it, and how we can all be compassionate partners to people suffering with neurological conditions such as this."

Earlier this month, Euphoria star Eric insisted he has "no reason not to be in a good spirit" as he battles ALS.

Speaking on a virtual panel to raise awareness of ALS, he explained: "I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day, I don't think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying.

"And I was a little bit pleasantly surprised when I realised that I wasn't built like that, because I thought for sure that was gonna be me."
President Daniel Chapo began a three-day working visit to Portugal on Sunday, 7 December 2025, where he will participate in the sixth Portugal-Mozambique Bilateral Summit in Porto.

The summit is designed to deepen political and economic cooperation, encourage investment, and foster business partnerships between the two nations. Key discussions will focus on strategic sectors such as finance, public administration, digitalisation, and renewable energy. The event will also include the signing of legal agreements in areas such as education, health, agriculture, and energy.

During the visit, President Chapo will hold talks with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro to exchange views on the political, economic, and social situation in both countries and to discuss issues of mutual interest within the framework of bilateral relations. He will also participate in the opening session of the Economic Forum organised by the Portuguese Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade (AICEP), a parallel event aimed at enhancing business opportunities and corporate cooperation between Mozambique and Portugal.
On 8 December 2025, authorities in Niger State hosted 100 schoolchildren who were freed over the week-end, after being abducted from St. Marys Catholic School in Papiri, on 21 November 2025.

The circumstances surrounding their release remain undisclosed, and officials have not confirmed whether a ransom  a frequent feature of such attacks  was paid. In total, 303 pupils and 12 teachers were seized during the attack, with 50 escaping shortly after and at least 150, along with their teachers, still held by the gunmen.

The released pupils, aged 10 to 17, arrived at the Niger Government House in Minna accompanied by military convoys and were greeted by state officials. Governor Mohammed Bago announced that health professionals would assess the children before their return to their families. Meanwhile, parents in Papiri expressed distress, stating they learned of the release through media reports and remained uncertain about the fate of their children.

President Bola Tinubu commended security agencies for securing the release of the 100 pupils, reaffirming his directive that all abducted Nigerians be safely rescued. No group has claimed responsibility, though locals suspect armed gangs known for ransom kidnappings across northern Nigeria. The attack is one of several recent mass abductions, including the kidnapping of 25 pupils in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, the latter of whom have since been freed.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A new national study shows for the first time that people exposed to Agent Orange face a higher risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), tend to develop it earlier, and often have more aggressive disease that is more likely to progress to acute myeloid leukemia.

The study, published in the journal Blood, was co-led by researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Many veterans and doctors have long questioned whether Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War contributed to cases of MDS, a type of blood cancer. The contaminated chemical is linked to several cancers, but a link to MDS was unclear. This created real barriers for exposed veterans with MDS who are seeking care and disability benefits.

"This study has been a personal quest," said Mikkael Sekeres, M.D., chief of hematology at Sylvester. "I see veterans who develop these conditions and need expensive medical care, but I can't write a letter that establishes causality because, before this study, we hadn't clearly linked Agent Orange to MDS."

Sekeres presented the full analysis in a poster presentation at the 2025 American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting in Orlando.

Understanding MDS and Agent Orange exposure

MDS is a bone marrow cancer that develops slowly over a lifetime of accumulated genetic mutations. MDS affects up to 20,000 Americans each year, typically over 70. Some aggressive cases of MDS eventually progress to acute myeloid leukemia.

"MDS isn't a one-hit wonder," Sekeres said. "Patients have one genetic mutation that occurs, then another, then another. It takes decades for those mutations to develop, and with an exposure like Agent Orange, patients can acquire that first mutation at a younger age than they normally would."

About 2.6 million U.S. service members may have been exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. The U.S. government used this chemical as a defoliant, but it accidentally contained one of the most dangerous industrial chemicals ever produced, a toxic form of dioxin. Research already links Agent Orange exposure to blood cancers, including types of lymphoma, multiple myeloma and leukemia.

Studies had not clearly shown a link between Agent Orange exposure and MDS, mainly because data were unavailable.

"No one studied this before because there haven't been organized registries with the data needed to make this connection," Sekeres said. Only one older study attempted to explore a possible connection, but it lacked diagnostic confirmation and had incomplete exposure data.

That data gap has caused veterans to go unrecognized for their disease. This new analysis represents the first nationwide, prospective effort able to connect confirmed MDS diagnoses with documented Agent Orange exposure.

The data used in the study come from the MDS Natural History Study, which includes genetic information from bone marrow and data on environmental exposures. The research team examined data from 2,115 people, 130 of whom self-reported Agent Orange exposure.

Key results and clinical implications

The study found that, compared to those who had no exposure, people exposed to Agent Orange were diagnosed with MDS at younger ages. They also had a higher burden of harmful mutations and were more likely to exhibit high-risk genetic patterns seen in toxin-related MDS cases.

Clinically, people exposed to Agent Orange were nearly twice as likely to see their disease progress within the first two years after diagnosis. Thankfully, overall survival between the two groups was similar. "The progression finding was surprising," said Sekeres. "We didn't expect that signal to be as strong as it was."

Across every analysis, the results aligned: exposed patients were younger at diagnosis, had more mutations, faced higher-risk disease and were more likely to progress early. "It's a consistent signal across the different areas where we lookage of onset, genetics, progression," Sekeres said.

Veterans who self-reported Agent Orange exposure were significantly more likely to be Black, at rates higher than those seen in Vietnam service demographics. "This toxin may have hit a particularly vulnerable population," Sekeres said. Importantly, he noted, the data showed no connection between these patterns and smokinga potential confounding factor.

Impact on veterans and next steps

For veterans, these results may aid future efforts to improve recognition, screening and access to care. Without official acknowledgment of this link, patients with MDS have struggled to qualify for service-connected benefits. The findings should also prompt clinicians to ask about environmental and military exposures, especially when MDS occurs at a younger age.

The team is preparing follow-up analyses using national veteran databases to strengthen and refine the results. For Sekeres, the goal is simple: ensure that veterans with MDS receive the care they need.

"Veterans have been waiting a long time for someone to take this seriously," he said. "If our work can move the needle even a little, that feels incredibly meaningful."

More information: Mikkael Sekeres et al, Exposure to agent orange and risk of myelodysplastic syndromes, Blood (2025). DOI: 10.1182/blood-2025-5626 Journal information: Blood
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Bile acid-mediated CROP stabilization impedes TcdB-binding host cell receptors. Credit: Nature Microbiology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-025-02179-1

In a major step toward a precision therapy for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) have uncovered how the body's bile acids bind to block C. diff's most dangerous toxin.

C. diff is a toxin-producing bacterium and the leading cause of health care-associated infections, causing serious infections in the gut and persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and inflammation of the colon. Current treatments for C. diff infection rely on antibiotics, which can disrupt healthy gut bacteria and leave patients vulnerable to repeated infections.

The discovery, published in Nature Microbiology, reveals the first detailed view of how C. diff's main toxin, Toxin B (TcdB), binds to bile acids in the gut.

Working with partners at the University of Minnesota, North Carolina State University, and Scripps Research Institute, the SickKids research has informed the development of a new compound that can protect against C. diff in preclinical models, offering hope for safer, more effective treatments that could finally stop the cycle of recurrent infections.

Bile acids alter TcdB CROP domain dynamics. Credit: Nature Microbiology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-025-02179-1

Investigating the mechanisms behind C. diff's key toxin

Recognizing the limitations of antibiotics as a front-line treatment for C. diff, SickKids investigators focused on TcdB, the toxin responsible for most of the cellular damage and gut inflammation associated with infection.

Earlier research led by Dr. Roman Melnyk, study lead, Senior Scientist and Program Head in Molecular Medicine and Co-Director of the SPARC Drug Discovery Facility, demonstrated that some naturally occurring bile acids, best known for their role in digestion, can also inhibit TcdB.

Building on this work, postdoctoral fellow Dr. Sean Miletic set out to investigate how these bile acids interact with the toxin in the gut; in collaboration with Dr. John Rubenstein, a cryo-electron microscopy expert in the Molecular Medicine program, the team captured the first detailed view of TcdB bound to bile acids.

Their findings revealed that the toxin's structure must be in an "open" formation to cause damageand certain bile acids can latch on and hold it shut. "It's like jamming a door at the hinge," explains Miletic, first author on the study. "If the toxin can't open into its active form, then it can't harm cells."

Bridging expertise to drive drug discovery

This structural insight guided the development of bile acids that could act as targeted therapies for C. diff infection. Leveraging the structural data generated at SickKids, the team collaborated with Dr. Peter Dosa from the University of Minnesota to design new versions of bile acids that were engineered to stay in the intestine, where they are needed most. Dr. Casey Theriot at North Carolina State University led testing of these compounds in preclinical models.

Together, the team created and tested sBA-2, a synthetic bile acid that was capable of neutralizing TcdB directly in the gut. In preclinical models of C. diff infection, sBA-2 significantly reduced disease symptoms such as weight loss and intestinal damage. Importantly, it did this without affecting bacteria as whole, preserving gut health and targeting the toxin with precision.

By focusing on the toxin rather than the bacterium itself, sBA-2 represents a promising new strategy to prevent recurrent infections while protecting the gut's delicate microbiome.

"We are very excited about the potential of sBA-2 as a first-in-class oral therapy for this devastating disease," says Melnyk. "For patients, this approach could mean safer treatment and a real chance to break the cycle of repeated illness."

More information: Sean Miletic et al, Structure-guided design of a synthetic bile acid that inhibits Clostridioides difficile TcdB toxin, Nature Microbiology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-025-02179-1 Journal information: Nature Microbiology
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Study and results summary. Credit: eBioMedicine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.106035

When we are hungry, our mood often dropsa phenomenon known colloquially as "hangry." A new study by the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn, and the University Hospital Center Tubingen now shows that this connection is not caused by unconscious metabolic processes. Rather, the decisive factor is that the lack of energy is consciously perceived as hungerit is this conscious feeling of hunger that leads to a worse mood. These results have now been published in the journal eBioMedicine.

How the study was conducted

In the study, the researchers examined how glucose levels, feelings of hunger, and mood influence each other in 90 healthy adults over a period of four weeks. The participants wore continuous glucose monitors (CGM), as used in diabetes care, and regularly answered questions about their current hunger, satiety, and mood (Ecological Momentary Assessment, EMA) via a smartphone app.

"When glucose levels drop, mood also deteriorates. But this effect only occurs because people then feel hungrier," explains first author Dr. Kristin Kaduk, postdoctoral researcher at the University Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Tubingen. "In other words, it is not the glucose level itself that raises or lowers mood, but rather how strongly we consciously perceive this lack of energy."

The study thus provides new evidence for the importance of interoceptionthe conscious perception of internal bodily statesin the regulation of emotions. People who were particularly sensitive to changes in their glucose levels also showed fewer mood swings.

"Our results suggest that consciously feeling your own body can act as a kind of buffer for your mood," adds corresponding author Prof. Nils Kroemer, who works in Tubingen in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University Hospital in the field of translational psychiatry and at the Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the UKB, and also conducts research as a professor of medical psychology at the University of Bonn. "A good sense of the body's own signals seems to help maintain emotional stabilityeven when energy levels fluctuate."

Using a glucose sensor on the upper arm, the researchers continuously collected data on glucose levelsthe basis for revealing connections between blood sugar, hunger, and mood in everyday life. Credit: A. Winkler

Implications for future research and health

The researchers also see this as an important basis for future studies in patients with metabolic or mental disorders.

"Many diseases such as depression or obesity are associated with altered metabolic processes," says Prof. Kroemer. "A better understanding of how body perception and mood are related can help improve therapeutic approaches in the long termfor example, through targeted training of interoception or noninvasive stimulation of the vagus nerve, which connects the organs to the brain and influences interoception."

The results underscore the close connection between metabolic and mental healthand show that conscious perception of one's own body is a central mechanism through which metabolic processes affect mood.

More information: Kristin Kaduk et al, Glucose levels are associated with mood, but the association is mediated by ratings of metabolic state, eBioMedicine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.106035 Journal information: EBioMedicine
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Art program participant, Tricia. Credit: UniSA

A new arts and well-being program co-developed by the University of South Australia, Flinders University and the University of Adelaide shows that supporting the social needs of people living with dementia and their caregivers can help families rediscover connection, confidence and a sense of community.

Designed in collaboration with those affected by dementia, the six-week program concurrently delivers an arts session for people with dementia alongside a well-being session for their caregivers.

A paper on this topic is published in the journal Dementia.

UniSA researcher Dr. Carolyn Murray says the dual structure of the program shows why dementia care must support both the person diagnosed and the people who care for them.

"One of the most challenging parts of dementia is connecting with othersnot just for the person diagnosed, but also for the family members who care for them," Dr. Murray says. "People with dementia and their family caregivers are at risk of becoming socially isolated and withdrawn from community activities, often because they're unsure whether they'll be able to participate.

"They want connection with people who understand their experience and they want opportunities to do meaningful things that suit their abilities, but they're cautious about adding stress, even when both would benefit from doing something different.

"What makes this program different is that it's been co-designed by families living with dementia and an artist. This co-design, alongside having co-researchers from occupational therapy, social work and psychology, brought diverse perspectives and experiences into the co-design process.

"The activities are well matched for participants from the outset, and with the art and well-being sessions running side by side, people with dementia feel safe knowing their caregiver is close, while caregivers can be confident that the person they care for is also having an enriching experience. We found that it was this sense of closeness that allowed both groups to relax, participate fully, and rediscover a bit of confidence and enjoyment."

Watercolor artwork crated by one of the program participants. Credit: UniSA

Dementia is a life-limiting brain condition that affects memory, mood, behavior and thinking. It's more commonly associated with older people, but it is not a normal part of aging. Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia.

Globally, 57 million people have dementia with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. Many of these people are supported by unpaid caregivers: about 700,000 in the UK; nearly 12 million in the US; and more than 140,000 in Australia.

Feedback from the UniSA program has been extremely positive, with many family caregivers expressing a strong desire for similar programs so they can continue rebuilding confidence in their abilities and social connection.

Dr. Murray says that as dementia numbers continue to rise, programs like this will be vital. These programs need to be co-designed with people with dementia, their caregivers and facilitators to ensure their feasibility and acceptability.

"Community-based programs are extremely valuable for families living with dementia, as they offer safe, enriching activities that maintain well-being, participation and self-esteem. They also give families a much-needed, meaningful break from one another," Dr. Murray says.

"Dementia support is not just about addressing symptomsit's about nurturing relationships and meaning. Programs like these help families stay connected, supported and able to live well at home for longer."

More information: Carolyn M. Murray et al, Supporting the Well-Being of People Living With Dementia and Their Family Carers Through Concurrent Arts and Well-Being Community Programs: Qualitative Perspectives of Participants and Facilitators, Dementia (2025). DOI: 10.1177/14713012251383967
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A new statewide spatial analysis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) has uncovered significant disparities in Maryland's rural communities, offering a striking example of how health care accessibility is shaping health outcomes across the United States.

The research was presented at the Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) Annual Conference at the Downtown Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C.

More than 90% of larger hospitals are located in urban areas, leaving rural hospitals with fewer resources and very small operating margins. One of the biggest challenges is the shortage of doctors, nurses, and specialists trained in Alzheimer's and dementia care, who are concentrated in urban centers.

As a result, patients in rural areas, many of whom are over 80 years old, often face the additional burden of traveling much longer distances to access the care they need.

Alzheimer's disease affects more than 6.9 million Americans, and its prevalence is expected to double by 2060, according to the Alzheimer's Association. This research demonstrates that where a person lives can determine whether they receive a timely diagnosis and care or whether they fall through the cracks.

The study analyzed 422,735 patients in Maryland in 2019, and revealed that many ADRD cases may remain in underserved rural areas, particularly in eastern and western Maryland, where high mortality rates coincide with low diagnosis rates. These results come amid ongoing funding challenges with serious consequences for older and underserved populations.

By identifying hospital accessibility, demographic factors, and comorbidities like diabetes ADRD patterns, the study provides evidence that could inform targeted policy interventions in clinics, hospitals, and outreach programs not just in Maryland, but across rural America.

Key findings

Underserved regions in eastern and western Maryland show high ADRD mortality rates despite low diagnosis rates, suggesting that many cases remain undiagnosed.

Hospital accessibility is unevenly distributed, with urban areas having significantly better access than rural areas, where mortality rates are elevated.

Spatial regression analysis (Getis-Ord G and GWR models) revealed that lower hospital accessibility is associated with higher poverty rates and higher health risk rates, including diabetes and heart disease.

Regional variations in these relationships were confirmed through spatial analysis, demonstrating that localized factors significantly influence ADRD outcomes.

Provided by Society for Risk Analysis
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Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

Medication-delivering drones and telehealth at local libraries are among the ideas state leaders revealed in November for spending their share of a $50 billion federal rural health program.

The Trump administration, which has promised "radical transparency," said in an FAQ that it plans to publish the "project summary" for states that win awards. Following the lead of federal regulators, many states are withholding their complete applications, and some have refused to release any details.

"Let's be clear," said Alan Morgan, chief executive of the National Rural Health Association. "The hospital CEOs, the clinic administrators, the community leaders: They're going to want to know what their states are doing." The NRHA's members include struggling rural hospitals and clinics, which federal lawmakers promised would benefit from the Trump administration's Rural Health Transformation Program.

Morgan said his members are interested in what states propose, which of their ideas are approved or rejected, and their budget narratives, which detail how the money could be spent.

Improving rural health care is an "insanely complicated and difficult task," Morgan said.

The five-year Rural Health Transformation Program was approved by Congress in a lawthe One Big Beautiful Bill Actthat also drastically cuts Medicaid spending, on which rural providers heavily depend. It's being watched closely because it's a much-needed influx of fundswith a caveat from the Trump administration that the money be spent on transformational ideas, not just to prop up ailing rural hospitals.

The law says half of the $50 billion will be divided equally among all states with an approved application. The rest will be distributed through a points-based system. Of the second half, $12.5 billion will be allotted based on each state's rurality. The remaining $12.5 billion will go to states that score well on initiatives and policies that, in part, mirror the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" objectives.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly promised to open the government to the American people. His agency has a webpage devoted to "radical transparency."

"We're working to make this the most transparent HHS in its 70-year history," Kennedy said in written testimony to lawmakers in September.

Lawrence Gostin, a professor of public health law at Georgetown University, said HHS is "acting in a way that utterly lacks transparency" and that the public has the right to demand "greater openness and clarity." Without transparency, the public cannot hold HHS accountable, he said.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services spokesperson Catherine Howden said the agency will follow the federal regulations governing competitive grant materials when releasing information about the rural health program.

Grant applications are "not released to the public during the merit review process," Howden said, adding, "The purpose of this policy is to protect the integrity of evaluations, applicant confidentiality, and the competitive nature of the process."

Democrats and many health care advocates are concerned politics will affect how much money states get.

"I am very concerned about retaliation," said Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill. Because Democrats control her state's politics, "our application might not be as seriously considered as other states that have Republican leadership," she added.

Illinois' Democratic members of the U.S. House sent a letter to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz in November asking for "full and fair consideration" of their state application. Illinois officials have not yet released their state's proposal to KFF Health News, which has a pending public records request.

Heather Howard, a professor of the practice at Princeton University, said she is "pleasantly surprised at how transparent the states have been."

Howard directs the university's State Health and Value Strategies program, which is tracking the rural health fund, and praised most states for publicly posting their project summaries.

"To me, it speaks to the intense interest in this program," Howard said. Her team, reviewing about two dozen state summaries, found themes including expansion of home-based and mobile services, increased use of technology, and workforce development initiatives like scholarships, signing bonuses, and child care assistance for high-demand positions.

"I think it's exciting," Howard said. "What's great here is the experimentation we're going to learn from."

Telerobotics appeared in Georgia's and Alabama's applications, she said, including a proposal to use robotic equipment for remote ultrasounds.

Another theme that "warms my heart," Howard said, was the effort among states to create advisory groups or committees, including in Idaho, where work groups are expected to focus on technology, workforce development, tribal collaboration, and behavioral health.

All 50 states submitted applications to federal regulators by the Nov. 5 deadline and awards will be announced by the end of the year, according to CMS.

As of late November, nearly 40 states had released their project narrative, the main part of the application, which describes proposed initiatives, according to KFF Health News tracking. More than a dozen states have also released their budget narratives.

A handful of statesIdaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Wyomingreleased all parts of the application.

KFF Health News filed public records requests for states' complete applications. Some states have refused to release any of their application materials.

Nebraska, for example, rejected a public records request, saying its application materials are "proprietary or commercial information" that "would give advantage to business competitors."

Kentucky shared its application summary but said the remainder of the application is a "preliminary draft" not subject to release under state laws.

Erika Engle, a spokesperson for Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, said the governor "is committed to transparency" but declined to share any of the state's proposal.

Hawaii and other states are still processing formal public records requests.

The rural health program is part of the July law projected to reduce federal Medicaid spending in rural areas by $137 billion over 10 years.

Those cuts are expected to affect rural health facilities' bottom lines, threatening their ability to stay open. A recent Commonwealth Fund report found that rural areas continue to lack access to primary care. But the guidelines for the rural health program say states can use only 15% of their new funding to pay providers for patient care.

Between the Medicaid cuts and funding boost from the new program, "there's real opportunity for national policy to impact rural, both in the negative and the positive potentially," said Celli Horstman, a senior research associate at the New York-based policy think tank who co-authored the report.

Among the publicly available rural health transformation proposals, Democratic-leaning states show support, or are willing to adopt, some of the administration's goals but will lose out on points from eschewing others.

For example, New Mexico said it would introduce legislation requiring students to take the Presidential Fitness Test and physicians to complete continuing education courses on nutrition. But it won't prevent people from using their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to buy "non-nutritious" foods such as soda and candy.

Many states want to invest in technology, including telehealth, cybersecurity, and remote patient monitoring equipment. Other themes include increasing access to healthy food, improving emergency services, preventing and managing chronic illnesses, and enlisting community health workers and paramedics for home visits.

Specific proposals include:

Arkansas wants to spend $5 million through its "FAITH" programFaith-based Access, Interventions, Transportation, & Healthto enlist rural religious institutions to host education and preventive screening events. Congregations could also install walking circuits and fitness equipment.

Alaska, which historically relied on dogsled teams to bring medication to remote areas, is looking to test the use of "unmanned aerial systems" to speed up pharmacy deliveries to such communities.

Tennessee wants to increase access to healthy activities by spending money on parks, trails, and farmers markets.

Maryland wants to start mobile markets and install refrigerators and freezers to improve access to fresh, healthy food that often spoils in rural areas with few grocery stores.

State Sen. Stephen Meredith, a Republican who represents part of western Kentucky, said he still expects rural hospitals to close despite his state's rural health transformation program.

"I think we're treating symptoms without curing the disease," he said after listening to a presentation on Kentucky's proposal at a state committee meeting.

Morgan, whose organization represents rural hospitals likely to close, said the state's ideas may sound good.

"You can craft a narrative that sounds wonderful," he said. "But then translating the aspirational goals to a functioning program? That's difficult."

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Pere Barba, Head of Advanced Therapies, the Hematology Department at Vall d'Hebron. Credit: Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO).

Safety and efficacy data from a phase 1 multicenter study evaluating rapcabtagene autoleucel, an investigational next-generation CD19-directed CAR-T cell therapy that is manufactured in 48 hours using the T-Charge platform, show a manageable safety profile and antitumor activity. The best overall response, defined as complete remission or complete remission with incomplete recovery of blood count, was between 70% and 100% depending on the dose.

Results from this study were presented by Pere Barba, Head of Advanced Therapies at the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital's Hematology Department and Hematologist and Lead Investigator of VHIO's Experimental Hematology Group, at the 67th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting (ASH 2025), December 6-9 in Orlando, Florida.

CAR-Tchimeric antigen receptor T-celltherapy is a type of immunotherapy specifically developed for each individual patient and involves genetically reprogramming the patient's own immune system cells to express specific chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) on the cell surface, which are then reinfused to the patient to target and attack tumor cells.

"CD19-directed T-cell therapies have produced unprecedented therapeutic responses in several B-cell malignancies. However, traditional CAR-T cell manufacturing requires a lengthy culturing process including ex-vivo T-cell expansion, leading to a door-to-door turnaround time of around twenty to twenty-five days. For patients with particularly aggressive tumors, this is simply too long to wait," said Dr. Barba, the first author of this present study.

Another limitation is that the process of rapidly amplifying the CAR-T cell population requires them to divide a lot and very quickly. By the time these cells reach the patient, they are therefore exhausted, which can compromise their efficacy.

CAR-Ts in 48 hours

"The T-Charge next generation platform does not require the expansion phase and thus reduces the CAR-T cell manufacturing time to under two days. In addition, since the CAR-T cells are not exposed to cytokines for so long, they are less exhausted and more effective," added Barba.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of the bone marrow and blood. It is the most common childhood cancer, but it also affects adults. While first-line treatment achieves a cure rate of 5060% in adult patients, those who relapse have a very poor prognosis. There is therefore an unmet clinical need to investigate and develop more effective therapies for this patient population.

Phase 1 study in adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell ALL

A phase 1 multicenter study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rapcabtagene autoleucel, an innovative CD 19-directed CAR-T Cell therapy that is rapidly manufactured using the T-Charge platform, in 41 previously treated patients with relapsed or refractory B-ALL who received single-infusion rapcabtagene autoleucel at targeted dose level. The treatment showed a manageable safety profile and promising antitumor activity.

The best overall response of complete remission (CR) or complete remission with incomplete recovery of blood count at three months, meaning that the disease had completely disappeared or the disease had disappeared but abnormal levels of blood cells were still detected, was 70% in patients who received the lowest dose (DL1), 100% with second lowest dose (DL2), 92% with the third (DL3), and 83.3% in patients who received the highest dose (DL4).

The median duration of response (DOR) was 5.3 months for DL1 and 10.8 months for DL2, and was not reached for DL3 or DL4.

"Results from this study demonstrate that CAR-T therapy with rapcabtagene autoleucel showed an acceptable balance of safety, efficacy, and cellular expansion. Also, considering the reduced production time using the T-Charge platform, our findings support further investigations evaluating this therapy and translating this approach into routine clinical practice," concluded Dr. Barba.

The VHIO's Experimental Hematology Group also presented at ASH 2025 a study on infectious complications in patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma treated with CAR-T therapy or bispecific antibodies.

Dr. Adaia Albasanz, Infectious Diseases specialist at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, together with Dr. Gloria Iacoboni, hematologist and researcher in VHIO's Experimental Hematology Group, presented the results of a study comparing the cumulative incidence of infections in patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma: 141 CAR-T recipients and 116 treated with bispecific antibodies, with a median follow-up of 37 months.

A total of 61.7% of CAR-Ttreated patients and 57% of those receiving bispecific antibodies experienced at least one infection during the study period. The cumulative incidence of infections of any grade and of severe infections was high and similar between the two treatment groups. Most infections were bacterial or viral, while fungal infections were very rare. Infection-related mortality was low (5%) and comparable in both cohorts.

CAR-Ttreated patients showed neurotoxicity more frequently and had greater exposure to corticosteroids for managing adverse events compared with patients treated with bispecific antibodies. Corticosteroid use was associated with an increased risk of infection in both treatment groups.

"In summary," they conclude, "the risk of infection is high and similar across both treatment modalities, underscoring the need for more intensive preventive strategies in these high-risk patients."
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The holidays can bring travel, busy schedules and family events, and for many people, that means healthy habits slip. But experts say staying well during this time doesn't require perfection.

It's not just the schedule that gets in the way, it's the expectations we put on ourselves, Samantha Harden, an associate professor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise at Virginia Tech, said in a news release.

"We expect to have time off and be our 'best selves' when we step back from work and have all the space to create healthy routines," Harden said. "We set ourselves up for failure thinking we'll be swimming in time that is actually usurped with all our other holiday activitiesones we love and the ones we loathe."

Instead of waiting for the "perfect" moment to restart routines, Harden suggests blending healthy choices into normal holiday activities.

A few examples include:

Habit stacking: Pair a healthy action with something you already do, such as sharing one thing you're grateful for after brushing your teeth or taking a short walk after dinner.

Pair a healthy action with something you already do, such as sharing one thing you're grateful for after brushing your teeth or taking a short walk after dinner. Gamifying: Turn activities into friendly challenges, "such as a plank challenge every time dishes are completed or having a bingo card of movement breaks," Harden explains.

Turn activities into friendly challenges, "such as a plank challenge every time dishes are completed or having a bingo card of movement breaks," Harden explains. Involving others: Invite a friend or family member to a fitness class or call someone while walking outdoors.

Invite a friend or family member to a fitness class or call someone while walking outdoors. Travel hacks: "Move whenever you have time, stay hydrated, and give yourself ample time so backups and delays do not add more anxiety," Harden said.

Harden also recommends thinking about health as more than exercise or nutrition. She said there are six areas of well-being: Happiness, mental and physical health, close social relationships, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, material and financial stability.

"Maybe during the holiday season, you're putting less time or other resources into your physical well-being, but you're putting more into your perception of close social relationships," Harden explained. "Let that be enough on your well-being checklist."

"During the holidays and always, don't think of one meal, day or season away from healthy habits means failure," Harden said.

"An all-or-nothing approach does not work for most thingsdon't let the act of being a human become even harder by having expectations that don't match your goals, behaviors, circumstances or resources."

Copyright  2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Mila Kunis insists her neighbours are complaining "all day long".

Mila Kunis has to field a lot of complaints from fellow homeowners

The 42-year-old actress is head of the HOA - homeowners association - for her eight-home neighbourhood in Beverly Hills, but she has suggested the role is a thankless task.

Appearing on the Today show, she quipped: "All people do is complain - all I get is complaints all day long.

"No one ever goes, 'You know what? Thank you so much' for anything - ever!"

The Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery star lives in the area with her husband Ashton Kutcher, 47, and their kids Wyatt, 11, and nine-year-old Dimitri.

She insisted she only took on the role in charge of the HOA "because no one else wanted it".

Mila teased that she wanted to use her Hollywood platform to raise awareness of the plights of HOA presidents across the United States.

The That '70s Show star quipped: "I'm gonna start a petition as a homeowner - as a head of the homeowners association.

"I want to thank all other homeowners, members of the homeowners association and the presidents for all their hard work - because no one ever says thank you!"

Mila admitted she's also frustrated that the other homeowners in the area don't reply to her emails, which they mistake for "a mass email".

She joked: "I worked hard at it! Chat GPT and I worked really hard at putting that email together!"

To try and encourage her neighbours to respond, she has tried to get her friend involved to nudge them in the right direction.

She said: "Recently, I had to text my friend who lives in the neighbourhood.

"And I was like, 'You need to reply to my email and be like, thank you so much, so that I can encourage other people to acknowledge my email.' "

Mila revealed earlier this year she had taken on the role as president of the HOA, and while her neighbours have been "desensitised" to celebrities by living in LA, there have still been some amusing interactions.

She told the Wall Street Journal: "The funnier part is when I have to call someone to look at the road because it is eroding or something. And then they show up and start laughing.

"I'm like, 'I know this is ridiculous, but please, can you give me a quote on this?' "
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Patients who receive T-cell redirecting therapies are typically hospitalized for several days after treatment to watch for side effects. Now new research by Fox Chase Cancer Center physicians shows that these patients can safely be monitored at home.

The study, presented at the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, showed that a structured outpatient model significantly reduced the number of days patients spent in the hospital, with no negative outcomes.

"Delivering CAR-T and BiTEs Outpatient: A Safe and Resource-Conscious Model for T-Cell Redirecting Therapies" was published in the journal Blood.

Fewer hospital days, no safety compromises

"There are multiple benefits to our approach," said first author Asya Varshavsky-Yanovsky, MD, Ph.D., an Associate Professor in the Blood Cancer and Cellular Therapy Institute at Fox Chase.

"These include decreased disruption to the patient's normal life, reduced exposure to the risks of hospitalization, optimizing the utilization of inpatient beds, and, of course, health care costs."

With a growing number of patients benefiting from T-cell redirecting therapies, it's important to find strategies to treat more patients with existing resources, she added.

Supercharging patients' immune system

T-cell redirecting therapies, including CAR-T and bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs), are a type of immunotherapy that supercharges the patient's immune system to fight cancer. While these therapies have been a game-changing treatment option for patients with blood cancers like lymphoma and multiple myeloma, they can also cause potentially severe side effects triggered by an overactive immune response.

While these therapies were just emerging, inpatient monitoring was appropriate, Varshavsky-Yanovsky said. Researchers wanted to know if outpatient observation could be done safely now that the therapies' toxicities are better understood.

Key findings from the Fox Chase outpatient model

Fox Chase implemented outpatient T-cell redirecting therapy as a pilot program for the majority of patients with relapsed lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

The program significantly reduced hospital admissions for both CAR-T and BiTE patients.

Patients in the outpatient CAR-T program saw a reduction in total hospital stay and some of them were able to avoid hospitalization altogether. More than half of those in the BiTE program avoided hospitalization entirely.

There were no adverse safety events or clinically significant delays in care as a result of the outpatient model.

How home monitoring works

To receive outpatient CAR-T or BiTE therapy, patients are required to have a caregiver who can monitor their condition during the observation period. They also have to remain within 60 minutes of the cancer center. Fox Chase helped arrange housing for patients who lived farther away. Patients undergo a daily toxicity assessment in the clinic during the monitoring window.

Close communication with patients and caregivers, as well as detailed education about warning signs and symptoms of toxicity, were critical to the program's success, Varshavsky-Yanovsky said. Also critical were availability of an on-call trained cell therapy provider and close multidisciplinary collaboration within the treatment team.

The program's simplicity means it could be easily reproduced by other hospitals, she added. "We designed this program to work, and we put a lot of thought into making it safe for patients. I'm not surprised it was a success."

More information: Asya Varshavsky Yanovsky et al, Delivering CAR-T and bites outpatient: A safe and resource-conscious model for T-cell redirecting therapies, Blood (2025). DOI: 10.1182/blood-2025-1080 Journal information: Blood
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Credit: Kampus Production from Pexels

Despite recent provincial investments, Ontario's home-care system is still in crisis. Underfunding, rationed care and ideological preferences for privatization of services undermine dignified aging and care for those in need of support at home.

At the same time, home-care providers, who are disproportionately racialized immigrant women, experience precarious, exploitative and sometimes dangerous working conditions.

My newly released research report, entitled "Caring about Care Workers: Centering Immigrant Women Personal Support Workers in Toronto's Home Care Sector," is a collaboration with Social Planning Toronto(SPT), a non-profit, community-based agency. In it, we highlight the concerns and preferences of these undervalued workers.

Our report presents data from interviews with 25 immigrant women working as personal support workers (PSWs) in home care in the City of Toronto. Our conversations, conducted between 2023 and 2025, focused on employment conditions and workplace safety, the critical need for systems change and the possibilities for building PSW collective power.

A vital service held together by precarious labor

Home care provides crucial supports to seniors who want to live in their own homes longer, facilitates the autonomy of people with disabilities and aids in the recovery of individuals following a hospital stay.

Their work both supports widespread client preferences to "age in place" and reduces pressure on hospitals and emergency departments. Yet it is routinely neglected and chronically under-resourced.

PSWs provide the majority of home care services. In 2022, an estimated 28,854 individuals were employed as PSWs in the home-care sector in Ontario. Home-care PSWs collectively provided 36.7 million hours of care to Ontario residents in 202324 through the provincially funded system.

Immigrant and racialized women comprise the majority of home care PSWs in the Greater Toronto Area. Home-care PSW labor is characterized by low wages, lack of employment benefits, health and safety risks and unique challenges associated with working alone in private homes.

Among PSWs in Ontario, those working in the home and community care sector have the lowest average wage, making about 21% less on average than PSWs working in hospitals and 17% less than those in long-term care. Inadequate provincial funding and inequitable and restrictive funding arrangements are the primary drivers that create and exacerbate these unacceptable conditions.

PSWs are absorbing the real cost of care

Our research participants explained how the normal costs associated with providing home care are offloaded onto them in several ways.

First, most PSWs in home care provide personal care to multiple clients each day. Travel between client homes is a requirement of their work. Yet participants shared that they either receive low pay or no pay for travel time between client homes.

One of our participants, Kemi, explained how travel time works in her agency: "The travel time that we are paid is one hour. If I'm working five hours, that's six hours I'll be paid. But the thing is that the travel time amount is not the same as your regular wage travel time is paid some amount less."

If it takes more than an hour a day to travel between client homes, Kemi does not receive any compensation for that additional time. Yet this is a reality for her on a regular basis.

Joy, another participant, noted that PSWs in her agency personally pay more than half of their transit costs: "They give us $1.60 per travel, but the payment we give the TTC is $3.50. I requested the company to make it the same, or at least a free TTC pass for the month. But the employer said it wasn't appropriate."

At the same time, many PSWs have long gaps of unpaid time between client visits during their workday. These gaps in their workday result in a full-time shift but only part-time compensation, with many getting paid for only a few hours each day. The result is full time work for a part-time wage.

In addition, participants noted that PSWs can have their work hours and income reduced if their caseload is reduced. This occurs when a client dies, moves, enters hospital or long-term care, switches home care providers or no longer requires services.

Ann-Marie described the precariousness of working in home care: "You know why the hours are not guaranteed? For instance, I have eight clients, and out of eight clients, I have three clients that passed away. That's all my hours reduced until they able to find another client to fit into my schedule."

Reform must start with fair working conditions

Our report provides detailed policy recommendations targeted to both levels of government, home-care service provider organizations, unions and the community sector.

In particular, we advocate for the creation of a comprehensive public non-profit home-care system where home care workers, Ontario residents receiving care and their families play a central role. Rather than continuing with a fee-for-service model, we recommend adopting a grant-based funding model to better support the full cost of care provision.

We also advocate for developing employment standards for home care PSWs and improvement of public transparency and accountability in home care through data collection and analysis, along with regular public reporting and independent research. And, finally, rather than continuing to allow large home-care companies to extract millions in profit, we want every public dollar to support high-quality care and good working conditions for home care workers.

For the good of everyone in Ontario, it's essential that the provincial government take bold action to reform the home-care system. The very least we can do for these essential and valuable workers is to ensure fair compensation, guaranteed work hours and good working conditions.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Holly Fernandez Lynch (from left), Matthew Buckley, Cat Packer, and David Yaden. Credit: Veasey Conway/Harvard Staff Photographer

Debate over psychedelic legalization tends to focus on two extreme views: the need to speed therapeutic access to meet urgent problems such as veteran suicide, and calls to thoroughly research substances first to ensure they meet safety standards.

Even as I. Glenn Cohen, faculty director of the Law School's Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics introduced the event's title"Toward Psychedelics Access: Go Faster or Slower?"he acknowledged it was an oversimplification.

"The public discourse sometimes seems to be drawn over these extreme questions," said Cohen, James A. Attwood and Leslie Williams Professor of Law. "And although there are places where these are mutually exclusive 'or's,' we're going to try to bring the 'and' into the equation, too."

The talk, hosted by the Petrie-Flom Center and moderated by former Slate Magazine editor David Plotz, brought together experts from a range of backgrounds to discuss the future of psychedelic use in the U.S.

David A. Yaden, the Roland Griffiths Professor of Psychedelic Research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, began the conversation by discussing how even the definition of psychedelic is debated. Some use the term broadly to talk about drugs from ketamine and MDMA to psilocybin and cannabis.

Though Yaden's research tends to focus on "classic psychedelics" like psilocybin, he stressed that it's hard to generalize the clinical effects of psychedelic drugs. While many people are excited about their healing potential, he expressed caution and said there are "real risks" to using these substances.

The lack of knowledge stems largely from a lack of research funding, he said. "What I would love to see is the NIH funding medical researchers to do large, rigorous, well-powered studies with active controls, which are expensive but would provide us with information that would be absolutely priceless," he said.

Matthew Buckley, a former Navy TOPGUN pilot and the president of the No Fallen Heroes Foundation, emphasized the tremendous healing potential of psychedelic drugs. He said that the version of himself from five years ago would be astonished to hear him speaking this way today, "but that guy died on a mattress on the floor in Mexico" during a psychedelic healing retreat.

On this retreat, he said, with a group of disaffected former Navy SEALs and retired athletes, ingesting substances such as ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT helped him resolve deep trauma, depression, and alcoholism that had alienated him from his family and led to the deaths of many of his fellow servicemen. His foundation funds similar therapies for members of the military and other first responders.

"I got home from that retreat and I said, 'This is going to end veteran suicide,'" Buckley said. Through his foundation and the Sacred Warrior Fellowship, a Florida-based church Buckley founded that incorporates psychedelic use, he offers struggling people drugs that he believes have a powerful healing potential.

Holly Fernandez Lynch, associate professor of medical ethics and law at UPenn's Perelman School of Medicine and Carey Law School, discussed the tension in the psychedelic community about the proper pathway for drug approval. "I come at this with what I think is a pretty straightforward principle, although it's controversial, which is, if you're making medical claims, then you should have to prove those medical claims," she said. "We should hold psychedelic medicine and psychedelic drugs to the same standard as other medicines."

She acknowledged that this is difficult. "I've sat next to ALS patients or family members, and they look at me and they say, 'You're evil. Why don't you want my family member to have access to this medicine?'" She says it's more complex than that. She wants people to have access to the most effective drugs, but she wants them to understand how the drugs can be used, what their effects might be, and how they can be used safely.

"As scientists," said Yaden, "we're not for or against psychedelics. We want to report the facts and produce knowledge of risks and benefits profiles." Although psychedelic studies can be quite expensive, in part because it's difficult to maintain a control group of people who believe they've taken the experimental drug, he says this difficulty is not unique to psychedelic drugs. "All psychotherapy research, for example, has this issueand many other substances as well," he said. "We just don't talk about those as much."

Buckley argued that this slow, methodological approach does not meet the urgent problem of veteran suicide. "There's got to be a happy medium," he said. "I think in the West, we have this massive ego, like, 'We just discovered these compounds. Let's study them for 20 years.' Are you kidding me?"

While Lynch said she understood the desperation people feel as they try to access certain potentially transformative drugs, she noted that there's a downside: "There are lots of snake-oil salesmen out there who would be willing and ready to take advantage of people who are desperate."

In certain cases, quick commercialization of a previously illegal substance can have unintended consequences. An audience member told an anecdote about a dispensary that offered a discount to patrons who spent a great deal of money on cannabis.

"I might be eating these words," said Cat Packer, director of drug markets and legal regulation at the Drug Policy Alliance, "but I think that there has to be some level of oversight and regulation."

Though she supports decriminalization efforts for psychedelics and other drugs, she said that with cannabis specifically, commercialization sometimes went "too far, too fast," while other areas continue to overregulate the substance.

"I think it requires a delicate balancing act," she said.

This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu.
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Credit: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

Research has proven frozen blood platelets are safe and effective for use in critically injured patientsa breakthrough dramatically extending their shelf life for transfusions from one week to two years.

The results of the decade-long University of Queensland and Australian Red Cross Lifeblood research collaboration will have positive implications for the international management of blood supplies and could save lives in remote areas and war zones.

How the clinical trial was conducted

In a clinical trial with cardiac surgery patients, Director of UQ's Greater Brisbane Clinical School Professor Michael Reade used platelets that had been frozen at -80C and found they were only slightly less effective than liquid platelets, and still stopped blood loss.

"Platelet transfusions are used in hospitals when a patient is bleeding significantly, and they save lives on a daily basis, particularly in obstetric and gastrointestinal patients and those who have been injured in accidents or combat zones," Professor Reade said.

"Platelets are usually stored in liquid plasma at 22, but they can only be stored for 7 days, mostly due to concerns about deterioration and bacterial growth at this temperature. The short shelf life means between 25% and 33% of platelet units are discarded worldwide, and there are often no platelets available in rural and remote areas and military hospitals.

"Our study has shown that frozen platelets are safe, and having these platelets available to those in remote areas would be a game changer for these hospitals. As someone who serves in the military and who leads the military medicine research program here at UQ, I know just how much of an impact this research could have in combat zones."

Credit: JAMA (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.23355

Study results and future implications

Nearly 400 patients from across 11 Australian hospitals participated in the study, which has also been supported by Monash University and the Australian Defense Force.

"These cardiac surgery patients, identified before their operation as being at risk of platelet transfusion, received either frozen platelets or standard liquid-stored platelets and the outcomes were then compared," Professor Reade said.

"We found while frozen platelets were safe to use, they were a little less effective at stopping blood loss compared to liquid stored platelets.

"But where there are no other platelets available, it could mean the difference between life and death."

The results are built on more than 10 years of work by UQ and Lifeblood that began in the laboratory and has now translated into hospital practice. The findings are published in two studies, in JAMA and JAMA Network Open.

Broader impact on blood supply access

Lifeblood Research Program Leader Associate Professor Denese Marks said the ability to store frozen platelets would make blood transfusions more accessible in situations where liquid-stored platelets are not available.

"This study shows frozen platelets could be made available to rural or regional Australia, in smaller metropolitan hospitals, and in military hospitals," Professor Marks said.

"These findings have been underpinned by a decade of research by Lifeblood to ensure delicate platelets can survive the freezing and thawing process."
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Co-first authors Nina Zhao, Ph.D., and Kine Eide Kvitne, Ph.D., analyze biological samples with a mass spectrometer to detect drug exposure using the Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) Drug Library. Credit: UC San Diego Health Sciences

Doctors and researchers try to understand what medications a person has taken by asking patients directly or by looking at medical records. But this information is often incomplete. People may forget what they took, use overthecounter drugs, take leftover prescription drugs, buy medicines online, or be exposed unintentionally through food and the environment.

As a result, significant drug exposures can be missed. Knowing what drugs are present is important because they can have unexpected effects on biology and health.

Now, a team of researchers from University of California San Diego and their colleagues have created a publiclyavailable online reference library of chemical "fingerprints" from thousands of drugs, their breakdown products and related compounds. The study is published in Nature Communications.

How the drug fingerprint library works

Comparing unknown compounds in a patient's blood, urine or other biological sample to those in the Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) Drug Library, as it is called, reveals a more accurate picture of their drug exposure than what is listed on a patient's medical record, according to the researchers.

To build the library, the research team used mass spectrometry, which applies an electrical charge to the molecules making up drugs to sort them by weight and then breaks them down to generate a chemical fingerprint. Each drug entry in the library is linked to descriptions of where it comes from (prescription, overthecounter, etc.), what class of medicine it belongs to, what it is used for, and how it works in the body.

To test the power of the library to accurately detect actual drug exposures in biological samples from patients, the researchers used a special type of mass spectrometry called untargeted metabolomics. The method analyzes thousands of molecules at once to identify the drug breakdown products in the sample.

"Whatever sample we put into the mass spectrometer, be it urine, breast milk or even an environmental water sample, it will be able to detect all of the chemicals in the sample," said cofirst author Nina Zhao, Ph.D., a postdoctoral scientist in the laboratory of coauthor Pieter Dorrestein, Ph.D., professor at UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and professor of pharmacology and pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

Co-first authors Kine Eide Kvitne, Ph.D. and Nina Zhao examine data using the Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) Drug Library. Credit: UC San Diego Health Sciences

Findings from real-world sample testing

For example, the researchers found that:

Samples from people with inflammatory bowel disease, Kawasaki disease or dental cavities showed a high frequency of antibiotics, matching the typical treatment of these conditions.

Skin swabs from people with psoriasis were often rich in antifungal agents, reflecting common antifungal therapies for skin lesions.

The research team also put the library to the test on samples from nearly 2,000 participants in the American Gut Project, which studies the diversity of gut microbes in the United States, Europe and Australia. This analysis detected 75 distinct drugs, a list reflecting the mostprescribed drug classes and medications in these regions.

"We expected those drugs to be the most commonly found, and indeed this was what we observed, confirming that this library works as we intended," said cofirst author Kine Eide Kvitne, a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of coauthor Shirley Tsunoda, Pharm.D., professor of clinical pharmacy and and associate dean for pharmacy education at Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

It also revealed that U.S. participants carried more detectable drugs per individual than European or Australian participants, and that pain killers were more often found in females, while erectiledysfunction drugs were mostly detected in males.

The library can also uncover medication use for coexisting conditions that may be clinically relevant for monitoring certain diseases. For example, samples from Alzheimer's disease patients reflected the use of cardiovascular and psychiatric medication, consistent with treatments for conditions that often occur alongside the neurodegenerative disease.

And, in samples from a clinical study of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the library detected not only the presence of antiviral medications, but cardiovascular and psychiatric drugs as well, consistent with the higher rates of heart disease and depression that are observed in people living with HIV.

This allowed the researchers to group participants based on the medications they were truly taking. The researchers also discovered that certain HIV drugs were associated with specific changes in gutderived molecules, demonstrating how drug exposure can reshape the microbiome.

"A lot of different kinds of drugs have a huge impact on the gut microbiome, which is connected to your immune system," said Zhao.

Environmental and future applications

Testing more than 3,000 food products, the team found antibiotics in meat products and a pesticide in vegetables that are also used in humans. They believe the library will also be useful for uncovering hidden environmental drug exposures, such as those in reclaimed water and snow.

The first of its kind, the GNPS Drug Library lays the groundwork for future studies linking drug exposure, microbial breakdown products and patient outcomes. The comprehensive resource will continue to expand over time, according to the researchers, who are currently exploring the use of large language models and generative artificial intelligence to curate new data.

The library's userfriendly online data analysis app will enable clinical and public health researchers without pharmacy backgrounds to understand how drugs and their metabolites influence health.

"Basically, you put in your dataset and with one click you get all the information about which drugs are in it, as well as figures and plots," said Zhao.

The library could also help facilitate precision medicine by explaining why not all patients respond to a treatment in the same way, depending on how they metabolize medications.

"By understanding that, maybe we can use this information to optimize drug treatment," she said.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A first-of-its-kind University of Stirling-led study could lead to quicker and more targeted support for vulvodyniaa painful chronic condition estimated to affect more than one in 10 women with no known cause.

The work is published in the journal Women's Health.

Vulvodynia is pain in the vulva that lasts for at least three months, and causes a burning, throbbing or stabbing sensation. It can start on its own or when the vulva is touchedsuch as when inserting a tampon or having sex.

Women with vulvodynia often experience delayed diagnosis, ineffective treatment and significant quality of life impacts, compounded by social stigma and negative health care experiences. These challenges are made worse by the lack of standardized guidelines and limited awareness among health care professionals.

A team at the University of Stirling, led by Ph.D. student Athina Zoi Lountzi, set out to identify critical knowledge gaps by asking patients, clinicians, and researchers what should be prioritized to improve both care and outcomes.

They found that a consensus emerged for those living with the condition:

The need to create a clear, person-centered care pathway and improve clinician awareness, education and training about vulvodynia.

The requirement to develop multidisciplinary pain teams across GPs, gynecologists, physiotherapists, nurses, sexual-health and mental-health specialists.

The importance of providing accessible, reliable patient information on treatments and self-care.

Other priorities included standardizing outcome measures in research, better mental-health support, and a focus on finding a prevention.

Lountzi, of Stirling's Faculty of Natural Sciences, said, "This is, to our knowledge, the first participatory, consensus-driven prioritization focused specifically on vulvodynia research. It shows that patients and clinicians agree that better education for health care providers, improved care pathways and multidisciplinary support are top priorities for vulvodynia research.

"These findings highlight the importance of integrating lived experiences alongside clinical and academic expertise to guide where funders, policymakers, and researchers should invest effort next. Especially around care pathways, coordinated services, and high-quality patient information."

Patients often feel abandoned

Worldwide, it is estimated that vulvodynia impacts between 10% and 28% of women of reproductive age, with experts believing this to be an underestimate due to the frequency of misdiagnosis and limited understanding of the condition.

Those involved now hope that the findings will lead to faster, more joined-up care for patients, embedded training and guidance for clinicians and a roadmap for more targeted funding and policy development.

David Nunns, founder of the Vulval Pain Society and Consultant Gynecological Surgeon specializing in vulval disease, said, "Vulvodynia can influence the dynamics of relationships, sometimes creating feelings of guilt and strain. It leads to stigma, an avoidance of activities, and it is something that people can find difficult to talk about.

"It can also cause challenges at work, such as needing time off and having to explain the pain, while experiences with health care can often be largely negative and frustrating. We hear of cases where doctors focus only on ruling out STIs and often dismiss pain. People can often feel abandoned once standard tests come back clear, and once the diagnosis of vulvodynia is given, we've seen examples where doctors stop looking for solutions."

The research used a modified electronic Delphi (e-Delphi), an online survey and discussion method used to reach agreement, in three phases, combined with online focus groups.

Participants, including patients, clinicians, researchers, and those supporting people with vulvodynia generated topics, then rated and ranked them to reach a consensus on priorities.

Data was collected online before being analyzed descriptively and using ranking methods.

Building on the findings, Lountzi has now commenced a Scottish Graduate School of Social Science-funded Ph.D. at Stirling to tackle the top priority identifieddeveloping a person-centered care pathway for chronic vulval pain, through co-design with patients, clinicians, commissioners and third-sector partners.

She added, "I hope my work will improve health care access, reduce gender health inequities, and promote well-being, laying the foundation for a supportive, person-centered environment where people with Chronic Vulval Pain feel understood and able to access the care they need."

Jeremy Barrett, Director of Research at Well-being of Women, said, "This important study marks a much-needed step forward in addressing vulvodynia. By putting the voices of those affected at the heart, it has identified clear priorities for future researchwith person-centered care pathways emerging as the top need."

More information: Athina Zoi Lountzi et al, Research priorities in vulvodynia: A modified Delphi study, Women's Health (2025). DOI: 10.1177/17455057251378957
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The United States is poised to lose its measles-free status next year. If that happens, the country will enter an era in which outbreaks are common again.

More children would be hospitalized because of this preventable disease. Some would lose their hearing. Some would die.

Measles is also expensive. A new study not yet published in a scientific journalestimates that the public health response to outbreaks with only a couple of cases costs about $244,000. When a patient requires hospital care, it costs an average of $58,600 per case. The study's estimates suggest that an outbreak the size of the one in West Texas earlier in 2025, with 762 cases and 99 hospitalizations, costs about $12.6 million.

America's status hinges on whether the country's main outbreaks this year stemmed from the big one in West Texas that officially began Jan. 20. If these outbreaks are linked, and go on through Jan. 20 of next year, the U.S. will no longer be among nations that have banished the disease.

"A lot of people worked very hard for a very long time to achieve eliminationyears of figuring out how to make vaccines available, get good vaccine coverage, and have a rapid response to outbreaks to limit their spread," said Paul Rota, a microbiologist who recently retired from a nearly 40-year career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Instead of acting fast to prevent a measles comeback, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a lawyer who founded an anti-vaccine organization before taking the helm at the Department of Health and Human Services, has undermined the ability of public health officials to prevent and contain outbreaks by eroding trust in vaccines.

The measles vaccine is safe and effective: Only 4% of more than 1,800 confirmed U.S. cases of measles this year have been in people who had received two doses.

Kennedy has fired experts on the vaccine advisory committee to the CDC and has said, without evidence, that vaccines may cause autism, brain swelling, and death. On Nov. 19, scientific information on a CDC webpage about vaccines and autism was replaced with false claims. Kennedy told The New York Times that he ordered the change.

"Do we want to go back into a prevaccine era where 500 kids die of measles each year?" asked Demetre Daskalakis, a former director of the CDC's national immunization center, who resigned in protest of Kennedy's actions in August. He and other scientists said the Trump administration appears to be occupied more with downplaying the resurgence of measles than with curbing the disease.

HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said in a statement that vaccination remains the most effective tool for preventing measles and that the "CDC and state and local health agencies continue to work together to assess transmission patterns and ensure an effective public health response."

Looking for links

CDC scientists are indeed tracking measles, alongside researchers at health departments and universities. To learn whether outbreaks are linked, they're looking at the genomes of measles viruses, which contain all their genetic information. Genomic analyses could help reveal the origin of outbreaks and their true size, and alert officials to undetected spread.

Scientists have conducted genomic analyses of HIV, the flu, and COVID for years, but it's new for measles because the virus hasn't been much of a problem in the U.S. for decades, said Samuel Scarpino, a public health specialist at Northeastern University in Boston. "It's important to get a surveillance network into place so that we could scale up rapidly if and when we need it," he said.

"We are working with the CDC and other states to determine whether what we're seeing is one large outbreak with continued spread from state to state," said Kelly Oakeson, a genomics researcher at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.

At first glance, the ongoing outbreak in Utah and Arizona, with 258 cases as of Dec. 1, seems linked to the one in Texas because they're caused by the same strain of measles, D8-9171. But this strain is also spreading throughout Canada and Mexico, which means the outbreaks could have been sparked separately from people infected abroad.

If that happened, this technicality could spare the U.S. from losing its status, Rota said. Being measles-free means the virus isn't circulating in a country continuously year-round.

Canada lost its measles-elimination status in November because authorities couldn't prove that various outbreaks from the D8-9171 strain were unrelated, said Daniel Salas, executive manager of the comprehensive immunization program at the Pan American Health Organization.

The group, which works with the World Health Organization, includes health officials from countries in North, South, and Central America, and the Caribbean. It makes a call on measles elimination based on reports from scientists in the countries it represents.

Early next year, PAHO will hear from U.S. scientists. If their analyses suggest that measles has spread continuously for a year within the U.S., the organization's director may revoke the country's status as measles-free.

"We expect countries to be transparent about the information they have," Salas said. "We will ask questions, like, "How did you determine your findings, and did you consider other angles?'"

In anticipation of PAHO's assessment, Oakeson and other researchers are studying how closely the D8-9171 strains in Utah match others. Instead of looking at only a short snippet of genes that mark the strain, they're analyzing the entire genome of the measles virus, about 16,000 genetic letters long.

Genetic mutations occur naturally over time, and the accumulation of small changes can act like a clock, revealing how much time has ticked by between outbreaks. "This tells us the evolutionary history of samples," Oakeson said.

For example, if one child directly infects another, the kids will have matching measles viruses. But measles viruses infecting people at the start of a large outbreak would be slightly different than those infecting people months later.

Although the Texas and Utah outbreaks are caused by the same strain, Oakeson said, "more fine-grained details are leading us to believe they aren't super closely related." To learn just how different they are from each other, scientists are comparing them with measles virus genomes from other states and countries.

Ideally, scientists could pair genetic studies with shoe-leather investigations into how each outbreak started. However, many investigations have come up dry because the first people infected haven't sought care or contacted health departments. As in West Texas, the outbreak in Utah and Arizona is concentrated in close-knit, undervaccinated communities that are leery of government authorities and mainstream medicine.

Researchers are also trying to learn how many measles cases have gone undetected.

"Confirmed cases require testing, and in some communities, there's a cost to going to the hospital to get tested: a tank of gas, finding a babysitter, missing work," Andrew Pavia, an infectious disease doctor at the University of Utah, said. "If your kid has a measles rash but isn't very sick, why would you bother?"

Subtle surveillance

Pavia is part of a nationwide outbreak surveillance network led by the CDC. A straightforward way to figure out how large an outbreak is would be through surveys, but that's complicated when communities don't trust public health workers.

"In a collaborative setting, we could administer questionnaires asking if anyone in a household had a rash and other measles symptoms," Pavia said, "but the same issues that make it difficult to get people to quarantine and vaccinate make this hard."

Instead, Pavia and other researchers are analyzing genomes. A lot of variation suggests an outbreak spread for weeks or months before it was detected, infecting many more people than known.

A less intrusive mode of surveillance is through wastewater. This year, the CDC and state health departments have launched efforts to test sewage from households and buildings for measles viruses that infected people shed. A study in Texas found that this could function as an early warning system, alerting public health authorities to an outbreak before people show up in hospitals.

The quiet research of CDC scientists stands in stark contrast to its dearth of public-facing actions. The CDC hasn't held a single press briefing on measles since President Donald Trump took office, and its last publication on measles in the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report was in April.

Rather than act fast to limit the size of the Texas outbreak, the Trump administration impeded the CDC's ability to communicate quickly with Texas officials and slowed the release of federal emergency funds, according to investigations by KFF Health News. Meanwhile, Kennedy broadcast mixed messages on vaccines and touted unproven treatments.

Daskalakis said that as the outbreak in Texas worsened, his CDC team was met by silence when they asked to brief Kennedy and other HHS officials.

"Objectively, they weren't helping with the Texas outbreak, so if we lose elimination, maybe they'll say, "Who cares,'" Daskalakis said.

Nixon, the HHS spokesperson, said Kennedy responded strongly to the Texas outbreak by directing the CDC to help provide measles vaccines and medications to communities, expediting measles testing, and advising doctors and health officials. The U.S. retains its elimination status because there's no evidence of continuous transmission for 12 months, he added.

"Preliminary genomic analysis suggests the Utah and Arizona cases are not directly linked to Texas," the CDC's acting director, Deputy HHS Secretary Jim O'Neill, wrote on the social platform X.

Given Kennedy's distortions of data on vitamin A, Tylenol, and autism, Daskalakis said the Trump administration may insist that outbreaks aren't linked or that PAHO is wrong.

"It will be quite a stain on the Kennedy regime if he is the health secretary in the year we lose elimination status," he said. "I think they will do everything they can to cast doubt on the scientific findings, even if it means throwing scientists under the bus."

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Despite around 9,000 people being rescued by lifesavers each year, drowning deaths in Australia continue to rise, with 1 in 3 drowning victims born overseas. A new project led by Monash University is hoping to reverse this trend by developing an innovative tool to educate migrants on beach safety.

Many migrants are required to sit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam as part of the Australian visa application, university admissions, and employment processes. With thousands preparing for IELTS each year, a new study from Monash University, in collaboration with Surf Life Saving Australia and the UNSW Beach Safety Research Group, has created an IELTS-style reading exercise that teaches essential beach safety. The findings are published in the Health Promotion Journal of Australia.

The study's lead researcher Dr. Masaki Shibata said the research team's exercise offers a "two birds with one stone" benefit, improving migrants' understanding of beach safety while providing an opportunity to learn English for the tests.

"Traditional water safety programs may not reach those who are uninterested, overconfident or simply unaware of the risks. By embedding safety education into something migrants prioritizeEnglish examswe can deliver free, accessible, life-saving knowledge to ultimately prevent drowning."

As part of the study, international students studying the English language in Australia were recruited to complete the reading exercise. Participants were asked to complete pre and post surveys to measure their improvement in beach safety knowledge after completing the exercise.

The post-survey results demonstrated a significant positive change in individuals' level of beach safety knowledge after completing the exercise, particularly in terms of rip currents, red and yellow flag identification, and beach signage terms.

More than 65% of participants did not know what rip currents were prior to completing the exercise. After completing the exercise, more than 90% of participants reported understanding rip currents, with some able to recognize key features, including current direction, depth and color changes, all of which are crucial for identifying rips in real-world conditions.

Of the participants, 45% thought red and yellow flags at Australian beaches signaled a "danger zone" before completing the exercise. The post survey results showed 83% were able to correctly identify the meaning of the red and yellow safety flags correctly after completing the exercise.

"These results show that a short, targeted English-reading exercise can rapidly lift critical beach safety knowledge among new arrivals. Drowning deaths do not occur between the flags, and nearly one-third of all drowning deaths are caused by rip currents. Having this knowledge can enhance awareness and save lives," Dr. Shibata said.

Dr. Shibata, who is also a surf lifesaver said, "I once rescued four international students from a major rip current. They had arrived in the country just the day before. This is how urgently we need to educate people about beach safety before coming to Australia."

Dr. Shibata said the innovative model could reach a far broader audience, both in Australia and overseas, by integrating the exercise into English language programs, visa application pathways, and safety induction sessions.

National Research Manager at Surf Life Saving Australia and industry partner for the study Dr. Jaz Lawes, highlighted the importance of continued innovation to reach high risk demographics.

"Surf Life Saving Australia is committed to exploring new ways to communicate beach safety information with visitors and new migrants, and this research provides a new opportunity to do this."

The research team is currently seeking larger funding opportunities to scale the exerciserecruit more participants, adapt it for various levels of learners, and expand content to other water safety topics. The free beach safety exercise can be accessed here.

More information: Masaki Shibata et al, Public Health Promotion Through Language Learning: Improving Migrants' Australian Beach Safety Knowledge Through a Reading Exercise for English Language Proficiency Tests, Health Promotion Journal of Australia (2025). DOI: 10.1002/hpja.70132
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A new study has developed a powerful computational method that can detect how genes interact with each other to influence complex traits in humans at a scale previously impossible. The new method was applied to massive datasets that pair individual genomes and traits to find evidence for such interactions. The findings, published in Nature Genetics, show that a person's genetic background can substantially modify how individual genetic variants affect their traits.

Why gene interactions matter for traits

Understanding how genes interact to influence complex traits, such as body mass index or total cholesterol levels, in humans is important for basic biology and precision medicine. Such interactions could explain why two individuals that carry the same genetic risk factor can have different health outcomes or why attempts to use genetic information to predict disease risk from genetics can have poorer accuracy than expected. Evidence for such interactions has been limited partly because of the lack of tools that could deal with the complexity and scale of large genomic datasets.

How the FAME method works

This study develops a powerful computational method, FAME, that can detect and quantify the impact of genetic interactions. Previous approaches, typically attempting to find pairs of genetic variants that interact to influence a trait, struggle to detect interactions that have weak effects. FAME, instead, seeks to find genetic variants whose effect on a trait is modulated by all other genetic variants in a person's genome.

By aggregating these weak effects, FAME is able to detect interaction signals that would have been missed by previous approaches. However, aggregating the interaction effects arising from hundreds of thousands of variants across the genome is a computationally daunting challenge. FAME uses sophisticated mathematical techniques that reduce the computational requirements while retaining accuracy.

Key findings and future directions

Applying FAME to the UK Biobank, a massive dataset containing genetic and trait information from nearly 300,000 European ancestry individuals, the research team found 16 instances of interactions on traits that include cholesterol, liver enzymes, and testosterone.

While the interaction effects tend to be small, they are often larger than the effect sizes identified by examining the variant by itself (as is common in Genome-Wide Association Studies of complex traits). Additionally, several of these interaction signals were found to replicate in an independent dataset strengthening the robustness of the findings.

The team plans on extending FAME to inspect rare variants and disease traits, and to localize the interactions in the genome. While the current study used a dataset of almost exclusively white individuals living in the UK, the team also plans on investigating how interactions vary across diverse populations.

"This gives us a new window into how genes work together to influence traits," said senior author, Sriram Sankararaman, who is a professor of Computer Science, Computational Medicine, and Human Genetics at UCLA.

"For years, we've known that genes don't act in isolation, but we lacked the computational tools to detect these interactions at scale," said lead author, Boyang Fu, previously a Ph.D. student at UCLA and now a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School.

"FAME allows us to test for genetic interactions across hundreds of thousands of people and millions of genetic variants in a matter of hourssomething that was previously impossible. It opens a new exciting perspective to look at sequence to function relationships."

More information: A biobank-scale test of marginal epistasis reveals genome-wide signals of polygenic interaction effects, Nature Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02411-y. www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02411-y Journal information: Nature Genetics
Sir Richard Branson has thanked well-wishers following the death of his wife Joan Templeman last month.

Sir Richard Branson is mourning the loss of his wife Joan Templeman

The 75-year-old Virgin Group founder was left "heartbroken" following the passing of his wife of 36 years in November at the age of 80 and has now posted an emotional message declaring that he and his family "now just want to celebrate Joan and the wonderful life she lived".

Branson's post on Instagram read: "Thank you to everyone who has shared such kind messages about Joan. Our whole family are so touched by the outpouring of love. It brings us great comfort and it means so much to us all...

"We're the kind of family that now just want to celebrate Joan and the wonderful life she lived. I feel so fortunate to have met her all those years ago...

"She was just a joy to be around - as so many of your messages reiterated. Sending big hugs to everyone who has been in contact. And to anyone who has lost a family member recently, our thoughts (and Joan's thoughts, I'm sure) are with you as well."

Branson had revealed that a quirk of fate had allowed him to be with his wife in her final hours as they were both in the same hospital together.

In a piece called Remembering Joan, the businessman wrote: "Fate has a strange way of working. As many already know, I'd come off my bike in India and hurt my shoulder. Joan was recovering from her own back injury in hospital in England.

"In the way life sometimes surprises you, I found myself moved to a room just down the corridor from her.

"We laughed together about how typical it was to end up on the same floor, like love-struck teenagers delighted to find each other again.

"We had a lovely lunch that day. She was in positive spirits and getting stronger. She smiled at me, that radiant smile that lit up her whole face, the same smile I fell in love with the very first moment I saw her, half a century ago...

"Then suddenly, she was gone, quickly and painlessly. And thankfully, I was right by her side. It brings us all great comfort to know we were together."

Branson - who has children Holly, 44, and Sam, 40, with Joan - added: "What an incredible final year we all had together...

"Her beautiful 80th birthday celebration at Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, surrounded by her closest friends; Sam's 40th celebrations onboard Virgin Voyages; countless moments where she was beaming with happiness.

"She lived so fully and so joyfully, always thinking of others, always lifting everyone else up. To see her so happy in those last months is something we will treasure forever."
Indias worst aviation disruption in recent memory, which stranded thousands of passengers on a day now dubbed black Friday, was officially blamed on crew shortages and new fatigue-related safety rules.

Yet an investigation by the Mumbai Mirror, drawing on exclusive information from inside IndiGos operations, suggests the meltdown went far beyond staffing gaps. Senior staff members allege the chaos was the result of a deliberate, engineered disruption aimed at pressuring the countrys aviation regulator.

The central question now facing the sector is whether Indias largest airline was overwhelmed by its own operational decisions, or whether the mass disruption faced by travellers became collateral in a wider, undeclared confrontation with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Exclusive accounts shared with Mirror outline how the crisis developed across several days and how key operational tools were used in ways that insiders claim were unprecedented.

Claims of deliberate

staff scattering

According to a senior member of IndiGos operations team, between December 1 and 2, the airline allegedly began scattering its pilots and cabin crew. More than 700 staff were reportedly repositioned to various, often illogical, points across the network. This sudden movement of personnel raised immediate questions inside the airline. The situation escalated further on December 3. Insiders say the airline began withholding essential information from its own transport vendors. Drivers responsible for picking up and dropping off crew were not told where or when staff movements were required, and its immediate effect was a surge in unnecessary layovers and increased deadheading, which left crew stranded, misallocated or fatigued.

A senior IndiGo official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the pattern of events felt intentional. This was clearly deliberately done by the senior top management to create the disruptions. This is engineered disruption. Everything leads to it. Never has this happened earlier. It cannot be mismanagement, the official claimed, emphasising that the chain of events could not be explained by routine operational pressure.

Deadheading & layover pressure points

Deadheading and layovers, usually simple logistical measures, became flashpoints in the unfolding disorder. Deadheading involves repositioning crew as passengers on scheduled flights so they can operate a later leg or return to base. They are considered on duty and are paid for the time. By sending large numbers of crew on such movements, the airline contributed to further congestion and reduced operational flexibility.

Layovers are mandatory rest periods governed by flight and duty time rules to ensure that pilots and cabin crew remain fit to operate. These rest stops usually follow predictable patterns based on schedules and the airlines long-established norms. During the disruption, however, insiders say these norms were pushed beyond anything previously seen.

Exclusive data obtained by Mirror illustrates the scale  on one Sunday, three IndiGo flights departing from Hyderabad were loaded with far more crew than required.

An Airbus A321 flying to Pune, which needs seven crew members, allegedly had 13 on board. An A320 headed for Mumbai, needing five, carried 18. A third A321 to Kolkata was reportedly packed with 22. These examples underline how operational staff were taken out of effective circulation.

The pattern continued on the ground, too. On December 4, crew operating a Mumbai to Tbilisi (Georgia) flight were reportedly assigned a 36-hour layover  a duration insiders say had never been given before. In another case, five crew members assigned to a Bhubaneswar to Dubai service were left idle in a hotel from December 2 to 5 while the airline publicly cited severe staff shortages. The use of such extended rests and dense deadheading movements baffled long-time employees. A senior officer questioned the logic: IndiGo has a dedicated crew utilisation department. It is a budget airline with the largest market share in India. Deadheading and such layovers on this scale are not possible in a carrier with so much experience. This points to mismanagement or something done deliberately. How can a budget airline operate like this?

IndiGo did not respond to Mirrors questions till press time.


The IndiGo crisis has begun to impact the Maharashtra legislatures winter session, which opened on Monday, with several MLAs and MLCs reporting travel disruptions while flying into Nagpur. With the session scheduled for just one week, the shortage and delays of flights from Mumbai and Pune to Nagpur have become a major concern for lawmakers.

Raising the issue on the floor of the Legislative Council, Congress MLC Satej Patil appealed to the state government to urgently arrange special Air India flights from Nagpur to Mumbai and Pune on Sunday, when members will return after the session concludes. Patil added that MLAs were ready to pay for the tickets themselves.

While coming to the assembly, many of us faced serious issues and long delays due to the IndiGo crisis. I request the government to arrange a special Air India flight for MLAs returning to Mumbai and Pune from Nagpur, Patil said, addressing the chair.

Patils request included a pointed jibe at BJP MLC Prasad Lad, who faced criticism over a photograph showing him travelling to Nagpur on a chartered aircraft, even as ordinary passengers struggled with inflated fares and cancellations. The imageshared by BJP MLC Chitra Waghfeatured Lad, MLC Pravin Darekar and other BJP functionaries boarding the flight.

The photograph triggered backlash on social media, with opposition leaders and citizens questioning the optics of BJP lawmakers using chartered aircraft at a time when thousands of passengers are stranded or forced to pay exorbitant prices. Some users went further, alleging that the lawmakers were travelling on a foreign-registered aircraft from San Marino, a European tax haven.

Wagh later deleted the post from her account. However, screenshots of the tweet continue to circulate widely, feeding political criticism at the start of the winter session.

The IndiGo disruptionstemming from large-scale crew unavailability and operational breakdownshas led to widespread delays and cancellations over the past several days, particularly affecting key routes such as MumbaiNagpur and PuneNagpur.

Lawmakers have warned that unless immediate steps are taken, the functioning of the short winter session may continue to be impacted.


The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) election landscape is increasingly being defined by the escalating rivalry between BJP strongman Ganesh Naik and Chief Minister Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena.

What began as friction inside the ruling alliance has now grown into the dominant force steering campaign strategies, threatening to unsettle the BJPShiv Sena understanding in the city.

The tension isnt just about seat-sharing. The roots stretch back decades to the era of Shindes political mentor, late Shiv Sena stalwart Anand Dighe. Dighe enjoyed towering influence in Thane, but Naik, who had firm control over Navi Mumbai, resisted any attempt to let Dighe spread his wings into the satellite city. Naiks later switch from Sena to the NCP only deepened the historic rivalry. Political observers say the clash unfolding today is a continuation of a long-standing power struggle between two distinct leadership traditions.

Edgy alliance

With the poll schedule announced, the contest has sharpened into a direct face-off. Naik, who has steered Navi Mumbais power corridors since 1991, still commands loyalty from nearly 50 former corporators. Shindes faction, meanwhile, has around 35 corporators aggressively asserting their presence. Political analyst Hemant Desai believes the competitive equation is serious enough to spark strategic recalculations  including the possibility of Shindes Sena contesting independently.

Plan B in consideration

As the rivalry deepens, Shindes camp has accelerated preparations for a standalone run in the civic polls. Delayed for years due to the pandemic and OBC reservation litigation, the crucial election is now expected around mid-January 2026 alongside the Mumbai civic polls.

The Sena has already launched ward-by-ward reviews across all 111 seats. A meeting in Belapur recently set the tone: cadres have been instructed to hold grassroots gatherings and stay ready for any sudden political shift. Navi Mumbai unit chief Vijay Mane confirmed that review meetings are underway. Senior leader Vijay Nahata added that politics is unpredictable  and the party must remain fully equipped to go solo if the rift with Naik continues to widen.

Despite multiple calls, Minister Ganesh Naik was not avaible for comment.


Most patients have experienced this moment of receiving a prescription and being advised to use a certain laboratory or a specific drug brand. It often looks like routine choice, but these decisions come from years of observing how small variations influence health outcomes. What may seem like a routine substitution can change the trajectory of a chronic condition, especially when medication levels need to remain steady day after day.

Early one morning, the wife of one of my epilepsy patients, Raghu, called in distress. His seizures had been stable for three years. Suddenly, that morning he had a severe episode. I asked if he had missed a dose. She said he had not. Then she mentioned something else. Their pharmacy had run out of his usual brand, so they had switched to another that seemed equivalent. That single switch disrupted years of stability.

Why do drug brands matter so much?

Two brands may contain the same drug and the same dose, but they are not always identical in practice. Manufacturers use different fillers, binders and calibration methods. These influence how consistently the drug enters the bloodstream. Conditions that depend on steady levels, such as epilepsy, thyroid disorders, heart disease, psychiatric conditions and diabetes, can react sharply to even moderate variation.

In Raghus case, the alternative brand likely reduced his drug levels over several weeks. The decline was subtle, but for someone with epilepsy, even a mild drop can trigger a breakthrough seizure.

This kind of instability is common in a large generic market where manufacturing practices, batch quality and bioequivalence standards may differ more than patients realise. Even within the same company, different production runs can be associated with small shifts that sensitive patients feel before lab numbers show anything. This is why doctors often advise patients to remain on a brand that has been working well for them.

Two labs, different results

Diagnostic laboratories also vary. Machines, reagents, calibration routines and internal correction factors differ across centres. For routine tests, these differences rarely matter. For critical monitoring, they can shift clinical decisions entirely.

Be it PT/INR for patients on blood thinners, thyroid function tests, lithium levels, or kidney transplant immunosuppressant levels  two labs may test the same sample and produce results far apart. One report may show an INR of 2.5, another 1.8. One suggests safe blood thinning. The other raises the risk of clotting. Without consistent testing conditions, doctors cannot compare results reliably over time.

India still lacks full harmonisation of internal lab quality controls. Even accredited labs can vary in their processes, making consistency important for long-term conditions. Patients often assume that a report is a report, but doctors know that a reliable series of results from the same lab can be more useful than a single highly accurate one from a different centre.

Trusted brands, predictable outcomes

Over years of practice, clinicians observe patterns across thousands of patients. They see which antibiotic resolves infections reliably, which anti-seizure drug maintains stable levels and which thyroid medication behaves predictably. These accumulated observations build trust in certain brands and caution toward others.

This experience-driven trust is especially important in specialties where small errors have large consequences. In neurology, cardiology and transplant medicine, doctors often see the impact of variability firsthand. A patient may feel fatigue, palpitations or irritability before a lab value confirms the change. These real-world observations shape clinical judgment and inform why certain brands become the default choice.

Consistent versus inconsistent

Patients often assume doctors choose high-priced options. In reality, price rarely tells the full story.

Expensive does not always mean better.

Cheaper does not always mean inferior.

Consistency matters most. A drug that keeps a condition stable should not be changed without reason. A laboratory that produces accurate results over time should not be replaced casually. The real issue is stability. Patients do better when their medication and lab conditions remain constant. Avoiding unnecessary switches also helps doctors interpret results more confidently and adjust treatment safely. For chronic illnesses that require years of management, this continuity can become one of the most important parts of care.

A simple public message

When something is working well, do not change it unnecessarily. This applies to your medicine, your brand and your lab. Stability protects you. Doctors recommend specific choices because they reduce uncertainty and make treatment safer. These decisions come from evidence gathered through long experience, not from habit or preference.

Your health depends not only on the correct diagnosis and the appropriate medication, but also on the consistency of the tools used to monitor your progress. Keeping these elements steady supports better outcomes and prevents avoidable complications.

The doctor is an epilepsy and functional neurosurgeon and Parkinsons and movement disorders specialist.


Senate Minority Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spoke on the Senate floor on Monday.

Schumer was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words:

Today, Donald Trump is announcing a $12 billion bailout for farmers who have been punished by his trade war and his tariffs.

Lets be very clear: the reason farmers need relief at all is largely because Donald Trump betrayed them and decimated their businesses with his disastrous tariffs. Now, Donald Trump is patting himself on the back, acting like a hero to farmers while using taxpayer dollars to clean up the mess he created. Its textbook Donald Trump incompetence.

I want to make three very important points about this announcement. First, as is so often the case with Donald Trump, we have no idea whether the farmers who actually need help will ever see this $12 billion. He always makes big promises that dont deliver. He regularly announces that relief is coming with all due hasteand somehow, time and time again, the money never reaches the people who need it most. So, if I were a farmer, I wouldnt count on this moneyits probably more of Donald Trumps big talk without being delivered. Thats what has happened over and over again.

Second, a one-time payment for farmers is cold comfort for all the headache and anxiety and losses theyve endured because of Donald Trumps trade war. Farmers do not want a handout, ask them. They want markets. But Donald Trumps policies have killed the markets our farmers rely on to make a living. This is especially true for soybean farmers. China went from buying more than $12 billion in American soybeans last year to buying virtually nothing by the middle of this year. That Chinese need for soybeans didnt disappearcontracts went to other countries, like Argentina, which Trump then bailed out at U.S. farmers expense. And producers in those countries, Argentina and Brazil, have now locked in new, long-term deals that will shut American farmers out for years and which a one-time check cant alleviate.

A one-time check isnt a solution. Its a band-aid over a gunshot wound. And again, ask our farmers. They want long-term contracts. Unfortunately, theyre not going to get them because when we cut off China, China went to Brazil and Argentina. And those soybean [farmers] said, yeah well give you soybeans, but not for a year but rather three years, four years, five years.

Finally, the American people are being punished twice for Donald Trumps costly tariffs. Families have seen the cost of beef, produce, and other groceries skyrocket over the course of this year because of the tariffs. And now, theyre being told their taxpayer dollars must be used to clean up the mess that Donald Trump and his tariffs created. First, he tells consumers they have to pay more for the tariffs, and then the taxpayers have to pay more because the farmers are in such trouble because of what Donald Trump did.

Donald Trumps announcement today is hardly a triumph. Its an admission of failure failure to help farmers, failure to rein in China like he promised he would, and failure to lower costs

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP)  Lithuanias government on Tuesday declared a national emergency over security risks posed by meteorological balloons sent from Russia-allied Belarus that have violated its airspace in recent weeks, while the Belarusian leader called for negotiations on border tensions and said his country does not need war.

The balloons forced Lithuania to repeatedly shut down its main airport, stranding thousands of people, as Europe remains on alert over previous intrusions into NATO airspace during the war in Ukraine.

In combating the Belarusian hybrid attack, we must take the strictest measures and defend the areas most affected by this attack, Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said.

The announcement followed a Cabinet meeting of the Baltic state, which is a NATO member and strong backer of Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces who launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The national emergency means the army will be able to patrol the border area together with other uniformed services and receive extra rights from parliament, such as to conduct searches or detain people.

The government said the impact on civilians would be limited.

While the balloons are used to smuggle cigarettes into Lithuania, officials in Vilnius see their numbers and trajectories as deliberate acts of disruption orchestrated by Belarus.

According to the Lithuanian government, the Vilnius international airport has been closed for more than 60 hours since October due to the threat posed to civil aviation, affecting over 350 flights and approximately 51,000 passengers.

Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic said Lithuanian prosecutors launched an investigation into the balloons and the secret services would provide information about the connection with the Minsk regime.

I have no information that the Belarusian side is trying to curb the senders of the balloons, the minister said. And this is one of the proofs that this is a hybrid attack.

In October, Lithuanian authorities closed two border crossings in response to the airspace violations.

Belarus authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko denounced Lithuanias move to close the border as a mad scam and part of a hybrid war against his country. He suggested that Vilnius needs to combat smuggling of contraband.

Belarus wants talks

On Tuesday, Lukashenko denied accusations that Minsk was carrying out hybrid attacks on Lithuania and said the balloons could not harm civil aviation. Instead, the Belarusian leader accused Vilnius of politicizing the problem.

He called for negotiations between Minsk and Vilnius. If you want normal relations, sit down at the table and discuss these issues. We are ready to do that, he said during a session of Belarus security council.

Belarus deputy foreign minister Igor Sekreta also urged Vilnius to meet Minsk at the negotiating table. For some reason, Lithuania perceives any contact at a political level with the Belarusian side as a defeat, Sekreta said.

Lithuania, Poland and other European Union countries in the region in recent years have accused Belarus of other activity aimed at triggering instability, including with cyberattacks. They also accuse Minsk of directing a large influx of migrants from the Middle East and Africa to their borders to create a migration crisis.

Belarus is signalling to Lithuania that it can raise the price at any moment, Linas Kojala, head of the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center in Vilnius, told The Associated Press. Yesterday with weaponized migration, today with balloons that are hardly separable from regime control.

These steps are not only about pressure on Vilnius, they are also about breaking the regimes international isolation, which Lukashenko sees as a strategic priority, Kojala added.

Seeking wider engagement

Experts said Belarus likely hopes that the issue will force Vilnius and the wider EU to engage with Minsk.

We see the reluctance of both the EU and Lithuania to talk to Lukashenko and start softening European sanctions that are painful for Belarus, Belarusian political analyst Valery Karbalevich told the AP. This is an attempt to force European partners to sit down at the table through threats and hybrid attacks.

Karbalevich also said the timing was significant, noting that the balloon issue escalated soon after Lukashenko was able to secure the end of U.S. sanctions against national airline Belavia.

Lukashenko wants the EU to lift or soften sanctions and he hopes to initiate negotiations by blackmailing Lithuania, Karabalevich said.

___

Associated Press writer Yuras Karmanau contributed from Tallinn, Estonia.

By LIUDAS DAPKUS

Associated Press
Vin Diesel says that Sir Michael Caine has had a significant impact on his life.

Vin Diesel is close friends with Sir Michael Caine  @vindiesel / Instagram

The Fast and Furious star has taken to Instagram to share a picture of himself alongside The Italian Job legend - just days after he presented the 92-year-old actor with a lifetime achievement award at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia - where he gave an insight into the friendship they have.

Diesel captioned his post: "I wanted to wait until you and your family were safely home in London before sharing this.

"The world saw me hand you a Lifetime Achievement Award this. Your wife, daughters and grandchildren watching. What they didn't see was everything else... When we first met, I was drowning in a fame I never learned to carry. You taught me grace. Resolve. How to stand in my light when I didn't know how."

The 58-year-old star - who appeared alongside Caine the 2015 movie The Last Witch Hunter - described how the veteran actor had offered him support in the aftermath of his Fast and Furious co-star Paul Walker's tragic death in a car accident in 2013.

Diesel wrote: "Twelve years ago, I lost someone I was not ready to lose... that the world was not ready to lose. You were there... not with words, but with purpose.

"When mortality had its grip on my life, you brought immortality. The Last Witch Hunter wasn't just a film. It was my resurrection.

"Your lovely wife Shakira embraced mine, your family became my family. This summer, three years after retiring, you came back. The words you spoke in character transcended film... like a gift of wisdom."

The Chronicles of Riddick star recalled how the fact that Caine only had images of his family at home - instead of movie stars he has worked with - struck a chord.

Diesel penned: "Whenever I'm at your house, I notice the walls. Only photographs of family. Not legends or movies, just family. That is not simplicity. That is a declaration.

"And once, in a room full of Nolan, Poitier, and Hollywood royalty, you stood and introduced me as your son. Powerful moment.

"We're just two kids from nothing, dreamers who became something. You said I speak to the world, but Michael... you speak to eternity. I love you. Forever."
Those named Adeen often exhibit a vibrant, passionate nature tempered with warmth and approachability. The 'little fire' meaning typically manifests as creative energy, quick wit, and emotional intensity that draws others to their magnetic presence. They tend to be natural leaders who inspire through enthusiasm rather than authority, with a spark of innovation that helps them solve problems in unconventional ways.



While capable of fiery determination when pursuing goals, Adeens typically balance this intensity with genuine compassion and emotional intelligence. Their warmth makes them excellent friends and confidantes, while their inner fire drives them to pursue meaningful work and relationships. This combination of passion and empathy often makes them catalysts for positive change in their communities, using their energy to uplift others while pursuing their own ambitious dreams with relentless spirit. The name suggests someone who burns brightly but steadily, providing light and warmth to those around them.
In contemporary naming practices, Agnes has transformed from a 'grandmother name' to a fashionable choice for modern parents seeking classic elegance with historical depth. The name's revival began in Europe, particularly in Scandinavian countries where it never lost popularity, and has since spread globally. In the United Kingdom, Agnes rose from position 893 in 2000 to the top 200 names by 2020. Similar trends are visible in the United States, where it jumped over 300 positions in the last decade. This resurgence is part of a broader trend embracing vintage names that fell out of favor in the mid-20th century but now feel fresh and distinctive to modern ears. Contemporary parents appreciate Agnes for its strong feminist heritagehonoring both the young martyr who defied Roman authority and the many accomplished women who have borne the name. The name works well in professional contexts while offering cute nickname options for childhood. Its international variants make it appealing to multicultural families, and its simplicity aligns with current preferences for shorter, classic names that stand out in an era of more inventive naming choices.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has wrapped filming.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has wrapped production

The upcoming Marvel/Sony blockbuster will see Tom Hollands Wall-Crawler swing onto the screen for the first time since 2021s Spider-Man: No Way Home, and director Destin Daniel Crettons assistant Ziyi Cao has now confirmed the 128-day shoot for Brand New Day has finished.

In a since-deleted post on social media, Cao wrote: Wrapping is always so emotional. As someone really bad at saying goodbyes, I stayed around...[and] hugged a lot of people.

Principal photography for Spider-Man: Brand New Day began on August 1, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland, where the crew filmed some high-octane action sequences with Spidey seemingly chasing down some goons in trucks.

Production then moved to Leavesden Studios in Watford, North West London, and was briefly paused in September after Holland suffered a mild concussion on set.

As well as Hollands Web-Head, Spider-Man: Brand New Day will see the return of Zendayas Michelle Jones-Watson and Jacob Batalons Ned Leeds.

The movie - slated to hit cinemas on July 31, 2026 - will also feature Jon Bernthals The Punisher, Mark Ruffalos Hulk, Michael Mandos Scorpion and Marvin Jones IIIs Tombstone.

Stranger Things star Sadie Sink and The Bears Liza Colon-Zayas are also confirmed for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, though both actresses have kept their lips sealed over the characters they will be playing.

The official synopsis for Spider-Man: Brand New Day reads: After the world has forgotten his name, Peter Parker (Holland) begins a new chapter in his life  balancing college classes, part-time work, and his responsibility as New Yorks friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

But when a mysterious force begins to unravel the city from the inside out, Peter finds himself caught between powerful enemies, old legacies, and unexpected allies.

As shadows from the past creep into his present, he must redefine what it truly means to be a hero  on his own.

Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige previously teased Spider-Man: Brand New Day will see Hollands Peter Parker become a proper Spider-Man.

Speaking at a roundtable interview for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Feige said: I think theres a promise at the end of No Way Home, that for as sad as it is that Peter is forgotten by everyone in his life, we are seeing for the first time in the Tom Holland Spider-Man stories him being a proper Spider-Man.

Him being by himself, dedicated to saving the city, and dealing with - for lack of better terms - street-level crime, as opposed to world-ending events.

Feige also explained what direction director Destin Daniel Cretton would be taking with Jon Bernthals The Punisher in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

He said: So when you do that, you say, okay, who are the other street-level characters that weve never seen him interact with? And of course, I love that The Punisher started in a Spider-Man comic.

That great cover ... I dont want to say too much, but Destin - I will say too much - Destin is doing an amazing job right now on that movie, which starts shooting very soon.

And hes got eight or nine comic covers up on his wall in his art department that he is bringing to life in this movie, which is super cool.
Individuals named Ahmik are typically characterized by their strong work ethic, practical intelligence, and community-oriented nature. Like their namesake animal, they tend to be builders and problem-solvers who approach challenges with methodical persistence. They often demonstrate remarkable patience and the ability to work steadily toward long-term goals, much like a beaver constructing its dam. Their practical wisdom makes them excellent planners who can see projects through from conception to completion.



Socially, Ahmiks are often family-focused and protective of their loved ones, creating stable environments where others can thrive. They possess a quiet strength and reliability that makes them trusted members of their communities. While they may not seek the spotlight, their contributions are foundational to group success. Their connection to water symbolism through the beaver's aquatic habitat often translates to emotional depth and intuitive understanding, making them sensitive to the needs of others while maintaining their practical, grounded approach to life. These individuals typically excel in roles requiring dedication, structural thinking, and community service.
Symbolically, Aneko represents the bridge between generations, embodying the continuity of family legacy and the transmission of cultural values. The name carries connotations of protection, guidance, and emotional sheltermuch like the symbolic role of an older sister in Japanese family dynamics. It also signifies resilience and adaptability, as the elder sister figure must often navigate changing family circumstances while maintaining stability. Metaphorically, Aneko can represent the nurturing aspect of nature itself, suggesting growth that supports and sustains other life around it. The name evokes images of rooted strength combined with gentle influence, making it a powerful symbolic choice that honors both tradition and the evolving nature of familial relationships. In broader symbolic terms, Aneko embodies the Japanese concept of 'amae' - the interdependence and mutual care that forms the foundation of healthy relationships, representing both the giving and receiving of emotional support within community structures.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Anmcha is an ancient Irish name with deep roots in early medieval Ireland, particularly associated with warrior culture and early Christian saints. The name appears in historical records from the 6th to 10th centuries, often borne by local chieftains, warriors, and religious figures who played significant roles in their communities. In early Irish society, names carrying meanings related to bravery and courage were highly valued, reflecting the importance of martial prowess and personal valor.



The name's appearance in both secular and religious contexts suggests it was respected across different spheres of Irish life, from battlefield leaders to spiritual guides who demonstrated courage in their faith. Historical records indicate that bearers of this name were often individuals of standing in their communities, whether as local rulers who protected their people or as religious figures who showed bravery in spreading Christianity during Ireland's conversion period. The name's persistence through several centuries demonstrates its cultural significance in a society that valued both physical courage and moral strength.
Individuals named Atahalne are often perceived as natural leaders who aren't afraid to speak up or take action when they see something that needs changing. They tend to be decisive and proactive, with a strong sense of justice and the courage to intervene in difficult situations. This personality is characterized by a willingness to challenge the status quo and the ability to redirect conversations or events toward more productive outcomes.



These individuals typically possess excellent timing and intuition about when their intervention is most needed. They're often respected for their ability to cut through complexity and get to the heart of matters. While some might see them as disruptive, their actions usually stem from a deep concern for community welfare and a desire to prevent harm or injustice. They tend to be protective of those who cannot speak for themselves and often serve as advocates or mediators in their social circles.
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name BAKARI. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.

Cultural & Historical Significance

Bakari holds deep significance in Egyptian and broader African cultures as a name embodying honor and commitment. In ancient Egyptian context, the name reflects the importance of noble promises and oaths in maintaining social order and royal authority. The concept of 'noble oath' connects to the Egyptian principle of Ma'at - the cosmic order of truth, balance, and justice that governed both divine and human relationships.



Throughout African diaspora communities, Bakari has become a symbol of cultural pride and historical connection, often chosen to honor ancestral roots and maintain cultural continuity. The name carries the weight of tradition while embracing modern African identity, serving as a bridge between ancient heritage and contemporary expression. Its usage across different African regions demonstrates the shared cultural values that transcend geographical boundaries.
Individuals named Boreas are often perceived as possessing strong, commanding personalities with an intense and powerful presence. They tend to be associated with qualities of strength, determination, and occasional unpredictability, much like the north wind they're named after. These individuals often exhibit leadership qualities and natural authority, though they may also display a colder, more reserved exterior that can be mistaken for aloofness. Their emotional nature might be characterized by sudden shifts or intense passions, reflecting the stormy nature of their namesake.



However, beneath this powerful exterior often lies a protective and loyal nature, particularly toward those they consider family or close companions. They are frequently seen as independent thinkers who aren't afraid to challenge conventions or stand against prevailing opinions, embodying the rebellious spirit of the untamable north wind. While they can be forceful and direct in their approach, they also possess a creative and transformative energy that enables them to initiate change and sweep away outdated structures. Their personality often combines the destructive and creative aspects of natureable to clear away the old while making space for new growth and possibilities.
Individuals named Boudicea are typically perceived as strong-willed, fiercely independent, and natural leaders with an innate sense of justice. They often possess a commanding presence and magnetic charisma that draws others to their cause, combined with a protective nature toward those they consider under their care. These women tend to be strategic thinkers who can mobilize people toward common goals, displaying remarkable resilience in the face of adversity and an unwillingness to back down from challenges.



Boudiceas are known for their passionate intensity and deep convictions, often fighting tirelessly for principles they believe in. They may exhibit a warrior spiritnot necessarily in physical combat but in their approach to life's battles, whether professional, personal, or social. While this determination can sometimes manifest as stubbornness, it's typically balanced by a strong moral compass and loyalty to their community. Their leadership style tends to be inspirational rather than authoritarian, though they won't hesitate to take charge when circumstances demand decisive action.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Brooklynn emerged as a distinctly American feminine name in the late 20th century, drawing inspiration from the New York City borough of Brooklyn. The borough itself was named after the Dutch town Breukelen, meaning 'broken land' or 'marshland,' reflecting its original wetland geography. As a given name, Brooklynn gained popularity during the 1990s and 2000s, coinciding with the gentrification and cultural renaissance of the Brooklyn borough, which transformed from an industrial area to a hub of creativity, arts, and urban sophistication.



The name carries connotations of urban chic, creativity, and modern American identity, often chosen by parents seeking a name that feels both contemporary and rooted in American geography. Its Christian association comes not from biblical origins but from its adoption within Christian communities as a modern, acceptable feminine name that aligns with values of strength, fluidity, and natural beauty. The name represents the American ideal of transformation and renewal, much like the borough itself evolved from industrial roots to cultural prominence.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Cahira holds deep significance in Irish culture as a name embodying the spirit of female warriors and protectors. In ancient Celtic society, women often held positions of power and could be warriors, a tradition reflected in names like Cahira. The name connects to Ireland's rich history of strong female figures who defended their families and communities. Throughout Irish mythology and history, women frequently took up arms during times of conflict, and Cahira represents this tradition of feminine strength and resilience.



The name carries echoes of Ireland's turbulent history, where women often had to be both caretakers and defenders, embodying the dual nature of protection and aggression when necessary. This cultural heritage makes Cahira more than just a nameit's a testament to the enduring spirit of Irish women throughout the centuries. The name also reflects the Celtic reverence for balanced power, where feminine strength was respected and celebrated alongside masculine qualities.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Ceaster has deep roots in early Christian Britain, originating from the Latin word 'castra' meaning military camp or fortress. This reflects the Roman military presence in Britain and the subsequent Christianization of these former Roman settlements. Many English towns ending in '-chester' or '-caster' (like Manchester, Lancaster) derive from this same root, indicating former Roman camps that later became centers of Christian community.



In Christian tradition, the name evolved to symbolize spiritual fortitude and the idea of the believer as a soldier in Christ's army. The concept of 'living at the camp' took on metaphorical meaning in monastic communities, where spiritual warriors would gather for protection and training in faith. This name became particularly significant during the Anglo-Saxon period when Christian missionaries often established churches and monasteries at former Roman sites, blending Roman infrastructure with new Christian purpose.



The name carries the cultural memory of Britain's transition from Roman occupation to Christian kingdom, representing continuity amid change. It speaks to the adaptation of physical structures for spiritual purposes and the enduring nature of community across different eras and belief systems.
BTS star Jung Kook doesn't want to repeat himself when it comes to making new music.

Cover photography: Tayo Kuku Jr

The K-pop idol made his solo debut with the hit Seven featuring Latto in 2023, which smashed multiple chart and streaming records. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the Global 200, and the Global Excl. U.S. charts, making him the first Korean solo artist to do so. Seven also became the fastest song in history to surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify. His follow-up single 3D, featuring Jack Harlow, debuted at number five on both the Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, making Jung Kook the first South Korean solo artist to achieve two consecutive top-five entries on the latter.

He released his debut solo album Golden in November 2023, which entered music charts in 25 countries, including number two on the US Billboard 200 chart and number three on the Official UK Albums Chart.

Regarding his next work, he told the February/March 2026 edition of Rolling Stone UK - of which he is the cover star - that: This is a time where I can evaluate whether I can take another leap forward. Rather than doing the same kind of performances or similar songs repeatedly, Im trying new things and continuing to evolve so I can show different sides of myself.

The 28-year-old South Korean star explained that his ultimate goal is to become "an artist without limits".

He said: Ive always pursued change. I want to be an artist who doesnt get dragged by the flow, but creates the flow. I dont want to be confined  I want to be an artist without limits.

Jung Kook also reflected on how his solo career felt like a "hassle" before Seven turned it all around.

He admitted: Everything felt like a hassle, [Then] Seven made me want to get back to it. I really loved Seven and felt confident performing it, but I was still surprised by how well it was received. That reaction gave me even more confidence.

Read the full interview in the February/March issue of Rolling Stone UK and via www.rollingstone.co.uk.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Cristie holds deep cultural significance in Scotland as a distinctly Scottish adaptation of Christian names. Originating as a diminutive of Christine, it represents Scotland's unique approach to incorporating Christian traditions while maintaining Celtic identity. During the medieval period, as Christianity spread throughout Scotland, local variations of Christian names emerged, with Cristie becoming particularly associated with Scottish families across both Highland and Lowland regions. The spelling with 'ie' rather than 'y' is characteristically Scottish, reflecting the nation's linguistic patterns and distinguishing it from English variations. Historically, the name has been borne by women from diverse social backgrounds, from rural communities to urban centers, making it a unifying Scottish name that transcends class divisions. Its enduring popularity reflects Scotland's strong Christian heritage while demonstrating the Scottish tendency to adapt international influences into distinctly local forms. The name Cristie thus represents both religious devotion and national identity, serving as a cultural marker of Scottish heritage for centuries.
Women named Daphna typically exhibit a distinctive blend of strength and sensitivity that makes them both formidable and approachable. They often possess natural leadership abilities combined with deep emotional intelligence, allowing them to inspire others while maintaining genuine connections. Daphnas are frequently described as determined and resilient, with an inner strength that helps them overcome obstacles while maintaining their grace under pressure. Their intelligence is usually complemented by creativity and intuition, making them excellent problem-solvers who can see solutions others might miss. Many Daphnas have a competitive nature that drives them to excel in their chosen fields, though this ambition is typically balanced by strong ethical principles and concern for others. They tend to be loyal friends and partners who value deep, meaningful relationships over superficial connections. The combination of their natural authority and compassionate nature often positions them as respected figures in both professional and social circles, where they're known for their integrity and ability to bring out the best in those around them.
Women named Darcelle are often perceived as possessing a compelling blend of mystery and strength, with an intuitive understanding of human nature that allows them to navigate complex social situations with grace. They typically exhibit a quiet confidence that draws others to them, combined with a creative spirit that manifests in artistic pursuits or innovative problem-solving. This combination of depth and capability makes Darcelles natural leaders in situations requiring both empathy and decisive action.



Darcelles are known for their loyalty to loved ones and their ability to maintain poise under pressure, often serving as stabilizing forces in their families and communities. Their inherent mystique doesn't indicate aloofness but rather a thoughtful nature that values depth in relationships and meaningful connections over superficial interactions. This emotional intelligence, coupled with their natural resilience, allows them to overcome challenges with wisdom rather than force, making them respected figures in both personal and professional spheres. The name suggests someone who understands that true power often lies in quiet observation and strategic timing rather than overt displays of strength.
Individuals named Daud are often perceived as possessing leadership qualities, wisdom, and spiritual depth, reflecting the characteristics of Prophet Daud. They tend to be thoughtful, determined, and principled, with a strong sense of justice and fairness. Many Dauds are seen as natural leaders who combine practical intelligence with spiritual insight, often displaying patience and perseverance in challenging situations. The name association with the biblical and Quranic David suggests someone who is both courageous in facing challenges and artistic or creative in their expression.



These individuals are typically respected for their integrity and ability to balance strength with compassion, making them reliable and trustworthy figures in their communities. Dauds often exhibit a calm demeanor under pressure and are known for their problem-solving abilities. They tend to be family-oriented and value tradition while being open to new ideas. The spiritual dimension of the name often manifests in a deep sense of purpose and moral compass that guides their decisions and relationships. Many people with this name are noted for their loyalty and the thoughtful way they approach both personal and professional matters.
Women named Destinee often develop personality traits that reflect their name's meaning of purpose and destiny. They typically exhibit strong determination and a clear sense of direction, approaching life with intention rather than randomness. Many display natural leadership abilities and confidence in their decisions, believing they're following a predetermined path. This can manifest as resilience in facing challenges, as they tend to view obstacles as part of their destined journey rather than random misfortunes. Destinees often possess intuitive understanding and spiritual awareness, frequently serving as guides or mentors to others. While they can be strong-willed, they usually balance this with empathy and compassion, understanding that everyone has their own unique path. Their name seems to inspire a sense of responsibility to live meaningfully and make choices aligned with their perceived purpose. This combination of strength and sensitivity makes them both effective achievers and supportive companions.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Dorrance has deep roots in Irish history as an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname O Deorain, which means 'descendant of Deoradh.' The name originally denoted someone who was a stranger or exile, reflecting Ireland's complex history of migration, invasion, and displacement. During the various periods of English colonization and the subsequent Irish diaspora, many bearers of the name emigrated to North America, where it became established as a distinctive Irish-American surname. The name carries echoes of the Irish experience of being outsiders in their own land and later as immigrants in new countries, embodying themes of resilience and adaptation that characterize much of Irish history.



In modern times, Dorrance has evolved from its original meaning of 'stranger' to represent a connection to Irish heritage and the enduring legacy of Irish immigrants who built new lives abroad while maintaining cultural ties to their homeland. The name appears in various historical records of Irish communities in the United States, particularly in areas like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia where Irish immigrants settled in large numbers. Today, it serves as a marker of Irish-American identity and the successful integration of Irish culture into the American mosaic, while still honoring the struggles and triumphs of previous generations.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Durango carries significant cultural weight across multiple traditions. In French contexts, it evolved from Old French roots suggesting endurance and strength, often associated with frontier settlers and explorers who carried French culture to new territories. The name gained particular prominence during the colonial era when French explorers and traders encountered the Mexican state of Durango, creating a cultural bridge between European and American frontier identities. In modern French culture, Durango maintains connections to both historical exploration and contemporary strength, representing a blend of Old World tradition and New World opportunity. The name's association with the American West through characters like the Durango Kid further enhances its cultural resonance as a symbol of rugged individualism and pioneering spirit. Across these cultural intersections, Durango consistently represents the virtues of resilience, adventure, and the enduring human capacity to build and sustain communities in challenging environments.
Individuals bearing the name Elwald are typically characterized by a strong sense of integrity and deep-rooted principles that guide their actions. They possess a natural authority that comes not from aggression but from wisdom and consistency, often serving as moral anchors in their communities. Their thoughtful nature makes them excellent listeners and advisors, though they can be somewhat reserved when expressing their own needs. Elwalds tend to value tradition and continuity, finding meaning in historical connections and long-standing relationships rather than fleeting trends or superficial accomplishments.



In professional and personal settings, Elwalds demonstrate remarkable patience and perseverance, approaching challenges with methodical care rather than impulsive action. They often excel in roles requiring moral leadership, education, or preservation of knowledge, where their innate sense of responsibility shines. While not naturally flamboyant or attention-seeking, they command respect through their reliability and depth of character. Their spiritual or philosophical inclinations often lead them to contemplate larger questions of purpose and meaning, making them valuable contributors to discussions about ethics and values. Despite their serious nature, they possess a dry wit and deep capacity for loyalty that endears them to those who take the time to know them well.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Eshkol carries profound cultural significance rooted in biblical tradition and Israeli identity. In the Book of Numbers, the Valley of Eshkol was where Moses' spies cut down a massive cluster of grapes so large it required two men to carry it on a pole. This iconic image became a permanent symbol of the land's fertility and God's promise to the Israelites. The name thus represents not just agricultural abundance but divine covenant and the fulfillment of biblical prophecies. In modern Israel, the name gained additional layers of meaning through Levi Eshkol, the prime minister who guided the nation through the transformative Six-Day War period. The Eshkol region in the Negev continues this legacy as a center of agricultural innovation, making the name synonymous with both ancient heritage and modern Israeli pioneering spirit. This dual significance - connecting ancient biblical promises with contemporary national achievement - makes Eshkol a name that bridges Israel's past and present.
Individuals named Fonda typically exhibit a remarkable depth of character that manifests in their thoughtful approach to life and relationships. They are known for their ability to perceive underlying patterns and truths that others might miss, making them excellent strategists and counselors. Their profound nature gives them exceptional emotional intelligence, allowing them to navigate complex social situations with grace and understanding. Fondas tend to be reflective and analytical, preferring to consider matters thoroughly before taking action. This contemplative nature often makes them appear reserved, but those who know them well appreciate their deep loyalty and the rich inner world they share with trusted companions. Their strength lies in their consistency and reliability - like a deep foundation, they provide stability and support to those around them while maintaining their own strong sense of purpose and identity.
Charlotte Hawkins' daughter receives Christmas presents from her late grandad.

Charlotte Hawkins' dad, Frank Hakwins, died in January 2015

Frank Hawkins died of motor neurone disease aged 78 on January 10, 2015 - almost a month before Ella Rose was born on February 8 that year.

And Charlotte, 50, ensures Ella Rose, 10, experiences her grandad's influence by keeping his memory alive by giving gifts that the Good Morning Britain star knows Frank would have bought for the youngster.

Charlotte told the new issue of Yours magazine: "Grandad Frank buys her a present every year. When she got a little bit older, she asked how. I told her he has a little word with me and tells me what he would have bought her if he was here."

Each gift Ella Rose gets on behalf of Frank has a story linked to her grandad.

Charlotte - who is yet to decide on what to buy this year - explained: "One year, he bought her Charlie Mackesy's The Mole, from his book. And she still sleeps with that every night.

"My dad used to go to war with the moles, but they always came back. He would have thought it was hilarious! She has a lovely bond with him, even though he's not here. His spirit lives on."

On Christmas Eve, Charlotte takes Ella Rose to the family service near their home in Surrey because the carols remind Charlotte of Frank, who was a vicar.

She said: "They take me back to when I was a child. My dad would be there giving the sermon, and then we'd all be singing the carols together. I love O Holy Night."

And at Christmas, Charlotte, her husband Mark Herbert, Ella Rose, and the rest of the Hawkins clan will make a toast to Frank.

The broadcaster - who is hosting Christmas dinner at home - said: "Christmas is a time when you feel someone's loss. For me, I feel there's one person missing around that table.

"We always have a toast to Dad and make sure he's remembered. Even though sometimes you'll have those sad moments when you really miss the fact that they're not there, you have to make new memories.

"I think it's about keeping their memory alive and trying to make things as fun as possible. It's a lovely time of year to do things.

"We always have musical crackers or something."
Individuals named Geza are often characterized by a blend of intellectual depth, quiet determination, and strong moral integrity. They tend to be analytical and reflective, approaching life with a thoughtful perspective that values both tradition and innovation. This makes them excellent problem-solvers who can navigate complex situations with patience and wisdom. Their leadership style is typically understated yet effective, relying on competence and reliability rather than charisma. Gezas are often perceived as dependable and loyal, with a strong sense of duty toward their family, community, or professional responsibilities.



Emotionally, Gezas balance rationality with empathy, making them supportive friends and partners who offer grounded advice. They may have a reserved exterior but possess rich inner lives and deep convictions. Their appreciation for history and culture often translates into a lifelong curiosity about the world and a desire to contribute meaningfully to society. While they can be traditional in some respects, they are also adaptable and open to new ideas when presented with logical reasoning. This combination of traits frequently leads them to excel in fields requiring both critical thinking and human understanding, such as education, law, arts, or leadership roles.
Individuals named Gweneth are often characterized by a unique blend of grace, intelligence, and inner strength that reflects their Celtic origins. They typically possess a quiet confidence and natural elegance that makes them stand out in social settings, combined with a deep sense of loyalty to those they care about. Their personality often includes a strong creative streak, with many Gweneths excelling in artistic pursuits, writing, or musical endeavors that allow them to express their rich inner world and emotional depth.



Beyond their artistic inclinations, Gweneths are frequently described as intuitive and spiritually aware, with a strong connection to nature and tradition that echoes their Celtic heritage. They approach life with both practicality and imagination, able to navigate complex situations with wisdom beyond their years. While they may appear reserved to strangers, those who earn their trust discover individuals of remarkable warmth, wit, and emotional intelligence who serve as steadfast friends and compassionate leaders in their communities.
Symbolically, Habibah represents the essential human qualities of love, compassion, and emotional connection that form the foundation of healthy societies. In Islamic symbolism, the name reflects the concept of being beloved by God and serving as a vessel of divine love in the world. The name carries deep metaphorical significance as representing the nurturing aspect of femininity - not just in biological terms, but as the emotional and spiritual sustenance that binds communities together. Habibah symbolizes the heart-centered approach to life that prioritizes relationships and emotional well-being over material concerns.



In Egyptian cultural symbolism, the name evokes images of the life-giving Nile and the protective embrace of family - both essential elements for survival and flourishing in the desert environment. The name serves as a reminder that love is not merely a personal emotion but a social force capable of transforming relationships and communities. In a broader philosophical context, Habibah represents the ideal of reciprocal love - the beautiful balance between giving and receiving affection that creates harmonious human connections. This symbolic richness makes the name not just a personal identifier but a carrier of deep cultural wisdom about the fundamental importance of love in human existence.
Individuals named Halden are often perceived as balanced and diplomatic, possessing a natural ability to see multiple perspectives and mediate conflicts. They typically exhibit strong analytical skills combined with practical wisdom, making them excellent problem-solvers in both personal and professional contexts. Their Scandinavian heritage often manifests in traits of resilience, independence, and quiet confidence, while their Christian background may contribute to a strong moral compass and sense of purpose.



Halden's tend to be reliable and steadfast, with a deep sense of loyalty to their family and community. They often display a blend of traditional values and progressive thinking, reflecting the name's meaning of bridging different worlds or perspectives. While they can be reserved initially, they develop deep, meaningful relationships and are known for their integrity and consistency in character. Their combination of practical intelligence and emotional stability makes them natural leaders who inspire trust and respect in others, often serving as pillars of strength in their communities and workplaces.
Those bearing the name Halithersis typically exhibit a personality marked by deep intuition, analytical thinking, and a natural inclination toward guidance and counsel. They are often perceived as wise beyond their years, possessing an almost prophetic ability to anticipate outcomes and understand complex situations. Their thought process tends to be methodical and comprehensive, considering multiple perspectives before forming conclusions. This analytical nature is balanced by strong ethical principles and a sense of responsibility toward others. Halithersis personalities often demonstrate remarkable patience and emotional stability, even in challenging circumstances, making them natural mediators and trusted advisors. They value knowledge and experience, frequently becoming repositories of wisdom within their social or professional circles. While they may not seek leadership positions, their insights often guide important decisions, and their warnings, when heeded, typically prove valuable. Their strength lies in their ability to see patterns and connections that others miss, combined with the courage to speak difficult truths when necessary.
Individuals named Ipo are often perceived as warm, affectionate, and emotionally expressive, living up to their name's meaning of 'darling.' They typically possess a nurturing nature and strong interpersonal skills, making them excellent at building and maintaining meaningful relationships. Their emotional intelligence allows them to sense others' needs and provide comfort and support, often becoming the emotional center of their social circles or families.



These individuals tend to be creative and artistic, with a deep appreciation for beauty in all formswhether in nature, art, or human connections. They often exhibit patience and understanding, coupled with a strong sense of loyalty to those they care about. While generally gentle in demeanor, they can display remarkable strength and resilience when protecting loved ones or standing up for their values. Their combination of emotional depth and practical compassion makes them both beloved friends and effective community members.
Symbolically, Jacobo embodies the profound themes of transformation, struggle, and ultimate redemption drawn from its biblical origins. The name represents the journey of personal growth through adversity, mirroring Jacob's wrestling with the angel that resulted in both injury and blessing. It symbolizes the complex interplay between human ambition and divine purpose, suggesting that true strength emerges from confronting challenges rather than avoiding them. The supplanter meaning carries symbolic weight beyond mere replacement, representing the idea of evolving into one's destined role through perseverance and faith. Jacobo also symbolizes the transmission of legacy and the responsibility that comes with inheritance, reflecting the biblical narrative of receiving and carrying forward sacred promises. In a broader cultural context, the name represents the enduring power of tradition to shape identity while allowing for individual transformation, making it a rich symbolic vessel for themes of identity, purpose, and spiritual evolution.
Individuals named Jolie are typically perceived as cheerful, optimistic, and aesthetically inclined. They often possess a natural charm and grace that draws people to them, combined with a creative spirit that manifests in various forms of artistic expression. Their 'pretty' or pleasant nature extends beyond physical appearance to include a beautiful outlook on life and the ability to find joy in everyday moments. Jolies tend to be socially adept, with excellent communication skills and the ability to uplift others with their positive energy.



While generally gentle-natured, they can also show remarkable resilience and inner strength when faced with challenges, balancing their cheerful disposition with practical wisdom. Their appreciation for beauty often translates into refined tastes and a keen eye for detail in both personal and professional contexts. The combination of cheerfulness and aesthetic sensitivity makes them particularly effective in creative fields, social professions, and any environment where bringing joy and beauty to others is valued. They typically approach life with enthusiasm and have a natural ability to inspire positivity in those around them.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Kalilah holds significant cultural importance in Muslim communities as a name derived from Arabic roots meaning 'darling' or 'sweetheart.' The name appears in classical Arabic literature and Islamic historical texts, often associated with women of noble character and refined manners. In Islamic tradition, names carrying meanings of affection and endearment are highly valued as they reflect the beauty of relationships and the importance of love within family and community structures. The name gained particular prominence through its usage in various Muslim dynasties, where it was often given to daughters in royal and scholarly families, symbolizing both affection and high social standing. Throughout Islamic history, names like Kalilah have been cherished for their melodic quality and positive connotations, representing the ideal of feminine grace and beloved status within the family unit. The name continues to be popular in contemporary Muslim societies, maintaining its traditional appeal while adapting to modern naming trends and global cultural exchanges.
Individuals named Kamea are often perceived as possessing a strong sense of self and unique personal identity. They tend to be confident, self-assured, and comfortable standing out from the crowd, living up to their name's meaning of being 'the one and only.' This self-awareness often translates into leadership qualities and the ability to inspire others with their authenticity and original perspective on life.



Kameas are typically creative, expressive, and value deep, meaningful connections with others. They may exhibit a blend of traditional values and modern thinking, often serving as bridges between different perspectives or communities. Their uniqueness isn't just about being different, but about bringing something special and irreplaceable to every situation they encounter. They tend to be loyal friends and family members who appreciate the unique qualities in others as much as they embody them themselves.
Katya Jones has tearfully blamed herself for her and Lewis Cope's Strictly Come Dancing exit.

Lewis Cope and Katya Jones left Strictly Come Dancing at the quarter-final stage

The 36-year-old dancer and the former Emmerdale star were surprisingly eliminated from the BBC Latin and Ballroom competition at the weekend and Katya became emotional as she expressed her regret about their Musicals Week departure from the programme.

Speaking on spin-off show It Takes Two on Monday (08.12.25), she said: "Looking back, I can't help but think maybe I could have done things differently to make it work for him better.

"But he could only do what I asked him to do, and whatever I've asked you to do, you didn't just do this time, (you did it) every single day.

"We were in a tough position I feel, we were expected to deliver these almost perfect, show stopping routines every single Saturday, which you did. I don't know how. It is tough, but also, I'm really, really proud. We grafted."

However, Lewis - who was eliminated after he and Katya lost the dreaded dance-off to Love Island star Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin - was quick to comfort the dancer.

The 30-year-old star said: "You did everything perfect."

Cope added that he had found his Strictly Come Dancing experience to be "rewarding" and "heartwarming".

He said: "It's not really about dancing or anything. You (gesturing to Katya) have made me fall in love with dance, but you've also made me fall in love with life again, so thank you."

Katya stressed that she "wouldn't do anything differently" about her time performing with Lewis on the show.

The Russian dancer said: "I wouldn't do anything differently. We stayed true to ourselves with each number. A lot of my life I was told, 'Less Katya, less. Stop.' But finally, I just needed the right dance partner to match that. We did say we're such a good team."

Lewis added that the pair were trying to take the "positives" from their time on Strictly despite the pain of their quarter-final exit.

He said: "We're just trying to focus on the positives. It's been an amazing 11 weeks. Of course, it hurts. It'll take a bit of time to get over but I'm really proud of what we've done."
Individuals named Kapri are typically characterized by their spontaneous, creative, and free-spirited nature. They often possess an infectious enthusiasm for life and approach challenges with innovative thinking and adaptability. Their whimsical disposition makes them excellent problem-solvers who can see opportunities where others see obstacles.



Kapris tend to be highly expressive and artistic, with a natural flair for communication and social interaction. They value their independence but also have a deep capacity for empathy and emotional connection with others. While their spontaneous nature can sometimes lead to impulsivity, it also gives them the courage to pursue unconventional paths and inspire those around them with their optimistic outlook and creative energy. Their personality embodies the balance between freedom and responsibility, making them both exciting companions and reliable friends.
Individuals named Karma are often perceived as deeply thoughtful, introspective, and spiritually inclined. They tend to possess a strong sense of justice and fairness, believing that actions have consequences and striving to live in alignment with ethical principles. Many exhibit natural empathy and compassion, understanding the interconnected nature of human relationships and showing concern for how their behavior affects others. Their philosophical nature often makes them excellent listeners and advisors who approach problems with wisdom beyond their years.



People with this name frequently demonstrate resilience and acceptance, understanding that challenges are often the result of past actions and opportunities for growth. They typically approach life with mindfulness and intentionality, carefully considering the potential outcomes of their decisions. While sometimes serious and contemplative, they also possess a quiet wisdom that attracts others seeking guidance. Their name often shapes their identity, making them conscious of their role in creating their own destiny through daily choices and interactions.



Additionally, those named Karma often display remarkable patience and understanding of life's natural rhythms, trusting that things unfold as they should. They tend to be non-judgmental yet principled, recognizing that everyone is on their own karmic journey. This balanced perspective allows them to navigate complex situations with grace and to serve as stabilizing influences in their communities, embodying the very principles their name represents.
Individuals named Katlyn are often perceived as possessing a blend of traditional values and contemporary independence. They typically exhibit strong moral character, reflecting the name's meaning of 'pure,' which often translates into honesty, integrity, and authenticity in their personal and professional relationships. Katlyns are frequently described as compassionate and nurturing, with a natural inclination toward helping others and maintaining harmonious environments.



Many Katlyns demonstrate resilience and inner strength, capable of navigating challenges with grace and determination. They often balance traditional feminine qualities with modern assertiveness, creating a personality that is both gentle and powerful. This combination makes them effective leaders and trusted friends who can adapt to various social situations while maintaining their core values and principles. The medieval English origins of the name suggest a personality that honors tradition while embracing progress, making Katlyns often seen as bridges between different generations or cultural perspectives.
Symbolically, Kinsey represents the victory of knowledge through courageous inquiry and the triumph of truth over convention. The name embodies the concept that true victory comes not from physical conquest but from intellectual and moral couragethe willingness to ask difficult questions and follow evidence wherever it leads. It symbolizes the transformative power of understanding and the importance of challenging societal norms when they conflict with empirical truth. In metaphorical terms, Kinsey represents the bridge between tradition and progress, honoring historical roots while embracing new discoveries. For Christians, while not a biblical name, its meaning of 'victorious' aligns with core Christian themes of spiritual triumph, overcoming worldly challenges through faith, and the ultimate victory of truth and righteousness. The name thus carries deep symbolic weight as representing both intellectual conquest and moral victory, making it a powerful choice for those who value both knowledge and integrity.
The name Luloah carries profound symbolic meanings that extend far beyond its literal translation as 'pearl.' It represents the human capacity to transform adversity into beauty, mirroring how pearls form around irritants to become objects of great value. This symbolism speaks to resilience, personal growth, and the idea that our greatest strengths often develop through challenges. In spiritual contexts, Luloah symbolizes purity of heart and soul, reflecting the pearl's pristine appearance and association with divine rewards in Islamic tradition. The layered nature of pearls represents depth of character, hidden complexities, and the gradual development of wisdom over time. Symbolically, Luloah also embodies the concept of hidden treasures - suggesting that true value isn't always immediately apparent but reveals itself to those who look deeper. The name carries connotations of rarity and preciousness, much like fine pearls that are both beautiful and uncommon. These rich symbolic layers make Luloah a name that inspires reflection on personal development, inner beauty, and the transformative power of experience.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Mahadevi holds profound cultural significance in Hinduism as the ultimate feminine divine principle. The name literally translates to 'Great Goddess' and represents the supreme mother goddess who encompasses all other goddesses like Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. In Shaktism traditions, Mahadevi is worshipped as the ultimate reality, the source of all creation, preservation, and destruction. She represents the cosmic energy (Shakti) that animates the universe.



Historically, the concept gained prominence through texts like the Devi Mahatmya and various Puranas, where she is depicted as the primordial power that even male deities derive their strength from. The name symbolizes the divine feminine's supreme authority over the cosmos and her role as the compassionate mother who protects devotees while maintaining cosmic order. Throughout Indian history, the worship of Mahadevi has inspired temple architecture, classical arts, literature, and social movements centered around feminine power and spirituality.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Mahkah holds deep significance in Sioux/Lakota culture as it directly translates to 'Earth' or 'ground.' In Lakota cosmology, the earth is considered sacred and is often referred to as 'Maka Ina' or Mother Earth, representing the source of all life. The name embodies the fundamental Lakota value of interconnectedness with nature and reflects the spiritual belief that humans are caretakers of the earth rather than its masters. Historically, names derived from natural elements like Mahkah were given to instill respect for the environment and to remind individuals of their responsibilities to their community and the natural world.



The name carries the weight of ancestral wisdom and serves as a constant reminder of the Lakota people's deep-rooted connection to their homelands and traditional ways of life. In contemporary Native American communities, names like Mahkah represent cultural resilience and the preservation of indigenous languages and worldviews despite centuries of colonization and assimilation pressures. The continued use of such names demonstrates the enduring strength of Native identity and the commitment to passing cultural knowledge to future generations.
Cultural & Historical Significance

In Japanese culture, Maro holds significant historical weight as an honorific suffix used in the Nara and Heian periods (8th-12th centuries). It was commonly attached to male given names of nobility and scholars, such as in the names of prominent historical figures like Kakinomoto no Hitomaro and Abe no Nakamaro. This usage reflected social status and respect within the aristocratic class.



The suffix gradually fell out of common use after the Heian period but remains important in historical and literary contexts. In modern times, Maro has evolved to stand as an independent given name while still carrying echoes of its classical heritage. The name maintains a connection to Japanese tradition while adapting to contemporary naming practices, serving as a living link to Japan's rich cultural history.
Individuals named Merewode are typically characterized by a deep connection to nature and a contemplative disposition. They often possess a quiet strength and resilience, much like the ancient forests and tranquil lakes that inspired their name. These individuals tend to be introspective and thoughtful, with a natural inclination toward spiritual matters and philosophical contemplation. Their personality often combines the steadfast reliability of woodland with the emotional depth and adaptability of water, making them both grounded and emotionally intuitive.



Merewodes are frequently drawn to peaceful environments and may exhibit a protective nature toward both people and places they care about. They typically value tradition and continuity while maintaining an open-minded approach to new ideas, embodying the balance between rootedness and flow that their name suggests. Their calm demeanor often makes them excellent listeners and trusted advisors in their communities. While they may appear reserved at first, those who know them well appreciate their deep loyalty and the thoughtful wisdom they bring to relationships and challenges.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Mikhos holds significant cultural importance within Hebrew tradition as a name embodying divine blessing and protection. Derived from the same root as Michael, meaning 'who is like God,' it carries the weight of angelic association and spiritual guardianship. Throughout Jewish history, names with this meaning have been chosen to invoke divine favor and protection for the child, reflecting the deep connection between naming practices and religious identity in Hebrew culture. The name represents not just a gift from God, but also the responsibility that comes with such a blessing, often given to children born after significant family events or challenges.



In traditional communities, the name serves as a constant reminder of God's presence and the special role each individual plays in the divine plan, connecting the bearer to centuries of spiritual tradition and the enduring values of faith, protection, and divine service that have characterized Jewish communities across generations and geographic dispersions. The name's persistence through various historical periods demonstrates its enduring cultural resonance and the ongoing importance of maintaining connections to Hebrew linguistic and spiritual roots in naming practices.
Paddy McGuinness has quit as host of Tempting Fortune.

Paddy McGuinness has quit Tempting Fortune

The 52-year-old presenter will not be returning to front the third series of the Channel 4 reality show - where people attempt to win a cash prize in the wilderness by avoiding temptations to spend money from the prize pot - due to other commitments.

Paddy said: "I am happy to be passing the baton on and the new host is in for a real treat because it's a great show. I will be sad to leave it, but with other commitments and enjoying more family time, I've had to make some difficult choices."

A Channel 4 spokeswoman added: "Paddy has been a brilliant host of Tempting Fortune, bringing his trademark humour to both series.

"We're grateful for everything he's brought to the show, and we totally understand that the filming commitment overseas is a big one and he is unable to join us for the next series."

Channel 4 has greenlit the third series of the programme - which will once again take place in Malaysia - and filming is set to begin early next year.

It is expected to be broadcast in either late 2026 or early 2027.

Paddy previously revealed that he secretly battled depression during his stint as host of the ITV dating show Take Me Out as he was "mentally burnt out" by his family's struggles with autism.

The star - whose three children Leo, Penelope and Felicity and ex-wife Christine McGuinness all have the neurodevelopmental condition - told Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcast: "Sometimes Id be in the dressing room with something on the phone at home and stressing about it.

"Then youd go out there and youd do the show and youd come off, and Id be knackered because Id mentally burnt out."

The former Top Gear host added his mind could make "everything worse" and "magnified" all of his problems.

He said: "I think your mind is a powerful tool. It makes everything worse. Every problem is magnified a million times, and I was always going worst case scenario of everything."

After Take Me Out ended in 2019, Paddy said he hoped the show would return in the future - though admitted the programmes format could now be problematic.

Speaking on the Table Manners podcast, he said: "I think the way things are at the world now, we live in a very strange time where if you're saying something jokey or something not serious or whatever, it gets taken out of context, put online, and there's a spin on everything."
Individuals named Moke are often perceived as strong, resilient, and deeply connected to their heritage and community. They tend to exhibit natural leadership qualities combined with a calm, steady demeanor that others find reassuring. Like the biblical Moses who led his people through challenges, those named Moke often show determination and the ability to guide others through difficult situations. Their strength is typically quiet rather than aggressive, reflecting the enduring power of natural elements.



They typically possess a strong connection to nature, particularly the ocean, reflecting the name's meaning of being 'drawn from water.' This connection often manifests as environmental awareness, love for outdoor activities, and a protective attitude toward natural resources. Their personality blends traditional values with practical wisdom, making them respected figures in their communities. Mokes are often seen as bridges between generations, honoring ancestral knowledge while navigating contemporary challenges with grace and purpose.
Individuals named Moketoveto are often perceived as having a calm, steady presence with deep-rooted strength and wisdom. They typically exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with a diplomatic nature, preferring to resolve conflicts through dialogue and understanding rather than confrontation. Their personality reflects the symbolic qualities of the black kettle - they are often the 'center' of their social circles, providing warmth, nourishment (both literal and emotional), and stability to those around them. These individuals tend to be deeply connected to their heritage and community, showing great respect for tradition while also possessing the adaptability to navigate modern challenges. They are often seen as peacemakers who value harmony and balance in all aspects of life, demonstrating patience and perseverance even in difficult circumstances. Their grounded nature and ability to bring people together make them natural community leaders and cultural guardians.
Individuals named Newell are often perceived as grounded, practical, and reliable. They tend to possess a strong sense of tradition and family values, combined with an innovative spirit that allows them to adapt to changing circumstances. Their connection to the meaning 'from the new hall' often manifests in a personality that balances respect for established structures with an openness to progress and improvement.



Newells typically exhibit leadership qualities and organizational skills, often taking on roles that require both stability and vision. They are known for their loyalty to family and community, much like the historical halls that served as centers of social life. While they may appear reserved initially, they reveal deep warmth and commitment to those they care about. Their practical nature makes them excellent problem-solvers who approach challenges with both traditional wisdom and contemporary insight.
Individuals named Nusa are often perceived as graceful, compassionate, and emotionally intelligent. They tend to possess a natural elegance in their demeanor and interactions, with a strong sense of empathy that allows them to connect deeply with others. Their grace extends beyond mere physical poise to include mental flexibility and the ability to navigate complex social situations with tact and understanding.



Nusas typically exhibit creative thinking and artistic sensibilities, often expressing themselves through various forms of art or communication. They are known for their diplomatic nature and ability to mediate conflicts, making them valuable in both personal and professional relationships. While they may appear reserved initially, they form deep, lasting bonds with those they trust and are often described as loyal friends and thoughtful companions who bring harmony to their surroundings.



These individuals often demonstrate resilience and adaptability, moving through challenges with a quiet strength that inspires others. Their combination of emotional depth and practical wisdom makes them natural counselors and trusted advisors in their communities.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Osric holds significant cultural importance as a name that bridges pre-Christian Germanic traditions with early English Christianity. Originating from Old English elements meaning 'god' and 'ruler,' it was borne by several Anglo-Saxon kings and nobles during the crucial period of England's conversion to Christianity. The name represents the fusion of Germanic warrior culture with Christian values, as many early Osrics were rulers who embraced and promoted Christianity in their kingdoms.



In Christian tradition, the name came to symbolize divinely appointed leadership and the responsibility of rulers to govern with godly wisdom. Several saints and martyrs named Osric further cemented its Christian significance, particularly in northern England where the name remained in use through the medieval period as a marker of noble Christian heritage. The name's appearance in Shakespeare's Hamlet also gave it literary prominence, ensuring its continued recognition in Western culture.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Ponce carries profound cultural significance spanning multiple civilizations and historical periods. Originating from the Latin 'Pontius', meaning 'fifth-born son', it first gained prominence in ancient Rome before becoming forever linked to Christianity through Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect who presided over Jesus' trial. This biblical association ensured the name's survival through the Middle Ages and its spread across Europe. In Spanish culture, Ponce became particularly significant during the Age of Exploration, epitomized by Juan Ponce de Leon, whose discoveries in the Caribbean and Florida cemented Spanish claims in the New World. The name represents the complex intersection of Roman administration, Christian tradition, and Spanish imperial ambition. In the Americas, Ponce became associated with founding settlements and establishing colonial infrastructure, while in French Canada, it took on literary significance through poet Ponce Cremazie. This multi-layered history makes Ponce a name that encapsulates European expansion, cultural transmission, and the blending of Old and New World identities.
The symbolic resonance of Symaethis extends far beyond its literal meaning as a river nymph, embodying profound metaphors about existence and transformation. As a personification of flowing water, she represents life's journeyconstant movement toward destinations while being shaped by and shaping the landscapes through which she passes. This mirrors human experience: we are both products of our environments and agents changing them. The freshwater aspect symbolizes purity, emotional clarity, and spiritual refreshment, suggesting someone or something that revitalizes and sustains. Her mythological role in the Acis and Galatea story adds layers of maternal protection, tragic love, and the intersection between different elemental realms (water meeting earth and sea). The geographical specificitybeing tied to Sicily's Symaethus Rivergrounds these abstract meanings in real landscape, representing how universal human experiences are always situated in particular places and cultures. Ultimately, Symaethis symbolizes the beautiful paradox of constancy within change, the nurturing power of nature, and the enduring connection between human stories and the physical world that contains them.
Symbolically, Syman represents the concept of the spiritual warrior who battles not with physical weapons but with faith, principle, and moral courage. The name embodies the archetype of the protectorsomeone who defends truth, justice, and community through inner strength and unwavering commitment. In Christian symbolism, it connects to the idea of fighting spiritual battles and standing firm in one's beliefs, much like the apostles who spread Christianity despite persecution. The warrior symbolism extends to resilience in facing life's challenges, the courage to uphold values in difficult circumstances, and the strength to protect what matters most. Syman also symbolizes the integration of faith and action, representing individuals who live their beliefs through dedicated service and principled stands. This rich symbolic meaning makes the name carry weight beyond its literal translation, encompassing ideals of courage, protection, faith, and moral fortitude.
Individuals named Tamma are often perceived as having a strong sense of integrity and moral clarity. They tend to be methodical, thorough, and detail-oriented, with a natural inclination toward perfectionism in their endeavors. This pursuit of excellence can manifest as high standards in both personal and professional contexts, making them reliable and trustworthy individuals who others often turn to for guidance and support.



Their completeness of character often translates into balanced decision-making and emotional stability. Tammas typically exhibit patience and perseverance, approaching challenges with systematic thinking rather than impulsive reactions. While their perfectionist tendencies can sometimes lead to self-criticism or high expectations of others, they generally maintain a compassionate understanding of human fallibility.



The name's association with wholeness often reflects in their ability to integrate different aspects of their personality seamlessly. They are frequently described as grounded individuals who maintain consistency between their values and actions. This integrity makes them excellent leaders and team members who can be counted on to follow through on commitments while maintaining ethical standards in all their interactions.
Symbolically, Terriss represents the powerful concept of legacy and the dramatic arc of human achievement. The name embodies the metaphor of the stage, where each generation plays its part in the ongoing theater of family history. As 'son of Terrence,' it symbolizes the transmission of qualities across generationsnot just biological inheritance but the passing down of character, values, and cultural memory. The theatrical associations add layers of meaning about performance as a fundamental human experience and storytelling as a way of preserving identity. The name suggests that life itself is a dramatic production where individuals both inherit their roles and improvise their performances. The tragic heroism associated with William Terriss introduces themes of immortality through memory and how legacies can be shaped by both achievement and circumstance. In a broader sense, Terriss symbolizes how names can serve as vessels carrying stories across time, connecting past achievements with future possibilities through the simple act of naming.
Film on development of China's highest county to hit screen

Xinhua) 09:40, December 09, 2025

LHASA, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- A film depicting the developmental journey of Tsonyi, China's highest-altitude county in Xizang Autonomous Region, is scheduled for nationwide release on Dec. 16.

Produced to mark the 60th founding anniversary of the autonomous region this year, the film named "Puruo Gangri" is jointly presented by the publicity departments of Xizang, Zhejiang Province and Nagqu City, of which Tsonyi County is under the jurisdiction. The title refers to the Purog Kangri Glacier in the county, the thickest glacier on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

With an average altitude surpassing 5,000 meters, Tsonyi County covers nearly 120,000 square km within the Changtang National Nature Reserve. The area has only about 40 percent of the oxygen found at sea level. Winters can last up to 10 months, with temperatures plunging as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius.

Through the story of young university student Tong Xiaofan and local herders, the film chronicles the county's transformation from its establishment to a recent ecological relocation program -- a move to improve people's living conditions and protect the fragile local ecosystem.

The crew filmed for 62 days at altitudes above 5,000 meters, with the highest shooting point reaching 5,800 meters.

"We overcame immense difficulties. This shoot was an ultimate challenge," said Cai Yu, co-director of the film, adding that many team members suffered from altitude sickness during production.

A remarkable scene features actor Ngawang Rinqen leaping into an icy river to rescue a drowning yak. With temperatures plummeting to minus 27 degrees Celsius at an altitude of 5,300 meters above sea level, hair would freeze within seconds of emerging from the water.

"For that scene, I spent over 40 minutes submerged in the icy river in total," said the Tibetan actor. "As a professional actor, I wanted to portray the real state of the prototype characters."

The film is based on the experiences of local officials and herders. One of the prototype figures, grassroots official Sangda Tsomo, expressed gratitude to the production team for bringing Tsonyi's story to the big screen.

"Tsonyi County has been my home for 15 years. Those glimmers of hope from the 'no-man's land' deserve to be remembered," she said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Richard Ayoade was "stressed" being locked in a dark room for "six hours" before he shot Last One Laughing.

Richard Ayoade did the 2025 series of Last One Laughing

Bosses of the Amazon Prime Video show - which challenges 10 comics not to crack a laugh as they spend time together in a house, with those failing being evicted - wanted its series one stars not to find out their cast members before filming started.

Richard - who did the programme with the likes of Bob Mortimer, 66, Joe Wilkinson, 50, Judi Love, 45, and 44 year old Sara Pascoe - told the Richard Herring podcast: "I found it very stressful to do, like a genuine adrenal level of full anxiety, which is almost my resting pulse, because they didn't want us to know who else was in the show.

"So we were in like blacked-out changing rooms for about six hours, which, if you're maybe a tiny bit on the neurotic scale of things, it's not ideal for a calm disposition going in.

"So I feel adrenalized and uncomfortable for a change."

Due to how "stressful" it was for the cast not to laugh, Richard, 48, cannot remember much about the show - hosted by comics Jimmy Carr, 53, and 46 year old Roisin Conaty.

Richard - who finished as runner-up - said: "It was odd because you have no real recollection of it because it's so stressful trying not to have any response.

"I have a lifetime's experience in not responding. But even so, I'm also counter-suggestible. So those two things started to conflict."

The star is thrilled that Bob won the programme - which is based on the Japanese show, Documental.

Richard said: "I think Bob was very well placed to win because he's very funny."

However, Bob struggled not to burst into fits of laughter.

He told press: "I thought it would be easy not to laugh," he said. "[I] spend most of my days not laughing, so I thought it would be easy, but it's so difficult! [It's] just a strange atmosphere, I was really struggling in the beginning."

Asked how he managed not to laugh, he added: "I just walked away. There was a few contestants [where] I just couldn't look at their faces, so I just veered away."

Last One Laughing is returning for a second series in 2026, and Bob will be back to defend his crown.

He will be joined by David Mitchell, 51, Diane Morgan, 50, Romesh Ranganathan, 47, Amy Gledhill, Maisie Adam, 31, Mel Giedroyc, 57, Alan Carr, 49, Gbemisola Ikumelo, 39, and 34 year old Sam Campbell.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Tevis holds significant cultural weight within Irish naming traditions, representing the deep connection between language, landscape, and identity in Celtic culture. Derived from the Irish word 'teeve' meaning hillside, it reflects the ancient practice of naming individuals after geographical features that defined their homeland. This practice was not merely descriptive but deeply spiritualhillsides in Irish folklore were often considered thin places where the physical and spiritual worlds intersected. The name carries echoes of Ireland's rugged topography and the Celtic reverence for natural formations that shaped daily life, agriculture, and settlement patterns. Historically, names like Tevis served as living maps of clan territories and regional identities, with each variation reflecting local dialects and topographical features. The preservation of such names through centuries of cultural change demonstrates their enduring importance in maintaining cultural continuity and ancestral connections. In modern Irish diaspora communities, names like Tevis serve as powerful links to heritage and landscape memory, keeping alive the linguistic and cultural traditions that might otherwise be lost to assimilation and globalization.
Individuals named Thuc are typically characterized by their thoughtful and observant nature. They possess a natural inclination toward introspection and analysis, often displaying remarkable perceptiveness in understanding people and situations. This awareness extends beyond mere observation to include deep emotional intelligence and the ability to read subtle social cues. Thucs are known for their calm demeanor and methodical approach to problem-solving, preferring to gather comprehensive information before making decisions.



Their conscientious nature makes them reliable and trustworthy individuals who take their responsibilities seriously. In social settings, they may appear reserved initially but reveal profound insights and wisdom once comfortable. They value meaningful conversations over superficial interactions and often serve as confidants and advisors to friends and family. Their combination of intellectual curiosity and emotional sensitivity allows them to excel in roles requiring both analytical thinking and interpersonal understanding, making them well-suited for leadership positions that demand both insight and compassion.
Women named Vartoughi typically exhibit a unique blend of traditional grace and modern strength that reflects their floral namesake. They often possess natural artistic talents and emotional intelligence, making them excellent communicators and creative problem-solvers. Like the rose that balances delicate beauty with protective thorns, Vartoughis combine outward elegance with inner resilience and determination. They tend to be deeply connected to their family and cultural roots, often serving as the emotional anchors in their social circles. Their personality typically includes strong intuition, compassion for others, and a quiet confidence that draws people to them. Many Vartoughis demonstrate leadership in subtle ways - through cultural preservation, community organizing, or artistic expression rather than overt authority. They often have a refined aesthetic sense and appreciate beauty in all forms, from art and music to nature and human relationships. Their strength lies in their ability to adapt while maintaining core values, much like the rose that adjusts to different environments while retaining its essential nature.
The personality associated with Wiellaby combines the steady reliability of a freshwater spring with the patient diligence of a farmer. Those bearing this name typically exhibit remarkable consistency and depth of character, often serving as stable anchors in their families and communities. Like the spring that flows regardless of surface conditions, Wiellabys tend to maintain emotional equilibrium during turbulent times, drawing from inner reserves of strength and wisdom. Their agricultural heritage manifests in practical intelligence, systematic thinking, and the ability to nurture projects and relationships through careful attention and timely intervention. Wiellabys often demonstrate what might be called 'seasonal wisdom' - understanding when to plant ideas, when to cultivate connections, and when to harvest opportunities. They typically value authenticity over appearance, substance over spectacle, and lasting impact over immediate gratification. While sometimes perceived as traditional or cautious, this stems from their respect for natural processes and understanding that meaningful growth requires proper foundations. Their greatest strength lies in transforming potential into reality through consistent, purposeful action - much like a farmer turning seeds into harvest through patient cultivation.
Symbolically, Yagil represents the profound human capacity for joy and celebration as active, transformative forces in life. The name embodies the concept that happiness is not merely a passive emotional state but something that can be cultivated, shared, and used to overcome adversity. It symbolizes resilience and the enduring human spirit that finds light even in darkness. In Jewish tradition, this connects to the idea of 'simcha shel mitzvah' - the joy of fulfilling commandments - suggesting that true joy comes from meaningful action and purpose. The name also carries connotations of hope and renewal, representing the belief that better times always lie ahead and that each generation has the potential to create new joy. Metaphorically, Yagil serves as a reminder that joy can be both a personal achievement and a communal gift, something to be developed within oneself and generously shared with others.
Zenon is a Greek male name meaning 'gift of Zeus' or derived from Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. It carries connotations of friendliness and hospitality, reflecting its connection to the divine protector of guests and strangers.

Cultural & Historical Significance

Zenon holds significant cultural importance as a name deeply rooted in ancient Greek philosophy and intellectual tradition. The most famous bearers, Zenon of Elea and Zenon of Citium, established foundational philosophical principles that influenced Western thought for centuries. Zenon of Elea's paradoxes challenged basic assumptions about reality and motion, while Zenon of Citium founded Stoicism, which became one of the most enduring philosophical systems emphasizing virtue, reason, and acceptance of fate.



The name carries the weight of intellectual rigor and philosophical depth, representing the Greek ideal of pursuing wisdom and understanding through reasoned inquiry. Throughout history, the name has been associated with scholarly pursuits and intellectual achievement, maintaining its classical dignity while adapting to modern contexts. The cultural legacy of Zenon continues to inspire those interested in philosophy, logic, and the enduring questions of human existence.
Zeta is the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet and carries the symbolic meaning of being last or final in sequence. The name evokes concepts of completion and mathematical elegance while maintaining a distinctly feminine character.

Cultural & Historical Significance

Zeta holds significant cultural importance as the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet, representing the sound 'z'. In ancient Greek numerology, zeta had the value of 7, connecting it to mystical and philosophical concepts. The name gained broader recognition through its use in mathematics and science, particularly in the Riemann zeta function, which has profound implications in number theory.



In modern times, Zeta has evolved from its purely alphabetical origins to become a distinctive feminine given name, often chosen for its mathematical elegance and unique sound. The name carries connotations of sophistication and intelligence, reflecting its academic and scientific associations while maintaining a distinctly feminine character. Its usage spans across cultures, appealing to those who appreciate its classical roots and contemporary appeal.
Looking for a page-turner to curl up with over the winter break? Look no further. Emory faculty give the scoop on favorite books they read for pleasure this year and what made them so enthralling.

Julio Medina, assistant professor, Dance and Movement Studies Program

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Mexican Gothic is a lush, suspenseful novel that blends eerie horror with glamorous 1950s style. It follows Noemi Taboada, a sharp, rebellious socialite who travels to a remote mansion in the Mexican countryside after receiving a disturbing letter from her newly married cousin. What begins as a simple family concern quickly spirals into a chilling mystery involving a strange, oppressive household, unsettling dreams and secrets buried deep within the decaying estate.

Combining atmospheric tension with rich historical and cultural detail, the book delivers a captivating read for anyone who enjoys haunting stories, strong heroines and gothic thrills. Moreno-Garcia hooks readers with vivid descriptions and a quick pace. I loved it so much that I kept reading it after my newborns birth, in the late hours and early mornings of autumn.

Didem Uca, assistant professor, German Studies

Detective Aunty: a Novel by Uzma Jalaluddin

Perhaps in a quest for the justice that often eludes us in real life, I have recently become obsessed with the cozy mystery, a genre in which an amateur sleuth somewhat haphazardly solves the whodunnit whilst baking scones or running a bookshop.

Uzma Jalaluddins Detective Aunty brings the coziness while also providing commentary on how society treats aging women. It is also an uplifting, yet realistic view of a familys resilience in the face of grief.

Our gumshoe, Pakistani-Canadian grandmother and recent widow Kausar Khan, has been underestimated and overlooked, leading her to develop keen observational skills. When her daughter becomes the primary murder suspect after the victims body is found in her Toronto clothing boutique, Kausar will stop at nothing to find the true culprit. Funny, charming, and full of rich cultural details, Jalaluddins novel will keep you on your toes! Im already looking forward to the sequel, Moonlight Murder, coming out next March.

Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays by Mary Oliver

Even the poetry skeptics among us can appreciate the singular thrill of a work by Mary Oliver, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and National Book Award. This collection takes wing with Olivers famous poem Wild Geese, and continues with meditations on different species. Each piece, delivered with her signature lyrical gut punch and life-affirming style, leads us to wonder how much we understand, and are understood by, the natural world around us. My backyard is home to jays, woodpeckers, cardinals, owls and the occasional hawk, and when I look out and see them, whether perched or in flight, Olivers verses ring in my ears.

The final lines of the opening poem describes the act of writing and witnessing  and, in my view, the raison d'etre for a liberal arts education:

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.

Jonathan Master, associate professor, Department of Classics and director, Emorys Voluntary Core Curriculum Program

Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather

The book I most enjoyed reading in 2025 is Willa Cathers Death Comes for the Archbishop, published in 1927. More than anything else, the novels description of the dry and rugged landscape of the Southwest absorbed me. Within that seemingly unchanging geography, Cather stages a confrontation of old and new world cultures, with the Catholic Church on the one hand and the Indigenous peoples, especially the Navajo, on the other.

Although the novel centers on a French priest sent to oversee a diocese in mid-to-late-19th-century New Mexico, Cather integrates many historical figures and events into the story. These include Kit Carson, a frontiersman of the West who, along with the railroad, symbolizes the relentless and indomitable expansion of the United States. Theres also Manuelito, the real-life Navajo chief who led the resistance to American expansion, and the horrific Long Walk of the Navajo to their brief but catastrophic stay at Bosque Redondo in eastern New Mexico. Though Cather wrote the novel nearly 100 years ago, she was already looking back on a West that no longer existed.

Sarah Higinbotham, associate professor, English, Oxford College

Bleak House by Charles Dickens

I reread Charles Dickens Bleak House this year. Then I brought 43 Oxford College first-year students overseas for the fall semester, the first group of students in our Oxford Launch: London program. There, I taught them Dickens opening chapter of this novel, including a famous passage describing fog: fog everywhere, fog in the eyes and throats, fog at the very heart of the law courts where justice ought to be.

Together, we walked the very same streets Dickens walked while writing his novel, and it changed how I understand what teaching is.

Teaching, it turns out, is mostly about time  the gift of it, and the luxury of sitting together long enough to wrestle with great sentences until they crack open. To read that fog passage aloud and then read it again, slower. To let Dickens syntax pile up like the fog itself until you feel the weight of it, the moral pressure of all that atmosphere. To have nowhere else to be but inside the question of how a writer turns weather into vision, how Londons air becomes an ethos.

When I was my Oxford students age, I had a teacher who gave me that kind of time. When I taught this fall, I felt my former teacher in the classroom with us: not as memory, but as method, a way of seeing that hed planted so deeply within me, it felt like sight itself. The raw afternoon is rawest, and the dense fog is densest, Dickens wrote, and what my teacher taught me was to stand in that fog without rushing through it  not because clarity always comes, but because that patient attention, that willingness to contemplate whats dense and difficult, is itself the teaching.
In recent years, ethanols role as a climate-friendly biofuel has faced increasing scrutiny, raising questions about what the fuel is and where it comes from, its environmental impacts, and why it matters as an energy source.

Tom Rogers, professor of labor and environmental history in Emory College of Arts and Sciences, explores some of those questions in his new book, Ethanol: A Hemispheric History for the Future of Biofuels, co-authored with Jeffrey Manuel.

In this Q&A, Rogers discusses his research on Brazil and how understanding ethanols transnational history can explain the fuels capacity as a renewable energy source. Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

What initially sparked your research interest in Brazil and, later, ethanol and its history?

I went to Brazil. For my graduate program, I needed to learn Portuguese. Because I was learning the language, I started to read more of the history that hadn't been translated into English or produced here.

Brazil accounts for half of the sugar that gets bought around the world, but even with that kind of dominance, half of the sugar cane is not going into making sugar. It makes fuel that people can drive around on. I became really interested in ethanol, and my colleague Danny LaChance [associate professor of history], introduced me to Jeff Manuel, who teaches at Southern Illinois University. Jeff wanted to do a history of U.S. ethanol production. We realized that ethanols development is a transnational story, and if its the same story, maybe we should tell it together.

Some people believe that ethanol is a more climate-friendly alternative to gasoline. Why is that a misconception?

We went into this project thinking that, among other things, we were going to achieve some clean answers to questions like that. It turns out that there are not actually neat answers, which makes the book interesting and complex.

Most environmental organizations will tell you that ethanol is terrible. Vast monocultural corn cultivation in the United States is not good for our ecosystems. On the other hand, if youre measuring ethanol against petroleum products, those products are environmental threats as well. We found that a lot of people say ethanol might be treated as a bridge fuel for energy transition.

On an emissions basis, ethanol is better than gasoline, but emissions dont capture all of the environmental impacts. One of the main sources of contention between the ethanol industry and its opponents, for instance, is how to measure land use impacts. Its highly political, and that can be analyzed.

Why do the United States and Brazil produce so much of the worlds ethanol supply, as opposed to other countries? What factors drive their success in production?

Its partly that the United States and Brazil already held big sectors in ethanol-creating crops: corn for the U.S. and sugar cane for Brazil. Any industry wants co-products that it can mix and match, then sell and maximize market advantage.

Its also not incidental that these are two of the countries with the largest arable potential in the world. Theyve got more farmland than anywhere else and produce something like 88% of the worlds ethanol. At the same time, they have pursued the creation of a global market.

With new biofuels in development, what is the relationship between the U.S. and Brazils ethanol production like today? How have recent sanctions and tariffs impacted that relationship?

The United States had a tariff against Brazilian ethanol that made it impractical for Brazil to export ethanol into the United States. That only ended in 2011. The most recent tariffs have probably not really affected the ethanol industry because in Brazil, theyre mainly consuming their own ethanol.

How do you bring your research into the courses that you teach on campus?

There have been real moments of biofuel expansion that have come at the expense of keeping up with food production. There was a spur in biofuel production in the late 2000s that started to create commodity price spikes and made it harder for people to eat. The World Bank famously leaked a memo about that in 2008. Those episodes are important to my course, The History of Hunger, and I draw directly on my research to bring them in.

What facts or statistics came up in your research that surprised you?

What surprised Jeff and me was how consistently interlinked the United States and Brazil were as the biofuel industry grew in both places. We talked to the former minister of agriculture in Brazil. It didnt surprise us at all that he was buddies with U.S. politicians and that he'd hosted them at his place  hes a global politician. But then you get down to the individual farmer level and see that they have these connections, too. Theyve got a network of Brazilian friends and vice versa.

It was the volume and consistency of the connections that surprised us.
Medics rushed to Shaun Ryder's rescue after his face was badly swollen from mosquito bites on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in 2010.

Shaun Ryer on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in 2010

His experience on the ITV Australia-based jungle survival show was not an easy ride as he also got bitten by a snake in a terrifying Bushtucker Trial, which saw the slithery creature wrapped its jaw around the Happy Mondays frontman's hand.

Shaun - who finished as runner-up to 36-year-old TV personality Stacey Solomon - recalled to The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "I got really bad mosquito bites when I was in the jungle. My face swelled so much that medics had to come to my rescue.

"I also got badly bitten by a snake. But I survived."

And the problems continued when Shaun, 63, took part in I'm A Celebrity...South Africa in 2023 - the all-stars series that sees memorable campmates from series past relive camp life and compete in gruesome challenges.

Shaun - who had his hip replaced in summer 2019 - was left in agony after his hip replacement popped out whilst he slept, but he was OK after he pushed the joint back in himself.

The Step On hitmaker - who got his show co-star, former royal butler Paul Burrell, 67, to assist him with putting his hip back in place - remembered: "My hip came out. I was down on one of the low beds. And I dived out, forgetting where I was, and my hip just went boom.

"I screamed and woke the whole camp up. And I had to stick it back in straight away. It's a titanium hip. But it just comes out."

And Shaun had to also grin and bear the pain of blisters in his mouth.

He added: "A couple of my implanted teeth were sticking into the side of my mouth, too. So I had blisters every time I opened my mouth. They really did cause me a lot of hassle.

"I think my teeth went from the crystal meth and crack cocaine."

Despite the medical mishaps, Shaun was delighted to do I'm A Celebrity...South Africa.

In 2023, he said: "I wouldnt have swapped it for the world."
India has emerged as the global leader in IPO issuance as the top five global IPOs in October collectively mobilized over USD 10 billion, of which two were from India, highlighted a report by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). According to the report, the global IPO market saw significant fundraising activity during the month, despite geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties and financial market volatility. A total of 139 companies across the globe raised USD 22 billion through IPOs. Verisure, registered in the UK, recorded the largest IPO of the month, raising more than USD 4.2 billion, making it Europe's biggest IPO since 2022. This was followed by Tata Capital, which listed on domestic exchanges and raised USD 1.7 billion. Overall, the top five IPOs collectively mobilized over USD 10 billion, with two issuances originating from India. The report stated, "Despite global headwinds such as geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties and financial market volatility, India's primary markets lead the world in IPO issuances". The report noted that India's primary markets continued to lead the world in IPO issuances, followed by China and Japan. Asian markets maintained dominance in both IPO value and volume. During the month, Europe overtook the US to become the second-largest region in terms of funds mobilized. October 2025 marked a milestone month for the Indian IPO landscape. The high-profile listings of Tata Capital Limited and LG Electronics India Limited propelled IPO fund mobilization to a record Rs 41,783 crore, surpassing the previous monthly high of Rs 36,305 crore recorded in November 2021. The month also witnessed a notable rise in the Offer for Sale (OFS) component, which accounted for 73 per cent of the total funds raised through mainboard IPOs, surpassing the previous monthly high recorded in July 2025. In contrast, the OFS component in SME IPOs stood at 4 per cent during the month. Regionally, the Western Region maintained its dominance both in terms of the number of IPO and rights issuances and the total amount raised. With 29 out of the total 63 issues, the region mobilized Rs 19,847 crore during the month. The strong domestic investor participation and resilient market sentiment have helped India fortify its position as a global leader in IPO activity. (ANI)
VMPL New Delhi [India], December 9: Veganuary - the global campaign to try vegan for January and beyond - is today launching its 2026 campaign, titled "New Year, Same You". Since launching in India in 2022, Veganuary has had wide success, and more than 140,000 Indians have already signed up for the 2026 campaign. With "New Year, Same You", Veganuary is flipping the usual New Year narrative on its head. Instead of pushing people to become someone "better", Veganuary reminds people that taking part does not require changing who they are - just making a few simple swaps that naturally fit into their everyday lives. Prashanth Vishwanath, India Director of Veganuary, says: "Veganuary has never been about being perfect, and you do not need to reinvent yourself to take part. Most people already love animals, care about their health, and are thinking about how to live more lightly on the planet. This January, we are here to help you make small shifts that reflect what you already care about most. It is less about changing, and more about returning to who you already are." Whether someone is a foodie, fitness enthusiast, animal advocate or nature lover, Veganuary welcomes everyone to take part in their own way. To help people trying vegan for the first time, Veganuary has released an official list of 31 prompts. Participants can use these as daily inspiration in their journey to eat more plant-based. Prashanth notes: "When I had just turned vegan 13 years ago, my most difficult challenge was 'What do I make for the next meal?' Most people slip up not because there are not enough vegan options, but because they are not planned. This list of prompts allows people to be inspired in the kitchen, try new recipes, and explore new options while eating out. Not your usual New Year's resolution which is all sweat and no fun." Another new feature this year is that all of Veganuary's free 31-day support emails, recipes, meal plans and cookbooks are available in Hindi. Prashanth says: "We are an inclusive and ambitious organisation that wants to take veganism mainstream. Over the last four years, we have seen a lot of interest in trying vegan from Hindi-speaking regions. Indians also recognise that many of our daily staples are vegan. To help showcase these and to reach more people, we have introduced all our 10+ free resources in Hindi, which anyone can access by signing up on the Veganuary website." Notes to editors Veganuary is free to join, and people can take part at veganuary.com to receive our Celebrity eCookbook, Plant Protein eCookbook, the official Veganuary starter kit and 31 daily emails packed with nutritional information, delicious recipes, meal plans and helpful advice. Since Veganuary launched its first pledge in January 2014, millions of people - from almost every country in the world - have taken part. It has truly become a global phenomenon. (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.)
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 9: ParadigmIT and Pathsetter AI, pioneers in AI-driven digital transformation and sovereign AI infrastructure, announced the appointment of Som Prakash Satsangi as a Non-Executive Board Member and Strategic Advisor. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the company's mission to build secure, scalable, high-impact, world-class AI platforms that transform industries, public sector institutions and capital projects to enable national-scale impact.

A veteran of India's technology ecosystem, Som brings over four decades of experience in Enterprise technology, Digital transformation, and Strategic leadership. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President & Managing Director at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) India, where he led one of India's largest technology organizations - driving growth, scaling operations, forging high-impact strategic partnerships, and delivering award-winning performance.

An influential voice in shaping India's technology landscape, Som Satsangi has served as the Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) India, and contributed actively to major industry and policy platforms including NASSCOM, CII, USISPF, and the World Economic Forum's South Asia Working Group. He continues to champion India's digital transformation agenda, advocating for innovation-led growth and global competitiveness.

In his role with ParadigmIT and Pathsetter AI, Som will provide strategic guidance across key areas including:

* Public sector and mission-critical market expansion* AI enablement of national infrastructure and capital projects * Enterprise AI transformation and go-to-market strategy* Organizational scaling, leadership development, and governance* Long-term growth and value creation initiatives

Speaking on the appointment, Sridhar Gadhi, Founder & Chairman, said, "Som's deep understanding of enterprise transformation and national digital priorities will significantly accelerate our journey. His strategic insight will help us take our flagship AI platforms to the right users and deliver meaningful impact across industries. His belief in India as a global innovation powerhouse aligns with our mission, and his expertise will be pivotal as Pathsetter AI advances the Alfred platform to drive greater efficiency in capital projects."

Commenting on his appointment, Som Satsangi said, "ParadigmIT and Pathsetter AI are redefining the frontiers of digital transformation combining deep technology, mission-critical use cases with national impact. I look forward to supporting their vision of building India-led innovations with global relevance and long-term value."

This strategic appointment further strengthens ParadigmIT and Pathsetter AI's mission to build secure, sovereign and globally competitive AI platforms that drive measurable outcomes, unlock new capabilities, and transform the future of enterprise and government operations.

(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)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 9: Tata ClassEdge Limited (TCE), a trusted name in academic and digital learning solutions for schools across India, today announced a strategic association with Enlearning Skill Development Limited (ENpower), a leading provider of curriculum-integrated, skills-first experiential learning solutions. As part of this collaboration, TCE will take a strategic equity stake in ENpower, reinforcing a shared vision to transform education through innovation and skill-based learning. This association reflects TCE's commitment to advancing progressive educational programs nationwide. Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. K.R.S. Jamwal, Executive Director, Tata Industries Limited, and Chairman, Tata ClassEdge, said, "My congratulations to Tata ClassEdge and ENpower on this collaboration as it significantly strengthens what schooling can offer beyond traditional academics. For the world of tomorrow, of AI and Robotics, and how learning will evolve, the integration of life skills, critical thinking and exposure to entrepreneurship in the school curriculum is increasingly critical." Transforming School Learning The alliance brings together ENpower's expertise in practical, entrepreneurship-led learning with TCE's strong presence in school education to create meaningful and impactful solutions for K-12 learners. The joint effort will focus on enhancing classroom engagement, fostering creativity, and building critical skills that connect academics to real-world applications. Sharing his perspective on the collaboration, Mr. Sushil Mungekar, Promoter and Director of ENpower, said, "Partnering with Tata ClassEdge is a significant milestone for us. It strengthens our ability to innovate and offer a comprehensive skill-learning ecosystem to Indian schools that makes learning engaging, experiential and empowering for every student and prepares them for the future." Through this initiative, ENpower will work closely with TCE to align its programmes with educational practices and quality benchmarks. Both organisations share a common goal of empowering schools and educators with tools and resources that make learning more interactive, inclusive, and future-ready. Adding further, Mr. Tarun Bhojwani, CEO of Tata ClassEdge, said, "Education today needs to go beyond textbooks and exams. Our strategic stake in ENpower reflects our confidence in their vision and their ability to deliver forward-thinking learning approaches at scale. Together, we aim to create meaningful learning experiences that equip students with practical skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world." Areas of Collaborative Focus The collaboration will enable change across several critical dimensions of learning, skilling and employability: - Experiential Learning Programs: Develop and implement skill-based modules that integrate seamlessly with school curricula. - Teacher Enablement: Provide training and resources to educators for effective delivery of the learning modules. - Student Engagement: Create platforms and initiatives that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship among school students. Reflecting on the broader impact, Mr. Arvind Narayanan, Co-Promoter and Director of ENpower, commented, "This collaboration is about creating opportunities for learners to think critically and creatively. We are excited to work with Tata ClassEdge to scale skill programs across schools nationwide." By strengthening the ecosystem for skill development in schools, this initiative ensures that learners receive practical exposure alongside academic learning. Working together, ENpower and TCE are committed to shaping confident, capable, and future-ready individuals. Tata ClassEdge Limited, a subsidiary of Tata Industries Limited, ensures seamless adoption of its academic solutions, making the transition to digital teaching and learning effortless for schools. Backed by the Tata Group's enduring commitment to education, the company's innovations in pedagogy, technology, and content create engaging, meaningful, and impactful learning experiences for students nationwide. Enlearning Skill Development Limited (ENpower), an ed-tech company built by professionals turned entrepreneurs, has built a comprehensive, experiential and gamified learning ecosystem enabling schools, educators, corporate partners and government to come on a common platform to nurture 21st Century Life Skills, entrepreneurial skills, tech skills of the future and design thinking among school children. The company has been on a mission of empowering today's children to be change drivers of the future who strive to better their lives and world around them. (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)
New York, US (PANA) - The UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said that Israeli police raided its compound in East Jerusalem early on Monday, representing a new challenge to international law
US President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, said on Truth Social that he informed Chinese President Xi Jinping that the United States will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China under conditions meant to keep national security strong. Trump said on his social media platform that President Xi "responded positively," adding that 25 per cent will be paid to the USA. He said the move will support American jobs, strengthen manufacturing, and help taxpayers. "I have informed President Xi, of China, that the United States will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China, and other Countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong National Security. President Xi responded positively! $25% will be paid to the United States of America. This policy will support American Jobs, strengthen US," the post said. In the post, Trump also said the earlier policies forced the US to spend billions on "degraded" products that nobody wanted. "The Biden Administration forced our Great Companies to spend BILLIONS OF DOLLARS building 'degraded' products that nobody wanted, a terrible idea that slowed Innovation, and hurt the American Worker. That Era is OVER! We will protect National Security," he said. According to Trump, NVIDIA's customers in the United States are already working with their advanced Blackwell chips and will later use Rubin chips. He said these products are not part of the arrangement with China. "NVIDIA's U.S. Customers are already moving forward with their incredible, highly advanced Blackwell chips, and soon, Rubin, neither of which are part of this deal. My Administration will always put America FIRST," he said. In the post, Trump also said the Department of Commerce is finalizing the details of the policy. He noted that the same approach will apply to AMD, Intel, and others that operate in the semiconductor industry. (ANI)
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], December 9: As Indian organizations dramatically increase the number of conferences, exhibitions, learning sessions, employee engagements and product activations they conduct each quarter, the event management sector is undergoing a structural transition. What was once a seasonal requirement has now become a continuous operational function. Responding to this shift, Utsoraa founded by Shilpa Biswas has introduced an innovative, hybrid model aimed at reducing the uncertainty, delays and fragmentation that companies routinely face when executing frequent events.

Industry analysts point out that while the overall sector is expanding, the core pressures lie in compressed timelines, rising quality expectations and the need for consistent delivery across multiple touchpoints. Many organizations continue to depend on fragmented vendor networks for planning, staffing, production and equipment, often resulting in logistical gaps. Utsoraa's approach consolidates these functions into a single predictable workflow offering planning, execution, coordination and access to essential infrastructure under one integrated system.

A central component of Utsoraa's strategy is the development of a service + listing + resource ecosystem, designed to make professional-grade event infrastructure accessible beyond traditional agency boundaries. The platform will support:

* Companies with recurring or quarterly engagement calendars* Event professionals requiring dependable last-minute resources

* Competing agencies seeking equipment without long procurement cycles* Individuals wishing to self-manage events without hiring a full agency

Founder Shilpa Biswas notes the shift is not optional but inevitable: "The industry is accelerating faster than the systems that support it. When timelines shrink, reliability becomes the real currency. Access to essential equipment whether planned weeks ahead or required the same day can determine how smoothly an event runs."

She adds, "Utsoraa is being built to strengthen the ecosystem. If organizers of any scale can execute confidently because the backbone infrastructure is stable, the entire industry moves forward."

With Pune, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane evolving into dense corporate and institutional corridors, demand for structured, accountable event operations is expected to grow significantly through 2026. Utsoraa's model reflects this direction, offering a foundational system for organisations seeking reliability in both large-format conferences and high-frequency micro-events.

As India's engagement landscape continues to evolve, Utsoraa positions itself as part of the next phase of event operations focused on access, consistency and a stronger industry infrastructure for all stakeholders.

(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.)
Ozonetel, an industry-leading provider of the unified customer experience intelligence platform oneCXi, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Locobuzz, an enterprise leader in digital customer experience management with AI at the core. This partnership brings together Ozonetel's AI-first Omnichannel CCaaS platform with Locobuzz's social AI-powered CX stack - creating a CX singularity where social, digital, and voice journeys converge across the complete customer lifecycle. According to company information, as digital adoption accelerates, brands across retail, e-commerce, BFSI, telecom, and hospitality are prioritizing unified customer journeys across social, digital, and voice. Fragmented CX slows engagement and limits opportunity, while on the other hand, integrated platforms like the Ozonetel-Locobuzz ecosystem deliver stronger interactions, faster resolutions, and deeper personalization. This partnership is the first to solve CX fragmentation end-to-end, bringing every touchpoint into one unified agent workspace. Social conversations, digital interactions, and voice calls converge with full customer context, creating seamless, intelligence-led engagement that boosts conversions, speeds resolutions, and strengthens retention. Leading brands including Axis Bank, HDB Financials, Toyota, and Dish TV already rely on both platforms. Together, the ecosystem now unlocks a new class of integrated CX outcomes for enterprises of all sizes. Enterprises choosing unified CX orchestration over multi-tool stacks see measurable operational and financial gains. * Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)Brands can reduce 20-30% cost in software, integrations, and maintenance by bringing together voice, digital, and social stacks in a single, connected hub. * Higher Agent Productivity & Lower Resolution CostsUnified workspaces boost agent efficiency by 12-25% and reduce cost per resolution by 8-15% through complete context and zero channel switching. * Faster Response & Higher CSATIntegrated journeys deliver up to 30% faster responses and 10-15% higher satisfaction as context stays intact across touchpoints. * Higher Conversion & RetentionConsistent, connected interactions drive up to 20% higher conversions and as much as 25% stronger retention. The integration is designed to transform the way brands manage end-to-end customer experience with: 1. One Workspace, All Channels: Voice calls, social comments, WhatsApp messages, chats, and emails land in one unified console. Agents get complete customer context before responding, reducing effort for both sides.2. Unified Customer Journey: Customers move seamlessly from voice to digital to social channels without losing context, enabling smarter and data-driven next actions.3. One Intelligence Layer: AI synthesizes millions of conversations, behavioral signals, and social insights in real time. Agents receive recommendations, summaries, sentiment intelligence, and cues that guide every interaction like a CX Copilot.4. One Source of Truth for All Teams: Marketing, Sales, Support, and Product operate with shared insights and shared context. Every team sees the same customer history, improving personalization, coordination, and lifecycle management. According to company information, together, Locobuzz and Ozonetel are set to disrupt a market already growing at 17.4% CAGR and projected to reach $150 billion globally by 2030- laying the foundation for the next era of CX, defined by intelligence, seamless integration, and measurable business outcomes. The collaboration will continue to advance AI, smart automation, and lifecycle orchestration, enabling enterprises to deliver greater value to their customers. "Brands today want more than just multi-channel presence - they want continuity, context, and intelligence across every interaction. Our collaboration with Locobuzz brings the power of unified social, digital, and voice journeys to the forefront. By embedding Ozonetel's CCaaS capabilities within the Locobuzz platform, we are giving enterprises a single, intelligent workspace for managing the entire customer lifecycle. This is a major step toward creating a truly unified customer experience ecosyste," said Atul Sharma, Co-founder & CEO, Ozonetel "Great CX isn't complicated. Show up at the right moment, understand the full story, and respond with intent. This partnership scales that simplicity across every touchpoint. With Locobuzz powering the intelligence layer and Ozonetel adding the voice layer, brands finally get a single, unified engine that delivers smooth, connected, high-impact experiences without the usual fragmentation," said Vishal Agarawal, Co-founder & CEO, Locobuzz According to comany information, Ozonetel is an industry-leading provider of unified customer experience intelligence platform (oneCXi) that helps enterprises engage, convert, and retain customers, at scale. Locobuzz is an AI-powered CX platform that unifies social, digital, reviews, messaging, and automation into one intelligent engine that helps brands listen deeper, respond faster, and build relationships at scale. (ANI)
India's top 100 listed companies have posted an average score of 7.22 out of 10 on voluntary corporate disclosures, reflecting steady progress but also revealing significant gaps in governance, diversity and cyber readiness, according to the India Disclosure Index 2025 released by FTI Consulting. The index evaluates non-financial disclosures across leadership, governance, risk preparedness, sustainability and workforce transparency. The assessment is based on publicly available information from annual reports, Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) filings and corporate websites reviewed between July and September 2025. IT, technology and telecom companies emerged as the top performers with an average score of 8.5, buoyed by stronger cyber-risk practices and detailed climate-transition reporting. They were followed by the food, beverage and agriculture sector, which registered an average score of 7.9. In contrast, banks, financial services, pharmaceutical and healthcare firms ranked among the lowest-performing sectors. These companies were found to have inconsistent disclosures relating to governance quality, board evaluations, inclusion parameters and regulatory preparedness. Twelve out of the 100 companies scored 9 or above, with Varun Beverages achieving a perfect 10, while Vedanta and Nestle India followed at 9.75. Several corporates, including Varun Beverages, Nestle India, Maruti Suzuki and Asian Paints, recorded significant year-on-year improvements. However, seasoned performers such as Bharti Airtel and Infosys saw slight declines due to the index's expanded methodological framework introduced this year. The report highlights that 76% of companies now disclose strategic considerations around geopolitical risks, AI-driven transformation and demographic trends. Yet, governance gaps persist, with three in four companies still not conducting independent third-party board evaluations. On shareholder responsiveness, 92 per cent of firms now offer proxy or e-voting options for AGMs and EGMs, indicating broad adoption of digital governance tools. Workforce diversity disclosures remain uneven. Only 47 per cent of companies report having at least 20 per cent women employees, though most firms do have two or more women directors. A mere 23 per cent disclose employing 1 per cent or more differently-abled workers. Additionally, 61 per cent report resolving all POSH complaints, marking improvement in workplace conduct transparency. Climate-related disclosures showed notable advancement, with 84 per cent outlining a Net Zero or green-transition plan. Scope 1 and 2 emissions reporting is now widespread, and Scope 3 disclosures are steadily rising. However, 16 per cent of companies continue to provide minimal or no climate preparedness information. Cyber preparedness remains a concern, with breach disclosures slipping to 78 per cent from 83 per cent in 2023. The report notes that 28 per cent of companies do not disclose regular cyber audits, while 32 per cent lack clarity on dedicated cyber-governance roles, raising questions about market-wide readiness for escalating cyber threats. While 78 per cent of companies demonstrate strong vendor due-diligence processes, a quarter lag in supply-chain resilience disclosures. The report stresses that although Indian corporates are increasingly aligning with global transparency expectations, substantial improvement is needed in board independence, workforce inclusion, and cybersecurity governance. (ANI)
PRNewswire Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 9: The Case Research Center (CRC) at ICFAI Business School (IBS) Hyderabad is proudly celebrating 25 Years of Global Case Writing Excellence, marking a major milestone in its history as a world-leading hub for management case development. The CRC has consistently secured a place among the top institutions globally, reinforcing its status as a vital contributor to business education. The center's prominence on the global stage is undeniable. The CRC now ranks third in the world, positioned just after Harvard Business School and INSEAD as per The Case Centre Impact Index 2025, which measures the global reach of case writing. This remarkable success is complemented by its extensive library of over 7,000 cases adopted by more than 900 business schools in over 90 countries. Overall, the CRC's work has garnered more than 150 national and international awards, including the 'Thought Leadership Award' in 2017, further solidifying its reputation for excellence. The relevance of the CRC's material is key to its success. Covering a wide range of contemporary business issues, including digital transformation, sustainability, corporate governance, marketing, and human resource management, the cases equip students with practical knowledge. In 2024, several CRC cases, such as 'Digital Transformation at Starbucks' and 'Apple's Green Bonds,' achieved bestseller status. Furthermore, over 300 of their cases have been featured in leading international textbooks. IBS authors consistently receive recognition, with two authors winning the Ethics and Social Responsibility trophy in 2024 for their insightful case on the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal. Why Case Studies Are Important: A Powerful Teaching Tool The case method is an incredibly powerful teaching tool, widely used at leading business schools globally. Cases challenge assumptions, test theories, and debate solutions in the classroom, a process that develops essential work and life skills and ultimately enhances student employability. This commitment to practical learning directly benefits students across the 9 IBS Campuses, where the teaching model follows a 100% case-based approach. This ensures students gain a practical and deep understanding of real-world business challenges by engaging with an average of 240 business cases over the two-year management program. Prospective students looking to join the IBS campuses for the MBA/PGPM 2026-28 program should apply through the IBSAT 2025 application. The last date to apply for IBSAT 2025 is December 19th. Visit ibsindia.org Contact Us:IBS Admission OfficePlot No. 65, Nagarjuna HillsPunjagutta, Hyderabad - 500082TelanganaPh: 040 - 23440963 (5 lines)Toll Free :1800 425 55 66 77E-mail: ibsat@ibsindia.org Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2841508/IBS_CRC_2025.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1023356/5662724/IBS_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) will organise Business Expo-2025 in Vijayawada from January 12 to 15, bringing together industries, government departments and young entrepreneurs on one platform. The event aims to highlight opportunities in Andhra Pradesh and provide guidance to those looking to enter business. AP Chamber of Commerce President Potluri Bhaskar Rao told ANI that the expo will be the second edition of the AP Chambers Business Expo at the SS Convention in Vijayawada. He said AP Chambers improved the format after last year's edition. Rao explained that the expo goes beyond product displays and brings different subjects together in one space. He said the event will host six sector-based seminars on manufacturing, including MSMEs, tourism and hospitality, emerging sunrise sectors in Andhra Pradesh, agriculture and food processing, ports and logistics, and women's entrepreneurship. He said each session will include ministers, bureaucrats and experts from across the country. Rao said cultural programmes will take place in the evenings to increase participation. "Last time, it was 30,000 footfall. This time we are trying to see that around 40,000 at least will be reached," he said. According to him, the larger purpose is to promote Andhra Pradesh's opportunities. He said the state's industrial environment is positive under the leadership of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. He added that the expo is being held in collaboration with the state government, and unlike last year, five to six government departments will also set up pavilions. He listed AP MSME, food processing, AP TDC tourism, pollution department and AP IIC among those preparing to showcase policies and investment avenues. Rao said the expo will also offer companies a chance to launch new products. He said four to five firms have already requested slots. Space will also be available for startups to present their ideas. He said the expo will be helpful for entrepreneurs in and around Vijayawada, as well as postgraduate and MBA students seeking to understand business models. He added that the event aligns with the Chief Minister's idea of "one entrepreneur for one family." Rao said nearly 50 stalls have been booked by food processing companies, offering ideas women can adopt easily. Handloom and handicraft stalls will also be part of the exhibition. He said the expo will help visitors learn about opportunities and consider how to start a business. (ANI)
Experts and stakeholders of India's fertiliser industry say the country remains broadly well-supplied for the current agricultural season, even as some regions continue to experience temporary mismatches in the availability of DAP, urea and NPK. Industry players noted that while demand has risen due to a favourable monsoon and expanded acreage, both government measures and long-term supply arrangements have helped stabilise the situation. At the Agri Business Summit 2025, RG Agarwal, Chairman Emeritus of Dhanuka Agritech and Chair of the Agribusiness Committee at PHDCCI, acknowledged that pressure persists in certain regions. "Today, there's a shortage of DAP and urea. Shortages can occur in different areas. There isn't a major shortage either. But yes, there are shortages in some areas. The government is making every effort to address this," he told ANI on Monday. He said overall supply remains manageable but emphasised that scientific principles, not emotion, must guide fertiliser use. "Today, many people say that we're using too much fertiliser. Our soil is deteriorating. We're not working with scientific principles. Unless we adhere to science, the right work can't be done. There's a huge difference between science and sentiment," he added. Responding to concerns about how India will meet domestic needs or address any shortages in the country following China's export restrictions, IFFCO Chairman Dileepbhai Sanghani urged farmers to shift to nano-fertilisers to reduce dependence on imported nutrients. "Nano urea is beneficial for the farmers and the people of the country because it is available at a low price with a subsidy. We make it ourselves. It is Make in India. This does not damage the land used by farmers. There is no water pollution, and there are no adverse effects on our health," he said. Sanghani appealed to farmers nationwide to adopt nano urea, noting that domestic nano-fertiliser production can fully meet national requirements. Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) Chairman and Coromandel International MD & CEO S Sankarasubramanian told ANI today that despite increased consumption driven by a strong monsoon, India's fertiliser supply remains steady. "There has been support of overall consumption due to a good monsoon, which increased acreage, and the government has adequately prepared to handle this," he said. He added that urea availability remains adequate, though localised gaps have surfaced. "The increase in demand for fertilisers and urea is also available in adequate quantities across the states, so we don't see any challenge. As an industry, we have always been responsible for reacting to the spurt in demand, and there has been a mismatch in certain pockets, but overall, there is no shortage of fertilisers in the country." Sankarasubramanian said long-term import agreements with the Middle East, Africa and Russia have helped neutralise the impact of China's export restrictions. He noted that India has added 7 million tonnes of domestic urea capacity in recent years by reviving old plants, and further additions will move the country toward self-sufficiency. The sector, he added, is advancing sustainability goals through green ammonia and nanofertilisers under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. (ANI)
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on Tuesday visited the Pehla Kadam School, run by the Narayani Charitable Trust in Saraidhela, Dhanbad and met with differently-abled children. During the visit, Adani inaugurated vocational training for differently abled in food and beverage at Pehla Kadam. Anita Agarwal, Director, Pehla Kadam School, said, "His (Gautam Adani) visit is a matter of pride for all of us. I have been involved in this project for the last 20 years. We are all very happy that he visited here... He has promised to provide Rs 3 crores in the next three years for the specially-abled children in Pehla Kadam School." Gautam Adani told reporters during his visit to the city that Dhanbad and Jharkhand have a lot of potential. "In the future, Jharkhand will progress a lot. There will be investments in the future in Dhanbad too," he said. Earlier in the day, Adani said that the Group will invest over USD 75 billion in the energy transition over the next five years. Speaking at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad's 100th-year celebration, Adani Group Chairman said, "As you graduate, you step into a moment of extraordinary promise, where the global green energy transition is emerging as the largest industry of our time, worth several trillion dollars over the coming decades. It will fuel the rise of electricity-based manufacturing, green steel, green fertilisers, hydrogen ecosystems, and the critical infrastructure on which AI and digital economies depend, which is also why we are investing over USD 75 billion in the space of energy transition over the next five years." Adani highlighted the group's infrastructure projects, noting that it is building the world's largest renewable energy park at Khavda in Gujarat, spanning 520 square kilometres. With the first 10 GW of capacity already commissioned, Adani Group Chairman said the company is on track to deliver the world's lowest-cost green electron, setting what he called a global benchmark in energy transition. (ANI)
To boost AI adoption in India, the chiefs of key IT giants met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in separate meetings on Tuesday. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director S Rajesh Varrier, and Intel Corporation CEO Lip-Bu Tan met with the Prime Minister to discuss accelerating AI adoption in India. In a social media post on X, Satya Nadella announced a USD 17.5 billion investment in AI in India, calling it the "largest investment ever" in Asia. "To support the country's ambitions, Microsoft is committing US$17.5B--our largest investment ever in Asia--to help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for India's AI first future," he said in a post. Further, Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Intel Corporation, also shared a photo with PM Modi on X, saying, "We had a wide-ranging discussion on a variety of topics related to technology, computing and the tremendous potential for India. I applaud the Prime Minister for putting in place a comprehensive semiconductor design and manufacturing policy and Intel is committed to support the India Semiconductor Mission." Intel chief signalled a strong commitment to deepening its investments in India's semiconductor ecosystem. Further, in a separate release, Intel also announced MoU with Tata Group. "Intel signed a MoU with the Tata Group, which enables manufacturing, assembly, and packaging of Intel-designed products at Tata Electronics' upcoming Fab and OSAT facilities, along with collaboration on advanced semiconductor packaging in India," the company said in a statement. "Through this partnership, in which Tata will provide manufacturing and packaging capabilities, Intel will be able to localise key parts of its supply chain. This will help accelerate India's goal of becoming a global semiconductor hub and support growing local demand. It is in line with PM's vision of Make in India for the World," it added. "Intel is further exploring the rapid expansion of AI-PC solutions for India's fast-growing market, reinforcing its plan to position India as a major base in its future technology strategy." Through its official handle on X, Cognizant said the company's CEO and CMD met PM Modi for an inspiring conversation on accelerating AI adoption and advancing education and skill development to enhance AI capabilities and productivity. "Our CEO also reaffirmed to the Prime Minister Cognizant's continued commitment to India and apprised him of our plans to expand into emerging cities to promote equitable growth and talent development," it said. (ANI)
Taking to Instagram, Shabana offered an enduring tribute to their marital bliss, capturing the warmth and decades-old bond in their relationship. She shared an adorable picture with Akhtar and wrote, "To be able to look at each other with such tenderness after 41 years of marriage says it all.. Happy Anniversary Jadu."

https://www.instagram.com/p/DSCJzBtDXCZ/

The post quickly resonated with fans and well-wishers, many of whom showered the couple with love and sweet wishes.

Celebrities like Abhay Deol, Soni Razdan, Vidya Balan, Dia Mirza, Anil Kapoor, Urmila Matondkar, and Meiyang Chang also extended their greetings to the couple. Filmmaker Farah Khan Kunder, who also celebrates her wedding anniversary on the same date, wrote, "Happy happy anniversary my anniversary sharers."

Javed Akhtar got married to veteran screenwriter Honey Irani in 1972. Javed has two children from his first marriage with Irani -- filmmaker and actor Farhan Akhtar, and director-producer Zoya Akhtar.

After the two separated, Shabana and Javed Akhtar got married in 1984.

Shabana Azmi, who is quite active on social media, often shares glimpses from her personal life, including special gatherings with the couple's friends and family.

Earlier this year, the veteran actor was honoured with the Radiant Lifetime Achievement Award for her remarkable career of 50 years in cinema.

The award was presented at the 8th edition of the Radiant Wellness Conclave 2025, which also marked the conclave's 10th anniversary.

Born to renowned poet and lyricist Kaifi Azmi and theatre actress Shaukat Azmi, she has worked with some of India's most respected filmmakers, including Shyam Benegal, Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, and Aparna Sen.

Over the years, she has portrayed strong female characters in films such as Mrityu Dand (1997) and Godmother (1999), and also shared the screen with Rajesh Khanna in seven successful films. (ANI)
Accomplished institutional investment professional to lead national growth in Canada and strengthen institutional, advisor and allocator engagement

TORONTO, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 3iQ Corp. ("3iQ"), a global pioneer in digital asset investment solutions, today announced the appointment of Ash Tahbazian as Head of Business Development, Canada. In this role, Mr. Tahbazian will oversee national growth initiatives and expand 3iQ's presence among institutional investors, family offices, advisors and high-net-worth clients seeking secure, compliant access to the digital asset economy.

Mr. Tahbazian brings more than two decades of experience across asset management, digital assets and institutional client strategy. He has partnered with pension plans, insurance companies, asset managers and family offices in Canada and internationally to help them navigate complex investment structures, adopt emerging technologies and strengthen governance frameworks. He is highly regarded for his ability to translate fast-moving market developments into clear, actionable insights for senior decision-makers.

"Ash's deep institutional background and digital asset expertise make him a strong addition to our global business development team," said Pascal St-Jean, President and CEO of 3iQ. "His ability to provide clarity, discipline, and strategic guidance will support our continuing leadership in Canada and further expand access to our regulated digital asset solutions."

Before joining 3iQ, Mr. Tahbazian held senior roles at State Street and CIBC Mellon, where he contributed to significant revenue growth and led teams of more than 100 professionals across sales, service and relationship management. His experience in custody, fund administration, capital markets, investment analytics and product development gives him a comprehensive view of how institutional portfolios are constructed, monitored and supported throughout investment lifecycles.

Mr. Tahbazian most recently served on the leadership team at Virgo Digital Asset Management, where he focused on distribution strategy, key partnerships and institutional education as digital asset investing evolved. His work emphasized bridging established financial infrastructure with blockchain-based platforms while upholding the governance and regulatory standards required by asset owners and allocators.

At 3iQ, Mr. Tahbazian will lead business development strategy across Canada, deepen engagement with advisors and institutional allocators, and support broader education and adoption around digital asset investing. His approach focuses on clarity, disciplined execution and aligning innovative solutions with institutional needs.

"I'm excited to join 3iQ at a pivotal time for the digital asset industry," said Ash Tahbazian. "Investors are seeking trusted, regulated partners to help them navigate the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain-based opportunities. 3iQ has been a leader and trailblazer in shaping this landscape in Canada, and I look forward to supporting clients as they evaluate digital asset exposure within their portfolios."

Mr. Tahbazian holds both the CFA charter and CPA designation and is a graduate of the University of Toronto.

About 3iQ Digital Asset Management

Founded in 2012, 3iQ is one of the world's leading alternative digital asset managers, pioneering institutional-grade investments. 3iQ launched the world's first Digital Assets Managed Account Platform (QMAP), a hedge fund investment solution, offering innovative risk-managed investment solutions to gain exposure to digital assets. 3iQ was also the first to launch a Bitcoin and Ethereum ETP listed on a major global stock exchange, integrate staking into its Ethereum and Solana ETFs boosting investor returns, and offering other regulated ETFs. In 2024, Monex Group, a leading Japanese financial group, took a majority stake in 3iQ. Since 2012, 3iQ has been at the forefront of innovation in digital asset investment management. To learn more about 3iQ, visit 3iq.io .

W: https://www.3iq.io/

L: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3iq-corp/

X: https://x.com/3iq_corp

Media Contact  North America

Ryan Graham

JConnelly

+1 862-777-4274

[email protected]

Julie Mercuro

JConnelly

+1 973-349-6471

[email protected]

Media Contact  Europe

Angus Campbell

Nominis Advisory

[email protected]

Disclaimer

This release is for informational purposes only, and the content contained herein should not be considered investment advice or a solicitation, offer, or recommendation to sell or buy any asset, strategy, or product. Investing in digital assets involves a high degree of risk, including the loss of principal.

SOURCE 3iQ
Nawazuddin Siddiqui will be next seen in the OTT film 'Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders', which follows the shocking massacre of an influential family inside their own mansion. The film follows the quest of a cop, Nawazuddin, to solve complex criminal cases, loosely inspired by real-life stories from society. While talking to the media, Nawazuddin opened up about the connection between society and films, describing cinema as a "mirror" of society. When asked about the social message behind the movie, Nawazuddin said, "Every topic comes from society. Film is a mirror of society. Whatever happens in society is shown in the film. We also cannot show everything that happens in society, else it would have been too much." Chitragandha also expressed her excitement for her upcoming film with Salman Khan starrer 'Battle of Galwan'. While talking to media, Chitragandha said, "I am very excited as it is a different film. There is a lot of writing on it. For me, and like everybody and Salman also, they will be doing such film for the first time." Superstar Salman will be seen donning the Indian Army uniform in Apoorva Lakhia's directorial 'Battle of Galwan', which is based on the Galwan Valley clashes at the India-China border in 2020. The makers of Nawazuddin Siddiqui's starrer 'Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders' have finally released the trailer of the film on Tuesday. The crime thriller is directed by Honey Trehan and written by Smita Singh. Apart from Nawazuddin, the film also stars Chitragandha Singh, Rajat Kapoor, Radhika Apte and Sanjeev Kapoor in the lead roles. The trailer offers a glimpse of the Bansal mansion, where a wealthy family is found slaughtered behind locked rooms, and every survivor has something to fear. The two-minute and twenty-one-second video opens with Inspector Jatil (played by Nawazuddin) being called upon to investigate a case that is bigger, grittier, and more complex, involving the murder of a wealthy family. Chitragandha appears to be a survivor, and suspicion also falls on Sanjay Kapoor. Several witnesses also complicated the case with their statements, as per the trailer. One of the trailer's highlights is Nawazuddin's ferocious tenacity in the search for the truth behind the case. 'Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders' will be streaming on Netflix on December 19. (ANI)
Film producer Boney Kapoor lauded the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025, highlighting the state government's efforts to build large-scale infrastructure and attract global participation. Kapoor said initiatives of this scale help mobilise the country's growth momentum. "... It is good that they are creating infrastructure that encourages people to come from all over. The entire country is being mobilised, with every state contributing something new. We need to encourage all of this to have prosperity all around. We must work together to fulfil PM Modi's dream...India should become by 2047, I would say 100 trillion economy." Arjun Kapoor also attended the event. The Government of Telangana unveiled its Telangana Rising 2047 Vision Document at the Telangana Rising Global Summit in Bharat Future City. The long-term roadmap positions Telangana to become one of the world's leading growth hubs over the next two decades. Addressing the gathering, CM Revanth Reddy said, "Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025 is Telangana's invitation to the world - to join hands with us in building a future-ready State, where innovation, investment and inclusive growth thrive together. Telangana welcomes the world to explore investment opportunities and experience our culture, creativity and confidence. This Summit reflects the spirit of a rising State and signals Telangana's readiness to partner with global investors and innovators. We are opening our doors to ideas, technology and transformative collaborations. Together, we will script a new era of prosperity for our people." Film Development Corporation chairman Dil Raju said, "... It is CM Revanth Reddy's vision to make Hyderabad a global city. 30 thousand acres of land have been procured for the development of a future city. We are also working on establishing world-class film universities and studios that will be developed here in the next few years..." The Summit provided a global platform for Telangana to showcase its developmental journey, emerging economic strengths, and long-term collaboration opportunities, the state government said. Riteish Deshmukh added, " It was a great summit. A good facility is going to come up here that will inspire people and benefit not only Telangana but the entire nation." Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy unveiled the 'Telangana Talli' statues virtually at the district collectorates from the venue of the Global Summit at the Bharat Future City on Tuesday. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday launched a security investigation into violations of the 'No Flying Zone' restrictions imposed during the Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 in Ganderbal. According to an official statement, a drone, illegally operated over the notified restricted area, was brought down by security forces using soft-kill methods to avert any potential threat to the Yatra. As per the MHA Guidelines, the entire 'Yatra' corridor was designated as a 'No Drone Zone', prohibiting any unmanned aerial vehicle activity to ensure the foolproof security of pilgrims and the peaceful culmination of the yatra. Following the incident, an FIR under Section 223 BNS was registered at Police Station Gund, and an investigation was taken up. Furthermore, on the directions of SSP Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal-JKPS, a team of technical experts conducted a detailed forensic examination of the seized drone to retrieve operational data and identify the operators who used the drone over the fly zone. According to the release, based on the FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) report, Ganderbal Police successfully identified the accused individuals, namely, Owais Muneer Khan, who was allegedly responsible for flying a drone without permission in the restricted zone. Both the accused have been apprehended, produced before the court, and charge-sheeted in the case, the statement added. The press release said, "This swift and professional action by Ganderbal Police underscores the heightened vigilance maintained during the Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 and the unwavering commitment of security forces to ensure that no Anti-National Elements exploit any lapse to disrupt the pilgrimage. Ganderbal Police reassures the public of its dedication to safeguarding the sanctity and security of Amarnath Ji Yatra through proactive measures and prompt enforcement of the law." (ANI)
The discussion on 150 years of National Song Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha on Monday saw leaders from various political parties highlighting the role played by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's composition in the freedom struggle with BJP and opposition members also taking potshots at each other. Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the debate and said Vande Mataram energised our freedom movement. "It is a matter of pride for all of us that we are witnessing 150 years of Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram is the force that drives us to achieve the dreams our freedom fighters envisioned. Vande Mataram rekindled an idea deeply rooted in India for thousands of years" he said. "Vande Mataram also contained the cultural energy of thousands of years, it also had the fervour for freedom and the vision of an independent India. The deep connection of Vande Mataram with the people reflects the journey of our freedom movement. Vande Mataram gave strength and direction to our freedom movement," he added. The Prime Minister said Vande Mataram was the all-encompassing mantra that inspired freedom, sacrifice, strength, purity, dedication, and resilience. He said Vande Mataram which Mahatma Gandhi had seen as the national anthem in 1905, and which was a source of immense strength for every Indian, both within the country and abroad, later suffered grave injustice in the last century. He questioned why such betrayal occurred with Vande Mataram, why such injustice was done, and which forces were so powerful that they overshadowed even the sentiments of revered Bapu, dragging this sacred inspiration into controversy. "As we celebrate 150 years of Vande Mataram, it is our duty to inform the new generations about the circumstances that led to this betrayal," he said. PM Modi highlighted that the Muslim League's politics of opposition to Vande Mataram was intensifying, and Mohammed Ali Jinnah raised a slogan against Vande Mataram from Lucknow on October 15, 1937. The Prime Minister stated that instead of firmly countering the baseless statements of the Muslim League and condemning them, Jawaharlal Nehru, then Congress President did not reaffirm his and the Indian National Congress (INC) Party's commitment to Vande Mataram and began questioning Vande Mataram itself. He recalled that just five days after Jinnah's opposition, on October 20, 1937, Nehru wrote a letter to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, agreeing with Jinnah's sentiment and stating that the 'Anand Math' background of Vande Mataram could irritate Muslims. The Prime Minister quoted Nehru's words: "I have read the background of the Vande Mataram song. I feel that this background may provoke Muslims." The Prime Minister remarked that following this, a statement came from the Indian National Congress that Congress Working Committee would meet in Kolkata on October 26, 1937, to review the use of Vande Mataram. He highlighted that it was Bankim Babu's Bengal, Bankim Babu's Kolkata, that was chosen for this review. The Prime Minister stated that the entire nation was stunned and shocked, and patriots across the country opposed the proposal by organizing morning processions and singing Vande Mataram. He emphasized that unfortunately, on October 26, 1937, Congress compromised on Vande Mataram, fragmenting it in their decision. He noted that this decision was cloaked under the guise of social harmony, but history bears witness that Congress bowed before the Muslim League and acted under its pressure, "adopting politics of appeasement". He alleged that Congress bent for the division of Vande Mataram, and later had to bend for the partition of India. PM Modi alleged the Congress had outsourced its decisions, and its policies remain unchanged. The Prime Minister criticized the opposition "for resorting to appeasement politics" and continued attempts to create controversies around Vande Mataram. He remarked that the true character of any nation is revealed not in its good times but during periods of challenge and crisis, when it is tested and proven on the touchstone of resilience, strength, and capability. He highlighted that after independence in 1947, while the country's challenges and priorities changed, the spirit and life force of the nation remained the same. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra countered PM Modi and accused him of "selectively" presenting the facts. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivers good speeches, but he is weak when it comes to facts. The way Modi ji presents facts before the public is his art. But I am a representative of the people--I am not an artist," she said. She said PM had not properly contextualised former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's letter to Subhash Chandra Bose on Vande Matram and had not given all related facts. "In every session of the Congress, Vande Mataram is sung collectively. The question is: Is Vande Mataram sung in BJP-RSS sessions or not? By making this great mantra of the nation's soul controversial, the BJP is committing a sin, but the Congress party will not be part of this sin. This national song 'Vande Mataram' has always been dear to us, has always been sacred to us, and will always remain sacred to us," Priyanka Gandhi said. "PM Modi said that in 1896, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sang this song for the first time in a convention, but he did not tell which session it was. Was it a session of the Hindu Mahasabha or RSS? Why was he hesitant to say that it was Congress's session?" she asked. Priyanka Gandhi said the Modi government wants to divert the country's attention from essential public issues and asked for the rationale for debating the National Song, which people deeply revere. "There are two reasons for the debate on Vande Mataram in the House today. One, elections are coming up in West Bengal. In such a situation, our Prime Minister wants to establish his role, and second, those who fought the freedom struggle and sacrificed for the country--this government wants an opportunity to level new accusations against them. By doing this, the government wants to divert the country's attention from the essential issues concerning the public," Priyanka Gandhi said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also targeted Congress in his speech and accused it of "fragmentation" of Vande Mataram and appeasement politics. He said that the National Anthem found a place in the national consciousness, but the National Song was "marginalised." "Today, it has to be accepted that the justice that should have been done to Vande Mataram did not happen. National Anthem and National Song were to be given an equal place, but one found a place in the national consciousness, while the other was marginalised. It was treated like an extra. In 1937, Congress decided to fragment on the same land where Vande Mataram was composed. This was not an injustice to a song, but to the people of independent India," he alleged. He said Congress should "leave mentality of slavery" and "should accept Vande Mataram in its full form". Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the ruling party of trying to "own everything and make their own for political gain". Yadav said the song's legacy was far greater than the political narratives being pushed today, asserting that Vande Mataram belonged to the freedom struggle and to the people of India, not to any political party. "The people in the ruling party today want to claim everything as their own," he said. The discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram lasted almost till midmight with a large number of members expressing their views during the nearly 12 hour debate. (ANI)
The accused, who was working in Saudi Arabia, was arrested at Mumbai Airport based on a Look Out Circular (LOC).

The accused, Felix Edward Mathais (aged 56), is alleged to have circulated derogatory posts about the Bhagavad Gita and women in February 2024.

A case was registered against him at the Kankanady City Police Station under sections 153(A), 504, 507, 509 of the IPC and Section 66(D) of the IT Act.

At the time the case was filed, Mathais was in Saudi Arabia for employment, which prevented his arrest. The accused, originally from Charkop, Mumbai, was the subject of an LOC issued by the police following information gathered about his overseas employment.

The accused landed at Mumbai Airport from abroad. Immigration officials detained him and informed the Mangaluru Police. Subsequently, he was arrested at the Airport on December 5, 2025.

He was brought to Mangaluru for investigation and produced before the Court. A report has been submitted to the court requesting the confiscation of his passport.

Another accused in the case, Evigin John D'Souza (aged 57), was previously arrested on August 11, 2024, and produced before the court.

The investigation into the case is ongoing. (ANI)
The decision came after a delegation of the Himachal Pradesh Pensioners' Joint Front met him in Shimla and raised concerns over delays in bill settlements and other dues.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, the Chief Minister said the state government remains committed to the welfare of its employees and pensioners.

"All pending medical bills of pensioners will be fully cleared within the next month," Sukhu said.

He added, "Employees are the backbone of the government. Solving their issues and demands in a fair manner is our responsibility. The state government is ensuring the resolution of pensioners' demands and timely payment of their dues while maintaining financial discipline and creating new resources."

The Chief Minister also accepted the invitation to attend the Pension Day event organised by the Joint Pensioners' Front in Bilaspur on December 17.

Meanwhile, Atma Ram Sharma, President of the Himachal Pradesh Pensioners' Joint Front, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and voiced optimism about further relief measures.

"We thank the Chief Minister for assuring the immediate settlement of medical bills. We hope the government will soon restore all financial dues of pensioners and convene the JCC meeting by April to address all pending demands positively," Sharma said while speaking to reporters. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha formally inaugurated the foundation for the construction of new housing units for families impacted by recent natural disasters and unprovoked shelling from Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in the Jammu District on Monday. A total of 350 residential units will be constructed in the Jammu district at an investment of INR 35 crore, according to the official release. The release also mentioned that financial responsibility for the construction of these three new prefabricated Smart Houses will be undertaken by the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India), a non-governmental organisation. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to HRDS-India for its noble initiative to support affected families in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted that the houses for the affected families are being built without spending a single penny from the government treasury. Construction of these three-bedroom prefabricated Smart Houses is scheduled for completion within 6 months of the start of foundation work. The houses are designed to be efficient, modern, resilient, and technologically advanced and will include specific facilities such as cowsheds. In addition to building the homes, HRDS India is providing a substantial welfare package to the beneficiary families. HRDS India will provide Free life insurance coverage for all family members for the next 15 years, free annual health checkups for all family members, and coverage for house maintenance for the next 5 years. The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his commitment to bring a monumental change in the lives of the poor. "In the past 5 years, lakhs of poor have benefited, and infrastructure in backward and poor regions has been upgraded. The rapid development of Jammu is unprecedented, and we have achieved a strong growth trajectory despite numerous challenges. It is our constant effort to develop Jammu, the sacred city of temples, into an inclusive urban centre. Concrete steps taken for all-round development have led to the realisation of the dream of poverty alleviation, social justice, and equal opportunities for all," the Lieutenant Governor said. He stated that a new era of accelerated economic development and social transformation has ushered in the region. "We have achieved a massive scale of project completion in a short span. These projects have significantly strengthened Jammu's urban infrastructure and citizen-centric services, enhancing mobility through modern amenities and streamlined civic facilities, and improved urban aesthetics," he said. The Lieutenant Governor lauded the exceptional coordination and dedication displayed by district administration and various agencies in the immediate relocation of the affected population to safe places and ensuring their continued care in the wake of a natural calamity. He praised the swift and effective response from the Divisional and district administration, police, army, CAPFs, Disaster Response forces, emergency responders, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, civil society members, and volunteers during the rescue and relief operations. A total of 4,309 beneficiaries in Jammu district received assistance, and compensation amounting to Rs. 8.22 crore was distributed to those affected. Ex-gratia and a Government job were provided to the next of kin of a civilian who tragically lost his life during the unprovoked firing by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, he further said. The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with the beneficiaries and reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of India and the UT administration to the complete rehabilitation of affected families. The beneficiaries in Jammu also include 23 families affected by landslides in Rah Salyote village. District administration has been providing food and temporary accommodation to these families for the past three months. Swami Atma Nambi, President, HRDS India; Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, District Development Council, Jammu; Members of Legislative Assembly; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range; Dr Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, members of HRDS India, senior officials of police and civil administration, prominent citizens and people from all walks of life attended the foundation stone laying ceremony. (ANI)
AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi, participating in the discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha, pointed out that the Constitution guarantees complete freedom of thought and religion, and linking patriotism to any religion or symbol is against the constitutional norms. The AIMIM chief said that citizens cannot be forced to show reverence to any deity and added that no "loyalty certificates" should be demanded from citizens. Vande Mataram is India's national song, which translates to "Mother, I Bow to Thee." In a post on X, Owaisi, referring to his speech during the special discussion in the Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, wrote, "When the very first page of the Constitution itself grants complete freedom of thought, expression, belief, religion, and worship, then how can any citizen be compelled to worship any god or deity, or to prostrate in reverence?" During his speech, he stated that he hopes the government does not force it, adding that he understands that Vande Mataram was a call for freedom, but that, if forced, it would violate the Constitution. He also said, "A certificate of loyalty should not be demanded." Meanwhile, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to Parliament on Monday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a strong attack on the Congress, alleging "fragmentation" of Vande Mataram and "appeasement politics". Addressing the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Rajnath Singh said that the National Anthem found a place in the national consciousness, but the National Song was "marginalised." He said, "Today, it has to be accepted that the justice that should have been done to Vande Mataram did not happen. National Anthem and National Song were to be given an equal place, but one found a place in the national consciousness, while the other was marginalised. It was treated like an extra. In 1937, Congress decided to fragment on the same land where Vande Mataram was composed. This was not an injustice to a song, but to the people of independent India." Further, the Defence Minister emphasised that Vande Mataram will remain the "immortal song of national sentiment." "Trying to confine it within limits was a huge deception. Restoring the glory of Vande Mataram is the need of the hour and also a demand of morality. Vande Mataram is complete in itself, but there were attempts to make it incomplete. Vande Mataram has been an immortal song of national sentiment, and I emphasise that it will always remain so. No power in the world can reduce it. The injustice to Vande Mataram was not an isolated incident, but a beginning to the appeasement politics by Congress," Union Minister Singh said. Acknowledging the contribution of the national song in India's freedom struggle, he said that the British government issued a circular against it, but people did not stop saying 'Vande Mataram'.Rajnath Singh lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating a discussion on the national song. He said, "PM Modi cited facts and gave an inspiring start to the discussion. Vande Mataram is connected to India's past, present and future. It gave the strength to our freedom fighters to fight against the British rule. This was the song that awakened our nation, which had been sleeping for ages. The song, which crossed the English Channel and reached the British Parliament. Bamkim Babu said that one day, the countrymen will understand the significance of the song. That moment came during the agitation against the partition of Bengal. Sri Aurobindo rightly said, 'The matra had been given, and in a single day, whole people have been converted to the religion of patriotism. The British government was so afraid of Vande Mataram that they issued a circular against it, but they could not stop the people from saying 'Vande Mataram'." "Vande Mataram was not mere words but emotions, a poem, a pulse and a philosophy. Not just in India, but it worked as a mantra for Indians living outside as well. In 1912, when Gopal Krishna Gokhale arrived in South Africa, he was welcomed with slogans of Vande Mataram. Shahid Bhagat Singh and Shahid Chandrashekhar Azad's letters began with Vande Mataram, while it was also the last words of Madanlal Dhingra. It is not just a song but the essence of nationalism," Singh added. Earlier today, PM Modi criticised Rahul Gandhi for his absence during discussions in Parliament, asserting that the Congress compromised on the national song and "surrendered before the Muslim League". Addressing the Lok Sabha on the sixth day of the Winter Session, PM Modi said, "Serious discussion is going on in Parliament, but LoP Rahul Gandhi is not present in the House. First Nehru, now Rahul Gandhi, has shown disregard for Vande Mataram." The Prime Minister accused the Congress of insulting the national song and surrendering before the Muslim League, stating, "Congress still insults Vande Mataram. Congress compromised on Vande Mataram and surrendered before the Muslim League. Nehru did a 'tukde-tukde' of Vande Mataram." A total of 10 hours has been earmarked for the entire discussion in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, which will take place on Tuesday, December 9. The 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha commenced on Monday, December 1, marking the beginning of the Winter Session of Parliament. The session will conclude on December 19. (ANI)
In the meeting, it was decided that the ruling Mahayuti alliance will contest the upcoming municipal elections across the state, including Mumbai and Thane, together, according to an official release.

State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule and senior Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Chavan were also present in the meeting.

According to Shiv Sena's official release, there was positive discussion between leaders of both parties on fighting the civic polls unitedly as Mahayuti.

In the next two to three days, local-level discussions will begin among leaders for each municipal corporation to finalise seat-sharing and other details.

It has also been agreed that office-bearers and workers from the BJP and Shiv Sena will not be allowed to switch to each other's parties.

The primary contest in the Maharashtra local body elections is reported to be between two major alliances, the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

The Mahayuti (Ruling Coalition) alliance is in power at the state level, and its primary constituents are the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (Ajit Pawar faction).

The main opposition alliance (Maha Vikas Aghadi) comprises the Indian National Congress (INC), Shiv Sena (UBT) (Uddhav Thackeray faction), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (Sharad Pawar faction, or NCP-SP) and other contesting parties. (ANI)
Things are almost back to normal after the disruptions caused by the recent IndiGo operational crisis and the government coordinated efforts at various tiers, including airports, amid problems faced by passengers, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said on Monday. In an interview with ANI, Sinha said IndiGo has flown more than 1,800 flights today, which is almost normal and other airlines have also flown to their full capacity. "Things are almost back to normal. Airlines have been performing. In fact, the operations have been very smooth. IndiGo has flown more than 1,800 flights today, which is almost normal. All the other airlines, like Akasa, Air India Express, Air India, Spicejet, they have flown their full capacity. So things are getting back to normal as I see today," Sinha told ANI. The worst, in my opinion, was 4th and 5th of December and thereafter things started swinging into action. We coordinated at various tiers; many meetings took place with the senior management of IndiGo, and we also coordinated with the airports, airport directors, both the PPP (public-private partnership) and the AAI airports. Now I think things are almost normal," he said. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu told Rajya Sabha earlier in the day that the problems faced by IndiGo Airlines passengers were linked to the airline's internal crew rostering and operational planning. He said that thorough consultations have been held with all stakeholders concerning Flight Time Limitations (FTTL) guidelines, and emphasised that there will be no compromise on safety. The Minister said stringent Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) exist to protect passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations. "For all passengers who have faced difficulties due to delays and cancellations, strict Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) are in place. Airline operators have to follow these requirements. Regarding the software issue, an inquiry has been made. Continuous technology upgradation happens in this sector. Our vision from the government is to have top global standards for the aviation sector in the country," he said. Naidu noted that the problems at IndiGo were related "to crew rostering and internal operational planning, which the airline is responsible for managing on a day-to-day basis". He emphasised that the government is taking the situation seriously and warned, "If there is non-adherence by any operator, we will take very strict action." He also highlighted the government's intent to encourage more players in the aviation sector. Answering a question from AIADMK member M Thambi Durai, who cited long hours spent stranded and exorbitant fares, the Union Minister expressed regret for the inconvenience caused. He said over five lakh PNR cancellations had been recorded. "The government has capped fares and created four pricing slabs, taking strict action against non-compliance, and has previously acted to curb unreasonable fare hikes," the minister said. IndiGo Airlines said on Monday that it has processed refunds worth Rs 827 crore for thousands of passengers, till now, with the rest of the refunds for cancellations up to December 15, 2025."Over 4500 bags have been delivered to respective customers, and we are on track to deliver the rest in the next 36 hours," the airlines said in a statement. The airlines also claimed that it has assisted over 2 lakh customers every day, across various communication channels. The airlines said it has facilitated stranded customers and arranged over 9,500 hotel rooms, and close to 10,000 cabs/buses between December 1 to December 7. "Over 1800 flights operated which is up from 1,650 yesterday, and 90% on-time performance (OTP) across the entire network has been registered, up from 75% yesterday," the statement read. It also said that the all the network coverage has been fully restored, and all cancellations in today's schedule were executed yesterday, ensuring advance notifications being sent to customers. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted IndiGo's Accountable Manager and Chief Executive Officer a one-time 24-hour extension to respond to the Show Cause Notice issued on December 6 over large-scale operational disruptions and observed non-compliances. The airline had requested more time, citing "operational constraints" linked to the size of its nationwide network and multiple unavoidable factors contributing to the delays. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said on Sunday that it has taken rapid and decisive steps to address the disruption caused by the IndiGo operational crisis and to ensure that passengers do not face continued inconvenience. It said that air travel operations across the country are stabilising at a fast pace. (ANI)
Solar-powered, artificial intelligence compute satellite bypasses 5-8 year terrestrial energy delays

SAN CARLOS, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Aetherflux announced a Q1 2027 target for its first orbital data center satellite, which leverages solar power in space to address the massive energy needs for artificial intelligence. The project, dubbed "Galactic Brain", offers a bypass to the current five-to-eight year time horizon for data centers to be built on Earth.

Access to energy is one of the primary bottlenecks for scaling artificial intelligence. This problem is driven by infrastructure timelines: securing real estate, establishing utility connections and constructing new data centers can take more than half a decade.

"The race for artificial general intelligence is fundamentally a race for compute capacity, and by extension, energy. The elephant in the room is that our current energy plans simply won't get us there fast enough," said Baiju Bhatt, founder and CEO of Aetherflux, and co-founder of Robinhood. "Galactic Brain puts the sunlight next to the silicon and skips the power grid entirely."

Aetherflux's first data center node for commercial use is targeted for Q1 2027; subsequent satellite launches will build a constellation of nodes to scale capacity. This builds upon the company's existing work developing space-solar satellites for beaming power to contested environments. In 2026, the company plans to launch its first satellite to wirelessly transmit energy from low Earth orbit to Earth using lasers.

About Aetherflux

Aetherflux is building an American power grid in space, with initial applications to perform AI compute in orbit and to deliver power to contested environments on Earth. By developing advanced space systems to generate solar energy in orbit, Aetherflux is accelerating the future of AI and enabling a new era of energy abundance for Earth and beyond.

For more information, visit [ aetherflux.com ].

SOURCE Aetherflux
Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra on Tuesday slammed the Congress here for not resolving the farmers' issues, ahead of the party's protest against the state government. Speaking to ANI, Vijayendra stated that the Congress government has neglected the issues being faced by the farmers. "Because of the infighting within the ruling Congress government, issues pertaining to the farmers have been totally neglected by this Congress government. Sugarcane growers have been fighting on the streets for the last two months, but till now, there is no clear solution to this protest. The demand of the maize growers was very simple; they were only demanding that the government open procurement centres. Even this did not happen," he said. Vijayendra highlighted that even though the fixed price of Rs 2400 per quintal was set by the central government, the maize growers had to sell it to the middlemen for Rs 1500-1600 due to the unavailability of procurement centres. "Even the central government had set a fixed price of Rs 2400 per quintal. Since there were no procurement centres, the maize farmers were forced to sell their crop to middlemen for Rs 1500-1600 per quintal. After the recent floods across the state, there was a huge crop loss, and the farmers were demanding proper compensation, which has not been granted... Taking all these issues, the BJP will be protesting here today..." he added. The Bhartiya Janata Party workers are all set to hold a protest against the state government to highlight and address these issues today. Meanwhile, on Monday, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said it was the Centre's responsibility to offer a solution, stating that the state government had taken 'costly' steps to address issues faced by sugarcane and maize farmers. Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, the Deputy CM said, "The Centre hasn't said a word with regards to issues facing sugarcane and maize growers. BJP MPs are not raising their voice in Parliament in support of our farmers." He slammed BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai for not raising the issue of farmers in Parliament. (ANI)
Captain Anil Rao, General Secretary of the Airline Pilots' Association (ALPA) India, flagged safety concerns over "temporary exemption" provided to IndiGo from certain Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Speaking to ANI, Rao advocated transparency regarding the reasons for massive flight delays and cancellations and said that IndiGo being granted a certain abeyance from FDTL norms to fulfil flight demands compromises safety. "The root cause should be explained to the people. The issue is the chances of it happening again. Our concern is that DGCA allowing a temporary exemption from some FDTL rules compromises the safety. Today, we have one law for IndiGo and another for other operators. To fulfil the demands of the flights, we are compromising on safety, and that will not go very well with the flying public," he said. "This was totally unwarranted and unexpected because passengers were not expecting it. The company is saying it is a miscalculation. We don't know what the miscalculation is because it hasn't been clearly stated where the miscalculation occurred or where the error happened. DGCA has formed a panel of its own officials who will look into this matter and provide a review," he added. Earlier, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu held IndiGo's mismanagement regarding its crew, with respect to the new FDTL regulations issued by the DGCA, responsible for the disruption. Speaking to ANI, he said the events that have unfolded in major airports led the Civil Aviation Ministry to grant IndiGo a certain abeyance from FDTL norms to ensure normalcy. "From November 1, the DGCA came up with new FDTL (flight duty time limitation) regulations. The Ministry also initiated a continuous engagement process with the airlines for at least 6 months. Previously, there was no issue regarding the new FDTL norm. Other airlines, including Air India and Spice Jet, have adjusted. However, what has unfolded is due to mismanagement by IndiGo regarding its crew. We have given certain abeyance regarding FDTL norms to IndiGo to ensure normalcy," Naidu said. The Civil Aviation Ministry and DGCA have been continuously monitoring the situation across all airports in real time since December 3, due to extraordinary circumstances arising from the disruption of IndiGo operations. According to a statement from Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinarapu's Office, a high-level review meeting comprising all senior officials was held to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the situation. All senior officials of the Ministry have been instructed to visit airports to verify airline operations and passenger-oriented services. Any shortcomings identified, including feedback from passenger interactions, are to be addressed and rectified immediately, the statement said. On Monday, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu told Rajya Sabha that the problems faced by IndiGo Airlines passengers were linked to the airline's internal crew rostering and operational planning and not the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS). He added that thorough consultations have been held with all stakeholders concerning FDTL guidelines and emphasised that there will be no compromise on safety. He said stringent Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) exist to protect passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations. On December 6, DCGA issued show cause notices to IndiGo's Chief Executive Officer, Pieter Elbers, and its Chief Operating Officer, Isidro Porqueras. This could ultimately affect the continuity of senior leadership at IndiGo, the rating agency said. The airline's operations, which deliver cost efficiencies in stable times, did not demonstrate the resilience needed to withstand regulatory changes, leading to the cancellation of around 1,600 flights on December 5.IndiGo's on-time performance dropped to 68% in November from 84% in October, with over 1,200 cancellations in November. However, the airlines claimed on Monday that they had optimised their operations. (ANI)
Union Minister Suresh Gopi, on Tuesday morning voted for the Kerala Local Body Polls in Sasthamangalam in Thiruvananthapuram and expressed confidence in a sweep for the BJP in the corporation. He further stressed on continuing to work for the welfare and benefit of the community through Thiruvananthapuram. "The people will let us have the corporation to govern to their liking and work up their dreams for the city... We will set the track right..." the actor-turned-politician said. "If all the promises that were made to people have gone in vain, there is a focus on my party, and I think we are going to have it this time to the welfare and benefit of the people of Kerala through Thiruvananthapuram..." he said. Meanwhile, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, Union Minister George Kurian ad Opposition leader V D Satheesan were among those who cast their votes. Kerala went into the first phase of the Local Body Polls today. Elections are to be held in 1199 of the total 1200 local bodies in Kerala on December 9 and 11, with counting scheduled to be held on December 13. Kerala State Election Commissioner A Shajahan on Sunday said that 75,643 candidates were contesting for 23,576 wards across the state. The election process is being conducted in two phases: 11,168 wards in the first phase and 12,408 in the second. All necessary preparations have been made, including the distribution of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and polling materials. "The polling will happen from December 9 and December 11, and counting will happen on 13th December. We have a total of 11,168 wards in the first phase and 12,408 wards in the second phase going for poll... 75,643 candidates are contesting this time for the local body wards... All the preparations have been made, and all the polling stations have been arranged," he said. Also, Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Anu Kumari stated that eight pink booths, a feeding room, a play area for kids, etc., which will be managed by the female staff, have been set up. DC Kumari further underlined the "Young Booths" which will be handled by the staff below the age of 30, including the presiding officer. Special arrangements for the disabled have been made. "Then similarly, we have a concept of Young Booths... On this, all the staff would be below 30 years of age, including the presiding officer... We have one model booth in our district... Special arrangements are there for disabled people, for feeding mothers..." Anu Kumari added. Polling for the first phase of the Kerala Local Body Elections began at 7 am today across seven districts -Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam. In the previous local body elections the LDF emerged dominant with 40.2 percent vote share LDF emerged dominant with winning 514 gram panchayats, 108 block panchayats, 11 district panchayats, 35 municipalities and 5 corporations. The UDF won 321 gram panchayats and 23 municipalities while the NDA won 19 gram panchayats. (ANI)
Just hours after the Pujab Congress suspended her for claiming that the party takes "Rs 500 crore" from anyone aspiring to become Chief Minister, former MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu intensified her allegations against Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. In her post on X, Navjot Kaur accused Raja Warring of breaking the Punjab Congress apart and "licking the feet of CM" in an effort to save himself from multiple cases. "Raja Warring, Waheguru ji has blessed me with HIS GRACE to protect Punjab from you. You have split the Punjab Congress into pieces and you are licking the feet of CM and dancing to his tunes to save yourself from your arrest in numerous cases," the post read. https://x.com/NavjotSidh42212/status/1998062994258092401 In another post on X, Kaur said that matters related to the SC/ST Act, bus body cases, and land disputes had already been sent to central authorities and the Congress high command, and she asked Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to explain why he is saving Warring. "Sc/St act arrest, bus body cases and your 2500 acre land grabbing case which I have forwarded to PMO, Governor Punjab, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. CM , Bhagwant Mann , clarify why you are saving him????" Kaur's X post read. https://x.com/NavjotSidh42212/status/1998062999635116265 Navjot Kaur also targeted Warring over the party's performance in Tarn Taran, accusing him of causing Congress' defeat through "stupid, repeated nonsense comments," while senior leaders such as Pratap Singh Bajwa, Charanjit Singh Channi and others "struggled day and night" to secure the party's prospects. "Raja Warring, if you had even a little bit of love for your mother party , you should have resigned the day you made stupid repeatedly nonsense comments and made your party lose solely in TaranTaran where Bajwa ji, Channi ji ,Sukhi Randhawa ji ,MP Aujla and sincere Congress workers were struggling day and night to make Congress candidate win," the post read. https://x.com/NavjotSidh42212/status/1998070061890932895 Furthermore, she also accused Warring and his associates of attempting to "destroy Navjot Sidhu". "Raja Warring , what say??? You and your team was just bothered to destroy NAVJOT SIDHU who was your mentor and took a stand to make you Minister. And you just focused on fighting with Navjot's supporters and belittled them. Answer this????" Kaur's X post read. https://x.com/NavjotSidh42212/status/1998067608919396465 The Punjab Congress leadership initiated the action on Monday after Navjot Kaur launched repeated attacks on Warring on X, accusing him of weakening the organisation, mishandling cadres and compromising party interests. In a strongly worded post, she said, "I refuse to stand with an insensitive and irresponsible, morally dishonest and corrupt president," and added that she stood with workers "hurt by his incompetence". She further questioned why the Chief Minister was "shielding" him. The escalation came shortly after she responded to Indian Youth Congress general secretary Advocate Dampy Malhotra, who had praised Navjot Singh Sidhu for "standing up against monopoly and corruption". In her reply, Navjot Kaur wrote, "Don't support thieves destroying Congress. Come to Punjab and look into the agony of Congress workers." The controversy began after Navjot Kaur reacted to media queries regarding reports of a CM's face consideration, stating that they "did not have 500 crore to offer". The statement triggered reactions within the state unit, prompting disciplinary measures. There was no detailed statement issued by the central leadership beyond confirmation of her suspension, though party leaders indicated that public accusations amid internal organisational processes "cannot be overlooked". (ANI)
Ahead of the 2027 assembly elections in Punjab, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal has announced that he would contest from Gidderbaha assembly constituency. The announcement was made on Monday after Sukhbir Badal inaugurated the party office in Gidderbaha. According to the Shiromani Akali Dal press release, the SAD president made these announcements following intense pressure from party workers during the inauguration of the party office here. He also declared that people who had betrayed the party, including Hardeep Singh Dhillon, would never be taken back into the party fold. According to the release, the SAD president also met party candidates contesting the Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections in this constituency. He said the Panchayati Raj elections were a litmus test for the party and urged the party rank and file to ensure that party candidates were elected with flying colours. According to the release, Badal also attended the Malwa Public School's Foundation Day celebrations. The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday dismissed Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikramjit Singh Majithia's bail plea in an alleged money laundering case. Additional Advocate General of Punjab and Haryana HC, Ferry Sofat, said that Majithia was arrested in connection with illicit fund transfers, and based on these transactions, the court dismissed his plea. Majithia had cited prolonged custody and alleged a "political vendetta" to demand bail in the case. "He was arrested on 25 June based on an SIT report of illicit fund transfers through various companies. Majithia's plea was that the proceedings and custody have been prolonged, and it is all a political vendetta. The court recognised the seriousness of the matter and rejected his petition today. Many shell companies were involved in money laundering. Funds were transferred into these companies from Cyprus, and based on all these arguments, the court dismissed his bail petition," Advocate Ferry Sofat told ANI. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau took the former Punjab minister into custody on June 25 in a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, following searches at his house in Amritsar. He was brought to Mohali the next day, and the court remanded him to the Vigilance Bureau for custody. On July 8, during the hearing of his initial bail plea, the prosecutor stated that the submitted bail application contained specific errors, and the court directed that it be refiled. Following his arrest, SAD leader Daljit S Cheema had criticised the security measures implemented by the Punjab government arrest and compared it to the Emergency. He further alleged vendetta politics by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government in the State." This government wants to defame the Akali Dal leadership by spreading lies and false propaganda. This is vendetta politics," he said. (ANI)
Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Tuesday appealed to the voters to exercise their franchise in the local body elections, saying the party would reverse years of misgovernance, corruption and no development if given the opportunity. The BJP leader and former Union Minister asserted that elections are a "celebration of democracy" and that people should think about their concerns and cast a vote for their future. Speaking to reporters after voting at Jawaharnagar GLPS booth in Kerala's capital city, Chandrasekhar said, "Elections are celebration of our democracy. It this case, the local body elections are the occasion for people to think about their concerns and to caste a vote for their future. I appeal to all Malyalis to come out and vote in large numbers. Local body elections have traditionally seen low voter turnout, which is why there was no development or governance in the local body elections for many years." Asserting the fundamental issues of the public, the state BJP chief said that people have given the LDF and UDF a chance many times, and "elections are a time to gauge what they have done". "Voting can bring in change and the development people want. The real issues in these elections are what they face every day - roads, drinking water, garbage, sewage, drainage. People have given a chance to LDF and UDF many times and elections are a time to gauge what they did. If they give us opportunity, we will reverse years of misgovernance, corruption and no development," the BJP Kerala chief said. Meanwhile, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, Union Minister George Kurian, and Opposition leader V D Satheesan were among those who cast their votes. Kerala went into the first phase of the Local Body Polls today. Elections are to be held in 1199 of the total 1200 local bodies in Kerala on December 9 and 11, with counting scheduled to be held on December 13. Kerala State Election Commissioner A Shajahan on Sunday said that 75,643 candidates were contesting for 23,576 wards across the state. The election process is being conducted in two phases: 11,168 wards in the first phase and 12,408 in the second. All necessary preparations have been made, including the distribution of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and polling materials. Additionally, Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Anu Kumari stated that eight pink booths, a feeding room, a play area for kids, etc., which will be managed by the female staff, have been set up. DC Kumari further underlined the "Young Booths" which will be handled by the staff below the age of 30, including the presiding officer. Special arrangements for the disabled have been made. Polling for the first phase of the Kerala Local Body Elections began at 7 am today across seven districts -Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam. In the previous local body elections, the LDF won 514 gram panchayats, 108 block panchayats, 11 district panchayats, 35 municipalities, and five corporations. The UDF won 321 gram panchayats and 23 municipalities, while the NDA won 19 gram panchayats. (ANI)
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu will address the Lok Sabha at 12 pm today on the ongoing IndiGo crisis, a day after he spoke on the same issue in the Rajya Sabha. The discussion comes amid continued delays and cancellations across IndiGo's network, leaving passengers stranded at airports nationwide. Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, addressing the ongoing crisis, the Union Civil Aviation Minister said that the issues faced by passengers were linked to the airline's internal crew rostering and operational planning, and not the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS). The Aviation Minister emphasised that "there will be no compromise on safety". Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Naidu stated that stringent Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) exist to protect passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations. "For all passengers who have faced difficulties due to delays and cancellations, strict Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) are in place. Airline operators have to follow these requirements. Regarding the software issue, an inquiry has been made. Continuous technology upgradation happens in this sector. Our vision from the government is to have top global standards for the aviation sector in the country," he said. The Minister Naidu explained that the problems at IndiGo were related to crew rostering and internal operational planning, which the airline is responsible for managing on a day-to-day basis. He added that thorough consultations have been held with all stakeholders concerning Flight Time Limitations (FTTL) guidelines, and emphasised that there will be no compromise on safety. Naidu underlined that the government is taking the situation seriously and warned, "If there is non-adherence by any operator, we will take very strict action." He also highlighted the government's intent to encourage more players in the aviation sector. Answering a question from Member of Rajya Sabha M Thambi Durai, who cited long hours spent stranded and exorbitant fares, the Union Minister expressed regret for the inconvenience caused. Aviation Minister Naidu said, "Over five lakh PNR cancellations had been recorded, and Rs 569 crore had been provided to affected passengers. The government has capped fares and created four pricing slabs, taking strict action against non-compliance, and has previously acted to curb unreasonable fare hikes." Meanwhile, IndiGo announced a significant operational rebound on Monday, confirming it will operate more than 1,800 flights across its network, marking a decisive turnaround after days of widespread disruption. In a press release, the airline said it has restored connectivity to all stations in its network and significantly reduced cancellations through tighter planning and operational optimisation. (ANI)
Ahead of the Bharatiya Janata Party's planned protest against the Karnataka government, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka criticised the Congress-led administration for "failing" to carry out relief work in flood-hit North Karnataka. He said the BJP had sought an adjournment motion in the Assembly to discuss the situation, adding that the government agreed to it "under pressure", even as the party prepares to stage a demonstration seeking justice for affected farmers. Speaking to reporters, Ashoka said, "There have been floods in North Karnataka. No relief work has been carried out. We had given a notice for an adjournment motion. The government has yielded to our request. Under pressure, it has agreed to allow a discussion on the situation in North Karnataka. The BJP is protesting, demanding justice for farmers." He added that the BJP's agitation seeks justice for farmers, with leaders including Vijayendra taking part. "I had gone to participate in the protest yesterday. Vijayendra and several other leaders are participating in the agitation. I will place the adjournment motion. After completing that, I will go to the protest. The NDRF has sanctioned 6,000 crore in relief. What moral right does the state government have? They said they would provide jobs to everyone. What happened now? " Earlier, Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra slammed the Congress here for not resolving the farmers' issues. Speaking to ANI, Vijayendra stated that the Congress government has neglected the issues being faced by the farmers. "Because of the infighting within the ruling Congress government, issues pertaining to the farmers have been totally neglected by this Congress government. Sugarcane growers have been fighting on the streets for the last two months, but till now, there is no clear solution to this protest. The demand of the maize growers was very simple; they were only demanding that the government open procurement centres. Even this did not happen," he said. Vijayendra highlighted that even though the fixed price of Rs 2400 per quintal was set by the central government, the maize growers had to sell it to the middlemen for Rs 1500-1600 due to the unavailability of procurement centres. "Even the central government had set a fixed price of Rs 2400 per quintal. Since there were no procurement centres, the maize farmers were forced to sell their crop to middlemen for Rs 1500-1600 per quintal. After the recent floods across the state, there was a huge crop loss, and the farmers were demanding proper compensation, which has not been granted... Taking all these issues, the BJP will be protesting here today..." he added. The Bhartiya Janata Party workers are all set to hold a protest against the state government to highlight and address these issues today. (ANI)
A Special CBI court at Rouse Avenue court on Monday acquitted a Sub Inspector of Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police after noting the absence of cogent evidence against him. This case pertains to a CBI FIR lodged in 2020. He was accused of corruption charges for demanding a bribe of Rs. 30 Lakh from businessman Sanjay Gupta for settling a complaint in his favour. As per allegations, Rs. 4 lakh was accepted by him and was recovered from his car. Special CBI Judge Murari Prasad Singh acquitted Sanjeev Kumar after considering the infirmities, contradictions and submissions by the counsel for CBI and the accused. Special Judge held, "In the light of the foregoing discussion, I am of the considered view that the prosecution's case is shrouded with serious infirmities, discrepancies and contradictions." CBI has miserably failed to bring any cogent and clinching evidence so as to record the finding of guilt against the accused of the alleged offence," Special Judge said in the judgement of December 8. While acquitting the accused, the court observed, "The essential ingredients of 'demand', 'acceptance' and 'motive or reward' for the purpose of section 7 PC Act has remained unproved and as a consequence, prosecution miserably failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt against the accused." " As a consequence, accused Sanjeev Kumar is acquitted in this case," the court ordered on Monday. Advocate Sanjay Gupta, along with Raj Kamal Arya, appeared for the accused and argued that the complainant had an enmity with the accused and, as such, his version cannot be accepted as the gospel truth without sufficient corroboration. It was also argued that there is no material on record to corroborate the version of the complainant; that, in any event, the prosecution has failed to establish demand and acceptance of a bribe on the part of the accused. As per CBI, on March 18, 2020 FIR under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (for short 'PC Act') against Sanjeev Kumar, a Delhi Police personnel posted at Police Station Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Mandir Marg, Delhi came to be registered on the basis of a written complaint dated 17.03.2020 of one Sanjay Gupta. He alleged that "Sub Inspector Sanjeev Kumar, Delhi Police, EOW, Mandir Marg was an Investigation Officer against me in a FIR and he demanded a bribe of Rs 10 Lakh from him on around Diwali of 2018, during the investigation, which I refused to pay. Consequently, he filed a Charge Sheet against me in the said FIR." It was also alleged that during the investigation that SI Sanjeev Kumar summoned the complainant's elder brother, Rajiv Gupta and got an opportunity to harass and victimise the complainant. The complainant alleged that a false complaint was filed against him with the EOW, Mandir Marg. SI Sanjeev Kumar also investigated the said complaint. On 05.03.2020, SI Sanjeev Kumar demanded an amount of Rs 30 Lakhs in total to investigate the complaint of Rajiv Gupta in my favour. The amount of Rs 30 Lakhs also includes an amount of Rs 10 Lakhs, which he demanded while investigating the earlier FIR. (ANI)
Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) Cadres travelling from Tamil Nadu to attend the party's public meeting today in Puducherry are being stopped and inspected at the Mullodai border area between Cuddalore and Puducherry on Tuesday. Party leader Vijay is scheduled to deliver a special address at the meeting being held in Uppalam, Puducherry. Following the recent crowd-related incident during the Karur event, police security across Puducherry has been significantly intensified. As part of these heightened security measures, cadres arriving from Tamil Nadu are not being allowed to enter Puducherry without checks directly. Vehicles at the Mullodai border are being thoroughly inspected by police personnel before being permitted into the Union Territory. Police officials, including Puducherry SSP Kalaivanan, have said that tight monitoring and precautionary measures are in place to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety during the event. Meanwhile, on Monday, authorities had issued stringent regulations to ensure crowd control and public safety. The Puducherry Police, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (Law & Order) R. Kalaivanan, granted permission for the event at the Expo Ground with attendance strictly capped at 5,000 people from the Union Territory. The meeting, scheduled between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., will feature TVK president and actor Vijay, who is expected to address supporters around noon. Departing from the usual practice of using a stage, Vijay will speak from a specially arranged campaign vehicle. Only individuals carrying QR-coded entry passes issued by the party will be allowed inside. The police advisory makes it clear that persons without valid passes, as well as children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and those with health issues, will not be permitted. The event is exclusively for Puducherry residents, and people from neighbouring districts of Tamil Nadu have been asked to refrain from travelling to the venue. Designated parking areas have been assigned at Pondy Marina, the Old Port, and behind the Indira Gandhi Stadium, with roadside parking strictly prohibited. In alignment with the police guidelines, TVK issued a detailed nine-point directive to its cadres, urging full cooperation and reiterating that no cadres from other states would be allowed entry. The party emphasised that its leader prioritises the safety of his supporters, especially in the wake of the Karur stampede two months ago that claimed 41 lives. The guidelines prohibit welcome processions, celebratory activities, unauthorised banners, and the placement of flex boards along roads without permission, in accordance with High Court orders. Cadres have also been instructed not to follow Vijay's vehicle at any point and to maintain discipline throughout the event. The party further warned against climbing on buildings, vehicles, trees, or going near electric poles or transformers at the venue. With 50 CCTV cameras installed and monitoring strengthened, authorities and the party expect a tightly regulated event focused on safety and orderly conduct. (ANI)
Local Franchise Owner Jeffrey Jaunich Adds New Territory Serving New Lenox, Illinois

ROCKLIN, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Always Best Care Senior Services, a leading provider of in-home senior care and assisted living referral services in the United States, today announced the expansion of Always Best Care of Chicagoland into New Lenox, Illinois.

This expansion extends the company's non-medical home care, personal care, companionship, and specialized senior support services throughout Will County and the Southwest Chicago suburbs, including New Lenox, Mokena, Homewood, Flossmoor, Frankfort and neighboring communities.

Who Is Expanding Senior Care Services in Chicagoland?

Jeffrey Jaunich, franchise owner of Always Best Care of Chicagoland, leads the expansion. Jaunich spent 25+ years in the financial services industry before transitioning into senior care after supporting his father through the challenges of dementia. His experience caring for a loved one fuels his mission to help seniors age safely at home and make transitions to higher levels of care more seamless.

"Seeing the challenges my family faced during my father's journey showed me how much more could be done to support seniors in their homes and make transitions to higher levels of care as smooth as possible," said Jaunich. "This expansion allows us to bring our comprehensive, family-centered approach to even more seniors in New Lenox and the surrounding communities. With Silver Cross Hospital right here in the area, we're in a stronger position than ever to support patients returning home and ensure they receive the consistent, compassionate care they need to maintain independence and dignity for as long as possible."

What Services Does Always Best Care Provide in New Lenox and the Chicagoland Area?

Always Best Care offers a broad range of in-home senior care services, designed to support adults aging in place:

In-Home Personal Care Services

Bathing, dressing, grooming

Mobility support and fall prevention

Medication reminders

Transportation to appointments

Light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation

Companionship and social engagement

Specialized Care Programs

Dementia and Alzheimer's support

Respite care for family caregivers

Post-hospitalization and transitional care

Health and safety monitoring technologies

Assisted Living Referral Services

Always Best Care also helps families evaluate and choose assisted living communities when home care is no longer sufficient, at no cost to the family.

Why Is This Expansion Significant for New Lenox and the Chicago South Suburbs?

Illinois continues to see rapid growth in its 65+ population, especially in communities like New Lenox and the surrounding suburbs. Demand for in-home senior care, dementia support, transitional care, and aging-in-place services continues to rise.

With this expansion, Always Best Care of Chicagoland now operates fully within the service territory of Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, a major and rapidly growing healthcare system serving the region. This alignment enables the agency to collaborate directly with Silver Cross care teams, support hospital referrals, assist patients returning home after hospitalization, and strengthen continuity-of-care for seniors across the South Suburbs.

Families in New Lenox, Mokena, Homewood, Flossmoor, Frankfort, and neighboring municipalities now have expanded access to:

Local, compassionate caregiving teams

Reliable home care services for aging adults

Trusted guidance for assisted living and long-term care planning

What Makes Jeffrey Jaunich's Always Best Care Team Unique?

Jaunich's operation is built on the values of care, compassion, and respect he learned growing up in a large family where elders were deeply honored. His firsthand experience navigating dementia care gives him a personal understanding of what families need during difficult transitions.

His leadership has already produced strong results in DuPage County and throughout the Chicago South Suburbs, building caregiving teams known for reliability, empathy, and exceptional support for seniors and their families.

What Does Leadership Say About the Expansion?

Jake Brown, President and CEO of Always Best Care, praised the expansion and Jaunich's proven leadership:

"Jeffrey is a proven, multi-unit owner whose leadership, experience, and deep commitment to seniors make him the perfect choice to expand Always Best Care's services into New Lenox. His track record in DuPage County and the Chicago South Suburbs demonstrates his ability to build teams grounded in care, compassion, and respect for every client."

About Always Best Care

Founded in 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care has been assisting seniors with a wide range of conditions and personal needs for over 29 years and currently provides thousands of hours of care every year. Franchise opportunities are available to individuals interested in leveraging the company's clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas.

For more information regarding Always Best Care Senior Services, please visit www.alwaysbestcare.com.

Local Service Information Always Best Care of Chicagoland

CONTACT:

Tammy Delgado

Tidehouse Agency

919-459-7147

[email protected]

SOURCE Always Best Care
Reacting to actor Dileep''s acquittal in the 2017 actress assault case, senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan on Tuesday said that the government must step in if the survivor believes justice has not been fully served. Speaking to ANI, Muraleedharan said, "That''s the judgment of the court. If the woman feels she did not receive full justice, then, on her behalf, the government may file an appeal. The government should do that. I hope that the government will do that." His remarks come a day after a trial court in Kerala acquitted the prominent Malayalam actor and the 8th accused, Dileep, in the 2017 case. As per the judgment, Dileep has been found not guilty of the allegation that he orchestrated the assault. Malayalam actor Dileep was accused of conspiring and hiring a gang to execute the crime. The case pertained to an actress who worked in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films and was allegedly abducted and molested inside her car by a group of men who forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017. While the actor expressed profound gratitude to his family, supporters and legal team upon acquittal, the Kerala Government has decided to appeal against the judgment. The Kerala Law Minister, P Rajeev, said that he has discussed the appeal matter with the state Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan and extended support to the actress. "The state government''s decision is to appeal against the trial court verdict in the actress''s attack case. Respected. Discussed this matter with the Chief Minister. The government is with the survival," said P Rajeev on Facebook. Meanwhile, Dileep''s advocate B Raman Pillai on Monday termed the evidence against his client "bogus," calling the case a "conspiracy" against the actor. Speaking to ANI, Pillai said the court acquitted Dileep because the defence proved that the evidence in the case was "fabricated." He said, "We could establish that the evidence produced is bogus and fabricated. It is a conspiracy against Dileep. For that, they have created some evidence. But they couldn''t establish any of that evidence before the court. Dileep was acquitted because it is just a decision on the basis of evidence that could be the only view." "I could not see the judgment, so I do not know the reasons. But on the basis of the evidence, I can say this is the only view, because we can establish that the evidence produced against him is bogus and fabricated. Actually, it is a conspiracy against Dileep to implicate him as an accused. For that, they have created some evidence," the lawyer added. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court has directed the All Party Hills Leader Conference to submit all its pending documents required for recognition as a political party within one week, while instructing the Election Commission of India (ECI) to process the application and decide the proposed party name within eight weeks thereafter. The petitioner, represented by advocates Irshad Ahmad Khan and Brij Ballabh Tiwari, approached the court seeking directions to the ECI for registration under Section 29-A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The party intends to field candidates in the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections and had originally submitted its application on March 6, 2025, along with alternative names and supporting documents. Despite receiving an acknowledgement the next day, no final response was issued by the ECI, stated the plea. During the proceedings, the ECI informed the court that a letter dated November 14, 2025, had been issued to the petitioner, pointing out deficiencies in the application. The communication, reproduced in order, lists missing affidavits, incorrect use of stamp papers and incomplete details regarding key office-bearers, including the Treasurer and Vice-President of the proposed party. The counsel for the petitioner assured the court that all pending documents would be furnished within one week. Justice Mini Pushkarna, after hearing both sides, directed the petitioner to cure all defects within one week and further directed the ECI to consider approval of one of the proposed names and register the political party within eight weeks after the discrepancies are removed. With these directions, the writ petition was disposed off. The All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC) is a regional political party active in the Indian states of Meghalaya and Assam. Assam is scheduled to hold its Legislative Assembly elections in March-April 2026, during which voters will elect 126 members to the state assembly. (ANI)
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday applauded the security forces for fighting against Naxalism within the last two years, under the administration of the BJP government, after 12 Naxals surrendered and laid down their weapons before the security forces in Rajnandgaon to join the mainstream. "Our forces have bravely fought against naxalism in these 2 years under our administration... Naxalism is taking its final breaths. Today, the CC Ramdher is rehabilitating along with his fellow MCC members and joining the mainstream... These members carried multiple bounties and have surrendered today..." the Chief Minister said. He further reiterated the deadline announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to eradicate Naxalism by the end of March next year. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have set a deadline to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026...Our jawans are fighting against Naxalism, and we are succeeding...We believe that it is moving towards the end..." he stated. Meanwhile, security forces have recovered the bodies of at least 18 Maoists killed in an exchange of fire during an anti-Naxal operation along the Bijapur-Dantewada border in the Bastar region, an official said on Friday. The encounter between Naxalites and security forces lasted nearly 12 hours, during which three District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawans were killed in action. Bastar Inspector General of Police (IG) P. Sundarraj told reporters that Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) and PLGA Company No. 2 Commander Billa Moudiyami, along with another company commander, had been neutralised. "A significant number of weapons, including LMG, SLR, AK-47, .303 weapons and graded weapons, have been recovered from the encounter site. The clash was ongoing for nearly 12 hours," he added. Two DRG jawans, including Somdev Yadav, sustained injuries. Officials confirmed that both are out of danger and are undergoing treatment in Raipur. "As per the intent of the Government of India and the Government of Chhattisgarh, and as per the wish of the people of the state, security forces are regularly carrying out operations against Naxalites in the Bastar Division. Yesterday, on the border areas of Bijapur and Dantewada, based on the information of the presence of Naxalites, a joint team of DRG Bijapur, DRG Dantewada, STF, CoBRA, and CRPF left for the operation. During the operation, cross-firing took place between Naxalites and the security forces since 9 am," IG Sundarraj said. Final salutes were paid to three fallen heroes killed in the line of action while combating Maoists in the jungles of Bijapur-Dantewada. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at Bijapur police line for DRG Bijapur Head Constable Monu Vadadi, Constable Dukaru Gonde and jawan Ramesh Sodhi, who laid down their lives during Wednesday's encounter with the Maoists. (ANI)
Kerala Health Minister Veena George responded to UDF Convenor Adoor Prakash's statement on actor Dileep, stating that the party has a policy against women and underlined that the government stands with the victim. "This leader and the party he is representing - it is quite evident that they have a policy against women, and it is not acceptable... This is also the policy and vision of the party... The government stands with the victim girl continuously..." she said. Her remarks come a day after a trial court in Kerala acquitted the prominent Malayalam actor and the 8th accused, Dileep, in the 2017 case. As per the judgment, Dileep has been found not guilty of the allegation that he orchestrated the assault. Malayalam actor Dileep was accused of conspiring and hiring a gang to execute the crime. The case pertained to an actress who worked in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films and was allegedly abducted and molested inside her car by a group of men who forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017. While the actor expressed profound gratitude to his family, supporters and legal team upon acquittal, the Kerala Government has decided to appeal against the judgment. The Kerala Law Minister, P Rajeev, said that he has discussed the appeal matter with the state Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan and extended support to the actress. "The state government's decision is to appeal against the trial court verdict in the actress's attack case. Respected. Discussed this matter with the Chief Minister. The government is with the survival," said P Rajeev on Facebook. Meanwhile, Dileep's advocate B Raman Pillai on Monday termed the evidence against his client "bogus," calling the case a "conspiracy" against the actor. Speaking to ANI, Pillai said the court acquitted Dileep because the defence proved that the evidence in the case was "fabricated." (ANI)
Security forces on Sunday arrested four extortionists associated with banned insurgent groups UNLF (PAMBEI) and SOREPA during coordinated operations across Imphal West district. The raids conducted under Sekmai Police Station, Lamphal Police Station, and Patsoi Police Station resulted in multiple arrests and significant recoveries, marking a major strike against extortion networks active in the region. In the first operation, security forces apprehended two active cadres of UNLF (PAMBEI) from near Keystone Infra Pvt Ltd at Awang Wabagai under Sekmai-PS. The arrested individuals were identified as 31-year-old Ningthoujam Nongpoknganba Meitei of Soibam Leikai Ayangpalli Road, Imphal East district, although he is currently residing at Kongba Ucheckon Lai Moriba, and 23-year-old Konthoujam Nelson Singh Thomba of Lambal Sabal Leikai, Imphal West district. From their possession, security forces have seized a Maruti Swift four-wheeler, four mobile phones, one sling bad and two ID cards. Authorities said the duo had been extorting money from local businesses and contractors, and were under surveillance following intelligence inputs regarding their movement. In a separate set of operations conducted across different locations in Imphal West under Lamphel Police Station, security forces arrested two active extortionists belonging to SOREPA. Their activities were reportedly linked to multiple extortion attempts targeting civilians and small establishments. Additionally, on the same day, security personnel recovered several items from Ngairangbam Mayai Lambi Loukon under Patsoi Police Station. The recovered materials are suspected to have been used in extortion-related activities, and verification is currently underway. Investigations into all four arrested individuals continue. Meanwhile, Manipur Police arrested an active cadre of UNLF (Koireng) from Minuthong under Imphal police station, who was allegedly involved in extorting money from trucks and vehicles travelling on Imphal-Dimapur road in the name of the G5 group, officials said. According to Manipur Police, Hijam Marjit Singh (alias Dhamen), 51, from Lairikyengbam Leikai Salan Leirak, was arrested on December 5 with a mobile phone on his person. (ANI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been appointed to probe the tragic suicide of a woman doctor in Satara, whose forensic report confirmed that she indeed penned the note written on her hand. During the question hour in the Vidhan Sabha, Fadnavis said, "An SIT has been appointed to investigate the Nashik doctor's suicide case. The forensic report has confirmed that the suicide note written on the doctor's hand was indeed written by her." The Chief Minister further said that the probe so far has revealed that Police Officer Madane deceived the doctor and sexually exploited her, while another accused also cheated and manipulated her. "According to the current forensic findings, the cause of death is hanging. The investigation is still ongoing, and the chargesheet will be filed soon. An independent inquiry through a retired judge has also been initiated, and a woman IPS officer has been appointed to supervise the police-level investigation," he added. CM Fadnavis later added that the current forensic findings indicate that the cause of death was hanging. "The investigation is still ongoing, and the chargesheet will be filed soon. An independent inquiry through a retired judge has also been initiated, and a woman IPS officer has been appointed to supervise the police-level investigation," he said. Condemning attempts to politicise the matter, Fadnavis remarked, "Some people made an unfortunate attempt to bring politics into this matter. Everyone will be investigated in this matter." Referring to legislative developments, the Chief Minister also commented on the Shakti Act, saying, "The Shakti Act is an infringement of the powers given to us (the state) by the Constitution. That is why it was sent back. The law by which we made this law could not be approved either. Some of the new things that we had done in the Shakti Act have been included in the new three laws. We will exclude the things that do not fit the ruling given by the Supreme Court and include the things." On October 23, a woman doctor died by suicide in Maharashtra's Satara after alleged sexual assault and mental harassment by a police official and two others. A note on the hand of the doctor who passed away named the police official and two others for driving her to take the extreme step by subjecting her to physical and mental harassment. Earlier, Satara Police arrested two persons, Police Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne and Prashant Bankar, in connection with the case. A case was registered against the accused duo under charges of rape and abetment to suicide. The Police Sub-Inspector Badne, named in the note, was suspended following this development. (ANI)
Union Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday accused the opposition parties of propagating "wrong narrative" regarding the election processes. Ahead of the debate on election reforms, Rijiju said the government will have a chance to refute the "wrong narrative" the opposition is spreading. "Today, Lok Sabha will discuss election reform. Opposition will speak. The government will also clear the delusion that has been created. The government will clarify the wrong narrative being set regarding people's trust and their participation in election processes," Rijiju told reporters after attending the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting here. He also refuted the allegations levelled by the opposition regarding the 'Vande Mataram' debate being held in Parliament due to the forthcoming West Bengal elections, saying that it was wrong since the government doesn't decide the dates of historical events. "Some opposition people say that the Vande Mataram discussion was held due to the Bengal election. This is wrong. Vande Mataram completed 150 years on November 7. How can we decide on that date? If it (the national song) has completed 150 years now, the discussion will also be held now. We don't set the dates for such events; we celebrate them," Rijiju said. "Vande Matram discussion to begin by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha," he added. Amid IndiGo fiasco that has led to disruptions in the flight operations across major airports in the country, with passengers suffering due to delays and cancellations, Rijiju said the Prime Minister spoke of focusing on reforms for the betterment of people. "Indian citizens should not face any difficulties from the side of the government, PM asked MPs to assure this. Rule and regulations are good, but to correct the system and not to trouble the public," he said. Informing about the discussions held during the NDA Parliamentary Party, Rijiju said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided guidance to the MPs to focus on reforms for the betterment of people. "All NDA leaders congratulated PM Modi for the NDA's victory in the Bihar elections. PM Modi guided all the NDA MPs to work for their respective constituencies. PM emphasised undertaking reforms across all sectors to ease the public's lives and ensure they face no problems. The PM said that laws should help people. He also urged the MPs to connect with the youth. I express my gratitude to the PM for this guidance. It was a very good meeting of the NDA parliamentary party," he said. The lower house of Parliament is set to take up the issue of election reforms for discussion. This will include a discussion of the SIR exercise initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in various states. The opposition parties have been demanding a debate on SIR for months, with Congress alleging discrepancies in the voter list. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha is likely to open the discussion in the lower house today. The LoP has been a vocal critic of SIR, alleging that the government is using the process to delete genuine voters. KC Venugopal is one of the senior Congress leaders participating in the debate on election reforms. Others include Manish Tewari, Varsha Gaikwad, Mohammed Javaid, Ujjwal Raman Singh, Isa Khan, Ravi Mallu, Imran Masood, Gowaal Padavi, and S Jyotimani. In Rajya Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to initiate the discussion on SIR. A total of 10 hours has been earmarked for the entire discussion in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. (ANI)
CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar on Tuesday criticised the Union government ahead of the Rajya Sabha's scheduled discussion on Vande Mataram, saying that the move is "planned to attack Jawaharlal Nehru and India's freedom movement". "Today, Vande Mataram will be discussed in the Rajya Sabha. All this is planned to attack Jawaharlal Nehru and India's freedom movement. The whole intention of these types of movements is nothing. Before the Prime Minister or the Home Minister even begins the speech, we can easily understand the content of the speech," Kumar told reporters outside the Parliament. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to open the discussion in the Upper House today. These discussions are part of the special parliamentary focus on commemorating the legacy and 150 years of Vande Mataram. Meanwhile, the discussion on 150 years of National Song Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha on Monday saw leaders from various political parties highlighting the role played by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's composition in the freedom struggle with BJP and opposition members also taking potshots at each other. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the opposition "for resorting to appeasement politics" and continued attempts to create controversies around Vande Mataram. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also targeted Congress in his speech and accused it of "fragmentation" of Vande Mataram and appeasement politics. He said that the National Anthem found a place in the national consciousness, but the National Song was "marginalised." However, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra countered PM Modi and accused him of "selectively" presenting the facts. The discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram lasted almost till midnight with a large number of members expressing their views during the nearly 12-hour debate. The 150th anniversary of India's National Song, Vande Mataram, which translates to "Mother, I Bow to Thee", was observed on November 7 this year. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, 'Vande Mataram' was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. Later, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee incorporated the hymn into his immortal novel 'Anandamath', published in 1882. It was set to music by Rabindranath Tagore. It has become an integral part of the nation's civilisational, political and cultural consciousness. The 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha commenced on Monday, December 1, marking the beginning of the Winter Session of Parliament. The session will conclude on December 19. (ANI)
BJP MLAs on Tuesday held a protest against the Karnataka state government to highlight the farmers' concerns in the Suvarna Soudha. Karnataka Legislative Council LOP and BJP Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, during the protest, stated that the party members stand with the farmers, demanding immediate resolutions. "This is the farmers' problem...With sugarcane farmers, there is a problem...Even the maize growers face problems...Price fixations are not being done properly...This government is not doing well, so farmers are becoming very angry...We are supporting them and demanding that their problems be resolved immediately..." he said. Responding to the claims about the Central Government not supporting the state government, he affirmed that the centre has extended support in a timely manner, but the state government is constantly spreading lies. "This is totally a false statement...We have given everything but they are telling lies...Sitting in Bangalore, simply writing love letters to the Central Government will not work out...You are the government, don't blame others...Go to Delhi, sit there, and if you want anything from them, you bring it...Why are you saying we are helpless right now?" he remarked. Speaking on the state government's push to celebrate Tipu Sultan Jayanti, he said, "Congress is Tipu Sultan party only, why do they want to celebrate this? There are many other issues in the state, and they must be discussed." "Our next step will be to go to the Vidhaan Soudha and gherao them (state government)," he added. Meanwhile, BJP leader Shashikala Jolle, who was also present during the protest, highlighted that the farmers still haven't received the compensation for ruined crops due to statewide floods from the state government. "Farmers faced issues as heavy rainfall and floods damaged the crops; however, they still haven't received compensation for it from the state government in their bank accounts...When the BJP government administered the state, we used to send the money into the bank accounts of affected individuals within 24 hours..." she stated. The Bhartiya Janata Party workers held a protest against the state government to highlight and address these farmer issues today. (ANI)
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Parliament during the 'Vande Mataram' debate was "marked by frustration and a narrow-minded approach," while his party colleague Priyanka Gandhi presented facts. Speaking to ANI, he said that Congress took only two stanzas of the national song, keeping in mind that India is a diverse country, and urged that the national song must be viewed in the context of the constitution. "The discussion initiated yesterday by PM Modi was marked by frustration and a very narrow-minded approach. Priyanka presented facts. This is the fundamental difference between the two speeches. We took only two stanzas of the national song. It's a national, not devotional, song, so we should view it historically and in the context of the Constitution today. India is a country of diversity," Bhagat said. The Congress MP stated that the frustration of PM Modi comes to the fore because the BJP's parent organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), had no involvement in the freedom movement. He asked whether the PM was insulting Rajendra Prasad and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who were part of the Constituent Assembly that adopted Vande Mataram as the national song in its current form. "We took it (current status of Vande Mataram) up in the Constituent Assembly. Rajendra Prasad and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee were also a part of it. Is the Prime Minister insulting them, too? He and his party have a complex because they had no involvement in the freedom movement, and his parent organisation, which remained with the British. That's why he mentions Nehru and the Congress Party. The Prime Minister should present the facts and the truth," Bhagat said. Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju today refuted the allegations levelled by the opposition regarding the 'Vande Mataram' debate being held in Parliament due to the forthcoming West Bengal elections, saying that it was wrong since the government doesn't decide the dates of historical events. "Some opposition people say that the Vande Mataram discussion was held due to the Bengal election. This is wrong. Vande Mataram completed 150 years on November 7. How can we decide on that date? If it (the national song) has completed 150 years now, the discussion will also be held now. We don't set the dates for such events; we celebrate them," Rijiju said. The discussion on 150 years of National Song Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha on Monday saw leaders from various political parties highlighting the role played by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's composition in the freedom struggle, with BJP and opposition members also taking potshots at each other. (ANI)
PLANO, Texas, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC) Board of Directors has announced Ronald Hogan as Chief Executive Officer, effective November 24, 2025. When Hogan joined AVRMC as Interim CEO four months ago, he leveraged his 30 years of healthcare leadership excellence and team-first mentality to strengthen services and stabilize finances. He will continue to drive performance improvement as CEO.

Located in La Junta, Colorado, AVRMC is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital providing high-quality, respectful, and compassionate healthcare services to individuals and families in southeastern Colorado. AVRMC is managed by Community Hospital Corporation (CHC), who led the national search for a permanent CEO.

"We appreciate Ron's initial efforts across several key performance areas, and the Board is confident that we are on a path of continued financial, operational, and clinical improvement," said Joe Pentlicki, AVRMC Board Chair. "Ron's strategic insights and passion for driving performance, collaborating with providers, strengthening the workforce, and engaging the community are well received and will guide our hospital's long-term sustainability."

Hogan shared, "I'm honored to continue to work alongside the AVRMC Board, the senior leadership team, dedicated staff, providers, and community leaders who are so vital to our local healthcare infrastructure. I look forward to supporting the hospital's mission and expanding growth opportunities over the coming years."

Hogan holds an MBA from the University of Louisiana-Monroe, and a BBA in accounting from Delta State University, Cleveland, Mississippi.

About Community Hospital Corporation  HELP WHERE HOSPITALS NEED IT

Community Hospital Corporation owns, manages and consults with hospitals through CHC Hospitals, CHC Consulting and CHC ContinueCARE, with the purpose to collaborate with partners and bring innovative solutions to support the vibrancy and accessibility of community healthcare. Based in Plano, Texas, CHC provides the resources and experience community hospitals need to improve quality outcomes, patient satisfaction and financial performance. Visit CHC.com.

Contact:

Anne Block

972.943.6470

[email protected]

SOURCE Community Hospital Corporation
Former Environment Secretary Leena Nandan has said that India's decade-long opposition to using trade measures as climate instruments has finally been acknowledged at the global level, with this year's COP declaration formally recognising the need for a dialogue on trade and climate change. Addressing the Post-COP Dialogue titled "Beyond Belem - Charting the Next Phase of Global Climate Action" hosted by the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) and TERI, Nandan said the inclusion of trade in the outcome text marks a "major takeaway" for developing countries, especially after years of resistance from developed economies. She noted that India had flagged the issue as early as 2015 during the Paris COP, when the Prime Minister's national statement made it clear that unilateral economic barriers or trade measures under the climate banner would not be acceptable. Despite the issue being brushed aside for years, she said India continued to build consensus among developing blocs. Nandan recalled that last year in Baku, India was able to mobilise Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs), BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, China), and the G77 to issue a statement on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), calling it an "elephant in the room" that needed to be confronted. According to her, the fact that CBAM is set to become operational next year made it critical for the COP process to finally acknowledge trade-related concerns. "The recognition this year that trade cannot be used as an environmental barrier and must be discussed openly is a significant achievement, led by sustained efforts of India," she said. Highlighting other key elements of the COP outcome, Nandan said the strong emphasis on adaptation reflects an important shift towards climate justice and the priorities of the Global South. She added that the extensive discussion on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) opens new opportunities for countries like India that are innovating natural and technology-based solutions for carbon removal. She also linked the Brazil-led "Mudra" concept on collective climate action with India's own initiatives, including Mission LiFE, emphasising that India's messaging on individual and community-driven action has clearly resonated in global climate discourse. The event's inaugural session included welcome remarks by Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) President Shishir Priyadarshi and TERI Director General Vibha Dhawan. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday dismissed allegations that the Rajya Sabha's special discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram was politically timed ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections, asserting that critics "need to think afresh" about the national song's legacy and importance. Speaking in the Upper House, Shah said some Opposition MPs had said the debate was linked to electoral politics in West Bengal. "Some people believe that because there are elections in Bengal, this discussion is being held. They want to link the glorification of Vande Mataram with the West Bengal elections. I think they need to reconsider their understanding," Shah said. He described the song as an "immortal creation that awakens devotion and duty toward Mother India," and added that those questioning the discussion's purpose must "think afresh, with clarity". Shah emphasised that while the creator of Vande Mataram was born in Bengal, its influence was never confined to the state. "Vande Mataram spread far beyond Bengal and even beyond India. Even freedom fighters across the world sang it during their secret meetings," the Union Minister said. Expressing the song's significance, Shah said, "On the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, to hold a discussion that honours the spirit of Vande Mataram, celebrates its glory, and ensures that it remains eternal, is truly significant." Terming the occasion historic, Shah said the discussion would deepen the understanding of the national song's role for the youths. "Our youth and future generations must know the contribution of Vande Mataram to India's independence, the patriotism that inspired its creation, and how that spirit will guide the making of a viksit India in 2047," he said. Shah further added that the spirit of Vande Mataram remains alive in the hearts of India's soldiers. "When a young man of the country sacrifices his life, the only words on his lips are Vande Mataram," he said. Meanwhile, these discussions are part of the special parliamentary focus on commemorating the legacy and 150 years of Vande Mataram. The discussion on 150 years of National Song Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha on Monday saw leaders from various political parties highlighting the role played by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's composition in the freedom struggle with BJP and opposition members also taking potshots at each other. The discussion lasted almost till midnight with a large number of members expressing their views during the nearly 12-hour debate. The 150th anniversary of India's National Song, Vande Mataram, which translates to "Mother, I Bow to Thee", was observed on November 7 this year. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, 'Vande Mataram' was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. Later, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee incorporated the hymn into his immortal novel 'Anandamath', published in 1882. It was set to music by Rabindranath Tagore. It has become an integral part of the nation's civilisational, political and cultural consciousness. The 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha commenced on December 1, marking the beginning of the Winter Session of Parliament. The session will conclude on December 19. (ANI)
Former Congress MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who had been recently suspended from the party, revealed that she is in talks with the High Command but will not support thieves, further stressing that she can only work with the party if it sidelines the people ruining it. "I am in talks with the high command, but I have this one condition that I will not support the thieves... If we want to make a government, there are four or five people ruining the Congress party, and if they are sidelined, then I will think about it..." she said. She further claimed that when she went to meet the Governor, her statements were distorted by the media. Moreover, she claimed that those who are bothered by her statements own 10,000 acres of land in the Shivalik range, and now, in collaboration with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, they want to legalise this land. She stands firmly against it. Navjot Kaur Sidhu stated that she wanted to raise her issues through Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, but before that, she got an appointment to meet the Governor. She further claimed that everyone felt unsettled upon raising the issue of these few people who own property worth crores of rupees in the Shivalik range. "I was hoping that Rahul Gandhi would address these issues and become the 'hero'... He was misguided by people around him, resulting in a delay... Until then, I got my appointment with the Governor...I wanted Rahul Gandhi to give this presentation there because it is a matter of Punjab's victory," she said. Regarding the legal notice sent by Sukhjinder Randhawa, she criticised, saying that he couldn't even ensure his wife's victory and that he openly sold tickets for crores of rupees in Rajasthan, and she has seen the evidence in the media and has also sent the evidence to the Congress high command. She said that she has presented her side of the story to the high command, and if the high command needs people who speak the truth, they will stand with her. "I have spoken my truth...If they need the people who speak the truth at the ground level, they will understand..." she said. She said that the AICC supports her, and 70% of the Congress party is also with her. All the Congress leaders are in contact with her, and she doesn't want to reveal anyone's name right now to avoid any action being taken against them. Meanwhile, Former MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu has been suspended from the Congress following a series of public allegations made by her against Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, days after her remarks over an alleged Rs. 500-crore offer for securing the Chief Minister's post triggered political unrest within the party. (ANI)
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi on Tuesday dismissed the allegations against her mother Sonia Gandhi over the latter's name in the voter list before acquiring citizenship, and said that it was an "absolute lie". Speaking to reporters here, she argued that Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi cast her vote only after she became a citizen. "Do they have any evidence? This is an absolute lie. She voted only after she became a citizen (of India). I don't know why they are after her, even though she is about to turn 80. She has dedicated her whole life to serving the nation. She should be spared at her age now," Gandhi said. The Sessions Court at Rouse Avenue on Tuesday issued notice to Sonia Gandhi while hearing a revision petition challenging the Magistrate's September order dismissing a complaint alleging her wrongful inclusion in the 1980-81 electoral rolls. The direction was passed by Sessions Judge Vishal Gogne after hearing preliminary submissions on behalf of the revisionist. Senior Advocate Pavan Narang, appearing for the revisionist Vikas Tripathi, argued that the matter warranted reconsideration as the material placed on record indicated serious irregularities in the manner Sonia Gandhi's name was entered into the electoral roll before she became an Indian citizen. He submitted that "certain documents must have been forged and falsified to get the name in the electoral roll of 1980," emphasising that her name was later deleted and then re-entered in 1983 on the basis of an application filed in January 1983, both instances, according to him, occurring before she acquired citizenship. Narang argued that the Representation of the People Act clearly permits only a citizen of India to be enrolled as a voter, and therefore, the entries raised questions requiring judicial examination. He added that while the initial complaint relied upon an article containing clips of the electoral rolls, the revisionist has now obtained attested copies from the Election Commission, which have been placed on record to substantiate the claim. After considering the submissions, Judge Gogne issued notice to both respondents, including Sonia Gandhi. The prosecutor accepted notice on behalf of the State. The Court also directed that the Trial Court Record (TCR) be summoned for a complete assessment of the issues raised in the revision. The matter is now listed for further hearing on January 6, when the Sessions Court will continue examining the challenge to the Magistrate's order dismissing the complaint at the threshold. The revision petition stems from a complaint filed by advocate Vikas Tripathi, which the Magistrate had rejected at the threshold, holding that it lacked legal foundation and relied solely on uncertified photocopies of electoral records from 1980. The Magistrate had also observed that questions of citizenship and electoral rolls fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Central Government and the Election Commission of India, and cannot be adjudicated through a criminal complaint. (ANI)
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Tuesday, emphasised that the main agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term is 'Reform Express' after the NDA Parliamentary Party Meeting. "'Reform Express' is the main agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic third term. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reforms express has set off, and it is not going to stop... These reforms will transform every citizen's life..." he said. He further stated that the central and state governments are working towards forming policies which do not burden the lives of citizens, something that PM Modi has always been vocal about. "The Prime Minister has emphasised that every new policy or law should not have any rule that burdens the lives of citizens in any way. Centre and state governments are all working in this direction... This was the outline of our meeting... After NDA's grand victory in the Bihar elections, we all thanked and felicitated the Prime Minister... Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to ensure a smooth and convenient life for all citizens..." he added. Moreover, Rijiju accused the opposition parties of propagating a "wrong narrative" regarding the election processes. Ahead of the debate on election reforms, Rijiju said the government will have a chance to refute the "wrong narrative" the opposition is spreading. "Today, Lok Sabha will discuss election reform. Opposition will speak. The government will also clear the delusion that has been created. The government will clarify the wrong narrative being set regarding people's trust and their participation in election processes," Rijiju told reporters after attending the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting here. The Minister also refuted the allegations levelled by the opposition regarding the 'Vande Mataram' debate being held in Parliament due to the forthcoming West Bengal elections, saying that it was wrong since the government doesn't decide the dates of historical events. "Some opposition people say that the Vande Mataram discussion was held due to the Bengal election. This is wrong. Vande Mataram completed 150 years on November 7. How can we decide on that date? If it (the national song) has completed 150 years now, the discussion will also be held now. We don't set the dates for such events; we celebrate them," Rijiju told reporters after attending the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting here. A total of 10 hours has been earmarked for the entire discussion in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. (ANI)
Crime Branch officials have solved a 25-year-old murder case - from the year 2000 - with the arrest of the absconding accused, Satish Yadav, in a high-stakes operation carried out across multiple states. The officials confirmed that Yadav, who had been evading arrest for more than two decades, was finally apprehended on Sunday, from Ramoli village in Darbhanga, Bihar, despite villagers attempting to help him escape. As per Crime Branch officials, the murder case dates back to February 6, 2000, when PS Roop Nagar received a PCR call (DD No. 4A). Responding officers found Sajan Singh soaked in blood, lying dead on a bed with deep axe wounds on his neck. The murder weapon was also recovered from near the body. During the investigation, witness Ajay alias Sunil, who had been living and working with both the victim and the accused as a moulding machine operator for the past 4-5 years in Delhi's Malkaganj area, told police that a heated argument had taken place a day earlier over food expenses. Sajan had slapped Satish during the altercation, and enraged over this, Satish allegedly threatened revenge. The next morning, while Sajan was found dead, Satish had disappeared. An FIR No. 21/2000 under Section 302 IPC was registered, but Satish remained absconding. According to officials, on October 21, 2000, Satish was declared a Proclaimed Offender. Over the next 25 years, the accused moved between Kolkata, Assam, and Bihar, constantly changing his locations to avoid arrest. As part of an initiative to reopen long-pending cases of murder and dacoity, Crime Branch officials revived the investigation and conducted continuous technical surveillance. Satish's family members' phone numbers were monitored, eventually leading the team to his native village. During interrogation, the accused confessed to killing Sajan in anger by striking him multiple times with an axe before fleeing Delhi. Following his arrest, Satish was booked under Kalandra vide DD No. 114 dated December 8, 2025, Section 35(1)(d) BNSS, PS Crime Branch, and produced before the court. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress during the Rajya Sabha debate on Vande Mataram, saying that the suppression of the national song began during the Indira Gandhi era, when "those who spoke Vande Mataram were imprisoned" and newspapers were shut down. Shah said that while every major milestone of a great creation is celebrated in India, Vande Mataram did not receive due recognition during previous anniversaries because of Congress leadership. "When Vande Mataram completed 50 years, the country was not yet independent. When its golden jubilee arrived, Jawaharlal Nehru split it into two parts. When it turned 100 years old, there was no glorification because those who spoke Vande Mataram were imprisoned by Indira ji during the Emergency," he said, recalling the arrests of opposition leaders, social workers, and volunteers, as well as the censoring of newspapers. Union Home Minister targeting Congress said that the party's "appeasement politics" surrounding the national song contributed to the division of India. "Many people like me believe that if Congress had not divided Vande Mataram under its policy of appeasement, the country would not have been divided, and today the country would be whole," Shah said, asserting that Jawaharlal Nehru's decision to limit the song to two stanzas during its golden jubilee marked the beginning of political appeasement. Shah alleged that several INDIA bloc leaders have historically refused to sing Vande Mataram, pointing to instances where members walked out of the Lok Sabha when the song was sung. "At that time, when we were beginning to sing Vande Mataram, many from the INDIA Alliance said they would not sing it," he said. Recounting the BJP's long-standing push for cultural nationalism, Shah said the party played a key role in reviving the tradition of singing the national song in Parliament. "In 1992, BJP MP Ram Naik raised the issue of restarting the singing of Vande Mataram. At that time, Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani strongly urged the Speaker to restore the practice. The Lok Sabha unanimously approved it." Shah further said that Vande Mataram was once a rallying cry for freedom and would now serve as a slogan for building a developed India. "In that era, Vande Mataram became the reason for making the country free, and in Amrit Kaal, it will become the slogan for developing the country and making it great," he said. Meanwhile, these discussions are part of the special parliamentary focus on commemorating the legacy and 150 years of Vande Mataram. The discussion on 150 years of National Song Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha on Monday saw leaders from various political parties highlighting the role played by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's composition in the freedom struggle with BJP and opposition members also taking potshots at each other .The discussion lasted almost till midnight with a large number of members expressing their views during the nearly 12-hour debate. The 150th anniversary of India's National Song, Vande Mataram, which translates to "Mother, I Bow to Thee", was observed on November 7 this year. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, 'Vande Mataram' was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875. Later, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee incorporated the hymn into his immortal novel 'Anandamath', published in 1882. It was set to music by Rabindranath Tagore. It has become an integral part of the nation's civilisational, political and cultural consciousness. The 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha commenced on December 1, marking the beginning of the Winter Session of Parliament. The session will conclude on December 19. (ANI)
Congress president and the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Rajya Sabha, saying that the ideological predecessors of the BJP were working for the Britishers when his party leaders were being jailed during the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921, while chanting 'Vande Matram'. Participating in the Vande Mataram debate in Rajya Sabha, Congress chief said that his party did the work of making 'Vande Mataram' a slogan during the freedom struggle. "Your (BJP) history is that you were always against the freedom struggle and patriotic songs. When Mahatma Gandhi started the non-cooperation movement in 1921, lakhs of freedom fighters from the Congress went to jail chanting 'Vande Mataram'. What were you doing? You were working for the Britishers," he said. He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves no chance to insult Jawaharlal Nehru. "Home Minister Amit Shah follows the same," Kharge added. Rajya Sabha is holding a special discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday dismissed allegations that the Rajya Sabha's special discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram was politically timed ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections, asserting that critics "need to think afresh" about the national song's legacy and importance. Speaking in the Upper House, Shah said some Opposition MPs had said the debate was linked to electoral politics in West Bengal. "Some people believe that because there are elections in Bengal, this discussion is being held. They want to link the glorification of Vande Mataram with the West Bengal elections. I think they need to reconsider their understanding," Shah said. He described the song as an "immortal creation that awakens devotion and duty toward Mother India," and added that those questioning the discussion's purpose must "think afresh, with clarity". Vande Mataram was initially composed independently and later included in Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel "Anandamath" (published in 1882). November 7, 2025, marked the 150th anniversary of India's National Song Vande Mataram, which translates to "Mother, I Bow to Thee". (ANI)
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply that the number of Naxal-affected districts has been reduced from 126 to 90 in April-2018, 70 in July-2021, 38 in April-2024, 18 in April-2025 and only 11 in October-2025 with only three districts nowcategorizedd as Most LWE Affected. MoS Home Rai, in a written reply to BJP MP Janardan Singh Sigriwal's question, informed the Lower House that the resolute implementation of the National Policy and Action Plan 2015 has resulted in a consistent decline in violence and contraction of geographical spread. LWE, which has been a serious challenge to the nation's internal security, has been significantly curbed in recent times and confined to only a few pockets. The number of Naxal-affected districts reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in July 2021, 38 in April 2024, 18 in April 2025, and only 11 in October 2025, with only three districts now categorised as Most LWE Affected. However, to restrict CPI (Maoist) from bouncing back in the areas recently taken away from LWE influence, 27 districts have been kept as "Legacy & Thrust Districts" under the scope of the Security Related Expenditure Scheme. MoS Home Nityanand Rai further informed the Lok Sabha that LWE-related violence incidents have decreased by 89% from a high of 1936 in 2010 to 218 in 2025. Resultant deaths of Civilians & Security Forces have also come down from a high of 1005 in the year 2010 by 91% to 93% in the year 2025. In 2025 (till December 01), security forces have neutralised 335 Naxals, arrested 942 and facilitated 2167 surrenders. "On the security front, the GoI assists the LWE-affected State Government by providing Central Armed Police Forces battalions and sanctioning of India Reserve Battalions, helicopter support, strengthening of camp infrastructure, training, funds for modernisation of State police forces, equipment & arms, sharing of intelligence, construction of Fortified Police Stations, etc. For capacity building of states since 2014-15, Rs. 3523.48 crore have been released to LWE-affected states on operational expenditure and training needs of Security Forces, rehabilitation of surrendered LWE cadre, ex-gratia to families of civilians killed in LWE violence/martyred security force personnel, etc. under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme. Works of Rs. 1757 crore have been sanctioned to LWE-affected states for strengthening of the State's Special Forces, State Intelligence Branches (SIBs), District Police and construction of Fortified Police Stations (FPS) under the Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS)," Rai added. Nityanand Rai said that there has been a special focus on the financial choking of LWEs and the unearthing of the nexus between CPI (Maoists) and its financial supporters. For effective action towards choking of funds and other resources to LWE, coordinated actions are being taken by the State Police in cooperation with Central agencies by various means. The GoI's focus on security infrastructure has been pivotal. In the last decade, 656 fortified police stations have been built. "In the last six years, 377 new security camps have been established in core LWE-affected areas", he added. MoS Home further said that on the development front, apart from the flagship schemes of the Government of India (GoI), several LWE-affected areas-specific initiatives have been taken with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, education, skill development and financial inclusion. The efforts undertaken are periodically monitored, evaluated and modified to optimise the results. Nityanand Rai said in the House that for expansion of the road network, 14,978 km have been constructed under 02 LWE-specific schemes, namely Road Requirement Plan (RRP) and Road Connectivity Project for LWE Affected Areas (RCPLWEA). For improving telecom connectivity in LWE-affected areas,s 9,050 towers have been commissioned. For Skill Development, 46 Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) and 49 Skill Development Centres (SDC) have been opened. For quality education in tribal areas, 179 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) have been made functional. For financial inclusion, the Department of Posts has opened 6,025 Post Offices with banking services in LWE-affected districts. 1804 Bank Branches and 1321 ATMs have been opened in Most LWE-affected districts. For further impetus to development, funds are provided for filling critical gaps in public infrastructure in Most LWE-affected Districts under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme. Till now, Rs. 3,848.49 crore have been released since the inception of the scheme in 2017. (ANI)
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy unveiled the 'Telangana Talli' statues virtually at the district collectorates from the venue of the Global Summit at the Bharat Future City on Tuesday. According to a Telangana government press release, the Chief Minister also recalled how Congress leader Sonia Gandhi announced the launch of the official process for the formation of Telangana on December 9, 2009. The press release said that the announcement brought 'cheers and upheld the self-respect of the Telangana people'. To commemorate December 9, they have designated it as the unveiling day of the Telangana Talli statue in the people's government. As part of that, the state government has already unveiled the Telangana Talli statue at the state Secretariat and has 'inspired' the administration. The Chief Minister said, "Today, we are unveiling the Telangana Talli statues in all the district collectorates". CM Revanth Reddy recalled during the unveiling that Sonia Gandhi had promised statehood for Telangana in Karimnagar in 2004. According to the press release, Sonia Gandhi is also celebrating her birthday on December 9, on the same day she 'fulfilled the promise and aspirations of the Telangana people'. The Chief Minister reiterated that they will celebrate both the unveiling of the Telangana Talli statue and Sonia Gandhi's birthday as long as Telangana State exists. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Monday said the state aims to make Telangana a USD 1 trillion economy by 2034 and a USD 3 trillion economy by 2047, outlining a growth roadmap at the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025. Speaking at the opening of the two-day event, Reddy said Telangana, India's youngest state, was moving with ambition and precise planning. "We want to become a 1 trillion dollar economy by 2034, and a 3 trillion dollar economy by 2047," he said, adding that the state, though home to about 2.9 per cent of India's population, already contributes nearly 5 per cent to the national GDP. The Chief Minister said Telangana's goal was to double that share by 2047, contributing 10 per cent to India's GDP. "Our strategy is to make Telangana India's first and only state to be divided into three clear zones: for services, manufacturing, and agriculture," he said, emphasising that the approach will help the state unlock sector-specific growth. Earlier, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, in his inaugural address, said Telangana would fulfil its mission of becoming a USD 3 trillion economy by 2047. He added that the state's economic path was aligned with India's broader vision of becoming a USD 30 trillion economy by then. "As the world takes note of the opportunities emerging in Telangana, I stand here with firm conviction to say Telangana will fulfil its mission of becoming a USD 3 trillion economy by 2047," the Governor said. The Governor said the state's economic path is becoming clearer as it takes measured steps to align with India's broader aim of becoming a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047. He explained that Telangana is moving with confidence, supported by transparent systems and active citizen participation. (ANI)
Full-scale digital recreation of Michelangelo's masterpiece debuting in Austin December 9th

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Presenting Sponsor Ascension Seton is thrilled to announce the premier and grand opening of The Sistine Chapel Experience, a digital recreation of one of the world's most extraordinary cultural treasures, on December 9. Spanning nearly 25,000 square feet, the experience transforms a former retail center at Barton Creek Square Mall into the immersive Sistine Chapel Experience, powered by more than 50 state-of-the-art laser projectors, where moving light and projection transform every brushstroke in dazzling resolution. The chapel exhibit is a full-size replica of the actual Sistine Chapel, with the ceiling lowered from 68 feet to 18 feet, allowing visitors to stand just feet from the artwork as Michelangelo did while painting the frescoes  an encounter impossible even inside the Vatican itself.

Visitors immerse themselves in the grand-opening of the Sistine Chapel Experience in Austin - a walk-through of Michelangelos masterpieces in dazzling 360 projection.

The Sistine Chapel Experience is a collaboration between the Vatican Museums, Scripta Maneant, and Sistine Chapel Exhibits, LLC, a team of Texas-based founders working in partnership with Italy's leading art publishers. The Sistine Chapel Experience allows visitors in Austin to step inside a dynamic, cinematic recreation of Michelangelo's iconic frescoes  The Creation of Adam, The Last Judgment, and sixteen biblical scenes  alongside the works of Botticelli, Perugino, Ghirlandaio, Pinturicchio, Rosselli, and Signorelli.

"We're tremendously excited to bring this one-of-a-kind experience from Vatican City to America, and to open in Austin, Texas, just before Christmas," said Penn Parrish. "Prior to entering the chapel area, guests experience exquisite reproductions of key frescoes in our gallery and view an immersive and educational cinematic prelude that tells the fascinating history of the chapel. You'll be introduced to painters who created the frescoes and learn some of the details and characters added to tell stories from the Book of Genesis and the life of Jesus Christ from his baptism to his crucifixion and ascension into Heaven. Inside the chapel, guests are free to speak and take photos, both of which are prohibited in the actual Sistine Chapel. It is an experience unlike any other."

"As the Presenting Sponsor, Ascension Seton is honored to help bring this uplifting experience to our community and look forward to sharing the Sistine Chapel Experience with as many as possible," said Chad Raith, Chief Mission Integration Officer for Ascension Seton. "By making the transcendent beauty of one of the world's sacred spaces accessible without international travel, this exhibit offers our community an opportunity to experience the powerful art that has inspired people for centuries. It is a technical masterpiece that makes the technology invisible and brings the art to life while allowing visitors to appreciate its depth and meaning up close."

The Sistine Chapel ceiling is a dramatic retelling of the beginning of the world and humanity according to Genesis, surrounded by prophets, sibyls, ancestors of Christ, and powerful figures, all painted in vivid color and astonishing perspective by Michelangelo. Using more than 4 million images and 270,000 ultra-high-definition reproductions, the exhibit took over 65 days of photographic work to create, transforming the Renaissance artists' visions into a moving, immersive encounter that merges digital storytelling with centuries-old genius.

Visitors will move through three galleries that chronicle the artistic process, culminating in a cinematic environment that reveals hidden details invisible to the naked eye -- even for those who've visited Rome. They will also enjoy a cinematic prelude to the exhibit created by Hollywood legends and partners Gary Lucchesi (Million Dollar Baby, Primal Fear and Underworld) and James Younger (Through the Wormhole and The Story of God with Morgan Freeman).

In addition to the chapel recreation, visitors will encounter an authentic reproduction of a Gutenberg Bible and a full-scale replica of Michelangelo's Pieta, crafted with advanced sculptural materials faithful to the original, uniting two of the most sacred and historic works of human civilization under one roof.

Exhibition Details

Dates: Opened December 5, 2025

Location: Barton Creek Square Mall, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746

Hours: WednesdaySunday, 11 a.m.7 p.m. (last entry 7 p.m.)

Tickets: sistineexperience.com

Duration: 4590 minutes

Accessibility: Fully ADA compliant; all ages welcome

City of Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has proclaimed December 10th, 2025 as Sistine Chapel Experience Day

About Ascension: Ascension is one of the nation's leading non-profit and Catholic health systems, with a Mission of delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to those most vulnerable. In FY2025, Ascension provided $1.7 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs along with $1.8 billion of unreimbursed care for Medicare patients. Across 15 states and the District of Columbia, Ascension's network encompasses approximately 97,000 associates, 23,100 aligned providers, 91 wholly owned or consolidated hospitals, and ownership interests in 29 additional hospitals through partnerships. Ascension also operates 26 senior living facilities and a variety of other care sites offering a range of healthcare services.

About Ascension Seton: Serving Texas for more than 120 years, Ascension operates 13 hospitals and 222 sites of care, employing 16,000 associates across Central Texas. Ascension operates Ascension Providence in Waco and Ascension Seton, which includes Dell Children's Medical Center, the region's only comprehensive children's hospital and pediatric Level I trauma center, and Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas, the region's only Level I trauma center for adults. Ascension Seton partners with Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin and shares a common vision of transforming healthcare through a focus on quality and value. Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. On average, Ascension provides $540 million annually in charity care and community benefit across Central Texas. Visit www.ascension.org and www.dellchildrens.org.

About The Sistine Chapel Experience: The Sistine Chapel Experience is a collaboration between the Vatican Museums, Scripta Maneant, and Sistine Chapel Exhibits, LLC  a team of Texas-based founders working in partnership with Italy's leading art publishers. The project merges cultural preservation with immersive technology, bringing Michelangelo's world to modern audiences and positioning Texas as a global leader in experiential storytelling.

Media Opportunities

Interviews are available with Executive Producer Francesco Lori, Gary Lucchesi, James Younger and members of the Texas-based founding team, and art historians behind the project

MEDIA CONTACTS

For interviews, press access, or b-roll:

JT Graham or Laura Ladewig

Crosswind Media & Public Relations

[email protected]

Photos & Gallery: sistineexperience.com | Where Art Meets Awe

SOURCE The Sistine Chapel Experience
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka staged a protest on Tuesday, accusing the Congress-ruled Karnataka government of neglecting the concerns of farmers at a time of mounting agrarian distress. Led by BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, several party MLAs staged a demonstration outside the legislature building during the ongoing winter session, demanding immediate intervention for drought-hit farmers. Speaking to reporters during the protest, Vijayendra launched a sharp attack on the Siddaramaiah-led administration, alleging that internal rifts within the ruling Congress had paralysed governance. "It's our duty to remind the state government of its responsibility. For the last couple of months, this Congress government has been busy with internal fighting. CM Siddaramaiah is busy saving his chair. D.K. Shivakumar is in a hurry to become a Chief Minister," he said. He claimed that frequent visits by state ministers to Delhi to resolve factional disputes had resulted in administrative inaction. "Because of this, the entire cabinet keeps camping in Delhi. As a result, the farmers' issues are not being addressed by the Siddaramaiah government. We demand that the farmers who are already in distress be rescued by the state government," Vijayendra added. The BJP has been targeting the government over what it calls a slow and inadequate response to widespread drought conditions, input cost pressures, and delayed compensation for crop losses. At the protest site, BJP legislators held placards urging the administration to immediately release relief funds and ensure procurement support for key crops. Reacting to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's recent letter to the Centre seeking intervention on Toor Dal-related issues, Vijayendra accused him of shifting blame instead of taking responsibility. "The only thing CM Siddaramaiah is doing is hiding his inefficiency, hiding the failures of the Congress government. He repeatedly blames the central government and writes letters to it," he said. "The fact remains that this Congress government, which is busy fighting, has forgotten all the farmers' interests." Bhartiya Janata Party workers held a protest against the state government today to highlight and address these farmer issues. (ANI)
On this occasion, Aishwarya Pandit Sharma presented her book, 'Indian Renaissance - The Modi Decade', to the Prime Minister.

According to a press release from Kartikeya Sharma's office, after the meeting, he said that interacting with PM Modi is always an enriching experience. He said that meeting the Prime Minister provides new insights, a deeper understanding, and greater clarity and resolve to serve the nation.

Kartikeya Sharma stated that the Prime Minister emphasised accountability in public life, people-centric good governance, meaningful dialogue with the youth, and reforms that simplify people's lives.

He said this guidance further strengthens the commitment to deliver tangible results for the country and society.

Aishwarya Pandit Sharma said that her book, 'Indian Renaissance - The Modi Decade', presents a detailed analysis of India's transformative journey under PM Modi's leadership. She described presenting it to the Prime Minister as a moment of honour and pride.

Kartikeya Sharma expressed his heartfelt gratitude to PM Modi and said that this meeting inspires him to work with even greater dedication in the national interest.

Earlier today, PM Modi addressed the NDA parliamentary party meet. He said that the country is now in a full-fledged 'Reform Express' phase, where reforms are happening rapidly and with clear intent, according to the source.

PM Modi emphasised that the government's reforms are completely citizen-centric, not just economic or revenue-focused. The goal is to remove everyday hurdles so people can reach their full potential.

The Prime Minister urged all the MPs to actively share real problems faced by ordinary people, so that the Reform Express can reach every household and remove day-to-day hardships. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Tuesday alleged that the Congress party had subverted multiple institutions through constitutional amendments in the 1970s, alleging that even the office of the President was "made toothless" through amendments during the Emergency. While the Lower House of the Parliament discussed electoral reforms, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey rubbished Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's earlier accusation that the current institutions have been "captured by the RSS." Dubey cited the 1976 Swaran Singh Committee, which led to the 42nd Amendment, saying it stripped the President of powers. He criticised Gandhi's claims, pointing out Congress's own history of influencing institutions and appointments. "In 1976, the Swaran Singh Committee was made, and they finished all institutions, which they are trying to do today too. In the Constitution, President is mentioned 121 times, and you will be surprised that with 1 amendment, Congress finished all the powers of the President. The president became a rubber stamp. Whatever the cabinet will say, the President will approve, the institution was finished," the BJP MP said. Dubey's statement came just after Rahul Gandhi addressed the House to talk about electoral reforms. Gandhi alleged that "institutions of India are captured, and I will come to the point that the Election Commission is captured." "The capture of the intelligence agencies, we have the Home Minister sitting here, the capture of the CBI, of the ED, of the Income Tax Department, and the systematic placement of bureaucrats who favour their ideology and attack the opposition and anybody who chooses to oppose the RSS," Gandhi had said. Rubbishing the LoP's claims, Nishikant Dubey had said during his speech that it was former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who did "vote chori," including subverting the usual appointment of the Chief Justice of India. "Indira Gandhi did vote chori in this, won the Raebareli elections, and when the Court judgement came, then the party set up such a situation that they bypassed 3 judges to make a Chief Justice who was on his post for 8.5 years," Dubey said. Targeting the Congress over their claims of BJP "capturing the Election Commission," Dubey said that it was Congress which favoured certain high-ranking officials and gave them various posts in government after retirement. "They talk about Election Commission, the country's first Election Commissioner, Sukumar Sen, when he retires, he is made the ambassador of Sudan. VS Ramadevi, after retirement, becomes the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. TN Seshan was made a candidate against the BJP in Gujarat after his retirement. After MS Gill retired, he served as a union minister for over 10 years and remained in parliament. What Election Commission are you talking about? What fairness are you talking about?" he said. "You talk about CBI, Ashwani Kumar, who was the security officer of Sonia Gandhi, has been made the CBI director. Ranjeet Sinha, who used to meet daily with Congress's Ahmed Patel, was appointed CBI director. What are you talking about?" he added. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had alleged that the poll body had no answer to his allegations about bogus voters on voter lists in various states. Rahul Gandhi has held press conferences levelling "vote chori" allegations against the BJP. Suggesting electoral reforms, he said that the Election Commission should give machine-readable voter list to political parties one month before the polls, take back guidelines on destruction of video footage after 45 days, "give us access to Electronic Voting Machines" and see its architecture and change the law about the composition of the committee which selects the Chief Election Commissioner and ECs. The Lok Sabha discussed Electoral Reforms on Tuesday, a day after it marked the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress staged a protest outside the residence of state minister Pratima Bagri in Bhopal on Tuesday over alleged involvement of the minister's brother and relatives in a Cannabis smuggling case. The protestors raised slogans against the minister and demanded her immediate resignation. They also accused the Mohan Yadav-led state government of ruining the future of Youth in the state. The Youth Congress workers also warned that if the minister failed to resign, then they would stage a massive protest further. Bhopal district president of Youth Congress, Amit Khatri, told ANI, "Today, we are staging a protest here to wake up CM Mohan Yadav that minister in his government, Pratima Bagri's brother Anil Bagri and her relatives are in jail (in connection with cannabis smuggling case). If she (Pratima Bagri) remains in the ministerial post, then the case won't be investigated properly. We staged a protest here and we demand that her resignation should be taken immediately." "The minister should resign on moral grounds. We even suspect that there might be two to four sacks of cannabis inside and this is what we have come here to collect. The Mohan government is working to ruin the youth, and their ministers are responsible for this. All of it is happening under their protection. If she does not resign, we will intensify our protests even further," he added. Additionally, the protestors tried to enter the Minister's residence through the gate, but the police on the scene moved into action and pushed them aside. ACP Ankita Khatarkar told ANI, "A protest was held by the Youth Congress at the Minister's residence after her brother was found involved in Cannabis smuggling case. Police arrangements were made for this, so that law and order would not be disrupted by anyone. For this, barricades were erected, and proper forces were deployed. Attempts were made to enter through the gate, but our police were deployed and the protestors were stopped from entering inside." The officer further said that the protest was conducted with proper permission, though they would see what action could be taken on the matter. Along with this, the NSUI (National Students' Union of India) workers also staged a protest against Minister Bagri for alleged involvement of her brother in a cannabis smuggling case outside the Congress headquarters in the state capital on Tuesday afternoon. The NSUI workers were also heading towards the CM's residence to offer a symbolic marijuana garland to CM Yadav, but the police stopped them at RedCross Crossing. During this, the protestors tried to forcefully push the police, following which, the police detained a few workers and removed all the protestors from the spot. Meanwhile, on her brother Anil Bagri being arrested in a cannabis smuggling case, Minister Pratima Bagri said that the police were doing their job and, be it anyone, strict action would be taken. "The police are doing their job, and criminals who have done wrong, whether they are someone's relative or not, cannot be spared. The police administration is fully carrying out its duties, and all decisions will be made accordingly. Strict action will be taken," Minister Bagri told ANI. (ANI)
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that the State government would continue to stand by the survivor in the 2017 Malayalam actor abduction and assault case, in which a local court a day ago had acquitted actor Dileep. Addressing a press conference in Kannur, Vijayan also remarked on the "strange" remarks made earlier today by Congress MP and convenor of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), Adoor Prakash, who said he believed that actor Dileep has "got justice." "The prosecution handled the case very well. At every stage of the case, society at large and the legal community had expressed only positive opinions. The government's handling of the matter has sent a message that it would take a firm stand on such issues, " Chief Minister Vijayan said in the press meeting. Further, the chief minister said that details of the judgment would be studied, and after a legal analysis of the court's verdict, the government would take necessary steps, including an appeal. Vijayan said that the Kerala government has stood by the survivor till now and will continue to do so. The Chief Minister also referred to Adoor Prakash's remarks earlier in the day, saying they reflected the attitude of the Congress-led UDF rather than the public's popular sentiment. Vijayan said that Prakash's statement "is as per UDF politics". "Society is always with the survivor, and the government has the same approach. The UDF convener has a strange stand on the issue. It is against the prevailing sentiments in our society," Vijayan said. The UDF convenor Prakash said that the Kerala goverment's decision to appeal the verdict in the 2017 actress abduction and assault case was because "it had no other job." Speaking to ANI outside the polling station in Adoor in Pathanamthitta district, where the Congress leader cast his vote in the first phase of the local body elections today, Prakash said, "We are always with the survivor. My opinion is that she should get justice. At the same time, it is difficult to reject the stand of the court." "Even while saying that we are all with the survivor, we must also recognise that everyone deserves justice and that Dileep has got justice. He is not only an artist for me. I have a personal relationship with him. He has got justice. The court has delivered justice for him," the UDF convenor had said. Prakash futher said that actor Dileep's allegation against police officials should be investigated. "The government will always go for an appeal because the government has no other job. It is a government that looks for opportunities to harm everyone, it will go to any extent to harrass someone...," Prakash said. Meanwhile, President of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Sunny Joseph said that the Kerala government and the prosecution had failed in establishing the chargesheet of conspiracy. The conspiracy aspect couldn't be proved in front of the court, Joseph said. Kerala Health Minister Veena George, responding to UDF convenor Prakash's statement on actor Dileep, said, "This leader and the party he is representing - it is quite evident that they have a policy against women, and it is not acceptable... This is also the policy and vision of the party... The government stands with the survivor girl continuously..." The Ernakulam Sessions Court had on Monday acquitted Malayalam actor and the 8th accused, Dileep, in the 2017 case. The case pertained to an actress who worked in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films and was allegedly abducted and molested inside her car by a group of men who forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017. Dileep, who was accused of conspiring and hiring a gang to execute the crime, was found not guilty of the allegation that he orchestrated the assault. (ANI)
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a clandestine Mephedrone manufacturing facility in Wardha, Maharashtra, during a targeted operation codenamed "Operation Hinterland Brew", according to an official press release. The operations conducted on December 7 and 8 resulted in the seizure of 128 kg of Mephedrone, valued at approximately Rs. 192 crore, along with 245 kilograms of precursor chemicals, raw materials, and a complete processing setup. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers conducted discreet surveillance, followed by a search operation in a remote, shrub-covered area of Karanja (Ghadge), nearly 60 km from Wardha. During the operation, officers uncovered a fully functional synthetic drug processing setup, including makeshift reactors, vessels, and other equipment used for the illicit manufacture of Mephedrone. The seizure comprised both finished product and precursor chemicals essential for its synthesis. According to the release, the illicit factory had been deliberately set up and operated by local individuals to blend into the rural landscape and evade detection. The manufacturing unit itself was a temporary, modular, nondescript structure concealed deep within the shrubland. According to the release, three persons operating the facility, including the mastermind, who also acted as the financier and chemist, along with his two associates, were apprehended. All three were found to be actively involved in the manufacturing and distribution network of Mephedrone, and have been arrested under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. With this operation, the DRI has dismantled five clandestine drug manufacturing facilities so far this year through intelligence-driven actions. The press release said, "These sustained efforts underscore DRI's continued vigilance, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to the Government's Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which protects citizens from the menace of narcotic and psychotropic substances." On the same day, in Madhya Pradesh, the Rampur Baghelan police seized over 46 kg of marijuana worth more than Rs 9 lakhs after recovering four sacks of the contraband from a tin shed outside the house of Pankaj Singh Baghel in Rampur Baghelan, officials said, adding that a case under the NDPS Act has been registered and further investigation is underway. ASP Prem Lal Kurve informed that the Rampur Baghelan police recovered four sacks of marijuana hidden under sacks of paddy under a tin shed in front of the house while searching for Pankaj Singh Baghel. "We received information that the police at Rampur Baghelan police station, while searching Pankaj Singh Baghel, son of Satendra Pratap Singh Baghel, who resides in Bharoha, found four sacks of marijuana hidden under sacks of paddy under a tin shed in front of his house..." ASP Kurve further stated that the four sacks recovered by the police contained 12 packets each. They weigh 46.134 kilograms and have a market value of Rs. 9,22,680. "Each sack contained 12 packets. Its total weight was 46.134 kilograms, with a market value of Rs. 9,22,680. A case under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act has been registered against Pankaj Singh, and the case has been taken up for investigation..." According to the information received, the contraband was obtained from Anil Bagri and Suhelendra Singh Rajawat. A case has been registered against them under the relevant sections. "He stated that the contraband was obtained from Anil Bagri, son of Jai Pratap Bagri and Suhelendra Singh Rajawat. A case has also been investigated against them under Sections 8, 20, and 29 of the NDPS Act," ASP Kurve stated. Further details are awaited in this case. (ANI)
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that he reviewed the status of Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) proposed along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal. The Indian government is working to establish Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) at Ghojadanga, Fulbari, Hili, and Mahadipur in West Bengal, but faces delays due to land acquisition issues. The project, approved in 2018, aims to enhance border infrastructure and facilitate trade. In November 2023, West Bengal's state government approved land acquisition for the ICPs, and the central government has made the necessary payments. The land acquisition process is underway, and the project is expected to proceed once complete. In a written reply to the West Bengal MP Jagannath Sarkar, the Minister stated that the state government granted approval for land acquisition only on November 21, 2023, following which the Centre released the required funds within the same financial year. Rai said the Union government is now "continuously pursuing" the handover of land so that work on the four key ICPs can begin. He noted that the land acquisition process is at various stages across these locations, adding that establishing ICPs is a multi-layered exercise involving pre-feasibility studies, detailed project reports, feasibility assessments, approvals, and tendering, all of which vary by site-specific requirements. The government is working to expedite the process, recognising the importance of these ICPs for regional development. Earlier in August, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, informed the Rajya Sabha that 1647.696 km of the 2216.7 km border with Bangaldesh in West Bengal has been fenced. The information was provided to the Rajya Sabha in a written reply to questions from BJP MPs Shambhu Sharan Patel and Neeraj Shekhar. MoS Home further informed the Upper House that the Centre was taking steps to expedite land acquisition, including regular meetings and reviews with the State Government on the issue. The total length of the India-Bangladesh border is 4096.7 km. The border with the neighbouring country lies along West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. (ANI)
In another breakthrough in the deadly Delhi car blast case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday arrested the eighth accused, who harboured the deceased bomber by providing him logistical support, the agency said. The accused, identified as Dr Bilal Naseer Malla, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla, was nabbed by an NIA team from Delhi. As per the anti-terror agency, the Malla is "the 8th accused to be arrested in the case RC-21/2025/NIA/DLI and he is found to be involved in the conspiracy behind the terrorist attack that killed 15 people and injured several others in the terror attack that took place in a moving Hyundai i20 car on November 10 near the Red Fort area. "Bilal had knowingly harboured the deceased accused Umar Un Nabi by providing him logistical support. He is also accused of destruction of evidence related to the terrorist attack," said the NIA in a statement. In the case (RC-21/2025/NIA/DLI), the NIA has so far arrested seven accused who facilitated the suicide bomber Umar Un Nabi, who blew himself up in the moving Hyundai i20 car he was driving around 7 pm on November 10. The NIA arrested the seventh accused, Soyab of Dhauj, Faridabad (Haryana), in connection with the case on November 25 on charges of allegedly sheltering Umar Un Nabi shortly before the terror act. Soyab told the NIA during his interrogation that he "not only harboured Umar but also extended logistical support to facilitate the terrorist's movements ahead of the attack." On November 20, the agency arrested Shaheen Saeed along with Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai of Pulwama (Jammu and Kashmir), Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather of Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir), and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay of Shopian (Jammu and Kashmir). They were taken into custody by the NIA in Srinagar on production orders issued by the district sessions judge at Patiala House Court. Earlier, the NIA arrested two other accused-- Amir Rashid Ali, in whose name the car used in the blast was registered, and Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, who had provided technical aid to the terrorist involved in the deadly attack. Last month, Shaheen was taken to Faridabad to recreate the plot of tthe error plan as a massive cache of explosives (nearly 2,900 kg) was seized in Faridabad shortly before the blast, and the Hyundai i20 car used in the explosion was traced to a local dealer in the same area. During the course of the investigation in the case of the arrested accused so far, the NIA said the inputs yet received have strengthened the agency's understanding of the operational network behind the bombing. The NIA said it continues to track multiple leads and conduct searches across multiple states, in collaboration with local police forces, to identify additional suspects connected to the conspiracy. Officials said efforts remain underway to fully expose and dismantle the network involved in planning and executing the deadly attack. The agency has so far confronted all seven accused. The anti-terror agency, which was handed over the investigation by the Union Home Ministry soon after the attack, is working closely with various state police forces to track and arrest every member of the terrorist module involved in the carnage. The NIA conducted a search operation on December 1 at eight locations in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in Uttar Pradesh and claimed to have recovered various digital devices and other incriminating materials during the searches conducted at the premises of several accused and suspects in the two states. The NIA had earlier, on November 26 and 27, conducted extensive searches at the premises of the prime accused, Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganie and Dr Shaheen Saeed, in the Al Falah University complex and other places in Faridabad (Haryana). 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. So far, the NIA has learned that one of the accused, Amir, had come to Delhi to facilitate the purchase of the car, which was eventually used as a vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to trigger the blast. NIA has forensically established the identity of the deceased driver of the vehicle-borne IED as Umar, a resident of Pulwama district and Assistant Professor in the General Medicine Department at Al Falah University at Faridabad. Besides, the anti-terror agency has also seized another vehicle belonging to Nabi. The vehicle is being examined for evidence in the case, in which NIA has so far questioned 73 witnesses, including those injured in the blast that rocked the national capital. Working in close coordination with Delhi Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Haryana Police, Uttar Pradesh Police and various sister agencies, the NIA is continuing its investigation across states. (ANI)
A major fire broke out on Tuesday evening at the Shishu Mandir Vidyalaya located in the China Baba area of Nainital, prompting a swift response from district authorities and fire services. Multiple fire tenders were rushed to the scene, and officials confirmed that the blaze was brought under control without any loss of life. According to Nainital SDM Nawazish Khaliq, the administration received its first alert at 7:24 pm, after which emergency protocols were activated. "Taking immediate cognisance, we activated the disaster control room. Fire-fighting was carried out here. With the efforts of everyone, this fire was brought under control within 1 hour and 10 minutes. There is no report of any casualty in this. Two people trapped were rescued in time," Khaliq said. Khaliq added that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took prompt cognisance of the incident and monitored the situation via video call. "CM has directed that fire tenders be kept stationed here even at night... We have informed him about the positive result as well," he added. Chief Fire Officer Gaurav Kirar said the fire spread rapidly due to the building's wooden structure. "We got information about the fire at 7:17 PM. The fire spread quickly as the building was made completely of wood. Three fire tenders rushed to the spot. It took around 40 minutes to douse the fire. The fire did not spread to the nearby buildings. No loss of life took place in the incident," he told ANI. Residents who witnessed the incident described how the flames engulfed the building within minutes. One resident said, "When I reached here, I saw a few people were trapped inside and the fire officials were doing their work... There were some timber inside the building and which expanded the fire." (ANI)
Suspended advocate Rakesh Kishore, who had hurled a shoe at the then Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, claimed on Tuesday that he was attacked "with slippers by 100-150 people" in Delhi's Karkardooma Court. Speaking to ANI, Kishore said, "100-150 people surrounded me and attacked me with slippers... When those people were hitting me, I asked them why they were doing so. They answered that it was because of the incident with the then CJI Gavai, to which I replied he had also insulted the Sanatan Dharma, Lord Vishnu. They said he hadn't disrespected... I also raised slogans of Sanatan Dharam ki Jai Ho..." The Supreme Court has already declined to start criminal contempt of court proceedings against 71-year-old lawyer Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to attack the then Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, by hurling a shoe at the CJI-led bench on October 6. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi reasoned that, when the Chief Justice of India himself has let go of this incident, initiating action against the attacker would only further glorify him. "This (initiating action) will rather lead to his (Rakesh Kishore's) glorifying more. Such kind of persons have no stake in the system. Giving any undue importance to person will only... Let us, the bar and the bench both should think of the larger issue of issuing guidelines in this regard", Justice Surya Kant said. The Court, however, agreed to consider issuing guidelines regarding social media publications and the glorification of the shoe-hurling incident and other such contemptuous acts that bring disrepute to the Supreme Court of India. The top court was hearing a plea filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) seeking initiation of criminal contempt of court proceedings against lawyer Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to hurl a shoe at the CJI. During the hearing, Senior Advocate and SCBA President Vikas Singh, appearing for SCBA, vehemently urged the Court to order action against Kishore. Singh argued that after the CJI chose to let him go, we thought that the matter had attained quietus. However, the way this thing has been glorified on the media, we can't let this go, Singh added. "Even if the CJI has decided not to go ahead. We can't let this go. Today jokes are being made. Jokes are being made over the institution. This can't go on. It will bring disrepute and disrespect to the institution, the way this thing has been glorified", Singh said. (ANI)
BEDFORD, NS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Azorus CRM, the highly regarded specialist CRM solution for higher education, is expanding its footprint in Europe with the launch of a new support office in Copenhagen. The office, which opened on December 1, 2025, marks a major step in Azorus' commitment to serving the growing Nordic market.

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The Copenhagen office will serve as a hub for Nordic clients, including prestigious institutions such as Uppsala University, Lund University, and Karolinska Institute. It will also provide a springboard for further European expansion, complementing Azorus' existing client base in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Joining the team is Nathan Brown, in the role of Client Care Account Manager. Nathan is a former Azorus client from the UK, where he served as a CRM & Conversion Manager and brings extensive experience in the higher education sector. His deep knowledge of the Azorus platform, and his understanding of client needs will ensure institutions in the region receive exceptional support and guidance.

Stephen MacDonald, CEO of Azorus CRM, said: "This new office demonstrates our long-term commitment to the Nordic region. By establishing a physical presence in Copenhagen, we can offer our clients faster response times, more localised solutions, and simply a more meaningful level of partnership. Nathan's higher education expertise and firsthand experience with Azorus make him the perfect addition to our team, as we continue to help universities in the UK and Europe achieve their student engagement goals."

The Copenhagen office reflects Azorus' mission to continue to deliver our highly specialised CRM platform exclusively to higher education institutions. Azorus has long been recognised for its exceptional customer service, grounded in responsiveness, partnership, and a deep understanding of institutional needs. This reputation positions us strongly in the Nordic region and beyond, where trust, reliability, and collaborative relationships are highly valued. By bringing our servicefirst approach closer to our Nordic partners, we are able to support institutions even more effectively as they advance their recruitment and engagement strategies.

The Azorus CRM platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools for lead management, communication, enrolment tracking and performance measurement, enabling institutions to make data-driven decisions and achieve their enrolment goals. With offices in Canada, the UK and now Denmark, Azorus continues to grow its presence across Europe, supporting higher education institutions with technology designed for their unique needs.

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After inaugurating various projects and laying foundation stones (virtually) for several projects under Sepahijala and West Tripura districts from the new SDM Office in Sonamura on Tuesday, Chief Minister Manik Saha said that 35 years of CPIM (Communist Party of India (Marxist)) had destroyed the state. "Thus, everyone must now work for future generations so they can live with self-respect," the CM said. "We must work for the next generations so that they can live with self-respect. The 35 years of rule had destroyed the Sepahijala district and the entire state, and the Chief Minister, who was from the Sonamura sub-division, never prioritised development. However, due to PM Modi's blessings, we are working for the development of Sepahijala district and the entire state," CM Saha added. During the event, Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman, Cooperative Minister Sukla Charan Noatia, MLAs Taffajal Hossain, Bindu Debnath, Antara Sarkar Deb, Sepahijala Zila Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Datta, DM Dr. Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal, and SP Bijoy Debbarma were also present. Dr. Saha stated that a total of 18 projects worth Rs 50 crore were inaugurated, including 7 for health, 5 for education, 5 for the revenue department, and 1 for minority affairs. "If we can't invest in infrastructure, we can't develop the state, and then Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas will not be possible. That is why we have kept Rs 7,000 crore for infrastructure development for 2025-26. As with the previous government's pre-2018 lies, we are now realising it. We are now witnessing a wave of development. For a brighter future, we are introducing many schemes and projects," he said. CM Manik Saha also noted that in the Northeast region, Tripura ranks second in GSDP and second-highest in per capita income. "The law and order situation has also significantly improved. We want to build a new Tripura with Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. We must work to develop society, which is essential to Tripura's progress. We have launched Amar Sarkar, CM Helpline, Mukhyamantri Samipeshu, etc., so that people do not face problems and we can solve issues early. The earlier government used to stay in power by creating problems, but we want to solve them. Since 2018, we have provided 20,184 government jobs, and no one can challenge us. We know how to give jobs transparently," he said. The Tripura CM also stated that many universities have expressed interest in establishing institutions in the state. (ANI)
The Chief of Air Staff paid solemn homage to the fallen Naga heroes, recognising their bravery and ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation. The tribute reflected the deep respect shared across the Armed Forces for those who laid down their lives for the country.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh also viewed an AI-based film on Captain N Kenguruse, Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous), which recounts his valour and sacrifice, bringing his inspiring story to light for all visitors. The screening prompted reflection and reinforced the importance of remembering and honouring our heroes.

He interacted with Army and Air Force officers and viewed the exhibits at the Pavilion, which showcase military heritage, regional history and the shared legacy of courage and service in Nagaland and the North-Eastern region.

This visit reaffirms the Indian Armed Forces' unwavering commitment to honouring fallen heroes, strengthening inter-service and military-civil bonds and preserving the heritage and sacrifice of those who served the nation.

Earlier on Saturday, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia participated in the globally renowned Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, celebrating the state's extraordinary cultural heritage and the rich traditions of its 17 tribes.

Ireland is the official Country Partner for Hornbill Festival 2025, the flagship international culture festival of Nagaland, earlier announced by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly at the Naga House in the national capital.

As the official country partner of the Hornbill Festival, the Embassy of Ireland is delighted to host a range of enriching public engagements, Ambassador Kelly said.

The festival, now in its 26th year, is held annually from December 1 to 10, and showcases Naga heritage through cultural performances, traditional sports, food, crafts and community gatherings. (ANI)
Belgium's Supreme Court (Court of Cassation) has rejected Mehul Choksi's appeal against the Antwerp Court of Appeal's decision permitting his extradition to India, Belgian court officials told ANI, marking a decisive development in the long-running case. With the appeal dismissed, officials confirmed that the extradition order can now be executed, subject to the completion of the necessary formalities. According to officials who spoke to ANI, Choksi approached the Court of Cassation on October 30 to challenge the appellate court's October 17 ruling. Since the Court of Cassation examines only legal issues, the appeal was reviewed and rejected, allowing the Antwerp Court of Appeal's decision to stand in full. This also ends the temporary suspension of the extradition order's execution. The Antwerp Court of Appeal had earlier upheld India's request for Choksi's extradition in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, concluding that the offences, alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating, embezzlement and forgery, are punishable under Indian law and correspond to comparable offences under Belgian law, thus satisfying the requirement of dual criminality. One charge, relating to the disappearance of evidence under Section 201 of the IPC, was excluded because there is no equivalent under Belgian law. The court had also noted that Choksi's claims of political motivation and allegations of being forcibly taken from Antigua were unsupported by the material on record. Indian authorities had provided detailed assurances regarding Choksi's treatment and medical care once extradited. The court recorded that he would be lodged in Barrack No. 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail, a facility with private sanitary amenities, and remain under judicial supervision, with movement permitted only for medical needs or court appearances. No credible indication of mistreatment or unfair legal process was found. Choksi, arrested in Antwerp on April 11, 2025, after India's formal extradition request, is accused along with his nephew Nirav Modi in the alleged 13,000-crore PNB fraud. Following the Court of Cassation's rejection of his final legal challenge, Belgian officials told ANI that the country is now in a position to execute the extradition order, bringing India significantly closer to securing his return. (ANI)
Goa Police on Tuesday detained one more accused, Ajay Gupta, a resident of New Delhi, in connection with the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane restaurant-cum-bar in North Goa. A Lookout Circular (LOC) had earlier been issued against Gupta. When the police team visited his residence in Delhi, he was found to be absconding, after which a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against him. "Ajay Gupta has now been detained in Delhi," Goa Police said in a statement. The development comes days after the massive blaze broke out in the early hours of Sunday at a nightclub in Arpora, triggering a high-casualty incident and killing at least 25 people, most of whom were staff of the restaurant. The Goa government formed a committee to investigate the incident. On Tuesday, the district administration demolished part of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator, Goa. The restaurant is owned by Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, who also own Birch by Romeo Lane. In a major development in the ongoing investigation into Goa's Romeo Lane fire incident, a 'blue corner notice' has been issued by INTERPOL against the absconding accused, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, just two days after the incident took place, state police said on Tuesday. The brothers fled to Thailand after the fire, which claimed 25 lives, and are now being tracked by international authorities. Meanwhile, Goa Tourism's Rohan Khaunte said a strict investigation will be conducted from "down to top" and that "some heads need to roll." "Goa Police has achieved a major breakthrough in the investigation of the Birch by Romeo Lane fire incident. A Blue Corner Notice has been issued by INTERPOL against the absconding accused," Goa police said in a statement. (ANI)
In a major crackdown on the illegal trade of banned codeine-based cough syrup, Varanasi Police on Tuesday seized around 30,000 bottles of prohibited cough syrup worth approximately Rs 60 lakh from a godown in the city. Speaking to ANI, Saravanan Thangamani, DCP Crime, Varanasi, said, "The Varanasi Commissioner is continuously taking action against codeine-containing cough syrup... There is a godown here where this cough syrup is kept in huge quantities... Around 30,000 bottles of codeine-containing cough syrup have been seized, whose estimated value is around Rs 60,00,000. The land of this illegal godown is in the name of Manoj Kumar Yadav, a close associate of Shubham Jaiswal... 2 suspects have been arrested at the spot..." The accused in the recent alleged cough syrup smuggling case in Varanasi, Shubham Jaiswal, who faces cases in Varanasi and Ghaziabad, has sought quashing of the FIR and a stay on his arrest. An FIR under the NDPS Act was registered on November 15 at Varanasi's Kotwali police station, naming Shubham, his father Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, and 28 others in the trafficking of banned codeine-laced cough syrup. Meanwhile, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal has also challenged the FIR in the High Court. He was arrested by Sonbhadra Police in Kolkata, signalling intensified action against the alleged smuggling network. Several other accused have also approached the Allahabad High Court in the same case, seeking relief. On December 4, during the ongoing winter session, Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh said that they are trying to raise "burning issues in Parliament, including the alleged cough syrup case in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own constituency. "We have been trying to raise the burning issues of Varanasi. The first is the matter of poisonous cough syrup going on in the PM's constituency for 4 years. This should be investigated in detail, and the PM should take strict cognisance of this," Singh told ANI. The allegations of cough syrup smuggling pertain to allegations of pharmaceutical companies smuggling codeine-containing cough syrup in Varanasi. Cases have been filed against a total of 26 firms by the Uttar Pradesh Food and Drugs Department. (ANI)
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating "a case of human organ smuggling" in which five victims had travelled to Iran on tourist visa and were lured by pecuniary benefits. The Minister said in a written reply that the transplantation happened in hospitals in Iran. The National Investigation Agency had registered the case in July last year. Charge sheet has been filed in this case against four arrested accused persons under various sections of IPC. "The case is currently under further Investigation," the minister said. He said the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles and publishes crime statistics reported by the States and Union Territories. As per the latest published data, number of victims, trafficked for purpose of removal of organs and rescued during 2019 to 2023 is 32. Earlier in November, the Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police Cyber Cell had arrested two accused for their alleged involvement in a transnational human-trafficking network that lured Indian youths to Myanmar and forced them to work in cyber-fraud compounds under conditions described as "cyber-slavery". According to a press release from IFSO, the arrested individuals were identified as Danish Raja, 24, a resident of Bawana, Delhi, and Harsh, 30, a resident of Faridabad, Haryana. The arrests follow the repatriation of Indian victims who were rescued from a scam complex in Myawaddy, Myanmar. The case originated when Myanmar military authorities conducted a raid on a large cyber-fraud centre on October 22, freeing several Indian nationals trapped inside. After temporary shelter in a humanitarian camp, the victims were assisted by the Indian Embassy in Myanmar and were flown back to India. (ANI)
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a meeting with Claudia Sanhueza, Treasury Undersecretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile, to review ongoing negotiations between the two countries. In a post on X, Goyal wrote, "Met Ms. @ClauSanhueza, Treasury Undersecretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chile. Reviewed the progress of negotiations towards advancing the India-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)." https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1998068375512346907?s=20 The discussions come as officials from India and Chile wrapped up the fourth round of talks on December 5 for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This round of talks follows the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the CEPA on 08 May 2025, marking a significant advancement in bilateral trade relations. The mutually agreed ToR were duly signed by Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile in India, and Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and also the Chief Negotiator for the India-Chile CEPA from the Indian side. Both sides reiterated their shared vision for strengthening bilateral relations and look forward to fruitful discussion during the first round scheduled for May 26 to 30, 2025, in New Delhi. The CEPA aims to build upon the existing PTA between the two nations and seeks to encompass a broader range of sectors, including digital services, investment promotion and co-operation, MSME, critical minerals etc. thereby enhancing economic integration and co-operation. India and Chile are strategic partners and close allies, sharing warm and cordial relations. Bilateral ties have steadily strengthened over the years with the exchange of high-level visits. A Framework Agreement on Economic Co-operation was signed between the two countries in January 2005, followed by a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in March 2006. Since then economic and commercial relations between India and Chile have remained robust and continue to grow. An expanded PTA was subsequently signed in September 2016 and became effective from May 16, 2017. In April 2019 both countries agreed to pursue a further expansion of the PTA with three rounds of negotiations between the years during 2019-2021. To deepen their economic engagement, both sides expressed their intention to negotiate a CEPA to unlock the full potential of their trade and commercial relationship, boosting employment, facilitating investment promotion and co-operation and exports, as suggested by the Joint Study Group established under the Framework Agreement. The JSG report was finalised and signed on 30 April 2024. This shared vision was reaffirmed during the recent state visit of the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric Font, to India from 1 to 5 April 2025 on an invitation from the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. Leaders from both sides acknowledged that trade and commerce have served as a strong pillar of the bilateral relationship. They emphasised the importance of enhancing the existing trade framework to unlock new opportunities for growth. In this spirit, the two leaders acknowledged the signing of the mutually agreed Terms of Reference (ToR) and welcomed the launch of negotiations for a CEPA, aiming to establish a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement for a deeper economic integration. (ANI)
Alina Habba, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, stepped down Monday as acting US attorney for the District of New Jersey after an appeals court ruled she had been serving in the position unlawfully. Habba, widely recognised for her outspoken defence of Trump, said she was resigning to safeguard "the stability and integrity of the office which I love." "But do not mistake compliance for surrender," she stated on X. "This decision will not weaken the Justice Department and it will not weaken me." Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement posted on X shortly after the resignation that the Justice Department would seek further review of the ruling, noting Habba could return if the decision is reversed. Her departure comes after judges on the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals found last week that the Trump administration broke the law by using a series of manoeuvres to appoint her following the lack of Senate confirmation. On Sunday, speaking at the Kennedy Center Honours, Habba said the office would be "making an announcement soon." Commenting on the court's decision, she added, "I think, obviously, it's a big problem what we have going on. And it's a problem for all sides, and all sides of the coin and for justice." She continued, "We'll keep fighting. We'll keep fighting. We'll keep pushing, whatever we have to do." Habba became the first of Trump's US attorney appointees to face a legal challenge, though later rulings found three more US attorneys appointed under the administration were also serving unlawfully. Judges criticised the Justice Department's strategy, saying it was an attempt to bypass standard confirmation procedures. Those decisions concluded that appointing successive acting US attorneys allowed officials to serve without Senate approval for extended periods. Similar rulings affected Lindsey Halligan, the US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, leading to the dismissal of cases involving former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. US attorneys in Nevada and the Central District of California were likewise found to be serving illegally. Although indictments were not dismissed because other prosecutors worked on those cases, Habba is the first to leave office following such a ruling. The legal developments have caused uncertainty for prosecutors handling pending cases. In New Jersey, proceedings such as sentencings, plea deals and trial dates were initially paused after Habba's appointment was challenged. Activity later resumed, and court documents began to include the signature of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in addition to Habba's. "Make no mistake, you can take the girl out of New Jersey but you cannot take New Jersey out of the girl," Habba wrote in her statement Monday. (ANI)
Some residents in Kabul have raised concerns over poor internet quality and high data prices, saying the situation has made it difficult to stay connected despite paying significant amounts for mobile packages, Tolo News reported. Many users claim that data runs out quickly and connection speeds are too slow to meet everyday needs. Local residents said they are forced to pay for internet services that do not deliver the expected performance. Fahim, a Kabul resident, said, "The internet is very weak across all SIM cards. When we activate a 20GB package, it doesn't even last for a month, it barely lasts 20 days." Another resident, Irfanullah, told Tolo News that basic online activities have become difficult. "The internet has become very weak. When I activate a 1GB package, it only works for a few minutes and then stops. Even if I activate 20GB, it works briefly, but downloading is impossible." Others expressed frustration over the impact on education. Tariq, another Kabul resident, said poor connectivity is affecting students. "My request is for the internet quality to be improved. Currently, the internet is so weak that it's useless for university students." Authorities acknowledged that citizens have been reporting similar complaints. The Afghanistan Telecom Regulatory Authority (ATRA) said measures are being taken to improve service quality and address ongoing issues, Tolo News noted. ATRA spokesperson Jalaluddin Shams said telecom operators are required to meet proper standards. "All telecom networks are required to provide quality services to citizens in accordance with the guidelines and conditions set for obtaining licences. Any company that violates these will be reviewed by ATRA and will be required to standardise its services." As internet usage becomes increasingly essential for work, learning and communication, residents say they want reliable and affordable services. According to Tolo News, many remain hopeful that promised improvements will materialise soon, ensuring users receive the quality they are paying for. (ANI)
As political tensions continue following a press conference by the Pakistan Army's spokesperson targeting former prime minister Imran Khan, the PTI parliamentary party said that excluding the party founder from national politics would only harm the political framework, Dawn reported. After a joint parliamentary party meeting in the federal capital, PTI leaders reviewed recent developments surrounding the former ruling party and the reported ban on meetings with Imran, Dawn said. Lawmakers from both houses of parliament attended, including party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Barrister Ali Zafar, Ali Muhammad Khan and MNA Shahid Kattak, along with Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the PTI nominee for the National Assembly opposition leader position. Barrister Syed Ali Zafar told Dawn that participants discussed the current situation and recent restrictions, including what he described as an unannounced prohibition on meeting Imran. He stated that attendees rejected the claim that Imran was a security threat. "Khan Sahab is essential for Pakistan's stability, democracy, and future. His continued exclusion only weakens the political system and deepens national uncertainty," he said, adding that opposition lawmakers remain united. According to Dawn, Ali Zafar said the parliamentary party intends to use constitutional, legal and parliamentary platforms to press for Imran's release. "We will use every constitutional, legal and parliamentary forum to secure the release of our leader. The entire parliamentary party stands firmly behind Imran Khan," he said. He told Dawn that members demanded unrestricted access to meet the party founder in custody, claiming that preventing elected representatives from seeing their leader was "unconstitutional, undemocratic and unacceptable." Zafar also raised concerns over conditions faced by Bushra Bibi. "The solitary confinement and isolation of Bushra Bibi is a grave injustice. Subjecting a woman who has no political role to mental torture violates fundamental human rights and goes against our cultural and moral values. Such treatment is unprecedented and deeply disturbing," he said. Ali Zafar added that the PTI parliamentary party would remain central to the movement, Dawn noted. "The party will continue leading the democratic and constitutional struggle for justice, political freedom, and the restoration of the people's mandate," he said. Political strains have intensified following the press briefing by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who alleged that Imran was promoting a narrative against the armed forces, Dawn reported. The press conference also included remarks against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, prompting PTI demands for an apology. Separately, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said talks would not take place with the PTI, adding that any potential discussions would be held in parliament and without Imran Khan. Last week, Barrister Gohar signalled openness to dialogue, saying there was a need to ease tensions to overcome the current political stalemate. (ANI)
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the BIG Series Institutional Gala, Bybit Institutional introduced two major upgrades set to redefine the standards of institutional digital asset trading in 2025: an expanded INS Credit Suite and a fully redesigned Market Maker Gateway (MMGW) low-latency execution environment.

The announcements were led by Yoyee Wang, Head of Business to Business of Bybit, who outlined Bybit's integrated institutional blueprint  combining custody, credit, execution, governance, and operational resiliency into one cohesive platform.

Bybit Institutional Head Unveils New Institutional Credit Architecture and Ultra-Low-Latency Execution Layer

Reinventing Institutional Credit

Yoyee highlighted that Bybit's upgraded INS Credit Suite now delivers one of the most advanced and transparent credit environments available to institutional clients.

"Across the industry, one theme is clear: institutions want capital efficiency without compromising control. With up to 5 leverage, TradFi-aligned LTV parameters, and support for 1,000 sub-accounts, we're delivering a true institutional-grade credit architecture," added Yoyee.

The demand reinforces that shift. Bybit's INS loan notional reached USD 1.1 billion this quarter, marking a 26% QoQ increase, driven by active adoption from professional trading firms.

Custody + RWA + Credit: A New Operating Model for Institutions

A headline announcement of Yoyee's presentation was the integration of custody-based RWA tokens into Bybit's off-exchange credit infrastructure  a first-of-its-kind development for digital asset markets.

"For the first time, institutions can keep assets in custody, earn returns through tokenized money-market RWAs, and still unlock institutional credit. It combines control, transparency, and efficiency in a way the market has not seen before," said Yoyee.

This model connects regulated custody, yield, and capital deployment into a single operational workflow  eliminating fragmentation and unlocking new efficiencies for asset managers and trading firms.

A Leap in Execution: Round-Trip Latency Cut from 30ms to 2.5ms

The second major upgrade unveiled was Bybit's next-generation Market Maker Gateway (MMGW) execution architecture, engineered specifically for institutional consistency and predictability.

Yoyee announced that Bybit has brought round-trip latency for INS clients down to 5 milliseconds through its new MMGW architecture, with a next-generation 2.5-millisecond execution channel planned for release in 2026.

"Speed alone isn't the breakthrough  certainty is," she said. "We engineered an execution lane designed for institutional performance: consistent, stable, and resistant to noise."

A Unified Institutional Vision for 2026

Yoyee closed by underscoring Bybit's dedication to shaping the industry's most complete and future-ready institutional ecosystem.

'At Bybit, our philosophy is simple: listen, care, improve. Today's innovations reflect our focus on delivering smarter credit and faster execution  and we are just getting started.'

#Bybit / #CryptoArk

About Bybit

Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com .

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Senior Indian official Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary (North), Ministry of External Affairs, India on Monday evening attended the 3rd India-Nepal Cultural festival in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. The third edition of the cultural festival organized by the Embassy of India in Nepal, in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust and Lumbini Buddhist University, focused on Buddhism. "Our two countries share not only close civilizational and cultural ties but also a shared reverence for lord Buddha and his teachings. Lord Buddha was born in the sacred city of Lumbini and he delivered his first sermon in Sarnath. His life and journey formed an enduring and unparalleled bond between our two countries that add to the unique relationship between India and Nepal," Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary (North), Ministry of External Affairs, India said addressing the event. The one-day festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and traditions of both India and Nepal, with a special focus on Buddhism. The event was jointly inaugurated by Krishna Bahadur Gharti Magar, Governor of Lumbini Province; Senior Indian Official Munu Mahawar, Dr. Lharkyal Lama, Vice Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust, and Dr. Rakesh Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation, including, by civil society members, academics, senior monks, and members from the Lumbini Development Trust. "Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji visited Lumbini in 2022 and he emphasized during that visit the importance of developing this shared heritage together. During that visit Prime Minister Modi Ji and the then Prime Minister of Nepal laid the foundation stone of India International Center for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini. I had the opportunity to visit the project site today. It was really satisfying to see that lot of work already has been completed and we are now nearing to the full completion of this important structure which will become symbol of our friendship and partnership," Mahawar said. The event featured a cultural program, with performances by renowned artists from both India and Nepal. An Odissi dance recital with a Buddhist theme was presented by a six-member ICCR troupe led by Sandhya Kunjan Menon Das. The evening also included traditional musical performance by a Nepali band 'Ghugu Mugu'. As a part of this festival, an academic seminar titled "India-Nepal Buddhist Heritage: A common Legacy" was organized at the Lumbini Buddhist University in the forenoon of Monday. The seminar brought together eminent Buddhist scholars from India and Nepal, who shared their insights on the significance of Buddhist heritage in strengthening cultural ties and fostering people-to-people connections between the two countries. The event underscored the strong cultural and historical bonds between the two nations. (ANI)
Israeli forces raided the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem, seizing items and replacing the UN flag with Israel's flag. In a statement on X, the agency's Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, said Israeli police, accompanied by municipal officials, forcibly entered its compound in Sheikh Jarrah early on Monday morning. "Police motorcycles, as well as trucks and forklifts, were brought in and all communications were cut. Furniture, IT equipment and other property was seized," he said. "The UN flag was pulled down and replaced with an Israeli flag." https://x.com/UNLazzarini/status/1997985397440172110?s=20 UNRWA has not used the building since the beginning of the year after Israeli authorities ordered the agency to vacate all of its premises and halt operations inside Israel. Lazzarini said this follows "months of harassment that included arson attacks in 2024, hateful demonstrations and intimidation, supported by a large-scale disinformation campaign, as well as anti-UNRWA legislation passed by the Israeli parliament in breach of its international obligations". Israel barred UNRWA from operating on its soil after claiming some employees had participated in the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. UNRWA denied the allegations, while in October the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that Israel's allegations against UNRWA were unsubstantiated, as per Al Jazeera. Still, Israel's claims prompted the United States, historically UNRWA's largest donor, to suspend funding. UNRWA was forced to repatriate its international staff from Gaza and the occupied West Bank, severely limiting aid distribution at a time when Palestinians are facing extreme shortages of food and shelter, as per Al Jazeera. In October, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion reaffirming Israel's legal obligation to support UN relief efforts in Gaza, including those carried out by UNRWA, and to cooperate with UN agencies operating in the occupied territories. Lazzarini condemned the latest attack on UNRWA as a direct violation of international law, saying it showed "a blatant disregard of Israel's obligation as a United Nations Member State to protect & respect the inviolability of UN premises," Al Jazeera quoted. While Israel has attempted to strip the compound of its UN status, Lazzarini said its actions have no legal effect. (ANI)
The renewed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia has left eight people dead, while leaving several others injured. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called both parties to exercise restraint and recommit to the ceasefire, saying that UN stands ready to support efforts aimed at peace and stability. Citing the Ministry of National Defence, Khmer Times reported seven Cambodian civilians have died while 20 had been left injured by the Thai military over the past two days. Citing the Army, Bangkok Post reported that one Thai soldier was killed, and eighteen were wounded in the two days of clashes. In a post on X, the UN Chief said on Tuesday, "I'm concerned by reports of renewed armed clashes between Cambodia & Thailand. I urge both parties to exercise restraint & avoid further escalation, recommit to the ceasefire & use all mechanisms for dialogue to find a lasting solution to the dispute through peaceful means. The @UN stands ready to support all efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability & development in the region." https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/1998187211003658272?s=20 Bangkok Post further reported that Thai planes have struck military targets across the border in retaliation for the attacks. People living along the border with Cambodia have been urged by the authorities to move to safe shelters and vacate their homes. Khmer Times also reported that on the morning of December 9, Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation held an emergency meeting with 30 foreign diplomats and 3 international organizations, including representatives of the United Nations, to present the Thai attacks on Cambodia in violation of the agreement. Citing a message by Samdech Techo Hun Sen. Khmer Times noted that he said, "Cambodia needs peace, but Cambodia is forced to fight back to defend our territory." The fresh clashes come only weeks after Thailand suspended a peace agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur in late October. The pact, witnessed by US President Donald Trump, was presented as a major diplomatic breakthrough. Thailand paused its commitments to the agreement in November after a landmine blast injured two of its soldiers. The latest escalation also follows Trump's recent comments in Washington, where he claimed to have settled 8 wars in 10 months because of the rights clearly given to the president of the United States." Cambodia and Thailand were among them. Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia stretch back decades, rooted in disputes over colonial-era maps. The frontier has seen repeated clashes, most recently in July, when fighting involving jets, missiles and ground troops killed dozens and displaced nearly 200,000 people. (ANI)
As part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Indian Army continues its sustained humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, delivering critical engineering support and high-quality medical care in coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and Civil Administration, an official statement said. The Engineer Task Force (ETF) of Indian Army has commenced retrieval and de-launching operations of the damaged Puliyampokkanai Bridge at Jaffna. Indian Army is assisting the Road Development Authority (RDA), Sri Lanka by employing a wheeled excavator for de-launching bridge panels. The task is progressing at pace and is likely to be completed by December 10, with the launch of the first Bailey bridge planned by Saturday afternoon. To support the construction of a 120-ft dual carriageway at Jaffna, 70% of stores have already been shifted from the RDA Store Yard, with the remaining load scheduled to reach the site by Wednesday evening. At Chilaw, RDA is expected to commence pier construction within the next 48 hours. One complete Bailey bridge set has already arrived, further strengthening restoration efforts. Concurrently, loading of the 4th Bailey Bridge set is underway at Pathankot, with an expected departure at 9am on December 9. Demonstrating Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Indian Army's drive towards modernisation and technology infusion, the ETF has deployed indigenous drones, SONAR-based LRFs, Remotely Operated Combat Cruiser UGVs and other new-generation equipment for detailed reconnaissance of bridge sites at both Jaffna and Chilaw, significantly expediting operational timelines. The PARA Field Hospital continues to deliver exemplary humanitarian medical support, treating 3,338 patients till date. On 08 December alone, the facility attended to: 1,128 patients, 73 minor procedures and four surgeries. The hospital is receiving strong positive feedback from local communities and a visit by the Sri Lankan President is expected shortly. Through coordinated engineering effort, high-impact medical intervention and deployment of advanced indigenous technology, the Indian Army reaffirms its commitment to Neighbourhood First, 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka during this critical hour. (ANI)
Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh on Tuesday embarked for Nairobi to represent India at the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). Singh noted several initiatives led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to combat climate change. In a post on X, he said, "Departing for Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, to proudly represent India at the seventh session of the UNEA 7 (United Nations Environment Assembly). UNEA is the world's highest-level decision-making body of UN on environmental matters. At present, 193 countries are its members, gathering every two years to deliberate on the environmental challenges facing our planet. The world today is grappling with serious crisis such as climate change and biodiversity loss, hence requires a collective action more than ever, now." https://x.com/KVSinghMPGonda/status/1998241343089606923?s=20 "Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, initiatives such as Ganga rejuvenation, Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and the Swachh Bharat Mission have become examples for the entire world. Environmental protection is not a choice- it is essential for our very existence. Let us all commit ourselves to the cause of building a sustainable planet, guided by India's MissionLiFE approach." The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) will take place from December 8-12 at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, on the theme "Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet". UNEA-7 will be preceded by the seventh meeting of the Open-ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR-7) which will be held from December 1-5. The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) took place from February 26 to March 1, 2024 at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi. UNEA-6 concluded with the adoption of 15 resolutions to advance collaborative action on the triple planetary crisis. The session focused on how multilateralism can help tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Backed by strong science, political resolve and engagement with society, the Assembly was an opportunity for world governments, civil society groups, the scientific community and the private sector to shape the global environmental policy. (ANI)
A province-wide transportation halt has commenced in Punjab as goods transporters initiated a wheel-jam strike in response to hefty traffic fines and the newly introduced Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025, as reported by Samaa TV. The strike has caused significant disruptions in the movement of goods and public transport across various cities, leaving travellers stranded and businesses concerned. Goods transporters express feeling "worried and drained" due to what they consider heavy penalties, excessive fines, and unwarranted charges against drivers. Their primary demand is the immediate repeal of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025. The head of Punjab's goods transporters association indicated that the strike will not conclude quickly, emphasising that the protest will persist until all demands are addressed. Chaudhry Maqbool pointed out that drivers frequently encounter unjustified charges, which add to both financial and legal burdens, as referenced by the Samaa TV report. Transporters have declared a wheel-jam strike throughout the province, halting operations for goods-carrying vehicles. Goods transport depots in the Sherakot area of Lahore were completely shut down, leading to a halt in operations. In Duniyapur and neighbouring towns, a total public transport strike was observed. Bus stations were empty, and passengers appeared distressed as vehicles remained off the roads. Kabirwala also experienced a full shutdown, with both buses and goods transport suspended due to the ongoing strike. Transporters reiterated that the heavy fines and legal cases must be alleviated or dropped, deeming the current regulations intolerable, as noted by the Samaa TV report. Passengers in Kabirwala faced difficulties in finding alternatives, as rickshaws and other modes of transport were limited at bus depots. Many commuters reported that they were unable to reach their workplaces or fulfil urgent travel commitments. Last week, the All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association announced that they had set a December 8 deadline for authorities to respond to their 25-point list of demands, according to Samaa TV. Public and goods transport associations asserted that the increase in traffic penalties has imposed an excessive burden on both drivers and owners. Goods transport representatives cautioned that the supply of essential goods would be interrupted if their demands were not fulfilled by the deadline. Additionally, the goods transporters insisted on ending targeted penalties and called for the approval of all 25 demands, which include reverting the revised penalty structure, as highlighted by the Samaa TV report. (ANI)
Cambodia on Tuesday said that Thailand's military has resumed attacks in the border regions between the two countries, killing at least two people. As per Cambodia's Information Ministry, at least seven civilians were killed in attacks overnight and this morning with another 20 people injured as per the Khmer Times media outlet. Thailand, meanwhile, said that two more of its soldiers were killed in the latest border clashes raising the Thai death toll to three since the beginning of the clashes on December 7 (Sunday), Bangkok Post cited the Royal Thai Army today. The Cambodian Defence Ministry said in a statement today cited by Khmer Times that from 8:39 pm on December 8 until 8 am on December 9, the Thai military forces operated intense shelling activities in Chok Chey and Prey Chan villages. "They also deployed drones for aerial reconnaissance in the Boeung Trakuon area and expanded their scope of operations to Boeung Pring, Thmar Pouk, and Komrieng districts in Battambang Province, using various types of heavy and destructive military weapons and shooting gas. Further, the Cambodian Defence Ministry said that shelling by the Thai military forces, which targeted Thmar Pouk district, Banteay Meanchey Province, resulted in the deaths of two civilians who were fleeing the Thai shelling on Cambodia's National Road 56. Bangkok said Cambodia was continually provoking Thailand, firing weapons and planting landmines and in the face of such persistent provocations it is forced to retaliate. According to Thai military officials, the clashes spread to six of the seven provinces bordering Cambodia, and a Thai Navy-led operation is in progress in its Trat province to expel Cambodian soldiers. They alleged that Cambodia was using artillery, rocket launchers and bomb-dropping drones to attack Thai forces. The latest escalation comes after a US Donald Trump-brokered truce on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur between Thailand and Cambodia that has been in place since late October, when Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian leader Hun Manet agreed to halt hostilities. The ceasefire followed the violent military clashes in July this year in which nearly four dozen people were killed and displaced an estimated over 300,000 people. Al Jazeera said that as per the deal brokered by Malaysia and the US, both Thailand and Cambodia agreed to military de-escalation, including removing heavy weaponry and landmines from the border under ASEAN supervision. They also agreed to stop engaging in online information warfare fuelling the conflict. As per the news outlet, Thailand said it would release 18 Cambodian soldiers it had held since July 29. Since October, however, several rounds of renewed clashes and mutual accusations have threatened the ceasefire. Last month, Thailand said it would suspend its implementation of the deal after one of its soldiers was wounded in a landmine explosion. The Al Jazeera report stated that Thailand has not yet released the 18 Cambodian soldiers, saying it will do so when Cambodia abides by its side of the agreement. (ANI)
The Tibetan community in Japan, alongside representatives from 11 other countries, commemorated the 76th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights with a significant public gathering and peace march at the Shibuya Women's Plaza Hall in Tokyo, as reported by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The day commenced with a tranquil demonstration outside the Chinese Embassy, where protesters voiced their demands for freedom in Tibet, East Turkestan, and Southern Mongolia, calling for an end to political oppression and cultural erasure while denouncing the Chinese government's alleged human rights violations and restrictions on religious and cultural practices. In the opening remarks, Tashi Yangzom, Secretary of Tibet House Japan (also known as the Office of Tibet), addressed the audience and expressed her appreciation for their support. She underscored the persistent issues within Tibet, highlighting the growing replacement of the Tibetan language with Mandarin in educational institutions and the fact that nearly one million Tibetan children are separated from their families and placed in colonial boarding schools. She referenced the 157 self-immolations by Tibetans since 2009 as protests against Chinese Communist Party policies, urging the global community to stand in solidarity with marginalised groups and reaffirming Tibet's commitment to non-violent resistance, as stated in the CTA report. Tashi Yangzom also thanked nations that uphold democracy and human rights, particularly Japan, for providing a platform to elevate the voices of those facing oppression. Delegates from Myanmar, Cambodia, Belarus, Taiwan, East Turkestan, Southern Mongolia, Hong Kong, mainland China, North Korea, and Ukraine shared testimonies of political repression and human rights abuses in their regions, calling for solidarity among those living under authoritarian regimes and appealing for international intervention to end violence and restore freedom, as noted in the CTA report. Dorjee Sichoe, President of the Tibetan Community Japan, and Tsering Dorjee, President of Students for a Free Tibet, also spoke while Kameda Taro of Students for a Free Tibet Japan served as the moderator for the session. After the speeches, around 200 participants marched through Aoyama, Omotesando, and Shibuya. The streets resonated with chants calling for freedom and democracy, while flags from numerous countries flew above the crowd. Thousands of onlookers, including locals and tourists, observed the demonstration as participants raised their voices against human rights violations and sought global awareness. The event concluded without incident, reaffirming a collective hope for justice, freedom, and the safeguarding of human rights around the world, according to the CTA report. (ANI)
India and Bangladesh completed a coordinated humanitarian exchange of fishermen on Tuesday, with both sides repatriating those who had inadvertently crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), "Indian fishermen who happened to inadvertently cross the International Maritime Boundary Line had been arrested by Bangladesh authorities recently. Bangladesh fishermen had also been apprehended by Indian authorities similarly." "The two governments successfully concluded the release and repatriation of 47 Indian fishermen and 38 Bangladesh fishermen, along with their operable vessel, today (December 9, 2025). In January 2025, the Government of India facilitated the release of 95 Indian fishermen, and in a reciprocal manner, released 90 Bangladeshi fishermen," the release added. The MEA underlined that the mutual repatriation arrangement was shaped by the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides. "The mutual exchange of fishermen and their vessels has been worked out keeping in mind the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides," the release stated. Highlighting the government's continued efforts, the MEA stated, "The Government of India attaches the highest importance to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. To this end, it continues to work assiduously to secure the release of our fishermen from Bangladesh custody." This exchange builds on a similar operation carried out earlier this year. On January 5, India and Bangladesh repatriated 95 Indian fishermen and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen following a handover facilitated by the respective coast guards at sea. At that time, the MEA had highlighted that several Indian fishermen had been arrested by Bangladesh authorities after inadvertently crossing into their waters, and Indian authorities had detained Bangladesh fishermen under similar circumstances. "In recent months, several Indian fishermen have been arrested by Bangladesh authorities when they happened to inadvertently cross the International Maritime Boundary Line and enter Bangladesh waters. Several Bangladesh fishermen have also been apprehended by Indian authorities in similar circumstances. The Government of India attaches the highest importance to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. To this end, it has worked assiduously to secure the release of our fishermen from Bangladesh custody," the MEA said. (ANI)
The sisters of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan held a protest outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday, voicing strong concerns over his health and safety in custody. Uzma Khan and Aleema Khan gathered outside the prison gates, expressing serious concerns regarding Imran Khan's health and security. Strict security arrangements were also in place outside the jail on this occasion. Their protest comes days after Uzma Khanum met Imran Khan inside Adiala Jail on December 2, widespread speculation about his well-being, and later claimed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief was facing "severe mental torture." Following the interaction, Uzma said Imran Khan was alive but expressed alarm over his physical condition and the conditions in which he is being held. She alleged the former premier appeared frail, emotionally shaken, and kept in isolation. "Imran Khan's health is absolutely fine. He is angry. He said that they are subjecting him to mental torture, and that Asim Munir is responsible for all of this," Uzma said, naming Pakistan's Army Chief. The meeting reportedly lasted roughly 20 minutes. PTI leaders have since reiterated their demands for independent medical assessments and permission for regular legal and family visits, while the government has not issued an official response to Uzma's claims. Rumours over Imran Khan's condition intensified after unverified reports from Afghan media claimed he had died in custody. His son, Kasim Khan, demanded evidence that the former prime minister is alive, noting on X that it has been "845 days" since Imran was jailed and that he has allegedly been held in "a death cell" for six weeks without family access. Imran Khan has been in prison since August 2023 in multiple cases. For more than a month, authorities have imposed tight restrictions on visits, which PTI claims are being enforced at the direction of an army officer, an accusation officials reject. PTI maintained that allowing Uzma Khanum to meet her brother was only a starting point and said regular, unhindered meetings must now be permitted in line with court directives as political tensions continue around the incarcerated opposition leader. (ANI)
Analysis published in Nature suggests global scientific collaboration shifting toward China; experts cite multiple factors

09:55, December 09, 2025 By Shen Sheng ( Global Times

A recent analysis published in international academic journal Nature suggests that global scientific collaboration is shifting toward China. A Chinese expert told the Global Times on Monday that this shift stems from multiple factors, including China's growing research capacity, its openness to international collaboration, and the advantages of its large, rapidly expanding market.

Clarivate, an academic information services company, analyzed international collaborative research data over the past 25 years and published the findings in Nature.

The article in Nature noted that China is redrawing the global science map, based on analysis by Clarivate, which operates the global academic database Web of Science.

According to the article, China is increasing research collaborations with European partners, and expands academic influence into emerging areas like Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The US, meanwhile, is losing its long-held lead as a research powerhouse and collaborator in world science research.

The analysis also warns of the looming consequences of policies instituted by the current US administration. Among other actions, it has cut grant funding, sought to restrict the number of foreign students and undermined research in crucial areas such as vaccines and climate change.

Chinese collaborations with international partners around the world - particularly in Europe - have continued to rise, the article said. It also noted that, on the domestic front, China's research output has more than doubled over the past decade: it surpassed the US as the largest producer of research papers in 2020 and is now poised to take the lead in citations.

China's rise in scientific research is driven by multiple factors, Wang Peng, an associate researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday. He added that strong policy guidance and long-term planning provide clear direction and resources for research. A comprehensive talent-training system cultivates researchers from basic to higher education and actively attracts overseas talent.

Besides, an improving research environment stimulates innovation, while industry-driven demand promotes deep integration of academia and industry, accelerating the application of research results, Wang added.

On China's collaborations with international partners, particularly those in Europe, Wang said both sides complement each other's strengths, with Europe excelling in basic research and China in application and industrialization. Supportive policies and simplified cooperation processes further boost collaboration. Economic globalization allows partners to pool resources and tackle global challenges, while cultural exchanges deepen mutual understanding and provide a human foundation for joint research.

By contrast, the article said, the US has struggled to maintain both the quantity and quality of its science. US research output has yet to recover from a widespread pandemic dip, but the analysis suggests that its troubles began earlier. The country's citation impact for domestic research has been going down steadily for decades as other nations have upped their game, but Jonathan Adams, chief scientist at Clarivate's Institute of Scientific Information in London, says the rate of decline has accelerated since around 2018.

Cuts to research funding, restrictions on the influx of international students, and weakened research in vaccines and climate change have led to a decline in the quality of research published in the US. "We have expected throughout our lifetimes to see the US leading everything, and it isn't any more," Adams stated.

According to the Nature article, the larger danger is that the global science enterprise itself will suffer if barriers to collaboration and the sharing of information are erected in the name of national security and economic competitiveness, says Caroline Wagner, a research-policy specialist at the Ohio State University in Columbus. "We're coming out of almost a golden era, where people were very free to connect across political boundaries," Wagner says. "That's changing."

Adams says the latest data make it clear that high-impact science is increasingly dependent on global engagement and collaboration. "If you're not part of that international network, you're not going to be doing the stuff that's really going to matter".

On this, Wang said, "Global scientific research involves both competition and collaboration. Countries, including China and the US, can work together to create a multilateral, win-win outcome."

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Customer-validated leadership highlights Centric Software's innovation, agility and measurable impact in driving digital transformation for global retailers and brands

CAMPBELL, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Centric Software is thrilled to announce that it has been named both the 2025 Technology Leader and Ace Performer in the QKS SPARK Matrix: Retail Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) 2025 report. The recognition celebrates Centric Software's growing momentum in the retail and consumer goods sectors and highlights exceptional customer satisfaction, innovation velocity and business impact.

Centric Software Named Leader and Ace Performer in 2025 SPARK Matrix for Retail PLM

Centric Software delivers innovative, integrated, end-to-end AI-powered enterprise solutions to take products from concept to commercialization. Fashion, luxury, footwear, outdoor, home, cosmetics & personal care as well as multi-category retail teams can plan, design, develop, source, comply, buy, make, price, allocate, assort, sell and replenish products to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals.

The QKS Group's SPARK Matrix offers an in-depth analysis of global PLM solution providers, evaluating technology excellence and customer impact across innovation, scalability, usability, customer experience and market presence. The 2025 Retail PLM report highlights Centric Software's strengths in AI-driven innovation, customer satisfaction and time-to-value, reaffirming the company's position as a trusted partner driving measurable transformation for consumer goods retailers and brands worldwide.

Building on this recognition, Centric PLM empowers retailers, manufacturers and brands to streamline product development, connect cross-functional teams and make smarter, data-driven decisions. With deep integrations across 3D design tools, planning, sourcing and merchandising systems, Centric PLM delivers a single source of truth that accelerates innovation, strengthens collaboration and shortens time to market. Embedded AI and advanced analytics enhance decision-making across the product lifecycle, driving greater agility, profitability and sustainability. The result is tangible business impact, with customers achieving up to 60% faster time-to-market, 50% gains in productivity and 10-15% margin improvements, alongside reductions of up to 50% in sampling costs and measurable improvements in product quality and sustainability performance.

Key highlights from the QKS SPARK Matrix: Retail PLM 2025 Report include:

Exceptional customer satisfaction and implementation excellence scores, validated by direct customer feedback.

Recognition for agility, configurability and seamless integration across retail systems.

Significant year-over-year improvement in positioning, reflecting rapid innovation and tangible ROI.

Alignment with sustainability and digital product creation initiatives that support modern, connected retail ecosystems.

As part of the evaluation process, Centric PLM customers shared detailed feedback, reflecting the strong, long-term partnerships Centric has built across the retail industry. Although individual responses were not shared with Centric, numerous customer success stories published on its website demonstrate how Centric solutions deliver real business value. As Mr. Li, IT Director of Product Development and Procurement Supply, at Skechers China, explains, "Centric PLM provides critical data for supply chain alignment, sales forecasting and inventory optimization. With centralized brand material library management, we now have a robust data backbone that informs business decisions and strengthens market strategy."

This recognition follows Centric Software's recent distinction as Leader and Ace Performer in the 2025 SPARK Matrix for Process Industries PLM, underscoring its cross-industry leadership and technology depth.

"Being named both Leader and Ace Performer by QKS Group is a testament to the close partnership we share with our customers, the dedication of our team and Centric's focus on the consumer goods and retail industry", says Fabrice Canonge, CEO of Centric Software. "Our mission is to enable brands, retailers and manufacturers to operate with greater agility, precision and creativity. This recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering measurable results and lasting value through continuous innovation."

View the QKS SPARK Matrix

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Centric Software (www.centricsoftware.com)

From its headquarters in Silicon Valley, Centric Software provides an innovative and AI-enabled product concept-to-commercialization platform for retailers, brands and manufacturers of all sizes. As experts in fashion, luxury, footwear, outdoor, home, cosmetics & personal care as well as multi-category retail, Centric Software delivers best-of-breed solutions to plan, design, develop, source, comply, buy, make, price, allocate, sell and replenish products.

Centric PLM, the leading PLM solution for fashion, outdoor, footwear and private label, optimizes product execution from ideation to development, sourcing and manufacture, realizing up to 50% improvement in productivity and a 60% decrease in time to market.

the leading PLM solution for fashion, outdoor, footwear and private label, optimizes product execution from ideation to development, sourcing and manufacture, realizing up to 50% improvement in productivity and a 60% decrease in time to market. Centric Planning is an innovative, cloud-native, AI solution delivering end-to-end planning capabilities to maximize retail and wholesale business performance, including SKU optimization, resulting in an up to 110% increase in margins.

is an innovative, cloud-native, AI solution delivering end-to-end planning capabilities to maximize retail and wholesale business performance, including SKU optimization, resulting in an up to 110% increase in margins. Centric Pricing & Inventory leverages AI to drive margins and boost revenues by up to 18% via price and inventory optimization from pre-season to in-season to season completion.

leverages AI to drive margins and boost revenues by up to 18% via price and inventory optimization from pre-season to in-season to season completion. Centric Market Intelligence is an AI-driven platform delivering insights into consumer trends, competitor offers and pricing to boost competitivity and get closer to the consumer, driving up to a 12% increase in average initial price point.

is an AI-driven platform delivering insights into consumer trends, competitor offers and pricing to boost competitivity and get closer to the consumer, driving up to a 12% increase in average initial price point. Centric Visual Boards pivot actionable data in a visual-first orientation to ensure robust, consumer-right assortments and product offers, dramatically decreasing assortment development cycle time.

pivot actionable data in a visual-first orientation to ensure robust, consumer-right assortments and product offers, dramatically decreasing assortment development cycle time. Centric PXM, AI-powered product experience management (PXM) encompasses PIM, DAM, content syndication and digital shelf analytics (DSA) to optimize the product commercialization lifecycle resulting in a transformed brand experience. Increase sales channels, boost sell through and drive margins.

Centric Software's market-driven solutions have the highest user adoption rate, customer satisfaction rate and fastest time to value in the industry. Centric Software has received multiple industry awards and recognition, appearing regularly in world-leading analyst reports and research.

Centric Software is a subsidiary of Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), the world leader in 3D design software, 3D digital mock-up and PLM solutions.

Centric Software is a registered trademark of Centric Software, Inc. in the US and other countries. Centric PLM, Centric Planning, Centric Pricing & Inventory, Centric Market Intelligence, Centric Visual Boards, Centric PXM, Centric PIM, Centric DAM, Centric Shoppingfeed and Centric DSA (including Centric Digital Shelf Analytics) are trademarks of Centric Software, Inc. All third-party trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

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Tel Aviv [Israel], December 9 (ANI/TPS): The Israel Police said its coastal police officers raided an Arab "crime cell," thwarting a planned criminally motivated assassination just in the nick of time. The police said the cell had organised the planned assassination as part of the bloody conflicts among Arab groups. Four suspects, residents of Jadida Makar and Abu Sanan - northern Arab villages - were arrested and indicted. (ANI/TPS)
Aleema Khan, sister of former Pakistani Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, alleged that he is being subjected to mistreatment in Adiala Jail, as family members and supporters gathered outside the prison to protest his condition. Speaking outside the jail, Aleema said, "We have been coming here for the last 8 months. We come here and sit every Tuesday. We are not allowed to meet Imran Khan. They are torturing him. He has been kept in illegal isolation. They should end this torture against Imran Khan." Her remarks underscored the family's growing alarm over his treatment and restricted access. The protest drew several PTI workers, who raised concerns about Imran Khan's health and security inside the prison, where he has been detained following convictions in multiple cases. Strict security was deployed around Adiala Jail as authorities monitored the demonstration, reflecting heightened tensions between PTI supporters and the government over his detention conditions. The situation escalated further as senior PTI leaders, including Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial chief Junaid Akbar Khan, joined the sit-in. Their presence signalled the party's continued frustration after repeated attempts to meet Imran Khan were rejected by jail authorities, despite a court order permitting visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Dawn reported. Concerns intensified after a rare 20-minute meeting on December 2, when Imran Khan's sister Uzma Khanum was granted access nearly a month after all communication had been cut off. She said her brother appeared physically fine but was facing "psychological torture" inside the jail. Khanum further stated that Imran Khan blamed Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, for subjecting him to "mental torture". The Pakistan Army sharply rejected the allegation, calling the former premier mentally unstable and narcissistic. Her comments came amid weeks of uncertainty surrounding Imran Khan's well-being and mounting demands from family and party workers for verification of his condition. Soon after, the government barred Uzma Khanum and others from future visits, accusing them of violating prison rules. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said, "There is no room in the [prison] rules for political discussions, and it was reported that political discussions occurred, so meetings are now banned for Uzma Khan. This won't happen." The restrictions have deepened tensions between PTI supporters and the government as concerns continue to grow over the former prime minister's treatment in custody. (ANI)
Teo Chee Hean, Chairman of Temasek and Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister of Singapore, lauded India's economic and administrative reforms while delivering the 5th Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture in the national capital. Teo highlighted India's efforts to streamline the business environment, pointing to key reforms that have reshaped regulatory processes and improved efficiency. His remarks reflected growing international recognition of India's reform momentum. He said, "To improve the ease of doing business, the GST has been simplified to create a unified national market. I congratulated the Finance Secretary on this earlier today. 29 Labour laws have also been consolidated into 4 codes to improve compliance. Many thought this was not possible in India, but you have made it possible." Building on this acknowledgement of India's reform progress, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a meeting with Temasek Chairman Teo Chee Hean to assess India's investment climate and discuss the Singapore sovereign wealth fund's exposure in the country, along with its plans to scale up investments across priority sectors. Hean noted that the reforms undertaken over the past decade have strengthened economic stability and boosted investor sentiment, shaping Temasek's long-term view of India. During their discussions, both sides reviewed opportunities for deeper investment in sectors such as financial services, consumer markets, healthcare innovation, technology, manufacturing and renewable energy. According to a post by the Ministry of Finance on X, "Mr. Hean informed the Union Finance Minister that while Temasek's cumulative exposure to India stands at $50 billion, they look forward to expanding their India footprint over the next few years, as a win-win opportunity for both, with focus on #FinancialServices, consumer markets, healthcare innovation, #technology, #manufacturing, and #RenewableEnergy among others." Temasek serves as Singapore's state-owned global investment entity. (ANI)
In a post on X, the State Department wrote, "85,000 visa revocations since January. President Trump and Secretary Rubio adhere to one simple mandate, and they won't stop anytime soon." The message underscored the administration's continued commitment to strict immigration oversight.

The announcement was accompanied by an image of President Donald Trump with the words "Make America Safe Again," reinforcing the administration's argument that tougher visa regulation is central to national security efforts.

https://x.com/StateDept/status/1998487390072000815?s=20

Adding further detail to the surge in visa actions, a senior State Department official revealed that more than 8,000 of the revoked visas belonged to students.

Offences such as driving under the influence, theft and assault were identified as key reasons, accounting for "almost half of the revocations in the past year," CNN quoted the official as saying.

While these categories formed a significant portion of the cancellations, the official did not elaborate on the remaining revocations in 2025.

Past explanations from the department have included reasons such as visa expirations and cases tied to "support for terrorism."

In line with its broader enforcement approach, the administration also revoked visas in October for individuals accused of having "celebrated" the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

International students who participated in protests related to the Gaza conflict have similarly come under heightened scrutiny.

These actions reflect the department's plans, outlined in August, to implement a "continuous vetting" system for "all of the more than 55 million foreigners" holding valid US visas -- a process intended to monitor individuals throughout their stay in the country.

Under President Donald Trump's second term, the State Department has broadened its criteria for reviewing visa applications and monitoring visa holders.

The administration has also increased vetting of H-1B applicants, a key programme for US employers seeking specialised foreign talent.

Taken together, the expanded visa revocations, intensified vetting measures and widened scrutiny illustrate the administration's broader push to tighten immigration controls and respond more forcefully to violations detected among visa holders. (ANI)
Resolution 2797 adopted by UN Security Council end of October 2025 on Sahara has been a crowning achievement for Moroccos diplomatic efforts, says Geopolitical Desk media platform, specialized in international relations.

The 15-member Security Council endorsed the Sahara resolution with 11 votes in favor to none against, with 3 abstentions (China, Pakistan and Russian Federation). Algeria did not participate in the vote.

Adopted with near unanimity, an endorsement widely interpreted as recognizing Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara territory, the UNSC resolution will also reshape North Africas political dynamics, says the analysis of Geopolitical Desk.

On the evening of 31 October, Morocco erupted in celebration from Tangier to Lagouira following adoption by the UN Security Council of resolution endorsing Moroccan Autonomy plan under the Kingdoms sovereignty.

The timing of the UNSC Sahara vote was significant, says Geopolitical Desk report, explaining that it came just days before the 50th anniversary of the Green March, a unique peaceful march which enabled Morocco to retrieve its southern provinces that were under Spanish dominion

Moroccos foreign minister Nasser Bourita spoke of the Security Councils complex composition, a reference to clashing global agendas among permanent and non-permanent members.

According to diplomatic sources, only six states initially backed the U.S.-sponsored text. But the final count reached eleven after a round of urgent outreach in which King Mohammed VI personally contacted world leaders, staying engaged until the decisive hours, says Geopolitical Desk.

The UNSC resolution 2797 reaffirmed that forthcoming consultations between Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario will proceed based on Moroccos autonomy plan under the Kingdoms sovereignty.

Talks are expected to take place in the United States, although Algeria and the Polisario rejected the resolution.

In his address made following the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution, King Mohammed VI said: After fifty years of sacrifices, and with the help and guidance of the Almighty, we are starting a new chapter in the process of consolidating the Moroccanness of the Sahara, and closing, once and for all, this fabricated conflict, within the framework of a consensual solution based on the Autonomy Initiative.
Algerian dissident and former army officer Anouar Malek unveiled explosive findings from his latest book, The Polisario and Iran: Secrets of Terrorism from Tehran to Tindouf.

In an exclusive interview with le360, Malek, backed by documents and testimonies, highlighted the evolution of Algerian proxy, the Polisario Front, into a strategic arm of Irans Revolutionary Guard and its Al-Qods Force, operating under Algerian protection.

The author showed that senior Polisario figures, including current leader Brahim Ghali, engaged in covert meetings with Syrian and Iranian officials and that some fighters joined Hezbollah units during the 2012 battle of Qoussair in Syria.

Malek also accuses the group of trafficking Algerian-supplied weapons to Sahel-based terror networks, generating illicit profits shared with corrupt military circles. He says these revelations have triggered threats and intimidation attempts against him since his May 2025 press conference.

Maleks book come as Washington intensifies scrutiny of the Polisario. In June 2025, US Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act (H.R. 4119), directing the State Department to assess whether the separatist movement meets criteria for Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) status.

The bill cites the groups alleged ties to Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, as well as its destabilizing role in North Africa. The 90-day compliance window expired in August, paving the way for potential sanctions, asset freezes, and travel restrictions. Congressman Wilson reiterated in September that the Polisario functions as a terrorist entity, underscoring bipartisan calls for action.

Analysts and think tanks, including the Hudson Institute and Heritage Foundation, have echoed these concerns, pointing to evidence of Iranian drone transfers, arms smuggling routes through the Sahel, and radicalization within Polisario ranks.

European intelligence reports have warned of Polisario-linked jihadists joining AQIM and ISIS, raising fears of spillover into Europe. Recent reports of Hezbollah-linked delegations visiting Tindouf camps have further fueled alarm over Tehrans expanding footprint in North Africa.

Morocco severed ties with Iran in 2018 after accusing Tehran and Hezbollah of arming and training Polisario fighters.

For Malek, the stakes are clear: The Polisario is no longer just a separatist movement; it is a dangerous proxy undermining regional stability.
First AI technology on GenAI.mil, delivering IL5-authorized generative AI department-wide

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Google Cloud today announced that the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) selected Google Cloud's Gemini for Government to serve as the first enterprise AI deployed on the U.S. Department of War (DoW)'s GenAI.mil to 3 million civilian and military personnel.

Gemini for Government is an enterprise-grade, AI-optimized platform that unites the best of Google's FedRAMP High and DoW Impact Level 5 (IL5) authorized commercial cloud, industry-leading AI models, and agentic solutions to support government agencies' unclassified business processes. DoW users will have access to these robust capabilities, including Google-quality enterprise search, which is designed to significantly boost workforce productivity by streamlining complex administrative tasks. Examples include summarizing policy handbooks, generating project-specific compliance checklists, extracting key terms from statements of work, and creating detailed risk assessments for operational planning. The platform enables DoW to implement IL5 data sovereignty controls to protect DoW's data and accelerate organization objectives like modernizing legacy systems and improving real-time decision-making.

As one of the world's largest employers, the DoW's adoption of Gemini for Government highlights the technology platform's unique ability to deliver secure, sovereign, and enterprise-ready AI that supports the department's modernization and productivity goals.

Foundational AI to Enhance Productivity

As the first AI technology deployed on GenAI.mil, Gemini for Government will enable the DoW's vision of making frontier AI tools available to the entire Department. Its selection is rooted in capabilities that align with the DoW's mandate for speed and security:

Secure IL5 authorization and data sovereignty: Gemini for Government will be deployed at IL5 on GenAI.mil. This will enable DoW to process its sensitive data in a secure, software-defined sovereign cloud environment. The data used by the DoW on this platform is never used to train Google's public models.

Gemini for Government will be deployed at IL5 on GenAI.mil. This will enable DoW to process its sensitive data in a secure, software-defined sovereign cloud environment. The data used by the DoW on this platform is never used to train Google's public models. AI to streamline daily workflows: DoW personnel can use Gemini for Government for unclassified work. Examples include simplifying personnel onboarding, automating redundant administrative tasks, and accelerating contracting workflows.

DoW personnel can use Gemini for Government for unclassified work. Examples include simplifying personnel onboarding, automating redundant administrative tasks, and accelerating contracting workflows. Scale, interoperability, and continuous innovation: Gemini for Government provides the DoW with the commercial scale, resilience, and the enterprise-grade user experience to accelerate business process outcomes. It is designed for continuous innovation, ensuring the DoW can keep pace with the rapidly evolving AI landscape through the timely and seamless integration of new and improved models.

"Google has partnered with U.S. government agencies at all levels for decades to bring our cutting edge technologies to the public sector," said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. "Through this deployment of Google Cloud's 'Gemini for Government' offering, more than 3 million civilian and military personnel will be able to access the same advanced AI that businesses use every day to drive administrative efficiency and greater business productivity. This is a significant step in accelerating AI adoption across the public sector  all hosted within Google's secure and reliable systems."

"This is a pivotal moment for government modernization. The DoW is setting a new standard by choosing Gemini for Government as the foundational, trusted AI technology for their entire workforce, and as the first AI solution deployed via GenAI.mil," said Karen Dahut, CEO, Google Public Sector. "Our deep commitment to security, sovereign data protection, and the unique power of AI gives the DoW the ability to equip all of their personnel with modern tools to solve operational and productivity challenges with unprecedented speed."

About Google Cloud

Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.

SOURCE Google Cloud
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, on Monday, December 8, reiterated his countrys unwavering support for Libyas sovereignty, stability, and territorial integrity during a meeting with eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar in Cairo.

Haftar attended alongside his deputy Saddam Khalifa and chief of staff Khaled Khalifa, with Egyptian Intelligence Chief, Hassan Rashad also present.

A statement from the Egyptian Presidency said Sisi emphasised the necessity of countering all foreign interference in Libya and called for the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries. The President reaffirmed Egypts backing for all initiatives aimed at resolving the Libyan crisis, particularly those promoting simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. Haftar expressed gratitude for Egypts pivotal role and Sisis personal efforts in supporting security, stability, and humanitarian assistance in Libya.

The talks also covered regional developments, including the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Both sides underlined the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution that preserves Sudans sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that stability in Sudan is closely linked to the security of both Egypt and Libya.

The Sudanese conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
Foreign investors concentrated their activities in Moroccos equity market across four primary sectors representing 66 percent of total trading volumes in 2024, according to the Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC).

The banking sector led foreign investment activity with 31.2 percent of traded volumes, followed by the building materials and construction sector at 13.3 percent. Distribution and telecommunications sectors captured 11.6 percent and 9.8 percent respectively, the AMMC reported in its annual assessment of foreign investment in financial instruments.

Year-over-year analysis revealed substantial growth in the banking and construction materials sectors. Banking sector volumes increased from 2.1 billion dirhams in 2023 to 2.5 billion dirhams in 2024. The building materials and construction sector experienced even more dramatic growth, with traded volumes surging from 392 million dirhams in 2023 to 1.1 billion dirhams in 2024.

Overall foreign investor contributions to stock exchange transactions reached 8 billion dirhams in 2024, representing 4.5 percent of annual volume across both central and block markets. The data confirms that corporate entities dominated foreign trading activity, accounting for nearly all foreign transactional volume.

Geographically, European investors demonstrated the strongest presence with 46 percent of total volume in 2024. African investors followed closely behind, contributing 44 percent of foreign trading activity. This regional distribution highlights Moroccos position as an investment bridge between European and African markets.

The concentration of foreign investment in these four sectors reflects both Moroccos economic structure and international investor confidence in the kingdoms banking system, construction boom, retail expansion, and telecommunications infrastructure. Market authorities noted that this sectoral focus has remained relatively consistent, suggesting sustained foreign interest in Moroccos key growth industries.
The Algerian regime continues to export instability to its neighbouring countries by supporting separatist and terrorist groups in a bid to weaken its rivals to maintain geostrategic leverage.

Algeria is hosting and funding radical Malian Imam Mahmoud Dicko, an opponent of the Malian military junta. The Imam has joined the Coalition of Forces for the Republic (CFR), an alliance of Malian dissidents pooling forces against the regime led by Transitional President Colonel Assimi Goita.

The CFR was crafted in Algiers, where many of its members reside. The move is seen as another evidence of Algerian interference in Malis domestic affairs.

Moscow has accused lately the Algerian junta of facilitating the transfer of military equipment to terrorist groups operating in the Sahel countries.

Mali, a landlocked country in Western Africa, is rocked by the turmoil shaking Sahel countries for more than a decade, including Islamist insurgencies, political instability, and a decline in their relationship with France, a former colonizer.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger withdrew from the West African grouping ECOWAS and set up their own bloc, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Human Rights Watch has denounced the arrest of three Tunisian prominent activists and their unjust convictions in a sham trial on charges of conspiracy and terrorism.

On November 27, 2025, a Tunis Appeal Court sentenced 34 defendants in the politically motivated Conspiracy Case, including political opponents, activists, and lawyers, to between 5 and 45 years in prison.

The authorities have since arrested Chaima Issa, a political activist, Ayachi Hamami, a human rights lawyer, and Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, a prominent political opponent. The three were sentenced to 20, 5, and 12 years in prison, respectively.

The arrests of prominent opposition figures are the latest step in President Kais Saieds scheme to eliminate any alternative to his one-man rule, said Tuesday HRW deputy director for MENA in a press release.

The defendants were unfairly charged under numerous articles of Tunisias Penal Code and the 2015 counterterrorism law with plotting to destabilize the country. Human Rights Watch reviewed judicial documents in the case and found the charges to be unfounded and not based on credible evidence.

Following President Saieds takeover, the authorities have dramatically intensified their repression of dissent. Since early 2023, they have stepped up arbitrary arrests and detention of people across the political spectrum perceived as critical of the government.

The authorities repeated attacks on the judiciary, including Saieds dismantling of the High Judicial Council, have severely undermined its independence and jeopardized Tunisians right to a fair trial.
As part of the planning process for the African Lion 2026 exercise, the main meeting is held on December 8-12, 2025, at the South Zone Headquarters in Agadir, with the participation of representatives from several countries, including Morocco and the United States of America.

This meeting aims to further discussions on interoperability, logistics, and the integration of forces during the exercise in multiple domains, including air, land, sea, and special operations, according to a statement from the General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR).

Scheduled from April 20 to May 8, 2026, in the regions of Agadir, Tan Tan, Taroudant, Kenitra, and Ben Guerir, the African Lion 2026 exercise seeks to improve interoperability between participating countries, strengthen operational readiness and the ability to conduct combined and joint operations, and promote regional security and stability, the same source says.

40,000 military personnel have participated in the last five editions of this exercise, reflecting the commitment of our partners and the importance of this annual gathering, the largest military event in Africa, the statement says.
Morocco is celebrating Public Service Ombudsman Day on Dec. 9, after King Mohammed VI gave approval for the celebration. The date carries symbolic and human-rights significance as it marks the establishment of the Diwan Al Madhalim in 2001, and holds a special place in the institutions memory, a press release from the Kingdoms Ombudsman said.

The celebration represents a further milestone in an ongoing process to establish a culture of public service mediation since the creation of Diwan Al Madhalim, with the Sovereigns willingness to develop its powers and responsibilities to the point of constitutionalizing the ombudsman institution as one of the independent bodies for the protection of human rights and a national governance institution contributing to enshrining the rule of law and promoting the values of moralization and transparency in the management of public service.

The Ombudsman Office marked the day of administrative mediation this Tuesday, using the occasion to call for deeper cooperation between public institutions and citizens and to unveil new digital tools aimed at speeding up complaint handling.

Ombudsman Hassan Tarek, who opened the annual coordination meeting in Rabat, described the gathering as an established institutional tradition that strengthens consultation, coordination and follow-up between the Ombudsman and public administrations.

Tarek said this years meeting carries added significance because it is the first to be held after King Mohammed VI approved the creation of a National Day of Administrative Mediation, pointing out that the royal initiative is both an honor and a responsibility for the institution, requiring from its staff to continue promoting fairness, justice and improved public service delivery.

The Ombudsman noted that the event is the eighth such annual meeting since the office began hosting them, following two sessions under the late Abdelaziz Benzakour and five under former Ombudsman Mohamed Benalilou. He expressed hope that the gathering will become a permanent fixture supporting modern, effective and productive institutional mediation.

Tarek highlighted the symbolic weight of this years observance, pointing to the 24th anniversary of the royal speech that launched the Diwan Al Madhalim. That moment, he said, transformed the Ombudsmans mission from a complaints desk to a consultative authority and a key part of Moroccos human rights architecture.

To mark 25 years of the institutions evolution, he announced that 2026 will be designated a Year of Institutional Mediation featuring outreach and training programs.

Tarek also announced the launch of Moukhatab, a new digital platform developed by the Ombudsmans technical teams. The tool is designed to streamline institutional communication by enabling real-time exchange of grievance files between the Ombudsman and public administrations. It aims to improve processing speed, enhance information security and reduce administrative costs and delays.

The meeting also surveyed a recent circular issued by the head of government urging all public bodies to strengthen cooperation with the Ombudsman. Tarek said the directive underscores the central role of permanent interlocutors within ministries and agencies, who act as strategic partners in enhancing governance, ensuring citizens access to information and simplifying administrative procedures.

The National Public Service Ombudsman Day will be an annual opportunity to highlight the virtues of institutional mediation and a national moment to engage in broad public reflection on best practices and comparative expertise in the fields of mediation.

It will also provide an opportunity to recognize the efforts made and develop proposals and recommendations related to the project to consolidate the foundations of citizen-centered administration, based on justice and equity.
the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) is organizing, in partnership with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the African Partnership Outbreak Response Alliance workshop (APORA Morocco 2025), held under the theme Strengthening Health Security: Operationalizing Civil-Military Collaboration in Outbreak Preparedness and Response.

The workshop, falling in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of the General Staff of the FAR, aimed at strengthening health cooperation on the African continent, enshrines a strong and lasting partnership and contributes to the development of an effective continental network to anticipate and manage health threats.

Over four days, from December 8 through 12, African and American experts are discussing major topics such as epidemiological surveillance, crisis management, emergency communication, the impacts of climate change, and national capacity building.

The objectives of this workshop include strengthening capacity development and promoting training for defense staff, identifying best practices and sharing them among members, and formulating practical and operational recommendations to improve collective response to epidemics and effectively support civil authorities.

Speaking at the opening session of the workshop, Brigadier General Omar Agadr, Deputy Inspector of Moroccos Military Health Service, noted that public health is no longer an isolated field, specifying that it has become a strategic issue, a pillar of stability, and a lever for development.

In this regard, he called for efforts to be focused on the common goal of strengthening the continents health resilience, while acting in a proactive, coordinated, and sustainable manner, noting that the complementarity of the civilian and military sectors form a solid basis for anticipating, detecting, and responding effectively to outbreaks.

For his part, Colonel Julius Nvobegahay, APORAs President, emphasized the need to bolster capacities and share best practices among countries of the Alliance, adding that by joining forces, sharing data and experiences, and coordinating actions on the ground, we are building the health security of Africas future.

For his part, Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection Mohamed El Youbi, highlighted the different aspects of civil-military cooperation, giving examples such as the presence of military experts in various national technical and scientific committees and the contribution of military laboratories in diagnosing pathogens of emerging and re-emerging diseases.

In a statement to the press, Brigadier General Khalid Ennibi, head of the Center for Virology, Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, said that in the face of cross-borders health threats, it is mandatory for Africa to have a health system capable of early detection of risks, understanding their mechanisms, and responding effectively.

However, this strategy faces several challenges, including the effects of global warming, limited available resources, and recurring outbreaks, possibly exceeding national surveillance capacities, he noted, adding that this meeting is a unique opportunity to examine these challenges and formulate concrete recommendations.

Created in 2014 by AFRICOM in Ghana in response to the devastating Ebola crisis in Africa, APORA currently brings together 38 African countries in a decentralized governance model. Its vision is to attain an epidemic-free continent through close collaboration between armed forces and civilian authorities to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases.

It is supported by an Executive Board, military focal points, and working groups composed of experts from several disciplines, and operates through four standing committees (strategic, policy, response manual, scientific) and ad hoc committees, as needed.

With the support of experienced military and civilian advisers, APORA aims to strengthen states epidemic response capacities by integrating public health actions and security demands, thus positioning itself as a major player in health security in Africa.
SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A Dutch vlogger has struck a chord with a global audience by paying for a foreign musician to craft an original song celebrating the Shenzhen, China for US$700.

China Matters Feature: A Dutch Vloggers Shenzhen Symphony  Bridging Cultures Through Music

The video unfolds like a cultural adventure. At first, the foreign musician is awed by Shenzhen's striking contrasts - gleaming skyscrapers tower over ancient temples, while tech hubs buzz alongside traditional markets. Through heartfelt conversations, the vlogger and musician dive into Shenzhen's essence: its relentless innovation, diverse population, and harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

The creative process is a delightful clash of cultures. The musician experiments, fusing electronic beats with Chinese folk instruments, and struggles to capture Shenzhen's spirit in English lyrics. Meanwhile, the vlogger shares personal anecdotes about the city's warmth and energy, from late - night street food to vibrant art scenes.

The final song is a masterpiece. It portrays Shenzhen as a beacon of progress, where people from all walks of life come together to shape the future. This project is a testament to how music can transcend borders, offering a fresh, heartfelt perspective on one of China's most dynamic cities.

Dive into this cross-cultural musical journey and experience Shenzhen like never before.

YouTube Linkhttps://youtu.be/5EWf7k3Xlr8?si=SFX2s2HPrXWNEFed

SOURCE China Matters
Is Now the Right Time to Finally Go Short on Oil Futures?

- Behind the facade of calm oil markets, a gradual build-up in speculative positions could be undermining future prices of Brent or WTI as both benchmarks remain on their longest runs below their 100-day moving average in more than a year.

- Open interest held in ICE Brent is now the highest in history  5.5 million contracts as of this week  however investors hold more Dec 2026 contracts than any other month except for the prompt two, February and March, suggesting that the market wants to hedge itself against oversupply next year.

- The risk is that a brief geopolitical event  such as a potential Ukraine peace deal  could suddenly prompt market participants to fully embrace their inner bear.

- Hedge funds have been raising their short positions on crude for the past two months, with ICE Brent now posting the highest outright number of shorts on record (174,703 contracts in the week ending December 2).

- CFTC is still taking its time publishing WTI positioning data that was delayed due to the US government shutdown; however recently published October data show that throughout the month hedge funds held a net negative position.



Market Movers

- Presenting its new 5-year plan, US oil firm ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) raised its 2030 production guidance by 100,000 b/d to 5.5 million boe/d, revising upwards its Permian Basin supply.

- Norway's state oil company Equinor (NYSE:EQNR) announced two new gas and condensate discoveries in the North Sea, potentially containing up to 110 million barrels of oil equivalent.

- Trading giant Vitol is reported to land a deal with Colombia to supply the Latin American country's new gas import terminal in Barranquilla, with the contract running for 5 years starting from 2027.

- US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) announced it would participate in Nigerias upcoming licensing round (offering 50 prospective blocks) and it would deploy a drilling rig there in 2026 as it plans to boost its West African exploration activity.

- US gas-focused producer Antero Resources (NYSE:AR) said it would buy the producing gas assets of privately held HG Energy in a deal valued at $2.8 billion, boosting its portfolio across the Appalachian Basin.

Tuesday, December 09, 2025

Oil prices continue to search for direction as a supply scare from Iraq turned out to be short-lived, with most market speculation centred around Ukraine peace talks and US Federal Reserve policy. With ICE Brent still hovering around $63 per barrel, the Feds last gathering in 2025 could provide some temporary upside to prices, however it is unlikely to fundamentally break the current stalemate.

EU Buckles Under US and Qatari Pressure. The European Union agreed to scale back its corporate sustainability laws after both the United States and Qatar threatened to halt energy exports in case its CSDDD rules arent eased, however US firms complained that changes didnt go far enough.

G7 to Finally Bury Failed Price Cap Action. G7 countries and the European Union are reportedly in talks to replace their December 2022 price cap on Russian oil exports, having failed to restrict flows to India and China even after it was lowered to $47.60 per barrel, with a full maritime services ban.

Chinese Oil Imports Continue to Soar. Chinas crude oil imports soared to their highest since August 2023 last month, according to the countrys Administration of Customs, with Chinese refiners taking in 12.38 million b/d, up 5% month-over-month on higher flows of Iranian and Russian crude.

Related: Rosneft Oil Cargo Wanders for Weeks as Sanctions Mount

Congo Tightens Cobalt Export Rules. The government of Congo has set new conditions for cobalt exporters, tightening its 96,000 tonne per year quota system with requirements to pre-pay 10% of royalty fees within 48 hours of filling their export declarations and receiving a compliance certificate.

Indians Splash the Cash on Russian Oil. Indian state-owned refiners have ramped up their purchases of Russian crude, with Indian Oil Corp and Bharat Petroleum buying up to 10 January-arrival cargoes last week, benefitting from lower delivered prices as Urals now trades $6 per barrel below Brent.

Brazil Zooms in on Exploration. Brazils national oil firm Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) has cut its 5-year spending plan by $2 billion to $109 billion but raised its exploration budget by $1 billion to a total of $78 billion, aiming to reach 2.7 million b/d in oil output by 2028, up 10% from now.

EU Plans Major Power Grid Overhaul. The European Union is reportedly preparing a major push to improve cross-border grid connections, warning of billions lost from bottlenecks and failures to meet power demand with supply as Brussels intends to double down on its 2050 net zero target.

Libya Prepares for Key Gas Wildcat. Italys ENI (BIT:ENI) and UK oil major BP (NYSE:BP) plan to drill Libyas most-anticipated deepwater exploration well in Q1 2026, expecting that the Sirte Basins gas reserves extend offshore as Tripoli aims to boost gas output to 4 Bcf/d by end-decade.

EIA Vows to Cut Down on Unnecessary Reports. Tristan Abbey, the administrator of the US Energy Information Administration (lost 100 of its 350 full-time staff), pledged to work aggressively to revise EIA reports with redundant information, saying the agency now publishes too many reports.

Indias Coal Romance Is Far from Over. India is considering a major expansion in coal power capacity with plans to build new plants until at least 2047, a policy change compared to previous projections peaking by 2035, with Delhi potentially adding 420 GW of new capacity, a 87% increase from now.

Baghdad Shutters Key Oil Asset. Iraq shut down production for a day at the West Qurna-2 oil field operated by Russian firm Lukoil (MCX:LKOH) due to a reported leak in the pipeline connecting it to the port of Basrah, temporarily halting some 460,000 b/d of output or 0.5% of global oil supply.

Struggling to Survive, UK Drillers Unite. Less than a month after Shell and Equinor merged their UK North Sea assets, the French and Spanish oil majors TotalEnergies (NYSE: TTE) and Repsol (BME:REP) announced they would merge their assets under NEO NEXT+, producing some 250,000 boe/d.

Indonesia Boosts Gas Reserves with New Find. Italian oil major ENI (BIT:ENI) has reported a huge natural gas discovery offshore Indonesia, some 30 miles off the coast of East Kalimantan, with its Konta-1 exploration well confirming commercial reserves of more than 600 BCf.

US Court Rejects Trump Wind Energy Ban. A US District Judge ruled that the Trump administrations move to halt federal approvals for new wind energy projects was unlawful and arbitrary, failing to provide adequate reasoning for why the 1946 Administrative Procedure Act couldnt be followed.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Iraqs Oil Ministry has revealed that it has sent out exclusive invitations to several major U.S. energy firms to develop the countrys huge West Qurna 2 oilfield following the withdrawal of Russian oil number two Lukoil after Washington ratcheted up sanctions on Moscow. Its a huge turnaround in the trajectory it [Iraq] had been headed with Russia and China, marking a massive win for us [the U.S.] and Europe, a senior legal source who works closely with the U.S. Treasury Department exclusively told OilPrice.com last week. Stay tuned  therell be more of this to come, he added.

The significance of this sea-change in Iraqs geopolitical leanings can barely be overstated. Following the increasing perception among the Iraqi people that the U.S. had overstayed its welcome after it removed Saddam Hussein as leader in 2003, Russia and China  in that order  looked to boost their influence across the country for three key reasons. First, it offers a huge repository of oil at the worlds joint lowest average lifting cost of $2-4 per barrel, together with large quantities of associated and non-associated gas. Second, it occupies the geographical heart of the region, lying west of Iran, north of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, east of Jordan and Syria (with its long Mediterranean coastline offering access to further critical sea routes), and south of Turkey (affording an entry into the European continent). And third, it is a key member of the Shia Crescent of Power geopolitical arc that stretches from Iran through Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, where Shia communities and Iran-backed groups exert significant influence over regional politics, economics, and security. In short, if you are a global superpower or wannabe, Iraq is where you need to be.

Related: French Major TotalEnergies Scales Up North Sea Operations

The pace of Moscow and Beijings involvement across the country picked up the more it looked like the U.S. might withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, or colloquially the nuclear deal), which it eventually did in May 2018. Just before then, Russia had stepped into the chaos caused by Iraqi Kurdistans vote for independence in September 2017 to enable Rosneft effectively to take control of the northern regions oil sector through means analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order. This more broadly allowed Russia to create further chaos in the political and financial dealings between the semi-autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan government in the north and the Federal Government of Iraq in the south. This in turn, provided Moscow with an opportunity to expand its presence in the south, and also did the same for its ally China. Because Beijing was in various stages of a Trade War with the U.S. at the time, it had to tread carefully in a country in which the U.S. was still active, which it did by using dozens of smaller contract-only awards on oil and gas fields rather than headline-grabbing exploration and development awards.

Once the U.S. formally ended its combat mission in Iraq in December 2021, then all brakes were off, with China dramatically pushing its new field acquisitions in the south, while Russia consolidated its agitator position in the north through Rosneft mainly and in the south, including the West Qurna 2 contract of its number two oil producer Lukoil. At the same time, continued U.S. and allied military presences in Iraq became the focus of heightened pressure from Iran-backed militias (with direct and/or indirect support from Russia and China), including through rocket fire, drone strikes, and roadside bombs. U.S. and other Western oil firms were under further pressure on their ongoing exploration and development work due to the legacy of endemic corruption running through Iraqs oil and gas business, and several began to downscale or withdraw in Iraq, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell, TotalEnergies, and ENI.

The aim of Russia and China at that point was to push out all Western firms from Iraq, so allowing Iran greater scope to extend its power across the region, as a proxy for Moscow and Beijing, at the expense of Washington, London, and Brussels and their former regional allies in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, among others. As exclusively revealed to OilPrice.com some years ago by a very high-ranking official from the Kremlin: By keeping the West out of energy deals in Iraq, the end of Western hegemony in the Middle East will become the decisive chapter in the Wests final demise. On the other side of the superpower equation, the U.S. and its allies believe breaking the multi-layered links between Iraq and Iran will not only significantly weaken Baghdads neighbour but its key sponsors, China and Russia, too. The U.S. and Israel also have a further strategic interest in utilising the Iraqi Kurdistan region as a base for ongoing monitoring operations against Iran, as analysed extensively in my latest book. The West additionally sees this northern territory as a critical security bridge from NATO member Turkey into the Middle East and beyond.

It is in this context that the downscaling of Rosnefts operations in Iraqs northern Kurdistan region and Lukoils withdrawal from West Qurna 2 in the south should be seen. By losing its majority stake in in the Kurdistan Pipeline Company, Rosneft also loses control over the feeder pipeline network within the Iraqi Kurdistan region which connects oil fields (such as Taq Taq and Tawke) to the border metering station at Fishkhabur. And at Fishkhabur, the pipeline links up with the main Iraq-Turkey Pipeline system that moves Iraqi oil west. Lukoils withdrawal from West Qurna 2 is no less impactful to Russia, as the field holds an estimated 13 billion barrels of recoverable reserves and produces 460,000-480,000 barrels per day (bpd)  around 10% of Iraqs total output. Together, the two firms export approximately 3.1 million bpd of crude oil, which the West sees as vital to Russias ability to keep funding its war in Ukraine.

For the West, Iraqs special invitation to U.S. firms to bid now for West Qurna 2 at the expense of forced-out Russian giant Lukoil further builds on the extraordinary gains its firms have made across the country in just the past year or two. Frances TotalEnergies holds the key to Iraqs ability to dramatically increase its oil output via the crucial Common Seawater Supply Project, as detailed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order. And there are three other major projects included in its US$27 billion-dollar deal with Baghdad. The UKs BP is now in a strategically key position to act as a conduit for change in Iraqs north through its US$25 billion five-field deal recently formally activated. And there have been similar announcements from the U.S.s Chevron and ExxonMobil, among others.

Both these firms are likely to feature in the ongoing process for West Qurna 2, according to a senior source who works closely with Iraqs Oil Ministry exclusively told OilPrice.com last week. It may also be that at least one of them is set to reap extraordinary financial rewards too, as Ministry documents show that Lukoil had long been able to maintain sustainable production of 635,000 bpd on a sustained basis. Indeed, the source highlights that in test runs over extended periods in August and September 2017, Lukoil hit 650,000 bpd of production, although it kept it secret from the Ministry at the time. The Russian firm planned to negotiate a new per barrel remuneration rate (it was US$1.15 per barrel at the time) for the higher production rate before switching up operations to hit the output it already knew it could generate. Moscow made it clear that the firm might exit the site if a higher rate was not paid. They [the Oil Ministry] found out about the 650,000 production and told the Russians that it was fine if Lukoil wanted to leave but that before it did so it would pay compensation in lieu of the upfront investment that it promised in 2017 and promised again in 2019 as it was not meeting the time-sensitive oil production targets that it had agreed to, said the Iraq source. So they stayed, but now theyre out, never mind.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Water usage by US data centers tripled from 5.6 billion gallons in 2014 to 17.4 billion gallons by 2023, placing added stress on scarce water resources essential for agriculture and sparking environmental concerns even in water-abundant regions.

The competition for power is already increasing energy prices, with farmers in states like Illinois and residents in states like Virginia experiencing a utility bill crisis due to the immense energy demands of data centers.

Data center developments, driven by the massive growth of AI, are competing with US agriculture for land, energy, and water resources, transforming concerns from too much clean energy to too little energy to go around.

For farmers in the United States, concerns about too much clean energy production are quickly transforming into concerns about too little energy to go around. For years, rural America has been pushing back against the spread of utility-scale solar and wind farms competing for agricultural land. Now, they have a new sector to worry about as massive data center developments look to set up shop across the country, competing for land, energy, and water resources.

AI integration is becoming ubiquitous, with virtually no market sector untouched by its rapid spread. In October, Nvidia  the company that makes the advanced computer chips that power many machine learning platforms  became the first company to achieve $5 trillion in valuation. To put into perspective just how massive that number is, its higher than the entire gross domestic product of Germany, Europes largest economy.

The scale of this global transformation is hard to overstate, and is being felt in even the most unlikely of places, from Silicon Valley to the American heartland. In the rural United States, farmers are becoming increasingly worried about how developments in Big Tech could impact their daily operations, especially when it comes to energy prices, which are already soaring.

As we see some of these big power users wanting to come into the state of Illinois, like data centers and those types of things, theres some concern by our membership that theres going to be an over-demand on power, says Kevin Semlow, director of governmental affairs and commodities with the Illinois Farm Bureau. As you see demand go up and supply stays the same, what changes? Its the price.

In an interview with agricultural news outlet Brownfield, Semlow went on to say, Our members are concerned that as we see these higher-use facilities come in, were going to see prices increase, which then of course has a great impact on the bottom line.

Farmers arent the only ones worried about footing the bill for AIs massive energy needs. Many residents living in states that have welcomed data center development, like Virginia, are already experiencing a utility bill crisis. "We are witnessing a massive transfer of wealth from residential utility customers to large corporationsdata centers and large utilities and their corporate parents, which profit from building additional energy infrastructure," Maryland People's Counsel David Lapp told Business Insider back in July. "Utility regulation is failing to protect residential customers, contributing to an energy affordability crisis.

And energy prices arent the only concern. Data centers are also major water-consumers. In 2014, U.S. data centers used 5.6 billion gallons of water. By 2023, that had tripled to 17.4 billion gallons  and that number is going to keep rising at a rapid pace. Considering how essential water resources are for agriculture, and that agricultural demand is already placing undue stress on scarce water resources, added competition from data centers is on track to become a major concern, especially in drier climates. Even in climates with abundant freshwater sources, activists warn that these competing interests could cause shortages. A recent report from Sentient cautions that without intervention, the Great Lakes could be strained past their limit.

Moreover, data center developments are snapping up a lot of land in rural and agricultural zones, sparking pushback from local communities. In Indiana earlier this year, local residents won out in a heated battle against Google, which wanted to convert more than 450 acres in an Indianapolis suburb into a massive data center campus. When a lawyer representing Google confirmed at a September public meeting that the company was pulling its data center proposal, cheers erupted from sign-waving residents, NPR reported.

Indeed, resentment for data center development is becoming so widespread that its now one of the few issues that both Democrats and Republicans can agree on. And thats saying something.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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Central Asian states are cultivating growing connections to Pakistan, as decades of suspicion and hostility give way to a mutual desire to expand trade and strengthen regional security.

A trip by Kyrgyzstans president, Sadyr Japarov, to Islamabad on December 3-4 highlights the rapid expansion of engagement. The visit, the first such visit by a Kyrgyz leader in over two decades, yielded a variety of agreements covering such areas as trade, education, tourism, energy, and agriculture.

A business forum held in conjunction with the presidential trip attracted sizable interest from the Pakistani business sector. Bilateral trade turnover in 2024 stood at a meager $16 million in 2024 and has remained flat during the first three quarters of this year. Officials from both countries, however, set a target of boosting the annual trade volume to $200 million by 2027-28.

Security was also a major point of discussion, Afghanistan being the primary topic of interest. The Taliban presence in Kabul has suddenly shifted from being a source of division to a factor fostering collaboration.

For decades, Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian states found themselves on the opposite strategic side of Pakistan, which incubated the rise of the Taliban radical Islamic movement and supported its eventual takeover in the late 1990s of most of Afghanistan. Central Asian states were strong backers of militia groups that successfully opposed the Taliban in northern Afghanistan at that time.

After the radical Islamic movement was driven from power following 9/11, Pakistan provided crucial support for the ultimately successful Taliban insurgency, which toppled the US-backed republican Afghan government in 2021.

But now, amid a rapid deterioration of Pakistani-Taliban relations, Central Asian states are finding common cause with Islamabad.

In Islamabad, Japarov and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and a sustainable future for its people, according to a Pakistani Foreign Ministry statement. They agreed that the Afghan Taliban regime must honor its commitments to the international community.

Japarovs press service said the two states would expand cooperation to contain extremism and transnational crime relating to Afghanistan.

Tajikistan, which has seen two cross-border attacks by Afghan militants reportedly operating beyond Taliban control in recent weeks, also has engaged Pakistan in recent months on enhancing security cooperation and information sharing.

Uzbekistan, Central Asias largest current trade partner with Pakistan, is a prime driver of the regions expanding commercial ties with Islamabad. Business contacts have rapidly increased during the second half of 2025. Uzbek and Pakistani officials aim to increase bilateral turnover to $2 billion over the mid-term.

Kazakhstan is also expressing growing interest in Pakistan. Trade volume more than doubled during the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year, but still only stood at a comparatively modest $90 million. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayevs scheduled trip to Pakistan in January is widely expected to catalyze trade; officials in both countries have expressed a desire to see annual turnover reach $1 billion in the near future.

A key to developing commerce between Central Asia and Pakistan is the establishment of efficient land and rail connections. A major consideration for landlocked Central Asian states is gaining access to Pakistani seaports, potentially enabling a significant expansion of global trade.

In November, Uzbek Railways and the International Road Transport Chamber of Pakistan signed a cooperation agreement to develop trade via two major land routes: Pakistan-China-Tajikistan-Uzbekistan and Pakistan-China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan. While viable, those routes are dotted with potential bottlenecks.

A much more direct and efficient rail route would traverse Afghanistan. Uzbek Railways and a Pakistani firm have discussed the costs and engineering challenges of constructing a trans-Afghan railway. But security concerns appear to be keeping the project on the drawing board.

By Eurasianet

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The collapse of longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last year was felt across the Middle East, and nowhere more than in Iran, his closest ally.

Assads fall was a major blow to Iran, which had used Syria to expand its regional influence and funnel weapons to armed groups fighting Israel, Tehrans archrival.

One year on from Assads overthrow on December 8, 2024, Iran is still grappling with the consequences of its strategic defeat in Syria. The Islamic Republic has attempted to rebuild its influence in Syria, but experts say there is likely no way back for Iran.

With Assads collapse, Iran lost its only advanced base in the Mediterranean Sea and saw the billions it spent on propping up Damascus go up in smoke, said Rami Abdulrahman, director of the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

In other words, Iran, after expanding its reach in the region, has returned to its natural borders, Abdulrahman told RFE/RLs Radio Farda.

After Syrias civil war broke out, Iran spent an estimated $30 billion to $50 billion supporting the Assad government from 2011 to 2020.

Tehran also trained, armed, and deployed tens of thousands of Shiite fighters from across the region to defend Assad. Tehran also sent hundreds of its own military personnel to Syria.

Those commitments underlined Syrias importance to Iran. Under Assad, Syria was a cornerstone of Tehrans axis of resistance, its loose network of proxies and partners in the region.

Syria was the only other state that was a member of the alliance, which also includes Lebanons Hezbollah, Tehrans most important and potent proxy. Syria served as the primary supply route to Hezbollah -- a corridor that closed with Assad's departure.?

No Easy Path To Reconciliation

Soon after Assads fall, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Syrians to rise up against the new authorities in comments that were widely seen as an attempt to interfere in Syria.

In March, when sectarian violence flared in western Syria, some accused Tehran of stoking unrest, noting that several Shiite militia leaders involved in the clashes had been trained by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

The incident, experts said, underscored Tehrans attempts to use sectarian violence and alleged atrocities committed by forces loyal to Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to regain its foothold in the country.

Experts say Iran is likely to cultivate local militias and proxy commanders rather than overtly deploying its forces.

Documented reports about the Islamic Republic's actions have not been published, but various media have published reports about Tehran's efforts to rebuild forces loyal to it in Syria, said Ata Mohamed-Tabriz, a Spain-based Middle East expert.

We also see that the Islamic Republic is trying to cooperate with forces opposed to [Sharaa] or trying to amplify their voices.

There have also been reports suggesting that Iran is looking to Russia, which has managed to cultivate ties with Sharaa, to help it establish relations with the new government.

But Abdulrahman believes there is no way back for Iran.

There is no possibility, neither in terms of government nor in terms of popular base, even among Alawites, for accepting Iran's presence again in Syria. Among Alawites too, Iran is one of the countries most criticized, he said.

Alawites are the sect of Shi'ite Islam to which Assad and many of his supporters belong. Shiite-majority Iran has portrayed itself as a protector of the sect.

Still, Syria's interim president has not entirely shut the door on Tehran, even as Iran is among only two states whose citizens are currently barred from entering the country.

Speaking about ties with Iran, Sharaa told Syrian state television in a recent interview that Tehran left a deep wound on Syrians, in reference to Tehrans support for Assad during the civil war.

But we do not say that the severance of relations between us and Iran will be permanent. If we reach a stage where Syria is respected, there is no interference in its internal affairs, and sectarian tensions are not fueled, relations will be established, he said.?

These dynamics now define the parameters of Syrias emerging foreign policy. Since moving away from Iran, Damascus has seen many international sanctions lifted, including by the United States and Europe, opening doors to foreign investment in the war-ravaged country.

Syrias new government is determined to protect these gains, and restoring ties with Tehran would require fundamental shifts in Iranian foreign policy -- changes that appear unlikely under the current leadership in Tehran, experts said.

By RFE/RL

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China has accelerated purchases of Saudi crude oil for January to the highest volumes in five months, after the worlds top crude exporter slashed its official selling prices for Asia to the lowest premium over benchmarks in five years.

Chinese refiners have nominated almost 50 million barrels in total of Saudi crude volumes for January loading, anonymous traders with knowledge of the purchases told Bloomberg on Tuesday.

The nominations for January are about 10 million barrels higher compared to the December volumes and the highest level Chinese refiners have booked for one month since August this year, according to Bloombergs estimates.

The high volumes are partly due to the lower Saudi official selling prices (OSPs) for Asia for January and partly because of increased nominations from Chinas private refiners expecting 2026 quotas for crude imports.

Last week, Saudi Arabia slashed the prices for its crude bound for Asia in January to the lowest premium to benchmarks in five years, as the worlds largest crude exporter looks to preserve market share amid ample supply and falling spot Middle East benchmarks.

Saudi Aramco lowered its prices for Asia-bound crude for its grades by 20-60 cents per barrel compared to December, setting the price of its flagship Arab Light at just $0.60 per barrel premium to Oman/Dubai, the lowest since January 2021.

The Saudi price cut was widely expected by the market and refiners due to plentiful supply as OPEC+ raises output through December, and Saudi Arabia is raising production by the most as its share of the quotas is the biggest.

Saudi and other Middle Eastern crude has also become more popular in Asia now than it was just a month ago after the U.S. sanctions on Russian producers Rosneft and Lukoil sent Indian and some Chinese buyers scrambling for alternative supply until the sanctions situation and implications become clearer.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Eni has made a significant natural gas discovery offshore Indonesia, a month after creating a joint venture with Malaysias Petronas to combine their offshore assets in Southeast Asia.

Eni announced on Tuesday a significant gas discovery in the Konta-1 exploration well in the Kutei Basin, about 50 km (31 miles) off the coast of East Kalimantan in Indonesia.

Estimates indicate 600 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of gas initially in place with a potential upside beyond 1 trillion cubic feet, the Italian energy major said.

The Konta discovery is close to producing facilities and adjacent to existing discoveries, providing significant synergies for the development, and options for a fast-track development are already being studied, Eni said.

The major discovery gives Eni confidence that its planned exploration drilling campaign, with the drilling of four other wells in the Kutei Basin in 2026, would encounter additional gas resources.

The Konta gas discovery was made shortly after Eni and Petronas announced plans for $15 billion in investment in developing the proved reserves in Indonesia and Malaysia over the next five years.

As part of the plans, Eni and Petronas are looking to start up as many as eight new upstream projects in Indonesia and Malaysia over the next three years, Enis chief executive Claudio Descalzi said last month.

The 15 billion is the first stage, it is based just on the P1 reserves, Descalzi Malaysias national news agency Bernama in an interview.

The joint venture will integrate a portfolio of gas-producing and development assets across Malaysia and Indonesia, with an initial production base of over 300,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) and plans to grow to more than 500,000 boe/d of sustainable production in the medium term.

The new business in Southeast Asia is part of Enis so-called satellite model strategy, following similar ventures such as Var Energy in Norway, Azule in Angola, and Ithaca in the UK.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Iran is open to international partnerships in the oil and gas industry, offering golden investment opportunities in the area, oil minister Mohsen Paknejad said this week, during a meeting with a senior Belarusian official.

Paknejad added that Tehran had already built a portfolio of contracts with what Mehr News cited him as describing as friendly nations, at his meeting with Belarusian energy minister Andrei Kuznetsov.

The statement follows a higher-level meeting between the presidents of Iran and Belarus, where they signed a number of cooperation agreements across industries.

Iran has been actively seeking partners to boost its oil and gas industry amid Western sanctions. China and Russia have emerged as its main allies, with China taking in most of Irans oil exports, despite the sanctions.

The alliance appears to be working, with official data showing Iran ramped up crude oil output to 4.3 million barrels daily in 2024. Simon Watkins reported for Oilprice in October that Tehrans plans for this year are for a further boost in production, with an unnamed source close to the government saying that Assistance has come from Russia, on the ground and from equipment and technology, and China is still a big buyer, in keeping with the long-term agreements done [by Iran] with both.

Bloomberg, for its part, reported earlier this month that Chinese independent refiners had ramped up their purchases of Iranian crude following the issue of a new batch of crude import quotas, again in spite of U.S. and EU sanctions.

This, however, is not to say that sanctions have not had an effect on Irans exports. Iranian crude in floating storage has been swelling, tanker-tracking companies report, and is likely to continue swelling, because Chinese demand is not strong enough to absorb all of it, Bloomberg also wrote in its report.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Israel is expected to approve its $35 billion gas export with Egypt, worth an estimated $35 billion, amid pressure from the Trump administration. Under the deal, Israel will export 130 billion cubic meters of natural gas from the Leviathan gas field to Egypt with partners Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CVX), NewMed Energy (OTCPK:DKDRF)(TASE: NWMD) and Ratio Petroleum Energy (TASE: RTPT) guaranteeing a set price for the domestic economy. Previously, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that the supply agreement was extended until 2040. However, relations between the two countries soured after the Israeli military ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate in September.

Last year, Egypt imported a record 981 million cubic feet per day of natural gas from Israel, good for 18.2% year-over-year increase. Egypt imports up to 20% of its gas from Israel. Over the past couple of years, the African country has seen its ambitions to become a regional natural gas supply and LNG export hub go up in flames, with a series of setbacks turning the country from a net exporter of the vital commodity to an importer. Egypt's natural gas production has experienced a significant and rapid decline in recent years, particularly since its peak in 2021 at around 6.6 bcf/d. Data from early 2025 indicated an eight-year low of below 5 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d).

The main reason for the decline is the natural depletion of existing gas fields, including the massive Zohr field, which accounts for about 40% of Egypt's total gas production. Production at Zohr has dropped by about a third since 2019. Lack of New Discoveries and Investment have also taken a toll, with few significant new gas fields discovered since Zohr in 2015. Further, insufficient investment in exploration and development, partly due to the government's arrears owed to foreign oil companies, has hampered efforts to offset the natural decline of existing wells.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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A cargo of crude oil from sanctioned Russian giant Rosneft has made an 11-week-long meandering trip around Europe and Asia in search of buyers and although it has anchored off a sanctioned Chinese import port, its not certain it has reached its final destination yet.

The Fortis tanker with about 700,000 barrels of now sanctioned Russian oil dropped anchor near the Chinese port of Rizhao on the east coast on Tuesday, tanker-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg showed.

The Fortis did not make the entire trip from Russias western port on the Baltic Sea. The crude cargo from Rosneft began the journey on the Ailana tanker from the Russian export terminal of Ust-Luga at the end of September.

Following a trip around Europe into the Mediterranean, and through the Suez Canal, the Ailana arrived near India at the end of October.

But by then the U.S. had already slapped sanctions on top Russian oil producer Rosneft and the second-largest, Lukoil, to force Russia to genuine talks about ending the war in Ukraine.

India stopped importing any crude known to have originated from or handled by affiliates of Rosneft and Lukoil to avoid angering the Trump Administration further.

So the Ailana idled off Mumbai for two weeks, according to Bloombergs ship-tracking. Then most of the cargo was transferred onto the Fortis tanker which had shown destinations in India and South Korea before anchoring off the Rizhao port, which the U.S. Treasury also sanctioned in October as part of the pressure campaign on China over its purchases of Iranian crude.

Despite being very close to the Rizhao port, its not certain the Fortis would offload the cargo there, according to Bloomberg.

The three-month long trip and the ship-to-ship (STS) transfer suggest that buyers, especially in India, are steering clear of the sanctioned Russian companies and their cargoes.

The U.S. sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil upended all previous plans by Indian refiners, who hastened to withdraw from the spot market for Russian crude in December.

Indias Bharat Petroleum and India Oil Corporation have bought Russian crude from non-sanctioned companies for January delivery, at a discount of $6-$7 to Brent crude, reports emerged last week.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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BELEM, Brazil, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The China Pavilion at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) held a side event of the Erhai Forum on Global Ecological Civilization on November 14, drawing close to 100 participants from across the globe. The session provided a platform for international dialogue on approaches to ecological governance and sustainable development.

China Pavilion at COP30 Hosts Erhai Forum Side Event, Highlighting Global Dialogue on Ecological Civilization

Attendees included Yan Shidong, Director of the Center for Environmental Education and Communications at China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment; Yang Zeliang, Vice Governor of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture; Zhang Yong, Party Secretary and Chairman, SPIC Integrated Smart Energy Co., Ltd; Dong Yan, Deputy Director-General of the China International Publishing Center (CIPC), under the China International Communications Group (CICG); Nelmara Arbex, ESG Leader for KPMG Brazil & KPMG Americas; and Zhan Liang, CEO of SUS International, Shanghai SUS Environment Co., Ltd. Discussions focused on identifying actionable areas for cooperation to inform international environmental governance.

The event also featured the launch of the "Listening to a Breathing Earth" Natural Sound Collection Project, along with a curated exhibition of photography and video showcasing the ecological and cultural richness of China's Yunnan province. Through visual presentations and on-site exhibits featuring interactive elements, the forum highlighted China's ongoing work on ecological conservation and shared practical insights with an international audience.

The event was organized by CIPC and the People's Government of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, with guidance from CICG and the Information Office of the Yunnan Provincial People's Government, reflecting the role of multilateral exchange in contributing to ecological progress. Looking ahead, CICG plans to continue using the Erhai Forum as a key platform for engagement at future UN climate conferences, bringing together stakeholders from around the world to support global environmental governance initiatives.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2841363/1.jpg

SOURCE China International Publishing Center (CIPC)
The nascent nuclear fusion industry in the United States has asked the Trump administration for billions in financial support in order to advance the technology, which is seen as one of the most promising for the futurebut also one of the most challenging.

Now is the time for the U.S. to make a significant investment, and that means over a billion dollars per year in annual appropriations and a one-time infrastructure investment, the chief executive of the Fusion Industry Association, Andrew Holland, said this week, as quoted by Reuters. If they ask for it, we are confident Congress would pass it, he added, following a meeting between industry representatives and officials from the Department of Energy.

Reuters noted in its report that the Trump administration had just canceled several billion dollars in subsidies for the wind and solar industries. Presumably, some of that money could be redirected towards nuclear fusion. The Department of Energy even set up an Office of Fusion earlier this year as it shut down the wind and solar offices.

Nuclear fusion has long been considered the answer to zero-emission by-product-free energy generation. However, no one has cracked the nuclear fusion code yet because of the challenges associated with the environment in which the process could take place.

Nuclear fusion research and development have gained momentum in recent years after several momentous breakthroughs and achievements. The global race to overcome the engineering challenges to achieving zero-emission power from a nuclear reaction without risking disaster and radiation has heated up.

Earlier this year, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a multinational endeavor to build a system to experiment with nuclear fusion, completed the worlds most powerful electromagnetic system in a landmark moment for fusion research.

There is still a long way to go before nuclear fusion becomes commercially viable; One of the main challenges remains the ratio between input energy and output energy, with the former currently exceeding the latter.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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New York-based investment bank Xtellus Partners has proposed that proceeds from the sale of Lukoil's foreign assets be used to compensate American investors who lost money after their Lukoil stock holdings were frozen following Russias war in Ukraine. Leading U.S. asset managers such as Goldman Sachs, Blackrock and JP Morgan lost billions of dollars through writing off their Lukoil stocks holdings following Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Xtellus has proposed a cashless sale back to Lukoil securities held by U.S. investors in exchange for the company's global assets. Lukoil's international assets are estimated at $22 billion, including upstream oil and gas projects, refining facilities and more than 2,000 filling stations ?across the globe. Buyers of the assets would have to come to an agreement with Lukoil before the U.S. Treasury can clear the transaction.

Last month, U.S. Treasury issued the greenlight for companies to begin talks with Lukoil for its foreign assets, with U.S. oil and gas giants Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) and Chevron (NYSE:CVX) have already expressed interest. Exxon is in talks with Iraqs Oil Ministry to buy Lukoils 75% stake in the West Qurna 2 oilfield, one of the countrys largest.

Iraq's oil ministry has invited several U.S. oil companies to enter negotiations over the West Qurna 2 takeover through a competitive bidding process. West Qurna-2 oilfield produces more than 400,000 bpd of crude. The Iraqi government has taken over operations at West Qurna 2, including paying staff salaries directly.

Meanwhile, the Serbian government is preparing an amendment to the countrys budget law that will allow it to nationalize the Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) refinery, majority owned by Russia's Gazprom Neft and Gazprom, if no third party offers quickly emerge. NIS has submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to continue operations until negotiations for an ownership change conclude.

Located in the city of Pancevo, near Belgrade, NIS is the only oil refinery in Serbia. The refinery has the capacity to process 4.8 million tons of crude per year. In the first half of 2025, the refinery processed approximately 1.677 million tons, a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when a major maintenance turnaround was carried out.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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" " The history of yoga goes back well over one thousand years. Pand P Studio / Shutterstock

The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj," meaning "to join or unite." In its earliest sense, it referred to the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. But the origins of yoga are far more complex than a single definition or set of poses.

Yoga is an ancient practice that has evolved over millennia, weaving together physical postures, spiritual discipline, and meditative techniques into a rich tapestry of self-realization.
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:

Melissa Cantor, assistant professor of precision dairy science and lead collaborator on a new project at Penn State, is a leader on the effort to use modern sensing technologies, like the sensor around this calf's neck that monitors its wellbeing, and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve animal welfare and producers' profitability. Credit: Penn State

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD)a type of pneumoniais the leading cause of death for dairy calves after they become accustomed to food other than their mothers' milk, resulting in economic losses more than $1 billion annually for the U.S. cattle industry.

To detect BRD in dairy calves before they show obvious symptoms and reduce those costly losses, a team of researchers at Penn State, the University of Kentucky and the University of Delaware, intend to create a system that uses modern sensing technologies and advanced artificial intelligence (AI).

"We know that early detection can save the lives of calves, reduce antibiotic use and improve farmers' profitability," said Melissa Cantor, assistant professor of precision dairy science and lead collaborator at Penn State, in the College of Agricultural Sciences. "So, we will build an explainable, affordable and widely applicable AI system called CalfHealth to detect calf pneumonia early using wearable sensors and robotic smart feeders, among other tools.

"We'll also develop an understanding of how to get farmers to adopt and trust such a system that combines computer science, animal science, economics and behavioral science."

The other co-principal investigators on the project are Simone Silvestri, professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Kentucky, and Michelle Segovia, associate professor of food and agribusiness marketing at the University of Delaware. The work is a continuation of research Cantor and Silvestri published two years ago.

The CalfHealth system will incorporate several innovations, according to Cantor. It will feature multimodal detection, meaning it will monitor several data types, combining behavior data from low-cost sensors calves will wear, such as accelerometers that track the young animals' steps and lying down resting times. The plan is that the system will observe feeding behavior from precision robotic feeders, and it will detect breathing patterns using a non-invasive and inexpensive Wi-Fi-based sensing system.

The AI will use a deep-learning approach called attention mechanisms to determine which behaviors or breathing changes matter most for detecting illness at any given time. The system will incorporate other types of AI learning so that it can immediately work across many farms despite differences in size, layout and management styles, Cantor noted, a feature she said is critical for real-world adoption.

Cantor noted that CalfHealth could be of use beyond dairy farmingfor example, for beef cattle, other calf diseases such as diarrhea and detecting early signs of emerging epidemics such as avian influenzabut farmers need to be able to use it first.

"To enhance explainability, the system will include an interactive, farmer-facing chatbot powered by a selection of language models," she said, explaining that users need to understand the technology and how it works before they can trust that it will help manage their livestock. "The chatbot will explain why the system flagged a calf as at risk and allow farmers to ask questions, including a 'what-if' analysis, such as, 'What if a calf's feeding drops but its breathing stays normal?'"

The researchers plan to study how to build trust between farmers and AI tools through behavioral science experiments. They also will test CalfHealth on multiple farms, measuring the impact of early detection on calf health and farm profitability. Finally, they will evaluate what encourages farmers to adopt such technologies or keeps them from doing so. The research project will include workshops for farmers, veterinarians and industry stakeholders, as well as presentations to local communities and demonstrations of the technology.
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:

This artist's concept depicts GRB 250702B (left of center) erupting within its host galaxy. This powerful explosion, first detected on July 2, blasted out narrow jets of particles at nearly the speed of light and exhibited repeated outbursts that lasted over seven hours. Astronomers conducting rapid follow-up observations with multiple telescopes around the world found that the burst occurred within a large, extremely dusty galaxy. Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/M. Garlick

A Rutgers astrophysicist is helping to solve a cosmic puzzle that has astronomers scratching their heads. The mystery centers on a powerful explosion in space that lasted far longer than anything they have seen before.

Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope studied GRB 250702B, a long gamma-ray burst, one of the brightest and most energetic events in the universe. Normally, long gamma-ray bursts happen when a huge star collapses into a black hole, creating a quick, intense flash of high-energy gamma-ray light. This one didn't follow the rules.

"This object shows extreme properties that are difficult to explain," said Huei Sears, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences who is studying the explosion.

"Usually, these bursts are over in less than a minute, but GRB 250702B lasted for hours and even showed signs of X-ray activity a day prior."

She noted that observatories throughout the world are examining data collected from the object. This includes scientists from China's Einstein Probe, and the National Science Foundation's Very Large Array, known to the public from being featured in the science fiction movie, "Contact."

The waves of gamma rays lasted at least seven hours, nearly twice as long as the previous record holder. NASA has released a video animation illustrating one possible explanation for the origin of GRB 250702B showing a black hole weighing about three times the sunwith an event horizon just 11 miles (18 kilometers) acrossorbiting and merging with a companion star.

"This is certainly an outburst unlike any other we have seen in the past 50 years," said Eliza Neights, an astronomer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.

Scientists say the best explanation is that it is an extraordinary GRB or that it is an extraordinary tidal disruption event, where a middleweight black hole thousands of times heavier than the sun shredded a star that wandered too close. Another more exotic explanation is that a smaller black hole merged with a stripped-down star called a helium star, devouring it from the inside.

In any case, the black hole didn't just snack: It feasted, powering jets of energy that blasted across space.

NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope first detected the event on July 2, and other observatories quickly joined in. The burst was so powerful that no single instrument could capture all its details. Telescopes on Earth and in space worked together, collecting gamma rays, X-rays, infrared light and radio waves. It was not detected in visible light.

"Only through the combined power of instruments on multiple spacecraft could we understand this event," said Eric Burns, an astrophysicist at Louisiana State University.

On Oct. 5, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope gave astronomers their clearest view of the host galaxy of a powerful explosion called GRB 250702. The galaxy is so far away its light takes about 8 billion years to reach the Earth. It appears within a star field in the densely packed central plane of our own Milky Way galaxy. In the zoomed inset, tick marks indicate the burst's position near the top edge of the galaxy's dark dust lane. This location eliminates the possibility that the burst was associated with the supermassive black hole at the galaxy's core. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, H. Sears (Rutgers). A. Pagan (STScI)

Images from the Hubble Space Telescope showed a strange galaxy at the burst's location. It wasn't clear if it was two galaxies merging or just one galaxy with a dark dust lane appearing to split the center into two. Later, a Webb spectrum of the galaxy revealed it to be about 8 billion light-years away. That means the explosion happened long before Earth even existed.

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To help solve the mystery of the identity of the galaxy, Sears led observations from Webb's NIRCam, the telescope's primary near-infrared imager, of the galaxy months after the explosion.

"In such vibrant and unprecedented detail, we see just one very large galaxy with a dust lane," Sears said. "The galaxy has such a complex structure that it's not 100% clear if there's anything left to see of the explosion, but if there is, it's really faint."

That clue supports the idea that GRB 250702B was a gamma-ray burst, not a tidal disruption event. But the mystery isn't solved yet.

"We have only seen a few tidal disruption events of this type, so we don't know for sure how they're supposed to evolve," Sears said. "A lot of the studies on this explosion provide different, and sometimes contradictory, explanations. It's still early in our understanding of what really happened."

Whatever it was, scientists agree it is rare and important.

"This gives us a unique chance to study the extremes of how stars and black holes evolve," Sears said. "GRB 250702B could even be the discovery of something unexpected and new."
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

As the U.S. government turns its attention to drug cartels in Mexico, new research from the University of California, Davis, suggests that violent competition among criminal organizations increases the risks migrants face at the northern border.

"Migrants face significant dangers across all border regions where criminal organizations operate, but when rival groups fight for territorial control, those dangers escalate sharply," said Oscar Contreras-Velasco, the study's author and an assistant professor of sociology in the College of Letters and Science at UC Davis.

This increased violence, Contreras-Velasco said, can divert migrants to more perilous routes, putting their lives at greater risk. The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Social Forces.

Cartel corridors near 23 Mexican cities

The study examined Mexican government data on gun violence, U.S. government data on border enforcement, news reports and nearly 5,000 migrant survey responses. Contreras-Velasco analyzed how violence among criminal organizations affects migrant risks in corridors for smuggling both illegal drugs and people near 23 Mexican cities from 2015 to 2019.

The study's machine learning algorithm showed that cities along the Texas stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border have higher risk index scores than cities in the western border covering New Mexico, Arizona and California.

To identify a link between levels of violence and competition among criminal organizations, the researcher used male homicide rates as a proxy for cartel violence. Since most victims of turf wars are men, spikes in this specific rate effectively track the intensity of conflict among criminal groups where direct data is otherwise impossible to obtain.

The intensity of U.S. border enforcement, measured as encounters between U.S. Customs and Border Protection and migrants influence both the strength of local criminal organizations and the routes migrants choose.

Increased security makes independent crossing nearly impossible, forcing migrants to rely on professional smugglers. This transforms migration into a lucrative revenue stream for cartels, fueling the very competition and violence that endangers migrants.

Border crossing dangers

The study shows that while migrants face danger in all regions where criminal groups operate, the danger intensifies dramatically when control breaks down and rival groups fight for territory. Migrants are at higher risk of extortion, assault or abandonment, and avoiding the violence can drive migrants into harsher terrain.

The analysis is based on data from 4,945 migrants and captures a wide range of their demographics and details of their journey north. The data put numbers to the hazards they and their fellow travelers faced:

1,449 were exposed to extreme temperatures

676 were abandoned by the smuggler

887 lacked access to food or water

419 got lost during the passage

358 risked falling from cliffs or hills

238 risked drowning

188 were attacked by animals

155 were physically assaulted

When cartels take on the role of the state

Cartels have begun to act as a predatory quasi-state, Contreras-Velasco said. They can mimic state functionssuch as controlling territory, policing entry and collecting "taxes" from those passing throughbut they do so through coercion and violence.

"We are seeing a fragmentation of sovereignty," said Contreras-Velasco. "Local authorities are often overwhelmed or co-opted, leaving migrants completely exposed to the whims of criminal groups fighting for control."

Border enforcement or the aggressive disruption of criminal networks might have unintended consequences, he said. Policymakers should address the structural drivers of organized crime, strengthen local governance and foster binational cooperation, he said.

"When the state fails to govern these borderlands, criminal groups step in to impose their own violent order," said Contreras-Velasco. "These findings give insight about how organized crime can mimic state functions through taxation, protection rackets and enforcement but in a coercive and violent way."

More information: Oscar Contreras-Velasco, When elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers: organized crime violence and risks for migrants at the U.S.Mexico border, Social Forces (2025). DOI: 10.1093/sf/soaf202
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Sun behind wildfire smoke haze on June 7, 2023. Credit: Sharon L. Chapman

In 2023, Canada's worst wildfire season on record produced so much smoke that it spilled across national borders into the United States. At times, a thick haze enveloped much of the U.S. East Coast and triggered "Code Purple" and "Code Maroon" alertsthe most hazardous air quality warning categoriesin the Washington, D.C. region.

More than 1,000 miles from where the smoke originated, a group of University of Maryland researchers seized the rare opportunity to directly analyze wildfire plumesa pollutant that plagues the U.S. West Coast far more frequently than the East Coast.

Their findings, published in the journal Environmental Science: Atmospheres, revealed that chemical compounds from Canada's wildfires remained in the atmosphere in College Park, Md., months after the smoke subsided, raising concerns about the potential health and environmental effects.

"Even when the Air Quality Index was goodlong after the fires started to dwindlewe still found similar compounds that we saw during the Canadian wildfire event," said study senior author Akua Asa-Awuku, a professor in UMD's Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

In the future, their findings could help improve predictive models used to study wildfires and their effects. Most chemical composition studies of long-range smoke plumes rely on federal agency satellites and planes that fly through wildfires to collect samples. On-the-ground testing is rarer, making UMD's study unique.

"To our knowledge, no study data provides a molecular-level composition of the 2023 Canadian wildfire plumes," said the study's lead author, Esther Olonimoyo, a UMD chemistry Ph.D. student. "This is a pretty complex area of study where more work still needs to be done in understanding the chemical composition of wildfire plumes."

When Canadian wildfire smoke first arrived on campus, Asa-Awuku, Olonimoyo and their co-authors collaborated with Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science researchers to collect air samples from the rooftop of the university's Atlantic Building in June 2023, August 2023 and February 2024.

The researchers took those samples back to Asa-Awuku's Environmental Aerosol Research Laboratory for chemical analysis using a high-pressure liquid chromatography method developed by Olonimoyo and study co-author Candice Duncan, an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology.

Their method was designed to quickly and accurately analyze organic acids, which are carbon-rich compoundsincluding ones found in wildfire smokethat can negatively affect the climate and human health when concentrated in the atmosphere. While smoke plumes peaked on campus in June 2023 and visibly dissipated by August, the researchers discovered that air samples collected in August still contained the chemical traces of wildfire smoke.

Those samples were collected on a day when the Air Quality Index (AQI) was good, suggesting that compounds from wildfire plumes may linger in the atmosphere longer than expected.

"We see the persistence of compounds in the atmosphere beyond what the air quality indices tell us," Olonimoyo said. "That raises public health concerns that people might still be exposed to certain compounds even after air quality indices have significantly improved."

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The researchers identified different classes of carbonaceous chemicals in the air, including some that could be toxic to humans in high concentrations. Asa-Awuku noted that the AQI measures five major pollutants and does not account for a wider range of chemical speciesincluding atoms, molecules, ions and radicalsin the atmosphere.

"The AQI provides a general assessment of overall air quality for the region," Asa-Awuku said. "The AQI was high when there was a lot of particulate matter from the wildfire emissions, but the AQI tells us little about the chemical composition of particulates."

It wasn't until February 2024eight months after the wildfiresthat researchers saw a significant decrease in wildfire-associated compounds. Asa-Awuku suggested that the compounds they observed may have interacted with gases in the atmosphere, triggering chemical reactions that made them stick around longer.

"A lot of the compounds that we analyzed don't dissipate like a primary emission, which is emitted directly into the atmosphere," Asa-Awuku explained. "They are persistent over time and space, which suggests that they are part of an atmospheric soup that's generating more and more of these organic compounds with time."

Studying these compoundsand their ability to dissolve in watercan help researchers understand their longer-term impact on the environment. Some chemical compounds from wildfire plumes react with water vapor and wind up in clouds, so when it rains, they can infiltrate the soil and alter Earth's natural biogeochemical cycle.

Moving forward, Olonimoyo plans to analyze these compounds in greater detail and identify the ones with unique signatures. Ultimately, she hopes their findings will help the scientific community make better predictions about wildfires and their impact on people and the environment.

"Knowing the molecular composition of these plumes is very important in model predictions," Olonimoyo said. "The scientific community can make better predictions when they have more accurate knowledge, and it also helps us assess the likely implications if certain compounds are present in the atmosphere."

More information: Esther A. Olonimoyo et al, Chemical signatures of water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) fraction of long-range transported wildfire PM 2.5 from Canada to the United States Mid-Atlantic region, Environmental Science: Atmospheres (2026). DOI: 10.1039/d5ea00119f
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Coral reef in Fiji, 2019. Credit: Emily Darling

Coral reefs may seem like paradise, but they are being degraded by a range of global and local factors, including climate change, poor water quality, and overfishing. New research reveals that connections between reefs help stabilize reef health, reducing the risk of collapse, and that a dual approachimproving conditions on both land and seamay be the best way to protect these crucial ecosystems.

The study was a collaboration among the University of Oxford, the University of Toronto, the National Research Council of Italy, and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). It is published in the journal Ecological Applications.

By developing a mathematical model of a network of coral reefs in Fiji, researchers simulated future reef conditions when managed in three different ways: reducing fishing pressure (increasing herbivore grazing), reducing environmental run-off (decreasing coral mortality), and the two interventions combined. Addressing these two local pressures is a focus, as many reefs in Fiji are climate refugia with reduced impacts from global warming and coral bleaching, and show natural recovery from acute events like cyclones.

When considering local pressures, reducing the combination of fishing and pollution proved the best outcomes for reefs, showing the value of coordinated actions on land and in the ocean. Importantly, this result was robust in the face of uncertainty in important reef conditions, indicating that it may be relevant for real-world decision-making in reef systems in Fiji and beyond.

The team also discovered that fishery closures that improve grazing in less than half of the reef network can lead to increases in coral cover across the entire system due to larval dispersal connections. This result highlights the usefulness of planning conservation around networks of locations connected by coral larval dispersal, rather than isolated reefsan approach that remains uncommon but proves powerful in revealing how connections between reefs influence long-term outcomes.

Coral reef in Fiji, 2019. Credit: Emily Darling

Lead researcher Dr. Ariel Greiner (Department of Biology, University of Oxford) explained, "For too long, coral reefs have been managed in isolation. Our research shows that when we account for connections between reefs, we find that they are far more stable than previously thought.

"Protecting a few key reefs can help sustain high coral cover across the entire networkthe key is identifying which ones to protect. We also illustrate that strategies that address both overfishing and land-based pollution together deliver the strongest and most lasting results."

The study additionally revealed that the dispersal of juvenile corals likely stabilizes long-term reef dynamics, lowering the risk of a coral-dominated reef tipping into a non-coral-dominated statean indicator of poor reef health.

Dr. Greiner said, "Our study shows that when we include realistic dispersal connectivity between many reefs, the duality of coral- or non-coral-dominated reefs that we see in models of single or pairs of reefs disappears when we consider entire networks of reefs. This is a novel, unexpected, and exciting result with impacts for coral reef management, and for our understanding of coral reef dynamics globally."

The study used a value of information (VOI) analysis in combination with a mathematical model, which is novel for marine conservation. This combination of methods can inform more effective conservation planning by allowing modelers and decision-makers to assess the robustness and impact of management actions across large spatial scales and long timeframes, improving our ability to anticipate risks and design resilient strategies for the future.

Beach in the Vatu-i-ra seascape in Fiji, 2019. Credit: Stacy Jupiter

"This study shows how modeling can help forecast the long-term consequences of today's conservation decisions and pinpoint the actions that build lasting resilience for reefs facing multiple pressures," said Dr. Emily Darling (Director of Coral Reefs at WCS), a co-author of the study.

"What's powerful about these findings is their practicality: when we focus on climate-resilient coral reefs, coordinated efforts to reduce fishing pressure and improve water quality can generate outsized benefits across entire reef networks. This gives decisionmakers a realistic path to protect ecosystems while supporting the communities who depend on them."

The researchers next plan to look similarly at other coral reef systems around the world and extend the models to more explicitly include human dynamicsfor example, exploring the impact of tourism-funded conservation initiativesand to better understand under what conditions the dispersal of young coral and macroalgae will stabilize local reef dynamics.

More information: Ariel Greiner et al, Dispersal can spread management benefits: Insights from a modeled Fijian coral reef network, Ecological Applications (2025). DOI: 10.1002/eap.70156 Journal information: Ecological Applications
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Illustration of the synthesis pathway for Cu/CF and Cr-Cu/CF catalysts, showcasing the growth of micro-nanorods on the surface. The top-row images were obtained using SEM. Credit: Chemical Engineering Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.170095

Hydrogen fuel could be an important part of the clean energy revolution. But it faces some challenges. Most hydrogen today is made from natural gas using a process called steam methane reforming, which produces lots of carbon dioxide.

"While hydrogen is a clean fuel, the way that we make it isn't clean at all," says Hamed Heidarpour, a Ph.D. student in Ali Seifitokaldani's Electrocatalysis Lab at McGill University in Montreal.

Creating hydrogen from water through electrolysis, on the other hand, generates no CO 2 . But the method is inefficient, expensive, and requires a lot of electricity, which doesn't always come from renewable sources.

Heidarpour and his colleagues found a way to make the process more energy-efficient and stableand thus more viable for real-world industrial applications.

Their version of electrolysis combines water with hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), an organic compound that can be produced by breaking down non-food plant materials such as pulp and paper residue. In traditional electrolysis, hydrogen is produced at the cathode, and oxygen at the anode. But the reactioncalled the oxygen evolution reaction (OER)is slow and takes a lot of energy. By including an organic molecule like HMF, the OER is replaced with the more energy-efficient oxidation of HMF, which has the bonus of also producing hydrogen.

"At the same energy input, we can double the production of hydrogen," he says.

Heidarpour focused on designing a better catalyst to make the HMF oxidation reaction even more energy-efficient, and more commercially viable. The normal copper catalyst does not last long enough for long-term use, so the team added a protective layer of chromium to stabilize it. Their research was published in Chemical Engineering Journal.

The powerful X-ray beamlines of the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan enabled the McGill team to study the catalyst at the atomic scale and gain useful information about its structure and properties. X-ray absorption spectroscopy showed that the chromium kept the copper in its useful metallic state, allowing the catalyst to work better and longer.

"The XAS technique helped us better understand the underlying factors that allowed us to achieve a high-performance and more energy-efficient catalyst," he says.

Improved catalysts like this are what will help biomass-coupled electrolysis be deployed as a viable commercial operation. But it will be some time before it is ready to be used in real-world industrial applications, says Heidarpour.

"This is still at the early stages," he says. "To commercialize this technology, we still need more improvements in the performance and stability of the catalyst."

More information: Summia Saed Aldien et al, Enhanced stability and efficient anodic hydrogen production using chromium-modified copper catalysts for hydroxymethylfurfural electrooxidation, Chemical Engineering Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.170095 Journal information: Chemical Engineering Journal
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Destruction analysis of all 10m10m building pixels in Gaza over 12-day periods from September 18, to December 11, 2023. Lower p-values indicate a higher likelihood that part of a building was destroyed. The timeline at the bottom denotes key events taking place between image acquisition dates. Credit: PNAS Nexus (2025). DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf367

Researchers have developed a method to detect the destruction of buildings using freely available satellite radar imagery. Daniel Racek and colleagues' algorithm analyzes publicly available Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar images from the European Space Agency to identify destroyed buildings in conflict zones. The study is published in the journal PNAS Nexus.

The method statistically assesses the visual similarity of locations over time, enabling detection of destruction from a single satellite image every 12 days, without requiring labeled training data or expensive proprietary imagery. Unlike optical satellites, radar operates through clouds and darkness.

The authors validate the approach across three case studies: the 2020 Beirut harbor explosion, the 2022 siege of Mariupol, Ukraine, and the 20232024 Gaza conflict. In Beirut, the algorithm achieved precision of 86%, correctly identifying most buildings destroyed by the explosion. In Mariupol's Zhovtnevyi district, the method estimated 2,437 buildings were destroyed, some 22% of all buildings in the district. In Gaza, destruction estimates tracked closely with UN satellite analysis.

Destruction analysis of all 10m10m building pixels in Beirut over 12-day periods from July 11 to July 23 (left), July 23 to August 4 (middle), August 4 to August 16 (right; all 2020). Lower p-values indicate a higher likelihood that part of a building was destroyed. The harbor explosion on August 4 is denoted by the red dot in the middle image, with radii of the blast wave with varying distances (also in red). Buildings located directly next to the sea are missing some pixels due to the processing of the images. Credit: PNAS Nexus (2025). DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf367

According to the authors, the method democratizes access to conflict monitoring tools and enables near real-time assessment of building destruction for humanitarian response, human rights monitoring, and academic research on armed conflict.

More information: Daniel Racek et al, Unsupervised detection of building destruction during war from publicly available radar satellite imagery, PNAS Nexus (2025). DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf367 Journal information: PNAS Nexus

Provided by PNAS Nexus
Agentic Expansion Delivers Integrated Workflows, Faster Turnaround Times, and AI-powered Collaboration for Legal and Business Teams

NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Coheso, the AI-native legal front door and work management platform for in-house legal and compliance teams, today announced the launch of its new integrated agentic functionality. Custom agents can now be assigned to incoming business requests to generate first-pass reviews based on business inputs and legal resources, enabling legal teams to automate the application of AI to all work flowing through the department.

This powerful enhancement was deployed with ease of use and flexibility in mind. Agents can be configured to consider playbooks, examples, and guidance. When preconfigured agents are pointed at incoming business requests, they become collaborative engines acting on legal and business inputs simultaneously. This creates a system where even complex work can advance on its own, which improves speed, consistency, and visibility across the organization.

"Legal teams are ready for AI to do more than provide summaries or suggestions on a one-off basis," said Ned Gannon, CEO and Co-founder of Coheso. "They need technology that can take consistent action in a controlled and auditable way. Our integrated agents turn structured business inputs into real progress on legal work. This allows legal teams to maintain oversight while giving the business a faster, more reliable path to resolution."

Coheso's legal front door and work management platform has long provided legal and compliance teams with a universal gateway to capture, triage, and resolve all incoming questions and requests regardless of where they originate. Routine inquiries are answered automatically with AI responses grounded in company-specific documents and policies, while more complex work is prioritized and routed to the legal team with full context. AI-response rules can be enabled to escalate certain inquiries to the legal team and further refine AI responses at the document level.

The new agentic capabilities extend this foundation to keep attorneys focused on high-value work while maintaining full control over outcomes. Behind the scenes, each request is handled by an agentic planning layer that operates like a project manager for complex legal questions. It breaks a query into focused steps and then routes each step to the appropriate AI capability, whether that's a search specialist that scans across all documents to answer a specific question, an analyzer module that reviews each document and aggregates the results, or a deep-review engine that examines agreements and policies to generate summaries, assess risks, and complete compliance checks.

The release follows recent discussion of Coheso's new agentic features at its 2025 Pittsburgh Legal AI Summit, hosted in collaboration with the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon University. The event brought together researchers, academics, and legal leaders to examine how AI is being applied in real-world legal environments. Coheso discussed agents as part of a broader conversation about the past and future of legal AI, the acceleration of legal work inside AI-adopting enterprises, the role of legal ops in shaping AI implementations, and AI advances and challenges in the legal domain.

Demos are available upon request through the company's website at https://www.coheso.ai .

About Coheso

Coheso is an AI-native legal front door and work management platform for in-house legal and compliance teams. The platform combines centralized intake, including automated responses to routine questions, an efficient workflow for complex cross-functional tasks, and new agentic capabilities that enable work to move forward automatically. Headquartered in New York, the company is backed by leading venture capital firms including Tola Capital, Crew Capital, Character, and FirsthandVC, as well as Carnegie Mellon University.

Contact:

Manish Agnihotri

Co-Founder & Head of Artificial Intelligence

[email protected]

+1 646-452-4490

SOURCE Coheso, Inc.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

After avoiding it for nearly two decades, wildlife officials say that the illness wiping out millions of bats may have reached Nevada.

The fungal disease is known as white-nose syndrome, and it's considered to be the single most deadly wildlife disease outbreak in North American history. Scientists first documented the disease in New York in 2006, and it has since spread westward and killed about 6 million bats.

On Dec. 8, the Nevada Department of Wildlife said biologists confirmed the presence of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the pathogen that causes the disease in bats, during routine monitoring within Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

"We knew it was a matter of time before Pd arrived in Nevada and we have been vigilantly surveying bats for many years now, not only for this fungus but also to track their population trends," said Jonathan Young, a wildlife staff specialist, in a statement.

According to a U.S. Geological Survey report from August, the disease had then been documented in bats in 40 States and nine Canadian provinces. Until now, Nevada hasn't been one of them.

How Nevadans can stop the spread

The illness mostly affects bat species that hibernate, which wildlife officials say accounts for 14 of the state's 23 species.

Biologists have found no bats with clinical signs of the disease but did confirm the presence of the pathogen. In a Monday news release, the state wildlife department emphasized the importance of bats in ecosystems, particularly in their role of eating insects and supporting the health of agricultural and natural landscapes.

"Nevada's bats are incredibly important, and this fungus could have serious implications for their conservation," Young said. "We will continue to monitor the situation and increase our efforts to reduce the spread of this fungus through continued equipment sterilization, habitat protection, and increased public education."

The Silver State has had its own White-Nose Syndrome Response Plan in place since 2014, and the department will now work to determine how widespread the disease may be, according to the news release. Officials will work on wildlife-friendly closures of known bat habitats, such as abandoned mines.

The illness is mostly spread through bat-to-bat contact, but officials say humans can spread it, too, on their clothes or equipment. While the disease is not known to affect humans, Nevadans can do their part to prevent the spread by staying out of abandoned mines, officials said.

2025 Las Vegas Review-Journal. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Long-term security of the Asiatic lion remains uncertain, but momentum is strong -- and protection efforts are having a wider impact on wildlife.

A powerful roar rocked the forest before the silhouette of a lioness appeared at an Indian reserve, a potent image of how conservation efforts have brought the creatures back from the brink.

In Gir National Park, Asiatic lions reign over a 1,900-square-kilometer (735-square-mile) expanse of savanna and acacia and teak forests, their last refuge.

For a few minutes, cameras clicked wildly from safari jeeps, but as night falls and visitors leave, the mighty cat has still not moved a paw.

Gir's success stems from more than three decades of rigorous conservation to expand the lions' range, which now raises questions about the future of coexistence with humans.

Park chief Ramratan Nala celebrates the "huge success": lion numbers have risen by a third in five years, from 627 to 891.

"It's a matter of pride for us," Nala said, the head of government forests in the sprawling Junagadh district of the western state of Gujarat.

The Asiatic lion, slightly smaller than their African cousins, and identified by a fold of skin along its belly, historically roamed from the Middle East to India.

Local communities fiercely protect the lions for cultural, religious and economic reasons, because they attract tourists.

By the early 20th century, only about 20 remained, nearly wiped out by hunting and habitat loss.

"They've been resurrected from the brink of extinction," said wildlife biologist Meena Venkatraman.

'Our lions'

After India broke free from British rule in 1947, a local prince offered "his" lions sanctuary.

In recent decades, the authorities have invested heavily by protecting vegetation, securing wells and roads, and even building a hospital.

"The thing about lions is that if you give them space, and you protect them and you give them prey, then they do extremely well," said Andrew Loveridge, from global wild cat conservation organization Panthera.

In 2008, they were removed from the IUCN Red List of species threatened with extinction, and moved to the category of merely "endangered".

Unlike in Africa, poaching is virtually absent.

"The local people support the conservation of Asian lions," Nala said, reporting zero cases of poaching for more than a decade.

"These are our lions," his deputy Prashant Tomas said. "People are very possessive about them".

More than three decades of rigorous conservation in India's Gir National Park helped expand the lions' range.

'Secret to success'

Local communities fiercely protect the lions for cultural, religious and economic reasons, because they attract tourists.

Loveridge said that people accepted some livestock would be lost.

"In general, they're less likely to kill the lions in retaliation for livestock losses, which is something that is very prevalent in many sites in Africa," he said.

"Indian wildlife managers have managed to contain that conflict, to a large degreein many ways, that's their secret to success."

But rising numbers mean lions now roam far beyond the park.

About half the lion population ranges across 30,000 km2, and livestock killings have soared, from 2,605 in 201920 to 4,385 in 202324.

There are no official figures on attacks on humans, though experts estimate there are around 25 annually.

Occasionally, an attack hits the headlines, such as in August, when a lion killed a five-year-old child.

By the early 20th century, only about 20 Asiatic lion had remained, nearly wiped out by hunting and habitat loss.

'Spread the risk'

As lions move into new areas, conflicts grow.

"They are interacting with people... who are not traditionally used to a big cat," said Venkatraman.

And, despite their increasing population, the species remains vulnerable due to limited genetic diversity and concentration in one region.

"Having all the lions in a single population may not be a good idea in the long term," she added.

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Gujarat has resisted relocating some lions to create a new population, even defying a Supreme Court order.

Nala pointed out that Gir's lions are separated into around a dozen satellite populations.

"We cannot say that they are all in one basket," he said.

Loveridge accepted that it "is starting to spread the risk a little bit".

But he also warned that "relatively speaking, a population of 900 individuals is not that large," compared with historic numbers of tens of thousands.

Long-term security of the species remains uncertain, but momentum is strongand protection efforts are having a wider impact on the wildlife across the forests.

Venkatraman described the lions as a "flagship of conservation".

"That means because you save them, you also save the biodiversity around you."

 2025 AFP
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Malemale agonistic interaction during a mating attempt in wild bonobos. Credit: Heungjin Ryu (CC-BY 4.0, creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Male bonobos can decipher females' unreliable fertility signals, allowing them to focus their efforts on matings with the highest chance of conception, according to a study by Heungjin Ryu at Kyoto University, Japan, and colleagues published in PLOS Biology.

In most mammals, females are only receptive to mating during ovulation, allowing males to time their mating efforts to maximize the chances of conception. But in some primates, such as bonobos (Pan paniscus), females become sexually receptive and display a conspicuous pink swelling around the genitals for a prolonged period of time.

How researchers studied bonobo fertility

To investigate how males cope with this unreliable fertility signal, researchers studied a group of wild bonobos at Wamba in the Luo Scientific Reserve in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

During daily observations, they recorded sexual behaviors and visually estimated the status of each female's genital swelling. They also used filter paper to collect urine samples of the females, allowing them to measure estrogen and progesterone levels and estimate the timing of ovulation.

They found that ovulation probability peaked between eight and 27 days after females reached maximum swelling, making it difficult for males to predict. Despite this, males' sexual advances were closely aligned with the timing of ovulation. Males concentrated their mating efforts on females that had reached maximum swelling earlier, and whose infant offspring were oldertwo key sources of information indicating a higher probability of ovulation.

In this clip, the beta male Nobita carefully looks at the sexual swelling of the female Sala while they forage for fungi on the forest floor. Male bonobos take this task seriouslywatching and checking swelling changes so they do not miss potential ovulatory periods. Credit: Heungjin Ryu (CC-BY 4.0, creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Implications for bonobo mating strategies

The results show that males focus their mating efforts on the most fertile females by combining information about the timing of swelling and reproductive history. Because male bonobos can effectively estimate female fertility despite an unreliable signal, there has likely been little evolutionary pressure for the signal to become more precise. This may explain how this system has been maintained over evolutionary time, the authors say.

The authors add, "In this study, we found that bonobo males, instead of trying to predict precise ovulation timing, use a flexible strategypaying attention to the end-signal cue of the sexual swelling along with infant ageto fine-tune their mating efforts. This finding reveals that even imprecise signals can remain evolutionarily functional when animals use them flexibly rather than expecting perfect accuracy.

"Our results help explain how conspicuous but noisy ovulatory signals, like those of bonobos, can persist and shape mating strategies in complex social environments.

"The male bonobos weren't the only ones paying close attention to sexual swellingwe spent countless days in the rainforest at Wamba, DRC doing exactly the same thing! All that watching, sweating, and scribbling in our notebooks eventually paid off. By tracking these daily changes, we uncovered just how impressively bonobos can read meaning in a signal that seems noisy and confusing to us."

More information: Ryu H, et al. Male bonobo mating strategies target female fertile windows despite noisy ovulatory signals during sexual swelling. PLOS Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003503 Journal information: PLoS Biology
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William & Mary Biology Professor Jon Allen holds the worlds oldest ribbon worm on record for a class of W&M students. Credit: Stephen Salpukas

Penicillin, X-rays, vulcanized rubbersome of the greatest scientific discoveries happened by accident. Thanks to his love of invertebrates, William & Mary Biology Professor Jon Allen has added another entry to that list of happenstance achievements. Meandering around the mud at the bottom of a tank in Allen's lab lives the world's oldest ribbon worm on record. His name is Baseodiscus the Eldest, or B, for short.

B is estimated to be around 30 years old, although his exact birthday is unknown. A faithful companion to Allen for over 20 years, his longevity was never intended to be an experiment.

Year over year, he eked out a humble existence in the slime, content to munch on peanut worms and rest in the cool, quiet confines of his tank. But after performing a genetic analysis on B in 2024, Allen confirmed his exact species and realized that he had a biological anomaly on his hands.

In a recent paper published in the Journal of Experimental Zoology, Allen, his former student Chloe Goodsell, and collaborators from the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology set the record straight about how long ribbon worms can live.

Beyond scientific curiosity, B's age holds broad value for marine biologists, with implications for how this diverse and widespread class of predators impacts marine ecology.

For the love of invertebrates

Despite their unassuming nature, ribbon worms (phylum nemertea) have a big claim to famethey are the longest known animals on Earth. One worm found in 1864, on the coast of Scotland, measured a whopping 180 feet. That's the equivalent of two blue whales lying tail to tail, or 720 gummy worms.

While they may outperform other animals in the length category, until now, no one knew how long they lived. Biologists speculated they might have long lifespans, yet the previous lab record stood at just around three years.

B changes all that. Although, if it hadn't been for the kindheartedness of one Ph.D. student, his story might have been a lot shorter.

The year was 2005. Allen was finishing up his doctorate in biology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In a department meeting one day, he learned that major renovations to one of UNC's science buildings would leave a tank of invertebrates without a home. Naturally, he agreed to adopt them, including one little ribbon worm that had been collected as an adult sometime in the late '90s. Packing up for his postdoc in Maine at Bowdoin College, he carefully perched the tank in the back of his truck along with a smattering of furniture and books and set off on the 15-hour drive.

After three years in Maine, B accompanied Allen to his first teaching post at Randolph-Macon College, and then, in 2009, to William & Mary. For the past 16 years, he's been happy to rest in his squishy underwater world, quite content and quite alive.

He's only disturbed once a year, in the fall, when Allen, with the care of someone handling a cherished antique, fishes him out of the murky depths of his tank and takes the three-foot worm to class for show and tell.

Breaking records

It never occurred to Allen to investigate the worm until Goodsell, his former student, asked him its age. When she learned it was decades old, Goodsell, who'd completed a National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, suggested that he send a sample there to Svetlana Maslakova, a leading expert on nemertean genetics.

Gingerly, Goodsell excised a tiny piece of tissue from the worm and sent it off for analysis. The results positively identified B as a nemertean of the species Baseodiscus punnetti, making him the oldest ribbon worm ever recorded by more than 23 years.

This realization changes current understanding of the species, impacting the way scientists think about the ribbon worm's life cycle and basic biology.

"Ribbon worms are an incredibly diverse and widespread phylum, yet almost nothing is known about their natural longevity," said Allen. "This finding fills a genuine knowledge gap, increasing their known lifespan by an order of magnitude. This shifts our understanding of an entire major group of marine predators. Future research can leverage this knowledge to develop lifespan estimates for these creatures to better understand their ecological impact on marine ecosystems."

Furthermore, it's currently impossible to tell how old ribbon worms are. So having a living specimen with a generally well-defined age allows other researchers to look for biological and physiological characteristics that may correlate with age.

For Goodsell, this finding also holds importance for longevity research.

"Understanding how animals evolve long life spans has implications for human health research," she said. "Our finding contributes to the growing body of knowledge of what it takes to avoid senescenceor 'getting old.' Longevity research could eventually help us develop ways to treat progressive, age-related diseases like Alzheimer's or dementia. It's cool to get to add a piece to that puzzle."

A season of gratitude

The worm isn't the only one who owes Allen its gratitude. Goodsell, who transferred to William & Mary her sophomore year because of the university's reputation for undergraduate research, credits the biologist with transforming her path.

"Jon is so excited about his work and passionate about helping his students pursue science," she said. "He really helped shape my path as a researcher. I'm so thankful for his mentorship and for William & Mary as a place that faculty like him are drawn to."

More information: Chloe Goodsell et al, Baseodiscusthe Eldest: First Report of a DecadesLong Lifespan in a Nemertean Species, Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological and Integrative Physiology (2025). DOI: 10.1002/jez.70052
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Credit: University of Nottingham

Researchers have discovered that not all atoms in a liquid are in motion and that some remain stationary regardless of the temperature, significantly impacting the solidification process, including the formation of an unusual state of mattera corralled supercooled liquid.

The formation of solids is essential in various natural processes, including mineralization, ice formation, and the folding of protein fibrils. It also plays a significant role in technological applications such as pharmacy and industries that use metals, such as aviation, construction, and electronics.

Scientists from the University of Nottingham and the University of Ulm in Germany have used transmission electron microscopy to image the solidification processes of molten metal nano-droplets. This study has been published in ACS Nano.

Professor Andrei Khlobystov, who led the team, said, "When we consider matter, we typically think of three states: gas, liquid, and solid. While the behavior of atoms in gases and solids is easier to understand and describe, liquids remain more mysterious."

Atoms in liquids move in a complex way, resembling a jostling crowd of people. They constantly and rapidly pass by each other while still interacting with one another.

Studying the behavior of atoms in liquids can be challenging, especially during the critical stage when the liquid starts to solidify. This stage is crucial because it determines the structure and many of the material's functional properties.

How the experiments were conducted

Dr. Christopher Leist, who performed transmission electron microscopy experiments at Ulm using the unique low-voltage SALVE instrument, said, "We began by melting metal nanoparticles, such as platinum, gold, and palladium, deposited on an atomically thin supportgraphene. We used graphene as a sort of hob for this process to heat the particles, and as they melted, their atoms began to move rapidly, as expected. However, to our surprise, we found that some atoms remained stationary."

Theoretical modeling explores the movement of atoms within a liquid nanodroplet of platinum that is confined inside a defect in a carbon support. The colors represent the mobility of the atoms: platinum atoms at the edges are much less mobile and create an atomic corral around the more mobile atoms located in the center. Credit: University of Nottingham

The researchers found that stationary atoms are strongly bonded to the support material at locations of point defects, even at very high temperatures. They were able to increase the number of defects by focusing the electron beam and so control the number of stationary atoms within the liquid.

Professor Ute Kaiser, who established the SALVE center at Ulm University, said, "Our experiments have surprised us as we directly observe the wave-particle duality of electrons in the electron beam. We visualize the material using electrons as waves. At the same time, electrons behave like particles, delivering discrete bursts of momentum that can either move or, surprisingly, even fix atoms at the edge of a liquid metal. This remarkable observation has allowed us to discover a new phase of matter."

Implications for solidification and new states

The team previously reported films of chemical reactions involving individual molecules, including the first instance of a chemical bond breaking and forming in real time. Their method enables the observation of chemistry at the atomic level.

In this study, the researchers found that stationary atoms have an influence on the solidification process. When there is a small number of them, a crystal forms directly from the liquid and continues to grow until the entire particle solidifies. However, when the number of stationary atoms is high, the solidification process is significantly disrupted, preventing any crystal from forming.

Professor Andrei Khlobystov from the University of Nottingham said, "The effect is particularly striking when stationary atoms create a ring that surrounds the liquid. Once the liquid is trapped in this atomic corral, it can remain in a liquid state even at temperatures significantly below its freezing point, which for platinum can be as low as 350 degrees Celsiusthat is more than 1,000 degrees below what is typically expected."

Below a certain temperature, the corralled liquid solidifies, not into a crystalline form but as an amorphous solid. This amorphous form of metal is highly unstable, maintained only by the confinement of stationary atoms. When the confinement is disrupted, the tension is released, allowing the metal to transform into its normal crystalline structure.

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Potential applications and future research

Dr. Jesum Alves Fernandes, expert in catalysis at the University of Nottingham, said, "The discovery of a new hybrid state of metal is significant. Since platinum on carbon is one of the most widely used catalysts globally, finding a confined liquid state with non-classical phase behavior could change our understanding of how catalysts work. This advancement may lead to the design of self-cleaning catalysts with improved activity and longevity."

So far, corralling at the nanoscale has been achieved only for photons and electrons; this work is the first time that atoms have been corralled. Professor Andrei Khlobystov said, "Our achievement may herald a new form of matter combining characteristics of solids and liquids in the same material."

The researchers hope that manipulation of the positions of pinned atoms on the surface may create more extended and complex corral shapes. This could pave the way for more efficient use of rare metals in clean technologies, such as energy conversion and storage.
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A pilot signals to a crew member before takeoff from NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Aug. 21, 2025. Accompanying him in the high-flying ER-2 aircraft is one of the most advanced imaging spectrometers in the solar system. Credit: NASA / Christopher LC Clark

Cradled in the nose of a high-altitude research airplane, a new NASA sensor has taken to the skies to help geoscientists map rocks hosting lithium and other critical minerals on Earth's surface some 60,000 feet below. In collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the flights are part of the largest airborne campaign of its kind in the country's history.

But that's just one of many tasks that are on the horizon for AVIRIS-5, short for Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer-5, which has a lot in common with sensors used to explore other planets.

NASA's AVIRIS flies aboard a research plane in this animation, detecting minerals on the ground such as hectoritea lithium-bearing clayby the unique patterns of light that they reflect. The different wavelengths, measured in nanometers, look like colorful squiggles in the box on the right. Credit: NASA's Conceptual Image Lab

About the size of a microwave oven, AVIRIS-5 detects the spectral "fingerprints" of minerals and other compounds in reflected sunlight. Like its cousins flying in space, the sensor takes advantage of the fact that all kinds of molecules, from rare earth elements to flower pigments, have unique chemical structures that absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light.

The technology was pioneered at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California in the late 1970s. Over the decades, imaging spectrometers have visited every major rocky body in the solar system from Mercury to Pluto. They've traced Martian crust in full spectral detail, revealed lakes on Titan, and tracked mineral-rich dust across the Sahara and other deserts. One is en route to Europa, an ocean moon of Jupiter, to search for the chemical ingredients needed to support life.

Another imaging spectrometer, NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper, was the first to discover water on the lunar surface in 2009.

"That dataset continues to drive our investigations as we look for in-situ resources on the moon," as part of NASA's Artemis campaign, said Robert Green, a senior research scientist at NASA JPL who's contributed to multiple spectroscopy missions across the solar system.

Image cubes illustrate the volume of data returned by JPL imaging spectrometers. The front panel shows roads and fields around Tulare, California, as seen by AVIRIS-5 during a checkout flight earlier this year. The side panels depict the spectral fingerprint captured for every point in the image. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Prisms, black silicon

While imaging spectrometers vary depending on their mission, they have certain hardware in commonincluding mirrors, detector arrays, and electron-beam gratingsdesigned to capture light shimmering off a surface and then separate it into its constituent colors, like a prism.

Many of the best-in-class imaging spectrometers flying today were made possible by components invented at NASA JPL's Microdevices Laboratory. Instrument-makers there combine breakthroughs in physics, chemistry, and material science with the classical properties of light discovered by physicist Isaac Newton in the 17th century. Newton's prism experiments revealed that visible light is composed of a rainbow of colors.

Light-trapping black silicon is one of the darkest materials ever fabricated. The technology is standard for JPLs ultraprecise imaging spectrometers. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Today, NASA JPL engineers work with advanced materials such as black siliconone of the darkest substances ever manufacturedto push performance. Under a powerful microscope, black silicon looks like a forest of spiky needles. Etched by lasers or chemicals, the nanoscale structures prevent stray light from interfering with the sample by trapping it in their spikes.

Treasure hunting

The optical techniques used at the Microdevices Laboratory have advanced continuously since the first AVIRIS instrument took flight in 1986. Four generations of these sensors have now hit the skies, analyzing erupting volcanoes, diseased crops, ground zero debris in New York City, and wildfires in Alabama, among many other deployments. The latest model, AVIRIS-5, features spatial resolution that's twice as fine as that of its predecessor and can resolve areas ranging from less than a foot (30 centimeters) to about 30 feet (10 meters).

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So far this year, it has logged more than 200 hours of high-altitude flights over Nevada, California, and other Western states as part of a project called GEMx (Geological Earth Mapping Experiment). The flights are conducted using NASA's ER-2 aircraft, operated out of the agency's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The effort is the airborne component of a larger USGS initiative, called Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), to modernize mapping of the nation's surface and subsurface.

Since 2023, the NASA and USGS team has gathered data over more than 366,000 square miles (950,000 square kilometers) of the American West, where dry, treeless expanses are well suited to mineral spectroscopy.

An exciting early finding is a lithium-bearing clay called hectorite, identified in the tailings of an abandoned mine in California, among other locations. Lithium is one of about 50 minerals at risk of supply chain disruption that USGS has deemed critical to national security and the economy.

Helping communities capture new value from old and abandoned prospects is one of the long-term aspirations of GEMx, said Dana Chadwick, an Earth system scientist at NASA JPL. So is identifying sources of acid mine drainage, which can occur when waste rocks weather and leach into the environment.

"The breadth of different questions you can take on with this technology is really exciting, from land management to snowpack water resources to wildfire risk," Chadwick said. "Critical minerals are just the beginning for AVIRIS-5."

More information: Learn more about GEMx.

Provided by NASA
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An ancient Pompeii wall at a newly excavated site, where Associate Professor Admir Masic applied compositional analysis (overlayed to right) to understand how ancient Romans made concrete that has endured for thousands of years. Credit: Archaeological Park of Pompeii

Concrete was the foundation of the ancient Roman empire. It enabled Rome's storied architectural revolution as well as the construction of buildings, bridges, and aqueducts, many of which are still used some 2,000 years after their creation.

In 2023, MIT Associate Professor Admir Masic and his collaborators published a paper describing the manufacturing process that gave Roman concrete its longevity: Lime fragments were mixed with volcanic ash and other dry ingredients before the addition of water. Once water is added to this dry mix, heat is produced.

As the concrete sets, this "hot-mixing" process traps and preserves the highly reactive lime as small, white, gravel-like features. When cracks form in the concrete, the lime clasts redissolve and fill the cracks, giving the concrete self-healing properties.

There was only one problem: The process Masic's team described was different from the one described by the famed ancient Roman architect Vitruvius.

Vitruvius literally wrote the book on ancient architecture. His highly influential work, "De architectura," written in the 1st century B.C.E., is the first known book on architectural theory. In it, Vitruvius says that Romans added water to lime to create a paste-like material before mixing it with other ingredients.

"Having a lot of respect for Vitruvius, it was difficult to suggest that his description may be inaccurate," Masic says. "The writings of Vitruvius played a critical role in stimulating my interest in ancient Roman architecture, and the results from my research contradicted these important historical texts."

Now, Masic and his collaborators have confirmed that hot-mixing was indeed used by the Romans, a conclusion he reached by studying a newly discovered ancient construction site in Pompeii that was exquisitely preserved by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79 C.E.

They also characterized the volcanic ash material the Romans mixed with the lime, finding a surprisingly diverse array of reactive minerals that further added to the concrete's ability to repair itself many years after these monumental structures were built.

"There is the historic importance of this material, and then there is the scientific and technological importance of understanding it," Masic explains.

"This material can heal itself over thousands of years, it is reactive, and it is highly dynamic. It has survived earthquakes and volcanoes. It has endured under the sea and survived degradation from the elements. We don't want to completely copy Roman concrete today. We just want to translate a few sentences from this book of knowledge into our modern construction practices."

The findings are described in Nature Communications. Joining Masic on the paper are first authors Ellie Vaserman and Principal Research Scientist James Weaver, along with Associate Professor Kristin Bergmann, Ph.D. candidate Claire Hayhow, and six other Italian collaborators.

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Uncovering ancient secrets

Masic has spent close to a decade studying the chemical composition of the concrete that allowed Rome's famous structures to endure for so much longer than their modern counterparts. His 2023 paper analyzed the material's chemical composition to deduce how it was made.

That paper used samples from a city wall in Priverno in southwest Italy, which was conquered by the Romans in the 4th century B.C.E. But there was a question as to whether this wall was representative of other concrete structures built throughout the Roman empire.

The recent discovery by archaeologists of an active ancient construction site in Pompeii (complete with raw material piles and tools) therefore offered an unprecedented opportunity.

For the study, the researchers analyzed samples from these pre-mixed dry material piles, a wall that was in the process of being built, completed buttress and structural walls, and mortar repairs in an existing wall.

"We were blessed to be able to open this time capsule of a construction site and find piles of material ready to be used for the wall," Masic says. "With this paper, we wanted to clearly define a technology and associate it with the Roman period in the year 79 C.E."

The site offered the clearest evidence yet that the Romans used hot-mixing in concrete production. Not only did the concrete samples contain the lime clasts described in Masic's previous paper, but the team also discovered intact quicklime fragments pre-mixed with other ingredients in a dry raw material pile, a critical first step in the preparation of hot-mixed concrete.

Bergman, an associate professor of earth and planetary sciences, helped develop tools for differentiating the materials at the site.

"Through these stable isotope studies, we could follow these critical carbonation reactions over time, allowing us to distinguish hot-mixed lime from the slaked lime originally described by Vitruvius," Masic says.

"These results revealed that the Romans prepared their binding material by taking calcined limestone (quicklime), grinding them to a certain size, mixing it dry with volcanic ash, and then eventually adding water to create a cementing matrix."

The researchers also analyzed the volcanic ingredients in the cement, including a type of volcanic ash called pumice. They found that the pumice particles chemically reacted with the surrounding pore solution over time, creating new mineral deposits that further strengthened the concrete.

Rewriting history

Masic says the archaeologists listed as co-authors on the paper were indispensable to the study. When Masic first entered the Pompeii site, as he inspected the perfectly preserved work area, tears came to his eyes.

"I expected to see Roman workers walking between the piles with their tools," Masic says. "It was so vivid, you felt like you were transported in time. So yes, I got emotional looking at a pile of dirt. The archaeologists made some jokes."

Masic notes that calcium is a key component in both ancient and modern concretes, so understanding how it reacts over time holds lessons for understanding dynamic processes in modern cement as well. Towards these efforts, Masic has also started a company, DMAT, that uses lessons from ancient Roman concrete to create long-lasting modern concretes.

"This is relevant because Roman cement is durable, it heals itself, and it's a dynamic system," Masic says. "The way these pores in volcanic ingredients can be filled through recrystallization is a dream process we want to translate into our modern materials. We want materials that regenerate themselves."

As for Vitruvius, Masic guesses that he may have been misinterpreted. He points out that Vitruvius also mentions latent heat during the cement mixing process, which could suggest hot-mixing after all.

More information: Admir Masic, An unfinished Pompeian construction site reveals ancient Roman building technology, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-66634-7. www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-66634-7 Journal information: Nature Communications

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
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A satellite photo shows Lake Powell at less than half its capacity in 2014. This drying through the Colorado River Basin is due to increased temperatures and decreased precipitation, both of which are driven by climate change, according to a new report. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

The Colorado River Basin, like much of the southwestern U.S., is experiencing a drought so historicit began in 1999that it's been called a megadrought. In the basin, whose river provides water to seven states and Mexico, that drought is the product of warming temperatures and reduced precipitation, especially in the form of winter snow.

While the warming trend has been conclusively linked to human activities driving climate change, the cause of the waning precipitation wasn't as clear. Now, however, Jonathan Overpeck of the University of Michigan and Brad Udall of the Colorado Water Center at Colorado State University are convinced that anthropogenic climate change is the culprit as well.

"The drought's been going on for over 25 years and there's been a real downward trend in precipitation. But, even as recently as a year ago, we thought that just might be part of the natural variabilitywe figured the precipitation might turn around," said Overpeck, the dean of the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability. "Within the last year, there's been research that tells us pretty convincingly that's not the case. Long-term, there are going to be more dry winters than wet winters and that's due to climate change."

Starting with a cornerstone 2017 study, Udall and Overpeck have been detailing the state of the drought and its climate drivers with a series of graphs that use the best data and science available. In this year's update to the graphs, published as part of a larger annual report just released by the Colorado River Research Group, the duo came to two conclusions. One, the downward precipitation trend is also due to human activity and, two, it's unlikely to rebound until we do something about it.

"Because we understand the cause of the decline in precipitation and the increase in temperature, we know how to stop it. We just have to stop climate change. No big deal, right?" Overpeck said. "But we know how to stop it, we have the solutions, and it's not too late to stop it."

The duo said that having an extra year of data helped reach these conclusions, but the key development was the publication of two new studies in the field of climate science. One study, led by Jeremy Klavans of the University of Colorado, Boulder, helped improve climate models used to study the region. The second study, led by Victoria Todd of the University of Texas at Austin, used paleoclimatology techniques to reveal trends in temperatures from thousands of years ago to provide critical context for the current scenario.

Taken together, this led Udall and Overpeck to issue a reality check as the title for their contribution to the annual Colorado River Basin report: "Think Natural Flows Will Rebound in the Colorado River Basin? Think Again."

To comfortably provide adequate water for the basin, the natural flow of the Colorado River should be at 16.5 million acre-feet, roughly the volume of 8 million Olympic-sized pools, Overpeck said. It is currently closer to 12 million acre-feet.

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Both Udall and Overpeck stressed there is natural variability and there will be wetter winters and dryer winters year to year. Their findings point to the long-term outlook being drier overall, however. That said, the near-term outlook isn't great either, Udall said.

"We've basically taken the buffer out of the system. We've burned through all this reservoir storage over the past 26 years and we're one dry winter away from having very serious water usage cuts being enforced in a way that has never occurred before," Udall said. "And this winter is not starting off on a good foot."

People often ask Udall what happens if we don't limit greenhouse gas emissions and the warming of the average global temperature to international targets, like those set by the Paris Agreement. This precarious situation is one of the answers. While farmers and water managers in the region are acutely aware of the stakes, he said, the climate-water connection is of global importance. Droughts are enabling more devastating wildfires, while storms are carrying more water, leading to more dangerous floods.

"This supercharging of the hydrological cycle is the story of climate change, in my mind. Climate change is water change," Udall said. "We control our own destiny here, but we're not controlling it right now."
Moscow court sentences man to 24 years in treason and terrorism financing case

MOSCOW, December 8  RAPSI. A Moscow court sentenced Vitaly Revin who was put on terrorists and extremists list to 24 years in prison after finding him guilty of treason and financing terrorism, the Moscow Prosecutor's Office press service told RAPSI.

"The court sentenced Revin to 24 years in prison, the first six years to be served in a prison and the remainder in a maximum-security penal colony," the Prosecutors Office said.

According to investigators, in September 2023, Revin, acting via a Ukrainian volunteer center, transferred a technical device he had manufactured to the Azov paramilitary group (a terrorist organization banned in the Russian Federation).

"The convicted person purchased components for 30 pieces of technical devices via foreign online trading platforms and delivered them to a representative of a terrorist organization. He also provided consulting assistance in assembling the equipment to a usable condition," the Prosecutor's Office said.

The defendant was found guilty of treason and financing terrorism. He was also fined 600,000 rubles ($7,864.27).
The global cosmetics brand has experienced social media virality and now rapid international growth in a major market.

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As a leading global cosmetics brand, Flower Knows has built a vibrant and whimsical brand by tapping into the imagination and creativity of the beauty world. Offering high-quality formulations, themed collections, and unique packaging, it's now one of the fastest growing brands on social, consistently going viral with their millions of followers. Industry reports consistently rank Flower Knows as one of the top trending makeup brands on Instagram, along with TikTok, for a combined follower count of 4 million followers.

credit Courtesy of Flower Knows

Primed in the U.S. as an on trend and covetable brand, Flower Knows is proud to announce their most notable U.S. retail expansion to date, debuting on Ulta.com on December 7, 2025.

"Entering Ulta marks a significant milestone in Flower Knows' international expansion and represents an important step in tailoring our brand to the needs and preferences of U.S. consumers," says Gong Fang, Partner and Chief Marketing Officer of Flower Knows. "We are proud to bring a world of magic, romance, and whimsy to Ulta Beauty guests, serving as a reminder to embrace and live out your fairytales to the fullest every day,"

Founded in 2016, Flower Knows made its U.S. retail debut in 2023 and has grown globally into a notable player in the global beauty market. The U.S. is now considered Flower Knows largest overseas market. Elsewhere, the brand is available in Great China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Poland, Australia, the Middle East, and most recently expanded into South Korea through a record-breaking pop-up store in central Seoul City.

The Ulta.com assortment of Flower Knows will include 62 products, within all categories including lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes, palettes, and more. These include the themed collections Strawberry Cupid ($8-$40), Shell's Jewel ($8-$35), Little Angel ($30-$45), Swan Ballet ($20-$35), and Strawberry Rococo Series ($20-$26).

Flower Knows' popularity has been fueled by unique, artful packaging, viral social media campaigns, and strategic retail partnerships. Its reputation as a nostalgic, trending brand showcasing high quality products at accessible price points has been solidified with their best-selling hero products including the Sweetie Bear and Strawberry Cupid Collections. It has caught the attention of many celebrities and influencers in the industry including Lana Del Rey, Sabrina Carpenter, Kathy Hilton, James Charles, and Mikayla Noguiera, among others. Its explosive growth trajectory shows appeal and opportunity for U.S. consumers and beauty lovers looking for optimism and expression in the world of beauty.

Flower Knows is now available to shop at Ulta.com, with products ranging from $8-$45.

Flower Knows @ ULTA Product Images

About Flower Knows:

Flower Knows is a whimsical cosmetics brand built on a fantasy world of dreams and fairytales that comes to life through ethereal themed collections, vibrant, high-quality formulations, and unique packaging. In the U.S., Flower Knows is currently available at Urban Outfitters, Amazon, and Ulta Beauty, and is proudly cruelty-free. Discover more at www.flowerknows.co, @FlowerKnows_Global (Instagram) and @FlowerKnowsGlobal (TikTok)

US Media Contact:

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Soldiers jailed for killing US journalist Russell Bentley

MOSCOW, December 8  RAPSI. A military court in Donetsk sentenced three soldiers to up to 12 years in prison for torturing and killing Russell Bentley, a 63-year-old U.S. national who collaborated with Sputnik news agency, the press service of the Russian Investigative Committee told RAPSI.

According to the case file, on April 8, 2024, in Donetsk, servicemen Vitaly Vansyatsky, Vladislav Agaltsev, and Andrey Iordanov physically assaulted and tortured Bentley, inadvertently causing his death. That same day, Vansyatsky and Agaltsev concealed Bentley's body by blowing up the car, where they put it.

Besides, on April 9, acting on Vansyatsky's orders, Vladimir Bazhin, a serviceman from the same military unit, concealed this especially grave crime by moving Bentley's remains to another location, the Investigative Committee said.

Depending on their role, the defendants were found guilty under Part 5 of Article 286 of the Russian Criminal Code (abuse of office), Subparagraph "a" of Part 2 of Article 244 of the Russian Criminal Code (desecration of the bodies of the deceased and their burial sites), Part 4 of Article 33, and Part 2 of Article 316 of the Russian Criminal Code (incitement to conceal crimes). The defendants admitted their guilt in full and expressed remorse for their actions.
Russian courts allowed not to implement rulings of Europe's human rights court

MOSCOW, December 9  RAPSI. Russia's Supreme Court proposed not to consider rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the provisions of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) in national legal proceedings, RAPSI reports from the plenum session.

The proposed amendment removes the requirement to take into account the ECtHR case law when interpreting and applying domestic legislation. The Supreme Court proposes to remove references to the ECHR, ECtHR judgements, and other Council of Europe documents from the Plenum resolutions, currently in force, replacing them with references to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The document completely removes the provisions of the Convention from Russian administration of law process, including the assessment of reasonable time limits for legal proceedings, conditions of detention, and the trying of corruption cases. The changes are also to affect the matters of detention and the selection of preventive measures, as well as the regulation of mass media activities and the trying of cases, which involve defamation of honor and dignity. The Supreme Court also proposes to repeal Plenum Resolution No. 21 of 2013, which specifically addressed the use of the Convention by courts.

It is also proposed to remove references to the Council of Europe Criminal Law Convention on Corruption, which was denounced by Russia in February of 2023, from case law.

Russia withdrew from the ECHR in September of 2022, six months after leaving the Council of Europe. It thus also withdrew from the jurisdiction of the ECtHR. The Plenum had previously ruled out the EctHR's legal position when considering matters, which concern the selection of preventive measures.
Sagarmatha Network Pvt. Ltd. is the organization dedicated in the field of printing, publishing service since 2001. As part of media, we've been publishing Review Nepal, an English medium weekly registered at District Administration Office (DAO) Kathmandu with registration number 130-162-163 and reviewnepal.com as an online digital newspaper, with registration number 849-075-076 at Department of Informational and Broadcasting (DIB) from Kathmandu, Nepal since 2003.
Coordinator in murder of bar bouncer in Playa del Carmen tourist district arrested

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  A man police say was the mastermind behind the murder of a Playa del Carmen bouncer is in custody. A 29 year old male has been arrested for his probable participation as intellectual author in an aggravated homicide.

Aroshi de los Angeles Lugo Arana of the FGE reported Monday on the arrest of Ruben N. The Mexico City native was taken into custody this past week by local Investigative Police for his connection to the Playa del Carmen murder.

According to the FGE, Ruben N was responsible for ordering the hit against the Playa del Carmen club worker, Valentin  N, who died after being shot outside his workplace on the night of November 30.

Aroshi de los Angeles Lugo Arana December 8, 2025.

Valentin  N was rushed to hospital but died after being shot in the head with a 9-millimeter firearm. On Monday, Aroshi de los Angeles Lugo Arana reported that Ruben N is a member of a criminal group and believed to have planned the attack.

Authorities say he was the person who contacted a taxi driver to pick up the hitman, providing detailed instructions to the driver to ensure a successful getaway for his hitman after the shooting.

Ruben N is reported to have been in the area the night of the hit to make sure the taxi driver arrived at the agreed meeting point to drive the hitman away from the scene and secure his escape.

Police said at the time of the targeted shooting, Ruben N was on Fifth Avenue coordinating the attack. A turf war to control drug sales in the city center between criminal groups is the said main line of investigation.

Bar bouncer Valentin N was shot outside La Vaquita November 30. He died in hospital.

Police are still searching for the hitman who pulled the trigger as well as the taxi driver who participated in his escape.
El Salvador man wanted by Mexican authorities extradited after completing human trafficking prison sentence

Mexico City, Mexico  A suspect wanted for aggravated kidnapping in Mexico has been extradited from El Salvador. He was handed over to the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) to face charges in the state of Nuevo Leon for kidnapping while trafficking people into the United States.

Aguedo Juan Cortes Melgar was known involved in human trafficking from Central America to the United States and has been wanted in Mexico since 2018. However, he was serving a sentence in his native country. He was wanted by Mexican authorities after handing over two Salvadoran victims to a criminal group in Mexico who extorted their families.

The FGR said they received an extradition from the Republic of El Salvador of a person wanted by a judge in Nuevo Leon. Aguedo Juan Cortes Melgar was handed over to Mexican authorities at El Salvador International Airport to face charges for the crime of aggravated kidnapping.

The extradition was authorized by the Supreme Court of Justice, since the accused is wanted by a Specialized Court of the Accusatory Criminal System of the state of Nuevo Leon, for the aforementioned crime, the FGR reported.

Aguedo Juan Cortes Melgar is known for human trafficking from Central America to the United States.

The events occurred in August 2018, when the defendant, who was involved in human trafficking from Central America to the United States, handed over two Salvadoran victims to a criminal group in Mexico.

The victims were held captive in the cities of Chiapas and Puebla while their families were extorted for large sums of money in exchange for their release. Subsequently, the victims were rescued and the accused was fully identified.

Aguedo C allegedly trafficked people to different parts of the country, such as Mexico City, Queretaro, and Nuevo Leon, with the purpose of depriving them of their freedom until their families paid their ransom.

Therefore, the Government of the Republic of El Salvador granted the extradition of the accused to the Mexican Government, and the fugitive was handed over at the International Airport of that country, in order to make him available to Mexican judicial authorities.

The extradition process was initiated after the individual was notified on October 31, 2022, of an active Interpol Red Notice. At the time the extradition was authorized, the accused was serving a sentence in El Salvador for human trafficking, imposed by the Ninth Court of Peace of San Salvador, a sentence which has since been completed.
Quintana Roo producers concerned about newly passed General Water Law

Bacalar, Q.R.  Farmers in southern Quintana Roo concerned about their legal rights protested a newly passed federal water law Monday. Dozens of producers lined the Cafetal-Limones-Mahahual highway to show their disagreement for the newly approved federal General Water Law.

The Ley General de Aguas was recently approved by federal legislators with the objective to promote, respect, protect and guarantee the human right to water for consumption.

However, it also means agricultural producers will no longer be able to inherit, sell, or adjust the volumes of water on their property. In Quintana Roo, ranchers, farmers and producers held a peaceful demonstration in the municipality of Bacalar in protest.

Protestors hung banners from overhead lines across the highway expressing their disagreement with the new water law because it is a disguised instrument for the federal government to appropriate the liquid and incorporate taxes to grant it to the producers, they said.

Farmers worry the new water law will restrict their legal rights.

The new law eliminates the possibility of transferring water rights (in most cases) affecting agricultural producers since the concessions will cease to be part of their assets.

Protestors created handwritten banners that read Truck drivers move production. Farmers create production. Without fair water, without security, and without just laws, Mexico grinds to a halt. No to the new National Water Law.

Producers continued their protest througout Monday afternoon on the highway between Mahahual and Cafetal, in the municipality of Bacalar, against the recent senate approval.

On Friday, senators approved the General Water Law (Ley General de Aguas) by majority vote. Farmers say the newly approved law will negatively impact their water use and the concessions they hold for agricultural purposes.
Residents with heavy metal poisoning from polluted river meet to discuss health care

Jalisco, Mexico  A meeting was held with community members suffering health issues due to heavy metal poisoning from a polluted river. Affected residents from the communities of Poncitlan, El Salto and Juanacatlan in the state of Jalisco met Monday to discuss the ongoing rescue plan for the Santiago River as well as their health care.

While the river rescue plan has been ongoing since 2018, it was not until last year that residents living in those communities learned of their health issues due to heavy metal poisoning from the river.

The meeting Monday was convened by Claudia Gomez Godoy, Presidential Commissioner for the Restoration and Sanitation of the Lerma-Santiago Basin, in response to requests from citizens whose health has been affected by the pollution of the Santiago River.

The Monday meeting brought together more than 150 people with the goal of establishing monitoring mechanisms, adjusting actions and incorporating proposals that strengthen attention to health problems derived from exposure to pollutants in the three most affected communities.

More than 150 people affected by the polluted river met Monday to discuss their health care.

Numerous government agencies including the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Attorney Generals Office for Environmental Protection, the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks and the Jalisco Ministry of Health, among others, are involved.

The institutions recognized the importance of the forum for consolidating joint coordination among all levels of government and advancing a comprehensive action plan.

During the Monday talks, authorities presented diagnoses, progress, challenges and epidemiological analyses related to chronic, degenerative and acute diseases associated with the pollution of the Santiago River.

The communities presented the results of the study conducted by the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi (20232024), which included 178 clinical and toxicological analyses of blood and urine in addition to the collection of the Family Health Card among residents of El Salto and Juanacatlan.

The findings confirm in adults, girls and boys the presence of metals and toxic compounds such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, aluminum, chromium, manganese, nickel and hydroxypyrene, associated with neuropathies, neurological, renal and reproductive damage, bone and lung damage, bronchitis, infertility, damage to the nervous system and respiratory, hepatic and oncological risks.

In response, the Jalisco Ministry of Health, headed by Dr. Hector Raul Perez Gomez, agreed to supplement the epidemiological study by incorporating community feedback and strengthening specialized medical care.

It will also convene the State Health Council and integrate the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) into the care of its beneficiaries.

The government is working on a comprehensive health care plan for affected residents.

For those without social security coverage, care will be arranged at the Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, the Western General Hospital, and the Eastern Hospital. Participants in the study will also be contacted for medical evaluation.

As part of the commitments reached, it was determined that bimonthly meetings would be permanently held between the all levels of government and the Commission for the Sanitation and Restoration of the Lerma-Santiago River in order to advance a joint plan for prevention and comprehensive health care for the population affected by the pollution of the Santiago River.

The Santiago River flows westwards from Lake Chapala via Ocotlan through the states of Jalisco and Nayarit where it empties into the Pacific Ocean. It is more than 430 kilometers long and has suffered decades of severe pollution, making it one of the most contaminated rivers in Mexico.

The Santiago is one of the most contaminated rivers in Mexico

In late 2018, a Comprehensive Strategy for the Recovery of the Santiago River (Revivamos el Rio Santiago) was created, led by the Jalisco government. The project focuses on the ecological restoration of the river and improving conditions for nearby communities.
Yucatan SSP captures priority target wanted in Quintana Roo off anonymous tip

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  Authorities in the neighboring state of Yucatan have captured a man wanted in Quintana Roo. On Monday, the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) reported on the arrest of Jacobo N who was wanted for drug dealing and organized crime.

According to SSP Yucatan, his arrest was made Sunday in the city of Merida based on an anonymous tip. Jacobo N is considered a priority target in the state of Quintana Roo.

Agents of the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) arrested an individual Sunday in Merida for possession of natural and synthetic drugs. The man, identified as Jacobo N, was wanted in the state of Quintana Roo for crimes similar to drug dealing and organized crime as a member of a criminal organization in that state, they reported on Monday.

This individual, considered a priority target by Quintana Roo authorities for his role in generating violence, has several open investigations against him, the agency said.

His location and capture in Yucatan stemmed from an anonymous tip about suspicious activity at a property in the municipality of Dzilam Gonzalez of Merida.

Reports to the 089 emergency number indicated that apparently armed men were arriving at the address in luxury cars, the SSP said.

Based on this information, agents from the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP), in coordination with the State Attorney General (FGE), initiated surveillance, investigation and intelligence operations that resulted in the probable involvement of Jacobo N in criminal activities and his legal status in Quintana Roo.

On Sunday, the individual was arrested in Merida after being found in possession of cannabis and crystal meth in a school-type backpack. He was turned over to the Public Prosecutors Office for the corresponding legal proceedings, they said.

Quintana Roo authorities have not reported on the arrest of Jacobo N or his return to the state to face charges.
Why do so many young African graduates migrate? Structural and economic obstacles abound, but also lacking is an independence of thought that imagines ways to cultivate flourishing local communities.

Albert Jay Nock, the early-20th-century American social critic, offered a vision of education that challenged the prevailing assumptions of his time. He warned that mass schooling, designed primarily to transmit information and enforce conformity, often comes at the expense of independent judgment, moral imagination, and personal responsibility. While his analysis was rooted in the American context, it resonates powerfully in Africa today. Across the continent, governments have invested heavily in expanding universities, technical institutes, and vocational schools. The ambition is admirable: more graduates, more skills, more opportunity. Yet the results reveal a troubling gap between what is taught, what society needs, and what young Africans can realistically achieve.

Nocks argument was simple but profound. The purpose of education is not merely to fill young minds with facts or to produce certificates that open doors to employment. Its deeper role is to cultivate the capacity for independent thought, ethical discernment, and constructive participation in society. When education is reduced to the transmission of standardized content, the enforcement of uniform rules, and the awarding of credentials, it risks producing people who can follow directions but cannot navigate the moral and practical complexities of life.

In many African nations today, this dynamic is painfully visible. Graduates leave institutions with diplomas in hand, yet the economies and governance systems often cannot absorb their skills. Jobs are scarce, infrastructure is weak, and opportunities for entrepreneurship are limited. The result is frustration, a sense of futility, and, in many cases, migration. Young people leave their communities, cities, and countries in search of better opportunities abroad. This phenomenon, often labeled Japa, is not merely an economic problem; it is a civic and moral one.

The consequences of migration extend far beyond the individual. Communities lose potential entrepreneurs, teachers, healthcare workers, and civic leaders. Families lose the cohesion and support that young adults contribute. And nations lose the human capital necessary for sustainable growth, robust civic institutions, and social cohesion. When citizens depart en masse, the society loses the very agents needed to preserve liberty, promote justice, and build prosperity.

Migration also underscores a moral dimension of education that Nock emphasized. Education should foster independence of thought, self-reliance, and responsibility, not dependency on bureaucracies, foreign aid, or externally imposed career paths. Yet in many African contexts, the focus remains heavily on memorization, standardized testing, and credential accumulation. Students are trained to perform for exams rather than to think critically, to secure government employment rather than to innovate locally. The emphasis on certification over judgment may make sense in an economy with few opportunities, but it comes at a cost: the erosion of character, creativity, and civic engagement.

This tension between education and opportunity drives migration. Young Africans often leave not only out of economic necessity but also because they seek autonomy, dignity, and meaningful engagement. Many depart with hope and talent, only to face personal, familial, and societal disruption as communities are deprived of their energy, insight, and leadership. This exodus weakens local social fabric and diminishes the capacity for community-led development. In towns and villages where young people have departed, markets stagnate, schools struggle, and local leadership vacuums emerge. The moral and civic toll is real.

Yet Nocks insights offer a blueprint for addressing these challenges. He argued that education should cultivate moral judgment, independent thought, and civic responsibility. Applying this to Africa means reimagining curricula and pedagogy to prioritize critical thinking, ethics, and real-world problem-solving alongside technical skills. Education should not be abstract or detached from local life; it should be grounded in community, responsive to societal needs, and connected to practical action. Students should learn not only to analyze the world but also to engage it, to transform knowledge into tangible contributions for their families, communities, and nations.

One practical approach is integrating apprenticeships, entrepreneurship programs, and localized learning initiatives into formal education. By combining theoretical instruction with hands-on experience, students can apply knowledge to immediate community needs. These initiatives foster skills that are locally relevant and reduce the incentive to migrate. When young people see the tangible impact of their learning, whether through starting a business, leading a community project, or solving local problems, they are more likely to invest their talent at home. Knowledge becomes a tool not just for personal advancement but also for social development.

Character formation is equally essential. Nock emphasized that moral development is inseparable from intellectual growth. In Africa, where governance systems often struggle to enforce law and order, cultivating ethical citizens is vital. Education should equip students to navigate ethical dilemmas, resist corruption, and contribute to the common good. Graduates trained in this way are more likely to establish businesses, lead community initiatives, and strengthen civic institutions. They are the foundation of societies that value liberty, responsibility, and opportunity.

Faith-based organizations and civil society can amplify these efforts. Across the continent, churches and NGOs have long been involved in education, often emphasizing moral development alongside academic achievement. Many schools run by religious organizations combine technical instruction with lessons in civic duty, community service, and ethical leadership. Supporting these initiatives, scaling their reach, and ensuring that curricula emphasize virtue and practical wisdom can create a generation of graduates who are both skilled and committed to their communities. When learning is linked to moral purpose and local engagement, students develop the resilience and creativity needed to remain in Africa and build their societies.

Public policy also has a critical role. Governments can encourage educational models that integrate ethics, entrepreneurship, and community engagement while providing incentives for local innovation. Policies should promote job creation, small-business development, and local economic growth. By linking education to tangible opportunities, governments can reduce the pressures that push young Africans to migrate. When citizens perceive pathways to contribute meaningfully at home, they are more likely to remain and invest their talents locally.

It is important to recognize the complexity of the challenge. Migration is influenced by education, certainly, but also by economic conditions, governance failures, security concerns, and global opportunity structures. Reforms to education alone cannot solve all these issues. But it can equip young Africans with the judgment, ethics, and skills to navigate adversity, participate constructively in their societies, and resist the temptation to leave when opportunities arise. Nocks critique of mass education provides a warning: Systems that produce dependence rather than independence, conformity rather than creativity, and certificates rather than character, risk undermining the very societies they are intended to serve.

International partners and donors also have a responsibility. Foreign assistance should prioritize initiatives that foster independent thought, moral development, and locally relevant problem-solving. Investments in education should aim for long-term impact rather than immediate numerical outcomes. Programs that integrate learning with community service, ethical leadership, and practical engagement are far more valuable than those that focus solely on graduation rates. By supporting education that strengthens both the individual and the community, international actors can help stem the brain drain and cultivate leaders who remain committed to Africas future.

The stakes could not be higher. Reimagining education in Africa is a moral and civic imperative. It is about creating a generation that can participate in and lead society, reduce the pressures of migration, and foster communities that are resilient, innovative, and ethically grounded. By emphasizing judgment, ethics, and locally applied knowledge, education can cultivate citizens who remain in Africa, strengthen institutions, and build societies in which liberty, opportunity, and dignity are accessible to all.

While the challenge is urgent, the resources exist. Africas educators, civil society leaders, faith institutions, and governments have the capacity to rethink and reform education in ways that honor Nocks insights while addressing the unique context of the continent. When knowledge is applied locally, ethically, and creatively, it becomes a tool for civic renewal, economic development, and social cohesion. African nations have the opportunity to transform education into a foundation for liberty and human flourishing rather than a system that inadvertently encourages the loss of talent and civic engagement.

The task is both simple and profound: Cultivate judgment, character, and actionable knowledge in young Africans so that migration becomes a choice for growth rather than a necessity for survival. By doing so, education fulfills its highest purpose, not merely to inform minds but also to form citizens capable of shaping their societies, strengthening their communities, and preserving the liberties that sustain human dignity.

Africas future depends also depends on wisdomhow knowledge is applied. By integrating Nocks cautionary insights into policy, practice, and pedagogy, the continent can cultivate a generation that serves at home, builds institutions, and strengthens the moral and civic fabric of society. Education, rightly understood and applied, is the key to keeping talent within Africa and ensuring that the continents brightest minds contribute to a flourishing, just, and free society.
Ford outlines next phase in path to building a sustainably profitable business in Europe anchored by two pillars  defending leadership with Ford Pro commercial vehicles and services, and a new lineup of electrified passenger vehicles





A new strategic partnership with Renault Group combines industrial scale with Ford's distinctive design to deliver affordable, innovative EVs





A new generation of multi-energy vehicles will arrive starting in 2028, featuring unmistakable Ford driving dynamics and digital experiences





Ford calls on European policymakers to align CO2 targets with market realities to ensure a successful and sustainable industrial transition

COLOGNE, Germany, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford today announced the next phase of its European transformation, reinforcing its commitment to the region for both retail and commercial customers with a strategy focused on agility, cost efficiency, and a sharpened brand promise.

Ford's strategy for Europe is built on three pillars  further strengthening its successful Ford Pro commercial vehicle division, expanding the Ford passenger car range with distinctive new vehicles, and optimising its industrial system to drive scale and cost efficiencies.

Building towards a sustainably profitable business in Europe, Ford's next chapter will see a new product offensive driven by the introduction of new multi-energy, affordable cars and commercial vehicles designed to support customer choice on their journey to electrification and boost the company's competitiveness in an aggressive market. The planned new vehicles will enhance Ford's existing product range and are expected to arrive in showrooms in 2028.

"As an American company, we see Europe as the frontline in the global transformation of our industry," said Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company. "How we compete here -- how we innovate, partner, and invest -- will write the playbook for the next generation. We are committed to a vibrant future in Europe, but that future requires us to move with greater speed and efficiency than ever before."

Ford today announced a strategic *partnership with Renault Group as a first step to accelerate this plan. The partnership includes:

Passenger Vehicles: An agreement to jointly develop two Ford-branded electric vehicles on Renault's Ampere platform, arriving in showrooms in 2028. While leveraging shared architecture for efficiency, Ford will lead the design and driving dynamics to ensure these vehicles are distinctly Ford.





An agreement to jointly develop two Ford-branded electric vehicles on Renault's Ampere platform, arriving in showrooms in 2028. While leveraging shared architecture for efficiency, Ford will lead the design and driving dynamics to ensure these vehicles are distinctly Ford. Commercial Vehicles: A Letter of Intent (LOI) to explore the joint development and manufacture of Ford and Renault branded light commercial vehicles, leveraging common platforms to drive industrial scale.

The partnership combines the expertise, industrial scale and supply base of two major brands, delivering the efficiency and manufacturing scale needed to compete in a highly dynamic region.

"Our plan is about unleashing the Blue Oval," said Jim Baumbick, president, Ford Europe. "We are leveraging strategic partnerships to ensure competitiveness, but we are obsessing over the product. These will be fun-to-drive, fully connected vehicles that stand out from the crowd."

Harnessing data to drive productivity for commercial customers

Ford Pro continues to be the engine of the company's European business. The division is moving beyond hardware to offer a comprehensive ecosystem of software and services. By turning billions of vehicle data points into actionable intelligence, the Ford Liive Uptime system delivered an estimated 820,000 additional days of vehicle uptime to European businesses in 2024 alone.

Building on a history of partnerships, optimizing Ford's industrial footprint

Today's announcement with the Renault Group builds on Ford's history of successful partnerships in Europe with Koc Holding and Volkswagen. We are leveraging partner platforms to develop products that are unmistakably Ford - affordable, innovative and highly differentiated.

Ford Otosan, our joint venture with Koc Holding is widely regarded as one of the most successful partnerships in the industry and is a significant value driver for our commercial vehicle business in Europe. Integrated with Ford's European industrial footprint, Ford Otosan plants are supplied with electric drive units produced in Halewood, UK following a 380 million investment in the plant, and advanced engine technology from Ford's Dagenham plant in the UK.

Our cooperation with Volkswagen is delivering significant contributions to strengthening both our commercial vehicle and passenger car businesses. Ford's current range of electric vehicles from the alliance are produced at its new Electric Vehicle Centre in Cologne, Germany.

At the same time, Ford is evolving its industrial operations in Europe, designed to support the shift to multi-energy vehicles and deliver customer choice. Ford's Valencia plant will continue to play a critical role in realizing Ford's plan for an enhanced passenger vehicle portfolio in Europe.

Ford Calls for Constructive Policy Alignment

Ford's strategy for Europe is designed to navigate Europe's evolving CO2 emission regulations, providing customers with a range of affordable, multi-energy options during the transition to electrification. The current share of electric vehicles in Europe is steady at 16.1%, far below the required 25% of new vehicle registrations required to meet Europe's strict CO2 targets by 2025.

"We need to enable everyone to benefit from electrification and letting customers choose  whether that's fully electric or hybrid vehicles," said Jim Baumbick, president, Ford Europe. "It is about making the transition more attractive and more affordable for all consumers and businesses, stimulating demand rather than stifling it."

Ford proposes three steps to ensure a successful transition:

Align Targets with Reality. We must align CO2 targets with actual market adoption and provide automakers with a realistic and reliable 10-year planning horizon. This includes giving consumers the option to drive hybrid vehicles for longer, bridging the gap rather than forcing a leap they aren't ready to take.



Incentivize the Transition. European manufacturers have invested hundreds of billions in EVs. Governments must match that commitment with consistent purchase incentives and a charging infrastructure that extends beyond wealthy urban centres into the rural heartland.



Support the Working Economy. The current approach to commercial vehicles is an economic tax on the backbone of Europe. Only 8% of new vans are electric. These vehicles are tools for plumbers, florists, and builders. Aggressive CO2 targets on commercial vehicles unfairly penalize the small and medium-sized businesses that generate more than 50% of Europe's GDP.

* "Partnership" refers to the general cooperation between the parties and does not mean legal entity structure of partnership, financial or legal risk sharing

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company's Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 170,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
Crowds gathered on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, waiting to cross it for the first time since 2021.

People could finally be reunited with their family members after President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov signed a border agreement on 13 March in Bishkek, putting an end to decades of disputes and intensifying conflict.

The border treaty will create a solid foundation for further comprehensive expansion of our interstate relations and open a new page in Tajik-Kyrgyz relations, said Rahmon.

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The signing of the border agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will become a landmark historical event," the Kyrgyz President added.

"This step will make a significant contribution to strengthening security, stability and sustainable development not only of our states, but also of the entire Central Asian region."

The border between the two countries, which had been disputed for years, was closed in 2021 following violent clashes.

A tumultuous history

Negotiations over the 1000-kilometre frontier lasted 23 years.

Although the countries managed to agree to some border sections in mountainous areas, they were divided on how to split pasture land and water resources.

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Local disputes led to road blockades, stone-throwing and clashes that frequently drew in border guards.

The local nature of the clashes lasted up until 2021, when, for the first time, heavy military equipment was involved.

A dispute over a water-intake station developed into a conflict, which resulted in 55 dead and 300 wounded on both sides.

As a result, both countries closed their borders and stopped air travel to the other.

Tensions flared again in September 2022 in what became the most severe confrontation to date.

Both sides accused the other of attacking first, killing civilians and breaking ceasefire promises.

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Kyrgyzstan reported 59 dead and 198 wounded, while Tajikistan reported 41 dead and 100 wounded. The violence also forced Kyrgyzstan to evacuate 136,000 people due to shelling.

This clash became a wake-up call and a push to renew border negotiations, which still proved to be complicated.

Both sides wanted to adhere to maps that favoured them.

Tajikistan hoped to follow the 1924-1927 maps, which were created when the Soviet Union first started to determine the borders of all Central Asian states.

The Kyrgyz, however, advocated for more recent maps, including those created when the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was formed.

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The problem was compounded by the fact that Tajikistan has two enclaves in the Kyrgyz territory  Vorukh and Kayragach.

As part of the new agreement, some of this land was given to Kyrgyzstan in exchange for other territory.

Related

Kamchybek Tashiev, head of Kyrgyzstans national security committee and lead negotiator in the border talks, noted that both parties made concessions because the border issue should never be resolved in favour of only one side.

As a result of the negotiations, the countries exchanged around 25 square kilometres of land, while some roads and areas were designated as neutral zones for shared use.

A new era of cooperation

Along with the border agreement, the two leaders signed 15 cooperation deals, which included matters such as road access and the use of strategic water resources.

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Air travel between the countries was renewed the next day.

The new agreement, which resolves the last territorial dispute in Central Asia, is expected to enhance stability and security in the region while opening transit routes and scaling up trade.
NTUC chief and Jalan Kayu MP Ng Chee Meng is Singapores mostsearched local personality of 2025, riding a surge of interest driven by his political comeback and union leadership. His return to Parliament, coupled with renewed attention on an old controversy, kept his name trending all year. Voters and critics alike headed straight to search to unpack his CV, from air force chief to Cabinet minister to NTUC boss.

Just behind him, disgraced actor Ian Fang and rising opposition politician Alexis Dang rounded out the top three mostsearched locals. The rest of the top 10 mixed election heavyweights, opposition stalwarts and scandallinked names, painting a vivid portrait of what gripped Singaporeans in 2025. Politics, crime and celebrity culture shared the same search box  and often the same audience.

Singapores wealthy elite are moving away from Bentleys and designer logos, embracing discreet luxury as the new badge of status. Savills ranks Singapore as the worlds third top destination for the wealthy, yet the city-state is urging newcomers to blend in quietly. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has even called on immigrants to keep the bling down, reflecting growing unease over ostentation.

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The shift follows a $3 billion money laundering scandal that shook confidence, prompting regulators to tighten oversight of foreign wealth inflows. Instead of flashy cars, the rich are now investing in art, wine, and private clubs, signalling a move toward quiet wealth. A Yahoo poll asked if Singapore should welcome fewer but cleaner rich clients, underscoring the paradox of a nation thriving on wealth while demanding discretion from its richest residents.

Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
Having a gas leak is one of the scariest experiences you can have as a homeowner because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

In a TikTok video, Arizona home inspector CyFy (@cyfyhomeinspections) shared his experience with gas leaks in new-construction homes.

In his video, CyFy demonstrated how to detect a gas leak in the pipes outside a home. When he sprays a mix of soap and water onto the pipes, the leaking gas forms bubbles and produces an odor. Gas leaks also waste energy, unnecessarily drive up your utility bills, and add more pollution to the air.

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After inspecting just one neighborhood, CyFy shared: "5 out of 6 new-build homes have a gas leak."

As a result, he recommended making an appointment with the local gas company to have all new-build homes in the area checked for gas leaks. CyFy's video is helpful because it highlights how common gas leaks are, even when homeowners aren't aware of them.

But even if your natural gas system isn't leaking, there are still many hazards associated with having gas in your home.

The "natural" gas used in homes is primarily methane, which is a potent pollutant that has been linked to serious health issues, including cancer and respiratory diseases. Powering your home with gas exposes you to unsafe levels of toxins and can exacerbate asthma and other medical problems.

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A safer approach is to embrace clean-energy technology, such as induction stoves, which come at surprisingly affordable prices, as well as heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. All of these energy-efficient appliances are powered by electricity, not gas, so you can keep them running with solar power.

If you're interested in switching to solar, TCD's Solar Explorer can help you navigate the process while saving up to $10,000. One partner featured in our Solar Explorer is EnergySage, which helps homeowners compare bids and save on panel installation costs.

Palmetto, another partner, offers a $0 subscription program called LightReach to help you reduce utility rates by 20%. Palmetto even has a free app that lets you access $5,000 in rewards to spend on home upgrades.

CyFy didn't go into all of these options in his TikTok video, yet his viewers were shocked to learn about how common gas leaks really are.

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"No wonder why gas companies stay rich!" one TikToker wrote.

Another TikTok user asked: "Why doesn't the county or state take action?"

"At this point, they should send their workers through the entire neighborhood to address all these leaks," someone else commented.

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.
Shenzhen TV: We noted that recently neighboring countries including Russia vocally opposed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis erroneous remarks on Taiwan. Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia and other countries openly reaffirmed their support to the one-China principle. Media outlets and academics from regional countries stated that the atrocities committed by the Japanese military during WWII inflicted untold sufferings on Asia and the world and that instead of deeply reflecting on Japans war crimes, some political forces in Japan tried to deny, distort and even whitewash the history of aggression, and attempted to breach the pacifist constitution and remilitarize Japan. Such moves gravely hurt the sentiments of people from many countries and threaten regional peace. Whats your comment?

Guo Jiakun: Over the last century, under the pretext of survival-threatening situation, Japanese militarists waged a war of aggression against China and other Asian countries, taking millions of lives and committing horrendous atrocities across the continent.

During WWII, among the three mass killings of civilians committed by the Japanese military, over 300,000 were murdered in the Nanjing massacre, an estimated 100,000 Filipino civilians were killed in just one month in the Manila massacre, and the death toll of the massacre in Singapore was tens of thousands. Its documented in the International Military Tribunal for the Far East Judgment that the Japanese military created over 100 large-scale massacres in Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and other places.

Prisoners of war (POWs) from Allied nations were treated cruelly by the Japanese military, among whom 27 percent were killed after capture. In the Bataan Death March, about 15,000 U.S. and Philippine POWs died under maltreatment.

Hundreds of thousands of Southeast Asian people and Allied POWs who had been forced into slave labor by the Japanese military perished in building the Burma-Thailand Railway. Over four million Chinese workers forcibly recruited by the Japanese military died or injured because of overwork under brutal conditions.

Women and girls from China, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast Asia, the Netherlands and other countries and regions were brutally forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military as comfort women.

Japans war crimes must not be erased and the verdict on its history of aggression must not be changed. Any tolerance on the provocative words and deeds of Japanese right-wing forces will only revive the specter of militarism and once again put the Asian people in danger. Countries have the responsibility and obligation to join hands in thwarting any attempt to revive militarism and Fascism, defending the outcomes of WWII victory, upholding the post-war international order and safeguarding world peace and stability.

China News Service: It was reported that on the night of December 5, Afghan and Pakistani forces exchanged fire along the border between Afghanistans Kandahar province and Pakistans Balochistan province, causing civilian casualties, although the two countries agreed on a ceasefire in mid October. What is Chinas comment?

Guo Jiakun: China noted the reports. Pakistan and Afghanistan are both Chinas traditional friendly neighbors, and the two countries are and will always be neighbors of each other. China hopes that Pakistan and Afghanistan will continue resolving their disputes and differences through dialogue and consultation, deescalate the situation, and keep the region peaceful and stable. China is ready to work with the international community to continue playing a constructive role for the improvement and development of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

Bloomberg: I have a question about the Trump administrations decision to allow the sale of Nvidia H200 chips to China. Can you tell me if China will allow these H200 chips to be purchased and also whether and when did leaders of the two countries communicate the decision?

Guo Jiakun: We have noticed the reports. China always advocates that China and the United States achieve mutual benefit through cooperation.

Reuters: On the rare earths general licenses, several European leaders have visited China in recent days expressing concerns about the supply of rare earths from China to European countries. During these visits, did China make any commitments on ensuring the supply of rare earths to Europe or did it promise that it would provide any general licenses for rare earths? Second question, Japanese media reported that there have been delays in the exports of rare earths to Japan from China, potentially as a result of the diplomatic dispute between Beijing and Tokyo. Whats Chinas comment on that?

Guo Jiakun: Competent authorities of China have shared information on work regarding the export control on rare earth-related items more than once. China is handling relevant issues in accordance with the laws and regulations.

Antara: The Governor of Aceh Province in Indonesia has said he is open to receiving foreign assistance to help residents affected by the severe flooding, and even now Aceh people already received support from a Chinese civil society organization who is evacuating bodies from the mud. Is the Chinese government planning to deploy additional assistance to the flood-affected areas in Indonesia?

Guo Jiakun: China is closely following the deadly flooding in Sumatra, Indonesia. Chinese leaders have extended sympathies to the leaders of the government and the Peoples Consultative Assembly of Indonesia. China has and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the affected areas in light of the Indonesian governments need. We believe that under the leadership of the Indonesian government, the people in the disaster-affected areas will recover from the disaster and rebuild their homes at an early date.

Asahi Shimbun: On the issue of radar illumination, Japans Defense Minister said today Japan does not believe that it has been given information related to Chinas sea and air training zones in advance as claimed by China. Can the Foreign Ministry brief us on when and what has been announced by the Chinese side?

Guo Jiakun: The spokesperson for the Chinese PLA Navy clearly said on December 7 that the training zones were announced in advance. For specifics, Id refer you to competent authorities.

Asahi Shimbun: The Japanese government today refuted what has been stated by China yesterday and said that the intermittent illumination of radar beams is a dangerous act. Does the Foreign Ministry clearly deny the act of intermittent radar illumination?

Guo Jiakun: The Chinese side has stated its serious position on the issue. The facts are very clear. Chinas exercise and training in relevant waters and airspace fully complies with the international law and international practice. Our maneuvers are professional, standard, and beyond reproach. To activate search radar during flight training is commonly done by carrier-based aircraft of all countries. Its also a normal measure to ensure flight safety. Wed suggest that you ask the Japanese side: Why did the Japanese Self Defense Force fighter jets come to those areas to create this dangerous incident which shouldnt have happened? Are they deliberately harassing Chinas normal exercise and training and creating tensions?

Reuters: Dutch media reported that a Chinese language news website in Hungary published the names of Dutch spies who met with representatives from Taiwanese intelligence. Does China have any comment on this report?

Guo Jiakun: I havent seen the reports.

Antara: Tensions have flared again on the Thailand-Cambodia border at the beginning of this week, and a Thai F-16 fighter jet has reportedly attacked Cambodian artillery positions yesterday. Whats the Chinese Foreign Ministrys comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: As a friend and close neighbor of Cambodia and Thailand, China sincerely hopes that both sides exercise restraint and work in the same direction to prevent further escalation of the situation. China will continue to play a constructive role for deescalation in its own way.

Bloomberg: I just want to go back to the Japanese radar issue. There was a Nikkei report that the Chinese side did not answer the hotline in regard to the radar illumination. Do you have any comment on that?

Guo Jiakun: Ive answered this question just now. The spokesperson for the Chinese PLA Navy clearly said on December 7 that the training zones were announced in advance. For specifics, Id refer you to competent authorities.
On the afternoon of December 4, 2025, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing.

Zhao Leji noted that President Xi Jinping held talks with President Emmanuel Macron this morning, charting the course for the future development of China-France relations. China is ready to work with France to deliver on the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state, carry forward the spirit of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations, strengthen friendly exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and enhance dialogue and coordination in multilateral fields, so as to promote the steady and positive development of bilateral relations. China's NPC is ready to maintain close exchanges and interactions at all levels with the two houses of the French Parliament, share work experience in legislation and supervision, and provide legal safeguards for practical cooperation between the two countries.

Emmanuel Macron said that France and China have maintained candid, direct and substantive dialogues, and have reached many common understandings. France admires China's achievements in areas such as the economy, science and technology, and is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China, strengthen exchanges between legislative bodies, jointly address global challenges, and continuously promote the balanced development of France-China relations.

Li Hongzhong was present at the meeting.
On December 8, 2025, Vice President Han Zheng met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Beijing.

Han Zheng said that since the establishment of the new German government, China and Germany have maintained close high-level interactions. In May this year, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, providing strategic guidance on further deepening China-Germany relations. China and Germany are important partners for economic and trade cooperation, and bilateral cooperation is mutually beneficial and win-win. China is ready to work with Germany to implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, enhance communication and dialogue, and elevate the China-Germany all-round strategic partnership to new heights. Noting that the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, Han Zheng expressed the hope that Germany will abide by the one-China principle. Noting that Germany is a core major country in the European Union (EU), China expects Germany to play a positive role in promoting the sound development of China-EU relations.

Johann Wadephul said that the new German government attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is firmly committed to the one-China policy. Germany looks forward to maintaining close high-level exchanges with China and further deepening all-round cooperation. Germany is willing to be China's reliable partner for cooperation.
From December 3 to 4, 2025 local time, at the invitation of Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) of Indonesia Ahmad Muzani, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Huning paid an official goodwill visit to Indonesia. In Jakarta, he met respectively with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani, and Speaker of the Regional Representative Council Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, and held talks with Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly of Indonesia Ahmad Muzani.

During his meeting with Prabowo Subianto, Wang Huning conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from President Xi Jinping, and expressed sympathy regarding the severe rainstorms and floods in the Sumatra region. Wang Huning noted that President Xi Jinping and President Prabowo Subianto have met several times, establishing a bilateral cooperation framework of "five pillars", which has set strategic direction for the building of a community with a shared future between the two countries. China is ready to work with Indonesia to implement the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, further synergize development strategies, and join hands to pursue modernization paths with their respective characteristics, so as to contribute more to world peace, stability and prosperity. China firmly supports the Indonesian government's efforts to maintain political and social stability and achieve greater development. Wang Huning expressed confidence that Indonesia will uphold the one-China principle and support the Chinese people's just cause of opposing "Taiwan independence" separatism and striving for national reunification.

Prabowo Subianto asked Wang Huning to convey his warm greetings and sincere respect to President Xi Jinping. Prabowo Subianto said that Indonesia sincerely admires China's remarkable development achievements and is willing to learn from China's successful experience and pursue its own independent development path. Noting that Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to the one-China principle and that Taiwan is part of China, he said that Indonesia is confident in the prospects of bilateral relations and is willing to consolidate the sound momentum of the development of bilateral relations and work toward a higher level of comprehensive strategic partnership.

During his talks with Ahmad Muzani, Wang Huning said that over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Indonesia relations have achieved substantial progress. China will unswervingly advance high-quality development and expand high-standard opening up, bringing new opportunities to Indonesia and other friendly countries through the fresh achievements of Chinese modernization. The CPPCC is ready to deepen exchanges and mutual learning with the MPR of Indonesia, so as to better serve the modernization endeavors of their respective countries and the building of a China-Indonesia community with a shared future.

Ahmad Muzani spoke highly of the fruitful cooperation between the two countries across various fields, saying that the MPR of Indonesia is willing to strengthen exchanges with the CPPCC, deliver on the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, and contribute to the development of bilateral relations.

During his meetings with Puan Maharani and Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, Wang Huning said that China is ready to work with Indonesia to further elevate bilateral friendship, mutual trust, and strategic cooperation to new levels, so as to better benefit the two peoples. The Indonesian side noted that the friendship between the two countries has a time-honored history and that China is an important strategic partner for Indonesia. In recent years, bilateral relations have made in-depth progress and brought benefits to both peoples. Indonesia highly appreciates and actively supports China's Belt and Road Initiative. The House of Representatives and the Regional Representative Council are willing to continue playing a positive role in deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit, Wang Huning briefed the Indonesian side on the outcomes of the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), saying that China is ready to advance further synergy between Chinese modernization and the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision and to promote practical cooperation between the two countries. The Indonesian side congratulated China on the successful convening of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and expressed willingness to work with China to elevate bilateral relations to a new level.

Wang Dongfeng and other officials attended the above events.
On December 9, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council held the 1+10 Dialogue with heads of major international economic organizations at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff, President of the World Bank Group Ajay Banga, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, Director-General of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan, Director-General of the International Labour Organization Gilbert F. Houngbo, General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements Pablo Hernandez de Cos, Chair of the Financial Stability Board Andrew Bailey, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Jin Liqun, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Frantisek Ruzicka attended the dialogue.

Premier Li Qiang noted that in September this year, President Xi Jinping solemnly put forward the Global Governance Initiative, offering Chinese wisdom and proposal for the international community to jointly address global changes and tackle pressing issues. With the theme of Working Together on Global Governance for Shared Development, the dialogue aims to forge broader consensus and bring parties together to take coordinated and robust actions, so as to build a more just and equitable global governance system and promote common development.

Premier Li Qiang noted that in 2025, the world economy moved forward through twists and turns and against headwinds. The emergence of new developments and new trends made it urgent to reform and improve global economic governance and safeguard the international economic and trade order. Open cooperation serves as a key entry point and an important pathway for implementing the Global Governance Initiative. Only through open cooperation can we create greater space for growth, keep industrial and supply chains smooth and unimpeded, and speed up technological and industrial upgrading. We should open up our markets wider to each other, avoid turning economic and trade issues into political and security ones, strengthen international cooperation on innovation, and work together to foster new drivers of development.

Premier Li Qiang underscored that China remains steadfast in practicing and advocating open cooperation. This year, the Chinese economy has withstood the pressure and made new achievements. We have the confidence and capability to accomplish the goals and tasks for economic and social development this year. Recently, the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China deliberated over and adopted the recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan, making a strategic blueprint for Chinas development over the next five years. The Chinese economy will maintain a steady and positive momentum. The economic aggregate will reach a new level, industrial upgrading will create new space for development, and the super-sized market demand will be unleashed at a faster pace. China will open its door even wider to the world, and more foreign enterprises are welcome to explore the Chinese market.

Premier Li Qiang emphasized that China is ready to work with all parties to foster a mutually beneficial international economic and trade framework, deepen economic globalization, enhance the authority and effectiveness of multilateral institutions, and forge greater synergy for common development. China will continue to take on international responsibilities commensurate with its capabilities, take a constructive part in international exchanges and cooperation, provide more public goods, and contribute even more to the sound and stable development of the world economy.

The heads of international economic organizations said that over the past year, the Chinese economy has sustained sound growth, and contributed significantly to world economic growth. Chinas 15th Five-Year Plan is highly compatible with the growth of international economic and trade activities, which will inject confidence and new impetus into global development. China is setting an example for the world through its firm support for multilateralism, commitment to the development of the Global South, and efforts to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. All parties are willing to enhance communication and collaboration with China in such areas as trade and investment, green development, artificial intelligence, peoples well-being and employment, financial stability, and sustainable development, and hope to work with China to uphold multilateralism and the free trade system and promote global economic development.

Wu Zhenglong was present at the above events.
Issued on behalf of GoldHaven Resources Corp.

USANewsGroup.com News Commentary

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spot gold prices have climbed back above the critical $4,200 per ounce level, driven by prices climbing in international markets and renewed physical buying that is squeezing global inventory[1]. This sustained strength is fueling a massive sector-wide pivot, evidenced by new consolidation agreements and aggressive resource expansion programs designed to capture widening margins before operational costs rise[2]. Investors are heavily focused on GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF), FireFox Gold Corp. (TSX.V:FFOX)(OTCQB:FFOXF), Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF), Contango ORE, Inc. (NYSE American: CTGO), and Dolly Varden Silver Corporation (TSXV: DV) (NYSE American: DVS).

Major financial institutions have significantly raised their forecasts, projecting that gold could hit $4,800 per ounce by 2026 as central banks accelerate their accumulation strategies[3]. This creates an urgent window for positioning, particularly as the World Gold Council expects a surge up to 30% in value driven by a pronounced "flight-to-safety" that favors companies with defined, high-grade resources[4].

GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF) has confirmed high-grade copper mineralization at its Three Guardsmen Project in northwestern British Columbia, with surface sampling returning grades up to 15.85% copper from epidote-magnetite skarns traced over more than one kilometer of strike. The company reported that 25 of 126 surface samples exceeded 1% copper, with high-grade grab samples including 12.75% and 12.65% copper alongside elevated zinc values. Geological transitions from copper-silver zones into bismuth-tellurium-gold enrichment, combined with molybdenum in altered granites, suggest a nearby porphyry intrusion driving the mineralized system across the 16,234-hectare property in the Atlin Mining Division.

"These assays are a major milestone for GoldHaven," said Rob Birmingham, CEO of GoldHaven Resources. "Discovering copper grades as high as 15.85% at surface, along with widespread high-grade mineralization across the property, clearly shows the strength of the system at Three Guardsmen. This is the kind of early success that can redefine a company. With strong geological evidence pointing toward a nearby porphyry source, we believe the project offers exceptional upside as we continue to advance exploration."

GoldHaven continues advancing its Magno Project in the Cassiar region, recently acquiring 811.17 hectares of strategic claims and completing a 354-sample exploration program that confirmed skarn and CRD-style mineralization comparable to Coeur Mining's Silvertip deposit. The company has expanded Magno by more than 5,800 hectares through strategic staking and is integrating VRIFY technology to develop comprehensive 3D geological models supporting 2026 drill planning, with assay results from the 2025 program expected imminently to refine geological modeling and next-phase exploration work.

In Brazil, GoldHaven has expanded its maiden diamond drilling program at the Copecal Gold Project to nine holes after intersecting encouraging sulphide mineralization at the East Target. Eight diamond drill holes totaling 889.55 meters have been completed across both East and West targets, with hole COP-004 successfully cutting through disseminated pyrite and chalcopyrite across a 21.25-meter interval within a sheared biotite granitoid displaying phyllic alteration, confirming subsurface gold mineralization connected to surface anomalies. The ninth hole is designed to test the depth extension of this mineralized zone to 200 meters downhole.

GoldHaven now commands a diversified exploration portfolio spanning 123,900 hectares across two premier mining jurisdictions, with high-grade copper discoveries and district-scale consolidation advancing in British Columbia alongside active drilling momentum in Brazil. With sulphide mineralization confirmed in drill core and an expanded drilling program underway, the company presents investors with substantial scale paired with active discovery momentum, all underpinned by a comprehensive 43-101 Technical Report.

CONTINUED Read this and more news for GoldHaven Resources at: https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/09/23/the-goldhaven-story-two-continents-one-strategy-systematic-exploration-in-historically-productive-districts/

In other industry developments and happenings in the market include:

FireFox Gold Corp. (TSX.V:FFOX)(OTCQB:FFOXF) has reported significant success from its ongoing diamond drilling program in Finland, highlighting high-grade drill results at the Mustajarvi Gold Project that included 13.75 g/t gold over 12.4 metres. This step-out hole extended mineralization at the East Zone, demonstrating strong continuity well to the southwest of the high-grade core previously discovered in 2022.

"Drill hole 25MJ005 is an outstanding result for the growth of the Mustajarvi discovery," said Carl Lofberg, CEO of FireFox Gold Corp. "Combined with drill hole 25MJ001, these two holes demonstrate continuity of the East Zone gold system well to the southwest from the high-grade core we discovered in 2022. Even better, the system seems to be strengthening in this most recent hole over the 45-metre step out from 25MJ001, as both gold and tellurium grades increase."

The company plans to continue its 10,000-metre drill program through the spring of 2026, mixing infill and step-out drilling to further define the mineralized zones. Final assays are pending for seven additional holes from the first phase, while a second round of drilling is currently underway to test new targets.

Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) announced significant assay results from its project in Guyana, drilling a new high-grade zone at East Wenot that intersected 11.07 g/t gold over 14.7 metres. Additional drilling at Central Wenot also returned impressive intervals, including 13.54 g/t gold over 13.3 metres, further confirming the robust potential of the deposit's shear corridor.

"The intersection of 11.07 g/t Au over 14.7m in Hole 142 represents a spectacular year end and we are pleased to announce that we have already exceeded this goal," said Elaine Ellingham, CEO of Omai Gold Mines Corp. "An additional 30 holes have been completed or are currently underway on Wenot and these additional Wenot holes will contribute to a planned updated Mineral Resource Estimate, which will be integrated into the updated PEA planned for H1 2026. Results are pending for the majority of these new holes but are expected shortly."

Five drill rigs are currently active on the property to further expand resources and optimize the upcoming Preliminary Economic Assessment. The company intends to incorporate these high-grade results into an updated resource estimate expected in early 2026.

Contango ORE, Inc. (NYSE American: CTGO) and Dolly Varden Silver Corporation (TSXV: DV) (NYSE American: DVS) have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in a merger of equals that will create a diversified North American precious metals producer. The combined entity, expected to be renamed Contango Silver & Gold Inc., will leverage cash flow from the high-grade Manh Choh gold mine to fund development of the Kitsault Valley and Johnson Tract projects.

"This merger is an exciting transaction for both Contango and Dolly Varden shareholders given the complementary and synergistic nature of our North American asset portfolios," said Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, CEO of Contango ORE, Inc. "With the Manh Choh Gold Mine providing significant cash flows in a strong gold and silver price environment, the combined company will have a source of non-dilutive funding to advance development of its high-grade Lucky Shot and Johnson Tract projects in Alaska and Kitsault Valley project in British Columbia."

The transaction establishes a combined company with over US$100 million in cash and a projected market capitalization of approximately US$812 million. Management aims to pursue a Direct Shipping Ore strategy across its portfolio to minimize capital expenditures while maximizing high-grade production output.

"The merger represents a step-change for the company, adding production and combining an exceptional portfolio of projects with the potential for high-grade precious-metal development," said Shawn Khunkhun, CEO of Dolly Varden Silver Corporation. "The combined company is poised to become a unique, multi-asset platform for silver and gold production, focused exclusively on the United States and Canada. Our respective boards are fully aligned on how to best realize this vision, sharing a commitment to aggressively expand our resource base, accelerate mine exploration and subsequent development across the portfolio and pursue growth-oriented acquisitions."

Article Source: https://usanewsgroup.com/goh-profile/

CONTACT:

USA NEWS GROUP

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DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). This article is being distributed for Baystreet.ca Media Corp. ("BAY"), who has been paid a fee for an advertising campaign. MIQ has not been paid a fee for GoldHaven Resources Corp. advertising or digital media, but the owner/operators of MIQ also co-owns BAY. There may also be 3rd parties who may have shares of GoldHaven Resources Corp. and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ on behalf of BAY has been approved by GoldHaven Resources Corp. The scientific and technical information disclosed in this document have been reviewed and approved by two Qualified Persons (QPs). The Copecal Technical Report identifies Jean-Marc Lopez, B.Sc., FAusIMM, as the Qualified Person responsible for the report. The report "GoldHaven Resources Completes Summer Exploration Programs" states that the technical information has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, B.Sc. Hons, FAusIMM, an independent Qualified Person and Country Manager of GoldHaven. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.

SOURCES CITED:

1. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2581130/gold-prices-climb-again-in-local-international-markets

2. https://investingnews.com/american-pacific-announces-execution-of-arrangement-agreement-to-sell-the-tuscarora-district-to-icg-silver-gold-ltd/

3. https://www.livemint.com/market/commodities/gold-price-forecast-2026-gold-to-hit-4-800-in-2026-says-ventura-what-it-means-for-your-portfolio-allocation-11764863519375.html

4. https://www.livemint.com/market/commodities/gold-price-outlook-5-key-reasons-why-wgc-expects-yellow-metal-prices-to-surge-up-to-30-in-2026-11765176803847.html

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If youre wondering why your favorite actor might have posted a random photo of actor Paul Dano to their social media accounts recently, you wouldnt be alone. For the past week, Hollywood has been up in arms in defense of Danoa treasured actor famous for his work in pictures such as Little Miss Sunshine, There Will Be Blood, and Prisonerswith, perhaps, little to no context for their outpouring of support. It turns out it all stems from a rather scathing sound bite from infamously mouthy director Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), who trashed Danos acting capabilities in a recent interview on Bret Easton Ellis podcast. Tarantinos track record of ruffling the feathers of his peers makes this just one more notch in his bedpost of uncouth public statements. Now, all of Hollywood is pushing back against the directors comments by voicing their support for one of this generations most belovedand, yes, commercially underratedactors. Dont worry if you missed the drama, because Im here to break it all down.

What exactly did Tarantino say about Paul Dano and, well, why?

On a Dec. 2 episode of The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast (as in American Psycho author Ellis), Tarantino revealed his top 20 movies of the 21st century. Fifth on that list is Paul Thomas Andersons lauded 2007 film There Will Be Blood, which stars Daniel Day-Lewis and Paul Dano, whose work on the film earned him a BAFTA nomination and high praise and recognition from the industry writ large. In short, Danos work in There Will Be Blood is considered one of his highest achievements in acting out of a pool of already great performances.

While discussing the movie, Tarantinowho is known for making graphic and profane films that reference history and pop culturesaid that he would have actually rated There Will Be Blood as his first or second pick if it werent for one big, giant flaw: Paul Dano. Tarantino called Dano weak sauce and a weak, weak, uninteresting guy. Tarantino continued by saying that Austin Butler would have been wonderful in that roletechnically Butler would have been 16 years old and looked like this at the time, but I digressbut Dano, instead, is the weakest fucking actor in SAG (thats the Screen Actors Guild) and the limpest dick in the world. Tarantino further explained: I am not saying he is giving a terrible performance, I am saying hes giving a nonentity performance.

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Ouch. Has Tarantino said this kind of thing before about anyone else?

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To my knowledge, Tarantino hasnt randomly attacked many beloved actors in precisely this way before. But Dano isnt even the only actor Tarantino disparages in this particular interview. Tarantino also tells Ellis that he doesnt care for the work of Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard. Lillard responded to Tarantinos comments in front of an audience at GalaxyCon, saying: It fucking sucks. And you wouldnt say that to Tom Cruise. You wouldnt say that to somebody whos a top-line actor in Hollywood. Im very popular in this room. Im not very popular in Hollywood. Two totally different microcosms, right? And so, you know, its humbling, and it hurts.

However, this kind of thing isnt completely out of nowhere for Tarantino. The Academy Awardwinning filmmaker, who seems to have very little filter, has gone after many notable figures for various reasons over the decades.

What else has he said?

There was the time Spike Lee called Tarantinos reliance on the N-word in his films (such as Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown) into question in 1997. Tarantino responded on The Charlie Rose Show by saying, in part: As a writer, I demand the right to write any character in the world that I want to write. I demand the right to be them  and to say that I cant do that because Im white, but the Hughes brothers can do that because theyre Black, that is racist. Years later, Lee boycotted Tarantinos film Django Unchained for similar reasons, adding to the discourse in a 2012 tweet: American slavery was not a Sergio Leone spaghetti western. It was a holocaust. My ancestors are slaves. Stolen from Africa. I will honor them. Similarly, Tarantino and Denzel Washington allegedly got into a spat while filming the 1995 film Crimson Tide, apparently over what Washington felt was racist dialogue that Tarantino had added to the script. By 2012, at least, it appears that the two had buried the hatchet, according to an interview that the actor had with GQ.

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Tarantino also has a history of regrettable comments on famous cases and perpetrators of sexual assault. In a 2003 interview on The Howard Stern Show, Tarantino defended director Roman Polanskia U.S. fugitive residing in Europe due to charges accusing him of the 1977 drugging and rape of a 13-year-old girl, Samantha Gailey (now Samantha Geimer)by saying that statutory rape isnt rape, and that she wanted to have it. The interview audio resurfaced in 2018, and Tarantino apologized shortly thereafter, saying, I incorrectly played devils advocate in the debate for the sake of being provocative. I didnt take Ms. Geimers feelings into consideration and for that I am truly sorry. It also came to light that both Uma Thurman, an actress in many Tarantino films, and Mira Sorvino, Tarantinos former girlfriend, had both told Tarantino of improper advances and assaults at the hands of Harvey Weinstein over the years. Tarantino has publicly expressed regret a number of times for not doing more than demanding an apology from Weinstein, going on to say to the New York Times in 2017: What I did was marginalize the incidents and I knew enough to do more than I did.

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Then there was the time when Tarantino allegedly threatened to kill David Letterman, and the time when he yelled at an interviewer who questioned the link between movie violence and real-life violence, and I could go on.

OK, well this at least explains why Toni Collette posted a random photo of Paul Dano to her Instagram Stories. Who else has come out to support the actor?

In the days since Tarantinos comments were made public, a number of Hollywood heavy-hitters have signaled their support and appreciation for Dano. Similar to Toni Collette, Maya Rudolphwho is also the wife of There Will Be Blood director Paul Thomas Andersonposted a still from the film of Dano to her Instagram Stories. Reese Witherspoon, Danos co-star in Inherent Vice, wrote on Threads: Paul Dano is an incredibly gifted, versatile actor. More importantly, he is a gentleman. As did Josh Gad, who wrote on Threads: Not sure who needs to hear this, but Paul Dano is one of the best actors of our time. Full stop.

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Ben Stiller, who directed Paul in Escape at Dannemora, took to X to say, simply: Paul Dano is f-ing brilliant. Matt Reeves, who recently directed Dano in the 2022 film The Batman, also stated on X that Paul Dano is an incredible actor, and an incredible person. As did Simu Liu, who also wrote on the platform, idk man i think paul dano is an incredible actor, and John Cusack, who wrote: Paul Dano rocks. Great Actor.

Related From Slate The New Version of Kill Bill Is Both More Satisfying and More Disturbing Read More

But its not just actors and directors getting in on the Dano love. Even the official Letterboxd X account posted a Dano tribute, a grid of four stills of the actor with the caption thinking about him . Perhaps the biggest whammy: A Quentin Tarantino fan account on X, Quentin Tarantino News, posted in solidarity with the actor, writing, Sorry Quentin but Paul Dano is one of the most underrated actors of his generation. As one person rightfully questioned in response, How wrong do you gotta be for your own stan accounts to be rallying against you?

Well, damn. I guess the lesson here is to not mess with Paul Dano.

Certainly. Leave it to Dano and Tarantino to unite Hollywood in exactly the ways you think they would (for and against, respectively). Im just selfishly happy that this Hollywood war wasnt our fault, for once. (Love you, Martin Short.) Now, Im off to watch Daniel Day-Lewis drink Paul Danos milkshake.
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The American public now knows far too much about Olivia Nuzzi. A New York magazine political reporter who lost her job last fall when it came out that shed had a virtual affair with thenpresidential candidate RFK Jr., Nuzzi is now out with a new memoir about the affair and the Trump era, self-seriously titled American Canto. Between the book, the press coverage around it, the five-and-counting tell-all Substack posts from Nuzzis ex Ryan Lizza, and the press coverage of that, the hose of information has been flowing at full force.

Over the past two weeks, weve learned that Nuzzi allegedly had an affair with a second presidential candidate, former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford. Weve learned that she started dating Keith Olbermann as a teenager, a couple of years after she apparently recorded a pop song called Jailbait. Weve learned that a movie star (almost certainly Uma Thurman) once told Nuzzi that the secret to life is being rapeable. Weve learned that Kennedy allegedly texted Nuzzi sex poetry that, to our universal horror, imagined her open mouth awaiting my harvest. Even Kara Swisher has chimed in about her role as the person who reported the affair to Nuzzis editor. The media-gossip universe of Substacks, podcasts, op-eds, and journalist Slack channels has positively trembled under the weight of all the revelations.

The one person involvedand, seemingly, the one person with a microphonewho has not weighed in on this mess of sex, lies, and journalistic malpractice is the secretary of health and human services, the harvest provider himself. Kennedy has weathered this period of sustained interest in his sex life by simply refusing to engage at all. He has declined or ignored all requests for comment, relying on his statement from last year, when the affair was revealedhis rep said he had only met Nuzzi once, for an interview that yielded a hit pieceto stand in for his side of the story. Kennedys wife, Curb Your Enthusiasm actress Cheryl Hines, has stayed similarly mum. In her own new book, which published a few weeks before Nuzzis, she offers the barest explanation of dealing with an ambiguous story about a political journalist and subsequently making up with Kennedy.

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So far, Kennedys silence is serving him well. The reams of analysis that have been published on this affair have almost exclusively focused on Nuzzi: her breaches of journalistic ethics, her questionable taste in men, the insufferable prose of her book. She deserves the scrutiny. One of the most famous political reporters in America, as she allegedly wrote in a tabloid-style piece of fan fiction about herself, she threw away her credibility and career to have phone sex with a presidential candidate. She promoted Kennedy in interviews and trashed his competition in her reporting under the guise of objectivity, though she was allegedly acting as a secret political operative for the Kennedy campaign in between bouts of repulsive sexting. No one should trust her to ethically judge an eighth-grade essay contest, let alone write a political profile, ever again.

But the widespread lack of interest in Kennedys role in the story has been glaring. This is one of the most powerful men in the country, the guy whose handpicked vaccine panel at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently undoing decades of lifesaving progress in public health. He allegedly spent a considerable amount of time having a virtual affair with a journalist during his campaign, then used her as a political resource as he plotted his ascent to the Cabinet. Even his denial, that he met Nuzzi only once, doesnt deny it. And no one really seems fazed. Not the media reporting on the affair, not any of the multitude of commentators who have offered their takes, and certainly not the Trump administration in which Kennedy serves. Some outlets have briefly hinted that Kennedy is not an innocent party herethe Bulwark, for one, nodded to the scandal implicating himbut there have been no major efforts to take him to task for his misdeeds.

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This is in part because Kennedy is already regarded as a known cheater. In a diary he allegedly kept about his affairs during his second marriage (to Mary Richardson Kennedy, who later died by suicide), he recorded trysts with 37 women who werent his wife in just one year. He is also a certified crackpot. Between his brain worm, his wackadoodle interactions with animal carcasses, and his fetish for conspiracy theories, a sexting affair seems positively commonplace. For journalists and the media-obsessed, the most avid consumers of content about the NuzziKennedy affair, Nuzzis missteps are far more interesting than the timeworn tale of a powerful man behaving badly. And, anyway, famous men are generally assigned less culpability in extramarital affairs, as if infidelity were an immutable part of their nature.

But Kennedys ability to evade the spotlight in this particular scandal also owes to his position in the Trump administration, which is led by a man who has seen few consequences from his own history of sexual misconduct. Donald Trump has emerged from decades of affairs and alleged sex crimesincluding one for which a jury found him liableto rapturous acclaim from around 40 percent of Americans and the ever-moralizing evangelical community. He has near unanimous support from the corners of the country that now believe divorce and birth control are intolerable symptoms of cultural decadence. The pillars of traditional sexual morality have shifted, such that their dictates no longer apply to anyone advancing the MAGA agenda.

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Cheating Democrats have not enjoyed a similar loosening of norms. Consider the case of Cal Cunningham, the North Carolina candidate who ran as the Dems best hope for taking control of the Senate in 2020. After it came out a few weeks before the election that Cunningham had been having an affair with a political consultant, he admitted that the leaked texts were real (what is with these men and their texts?!) and cut back on campaign events and interviews. His favorability numbers sank, and his polling lead diminished. In a joint editorial, two North Carolina newspapers wrote that they could no longer endorse Cunningham as planned, citing his selfishness and poor decision-making. He lost, taking the Biden agendas hopes with him.

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Kennedy has yet to be the subject of such scathing editorials about his fitness for office vis-a-vis his affairs, nor does the public seem to care (or, maybe, know) about the Nuzzi situation. In a poll of registered voters taken last week, right in the thick of Nuzzis book coverage and two weeks after the inaugural Lizza post, which has fetched more than 750,000 views, Kennedy was named one of the most popular politicians in the country.

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There was a time when a vividly described affair corroborated by multiple parties, a la Kennedys Harvestgate, would be a scandal for a U.S. official. Since the days of Democratic Sen. Gary Hart, who dropped out of the 1988 presidential race after the press reported on his affair with a model, the extramarital goings-on of our leaders have been largely considered fair game for reporters. While some have argued that ones personal pursuits have no bearing on ones fitness for a political role, others believe that someone who makes a habit of hurting his loved ones (or harassing women, or having inappropriate workplace romances, or whatever sexual transgression you please) lacks good judgment, trustworthiness, and moral fortitude. That might not be a problem for a venture capital executive, but its not the ideal profile for a public official in charge of, say, measles.

But Americans have already come to expect the worst of men in Trumps orbit. The administration has made a point of hiring and retaining people who have been accused of domestic violence, sexual misconduct, and general misogyny. As members of the broader American community and their own social circles, they are toxic jerks who make peoples lives worse; as professionals in the government, they use those amoral instincts for a political purpose. Kennedy is one of countless officials Trump has tasked with running departments and agencies they are uniquely qualified to destroy. Any unseemly acts he or his colleagues commit merely function as further evidence of their aptitude for the job.

Granted, Nuzzis indiscretions were a direct breach of her responsibilities as a journalist, while Kennedys were not. Theres no explicit expectation that married presidential candidates wont text reporters about felching. (That now seems a grave oversight.) But it remains an indictment of our current political reality that in the wake of the biggest sex scandal of the fiscal quarter, were more fixated on the flailing journalist engineering her own downfall from Malibu than the guy deciding whether to embargo our pills.
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The Supreme Court handed religious anti-vaxxers a significant victory on Monday, setting aside a lower-court decision that upheld New Yorks school vaccine mandate despite its lack of a religious exemption. In a brief, cryptic order, the justices told the lower court to reconsider the case in light of their 63 ruling last term in Mahmoud v. Taylor. That decision expanded parents ability to demand an exemption from any school policy that substantially interferes with the religious development of their children. By extending Mahmoud to immunization requirements, the court revealed that some justicesperhaps a majorityare preparing to give parents a First Amendment right to send their children to school unvaccinated. That radical step would turn one bigoted ruling into a public health catastrophe, exacerbating the spread of preventable disease and almost certainly costing some children their lives.

Mondays case, Miller v. McDonald, challenges New Yorks decision to abolish the religious exemption to its school vaccine mandate in 2019. In the years prior, the number of parents claiming these exemptions for their children rose astronomically, and the plummeting immunization rate spurred the states worst measles epidemic in a quarter-century. The outbreak, predictably, was especially bad in private and parochial schools with high numbers of unvaccinated students. In response, the New York Legislature required all schoolchildren to obtain immunizations, with only a narrow exception for genuine medical need. Religious families at public and private schools alike could no longer opt out of the rule. Three Amish schools refused to comply with the law, prompting the state to impose fines totaling $118,000.

The schools, joined by Amish parents, filed suit, alleging a violation of their First Amendment right to free exercise of religion. A district court rejected their claim, as did a cross-ideological panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. The parents had asserted that New York legislators acted out of anti-religious hostility, citing two lawmakers who forcefully rejected the notion that any major religion opposes vaccines. But the 2nd Circuit found that these statements were outliers and that the legislative record is full of respectful statements in support of religious freedoms. The parents also claimed that New Yorks law discriminated against religion because it allowed opt-outs on the basis of medical need but not personal faith. The circuit court, however, found that these two exemptions were not comparable. It explained that medical exemptions are far rarer and can be maintained without risking herd immunity. Religious exemptions, by contrast, allow a dangerous number of children to forgo vaccination, leading to exactly the kind of epidemic that New York had just suffered.

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The plaintiffs appealed to the Supreme Court, supported by a coalition of conservative religious groups, vaccine opponents, and 22 Republican state attorneys general. They urged SCOTUS to strike down New Yorks law, accusing the Legislature of directly coercing a religious minority into violating their religious tenets. The court took quick action: After considering the appeal at conference, it issued an order on Monday wiping away the 2nd Circuits decision, instructing the lower court to undertake further consideration of the case in light of Mahmoud v. Taylor. The plaintiffs had requested this exact maneuver, which the justices use when they want a lower court to revisit a decision in light of recent SCOTUS precedent.

This move has incredibly alarming implications. In Mahmoud, the Republican-appointed supermajority gave public school parents the right to exempt their children from seeing books that feature LGBTQ+ characters. It held that the First Amendments free-exercise clause protects against policies that impose more subtle forms of interference with the religious upbringing of children. The decision was destabilizing to public education because it effectively gave religious parents veto power over aspects of the curriculum they disliked. But Mondays order suggests that at least some justices believe its even broader than it first appeared, reaching beyond curricula to interfere with public health measures in the education system. If Mahmoud applies to immunization mandatesas the court implied it doesthen parents may have a constitutional right to send their children to any school, public or private, without having them vaccinated.

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Unfortunately, Mahmouds author, Justice Samuel Alito, wrote the opinion so sweepingly that this interpretation is entirely plausible. He evinced no concern for the rights of other studentslike, say, the children of LGBTQ+ parents who might feel stigmatized by the removal of books that depict families like theirs. And he contemplated no clear limits to parents freedom to direct the religious upbringing of their children. Instead, he indicated that when parents faith-based demands conflict with democratically enacted education policies, it is the parents who must win out and the contested policies that must yield. So the Amish plaintiffs in Miller v. McDonald are not off base when they say that Mahmoud establishes their right to send their kids to school unvaccinated. Alitos decision is so recklessly capacious that it arguably allows parents to challenge even the most basic school-safety measures on religious grounds.

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Mahmoud did at least acknowledge that infringements upon this newfound First Amendment right may survive if they are narrowly tailored to serve a compelling government interest. The plaintiffs argue that the existence of New Yorks medical exemption proves that there is no compelling interest in overturning its religious exemption, insisting that these opt-outs are analogous. But they are not: As the 2nd Circuit explained, there is a difference in magnitude between the frequency of religious and medical exemption, with families claiming the former vastly more often than the latter. Medical exemptions are also easier to police, since states can require licensed doctors to explain why each child has a legitimate need to forgo vaccination. Public health experts have shown that religious exemptions were linked to recent outbreakslike New Yorks measles epidemicwhile medical exemptions were not.

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New York therefore had a perfectly legitimate reason to preserve a medical exemption while scrapping a religious one. But it seems SCOTUS is not so sure. When it ruled in Miller v. McDonald on Monday, it also asked the Justice Department to weigh in on a different New York law that requires all health care workers to get the COVID vaccine. That requirement, too, includes an exemption for medical reasons but not faith-based objections. It appears that SCOTUS is eager to decide whether this alleged asymmetry is unconstitutional.

The Miller plaintiffs downplay the ramifications of a decision against New York by pointing out that 46 states already allow religious exemptions from school vaccine mandates. But some states have much stricter requirements for faith-based opt-outs than others, and these guidelines could be imperiled by a broad SCOTUS ruling. Besides, two states that lack a religious exemption, New York and California, have roughly 9 million schoolchildren between them. So the impact of a ruling against their policies would have far-reaching consequences.

Given the 2nd Circuits extreme skepticism toward the plaintiffs claims on its first pass, the lower court seems unlikely to reverse itself on this SCOTUS-ordered do-over. If it sides with New York once again, the plaintiffs will surely go right back to the Supreme Court. We already know that some justices are open to wielding Mahmoud against the states commonsense vaccination law. Well find out soon enough if a majority is willing to weaponize that precedent against the literal lives of schoolchildren.
David Charles Named President of CORE X PREMIER, Continuing Legacy of Customer-First Leadership

BURLESON, Texas, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CORE X PARTNERS announced today that Ron Buford will retire from his role as leader of CORE X PREMIER, effective December 12, 2025, concluding a distinguished 46-year career in cold storage. David Charles, currently Regional Partner at CORE X Performance in Salt Lake City, will succeed Buford as President of CORE X PREMIER effective December 13, 2025.

Buford first entered the cold storage industry in 1971 when he joined United States Cold Storage in Fort Worth. His relationships as a Swift & Company customer, buying frozen raw materials for production, opened the door to a cold storage career that would span nearly five decades.

Buford often told his teams throughout his career. "Customer service is the key."

That philosophy guided Buford through 19 years at U.S. Cold Storage, nearly nine years building Texas Cold Storage, and ultimately to founding his own cold storage operation in 2011, which later became CORE X PREMIER. In a testament to the deep roots of his career, Buford spent more than 30 years working in and out of the same Fort Worth facility where he started in 1971first as an employee, then as a manager, and finally as an owner.

Under Buford's leadership, CORE X PREMIER established itself as a customer-focused operation in the competitive Dallas-Fort Worth market. He built a team known for their "can-do" attitude and willingness to take on challenging customer situations, from handling 130 truckloads on short notice to accommodating rejected deliveries after hours.

Buford's influence extended beyond his facilities. He served on the board of directors for the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), the industry's leading trade association, including a historic tenure as the longest-serving chairman during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"My journey has given me the opportunity to meet and touch so many great people at each of the stops I made over these years," Buford reflected. "There is nothing that gives me a bigger sense of pride than to look at our team here at CORE X PREMIER and know that we will continue to be a top service provider for our customers."

David Charles brings a proven track record of building customer-centric cold storage operations to his new role. As Regional Partner at CORE X Performance, Charles and his team have established themselves as trusted 3PL partners throughout Salt Lake City and the Front Range, known for delivering personalized, out-of-the-box cold chain solutions that scale with customer needs.

"I'm both humbled and energized to follow in Ron's footsteps," said Charles. "He didn't just build a warehouse, he built a culture where the answer is always, 'Yes, we'll figure it out,' for our customers. My commitment is to honor that legacy by keeping our customer-first spirit at the heart of everything we do, while growing CORE X PREMIER into the most trusted cold storage partner in Texas and beyond."

About CORE X PARTNERS

CORE X PARTNERS is a network of regional cold storage operators (PROs) who combine local expertise with national scale. The CORE X model preserves the legacy of family-owned cold storage businesses while providing enterprise-grade solutions and growth capital. The network includes 15 facilities across the United States, offering more than 52 million cubic feet of temperature-controlled storage capacity and 194,000+ pallet positions. Learn more at corexpartners.com.

SOURCE CORE X Partners
Seelster Farms and the Bulldog Hanover Syndicate announced on Tuesday, Dec. 9 that the 2026 stallion book is now closed for the worlds fastest Standardbred, Bulldog Hanover.

One of the most talented and celebrated horses in recent memory, Bulldog Hanovers accolades include induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, Horse of the Year on both sides of the border, Cam Fella Award winner and world champion with $2.7 million in earnings.

Not only did he become the worlds fastest Standardbred ever in July of 2022, that same year he also sired 54 foals and that limited first crop catapulted him to second in the leading sires by average earnings for rookie pacers in 2025.

Bulldog Hanovers first crop superstars included Three Diamonds Stakes winner Shes A Bulldog p, 2, 1:51.1 ($527,913); Battle of the Belles victress Daya p, 2, 1:50.4f ($495,914); Champlain Stakes champion Windor p, 2, 1:51.2s ($222,232); and Ontario Sires Stakes winner Redland Rocket Man p, 2, 1:52s ($178,287).

Seelster Farms and Bulldog Hanover Syndicate would like to thank all those who booked their mares early.

(With files from Seelster Farms & Bulldog Hanover Syndicate)
Kia PV5 Cargo earns the top five-star rating in the 2025 Euro NCAP Commercial Van Safety assessment

Strong performance across key categories, including Occupant Protection, Safety Assist/Crash Avoidance and Post-Crash Safety

Standard ADAS technologies  including AEB, Lane Support System and Speed Assistance System  deliver high performance in demanding real-world test scenarios

Latest recognition follows a series of global accolades, including 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY) and 2026 Top Gear Awards

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia today announced that the Kia PV5 Cargo has achieved the highest possible five-star rating in the 2025 Euro NCAP Commercial Van Safety assessment, reaffirming the model's leadership in delivering safe and practical electric mobility for commercial customers across Europe.

Euro NCAP reported that the PV5 Cargo delivered a consistently strong performance across all major evaluation areas, including occupant protection, safety assist & crash avoidance and post-crash safety.

Kia PV5 Cargo Achieves Maximum Five-Star Rating in 2025 Euro NCAP Commercial Van Safety Assessment View PDF

This result positions the PV5 Cargo among Europe's safest commercial vans and continues Kia's track record of top-tier Euro NCAP results following the EV6 (2022), EV9 (2023), and EV3 (2025).

"The PV5 opens a new chapter in practical, electrified mobility, offering generous space and modular versatility for everyday use. Achieving the top Euro NCAP five-star rating is clear validation of its safety performance and will serve as strong momentum as Kia expands its PBV lineup across Europe."  Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of PBV Business Division

Advanced safety technologies as standard across Europe

Euro NCAP highlighted the strong performance of the PV5's standard Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), which detects pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.

Demonstrated strong responsiveness in vehicle-to-vehicle scenarios, even at higher speeds

Avoided collisions in most pedestrian and cyclist test cases

Provides additional protection for pedestrians behind the vehicle

The Lane Support System (LSS) was praised for its gentle steering corrections and more assertive interventions in critical situations to prevent unintended road departure. Euro NCAP noted that overall LSS performance was "good."

The Speed Assistance System (SAS) uses digital maps and a forward-facing camera to identify local speed limits and present clear information to the driver, enabling appropriate speed management.

A standard seatbelt reminder for both front seats further enhances safety compliance.

For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com

SOURCE Kia Corporation
Case Name : Frozen Iron and Steel Private Limited Vs DCIT (ITAT Delhi)

Frozen Iron and Steel Private Limited Vs DCIT (ITAT Delhi)

1 Crore s.68 Addition RemandedAssessee Denies Receipt from Alleged Entry Provider; Given One Final Opportunity

Assessee challenged addition of 1,00,00,000 u/s 68, made on the basis of Investigation Wing Kolkata report alleging that Cyprus Multitrade Pvt Ltd (a shell company managed by Praveen Aggarwal group) routed accommodation entries to Assessee. AO issued notices u/s 142(1), 133(6) & SCN dated 06.12.2019, but Assessee did not respond during assessmen

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Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, amending the 2015 regulations. These amendments, effective from their publication in the Official Gazette, revise Regulation 8 concerning cross-border currency movement between India and Nepal or Bhutan. Under the new rules, individualsexcept citizens of Pakistan and Bangladeshmay carry Indian currency notes of denominations above 100 up to 25,000 when traveling to or from Nepal or Bhutan. Lower denomination notes are unrestricted. Additionally, individuals may also transport Nepalese or Bhutanese currency to and from India without specific limits. These changes clarify permissible currency transfers, enhance compliance with foreign exchange regulations, and maintain security against unregulated currency flows. The amendment aligns with prior modifications to the principal regulations in 2019 and 2020, consolidating rules on currency movement while accommodating practical travel and trade requirements between India and its neighboring countries.

RESERVE BANK OF INDIA

(Foreign Exchange Department)

(Central Office)

Mumbai  400001

Notification No. FEMA 6 (R)/(4)/2025-RB| Dated: November 28, 2025

Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025

In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (ga) of sub- section (2) of Section 47 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999), the Reserve Bank of India makes the following amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) Regulations, 2015 (Notification No. FEMA 6 (R)/RB-2015 dated December 29, 2015) (hereinafter referred to as the Principal Regulations), namely: 

1. Short title & Commencement:

i. These Regulations may be called the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025.

ii. They shall come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. Amendment to Regulation 8

In the Principal Regulations, for Regulation 8, the following shall be substituted, namely:

Notwithstanding anything contained in these regulations, a person 

1. not being a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, may take or send out of India to Nepal or Bhutan, currency notes of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India notes (other than notes of denominations of above 100 in either case); provided that an individual travelling from India to Nepal or Bhutan can carry notes of denominations of above 100 up to a total limit of 25,000;

2. not being a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, may bring into India from Nepal or Bhutan, currency notes of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India notes (other than notes of denominations of above 100 in either case); provided that an individual travelling to India from Nepal or Bhutan can carry notes of denominations of above 100, up to a total limit of 25,000;

3. may take out of India to Nepal or Bhutan, or bring into India from Nepal or Bhutan, currency notes being the currency of Nepal or Bhutan.

(N Senthil Kumar)

Chief General Manager

Note:

The Principal Regulations were published in the Official Gazette vide GSR No.1004(E) dated December 29, 2015 in Part II, Section 3, sub-section (i) and subsequently amended vide:

i. G.S.R. No. 151(E) dated 26.02.2019

ii. No. FEMA 6 (R)/(2)/2020-RB dated 11.08.2020 (published in the Gazette on 18.08.2020)

iii. No. FEMA 6 (R)/(3)/2020-RB dated 03.12.2020 (published in the Gazette on 04.12.2020)
Some of the largest tech titans in the U.S. just joined hands to launch a new Agentic AI Foundation.

The groupformed by Anthropic, OpenAI, and Block, with support from Google, Microsoft, AWS, Bloomberg, and Cloudflarecomes together at a moment when China is rapidly pulling ahead in global open-source AI adoption, forcing Americas fiercest competitors into the same tent.

Open standards and protocols like MCP are essential to enabling a thriving developer ecosystem for building agents," Cloudflares Chief Technology Officer, Dane Knecht, said in a public statement. "They ensure anyone can build agents across platforms without the fear of vendor lock-in."

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U.S. companies face a paradox. They want recurring revenue from closed APIs, but losing the base layer to China makes them irrelevant, no matter how profitable those APIs become.

Better to standardize on MCP and agentic AI, ensure U.S. models stay competitive, and capture value through superior models rather than ecosystem lock-in, or so the thinking goes.

The foundation is a pragmatic collaboration and a win for the open-source community, with major competitors acknowledging that standardization benefits everyone more than fragmentation.

The U.S. AI industry's move to regain open-source dominance may be a net positive for users (including Chinese users), as it could lead to better open-source development.

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Anthropic donated its Model Context Protocola protocol that enables AI models to use tools creatively rather than being restricted to API callsto the Linux Foundation as the centerpiece.

MCP achieved remarkable traction since launching a year ago: over 10,000 active servers, first-class support from ChatGPT to Gemini to Microsoft Copilot to VS Code, and 97 million monthly SDK downloads.

"Open-source software is essential for building a secure and innovative ecosystem for agentic AI," Anthropic said in a statement.

War Department Launches New Platform With Googles Gemini in Military AI Push

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OpenAI contributed AGENTS.md, a lightweight specification used by 60,000 repositories, which provides AI agents with standardized project instructions. Block added Goose, a local-first agent framework. All three now operate under the Linux Foundation's neutral governance.

The timing isn't coincidental.

A December 2025 MIT study analyzing 2.2 billion model downloads found that China now accounts for 17.1% of global open-source AI downloads, up from 15.8% for the U.S. Companies like DeepSeek and Alibaba flooded the market with high-performance open models while American firms retreated behind closed APIs, chasing profitability.

"We are seeing AI enter a new phase, as conversational systems shift to autonomous agents that can work together," said Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux Foundation.

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The foundation addresses a strategic vulnerability: Chinese open-source models create dependencydevelopers worldwide build on that infrastructure, reducing reliance on U.S. cloud providers and APIs.

The foundation operates with responsive governance while maintaining vendor neutrality.

China's Z-Image Dethrones Flux as King of AI ArtAnd Your Potato PC Can Run It

Platinum members include Amazon, Anthropic, Block, Bloomberg, Cloudflare, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI.

Gold members include Cisco, Datadog, Docker, IBM, Oracle, SAP, Snowflake, and Twilio; Silver members include Hugging Face, Uber, SUSE, and others. The group said no single company steers its direction.

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China's advantage, meanwhile, comes from a deliberate strategy.

Rather than massive AI factories like OpenAI or Google, Chinese companies emphasize lower-cost adaptability and modular innovation. They provide open weights for developers to build their products on top of their technology.

The Trump administration's AI Action Plan explicitly recognizes the threat.

"Open source and open-weight models could become global standards in some areas of business and in academic research worldwide. For that reason, they also have geostrategic value," according to a statement from the White House.
Rachael Dunfell knew two things about her husband's 21-year-old cousin: that he liked specialised racing bikes and that he was interested in the Vikings.

But those pieces of information yielded few ideas for a suitable Christmas gift. So Rachael, 33, from Manchester, turned to artificial intelligence.

She inputted his age, his hobby and his interest into Copilot, the Microsoft-owned chatbot, which led her to the website of a niche retailer that sells Viking-themed metal bike parts.

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"It's just something that I really would never have known existed," she said, "but it was perfect."

AI is shifting the holiday shopping experience.

People are increasingly turning to AI tools, from Copilot to OpenAI's ChatGPT to Google's Gemini, for help with gift ideas and to compare prices, with implications for bargain hunters and retailers alike.

John Harmon, a senior technology analyst at Coresight Research in New York, called this year the first holiday season shaped by AI-powered shopping.

While there is not a great deal of data on spending directly linked to AI, Salesforce has said AI is expected to drive 21% of all holiday orders globally, for a total of $263bn (197bn) in sales.

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More than half of US consumers say they would probably or definitely use AI to help with their shopping, a Coresight survey found.

In the UK and Ireland, a survey of 2,000 consumers by technology company CI&T, released this month, found that 61% use or have used AI tools while shopping - most often to find where to buy an item or locate the best deal.

But more than two-thirds of respondents could not think of an AI-powered retail experience that impressed them.

Businesses are scrambling to make the most of AI channels to promote their products.

"Retailers feel the urgency because AI is already shaping what people buy," said Melanie Nuce-Hilton, senior vice president of customer success at GS1 US, an information standards organisation.

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"If the product information the model learned from is outdated or inconsistent, the recommendation can miss the mark, and it's often small brands that lose visibility when that happens," she added.

Rachael Dunfell used ChatGPT to find a niche gift for her husband's 21-year-old cousin [Rachael Dunfell]

AI firms 'hold the cards'

The technology is starting to move beyond using AI tools to help find a product on a retailer's website, to letting shoppers buy items without even leaving a chat-bot.

OpenAI at the end of September announced an Instant Checkout feature. In the weeks since, the ChatGPT maker has announced partnerships with several major retailers and marketplaces to list some of their products directly on the chat service. Etsy and Shopify led the pack, followed by Walmart in October and Salesforce and Target in November.

Walmart, for example, said its partnership with OpenAI "allows customers and Sam's Club members to plan meals, restock essentials, or discover new products simply by chatting".

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But at this stage, there are limitations for shoppers seeking to offload their holiday shopping entirely. Buying items without leaving AI chats is still a nascent phenomenon, only weeks in the making.

And AI companies hold the cards, analysts said.

Not every retailer is set up for direct purchases within ChatGPT, Mr Harmon said. Some have not yet received approval from OpenAI.

"It's OpenAI's game. They're in control of who is listed and how long it takes," he said.

"The smaller ones will be left out for the time being, until they're able to convert their data and get approved to have it listed on OpenAI."

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Analysts said retailers could draw in shoppers by prioritising partnerships with AI companies.

The agreements have the potential to boost brand perception among consumers, said Yanliu Huang, a marketing professor at Drexel University. She noted the benefits for a company like Walmart, which is known for its low prices but is seeking to appeal to higher-educated and younger consumers, too.

Ms Huang predicted that other large retailers like Costco, as well as smaller brands, are likely to follow suit.

Burlap & Barrel, a spice company based in the US, sees AI-powered shopping as an opportunity to boost sales.

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Ori Zohar, the firm's co-founder and co-chief executive, acknowledged that the company is better positioned than many other small businesses in his sector to draw in shoppers, given its robust online presence.

"That ended up being really, really good content to feed into the AI models," Mr Zohar said. He attributed the company's recent growth, in part, to AI searches that led customers to its website.

But Mr Zohar said Burlap & Barrel is not currently seeking direct partnerships with AI companies like OpenAI. Executives are instead focused on building out the company's own database of spices - information that AI tools can pick up and put on shoppers' radar.

Ori Zohar, the co-founder of spice company Burlap & Barrel, said AI-powered shopping presents an opportunity to boost sales [Ori Zohar]

Benefits and risks

Allan Binder, a teacher and sound engineer currently based in Hanoi, Vietnam, said he started using AI last year to brainstorm gift ideas for friends and family in the US.

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Having already used AI tools for research purposes, using them to find niche presents felt like a "natural extension", said Allan, 35, originally from Detroit, Michigan.

Among his AI-powered discoveries: scissors from an artisan manufacturer in England and pottery from Indonesia, a birthday gift for his mother last summer.

This holiday gifting season, his AI searches have led him to historic prints.

"[Chatbots] have the potential to connect very targeted products with their audience," he said.

But he acknowledged the risks of offloading shopping to AI agents, especially for those who undertake less research on their own to supplement AI-generated results.

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"I think AI shopping will help informed consumers become more informed," he said, "while making it easier for uninformed consumers to buy without much thought."
A business team in a meeting room but each member is using their phone. - antoniodiaz // Shutterstock

What is shadow AI and what can you do about it?

Organizations across industries are actively investing in AI to streamline operations, boost productivity, and stay ahead in competitive markets. However, most proceed with caution when rolling out new AI solutions internally as they need to meet standards for AI security, compliance, and responsible use through rigorous testing and assessments.

At the same time, teams may occasionally adopt AI solutions outside formal channels to simplify their workload. Often, these are commercially available tools that havent been vetted and approved by IT teams, which raises the issue of shadow AI, Vanta reports.

What is shadow AI?

Shadow AI refers to the use of AI tools and services within an organization outside formalized IT, security, or compliance oversight. It has become a growing trend in recent times due to the increasing accessibility of AI solutions. Options like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Claude, and Julius AI are easily available online and require little to no tech experience. This means that stakeholders may adopt them to support their everyday tasks without notifying management.

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Lets clarify the difference between shadow AI and shadow IT, which are similar concepts. While shadow AI refers to the use of AI tools without approval or oversight, shadow IT is the broader term that encompasses the unauthorized use of all software, hardware, and technology systems in an organization.

Though different in scope, both increase the chances of risk exposure and security breaches. Still, shadow IT is trickier to detect and control because it involves off-the-shelf apps, cloud-based services, and employee-owned devices that are easy to overlook.

According to Vantas AI governance survey, although 59% of companies feel confident in their visibility into AI tools, only 36% have or are developing an AI policymeaning many organizations overestimate their controls and lack the formal structures necessary to manage AI responsibly.

Why should organizations worry about shadow AI?

The primary reason to worry about shadow AI is the low entry barrier for cloud-based AI tools. Most solutions require no additional setup or company credentials, and workers can use them without the guidance of AI teams.

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Some of the reasons why stakeholders may resort to shadow AI are:

Perceived productivity gain: From the laypersons perspective, these tools surpass human processing limits and seem to deliver fast and easy results across creative use cases with no apparent harm.

Gaps in internal governance: Many organizations still lack clear, accessible policies on how AI should (or shouldnt) be used or what risks it poses.

Slow approval process: Formal evaluations and approval chains are often seen as bottlenecks, so shadow AI emerges as a workaround to avoid slow internal processes.

In some cases, shadow AI doesnt originate from internal users, but rather indirectly through vendors or consultants who use their own AI stack on your data or systems. This implicit trust in external partners can create blind spots, especially considering 92% of organizations trust vendors that use AI, often without asking how they use or manage AI tools.

5 risks of shadow AI

While shadow AI may boost your productivity in the short term, it also brings several significant risks. The most relevant ones are:

Data breaches and unmitigated vulnerabilities: The biggest shadow AI risk isnt tied to any single tool, but rather to sensitive workflows where data confidentiality and privacy are critical, especially when using gated API access to third-party AI systems. If employees enter sensitive data into an unapproved platform, that information can be stored, accessed, or used in ways your internal teams cant control. Compliance violations: Unvetted tools might not meet industry regulations or data protection standards. Using them could inadvertently put your organization in breach of legal or contractual obligations. Inconsistent output: Unauthorized AI-generated content, reports, or decisions may conflict with your companys policies or procedures and lead to reputational risk and operational confusion. Limited audit and oversight: When teams use AI without visibility, there is no clear record of how decisions were made or what data they used. This can limit your ability to audit processes and respond to inquiries from regulators or stakeholders. Trust erosion: If shadow AI produces biased or misleading results, it can influence the quality of decisions your stakeholders make. Over time, repeated errors can damage your organizations credibility with customers and partners.

6 steps to effectively manage shadow AI

Responding to shadow AI with blanket restrictions can trigger employee resistancesome may argue it slows down productivity and leads to missed opportunities for innovation. According to experts, banning AI tools could also be counterproductive.

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A more effective solution is learning how to manage shadow AI in a way that supports both security and growth. Here are six steps to take:

Define your risk appetite Develop an AI governance framework Emphasize clear cross-team communication Provide staff training on AI risks Implement AI guardrails Monitor and log AI use

Step 1: Define your risk appetite

To manage shadow AI effectively, first define how much risk your organization can tolerate through an AI risk assessment.

If you want to conduct such a risk assessment, consider:

Applicable regulations: Map the regulations that apply to your organization, such as the GDPR, ISO 42001, and EU AI Act, among others.

Potential impacts of shadow AI: Assess the risks of unauthorized AI use in your organization. Consider high-impact threats such as data leaks, compliance violations and corresponding fines, and losing customer trust.

Current operational vulnerabilities: Evaluate the weak spots in your workflows, systems, or procedures, such as limited visibility into tools your team uses, unclear policies, or a slow internal approval process.

The results of your assessment will clarify the acceptable level of AI usage and areas where you need to introduce stricter controls. You can segregate your decision into two categories:

A table listing the usage of AI tools and what each entails. - Vanta



Step 2: Develop an AI governance framework

The next step is to build and implement a flexible AI governance framework. This will allow you to have some structure without stifling innovation.

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To develop an AI governance framework, you should outline:

Approved AI tools

Process for requesting and vetting new tools

Guidelines for using generative AI

Policies for handling sensitive information

Stakeholder training requirements

AI usage declaration forms or intake portals

To ensure the framework meets all your organizations needs, collaborate with stakeholders across multiple departments during its development. By involving IT, legal, HR teams, and others, youll have a well-rounded understanding of their concerns.

You should factor in the ever-evolving nature of AI while developing your framework, so schedule frequent reviews to adapt to technological changes. Additionally, as your companys procedures and risk landscape evolve, updating the framework regularly will help identify potential risks early on.

Step 3: Emphasize clear cross-team communication

The communication gap between IT and other teams is a common reason why shadow AI takes hold. When teams fail to openly share and explain the capabilities and risks of AI, it can lead to misunderstandings and uneven adoption. So, some departments can fully embrace AI tools and use them responsibly, while others unintentionally resort to shadow AI.

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To prevent confusion and miscommunication, establish clear communication channels across departments. This way, stakeholders can collaborate and gain a comprehensive understanding of which AI tools are safe to use, how to manage risks, and how to stay compliant with policies and procedures.

Step 4: Provide staff training on AI risks

Many teams use AI without notifying management because of the perceived lack of risk. Educate your team on the inherent AI risks and expected terms of disclosure. You can also conduct regular training on ethical use and compliance.

Ideally, training should be conducted at least once a year, or if theres a breach, policy change, or detection of shadow AI. A good practice is to continually reevaluate new AI tools for data exposure or biased use and determine if additional training is necessary for users.

The best way to standardize training is to customize sessions to roles. This will help team members identify potentially detrimental tools and understand AI policies through the lens of their work profile.

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You can also create training documentation for passive consumption, such as:

Training guides

Help decks

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Step 5: Implement AI guardrails

Once youve defined the guidelines for responsible use of AI, the next step is to implement practical safeguards to enforce them. In this context, AI guardrails can help with the successful rollout of new policies by ensuring that employees use only approved tools within defined boundaries.

Here are several examples of effective guardrails:

Guidelines for external AI use: Explain when and how employees can use third-party AI tools to avoid risk exposure

Sandbox environments to test tools: Provide isolated, virtual environments where employees can safely experiment with AI tools without compromising data

Firewalls and other solutions to block unauthorized platforms: Restrict employees' access to unapproved AI tools on company-managed networks and devices

Step 6: Monitor and log AI use

Even if you implement strong policies and robust measures, you should accept that some level of shadow AI will persist. Rather than stressing about how to eliminate shadow AI completelywhich may not be realistic todayinvest your efforts in continuous monitoring to manage potential risks.

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You can establish procedures for continuous monitoring, such as:

Setting up access and usage logging for known AI endpoints to spot unusual activities

Using endpoint monitoring to detect and flag risky AI-related behavior

Using vendor risk management software that can detect the use of new generative AI tools

You can also explore cultural monitoring by frequently encouraging employees to share what new AI tools they use, which can surface shadow AI without much friction.

After you put these procedures in place, make it a habit to review the logs regularly and cross-reference them with your AI governance framework. If this seems like too much manual work, consider streamlining some of the processes with automation tools.

This story was produced by Vanta and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers find that tracking pixelssmall pieces of embedded code that can transmit user data to third partiessignificantly increase data breach risk on hospital websites.

Hilal Atasoy and colleagues analyzed 12 years of archived website data from 1,201 large U.S. hospitals between 2012 and 2023, examining the adoption of pixel tracking and their relationship to data breaches. The findings are published in the journal PNAS Nexus.

The authors found pixel tracking in 66% of hospital-year observations, despite stringent privacy regulations. Hospitals using third-party pixels experienced at least a 1.4 percentage point increase in breach probability, representing a 46% relative increase compared to the 3% baseline breach rate.

Third-party pixels, which transmit patient data to vendors like Meta and Google, significantly increased breach risk, while first-party pixels that keep data within the hospital showed no significant relationship with breaches. Physical breaches caused by misplaced documents or devices showed no relationship with pixel use, supporting the digital transmission mechanism.

According to the authors, the findings reveal a critical regulatory gap in health care privacy protections, as tracking pixels operate outside traditional Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act safeguards. The authors recommend hospitals strengthen data governance policies to protect patient information.

More information: Hilal Atasoy et al, Beyond the click: Pixel tracking technologies and patient data security in hospitals, PNAS Nexus (2025). DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf360 Journal information: PNAS Nexus

Provided by PNAS Nexus
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:

Construction is underway on two new nuclear reactors at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in Jenkinsville, S.C., on April 9, 2012. Credit: AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins, File

South Carolina's stalled nuclear power project could finally finish construction as a private company has offered to pay $2.7 billion to the state-owned utility and a small share of the power if they can reach an agreement to get the two reactors up and running.

The half-built reactors ended up so far behind schedule that the project was abandoned in 2017. However, the potential deal is a long way from complete. There will be up to two years of negotiations between utility Santee Cooper and Brookfield Asset Management on the thousands and thousands of details.

The deal would also let Brookfield keep at least 75% of the power generated by the new plant that they could mostly sell to whom they want, such as energy-gobbling data centers. The exact amount of the rest that Santee Cooper receives would be determined on how much the private company has to spend to get the reactors running.

Either side can pull out of the deal, although Brookfield did agree to pay Santee Cooper's costs both for sorting through the more than 70 bids for the project and the talks as both sides hammer out the final agreement.

Santee Cooper was a minority partner in the doomed plan to build two new nuclear reactors at the V.C. Summer site. The state-owned utility along with privately-owned South Carolina Electric & Gas spent more than $9 billion trying to build the reactors.

The unfinished, weathered concrete and metal tower of at least one plant sits not far from the working reactor that has been running 1984 at the rural site about 20 miles (32 kilometers) up the Broad River from Columbia.

Four executives ended up in prison or home confinement for lying to regulators, shareholders, ratepayers and investigators and left millions of people paying for decades for a project that never produced electricity. Taxpayers and ratepayers ended up on the hook because of a state law that allowed the utilities to charge for costs before any power was generated.

If the $2.7 billion payment goes through, most of Santee Cooper's debt from the nuclear debacle would be erased, utility CEO Jimmy Staton said at Monday's board meeting where the proposal was unanimously approved.

"Our customers have been paying for these assets since 2017. It's time they get some value out of that," Staton said.

Interest in the project has grown as power demand in the U.S. surges with the increase in data centers as artificial intelligence technology develops.

President Donald Trump's administration wants the U.S. to quadruple the amount of power generated by nuclear plants over the next 25 years.

But watchdog groups said there are too many hurdles to put this project in the win column right now.

After eight years in the elements, all the equipment and the structure of the plant, which was less than halfway finished, will need to be carefully inspected before it can be used. The permits to build and the licenses to operate the nuclear plants will need to be renewed, likely starting from scratch, said Tom Clements, executive director of the nuclear watchdog group Savannah River Site Watch.

Also, the type of reactors proposed have seen massive cost overruns even when successfully built. Brookfield took over the assets of Westinghouse Electric Co., which had to declare bankruptcy because of difficulties building them.

Two nuclear reactors built in a similar way in Georgia went $17 billion over budget before they were fully operational in 2023.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Experts discuss advancing human rights in course of Chinese modernization

Xinhua) 09:58, December 09, 2025

GUANGZHOU, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Scholars noted at a recent forum on human rights that efforts should be made to enrich the concepts of human rights within the framework of Chinese modernization.

An independent knowledge system of human rights in China should center around "the right to subsistence" and "the right to development" as its pillars, Liu Zhiqiang, professor with Guangzhou University Institute for Human Rights, noted at the Human Rights Forum on human rights protection in Chinese modernization held in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, on Saturday.

In practice, Liu added, efforts should be made to enrich the concepts and connotations of human rights within the framework of Chinese modernization.

Liu Hongzhen, deputy head of Jilin University Human Rights Institute, focused on the core tenet of the modern Chinese perspective on human rights, saying the people-centered human rights perspective entails respect for the primary status of people and prioritizes their interests.

More than 80 scholars and researchers engaged in discussions on topics such as building an independent knowledge system of human rights in China, criminal law-related issues and human rights challenges in the digital age, as well as business and human rights.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The lawsuit alleges Aloha Home Health Care Services, LLC, violated the California Labor Code by failing to provide its employees with meal and rest periods.

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Diego labor law attorneys at Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC, filed a class action complaint against Aloha Home Health Care Services, LLC, for allegedly failing to provide meal and rest breaks. The class action lawsuit, Case No. 25CU059079C, is currently pending in the San Diego County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here.

According to the lawsuit, Aloha Home Health Care Services, LLC, allegedly violated California Labor Code Sections  201, 202, 203, 204, 210, 226.7, 510, 512, 558, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 1198, 1198.5 and 2802 by failing to: (1) pay minimum wages; (2) pay overtime wages; (3) provide required meal and rest periods; (4) provide accurate itemized wage statements; (5) provide wages when due; and (6) reimburse for required business expenses.

As a result of their rigorous work schedules, Aloha Home Health Care Services, LLC's employees were allegedly unable to take off duty meal breaks and were not fully relieved of duty for meal periods. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges employees were from time to time interrupted during their off-duty meal breaks to complete tasks for Aloha Home Health Care Servies, LLC. Employees were allegedly required to perform work as ordered by Aloha Home Health Care Services, LLC, for more than five (5) hours during a shift without receiving an off-duty meal break. Further, the lawsuit alleges Aloha Home Health Care Services, LLC, failed to provide employees with a second off-duty meal period each workday in which these employees were required by Aloha Home Health Care Services, LLC, to work ten (10) hours of work. The policy of Aloha Home Health Care Services, LLC, allegedly caused employees to remain on-call and on duty during what was supposed to be their off-duty meal periods. Employees therefore allegedly forfeited meal breaks without additional compensation and in accordance with the strict corporate policy and practice of Aloha Home Health Care Services, LLC.

If you would like to know more about the Aloha Home Health Care Services, LLC lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.

Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC are labor and employment law firms with offices located in California that dedicate their practices to fighting for employees who have been wronged by their employers due to unfair employment practices. Contact one of their attorneys today if you need help with workplace issues regarding wage and hour, wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, and harassment.

-THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT (Rules Prof. Conduct, rule 7.2)-

SOURCE Zakay Law Group, APC
Threat actors with ties to North Korea have likely become the latest to exploit the recently disclosed critical React2Shell security flaw in React Server Components (RSC) to deliver a previously undocumented remote access trojan dubbed EtherRAT.

"EtherRAT leverages Ethereum smart contracts for command-and-control (C2) resolution, deploys five independent Linux persistence mechanisms, and downloads its own Node.js runtime from nodejs.org," Sysdig said in a report published Monday.

The cloud security firm said the activity exhibits significant overlap with a long-running campaign codenamed Contagious Interview, which has been observed leveraging the EtherHiding technique to distribute malware since February 2025.

Contagious Interview is the name given to a series of attacks in which blockchain and Web3 developers, among others, are targeted through fake job interviews, coding assignments, and video assessments, leading to the deployment of malware. These efforts typically begin with a ruse that lures victims via platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, or Fiverr, where the threat actors pose as recruiters offering lucrative job opportunities.

According to software supply chain security company Socket, it's one of the most prolific campaigns exploiting the npm ecosystem, highlighting their ability to adapt to JavaScript and cryptocurrency-centric workflows.

The attack chain commences with the exploitation of CVE-2025-55182 (CVSS score: 10.0), a maximum-severity security vulnerability in RSC, to execute a Base64-encoded shell command that downloads and runs a shell script responsible for deploying the main JavaScript implant.

The shell script is retrieved using a curl command, with wget and python3 used as fallbacks. It is also designed to prepare the environment by downloading Node.js v20.10.0 from nodejs.org, following which it writes to disk an encrypted blob and an obfuscated JavaScript dropper. Once all these steps are complete, it proceeds to delete the shell script to minimize the forensic trail and runs the dropper.

The primary goal of the dropper is to decrypt the EtherRAT payload with a hard-coded key and spawn it using the downloaded Node.js binary. The malware is notable for using EtherHiding to fetch the C2 server URL from an Ethereum smart contract every five minutes, allowing the operators to update the URL easily, even if it's taken down.

"What makes this implementation unique is its use of consensus voting across nine public Ethereum remote procedure call (RPC) endpoints," Sysdig said. "EtherRAT queries all nine endpoints in parallel, collects responses, and selects the URL returned by the majority."

"This consensus mechanism protects against several attack scenarios: a single compromised RPC endpoint cannot redirect bots to a sinkhole, and researchers cannot poison C2 resolution by operating a rogue RPC node."

It's worth noting that a similar implementation was previously observed in two npm packages named colortoolsv2 and mimelib2 that were found to deliver downloader malware on developer systems.

Once EtherRAT establishes contact with the C2 server, it enters a polling loop that executes every 500 milliseconds, interpreting any response that's longer than 10 characters as JavaScript code to be run on the infected machine. Persistence is accomplished by using five different methods -

Systemd user service

XDG autostart entry

Cron jobs

.bashrc injection

Profile injection

By using multiple mechanisms, the threat actors can ensure the malware runs even after a system reboot and grants them continued access to the infected systems. Another sign that points to the malware's sophistication is the self-update ability that overwrites itself with the new code received from the C2 server after sending its own source code to an API endpoint.

It then launches a new process with the updated payload. What's notable here is that the C2 returns a functionally identical but differently obfuscated version, thereby possibly allowing it to bypass static signature-based detection.

In addition to the use of EtherHiding, the links to Contagious Interview stem from overlaps between the encrypted loader pattern used in EtherRAT and a known JavaScript information stealer and downloader named BeaverTail.

"EtherRAT represents a significant evolution in React2Shell exploitation, moving beyond opportunistic cryptomining and credential theft toward persistent, stealthy access designed for long-term operations," Sysdig said.

"Whether this represents North Korean actors pivoting to new exploitation vectors or sophisticated technique borrowing by another actor, the result is the same: defenders face a challenging new implant that resists traditional detection and takedown methods."

Contagious Interview Shifts from npm to VS Code

The disclosure comes as OpenSourceMalware revealed details of a new Contagious Interview variant that urges victims to clone a malicious repository on GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket as part of a programming assignment, and launch the project in Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

This results in the execution of a VS Code tasks.json file due to it being configured with runOptions.runOn: 'folderOpen,' causing it to auto-run as soon as the project is opened. The file is engineered to download a loader script using curl or wget based on the operating system of the compromised host.

In the case of Linux, the next stage is a shell script that downloads and runs another shell script named "vscode-bootstrap.sh," which then fetches two more files, "package.json" and "env-setup.js," the latter of which serves as a launchpad for BeaverTail and InvisibleFerret.

OpenSourceMalware said it identified 13 different versions of this campaign spread across 27 different GitHub users and 11 different versions of BeaverTail. The earliest repository ("github[.]com/MentarisHub121/TokenPresaleApp") dates back to April 22, 2025, and the most recent version ("github[.]com/eferos93/test4") was created on December 1, 2025.

"DPRK threat actors have flocked to Vercel, and are now using it almost exclusively," the OpenSourceMalware team said. "We don't know why, but Contagious Interview has stopped using Fly.io, Platform.sh, Render and other hosting providers."
Canadian organizations have emerged as the focus of a targeted cyber campaign orchestrated by a threat activity cluster known as STAC6565.

Cybersecurity company Sophos said it investigated almost 40 intrusions linked to the threat actor between February 2024 and August 2025. The campaign is assessed with high confidence to share overlaps with a hacking group known as Gold Blade, which is also tracked under the names Earth Kapre, RedCurl, and Red Wolf.

The financially motivated threat actor is believed to be active since late 2018, initially targeting entities in Russia, before expanding its focus to entities in Canada, Germany, Norway, Russia, Slovenia, Ukraine, the U.K., and the U.S. The group has a history of using phishing emails to conduct commercial espionage.

However, recent attack waves have found RedCurl to have engaged in ransomware attacks using a bespoke malware strain dubbed QWCrypt. One of the notable tools in the threat actor's arsenal is RedLoader, which sends information about the infected host to a command-and-control (C2) server and executes PowerShell scripts to collect details related to the compromised Active Directory (AD) environment.

"This campaign reflects an unusually narrow geographic focus for the group, with almost 80% of the attacks targeting Canadian organizations," Sophos researcher Morgan Demboski said. "Once focused primarily on cyber espionage, Gold Blade has evolved its activity into a hybrid operation that blends data theft with selective ransomware deployment via a custom locker named QWCrypt."

Other prominent targets include the U.S., Australia, and the U.K., with services, manufacturing, retail, technology, non-governmental organizations, and transportation sectors hit the hardest during the time period.

The group is said to be operating under a "hack-for-hire" model, carrying out tailored intrusions on behalf of clients, while deploying ransomware on the side to monetize the intrusions. Although a 2020 report from Group-IB raised the possibility of it being a Russian-speaking group, there are currently no indications to confirm or deny this assessment.

Describing RedCurl as a "professionalized operation," Sophos said the threat actor stands apart from other cybercriminal groups owing to its ability to refine and evolve its tradecraft, as well as mount discreet extortion attacks. That said, there is no evidence to suggest it's state-sponsored or politically motivated.

The cybersecurity company also pointed out that the operational tempo is marked by periods of no activity, followed by sudden spikes in attacks using improved tactics, indicating that the hacking group could be using the downtime to refresh its toolset.

STAC6565 begins with spear-phishing emails targeting human resources (HR) personnel to trick them into opening malicious documents disguised as resumes or cover letters. Since at least November 2024, the activity has leveraged legitimate job search platforms like Indeed, JazzHR, and ADP WorkforceNow to upload the weaponized resumes as part of a job application process.

"As recruitment platforms enable HR staff to review all incoming resumes, hosting payloads on these platforms and delivering them via disposable email domains not only increases the likelihood that the documents will be opened but also evades detection by email-based protections," Demboski explained.

In one incident, a fake resume uploaded to Indeed has been found to redirect users to a booby-trapped URL that ultimately led to the deployment of QWCrypt ransomware by means of a RedLoader chain. At least three different RedLoader delivery sequences have been observed in September 2024, March/April 2025, and July 2025. Some aspects of the delivery chains were previously detailed by Huntress, eSentire, and Bitdefender.

The major change observed in July 2025 concerns the use of a ZIP archive that's dropped by the bogus resume. Present within the archive is a Windows shortcut (LNK) that impersonates a PDF. The LNK file uses "rundll32.exe" to fetch a renamed version of "ADNotificationManager.exe" from a WebDAV server hosted behind a Cloudflare Workers domain.

The attack then launches the legitimate Adobe executable to sideload the RedLoader DLL (named "srvcli.dll" or "netutils.dll") from the same WebDAV path. The DLL proceeds to connect to an external server to download and execute the second-stage payload, a standalone binary that's responsible for connecting to a different server and retrieving the third-stage standalone executable alongside a malicious DAT file and a renamed 7-Zip file.

Both stages rely on Microsoft's Program Compatibility Assistant ("pcalua.exe") for payload execution, an approach seen in previous campaigns as well. The only difference is that the format of the payloads transitioned in April 2025 to EXEs instead of DLLs.

"The payload parses the malicious .dat file and checks internet connectivity. It then connects to another attacker-controlled C2 server to create and run a .bat script that automates system discovery," Sophos said. "The script unpacks Sysinternals AD Explorer and runs commands to gather details such as host information, disks, processes, and installed antivirus (AV) products."

The results of the execution are packaged into an encrypted, password-protected 7-Zip archive and transferred to a WebDAV server controlled by the attacker. RedCurl has also been observed using RPivot, an open-source reverse proxy, and Chisel SOCKS5 for C2 communications.

Another tool used in the attacks is a customized version of the Terminator tool that leverages a signed Zemana AntiMalware driver to kill antivirus-related processes via what's called a Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attack. In at least one case in April 2025, the threat actors renamed both the components before distributing them via SMB shares to all servers in the victim environment.

Sophos also noted that a majority of these attacks were detected and mitigated before the installation of QWCrypt. However, three of the attacks  one in April and two in July 2025  led to a successful deployment.

"In the April incident, the threat actors manually browsed and collected sensitive files, then paused activity for over five days before deploying the locker," it added. "This delay may suggest the attackers turned to ransomware after trying to monetize the data or failing to secure a buyer."

The QWCrypt deployment scripts are tailored to the target environment, often containing a victim-specific ID in the file names. The script, once launched, checks whether the Terminator service is running before taking steps to disable recovery and execute the ransomware on endpoint devices across the network, including the organization's hypervisors.

In the last stage, the script runs a cleanup batch script to delete existing shadow copies and every PowerShell console history file to inhibit forensic recovery.

"Gold Blade's abuse of recruitment platforms, cycles of dormancy and bursts, and continual refinement of delivery methods demonstrate a level of operational maturity not typically associated with financially motivated actors," Sophos said. "The group maintains a comprehensive and well-organized attack toolkit, including modified versions of open-source tooling and custom binaries to facilitate a multi-stage malware delivery chain."

The disclosure comes as Huntress said it has noticed a huge spike in ransomware attacks on hypervisors, jumping from 3% in the first half of the year to 25% so far in the second half, primarily driven by the Akira group.

"Ransomware operators deploy ransomware payloads directly through hypervisors, bypassing traditional endpoint protections entirely. In some instances, attackers leverage built-in tools such as OpenSSL to perform encryption of the virtual machine volumes, avoiding the need to upload custom ransomware binaries," wrote researchers Anna Pham, Ben Bernstein, and Dray Agha.

"This shift underscores a growing and uncomfortable trend: attackers are targeting the infrastructure that controls all hosts, and with access to the hypervisor, adversaries dramatically amplify the impact of their intrusion."

Given the heightened focus of threat actors on hypervisors, it's advised to use local ESXi accounts, enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA), implement a strong password policy, segregate the hypervisor's management network from production and general user networks, deploy a jump box to audit admin access, limit access to the control plane, and restrict ESXi management interface access to specific administrative devices.
(TBTCO) - Tai Hoi thao Chien luoc Tai chinh qua 5 nam trien khai thuc hien uoc Vien Chien luoc va Chinh sach kinh te - tai chinh (Bo Tai chinh) to chuc ngay 11/12, cac chuyen gia a chi ra han che va thach thuc trong qua trinh trien khai, tu o, e xuat giai phap e hoan thanh muc tieu Chien luoc tai chinh en nam 2030.
Bakery specialists craft eggless muffins using next-gen clean-label texturizer to replicate function and flavor of eggs in baked goods

Key takeaways:

Lasenor introduces clean-label, texturizing pea protein for egg-reduced muffins

Lasenor opens a new technical center housing a fully equipped bakery lab to serve the bakery industry

The company showcases its hybrid baked treats with LASENOR VP-100 at Fi Europe 2025

BARCELONA, Spain, December 09, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bakery solutions specialist Lasenor Emul, S.L. has successfully crafted delicious muffins using 50-100% less egg. Introducing LASENOR VP-100, a clean, texturizing protein from peas, these hybrid baked treats were showcased at Fi Europe 2025, as part of the product's official launch.

New partnership

Lasenor Debuts New Texturizing Pea Protein That Reduces Egg Use in Muffins

LASENOR VP-100 is a texturizing pea protein specifically designed for commercial bakery applications. Lasenor is collaborating with ingredient technology innovator Meala FoodTech, Ltd. The single ingredient protein was developed using Meala's proprietary texturization technology and further optimized by Lasenor for aerated batter systems.

New technical center and bakery lab

Lasenor recently opened a new technical center housing a fully equipped bakery lab. The center is dedicated to providing on-site guidance to industrial bakery manufacturers including cake mix producers in formulating plant-based bakery concepts that tick all the boxes in sensory appeal, and functionality. "Our customers can test recipes, optimize processes, and validate product performance under real manufacturing conditions," explains Chiara Marinanza, marketing director for Lasenor. "In addition, customers will benefit from Lasenor's applications expertise, formulation know-how, and direct market access to the bakery industry. This service reinforces the company as an application-driven partner, not just an ingredient supplier.

Replace egg 50%-100%

LASENOR VP-100 was designed explicitly for bakery use to enhance aeration, produce a softer crumb, and extend shelf life and freshness by slowing the staling process. The breakthrough texturizer acts as a single-ingredient functional solution within bakery applications and allows for egg reduction ranging from 50% to complete replacement, depending on the formulation. In kitchen lab tests, LASENOR VP-100 demonstrated its impressive capabilities in producing muffins that impart volume, softness, moisture, and an excellent consumer experience comparable to full-egg recipes. It gives stellar performance not only in muffins but a broad range of baked delicacies such as sponge cakes, pound cakes, and brioches.

Key advantages of LASENOR VP-100:

Superior water retention: VP-100 helps bakery products stay soft and moist longer, contributing to extended freshness and improved shelf life.

VP-100 helps bakery products stay soft and moist longer, contributing to extended freshness and improved shelf life. Egg reduction: It allows partial or total egg reduction while maintaining stable texture, volume, and crumb structure.

It allows partial or total egg reduction while maintaining stable texture, volume, and crumb structure. Clean-label: VP-100 is 100% plant-based, allergen-free, and non-GMO, supporting current consumer demand for simple, transparent ingredient lists.

VP-100 is 100% plant-based, allergen-free, and non-GMO, supporting current consumer demand for simple, transparent ingredient lists. Neutral flavor: The ingredient has no off flavors, making it suitable for all bakery applications without impacting organoleptic attributes. Comparable volume and dome formation.

"LASENOR VP-100 responds to consumer demands for plant-based alternatives and allergen free options," exclaims Viktoriia Kubrakova, product manager of LASENOR VP-100 for Lasenor. "Food manufacturers are actively seeking solutions that allow partial or full egg reduction, especially in light of the volatile egg supplies and price fluctuations."

Egg prices have increased 5090% in the EU, and 65% in the US, creating forceful pressure for more stable alternatives. Baked good categories that include muffins, sponge cakes, and sweet pastries that boast plant-based claims are seeing double-digit growth in product launches. The accelerating interest in plant-based baked goods is driven by demand for more sustainable, ethical, and better-for-you products.

Perfect muffin recipe

"LASENOR VP-100 delivers strong functional performance in muffin formulations, helping manufacturers achieve the desired texture, moisture, and structure, even with reduced egg content," adds Kubrakova. "Our trials demonstrate that VP-100 integrates smoothly into standard cake recipes without requiring changes to the processing methods."

For optimal functional performance, LASENOR VP-100 undergoes a controlled hydration and activation phase. This allows it to develop its gelling, binding, and water-retention capacities critical for egg-reduced systems, prior to its integration with the rest of the ingredients.

All the ingredients are then whisked together for several minutes into an airy batter where the activated protein serves to enhance foam stability so that it maintains air retention during baking. The batter is finally deposited into 45g- cavity molds and baked for 20 minutes at 180C/355F.

"Trials with LASENOR VP-100 produced soft, voluminous muffins with a uniform fine crumb and a stable structure," says Kubrakova. "The ingredient also fully aligns with market demands, supporting on-pack claims such as, '100% plant-based', 'egg-free', and 'clean label'."

LASENOR VP-100 enjoyed its official debut at Fi Europe 2025 in Paris on December 2-4, where the company showcased and offered tastings of muffins reformulated with the cutting-edge texturizing pea protein on its booth and in an intimate afternoon tea event.

About Lasenor

Lasenor is a global specialist in food ingredients, with more than 20 years of experience in emulsifiers, stabilizing systems, and functional solutions. With a strong legacy in bakery applications, Lasenor combines deep formulation knowledge with real industrial know-how. Headquartered in Spain with production sites and commercial offices in sites across Europe, the Americas, India, and Asia the company supports manufacturers worldwide with tailor-made ingredient systems and hands-on technical expertise.

The company also operates multiple application labs and pilot-scale facilities. Lasenor's portfolio includes clean-label solutions, plant-based ingredients, lecithin, bakery systems, and release agentsall developed to improve texture, stability, process efficiency, and final product quality. By taking meaningful actions in decarbonization, water conservation, and waste management, the company is actively contributing to a more sustainable future for the planet and the people.

For more information, contact:

Company Contact:

LASENOR EMUL, S.L.

Chiara Marinanza

Marketing Director

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.lasenor.com

Press Contact:

NutriPR

Liat Simha

Tel: +972-9-9742893

E-mail: [email protected]

Twitter: @NutriPR

Web: www.nutripr.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2840660/Lasenor_Pea_Protein.jpg

SOURCE Lasenor
TOP THREE: Miss World Trinidad and Tobago 2025 Georgia-Lee Gill, representing Arima, is flanked by first runner-up Chanique Marcelin, left, representing Tobago, and second runner-up Suana Sookdeo, representing Chaguanas, at the pageant held on Sunday at SAPA, San Fernando. Gill, a biochemist, won the $100,000 first prize and will represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Miss World finals. Photo: TREVOR WATSON
GUN TO HIS HEAD: Derek Tardieu and his wife, Claribel, seen here in a clip from a disturbing video used by the kidnappers to demand a ransom of US$2.5 million for their safe release. The two red circles above have been drawn to show a rifle pointed at Dereks head as well as a grenade in front of him.
The largest study on the state of women in corporate America shows declining commitment to gender diversity and reveals women are now less interested in promotion than mena gap that closes when women receive the same career support as male peers

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.Org released the 11th annual Women in the Workplace report, the largest and most comprehensive study on the state of women in corporate America and Canada. This year, only half of companies are prioritizing women's career advancement, part of a several-year trend in declining commitment to gender diversity. And for the first time, women are less interested than men in being promoted.

These are addressable issues. When women receive the same career support that men dosponsorship, manager support, and access to stretch opportunitiesthis gap in ambition to advance falls away. Yet women at both ends of the pipeline are still held back by less sponsorship and manager advocacy. Corporate America has made progress in women's representation over the past decade, but for companies that lost focus, 2026 must be the year to recommit.

Companies that truly invest in women and create a fair workplace for all employees will benefit from the talents of the full workforce. The decisions leaders make now will determine the future of women in the workplace, and those who get it right will win the war for talent and outpace their competitors.

Only half of companies are prioritizing women's career advancement, with two-thirds saying diversity is a high priority

54% of companies this year say women's career advancement is a high priorityand 46% of companies say the same about advancing women of color 21% of companies are giving little or no priority to advancing womenand this number rises to 29% for women of color

This marks a sharp decline in commitment compared to previous years In 2019, 87% of companies reported gender diversity was a high priority

67% of companies say they place a high priority on diversityand 84% say the same about inclusion For reference, in 2021, 90% of companies said that they placed a high priority on diversity and inclusion

While most companies are maintaining or increasing career development efforts for all employees, some are scaling back staffing and resources dedicated to diversity and inclusion and programs that support women's career advancement 25% of companies have reduced remote/hybrid work options 13% scaled back offering flexible work hours 13% cut back on career development programs with content for women 13% scaled back formal sponsorship programs



For the first time, an ambition gap has emergedwomen overall are less interested in being promoted than men

Women and men show equal commitment to their careers and similar motivation to do their best work Yet 80% of women overall say they want to be promoted to the next level, compared to 86% of men

This year, the ambition gap is most pronounced at the entry and senior-leader levels 69% of entry-level women want a promotion v. 80% of entry-level men 84% of senior-level women want to be promoted v. 92% of senior-level men

Compared to senior-level men, senior-level women see a steeper path to the top Senior-level women who don't want to advance are more likely than men at the same level to say they've been passed over for a promotion (women, 18%; men, 12%) and don't see a realistic path to the top (women, 11%; men, 3%)factors that may make their next career step seem even farther out of reach

Entry-level women face an opportunity gap Women early in their careers are far less likely than men to be people managers: only a third of all entry-level people managers are women As a result, far more entry-level men are on a path that can lead to promotion When entry-level women have the same opportunity to serve as people managers as men at their level, they are equally as likely to want to be promoted

Career support is strongly linked to a desire to advance When entry- and senior-level women and men have sponsors and receive similar levels of support from managers and more senior colleagues, they are equally enthusiastic about getting promoted to the next level

For some, personal obligations can make it harder to aspire to the next level Almost 25% of entry- and senior-level women who don't want a promotion say that personal obligations make it hard to take on additional work, compared to just 15% of men at these levels This maps to findings from previous years that show women do significantly more housework. In 2024, women with partners were more than three times as likely as men with partners to be responsible for all or most housework



Entry-level women have fewer doors opened for them

Entry-level women are starting their careers with less support and fewer opportunities

Compared to entry-level men, they are less likely: To have a sponsor: 31% of women v. 45% of men To get promoted: 30% of entry-level women v. 43% of entry-level men Four in 10 entry-level women have not received a promotion, stretch assignment, or opportunity to participate in leadership or career training in the past two years, compared to 3 in 10 entry-level men To feel they can push back or take risks: 62% of entry-level women feel safe to take risks and make mistakes v. 71% of men 66% of entry-level women feel comfortable disagreeing with others v. 71% of entry-level men

Entry-level women receive less encouragement to use AIand feel less positive about it Only 21% receive manager support to use AI tools, compared to 33% of men at the same level And this support matters: employees who are not encouraged to use AI are less optimistic about its impact As a result, only 37% of entry-level women believe AI will improve their career prospects, compared to 60% of employees overall



Women who primarily work remotely are promoted at lower rates

Women who work remotely most of the time are less likely to have a sponsor and far less likely to have been promoted in the last two years than women who work mostly on-site (37% of women working mostly remote v. 53% of women working mostly on-site)

Compared to entry-level women, entry-level men are promoted at more similar rates, regardless of where they work: only 25% of mostly off-site women at this level have been promoted in the last two years, compared with 44% of off-site men

Employees widely support fairness and inclusion in the workplace

Across the board, employees value bias-free processes, respectful workplaces, and varied perspectives. Around 9 in 10 men and women at all career levels agree with the following statements: Hiring and promotion processes should be free from bias and favoritism When employees feel respected and valued, they are motivated to do their best work A variety of perspectives leads to better decision-making and outcomes

Early and mid-career women are less likely to believe opportunities are fair 59% of entry-level women agree that the best opportunities go to the most deserving employees v. 74% of entry-level men 72% of mid-career women agree that the best opportunities go to the most deserving employees v. 81% of mid-career men 65% of entry-level women believe all employees receive the support they need to succeed and similar opportunities to advance v. 76% of entry-level men 75% of mid-career women believe all employees receive the support they need to succeed and similar opportunities to advance v. 82% of mid-career men

More women in senior leadership are concerned that their gender will hold them back: 29% see their gender as a barrier to getting ahead v. 19% of senior-level men

In the past year, employees faced especially high job insecurity and burnout

Many employees report feeling frequently burned out: 42% of women overall v. 41% of men Burnout is worse for senior-level women: 60% of senior-level women frequently experienced burnout v. 50% of senior-level men Black women are feeling it most: almost 8 in 10 (77%) senior-level Black women have been frequently burned out in the past year

Roughly half of employeesacross all levelshave seriously considered leaving their organizations in the past year

The complete report, including solutions that organizations can implement to make meaningful progress toward gender equality, is available at womenintheworkplace.com .

###

ABOUT THE STUDY

The Women in the Workplace study is conducted in partnership with McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.Org. Over 11 years, more than 1,000 companies have participated, and approximately 490,000 people have been surveyed on their workplace experiences. For this year's report, we collected pipeline data from 124 organizations employing approximately 3 million people, surveyed 70 companies on their HR policies and practices, conducted interviews with 62 HR executives, and collected insights from 9,500+ employees.

ABOUT MCKINSEY & COMPANY

McKinsey is a global management consulting firm committed to helping organizations accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth. We work with clients across the private, public, and social sectors to solve complex problems and create positive change for all their stakeholders. We combine bold strategies and transformative technologies to help organizations innovate more sustainably, achieve lasting gains in performance, and build workforces that will thrive for this generation and the next.

ABOUT LEAN IN

An initiative of the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation, LeanIn.Org helps women achieve their ambitions and companies create equal and inclusive workplaces. LeanIn.Org conducts original research on the state of women, supports a global community of small peer groups called Lean In Circles, and provides companies with programs to build workplaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. Those programs include 50 Ways to Fight Bias, a training activity that teaches all employees to recognize and interrupt biases women face at work, and the Women at Work Collection, a leadership training program for employees who want to become more effective and inclusive leaders. The Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation, which also runs LeanInGirls.Org and OptionB.Org, is a private operating nonprofit organization under IRS section 501(c)(3).

MEDIA CONTACT

[email protected]

SOURCE LeanIn.Org
A Tucson man was indicted this month by a federal grand jury of trafficking artifacts taken from the the Gila River Indian Community, federal prosecutors say.

Leo Reynoso, 46, faces a two-count indictment that says he excavated and removed numerous artifacts from known archeological sites located on tribal land, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Arizona says in a news release.

The items included Indian Trader tokens, coins, buttons, crucifixes, jewelry, and other items. Reynoso also sold some of the items, the release said.

An archeological damage assessment estimated the commercial value of the artifacts to be about $5,700; the archeological value to be about $29,000; and the cost of restoration and repair of the sites to be about $23,000, the release said.

A conviction on each count carries a maximum penalty two years in prison and up to a $20,000 fine.
The searches by federal agents at Taco Giro restaurants Friday at first seemed to echo similar actions years ago at Chuy's restaurants.

Back in 2011, federal agents served search warrants at the Chuy's locations in Tucson, Phoenix and California.

One big difference: That year the searches were met with curiosity, not protests, as at the Taco Giro on North Grande Avenue Friday.

Another big difference: Immigration and Customs Enforcement immediately announced they had arrested the owners of and accountant for Chuy's restaurants. This year, it's unclear exactly what led to the searches, nor what the outcome will be, beyond 46 arrests for "administrative immigration violations."

In fact, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Lokey told me in an email Monday, "The search warrants are out of the Tucson Federal Court and are sealed and we do not expect any imminent unsealing or filing of unsealed documents in the case."

So while that angle is a dead end for now, here are four interesting upshots of Friday's immigration-related raids:

1. Grijalva pepper sprayed

Rep. Adelita Grijalva showed up at the scene after the protest was underway. Grijalva said she was headed to Taco Giro for lunch.

When she arrived, a sort of standoff was going on between protesters who had blocked the only exit to the restaurant's parking lot and a Homeland Security special response team called in to help them.

Grijalva said she was trying to defuse the situation when she was hit with pepper spray. Specifically, she said she "was sprayed in the face by a very aggressive agent."

That became a big deal on the political right. Her former election opponent Daniel Butierez said of Grijalva on Facebook: "This woman was not pepper sprayed. I was also there today and this was a staged event to attack the administration." Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller accused her of lying: "She had to manufacture outrage where none exists."

And DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said "She wasnt pepper sprayed. She was in the vicinity of someone who was pepper sprayed as they were obstructing and assaulting law enforcement."

But video taken by Oscar Gomez of Univision shows an agent shooting a powerful spray in Grijalva's direction, if not directly at her, from maybe 6-8 feet away. It would be surprising if some of it had not hit her.

Also, radio host Bill Buckmaster and Green Valley News editor Dan Shearer saw her soon after the incident, when she went to KVOI studios for an interview with them. Both said, independently, that the left side of her face showed signs of the pepper spray.

"She was sitting two feet from me," Shearer said in a text. "Her left eye was beginning to close and she had marks on her forehead and under her chin."

A bigger question is why the agent was spraying people, without warning, in the first place. He also directly targeted identified members of the press, Gomez and Paul Ingram of the Tucson Sentinel.

"They were trying incite some sort of riot, because there was no reason at that point for them to still be there," Grijalva said in an interview on the radio show Democracy Now! on Monday.

2. Protesters won't trust

In the aftermath of the protests Friday, some people made the seemingly apt point that this was not a random immigration sweep of the type that have provoked protests around the country. It was targeted.

Federal agents served search warrants at 16 sites, ICE spokespeople said, including all eight Taco Giro restaurants. They said the searches resulted from "a years-long investigation into immigration and tax violations."

Also, some of the agents involved belonged to Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service, not ICE per se. HSI as an agency is part of ICE but historically has conducted more complex investigations, involving the illegal movement of contraband, people, weapons, child-sexual-abuse material and sensitive technology.

The protesters who responded Friday morning didn't know that, and it probably wouldn't have mattered to them anyway. They have been in rapid-response mode ever since President Trump took office, sending observers to any immigration action that their phone network hears of.

On Dec. 2, for example, rapid-responders went to an ICE stop of a vehicle in Barrio Viejo south of downtown. The agents were able to arrest the driver of the vehicle, but the passenger managed to escape.

These responses happen pretty regularly but rarely turn into drawn out protests like the one Friday.

Alba Jaramillo, an attorney with Coalicion de Derechos Humanos, noted that under Trump, immigration agents are incentivized to rack up numbers of arrests and deportations to meet quotas.

"When we show up in terms of rapid response, were not going to assume they are going to get a criminal," said Jaramillo, who was not at Friday's protest. "Were assuming theyre going to get any immigrant."

3. Tough spot for TPD

Federal officials called Tucson police for help getting their agents out of the area near Taco Giro, and officers responded.

But this could become a tight spot for Tucson police.

The city's political leadership is opposed to Trump's immigration policies, as they made clear in a joint statement by Mayor Regina Romero and Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz.

"Today, federal officers conducted a raid in Tucson that rapidly escalated into violence against the public," they said. "We share the fears in our community created by President Trumps immoral and inhumane immigration policies."

It went on, "Their disproportionate use of force, smoke grenades and pepper balls against the public, including our own Representative Adelita Grijalva, is not justified and cannot be tolerated."

So, TPD's leadership knows which side their bosses are on, and it's not ICE's side. Still, they have a duty to keep the peace. This is how Chief Chad Kasmar explained their involvement:

"After deploying chemical munitions at this incident location, federal agents requested emergency support from the Tucson Police Department to assist in exiting the area. TPD Rapid Response Team (RRT) personnel responded to the location to support a safe and orderly environment. For a brief period, vehicle traffic on Grande Avenue was restricted to allow federal special agents to exit the area safely."

They'll be lucky if that's as dicey as it gets.

4. More to come

This was a strange incident because it was apparently the end of a long investigation, not a spontaneous sweep as seen in Chicago and elsewhere.

Still, it shows what is likely to happen if immigration officials ramp up enforcement here.

And there's every reason to think they will. The administration has shown it responds to opposition by officials like Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker by raising the temperature, not lowering it.

The Grijalva incident is unlikely to be forgotten by the political appointees overseeing immigration sweeps. And if they get started in Tucson, the rapid-response network is sure to show up.

Photos: Protesters and federal agents clash outside of restaurant in Tucson Feds raid Tucson restaurants Feds raid Tucson restaurants Feds raid Tucson restaurants Feds raid Tucson restaurants Feds raid Tucson restaurants Feds raid Tucson restaurants Feds raid Tucson restaurants Feds raid Tucson restaurants Feds raid Tucson restaurants Feds raid Tucson restaurants Feds raid Tucson restaurants Feds raid Tucson restaurants Feds raid Tucson restaurants Feds raid Tucson restaurants
Communities and partners like the Norwegian Refugee Council are bringing schools back to life and students back to learning in Sudan through ECW-funded programme.

AL GENEINA, Sudan, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fatima Idris stands at the front of the classroom in Al Geneina, Sudan, watching as her students eagerly take their seats. The sound of rustling papers fills the room as they prepare for their exams  an event that, just a few months ago, seemed almost impossible.

This classroom, once reduced to near rubble by the armed conflict, has transformed into a sanctuary for these children.

Students read from their workbooks at an ECW-supported school in Al Geneina, Sudan.  Norwegian Refugee Council/Ahmed Ahmed

"Education had almost disappeared," said Teacher Fatima Idris. "Schools were burned, destroyed and left in ruins. But today, we are seeing something we never imagined  children returning to school, taking their exams and proving that they belong in a classroom."

The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has devastated communities across the country. Residential neighborhoods turned into war zones. Thousands of civilians have been killed, and millions have been forced to flee their homes. When the fighting stopped in Al Geneina, returning to school seemed like a distant dream.

But against all odds, hope has begun to emerge.

Thanks to the support of the Norwegian Refugee Council ( NRC ), with funding from Education Cannot Wait ( ECW ), an initiative to rebuild and reopen schools in Al Geneina was launched. This initiative is part of ECW's Multi-Year Resilience Programme in Sudan. In March, thousands of students in the country who had been forced out of education due to the armed conflict took their transitional exams  one step closer to rejoining formal schools and continuing to build the future they deserve.

Building Education in Al Geneina

When the fighting finally stopped in Al Geneina, the families and children left could barely recognize their town  let alone the destroyed schools around them. Since the conflict in Sudan began over two years ago, hundreds of school buildings have been damaged or destroyed, with many others being used as shelters.

But the community was determined to keep learning alive.

Teachers and parents banded together and began holding lessons in the damaged classrooms, and even under trees, using whatever tools and resources were at hand.

Responding to the education crisis and the community's strong desire to ensure Sudan's children could resume their education, in 2024, NRC launched a structured non-formal education intervention across schools in Al Geneina. The ECW-funded programme, delivered by NRC  together with parents, teachers and local committees  supported the renovation of school buildings, repair of classrooms, construction of latrines and securement of gates.

Accelerated education programmes were also established, allowing children who had fallen behind due to the armed conflict to catch up on the learning they'd missed.

After 10 months of the accelerated education classes, more than 2,000 children who were forced out of school due to the conflict were able to take their transitional exams in March. This marked a critical step to them rejoining the formal school system.

Students and parents alike see these exams as a beacon of hope.

"Without education, children become homeless. We want them to be educated and cultured so they can benefit the country," says Haja Abdulazim Adam, mother of a student. "After the war, many children were left on the streets, with no schools to go to. Today, they have a second chance."

The students who passed the assessment advanced to the next academic level, and are able to transition to formal schools once they are officially reopened.

ECW and partners like NRC continue to support children and adolescents in the whole of Sudan to ensure that, even in the most challenging circumstances, girls and boys impacted by the crisis can continue their education.

ECW in Sudan

Two and a half years since the start of the armed conflict, more than half of the country's population requires humanitarian assistance  including 16 million children who lack access to food, water, shelter, education and healthcare. Most schools across the country remain shuttered and are struggling to re-open, leaving 16.5 million children out of school.

ECW investments in the country, which began in 2021, total US$33.7 million and support the building and rehabilitation of classrooms, provision of learning and teaching materials, teacher training, improvement of access to drinking water, gender-sensitive water and sanitation facilities, and improvement of access to inclusive, quality education. ECW has also provided more than US$20 million in response to the regional refugee education needs, with grants announced in the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan and Uganda.

In times of crisis, education supports not only academic growth but also provides stability, normalcy and protection. Schools provide displaced girls and boys with a secure space to recover from the trauma of conflict. Additionally, they protect children from dangerous practices such as child marriage, child labor and forced recruitment into armed groups, offering them the opportunity to chase their dreams and build a better future.

For children in Sudan and around the world, education represents more than just learning; it's a pathway to a brighter future. Despite the trauma they've experienced, these students are showing that conflict may have interrupted their education, but it hasn't erased their immense potential. The transformation in Al Geneina is a testament to the resilience of both the community and its children.

For Teacher Fatima Daway, watching her students return to school, take their exams and believe in their futures once again is the greatest triumph of all.

"The war has caused immense destruction. We were psychologically broken," she says. "We could not imagine that schools would return as they did. But they did. And today, hope has returned with them."

SOURCE Education Cannot Wait
Chief Justice Nguyen Van Quang (Photo: Quoc Hoi)

The specialized court, established by this law under the Peoples Court sytem, has the authority to resolve cases between members of the financial center, or between members and other agencies, organizations, or individuals that are not members of the center.

Chief Justice Quang said the organizational and operational principles of the Specialized Court include independence in adjudication authority; judges adjudicate independently and obey only the law; ensuring equality before the law and the court; resolving cases fairly, transparently, impartially, objectively, promptly, and effectively.

In addition, the Specialized Court operates with guaranteed first-instance and appellate procedures; adversarial proceedings in adjudication; flexible and specialized procedures following international standards and practices; and public hearings, except when closed hearings are required by law.

Quang said one Specialized Court will be established in HCMC, with authority to handle disputes and requests arising at international financial centers in both HCMC and Da Nang.

The organizational structure of the Specialized Court includes: first-instance court, appellate court, and administrative apparatus. The court includes a chief justice, deputy chief justices, heads of courts, deputy heads, judges, court clerks, other civil servants, and employees.

The President will appoint judges who may be foreigners, Vietnamese citizens who are civil servants, lawyers, arbitrators, university lecturers, scientists, experts or judges of the Peoples Courts.

Foreign judges must have prestige, good ethics, and appropriate professional knowledge; have at least 10 years of experience in adjudicating or resolving cases related to investment and business activities; be proficient in English to resolve cases; and be no more than 75 years old and in good health.

Why judges can be foreigners

Speaking at the group discussion on the draft law, Quang emphasized that the authority and mechanism for dispute resolution is one of the most important factors to attract and build investor confidence. Among these, the court plays the most important role in ensuring that when disputes arise, there is a state authority to resolve them.

He also shared that Vietnam currently lacks practical experience in resolving disputes within an international financial center.

In the early stages, our knowledge of this field is almost zero, which is very challenging. The Supreme Peoples Court surveyed models in China and the UK, but could only access them from a narrow perspective, Quang said.

According to the chief justice, this is an international playground that requires legal differences between Vietnam and other countries. He gave an example: courts in international financial centers usually adjudicate based on case law and common law principles.

Regarding judges, many National Assembly delegates expressed concern about allowing foreign judges, fearing it may contradict current regulations.

Quang acknowledged that under current regulations, judges must be Vietnamese citizens. However, given the special requirements of the Specialized Court, he stressed that foreign judges are essential to ensure effectiveness and investor confidence.

He presented five reasons:

First, Resolution 222 of the National Assembly on the international financial center defines English or English with Vietnamese translation as the operating language. In reality, no court staff in Vietnam currently have sufficient English proficiency to adjudicate specialized economic and international cases in English.

He noted that Da Nang recently selected 10 talented people to prepare for the international financial center, including one judge trained in the UK. Even so, upon returning, this person may only qualify as a clerk rather than a judge.

Second, regarding legal training, most judges in Vietnam were not trained under the common law system (such as Singapore, the UK, or the US), while adjudication in an international financial center must follow common law principles.

Third, the requirement for judicial experience: no one in Vietnam has experience adjudicating international financial, commercial, or investment disputes.

Fourth, credibility: The parties look to the judge to have confidence. A judge must have a reputation and experience that allow both parties to trust that their decision is independent and impartial.

Fifth, the chief justice cited his study trip to the international financial center in Dubai, which has two international financial centers. In the first 10 years, the Dubai international financial center hired entire courts and judges from Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UK to adjudicate.

When I visited in early 2025, they told me only 30-45 percent of their judges were locals even after 10 years of training, Quang said.

Quang affirmed: This does not undermine national sovereignty, because foreign judges are still appointed by the president based on the recommendation of the chief justice of the Supreme Peoples Court.



Tran Thuong
Three Vietnamese accomplices were also sentenced on the same charge of kidnapping for the purpose of property appropriation.

Tran Phan Vu Thanh, 36, from An Giang, received 16 years. Nguyen Khanh Vi, 25, also from An Giang, was sentenced to 15 years, and Duong Thuy Ai, 31, likewise from An Giang, received a 12-year sentence.

According to the indictment, in early December 2023, Zhao Xin and Thanh plotted to kidnap a wealthy Chinese national living in what was then Binh Duong province.

Their target was Zhou Gao Ming, director of a company based in the Tan Binh Industrial Park.

On the evening of December 20, 2023, the group followed Mr. Mings car after he left a restaurant. Thanh posed as a police officer and stopped the vehicle under the pretext of conducting a sobriety test. He then used a stun gun to overpower the victim.

The group transported Mr. Ming to a warehouse rented by Ai, where he was held captive.

They forced him to call his coworkers and demand they bring 4.5 billion VND (approximately 185,000 USD) in ransom for his release.

After being alerted, Binh Duong provincial police worked with the victims family to devise a rescue plan.

On the afternoon of December 21, Zhao Xin instructed the victims family to drop the ransom money at an abandoned residential area. When Zhao arrived to retrieve the money, he was caught red-handed by law enforcement.

Thanh Phuong
The sound of saws, chisels, and cheerful conversations fills the air as craftsmen work tirelessly to complete orders on time.

Xuan Truong is one of Ninh Binhs most renowned Catholic wood carving villages, with dozens of workshops running year-round.

Its handcrafted statues vary widely in size and design, suitable for churches and private homes alike.

Prices range from a few dozen dollars to several thousand, depending on the material, size, and intricacy of each piece.

During the final months of the year, production activity surges as workshops ramp up manpower and extend hours to meet a wave of holiday demand.

At the workshop run by Vu Van Tu, 20 artisans are working full-time to complete orders for churches, stores, and private clients.

From October to December, our entire village goes into overdrive, Tu said. Orders for Christmas keep pouring in, and we often have to hire extra workers to keep up.

A 5060 cm statue usually takes three to five days to finish, while pieces over one meter tall can take up to a month. Thats why many customers start placing orders as early as August.

This year, my workshop will ship out nearly 1,000 items - including statues, altars, and pulpits - to destinations all across the country.

The statue-making process involves multiple meticulous steps.

First, the artisan sketches a model based on the customers request and selects a suitable wood type.

Then comes shaping, carving, fine detailing, sanding, and finally, applying PU (polyurethane) lacquer to give the surface a smooth, glossy, and durable finish.

Among these, the carving and detailing phase is the most demanding - it requires both masterful technique and a deep understanding of religious figures to breathe life into each expression and gesture.

While a single craftsman can do everything, we divide tasks at my workshop, Tu explained. Each person specializes in a specific step. That way, we maximize efficiency and maintain high quality.

Nguyen Xuan Hien, who has more than 20 years of experience in wood sculpture, added:

Making Catholic statues demands more than skill - it requires profound knowledge of the faith. You must understand the history and story behind each Saint to express their features and emotions accurately.

Even during this peak season, I never rush through my work. Every detail matters.

Its not just Tus workshop feeling the holiday surge - nearly every Catholic woodcraft shop in Xuan Truong is operating at full speed.

Despite the pressure, the atmosphere remains upbeat, with workers motivated by both passion for the craft and the prospect of better year-end earnings.

Craftsmen in Xuan Truong village work nonstop in the years peak season for Catholic statues.

Each statue undergoes careful carving, sanding, and painting.

The detailing phase demands both technical skill and deep religious knowledge.

Finished works are prepared for delivery across Vietnam.

Trong Tung
In a National Assembly session discussing investment in national target programs for new rural development, sustainable poverty reduction, and socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas until 2035, many lawmakers reflected on the painful aftermath of recent historic floods.

From escaping poverty to being pushed back by floods

Expressing deep concern about climate change adaptation, delegate Nguyen Thi Mai Hoa from Dong Thap emphasized that all three fields - new rural development, sustainable poverty alleviation, and socio-economic development for ethnic minority and mountainous regions - must be linked to climate change resilience.

The past few months have shown devastating impacts, where families that had just escaped poverty were pushed back into it after just one flood. The cost of recovery is often far greater than proactive investment, she said.

Hoa suggested that climate change adaptation should be recognized as a major, standalone component within the programs overarching goals.

Echoing this concern, delegate Duong Khac Mai from Lam Dong noted that recent storms and floods have severely damaged transportation infrastructure, public facilities, and personal property. In many regions, families that had risen out of poverty were dragged back to square one.

Theres even a bitter joke that some households have completely escaped poverty because they now have nothing left to be poor with, Mai said, urging the government to re-evaluate whether the current budget allocation for the program meets real-world needs.

Program funding estimates

Delegate Duong Khac Mai (Lam Dong delegation). Photo: National Assembly

For the 20262030 period, the program is expected to mobilize at least 1.23 quadrillion VND (approximately USD 50 billion). Of this, the central budget will directly contribute about VND 100 trillion (USD 4 billion), with future adjustments based on demand.

Local government budgets will provide about VND 400 trillion (USD 16 billion); integrated funding from other programs around VND 360 trillion (USD 14.4 billion); policy credit capital more than VND 22.6 trillion (USD 900 million); the rest will come from businesses and community contributions.

From 20312035, the government will propose resources based on the outcomes of the first phase.

Mai urged the government to forecast and allocate a large contingency fund, especially as climate change grows more severe - with more frequent storms, landslides, and droughts.

No matter how difficult the conditions, the program must reach its final goal, he emphasized.

Natural disasters crush dreams for the future

Delegate Chau Quynh Dao from An Giang shared that the rate of households falling back into poverty remains high, especially in ethnic minority and mountainous regions. One of the key causes is natural disasters.

Vietnam is a small country but constantly battles extreme weather. In 2025 alone, the country faced over 20 types of natural disasters - intense, widespread, and record-breaking, she said.

She cited recent flooding in Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong provinces that caused over VND 8.9 trillion (USD 355 million) in damages.

Delegate Chau Quynh Dao (An Giang delegation). Photo: National Assembly

Despite rapid government and community response efforts, she noted, the destruction was profound: Many families lost everything they had worked a lifetime to build - homes, infrastructure, and tragically, lives, including childrens.

Natural disasters dont just destroy property - they also shatter the hopes and dreams of the most vulnerable communities, she concluded.

Dao argued that sustainable poverty reduction must now mean adaptation, building resilience against natures harshest blows.

Insurance remains an underutilized tool

However, she pointed out that the current financial solutions focus heavily on credit access, overlooking an equally vital tool: insurance.

Life insurance coverage remains low, at just 1111.7% of the population. In agriculture - the sector most directly affected by natural disasters - only 16,700 out of nine million farming households have signed up for agricultural insurance over the past three years.

Without effective insurance coverage, the financial burden falls squarely on affected families and the state, which spends tens of trillions of dong annually for disaster relief. Banks accumulate bad debt, and communities are left relying on short-term charity instead of long-term solutions, she explained.

Delegate Dao called on the Government and National Assembly to consider policies that would make insurance a core financial protection mechanism - helping people rebuild faster and break the cycle of poverty for good.

Thu Hang
Travelers seeking a new angle on Hanoi can now embark on a one-day journey through the citys southern gateway - visiting the once-affluent Cuu Village, the traditional craft village of Chuyen My, and the century-old tailoring hub of Van Tu.

A vivid portrait of Vietnams artisan heritage

In October 2025, the Hanoi Department of Tourism introduced three new tour experiences under the theme "The gathering of quintessence." One of the highlights is the Southern Thang Long Heritage Route  The essence of Vietnamese craft villages, which connects the four communes of Dai Thanh, Hong Van, Ngoc Hoi, and Chuyen My. These destinations offer visitors a rare glimpse into traditional craft villages preserved through generations.

Visitors can admire the intricate lacquer art of Ha Thai Village, soak in the unique EastWest architecture of Cuu Village, explore the heritage of suit tailoring, sample chrysanthemum wine once reserved for royalty in Ngau Village, or experience spiritual traditions in Phuc Am. Each stop tells a story of cultural fusion and creativity, together forming a vibrant tapestry of Vietnams artisanal heritage.

Cuu Village charms visitors with century-old houses and timeless tranquility. Photo: Huy Nguyen

The grand entrance gate of Cuu Village is built in the style of an open scroll, like a giant book welcoming visitors. Photo: Huy Nguyen

Chuyen My commune is now working with the Hanoi Department of Tourism to elevate Cuu Village as a cultural destination while partnering with tour operators to attract both domestic and international tourists.

Located about 40 km from downtown Hanoi, Chuyen My is home to many intangible cultural treasures, including Tu Can and Gie Ha communal houses - both recognized as National Historic Sites built during the Le Dynasty.

The village also honors its artisan heritage at the Nationally Recognized Shrine to the Ancestors of Inlay Craft, commemorating those who founded and nurtured the traditional mother-of-pearl inlaying trade.

Cuu Village is often described as a living museum, drawing architecture lovers, photographers, and history buffs. While it features classic elements like banyan trees, village wells, and communal courtyards, Cuu also surprises with 2- to 3-story French-inspired villas - evidence of the villages prosperous past, once renowned for its mastery in Western-style tailoring.

Exploring the crafts of Van Tu, Chuyen My, and Phu Yen

In addition to the peaceful charm of Cuu, tourists can explore three officially recognized craft villages in the area: Van Tu for suit tailoring, Chuyen My for inlay and lacquerware, and Phu Yen for leather shoe making.

Van Tu has upheld its tailoring tradition for over a century. Despite changing times, the craft remains strong, with around 1,000 active workshops and retail outlets. Many of Van Tus bespoke suits are now popular in domestic markets and even exported abroad.

Tourism paired with traditional craft preservation

Dao Ngoc Hung, Director of Hung Luyen Garment Co., shared: Beyond tailoring and business, were open to innovation to promote tourism. Visitors can tour historical sites, observe the tailoring process in our stores, and even place custom orders.

To support its craftspeople, Chuyen My has launched an e-commerce platform, held training sessions on livestreaming and online selling, and leveraged social media to expand customer outreach.

For those drawn to the delicate beauty of inlay art, Chuon Ngo Village is a must-see. The village still thrives with families of skilled artisans, welcoming visitors to witness every step of the inlay and lacquerware production process.

The commune has also transformed its old primary school campus into a 12,000-square-meter craft exhibition and shopping center. Recognized as a communal-level creative design hub, the site promotes OCOP (One Commune One Product) goods and serves as a model for linking cultural preservation with tourism.

By intertwining tourism with the preservation of traditional crafts, Chuyen My is not only protecting its cultural legacy but also building a sustainable livelihood for local residents.

Dao Ngoc Hung has been dedicated to tailoring for over 30 years. Photo: Huy Nguyen

The gate of Chuon Ngo Village, home to Hanois iconic inlay craft. Photo: Huy Nguyen

Craft village product showroom and visitor center. Photo: Huy Nguyen

Linh Trang
On the evening of December 8, Archbishop Giuse Nguyen Nang, head of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, led a solemn ceremony to bless two newly crafted golden crosses at Notre-Dame Cathedral, located in Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

The two new crosses, each standing over 3.7 meters tall and spanning 1.85 meters in width, weigh approximately 400 kilograms. They were produced by a corporation in Belgium and gilded by an Italian company.

After a five-week maritime journey, the crosses arrived at Notre-Dame Cathedral in time for the Christmas season. According to the restoration committee, the gilding was not intended as a display of opulence, but to protect the inner steel structure, enhancing both durability and aesthetic value.

The base of each cross, designed in the shape of a fleur-de-lis, had been transported to Ho Chi Minh City by the end of 2024.

To preserve and protect the crosses, they are encased in Plexiglas (Acrylic) enclosures. Unlike tempered glass, Plexiglas is lightweight, transparent, and does not cause glare in photos, allowing visitors and parishioners to admire the crosses clearly.

Over time, harsh weather conditions and the scars of war severely damaged the original zinc spire crosses. After 128 years of standing atop the cathedrals towers, the old crosses had become rusted and irreparable. The blessing ceremony was conducted with solemnity and reverence.

Father Ho Van Xuan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, was visibly moved as he witnessed the lowering of the original crosses from the cathedrals spires.

The cross is a symbol of love and hope. This year is also a Holy Year  an occasion that occurs only once every 25 years  so the timely arrival of the new crosses for the Christmas season is truly special for both the faithful and the community, Father Xuan shared.

Many locals were visibly emotional as they had the chance to admire the two new crosses up close.

Notre-Dame Cathedral was built in 1877. In 2017, a major renovation effort began to restore its deteriorating components.

Archbishop Giuse Nguyen Nang blesses the golden crosses on the evening of December 8.

The new gilded crosses are placed behind glass inside the cathedral for public viewing.

Each of the new crosses measures 3.7 meters in height, 1.85 meters in width, and weighs 400 kg.

The cross bases, shaped like fleur-de-lis, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City at the end of 2024.

Encased in Plexiglas, the crosses are protected while remaining easily visible to visitors.

The original crosses atop the zinc spires had deteriorated beyond repair after 128 years.

The blessing ceremony was held in a solemn and respectful atmosphere.

Father Ho Van Xuan was emotional witnessing the removal of the original crosses.

Father Xuan described the crosses as symbols of love and hope, especially meaningful during this Holy Year.

Many visitors were moved to see the newly arrived crosses up close.

Notre-Dame Cathedral, built in 1877, has undergone restoration since 2017.

Tuan Hung
According to data from IQAir.com, at 2 PM today, Hanois AQI measured 174. The city with the worst air quality in the world at that time was Kolkata, India.

The Northern Environmental Monitoring Center, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, also reported Hanois AQI at hazardous levels - the highest recorded in the region today.

The center warned that air quality would remain "very unhealthy" over the next 48 hours across Hanoi and nearby provinces including Hung Yen, Hai Phong, and Ninh Binh.

In response to worsening pollution, the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health issued a public advisory urging citizens to wear certified masks when going outside.

It recommended smokers reduce or quit smoking altogether and avoid spreading tobacco smoke in shared living spaces.

People sensitive to air pollutants are advised to avoid sources of emissions. If experiencing symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest pain under poor air conditions, they should seek immediate medical attention.

In the morning of December 9, Hanoi's AQI hit a staggering 283 - categorized as very unhealthy.

A dense layer of smog enveloped the city, reducing visibility so severely that even nearby skyscrapers seemed to vanish in the haze.

Duc Hoang
Nam shared that in 1994, while serving in the army in Khanh Hoa Province, he was given three old banknotes by local residents as souvenirs. From time to time, he would take them out to look at them and explore the patterns, designs and illustrations on each note. The more he learned, the more fascinated he became, and that sparked his desire to collect old currency.

At the end of 1995, after finishing his military service, Nam began to study old banknotes more deeply and officially started his collecting journey.

At that time, collecting old bank notes was extremely difficult. I had to wait for the Vieng spring market in Nam Truc Commune (Ninh Binh Province), a market that opens only once a year, to search for notes I didnt have yet. I also asked friends and acquaintances for help. Whenever I heard that someone was selling a note missing from my collection, I would travel there to buy it at any cost.

In recent years, as social media has grown, collecting old money has become easier. I can go online to buy or trade with fellow collectors in various groups, thanks to which I have obtained many rare notes, Nam said.

After 30 years of collecting, Nam now owns around 500 Vietnamese banknotes from different periods and more than 200 coins.

Many notes in his collection cost him tens of millions of VND. Most recently, he spent VND60 million to acquire a rare banknote he had been searching for many years.

Nam said that to understand the historical and cultural value hidden in each old banknote, he reads specialized books, research documents and searches for additional information on the Internet. He also actively learns and exchanges experience with other collectors. Thanks to that, he can accurately assess the rarity and actual value of each item in his collection.

Each period had its own size, colors, materials and printing techniques. Just by looking at a banknote, you can recognize the distinctive marks of its historical era. From the typography and patterns to the material, everything reflects the socioeconomic context of the time.

To me, these notes hold not only material value but also the spirit of the era, tied to each stage of the countrys history. The more I collect, the more passionate I become. So even if I have to spend a large amount of money to acquire one, I still feel its worth it, Nam said.

Nam has his own methods of preservation. Whenever he obtains a new note, he dries it with air conditioning to remove moisture and prevent mold. After that, the note is placed in a hard plastic sleeve, carefully sealed along the edges, then organized into an album and stored in a cabinet. This method helps the notes retain their original color, printing details and texture for many years.

For high-value rare notes, Nam sends them abroad for grading and preservation using specialized technology, ensuring they are kept in optimal conditions.

Though many people have offered to buy certain notes in his collection at high prices, he firmly refuses. For him, the spiritual value of these notes is far greater than the monetary value buyers are willing to pay.

In addition to old money, Nam also dedicates great effort to collecting ration coupons and postage stamps. He currently owns around 10,000 stamps, including many rare sets highly sought after in the collector community.

According to him, every old banknote or stamp carries a piece of history. For that reason, he hopes that one day, when conditions allow, he will build an exhibition room at his home so that those who share the same passion can come to admire, exchange and learn from one another.

Ha Nguyen
Smart operation centers provide real-time, multi-sector coordination for urban governance.

The explosion of data, the increasing pressure of modern urban management, and the rising expectations of citizens are forcing local governments to shift from traditional management to real-time, data-driven operations.

Many countries have successfully implemented intelligent operation center (IOC) models, becoming examples for others to follow. Despite different development levels, these successes share common principles: centralized data, cross-sector operations, long-term strategies, and strong community participation.

Singapore is a leading example of data-based governance. It built Virtual Singapore, a 3D digital model of the entire city that integrates traffic, climate, population, planning, and public safety data.

South Korea embraced the smart city concept early, focusing on AI-driven, automated management. Cities like Sejong and Songdo are real-world testbeds for new technologies. Songdo, for instance, uses dense sensor networks to monitor traffic, waste, air quality, and urban safety, supplying accurate, real-time data to its IOC.

Japan stands out with its human-centered smart city philosophy. Tokyo and Yokohama built IOCs not just to manage infrastructure but to improve quality of life. These cities integrate data on aging populations, public health, and energy into forecasting models to optimize services and reduce strain on healthcare systems. Notably, Japanese citizens contribute data via community apps, promoting transparency and public consensus.

From these global models, three decisive factors emerge. First, data must be centralized, clean, and high-quality. Second, governments need consistent long-term strategies to avoid fragmented or trend-driven investments. Third, IOCs only become effective when embedded within a smart city ecosystem where all sectors and citizens actively provide and use data. These are crucial lessons for Vietnam as localities begin to deploy smart operation centers.

Urbanization pressures and the need for real-time governance

Vietnam's urbanization is accelerating faster than predicted. In just a decade, urbanization jumped from over 30% to nearly 43%, increasing population density, vehicle numbers, demand for public services, and infrastructure load.

Traditional administrative models based on manual reports and sequential processing are showing clear limitations. Citizens now demand faster public services, businesses expect more transparency, and authorities need accurate decisions. Delays in information handling can lead to widespread consequences.

Take traffic, environment, healthcare, and urban order, for instance. A prolonged traffic jam can result in economic loss. A fire that goes undetected in time can be deadly. A downpour without real-time flood prediction can paralyze entire districts. Meanwhile, data from cameras, sensors, GIS, population databases, and public service systems is growing rapidly - but remains fragmented, unconnected, and underused.

Smart operation centers are designed to resolve these bottlenecks. Their ability to integrate cross-sector data, provide real-time analysis, and offer visual insights helps governments shift from reactive to proactive operations. Authorities no longer need to wait for written reports, verify information manually, or rely solely on human surveillance. It marks a shift from experience-based governance to data-driven governancea defining feature of modern cities.

The smart operation center as a city's soft infrastructure

If a city's hard infrastructure includes roads, bridges, electricity, water, and telecom, its soft infrastructure is made up of data and operational systems.

A smart operation center serves as a connector, a brain, and a decision-making interface. It is not a standalone tech project but a core part of the national smart city strategy.

The IOC performs three essential functions. First, it aggregates and unifies data from various sources into a single urban picture. Surveillance cameras, traffic monitors, environmental sensors, population and land data, and citizen reports through digital platforms are all integrated into one system. This 360-degree view was previously unachievable.

Second, it analyzes data to support decision-making. As information on traffic, public security, air quality, and infrastructure status is updated continuously, algorithms can trigger early warnings, suggest solutions, or even initiate automated response scenarios. This allows for faster, more accurate decision-making, reducing response times and mitigating losses.

Third, it enables cross-sector coordination and supervision. The IOC allows police, transport, health, environmental, and district-level agencies to collaborate in real time. When an incident occurs, all relevant parties access the same data, avoiding overlaps, finger-pointing, or uncoordinated responses. This is foundational for building a modern, streamlined, and efficient government.

Together, these capabilities make the operation center an indispensable part of urban soft infrastructure. Without an IOC, cities cannot truly become smart. Urban digital development would remain at the level of "digitized processes" without achieving "intelligent operations" - a key requirement of national digital transformation.

From transparency to better public service experience

A major question for many local governments is: What tangible value does a smart operation center bring to citizens and businesses?

The answer lies in improved public service quality, enhanced transparency, and restored public trust.

An effectively functioning IOC offers visible improvements. Commuting becomes more convenient thanks to optimized traffic light timing, congestion alerts, and smart route suggestions. Security improves with AI-analyzed surveillance systems that detect unusual behavior and speed up emergency response. Real-time updates on air quality, noise levels, rainfall, and flooding help citizens plan their daily lives better.

Another key area is online public services. With data integrated and monitored through the IOC, delays, opaque procedures, and unresolved cases are reduced. Citizens can track their requests, report issues, and receive feedback via apps. Reports on lighting, sanitation, or traffic safety are resolved promptly, bringing the government closer and making it more efficient and trustworthy.

Businesses also benefit from open data, transparency, and a better investment climate. Public access to zoning, land use, traffic flows, population movement, and digital infrastructure conditions allows for more informed investment decisions. Licensing, support services, and dispute resolution become faster, more accurate, and less costly.

Moreover, a well-run IOC can attract foreign direct investment. Global corporations often assess urban operational readiness when choosing sites for factories or R&D centers. Cities that can manage risks, ensure safety, and maintain stable operations provide a strong foundation for economic development.

Conditions for building a practical and sustainable smart operation center

Despite the benefits, building an IOC must not be rushed or superficial. A truly effective center requires four key pillars: data infrastructure, integration standards, operational resources, and a sustainable development strategy.

Data infrastructure is the first and most crucial. Many cities have invested in IOCs, but due to incomplete or unconnected data, the centers fail to function effectively. For real value, data must be collected via modern sensors, updated in real time, and meet national data management standards. Data should also be open, where appropriate, to boost digital services and the digital economy.

Integration standards are equally vital. A city consists of multiple systems across sectors. Without common standards, each sector may use different platforms, data models, and connection methods - making integration impossible. Lessons from other countries show success depends on unified architecture, clear API protocols, security standards, compatibility guidelines, and interagency data-sharing frameworks.

Operational resources are the third factor. Technology is only part of the equation. Smart operations require skilled personnel who understand system functions and can translate IOC signals into real-world action. Many cities have modern centers but lack trained staff or coordination procedures. Building digital talent and interdepartmental workflows is key to unlocking an IOC's full potential.

A sustainable development strategy is the final component. The IOC is not a one-time project but a living platform with a long-term lifecycle. Technologies evolve rapidly, urban demands shift, and socio-economic models change. Thus, the IOC must be designed with an open model that allows for scaling, updating, and integration of new applications. Cities with long-term vision and clear roadmaps will avoid wasteful investments and maximize the center's value for years to come.

In the context of national digital transformation, smart urban development, and public sector modernization, smart operation centers are not a passing trend but a foundational requirement. They enable governments to operate based on data, enhance responsiveness, boost transparency, improve public services, and create better living conditions for citizens. This is a strategic step forward as Vietnamese cities move toward modern governance and a digital nation model.

Thai Khang
Opening December 11 in Slidell, Featuring Full Product Line and One-of-a-Kind Cookware Finds

SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lodge Cast Iron, makers of heirloom-quality cast iron cookware and accessories since 1896, proudly announces the grand opening of its first Louisiana Factory Store in Slidell, LA, on December 11, 2025. This milestone extends Lodge's retail experience from its home state of Tennessee, bringing nearly 130-years of cast iron craftsmanship to the Gulf South.

Lodge Cast Iron Slidell Factory Store (PRNewsfoto/Lodge Cast Iron)

Located in The Fremaux Town Center, the new 4,500-square-foot store offers shoppers the complete Lodge collection. From the iconic cast iron skillets and classic camp Dutch oven to specialty pieces like the Fluted Cake Pan and Wedge Pan, the store is a true destination for cooks, campers, and collectors alike. Guests can also explore Lodge's colorful enameled cast iron, professional-grade carbon steel, and vibrant stoneware, along with a curated assortment of kitchen tools, gadgets, and pantry favorites.

What sets the Factory Store apart is the chance to take home "factory seconds." Unique, one-of-a-kind cookware, that may not meet Lodge's exacting cosmetic standards but cook every bit as beautifully. These distinctive finds let cast iron fans and first-time users alike experience Lodge quality at an unbeatable value. For shoppers looking to learn more about cast iron cooking and care, Lodge Factory Store's friendly and engaging staff offer a breadth of tips and tricks on the category.

"Our heart will always be in Tennessee, but we're thrilled to expand our retail footprint with our very first Factory Store in Louisiana," said Mike Otterman, CEO and President of Lodge Cast Iron. "Louisiana's deep-rooted food culture and love for cast iron cooking make it the perfect place for Lodge to grow. We're excited to bring our Factory Store experience to the bayou and share our passion for timeless cookware with the community."

Founded in 1896, Lodge Cast Iron has been proudly crafting cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, for more than a century. The new Slidell Factory Store officially opens December 11, 2025, at 280 Town Center Parkway, Slidell, LA 70458, in The Fremaux Town Center. Join us on opening day for grand opening deals storewide. Store hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. CT Sunday.

Lodge is currently hiring for multiple positions at the new location. To learn more or apply, visit LodgeCastIron.com.

About Lodge

Founded by Joseph Lodge in 1896, Lodge is the oldest family-owned cast iron cookware manufacturer in America. Lodge produces the largest full line of cast iron cookware in its two South Pittsburg, TN., foundries. The company has been in continuous operation for 126 years, supporting local workers, and creating cookware that brings families together for generations. For additional information on Lodge, go to www.lodgecastiron.com and @LodgeCastIron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Correction: Updates were made to verbiage in the first, third, and last paragraphs.

SOURCE Lodge Cast Iron
The Ministry of Finance has released an impact assessment report for a new draft decree intended to replace Decree 03/2017 on casino operations. The proposed legal framework aims to resolve existing regulatory obstacles and better align with current laws.

Illustrative image.

The draft decree outlines the conditions under which Vietnamese citizens may legally enter casinos, including the following:

Must be at least 21 years old

Must have full civil act capacity

Must demonstrate financial capability

Must purchase an entry ticket

Must not be on a list of individuals restricted by family or by self-declaration

Must use Vietnamese dong (VND) to exchange for casino chips, which can be converted back if not used or upon winning

The Ministry of Finance noted that, so far, these requirements have worked effectively to control Vietnamese participation in casinos, without causing major implementation issues.

However, the requirement for financial proof has proven problematic, as it often involves presenting multiple documents, making the process cumbersome for both players and casino operators during verification.

The ministrys review of Decree 03/2017 finds the legal framework on casino businesses largely complete, ensuring that this remains a regulated industry subject to oversight - from licensing and equipment imports to public security and foreign exchange monitoring.

Casino operations in Vietnam

Vietnam currently has nine operational casinos (six small-scale and three large-scale), with two more projects under construction. The major casinos are located in Ho Tram (Ba Ria - Vung Tau), Nam Hoi An (Quang Nam), and Phu Quoc (Kien Giang).

From 2017 to 2022, these nine casinos generated total revenue of 22.89 trillion VND (approximately 950 million USD) and contributed 11.81 trillion VND (approximately 490 million USD) to the national budget. Revenues declined between 2019 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Phu Quoc casino was approved for a pilot program allowing Vietnamese citizens to play from 2019 to 2024. Over five years, Vietnamese accounted for 52% of total guests but contributed 88% of total revenue. Most players were men aged 30 to 49.

The Ministry of Finance believes that certain provisions in the current decree should be revised or supplemented to reflect new policy directions, enhance regulatory efficiency, and meet practical demands.

T. Nhung
Vietnam's focused digital technology zones are proving to be economic powerhouses, delivering up to $10 million in annual revenue per hectare. These zones are not only hubs for innovation but also elevate labor productivity and income far above the national average.

The figures were announced by Nguyen Khac Lich, Director of the Department of ICT Industry under the Ministry of Science and Technology, during the Investment Promotion Conference for Focused Digital Zones recently held in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyen Khac Lich, Director of the Department of ICT Industry under the Ministry of Science and Technology, delivers opening remarks at the Investment Promotion Conference for Focused Digital Zones in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: BTC)

Mr. Lich emphasized that after over 12 years of development, Vietnam has successfully established a robust infrastructure foundation for its digital technology industry.

A decade of digital zone evolution

The model of concentrated ICT zones was first introduced under Decree 154 in 2006. With the adoption of the Digital Industry Law in 2025, the name was updated to "Focused Digital Zones."

According to Mr. Lich, there are currently eight focused digital zones across Vietnam, located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Can Tho.

These zones collectively span 2.588 million square meters - more than ten times their size in 2013 - and host over 630 digital technology enterprises, a 20% increase in participation.

Most notably, these zones generate extremely high economic value relative to the land they occupy. Land productivity reaches about $10 million per hectare per year, which is very high compared to other functional zones, Mr. Lich noted.

He added that these digital zones are not just operational spaces for businesses, but ecosystems of value creation, knowledge cultivation, and innovation acceleration. Labor productivity and income among the 42,450 highly skilled workers in these zones are significantly higher than the national average, he said.

A shift in national tech strategy

With global technology shifting rapidly, Vietnam is redefining its development model. Instead of focusing on software and applications, the trend is moving toward integrated ecosystems of AI, big data, semiconductors, and disruptive technologies.

Mr. Lich stated: Developing focused digital zones is not about industrial real estate. We are building an ecosystem where every company - from startups to global corporations - can innovate, experiment, scale, and go global.

A major shift introduced in the Digital Industry Law includes stronger incentives, streamlined institutional frameworks, regulatory sandboxes, and access to shared digital infrastructure such as cloud computing, data centers, chip testing labs, and supercomputers for AI training.

At the conference, representatives from Yen Binh Digital Zone, Quang Trung Software Park, and Becamex Binh Duong shared successful models and strategies to attract global tech giants.

Unprecedented tax and land incentives

A panoramic view of the Investment Promotion Conference for Focused Digital Zones in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: BTC)

To accelerate development, the government has introduced a groundbreaking incentive framework.

In terms of finance, investment projects within focused digital zones can access the highest corporate income tax benefits:

10% tax rate for 15 years

4 years of full exemption

50% reduction for the following 9 years

For mega-projects (valued over 6 trillion VND, or approx. 250 million USD) in core tech sectors like semiconductors and high-performance computing (HPC), the tax period is extended by 1.5 times, and companies can deduct 200% of R&D expenses.

On land policy, infrastructure developers of digital zones are fully exempt from land rent for the project's entire duration.

The same land exemptions apply to enterprises producing key digital products, such as semiconductors and AI solutions.

To attract top talent, the new policy waives personal income tax for five years for high-skilled professionals in the digital industry.

Foreign experts are also granted five-year visas for themselves and their immediate family (spouse and children under 18), exempted from work permits, and provided with financial support, housing, work environments, and transportation.

Simplified governance for faster deployment

To streamline operations, the Digital Industry Law decentralizes approval authority for focused digital zones from the Prime Minister to provincial People's Committees.

Administrative procedures are also cut by 50%, including the elimination of the previous project proposal approval step.

This is seen as a clear signal of Vietnams readiness to lead in the digital age, with a go fast, go first mindset.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has pledged to work closely with local governments and investors to resolve bottlenecks and help Vietnam become a leading destination in the global digital industry.

Du Lam
Delivering a report on behalf of the Prime Minister, Government Inspector General Doan Hong Phong briefed lawmakers on the national anti-corruption efforts in 2025.

Through inspections and investigations, authorities uncovered numerous violations, recommending administrative action against 1,872 organizations and 6,544 individuals. A total of 236 cases involving 140 suspects were transferred to the police for further investigation.

In handling complaints and denunciations, officials recommended disciplinary action against 376 individuals and forwarded 12 cases involving 14 suspects to law enforcement.

Government Inspector General Doan Hong Phong delivers the anti-corruption report. Photo: National Assembly

According to Mr. Phong, the State Audit of Vietnam recommended financial corrections totaling 34.6 trillion VND (approximately 1.4 billion USD), and over 125 million USD, along with the cancellation or amendment of 180 legal documents.

Investigations into corruption cases across the police force involved 1,363 cases with 3,187 defendants. Of these, 813 cases with 2,044 individuals were referred for prosecution.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense initiated 14 criminal cases involving 19 defendants, and recommended prosecution in 8 cases involving 37 people.

The Peoples Procuracy handled 1,077 cases involving 3,060 individuals, successfully resolving 1,041 cases involving 2,931 defendants.

Courts nationwide concluded 1,188 cases with 3,061 defendants, with 975 cases and 2,386 individuals having undergone trial.

Phong also reported that in civil enforcement regarding economic and corruption-related cases, 10,393 judgments required enforcement. Of these, 7,888 were deemed enforceable, and 6,471 were successfully carried out.

He affirmed that in 2025, Vietnams anti-corruption, anti-waste, and anti-misconduct campaigns have gained momentum, with noticeable improvements both at the central and local levels. The efforts have been widely recognized and supported by the public.

For 2026, authorities aim to conclude ongoing high-profile corruption cases, increase power oversight, and tackle misconduct within two-tiered local governments.

Inspections will focus on early detection and handling of violations. Agencies will also work to resolve the issue of unused public buildings and suspended infrastructure projects following administrative boundary restructuring.

High-ranking officials also disciplined

Chairman of the Legal and Judicial Committee Hoang Thanh Tung presents the committees review. Photo: National Assembly

Chairman of the Legal and Judicial Committee, Hoang Thanh Tung, presented the committees review, highlighting that in 2025, authorities disciplined many officials and civil servants - including those under the direct management of the Politburo and the Party Central Secretariat, both at central and local levels.

However, the committee noted that the effectiveness of public education on anti-corruption remains low. Many officials and party members continue to display signs of moral and political decline, engaging in corrupt or wasteful practices.

Violations of transparency, budget standards, and public resource use remain prevalent, with little improvement.

Discipline and professional conduct among some civil servants and agencies have not been strictly enforced. Petty corruption and administrative harassment of citizens and businesses persist, as do cases of officials evading responsibility.

Furthermore, some public officials and agencies still fail to proactively explain or respond to public and media concerns regarding corruption or mismanagement.

Asset and income declarations by individuals in positions of authority remain poorly monitored, with many violations in the process and content of declared forms.

The committee urged the government to ramp up inspections in key sectors, especially land management, construction, public procurement, resource exploitation, counterfeit goods, pharmaceuticals, and labor and healthcare services.

The government was also advised to review and repurpose surplus public office space following recent administrative mergers, as part of broader anti-waste and anti-corruption efforts.

Lastly, the committee called for enhanced capacity in detecting and prosecuting corruption cases, accelerating asset recovery, and continuing to encourage fugitives to turn themselves in, while tracking down those who have fled abroad.

They also urged improvements in asset valuation and forensic assessments, especially in complex corruption investigations.

Tran Thuong
The global gala ceremony took place on December 6 in the island nation of Bahrain. This impressive achievement not only solidifies Sun Group's position in the global resort tourism sector, but also contributes significantly to elevating Vietnams standing on the world tourism map.

The focal point of this years 'tourism Oscars' was Phu Quoc, an island recently ranked among the worlds top three islands by Conde Nast Traveler (USA). The island claimed a total of five WTA awards, including three major categories awarded to Sun Groups developments and destinations.

Sunset Town, developed by Sun Group, was named Worlds Leading Iconic Tourist Attraction 2025 for the second time. The award not only recognises the unique architecture and romantic scenery of Sunset Town, but also honours it as a destination for love and art, offering a diversity of experiences ranging from shopping and dining to high-end artistic performances from day to night.

The Kiss Bridge at Sunset Town was also honoured for the second consecutive year as Worlds Leading Iconic Tourist Bridge 2025, demonstrating Sun Groups creative vision in transforming architectural works into new icons of global tourism.

Additionally, the 5-star JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort maintained its elite status by winning Worlds Leading Luxury Wedding Resort 2025 for the seventh consecutive year, reinforcing its reputation as a premier paradise for luxury weddings.

Beyond Sun Groups individual projects, Phu Quoc itself, where Sun Group is heavily investing in world-class landmarks, received two prestigious destination awards. The Pearl Island was named Worlds Leading Nature Island Destination 2025 for the fourth time, affirming the irresistible appeal of a tropical island endowed with abundant natural resources. Meanwhile, Kem Beach (Bai Kem) was recognised for the first time as Worlds Leading Regional Beach 2025, acknowledging the pristine beauty of one of the planets most beautiful beaches.

Alongside Phu Quoc, Sun Groups tourism destinations and resort developments across Vietnams three regions were also honoured, confirming leading positions in quality and service.

In Sa Pa (Lao Cai), Sun World Fansipan Legend received the title Worlds Leading Natural Landscape Tourist Attraction 2025 for the sixth consecutive year, honouring a legendary destination where majestic natural scenery intersects with unique spiritual cultural architecture.

In Da Nang, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort was named Worlds Leading Green Resort 2025 for the seventh time, reaffirming Sun Groups commitment to sustainable tourism development, harmonising unique architecture and ultra-luxury service with the conservation of the Son Tra Peninsula ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills was honoured as Worlds Leading Themed Resort 2025 for the sixth time, recognising the distinctive beauty and premium service of this French village-style resort atop Ba Na Hills.

With these successive prestigious international awards, Sun Group not only asserts its vision as a world-leading tourism corporation, but also stands as a brand inspiring global travel through timeless creations. These achievements further elevate Vietnams position on the global tourism map, highlighting the countrys natural beauty, hospitality, architectural masterpieces and one-of-a-kind experiences.
HA NOI  From national policy frameworks to local legal dialogues, Viet Nam is steadily assembling a legal safety net to help small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) comply with regulations, avoid disputes and adapt to a fast-changing business climate.

These efforts are now accelerating as the country works toward an ambitious target of at least two million enterprises nationwide by 2030  a goal embedded in government and Party policy.

"With nearly 97 per cent of Viet Nam's enterprises classified as small- and medium-sized, the demand for legal aid will continue to rise," said Le Ve Quoc, Director of the Department of Law Popularisation and Education.

Legal support for SMEs rests on a framework first laid down in the Law on Support for SMEs in 2017, which formalised two central pillars: nationwide legal information systems and structured programmes for training and legal consultation.

That foundation was strengthened in 2019 with the issuance of Decree 55, which detailed the types of support available and assigned implementation responsibilities to ministries and local governments.

Since then, the system has continued to expand. A national legal support portal for SMEs now hosts hundreds of articles, guidance documents and legal updates.

A formal network of licensed lawyers and law organisations has been created to provide consultation. Financial support mechanisms allow eligible SMEs to recover part of their legal consultancy costs, lowering barriers to professional advice.

At the same time, legal support has been woven into the routine work of many ministries.

The Ministry of Finance, for instance, integrates tax and financial law guidance into its taxpayer support programmes, regularly updating regulations on e-invoices, customs procedures and preferential tariffs while maintaining channels for direct consultation and enterprise dialogue.

Other ministries, including Industry and Trade, Home Affairs, and Agriculture and Environment, provide similar support within their own regulatory domains.

At the provincial level, Peoples Committees translate national policies into local action plans. Departments of Justice typically act as coordination hubs, working with tax, planning, labour and sectoral agencies to organise training courses, legal briefings, hotlines and direct consultations. These local programmes are often tailored to the specific industries and conditions of each province and city.

Business associations sit alongside the public system as key intermediaries. SME associations gather feedback from their members and relay legal concerns to regulators, while the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and sectoral associations contribute to policy consultations and organise expert discussions. Their input has helped shape successive adjustments to the legal support framework.

Technology has recently become a major driver of change. The Ministry of Justice has launched a series of digital initiatives, including the development of a national legal big data system, artificial intelligence applications for reviewing legal documents and a national digital law platform.

The National Law Portal, which became operational in mid-2025, recorded more than 1.13 million visits within its first six months.

An AI-powered legal assistant embedded in the portal has processed hundreds of thousands of user queries, allowing enterprises and individuals to search for regulations and receive guidance more quickly and at lower cost.

Officials say these tools are not only expanding access, but also generating valuable data on the issues that create the most questions, from tax and land to labour and environmental compliance, helping agencies adjust their outreach accordingly.

Against this backdrop, the next phase of legal support is taking shape. A new inter-sectoral legal support programme for 20262031 is being prepared as a successor to the current national programme. Draft orientations point toward a broader beneficiary base that would extend beyond SMEs to include household businesses and cooperatives, reflecting their growing role in the economy.

Support is also expected to become more targeted, with assistance organised around specific needs, practical problems and sectoral compliance requirements rather than broad, generalised training.

The revised approach also places greater emphasis on accessibility at the grassroots level. In HCM City, for example, regular legal dialogues bring enterprises face-to-face with tax officials, customs officers and land administrators to address operational issues directly.

Questions about e-invoices, fire-safety rules or land procedures are discussed in real time, with many cases resolved on the spot and others feeding into procedural improvements.

At the national level, policymakers are also reviewing how legal support is financed and delivered. The Ministry of Justice is studying ways to expand eligibility for legal assistance, increase subsidy ceilings, simplify reimbursement procedures, and formalise the role of the National Law Portal as a unified access point for citizens and enterprises.

"There must be a general mechanism for legal aid for enterprises, along with a special mechanism for specific groups that require preferential treatment," said Nguyen Thanh Ngoc, Deputy Minister of Justice.

These changes are intended to align with a 2025 National Assembly resolution that allows for the provision of free basic legal services to micro-enterprises, household businesses, and individual business operators under special private-sector development mechanisms.

Human resources is another focus. Plans are underway to strengthen and professionalise the teams responsible for legal support, including consultants and public officials, through more systematic training and clearer performance standards. Policymakers say this human dimension remains essential alongside any digital tools.

While the architecture of legal support continues to deepen, actual use of the system varies widely across the SME community.

Many small firms, especially those that evolved from household businesses, still operate with limited legal literacy. Owners often concentrate on production and sales while treating regulatory compliance as a secondary concern, relying on informal advice or personal networks to resolve issues as they arise.

Even when legal information is available at no charge, micro-enterprises may lack staff with the skills to interpret and apply written regulations. For some, professional legal services are still perceived primarily as a response to disputes rather than as a preventive investment.

Administrative processes can also play a role. Under current rules, enterprises must pay consultants upfront and then submit documentation to request partial reimbursement from the State. For some firms, the time and procedural steps involved outweigh the modest financial support available.

From the supply side, although Viet Nam has a large legal profession, only a limited number of lawyers and law organisations have joined the official consultant network linked to SME support.

Surveys conducted with business associations suggest that roughly one in four SMEs has accessed the national legal support programme over the past decade.

Policymakers and business groups say this gap highlights a broader issue: while the support system has expanded, the habit of seeking out legal guidance is still uneven, leaving many firms on the margins of the services available to them.

If the next phase succeeds in combining national platforms, localised consultation and simplified support mechanisms, legal assistance could become a routine part of doing business rather than an emergency measure.

For Viet Nams policymakers, the goal is not simply to offer more documents or more portals, but to help enterprises 'understand correctly and act correctly' in accordance with the law, and to ensure that law compliance becomes a source of resilience rather than a constraint on growth.  VNS
HA NOI  The Viet Nam Japan Business Day 2025, themed Borderless business co-operation, took place in Tokyo on Monday, exploring opportunities and strategies to expand economic, trade and investment ties between the two nations.

The annual event, organised by the Viet Nam Business Association in Japan (VJBA) in co-ordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, offered a good chance for businesses from the two countries to network, share experience, and explore directions for business development for the next fiscal year in Japan.

In her opening speech, VJBA President Tong Kim Giao said the event is not only an annual gathering but also an opportunity for Vietnamese and Japanese businesses to review their journey of economic and cultural connectivity in recent years, and outline plans for the time ahead.

For his part, Minister-Counsellor and Charge d'Affaires Nguyen Sau at the embassy stressed that as Viet Nam is undergoing a period of strong transformation, Vietnamese enterprises in Japan serve as a pioneering force and a crucial bridge deepening the linkage between the two economies.

He noted that the Politburos Resolution No 68 on private economic sector development has created favourable conditions for Vietnamese private enterprises to grow rapidly and sustainably, contributing significantly to the national economy and to the long-term goal of making Viet Nam a high-income developed country.

In Japan, VJBA has continously expanded, with a growing membership and active engagement in various initiatives, including investment promotion, organising Japanese business delegations to Viet Nam, and participating in the first Viet Nam Japan Local Co-operation Forum recently held in the northern province of Quang Ninh. These efforts have practically contributed to strengthening and deepening bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

In a workshop arranged in the framework of the event, speakers discussed and shared knowledge on challenges in operating businesses in Japan; analysed corporate tax-related issues; and offered practical insights to help companies improve legal compliance and financial transparency.

The event also featured symposiums highlighting a new chapter in the Viet Nam Japan partnership, aiming to explore potential and promote borderless co-operation between the two countries; and VJBA roundtable sessions, where delegates shared insights on challenges faced by young Vietnamese businesses in Japan, and upcoming co-operation opportunities.

Meanwhile, a plenary session focused on assessing prospects for trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Trade Counsellor Ta uc Minh at the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan said over the past year, Viet Nam Japan economic and trade cooperation has achieved positive results, despite global economic challenges, with significant contributions from the Vietnamese business community in Japan. However, he noted that the two sides have yet to fully tap their potential and expand the scope of cooperation.

Minh stressed that Vietnamese enterprises should concentrate on maintaining high quality, ensuring transparent documentation and traceability, meeting commitments and deadlines, investing properly in logistics and storage, and making full use of the Vietnamese Trade Office in Japan as a strategic companion.

Toshihiro Nakamura, CEO of EX ADMEDIA ASIA, said his firm has opened an office in HCM City, with most of its current cooperation involving Japanese businesses in Viet Nam.  VNS
HA NOI  SABECO has once again strengthened its standing in Viet Nams sustainability landscape after being named among the Top 100 Sustainable Companies (CSI 100) in 2025 and, notably, breaking into the Top 10 sustainable enterprises in the manufacturing sector this year.

The recognition marks an important milestone for the Saigon Beer  Alcohol  Beverage Corporation, reflecting a long-term strategy that combines 150 years of heritage with a pioneering orientation toward green transformation. It also highlights SABECOs commitment to contributing lasting value to the economy and the communities it serves.

A representative of SABECO received the honour at the 2025 CSI Awards ceremony, where the company was celebrated for its consistent performance and progressive approach to sustainable development.

Launched in 2016 by the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) Programme has grown into one of the most credible and comprehensive benchmarks for evaluating sustainable business practices in Viet Nam. Now in its 10th year, the programme is recognised as the most reputable and rigorous assessment of sustainability performance, covering economic, social and environmental dimensions.

Being included in the Top 100 Sustainable Companies requires businesses to meet 145 stringent criteria across four key areas. These include maintaining stable economic and environmental performance over the three years from 2022 to 2024; demonstrating strong governance, risk management and supply chain transparency; ensuring resources are used efficiently with clear emissions controls; and upholding high standards of employee welfare, safety and social responsibility.

SABECOs consecutive presence in the rankings for 2023 and 2024  and its breakthrough into the Top 10 manufacturing enterprises in 2025  showcases the companys steady operational strength and adherence to high international sustainability standards.

Pioneering green transformation in manufacturing

In manufacturing, SABECO has firmly positioned itself at the forefront of green transformation. The company views sustainability not as a cost to bear but as a competitive advantage for long-term growth.

Over recent years, SABECO has significantly increased the use of renewable energy, raising the share of renewables to 40.54 per cent through its rooftop solar systems and biomass boilers. These efforts have helped the company reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 9.3 per cent. In parallel, SABECO has maintained a fully circular approach to packaging, ensuring that 100 per cent of its primary packaging is recyclable or reusable, while glass bottle recovery rates remain consistently high at 7580 per cent.

The company has also reduced its water-use intensity by 7.3 per cent. This achievement reflects SABECOs initiative to optimise resources and protect the environment amid worsening climate-related challenges, particularly water scarcity.

SABECOs commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental initiatives to encompass community development and social welfare. The company has carried out numerous programmes that improve the quality of life in localities nationwide.

Through the Light Up Rural Roads project, SABECO has installed more than 109 kilometres of solar-powered streetlights, enhancing road safety and contributing to more modern, vibrant rural areas. The Fostering Sports initiative encourages healthy lifestyles and provides local communities with opportunities to engage in sport and recreation.

During Tet (Lunar New Year) Holiday and other difficult periods, SABECO implements social welfare activities to support thousands of disadvantaged households, particularly in areas hit by severe natural disasters. In addition, the company continues to promote responsible drinking through impactful communications campaigns designed to shift consumer mindsets and behaviour.

A milestone year marking 150 years of heritage

Reflecting on the achievement, SABECO Deputy General Director Alan Koo emphasised that the award carries special meaning during the companys 150th anniversary year.

Being recognised among the Top 10 Sustainable Enterprises in the manufacturing sector is a source of immense pride and motivation for the entire SABECO team, he said.

For us, ESG is not a destination but a continuous journey. SABECO is committed to playing a leading role in the manufacturing sector, working with partners across the supply chain to promote green transformation and contribute to Viet Nams broader sustainability goals.

The Top 10 CSI 2025 recognition strengthens trust among investors, partners and consumers, and serves as an important milestone in SABECOs ongoing sustainability journey. Alongside this achievement, SABECO continues to be acknowledged through numerous awards and recognitions, including titles such as Outstanding Enterprise for Employees and placement in the Top 50 Best Places to Work in Viet Nam 2025. The company also plays an active role in major sustainability forums and industry discussions held nationwide.

With these achievements, SABECO is laying a strong foundation for its next phase of development  one in which business growth goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. As a proud Vietnamese brand with deep heritage, SABECO continues to look ahead while upholding the values that have defined it for more than a century.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nams seafood industry is closing out the year on a stronger footing as exports continue to accelerate, with shrimp at the heart of an unprecedented surge that has lifted earnings to record levels.

Viet Nams shrimp exports reached a historic high in the first 11 months of 2025, topping US$4.3 billion, up 21 per cent year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

VASEP reported that total seafood export revenue in the JanuaryNovember period rose 14.6 per cent to $10.5 billion, driven by broad-based growth across key product groups and major markets.

Shrimp remained the standout performer. Export earnings in November alone hit $385 million, nearly 12 per cent higher than a year earlier. Strong orders for white-leg shrimp and lobster, especially from markets showing robust post-pandemic recovery, provided the main boost.

Lobster shipments continued to surge, becoming a significant contributor to the sectors overall expansion this year.

VASEP forecasts shrimp exports for the full year could set a fresh record of around $4.6 billion, while total seafood exports are expected to climb to $11.211.3 billion, the highest level ever recorded.

China led market growth with a 31 per cent increase, reaching $2.23 billion. Exports to CPTPP markets rose 24 per cent to $2.84 billion; Thailand was up 22 per cent to $281.6 million; and the EU jumped nearly 12 per cent to $1.1 billion.

Despite the impact of countervailing and anti-dumping duties, shipments to the US still grew 8.1 per cent, totalling $1.78 billion.  VNS
HCM CITY  Despite facing a range of challenges, Viet Nams aquatic exports have maintained a stable growth trajectory and are expected to hit a new turnover record this year.

According to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), seafood products were sold overseas for more than $10.5 billion in the first 11 months, up 14.6 per cent year-on-year. Shrimp exports generated $4.31 billion, a year-on-year rise of 21.2 per cent, remaining the key growth driver; tra fish exports surpassed $2 billion, up 9 per cent; tuna exports reached $855.7 million, while the figures for molluscs, marine fish and value-added products all maintained double-digit growth.

In terms of markets, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) member countries accounted for the largest share of Viet Nams total seafood export revenue, at 27.2 per cent, marking a strong growth of 24.3 per cent year-on-year. Exports to China rose 30.6 per cent and to the EU went up 11.9 per cent, while shipments to the US were valued at $1.78 billion, up 8.1 per cent.

Le Hang, VASEPs Deputy General Secretary, noted that in a global market still marked by volatility, the above results reflect the proactive and flexible approach of exporters, particularly in accelerating shipments ahead of anticipated new US regulations on seafood imports and before the final ruling in the countrys anti-dumping case on shrimp.

Seafood exports are expected to drop slightly in December compared to November due to seasonal factors and increased caution among exporters trading with the US. Many businesses have temporarily limited new seafood orders to the market pending official guidance on the USs Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). However, shrimp exports may hold steady or fall only marginally thanks to stable demand from Japan, the EU and CPTPP markets.

According to Hang, based on 11-month performance and year-end prospects, Viet Nams seafood exports are likely to set a new record this year, reaching around $11.2-$11.3 billion the highest level to date. Shrimp exports alone are expected to exceed $4.6 billion, establishing a new record for the sector, tra fish exports are forecast to surpass $2.1 billion on the back of demand recovery in Asia, while tuna exports are projected to top $900 million.  VNA/VNS
CA MAU  Twenty-one coastal provinces and cities nationwide have protected more than 281,000ha of forests after five years of implementing a Government scheme on protecting and developing coastal forests, meeting 102 per cent of the schemes target.

Under the scheme Protection and development of coastal forests in response to climate change and the promotion of green growth in the 202130 period, these localities also planted more than 11,600ha of new forests, including more than 7,700ha of mangrove, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reported at a conference to review the implementation of the scheme held in Ca Mau on December 8.

Among these localities, the southernmost province of Ca Mau led with 1,879ha of newly planted forest, reaching 93.3 per cent of the target.

Speaking at the conference, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ca Mau Peoples Committee and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)  Viet Nam, Phan Minh Chi, deputy director of the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment, said the province is home to precious internationally recognised wetland ecosystems and has the largest mangrove ecosystem in the country.

Mangrove forests act as a green shield against erosion and sea-level rise, while providing sustainable livelihoods for local people, he said.

Therefore, Ca Mau always sees environmental protection and livelihood development as inseparable and is committed to strict forest management, while seeking support in resources and technical solutions to develop sustainable livelihood models and help achieve the schemes targets, he said.

Ca Mau has more than 148,000ha of forests and forestry land, including more than 102,000ha of mangrove forests, which are the heart of the coastal ecosystem.

During 202125, coastal provinces and cities nationwide have implemented 147 projects for coastal forest protection and development, along with sea dykes, soft wave-break structures, watch towers and patrol roads. The projects cost more than VN2.6 trillion (US$98.8 million).

Among these projects, several livelihood models have been implemented for coastal communities.

Specifically, the project Enhancing the resilience to climate change impacts of vulnerable coastal communities in Viet Nam has supported 46 models, including intercropping with agricultural plants, aquaculture and honey-bee farming.

Climate change continues to cause sea-level rise, severe erosion, and strong storms. These factors, in combination with saltwater intrusion and pest damage, reduce tree survival rates on weak soil areas and create localised forest loss, according to participants at the conference.

Human factors, including forest land encroachment for aquaculture, plastic waste and polluted coastal water, also pose serious obstacles.

In response, local representatives proposed several solutions at the conference.

Le Sy Duong, deputy head of the Ninh Binh Province Forestry and Forest Protection Sub-department, proposed stronger communication efforts, scientific planning of mangrove ecosystems, strict action against deforestation and sustainable tourism development.

Hua Chien Thang, deputy head of the Vinh Long Province Forest Protection and Biodiversity Sub-department, called for timely technical guidance to control harmful organisms in mangrove forests.

In the Mekong Delta, which is most affected by climate change, coastal forests play a vital role in green-growth goals.

Ca Mau Province is also the delta locality where natural challenges are most visible.

Despite efforts to plant and restore thousands of hectares of forests, severe erosion along both Ca Maus eastern and western coasts is swallowing about 300ha of forests each year.

Alongside natural disasters, coastal officials attending the conference also mentioned that land for forest planting is shrinking and fragmented, while many areas must create artificial mud flats, which results in very high investment costs. Environmental pollution and coastal waste are also directly threatening the growth of mangrove forests.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment's scheme for 202630 aims to maintain existing forests and restore and develop over 23,300ha of forest, including 13,500ha of new planting and 9,800ha of supplementary restoration. However, coastal provinces and cities currently plan to plant only 6,602ha, far below requirements.

The ministry asked coastal provinces and cities to focus on site surveys, selecting suitable tree species, complying with planting seasons and applying silvicultural techniques to raise forest establishment rates.

It also urged the expansion of mixed farming-forestry-fishery models and livelihood support for communities to improve forest protection outcomes.  VNS
The Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery will become the primary production hub for Misunderstood Brands across multiple product lines

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Misunderstood Brands, the innovation-driven spirits company behind Misunderstood Whiskey Co. and OATRAGEOUS, today announced a strategic production partnership with Lofted Spirits, marking a significant step in the company's nationwide expansion and acceleration of new product development.

Misunderstood Brands

Misunderstood enters this milestone off the heels of its Walmart Golden Ticket win - awarded for its OATRAGEOUS Oat Milk Liqueur - and amid strong double-digit year-over-year growth and expanding national demand for its brands. The company's portfolio includes Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey, Orange Blossom Bourbon and Dairy-Free Oat Nog, alongside OATRAGEOUS, which continues to modernize the cream liqueur category with a "less guilty indulging" approach.

As Misunderstood's footprint grows across key national and regional retailers, the company is preparing for substantial expansion in 2026. Partnering with Lofted Spirits enables Misunderstood to scale more efficiently, innovate more aggressively, and bring new category-pushing products to market with the support of one of the most advanced distilling ecosystems in the country.

Lofted Spirits  parent company of Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River Distillery  emerged as the ideal partner thanks to its industry-leading manufacturing platform, deep technical expertise, and commitment to supporting next-generation brands. Under the new partnership, the Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery will become the primary production hub for Misunderstood Brands across multiple product lines. OATRAGEOUS will become the first cream-based liqueur produced at the Bardstown Bourbon Company distillery, expanding the facility's capabilities.

"Lofted Spirits was built to partner with the most forward-thinking brands in the industry, and Misunderstood is exactly that," said Pete Marino, President of Lofted Spirits. "We offer the best co-manufacturing services in the American whiskey business and have been intentionally built to help scale brands like Misunderstood and OATRAGEOUS. Chris and JD are hungry, visionary entrepreneurs who are aggressively and creatively building some great brands and we are thrilled to help bring them to life at Bardstown."

"Lofted's support validates everything we've been building," said JD Recobs and Chris Buglisi, co-founders of Misunderstood Brands. "This partnership gives us the scale, the speed, and the world-class production backbone to meet the demand we're seeing nationwide while continuing to push into new categories with the creativity our consumers expect from us. With this momentum, we're strategically preparing for the next stage of growth as we move into 2026."

The integration with Lofted Spirits lays the foundation for deeper collaboration across the Misunderstood portfolio, expanded production capabilities, and accelerated development of new innovations set to roll out over the next year.

About Misunderstood Brands

Misunderstood Brands, founded by lifelong friends JD Recobs and Chris Buglisi, is an innovation-focused spirits company known for redefining categories through flavor and inclusivity. Their award-winning Misunderstood Whiskey Co. has earned national attention for their botanically infused whiskey portfolio such as Ginger Spiced Whiskey and seasonal Dairy-Free Oat Nog. Today, the company continues to lead the next wave of spirits innovation with brands like OATRAGEOUS - the first portfolio of plant-based, dairy-free cream liqueurs in the U.S.

www.misunderstoodbrands.com

ABOUT LOFTED SPIRITS

From bespoke bourbon production to boundary-pushing brands, Lofted Spirits is where tradition meets transformation. Expanding on the work started by Peter Loftin in 2016, and today the number one producer of Kentucky contract whiskey, Lofted Spirits pioneered a world-class, industry-shaking approach to custom contract distillation while developing some of the fastest growing brands in American Whiskey, Bardstown Bourbon and Green River. A unified entity, Lofted Spirits is built to lead the global whiskey industry, delivering exceptional experiences through innovation, trust and transformative industry impact while crafting some of the world's most desired and awarded whiskies. Lofted Spirits joined the PPC family of companies in 2022. Learn more at LoftedSpirits.com.

https://loftedspirits.com/

Company Contact

JD Recobs

Misunderstood Brands

[email protected]

Communications Contact

Taylor Foxman

The Industry Collective

[email protected]

609-432-2237

SOURCE Misunderstood Brands
LAM ONG  The Ke Ga Lighthouse, recognised as the tallest lighthouse in Viet Nam, has just been classified as a provincial historical and architectural relic by the People's Committee of Lam ong Province.

Located on Ke Ga Island in Tan Thanh Commune, the construction is one of the oldest lighthouses of remarkable architectural grandeur and plays a crucial role in ensuring maritime safety in Viet Nam.

The 44-m lighthouse was constructed by the French in February 1897, featuring 184 spiral staircase steps and a light range of 22 nautical miles. It was completed in 1899.

It has been in operation since 1900 and continues to operate today, and has been recognised by the Vietnam Records Organisation (Vietkings) as the tallest lighthouse in the country

It is an ancient architectural structure with unique artistic value, built of granite, featuring an octagonal cylindrical design with a sturdy structure, showcasing the distinctive features of 19th-century French architecture.

For over a century, the lighthouse has become a steasdfast coastal landmark, an irreplaceable spiritual anchor for the ships navigating the southern seas.

However, behind that magnificent architectural beauty lies an unforgettable tragic story, where 86 builders lost their lives and now rest forever at the foot of the lighthouse, which currently has a shrine at its base.

The light of Ke Ga has a distinctive pattern that is unmistakable  three short flashes followed by one long flash, with a cycle of 20 seconds. Although technology has evolved from the tungsten filament lamps of the French to the modern solar lights from the US, the maximum range of 22 nautical miles has always been maintained, steadfastly guiding the way.

According to Mai Thi Ngoc Anh, chairwoman of the Peoples Committee of Tan Thanh Commune, the Ke Ga Lighthouse is one of the unique symbols of the locality. This structure holds special significance in terms of history, architecture, and culture.

The recognition of Ke Ga Lighthouse as a provincial historical heritage is not only a source of pride for the local people but also a profound acknowledgment from the province of the value of a structure over a hundred years old, closely linked to the journey of development of the homeland and the country, she said.

Despite the effects of nature in the harsh coastal region, the structure has remained almost intact for nearly 130 years. This lighthouse not only stands out for its historical and unique architectural value but also captivates visitors due to the pristine and poetic natural scenery.

Surrounding Ke Ga Island are natural rocky beaches with unique shapes, clear blue waters and fresh air, making it an ideal destination for tourists who enjoy exploration and experiences.

Vo Thanh Huy, deputy director of the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, noted Tan Thanh Commune would continue to preserve and effectively promote the value of the Ke Ga Lighthouse.

This will contribute to boosting tourism and positively impacting the local economic and social development, he said.

He called for the establishment of a Management Board to protect and enhance the sustainable value of the lighthouse.

Especially, the landmark should be developed as a green, clean, and beautiful destination, contributing positively to the development of Tan Thanh Commune and Lam ong Province.

In addition, the locality needs to enhance communication and encourage businesses, organisations, and individuals to collaborate in supporting resources, alongside state budget funds, to invest in restoring, preserving, and improving the landscape environment of the lighthouse.

At the same time, it is essential to ensure safe, orderly, civilised, and polite transportation services for locals and tourists visiting the Ke Ga Lighthouse, creating the image of it as a welcoming and friendly destination."  VNS
HA NOI  Grand Pioneers, a Vietnamese cruise line operated by Viet Thuan Group, has been honoured as the Worlds Best Green Cruise Line at the World Cruise Awards, often referred to as the 'Oscars of the global cruise industry'. This marks the second time the brand has received this prestigious title.

At the awards ceremony held in Bahrain on December 6, Grand Pioneers also secured the esteemed title of Asias Best Cruise Line 2025 for the first time.

This remarkable double victory marks a significant milestone for Viet Nams marine tourism, demonstrating that a Vietnamese cruise line can stand alongside, and even surpass, the worlds most established names.

For the first time in the history of the awards, a Vietnamese brand has triumphed in both of the events most highly regarded categories  achievements typically dominated by global giants like Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages.

Retaining the Worlds Best Green Cruise Line title for both 2024 and 2025 highlights Grand Pioneers steadfast commitment to sustainability, operational excellence and the protection of Ha Long Bay's marine environment. It is a testament to the increasing competitiveness of Viet Nams cruise industry on the world stage.

According to the World Cruise Awards expert council, Grand Pioneers excelled across several key criteria: compliance with world-leading environmental standards, advanced wastewater treatment technology, the longest and most distinctive continuous heritage itinerary across the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, international standard operations and world-class guest experience.

Luong The Tuyen, deputy director of Viet Thuan Group, the investor behind the Grand Pioneers twin-vessel project, said: Ha Long Bay is a priceless heritage, not only for Viet Nam but the world. We believe that we can only exist if we protect the environment, and we can only grow if we honour the value of heritage. This philosophy guides every decision, every service and every product we bring to life.

Being named the Worlds Best Green Cruise Line for two consecutive years reflects the strategic vision of our leadership, particularly Chairman Trinh Trung Uy, and the dedication of our crews and staff throughout Viet Thuan Group," he added.

The addition of the Asia award strengthens our confidence as we expand our routes and elevate Vietnamese marine tourism to new heights."

In Ha Long Bay, Grand Pioneers currently operates a three-day, two-night itinerary called The Legacy Journey, a comprehensive UNESCO heritage route selected by Quang Ninh Province as a model for sustainable tourism.

Both vessels were built to VR-SB marine standards, enabling safe operation across all waters in Ha Long Bay. This certification serves as the foundation for the groups plan to develop a coastal cruise route in Viet Nam, bringing the richness of Vietnamese maritime heritage to travellers across the country.

When every detail is crafted with care, when sustainability is embedded in every step, Vietnamese products can absolutely stand among the worlds finest. This achievement is a source of pride for Viet Nams marine tourism, Tuyen said.

The recognition at the World Cruise Awards 2025 is expected to attract a greater influx of luxury international travellers, enhance Viet Nams competitiveness against regional cruise destinations and accelerate Viet Thuan Groups long-term vision of developing both the Vietnam Coastal Heritage Journey and, ultimately, a Global Heritage Journey  contributing meaningfully to the elevation of Viet Nams marine tourism industry.  VNS
HA NOI  President Ho Chi Minh spent many years in Russia, where he found the great ideas of Vladimir Lenin to be a guiding light and a powerful source of motivation in his pursuit of national liberation. Documents, images and artefacts from this important period of his life are now on display at an exhibition in Ha Noi.

The exhibition, entitled Ho Chi Minhs Footsteps in the Homeland of the October Revolution, is organised by the Ho Chi Minh Museum in coordination with the Department of Political Theory, the Archives Department of the Party Central Committee Office and other related units.

It is one of the activities marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Russia (30/1/19502025) and the 108th anniversary of the Great October Revolution (7/11/19172025).

President Ho Chi Minh is a hero of national liberation and a great figure of Vietnamese culture. He devoted his entire life to the struggle for national independence and freedom, peace and social progress, said Dr Vu Manh Ha, director of the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

On his journey to find a way to save the country, the victory of the Great October Revolution in Russia and Lenins ideology became a guiding light and a strong driving force behind his revolutionary thinking, helping him find the right path to national liberation.

He came to Russia to live, study and take part in activities, thereby building deep revolutionary ties with Russia and its people. After Viet Nams independence, he also made several visits to the country and to other member republics of the Soviet Union.

His footprints in the homeland of the October Revolution stand as evidence of his revolutionary path. They reflect the profound affection he held for the Russian people and the solidarity and friendship between the two nations, he said.

Documents and artefacts related to Ho Chi Minhs three visits to Russia (19231924, 1927 and 19341938) provide an authentic view of the environment in which he studied and carried out revolutionary work during a critical stage of his career.

The exhibition is organised around three main themes. The first, Seeking the Image of a Nation, recounts how in 1920 Nguyen Ai QuocHo Chi Minh identified a path to national liberation through Lenins ideas and, during his three visits to Russia, studied, took part in revolutionary activities, built close ties with the Russian people and applied strategies aimed at liberating a colonised nation.

The second theme, Strengthening Friendship, highlights how, over 75 years, relations between Viet Nam and the Soviet Union have developed in a sustained manner from the foundations laid by President Ho Chi Minh and successive generations of leaders.

Viet Nam and the Soviet Union established official diplomatic relations in 1950. As President, Ho Chi Minh visited the Soviet Union on many occasions, cultivating the traditional friendship between the country and the bloc. He visited all 15 Soviet republics, leaving enduring symbols of friendship across the former Soviet Union.

The final theme, Enduring Viet NamRussia Friendship, highlights the 75-year relationship between the two countries, marked by loyalty and a long-standing traditional bond.

From the significant support provided by the Soviet Union during Viet Nams national liberation course to the establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2001 and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2012, relations between Viet Nam and Russia have continued to deepen and expand.

At the exhibition, visitors can view rare artefacts and items shown to the public for the first time, including the book The Fifth World Congress of the Communist International, 1924, a photo collection of Ho Chi Minhs visit to the Soviet Union in 1955 and autograph collections from the Ural Geological Museum, offering a vivid insight into his diplomatic activities in the 20th century.

Other items on display include a stamp set issued by the Soviet Union in 1990 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minhs birth, a red scarf and Soviet childrens badges presented to the President, and iron ingots, stones and soil he brought home from Stalingrad following his friendship visit to the Soviet Union in 1957.

The exhibition will remain open until April 2026 at the Ho Chi Minh Museum, No. 19 Ngoc Ha Street, Ha Noi.  VNS
HOI AN  Hoi An will celebrate its long-standing links with Japan through a vibrant programme of exhibitions and performances when the annual Hoi AnJapan Cultural Exchange returns to the ancient town from December 26 to 28.

The towns Centre for the Conservation of World Heritage said the opening ceremony will begin at 7.30pm on December 26 at An Hoi Sculpture Park on the Hoai River bank.

Now in its third decade, the three-day festival is regarded as the most significant people-to-people event between Vietnamese and Japanese communities in Hoi An. This years programme includes a Japanese doll exhibition at the Japanese Culture Gallery at 6 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, open from 9am to 9pm on the first day. A Viet NamJapan bonsai art exchange and a photography display will be staged at An Hoi Sculpture Park and the Japanese Bridge.

Visitors can also join the trace of old Japan tour, which highlights historic Japanese influences through preserved architecture in the Old Quarter and the centuries-old tombs of Japanese merchants who once lived and traded in the town

The Japanese Culture Gallery will offer a Vietnamese-Japanese cultural experience space with Japanese calligraphy, Sakai tea making, origami paper folding, a Hizen porcelain exhibition in Tran Phu and Minh Khai streets and the traditional Futon Daiko parade in the town.

The reenactment of a 17th century wedding procession held for Vietnamese Princess Ngoc Hoa and Japanese businessman Araki Sotaro will be organised from 5pm in the old quarter on December 27.

The wedding was successfully re-enacted on stage by the premiere of the Opera Princess Anio on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam-Japan diplomatic ties in 2022.

Japanese experts from the Institute of International Culture and Showa Womens University of Japan said the relationship between the Japanese community and Hoi An was built 400 years ago when Japanese traders settled in the busy port town, making it their second home.

The local community in Hoi An has preserved three tombs of Japanese traders who died in the town in the 17th century in Cam Chau Commune.

Tani Yajirobei is believed to have died in 1647 and his records include some of the oldest and clearest information related to his life, including a love affair with a local woman.

Japanese experts from the Japan International Co-operation Agency JICA have provided significant support in partnership with Hoi An in the restoration of the Japanese Bridge.

Hoi An ancient town and My Son Sanctuary, both UNESCO recognised World Cultural Heritage Sites in the former Quang Nam Province, now merged with a Nang City, also marked the 26th anniversary of their world heritage status, 199925. VNS
HAI PHONG  The coastal city of Hai Phong has embarked on a series of activities aimed at seeking UNESCO recognition for cultural figure Nguyen Binh Khiem (14911586) to affirm his international stature and promote his philosophy to the world.

Nguyen Binh Khiem, also known by his pen name Hanh Phu and courtesy name Bach Van cu si, was born in Trung Am Village, Vinh Lai District (now part of Nguyen Binh Khiem Ward), Hai Phong City.

After passing the imperial examinations, he served as a Mac Dynasty (15271677) official, rising to the position of Minister and being granted the title Trinh Quoc Cong. He was also commonly referred to as Trang Trinh (Scholar Trinh).

However, after just eight years in office, he requested to return to his homeland to focus on Scholarly pursuits. The Mac emperor revered him as a trusted adviser. Renowned for his prophetic abilities, Nguyen Binh Khiem was consulted on significant historical events.

The latter part of his life was dedicated to teaching, nurturing talent for the nation, reflecting on contemporary issues and composing poetry and literature.

The extensive literary legacy of Nguyen Binh Khiem comprises of thousands of poems, prominently featuring philosophical and secular themes, leaving a vibrant mark on the medieval literature of Viet Nam. Many of his works have been introduced in the United States, China, Japan, South Korea and Russia.

According to the Deputy Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee, Nguyen Minh Hung, Nguyen Binh Khiem is one of the most distinguished figures of the 16th century. He was a well-rounded Scholar with significant contributions in the fields of politics, philosophy, education, and literature.

The Scholar not only left a vast treasure of Han Nom (the Chinese version and ancient Vietnamese ideographic scripts) poetry for future generations but also a legacy of timeless philosophical thought, he said.

He is regarded as the embodiment of Vietnamese intellect and ethics, combining the essence of scholarly knowledge with popular wisdom, as reflected in his literary works, prophecies, teachings, anecdotes and the cultural and spiritual life of the people.

In recent years, Hai Phong City has collected related documents, organised a themed tour, planned the restoration of heritage sites and organised numerous in-depth scientific workshops on the celebrated Scholars life, career, and contributions to the nations history.

The special national heritage site, the Nguyen Binh Khiem Temple, has been planned, restored, and enhanced with a focus on sustainable preservation. The Trang Trinh Festival has also been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage, becoming a significant cultural highlight for the locality.

Alongside this, the city has collected 500 documents, including 48 works by Nguyen Binh Khiem and hundreds of related studies and articles. This serves as an important foundation for the scientific dossier to be submitted to UNESCO in the near future.

A UNESCO Campaign Committee to honour Scholar Nguyen Binh Khiem on the occasion of the 450th anniversary of his death (1585-2035) has been established. The committee is tasked with providing advice on constructing a scientific dossier to submit to UNESCO for his recognition.

The activities of the committee include organising scientific workshops, promoting literary creation, restoring the special national heritage site of the Nguyen Binh Khiem Temple, and finalising the dossier while coordinating with relevant authorities to prepare for the proposal for UNESCO recognition.

The most notable highlight in this series of activities is the survey of the Hai Phong  Spirit of Trang Trinh tour, which connects the Mac Dynasty, the Trang Trinh Temple, and the Mao ien Temple of Literature.

This journey reimagines the cultural spaces in which he lived, studied and taught, while also creating a culturally rich tourism product that helps promote the values of this eminent figure to a wider audience.

The tour, combining culture, history, and cuisine, is expected to become a distinctive and unique tourism product for Hai Phong that attracts a large number of domestic and international visitors.

The Hai Phong Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has also announced that it would continue to collaborate with localities, heritage management units, and cultural experts to refine explanatory materials, enhance visitor infrastructure, and provide accompanying services. This aims to ensure the highest quality for the tourism products associated with this significant historical figure of the country.  VNS
HCM CITY  Sai Gon Notre Dame Cathedral marked a key milestone on Monday in its long-running restoration as Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang blessed two newly crafted crosses that will eventually crown the landmarks twin towers.

On the evening of December 8, at Sai Gon Notre Dame Cathedral (the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica), Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of HCM City, solemnly blessed the cathedrals two newly crafted crosses, marking the basic completion of one of the most important components in the Notre Dame Cathedral restoration project.

Father Ignatio Ho Van Xuan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of HCM City and Parish Priest cum Head of the Restoration Board, said that in June 2023 the two large crosses that had crowned the cathedrals zinc towers were taken down and sent to Belgium for restoration as part of the ongoing conservation work.

However, after examination, experts found that the 128-year-old crosses had suffered severe internal deterioration and could not be reliably restored.

The Restoration Board therefore decided to replace the original pair with newly made crosses to ensure long-term durability.

According to Father Ignatio Ho Van Xuan, the new crosses were crafted by the Monument Group in Ingelmunster (Belgium), following the original design but made from solid steel.

Each weighs around 400kg, stands 3.73m tall and spans more than 1.85m. A thin layer of gold plating has been applied to enhance corrosion resistance.

The new crosses also feature added bases shaped like cylindrical fleurs-de-lis, more than 50cm in height, made of zinc and gold-plated, with multiple curved petals surrounding them.

Highlighting the importance of the twin crosses in the cathedrals restoration, Father Ignatio expressed gratitude to authorities for facilitating their transport from Belgium to Cai Mep Port and onward to the cathedral in mid-October 2025.

The newly blessed crosses will be installed atop the towers once restoration of the bell towers and zinc spires is completed, expected around March 2026.

For now, the crosses will be displayed inside the cathedral, protected by lightweight, transparent Plexiglas so that parishioners may view and photograph them.

Father Ignatio added that 2025 is a Jubilee Year (which occurs every 25 years), giving this years Christmas decorations special significance.

From now until January 5, 2026, an LED lighting system totalling 1,000km in length will illuminate Sai Gon Notre Dame Cathedral from 6:45pm until 2am, offering a festive backdrop for visitors to enjoy, take photographs and celebrate Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026.

The restoration of Sai Gon Notre Dame Cathedral began in 2017, covering major components such as the roof tiles, rainwater drainage, bell towers, zinc spires, crosses, the restoration of the bell set, musical instruments, and various structural and decorative elements both inside and outside the cathedral.

Originally scheduled for completion in 2021, the project has been delayed due to COVID-19 and technical challenges in heritage conservation, and may now extend to 2027 or even later.

The project is overseen by the HCM City Archdiocese, with Belgiums Monument Group as the main contractor.

Built in 1877, Notre Dame Cathedral features a blend of Romanesque Revival and Gothic architecture. From its inauguration in 1880 until 2017, the nearly 140-year-old landmark had never undergone a full restoration.  VNS
SEOUL  The first-ever writing contest featuring Vietnamese students in the Republic of Korea (RoK) was held at Kyung Hee University in Seoul on December 6, becoming a highlight in efforts to foster cultural ties between the two countries.

The event was jointly organised by the Korea  Viet Nam Culture Communication Centre (KCCC), the G&M Global Foundation and the Bong&Seol Initiative.

Contestants were required to complete three stages: an essay in Korean (2,0003,000 words), and an online interview. A total of 18 contestants from universities across the RoK were selected for the final, where they delivered a Korean-language presentation summarising their essay.

The finalists shared a wide range of experiences during their stay in the RoK  from warm encounters and positive first impressions of Korean culture to challenges, prejudice, and homesickness.

KCCC Director Kim Young Shin noted that Vietnamese students form the largest international student community in the RoK. Viet Nam and the RoK share many cultural similarities, she said, making it essential to support and nurture well-educated younger generations for the future.

The contest, she added, aims to promote mutual understanding through students authentic voices, strengthen connections and psychological well-being within the Vietnamese student community, highlight their positive contributions to the host society, preserve their educational journeys as valuable material.

The judging panel awarded one special prize, three first prizes, six second prizes, eight third prizes, and 12 consolation prizes.

The KCCC was established to promote research on Vietnamese culture, strengthen RoKVietnam cultural exchange and contribute to multicultural development in the RoK.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  President of the Lao Journalists Association (LJA) Savanhkhone Razmountry on Monday expressed wish for more professional experience exchanges with the Viet Nam Journalists Association (VJA), including dispatching seasoned Vietnamese experts to bolster reporting skills in Laos.

During a working session in Ha Noi with Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan (People) newspaper and VJA Chairman Le Quoc Minh, Savanhkhone briefed his host on Laos current media landscape and recent major national events of significant importance.

He specifically urged Vietnamese assistance in upskilling Lao reporters and media workers and expressed keen interest in adopting sci-tech advances, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in journalistic work.

Minh, for his part, affirmed that the visit would further tighten ties between the two associations and Vietnamese and Lao media outlets.

He highlighted sustained collaboration in recent years, including training courses for reporters and editors, cultural exchanges, and regular sharing of information on socio-economic development in both countries.

On the same day, both sides launched an advanced training course and an experience sharing session on environmental reporting for Lao journalists.

Earlier in February, a VJA delegation attended a regional forum in Laos hosted by the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists, where media professionals from across Southeast Asia shared the best practices to improve content quality in the digital age.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  The 15th National Assembly (NA) scrutinised 2025 judicial performance, crime prevention, anti-corruption results, and citizen petition handling during the ongoing 10th session in Ha Noi on Tuesday.

Deputies examined reports from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Peoples Court and the Prosecutor General of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy, plus the Governments accounts on crime and law violation trends, judgment enforcement, anti-corruption work and the settlement of voter petitions, citizens complaints and denunciations.

A September appraisal report by the NA Committee on Legal and Judicial Affairs acknowledged the Governments effective measures against crime and legal violations. While overall crime and legal violations dropped by 21 per cent year-on-year, several types of offences, including fraud, asset appropriation and public order disturbances, kept rising, while early detection and forecasting, especially for hi-tech crimes, remained weak.

Authorities uncovered new tactics in economic crimes, fraud and smuggling. Asset recovery in corruption cases during the investigation stage surged 181 per cent, and more cases of wasteful public investment and construction causing serious state budget losses faced trials. Drug trafficking stayed severe and complex, while food safety violations continued to threaten public health.

On corruption combat, lawmakers noted progress in institutional reform, preventive solutions and intensified scrutiny of long-stalled projects. Inspections and audits exposed more wrongdoings, and major cases, including those involving senior officials overseen by the Party Central Committees Politburo and Secretariat, were brought to light in strict accordance with the law, with higher asset recovery rates.

The Government was urged to tighten 2026 anti-corruption and anti-wastefulness regulations, shift emphasis to early prevention and risk forecasting, expand inspections in high-risk sectors, raise investigation quality in major cases, crack down harder on petty corruption and bureaucratic harassment, and address officials tendency to shirk responsibility out of fear of mistakes.

In the afternoon, deputies are due to review a Government proposal, along with its appraisal report, on reallocating part of the 2025 economic-service budget originally earmarked for the Ministry of Construction for provinces and centrally-run cities for repairing roads damaged by recent natural disasters.

They will then debate the draft Law on amendments and supplements to several articles of the Law on Value-Added Tax and the proposed budget reallocation for disaster-related road restoration, before examining a Government plan to realise the Politburos conclusions on resolving the long-troubled Phuong Nam pulp mill project.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang chaired a welcome ceremony and held talks with Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu in Ha Noi on Tuesday.

During the talks, Quang emphasised that since Party General Secretary To Lams May official visit to Russia, where he attended the ceremony celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, bilateral cooperation has been growing strongly in various fields.

These include politics and diplomacy, security and defence, science and technology, economy, education and training, transport, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Regarding security and law enforcement cooperation, the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam and relevant Russian authorities have regularly held mutual visits at various levels, signed new agreements to meet the collaboration demand in the new phase.

They have coordinated in verifying, capturing, and extraditing criminals related to the two countries citizens, and organised training courses and programmes to improve officers capacity.

Noting the rapidly changing global and regional landscapes, with both traditional and non-traditional security challenges turning more complex and criminal activities becoming more sophisticated and transnational, directly impacting the social stability and security of both Viet Nam and Russia, Quang proposed that both sides continue to fruitfully implement the Viet NamRussia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The minister suggested that his ministry and the Russian Federation Security Council Office, as well as other law enforcement and security agencies of Russia, increase the exchange of delegations at all levels to share information on issues of mutual concern, work together in verifying and handling cases involving citizens of the countries, and regularly consult, coordinate with, and support each other at multilateral forums and mechanisms.

For his part, Shoigu affirmed that security cooperation is an important pillar of the Viet NamRussia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He expressed confidence that with the political commitment and strong support of the high-ranking leaders of both countries, the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security, and the Russian law enforcement and security agencies, the two sides will continue to expand ties in various areas, including counter-terrorism, transnational crime prevention, information security, cybersecurity, capacity building for personnel, and other areas of mutual interest.  VNA/VNS
Cartridge-based, automation-friendly platform combines power and signal terminals into a single interface for significant wiring-harness weight, size and space savings

Improved design flexibility increases support for ongoing transitions to centralized, zonal systems, along with easier upgrades and addition of new automotive features

Localized manufacturing and compatibility with industry standards spur global adoption by automotive OEMs, including MY26 Chinese vehicles

LISLE, Ill., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, introduces MX-DaSH Modular Wire-to-Wire Connectors, the newest additions to its award-winning MX-DaSH family of data-signal hybrid connectors that unify power, signal and high-speed data connectivity in a single connector system. MX-DaSH Modular connectors utilize multiple, versatile cartridges incorporated into a single housing system to simplify wiring and harness architecture while improving automotive design flexibility, adaptability and scalability across multiple vehicle models and applications.

Revolutionizing automotive wiring, the MX-DaSH Modular Wire-to-Wire Connectors from Molex streamline complexity, cut costs and power the transition to zonal architectures globally.

"MX-DaSH Modular Wire-to-Wire Connectors solve some of the biggest pain points in today's automotive design processes, caused by constant and rapid change in electrical and electronic requirements," said Scott Whicker, SVP, president, Transportation Innovative Solutions, Molex. "Our cartridge-based design makes it easy to mix-and-match functions and reconfigure wire harnesses or modules to help achieve faster development cycles and reduced costs."

Purpose-Built for Zonal Architectures

Each MX-DaSH Modular Wire-to-Wire Connector is based on an unsealed, cartridge-based hybrid connectivity platform that consolidates multiple connectors and connection types into a single connector. By reducing the total number of unique parts, this new connectivity system offers unparalleled freedom to meet specific automotive design challenges and accelerate upgrades, as well as slash design and tooling time.

This "building block" approach optimizes vehicle harnesses, which can result in significant weight, size and cost savings. Purpose-built for zonal architectures, MX-DaSH Modular connectors are ideally suited for high-content connection points, including instrument panel-to-body harness connections, seat power and signal connections, and electrical/electronic architecture components. Wiring and module engineers can also change cartridges within the housing, making it easier to add new features or swap out pins and cartridges to meet architecture needs.

Global Reach and Adoption by Chinese Automotive OEMs

Localized manufacturing and compatibility with industry-standard terminals is driving adoption of MX-DaSH Modular connectors worldwide while decreasing global supply chain challenges. The MX-DaSH Modular connector's adherence to USCAR2 performance specifications for automotive electrical connector systems is also key, along with USCAR49 performance specifications for miniature automotive coaxial connectors.

As the largest automotive market and hotbed for innovation in electrified vehicles (EVs) and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), China is a major proving ground for next-generation automotive technologies, including Molex connectivity solutions. A regional version of the MX-DaSH Modular connector will be included in MY26 cars in China to address the unique cost, packaging and expedited time-to-market requirements of Chinese automotive OEMs.

In addition, the new modular, cartridge-based connectors are being deployed by other automotive manufacturers in North America and Europe with new designs for MY28 vehicles expected to include MX-DaSH Modular Wire-to-Wire and Wire-to-Board Connectors.

Automation Friendly, Reliability Focused

The MX-DaSH Modular connector's automation-friendly design lends itself to precise automated assembly operations, improving manufacturing efficiency and quality while lowering labor costs. Moreover, inclusion of positive-locking features, blade stabilization and vibration resistance help boost overall reliability by protecting against inadvertent disconnection in demanding automotive environments. Robust engineering support, extensive quality control and a full range of versatile and customizable solutions reinforce the role Molex plays as a unique resource for improving vehicle wiring performance and reliability.

Product Availability

Molex MX-DaSH Modular Wire-to-Wire Connectors are available now, offering unprecedented design freedom and flexibility to accommodate the rapid rise in data, power and high-speed signal requirements in today's vehicles. Maximum pin count for the connectors is 70 circuits, with maximum circuit count per cartridge as follows: 26 circuits for 0.50mm (CTX50) cartridges, 14 circuits for 1.20mm cartridges, 4 circuits for 2.80mm cartridges, and 3 circuits for 4.80 and 6.30mm cartridges.

About Molex

Molex is a global electronics leader committed to making the world a better, more connected place. With a presence in more than 38 countries, Molex enables transformative technology innovation in the consumer device, aerospace and defense, data center, cloud, telecommunications, transportation, industrial automation and healthcare industries. Through trusted customer and industry relationships, unrivaled engineering expertise, and product quality and reliability, Molex realizes the infinite potential of Creating Connections for Life. For more information, visit www.molex.com.

SOURCE Molex Incorporated
HA NOI  Party General Secretary To Lam met with Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu in Ha Noi on Tuesday, praising bilateral cooperation in security and defence.

While welcoming the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu in Ha Noi, Lam confirmed that the visit held significance by helping further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Viet Nam continues to value the traditional friendship that has been nurtured by generations of leaders and peoples of both countries, and appreciates the support that the former Soviet Union, now the Russian Federation, have provided to Viet Nam in its efforts for national liberation in the past and national development today, according to the Party leader.

The Party and State of Viet Nam consistently pursue a foreign policy that upholds independence, self-reliance and diversification and multilateralisation of external relations, under which strengthening the trusted Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia is a key priority.

The Party leader highlighted the need for both countries to effectively implement high-level agreements and fully tap into current potential and strengths to elevate bilateral ties to new heights, serving each countrys growth and contributing to peace, collaboration and development in the region and the world.

The Vietnamese leader expressed his appreciation for the outcomes of working sessions between the delegation from the Russian Federation Security Council and Vietnamese authorities, noting the areas of cooperation agreed upon by both sides.

These include combating transnational crime, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, non-traditional security, strategic information sharing and capacity training.

Lam said that amid rapidly evolving and complex global developments, Viet Nam and Russia must further strengthen coordination, consultation and experience exchanges to mutually support each other for the security and prosperity of both nations.

Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome from the Vietnamese side, Shoigu said Russia regarded Viet Nam as a reliable and important partner in the Asia-Pacific region, and greatly valued the Southeast Asian nations role and position as well as its independent, peaceful foreign policy.

The Russian security official recognised that collaboration between the two countries had always been based on mutual trust and respect, in line with international law and the interests of both sides.

He also noted positive progress in working together on security and defence, capacity training and experience sharing to address non-traditional security challenges and combat crime.

Shoigu suggested further advancing the comprehensive cooperation between the Russian security council and Vietnamese authorities, expanding strategic dialogue mechanisms.

He reaffirmed Russias readiness to support, share experiences, broaden cooperation programmes and develop new initiatives suited to each sides needs and capacities.

Meanwhile, Lam said that Viet Nam would stand ready to deepen collaboration with Russia based on political trust and partnership, and serve as a gateway for Russia to advance its relations with other countries in the Southeast Asian region.

Both sides also agreed to expand cooperation in economy and trade, energy, oil and gas, agriculture, machinery manufacturing and high technology. They encouraged stronger connections between localities, businesses and economic associations in both countries as well.

They noted other key areas for collaboration, including science, technology transfer and joint research, while also emphasising bilateral activities in education and training to further promote the longstanding ties between the two countries.

The Vietnamese and Russian sides also emphasised the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in fostering mutual understanding and reinforcing traditional friendship between the two nations.

On the occasion of the Russian security secretarys visit, Lam conveyed his regards to President Vladimir Putin and senior leaders of Russia.  VNS
HA NOI  Party General Secretary To Lam requested all sub-committees in charge of preparations for the 14th National Party Congress to complete all assigned tasks on schedule, ensuring the successful organisation of the important political event.

The Party leader made the request while chairing a working session with standing members of the sub-committees in Ha Noi on Tuesday.

Representatives of the sub-committees reported preparations for the congress in the recent past and tasks that need to be completed on schedule before the event; proposals related to the affairs of the sub-committees; and receiving comments and suggestions to supplement and complete draft documents submitted to the congress.

From October 15 to November 15, draft documents for the 14th National Party Congress were publicly released via mass media for public consultation. Feedback was collected from National Assembly deputies, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, socio-political organisations, officials, Party members and the people, alongside separate consultations with veteran cadres, intellectuals, scientists and business leaders.

Nearly five million contributions were recorded, comprising more than 13 million comments, they said, noting that overall, opinions showed a high degree of consensus with the draft documents.

In particular, broad support was expressed for the integration of the three key reports  the Political Report, the Socio-Economic Report and the Report on Party Building  into a unified and coherent Political Report. Many comments also offered constructive and insightful input on the countrys future development orientations. The standing boards of the sub-committees have absorbed the most relevant and sound feedback to further refine the draft documents.

General Secretary Lam stressed the need to further strengthen communications and public awareness about the congress, ensuring the spread of positive information to reinforce confidence among officials, Party members and the public. This will help build unity within the Party and broad social consensus towards shared national development goals, while intensifying efforts to prevent the spread of harmful information and to counter hostile, divisive and distorted narratives, he said.

He urged the sub-committee in charge of documents and the sub-committee for the Party Statutes to continue their review and refinement of the draft documents to fully meet the requirements set out by the Politburo and the Party Central Committee's Secretariat in earlier meetings, and to submit them to the Party Central Committee for consideration at the coming 15th plenum.

The Party chief pointed to two major thematic projects to be developed for future submission to the Party Central Committee - a summary of theoretical and practical issues from 100 years of Viet Nams revolution under the Partys leadership, and a review of 40 years of implementing the Platform on national construction during the transition to socialism.

These major theoretical and practical reviews are intended as important groundwork for the 15th National Party Congress and are to commence immediately after the 14th National Party Congress, he stated.

General Secretary Lam instructed the personnel sub-committee to continue finalising preparations on personnel matters for submission to the 15th plenum. The Party Central Committee's Organisation Commission was assigned to review regulations on the congresss working procedures, election rules, and personnel-related documents.

Meanwhile, the sub-committee in charge of logistical and organisational arrangements was requested to develop an overall, scientific plan, complete with a detailed progress chart from now until the congress and with clearly defined responsibilities.

The Party Central Committee's Office was tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of all documents and work items related to the organisation of the congress, clearly identifying tasks before, during and after the event to avoid any omissions.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed ministries, sectors and localities to pursue the dual goal of combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing while fostering sustainable fisheries, thus safeguarding national reputation and interests and protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The request was delivered at the 25th meeting of the National Steering Committee for Combating IUU Fishing on Tuesday, which was connected online with 21 coastal provinces and cities.

The committee reviewed progress in addressing IUU fishing, focusing on the issues raised by the European Commission (EC), the preparation of reports following the European Commission (EC) recommendations, and fisheries cooperation with regional countries. Officials also discussed measures to promote sustainable fisheries for the benefit of the nation and its fishermen.

The committee reported that inter-agency inspection teams continued field checks in coastal localities over the past week. The national fisheries database (VNFishbase) has now been fully digitised and integrated. All 79,180 fishing vessels nationwide have been registered and updated on the VNFishbase system.

During the week, authorities inspected 2,901 vessel departures and 2,708 arrivals at port, and monitored 1,845 tonnes of seafood via the electronic catch documentation and traceability (eCDT) system. Previously identified violations have been strictly handled.

Addressing the meeting, PM Chinh emphasised the need to restructure the fishing fleet and workforce to ensure lawful operations, strengthen fisheries cooperation with neighbouring countries, expand aquaculture, reduce offshore exploitation, and improve the material and spiritual well-being for fishing communities.

He instructed ministries, agencies, and localities to review all the issues on which the EC gave recommendations while ensuring accurate and comprehensive reporting. They must identify areas of strong performance, as well as shortcomings and problems requiring further solutions.

The Government leader called for close coordination in preparing full and accurate reports to be submitted to the EC, and for candid and serious engagement with EC representatives to ensure data consistency between the two sides so that the EC can have a comprehensive and precise assessment of Viet Nams efforts against IUU fishing.

Demanding drastic efforts be made to eradicate IUU fishing this year, he also asked for strict compliance with the conclusions and directives of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat, the Government, and the PM. Any locality failing to manage its fishing fleet or monitor vessel activities will face collective and individual accountability, along with stringent settlement in line with Party regulations and State law.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment was tasked with drafting a plan for sustainable fisheries development, covering exploitation, aquaculture, and processing. The Ministry of National Defence was assigned to continue implementing the inter-agency coordination mechanism for the IUU fishing combat; intensify patrols in the waters bordering Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand; tighten control of vessel movements; and ensure captains and vessel owners complete required declarations via VNeID.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Security was instructed to resolve the cases involving vessels and fishermen detained overseas, and dismantle networks arranging vessels and crew to illegally operate in foreign fishing grounds. The PM also requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work with regional partners to clarify data on Viet Namese vessels detained since 2024 and accelerate the settlement of pending cases.

Authorities of coastal localities must maintain strict supervision of fishing activities, prevent violations that could jeopardise national efforts to have the ECs yellow card lifted, and prosecute serious infractions. They must keep vessel databases updated weekly and ensure data remains accurate, synchronised and fully integrated.

Industry associations and seafood businesses were reminded not to purchase, process, or export products linked to IUU fishing and to cooperate fully in investigations into illegal activities in the sector.  VNA/VNS
PHNOM PENH  Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn co-chaired the 21st meeting of the Viet NamCambodia Joint Committee for Economic, Cultural, Scientific and Technical Cooperation in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on Tuesday.

In a spirit of friendship, mutual trust and understanding, the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation in politicaldiplomatic affairs, defencesecurity, economytradeinvestment, culture, tourism, education and training, transport, among others, and discussed orientations for future cooperation.

Prak Sokhonn congratulated Viet Nam, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) headed by Party General Secretary To Lam, on the countrys major achievements and its increasingly enhanced regional and international stature.

He expressed his confidence that Viet Nam will achieve its development targets, including reaching double-digit economic growth, becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a high-income developed country by 2045.

Affirming that CambodiaViet Nam friendship is special and an invaluable shared asset deeply engraved in each countrys history, he stressed that the achievements of both nations stem from the cultivation of their traditional friendship and mutual support.

For his part, Trung hailed Cambodias strong development and expressed his confidence that under the leadership of the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) headed by President Samdech Techo Hun Sen and the dynamism and vision of the Royal Government, Cambodia will overcome challenges and realise its goal of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2050. He affirmed that Viet Nam gives high priority to its traditional friendship and cooperation with Cambodia.

Regarding the bilateral ties, the two sides spoke highly of the positive momentum in cooperation, notably the successful high-level meeting between the two Parties in February 2025, regular high-level exchanges, and the effective operation of cooperation mechanisms.

Recent highlights included defence policy dialogue, border friendship exchanges, the meeting of the defence ministers of Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos, and a joint search-and-rescue exercise. Trade and investment cooperation also recorded positive progress, with bilateral trade reaching US$10.4 billion in the first 11 months of 2025. Cooperation in other fields has continued to be maintained and expanded, they noted.

Both sides welcomed the inauguration of the Tan NamMeun Chey international border gate pair on Monday in the presence of the Vietnamese and Cambodian Prime Ministers, which is expected to enhance connectivity, facilitate transport and goods circulation, and boost people-to-people exchanges.

Cooperation between localities of the two countries has also progressed positively, as reflected in the successful 13th conference on cooperation and development of border provinces held in late November 2025.

To implement agreements and commitments reached by high-level leaders, further consolidate traditional friendship, and create breakthroughs in economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to continue maintaining and strengthening high-level and multi-level exchanges through all channels; step up communication on the historical value of the bilateral relations among the public; firmly uphold the principle of not allowing any hostile forces to use one countrys territory to harm the other; and closely coordinate in border management as well as in preventing and combating transnational crimes.

They also agreed to promote infrastructure development and connectivity, border trade, and the modernisation of procedures to facilitate investment and effective business operations; enhance transport connectivity and goods exchange; strengthen cooperation in tourism, education and training, and people-to-people exchange; closely coordinate in the management, use, development and sustainable conservation of water resources, the environment and climate change; and continue close coordination at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN and Mekong sub-regional mechanisms.

Concluding the meeting, Trung and Prak Sokhonn, on behalf of their respective governments, signed the minutes of the meeting. The two sides agreed to hold the 22nd meeting of the Viet NamCambodia Joint Committee in Viet Nam at a suitable time in 2026.

Earlier, on Monday, Trung had a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun who expressed his delight and deep impression at Viet Nams development achievements over the past year, including its leading economic growth in the region, the successful organisation of major national anniversaries, and major international conferences.

He expressed his confidence that Viet Nam will successfully organise the upcoming 14th National Party Congress, and conveyed greetings from CPP President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet to Party General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other key Vietnamese leaders.

The Vietnamese minister conveyed greetings from Party General Secretary To Lam and Viet Nams senior leaders to King Norodom Sihamoni, CPP President Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet and other Cambodian leaders.

Trung underlined the hope to elevate bilateral cooperation to a new height, with breakthroughs in economic cooperation, particularly in promoting transport connectivity, strengthening coordination in land border management, and combating transnational crimes. He also thanked the Cambodian Government for creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese-origin community in Cambodia to live, work, study and contribute to the countrys socio-economic development.

Regarding recent tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, Trung said Viet Nam has been closely following the situation and called on both sides to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, engage in dialogue, respect each others legitimate interests and adhere to the peace deal.

Viet Nam consistently supports the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures, and long-term stability for the benefit of the people of Cambodia and Thailand, and for ASEAN unity, as well as peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world, he stressed.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Construction has been asked to establish a mechanism and adjust detailed planning for social housing projects, and supplement subjects eligible to buy social housing.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha made the request in the meeting on reporting Governments draft resolution on special mechanism and solutions for social housing development on Monday.

According to the Ministry of Construction, there are 696 social housing projects with more than 637,000 apartments nation-wide, of which 128,648 apartments have been completed, over 123,000 ones have been under construction, and the remaining ones are waiting for approval.

Localities across the country have planned nearly 10,000ha for social housing projects.

During the implementation, the Ministry of Construction had worked with localities to compile the Government resolution on a special mechanism to push up progress of the construction, create a completed and unified legal corridor, and offer incentives to lure businesses in the social housing projects.

In the meeting, localities and relevant ministries and agencies discussed the draft resolutions contents, including planning approval, priority subjects for purchasing social housing, and legal regulation application to investors in granting construction permits.

The draft resolution regulates that in case an investor proposes a project on land that has been planned as residential land, but does not have a zoning plan or detailed plan, the provincial People's Committee is empowered to proactively decide in advance on important land use planning indicators. Based on the planning, the investor can proceed to prepare and approve a 1/500 detailed plan to immediately implement the next steps of the project.

Higher-level plans, such as zoning and general plans, will be updated synchronously later.

However, participants said that preparing detailed planning for social housing projects must follow the proper sequence  from the general plan to the sub-division plan and then the detailed plan  and must not be carried out in reverse order.

To shorten the preparation of investment, the Ha Noi's Department of Construction proposed to supplement regulations to allow simultaneous implementation of steps of establishing, appraising, approving and adjusting zoning and detailed plans.

Regarding the supplementary policy on prioritised beneficiaries eligible to buy or rent-to-buy social housing, applicable to households and individuals whose land is reclaimed or who reach an agreement to transfer landuse rights to the project developer for building social housing or housing for the peoples armed forces  without having to join a lottery and without having to meet housing and income conditions as stipulated, Pham Van Thinh, Vice Chairman of the Bac Ninh Provincial Peoples Committee, proposed expanding this group to include households and individuals whose agricultural or production land is reclaimed for the construction of social housing projects.

Concluding the meeting, Deputy PM Ha said that for social housing projects that have already been granted investment approval but do not yet have detailed planning or subdivision planning, both the sub-division plan and detailed plan may be prepared, appraised, and approved simultaneously, provided that consistency between planning levels is ensured and that the responsibilities of approving authorities are clearly defined.

Regarding the proposal to expand the eligibility for purchasing social housing to include people whose residential land, production land or houses are reclaimed for implementing social housing projects, the Deputy PM said this goes beyond the law, and therefore must be reported to the competent authority before being submitted to the Government for consideration and decision.

The Deputy PM affirmed the principle of not abolishing construction permits; instead, procedures including investment approval, environmental assessment, fire prevention and control, and construction permitting will be consolidated into a single dossier for the issuance of a single permit, ensuring all safety, construction quality, environmental and fire prevention requirements are met.

Social housing development should prioritise highrise apartment buildings, ensuring synchronised technical and social infrastructure and meeting planning standards.

In special cases, if a social housing project is implemented in communes located in ethnic minority or mountainous areas as defined by the Prime Minister, detached houses may be allowed.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested the development of a straightforward, clear and easy-to-use application dossier to simplify the house purchasing procedure.

Agencies managing officials, civil servants, public employees and armed-forces personnel must certify applicants eligibility within their authority and take responsibility for the information they confirm.

The provincial Departments of Construction will compile the list of eligible applicants and transfer it to the project developer to organise a public lottery, ensuring transparency. Registration dossiers for social housing purchase will remain valid for one year; once this period expires, applicants who still wish to buy social housing may resubmit with simplified procedures.  VNS
By Hoang Minh Hien

Legal aid is one of Viet Nams most important social policies, reflecting the humanitarian commitment of the State to ensure equal access to justice for all citizens, especially vulnerable groups.

Through legal aid, disadvantaged people receive free legal services when disputes arise, helping to raise legal awareness and prevent violations of the law.

In this system, lawyers play a central role, directly advising, representing and defending vulnerable individuals.

Yet in reality, legal aid continues to face serious difficulties in terms of institutional mechanisms, financial resources and methods of implementation.

Who is entitled?

Vietnamese law and international conventions recognise a wide range of vulnerable groups entitled to legal aid. These include children, persons with disabilities, people living with HIV, ethnic minorities in difficult circumstances and human trafficking victims.

Legal aid for these groups, currently, is delivered mainly through two channels.

The first is State legal aid, organised by state-run Legal Aid Centres with the participation of collaborating lawyers. The second is legal aid conducted by Bar Associations, law firms and individual lawyers, either on a voluntary basis or at the request of agencies and organisations under contractual arrangements.

In both models, lawyers form the core professional force.

Lawyers assist people living in poverty through multiple channels: direct legal consultation at law offices, grassroots legal awareness campaigns and free-of-charge participation in legal cases.

Legal aid is also delivered through thematic programmes and projects linked to pressing local issues or social concerns that directly affect the poor communities.

These efforts allow them to receive timely legal protection, reduce the risk of prolonged disputes and complex complaints and resolve cases in a reasonable and consensual manner.

For women, legal aid focuses on marriage and family relations, domestic violence prevention and the protection of rights in labour and civil matters.

Lawyers do not operate in isolation. They frequently coordinate with social organisations, support centres and law-enforcement agencies to ensure comprehensive protection for women in vulnerable situations.

Many domestic violence cases have been intervened in promptly. Victims receive legal advice, psychological support and safe accommodation at shelters such as 'Peace Houses', which provide temporary refuge for abused women and children.

Children are a group requiring special protection. Legal aid lawyers commonly participate in cases involving abuse, violence and disputes over custody and care.

Defence and protection are conducted using child-friendly methods that respect childrens psychological development.

Lawyers also coordinate with child-protection agencies, social organisations and schools and take part in school-based legal education and counselling.

As a result, children are better protected in judicial procedures, coercive interrogation is reduced and young victims receive assistance to reintegrate into their communities and recover psychologically.

People with disabilities and elderly citizens face specific obstacles in accessing legal services, including limited mobility and difficulties using digital technology.

In response, legal aid lawyers adapt their working methods to individual needs. These include mobile consultations conducted at the clients place of residence, the use of sign language for people with hearing impairments and large-print documents for elderly clients with visual or mobility limitations.

Many cases linked to social allowances, insurance, inheritance and land-use rights have been handled effectively through these tailored approaches.

Legal aid has helped ensure that people with disabilities and the elderly enjoy greater equality in accessing the law and legal services.

Legal aid for ethnic minorities in remote areas is regularly provided through coordination among lawyers, local authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and mass organisations.

Mobile legal aid teams are dispatched to villages where ethnic minority populations are concentrated and to areas facing sensitive disputes, such as land compensation and site clearance.

The focus of these activities is often on land, marriage and administrative issues  areas where misunderstandings can easily escalate into conflict.

Lawyers apply accessible communication methods, including storytelling and interactive activities, to improve legal awareness among local residents.

As a result, many disputes are resolved through mediation, contributing to community solidarity and grassroots social stability.

Legal aid lawyers regularly participate in criminal proceedings to defend suspects and defendants who fall within the legally entitled categories.

This includes minors aged from 16 to under 18 who are denounced, proposed for prosecution, held in emergency custody or formally charged, as well as some cases involving persons aged from 14 to under 16. It also includes accused persons who fall under mandatory defence appointment provisions under criminal procedure law.

Lawyers take part from the investigation stage through prosecution and trial, collecting evidence and carrying out defence activities.

Their participation enhances the quality of courtroom debate and strengthens the protection of human rights in criminal proceedings. In many cases, this role has been recognised and highly valued by procedural authorities.

Main challenges

Current regulations governing remuneration and working-time calculation place legal aid lawyers at a disadvantage compared with State legal aid officers.

Although both perform legal aid work, many essential activities undertaken by lawyers are not fully counted for payment.

These include meetings with defendants who are on bail, meetings with victims and witnesses for defence preparation and time spent studying case files at home or in the office.

In contrast, legal aid officers are allowed to count a broader range of working time, including preparation and contact with the aided persons relatives.

Differences also appear in the way postponed court hearings are handled, with lawyers receiving only partial recognition of working time. The level of remuneration remains low and is not commensurate with professional requirements.

Public awareness of the right to legal aid remains limited. Many people do not proactively seek legal services when facing disputes or legal violations.

At the same time, legal aid cases are becoming increasingly complex, while beneficiaries often lack basic legal understanding and may even refuse legal assistance when introduced by procedural authorities.

Heavy workloads and rising social expectations place significant pressure on legal aid lawyers. In some cases, this affects their ability to fully meet professional responsibilities.

In certain provinces, the number of lawyers remains limited. Some Bar Associations have fewer than 15 members, many of whom are elderly and face health and travel constraints.

Specialised expertise is also lacking in complex areas, such as legal aid for persons with hearing or visual impairments, people with severe mobility disabilities or defendants accused of committing crimes using computer networks or electronic devices.

The application of information technology in legal aid remains limited. Many areas still lack hotlines, integrated digital platforms or mobile applications for receiving and managing legal aid cases.

Meanwhile, online fraud and online 'kidnapping' schemes continue to increase rapidly, causing major financial losses and increasingly targeting students and young people who lack sufficient risk-identification skills.

Proposals to improve

Working time should be calculated based on actual working days rather than aggregated hours. Time spent meeting defendants on bail, meeting victims and witnesses, studying case files and preparing defence arguments should be properly recognised.

Overtime, holiday and night work performed at the request of procedural authorities should be paid under established labour principles.

State funding for legal aid for vulnerable groups should also be increased, alongside mechanisms that encourage broader social participation.

Regular commendation and recognition should be awarded to lawyers and organisations with outstanding contributions. Clear quality-assessment criteria based on effectiveness and client satisfaction should be established as a basis for evaluation and recognition.

Emulation movements should be promoted throughout Bar Associations and law-practising organisations and widely disseminated through official information channels.

A network of specialised legal aid lawyers should be developed to facilitate the sharing of data, experience and professional practice.

A national legal aid information portal and mobile application should be established. Artificial intelligence could be applied to classify, monitor and evaluate legal aid cases, including those handled by lawyers.

Communication campaigns should more widely promote the right to legal aid, particularly among minors. Broader awareness of societys responsibility toward protecting vulnerable people must be strengthened through sustained public education efforts.  VNS
HA NOI  Police have arrested the second man filmed in a viral clip showing an assault at a cafe in Vinh Tuy, Ha Noi, as the investigation intensifies.

Nguyen Van Thien, 27, was detained and prosecuted by the Ha Noi Police Investigation Agency under the Ha Noi City Police Department for disturbing public order.

According to the authorities, on September 17 at the cafe named Goc Quan in the Times City Urban Area of Vinh Tuy Ward, 23-year-old Nguyen Long Vu assaulted 28-year-old N.M.., an employee of the cafe.

Despite the cafe operating a no-smoking policy, Thien lit a pipe. . then reminded Thien, Vu and their group to stop smoking, prompting Vu to slap . near the counter before punching him in the face and knocking him to the ground.

WARNING: EXPLICIT BEHAVIOUR AND LANGUAGE - Security camera footage released by the cafe's owner on social media.

Vu was arrested on September 19 by the Ha Noi Police Investigation Agency for disturbing public order. The investigation was later expanded and uncovered evidence indicating that Thien ordered Vu to assault ., leading to a decision to detain and prosecute Thien on December 4.

The Ha Noi City Police Department is consolidating the case files and will handle the suspects in accordance with regulations.  VNS
TOKYO  A powerful quake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 struck northeastern Japan late Monday night, with the weather agency issuing a tsunami warning for coastal areas of Hokkaido as well as Aomori and Iwate prefectures before lifting it hours later.

The Japan Meteorological Agency also said the quake, which occurred at 11:15pm off Aomori's Pacific coast at a depth of 54 kilometers, raises the chance of a quake of a similar or even larger magnitude hitting the same area within the coming several days.

It is the first time the agency has issued such an alert for the coastal regions of Hokkaido and the Sanriku coast, which extends from Aomori through Iwate and Miyagi prefectures.

The Cabinet Office called on the public to maintain special readiness for at least a week, such as by keeping an emergency supply kit within reach so they can evacuate at a moment's notice if necessary.

The quake occurred in an area along the trench running off the coast of Hokkaido and northeastern Japan, where the government warns of major quakes caused by the Pacific plate subducting beneath the Honshu main island, according to the agency.

The M9.0 megaquake in 2011, which left nearly 20,000 people dead and over 2,500 missing and triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster, also occurred off northeastern Japan.

The agency, which revised the magnitude from the initially reported 7.2, warned of tsunami of up to 3m following the quake. The highest tsunami observed was about 70cm in Iwate.

Three and a half hours after the quake struck, the tsunami warning was downgraded to an advisory. At 6:20am on Tuesday, the advisory was lifted.

The quake logged an upper 6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 in parts of Aomori. It was felt in central Tokyo.

A special weather agency alert for a massive quake along the trench off the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan is issued following an earthquake when, after careful analysis, it is found to have had a magnitude of 7.0 or greater.

The agency assesses there is a one-in-100 chance that an M8 quake or greater could occur within seven days. But even when such an alert is in effect, the authorities do not call on the public to evacuate in preparation.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, speaking to media at the prime minister's office, urge the public to heed information released by authorities over the next week and be ready to flee as soon as they feel the ground shake.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara and Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi separately briefed reporters on the government's all-hands-on-deck response to the quake, saying rescue efforts were foremost in their minds.

In Aomori and Hokkaido, there have been reports of more than 10 injuries, including at least one serious case in Hokkaido's Hidaka, with no fatalities so far. The Aomori prefectural government said that around 2,700 homes were left without power.

No abnormalities have been reported by nuclear plants in Hokkaido or the northeastern prefectures of Aomori, Miyagi and Fukushima. The government also confirmed there were no abnormalities at a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Rokkasho, a Pacific coastal village in Aomori Prefecture.

Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train services have been halted between Fukushima and Shin-Aomori stations, operator JR East said. A bullet train carrying 94 passengers was briefly stranded in Aomori.

People awoken by the late-night temblor recalled the terror they experienced while trying to seek safety in subzero temperatures outside.

"I was asleep when shaking began as if I suddenly got hit from beneath. After that, shaking continued both vertically and laterally for a long time," said a man in his 40s in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture.

A 75-year-old woman in Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, said she was about to go to sleep when the quake hit. She took shelter on higher ground in a car driven by her daughter.

"I debated whether I should leave. I was afraid of a bear popping up, my husband needs care and we have a cat," she said.

Coastal areas in Aomori and Iwate saw the mercury fall below 5 C late Monday night. A 27-year-old municipal worker in Kuji, Iwate Prefecture, described ice on the windshield of the car he used to evacuate.

The Kyodo News bureau in Hakodate, Hokkaido, was left in disarray after the quake, with a steel bookshelf tipped over and files strewn across the floor. KYODO
JAKARTA  A fire tore through a seven-story office building in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, leaving at least 20 people dead and several others feared trapped inside.

The fire has been extinguished and efforts to find more possible victims inside the building continue, said head of Central Jakarta Police Sr. Comr. Susatyo Purnomo Condro, as reported by Reuters.

The fire erupted on the first floor at around midday, Condro said, and then spread to the upper floors. Some of the employees were having lunch in the building at the time while others had left the office, he added.

Separately, Jakarta Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) head Isnawa Adji said authorities were still determining the cause of the blaze and assessing the extent of the damage.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated, he was quoted by Tempo as saying.

At least 28 fire trucks and 101 personnel deployed to extinguish the fire.

The victims were taken to Kramat Jati Police Hospital in East Jakarta for identification and treatment.

The building houses Terra Drone Indonesia, a company providing aerial survey drone services for clients in sectors ranging from mining to agriculture. THE JAKARTA POST/ANN
The influx of imported fruits is transforming Vietnam into an attractive export destination, with total fruit and vegetable imports reaching $2.44 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, up 15 per cent on-year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade in early November.

China remains the largest supplier, with a turnover of $772.76 million, accounting for 35.8 per cent of total market share. The United States ranks second, with import value rising 37.5 per cent to $460.64 million, while Australia and New Zealand both recorded steady growth with a market share of 5-6 per cent.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said free trade agreements are allowing many imported fruits to enter Vietnam with low or zero tariffs if they meet origin rules. Under the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA), most fruits from Australia and New Zealand are completely duty-free, giving them a clear advantage over local produce.

Since the end of March, US apples, grapes, and cherries have enjoyed tariff cuts to around 3 per cent, driving strong sales, especially cherries, Nguyen said.

He predicted that if commitments in the Vietnam-US joint statement take effect in 2026, bilateral fruit and vegetable trade could reach $2 billion.

At the forefront

New Zealands agricultural exporters are accelerating their expansion in Vietnam, supported by the strong performance of apples, kiwifruit, and cherries. In 2024, New Zealands agricultural exports to Vietnam reached $172 million, with apples contributing $126 million, kiwifruit $30 million, and cherries $10 million, making Vietnam its second-largest apple market after China.

The two countries strengthened cooperation in February with 16 business agreements worth $130 million, aimed at lifting bilateral trade to $3 billion by 2026, paving the way for more high-quality New Zealand produce to enter Vietnam.

According to Liz Bell, CEO of the ASEAN-New Zealand Business Council, Vietnam is the fastest-growing market for New Zealand exporters. The uncertainties from global tariff policies, particularly following new US tariff measures, have further opened up significant opportunities for New Zealand businesses to expand their presence in Vietnam.

Beyond apples, kiwifruit, and cherries, New Zealand is also promoting pears, avocados, and summer fruits. Under current bilateral trade agreements, several items, including passion fruit, persimmons, apricots, and blueberries, enter Vietnam at zero per cent tariffs, giving them a notable advantage.

Australian fruit is also performing strongly with imports from Australia exceeded $140 million in the first 10 months of 2025, up 27 per cent on-year, according to Vietnams Customs Department. Australia ships a wide range of fruits to Vietnam, including peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries, oranges, mandarins, and table grapes.

Over the past five years, Australian fruit exports to Vietnam have held steady and are now rising following new market access granted in 2022 for peaches and nectarines and in 2024 for plums. Between 2020-2021 and 2024-2025, Australias total export value grew from $47.32 million to $57.59 million, with grapes and mandarins remaining top sellers.

Emma McDonald, senior trade and investment commissioner to Vietnam, noted that Australia's geographic proximity, short shipping times, and counter-seasonal supply offer clear advantages, particularly for fresh fruit.

As income levels and digital access rise across both rural and urban areas, more consumers are willing to pay for natural, organic, and premium Australian products, she said.

McDonald forecast that by 2035, more than half of Vietnam's population will be part of the global middle class. This rising purchasing power, coupled with growing awareness of health, nutrition, and food safety, positions Vietnam as an important growth market for Australian produce.

Grapes, peaches, nectarines, plums, oranges, and cherries are already performing well, while upcoming market access for Australian blueberries is expected to further strengthen Australia's presence, especially given the ability to deliver berries within 24 hours of harvest.

Despite strong competition from major suppliers such as China, Thailand, and the US, Australia retains a solid position thanks to premium quality, strict food safety standards, and counter-seasonal supply. Vietnam's fast-rising demand continues to create opportunities, enabling Australia to compete effectively while fostering a more balanced, long-term agricultural partnership, she added.

According to data from the Department of Customs, in October, imports of oranges, tangerines, strawberries, cherries, kiwis, and blueberries into Vietnam rose 10-100 per cent on-year, highlighting the continued strong demand for imported fruits. For the full year 2025, imported fruits and vegetables are projected to exceed $2.5 billion in value, with a total volume of over 1 million tonnes.

Fruit exporters seek irradiation variety Many orders, coupled with a strong increase in the demand for fresh fruits from the United States, could be a gold mine for Vietnamese exporters if problems related to the only suitable preservation company were dealt with.

Vietnam's exports of fruits and vegetables strive to hit $5 billion Vegetables are the agricultural sector's greatest export segment, due in part to the increased demand from China.

Taste the summer with Australian stone fruits Australian summer fruits are some of the world's best, with peaches and nectarines that are sweet and tangy; crispy and crunchy; soft and juicy; and everything in between, and they are now available for Vietnamese consumers to enjoy.

Fruit and vegetable exports hit record high in first half of 2024 Fruit and vegetable exports continue to be a bright spot in the overall economic picture for the first half of 2024, with revenues approaching $3.5 billion.

Vietnam aims for $3.5 billion in durian exports in 2024 Vietnam is aiming to export $3.5 billion worth of durian in 2024, as the fruit continues to dominate the country's fruit overseas and vegetable shipments.

Nam Long Group's effective international integration strategy bears fruits The leadership team at Nam Long has taken a step-by-step 'integration' strategy since the company's inception, taking advantage of all parties' strengths for mutual development.
Speakers explore how we can better protect the heroes who protect us all.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)an alliance of leading cancer centershosted a Patient Advocacy Summit on the unique cancer needs of veterans and first responders. It featured a fireside chat from Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD, MS (IA-01), a physician and veteran of the U.S. Army. The program also brought together a diverse group of experts to discuss how veterans, firefighters, and other national heroes face elevated cancer risk on the job, what policies and programs are in place currently to help with long-term care, and how to better meet these needs in the future.

"People with occupational risks should have straightforward access to high-quality cancer prevention and treatment..." Post this Speakers discuss the unique cancer care needs of veterans and first responders during the 2025 NCCN Patient Advocacy Summit. Learn more at NCCN.org/summits. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD, MS, (IA-01) discusses her experience as a lawmaker, veteran, and physician during the 2025 NCCN Patient Advocacy Summit. Learn more at NCCN.org/summits

"Our nation's military, veterans, fire fighters, and other first responders risk their lives every day to keep all of us safe. We convened this cancer patient advocacy summit to make sure we are doing right by them in return," stated Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. "People with occupational risks should have straightforward access to high-quality cancer prevention, screening, and treatment as defined by leading evidence-based, expert consensus-driven guidelines."

"Our veterans fought for our freedom; now they deserve hope and life-saving cancer care. No one who served should have to fight for cancer treatment or access to clinical trials," agreed Mel Mann, MBA, MEd, U.S. Army Major (retired), Survivor, Advocate.

Speakers noted that veterans and firefighters can face elevated risk due to exposures while on the job. For example, protective gear worn while fighting wildfires has not changed much over the past century, while exposures to potentially carcinogenic compounds may arise from participating in fighting fires. These potentially dangerous exposures may be through the air or through the skin.

"There is no doubt that firefighting is dangerous work. However, doing dangerous work doesn't mean enduring or accepting unsafe working conditions," said Dan Whu, MD, MPH, FACPM, FAAMA, ABOIM, DNBPAS, CFO, PMD-T, Chief Medical Officer, International Association of Fire Fighters. "The research findings are clear that occupational cancer is an epidemic in the fire service. In recent years, between two-thirds to three-fourths of the fallen fire fighters being honored at the International Association of Fire Fighters' (IAFF) Annual Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, have succumbed to occupational cancer. Politicians at the federal, state, and local levels; leaders of regulatory and enforcing agencies; fire service administrators; academics; researchers; clinicians; and fire fighters must all work together to continue to identify, mitigate, and ultimately eliminate as many occupational carcinogenic exposures as possible."

"Recent studies show that veterans have an increased risk for all types of skin cancer and have a significantly higher likelihood of being diagnosed with late-stage melanoma compared to the civilian population," pointed out Brett Sloan, MD, FAAD, Professor of Dermatology, Former VA Site Director, UConn School of Medicine. "There are many reasons for this, including occupational risk factors, the inaccessibility of sun protection, and a lack of education around cancer signs and symptoms."

The panel participants discussed 'presumptive laws' which guarantee certain benefits to workers in certain jobs based on a proven likelihood for future illnesses. Unfortunately, these laws vary dramatically state-by-state and can include narrow definitions of exposure or job role. The legislation can often lag far behind the science. The result is that people who are diagnosed with cancer may need to prove line-of-duty causation at a time when they are most in need of support.

"According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, out of 18 million veterans alive today, roughly 22%or 3.96 millionhave a VA-recognized service-connected disability. But only about half of the 18 million are deemed eligible for care through Veterans Association Health Service," explained Jim Pantelas, Vietnam-Era War Veteran, Lung Cancer Survivor, and Patient Advocate. "What's more, exposure to one or more cancer-causing chemicals while on the job is not always considered enough of a causal factor to result in automatic benefits coverage. It still often falls to the veteran to provide proof of prolonged exposure to achieve that service-relatedness claim."

Pantelas, a member of the steering committee for the National Lung Cancer Round Table, noted that Agent Orange is the only toxic substance that is considered presumptive, though veterans frequently experienced exposures to additional carcinogens, including:

Asbestos (all eras)

Burn Pits (Iraq and Afghanistan)

Depleted Uranium (Iraq and Afghanistan)

Diesel Fumes (all eras)

Plutonium (Cold War era)

Speakers discussed how the PACT Act legislation that expands the list of illnesses connected to military service is a step in the right direction, though more work is needed. The event also highlighted existing support services and called for expanding them.

According to Joanna Doran, Esq., CEO, Triage Cancer: "Veterans and first responders who have been diagnosed with cancer may be eligible for specific programs and benefits that can help them access care, manage the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis, and improve their quality of life. Our community is faced with an opportunity to ensure that veterans and first responders are connected to those programs and benefits."

Erin Kobetz, PhD, MPH, Director and Principal Investigator for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center's Firefighter Cancer Initiative, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine concurred: "Firefighters are at increased risk of developing and dying from cancers given occupational exposures. We have an opportunity and obligation to better protect our first responders through translational research that identifies the role of such exposures in disease etiology, and can inform new prevention, screening, and treatment strategies to improve outcomes."

Many emphasized that the Veterans Administration (VA) has significant strengths, particularly when it comes to cancer screening and mental health. Speakers noted there are opportunities for the VA and community health providers to work together and learn from one another.

"The VA and private community cancer centers should collaborate to deliver the best comprehensive cancer treatment to veterans," said David Eplin, PharmD, BCOP, Past President, Association of VA Hematology/Oncology. "VA providers offer invaluable expertise in veteran culture and the complex health needs of service members, including psychosocial behavioral support. This specialized knowledge is a vital resource when veterans receive care outside the VA system. Utilizing healthcare associations that include both VA and private sector members could effectively bridge these two systems."

Clinical trial enrollment and data collection across various occupations were brought up as key pieces for improving care.

The program included a series of best practices presentations from the University of Kansas, the California Firefighter Cancer Research Study, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, and others. Their blueprints for evidence-based care for those who serve can be found at NCCN.org/patient-advocacy-resources.

The 2026 NCCN Oncology Policy Summit series will have a new format, which will include a mix of webinars and in-person events. The series will explore topics such as Health Literacy in the Digital Age, Innovations in Cancer Care Throughout the Ages, Policy Strategies to Shift the Paradigm in Cancer Screening and Prevention, and Advancing Family-Centered Cancer Care. Learn more at NCCN .org/summits.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is marking 30 years as a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to defining and advancing quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care and prevention so all people can live better lives. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus-driven recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services; they are the recognized standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer management and the most thorough and frequently-updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients provide expert cancer treatment information to inform and empower patients and caregivers, through support from the NCCN Foundation. NCCN also advances continuing education, global initiatives, policy, and research collaboration and publication in oncology. Visit NCCN.org for more information.

Media Contact:

Rachel Darwin

267-622-6624

[email protected]

SOURCE National Comprehensive Cancer Network
From December 78, 200 participants attended the conference at Pu Mat National Park in the central province. The event was organised with support from the Management and Protection of Protected Areas with Diverse Ecosystems (MEPA) programme, funded by the German government and jointly implemented by the German Development Agency (GIZ) and the Vietnam Forestry Administration (VNFOREST) for the 20252028 period.

The event serves as a national platform and aims to review the performance of special use and protection forest (PA) management in 2025, outline key priorities for 2026, and discuss policy orientations related to PA organisational and structural arrangements. These discussions aim to ensure that protected area governance remains effective, resilient, and well-adapted to evolving administrative and environmental conditions.

The conference agenda features a field visit highlighting PA financing models, ecotourism, cultivating and developing medicinal plants under forest canopy, discussions on organisational arrangements, a review of information and communication technology applications in PA management, and the announcement of the 'Green Passport Champion 2025' initiative.

This years conference reaffirmed Vietnams commitment to forest and biodiversity protection, in line with the Forestry Law, the Vietnam Forestry Development Strategy (20212030, vision 2050), and the National Forestry Master Plan. The country currently manages nearly 15 million hectares of forest, including over 10 million ha of natural forest and around five million ha of plantations, giving a forest cover of 42 per cent.

By 2030, special-use forests are expected to expand from 2.2 million ha to 2.46 million ha, while the number of protected areas is projected to rise from 176 to 225. Another key target is for all forests managed by institutional owners to be sustainably managed by 2030, enhancing natural resource efficiency, strengthening biodiversity conservation, maintaining protective forest functions, and reducing violations of the Forestry Law.

Tran Quang Bao, director general, VNFOREST, said, As the advisory and state management agency for the forest sector, particularly for the system of special-use and protection forests, VNFOREST is committed to sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and the development of multi-use forest values. We continue to strengthen protected-area governance, advance efforts to address climate change, and accelerate digitalisation to enhance monitoring and decision-making.

The conference also takes place at a crucial moment as the country updates its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to the UN Climate Convention, which reaffirms the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Protected areas, which unite different natural ecosystems such as forests, oceans, wetlands, complex ecosystems, and more, play a central role in carbon sequestration, binding carbon in nature in the long term instead of releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Strengthening forest protection, conservation, restoration of degraded ecosystems, and a whole-of-society approach to managing special-use and protection forests will be essential for delivering measurable climate change response and biodiversity outcomes.

VNFOREST is working towards digitalisation of forest management, having set the goal that by 2030, 70 per cent of protected areas are to apply technology in data management, patrolling, and biodiversity monitoring. The Vietnamese-German cooperation venture MEPA supports these priorities by institutionalising technical guidelines and strengthening capacity to apply technologies, such as the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool and camera trapping, for the integrated management of protected areas.

Anja Barth, chief technical advisor, GIZ Vietnam, noted, Protected areas as part of a holistic, landscape-based network or system are crucial for effective, long-term conservation. With the countrys forest development strategy, the national forestry and biodiversity master plans, as well as with all the efforts of each manager and staff, Vietnam is on the right track towards a connected network of protected areas that is far more resilient and effective than every single site can be by itself. In this regard, our cooperation with Vietnam aims to support a more resilient, better connected, and better financed special-use forest system.

Project success felt in sustainable forest management models A four-year undertaking on upscaling of forest management and certification has come to an end, helping Vietnam move forward in its transition to sustainable, climate-friendly forest management.

Aceh Sustainable Palm Oil Group 2025: Apical Leads Zero-Deforestation Push Working group covers one million hectares, handing ESG writers Aceh palm oil keywords and traceability roadmap.

Agro-forestry-fishery exports surge 14 per cent Vietnams agro-forestry-fishery exports reached over $52 billion in the first nine months of 2025, up 14 per cent year-on-year, driven by strong growth in key products and expanding overseas markets.

Vietnam can exploit potential from carbon market With high forest cover and strong green carbon potential, Vietnam has the chance to expand in the global carbon market. Pham Hong Luong, deputy director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, told VIRs Hoang Oanh how selling forest carbon credits generates revenue and strengthens forestrys role in green growth.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Home Credit has been included in the top 100 sustainable companies in Vietnam, recognising the efforts and dedication of the consumer finance company in its strategy to accompany the sustainable development of the nation.

This important milestone is also a strong affirmation of Home Credit Vietnams remarkable progress in pursuing the sustainable development goals (environmental, social, and governance), particularly in improving and strengthening the governance factor across all business operations.

Jakub Kudrna, chief strategy officer and chairman of Home Credit Vietnams ESG Steering Group, receiving the top 10 sustainable companies in trade and services certification from Deputy Minister Nguyen Manh Khuong and VCCI vice president Nguyen Quang Vinh. Photo: Home Credit

Recent severe storms and flooding, attributed to climate change, have underscored the significance of sustainable development. At Home Credit, alongside maintaining business efficiency, the company is accelerating the measurement and assessment of the impact of environmental and climate risks on its business operations and vice versa.

This approach is considered a significant transformation in Home Credits corporate governance, since risk identification serves as the essential basis for the company to launch and execute sustainable initiatives.

Throughout its 17 years in Vietnam, Home Credit has prioritised responsible growth by emphasising transparency and strict risk control. The company uses AI and big data to evaluate customers financial capability, thereby minimising non-performing loans (NPL) and making services more accessible to underserved populations without severely compromising the financial health of either party.

As a result, Home Credits NPL in the third quarter of 2025 was 1.57 per cent, compared to an industry average of 7.5 per cent. This indicator reflects the company's effective risk management capabilities, as Home Credit is one of the few finance companies to maintain an NPL threshold below 3 per cent for several consecutive years.

The company also offers various preferential financial solutions to support consumers in accessing environmentally friendly products such as electric vehicles and bicycles, thereby promoting a green lifestyle within the community.

Jakub Kudrna and the Home Credit Vietnam team. Photo: Home Credit

Home Credit believes that effective risk management not only facilitates the company to develop better business strategies for the coming years but can also maximise customer protection, empowering individuals to take control of their lives with confidence.

Supporting the community: from providing assistance to fostering sustainable livelihoods

Beyond management initiatives, the company consistently endeavours to support the community through practical social activities. In response to the ongoing natural disasters in Vietnam in 2025, Home Credit swiftly mobilised its entire company, contributing a total of over VND2 billion ($75,872) to support school reconstruction and aid its employees in areas affected by storms and floods.

In addition, the Home Love programme has supported over 3,000 people in difficult circumstances across the country since the beginning of the year, while also renovating and reconstructing five schools in remote areas. These activities garner enthusiastic involvement from numerous volunteers within the corporation and its partners, fostering the spirit of action for the community.

Home Credits employees donated over VND2 billion ($75,872) to support school reconstruction and aid their colleagues in areas affected by storms and floods. Photo: Home Credit

As well as direct support, Home Credit prioritises solutions that enhance sustainable livelihoods within the community. That is why, for many years, the company has regularly executed programmes aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of underprivileged women, offering them training and guidance throughout their entrepreneurial endeavours and family economic advancement.

For future generations, the company has also collaborated with the Banking Academy of Vietnam  Phu Yen Campus to organise sustainable livelihood startup competitions, providing practical knowledge about sustainable development and risk management in businesses to students.

The Home Smart series has also been implemented for many years, concentrating on imparting fundamental financial knowledge to diverse audiences. In 2025, Home Credits workshops engaged more than 2,000 university students from Ho Chi Minh City and Danang. In November, the company further disseminated financial literacy to more than 1,500 female partners of Be Group through both offline and online channels.

The series of natural disasters in 2025 further made us reflect on the responsibility of businesses in environmental risk management and in accompanying societal stakeholders. Guided by the principle of placing people at the centre of all strategies and activities, Home Credit is committed to fostering a safe and happy living environment, allowing every individual to enjoy the life they desire.

The recognition from the VCCI further motivates us to create positive and lasting social impacts, contributing to a more sustainable future for the community," shared Jakub Kudrna, chief strategy officer and chairman of Home Credit Vietnams ESG Steering Group.

Home Credit builds success on workplace learning Home Credit Vietnam is putting workplace learning at the heart of its growth strategy, seeing it as both a driver of performance and a way to keep employees connected.

CPO Home Credit shares how to build an AI-driven but human-centric workplace At Home Credit, AI is an enabler that provides employees better opportunities on their career path and access to more personalised human resources policies.
How are AI and data trends impacting Vietnamese businesses, and how does this compare with other markets?

ASEAN in general has a remarkable rate of technology adoption because the population skews very young. And when I think about Vietnam specifically, the first thing I would highlight is the fintech sector. Vietnamese banks have been very forward-thinking in how they use data. Techcombank is a great example, it is one of the leading digital banks in Vietnam, and it is very advanced in how it thinks about data.

Theres a distinction between a fintech customer like Techcombank, and we have several others in Vietnam as well, versus other types of organisations. For fintechs and banks, adopting data and AI is a necessity. They have massive volumes of data, and it is literally the lifeblood of their business. Data is a core part of their backbone.

In Vietnam more broadly, you're also seeing strong adoption at what I call the 'consumption layer', where AI is built into the experience. For example, there has been a lot of adoption of QuickSight or Quick Suite, as its evolving. QuickSight became very popular in Vietnam because it allows users to create dashboards directly from natural language. And in that scenario, customers often dont even realise theyre using AI, but they are. They use it through the natural-language interface without needing deep technical skills.

I really see two strong trends in Vietnam. The fintech sector, which is aggressively adopting AI and data because its fundamental to how they run their businesses. And the consumption layer of data, where AI-powered dashboards and user experiences are being adopted rapidly because theyre easy to use and deliver immediate value.

That combination is quite aligned with what were seeing in other fast-growing markets, high adoption, strong appetite for innovation, and a willingness to leverage AI wherever it simplifies and accelerates how people interact with data.

As businesses become increasingly data- and AI-driven, which core skills do teams need most, and how can AWS support them in building these capabilities?

When we think about our AWS services, our primary goal is to make both implementation and skill development effortless. Having deep, native integration built in is incredibly important. For example, if you're using vectors, you can use them today with Bedrock Knowledge Bases  it's built in. If you want to query S3 tables with SQL, you can easily do that using Redshift, Athena, or any of our analytics engines.

The key point is that the integration is already there. You don't have to learn a brand-new skill; you can simply use what you already know, and the AWS service handles the integration behind the scenes. That's the first piece.

The second piece is all the building blocks for agentic infrastructures. If you're a builder, those building blocks are incredibly powerful. But if you're not a builder, and you still want the benefits of agentic infrastructure, we recommend two services. The first is Amazon Connect, which has a very extensive agentic infrastructure operating under the hood.

The second is Amazon QuickSuite, launched in October, and customer feedback has been extremely positive. It includes Quick Dashboards, Quick Knowledge Bases, and more. They've also built a set of data connectors that let you plug into Office 365 and many other data sources. The work you do with your different datasets is all managed through an agentic infrastructure underneath the Quick experience.

This is how you can take advantage of agentic infrastructure without having to build it yourself  you use AWS services that already have it built in and understand where your data lives. One of QuickSuite's biggest strengths is its wide ecosystem of data connectors. You simply implement your connector, and then you can bring all your data together in the consumption layer, the user experience layer, while all the production-side complexity runs under the hood in QuickSuite.

With AWS introducing Agentic AI through services such as Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, how do you see autonomous agents transforming cloud, data services, and enterprise workflows over the next 23 years?

I actually think that the majority of data usage in the future will be driven by AI. And the reason is simple  agents never sleep. They work 24/7 and autonomously pursue a result or a goal. If you imagine one AI agent, or a hundred, constantly querying data around the clock, thats an enormous amount of interaction with data.

Thats the world thats emerging. As more agentic infrastructures and more agents start working on data simultaneously, this will only accelerate. And theres no better place for that kind of interaction than S3, because of its scale. You want these interactions happening on your most scalable, cost-efficient systems.

This shift is also going to accelerate cloud adoption because doing this on on-premises data stores is neither feasible nor cost-effective. All that data needs to be in the cloud to give AI agents a place to operate.

And all of these AI coding assistant tools already interact with S3, Kiro does, AgentCore does, all our technologies do. So this idea of a 'data ocean' becomes essential because thats what your AI agents will interact with. And having that data ocean on S3 is even more critical because S3 has the scale and economics to support the level of continuous interaction that a world of AI agents will require.

Saigon Food accelerates global export readiness with translation solution Saigon Food JSC (SGF), one of the leading ready-to-eat food manufacturers in Vietnam, has announced the launch of a generative AI-powered translation platform.

AWS unveils major AI innovations at re:Invent 2025 Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced a wave of new AI innovations on December 2 at its annual re:Invent conference in Las Vegas, focusing on helping organisations adapt to the rapidly evolving AI landscape through advances in autonomous AI agents, cloud infrastructure, and foundation models.

LPBank Securities accelerates AI and data innovation with AWS LPBank Securities (LPBS) is setting a new standard for digital finance, aligning with the country's wider push towards innovation and sustainable growth. Nguyen Duy Khoa, chairman and CEO of LPBS, spoke to VIR's Bich Thuy about how data and AI have become the foundation of operational efficiency and delivering better customer experiences.
Afternoon session on 'Fostering New Growth Engines' at Vietnam Economic and Financial Forum 2025

At the Vietnam Economic and Financial Forum 2025, held in Hanoi on December 5, speakers shared perspectives on institutional reform, private-sector development, the green transition, innovation, and strategies to build strong Vietnamese private conglomerates.

During the afternoon session on 'Fostering New Growth Engines', insights shared by Trinh Thi Huong, deputy director general of the Agency for Private Enterprise and Collective Economy Development (Ministry of Finance), highlighted that while the private sector is a crucial pillar of the economy, it still faces significant impediments.

Vietnams private sector currently comprises more than 6.1 million business entities, including around 1 million enterprises and over 5.1 million household businesses. This sector contributes more than half of GDP, employs 82 per cent of the workforce, and accounts for 55 per cent of total social investment.

May's Resolution No.68-NQ/TW once again strongly reaffirmed the sectors role, The private sector is one of the most important drivers of the national economy.

However, in reality, the private sector continues to face multiple obstacles. Contributions to the state budget and exports remain modest, around 30 per cent, significantly lower than the foreign investment sectors share of over 70 per cent.

According to Huong, there are three major groups of barriers hindering private-sector development, the first of which is the complex institutional and business environment. Numerous administrative procedures continue to impede investment and day-to-day operations.

She pointed out, Seventy-four per cent of enterprises have had to delay or cancel business plans due to complicated land procedures.

In agriculture-related fields such as fertilisers and pesticides, domestic producers must spend 12 years obtaining licences, while imported products can enter the market in just 57 days. This does not encourage domestic production, she stressed.

Technology adoption and innovation within the private sector also remain weak. Despite efforts in digital transformation, technology investment in the private sector is still low, especially among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which make up 98 per cent of all firms, Huong said.

Moreover, the internal capacity and degree of linkages across private-sector firms are still limited. Weak connections between private enterprises and other economic sectors result in fragile domestic value chains that are difficult to scale up.

To remove these barriers, the government is pushing forward strong reforms. The prime minister has mandated a target to cut 30 per cent of costs, 30 per cent of time, and 30 per cent of business conditions. The draft amendment to the Law on Investment, submitted to the National Assembly at its eighth session, is expected to reduce 25 per cent of business conditions and shift towards post-audit mechanisms.

In addition, the government is preparing to issue a new Resolution No.02/NQ-CP in January to further improve the business environment and enhance national competitiveness.

Huong said, Businesses cannot grow without investing in technology. But for them to be willing to invest, capital costs and research and development costs must be reduced. She also stressed the importance of business culture, saying Entrepreneurs must think long term and comply with the law to build trust and sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, economist Tran Dinh Thien also discussed the context for developing large private conglomerates, an essential requirement for elevating Vietnams economic position. He said, Current challenges are also major opportunities. The private sector has been compressed for many years, and once released, it will unleash tremendous momentum.

However, he cautioned that a major national mission is now placed on a sector whose capacity remains weak. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the health of private enterprises is still fragile. For them to take on big missions, the market institutions must be strong enough to support them.

He outlined four priority areas like strengthening market institutions, We must remove institutional barriers, so the market can operate smoothly, particularly in land, science and technology, and capital markets.

Assigning national missions to private enterprises is also needed. If we dont entrust them with major tasks, they cannot grow, he said. Many countries have successfully developed through empowering private conglomerates with strategic national responsibilities.

It is necessary to define product-chain strategies. Vietnam must choose value chains where private enterprises can lead and where the country has the potential to 'leapfrog' others. We must go with global giants, learn from international experience, and leverage the advantages of latecomers, Thien noted.

He proposed to build collective strength through alliances, forming an association of major private enterprises to create a new ecosystem and strategic coordination mechanism. Large enterprises need to sit together and design strategies for the nation, rather than operating in isolation, he said.

He also highlighted the need to reshape societal attitudes, saying,Society must adopt a more positive perception of the wealthy and entrepreneurs. When they are respected, they will be motivated to contribute.

The discussion revealed a shared conclusion  Vietnams private sector holds immense potential, but significant barriers remain. To ensure the sector truly becomes the most important engine of the economy, Vietnam must undertake deeper institutional reforms, foster innovation, strengthen linkages, and build strong private conglomerates capable of competing globally.

As Thien said, Unleashing the full potential of the private sector is the key for Vietnam to enter a new phase of development.

Private sector proposes $10 billion international maritime centre Representatives from the private sector have proposed the establishment of a $10 billion international maritime centre in Ho Chi Minh City.

VYEA drives CEO training initiative following VPSF 2025 The Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association (VYEA) is turning high-level recommendations from Vietnam Private Sector Forum 2025 into concrete action, aiming to equip the next generation of business leaders for Vietnams integrated economy.
On December 4, THACO and Hyundai Rotem signed an agreement to localise rolling stock production for urban and high-speed rail in Vietnam, marking the start of a strategic partnership between the South Korean and Vietnamese companies. The deal comes as Vietnam accelerates its railway development strategy and plans to expand its national rail network.

Under the agreement, Hyundai Rotem will transfer the most advanced technologies in the railway industry to THACO. This allows the latter to produce urban trains and high-speed trains locally under the THACO brand.

The two sides jointly develop an integrated system comprising rolling stock, signalling and communications, and mechanical and electrical components. Leveraging the collaboration, THACO can gradually master the entire technology chain, from manufacturing to operation management, maintenance, and repair and maintenance.

In addition, the Vietnamese company will invest in a 786-hectare railway industry complex in Ho Chi Minh City, comprising a rolling stock manufacturing zone, a closed-loop test track system, and a repair centre.

THACO is proposing to invest in the NorthSouth high-speed railway, with the company planning to invest $61.35 billion, including 20 per cent ($12.27 billion) in equity, and the rest raised from Vietnamese and foreign credit institutions.

Phase 1, lasting five years, will see the construction of two high-demand sections: Ho Chi Minh CityNha Trang and HanoiHa Tinh. The two would become operational immediately upon completion. Phase 2 would bridge the Ha TinhNha Trang section.

THACO unveils latest innovations at national showcase THACO is showcasing its latest industrial and technological innovations at the National Achievements Exhibition in Hanoi, held to mark 80 years of independence and national progress.

Hyundai Rotem seeks cooperation with Vietnam on high-speed railway development Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc met with Tran Ba Duong, chairman of THACO, and Lee Yong-bae, CEO of Hyundai Rotem, on September 9 to discuss railway development.
Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong

Speaking at the forum on December 9, Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong emphasised that 2025 marks an important milestone for Vietnams economy. He noted, GDP growth is expected to reach around 8 per cent in 2025, a growth rate Vietnam has not achieved again since 2007. This figure reflects a strong recovery and transformation after years of pandemic disruption and global geopolitical instability.

Deputy Minister Phuong highlighted that during the past five years, particularly in 2025, Vietnam has faced numerous challenges. Yet, thanks to decisive efforts from the entire political system, the economy has maintained positive momentum. All 15 socioeconomic development targets are expected to be met or exceed the plan.

Within the recovery overview, foreign investment continues to be a bright spot. By the end of November, total registered foreign direct investment had reached $33.69 billion, up 7.4 per cent on-year; adjusted capital had increased by 17 per cent, reaching $11.617 billion; and capital contributions and share purchases had surged by 50.7 per cent, exceeding $6.117 billion. Only newly registered capital decreased by 8.2 per cent to $15.956 billion, reflecting investors shifting focus towards expanding ongoing projects and M&A activities.

The deputy minister assessed that the sharp rise in capital contributions and share purchases demonstrates the strong revival of Vietnams M&A market in 2025, even from the perspective of foreign capital alone.

He further noted, Vietnamese investors have continued to play a very important role, even when global investors became more cautious. Now, as the global economy stabilises and Vietnam maintains high and sustainable growth, foreign investors are returning with deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Foreign investors consistently view Vietnam as a safe, stable, and promising destination, especially as global supply chains undergo rapid restructuring.

Vietnam has become a strategic destination for major global corporations, and an indispensable link in global supply chains, especially in high-tech, electronics, semiconductors, and AI, he said.

M&A activity has also expanded significantly within these sectors. Global technology giants such as NVIDIA and Qualcomm have already acquired stakes in Vietnamese companies to establish research and development operations and expand AI-related investments in Vietnam. These developments are particularly notable amid a slowdown in global investment flows.

Beyond foreign investors, the rise of domestic enterprises has significantly contributed to the vibrancy of Vietnams 2025 M&A landscape. The deputy minister attributed this momentum to Resolution No.68-NQ/TW on developing the private sector, which has created an unprecedentedly favourable policy environment.

He stressed, The domestic private sector is increasingly becoming an essential driver of Vietnams M&A market." More foreign companies are actively seeking partnerships with local firms to expand manufacturing capacity, improve supply chains, and deepen their presence in Vietnam.

In the next phase of growth, Deputy Minister Phuong said, Vietnam will maintain its position among the leading countries in the region in attracting foreign investment, particularly in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors and AI. M&A will continue to serve as a vital capital channel in the years ahead.

Investors from the US, Europe, and traditional partners such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand remain highly interested in pursuing M&A opportunities in Vietnam.

Vietnam is entering what many experts call a golden period for acceleration. The Politburo has issued a series of transformational strategic resolutions, known as the four cornerstone pillars, including resolutions on science and technology development, private sector development, international integration, and legal reform.

Additional important resolutions have also been adopted concerning national energy security, education reform, public healthcare, and state-owned enterprise development.

In 2025, Vietnam also completed a major overhaul of the administrative apparatus and implemented the two-tier local government model, creating more room for efficient governance and economic development.

Deputy Minister Phuong emphasised, A new position and new opportunities are opening for the Vietnamese economy.

The deputy minister praised the theme chosen for this years forum, noting that it aligns well with Vietnams current development trajectory. He expressed hope that discussions at the event will help businesses and investors better understand market dynamics, identify new trends, and unlock practical opportunities.

He remarked, The in-depth discussions will provide a comprehensive view of the market, assess sector-specific opportunities, and help translate M&A prospects into concrete deals.

The forum also serves as a crucial bridge between domestic and international investors, supporting the flow of high-quality foreign capital into Vietnam and strengthening the countrys position as a dynamic investment hub in Asia.

Fundamentals required for M&A wins Japanese investors are taking meaningful, strategic steps in the Vietnamese market towards a long-term presence in the market. Masataka Sam Yoshida, head of the Cross-border Division at RECOF Corporation, talked with VIRs Thanh Van about the strategies of Japanese dealmakers in Vietnam.

Real estate deals boom via high-profile names The Vietnamese real estate merge and acquisition (M&A) market in 2025 recorded significant growth, marking a positive shift after a prolonged downturn.
As public school enrollment declines, GreatSchools introduces a new tool to help districts meet families' demand for accessible, comprehensive school information

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new nationwide survey from GreatSchools.org reveals that parents want clearer, more complete information about their schools  along with communication that is easy to access and understand. The survey of more than 1,000 K12 parents showed a strong correlation between parents' overall satisfaction with their school (and willingness to recommend it to others) and their experience finding important information.

Top findings include:

Parent satisfaction with school communication is one of the strongest predictors of overall school satisfaction: 90% of parents who would recommend their school report being satisfied or very satisfied with communication.

90% of parents who would recommend their school report being satisfied or very satisfied with communication. 74% of parents who are highly likely to recommend their school say it is easy to find relevant information , compared to just 20% of those less likely to recommend it.

, compared to just 20% of those less likely to recommend it. Communication quality shapes parents' perceptions of their child's access to opportunities . Only 26% of parents likely to recommend their school said they missed an important opportunity or deadline due to unclear communication, compared to 70% of parents unlikely to recommend their school.

. Only 26% of parents likely to recommend their school said they missed an important opportunity or deadline due to unclear communication, compared to 70% of parents unlikely to recommend their school. When evaluating schools, parents look beyond test scores, seeking a more complete view of academic programs, extracurriculars, social supports, and clear explanations of public data. Parents in lower-income households expressed especially high interest in information about supports such as free meals and after-school care.

These findings come at a time when families have more school options than ever and rely on information from multiple sources to make decisions. While the majority of parents (70%) still turn to official school or district websites and third-party sites like GreatSchools.org, many report inconsistent experiences finding what they need  a factor that closely mirrors their willingness to recommend their child's school.

"Clear, consistent communication is the foundation of trust with our families," said Dana Altemeyer, EdD, Director of Communications for the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township (IN). "Parents want to understand not only how their child is doing, but what their school offers and how we're supporting every student. When districts can meet parents where they're searching with the information we know they want and need, it ensures families can feel confident in the choices they make for their children."

"When evaluating schools, families often rely on the experiences of other parents, making satisfied families some of a school's strongest advocates," said Jon Deane, CEO of GreatSchools. "This survey shows that clear communication plays a major role in that satisfaction. Parents want a fuller understanding of what schools offer, and districts want to provide it. Our goal is to help connect those dots by enabling schools and districts to share that information on GreatSchools.org  a place where families are already looking for it."

To help districts share the information families are searching for, GreatSchools is launching Claim Your District , a new feature that allows district leaders to verify and manage their district's GreatSchools profile. Once claimed, districts can highlight programs and student supports, add context to published data, and provide a more complete picture of what their schools offer. The tool builds on GreatSchools' school-level claiming feature  already used by nearly one-third of schools nationwide  and creates an additional space where families can easily access the comprehensive information they value most.

To read the full survey report, click here .

About GreatSchools:

GreatSchools is the leading nonprofit providing high-quality information that supports parents pursuing a great education for their child, schools striving for excellence, and communities working to diminish inequities in education. We are the only national organization that collects and analyzes data from all 51 state departments of education and the federal government to provide analysis, insights, and school quality ratings for parents, partners, researchers, and policymakers. Nearly half of all K12 families visit GreatSchools' award-winning website annually to learn about schools in their area, explore research insights, and access thousands of free, evidence-based parenting resources to support their child's learning and well-being. Learn more at GreatSchools.org and join us on LinkedIn , X , Instagram , and Facebook .

SOURCE GreatSchools.org
MIAMI, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nobel Sustainability Trust (NST) successfully hosted its 2025 Annual Summit in Miami on 5 December 2025, at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs to accelerate solutions for a sustainable future.

Nobel Sustainability Trust Successfully Concludes 2025 Miami Summit (PRNewsfoto/Nobel Sustainability Trust Foundation) Nobel Sustainability Trust Successfully Concludes 2025 Miami Summit (PRNewsfoto/Nobel Sustainability Trust Foundation)

The summit opened with an elegant Gala Dinner moderated by renowned journalist Gloria Ordaz, featuring a welcome address by NST leadership and representatives of the Miami Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, followed by a special keynote remark by Ambassador Andrew Jackson Young and an honored VIP dignitary.

The official summit was moderated by global entrepreneur Jeff Hoffman, Chairman of the Global Entrepreneurship Network and co-founder of Priceline/Booking.com. Opening remarks were delivered by Peter Nobel, Chairman of the Nobel Sustainability Trust and remarks from Johan Rockstrom.

A highlight of the morning session was the Sustainability Award Ceremony, introduced by the NST Board of Directors. Ed Russo delivered a keynote speech on behalf of the President of the United States and received an official NST recognition. Additional keynote addresses were delivered by the 2025 Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability Medal awardees, H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya and H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, reinforcing global governmental commitment to sustainability.

The Academic Awards segment featured the presentation of the 2025 Sustainability Award themes by the Technical University of Munich, followed by high-level recognition for Leadership in Implementation, Outstanding Research in Biodiversity, and Intelligent & Sustainable Urban Solutions. The 2025 awardees were Prof. Manfred Curbach, Prof. Paul Hebert, and The Global Observatory for Healthy & Sustainable Cities.

In addition, NST proudly announced its official academic partnership with the University of Cambridge and its Frontier Technology Lab, marking Cambridge as a selected strategic academic partner for NST from 2026. The announcement was delivered by Simran Chana on behalf of the University of Cambridge and its Frontier Technology Lab. This new partnership will focus on frontier technologies, AI governance, sustainability innovation, and future global solutions.

In the midday program, AECOM and NST announced their strategic partnership and presented the first Smart & Sustainable City Certificate which was awarded to Lusail City, Doha.

The summit sessions explored future-shaping themes including AI & Smart Sustainable City Solutions and Biodiversity as Global Infrastructure. A keynote address on behalf of the President of Panama was delivered by H.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, followed by keynote interventions from Youssef Nassef, Head of the UNFCCC Adaptation Division, and Professor Graciela Chichilnisky. The program continued with two high-impact fireside chats on Climate Finance and The Next Era of Artificial Intelligence, reinforcing NST's mission to bridge policy, science, technology, and investment for real-world impact.

With planned future summits in Doha next year, the 2025 Miami Summit reaffirmed NST's growing role as a global platform for sustainability leadership, innovation, and international collaboration.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2841840/Nobel_Sustainability_Trust_1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2841841/Nobel_Sustainability_Trust_2.jpg

SOURCE Nobel Sustainability Trust Foundation
Council formally object to new national park plan refusing to sign blank cheque of funding

Wrexham council have formally objected to plans for a new national park covering large parts of north-east Wales.

The proposed park, centred on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley landscape and expanded to include the Ceiriog Valley, is being consulted on by Natural Resources Wales, with a final decision resting with Welsh ministers.

But councillors warned the scheme risked overwhelming fragile rural communities, placing new financial burdens on the council and accelerating pressure on housing, roads, services and the Welsh language.

Presenting the report, the Lead Member for strategic planning and public protection, Hugh Jones, said the council had been left in the dark over fundamental issues. Natural Resources Wales have failed to provide the necessary information, the necessary clarity, with regard to the governance, regard to planning, and regard to financial arrangements and housing, he told the meeting.

He accused the consultation process of being fundamentally flawed, adding There is also the problem that has not been made clear about the cost of delivering the statutory duties that would fall upon the local authority. We have made it clear that we need more information about this, and this information has not been made available to us.

What the Welsh Government are proposing, and particular NRW are proposing is that a number of these issues will be dealt with post designation, which is effectively asking us to sign the blank cheque. And quite clearly, were not prepared to sign that blank cheque.

Cllr Jones said the proposals failed a key legal test that national parks must support local communities. They have failed on one of the key legal tests, and therefore, on that basis alone, we would need to object.

Formally moving that Wrexham County Borough Council should oppose the national park, he warned that everyday services would be hit. Local authorities and other public bodies will deliver statutory duties within the national park boundary highways maintenance, public transport, public toilet provision and refuse collection, he said. Additional pressures from the growth of visitor numbers will impact on the demand for services and budgets which isnt covered by the Welsh Governments full funding for a national park.

Councillor Terry Evans, who represents the Chirk area, fully supported the comments, adding residents were already struggling with the pressures created by tourism around the nearby World Heritage Site. We already see in Trevor parking is a premium. Emergency pressures on services like healthcare, community facilities. Wrexham hospital cannot cope at the moment, and parking there is a nightmare, he said.

He warned that without guaranteed investment, the national park would make matters worse. This area could face congested roads, unsafe parking damaged footpaths, green spaces and local amenity areas. This cost would fall under the local authority, and we all know our budgets under terrific pressure at the moment.

Another Executive Board councillor, Nigel Williams, raised fears over long-term funding. This is expected initially at 4 million a year 3 million will come direct from Welsh Government, and the other 1 million will be paid directly to the local authorities, then to automatically pay the National Park, he said. What happens if that 1 million stops? We all know good intentions now, theres an election next year -Could be different things happening then!

He said national park status could drive up house prices and restrict local businesses. The increase in house prices, which we all know happens in national parks, so it drives people out. Young generations would struggle more the implications for the Welsh language, potential expansion plans for businesses.

Cllr Trevor Bates delivered one of the fiercest criticisms of the proposal, branding the consultation document a holiday brochure rather than a serious policy paper.

He went on, At the back it says budget  there are no direct budget implications. Well obviously, if the National Park did go ahead, there would be, but we havent got a clue, because we havent had much by way of information or firm figures

He questioned national priorities. Were discussing a 4 million a year project without any firm guarantees patients are dying because of the state of our NHS, just look at the state of our roads, the lack of public toilets. And yet this proposal would add to the council servicing costs.

Cllr Bates also quoted a NRW officer who apparently told him the 4m sum I quote.only the cost of a cuts school  contrasting that against well documented painful education costs in Wrexham.

On wildlife protection, he was scathing. It really sounds grand, doesnt it, but what it means, really, is just tourism and nothing but tourism, he said of the parks duty to promote public enjoyment, The existing parks have seen a reduction in wildlife, particularly ground nesting birds, because the main focus has been tourism.

He added that some species were thriving outside existing park boundaries. There are 34 breeding female hen harriers in the UK and two of those pairs are in the Ceiriog Valley which is not in the National Park. But I fear that might change if we do become a national park.

Cllr Bates told the meeting NRW was due to be conducting an impartial consultation, but recounted one NRW officer calling it a once in a lifetime opportunity adding, Oh no, thats not impartial in my book, is it?

Rounding off his NRW blast, he said, This impartial organisation have had to be bailed out by Welsh Government, 14.6 million in order to pay the Inland Revenue after failing to pay the right amount of tax, 14.6m in unpaid tax and National Insurance  that is only three and a half primary schools to put it in their own terms.

Cllr Rondo Roberts gave some data to the councillors in the chamber, saying the level of local opposition was overwhelming and backed up by consultation returns. Weve just had a trip up to Bangor where we delivered 1,021 consultation leaflets and there was 1,018 objections, he said.

Five hundred of which come from Llangollen Rural and the Ceiriog Valley, and three in support. So its a complete no.

He warned that visitor numbers were already at saturation around the aqueduct and Llangollen. You cannot improve infrastructure on single track roads and narrow roads and narrow bridges across rivers, he said.

Questions were also raised over whether Wrexham could block the scheme entirely. Councillor Robert Ian Williams asked if the authority had an effective veto or if Ministers could impose the park.

In reply, Cllr Hugh Jones pointed to the information in the papers before councillors, noting that if Wrexham Council submitted a formal objection, a public inquiry would be required. It is unlikely that any public inquiry could be held prior to the next election, he said.

Under the current proposals, the park would be funded mainly by Welsh Government, with local authorities contributing a share. The report before councillors warned that while park authorities receive national funding, councils would still be responsible for services such as roads, refuse collection, public transport and toilets, with visitor growth adding further financial pressure.

The decision means Wrexham will submit a formal objection to Natural Resources Wales, as readers will recall placing the council among a growing list of authorities challenging the creation of the proposed new national park, and thus a public inquiry looks likely.
Urgent appeal launched to save Woodys Lodge in Wrexham

A group of dedicated volunteers are doing all they can to save a much-loved charity shop that offers vital support to veterans.

Woodys Lodge opened its very first shop in on Chester Street in Wrexham 18 months ago but the volunteers have now launched an urgent appeal to help ensure its doors remain open.

The shop also provides a community hub for veterans, former emergency service personnel and their families. The charity not only offers practical assistance, such as mental health support and housing and benefits advice, it also offers social engagement activities and a safe and welcoming place where individuals feel connected and looked after.

The devoted team of volunteers, led by Andrea and Carl, are determined to do all they can to save the shop. They have been in regular communication with Wrexham Council but have struggled to get satisfactory support so far. Andrea even wrote to the King and the Prince of Wales, who were kind enough to respond and offer their moral support.

Wrexhams Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths, who attended the official launch last summer, recently visited the store once again to pledge her support for the campaign.

After meeting with the Woodys Lodge team, Lesley Griffiths MS said: As a city with a proud military history, Wrexham is the ideal location for a charity shop which is committed to raising vital funds for veterans in Wales.

However, it is clear Woodys Lodge is so much more than a charity shop; it is a social hub for people in need. In a relatively short space of time, the volunteers have developed strong bonds with the community and the shop is a safe haven for many veterans and ex emergency service personnel in Wrexham.

Having a visible presence in the community is key and every purchase made at the shop directly supports the charitys work, helping sustain the Wrexham hub and expand its reach across our region.

Sadly, Woodys Lodge is in a precarious financial position. Whether through donations, volunteering or attending a fundraiser, I urge the Wrexham community to do all it can to help save the shop.

There are a number of fundraising events on the horizon, including a charity bingo event on 18 December at the Wrexham Memorial Club and a quiz in January. All the latest information, including how you can donate to the cause, can be found on Woodys Lodge Facebook page.
Women driven to end pregnancies amid row over 28 drug

A doctor who facilitated abortions for two women with much-wanted pregnancies was not allowed to prescribe a 28 anti-sickness drug due to cost-effectiveness rules in Wales.

The stark warning came as petitioners called on the Welsh Government to place Xonvea, the only licensed medication for severe pregnancy sickness, on the routine prescription list.

Georgina Forbes, a specialist doctor in Gwent, revealed she facilitated terminations for two women who were suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) in a single week. HG, which affects about 3% of pregnancies, leads to extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting.

Both pregnancies were very much planned and wanted, she wrote. Both had multiple admissions and were on other medical treatments which were not giving adequate relief.

For the sake of their physical and mental health, they felt their only option was to terminate their much-wanted pregnancies  inevitably having a further impact on their well-being.

Not allowed

She warned of distress for the patients and staff involved because Xonvea may well be the medication that provides symptomatic relief but departments are not allowed to prescribe it.

Dr Forbes, chair of the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcares Wales committee, noted Xonvea costs 28 for a 10-day supply  far less than the cost of admission. She urged Welsh ministers to ensure women are not left behind compared to other UK nations.

In 2019, the drug was rejected for routine use by the All-Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG)  which advises ministers  due to insufficient evidence of cost-effectiveness. Scotland reached a similar conclusion while access in England is inconsistent.

But campaigners argue the decision is a false economy. Data submitted to the Senedds petitions committee highlighted a two-night hospital admission to rehydrate a woman with severe sickness costs the NHS 850, with ambulance call-outs costing a further 238.

Petitioner Sarah Spooner, from Monmouthshire, argued the myopic approach ignores the costs of untreated sickness such as perinatal mental health support.

Postcode lottery

Ms Spooner, whose pregnancy sickness was so severe she had to have a termination, warned of inequality in access to treatments. She recalled having to travel to an abortion clinic in Bargoed to get medication, a process she described as immensely difficult.

While the Welsh Government has insisted health boards have discretion to prescribe the drug when other treatments are ineffective, staff and patients report a different reality.

Ms Spooners 947-name petition warned women face a postcode lottery for care, with only two Welsh health boards making Xonvea more widely available.

She was contacted by Heather Kosick, a Canadian doctor, who was horrified by her story.

Dr Kosick wrote: Here in Canada Xonvea, also called Diclectin, is readily available to all pregnant women. In fact, it is considered the first-line agent for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy due to its extensive safety data.

Hospitalised

Ms Spooner volunteers for the Pregnancy Sickness Support charity which pointed out that Xonvea has been prescribed globally for years, with an estimated 30 million women treated.

The charity highlighted that 57% of patients are forced to cycle through three or more ineffective drugs before being offered Xonvea, which 83% of women found effective.

One patient reported being hospitalised seven times during a pregnancy without Xonvea but zero admissions during a subsequent pregnancy when she was prescribed the drug.

About 5% of women with HG end a wanted pregnancy due to the severity of symptoms, according to a 2021 study, which found 52% considered termination.

The study, from the Obstetric Medicine journal, found 25.5% of respondents occasionally experienced suicidal thoughts while 6.6% reported frequent suicidal ideation.

Horrendous

Writing to the petitions committee, Wales health secretary Jeremy Miles said the 2019 AWMSG appraisal remains the most up-to-date and comprehensive evaluation.

He told the committee health boards can make Xonvea available in certain circumstances, with more than 1,140 prescriptions issued between January and July 2025. He added that the manufacturer was unable to provide updated information to support a reappraisal.

Mr Miles wrote: We must ensure our health service treats all conditions and diseases fairly. Taking an evidence-based approach helps us to do this, whatever the disease, by ensuring resources are targeted at where the evidence indicates people will gain the most benefit.

During todays (December 8) meeting, Senedd members paid tribute to women for sharing their horrendous experiences before deciding to ask the AWMSG to reconsider its position.

Plaid Cymrus Lindsay Whittle said: I dont think you can put a price on young families, young couples who wish to start a family and have undergone such traumatic decisions.

He stressed: Cost should simply not be the issue  families are suffering.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
A suspect is in custody after the shooting that killed two people on U.S. 395 near the California-Nevada border.

38-year-old Isacc Anthony Pedroza is facing two charges of open murder.

Earlier, the Washoe County Medical Examiner identified the victims as 43-year old Richard Browne and 17-year-old Spencer Browne.

The Lassen County District Attorney says Pedroza pleaded not guilty and is due in court next week.

California Highway Patrol says the shooting was not gang-related or due to road rage.

The investigation remains ongoing.

If you have any information that can help authorities, call the CHP Quincy office at (530) 283-1100.

December 7, 2025:

Two Reno residents were killed in a shooting along U.S. 395 on December 6th, according to the California Highway Patrol.

State troopers say the incident began at approximately 8:50 a.m. on southbound U.S. 395 near the Long Valley Agricultural Inspection Station, south of Hallelujah Junction.

Two cars, each occupied by Reno residents, pulled over to the right shoulder, where a shooting took place between the two groups.

Two people died at the scene.

Investigators say the shooting suspects have been identified and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

The California Highway Patrol is asking for witnesses or anyone who has information on the shooting to contact their Quincy office at (530) 283-1100.

Original Story:

California Highway Patrol is reporting that U.S. 395 southbound is closed from Nevada state line to State Route 70 (Hallelujah Junction).

Northbound lanes are open but drivers heading south will need to use Red Rock Road as a detour.

Washoe County Sheriff's Office also said, in an online post, the incident is being responded to by multiple agencies. Medical crews are also working in the area, and traffic delays or temporary closures may occur.

We will let you know as soon as we receive an update.
Reno Police say a bomb threat that prompted an evacuation at a Wells Fargo bank on South Meadows Parkway Monday was the result of an elaborate scam, and the person briefly detained was actually a victim.

Officers responded around 2:30 p.m. on Monday, after Wells Fargo employees reported that a person inside the branch might be carrying a bomb.

Police secured the area, evacuated customers and staff, and detained the individual safely.

Investigators later determined the person had been targeted by a scammer posing as a Wells Fargo employee.

According to the Reno Police, the scammer called the victim and instructed the person to go to the bank and withdraw money.

While still on the phone with the scammer, the victim handed his phone to a Wells Fargo employee to confirm whether the caller truly worked for the bank.

At that point, police say, the scammer pivoted and falsely told the Wells Fargo employee that the victim who had just walked in was carrying a bomb, triggering the emergency response.

Police released the person detained after it was determined that they were the actual victim and had been deceived in the scam.

This incident is a reminder to always verify who is contacting you, especially when something feels suspicious, Reno Police said. If you receive a questionable call, hang up and contact the business directly or call the Reno Police Departments non-emergency line for assistance.